Merry Christmas from our Family to Yours!

Happy 21st!

After a busy day at home I was on the computer while dinner was in the works on the stove, and my wonderful husband walked in the door with a beautiful bouquet of red roses. He was immediately surrounded by our little ones and I was surprised by what he was carrying in his hands, thinking he was bringing me flowers "just because". How silly I felt when I realized suddenly, that it was our anniversary!! 

How could I have forgotten that on this special day we were to celebrate 21 wonderful years of marriage? I have been reflecting on the past several years with all their ups and downs, twists and turns, bumps and curves and realized that no one could have ever began to explain the joy and love that would come through the course of time with this wonderful man I am blessed to call my husband.

Not all the years we've been together have been easy. There have been many challenges along the way. But the joy that has come along with them have been indescribable and I find myself unable to express in words the appreciation I have gained for a merciful God that lovingly led me to the one companion that could refine me during my trials, cry with me during turmoil, love me no matter how difficult I could be. He is perfect for me. I know that many women think they have the best husband in the world. And for them that may be true, I feel that way too. I have since realized that I have the perfect husband for me. I'm thankful that with him, we have a wonderful family with many children that are the product of the love we share and that the joy we have through raising them together, is an eternal blessing. 

                                                  He is my sweetheart and my best friend.
                                                                      Happy 21st!

Minimum Monday

While Waiting for the laundry to dry

 Alyssa fell asleep in the basket of warm towels.

Our precious sleeping beauty.

Thanksgiving Helper

Welcome to our messy Thanksgiving kitchen! 

Here is my beautiful little pie making helper. 

above we were finishing up the oreo cream pie

had just finished up a pumpkin, pecan, chocolate silk, and were starting our 

Pumpkin cheesecake:

 I'm definately having her help me next year too!

 Love the help around our house... 

 it makes me smile. 

Love you Lyssy Ann!

Our Dolls

My Dolls

Their Dolls

 (pictures requested by: Alyssa)

(Huh!)

?...

...Creepy!

Oh Pumpkin Carving

 Pumpkin carving is a tradition that we have enjoyed every year, the event that we look forward to most besides dressing up and going trick or treating! This year, Jeremy and Michael carved extravagant ones that I failed to take a picture of...can you believe it?! Me?! The one that will forget a camera for a one time event such as a graduation or critical game of the season? *sigh* The poor things rotted before I got the opportunity to snap any shots. Truly amazing though. It's so fun to see how much their creativity evolves over the years!

The following pictures are of our mantel. We enjoy dressing it up each year.

 

More to come!

Cold Style

It's getting quite cold around here. 

But our children are managing to find ways to keep warm.

 Whether with a pillowcase for a hat...

Sitting by the fire...

or wrapped up in a cozy blanket...

 

One can't argue that they are displaying their own sense of style!

 I think it's building character...cold style!

Praise to the Man

Probably a good year ago around General Conference time when we had cable (the only time of year that we do) I was watching the BYU channel when this video was just starting. By the end, tears were streaming down my face as my testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith burned within me. Immediately I tried to find it on YouTube without success. This morning I thought of this video one more time and thought I would try again and was delighted to see that it is on there! I hope that as you view this video, the spirit of the Holy Ghost will testify of truth to the words of the song, as it did in me. A personal favorite of mine and our son Justin.

When We're Helping, We're Happy!

Sundays are traditionally a big dinner day. We go to church from 9-12 and eat between 1:30 and 2p.m. It's Always a meal of Roast (Beef or Pork), mashed potatoes and gravy, creamed corn, homemade biscuits or rolls and varieties of vegetables like steamed broccoli with cheese sauce, carrots, green salads, etc.

 Over the years I've often thought of changing things up to make preparations easier. Like the Sunday I served a Costco Lasagna. Who doesn't like Costco Lasagna? My kids on Sunday. That's who! Our oldest son was not only disgusted as he was taking a bite, but remarked, "This isn't homemade. Is it?!" *sigh*

To be honest, the preparations for the Sunday dinner just get easier as time goes on. Changing things actually works against us. Not only that, but the family ALL look forward to the traditional spread and are disappointed when any regular item is missing. That's why it is now called, "regular".

 Who would want to change a scene like this in the kitchen anyway? There is no greater blessing, in my perspective as a parent, then to see your children working happily together. Because the truth is,

When we're helping, we're happy!

Passage of Time

After serving our baby girl her lunch the other day, I realized just how little she still is, sitting there on that stool.

Our cute pigtailed, jumper dress darling

with the ready smile

and happy demeaner.

It was then that I realized in clear reality how swiftly time passes, and that she won't be like this forever.

Childhood doesn't last. In the blink of an eye, they are grown. So to enjoy our baby all we can now is a necessity.

I am so grateful our family gets to enjoy the blessings of the joy in our lives that our baby girl brings.

Sweet Amy Nicole.

Best Day EVER!

In June we went to Utah to visit. This time around, Bryon and Tyler didn't go with us, Bryon having his lifeguarding job and Tyler wanting to work on his music and knowing what to anticipate with a 15 hour drive with all the littles. It was origionally decided that Steve was going to go on his own, by plane. Then he put off the purchase of a ticket too long. Knowing he was going to drive, he decided it would be nice to have me go along. He left the option open. I was literally undecided until the very last minute, after talking to my Mom-who helped weigh the pros and cons, when I concluded that I was actually up for it, and would have no regrets in going versus staying home. The occassion was our nephew Craig's wedding. He is the son of Steve's sister Susan (oldest daughter of the Alger bunch). Upon deciding that I was going, we had to include the younger children with no one to watch them while we were away. It turned out to be a wonderful family trip!

After enjoying the events of the wedding

                              We had decided we wanted to hike Mt. Timpanogas. So we packed all the kids up in the van, and went.

It was a hot day, but not too bad. We took plenty of water and had lots of good help.

The boys had such encouraging attitudes, taking the little ones hands each time they saw a need,

And rested whenever they got too tired and found some shade.

We enjoyed some beautiful scenery.

And although we carried Alyssa and Amy most of the way,

We don't regret it!

A lot of wonderful memories were created along the way---

And a great sense of accomplishment.

 Here we are at the opening of the cave. WE MADE IT!

 The one thing I wouldn't recommend though (not that I would recommend taking 5 children-3 ages 5 and under up such a hike in the first place) is going to the Manti pageant on the same night.
 

 Because although we all enjoyed good food,

 and fun treats

I was one tired Mama with rejuvinated children who were rested after the drive.

But I wouldn't change what the children now call....

The BEST DAY EVER!!!