The Week of the Blessings

Max and Maggie were blessed on Sunday March 6, 2016. Paul gave them both very thoughtful blessings and Ashlee bore a tender testimony. I followed after, though I feel like I always lose my mind a bit when I stand to bare my testimony. I wish my words flowed more smoothly. It was a beautiful day spent with family, though I wish Becky and family lived closer and could be here. I know I have many blessings, but I do miss my family. Ashlee worked hard all week getting ready for the blessing and I had to spend much of my time at American Crafts working on Pebbles Inc. deadlines. I feel like I am on a creative treadmill that is going faster and faster.

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Jack was a helper all week long to get ready for the blessing

 

 

 
I love how Abby treats herself to flowers every once in awhile
in her bedroom. If her bedroom had a name it would be peaceful...
I love her room.

 
I took Katie and the kids to lunch after school on Friday.
Conrad and Phoebe got to choose and Arctic Circle won
with the outdoor playground ...

 Summer time is here and bare feet are the new brown on Morris...
the color of summer

 
Vacuum repairs... Thankful Larry can fix it.

A hit and run at Pebbles... 
 

 
Celebrating with Kelsie and Josh at Rockwell Ice Cream Parlor  for
Kelsie's acceptance into the NP Program at U of U. Yahoo and Yum
all rolled into one incredibly yummy ball of ice cream!
So proud of you!!
 

 
Hanging out with the Bigelow kids while Ransom and Katie are
on a date. I think I'm the lucky one. Perler Beads tonight
with these munchkins!
 

Ellie's Blessing

Ellie's Blessing Day was perfect. Tyler gave her a beautiful blessing and then we went over for brunch to Lindsey and Tyler's. Lindsey out did herself by making the most yummy french toast casserole with buttermilk syrup, scrambled egg taquitos and these little hash brown / egg bird nest things... we ate ourselves silly and had plenty to take home too (lucky us). It was a day of love and we are so grateful to have Ellie in our family and thank the Lord for her.

Santa

Larry and I were in charge of our church Christmas Party this year with the help of the Primary. We planned a Frontier Christmas Party and hung white lights from the ceiling, had a baked potato bar, a year of memories slide show and Christmas singalong with a guitar. Only thing was, the microphones stopped working, but we did the best we could. Santa came and talked about the symbols of Christmas and what they meant. Then he was able to spend time with each child. I will always remember our Santa this year. We asked Larry's brother Scott to be Santa and I listened to his every word as he tenderly talked to each one, always focusing on the one and making them feel special. It was a perfect memory for each child and for me, lucky enough to witness it. Thank you Scott!

homecoming sunday

Josh spoke at church today, using the topic from Carole Stephens Conference talk, "We have a Great Reason to Rejoice". He spoke about blessings and thankfulness with a focus on keeping our covenants... being kind and loving one another, serving one another... we do these things because we love God. It was a very good and thoughtful talk. I was very proud of him. Afterwards, we went to his grandparents to visit and have lunch. It was a good day to be together.

This morning, Lindsey also spoke at her church and we ran over there to hear her speak on tithing. She did a real good job and I am so thankful to be her mom. We got to sit by Tyler and hold Lucy... she is a cutie!

carter's baptism

Carter's first day back for his summer stay with his Dad was spent at his own baptism. Larry's family, along with Tyler's family and Carters Mom's family all came to support him and we met at the park afterwards for lunch. We sure appreciate everyone who came. Blended families happen for many reasons and it is my hope that our family may be a strength for Carter as we get to know him better through the years and love him. Life has many challenges and I pray that he will choose to stay close to the Lord and follow the promptings of the spirit.