Why Mormons Build Temples

At this time when there is so much commotion about "Big Love" showing sacred things, I saw this and wanted to share it. I have read so many articles about this subject and I am comforted by the support of so many people of other religions that feel the same way we do about sacred things. They are sacred not secret. There are so many good people out there and I know that some good will come out of all of this... Questions will be raised and it will be our chance to "set the records straight" so to speak, to share our testimonies and bring people unto Christ.

Time Flies!

Well, it seems that the only time I ever get a chance to look at my blog is when I listen to the music while I do the morning money at work! Wow. I need to prioritize my life a little better.

Brandon has settled in to life at home, is working and planning his future. Spencer received his Patriarchial blessing on Sunday. I had knee surgery on Jan. 30, every thing went well except I had to stay over the night because my oxogen level would not stay up. But the knee feels better each day.

We got a new puppy. Well technically it is Jennifer's puppy but everyone pitches in to help. His name is Charlie and he is a mini dachsund. He is so adorable and spoiled rotten. He's still getting down the house breaking thing, but doing well all in all. He sleeps in his kennel at night without whining and hasn't chewed the furniture yet!

Mark suprised me with a trip to Dallas the last week in February for Valentines Day. It will be great to see Bill and Vivian. We are planning a family trip in the summer to Dallas, so the kids can see their cousins and Bill and I can be sealed to our parents. It will be a great time I'm sure.

Brandon's Home!!

YEAH! Brandon came home from his mission yesterday. It is so good to have my family back together and to see him. He looks so mature and thin! He had a great 2 years full of challenges and triumphs. He shared pictures with us and stories. He a had a ton of friends stop by last night, it helps that he and Spencer have alot of the same friends! At one point last night one of his friends said "Why aren't you weird...I was so weird when I came home!" Brandon said he never stopped being himself, he just tried to improve on who he was. I know he will still have to adjust to life, but I think he will be okay!

We had a wonderful Christmas. I love being with my family in Utah and I miss my family in Texas so much, especially at this time of year. I miss seeing my nieces and nephews grow up and having my kids know their Texas cousins. Sydney was a blast this year because she really "got Christmas". She was making cards for Jesus all month because it was His birthday! Who knew grandkids could be so much fun.

I am so grateful for my family. I have been putting off going to the doctor about my knee for months and finally it hurts so much that I made an appointment with Vern! The knee surgeon that operated on my other knee 3 years ago. Anyway, they cart things up and down the stairs, carry everything, hold my hand when we cross icy walks, give me blessings to help me deal with the pain. They are the best! I'll keep you posted with the lastest drama.

I hope that you all have a great New Year filled with health, happiness and the gospel of Jesus Christ, because without that where would we all be???

A Fun December

Wow how times fly! It is December already. I had so many great plans for this last year and didn't quite reach my mark, but oh well...I'll update you on our life.

Brandon comes home from his mission in Detroit, Michigan on Dec. 31 at 1:55. We won't have him for Christmas, but soon after. We are just thrilled he is almost home. I REALLY miss him especially since Jennifer got home. He has had a great experience and has even stayed alive being held up at gunpoint several times. Yea, I wasn't supposed to know about that, but brothers have big mouths!!
We'll get you all the details later.

This is such a fun time for Sydney since she old enough to "get it" this Christmas. Jennifer and Marissa took her to the Festival of Trees and she loves Christmas trees now! I got a small on for her room and we all decorated it on Saturday. She was so cute when she saw our blow up snowmen family for the first time. She jumped up and down, clapped her hands and yelled "Oh my goodness, oh my goodness"! What a cutie.

Preston had a piano recital on Saturday and played "Somewhere in My Memory" from the movie Home Alone. What a beautiful song and he did a great job. I love recitals because everyone is scared and still pulls off such great performances. I am glad he is sticking to his lessons. He has a talent for the piano and I hope he keeps on playing.

We went last Wednesday to a fireside with Elaine S. Dalton, LDS General Young Women's President, in Marissa's stake. Marissa directed the choir and they did beautifully. I love to watch her conduct. She is fun and graceful and so poised. Yea, that mommy pride is showing! Sis. Dalton spoke on transitions in our lives. She spoke about how angels are there to help us on our way in each transition we make, school, marriage, children, callings, all sorts. It was wonderful. She also said when we get down and discouraged, to say the Young Women's theme in our heads..."I am a daughter of a Heavenly Father who LOVES ME..." Oh what a great reminder of that each and every day.

I love Christmas! The tree is up, the house is decorated, (mostly) and I am even doing my Christmas shopping! I look forward to seeing many of you at this special time of year. Have a great December.

Busy Times

It's pretty sad that lately the only chance I get to look at my blog is when I am counting the morning deposit at work! I bring up my blog (or Marissa's) to listen to music. It seems life is so busy, that there is hardly time to breathe. Or maybe I am just getting old and by the time I get home from work, I don't want to do anything. Oh well. I hope everyone has a happy VOTING Day, Spencer is voting for the first time today and for Jen it will be the first time in a long time. Way to go!

Fun Times

Jen is in a choir called "LDS Ambassadors" and Mark and I were able to participate in a family history fireside they put on last Sunday. It was so great. We were part of the cast playing people that had died and were waiting for their temple work to be done. What a powerful night.

If you need a fireside for your stake or ward, think of them. Tina, the founder, writes all the music and it is wonderful. They are a multi-cultural group of singers. They do other firesides and will perform anywhere on the Wastch front. I can get their contact information if you want it. Anyway, I know their are some of my ancestors that are probably not too pleased that I have drug my feet on getting their work done. So I will add that to my list of things to do!

Jen and I went to the "What a Woman Wants" expo last weekend. It was small but fun. Let me tell you, there are alot of woman out there with great ideas. We keep saying, "why didn't I think of that first?" Oh well, it was inspiring to get and do something. Jen made a purse, her first sewing project, and it turned out so cute. So she got online to see what kind of market there is for stuff like that and oh my goodness! Everyone makes and sells something. Oh well, we'll just have to make stuff for friends.

Our Young Women group is making suckers and things for the "small fry" shop for Festival of the Trees. I now know how to make suckers and they are soooo easy! Lots of fun. We are also having the girls decorate a tree for themselves as part of their Young Women in Excellence. (My counselor got them super cheap after Christmas last year.) Our girls are also volunteering the day the Festival is set up, so I'll keep you posted.

Happy Birthday Amber!

Today Amber is 23 years old! Wow time just keeps flying by. Amber and Jennifer are only 15 months apart, so I think the Lord knew I needed an easy baby. She woke up smiling and just kept it up all day. If you couldn't find her, she was probably up in the Mulberry tree reading. Her nickname was "Belle" from Beauty and the Beast because she always had her nose in a book. She won a big frog one year for reading the most books in the class.

Now she mostly reads textbooks, but she still finds time to read for fun. We want Ambs to know how proud we are of her and the great things she has done in her life so far. May you always have peace and joy in your life. Love you tons!