My Aching Feet

So I have had a long journey this past year of going to the podiatrist for my feet. I have large heel spurs in both feet and oh do they hurt! I have had them taped, I have taken so much Ibuprofen that my stomach is a mess and I have taken steroids also. I finally broke down and bought custom fit Orthotics for my shoes. And my feet still hurt! Yuk! My next option is surgery and I don't want to do that!! Double Yuk!I just want to get them better so I can enjoy Texas.

Yes, Texas! We are going in June to San Antonio and then up to Dallas to see my brother and sister and their families. I am so excited. It has been 3 years since we took a vacation. The whole family is going except Marissa, Jake and Sydney. We are sad they can't join us but it is a long way to Texas and yes we are driving! Crazy huh!

The kids haven't seen their cousins since my dad died, so it should be fun. My brother and I are also being sealed my our parents in the Dallas Temple, so it makes the trip extra special. We'll try to visit as much family as we can while we are there. So here's to a fun road trip!

Mother's Day

Well my wonderful Mother's day started on Saturday. The girls all came over to make food to take to Grandma's house. It was our annual May get together for all the May birthdays. We were dreadfully late (sorry Mom!) But my girls and I went to the Gateway for some "girl time" and oh was it fun, even if it was short! The girls gave me a necklace from "Brighton" jewelry and it was so fun just to go to the store and see all their cool things. I'm hooked! My sister Vivian has been wearing Brighton jewelry for years and I have always loved it. Thank you girls so much.

Then Brandon gave me a pretty necklace/earring set and I just had to go buy a new blouse to go with them!(Thanks honey) He also made me a tie dyed shirt which is so cool. I will post a picture soon. He is quite hooked and made himself one too. Brandon also sang in Sacrament meeting and it was beautiful.

Jen gave me a new pillow which sounds like a little thing, but oh it is great. and then Amber has put together a cookbook of all our favorite family recipes with pictures and everything!

Wow! I feel so loved and blessed to have such great kids and such a sweet husband.I know that there are people that have so much less than we do and I am grateful everyday.

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!