Monday, December 28, 2009

If thou art sorrowful, call on the Lord thy God with supplication, that your souls may be joyful. D&C 136:29

Please bring on 2010 and the courage to get thru the last few days of 2009.

I feel truly blessed to have the family and friends I have who have been there to help thrua very trying and growing year.

Thank you all.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

And it came to pass...


I know a long time has passed since I last posted. Life has been a whirlwind and completely different than 3 months ago.


Earl survived his hernia surgery, did I tell you he was having it?

I missed my family reunion so I could take care of him, but I am not bitter ;o)


Dan is on his mission now! I am sure Ohio will never be the same.

Here is a link to the blog I am trying to keep up for him and a close friend.




Second Krysta is off to SUU no pics of this event becasue she has the camera! :o(


Katee started 11th grade again no pics, so draw your own picture in your mind :o)


Mom had her surgery to remove her brain tumor, did I ever even tell you she had one?

Any way she was a model patient! She went in on Tuesday and was home by friday. We are so grateful for the prayers and fasting and KNOW that it is the reason she is doing so very well.



Sunday, June 28, 2009

...In this life I shall have Joy... Moses 5:11

Happy Birthday Krysta!!!

18 reasons why I love Krysta!

1. Krysta has a tender heart

2. Krysta loves her family, brothers, sister, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, great grandparents, great aunts and uncles etc, she loves them all

3. Krysta loves the gospel

4. Krysta keeps trying

5. Krysta loves her friends

6. Krysta usually loves to serve

7. Krysta is goal oriented

8. Krysta has the best smile

9. Krysta loves to take care of others (especially her grandpa, Cooper and Sophie)

10. Krysta keeps trying

11. Krysta is a great cook, and she is learning new stuff all the time

12. Krysta is learning to admit she has limitations and she cannot do it all

13. Krysta has a great respect for the priesthood (althougth sometimes she can be tough on a Bishopric and YM presidency)

14. Krysta is fun loving and tries not to take life to serious

15. Krysta loves her Heavenly Father

16. Krysta loves family reunions and the dry farm almost as much as her grandma and mom

17. Krysta is growing into a beautiful Young Adult

18. Krysta brings me JOY!

I love you Kritter Jam! Thanks for 18 years of great fun and a wealth of memories.
Here is to 18 more!!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

... I will go and do...1 Nephi 3:7

So it's here!

I have to admit I am not a "patient waiter". Marcus' denial of a mission call was a heartbreaker for me (and him) so when Daniels call was lost in the mail (granted had I known it was lost in the mail I would not have freaked out) I kind of freaked out!
All the horrible memories of Marcus' came flooding back and the thought, of 2 sons being rejected, was very real for me. I know where is my faith!

Anyway after a detour in mailing, his call has arrived. Daniel will leave August 12 to serve His Heavenly Father in the Ohio Columbus mission. I am way excited he is going to be in the states. That means I can send more treats! I know he was thinking exoctic, but that will have to wait for his mission when he is old and married :o)

Sorry no pics of the big event! Dan was in Idaho Falls and I was in Salt Lake when he opened it.
We have lots to do and a short time frame to do it in.

As a side note Krys leaves for college the same week, so if you do not see or hear from me in awhile it's cause I am getting 2 great kids ready for some amazing adventures!

You can follow Daniel on a blog I am putting together for his mission, "Like Unto Moroni" it should be up by the end of the week :o)

love ya all!

Saturday, June 13, 2009

children are an heritage of the Lord Ps. 127:3

Somwhere under this pile of cute little girls is my adorable oldest son Marcus! Words cannot describe the love I have for Marcus! I think he is AMAZING! Oh yeah I know he has faults, most of which he inherited from me, but nonetheless I still think he is amazing.

On June 11 at 10:19 pm he was (in his words) forced by big foreign metal objects out of his safe world into the cruel mortality. (yeah I know he its gets the drama queen from me too)

This year Marcus is officially responsible for all his actions. He can now go to Vegas with his cousins and gamble (wanna go Amy L, he has a few nickels).

I know I am late with this post, just like with the others (maybe I will get Krysta's posted on time)
Here are the 21 reasons why I love My Marcus!!

1. Marcus is funny! Holy cow he can be silly!
2. Marcus is GENEROUS! He learned this from his Grandpa Fillmre
3. Marcus is genuine, there is no hiding his feelings.
4. Marcus is compassionate, no one supports the under dog like Marcus does
5. Marcus is an amazing Home Teacher. I hope he has the faith one day to go again soon
6. Marcus takes care of me! It's ok Marc I will be ok, you can do things for you now!
7. Marcus is a collector of people, he loves people, unless you hurt his Mom, then you better watch out!
8. Marcus is an amazing cook, except when he tries to be Chef Ramsay, then I just end up with a broken blender and mushroom paste on the ceiling :o)
9. Marcus is a believer, right now he is pretending he is not, but a testimony like that cannot be gone for long!
10. Marcus is focused. He usually gets what he wants.
11. Marcus is a planner.
12. Marcus is responsible.
13. Marcus is honest.
14. Marcus is trustworthy.
15. Marcus is BIG and he makes me feel safe when he is around.
16. Marcus is charitable.
17. Marcus is serious about his politics. It makes me laugh.
18. Marcus is a big pushover. Just ask his sisters!
19. Marcus is committed, if he says he will do he will do it
20. Marcus is intelligent, he is smart and wise!
21. Marcus loves his family, all of them, even when he doesn't feel like he is a part of them.
Just look at him wth the cute little nieces.
Marcus Buddy, I know life has thrown you a curve (no pun intended) ball the last two years, and it has been a hard blow to deal with, but I have faith in you. You will be back on track before you know it. It's ok if your faith is shaken, I have some to spare. I know it's been awhile since you have had to lean on someone, but it's ok to lean on me for a little while 'til you feel you can be back on your own solid ground!
Thanks for 21 years of great memories! Thanks for being the practice child, thanks for forgiving all my mistakes. You have been amazing at learning how to be the best big brother ever, and letting me learn to be a mom!
I love you Boy!


....be fruitful... Genesis 1:28

So June 6th is a big deal at our house, and this year it was a really big deal!!Daniel is our second son and he was literally pushed kicking and screaming into this world by one burley nurse at 3:48 a.m. on June 6th after 8 months and 2 weeks of the worst pregnancy I ever experienced. He was so worth it though! Dano turned 19 this year. In the tradition of greater friends before me here is my tribute to Dano (yeah I realize its a bit late, but its been a tough post to write)

19 reasons why I love Dano!
1. He has the best smile EVER, yep even better than his Dads
2. He is determined
3. He is patient, especially with me
4. He is fun loving an a big tease
5. He is a graceful dancer. I could watch him for hours and just be in awe the whole time
6. He does not waiver, I could learn from him
7. He is flaky and forgetful, only a mom can say that and get away with it
8. He forgives
9. He is handsome
10. He is smart, and he finally knows it
11. He is willing to admit when he is wrong, ok sometimes it takes some humbling
12. He repents, he changes and he does not hang on to regrets
13. He shares, especially with his little sister
14. He loves me, which is not an easy thing to do
15. He gives the BEST hugs EVER!
16. He loves the Lord
17. He has a plan
18. He wants to do what is right and good, really he does!
19. He is mine! Ok He is Fathers but for a time I can say he is mine too!

Dano I love you! Thanks for teaching me so much over the last 19 years. Thanks for letting me practice being a mom on you and not remembering all the times I didn't do so well! You are the best my bud!




Well if you know us, you know Dan is not the only June 6th birthday we have! Katee chose to crash all the family plans for the Dans 3rd birthday. Coming quietly into our lives at a little past 6 in the evening, she won us all over with a heartbeat we were so grateful to hear. This year she is 16!!
So here are the 16 reasons why I love Katee
1. She is the best cuddler ever. She should be good at she has been practicing for 16 years :o)
2. She has eyes that melt my heart
3. She, like her twin brother, is determined
4. She loves me
5. She is a mama's girl
6. She has style, heaven knows her mom needs help here.
7. She is friendly to everyone (until they make her angry)
8. She has these great goals that she just loves to talk about
9. She has a tremendous love for the temple (thanks to Viki and Viki's Mom and Dad)
10. She makes our family complete, I think all of her siblings think of her as their best friend
11. She has this great laugh
12. She keeps me grounded
13. She loves the gospel
14. She reminds me of me at her age (wait that could be bad :o))
15. She pushes herself and isn't satisfied until she knows its her best!
16. She is focused and knows what is important and what is not.
I love you Squishy! Thanks for 16 great years of amazing memories. I cannot wait to see what this year brings, besides your first birthday apart!


The "special one" and the fashionista, I will let you decided who is who? :o)


...Have Faith and Doubt Not.... Mattew 21:21

Here is my beautiful baby girl! Not so much a baby any more is she? This was Seminary Graduation Day. She has had some amazing Seminary Teachers. Her Idaho teachers were fill in dads for her. Brother Willden, Bro Johnson (who we found out at the END of the year, was her Dad's missionary companion) Bro Child and we cannot forget the INCREDIBLE AND AMAZING Sister Waite! (Sister Jemmett too, but she was not a teacher, she was just the glue that held the whole place together, you know the Secretary) In Utah she had Brothers Wardle, Scoville, Schmidt and Smith ! Thanks for being so amazing and loving her so much!

This was Krysta's Cheering section! Aunt Dea, Grandpa Reed, the beautiful Carrianne, Grandma & Grandpa Fillmore, the DELIGHTFUL Bobbi Sue (who came all the way from Idaho for a 2 hour ceremony) back row ...Dad, Our Ashley, Dano, Best Big Sister Konnie, Marcus, Katee and Katee's twin Silvana. Although they all did their best to cheer loudly, they could not compete with Krysta's extremely proud Mom! (not pictured but a big part of the 18 year cheer team aunts uncles cousins and friends! Not to mention the incredible teachers she has had, and who have put up with her! Miss Nan, Mrs. Fonger, Mrs. Ballesteros, Mrs. Anderson, Mrs. Hinckley, Mrs. Curtis, Miss Chase, Mrs. Cope, too many jr and high school teachers to name, but a special thanks to Mr. Peterson for not throwing her out the date she educated you on the sacrifices of our military! Thanks for being such a big part of her life! )
Krysta front and center!



Krysta and Bobbi! Best friend Sisters! It's probably a good thing we moved. I don't think Hillcrest could have handled these 2 together as seniors! :o)


Congratulations Kritter Jam! We are really proud of you! Don't second guess your decisions!
Put your faith in the Lord and move forward! It really is going to be a JOY TO BEHOLD!
Have FAITH and DOUBT NOT!!




Saturday, May 30, 2009

..thou shalt rest... Dan 12:13











Ok so this is how the week progressed.
(note I posted the pics out of order, Dano should have been on top)

Sunday morning 5:00 AM get up and leave for Idaho.

10:30 meet with Daniel's Stake President. (I don't think he know we lived in Utah, the shocked look on his face when he realized we traveled 368 miles for a 10 minute meeting told the story)
He was amazing. (My first "mother of a missionary interview" didn't go so well.) I was terrified to put myself thru that again. I had almost convinced myself to let Earl go alone. I am so grateful I pulled myself together. He laid all my fears to rest. Thanks Pres. Stevens.

11:00 Sacrament Meeting with a couple hundred of my favorite people, and Bishop Lords! (it used to be several hundred but they divided the ward, and the Porters, Bailey's, Ball's and a few others have moved)

12:20 A wonderful visit with Bishop Lords

1:00 A lovely lunch with Jaime and Kris and the kids. Thanks Jaime. You are the best.

2:30 back on the road to home.

Monday was Memorial Day and I originally had plans to take the girls and go to the cemetery but instead we spent the day weeding the back yard. Which if you have seen my back yard and know the fact that I am about the only one willing to pull a weed, you would understand the task at hand. Katee did help a lot and Earl pulled 2 that I could not get out. I actually plan a post about this later, because I need some input.

Tuesday was a long day at work. I knew I was going to be missing some time at work this week and I was already feeling the pressure because we were behind. So I stayed as late as I could and still stay focused. Then the rest of the night was spent going to what felt like a billion stores trying to find printer cartridges so we could get Krysta's graduation anouncements printed, envelopes addressed, etc.

Wednesday I worked half the day and spent the other half at the Huntsman Cancer Center with Marcus. Don't panic yet, it's probably nothing but his white cell count has been elavated for a couple years now and he has totally blown it off. When he eneded up earlier this month at the Urgent Care, having a severe anxiety attack over being laid off, the doctors said we really needed to have it checked. So over 4 hours spent at the cancer center, countless numbers of blood vials and a few good laughs later, we are told we have to wait a week for the results. oy!

After a long stressful afternoon, I had to stop and find more printer cartridges (don't believe it when it says it prints 60). I needed to unwind so spent the night (way too late at night) designing a mission blog for Dano and Wade. (launch date to be announced)

Note to self creating a blog is not a great way for me to unwind :o)

Thursday and Friday and tonight were and will be spent participating and viewing the "Come Up to the Mountain of the Lord" Temple Celebration. Can I just tell you it was amazing! I wish you all could see it. It has been a long 2 months and the perfectionist part of me is exhuasted and emotionally spent. I could kick myself for all the missed opportunities to teach my girls more about the temple. I could think of countless things I should have encouraged them to "give", but on Thursday at the dress rehearsal the overwhelming spirit of gratitude and peace was worth it all!
Thanks Kelly for being there for me, and to my girls for letting me be involved!






Marcus.. It's gonna be OK! We WILL fix the 407!!




Krittter..I can't believe it's time! ILY! I am proud of you!
Remember to lean on the Lord, and the rest of your life will be a JOY TO BEHOLD!
HAVE FAITH AND DOUBT NOT!!

Dano.. You CAN do this and it's going to be amazing! I miss you and I love you!

What will you "GIVE" to "Come Up"!
I love you my family and friends.


I hope to have a full post about the Temple Celebration sometime soon so you can see the final results, but I should warn what the week ahead holds!


Seminary Graduation, High School graduation, my BIG brother David's birthday, my little sister Sam's moving, driving to Idaho to hopefully open a mission call and last but certainly not least Dano's 19th birthday!!


Ok and Katee's 16th but I was hoping if I didn't bring it up, it wouldn't happen! :o)

Monday, May 4, 2009

faith dwelt first in thy grandmother...2 Timothy 1:5


This is my sweet Grandma Trudy. She passed away a week ago. I wish I could say I am going to miss her but the truth is I have missed her for the last 30 years. I last saw my Grandma when I was 11. That is when I went to live in my first foster home.

When I was attending Ricks College I was taking a genealogy class. I decided to try and find my Grandma to see if she would help me with a project for class. I was thrilled to find out she missed me as much as I had missed her. I had one child at the time and it was so fun to get to tell her all the fun things he was learning. She made me the most beautiful afghan and sent lots of cards and letters. A few years later she had a surgery that put her in a care center. I hate to say we lost touch again. I was under the impression that she was unable to recall people and could not correspond.

I am grateful to believe that she is in a better place, where she can recall all the wonderful memories she wants.


I am grateful to my Aunt Pat and cousin Patti Jo for sharing these pictures with me. I only have one picture of her and I wish I had a scanner to post it. It's sooo cute. I am about 2 years old, Grandma and I are at park close to where she lived in California. We are feeding ducks and peacocks.
I remember lots of memories of my sweet Grandma, mostly revolvong around parks and her mobile home and rocks.
Grandma was tall and slender and had beautiful red hair.
I remember loving her freckles but she did not love them.
I remember she gave great hugs and let me take naps on her lap. I wish I would have taken the time to learn to knit and crochet from her. She was always working on something.
She always had a kind word and I knew she loved me.


This picture is courtesy of Norm. This was taken at Grandma's home in California. She let me water the rocks a lot, occassionally I got the flowers too. I also got to sleep in her big bed. (I don't know how big it really was, but when you are two everything is huge right)
You gotta love that I wore my shoes and socks but no pants in this picture.
I love you Grandma. One day I will see you again and we can feed the peacocks again, this time I won't be afraid.

Blessed is he who endures to the end.... Alma 38:2

I realize I have been a bit "late" in posting my blessings list for the last month. Life has been a bit "crazy and confusing" lately.

Here is a short list to get me headed in the right direction.

1. Julie and Crystal, these two girls have been frantically training me on a new part of my job. They are/were pregnant. Julie had her baby 10 days ago and Crystal is trying not to have hers for another couple weeks. They have been patient and amazing. I really appreciate them.

2. Emily, she is a great boss. When I explained to her my schedule with the Temple Celebration, Temple Open House, Krysta's surgery, Krysta's graduation, Dano's mission papers, Earls possible lay off and my hunting for a second job. She was great. Thanks Emily!

3. Dave and Sam. Thanks for a much needed 2 hour break from reality.

4. Michelle. Thanks for keping me from falling apart even though you are a bigillion miles away.

5. Bishop Lords, Dano had his final Bishop interview and is now just waiting on the Stake President.

6. Ray for blogging!

7. 401k's! I will have to explain this a bit later.

8. Dezirae, it's always great to find friends after losing track!

9. Wade, I am so proud of his decision to serve a mission, and I am grateful for another reason to have to force myself to stay positive.

10. Litia, for an amazing email that truly saved the day!

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Escape to the Mountain... Genesis 19:17




Well here is the next installment of the Come Up to the Mountain of the Lord practice.




On Tuesday night we had an adult leader meeting at the Conference Center to get all the logistical details on the performance. I had pondered the logistics of getting our kids on stage. I had not thought about the logistics of getting 7000 kids on and off stage for 14 different dance numbers. Not only do we have to get them on and off stage but they have to do it quiclky quietly without touching things they shouldn't, without disturbing the number performing 2 seconds after them and don't forget they will have props that they need to get on and off stage as well. Lets just say I went to bed Tuesday night exhausted just thinking about it.
Then on Wednesday we had practice which is still barely controlled chaos. We have 4 practices left and I can't wait to see the miracle these great kids are going to pull off!




In this practice the leaders mapped out the actual stage size on the parking lot! Lets just say I was expecting more room. We have a lot of kids!

Monday, April 27, 2009

Men are that they might have joy...(2 Nephi 2:25)

I am blessed to have one of those husband who does laundry! :o)

http://deseretbook.com/video/embed/209

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Zion shall flourish upon the hills and rejoice upon the mountains, and shall be assembled together unto the place which I have appointed. D&C 49:25





This is the temple our youth are celebrating!

Here is a video of how we will be celebrating!

We are only a small group of 20,000+ expected youth to participate!

I will warn you ahead of time the video is a bit shaky and long, but in order to appreciate the video you will see on May 31st, you will have to see where we started.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ee17ZdD-Tlg

This was our first practice putting 2 stakes of youth together! The stake leaders told us to expect "barely controlled chaos"... they were so right!!



We are 35 days away from performing for our Prophet. I have not been involved in anything of this magnitude before, but I have been involved in small scale activities. It always amazes me how the final production always turns out awe inspiring. So on May 30th I expect to be in awe of these inspiring youth!



Sunday, April 12, 2009

Remember the worth of souls is great

This is my BEAUTIFUL Grandma Coombs. Today is her birthday. She is not with us here in mortality anymore. She has been gone for more than 23 years now. She has been gone for more years than I was able to spend with her. She was/is an amazing role model for me.

Grandma will always be my first memory of unconditional love. She was the first to plant the seeds of a testimony in my heart. She taught me the love of family. She was the first to believe in me and the first to make me feel like I had something to offer.

Grandma gave me some of my first addictions too: General Hospital, Lawrence Welk, music, singing, shopping, eating out and LDS books. (I am grateful to say I have overcome the soap opera addiction, but still have all the rest)

Some of my favorite memories of Grandma include riding the skyride at Lagoon, sleepovers, letting me sleep with her when the noisy mice scared me, remembering how brave I thought she was when she caught one and flushed it down the toilet. I remember her bringing me and Grandpa drinks when I would rest with him on the sofa and he was sooo sick. I remember new pajamas and underwear from ZCMI, a new book from Desert Book and a surprise from Avon for birthday presents. I remember sugarfree candy and the Jewel T man. I remember back yard BBQ's and Romeo and Duke. I remember eating at Wendy's and KFC. I remember visits to Grandma Bott's, walks to aunt Helen and uncle Dale's and playing in the ditch in front of the Bodily's. I remember weekday bowling leagues and not having to go to the childcare, and drining Tab. I remember 4th of July at Murray Park and family Christmas parties. I remember saturday night baths and getting my hair washed (and she never yelled at me when I screamed my head off, thanks aunt Mary too) I remember sunday mornings and late afternoon Sacrament meetings. I remember loving to hear her sing, and I loved to go with her to church when she served. I remember weekday Relief Society and visits from her when I babysat for aunt Mary. I remember her picking me up from aunt Marys and driving me all the way home to Kearns so I wouldn't have to ride the bus alone in the dark after babysitting. I remember she would just let me talk a mile a minute and listen like I was her only care in the world. I understand now what a sacrifice that was for her. I remember how much she loved her grandchildren and how proud she was of all of them. Now that I am older I have a new appreciation for all the sacrifices she made. I have a new appreciation for the love she had for her family.

I am so grateful to have her as my first role model and as my Grandma. I think it fitting that her birthday and Easter fall on the same day this year. It is such a great reminder that He lives and that she lives. That the love they both have for me is real and still there. That the sacrifices and the work they both accomplished on this earth were for my good. The knowledge that I will see her again one day is gift and a blessing that I treasure.

Happy birthday Grandm Coombs. I love you! Thanks for everything.

Now I think I will go read a Shirley Sealy book while listening to Lawrence Welk :o)

Saturday, April 11, 2009

He is not here, for He is Risen...Matthew 28:6 part 2

Enjoy! Happy Easter!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8b5pd3TGAg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpFhS0dAduc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeD__-jJyQM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDOyFaM_K3U

He is not here, for He is Risen...Matthew 28:6

This week my friend at work sent me a flair on facebook. The flair had a picture of a cross and the phrase "It isn't about a bunny"
I loved it!! Although if I created this flair I would have left off the cross and used a picture of the Savior after He had risen. I hope that this Easter we will remember that the day is all about Our Savior, and the truth that He lives and because He lives so will we!

1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.

2 And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.

3 And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.

4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:

5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?

6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,

7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

8 And they remembered his words,

9 And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.

10 It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.

11 And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.

12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.

13 ¶ And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.

14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.

15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.

16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.

17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?

18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?

19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:

20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.

21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.

22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;

23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.

24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.

25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he cxpounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.

29 But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.

30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.

31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,

34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath aappeared to Simon.

35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.

36 ¶ And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.

38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?

39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.

41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and awondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?

42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.

43 And he took it, and did eat before them.

44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must befulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

48 And ye are witnesses of these things.

49 ¶ And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

50 ¶ And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.

52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:

53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

Alma 56:32 And it came to pass that we did march forth....

Ok so I have not been as on top of this as I had hoped! Here is the 2nd installment of Come Up to the Mountain practice!

The young men are doing a Haka. Right now they are not so intimidating, but just you wait! Come May 29th They are going to be AMAZING!

I can't wait to get to post a video of one of the songs the youth will be singing! It is beautiful!

Saturday, March 28, 2009

...Every good gift cometh of Christ! Moroni 10:18

Meet my friend Mel (she is the one 4th from the left with her arms folded looking like the proud Mom.). Mel is the Mom of Andrew, Bobbi and Jessi! (please note they may not be listed in order of importance) Mel is also an incredible woman of faith, one amazing YW leader, dedicated mother and one of the hardest working people I know. If I ever grow up I wanna be just like Mel. (also of note, the two gentleman in the picture, the most amazing Bishop Flamm and his counselor the adorable Bro. Bailey, next to Bro. Bailey his equally amazing wife Viki, to Mel's right the incredible Lisa! Also pictured Megan, Lexi, Wendy, Bobbi and Brinah, a sampling of some of the best group of YW Idaho has to offer!)
This is JESSI!! Jessi is my buddy, she was one of my first facebook friends, she texts me almost daily, she actually reads my blogs too! I love Jessi. I miss Jessi! Jessi and Mel (and Bob, Andrew and Bobbi) live in Idaho. So I do not get to see them hardly ever anymore! (lucky for me though the family reunion is only 120 days away and it's in Idaho, just like Jessi)

Why a post about Jessi you ask! Well in 10 count them 10 days Jessi is having a birthday!! Jessi will be 17! Last year we could not be with Jessi for her 16th birthday, so she is the one we started our birthday in a box tradition with! So this morning I was pondering what to do for Jessi's birthday this year. as you can see she has everything a girl could ever want... a great mom, a plunger and pink crocs, a car and jammies to repel in. So I come to you my good readers for advice!!


What can I do for MY JESSI for her birthday on an extremely limited budget, and 358 miles away. Please send suggestions! I love you Jessi!!
Jessi spread the word to all your blogger friends so they can send comments :o)



Wednesday, March 25, 2009

...Publish glad tidings upon the mountain... D&C 19:29

So I am so excited to work with my girls on our Temple Celebration! Tonight was the second practice. I was asked to help the Laurels (16-18 year old YW). They were sooo CUTE!
What are we doing you ask. Well ... we are learning a Poi Ball dance. Tonight we learned how to twirl them and nearly knock each other out! It was quite funny! We also got booted out of our room, which was probably a good thing if you are the RS Pres.

Stay posted to see the miracle that will happen with these amazing YW!












Now Behold a marvelous work is about to come forth... D&C 4:1

This is my son Daniel! We took this picture outside the doctors office friday morning. He was there to have his physical for his mission. He is a bit too big for his britches don't ya think?
I was going to take pictures of him getting his teeth cleaned and getting his shots but after this photo I don't think any of us are ready for him!
I am learning a lot lately about patience but waiting for him to get his call maybe my biggest test! I can make myself a bit insane trying to decide if I have done enough to prepare him. Daniel is my independent child, I have to remind myself that he has been given lots of guidance and now its time for him to be accountable for his preparation.
I will keep you "posted" on what happens!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

... Marriage is ordained of God unto man. D&C 49:15

Today is my in laws 50th anniversary. My cute sister in laws Julie and Dea made these charts to represent the family members, and the moves.The truck is Larry and Velma, the cars are the kids and their spouses. the mototcycles are the grand kids and the bicycles are the great grandchildren. The map has a string (which is hard to see in this pic, sorry). The string moves from state to state for every move the family has made. If you think it looks like a lot, you should know that it doesn't show every move within a state.







This is Larry and Velma and all of the family who was able to attend the lunch. There are 7 out of 13 of us in the Salt Lake area but we sure don't see each other enough.
It was a fun afternoon and I love to see my kids get together with their cousins.

Monday, March 23, 2009

...let thy heart be full of thanks unto God... Alma 37:37

I have missed my last couple weeks of posting blessings. So I have a lot of catching up to do.

1. TALKING to Michelle. We have sent a lot of emails back and forth lately and we stay in touch thru facebook, but nothing beats an actual conversation!

2. Mission calls. Michelle's son Ryan got his call to Everett, Wa. and Amanda Schiffler is going to Madrid, Spain. I am really excited for them. They are great "kids" and they are going to be amazing instruments in the Lord's hands.

3. Answered Prayers! My little sister finally sold her house. She can now get ready for a yard sale and packing to move back to California, and be with her husband.

4. Ward conference! I love conferences and how they seem to be exactly what I need. Bishop Kenison's talk in Sacrament Meeting and Pres. Murphy's talk in Relief Society, I am sure were just for me. Now that you are curious as to what they spoke on... Remembering who you are as a Child of God and not letting Lucifer win.

5. Temple Celebrations and Dedications. It was amazing to be part of the Draper Temple dedication! I am also so excited to get to be a part of the Temple Celebration planned for May.
I have just been asked to make sure the kids get there on time and have rides and know that they are invited and wanted, but I am so excited to finally get to work with MY GIRLS in YW. I have been in YW so many times but never when my girls were there. So I cannot wait to spend the next 10 weeks with them.

6. Family Gatherings. I love to be with my family! Everytime we get together even if all I do is sit back and watch them (which I love to do) I feel rejuvenated. I have the best nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters and Mom and Dad.

7. Daniel was home for the weekend, that was a great blessing. He completed the dental and physical exams for his mission.

8. Wade came down with Dan. He is an amazing young man, I am glad Dan has him for a friend.

9. Staying asleep. I have been having a lot of struggles sleeping lately. I started some new meidcation, it has not helped me get to sleep, but once I finally get to sleep, I stay asleep! YAY!

10. Brenda! Brenda has just been an amazing angel this last week. Thanks Bren for all the listening and for helping Krysta get to tour!

Monday, March 16, 2009

...Seek ye earnsetly the best gifts...D&C 48:6

PAY IT FORWARD

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me!
My choice--for you!

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1. I make NO guarantees that you will LIKE what I make!
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It WILL be done this year.
4. You have no CLUE what it’s going to be.
5. Most importantly, you MUST offer the same deal on your blog -
the first 5 people to comment on your blog get something made by YOU!

This should be fun!!!
I am giving the chance to you to get something from me, comment away and I'll get busy making something.

I can't wait :o)

Monday, March 9, 2009

let the mountain shout for joy... D&C 128:23


Check out this blog!




Great idea don't ya think! I am sooo excited my girls ge the chance to be involved in this!

We are so blessed!

Sunday, March 8, 2009

gather together, and stand in holy places D&C 101:22

It's official. My big brother is really home. This is some of the family as we gathered to welcome
him home. My kids just adore their cousins and love any excuse to get together with them and

laugh and eat! Of which we did a lot of both. Despite the fact that all of Davids family except J


were feeling under the weather. Colette was actually losing her voice but was the most gracious hostess. As always! Welcome home Dave. Thanks for keeping us safe. I am looking forward to seeing him again and getting to talk to him about the growth of the church in Afghanistan.




And let the peace of God rule in your hearts...and be ye thankful.

I have been a bit neglectful in my blessing posts. I apologize. It's been a rough couple of weeks.
Thru the trials I am here to find the blessings.

1. Dano started his application for a mission. I am so proud of him and so excited for him.

2. Bishop Lords for seeing the Daniel that can be. He has been one of Daniel's biggest role models for the last 5 years. He has also been one of Daniels biggest supporters.

3. As always my family is a huge blessing. I am really glad my mom and dad are home from Arizona, I am also glad they had such a great time.

4. My friends their prayers and encouragement mean so much.

5. Afternoon walks! since the weather has been so great i have started going for walks during my lunch hour. It has been a great time to ponder and pray.

6. Medicine. I think my kidney infection is all gone :o)

7. Homecomings. My brother is finally home with his family!

8. Facebook and blogs and stating connected.

9. Lasgna and bake offs. Katee and Krysta made dinner tonight and had a bake off to see who could make the best cake and frosting. lets just say dinner was amazing and the frosting is going to take practice.

10. Sacrament meeting and little ones. We love sitting with the Petersons, Sorensons and Taylors in church. Their friendship means a lot!

11. Cookies from Noah, Jayden and Jack!

12. Girls Night Out! Good food and good company, you just can't beat that!
Thanks DeAnn, Rosie, Genny and Kelly. I so needed you all!
Danelle and Dawna thank you too. I loved being able to just talk and get everything out.
Love you girls!

children are an heritage of the Lord Ps. 127:3 A post accompanied by Katee






























Katee's best friend Vana turned 16 a few weeks ago! Katee was really bummed she could not be there especially for such a mile stone birthday for a latter day saint girl...so here is what we came up with to help her feel better and let Vana know just how much the whole family loves her and missed being there for her birthday. We call it "birthday in a box". After decorating and celebrating. we printed the pictures, put all the decor in a box and mailed it all to Vana in Idaho. Because it was her 16th birthday we also included a dating survival kit...things that she could use in her everyday but that also that would help her remember who she is and help her with dating...i.e.- tweezers to help her pluck out all the bad guys in her life, chapstick to keep her smiling, a For the Strenght of Youth booklet to remind her of her standards, a mirror to let her see the beautiful girl that she really is, and katee's favorite a first aid kit (with emergency contact list included with all our numbers) to help heal her broken hearts!
We made one for our friend Jessi too, last spring. It is a fun way for us to let our friends and family know we love them and miss them and celebrate their big days too.
Happy 16th Vana! We love you and miss you!