A Secret Valentine

Somebody loves us! A very sneaky somebody. These showed up anonymously on our front door! Thank you to whoever did this!

Paige for the Weekend:

From Pancakes to pulling weeds to playing games we had a great time with Paige!

Alma 32, The Faith Chapter

Most of the beans we planted in Seminary weren't "good seeds".

These were.

Hawaii and Japan, great places to visit, but...

...they live toooo far away!!

Handsome boys: Chandler, Jacob and Adam.

I just had to post several pictures of Kamryn and Isabel!
So cute!

Surprise!!!

It was Jamie's birthday, too!

Seminary today was soooo fun! I was really surprised! I never suspected THIS! But I did wonder why Clara was so early and why the lights were out in our room when I just knew some of my students were there!!

We managed to have a lesson but it was kept pretty simple. I'm glad it was a subject they were already familiar with.

Mission Accomplished!

Mission Pictures -

Today we received our release letters from our Seminary "missions". We reported our thoughts and activities, and then, we had an "open house", with refreshments. We concluded with the lesson from Alma 37 and 38 about how by small and simple means, great things can be brought to pass. Also we spoke about the small act of keeping a journal and how the ancient journal, or, Book of Mormon, is making all the difference in bringing us to Christ, and by following it's precepts, we are learning wisdom in our youth. Our missions gave us each the opportunity to raise the bar in our lives. Testimonies were born about lengthening our stride, and making scripture study and prayers more of a habit.

The letter -

Dear Brother/Sister______,

It is a privilege to extend to you this honorable release from serving a three week mission in the Tulare 1st and 2nd Ward areas.

Your efforts to increase in spirituality and become an even greater influence for good at home, at school and at church has not been unnoticed and you will be blessed greatly for your good works and honest heart.

You may feel proud of yourself for meeting the challenge to be more obedient in keeping the commandments as well as in sharing the Gospel and being a better family member and friend to those around you. You have had an opportunity to strengthen your own testimony as you have fulfilled your mission assignments, and hopefully this experience will be a blessing to you forevermore.

Thank you for your service.

Thank So Very Much!!

Doorbell rang. Looked out window. No one visible. Asked, "Who's there?". No answer. Opened the door a crack to see our 4 yr. old Abbie standing there all alone as though she traveled here herself without a grownup in sight! Huge grin!!
So, after the "Hi's" and "How did you get here's?", her mother comes out from around the house with a very large bag. Some of our children decided to give us a Christmas gift, and no, it's not late, it's EARLY! (Christmas gift, birthdays, Mother's Day, Father's Day... You get the picture!)
"Wii" are now set up with a new system. I personally prefer to exercise at home and now we're going to be able to step up the routine with Wii Fit!!! Looking forward to getting into it.
Wonderful gift! Wonderful kids!

Then Wii Did Lunch

Abbie is dipping a chicken nugget into her chocolate shake!

And Mollie... ?

Well, let's just say, they have two vastly different pallets!