An Attempt at an update. . .

I am missing the sun from St. George, so thought I would post a couple more pictures from a couple weeks ago and maybe I will feel the warmth from the pictures!! There is nothing like playing at the park in January and it is 60 degrees out and sunny! (I know Shareen gets this all the time. . .. but is was wonderful for me!)

It was great to spend time with my Mom, and Julia together.

(And, oh that sun would feel good right now!)

We were able to attend Jeff's baptism (David's brother) on Saturday evening. It was a very touching service. I am so happy for him and the road that he has traveled to get where he is. It was a great night for the whole family. I don't know if I have ever been to a baptism that was so crowded. . . . .they are loved by their family and ward members!

Eliza, Jeff, Cortt, Chase, and Windsor Elizabeth strikes a pose for me.

Mia and Windsor.

I have more to update so keep tuned over the next couple days. . . ..

baby macey

We finally got to meet baby Macey, my newest niece My sister Julia and family are visiting my parents is St George, so we took a couple days to head down and see every one. Isn't she adorable??

We were able to be there for her baby blessing. Jacob and Julia had her blessed at my parents'home while they are visiting. I forgot to get the family blessing dress out of storage, so we had to make a last minute trip to the store to find her a dress! But it was quite cute. Giving her a kiss. . .

Isaac did not want to smile for the family shot. . . . .he wanted to show his character!

My girls loved Macey. . . . and it was so fun to hold a sweet baby. . . .

Ups and Downs of December. . ..

December was full of ups and downs for me.. . .thus not much blogging, and I am playing catch up all at once. . . sorry about three posts in one day!!

We had some hard times this month. ..

• My Mom and Dad having to return from their mission in Germany due to health issues. . . I hate Cancer. . . I HATE it!
• Our heat has given us a lot of issues. A LOT of cold days in December for us. . . .and our fireplace broke at the same time. .. NOT fun!!

But we have also enjoyed some great moments in the month.. . .

• Christmas in St George with my parents, and sister's family
• Party with David's family
• Some good basketball games for David's team
• Shopping with my Mom and Shareen in Las Vegas

We visited the Temple Grounds in St George. It was a little chilly (well, not compared to Spanish Fork. .. . but still a little cold), but beautiful! They have a nice manger scene to view and listen to.

Mia loves Grandma and Grandpa. . . even though she still won't talk to them!!

Gingerbread house decorating. Nothing fancy, but it was fun!

Christmas Eve pictures.

We had a great holiday week with Mike, Shareen, Camille, and Anya. I was a horrible photographer. I snapped this photo on our last night together while the girls were watching a show. They had a fun time.

We returned home to a freezing cold house with no heat on the 30th of December! We did finally get it fixed. .. . but it was a bit of a fiasco. We have radiant heat, and had to replace the pump. . .. long story. . .. but after an entire afternoon. .. .. digging up the water main in the yard in a snow storm. . . etc. . . . long story. . . Let's just say it is working now at least. Thank goodness!

Perks

Luke started a volunteer job up at the Scera Theatre in Orem the first part of December. It is a family theatre that has one movie theatre, as well as another theatre for other shows

and plays. We thought it would be a great experience for him as well as get some volunteer hours for scouts! So far he really likes it. He goes up on Saturday afternoons and works for about four hours. One of the "perks" to being a volunteer, is the family gets to go to movie screenings for free. So far we have gone to "The Princess and the Frog" and this morning we went to "The Chipmunks". The screenings are usually on a Saturday morning. Is 9:30 in the morning too early for soda and popcorn?? Of course not, when it is FREE!Thanks, Luke for all your volunteer hours!!

Top 3

• I was looking over my good reads account, and seeing what I read in 2009.
• I read almost 50 books last year.
• I only gave three books 5 stars (well, actually 4. . . I read two Anne of Green Gables books and gave them both 5 stars. Up until then I had only read the first book!. . . and obviously I enjoyed the next two in the series.)
• So I pick these three books as my top three of 2009! I will have to review all my four star books and pick my next 5. . . but that will take some time! So if you havn't read these yet, I recommend them! Happy reading!

Anne of the Island

These is My Words

The Road

why I have barely got anything done today. . . .

I been outside shoveling snow FOUR times today!! It just never stopped. David and Luke shoveled this morning at 7 before school, and when I went out at 8 I couldn't even tell they had shoveled. . . . after preschool, Mia came out to help on my 4th round of shoveling. . . .isn't she cute??

"Graduation"

I was able to attend my Aunt Diane's "graduation" from this life last Friday afternoon. Her "sweatheart" husband, my Uncle Mack didn't want to call it a funeral, but a graduation. . .. she is moving on to something better. She is an amazing woman and a great example of enduring to the end. I have great memories of visits at her home, learning my family history from her. . . . She helped me know who I am and the heritage I have. It was a great service, celebrating her life. It made me want to be a better person. . .

My Mom and Dad were not able to attend, due to being on their mission in Germany, so I was the only one there to represent my Mom for her sister. My Uncle Bob was there with my Aunt Corene. He gave a really nice talk about Diane's early years. His daughter, my cousin, Janet was also there with Corene's sweet little mom, Barbara. My Aunt Sherry and her husband, Uncle Jeff, are also out on a mission, so my cousing Stephenie was there for her mom, with her husband, Andy.

My Uncle Mack, spoke words of Graditude at the dedication of the grave. Very hearfelt and sweet. He also talked about when they picked out the casket a few years ag0, and how he felt it was just perfect for her.

I actually really enjoyed being at the funeral, reuniting with some family, visiting, and hearing a little about Diane's life. I couldn't help but think that if she was there in life,he would be walking around, introducing me to all her wonderful grandkids, children, and in-laws. I didn't know her kids very well, but I remember her talking about them, showing me pictures of them, and how much she loved them all and how proud she was of all of them. I could tell from each of them how much they love and will miss her. She is a great example to me.