SOMEBODY HAS A BIRTHDAY????

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN.....

What a fun Christmas gift our family received in 1970, just three days before Christmas. Here is a picture of our little guy who was blessed in the blessing gown his daddy was blessed in...made by his grandma.This was our family back then...we had an Indian son by the name of 'Marvin Johns'.

And now he has a family of his own.....
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN!!!!

Where were we 44 years ago????

Yep, we were at the LA Temple where we were married for all eternity. I remember getting up and driving to the temple very early in the morning and meeting Marvin's grandma, aunt and uncle and some friends. It was raining outside, but still a beautiful day for us. We had a wonderful reception...visiting with family and friends.

And what did we do today....since we are still serving in the Los Angeles Temple on a daily basis, that is exactly where we were. Without anyone knowing it was our anniversary, I was assigned to care for some of the brides today, which was thrilling and a reminder of my special day 44 years ago.

My sister Dale and GG arrived last night from Maryland and they came and spent some of the day with us in the temple and later had lunch with us. At night when we got off work, we all went out to dinner to "Chili's" and came back to watch a movie. It was a very nice day and evening....lots of good memories over the past 44 years.

And thank you family for the sweet phone calls...that made our day even better. So, 44 years later, 7 children and 25 grand children later...how do we feel. VERY BLESSED!

MERRY CHRISTMAS Family and Friends...

Jesus is Better than Santa
Santa lives at the North Pole.
JESUS is everywhere.
Santa rides in a sleigh
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.
Santa comes but once a year
JESUS is an ever present help.
Santa fills your stockings with goodies
JESUS supplies all your needs.
Santa comes down your chimney uninvited
JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.
You have to stand in line to see Santa
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.
Santa lets you sit on his lap
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.
Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?"
JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly
JESUS has a heart full of love.
All Santa can offer is HO HO HO
JESUS offers health, help and hope.
Santa says "You better not cry"
JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.
Santa's little helpers make toys

JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.
Santa may make you chuckle but
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.
While Santa puts gifts under your tree
JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.
It's obvious there is really no comparison.
We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.
We need to put Christ back in Christmas.
Jesus is still the reason for the season.

May God’s gift of love bring joy to your heart this Christmas season and the New Year!

CALMNESS IN OUR LIVES...

I am passing this on to you because it definitely works, and we could all use a little more calmness in our lives.By following simple advice heard on the Dr. Phil show, you too can find inner peace. Dr Phil proclaimed, "The way to achieve inner peace is tofinish all the things you have started and have never finished." So, I looked around my house to see all the things I started and hadn't finished and before leaving the house this morning: I finished a package of Oreos, the remainder of my old Prozac prescription, the rest of the cheesecake, some Doritos, and a box of chocolates. You have no idea how amazingly good I feel right now.

Grandkids getting ready for Christmas

Monday morning when we arrived home (NP) for our P-day, Lisa and the kids had a surprise for us. They decorated our home for Christmas! They have an adult tree in the living room and a kids tree in the playroom. This is the kids tree they decorated all by themselves!
Marylyn & Annika all bundled up for the holidays...see you soon!
The other day, Ashley was playing with her manger set when Ruth heard her say, "Joseph, Joseph have to wake up the sheep." Ruth looked over and Ashley had Joseph in one hand and the sheep in the other. Then, Ashley lined up the animals and asked, "What are you doing here? The ground is all wet. You are all wet. I need a towel to dry you off." Then, she put Mary on the camel and moved them, as if they were walking.

Our twins FIRST CHRISTMAS

Matt always liked to Juggle, but how does Heather keep up?

Sunday was a full day!

We came home Saturday night, enjoyed a bowl of stew and watched some TV. Sunday we got up early and attended NP 3 third hour where we both gave a talk on "How the Temple helps each day".

Our friends, the Friebels, from the temple came to hear us talk, then we attended John's ward for Sacrament Meeting. After the Friebels and Carnell came to our home for dinner and visiting.

Later in the evening Marv and I were invited to John & Marrianne's home to watch them trim the Christmas Tree...and it is beautiful. Grandpa read Christian a tone of Christmas story books while the girls finished up the tree. They are getting me excited about decorating for Christmas too. Maybe we'll get the outside lights put up tomorrow?

Thankful Day 19

We are very thankful for our family. Especially thankful for the lovely meal and evening spent with John and Marrianne. Marrianne and the children had decorated a very lovely LONG table for us to all sit and enjoy one another's company.

Brooke and Madison played for us some beautiful music on the piano. Ashlyn enjoyed playing "Simon Says" with Christian, Brooke and me. It was really fun to watch Angie and Brooke doing those rythming games, Marrianne will probably post pictures. The food was WONDERFUL and we all left with full tummies. Carnell also came with us and is thankful for being with family. Also grateful hearing from Ruth's family...Kate's giggles and Ashley's "I love you grandma". Also talked to GG and Dale early this morning who were heading over to Duane and Ilene's home for dinner. Hope you all had a wonderful day! Now grateful for a nice warm bed where I am heading right now....very tired!

Thankful Day 18

I am soooooooo grateful to Ruth, Marylyn, and our Utah Heather for starting and keeping up their "Thankful Day" blogs each day. It has been so fun to come home each day from the temple and see what these three families have been up to each day. So a BIG thank you! Oh, and they can keep it up past Thanksgiving if they want to...we love it!

Thanksful Day 17

I am thankful for Mel inviting me to "grandparents" feast for Thanksgiving at her school.

They sang lots of song and did a "Reader's Theatre" [Mel is 4th from left, top row]. We were later served hot dogs in a biscuit, homemade pumpkin pie, fruit, cookies, apple juice...it was wonderful. So, thank you Mel for a wonderful day!

This is one of Mel's bestest friends from church and school.

Thankful Day 16

I have so much to be thankful for today!!!! First thing this morning we are thankful for the birth of our third daughter back in the 70's as she celebrates her birthday and grateful that she and her family will be here in just a few more weeks. Thankful for a beautiful grand-daughter who celebrates this day with her aunt Marylyn. And then as the day rolled on, thankful for my husband who patiently was the driver all over TO and NP as we got our yearly tests done, took Carnell to the dentist, and many other errands. And thankful for "In-Out" burger...hmmmm was soooo good! WEW...it was a full day. And to end the day with a delicious dinner and fun family night with Lisa's family. She really outdid herself with a roast dinner, potatoes, beans, jello salad and dessert. Mel and Spencer taught us about the first Thanksgiving through stories, Chelsea gave a sweet prayer and the activity of dancing was very fun to watch. And thankful for 'Mr. Bell' who invented the telephone so we could wish Marylyn a happy birthday. One more thing...thankful for a wonderful son-in-law who made sure our daughter had a super great day...thank you Andy! So yes, today I have many things to be thankful for...right now an electric blanket and warm bed.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARYLYN AND BECKI

Happy Birthday, Marylyn....your four brothers and little sister were so excited when you were born. Lisa would say "my baby" and did not like it when GG tried to change your diapers.

You still have that precious smile and pretty blonde hair. Such a cutie pie!

Happy Birthday, to our dear Becki...we miss you!

Growing into a beautiful young lady! 2009 YW

Thankful Day 15

I am thankful for Christa's phone call this afternoon. Rinnnnng..."Hi Matt". [The phone showed Matt] "Grandma, this isn't Matt, it Christa". Christa told us that the whole family, except Nate, had been sick this past week with the flu...the throw up kind, yuk! And she continued to tell me about an exciting time they had had Saturday visiting a farm where they were able to pick lots of veggies: potatoes, beets, onions, carrots.
Then Jenna told me that she cut her finger and there is no school this next week. Nate told me he was dehydrating potatoes they had dug up at the farm to make potatoe chips...and also some banana chips. He also gave a talk in Primary today and rehersed the whole entire talk including using his scriptures. Awesome talk! And then Jordan giggled.

Later talked to Marylyn who told us about the fun time they had with Santa on Saturday getting children's pictures taken...check her blog, very cute! Children had fallen asleep on their way home tonight from Grandma-Greats home. Talked with Dave and he said the family had so much fun digging and picking veggies along with Matt's family on Saturday. Becki said "it's lots more fun that watching TV".

Tomorrow is Marylyn and Becki's birthdays! HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRLS

Thankful Day 14

Tonight, after a busy day, we are thankful for popcorn and a movie! Hallmark station has great movies, tonight is "A Season for Miracles". Every night during the holidays they have promised a 'holiday' movie. It is so refreshing to watch a movie that has family values. And Marv makes a great bowl of popcorn!

Thankful Day 13

Thankful for example and friendships at the temple. During our breaks tonight Brother Adams's family brought in a large chocolate cake to celebrate his '80th' birthday. He and his sweet wife are an inspiration to us all. They live over 2 hours away from the temple and come faithfully every Friday night. After the last session I saw one of our faithful volunteers who had to resign last April after giving birth to a sweet little boy. And then to visit a few minutes with Andrea and her husband [Marrianne's sister]. What a great couple!

Thankful Day 12

We are both thankful today for Diddy Riese. Danny's work is just around the corner and since we had to pick something up from Lisa, and there was a parking spot right in front of Diddy Riese...well, we just had to stop and get our 'cookies ice cream sandwich'. Hmmmmmm it was a great dinner.

Thankful Day 11

Sandra and I had a wonderful reunion in the temple tonight with our dear friend, Layne Waise, who had moved to another state, remarried, and had not seen since 1978. And found out that she is sister to a friend and member of our Stake...who would know? Got updates on the family and all 8 of their children are doing fabulous. Do our boys remember Tyler and Todd? Todd was the one with the miracle recovery from cancer when he was just five years old. So I am thankful today for 'friends from the past'! We participated in a temple session with one of her nieces who will be married tomorrow. We had fun talking about past memories. Remember, boys, when your mom was in a singing group: Layne, Elaine, Maaika, Jan, and me...we won the Regional Road Show Entree' Act with Brother Lee blowing bubbles for us...Layne and I were pregnant. Elaine played the piano while singing, I was on the drums and Layne climbed up and sat on the piano...our costuming, hair and teeth were really crazy...sure wish we had a picture. "Jesus Love's the Little Children.....Everything is Beautiful"

Thankful Day 10

I am thankful for friends and family. A big thank you to Lisa for finding my 'reindeer' pattern since I had already bought the whoppers. Thankful for a phone conversation this morning from a dear friend of 30 years ago, Layne Waise Serr who we will get to see and visit with this week. She and her family live in WA and are going to be here for the 'Skinner' sealing in the LA temple Thursday. Thankful for our friends at the temple both full time and patrons who come from NP. Enjoyed lunch with Sisters Depp and Simons and three temple workers. And very thankful today for our freedom we enjoy here in the USA and hope others will not be a means of taking that freedom away. Marv and I went out to dinner with the Friebels to a wonderful mexican food restaurant "El Coyote" in Beverly Hills which has been in existence for 75 years, owned and operated by family. We told them we were here because one of their employees had the nerve to support yes on prop 8 even though the restaurant was boycotted by the no on prop people. We were introduced to the owners daughter who was the one that we have heard so much about on the news. Turns out she is an active member of the church and has been overwhelmed by the support of so many. The restaurant was full by 8:00 and more people coming. There was a wonderful spirit there and the food was the best!

Thankful Day 9

Chelsea is always giving HUGS to her cousins and other family members. I am thankful today for the Hugs and Snuggles I got in our rocking chair before I headed for the dentist today. I am thankful for each of these sweet grandchildren who are anxious to show love and give hugs freely.

Thankful Day 8

Thankful for family! Today we went to Upland to visit Sharlene and John, attend church with them, and enjoy dinner. They are doing very well and truly blessed.

I'm thankful for phone calls to hear how family is doing. Annika was making cookies with her daddy and I told her I wanted one. She reminded me that she was coming Christmas and I told her we would make cookies then...Trees, "oh goodie" she would say; and stars "pink stars?" Also thankful to have a call from Aunt Dale and GG to tell us they are coming for Christmas.

And happy to know Ashley is sitting on her potty...now she just needs to learn what to use it for. And to know that John has arrived safely on his trip to Sweden...but sad their little Maddy is home sick. Guess I am really thankful for family blogs, cell phones, facebook and e-mail...to keep us close!

Thankful Day 7

Tonight I am grateful for the 'dentist' which is where I am going to have to go on Monday. Just lost my gold crown on one of my back teeth....guess what my Christmas gift will be this year?

Thanksgiving Day 6

I am thankful for Seagull Book and Costco where we were able to get some Christmas shopping done this morning. I love Christmas, I love decorating the house, I love the smell of pumpkin pie and fresh rolls, and I especially love being together as family and the phone calls from them who are far away. The first thing that goes up is the Nativity Scene...I am so grateful for the birth of Jesus, for his example of love and obedience. I love walking through the stores and smelling pine cones and Christmas trees. And yes, I do love shopping this time of year. I am very thankful to live in the USA where we can enjoy all these traditions of Christmas.

Thankful Day 5

I am thankful for the scriptures that we are free to read and ponder each day. We believe the Bible and the Book of Mormon to both be the word of God, as well as living prophets in our own day. As we look around us and watch the tv news, I am even more grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and His plan for us.

"The latter-day scriptures are published so that the honest in heart may be cheered and comforted and go on their way rejoicing, as their souls become exposed and their understanding enlightened by a knowledge of God's work through the fathers in former days, as well as what He is about to do in latter days to fulfill the words of the fathers." Joseph Smith

"He that reads it oftenest will like it best!" Joseph Smith

Thankful Day 4

We're thankful for the pictures we received in the mail today of Christa, Jenna, and Nate!

We received these a few weeks ago of Jordan and Rachel

Thankful Day 3

I am thankful for trials and what we learn from them. Each of us are facing trials today and we cannot, nor do we want, to escape from them; but pray for strength to go through them. One of my favorite scriptures over the many years is found in Romans 5:1-5. We cannot escape trials, but we can endure them well and learn from them we will feel His peace. I am reminded of what President Hinckley’s father told him when he was struggling on his mission, “Everything will work out – now put on your shoes and go to work!” Whether it be medical, financial, emotional, spiritual…He is there knocking on the door in hopes that we will open the door & invite Him in. So let's all put a smile on our faces and be grateful for all the blessings we have right around us.

Jesus At The Door
I hurried through my daily chores

And didn't stop to pray,

But a knocking sounded in my head

Did you make time for Me today?
I had so much that I must do

I pushed the thought away,

And hurried on to get things done

I've no time to pray today.
When at last my work was finished

Happy...I should have been,

But within me I felt empty

There's that knocking in my head again.
Down on my knees I dropped

With Jesus I would soar,

To answer that sweet knocking

It's Jesus at the door.
~ Charlotte Anselmo ~

Thankful Day 2

i am grateful for a husband who pitches in on our Prep-Day to clean the apartment, do the laundry, shopping as we prepare for another wonderful week in the temple. Marv is thankful to be in our apartment tonight to just relax after a busy day.

What we are thankful for today

One of our daughter's family, the Harrells, had a great idea to post what they are grateful for every day in the month of November. Another daughter, the Bjorn's, liked the idea and are hoping to keep it up as well. So, we decided to follow their example. I am thankful today for the priesthood and security here on temple hill that made it possible for us to attend Sacrament Meeting and hear the beautiful children's program in the Westwood 1 & 2 wards...even though the protesters were outside demonstrating. Marv is thankful today for the the inspiration he is feeling right now as he prepares a talk he is to give in Long Beach tonight to a 4-Stake Singles Fireside.

Where shall we find peace...

In November 1st Church News there were two statements by President Monson that I thought very applicable to what we have faced this past week:

"Occasionally discouragement may darken our pathway; frustration may be a constant companion. In our ears there may sound the sophistry of Satan as he whispers, 'You cannot save the world; your small efforts are meaningless. You haven't time to be concerned for others.' Trusting in the Lord, let us turn our heads from such falsehood and make certain our feet are firmly planted in the path of service and our hearts and souls dedicated to follow the example of the Lord." Finding Peace, Ensign March 2004

"The blessings of the temple are eternal. Those who come to this holy house will feel of God's love for His children and come to a greater understanding of their own divine origin and potential as His sons and daughters." Announcement May 24, 2008 of a new temple in AZ.

As we had to close and leave the LA temple on Thursday you could definitely feel a peace, even on the grounds of the temple. Our temple grounds were secured by police, firemen, rangers, and riot squads. Since most of them had never been on temple grounds before, there comment was "your grounds are so beautiful" and "you can feel such a peace here". As we opened again on Friday and Saturday, our phone lines were flooded with positive calls from those from many different faiths from all over the country in support.

For our church's response on this issue of traditional marriage go to: http://www.newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/church-responds-to-same-sex-marriage-votes

A group that has gathered "facts on prop 8" is: Get the Facts about the LDS Church and Proposition 8.

MORE PRIMARY PROGRAMS

We enjoyed attending our own ward Primary Sacrament Meeting program a week ago. The theme throughout the church for this year is "I Am A Child of God".

Melanie said "President Monson is our Prophet"

Spencer's class sang "When Jesus Christ was Baptized" instead of talks.

After this meeting we attended NP 1 Sacrament Meeting where Brother and Sister Turner gave a talk



Even though do not live close by most of our grandchildren, some have shared their experience in the Primary Sacrament Program over the phone.

Nate talked about his baptism day and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and grateful his dad had the priesthood to perform this. [what a great big brother and example he is to his four sisters]

Christa talked about Jesus baptism and how Jesus went straightway out of the water and the Holy Ghost descended like a dove and lighting upon Him. [wow, what a great memory]

Little Jenna said "I am a child of God". [oh that she will always remember that]

Sick and Tired!!!!

I AM SICK AND TIRED OF POLITICIAN LYES

We now have lawmakers & judges who go out willfully and intentionally to put upon our statute books legislation which is contrary to the Ten Commandments, and as they do they are sowing seeds of destruction for our nation!

Just take a look at Exodus 20 and also the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 and compare some of our laws today. Some might say we need “freedom of choice”, but when it goes against the laws of God it is no longer freedom, but we are sewing seeds of captivity.

Thou shalt have no other gods before me…and yet there are those who are trying to remove God.
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain…in our speech there is irreverence for God.
Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy…do we make the Sabbath Day a day of worship?
Honor thy father and thy mother…and there are those who are trying to destroy traditional marriage.
Thou shalt not kill…and yet we have abortion, and even late term abortion, killing the innocent.
Thou shalt not commit adultery…pornography legalized and we have those who are trying to legalize prostitution. Hollywood has had a negative influence through movies and television.
Thou shalt not steal…this is how we have gotten in the economical mess.
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor…politicians and news media continues to do this on a daily basis. Why not just tell what you as a politician plan to do instead of tearing down another?
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors house, wife, manservant, maidservant, ox, ass, anything of thy neighbors…money seems to be the root of all evil in today’s world and some will do anything to have it. Hollywood does a good job on this one as well; instead of having good wholesome family shows that uplift, they instead tear down, using sex and killing in most shows.
If everyone on this earth just lived these commandments and be-attitudes…crime would decrease, economy would improve, morals and values would improve. This is where we will find real JOY and PEACE! " It takes just one…let’s each start today to make CHANGE here in the USA and vote for those who believe in these simple principles that are in front of us today.

We can start in California with a YES vote on Proposition 8 and 4! One more, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself…we love and tolerate those who choose not to keep the commandments, but that does not mean we should change the commandments.

Thanks Marrianne & John

Wanted to share what they have posted on their blog...good job!
Q1: How Will My Same-Sex Marriage Hurt Your Marriage?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sL2MJ6hah-I&feature=related

Q2: Is same-sex marriage like interracial marriage?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p81mkYOtJMU&feature=related

Q3: Where does it stop?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEL0f2yuqLo&feature=related

Q4: Can't we have religious marriage and civil marriage?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dF6w2ILsyUA&feature=related

Q5: What public good does marriage provide?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9cYmAGbREA&feature=related

Q6: Is it healthy to experiment with children?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5QYnJwQttQ&feature=related

Q7: Haven't experts said same-sex parenting is fine?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8P3x0UsTNQ&feature=related

Q8: How do we know what kind of families kids need?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx3IqxKFCp4&feature=related

Q9: Are the Needs of Kids or Adults More Important?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDOJdIQbGIE&feature=related

Q10: Does Gender Really Matter?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YmONdhwXCg&feature=related

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

"We had a GORGEOUS Halloween! It was in the 70s all day and 55-60 for trick-or-treating." Matt & Heather

They are way adorable and growing up just way too fast!

Jenna, Nate, and Christa did a great job carving their pumpkins. Notice Christa's pumpkin which seems to match her own smile with missing teeth.