PROPHET in our day

BE grateful, BE smart, BE clean, BE true, BE humble, BE prayerful were the words we will always cherish from our wonderful prophet Gordon B. Hinckley who passed away January 27th. His humor, his dedication, his integrity, his example will be missed by us all. Another one of my favorite quotes when facing trials: "Everything will work out, now put on your shoes and go to work."
What is your favorite message from President Hinckley?


SALT LAKE CITY 4 February 2008: Thomas S. Monson is the new president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it was announced today at a news conference in the Church Office Building. President Monson, 80, succeeds President Gordon B. Hinckley, who died 27 January 2008. The new world leader of the Church has called to serve with him in the First Presidency, the top governing body of the 13-million-member faith, President Henry B. Eyring, 74, first counselor, and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 67, second counselor. It was also announced that President Boyd K. Packer, 83, is the new president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. I am personally so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ, for the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and a living prophet to help guide us and our families in these latter days!

WHAT'S UP with the grandkids????

Monday Marv and I picked up Christian to celebrate his 4th birthday. First we went to Toys R Us so he could pick out his birthday gift. It was so cute as we looked around the store and when he decided what he wanted he said "ok, let's go to lunch". We asked him where he wanted to go to lunch and he said, "McDonalds and get a cheese hamberger". We went to the new McDonalds in TO where they have fun toys to climb on...he had a blast! Grandpa then asked him if he had any room for ice cream and he said pointing to his chest, "yes, right here". Guess we wore him out as he fell asleep on the way home. Thanks Christian for a very fun day!

Alyssa is going to have a birthday on Wednesday. Sorry we can't go with her to Toys R Us...Utah is just a little too far, but hope she has a good time shopping. Daniel called Sunday to tell us about losing his first 'wisdom tooth' and getting ready for his basketball game. He said it was cold there in Utah! Our Megan is excited about her first date on Saturday...get that baseball bat ready, Joe. Ben and Christian sure do have fun calling each other on the telephone. Miranda still loves school & homework.

Well, Nate's big day starts Wednesday as he turns 8 years old. He is officially a cub scout and will be baptized on Saturday. Marv and I will be flying to Colorado to help celebrate, as will his grandparents from Oregon.





Our little Melanie loves to clean, and clean, and clean. Her favorite is the bathroom. I was cleaning our NP apt bathroom and she was right there to help. I thought I would have to re-clean after her...but NO, she had it all done and did a super job.
Her sister, Chelsea, is also a little helper. She decided the other day she wanted some ice cream and got it out of the freezer, climbing on the sink to get the bowl and dished it up before her mom knew what was going on.
Ashley is sure growing, loves to jabber. She will probably start eating steak soon as she just cut her first wisdom tooth and another on the way. She is learning to fold her arms for prayer and sit quitely during Sacrament Meeting. What a cutie!

The toy room was a fun project for Andy and Marylyn. They painted the walls a very light lime green and then painted the circles on top (just two walls). Annika loves the circles, which was Andy's great idea. The first morning she had to see her circles right when she woke up and show her stuffed animals

Dave's family are really enjoying Colorado and we are excited to go for a visit this week. Dave says to bring lots of warm clothing....it's cold!

How good is your Right Foot?

How smart is Your Right Foot ? ? Just try this.. It is from an orthopedic surgeon....... This will boggle your mind and you will keep trying over and over again to see if you can outsmart your foot, but, you can't. It's preprogrammed In your brain!
1. WITHOUT anyone watching you (they will think you are NUTS......)and while sitting where you are at your desk in front of your computer, lift your right foot off the floor and make Clockwise Circles.
2. Now, while doing this, draw the number '6' in the air with your Right Hand. Your foot will change direction.

Sweet 16

She was born, just 16 years ago!

Our 'sweet 16' grand-daughter is very much in love with her cell phone.

It goes where ever she goes...even the beach.

She has always loved music whether dancing, playing the piano, in the school band or like today, just dancing around the house to Newsie with her brothers and sisters.

The beach is another one of her 'favorites' as she buggie boards with her cousins or swims in the pool...like a mermaid in water. They love their Meg!

Our angel

Christmas in Newbury Park

GG and Aunt Dale arrive from Maryland to spend Christmas with us.

Chelsea, Melanie, and Spencer Christmas morning were excited to see what Santa left them.











Sharlene and John also came for the holidays.

Dan makes a great omlet and was our cook for Christmas morning.

John's family came over later for a Christmas brunch. The following week we were invited to attend Brooke and Madison's piano recital. They both did a wonderful job along with the other pupils.





















Snow caped mountains that could be seen from our home.

Dave's family in Colorado

Steven, Sam, Becki, Mikal














Steven already learning to walk











Mikal is enjoying Basketball











Yeah.....music!

Happy New Year

Ashley is looking forward to 2008 Christmas as she had so much fun her first Christmas...see Ruth & Ben's blog for details.

Caroling...another family tradition

John and Marrianne's neighborhood get together each year and go caroling. This year GG, Dale, Spencer, Mel, Marv and I were invited to sing along. After caroling they all go to one of the neighbors homes for hot chocolate and goodies. We had a wonderful time and really got us into the Christmas spirit. To see more
of John's family fun, check their blog.

Marylyn in WA

To see more of our little princess and

her parents, check their blog....

Christmas in Utah

Joe's back yard and Daniel's ice cave.











Daniel, Meg, Miranda, Alyssa, and Bat-man
oops, we mean Ben-jamin