A Day Outdoors

The weather has been so beautiful lately that we just could not spend our day off from work and school indoors. So...we loaded up the kids, packed a picnic and headed for Usery Mountain Regional Park. We spent a couple of hours hiking the Wind Cave trail. The kids enjoyed a little exercise and Matt and I enjoyed wearing them out! The view of the city was breathtaking and the sunshine magnificent! After our hike we drove the kids to Blue Point on the Salt River. We had a windy picnic and then spent time playing in the river. The only complaint from the kids is that we didn't bring their swimsuits. Who knew it would be warm enough in January to swim in the river!!

New Calling

Last Sunday I was sustained as the new Stake Primary President. I know, I know...pick your jaws up off the floor! I just wanted to share the news will all of you not to brag but to tell you about the wonderful spiritual experience it has been. I am so thankful for the Holy Ghost and the comfort and guidance he gives to us. I have learned that we can do all things in the Lord. If we have a willing heart, and faith in our Savior he will help us to accomplish his will. I am so humbled that he has put his trust in me.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas is my most favorite time of the year! I love the music, the decorations, and of course the gifts. I love watching the excitement in the eyes of my children as they look at lights, eat yummy treats, and wait for the arrival of Santa. I especially love Christmas because we get to celebrate the birth of our Savior. My testimony of the Savior has been strengthened this year and for that I am extremal grateful.

Cookies for Santa!

Every Christmas my mom makes sugar cookies and then invites the grand kids over to decorate them for Santa. This year Emily made a big pile and we wondered if Santa would be able to eat them all!!! It was a lot of fun. We especially enjoyed watching my niece Lana pour on the sprinkles! She had more sprinkle on her cookie than there was cookie! We talked the kids into only putting out ten cookies for Santa and guess what....he ate them all! We also sprinkled reindeer food out on the lawn for them to eat and they ate that too!!

Happy Birthday Makenna!

I can't believe it! Makenna turned 10 on Friday Nov. 21st. Ryan and I put out some birthday balloons to welcome her home from school. She was pleasantly surprised! That night we took her and the rest of the family out to dinner at the restaurant of her choice...McDonald's! On Saturday night we invited family over for cake and ice cream. It was a fun celebration. Makenna You are growing up and becoming a beautiful young woman!

Becoming Self-reliant

Matt and I have wanted for some time now to start a garden. We just didn't know how to do it in our little back yard. We feel strongly that we need to learn how to grow our own veggies and become just a little bit more self-reliant. So, with the help of our brother-in-law Lindsey, Matt got a garden box built. Now all we need it some garden soil, some seeds, and spring to come. Wish us luck!

Trick Or Treat

We had a great time trick or treating this year. We had a couple of families come over for dinner and then headed out together to load the kids up with sugar. Halloween is not my favorite holiday, but the kids love to dress up so Matt and I indulge them. I think they ended up looking adorable. If you can't tell by the pictures Makenna was a vampire, Emily a pirate, and Ryan was Batman.