Merry Christmas

To all our family and friends, we wish you the merriest Christmas and safe New Year. We have had a year full of trials and triumphs, some which have changed our lives forever. Here's the condensed version:

• Gary had a miraculous epiphany whilst talking to one of our children which led him to the truth.
• Sue had a busy year with work, children - especially the addition of Samuel - and more work.

• Sariah has continued to excel in her education,volleyball skills, social life and yes, is a full-fledged teenager (and lovin' it). She plays the violin - but does not want to be labeled as a nerd (heaven forbid!)

• Benjamin plays the clarinet like nobody's business, had a great season of basketball, was ordained a deacon!!! and is back to 'workin' hard'. We have yet to figure out what he's workin hard at - ......

• Jacob has thrived in his scouting - close to earning his arrow of light - loves the flute and cello - to the point he can't decide which to continue in - and still brings home A's. He is still our loveable tease - great to see the uncles' genes come out from both sides LOL

• Nephi is the quiet achiever, desiring to play an instrument other than the piano, loves to show compassion and love to all his siblings - even when they're mean to him. As the middle child, he has patience and tolerance for all his brothers and sister.

• Ammon is loving first grade, reading, playing with friends and taking care of his two little brothers. He is trying hard not to be sensitive 'all the time' - only he's so darn tender hearted, that it's hard for him.

• Joseph had a fun time at preschool and learned to write his name very well - by practicing on the walls in the house! He has managed to limit the writing to just pencil and crayon, which are somewhat easier to remove than dry erase marker (!)

• Samuel has gone through all the milestones - walking at 10 mths, talking constantly, cutting 6 teeth, being as cute as any baby ever!

• We had a wonderful family vacation to visit our family in Miss-ouri (yes, we Miss them so much) and many spiritual experiences from fasting and prayers to seeing friends pass on and enter into this mortal life. We are grateful for the Savior and His sacrifice for us. We know that if we obey, we can all enter into His presence. We wish His love upon you at this time and always........

Samuel's Birthday!

It's hard to believe that it's been a whole year since our spoiled treasure came into our lives..... Here's some things we ALL love about Samuel:

• love to chase him and watch him giggle as he runs away
• loves that he's cute and funny
• love to watch him eat his food and grunt for more
• love to see him waddle around
• love to take pictures of his adorable smile
• love to cuddle him up whether he's asleep or not
• love to give him lots of kisses and raspberries on his tummy
• love to watch him dance and nod to songs like some beat boxer
• love to love him!

Just in case you didn't notice, he is always smiling...... except when he wants something! Nobody can believe how happy he is all the time!!! What a blessing to have in our lives ♥

9-1-1!

There are some things that you never think will happen to you, funny as they are for others, and then when it does, you don't see the humor in it at all. I was late for a tithing settlement at the church on Saturday, and got a call as I walked into the church building that Joseph had called 911! I was at a loss for words! I didn't know whether to turn around and head back or just stay put - in case I attempted an unavoidable painful consequence to the culprit who had erred.... Apparently, he didn't know where I was, so thought it best to call 911. Poor Sariah had to explain that it was an accident and that everything was fine - but the officer was still on his way. He spoke to Joseph and explained that calling 911 is only when there is extreme danger or harm - I wonder if he would have taken that rational approach had it been his son that had called?
Needless to say, the day continued without a hitch prior to my return so that I would be pleasantly surprised.

THANKSGIVING!

What a day! I am having a hard time focusing, but I know that time will heal the pain. I spent last night with Colette, Michelle, Heidi and Carolyn making this adorable advent calendar.... can't wait to post the pics when I'm done. We actually did more on it at Wendy's before we ate. It was crazy!! Lots of fun, lots of people and lots of food!! Again, I didn't take photos - see, not a priority when having fun....
But Cara did take pics at the park so here's some with my cheesy camera until she downloads hers.

The girl cousins - bee-uu-ti-fuul!

The grandparents with all the grandkids.

Samuel loving his daddy....

Sariah loving Samuel.

Sariah and Kristina, said to look like sisters....

Life's Trials ........

For those who don't know, one of my limitations in keeping up with the blog is that I have other priorities - like a family, friends, church responsibilities, work..... - that deplete my energy reserves so the blog drops down a few notches.... Well, one priority in the past weeks was to spend some time with a close church friend of mine, Shelley. Her story is a sad one, but I think also, an important one to note. It began in early October. You can click here to read about it.
Shelley had the perfect life, or so it seemed. A wonderful, loving husband, eight amazing spiritual children, and a spirit about her that magnetized people to her. She was truly a gem, shining bright for others to see. Her husband takes care of our life insurance, so I called in regards to switching banks and having the automatic withdrawal switched to the new bank. When he finally returned my calls, he said that he had been tending Shelley in the hospital for the past few days. Upon finding out, I went in to visit them and see if there was anything I could help with - massage was the only service that I could provide, and also to let her instructors know that she would be absent until further notice. Little did I know, that those short visits with Shelley were to become cherished memories with a dear friend. I got to visit her maybe 7 or 8 times in the two different hospitals and eventually at home, but few as they were, they have impacted me more than I thought possible. I realized that time is precious. No not just the cliche - but it truly is precious and invaluable. Once it is spent, it can not be changed, altered or adjusted. Friends are also precious and invaluable. There are many nights I sit and feel sorry for myself - why don't I have 'best friends' like I did in Australia, why don't I get called upon to hang out, why doesn't anybody take the time to call/come by.......yes, it's hard not to have family around, especially when you come from a 'family centered culture' when Saturdays were spent with aunts, uncles, cousins eating and playing and having fun... but what I have realized, is that instead of feeling sorry for my loneliness, I need to reach out to others, like Shelley did. She made everyone feel like a sister - I pray earnestly that I could attain that quality. Even in her pain and trial, she was always encouraging me to be the person I could and should be. What an angel.......
This was a hard day and difficult to write about. Last night I lost one of my good friends to lung cancer, after only battling it for 8 weeks. I guess the reason it's so hard for me, is that we always kid around with each other, saying that she's 9 years ahead of me - we both have 6 boys and she has 2 girls, I have 1. She would always ask me when I was having my last 'girl'. Shelley was my advice buddy, my friend I could call on when I needed to talk or just catch up on 'stuff'. She is and always will be an amazing listener, mother, wife, friend, daughter of God. I only wish I could follow in her footsteps just a bit. She was always serving others, despite the fact that she had a family who needed her too. She will be missed by many.

Temple Day

Mike and Colette and family are in town!!!! We're so excited to see them - especially Sariah. We got to go to the temple and perform baptisms with the youth in Colette's family. So much fun!!!

Then, Danie went through the temple tonight, so that was another special event. We got to go eat afterwards at Tia Rosa's - and I didn't take pics!! They had really amazing food, but the best part was the company. I feel so blessed to feel like an 'Eaton' sister - they take me in as if I was one of them. Thank you Colette for having a welcoming family.♥♥
Sunday night we had Mike, Colette and the children over for dinner - rice with curry and pasta figoli with bread rolls (course I forgot to take pics) and then we went over to Elena's for a get together.

Samuel is always content as long as he's held.

This was taken on the night of Danie and Blair's reception. They look so happy and right for each other...

Happy Feet

It seems that my children love taking photos as much as me, so these were taken randomly just because they had happy feet and a happy heart.

Samuel loves to eat - anywhere, anytime, anything?!?

Ammon has quite the strength.

Joseph was doing such a good job showing the moves.....

That they all mimicked him - Saturday night fever had begun!

Peter visiting from California.

Peter is the first to talk to me about the Gospel and then eventually baptize me.... it's great to have friends who keep in touch and care for you through ALL the good and the bad....We can't wait to visit his family in NE Cali one day......

Good Job Jacob!

Pack meeting tonight was a big deal because Jacob earned his Webelos rank. Unfortunately, his shirt has been missing for weeks - disappeared into the black hole, so this is the best we could do. Jacob is so hard working and loyal. He is extremely compassionate and caring - sometimes I wish he would care about his brothers and sister more, but all in all, he's a great kid.

This is Joseph as a Power Ranger - fit like a glove!

Stake Conference Adult Session

What a great spiritual day! Last night we attending Stake Conference adult session and heard many words of wisdom from our wonderful stake president. He is so inspired! As are his counselors... they taught us well, about the importance of marriage, our relationship with our eternal companion and our Savior, and on a different note, about our relationship with others and how we view ourselves - mightier than thou or not - and repentance. I guess everybody takes something different away from Stake Conference, but I know I left there feeling that it was all for me.
It was quite poignant to hear the words of counsel congratulating us for our valiant efforts and nobleness in building the kingdom of God, but then to be admonished to watch out for having feelings of greatness amongst our own and making others feel less. Ironically, I feel that I have been at the brunt of that for quite some time amongst certain groups. I have been having my own pity party - private invitation only. The solution is very simple, but not easy to follow: lose yourself in the service of others. I know when I am striving to be a shoulder for someone else, or offer a hand to someone in need, or hug someone who is troubled, I feel so full of gratitude and love from the Savior. I was reminded of this last night: take the spotlight off of you and shine it on someone else. I was truly humbled by this. It is so easy to say that I want to feel sad and 'they' need to know my pain and feel some pain too, but in the end, it only hurts yourself. I know that harboring feelings of bitterness and angst towards others does more damage to oneself than those you have feelings about. I also know that the Savior atoned for all of our sins so that only He can take the pain away.
I know that if I try to be like Him, the pain will turn to hopefulness and eventually I will feel joy. I am writing these thoughts down to remind myself of the simplicity of the joy that the Gospel brings if we but obey and trust in Him, rather than ourselves....if we could just serve with unconditional love instead of expect to be served..... if we could look at things eternally rather than temporally, how great will be our wisdom and joy.... so much can be learned through the Savior's example - if we just follow Him instead of those around us. ♥

Halloween 2008

What a day! I'm so glad for my family..... they're so patient and understanding. I am not a huge Halloween lover - since the whole idea with candy in cold and flu season doesn't make sense - but I do enjoy seeing my children dress up and get 'into it'. This year was no different. They already had costumes for trunk or treat, but they all changed things up for Halloween night.... Jacob was a Clone from Star Wars, Nephi was a clown, Ammon was a clown too, and Joseph was Sully from Monsters Inc. We got so excited in the whole night that I forgot to take pics! Benjamin and Sariah went to the temple and had a great time....we had planned a couple of weeks ago to have some friends over for a neighborhood gathering - spread by word of mouth. Hopefully we'll have more next year since we wanted any and all to feel welcome.
We had chili and chicken noodle soup and set up a projector outside and watched 'The Adamms Family'. It was a great crowd pleaser - many stopped and watched. We also watched 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' and then went through the local pirate ship - wow!!!! All in all we had a great time, especially since we got to meet lots of our neighbors. The candy spree went well for the kids too, although they are done 'partaking' for the week.

Fondue Fun

So, I know I haven't kept up with the posts, but lots have happened, so I will update now........

These pics are from 5 weeks ago when we had a fondue night - we had meatballs with spaghetti sauce dip, sour dough bread with spinach and artichoke dip, and marshmallows, bananas, strawberries, pretzels, sponge cake with chocolate dip. Funny thing was, I got semi-sweet chocolate, so the 'chocolate fondue' was left behind whilst they fought over the other sauces......

The loved the thought of chocolate.....

dived right into it......

stuffed their mouths.......

then they wanted to spit it out because it was bitter!!

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Photo Shoot Giveaway

Ok, so I am trying to play catch up with my posts, so bear with me. Here is a link to a photographer that my SIL absolutely loves! She has had photos taken and I believe they can be viewed. Her name is Ashley and she is a creative photographer. Click here to check out her contest giveaway and amazing pics.

Family Togetherness Week

We had a fantastic Family Togetherness Week!! We had lots of different activities planned... Monday night we went to Sweet Tomatoes for dinner and Gary gave a great lesson in the car, whilst driving. We bumped into Ms. Allison - Benjamin and Nephi's old teacher who teaches somewhere else now. She looked great. I really appreciate good teachers! You never forget their teachings.....

Samuel gets so hungry he chews his toes!

Benjamin in his new suit as deacon...

We went to the park on one of the days, and the boys dogpiled on Sariah! I thought she was kidding, but she couldn't breathe!! Jacob started it.....

We had movie night during the week, but on Friday I promised them I'd take them to the Rec Center. Some played racquetball for the first time - they were pretty good...

Sariah was kind enough to play with Ammon and Joseph..

Then it was time for the rock wall!!! Of course I wanted to climb really bad, but Samuel was a permanent attachment....

Nephi is climbing on the right - he made it up to the top several times.

That's Benjamin on the right - he's afraid of heights, like me, so this is a big deal!

The three 'big boys' on varying levels of difficulty - Nephi is on the hardest in the middle.

Believe it or not, Ammon was amazing at this!!! He climbed about 4 times, each time almost to the top.

On Friday, we all went on a bike ride to the local pizza place - through main lights and everything! Well, the trailer got a flat, so Gary had to ride it to the gas station and pump it up, and then we rode home. It was tons of fun - especially since Ammon is now officially RIDING a TWO WHEELER!!!! What a big deal!

This was the Trunk or Treat for our ward. I love that Sariah still poses even when she's a pirate...and Nephi - what a clown!! Jacob apparently looks like some famous racecar driver - we didn't know who he was, but a lot of the dads did......

My two m & m's are so yummy!!

This is my new haircut - I love it! so easy and apparently it's rejuvenating! Thanks Summer!♥

Fall Break Specials....

We love Happy hour at Sonics - this was a surprise treat I sprung on the kids....