I have wondered more recently, when Sunday rolls around, and I haven't started writing in the blog, if it is something I really want to keep doing.  I can't tell you how many times I started a little family blog in the past - actually, I can - I was looking to day, and I have some that go all the way back to 2008 - but they are mostly just one paragraph drafts that didn't go anywhere and my motivation fizzled out and I didn't do any more until the next year - and you guessed it again - another draft that didn't get published. However, I have loved writing these, and if you can believe it, we are starting our 4th year.  What I like best is being able to look back and see our progress - where we have been, our adventures and travels, our hurts and disappointments, and I love that each week I can share my testimony with you.  This morning, I was listening to a podcast, and the following story was shared - 

President Eyring tells a story about a class he taught while serving as president of Ricks College. He taught religion and the Doctrine and Covenants. He would always tell the students that one of the requirements for this class was to write. 

A girl in the class proceeded to ask why it was so important to write. She said, "Why is it so important that I refine my writing skills?"The only thing I'm going to write are letters to my children, probably. Why do I need to do this?" President Eyring hesitated just long enough for a young man in the back of the room to stand and ask if he could answer the question. He was older than the other students and shy. He asked if he could speak and then continued with his story. "He had been a soldier in Vietnam. One day, in what he thought would be a lull, he had left his rifle and walked across his compound to mail call to pick up the mail. Just as he got a letter in his hand, he heard a bugle blowing and shouts and mortar and rifle fire coming ahead of the swarming enemy.  He fought his way back to his rifle, using his hands as weapons. With the men who survived, he drove the enemy out. The wounded were evacuated. Then, he sat down among the living and some of the dead and opened his letter. It was from his mother." 

"She wrote that she had had a spiritual experience that assured her he would live to come home if he were righteous. "In my class," the boy said, quietly, this phrase that I cherish - that letter, was scripture to me. I kept it to help me through the hard times."

I don't think I'm writing scripture, but I do love to look back at some of our family history, even if it's just 3 years ago.   AND I have to admit that my curiosity got the best of me this afternoon, and I did take a peek at one of those drafts from 2008 - These are some of the treasures I found - 

  Some of these photos I don't know if I've ever seen. But I love them and love remembering these grandchildren as "littles".  So, thank you for indulging me and contributing to our family history - it is amazing to witness the Lord's hand in our lives as these wonderful children have grown into awesome adults!  

 I do have to add that I am forever grateful that we still have Lily, Jake, Sayre, and Ben  - not babies, but not yet adults.  It is bittersweet watching them grow from little ones to toddlers, from strollers to dirt bikes, soccer, and beyond. I love you all so much❤

FUN NOTES FROM THIS WEEK ~

Sammi stopped by on Friday to check on Sendai, and a few minutes later, Eilis showed up.  Sendai thought she was in Heaven!  Two beautiful granddaughters who paid attention to her 😄

 Max and Amelia went to the Temple on Saturday and then out to eat - So fun that they ran into Zach's kids when they went to get something to eat - Owen and his wife, Sidney and her husband, and Jaime.

 I love when cousins can get together!

 (probably only happen in Utah 😃)

Sayre helped Kate paint his "book nook" - I love the colors!

  Today, they got just a dusting of snow, so when they took Clementine on a walk today, Sayre walked ahead of Kate and Jonathan and left pictures in the snow - sort of like leaving a crust of bread for someone to follow  My favorite was when they got to a corner he had left a picture with an arrow - so they would know which direction to go 😁

This past week has been a busy one for Dad and I  - I had a lot of school work to do, we made dinner for a family we minister to, and Dad fixed our porch lights, which had not been working for a while. We helped Angella get to her doctor appointment - she is doing great by the way - and we took a couple of hours and went to Kneaders for lunch.  

Tomorrow, I will be trying to get a week's worth of school assignments done in two days 😳

(I CAN DO IT!!!) and catching up on some housework before we leave for California on Wednesday morning.  

THANKS SO MUCH FOR ALL OF YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS THIS WEEK, AND FOR THE TIMES YOU REACHED OUT TO LET US KNOW YOU WERE THINKING OF US  - 

Have a wonderful week !

This is Kate being smothered by 75lbs of dog 😂

 I am so sad to have lost my sweet, sweet sister this past Wednesday, as she succumbed to the effects of Alzheimer's. 
 Over the last few days, I have pondered my many memories of her, the fun times we spent together, and as an older sister, she was always such a wonderful example to me. About one month after she and Ray adopted Matt, she found out she was pregnant. I always remember her chasing two boys, just 9 months apart, and how she managed it all with grace and patience.  She and Ray began dating when she was in high school, and Ray's old blue convertible (sorry, I am not a car person, so I don't know what kind of car it was)became a staple in our driveway. The first semester that Francie was away at BYU, Ray was baptized.  A year later, they were married and sealed in the Los Angeles Temple. Some of my favorite more recent memories of Francie are the days we spent at Napa -  eating, playing cards, sitting around the fire pit listening to Ken's friend, Gordon, who sounds just like James Taylor (just for fun, click on the link below), and exploring some of the local antique markets.  https://youtu.be/g4ITQRiVg04?si=D7SAv_zNJtLgejcb

Francie and Ray came to Colorado for a conference several years ago, and they wanted to see Pikes Peak - I mean, really see it - so Kevin drove us up, and Francie was terrified the whole way that the car was going to go over the edge. However, since that time, when we would go to California for a visit or talk on the phone,  she would always ask about "her" mountain.  

  It was surprising how quickly her health declined over the last three weeks.  But I know it is a blessing for her to be reunited with Ray, and with our Mom and Dad.  She will be so missed!  I am thankful I have Pikes Peak to remind me of her every day ❤.  

 And thank you so much to each one of our wonderful children who took the time to call us and share their love and concern. 

 You are the Best!

 

HAPPY NEWS THIS WEEK ~

 We get to celebrate Cory's birthday on Tuesday, Jan 27th ❤🎉🎈❤🎂🍨❤

 I can't imagine our family without her - she is a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, and friend - and she has taught me so many things.  One of my favorite memories of Cory was when we lived in Tucson, and Adam and Cory came down from Provo, and we drove down to Nogales to do some shopping across the border.  I can't remember exactly what it was that we were looking at (I think maybe rugs) but Cory was the Queen of bargaining, so much so, that the little Mexican shopkeeper ran out of the shop still trying to talk her into purchasing his goods (at his price, of course). I can still hear him yelling "20 dollar, 20 dollar" down the street.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CORY - HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!

Angella is doing well, recovering from her knee replacement surgery.  She is able to get around (carefully) and when she is off her feet, Hollie, Ben, and Eilis are around to give her a hand.  She has decided to take some extra time off of work, so she can start physical therapy, and hopefully that will help with the healing process.

Samantha has recovered from gallbladder surgery, and on Wednesday, she took Jake to an Avalanche Hockey game in Denver.  She is such a great sister - it was her gift to Jake for his birthday.  Apparently, they sat next to a "grandma and grandpa" who were quite taken with Jake, and during an intermission, they wanted to buy him something from the gift shop.  

 So he picked out this huge chain 😂

 Really, can anyone look at this picture and just not smile????

Adam, not wanting to be left out, took Paul Friday night to an Avalanche game -

They had a great time, though the Avalanche lost.  I don't think I could ever be too much of a hockey fan because it is just as cold inside the arena as it is outside (well, maybe not this week).   

  Has everyone survived the arctic cold weather?  Kim and Kate had bitter,  subzero temperatures last week, and the problem is that it is so humid in the Midwest that the cold feels even colder.  Colorado hasn't been too bad - in the high teens and low 20's, just cold enough that Sendai's walks are not as far or as long, and they normally are.  

  

 Kim sent me this photo of Blythe bundled up with her blanket scarf, trying to get warm ⛄

 

These cute boys will both be turning 8 in the next couple of months.  Sayre's birthday is February 7th, and he will be baptized the following day after Church.   Ben's birthday is March 24th. I can't believe how quickly they have grown up 😥

Kate sent me a photo today of the book nook they made out of Sayre's closet - What a great idea! 

Today, in my Primary class, we were talking about agency and the blessings we receive from being able to choose the path we want to follow.  I love the idea that we will all make mistakes and make wrong choices sometimes during our lives - I know I still do.  But without my mistakes, I would never learn. And sometimes I have to repeat the mistake until I finally get it right.  To me this is just another example of how much our Savior loves us.  That he allows us to keep trying until finally we get it right.

I love you all so much!  Send me photos this week.  Let me know what great adventures you are having, or if there is anything I can do for you ❤ 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO EMMA THIS WEEK!

  From the day she was born, Emma has filled our lives with sweetness, smiles, and kindness.  She is thoughtful and generous, and we have the best lunches and, once-in-a-while, a fun shopping spree. 😁  She is always so good to her siblings, always concerned for them, and goes out of her way to help them if there is a need.  She stays super busy with work and friends, so we don't get to see her as often as we would like, but we sure love her, and we are so thankful she is part of our family ❤

 Both Samantha and Angella had surgery this week. Samantha had her gall bladder taken out, and Angella had knee replacement surgery.  

I am happy to report that both are doing well.  Paul stayed home most of the weekend to take care of Sammi, and after talking with her yesterday, she said she was still pretty sore, and it hurt for her to sit up, but each day should be easier.

Angella had knee replacement surgery Thursday morning. The doctor said her knee was worse than they expected, but she came through it fine and was able to come home on Saturday.  She was supposed to be released from the hospital Friday, but she was in a lot of pain and couldn't meet the Physical Therapist's requirements to be released.  Saturday morning, Dad and Bishop Ash gave her a blessing, she did everything she needed to do for physical therapy, we got her home, and before we left, Hollie had her hooked up to the ice machine. She's in good hands with her sweet daughters!

 Adam and Cory are in Phoenix this week for Lily's soccer tournament. Her team won 2 games on Friday - I haven't heard results from yesterday, but she is on a great team, and I'm sure they did well. 

Our other budding soccer player in the family, Sayre is signed up for another session from now through March (I think)

Jonathan was in Texas for the last half of last week, and Sayre was so happy to have him home again!

 

We are looking forward to visiting them in just 3 weeks!

  

 Jake and Milo have been with us this weekend while Adam and Cory are out of town.  Needless to say, there is never a dull moment!  Jake brought his rollerblades so he could practice, and he has been outside in the cold, the wind, and even after dark.  Yesterday, we took the dogs for a walk, and when we were going up the street, he took Milo's leash so he didn't have to skate uphill 

 Genius!😀

 He was also worried about going down our front stairs, so he just jumped over them - 😲

Like I said . . . Never a dull moment 😄

COLORADO SPRINGS GOOD NEWS ~

 I put gas in the car last night at Sam's Club, and it was only $1.71.  I can't remember the last time it was down so low. 

AND, even better, Colorado Springs is getting an ALDI!  Finally!!

SADLY, this week, Francie is not doing well.  It was so nice to talk with Ruthie and Mike the other night.  We have all been in touch with Jenny, and she is doing her best to hold things together.  Francie is under Hospice care now.  She is not eating, and Steven said he is doing his best to get ice chips down her throat.  I think the thing that astounds me is how quickly she declined - just over the last three weeks.  I will keep you all updated 😢

Jenny has had some special spiritual experiences this past week as she has spent time with her Mom.  It is the greatest blessing to know that the end of life does not take away our family connections, and the covenants we have made in the Temple are eternal.  I am so thankful for my family ❤

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JAKE!  This handsome guy turns 10 today and is so happy he is in the "2 digits" now.  

 He is such a gift to our family - he is a hard worker, and there isn't a rock, stump, hedge, flower bed, ditch, tree, or fence he hasn't jumped over or climbed. He says the best prayers and gives the best hugs. He cares about others. He always makes us smile and has brightened our lives over the last 10 years. We love you, Jake!

Chicago News:

Kim and Chris had a fun houseful this weekend with Max and Amelia coming for a visit.  Kim said it had been a long time since their whole family was able to arrange work schedules so they could have dinner together. They also made time to go to the Temple, and Max took Amelia downtown to show - with Blythe and Cora as their tour guides 😃 

Iowa City Happenings ~

 Kate is back at work, Jonathan doesn't have to go back for another week, but he is doing "work stuff" from home, and Sayre is back to school and just started another season of soccer.  His baptism will be on Sunday, February 8th.  He is growing so quickly - it won't be too long before Kate will be asking him to help her get things from the top shelf.

double-fisting his yogurt after practice.

 We are looking forward to seeing them next month and being there to celebrate Sayre's birthday and baptism. 

Monument Madness!!

Adam and Cory were back to work this week, and in between work schedules, Adam has been repairing cars . . .🚙  Samantha is enjoying her work at the dental office, and school, and she finally quit working at Lifetime - which was a huge stress reliever for her.

Paul stopped by yesterday afternoon.  He is still trying to get all of his paperwork turned in for his mission. His dental paperwork had been misplaced (not by him), and he needed extra blood work done, so he had to go back to the doctor for that.  I think yesterday, he finally had it all done, and then was told that because his availability date wasn't until July, he would need to wait until February before he could turn it in.  Anyway, it's all done, so now all we can do is practice patience 😁

With all of the kids back at school and work this week, and Adam and Cory back to work, we were so lucky to get to spend Tuesday with Jake (his school hadn't started yet).  I hadn't taken down our Christmas decorations yet, so I put him to work helping me take the ornaments off the tree.  He eventually told me I wasn't fast enough, so he pretty much took over that job and got all the ornaments off the tree, while I packed them in their boxes.  He then helped me get the tree in its box (which was no easy feat), and he managed to get it downstairs by himself (it was sooo heavy).  I tried to help, but he basically told me I was in the way. 😁

The Rest of Colorado Springs -

Dad had jury duty on Monday, which, after about three hours, they sent him home.  We spent Wednesday running errands - returning Amazon boxes to Whole Foods and Kohl's, a visit to Costco, and quick stop at Trader Joe's.  Yesterday, I got some housecleaning done, we picked up some peanut butter from Sam's Club for Sendai, and then went to visit Shannon.  She seemed happy, and not too much has changed with her. 

I know Angella has been busy this week preparing the house and the kids for her surgery on Thursday. She made arrangements with the Mother of one of Ben's friends from school, who will bring him home each day. 

I have a lot of reading and writing assignments for my American Government class, taking dinner to a friend on Wednesday, and giving Angella a hand when she has surgery on Thursday. Adam and Cory are headed to Las Vegas early Friday morning for Lily's soccer tournament. Paul is babysitting Samantha while Adam and Cory are gone, and I get Jake and Milo for the weekend. Yay!!!

AND finally, from Sunny California ~

Mike went down to Modesto and spent several days with Francie while Jenny took some time away for her birthday.  Mike said Francie struggles with her speech and there are good moments and not-so-good moments.  I talked to her for a few minutes this week, and I could tell she had declined even from just one month ago. It makes me so sad, and anxious to see her.  Mike took her over to check the progress on the Modesto Temple.

Finally - 

This is only my first week of my American Government class, but I loved what I learned.  Our reading focused on the Articles of Confederation and how the writing of the Constitution evolved.  When James Madison proposed his plan for how our government should be formed, it sparked a major disagreement between the smaller states and the larger states.  The point was that neither side would compromise.  Benjamin Franklin became frustrated with the arguing and reminded the delegates that they only survived and won the Revolutionary War because of the power of prayer, and that possibly, they needed to seek the Lord's help again. 

This made me think of where we are in our country today. No one is willing to compromise, to work together, and I doubt that many of our politicians look for answers in prayer. 

The link below is for a movie we watched for class. It is an old, old movie, produced by BYU (you might recognize some of the faces) - but the content is credible and if you have an interest in U.S.  History, I think you might enjoy it.  I believe it was Benjamin Franklin (or maybe George Washington) who said that it is only through compromise that we can become united.  Still true today.

A More Perfect Union