Eva's big 6 birthday celebration

Eva turned 6 this year. Here are a number of pictures celebrating her day.

She blew out the candles before I even got them all lit. A little overzealous, I think!


They had to lick the candle ends, as if there Jesse with Monica
there wasn't enough frosting on the cake
for them.....

Present time! Eva and her best friend, Emerson

Two girls in pink!

She received a porcelain doll and .......................a porcelain kitty.

Littlest Pet shop things, fun, fun! MONEY--always a favorite. Emerson is grinning

big because it is from her!

A barbie-as Rapunzel-movie. How princessy! More coloring stuff, right up her alley.



A book......with a cd-bonus! Now she can listen All the party goers:
to the story without me! Monica, Saul, Elias
Jesse, Emerson, Eva, Taylor


And, last but not least, a late comer party guest,
Memphis, another of her buddies from school
They had a great time playing and spending
time together.

We'll start from here

You will all be happy to know that I am back!

I've spent too much time not blogging and now have a lot to write about.



First we can start with this little "dear" caught in the headlight. He likes to be very silly but was surprised with this one....Here we are with the normal looking Elias. Cute dimples!


We read scriptures every morning. We purchased a large print Book of Mormon for our beginning readers. It seems to help them see each letter better. Who knows, Chad and I may need that large print someday.......!

Saul is such a loving brother. He helps Eva with the words that are still too large for her, or those "naughty" words that just won't follow the rules of the English language!

Bright eyed and bushy-tailed he is! Jesse is normally a very happy fellow in the morning. The slight grin says it all.

RS Christmas Dinner Decorations

Here is a selection from the decorations put up by Toni and Lesli. They did a wonderful job!

Here is our Christmas tree.

Here are our stockings "hung by the chimney with care"

Elias and Saul before the RS Christmas Program.
They sang in the program and did a very nice job.

Chad and Elias before the program.

Wendy was in charge of the program and recruited Elias, Saul, and Eva. They did a great job singing and the program was a success. Next post I will put pictures of the fabulous decorations put together by Toni and Lesli. There is real talent!

So much to be thankful for......

I'm almost embarrassed to post after a whole month of nothing!

We have just been busy! I have been working a little, studying for my one school course and keeping up with the kids. The holidays have snuck up on me here. I haven't been taking many pictures, I'm waiting to get a good deal on a new digital camera that will take nicer pictures. I will post a few more recent ones.

Last night, we were out and about and enjoyed seeing the moon, Jupiter and Mars in the southern sky. The kids had been really excited about the very red sunset and were even more excited about seeing the planets up there too.

I am currently working on the music portion for the Relief Society (women's group at church) Christmas program. I'm expecting it to turn out very nice. We practiced last night at the church and the kids did a good job. The adults in the group have been working hard as well. I'm also in the midst of the music for the Christmas Sunday program as well. I'll be glad when all that is OVER! I have been spending a lot of time sitting at the piano practicing the many songs I am accompanying for the two programs.

Last Sunday, we were in St. Louis. The Sunday School lesson and Relief Society lessons both brought to mind thankfulness. I wish to list a few things I am thankful for here......

My Savior, His Gospel in my life. My husband, children, parents, siblings/siblings-in-law, parents-in-law, my health, the health of my family. The scriptures, without which, I wouldn't have divine guidance in my life, as well as the Prophet, Pres. Monson, and the other worldwide, and local leaders of the church who serve so selflessly. I am thankful that we have a temple near by, close enough to reach in just a few hours. It is truly a blessing. I am thankful for the freedoms that we enjoy in this great land. I am thankful for the trial that I have that help me to see from others perspective, and grow in a way that I could not otherwise. I am thankful for good friends who care about me and my family. I am thankful to have a home and Chad's and my ability to work and take care of our family-giving them all the things they need and some of what they want. I am thankful that we have a means of transportation. I am thankful for the callings I have at church. Playing piano/organ on so many occasions has improved that talent with which I was blessed.

The list could go on but I have many other things pressing on my time.

I love knowing that my Savior Jesus Christ lives, that He loves and knows about me. I love that He has given us scriptures that guide us and a living prophet to lead us.
I am thankful for the Christmas season that guides peoples everywhere to look more to God and His teachings. It truly is a better way to live. May we all be more thankful and live more like our Savior this special Christmas Season and on into the next year.

Now that I have rambled on, I just have so much on my mind and in my heart. The kids are doing well in school, and Jesse is enjoying being home with me.