Dessert ~ Friday, December 4th

In my in-laws kitchen, hangs a sign "Life is short, eat dessert first." I live by their wisdom! I love good sweets. Just because there is sugar within the product, doesn't make it good! Yesterday, the kids watched and drooled as fudge, christmas cookies and brownies were made!
During the summer of '89, my Dad worked over in Scotland and we went over there with him. What a summer it was! Scotland was great and so was the endless supply of chocolate truffles! Oh, I sure miss those!! This Christmas, I am going to try my hand at making truffles, they won't be the same as the ones in Scotland, but I will give it my best....

Something Perfect ~ December 2nd and 3rd

I would like to combine these two days as one. It is the same thanks that I give and am so grateful for. Two little babies ~ a baby boy and a baby girl were placed and so gratefully received by their new Mommies and Daddies. One family was a couple we knew in Surprise. The other family, is my dear cousins' oh! they will make great parents! I came across a poem today is for them. Welcome to our family Syrus Lee.

Something Perfect

There's an ache that's missing today
There's an emptiness that's been filled
There's a cloud that's lifting and drifting away
There's a ragin' storm that's been stilled
There's a joy that's real
There's a wound that's finally healed
There's a future replacing the past
There's breath of new life in the cast

And there's something perfect happening here
And this moment will bury the mountains of fears
And through countless tomorrows
It won't disappear
This something that's perfect
Happening here

No one knows, so no one can say
That tomorrow all will be well
Will the brightest promise that shines on today
Shine tomorrow? No one can tell
But one thing is sure
And will be forever more
When such unselfish love has been given
The world just made more room for heaven

And there's something perfect happening here
And this moment will bury the mountains of fear
And through countless tomorrows it won't disappear
This something that's perfect
Happening here

George Randall ~ Tuesday, December 1

When I first met George Randall, Steve took me up to Colorado to meet his parents and the Colorado family. I was so nervous! I didn't need to be though. I was blessed with the best father in law and mother in law. I knew him for about 8 years, too short of time. George passed away last year. On Mothers Day 2008, he had his 3rd or 4th major stroke. We knew that this one would take him. He is a quiet, gentle man ~ that is who I knew. He was one you could talk with and know he was listening and understood. I am so thankful for raising Steve. Teaching him to love the gospel and to raise a strong individual. There are moments in our lives now that Steve and I really miss his guidance, his listening ear and his laugh. How blessed I was to know him!

Lots of Leaves!

I am thankful for a yard full of leaves! I love the Fall season. I moved to Arizona from Texas in 1985. In Texas, we had these huge trees that would sprinkle their leaves all over our yard and we would have to do the awful chore of raking them all up. I never thought I would miss those days, but when you live in a new subdivision in Surprise, Arizona ~ the tall trees with their big leaves - don't happen. There are no big piles for the kids to run and jump in or to hide under. On Saturday, Steve and I watched as Morgan, Michael and Whitney would rake them up then drag their piles here and there. The leaves are still upon the ground, but now at least the kids know what rakes are for, instead of sword fighting...

Thankful for Sleep

Today, I am thankful for a good nights rest. We have had 5 of our 6 children sick for about two weeks this time. We started out a few months back with several of them, including myself and Steve having Strep Throat. Since then, the kids have had fevers on and off, due to an 'unknown viral infection.' We, the family, are so tired of fevers, coughs, running nose's and going to the doctors, but are grateful for medicine that can help get rid of these illnesses. We are also grateful for GOOD doctors. Lately, after many nights with limited rest, I was able to sleep almost through the entire night without interruption!

Twilight - Saturday, November 28th

I never thought I would say this; but I am thankful for the movie Twilight! A week before the Thanksgiving holiday, Steve and I requested the movie Twilight in preparation for a traditional Thanksgiving day movie with his family. This year the movie was to be 'New Moon.' I didn't really know anything about Twilight other than it was a vampire movie and that was enough for me not to watch it. I did and I loved it! Now, I would like to read the book, which I hear is much better than the movie.

Before 6 children came into our lives, I would read. I loved to read. I loved all the places I could travel just by opening up a book. I loved to peek into the lives of the people within the pages of the story. Twilight, will be the first book I have read in a long, long time. I look forward to visiting a small town called Fork and the people in it.

Older Sons - Friday, November 27th.

Today, I am thankful for my two older sons, Austin and Justin. There are many reasons, but today, as I am consumed by this horrible cough that has consumed our family, I am thankful for them, for I can rest and know that my little ones are in good hands.
Austin, is a talented writer. One day, he will be published - I am sure of it. He has an endless imagination and a talent for writing his thoughts and ideas down. He is also very good with his brothers and sisters. He knows what he wants out of life. Ever since he was a small child he has been a go getter - never stops trying to achieve what is important to him.

Justin, is a good sport. He loves to play ball - any of them - football, volleyball, but his most favorite is soccer! He is also very good with his brothers and sisters. He taught Olivia how to play Uno! That is now her most favorite game to play (she sleeps with the deck under her pillow). He is so funny too. I love the twinkle in his eyes when he knows he has told a good joke or has got you good!

They got big too quick! Just yesterday, they were tiny little guys that I could craddle in my arms and now they tower over me. I am so grateful to have them in my life and to get to know them in theirs.

A Day of Thanksgiving

Today, as we celebrate A Day of Thanksgiving, I would like to begin a daily journal of what I am thankful for; now until Christmas.

First and foremost, I am thankful for a loving Father in Heaven who is always there for me. "Lead me, guide me, walk beside me, help me find my way." I truly do not know where I would be this year, had it not been for the guidance of a Father in Heaven, who has also blessed me with a dear husband and parents. This year has been very challenging and worrisome, but we made it through. We made it through. Many prayers have been offered on our families behalf. We thank you for those.

I know my Father lives, I have no doubt. I have felt his presence in my own life. I know that Joseph Smith saw the Father and his Son. I know that The Book of Mormon is true. I know that Joseph Smith translated the book under his Fathers guidance. I know that he restored his Fathers' church to the earth in the latter-days. I know that Thomas S. Monson is our prophet that leads and guides us today. I know these things to be true. My parents taught me, planted the seed and I myself, have also found these teachings to be true.
"Teach me all that I must do, to live with him someday."

My Three White Dresses

My mom bought me a white dress,
Not red or pink or blue.
She said it was a special dress
Like very other few,
There has been just one before,
A dress now put away,
That I wore some time ago
Upon my blessing day.
As a little baby clothed In my first white dress,
My dad held me in his arms,
There to name and bless.
So pure and clean was I just then,
With time to grow and learn
About the Father's plan for me.
My glory I must earn.
Now I've reached the age to judge
The wrong road from the right,
And I am here to be baptized
In this dress of white.
So once again I'm free from sin.
The path is clear to me.
I'll grasp the rod and hold on tight, I vow with certainty.
Just as mud would stain my dress,
Sin would stain my soul.
The key is to repent or bleach,
For whiteness is my goal.And if I try my very best,
Then richly blessed I'll be,
Wearing inside God's holy house
White dress number three,
So today I make this pledge:
I'll strive to choose the right,
Through this sacred baptism ordinance
In my second dress of white. (Linda Gay Perry Nelson, 1993)

Princess Olivia

October 29, 2009: You and your Prince Charming are invited to "A Princess Ball." Dress in your best princess gown. Princess Olivia and her Prince Charming went to the ball. They had refreshments, each Father told what made their daughter a princess. It was a wonderful night!

I enjoyed getting her ready for the Ball. She had a salon afternoon, provided by Mom. We did her hair and her manicure / pedicure. She loved every moment of it! I did too! It is fun to see her growing up. She is a bright young lady, who loves math, to read and absolutely loves to do art work. We are so blessed to have her in our family.

Baptism for Olivia Rose

Olivia Rose has chosen to be baptized on Saturday, October 31, 2009. At 9:30am. We are so pleased with the person she is becoming. She is a delightful young lady, loves to draw, read and play. She is a big help around the house and a little mother with her younger siblings. She loves to learn new things and enjoys sharing what she knows. I am so glad she chose us to be her parents.

Albertson's Great Deal

With a family of 8 - 2 of them being teenage boys, I find it challenging to get food / snacks at a good price. Today, I spent under $60.00 with a 71% savings! It may be cheezy, but here is the list of what I got. My sister in law Brittany helps me do better - so hats off to her for her guidance.

2 Marie Calendar Pot Pies
3 Betty Crocker Wild Blueberry
5 Bagel-fuls
2 Hunts Ketchup
5 Nature Valley Granola Bars
4 Healthy Choice Dinner
3 Chef Boyardee Ravioli
2 Chef Boyardee Spaghetti & Meatballs
4 Pop Tarts
3 Betty Crocker Frostings
2 Rice Krispie Treats
4 Chips Deluxe Cookies
5 Redenbacher Pop Corn
3 Warm Delights
2 Hunts Manwich
3 Betty Crocker Potato Pouches
1 Pillsbury Pie Crust

Our Syracuse Home

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This is the home in Syracuse, Utah that we hope to purchase. We made an offer and it was accepted. The inspection was today and everything looks really good. The original house was built in 1940 and the addition about 5-10 years ago. The home has 4 bedrooms and 2 baths. It is really neat to have some of the original features of the home still there. The Boys and girls rooms look small - but they aren't. At the foot of the bunk beds in the boys room, there is another bunk bed. The pantry - you load the food in the garage and there is another door in the house where you can take the food out on the shelves. We are so excited to move. We have been very blessed over this last year. We look forward to moving in the end of June.

Minnie Mouse Birthday

Olivia, Whitney, Allison and Linsey helped celebrate their cousin Hayley's 4th birthday today. Hayley had a Minnie Mouse party. The girls painted their fingernails, played musical chairs, and pinned the nose on Mickey Mouse.

Hayley's mom and Grandma Jo made each of the girls the beautiful skirts Olivia and Whitney are wearing, along with a matching bag for the pinata' loot. They ate a very good Minnie Mouse birthday cake and chocolate chip ice cream. Hayley opened her presents. For the final gift the girls marched up the stairs and stood at the patio door which was shielded by a curtain.

When the curtain was pulled back, Hayley with her eyes closed went outside. When her mother said 'open your eyes' she did, at first she looked to the left and didn't see her present. Then she looked to the right and saw it! Her new swingset! She was so happy she squealed and jumped for joy and went off to play with her 4 cousins.
Olivia and Whitney were able to stay and play for awhile after the party. On the drive home, the girls were so tired they had to sleep. It was a wonderful day!

My Valentine

Steve and I have been married for about 8 1/2 years now and have 6 kids! For those of you who didn't know us then, this is our story. In 1999, I was divorced, with 2 children and lived with my parents. My ex-husband was a pain and I had to deal with him. Through the prodding of a friend, I went to play volleyball on a Wednesday night in August. It was with the older singles. Austin and Justin went with me, so my nerves were shot and the boys were very busy!
It was a difficult time for me, because I really was to old for the younger singles and not quite old enough for the older singles. They were welcoming to me and the boys.
Not long after that, I started dating this guy I had met online. He seemed nice, not nutty and we dated for awhile. During that time, I continued to play volleyball and started to attend the church meetings with the singles ward. They assigned me hometeachers - Steve Martin and on occassion Steve Randall would come as well.
My first husband and I were not married in the Temple.
In August 1999, I made a decision to go through the Temple with my brother Sean. He was going on his mission. I asked Sean if that would be ok and it was. The only other ones I told were my Mom and Dad. I didn't want to disappoint anyone in case I changed my mind.
The Sunday before we went to the Temple, I told my very pregnant sister, Kelli what my plans were. I didn't want to be the cause of early labor! I had planned to go through orientation with my Mom. Right before the meeting, she excused herself to go to the restroom. When she returned she was holding someone's hand who I couldn't see yet and much to my delight it was my Grandma (my 2nd mom). I will never forget seeing all my loved ones on that day in that special place! It was such a special day.
On Easter Sunday, April 12th, Steve was to sing "O, Lord My Redeemer." He almost didn't, because he didn't feel ready, but he felt impressed that he should, because someone there needed to hear it. He did. He did a wonderful job. I remember thinking - hmmm. Steve.
The Wednesday after Easter, I went to play v-ball. On Thursday volleyball was more competitive and I decided to go and watch. The 'guy' was supposed to call that night, but I thought I would just talk to him at another time. When I got home, I got a phone call from the guy. He said I was a liar, because I wasn't where I said I was going to be when I said I would be there. I had told him I would be home and he was going to call me. Yes, I dumped him that night!
The singles ward had a campout in April and Steve and I drove up together with the boys. It provided us the opportunity to talk and get to know each other more. I liked what I saw and how he was with my children. Less than two weeks after Steve and I started dating, I knew I would marry him. He did too. He just wanted to wait a full month to propose!
When Steve told his Dad about me, his Dad asked if I had short dark hair. George had had a dream about the girl Steve would marry and at that time I did have short dark hair!
On October 21, 2000, Steve Randall married me. With one word - he gave up his bachelor days, gained a wife, 2 small boys, the ex-husband, a mortgage, the lack of sports center and March Madness. All because he sang a song on an Easter morn. I will forever me grateful to him for doing so. He is my best friend. Truly knows who I am and still loves me.

Foggy Night!

Tonight, Steve and Justin went on a Klondike Campout with the scouts. I thought it would be a fun treat for the rest of the kids and I to go out to dinner! Our destination was Frazzoli's in Layton. We are still getting used to the area. I got lost along the way and took the wrong road, but it was somewhat familiar - highway 89 had it not been for the fog we would have been okay.
The fog was very heavy and rolled in pretty quick - you couldn't see 10 feet in front in some areas. There was this big rig driver that didn't bother to leave the lights on when he parked it on the side of the road - we just about hit that one. Another close call came from a car turning into traffic had the nose out too far and we had to swerve to miss it!
Yes, we found Frazzoli's had a very nice italian dinner and dared to do the fog again. It wasn't so bad coming home on the interstate. Then we turned down the frontage road- visiability was very bad. Austin and I had to look very hard to see our familiar turn off -but we made it home! If it was not for the house lights on our neighborhor's house across the street - you would not be able to see their house! No joke!

Itsy Bitsy Spider

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Whitney, Morgan and Michael

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Mr. Alaska gets stuck!

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Little Angels

Morgan and Whitney are the best of friends! A few minutes before this was taken, they were holding hands in their sleep.