SNOW!!!!

There was fresh snow up north so Richard said we should pack up the kids and let them see the snow. Some of them had never touched snow or even seen it up close. The were thrilled to say the least. We drove up north of Camp Verde and pulled off of Stoneman Lake Rd. The snow wasn't too deep, but there was plenty for them to play in. They loved it!

The Daniel and Nate gang up on Sam.

Dad and Zanna

Mom and Zanna

Sam

Josh

Tim

Sara

Drew

Nate

Daniel

Laney

Susanna

The whole gang

So much fun!

My Sweety

He makes my heart smile.

I love all his fun expressions.

He is my favorite!

Baptism Day for Friends

We were able to be a part of the baptism for three darling girls in our ward. Our kids have gotten to be great friends. We were happy to share in their special day.

Drew made this sweet card for their baptism. He shared his testimony in it. I was touched by his thoughtfulness.

In case you can't read it, it says:

I bare my testimony, I know the church is true. I know families can be together forever. I know Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon. Love, Drew

Bubble Bath

Who doesn't love bubbles? We have a GIANT bath tub in our master bath and the little girls love to have tons of bubbles. I had to catch a couple of pictures to remember all the fun.

First Dance

Josh went to his first church dance a few weeks ago. He looked dashing. Sam went also as the coach and "know all". Josh had a wonderful time. He asked 11 girls to dance. Way to go son!

He is growing to be an amazing guy, who wouldn't want to dance with him?

“Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence

I just read, “Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence” by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland.

As I read this article, I could hear Elder Holland's loving, powerful voice telling me:

-Trust the Lord.

-Trust in those experiences that have confirmed my faith.

-Do not let my guard down.

-Satan is ALWAYS seeking a way to destroy me and my family.

-Personal revelation happens as often as I seek it, especially as I seek it with urgency and real intent. Knowledge of the spirit is revealed to my

heart AND mind.

-Have patience and know that after I have acted in faith, I WILL receive that which God has promised me.

-NEVER draw back, this is a battle; the Lord will win; I will fight with God!

-Doubts and confusion will pale when I measure them against the real thing, my testimony of what I know is true, of what brings me joy and happiness.

-Fear is destructive and paralyzing. I will not let it keep me from moving forward with faith, even when the test or trial seems insurmountable. Through the Lord all things are possible.

-Heed the words of Moses, "Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. … The Lord shall fight for you.” I am not alone in this.

“Brethren [and sisters], shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory!” (Joseph Smith)

Life happens, trials, questions and doubts will come. As they come, I will go forward with courage and be victorious, conquering all that stands in my way through humility, submissiveness, hard work and above all relying wholly on the grace and mercy of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

What a blessing it is to have this knowledge. I am grateful that the Lord knows what I need to hear and sends me answers and strength in my times of need.

Samson has had his long locks cut... will the world survive?

Sam made the Freshman baseball team. The coach told him that he had to get a hair cut, no curls hanging out from under his ball cap. So Sam requested a cut. I prefer the shorter clean cut look on guys, but Sam has such pretty hair, I was feeling torn. I was glad to have the coach make the call; I really do prefer his hair short. He was a good sport about it, even though all the ladies at school gave him hard time about his new hairdo.

Tim Turned 12

Tim wanted to celebrate by having a couple of his buddies over for a hot dog roast and marshmallows, followed by trampoline bouncing, wii games and cake.

Richard, by special request, burned a big bush so they could enjoy the monster flames.

Totally sucked out by the wii, all of Tim's birthday dreams came true.

Such beauty and decorum, these lovely ladies have it all.

It was a great evening celebrating my delightful Timmy. I love that boy!

35

In 8 days I will be turning 35. As I have reflected on things, I realized that I don't mind getting older. I am not freaked out about it. (I even found my first white hair!) The only thing that blows my mind is how FAST time flies by. My children are getting old. I have so little time left with them all still in my home.

As I look back over the last 35 years I can't help but smile. While they have not all been great years (most of them have been wonderful), they have all been filled with love and family. Though I have not loved going through some of the tough times, the lessons I have learned and the woman I am becoming as I grow are priceless gifts from a loving Father in Heaven. I have so much still to do, so much to look forward to.

I started out in this world with perfect parents, well, perfect for me. They provided me with all the lessons I needed to become a happy and successful wife and mother. They continue to fill my life with love and blessings. They also gave me my best friends, my brothers and sisters. And now their family has grown from 5 kids to soon to be 32 decedents and spouses. I am the luckiest girl!

I am grateful for everyday I get to spend with my sweetheart, Richard. He is my rock. I could not have a more tender, loving, spiritual husband. He is attentive to my aches and pains, my worries and self doubts. He lifts me, reassures me, cares for me and makes me feel beautiful. He also brought his wonderful parents and family into my life. What more could a woman want?

And I have 9 amazing children. I am truly in awe at how great they all are. It seems only yesterday that Richard was still in school and I was lugging around 6 kiddos (5 years old and under) to the store. I had the twins in infant carriers and had to push one cart full of kids and pull one for the rest of the kids and a few groceries. I am glad those times are over, but they sure make for fun memories. I do not claim to have much to do with how wonderful my children are. I love them and do my best and Heavenly Father makes up for all I lack. I can't believe that Sam is 15. He is getting so close to college and a mission. I remember thinking as a new mother (I was 19) that I would be 38 when he turned 19 and would go out into the world to serve the Lord. And now, THAT IS SO CLOSE! And the rest of them are just behind him.

In this year of my life, my kids will be turning 16, 15, 13, 11, 10, 10, 7, 5 and 3 and my husband will be turning 39. We will have our 16th wedding anniversary. I will get to teach Sam how to drive and watch him go on his first date. Josh will get to start seminary and high school. Tim will be in junior high. Sara will be in her last year of primary. Nate and Drew will be double digits. Daniel will not be the youngest in school anymore. He will be the big brother to Laney who will start kindergarten. And Susanna, bless her heart, will be the only one left at home.

It is going to be a great year and I am looking forward to diving in and seeing all that the Lord has in store for me!