I know that my Redeemer Lives!

 

Christmas is a time of reflection for me. A time to take stock, to try to set a better course, improve the things that are holding me back, give thanks for the things and people that have lifted me and supported me throughout the year, to allow myself to truly enjoy and love those that are around me. It is a time of Thanksgiving and Charity and Joy but none of this would be possible for me without the life, death and divine sacrifice of my beloved brother and Savior. He is the source of my Joy and Strength. He is the compass that leads me back to the home that I long for. I love him dearly in my very earthly finite way and I know that he not only knows me personally but loves me with a perfect love. How do I ever repay him for his constant care, support and patience with such a flawed soul? I have been carried through great challenges by my tender and merciful Savior. I have felt him in my life whenever I open the door for him to enter. He has never been farther away from me then a prayer. To all that read this, It is my testimony that He lives! I KNOW that Redeemer lives!

A Picture is Worth 10,000 Words

I just love my little Family! Sometimes it just amazes me that I have been blessed with the best, the brightest and of course the most beeutiful posterity anyone could ever ask for! What a wonderful thing it is to have family and be able to surround yourself with their smiling faces all around the house. I have to thank each one of my dear family both born and adopted through marriage for making the picture taking session possible, oh and to Suzanna, our awesome photographer, you worked with all of us and made us look so goooood!

READ ALL ABOUT IT!

To all my blogging buddies out their in the cosmos, I want to make you all aware of a new book that has just been published and will be out in book stores in a couple of weeks. 'Miss Delacourt Speaks her Mind' is a new regency romance written by a first time published author Heidi Ashworth. This is a wonderful novel with witty writing and a catchy storyline that pulls the reader in and keeps them reading from the first page to the last. Those of you that find Jane Austen an author of interest will love this romp through the English countryside. Now a confession, I have not read this provocative novel yet, it is on my to do list as soon as it comes out, but I am personally acquainted with the author and with her writing techniques and capabilities and I have no qualms whatsoever in recommending this wonderful book that is fit for the entire families reading pleasure. You may also read a sample of Heidi's writing style on her blog Dunhaven Place. You may link over from my list of favorite blogs to visit.

Lead Me, Guide Me, Walk Beside Me

Last night I spent the evening in the company of two of the most valiant people I have ever known, My parents. The older I grow the more I become aware that these two people are amazing. My dear sweet Pa Pa bought my darling mom a new Christmas Tree for her birthday. She and I had traveled up to the big city last week to buy ornaments for the new tree, what a fun time I had. Then last night we spent decorating the tree. Mom was thrilled and one of the last things she said to me before I left was, 'this is the first time I have ever had such an elegant tree.' That made me feel so warm and fuzzy.

How wonderful that Heavenly Father sent us such wonderful people to keep us on the straight and narrow, loving us every step or misstep of the way. Sometimes I wonder what I did or do that could make me eligible to call such wonderful people 'my parents.'

Payback!

It was only a matter of time. The neighbor claimed he had no intention of retaliating but as you can see, his natural man got the better of him, and he succumbed.
No matter, it is all in fun and may I say it has really caused a stir among the masses here in our little hometown. We have had strangers stop in the middle of the street and pull out their cell phones to take a picture. It truly has been a lovely time and experience. (I have spoken this before having to clean up two yards.) Anyway kudos to both BYU and Utah, while we sit in the comfort of our lazy chairs and warm fireplace they are battling it out on the gridiron as I type. They both have had amazing seasons and I am proud to say I am a FAN!

And so it begins

It is RIVALRY week and as a loyal BYU Blue Cougar fan, my husband felt it was his responsibility, nay, his obligation to celebrate in his own understated way. But let me start at the beginning.
We had a wonderful couple move in across the street from us over the past couple of years and they are exemplary neighbors. They keep their yard up, they keep the wild parties at a minimum, they are friendly and obliging. They seem to be the perfect neighbors except for one very dark flaw, the husband is a Ute fan! All this aside we have maintained a very civil and friendly relationship with our dear neighbors, until rivalry week hits. Then all bets are off and crap hits the fan.
For those that a)don't live in Utah, or b)live in a cave in Utah never seeing the light of day, rivalry week is the week of the BYU-Utah football game. This is the week where anything and everything can take place but we didn't plan on the neighbor switching sides (with the help of some very concerned neighbors and an intervention) and declaring his allegiance in such a public way. You see, I believe deep down in everyone's heart they are true blue BYU fans.
So as you enjoy the following pictures please hum the Cougar Fight song, it truly will add to the enjoyment!

What a Beauty

I know I have been gone for a while but here is the most beautiful baby girl! I just had to share my gorgeous posterity!