Emalee's 8th grade Softball Championship

Yeahhhhhhhhhh, EMALEE

Emalee's softball team was undefeated for the season and won the last championship game. The 8th graders are awesome to watch. Who said sports are just for boys are wrong. These girls know how to to put their head in the game and stay focus.

Softball has tought Emalee to be a team player and to be determined. Her coach tells her that

SOFTBALL IS A THINKING GAME. You have to watch what is going on all the time.

GO COUGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Favorite Things about Haylee !

I can't believe that Haylee is now 10 years old. She was 10 months old when we brought her home from the Agency. (Remember Cheri) It's been 10 years. I actually took pictures of my pictures so I could save time on not scanning them. I loved this little yellow dress. She was my baby doll. I loved to dress her and make her adorable.

These are some of my favorites, I could sit and post tons of pictures but these bring back some sweet memories and make me smile.

Haylee, is a year old in this picture with her little red overall dress. I still have this dress. It is on her Bear from the Build a Bear workshop. She loves to put it on her animals. Funny, how her baby clothes became her doll clothes.

I can remember making these rag bows for her hair. My sweet baby,

Do they get any more darling than this. This was a fun age.

This was at down town Dsiney at Libby Lu. Great place to take girls. They doll you all up a nd sprinkle glitter all over your hair. This was a fun day.

Here she is 5 years old. Every year I would take some fun poses of her. She loves to pose for the camera.

One of her fondest memories of dance. Is when she was on a competition dance team in Utah. She performed every Saturday for 3 months. Prior to that she practiced for a few dance routines 6 hours a week for the entire year. It was intense for a 9 years old girl. However, she loved it so much and wished she was still on this team.

They biggest competition is when we traveled to Dixie College where 30 dance studios competed. Her routine for this dance took 1st place for costume, choreography, It was a long day.We were there for 8 hours. She had 4 routines to perform.

of course, Mom was proud of her. Even though it was a year of tough training and learning new techniques. and constantly improving her dance skills she did it with a smile. It has tought her the rewards of hard work, and dedication. Her passion for dance has never diminished. She has been twirling around this house and in dance classes since she was 3 years old. I'm proud of her.

Now she is 10 years old. We made cupcakes for her class. She wanted to put the letter "H" on her cupcakes so everyone knew that it was HER birthday.

Daddy, Made her some yummy bacon and eggs for Breakfast. She is not a morning person so being happy and full of smiles was out of the pictures. Literally

She loves to play and mix lotions and positons. (That is what she calls them) She would save all the little bottles from hotels we stayed in and make her own scents and label them. Now, Target came up with a Spa Factory. You can make your own spa scents, oatmeal masks, pefumes, and lip glosses. THIS IS SO HER. So this was a gift from her parents.







I love you Haylee Sugar Bug, Thanks for a fabulous 10 years. I love being your Mom.You may have not grown in my tummy but you certainly grew in my heart..

Joseph B Wirthlin passed away at 91 years old.

Joseph B. Wirthlin, Oldest Apostle, Dies, Age 91

SALT LAKE CITY 2 December 2008 Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, the oldest living apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died last night, age 91.
Elder Wirthlin had gone to bed at his Salt Lake City home, and died peacefully at about 11:30 pm of causes incident to age. His oldest daughter, Jane Wirthlin Parker, was present. A member of the family had been staying and caring for Elder Wirthlin, whose wife, Elisa Young Rogers Wirthlin, died in 2006.
He had continued to work at his office right up until the Thanksgiving holiday.

My Daughter Ash, and I are always searching for quotes from the prophets. She does such a great job at organizing them and keeping the quotes order by who recites them. This is one of her Personal Progress Goals she is working on. I was going through her list of quotes and she has a few from Elder Wirthlin. Here are some of our favorites. I'm happy to know that he is with his beautiful wife and they are embracing each other and continuing their journey together.

I...believe that the way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life. If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of greatest happiness.
Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Come What May, and Love It," Ensign, November 2008

We see ourselves in terms of yesterday and today. Our Heavenly Father sees us in terms of forever. Although we might settle for less, Heavenly Father won’t, for He sees us as the glorious beings we are capable of becoming. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of transformation. It takes us as men and women of the earth and refines us into men and women for the eternities."
Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Great Commandment,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 28–31

"The companionship of Christlike friends deeply touches and changes our lives. We should well remember that the Lord often sends 'blessings from above, thru words and deeds of those who love'...Love is the very essence of the gospel of Christ. In this church, prayers for help are often answered by the Lord through the simple, daily service of caring brothers and sisters. In the goodness of genuine friends, I have seen the reflected mercy of the Lord Himself. I have always been humbled by the knowledge that the Savior regards us as His friends when we choose to follow Him and Keep His commandments."
General Conference. Oct. 1997

THIS IS MY MOST FAVORITE QUOTE....Makes me want to home school my kids...

Parents can plant seeds in the hearts and minds of their children only if they know where the children are and what they are doing. Parents should not leave the teaching of their children to chance. (Ensign, May 1989, p. 9)
Every home is a house of learning either for good or otherwise. Family members may learn to be obedient, honest, industrious, self-reliant, and faithful in living gospel principles, or they may learn something else. Learning the gospel in the homes of Church members should be centered on the scriptures and on the words of the latter-day prophets. The Lord has commanded parents to teach their children. (Ensign, May 1993, p. 70)

I found some free things to do in Arizona

Snowfall at San Tan Village
Now through Saturday, December 20, 2008 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Friday and Saturday evenings.

On Friday and Saturday evening from 7pm-9pm -- every halfhour for 10 minutes, the Children's Play Area turns into a winter wonderland as snowfalls.


Complimentary Horse and Carriage Rides at San Tan Village (Thanks Elizabeth for sharing this info)Now through Tuesday, December 23, 20086:00 pm - 9:00 pm Complimentary horse and carriage rides will be offered throughout the holiday season.
November 28, 2008November 29, 2008
December 5, 2008December 6, 2008
December 12, 2008December 13, 2008
December 19, 2008December 20, 2008
December 21, 2008December 22, 2008
December 23, 2008

Christmas Questions!

This is a fun Christmas questionnaire -at least I had fun answering the questions!
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper!
2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial my daughter has allergies need a artificial one
3. When do you put up the tree? Around the 1st of the month
4. When do you take the tree down? I get sick of it on Christmas night! (sorry)
5. Do you like eggnog? I like it with a sprinkly of cinamon on the top
6. Favorite gift received as a child? don't remember,
7. Hardest person to buy for? my mother
8. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, of course!
9. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail
10. Favorite Christmas Movie?Clark Griswolds Christmas Vacation
11. When do you start shopping for Christmas? It is always on my mind.. I buy and store it in the closet.
12. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No, I appreciate all gifts
13. What do you eat at Christmas? a breakfast casarole type meal, christmas dinner, this year we are going out to dinner at a Restaurant. No cooking for me
14. Lights on the tree? Yes! I seem to like white better than color, but I like both.
15. Favorite Christmas song? Pretty Papers by Willie Nelson, O Holy Night by Martina McBride
16. Travel at Christmas or stay home? stay at home
17. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Nope...
18. Angel on the tree top or a star? We have both, I like the star better though.
19. Open the presents Christmas eve or Christmas day? We open one present Christmas Eve and the rest Christmas day.
20. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? People that are rude and drive crazy
21. Favorite ornament theme or color? Red-
22. Favorite for Christmas dinner? ham, funeral potatoes, and all the sweet stuff
23. What do you want for Christmas this year? just to make some new memories
24. Christmas Tradition? reading stories to the girls, being with family, laying under the tree singing christmas songs with the kids and hubby. You should try it. The tree looks different when you lay on the carpet and look up at it. It's pretty...

Now it's your turn.... copy and past and answer the questions.

Mesa Temple Christmas Lights!

So, we got word that Brooke White was going to be at the Mesa Temple Christmas Light Ceremony, remember her from last year American Idol. She was the cute curly hair LDS girl from Mesa, Arizona, She was so cute on American Idol, I and my girls loved her. Well, we decided to take the girls and go walk around temple square(do they call in that here in Arizona, I know they do in Utah) anyway, we went, there was tons and tons of people. We sat and waited for the festivities to begin.

Ashlee and Braiden sat together and listened to the Christmas music

Mike and Haylee just sitting and waiting with the crowd

There she is Brooke White, She came to represent Mesa Arizona, the state and the community. She came to push the button to make the lights turned on. She shared some thoughts with us. I wished she would have sung but it was still cool to see her.

Thanks Brooke!

And there it is. The Mesa Temple Christmas Lights. I have to say this is a pretty cool temple. It is very different from most temples. Non the less when you walk around this temple. The grounds are kept and nice. The palm trees are trimmed and pretty. The lights in the palm trees are beautiful. There was allot to do this night. Nativity scenes and movies can be viewed in the visitor centers and music could be heard all around. Missionaries all around to answer questions. It was crowded but peaceful..

Take a look at the palm tree lights. Isn't that cool. I loved this. It is different from Salt Lake but very unique.

The kids had fun walking around. Or should I say hopping, skipping, running, and twirling around.

This was a great way to start a new tradition here in Arizona. and the best part is. IT"S FREE..

I'm on a free adventure hunt for Christmas activities in our state can you tell! Stay tuned there maybe more.

Enjoy your holiday activities!

What a Feast !

I have to say, I was so happy that Allison walked into the door with a smile on her face. I was so glad to see her I gave her a big hug, said my "I love you" and said, NOW, HELP ME COOK ! Ha-Ha She laughed and did what she could, Having her in our home and just home from the hospital was Thanksgiving enough. I did was I could do as far as setting the tables. I have special Thanksgiving table clothes but they couldn't be found So I made do. I think it turned out pretty good.






This is the Kids table. Looks the best if you ask me.

This was a pree Thanksgiving munchies before the actual feast. I think we over did it. This was after everyone ate. There was plenty. Yes, I made Grandma Glahn's famous Secret Fudge recipe.

Every year we place pictures of Mine and also Mike's parents somewhere to be seen at Thanksgiving. We talk to them as if they are in the room. We make them a little plate and say things like. I'm eating your favorite Chocolate Fudge Grandpa Glahn or These are Grandpa Davidson's favorite mashed potatoes. Both Grandpa's have passed away. We miss them but feel them around us often.

Mike cutting the turkey and getting ready to bring it to the table. Haylee found a piece and started early ! We had so much food. Carla and Otis came with these huge rolls and yummy sweet potatoe casarole , pecan and pumpkin pie. Allison brought her home made cranberry sause and green bean casarole.We started our meal wiht a toast of sparkling apple cider and a prayer from ME. We ate a great 2:00 lunch and sat around and watched a movie and then went back for pie and sat around and watched a movie and then went back for second meal. We had a great time being together all day and night as a family.

AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW, Braiden the only boy cousin in Arizona (besides Baby Blake) is leading his girl cousins in a toast. To a great Thanksgiving feast.

Emalee, Ashlee and Briana doing the dishes, They got bored after awhile and started throwing dirty soap water at each other. I noticed soap suds all over.. They had fun.

We hope you all had a Fabulous Thanksgiving. It was great to make new traditions and be with Carla and Otis, Allison and Jason, and all of us. We had a nice day.

Mike and I wish you a happy beginning to a Perfect Christmas Season! May you make a great memory for your family. That is all they will remember, They wont remember the Ipods, cell phones, Wii, or other things. They will remember the memories. So, share your favorite traditions so we can all try them. Please share them. Leave them in the comment section.

Poor Little Sister Allison

My Poor little sister, Allison found out she has so gall stones in her bowl and her gall bladder. As soon as the Dr found out what her blood test results where he would call her and set up a date for her surgery. Little did we know that he would call and say, GET, TO THE HOSPITAL RIGHT NOW" Between Jason (her hubby) and Carla and I we had to go into what do we do mode, And so we did, What one couldn't do the other could. We did what we had to do so that we could keep things as normal as possible for her Little baby and Ava, We thought ok we can do this it is outpatient surgery Jason will be home in a few hours. WRONG, She ended up spending the night and staying the entire next day until 1:00 am in the morning. So again, Carla spent the night with her at the hospital so Jason could get the kids to bed and he himself could get some rest. I went up to the hospital to stay the day with her and then went and picked up her kids after Carla having them all day. It was a pretty hectic couple of days, So after getting her kids home and to bed. I headed home at 10:00 at night and thought I guess I need to go home and get to planning Thanksgiving Dinner for 14 people the next day. I was running on empty. I wanted to spend more time on the decorations and the center pieces and the place cards. There was no way. Then I thought, wait a minute I have 3 very creative beautiful daughters, and a niece Briana who was spending the night who can do this for me. So I handed them some scrapbook paper and die cuts and told them what I wanted and they just went to town. On top of this we wanted Allison to be able to be home for Thanksgiving we prayed and pleaded to make this possible. He Dr finally released her Thanksgiving Eve and she went home with stitches and all. I'm so thankful that the procedures she had done went well and Carla and I could be there for her and her family.

Movies in the Park

For the month of October and November the city offers residents to come to the local park and sit in the baseball fields to watch movies at night. The have this huge giant blow up movie screen that can be viewed from afar. They place it at home plate and we sit in the outfield. It was so fun. There must have been 200 or so families that come out to enjoy the cool Arizona nights. Towards the end of the month it started getting cold. So we snuggled with blankets and brought popcorn and hot chocolate. It was a great way to spend severl Saturdays as a family and the best part it is FREE!....

Haylee and her Daddy snuggled up together when she found out he brought candy with him..... all of a sudden she was his best friend

Ashlee and a little bit of Emalee sitting and watching the movie. Emlaee brought her Twilight book and was reading that in the dark at the same time...

All and All it made some fun nights to share together.

The Twilght Adventure

Ok, I have my 'Team Edward" girley girl daughter Emalee who loves Edward because he is very passionate and he is romantic and maked you feel safe and loved. He takes care of you.

and, I have my "Team Jacob" party girl Ashlee, who loves jJacob because he is cool and is a what's up kinds guy" (those are Ashlee's words) is downto earth and natural. just like Ashlee. Now I learned what type of boys they like.

Friends and cousins at the movie theater 5 hours before the movie is about to start.

Being silly at the movie theater

the girls brought snacks and games and ipods and camera's and played camp games and sang songs.. It was cute to watch them.




We were able to get into our seats at 9:00pm. A groupe of people made Cullen Boys cycles (the pictures of the different characters on popsicle sticks" and passed them out to the girls. . It was funny to see them hold up thier Cullen boys cycles. Even Carla thier auntie was in on it..


The groupe of people passed out Hyper ventalating bags that were labeled just in case you pass out over EDWARD! Emalee was practicing she is so in love with him.

And then there was us ! Carla and Allison and I . It was fun being with the girls and being silly. After being one of the first few to sit in our seats. We sent the girls for popcorn and drinks. Some people tried to take their seats. We told them they were saved they went to get popcorn. This one Mom said, No way, we are sitting there. She practically was on top of me. After a few minuts I realized that she was touching me and her knee was on my leg. I gave her a little push and told her to back off. and get off of me Lady!. She looked shocked but I was not about to have her climb over me. Allison, yelled for the manager saying : We have a phyco lady in here, and Carla was yelling to the managerwho was down in the very front so she could here her explaining these are our daughters seats who went to get popcorn.. The manager said saved seats only for popcorn lines that is all. We SISTERS! didn't let this lady win. You can't mess with SISTERS I tell ya! I didn't want to be mean or rude. But I stood my ground until she backed off. And she did.

We all thought the movie was good. I think we need to see it again. It was hot in the theater and I felt like I was breathing in everyone elses breath for 5 hours...

So was it worth a midnight showing? hmmmmm, nay,,,, I think it could have waited..

Our Ward is Splitting up!

Well, It is official. Our ward of 900 members is going to be split. We learned that this Sunday during our sacrament we will be taking 2 wards and making one new ward. It is exciting and sad at the same time. As we have learned how to manage as one big huge gigantic enormous family. So we will see what the outcome will be. The Morning side ward of Queen Creek will change once again. This building sees allot of people during the week and on Sundays. The chapel is overflowing on Sundays all the way back to the stage. and if you are not at least 30-45 minutes early you get a hard chair. So change is good but it will be sad to not have some of the same families in our wards...

TO OUR VETERAN HERO ! Uncle Jean- Claude

This is a SPECIAL TRIBUTE.

My Girls wanted to share a special message to their Uncle JC. Who lives in Utah. To explain a little. When we lived in Utah, my Sister Nikki and her Hubby JC lived with us for a short time. During that time the girls got to know their auntie Nikki and uncle JC very well. They listened to his Stories of the time that he served in the Navy for 10 years. He shared sad stories, happy stories, scary stories and funny stories. It was a great opportunity for the girls to learn what it was like to serve our country. They also witnessed their uncle struggle from the side effects of serving our country. As the girls watched the parade today they often mention things like JC would like that tank, or JC would like that Motorcycle, or JC has army clothes like that. Even, "Hey Mom, he looks like Uncle JC." You could tell that he was on their minds.. Thank you JC for being a good example of a soldier and a HERO.

We love you uncle JC. We thought about you all day today, love the Glahn Girls.!

Veterans Day a day to reflect

COUSINS AT THE PARADE!
What a great way to celebrate a day off from school. Taking the girls to a Veterans day Parade with their cousins. This is City of Mesa tradition and this parade was huge. There was so many spectators and also so many participants. My Girls want to send a special tribute to their Grandpa Glahn who served in the WW2 has a navy Coreman. We love him and miss him. We have another Special Tribute to send out to Grandpa Davidson who also served in the Navy. and also Uncle Dave who served in Desert Storm. These are our Heroes

This was a special part of the parade, Family members walked proudly as they held flags on their fallen hero. Their loved ones were displayed proudly on their flag as they marched the parade route. It brought a tear to my eyes as we stood and clapped until the all passed by. There was allot of heroes to salute. It was a great time to explain to the little ones what Veterans day meant, It was so special to see the Haylee, Brooke, Ava, Braiden see the faces on the flags and have them stand so quietly and respectfully as they walked by. Can you imagine what they must have thought? It was a tender moment to see that. The parade was so long the little ones started to get wiggly so we ended the afternoon at Jack in the Box eating Taco's... To all of you who have Veteran Family and Friends, We thank you for your service!

Hang in thier my California Friends.

To all my Good Friends in California, Hang in thier and pray hard! This is getting ugly. I'm thinking about you and praying hard right along side with you. This will pass.

It breaks my heart that the temple is seen with these people. This is my temple that I have recieved my emdowments in.

No on 8 means NO on 8.. geeez people. We need a Proposition that says your can not over turn a proposistion that has been turned down by the citizens.... AGREE!

Article to go with this picture is linked below..

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-protest7-2008nov07,0,3827549.story

1Thessalonians 5:16-18

16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Today I started to think about Thanksgiving. The meaning of it and what it means to me. SO with that said. I would like to challenge you all to copy and past the "10 reasons" picture and post on your blog the 10 things that you are thankful for. I feel that I will be en lighted by your 10 things and my eyes will be open and I will be able to agree with you on your 10 things and vice versa. It is a good way to continue to know each other. SO who will take this challenge?

Here are my 1o things

1. I'm thankful for my friends.I have been touched by the Election campaigns and seeing friends stand up for what they feel is right. Issues that are deep in their hearts and concern for their country. I have never seen that in all the years that I have been able to vote. I'm proud of them all

2. I'm thankful that November is National Adoption Month. I'm a huge supporter of Adoptions and helping children to find homes that need homes is near to my heart. I love being an Adoptive Mother and wouldn't change for nothing. When I see a hurt child, neglected child,a child that is withdrawn, at the schools that I sub for I just reach out them any way that I can. Sometimes a hug makes a difference to them.

3. I'm thankful for my Husband, Who has sacrificed his 20 years of employment in California, sold his home that he loved, so that his daughter can be where he wants them to be. So his wife can be near her family, We are still struggling with finding that right job. We never thought in 2o years we would have to do that. I'm told be patient it will happen.

4. I'm thankful for my daughters, Who are my strength when I'm week, Who often lead me to where I need to be. Who share their lives with me and just come up to me to give me a hug and a kiss for no reason, just because they love me. They have the sweetest spirit and so full of life. It is not always a picnic don't get me wrong. However, we have joy in every day

5. I'm thankful for my Mother, Who has had so many life experiences that I can usually pick my experiences out of hers and figure out how to deal with them. She is a strong lady who no doubt loves me and show it in her own silly ways. She makes me laugh and she does and says silly things. I adore her.

6. I'm thankful for my home, A place to live, learn, and laugh, A place to rest, and find joy. A home to create in and inspire in. A home to have friends and family over to gather at the table and enjoy each others company... I love just being at home. I find more joy making memories at home as a family than I do spending money in the world to entertain us. There is allot more to remember just being at home. I love it. I prefer home than any other place.

7. I'm thankful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. My membership to this church bring my great joy. Jesus Christ is my best friend and it is him that I know I have a personal relationship with. I walk with him each day. The good days and bad days.

8. I'm thankful for Pepsi, Sorry but I'am. I just love my Pepsi, If you take it from me I will probably kill ya. It satisfies me and when I drink it I love it even more...

9. I'm thankful for my scriptures, Sometimes I neglect them but I do find time to read them often. I love that I can be seen by my girls reading my scriptures and then see them in their room doing the same.

10. I'm thankful for the power of Prayer, Prayer has proven to me that their is a Father in Heaven who watches over me and knows my needs. I have felt answered prayers in so many ways in my life. My Father in Heaven amazes me to no end. I can never go a day without saying my own personal heart felt prayers. Having a prayer in your heart all the time will help you in so many ways.

I think I can count 100 reasons, These pop in my minds first. SO now it is your turn. I will be lurking your blog so get busy......

Change has come to America

WOW, HE won by a landslide. I have to say as I sat with Mike listening to his speech I was impressed at the crowd at certain times. The camera would show the crowd with intense hope,open and listening minds as he spoke as their President of United States. What I noticed is that his crowd seam to be all the minority individuals. They showed a 20 years old women, a 30 years old man, a black man, and a Hispanic elder lady together in a place holding an American Flag, each one of them united for one purpose and one purpose only. To come together and AGREE on the same issues that we as Americans are facing. In my opinion the minority vote was the majority vote. IT IS A NEW AMERICA and the days of racism are over for this new generation of voters. These are the children and the children's children of the days of racism. These children have grown up together and probably accept each other far more that we did in our generation or our parents generation days. The have experiences school events, social events, they have learned to love each other because they have all had the same rights at the same time. If you think about it. The children or children's children of the days of racism share allot more commonality than we ever did. Change as come to America.

Now, we pray for hope and honesty as we start this new change. What a day in history we witnessed. Let's hope our children will be able to stand proud of the New America and may we all be proud as well. For this, I'm thankful for.

Captian Moroni.. !

I loved this. It was sent to me from Lea Liu via email. You can always count on Lea to send some fun emails and funthings to look at and read.

I have to say, Moroni in our day would have been one Good Looking MAN !

Ohhhh yeah. Dont forget to vote ! Yes on Prop 8 in Cali and Prop 102 in Arizona.

Our Weekend.

Why does it fee like halloween this year lasted from Thursday through the Weekend. It just kept going this year. Party after Party. What the heck! I do have some bad news. My most favorite camera that I have had for 6 years as died! Yep, It just quit. Could it have anything to do with all the drops over the years. Or because I let the girls play with it to take silly pictures of themself. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm... Well Im glad I had my sisters close this weekend to take some pictures of my girls. Now if they could EMAIL them to me in a TIMLEY manner.. Hurry up.... I desperate........ Not to fret, I went and found the best deal on my next Canon camera on Amazon and ordered it. Somethings a girls just doesn't do with out. Lipstick and a camera. Can't have it. No way, just is not happening.

We had some fun trunk or treating at our Ward Party. Great Job on all the planning Cory, It was fun. Then we headed for trick or treat in our neighborhood. It was kinds dull. I guess every 4th house in still under construction being that we live in a brand new construction street. We then ended the night at my Sister Carla's, they had car loads in thier neighborhood. It was insane the amount of people in Apache Junction. They even had a police car on patrol giving out candy to the kids with his siren on. Carla and my Mom made a ton of food and Carla's friends came over. It was fun to sit and chat with them. When we got home our neighborhood was having a block party. We did not go over. We were exhausted.

I woke up on Saturday and noticed the neighbors had left their party all over the streets and then around 2:00 the party continued on. We went over to Allison's so the couisn could lounge around in thier chairs and watch a movie on the garage door. They watched Indiana Jones and IronMan. The weather was nice to watch a movie. My Mom and Allison and Carla sat in the house just talking while the Dads and kids watched the movie. It was a fun night. Thanks Allison.

Im still tierd. I slept till 11:00 am this morning and I'm still feeling tierd. Now it is time to put away to goblins and ghost and focus on Thanksgiving. That is if the stores will allow us. It seams like Christmas in the stores already....

Hope you all had a Great Halloween...

Brandon's Funeral !

Today, was an emotional and a very difficult day. It seams as though there are so many friends and family who are going through some type of a heartache. I know my friend Desiree has a close friend who has lost their 5 year old son, another dear friend Shaila who is flying back and forth to Utah to be with her Father who is ill, We are also dealing with my Brother in law who has been in the hospital for 3 weeks now trying to get strong enough for a 2nd surgery. Another sister in our ward who was pregnant had to deliver her baby knowing that her baby would live an hour or so. This baby will be laid to rest soon. On top of all of this. A very awesome family in our ward just lost their 2 years old son. He has drowned in a canal close to their home. Today was his funeral. I did not know this family very well but felt a special connection with her as I helped in planning the funeral luncheon with the sisters in my ward. No matter where you live you can always feel at home in a place where the spirit dwells. As we walked into see little 2yr old Brandon Todd Allen laying so peacefully in his white casket. You could not help to let out a sigh and shed a few tears. His Mother, Sherrill stood proud and tall as she GREETED each guest who walked into the room with a big smile and a huge hug. Her and I made eye contact and exchanged some very nice words. I explained to her how much the sisters in this ward love her and her family. It has shown in the outpouring phone calls that I received to help in anyway. She said through tears. " I know, I feel it"

I was so amazed at her strength and her courage to press forward. The Morning side ward is barely 3 years old (I believe) this are the beginning stages of the trials that will come to this ward. I'm sure there are some that I'mnot aware about.I know that we are off to a great start as far as supporting each other and being their for one another. I know that this is where my Father in Heaven wants me to be and I will be there to go and do what is asked of me. The service was beautiful and the music was comforting. Mike and I sat together and held hands and reflected on being so blessed to be alive. We know that we need to live it well.

On the way home today, I just let out tears the day was over, I was exhausted physically and emotionally that the tears just came. As we got closer to the house. Mike and I looked out at the canals that carry the waters to the farms and saw a Mother and a small child holding hands. The mother was pointing at the bottom of the canal. The picture was clear to me that this Mother was telling her child how unsafe it is to be around the canals at all times. Again, the tears came. I came home and waiting anxiously for my daughters to get home from school so that I could just hug them and let them know how much I love them. Yeah, they are older and know not to go near the canals but I know other accidents can happen to them as well.

Teach your Children Safety, go over it, over and over and over again. Until they roll their eyes at you and say OK MOM, I GET IT.

I'm so thankful for knowing the PLAN, I'm thankful for sisters and Mother who are thier to lift me up and encourage me as I go through my own trials. Even my sisters who live in other states. I feel thier support and love and thankful for their advice and encouragment. I'm thankful for the friends that I have met who are so fun to be around. They make me laugh and make me feel accepted. I appreciate you!

I hope Shaila, Desiree, and others find comfort in friends and family both near and far. And now, we must PRESS ON! and enjoy the journey NOW!

Prayers Needed !

Special Prayers Needed!

Friends and Family there is a family in my church ward " The Allen" family who had lost their 2 year old son this last Friday evening. He has fallen into a canal behind their home and drowned. The family is having a difficult time dealing with this loss as would any of us. The funeral for this little boy is Thursday at 10:00 am.
As the Compassionate Service Leader, in my ward I'm at a loss of words on how many people who have stepped up to help feed the family and extended family with the funeral luncheon. It is so amazing to be able to see the Morning Side Ward in action ready, willing, and able to step in and help. We have an amazing ward and amazing families in our ward. I have made over 30 calls today and everyone has offered to help more than they have signed up for.

Thanks to all the Sister who have offered their service.

Please keep this family in your prayers as they continue on the journey of life. !