Elyse burned her hand...

It's almost better now- update 01-09-09

Say a Prayer for our Elyse, she burned her hand at work tonight. 350 degree hot glue sprayed on her in between her thumb and index finger on her right hand. 3 inches square. She ripped some of the hot glue off on instinct and ripped the skin off. She spent a few hours in the emergency where they had to cut off the rest of the hot glue. She says she'll be OK. I hate being far away. Thankfully Terrence is there by her side. I love my kids!

--Update: Her hand is healing great. Other than the inconvenience of being right handed. She is going to the college cosmo to have her hair washed and done. She's a bit worried about starting school on Monday.

Looking forward to a NEW YEAR!

I love the idea of starting FRESH! I just get an adrenaline rush just thinking about new projects for the year, and setting new goals for things I want to accomplish this year!

And since I now have a cri-cut cutter (thanks to my thoughtful Husband, I didn't even know I wanted one!) I am going to go crazy scrap booking but probably do more vinyl lettering to decorate my house!

Oh and I love the idea that maybe I'll get bold and finally paint my bathroom. And decorate yes I love to decorate!! My focus is my bathroom because the other two bathrooms in the house are decorated so cute and I just can't get a vision of what I want for my own.

And I have a new CAMERA, woo hee, I am going to have fun! I'm going to go blog crazy...

I can't wait to focus on more food storage and preparedness this year... I've already brought home a truck load of WESTERN FAMILY cases. Just cuz I like W.F. So my shelves are getting full again! And my freezer is about full and I feel BLESSED!

I love that I have a zillion ideas for Christmas next year because by next Christmas I can never think of anything fun. So I'm making my list!

I only love cleaning out and organizing in January so I have to take advantage of the urge!

I can't wait to see if the tulip bulbs I planted will come up.

I love when the day's start even an incling of being longer because I know winter will end and I LOVE SPRING!

Life is so good and I can't wait to see what the New Year Brings.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY

IT WILL BE AN AWESOME YEAR!

p.s. we already have plans to come to Utah -- March 16th.... can't wait! see you then!

Winter and Spring in a matter of Hours...

This is after Limon, Colorado... in Denver Clark layed on the grass (without a coat)while taking a break. And getting into Kansas was fields and fields of GREEN winter wheat! Seasons change in a matter of Hours!

This is going over VAIL, Colorado Snow packed and slick but believe it or not not as bad as the road we traveled from Brigham City to Salt Lake City, Utah. On Saturday we probably passed over 20-30 cars off the road.

Our Christmas Picture 2008

Gramps Christmas Surprise!

Shoot the pictures are blurry... Sorry because you don't get Grumpy Gramps to SMILE this big ever! Clark and Nathan conspired on this Gun. It's a special one. I'll post what it is when I remember to ask Clark.

Christmas at Terrence's and Laura's- 2008

Here is the fun at Christmas!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Ya---it is 2:30 am ANTICIPATION!!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Dinner with Fam. and Temple Square

What's a post with out pictures... We went to Dinner with all our kids and Britt and her family. It was fun to hang out with Jason and especially awesome to be with Clark's sister Kathy. WE MADE IT TO TEMPLE SQUARE! It just is so much for fun after being out of state a few years. Danielle had only been once in her life, so she loved taking pictures. Tyrel and Terrence had the usual snowball fight. Kylie and Madison loved running through the snow. Seeing the many water pools. Seeing the manger scene. Maddie was obsessed by the "puppy" next to the Shepard's. We lost Laura (thank goodness for cell phones) We stopped at JB's (next to temple square) on the way home and had HOT CHOCOLATE with ice cream (cause Papa insisted) The lights were incredible and being with the family was just better than words can describe.

Kids say the cutest things!

Kylie was re-arranging Tyrel and Danielle's Nativity. She found a box of coasters and put Joseph on them so that he was higher than the rest of the scene. She called him "Jesus" then she circles the rest of the scene around him. Elyse asked her what she was doing she said "Jesus, is teaching the people to love one another." Sweet hu!" pretty cute for a 4 year old!

Our Christmas Present!

Just before leaving for UTAH the missionaries (the Albaugh's) gave us a Christmas Present!

It is a stone with our names printed in it... Everyone in El Dorado has one! NOW we are official Kansasites. WE LOVE IT!!!!

We'll Be Home For Christmas

My Last post till the New Year.... do you believe it? Well untill I get some awesome pictures of those Grandbabies! The next three days will be busy and we hope to find our way home to Utah so EVERYONE HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS! May love surround you this holiday season. May we all remember Jesus is the reason for the season.

I was BOLD....

So Heather thanks to you, I was bold today!! I am so excited and I have to tell everyone... I GAVE AWAY a - B. OF M.! WOO HOO, To the man that came to clean my carpets! He was telling me that it was going to be an awesome Christmas because his family was going to focus on Christ! He said " You know that is what is wrong with the world today, we have just gotten away from Christ and God" I couldn't resist telling him about The Book of Mormon "a second witness of Jesus Christ" SO I DID IT!

How Mary must have Felt?

I love the Story of the Birth of Jesus. How in humble circumstances Christ came to earth.

I often wonder how Mary must have felt? I have to remember that when my first child was born the enormous love I felt. As a first time Mom the enormous responsibility I felt. Not even an incling of what Mary's was feeling, I loved having that feeling with the Birth of each one of my kids . I loved wondering, if it was anything similar?

I love celebrating Jesus's birth, especially as a Mother.

BUTLER CC WINS SNOW COLLEGE!

BUTLER CC----(ELDORADO KANSAS) wins SNOW CC (EPHRIAM, UTAH) in DOUBLE OVERTIME! WHAT A GAME! 2nd year. Syndee that game was for you! She's going to rub it in..... including all the FANS at church and Guys at Clark's work....

2 Christmas Fun Ideas

Friends of mine gave me these ideas:

1-Cookie Run: Inexpensive idea. Make small plates of cookies, knock and run or not.

2-Party Night:

This can be used anytime of the year. Build a basket with party stuff-2 liter of soda, popcorn, $5.00 movie or movie pass etc.

The family that did this would notice someone who was having a difficult time and do this. Each family member was always on the look out for someone to anonymously put a basket on the porch and run. It doesn't take much and encourages everyone to look to serve others.

Please leave me your Christmas ideas of FUN!

The Christmas Sweater

Just came in the mail. So I'm taking a break from Anita S. tonight and reading Glens book. Can't wait---I'm sure I'll finish it tonite and let you all know how it is.

Woah--that is a *must read. Awesome book. Cried my little heart out!

For My Dad!

Finally found this song on Playlist. When I hear it, I cry because I think of my DAD! " I MISS YOU MOST AT CHRISTMAS TIME"

Tag- Christmas Edition

1-Wrapping Paper or Gift Bags- Wrapping Paper 2-Real Tree or Artificial- Both, one upstairs-one downstairs 3-When do you put up the tree? Day after Thanksgiving 4-When do you take down the tree? New Years Day 5-Do you like eggnog? Yes, it means the holiday's are here. 6-Favorite gift recieved as a child? Wedding Dress and Veil my mom made me when I was 8 7-Hardest person to buy for? Clarks DAD 8-Easiest person to buy for? The grandbabies, they love everything. 9-Do you have a nativity scene. Yes, Mary is broken. It is not replaceable, my Gr. Pike made it. 10-Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail 11-Worse Christmas gift you ever recieved? ?? Oh ya- Brit reminded me. It was the Year Grandma Deann died just before christmas. The hardest gifts to open were from her. Her gifts were all wrapped and ready for Christmas. Even her Christmas Veg. Soup that she froze for the party. The hardest Christmas of our lives. 12-Favorite Christmas Movie? White Christmas w/ Bing 13-When do you start shopping? I wish it was the January before Christmas. I always have good intentions. Traditionally 21st to the 24th of Dec. 14-Have you ever recylcled a Christmas Present. oops yes 15-Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Fudge 16-Lights on the tree? Yes 17-Favorite Christmas song? Amy Grants -Christmas list, Breath of Heaven 18-Travel at Christmas or stay home? Travel every other year. 19-Can you name Santa's reindeer?Yes 20-Angel or Star on top of the tree? Both 21-Open the presents Christmas eve or Christmas morning? pj's on eve. All other gifts -morning I like Santa's gifts left unwrapped. 22-Most annoying thing about this time of year? The guilt I feel when I walk passed the bell ringer and don't give every time. 23-Favorite ornament of theme or color? Snowflakes but Christmas passed has to be the hands of my kids made into sugar cookies. the whole tree was covered in their hands. 24-Favorite Christmas Dinner? SHRIMP 25-What do you want for Christmas this year? For my husband to be able to travel and to be with the kids. I tag anyone that will do this.....

WE'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS!!!!

Miracles never cease. WE GET TO GO HOME FOR CHRISTMAS! SO EXCITED! Clarks test came back "good" so we hope to be on the road on Dec.13 till Dec.28th. UTAH here we come! KIDS we can't wait to be kissing on you all!Maybe a trip to Temple Square with the fam.???

Thanksgiving: GOOD DAY HAD BY ALL!

Clark is enjoying a back scratch!

clark really wasn't grumpy, he wouldn't smile for the camara! Kodiak is watching the neighbors puppy's

Shshshshsh the baby is sleeping!

SPOONS AND FISH LEGOS

Eccles and the Albaugh's

Puzzle Fun

The Weston's

The Guys started out the day Shooting Clay Pigions,

The food as always was wonderful, Primerib and Turkey with the trimmings.

Pies, Pies, Pies

Some family traditions from each one of us. Including Homemade Rootbeer and the DAY was complete.

Thankful Tuesday- My last Thankful entry.

The Last Tuesday before Thanksgiving to wrap up my Thankful list. I'm not sure I've missed anything. There isn't anything good or bad that I can't recognize as a blessing in my life. The challenges have made me stronger more able to face whatever is next. In perspective with other people's challenges lately... I hope to never walk in their shoes but if I do.... I will remain thankful that I have the strength to go on because of the Courage and example they have shown me. So a big SHOUT OUT to my Parents, my father who appeared opinionated and stubborn to others, but in the end his true colors were that of a meek, kind, loving, patient man. A man who lived his life for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A man who truly loved my mother. My mother who stood for and shared what she believed. Who gave her whole life to serving others, she was a caring, giving, selfless person who fought the good fight and has the fortitude of an elect lady. For my brother Blair who is my best friend and for another brother Kent who is very supportive and would be here with a drop of a hat for me. For the fact that both of my brothers are awesome FATHERS. For my Niece Janna who in her adversity was the greatest example to me of courage and optimism. For my Friend Dawn, who through her adversity makes any trial seem bearable--with a smile. For my Friend Nita, who gives every effort to be there when the chips are down,who has the qualities of a selfless, giving person, who lives to make me laugh at loud and is know other than the truest of friends. For many many friends I have had in my life that have influenced me for good, I am fortunate. For my kids (including my daughters in law)who love me know matter what and have always honored us as parents. For our Grand babies that make life worth living. For a Father in Law that thinks I'm his own daughter. For a Husband that everyday surprises me with his wisdom and love. And last but not least my God that loves me so much that he sent his Son to die for me. To suffer for every mistake I could ever make and who is continually beside me. For also allowing additional scripture (the book of mormon)to accompany the Bible as second witness of Jesus Christ. For the gospel to be restored to it's fullness. And for Prophets to continue to guide us and for the plan that allows us to return to heaven and be with those we love. For everything and everyone in my life and MORE-- BEYOND MORE, I AM THANKFUL.

Thankful Thursday for Thanksgiving's Passed

I was thinking back about some Thanksgiving's passed. We've always had the TRADITIONAL Thanksgivings. All the family gathering, the excitement of the yummy food. Growing up one of my best memories-- this is an odd one, WILD BLACKBERRY JAM. Mom would always ration our wild blackberry Jam from Washington State where my Grandparents lived. Thanksgiving meant that was the very last jar. When I think of traditional 'food' We can't forget Grandma (great) Mills 'RAISIN' pie! One year Clark told her that he loved her raisin pie. So every year after that Grandma would make a raisin pie (1 for dessert and 1just for Clark) and we would always have TWO to take home. Yes Clark is the only one that ate it! Those were special times when the family would always get together. Now those day's are missed. The shocker to us all is when we weren't able to have the Traditional Thanksgivings with all the family and relatives surrounding us forever. The first time we experieced change was when my Dad was in Surgery on Thanksgiving Day. I don't know what the kids experienced that year. But our Thanksgiving meal consisted of take-out from Shoney's and we ate it in the court yard at the Provo Hospital. That was the beginning of different traditions. One year I was a scrooge because it was the opposite year for Thanksgiving and my parents were no longer alive. I wanted to pretend it was just another day. So we went on the Mountain deer hunting and ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. After that experience we discovered the importance of the Traditional Thanksgiving. So that began (on the opposite year) that I cooked my very first Thanksgiving Dinner for just our immediate family. The year that Tyrel was on his mission and Terrence and Laura we're married and living in Colorado. Elyse, Clark and I and Uncle Bob and Aunt Lorraine and Mike. Went to Lake Powell. It was one of my favorite memories! Dinner was still Traditional Turkey with the trimmings. But it was such beautiful weather that Mike water skied. Elyse didn't like the idea of breaking tradition so she rebelled a bit! When we lived in Louisiana, Clark participated in our Wards- Thanksgiving for the poor, and lonely. Our ward there made dinner for over 200 people and delivered it on Thanksgiving Day. What an awesome memory. He has memories of the people grabbing the plates and eating it so fast like they hadn't had a meal. That was the year Gramps and Jason came for Thanksgiving. I made a pie for each person!!! I often think how many others have not had the blessing of CELEBRATING Thanksgiving. For those in the service that are away from their families or those that are in Hospitals with a loved one. For those that are homeless. We are so blessed and although Thanksgivings are different each year. We so appreciate the BOUNTY that surrounds us. For the people that are in our lives and the BLESSINGS that God has given us. This year we are going to be away from family. Everyone has a place to go. We are having 2 families come over along with the missionaries. We are excited to build another MEMORY. Life changes and although we miss the good ol' memories of Thanksgiving's passed we are so blessed to have those MEMORIES.

Woah it's Wednesday...

We have been joking with Clark about the fact he might be a women. His tummy is big and other symptoms of a pregnant woman. Last week The Doc. said, "you need to have an ultra sound" Clark said, What is that? (because I -Sharon- have never had one with all 3 kids, ) The Doc. said " you know the same thing a women has when she is pregnant" Clark kinda bellered "are you kidding me.... "So today is the day we find out if Clark is a women. j/k but I kinda will enjoy watching when his bladder is full and they push on his tummy. Now don't think I'm mean...I will just enjoy teasing HIM for a change! Yes, again they are checking his 'kidney's' I'll update with the outcome later. UPDATE.... Clark said "IT'S TWINS" LOL We won't know anything until next week on the results. *** For the beginning of our Drama see Aug. post

Thankful Tuesday... for PLENTY

I AM THANKFUL THAT I HAVE LIVED IN A TIME THERE HAS ALWAYS BEEN PLENTY!!! I have NEVER EVER gone without. I'm talking SHELTER, WARMTH, FOOD, TRANSPORTATION or FAMILY-GOOD PARENTS,GOOD HUSBAND.GOOD CHILDREN< GOOD FRIENDS. Never ever known HUNGER or POVERTY. For this I am THANKFUL.

Thankful - For JELLO

So I am thankful for JELLO. I am thankful for the person that invented JELLO. For the people who grow the sugar and for the people who processes the sugar, for the people that makes it colorful. For the people that makes the packaging. For the trucks and workers that haul the JELLO for the Store that carries the JELLO. For the person that sales me the JELLO for my house and cubboard that stores the JELLO. Grateful for the person that makes the JELLO on the way to our table. It doesn't matter what color it is. I am Thankful for all those that are responsible so that I can enjoy JELLO. As in anything else that I enjoy--From the least to the most!

Mindful Monday! --Miracles

Today I have to say I am thankful that I have a son that is mindful of his little sister. I am thankful for miracles that still happen today. I am Thankful that we have the priesthood on the earth once again. It is a comfort when sickness occurs, and as parents we are too far away to see to it that everything will be OK. I am thankful for a God that is MINDFUL of us. Here TODAY. For God is the same YESTERDAY , TODAY and FOREVER. Why would he leave us alone now. I don't understand others beliefs on that. But I am grateful to know what others believe. I am grateful that we all have similar beliefs. More than ever I feel we have to gain knowledge to remain hopeful. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints believes there is SO MUCH MORE. As a member all my life I have not appreciated the 'MORE' until I have got around others strong religious backgrounds. Another reason I am grateful to live in other states. I am grateful to be able to learn the truths. It allows me to look forward to tomorrow. We 'do not' stop at death. (can you tell the JW's stopped by!) It's OK, it just reminds me to be grateful for the knowledge that life goes on beyond death.

Just on Sunday- I Promised

Today I am to be thankful for Sundays. Sunday's have not always been my favorite day. In the days of having a young family was a challenge. To get the kids to church on time was nearly impossible there was always someones shoes missing or something? Everything in the morning just seems to pull at our family so that by the time we got there it takes all of Sacrament Meeting to calm down. I am thankful now that we consistently went. I know the importance of having something to believe in and partaking of the sacrament each week. The knowledge that I PROMISED to remember him. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and craziness of the world. I'm grateful that on Sunday I can put it all aside. Start fresh new week .I am thankful that just on Sunday I can take a breath and forge ahead.

WHATEVER NIGHT!

Whatever night is a group of women from our Church who meet about once a month. We usually bring whatever we want to work on (scrapbook, crafts anything). Yes I am the Enrichment counselor and this is just an extra activity that has become monthly because we have so much fun!

Tonight we focused on a project for our branch. This is after we made 92 Christmas cards! Some people had gone home. (14) of us all together. Then the crowd got crazy!!! We were a bit worried the neighbors would start complaining! The Fun of Bunco and Spoons took us in to the wee hours of the night. My Battery on my camera went dead or I could show you bodily injuries! Incredible brawls over spoons! Spoons stuck in the walls and cealing etc....j/k It was just too much fun!

Fearless Friday-walking blind

1- OPENED my eyes.

2- Glared at the alarm clock

3- Smacked snooze.

4- PEERED out of the covers.

5- Threw out a leg

6 Hit the floor

7- Walked to the bathroom with my eyes closed.

8- It's another Day...

9- A FEARLESS FRIDAY!

10- BLESSED to have, two eyes, two arms, two legs, all ten toes and the ability to walk blind!

IT IT's GOING TO BE AN INTERESTING DAY

We made it through the Kidney Specialist Apt. for Clark. No dialysis for now. more tests this week

Thankful Thursday... Life is Precious

This has been a "Life is Precious" Week. I'll make this brief. My friends Daughter in law did well with the surgery on her brain tumor. They are just waiting to see how much it will affect her mobility and brain fuction. At the same time one of Clarks good friends here lost his little 2 month old nephew while in his mothers arms. We can struggle with loosing a parent, partner and friend. It is a whole different experience to loose a child. No words ... just heartbreak.

IN HONOR OF VETERANS DAY...

In honor of the "Unknown Soldier" WE REMEMBER THOSE WHO HAVE GAVE THEIR LIFE FOR OUR COUNTRY TODAY AND YEARS PASSED. FOR THOSE WHO CONTINUE TO SERVE US.THANKYOU!