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!

Thankful Tuesday for my Veiw Point

I am THANKFUL for That of being a Mother. AND as a Mother my 'View Point' (and it just comes naturally!What mother's veiw isn't the same?)is that my kids are the worlds best! Through hard times and good times in my eyes they can do know wrong(most of the time)!!! I love that each one of them has there awesome qualities. That I can feel an intense love for each one of them. (I've said this a million times so KIDS don't you forget it!!) I love seeing that each one of them has at least 'ONE' good trait that I have handed down, and that is "A TENDER HEART" The rest of my 'traits' are a curse! I am grateful that I have the opportunity to be a Mother and their childrens Grandmother to these awesome kids. Even through hard times when it's difficult to perceive our divine nature(as a Mother). I will cherish that my kids are good people and the blessing's they are in my life.

Mindful Monday- His Presence

Today I would say that I am emotionally grateful. Remember my friend I told you about that had major challenges in her life and her example makes "a difference to me" (Aug. post) I talked to her yesterday. She has been with her Son and his wife (who have been married for just 1 year.) They found out that SHE has a brain tumor that is sitting on her brain stem. They are doing surgery today. This young bride is 19. Her husband has not left her side. So I've been praying and pondering all night about them. First of all I can't imagine ONE family going through so many intense trials. And secondly I have to think about how much I personally rely on God to get me through.Just the small day to day things. How grateful I am that we have a Heavenly Father who is there for us in times of intense hardship. I am grateful I can feel his presence and his arms around me in any crises. Also how grateful I am for my minimal problems. After listening to my friend. I had to think---what problems do I have(besides what Clark is challenged with) I can't imagine- not even an inkling what their family is going through. I will continue to pray for them and remind myself that life is precious. I want to take each one of my kids and hold them and kiss on them and comfort them, and tell them how much each one of them means in my life, especially at times like these. I am mindful of my family everyday.

Wedding Memories from 1980

Our Favorite Date

People at the Temple

This is significant if you know who all the people are. Tip top is my Grandfather and Grandmother Pike. Clarks parents are to the right and my parent are to the left. Above Clarks parents are his Grandma and Grandpa Mills. Behind Grandpa Mills is Kaye Hall. Behind my parents is Grandma Eden, Eden Taylor,Teresa, Kathy, Brittney. Included are Nicole Hall next to Grandma Eden. Nancy and Calvin Stone, Hal and Yvette Anderson, Penny Marlin, Yvonne Hansen, Aunt Lorna, Koshell Miller, Aunt Jeannie. cousin Karen and Rob. Cousin Jim and Bev Pike, Jay. And Evelyn Wimmer next to Mac.

Our First "Official" Date

CELEBRATING 28 YEARS!

Re-post HUSBAND TAG--I was tagged again by Zora

HUSBAND post from Oct. 5th 1- What is his name? My Man/Mr Clark. 2- Who eats more? Used to be him now it's a toss up, we can both be little pigs but he definetly used to eat for 5 3- Who said I Love You first? Clark say's it had to be me because he hasn't told me yet... see how mean he is! 4- Who is taller? He is unless I wear heels. 5- Who is smarter? Definetly CLARK 6- Who is more sensitive? That's tough???? da--of course that would be ME! 7- Who does the Laundry? The Maid, hee hee 8- Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? CLARK 9- Who pays the bills? Clark went to school in accounting so it makes no sense that I pay the bills. 10- Who cooks more? ME 11- What meals do we cook together? BREAKFAST on a rare occasion! 12- Who is more stubborn? I asked Clark who was the most stubborn? He said neither one of us(wasn't that nice) He then said, I can be somewhat stubborn to forgive quickly! 13- Who is the first to admit they are wrong? ME again, it really is a RARE thing for Clark to BE wrong. 14- Who has more siblings. CLARK, he has 1 bro, and 2 sisters. I just have 2 bro's 15- Who wears the pants in your relationship? CLARK...I'm very,very submissive!!! 16- What do you like to do together? Go to the MOVIES and go FISHING. 17- Who eats more sweets? ME 18- Guilty pleasure? ICE CREAM 19- How did you meet? Friends hooked us up. Can't say where now unless I tell the whole story!!!! 20- Who asked who out? CLARK, when a kid at school asked him if he was taking me to P.G's Homecoming, cuz he wanted to. Clark said yes, so he had to ask me!! 21- Who kissed who first? ME, I was very aggressive!!!! 22- Who proposed? CLARK 23- His best features? His lips!!! It's our secret, they are hiding under his mustache! 24- What is his greatest quality? His ability to remain calm and his ability to FORGIVE AND FORGET!!!! and after 28 years he still LOVE's ME!!!! 25- Tag? Anyone that will do it!

Thankful Thursday! For walking...

ACORN NEXT TO A QUARTER Today it is a cold brisk windy day. This morning I went on the walking path in our area. The walking path cirles nearly the whole city and it is awesome.Between the falling leaves, squirrels gathering acorns (monster acorns mindyou) and beautiful sunshine it can't be a better day. Kansas is beautiful this time of year. The maple and oak trees that are bright red make fall in El Dorado and incredible season. I am thankful that walking allows me so realize how BLESSED I am. It reminds me to smile and enjoy each new day.

Thankful Tueday... Up and Running and VOTING

Yea the computer is up and running. We lost all of our pictures but we are content to start fresh. Clark thinks the good that comes from the bad is that we have to start over on our 'Solitaire' competition. I held the record and it was UNBEATABLE so the challenge is on. Solitaire is what you play when you have no family around to keep you busy... We are also THANKFUL is it a better week. Last week things seemed pretty grim. I am thankful that when I said my prayers I got an immediate answer. It helped me get through not only each moment but each day. I am THANKFUL that I can see something good in each day. I am THANKFUL that a nearly two year old can brighten my day. Just hearing Our Madison say 'I LOVE ooo,I LOVE ooo I MISS ooo,I MISS ooo, BYE BYE , helps me get through the day! I am THANKFUL that TODAY we can move on from the hoopla of this Presidential Campaign. I am THANKFUL that I can exercise my God given right to VOTE . My STRONG opinion and belief in the voting system came from my parents STRONG conviction that we must stand and be counted. If we do not stand and exercise our voice, we should be held accountable when our nation falls. It does make a difference. It makes a difference to GOD. Our Constitution was made by people directed by GOD. It is a nation under GOD and when we don't acknowledge GOD, our nation will FALL. Someone in church said. We can only blame ourselves for the corrupt Government. We have not stood up and stopped it. It reminds me of FOLLOWING A PROPHET. President Hinkley once stated when asked what he will be known for (by a tv anchor)he said "the Prophet no one listened to" man that struck me in the heart. Then I heard the conversion story of a friend of mine. She said when she was fourteen she decided to read the bible. After reading the first three books she asked her mother why the people acted the way they did. Her mother replied, "NO ONE LISTENED to the PROPHETS" she replied, "If I heard a Prophet speak I would listen" a few weeks later the missionaries knocked at her door. She made a promise to herself that she would always listen to the Prophets because she was so glad to know that we have living Prophet's today. The Prophet is warning us today. For one- he encourages us to VOTE. To make the best decision after studying it out. And also to prepare our families for life. Reading the scriptures- learning from the mistakes others have made. Praying with all our hearts,for our children, our families, the missionaries, the military, our country. Serving others and applying the Atonement of Jesus Christ in our lives. I have not always been perfect in Following the Prophet. But I love him and I will follow him in faith.