Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! It is our family tradition to go out to eat at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. We look forward to it every year, and make our reservations early. They have the best steak. We love to be together for New Years dinner.

Here we are. Everett, Kim and Colten

Jayson and Tina

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I bought a new lens for my camera, and my dogs and cats were my only willing subjects, so here they are.


Brandy, our 9 year old Chihuahua
Jenna, our almost 10 year Shih Tsu
Roxie, our special Pomeranian
Maggie, our fawn & white Boston Terrier
Keegan, our kitty (he was found at the Texas Roadhouse parking lot)

This is Xena, she was Stacey's cat, who we inherited.

Colten's Mission Call

Well Colten got his call on Thursday, December 20th. He will be serving in the
New Jersey, Morristown Mission. He reports to the MTC in Provo, Utah on March 26th, 2008. So I am setting up another missionary blog so you can keep up with Colten's journey.

http://www.eldercoltenwells.blogspot.com/

Giving Christ My Sons

There is a awesome poem being circulated on the internet. It is so fitting of my life at this moment, with 1 son serving, and the other leaving in March.

This Year for Christmas
I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving.
The thrill just wasn't there.
No pictures taken with Santa Clause,
my decorating has no flair.
His presents are shoes, shirts, and ties,
two suits and socks...no fun.
I've bought him all white clothes because...
This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I've spent more time in the temple,
Felt strength come from His words.
I've reread November's Ensign,
and my testimony stirred.
Our family prays more frequently
My tears are quick to run.
Abraham seems closer because,
This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I wonder how those Lamanite mothers,
gave their sons to war?
Or how the pioneers chose Zion ,
their sacrifice was so much more.
My loss will be his presence,
I'll miss his smile a ton
For two years we will pray for him,
I'm giving Christ my son.

I stare at his face when he's not looking.
I memorize his eyes, their shine.
He's always hungered for the part of him,
that makes his soul divine.
The stories and lessons he always heard,
His choice and mine are one.
I'll put my faith in God's hand,
This year, I'm giving Him my son.

Past gifts have lost their glitter,
I think I finally understand
Christ's birth should be celebrated
by giving Him a hand.
It's because I know Christ lives and reigns
that all his packing's done.
My gift has taken years to make,
This year... I'm giving Christ my son

May the Lord bless you and our missionary children as they serve him with
all their hearts!

Another Missionary

Well, here I go again... Colten is Mission bound. I cannot believe it, well I can but it is happening too soon. Colten's papers are submitted to Salt Lake, he should get his call within the next 3 weeks. He is hoping for the 20th/21st of December, he wants to wait till Logan calls on Christmas Day, and open his call while Logan is on the phone. So here comes another roller coaster ride.

Halloween

I am so glad that I have Jayson, Tina and Tristan here close by. I love being a "Granma". Tristan is talking so much, and repeats everything you say. Such a little smartie.



Tristan learned real quick, to grab handfuls of candy, when the people opened the door and gave him the bowl. He was so dang cute. He was a puppy. He would walk down the sidewalk and say "I am Granma's Puppy".

Our "in State" family is shrinking

Well, it has taken my a while to talk about Stacey and family moving to Colorado. They moved in October. It was really rough on me for a few weeks. I cried and cried. I know I haven't been this emotional in my whole life as I have in the year 2007. Big events, some tears of sorrow, some of joy. Those of you that know me, I do not cry... well I cannot say that anymore. It doesn't take much, so is this another sign of growing old? Yeah. Matt got a awesome job opportunity, and away they went. I sure miss all of them. Stacey has worked for me for over 5 years, I miss our daily conversions. I am so close to Gracie, we are very bonded. I am thankful for telephones! We talk alot, I will miss them at Christmas! I have found I must keep busy, which isn't hard. I gave Stacey a early Christmas gift, a digital camera...But to no suprise, I have yet to get any pictures. Maybe she will suprise me soon? Here are a few pictures of the kids before they left. On a side note, between sending packages to Puerto Rico and Colorado, I am getting good at packing and shipping!

Garen will be 1 year old on the 21st of December

Gavin is going to be 4 in March.