FINALLY....together for a photograph after 3 years! We hadn't had christmas together since 2006, because of the boys being on missions. Great to be in Colorado together, and even better to take photos!

Christmas morning fun

It was so fun to be in Colorado this year again for Christmas. With the boys and their missions it was the first time we were all together since 2007. I loved every minute, and with 8 grandkids it was awesome!

BROTHERS

So fun taking my neice's Winter Formal photos. What a great group of teens! Thanks Shannon it was fun, and I am still wondering how you grew up so fast.

I always wanted to do one of these photos, with everyone in the air... LOOK I did it. Thanks boys for letting me practice and getting it done!

Tristan and Santa

Jayson and Tristan managed to fly in from Colorado just in time for me to take him to our Ward Party and see Santa. Fun Times!

Brazilian Bull= YUM

So I told Colten he could pick a restraunt that he wanted to go eat at since he passed his state boards for his CNA degree. Daniel's parents gave him the same reward. So they chose "The Brazilian Bull", and let me tell you it was awesome! Great choice Colten and Daniel!

Congrats Jon and Suzy

It was fun to take your photos!

Follow the Prophet.....

So I was asked to speak at Stake Conference. Yep, ME.... wow I was nervous, but as I prepared my talk, prayed and pleaded to have confidence, and relay my message it worked and what a testimony it was! I was asked to speak on "How my knowledge of the Savior Jesus Christ gets me thru each day" Here is a copy of my talk.

“How my knowledge of the Savior Jesus Christ gets me thru each day”.
As I went to the temple, pondered and prayed about this topic, I have thought a lot about my life this past week or so, it has brought back a lot of memories both good and bad. But as I stand here and reflect back on a talk by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Best is yet to be” he taught that faith points to the future. He states the past is to be learned from and not lived in. Our Heavenly Father doesn’t care nearly as much about where we have been as he does about where you are and with his help where we are willing to go. I know at times I have wondered what my future would hold and what it would be like, as I travel thru this journey called life. But time and time again my prayers are answered to have FAITH. I know that faith is for the future. I also know that faith does build on the past but never longs to stay there.

Last month I was able to attend General Conference for the first time. It was awesome to feel the strong spirit. What a testimony builder it was to feel the love that our prophet has for us. I was overcome with emotion as Pres Monson entered the conference center. My Son and I attended the Saturday afternoon session; each speaker seemed to touch on just what I needed to hear. The topics seemed to stand out as I kept hearing over and over the word “FAITH”. I especially enjoyed Richard C. Edgley’s talk on Faith-the choice is yours. I loved the beginning of his talk which he stated. We live in one of the greatest dispensations of all times—a time former prophets looked forward to, prophesied of, and, I believe, yearned for. However, with all the heavenly blessings bestowed upon us, Satan, ever so real, is ever so active, and conflicting messages are continually attacking all of us. The angel Moroni warned the young Prophet Joseph Smith that his name would be known for good and evil throughout the world and never has the fulfillment of a prophecy been more evident. The Prophet gave his life for his testimony, and the attacks continue today against the Church and even the Savior Himself. The reality of the Savior, His atoning sacrifice, and its universal application for all of us is challenged and often dismissed as a myth or the unfounded hope of a weak and uneducated mind. Furthermore, the reality of the Restoration of the Gospel in these latter days continues to be challenged. The continual attack of such messages may cause confusion, and doubt each attacking the fundamental truths we believe in, our faith in God, and our hope in the future. This might be the reality of our world, but we can still choose how we react to it. When our sacred doctrine and beliefs are challenged, this is our opportunity to become acquainted with God in a most private and intimate manner. This is our opportunity to choose. Because of the conflicts and challenges we face in today’s world, I wish to suggest a single choice—a choice of peace and protection and a choice that is appropriate for all.

That choice is FAITH.
So I say, choose faith.
Choose faith over doubt,
Choose faith over fear,
Choose faith over the unknown and the unseen. In his talk when he said to get acquainted with God in a private and intimate matter, I can bear testimony of this principle.

A few years back as I was preparing sons to serve missions, I saw in my own life a need to be a better stronger faithful member of the church. I wanted to be the type of member that bore testimony that Heavenly Father knew them by name, I wanted to be one of those members that knew beyond a shadow of doubt that Heavenly Father loved me, I wanted to be a member that could testify of my savior to those around me. I was tired of being just a member going thru the motions. I wanted more, I wanted to talk of Christ, and rejoice in Christ. As I started my own personal journey to being a more obedient disciple and follower of Christ, I took the challenge that Pres Ostler and his counselors gave to us to in Stake Conference. As I have read my scriptures daily, prayed morning and night, and looked for opportunities to serve others daily and to serve without grumbling. As I have put these three things to the test, I have become a more valiant stronger daughter of God. There have been times recently when my faith has been tested. I have witnessed the hand of the adversary and his destruction in the life of family and friends as they have little by little let go of the iron rod. It is thru constant prayers in their behalf that I have felt the presence of the Holy Ghost telling me to have “FAITH” and to be a constant example and a valiant member of the church.

I often reflect on my favorite quote by Pres Hinckley which reads: “Be not faithless, but believing. Believe in yourself, believe in your capacity to do some good in this world in which we live. The wonderful thing is we can do it”

I have learned that all of us face challenges of the adversary. I know and have received confirmation that my Heavenly Father loves me, and knows me by name. I know that I need to keep my roots planted deep and strong in the gospel. I often think of the Christus Statue, and with his outstretched hands and remember another favorite quote that always comes to my mind and heart time and time again. “I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it. "

I would like to close my talk and bear testimony that it is a blessing to be a Mormon. My personal relationship with God the Father, and his Son, Jesus Christ, give meaning and purpose to my life. I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was founded by the savior himself. He leads this church through the power of his priesthood, and continuous revelation by our prophet today Thomas S. Monson. The word of God is found in the Book of Mormon, and I find peace and direction within its pages. I love being a part of the Lord’s kingdom here upon the earth and know I have found the truth. I am grateful everyday to have the gospel in my life. I am thankful for good friends and family that lift me up. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ AMEN

More Colorado

So Logan and I have a love for photgraphy, so we took a scenic drive to seven falls, dang it, I missed the real fall colors by a week or so. I totally enjoy the beautiful nature of Colorado Springs!

Halloween in Colorado

It was fun to be in Colorado for Halloween this year, it is tradition that everyone dresses up. Yep, I was a spooky dead granma. It was nice weather and so fun to be with the grandkids and my kids!

I had never been to General Conference, so off to Utah we went. It was nice weather and so awesome to be in Temple Square. I loved every moment!

So Logan wanted me to find him a new "puppy" for him... Well here she is, she was so fun to have and take care of for a few days till she made her journey to Colorado. Dang it.... I miss her!

So nice to get out of the heat, for the Labor Day weekend. We went to the Allen's cabin in Heber. Lots of good food, some baseball and great company!

1 Year Served

My awesome nephew Elder Morgan Wells, is serving in the Montana Billings Mission. Today is HUMP DAY! Keep up the great work! God Speed Mo, and we will see you in a year!

Colorado

I had fun in Colorado, we all went to Water World in Denver. A great day and fun in the sun!

Mr & Mrs Chad Dewey~ August 12th, 2010

CONGRATS, Chad and Jessie!

Yea, Tristan came from Colorado to visit for 10 days... I enjoyed having him so much!

Learning at Pima

Here is Colten learning new things in class. Looks like fun to me!

Pima Medical Institute

Colten on his way to becoming a certified nurses assistant....

Lake Chemung

Michigan-West Family Picnic

Colten and I headed to Michigan, for a family reunion. I was on the committee. It was lots of work, but lots of fun. Great to catch up with Aunts, Uncles and lots of cousins.

Let FREEDOM ring!

Welcome Home... Elder Daniel Wesley

It was fun to welcome Daniel home from the Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Mission

on June 30th, 2010.

What a fun weekend, Thanks to my brother and sister in law, a sweet cabin, my Aardbark Girls, and lots of relaxin. It was AWESOME to be out of the heat and in Pinetop!

Father's Day

We met my parents at Flancers, for Father's Day.
A great dinner, I love you Dad and the example you are!

Happy Father's Day!

One morning, a son asked this father: "Why are you making
Mommy breakfast? Is she sick?"

"No dear," I replied, "It's Mother's Day."

"Oh," said the son, "then is every other day Father's Day?"

So You Think You Can Dance... season 7

I love love love this show! So glad to have something to watch this summer! Go Lauren, our Phoenix, AZ contestant.

There is beauty all around

Lately seems like I am noticing more and more beauty all around.
I have always enjoyed this big beautiful world and its greatness.


a big bright full moon rising up


I don't even like cactus, but came home to these beautiful flowers that had bloomed at night?


a beautiful tree in Colorado with the most gorgeous pink flowers.

Clint Black

Went to Clint Black with my friend Becky.... he played at the Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale. It was awesome, a small venue. I scored a guitar pick, so if you know me, it was great night of fun and right in my niche of life.... I LOVE concerts!

Happy 22nd birthday.... LoLo

Where has time gone.... my cute little baby boy has grown up, into a man (child). Logan will always be my baby, and the grandkids call him Uncle LoLo. So LoLo it will be forever! Happy 22nd birthday LOLO. You are loved!

Happy Birthday Gracie

My oldest and only grandaughter Gracie turned 9 on June 6th. Can't believe my "princess" is that old.

another Graduation....

Red Mountain High School, 877 graduates made for a long night, but worth it... Congrats Meghan!

Gavin graduates kindergarten

May 21st was a big day, for my grandson...
Gavin graduated from Kindergarten, Way to go Gavi love!





a hug for Dad too!

lunch with (Sis) Jean Shupe

We had lunch with (Sis) Jean Shupe, she was a senior Sister Missionary in New Jersey. She and Colten sparked a great friendship. She used to live in Arizona and was here visiting her son and family. I had met her when she was here, before Colten finished his mission. We quickly became friends. She waited a long time to give her favorite return missionary a big HUG. I had a wonderful lunch, as they talked about New Jersey, the mission and the their memories. We adore you (Sis) Jean Shupe!