This was an exciting day for our family, especially for our son, Jacob. Jacob got a new puppy for his 30th birthday. Jacob had a beloved friend and companion: a dog named Zhini, that he raised from a puppy, while on his mission in New Mexico. In May 2007, Zhini passed away. He had a growth that had taken over his stomach and when he had surgery to remove the growth, he died. Jacob and I have missed Zhini in our lives so much, he was an amazing dog and many times seemed to understand our needs and even what we said to him. There has been an emptiness in our hearts since we lost our dear friend. Today we have begun again, with our love for another beautiful dog....our hope is to love him and to raise him to be as wonderful and as loving as our friend, Zhini.

Thanks To Give

We had a great Thanksgiving at our home yesterday. We had 25 members of our family gathered for dinner. My mom was able to be with us, which was a great treat, she is 87 years old and I don't know how many more Thanksgiving days we will have together in this mortal life. I have so much to be grateful for.....life certainly is full of challenges, but the bottom line is that I have such a beautiful family, wonderful friends, and an amazingly good husband. I have never gone hungry, or been without shelter, or a warm bed to rest in at the end of a day, and I have the knowlege that I am a daughter of God, and that my Savior, Jesus Christ, died for me, that I could be saved and have an eternal place with him when this life is done. Thanks to all of you who love me back and contribute so much to my life. I certainly have Thanks To Give.

Disneyland.............my drug of choice!

Here I am on Tower of Terror with seven of my beautiful grandchildren, and two of my amazing children. I love Disneyland..........!! I love it even more when I am there with the people that I love. I went to California and picked up Emily and Kate and we met Jeremy and his family and Justine and two of her children, and spent a few days together in the California sun. IT WAS A BLAST!! LOVED IT, LOVED IT, LOVED IT! I wish I could have had all of my family with me...and someday, I want Jake to love going like I do :)

A Day To Be Grateful For My Many Blessings

Today, is an important day in my life. Eight years ago today, my husband suffered a massive heart attack. He actually died and was brought back, through the grace of God, and the miracle of modern medicine. I am thankful every day to have him in my life and that I didn't lose him from my life that day. The past eight years have been filled with alot of challenges for us, but we have been able to share them "Together". Every single day is a gift, that became very evident to Jake and I eight years ago today.

Grandpa and Holly

I loved this picture of Jake and our youngest grandchild. Grandchildren are the best! Grandchildren bring all of the joy to your life that just grabs your heart and holds it captive. Having children and grandchildren is a surreal experience, like having your heart walking around, outside your body, in each of them.

We had a great time in Seattle with Jon's family and Jeremy and Hunter. It was so beautiful. Here are Jake and I at the beautiful Snoquamie Falls! We were lucky enough to attend the BYU/Washington game, and since we were surrounded by Huskie fans....it is a good thing BYU won.

Today, we had a birthday celebration for my mom, who will be 87 in October. She is such a beautiful mom! I love her so much and treasure the time that we still have with her. I pay honor to my brother Dennis and his wife Renee for making her last years on this earth so sweet and enjoyable for her. I love her and I am grateful for all that she has taught me as her child.

Last Days of A Beautiful Summer!

Here are a few of my amazingly
beautiful grandaughters, enjoying
our last day at grandma's swim day
of the summer! I am sad that summer
is over!

Lake Powell 2008

Fun times for us. Jake took a break from napping and reading and Vick took a break from her absolute and complete fear of the water.

We just had a great time at Lake Powell, with about half of our family going. We had lots of food, water, and laughs. Time with our family is of most importance...and we treasure those times that we are so fortunate to have.

To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of
Intelligent people and
The affection of children...
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better,
Whether by a healthy child,
A garden patch, or
A redeemed social condition
To know even one life
Has breathed easier
Because you have lived-
This is to have succeeded.
...Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hey, Here we are....Jake and Vick...old and tired, but ready to start our blog. Michael started one, a while ago and I didn't know what a "Blog" was. Jeremy started one this week and I read his and others that were on his site. I thought it was cool, and want to start my own. I hope to add to this in the coming days! Life is good!