Our early Christmas

We celebrated Christmas early this year. Sean just got home (California) from his cruise, and then flew here the next day. We weren't so sure that Sean could even come out before Christmas, but his new boss let him extend his leave!!
Jen and Steve, Nick and Racheal, Sean, Kevin, Dad and I all went to Olive Garden for dinner. It was very crowded. We ended up splitting up four at one table, four at another. But we had a great dinner. We came home and opened gifts. Everyone sure had fun!

"The winter dance"

Kevin's Nativity Pagent

Thursday at 2;15-3;15 Kevin had a nativity pageant. We got there a little early and the pageant was ending. Wow we were shocked. But enjoyed what was left.

Then we noticed that they did 5 pageants that day and Kevin's was last. He played the wise man. I told him he was a King and needed to give his gift to baby Jesus or his mommy. When it was his turn he came up and gave the give to Mary for Jesus. He looked so regal!!!!

The narrator was wonderful. He rolled up the angels and shepherds that were in wheelchairs and there were so many helpers. He went through the Christmas Story with delight and shared such a special time with these children.

He had one of the missionaries come up and share their testimony about Christmas. Ours' happened to be the piano teacher who had been playing for 6 hours. She told us how the Lord helped her so much as she played the songs. To have the strength. She told us once in the temple she had to play for a double shift , about 7 hours straight. She didn't think she could do it. But the Lord helped her and she finished. She bore her testimony about how celestial each of these children were. And how we are just on the path. What a wonderful Testimony.

The two German Missionaries and two other missionary's. Pick up the hymnbooks in German and sang "Silent night" the way it was meant to be sung, in German. Then we all sang along the last verse. It was so beautiful. Steph, I thought of you, your Dad. It was special to me.

Jeff is going to post a bunch of pictures. of all the kids. It was great!

We took some pictures and then we had to take Kevin back to Dr. Slack. He was pretty well behaved. No strep, but he had a nasal flu shot. Pretty cool HUH! "NO SHOTS". Kevin needs his wisdom teeth out and when they do it, Dr. Slack said he needed his ear canals cleaned. The earplugs keep shoving more wax into them. I told him about the peroxide thing. He said it didn't matter. Hopefully we will have insurance for Kevin after Jan. 1, 2009, ATT is really fighting this for Kevin. They said we would have to have a judge say that he will be just like this the rest of his life. Well.....................Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's basically what his dr. said.

The Reason for the Season 2008

For me, Christmas is a promise of hope. Hope for me, hope for my family, hope for an eternity spent with my family, hope that I will see the Savior and Heavenly Father again.

The birth of Christ is the beginning of His life here on earth. I have been thinking about Mary and Joseph, what terrific parents they must have been. They were chosen to raise the Son of God. What a responsibility that was! All of the normal duties of being a new parent, and then to have such an incredible task ahead of them. Schooling the Son of God.

As a mother, I too had a sacred responsibility. It was up to Dad and I to raise you and teach you about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. And how to return to Him.

I love the scripture in 2 Nephi 25:26,

"And we talk of Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins".

That says it all. Mary and Joseph held the Savior in their arms. They cradled him. They taught him about his literal Father in Heaven. And He grew up to fulfill the prophecies and be the atoning sacrifice that was needed for mankind. He has already paid the price for us.

My most sacred hope is that my children will be humble and walk uprightly before the Lord. Inspite of imperfect parenting, they will come unto Christ and allow Him be their Redeemer.

Merry Christmas.

Eternally,

MOM

A Christmas Carol

We went to "A Christmas Carol" friday night December 5, 2008. We had 4 tickets and invited Jen and Steve to come along. They weren't sure they wanted to go. I had never seen it on stage and the kids just kept asking, is it a local high school thing or a good production. I told them that Margaret, my buddy, told me that it was incredible. Finally they agreed to go. I know they are happy that they did.

I have never hired anyone to babysit Kevin before and didn't know what the "going rate" was for childcare. Oh my gosh!!!! I about fell over when I found out. It's between $6-$8 dollars an hour. (I think I will start babysitting!) It's a far cry from .50cents an hour. The only person who paid more were the Vesies, they paid Steph and I $1 hour and had snacks for us. We were in heaven when we could babysit them. Anyways, Andrew James had come over and watched Kevin for the adult fireside and he seemed to do great with him. So I called and he said "YES". He came over a little early and he and Kevin played the Wii game system. Andrew already knows how to play. Kevin had a blast. I forgot to tell Andrew that Kevin gets ready for bed around 7:45 and is always in bed by 9pm. He said Kevin just started brushing his teeth and got himself in bed. Wow! I usually have to pull up the covers. Say prayers, and Kevin tells me about his day! He must have been tired, cause he just fell asleep.

When we got to theater is was freezing cold. Steve and Jen picked us up. Kindof like a double date. It was fun! We finally went in and I realized it was theater in the round. I have never been to one before. But it sure made me think of Steph and how hard it would be to be the Prop manager or stage manager with all the exits, ect. We sat in our seats and there was fog all over the floor. Then it started. You are so close to the cast, it feels like you, yourself are in the production. The caroler's were decked out in 1800 dress and sang beautiful from all four corners of the room. Brother Winters, from out ward was one of the caroler's. Scrooge was excellent and of course the little boy that played tiny Tim was so cute and adorable. The entire production, music ect was so great!!!!! I told Jeff that Scrooge (the man who played him) could easily be a Jan Val Jan in Les Miserables!!! His voice was incredible. Oh, it was a musical. I didn't know that when I bought the tickets. I love musicals.

All I could think of during the production was Christ and his atonement allowed us to repent and begin again. We don't have to be stuck where we are, we just need to humble ourselves and accept this gift.
All year Jeff, Steph and I (Steph and I are on our second round this year!) have been reading in the book of Mormon, and especially Alma, teaches Redemption and Repentance, but it continues even till now and we are just in the last Chapter of Alma. I have been trying to "see our day" as I read the book of Mormon and never fails, I can see it.

So when Scrooge wants to change his life, all I could think about was us today. It is easy if you just humble yourself and do it.

Back to the play. I hope we can go again next year! It was so great! Now we know how to pick our tickets.

Jen and Steve wanted to go out to eat, but it was after 10pm and I told Andrew we should be back between 10 and 10:30pm. Jen and Steve drove Andrew home! What a terrific night!

So Dad and I recommend seeing "A Christmas Carol". Sean if you want to see it with Selena, you should have Aunt Steph tell you where to go. There is a theater in the round in Glendale.

Love the Christmas Season and the Spirit that comes with it!

"God Bless you every one",

Love MOM

Mitten Tree Day

Festive Kevin in his Laker purple hat, scarf and mittens. Kevin wore this to school for the mitten Tree Day! Aunt Kathy picked out the Laker purple. Go Lakers!!!!!

The Story of Mitten Tree Day

There was a nice lady who lived on the second floor of an apartment located in the middle of a neighborhood full good hard working people, some of whom struggled financially. Every morning she sat at her kitchen table, gazing out the window, watching the neighborhood children play while waiting for the bus. As winter approached she noticed that some of the children weren't playing, instead they huddled up, hands in their pockets, trying to stay warm. It suddenly occurred to her that the solution was mittens! She immediately took out her knitting needles, left over bits of yarn and set to work. That night she took the multi-colored mittens and draped them on a little tree next to the bus stop. The next morning she woke early and waited anxiously for the children to arrive at the bus stop. As the children gathered, the lady watched, her smile growing wider, as the children realized the mittens must be for them. The children chose the mittens that fit, and forgetting the chill in the air, began to play. The nice lady never told anyone of her good deed, but she held that gift in her heart always.

On my trip to Ca. I went to Leo Carillo beach just in time to catch the sunset. While I was gone Kathy got this great sunset of Utah lake glowing orange as the sun went down. Beautiful sunsets! Both were on the same day! A thousand miles away!

Daddy's Home!!!

Dad went to CA for Thanksgiving and I stayed home with Kevin. So we celebrated Thanksgiving apart, but both with family. Jen and Steve drove to Arizona and spent Thanksgiving with his family. They were able to stop in Las Vegas and see another brother's family. I watched Mindy and Roxie.

So at our house I had Mindy, Roxie, Abby and Chiquita! Four doggies to feed and take out to poop and play with! It was really nice. Mindy and Roxie just fell in line with Abby and Chiquita. The two smallest dogs are the two most dominate, Roxie and Chiquita. They are the bosses!!!! Oh, Kevin and I were here too!

Kevin and I had a fun week! We went to jump on it! Every Tuesday never fail! We went to the movies with Nick to see "Bolt" in 3D!!! Disney does a great job! Took Kevin to Subway and Sonic, his two favorite places to eat. Then on Thanksgiving day, I tried to get Kevin interested in watching the Macy's Parade, but he was not interested, he wanted to help me cook! He is the best helper in the kitchen! Loves to put away dishes, can reach higher than me. He loves to put things in the mixer and watch them mix. We had his favorite pumpkin pie!!!!

Nick got Racheal and they came over to eat. Nick helped set the table and help me get things on the table. I did the normal Thanksgiving fare. But used frozen biscuts rather than from scratch. I did a 15# turkey so there would be plenty of leftovers to send home with Nick. I just don't feel like a Mom if I am not feeding the kids!! And then some! We all were stuffed, and did the dishes then sat to watch "Survivor", it just was a recap of all the past shows, pretty boring!! Then Nick Rachel and I played Clue. Too soon, they had to go, Nick starts work at 4am, but gets up at 3am to get ready and drive there! He is trying to get his hours changed. We had a very nice Thanksgiving. And of course, all the dogs were here too! I was good and didn't give Roxy and Mindy and Thanksgiving goodies. But Abby and Chica, they got their fair share.

Jen and Steve came home Saturday night, they drove straight through for 15 hours. They were so tired. They came over for Thanksgiving leftovers on Sunday, but there were none so I just made up Stove Top stuffing, I had kept some dark meat and heated that up, scalloped potatoes, more frozen biscuts, and then of course Pumkin pie. Nick took home the carrot cake! Then Monday they stopped by and had pizza with us. I love it when they come over! It must be my mom feeding issue! But it feels so good to sit and eat at the table with my family.

Now Dad was in CA. He went to Grandma and Grandpa Crosier's and had a terrific Thanksgiving meal with Grandma and Grandpa, Susan and Dave, Todd, Danny, Lauren and Aphrot(?), and Sean and Selena. No dishes to wash there, Mimi prepared, served up a great meal and did all the dishes!!! What a way to go!! Dad had a great time visiting with his brothers and Mom and Dad. He also had time to spend with Sean and go to the beach to take photo's then have dinner with Sean and Selena several times. (I do miss that I couldn't go! I really miss having all the family together!) Dad also went to a swapmeet, went to church with Grandma and Grandpa, visited John Flores and had a great visit with the dentist "no cavities".

When he came home I was so excited to see him but before I could get to him Abby and Chiquita had him on the floor licking him to death!!!! Chiquita crawled right through Dad's sweatshirt pocket to the other side. They missed him so much!! After all the dog licking then I could give Dad a welcome home kiss. Kevin was so excited to show Uncle Jeff all that he had done for Thanksgiving. Show him the 3D glasses and was vying for his attention. I guess everyone missed Dad!!! I miss Dad when he is away so much! But I think the dogs miss him more. I didn't knock him to the floor and lick him to death!!! Hope Dad posts the picture I took of him.

I am so thankful for my family, here there and everywhere. God has blessed us so much. We love all of our family. We miss everyone in CA and wish that it was closer! I promise I will get back there to CA. I am grateful for all my lifelong friends. I am grateful for all my blessings. I have so many!

I finally was able to hang my Dad's picture up on the wall in the hall and can look and not cry too much, but say "Hi" to him off and on throughout the day. I couldn't do that for a while. I know what it feels like to mourn, that is really hard, and brings back memories of loved ones, Grandmother, Grandpa, Grandma Vance, and now my Dad. I am thankful to have those precious moments tucked in my heart, but it's so painful when you lose someone that you loved so much. Even though I know that families are eternal, they still are part of who I am. I am grateful for lessons learned and growth that comes through pain.

Happy Thanksgiving,
MOM

Grandma Weideman!

Grandma Weideman came in to stay with us. Her brother in law had passed away, the husband to her sister when she was here in July. Now they will rest together for eternity!

I had a chance to go to Logan. I heard wonderful stories about terrific people, and some not so terrific. But most of all I could spend some quality time with Grandma.

One day we went to SLC to go visit Grandpa Weideman. I wish my Dad were this close. We went to the Joseph Smith building and at lunch at "Little Navuoo", then watched the movie about Joseph Smith. We ended the day a Deseret Books. I bought every 2009 theme thing I could find for singing time, sharing time, how to be an effective presidency, how to teach children primary songs ect........ We were there till they kicked us out! Grandma gave me these lapel pins she found that said "My Eternal Family" to give to each of my counselors! They loved them!!! Me too!!!!

Grandma is always so helpful. Not a load of laundry goes undone, my refrigerator cleaned again, vacuuming done (good thing Kevin was in school). She helped me in the basement, helped Jeff to sand the shelves and encouraged us both so much the whole two weeks. I would walk down the hall to Kevin's room in the morning and wallah! the bed was already made and his laundry was already folded and neatly placed on his dresser. I felt like the 3 Nephites were coming in at night to help us, but alas, it was Grandma!!!

She was here for Kevin's two big events!!! His 19th Birthday and the Special Needs Talent Show. Grandma even cut eyeballs and spots, Dad too, for the "pin the stuff on Sponge Bob"!!! I wasn't able to attend the Talent show, but Grandma gave me every detail! Felt like I was right there!

While she was here I received a "call" to be the Primary President. She was so helpful with advice and someone I could talk with! If I walked into her room, she sat down what she was reading and was ready and willing to listen! I loved that. I love her!!! She is a very important pillar of strength for me as was Grandpa Weideman. Not only in the gospel, but in life. I always knew they loved me. And still do, and I love them both!

Grandma helped me set up for foam clothing classes (comfy clothes), she helped set up for my presidency meeting. She even put little stickies in the Ensign for me to read. What a blessing to have her here. I wish she could stay forever, but I know that Steph and Holly need her more.

I loved having Grandma with Dad and I as we telecommunicated with Steph to read the scriptures. It is the best part of the day for Dad and I. We both look forward to studying the scriptures by ourselves and then with Steph and Grandma. Grandma and Dad have the best insights as we ponder the questions and answer. I love hearing Dad's voice read the scriptures out loud and Steph has a way that makes the workbook come alive. I am privileged to just sit and follow along. Grandma is going to try to get Holly to join our unique little telephone scriptures study group when she goes home to Nashville. I never want to stop reading and studying like this!

Sadly, I had to take Grandma back to the airport headed for California. But I still look forward to hearing her voice everyday as she reads with us.

Love ya Grandma,
MOM

Kevin's Birthday Party!

This was the first Birthday Party for Kevin with friends included. It turned out fantastic. Thanks to Bonnie, Kevin's teacher! She and I transported some of the kids to Jump on it.

Nick and Jen were helping a bunch of the kids on the trampoline! I just felt that they were so Christlike how they treated all the kids.

A big surprise was that Trevor and another boy from Kevin's Sunday School class came and participated. They were great. You can see by the pictures what a great time they all had.

Grandma Weideman made the cupcakes, and helped me with the sponge bob game. It turned out so cute. We blindfolded the kids and had them put the eyes, mouth and spots on Spongebob. I put the poster on Kevin's wall in his room. It's wonderful!

We also had Pizza and ice cream.

With everybody's help, it turned out terrific! Don't tell Kevin that he will be 20! I will hear about it for another year!

Happy Birthday! Love you so much Kevin.

Kevin's 19th birthday

Kevin's 19th birthday party at jump on it!

Family portrait

This is our fall family portrait taken in October near Tibble fork lake

Foam Clothing!!!

I am going to take pictures next wednesday and post them. It's pretty awesome watching the sister's in action.

I have been helping sisters in our ward make foam clothing for the last few weeks. I finally went to Mount Pleasant and got my 7 sheets of foam, 48 yards fabric, thread and am ready to start mine. On Wednesday Night I was helping one of the gals with a raglan sleeve and sweet Rebecca helped me to cut out all my foam for Nick and Kevin's. She also started cutting the fabric and pinning. It is Saturday and the stuff is still on the breakfast bar. That bar is great for cutting out fabric. That was the first thing I thought of when I looked at this house!

The clothing is meant to be worn just like thermal underware. So you have to put something "Not Cotton" over it (and not cotton undies too!) , that's water resistant and breathable. I am just concerned with getting my 6 sets done for Christmas. Then comes the hats, gloves and boots. It is suppose to keep you warm to -40 with 1" foam and like -20 with 1/2 inch. I am making one in the 1" for Jeff. (I even bought the axe, shovel, and aqua rain filtration system. I know I have a years supply of food and 7 of those 55 gal. barrels full of water. 1 gal/per person/ per day for drinking only!)

If you go to www.preparemyfamily.com they have some really incredible information. I went to Rebecca Lee's Emergency Prep class several months ago. I bought her CD and packet of information. She has the most thorough class I have every been too.

Emergency Prep has been in my heart for over a year now. I know that we have to be prepare in all ways. First Spiritually, Second Temporally and thirdly to help our neighbors. Rebecca Lee suggest a book to read it was called "Left to Tell". Wow! It was powerful! Truly a woman of faith, and has Christlike abilities to forgive. Heavenly Father has really been prompting me. Other ways too, I keep thinking that I need to set up some type organization to hand out blankets for the homeless, in this county. I tried to donate my Dad's clothes to the homeless shelter, but there wasn't one here, only in Salt Lake.

I was so excited that Sean was excited to get an emergency kit and water together. There is no doubt that another earthquake is on the horizon. He said that Selena's parents are very prepared too, and they just live around the corner.

September Surprise at Welk's!!!!!

Grandma Weideman had planned to have a Birthday Surprise for Aunt Stephanie down in San Diego. So she scheduled a flight for me and a shuttle over to Welk Resorts. I waited there in the Lobby for a few hours. Stephanie, Doreen, Winn, and Grandma ended up in Palm Springs. They accidently took the wrong turn. So I recieved a covert call telling me that they would be running a bit late.

When they finally arrived, I saw Grandma out the window and stood to the side so Aunt Stephanie wouldn't see me. Somehow she walked, or ran through the Lobby to the Ladies room having an awful asthma attack. I didn't even see her! I was so worried that she would see me!

Grandma and I went to the Ladies Room and I walked in, Grandma holding the door, Doreen right behind her, and I asked Aunt Stephanie "Are you alright?" "Do you need help?". Well she turned around looked me in the eye and said "NO, I am here with my mother, thanks anyways". She didn't recognize me until I said "Steph"and held her shoulders and looked her back in the eye. It was so funny. She was so confused. She looked at me, looked at Grandma, then at me........ WOW! Was she surprised. It went off so well! Grandma hit a HOME RUN!

We swam in the pool, took a water aerobic class. Doreen wore a bright yellow hat! And Grandma had the cutest sandles on! While in the pool, We met a man and started talking. He heard I was from Utah. Come to find out, not only did he graduate from the same High School as Grandma, they sang the "Good Old Davis High" song right there in the pool! He new the Jespersons our neighbors, Valorie Foster's cousin. They lived in San Diego with them for years. This is a small world. His daughter lives in Pleasant Grove and her husband runs "Peg Leg Paintball"! There names were Bill and Marilyn. Arlyn and Jackie were shocked when I told them.

We went to a 50's men's occapella group. That was so fun! We also saw a play called "Alter Boys", It wasn't as good as the other group. But it was fun just being together!

We had a Birthday Bash for Grandma on her Birthday and Doreen did the cutest games. I used Amber's Camera to take pictures. Hope Steph posts them here for me.

It was so relaxing after having so many hard blows the months before. It was so nice to be with so many wonderful women!!!!!!

The icing on the cake was going to the San Diego Temple. I hadn't been there since Jen and Steve were married. I took special interest in the areas that they had been and remembered how blessed I felt helping Jennifer to dress for her sealing and then put on her wedding dress. The memories flooded my heart. I felt sad that Jen and I haven't been back to the temple together. Anyways, we did a session and I begged Steph to do initiatories with me. OH what a blessing that was. I can't express in words how I felt. I cried the whole time. The sisters said they felt the Spirit so strong when we were in there and said when we left, "Come back soon!". We walked out and down the stairwell where Grandma, Doreen and Winn were patiently waiting. We had told the temple workers we had a half hour, evidently 2 hours went by....... There were some pretty hungry folks waiting for us.

It was hard to leave. I felt so much peace and relaxation and sooooo loved! But I needed to be home, and get back to real life. As they drove off my heart sunk.

When I got home, Kevin and Dad were there to greet me. It felt wonderful to see them!

Happy Halloween 2008

This Halloween season was a blast for Kevin. He wore his "Hippe" costume to school on Thursday, then had a dance at Special Needs Mutual! And again he got to wear his costume. He said "Boo!" to everyone. He was so intriqued with all the kids. Kevin was the Candyman! He sat by the door and gave out the candy. He showed everyone the "Peace" sign.

Chiquita had to wear the witch costume and hated it! I think Roxy should wear it next year.

Dad and I watched the updates on the elections, oh what fun! Dad did steal three candybars! I won't tell how many I stole!!!

Have a Happy Halloween!
Love,
MOM and DAD

Kevin the hippie and Mom Halloween 2008

Fall Family Pictures

For my Mom's birthday we decided to get her family pictures because the last time we took pictures as a family I had puffy bangs and we all wore denim head to toe (not really but you get the point)! We were going to have a professional do it but with my brother having to fly out from CA it wasn't quite working out. Good thing my Dad likes photography and invests in lots of good camera equipment. We went up to AF canyon and it was kinda hard to find good spots because the sun but we found one and I think they turned out pretty for a bunch of armatures! It's always fun when the whole family gets together. Sean was out all weekend and Nick and Rachel came up from SLC. We played games every night at our house which is fun because we never have people over. We played Catch Phrase ( if you haven't pulled it out in a while you should...it's fun!), Colosseum, and Balderdash. I always forget how much I love playing board games and how competitive I get (which isn't a good thing!) On Sunday night we had Teppanyaki at our house. Steve was flipping eggs and flipped on right at Sean, then the next one he made in Sean's drink! It was a fun weekend! Can't wait till we all can get together again!

You're Going Camping?!?

Steve is now the 11 yr old scoutmaster and this past weekend was his first scout campout. They had been talking about it and planning it for weeks and the boys were so excited. The week before the campout we started watching the weather to make sure it would be ok and they kept saying it was going to SNOW!! We didn't quite believe them because it was so nice outside so we went up and found a nice campsite.

The night before the campout Steve called all the boys to tell them the trip was a GO! Just like the weather people said a storm came in that night. Luckily they didn't get rained on but it was super cold! Steve said that it wasn't that bad because everyone was prepared to be cold so they packed warm. Saturday morning the snow just kept coming down. Steve still wanted to stay and make breakfast, but the other leaders decided to pack up and go home. That night we got the first real snow in the valleys. We got about 2 inches. It was so pretty to look outside and see all the snow. I'm not sure I'm ready for winter to come yet, but it was fun for at least one day.

(Our house on Thrusday)

(Sunday Morning - It melted a bit because I was too big of a wuss to go outside)

(Mindee just wanted to stay inside and snuggle in the warm blankets!)