and we made it...HAPPY 2011

...the food...not much...

...the company...we see almost every weekend...

...yet we couldn't think of a better way to bring in the new year...

(except maybe giving baker photography lessons!)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Top 10 Events of 2010

Here is our Top 10 for 2010:

Crate received his Arrow of Light in January.Ian was baptized in February and Baker received the Priesthood in March. In April, Granddad gave an amazing gift to Mike and Baker. The two were able to fly to SLC and go to all sessions of conference. What a grate few days!!!
May brought 15 years of marriage and counting...
It also brought a new church calling for Mike; Seminary teacher!! YEP! No more sleep as we like to say at our house! BUT Blessings galore!
July was the trek and a homecoming I would have not missed for the world!!!
August was a new school year, for Crate it was a new school all together and for O, was just NEW SCHOOL!!

The entire year has been school for me...as I have continued to take classes...and YES, see the light!

May 2011 be filled with many more exciting memories and blessings...

Opperation: Christmas Overload

We'll, another YEAR, another SUCCESS...
Penguin Pillow Pet: CHECK

iPod Shuffle: CHECK

DSi: CHECK

itouch: CHECK

...and some how, there were some extras even thrown in along the way...

Mike got some ties for Seminary...(ohhhh, how VERY exciting!)

and Baker and I got the very COVETED white chocolate covered OREO's!!! Yum, Yum!!!

Over all...we OVER DID IT once again...
We are blessed to live in this free country, to be able to worship freely, to be able to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is because of Him, we have all that we do. It is because of Him, we can be with our families forever...as we have had the opportunity to spend time with many of our family over this holiday season, we realize how precious family is and how insignificant worldly things are. I am grateful to have the knowledge that we can be an eternal family, that we are together for ever, that we are never ending...

It is my hope that as 2011 approaches, I will be a better family member. As my family has stepped up to the plate for me and my boys and Mike over the past twelve months, it is my hope to be there for each of them and their families...for the good, the bad, the ugly and the "stuff", cuz that's what family does...they show up for the "stuff"...and even though "STUFF" seems to get in the way of life, it's going to be there, and hopefully so will I!

BYU's New Theme Song

If you know me...it's to know TWO things...

1. I DON'T eat fish, and
2. I DON'T do the "Y"...let's be frank, I don't do Utah.

Something about the "Mormons" there that get me all wound up...and YES I can say that because I am ONE...a PROUD one, just not a Utah one. A good friend led me to this and made my night...

Enjoy...

May I Take a Minute...

My boys had their first band concert of the year on Monday night. Why a December concert was picked I have have no idea, but so be it. Creighton was so nerves, and excited, as he was given not one, but two solos to play. (This is his first year in band.)
Baker, also in band was given a solo but his was an impromptu solo. He is now playing the tenor sax.

Both boys, being show hogs, wanted to invite family, but I could not bring my self to do so. I just kept telling them, “It’s not a good time, it’s family night, it’s late, and everyone has WAY too much going on,there will be more concerts don’t worry about it”

Then THIS happened.

at the end of the day...FAMILY...that’s it...that’s all that your takin’ with you...like it or not...good day or bad...busy or stressed out...Christmas or 4th of July...FAMILY...

My boys had a BAND CONCERT in the grand scheme of things, it’s not that important, but to an 11 year old and a 12 year old it was the WORLD and who was there... FAMILY...

FAMILY: eternal, loving, caring, honest, forever, whole, supportive, guiding, comforting, hilarious, happy, LOUD, appreciative, joyful, unconditional, acceptance, togetherness, kindness, laughter, hugs and kisses FAMILY...

Thank You! I love you!!!

"Practice"...Christmas Eve Dinner...

Due to family schedules we had the "Dinnell" Christmas Eve dinner last Saturday...it was...a Dinnell Christmas Eve...AND a Tyler birthday bash...



























...and a slumber fest for Hazer and Far...

A 2-fer

The boys love the two times a year their class is in charge of the school assembly's. This month it just so happened that Ian and Owen's class did it together...what a treat that Nano and Nonni were able to come and see both the boys at the same time...

Make-A-Wish

I realized I haven't dumped the pictures off my camera in a LONG time...so all your getting from my birthday is my husbands creativity...my birthday breakfast...

Brothers Til The End

Our days have been a bit crazy lately with my work schedule, Mike's work, and down a car. The younger boys have had the short end of the stick and had to deal with uncertain pick up schedules after school. No two days have been the same and for them...this has become a true nightmare!!!

Day ONE: Wednesday, as I went to pick them up Ian got in the car and tears were streaming down his face. O had his hands around his back and continued to say, "Ian it's okay." "Mom, I told Ian it was okay...". I asked Ian what was the matter. He said I got into the carpool lane and you never came and Owen never came and then I remembered you didn't have a car so I went to bus. I reached back and gave him a hug, as O was there too, giving him comfort.

Day TWO: Thursday I drove to school to get the boys as I do on most days and Ian was in line but there was no O. There was a panic look on his face. Ian got into the car and said, "Mom, Owen is not here, we can't leave yet!!", (FYI, I may not be mother of the year, but in case you are wondering I would not leave w/o my son! :D ) "OK Ian, I'll pull forward and see where he is." So I pulled forward and went inside to see where O was. Meanwhile Ian was in the car. The teachers inside called the class room and there was O, he forgot how he was getting home today, bus/or carpool. When I got back to the car, Ian said, "It's okay mom, I said a prayer and I know that Heavenly Father will take care of Owen just like he took care of me yesterday!"...

Am I blessed or what....

What Shall We Give?

My thoughts have turned to Christmas as I see lights and trees and red ad green all around me.
It seems that I tend to go in spurts, last year not so much. This year,... I'm there. I find my self singing along with my boys all the usual Christmas carols...mostly the primary ones. I loved watching this video clip and hearing President Monson. I felt better about the true meaning of Christmas and what it was really all about. Not the presents, or the number of cookies I need to bake. It wasn't about the parties or the new clothes. It was about Christ. How often as adults we tend to forget the real and only reason we even have this holiday. It gets lost and over celebrated for the children. I was thankful for the sweet reminder.

"Giving, not getting, brings the full bloom of the Christmas spirit...When looking out the Christmas window, we become more interested in people than things...Time changes, years pass, but Christmas continues on as there are opportunities to say kind words, there are souls to be saved, hearts to be touched, and deeds to be done if we are to have the very best Christmas ever we must reach out for the Carpenters hand and gain the truth." Pres. Monson

Do we have the determination to do as he did?

What will you give for Christ?

Tis The Season...

I Hope They Call Me On a Mission

This past weekend our Stake had Conference. Saturday night was the adult session ...

The theme of the meeting was all about parenting and missionary work. As I sat and listened to these talks, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with the spirit. Several times President Monson's opening remarks from conference in October were mentioned;

"Now, before we hear from our speakers this morning, may I mention a matter close to my heart and which deserves our serious attention. I speak of missionary work.

First, to young men of the Aaronic Priesthood and to you young men who are becoming elders: I repeat what prophets have long taught—that every worthy, able young man should prepare to serve a mission. Missionary service is a priesthood duty—an obligation the Lord expects of us who have been given so very much. Young men, I admonish you to prepare for service as a missionary. Keep yourselves clean and pure and worthy to represent the Lord. Maintain your health and strength. Study the scriptures. Where such is available, participate in seminary or institute. Familiarize yourself with the missionary handbook Preach My Gospel.

A word to you young sisters: while you do not have the same priesthood responsibility as do the young men to serve as full-time missionaries, you also make a valuable contribution as missionaries, and we welcome your service.

And now to you mature brothers and sisters: we need many, many more senior couples. To the faithful couples now serving or who have served in the past, we thank you for your faith and devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. You serve willingly and well and accomplish great good.

To those of you who are not yet to the season of life when you might serve a couples mission, I urge you to prepare now for the day when you and your spouse might do so. As your circumstances allow, as you are eligible for retirement, and as your health permits, make yourselves available to leave home and give full-time missionary service. There are few times in your lives when you will enjoy the sweet spirit and satisfaction that come from giving full-time service together in the work of the Master."

My heart began to beat fast and my eyes filled with tears. I too have a strong testimony of missionary's and the work they do. As my mind drifted to each of my boys, I couldn't help but think of the many examples they have right now...A father, Grandfather and 5 uncles that have gone and served the Lord and "Returned with Honor" AND an older cousin that is preparing now...how blessed they are to have all these men in their lives and what an amazing example each one of them are.

Then I sat for a minute quietly...as my mind took in what was being said. I realized, not only have my boys been shown the way, but I too was included in this knowledge. Quickly I thought of two people...My second set of parents...As they prepared and served the Lord not too long ago. I was overcome with emotion. I remember being young and having NO DESIRE WHAT SO EVER to serve a mission. That all changed a little over 5 years ago as Mike and I traveled to Hong Kong. It was there that I realized, "I hope they call ME on a mission". I have already grown the foot or two, I know that I will NEVER be totally ready, but being there, seeing my parents serve the Lord and, watching how they interacted with EVERYONE made me realize what I had missed AND what I have to look forward to.

It is my sincere hope to be "called to serve" and do so with my husband...I realized it wasn't just my boys who needed to hear this reminder it was ME!! As I look at how I can help them better prepare, I am also preparing myself. At some point, I will be in "season" and ready to be called upon to do the Lord's work. How great that day will be. As my boys look upon their Grandmother and see, she too is one of their GREATEST examples...as she is defiantly one of mine.

I love that we ALL have her example to follow. I am now counting the days until I can follow in her footsteps, severe as she continues to serve and love the way she has shown me to love. As I strive to prepare worthy, able young men to serve a mission, I best be preparing myself!!

I loved the closing remark/pome that Pres. Monson told:

Somebody's Mother
The woman was old and ragged and gray
And bent with the chill of the Winter's day.

The street was wet with a recent snow
And the woman's feet were aged and slow.

She stood at the crossing and waited long,
Alone, uncared for, amid the throng

Of human beings who passed her by
Nor heeded the glance of her anxious eye.

Down the street with laughter and shout,
Glad in the freedom of 'school let out,"

Came the boys like a flock of sheep,
Hailing the snow piled white and deep.

Past the woman so old and gray
Hastened the children on their way.

Nor offered a helping hand to her-
So meek, so tired, afraid to stir

Lest the carriage wheels or the horses' feet
Should crowd her down in the slippery street.

At last came one of the merry troop,
The gayest laddie of all the group;

He paused beside her and whispered low,
'I'll help you cross, if you wish to go."

Her aged hand on his strong young arm
She placed, and so, without hurt or harm,

He guided the trembling feet along,
Proud that his own were firm and strong.

Then back again to his friends he went,
His young heart happy and well content.

'She's somebody's mother, boys, you know,
For all she's aged and poor and slow,

'And I hope some fellow will lend a hand
To help my mother, you understand,

'If ever she's poor and old and gray,
When her own dear boy is far away.'

And "somebody's mother" bowed low her head
In her home that night, and the prayer she said

Was, 'God be kind to the noble boy,
Who is somebody's son, and pride and joy!"

...Mary Dow Brine

You've Got To Be Kidding Me!

Owen has TAKEN over...He is the HEAD HONCHO...He is the LEADER of the PACK...He is THE GUY...He is...DRIVING ME CRAZY!!!

He woke up this morning before 5:30 am to let me know he couldn't go to school...AGAIN with the no school! It's been going on for a few weeks now. I thought it was because I was back working but now I'm not so sure. He does this ALL day, EVERY day. I can't stop it. I gave him a "Mental Health" day Wednesday...and Thursday, the boys had off due to the holiday, BUT today IS A SCHOOL DAY!! and where is he, playing his DS and watching TV in the play room.

YEP, gave in, the BOSS didn't want to go...and truthfully, I didn't want to hear the complaining and deal with all the tears today day. BUT...silly me, NOW he is crying because he has to go to school on MONDAY...Really, common give it up already!!