If you think my hands are full, you should see my heart.--A
“Nothing is going to startle us more when we pass through the veil to the other side than to realize how well we know our Father and how familiar his face is to us.” President Benson

Monday

Christmas time at Temple Square

I took my kids to down to temple square to get a picture I was imagining for our Christmas card. I think it turned out pretty well, but I am not going to post it till I get my cards sent out. In the meantime, I also got some really fun pics of my kids. They are so fun and beautiful. Who needs a picture perfect picture of them staring at the camera? How boring would that be? I love there little personalities in these picture.
Hope you enjoyed. I will post our Christmas card in a week or so. Don't feel bad if you don't get one. I am not very good at getting them put together, so I mostly just do it for family, but we still love all of you! Merry CHRISTmas!

Sunday

Primary Program

Last Sunday, Micah and Noah participated in the primary program. Believe me, pulling off a program with just under 300 kids is nothing short of a miracle. You can also take my word, that you will hardly ever feel the spirit as strongly as when that many kids are singing songs and bearing testimonies about Christ, Families, Temples, the scriptures and going to church. Their little spirits are so tender. I was so proud of Micah and Noah for being brave enough to stand up in front of the whole congregation and say their parts, sing, and do some sign language. Micah especially loved learning some signs and we would continually catch her singing songs. One of hers and our favorites was "For the family is of God." The words are as follows:

Our Father has a family.

It's me, it's you, all others too.

We are his Children.

He sent each one of us to earth through birth,

to live and learn here in families.

Chorus: God gave us families

to help us become what He wants us to be.

This is how he shares His Love,

For the Family is of God.

A Father's place is to preside, provide,

to love and teach the Gospel to his Children.

A Father leads in family prayer to share

their love for father in heaven.

Chorus:

A Mother's purpose is to care, prepare,

to nurture and to strengthen all her children.

She teaches children to obey, to pray,

to love and serve in the family.

Chorus:

I'll love and serve my family

and be a good example to each family member.

and when I am a mom or dad, so glad

I'll help my family remember.

Chorus:

It is such a beautiful song. I truly believe that the spirit touches everyone who hears it. I remember the first time I heard it in Primary. I looked over at John and both of us had tears in our eyes. We still get them almost every time. It is so powerful because it is the truth.

The LDS church has taken a lot of flack for standing behinds it's beliefs that marriage is to take place only between a man and a woman. As a church, we don't step out into the spot light often to give any views that might be pro strewed as taking a way rights from anyone. I know it is important that they took this stand. I believe the IDEAL unit is one man and one woman, who are married in the temple, raising their family. I believe that their are other good types of families out there, but that they were created by man to make the best out of hard situations. I echo the Words of that beautiful song...

God gave us families

to help us become what He wants us to be.

This is how he shares His Love,

For the Family is of God.

PS Haydee....I just wanted you to know my girls are still making good use of their dresses, although they will be retired here soon. Josie's is just barely under her bum still. Thanks again you wonderful woman.

Wednesday

UMMM HMMM! Be Grateful!

It's a good reminder. I am sure it brightened the day of everyone they asked that question, it can brighten your day. Count your many blessings. Name them one by one, and it will Surprise you what the Lord has done.

We are all so BLESSED!

Friday

The Handersen Family

(If your LDS) You know how in YW you look up to one girl who is older than you? Think she can do no wrong, is amazing, confident, and beautiful? For me, that would be the Mother of this little beauty. She recently moved close to us, with her little beauties. Not much has changed for me...I still think she is strong, kind, generous, but added to the list would have to be an amazing mom who is committed to what is best for her and her kids! Hope you enjoy Robyn!

Wednesday

Good Bye Beautiful Leaves!

In the event of losing our beautiful leaves,we gained 3 horses. Go figure. We probably won't be able to enjoy a good ride until spring. Here's wishing it was going to be spring soon. Brrr...I can feel that snow coming already.

Monday

Lifting Burdens

Oh, Sweet the Joy this sentence gives, I know that my Redeemer lives!

Sunday

HOWL-O-WEEN!

I love that these two went all out for our annual Halloween Party even though they don't have any kids yet. McKell's hair was super awesome. I am going to have to try that next year.
This picture is funny to me because i was trying to do a "saucey" face. I think I need a little work on it. By the way...thanks John for dressing up.
Joanne was the cutest hipest looking witch, but I think this pic is funny because right after I took the picture, I said, "yep were good, eyes are open." Ooops!
Thanks for hosting Willey's! We had a great time.
Trunk or treating at the Willey's ward!
My Super cute kids before they went trick or treating in our neighborhood.
I think they liked handing out candy more than getting it....but boy did they get plenty!
We ended the night by a visit to the Grandparents and were spoiled.
It was a great Halloween altogether. I have great kids, and man I just feel so blessed this year. A new home, a great husband, amazing kids, grass, good health(knock on wood), John's job, I could go on and on...must be Thanksgiving time! I should count my blessings more often.

Willey's Revisited

Man I LOVE these guys. I'm so glad we got some decent pics of their wonderful family. We owe them big for all they do for us, and did for us with the building of our house. Hope you enjoy.