Just a thought................an Inspiring thought...........

Here is a thought I ran across while getting my Sharing Time pulled together for Sunday.

"I wonder if having unplanned and infrequent family home evenings will be enough to fortify ourselves and our children with sufficient moral strength to meet the complexities of our day. Infrequent family scripture study may be inadequate to arm ourselves and our children with the virtue necessary to withstand the moral decay of the environment in which we live.

Where in the world will we learn chastity, integrity, honesty, and basic human decency if not at home? These values will, of course, be reinforced at church, but teaching them in family home evening can be particularly consistent and effective. To combat the world's evil influences, we need the strength that comes from family home evening. . . .
"If we go forward with our family home evenings, our homes will be enriched, our wards and branches will grow and prosper, our lives will be purified, and the gates of hell will not prevail against us."

-Elder James E Faust

Wise words from a very wise man.

The House.....................

Well we finally bought a house and it closed back in the beginning of October. We looked for about a month at different houses in our subdivision. We were only looking for foreclosed homes that would be a good deal. Well pounding the pavement with our wonderful realtor Beckie it finally paid off and we got what we feel is a GREAT deal!!! Remember I mentioned that when we started looking at homes one of the homes we looked at they(the bank) came back and said the price was listed wrong well that is the house we got. We have been doing some work on it. It only needed new flooring and new paint on the inside. We also are converting the open den into a office with doors and the nook/loft upstairs into a bedroom for Kenna.

This is the view from our driveway. That is a Tot lot and grassy play area right across the street!!!!!


Here is the Tot lot!


We also have been blessed that we are surrounded with AWESOME neighbors!!! I didn't think that was possible since we were lucky enough in Mesa to have great neighbors. I am so excited for the work to be finished up in the next few weeks so we can start moving in soon!!!! I still have some painting to finish and the flooring was just finished being laid in the bathrooms upstairs today and the carpet order will be here in about 2 weeks. I will post some before and after pictures when all is said and done and give more details too!!!!!!!!! YEAH!!!!!!!!

New Years Eve ...............a few weeks late..............

So the last couple of New Years Eve's we have been low key and our kids have been sick each time. This year Tanner wanted to have a party with his friends at the house. So we said sure. He found out that there was a Stake Dance so he asked if he could go to that instead and have his party over the weekend. Yeah sure. So he got rides figured out and Rob was the lucky parent to go pick up everyone when it was over. So we planned on just hanging out at home with the lil ones and veggin. Well my friend Candace called that afternoon and she was last minute calling anyone without plans for an impromptu get together and it was for the family. So we said OK. It wound up that only one other couple could make it. Sadly everyone else must be pretty popular they all had plans! So we spent a GREAT evening hanging out chit chatting, eating and setting off fireworks. The ages of all the boys was great everyone had a friend or two to play with. Kenna was the only girl and she didn't care. Thanks Candace and Beth for an enjoyable evening!!! Forgot to take pictures.

So Tanner had his party and I remembered to use my new camera to take pictures.

He moved the furniture around kinda creatively and set up his projector and put a sheet up over the back door to shine it on and the kids played Rock Band and then watched a movie.

We went low key for the food set up as I have been so busy lately. We just order some good ol Barros pizzas and wings and had a vege. tray with chips & dips. A cookie tray and a big bowl of candy. Round it off with sodas and Martinelli's and it is all good!


Tanner only invited a handfull of kids and they all came. YEAH!!! He has made some really good friendships with some really great kids since moving here. I am so glad that we have so many youth in our ward and our neighborhood that he can hang out with anytime.

The Girls

The Boys

DO YOU KNOW.......................

Ok I am hoping someone knows who this talented artist is and where I can buy this painting at!! Ever since I saw this painting hanging in our church building I have been in love with it. It just touches my heart and brings a smile to my face and peace to my soul when I see it. The colors,style and content work so well together to make a painting that isn't bold in your face but will surely catch your eye!



If you know anything about the artist or where I can purchse one I would so appreciate the info thanks.