Jim's Birthday

It's Jim's Birthday - Shout hurray!!!

Jim is such an amazing man and we are so lucky to have him in our family.  He work hard for our family and comes home to hang out with us.  He loves to tease and play with the kids.  We love you Jim!!!

Memorable Monday Temples

Our family has seen watched the Gilbert Temple being built and have been able to attend several Temple Open Houses and Dedications.  What a blessing to see these temples being built around us.

When I was a child, my family saw the Jordan River temple being built.  I was able to go to the Open House and the dedication inside the temple.  It was the most amazing experience for me as a youth.

My children have attended the open house of the Snowflake Temple, Gila Valley Temple, and Gilbert Temple.
 3/4 of us have been inside the Mesa Temple.

Here is our family before the Gilbert Temple was built and after the temple was built.  

Ashley's Farewell

Today was Ashley's farewell.  I saw down ready for the farewell to begin and saw Ashley sitting on the stand.  It hit me really hared that Ashley is leaving on her in mission in a few days.  We are really going to miss her!!!  She is such a sweet girl with a big heart.  She loves to live life and will love serving those in the Boise, Idaho area.  Goodbye Ashley!!!!  We love you and know that Heavenly Father is so proud of your decision to serve His people in Idaho for 18 months.  We can't wait to hear your stories about the people in Idaho.  We love you!!!!!!

Women's Conference

I was so sick that day of the conference, but I wanted to be there for just a small portion.  Three things stood out in my mind after attending the conference.

1- I heard the last few word of Pres. Millet's talk and he reminded us that Heavenly Father will not fail us.  He wants us to to and hope and will not fail us.  We just need to ask him for help.

2- I attended a class where I learned that I need to see myself the way Heavenly Father does.  Heavenly Father loves me and what what's best for me.  I need to love myself and do what is best for myself.

3- Someone saw that I didn't look my best and told me that I needed to see the doctor and get some antibiotics. 

After hearing these messages, I knew what I needed to do.  Call the doctor!!  There is hope and I feel that I've been pointed in the right direction.  My Heavenly Father loves me and knows my struggles!!!!

Throw Back ThursdayJordan River Temple

Jordan River Temple

When I was young, I had the opportunity to watch the construction of the Jordan River Temple.  Our family attended the Groundbreaking Ceremony, the Open House and the Temple dedication inside the temple.  I still remember those days.

Gilbert Open House

Our family attended the Gilbert Temple Open House this morning.  The kids started school late that day, expect Emily, so we thought it would be a great time to tour the Gilbert Temple.  The temple was so beautiful inside and out.  I loved hearing the quiet oohs and aahs from my children.  Everyone really enjoyed seeing the Celestial Room.  It's a beautiful room with an amazing chandelier.  There is a theme surrounding the temple - agave plant.  This plant was found throughout the temple - the stained glass windows, carpets, wood work, and so many other places.  The younger part of the plant blooms and while the older part protects the plant.  It's a symbol of the importance of families - parents helping their children bloom in the gospel.  It was a beautiful morning to go to the temple with my family. "

 "Families Can Be Together Forever"

Our family at the Gilbert Temple

Cali came with us to the temple Open House.

Memorable MondayMesa High Feeder Concerts

Choir Feeder Concert - Jan 23rd

This will be one of my favorite concerts - ever.  My three daughters sang on the Mesa High stage.  They performed a couple of songs together and I wish the moment never ended.  This will be first and last time my girls perform on the Mesa High Stage.  I volunteer to help out at every moment, just to be there with them.  Danni performed with the Mesa Choir, Angela performed with the Taylor Choir, and Emily performed with the Mesa Children's Choir.

My girls

Emmy and Olivia having dinner before the concert.

Orchestra Feeder Concert - Jan 28th

This was my first orchestra concert at Mesa High.  I was very anxious to hear the Full Orchestra and I was not disappointed.  They sounded amazing!!  I'm so glad that Josh chose to do Full Orchestra this year instead of Jazz Band.  This was the first concert of his junior year that he will perform using his clarinet.  This is my favorite instruments that Josh plays and I secretly wished he played it more.

Josh and his clarinet

Band Feeder Concert - Jan 31st 

I didn't take many single pics of Josh this night, but I love seeing how tall Josh is compared to the junior high kids.  Feeder concerts are amazing for the junior high kids to perform on the Mesa High stage and decide if they want to continue playing in the band when they start school at Mesa High.    Mr. Brooks does a little presentation about marching band and talks it up a lot.  This year, the Mesa High Band and the feeder schools performed "Halo" while the audience watched the video  It was done very well.