Reading

So I read a book this week Called The Shack by Wm. Paul Young. It was quite different than the books I usually read. Its a story about a guy whose daughter was abducted and murdered and his story of how he talked to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit and how he had a change of heart. It was a very interesting book with a lot of things that really made me think. I thought I'd share some quotes from the book that really made me think.

"When all you can see is your pain, perhaps then you lose sight of me?" (God talking)

"When something happens to you, how do you determine whether it is good or evil?" "How confident are you in your ability to discern what indeed is good for you, or what is evil?" "It is you who determines good and evil. You become the judge. And to make things more confusing, that which you determine to be good will change over time and circumstance. And then beyond that and even worse, there are billions of you each determining what is good and what is evil. So when your good and evil clashes with your neighbor's, fights and arguments ensue and even wars break out."


"As you grow in relationship with me, what you do will simply reflect who you really are." (God speaking)

"Forgiveness is not about forgetting. It's about letting go of another person's throat."

Just some things to think about.

Baby Jack

My brother Casey and his wife Lindsay had their baby, Jack, on Friday, Jan. 16. He was 6 lbs 3 oz. He is such a handsome little guy. Lots of hair. We drove up to Logan on Sunday to meet him. Congratulations Lindsay & Casey! We are so excited for all the new babies coming into the family. Jack's the first. Then Cody & Natalie's baby in February and then Dave & Tracie's twins in June.

Skiing

Here's a couple of pictures of the kids skiing. Kace LOVES to go whenever he can. Kassidy is doing great and likes to ski but I think she loves to socialize with her friends more. Duff has been going when he can. The picture of the lift is crazy. Duff was coming down to the parking lot with the kids with a few other kids. The lift stopped right before they got to the bottom. When it started back up the one in front didn't move and they ended up crashing into it. Luckily no one was hurt or got smashed hands. Kind-of crazy.

School Humanitarian Project

Well I've been in charge of our PTA Humanitarian Project to collect school supplies for a The Vaiola School in Savaii, Samoa. Last night was our party that ended the fundraiser. It was a great success. I just shipped off 38 boxes to Samoa. I am amazed at what a little giving can accomplish. What a great school to take on this Humanitarian Service Project. I'm sure the The Vaiola School is Samoa will be grateful.
Great Job Kids!

Happy 14th Anniversary

Time sure flies by. I can't believe that it was 14 years ago that I married the love of my life. What a great life we've had so far. What a blessing to have a wonderful marriage and family. We are truly blessed!

Getting Older

Well, I'm still getting older. I wish I could figure out how to stop it. The great thing about Birthdays for me is to watch and smile at the cute things my kids do. Kassidy was so great this year. She has the kindest heart. She made 3 different cards on the computer and wrote in one and then told Kace and Duff they each had to write on one for me too. She had hers all done and was getting frustrated with Duff and Kace for not getting it done quickly enough. She kept on them by going back and forth from Duff to Kace making sure they were doing it. Kace needless to say was not wanting to write, so he asked Kassidy to write for him. Of course, she did. Next she kept coming to the couch were Duff and I were sitting and looked at what Duff wrote and told him he needed to write some more. It was pretty funny:) Finally she agreed to what Duff wrote and off she went. On the morning of my Birthday she was the first one out of bed to wish me a Happy Birthday! She couldn't wait for Duff and Kace to get out of bed so she could give me her present. Finally it was time to give me her present. She had given the the cutest recylced gifts. She gave me Kace's Teddy Bear Bank full of money, Kace's Pottery Piece he made last year and Kace's basket full of money she took from the baggy in the cupboard where we put all the spare change. What a creative child. She really is the most giving person I know. And yes, Kace said she could give them to me. I love that she wanted to make my day special. She loves to recycle gifts for her cousins and friends too. What a great gift to know that she is so loving, compassionate and giving.

Christmas 2008

We spent Christmas Eve and Gr. & Gr. D's house eating, playing games, exchanging presents, reading the Christmas Story, singing, and visiting. It was great as usual. Christmas was a beautiful snowy day spent playing with the kids, visiting at Grandmas and just resting. Kace was so excited to finally get a phone. I think he texted 50 texts to people in 2 days. Kassidy loved her I-pod and her American Girl Doll. Wii games were of course a hit. I loved the electronic keyboard with HEADPHONES so I don't have to listen to Kace for hours on end. Nikki's family came up the day after Christmas. The kids love to spend time with them which brings sleep-overs and all night parties. We had Lindsay's (Casey's wife) baby shower on Saturday. Saturday night we met up with Kurt, Gina & Family for ice cream at Dairy Keen. Monday we went ice skating in Midway. New Years Eve was another Party at our house with friends. Fireworks ended the Party and finally sleep came after 1:00am. I think I'm done partying for awhile. Thanks to all those who partied and played with us.