Me and my good friend Lisa Braner. She just moved back from Germany!

This is taken in her back yard. She has a mtn. and a creek, but no yard. It was so pretty though.

Future Missionary and Missionary of the hour.

Above it: Mothers and Sons

Here comes trouble!!

Look how cute! Stef & Whit are a couple of shorties!

Temple FACES

Okay, have you ever seen the shadowy faces on the Temple? Study this real hard-it is awesome!(I thought)

THE TEMPLE

View from 10th floor!

I can always dream-right?

This is the city scene (sorry, these are blurry).

25 YEARS

NOW....

THEN

It is so hard to believe that it has been 25 years since we were married. So much living has transpired. Many amazing and difficult times-times we never thought we'd make it through, and times we never wanted to end. We had our anniv. dinner at The Garden Restaurant(a good economic choice for the amazing views) on the 10th floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Bldg.

One of the best surprises I had this season was when I asked my son for his Christmas "Wish list". He jotted down a few things and emailed the list to me. He said it was in no particular order of desire. He only had a few things on the list, and the last thing listed on his list was this: "Make my Christmas by making someone else's Christmas"! It really touched my heart that my 17 year old son would have the presence of mind to think of others.

I also wanted to post a few lines from a Christmas song(and I don't even remember what song it's from), that I firmly believe, because I believe that Santa Claus is an extension of the love of Christ:

Yes, there is a Santa Claus for children everywhere.
Though you may watch the chimney tops and never see him there.

People say his magic sleigh flies through the skies above,
But you might find it anywhere you find unselfish love.

Oh yes! He really does exist and Santa Claus will live
As long as hearts can realize how good it feels to give.

So when you are feeling low, keep up your hopes because
If there is kindness in this world,
There is a Santa Claus.
Yes, there is a Santa Claus.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Whether we are ready or not, Christmas comes. The best thing about Christmas for me isn't the presents, or the decorations, it is being able to be with loved ones and celebrate the "reason for the season". We all know the story of the birth of Jesus, and how it had been foretold to happen for ages. Can you imagine the joy and relief of the people living at that time, as they realized all the prophecies about the lamb of God had come to pass-what joy, what relief, what astonishment and wonder! The new star that appeared to lighten the way to the new born babe. I like to focus on this, that Jesus is the light of the world. The love and hope that he brought to the world remains and we all experience it at this time of year.

We want to wish you all the joys, wonder, hope, light, warmth and magic of the season. We hope that you are all able to be with your loved ones and have a peaceful holiday. We are so blessed to have the love and friendhip of such wonderful family, friends, and neighbors. Spread the love and the light of the season every opportunity you get. (this pic is from last year)

This is for Hayley!!

I know Hayley will love this pic of Poochie under the tree. Once I got it up, she went crazy rolling around under it, and trying to fluff up the tree skirt so she could lay down.

Happy Birthday Dad

November 22nd was my dad's 75th birthday. We had a dinner at Sizzler, but I didn't get any pics. So here are a few pics from past years. My dad is an animal nut, especially for horses and cats. In fact, we call him the horse whisperer, but he can pretty much charm any animal.

This one is a couple years old, but the last time most of his kids from my side were together. Lisa, Scott, Dad, Kip, Me .

Dad with his mother. This was taken in 2006.

Tribute to Sisters

Me and My sister, Lisa

It is so wonderful to have a sister to shop with, talk to, lean on, cry with, etc. Lisa and I are the best shopping pals. Over the weekend we went to the Gateway and found some great deals. I love it when we find a new favorite shop! We are partners in crime. I hope everyone appreciates having a sister(or sisters) as much as I do. We rely on each other so much.

Love you Lisa. By the way, this pic is several years old, but it is one of the best ones of us together. Everyone give your sister a big hug today!!

Better late than never. This is my alter ego for Halloween! I was the

spider witch. Better than being an M&M, as I was the last few years!

Hayley's Curlers & Kisses

When Hayley was at my house, I put curlers in her hair
and she was just too irresistable for Poochie!!

Rainy Day Surprise

Matt and Elder Unz!!

Me and Elder Unz!! I wasn't expecting anyone

and when the doorbell rang I wondered who could

it possibly be---to my surprise it was STEVE!

My post for today is a poem as follows:

A WINNER'S CREED

If you think you are beaten,

you are;

If you think you dare not,

you don't;

If you'd like to win, but think

you can't,

It's almost a cinch you won't.

If you think you'll lose, you've lost;

For out in the world we find

Success begins with a person's will,

It's all in the state of mind.

Life's battles don't always go

To the stronger or faster hand;

But sooner or later

The person who wins

Is the one who thinks "I

can."

Author Unknown

So, let us all remember "I can!"