New Beginnings

"You are a Pearl of Great Price"

If you can believe it...the time is upon us...for Bailey to be 12...and be in Young Women's!!!!!!February 3 we put on an amazing New Beginnings Program with the San Clemente 2nd ward to welcome our incoming Beehives for the year. The theme was "You are a Pearl of Great Price." We had an amazing speaker, Julie Dyer, who spoke on this topic. She was one of those speakers that has the ability to make you die laughing, and then a few minutes later have you crying because the spirit is so strong. She was a little "irreverant" so I loved her!!!!! Not your typical returned missionary, seminary teaching, mormon mom. But "she get's it" and she helped the girls to begin "getting it" too!!! Bay reached for my hand during the speaker, and I can't tell you how many moms commented after the program. They said their daughters would NEVER do that in public. I am so grateful Bailey is so full of life and love and not afraid to show it. The speaker also focused on turning to the Lord in your trials and not the world. Bay shared she had felt the spirit strong that night and knew The Lord would always be there for her. I can't thank my Heavenly Father enough for so many wonderful people that are a part of my life and my girls life. What an example this Julie Dyer was. The girls recieved a very unique gift at the end. It was an "actual oyster" that the girls had to pry open with a special plastic knife. Inside the oyster was a pearl. Each pearl was individualized, some more pink, some more white, some even black. They were all so beautiful. Then they had a beautiful silver chain and special charm that held the pearl. It was to remind them that they are each "a Pearl of Great Price". I love being the 2nd counselor in the YW's program - I love my beehives and feel like I am finally "home" in my calling. And most of all I am glad Bailey doesn't care that I am one of her leaders...She is 12 in a few more weeks!!!!!!!My baby is growing up : (

Daddy Daughter Dance

Bailey had a Stake Daddy Daughter Dance for Achievement Days on January 30. She was so

excited for her "date" with her daddy. They taught them some ballroom dances and Adam was such a good daddy. You all know he HATES dancing, but he was a good sport and Bailey came home so happy. Thank heavens for daddy's and daughters : )

Bailey's HS Musical Performance December 2009

Bay performed as Gabrielle in High School Musical. She did it through San Clemente Dance and Performing Arts Center, where she also is on the dance team. She did an awesome job. She had many singing parts and a few duets with "Troy". She took voice lessons and is pretty good. She seems to be following in Grammy's footsteps - she is our little performer and seems to love it.

December 2009 Christmas Baking

Bay, Kenzie and Kayla helped me (Jen) do some baking for the holidays. Kids always make the experience alot more fun. Why???

1. They know how to get every last stitch of batter off of a spoon and out of a bowl
2. They don't care if you mess up on the ingredients
3. They always say the treat looks and tastes incredible - even if it is only mediocre
4. They view their own creations as materpieces even when they are lumpy and misshaped (everything has a silver lining)
5. They make bigger messes and don't even care- coz mom or the aunt will clean it up : )
6. The pans look like they were filled during an earthquake
7. They lick their fingers inbetween everything they do and magically we don't all come down with crazy diseases
8. They scream and shout when the timer goes off - which bugs the dads and papas : )
9. They get the treat all over their face (but so does Jen)
10. I just realized the pictures I am uploading about our great holiday baking...are some measley blueberry muffins...we did make some incredible cookies later on....so i can brag about those (no pics to prove though) : )

Jade Turns 20

We are now officially parents of a 20 year old!!!!! November 27, 2009. We all went to our family's favorite restaurant - BJ's Pizza - nana and papa came along. We had incredible Chicago style pizza and then the best dessert ever - the pazookie- individual cookies baked with a scoop of ice cream on top...sooooo good!! Adam and nanas fav- triple choc, all the rest of us love peanutbutter. Then we saw the best movie ever...Avatar. I am soooo thankful for Jade. I am so glad she came in to my life when she did. I love being a mother- there is nothing better than being a mom. I am so proud of Jade- she is working hard at school and work, she is making her dreams come true, she is building a good career for herself and her future family, she is strong in the gospel and in her testomony of our Saviour. Most of all, she is always learning and growing and striving to be better. That is what I am most proud of her for. Picking herself up, dusting off the dirt and starting again. You have really grown into a beautiful young woman. I love you!!! Daddy loves you and Bailey adores you!!!!

Playing at the Park with 'the twins"

Jess and her girls were here about a month ago - 1st of September. We did alot of fun things together -The twins voted for the park after a few days of adult errands and shopping.Going out anywhere with Jess and the twins is always an adventure - twins are a handful!!!!! It was great to just go out and play. Jess is already coming again this weekend - can't wait!!!!!