The Holiday Season

2008 has flown by. I can't believe that we have celebrated Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas is just a few days away. This has been a wonderful year but it has not been all sweets and chocolates. There have been some sour times and challenges to face. Like every year, we find joy in the good times and even in the challenges (usually with hindsight). We have expanded our family to include two new grandchildren, Brooklyn and Kyler,

and added a daughter-in-law, Rachel. They have brought joy into our life. Brooklyn is tiny and yet spunky. Kyler is just a big chunk of love and Rachel is a caring, loving and believing daughter. We could not pick better people for our children. They have found choice people that have made our family stronger. As this year draws to a close, I am grateful for the strength of family. Merry Christmas every one and a bright new year ahead!

Okay, so November just flew by. I have enjoyed this beautiful autmn here in Utah. Over Labor Day we went to Hogle Zoo. We packed a lunch and met together as a family. The kids were more interested in eating than seeing the animals. But even while eating, we spotted a terrifying animal by the fence.

Wait a minute, I think I recognize this one!

I let Kelsie and Kaden take the pictures of the animals. They are quite the photographers.
The animals were very active. We even heard the howler monkeys. It reminded me of the howlers in Mexico. Check out the gorilla. WOW! I don't think I ever saw one just pose like this one did.



Lots of fun and a very nice day at the zoo!

Life is so busy and we all need to take time to enjoy.

Karson retreiving Kyler's bottle that rolled off the stroller, under the fence and off the bridge.

I Believe

I have been pondering the essence of who I am. This may sound a bit strange but there have been 2 events in my life that have made me stop and think about this. The first one was a stake leadership meeting and the second one was our stake conference. So here is what I believe: I am a daughter of God who has great potential to become like Him. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, also known as the Mormons or just LDS. This has greatly defined who I am. I live by its doctrine and it drives my very life. I believe in the Savior Jesus Christ. He has provided His gospel through the scriptures (Book of Mormon, Bible, Doctrine and Covenants, & Pearl of Great Price). I know that by studying these books, I can draw insight in how He wants me to live each day. I believe that when I make mistakes I can turn to the atonement of the Savior to rescue me from my weaknesses. I believe that we are guided by living prophets. Our prophet today is Thomas S. Monsen. I have felt the witness of the Holy Ghost as I stood in the Sacred Grove that Joseph Smith did see God, the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. I know that our prayers are answered. There are many times that I have read in the Book of Mormon and received a witness that it was true. I have had the privilege of standing on ancient sites from the Book of Mormon. I know that temples are important. I know that I find a great peace in my heart whenever I take time to attend the temple. I know that temples are sacred places dedicated to God. I am thankful to wonderful parents who led me to this faith through their own example. I am thankful for wonderful in-laws who have also been an example of goodness and righteousness. I believe in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am a Mormon and I am thankful for all that it means.

Welcome

Welcome to my blog. This is my attempt at sharing a little of my world. Hope you enjoy! Life is short so I chose my title to reflect how I feel about each day. We live, learn and we should laugh each day! Sometimes it is the laughing that we leave out of our life. No matter the challenges we face we need to keep a sense of humor. During General Conference of the LDS Church, Oct. 2008, Elder Wirthlin spoke about the importance of laughing each day. I think back on my life, especially as a mother, and realize that I was way too serious. I can now laugh at the "mud" fight that two of my sons had in the bedroom we were trying to finish before the new baby came or the green artistic drawing on the wall in the hall that is hidden behind a bookcase. My advice to new mothers or young mothers: enjoy each day. Find one opportunity to smile each day!I can now take time to wear the goofy glasses and enjoy a beautiful autumn day with Lily and Kelsie!