Each year I try to learn new things to keep my mind active and growing. So I thought, why not try blogging. I think it will be a great tool to keep everyone in the know in our lives. So here goes my first blog.January has hit us with tons of snow, cold, and feelings of excitement for the new year ahead. We had a wonderful Christmas with most of our children, and loved every minute of the time we spent together. Of course we missed the families that weren't here, but through phone calls and web cam visits we still felt a part of their lives. With 7 children, 4 in laws, and 6 grandchildren it is impossible not to say we are blessed! Last year brought many great adventures to our life. Some happy and some sad. I lost my Gram to cancer in May. After several weeks in ICU, and many difficult surgeries she was able to pass on from this life to a much better place. It has been a hard adjustment having her gone, and the holidays brought many tears. But I am thankful to know that she no longer has to suffer in pain and I'm sure she is happily reunited with our Poppy. My children and I have spent many hours remembering the great things we loved about Gram. She was one of the hardest workers I have ever known. When something needed to be done she just dug in and went to work. The kids loved that she was a no nonsense kind of person. You always knew where y
ou stood with Gram. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. The first time she came out to visit us in Utah she got up early each morning to fix Dennis breakfast before he left for work. And in no uncertain terms let me know that I should be doing this! She loved cooking for everyone, and we always knew that when a party was in the making she would be in the kitchen for days making Great Northern Baked Beans for all. It was here specialty, along with Monkey Bread and the best pies in the world! Yeah, there are many great memories I have of my Gram and I know that all of my grandchildren will know her through us.Just before Thanksgiving Dennis and I were able to take our first trip to Alaska! Our son Dave and his wife Aubrey were sealed in the Alaska Temple. It was a great experience for us in many ways. Being able to watch our son be married for all eternity to his wonderful wife was a blessing beyond compare. We have loved watching them for the last 3 years grow and become a wonderful family. Their example of how a marriage should be is a great blessing to everyone around them. As you can tell I am extremely proud of them. They have worked
hard to find the right balance between family, work and their relationship with our Heavenly Father.We also enjoyed spending time with Aubrey's family while in Alaska. Our extra children Ian and Jacinda, (Dave's best friend & Aubrey's sister ) live in Alaska and have 2 beautiful children. We loved playing with Aliyah and Maddox, and getting to know them better. Aubrey's parents welcomed us into their home and fed us great food each day. After 5 days in Alaska, we can see why they love living there. It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen, but the cold is something only an Eskimo could love. We do look forward to visiting there again, but next time in the summer.
Well, I'm at the end of my thoughts and time. In the next few weeks I will add more so you can see just how great our family is, and why we are proud parents to 19 +.
