Thursday, February 26, 2009

Eagle & King?

Last night was the Eagle Court of Honor. Dallin and 3 other YM in our ward were presented their Eagle award! Congratulations Dallin! You worked hard to earn this! To see his project pics, go HERE.


Chad doing the flag ceremony...
Chad getting his award...
The Mother's pin...
Hugging dad!
His 7th grade math teacher came! Thank you Mr. R...

Their Seminary teacher, thank you Br. K...

With their Scout leaders...

FRIENDS!



AND... Dallin was nominated for Mid-Winter King! Here is a pic of him headed to school this morning. I wanted a pic of him with his shirt and tie on... he wouldn't do it for me! :( He is wearing a black shirt and purple tie for the assembly. Good Luck Dallin! Win or not... you are still a King to us! We love you!



Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Question!

Most of you know by now that I teach a religion class on Tuesday nights. I teach the New Testament to 18-30 year olds. Tonight we are studying 1st Timothy - Titus.

In Titus, chapter 1, verse 2 we read:




"In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began."



If you turn to me to Jeremiah in the Old Testament, chapter 1 verse 5 we read:



"Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."



We, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, believe that we lived with God before we came to Earth and got a physical body. I feel that both of these scriptures support that belief. I THINK that we are the only religion on the Earth that teaches that, I might be wrong... if I am please inform me!



So, my question to you (I know I have some readers that are not LDS) is this....



1) Do you believe that we lived with God before we came to Earth?



and



2) Why or why not?

I would sincerely like to hear your views on this...

THANK YOU! Have a great day!



Monday, February 23, 2009

Congrats Sweet Diana!

Our sweet Diana had her interview on Saturday to the Utah College of Dental Hygiene. She was accepted! We knew she would be, she is quite the girl! VERY smart and just a sweetheart! Congratulations Diana! We are SO proud of you!!!Love,
Mama B

Friday, February 20, 2009

Once Upon A Time...

Okay, Pamie Wamie... you are in BIG trouble! I AM changing my password, what possessed me to EVER give it to you anyway??? I didn't know whether to title this "The REAL Story" or "The TRUE Story" but she is pretty dang close on it all! Do NOT ever tell Pam anything that you want her to FORGET She doesn't!

Once upon a time... there was a fair maiden at BYU...
I was a freshman at BYU, started school in the summer... my daddy wanted me to get away from all of those "Texas" boys while I could, LOL... Anyway, it was summer of 1979, oh so long ago! The FIRST time we met... was yes, Pam, at the BRICK OVEN!

Two of my roommates and I went to dinner, we were waiting to be seated when the hostess walked up and asked us "How many?" Brad said, "6". We turned and looked, oh, baby... yeah, okay, 6! Now, remember he is an RM and had been home for almost two years! He was almost 23 and I was 18! I giggled the whole night (just a tad bit nervous! My momma warned me about boys like him! "RM's"!) I think that first night we both thought each other was really cute but... that was it. For then.

My roommate ran into him on campus and talked to him... telling him I thought he was cute, etc. So, he called and asked me out. I giggled and said, "okay". Well, when the big night came... I stood him up! Yep, just too nervous!!! Being the BIG SCARY GUY THAT HE WAS! (hence the what did Pam call them??? Paver arms??? He did/does have Popeye arms!!! LOVE that about him.... GREAT legs too... in fact he won the "sexiest leg" contest in high school)

Check out those arms of his!!!

Okay, to be fair to Brad... the funny thing is... when we actually DID go out 2 YEARS later, I found out that not only did I stand him up that night... but he stood ME up!!! HOW DARE HIM??!!!

So, that was that... for 2 years.

I had a good friend that was from Vegas too, he kept telling me he had this guy he was going to line me up with, we would make the perfect couple but... I didn't have time and he kept forgetting...

THEN....

ONE day...

or should I say night...

My roommates and I were at Star Palace... (anyone old enough to remember that place???) dancing our little hearts out when I looked up and beheld... O. MY. GOSH. The best looking guy EVER. EVER. I headed straight over to my friend (that one that kept saying he was going to line me up with some guy) and I said, "Do you happen to know who THAT is?" (drooling) And, he told me, "Yeah, that is Brad, the guy I kept telling you I was going to line you up with!" I squealed, "Well work your magic!"

I mean, who could resist THIS??!!!

SEE! Look at those arms! I told you!!! ...I still drool!

I did not recognize him as the same guy I had met 2 years before at Brick Oven. At Brick Oven he weighed in at about 200 lbs (been carrying hod all summer) and had a hairy face, LOL... NOW, 2 years later, he was down to 155 lbs. and clean shaven... Brad thought it was funny that I didn't realize... he says he saw me at dances, football games, etc... he says he was just waiting on me to "grow up", LOL...

We started dating pretty steady in July... got engaged New Year's Eve.... and this is where the Basketball court comes into play...

Brad had called his dad and asked him to pick up the engagement ring on his way home from work. He did. Brad was down at the church playing a little Bball (as ALWAYS) and his dad just couldn't resist, guess he was just a little excited.... so, he casually took the ring box out of his suit jacket and "discretely" started showing each family member with me sitting right there.... Like THAT wasn't obvious! So, he just couldn't stand it any longer and he gave it to me! (yeah, pretty romantic, don't ya think??!!!) So, Brad's sister Annie and I went over to the church to "show Brad what his dad had given me". He barely even nodded. Yep, that was it.

That night at the family dinner (mind you Brad is the oldest of 8 kids) Brad's dad asked him if he had proposed yet (YES I had the ring on) and he said, "Well, not really". Dad told him, well... Ask Her! So, he did, he looked at me, and said, "Will you marry me?" I said, "yes".

Not much romance there ~ luckily he has made up for it over the years!!!

My brother in law (thank you Lane) picked the date for us... he simply put a hear around the date on the calendar and we said okay. It was 6 weeks later! We were married in the St. George temple for time and all eternity!

Brad is a great guy. He has always been there for me and supported me in anything I wanted to do. He is a great father, the boys all look up to him. I am very blessed to have him, he is my everything! Here is a little pic of us having dinner last night ~ Love you Bradly Boy!


Thursday, February 19, 2009

All Because Two People Fell in Love


Hello, blog hacker here. I wanted to wish and have you ALL join with me in wishing


Shaila and Brad HAPPY 27th ANNIVERSARY!

Well. lets have some fun in learning about the happy couple, shall we? I mean I never know how long we have this post up before she gets up and sees what we have done! Notice I said WE cause if you are reading this, you are now part of hacking this blog. Come on, don't get all goody two shoes keep on reading! You know you want to!

It all started 27 years ago, in the St George Temple.

Actually it started long before that, in a disco, called the STAR PLACE...

.. but I am going to get back to that... That is ONE COOL Story!

Ever wonder what Shaila and Brad looked like 27 years ago.....

This is a picture of their wedding announcement. Aren't they just too cute! Don't you think Brad looks like Blake? (Look on the side bar to see what Blake looks like)


So lets play a game getting to know the Happy Couple....Pick a topic about Brad and Shaila and ask her in the comments to tell you about this particular moment! (Each topic has to do with their courtship)

Here are the topics to choose from.....

PAVER arms.....

A DISCO..... (Star Palace) In case you are wondering, that's not Shaila in the picture below. That's her roommate, Lucy, yeah I'll go with that story. WORK IT GIRL!

A hairy MAN (Yeah- OK -no pictures of that, isn't just saying a hairy man enough? Geeze what more do you people want)

A pizza place (Brick Oven) Just how many at this table?

A Basket Ball court


A car.... wait, better not ask that one!

I will stop there ............. In your comments, ask Shaila to tell any or ALL of these stories! I am sure come Friday she will be more than happy to dish it out ..


HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to a couple that really demonstrates what marriage is all about. You are his queen and he is your prince! May your dreams come true!

PS thanks for NOT changing your password!! Love you Both!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

It's a WIN!

Today was the 1st CIF southern section games!
They played Tustin and they WON!!!!!!!!!!!!

Next game.... Friday against Chino Hills... Good Luck Cougars!

My Girls!

(I meant to post this sooner but have been SO busy!)

I have 5 sons as most of you know...
and just got 2 daughters in law this past year and 1/2.
It is so wonderful having DAUGHTERS now!!!
They both sent me darling sweet Valentine's cards in the mail!
Here they are... BOTH homemade!!!
I love how Brittany sewed the envelope!
And, love how Diana put a "made with love" signature on the back!
OH, SOOOOOOOOOOOO CUTE!!!
THANK YOU GIRLS!

They are night and day from each other... and yet each one of them is just PERFECT for my different boys! Diana & Devin has been married now for 1.5 yrs! Brittany & Derek have been married for 11 months! (almost a year!) They add SO very much to our family!!! They are both the most thoughtful girls ever! (oh, how I wish they lived closer!!!)

I thank my Father in Heaven for them EVERY day! I just love them BOTH so very very much!

I am so grateful to have them in our family... might I add... for eternity!!!!



Me and my girls...

(P.S. YES, boys, I love you too, LOL)

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Do you ever feel like this?



Friday, February 13, 2009

It's Official!

Last night Dallin had some friends over. They were up in the bonus room watching a movie. Kaitlin got a phone call from a friend in Utah, he told her to go check her status.... to see if she was accepted to BYU. She and Dallin ran down, got on the computer and checked!

YES!


They were both accepted!!! It is official! They are IN! It was so cute, Kaitlin kept saying, "They want me!"


Congratulations, Dallin!!! You have worked hard. You earned it! We are SO proud of you! Mom

Here is the "letter" that was attached to his acceptance notice:

Dear Dallin:

The Admissions Committee is delighted to inform you that you have been admitted to Brigham Young University to begin Fall 2009. Through your preparation and personal achievements you have distinguished yourself from a very strong group of applicants. We believe you will make a positive contribution to our BYU community. It is a great pleasure to welcome you to our campus to pursue your educational goals.

In addition, your current academic record qualifies you to receive a half LDS tuition scholarship. We will send you specific details, including the name of your particular scholarship, associated policies, and expectations, prior to your enrollment.

Once you have determined whether or not you will attend BYU, indicate your decision on the "Accept Decision" tab below. If you change your mind, simply come back to this page and select the appropriate response again. You have 30 days from your original acceptance date to make your final decision. Please note that if you select "I will not attend," it will restrict you from registering for classes.

Please click on the links below to find answers to frequently asked questions ranging from scholarships to housing. Please review this information carefully.

Best wishes as you finish this school year. We encourage you to continue to excel in the classroom and to maintain the standards outlined in the University Honor Code. Congratulations on your accomplishments!

Warmest regards,

R. Kirk Strong Director of Admission Services

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Wednesday Writings... not much

My friend, KC Mom, posted a YUMMY chocolate chip pound cake recipe and a CUTE CUTE heart shaped cake pan she got at Wally World (Wal-Mart) HERE. And so of course I ran right down and got the CUTE pan and made her YUMMY recipe! My family loved it. Last night for Institute I used that same great cake pan and made banana bread in it! And I poured cream cheese frosting over it... it was a hit! Here is a picture and the recipe:Banana Bread:
3/4 c. Butter
1 1/2 c. Sugar
4 mashed Bananas
1 t. vanilla
2 eggs
1/2 c. Milk (add 1 T. vinegar and set aside)
1/2 t. Salt
1 t. Soda
2 C. flour
Mix all together and bake at 350° for about 45 min. (check with a fork to make sure it is done all the way through).

Icing: I didn't measure... just used powder sugar, cream cheese, milk and vanilla...
ENJOY!
OH. MY. GOSH. I just found out that KC MOM is doing a give away of THIS great heart shaped pan!!! Go HERE to enter to win!!!
_________________________________________________
AND 2 more of my friends are doing give aways!!!
HERE is the 1st.... it is a BEAUTIFUL quilt... with FLOWERS! LOVE IT!!!!
Second give away... My good friend Jan is having a great give away too!!! GO HERE! CUTE CUTE BLUE stuff!!!! (Diana you will LOVE it ALL!!!) Here is a pic of just ONE of the cute things she is giving away!
GOOD LUCK!
__________________________________________________
We are still waiting to hear from BYU.... the game Monday ended in a tie. Tonight is Sr. night, so at the last league game they will present the Sr. Soccer players!
It isn't raining today but it is a cold 54°! YUCK! I want warm weather! I want a pair of Apple Green Rainbows!
Aren't they cute? I am lovin' me some apple green!
Have a GREAT WEEK!


Monday, February 9, 2009

RaMbLiNg

Well, there is not a lot new going on here. It has been raining off and on for THREE days! Here is a pic out the back, I am surprised the lake isn't overflowing yet... One year we had it up in our yard and fish were swimming in and out between the fence!As you can see here it is not up over the edge yet... oh, and look. The Christmas lights are still on the fence. NICE.

Here is a pic looking out my kitchen window, look at those big drops of rain!


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I painted my laundry room like I said I was going to... It is a fun bright green... looks like an apple green to me but the color is called "asparagus", it is by Behr paint. There are not really any decorations in there yet. Brad did get the 2 shelves hung for me but that is it for now.




You can see that my washer and dryer do not match. My washer broke a few years ago when we were washing and packing to go to a family reunion. We had to go buy a washer but couldn't afford a dryer too, LOL... That poor black shelf looks lonely, huh?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Brad is at Dallin's soccer game right now, I am SAD to be missing it but Chad and I are working on putting his Science Project board together, it is due tomorrow and we have FHE (Family Home Evening) with the YSA's (Young Single Adults) tonight. Last week after the lesson we played LDS Jeopardy. Chad was the only one that knew the first answer it was funny! Tonight after the lesson they are playing dodge ball. Anyway, Kaitlin is texting me about the soccer game. I sure hope they win! They have today's game and Wednesday's game to see what place they take this year and if they get to go on to CIF!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

My friend Kari spoke in church yesterday and did a GREAT job. You can go HERE if you would like to read it. I would like to mention something that Dallin Oak's said from her talk...

The Savior confirmed the importance of being converted, even for those already with a testimony of truth, during the Last Supper when he told Simon Peter, "I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." (Luke 22:32) This truly amazes me and really puts things into perspective. Think about this for a while: In order to strengthen his brethren - to nourish and lead the flock of God - this man who had followed Jesus for three years, who had been given the authority of the holy apostleship, who had been a valiant teacher and testifier of the Christian gospel, and whose testimony had caused the Master to declare him blessed - still had to be "converted".


When then can this conversion take place? Now! Now is the time. But what about the days when we're not ready to be shaped by the potter's hand? You know, those days when we are not ready to stop being offended about something, not ready to forgive someone, still determined to give someone the silent treatment, and so on. What we are really saying is "Hold on! I don't feel like becoming like the Savior Today".


OUCH


These are the days when we need to fall down on our knees and pray the hardest.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My friend Jodi is having a give away... go HERE to sign up to win! She is the purple QUEEN!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We are waiting to hear if Dallin got accepted to BYU...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BTW, since Brad and I are over the YSA's now we are in charge of their Sunday School class too. Brad taught on Sunday. It was the first time I have EVER heard him teach, weird, huh? I have heard him give many, many talks but not teach. He is a great teacher! The kids loved it, they kept talking about it. We were going to have THEM take turns teaching but I think Brad will teach every other week and then have one of them teach every other week. They want him to teach every week but we feel that they need the opportunity to teach too, it always helps one to grow so much!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just got a text... it is half time. We are behind by 1. The refs are against us as always, why does that happen? Our team has 2 yellow cards and they got an offsides kick in the 1st half. GREAT. (can you hear the sarcasm?)


Well, I better get back to that Science Project.... have a great week!

OMG, just got another text, we scored! It is tied!!!! Party On! (although, it is NOT over! YIKES)


Thursday, February 5, 2009

Chicken!

Okay, I have to share this EASY and waaaayyyyyyyyyyy YUMMY Chicken recipe!

All you have to do is buy tenderloins, spread sour cream on them, press them in crumbled up Ritz crackers, put them on a cookie sheet that you have already sprayed with Pam and bake! Omigosh, SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOo easy and SOOOOOOOOOOOo good!!!!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Faith...

I was working on my Institute lesson for tonight and came across a short simple and yet oh, so true scripture I thought I would share...

2 Corinthians 5:7
For we walk by Faith, not by sight

Young Single Adults!

Okay, info on our new calling! I am really excited but I would love some ideas and suggestions!

The singles ward in our stake was dissolved on Sunday. The Stake Pres. called Brad and I to be the new Stake Young Single Adult Advisers. So, we will be doing FHE (Family Home Evening) every Monday evening ~ last night was our first, I really should have taken pictures. (I will in the near future) We had a short lesson and then played Jeopardy and had refreshments! One of the girls made the game, it was SO much fun!!!

Anyway, we will be doing FHE, a regional dance at our building every 4th Friday, break the fast every Fast Sunday (1st Sunday of the month), activities, firesides, temple, DI assignments, etc. We are also in charge of a regional beach party in the summer. Sounds like a lot of work, but TONS of fun! I am very excited!!!

We were given a list of YSA's in our stake and there are 606 on the list!!!! BUT, there were only 35 that had records in the Singles Ward! I am sure some of them have moved, are on missions, and are less active. I think our BIGGEST job is going to be getting them out! You would think this age group would want to play!!! I don't know what the problem is on attendance!!!

I am posting to share my excitement but I am also posting to ASK FOR ANY IDEAS ON FUN THINGS YOU HAVE DONE.... whether it is something you did when you were a YSA or some fun activity you did as a mutual activity or ward activity... I can copy really well, LOL... Any ideas on getting them out to participate... HELP!

(And, yes, I will still be teaching Institute. I have more come to Institute then come to FHE! I don't get it!)