BYU-I!

On February 18, I checked my email around midnight. BYU had sent a decision about Jessica's status. Jessica was asleep for the night, but I knew she would be way excited. So I went to wake her up, but she just rolled over. It wasn't a surprise to find out she got accepted, but it was nice to see it in print. Michelle decided to transfer back to BYU-I, for a semester, just to be with her sister. I can't believe we'll only have two children living at home soon. Time goes by so fast and before you know it the kids are getting married, off to college and missions and you become empty-nesters. The blessing of it all is grandchildren. We have 8 of them now. Two new ones born this year: Ty and Creed. We have two grand-daughters and six grand-sons! It would be so fun to get all of them together!

Happy Valentine's Day.......

According to legend, Valentine's Day originated in the Medieval Era when the Catholic Saint Valentine, a priest at the time, refused the Roman Emperor's law ordering young men to remain single. The priest Valentine secretly performed marriages, but was found out and thrown into prison. The night before he was executed, he wrote the very first "valentine," giving it to a young woman believed to be his love. The note read, "From your Valentine," and thus began the celebration of love. So............I hope all of you sent your love a Valentine to carry on the tradition and to let those that you love know how much you appreciate them.

Valentine Treats

I discovered chocolate covered cinnamon bears last year. I've been craving for them lately and didn't want to wait until April to go to BYU women's conference to buy them in the bookstore. I mean, how hard can they be to make? Well, I made them today and have almost eaten half of them. So I quickly made a fun pretzel treat. An idea that I got from my friend. Maybe my kids won't notice that I ate so many chocolate bears.

Mesa Arizona Temple

I heard a fabulous talk on Temple attendance last Sunday. It was a reminder of how fortunate it is to live only a few minutes from this Temple. President Monson announced in 2008 that a new Arizona Temple will be built. The Gilbert Temple will be 7 miles from where we live. What a blessing it is to be able to enter the House of the Lord in service to others, to feel comfort and peace and having the knowledge that I have a family sealed to me for eternity.

What a great primary class!

Children! Aren't they just wonderful? I am a new primary teacher to these precious 4-5 year olds. It's been an adjustment from being R.S. president to teaching young children again. It's just what I need to feel young, enthusiastic and full of love.

A special program for Young Women....

Jessica has been Laurel President this past year and has had a lot of practice conducting meetings. She received her personal progress medallion when she was 13 and continues to set new goals. Aubrey has a goal to complete her program this year. I am very proud of the accomplishments these girls have achieved and the wonderful young women they have become.

Ryan turned thirteen this month!

Happy Birthday, Ryan. Thirteen wonderful years we have shared with Ryan. Ryan enjoys life. Loves to tease his three older sisters, scouts, friends, vacations, board games, soccer, basketball, entertaining his two year old niece, water-skiing, pingpong and most of all, being with his family. We love you Ryan.