Christmas Time

I thought I would introduce you to Timmy's little family. I think this is the first time that I have had them together where I can take a picture of them all together. Shelby looks so much like Isaiha.
We had the family over for Christmas Eve. We were going to do little Christmas Eve (Norwegian tradition) but ended up Christmas Eve instead. We still tried to do a little of the Norwegian thing with the little sandwiches. Mmmmm shrimp, salmon but no reindeer or sardines. I just couldn't get my self to do that nor do I think anyone in my family would have eaten them. One tradition that Janet has shared with me was to put an almond in the rice pudding and who ever got the almond would get a present. Well we doubled the recipe and .....
everyone was a little sick of rice pudding before the almond was found. Desi cheat? lol...she was just helping her daughter cheat.

I tried to find the Norwegian shop for a gift but it has moved and I couldn't find it so they ended up with a blanket for the gift and they all shared for a minute.

After the rice pudding overload we all went into the living room to....
Visit? I just couldn't resist.

Christmas morning for us was a little different than usual. It was fun to share it with children again.
These kids have had so much fun playing with all of their toys that it has been hard to leave the house.
We did go visit the Jones family for our traditional breakfast. Tim has fixed us breakfast for the past few years. If you know Tim's cooking you know how good it is. Mmmm! Timmy had got the boys some ride on toys (that they LOVE).
We could only stay for a short time (1 hour) but it was so much fun. I love my family and any time that I get to spend with them.
On the way home Ronaldo was so tired that he passed out on us until I took this picture and then his eyes
flew open. They played so hard.
The last thing I wanted to share was our Christmas gift from our family. I LOVE IT! (and all the toys you see is just the reflection of my messy front room off of the glass). What a great way to remind us what Christmas is all about. I also go a beautiful picture of Christ with two children. Every time I look at it, I cry. I know-Shocker.
I love my Savior and love to see him with Children. Thanks kids for our gifts...and for you. I love you all so very much.

Gingerbread houses

Life keeps getting busier and busier. I need some good tips from you young mom's that can keep up on everything. I have forgotten what it was like to have little boys with lot's of energy. I know I said this once before...like my last blog but bed time for us is like the same time as bed time for kids and they go to bed early.

Thanksgiving was nice. We had most of the family with us. We missed having Jeddy and Ady with us but it was nice to have everyone else out here with us.

And yes, we had to drag Derrik up out of bed for our picture.

Ronaldo turned 4. We had sleep over and dinner with the family. I think we ended up celebrating for 3 days. He must be related to his uncle Derrik. We had fun!

This past weekend we got to go and watch Evva perform. She is so cute!! I am so proud of all my Grand kids if you can't tell.

We are now doing Foster Care classes which have been very interesting. Between work, our classes, therapy sessions for Isaiha, DCFS meetings and home visits and of course the dreaded court hearings we are running. Would I do it again? Yes! There is just nothing quit like family that brings joy to my life.

Once there was a snow man......

We had fun trying to pack the snow to make a snow man. It just wasn't packable but we were determined. This is about as big as we could make it.
Check out the mouth. Lol...big like mine.

They were pretty cold so we didn't last to long. Maybe we can finish tomorrow when all of the cousins come and play.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

1st day with the boys....

They are finally here. I have had the day off and I am so glad....the weather is awful but the boys are doing good. We have played and done laundry all day. They sure have a lot of clothes. I think I might visit DI's soon.

I sure hope that they go to bed early tonight. I just might be too old to play all day :)

DCFS came out today and passed us all off. Crazy, I didn't think we would do it. I am always amazed at how much my Father in Heaven takes care of us. I sure love him!

I am so excited! Today was court. (not excited about court) It ended good. The Judge placed Ron and Isaiha in our custody. It is only temporary because they are still working on re-unification with the parents. I was so proud of Timmy today, even the Judge acknowledged that Tim has done what he has been asked to do. He only has a few hard things to complete. You know, things like getting a job so he can get a place of his own so he can support the boys etc. etc. I know he can do it. He has come a long way. He does have to move out and Desi has been so good to let him come stay with her. They are going to allow Jed and I to do the supervised visitation for both Heather and Timmy. With the Holiday's coming upon us that means that we are going to be able to have Timmy with us for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I am so glad. I was so worried about Tim being alone for the holidays.

We get the boys Monday night. shewwww, we have a lot to get done before Monday. Did you read my post about only in Tooele. Well, it still looks the same along with some safety issues that we need to take care of. It just seems like there is not enough hours in the day. Now that the sun goes to bed at 5, I think I have to too. LOL...and my kids thought I was bad going to bed at 9. I am sure that things will fall into place.

Once again I have to acknowledge Heavenly Fathers hand in my life. He has blessed me so much. I am so grateful for all He does for me. I hope and pray that I can accomplish those things that I promised Him I would do.

I also have to thank all my family for the love and support they have been. My kids have been so great and supportive through all of this....and we are not done yet but THANK YOU! Heavenly Father gave me a great family too. See.....

I wanted to share some amazing things that have happened in between our nightmare. I have had some amazing (spiritual) things happen to me in my life time and this one is right up there.

I have spent many hours praying for guidance. I have hit "I don't think I can take this any longer" point and opened up the scriptures. You know, you all have done this when you plop open the scriptures to get some kind of inspiration. Well that's what I did and this is what page it opened up to.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

I love how my Heavenly Father talks to me! (you would think I would spend all my time reading the scriptures). It left such a sweet feeling knowing that everything is in His hands. I am not sure the time table of this but it was close to this experiences when I had a dear friend tell me his mother was an attorney. Her specialty "family law". The next thing I knew he had her on the phone with me and we talked. I will keep her nameless but this attorney is well known. I thought even if she just made a few calls to let the state know we mean business, that would do wonders. Not only has she made calls but she turned up at DCFS for our appointment.
Now this I had to smile at. I LOVE this woman.

DCFS - you can't be in her
Attorney - oh yes I can
DCFS - you will have to leave
Attorney - I am not leaving. I have every right to be here.
DCFS - We will have to include every one's attorney if you stay.
Attorney - That's fine, I'm not leaving.
Guess what, she stayed. I loved it.

I just have not had a good experience with DCFS. They are not my friend! They have treated us like trash and now, all of a sudden, they are treating us like we are people.

I will have to say that she was heaven sent. I was at my end. I figured that we had lost those boys and now we may have a little hope. We will find out on Tuesday where they are going to place them and yes, my new best friend will be right by my side.

Do I know that my Heavenly Father loves me? YES! He has been so good to me. I am so grateful for His hand in my life. I know that He is aware of our struggles. I trust Him. I testify of Him. I love Him! I know He will lead me by my hand. I am okay with what ever happens on Tuesday because I know it is His will.

Only in Tooele

So It is time to do something with our bathrooms. The sad thing is, they both need a remodel desperately. Jed asked me if I could live with out a shower for a while. Baths are okay but I prefer showers. So while he is taring down my bathroom with a shower....
He has made me a little make-shift shower. Now stop your laughing! It works :)

Yes Amber, this is the infamous bath tub for all my animals and kids. LOL....
I just had to share.

We had such a nice day today. First I have to show off the bow that Desi made for Bailee. So cute!

Now on to business. Derrik and Meagan blessed Bailee today. A long time coming and so glad to see the day come. Derrik works nights and we don't get to be with him at church very much so it was so nice to have him with us and hear his testimony. I am so proud of him!

Jed's sister Jozette had made Bailee a blessing dress last year. We were going to go get her a new dress but Desi had suggested that she try on the dress Jozette had made for her.
She did and it fit! She looked so cute in her dress.
Derrik gave Bailee such a nice blessing.
It was so much fun to have family and friends come and join us for this special day. I hope you all know how much we appreciate all the love and support that you show Derrik and Meagan. Thanks to Mom, Lynda, Colleen, Julie and Dave for come in too. I know how busy Sunday's can be. We love you guys!!
It was fun to have Mom and Lynda with us. This was their ward when they lived here and so it was fun to see everyone excited to see them.
Families are the best! I am so blessed to have my family and all of the support. I am grateful for the gospel and the knowledge that one day we will be able to go home and be with my Heavenly Father. That we will be together forever. I am so blessed!!

Friday night we got to go and listen to Desi and many friends from Magna sing up at the Assembly Hall at Temple Square. WOW, talk about angels singing. It was beautiful!

Sunday was the Lake Ridge 10th wards primary program. What can I say "angels" again. The program was so good and the spirit was so strong. Children are truly amazing. The kids looked so cute (as always). I always like going back home and visiting all my friends in the 10th ward. We will always have a special place in our hearts for that ward.


Aren't they precious!!
We had Shane's wife make bows to match the girls dresses. I love the bows! and the kids!!

It was such a nice day. I love Sundays - I love being with family - I love my amazing daughter! She does so much for us. She is so talented and I wish I had half her energy. Thanks Desi & Tim for a great weekend.
Who would have thought that Halloween could be such a spiritual day.

Witches Night Out

Last year Desi wanted to check out Witches night out down at Gardner Village. We had so much fun that we had to do it again. It just might be one of our new traditions.
Meagan joined us this year. We had fun walking around and watching all the witches. I was surprised at how many did not dress up this year. I think it should be a requirement if you go.

We ended up leaving early enough to hit Tie Pan and then we ran over to IHop for some (get this) Hot Chocolate and Ice Cream. Okay We did have some fries too. Oh yuk, my stomach still hurts. Not sure if it was the food or the laughing.
On the way home we stopped at the gas station to get gas. Meagan ran in to use the restroom. As she was walking out of the store you should have seen the faces of the people walking out behind her. I don't think I have laughed so hard for a very long time.

A well deserved night out with my girls :) Next year we will take anyone else that would like to join in on our new tradition but you have to dress up.

Thanks Ladies!

As the Stomach Turns

Okay - so yesterday as we were sitting waiting for court to begin, we all decided that we should have our own reality show. We just might get rich. No Really!

It really was Desi's idea. Desi has such a good way of breaking the tension. Thanks Desi for helping us laugh at a time I wanted to cry and you weren't even there. Go figure

As you may know....we can't talk about the case so I will just tell you that it will be continued until November 16th. Nothing has changed. My love just grows for DCFS and The Other grandma. JK

I just hope Heavenly Father will forgive me for all the mean thoughts I have had.

If anyone has a good name for our reality show - please share :)

Thank goodness for photos

I am not sure that I would even remember what we have done the past little bit if it wasn't for pictures. When I downloaded my camera, there were so many cute pictures to share but I won't bore you. Only with a few.
Miss Bailee turned 1
BEFORE:

AFTER She is so cute!

We had our Hello week at Cyprus where we did the "Lawn Chair Drill Team" It can be viewed on You Tube. We Rock!
Our boys are so cute, don't you think?
My favorite time of year is General Conference and going with the family to the cabin. Right when we got there the moose was standing right by Mel's cabin. Da Moose da moose...... ;)

And here it is almost Halloween. Things are so busy in everyone's lives right now that we decided to do our traditional Dinner in a Pumpkin.
Then we carved pumpkins.
So since I'm now a pirate, I really liked this one.
But they were all so cute and we had such a fun night.
I just love being with my family. They are the best!

Quick Up-date

Most of you already know that we are seeking custody of our two grandsons-Isaiha & Ron. We have spent all summer and now fall going to court and trying to do all that DCFS has asked us to do.
Last night we spend a few hours with DCFS going over safety and care for these boys if we get them. She was very nice. Actually, she is the first one to even listen to us. I guess there are a few that work for DCFS that really cares. (Maybe one) Of course our home does not meet the standards that are required but she seemed to be very positive and thought that the boys would be okay in our home. Before they would let them come we would have to do some quick fixing up.
I had to laugh that the bed room had to be so big for the boys. I thought about Jed's father who had 12 siblings in their one bedroom home. Truly-I wonder how any of us (okay, not me cause I had it way good) every lived.
I have been filled with many emotions this past 6 months wondering how in the world the 'STATE' can take away your grand kids. There are day's when I wonder if America is still free. I know many people go through tougher trials than what we are facing right now but this trial for me is an eternal trial, this is family. I use to say if it's not eternal it doesn't matter. Boy does Satan hear every word.
I have come to the conclusion that I have to turn it over to my Heavenly Father. I know that whatever happens will happen for a reason and in the best interest of those two boys. I guess sometimes that may mean that I may have to let them go. That doesn't mean that I have to quit loving those two boys.
We go back to court next Thursday the 21st. Please keep my Timmy and those two boys in your prayers. I know that prayer works and I do know that my Heavenly Father if fully aware of what we are going through at this time. Timmy is a good man! I will stand by his side though thick or thin cause that is what family does.
I am so grateful to my parents, brother & sisters who have taught me by example how important family is.

Family Home evening ideas on the Proclamation.

I really have been slacking on my blog. It seems as if 'all of a sudden' I don't have time.

I will work on being more diligent for the rest of the month.

This week I am finding different family home evenings that will teach about the proclamation. Of course The Idea Door is one of the best places to go for idea's. And Sugardoodle...I love those two sites.

If you have any ideas...let me know and I will post it.


http://www.theideadoor.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=311

Value Color the Proclamation.

I have actually done this one. We did it for a Young Womens activity. Even if you are not in YW it is good to have one colored with the values.

http://www.lds-yw.com/family_proclamation_value_colored_ready_to_print.pdf

President Gordon B Hinckley (talk after 911)

I remember 9-11 as if it was yesterday.

I remember walking into work and hearing that the first plane had flown into the twin tower...then the second one then into the Pentagon. I was away from my family. We only had 1 or 2 customers in the store. It was so quiet. We had the TV on and we were glued to the TV. I wanted to just run home and gather my family and hover over them. My family was the only thing that I worried about. How grateful I am for a living prophet who continued in faith. Giving us wise counsel. Knowing that there was still much work to be done. His wise word....

"There is no need to fear"... psalms 46:10 "Be still and Know that I am God".

Proclamation Photo Book

I thought that this family photo book centered around the proclamation was a great idea. What a great way to teach your children about the proclamation. Plain and simple.

I am still waiting to hear from you if you have any cute idea's that you would like to share

http://www.legacydigitaldesign.com/?page_id=220

Family Proclamation Crafting Idea's

For this week I am gathering Proclamation craft ideas to share with everyone. I am just not crafty. Now don't get me wrong....I love to craft! They just are not my idea. I copy ;) So I thought I had better give credit where credit is due. Here are some cute way's to display the proclamation.

http://theredpolkadot.blogspot.com/2008/12/familya-proclamation-to-world.html

I really love this one. I think this will be our conference weekend craft.

http://mellies-musings.blogspot.com/2009/02/little-weekend-craft.html

There are so many cute idea's.

If you have an idea that you would like to share-Please leave a comment, a blog address or email me a picture and I will share it here.

Every home should have a Family Proclamation displayed where all can read it when ever they have time. It is such a powerful statement that can guide all of us through good times and hard times. I hope each of you have taken time to ponder and read the proclamation this past week. If you haven't.....you can do it now. ;)

Good night everyone!

Warnings of The Proclamation

We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

I don't think that it could have been said any more clearly. I can personally testify that by not following these warnings that calamity and disintegration does happen within a family. As I have gone through it and watched some of my family go through heartache-I always wonder how Heavenly Father feels as He watches His children not follow the commandments given to us. I think of our Heavenly Mother with tears in Her eyes waiting for all Her children to come home. I think our our Savior, who suffered in my behalf wondering when we will "follow him".

I know that no matter what my children do, I still and will always love them. I am so proud of who they are. There are day's that I want to just take them away and hide them in a safe place until all the heartache is over. But I can't. I just hope and pray that one day, our family will be an eternal family with that fairy tale ending....

Quick blurp...

I am so excited to get the pink gone from outside my house that I just had to share.
Little by little, it's coming along.

Family....That's what it is all about!