Holmesbound

Happy Anniversary

2010-12-22T20:26:00.000-08:00

Haven't updated in a long time. Turning this site over to the twins who often impersonate me.

2010-12-22T20:10:00.000-08:00

Did ya like the pics I posted?

HAVE YOURSELF A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

AND DONT HAVE TOO MUCH FUN!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010-12-22T19:59:00.000-08:00

(SorryI dont have anything to do w/ Christmas, I still need to put some on the comp.)

RECENT PICS

2010-12-22T19:18:00.000-08:00

HERE ARE SOME PICS OF THE KIDS FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL AND DISNEYLAND! WISH YOU GUYS COULDA BEEN THERE! WE ALL HAD SOOOO MUCH FUN, BUT IT WASN'T THE SAME WITHOUT YOU GUYS!THE KIDS ALL HAD A BLAST ON THEITR FIRST DAYS OF SCHOOL! THEY ALL MADE NEW FRIENDS ON THE FIRST DAY! HVE FUN AND HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

2010-04-24T22:50:00.000-07:00

Picture at Christmas time. Oh so behind but what fun it is to pull up the pictures and rekindle fun memories of when Mis and Em come out to visit and the whole family gets together. We met at the Jospeh Smith building for pictures then headed outside to enjoy the lights in the super cold.

DISNEYLAND!!!

2010-02-20T12:37:00.000-08:00

2010-02-20T12:29:00.000-08:00

Christmas Holiday 2009

2010-02-20T12:15:00.000-08:00

What fun holidays we've had together! It was such a treat when Josh and Emily came with their 2 darlings over Christmas. We had such a great time taking family pictures at Temple Square and watching goofy movies and staying up late talking. Dad's was a great time and Sharon was generous to let us take over her house so we could spend another wonderful Christmas Eve with Dad. What a surprise it was to bump into Missy at Christmas Village and play with her and rock out all holiday.

Happy Birkey Keira!

2009-12-09T11:53:00.000-08:00

Keria! You're 2! Wow what a fun last couple of crazy years together. I must admit her first birthday 3 years ago was my favorite one of all and probably always will be. Just some fun thoughts on the day she was born. I was a bit fearful because I knew what it would feel like from Katherine's first birthday. But I didn't want any part of me to be numb when she came, I wanted to be fully alert and ready to welcome our little caboose. I remember Mike reading about Seinfeld while I was laboring but boy was I thrilled when he put down the darn magazine and pushed against my knees to help diffuse the pain. He sure was great. I think he was in a bit of a haze too contemplating number 5 knowing there's no going back. What a great nurse. I remember when Keira finally came out after a couple of hard pushes. Dr. Lesser (our favorite doc) held her up and said "this is a nine pounder" Mike and I just laughed knowing he couldn't possibly believe such and absured notion, afterall my first baby was 6 pounds. But true as dat she was 9 pounds 1 ounce. Her cheeks, I'll never forget those fat fat cheeks that ate up the rest of her face except her bright blue eyes. She loved her Mommy and Daddy from the start. I slept with her in the hospital, I couldn't bear to have her in the nursery. She like all the others loved her milk right away. What a thrill Keira, she follows in Katherine's shadow now. They bathe together, wear the same dressups together, heck Katherine even gets her to go potty in the toilet. I'm sure they're quite like Miss and Em were. We love you Keira, thanks for joining our rowdy bunch!!! Happy 2nd Birkey.

Bryan's Birkey Party

2009-12-09T11:34:00.000-08:00

Bryan's party almost didn't happen. Thank goodness kids aren't into conventions. I found myself at WalMart trying to snag balloons, presents, and food at the time his friends were arriving at our house. They just went out back and jumped on the tramp, beat eachother up, and messed around in the falling leaves. Thanks to Mom for making the awesdome SPIDERMAN cupcakes. Bryan had a good time with all the boys for a change. HappyBirthday cowboy! When Bryan was born I remember bouncing on a ball while I was laboring and having 2 nurses look down on me and state, gee I can't believe you're a 5 still not wanting an epidural. It was long before I was done though and screamed out for the anesthesiologist. Dr. Lesser had broken my water by then and though I started out tough I got real whimpy real fast. I asked the nurse to check me finally and she quickly ran to fetch Dr. Lesser because I had shot up from a 5 to a 10 in less than an hour! I remember feeling numb just after Bryan came out. What a warm wonderful feeling! But not as wonderful as when they held up my boy and I couldn't help but remark with awe the size of that scrotum. What a MAN baby! Dr assured me it was the effect of my hormones and wouldn't remain that size...go Bryan! They brought Bryan over to me (we had his named picked out long before he was born, ask Mike how..such a sweet and tender dream) he looked and me and started to cry. I knew it was because I didn't have my makeup on and he was scared. In time he came to love me. He latched on right away and oh I didn't think I love anymore than that moment. How happy we were to welcome our BOY! We love you Bryan, you're special in EVERY way, really. Thanks for all the laughter and silliness you add to our lives. Happy Birthday!

Katherine's Birkey Party (as Helena calls it)

2009-12-09T11:13:00.000-08:00

Katherine had lots and lots of FRIENDS at her party! We had such a good time with mom's and all. It was such fun, we didn't think this little ole' house could accommodat so many people. Katherine was a princess that day like every other day. :-) Oh Katherine, you were my favorite delivery. It was Conference weekend. I woke up Saturday morning and there went the plug. I knew something was going to happen soon even though the dr told me it could take up to a week to see your gorgeous baby face. I went to Krista's bridal shower and even jumped on the tramp with the twins as the contractions kept rolling. They didn't hurt much at all so what did I care. They got heavier through the night and by the next evening (after moving the last of our things into our brand new house) I could hardly breathe. I didn't want to get out of my pajamas or put my face on or hair up or anything. I didn't want any dinner and opted to play games with Josh. I couldn't seem to catch my breath and he even asked if I was alright. Oh yes, those darn braxton hics I confidently replied. Getting in to bed that night was a welcome relief until I woke up and couldn't get back into bed. I went to the bathroom and as I came back into the room this pain shot all up my spine and there was no way I could lie nor even sit down. So I thought okay it hurts a little, I'll just walk around our bare livingroom. Mike came down after I screamed his name and sat dazed on the stairs and after observing for a few minutes he said this is what my dog did right before she gave birth "ya think Mike???" I might of laughed or bashed him over the head or given him a stern talkin' to if I could've stopped my concentric plane of madness for two seconds or could've said two words. At that point I was using sign language or atleast attempting to. Mike dropped me off at the ER then went to park the car. I was clenching the baby blanket I made as a Laurel between my jaws and could only point at my belly trying to signal to the clerk I was about to drop a baby out of my gut. It took her a minute but finally I was rushing by wheelchair to the room where we would welcome our 4th baby (she still didn't have a name). I was told to gown up and just remember standing there stark naked trying to get up into the bed to get this crazy show on the road. I was screaming two minutes later and it wasn't until the wise nurse looked me in the eyes and said "if you don't stop screaming you're going to shoot this baby clear across the room." When she had me focus on her, I could manage my pain. Dr. Lesser wasn't there yet (It was 1 in the morning). When he finally arrived he stated she was face up and that he would need to rotate her. I wasn't quite sure how to push but at the moment of my greatest struggle, I heard a familiar and calm voice tell me which position to get myself in in order to get Katherine out with the least pain and tearing. What a singualr moment. Katherine was turned and in about 12 minutes from the time I was on the bed she was out!!! I didn't even know if she was a girl or boy and didn't have my contacts in to see. I remember Dr. Lesser holding her up and I just squinted trying to confirm what I felt in my heart all along that it was her. He remarked "how pretty" she was. He was right! Katherine left my side for a moment the next day to get cares in the nursery and though I had only known her for a few hours I shot up from a dead sleep when I heard the cry of my baby way down the hall. I can't describe the bond between this Mommy and her children but what gratitude flows from this heart for the care of these most precious of Heavenly Father's children I have been entrusted. Thank you Katherine for all the joy you bring to our family! Happy Birthday!

Happy Christmas to YOU!

2009-12-09T11:10:00.001-08:00

AWESOME DANCING CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AMAZING GRACE

GOD BLESS AMERICA. | MySpace Video

Yeah for cute Animals go them!

2009-11-17T18:18:00.000-08:00

bye bye fun summer

2009-10-13T21:35:00.000-07:00

Activity Day Girls Temple Trip and a dragon fly we fell in love with. Katherine loves bugs and names them. Her favorites are preying mantis's named after Princesses. We have so much fun taking the frontrunner down to SLC and playing at Clarke Planetarium and visiting the Church History Museum and the Temple. Oh yes, and picking our noses.

Unbelievable Waves

2009-09-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

The most unbelievable pictures of water you'd ever imagine. Creation never ceases to amaze me.

Tolkein: Timless Wisdom

2009-09-20T13:39:00.001-07:00

"All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken, a light from the shadows shall spring; renenwed shall be blade that was broken, the crownless again shall be king."

Frodo: It’s a pity Bilbo didn’t kill him when he had the chance!
Gandalf: Pity? It was pity that stayed Bilbo’s hand. Many that live deserve death, and some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them, Frodo?
Frodo: I wish the Ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.
Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides the will of evil

For Mike and the Kids

2009-09-14T07:05:00.001-07:00

This is the Place

2009-09-09T20:09:00.000-07:00

Fun Fun Fun at this is the Place

At least one of these will touch you

2009-09-09T19:59:00.001-07:00

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland ,

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written."

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9.. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain..

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do..

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Anatomy of a Heart Attack

2009-09-01T08:38:00.001-07:00

YELLOWSTONE

2009-08-26T21:13:00.000-07:00

What a fun adventure Yellowstone & Bear World was for our first time round! Katherine especially loved the welks, and pe-pha-loes, and Bryan loved Old Fankful. Keira was a little darling especially after the 3 hour detour to Mammoth. The twins loved the park too so long as it didn't take away from swimming at the hotel because after all that's why we came in the first place, the wonderful swimming facilities Montana offers. Yellowstone was a good side jaunt however.

Give

2009-08-10T10:54:00.000-07:00

"Today, the 19% of the world's population that lives in the industrialized world have a per capita income of $22,060, while 81% of the world's population lives in developing countries and has a per capita income of only $3,580. Futhermore, about 1/4 of the population gets on by $1 per day. 80% of all the energy used today is consumed by the industrialized world, but only 20% is used by developing countries."

Though I can't make sense of why I've been given so much when others have so little, I can make sense of the scripture "where much is given, much is required." I truly believe the opportunities of service that come into our lives when fulfilled, will save us in the end. May we all be blessed in our endeavors to "go forth and serve."

Primary Water Party

2009-08-05T06:12:00.000-07:00

The kids had such a good time at the Primary Water Party this last Saturday. Wouldn't you if you could spend the afternoon in a pool filled with shaving cream???

We miss you ZIMMERMAN'S

2009-08-03T08:23:00.000-07:00

What a fun fun month we had with Em Josh Layna and Kai It's been one whole miserable week since you left! Thanks so much for the fun memories, can't wait to make more soon. We MISS you!!!

4th of July

2009-07-30T21:53:00.000-07:00

Fun with Grandpa Rick at This is the Place Monument. Get-together at Grandma Jan's over the 4th.

Fun Summer

2009-07-30T14:29:00.000-07:00

What fun we had with Emily at the kiddos and Josh during their extended visit in July and Missy coming out too! It was a special treat to see the HAIN gang after so long.

The Wonderful Wellingtons

2009-07-27T06:05:00.000-07:00

Our sweet neighbors moved out almost as quickly as they moved. We're so bummed that this perfect family of all boys has taken off but we wish them the best and hope they sell quick (for their sakes) and another great family of boys replaces them (for Bryan's sake). We love you guys!

Unlikely Friendships

2009-07-21T14:56:00.000-07:00

Unlikely Friendships

*********Click on Link*************

A heck of a good time with Dad at This is the Place

2009-07-18T23:55:00.000-07:00

One Classy Lady

2009-07-17T11:50:00.000-07:00

"I personally believe that the greatest legacy I will leave behind in this world is not the job I held on Wall Street, or the campaigns I managed for Mark, or the work I have done as First Lady or even the philanthropic activities in which I have been routinely engaged. Instead, the greatest legacy I will leave in this world is the character of the children I, or we, leave behind."

http://specials.msn.com/A-List/Scorned-political-wives.aspx?cp-searchtext=Jenny%20Sanford>1=36010

More graduation and get-togethers

2009-06-30T15:18:00.000-07:00

Graduation Day

2009-06-30T15:07:00.001-07:00

Well, Bryan and Katherine graduated the same day and then the twins! We're so proud of each of them. What fun and crazy memories of this past school year.

What do you think of the music?

2009-06-20T21:07:00.001-07:00

Okay, Now's the time to be up front and honest..tell me truly how do you rate that music on this blog? Everyone must answer now and I won't hold it against you
1 is "never heard a better sound"
5 is "better to have my grandma listening to it than me"
10 is "I'd sooner roll it off a cliff with my 8-tracks and father-in-law's pinto, than listen to it"
K, the moment of truth log your answers please...

Leaving Grandma's

2009-06-17T09:07:00.000-07:00

About the same time we discovered we were pregnant with Regan and Chloe, we discovered another wonderful fact, "We can't afford them honey!" So we can laugh now but then it wasn't all fun and games. We lived with Mike's parents the last half of the pregnancy and moved in with Mom and Grandma with when the twins were born. Here's a poem I wrote about leaving Grandma's to TRY to afford our own home. It's just a sweet memory I dug up in our memory drawer.

The summer was long
The winter was cold
but 'fore the year's end
New life would unfold

The bigger my gut
The weaker I got
'til up to Granma's
Our inevitable lot

We came as two
by December's cold night
We leave as four
September in sight

Sweet Grandma knew
not what to do
As we stumbled in
two by two

John was left
Without a voice
"Give up your room"
was his only choice"

Mom's instructions
were to double the meal
for four extra bellies
She would fill

The walls were stretched
Almost to breaking
At time though
Our hearts were aching

With all the stretching
Our encounter entailed
We continued to grow
Our goal never failed

We've all come out
better than before
as our numbers doubled
from two to four

The babies have brought
Blessings untold
to each sweet member
of our little fold

The days are numbered
of our home together
but the love felt here
will last forever

Thank you Grandma
Thank you Grandpa
Thank you Mom
Thank you John

For the love and kindess
you unfailingly impart
We're always together
At least in heart.

Fun and Random pics from Daddy's phone

2009-06-08T20:47:00.001-07:00

These pictures feature Katherine getting her first OB ultrasound, Bryan running off to pout in Grandma's mailbox plant holder, Chloe looking sophisticated in her glasses, and Katherine with her former best friend. Chloe by her namesake Park City shop, Katherine picking her nose, All 4 being goofy at the counter, Katherine breast feeding her baby, baby brand new Keira, a hike when I was 6 mos. pregnant with Keira...Good Times Good Times

Thousand-Hand Guanyin

2009-06-04T15:00:00.001-07:00

This dance, called the Thousand-Hand Guanyin, is making the rounds across the net.
Considering the tight coordination required, their accomplishment is nothing short
of amazing, even if they were not all deaf. Yes, you read correctly.
All 21 of the dancers are complete deaf-mutes. Relying only on signals
from trainers at the four corners of the stage, these extraordinary
dancers deliver a visual spectacle that is at once intricate and
stirring.

Its first major international debut was in Athens at the closing
ceremonies for the 2004 Paralympics. But it had long been in the
repertoire of the Chinese Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe and
had travelled to more than 40 countries.

Its lead dancer is 29 year old Tai Lihua, who has a BA from the Hubei
Fine Arts Institute. The video was recorded in Beijing during the
Spring Festival last year.

God Be With you Hain's

2009-05-30T22:00:00.000-07:00

Please pray for our friend Pat, whose wife was taken from him at the hand of a senseless murderer, and his family whom we've known for many years. May they feel the incredible power of Christ's atonement and in time find healing and peace. We love you Hain's!

Mom's annual Easter Egg Hunt

2009-05-28T06:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter Egg Hunt. People from all over the country fly out for this most special event. Mom puts $1 and $5 bills along with candy in easter eggs and strews them all over the lawn. All the adults line up (after the kids have finished their hunt) and when the gun fires (or less dramatically, when mom says "go") we hit the grass like a cat on a mouse. Within a minute all of the 300 eggs are collected however not before we've all been shoved, hit, elbowed, jabbed or maimed in another way. It's a fantastic event and we're all laughing in the end. Thanks mom! Oh, and Grandma must I forget, hides a golden egg with a $20 bill in side, stinkin' Justin found it this year.

Random Pics

2009-05-18T08:42:00.000-07:00

Here's a little Easter and some of our day at the Zoo with Bryan and his buddies. It was their first fieldtrip and I swear they spent more time pointing out the poop than looking at the animals. Boys... Also pics of Rosie's best friend Eve. She's coming down to see us yeah (oh, I guess she's coming down to see Rosie but we're still way excited to see her!)

A Bad Day

2009-05-05T11:12:00.000-07:00

So how lucky I was to be put in charge of our ward campout this year. Things were going splendly until out of nowhere a rock flies into my forehead. Didn't think too much of it until it started draining. Pretty huh. Guess Bishop figured for my own safety and protection I should be moved into the Primary. Wish me luck.

The Poor

2009-04-28T20:00:00.000-07:00

"You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred... You cannot build character and courage by taking away people's initiative and independence. You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves."

Abraham Lincoln

WoW

2009-04-27T20:40:00.001-07:00

True FACTS about Health & Nutrition - A Must Know!

2009-04-22T15:56:00.000-07:00

Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true?

A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.

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Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?

A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.

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Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?

A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!

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Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?

A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.

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Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?

A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!

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Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?

A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! .... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?

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Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?

A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.

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Q: Is chocolate bad for me?

A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!

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Q: Is swimming good for your figure?

A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.

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Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?

A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!

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Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

And remember:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO, What a Ride"

AND......

For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.

1. The Japanese eat very little fat
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

3. The Chinese drink very little red wine
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans..

5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

CONCLUSION...

Eat and drink what you like.
Apparently, speaking English is what kills you!!

So Did You Hear about that Guy in Nashville who got Sick from Mom's Chicken?

2009-04-19T22:51:00.001-07:00

Evidently I told only a few people in the family and otherwise that I got food poisoned at Mom's house from some chicken she had cooking on the stove. I was sure to let everyone know about her "unsafe" cooking methods of poultry. Evidently one person got sick just from smellingthe chicken in her house. Other individuals in the neighborhood were sick just from me mentioning how Mom's chicken made mesick. And now we're hearing of reports from people from as far away as Tennessee becoming ill from Mom's chicken. So after I blazed reports of how I contracted my bout of food poisoning and then discovered that some people I was hanging out with before I consumed the chicken were sick I realized maybe, just maybe it wasn't Mom's chicken afterall and I'm here now to repent and restore her good cooking name. Incidentally Grandma remarked how good it smelled as she dumped it down the drain. I'm sure it was difficult for her to understand how she was sick having not eaten any of the chicken. So Mom, ignore me as your want to do and let's get some chicken grillin'

None were with Him

2009-04-19T09:17:00.000-07:00

Beautiful

2009-04-18T09:10:00.000-07:00

Sound of Music Train Station

2009-04-13T11:09:00.001-07:00

Sound of Music Train Station @ Yahoo! Video

Journeys of Faith

2009-04-10T21:55:00.000-07:00

"Travel to some of the most significant pilgrimage destinations of the world’s religions. Salt Lake City: "This is the place," Brigham Young famously said in 1847, when he led the early Mormons to the Salt Lake Valley — which was then outside the boundaries of the U.S. — to practice their religion freely. Today, Salt Lake City is the humming hub of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and downtown’s 10-acre Temple Square is the most popular attraction in Utah. The granite, six-spired Salt Lake Temple, where the church’s top leaders meet, took 40 years to complete and was dedicated in 1893; it is the largest and best-known of the Mormon temples, which currently number close to 150 around the world." This is an article on MSN. I anxiously scrolled through 13 pictures of the most "holy" places in the world. What a relief as I came to this on last entry knowing that no place is holier than this. And no blessings greater than the ones offered in this edifice to our God. What a blessing it is that our 10 minute journeys to the Temple are not once in a lifetime but weekly and monthly pilgrimages back to a place we once knew and will know again with our families. Happy Easter Everyone!

Mike

2009-04-07T21:10:00.000-07:00

Ruff Ruff! My name is...
Mike
I need a home & someone to love me.

Mike's info...
Breed: Labrador Retriever / Pointer Mix Print Pet
Info
E-mail Pet
to Friend

Size: Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Color: Unknown

Sex: Male
Age: Adult

Mike is:
already neutered
not good with dogs
not good with cats
up to date with shots

I was thinking about getting a dog and then realized, hold the phone
All the qualifications I already have in Mike

A Child's Prayer

2009-04-05T20:33:00.000-07:00

With the usual salutation and closing, Bryan's night time prayer went like this:

...thank you that I'm not like Satan and I'm not going to hell cuz it's a bad place and I like volcanoes the super ones and there's like a thousand of them...Amen.

Life Explained

2009-04-02T15:24:00.000-07:00

On the first day, God created the dog and said:

'Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past.
For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years.'

The dog said: 'That's a long time to be barking.
How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?'

So God agreed.

On the second day, God created the monkey and said:

'Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span.'

The monkey said: 'Monkey tricks for twenty years?
That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the Dog did?'

And God agreed.

On the third day, God created the cow and said:

'You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun,
have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family.
For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years.'

The cow said: 'That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years..
How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?'

And God agreed again.

On the fourth day, God created man and said:

'Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you twenty years.'

But man said: 'Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back,
the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?'

'Okay,' said God, 'You asked for it.'

So that is why for our first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves.
For the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our family. For the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last ten years we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.

Life has now been explained to you.

Sheriff Joe contributed by Erin

2009-03-30T23:32:00.000-07:00

You all remember Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Arizona , who painted the jail cells pink and made the inmates wear pink prison garb. Well...........

SHERIFF JOE IS AT IT AGAIN!

Oh, there's MUCH more to know about Sheriff Joe!

Maricopa County was spending approx. $18 million dollars a year on stray animals, like cats and dogs. Sheriff Joe offered to take the department over, and the County Supervisors said okay.

The animal shelters are now all staffed and operated by prisoners. They feed and care for the strays. Every animal in his care is taken out and walked twice daily. He now has prisoners who are experts in animal nutrition and behavior. They give great classes for anyone who'd like to adopt an animal. He has literally taken stray dogs off the street, given them to the care of prisoners, and had them place in dog shows.

The best part? His budget for the entire department is now under $3 million. Teresa and I adopted a Weimaraner from a Maricopa County shelter two years ago. He was neutered, and current on all shots, in great health, and even had a microchip inserted the day we got him. Cost us $78.

The prisoners get the benefit of about $0.28 an hour for working, but most would work for free, just to be out of their cells for the day. Most of his budget is for utilities, building maintenance, etc. He pays the prisoners out of the fees collected for adopted animals.

I have long wondered when the rest of the country would take a look at the way he runs the jail system, and copy some of his ideas.. He has a huge farm, donated to the county years ago, where inmates can work, and they grow most of their own fresh vegetables and food, doing all the work and harvesting by hand.

He has a pretty good sized hog farm, which provides meat, and fertilizer. It fertilizes the Christmas tree nursery, where prisoners work, and you can buy a living Christmas tree for $6 - $8 for the Holidays, and plant it later. We have six trees in our yard from the Prison.

Yup, he was reelected last year with 83% of the vote.
Now he's in trouble with the ACLU again. He painted all his buses and vehicles with a mural, that has a special hotline phone number painted on it, where you can call and report suspected illegal aliens. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement wasn't doing enough in his eyes, so he had 40 deputies trained specifically for enforcing immigration laws, started up his hotline, and bought 4 new buses just for hauling folks back to the border. He's kind of a 'Git-R Dun' kind of S heriff..

TO THOSE OF YOU NOT FAMILIAR WITH JOE ARPAIO

HE IS THE MARICOPA ARIZONA COUNTY SHERIFF

AND HE KEEPS GETTING ELECTED OVER AND OVER
THIS IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY:

Sheriff Joe Arpaio (In Arizona ) who created the ' Tent City Jail':
He has jail meals down to 40 cents a serving and charges the inmates for them.

He stopped smoking and porno magazines in the jails. Took away their weights Cut off all but 'G' movies.

He started chain gangs so the inmates could do free work on county and city projects.

Then He Started Chain Gangs For Women So He Wouldn't Get Sued For Discrimination.

He took away cable TV Until he found out there was A Federal Court Order that Required Cable TV For Jails So He Hooked Up The Cable TV Again . Only Let In The Disney Channel And The Weather Channel.

When asked why the weather channel He Replied, So They Will Know How Hot It's Gonna Be While They Are Working ON My Chain Gangs.

He Cut Off Coffee Since It Has Zero Nutritional Value..

When the inmates complained, he told them, 'This Isn't The Ritz/Carlton...... If You Don't Like It, Don't Come Back.'

More On The Arizona Sheriff:

With Temperatures Being Even Hotter Than Usual In Phoenix (116 Degrees Just Set A New Record), the Associated Press Reports:
About 2,000 Inmates Living In A Barbed-Wire-Surrounded Tent Encampment At The Maricopa County Jail Have Been Given Permission To Strip Down To Their Government-Issued Pink Boxer Shorts.

On Wednesday, hundreds of men wearing boxers were either curled up on their bunk beds or chatted in the tents, which reached 138 Degrees Inside The Week Before.

Many Were Also Swathed In Wet, Pink Towels As Sweat Collected On Their Chests And Dripped Down To Their PINK SOCKS.

'It Feels Like We Are In A Furnace,' Said James Zanzot, An Inmate Who Has Lived In The TENTS for 1 year. 'It's Inhumane.'

Joe Arpaio, the tough-guy sheriff who created the tent city and long ago started making his prisoners wear pink, and eat bologna sandwiches, is not one bit sympathetic.. He said Wednesday that he told all of the inmates: 'It's 120 Degrees In Iraq And Our Soldiers Are Living In Tents Too, And They Have To Wear Full Battle Gear,
But They Didn't Commit Any Crimes,So Shut Your Mouths!'

Way To Go, Sheriff!

Noah's Day not unlike Ours

2009-03-25T14:38:00.000-07:00

NOAH'S ARK

Man Builds Noah's Ark (exact scale given in Bible)

Pictures are of a working Replica of Noah's Ark Opened In SCHAGEN, Netherlands. The massive central door in the side of Noah's Ark was opened the first crowd of curious townsfolk to behold the wonder. Of course, it's only a replica of the biblical Ark , built by Dutch Creationist Johan Huibers as a testament to his faith in the literal truth of the Bible.
The ark is 150 cubits long, 30 cubits high and 20 cubits wide. That's two-thirds the length of a football field and as high as a three-story house.

Life-size models of giraffes, elephants, lions, crocodiles, zebras, bison and other animals greet visitors as they arrive in the main hold.
A contractor by trade, Huibers built the ark of cedar and pine. Biblical Scholars debate exactly what the wood Huibers did the work mostly with his own hands, using modern tools and with occasional help from his son Roy . Cons truction began in May 2005. On the uncovered top - deck not quite ready in time for the opening - will come a petting zoo, with baby lambs and chickens, and goats, and one camel.
used by Noah would have been.Visitors on the first day were stunned. 'It's past comprehension', said Mary Louise Starosciak, who happened to be bicycling by with her husband while on vacation when they saw the ark looming over the local landscape.
'I knew the story of Noah, but I had no idea the boat would have been so big ' There is enough space near the keel for a 50-seat film t heater where kids can watch a video that tells the story of Noah and his ark. Huibers, a Christian man, said he hopes the project will renew interest in Christianity in the Netherlands , where church going has fallen dramaticallNow that I am old and Gray...give me the time to tell This new generation (and their children too) About all your mighty miracles.
Psalm 71:18y in the past 50 years.

This is a physical representation of a spiritual reality to be prepared. Though we don't know the exact hour, we do know that just as critical as it was in Noah's day to be prepared, so is it today to heed the prophet's voice.

COLUMBINE contributed by Stacey

2009-03-19T16:25:00.000-07:00

Darrell Scott, a father whose daughter was murdered at Columbine gave presented this before Congress.

"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good &evil in the hearts of men and women.. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott , and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out f or answers.

"The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used.. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain , and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain 's heart.

"In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel 's murder I would be their strongest opponent.

I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy -- it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best..

Your laws ignore our deepest needs,
Your words are empty air.
You've stripped away our heritage,
You've outlawed simple prayer.
Now gunshots fill our classrooms,
And precious children die.
You seek for answers everywhere,
And ask the question "Why?"
You regulate restrictive laws,
Through legislative creed.
And yet you fail to understand,
That God is what we need!

" Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, mind, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc. Spiritual presences were present within our educational
systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs -- politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws. Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts.

"As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes, he did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America , and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA -- I give to you a sincere challenge. Dare to examine your
own heart before casting the first stone!

My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!"

Fun with the Shelley's

2009-03-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

Teri and Adam what good friends you are! Can I just say since I love your guts that your babies have the chubbiest little cheeks I've ever seen. Especially the last one, what a cutie pie. Had so much fun with you last month can't wait to do it again!

Whose the Better Mother, contributed by Missy

2009-03-12T08:07:00.000-07:00

ROSIE'S BACK!

2009-03-10T09:12:00.000-07:00

Yeah, we are so excited that cousin Rosie is back home with us! We love you Roe and will love you more if you will call us.

Create

2009-03-02T20:50:00.001-08:00

Learning to Hope

2009-02-22T19:30:00.000-08:00

Mariama Kallon, “Learning to Hope,” New Era, Nov 2006, 10–12
Amid the horrors of a civil war, I found hope in a book and a plastic bag.
Sierra Leone was a sad place during my teenage years, but it was my home. For much of my life, my small West African country was torn by a civil war. The war affected everything. My family and I were constantly on the run, trying to escape the rebel soldiers. It was terrifying every time the rebels came through a city. Someone would see their torches approaching in the night, warn the others, and we would all run for the bush, grabbing whatever we could along the way.
About seven years after the war began, the rebels came to our city. My whole family was running to escape, but my parents, who were just a few steps behind me, were shot and killed. I was so sad to lose them, but I had to keep moving.
My brother, sister, and I moved to a safer place, and for a short while we were all right, but the rebels eventually hit that town, too. This time we didn’t have time to run away. My brother was taken and later killed. My sister and I were lined up outside with all the other women. The rebel soldiers were chopping limbs off of all the women in the line. We were all so frightened. Everyone was crying and praying—even people who had never believed in God before. I was not a member of the Church at the time, but I believed in God and prayed that His will would be done and hoped that He would find a way to save me.
My dear sister, who was several places ahead of me in line, had both of her legs cut off. But as the rebels reached the woman in front of me, our army came rushing in and the rebels ran away. I know that I was not better than the people who were in front of me or behind me, but I thanked God that I had been spared and prayed that I might understand His plan for me.
I moved to another village to live with a friend. As I was telling my story to my friend and some of her neighbors, one neighbor said, “Mariama, we don’t have anything to offer you except an invitation to church tomorrow. That’s where we find safety. That’s where we find hope.” I loved God already and needed comfort in my life, so I decided to go.
My first Sunday in that LDS branch is a day I will never forget. I learned of hope. You could just see that there was hope in those people, and I was drawn to them. I was given the Book of Mormon and started reading right away. I remember hearing in church about how families could be together again after death and then reading in Alma 11 where Alma teaches about how our bodies will be made perfect again in the Resurrection. I felt the Spirit so strong as I thought of my family. I knew that the Church was true and that we could be together forever—each of us well and whole.
There were no missionaries in Sierra Leone at that time, so I took the lessons from my branch president and was baptized soon after. We were blessed in our town, because the Church sent food and humanitarian kits for the members of the Church and others. The food kept us all alive. Everyone was so grateful even to receive a small bag of rice or beans. I received a blanket and a hygiene kit that included a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, a comb, and a washcloth.
Not long after, the rebels hit again. They burned down the house I was living in, and as I was running to escape the flames, I took time to save only two things—my scriptures and my hygiene kit. We had to live on the run for a while after that, and I used my hygiene kit to help those around me. I would squeeze out one pinch of toothpaste for each person, or we would go to the river and carefully pass my bar of soap from person to person. The kit was so precious to us. The blanket, too, was invaluable. It sheltered us for many days until I used it to wrap an old woman who had died and had nothing to be buried in.
Eventually, I went back to my town and my branch. It was then that I decided I wanted to serve a mission. This was a difficult decision for me, because I had nothing and would be leaving behind people I loved. As I was trying to decide, I read D&C 84:81 and 88, which say, “Therefore, take ye no thought for the morrow, for what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, or wherewithal ye shall be clothed … for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.” I knew the Lord would care for me, so I turned in my mission papers and was called to the Utah Salt Lake City Temple Square Mission.
I arrived in Utah with practically nothing, but I insisted on bringing my hygiene kit, because it meant so much to me. One day, my companion and I were taking a tour of the Humanitarian Center in Salt Lake, and I recognized a blanket that had the Relief Society logo embroidered on it, just like the one I’d had in Sierra Leone. I looked around and saw hygiene kits like mine and familiar bags of beans and rice, and I began cry.
“This is where they came from!” I thought to myself. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I remembered what these things sitting in stacks in the Humanitarian Center in Salt Lake meant to my friends and to me in Sierra Leone. I was so grateful to the Lord for preserving me, for bringing the gospel into my life, and for allowing me to serve a mission. I knew that His angels truly had been round about me, to bear me up.
Mariama Kallon, dressed in her traditional African clothing, holds one of her most precious possessions—a hygiene kit.
When I received my humanitarian kit, my stepsister received a school kit. She was the only child in her school who had paper. Carefully, she tore out one piece for each of her friends and broke her three pencils in half, giving one half to each friend. Every day, the children would write down their lessons and then gently erase everything each night so that they could use the sheet of paper again the next day. They were so grateful for the tools to learn.

Cutest Couple Ever Contest Finalists

2009-02-16T12:33:00.000-08:00

Cutest Couple Ever Contest

And the Award goes to...(drum roll drum roll)

Mike and Cortney Holmes (applause applause) and the Crowd Goes Wild

Sweet regular Moments

2009-02-16T10:48:00.000-08:00

Just another day at the Holmes Home. Why does it feel like I never get any sleep? I can't help but sneak a picture or two because then I can look at it over and over and know that there is a peaceful side to these little critters that turn circles around me day and night. Isn't motherhood among God's greatest gifts? Hope all of my sweet mommy friends, cousins and sisters know how much I look up to them and pray for us all to enjoy these precious moments that are far too fleeting.

Rosie's Comin' Home

2009-02-10T12:49:00.000-08:00

Just came across this picture of cousin Rosie on her mission to SLC South. We are so excited to see her again and hear all her mission stories. Rosie, you rock, can't wait for your birthday and homecoming in a couple of weeks!

2009-01-26T16:13:00.001-08:00

Yes my dear friends, Heather Jeppesen makes these lovely boards and we can get one for you. Let me know what you would like on them and we'll figure out the dimensions. I'm not sure what the cost is, it just depends on how big the board is. Let me know!

Chore Board and Prize Chest

2009-01-23T16:07:00.000-08:00

This is the best way I have found for maintaing a house of order (I use the term loosely). Teri, let me know what you think and we can get one done for you! Can't wait to see you next week!!!

No Truer Friends

2009-01-20T20:37:00.001-08:00

Footprints In Your Heart

Many people will walk in and out of your life,
But only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.
To handle yourself, use your head;
To handle others, use your heart.

Anger is only one letter short of danger.

If someone betrays you once, it is his fault;
If he betrays you twice, it is your fault.

Great minds discuss ideas,
Average minds discuss events,
Small minds discuss people.

He who loses money, loses much;
He who loses a friend, loses much more;
He who loses faith, loses all.

Beautiful young people are accidents of nature,
But beautiful old people are works of art.

Learn from the mistakes of others.
You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.

Friends, you and me.
You brought another friend,
And then there were three.

We started our group,
Our circle of friends,
And like that circle -
There is no beginning or end.

Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow is mystery.
Today is a gift.

That's why it's called the present.*

Eleanor Roosevelt

Snowed

2009-01-15T20:06:00.000-08:00

Keira loves the snow, wouldn't you agree?

Christmas at Mom's

2009-01-07T12:39:00.000-08:00

Christmas at Mom's was such a treat this year. Grandma Great sewed sweet costumes for the Nativity scene. Katherine's role was reprised this year as the angel Gabriella. Bryan was our star Joseph with Megan debuting as Mary. Chloe was a convincing shephard and Regan Elaine was the wiseman since her name means wise. Dinner was fabulous as always and Spike was a special treat this year too! What a memorable Christmas, thanks Mom and Dad!

Christmas Eve at Dad's

2009-01-07T07:47:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve with Dad was a lot of fun with presents, stories, good food and wrestling. I was eating dinner and noticed Justin's head in the front room just as I was starting to look away his head was abruptly yanked forward by a little hand, could that have been Bryan's revenge? A handful of Justin's hair. Not to worry though, just soon had the scales tipped to his favor and Bryan stopped crying after about a good five minutes.

A Wii bit of fun with Friends

2009-01-05T17:45:00.000-08:00

Go Mike and Mary it was nothin' but blood and guts at this Wii party, can you guess who came out ahead? Yup, Mary smoked us all. You Go Girl!

2008-12-30T16:36:00.000-08:00

Bryan was so amazing at his first big Kindergarten program. He watched his teacher intently and sang all of his songs with enthusiasm. Way to go Bryan!!!

2008-12-10T20:43:00.000-08:00

Elfin' It

2008-12-04T20:22:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

His Excellency

2008-12-01T07:51:00.001-08:00

Joseph Smith taught: “Those who know their weakness and liability to sin would be in constant doubt of salvation if it were not for the idea which they have of the excellency of God, that he is slow to anger and long-suffering, and of a forgiving disposition, and does forgive iniquity, transgression, and sin. An idea of these facts does away doubt, and makes faith exceedingly strong” (Lectures on Faith, 42).

Air Force One

2008-11-28T21:19:00.000-08:00

It's no secret that we didn't vote for Obama but he's our president now so we support him and pray that he and his administration take our country in the right direction. That said, why not have a little fun with our future commander-in-chief, right?

Charlie Bit Me

2008-11-25T20:25:00.001-08:00

Who Needs Pockets

2008-11-25T20:21:00.001-08:00

Happy 1st Birthday Keira

2008-11-25T09:29:00.000-08:00

Happy 1st Birthday Keira!!! Keira was born on November 15, 2007. I remember dropping the twins off to school that morning and then getting a call from ORMC asking if I could come in right away for an induction. Of course I giggled and with a bit of trepidation agreed I would. Daddy was really excited as we gathered our things together to celebrate our birthday later that day. I remember it was a beautiful clear sunny cool day. As we walked in I was reminded of all the other days I would walk into that hospital to precept only now, it was my turn to be the patient and at the end of the day, I knew I would be holding the best birthday present I could ever hope for. Never would have guessed how difficult it would be to unrap it though. I remember in the waiting room being filled with anticipation and wondering how it would all come down as my body was showing few signs of labor. Mike just read his magazine as if we were waiting for little more than the mail to arrive. I guess that's his way of showing excitement. After almost an hour we were called back into our room and of course I wanted to go natural other than the pitocin. I progressed well until my contractions started showing up on top of the pit contractions. At that point Mike's quaint reading of the unnoteworthy Seinfeld was annoying to say the least. My favorite doctor was there and a veteran nurse who was my saving angel that day and then all those darned student nurses. It got really really uncomfortable and embarassing when I started wiggin' out with pain. But we got through it and after turning her the right way so I could get her out, Dr. Lesser announced "whoa, this is a 9 pounder." I thought he was up in the night but you know that chubby cheeked pink chunky angel with a perfect head shape and nothing but cheeks and rolls turned out to be 9 pounds and 1 ounce and 21 inches precisely. When they gave that baby to me I knew for the fifth time what pure joy felt like. Happy Birthday Keira from your most adoring mother.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-24T20:40:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful Thanksgiving we celebrated with dad and the brothers and their wonderful wives! We all had a good time until 5 minutes into the Broncos/Raiders game when the Denver Slaughter began. Dad and Justin weren't in the best spirits but once the tv turned off, we had a great visit. The balloon game was a lot of fun especially when the one holding it got to pop it and answer the question about what they are most thankful for etc. We are sure glad that Spike joined us too. He is such a wonderful part of our family and we treasure the love and spirit he adds to all of us.

2008-11-23T18:36:00.000-08:00

This is just another ordinary car ride on film. Katherine is our little singstress and Keira is learning to accompany her.

Please Watch

2008-11-21T22:23:00.001-08:00

Don't let anything keep you from your dreams

2008-11-21T19:01:00.000-08:00

Salute to Veterans - A Veteran's Day Memory

2008-11-15T17:28:00.000-08:00

When I was at the University of Utah 9 and a half years ago, one of my English professors announced that class that day (Nov. 11) was elective because instead of lecturing, he would be showing a video to honor the veterans who fought in past wars. Some students left on the spot and those of us who stayed had the opportunity to be touched by personal accounts of men serving in places like Pearl Harbor and Normandy. Of course thinking of grandpa and hearing from loved ones these soldiers left behind yanked on my heart and eye strings and I was visibly moved. When class was out I shook my professor's hand and thanked him, trying not to be too emotional. He kind of looked at me stunned and later on in the year asked about what my future plans were. I had the chance to tell him I was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and that I was training to be a Seminary instructor. I don't think he would have bothered wanting to know anything about me or that I would have had an opportunity to share my testimony if I hadn't been touched by the spirit of veteran's day and the real meaning of sacrifice and service to God and country. I salute all of our soldiers and can attest that their blood and sacrifice still has positive effects even today! God Bless America.

Happily Ever After IS real

2008-11-13T20:04:00.000-08:00

An interview with Jennifer Aniston, "Whoever said everything has to be forever, that's setting your hopes too high. It's too much pressure. And I think if you put that pressure on yourself -- because I did! Fairy tale! It has to be the right one! -- that's unattainable."

Ok I have to shamefully admit that I read an article on a celebrity in my email homepage (I try to avoid knowledge of celebrities like I try to avoid kid snot on my cashmere sweater - it was cheap). But really how sad would it be to fall so wonderfully in love only to have that love die off after death. Thank goodness for these magnificent temples "dotting the earth" that prove and invite all to live happily ever after!

Where can we look?

2008-11-13T12:26:00.000-08:00

Featured Article
The Era of Liberals and Conservatives is Over
By Oliver DeMille

When everything depends on which side is right, what happens when both sides are wrong?

Liberalism believes in the state: government is the savior of mankind to guard against greedy businessmen. Conservatism today believes in the market: business prosperity is the solution to mankind's struggles, and the state must be controlled by business.

Both are wrong; and yet the battle continues. To judge from media and academia, the thinkers are stuck in this paradigm; to judge from elections-so, indeed, are the voters.

I believe there is hope for any person in any circumstance as long as there is faith in the true and living God and Jesus Christ whom He sent to show us that there isn't anything in this world that we can't overcome. The answer isn't the government or the economy, the answer is properly placed faith and a willingness to sacrifice and do whatever else He requires to bring us closer to our destiny. There is so much more if we just look up!

Weirdos need not Reply (unless your family of course)

2008-11-12T12:36:00.000-08:00

So, dear friends and family, after that ksl report we've decided to jump on the private bandwagon. Please send your emails to mcholmes1261@msn.com so I can invite you to read our blog and so we can keep up with your family as well!

Happy Halloween

2008-11-11T20:26:00.000-08:00

What a freaktastic day! As usual, mom threw a wicked party and everyone dressed up this year which was an added bonus. Mike put a lot of thought into his costume, it's a good thing we're both the same size. Everyone had a great time bobbing for apples, spying out candy from mystery witch and scaring the bajeepers out of the little kids thanks to a darthmal costume that's been kickin' around mom's house for eons.

Preschool trip to the Farm

2008-11-07T10:03:00.001-08:00

What a fun time we had on our hayride, getting lost in the corn maze, in the big pumpkin bounce house, and giant slide ride at Black Island Farms

Interesting...true???

2008-11-06T13:16:00.001-08:00

Food Patterns of Our Body - Click here for the funniest movie of the week

FAMILY PICTURES

2008-10-14T14:38:00.000-07:00

We decided to take advantage of being dressed up for Howard's wedding (Emily's good friend). So cast your vote on which picture taken in 30 degree weather is worth framing. Thanks Aunt Joey taking these for us. It's quite the ordeal getting 7 little brains on the same page in the freezing cold if you couldn't tell.

Larry the Cable Guy

2008-10-09T08:42:00.001-07:00

The wisdom of Larry the cable guy.......

1. A day without sunshine is like night.

2. On the other hand, you have different fingers.

3. 42.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot.

4. 99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.

5. Remember, half the people you know are below average.

6. He who laughs last, thinks slowest.

7. Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm..

8. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap.

9. Support bacteria.. They're the only culture some people have.

10. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.

11. Change is inevitable, except from vending machines..

12. If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments.

13. How many of you believe in psycho-kinesis? Raise my hand.

14. OK, so what's the speed of dark?

15. When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

16. Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.

17. How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?

18. Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.

19. What happens if you get scared half to death, twice?

20. Why do psychics have to ask you your name?

21. Inside every older person is a younger person wondering, 'What the heck happened?'

22. Just remember -- if the world didn't suck, we would all fall off.

23. Light travels faster than sound. That's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

24. Life isn't like a box of chocolates. It's more like a jar of jalapeno's. What you do today, might burn your butt tomorrow.

Happy Birthday Katherine!

2008-10-06T10:25:00.001-07:00

Katherine was such a gracious princess at her birthday party! She played a game with her family and friends called the "princess bubblegum game" where each child drew a slip of paper out of a hat with a question on it about a Disney princess like, "which princess marries Eric" of course the answer is Ariel. If Katherine didn't get the question correct, the child would throw a piece of bubblegum at Katie who had to chew it and this went on for 16 questions after which Katherine had a wad of about 8 pieces of bubblegum to chew on. Sadly her mom and dad forgot to fetch the wad until an hour and one tooth later. (j/k)

Hit a Midget

2008-10-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

So, volume 2 of Regan's wisdom comes Chloe's...I don't know what it is about scripture time that provokes the most "inspiring" comments from my oldest daughters but here's the latest. We were reading in 3 Nephi again where Christ is teaching the Beatitudes to the Nephites. I asked the kids what is meant by "no man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other." They rightly elaborated that you cannot serve the Lord and Satan at the same time. I asked what each of the Master's would command. Regan said that Satan would tell us to kill and Chloe replied that Satan would tell us to hit a midget. Make sense???? So if you ever feel like hurting a midget you can know it's the devil telling you to do it. (disclaimer) this is not intended to offend any small person.

Regan's Wisdom

2008-10-03T12:38:00.000-07:00

Speaking of Regan, today during scripture study we talked about the meaning of Christ's words as he admonishes the people to "pray in secret that your Father who seeth in secret may reward thee openly" (3rd Nephi when Christ visits the Nephites on the American continent). When I asked the twins what He meant, Chloe replied that "it means when a robber is going to break into your house, you say a quick prayer in your heart and then you can fight him off." I told her that was a great interpretation but to think of something else. When Regan offered that it had something to do with a tornado I (and I don't know where she was going with that one) I confided that He was referring to hipocrites doing what they do to be seen of men. Regan had an epiphany at that moment stating that a "hicoprit" is "when someone does something that they tell someone else not to do, like Mommy she's a hicoprit but not a bad bad one; she does that all the time!" OH, I had a good laugh over that one. It made me think of yesterday's scripture time when she remarked that a person she saw was "big" like Mom. What did I ever do to this child anyways? Oh yes, I sneaked the car pic in for Mike, that's a Bently (don't recall which one) it's worth more than my house! Saw that on one of the Chicago side streets. The girl next to me is my sister Missy, people thought we were twins in HighSchool I was clearly the chubby one. I don't know??? Are our freckles that similar? The twin looking girls in the pics were part of the Halloween freak show at Navy Pier.

King Lear

2008-10-03T12:31:00.000-07:00

The statue is King Lear about 20ft high. King Lear is one of my favorite Shakespeare plays and it is his daughter who holds the name sake of my first daughter. She has yet to discover the malintentions of this sinister sibling but I couldn't very well name her Gonoreil now could I?

MORE CHICAGO

2008-10-03T11:28:00.000-07:00

More pictures of the big city...

CHICAGO

2008-10-01T20:26:00.000-07:00

CHICAGO! What a fun adventure Baby Keira and I had this past week! I love the city at night! And the architectural tour by boat was so amazing. Each of these buildings has a unique story. To give you an idea of how friendly and not stuffy Chicagoans are, I was taking the picture over the bridge last Saturday night and a guy on a large boat on the water below me got on his megaphone and said, "hey you on the bridge, quit taking pictures" and then his boatload of friends all waved at me as they passed by. People there all adored Keira and my nieces Kaia and Helena. I'll be adding lots of pics because everything we did was just so fun. I can't wait to take Mike and the kids with me next time to see Aunt Missy.

Dolphin Rings

2008-09-23T11:25:00.000-07:00

The attached video is of dolphins playing with silver colored rings which they have the ability to make under water to play with. It isn't known how they learn this, or if they're born with the ability. As if by magic, the dolphin does a quick flip of its head and a silver ring appears in front of its beak. The ring is a solid, donut shaped bubble about 2-ft across, yet it doesn't rise to the surface of the water. It stands upright in the water like a magic doorway to an unseen dimension. The dolphin then pulls a small silver donut from the larger one. Looking at the twisting ring for one last time, a bite is taken from it, causing the small ring to collapse into thousands of tiny bubbles which head upward towards the water's surface. After a few moments the dolphin creates another ring to play with. There also seems to be a separate mechanism for producing small rings, which a dolphin can accomplish by a quick flip of its head. An explanation of how dolphins make these silver rings is that they are "air-core vortex rings". Invisible, spinning vortices in the water are generated from the tip of a dolphin's dorsal fin when it is moving rapidly and turning. When dolphins break the line, the ends are drawn together into a closed ring. The higher velocity fluid around the core of the vortex is at a lower pressure than the fluid circulating farther away. Air is injected into the rings via bubbles released from the dolphin's blowhole. The energy of the water vortex is enough to keep the bubbles from rising for a few seconds of play time.

First day of Kindergarten

2008-09-23T00:37:00.000-07:00

Bryan's first day of kindergarten! Pure torture from the looks of it. Just kidding he didn't bat an eye when I left him with his teacher. These pictures found him staring into the sun and this oddly was not Bryan's idea of a good time. He was telling me about kindergarten today and said that he has a Bryan here (and pointed to his left ear) and a nuder Bryan here (and pointed to his right ear) and when I asked him a difficult question he said "I don't know and needer does dis Bryan or de udder Bryan." OH, where does he get it? He always threatens that he's not going to be a doctor or play sports if I don't give him whatever he wants. Does he not understand that taking privileges from himself is playing into my evil hand- EXACTLY what I want him to do. He He He.

BusyBee Preschoolers

2008-09-22T23:56:00.000-07:00

Katherine, Esther, MaKai

So, last summer Mary and I decided to start a mother's co-op preschool, 3 months and 4 kids later we have the Busy Bee Preschool taught by Mary, myself, Lian, Bryn and Heidi. Oh what fun we're having! Katherine has a new best friend and Preston gets some interaction with girls since he's packed in his family between 2 boys. Makai is so quiet sometimes that I think he must be sleeping, oh wait, he is sleeping. The twins (Colton and Dalton) arrive each Tuesday and Thursday morning with backpacks as big as they are and each of these little dolls is a treasure to teach or so says Bryn, Lian, and Heidi (who have yet to teach j/k). Love these little kiddies and I more preschool moments to come...

Busy Bee Preschoolers

2008-09-22T23:44:00.000-07:00

Preston, Colton, Dalton

Notice the kids on their mats, yeah, Keira likes to learn to though she's not sure which one's the teacher. Oh, is there anything better in life than kids and babies???