December 2009

It seems I have been very busy lately. I have been working to finish a couple of my independent study classes - Biology and Church History. I received an A- in Biology - much better than I did when I was younger and I'm waiting on my final for Church History, but I will probably receive a B+. I am currently beginning a College Algebra class and an American Heritage class. Meanwhile, I have put them on hold for a couple of weeks while I try to get the provisions off my license so I can substitute teach in White Pine County again. I have 2 tests on Tuesday for US Consititution and Nevada Constitution and the following Saturday I have to take the Praxis (General Knowlege -hopefully) then the following week I have to take a week long class for Nevada School Law, if all goes well I can get my license sometime in February. So as you can see my time is filled with review.

The holidays have also been busy. Thanksgiving was filled with family and Christmas was shared with Melanie and family. We also had the privilege of talking to Alex on Christmas Day. He was allowed to use Skype to call us, so we were able to see him as well as talk to him, it was great! Melanie's family was here all week and we had a lot of fun. Christmas Eve we combined with our friends the Briggs' and went caroling at the Care Center and the Hospital, it was great to see spirits lifted through the music of the holidays.

First moments of Christmas!

Aaryn wasn't sure about his toys, so Jayden decided to check them out!

Aaryn & Jayden loved the wagon Grandma and Grandpa bought for them! They kept Grandpa busy for an hour pulling them around the house.

Aaryn loved eating the snow!

Spencer pulling Jayden on the sled - Fun in the Snow!

Aaryn helping himself to dinner leftovers.

Oh and I can't forget our trip to Rexburg for graduation. Chelsea and Zac received their Bachelors! This is an amazing feat! I am proud of Chelsea for perservering and finishing even while having a baby during her last semester. Elder Scott was the guest speaker and had great advice for all of us, if I can find my notes, I'll pass on some of the info.

So life is full and we are happy. Our life is like a Roller Coaster, some ups and some downs, but through it all we are grateful to have each other. So as 2009 comes to a close we wish everyone a Happy New Year and pray 2010 will bring lots of blessings, but no matter what the challenges are we pray you will have peace in your heart and know that all these things will be for our good, if only we rely upon the Lord.

Gavin Zachary Barrus

I figured its time to post a picture of my beautiful grandson.
son of Zac and Chelsea Barrus
born November 10th, 2009
8lb 7oz. 21.5 in

Remembering

Family Picture 1987


Family Picture 1993

I found these old pictures the other day, and thought I would post the "old us". Someone said to Ken yesterday, "You guys are back? You look the same but with more gray hair." Well here we are before we had gray hair.

I miss having all my family at home, grandchildren are wonderful and I am old and tired, but there is nothing like having your family around - the good and the bad. So enjoy your families while they are young - before you know it they will grow up and have families of their own.

I love my family - and Spencer too even though he's not pictured. Thanks for being the great children that you are. I wish we could live closer together. (I know it doesn't really work like that) - Maybe in eternity!

Memories of Florence, Arizona

Well sunday was an interesting day. My presidency and I were released as the Florence 2nd ward Relief Society Presidency. No new presidency was put in. There was a snag as the Bishop put it. He asked us to carry on for the day. I have now left and any problems will be handled by the Bishop and my exiting counselors. Hopefully the snag will be fixed shortly and a new presidency can carry on.

We will miss the Forence 2nd ward and especially my friends in the presidency.

Brandi (1st on the left) inspired me to be a better missionary, to invite others into my home and share what I have, even if we are out of work or experiencing trials. She gave me the courage to work on my education. She is currently applying to a nursing program (Go Brandi). She has a no nonsense view of living the gospel and is always a good example to those around her.

Amy (2nd from left) taught me about courage and being strong. Her husband was recently deployed leaving her and her two small children to take care of things at home. She cans, decorates her home, is a wonderful mom, and was a great secretary. She may not always feel courageous, but she continues to live the gospel to the fullest and do her best even in times of loneliness. My prayers go out to her and her husband for a safe return.

Sarah (1st on right) taught me how to move - no seriously she moved 4 times within the ward in the last 2 years. She befriended me and included me in her circle. She is very talented and shares all that she has with others. She is one amazing women who balances life with the skill of an expert juggler. She always has a smile and works through every trial.

I have worked with many other sisters through my calling and they all inspired me to be better. Thank you Joy, Lorraine, Holly, and many others. I will miss all of you and am grateful for technology to help us keep in touch.

Good Memories of Florence:
My best friend Pam
Scrapbooking till 1:00 am (or talking)
Bookclub
Twilight Movie Excursion
Ward Halloween Parties
Wonderful winters where only a jacket was required
Bishopric who truly loved and served the members
Swimming at the community center and seeing friends there
Dennings down the street (till they moved)
Good visiting teachers
Having Selina close by and watching Richie grow
Christmas in Florence with all my kids
Alex leaving on a mission
Ken being scoutmaster and taking over alot of the scouting duties
Trevor getting his Eagle project finished
Going to the Diamondback games
Walmart only 15 minutes away
Shopping, Shopping, Shopping
Trip to the Grand Canyon
Our Exchange Student Tiago

I guess there is too many to list, I could go on and on. I love the people of Florence and will miss my sisters there.

Grand Canyon Adventures

Yeah we finally made it to the Grand Canyon! We have been trying to get there for 2 years and we finally found a day to adventure up there. It is a five hour drive from where we live. It was breathtaking and we enjoyed walking around some of the South Rim. The 3 boys even hiked down a little bit.

Ken has a new job!

Well it's official, we are heading back to ELY. Yes, we can't believe it either. The boys are excited and ready to go now. We have to get Trevor's Eagle Project finished before we can go, and we are waiting on the supplies right now. Ken starts on Sep 21 and we hope to go a few weeks later if all goes well. We are grateful to have a job again and hope we can find suitable housing. We will miss our home and friends here in Arizona as well as the wonderful winters. How is it we endured summer and are now moving just in time to endure winter in Ely, we are missing the best parts this year.

Alex enters MTC August 26 1:00 pm

Elder Jones is official! A few pictures from our time in Utah.


In front of MTC


Museum at Thanksgiving Point

Here's the link for his mission website which includes, letters, pictures, and addresses.
http://www.missionsite.net/elderjones

Busy Month

Well it has been a very busy month of July. Visitors, Visitors and more visitors. Alex went through the Mesa temple on July 14th for the first time. All the girls were able to be there as well and Grandma Reid came too. It was a nice evening.

Then we headed off to Big Bear Lake in California for the Reid Family Reunion. We had a great 3 days hanging out, playing volleyball, going tubing, tobagonning, and just having a great time. We missed the few who were not there and hope in 2 years they will get to join in the fun.

School is now started and we also decided to have an exchange student come and live with us. Our house was getting a little too open. Tiago (pronouned Chee-ah-go) is from Brazil. He is having a tough week adjusting, but is a real trooper. We love having him here and believe he will fit well into our family. Welcome to America!

Father's Day

Today is Father's Day and it is amazingly relaxing compared to Mothers day - ie; no expectations! We had pancakes for breakfast and an easy barbeque for lunch. Ken volunteered to take the missionaries and some investigators to a fireside in Casa Grande so he is gone for the evening. I wanted to take this opportunity to say thanks to the wonderful fathers in my life.

First of all my wonderful husband Ken. He is always there for us. He is a good provider and a great father and priesthood holder. He tries hard to fulfill his role and to be a great example. We are fortunate to have him in our lives. I see way too much as Relief Society President and am extremely grateful for the wonderful husband and father in our home. Thank you for all you do and for all the great times together and the wonderful memories we have made together.

Second is my dear father, who passed on almost 30 years ago. I still miss him and think of him almost every day. He was a great example to me. He was compasssionate and kind. He could see others needs and know how to help them. He taught me about dedication to the Lord. He taught by example the importance of doing your calling all the way, even if that meant digging in up to your elbows. My fondest memories are moments when I had him all to myself; daddy-daughter parties, rides in the car with just us. He was always in the middle of things and loved by the youth of the church. Sometimes when I hear President Monson talk he reminds me of my father. I wish he were hear to teach me to build things and share in the joys of children and grandchildren (probably not in that order). He seemed to me that he could do everything! If he couldn't he tried anyway! Thanks Dad for being there! Thanks for giving your life so our family could be strong and hold to the truths of the gospel. I love you and miss you.

Third, and definitely not least is my Father-in-Law. He has stepped in and taken the place of Dad and Grandpa. He is always there to support us and help us. He is a great Patriarch. He has shared his love of life with all of us. He does not let things get him down. He works at the temple each week and has served two full-time missions. He values the gospel and wants whats best for all of us. Dad I love you and appreciate your wisdom and advice you have given over the years, even the ones we haven't always heeded.

Happy Fathers Day! Life is good with Fathers in our lives! My greatest hope is my boys will grow up to be the kind of fathers who emulate their Father in Heaven as the fathers in my life have.

My Garden

I have tried many times to have a garden and have had very little success. Other people talk about the loads of zucchini they get and I get a few tomatoes and that's it. We have a very small plot of ground in our subdivision - ie: small backyard - but I was determined to give it another shot. Mind you I tried in Ely where the ground is fairly fertile, but the growing season is very small and my plants did almost nothing where my neighbor Cammie's would be 5 feet tall. Well my garden has not grown to great heights, but we have received some produce and have also enjoyed others produce. We have gotten quite a few tomatoes, summer squash, zucchini, and a pepper or two. We also have a lemon tree that has a lot of lemons on it (great for only the 2nd year) - Thanks to all the bees we have had in our yard. Just had to share my last zucchini pick - the biggest I have ever gotten!!

Texas Dallas Mission - Spanish Speaking

(click on picture to see larger version)
The suspense is finally over Alex opened his call last night. It was a great experience. We had all been feeling like he would be called to the United States and most of us thought Spanish Speaking. Selina called Texas - Spanish Speaking at the end of April (she won)! The Bishop originally said Argentina, but changed his mind yesterday to Texas-Spanish speaking. He does seem to know these things! Alex goes into the MTC on August 26 - we are hoping the Swine Flu Quarantine will be over and they will allow families to go inside again. Right now there is only drop off outside and a quick good-bye. We are hoping that Ken will find a new job this summer, and if anyone has a good paying job for Alex, we would part with him to be able to earn some money. He is working part-time here and looking to add to that. We are most grateful for the wonderful son he is. He has always been a great example to us and his friends. He always tries to do the Lord's will. His patriarchal blessing says he has a strong testimony and he will be instumental in bringing many to the gospel while on his mission. We are looking forward to a great two years -- I miss him already!

Update - White Envelope has arrived!

Alex is camping with the scouts for a few days, and will be back tomorrow. Can't wait to see inside. Do you think he will notice if I steam it open?

Waiting and Waiting - No Patience Here

Well we are still waiting for the white envelope. We are hoping for this weekend, but could possibly be next weekend if things didn't get in when expected. Alex went to Scout camp for a day to pick up Ken. He and Trevor and Spencer have been gone since Monday. It has been a very quiet week, or as quiet as it can be with a two year old. It is about to get much quieter as Selina and Bobby are moving into a rental home in a few days. Not much happening on the job front, but we are looking forward. We are hoping to enjoy the few weeks of summer we have by working on scouting, scouting, and scouting. Trevor is hoping to get an Eagle Project approved and finished while schools out, we'll see how that plays out. Selina is in school working on a Masters and I am slowly trudging along on a Bachelors. We are busy with family, school, and church callings. We had eighth grade promotion last week and next year I will have my last two kids in High School - time sure flies by.
We are anxiously awaiting for Chelsea to find out what sex her baby will be. Hoping for a girl, even though we love our little boys. We are also looking forward to seeing April and Melanie and boys the first part of July and then Chelsea as well at the Reid Reunion. Life is good and we are grateful for all we have - (well a new job would be nice).

Papers Submitted

Alex has finished his paperwork and is now waiting for his call. If anyone wants to weigh in on where you think he is going - send it in!!
We have been told that it will take between 2 and 3 weeks to receive his call! (picture the jeopardy theme) Waiting - and - counting the days!

American Idol

Well another season of Idol and Biggest Loser are over. I never use to watch this stuff, but different people have gotten me interested in them. I didn't vote, but believe Adam has the most all around talent, although personally I like Kris Allen's voice better - apparently so do a lot of other people. I have posted 2 of my favorites on the side bar.
Tonight my favorite starts - So You Think You Can Dance - Thanks Aunt Holly for getting us into this several years ago. I don't get to watch my own children perform anymore, so I watch other peoples kids on TV - except sports of course.

Soon to be Missionary

We are finishing the process for submitting Alex's mission papers. He needs to have an interview with the Bishop and then the Stake President - then we wait! Which picture do you think we should send in with his forms:


Picture 1







Picture 2


Leave a comment!
Who wants to be notified when the call comes?

Here is what President Henry B. Eyring said about the inspiration of each mission call:
“I have had [many] experiences feeling of the Holy Ghost…But I’ve never felt what I have felt as I have…participated in the assigning of missionaries…Because of technology, it is possible for us to have your picture and the information about you displayed. And then quickly, on that same screen, all the missions of the Church with all of their needs are displayed. Within minutes, and sometimes less than a minute, the impression comes so powerfully that it would be, if it were a single instance, something that you would never forget. Can you imagine sitting there for hours at a time, having that happen time after time without interruption? I testify to you that it is real…[The Lord] somehow not only knows you but loves you enough to ensure that your call is where He needs you to go to teach the children of our Heavenly Father.” (Pres. Henry B. Eyring, “Called of God,” address delivered at the Missionary Training Center, Aug. 26, 1997).

April Update

So I have been having fun creating my own blogging pages, thanks to instructions from several websites including The cutest blog on the block. Let me know what you think. This is one of two that I did. I also found this great site for free digital scrapbooking papers that some of you might enjoy from the Shabby Princess. I love blogging and checking out whats going with friends and family from their blogs. Sooooo if you haven't done it (hint to my sister), jump in and do it. Some people only update once in awhile and others update at least weekly. It's easy and I'd love to give pointers if I can be of help.

What's happening in our neck of the woods? Well Ken is offically out of work and we are busy hunting down job leads. Nothing yet, but there is a job fair today and next Saturday, and he is also meeting with a job hunting professional group in Phoenix, and of course lots of applying through the internet. They say word of mouth is the way to get a job so if you know of anything he might be qualified for let us know - Experience = Business Manager with IT Experience, Bachelors Degree and many years experience - especially suited for a Controller/Business Manager position of labor company such as construction, mining, etc. Has worked with companies dealing with accounts in the millions/monthly.

Otherwise we are keeping busy - Alex had his wisdom teeth out last week in preparation for putting his mission papers in - 1 month to go. He will be home the end of April and will have about 2 weeks to get everything together and then he will send them in if all goes well. Trevor is busy with track meets, and Spencer is busy with Richie mostly. (I think he will have withdrawal when? they move out-of course Grandma will too.) Speaking of Spencer, we went to Circus Circus for his 14thbirthday while we were in Las Vegas for Katelyn's wedding and had a great time- I now have 2 (Teachers-Priesthood) in the house! Here's some pictures:

I'm staying busy with home, church, school, and a tiny bit of work. All these years I have been extremely afraid to go back to school - mostly because I'm old-but I love doing online classes and enjoy learning again. I am taking small steps, but will contine until one day many years down the road I will graduate!

Chelsea is selling her shade clothing stock. Check out some great deals - http://chelseashadesale.blogspot.com/

Today was Trevor's first time behind the wheel. He drove from just above Magma Ranch to home. We arrived in one piece and he said when we got home "I almost wet myself." "No really, I almost did." He only got honked at once! Woo Hoo another teen driver on the road!

In honor of our REID heritage - Let's celebrate St. Patrick Day!!

Chelsea passed her nursing test this week after much stress. Read about it on her blog - http://zacandchelseabarrus.blogspot.com/ We are very proud of her. Melanie also announced some big news this week - of course we are excited about Grandbaby #4 and hoping for a girl, but boys aren't so bad either. April found a job working at http://www.preparedpantry.com/ in Rigby Idaho, and James is also working a couple of jobs while they figure out their plans for the future (continuing education is high on their list). Trevor is headed to State Soccer today with the Varsity team - he probably won't get to play, but it will be good experience for next year. And just in case you didn't hear, Ken's company lost their contract at the mine here, which has shut down operation. He will be there until the end of March and then it looks like we are going to have to find a new job as his company doesn't have much work either. We hope the lord will help us to find something to transition to quickly and if possible something stable in the area. We are open to all possibilities. For now we are trusting the Lord and doing our part to stay positive and look for jobs. We have a testimony that keeps us going and enduring to the end. We are blessed to have so many blessings in our life, the gospel and family being top on our list.

Pay It Forward

This is how it works: Pay It Forward Exchange is based on the concept of the movie "Pay it forward". I will send a hand made gift to the first three people who leave a comment to this post on my blog requesting to join the PIF exchange. All the gifts will be made and posted out 'sometime within the next year'. How exciting to not know when your surprise package will arrive! What you need to do in return, is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog. This Exchange is only open to those with active websites or blogs. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS PROMISE TO POST THIS SAME 'PAY IT FORWARD' MESSAGE ONTO YOUR BLOG, WHICH MUST BE ACTIVE IN ORDER TO PLAY. YOU WILL PAY IT FORWARD TO THREE PEOPLE WHO COMMENT ON YOUR BLOG. I'd love for you to join me! Will you? Other comments are welcome, but only the first three will be my Pay It Forward recipients. Come and join me who doesn't love a gift or giving gifts???

On December 23rd we all got together for pictures with Sarah Atkinson (our favorite photographer). It was rather windy, so some were a little scary, but we still managed to get some great shots. It's amazing how our family is growing - and how wonderful! We had lots of fun being together and hope for a New Year that brings secure employment and a stronger testimony of the Savior.