It seems the older I get the harder it is to remember things and the more things I have to remember. One of these is birthdays of my kids, spouses, grandchildren, extended family, friends, etc. I use to just keep it all in my brain, but now that doesn't seem good enough. So I created a Birthday/Anniversary Calendar to help me remember. I still have more names and dates to add, when I find some more hearts, but until then, this will help me keep on track.

I have been enjoying my calling as primary chorister. It has been a long time since I have spent so much time preparing for a primary calling. I'm enjoying making posters, games, and being creative with teaching songs. My goal is to figure out how to get the boys to sing. This is about the 7th time I've had this calling, but the last few times have been very short term. You would think by now I would have it together. I'm grateful for all the blogs I've found, that help spur my ideas (see the side of my blog for some of these if you are interested).

I am also keeping busy with Independent Study Classes through BYU. They keep me very busy. I just took my first College Algebra test and received at 95%, I am very excited about that as I haven't had a math class for about 30 years and this is a pre-calculus class and I basically started from scratch except knowing my times tables and other basic items.

Alex is doing well in Texas and will reach his 1/4 mark in a few days. It's hard to believe he's been out that long, and yet I miss him so much.

Trevor just finished a great season with the JV Basketball team. He ended up being one of the lead scorers for the team, and always put forth his best effort.

Spencer just finished his first play "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" where he had a minor, but essential part.

Both Trevor and Spencer are looking forward to an exciting Track Season that starts practices this week.

Ken is busy as the Young Men's President and work, and of course keeping up with BYU Basketball.

Well March is just around the corner and spring will be here soon. So on to more adventures, challenges, and the joys of life.

First Granddaughter Arrives

Kamry Renae Bennett arrived on February 2 after a long induction. In the end it went quickly and Selina did very well. She was born at 6lb 6oz and 20 inches long. She is just adorable in pink and is a very good baby. She sleeps alot and is quite content. Richie wasn't too sure about her but really liked to look at her, just not to touch her. It took a few days to convince him to hold her a little so we could get a picture. Grandma is back home now to take care of the boys, but misses Richie, Kamry, Selina, and Bobby. We had a busy week and everyone was amazed that Selina and Baby were at church on sunday. Like mother, like daughter I guess.












Proud Big Brother
First Day At Church

Richie and I had a great time reconnecting and had a great adventure on Wednesday climbing Poston Butte mountain. Trevor did is Eagle Project here and I wanted to see if they had finished the sign that goes on the top of the mountain, so Richie and I set out for the top unplanned as you can see by Richie's shoes. About half way up, he wanted to turn around, but I urged him on. He decided he had to stop every few feet-pick up a rock-and toss it. It took awhile to get to the top, and then no sign. Richie wasn't sure it was such a great experience. If we talked about it he would get sad, and insinuate Grandma made him go all the way to the top. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

Mountain in the distance
Inappropriate hiking wear

Making it to the top!

Back to the car, Yeah!

January Snow

Today is a rather snowy day here in Ely, NV. I sent Trevor out to shovel the back path and this is what he found. It started last night and just stopped this afternoon, plus we have had snow most of the week.

I have stayed inside working on sewing a blessing dress for my soon to arrive granddaughter. I made two so I would have one on hand for future needs. I haven't made them in several years, so I had to relearn.

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.