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