“I want to say to young women here today, do not ever have any inferiority complex about your place in this world in which you live. You are a daughter of God, and I am satisfied that our Father in Heaven loves His daughters as much as He loves His sons. You hold up your heads and stand tall and walk in righteousness and faith and virtue and truth, and do not let anybody put you down or sell you short. You are daughters of God. Live worthy of your divine inheritance, my beloved young women. You are not inferior in any sense. Under the gospel plan you are daughters of God. Each of us has our place in the great divine plan, and we ought to magnify the calling and the field and the assignment and the qualities of good which we have within us” (Ricks College regional conference, Rexburg, Idaho, 29 Oct. 1995). -- President Gordon B. Hinckley

A few great women

This month our families celebrate the lives of 4 AMAZING women. My Mom, Karen. My SIL, Becky. And BOTH of Brian's Grandmothers, Grandma DeVries and Grandma Beckstrand. Each of these women have had an impact on my life and the lives of my children in the following ways:

My Mom is obvious...she's MY MOM! I love her for her patience, gentleness, sincerity, friendship, thoughtfulness, and her generous , nurturing nature. She loves me unconditionally which is a truly taxing feat! She is Gram to my 3 children and my brothers' 12 children. She does not have much opportunity to interact with my sister's 3 children but loves them just the same! She works as a nurse and LOVES to quilt. The older my children get, the more I respect her...5 children in 8 years? Nuts or Saint?

Becky is one of my VERY FAVORITE people in the whole world! She is BEAUTIFUL and has no idea! She is absolutely hilarious and amazingly talented! She is an example to me through her relationship with my brother and the fun mommy she is to my cute nieces and nephew!! I admire her as a mother and as a member of our church. Becky is sweet, silly, smart, honest and loyal. She always surprises me, just when you think you know the girl...she shocks you with some CRAZY story of something she knows or does that you would NEVER guess! She has a beautiful home and always makes you feel right at home whenever you visit!!

And what can I say about Grandmothers-in-law who make me feel important, loved, welcomed, and appreciated? Both of these women are examples to me in the way they still mother every one of their grown children. They BOTH make huge efforts to be part of their grandchildren's lives. They are both, in EVERY aspect of the word, GREAT Grandmas! They remember birthdays of everyone of their family members, they take time to KNOW each of us. We have countless treasures from their hearts (hand-made baby quilts to family games), they put thought and love into all that they do...I love them both and know that they love me!

And last but NOT least...each of these incredible women have testimonies of The Savior. They are all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They have faith and integrity that goes beyond anything I could ever hope to have! Allison is so lucky to have such neat examples of womanhood surrounding her!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to 4 of my favorite women in the world! WE LOVE YOU!!!

"I call him DADDY because he is MY favorite and you call dads that you LOVE the most DADDY!"

Brian....
You are the dad we love the MOST

because.......

and......

this too....

we can't forget these either!!

The dad we love the best....DADDY! The way you talk to them, the way you teach them, the fun you show them, the time you spend with them, the example you are to them, the way you take care of them, the way you make them feel special, the thought you put into their interests, the time you spend doing homework with them, all the books you read with them, the pretend meals you make and the hours of Littlest Petshop you play with Allie, the hours you spend with each one of our sons hunting, hiking, rock hounding, scouting, wrestling, playing catch, sledding, watching practices and games in the cold or heat, snowball fighting, kicking balls, pushing swings, being transportation for tired legs, building pens, forts,tracks, cars, rockets, and targets, THE LIST COULD GO ON AND ON!!! You are one in a million and we know it! We love you and we love that you love us! You make us laugh, you work hard for our family AND you do dishes, vacuum, cook, maintain beautiful aquariums, keep the basement organized, keep us on track and on time, clean up after pets, cook creative and delicious meals, throw newspapers in the snow and SO many other things that we hope you know we APPRECIATE !!! Thank you..........

for everything........

I need a laugh...

“To me, it's a good idea to always carry two sacks of something when you walk around. That way, if anybody says, Hey, can you give me a hand? You can say, Sorry, got these sacks." -

Jack Handy