Too Close For Comfort!

Tonight in CASA training, we talked about Understanding Families. There were many facets to this subject but we started out with an activity where we thought for a moment about our own families and named a strength and a weakness. After we shared our thoughts, we examined the illustration above. We were asked to note 12 to 15 POSITIVE aspects of the household pictured. I'm certainly thankful for this experience because this is very similar to what I observed in my own home upon my return from training...I didn't make the comparison right away but as I was finally scraping the moldy bean soup out of the crock pot (it had been on the counter since SATURDAY) and cleaning up the cracker crumbs from Scott's night of cooking on MONDAY, it dawned on me that my house could be substituted for the one above!!

Granted, I don't smoke but my boobs are about as saggy...

I think I'll go to bed now and hope someone doesn't turn me in for neglect!

My Lil' Sis

I know I've already posted today but I just had to shout out how cool my little sister is!! I've got a yucky cold and these are the items I found on my doorstep this evening! She is the best sister ever (and I'm not just saying that because she's my ONLY sister!!) :)

Happy Birthday Mom!

You can't beat Cracker Barrell for a Birthday Breakfast! It was fun to visit with Mom and celebrate her birthday a couple of days early. We are so blessed to have Mom in our lives.

She is the glue of our family.

Becoming a CASA

I took my third step towards becoming a CASA today. CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. I took the first step last November when I called the Johnson County CASA office and requested an application to become a volunteer. The second step happened a couple of weeks ago when I interviewed with the director of CASA. And tonight I went to my first training class. I loved it and felt an overwhelming confirmation that I am doing the right thing even though life is busy and how could I possibly fit another thing into the schedule?

I first heard about the CASA program from a sister in my ward. She was the Relief Society president before I was called. She told me a little about what a CASA does and I knew then that I wanted to volunteer. That was about three or four years ago. There is a time and a season for everything.

If you are curious...go to www.nationalcasa.org to learn more. I copied this quote from the website:

Thoughts from Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author Anna Quindlen "You go into a courtroom and you will see lawyers who know the law and have dozens of kids' files, or you have social workers who know the regulations and have dozens of kids' files. But if a CASA volunteer is in the room, you will see they have just one file, and what they know is that one child. And that can make all the difference to a judge's decision regarding how the rest of that child's life is going to go."

I'm excited for this new journey to begin. I'm looking forward to meeting families and helping children. I am tired of crying when I hear and read stories of children who have been abused, neglected, killed...I want to do something.

Stay tuned...

Guess Who?

"Bill"



"Betty Jo"



"Shaner"

Yes, we have crazy fun kids and I wouldn't trade them for the world. The one not participating in this fun activity was probably off texting a certain someone. These guys decided to do this after our unique family home evening...photos below of "The Rocket"...I'm surprised no one came away with a broken bone!

Happy Birthday Sophi!

Sophi turned 15 on December 31st!

Her best friends helped her celebrate!

Katie Baker, Macey Mann, Aaran Bober, Sydney Sebastian & Morgan Grey!

Sophi requested that her room be painted for her birthday. She and I went to Lowe's on her b-day and chose the colors. Chloe helped with the design.

Rance and the girls took care of the base coat and my steady hand was called in for the dots.

It was fun!

The finished product...complete with our favorite vampire!

This is one of my favorite pics of Sophi...first grade "Apple Day".

My little doll!
I just want to rub my cheek against her cheek when I look at this! I've thoroughly loved having Sophi in our family. She is definitely her own person. Sophi knows what she wants and likes and there will be no persuading her otherwise! She is so helpful to us around the house. She is an organizer extraordinaire. And she is completely hilarious when she gets in "that mood". We love her and couldn't live without her!

Merry Christmas!

What a great Christmas 2008! Friends, family, good food...here are few of the highlights...

Stockings!

We were lucky to have LaMonte with us for Christmas!

The BIG SURPRISE...a Wii & Guitar Hero!

Sophi ROCKS!

Don't be fooled...Rey Mysterio wasn't with us on Christmas morning...(thanks Brandon & LaRae...you remain the "favorite Aunt & Uncle")

The best Christmas present ever...nothing to do but take a nap on the couch!

We are babysitting "Fred" for one of Rance & Jake's home teaching families
over the Christmas break.
Liv has taken full advantage of having a playmate!

We were blessed to be able to spend the afternoon at Mom & Don's.


Pa Jerry is always good for a laugh or two!

It's always fun when Wayne is around!

Granny Opal & Pa Jerry are popular! They got the kids Dance Dance Revolution! We spent the evening in competition! I've decided that is how I am going to get in shape for 2009!! That is how I like to exercise!


To LaDawn From Mom!
Mom was so pleased with this gift...she exclaimed, "It's digital!" It is huge! I can feed a crowd with this guy!

Chloe watches Granny open her gift.

I love Granny Opal! How blessed we are to have her! My Great-Granny Wilbur (Granny Opal's mom) passed away before I was in kindergarten...I barely remember her. My children will have fond memories of their great-granny!