Baptism Day!

The kids and I traveled down to Utah to witness a very special occasion: Joseph and Amara's baptism.

We loved seeing and spending time with the family for this momentous event.

All of their kids sang a beautiful song.

It was wonderful to see all 5 of them together.

Baptisms are so spiritual and uplifting.

They were washed clean from their sins and covenanted with Heavenly Father to take upon them Jesus' name, to keep his commandments, and serve Him to the end.

I'm so happy for the choice Joseph and Amara made!

Possum's Last Days

On Friday, December 14th, Hiram collapsed outside and when he tried to walk, he couldn't walk on one of his front legs.

On Saturday, he could hardly walk at all and howled for us.

We brought him inside to rest and hopefully get better.

He was in so much pain, and it was hard to see him suffer.

On Sunday, we let him outside, but he just lay down in the snow nearly all day.

His body shuttered in pain.

Once again, we brought Possum inside in the evening and through the night.

He wouldn't eat or drink, couldn't walk anymore, and at times he whimpered in pain.

It was with heavy hearts that we decided that 14-year-old Possum didn't need to suffer in pain anymore.

On Monday, December 17th I took Possum into the vet.

Possum hadn't gone to the bathroom for over 24 hours, so when we got him on the table, he peed everywhere and a whole lot.

After they cleaned up everything, the vet came in.

He looked at Possum and said we could spend a couple hundred dollars doing x-rays and trying to fix the problems he had, which may include cancer, tumors, nerve damage and a whole lot more or given, Possum's old age, it would be better to lay him to rest.

I cried as he said we could put Possum down.

I knew it was time, but I didn't want Possum to go.

The procedure was quick and painless.

He went quickly.

Possum resting on Saturday night inside.

Possum's last morning with us.

He puts on a happy, brave face for us.

He tried to get up and walk, but just couldn't do it.

He struggled to not be able to move around and do things for himself.
I had to hand feed him the day before.

Possum and me, Mom together for the last time.

Possum at the vet for the last time.

Oh, Possum, how we love you and are going to miss you!

Possum's body resting peacefully as his spirit left his body.

My tribute to Possum:

Our 14-year old dog, Possum, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2018.

Daddy and I got Possum as a puppy, and when 2-year-old Joyanne saw him, she said "Possum" and the name stuck. He has been such a great dog who loved to chase bubbles and pop them. He was patient with all the other dogs we had. He loved the outside, and he loved water, especially the sprinklers. He protected us from intruders. He loved his long rope toys and always loved a good walk.

We love you, Possum!

Joyanne's Piano Recital

Joyanne continues to amaze us with her piano playing abilities.

She practices as least 3 hours a day.

She loves her teacher, Luke, who motivates her to achieve her very best and to keep learning and playing.

Joyanne had a recital in December, and as always, it was delightful to hear her play.

Family Christmas Party

We had a wonderful Family Christmas party with Daddy's brothers and sisters, and Grandma and Grandpa.

We ate delicious food, talked, the kids decorated sugar cookies, and we had a Bingo game where we won presents when we got Bingo.

The best part of Christmas is being with the ones you love.

Hard Working Daddy

Daddy did it again!!!

He earned the same award this year as he has earned in the last 5 years.

He does so well at his job and loves what he does.

Way to go, Daddy!!!

Noah gets his Permit!

After 6 weeks of hard study and going to class for 2 hours for 4 days a week, Noah passed his tests and received his driver's permit.

Can you believe it?!

Before Noah gets his haircut.

Noah decided to get a little haircut.

Can you tell much of a difference?

After Noah gets a few hairs trimmed off the sides.

Noah really doesn't like haircuts, except the sides being a bit trimmed.

Seeing Santa

For Veteran's Day we watched a 21 gun salute.

The elementary kids also had a performance that they performed for their parents.

Santa and Grant

Grant and James were able to sit on Santa's lap and make their Christmas requests.

Santa and James

James, Santa, and Grant

James and Grant also saw Santa again at the Ward Christmas Party.

Their friend, Daren, joined in on the picture.

James, Santa, Daren, and Grant

Joyanne and Katelin singing for our ward Christmas party.

Joyanne and her friend, Katelin sang "Angels We Have Heard on High".

It was a lovely duet that brought a wonderful Christmas spirit.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was so much fun with all the family.

We visited, played games, watched movies and loved spending time together.

Kent with all his humor and charm!

Samuel and Grant playing away.

The teenager table with Nathan, Maren, Cameron, and Hiram.

Look at cute, Dante!

Susan is the best host, ever preparing and making everyone feel at home.

Paul working his magic.

Jane and Jasmine, deep in conversation.

Hey, Uncle Mike!

Brendon and Joyanne

Larry, their dog, Ghost, and Christen

Silly David, getting ready to carve the turkey.

That food looks yummy, Emma.

Amara and James

Jaden with his mouth full of delicious dinner.

Matthew and Crazy-eyed Adam.

Serious Ben and fun-loving Matthew

Peace out, Melissa

Steven's girl and Steven, himself.

Inma and Bob, how cute and sweet

Kissy, kissy, kissy!

Isaac enjoying his food.

Amy and the baby inside her tummy are really loving filling their bellies.

Uncle Joseph and Aunt Linda

After all the hard work, the food is good.

Fabricio, Paola, and Brent

JJ loved the food, the games, and the company.

Grandpa and Grandma sure have a plate full, and they are happy.