Morning Walk

This last day of the year always seems to make me a little meloncoly. A great time of renewal and for reflection. So I take you on my morning walk at a brisk 55 degrees at the top of Turtle Ridge. I love the day after a rain. Everything is clean, bright, and wet. I'm alone with my thoughts of this passing year, changes to our family, a new grandbaby, a new ward, house, basically a change in every direction.

The plan is so well laid out for all of us to come back to our heavenly home. Some have steeper hills to climb while others enjoy the view, but no one escapes the plan...easy or hard-just worth it. My morning walk reflects life with it's many paths, hills, & views. If you look closely you can catch a glimpse of downtown LA, the tip of Catalina, Saddleback mountain, the Orange balloon, the tip of Pales Verdes, Fashion Island, Marine Base Hangers, Airplanes just lifted off from John Wayne, yes there is plenty to view from the top. This view never seizes to amaze me. So much to be thankful for, first- that I actually have the health and strength to walk, eyes to see the quick lizards crossing my path, ears to hear the hussle of the freeway, the birds in the trees and the kids riding on their new tricycles.

My thanks towards our Creator seems pale in comparison to the blessings. Which brings me to an on going goal I will continue for the new year is to have extended gratitude even when it's hard. Maybe I'll try a few French recipes from Julia Childs and call it Joni & Julia...ha-ha! Take more time for genealogy, slow down, and enjoy life. I mean really take it in and breath, be calmer, visit those I love, sew more quilts, and live more stress free. Temple visits, longer walks, stay healthy, I know this list will continue.

On my walk you will see several gates, towards the end is one that doesn't have a door but it is narrow. Straight and narrow is the way to him who has Created us. As I walked through this gate it was an affirmation that my path is narrow and my will is straight. That only through our Savior do we find eternal happiness. May all of you find your path straight and narrow in the coming year! Love to all of you as we find the time to refresh our lives, love our families, and have gratitude!

The Real Meaning of Christmas

Our Christmas Babies...I missed them on my card this year!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

30th Anniversary @ Roy's Restaurant

We celebrated our 30th Anniversary at Roy's on November 10th. I can't believe we have been married this long, it seems like just yesterday when we went to the Los Angeles Temple. Five kids later and a billion lessons learned we did survive life up to now! Here's too another 30+ to go...I love you sweet cheeks!

The Christmas Spirit

The Christmas Spirit

Christmas Wishes!!!

I'm in the process of switching to our new computer. With the Holidays, I'm back a book with postings. I hope all of you have a great Season of Peace remembering our Savior and his birth. I love when the weather gets a little colder and everyone is just a little nicer. It's a time to think about those we cherish, a feeling of home, the smell of pumpkin bread and being together as family. I love the sound of silver bells, the ho ho ho of Santa, and the enchantment for children as you see the twinkle in their eyes. Hot Chocolate with marshmellows is the best! May all of you be safe and the spirit of Christ ring peace in your heart! Love to you across the miles and the missed hugs that will keep another day!

Corbin Taco Night

There's nothing better than tacos with the cousins after a great welcome home for Aaron Corbin from his mission.

This was the second celebration at our house so the boys could shake their sillies out!!!

As you can see they weren't really paying much attention to me, just having fun with the bros...

You are looking at the next generation of missionaries to leave for the Corbin Fam...

Peach Pie Party

James loves PIE!!! Peach is one of his favs...Happy Birthday James---We Love You!

First Bite...

We sent the pie home, my guess is that it was gone in 24 hours...

Brenan Ordained Today

Brenan was ordained by Dan today to the office of a Teacher. Blake was there to assist in the ordination. As Dan said today, this will be a day that Brenan will remember while on his mission. The time is flying by and I know he will look back with fond memories.

Brenan also had his Eagle Scoutmaster Conference today to prepare for his board of review. I am so proud of Brenan and his willingness to follow the path the Lord has prepared for him. He will be a great example to his peers and be an awesome leader in the church now and in the future. We love you Brenan!

Fourteen, yikes!

Almost in High School, almost an Eagle Scout, almost a Teacher, gee--where did the time go......

Okay, so I knew he would like this because his brother picked it out. He wants to go shopping, I'm tired of taking everything back. Labor Day shopping here we come.

Having to much fun with Blake, he can't stop laughing...

Upon request, he wanted a flat screen TV for his room. Dan found a smokin' deal (Best Buy). I have two happy campers.

The Eagle has landed....

This is Kathy Larsen the 4th grade Elementary teacher who is receiving Brenan's Eagle Scout Project. She teaches the APAAS class at Deerfield School.

Brenan took on the challenge of building these homework shelves for the children's homework assignments after years of using a make shift flimsy milk carton shelve stapled together.

The triple tower textbook shelves are for storing the kids textbooks in the classroom. Brenan was stellar in his leadership. Way to go Brenan!

Final resting place in the classroom. Brenan choose this beautiful school color to paint the shelves and organized over 17 people in his efforts... now the paperwork, paperwork, paperwork begins---got to love it!

The Apple doesn't fall far from the Tree!

Here's Papa with Dane, amazing look a like picture!

So Precious, Dane was a joy to have around. Best Baby ever.....I really mean it! Such a great spirit about him. So good and has a belly roll laugh that is contageous!

Look who got princess shoes...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZOE GIRL, I'M TWO!!!

WE love the purple princess outfit...she loves purple--tutu, bracelets, highheels, Tinkerbell lunch box, yeah Nana!

I couldn't resist the purple tutu, so cute for dress up!

Here's Danester exactly 6 months old, does he look like his Papa Corbin or what?

Awaiting Delivery-Mission Accomplished

So here is one of the triple textbook towers being assembled. It's exciting to see the progress. We had 17 people help today! Awesome support...

This is the homework shelf making an appearance. Brenan with his new Young Men's leader Dan Reeve working hard.

I was the supervisor over the quality control. I put the final touchs of paint. I love the color, they are so fibrant for the school.

Here are the triple towers, thanks to Lori and borrowing her house this was possible. Brenan did good, mission accomplished. Delivery scheduled for August 31st to Deerfield Elementary...Yeah!

Zoe Girls is almost 2..

Wow, I can't believe how fast 2 years can go, these are pictures of her blessing weekend. Okay, just love the cheeks...

How we change so much in such a short time....

I get to bite her cheeks next week, but I have to catch her first! Love her mouth in this pic..enjoy!

Happy Birthday Amanda Bear!!!

To our Beautiful daughter Amanda, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TODAY!!! 24 YEARS OLD----We love you!

Family & Friends were there to help...

I'm the personal secretary, signing the boys in, taking notes, and picking up the paint brush once in a while. :)

Brenan's friendly scouts Dakota and Robbie.

These are the stacked blanks painted and ready to go...

Chief, but not at this project...taking a break! Brenan is the resident Chief on call. One day to go!!!