Heaven on Earth

State Champions 2011

2012-02-03T06:58:00.000-08:00

LOOK at the smile on that boy!

A well-earned, bruised body, NEW HAIRCUT smile!

A.J. has been working so hard since last December for this weekend.

He knew there were two senior quarterbacks filling the slot of starter for his state winning football team, but next in line...was him.

He rocked the scout team that prepared his first string offense meticulously for each game. (He had the bruises to prove it!)

He patiently waited as him team literally annihilated every opponent to the point where he got his turn.

The boys and coaches were amazing!

Week after week they practiced from the moment school let out until time was up.

The weather didn't matter. The temperature didn't matter. The pain and exhaustion didn't matter.

But on Saturday, December 3, 2011 all that hard work, dedication and prayers...MATTERED!

They won their THIRD consecutive State Championship!!

The boys were on their game, A.J. got his shot, and despite being booed, they stood tall, humble and excited!

Valor Christian Eagles...congratulations on your win and the character you had while doing it!!

Brooke getting her "Tebowing" moment in! :)

Three-peat baby!
A.J.and Ryan holding this year's STATE trophy~

***Sidenote: The kid standing next to A.J. is Christian McCaffrey. He is incredible! I have never seen an athlete like him...EVER! Christian started as a RB his freshmen year and hasn't looked back since. He is possibly the most humble athlete I have ever met. He is interviewed nearly every game and always credits those around him. He was chosen as the 4A Player of the Year as a sophomore! Look for his name. He WILL BE the most recruited high school football player in the country! Mark my words!

Confession: Addicted to Pinterest!

2012-01-18T11:13:00.001-08:00

Yes. It is official. I am addicted to Pinterest. I don't want to be, but look what I found today:

It's a tough, but heartwarming story...with a picture of John Gebhardt in Iraq John Gebhardt's wife, Mindy, said that this little girl's entire family was executed. The insurgents intended to execute the little girl also, and shot her in the head...but they failed to kill her. She was cared for in John's hospital and is healing up, but continues to cry and moan. The nurses said John is the only one who seems to calm her down, so John has spent the last four nights holding her while they both slept in that chair. The girl is coming along with her healing. He is a real Star of the war, and represents what the Western world is trying to do. This, my friends, is worth sharing with the WORLD! Go for it!! You'll never see things like this in the news. Please keep this going. Nothing will happen if you don't, but the public needs to see pictures like this and needs to realize that we're making a difference. Even if it is just one little girl at a time.

I love this story... Twin girls, Brielle and Kyrie, were born 12 weeks ahead of their due date. Needing intensive care, they were placed in separate incubators. Kyrie began to gain weight and her health stabilized. But Brielle, born only 2 lbs, had trouble breathing, heart problems and other complications. She was not expected to live. Their nurse did everything she could to make Brielle’s health better, but nothing she did was helping her. With nothing else to do, their nurse went against hospital policy and decided to place both babies in the same incubator. She left the twin girls to sleep and when when she returned she found a sight she could not believe. She called all the nurses and doctors and this is what they saw (refer to the picture above). As Brielle got closer to her sister, Kyrie put her small little arm around her, as if to hug and support her sister. From that moment on, Brielle’s breathing and heart rate stabilized and her health became normal. From then on, they decided to keep both babies together, because when they were together they kept each other alive.

I avoided even looking at this amazing thing for months.

I deleted invite after invite in my email.

But to no avail, my Madie discovered it!

We had an amazing finale to 2011! ( I will blog about all our adventures starting tomorrow!)

John took two weeks off of work, and we played.

We played and played and played.

We also relaxed, slept, ate goodies, made amazing memories, started new traditions, improved the ones we had, and we explored PINTEREST!

Every day, Madie and I would allow ourselves a little downtime and discover the amazing world of Pinterest.

I love it!

I used it to plan New Beginnings.

I used it to plan a re-design of one of our main rooms.

I searched it for quotes I would love to have my children believe in.

I searched it for sayings that make me want to be a better mother and friend.

I even searched it for organization tips to improve my heapsorhappiness blog. (I mean, why re-invent the wheel?)

I am in love with it, but now I only give it 15 minutes a day.

15 minutes.

Doesn't sound like too much time, but the above pictures were the inspirations that I found today.

Enjoy them, but delete your invites now!

Or, if you are going to give in to peer pressure anyway, join me in the fun! Click HERE to see what I have found so far, but remember I warned you! :)

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-02T11:19:00.000-08:00

Look who woke up and realized they were a SUNBEAM today!!!

Annie was so excited!

She talked about how she got to sing all the songs and "learn everything about Jesus."

I guess that the first day of Sunbeams deserves the same tradition as the first day of school, maybe even more attention.

Annie was bathed, dressed and ready to go well before our 1 o'clock start time for church!

And she...didn't disappoint.

She LOVED Sunbeams. She loved her teacher, Sister Guzman.

And she loved having ALL boys in her class. (Two were sad, so she is going to try and make them "smile" next week)

Happy Sunbeam Day Annie Grace!

Holiday Snow Day

2011-12-30T22:17:00.000-08:00

I love snow days.

When they happen on school days, and the kids get to sleep in, change in and out of their snow gear and we get to enjoy homemade bread and potato soup for dinner...it is wonderful.

But, when it happens during the holidays, it is a perfect time to slow down and just take it in.

This morning was just like that.

We had gotten in late last night as we travelled very slowly, and very carefully home from a wonderful evening downtown at the ballet.

So, naturally, everyone stayed snuggled in their beds for an extra amount of time enjoying the warmth before they awoke to more snow than we had all anticipated.

One by one, everyone dressed to go outside.

First, there was dad. Dressed from head to toe in Carhart ready to tackle the driveway and the walks.

Then the boys, ready to run the snowblower and shovels right beside dad.

Then the girls.

Now the girls were a little different. They showered, did their hair, watched the boys and dad finish up and then ask for pictures with the snow in the background. So funny and very cute. (Ellie did jump in there and help for a bit.)

It was a great day! We followed up the snow adventures with another great memory making day with dad. (More to come on the memory-making adventures of the holidays with dad!)

Christmas goodies

2011-12-23T23:02:00.000-08:00

Every year we power out some serious goodies.

We love the first night we start. All the items are bought, stacked and ready for baking.

We have picked out the plates, the ornament to include for each family and have the energy to make it.

Christmas music is blaring in the background, and we are having FUN!

Everyone is ready to pitch in and do their part. Their creativity is usually in full force.

Day three of goodies...most of these things are gone, but the delivering is always fun!

2011 plates included:
GIRL SCOUT MINT COOKIES:

Ritz crackers dipped in chocolate bark with a teaspoon of mint!

These are a family favorite at Christmas time.

I think we have been doing these since the very beginning.

Tymber with crazy eyes as she watches all the little elves bake away!

Next is the exciting chore of unwrapping all the candy canes that will be crushed for the homemade Peppermint bark.

PEPPERMINT BARK:

Melted white chocolate bark spread on cookie sheet with crushed candy cane gently pressed into it.

Love this too.

Family favorite since California!

TYMBER TIME: Annie gently spinning Tymber on her back on the wood floor. Tymber was smiling the entire time!

DARK CHOCOLATE AND MINT BARK:

New this year, but seriously SO simple, it will definitely become a family favorite, so look for it next year!

Recipe here:

The girls each made a batch, all by themselves, for each of their teachers.

A little decorating on the mint cookies. The kids were so creative. We had swirls, smiley faces, "V"s for Valor, crosses for the Savior, and stars!

We also made some PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES and POPPYSEED MUFFINS! So yummy!
A very productive night with 32 plates made up! Now we just have to finish the delivering! :)

The sight that met me in the morning :(, but really worth every.single.minute!

Ponderosa Ward Christmas Party 2011

2011-12-22T21:31:00.000-08:00

What a great Ward Christmas party 2011 was!

We had a beautiful program full of talented kids who were singing, acting and smiling big.

Amazing food prepared by amazing women!

I love when our ward comes together to celebrate the birth of the Savior.

The bishop mentioned tonight that the reason we act out the story of the Savior's birth is because no one else will, and the story is so special that we need to remember it and have this sweet reminder.

I know that there are many churches who act out the nativity each Christmas season. There are many who light up their buildings, have Christmas programs and Christmas masses. I love that ALL Christians love the Savior. HE IS the reason for the season, just like the saying says. I love the way I feel when I slow down and think about the story.

When I think about Mary and how young and sweet she must have been. She didn't have a lifetime of experience to go on when she began to raise the Son of God. She hadn't been a mother before. They grew together. It must have been humbling to witness her child grow spiritually and physically right before her eyes. As she looked at that small baby, that busy toddler and that intelligent child...what was she thinking?

Did she question herself everyday to know if she was doing a good job? Did she wonder what she was supposed to teach him and how? Did Joseph feel inadequate as his stepfather, knowing that God knew everything and could certainly excel far beyond his mortal capabilities? Did both Mary and Joseph pray continually for guidance and then follow the Spirit in even the simplest of matters? Did Mary's mind drift off to the future and picture her boy a man, who would die for everyone? Or did she push those thoughts to the deepest corners of her mind and soak in every bit of her special child?

When she mothered her other children, did she feel like she loved them just as much as her first? Did she feel like she was so blessed to have this perfect child to be an example to his half siblings?

So many questions...I would ask her tonight.

Are mine similar?

Am I raising my children the way God would want his children raised that he has entrusted to me? Am I doing everything I should?

I think the answer would be similar to what he would have told Mary.

Love them. Every one. Every moment.

Ask me for help in everything that you do. Be worthy of my Spirit everyday. Tell them, I love them, and can't wait for them to return home. The sacrifice of time, energy, and everything else is worth it if you could see what I see.

I love this season.

I love this child we honor and his sacrifice for each of us.

May each of us love a little more. Forgive a little more. And look to him a little more.

Merry Christmas!

Savvis' Christmas Party 2011

2011-12-22T06:48:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year and the opportunity to celebrate with friends and family.

This year we had the opportunity to have John's company party at our home again.

So fun!

Amazing food, great company and exciting game play.

Thank you to Beth for the planning, Drew for the gaming, and everyone for coming!

For all you Savvis fans...read on to the bottom for your original poem by Drew...so funny and all true!

Kids under 5 opening there fun gifts.

Twas the Month Before Christmas at Denver Saavis

by Drew

Twas the month before Christmas and all through the Denver Savvis Suite

The sales numbers and customer satisfaction were up, we couldn't be beat

Opportunities were written on white boards with care

In hopes that John Cecil soon would be there

The teams were all busy tucked snug in their chairs

While visions of new orders filled with firewall pairs

And Jim on his cell phone and I on the switch

Had just shut LIM down with not even a glitch

When came through the door which is always such a clatter

I sprang from my desk to see what was the matter

Away to John's office I flew with a flash

To see if his latest visit would bring us some cash

The conference room was full with a leftover mess

And the big deal team had left it causing Beth to stress

When what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But John Cecil's big smile and Vic covered with fear

Cause John had landed new clients from the North to the South

And a "Vic get me those quotes now!" came from his mouth

More rapid than children, the deals how they came

And he hooted and hollered and called us by name

Now Tony, now Lonnie, now Chris, Mark and Ken

Grab your laptops, your notebooks, and don't forget a pen

On Drew, on Jackie, on Beth, Mike and Jim

We've got deals to work, orders to push, delivery times to trim

So down to John's office all of us flew

We knew there was plenty of work now to do

And then in a twinkling I heard Jim's phone ring

And the walls vibrated with the loudness of that thing

As I rubbed the short hairs on my head and was turning around

Down the hall came Jim through his phone Laura's voice was the sound

Shane was on the line, the billing was not right

And Bill was upset and was ready to fight

We packed in John's office, not Jackie, she was on a call

But a yell of "just push them to my queue" came down the hall

For the success of the sales force was flung on John's back

Bob and Eric need more numbers and John, a new plaque

His eyes, how they looked at us, his attitude so great

In spite of the pressure, in spite of the date

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head

We knew right then there was nothing to dread

He spoke all the words and put us straight to work

And filled all our tasks list and gave us a smirk

And laying a finger on his outdated phone

He tells Vic to stop with the slinky before it gets thrown

He sprang to the door, to Vic and Beth gave a whistle

And away they flew to lunch like a missile

But I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight

Everyone be ready, we work late tonight!

A.J.'s Invitation to Paris

2011-12-12T07:45:00.000-08:00

I know that it may sound invasive to actually have pictures and details from your children's dates.

But...not at this house!

It started with a discussion about what our expectations were on "how" to ask the girl out on a date.

In this day and age, we are very aware that texting is the communication tool of choice, but we talked about the importance of having a "real" relationship that would actually require picking up a phone and dialing a number.

Yes, calling her at her home and asking her if she would like to go on a date with you.

Fortunately for A.J....

PARIS said YES!

Enough with the dating etiquette, (we will talk more about that later,) but for now let's skip to the fun part.

The exciting part was watching A.J. be, busy as a beaver building his house for winter.

He was hauling things in and out of the house.

I told him that we could drive them wherever he wanted to take her, but he informed us that he had a GREAT idea right here at home!

He continued most of the evening working on the setup, even illiciting some help from a very excited sister, Miss Brooke. (The girls love Paris!)

So here were the plans:

7:00 Star as a wiseman in the Ward Christmas party Nativity Story

8:00 Pick up Paris at her place (ok, her parent's place)

8:15 Stop by the local 7-11 for the largest Slurpee money could buy (all $1.79)

8:30 Surprise Paris with a movie outside in a tent (yes, you read that right! A tent! It was approximately 10 degrees outside)(As a sidetone: When A.J. told his dad and I what he was doing our first response was, "You CAN NOT be in a tent alone with a girl!" and A.J. responded with, "I KNOW that. I planned on inviting both our siblings." between the two of them, they have 10 siblings, so that sounded great to us.)

8:45 Pictures by mom (Madie warned me not to do this, because it would embarrass A.J., but much to my chagrin, he and Paris humored me and allowed a few pics.)

8:50 Start the movie, Elf to celebrate the season.

8:50-10:00 Many visits from Easton, the girls sneaking out, and a several checkins from mom and dad.

(they ended up putting the movie on the firepit and sitting in the opening of the tent for full disclosure, freezing without a blanket. Eventually, Easton disregarded our "no blanket" policy, and brought them one for their legs and the girls brought down an electric blanket for them to sit on)

Overall...a success!

They had fun, enjoyed the season and entertained our little ones for almost two hours.

I am sure A.J. will opt for the group date next time, maybe somewhere other than home. But if he doesn't...we'd love to host anything he can come up with!

Letting it go...

2011-12-11T08:45:00.000-08:00

Take a minute and watch this balloon release

I know that it is Christmastime, and I have lovely Christmas posts to put up of an amazing ward Chrismas party, the kids making goodies (seriously fun and a major project), Christmas tree decorating of our very uneven real tree, and lots of recitals, ball games and Tymber happenings...

But today...

I am letting it go.

I haven't been sleeping for weeks.

I haven't exercised for weeks.

I haven't felt really happy for weeks.

There have been some things on my mind that have allowed me to feel like I have a shoe pressed against my heart all day long.

I have made efforts to make it go away.

I have prayed for it to go away.

I have reasoned in my mind how the other person might be thinking what they are thinking.

I have been hurting.

But today...

I AM LETTING IT GO!

Just like the above photos, there is more than one way to deal with things that happen to us.

The hot air balloon is filled with hot air that allows this powerful and majestic thing to rise high into the air and take its' passenger on a beautiful adventure.

You can see things from a different perspective.

You can experience the wind in your face.

You can experience the view of a lifetime.

You can feel like you are in control and on top of the world.

But...

Eventually, the fuel runs out and you have to return to earth.

Back to the ground.

Back to viewing that balloon laying flat right next to you on the cold ground.

The view isn't there anymore.

The experience is over.

You may have been changed from taking that ride, but you are still left with the things that weighed you down before.

In contrast...

We have the balloon release...

Thousands of balloons being released.

People cheering together.

Each balloon carrying something.

Maybe a symbol of a hope.

Maybe feelings of a celebration.

Maybe the beginnings of a dream.

But, for me, today, watching these balloons floating away, is saying goodbye to painful things and having hope for full happiness again.

About four months after having one of these precious things...I sometimes have a hard time.

I think it is the summer baby thing for me.

I have had four sweet girls born in the summer, and four months later is the heart of the hustle and bustle of the season.

There are so many things to get done.

There is the perfect Christmas photo to take.

The choice card to place that family picture in to send to many who don't see us all year long.

There are goodies to bake, recitals to sit through, and decorations to deck the halls.

It is a busy time.

But, it is a fun time.

A time for memories, a time to spend with our family, a time for reflecting on Christ and everything he means to us.

Well, today, as I "release" my balloons, I will look to him.

I will allow him to heal me.

I will not carry around that hot air anymore.

I will not be sad anymore.

I already feel more like myself. :)

State bound...Valor headed to State Finals!!!!

2011-11-30T08:42:00.000-08:00

This is what A.J. was doing in the locker room at half-time when the coach announced that he would be starting the second half.

Both of the senior quarterbacks walked over to him and told him not to mess it up, because this is his team now.

No pressure.

A.J. said he dropped to his knees and begged for help from above.

It was a great preview to next year.

Now it is off to the Bronco stadium for the State Championship!

Easton was the ball boy for the day! He got to play on the sidelines with his best buddy, Jett as they ran footballs in and out of the game.

Annie sporting her Valor beads and a funny face.

Bernie keeping his injured eye safe from the sun!

Nana and Papa watching their boy!

Love high school football.

Love playoff time.

Love this kid!

An empty baby bed...

2011-11-28T07:21:00.000-08:00

On morning last week I went to check on Tymber and I found the empty bed below.

I didn't panick, but I knew only Annie and I were home with the baby, so a wave of fear did pass over me.

It had only been about ten minutes since I last saw Annie, so where were the two of them?

Above is where I found them...in Annie's bed happy as could be!

She was talking to her and the light in Tymber's eyes showed that she was loving the attention!

Look at those eyes! Today they were one BLUE one GREEN!

Not just safe, happy.

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-27T19:20:00.000-08:00

This is how it ended, but below is how it started...

After a great Turkey Bowl 2011, we headed home and began the cooking.

John, Easton, and Ellie took on the turkeys. (All three of them!)

First there was cleaning and prepping...

Then there was lots of "stuffing the bird!"

Easton was totally "into" it this year. Helping with everything from taking out the neck, to injecting the marinade in the fried turkeys and packing in the homemade stuffing mix in the baked turkey.
Annie was obsessed with the neck! So gross! (Don't worry, we washed her hands for ten minutes after this encounter!)
More stuffing and voila...

Meanwhile, Cinderella and her little sister, (I mean Madie and Brooke) were ironing away! They went online to find a napkin folding design that would work, and then went to town!

Then Ellie taught Annie how to put out the silverware. Too cute!
Every once in awhile the house would get very quiet, and I would think to myself, "Where are all my little worker bees?"

And this is where I would find them...enjoying the 72 degree weather!

Absolutely beautiful!
Easton back to work...
Annie getting way too close to that raw bird for me!
When the grandparents arrived we put them to work! Nana holding Tymber and grandpa carving all the turkeys.

The tables were all set and ready for everyone to enjoy! Thank you Madie, Brooke, Ellie and Annie! I know that they can work magic on two plain tables, so maybe we will invite a family or two over next Sunday.

Do you think it is too early to serve turkey?

Our traditional ornaments that we give to our guests. This year we found these cute little trees!

Bernie enjoying a game and Ellie smiling away with John! We missed you Miss Rachael!

Nice face Eddie! Love him!
Cheers and waves to a great Thanksgiving!

Tonight I am so grateful for so many things...

Grateful for this amazing family that I have been blessed with, who I get to share this life with and the next. All the good, the bad and the ugly...

Grateful for the job we enjoy that allows our family to eat, stay warm, share and so much more.

Grateful for our extended family whom we love!

Grateful for children who aren't perfect, but who are always trying.

Grateful for the opportunity to have second chances.

Grateful to be who I am, right now, in this place.

So blessed and so grateful for these and so many more!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

I love reading posts about everything I have been blessed with. Here is one from 2009. Celebrate and enjoy!

Turkey Bowl 2011

2011-11-26T15:37:00.000-08:00

Fun kids, great guys, cute girls, and beautiful weather made for a PERFECT Ponderosa Turkey Bowl 2011!!

Thanksgiving Feasts

2011-11-23T06:05:00.000-08:00

Every year the elementary schools have their traditional "Thanksgiving Feasts."

This year was no exception!

Brooke's was first, so Tymber and I joined her for some "yummy" food. (When I say yummy, I mean it smelled like it was not edible, but I watched as almost every single child in that gym gobbled up every last bite.)

Me, not so brave. I was envying the woman and her daughter at another table who were enjoying Subway.

However, tradition is tradition!

Brooke played the piano for the lunch concert.

Deck The Halls is soon becoming one of my favorites!

Ellie's was next and that morning she was not messing around!

She got up, showered and put on the cutest outfit she could find and then wanted me to have a "mini" photo shoot with her on the front porch.

Lots of pictures, lots of "work it" for the camera and one happy little polka dotted girl!

Ellie was so excited when I walked in with Tymber!

Bringing her little sister to school and holding her while all the other girls swoon around her saying, "She is soooo cute!" "She is soooo little!" and "Can I hold her next?" Never gets old!

I love these cute girls, and I just realized while posting this, that Brooke will be in middle school next year!

Maybe she and I will just have to meet Easton in the lunchroom the week before Thanksgiving and have a turkey sandwich from Subway!

Elder Dieker is HOME!

2011-11-13T06:32:00.000-08:00

Bernie is BACK!

(You can read about when he left right here)

He just spent the last two years in the Dominican Republic telling everyone he could that God exists, and the Savior loves them.

We waited, (not so patiently) for him at the airport.

We waited and waited, and then there he was!

Not an inch taller, weighing in only slightly less than when he left, but absolutely glowing.

He looked ten shades brighter than anyone else in that airport that day!

He looked like he had gone into a little bit of shock as he saw the view in front of him.

Mom and dad were crying, siblings were taking pictures to capture the moment, friends had come to see this part of their life that they had been missing and nieces and nephews surrounded him like he was the Pied Piper.

It was magical.

Just being there, witnessing this valiant servant of the Lord, return in full honor.

I love this boy!

This young man was born only one week before I left for BYU.

Our mother brought him to my high school graduation in a 7 months pregnant costume. :)

Every time I attend a high school reunion, the second question after "How many children do you have now?" is "How are your little brothers?"

This little brother is home.

Home to conquer the next phase of his life.

Home to catch up on everything he was privileged to miss as he fell in love the people of the DR.

Bernie, we love you, we have missed you and

WELCOME HOME!

Brothers embrace.

He and Eddie hugged so tight that both of their hands were white with excitement.

Ellie literally jumped into Bernie's arms. He was a little stunned at the size and the pure number of the cousins.

Easton was full of questions the minute he saw him. He smiled at him, hugged him and then wanted to know the details.

Friends that have been with him through childhood were there to greet him.

This is how twins would greet as they embrace after two long years apart. I loved how this scene played out. Pure joy and love.

Ben was checking out Bernie above to ensure that his older brother was still indeed, shorter than him. :)

Brothers, together at last.

Look at that group, and check out those smiles ( and the screams from the two babies that were awoken for the photo op.)

It was an amazing experience that my children will not soon forget.

Welcoming home an uncle that they love and prayed for, and witnessing a missionary coming home after serving the Lord.

Eddie even had his welcoming crew there! Riddick was definitely the ladies man in the airport as people flocked to see this adorable pup!

Cecil boys were excited to greet Bernie with smiles!

It's ok Kiara. He is home safe!

These two were smiling the whole time! This was the new Facebook profile picture of Bernie's oldest niece that day!

The Cecil girls love their Uncle Bernie. They could be found praying for him to "have fun" while he was serving.

The Dieker family was all there with smiles and hugs for their Uncle Bernie! They had each made him a sign to greet him at the top of the stairs.

Elder Stephen Robert Dieker III

Elder Hyrum Dieker

Bernie placed these tags on these two Dieker boys and let them know by doing that, that they were the next Elder Diekers to go out and serve.

Walking to the car after witnessing a special moment in time.

It's YOUR day Bernie!

Welcome home!

Tymber Julia

Go Reese! Awesome Eagle Project idea!

Lucy and Annie were smiling away at the Stake Center. This bench was a perfect place to wait.

A.J. and Bernie's first greeting! These two boys lit up the room as they embraced! You are next A.J.!

Lovely picture! Next time I bet they will give me pretty smiles!

Waiting patiently for our turn to join Bernie for his official release.

It was an amazing day full of lasting memories.

As we finished off a perfect homecoming with Bernie's testimony in Spanish, as he sat at the head of that High Council table, I felt the Spirit so strong.

The Spirit testifying that that moment was special.

His love for the people of the DR was special.

He was special.

I love you Elder Bernard Joseph Dieker more than I could have ever imagined as a young 18 year-old sister heading off to college all those years ago.

Thank you for your dedication and example. As a mother, I will forever be grateful!

Tymber's Perfect Day

2011-11-07T21:02:00.000-08:00

It was a beautiful day in every way!

Tymber woke up smiling and spent most of the day in this sweet state.

I could tangibly feel a lightness in the air.

The little girls were busy trying to put together matching outfits for the whole family. (I am so sad that I didn't get a picture of all the kids together, but they were off to Primary with cousins before I could stage the moment.)

I loved walking into the chapel and seeing all of those who had come to share this special day with us. Some from just across town, and others who flew in early just to catch this special event in our family.

The naming of Tymber Julia.

She has been Tymber Julia to us for months now (since this day here), after all, Annie proceeds to tell everyone that she is, "Annie Grace and this is my new sister, Tymber Julia." In possibly the sweetest voice you have ever heard accompanied with a smile.

But today, it is official...

This is Tymber's beautiful blessing given by her dad who smiles every time he lays his eyes on his little girl. (written down to the best of our ability)

Our dear Father in Heaven, we present this infant to thee this day to give her a name and a blessing. The name by which she shall be known upon the records of the church is Tymber Julia Cecil.

Tymber you have come to earth at a very challenging time.

You will have many challenges in your life.

You will come through these challenges unscathed and ready to serve our Heavenly Father.

You will have the ability to learn.

You will convert many with this knowledge as you are called on a mission.

You will be a calming factor in your home.

You will be able to marry in the temple to your sweet companion that you find, and be able to have a wonderful family.

Stay close to your family.

Look to your mother as a guiding light to help you.

She will teach you how to be a mother.

Stay close to your sisters, cling to them.

Tymber, your family loves you.

Look to your brothers for inspirational guidance in your life.

Tymber, remember that your family loves you.

Your extended family loves you.

We seal this blessing upon you.

In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

I wish all of you reading this could feel the Spirit in the room this morning. It will be something that I will never forget. The blessing was simple, yet absolutely full of more meaning than the words spoken.

I could see her life. I could see her future. I could see her, loving her family, her life, and her Savior as she grew.

It was a perfect day, for the beginning of a wonderful life for our precious Tymber.

I loved this picture above because you can see that Tymber has two different eye colors. She is as unique as can be.

Ellie's circle of love

2011-10-27T06:25:00.000-07:00

I love Ellie.

She is truly a middle child.

The one that, for the most part, is happy.

Content.

Kind.

Today, I found this in her room.

It wasn't a "normal" paper chain with a clear beginning and ending.

It was her family paper chain.

On each slip of paper was each of our names.

Right there in her second-grade handwriting.

We each had a first name, and we all shared the same last name.

Our shared last name.

Cecil

I love that our family is forever.

I love that she didn't leave anyone out.

John, Laura, A.J., Madison, Easton, Brooke, Ellie, Gabrielle (Gabby's story here and here), Sammy, Annie and Tymber.

All of us together in a link that has no beginning and no end.

Families can be together forever.

Madie's "little" injury

2011-10-24T09:07:00.000-07:00

Madie was doing the above and look what happened below!

OUCH! She was a great sport, (excuse the pun) and took care of that ankle with ice and elevation and was able to play on it the very next day.

She had the opportunity to play her last game for her JV season (vball season post to come) and played one of the best games I have seen her play all year!

Way to go Madie!

Fall Break baking

2011-10-21T16:44:00.000-07:00

I LOVE when my children bake.

I especially love it when I come home from a long day of driving kiddos to and from friend's homes, and this beautiful, delectable cookie is straight out of the oven. :)

(Side note: Madie tells me that I am not allowed to use smiley faces anymore. Something about my age, or it's weird when I use them, or something of that nature.)

Thanks for the heads-up Madie :)

This cookie was absolutely deeeeelicious!

Thanks Madie and Brooke!

Annie's 3!!!

2011-10-03T22:50:00.000-07:00

Look at this beautiful girl!

She has been a light in our lives since we met her three years ago!

Annie is almost always smiling in a way that makes you just want to scoop her up in your arms and hold her tight.

She is one of my best friends, and I tell her that every day.

We celebrated with the usual traditions:

Breakfast in bed, however, became, "Annie, come look at your birthday presents!" from a sister who was anxious to see her face when she spotted that TRICYCLE!

She quickly unwrap those gifts like it was her own Christmas morning.

Beaming a perfect smile the whole time.

THREE things that we LOVE about our Annie are not really sufficient to describe how much this little one is loved in this home, but we will bundle reasons and say:

ONE-She truly "lights up" our lives every single day! Her smile has her brothers doing anything for her!

TWO-She loves to sing! Her top favorites are those that she sings in nursery with Sister Ring! But the cutest song is the one she is singing to tiny Tymber when she is crying. Annie says, "Mom, let me have her and I will calm her down." Seriously precious.

THREE-She can imitate the older kids in everything they do. She jumps on the tramp, does her "homework" side by side, kneels down by them as they have their personal prayers, crawls in their beds at night when she is tired, and cheers them on at every event, game and concert.

We love you Annie Grace! Happy Birthday!

Our traditional FAVORITES basket!
Annie's sweet friend, Cate, gave her a hug and bunny.
Then we headed to a quick lunch and some serious nail painting.

Truth be told, she was not thrilled to have her nails painted by strangers that day, but thanks to Julie, she climbed up on her lap and watched as the pink sparkle polish took its' new position on her cute fingers.

Tim, Tim came along for the ride, but no polish for this little princess.

When the kids got home we had the traditional "presents stack" at the fireplace and she opened the rest of her birthday surprises.
Ellie went right to work to make the cupcake surprise for Annie's family party.
All the girls sporting their half-smiles!

Balance Laura, balance!!

Grandpa is home from Alaska and loving on little Tymber!

Oh sweet little Keara!

Tim Tim swinging away and taking a blurry photo with mommy!

Ben was celebrating his birthday in STYLE with a flashy, (and very yummy) ice cream cake!

After the candles were all blown out, the dishes washed and the desserts devoured, this is how I found Annie on the floor of the family room before presents could be opened.

Since she had missed the big moment the night before due to lack of birthday stamina, this is what she g0t to open in the morning.

Great day. Great company. Great dessert. Great little girl!

Beautiful moon

2011-09-25T20:23:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have become obsessed with taking pictures of the extraordinary sunsets and sunrises.

It seems that almost everyday my attention is taken to the sky and its' beauty.

This particular night it was the moon.

I don't know if it is just because it is that time of day where life starts to wind down.

It is the time of day when children are worn down, parents are exhausted and we end it with prayer and bedtime.

I don't know about you, but I love sleep.

I love being nestled in tight to John after a long hard day.

Long. Hard. Days.

There seem to be plenty of these to go around, but I wouldn't trade anything right now.

My little Tymber has decided that she officially forgot how to sleep through the night.

Easton has decided that he wants to spend his evening studying for every test in his future. (Love this new attitude, but with it comes the many questions and endless study guides.)

Brooke just needs someone to listen to her. To listen, and listen, and listen and listen. :)

Ellie is ready for bed. She rarely sees the moon, because she is the one who crawls in her bed and by the time you listen to Brooke's last story of the day, she is out!

Madie is showering, setting out clothes for the next day and loving on little Annie.

Annie is curled up in Madie's bed highjacking the IPad to watch a little Dora or trace her latest number and letter page.

A.J. is usually found at the computer tweaking his latest paper or project.

John is helping any of the above after a long day himself.

It is our life, and we love it, but I love seeing that beautiful moon to remind me that it is time to wrap up the day.

Good night, sleep tight.

Remembering 9.11.01

2011-09-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

Every year since that fateful day...

We collect food for a local food bank in memory of all those lost that day.

We remember the thousands of victims on that day.

We remember the heroes who went to help others.

We remember the families and the loss that they feel every day.

We remember that each one of us can make a small difference every day in the life of someone else.

As we make these bags, drop them to neighbors, pick them up on September 11th, and drop them to the food bank, we remember.

It gives us a chance to remember that event that changed our country forever.

Ellie, Annie and Tymber were not even alive when the moments of that day occurred, but we share with them everything we remember.

I am so grateful for the examples of so many.

The brave souls who took down their own plane to save so many others.

The firefighters who ran up those stairs against the hundreds running down and out.

The families who waited, with tears streaming down their faces, for their phone call, for the news of their loved one.

May we all be so brave.

Funny girl's FIRSTS

2011-09-16T05:27:00.000-07:00

Little Tymber fell in love with the heavenly bed in the Marriott at Temple Square!

She and I could have cuddled up on that bed for weeks, not just days, WEEKS!

This was the first time Tymber was almost laughing while smiling.

I just kept saying her name, and she would BEAM!

She would have a straight face like the one below and as soon as I said her name, she would smile so hard she was almost laughing.

***I took the yellow ones while I was messing with my camera. I loved them because they reminded me of all the "yellow" photos my mom had of me when I was a baby.

Life is the same...

2011-09-14T21:32:00.000-07:00

It always amazes me to travel somewhere and have so many similarities to my own life.

It is comforting to know that there are other families all over the world who get up everyday and desire the things for their children and spouse that I do.

They want to nurture, teach and love each child.

They want to make a positive difference in the lives of the people around them.

They want to share what they know and learn about the things they don't know.

They want to laugh and love in a way that makes all the hard things worth doing.

They want to create a home that is a safe place for the ones they love, and a welcoming place for every person who steps through the door.

They are busy running kids to activities that increase their talents and create memories.

I love this concept.

While I was waiting for my sweet friend Michele to prepare for our friend Jen's funeral, I wandered the mountainside of Bountiful, Utah.

There I found all those things I wrote of before.

I saw a Young Women's group with leaders who had ice chests full of ice blocks for a fun activity, just like Madison had several weeks ago.

I saw this sweet soccer team beaming in the fading sunshine, just like so many of Easton's football practices.

I saw youth groups coming out of the temple after doing baptisms for people they never knew, just like A.J. and Madison so many months ago.

I saw dads watching this practice below, rooting their children on, and desiring in their hearts for their child to succeed.

I saw babies being held like Tymber and little girls like Brooke, Ellie and Annie tumbling on the sidelines while a sibling practiced.

Life...just like mine.

Not in every way, but in so many of the same ways.

I love that we are all so different, yet so connected as we continue on this journey we call life.

Annie's V.I.P. day at Six Flags

2011-09-13T21:46:00.000-07:00

Annie is so fun to be with~

She brightens my life every. single. day!

A.J. is often heard saying, "How can you not love her? She is so cute!"

I agree.

Last month I took some of the kids to Six Flags to squeeze in one more summer day.

We started off in the waterpark together, but eventually the big kids longed to ride the big rides, leaving Annie and I to enjoy the kiddie area.

Fortunately for us, it was practically empty, so hence the V.I.P. tour for Annie.

Every ride has less than 5 kids in line, and so we enjoyed every. single. one. of. them!

We have pictures to capture the fun times.

Love that girl.

Even as she is sleeping in my arms right now.

She loved having the other kids "crash" into her!

She was so brave on the rollercoaster, holding her hands in the air!

This picture is hilarious! The ride operator instructed the kids to give him a "thumbs up" if they wanted to keep going and a thumbs down if it was too much and they wanted to get off the ride.

Annie gave him the "#1" sign instead :)

This was on the carousel ride on the way out. Tymber was smiling, but remembered she was hungry as I snapped a quick photo.

(Don't worry, she got lunch a short time later before the ride home!)

This picture was taken in our driveway! She didn't even make it out of the parking lot of Six Flags before she crashed!

Great day, followed by a great nap!

Temple beauty

2011-09-12T21:21:00.000-07:00

Temples are beautiful.

They can be described in so many different ways, but beautiful is what I saw as I drove up and down Utah's I-15 weeks ago.

The spacious mountains were beautifully dotted with exquisite temples.

Each designed by a team who probably prayed, fasted and studied as they were given the privilege of being part of something that would last forever, and be the place where eternity was granted to those waiting on the other side and where covenant making people could go and receive those blessings that accompanied those sacred promises.

I have so many memories in many different temples.

I remember, as vivid in my mind as yesterday, walking in the room and seeing my parents, dressed in white, waiting with tear-stained eyes, to be sealed to their little ones.

I remember being privileged to carry in the little babies as they were bonded forever with parents and families who were unable to bear the children themselves, but were blessed to be sealed as a family forever.

I remember John's face as he lovingly reached across that sacred altar and wiped away the tears that were streaming down my face.

I remember watching as a dear friend, (OK, one of my young women many years my junior) as she smiled at her sweetheart, as I sat next to five of his sisters watching as their baby brother was sealed to his love forever.

I remember wanting to fly home and fly all of my girls back and have them witness the blessings of purity and righteousness.

I remember so many different times, being with the ones I love, and being a part of their eternal plan.

The beauty is in the plan.

I love that plan.