Another year older and wizer too!

Ok so you can all stop giggling now. I misspelled wiser on purpose for all who are wondering. I have learned many wonderful things this last year and when my mind remembers to remember all of them I will share them with you. As you know, I have always been a fan of birthdays, especially my own, and this year was no exception. I will say that I did have a great day! I loved recieving texts and phone calls from everyone as well. Thanks! So I well tell you about my day (for those whom I didn't already tell but don't mind hearing again anyways). It all started out by getting to attend West Point Junior High's talent show. Alan and I were able to go and hear Aryus play his guitar for the whole school! I am very inpressed with him. He has only been playing for about 3 months now and learned the song himself. I have posted the video here. Unfortunatly he only learned half the song, but he performs that half very well. Then on Saturday we all rode the Frontrunner into Salt Lake City to go out to dinner. Alan found this wonderful authentic italian pizzeria that is actually owned by someone that served the same mission that he did. They were in the MTC (Missionary Training Center) together and became friends. I have also posted a picture of the two of them. Also is the business card that AJ collected from Michael Brooks, the owner. The oven he has was imported from Naples, Italy and anyone that has eaten (and enjoyed) pizza in Italy would love this place!! We hope to share this great find with as many of you as we can! Well I will end for now. Know that I am thinking about each of you and wish you all well. My love and prayers are with you all!

Dancing♥♥♥♥

Last night our stake had what they were calling "A Night of Marriage". It was a stake fireside/dance. Vaughn J. Featherstone was the speaker. It was wonderful to listen to him talk about the importance of love. There were so many people there that there was standing room only in the back of the cultral hall! When he was done speaking all the extra chairs were put away. They showed a slide show through out the dance. Everyone was asked to submit a wedding photo for it. It was fun to try to figure out who the other couples were. We also were asked to submit the song that we "fell in love" to. Of course we said "You're the Inspiration." It was a lot of fun. It was great getting the chance to dance with Alan. It had been so long. Here is the picture that I submitted and a picture of us before the dance. I hope that you are all having a wonderful sabbath. Know that you are in our hearts and in our prayers.

Thoughts that I thought

January is cold. Just wanted to remind all of you who live where January pretends to be warm. At least Utah's January doesn't pretend. Brrrrrrrr! I love winter but I am ready for warmer weather so that I can kick the kids outside more for play time!! I am suffering from the kids cabin fever. However good things can still happen to people that are cold. Alan and I were able to attend a sealing session at the temple. That was an amazing night. I love the amazing feeling that exists there. I also had the privilidge of attending an orchestra concert with AJ. We were privilidged to hear a chamber orchestra playing Vivaldi's Four Seasons. We both had a wonderful time and the music was amazing! The first semester did end for my kids. They worked really hard to get thier grades up. Aryus was able to go out to dinner with Alan and me because he earned another 4.0. AJ is still loving Seminary and band. The Advanced Band was able to play at the Festival of Trees this year. It was fun to go and hear him play. He also finally got a new pair of glasses. His broke during Christmas break. He loves that he can see again. Arianna is looking forward to seminary next year. She is also enjoying her orchestra class. They had solo ensemble last week. Her private violin teacher played for her. Jason has been gone now for over a month and we are all looking forward to his return. It will be interesting what he decides to do for work. We pray that he will be able to get a job soon. They need the stability and the chance to really start their lives together. Everyone else is doing well. One of my best friends from Kansas, Diana Self (now Allen) moved right around the corner from me! It is so amazing to be able to see her and her family. Her boys like to play with my kids. Well I had better end for now. I will have more to share this month. It is after all my favorite month! May the Lord bless you all and keep you safe. Especially those that are away from their families. My love to you all! ♥

Repenting

Boy! Catching up on my blogs has been rough. I am learning though, that if I write at least once a month, I won't have to repent and do several all at once. I hope that you all like my corny christmas poem. I will admit that I kinda got stuck and asked Arianna to help me. I am just not quite as talented as mom! I do hope that you are all doing well and I make it my new years resolution to write more often. Love to you all!

Christmas Time!

Twas the morning of christmas and all through the house
the children were still sleeping so we snuck like a mouse.
We woke them all up made them wait on the stairs
without even letting them brush their teeth or their hairs.
When up to the living room they did rise
to hear Father Crane read the story of Christ.
Then we lined them all up from smallest to biggest
to assend the final steps for them to witness
the stockings were scattered on the couches so full
of music and yummies that made them all smull (smile).
The gifts were all wrapped and under the tree
everyone loved them, especially me.
We hope that you all had a wonderful day
This is the end of my poem and all I am going to say.
Merry Christmas to all!
And to all a good New Year!!

The Wedding

December 22nd was a day that we will all remember for a long time. It was cold, icy, but wonderful. It was the day that Brianna became Mrs. Brianna Nicole Manning! The boys loved it too because they were able to get another brother. I am not sure how to post a video or I would let you all see the actual ceremony. (If you can help me with this that would be wonderful!) It was held in the West Point City Building. Our Bishop, Jay Ritchie, performed the ceremony. As you can see from the slide show, Brianna looked amazing! We were lucky to be able to have my mother and Sarah, with her three wonderful children, there with us.
All the beautiful poinsettias were donated by our friend Bart Weaver. He works at a green house and since they were just going to throw them out, we got them! Thanks Bart! The wedding cake was made by another friend, Dawn Mikesell. She works for Alan's parents at their store, Kitchen Kneads. It was so beautiful! I didn't have good pictures of the cake cutting part, but boy were they messy!! Thanks Dawn! We also had red velvet sheet cakes and nut cups that Alan's parents both made and provided for us. We had two drink fountains going also. One was for cold apple cider and the other was with warm hot chocolate. Thanks Bruce and Carla Crane for all your help with the food and drinks! We also received help from our ward members and family with the decorating. The bouquets and tuxes were provided by Jason's family. Thanks Jason's family! It was just overall a wonderful occasion.
We really do wish, as I am sure you do as well, that everyone could have been there. I just want to say that you were missed. Well I better sign off for now. My best to you all and may the Lord continue to bless each of you.