A Forever Family

In December, Joe, my Mom (Maureen) and I went to the Temple to do the baptisms for my Mom's father and brother Chuck. That in itself was an incredible experience.

On Friday February 5, 2010 we had an incredible continuation to the story. My Mom, brother-in-laws, two sisters, Joe and myself we able to go to an endowments session for my Grandmother, Grandfather and Uncle (same family members we worked on in December). Directly following we all gathered in the sealing room and were joined my my Aunt Pat where we were able to have my Grandparents sealed and the children sealed to their parents. My one aunt was unable to attend that night, but in total 7 of the ten children were sealed. It was an amazing experience to stand in for people we know and love. I can't wait to complete the work in a few weeks with the Aunt who could not attend.

Andy, Leah, Laura, Aunt Pat, Derek, Mom (Maureen), Joe, and Me (Rachel)

A few things happening around this cRaZy pLaCe...

We got Joe a bag and a bunch of frisbee golf discs for Christmas, so he took us out one day to teach us the fine art. The kids got bored about four holes in and decided to head for the playground. I really enjoy it, even though my score gets worse each time I play.

Picture #3 is of Jacob at his Crossing over Ceremony. That is when a cub scout turns 11 and advances into the Boy Scout program. Picture #4 is Cole rolling out on his motorcycle, watch out-he is dangerous. Picture #5 is of Cole and his first night in "The Big Boy Bed."

Jacob's 11th Birthday

Jacob just enjoyed his 11th birthday (over a week ago). I am just getting around to getting the pictures off the camera. After the 10th birthday, we kinda stop doing a formal birthday party for our kids. So we gave Jake a couple of presents on his birthday and had to head off ot our various Wednsday night activities. Jake was so excited and surprised. He asked for a laptop (we told him in his dreams), but once he saw the little video camera he forgot all about the laptop. Jacob is very creative and always wants to play with the camera and constantly plays with the DVD player (freezing, FF, rewinding, playing scenes over and over), so we decided to get an inexpensive camera for him to create his own masterpieces. The only stipulation is that he has to remember his parents when he receives his first award for his film making.

Cole passed out before the excitement (that is what happens when you think you are too old for naps). Jake was so excited he invited a few friends over to make movies and play dart tag on Friday.

Sunday we had a family dinner with cake and ice cream.

Wow he is growing into a wonderful and handsome young man! Happy Birthday Lakob Jizard!

TaDa...The Twins

After many months and hard work the twin cedar chests are complete, they only differ in color. Joe finished making Jacie and I matching dovetailed chests for Christmas. He made me one many years ago and has always wanted to make another with the knowledge he learned from the first. He started cutting back in October. Monday night he finished putting the hardware on.

He is so talented. Joe was able to teach the kids quite a bit while he did it. Jacie worked on it as part of her personal progress goals. She is excited to start her hope chest. Joe's brother, Uncle Nate, pitched in too. Here is Jacie learning how to apply the stain and lacquer. We love them Joe, you are so thoughtful.

Close up of a dovetail cut below. Once they air out we can move them inside.

Farewell Lori...

Sorry Renee, I could not help but post this face!

Back in December a few of the ladies went to Claim Jumper's for dinner to say goodbye to our friend Lori, who was moving back to Idaho. We had a great time and miss having her and her family here in Vegas. We are grateful that they decided to move to Vegas, even if it was for such a short time.

After Christmas

We took off the Sunday after Christmas for the hills. It is always so nice to spend time up in the mountains. We try to take the kids each winter to play for a few days in the snow. It is so very nice to play in the snow for a few hours, but to be able to retreat to the warm fire when you have had enough. It was 10 degrees when we got up there that evening, so it felt warm to be inside at 40 dergees.

Daniel fell asleep with the heat packs that the Schoenrocks sent us for Christmas (thanks Aunt Pam).

Christmas

Okay, life is finally almost manageable for a few days. Now I can tell you about our Chrismas. It was blast. The kids always amaze me . For instance, we got Jacob a basketball on a whime and it turned out to be his favorite gift. I really enjoyed watching Cole with all the aspects of Christmas this year. He was so excited about everything: lights, Santa, wrapping paper, the tree, the treats.