Fun with the Shimondles

Picture without Harley looking

picture with kids worrying about whether Harley was watching

We are fortunate to have Pete and Ariel Shimondle as friends. They currently live in Texas, and come to visit us at least once a year. The past few days have been one of those visits. They have become part of our family and are so generous with our kids in nice gifts they bring but especially in the time and attention they share. This trip was no exception. They brought the kids an early Christmas present which was the RockBand for the Wii. Needless to say, my kids have been having a blast. They also have listened to their stories, drawn pictures with them and even played with the dog. Kelly and I were able to sneak away with them tonight for dinner and to see the opening night of a Christmas Carol. It was a great way to start the Christmas season. I even decorated my house for Christmas earlier this week....shh don't tell anyone. (I'm one of those people that always criticize the stores when the Christmas trees come out in October)

Kelly rockin' out with the kids

Anyway, I know some of you haven't had the privilege of knowing the Shimondles, but I just wanted to take a minute and record a memory. We are incredibly blessed to have so many great friends and these two are pretty great.

I'm Grateful....

For a holiday that makes me pause and think of all the blessings I have.

For the last rose of summer, that fought through the frost.

For my little boy who loves my cookies so much there is evidence left all over his face as he smiles a thank you.

For all of my four sweet children all tucked in their beds safe and sound at the end of the day.

For a home, that is definitely lived in and enjoyed.

For an abundant waistline that comes from never being hungry.

For wonderful neighbors and friends, who keep me feeling safe and valued.

For a husband that treats me like a Queen and entertains us all as the Court Jester.

For my body, that is starting to show and creak it's age, but can still keep up with my children and 13 beautiful young women.

For the ability to feel cold, sad, frustrated and tired, so that I can appreciate warmth, joy, contentment and vitality.

For the privilege of living in a wonderful country, and the freedom to stand for my values, even though it isn't always popular.

For the examples and love of others who show me the way, and then forgive me when I stumble.

For a loving and contiunally giving Heavenly Father who is there even when I forget to be grateful.

The Big Game

Last night Ry and Josh went out late with a group of fellow cougar teenagers from the neighborhood, to a house on our street that loves the color "Red". They introduced it to the color "Blue". The girls had copied the circle Y's and taped them to large popscicle sticks and stuck them all over the yard, then there were posters for the garage and doors and so on. (Sorry I didn't get pictures of that). This morning we got visited by the new "blue" family who shot off the pop bottle rockets on our front porch while shouting cheers for the U. They also brought us doughnuts with the U on them. (Which was very much appreciated for breakfast after we got rid of the red frosting!) Rivalary is alive and well on our street. Go Cougars!

Eagle Court of Honor

After months of waiting, we can finally announce Ryan and Josh's Eagle Court of Honor. You all are invited, hopefully you will receive invitations in the mail if I have your current address, if I don't, please email me (valorieanne@yahoo.com ) or post it. Ryan officially became an Eagle last June but has waited for his official court of honor until Josh got his. There were many delays in paperwork, but Josh just got his notification a few days ago. It will be fun to see them honored at the same time.

The details are as follows:

Sunday November 30

7:00 p.m.

Our church building

(1500 N. 900 W Pleasant Grove)

Let me know your current addresses or if you need directions

Family Pictures

We made the annual grueling pilgrimage called family pictures. (Why do we need to send out Christmas Cards?) The process goes as follows: Finding something that everyone has in their closets that will work; getting all the kids to look clean and presentable all at the same time; finding the camera equipment, putting up with the groans and complaints coming from the kids who all wanted to spend Saturday morning doing something else. (As if this was the top of our list either, maybe right in front of a root canal.) They we had to find a location, set up the tripod, figure out how the timer worked on the camera, get everyone in the same place at the same time looking happy and festive, and try to get Harley to be photogenic. Well our efforts are as follows. After an hour and a half of torture we all survived to see another day and extremely grateful we don't have to do this again for another 12 months. Hope everyone had a better day than my children!

Happy Birthday Kelly!

Today is Kelly's 41st birthday. I constantly tease him about how old he is, but the truth is that he keeps my young. His sense of humor and crazy antics, keeps this family going and me from taking life too seriously. He is my rock and my funny bone and no matter how many times I screw up, act irrational, cry for no reason at all, or burn dinner, he is there with a forgiving smile, patient heart, dry shoulder and a smile while he eats anything. I have been so blessed over the last 17.5 years. I can't imagine where my life would be without this amazing man. So I am taking the chance today to brag a bit on his behalf to those few who read this, but most importantly, taking the time to write down my thoughts on my best friend and greatest blessing. Happy Birthday Kelly, I love you.