December 31st Friday

It is the end of a new year today. It has been quite the day. Frank was suppose to leave for Logan today to start work on some more protandim stuff. But unfortunately that wasn't to be in the works today. I was concerned about them traveling today anyway. But the reason for it all doesn't help one bit. Mike brought the kids over first thing this morning. Chrissy is bleeding and has bad cramps. I felt so bad for Chrissy. I am still sick. Colton and Kate have the stomach flue and this happens to Chrissy. I hope she is OK. They gave her a shot and I don't know what all, she came to ge the children with Mike. I am sure they told her to take it easy. Colton weighs so much and she shouldn't be carrying him. That is so tough for a Mom. I've been and Mom and how can I expect her to do that because it is so hard, but I hope some how she can find some way. It will help her alot if she can.

Mom Craven is in the hospital. She woke up in terrible pain this morning. She ended out be driven off by the paramedics. She can't walk. Apparently she has a blood clot and if they don't operate she will lose her leg. The problem is is that she has high blood pressure and they can't seem to bring it down. If they can't bring it down they can't operate. Right now we need another miracle in our lives, it seems as though I'm asking for that a lot lately. But we need some pretty big miracles.

Another miracle happened because Mom came through the surgery with flying colors. The doctors weren't even optomistic. Once again she was given a preisthood blessing before hand. Miracles certainly have happened in this family a lot lately. We just need a few more and I pray that thy will happen.

We went to Jennifers tonight for a New Years Eve dinner. Karalee brought Benje once again. She left early as usual and didn't seem to happy. I pray for her constantly that she will be the happy daughter that she has always been and that she will be blessed for who she is. I wish she would have spent the night with the family but I guess that wasn't what she wanted. I had to leave right after the movie because I'm still having my coughing spells and I am still pretty weak. But it was a great evening, and the beginning of an exciting New Year where miracles are going to happen. I am excited.

December 30th Thursday

My mother in law has been having some pain in her leg. She thinks she has a blood clot, so she called Frank over to give her a blessing. She seems to be doing much better today. I hope that is the case. Emily called and asked if everything at home was OK. We told her yes. She announced she was just paranoid because she was away from home. Then grandma Craven calls. I think it would be hard on all of us if we lost Mom at any point.

I slept from 3 to 7 last night. I slept without waking up and coughing like crazy for 5 hours. Now that is a total miracle. I count each day that I start to feel better a blessing in my life. And I certainly feel better today, better than I have done for quit some time. I love life and know that it will get better for all of us.

December 29th Wednesday

My counselor called me earlier this week and said she doesn't want to be Primary President any more. I just need to get better. We need to go do the bulletin board and clean out the Primary closet tomorrow. I intended on being better to help with that but it didn't happen. Trust me I would sooner be there than in this crazy bed. If I could be up working I would feel a whole lot better. At this point I just feel worthless. So right now I just pray that I can make it to church on Sunday. Right now for me this is a good goal.

I've been thinking a lot about a lot of things lying here in this bed. I love each of my children, their spouses and my grand children. They are all incredible people. So much of the choices that we make will effect us through the rest of our lives. Sometimes those choices seem so little and yet can become so big. As I have gone over our life I am amazing at some of our choices. Some at the time didn't seem like such a big deal and ended out being huge. I hope that the ones we make from here on out prove to be amazing. That needs to be a New Years resolution for me. Make the right choices thus making your life easier.

December 28th Tuesday

I sometimes wonder if I will make it through another night, I am woken up so much with this persistent cough. I wouldn't mind at all because this has happened to me before, but it is having to jump up to clear my throat every few minutes that is difficult, plus the never getting any sleep and having to sit up high to sleep just to stop coughing for a few minutes. But I have used so many muscles that I am sure I am bruising them because they are in so much pain I have to wrap them in an elastic bandage. It is crazy, but I am constantly being inspired as what I can do to help get over this quickly. The good thing is I can see this nightmare come to any end.

My family continues to support me. They try to keep the house clean, even though they don't have a mother right on every move they make so its easy to slack. Sometimes I just wish I had a lot of energy to get up and do something myself. I don't think any one can understand unless they have been there.

Deceember 27th Monday

I feel so bad because I missed primary yesterday, not only that but my early morning meeting. My first counselor went for me and just brought me over the notes. I feel bad that I wasn't their. I know I have got to get myself organized so that I can accomplish all I need to for this new year.

Emily and Paul left this morning. I hate to see them go, they will be sorely missed. I is hard to watch your children leave, but I am so happy that they got what they wanted the most for Christmas, their future won't be easy but very rewarding, especially without family around. But they will continue to grow.

Lisa and Nate are in Arizona. I hope they are enjoying themselves. We are just glad that all our children made it to their destinations in safetly at this point, and will continue to be safe.

My children went caroling on Christmas Eve. I would loved to have gone. But I wish I could have gone to alot more people. One that I have been thinking about a lot lately is Ruby Stratton. She has been such a special lady through out our lives. When I was really sick just as I am now I went to her little market, she handed me some Watkins liquid vitamins and told me that they would make me better. And of course she refused payment as she often did. She was an answer to my prayer that day, and within a couple of days I was well. She gave us so many things from that little market, things that made our day or our meal. She was certainly an angel to the Craven family.

December 26th Sunday

Today my family went to church without me. Unfortunately this sickness has certainly taken a toll on me. I hate being in bed and I hate being sick. Church went on without me. My husband came home a little early to see how I was doing. He went to see his parents before hand. He said his father was a sleep, but he had a good conversation with his mother. She is doing great.

Grandma Craven talked about her greatest gift this Christmas. She said that came as she listened to our children carole to her the night before last. I hope that was a special evening for my children. It certainly was for her and she will never forget it.

As for me sometimes this sickness just makes me want to die. I can't stop coughing and every time that I do I cough up more stuff. I can't believe that a person could possibly have so much junk in their system. But I am so grateful that I am getting rid of it. It think this is probably the reason that I have so many headaches, so when this is over I will be a new person. I will certainly love that. It seems like I have been sick forever, and that just isn't true. I can certainly empathise with those people that stay in bed continually because of some kind of disease.

December 25th Saturday

It is Christmas the special day of the birth of our Savior. What meaning that statement has, because we can't even comprehend that special day. And because it is a special day we should understand that to each of us Christmas has a special meaning that should be shared in the hearts of all of us.

My girls tried to make me look presentable still being very sick so I could enjoy the day with the family. They postponed the day until 10 just so I could be there. When I got down their we all gathered around to watch the DVD "The Savior of the World". It is a short video found on utube presented about the Saviors Birth. You watch it all by listening to music. It is beautiful. It made me understand the reverence that was felt at the Savior's birth. Everyone who was there seemed to understand the great magnitude of that special day. Even the animals were in reverance and awe. It made me so appreciative of who I am and that I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and that I have a testimony of the Savior and his special day. After the DVD we knelt in prayer, then we started unwrapping presents. Karalee finally got to see her dresses. I hope she wears them. I spent so many hours on them. She seemed to appreciate the fact that I did them. All of my children had a great Christmas. I think Kimberly and Tamara were the most emotional. After all the unwrapping was done I told them their next gift would be found our in Grandpa's shop. My father asked me if I wanted a dresser for Christmas. I told him I would love one but little did I know what he was really doing. He decided to make 2, one for Kimberly and one for Tamara. Unfortunately he fell last week and I knew he couldn't do what he intended on doing so I didn't think another thing about it, but Mom called Frank and told him Dad needed help in the shop. He spent most of Christmas Eve out there and early Christmas morning helping get them done. It humbles me to think that my father would want to be of such great service and kindness to us and our family even when he is in so much pain. Now that to me is the true meaning of Christmas. A Grandfather who loves his grand chidren so much that he will suffer in pain for them. This Christmas we have certainly been blessed by my angels. My children and their spouses have certainly done their share of being our angels. Thank-you everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

December 24th Friday

It is Christmas Eve and I can't believe I am so sick. I know that once I recover from this I will be ever so grateful to be back on my feet again. I feel like I have every kind of flue all mixed into one. I can't even describe how horrible it is. So Christmas Eve goes on without me. Christmas Eve has always been such a special time in our home. We gather together and have a wonderful dinner, get excited about Christmas. Talk about the true meaning of Christmas, count our blessings, and do some service. Well I guess that would be one of my special hopeful Christmas Eves. Not everything I want to happen does. But our dinner will be made by my children. They will all contribute something. My twins will do the pies with Emily, and hopeful it will all be what everyone wants. Of course I don't know I've heard a lot of beating in the kitchen, and I don't think pies need to be beaten, but I guess I could be wrong. I feel bad Frank invited his parents but after I got sick they decided not to come. I guess dinner was great everyone came who could and it was a great meal. After the meal and cleaning up my children all went caroling. I guess I was a great crowd. Kim, Tam, Emily, Katrina, Phillip, Karalee and Benje. We heard great reviews. They even came to my bedroom and sang, of course that consisted of pretty much my children and Katrina. I have wanted to go choraling every year, to hear them and all their beautiful voices did nothing but make me cry. I could have listened to them all night long. It made my Christmas Eve. I didn't eat because I have been so sick but my children made things all worth while, just by their special singing.

But I think that the most tender part of the evening came when everyone had left my room, and I was alone. One of my daughters came up and gave me a hug and said, " I'm sorry that your sick, they she gave me a kiss on the forehead. Rubbed my head for a minute then gave me another kiss and told me that she loved me. I hope some day that this daughter will find a young man who is her equal and is as loving and caring and tender as she is. She is a very special young lady.

December 23rd Thursday

I can hardly believe Christmas is here and I didn't get any more sewing done. I did accomplish some big projects and I am certainly grateful for that one. Emily and Paul moved out of their apartment today and will be here until Monday. I makes me sad. They will be clear in Texas again. It isn't that I can't handle it because I know they will be back in 8 months, but that next time they leave it will be a permanent thing and that makes me cry. Especially when I think about more grand children growing up without me watching it. I know we live in a very modern word and we have blogs and othe ways of communicating over the internet. So that makes it a little easier, but it still makes it sad. We will certainly miss them. While I remain here in bed sicker than a dog my family went the help Emily and Paul finish cleaning their apartment because they had to be out by noon. This year was suppose to be our special year of service for a week. Now I can't participate in any thing that my family wants to do and that makes me sad.. It seems as though Christmas will be over and I will still be in bed.

December 22nd Wednesday

I am sick for sure. I have been up with the creeping crude and throwing up. That isn't normal for me. I haven't thrown up in years. But I guess that is what I get for thinking that will never happen to me. My whole body aces. My head hurts, I have the chills, I am really weak. It seems like I have several different flues all at once. Christmas is so close and I am sick, what a treat. I just hope and pray that I am better by tomorrow. Good Night!!!!

December 21st Tuesday

I woke up to a beautiful blanket of snow. It ended out being 9 inches. My husband has been busy scraping peoples walks all day long. He was in charge of scraping the church as well. It seems as though every time he would get done it would snow again. He has done so much service I know that he will receive great blessing for it. He just seems to keep going.

Michelle called, they have received a lot of rain in the past few day. The farm is flooded. They are concerned about the dam breaking up above. It is already flowing over. It may be faced with the same thing they were a few years ago. It keeps raining and may take out all of Santa Clara. I pray that it will stop raining just for there sake. They need a great blessing right now.

Emily called and she is pregnant. A miracle happened for her. The best Christmas present we could ask for. I am so excited for her.

I have been sick all day long. I am certainly not happy about it all. I don't want to be sick for Christmas, and what about Christmas eve dinner. Sometimes what we plan is not what we get.

Decmber 20th Monday

I achieved getting my house cleaned today. After wards I wanted to get some sewing done. I felt rotten so I had Tamara cut them out. I helped Kimberly make her dress. I told her what to do and she followed my instruction. Before we know it, it will be done. She will be happy about that. I hope I feel better tomorrow. A lot of my family has been sick, I guess it is time for me. I was just saying that I never get sick. That is what I get for doing my own thinking.

December 19th Sunday

It has been a day of wonderful meetings. We had a great day of a Christmas program. We had a solo by Sister Avery. Then the primary children sang. Brother Crockett spoke next and told us some Christmas stories. Then the choir sand their 2 numbers and the Bishop spoke. It was an enjoyable Christmas program. The primary children were wonderful, it is easy to love everyone there. I enjoyed them very much. 2 of the presidency weren't there so Sister Louder and I took over and did every thing. Sharing time was on the Second Coming of Christ. I wasn't feeling very well but I knwe I couldn't leave my counselor alone to do it all. So I just prayed for strength, and I made it through.

For supper all meet together and we had a great great meal, and great conversation. We enjoyed one anothers copany.

The Provo Tabernacle burned down. The outside walls which were made of brick are still standing, but they have cracks in them. They found a picture in the rubble, it was a picture of the Savior. The whole picture was burned except the Savior. It was another precious thing to see.

December 18th Saturday

I got my whole house cleaned today. I haven't felt well at all but I was going to make it through the day in spite of it all. We had choir at noon because we are singing tomorrow for the Christmas program. We have 2 numbers to sing, "Stars are Gleaming", "Live like His Son". I love both of them. I came home from choir and cleaned until my husband and I took my Dad to
the doctors. I was hard to watch him get in and out of the car. We were suppose to be up there at 15 minutes to 4. But there was such a long line we didn't get home until right before the neighborhood party at my Mom's. The chiropractor said my Dad was out every where. His whole body had shifted so the back moved around to the front. He fixed him and goes back again next Thursday. He hurt his knee pretty bad, so he needed to keep compresses on it. He said you take a big rag or towel dip it in epsom salts water 1/2 cup to a quart of warm water then put it around the knee. Then you put on a heating pad and wrap that with a towel. Leave it on for about 20 minute then put an ice pack on it. Then do it again. I am sure it will greatly help him. We went to the Christmas party at my Mom's but we left right after we ate. I am still weak.

December 17th Friday

My mother has asked us to take Dad up to Dr. Canapri to be adjusted tommorrow. He needs it. He says that he is doing a lot better because the boys gave him a blessing. I am so glad. It is hard to see your parents get older. Of course that means I am getting older too.

I haven't felt very well today. I guess that is part of it all. We had a primary presidency on Wednesday and my secretay is sick with the flue. She will probably be sick on Sunday. That means Jennifer and I will handle it ourselves, because the other 2 ladies won't be there. I can't get sick because I don't want to leave the whole thing in Jennifers hands.

December 16th Thursday

My father fell today. He was taking out the trash and slipped. I feel so bad for him. He looks like he is in a lot of pain. I cut and permed my mothers hair today, so I was over there a lot of the time. He watched some cute old black and white movies but he was in pain. My mother paid me 50 dollars which was much more than I expected but it was certainly appreciated.

I cut Phillip's hair and my husbands today. It has certainly been the day of cutting hair. Another very productive day. I certainly accomplished a lot.

December 15th Wednesday

I have accomplished so much today that I feel like a new person. I got up this morning and made bread so that I could take it to my visiting teaching families. I got every thing ready and then I picked up my company. We actually saw all 3 ladies. But one of my families had a house hold of sick people. So we made them dinner. She wanted it by 5 so I took it over. While I was doing that I made more bread. I had made raisin bread earlier in the day because Jennifer wanted it for a basket for Derrick's clients. I also made pumpkin bread and banana bread. The problem I had was I had to make 10 loaves of each. I was plenty busy. Jennifer arrived at about 5:30 and she made chocolate chips cookies. A lot of stuff to put in a basket. Then of course she had boughten Andies Mints, as well as a cute cloth ornament. She had purchased all the filling to make the baskets fancy. Also shrink wrap. Kim and Tam got a blow dryer and did all the shrink wrapping. They were beautiful. I tied a beautiful bow on each one. We all worked until about 11:30. The cleaning up was the hardest and Frank did all that. It was a crazy day but very rewarding.

December 14th Tuesday

It has been a crazy day of sewing again. I just hope I can get everything done that I would like too, when you are busy trying to sew you home gets neglected. I have been cleaning my home before I start sewing and sometimes that cuts down on my sewing.

My grand children are so cute and I hate to hear that they are sick. But they are in good hands when it comes to there parents. So I don't worry about them nearly as often as I would. Sweet little Sierra is a character. She thinks she is going to marry a little boy that she meet in Pittsburgh. On his mothers blog there is a little girl trying to kiss him. So she had a hard time with that and ran to her bedroom. Her Mother tried to reason with her but it didn't happen, she still cried. Then she got a great idea. She told her mother they could find a cute boy and she would act like she was kissing him. Then when this little boy saw it he would think twice. Some children and the way they think. She is just a little girl, but it made me laugh.

December 13th Monday

My girls had a great time at FHE tonight. Their whole ward did sub for Santa for a family. They said as they walked in the home and there were several families living in the home. The cubboards were bare. The husband has been looking for work but has not found it. They brought them food and presents. The family was so appreciative that they just started to cry. It touched my girls greatly. I am so glad that they were able to bring happiness to a family for Christmas, that other wise would not have had it.

December 12th Sunday

My dear daughter is sick today. So I and my other counselor took over for her. I conducted sharing time. It was a great day and went very well. It is fun to talk on the Savior and refresh your memory when it comes to his life.

We are losing our neighbors. They are saling their home and moving to our old ward. We will greatly miss them. I will lose a few children in my primary. It makes me feel bad. The really bad thing is there is another family moving in January and I will lose another 3 children. When people move it can really affect our primary. We will certainly miss them.

Our Sacrament Meeting was wonderful because it was on Geneology. We had 4 speakers. They were wonderful and talked about some miracles that happened in their search for their ancestors. I know that the Lord is with us when we try to do work for our kindred dead.

December 11th Saturday

We had a lot of fun today. We went to a movie. It was called "Tangled". It was in cartoon form but it was so fun to watch. That is kind of the way I fill my life is right now just tangled up and I need a way to escape it all. It is fun how you can relate yourself to a simple little movie. The out come of the movie was fantastic, that is what I want my life to be. We went with Jennifer, her husband and the twins. We kind of had to sit apart because it was crowded. But I guess that happens when you go on a Saturday afternoon. I can't believe that Christmas is so close. It seems like every year it just comes faster.

December 10th Friday

We went to the Christmas party tonight. It was at the church, we went to the chapel where first we participating in a lot of music from young people. They had beautiful voices and sang beautiful solos. We also got to sing some Christmas songs as the congregation. It was very enjoyable. Then we went to the cultural hall to eat. They had a turkey dinner. It was very sparse but it was fun to do something different. I guess I am just getting burned out when it comes to sewing.

December 9th Thursday

I have spent the day trying to get things done. Sewing and my house clean. Mike and Frank went to Logan today to do some filming on protandim. Some testimonies of what it has done for them. They accomplished what they needed too. The film will be edited and hopefully this whole thing can get going. I am just concerned about our future right now. It is so easy to talk big about the future, but will it really be as big as it is talked about. Once again I just need to rely on the Lord.

December 8th Wednesday

I paid my tithing on Sunday. At the time we paid it I knew what was coming up. Because we paid a second mortgage payment we had no money to paid some important bills that were coming up Suddenly last night my son comes running through the door saying there is something seriously wrong with his water heater. It is gaggling and spitting everywhere. So my husband being the good neighbor that he is runs over. Well they ended out replacing the water heater. Frank went with my Dad and replaced the water heater. He spent 1/2 of the day putting it in, but her was given 150 dollars for doing it, just enough to pay the bills we needed to pay. I don't wish your water heater going out on any one. But the money was an answer to our prayers. It seems as though the Lord is always stepping in to save us and I am so grateful for that.

It is Franks birthday today and that is a special day. My children rallied around and made him dinner. The girls made him a cake, his favorite of course German Chocolate. One of my daughters completely forgot it was his birthday and was headed to the Jazz game. So she wasn't to dinner, but the rest of the family came.

I had a short primary presidency meeting tonight because of course it was my husbands birthday.

December 7th Tuesday

Another cute little story I want to share. Grace decided to fast on Sunday because it was fast Sunday. It was really hard for her, because she is 9. He Mother explained to her that she would be fasting with her father. Michelle was not fasting because she is pregnant and that is not something a pregnant lady can do. Grace was doing great until her mother and sister's and brother had french toast for breakfast. Graces favorite. It was hard for her and she started to whine about the breakfast. Michelle took her little daughter to the other room and explained that she knew it was hard to fast. Then she told her a story. She said do you remember when we went to Salt Lake so that we could see if your father won the primary's or not. She said, "Yes". Michelle explained to her that that day was crazy, we were passing out brochures, putting up signs. We were all really busy, well that day your Grandfather was in to his 3 day in fasting. He needed the Lord's help, so he felt that this was really important. At the end of the day your other Grandfather wanted to take everyone to Iggy's for supper. We went and your grandfather still didn't eat a thing. Do you think that was really hard for him? She said, I know it was and I can do this. Miracles can happen by example.

I have spent the day trying to get some sewing done. But I always get side tracked in doing other things, and I don't seem to accomplish all I need too. Its Christmas and this year I wanted to get a lot of sewing done. Each day I tell myself I can accomplish more than I do. But I have loved doing it again. it is fun to get back into sewing.

December 6th Monday

My daughter shared a special story with me yesterday. They went up the canyon to get a Christmas tree, so they got everyone dressed really warm. They knew they would be out in the cold and wet snow, and the darkness of the evening would soon be upon them. After searching for what seemed like hours, they finally decided to head back to the truck. On their way back they saw a tall skinny tree. Neil said, "Lets just take this one". All of the children yelled in loud objection, "No, That is an ugly tree." I guess Grace could take no more. She said, "Mom lets just say a prayer." Oh course her mother was tired and she just wanted to get back to the truck. We as adults are kind of impatient when it comes to our children wanting to pray because we can't see how the Lord can possibly help with our problems. So she said, go ahead Grace just pray. The pray was very simple. Just Heavely Father help us to find a beautiful tree. Nothing flowery about the pray at all. Michelle said she would have said something about the cold miserable time and please help them find a tree, they still needed to cut it down and it was getting very cold. Anyway Michelle said, Neil, Grace and I will just go over here and look around for a while. They went over to a bunch of trees and sitting right there was the most beautiful tree that was about 7 feet tall. It was all cut and beautiful. They looked around there were not foot prints or any sign that the tree was some elses. Also the people around already had there trees. Just a simple little prayer from a child brought about an amazing miracle. Michelle was very touched because she thought about all the people throughout the world who need help, and yet the Lord helped her. He knows our individual needs, and this is truly a testimony that He loves us all individually.

December 5th Sunday

It has been a day filled with miracles. We had a beautiful fast and testimony meeting. As I listened to each testimony, I felt so blessedto be in such a great ward. Michael bore his testimony, it was wonderful to hear. Kate cried Daddy when he left her, and she tried to get to him. Very touching to witness.

Primary went very well. Jennifer did a very cute sharing time. I conducted. I've still got a lot to learn but it was a special Sunday. It of course is fast Sunday . I have once again fasted for my children. Right now some of them need a miracle for sure.

I've been praying a lot lately aabout our circumstances. I know that our Father in Heaven is in control. But I have a few children that I need to worry about for Christmas. Don't misunderstand me because I have wonderful children who always step up when there is a need. But sometimes I would like to share in the joy of giving. So I have been praying so that I can purchase something for my children. Well a miracle happened today. i was given a coouple of gift certificates that equal $200.00. When I received it I just cried. The Lord always steps in and I just want to greatly Thank the person that was one of the Lord's angel. I was truly blessed this evening.

December 4th Saturday

Today Frank spent the morning racking leaves. He spent the time racking our front lawn as well as my parents. It was a big job, because there is a huge willow tree in the front of their yard. It hangs on to its leaves really late, but it has so many millions of leaves,even if it drops 1/4 of them it stll blankets both lawns with leaves. We can rake them up and suddenlly the lawns aare full again. Frank needed our help in racking and trashing the leaves as well. We worked together as a family. it was fun in the beautiful crisp air. We enjoyed doing it. Then of course I needed to clean the house. That was a accomplished after a while. So I have watched a Christmas movie. It was very touching and I am glad that I watched it.

December 3rd Friday

Frank, Emily and I attended the temple today. I can't believe what an opportunity it is to be able to go through those temple doors. I wouldn't know what to do without it. After the temple I made bread. Then I made white bean soup for the Hair Adult Christmas Party. It was at Mike and Linda's. They remodled their home and it was beautiful. They made a large kitchen and family room combination. It was fun to look at. I just wish we were like them and had our home paid off rather than feel like we were in bondage. To continue on it was a wonderful party. We all made baskets to auction off for future family reunions. I made a basket with raisin bread and normal bread in it. I wrapped it all in the basket when the bread was a little warm. I just hope it was good, instead of soggy. All came to the party except Bob and the 3 youngest in the family. I am sure they had a reason for not being there, but I am glad that we went.

On the way to the famiy reunion we got hit by a large rock traveling at 65 miles an hour. I made a hugh smack to our front windshield. My husband was a little frustrated because he felt like the drive up there was just to far for us to go. So the idea that our wind shield was hit was not a good thing.

December 2nd Thursday

My daughter called and a miracle happened today for her. She got a beautiful tree, lights, beads and ornaments at the thrift store. It all cost her $15.00. She actually went there for something different and a miracle happened for her. I am grateful to the Lord for this blessing in her life.
I know miracles can happen and I pray a few more will come my families way.

December 1st Wednesday

It has been a great day. My house is clean and I actually got some sewing done today. That was a total miracle because sometimes I feel as though all my time is spent cleaning.

I'm happy about our accomplishments yesterday. I'm so excited about yesterday and all the new primary teachers we are changing. I just hope that a miracle will happen and we will be able to get the people that we have requested. It will be great for all involved.

November 30th November

Our second mortage company called us and told us they wanted all of our money that was past due, they told us about a week ago so we had to pay 1600 dollars. Then we had to pay 800 dollars before the evening was over. It is so hard to come up with that kind of money. Frank is so frustrated that sometimes I think he will not handle another day. We certainly need the Lords help in all that we do, because without some divine intervention we won't make it in this home very long. We are over a year behind on our first mortage. We need a really big miracle right now.

We had a presidency meeting tonight and revised the Primary. We have picked new teachers and all the new people we need. I know everyone is suppose to be in the positions we are trying to put them in.

November 29th Monday

My girls have been greatly busy today. They have been to school, done a ton of homework, cleaned the church, went to family home evening. I think they have had a great day and certainly been plenty busy.

Michelle cleaned a lot of the house before she left and I am certainly grateful for that. I've been a little down today. My stomach has been in termoil, most of the day. I haven't gotten my house completely clean, and I talked to Alma about work. He seems to have his employee's all worked out. I'm not included in his plans even though I have talked about work several times with him. I have been in his shop several times. I went to decorate it tonight. People just don't clean or work like they use to. I was so frustrated about the whole shop. I guess I just worked there so long I expected different. That didn't happen. I is hard for me to see something that one of my brothers own treated so poorly. I guess in a way the Lord answered my prayers, and working isn't what I am suppose to be doing right now.

November 28th Sunday

Lisa left with her family early this morning. I was worried about them because there was a horrible storm outside. But they called me after church and they were safely home. They said the weather was beautiful all the way except right at our house. I was certainly grateful for that. Church was wonderful. My dear sweet grand daughter gave me a reverance butterfly, just in case I needed to have a little something extra for sharing time. I greatly appreciated her thoughtfulness. I was so humbled by her tender gift. I accomplished doing sharing time. I will certainly get better, at least I hope.

Michelle and her family left right after church. they ran into a big storm which caused some accidents, so they were routed another way. They didn't get home for 8 hours. I felt so bad for them. They wished they would have left when Lisa did. I am just glad my children all made it home safely. Tom was on the road as well. He said it was one of those nights that you certainly didn't want to be on the road. There were accidents everywhere. Ones that happened right in front of him. He said it was certainly a miracle that he made it home. I was glad to see he safely arrived. Crazy snowy night.

November 27th Saturday

Today was a really nice day. We have enjoyed plenty of left overs, and one anothers company. We had the opportunity of going to Salt Lake tonight as adults. We had a baby sitter for the children but that didn't work out. Jennifer is really sick so her husband stayed with her. My dear husband stayed with all the little children. So the rest of us could all enjoy the play. It was the play of the "Savior of the World." It was a beautiful play about the Savior. I am glad that I went. Someone went with us that didn't seem to enjoy it because this person didn't seem to pay attention to the play after a while. But I certainly enjoyed it and felt it a priviledge to be there. I think that the story of the Savior is what this coming season is all about. I am glad that I was able to be introduced to the play as the part of my Christmas coming up. I thank the great person that bought me the gift of the ticket certainly gave me just that, a gift.

November 26th Friday

The day after Thanksgiving and things have settled down. but I will continue to express my Thanks. I have so much to be thankful for. My family are all well, healthy and strong. We love one another and I'm grateful for each and every one of my family. They all bring me great joy. I'm thankful for those who have become a part of our family through marriage. I know they are incredible people. I greatly appreciate that my husband has a job and that we've found a new product to go forward with. I know it is a miracle and will be a miracle for all of our families. I feel such passion for it and I know it is what we need to be doing. I feel that it can and will change our lives.

We ate plenty of left overs today. We have all certainly had our fill of pie. With so many pies around it is easy to enjoy them. We have eaten rolls and turkey through out the day. We had the whole turkey dinner again this evening. Thanksgivings is certainly an enjoyable time.

November 25th Thursday

We had a great Thanksgiving! It was so wonderful to be together as a family. It was certainly a special day. We throughly enjoyed one anothers company. Franks parents couldn't join us because it was so cold and we had a lot of family here. so as soon as everything was done Frank and I rushed them over a plate, we wanted it warm for them. It was wonderful food and everyone contributed.

We didn't eat until 3:00 PM we had planned dinner at 2. Unfortunately yesterdays news and other things made everything move a little slower than normal. Mike brought a friend, Hovearo had a great time as well as the rest of us. Thanksgiving is just that, a great time to give Thanks. I can't believe the many great blessings we received this year. Chrissy will have her baby in April. Michelle and Katrina are pregnant. I love all of my grand children and will be delighted to have more grand children. I am glad that my family are all together. I'm grateful that they all made it to their destinations in safety. I'm grateful for each member of my family. I'm grateful that they are all part of a great blessing in their life and that is the gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm grateful they all chose to live the gospel and they are extremely good people. I couldn't ask for a greater blessing.

We enjoyed being a part of Emma's birthday today. jennifer made her a beautiful cake. she received some great presents, bu the biggest was a new bike. It was fun to have the familly around for the celebration. Jennifer made a beautiful cake for her. It made Emma so happy. Great of Jennifer to realize that her birthday was important, even though it was Thanksgiving.

Kim and Tam have been great especially when we were all so busy making the dinner. They've played some fun games with the grand kids. Lisa brought brought with her the long skinny balloons. She make Emma a large crwon. Tyler a sword and the other children fun little things. Th e children were busy watching her make things. It was pretty fasinating for us all. It makes Emma's birthday so fun. All the children enjoyed their balloons. They are all balloon kids. They loved the balloons very much.

November 24th Wednesday

It is late but everyone made it. Lisa and Naete pulled in about 10:10 PM tonight. It has been a beautiful day. The storm literally paseed us by. The Lord answered Sierra's prayers and a miracle happened for all of us. It is great to have everyone here and safe. My prayers were answered as well as Sierra's. Phillip and Katrina left after putting snow tires on there car with Franks help. They drove to St. George in safety and will continue on to LA tomorrow. Our prayers have been answered once again. I am grateful for the safety of everyone. I have spent since this afternoon make pies. I made 4 apple and 4 pumpkin. We also made 4 coconut cream pies and 3 chocolate. Frank made the pumpkin filling to cook all night. Michelle made the chocolate and the coconut filling. I was grateful for so much help. By the time I got everything cleaned up it was midnight. But it is all done, now I can go to bed.

We heard some sad news today. Jennifer and Emily have been hoping they would be pregnant, they have gone through a bunch of infertility stuff, but we all got sad news today. The results came in negative. Frank and I went to the temple so we found out later than the rest of they family. Michelle made each of them a volcano cake which is rich in chocolate. They needed to drown their sorrows in chocolate. Needless to say we certainly had an emotional day. But I am confident that miracles will happen and they will have some beautiful children.

Lisa and her family went to Jennifers to spent there time here. My house is a little crowded for all my children to be here. I sometimes wish we could just all be together.

November 23rd Tuesday

There is suppose to be a big stom tonight. And it is suppose to carry over until tomorrow night. Lisa is concerned about it and doesn't know about coming, it concerns her. It was also grandparents day at Sierra's school and she wishes we were there. I told her I was sorry we weren't there. I explained to her if she prayed hard enough the storm could be postponed until after they get here for Thanksgiving. I know that our Father in Heaven can do anything. He can certainly calm the elements. I just pray that my whole family will be protected in their travels. Phillip and Katrina are going to California, so right now we all hoope and pray things will work out for everyone.

Michelle has been on protandim since she has been here. She hasn't had any panick attacks since she got here, but most of all she hasn't had the horrible nightmares.

All the schools are closed because of the storm. Even the college was closed. my children were happy about that! No school tonight!

November 22nd Monday

It is a great Monday. Sunday is over for me and also the rest of my Presidency can breath a sigh of relief, especially my counselors, that had to do sharing time as well as give a talk.

We are having a great time with Michelle and her family. Sometimes Shadow, her dog can be out of control, but he is a puppy. I guress the biggest problem is her dog is crazy soit makes our dog crazy.

Kim and Tam are incredible and continue to love and help with the grand children. lI know that Michelle greatly appreciated them.

November 21st Sunday

We as the Primary Presidency gave our talk today in church. Everyone did an amazing job. Now I know why I was instructed by the Lord to pick such amazing women. They are certainly women of God. While I gave my talk my whole body shook. I tried to control it but is just seemed to get worse. Before I went up my daughter offered to come and hole me steady. I informed her I knew I could handle it. I did but not without feeling so helpless, because i couldn't control myself. My husband told me you couldn't hear the shakiness in your voice. He also stated that he witnessed a great amount of courage in me making it through that talk. I am gald he felt that way. It certainly made me feel better. I prayed hard and I prayed that I would have strength and not shake uncontrollably, but I did. I wondered why. I was blessed to make it through my talk. I know that was a miracle, but maybe I shook to give others strenght. I don't know the reason for it all and I may never know, but I do know that the Lord was with us all as we spoke. The spirit was certainly there.

A lot of my children were inour ward today. I appreciated their love and support. They sent word down the row we were on to each other to pray for me. I greatly appreciated their support.

Primary was wonderful. Everyone did a great job. It was much better this week because we had the teachers in sharing time. Last week they attended a teachers meeting, so it was nice to have them back. It goes to show how much we need our wonderful tachers. It is interesting to me that we all need to work together to be successful, we certainly can't do it on our own.

November 20th Saturday

We've had fun with all the grand children, they are so cute. Tessie is getting so big. I can understand her when she talks, at least most of the time. She talks like Michael use too. She says half words. As we clean up we sing, "Clean up clean up everybody everywhere. clean up, clean up, everybody do your share" Tessie sings, "Everbo", it is very cute. We love our grand children.

I spent the morning working on my talk. I've been putting my thoughts together for about a week now. But this time I sat down and typed the whole talk out. Then when Frank came home from work I had him go over it. He put a poem in and helped me by suggesting another story. He helped me greatly. I feel confident about the talk. I've never had to read a talk before, and I know this one really well. But if I have to read it because I shake so much I guess I will just have to read it. Right now I am praying for strength. I don't know what has caused me to start shaking so bad, it has only happened in the last 6 months or so. I shake uncontrollably. My whole body shakes, so being Primary President will hopefully make me overcome this problem that I have.

November 19th Friday

We have been busy today. We went to the temple. I've been cleaning the house. I had a Primary Presidency Meeting. I'm trying to get everything done in preparation for Michelle. She finally arrived safe and sound. It is great to have her and her children here. It's been a great day, but it always is when I go to the temple. I have been working on my talk for Sunday. I just need a little help.

When Michelle comes I will put her on protandim. I know it will help her panic attacks and it has proven to be wonderful for pregnant women. My daughter in law asked her doctor about it and she said that it would be wonderful.

November 18th Thursday

Michelle was suppose to come to our home today. She has been having panic attacks. She is pregnant and I am sure that is part of what brings them on. But Neil is so busy trying to keep their family business afloat, as well as teaching at Dixie College. Plus he is Young Men's President. He is just so busy being a great provider, that he isn't home much. That puts a lot of responsibility for the family on Michelle, plus they have a new dog. So that places a lot of responsibility on Michelle as well.. So we told her to come home for awhile so we could help. So we told her to come home for a few days so that we could help her. But she called and said her children ony have half a day tommorrow, so she will come tommorrow. So I guess we will see her tomorrow.