The bathroom is a good size. My kitchen island is not done and hopefully will be completed in about 3 months. You can also see the long hall - off the hall to the right is - the laundry room with storage under the staircase. The next door to the right is a storage/pantry that's a good size. The last door on the right leads into the master bedroom. Across from the master to the left is Hal's office with a large closet. The next door coming toward the kitchen is the bathroom and the last door is the guest/Jason's room. Now when family comes to visit they will see that there is plenty of room. We still can open up to gatherings with Jeff & Jen upstairs.

This is our little place now. Cozy, easy to clean, and just the right size for Hal and I - and we have a guest/Jay's room for company. Don't know what Jay's going to do or if he will just move on in his life when he gets done with all his training. There's still other things that need to be painted, organized or just finished, but one thing at a time. Right now the outside also needs to be finished. We do have the garden and fruit trees in though.

The beautiful Nauvoo temple at dusk and at night was a wonderful experience. It would have been even better if we had done a session, however we had so little time that we just soaked in our surroundings. Even the statues of Hyrum and Joseph took on a special meaning for us and visiters. We also had an opportunity to see a play put on by the missionary couples in Nauvoo. It was a warm inviting thing to see.

Yes, we do want to go back in the spring or fall. Maybe someday!

This was another very moving experience. To actually walk up those steps and into those two rooms, feeling the spirit and knowing what happened leaves you without words. Especially standing in the room where Joseph, and the others were ~ seeing the window where Joseph fell after being shot and seeing the bullet hole where the fatal shot hit Joseph. The experience truly humbled us!

Here we are on our wagon ride ~ beyond freezing!

I think it was Brigham Young who had a fireplace in every room of his house because he said he never wanted to be cold again!

They lived there only a couple months when they left for the Salt Lake valley - during the winter.

This is the window from the social hall. Devin is pondering the days & times I'm sure.

Dancing on the floor where Joseph & Emma danced. On this floor in Nauvoo they layed out the map of Salt Lake.

I was very, very cold and snowing while we were there. Before coming to Nauvoo I prayed that I would feel what the saints felt and understand a small part of what they had to go through. It was 6 degrees while we went on our wagon ride. It was so cold that I felt I would freeze to death. After just a few minues ride we all wanted to go back to the visitors center to get warm. No one could stand it even with blankets, coats, hats, gloves, and thermal underware. Now when I think of those saints and what they went through, I weep with understanding. I'm am so grateful for that little window of understanding. I will NEVER forget!!!!

Jason has had some great experiences in the Army. He loves it and has even considered staying in as a career. It really does take a special type of personality to take this on. We are grateful for all those men and women that find their place in the military. We know that he's happy with what he's doing. I find much respect for all those boys in our family that are willing to fight for our country. Love them all!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just a few pics from Jason's graduation, because my camera is small, so we wait to have them sent from Devin's camera. For now, the graduation was wonderful and uplifting! It was so good to see him and spend the day with him before he moved on for some other training, such as, airbourne, chemical.

Our new downstairs home is coming along. We have our new master bedroom about done. Just need to paint the closet doors, finish the window treatments, vac. and move in. Shelves will come later. We have also gotten the office painted, guest room painted and will be working on the livingroom and kitchen next. (When we return home) Will get pictures on the blog when things are put together. Meanwhile, we will be off tomorrow for Missouri leaving home at 4am for the airport. (Who Made these arrangements anyway?)

Brynlee got new pink glasses for anyone that hasn't seen her.

She's so cute & so loving!

I'll be taking some pics of our place downstairs as soon as I get some paint on the walls and the construction mess cleaned up. I will love our master bedroom. The carpet was layed on Friday and the painting was finished on Thursday. I need a couple more things and the room will be ready to move into.

Say 'goodbye' to our dinningroom table and chairs. They have been sold to a very sweet family that fell in love with it. They have had meals together as a family now and it has made them very happy. Our part of the house was just too small to handle it ~ so it's gone. I still have the china cabinet though. There's a good spot for that.

"Christmas in Sunny/rainy California"

Lots of Food ~ Lots of Conversation ~ Lots of Games ~ Lots of Laughter ~ Lots of Gratitude!

It was hard coming back when we were in 70 + degree weather to tons of snow, cold, ice and roads that were only partially plowed, still mostly snow. Nasty!!!!!!! It's times like this we wondered why we moved and then spring and summer comes and we're fine again ~ living in beautiful Utah!

Who's going to see what Santa brought first??? It's 2 against one girls. You can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Christmas at Nana & Papa's-'08 "

Nana and the girls made graham cracker houses for an activity day. As you can see, they had fun and ate lots of gum drops, red hot and chocolate sprinkles. We had a good time followed by a little lunch. Memories!

Christmas was celebrated the Saturday before with Jeff, Jen, kids and family members. We had a big dinner, visited and opened presents together. We had a great time together and looked forward to our California Christmas with Jason and Mariah going with us.

Christmas was great this year. Due to Brynlee's cancer, emotions and hopes were high and we were truly blessed! The things that she has gone through so bravely has given us that hope. She has truly inspired each of us with her simple messages, "It's just my chemo". Being there to see how close to death she actually came, but still the smile on her face has brought us to another level of understanding that all this is for a reason. Yes, she had her ups and downs, happy and grouchy moments, but all in all ~ GREAT lessons have been and will be learned by and through this huge trial.