Canyon Party

Our family recently headed up American Fork Canyon to celebrate Jeila's birthday. We didn't have birthday candles but we did sing before eating cake. We enjoyed being together and watching the kiddos get dirty. Easton and Sydney played on this steep hill the whole time and along with Molly got totally covered with dirt. Most of their clothes had to be removed before they could even get in the car to go home. Trystan didn't care to get his hands dirty so he wasn't as much of a mess as the others. We had a great time and will have to go again.

New York to Ireland

We had an amazing trip. Started out in New York. We saw "Mary Poppins" on Broadway and loved it. Even the guys. I actually went to the top of the Empire State Building. We arrived in Ireland on St. Patrick's Day. We stayed at a beautiful place called Adare Manor.

I WOULD LIKE TO BE ABLE TO TELL YOU THAT IN THE PAST YEAR I...

· Dropped down to a lower size.

· Exercised four times a week.

· Stopped shrinking in height.

· Cleaned my storage room.

· Decided on and bought a generator.

· Flossed at least five times a week.

Instead, I have to admit that in the last year I…

· Have become addicted to chocolate.

· Am still working at emptying my ironing basket.

· Have spent far too much time at the computer.

· Have spent too little time in the kitchen cooking because I’m at the computer.

· Still haven’t learned how to text.

However, in the past year I also…

· Increased my veggie intake substantially.

· Learned a new computer program.

· Have learned to accept my trials as the Lord’s will.

· Discovered blogging.

· Got more prepared for emergencies.

In 2009 I am hoping to…

· Cook more for my wonderful husband.

· Notice the needs of others moreand act on them.

· Decide on and purchase a generator.

· Travel to exciting places.

· Practice the organ more.

· Become a size smaller.

· Iron, Iron, Iron.

· Love, Love, Love

In the Klink!

Jim and I were asked to attend a training session and get ID's for the Utah State Prison. We went yesterday in our Sunday best and were there for about two hours. As we walked in a gate opened
to let us in and then closed behind us and then another gate opened to let us by and then it closed behind us. It's a little unnerving to be locked in that place. We stood in line for a while to get our pictures taken then were instructed on the RULES! Under no circumstances are we to break any rules - ever. Don't think I will. Jim and I may have an opportunity to speak there for a Sunday meeting. Others that were at the training will be volunteering to assist with family home evenings, family history, etc.

It was a good feeling to walk away. When the last set of doors closed behind me as I left, relief set in. I was glad to leave the fences and razor wire behind. I'm grateful that my time at the prison will be very limited. But I am glad that there are those there that do truly want to turn their lives around.

A McGuire Christmas 2008

Celebrations began with dinner and then we moved to the basement where we had the little ones re-enact the nativity. Easton didn't care what role he played as long as he got to hold the shephard's crook. Sydney took to baby Jesus, Molly loved holding the star, and Tristan wanted very little to do with the whole thing. (Todd made a great donkey.) Jim shared with us some thoughts from "Jesus the Christ" concerning his birth. Afterwards it was "new jammies" time!

On Christmas Day everyone came over in the afternoon for gifting. It was fun to see how thoughtful everyone was. We have all been so blessed this year in spite of trials. We are so grateful to have children that love the Lord and are grateful for Christ's humble birth and mission on this earth.

Christmas Bonanza 2008 at McGuires'

The Christmas Bonanza this year was a blast! The basement at McGuires' was filled with partiers of all ages. Some were mostly happy. One was not (see pic below). After delicious food, awesome videos from each family, singing Christmas Carols, etc. we welcomed Santa Varnell. He passed out terrific gifts and entertained us with his wit and wisdom. We are so glad he came and we are so glad all of you came, too.

Monkeys at Christmas

Grandchildren add that special touch to Christmas!!