Kimberly Turns 16!!!

Yep! It's true!!! Kimberly turned 16 this year. We had a small family celebration and she will have a big FIESTA the first weekend of May. And....drumroll please......she got her driver's license today! Yes, she is a happy camper. She went out right away with her birthday money and got two new outfits - a dress and shirt/skirt combo. Aren't they lovely!

Rebekah's Style

If you ever want to know what "style" Rebekah has, this will give you a clear hint! Take a look!!!

Katherine Makes a Birthday Gift

Katherine got a sewing kit for her birthday and made this adorable rabbit for Kimberly's birthday! We've always called Kimberly "our little Kimberbunny" since she was born on Easter Sunday. Katherine added sunglasses because Kimberly is never seen without them. Then, she added gummy ear buds as part of the gift and taped them onto the bunny! Isn't it cute????

Spring is Coming

And it will be time to take the plants outdoors!













In the meantime, Katherine is trying to grow Venus Fly Traps!















If anyone can do it, Katherine can!

Katherine's Friend Kraven Died

We were very blessed to have known Kraven. She will certainly be missed.

Katherine Turns 10!!!!

Katherine turned 10 years old this year. First, she had a special day with her family and her friend Kraven. She got a pretty pot and some gardening gloves, a hula hoop, a coat, a cute pen, some stationary, and assorted other items.



Then, she had a wonderful time having a slumber party with several of her friends. Kimberly and her sisters made the cake before the party. Once the guests arrived, it was time for games and pizza. Then there was karaoke and movies! And, of course, too many presents to mention!

Visit With Kyle, Faith, and Kids

We had a wonderful visit with Kyle and Faith's family in Columbia! They are so fun to be with. Keith and I brought the kids some bubbles and an outside ball game - then, of course, we had to play!





I also got to go to the nursery with Faith and help her pick out flowers for her yard. I love the colors she chose!



On the way home, I had to stop and get these great photos of the peach trees in bloom!


We can't wait to see them again.

Rebekah in a Midsummer Night's Dream

Rebekah participated in Temple Theater's Winter Youth Conservatory from December through February 24th. They learned all about Shakespeare, his language, how he wrote in iambic pentameter, and much more. They ended the conservatory with a production of a Midsummer Night's Dream where Rebekah was Snug. It was set in the 80's with appropriate costuming, music, and even attitudes! The performance had the audience in stitches. She hopes to participate in the Summer Youth Conservatory doing Willie Wonka and then again in the winter to do another Shakespeare production.

New Addition to the Clark Family

Keith is a grandpa again! Corey had a little boy they named Eric on Dec 21st. Here is a great picture of all 4 grandkids.

Isn't She Beautiful!!!

Kimberly has grown up right before our very eyes. I swear, just the other day she was a tiny little girl and now she is an incredibly beautiful young lady. She will turn 16 in April....we are building a fortress out back to keep her in until she turns 30! lol Here are a few of her sophomore year photos.

So Many Myths

There are a lot of myths out there about my church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I would love all who read this to take a look at a short 10 minute video that will help you know fact from fiction about such things as plural marriage, service to others, belief in Jesus Christ, etc. Thank you!

Just Click Here

Snow?

Although not a lot, Sanford did receive a bit of snow this winter. Of course, there is always the chance that we will get more, but I'm not holding my breath! The kids took advantage of what little we had. They pulled together the snow on the roof of a small shed and created their own version of a snowman!

As Christmas Winds Down

The paper and bows are all off the packages. The gifts are in the hands of their new owners. The Christmas dinner has been eaten. Christmas is winding down. Shortly, the decorations of the holiday will be taken down and stored for next Christmas. And all will be as it was way back in November.

Yet, we don't need everything about Christmas to be put away in a box and stored until next year. Think about the times we wished a cashier a Merry Christmas with a big smile. That feeling of love can be saved. Let's wish them, and all others we meet, a great day with a smile from January through next Christmas.

Think about the acts of service given during Christmas this year. Perhaps gifts were given to someone in need, or cookies and carols were offered, or food was given to a food drive, or any number of things. Service to others is something that can always be offered. Let's look for acts of service and kindness throughout the year.

Think about the number of times we remembered our Savior, Jesus Christ, this month. Every time we said "Christmas" we brought up His name. We talked of His birth. We pondered on that wonderous night. We celebrated the coming of our Lord. Our thoughts should always include Jesus Christ, not just in December. Let's keep Him in our thoughts every single day.

Yes, Christmas tinsel and glitz may be headed out the door as the new year is ushered in. But I, for one, will work on ushering in the meaning of Christmas all year long.

Teri Learns to Knit

Well, sort of! Kimberly is teaching me to knit. The first try was not very fruitful but Kimberly faithfully caught all my efforts on film so that I might never forget how difficult it was to "cast on", knit, and the pearl my first 2 rows. In the end, I got frustrated and tore them out and began again the next day. I eventually tore that one out, too, and am now working on my third practice piece. I've managed to make a button hole! By mistake....but it is still there! lol

Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning

Everyone was excited for Christmas. The girls loved having Matthew home and couldn't wait to see the expressions on people's faces when the gifts they bought/made were opened. Katherine put out enough cookies for Santa Claus that it is amazing he was able to fit down anyone else's chimney! lol And of course, there were apples for the reindeer. Christmas was a real joy. Over too fast, it seems, but it gets faster and faster each year. Age perhaps?

A Very Nice Visit From Kyle, Faith, and the Kids

Kyle, Faith, Gena, and Jaxson made a stop by our house for Christmas on Dec 22. It was great to see them and to enjoy watching the children open their gifts. Gena loved her ornament and Junie B Jones books and Jaxson loved his tractor ornament and his dinosaur music tape. Kyle and Faith got an ornament that looked like Kyle's dog as a child - Charlie. Keith was very happy with a framed picture of his children and I was excited to get the right kind of cords to make setting up my village easier! Beyond the gifts, however, was the wonderful time spent together. Isn't that what Christmas is all about?