Quotes of the Week

 His Atonement provides the opportunity to call upon Him who has experienced all of our mortal infirmities to give us the strength to bear the burdens of mortality.

--Dallin H. Oaks

The Lord knows you and loves you. He is your Savior and your Redeemer...He will lead and guide you in your personal life if you will make time for Him in your life--each and every day.

--Russell M Nelson

Even if--and maybe especially if--your family situation is less than perfect, you can find ways to serve, lift, and strengthen. Begin where you are, love them as they are, and prepare for the family you want to have in the future.

--Bonnie L. Oscarson

As we intentionally strive to incorporate a compassionate attitude into our way of life, as exemplified by the Savior, we will become more sensitive to people's needs, .. we will surely be blessed with opportunities to be instruments in His hands in softening hearts and in bringing relief to those whose "hands ... hang down."

--Ulisses Soares

Quotes of the Week

 I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in great love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity--the pure love of Christ--will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness.

--Marion G. Romney

Imagine how quickly the devastating conflicts throughout the world--and those in our individual lives--would be resolved if we all chose to follow Jesus Christ and heed His teachings.

--Russell M. Nelson

This love of God is the first great commandment in the universe. But the first great truth in the universe is that God loves us exactly that way--wholeheartedly, without reservation or compromise, with all of His heart, might, mind, and strength.

--Jeffrey R. Holland

Abe's Tennessee Trip; Jack-o-lanterns; Halloween Costumes; Natalie Graduated

Apparently Dollywood, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is Abe's family's new favorite place to visit. Their photos are so beautiful with the changing leaves and the many pumpkins. Definitely looks like fall is in the air.

Magnus turned 4 years old. His birthday was the start of the four-day run of family birthdays at the end of October. 

When we FaceTimed with him, we had to laugh when Magnus immediately made this request: "Show me the toy room!" Glen took the phone into the basement room where all the toys are kept to appease this little boy's plea.

Luke's birthday was the next day. He turned 15 and is now trying his hand behind the wheel.

Kade's birthday is the day after Luke's. He is now 4 years old.

Nani's birthday is the day after Kade's. We haven't had our annual birthday celebration yet. We usually plan it for between her birthday and mine, which is a week later. We haven't picked a date yet, but we will!

Levi was taken to Urgent Care to see if he needed antibiotics for the illness he has had. No antibiotics, but Ben said the doctor thought he had RSV. Thankfully, he is getting better.

Now the Jack-o-Lantern section of this blog post, starting with the Goldens. First up is Brooke's carving.

Caroline's creation.

Madison's pumpkin looks very happy.

Next we go to Omaha for Jacob's family's Jack-o-Lanterns. Claire is posing with two creatively-carved pumpkins.

Logan's Jack-o-lantern is eating a small, white pumpkin.

Now to Charlotte for the Jack-o-lanterns that Abe's family designed. Looks like Newland is becoming a devoted BYU fan. 

Magnus likes Lightning McQueen from the movie "Cars."

Loving the lit-up jack-o-lanterns belonging to Newland and Wynne.

Time for trick-or-treating! These two were the first ones knocking on our door. Anyone recognize Bill and Jan Evans????? 

Now a look at the costumes of our grandchildren. Wynne and Newland.

Brooke.

Caroline (on the left) with her friend.

Madison (on the left) with her friend.

Luke (on the left) with his friend.

Claire (on the right) with two of her friends.

Just in case someone was wondering what Claire's costume is...

Logan and Claire.

Logan's candy stash.

When asked if Emma had dressed up, Laurie sent these photos of Emma (on the left) and said she is dressed as a stressed out senior trying to finish collage essays and prepare for a mock trials competition which was being held the following day.

Sarah dressed up as the Young Women's President from the movie "Once I Was a Beehive." 

She said her young women have already told her she reminds them of this character. How funny that she not only acts like her, but now looks like her, too.

The Excell boys (from left to right): Lincoln, Carson, Jonah and Eli. 

Looks like they got plenty of candy walking around their neighborhood in Las Vegas.

Haley, Kade, Levi and Ben were all decked out to go trick-or-treating. 

Looks like all the excitement wore Levi right out. 

It was some great news to hear that Natalie has passed all her tests and has graduated from cosmetology school. 

We delivered the flowers and balloon as per her mother's request. Laurie was sad she couldn't be here in person to congratulate her daughter on her accomplishment.

We enjoyed being able to deliver the flowers and to congratulate Natalie ourselves.

Natalie chose Outback Steakhouse for her graduation dinner. Doesn't look like she was enjoying the snow too much, but we all really enjoyed the food. 

Definitely the weather has changed from fall to winter around here. Snow is falling all around...