Congratulations Brandon and Whitney!

One of the highlights of our trip was when Brandon proposed to Whitney! He was kind enough to ask her while we were there visiting, which was so much fun for us! This picture is of them standing on the porch of the house that they picked out. Brandon was still in the bargaining process, but has since settled the deal. We are looking forward to July 3rd, when they will be married in the Sacramento Temple.

25 Years of Marriage! And the Best is Yet to Come...

We celebrated our anniversary by taking a trip back east to see Whitney and to visit Washington D.C. We had a wonderful time! This is us standing in front of Mount Vernon, George Washington's home. We had no idea how much of the beginning of our nation took place in Virginia. There is so much history there. We hope to go again sometime in the future, but next time we want to take the kids. The monuments in D.C. are amazing. They would love it!

The Miracle of Daffodils

I think it's amazing that during the dead of winter, through rain, sleet, and snow daffodils bloom. I think it's no accident that just when the winter blues threaten to overcome us, daffodils bloom. Out of the ground comes a miracle; a tender mercy from a kind, loving Heavenly Father. There's nothing more cheerful than daffodils!

Women of God

I love this quote by Maragret D. Nadauld:

Women of God can never be like women of the world. The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity.

Being a Mother...Part 2

Last night I sat down and wrote a post that I’d been composing in my mind for a couple weeks. I wanted to share the things I have learned, and the joys I’ve experienced from being the mother of boys. Ironically, less than two hours later, I was so mad at Spencer, I wanted to string him up! It was 1:40am, and he still wasn’t home. Earlier that evening I sent him a text that read, “Please don’t stay out too late. I need my beauty sleep…..desperately.” He responded, “Ok, I won’t. I’m getting up early tomorrow.” What is it about young adults? I swear they are nocturnal! I lay in bed and reminded myself that both Whitney and Jordan lived away from home at the age of 18, and probably stayed out till 2 am or later all the time. “Go to sleep, Jeanette, he’s fine,” I told myself over and over. Of course, Curt was lying right next to me sleeping like a rock. “Doesn’t Spencer know I’m in charge of the youth snow trip tomorrow, and need to be rested?” I fumed. Eventually, I fell asleep. And eventually, he came home. Sigh. How many weekends till he leaves for his mission? The truth is, being a mother is no cakewalk.

Being a Mother of Boys

I grew up with one sister, Khristine, who was fives years younger than me. Our parents divorced when we were very young, so for several years it was just my mom, Khristine, and me. When my mother eventually remarried, she married Rich who had three daughters from a previous marriage. Consequently, we did not have lot of experience with boys. I definitely came to my own marriage with preconceived notions about men and boys. Now, after nearly 25 years of first-hand experience as a wife and mother, I've learned a few things about the male species. Here are a few of the lessons learned: First, boys have a ton of energy! And if they have the opportunity to expend that energy, all is well…but if not, you may just get a ball through your window! The picture above was taken just a few days ago. Spencer is banned from basketball for six months because of shoulder surgery; however, that doesn’t stop him from dragging Ryan all over the countryside to play Frisbee golf, ride bikes, or shoot hoops. Second, I’ve learned that men and boys are very tenderhearted- they just hide it well most of the time. They might have a gruff outside at times, but they have a very soft inside. The trick is to tap into that tenderheartedness. Third, men and boys take pride in being strong, muscular, and manly. At our house, the boys are very proud of their facial hair. I cannot count how many times one of the boys has said, "Look mom, how do you like my new beard?" I ooh and ahh no matter how insignificant the tuft of hair on his chin might be. Praise a man on his muscles ("guns") or strength, then watch him strut around like a he's on top of the world. Fourth, good men get better with time. I am seeing this unfold with Curt. Those rough edges have been knocked off over the years, probably from enduring being married to me, and now what’s left is a kind, considerate, unselfish, loving, and patient man. Fifth, boys love their mothers. I never knew the bond with my sons would be so strong. Boys rely on their mother in quiet ways, not wanting to seem dependent, but needing her love all the same. For me, the relationship with my boys has been worth enduring dirt tracked through the house, Legos spread everywhere, dirt clods in the neighbor’s pool, broken windows (too many to count), and dirty socks tucked under the sofa cushions. Lastly, boys are just, plain fun to have around! I love being a full head shorter than Spencer, but still having the power to make him take out the trash. I love watching him get up from a complete meal, walk over to the fridge, gaze in, and look for something to eat. I love watching Ryan follow in the footsteps of three amazing big brothers. I love watching Tyler treat Natalie with such tenderness. I love counting down till August 13, when Jordan will be home!! I love watching Curt interact with his sons, whether he’s shooting hoops with them, or teaching them how to fix the car. I love being the mother to four fine boys, and the wife to one wonderful husband.

I'm lovin' that outfit, Ryan!

After Nine Months, Elder Keables is Being Transferred!

Here's an excerpt from today's message from Elder Keables:

I’M FINALLY GOING!!!!!! I’M BEING TRANSFERRED, AND I’M WAY EXCITED!!!!!!! Nine months was a long time, and I am ready for a change. I have had 7 companions, and have been here since June ‘08. I’m packing, and to tell you the truth, I am having a hard time fitting it all. Well, I bet you would like to know where I’m going? Well, it is a place called Sheffield. Now, let me tell you about Sheffield; I have always wanted to serve there. It is the most southern zone in the mission. Second biggest to Leeds, and has a stack of really good missionaries there. Also something that is interesting, remember the big house in the Pride and Prejudice movie? Well Mr. Darcy’s house is in our area, so in the next 5 months I will be visiting it for sure. Also, Sherwood Forest is in the area as well, so I’ll be able to see where Robin Hood hung out in his supposed days. I am so excited to go. I have been waiting for this call for a long time, and this could easily be where I die as a missionary. Oh and also, do you remember the Elder that I took the pictures with, when I was wearing the wig and facial hair? Well, that’s Elder Combs and he is my new companion. He is really short, so it is going to be a great transfer. He is from Las Vegas, and has been out for about a year now. Wow! I can’t wait!