PRESIDENT GORDON B. HINCKLEY

My heart aches at knowing that the only prophet I have TRULY known has passed away. I will miss him dearly. Yet, I am happy for him. He and his lovely wife are finally reunited, and that equals a glorious day! "His quick wit and humor, combined with an eloquent style at the pulpit, made him one of the most loved of modern Church leaders." What greatness he accomplished while he was here on this earth. He will always be a part of me, and that I am greatful for.




Mormon church president dies at 97

By JENNIFER DOBNER, Associated Press Writer


SALT LAKE CITY - Gordon B. Hinckley, the longest-serving president of the Mormon church who presided over one of the greatest periods of expansion in its history, died Sunday, a church spokesman said. He was 97.


Hinckley, the 15th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died because of complications from age and was surrounded by his family.

Hinckley, a grandson of Mormon pioneers, was president for nearly 13 years. He took over as president and prophet on March 12, 1995. He oversaw one of the greatest periods of expansion in church history.

The number of temples worldwide more than doubled, from 49 to more than 120 and church membership grew from about 9 million to more than 12 million.

Like his contemporary, Pope John Paul II, he became by far his church's most traveled leader in history.

And the number of Mormons outside the United States surpassed that of American Mormons for the first time since the church, the most successful faith born in the United States, was founded in 1830.

The church presidency is a lifetime position. Before Hinckley, the oldest church president was David O. McKay who was 96 when he died in 1970.

Hinckley had been diagnosed with diabetes and was hospitalized in January 2006 for the removal of a cancerous growth in his large intestine. In April 2006, he told a church conference he was in the "sunset of my life" and "totally in the hands of the Lord."

By unfailing tradition, at a church president's death, the church's most senior apostle is ordained within days on a unanimous vote of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. The most long-serving apostle now is Thomas S. Monson.

Hinckley began his leadership role in 1995 by holding a rare news conference, citing growth and spreading the Mormon message as the church's main challenge heading into the 21st century.

"We are dedicated ... to teaching the gospel of peace, to the promotion of civility and mutual respect among people everywhere, to bearing witness to the living reality of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the practice of his teachings in our daily lives," Hinckley said.

Over the years, Hinckley labored long to burnish the faith's image as a world religion far removed from its peculiar and polygamous roots.

Still, during his tenure the Roman Catholic Church, Southern Baptist Convention and United Methodist Church — the three largest U.S. denominations — each declared that Mormon doctrines depart from mainstream Christianity.

"We are not a weird people," Hinckley told Mike Wallace on "60 Minutes" in 1996.

"The more people come to know us, the better they will understand us," Hinckley said in an interview with The Associated Press in late 2005. "We're a little different. We don't smoke. We don't drink. We do things in a little different way. That's not dishonorable. I believe that's to our credit."

He's got moves like his Daddy!

Apparently Dorian taught Carson some moves! I've definitely seen Dorian bust out some of these moves. It just goes to show how much these little guys really do pay attention to all of the things we do!

THE MET

A special thanks to Carl Senner. Thanks to Whitney's company we are able to enjoy special nights like these. The Metropolitan Bar and Grill is one of our favorite pastimes during the holidays. Since we moved to Idaho, Dorian and I thought these nights may be over forever. Not so....at least not this year!!! And I'll tell you, the calamari, crab claws, steak and potatoes and Shalen's yummy lava cake were worth EVERY pound put on this night! The best part of the night, is piling into the car and enjoying lots of laughs as a family. Making wonderful memories as a family is something I DON'T EVER WANT TO GIVE UP!! Idaho won't stop me, not if I have anything to say about it! So again, hats off to Carl Senner and everyone who makes this night possible....INCLUDING THE BEST IN-LAWS EVER!!!! <3

Dec. 27th-Fun at the Wilcox's

Carson and JD opening their gifts from Grandmama and Grandpa! Thanks guys. These gifts were awesome, and everytime they play with them they talk about you! :o)



Carson opening his RC John Deere Tractor



James opening his gift. We happened to have already had this toy from Carson's 2 yr birthday party, so we exchanged it and got 3 more leap pad books! That has been a lifesaver.



Carson playing with his new toy! He loves it.



Grandpa and Carson



Me and my nephew Clayton



James giving cousin Clayton kisses



Little buddies



The boys



My favorite picture ever!!!!!!!
Cousin Kate, Carson and James!!

CHRISTMAS MORNING

All the bouncy balls that Santa brought for the boys



Good 'ol dollar books. They make great stocking stuffers. Even though we didn't have stockings this year!





Dorian



Trying to punch it open. He got indoor soccer shoes and socks.



A gift from Ellie! She sure did choose a great gift. The boys love them.



James talkin' to Granny



JD got a guitar for Christmas. Now he and Carson can rock out with daddy while he plays guitar hero! What a great gift. It's really been a hit!!!



A gift from cousin Maison! Now we can learn how to spell! YAY!



A group hug with Carson, Maison and James! :o)



Granny got an ipod nano!!!! YAY!!



Carson was using his teeth to tear open the presents! Too funny!!!

CHRISTMAS EVE GIFTS

We had the boys open one gift on Christmas Eve. We got them some slippers, and thought this would be the perfect gift for them to open. Then they could wear them to bed that night. My kids like to wear slippers to bed. I don't know why. Anyway, here are some pictures of them opening the slippers.
I go the slippers at old navy, and they looked fine, but once they were on....the kids kind of looked like Puss and Boots running around. hahaha
ENJOY!

CHRISTMAS EVE!

Carson's getting ready to put the cookies and milk out for Santa. We also wrote a letter for Santa.




Carson and James telling dad what to write to Santa. Carson was insisting that "Jamesy was a naughty boy. He was a bad, bad boy!"




Carson got so upset for a minute. I was telling him that we had to write the letter for Santa so he would know where we were. Then I said without thinking, "Carson, he doesn't know we're here, and he's not going to leave us any presents because he thinks we're in Idaho."
That's when the meltdown happened. I didn't throw in there that if he signed his name there wouldn't be a problem. OOPS!





Carson signing his name





Here's the letter. We felt the need to change the fact that JD has been "so-so" instead of NAUGHTY!!
(Sorry it's sideways!)



I was trying to get one last picture, but Carson was done with getting his picture taken, and you can't really tell, but JD started having a meltdown of his own. That all changed when we mentioned we'd get to open ONE present before bed!!!!