Papa's House 2008

Temple Square 2008

We rode Trax to Temple Square from the Sandy Station and back again. It was a long ride for grandparents but the joy of watching the boys was well worth it.

Kangaroo Zoo

New Year's Resolution's

I find that New Year's Resolutions have more of a chance to get accomplished if I write them down or tell someone. So I invite anyone who likes this idea to join me. Your list may include goals or projects or just be a hopeful wish list.

Mom's Goals for 2009

Magnify being a Mia Maid Advisor
Study the gospel more diligently
Eat healthy
Walk 2 miles 5 days a week
Learn computer skills through a Wells Fargo program
Finish my "star flower" quilt
Paint on Disney walls
Paint Dan's room before he gets home
Have peaceful relationships with my brothers and sisters
Do my best to get everyone home for Christmas 2009 :)

That's good enough for a start.

Happy New Year!

Jolley's Ranch 2008

Heber Valley Railroad Summer 2008

Dad's Answers

1. As you look back, do you have any favorite years?

I have many years I look back on that bring good feelings to mind.  Some of my favorite years are centered during the times when each of the children where born.  However, I would need to say that perhaps my favorite years where after Heather was born—because I had my wife and five of the kids at home and knowledge and testimony that we would have Allyson with us some day also.  I still have the testimony concerning raising Allyson some day.  It was a wonderful time of life to have all of us together and I honestly do look back with wonderful feelings of joy.  Is there a time in your life that you'd like to live over again?  The above referenced time and also any time I have all the kids and grandkids at home.

 

2. What holiday traditions did you have in you home while growing up?  

Visiting family members on Christmas day for a great feast, visiting cousins and other family members.    

 

3. What historical events stick out in your mind that you lived through?  

The 200 bicentennial of the USA—I was on my mission and it was time when I felt a great love for this great nation and also the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I gained a stronger testimony of how the Lord’s hand was in the founding of this great country. 

 

4. What do you love most about your life right now?

This is an easy one—the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ and my family.

 

5. When you were dating and first married, what kind of long-term goals did you have as a couple, and which of those goals have been met?

- Always be a full tithe payer—we have met this goal.  Unless a valid reason have 100% church attendance to all church meetings--I believe we have met this goal.  Always have a temple recommend—we have met this goal.  Attend the temple at least once a month—sorry to say that we have not met this goal.  Go a “missions” as a couple—we are still working to reaching and fulfilling this goal.  We had a goal to save money each month and I “believe” we have met this goal.  I must admit that some months the “savings” amount was pretty small—maybe a few dollars—but we have been consistent savers and this has brought us blessings and comfort.  Having our home paid for prior to retirement—we have met this goal.  I always wanted a pick up truck and a 1966 Chevy Camaro—the suburban counts as the truck and I doubt we will ever own a 1966 Camaro. 

 

6. As a child, what did you do with your spare time? 

swam, played football, played baseball, played basketball, wrote motorcycles,hunting, shooting guns and fishing--Just about anything related to sports.  What were your favorite pastimes? sports, hunting and fishing.  .

 

7. After 29+ years of marriage, what are some of your favorite bits of advice for a happy marriage? 

Keep the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ the center of your life, pray daily, read the scriptures, spend as much time with your spouse and kids--quality and quantity time.

 

8. What do you remember about your wedding day?  

Just how beautiful Joyce was (and she still is)--how grateful I was to marry the right woman, in the right place and at the right time.  Looking into the eyes of Joyce, across the temple alter, and having the spirit tell me this was/is my eternal companion.  

 

9.  Please share your testimony. 

Because I have taken the time to read, pondered and pray about the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ I know that the gospel and the true church as been restore to the earth--it is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Because of these same actions in my life I know that God's Priesthood is on the earth again to day.  Because of the Priesthood Prophets and Apostles have been called today and, under the direction of Jesus Christ, they lead and teach the words of God that need to be heard today.  I know I hold God's Priesthood and have received it from those how can trace their Priesthood authority line back to Jesus Christ.  I've read, pondered and pray about the Book of Mormon and know it is the word of God.  The Bible, Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price are also the word of God.  I also know that the words of the modern day Prophets and Apostle are also modern day scriptures.  I testify that the Holy Ghost inspires and direct each of us.  I have felt His direction and I'm grateful for this.

Mom's Answers

1. As you look back, do you have any favorite years? 

They were all favorites. I always liked wherever we were at the present time—whenever that was.  Is there a time in your life that you'd like to live over again?  Life is for living just once—no Groundhog Day for me!  Maybe moments—like holding babies.

 

2. What holiday traditions did you have in your home while growing up?

 I don't remember "Traditions" but here's what I remember:  Christmas tree had to be on top of the dad's desk so babies wouldn't get into it; I got chicken pox a day or two before Christmas Eve and I couldn't sleep even worse than normal (my mom was a bit frustrated with me); not many gifts were wrapped—we had to pick out our pile;

 

3. What historical events stick out in your mind that you lived through?

 Cuban Missile Crisis, assignation of JFK, Vietnam War, First Man of the Moon, Watergate, Blacks getting the Priesthood,  Berlin Wall coming down.

 

4. What do you love most about your life right now?

 My family; more freedom than in past years to do what I'd like—(no pre-school); 

 

5. When you were dating and first married, what kind of long-term goals did you have as a couple, and which of those goals have been met?  

Pay tithing always*; buckle seat belts always—including kids##; 5 or 6 kids*; all graduate from college#, all married in the temple#; own house—no mortgage *;

* = met;            # = working on it;                    ## most of the time

 

6. As a child, what did you do with your spare time? What were your favorite pastimes? 

     Night games, hopscotch, jump rope, sledding hill, card games, hanging with kids in the neighborhood, riding bikes, girls softball one summer, roller-skate,

 

7. After 29+ years of marriage, what are some of your favorite bits of advice for a happy marriage? 

 Say you are sorry first; talk to each other; listen to each other; 

 

8. What do you remember about your wedding day? 

 Ira Bennion Sharp preformed the ceremony; "bless Royce and Joy" blessing on food at wedding brunch by Dale Bell; pictures before reception; driving to Hotel Utah in SLC; first "couple prayer"; not really caring if something went "wrong" at the reception—nothing did but I let my helpers worry about it.    

 

9.  Please share your testimony. 

 I know that Jesus is the Christ, our Redeemer.  His Atonement makes it possible for us to repent and return to our Fathers presences and to rise from the dead and to never die again.  I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was restored to the earth through the prophet Joseph Smith including priesthood powers and temple covenants.  I know that we will always have a prophet on the earth to guide us and if we obey we will be blessed and will never be lead astray.  I know that by FAITH in the Lord Jesus Christ

we can do ALL things.

This is cool -- "The Box Beat"

I love you guys and it is neat to read each of your comments! Love Dad

Tyler's Answers

1.  What do you know now that you wish you would have known years ago?

Not to judge others.  I usually don't know the whole story.

               

2.  What is the greatest lesson you learned from Mom and Dad? 

I think the greatest lesson they taught me was to be involved in activities and to be actively engaged in everything I do.  They always told me to never do anything halfway.  A close second would be that the living room isn't a jungle gym or not to jump on the furniture.

       

3. In what ways are you the same as Mom and Dad? 

I think I have Mom's fun lovingness, and her ability to think from anothers point of view.

I have Dad's dedication to BYU (sports and academics), and a constant urge to aspire higher.
          
4. What do you miss from our childhood days? 

I miss sledding and "snowboarding" down the backyard hill, my curly fro, beating up Kyle, making fires in the basement and blaming it on my siblings, going camping every month for scouts, riding my bike up and down the street all summer, pinewood derbies, playing Nintendo, winning 2nd place in a karate tournament, watching home videos as a family, playing Ninja Turtles and Ghostbusters, having a pet hamster, Mom's ornately decorated birthday cakes, and wiping boogers on the wall.

           

5. What is one of your best Christmas memories?

I have a lot of Christmas memories, and I can't say that one is better than another, but there are definitely some that are more memorable.  

I remember one year Mom took us to Uncle Danny's apartment and we cleaned it up and put up a Christmas tree and Christmas decorations.  

Another year we were a Secret Santa for the 12 days of Christmas for a family in our ward.  That was a lot of fun because I got to run the gifts to the house and every night I had to sneak around  to make sure they didn't see who I was.  They really wanted to know who was leaving gifts every night!

A couple years ago Jen slashed her finger at Mom and Dad's house and she had to go to the emergency room to get stitches.  I remember Kyle freaking out at the sight of her blood too.

I remember one year I got a remote control car.  I was so excited!  Me and Dad played with it outside in the street for like a week straight.

I remember all the Christmas Eve talent shows Mom and Dad always made us perform in.  I had to play my baritone, Kjerstin always sang something, Dad always taught us a Swedish song that we always made fun of, I think Emily always danced, and I don't remember what Kyle and Whitney ever did.  They probably sang or something too.

Probably one of the funniest memories I have is Kyle and I racing to see who could decorate the most sugar cookies.  We just plopped chunks of icing on as many as we could.  

            

6. Which traditions do you want to carry on for your own family? 

Definitely the Secret Santa 12 days of Christmas, some sort of service activity for someone we know, Santa Lucia, opening a present on Christmas Eve, and acting out the Christmas story from Luke chapter 2 (if I'm not the narrator, I have to be the donkey).  

We started one of our own too.  Every year after we decorate the Christmas tree, the last ornament we hang is a white stocking.  We open the stocking and read a slip of paper that reminds us of the present we gave to Christ last year.  We then write on a new piece of paper what our gift to Christ will be for the coming year.  It's a great way to remember the reason we celebrate Christmas and to reflect on ways we can improve.

           

7.  Share your testimony.

I know that Christ lives, God is our Father, the Book of Mormon is true, Joseph Smith was a prophet and restored the gospel to the earth, President Monson is the current prophet on the earth today, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the only true church on the face of the earth.  I know if we endure to the end and are obedient, our family can be together forever.

 

Jen's Answers

1. What do you know now that you wish you would have known years ago?

    How to be less shy.  

2.  What is the greatest lesson you learned from Mom and Dad? 

     That following the gospel will bring the greatest joy, the importance of saving money, and that family time should be cherished. 

3. In what ways are you the same as Mom and Dad? 
                Mom:  getting excited over little things, patience, and also being slightly scatterbrained about some    things.  

Dad:    worrying about things I can't control, working hard, and I think I get my neat freak     tendencies from him too.

4. What do you miss from our childhood days? 

              Less to worry about. Being able to read whenever I want too.  Playing with sisters and brother.  Making up dances and planning family home evening lessons that were very elaborate, but I don't think really had a specific topic, they were just whatever come to our mind. Going to Disneyland all the time. My awesome bedroom in the Sandy house with my own little cubby hole for my desk and all my "stuff." Playing games in the front yard. 

5. What is one of your best Christmas memories? 

             I remember getting my doll in a basket that I wanted SO SO bad.  I didn't think I got it, and was so excited when I opened it.  I think Mom still has the basket and used it to keep her socks in.  I also loved being able to watch all our Christmases on home video.  Those were always my favorite ones to watch.  I also loved going to Grandma's house when we were little on Christmas will all the cousins exchanging presents.  I remember going outside with Heidi and putting snow on our faces to stay awake so Christmas would last longer.  

6. Which traditions do you want to carry on for your own family? 

            Watching Its a Wonderful Life on Christmas Eve, going to Disneyland whenever possible and for graduations, Saturday Easter Egg hunts, and special plates on birthday.  

7.  Share your testimony.

            I know that the gospel contains the fullness of Heavenly Father's plan and that by following it, we will gain true happiness.  I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and that through Him, we will be lifted up in our trails, can be forgiven of our sins, and return to live with him again.  I know that families can be together forever when sealed in the temple.  I know the Book of Mormon testifies  of Christ and is a true book.  I know that President Monson guides us to become more like Christ and speaks His words.  

Kim's Answers

1.  What do you know now that you wish you would have known years ago?  

      That people like me because I am me.  To borrow from the words of Dr. Seuss: 

Be who you are and say what you feel

because those who mind don’t matter

and those matter don’t mind. 

2.  What is the greatest lesson you learned from Mom and Dad?  

That nothing can be accomplished without hard work and when you work hard, things will work out for the best, even if they don’t go exactly how you planned. 

3. In what ways are you the same as Mom and Dad?  

      I think I got my worrying gene from Dad and my scatter-brain syndrome from Mom.  But I also got their work ethic, love for home and family, and the Gospel.

       
4. What do you miss from our childhood days?  

      The simplicity of life; there wasn’t as much to distract us and I think we were better off. 

5. What is one of your best Christmas memories?  

Driving around in the Astro van and looking at the Christmas lights and of course shouting “CHRISTMAS LIGHTS” every time we saw a house with lights on it.  I am sure this wasvery fun for Mom and Dad and not at all nerve-racking. 

6. Which traditions do you want to carry on for your own family?  

      Playing games outside during the summer

      Teaching my children how to cook and mow lawns

      Eat chili and breadsticks on Halloween before going trick-or-treating

      Putting the Christmas Tree up the day after Thanksgiving

      Having the Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday

      Disney, Disney, Disney

      Reading books out-loud 

7.  Share your testimony.

      I know that God is my loving Father in Heaven and that His plan is perfect. I know that Jesus Christ is my Advocate and my Redeemer.  He understands me perfectly and understands my needs better than I do.  I know that His gospel was restored through Joseph Smith and that he was a prophet of God.  I know that the Book of Mormon is a true testament of Jesus Christ.  I know that President Monson is God’s mouthpiece on earth and that he is a prophet, seer and revelator.  I know that Heavenly Father and the Savior are in the details of my life and that They love me perfectly and completely. 

Ashley's Answers

1.  What do you know now that you wish you would have known years ago? 

- Saving money from a young age would have been awesome

2.  What is the greatest lesson you learned from Mom and Dad? 

- Dad= Save money; don't spend it, ever :)
- Mom= Don't sweat the small stuff

3. In what ways are you the same as Mom and Dad? 

- Dad= Stubborn
- Mom= Goofy

4. What do you miss from our childhood days? 

- Playing together everyday because we wanted to

5. What is one of your best Christmas memories? 

- Laughing my head off (20 minutes later) at a Christmas bow placed on brother's head (courtesy of "kids")

6. Which traditions do you want to carry on for your own family? 

- pajamas, after Thanksgiving shopping, "It's a Wonderful Life", Santa Claus gifts, Going to movies together, Christmas at the Grandparents/Parents

7.  Share your testimony.

I know God lives.  I know His son, Jesus Christ, died for me.  I know He was resurrected and lives.  I know through Him I will be able to live with my family and friends eternally in His Kingdom.  I know the Lord sent ancient prophets to guide His people and write a record for our day.  I know He has a living prophet, Thomas S. Monson, leading and guiding the world today.  I know that if He is the most important force in my life I will be happy.

Dan's Answers

1.  What do you know now that you wish you would have known years ago? I have really learned the joy of offering and giving service, If I would have known that earlier I think I would have had a lot more fun.

2.  What is the greatest lesson you learned from Mom and Dad? 

they have taught me so many things that it will be hard to choose one, I could say Finances or good work ethic, but I think it is that they taught me that Family is number 1.

3. In what ways are you the same as Mom and Dad?

I think that me and mom are a lot alike but I think both of us are really easily amused and that helps us out when we are hanging out, Man I miss that! Dad and I are a lot alike  I'm Passionate, Stubborn and a worry wort. I think its good to be passionate.   

4. What do you miss from our childhood days? 

of course it was nice when life was so simple but when it really comes down to it I don't miss much, Life seems to mean a lot more right now and I've learned a lot, the answer is probably that I miss being held by mom

5. What is one of your best Christmas memories? 

I can't think of any one Christmas its just all of them wrapped into one I love all of the Traditions we have, its a wonderful life is amazing, I remember the first time I was old enough to see how cool it was.

6. Which traditions do you want to carry on for your own family? 

Its a wonderful life of course, being Disney Folk. breakfast for lunch on Sundays, singing the birthday bonk song even for Christmas.

7.  Share your testimony.

 Well I know one thing that Jesus Christ is our savior and that I love him more than anything on this Earth, I know that no matter How hard things get, we are always receiving help and when we are getting out of trials that we can truly come to thank God for those trials, I have a love for progression - no matter how painful it is sometimes. I know that God loves me and all of his children and as I grow closer to his Son I begin to see others in a better way, Love is really centered in Christ because if we truly love Christ we love everyone. 

Heather's Answers

1.  What do you know now that you wish you would have known years ago? 

                  Start competive sports at a younger age.

2.  What is the greatest lesson you learned from Mom and Dad? 

               Be nice and respect people.

3. In what ways are you the same as Mom and Dad? 
                Mom:  Ditzy and absent minded :) Dad:  Annoyed by little things
4. What do you miss from our childhood days? 

              Dad taking home videos every possible second.

5. What is one of your best Christmas memories? 

             They all kinda blur together but I liked it when everyone was here and we woke up and ate breakfast together before opening presents.

6. Which traditions do you want to carry on for your own family? 

            Watching Its a Wonderful Life on Christmas Eve

7.  Share your testimony.

            I know that Christ is our savior and he died for all of us.  I know that he loves us.  I know that all of the prophets are true prophets and are men that are called of God.  I know that Joseph Smith really did see Heavnenly Father and Jesus in the Sacred Grove and that he translated the Book of Mormon and that he restored the gospel.