Happy Birthday Shelby "12"

Hard to believe Shelby is 12. Most of the birthday's we do are just family ones. But the 12th birthday is of lots of friends, candy, chips, soda and pizza. They played outside with squirt guns, on the slip-n- slide and in the sprinkles. They then came in for some silly games, followed with the pizza, and at last the ice cream sundaes with all the toppings and goodness (can we say Sugar overload) For the most part, I think everyone has a good time.

June 24th, 2008

The orange game

The Group eating pizza, chips and soda

I Been Tagged - One Word

1. Where is your cell phone? ...purse
2. Your significant other?...loving
3. Your hair?...blonde
4. Your mother? ...Lois
5. Your father?...Ben
6. Your favorite thing?...scrapbooking
7. Your dream last night?...none
8. Your favorite drink...water
9. Your dream/goal?...happiness
10. The room you're in?...office
11. Your children?...many
12. Your fear?...pain
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years...healthy
14. Where were you last night?...Wal-Mart
15. What you're not?...skinny
16. Muffins...maple
17. One of your wish list items?...house
18. Where you grew up?...California
19. What you read last...book
20. What are you wearing?...jeans
21. Your TV?...old
22. Your pets?...none
23. Your computer? ...addictive
24. Your life?...busy
25. Your mood?...grateful
26. Missing someone?...family
27. Your car?...big
28. Something you're not wearing?...shoes
29. Favorite Store?...Roberts
30. Your summer?...hot
31. Like someone?...Donny
32. Your favorite color?...blue
33. Last time you laughed...today
34. Last time you cried?...today
35. Dislike?...noise
36. Like?...candy

I pass this tag along to Mary Gunnell, Jennifer Gallacher & Valerie Clawson

Compassion...

Just a few days ago someone asked me how I was doing, I answered my standard answer "That I was hanging in”. She quickly came back “you always say that” I expressed I had a lot I was dealing with, her reply “you are no different than the rest of us”.

And yet we are not like anyone else. Yes, we all have our trials and struggles, that is what this life is all about. But I also fight everyday against my own body and mind. The pain and fatigue some days makes it almost impossible to do any thing. It hurt, such a comment without some compassion or any understanding.

I hope and pray that we can find the charity we need to love each other, pray for each other and help each other.

Mosiah 18: 8-10

8 And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;
9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life -
10 Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?

Mosiah 18: 21

21 And he commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another

Flash Back Friday - High School

We are looking back at High School.

Christi

Clovis High Gymnastics Team - 1982
I am right middle of the back row

Soundsation - 1981

Prom my Jr Year - 1982 Todd

Donny

Rootstown High School Football Team
1975 - 1978

1978 - All State Corner Back

Hanging out

Prom - 1977

Some of the Music I Love!! - (Church)

I love music, good music. Here are some of my favorite CD's. The messages brought unto my heart and the peace that comes to me is like a touch of heaven. Music can touch the soul. It can bring you answers you were seeking for, it can bring the light into your life, chasing out the darkness. I hope you will go out and try some of these. I have many more I just wanted to share with everyone.

Clay In His Hands

by Jessie Clark Funk

But now, O LORD, thou art our father we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.-Isaiah 64:8

In a voice that rings faithful and true, 19 year old vocalist Jessie Clark sings her heartfelt testimony of Faith, Obedience, Prayer, Courage, Service, and Trusting in the Atonement; on this exciting new CD, Clay In His Hands. Inspired by the words of Isaiah, the songs chosen for Clay In His Hands encourage us to look to the Lord, to give our will over to Him and seek to do His work in how we live our lives. Jessie's powerful vocals combined with her dynamic personality and strong testimony make her, and her CD, a favorite of leaders, parents and youth of all ages. Thousands were touched when Jessie sang as part of presentations by popular speaker Scott Anderson during the 2003 Education Week at BYU.
Jessie was a featured vocalist on the 2003 EFY CD, Look and Live, performing "I Feel My Savior's Love." This song was played at hundreds of EFY devotionals throughout the United States.

Tracks include:
New Jerusalem
Clay In His Hands (Inspired by "In The Potters Hand" by Larry A. Hiller, New Era, Dec. 1999)
Hold On, The Light Will Come
Hear Me
You Know Who I Am
How Do You Move A Mountain
Keeper of the Flame
Would I Know You Now
I Will Go And Do
Go In Peace
He Knew
The Station
Softly Now The Light of Day

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Better than I

by Jessie Clark Funk

Jessie's first CD, Clay In His Hands, garnered four Pearl Awards and a coveted Listeners Choice Award, establishing her as one of the finest inspirational vocalists in LDS music and a favorite performer of youth and adults. Better Than I features 15 outstanding songs of faith, spiritual strength, perseverance, testimony and trust in the Lord. Features an inspiring duet with her husband, Jim Funk, -- plus a special bonus track

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Everything Speaks His Name
by Jessie Clark Funk

Jessie's stirring voice and inspiring songs have made her one of the most beloved recording artists in LDS music; and a favorite youth speaker and performer. Her first two CD's, Clay In His Hands & Better Than I, have garnered numerous Pearl Awards, and inspired listeners around the world. Filled with touching songs of hope, faith, celebration, and testimony Everything Speaks His Name features Jessie at her best.

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Women of Destiny: Songs Celebrating
the Declaration of the Relief Society

Women of Destiny brings together the best talents in the LDS music community in celebration of the mission of the Relief Society, today over four million members strong. From choral anthems to contemporary ballads, this is music to remind women of their unique and powerful place in this world, from some of today's most popular LDS songwriters and performers. Featuring two songs--"Someday He Will Come" and "Sisters in Christ"--written for and performed by Grammy Award winning Gladys Knight, the album also includes songs written by Michael McLean, Hilary Weeks, Staci Peters, and Tyler Castleton. Women of Destiny will soon become a powerful motivator for women to raise their spirituality, to stand against the forces of evil, and to remember their divine heritage and potential. It is the music every woman will cherish as she strives to become a "woman of destiny.

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Women of Destiny, Volume 2: Songs
Celebrating the Relief Society Declaration

Tracks Include:
Women of Destiny
We're Sisters
Patiently
In the Meantime
You'll Get Through This
Fireplace
Forward with Faith
The Woman I Was Before
If I Could Take Your Place
Some Other Time
Power of Heaven
Day of Grace

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My Servant Joseph 200th Anniversary
by Kenneth Cope

Joseph Smith the Prophet of the Restoration. Walk by his side as he grows in testimony, rejoices with angels, sorrows in tribulation, finds peace from the Savior and holds out faithful until death. My Servant Joseph Kenneth Copes landmark album, reminds us of the importance of the Prophet's great mission. This special edition includes additional tracks and feature just in time for the anniversary of the prophet Joseph's birth!

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Prayer

Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing--D&C 19:38

Speaking of Prayer President Gordon B. Hinckley writes; "Prayer unlocks the powers of heaven in our behalf. Prayer is the great gift which our Eternal Father has given us by which we may approach Him and speak with Him. . . Be prayerful. You need the help of the Lord." This unique CD brings together fifteen inspiring vocal and instrumental songs that celebrate the wonderful privilege and gift of Prayer; and the blessing of Prayer in each of our lives.

Includes--Morning Prayer (Instrumental) - Greg HansenOn My Knee's - Jessie Clark FunkMy Soul Hungered - Barry HansenDid You Think to Pray (Instrumental) Lysa Rytting and Beverly HansenHeaven's Fire - Johanne Freschette PerryWill He Really Answer Me - Joy GardnerSearch, Ponder, and Pray (Instrumental) - Michael DowdleI Need Thee Every Hour - Katherine NelsonHe Hears Me - Holli AmmonThe Lord Is My Shepherd (Instrumental) Lysa Rytting and Beverly HansenPrayer of The Walking Child - Dave TinneyThe Holy Spirit (Instrumental) - Greg HansenSweet Hour of Prayer (Instrumental) - Michael DowdleWhat A Friend We Have In Jesus - Tammy RobinsonEvening Prayer (Instrumental) - Greg Hansen

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Women At The Well

by Kenneth Cope

Kenneth Cope's latest inspiration draws upon the realization that women were the catalysts to many of the New Testament's most spiritually poignant moments. A woman touches His garment, a woman hearkens to His invitation at a well, a woman washes His feet with her hair, a woman discovers His empty tomb. Written for women and performed by women, Women At The Well will stir the very center of your soul.

Women at the Well
Close Enough to Touch
Daughter, Arise
If Thou Had Been Here
Go in Peace
Foolish or Wise
Daughters
Day of Tears
Miracle From Heaven
He Came For Me
Greater Love
Women at the Well Reprise

Father's Day 2008

Donny & Michael

A day to Celebrate the very important men on our lives. We enjoyed a nice Sunday at church and then we took dinner up to Mom and Michael's, We enjoy a wonderful evening together with great food, root beer floats, and games.

It is hard to express in words how lucky I am to have three Fathers in my life. Dad - Ben, Dad - Michael, and Bud - Dad Williams. The love and concern for our family is amazing. The great example of service and faith. This is why we are meant to be eternal families and the important role that these great men play in our lives. I Love You All so Much. Thank you, for all you do for us.

Donny reading the card everyone signed for him

Donny is an amazing Father. With great love he leads and guides us as a family. It can be over whelming to have such a large family, but he finds the time to do fun things we the kids. We love his sense of humor (although at that time of the month any one of the girls can get frustrated with him because of that same sense of humor.)

He has been at Girls Camp for the last four years, giving the girls a great opportunity to have their Dad up there with them. And in Lindsay's eyes her Daddy is a Hero. We Love You Donny.

Me & Mom

Third Times a Charm!!

Alissa and her nose, this has been a reoccurring story. Alissa first broke her nose when she was sophomore while she was playing softball; she took ground ball right into her face shattering her nose into about five pieces. This required a Closed Reduction Surgery.

The next break came only a few months ago in March, while dancing in the final round of Amateur Latin at the AF Comp. Her partner Nick hit her straight in the nose with his elbow, as soon as it happened we knew is was broken again. It happened in the first dance of the final round; she danced the other 4 dances including the Jive. They placed fourth then we took her to the hospital for x-rays. Yes it was broken again, this time it was a clean break so we were just letting it heal. It happened just 11 days before Nationals.

On the evening of June 11th I got a phone call from someone telling me that Alissa had been playing soccer and went to head the ball at the same time another girl went to head the ball. Alissa hit her face into the back of the other girl’s head. She was bleeding badly, we went to the hospital and waited some time to get her x-rays and yes her poor nose was broken again. We went to the Dr. on Monday and he had Alissa is surgery yesterday (Tuesday) for another Closed Reduction. Everything went well, just a little more involved than we expected, she will heal and I hope this never happens again.




June 2008

Just After the surgery

It's a nose cast

March 2004

Disneyland - The Happiest Place on Earth?

We had a good time on our graduation vacation to Disneyland, California Adventures and Knotts Berry Farm. We want to Thank Dad & Mom Williams and Mom & Michael for helping us so much. We were able to stay at Aunt Carole & Uncle Dave's house. We were spoiled with a wonderful breakfast each morning and hot dinner when we got home. They have a great hot water heater that never ran out of hot water, allowing all (11) of us to shower and get ready each day. What a blessing it was. Thank you for everything.

It was so fun to have all the kids with us. We started off on Monday at California Adventures, trading off with the big rides and the other things that Lindsay could do. It was a nice day and not very crowed. We could not believe who we ran into, two of our most favorite families - Roni and Charlene Andersen at California Adventures, one of their girls were dancing in a show there and Scott and Julie Edwards at Knotts Berry Farm with their whole family on Tues.

The week was full of great moments that we all will remember for a long time. As you would expect with this many young women we had a few suffering with PMS, can we say Grumpy. And at any given moment there was someone not happy with what we were doing. Besides that, we had a great time.

The weather was wonderful, being together was wonderful, riding rides, watching parades, laughing, trading pins, being scared and helping each other. I told all the kids "I hope one day when your the Mommy or Daddy, that you will realize how much work, energy and money it takes to make trips like this possible" I want them to be grateful for these moments, there will come a day that we will not always get to be together.

Mrs & Mr Incredible - Derek, Lindsay and Devin

Hollywood Tower of Terror

The whole family at California Adventures

Donny and Christi

Lindsay wanted to be in the monkey cage on the Casey Jr Train

The Mad Tea Party Tea Cups - Donny, Lindsay, Devin & Derek

Kristen, Alissa & Shelby

Sierra & Katie (You'll notice that Ashley and I did not ride the Tea Cups)

Derek, Devin and Lindsay on the train - (what's up with Lindsay)

Christi, Donny, Scott and Julie Edwards

The Williams Family at Knotts Berry Farm

Our Family picture with Pooh - 2008

Shelby, Lindsay with Minnie Mouse

Lindsay with Mickey Mouse

All of us with Mickey

Lindsay, Shelby with Cinderella

Walt and Mickey and the quote under their saute

A great picture of Lindsay with her Daddy Donny

Donny with 6 of his 7 girls (Shelby stayed home that evening)

Christi, Donny, Aunt Carole, "Buddy" the dog and Uncle Dave

It's a Whole Different World

On our trip to California the plan was to stop at Aunt Dee, Robbie and Alisa's house in Las Veges. But as we got there we had plenty of daylight left and the kids were doing great, so we pushed through all the way to Orange, CA to Aunt Carole and Dave's home. Because we arrived a day early we had a extra day, so we thought it be fun to go to Vince Beach, we walked to the Santa Monica Pier.

We started at Vince beach, it was crowded with people on the beach it has a great bike path with thousands of people on bikes and rollerblades. (just like you see in the movies) There was some very interesting sites to be seen. We continued to walk down the street that was filled with people selling their wares with a ton of stores on the opposite side. Let my tell you, we were shocked and sadden by the things we saw, tattoos parlors and body piercings stores left and right. I think what shocked me the most was the beautiful people (we could see a lot of their bodies) with full scenes tattooed on them.

Some very strange people dancing, painting, singing, it was like a carnival. We just walked past it all. We were told that it wasn't a bad walk to the Santa Monica Pier. Of my goodness, it was a huge hike. By the time we got there we were all very tried and hungry, just the thought of having to walk back to our van was over whelming. So we walked around the Pier a little, took a few pictures and walked up the hill and caught a bus back (thank goodness) to our van parked back down at Vince Beach. We all had an experience that was for sure, we also got sunburned not really thinking about it while we were walking.

I am just so grateful for the blessings of the gospel in our life, and for living where we do. It's a whole different world out there.

Vince Beach

Santa Monica Pier

The whole worn out group