What about Thanksgiving???

OK, I do have my tree up, but it's my Thanksgiving tree- it's decorated with fall leaves!

On Thanksgiving day we will add additonal leaves to the tree
with our blessings written on each leaf!

Sometimes it seems it goes from Halloween to Christmas- I feel sorry for Thanksgiving and wanted to give it the respect it deserves. Thanksgiving comes at a perfect time; near the end of the year when we can sit back and contemplate on the events of the year and all we've been blessed with; and right before Christmas when we celebrate the birth of the One we are most thankful for.
I am most thankful for The Savior, The Plan of Salvation, and The Family.
Isn't it interesting that in a world full of millions of people, we can all still feel special and loved because of our families. How wise our Heavenly Father is for creating the family unit. Families are central to the Plan of Salvation, and The Savior did what he did so that we could be with our families forever and ultimately live with our Heavenly Family forever. So as most of you will agree- it all comes down to family. Our Heavenly Father, His Son, our spouses, our children, our grandchildren, our fathers, our mothers, our brothers & sisters.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!

"I've been wanting to go camping....

"I've been wanting to go camping......and have a big bonfire......and roast some hot dogs!!!

So we traveled many steps to our back yard....

chopped up the wood........

stoked up a fire.......

and roasted those hot dogs......

Just the two of us!!!

New Pictures from Elder Hinckley - October 2009

A recent baptism!

The 1 year mark!

The traditional "burning of the white shirts to mark 1 year!"

Is this allowed in the mission rule book?

Spencer with Mosiah doing a service project. Isn't he adorable!!!!

He stepped on a nail during the service project! Yes, he had a tetanus shot before he left!

"Christmas for Missionaries"

Here's an idea I found on line to spice up Christmas a little for our missionaries. It's called a Scripture Sock and it's filled with gifts, anything from new clothes to a tube of toothpaste. Attached to each gift is a scripture. The missionary has to read the scripture first and then guess what's inside according to what the scriptures says. Hopefully it will be fun for him and make the morning without family last a little longer. Our missionaries are still our "kids" after all.
I'm also sending a stocking full of gifts for Spencer to give out to the children he meets. Along with the little balls, bracelets, frisbees, etc. I'm including "I Am A Child of God" pencils and stickers written in Spanish. It's strange to be wrapping Christmas presents before Halloween!!!

HUMP DAY is TODAY!!!

Spencer entered the MTC 1 year ago today. Absolutely unbelievable. Spencer is such a blessing to our family. He is a great missionary and blesses our lives through his mission everyday. We love you Elder Hinckley!!!

Asher David Hinckley

Dawson and Carter looked so cute in their "Big Brother" shirts Grandma Laura had brought them.

Dawson & Carter were excited about their new brother AND Halloween!!!!

Our 6th Grandson was born yesterday, Oct. 14th to Derek & Christina. Asher David Hinckley came into the world at 9:05 am weighing over 8 pounds. He is a doll- perfect in every way! Mom is doing great, too! Congratulations Mommy & Daddy!! Carter said it best when he said "He's just what we needed." We were all perplexed by his choice of words, and yet from the mouths of babes come so much truth.

"Charleston, Charleston"

Wild Dunes- the resort where we stayed!!

Supposedly the oldest tree in the U.S.- The Angel Tree- Amazing!!!

The beautiful ocean front homes of Charleston!

So nice having a photographer in the family!!

Joshy was such a good boy on the trip!!

Todd and Lindsay and Josh flew into to Charlotte to house hunt. Greg and I met them in Charlotte and took a little trip to Charleston. What a beautiful city!! I can't believe we've lived in the South for 30 years and have never been there until now.