PJ and Greg

Window Projects

2011-11-07T16:48:00.000-08:00

Lindsay and I did some projects with some old windows!

Using chalkboard paint! I still need to figure out what to put behind some of the panes.

14 weeks and 2 days, but who's counting!!!!

2010-07-18T20:28:00.000-07:00

Spencer is still loving his mission and is having some great experiences and meeting some wonderful people.

Here's a picture of the Zone Leaders at a dinner.

Springtime....finally!!!!!!

2010-04-03T21:23:00.000-07:00

There is nothing quite as beautiful as Springtime in Tennessee...and coming soon the Dogwood Trees will be in bloom!!!!

"Tryin to find some SUNSHINE!!!"

2010-03-09T17:13:00.000-08:00

We had the chance to take a trip to the Florida Keys and Fort Lauderdale. We were anxious to find some warmer weather- just our luck that Florida and the Keys were having the coldest winter in 140 years!!! This is the view outside our hotel. We did finally get to go to the beach on the last day we were there.

Fort Lauderdale is the yacht capital of the world and home to this 80 million dollar yacht.

The boat that we went up and down the intercoastal waterway on!

A "fixer-upper" we're considering buying!!!!

We went as far South as we could go to Key West just trying to find the sun. It was pretty warm on this day- around 65 degrees!

A lot of drinkin' goes on in Key West as you can see by this guy that Bud & Sue came upon!

Jimmy Buffets' Margarettaville Cafe!

Look Dawson & Carter- it's a "real" Pirate with a wooden leg!!!

The Beautiful Snow!!!

2010-02-01T08:58:00.000-08:00

The ice crystals on the trees looked like Christmas lights!!

The best thing we could find for sledding was our Shaved Ice Tray!!!

We never thought Josh would have a chance to build a snowman in Tennessee!!!

A Snowy Day and Chocolate Chip Cookies

2010-01-29T13:49:00.001-08:00

This is a yummy recipe!

I think it's the addition of cinnamon and extra vanilla
that made these cookies so good! Here's the recipe:

1 cup oil ( I used coconut oil)
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar (next time I'll try Stevia)
2 eggs
1 1/2 tbs. vanilla
1 tbs. cinnamon
1 1/2 cup flour
3 cups oats
3/4 cups nuts

Bake at 350 for about 12 to 13 minutes

A little late.....Christmas Pictures!!!!!

2010-01-28T14:40:00.001-08:00

Greg and Mike, our brother-in-law built a video game cabinet with all the old favorite games in it. The grand-kids and kids are loving it!

Oh yeah.....Beatles Rock Band!!!

Dawson, Carter, & Christina

Joshy!

Layton lovin' the Christmas morning "Monkey Bread"!!

TRIPLE........

THREAT.......!!!!!!!

Dawson, Asher, & Carter

Kayli & Hyrum (Layton had had enough pictures)

Lindsay, Josh, & Todd

Happy New Year Everyone!

2010-01-02T19:27:00.000-08:00

Click HERE to see my New Year Newsletter!!

Missionaries & Funnel Cakes

2009-12-14T16:17:00.000-08:00

The "trio" Sister Missionaries

Elder "T"- He's from New Zealand and played professional rugby before his mission.

Yum, Yum,...deep-fried Oreos!!!! We need to fatten these sisters up!!!!

We cooked out in the garage!!

Greg is 6 feet tall so you can tell how tall the Elders are!

We finally had a chance to have the sister missionaries and the Elders over for dinner and funnel cakes. Only one of them had ever had funnel cakes; she's from Iowa. They loved them and we had a great evening.

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

2009-12-09T14:09:00.000-08:00

This recipe is similar to the pumpkin cookies I make. It made 5 really nice small loaves and was really moist and yummy. The whole wheat flour made them really hardy. Here's the recipe:
2 eggs
1 3/4 c. sugar
2 c. canned pumpkin
1/2 oil
2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 1/2 c. whole wheat flour
(I used 2 c. whole wheat and 1/2 c. white)
1 c. chocolate chips
Mix eggs, sugar, pumpkin & oil. Add dry ingredients. 350 degrees - 2 large loaves 1 hour or 5 small loaves 45 minutes.
Great for gifts!

Merry Christmas, Mom

2009-12-08T21:01:00.001-08:00

This is for my mom who didn't get to see the house with Christmas Decorations when she was here for Thanksgiving. Merry Christmas, Mom! We love you!

"Our Early Christmas Present"

2009-12-05T10:26:00.000-08:00

"The Best Thing About Christmas"

2009-12-03T19:39:00.000-08:00

Our "cozy" living room setting.

We had over 33 sisters in attendance!

"Mary & Joseph and baby Jesus" came out at the end of the song.

Tonight I know what it feels like to be a producer of a great movie. I had an idea which came from the most beautiful Christmas song that my son, Derek wrote. Then I picked great actresses and put the idea into action, and tonight I think I won an academy award for best producer/director for an Enrichment Night. Of course, without all of the players I would be nothing!!!!

All dramatics aside, our Christmas Enrichment night was so magical. Five different sisters, (all very talented) discussed different aspects of the Christmas season; when it comes to decorating the best thing about Christmas is......when it comes to homemade gifts the best thing about Christmas is.......etc. We also had talks about food, music, & traditions. It all goes along with the song. The song is about a little girl who is enjoying all of the excitement of the holiday season with her Mother and isn't sure which part she likes the best. At the end of the song the little girl comes to the conclusion that although she loves the cookies, the decorations, the music and the gifts, the best thing about Christmas is "the manger in the hay", "that He came to earth for me, He came to save my family."

This was truly a magical night and I will be forever grateful to everyone who made the song come to life. An extra special thanks to Derek, who not only wrote the beautiful song, but traveled from Nashville to spend the day with us and sing the song tonight for the Relief Society sisters.

To hear the amazing song "The Best Thing About Christmas" go to my sons website: http://www.thehinckleysmusic.com/live/

What about Thanksgiving???

2009-11-22T15:36:00.000-08:00

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....

2009-11-18T19:52:00.001-08:00

"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

2009-11-10T09:00:00.001-08:00

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"

2009-10-28T06:04:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2009-10-22T15:41:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-15T14:48:00.001-07:00

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"

2009-10-11T21:02:00.000-07:00

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.

It's Almost "Hump" Day for Elder Hinckley!!!

2009-10-06T20:58:00.000-07:00

I absolutely cannot believe that Spencer's hump day is coming up on October 22nd. This has been the fastest year of my life!! Spencer has been such a blessing to our family, and his commitment to fulfilling his mission is a constant source of strength to us. He is loving his mission and we look forward every week to his e-mails. Here are some of the recent pictures he sent home.

Baby Shower, Birthday, Big Boy, Band, Boomsday!!!

2009-09-09T10:02:00.000-07:00

Labor Day week-end was jam packed!!!
It started with a BABY SHOWER for Christina at "The Creamery"!

We had a BIRTHDAY BASH for Carter who turned "3" years old!!!
Happy Birthday CARTER!!!

Layton turned into a "BIG BOY" with his first haircut from his Great-Grandma Hinckley!

He was good as long as Amy kept feeding him Captain Crunch!!

And then we have "THE BAND"!!!

Move over "PJ & GREG and "The HINCKLEY"S!!!!
The Grandkids are about to take over!!!

And it all ended with a big BOOM at "BOOMSDAY"!!!

More Pictures from Georgia!

2009-08-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

"What a FUN Birthday"!!!!!!!!!

2009-08-27T19:29:00.000-07:00

It all started on Thursday when I came home from shopping and Greg had completed the flower box he had made me for my birthday! Isn't is cute!!! I love flower boxes. Greg is so talented. All he needs is a picture of something and voila- there it is. Thank you Greg- love you!!!

My kids also gave me great gifts for my birthday. This picture of the Grand kids at the beach is so cute and I love having a year's subscription to Good Housekeeping magazine.

Nathan and Amy are living in the Mountains of North Georgia right now working on an LDS church. They are near a town called Helen- I've heard about it for years and they are just 25 miles from it. So we took a trip to Georgia and went to Helen and hung out in the cute little German town. We shopped and had dinner on the river at a yummy restaurant!

Then it was time for ice cream and a game of putt-putt!

Another reason we went to Georgia is so that Nathan could take Greg kayaking down one of the many rivers in the north Georgia mountains. Didn't get any pictures, but they had a great time.

On our way to pick Nathan and Greg up from the river we went to "Goats on the Roof." No kiddin"- there are real goats living on the roof of this cute little country store and ice cream shop. It is wild- grass is growing up there and there are bridges connecting the stores that the goats cross over on. Never seen anything like it!!

What a fun birthday- thanks Nathan and Amy for showing us around!!!!

Destin, Florida & The Smokies

2009-06-16T09:27:00.001-07:00

"Beautiful Kayli Girl"

5 1/2 month Josh & 9 month Layton

"Precious"

The "Three Muskateers"

Josh

Dawson

Joshy & Carter

Hyrum & Kayli & Grandpa

What a fun summer we have had so far!!! All the family (except of course Spence) came to Destin, Florida for a week of fun in the sun. Lindsay was the photographer for her best friends wedding so we took advantage of them being in the South. What a great time we had and how fun it is to have a photographer in the family.
We also took a day and went to the Smokies for a picnic at the chimneys and a ride down the Alpine Slide. Fun Times!!! Our grandkids are the cutest!!!!!

Our "Barnwood" Ceiling

2009-05-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

Our barnwood ceiling!

Greg added some "tin"

We love the variations in the colors.

We kept the "stage" lighting - we're actually thinking about opening up to the public since we have a stage, a pool table and ping-pong-anybody wanna come over and sing and play?
You think I'm kidding don't you?

We're going for the "Ruby Tuesday" look on the ceiling and walls!

A few months ago Derek, Nathan, & Greg tore down a barn not too far from our home. We had the idea that it would look cool on our ceiling in our basement. And best of all- it was free (except for the hard work from the boys- thanks guys! We owe you a shrimp dinner at the beach). How do you like the results? Greg did a great job installing it. It was a lot of work , but well worth it!!

More From Argentina!!!

2009-04-30T12:25:00.000-07:00

Pumped up to work...the sign says,
"Remember the worth of souls is great in visions of God."

"This is how we knock at someones door-
we clap until they come out!"

Milanesa Sandwich

"Our New Years Party"

"What happens when you forget your umbrella!"

6 Months!!!

2009-04-21T21:05:00.001-07:00

Spencer entered the MTC on October 22, 2008.
So today marks 6 months that he's been on his mission.
He arrived in Argentina on December 23, 2008.
This is a picture with his Mission President.

One of 5 baptisms, so far!

One of the many cathedrals near Buenos Aires.

The Buenos Aries Temple

Beautiful!

Some Argentine children- don't you just love their hats.
It kind of looks like Dawson & Carter!

The Subway!

We miss Spencer so much, yet we know that he is exactly where he needs to be at this time in his life. Having had two other sons serve missions, I can testify to the importance of a mission. Not only are these young men keeping the commandment to take the gospel to the world, they are truly converting themselves, too. That in turn will help them to be better husbands and fathers and leaders where they can influence and help others testimonies to grow.
The influence they will have is never-ending.
I guess today Spencer will be burning a tie!!!
Happy 6 months on the mission!!!

Lot's of Easter Fun!

2009-04-13T14:30:00.001-07:00

The only way our Easter day could have been better is if little Layton hadn't been sick with an eye infection. We all felt so bad for him. We hope you feel better soon little guy!

Dawson was serious about coloring the eggs!

The result!

At the park Kayli & Dawson enjoyed climbing trees.

When the strawberries were uncovered Hyrum just couldn't resist!

Carter was all about "the hunt"!

A little help from Daddy!

"I Was So Happy When Grandma Came!!" (Posted by Joshy)

2009-04-04T12:29:00.000-07:00

"I was so happy when Grandma came to see me."

"We did a lot of things together. We went to church...

...and we watched Mommy & Daddy cook.
I think they might start a cooking show...

...my Daddy is really talented at making homemade tortillas...

...yummy to my tummy!"

"Not only did I get to see my Grandma,
I got to see my Great-Grandma Pritchett and...

... my Great-Great Grandma Perrine too. I also got to go to the "girls day" at my great Aunt Pam"s house. Hey, wait a minute, I'm a boy!! Oh well, I got to see some cousins and it was fun. What a special day!"

"I got to go shopping with my Mommy and Grandma.
I slept most of the time in my stroller! Then we went to
great Aunt Pam's again for an American Idol party.
I did a lot of new things when Grandma came!"

"My Grandma gave me bath.....

...and she rubbed me down with lotion."

"We all had dinner together the night before my Grandma went home."

"I love my Mommy...

...and I love my Grandma! I was sad when my Grandma left,
but I know I will see her soon in sunny Florida."
Bye, Bye Grandma!!"
Love,
Josh

German Chocolate Cake vs. The Biggest Loser

2009-03-17T21:12:00.000-07:00

I love Tuesday nights! American Idol and The Biggest Loser! Now to keep my hubby happy while I watch these shows I make him cake & cobbler from time to time. And since I didn't want to miss any of this "must see TV" I decided to frost the cake in front of the TV. I just thought it was a strange combination...watching The Biggest Loser with that cake right in my view. Luckily cakes & cobblers don't tempt me too much. Now homemade chocolate chip cookies... that's a different story.

"I LOVE PICTURES & PITCHERS"

2009-03-16T13:15:00.000-07:00

Being the mom of the famous Lindsay Jane, you'd think I'd be pretty good at photography. Wrong! I've never been good at it, but at least now that you don't have to do that eye wink thing and can see what your doing through the screen on your camera I do a lot better. Anyway, I really do love pictures & pitchers and I love fresh flowers. Someday when I'm rich I'll have fresh flowers delivered every week, especially tulips. But for now I'll have to settle for dried flowers or fresh $5 bunches from Wal-mart every now and then!!

"PAULA" NOT A GOOD NAME TO HAVE RIGHT NOW!

2009-03-16T07:44:00.000-07:00

So I decided to try the google thing where you put your name in and the word needs! Let me just say that with Paula Deen (the unhealthy southern cook) and Paula Abdul out there the needs were not good: For instance-
Paula needs......more butter
Paula needs....an attitude adjustment
Paula needs...serious help now!
Paula needs...to quit the music game &
Paula is.....still drunk!
Hopefully none of those things are true or I'm in serious trouble!

"BABY JOSHY, WHERE ARE YOU?"

2009-03-08T14:44:00.000-07:00

We wanted to play with Baby Josh, too!!! Come see us Joshy!!

BABIES, HATS, & TU-TU'S

2009-03-08T14:13:00.000-07:00

When the Grandkids come we.......

Play a lot with babies......

Watch a lot of videos...especially The Incredibles!!!.......

We play a lot in tents.....
We make a lot of crafts.....

....and crazy hats.......

And dance around the room.....that's what we do!!!!!!

FUN WEEKEND!

2009-02-16T08:02:00.000-08:00

Carter & Dawson

"Sticker Man"

Playing Pac Man

"6 Years Old!!"

Born on Valentines Day!

We had a great time with the family this weekend. We had a grandkid sleepover, Valentines Party, Taco Party and Birthday party. At one point we had all 6 grandkids here (at least it kinda felt like it when we i-chatted with Joshy & Todd & Lindsay) It was a good week-end and one of those moments when you realize that this is what it's all about.

DEREK'S OTHER BOYS!

2009-02-08T11:32:00.001-08:00

Young Men playing the "trust" game in our basement!

Derek is the Young Mens President in his branch in Mt. Juliet, TN. His young men have earned the money for the second year in a row to come to Gatlinburg for a retreat for 3 days. They come by our home the first night for dinner and stay overnight in our basement. They are the "cutest bunch" of boys,(sorry guys, I mean "handsome Young men") so well behaved and well mannered, and we thoroughly enjoyed having them stop by and "make some noise" in our otherwise very quiet "empty nest" home. Derek is a super cool leader to them and really had some fun and challenging activities planned for them to help them increase their testimonies and learn skills they will need as future missionaries!

WOW!!! 32 YEARS!

2009-02-04T15:21:00.000-08:00

February 4, 1977!! 32 years is a long time. But, on the other hand, it seems like yesterday that we were driving to the Salt Lake Temple and got a speeding ticket!! 4 children and 6 grandchildren later all I can say is...life is good!! Happy Anniversary to us!

"I THINK I LIKE JANUARY NOW!!!"

2009-01-29T19:59:00.000-08:00

Greg made this window for me for Christmas!

My french, country office!

The album I made for my granddaughter for her birthday!

A few of the pages!

Spencer's mission album!

I know most of us dread the cold, dreary days of January. Christmas is over, there are no grandkids around, and it's time to diet and exercise. I have always dreaded January. But this year I feel a little different. I've been spending most of my time cozy and warm at home in my beautiful french, country office just enjoying blogs, scrapbooking, crafting and watching a heck of a lot of Fox News and HGTV. From April through December we spend an awful lot of time away from home at Festivals, Fairs and other events and I am always longing to be home more. Well, I got my wish this January- and although Christmas is over and I miss my grandkids terribly and I don't particularly enjoy trying to stay on a 1200 calorie diet or working out on the elliptical, I really like January now!

"ENRICHMENT LEADER"

2009-01-29T19:32:00.000-08:00

Paper sack purse albums

Up Close!

Poster & Invitation

As the newly called enrichment leader in our ward, I have been working on the R.S. birthday party in March. I think we might be the last ward in the church to do the "purse" themed enrichment night, but that is what we have decided to do calling it the "Purse"-suit of Happiness. We will present the theme by talking about how we all have different "purse"-sonalities, we all carry different kinds of "purses" at different times of our lives (back-packs,diaper bags, church calling bags, brief cases, suitcases, etc.) But no matter where we are in life, we need to "purse"-severe, be "purse"-sistent, and continually "purse"-sue happiness as intended by Heavenly Father.
We'll play a "what's in your purse" game, and then make these cute paper sack purse albums that we can give to a special "purse"-son! Thanks too, to my nieces Jenny and Crystal for giving me ideas they used in their ward. I'm tired of purses now!!

JUST ENOUGH!

2009-01-19T12:41:00.000-08:00

We got just enough snow today to make it pretty, but not enough to keep me off the roads!!

PAPER BAG ALBUM!

2009-01-07T08:50:00.000-08:00

I know they've been around forever, but I just made my first paper bag album. I turned it into a "brag" book for my 6 adorable grandkids!!

FIRST PICTURE FROM ARGENTINA!

2009-01-06T06:31:00.001-08:00

Here's the first picture we received from Spencer from Argentina.

ELDER SPENCER HINCKLEY ARRIVES IN ARGENTINA

2008-12-29T19:36:00.000-08:00

Another great part of this Christmas season along with the birth of Josh was the two phone calls we received from Spencer. He left the MTC on December 22 and arrived in New York City at 3:00pm. He was able to call and had a 300 minute calling card. So not only did Greg and I get to talk to him, but he got to talk to Derek, Nathan and Lindsay. It was great and he was so excited to be heading for Argentina at 10:00pm that night (that made a 7 hour layover in New York). He arrived in Argentina the following day around 2:00 pm. Our next phone call was on Christmas Day. Argentina is about 5 hours time different from us and two seasons away from us! It is the hottest time of the year there. The missionaries were calling home from the bishop's office with their calling cards and were loving it because the office is air-conditioned. (Most places do not have air conditioning including the chapel which has several ceiling fans.) Anyway, he sounded so excited to be there and on Christmas Eve they had actually done some tracting and talked to several people and he was able to bear his testimony in spanish to a lady. We are anxiously awaiting our first e-mail from him. Here is the e-mail address to use to communicate with him now: spencer.j.hinckley@myldsmail.net
His p-day is Tuesday. That is when he can read and respond to e-mail. I'm sure he would appreciate an e-mail from y'all from time to time!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2008-12-28T18:09:00.000-08:00

Grandpa & Joshy

Grandma & Joshy

"Baby Josh"

Winter Wonderland
Todd & Lindsay's Home

After almost two and a half weeks in Utah, I am back in Tennessee. It was a magical time being there with Todd, Lindsay & Baby Josh during the Christmas season. As you can see from the pictures it was a winter wonderland in Utah and all we did and wanted to do was sit by the Christmas tree with the fire place roaring and hold baby Josh. I enjoyed every minute of it and really was sad to come back home (although I was missing Greg!!). We did have the chance when
Greg came for a few days to spend time with my mom, Bob and Pam, Sterling and Linda and Grandma Perrine, along with a lot of other nieces and nephews and their families. I am most grateful though that I had the chance to spend this precious time with Lindsay and the baby. Todd and Lindsay are such cute parents and Lindsay is just radiant with love and joy for Josh. We are already trying to plan the next time we can see each other. I hope it's not long.

SANTA CAME EARLY THIS YEAR!!!

2008-12-13T09:48:00.000-08:00

Joshua Todd McCormick

Proud Daddy!
Mommy & Joshy

Grandma & Baby Josh
Aunt Pam
Joshy's Great-Grandma
Joshy's Great-Great Grandma
Jenny & Lindsay playing with their baby dolls!!!
Precious!!

And baby makes three!
Going home from the hospital.

Well, we got an early Christmas present this year. Little Joshua Todd was born Tuesday, December 9th at 6:02 am. I wasn't scheduled to go to Utah for a week but I hurriedly changed my ticket hoping to make it in time. I'm glad for Lindsay that he came so quickly and fairly easily, but as it worked out I was in Cincinnati on a layover talking to Lindsay on the phone when he was born. So I did get to "hear" the birth and was in Salt Lake by noon. He is an absolute doll baby and it is so fun to have him here at Lindsay and Todd's house. It makes the Christmas spirit just that much more special.

"Thanksgiving Eve"

2008-12-01T11:08:00.000-08:00

Since we will be in Utah for Christmas, we celebrated "Thanksgiving Eve" with the Grandkids instead. They were all so cute with their presents. We had a wonderful week-end together!!

Writing Elder Spencer Hinckley

2008-11-11T14:53:00.000-08:00

With the holidays coming, I thought I would let everyone know the different ways to communicate with Spencer. The best way in the MTC is through dearelder.com

Go to www.dearelder.com
Click on Write a letter
Choose Provo MTC from the drop down menu
Click "Write a Missionary"
Fill in his information:
Elder Spencer Hinckley
MTC Box #234
Mission code: ARG-BAW 1223
Estimated MTC departure date: 12/23/08

Add your e-mail address and type your letter. To get the letter there
the same day you have to write it before 11:00 am MST. Since Spencer is the district leader he is the one that picks up the mail for his district every day, so let's make sure he has lots of letters too.

If you want to send a letter or package to the MTC here is the address:
Elder Spencer Jesse Hinckley
Box 234-1223
2005 N. 900 E.
Provo, UT 84604

When he gets to Argentina the end of December here is the address for letters:
Elder Spencer Jesse Hinckley
Argentina Buenos Aires West Mission
POB 30150
Salt Lake City, UT
84130-0150

Address where packages can be sent:
Elder Spencer Jesse Hinckley
Argentina Buenos Aires West Mission
Ballesteros 1076
1706 Haedo
Buenos Aires
Argentina

He will have an e-mail address when he get to Argentina also. I will post it at that time. Thanks for helping us support him!!

Our adorable grandkids!!!!

2008-11-05T12:14:00.000-08:00

Dawson and Carter
Kayli, Hyrum and Layton

Thanks for the great pictures Linds!

Fall in Tennessee!!!

2008-11-04T14:13:00.000-08:00

November is proving to be the peak time for the leaves here in Knoxville. The dogwood trees are beautiful in the Spring, but I think these colors and this time of year is the most beautiful!!

HALLOWEEN!!!

2008-11-03T18:52:00.000-08:00

It was so fun to see the Grandkids in their Halloween costumes. Dawson and Carter were both Superman just like Derek and Nathan were when they were about the same age. Kayli was a southern belle, Hyrum a pirate, and baby Layton was a bumblebee. It was so fun having Lindsay and Todd with us for a week, too. Lindsay had a wedding in Raleigh, NC so they came and stayed with us between the wedding and reception ( which was one week later.)

My missionary!!

2008-10-29T10:08:00.000-07:00

Spencer has officially been on his mission today for 1 week. If you have ever sent a son on a mission you know how hard the first week is. The first day you literally feel like someone has died. As soon as you get over that day it's not so bad. I was so thankful that Spencer got to spend time with both his brothers and his sister before he left. He spent two days before entering the MTC with Todd and Lindsay and was able to see some relatives in Utah including Grandma Perrine, Grandma Pritchett, Aunt Pam and Uncle Sterling. Todd, Lindsay and Grandma Pritchett actually took him to the MTC on October 22nd and made sure that "all was well". I haven't been to the MTC with any of my sons and feel like it is just too hard to say good-bye there.
Spencer received an incredible blessing when he was set apart as a missionary and his mission has already strengthened my testimony. I received a letter he had written a day and a half after being in the MTC and the words he wrote were definitely not typical of "Spence." They were however typical of a young man set apart by Priesthood authority to spread the good news to the world that the gospel and priesthood power to act in the name of God has been restored to the earth in these latter-day. (Sorry if that sounds preachy- I intend to use this blog to share my thoughts, feelings, and testimony with my friends and family). I love all my kids and I love my missionary son!!

Introducing our family!

2008-10-29T09:38:00.000-07:00

Blogging seems to be the thing to do now days so I guess I'll give it a try!!
Since my family is one of the most important things in my life I thought I would start out with our latest family picture taken back in April. This was such a fun vacation and so great to have us all together!!