Big Sisters

What do big sisters and their friends like to do better than dress-up?

Dress-up brothers, of course!

Here is Elias preparing for the ballet. I'm not sure that the

black socks quite match the tutu. Oh well, he's a work in progress.

Ryanne and Kasidee had quite a bit of fun, but were pretty bummed

when Wes said, "No! You may not put make-up on Elias!"

Elias says, "I may be in girls clothes, but I can still karate kick!"

Valentines from Gramma

Gramma sent the kids her Valentines love via mail . . . she sent them coloring pictures and little Valentine cards. (Mommy gave each kid a heart-candy box).

The best thing, though, was that Gramma sent some $ with a little note that said, "get the kids donoughts for a special Valentine's Day breakfast."

Here are the kids eating their yummy donoughts.

Morgan, our cat is better than your cat!

A few days ago, Morgan wrote a blog about her cat bringing two mice into the house.
http://somersfamilyest2002.blogspot.com/2009/02/midnight-adventures.html

Well, we have a story to tout hers!

We have two cats. Princess we also call "Fat Cat" because she is lazy and rolly. Pepper we call "Rat Cat" because she brings rats, mice, birds, gophers, etc. to our door up to three times a day. She's quite a predator. Princess lazes around and then chases the creatures that Pepper brings to the yard.

Tonight Wes was sitting at the table when he heard a strange squealing noise out the kitchen door. He had never heard a noise like it before. Catiously, he opened the door and peaked out. There was Pepper with her fresh dinner.



Feeling sorry for the creature, Wes shooed the cat and tried to protect the bunny. He, however, had no intention of picking it up, so he started hollaring in a high-pitched-excited voice, "Leah! Leah! Leah, come quick!" The cats were both doing there best to thwart Wes's plans and have dinner, while the bunny was doing its best to dissappear. I guess Wes thought Leah was the one to catch the bunny . . .

We all came running and, yes, rescued it! The poor thing has a bite in one side and both its ears are ripped up. We debated walking down the road and letting it go, or keeping it. For now it is sitting in the cat carrier and Pepper is pouting.

I told Wes to take a picture so we could post this blog and tease Morgan about our cat having a better catch than hers . . . Leah said, "Mom, isn't that bragging?"

I stand condemned.

Visiting Teaching = Best of Friends!

It started out as visiting teaching . . . Mara and I were companions and we visited Ellen. Over four years we became dear friends and looked forward to our monthly get-togethers. After I moved out of the ward, we vowed to keep meeting, and we do! Together we laugh, cry and teach each other. We share our woes and our joys.
How I love Ellen's wisdom, practicality and down-to-earth, genuine kindness. She is a great mom and also a sweet grandmother-- always serving by babysitting and caring for her three grandsons. She is a treasure trove of knowledge and talent, but best of all, she is loyal and gentle-hearted.

The best thing about Mara is how she gets us all laughing. She has the best sense of humor, without which, I would probably never laugh (Wes and I are so non-funny, yes, we need to lighten up)! Mara is sensitive and inquisitive. Her questions have made me re-think myself. I have truly had to search myself as we have learned together things of truth and things about our own nature.

So, we have monthly "therapy sessions" and girl get-togethers. We treasure our time, longing to spend the day chatting for endless hours and then finally pulling ourselves to reality and back to our duties. Being friends with Ellen and Mara is the best thing about living here in San Bernardino and I love them so much!


This December Mara's husband, Jose, was baptised into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was then confirmed and ordained to the priesthood so that he could baptise his daughter, Josie. It was a wonderful evening and something we've all been praying for and hoping for for years!

Mara and Jose

Congratulations Josie!

Wes was so so happy when Jose asked him to baptize him.

He was honored.

Three bishops, two missionaries, one happy dad, and one cute girl!

Just in case you can't tell, Wes is soooo excited.

He loves Jose (Tony) and thinks the world of him.

Really, here is a man who payed tithing years before he even

got baptised-- not to mention that he will help anyone

in need, and loves his family so much.

Well, I didn't get pictures of all the family that turned out,

but here are Hazel and Joey.

He's so handsome!

Getting ready.

I think Tony is excited: He looks like he is saying, "Yeah! I'm getting baptized!"

Two good friends.

Elias and Joey have fun playing together when we mom's talk.