February

February is a short month anyway, and honestly, our lives do seem to be rather ho-hum, but...

It was a very snowy and brrrr-cold month.

The 13th brought the 'Birthday Bird' to our house. I turned the Big 7-1. Thanks to one and all for the birthday greetings, cards, gifts, and 💖. Nathan even composed a poem for the occasion:

Happy happy birthday mama dear.

I hope on this special day you feel us near.

May your day be filled with love and joy.

May greatness ever be your employ.

I love you so very much. 

Have the best day and such.

That, of course was followed by Valentine's Day...

in which we exchanged a couple of rather extravagant gifts...

Basketball season is in full swing. Rah-Rah-Rah to Sean, Tyler, and Esplan for inviting us to their games each and every Saturday...

...and the opportunity of eating In-N-Out Burgers afterwards.

Other February high-lights...

Let's not forget our visit to the dentist!

We got our results back from ancestry.com!!

 It turns out Don isn't as Scottish as he claims to be.😏

I think we all need to plan a trip to England, Wales, and all places northwestern Europe.

...and the puzzle we completed!

I know!!!

We did, however, enjoy the really wonderful opportunity of having an Apostle at our Stake Conference this last weekend. 

Elder Ronald A. Rasband's message was both timely and inspiring. He spoke of President Nelson's love and gratitude for all the members do to build the kingdom; how much each of us is needed; how he believes that there are no coincidences in life; yes, there are some mysteries; the restoration is ongoing; the 'doors of our homes' need to face toward the temple (as in Mosiah 2:5&6); we all need to follow the prophet and we will be safe, informed, protected, and have joy and happiness; failure in the home comes only when we stop trying or give up; nothing will have such a profound affect on you than the way your children turn out - nothing else matters; the family is a refuge of safety, a port of peace; read the Book of Mormon together to improve relationships in your family; be faithful, obedient, quick to repent, quick to forgive and quick to bless (fathers with Priesthood blessings); Jesus Christ is the ultimate answer!

He said sooooo much more, but I think you get the idea! Anyway, it was a great conference!

Can I just say how grateful I am to belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of of Latter-day Saints.

(A Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos Santos do Ultimos Dias, for you Portuguese speakers)

More excitement to come...stay tuned for March!