Portugal's Dedicatory site for Missionary Work

This is the site where a dedicatory prayer was said to open the Portugal area to Missionary Work. This is Adam and other Elders on last weeks P-Day. This site is near his area, not far from Lisbon.

A beautiful day in Lisbon

Adam, a former companion and friend in Lisbon, Portugal. It is amazing how much maturity and spiritual growth Adam has made in one year. What a wonderful blessing.

Doug and his gang

Doug and his gang enjoying the day.

"It's A Small World"

I wish I could get my video to play of "It's a Small World". The singing is Christmas carols intertwined with "It's a Small World". Only video can do it justice. They are closing this ride for 9 months.

"It's a Small World"

I love "It's a Small World" and it was really fun to see it at Christmas time all decorated for the holidays.

"Nightmare Before Christmas"

The haunted mansion was transformed into "The Nightmare before Christmas". The detail was amazing.

Fun at Disneyland

We had a wonderful time at Disneyland. We loved all of the Christmas decorations.

Santa gave me exactly what I asked for.

My favorite gifts from our children are pictures. We received many wonderful pictures and we are so grateful. We also received gift certificates for Disneyland. Guess where we are going?

Cuddle time

We spent most of the holidays enjoying cuddle time. We had to take advantage of every minute.

Entertained us

Zach and Sara along with their parents entertained us with their musical talents. We love that they are willing to share their abilities with us.
Living away from family does have it's disadvantages and one big one is missing all of the fun concerts and plays that they are in. We love it when we get to enjoy snatches of them in person or through a blog.

Our other 2 gifts from Utah

Rose and Allyson were our other 2 gifts. It was so fun having them, Rob and his family, and Mark and Lilly with us for several days.

After Christmas

After Christmas Rob (Doug's brother) brought us 3 very special Christmas gifts from Utah. Myles (Allyson's son) is one of them.

Christmas 2007

We enjoyed having Mark and Lilly with us for Christmas. Last year after Christmas I went through and really downsized our decorations they were showing their wear. I threw away a bell that was filled with mistletoe. We have hung it in the hall since we bought our house many years ago. Mark wasn't going to break that tradition with or without the mistletoe.

What we do at school

This is what we looked like on our last day of school. We had a District Christmas Party and each school did a skit. Fremont Staff did the "Reindeer Jive".

Mark & Lilly

We were so glad that Mark and Lilly came for Thanksgiving. We had a quiet, fun day. That afternoon we went to the movie "Enchanted". Doug and I loved it.
Lilly just finished her Master's degree in Speech/Language Pathology and will be starting a new job in January. Her job will be in San Jose and Mark works in Mountain View. It will be interesting to see where they end up living.

Adam

Our youngest is on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Portugal. He said, "I have been able to learn a lot about myself, and the need to put in our part, and rely on the Lord. There are many times in the past before my mission that I had the chance to tell people that the church that Christ established is here on the earth again, but I did not do so. I wish that I could have changed that because I really know how important it is to have the organization of Christ's church, actually be his organization. It amazes me how needful every part of the auxiliaries of the church are. Especially the things that happen at moments when we are not at church, Family Home Evenings, Home and Visiting Teaching. I am amazed to think that I am a servant of the Lord and that he trusts me to do his work in this part of his vineyard. I want you all to know that I do know that this is the Church of Christ in these latter days, and it is not just because I am a missionary, but because I know the amazingness of it." It is hard to believe that he has been out almost a year.[

Beck Family

What a special week. Byron was our tour guide for a trip to Wyoming to visit all of the church history sites we could and the places where we lived in Wyoming. Byron parent' s John and Sharon went with us and we had a wonderful time. We were able to go on the Martin Cove Trek and spend a great deal of time contemplating the faith and courage it took our ancestors and all of the pioneers to make it to the Salt Lake Valley.We made it back just in time for Tanner's baptism. It was wonderful to be there for Tanner's very special day and to join with so much of our family. The next Sunday Bradley James was blessed. Bradley was born March 10th. He is a real charmer. He has big beautiful blue eyes and a smile that makes you melt.[

Jamison Family

Scooby Gang on Halloween: Joshua, Rebekah, Michael, Elizabeth and Rachel (in front)They are all growing up so fast. In this picture we can't believe how much Rebekah looks like Heather. It is so much fun to get together as a family. They have been busy with plays, sports, and band.

Little Jade was born May 24th. She really is a very pretty baby. We were so glad that we were able to enjoy her blessing day with their family and the rest of our Oregon families. (Family pictures are so tricky to get. I had to show the second one because Jade is so cute.)

Couch Family

Lindsay's baptism was a very special highlight of this past year. We were glad that we were able to go and enjoy this special evening with their family. Heather and Jared's families were also able to be there. I loved the CTR cookies that Janessa and Heather made.