{Blurred Memories}

I have learned that sometimes I just have to accept the fact that not all pictures are perfect and if I were to discard the ones that are blurry I would be throwing away alot of good memories. So blurred or not a memory is a memory. Often time we only remember if there is a photo.

Below we have a self portrait of Dylan with our new family addition Sasha. So cute and so blurry, but I just could not hit the delete button.

And here we have my three girls - the night we attended The Forgotten Carols. Very Blurry but still very beautiful.

So just be careful next time you go to hit the delete button, if it is the only photo you have of that person or event maybe you should consider keeping it. Blurry or not - it is still a memory.

{Soul Food}

This is my dear friend Janna (my side kick and traveling buddy). Have you ever had one of those friends who truly seeks to find you the perfect gift - made and bought especially just for you ? Well - she has done it again. Last year she got me fuzzy warm crocs (in fact they are on my feet keeping warm right now as I type) and this year she got me my new favorite book and I have so enjoyed reading it. It has helped to fill my cup. Inspire me. Confirm my faith, give me renewed sense of hope and bring me joy.

I have been following the story of Stephanie and Christian Nielson since their accident in August and now I am totally hooked on Stephanie's sister Courtney's blog and following her life and allowing her to inspire me on a daily basis.

Well this book is a printed collection of her blog posts from 2005 - 2008

Simply fabulous !!!

Thank you Janna - I love it !!!!

{2008 Christmas Card}

So does it count that they were printed on Dec 1st ??? These photos were taken on a very hot late August afternoon and my boys were not well pleased with all the photos we were taking. So I included one below with all the cousins that is actually my favorite.

I have just been a bit busy and I promise they will be mailed by the end of the week. Last year I had some of my peeps express their disappointment in me for not sending our annual Christmas Card and letter. (The first time in almost 22 years of marriage) I too look forward to that once a year picture and letter received from family and friends bringing us up to date on their happenings and seeing how much their families have grown. So I just wanted to make a promise that they will be out my door soon. We have so much to be thankful for this year. We have had so many trials. But after every trial there is always a rainbow of blessings and the blessings have come and we truly have felt them.

Christmas and A Much Needed Day Off

I have always heard my friends out there in the corporate world talk about taking "a mental health day" Even though we still have a week left of Christmas break I am officially taking "a mental health day" today. A day full of things that will fill my cup. Going to the temple, dinner with my hubby, girls night "in" at my moms.

We had such a wonderful Christmas week. We had Marissa home for a week and now I am truly missing her. Words can not even explain how amazing this girl is. Words cannot even explain how much I love her.

What a wonderful week we had - Emily & Paul's wedding, A wonderful Family Night at Jason and Jamie's with our entire family - the only person missing was my dad and I am sure he was with us, An evening spent at the Forgotten Carols performance, and then Christmas Eve was spent providing Christmas for our foster daughters family (3 adults and 5 children) the look of joy in their eyes was priceless. The kids enjoyed a visit to Grandma Jeans to decorate cookies and watch the Reflections of Christ. Then Christmas morning we had Don's sisters over and then the rest of Christmas day was spent at my brothers with my family. I love family time. No place I would rather be.

There were many gifts given and received and everyone seemed well pleased - but the greatest gift I am thankful for is the gift my Savior gave me. I am grateful for the Atonement. I am grateful for the promise of eternal families. I love my family more than anything this world could ever offer. It brings me such peace knowing that my Heavenly Father knows me individually, just as he knows you and he is there for us through it all.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas - thank you for your love and support through everything. We have been truly blessed with such loving , caring people in our lives.

{ahhhhh . . . . family}

Marissa is home and I have my family all under one roof for the holidays. Life is good. We love her and we have missed her and we are going to cherish the time we have with her.

{Missing His Big Sister}

Is this the cutest thing. Logan has been missing Marissa something fierce lately (we all have) and the other day he finally got her on skype talking to her on the headphones and also has learned how to send text messages to her email. So he was loving it. Literally doing both at the same time. He would ask her "okay what did I just write" and she would tell him. Technology is amazing. It amazed Logan. She will be home in less than a week. I think she has had an amazing time in the Ukraine and we are so excited to hear all about her adventures. But we are so excited to have her back home for a bit.

{Purpose}

I love this quote that Morgan has on her facebook account -

"The past is behind--we must learn from it. The future is ahead--we must prepare for it. The present is now—we must live in it." President Thomas S. Monson

Morgan is doing wonderful. The seizures are lessening significantly. She actually had a date this weekend with a very nice young man who has been her friend through all of this. He has asked her on a date for the past 8 weeks and she has continued to put him off and this weekend she finally felt confident enough to say yes. Of course I had to give him the run down of everything and make sure he had my cell phone number and make sure he did not let her out of his sight. He assured me they would be fine and he was okay with it. He is actually in school to become a physical therapist and works for a physical therapist 3 days a week so he is “perfect” date for her right now. They went to the Mesa Temple lights and I was a nervous wreck – but they returned safe and sound. They came back and watched a movie and she actually had a seizure while he was here and he was totally okay with it and even came back last night for dinner and to watch the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. She still has a long road of recovery ahead, but this is amazing progress.

God does hear and answer our prayers. Sometimes though we are wanting it all on our schedule on our time frame and that does not always happen. Or should I say that rarely ever happens. But I can testify that he hears them and although we may not have immediate resolve he will give us the peace and the strength we need to make it through. And he will answer our prayers at the right time. (unfortunately we do not always know when that right time is - but if we are faithful and continue to believe - he will answer them)

The Lord’s invitation to each of us is

“come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

I have taken the invitation and I have felt the peace and the rest. I have also felt the Lords hand in my life and I have felt the heaven's open and pour blessings upon me.

Yesterday as I spoke to one of my friends we were talking specifically about the things we have learned, the skills we have acquired and the strength we have gained from the experiences and trials in our lives. Looking back on some of the struggles I have been through I would not trade them. From each and every trial I have experienced, I have gained so much. So much of that makes me the person I am today. I am grateful for the person I have become and I am grateful for all that I have learned along the way. I know that my life will be filled with trials, but I also know it will be filled with much joy and happiness.

As I listened to Morgan talk the other day reflecting on one of her relationships with a friend I was impressed with the growth I saw in her and her ability to recognize what is healthy and what is unhealthy about their relationship. I know that this is a direct result of the growth she is gaining through this trial in her life right now.

She is beginning to get better. Remarkably better. But there is still a long ways to go. Maybe it has not been on the time frame I was hoping for, but I now can recognize it to be the time frame that she needs for complete healing to take place. It is the time she needs to become the strong person she will become as she rises above all of this.

During our entire time here on earth we will learn and grow. We will have trials and misfortunes. Be we will all have the ability to become stronger and better people from these experiences.

I know that I can see and feel the direct result when I have faith and I do not allow fear to overcome (which can happen so easily) I know I will be blessed with the strength and hope to face and overcome the trials and pains of this life.

The Lord has promised each of us -
“Be of good cheer, little children; for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you.”

God is our Father. We are His children. He loves us. He desires our happiness here in this life and for all eternity. At this wonderful time of year let us always remember that Jesus is the Christ. Through Him, we can find peace in this world.

I am so thankful for the blessings that I have felt poured over me in abundance and I am thankful for all the people in our lives who have continued to pray and support us through all of this.

{Come What May and Love It}

I remember his words touching my heart this past conference. He spoke with such love and compassion. I felt as though he were speaking to me. I have been touched by his words so many times and I have fond memories of this marvelous man. Years ago at Women's Conference he spoke to us and I can just remember giggling at his cute jokes and feeling the warmth of his spirit fill the entire Marriott Center. He passed away Monday night and joined his loved ones in the eternities. I am sure the heavens were rejoicing to have him return to his Heavenly home. To think that my dad and many others get to be there on these glorious occasions - I just wonder what it must be like. To read more of Elder Wirthlin you can go {here} to read his uplifting words from this past conference go {here}

{It's Official}

She is a Certified Lifeguard

She passed all her tests with flying colors. This was the poster she did for Young Women in Excellence this month. They present a goal they have been working on. Karleigh has dreamed of becoming a lifeguard since her little fins first hit the water. She has worked hard and we are so proud of her accomplishment.

Now just to get a job by next summer.

Here is just a cute pic of her and her best friend Katie. Cute Girls.

{Such Handsome Boys}

Junior Assembly

These boys are stylin' - Cool Conelly Packard & Cool Coleton Paolacci

This year Coleton and a few of his 6th friends decided to participate in Junior Assembly. This is a program that is offered to the 6th graders in our area. Junior Assembly is a program that provides instruction and practice in ballroom dancing, etiquette and the social graces that I believe will be so necessary in the future. I believe that by participating in this program it will help to develop social self-confidence that our young men so desperately need. I also believe that children gain self confidence when they exhibit thoughtfulness and consideration to others in a respectful manner. I have always been so pleased with the program and was so excited when Coleton said he wanted to take part in it. This week they practiced for their Christmas Dance which will take place next Monday and then in February Don and I will get to attend the Valentines Dance.

Priesthood Preview

Coleton, Zach, Mason, Dillion & Conelley with Bishop Davis

Sunday night our ward held it's annual "Priesthood Preview" this is a special night just for the 11 year old boys. This is a special opportunity for the Bishop to meet with the boys and their parents and help boys understand the importance of the priesthood and strengthen their commitment to prepare to receive it when they turn 12 years old. All of the boys (except Dillion) have older brother's who hold the priesthood and have watched their examples and are excited for this next step in their life. It was a very special evening with Mason Jennings giving a wonderful talk, Ed Packard Speaking about the example his father set for him being a worthy priesthood holder and then Conelley played a wonderful piece on his cello. The evening concluded with a special message from the Bishop and of course refreshments.

{December Monday Night Traditions}

Beginning on the first Monday night in December my mom comes and brings us a special treat. She has done this for the past couple of years since my dad passed away and we always look forward to her visit. Last night being December 1st was her first visit of this holiday season.

She brought us yummy hot chocolate and a hot chocolate pot. The kids were thrilled, Don and I were thrilled and we all enjoyed a nice warm cup of hot chocolate before going to bed.

Thanks Mom

{Paolacci Family Thanksgiving}

Almost everyone joined us for Thanksgiving (we were missing Marissa (still in Ukraine) Kamri (Chargers Cheerleader and had a game on Sunday) John, Meg & Katie (in Ohio) We missed them all so much and look forward to the time when we are all together.

We had dinner at Melissa and Rob's. It just makes it much easier when there is a one year old involved to have it at their house. Lot's of family, lot's of food, lot's of fun !!!!!

Grandma Paolacci was in heaven taking care of the puppies!!!

(The little white one is Kayslee's new puppy Rhea)

Cute little Matthew enjoying his dinner !!!

Jade just loved playing with all of Matthew's toys (did we mention he is the kid that has EVERYTHING)

Cousins enjoying being together

Ariel and Tracey (Don's oldest sister)

Dave (Brother-in-law) Kayslee and Nathan (Kayslee's Boyfriend)

Keila and Kayslee (Kayslee's new album will soon be debuting and she will begin her tour sometime in 2009)

Ariel and her boyfriend Richie - we REALLY like him. So does she. Luckily he will be leaving on his mission in less than a year. He is a great catch and Ariel is an amazing young woman. I am so proud of her and the really good choices she has made in her life.

(more pictures to come later)

{Thanksgiving at the Harper's}

We are so blessed to have the Thanksgiving arrangements we do - my in-laws decided long ago that they did not want to have their children have to compete or spilt time on Thanksgiving and eat two meals. Thank you mom and dad Paolacci. So every year we spend Thanksgiving day with my family and then everyone gets to shop on Friday and Saturday we have Thanksgiving with the Paolacci family. That allows for all those in California to drive over and be here Saturday.

This year we spent Thanksgiving Day at my older brother Steve's house. My sister-in-law Karens family joined us. Such good food. Karen's twin sister is a gourment pastry chef and so she always bring so yummy, yummy food. This year it was a key lime tart. And my brother Steve is quite the cook. My pictures from Thursday are all blurry and it makes Steve's face look all weird and Kathryn looks as though she is almost invisible in front of the fridge. But I still remember the memory and I know that it is a bad picture.


Of course the boys were still in the football spirit and spent the majority of their time playing catch in the backyard.

{Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl Recap}

Traditionally every Thanksgiving morning the boys wake up early to go and play in the annual "TURKEY BOWL" - it is the event of the year. Dylan and his friends have even been holding practices in preparation for this day. This year we woke up to a cold rainy morning. It was beautiful, but did not make for a good playing field.

The mountains near our house were barely visible. And below is Mountain View Park were the Turkey Bowl is usually held. On this beautiful November morning it resembled a lake more than an empty field. So they needed to make another plan. The Turkey Bowl must go on!!!!!

Every park they went to seemed to look very similar. So they decided to go to Shadow Mountain High School and see if Paradise Valley Ward (another ward that holds an annual Turkey Bowl) would split the playing field.

Logan and Coleton were so excited to be hanging with the big boys they went along to evaluate the high school fields.

The fields were muddy but it was determined that the games must go on and the mud made for a little more excitement!!!!!

Logan seems to be the one designated to retrieve the ball from the mud holes. He didn't care - he was just so excited to be playing with the "big" guys

(Below) Matt Campbell, Jason Theobald, Dylan and Rob Campbell


Below Dylan, Chris & one of the Elders make a plan to take the other team down.




All in all the Turkey Bowl was a huge success this year. The boys had so much fun. The dads had more fun. I wish I would have gotten a picture of Don when he returned home with his shirt torn to shreds. I am sure he was one crazy guy out there on the football field. If you know him you can just begin to imagine. Of course, his 43 year old body needs about a week to recoup from the Turkey Bowl. But I am so happy it was a good time had by all.

[It's Almost Time}

For Marissa to come home . . . .

Everyday the little boys would sit and count how many days, so we finally made a chart and we are so excited it is almost time !!!!!!

{New Scrapbook Store in North Phoenix/Scottsdale Area}

Check it out here {CRAFTY PAPERS}

Go say "Hi" to Brenda and tell her Kristan sent you !!!!