White Elephant

So lets clarify here, how do you play white elephant? Like real white elephant of funny gifts you find around the house or go out a buy a gift?

PARTY

I hope everyone is receiving their invitations to the party on Monday.
TO clarify, this is not JUST for the cousins, the parents of us kids are also invited, aunts, uncles, and grandparents.
I had an idea to string popcorn or something for the kids, yes? no?
Any other idea for the kids, maybe a movie in the other room or something?
I am thinking about a prize for the best dressed in our "ugly christmas clothing" contest.
Remember a white elephant for each person who wants to play *for adults*.

Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Super Yummy, Super Easy Sugar Cookies (cutouts)

Natalie's Famous Sugar Cookies(that's no really the name, just giving credit to my friend)
1 1/2 c butter(softened)
2 c Sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp Vanilla
1 tsp Almond
5 C Flour
2 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Salt

Mix it all together and bake at 350 for 7-9 min. No need to chill, just plop it on the counter and roll away. *I halved the recipe and it's a perfect size for a little family, with even some to share.

Icing
4 c Powdered Sugar
1/2 c Shortening
5Tbs Milk
1/2 tsp Almond
1/2 tsp Vanilla

Mix Together

Easiest Fudge Ever!

So I know we always do the Velveeta fudge this time of year, but I like this one too

1 can sweetened condensed milk
12 oz chocolate chips

Nuke it for three minutes in the microwave. Then stir is fast and hard until smooth and creamy (move fast because it sets fast) and then pour it into a foil or parchment paper lined 9x9 pan and smooth it out and let it set.

Voila! You have fudge!

I made a batch for my mom with nuts too. Immediately after pulling it out of the microwave I dumped a pile of chopped nuts in and it was great too.

A GREAT IDEA

I had a thought the other day while commenting on some of my cuzzinz blogs that I won't see them this Christmas (most likely). I haven't seen Amy's baby yet. That is my fault and plain SAD!
So I am proposing a Passey Cousins Christmas Party. It can be at my house. Everyone bring an appetizer. I will supply desserts and drinks. Maybe have a white elephant game, or just visit, exchange Christmas stories, what have you.
Oooh, maybe even if we got serious we could make something. The men can do something else, and yes I say they come too, they need to get to know each other. I have also seen a cute idea where they exchanged ornaments, you make 10 of the same, and everyone goes home with a bunch of new ones. We could even have theme, all of them RED or whatnot.
It doesn't have to be more than 2 hrs of your time. I just don't want to plan it unless ALL WILL attend.
I would love to see mandy and macey (missed her wedding), of course Amy and Aunt Janet, Lindsay,Kels. I am not trying to leave anyone out, still want to see Ash and Hanna, Mal and even the cousins wives. Mattie will not be here again until her baby is here. The parents of us siblings are also invited.
If I forgot something or you have a great idea to add, let me know.
Also, just let me know if you are IN.

*thinking around the 18th-20th, just need an idea when all can do it.
*of course we can do it earlier, mattie comes on the 13th.

**15th, 16th or 22nd. Everyone choose a day that works and we'll stick with it.
Can someone email mandy and macey who might not have seen this? Jill too.

Pictures

I would love a copy of that picture of grandma and grandpa (the one with grandma holding the pitchfork) If someone has a copy could they e-mail it to me? Thanks!  Our house is missing a wonderful picture that like. amycherie@gmail.com 

I have a question!

I want to set my "i heart" blog up so that both my partner and myself can edit and post, just like this Passey Blog.
How do I do it?????!!!

BTW check out my blog for our super cute onesies.

preparedness

I just want to tell you all about a really great food storage class that I went to last night. I have been motivated once again. It made me feel like I really could get a whole year supply. Anyway check out this Blog to learn more about this system. All of the handouts are on there. I am so doing this!

My recommendation for all the married couples...

There is a movie out called Fireproof.

If you look past the slight "budget" look of it and the fact that it was made by a baptist priest, it has an amazing message.

If you have seen it, let me know your thoughts and if you have not I would really encourage you to do so.

This needed to be shared

Lindsey posted this quote on her blog and I thought in needed a second post because it really touched me tonight. Thank you Linz.

Speaking of Running...

If you want another reason to run check out the blog below. This mother was my visiting teacher before we moved to Ohio. She lost her little girl in a horrible drowning accident. She is asking people to run on Thanksgiving Day for her little Kamber. I wish I could be there!
http://kamberlarsen.blogspot.com/2008/10/run-for-kamber.html
Thanks :)

Couch to 5k

I know those of you in colder climates can't really do this, but for those of us in the valley of the devil, the weather has finally reached "outside exercise" status so we will be starting this November 1. (Still need another week or so for my broken foot to be jogging ready)

You can visit this link to check out the schedule.

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

Let me know who is interested and we'll make sure to include you in our motivation and reminders.

Krista wins!

Seriously, are you looking at the blog feed? What is wrong with you old people and not blogging?!

Ainsley dances

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88UO0u51TsY

Chili Con Carne

This is the YUMMIEST chili I have ever tasted, I LOVE it!

Brown the following on olive oil:

2 lbs chuck steak cubed
4 garlic cloves
2 medium yellow onions (this seemed like a lot so I didn't quite use that much)

Then add:

4 cups beef broth
1 can beer (we made it without and it rocked, so your call)
4 tablespoons of red chili powder
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper

The recipe did not call for it, but I added a can of crushed tomatoes to it.

Bring to a boil and then simmer for a minimum of 2 hours.

Add kidney beans to taste.

Happy Belated Birthday Jill !

Hope it was a good one. Love ya

Macey's Wedding

Anything you'd like to show me???

I realize we're only half-family because of the distance and all - but I DO believe there was just a wedding in the family and I have YET to see a single picture of ANYTHING having to do with said wedding.

Help me out here, people!!

Congrats Mace!

Calzone Yummmmm!

For the cheating version, just use 4 Rhodes dough rolls per calzone. Just thaw then roll out (no need to let rise)For the bread maker french bread dough:
1 1/4 C water
1 Tbs sugar
1 tsp salt
3 1/2 C flour
1 Tbs yeast
Add ingredients to bread maker in this order then choose the "dough" setting. When it is finished, roll out into circles (number of calzones depends on how big you want them). Add desired toppings to half of the circle (leaving about an inch around the edge). Suggested toppings: pizza sauce, mozzarella, olives, pepperoni, mushrooms, etc. Fold the other half over, then roll the edges up and press to seal tightly. Mix together 2 Tbs water and 1/2 tsp salt and brush over dough (not necessary if using the Rhodes dough), then bake at 350 for about 25 minutes or until golden brown. Brush on butter and sprinkle with parmesan cheese while still hot, then serve.

Something Old, Something New, Something BORROWED...

So Macey's wedding is this weekend! Hope ya'll are going to make it! She tried sewing her own veil and didn't like the way it is laying. Does anyone have one that she can borrow? She said that she liked the look of Lindsey's if anyone has one similar. She is also looking for a "fluffy slip". Let me know. Thanks a million.

Nan

Moore News

Shane and Mattie have some news, make sure to check out our blog.

September Birthdays

Jeff 10th
Kassie 12th
Stayson 16th
Bailee 20th
Devin 29th

Happy Birthday Everyone!

good finds

Three good finds this weekend:
A) awesome baby bedding original price $250, sale price $50. Sold to my friend. (beth's bedding not pictured but same price)
B) some sweet deals at dillard's on shoes. $5, $10 on roxy, kenneth cole, nike, and merrells (have to take some pics)
C) an adorably SWEET little baby named Jazelle (elle, ellie, jelly belly) I just want to take her home. I have more pics on my blog.

A GOOD weekend wouldn't you say?
*just need Amy's now*

I Think I'll Go Eat Worms!

Nobody likes me, everybody hates me, I think I'll go eat worms!!! Not really but HELLLLOOOOOO??? Does anybody read our blog? We post and post and I see that ya'll comment on other people's blogs but no one is commenting on ours. Can someone show us some sugar? I know that some people are just "too busy" to comment but it would help me to know that you are reading the Passey Blog and that you care! Please and thank you, it would make us feel loved.

Happy Birthday August People

Gavin 12th
Preston
Ainsley 16th
Robert 17th
Keara 20th
Brandon 21st
Jason 23rd
Kalie 27th
Jordin 28th

Yummy Chocolate Caramel cake

A yummy cake from this girl.

Our Temple.

Recipe reminder

Be sure to label all recipes as "recipes" in the label box when you post them, that way when you click this link ---------------------->

all the recipes will show up for you!

Orange Julius (Mom's version)

1/2 6oz.can of Frozen OJ

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 tsp. vanilla

5-6 cubes of ice

Blend all ingredients into the Blender until smooth.

Easy Carmel Popcorn

1/2 c butter
1/2 c brown sugar
1 c mini marshmallows

Melt all in a saucepan until smooth and pour over a bag of your favorite popcorn. I like to pour it on the buttery kinds because then you get the awesome sweet/salty mix, yumm-o!

Baked Potato Soup

This recipe was pretty close to the way I do it (you all know I don't use recipes) so here ya go!

2/3 cp butter or margarine
2/3 cp all purpose flour
7 cps milk
4 large baking potatoes, baked, cooled, peeled and cubed (about 4 cps)
4 green onions, sliced
12 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1 1/4 cp shredded cheddar cheese
1 cp (8 oz) sour cream
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

In a large soup kettle, melt the butter. Stir in flour; heat and stir until smooth. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Add potatoes and onions. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; simmer for 10 minutes. Add remaining ingredients; stir until cheese is melted. Serve immediately. Makes 2-1/2 quarts.

FOOD BLOG

How about we start adding some recipes here.
Just put down your menu for the week or every once in awhile, just post what you are making for dinner.
This would really help me actually make a menu, which my fam would appreciate.
Pictures are good too.
I have some food blog links on my blog which are great.
I like the idea of using family recipes though.
Pickypalate on my blog is a friend from HS and she has won 10K at a Southern Cooking Contest, and has been featured on Food Network. It's always fun to check out her site and others.

BTW, I love the temple night idea.

Family Temple Night

The first Tuesday of every month is now dedicated to family temple night.

Obviously not everyone will be able to make on this night, but by having a standing day each month we are hoping it will motivate us all to get over there more often.

For the out of staters, post a picture of the temple nearest you! I'd love to see where you're going each month.

We Had F.U.N. Today

We went to the Family Museum today. Calvin got to "drive" an old Ford, Model T. "Ride" a Horse.
"Operate" a John Deer Tractor
And be a Dragon.
We did all this in an hour, and we haven't even hit the tip of the iceberg. I think next time we go we will be there for much longer, and leave much more tired.

lost camera charger

We lost our camera charger I guess. I thought we had it so i didn't worry about posting, but it's definitely gone. It's basically just a big black box that plugs directly into the wall. If anyone has seen it, let me know :)

Lost phone charger

I lost my phone charger. It is for a chocolate phone. Also I have some other kind of charger for a camcorder or something that can plug into the wall. Let me know if you are missing it.

Reed also lost his black MP3 Player with headphones. If any of you find it please let us know.

Check out my Slide Show!

lost watch

Skylar lost a watch up at the reunion, if anyone has it let me know :)

Better Get Ready!

run for fun???? what the hell kind of fun is that? (name that movie!)

http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=19787582&BRD=2264&PAG=461&dept_id=505965&rfi=8

Let me know if anyone's interested!

The big day

Hanna discussing her loathe for the heat
Emerging from the temple

How freaking happy do they look?

The fam-damily in front of the temple

The end of the night, ready to LEAVE

HEre are a few shots I managed to get at the wedding

repeat

Reunion Commmittee

Food/Menu
1. Dayna
2. Beth
3. Shanda

Talent Show
1. Ashley
2.Jill
3.

Activities
1.Tami
2. Hanna
3. Krista

Clean up
1. Robin
2. Shane and Mattie
3.

Game to determine who is in charge of the next reunion.
1. Keara's Survivor idea.
2. Hanna
3.

Any other committee we need to make up let me know. Please contact Stephen Passey Reunion Coordinator. 928-243-0033

Finally

I saw a doctor today. Everything is good. My official due date is September 19th and it is a BOY!
Just wanted to update everyone. Love ya all!

I need your help.

I am packing to come home, Help. I can not think of everything to bring. I have to pack lightly because I can only have one bag.
Help me so I don't forget anything.

Eggs

Okay so maybe the water topic is a little dry but how about eggs. Did you know that you can store eggs unrefrigerated for up to a year if you rub them with mineral oil and then store them narrow end down. Of course you can still refrigerate them for added shelf life and freshness but they can be just left on a shelf. The garage in AZ may not be the best place but a cool storage room is best. It is recommended though that after 6 months you crack into a separate bowl before use just to be sure it isn't spoiled. You'll know its bad if it has an odor. So when eggs go on sale you can stock up and not worry about them spoilling. I thought this little tid bit was really interesting and I had never heard of it before so that is why I am passing it on to you. Just thought you might like to try it.

Water

So I'll start with kind of the basics. I know that we all know to store water and we know that it is important, vital really. So shouldn't it be the very first thing we start to store because we can't live without it? So maybe you have heard different but I think it is recommended to store 2 gallons a day for two weeks per person. So for my family of 8 ( including new baby already) we would need 16 gallons everyday for 14 days which comes out to 224 gallons. There are lots of ways to store the water from large 50 gallon drums to 2 liter soda pop bottles (don't use milk jugs as they disintegrate to quickly). The use of plastics in general is iffy. It is recommended to use PETE plastics for water storage. The Church website lds.org of course has great info on storing water, things to do and things to avoid. So check that out for some basic info but I want to share a few things you may not have heard of. First if you store water in the large 50 gallon drums you'll need to store a syphon system to get the water back out of the drums. Of course you'll want to replace that water about once a year and my understanding is that if it comes from a clean source to begin with you won't need to filter that water in an emergency, but what do you do if you run out of water and the emergency lasts longer than two weeks? You may have to go out in search of water from unclean sources in which case you will need a way to clean that water. Aqua Rain is a product that can filter 25-30 gallons of water per day. It can be found on the Internet. I am told not to go for knock off brands as they don't filter out all harmful bacteria like the Aqua Rain does. It is pricey at about 200$ but for families that live near each other one should supply enough water to share. There is also a cheaper version that I have heard about recently that uses a five gallon bucket and a conversion kit. We are ordering them in our ward right now they are 26$ if you are interested let me know very quickly and I can order extras. Another way to clean the water is by chlorinating concentrates. They are inexpensive about 15-20$ but supposedly more difficult to use. The instructions have to be followed very carefully or it can be harmful. A little scary but probably worth storing anyway because of the price.

So I know there is a lot of info on water storage and if you know more about the subject please post it for all of us to benefit. This info that I am getting is in a packet form and if you want more details on how the products work or where to get them email me and I will make copies and send them out or maybe I can even scan it and email it to anyone interested.

So I was thinking that we could inspire each other by leaving comments on the status of your water supply or your plans and goals to improve it. I have found that once you get started with all of this it can be very exciting to learn new things. I think that storing water is one of the easiest and most important ways to start out this huge undertaking of being prepared. So your challenge is to leave a comment about your status on water supply and goals to improve it and then to go and do it. Then let us all know when you have reached your goal.

Good Luck!

Congratulations Austin, Mallory & Macey 2008

I bet they never thought this day would come!

We are so proud of Austin and thankful he made it.

Congratulations Austin, Macey, Mallory! You guys did what seemed was impossible. Your family is behind you, cheering you on. Welcome to your future. Live it well.

awwwwwww

Happy Mother's Day!

I just became a contributer to this blog. Yeah! Thanks Ashley. Here is my best pic of Grandma! Happy Mother's Day to all ya Mamas out there.

Congrats to Gavin and Chessa!

Everyone mark your calenders for June 20!

Preparedness

Here is my first preparedness post and if any you have any tips this is a great place to share. I want to hear what you know too. I just learned about a new website today. It is http://www.simplylivingsmart.com/ I thought it was pretty cool. It gives video lessons on how to use your food storage and step by step lessons on how to get started. It is free to register so I think it is worth spending some time there.

Good Times!

If you don't already know, today is a very special day! It's mine and Sam's 29th anniversary. I know, I know, most of you are saying I can't believe they made it and the rest of you are saying, I can't believe they would WANT to make it! But here we are celebrating this very special day, we strive to spend a lot of quality time together to keep our marriage strong and unbreakable. So I'm working on my computer and Sam is cleaning the garage, the perfect recipe for a perfect marriage (him in one room and me in the other)

Happy Anniversary, Sam! I love you! (in case I don't see you)

Redundant, but. . .

I already posted this on my blog, but in case you don't read it - this is the last picture of my kids with G & G before we moved to Mexico (June 2005). I think she looks so great in this picture - just the way I want to remember her. I think at this point we all kind of knew she was sick, but never imagined we were losing her. It makes me so thankful for those weekend drives up to Taylor when we were here visiting at Christmas and Spring Break that first year in medical school.

I actually remember this one day a couple of weeks before Grandma died (I think maybe it was when we took that picture of G and G with the pitch fork and that big family picture of all of us). Grandma was having a particularly good day, considering her health at that point. We moved her chair out to the back porch. She held baby Ada and Caelan on her lap and had the most serene smile on her face. There was just a spirit about her and about the family that day that really invited peace. It is so strange to me right now to think that this day so close to her death would hold such happy memories, but even thinking about it now makes me feel warm and fuzzy. We seriously have the greatest family and we owe it all to Grandma's spirit. She was the GLUE and I know you all agree. We have to remember her to keep that glue holding strong - SO DON'T FORGET!

Here is my Contribution

Christmas 2001 This was the best thing I could find, without having to scan in a picture. I don't really know how to do that and usually need danny's help. So this is one I had on the computer already. I look pretty miserable but I was due with Audrie any day so that explains it.
I sure miss having her visit us. We always had a great time.

my contribution

Keara's wedding



Passey women

Fun for Mom's Birthday.

This was Beth and I when we were younger.

Everyone post their favorite picture with mom. I think it would be fun. The picture with us when we were in High School was out in front of the Phantom of the Opera Theatre. It was so much fun.

OMG-Please Help ME!!!!!

Ok, I totally botched up my blog and can't figure out how to fix it. I'm going to cry. I tried to import a template from another website and when I put it on my blog it erased my music, link list, birthday countdowns, and a few other things. Can I get it all back? I tried to contact blogger but that's a total nightmare and can't get any straight answers....please HELP ME!!! How can I restore my blog? Thanks to all you smart people whom I know are going to bail me out of this mess. Krista

Does anyone else get the feeling. . .

That its raining babies!!!

Congrats all ya'all who're puking, peepin' at privates, preparin' the palace and puffing up plenty!

Love,
Hanna
(unpregnant thankyewverymuch)

Reed's Baptism

I've been meaning to put this picture up for two weeks now. Sorry for the late news. Reed was baptised and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints on

April 12, 2008 by his dad. This was such a fun day. I think that besides two year olds that 8 year olds are now my favorite age. The change that has come over him has been really great. Anyway just wanted to share this with everyone. Love ya all.

Silver Creek Campground

Lion?

So when do you know that curly hair doesn't work for you? When you look in the mirror and suddenly find inspiration for next Halloween, or when your 16 month old son walks in the room and laughs?

Mallory's Senior Prom

Lost and Found

I am of the opinion that if you can't share your heart with your family, there is something wrong with your family or something wrong with you.....either way, there's something wrong! I know that in this day and age, we are all broke, run ragged and exhausted beyond understanding. We are spiritually challenged, emotionally drained (even though we put on a good show) and physically weak. This past year has been all those things, intensified, for me personally. If you will all indulge me, and continue reading, I'd like to share a very personal story with you. I guess in light of tomorrow being fast Sunday, it's more of a testimony.

I took the kids to California last month to visit with my Grandparents and sneak MacKenna and Garrett off to Disneyland for MacKenna's birthday...this was a trip that changed everything. The events of Saturday morning, March 15, 2008 were one's for the spiritual growth chart. So, it goes like this..........I was on the computer in the front room of my Grandparents quaint little Southern California home, looking for the hours and prices of the local Chuck E. Cheese pizza establishment, when my ears caught wind of a meaningless dispute between Garrett and Christopher. I heard Garrett come into the house from the front yard and march straight into the computer room to tattle on Christopher because of some "light saber" discrepancies. I'm quite sure the look on my face screamed "WHAT NOW?" After Garrett vented his complaints, I asked him to go outside and let Christopher know that I wanted to speak with him. Garrett complied with my request to go find the assailant in the great crime of messing up their Star Wars game. After a minute or two, Garrett came back into the house and let me know that Christopher was not out in the front yard and yet I don't remember hearing the slam of the clunky screen door and shakes the entire house...It's quite an unmistakable sound! I asked Garrett to find him as I continued on my quest for the pizza joint that would suck many dollars out of my wallet later that afternoon. "Mom, he's not here." I got up from the chair and asked Garrett what he meant and exactly where he had looked for his little Brother. I called his name several times with no response and instructed MacKenna to look in the backyard while I combed through the house. Room by room, closet by closet, I began to get a little worried during my second pass through the house. It's only 1400 square feet, where could he be? My Mother and I went out to the sidewalk and glanced up and down the street. There is an elementary school across the street but absolutely NO way to get in. Christopher would never climb a fence, he doesn't know how. My Grandmother and the kids went through the house and backyard again while my Mom and I began walking the street in separate directions, calling out his name. We had reached the ends of the street and frantically ran back to the house to throw a plan together. In desperate pleas for him to answer and with tears streaming down their faces, the kids asked what they could do to help....I instructed them to kneel down in prayer and ask Heavenly Father to keep him safe and help us find him. The kids immediately hit their knees and each of them offered up a sweet, heartfelt prayer for their little Brother. I grabbed my car keys and cell phone and reassured the kids that Heavenly Father heard their prayers and He will answer. I remember the look of shock and surprise on my Grandma's face. At that very moment, I realized just how grateful I was for the gift of prayer and that I could knowingly reassure my babies that their Father in Heaven would be faithful to help. In the kitchen, my Mom called the Sheriff's Department and then headed back to the street where she enlisted the help of strangers to drive around and look for our missing little boy.

Mind you, this is all happening very fast and the emotions connected with a lost child are amazingly overwhelming. My spiritual awakening comes now...while I was driving around their neighborhood screaming out Christopher's name. I began to pray loudly and with such a great conviction. My first prayer was of thanks and gratitude for my Son and the gift that he is in my life. I acknowledged that, essentially, Christopher belongs to our Father in Heaven but in this life, that child is MINE. Right or wrong, those were my Mommy thoughts. I prayed for his safety and petitioned his guardian angels that not one hair on his head be harmed. I proclaimed that he is a child of God with a plan and a purpose and this isn't it. I continued on, driving down the main road leading back into their neighborhood and lastly prayed for his safe return back to his family. Around the corner from the house I was intensely worked up and then became angry. I wasn't mad at God and didn't feel the need to bargain with Him but the claws of the Momma lion had come out and I said..."Wait just a minute!" I am not helpless here and I have the authority through Jesus Christ (not Priesthood) to proclaim this child as mine and speak to this situation the instructions which I would like followed. As I rounded the final corner to my Grandparent's house, I had a very distinct feeling that CHRISTOPHER WAS NOT LOST. It wasn't a light or a booming voice. It wasn't an earthquake or angelic being but it was a very clear, very sincere, very real peace that washed over me and tingled throughout my body. I felt such wonderful peace, in a personal way and yet still apprehension since I didn't see my Son standing in front of me to prove that he was not lost. I parked the car in front of the house and raised my hands up as if to ask a question.....still nothing. Bare foot with cell phone in hand I began walking up the street stopping cars in the middle of the road. I asked the occupants of each vehicle if they had seen a 4 year old little boy wearing dark blue spaceship pajamas. I was not afraid to stick my head in the car, check the back seat and then ask the people to pray for my Son. Heading back down the street, passing the house, I raised my head expecting to hear..."We found him" and still nothing. I was holding tight to the words, HE IS NOT LOST and yet, still he was not found. The search continues for what seems like and unbearable eternity. I came across a man walking a dog who said he was over at the school and there was no one else over there. Pondering "life" in my head and again praying aloud, I looked up to see the Sheriff's patrol car and my Mom converged in the street. I ran to the car and began answering their questions.....a brief pause in the questioning and then sweet, welcome words rang loudly through the air....."We found him"

I ran with the speed of a cheetah back to the house where the kids ushered me to the living room where Christopher lay wedged between a coffee table and a couch. I quickly picked him up and asked the kids where he was. They said he was hiding under the couch. At that point I didn't know whether to squeeze him tight or whip his bum!!! He didn't have any idea there was a helicopter in the air looking for him or that there were compassionate strangers spending their Saturday morning driving around the neighborhood looking for a supposedly lost little boy or that 3 Sergeants had begun a perimeter search of my Grandparents neighborhood or that he nearly gave his sweet Great Grandparents a heart attack. He didn't have any idea the drama that was ensuing out from under the sofa where he had hidden nearly 40 minutes earlier because he didn't want to get in trouble because of his and Garrett's meaningless spat.

Thankfully, by this time, the Deputy was standing at the bedroom door (where I had walked to) so I had to restrain myself from the things I wanted to say to this darling little child. I had so many why and how questions for him but just kissed him and told my little blessing that I loved him.

I know there is a purpose and a reason for all things. Some we'll never understand and some we just don't want to understand. Christopher, indeed, was not lost..........but I was!!! I was lost and felt alone. I believe this experience was for me. It was to speak to me and to test me. Because of a series of bad choices, poor decision making and a total lack of good judgement, I have felt far from grace and far from Heavenly Father, far from being worthy enough to have my prayers be heard. I have felt inadequate in many ways for over a year. I felt that God couldn't possibly want to hear from or speak to such a failure. I have been so lost and after the WORST 30+ minutes of my life, I was able to start to discover certain answers and be found again. I've been torn into pieces for a period of time and through a series of recent events have begun to see that with the Lord's help, my puzzle is being put back together, one piece at a time, one scripture at a time, one moment at a time, one prayer at a time. I believe that Heavenly Father allowed me the feeling of peace and fully knowing that my Son was not LOST as reassurance that He hears me and if I will stop and listen, I will surely hear Him. It is now, as I look back upon the events that unfolded, I realize how much healing, love and reassurance I have received through that scary morning. I received the impression that Christopher was not LOST. Never was the impression that he's safe, he's not dead, he's at home.....The words were HE'S NOT LOST. I was lost and that morning, I began to open my eyes and be found. It took the fear of thinking my Son had been kidnapped, my Son, my baby, one of the most important things in my life to get me anxiously engaged in a meaningful interaction with the Lord. Many people have endured far worse than I and never received what I received that day. My impressions and personal revelations that day are so precious and priceless to me and I am thankful for the experience, the mercy shown to me. As for my darling Christopher..........he claims the Holy Ghost told him it was time to come out of hiding. I learned more lessons, more about myself, about my faith, about authority, about unconditional love and gratitude that day than I can even begin to list. That morning of complete horror and madness was one of the most beautiful experiences of my mortal life. I'm working on becoming whole but at least I'm not lost. You're never so far from your Daddy in Heaven that you can't stop what you're doing, right where you are, in the very moment you are in and tell Him you need to find your way back.

Happy 10th Birthday MacKenna

Today is MacKenna's 10th birthday. She is officially a decade old. We are so proud of her and all that she has become and all that is yet to come. Happy birthday MacKenna! Oh, and I made her go to school with a "Birthday Princess" headband bobber on. It was super funny.

NORDSTROM

They just celebrated 13 yrs yesterday. Definitely something to celebrate........cause marriage is TOUGH! check out her blog.

Birthday's for the month of April

Jim- 3rd
Mackenna-9th
Devon McLaws-12th
Caelen-12th
Robin-16th
Brynn-20th
Amy-24th
Chandler-15th
Meridee-27th
Jacob-29th
Krista-30th

Reunion Commmittee

Food/Menu
1. Dayna/Menu
2. Beth
3.

Talent Show
1. Ashley
2.Jill
3.

Activities
1.Tami
2.
3.

Clean up
1. Robin
2. Shane and Mattie
3.

Game to determine who is in charge of the next reunion.
1. Keara's Survivor idea.
2.
3.


Any other committee we need to make up let me know. Please contact Stephen Passey Reunion Coordinator. 928-243-0033

Hanna Banana

WHAT!! OOOOoooooh! Who is that???? What show is she on? Look at her hair. OH, I LOVE IT! Happy Birthday Old Lady! (i know it's saturday, but now I won't miss it)

Clips from 1st reunion