Hi all this is Kayla wanting to share just a little bit. I have loved reading about everyone's memories and current experiences, I know that Jeff shared already about trek but I wanted to add something. On our second night after we had been drenched mud flooded and soaked our feet were soggy and yet somehow crusty. They were sore and in some cases blistered but most of all they were cold. My sweet husband reminded me so much of our savior as he beckoned his "daughters" to come to the cleaning posts (something they set up for us for our last night) there were buckets of warm water and soap. Jeff asked the girls to sit down and he untied their boots or sneakers and began washing and warming their feet until they were sparkling. He did this to each of the girls. He showed them how much he had appreciated their hard work sacrifice and incredible atitudes. I will honestly think of this often for the rest of my life. I can see him right now, flannel shirt, red beard, messy hair and dirty tattered clothes kneeling on one knee washing the girls feet. How he reminded me of my savior in that moment. I love him so much, and although we continue to struggle in so many ways we are surely blessed beyond our deserving in the subject of love. Just had to share that moment on this the journhall! Love you all :)

A quickie...

Just wanted to take a quick minute to add some thoughts and answer questions. First, and most important, yes Jeff the house was purple. The last time I drove to Cedar Point the house was still there, and that is the moment I started getting excited knowing we were close. However, when we were leaving I did wish Mom was around to drive so that I could nap all the way home. It really puts it into perspective driving up early in the morning, walking around all day, and then driving home at night, while everyone else sleeps how tired Mom must have been; and then to wake up and go to work the next day. It was only a one day vacation, but the best vacation we ever did. Angela and I talk about it every year, how to get our kids to Ohio and experience Cedar Point now that they are old enough to ride the rides. We did Lagoon here in Utah last year, it was fun, but nothing compared to Cedar Point. Cedar Point is one of my fondest memories, and truly is one of the most fun places ever. Mom, absolutely you can give Angela and I some names to do. Giving us names will help motivate me to go more often. Angela is always pushing me to go, but there is always an excuse not to (usually my fault). We are planning to go in June, because every weekend in May is now booked. I enjoy temple work, but genealogy is more interesting once you, not me you, uncover some cool information. The actual work is tedious and boring to me, but I love hearing about what you are learning, Mom, so kudos keep up the good work. Your blessing probably meant if you don't do it, none of your kids will, so your side may stall out with you over time. Sorry Mom! Jeff, it is great to hear about your phone interviews, those are always so difficult. You cannot get a vibe as easily of the interviewer. We are praying for you every time we pray. It sounds like you have a lot happening, I am curious to know more about blazerate.com, what is it? Deciding between that and this possible new job sounds like a tough decision, but I know with the Lord's guidance you will make the right decision. I totally understand the bird in the hand. That is why I took the valet/parking attendant job and then the security job. I kept thinking of the man on the roof during a flood, waiting for the Lord to save him. I took the jobs, and each one opened up better future opportunities. Separating your head and heart from the Spirit can be difficult, but if anyone is able to do so, it is you. Sometimes it is hard for us to see the means to an end that the Lord can see. We will continue to pray for you and your family. What is the company's name anyways? You are always so secretive, telling us just enough to make us curious, but never enough to fulfill my questions. Rude!

Okay, well this was suppose to be a quick update, so Connley is 10 this week, Angela just turned 34, I will be 36 in June, and Mason will be 12 in July. Our little family is not so little anymore, especially me...I am fat! We are anxious to move, and the kids are hoping this is the last new ward and school. We are very excited for Jeff and fam's visit. Jeff we would be happy to pick you up from the airport, you can stay the night with us, and then all travel down to St. George or whatever. I will taking off the whole time you are here so we are open to whatever. I figure you guys can take one of our vehicles so that you have freedom to go do whatever, whenever. When you fly in to SLC we would love to pick you up and will have plenty of room for you, so I hope you know you are all welcome to stay with us as many days as you need in SLC. Well, I guess I better get back to work, hope all of you are well and hope to see each of you soon.

love reading

I read and reread and then read to Rick the latest blogs from all my kids. We are enjoying them so much. Perhaps Jeff is correct...tender mercies might be the correct words..I cry each time I read them so not sure what to think of that! I, too, have such fond memories of Cedar Point. I told Rick if we get called to serve in Kirtland we will have to visit Cedar Point so I can relive some of my memories. Wouldn't that be fun!! I would be so happy and so sad at the same time. I can remember everything about it. What you each wore..I always had the boys wear the same color shirt so I could keep track of each of you by counting red shirts or blue shirts..etc. It worked because I never lost anyone. Sherri, did you yell at Jeffrey? Shame on you... Last night I went to the temple and did went through the endowment session for my aunt Mary (my Dad's sister). What an exciting night! She only died in 2012. I kept wondering last night if she was getting to be with my parents and her parents that have had their work done many years ago. I wish I knew more. At any rate, I will keep on doing and have faith that they will accept what they didn't know about here. I cannot tell you how excited I am...hope you don't get tired of me saying it. I do have questions: Should I send any names of men to Jeff and Mark to do endowments for some of my extended family in SC and SLC? Would you want me to have the baptisms, confirmations and initiatories done here? Obviously, we will do the work for Uncle Wayne, Grandpa, Uncle Denny, Uncle Dan this summer, but there are many other names that need done. I would be glad to send you a few names for you to do in the meantime as well as some for Angela and Kayla. Only if you want them though. I don't want to make you feel obligated. Rick teaches Gospel Doctrine in our ward now. He taught today for the first time. Did a bang up job. Jeff, I don't know how you prepare a lesson every day. That is a ton of preparation. By the way, I took your advice and read 1Peter last week. Thanks for the advice. It was a quick and easy read and yet had lots of meat in it. Do you have dates yet for your visit to UT? The sooner we know, the easier to make plans. Miss Connley turns 10 this week...wow, my grandchildren are getting so big. Not sure how to slow it down,but I don't like that we don't have any babies in the family anymore. Good news about Chad. You never know when the right one will come along. It is fun to see them enjoying after a mission though. I will watch for Elder McLean here in St.George. What a coincidence! Well, everyone is busy. I talked to David tonight and encouraged him to get on our blog and read and blog us a note. He doesn't have a computer up and running currently and I do know it is harder on the phone, but I hope he will try. I think he could use our encouragement. I updated him on the family. If I could get him excited in genealogy, he could spend sometime in Ohio helping me out.. Sure love my family. Glad I have been blessed with each of you and thank God every day that I get to be your mother. See you all soon. Mom

Happiness

Man oh man it makes me happy to see all the post. I don't blog throughout the week but I check it daily and it is great to hear about you. Where to start? Marcus Aerilious made me cry. That's uncalled for. But I am grateful to hear my siblings talk about Mom and express their feelings. It is a tender mercy for me and I'm sure Mom as well. Sher, we are anxious to hear about Kenna. When you get the call, we want to be on Skype. A young man who is such a genuinely nice good kid got his call this week. He is 20. He wasn't too excited to go on a mission. His dad is in Afghanistan working and he has been going to school and working full time helping with is family. He is the oldest in his family and had a girlfriend. He always comes to play ball and comes for Sunday dinner occasionally. He decided one day that all his friends from high school were not happy because their poor choices and all his friends that he plays basketball at church are so happy because they served missions. So his call came and we all met at the church for him to open it. He is called to serve in the Utah St George mission. I'm so pumped for him. He will be great out there. Elder McLean is his name. Missionary service is the best. Like Mark said, we think about it daily and it truly molds who we will be. Kenna will be a better mom, wife, daughter, sister, and person because of it. Chad is becoming normal finally. He was holier than thou for a bit. He has a girl that is incredible he is talking to. She lives in Payson and he is moving there in 3 weeks to go to BYU in the summer. She served in Argentina with him and left the same day. He said they never served near each other but when he was home he looked her up on Facebook and they started talking. Then he flew there last week to see Elias and they went on a few dates and they are very cute. His parents are freaking out a bit but I think he will take his time. Mark, about Zion hikes. I will hear next week about the Subway. If we don't get it, Orderville is very fun. Josh liked it better than Subway. I think we have to fly into slc. Vegas is the second hardest place to fly on standbye. And because we are a family of 5, slc is easier to get on. I had my first phone interview with this company. They asked me to submit my resume to two different departments. I won't hear anything for a few weeks. I am torn, I want it because it's way better than anything I have now and a bird in the hand...you know. But the company I'm trying to start is called blazerate. It's almost ready and when it is ready I won't be able to dedicate the right time they will both deserve. Just grateful for the Lords watchful eye and know if I stay close to the spirit that He will provide. I have watched his hand in my life as a kid growing up like we did. Hard work, sweat, sacrifice, and selflessness goes a long way. I thought a lot lately of Cedar Point. Mom worked all year putting away a bit from each check for us to go for one day a year to keep the great tradition her father stated. I remember leaving so early to get up to Sandusky when it opened or an hour after. I remember waking up after being squeezed onto the floor of the car to certain houses that were different colors. I want to say purple or green. Anybody know? Then we would start seeing seagulls and we would all be excited. I loved the tradition of pizza, red soda, and the fast merry go round where the horses raced then off to the cars where kids could drive on that track. I loved everything about those days from the food, the rides, thunder mountain, the car rides, the sun going down and the lights all over the park, the sky ride thing, and just being together as a family. What a sacrifice it was. Thanks Mom and to each of my brothers and sister for being a part of it, except when Sherri yelled at me when I got lost, or when I was too scared to go on the magnum and a few people poked fun. If my kids get scared of stuff I force them to do it. That's why they can all cliff jump and are part crazy. I make them because I don't want them to be made fun of for being scared. I will say I'm still scared of old names in the Bible like Malachi and kids dressed old school in corn fields because of scary movies at a young age. Watching Halloween at dad's condo and y'all fell asleep and the tv was blue and I was petrified for weeks. Still gives me bad feelings. Still hate michael Meyers. Mom, I'm so excited to all go to the temple this summer and do work for our loved who are waiting in the spirit world. I'm glad you are tearing it up. I have not caught the itch yet. So are we or are we not related to Sir Issac Newton? Just so everyone knows, Mom is not the only nurse in the family. Kayla was a nurse on Army Wives this week. And other than cleaning bed pans, cleaning or seeing blood, helping sick people, or giving meds, Kayla is a great nurse. Gives a whole new meaning to "Hello Nurse". Love you all.

oh my goodness

Hey Hall Gang, I am tearing it up with Genealogy...I am not kidding. The Lord is opening up doors that I never thought would be opened. Sherri and McKenna went and did some female baptisms and confirmations for me today and then Sherri went back and did some initiatories. I am doing endowments on Saturday. I am way in deep. Can't sleep, don't want to stop to work or eat. I am just finding stuff that I am so excited about. Someone is doing my temple work in Columbus Ohio Temple by the name of gunklesbe which is the name of my great great great grandfather. I cannot believe it!!!!!!!!!! I have never heard of anyone in Ohio by that name so he must live in the temple district but outside Columbus. I am on fire. I will have names for you to do this summer. I have Grandpa Hall and Wayne's ready. and will have Denny's as soon as Sherri gets me a few more dates. I am so excited and hope you will catch the vision. Ok, enough. Love you all. MOm

crying

Darn it!! sitting at my desk and crying, crying, crying. Mark, why did you have to spoil my make up today? I love your post and just had to say thank you. I cannot understand how I deserve such a great family, but I sure am loving it! What a day and Happy Birthday to a wonderful beautiful daughter-in-law....34 years old today, Miss Angela. Wow, I remember when you were in HIgh School. Hard to believe how fast the years are flying by. I am sure glad you joined our family. I am back to work, but wanted to tell Mark how much I loved his blog. What a son!!!!!!! sure love him and all of you. Have a great day!! A grateful Mom

A little scolding has done some good

Well it looks like Mom's scolding about not blogging has done us all some good. Don't let it go to your head Mom, because it won't work twice, haha. First, let me respond to some of the blogs before me. Jeff, Wicker Park was the worst movie of all time, and you literally recommended it. It is not the only one...i track people's recommendation records and you are at 27%. Meaning 27% of what you recommend is actually good, to Angela and I. We are so excited for McKenna. Had the missionary age been lower when Angela was that age, she definitely would have served. Actually had she not met a handsome prince prior to turning 21 she would have served. My mission was the best thing I did up till that point, and continually impacts my life on a daily basis. Many people tell me how lucky I am that Angela is so beautiful, but I scoff and correct them. It is not luck!! They say the harder you work on your mission, the better looking your spouse will be...obviously I worked harder than anyone else! Haha. Mom, we are not sure if Mason will be going on the Trek now since we are moving. If we moved in June or July we were going to still have her go with our old ward, but since we are moving in May we are hoping our new ward/stake is having a Trek and she will participate with that one, but if not she still will have Girls Camp. We will make ourselves available whatever dates Jeff and his fam come out. I intend to take work off, as does Angela. If we want to do anything in Salt Lake we are happy to put people up, as we will have plenty of room this year. I know last time we talked about Salt Lake for a few days, but space wise it didn't work out, so I am just throwing that out there. Jeff, if I need to put in for any hikes, Orderville, etc. let me know I will do whatever so that we can have a fun hike. They are becoming great adult family memories, so let's do something.

Now for my actual blog update. We have found a house in Eagle Mountain Ranches. For those unfamiliar with Eagle Mountain it is out by Saratoga Springs. The Ranches is the new planned development that lies between Saratoga Springs and the downtown city of Eagle Mountain. Eagle Mountain is a growing area, and although will require a little bit of a commute, it will be worth it in the evenings and on weekends when we want to relax and get out of the city a bit. The home is beautiful, and will allow us to offer a place for family to stay anytime they travel to or through Salt Lake. Everyone is welcome at any time! We are going to rent it for a year, and then plan to buy it in March or April of next year. Our goal is to make this our last move until the girls leave for college. More than anything we want our girls to have a place they feel is home, and where they can establish some real roots. I love the fact that we grew up in the same home, neighborhood, schools, and ward our entire childhood. I think there are pro's and con's to both moving and staying, but going into high school I think it is important or at least nice to have some established social circles and a place you feel like is home. That is why we wanted to move now, to allow Mason and Connley the opportunity to get establish so when they go to high school in 2-3 years they will have friends and a ward support system. We have been humbled by the many blessings we have received the past year or two. Selling the bakery in Cedar City was a difficult decision, and one I think about all the time, but moving to Salt Lake was the best decision for our family and has allowed the Lord to use us and bless us as he sees fit. We would never have imaged we would be where we are right now two years ago when we sold everything we owed in Cedar City and moved to Salt Lake into a 750 square foot duplex that worried mom upon seeing it. The home was small, uncomfortable, lacked any amenities, and was in disrepair, however these are the things we as a family needed. The small size of the home forced our girls back into a bedroom together where they have become best friends, and you can hear constant talking and giggling every night for an hour after bedtime. It force our little family to interact more and spend time together, since there was no such thing as going off to be alone with only a family room and bedroom. With one bathroom and no dishwasher it forced us to work together, and all pitch in keeping the dishes washed and put away (we could have done better on that). The lack of amenities were tough, especially no a/c in the summer, but it made us appreciate other things, it got us out of the house more, and made us more considerate of those who have a lot less than us. More than anything moving to Salt Lake allowed our family to move on from past obstacles and negative experiences and begin fresh. We really did not know anyone in Salt Lake so we were forced to rely on one another, and socialize in order to make some friends. Our kids are better at that last part, but we have made friends with many neighbors and co-workers that has been nice. We learn to rely more heavily on the Lord, enjoy each day because hey why not, and focus on the positive rather than the negative. We did not get down, or say why us or why not us when others saw success, I mean yes those moments come, but we did not linger on them, instead we said hey, we have two beautiful, healthy girls, Angela and I have a strong, loving relationship after many bumps and rocky roads, and we have everything we need, forget the wants. Eventually, we started to acquire more blessings, and seriously last year we thought we had almost everything a person could want, and were so happy. I was working as a security guard, nights and weekends, but with each paycheck we could pay our bills and had a little left for activities or treats. We spent the summer going to the local water park once a week, and had so much family time it was great. Then I got my new job, and literally we felt so grateful, many moments of reflection prior to the job and after occurred. We now had all that we needed. I had a job I felt good about, we had incomes that allowed us to have more than we needed, and our family was closer and happier than ever. The blessings did not stop, and with each one after my job, we began to feel guilty. We felt undeserving and glutenous. Others around us, in our own family, were struggling and yet we were continuing to be blessed in ways we could never image. After much prayer and questioning, why are we so blessed, we truly came to learn that this is the Lord's plan and He has a need for us. Now we feel guilty when we are blessed and then guilty for feeling guilty, as if we are ungrateful. I am not sure why the Lord has blessed our family, but I know that it is not because he wants us to have a ton of money or live in a big house. The Lord and I had many conversations during those nights I worked security, and I had many vivid dreams, that I thought we don't need it but if I ever have it this is what I will do. The Lord has fulfilled those dreams, and now is expecting me to go through with what I envisioned.

Mom stated in her blog that she is not sure what we received from her, what we got from you Mom is the most precious gift of all, a living testimony of our Heavenly Father, his Son, Jesus Christ, and the restored gospel on the earth. The thing I learned on my mission, is it would be very difficult to join the church when no one else in your entire family is a member. Mom joined the Church through so much opposition, and she remained strong and faithful through even more and harder opposition. What an example and testimony of love and faith. As we all know Mom is not perfect, none of us are, sorry Mom, but she was the perfect mother for 5 kids that had to endure divorced parents at a time divorces were rare, perfect for 4 boys that were determined to kill one another, and for children that would stray from the lifestyle of the Church, but not from their testimonies. She was strong, consistent, and steadfast in her love, her adherence to the gospel, and to chores. She did not give in and take it easy on us, she demanded our best and showed us what that meant through example. She did not say go and do, she took our hand, showed us how, and then said now you do it. She sacrificed, wept, and prayed endlessly not for herself or for money (except for food), or for a new life, but for 5 kids that had a lifetime of hardships ahead that we would be protected, led, and someday worthy to enter the temple and the celestial kingdom as a family reunited forever. She prayed that because she had to work, leaving us home alone after school, that we would not pay the price, but that we would be okay, physically and spiritually. Mom you gave me an example of what Heavenly Father's love means, because if it is like your love for us then sending his Son for the rest of his children makes a little more sense. I will not share my full testimony here, but I hope each of you, my brothers, sister, and Mom know that I know that we have a Heavenly Father that loves us, and He loves us so much he sent his Son, Jesus Christ to earth to suffer for our sins so that we might return to live with them and together as a family forever. I know that Jesus Christ atoned for our sins, and they together know we will stumble and fall, but hope we get back up and keep running. I love each of you. We are a family, and that means more to me every year. I pray for your safety physically and from the evils of Satan; depression, sin, negativity, and unproductive remorse. I pray that if you ever need anything you will call upon your family for strength, help, and support. May we forgive one another, if nothing else because we are family, and work together to be reunited in the eternities forever. Thank you for all of your prayers and support for me, Angela, and our girls over the many years. They made a difference! I look forward to seeing you whether in July or hopefully sooner.

put mommy to shame

Okay, okay,I can't stay away. I tried, but then I read your email and Sherri's and yours again today and I began to feel such pride in my kids for being so faithful and I forgave your ignoring our family blog and I am back on track. Forgiveness is something I am very good at..one of my better traits so I forgive you all for not blogging. Of course, Michael and David have ignored us for way too long. I love reading all the exciting things Jeff and Sherri have to report. I cannot believe the things that happened on Trek. wow, what a spiritual experience. Mark, when is Mason's trek? we need to coordinate Jeff and Kayla's trip. Sherri told me just today that June 15 until July 21 is good for her so try to work around those dates. Kenna is getting excited and we are excited for her. Rick and I are still trying to figure out houses. He was called to teach Gospel Doctrine and in his setting apart, the Bishop told him that everything would work out. Not sure just how, but we do have faith that it will. My good news this week is that tomorrow at 8:00 am I will have my last front tooth put in. Yes, after 7 months of wearing a flipper, I will have my 2 front teeth. I am excited beyond belief. I will talk without a lisp, I will not have a plate in my mouth, I will be able to eat without catching everything on the roof of my mouth..yea.....yea....yea.... My brother, Steve, sent me an email and told me my aunt Dorothy has rectal cancer. She is my favorite and closest aunt. She lived in Belle Valley and I grew up with her kids. We saw her all the time and I love her dearly. I am so sad and am hoping she will make it until I can get home this summer. She was married to my dad's brother. I know you don't know her and that makes me sad, but I sent her pictures of all of you every year so I feel like she knows you. Life goes so fast. I went to the genealogy library yesterday and found out that clear to my 5th generation on both my parents families has had most of their ordinanaces done. I am half sad over this. I should be happy, but my patriarchal blessing says if I don't do it, it won't be done. I was told at the library that someone is very actively working on my lines. They assured me that I definitely have family members in the church. I know it is not my children doing these ordinances so who is it? I was wanting to take a name to the temple this Saturday for our Stake temple days. I couldn't even find one to take as their ordinances are done. Can you believe it? I am so surprised and should be happy, but I should have done it for them. I did initiatories this past week...I had forgotten what beautiful blessings are promised there. I have a real testimony of the temple ordinances. Let's really plan to spend some time in the temple this summer as a family. I would love that. That could be my mother's day gift. Well, I hope everyone has a great week. I love Jeff's HaLL THING. Just so you know...that is so creative. I cannot understand how my kids are so creative. I guess you got that from your dad. Not sure what you got from me. Doesn't matter...you all turned out pretty darn good so I guess you got some good from each of us. For sure we are both proud of you. Love you. Mom

Consistency

Well look who is posting two weeks in a row. I love when I go to our site and I see new ones. Thanks Sher. It's depressing when no one says anything. I know we are all busy. Mark and Ang, running hospitals and looking for a home. Sher and Brett, moving, surgery, bakery, and a few life changes with kids becoming adults. Mom, prepping for retirement and traveling every weekend...and working her normal 60 to 80 ours a week, like she has done since I met her. Mike, I texted a few times this week. Trying to make things work with his business and family. I'm not sure if he doesn't want to sound depressed and doesn't want us to feel like he is bringing us down or if he thinks our lives are just so smooth as we post about our families. Mike, if your reading this, we want to help bear your burdens, help your kids, and help you know that family is eternal and we are here to help, support, and love you. All of our lives are difficult but you are not meant to bear it alone and you can't. David...I think you have time but we are all waiting for at least one post. As for me, I'm working at the airport today and I'm on break so I have some time.just finished my lesson for seminary. 1st Peter. Christianity is so new to the world and the apostacy is in full force. Christ has been dead (and resurrected) for just over 30 years and the apostles have started to be killed. Steven was killed and James, the half brother of Christ is dead. Paul is in prison and the saints are suffering. Peter teaches of trials and eternal reward if we endure it patiently and with good attitudes toward the Lord. We have lost loved ones to physical death and spiritual. I will not preach anymore, but if your are looking for a good read, it's just a few short chapters. This week I subbed at some schools that are 70% black. Because one of the rules of our journhall is only speaking kind words, I will just say that they are not like in the movie Remember the Titans or 42, which I saw this weekend and enjoyed. You can take my word for it, although Mark doubts my critic skills. I made one bad call and he forever holds it against me. Don't ever ever ever see Whicker Park. Turns out I just thought the blond was hot so....my bad. Sher, I'm so excited for Kenna. I think the mission will do her wonders and she will grow in so many ways, but she does love her some home life. They have made it easier because missionaries can now email whomever they want weekly. So we can all get in on the action. Kayla is the best at it. Never missed a week with Justin or Chad. Now, she is not the best at waiting for missionaries (gratefully) but she is a good writer. So proud of her. I bet mom thought she would be the first Sister missionary from our family...nope our little Kenna is. Something to hang her hat on. Side note, I am working on my website for public speaking. Getting close. Also another company I'm about to launch called blazerate should be out in the next few weeks. In the mean time, a guy from church got me an interview with his company. Actually based out of Utah but they need regional guys here. I will keep you updated. Cru finished out his last soccer game with 3 goals and 2 assist. He is getting very good and his corner kicks are honestly better than mine. I had to put him at sweeper So other kids would score and he still scored from mid field. Other than the fact he is the smallest on the field, he could play with older kids. He will be in U10 in the fall. Kayze and McCoy really want to play Tball. Im not too excited but I will give them a shot this next year. McCoy has been doing better at school and Kayze is the most thoughtful boy I know. We are planning on coming out in July and if Kenna is leaving after that, we will try again, maybe just me and a boy or Kayla but we will play it by ear. I put my name in the lottery for the subway in July. I will find out in a few weeks. If not, I think Orderville would be very fun. Ang, I never congratulated you for getting the supervisor job. You need to post about it. Come on, give us the goods. That's awesome. Welp, I love you all. "By NOW"

It's ME

It made my day getting on to check the blog and see Jeff's latest and pictures from Easter! I need copies of those Ang. HOW do you put pictures on here?? Come on Mark...you go tme all set-up but didn't show me that:)) I love looking at pics of everyone.
 Jeff and Kayla... you guys have had some neat things going on. Sometimes when we are in the "muddy waters", we dont notice all the sunny spots until we look back. I love the gospel and your optimistic view!! Thanks for being a great example to me as well as SO many others.
We  had a fun visit with Mark, Angie, and girls. Its just so nice to be together with family. I love my family! My family seems to be changing so much and it freaks me out. You all have heard now, but McKenna has 100% decided to serve a mission. SHe had a hard time deciding (which we wanted it to be her decision with no pressre) because she is so scared. She loves being home and it will be hard for her. She has her papers done, dr. appts done, and is just waiting to get with stake pres. We will skype you guys when she gets her call. Any guesses???
We had some friends lose their little two year old daughter in a drowning accident. Their strength amazed me. I am so grateful for the knowledge and peace we have in the gospel! It is truly my anchor. As are you all...thank you for helping me to be stronger in my life!
I hope we can get together this summer. Lets make some plans shall we?!
Love you all and have a great weekend,
SIS

second chances

No No No you don't. Mother, there is no quitting on our family journal. I have not quit, just need to get my priorities straight. I have so much to write and feel like I should space it out over a few weeks, but I will do as much as I can today. When we first moved in the ward here, there was man named Mike Pate. He and his wife Holly had moved here from California and he was a marine. They were struggling and he was not a member and was not interested in the slightest. He started coming to ball and he and I had a good connection. We have a missionary in our ward that is 25. His name is Elder Ah Koui. He is from LA but moved to St George and we knew his girlfriend really well. She told us he was coming to Charleston and had changed his life. Well they started working with Mike and they had a good relationship but Mike was losing interest. So we went on splits one Sunday and we talked about everything from Joseph Smith, Gift vs power of Holy Ghost, Priesthood presence in the home, blessings, Book of Mormon, to my back hair and mullet. Instead of asking why he wasn't baptized or what we he doubted, I asked him what he liked or what he felt was true. The spirit was strong and his family of 8 could all feel it. When we got in the car, the missionaries and all said simultaneously, "he will get baptized soon". We pulled over to offer a prayer of gratitude to Heavenly Father for the wonderful spirit felt. As we said Amen, Mike texted the missionaries and said he wanted to get baptized in two weeks and was so excited but he didn't want to tell his family till later that week. He asked me to baptize him and it was an amazing moment. Practically the whole ward was there and it was incredible to be in the waters of baptism again. I thought the next time I baptized someone it would be my first born. I love the gospel and the blessings it brings. We took a trip to Miami for a few days. It was crazy getting there, but we had a great time and the boys loved it. We also went on Trek the weekend of conference. It was our spring break and we left on Thursday morning. We were not too excited as Chad had just returned from Argentina Wednesday night. Jada was here with her 6 week old boy. Kayla really wanted to stay but we knew it would be a great experience even though we both didn't enjoy trek as youth. Well it had been great weather but Thursday it rained a cold rain from sun up till about 8pm. We went through swamps, rivers, mud, puddles, and a constant rain. As we were Ma's and Pa's, our 11 kids were incredible. We each made one rule for our family. Being optimistic in all things, being kind, supporting everyone, no mud fights, saying I love you...etc. I was honestly thinking they should cancel it after the first night. Everything was so wet. But the rain stopped, we dried out our clothes around the fires, we had hot stew and hot chocolate, and a great fireside. That night, the Hall family all piled in one large tent with Kayla and I being the chastity line. There were some magical moments for everyone those few days. The next day it cleared up and although we were covered in mud, our spirits were clean and bright. It made us all appreciate those that sacrificed so much before us and our testimonies strengthened. Kayla and I loved it and so did our kids. We had family chants or yells that we always included "Hall" in it. Hallar, Hallt (stop), WeHall (go), Where we go one...we go Hall, and H-A...L-L. There was pioneer games and then an old fashioned ho down and we danced the last night for a few hours. We handed out leather bracelets with a washer that had AKB on it. Our final devotional was about Joseph Smith. He Asked, he Knew, and he Became the prophet of the restoration. We can all Ask, Know, and Become our full potential. That night all the boys slept in a lean two. It was cold but we were so exhausted we only woke once every hour. I had to pee so bad but it was too cold and wet to even pull my head out of my bag so I held it all night. The next day we all had an incredible testimony meeting. In the middle of the woods, the sun came out, the birds were chirping and it was our own sacred grove. 120 kids singing and bearing testimony of the gospel...loved it. I'm so grateful to be a part of the Lord's Kingdom on earth. As terrible things happen around us and we face trials, our burdens are made lighter if we Come unto Him. I love Him and hope we can follow his example in the life and the next. I know our family is going through some muddy waters, but we all push a little and pull and little, we will Hall make it to the end. "Where we go one...We Go HALL" I will catch up more next week. Love you hAll.

ok what's up?

Here it is a week later since my last blog and I have decided that no one is blogging but me. I am going to stop as well. I am sad to think that not one of my children has taken time to let us know how they are doing. I guess everyone is too busy with their own lives, however, I would remind each of you that families are forever and nothing is more important than family! Love you anyway. Mom

fun Easter pictures

Thanks Angie for posting Easter pictures. What fun. Rick is at Priesthood and I had a few minutes. Hope all got to hear some of General Conference. I loved each speaker, but particularly enjoyed Boyd K. Packer today. Rick visited with his son recently and he is aging and his sons take turns spending each day with him. I remember when he was called as a General Authority. His son married a friend of mine from Ohio so I feel a connection..I got to meet him personally when he came to Ohio for the wedding reception. It was quite something in those days. He was a young man then and we were so excited to have a GA in Ohio. He had black hair and was so handsome and vibrant. Aging is a process we all go through as he said in his talk today. Rick and I got to enjoy having some family here for Easter and for spring break. We love company and wish our home was bigger. Hope everyone had a good EAster as well. Take time to blog and send a few pictures our way. Maybe Kayla and Jeff will send some pictures from trek. Love, Mom

Easter in St. George

Hallie having a fabulous egg hunt

Coloring Easter eggs

Kenna super stoked about her find

 

Brett showing off...again

Connley longing for the egg she cant reach

Cute!

Kamryn looking good while searching

Beautiful mother & daughter

Connley and Grandpa scheming

Mason and Grandma keeping secrets

Mark pausing to pose with me

Sherri thinks it is pretty funny that Mark and I left the choclate bunnies in the car...kids didnt agree

"Would you ask me to hold still for a picture if I were being chased by bears?!" 

Awwwww!