31 years and counting!

How woulda thunk...these kids would turn into these grandparents! Here we are. And life is good. It has been a great journey hand in hand with my best friend and love. Here is to many more sweetest "to Eternity and BEYOND!!"

Our new baby girl has arrived!!

Little Miss Kennedy Layne Holmes joined our family November 3rd at 9:44 pm. She weighed in (only time you can say that about a girl with out a punch in the nose!!) at 7 lbs 6 oz. 20" long. Our sweet baby girl just gazed at her momma the 30 minutes or so that we were there last night. Breana did a great job, and is going to be an amazing mommy!!She looked so much like her daddy to me last night.

Tonight she looks likes a Holmes still, but different (of course, guys don't understand this at all!).

She reminds me a bit more of her momma, but she also looked a bit like my newborn Randi. Daddy is proud, Gramma is thrilled and in love, and Grampa was quietly taking it all in as is his way.

Welcome sweetheart...we love you so much already!

A Soccer Saturday!

I was quite the Soccer mom....at one time we had 5 boys playing on 3 teams, luckily every other year they could be on the same team. You can imagine me being the sideline cheerleader! I miss those days.

This year I was able to sponsor a cute little 6 year old boy to play soccer for the first time. His mom is one of the bus drivers at our school. She has been bringing Angel with her on her run occasionally since he was 3. She is a single mom and all the burdens that that can sometimes carry. We were talking one day about how she wanted to get him into something social, hopefully a sport, but her ex had been layed off, and child support in arrears, it just wouldn't be happening. So I got to be his Sponsor! I was able to go watch a game of the "Invaders". Angel started off as goalie, and as all good coaches do, subbed him and the other boys in and out during the game. When 6 year olds play soccer, it is quite entertaining....good exercise as they run, and run and run!!He was in heaven, he is having a great time interacting with the boys on his team. His coach is a great role model and support. Of course, there were the water breaks...No Victory on the score board, but absolutely one for this little guy! Great Day for a soccer game!

My Boy is 26!

He is just a little older than I was when he joined our family!
Brendon John was born #4 in the line of Holmes Children. He was a bit of a sober soul compared to my first 3. In being so, he was a bit more attached to mom the first years of his life. He was quieter than most.

Brendon amazed us all with his intellect, and his observation. Because in the quiet of his demeanor, he was always quietly observing, learning, storing up.

Brendon learned how to connect to the spirit and to his conscience very young as well. He has been an academic, (Go Cougars!) a sports enthusiast, volleyball on the top of his list. He knows how to set goals and how to acheive. Brendon is currently in his 2nd year in Medical School, in Kirksville, MO. He is doing the thing that he has talked about since he was 6 years old. He's gonna be a Doctor.

When Brendon was dating, he had high ideals and goals in his dating. He dated the modest girls, sweet girls. His college years concerned me a bit, as I waited for him to find that special and amazing girl that deserved his dedication to the Lord, and to his family and to his vision for his future. Well, we were so excited when we met Stephanie. As their relationship evolved, we saw in her an amazing young woman who was all he was and could see their Eternity begin with that sweet sense of peace. Brendon couldn't do what he is without her by his side.

We love her dearly. We are so blessed that our children have chosen the Perfect mates!

Now a new chapter begins as they prepare for the arrival of their baby boy in March. From my baby, to obedient boy, to surfer dude, college student, missionary, husband, college grad, med student, and now Daddy. We wish you a most Happy Birthday, and a wonderful year ahead! Love you son!

We are TIED!!

We are so pleased to introduce you to
Baby Boy Holmes! Brendon and Stephanie are due in March, and the big day of the Ultrasound was Friday! Brendon called as they left their Ultrasound Appointment. We are soooo excited.

So the Grandbaby count went from 1 to 6 in one year!! I guess that is what happens when 3 boys get married in one year, then less than 2 years later all have babies!! Do I hear "Multiply and Replenish the Earth"? Oh Yeah!

So here you have it: Heidi - Jackson 2 1/2 years old, Daphne - 4 months old,

Jordan and Breana - Our baby girl Kennedy due in 3 weeks or less!

Grant and Julia - One Girl and One Boy arriving as our Christmas Presents!

and TA-DAH! - Baby Boy Holmes arriving early March.

HOW BLESSED CAN ONE FAMILY BE??

I Feel My Savior's Love

#1 - I have no camera currently, so my blogging has slowed, as you can tell. But, I have a need to express my thanks to my Savior for an outpooring of the spirit in my life.

I have been attending the various Children's sacrament meeting Programs in our Stake. As the Stake Primary President, it is certainly one of the great perks to be able to see each ward's program as we sit literally at the feet of these most precious souls, and feel of their love of our Savior, and their voices raised in Praise of Him and what they are learning. At each one, I have had tears fill my eyes, and my heart warmed and enlarged by their pure faith in Him.

In the guide for this next year's Primary program, it speaks of attending these programs, and "being taught" by our children. I so agree with this, as I have experienced it first hand.

This year's program is about My Eternal Family. In the course of the year, they have talked about their own families, and the beautiful concepts of things they can do Now to prepare for a family of thier own someday. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is amazing!

#2 - I was able to attend a Regional "Little Philmont" training for scout and priesthood leaders. President David L. Beck - the General Young Men's President of our church, is truly a man of God. As he conducted, spoke, created a learning and sharing environment, I felt the spirit there, as he testified of the need for our young men to be involved in the scouting program, as the Activity arm of the Aaronic Priesthood. He reminded us, that whether in a scout shirt,or in a white shirt and tie, the young men are first, Priesthood holders, and whatever they do should magnify that Priesthood. In truth, I was not looking forward to giving up my Friday evening and full day Saturday to this training, but I have pondered the experience, words, and feelings of the spirit so much this week, that I am so grateful I was able to attend. The Lord knew I needed that!

#3 - My husband rocks! Yesterday was our Breana's baby shower. I had a busy day ahead of me. First thing when Russell woke up, I was out here on the computer making my "list" of what needed to happen, when and where, shopping...etc. Russell asked "do you need me to do anything for you?" Love This Man! He went to Sam's while I went to Ross, Brighton, and Stater's. He came home and made the chicken salad with Randi, and cut the rolls. Next we went up to the church where we set up tables and chairs, he filled the rolls with the chicken salad. then he ran home for a few things I forgot, went and got ice. After the shower, came and helped me clean up, took rocking chairs handed down to both our daughter's in law. Came home and tidied up the house, and dressed so handsomely in a white shirt and tie, and served with the other High Councilmen at the dinner following our Relief Society Broadcast. Cutest Waiter there!

#4 - The Relief Society Broadcast. The words of each speaker touched my soul, as did the music.
On our row in the chapel sat my Randi, Julia, Me, my sister Karen, my mother, and my aunt Jean. As we joined to sing " How Firm a Foundation" together, my eyes once again filled as the spirit filled my soul. I am Blessed.

If you have to turn 51!

If you are going to have a birthday.... then here are the great things that can happen.....like they did to me today!

The first message on my answering machine is ..." Happy Birthday Gramma...I love you (j-man) Happy Birthday mom, call us back, we love you (heidi). Followed by a call to Colorado for a talk to these cuties!

The first text message on my cell phone today "Happy 51st birthday sista!! Hope u have a great day=) from my brother Dennis.

The First voice message on my cell phone.... a most lovely, creative and resounding rendition of Happy Birthday to you from my sister Jana.

My first peek at Facebook today....Wowee kazowie.... you can surely feel some love from all the friends and relatives cyber singing and sending love and wishes my way!! Special love from my kids and siblings there too!!!

The first entry to the workplace....balloons, pastry, songs, and gifts.....always spoiled at my friends at school!

My first email.... a birthday wish from Julia

My first phone message at work today...birthday wishes from my sister Karen. She called again, and we got to chat :)

Treated to lunch by my office mate Christina....

Then my Russell, Garen, Randi and Skyler show up at my work with balloon, flowers, candy , a song, hugs and kisses!

Then......a song from my neice Meredith, and a chat with Kayla, a voice message from my brother Brent, text messages from Jordan and Grant. Phone call from my mother in law!

Arrive home from work, see the mail.... a card and gift from my brother Dennis, a Card and gift and a box of Hazel Holmes famous chocolates awaiting me!!

Now by way of sweet and generous gift card....Dinner at PF Changs! MMMMMM.

Sooooo, if you have to turn 51, I hope you get to do it in style like me! Thanks for all the love!!!