I have to say that being a blogger has enriched my life! What? Enriched? You may ask. But yes, I have so many things to be thankful for because of Blogging. As I write, I can reflect on my blessings and my loves. I love to turn on my computer in the quiet of the morning and take a journey with those that I love, gather things to think about through my day, and smile and laugh about a lot. Even shed a few tears. (Definitely my longest post to date…warning…;)
The obvious is keeping in touch with my kids who are far from me, Heidi, Matt and J-man, Brendon and Stephanie. Love to see how life is with them away from California. With pictures and videos…my goodness it is great! Since you have taken a piece of my heart with you to those other states, I love to see you during the week! Then Garen, to have a glimpse into our oldest’s thoughts even though he lives at home. He is a bit of a private soul. Although he is quite happy these days, and it shows in his face and how often we see him. You and your brothers and sisters keep me going in love and compassion, devotion to all that is right and good.
Two of my sisters are bloggers, but not often enough for me!! Come on girls I need MORE! You are indeed my sisters by birth, heavenly and earthly, and I would choose my siblings again, and again, and again. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I wish we had more time together, so blogging helps a little! My two sisters-in-law who blog along with me. I know we chose to be part of this Holmes clan of love and faith. We have all so much to be thankful for in the rich heritage we have been blessed with by birth and by marriage, and the legacy that will continue because we are who we are! Love your guts!
My nieces and nephews and their exciting and growing lives. I have seen you grow since birth. You have made so much of your gifts and talents, and wonderfully now teaching me things about instilling all that is good into daily life. Getting degrees, starting companies, Finding your soul mate spouses, supporting those spouses, loving your family and the Lord. Hugs and kisses (and tickles) to you!
I have met new people like Marie, a Canadian, who now resides in England. She is a member of our faith, and she is a chef by profession. She is an inspiration by design of our Father in Heaven. LOVE her Daily insights and recipes. What an open heart you have, and give so freely from it.
Newly acquired family - the Warner clan…Dad, Cole is a quiet soul, and shares what he has read, and feels with his children. Reflections on life, and our beloved Marianne. I love learning more about her through her family. You are missed sweet friend. Katherine is an inspiration, she is our Julia’s older sister, wise beyond her years. Hiliarious as all get out! Talented cook and I have learned so much from her expertise in the kitchen. One of the first bloggers I ever heard about because my Grant said "Mom, have you seen Katherine’s blog? It has the best recipes! " He was right we love the recipes and we love Katherine, Bobby, Franny and Sophie. Kirksville, MO neighbors to our Brendon and Stephanie, and helped forge their way…
Getting closer to people that I have known for years, but have also moved away like Lauri. After having served together in the Corona Stake Young Women’s we became friends through tears of service, of faith, of family and laughter. I love having her back in my life from Arizona, I need an infusion of your thoughts regularly, thank you!
Getting closer to long time friends like Lura, as we share often the loves in our lives. Lura is one sweetheart of a sister, few people have such a natural exuberance for life. She recently came to my aide with my "sisters" Diane and Karen the day before and the day of Jordan’s wedding reception. Couldn’t have done it without her.
Next blessing – Getting to see how the Young Women and Young Men of the Corona Stake have grown into amazing people. Be it single and fabulous, or wives and mothers, fathers and hubbies…..wherever you may be! Oh my goodness, this is quite a long list and makes up so much of my blog list. They grew up with my daughters and sons and I was privileged to be a part of their lives then. I feel like an auntie now, as I watch them raise their babies, develop incredible talents in themselves as well as lead and guide their children on the path of righteousness. I thrill with each peek into their lives as they celebrate each milestone and each of you reading this, know that I love you and I am so proud of the great lives you are living.
Then my new sisters who came into my life in the Eastvale Ward while Russell was serving as Bishop. Amazing and talented creatures you are ladies! I love seeing life thru your vibrant and amazing lives as you anticipate births, see the humor in raising your children, remind me of those days gone by, raising babies, and trying to keep it ALL TOGETHER. You have inspired me to seek my life’s dreams, and see life thru your camera lenses, your beautiful children’s faces, how in love you are with your hubbies, and how you serve your families, while creating, studying, rocking, decorating…mmmmmm life is good as I visit.
So I thank those who I get to check on daily, hope you don’t mind how often you see my message. My friend Kamee helped me to see that it is "leaving a little love" as we share our thoughts on cyber-pages. I know it is time for journaling those treasured times in life. Excited to hear that you can publish our blogs into books.
Thanks for writing, for reading, for sharing, for inspiring, for loving….. you have blessed my life.
Cody was called to be the District Leader for the second month of his stay there, so he also was pretty busy with his duties and learned a great deal from that experience.
His Branch President and wife are pictured here. I know Cody really respected him and learned alot from meeting with him regarding his calling. 
Cody had gym time at the same time as Elder De La Cerda from our stake here in Corona. They sure look happy to be there don't they!!
Cody really enjoyed his weekly trips to the Provo Temple. He was able to do the work of the Lord in His Holy House, and loved those experiences.
He was able to call us from the airport the night he left to Honduras. He is showing us here on the famous world map in the MTC where Honduras is. 
It was good to hear his voice, and even better to hear the things he wanted to talk to us about. His love and concern for his family, checking on his younger brother and his progress in preparing for a mission. Our study of Preach my Gospel. His excitement to get to the work of the Lord.
So we strolled down the Pier, and I asked my more reserved hubby if it would embarrass him too bad to take a picture of me on this bench, he was okay with it.
We watched some surfing and some seagulls.
Then we made it to the diner, and got right in. When we came out it was dark, and the coast was lit up. we didn't grow up with the HB Coast all developed, it was a much simpler time.
Thank you my sweetie for a spontaneous romantical evening, holding hands and having quiet moments together. I love you!
Last but not least, my sister in law 
And what a perfect wedding it was! Our photographer Tonya has not quite finished working her magic, but here is a sneak peek, she shared these with us on her blog. 
Tonya and her sister Gena (sorry for earlier wrong name!)spent the day with us, and we can see that we are going to love how they have captured our lovin' couple and their day. Isn't this fun!
And the brothers and sisters of the groom - minus and truly missing our Elder Cody Holmes. (He leaves for Honduras tonight from the MTC, and we will be talking to him from the SLC airport, can't wait!) We also forgot Grant's matching tie, notice the smooth way he is trying not to show it~
At Brendon and Grant's we did not get pictures with our grandparents, so I made sure that was one of our first pictures. We had Grandma and Grandpa Holmes and Pitt, and Breana's only living grandmother...her Nana, who just celebrated her 90th birthday. Absolutely wonderful and we love that they were all with us in the Temple and for this great day.
Jackson is so glad his daddy is here with us for this special day....he missed his dad!
My sweetheart sister in law Sara Holmes. We could not have created this day without the selfless help of our dear family and friends. Sara was one who helped out alot!
It is also usually the first request of our Brendon, who arrived here with his sweet Stephanie tonight. So...Russell picked Steph and Brendon up at the airport, while I am still working on bridesmaid dresses for Heidi and Randi. We decided to meet at our favorite hamburger joint for dinner. Jackson was busy winning the hearts of BJ & Steph,
We enjoyed double doubles animal style, fries...
I am amazed often by the goodness of life as we participate in the ordinances of the Gospel. How truly joyful it is to witness, hear and feel the spirit working in my life and those that I love and care about. This weekend was a big one for the sweetness of these things. 
She was so prepared, and you could tell by the peace and joy on her face that it was a very special experience for her in preparation to be sealed to our Jordan this Saturday. It is quite a gift to receive these Wonderful new daughters and son into our family as they have prepared themselves to make and keep sacred covenants and work out their salvation along side our children. Absolutely amazing. 
Uncle Adam Kempler, Russell & Phillip have a good visit with the men folk!
5 weeks ago
