Jessica's Ten Commandments

Talking with 5-year-old Jessica about Moses today shed light into her understanding of the 10 commandments. According to Jessie, they are:


1. Don't shoot other people with guns

2. Don't be mean

3. Don't be rude

4. Go to sleep

5. Listen

6. Hugs

7. Share your toys

8. Listen to God (and Heavenly Father)

9. Listen to your Parents (pronounced Pawents)

10. Be happy with people with different skin

A NEW tool in her bag of tricks

5-year-old Jessica has discovered how to use the TV remote! This is her FIRST choice of stations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


HGTV:  SELLING NEW YORK!

We visited the BIG APPLE in 2007!

......She is such a CHICK!......

3 SNOW DAYS--school is OUT

During the holidays, a white Christmas did not occur in our town. Certainly, we had the winter temperatures, however, no snow fun was possible on the dry, hard ground.

The first of January, school was in session for 1 day followed by 2 SNOW days. Thursday and Friday, the kids attended school, only to enjoy a 4 day weekend because of Martin Luther King Day and a school preparation day.

Wednesday was business as usual until a WINTER WEATHER WARNING shut the schools down for Thursday!  Today is Friday and the kids are FINALLY in school!

Oh wait--tomorrow is the weekend!!!!!

....that did not last long!!!!!!!!!!!

Hunter wrestles a girl and WINS!

Hunter has enjoyed keeping in shape through his daily workouts with the wrestling team. The team is quite large this year and many of the athletes are competing in the sport for the first time which makes for some interesting competitions for the school team! Hunter has only been scheduled for a few tournaments, therefore, his experience competing in a "match" has been limited.

Thus when I witnessed Hunter's opponent for the above match, my "mothering" instincts kicked in and my anxiety arose! A PIN and a WIN is what I wished for and a QUICK one at that. Although watching the match made my hands sweat and my arms shake, I am pleased that Hunter survived and prospered!

Shelby & Thane Clark Wedding reception

Carson turns 12!

January 12, 2011   •   Carson's STAR birthday  •  12!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We enjoyed a delicious meal at a new Chinese Buffet near our house for Carson's birthday. Not only are the offerings fresh and plentiful, but they also include exotic choices such as sushi, crab legs, mussels, and more. A special "cake" was presented by the chef to our very special young man.

I am so proud of the young man my sweet, kind, and careful Carson is becoming. Although he has some challenges to overcome, (tourettes/ADD) he has met these with a positive and enduring attitude. He shows that he cares deeply for his sister by spending time playing what she enjoys and sharing his treasures with her. He works diligently to complete all his schoolwork with determination. He is rewarded with good grades and teachers that enjoy his calm demeanor. Carson constantly asks intriguing questions and desires to do what is right in every situation. He will make a wonderful addition to his youth group at church as he accepts responsibilities serving the quorum.

Elder Brandon Bishop--leaves for the Mission Training Center

 Our oldest son will spend the next 2 years in service to the spanish-speaking people residing in Provo, Utah. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has one of the largest contingent of proselyting missionaries than any other religion.

 For the next 2 months, he will be taught Spanish and other lessons he will use while teaching people interested in the LDS faith.

 Returning in January 2013, Brandon will meet an 8-year-old Jessie. 

Jessie will greatly miss her "wrestling" partner

Elder Brandon Bishop--leaves for the Mission Training Center

 Our oldest son will spend the next 2 years in service to the spanish-speaking people residing in Provo, Utah. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has one of the largest contingent of proselyting missionaries than any other religion. Two-by-two, young men and women age 19-21, embark on an amazing spiritual journey as they teach people all over the world.

 For the next 2 months at the MTC, he will be taught Spanish and other lessons he will use while teaching people interested in the LDS faith.

 Returning in January 2013, Brandon will meet an 8-year-old Jessie. 

Jessie will greatly miss her "wrestling" partner!

Cousins Jacob and Cody Hughes will also be 2 years older and wiser!!!!!

Aunt Kim, Grandma Evans, and our Stake President Priday, pose with the happy missionary.

This is our LAST family picture for 2 years. We will not see Elder Bishop during his mission and can only communicate through letters and email. Elder Bishop has turned control of his Facebook account to me and he turned his cell phone off. This allows for a complete focus on missionary work and puts aside previous cares and concerns.

As one imagines, these are daunting tasks for a young man just emerging into adulthood, however, the principles and blessings received because of this sacrifice are life-altering.

Read here to learn of blessings returned missionaries experience:

Although we will greatly miss him, Elder Bishop will be well taken care of and protected by a large and loving LDS church mission family living and serving in Provo, Utah.

Here is the link to Brandon's letters and pictures while on this mission: