Flight Plans!

We got Sam's flight plan! He comes home on January 21st!! Exciting!!!Sam and one of his companions.

Sam and some 'cool graffiti'. (his words, not mine)

Finding 'Peace' this Christmas Season

"The Christmas season can seem hectic, but the angels sang of 'peace on earth'. In what ways do you find peace in your celebration of Christmas?" (Dec 2009 Ensign, p 34)

This year I have been kind of a scrooge about Christmas thinking that the season just brought more to do. I came across this quote the other day which reminded me I just need to adjust my attitude. "Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in merry is to have the real Spirit of Christmas." Calvin Coolidge

Then a quote from President Monson in the Ensign further reminded me what I needed to do to this Christmas season. "The Christmases we remember best usually have little to do with worldly goods but a lot to do with the spirit of caring, the spirit of love, and the spirit of compassion."

Siblings forever, friends most of the time.

Jamie in Health Science

Jamie got to dissect a cows heart. For someone who doesn't like to put her hands in dirty dish water this is amazing. Maybe I should get her gloves to do dishes.

She said it was really interesting. I think she got the medical genes in our family.

Thanksgiving in Hungary

more Thanksgiving Day in Hungary

These are the pictures Sam sent to us of his Thanksgiving Day in the mission field. He doesn't give explanations of the pictures. Here is what he says about his day, "Fun day, went whipping, will they did, took pictures, bummed around, went to a couple of museums, and chilled. We found a way chill park with a gazebo and spent most of the day there. We even borrowed a members guitar and went back and just played and talked"

We are so thankful to have a missionary. It is a great blessing in our lives. Sam is such a great example to his family. We love him and are looking forward to his return in January (we think, he hasn't given us any dates yet).

Preference---Yes I am slow at posting this. Preference was actually on November 14th.

Jamie and her date, Greg.

They did their day date Friday night. They went ice skating at Seven Peaks.

The whole group. Can you tell it was cold?


The only injury which happened when Jamie wore short socks with her ice skates.

Fall Break-we were suppose to go camping but since the weather didn't cooperate we did some things around home.

Went bowling.

Went up the canyon and had a cook-out with the Johnsons and the Paces.

Painted pumpkins.

Homecoming

Jamie went to the Homecoming dance with her friend Austin. Even though it wasn't a formal dance Jamie decided she needed a new dress. Thankfully Molly came home last week-end so they went shopping. (I'm not much of a shopper.) They did good. I think she looks cute.
She had a fun time. For their day date they went to the zoo. They ate dinner at one of the boys houses from their group.

Our Missionary

These are two of my favorite missionary pictures of Sam.

On the 12th Sam celebrated his 21st birthday.

Happy Birthday Sam.

My how he has grown.


It is a great blessing to have a missionary.

Girls Day

The whole group.

Once again, me and my sisters Peggy and Delaine.


A few years ago all the girls of the family got together and did some shopping. My mom enjoyed it so much she said we should do it every year. Every year since then, in some form or another, we have gotten together. This year we went to a park in Logan. Once again we did the important things eat and visit. It is a good break for my mom who is the full time caretaker of my Dad who has Alzheimer's. My brothers took him on a drive so my mom could enjoy the day.

Families are like fudge, mostly sweet with a few nuts. ---Author Unknown

Beth (a long time family freind, my mom and dad.
Me and my sisters, Delaine and Peggy.

Every year the last Saturday of August is the Alleman family reunion. (my Dad's family) This year it was in Dingle, Idaho. We don't do anything real exciting, just the important things, eat and visit.

Molly, off to college!

On Saturday, August 15 we moved Molly down to Ephraim to attend Snow College. She got all her stuff down there thanks to Kyle Purvis, who has a truck. And thanks to Cindy for the pictures since I discovered my camera didn't have a card in it.

This was a happy, sad day. Happy because I know it will be a great expereince for Molly and that this is the next step in her life. Sad because we sure will miss her. She is a calming influence in our home.

Thank goodness for cell phones and email. We love you, Molly.

First day of school.

Yes I know the first day of school was August 20th. I'm just a little slow posting this.

I can't believe it is time for school again. Jamie is a Junior this year and Andrew is in 8th grade. Andrew was glad to go back to school to relieve his boredom. I always tell him "Boredom is a matter of choice, not circumstances!" That quote is a magnet on our frig. Jamie has mixed emotions about starting school. She is glad to see her friends but not excited for homework. She has quite a load this year.

"Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of. You know whatever you do they'll still be there. --Amy Li

Teri Sue taught me how to put pictures on my blog like this and these are the pictures I used to learn on.

Jamie and Molly are each others best friends. They have a lot of fun together.

Father's Day

The kids completed Scott's James Bond collection by giving him Quantum of Solace.

Molly's Birthday

Molly's favorite meal, Garden Pasta with Key Lime Pie for dessert.

Molly celebrate her 18th birthday the day after Father's day. She spent part of the day shopping. (One of her favorite things to do.) She bought her favoirte things at Bath & Body Works, Cherry Blossom lotion, hand wash, and perfume.

Andrew's Birthday

We were going to celebrate Andrew's birthday the Monday after he came home from Scout camp but Sunday he came down with an ear ache. He didn't feel like eating until Tuesday so I fixed his birthday meal then.

His favorites, stacked potatoes (an authentic Hungarian dish) and for dessert Chocolate Dream Pudding Pie.

For his birthday he got a lacrosse shaft (the official title, I call it a stick)

A Week with No Children

Jamie and Molly at EFY in Rexburg.


The girls in their group.


Service project. Coloring car mats for children.

Logan and Jamie. They share the same birthday.

Andrew was at Scout camp all week. He forgot the camera so he didn't get any pictures. He celebrated his 13th birthday there. He was able to earn 5 3/4 merit badges.

The girls had a great week. They had a fun, spiritual time and met a lot of new friends.

You think with no kids at home I would get a lot done but that didn't happen. It is good to have them home again.