Alicia, Alot Wiser and A Little Older

When one reaches this age, (we won't say what it is) they are really learning to be wise from all the things they have experienced.   It's not at all like when we are teens and think we know so much.  She really has had the challenge of taking the bull by the horns and doing the best she can.   This was especially accomplished when moving three thousand miles from home and family.  Great for growth, not so great for using grandma as a sitter.  Opportunity knocks when we take it and why not. 

Alicia is an on-the-ball mother spending time reading and teaching her children many skills.  She  tries many creative projects with them, encouraging each to think on their own.  Inviting friends and missionaries over for an evening of food and fun is also common for her. 

At a young age she loved challenges wanting to begin the Science, Art or Writing project the day it was assigned.  Who does that!  High achievers do.  How honored we are to be a part of this great gal's life, then and now.  Happy Birthday and may it be a wonderful year full of joy and great days.

A Debt Discharged

We are free!  The debt is paid!  Hip hip hoorah!  In the late nineties we embarked on a joint venture in Tooele with a real estate agent who had a super idea that sounded like a winner.  It was a condo project by the golf course.  Although the price per acre was a little high, this was a sure thing so we paid it.  It wasn't however; and it didnt work out.  Without questioning or putting together a financial plan, we jumped in head first borrowing $100k each from two brothers at 10% interest.  Next we signed on the dotted line, where another $100k was borrowed.  Long story short it didn't work out.   Bankruptcy isn't possible when it is your home on the line and family that loaned you the money.

So for fifteen long years, with lots and lots of side jobs the last payment was made to the final brother.   Whew!  Does it ever feel good.   Now to move forward never taking for granted the blessings that come our way.   The miles we've come and things learned are monumental.  

Many a person does similar things such as investing in a sure thing, joint venture etc. putting themselves at risk of dangerous financial matters.  Be extra careful before trusting your hard earned money to something that sounds too good to be true.  Signing a contract or just a hand shake can come back to haunt you for many years.   It did us.

It's Your Day Today, Breann

Many notable, happy and sad things have happened on January 17th.  We will never forget at 12:17 a.m.  Breann, was born.   Back then we didn't know which sex the baby would be until birth, we were thrilled because she was so darn cute.   It took awhile to decide on her name.   We thought it was the most beautiful and unique name of all.  So did many other parents.   

Some special things about her:  She slept through the night at four months.  Yeah!  She showed independence by beginning to dress herself  and style her hair much younger than her sisters did.  Probably because she got tired of waiting for me to help her.  She was a good sport when we tirelessly teased her at the dinner table. 

She is very creative.  Expressing herself in sewing, stitching and creating beautiful handiwork items from a young age to date.    Traveling to Israel, Germany, New York, Georgia, Oregon, Hawaii, Florida, Mexico and many points in-between she has experienced and tasted many exciting things.

What a great fisherman and hunter she is by bagging more than one and catching the 'big one'.  She rides the four-wheeler, snowmobile and dirt-bike with skill while decked out in the proper gear. 

Soon she will have a dual license in both nursing and dental hygiene.   Tries many different recipes and makes a famous pecan pie.  What a woman she is.