Prince Charles celebrated his 60th birthday this week.

As little girls we dreamed of being a princess and marrying a prince.
So, ladies, what do you think? What would be the benefits of being married to a prince?

Let's number them:
1. A princess has lot's of beautiful outfits (including shoes and jewels) to wear
2. She doesn't have to do housework
3 The handsome prince is strong and rescues her from all harm
4. She gets to go to balls
5. They live in a beautiful castle
6. They live happily ever after
This was my dream. Was it yours?

When I saw the photo of Prince Charles in the newspaper this week lots of thoughts and feelings swarmed my head and heart.
He is a real live prince. Would I want to be married to him? He is rich, powerful, lives in CastleS, you name it, he has it all.

Right? Whoops he didn't live happily ever after with his princess. He didn't protect her.

There are many things he doesn't have. And they are the most important things of all. Let's just compare the dreams to my reality.

Dedication of the Sunday Six to my Prince.

Craig

1. I have so many clothes and shoes that they have to be stored according to seasons in other closets around the house. Yes, there have been gifts of jewels. Some were purchased at fine department stores but the BEST ones came home with me from the hospital after they were born.

2. Oops.. I do have to do housework. But, I get help
Now and then. Since Craig has partially
retired he has assumed the role of vacuumer. He makes the bed often which includes adding decorative pillows.


3. Craig has big strong muscles. He can pick me up and if he needed to could whack a dragon with a sword...if he had a sword...if there were a dragon. He does protect me in so many other ways. He makes sure we are financially sound, that the doors have good locks on them, he drives safely, and he prays multiple times a day that we will be watched over and safe. I would rather have Heavenly Father watching over us than guards in uniform.

4. This is important...he does like to dance. I lucked out on this one. We have a large dressing room. 12 years ago when we first saw this floor plan to the house we live in and the dressing room's size we knew we would dance there. Often there is music playing and we are dancing there. Baby grandchildren have all waltzed with Grandpa many times there.

5. We have a beautiful home. More importantly my prince is endeavoring for us to be worthy to live in a heaven someday in one of those mansions that Jesus said He is preparing.

6. It's been 36 years of love for us. Eight years ago when we gave my parents a celebration for their 50th anniversary Craig said that he hoped we would live long enough to celebrate our 50th someday. I said something true and wise in response. I quote myself, "I do too. But, even more I want our marriage to last for eternity."

I married my prince. He is wonderful here and now but I believe that there are greater things in store for us as we live the gospel together. I look forward to them as I enjoy the journey.

What do you do?

Once in awhile I get a moment to do whatever I want. There are so many things that I love that it takes a few minutes to decide what it should be. Today I chose to sit here and play hymns. It was delicious.
What do you do when you have a spare moment?

SUNDAY SIX

Reflecting on this week brings deep feelings of gratitude for many things. It was a very busy week. Even though Election Day was at the beginning of the week it affected the entire week in many ways right down to a very tired body.

1. First and foremost is the Miracle we received in California. And it was a MIRACLE. Bill O'Reilly of Fox News called the passing of Proposition 8 'stunning.' Indeed it was. Craig doing the math noted that the tally breaks down to approximately 20 Yes votes per precinct that made the total difference. So, did the coalition make a difference? YES!

2. During Sunday School class today I looked around and noted that except for a couple of people everyone participated in some way in the grassroots effort to support traditional marriage; giving MANY hours.

3. Even on Election Day we worked tirelessly until 7:30 pm calling voters and other duties. Some wanted to stop early because it seemed we weren't making a difference. But, I cheered them on with the reminder that Heavenly Father views our actions as exercising faith. When we do ALL that we can He makes up the difference. HE DID!

Now, we are told to just be nice to those who have decided they are our enemies (this is not a sign on our house but it could be.)

4. I am grateful for moments of RELAXATION and RENEWAL. Going to bed early and taking breaks now and then throughout the week has renewed me.

For about an hour on Saturday Kelli, Jeff, Craig and I sat on our patio. The weather was perfect. We talked and laughed and breathed easy. Wonderful


5. Having our twins together is more rare than one would think since they both live here in Sunny California.

6. And there is Great Gratitude for other ways of staying in touch with loved ones.

Such as: BLOGS!



and PHONES!

and BLOGGING FRIENDS like YOU!

SUNDAY SIX

HERE ARE SIX REASONS TO REJOICE !

1. I LOVE SNOW WHITE

THIS IS MY BEAUTIFUL MAKAYLA...AS A BRUNETTE


2. I LOVE SPIDERMEN
WHAT A POSE!
SPIDERMAN FOUND A PUMPKIN IN A TREE?THIS SPIDERMAN CHECKED ALL THE CANDY BEFORE HE PUT IT IN HIS BAG. IF HE THOUGHT IT WOULD HAVE MILK IN IT HE WOULD GIVE IT BACK TO THE HOMEOWNER, 'NO MILK.' OTHERWISE IT WAS PROCLAIMED, 'ALL CLEAR' AND PLACED IN HIS BAG. DEREK WAS PRETTY SAD TO SEE SOME PRECIOUS CHOCOLATE BARS RETURNED.

3. I LOVE SKELETON'S
COOPER HAD A GREAT TIME STROLLING FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE. DOES HE LIKE CANDY OR HIS PACIFIER THE MOST? HE IS ADEPT AT REMOVING ONE FOR THE OTHER EFFICIENTLY.


4. I LOVE SUPER HEROES
THIS SUPER HERO ACTUALLY ARRESTED SOMEONE WHO STOLE A PROP 8 SIGN! WAY TO GO DEREK, YOU ARE A HERO!

5. I LOVE FRIENDS
MICHELLE AND TRUDY TOOK ME TO LUNCH FOR A BELATED BIRTHDAY DINNER.
THESE TWO LADIES HAVE BEEN DEAR FRIENDS FOR MORE THAN 1 SCORE YEARS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SHERYL HOLMES BROUGHT CRAIG AND ME WARM CHOCOLATE COOKIES ONE EVENING WHEN WE WERE TOILING LATE ON PROP. 8. NOT ONLY WERE THEY DELICIOUS BUT THEY WERE FILLED WITH LOVE!


6. I LOVE DADDY'S

CRAIG IS PLAYING CANDYLAND FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HIS LIFE ...WITH CORBIN
THIS LITTLE BOY (COOPER) LOVES HIS DADDY. DEREK IS A GREAT DAD TO HIS LITTLE FELLAS

SUNDAY SIX

6 REASONS TO REJOICE

1. TRUE LOVE

MOM AND DAD CELEBRATED THEIR 58TH ANNIVERSARY. HERE IS A PHOTO OF THEM ON THEIR SPECIAL DAY. COINCIDENTALLY THE REHAB CENTER WAS OFFERING A CANDLELIGHT DINNER FOR THE PATIENTS. DAD ASKED MOM TO BRING HIM SOMETHING NICE TO WEAR FOR THE DINNER ISN'T THAT ADORABLE?

2. SURPRISES!

JOEL, LORI AND THE KIDS DECIDED AT THE LAST MOMENT TO JUMP INTO THE CAR AND COME TO VISIT! SINCE IT IS A 10+ TRIP THIS IS A HUGE DECISION WHEN YOU HAVE 2 LITTLE ONES. CRAIG AND I WERE SOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED. THEY ARRIVED THURSDAY EVENING AND LEFT SUNDAY MORNING.



3. SUNSHINE!

THE GRANDKIDS HAD A WONDERFUL TIME PLAYING IN THE YARD AND ON THE SLIP AND SLIDE. THEY EXPERIENCED SNOW AT THEIR HOME JUST A FEW DAYS PRIOR TO THIS TRIP. (SORRY NO PHOTOS OF MICAH...THE CAMERA BATTERY DIED)

4 PUMPKIN PATCH AND FAMILY.

IT WAS A PERFECT EVENING FOR THE PUMPKIN PATCH AND ALL IT'S ATTRACTIONS. THE CHILDREN LOVED RUNNING AROUND AND PLAYING. THE ADULTS ENJOYED VISITING AND WATCHING THEIR MONEY SLIDE FROM THEIR POCKETS INTO THE CLEVER HANDS OF THE PUMPKIN PATCH EMPLOYEES. SMILING FACES AND LAUGHING CHILDREN...WHAT DOES IT COST$$$$$$ ? IT WAS WORTH IT!


NOT EVERYONE IN THIS PHOTO IS A GRANDCHILD OF OURS BUT WE ARE ON THE SAME FAMILY TREE!




5. HEALING


DAD CAME HOME SATURDAY! WE DON'T KNOW WHO IS HAPPIER, MOM OR DAD?


6. HOPE

AT THIS VERY MOMENT WHILE I AM MAKING A POST CRAIG IS WORKING ON PROPOSITION 8. HE IS DOING A GREAT JOB OF MARSHALING THE FORCES. PLEASE, WHETHER YOU LIVE IN OUR STATE OR NOT, PLEASE PRAY FOR THIS CAUSE. CALIFORNIA MUST PASS THIS PROPOSITION OR OUR ENTIRE COUNTRY WILL FEEL THE RAMIFICATIONS THAT WILL FOLLOW.

GO TO www.protectmarriage.com FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

HAVE A BLESSED WEEK

A Peek into Corbin's Life

This is Corbin coming home from Pre-school. On Thursdays the bus driver gives the children treats.
She usually gives Corbin 2 so that he can share with his little brother, Cooper.

Corbin has EXTREME allergies to dairy and egg. Everything he eats must be checked for these ingredients.


As soon as Corbin is inside his house the backback is dropped and shoes and socks come off.
Meanwhile, Mom is checking the ingredients of the candy. Insufficient information!


Mom and Corbin rush to the computer to the candy manufacturers' website to check for ingredients.
Not helpful.
Corbin is so patient.

Next they run to the phone to call the 800 number of the company. A hopeful Corbin declares,
" All CLEAR!" while Mom is Still on the phone.

Meanwhile Little Brother is roaming around enjoying his sucker.
Alas, the results are....the suckers were processed with a machine that also processes products that contain milk.
BooHOO!


Mom saves the day when she suggests that Corbin could have 2 DumDum suckers!!!
Happy BOY and one Smart MOMMA

As a witness, may I say that Corbin was patient and understanding through this entire procedure. Surely, it has been repeated many times over.

A Miracle

Sunday Night after spending the entire evening working on Proposition 8 with Craig and neither of us having time for dinner I considered the busy upcoming week. In prayer I expressed to Heavenly Father that I had too much to do. Then I listed them...Prop 8 on Monday, teach a 1 1/2 hour scripture class on Tuesday, Serve in the temple 8 hours on Wednesday, Stake Enrichment Night on Thursday, visit Dad and Mom a few times, and work more hours on Prop. 8, prepare a talk for Sacrament mtg. and a Relief Society lesson as well. I asked Him for HELP!

Monday a MIRACLE came! I was told that a change had just been made and I would not need to give a lesson on Sunday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THANK YOU!

Sunday Six

A wonderful week on land! Here are 6 things I am grateful for:

1. The most important thing to do once we were home from vacation was to visit my father in Rehab. Leaving town while he was still in the hospital was a difficult thing to do. Happily, he is doing well. He can sit himself up in bed, walk a bit with a walker, and practices his leg lifts. He hopes to be home in a week or so. Wonderful!
2. Darling Mom has been at Dad's bedside every single day-hours on end. She is and always has been the best example of how to be a loving person. She is always optimistic and cheery.
It was her birthday this week. She wanted to spend it with her Man so Craig and I took her presents and a birthday cake to Rehab.
3. I have such a FUN husband. He let me dress him up for a costume party! I owe him BIG TIME!
4. A few days ago Jan celebrated her birthday. We have been friends since we were both 27...long time ago. To call her a friend seems inadequate. She is more like a sister to me. She lives far away but we talk almost daily and communicate through blogging. Her health is poor. She deals with the decline with grace and gratitude. I love her. Happy Birthday, Jan
5. Stake Conference was this weekend. Going to church has always been a favorite pastime. Everything about it is wonderful. This morning we sat on the front row and were able to watch dear friends Rene , Donnette , JoLynn, Julie,and Kari sing in the choir. The first song taught that when our hearts are filled with love the Savior will come and make our home a heaven on earth. The melody, beautiful voices, lyrics were beautiful. Watching Donnette sing filled my heart. She bore testimony of the words through facial expressions and the subtle motions of her body. I am grateful for sincere, talented, and beautiful friends. (No Photo for this one!)

6. OK! This may be the best one of ALL. My brother and his family are moving back to town! TODAY! They moved to Arizona 3 years ago. We have been in mourning ever since. Since they are returning to their local homestead Mom and I were able to create a Heart Attack to welcome them back.

Even though we have been home for 5 days and there have been piles of mail and laundry, hundreds of email and phone calls to attend to, dust and duties I am still RELAXED.
15 days away is just about right.

Did I mention...

That Hawaii is BEAUTIFUL?
Or that we saw amazing botanicals?

Hibiscus flower

This looks like a yellow (which I have never seen before)
Hydrangea but the leaves aren't the same.

Does any one know what it is?

A Banyan tree that covers a park

OR
That we waited up past midnight in the COLD WIND to see an active Volcano

The night was black as pitch. You can imagine our emotions when we spotted this phenomenal natural wonder.....There it is! We would rather have been sleeping!

OR

We laughed at the towel creations made by our steward

This is a reptile about to strike at a darling little bird

Or that we made friends with a very nice Homosexual couple
This is Terry and Brian. We met them on our Kayak tour. Only 5 of us had signed up for this experience. In 3 two-man kayaks we traveled across a bay then into a river which took us to a lagoon with waterfalls, banyan trees and cliff jumpers. Terry was especially fun. He stalled their kayak under a fall SOAKING Brian. Craig didn't dare do that to me. We kayaked about 2miles or more! Another act of COURAGE on my part.

OR

That we played pool on a table that moves up and down to stay balanced as the ship moves with the waves

We challenged Dan and Cherrie to a game of pool. We won (no thanks to Me). Well, I did make 2 amazing shots in a row where the balls actually went in the pocket..but the next shot I barely hit the cue ball.

OR

That I had FUN!

Well, Let's get the record straight............
Craig+15 days+ Hawaii =

1 Happy Kris

SUNDAY SIX

On this beautiful Sunday afternoon I have so many reasons to REJOICE! I will share a few of them...Six to be specific..

1. VACATIONS! 2 weeks alone with Craig. No phone (to speak of), no computer, no housework, no meetings, no assignments, no work....just relax, eat, play, talk, eat and watch the sea and eat some more!

This is the pool area on our ship...where we spent some very restful time. The ship was beautiful. We love to be on the sea. We love everything about cruising.


2. BEAUTY OF THE EARTH Hawaii is so very beautiful. The green is beautiful. The flowers are beautiful. The colors of the ocean waters display more hues of blue than can be described.

We saw Banyan trees, waterfalls in a lagoon that we kayaked to, chickens roaming free, beautiful skies, stars galore and many beautiful people.

Craig and I will go back and explore more of Hawaii someday.

The ocean is magnificent. We love being on it; the swaying of the boat, the crashing of waves, the fresh air, the surprises in the weather, the power of a huge ship floating through the vast sea.

3. COURAGE
I admit that the whole idea of snorkeling made me nervous. We went way out into the ocean to a crater to snorkel. The captain of the boat that took us there said the water was 100 feet deep! All we had to do was jump in the ocean and stick our face in the water and breath just right to see we were surrounded by fish. Well, there are a whole lot of elements to that last sentence to cause CONCERN!

But, I did it! I stuck my face in the water and was AMAZED at the beauty. It was an entirely different world. The turquoise water was crystal clear. Pink and bright yellow coral decorated the bottom of the sea while amazing fish glided all around me. It was one of the best hours of my life.

4. CRAIG
Craig is such a fun traveling companion. This photo depicts him in his tuxedo. Isn't he a good sport to get all dressed up? He knows that it means a lot to me. I'm a 'Fancy Nancy'. So, Formal night on a cruise is just pure delight to me. Isn't he a hunk?

Craig is fun in more ways than wearing a tux. He has a fun sense of humor, he is so interesting to talk with, he loves adventure, he is a good sport ( he let me win most of the ping pong games but he killed me in pool), he talks about the gospel often, and best of all he loves me. He knows how to make me feel loved. He says and does just the right things.

5. HEALTH
This is a photo of us looking sad. Poor Craig contracted an intestinal bug during our cruise. On the 3rd day of it he went to the ship doctor to see if they had better medicine than our regular old Imodium. BANG! He was placed on 48 hour quarantine and 24 hours for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, this is a photo of us in Honolulu ! That beautiful sight out our window is all that Craig got to see that day!
And he never saw Kona. I did. He insisted that I go without him. It turned out to be lots of fun. Before I ever left the ship a gentleman asked to be my traveling companion. So, I went on a date in Kona. Here is my friend, Bill.


6. GOSPEL FRIENDS

To our delight Dan and Cherrie Martin were assigned at our dinner table. They are from Utah. We had wonderful conversations with them. It felt good to associate with people we had so much in common with. Their son had received his mission call the very day our cruise began. They had invited us to tour Honolulu with them. Dan gave Craig a priesthood blessing before they departed for their fun day. It was a comfort to have the priesthood available.