What I have learned...

I have something to admit that I'm not very proud of. Since I graduated from seminary I haven't applied myself to daily study of the scriptures. I would do really well some days and others not so great. I was having some problems in our home life and was challenged by a friend to complete the study of the Book of Mormon in 40 days. I really didn't think it was even possible but following the guidelines she gave me I began reading. As I read I discovered I was becoming almost addicted to the stories. I felt as if I was living in the time of the prophets of old. I put myself many times in the exact circumstances of them and wondered how I might react or do things. Through this study I learned some important things. I learned that we as a people need to become more Christlike. We can become more like him by learning more of him. President Gordon B. Hinkley said, "There is nothing we could do of greater importance than to have fortified in our individual lives an unshakable conviction that Jesus is the Christ, the living Son of the the living God." I also learned that just because fathers of old chose unwisely doesn't mean that one righteous son or daughter can break that cycle by choosing to come unto Christ. This is done by studying about him, and praying for strength. I also learned to beware of pride. It is an evil all around us, even today. To become more Christlike in all of our dealings with our fellow men will indeed break the horrible cycle of pride. In my studies I would find the time passing by and me reading beyond the daily recommended scriptures. I began reading on Mar. 1st and completed the sacred words on Mar. 30th. I challenge anyone who is having personal struggles or needs questions answered to partake in a daily study of the Book of Mormon. For in the pages of this book, you will find the answers and peace you are seeking. This is my testimony!
Leah

Tribute to Great Grandma Carpenter

99 Years and still baking cakes from scratch!

I received word this morning that my sweet Grandma Thelma Carpenter had finally passed away. She has wanted to pass for some time now, but the Lord has seen fit to keep her here on earth for 100 years. My Grandma Carpenter Donna, Grt. Grandam on her 100th Birthday, and Aunt LaDeane

Wow! I learned so many things from Grandma. When she lived in Mesa right across the street from the temple I would visit her often. She taught me about dedication, and to develop a love for temple service and worship. She would spend all day everyday in humble worship at the house of the Lord. What an example for her posterity. I also had the privilege of taking Grandma to her Dr. appointments on a number of occasions. She was always so sweet to me and I remember many conversations where she taught me about life in general. One such occasion she told me, Leah, just because there is a MD behind the name doesn't mean he knows everything. You should always pray to be sure. That taught me a great lesson because she is right, God knows everything! She also taught me to be afraid of mammograms, lol. I'm not really afraid now, because I've already had one so I guess when I am in my 80's it will hurt much worse. I also remember Grandma's homemade bread and jam. It was a treat going to Thatcher and having Grandma make me a piece of toast. Grandma's toast always tasted the best. My children remember Grandma for her pecans. Kimberlee, Grandma, Zachary, & Derick
Grandma came to visit on Thanksgiving Day. Devon Owens & Derick(Just a month before her 100th Birthday!)

She was a pro at shelling pecans and we received many bags of shelled pecans from her. Grandma, I'm so glad you are "HOME" now! I love you so very much! Until we meet again!

Can a 5 year old pack all by themselves???

So what do you think? Can a 5 year old really pack everything they need all by themselves? The answer is YES if the 5 year olds name is "Olivia Lowe" that is! My Dad helped his side of the family book a cruise to Catalina Island and Ensenada Mexico. So we are taking our kiddos too, with it being their spring break. The kiddos have been so excited they wanted to start packing weeks ago. I finally relented and let the kids start packing yesterday. Olivia came to me about 20 minutes after I gave her the go ahead and said, "Mom I just finished packing". I was shocked that she was done so fast. So I inspected her suitcase to make sure she didn't forget anything important. She had everything she needed, 5 shirts, shorts/ pants/ 5 panties/ 5 socks/ 3 swim suits/tooth brush & tooth paste/ a coloring book/ a coloring page she apparently had colored/ and her lamb! So the only thing she forgot was her PJ's. Wow, I was so impressed, she only forgot one thing. That is my kind of 5 year old!

5 years ago...

I received the BEST Christmas gift anyone could ever receive. I opened it while I was in active labor with our last baby. At the time I loved it, but didn't realize how much. It was a bosch, complete with a wheat grinder, all the beaters, and even a blender. I can't tell you how much I love, love, love this gift now! It is something I use nearly every day. I can mix cookies, blend, make cakes, and best of all make home made bread. I start buy grinding my own wheat. Yes I truly feel like betty crocker. Then I pour the ingredients in my bosch and let it do ALL the work. In 10 minutes I have dough, lay it out on my counter, divide it into 4 equal parts and try to make each part look pretty. Then I place each piece in a loaf pan and let it rise for an hour. In an hour and 20 minutes I have 4 loaves of heavenly whole wheat bread. YUMMY! While the dough is rising I usually clean up my mess. Grinding wheat usually leaves a nice little flour mess everywhere. But it cleans up so fast. Delicious, homemade hot bread anyone????
Now I just have to figure out why it separates a little on the top and pray there are no holes inside! :)

In Loving Memory of Ona Hycle Kanniard

Last Friday we said goodbye to a man filled with Integrity, hard work, and a love for family. Eric's Grandpa passed away at the age of 99 years. In August we would have celebrated his 100th Birthday. Grandpa had already had to bury his wife and daughter (Eric's Mom) so I'm sure it was a joyous reunion when he passed. Unfortunately the rest of us left on earth miss him. He left behind a daughter Mary Lou, and many Grand and Great Grand children. The funeral was back in Ohio and Eric and I were able to be there.The Pall Bearers
It was my first time ever driving in the snow, and the first time ever attending a funeral in snowy conditions. It was wonderful to be surrounded by so many family members. Uncle Jim, Becky, Aunt Mary Lou, Steve, and CindyEric's Family: Betsy, David, Dad, Michelle, Tim, Lynne, Me, Eric, Michael, Cassandra, Levi, and Suzanne
What an important thing Families are. I am grateful to be apart of a family and to have a family of my own. I missed my kiddos terribly and was so glad to be home back in warm sunny AZ.

Introducing the New & Improved Zachary!

Zachary was beaming from ear to ear as he transformed for the 1st time from Boy to Cub Scout! That boy will not put down his book for 1 day. He has already earned his Bobcat and well on his way in earning his Wolf! Way to go Zach Man!

I'm a BIG Slacker!

The goings on:
December 24th- Grandpa & Grandma Lowe arrive from CO.

December 25th- Christmas, we awoke to find Santa had paid a visit. Eric turned 37 and Olivia 5.

December 25th- A visit to the ER with Sara's little guy Brandon. He had an absess on his neck that kept getting bigger and more red. They informed us that he would need surgery the next day.

December 26th- To the hospital for surgery. Unfortunately we had to go through the ER so the wait was long and poor Brandon was hungry and thirsty. Successful surgery but because of the large amount of pus Brandon had to be admitted. This was the last thing Sara needed or wanted. She (and the rest of us) thought our family would be done with hospitals for awhile now. That is not so. Brandon had to stay in the hospital for 5 days. I was only there to be somewhat of a support for Sara. I couldn't see her sitting down there alone waiting for or with Brandon. Sara is a trooper and some how she manages to cope and deal with the impossible.

December 27th- Zachary turned 8 years old. He was baptized at 11:00 am. We have stake baptisms so Zach was one of 6 children being baptized. The Stake Primary asked Zach to choose someone to give the talk on the Holy Ghost. It took Zach about 1 second to say I want Aunt Debbie. :) She was nervous because there were so many people there, but she did an excellent job. Zach had a huge crowd of supporters there for him on his special day. Even Grandpa & Grandma Lowe were able to drive in on Christmas Eve to be at his baptism.

December 29th- Holiday Wrestling Camp began. We had cousins join with us in this fun camp. The boys get to learn moves and techniques for 3 days and then the last day is the tournament. They have such a good time at camp. This year our wrestlers were Derick Lowe, Devon, Caden, and Braxton Owens (Tiffani Baum Owens boys, and Cameron Bowles. They all wrestled tough and had a blast.

December 31st- Eric and I were able to break away for a fun New Years Eve party at some good friends home. It was a fun night and the first time since we've been married that we were able to go to a party and ring in the new year. It was a memorable evening filled with good food, fun games, and awesome entertainment!

The holidays are over now and I feel renewed and refreshed for this new year. I am grateful for this past year, for all of it's challenges, heartache, and the abundance of blessings that I have received. I know that God knows and loves each of us. That he gives us challenges so that we can learn to become better servants. I look at this past year and I marvel at how much I've learned, things that without my trials I would never have been able to learn them. I pray that this new year will be a prosperous and joyous one for each of you! Filled with trials, blessings, heartache, and love!