Steve and Lori Diamond family pictures 2008

Christine got us together for a family photo shoot. She bought new sweaters or shirts for each of us and "hired" Carlos' friend Andy to take the pictures. Here they are. We had a lot of fun doing them.

Merry Christmas from Steve and Lori

Our greatest blessing this year was to be together as an entire family, all five of us. We feel truly blessed.

Our Thanksgiving 2008

Steve and I shared a wonderful Thanksgiving Day together with ALL of our three children, Carlos, our wonderful returned missionary who we've missed these past two Thanksgivings, Christine, our busy, busy college student who is living with friends in her own apartment and Marie, who is with her friends as much as she is with us.

We went to Steve's sister, Angela's home. Tony and Angela Bradt are great hosts. We enjoyed every moment in their lovely home in Eagle Mountain. We had the most delicious food, played wii and Dutch Blitz. We saw Kung Fu Panda. I love Jack Black. Anywayss, we are so Thankful for our lives which include all of you.

☺

:Lori

Fresh new background at Lori D's Place

It was time for a new background template on my site. I really like this one. I'd like to take a moment to express gratitude at this time for some blessings that have really shone like a beacon lately. A month or so ago, I learned that a good friend of mine was in a coma after surgery. I was very shocked and saddened by the news. I felt helpless and knew that prayer was my only offering. She was in the coma for over 6 weeks and finally emerged. I talked to her on the phone the other day. She is the same person (thank goodness) that I have always known. She is now working to rehabilitate her walking etc. I am thankful for my health. I am also thankful to have all of my children near and doing well in their lives. I am grateful to a husband who loves his family and works hard to show it. Before we know it, a New Year will be here with new opportunites, challenges and reasons to express gratitude. Thanks to all of you who may read this post. ♥♥♥

Lori

Moving On

Personal Update for friends and family who visit my site:

I am leaving my Young Women girls of over four years to another YW President who will learn to love and serve "my" girls as I have. These Young Women will hold a place in my heart forever. I will continue to watch and pray for them as they make decisions to marry, go on missions and become future leaders in the church. As I leave them, I know they will be in good hands, but I will miss them, their bright smiles and silly acts.

I had a wonderful experience going to the Relief Society Conference with my young adult daughter, Christine. She is so wonderful to be with. I know I will learn much from her faithful example over the next many years. I see her have many of the same desires and interests that I had at her age, to travel, to know new cultures, to have many friends and I see her unique talents of faith and optimism in everything and everyone around her.

In a few days, we will be welcoming home our first missionary and only son from an honorable mission. Our home has missed his strong and joyful spirit and we are delighted to spend the holidays with him before he moves on to his own life and future. I'm grateful to share my life with wonderful people like you. ☺

PS The pictures above were taken last year at the Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert. Remember to try to get free tickets to this incredible spiritual Christmas feast, go to lds.org on October 25. Go to the events page and order your tickets. They are given at random. Give it a try! It will become a Christmas tradition.

I'm good at copying ideas. Thanks, Kristy

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Pictures from Elder Diamond

We received a memory card from Carlos from the past several months. I thought I'd share a few pictures with you. He'll be home on October 8, 2008. I've got his room all freshly painted and ready to receive him. Enjoy.

Three days of fun at Loon Lodge

Lindsay is thinking, "Anchors away!"

Kristy, our MC. Well, done and thanks.

What a beautiful place to get away.

Dueling cousins.
See what kids come up with when there is no tv!
Intense focus.
Los Bamgartner.

Parker's represent Germany.
One of many fishies.

Ellie, 9 out of 10!

Are they inside the same shirt?

Grandpa Keach at his best.
Aunt Vicky to the rescue.
Grandma Keach at her best!
Afton entertaining herself and Jill.

Our next guitar hero.
Bunko champs!
The sweetest couple of all.

Go Phillipines!

Handcart Trek, Mosida, Utah June 2008

I hope everyone who wants, has the opportunity to participate in a handcart trek. Our stake worked and prepared for months to bring this opportunity to our youth. The youth and their leaders got to experience working in "families" and groups to move from one place to the next, put up tents, wade through deep mud, suffer heat, wind and cold. They had fun square dancing, playing incredible old fashion games that should be brought back to use and shared testimonies of appreciation of the sacrifices of others and their love of the Lord. Enjoy the pictures.

Lori