'I Walk by Faith' - Janice Kapp Perry

This past week, some of the grandest ladies I know
gathered at the Grand America Hotel's Garden Cafe
to honor 4 amazing women who have 'aged gracefully'
and honored their covenants as Daughters of God.
And what a grand evening we had!
Sister Ardeth Kapp had a profound effect on my life.
As a young 21 year-old YW president,
I was unsure, seeking guidance in my new calling
to nurture and teach young women not much older than myself.
Sister Kapp was then the YW General President of the church,
and her revelation that set the 7 Values and theme for young women
everywhere resonated with me in a way
that still brings tears to my eyes.
Because of her, I get to stand every Sunday with Sarah and recite
words I hope sink deep into her heart, to
'stand as a witness at all times, and in all things, and in all places.'
It was such an honor to be in her presence and bask in her goodness.

As that same 21 year old, I was also a newlywed,
and was far from my own mom.
Because of the man I married, I became the
daughter-in-law of one of the most loving mothers I've ever known.
I also acquired a beloved 'Aunt Anne.'
These two women are the best of friends
and their goodness combined is enough to translate them both.
The wisdom they shared with us was practical, holy, real,
and inspired me to want to be better than I am.

It is my quest in this life to mother as she does,
love my husband as she loves hers,
enjoy life and sacrifice for my family as she does.
I love her so much.

This evening was all made possible because of dear Michele.
I can't wait for everyone to learn more about her amazing project
that helped bring us together, but that is her story to tell.
She is one of my dearest friends.
Gary serves as first counselor to her stake president husband
and words don't adequately express how much we love them
and how much I've learned from her.
She is beauty personified.
She is a giving wife, a Christlike and compassionate mother,
and a doting grandma.
She smiles through her tears, and laughs as she serves
everyone around her.
Take her class at UVU! She's an amazing teacher!
She celebrates womanhood, and I celebrate her.

Oh, to be more like these wonderful women...
an honorable quest!

'Bless the Broken Road' - Rascal Flatts

Hooray for Sarah!
Last week she won best female vocal in
'AF's Got Talent.'
Her cousin, Jordan backed her up on guitar
and they rocked!

'Pins and Needles' - Reba McEntyre

What did you do for President's Day week-end?

We spent it in the hospital with poor Parker.
He slipped on some ice and fractured his ankle.
Good-bye tennis season.
Hello crutches.

The only thing that saved the week-end were all the
attractive visitors bringing treats.

This scooter is how he gets around school.

Sadly, the honeymoon phase is over
and it is just plain NO FUN.
But he is trying to have a good attitude
and learn from this trial.
Hang in there, buddy.

'Dear Old AF High' - AFHS School Song

One of the highlights of January
was the Judd family school spirit
at a home basketball game.
Recognize this caveman?
Yep.
It's Parker.
He was so excited.
Honestly, there's not enough
money in the till
to get me to put on that stinky caveman outfit
that several other sweaty teenage boys had worn,
but he loved it.

Sarah sang the national anthem at the same game.

Lots of little kids (and mom)
wanted a picture with the celebrity.

They both did a great job!

'The Polar Express' - Tom Hanks

OK.
I have to post one more Christmas picture.
One of my favorites.
We finally had everyone back home under our tree,
wearing their Christmas jammies,
and listening to 'The Polar Express'
with only the light of the Christmas tree.
Another treasured tradition that I love
no matter how big I have to buy their jammies...

'We Need a Little Christmas' - Johny Mathis

How embarrassing.
I realized today this year is one fourth of the way over.
And I still haven't posted about our holidays
or family trip.
Maybe I'll just post our family Christmas card
and call it good.
It pretty much sums up the best of our holidays anyway.

Don't we need the Christmas spirit all year long?