THE ORIGINALS :: it's a hard-knock life.

CONGRATULATIONS STACIE & ZACH - a little girl . . .

2012-02-12T18:15:00.001-08:00

We cannot wait until July to see our cute little baby girl SMITH
enter the world and join our family!
Stacie is so excited to begin the NEW adventure of being a mommy and we know that Zach is a natural at being a daddy, so it will just be a lot of fun to see them in this NEW ROLE as parents.

Thank you Kyle for reminding us about our PRIORITIES

2012-02-12T18:13:00.000-08:00

Keeping Safe and Balanced in a Google-YouTube-Twitter-Facebook-iEverything-World

So as I was reading the Ensign this morning, I came across a short article I felt I should share because in recent days I have been considering ways I can improve my time management. Although it didn't bring any particular names to mind of those in our family, I realized that even though I don't have any cool gadgets (especially with my iPod touch being non-functioning), I have noticed I sometimes waste time on my laptop just between YouTube, CNN, and the rare Facebook (don't worry, I truly don't consider myself having a problem.) But thanks to the article, it hit home how important our time is in any situation. In the past I have heard the idea of tithing our time to the Lord, and as tough as two and a half hours a day can be to set aside, it is a definite sacrifice that can bring incredible blessings.

Ideas of things to do during the day:

Daily scripture study
Read a church magazine
Watch a few Mormon Messages
A little family history fun on Family Search
Write a letter to a missionary
Prepare a Sunday lesson
Family Home Evening
Home/Visiting Teaching
Anything we need to do to fulfill our calling
Watch church videos (I still haven't seen but 20 mins of 37 Miracles, and the 20 mins was great)
Post links or videos on your social-media sites when appropriate
Visit the Bishop's Storehouse to do service (a little easier for me I think)
Call members/converts/investigators from your mission (obviously a preference of mine, Skype is great for just phone calls too!)

May we consider the ways to take advantage of the many trendy things that our now a part of our lives, and use them for the purposes the Lord has intended they be used. I love you all and look up to you all. Thanks for the fun pictures and stories you occasionally send my way so I can enjoy your love from a distance. Hopefully this finds you well and is a reminder that I am still thinking of you all.

Love,

Kyle

ps. My idea by sending this was more to remind MYSELF, so hopefully you don't think I'm trying to give another annoying reminder of the things I know you all do. As far as the list goes, I would love any response with more ideas for myself.

#13 has arrived. . 1/12/12 - WELCOME WILLIAM!

2012-01-15T15:51:00.000-08:00

http://jordanandnikki.blogspot.com/
Camille, Audrey & Warren introduce William

He is beautiful
He is Healthy
He is Loved

What more could we ask for -
THANK YOU HEAVENLY FATHER!

2012-01-15T15:13:00.001-08:00

Home for the Holidays 2011

2012-01-08T17:07:00.001-08:00

We were really lucky to have almost everyone home this CHRISTMAS 2011. Nikki and Jordan moved to TEXAS in October and their baby is due in January so they couldn't travel back, Zach and Stacie had a family reunion in New Zealand and couldn't miss that. Kyle returned for his 1st Christmas home since his mission to Peru. Peter joined us as well as Heidi, Rich and family.
Tyler and Katy and Stephanie and Brandon spent their time with us for the long weekend and we had a great time - Skyped Nikki and family and talked to Stacie and Zach while having GiGi and Papa Bob at our home - pretty noisy to say the least, but plenty of good food and happy memories while the little ones enjoyed playing and being together!

2012 Promises to be a better YEAR - 3 more grandbabies to arrive!

2012-01-08T17:06:00.000-08:00

BEING THE MOTHER OF 7 and the grandmother of 12 has been the best thing in the world for me to experience. I never could have imagined that anything would be better than being a mom! However, being a grandma is even more amazing!!. . . . . Our oldest Grandson Christian turned 12 in December 2011 and received the Priesthood. Watching him serve the sacrament in church and seeing him GROW up is a blessing . . .He is a great example to the rest of the nephews and nieces - Then along comes our Oldest Granddaughter Elyse, who turned 8 in January 2012. She was baptized and confirmed on her actual birthday Saturday, January 7, 2012. She made such a beautiful little person - all dressed in white with her curly hair and lovely white dress. Seeing her give hugs to all who came to attend and thank them made me thankful for her sweet personality - She is also a great example to the other little nieces and nephews - THEIR COUSINS -
I guess it is hard to believe that we have already gone so far that we are well on THEIR WAY to reaching their goals of eternal progression. Sometimes I wish that I could just freeze them all in their present place - but I know that I cannot keep them from their joy and growth that comes as they walk thru their daily life - I look forward to all of my wonderful blessings and opportunities~!

LOOKING FORWARD TO THE HOLIDAY 2011

2011-12-18T19:04:00.001-08:00

Everyday I know that I can cope because Heavenly Father has shown me the way and gives me strength in all that I must do -
Everyday I know that I am blessed as a person and a child of God to have the opportunity to be a mom and a wife - I enjoy watching them all grow and learn and LOVE doing their best!

Grateful for the month of NOVEMBER 2011

2011-11-27T14:45:00.000-08:00

On November 30, 2011, we will have been married for 38 years -
can you believe it?!
Now it seems to have flown by and it is all a
BIG WONDERFUL BLUR OF MEMORIES. . .
Kids are all doing well
Grandkids are all HEALTHY
LEARNING TO BE HAPPY and
of course they are all so CUTE!

Things seem to be progressing
as best they can in these times
of uncertainty
but most of all we have so much
to be THANKFUL for . . .

OUR HEAVENLY FATHER'S PLAN OF HAPPINESS
EACH OTHER and our Love for each other daily. . .
GOSPEL TRUTHS
GOSPEL KNOWLEDGE
GOSPEL BLESSINGS

Good Health
Good Minds
Good Strong Bodies
Good Talents we can share with others
(Good Looks)

The desire to CHOOSE THE RIGHT
The desire to BE THE BEST WE CAN BE
The desire to SERVE OTHERS
The desire to BE LIKE JESUS
THE DESIRE TO TEACH OTHERS ABOUT JESUS
THE DESIRE TO SPEND TIME TOGETHER
as FAMILIES CAN BE TOGETHER FOREVER!

Thank you to everyone who helps us accomplish
our goals daily and we appreciate your impact
on all of our lives!

GRATEFUL for MY FAMILY! November 2011

2011-11-06T17:07:00.000-08:00

IT IS UNBELIEVABLE - this month Nov. 30, we will have been married 38 years? HOW DID I GET THAT OLD??? It has been a great life and we have had a lot of wonderful experiences -
now, we are actually happy just to WATCH our CHILDREN being parents and love hanging out with the GRANDKIDS - 12 now with 2 on the way! They are all so cute and we love them like their mommies and daddies! Actually cannot get enough of them - I have to stop myself from calling them all of the time - I don't want to wear out my welcome! I tell them I just want them to know I care and am there for them anytime they want to call me or come and visit!

My parents celebrate their 61 anniversary on Nov 3, 2011
and that doesn't sound so old because they are in their 80's now -
so why does it feel like we are so old? We are in our 50's and it
feels like it is almost OVER! Hopefully we can remain

October 2011 Has been a scary month!

2011-11-06T16:57:00.001-08:00

Nikki and Jordan got moved
Kids have found new friends -
Kyle bought the Green Suburu
Hoping that it brings good luck!

Heidi and Rich are getting adjusted to being alone in Las Vegas -
Got a new call to be the YM president~

Stacie, Zach, Kyle and Peter went to WELCOME Elder Alex Favero home -
had a fun family visit and Steph and Brandon took Christian/Elyse/Grant
went to Utah to bless a new little Holladay.
I know how much everyone was looking forward to getting together!

Tyler and Katy are working hard and hoping
that mommy starts feeling a little better soon!

Everyone is working hard to stay in touch and be sure that we remember special moments!
Skype is a beautiful thing~ We got to see the Halloween before and after math!

But most of all we know that everyone is working hard to be who they know they should be!
WE LOVE OUR FAMILY and ALL OF THE GREAT THINGS THEY ARE DOING

SEPTEMBER 2011 REUNION @ LAKE MEAD!

2011-09-23T03:17:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TYLER - good excuse to have a party boat - literally. . .
Just so you know - we have some folks in our group that don't like to come together
on 3 day weekends due to traffic and the HEAT at that time -
so we all made a compromise this year and came together this weekend . . .
We are so lucky that our plans really did all work out and everyone arrive safely!
BECAUSE WE HAVE "things" happening that we knew would come
but hoping that it would be a long way down the road -
We will no longer be ALL living so close that we can come together within 4 or 5 hours
and congregate in either SLC, LV, BKSFLD or even SDiego and not have TOO LONG to drive!

And we have been blessed with the addition of #13 and #14 Grandbabies
Nikki is due with her fourth, a little boy, in January 2012
Katy is due with her third...all details are yet to be found out!
Stacie and Zach are working on #15 - so keep them in your prayers.!

OUR SMART CHILDREN AND THEIR SPOUSES all decided that we
needed more room and a potty and a slide and a grill and no sand under our feet
so they rented a party boat -
WHAT A SMART GROUP OF PEOPLE we are related to, we have always
done it the hard way! CAMP ON THE BEACH AND SUFFER
IN THE HEAT-SAND-WEATHER -
It was really nice for everyone and we appreciate that they
came up with a better way -

When we get to do it again
IN THE FUTURE -
We will have a better plan for our time so we can actually do
EVERYTHING WE LOVE
CLIFF JUMPING
PARASAILING
TUBING
BOATING
EATING
& most of all
laughing and enjoying each other!!!
I know that I am blessed -
We all are blessed to have such a great group of people
OUR FAMILY!
Love to you all -

LABOR DAY. . .another change to our traditions -

2011-09-05T23:15:00.000-07:00

No trip to Lake Mead this year for the holiday -
HOPEFULLY WE WILL ALL GET THERE in a few weeks!
Instead, we moved our last son Kyle to Utah and attended Steve's 40th HS reunion -
so we had a mix of memories and family time and hope that all will go well!
It was fun to see old friends -
It was fun to see our family -
it was fun to see both sides of our families in action -
Took a few minutes to show our kids off
even took a few minutes to enjoy some old memories with them
like Draggin Main and Peach City - HA!
BUT WE MISSED A FAVORITE - Maddox - next time -
It is definately nice when your son can get you a ROOM for nothing
because he is a world traveler - we hope to be able to do that some day !!
HOPEFULLY everyone had a good time thinking about how lucky we are!
Blessings come in all kinds of places - we are praying for a miracle!

BACK to the FUTURE - - - We've had a quick but great summer -

2011-09-05T23:07:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe - but we have had so much happen since I last put a message up -
We had Memorial Day. . .without going to Las Vegas???
I headed to a family reunion back east for my mother's family with Stacie for fun!
New little Grandson Thomas born in June to Heidi and Rich Doxey in Las Vegas -CUTIE!
Then we headed out on our LAST TRIP TO PICK UP ONE OF OUR MISSIONARIES -
Elder Kyle F. Nichols finished serving in PERU in July 2011
it was a wonderful trip to visit the people he loved and served and we were blessed as always -
They loved their young missionary as much as he loved them.
We were honored as always, to have the saints tell us that they were so thankful for
the message that our child had been able to bring to them - and we were grateful to be
in their homes and feel of their spirits -
We can never tell our children enough, how much we appreciate these opportunities
and blessings due to their testimonies and love for this gospel - THANKS FOR ALLOWING us this opportunity, we know we are blessed and are grateful for their service to our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ - and for their testimonies of the Plan of Happiness!

7.11.2011

We're So Excited, and We Just Can't Hide It!

Look who my parents found during their travels to Peru:

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY 5.8.11 because we love being mothers!

2011-05-07T10:35:00.000-07:00

There is nothing new about the holiday we celebrate - MOTHER's DAY,
but it is just a great opportunity to enjoy EACH OTHER
and show GRATITUDE for the women in our lives
that have GIVEN so much personally to
HELP us in EVERY ASPECT of our lives!
I know that my GRANDMOTHERS did that
for my mother and father and for ME
I see that my MOTHER & MOTHER-IN-LAW
do that for me and my husband!
THEY TAUGHT me how to be a mother and now a grandmother -
I HONOR them both, Carroll Favero and Shirley Nichols for being YOU and
TEACHING us daily to be FAITHFUL daughters of our Heavenly Father.

Now, I am HONORED to have had the BLESSING in my life
to be the MOTHER to 7 wonderful spirits to
LOVE, NURTURE, and TEACH about His Plan of Happiness.
IT HAS BEEN AN HONOR and I am looking forward
to many more years of FAMILY!

Thanks to all of my
SISTERS.SISTERS-IN-LAW.DAUGHTERS.DAUGHTERS-IN-LAW & GIRLFRIENDS
who inspire me everyday and show me the way -

ENJOY THE JOURNEY we are on!

EVERYTHING IN IT'S SEASON - Why? BECAUSE THERE IS A REASON, we may not know or understand YET! But there is. . .I am sure.

2011-05-07T10:30:00.000-07:00

A friend Brother Gaylen Young passed away on his trip home to SLC from Bakersfield -
I am sorry I didn't get to see him and wish him well -
His positive attitude and happy heart have touched many lives in this community including mine -
Many people were able to attend his memorial and share special stories and memories of him.
It was so nice to see that he was recognized for his FAITHFUL
and valiant mission while here on this earth.
He was truly a disciple of our Savior and it has been said
he has been called home to help with His work,
because He knew He could depend on Gaylen -
I like that thought and I am sticking to it!

Thanks for the example of discipleship and
for being a Quiet but faithful GIANT to many!
Enjoy!~

EASTER.SPRINGTIME.reawakening of life -

2011-04-17T06:57:00.000-07:00

It never seems to change and yet I am amazed by the natural beauty of this time of year -
Cleansed by the rain and reawakening of life via sunshine and it's warmth
New life is all around us . . .
We are so lucky to see the beauty of God's creations for us each day
as we awake & arise daily -
fresh air, fresh new growth on plants, budding flowers and
even the insects seem to be renewed.
Witnessing the birth of animals in the fields as you travel,
seems to alert us all to Spring's freshness!

So can the message of Christ's Atonement for us
be a reawakening of our knowledge of His Truth's
Believe that He has given us each that opportunity daily to start anew
and be able to enjoy Life
Understand that as we grow and progress in this life
we are becoming better prepared for the next life
thru the lessons that we learn each day
as we overcome our challenges thru faith in Him..
Continue to walk on the path to Eternal Life
by living the gospel of Jesus Christ
and accept his invitation to Come Unto Me
and Follow His Example in all things
and your life will be full.
Life's daily challenges can be overwhelming
But we are not alone - we do not have to face them alone
Remember His promise to us that as we walk in His ways
Our burdens will be lightened and
He will help us find answers to our questions -
solutions to our problems will come to us daily
as we strive to live His teachings and serve others along the way.
I am grateful for this knowledge and testify that
He Lives and Is the Savior of the World.

THE 2nd Generation of FAVERO's & NICHOLS' Cousins in Las Vegas 3.2011

2011-03-22T23:10:00.000-07:00

WHAT A FUN CHANCE FOR COUSINS TO GET TOGETHER!
Thanks mommies -
Grandma's love this kind of stuff,
just wish we could have been there!
BUT PICTURES are the next best thing
I've decided!
I can only tell you how happy it makes me
to see you all getting together and
helping your kids know their cousins -
they are going to be around forever,
so it's good to get acquainted early!

You are such a sight for eyes! Gigi & Papa Bob are going to love it -
they love getting all of your phone calls, photos' in the mail
and would especially love a visit!
I'm hoping to bring them to UTAH to visit
for the REUNION. . .Gpa's bday and Father's day maybe?
Anyone have any thoughts about that let me know -

LOVE YOU GIRLS and am so proud of
what great mommies you are being to the next generation!
We know how important the work you are doing is,
just remember ENJOY & smell the roses too!

OUR NEXT MISSIONARY IN GOD'S ARMY Mason U rmston

2011-03-12T10:10:00.000-08:00

This week we have learned that our NEXT NEPHEW MASON URMSTON will be serving his mission soon in BOISE IDAHO - I AM THRILLED TO KNOW THAT HE IS WORTHY AND WILLING TO GIVE OF HIS TIME AND TALENTS AND KNOW THAT HE WILL BE A SPIRITUAL GIANT FOR THE MEMBERS AND THOSE THAT ARE SEEKING SOMETHING TO LIFT THEM UP AND HELP THEM UNDERSTAND THEIR PURPOSE HERE ON THIS EARTH and MASON WILL BE THEIR LIGHT!
I am so proud of you Mason, for accepting this challenge to put your life on hold, but I can testify to you that there are special spirits waiting for you to lead them back to our Heavenly Father. I have had the special honor of watching my children, my nephews and many young people PROGRESS thru such a wonderful learning opportunity for themselves and those they serve that I cannot wait to be part of your journey as well.

We feel peace thru the Spirit, but it helps us to know so we can share the information with others as well. I am amazed and secure in my testimony everyday at the way everything works so smoothly and without hesitation in the church organization. Nothing dramatic but consistent! Just like the Plan of Happiness that our Heavenly Father has for us and the plan of Redemption made possible thru His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ and His atonement for each of us.

Having our last son, Elder Kyle Nichols, of our 5 missionaries serving, we have seen the process work all over the world, as well as here in the states, while no one even realizes what is happening daily. The Lord is definately in charge and we need not fear.

My appreciation to you and all of the wonderful members of the church who serve diligently where ever they are called to serve.

March 7, 2011 STEVE's Bday. . .

2011-03-06T17:37:00.001-08:00

We really don't want to talk about the Number of our birthdays anymore -
not that we are ashamed of our age, we just don't like to be reminded that we are OLD - or getting older day by day - We have had a great life together - cannot think of anything we would do differently, except maybe LAUGH more and PLAY harder~!
so, we celebrated the day with our little Grandson Spencer who share March 7th as his bday with Grandpa. It was great to see him as he celebrated his Sixth Birthday and had a great bday party in Vegas at a park playing football, games, treats, pizza, presents and family and friends.
He was thrilled to have everyone with him and share all of his stuff with us - so, it is only a wonderful reminder of all of the great moments we have had with each of our children as they grow and now are teaching and loving their children! We are thrilled to be a part of it, and will never grow tired of driving to be with them- In fact Steve and I got a great gift today as the kids decided to remind us of how blessed we are, they gathered their copies of their Patriarchal blessings and presented them to us in a little booklet for us to ENJOY! Thanks for thinking of such a wonderful way to honor us as your parents and celebrate Dad's birthday! We love you all so much and cannot wait to be together again as a WHOLE FAMILY! Forever your parents!

January 2011 Has been an interesting beginning to a New Year

2011-01-30T19:20:00.000-08:00

Who knows what will follow, but we know that it is a new year -
Back in the saddle advising young women 12 & 13 years old - that's exactly where I started my service in the church when I was a newlywed @ 18 years old -
I remember thinking -"am I old enough to teach these kids?"

I also had a visiting teaching assignment to an 80 year old sister in our ward and I remember thinking - She won't want someone my age to come to visit her - so I asked her, "Wouldn't you rather have someone closer to your own age - and she said, "I think like I did @ 18!"
So, we were GOOD -

Actually one of the girls, asked me how I got her mom to let her stay longer at the church,
she said she doesn't listen to me. . . So, - I told her,
"Well - I am an old fart and she just figures she has to listen to me,
because I am old enough to be her mother -
Then she said - "Oh are you 35?"

I decided, maybe this won't be too bad - at least they think I am younger than reality!
We will see if they still feel that way after our NEW BEGINNINGS!

WE LOVE Elder Kyle F. Nichols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OUR MISSIONARY . . .12.2010 Check out his blog listed on my blog! He is amazing!

2011-01-08T15:04:00.001-08:00

MANY YEARS OF MEMORIES Thanks Mom & Dad

2010-12-19T19:39:00.000-08:00

HAPPY 60^TH ANNIVERSARY

November 3, 1950

ROBERTO & CARROLL FAVERO

80^{TH &}84^TH BIRTHDAYS

June 12, 1926 & December 7, 1930

WE CELEBRATE YOUR LIFE TOGETHER & HONOR YOUR LEGACY

Mom and Dad

Just want you to know

how much I appreciate each of you

for all that you have been thru and

all that you are going thru now!
Your example of the phrase –

Endure to the End

Is Real!

Unknowingly, you are in the middle of

what you never imagined

Would be the way your days would go,

But I cannot remember hearing a complaint!

Do you wish things were different?

Probably –

But as I realize daily,

you recognize that you are blessed!

I am thankful for the lessons you have taught me

By word and by deed!

I am thankful for your special talents and love for people

that you have shared with me!

But most of all -

Thank you for testifying to me of your love for the Savior!

I have watched you serve and share your testimonies

and patterned my life after yours.

Now, I am blessed to see my children teaching their children!

Thank you for being YOU!

Thank you for loving me!

We will be together forever!

TURKEY DAY 2010 . . .

2010-11-28T00:36:00.000-08:00

Hopefully everyone had a good time being together -it was a lot of fun and definately crazy - I think I can say I am almost finished cleaning up -

Washing towels, bedding, putting away things I forgot I had and

definately mopping floors -

We enjoyed celebrating CHRISTMAS and the kids all got their

MATCHING JAMMIES - Monkeys again
with little monkeys on their feet of their pajamas
all for a photo for UNCLE Kyle - he picked their jammies out last year and AUNT STACIE found them for me this year!

They are really cute and I will work to find the photo's that have them posing for the yearly PHOTO opportunity -
I am sure my grandkids are the cutest -
because their mom's and dad's were
. . . ALSO THE CUTEST!

We exchanged gifts on THURSDAY morning all together
since we might not all be at the house in December, 2010
but most of us will be there to talk to KYLE from Peru
and enjoy some quiet time hanging out doing nothing!

Jeff and Sheila and some of their family came to help us celebrate the THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY like the good ole days -
It was a time to honor Mom and Dad for
60 years of marriage on Nov, 3, 2010 and
now it is the best - Mom's 80th Birthday, Dec, 7, 2010 -
She is going really well for her age & her situation!
I admire her positive face most of the time!

TIS THE SEASON TO REMEMBER
our Savior's Life and Example
in all we do and say and
especially how we TREAT EACH OTHER!

GRATEFULLY we accept our moments!

Blessings to you and your family - and Cheers. . .

To our family & friends and
TO AN IMPROVED 2011!

Peace & LOVE always -

dayna & steve

the originals

Third Quarter 2010 July August September

2010-11-28T00:06:00.000-08:00

This has been a great summer for seeing family and spending time enjoying our little grandbabies - Seems like no matter what, they enjoy our visits and we enjoy watching them grow and learn. Everything we could do or see we did -

KYLE in Peru serving the Lord & loving it! Ever so proud of him...

STEPH, Brandon, christian, elyse & grant

HEIDI, Rich, spencer, sam & natalie

NIKKI, Jordan, warren, audrey & camille

TYLER, Katy, lucy & carter

STACIE and Zach living in Bakersfield was PERFECT

and helping Grandma and Grandpa was even better!

It made the summer fun for G&G and

we got a lot of time with them as well while

Boating, birthdays and BBQ's

Swimming and enjoying the weather with everyone everyday!

Chicago really was a windy city and very fun
to see all of the places that we could w/Peter
before he closed that door
in this chapter of his life for his consulting firm. . .
he asked us all to donate to his favorite charity for his 26th Birthday - thanks for inspiring us to do more service. . .

He made a trip to BUILD

another Habitat for Humanity this fall
and ended on a high note

of helping with an orphanage in AFRICA
similar to his favorite kids in Mexico
that was part of his San Diego experience!

LOOKING FORWARD TO HAVING EVERYONE HOME FOR THANKSGIVING 2010 and then some again for CHRISTMAS!

July 2010 Preserving the Pioneer Spirit

2010-08-08T16:48:00.000-07:00

Honoring the generations before us is always in our heart and heavy on my mind as I am trying to be sure that I make every effort to reunite my parents with their families. It was a really busy month for everyone and somehow we managed to arrange a brief encounter with everyone but Peter and Elder Kyle - The weekend of July 24th we all meet in LA and attended the temple then made our way to the beach Saturday afternoon - Nikki did the baptism for mom's sister, Aunt Billy and Mom was able to do her work that day with us and the next saturday with her ward RS. It is my desire that she is able to finish as much of her family geneology and I appreciate the efforts of Nikki to follow-up on it for me. We ended the weekend by a nice visit with Uncle Paul and Aunt Jeri Favero, who joined us on Sunday for dinner on their way home from their grandsons wedding, which Peter attended for us in Utah.
Stacie and Zach have been able to visit with family and a few friends - Hopefully this has been a
good experience, I know how much they are appreciated by my parents, even if it seems hard....
I have appreciated having them their and helping me go thru the process and asking some hard questions that will lead to some of the harder decisions ahead!

The Sweetness of Summer.... June 2010 adventures

2010-08-08T16:29:00.000-07:00

Steve and I made a road trip the 4th of June with Gma and Gpa Favero - hoping to make it easier on them, we drove all night to Utah to visit family. Nate and Jeff and families were taking charge of the Favero Family Reunion June 19th and they could use their help - it was also a GOOD EXCUSE to take Dad to celebrate his 84th birthday with his brothers and sister on June 12. Thanks to Nate to help make that happen by inviting them all to his home for dinner and cake! Jeff & Sheila had a really fun get together at their home to allow Sheila's parents Bryce and Uleah Flamm to visit with our parents, who are friends from their early days of married life!

We were also able to spend an afternoon with Gma and Gpa Nichols in Logan, Utah and get better acquainted with some of his family at a luncheon prepared by Bruce & Teresa! We finally got to see where they hang out while spending time in Northern Utah, Providence.
Peter joined us for the adventures while we were there and gave us some updates on his home!
Stacie and Zach attended the family events the next two weekends and then began their journey back to California for the summer with Gma and Gpa Favero in their car - stopping to visit Nikki & Heidi's families in Las Vegas - they loved holding the newest addition to our family Camille!

ELDER KYLE celebrates his 20th!

2010-04-17T11:47:00.000-07:00

APRIL 24 will be a great day - a birthday and everyone will have to have a party in his honor
WILL BE CALLING HOME ON MOTHER"S DAY May 9th - then I can have more to report
LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING HIS WONDERFULLY STRONG VOICE & SPIRIT

STACIE IS 22 YEARS OLD. . . & A BYU GRADUATE!

2010-04-17T11:42:00.001-07:00

How blessed we are to have such great kids - Our 4th daughter graduates from BYU on April 23 and we get to go watch this great accomplishment for Stacie - Hope we can see here classroom too.
I've been there, but Steve hasn't and it is his birthplace - PAYSON UTAH. He use to tell the kids there was a statue there in his honor! (Pretty sure none of them believed him!)
But we will have to check it out just in case - Stacie and Zach are going to be able to move around a little more now that they have a bigger apartment across the driveway from where they were -
They might have room for us to spend the night with them now!
Sorry to say that Peter will not be in UTAH while we are there for the weekend -
but we can hopefully catch up with him soon - here or Chicago or Las Vegas!
IT WILL BE A GREAT DAY AND I'll try to get a camera so I can have some great photo's to put up on this BLOG - CONGRATULATIONS MISS STACIE FOR DOING IT ALL ON YOUR OWN!
WE LOVE YOU AND ARE SO PROUD OF YOU - Zach will be next!

There is a light at the end of this tunnel. . . . .

2010-04-17T11:31:00.000-07:00

We have had a long winter's nap it feels like and I am finally not feeling so groggy and overwhelmed! Lot's of help has been visiting us at my folks - Jeff and Sheila, Margaret and Scott Favero from Sacramento, and Nate and Leti have arrived.
Just in time to see the NEW AND IMPROVED ROBERTO - without the ill-effects of KEPPRA
we have been dealing with since January - Finally convinced the Dr. that it was NOT FOR HIM and causing RAGE and UPSET that he didn't need, my mom didn't need and our family didn't need, all for what - double seizure medicine? Once I realized that he was only going to get worse as we decreased the dilantin (original seizure medicine) that was much more sedating - but at least he was healthier/happier/willing to participate with most activities - AND WHAT MUST HAVE BEEN GOING ON IN HIS MIND? I felt sorry for him being so upset and frustrated and not even remembering the next morning what he had been thru, so it was time and it is over -
THANK GOODNESS for the little voice that told me to keep track of everything and it might help us later, hope no one is wondering what or who or where that little voice came from! I have been very aware that Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ have been very aware of our needs and the situation we were dealing with and so many things have been taken care of because of their love and the sweet people that have come to our aid -
We had the evidence and information we needed to make the decisions we have and everything is making a turn for the better - We just hope we can continue to rehabilitate Dad's brain injury and improve his speech - he is stronger than ever, healthier than ever and HAPPY most of the time. SO THANKS TO MY CHILDREN AND HUSBAND THAT HAVE SUPPORTED ME IN THIS EFFORT and our extended families and friends that have kept us in their prayers daily!

One by One, they come, they Help, they love!

2010-03-13T00:08:00.000-08:00

Each time one of the family walked into their Home,
Gma and Gpa Favero felt their love
and the look on Dad's face was especially notable!
He recognized them and gave them each that sweet smile of comfort
and teased them like before -
So, all is well. . .
some of the time
Things are improving as we continue to learn
what works best for each situation.
Things are getting easier?
Maybe and maybe not -
It is harder as we travel this path-
to see the light at the end of this tunnel.
Is there one?
Also,
knowing that we are making progress - but also
knowing that each day brings new challenges
it can be frustrating -
One TBI patient
One Alzheim.
Hopefully one solution!
Nikki came and brought her 2 children and helped establish the routine!
Stacie came and brought her hubby to help do some of the hard stuff!
Heidi came and brought her 3 children to help bring some light and joy into the home!
Pedro came and brought grandpa OUT - Rosemary's in the rain/ he loved the wheelies in the parking lot as well as giving Peter a hard time about dating~!

Steph and Brandon, Tyler and Katy come weekly to help/share their time and meals -
dropping by with the kids helps to break up their days !
Thanks to Brandon staying so we could all go to Disneyland for Dad's bday!
Brandon sure does give a great shave!
Next, Katy will be a big improvement to MY haircutting skills
- just hope I can get one too!

ELDER KYLE IS SAFE IN PERU - lots of rain
prior to the earthquake and plenty of opportunities for service!
Surely there will be more as they continue to make repairs etc.
They are happy to be working and loving the people!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my hubby Steve - 57 years young!
Still looks as good as he did on our wedding day -
Just a little grayer and maybe a little sleepier! HA!
Life marches on -

Stacie will be graduating from BYU on April 23 - So, here we go again -
hope we can catch some snow with Peter too !!
Hoping to see him in Chicago some day soon too!
Cannot wait to see you all soon - whether here or there!

WE LOVE YOU AND PRAY FOR YOUR SAFETY AND HEALTH!
Keep us posted as we march on !!!!

Help has arrived! Thank you everyone. . .

2010-01-29T07:05:00.000-08:00

The sight of my dad's face as he saw Jeff and Rachel and Fia walking into his house, was worth a million dollars -He knew they were there to help him and even made him look like he was at Peace. It's just great to have another pair of eyes that can observe and see what we may be missing -
they have had more experience since they have dealt with Sheila's parents and others in this process as well. Mom is happy to have new visitors in her home and of course who wouldn't love the happy little feet and hands on your glass that a brand new 1 year old brings! Fia is happy to explore and entertain herself while everyone is busy scurrying around her - She is obviously oblivious to the seriousness of the situation, she just knows that everyone loves her! Smiles are contagious and everyone is catching them from her! THANKS for everyone's sincere desire to see the improvement in this situation. I know Heavenly Father is very aware of all that we are going thru and He is providing the way for us to carry on -

Appreciate the sacrifices all are making to support our parents and grandparents daily as they have supported us for a lifetime! Everything else seems to be in place and moving in the right direction - so I guess we couldn't ask for anything more. . .WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR WHAT WE HAVE - everyday!

Another fall, a bit of a scare, testing, testing, testing. . .

2010-01-24T19:36:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, Jan 19, Dad got out of bed and fell - causing a cut to his head, now his eyes are black and blue, Back to the ER only to have them tell us his levels of seizure medicine are low and he could be having mini seizures -
So back to the drawing board as we continue to change and monitor his meds and vitals -
Dealing with two patients in a way as I struggle to understand the situation with Mom, she is having some real stress and we both feel like we are struggling to keep things in balance for all.

But as before, my kids have come to my aid, organizing all of the family to help encourage Gpa by coming to visit and give care - Jeff and Rachel will be here on Wed 1/27 and Nikki an d kids will follow in early February. Then Stacie and Zach will come mid February for a 4 day weekend - No one could ask for more than to have love and encouragement around to help Grandma and Grandpa. The ward people are great and many friends and family are offering to help in any way they can.
Our hope is to have some time to enjoy them during the visits as well as get a break and keep everyone fresh. . .

KEEP Elder Kyle in your prayers as he is loving his time in Peru, and preparing people to be eternal families - he feels a little lost while not being able to assist with Grandpa - we are all helped by extra prayer for each other! He would really like to hear from you and know what is going on with your families! His emails are a little short - not sure if he is sad that he is not hearing a lot from us - or if he is just so busy he has no time to write. But we know he is working ever so hard to do the Lord's work and keep things running smoothly in that part of the vineyard!

Love you - January is almost history. . .maybe I am getting confused - it is all a blurr - & burr.

Thankfully. . .January 2010 will be a new experience. . .

2010-01-19T06:34:00.000-08:00

January 19, 2010
Papa Bob has returned to his home - 4 days ago
he was happy and felt concerned at the same time -
his realization that he was leaving
was cause for concern -
He knew what he knew in his daily routine at Rehab -
meals/therapy/rest/helpers that were there to take care of his daily living.
Now, he feels concerned for the unknown
and what is going is happening to him.
Understanding is there, but his short term memory is not,
so it is like telling him something and feeling that you got thru -
then 5 minutes later,
he is doing exactly what he agreed that he shouldn't do -
GETTING UP alone, trying to walk
FALLING -
So, my mom and I have realized
that his perceived understanding is only momentary
HE CANNOT BE LEFT ALONE for a moment....
Thank you to those who came to the hospital to visit,
help with his therapy routines and
just to check on Dad and Mom and myself -
it means alot to know that people are keeping us in their prayers!
The many emails and calls
sharing the experiences that they have lived thru
do help us to understand that
we are not alone in this journey,
many have walked this way before and
many more will follow-in our footsteps.
SO THANKS FOR EVERYTHING NOW
AND IN THE FUTURE -
Now, more than ever,
I tell people that nothing that I do,
do I do, ALONE -
The Lord is with me constantly and
gives me the strength and understanding I lack.
The church friends and family provide
physical and emotional support
as they helped get their home ready for Dad's return
We had floors put in that would let him get around easier
and mom is paying the price daily with sore feet and legs.
My children are there for me by coming to my aid always
& assisting their grandparents they love.
My husband supports me and loves me
for my concerns for my parents.
Heavenly Father has a plan and we understand that.
So, the circle of life
marches on . . . . .

January 14th 2010 - Our last day of freedom!

2010-01-14T23:39:00.000-08:00

well....I don't quite know what to say, but the experience has been enlightening
my understanding of things that I didn't need to know about before
has become my reality
I am learning to have patience with the process
I am learning to have Faith in the process
I am learning to have patience with the processors
I am learning to have Faith in the processors
I am learning to listen to those that have dealt with the process
I am learning to deal with the process
I am learning to exercise more patience and Faith as I listen & deal
WITH THE PROCESS.
I am a better person for this experience and I thank the Lord for His patience with me each day
as well as our Heavenly Father, who knows each of us individually
and knows are abilities and limits.

The Rehab begins @ HealthSouth

2009-12-22T06:29:00.000-08:00

It is only a few days into it -
but I could already write a book about
the feelings and experiences that I have had -
. . . some good, some not so good. . .
but it is better than the alternative.
Life is precious and we must do everything to preserve it.
From conception to completion.
We wonder what will be our future -
we know what has been our past
and it has been perfect.
So, the expectations now are unknown.
It will continue to improve as we work together with that purpose in mind.
Our children are arriving and the tradition will continue!
WE WILL BE TOGETHER and get to talk to Elder Kyle from Peru
- that will make us complete!
Thanks for all of your prayers and concern.
We Thank our Heavenly Father for his infinite wisdom and love,
and especially for sending His Son.
I am learning daily to rely on my Saviour, Jesus Christ,
for strength and understanding.
I thought I already did that.
I have been humbled through this experience.
Merry Christmas to each of you and the hope for a better New Year in 2010.

What a difference A DAY makes - My world is upside down. . .

2009-12-18T10:19:00.000-08:00

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, that I blogged about last -
my dad took another fall in their home -
Little did we realize at the time, that he would have another trial to endure . . .
My heart is sad to see him suffering after the effects of an emergency surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain that developed while his injury had caused an area of his brain to bruise and seep blood - nothing was different with him for the 5 days following the fall, we had even been to see Dr's and all seemed OKAY - Until Thursday Dec. 3, he began to have trouble with his speech intermittently and the following day it was consistantly babbling, so the Dr. said to call 911 and take him to the hospital, were we were meet by a Neurosurgeon that quickly explained what they found and were going to do immediate surgery. Luckily for us, we felt confident in his decision and Steve and Brandon were able to give him a Priesthood blessing - so off he went to the unknown. Bro. Johnson came that evening to give him another blessing with Tyler when he was returned to his room following surgery. I knew my Dad would like that.
He has always had great faith and felt the affects during his times of need, and there have been plenty in his 83.5 years of life. He feels the more the merrier! My mom has been great, strong and gentle with her sweetheart of 59 years - they just celebrated that Nov. 3, 2009 and she celebrated her 79th birthday on Dec. 7, 2009 in his ICU room sweetly stroking his hands and face - it has always been her way of soothing him and showing her love. Our children have been able to come from away and spend time visiting and taking care of things for Grandma at home as well as for their Grandpa at his bedside like washing his hair on the right side - that is still the pretty white hair we have grown accustom to. Stephanie and Tyler come daily to visit with their little ones, Papa Bob loves to see them and needs their hugs - Nikki and Peter came to spend the nights or days with him that first week, so he wouldn't be alone - Stacie and Danette, our niece, came the 2nd week to cheer him up and make him laugh and remember all of the fun times they have shared with Grandpa - We are starting the process of getting him to Rehab and we are happy to report that he is pleasant and trying to stay happy! We will keep you posted and would love to have your visit by mail or in person - I am so happy to know that all of us will be together and "HOME FOR CHRISTMAS". I am thankful for Steve's support and care while I am dealing with new things each day - I appreciate all of my children's spouses for allowing them to come and be with us. Please continue to Keep us in your prayers and remember to be Thankful for all that we have been blessed with in our family and yours. We are very aware of all of our family & good friends - I know that my Heavenly Father knows our needs and am thankful for the comfort of the Spirit in our lives daily - Our Saviour is our redeemer and friend and will not leave us alone to deal with our trials - We feel Him in our lives daily - Enjoy this holiday season! Merry Christmas and Happy 2010!

GRATEFUL FOR OUR FAMILY....looking forward to their arrival!

2009-11-29T20:27:00.000-08:00

WE HAVE ALOT TO BE THANKFUL FOR THIS YEAR
FIVE MEMBERS OF OUR FAMILY ARE SERVING THE LORD ALL AROUND THE WORLD!
Elder Jordan Urmston Paraguay October 2008
Elder Kyle Nichols Peru July 2009
Elder Alex Favero Phillipines October 2009
Elder Brock Nichols Australia November 2009
Elder Joseph Favero Norway December 2009
We are blessed for their Service and Example
of Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ!

Alot can be said about a holiday weekend
without your family around!
I wasn't looking forward to it,
but it actually turned out to be
a very special day for us as well!
We got to enjoy Disneyland,
it's our Anniversary also on Nov. 30th
I convinced Eric to join us all at Christmas -
Steve went 4 wheeling and camped in the snow
with David Bunting and Oscar and Juan Delgado and their boys -
I actually got to check alot of things off my list
Nativities are down for the big event
Decorating is started
Shopping is in progress, thanks to Rachel and Jon and Fia
joining me while they came to visit my folks -
We ate Indian food at Taj Ma Hall, Kyle and Stacie's favorite
Jon loves food from India since his mission to Australia.
Condor game topped the evening once Steve returned!
My favorite part of the holiday was the fact that
my kids got to spend time with their "in-laws" and
I know how much their families love them as well!
In fact, because Peter has a home in SLC, Stacie
Tyler, Heidi and Nikki all got together for a visit there!
So, I better not speak too soon. . .
because there is still a lot left to do -
But, it's not even Christmas Eve, & I have
started the wrapping - Stacie will be thankful!
The highlight of the day will be
talking to Elder Kyle Nichols
and making a wonderful video
of all of his nieces and nephews -
Be looking forward to the infamous PHOTO
on Christmas morning of the family waiting
to come downstairs - He actually picked out
the cute matching PJ's for all of the grandkids!

MORE TO COME - Check out Kyle's updated blog. . .

2009-11-16T11:03:00.001-08:00

THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS TO Christmas -
Fall is finally in the air and I feel cold -
so I need to get out the winter clothes and put away the summer stuff....
But more importantly is the update to this blog .....tonight!
Then the preparation for the families arrival for the Christmas Holiday -

Fall is in the Air - as well as a new leaf for us!

2009-11-15T22:21:00.000-08:00

September took me to Utah to attend Alex Favero's mission stuff -
temple/talk and spending time in Peter's new home and Stacie's new career -
Being able to spend time with them helps me adjust
to them all being away from home!
We enjoy all of their activities and
watching each new step in their lives that shows
their independence and responsible decisions!
We know we are blessed with great kids and now their families!
So, it is at this time of year we GIVE THANKS for each of them and
want to let them know we love them TOO MUCH!
Tyler and Katy moved into their new home in August.
Peter moved into his new home in September and then
we lost the 3 little kids when Steph and Brandon
moved into their new home in early October.
IT SURE IS QUIET! Thanks for the memories and
all of the wonderful times Kids -
we love you all and are so proud of each of you
and as new families and as a WHOLE BIG FAMILY!
Love always, Mom and Dad

Some Family Resemblance?

2009-11-08T18:01:00.000-08:00

Summer Fun with Family - 2009

2009-09-18T01:54:00.001-07:00

Hiking near Mt. Whitney was fun -
brought altitude sickness for Dayna and Shingles for Steve
Great friends and beautiful views -
the Passing of Uncle Chuck saddens us all -
but we were able to spend time with family and Celebrate his life!
Dayna, Jeff and Nate and the Shanklins
Spiritually fed by Jeff and comforted by the Spirit.
Sheila sang 2 beautiful numbers that Bernie and Chuck loved from the MTC!
Grandma and Jeff got to go to Ohio with the rest of the family!
I SPENT MY BDAY in the Phoenix Airport waiting for another flight...crazy.

Labor Day was another fun memory at Lake Mead in LV
drug out the old parachute and will have to repair it
and try again soon -
Spencer and Sam enjoyed the remote for the drapes in the hotel -
Jersey Boys with Heidi & Rich and Jay Leno show with Peter, Zach and Brad Sims -
while Stacie shopped with her friend Stacie and sister-in-law Rachel
were our FUN and we are looking
forward to an October run on the water!

AUG 13th - PEDRO's . . .HAPPY HAPPY b'DAY

2009-08-14T00:34:00.000-07:00

I think I told the birthing story last year -

So, this year it will be the piggie story from the Great Kern County Fair -

Peter was only about 2 and he use to love Pigs - at least we collected them for him after this. . .

He wanted to go to the fair and when we would ask him why -

He would say to see the Pigs and then oink like a pig

So, we had him do it over and over again on a video camera and we loved to listen to him -

because of his age and the way he talked and he was cute and had blonde curly hair!

If someone would help me learn how to put that video on the blog, I would let you see him again.

Now, we find him perplexed about things like which fridge to buy for his new home and

Then when it comes, it is all for not, the door has a dent in it and he thinks it will bother him so he asks them to replace it - A much better solution to the 1st idea to refuse the fridge - then rent a fridge and have to wait until my bday on 8/31 to get a new one shipped out -

SO - He took the fridge !

AUGUST 1st - She's married!

2009-08-09T20:54:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Stacie Nichols Smith to Mr. Zachary Lance Smith
Oh my goodness, it was a beautiful day and beautiful bride!
Friday Night in LA at the temple awaiting the event
We all gathered and enjoyed each other's company
Saturday was a 9:30 am wedding with family and friends present
at the Los Angeles LDS Temple in Santa Monica, CA

Perfect Weather
Perfect Place
Perfect People
Perfect Beginning
Perfect Party
Perfect Ending
to a
Perfect Day!

Thanks to everyone who helped us make her dream come true!
Thanks to everyone of you that came to wish them well!
We love seeing all of our family and friends!
Enjoy your summer~
visit Stacie's blog to see the photo's
Here is our photo of the newly weds at the humble abode in Utah!

Well -He's Gone......ELDER UNCLE KYLE

2009-07-22T23:26:00.000-07:00

July 7, 2009 was the actual plane ride to SLC for the new life at the Provo MTC
The newest Elder Nichols replaces his cousin Elder Bradley Nichols now home
July 29, will be the next plane ride to Lima Peru MTC for more knowledge -
Cool part is that HE LOVES IT ALREADY & has great success with spanish.
So there is hope for all you high school spanish students
and rewards for seminary teachers!
Today will mark the official launch of the KYLE blog,
& you can follow his mission stuff there. .
We appreciate all you who have supported Kyle
as he prepares for this great opportunity!

As always. . .It's been a whirlwind summer, and we are almost there -
THE WEDDING! Hope to see a lot of you there. . .
Miss Stacie will become Mrs. Smith on August 1
and she will be busy preparing her classroom after that -
so you will have to catch her updates on her blog as well.
Thanks to her sisters for throwing a shower in June and
helping by making the dresses for the little girl cousins!
Many new addresses in store for our kids -
so we will update those as they happen -
always feel free to look any of us up on FB

Sincerely want to thank all of our friends and family
for making LIFE possible for us and enduring
the drama of our lives as we have defragged and
cleaned up our home and yard in preparation for our
EMPTINESS & some company to join us -
Stephanie/Brandon/Christian/Elyse/Grant moved in when
Kyle moved out and it has been a welcome addition -
they are helping us block out the
"QUIET" of our "Empty Nest"
with the shrills and giggles of a happy home
with adventures in reorganizing/ yard work/chasing the little dog
& swimming a lot ! ! ! ! !

Looking forward to having all of our children with us again
in the LA temple and thinking of Kyle as He serves the Lord diligently
and blessing the lives of those he meets!
Labor Day tradition will hopefully continue and
we will meet again at the Lake!
ENJOY!

Memorial Day - Official kick off summer 2009

2009-07-07T20:36:00.000-07:00

Memorial Weekend speaks for itself -

Great Family Friends, the next generation!

Great FUN and always more food than we need.

Great EXPECTATIONS!
SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2009

Our Bit of Heaven on Earth

All of our children, spouses, and grandchildren

and our parents spent the day in the LA Temple.

Guys wrapped it up with a fun night at the Dodger Game

to honor Kyle's request for "BONDING" before he

leaves for his 2 year mission to Peru on July 7th

Gals celebrated Stacie's upcoming wedding by showering

her with gifts, and embarrassing her with funny memories -

asking her & Zach what their new life will bring

SUNDAY, June 28, 2009

Kyle and Stacie gave beautiful talks at Sacrament meeting
Zach officially joined the bros...Tyler, Peter and Kyle

"I Know that My Redeemer Lives"

A mother's pay to hear her children and feel complete!

We continued our tradition of playing at the lake for the 4th of July

Kyle Peter Stacie and Zach joined us at Nikki's

HAPPY BDay Kyle 19 and counting the days. . .April 24, 2009

2009-05-17T22:33:00.001-07:00

Couldn't let Kyle's special day go by without honoring him
Even though I spent a lot of time on the blessing day and Kyle -
It deserves to be said that as they say,
they save the best for last -?!?
Well -
WE SHALL SEE.....
He may be the best
because he is the last ..... and I finally figured it out,
the parenting thing -
or
He may be the best
because he is the best, of all who have gone before,
the sibling thing -
or
He may be the best
because he has learned from all of my mistakes
and thinks he knows everything better than I.
or
He may be the best
because he spent every moment trying to be
not as good as the rest for fear someone might notice.
or
He may be the best
because he received a special mission to fulfill
here on the earth and he is aware of what that is.
or
He may be the best
because I am His mother and every mother
loves her children and thinks they are the best.
But
whatever the reason,
this is his season and I know he will shine and
find those people that are ready to be taught
the Gospel of Jesus Christ, he is prepared to
serve the Lord and anxious to do his job.

We love him and he will be missed while away!
Thanks for being You, Kyle - you are special!

2009-04-19T14:55:00.000-07:00

STACIE, WACIE, Crazy little Stacie - loves her family

and of course

we LOVE HER - HAPPY DAY, April 11, 2009
THE BIG TWENTYFIRST B-day.....

Lucky is the day that we had a little girl

and we felt her special spirit.

Lucky are the sisters that

took care of her like a Princess.

Lucky are the brothers

that she took care of like a Mommy.

Lucky are her friends

that she loves & can follow her example.

Lucky are her parents

who are pleased with all her choices.

Lucky are her grandparents

who love hearing all her voices.

Lucky are her little nieces & nephews

that she loves to be around.

Lucky is the Young Man

that will love her. . . as his wife.

Lucky are the children

that will call her mother . . . all their Life.

Lucky, yes we are,

to know & LOVE our sweet,

sincere, and special Stacie!

Thanks for sharing your life with us

and showing us love

thru your acts on our behalf!

BLESSINGS . . .what a privledge to behold!

2009-03-30T06:54:00.000-07:00

Kyle Favero Nichols was a very special teenager
that had the opportunity to have all of his grandfathers,
brothers, brothers-in-law and Father
participate in the special blessing of becoming an Elder
preparing him to serve the Lord on
his 2 year mission for the church.

It was a special ending to a perfect weekend also
while these same fine men, including Uncle Kyle,
along with Katy's family, held little Carter,
our latest addition to the family, in their hands and
gave him a name and a blessing
pronounced by his daddy, Tyler.
What a thrill for a mother to be honored
as you watch your son's participate in
such special ordinances along with your husband
and know that they are honoring their God.

We had a wonderful time being together as always and
look forward to the next milestone in our life -
Kyle entering the Temple before he leaves
on his mission to serve the Lord
in Peru, Trujillo on July 8, 2009.
It was a quiet moment here that morning
as he carefully opened his envelope.

He didn't want any fanfare or special attention,
just a solemn moment of peace and tears as we
watched Kyle receive his call to serve the Lord.
His strength was obvious as he learned of
his destination and immediately knew that
He was called where he needed to be.
So, as we are preparing with him
to make this important trip,
We are certainly enjoying the journey!

Steve's Happiest Place on Earth. . . . . . . . . . . Yes, Disneyland!

2009-03-29T22:55:00.000-07:00

As the yearly occurance of
get in free on your Bday -

The wheels were turning for a party. . .

Steve's and Spencer's 4th big one
together at D I S N E Y L A N D!!!
Everyone made it for a CELEBRATION~

Stephanie and Brandon had to decide if they were going to buy the passes or not - Grant's free

Heidi and Rich were happy to get one in free and only have to pay for 2 til Sam turns 3 in May

Nikki and Jordan paid for just the two of them for the last time as Warren turns 3 in April

Tyler and Katy as 2fer's could go again, if they really wanted to - living so close is a plus. . .

Peter and Stacie traveled from Utah to join the family and their friends got a taste of CRAZY!

Kyle loved it all as he was beginning to realize that it might be his last trip with EVERYONE-

Of course - we will be going again . . .I heard Steve promise Christian if he helped him with some project here at the house, they would make a trip together and just hit the good stuff!

2009-01-25T22:35:00.000-08:00

LA Zoo with Steph, Brandon & Kids - Sun & Fun!

OUR HAPPY NEW YEAR begins anew
because of
each and every one of you -

THANK YOU KIDS FOR ALL THE NICE THOUGHTS
and giving us the opportunity
to enjoy ourselves for a weekend -
Beautiful place
Beautiful weather
Beautiful thoughts
Beautiful wishes
Beautiful memories - old & new!

JANUARY JOURNEY - 2009

2009-01-13T23:58:00.001-08:00

Tyler and Katy welcomed their little son into our family! Great JOB KATY!!!
CARTER ARCH NICHOLS
January 6th at 1:55 a.m.
8 lbs. 1 oz, 19 inches
and lots of dark hair -
He is beautiful and
loves his mommy, sister Lucy
and of course
his daddy adores them all~!
check out this blog by a family friend that put the cutest photo's up of his first few days. . .
http://kenandjill.blogspot.com/
THANKS JILL!

Kyle will probably claim the title of
FAVORITE UNCLE
- since he got to hold him before
any of the other siblings -
Stacie likes to call herself everyone's
FAVORITE AUNT. . . we will see!

Lucy was loved and spoiled by Kyle for a few
days as daddy and mommy were away
she loved being with us -
Sleeping at our house was a little more exciting with the dog and movies and . . . .PAY DOUGH!
(Not sure Steve got too much sleep - just fun!)
Some people think Carter looks like Kyle
Kyle thinks he looks like Brady?
I think he looks like - Carter - Darling~!

Jan 7th PRINCESS Elyse had her 5th Birthday
and celebrated at her official bday party -
Princess' came to her castle for THE party!
Stacie got to come home for it - as well as a wedding for her cousin Courtney Urmston!
(actually she flew home via Vegas/Phoenix etc.
and flew back via Denver - the reality hit us of no direct flights from here to there anymore!)
Stacie was suffering from lack of sleep I think. . .
Stephanie was probably suffering from a headache afterward -
cute little princesses with attitudes!

Cannot wait to have you all here soon
to meet Carter and
enjoy the 10 GRANDKIDS all together!
HEY, it's about time to celebrate Papa Steve's Bday -
Disneyland might be the perfect spot!
What do you guys think????

2008-12-28T21:34:00.000-08:00

Nov. 30 was our 35th Anniversary and the kids honored us as always!!

CHEERFULLY CELEBRATING DECEMBER 2008

HAAAAAAPPY 9th BIRTHDAY CHRISTIAN - #1 Grandson!

Not Sure She LIKES his Graduation Cap! Gpa Russ is
reassuring Lucy it is her daddy with that funny hat on!

FINALLY we are here!
We've b een waiting all year - for this month to arrive.
Tyler Graduated from CSUB and grandparents came -
we celebrated Christian's 9th birthday - (see Steph's blog)
Knowing that two little spirits were joining our family
made this time even more special than it already is.
Heidi had her newest little one - 12/11/08 (see Heidi's blog)
Natalie Jane Doxey, 7 lbs. 4 oz, 19.5 inches
Steve, Kyle and I drove quickly to Las Vegas and
arrived in time to welcome her into our family!
We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of #10
CARTER NICHOLS, Tyler's newest little one
due any minute! Watch Tyler's blog for update!

We enjoyed having Stacie and Peter home for the week
of CHRISTMAS and Kyle was glad for the company.
Our lazy christmas morning, was unusual without any
little ones to wake up early for - but we had traditions
as usual with Christmas Eve at G&G's, skinny minnies
for breakfast/brunch, a movie trip to the EHMall
and dinner with the whole family.

It was fun to hear them reminiscing about their
trip together this summer and we made the best
shopping find of the year - PJ's for the grandkids
for next year's Christmas Eve, hopefully together.
Outlet shopping at the coast was topped by a trip
to McClintock's for the famous turkey nuts and
water pouring tricks were observed, not attempted.

This Special Time of Year,
as we celebrate
the Birth of our Savior -
it is MY favorite time..

People are more intune to the needs of others,
we are more aware of those things we need to
improve on in the new year,
we hold our
family and friends dear -
. . . so know that we
keep you in
our thoughts and prayers daily.
Our desire is for you to have
peace
in your heart
and
joy
in your journey!!

Thankfully. . .November 2008

2008-11-09T21:33:00.001-08:00

Favorite Uncle Kyle entertaining the troops!

Stephanie, Nikki & Stacie with Christian and Roxanne

sorting and enjoying our family photos -

THANKS for the help!

Alex with Grandpa and Grandma Favero enjoying a visit!

COUSINS - Grant, Elyse, Lucy, Warren & Christian

enjoying the movie-thon w/Papa Steve!

Grant watching Gma Nichols with HIS puppy Nutmeg!

King of the remote - Papa Steve's Movie thon -

Audrey and her Uncle Tyler comparing looks!

WE LOVE IT WHEN THEY COME and Hate it when they go!

Appropriately gloomy day outside
for the same kind of feeling I have inside -
No one is home, and it is quiet and
seems strange to have no noise or needs.
Ending the days of the craziness are welcomed
and we can only pray for HELP.
Seems like the answer to our questions
will always be answered by Prayer.

So, as we celebrate the THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
as a nation, we can give
Thanks for all that we have,
all that we can hope for and
all that we may lose.
As for myself and my family and friends,
I gratefully give THANKS to our
Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ,
for the Plan of Happiness and
knowledge that I have of
who I am,
where I came from and
where I am going.

I am grateful for this knowledge and
testify to the Truthfulness of His Gospel.
I am grateful for His Unconditional Love for each of us.
I am grateful for My Family,
including all that I am aware of near and far.
I am grateful for the Heritage that is mine
and the examples of their lives.
I am grateful for the Free Agency
that we have to make correct choices.
I am grateful for the Blessings that are mine,
in all areas of my life.
I am grateful for the lessons that I learn daily
from my opportunities and experiences in life.
I am grateful for the blessing of being a women,
wife, mother and grandmother.
I am grateful for the talents that I have been given
and the desire to share those with others.
I am grateful for the Freedom that we all share and
pray for the Troops that protect us always.
I am grateful for the Americans
that desire the best for this Nation,
and pray for those who don't.
I am grateful for the citizens of the world
that share our values
and pray for their Leaders as well!

Keep the Faith and know that
we are all in this together,
we have so many things that
we can SHARE IN COMMON
We really don't need to focus
on the differences
that seem to keep us apart.

OCTOBER 2008 Happenings

2008-11-09T21:27:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to CHRISTIAN -
Student of the Month AGAIN!!!!

Elyse enjoying her chocolate granola bar
while working with GG at the rally.

Sharing our beliefs with others
that share our values -

Yes, it is a Coyote in our driveway - believe it or not!

Our Fall Fun Frenzy!

2008-11-09T20:57:00.000-08:00

September and October 2008
were busy months as usual and
we enjoyed many opportunities to visit and
see our kids involved in all of their
fun endeavors -
I LOVE THEIR BLOGS and hope
you all got to see them!

Peter is living in Salt Lake City,
working and enjoying the LIFE -
he stays in contact w/family & Friends,
Loves golfing and snowboarding.
Stacie is a busy Junior at BYU
in her Program of study,
Special Education, Severe and
volunteers with Best Buddies.

Kyle is busy in school and Institute,
and has taken up a NEW HOBBY -
Bicycling with his friends -
We are glad to know he is saving some money on the gas,
as well as getting some good physical exercise
and FUN with friends-
I only worry a little when I realize that it is DARK.
I know how hard it is for me to see bikes on the road -
He is pretty good to keep us posted
via phone while he is out on the town!

END OF SUMMER 2008

2008-11-09T20:52:00.000-08:00

Enjoyed driving my parents
up to Utah for a family visit
while my SIL Teresa and I
enjoyed a visit to Brigham City to
RE-UNION with our Classmates -
the Box Elder High School
Class of 1973!
35 years! OH WHAT FUN MEMORIES!

Steve had the opportunity to accompany his parents to a funeral
of a long time family friend, and spent the day being reminded
of all of his childhood memories and his parents as well.

GRATEFUL FOR ALL THAT WE HAVE!!

2008-08-12T01:39:00.000-07:00

It isn't very often that a mother & father can be so lucky to have 7 children and that are healthy, wholesome and happy. But we are blessed & absolutely know that they are going to continue to be fine citizens. Not because of us, but because our Heavenly Father has a plan for each of them, and they are diligently working to understand their mission here on the earth and live up to the God given talents and gifts they have been given and serve the Lord in His work here.

Thanks for all of you. . .

Pedro's adventures Continue - HAPPY 24th B'day
August 13, 2008 -

I will start with Peter because today is his birthday . . .
For the record - Peter is #5 child and #2 son, just 2 years younger than his brother Tyler.
I had been suffering with Valley Fever during my pregnancy and was a little concerned

that he might suffer from the effects as well - I only gained 17 lbs by the end because I lost so much in the beginning of the pregnancy.

I actually went to Girl's Camp and went into early labor because of the High Altitude -

my Stake President, Pres. Davies and Bro. David Bunting had to give me a blessing in the middle of the night and then Susan Dunn drove my car down the mountain with Bev Davis our nurse, that had come prepared with sterilized equipment because Pres. Davies told her this might happen - HOW IN TUNE!

As we descended down the mountain, my contractions slowed up and I realized that it was

probably just a false alarm and decided that I would just have them check me out anyway.

We arrived at the Lake Isabella Hospital, smelling like a campfire only to find that they don't deliver babies - I felt like the "Gone with the Wind" movie, where the little gal finally admits,

"I don't know nothing about birthin' babies!" as she strolls off down the street-

I knew that I would have to have my water broken before he came anyway - so I really wasn't worried, but we got back in the car and headed down the hill to Memorial, only to be told that

I was dilated but there was a nursing strike and I would have to go home and wait -

a week later when I was at an 8 and could barely walk, they finally said I could come in.

He was born the Monday after the Olympics ended and it was a lot of fun to watch and think about what our new little spirit might be - REMEMBER, we didn't use to know ahead if it was a boy or girl, so I spent a lot of time Imagining who they would be - so when he arrived, he was completely healthy at 8lbs. 13 oz and definitely Mr. Muscle and I knew he would be an athlete, just didn't know how good he would be! His personality was fun loving and happy from the very beginning. We discovered early that he was a real charmer and very determined in everything that he did.

Tyler was a perfect brother to him and all of the three older sisters, Stephanie, Heidi and Nikki mothered him and he let them as long as he got what he wanted, but he ignored them if he wanted something more and got it for himself. From the minute he was born, he has not sat still. I haven't been the same since, I couldn't exercise like I did with Tyler, who would sit on his blanket and watch me exercise - Peter would crawl away as soon as I turned my attention to the aerobics stuff - so that ended that, and thus I am fat!

Heidi being 6 years old was really wanting to be a mommy and because she became sick with valley fever also was home with him during school time. Peter learned to say Heidi even before he called for Mommy - and she loved giving him all of her attention -the girls use to dress the boys up and put barrettes in their hair etc. I'll try to find the one that Peter has his cowboy boots on and pony tails in his hair - I could probably black mail him with it!

We have the cutest video of Peter as a little one visiting the KC Fair and he loved the pigs and wouldn't stop talking about it and oinking for us! I will have to learn how to download that!

Just let me say that Peter was an accident waiting to happen because he had such a drive to try to do everything that interested him. On the soccer field he had the killer instinct. I often told people that Tyler and Peter had the same skills probably on the soccer field, but Peter would stop at nothing, even personal injury to get the goal - We went thru a period of him having such anxious moments that he didn't do everything he could to get a goal, that he would start to hyperventilate and I would have to talk him out of it -

Thank goodness it worked and my final words would be, just get the goal and we won't have to worry about it any more - and within minutes, he would get the job done and be happy and free!

Appreciate all that Peter stands for in his personal life, family life and community life.

We know we can count on him to do what's right and be there for all of us like his latest adventure with his younger sister Stacie and younger brother Kyle as they shared their graduation trip together as THE TRES AMIGO's WORLD TOUR! Thanks for making that possible for all of you and making us feel more at ease with the prospect of this adventure.

We are so proud of your many accomplishments -Serving the Lord on a 2 year mission to Texas,

serving in the temple while you are working and going to school and doing all the extra stuff!

Graduating from UC San Diego and working on the immigration project, your orphanage work in Mexico with the Kaiizan foundation and the great job you did at the eye clinic at the university.

We know he will enjoy this new adventure with Stockcamp/Huron as a business consultant and we look forward to hearing all of your many travels and about all of the people that you meet.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mr. Peter, you have a lot to be happy about and a lot to look forward to!

We love you and appreciate your example to all of us,

FOREVER YOUR FAMILY!