Cluff Christmas Brunch

Wheeler Family Christmas Party (My Sister by God But not by Blood)

Vicki and her Family had us over to enjoy and be a part of their Family Christmas Party. It was so much fun, we played Bingo, had great food and enjoyed everyone's company. Steve and I just could not get a break in Bingo it was right at the end of course when we finally started to get some numbers that gave us a bingo.. ; )

Here are some fun pictures from the night.. It is great to have then all a part of our life.. We have been (Family Friends for around 10 years now). We love you guys...

Grandma Arnold Brandon and Kaylee..
Jaime and her Youngest
Richard David and Richard's Wife.

C.J's First Band Concert

C.J. is in 7th grade and started playing the Clarinet at the begining of the School Year (since Aug). He is 3rd Chair already and is doing a great job in band.. His Teacher said he is a natural and that next year he should move up to the Saxaphone, he normally makes studants wait till they are in 9th grade or High School before he suggest the move to Saxaphone but he feels C.J will be ready next year.

C.J. has been enjoying it so much and is looking forward to moving to the Sax. That is what he first wanted to do, but they said that they always start studants on the Clarinet first to learn the basics and then move to sax. Well he has learned the basics so fast and is already reading music really well.. We are very proud of him. Way to Go Buddy!

Answered Prayers

Get some Tissue!

I was walking around in a Target store, when I saw a cashier hand this little boy some money back. The boy couldn't have been more than five or six years old. The cashier said, "I'm sorry, but you don't have enough money to buy this doll." Then the little boy turned to the old woman next to him and said, "Granny, are you sure I don't have enough money?" The old lady replied, "You know that you don't have enough money to buy this doll, my dear." Then she asked him to stay there for just five minutes while she went to look around. She left quickly.

The little boy was still holding the doll in his hand. Finally, I walked toward him and I asked him who he wished to give this doll to. "It's the doll that my sister loved most and wanted so much for Christmas. She was sure that Santa Claus would bring it to her." I replied that maybe Santa Claus would bring it to her after all, and not to worry. But he said to me sadly, "No, Santa Claus can't bring it to her where she is now. I have to give the doll to my mommy so that she can give it to my sister when she goes there." His eyes were so sad while saying this. "My sister has gone to be with God. Daddy says that Mommy is going to see God very soon too, so I thought that she could take the doll with her to give it to my sister." My heart nearly stopped.

The little boy looked up at me and said, "I told daddy to tell mommy not to go yet. I need her to wait until I come back from the store." Then he showed me a very nice photo of himself. He was laughing. He then told me, "I want Mommy to take my picture with her so she won't forget me. I love my mommy and I wish she didn't have to leave me, but daddy says that she has to go to be with my little sister." Then he looked again at the doll with sad eyes, very quietly.
I quickly reached for my wallet and said to the boy, "Suppose we check again, just in case you do have enough money for the doll!" "Okay," he said. "I hope I do have enough." I added some of my money to his without him seeing and we started to count it. There was enough for the doll and even some spare money.

The little boy said, "Thank you God for giving me enough money!" Then he looked at me. "I asked last night before I went to sleep for God to make sure I had enough money to buy this doll, so that Mommy could give it to my sister. He heard me! I also wanted to have enough money to buy a white rose for my mommy, but I didn't dare to ask God for too much. But He gave me enough to buy the doll and a white rose. My mommy loves white roses." A few minutes later, the old lady returned and I left with my basket. I finished my shopping in a totally different state of mind from when I started.

I couldn't get the little boy out of my mind. Then I remembered a local news paper article two days ago, which mentioned a drunk man in a truck, who hit a car occupied by a young woman and a little girl. The little girl died right away, and the mother was left in a critical state. The family had to decide whether to pull the plug on the life-sustaining machine, because the young woman would not be able to recover from the coma. Was this the family of the little boy? Two days after this encounter with the little boy, I read in the news paper that the young woman had passed away.

I couldn't stop myself as I bought a bunch of white roses and I went to the funeral home where the body of the young woman was for people to see and make last wishes before her burial. She was there, in her coffin, holding a beautiful white rose in her hand with the photo of the little boy and the doll placed over her chest. I left the place, teary-eyed, feeling that my life had been changed for ever. The love that the little boy had for his mother and his sister is still, to this day, hard to imagine. And in a fraction of a second, a drunk driver had taken all this away from him.

I loved this story I could stop the tears..Make me realized that Prayers are answered.

True Meaning of Christmas

I believe that the true meaning of Christmas is different for everyone. For some it means spending the Christmas season with family and friends, remembering the birth of Christ, reliving old traditions, or giving service to those in need. Listed below are personal experiences and stories of those who learned the true meaning of Christmas. and Through out the rest of the month I will be posting more favorite Stories that I hope can touch each of you with the True Meaning of Christmas.

An unknown author wrote:
I am the Christmas Spirit.I enter the home of poverty, causing pale-faced children to open their eyes wide in pleased wonder.
I cause the miser’s clutched hand to relax and thus paint a bright spot on his soul.
I cause the aged to renew their youth and to laugh in the glad old way.
I keep romance alive in the heart of childhood and brighten sleep with dreams woven of magic.
I cause eager feet to climb dark stairways with filled baskets, leaving behind them hearts amazed at the goodness of the world.
I cause the prodigal to pause a moment on his wild, wasteful way, and send to anxious love some little token that releases glad tears—tears which wash away the hard lines of sorrow.
I enter dark prison cells, reminding scarred manhood of what might have been, and pointing forward to good days yet to come.
I come softly into the still, white home of pain; and lips that are too weak to speak just tremble in silent, eloquent gratitude.
In a thousand ways I cause the weary world to look up into the face of God, and for a little moment forget the things that are small and wretched.
I am the Christmas Spirit.

Keegan Has Advanced to Bobcat in Scouts

Keegan Had scouts last night where he was awarded his bobcat and 2 beads and 2 belt loops.

He has been enjoying cub scouts. Way to go Keegan! We love you...

Here is a video of his awards..

Lupus Awareness Month

This is the end of the Month but I just had to touch on something that is near and dear to my heart. As most of you know that I have LUPUS so I have to put some information about Lupus on my blog. to Help keep in Mind that October is LUPUS Awareness Month!

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, heart, lungs, blood, kidneys and brain. Normally the body's immune system makes proteins called antibodies, to protect the body against viruses, bacteria, and other foreign materials. These foreign materials are called antigens.

In an autoimmune disorder like lupus, the immune system cannot tell the difference between foreign substances and its own cells and tissues. The immune system then makes antibodies directed against itself. These antibodies -- called "auto-antibodies" (auto means 'self') -- cause inflammation, pain and damage in various parts of the body.

Inflammation is considered the primary feature of lupus. Inflammation, which in Latin means "set on fire," is characterized by pain, heat, redness, swelling and loss of function, either on the inside or on the outside of the body (or both).

For most people, lupus is a mild disease affecting only a few organs. For others, it may cause serious and even life-threatening problems. Although epidemiological data on lupus is limited, studies suggest that more than 16,000 Americans develop lupus each year.

Some of the symptoms one can have... (highlighted are mine)
Achy joints / arthralgia (95 percent)
Fever of more than 100 degrees F / 38 degrees C (90 percent)
Arthritis / swollen joints (90 percent)
Prolonged or extreme fatigue (81 percent)
Skin Rashes (74 percent)
Anemia (71 percent)
Kidney Involvement (50 percent)
Pain in the chest on deep breathing / pleurisy (45 percent)
Butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose (42 percent)
Sun or light sensitivity / photosensitivity (30 percent)
Hair loss (27 percent)
Abnormal blood clotting problems (20 percent)
Raynaud's phenomenon / fingers turning white and/or blue in the cold (17 percent)
Seizures (15 percent)
Mouth or nose ulcers (12 percent)

Jae't at 3 months what a Talker..... just like his Mom!

Well Jae't - My Grand Son (still have a hard time with that one) Just turned 3 months and he has grown even more, you know how it is they grow like sprouts. Well we had Sherrelle, Trent and Jae't over for Dinner and Family night on Monday 10/20/2008 and I took a little video of him talking to me.. Kinda fun when they start kooing and stuff. so here it is enjoy..

High School Soccer - Kaeslyn Varsity and Jr. Varsity

Kaeslyn Made the Clearfield High Soccer Team, She is a starting player on JV and 2nd string for Varsity. She is also on a Comp. Team called " Wastach" Steve is one of her coaches and he is loving being able to be a part of something that she loves and he loves to much. Here are a few pictures from the year.

CJ Recieved the Aaronic Preisthood

June 1 2008 C.J. received the Aaronic Priesthood, since we moved the end of May and moved into our new place the first of June we stayed in our old ward since he had already gone through his interview with that bishop. He was so excited. He loves passing the sacrament every Sunday and was called to be the 1st counselor in the Deacon presidency in our new ward. He loves the young men and enjoys going to Young men's.. Makes him feel great.

We are very proud of him and the example he is the other kids and tohis younger brother.

We love you C.J.

Introducing Jae't Glen Lutz

Hi Everyone, Just wanted to bring you up to date..

Sherrelle and Trent had their baby July 18th 2008, He was born at 12:25 and was 5 lbs 15 oz he was 18 inches long. These pictures were taken the first 2 days he was born.






We called him our little man!

Doesn't he look like a little old man... : )

Well now he is 2 months old and and is full of personality and spunk. He brings much joy to our family and we enjoy having him in our family. He has been a fun Blessing. Even Grandpa has been enjoying holding him and playing with him.

We are excited, but can you believe that I am a Grandma and Steve is a Grandpa.. To weird I know. But here he his in all his glory! I had fun making these up and creating cards with pictures of him. I had to do one for Trent that is why there is a Pimp-in one.. to funny!
















I will post new pictures as I get them since he has changed so much already in just 2 months.

We love you Jae't

Keegan turned 8 on April 21st and we celebrated it on Saturday the 26th, He invited a few of his friends and we all went swimming they had a blast and I put together a fun little movies to record all the fun that they had. I hope you enjoy. The movie explains the whole day.. Well at least the party part.

Happy Birthday Keegan!

Steve's 40th Birthday was April 19th and we had a wonderful party and had several friends come and visit and share in our time together. This is just tribute Video that I put together for him for the last 40 years.

We love you more Steve.. Happy Birthday!
Love Karianne

April is Here...

Well April is here but you wouldn't know it with the weather. It has been snowing and raining since the end of March.

This week is exciting, because last night my nephew came home from his mission. We are so excited to see him. Grandma told me about it this morning and shared with me how good he looks and what a mature man he has become. Welcome Home Adam.

Well, Kaeslyn has a soccer game tonight, she has really enjoyed playing with this new team. Comp soccer is fun but competitive. Especially girls. But it is getting her ready to try out for the high school team this summer.

Well, I am looking forward to spring time and can't wait to go to the park and other activites.

Talk soon Karianne

Spring Time in Here..

Just had to share a fun bright image that remionds me of spring.

Wishing you a great Spring Time...
Love Karianne

Easter Reflections

I read an article from the ensign from 1995, it was by Elder Andrew W. Peterson he was a member of the seventy at the time. This Article shared an invitation and scripture that touched me and I wanted to share it with you all and also to remind me of the message it had. I am so blessed to have the knowledge that I have of the gospel and this message confirms to me that the Lord is guiding and directing this gospel and its leaders. This is the part that struck me the most.

Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley had served but only seven years as an Apostle. At this time, He shared a scripture and extended an invitation. He taught from 2 Timothy: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord” (2 Tim. 1:7–8).

Pres. Hinckley invited missionaries at that time, to not fear and not be ashamed of their testimonies of Jesus Christ. As I read this on Easter 2008, his invitation penetrated my heart and is important to me and to you this day. The Lord has raised up a new prophet Pres Thomas S. Monson—And one I feel has no fear, one who is full of power and love and of a sound mind, and one who by example reminds us never to be ashamed of our testimony of the Lord.

So, I feel at this time, I would like to share my testimony.

I am a proud member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints.

I know with all my heart and mind that God Lives and that his son Jesus Christ is the only begotton, he is my Savior, Lord and Redemer. I know that he came to earth to fullfill our Father's plan, so that we can return to live with them again. I know that Jesus did suffer in the garden of gethsemene, and then died on the cross for us all, so that we can be resurected as he did.. and live again.

I know that our Heavenly Father has a plan for us. And the Plan of Salvation was put into action with the sacrifice of his son Jesus Christ. Through His grace and mercy of the Atonment —(which is the most important event in the history of the world) This has helped me in my time of trials and relieved me of the guilt and shame that result from my sins. As I rely on the Atonement, I have felt the love of My Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ. He has helped me endure everyday if there be joys, heartaches, and trials. I know that if you take a chance to learn how the Atonment can work for you, it to will give you a chance to experience joy, peace, and consolation through the mercy of our loving Heavenly Father. I am so grateful of this Plan and the knowledge of it. Its resoring power has brought my live so much joy, especialy during my many trials of life. The Atonment has given me and continues to give me that power to go on, and to always know of my saviors love for me.

I also know that Joseph Smith is and was a chosen prophet of the lord, He did see God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. And through the Prophet Joseph Smith, our Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ restored the gospel. I also believe and know that that Preisthood which is the the authority to act in His name, was restored to the earth. And I am so grateful to have a Husband that is worthy and who honors his Priesthood. Through this power marvelous things can occur.

I know that by the power of God, Joseph Smith translated the book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is a powerful witness of Jesus Christ. It helps me understand His teachings, including those in the Bible. I know with all my heart,might and mind that the Scriptures are true, and that as I read the Book of Mormon and Bible I can gain more knowledge and understanding to my life, my purpose and what I can do to be a better person.

I know that Thomas S. Monson is also a choisen prophet of God, he was saved and called for this time, He holds the same keys as all previous prophets before him. I am grateful to him for his guidance, love and directions.

I know that, through obediance to the laws and ordinances of the gospel, we can achieve Celestal Glory. "By patiently and faithfully following the gospel path, you will find direction, peace, and happiness in your life, allowing you to draw closer to God and qualifying you for eternal life" ( 2 Nephi 31:20.

I am graeful for the belssings that I have been given, I know that they have been given to me by him and he is with me every step that I take. Again I love this gospel with all my heart, might mind and strength. And I say these things in the Name of Thy Son Jesus Christ Amen.

I feel Easter has opened my heart and mind to the strength of my testimony, may this be an Easter season of meditation, reflection, and appreciation. May we resolve to be obedient to the prophetic invitations from those who hold the keys of the kingdom.

With much love,

Karianne

CJ and Keegan's Spring Concert

The Boys Elementary School held their first Spring Concert, It was held at the Local High school,

Well, it was out of control verry dis organized, and the Kids were wild the teachers and leaderrs couldnt seem to get a handle on it. But as for the Singing and the Concert it self. That was wonderful.

Keegan was in the first group of kids that sang 1st -3rd grades, they sang 3 songs
"Sing" - by the Carpenters
"You've got a friend in me" - From the Movie Toy Story
"Zippity Do Da" - From songs of the south

He did a really good job, he got really into it, and did all the actions. It was fun to just watch him.

C.J. was in the second group 4th - 6th grades, They sang 5 songs
"Under the sea" - From the Little Mermaid
"Kiss the Girl" - From the Little Mermaid
This song had the directors Son play a solo part with his saxaphone, it was really good. And C.J. now wants to start playing the Sax when he starts Junior High next year. Oh My...
"A Whole New World" - From the movie Aladdin
"You'll be in My Heart" - From the movie Tarzan
"Heal the World" - By Micheal Jackson

C.J. had fun to, he was on the back row and did a grerat job singing along. He is not one to always sing along but he did this time and we are very proud of them both.

Well, that was last night, March 20th 2008. It was fun.
Great Job Boys! Love you more....

Kaeslyn's Spring Concert

Kaeslyn had her spring concert Last night March 19, 2008 and she did great. She is in advanced Orchestra and she plays the Violin. She is second chair and just loves playing.


This last month she was in a group playing a piece for Solo ensamble. Well at district they scored a Superior which is a 1. This is the highest that is given. So we were very proud of them and Her.


And because of their high score they, performed their peice as the Spring concert. They did very good again, everyone was so impressed.


Here is a picture of Kaeslyn and her BFF(Best Friend forever) M'Lee who was part of the group, and she plays cello.

We are Proud of her.. Way to go Kaelsyn Sweetie!

Parkinson Slideshow

Update on Sherrelle and Trent

Well, Trent and Sherrelle have moved to Rock Springs Wyoming, this last Saturday the 15th of March. Trent Got a Job up there and they found a small apartment, and will be saving for a larger apartment before the baby comes.

I think Sherrelle is looking for a part time job, But we have not spoke since she left. So I am not sure what is going on. When I have more details I will post updates.

As for now, just keep them in your prayers.

Karianne

Grand Baby on the Way

Well, I am slow in posting this information, I have not been to good on updating Our Blog Spot....... But, Sherrelle and Trent are expecting and that means that I am going to be a Grandma!

We found out that She is having a BOY! And his name is J.T. Lutz.

So, just 4 1/2 months to go, We will post more updates as they come.

New Year... New Beginnings!

Happy New Year!

My Wish for You in 2008

May peace break into your house

May thieves come and steal all your debts.

May your pockets become a magnet for $100 bills.

May love stick to your face like Vaseline.

May laughter assault your lips!

May your clothes smell only of success.

May happiness slap you across the face.

May your tears be only those of joy.

May the problems you had in 2007 forget where you live!

May 2008 be the best year of your life !

Lets Make 2008 GREAT!

2007 Family Christmas Letter

Happy Holidays Family and Friends,

It is that time of season again. I can't believe how fast this year has gone. We have added a collage of images from this year so you can see what we have been up to this Year. We also want to take this time to wish you and your family, best wishes and holiday cheer this Christmas Season.

Steve is still working with Clinton City as their City Planner. It has been a challenging Year, Clinton has several projects and changes and so it has kept Steve very busy. But he loves it, and is very happy that he made the move. He is just now waiting on the new Office building to be finished so he can have his own Office. It has been a great move for him and he loves it. Our Ward was split and since the split Steve was called to be the 11 year old Scout Master and him and C.J. and the boys have been loving it. (it is testing his patience) But he is so good for the boys and the program has not been run so well before so everyone is just pleased as punch. Steve has been a great help to me and the kids. I am so grateful to have been blessed with such a wonderful Man.

Sherrelle is home from Rock Springs Wyoming, She has been home since just before Summer, and I think she is happy to be back closer to Family. She misses her friends in Wyoming but she has found several new friends since she has been back. She has been dating a young Man for several months now, His Name is Trent and he lives in Weber county and needless to say they are together every night of everyday. She is Happy!

Kaeslyn is busy busy, she is the Mia-Maid Pres since she became a mia-mad and loves serving those around her. She is still playing Soccer and this last fall season she made the High School Soccer Team as a 9th Grader. She was the starting Forward for the JV team. They did pretty good. She is currently playing Indoor with several girls and is loving it. She is still playing Violin, she is 2nd Violin 2nd Chair and next Term she will be 1st Violin 2nd Chair so she has really grown as a Violinist, for her last concert she also was asked to direct one of the songs, she did really good and kept everyone right on beat. She is still quite the performer.

C.J and Keegan are doing great they are growing leaps and bounds, C.J is in 6th grade this year and I am not sure MOM is ready for him to go into Jr. High next year. But He is loving school, and we are so blessed that he has had the wonderful teachers he had, they have played a big part in why he loves school so much. He also still loves baseball but this year he tried Football and even with his Tall thin 72 lb frame he was out there playing his heart out, he played line backer and tried really heard to find those holes. He held his own even though he was up against boys that were 20 lbs to 30 lbs heavier then him. But sadly he broke his leg at the end of the season and was out the last 3 games. But he was on the sidelines cheering his team on. His cast is off now and he is doing fine and is looking forward to playing again next year. Keegan is doing so good he is quite the Soccer Player; it was like a light turned on. I think he is taking after his Dad, he had 6 or 7 goals this year and He also played goalie and saved to many to count. He loves Soccer and is looking forward to playing again next spring. He loves music and singing as well. They both are all boy and love there older sisters very much to.

I am at home, I have been watching a couple of kids every day, but mostly have been working to grow my business that I have, It has really made a difference in my life, I love it. This card you are holding is what I do.. I help people send Greeting Cards like this one. I went to Our Corporate Conference this year in SLC and it was awesome My Mom came with me and we had a blast, I am also involved in a local networking group called BNI and I was asked to be the Secretary/Treasurer and it has been great. I love working and getting to know the wonderful people that is involved. And working with people to build Relationships has been very rewarding. Both have been keeping me busy, My Health has been pretty good, I have only had small flares from the Lupus and I have been able to manage. I know that I have been blessed and watched over, the Lord has been there every step of the way.. And to know that I have an incredible Husband, Kids and Family to support and help this last year it has been great. As you can read we are all doing great and have been very blessed this year. We are so grateful for the gospel and what this time of season means. We hope you will be blessed this upcoming year, and hope that you have a wonderful Holiday Season and Happy New Year!

Love The Parkinson Family