Saturday, December 8, 2007







Sabrina and Joshua
Natalie and Dennis


This is Sabrina's Fiance Joshua They are getting married, they are expecting in July
This is also another daughter of Natalie, Liz and her husband and son
This is natalie's son Brenten, I think

Shepherd Family Christmas party

This is Dennis's Wifes Daughter Marin

Here is Abbi Sabrina's little girl.





Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Nathaniel's Concert



Christmas Challenge




These are just a few of the decorations that I like, I don't have much

I love this one, it goes good in my salon.
The Nativity that mom gave me from Jerusalem.



Sunday, December 2, 2007


Time to share a thought or two, Grandma Shepherd has asked us to share with the family about some of the ways we feel we have seen the Lords blessings in our lives. The Lord has blessed so much that it is hard to decide what to write about, but I think that one of the biggest blessings in my life is that I have such a good family, they teach me so much, I ponder on the talk that Sister Beck gave in General Conference; Mothers who know do less. They permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally. They allow less media in their homes, less distraction, less activity that draws their children away from their home. Mothers who know are willing to live on less and consume less of the world's goods in order to spend more time with their children—more time eating together, more time working together, more time reading together, more time talking, laughing, singing, and exemplifying. These mothers choose carefully and do not try to choose it all. Their goal is to prepare a rising generation of children who will take the gospel of Jesus Christ into the entire world. Their goal is to prepare future fathers and mothers who will be builders of the Lord's kingdom for the next 50 years. That is influence; that is power.
Mothers Who Know Stand Strong and Immovable
Who will prepare this righteous generation of sons and daughters? Latter-day Saint women will do this—women who know and love the Lord and bear testimony of Him, women who are strong and immovable and who do not give up during difficult and discouraging times. We are led by an inspired prophet of God who has called upon the women of the Church to "stand strong and immovable for that which is correct and proper under the plan of the Lord." He has asked us to "begin in [our] own homes" to teach children the ways of truth.
Latter-day Saint women should be the very best in the world at upholding, nurturing, and protecting families. I have every confidence that our women will do this and will come to be known as mothers who "knew" (Alma 56:48). In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. This is just a portion of the talk that she gave but it so true, we need to be doing all that we can to be Strong, in all that we do, especially with our families. I see how important it is to teach our children to be strong and listen and obey, my children remind me of that everyday, we can't let our guard down! The world teaches us that it is OK not to care as much, and that is so wrong, for example if I didn't care, I know that things in our home would be much worse, children can be so challenging and rewarding at the same time, but if I wasn't so persistent, things in our home would be much more complicating then they are now, Nathaniel needs that constant reminder to make right chooses and to listen and obey, Caleb is growing so fast, and I can see him learning to obey, he is so impressionable, if we don't do what we can while they are young it will be two late when they become older, they may not listen to everything, but they will (I pray) remember the things they have been taught, and they will try to always do what is right! Another thing that I liked from another talk given by President Monson, it states;
Study diligently.
Pray earnestly.
Serve willingly.
I know that we have will be blessed by doing this.
This past week the scouts got to serve some families in the neighborhood, by collecting food, it was awesome to see how many people are willing to serve others, by donating even if they don't have much, the boys saw people serving earnestly, it is a blessing to serve. In our life many people have helped our family when times were tough, I know that the Lord has blessed us more than we know, and I know that the Lord has blessed them to bless us, so thanks to all of those who have blessed us with your love and kindness. I pray that I too may be able to bless others in return. I hope that we can remember the blessings we receive, and thank the Lord for his Love and be able to feel his arms wrapped around us, helping us every step of the way, he will never leave us, if we want him in our lives and do the right things.
James the kids and I are doing great, we feel blessed to have our health, and have the Lord in our lives.
Let me tell you alittle about what is been going on in our "never dull lives!" James has been doing great, he feels good for the most part, each day is a little different, but we are trying to make every day a day to remember. He may be getting a promotion at work, cross your fingers, it would be nice to have a pay increase, and hopefully he will be able to be home at nights with us. Nathaniel, everyday is a new day, we never know what is in store, We are blessed to have him be a part of our lives, he teaches me to have patience. He is a great big brother and loves Caleb to pieces, having a brother was on of the best things that has happened to us. Some days are more difficult then others but I love him so very much and don't know what I would do without him. Caleb is another big blessing in our lives, he has such a loving personality, he has learned so much in the past couple months, he love his big brother Nathaniel. The first thing Caleb does in the morning is run to Nathaniel's bed calling his name and pounding on him to wake up, he cries when brother leaves for school, and waits at the door for his brothers quick return. Caleb loves to climb on everything, he loves to listen to the music and dance, he is learning lots of new words and doesn't stop talking. When Caleb gets hurt he runs to mom to kiss it better, he loves to cuddle and talk, and I think that sometimes he does it just for and excuse to get a hug or a kiss!
So as you can see I am blessed to have to wonderful boys, and a husband who loves me and the kids, and to have such great brothers and sisters, and parents. I wanted to leave with you this last quote; "My point is to urge you to find ways to recognize and remember God’s kindness. It will build our testimonies. You may not keep a journal. You may not share whatever record you keep with those you love and serve. But you and they will be blessed as you remember what the Lord has done. You remember that song we sometimes sing: “Count your many blessings; name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.” Tonight, and tomorrow night, you might pray and ponder, asking the questions: Did God send a message that was just for me? Did I see His hand in my life or the lives of my children? I will do that. And then I will find a way to preserve that memory for the day that I, and those that I love, will need to remember how much God loves us and how much we need Him. I testify that He loves us and blesses us, more than most of us have yet recognized. I know that is true, and it brings me joy to remember Him." ( Elder Eyring conference talk.)
I to have a very strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, I know that the Lord loves us and answers our prayers, be mindful of him in your lives, and remember to thank him for all that he does. I feel so very very blessed to have such good family and for there example to me, I pray that I may be a good example to my children, as my parents were to me. I love all of my families! Thanks. Melissa

Okay I challenge all of you to try to start writing about the things that go on in our lives, so we can remember what we have learned, and so our children can see how we have grown, spiritually, physically, and mentally. I love you all.