Ashley's 29th

Speaking of Ashley, she just celebrated her 29th birthday (in Salt Lake unfortunately)!! It sounds like she didn't skip a beat - that it was well-celebrated out there. Natalie just posted the sweetest tribute to her, so I thought I would give her a shout out as well.
ASHLEY -

A - is for ACTION. Whether it's learning to scuba dive or teaching English to would-be Americans, or student government in high school and college, or serving in various church callings, she is ever involved in life.
S - of course, it is for SERVICE. This should have been her middle name. Opportunities to serve make her the most happy and fulfilled while continually blessing the lives of others around her. She just knows how to empathize and act on her promptings to serve.
H - is for HELPER. She continues to walk into the lives of others, especially her loved ones to help with everyone's children, or help Gigi get packed and organized or to be a bridesmaid in yet one more wedding or to be there for a friend.
L - is for LOVE and LIGHT. She has this incredible love for all mankind that just radiates. And she DOES light up any room she walks in to.
E- is for EVERYONE. Ashley is everyone's friend. I have never known someone with so many friends from so many walks of life. I was never so amazed as when I walked the campus of BYU with her (a student body of 35,000 or so) and she seemed to know EVERYONE.
Y -is for YOU. Ashley, dear, I cannot say the thousandth part of how very much YOU are loved by me and your father and all those around you. Happy birthday, dear Ashley.

I almost forgot...

Thanksgiving

We were able to have EVERYONE come home for Thanksgiving - my dream come true. We also celebrated Ashley's birthday and Natalie's and Quincy's Christmas with us.

George's 35th and Ella's Blessing

A lot of George's family was able to come for his 35th birthday and Ella's blessing. What a great weekend!!!

Bert's Funeral

Around Halloween, our dear father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, Bert Mangus, passed away. He is missed by all for his loving gentle ways. Here are some pics from the family gathering for his funeral.

Mom and Dad Redd's Visit

We were lucky enough to have a wonderful visit from Grandma and Grandpa Redd right as the leaves were turning here. How great it was to have them in our home.

Ella Kate

Grandma and Ella

Ella in Pink

Mommy and Ella in the delivery room

The Carroll Family

Yesterday evening our first granddaughter was born - Ella Kate. She weighed 8 lbs., and Alyssa and I (along with George, of course) had the great privilege of being in the delivery room when she made her entrance. As you can see, she has long slender fingers (and toes), and lots of dark hair. We weren't even sure she was ours until she demanded to eat right off the bat, then we knew she was a Mangus girl!!! Today, I held her and rocked her for a good portion of the day. I know I keep saying this, but it's true, "Life just doesn't get any better!"