So cute

So Amber left me with the girls yesterday and said as she left, "Make sure to get the girls dressed." I think she worries when she leaves me alone with the kids because she's a mom and mom's worry. So I sent her a picture of the girls in close to show her that I am such a responsible than. When I took the picture I noticed that the girls are really growing up. They are already 3 1/2 years old and are almost done being a trained. We have occasional accidents every once in a while but is not as bad as when we started doing it on our first attempt in September 2011. That's right this is our third attempt at potty training the girls and it is very successful this time. Speaking of potty time, Faith seems to have a hard time going poop. So every time she's in the bathroom until her to push it out and I make a "pushing out" face. When I was making the face she started to imitate it and this is what she did:

 

It was a little bit different than face I was making, but it was funny so I had to capture the moment.

“There are cycles of good and bad times, ups and downs, periods of joy and sadness, and times of plenty as well as scarcity. When our lives turn in an unanticipated and undesirable direction, sometimes we experience stress and anxiety. One of the challenges of this mortal experience is to not allow the stresses and strains of life to get the better of us—to endure the varied seasons of life while remaining positive, even optimistic. Perhaps when difficulties and challenges strike, we should have these hopeful words of Robert Browning etched in our minds: 'The best is yet to be' ("Rabbi Ben Ezra," in Charles W. Eliot, ed., The Harvard Classics, 50 vols. [1909–10], 42:1103).” 

L. Tom Perry, "Let Him Do It with Simplicity", Ensign, Nov. 2008, 7

All Weapons Weekend!

I had a totally awesome weekend thanks to a military friend of mine. I've never been involved in any type of shooting competition before so I was a little nervous but I was invited to get a team of four people together for this competition. It took place on the National Guard training facility off of Arizona State Route 79. Our group represented PCSO and we came in seventh overall in the civilian category of the competition, and 13th place overall.. Me personally I came in 63rd in the individual competition out of around 150 participants. We mainly shot targets with our AR-15s and the courses included pop-up targets an unknown distance targets from 100 to 500 m. One of the courses was a machine gun range which was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Many of the military instructors said that our team did very well but we were just there to have a good time and get sunburned. Amber isn't too big into guns so I know she would've been bored if she was there watching the competition by being involved was definitely a good time. So much so that the people I invited to be on the team want to do it again next year. even though some of the courses were geared toward military engagement, it was still useful to myself and my team in the line of work that we do. Here are some of the pics from the weekend:

 

   

“We must know and realize that, just as Winston Churchill said in a critical hour during World War II, ‘to every man [and young woman] there comes . . . that special moment when [they are] figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a special thing unique to [them].’ ”

Elaine S. Dalton, “Come Let Us Go Up to the Mountain of the Lord,” Ensign, May 2009, 123

Cuddle Time

Amber and I were sitting on the couch today and Faith came over and cuddled up next to Amber. She seems to be the most needy when she wakes up from her nap. For some reason she gets all worked up and has some kind of anxiety. I guess I am the same way sometimes so I know where she gets it from.

Amber had to go make dinner so she left Faith on the couch. Of course, she started to cry so she told her to cuddle with me. She crawled over and curled up in a little ball on my lap. She was pretty cute and Amber took advantage of the tender moment by grabbing a pic.

Too bad Amber doesn't do this with me all the time. She's the best!

"In a time when the family is under attack from the forces of evil . . . , the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve have set forth in "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" that 'parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness.'"This includes nurturing, supporting, and teaching children in all things pertaining to righteousness so that they may remain firm, with their 'loins girt about with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and [their] feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace' (D&C 27:16)."

Francisco J. Viñas, "Things Pertaining to Righteousness," Ensign, May 2010, 107

Day at the Beach

This was so fun! In September 2010 we took the boys to the beach for the first time, it was part of our trip to Disneyland. Since the boys were 2 we have tried to take them every two years to Disneyland, but it hasn't worked out that way. We took them when they were two years old, four years old, then seven years old, and we will take them again when they are 10 years old. these pictures are pretty funny of the boys because they look so tiny, but they had a good time at the beach. The water was really cold so they didn't really want to get in to the ocean, but Amber did and had a great time. I got in a little bit but it was too cold for me too. I guess the middle of September isn't really the best time to jump into the water but it is a great time to go to the beach because the weather is perfect. During that one day at the beach we built a sand castle which you can see the pictures above. The boys helped out to make that thing castle and we were trying to make it as big as possible the problem was we didn't have that many tools to build it with. We buried the boys in the sand which they thought was pretty funny and we blew up the inflatable alligator. They love to sit on the alligator and wait for the ways to come and take them out to sea. I can't wait till next year when we take all the kids I think they will have a blast!

“Our most important and powerful assignments are in the family. They are important because the family has the opportunity at the start of a child’s life to put feet firmly on the path home. Parents, brothers and sisters, grandparents, aunts and uncles are made more powerful guides and rescuers by the bonds of love that are the very nature of a family.”

Henry B. Eyring, “Help Them on Their Way Home, Ensign, May 2010, 23

Pot of Gold

Many would agree that Amber is the most amazing person, but she is the most amazing at everything she does. I mean, who does this for a bunch of primary kids? This was the first idea that she had from her own creative mind. It's an oreo pop with a sour punch ribbon on top. Of course, that's not all there is, but she could tell you all the details if you ask her. She has such amazing talent; with baking and video montages, is there anything she can't do?

I was tossing around an idea with her today about moving to Utah. It's been something I've thought about for awhile...like 6+ years. I will do my homework to see if it would be a good move. There are so many opportunities that are and will present themselves, and I would hate to miss out because we choose to move to a different state.

".......You add great strength to the  Church when you use your testimony, talents, abilities, and energy to build
the kingdom in your wards and branches. You are great examples of sharing  the gospel, serving missions, sending children on missions, and welcoming  new members. You reach out in kindness to those around you, lifting and  blessing them through inspired service. So much of what is done in the  Church today could not be done without your efforts."

(Paul B. Pieper, "The First Generation," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 11-12  )

Kung-Fu High Impact!

This game is soooo awesome! The other day I decided to do some of this for my workout. I ended up burning over 500 calories in 30 mins. Video games sure have come a long way from Atari! It's amazing you don't have to use a controller to play and the sensor response is pretty impressive. I'm sure when the boys get older they will look back and say that this technology is Old Skool! Who knows where it's gonna go from here.

Technology is pretty amazing, there are so many things that we can no now, I wonder if we are even using even 10% of the capabilities of our devices and computers. I can play music to our DVD player from my computer, which is pretty cool. But even the Xbox console can be used for so many things besides playing video games. It's just mind boggling how many technological advancements have come about in such a short period of time. Then there is the Adversary, who uses that same technology to his advantage to lead away the hearts of the children of men. It's meant for good but you have to be careful how you use it.


"We were given our agency. We must use it wisely and remain close to the Spirit; otherwise, we foolishly find ourselves yielding to the enticements of the adversary. We know that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ our mistakes can be washed clean, and our mortal body will be restored to its perfect frame." 'For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God' (Moroni 7:16)."There is a perfect manner of communication through the Spirit, 'for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God' (1 Corinthians 2:10)."

Boyd K. Packer, "Prayer and Promptings" Ensign, Nov. 2009, 43–44

Finally, Amber Went on a Hike!

Going on a hike with Amber is one of the hardest things to do. For some reason, she just doesn't like hiking. Well today, some friends wanted to hang out with us and invited us on a hike. To my surprise, Amber accepted the invitation and had a great time. They took their kids and we took ours, and enjoyed the nice weather while we still can. We went to the San Tan Mountain Reserve where Ammon and I have gone previously to ride bikes on a date.The Moonlight Trail was fun because it went up and down, keeping the kids excited. That particular trial was 1.2 miles one way. We saw some hot flower action on some cactus (which you don't see all the time), but didn't really see anything exciting i.e. critters and wildlife. It was a good little hike, but I would definitely take the bikes over walking.

"For those who eschew evil and live good lives, who strive for a brighter day and keep the commandments of God, things can get better and better even in the face of tragedy. The Savior showed us the way. From Gethsemane, the cross, and the tomb, He rose triumphant, bringing life and hope to us all. He bids us, 'Come, follow me' (Luke 18:22)."President Thomas S. Monson has counseled: 'If we are to walk with head held high, we must make our contribution to life. If we are to fulfill our destiny and return to live with our Father in Heaven, we must keep His commandments and pattern our lives after the Savior. By so doing, we will not only achieve our goal of eternal life, but we will also leave the world richer and better than it would have been had we not lived and performed our duties' (Thomas S. Monson, used with permission)."

Keith B. McMullin, "Our Path of Duty," Ensign, May 2010, 13

Being Spiritually Prepared

Normally my wonderful husband updates our blog. This time I really needed to post. I have been struggling with an assignment that the Bishop gave me for the Primary. At first it seemed very overwhelming and as though I was sacrificing so much and getting so little in return. I new these feeling were not coming from my Father in Heaven so I asked my husband for a blessing. In the blessing he stated, "the Savior sacrificed all even his very life and received no earthly reward." This one statement humbled me a great deal and changed my perspective. If the Lord of the earth can sacrifice all for me than no sacrifice is too great for Him.

I remembered a short video here from the 2011 Leadership Training that talked about being prepared spiritually for your assignments. I went back and watched it again and again. There is so much truth and comfort in this short clip for what my Primary Presidency and I are about to undertake. Just a few days ago I was wondering where my faith was and now I feel so much closer to the Lord. I am excited about where this assignment will take me spiritually. I feel a raising of the bar is taking place.

Old Geezers

We had a family picnic today and Amber and I were sitting in the park just enjoying ourselves when Amber leaned over to me, pointed over to a bench across the playground at my father and my grandfather said "look at those two old geezers over there." I just had to go take a picture. Compared to Amber's family, my family doesn't do a whole lot together. so we do have family gatherings, sometimes it's hard to have a conversation with my cousins. But we had fun anyway.

We had stake conference today and learned about how to prepare our children for missions. sometimes you think about that stuff and tell your kids get older, maybe teenage years, but really the preparation starts now when they are young.


"The single most important thing you can do to prepare for a call to serve is to become a missionary long before you go on a mission. Please notice that . . . I emphasized becoming rather than going. . . .".. It is possible . . . to go on a mission and not become a missionary, and this is not what the Lord requires or what the Church needs."

(David A. Bednar, "Becoming a Missionary," Ensign, Nov. 2005, 45)

Standing in the Wrong Spot!

I was at work today on an accident scene where someone had to get airlifted to the hospital. I must've not been paying attention with the pilot said "we will be coming in from the southwest" because I got pelted with rocks and sand.

It was pretty cool anyway. Typically, whenever I am close to a helicopter at work I take a video of it so I can show it to the boys. Here is a shot of the Mesa Temple when I got to fly from Florence to the Maricopa County Medical Center in Phoenix:Can't get a shot like this everyday! That's what makes my job fun, I get to do so many different things on a daily basis.


"I express special gratitude to the Lord Jesus Christ. I am thankful
for His loving-kindness and for His open invitation to come unto Him
(see Matthew 11:28-30). I marvel at His matchless power to heal. I
testify of Jesus Christ as the Master Healer. It is but one of many
attributes that characterize His incomparable life."

(Russell M. Nelson, "Jesus Christ--the Master Healer," Ensign, Nov. 2005, 85)

Boys Baptism & Pumpkins

The boys were baptized in September 2011. I can't believe they will be 9 years old this year! It still seems like Amber & I just got married last month. Amazing how time flies. We are so proud of the decisions the boys are making. They really are special. They also get lots of attention at school and at home. So many kids want to play with them. Who wouldn't want to play with two kids that look the same?

Then in October, the boys carved pumpkins for the first time. Here is how they turned out:









Pretty good huh? Of course we used a tracing pattern, but they cut them out.

"Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just as the yellow and gold and brown strokes of paint complement each other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results."

David A. Bednar, "More Diligent and Concerned at Home," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 19–20

Never a Dull Moment

So, I was scrolling through the pics in my phone and stumbled upon a couple of funny ones.

With our family, there never seems to be a dull moment. I just hope the kids look back on all the things we did as parents and focus on the good times we had. Sometimes it's hard to be positive all the time when you are disciplining kids and teaching three 3yr olds how to go potty in the toilet. Things can get stressful. I never knew how crazy a house could get. I never had really young brothers or sisters, we were all about the same age. I remember Amber had to to teach me how to change a diaper and to feed babies. I never grew up around that stuff. One of the things Amber and I have implemented is the opportunity for the boys to earn a date night with either of us. this picture was one that I went on with ammon & Thomas. We went to the Phoenix Rock Gym in Tempe. This was a really cool place, it has like 15,000 sq. ft. of climbing area in an indoor 2 story building. they have different areas for the different skill level of climber you are. All climbers are connected with repelling gear so when you get to the top, you just repel down. There's an area where you don't have to be hooked up and the walls only go about 8 ft. up.

These are the times that you forget about all about how much trouble kids can get into and lose yourself in the fun times. It's kind of like the "you know, my kids aren't all that bad" moment when you are on a date with your kids. All the negative stuff gets washed away and the spirit of gratitude fills your heart for the wonderful children you have.

"Parents play an essential role in helping their children to understand the things pertaining to righteousness. In the Book of Mormon we find that Alma the Younger...taught and gave his children their charge separately, adapting his instructions to each son, according to that son's needs. He bore testimony and taught doctrine and principles, preparing them to preach those same principles to others."

Francisco J. Vinas, "Things Pertaining to Righteousness," Ensign, May 2010, 107

Give Me Sweets!

All I want is some Oreos and milk! It's only been three days of this competition and I'm having a craving for sweets. I don't think I'm going to make it very far without losing my mind. I do have some strawberry milkshake protein powder I could mix up with some milk and that might be okay, but nothing beats a moist, double stuff Oreo cookie dripping in milk.

In case I did not post before, Amber is the Primary President and I am a Den leader, primary teacher, and prison ministry correspondent. Those callings keep us pretty busy but they are all fun and worthwhile. It's fun to see the boys in Scouts trying to earn their Wolf badge. They are the shortest kids in our den and when we went to the Cub Scout day camp last Saturday, one of the leaders looked at the boys and asked them if they were eight years old yet. Our little short boys are so cute, but even the girls are catching up. I think Charity is a head shorter than the boys now. The last time we measured the boys was December 2011. They had only grown a half an inch within that year. Pretty crazy! we are planning a Disneyland trip next year and I don't know if the boys will be able to ride all the rides. Thomas is 3'9" and Ammon is 3'8" and a half. Yep, I guess they have the short gene, and there's not too much hope for them since Amber and I aren't that tall either.


“We knew that our purpose was to gain a physical body, to overcome trials, and to prove that we would keep the commandments of God. Our Father knew that because of the nature of mortality, we would be tempted, would sin, and would fall short. So that we might have every chance of success, He provided a Savior, who would suffer and die for us.”

Thomas S. Monson, “He Is Risen!” Ensign, May 2010, 88

Best Vacation Ever!

Amber and I celebrated our 10th year wedding anniversary in August 2011. We had the best time! We went on a seven day cruise to the Mexican Riviera. While we were on the boat I told Amber that I could not remember the last time we went on a vacation together just the two of us. Of course, the last time we went on a cruise was on our honeymoon back in 2001. But that was only for four days (which was not long enough). I'm not going to go into all the details of our trip here because I don't have enough time. I was thinking of it just now and remembering the good times we had. When we got home we decided not to wait another 10 years to go on another cruise, so we booked one for 2014. The trip gave us a sense of renewed love for each other and helped us recharge our batteries from the previous 10 years. That is one of the most important parts of marriage, the time spent alone with each other. Whether it be on a date night or other activity, anything to get away from the kids and fall in love again. It is definitely helped our marriage stay strong for these 10 years and Amber has been so supportive, I could not ask for a better companion!





"The relationship between love and appropriate action is demonstrated repeatedly in the scriptures and is highlighted by the Savior's instruction to His Apostles: 'If ye love me, keep my commandments' (John 14:15). Just as our love of and for the Lord is evidenced by walking ever in His ways (see Deuteronomy 19:9), so our love for spouse, parents, and children is reflected most powerfully in our thoughts, our words, and our deeds (see Mosiah 4:30)."Feeling the security and constancy of love from a spouse, a parent, or a child is a rich blessing. Such love nurtures and sustains faith in God. Such love is a source of strength and casts our fear (see 1 John 4:18). Such love is the desire of every human soul."We can become more diligent and concerned at home as we express love—and consistently show it."

David A. Bednar, "More Diligent and Concerned at Home," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 18

Friendly Competition

So today we started a little contest between some friends. Here are the requirements:

1. 7 hrs. of sleep (not necessarily consecutive - naps count too!)
2. 48 oz. of water
3. 30 minutes of exercise (not necessarily consecutive)
4. 2 servings of veggies, 2 servings of fruit
5. No soda, beer, wine, unhealthy snacks (ex: potato chips), or bad fast food (anything fried!)
6. No sweets. (Desserts, pastries, sugary snacks & cereals) * Sugar-Free alternatives are OK.
7. No eating after dinner/8pm
8. 15 min. of scripture reading (or spiritual text if you don't do scripture)
9. One journal entry (any length)
10. Express sincere appreciation, love or praise to your spouse (if single, to another person)

This competition doesn't only involve Amber and I but also other friends. at the end of the required time whoever has the most points for doing these activities gets a free dinner paid for by the other friends. So here I am writing a blog post is part of my journal entry for the day.

Amber and I went to Ammon & Thomas' school today and got to see what they have been doing since January. We switched them to Eduprize school, and they seem to be doing well and enjoying it a lot better than Anthem. Amber and I were so proud of the boys work and Thomas has been doing very well with drawing. We have great boys we're so proud of the progress that they're making school.

I was goofing around at church yesterday and snapped a couple pictures of the boys.




















They are pretty funny! I don't know why Ammon's would not rotate right, but there it is.


"In a time when the family is under attack from the forces of evil . . . , the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve have set forth in "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" that 'parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness.'"This includes nurturing, supporting, and teaching children in all things pertaining to righteousness so that they may remain firm, with their 'loins girt about with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and [their] feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace' (D&C 27:16)."

Francisco J. Viñas, "Things Pertaining to Righteousness," Ensign, May 2010, 107