The Final Pine Wood Derby 2014

This is a little old, but I have to go through the pictures and post the events that have happened. I have many pictures that I have to sift through. This was the final pinewood derby before the boys went into 11-year-old scouts. The last pinewood derby that I will ever do in our family. The boys have done pretty good over the years in Cub Scouts at their pinewood derby. I remember the very first year that we did it it was hard peeking out a design for their cars. I decided to have them pick out a matchbox car (because they had tons of them) that they liked and I help them create a design after that car. The cars that they picked over the years seem to do pretty good in the races. Plus, they always had good shape and design even if they did not make first place.

The pinewood derby races have been fun and we have had some good times building and racing cars. Now that I am the Cubmaster, I get to help many boys build and race their cars. Not to the extent of time that I spent with Ammon & Thomas, but I still get to participate. Hopefully the boys will remember building and racing their cars when they get older and have kids of their own.

"The onslaught of wickedness against our children is more subtle and brazen than it has ever been. Building a strong family culture adds another layer of protection for our children, insulating them from worldly influences."

—L. Tom Perry, "Becoming Goodly Parents", Liahona and Ensign, November 2012

New Year Means Rededication

Blog, Blog, Blog, gotta update the Blog! I set our Blog as my home page on Firefox so that it would remind me to do something with it, but I just thought..

"Nope, too much hassle." 

I would rather be doing this...

 

....or this...

...or this

 (Thomas)

You know what I'm talking about. Who wants to sit down at their computer and type about all of the fun, goofy, adventurous, exciting things that a family does? Of course I am being sarcastic, but it seems that every time I sit down to update the blog, I do not want to do it. So now that the new year has come I figure it is time to rededicate myself to updating the blog on a more regular basis. I have so many pictures of things that we have done I am trying to decide how I am going to post them all.

Great memories have passed through the 2014 year

I wish I could post all the fun stuff we did, but it would be a long post. I'm the one that takes the pictures, I guess I get that from my dad. Amber is the video lady. Together, we come up with some good ideas and capture some awesome moments.

There has been a lot of growth in our family over the past year. The girls have started kindergarten and the boys have moved up to fifth grade (and I have to go to priesthood preview in January since the boys will be 12 years old in September). Amber has become overwhelmed with the amount of homework that needs to be done every day for five children and I was not available to help because I was working the graveyard shift. Now that shift bid is over, I have found myself on a day shift able to help out with  family things  during the evening hours. Hopefully this will help relieve some stress that Amber has been feeling.

I am regretting not posting more in 2014 but I will try my best to keep everyone updated in 2015. Yeah I know I say that every year, but, now that I am off graveyards, hopefully I will be more excited about updating the blog. My goal is to update it every Sunday so we shall see how long that lasts.






“We do believe in setting goals...we must have goals to make progress, encouraged by keeping records...Laboring with a distant aim sets the mind in a higher key and puts us at our best...Goals should always be made to a point that will make us reach and strain.”

– Spencer W. Kimball
Regional Representatives Seminar

Boys Book Report Commercials

The twins just finished doing a "Cereal Box" book report, it is so much fun! Basically you read a book and decorate an empty cereal box to look like a real cereal based on the book. Then either perform a commercial in front of the class or create a commercial using "technology" i.e. VIDEO!!! I love to make videos, so when the boys came to me with an idea for their commercials of course I had to preserve their genius in moving pictures. I am actually pretty jealous. When I had to do book reports they were the old fashioned paper and pencil with rough drafts, annoying editing and NO ART AT ALL.........BOOORING! I led such cruel and misfortunate school life. Sorry to bring you down, enough with the pity party and on with the commercials!

Amber's Tasty Creations

Over the years Amber has been using her imaginative mind to make very delicious and creative treats for the family, primary classes, events, and whatever other time she feels like making them. Most of them are made from Oreos (Amber calls them Oreo Pops). Like cake pops, but instead of cake, it's irresistible, delectable, scrumptious, melt in your mouth Oreo and cream cheese goodness!

Every time she makes these things, I have to take a picture because, as you will see, they are sooooo adorable! (not a manly word I know, but just look at them!). Amber gets embarrassed about taking the pics so I usually have to sneak one away to take a quick one.

For those of you that have seen...

....There is a character that reminds me of Amber....

...And this is exactly how I envision Amber's mind

(I know you're laughing!)

So without further adieu, I present the creations of Amber!

 

  St. Patrick's Day

 Summer Time

 Family Movie Night

Arrrr Matey! What be you lookin' at?

Chicken Little

 Looks too good to eat

 Bacon?

 Amber is never on the naughty list..

I love eating pine needles and Christmas decorations

 “Look at me! Look at me! Look at me NOW!
It is fun to have fun
But you have to know how.”

 My Graduation

 Not a cake pop but still creative!

Gobble Gobble!

"We have implanted in our souls a desire to be free. The Lord understood this when He granted us our mortal probation. With that freedom, however, comes accountability. We are instructed not to idle away our time nor bury our talents and not use them. We are expected to make our lives better through our own initiatives and efforts."

—L. Tom Perry, "Youth of the Noble Birthright", Ensign, November 1998

Temple Visit

We are so excited to visit the Gilbert Temple next week. We have been telling the kids about how special it is to prepare them for the experience. It's pretty neat to see the spirit of the Temple consume everyone. May parents took a friend of mine and his wife last week and they thanked them so many times for the opportunity to see inside. It's such a special treat that the church gives to all to come and see. We took the family during the construction of the Gilbert Temple and were able to take home broken pieces of granite. We are making a shadow box with the pieces and some construction pics.

The Phoenix Temple isn't too far behind, word on the street says that it should be ready for open house this year too. Here is a sunset pic of it.

I played around with the color a little bit and it turned out nice. There is someone in our ward overseeing the construction of the Temple and he said there will be a super special treat for members of our stake and stakes near the Temple coming up before the general public is allowed inside.

Here is a great shot of the kids at the Mesa Temple.

I just love how everyone is unique, but the same feeling exists in them all.

In 1994, President Howard W. Hunter invited all members of the Church to “establish the temple … as the great symbol of [our] membership.” Later that same year, construction on the Bountiful Utah Temple was completed. Like many, we were anxious to take our young family to the open house prior to the dedication. We labored diligently to prepare our children to enter the temple, praying earnestly that they would have a spiritual experience so that the temple would become a focal point in their lives. (2012 October General Conference, An Unspeakable Gift from God, Sat. Morning Session - By  Craig C. Christensen).

New Post Coming Soon

It's been a long time...too long since I've posted something, that is about to change!

Girls, Girls, Girls

I found Faith, Hope & Charity doin' this today

Their faces are so red cause it's like a million degrees outside at 6:15pm! Can't wait for fall and winter. So as you can guess, the contest is over. Amber and I came in last only because the two other couples in last place quit right at the end (sore losers). Now that we don't "have to" write in our journals, I've been lazy. It's rough with school, scouts and work plus all the house responsibilities to blog everyday. Maybe I will recommit to it (how many times have I said that?)

 "Our most important work is always within our own home and family. It is within families that the Church is established and real growth occurs. We are to teach our children the principles and doctrines of the gospel. We need to help them have faith in Jesus Christ and prepare them for baptism when they are eight years old. We must be faithful ourselves so that they can see our example of love for the Lord and His Church. This helps our children feel joy in keeping the commandments, happiness in families, and gratitude in service to others."

 —Elder David F. Evans, "Was It Worth It?", General Conference, Apr. 2012

Weird Randomness

For some reason I can't upload photos to Blogspot right now....That sucks! I wanted something to go along with my story.

I was sitting along the side of the road out in the middle of the desert yesterday when I noticed this little injured bird trying its hardest to fly away. It was jumping around making a valiant effort. After a little bit, it decided to take a rest from its exhausting attempt.

As it was hanging out, I noticed a desert squirrel slowly sneak up on it. It was approaching cautiously, taking little steps and sniffing the air. As it got closer to the bird, the squirrel sniffed the feathers. Just then, the squirrel jumped on top of the bird in, what appeared to be, a playful battle. The two wrestled around in the dirt, with the squirrel trying to put the hold on the bird.

The squirrel tried to grab the bird with his mouth. After a couple of tries, the squirrel succeeded and secured the bird in its mouth. Then, it scampered away at lightning speed, taking the captured bird with him, and they both disappeared into the shrubs.

I've come up with some wild and imaginative stories before, but this is completely true. I never new the desert squirrels attacked and even sought after birds. I hate to make the assumption, but I think this is the zombie Apocalypse in its infant stages. I caught a glimpse of what slowly has been taking shape over these many years. I would venture to say that we may be seeing a full blown epidemic within the next 100 years. Better be prepared!

"....We can so live that we can call upon the Lord for His protection and guidance. This is a first priority. We cannot expect His help if we are unwilling to keep His
commandments. We in this Church have evidence enough of the penalties of
disobedience in the examples of both the Jaredite and the Nephite nations.
Each went from glory to utter destruction because of wickedness......

(Gordon B. Hinckley, "If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear," Ensign, Nov. 2005, 62)

Stupid Contest!

I think I'm done with this contest thing. Amber said I have to write on the blog right now before bed. I'm being lazy by trying to do it on my phone. It's not working out so well but I don't care. Ok...all done now. Happy lazy day!

Memories

I love looking at pictures on my phone. It brings back memories. Who would've ever thought it would be beneficial to have a camera attached to your phone. I remember when they first came out I thought, "who cares, who would ever use that." Now, what I would I do without it. I think it's more of a convenience factor than anything. When you're out and about, you can take a pic of anything. Anyway, I found this and it reminded me that the Father's & Sons camp out is coming up this weekend. This was Ammon last year:

 

Unfortunately, we will have to come home early on Saturday, but it's for a good cause. We have a friend that is getting baptized. Wahoo! It's been a long time coming for him and we are soooo proud of his dedication and long suffering. The Lord truly does bless those that keep His commandments. Even in the small things. Last year we weren't full tithe payers (my fault), but this year we are and I have found even greater blessings that those that we received last year. The Lord always provides for his children if we just follow what he has instructed us to do.

"God's love is so perfect that He lovingly requires us to obey His commandments because He knows that only through obedience to His laws can we become perfect, as He is. For this reason, God's anger and His wrath are not a contradiction of His love but an evidence of His love. Every parent knows that you can love a child totally and completely while still being creatively angry and disappointed at that child's self-defeating behavior." 

Dallin H. Oaks, Love and Law, Ensign, Nov. 2009, 27

Happy Easter!

We had a great Easter weekend. We got to see Tammy's wedding to Nic. Amber did the wedding video and I DJ'd the reception, it was a blast. I would much rather have a reception outside the church than inside. You can't crank up the tunes like you can outdoors. Then we got to sing in the choir at church and Amber go to sing a trio. After that, we went to spend time with both sides of the family. It was definitely exhausting, but tons of fun.

Amber does such a good job on the videos. She has quite the talent for it. I forgot to bring the camera to show some of the good times, so they will just have to live in our memories (Unless I can get some pics to post).

"Our Savior lived again. The most glorious, comforting, and reassuring of all events of human history had taken place—the victory over death. The pain and agony of Gethsemane and Calvary had been wiped away. The salvation of mankind had been secured. The Fall of Adam had been reclaimed. The empty tomb that first Easter morning was the answer to Job’s question, 'If a man die, shall he live again?' To all within the sound of my voice, I declare, If a man die, he shall live again. We know, for we have the light of revealed truth."

—President Thomas S. Monson, "He Is Risen: A Prophet’s Testimony", Liahona, Apr. 2012

Bazooka

I went to a call recently and noticed a freakin' bazooka! As you can imagine the family was retired military but this is a rare thing to see in someone's house. I asked the homeowner if he had any ammo for it and he laughed and said, "No." He explained it was not functional because there was some kind of broken ring inside. Still......kinda weird.

Amber has been explaining to me how stressed out she is because of our busy lives. On top of that we are in the process of making some potential big decisions. There has been a thought in the back of my mind that keeps popping up. We haven't told many people (especially family) because we don't want anyone to freak out for no reason. If I pray and receive an answer that it is not the right choice, then family will never know and that will be the end of that. The decision is to move to Utah, more specifically, the Provo area..ish.

Just think, would you rather see this..

 

 ....or this

That's not the reason we're (I'm) thinking about moving, but it's a bonus :)

We will explore the options and see if it makes sense to do it, then approach the Lord about it.

“While testimonies can come as dramatic manifestations, they usually do not. Sometimes people think they need to have an experience like Joseph Smith’s vision before they gain testimonies. If we have unrealistic expectations of how, when, or where answers come, we risk missing the answers which come as quiet, reassuring feelings and thoughts that most often come after our prayers, while we are doing something else. These answers can be equally convincing and powerful. “Over time we will receive answers and learn how inspiration comes. This is something each person learns for himself.” 

Allan F. Packer, “Finding Strength in Challenging Times!” Ensign, May 2009, 18

Date with Ammon

Click to enlarge

Ammon and I went on a date yesterday. We went mountain biking at the San Tan Mountain Regional Park. We have been there before but this time he wanted to go on a different trail. Needless to say, he took me on a 4.4 mile trial which ended up to be quite the workout. Ammon had a hard time riding up the hills toward the end and would always walk his bike when he saw a hill.. I told him he needed to at least try and ride up the hills.

Start with the green trail upper right, then follow upper green to red, then back around to the green

We passed several groups of hikers and just about all of them called Ammon "little man." Pretty funny. We got to this one point where we saw some interesting mountains. I said to myself, "where are we, I can't believe this exists near our house." The view just looked out of place, but it was worth the time spent. I'm glad Ammon likes to go bike riding. Trying to do stuff like this with Amber is difficult. I know she's going to read this so I just want to let her know that she has so many other great qualities about her, even though she's not much for nature. Her idea of nature is watching it on National Geographic. I love you Amber! Hehe.

 

"We are all in the process of becoming who we will one day be. Fathers and sons can play a critical role in helping each other become the best that they can be." 

M. Russell Ballard, "Fathers and Sons: A Remarkable Relationship," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 47

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