Summer Reading Program

Summer is right around the corner. Each summer we participate in a summer reading program. This summer we thought we learn about one of our ancestors and how far they walked. We have determined to read 2,000 pages for each of the miles that he traveled with the Mormon Battalion.

I grew up learning about Israel Evans who walked the 2,000 miles in Company B. He was stationed in San Diego after arriving in San Diego. He later was a captain of a handcart company. Lance, my husband, and I have talked about him. On his messenger at work, he had written "Israel Evans walked 5,000 miles." One day he was asked by a co-worker why Israel did that. He  responded, "Because he believed a prophet."

Before we went to the presentation, we looked up on Family Search to see if Lance had a member in the battalion. He did. His name was Riley Garner Clark. He was in Company A and was assigned to Los Angeles after arriving in San Diego. He eventually settled in Panguitch, Utah. We haven't learned much about him yet.

The only battle that the Mormon Battalion fought was against bulls south of Tucson. Their march took them through the desert in the winter.When they arrived in San Diego, most had no shoes, and their clothes were in tatters. After the presentation, the boys got to dress up and see different displays. We are glad we learned about our history.

This summer we will start our summer at the Mormon Battalion Visitor's Center in San Diego, CA. We will keep track of the pages we read. We hope that as a family we can meet the 2,000 miles. We haven't determine how we will celebrate when we reach our goal. Maybe we will built something like the soldiers did when they arrived in San Diego.

Día de los Reyes Magos

The 3 Kings come for Christmas to our house.

Sweetheart served an LDS mission in Spain, and I served in Panamá.

Part of the countries' traditions are the 3 Reyes Magos (the 3 Wise Men.)

We decided that the 3 Kings would come to our home instead of Santa.

For the first time we celebrated on Three Kings' Day.

On January 6 is the Day of Epiphany.

The 3 Kings came to bring gifts to the Christ Child 

after Mary and Joseph left the stable.

In Mexico and Spain, children put out their shoes the night before 

in hopes that the 3 Kings will come.  

The 3 Kings showed up and brought small treats to the children in the house.

Hurricane was very eager to wake up in the morning to see if the Kings had come.

In preparation, the boys wrote a note and prepared treats 

for the Kings and their animals.

The left note reads:

Thank you Three Kings.

There is cake and choclate milk in the frige.

Have some Joe-Joe's

and the water for your camels.

The right note reads:

1. Travel

2. Open door

3. Fill shoes

4. Repeat

5. Eat

6. Go

I are grateful for the example of the 3 Kings.

In my belief, they studied, pondered, and knew that a Savior would be born. 

They took action to follow the impressions they had to go on a journey to find him.

To travel as they did, they had money, intelligence, and most likely influence.

They didn't turn away when they saw where Jesus was living and gave freely of their gifts.

 

The Kings' example shows me their willingness 

to put their talents, things, and time to bless the Christ Child regardless of the sacrifice.

I can follow their example and use my talents, things, and time to do the same.

Happy New Year!

We spent the evening with friends until a New York Midnight

and returned home for our own party.

 The boys were given 3 sparklers.

The first one was to think of something sad or disappointing for 2015.

As they waved their sticks around, they shouted to the wind.

The second sparkler was for a triumph for the year.

What they mentioned were current happiness.

They lived in the immediate moment.

Lastly we asked them to think of things they hoped for 2016.

They said sweet things like accomplish a goal they have together

and to have our family matched through adoption.

We are looking forward to 2016 with all of its hoped for blessings!

Adoption Profile

We completed our online profile for adoption.

The profile is to help someone get to know our family.

Please help us share our profile.

We would like to grow our family.

Halloween

We were going to go for a Star Wars theme this year. 

The boys and I talked about our costumes as we were traveling over fall break.

 

The decision was made that Hurricane would be Yoda 

and Underfoot would be Luke Skywalker.

Then......we went to get the few details.

Hurricane found this horse at the thrift store, 

and he became a cowboy Sheriff with a horse.

This was my year because I was Princess Leia, 

and I had Han Solo by my side.

We got the blaster in the grocery store 

about an hour before trick or treating.

The boys went trick or treating with a neighbor.

We passed out candy together - Leia and Han.

When the boys were done, 

they were thrilled to pass out candy.

Sisters

My sister is amazing!

She was willing to come with her sister on a crazy adventure to Nauvoo, Carthage, Springfield, Gateway Arch, and home again. She hosted us in home for almost a week. She took us to museums, fed us, played games, and watched movies. More importantly she listened, gave counsel, laughed, and was real. She is a wonderful wife and supports her husband in his schooling. She loves her children. She has amazing patience with her children. She laughs with them, corrects them kindly, and gives her attention to them.

Oklahoma City Temple

After the Memorial, I took the boys to see the Oklahoma City Temple.

They didn't know where we were going.

When we pulled into the parking lot, each boy said,

"I see Angel Moroni."

They looked at the temple and said,

"It's really small."

The temple looks like it might be smaller
than the chapel that shares the same lot. 

Small temples are wonderful.

Gordan B. Hinckley taught about why all temples are important.

We are thankful for the promises that temples hold for 

FAMILIES TO BE TOGETHER FOREVER.

I am so happy to have this travel experience with the boys.

I want to be with them forever.

Bake Sale and Lemonade Stand

The day of the Lemonade Stand came.

We set up the shade tent and table 

then came to set up a sign to let people know where we were.

We wanted to make sure we covered our bases 

with lemonade stand on one side and bake sale on the other side.

Both boys helped the people who came.

They were personable.

If someone offered a tip,

Hurricane would sing them a song.

After the stand, we cleaned up, made a few deliveries, and 

opened a bank account with the proceeds.

They were excited to started the account.

The boys wanted to thank everyone for their support.

They are hopeful for the prospect of a baby.

Preserving the Playhouse

We've had the playhouse for a couple years.

The sun beats on the wood and dries it out.

 

The playhouse needed a coat of linseed oil to protect and revitalize the wood.

We got up really early and started before it would be too warm.

We worked for about 2 hours and had the job done.

The boys' work will make such a difference.

They then swept the back patio, cleaned the chicken coop, 

and helped mow the lawn.

Before we let them come back in the house,

they were soaped off at the backyard spigot with soap.

They thought that was the funnest part.

As we went through the morning we needed to apply the following principles:

Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.

~The Family: A Proclamation to the World 

 

Prayer - When I learned that the boys were painting the sand instead of the playhouse. I said a prayer so that I wouldn't blow up like Mount St. Helens. I was calmed and took a new strategy. We took a time out and took time to explain why were where painting this morning.

Respect - Hurricane said this was a time for us to talk with each other as we worked. He mentioned that he wanted to talk about Christmas specially about the Legos he hoped to receive.

Compassion - As the morning continued along, Hurricane and Underfoot thought we needed to keep hydrated. They kept bringing water bottles. I admit that I think we need to work straight through without breaks. They got a mid-morning snack and thought I should have one too and brought me one.

Work - This is show above. They worked and did a good job!

Family Birthday

We celebrated our family birthday this weekend. 

Because it was a decade, we decide to go to fun place for supper.

 

The destination was The Melting Pot.

Hurricane said he liked only the first and last course of meal.

Cheese and Chocolate....

 

Underfoot was excited to cook raviolis, chicken, and salmon.

His skewer didn't hold the ravioli well. 

After super, we went to urgent care for an ear infection I've had.

Hurricane came in with me because he was concerned.

The receptionist talked to him and asked why he was so dressed up.

We explained that we celebrate a family birthday every year.

She didn't understand at first 

because she thought the birthday was for an individual. 

I explained that it was our anniversary,
and we have a family birthday party for the creation of our family.
She thought about it and replied,
"I got chills from that. Not many in 2015 think family is important."
When we left, she asked if she could share the idea.

Our children know they are a critical part in our family.
Our wedding day was the beginning of our family.
We want to celebrate by having a family birthday party!

*****

Family Birthday 2014

Family Birthday 2013

Family Birthday 2012

Family Birthday 2011

Pioneer Day

We celebrated Pioneer Day with our ward on Saturday.

We arrived for pancakes, sausage, and eggs.

Sweetheart stepped up to flip pancakes.

A bike parade was held. Hurricane brought the side car.

Sweetheart brought out his Scout and drove it around all day.

The day before we watched 17 Miracles and talked about our ancestors.

We talked about their courage, faith, and determination.

We asked the boys how they were pioneers and to think about it.

Family Workshop

 "Families are the Lord’s workshop on earth to help us learn and live the gospel."

~ Cheryl A. Esplin, 

Filling Our Homes with Light and Truth

April 2015

We have a little personality around here. 

Salt River

We spent the 4th of July in Gilbert 

with Auntie M, T-Bone, and their family.

Sweetheart's parents joined the family from California.  

Thrilled with the invitation to go,

we floated the Salt River with T-Bone's family.

We usually float the Portneuf River on 4th of July.

 

He was excited to go and be in the water.

He kept trying to find a buddy.

His Mom has implemented the mandatory buddy system

to give him a little independence.

He wasn't thrilled to be awake so early.

The night before we had swam in a swim meet.

Auntie M is wearing her "adventure" hat.

This hat has gone to South America 

and is hoping to take it on many other adventures.

This little one wanted to be independent.

Hurricane pushed them off to continue float down the river.

The combined age of them is less than 10.

He learned how to skip rocks,

jumped off cliffs, and ate the energy balls that we made.

Space Wars

We surprised the boys

by taking them to Space Wars. 

Underfoot considers himself a Star Wars afficiando.

When we came for Hurricane's birthday, 

he saw the advertisement and thought it would be fun to see. 

Unknown to him, we had purchased tickets already.

When we arrived they were both thrilled.

The milkshake helped as well.

The show was fun and lighthearted.

Our boys pick up lyrics easily and have started to sing the songs.

Gaslight - Robin Hood

We surprised Hurricane by taking him to a show.

During the show, they announce birthdays, anniversaries, and military.

Hurricane stood on the chair and waved.

 

We laughed and had fun!

Newsies

We only got pictures of Hurricane and myself.

All of us went to the show.

We enjoyed listening to the songs.

The boys had lots of questions about what really happened.

Overall a great day even though we didn't get pictures.

County Fair

We attended the fair.

The balloon guy gave the boys the balloons

that they gave to us.

While at the fair, the boys made jump ropes at the heritage center.

We have a certain path we take each year.

Heritage center, old car section, bathroom break....

 

Followed by a discussion if we should go see the animals or not.

The boys and I divide ways as they go to see the model trains and the model airplanes.

I go to see the 4-H projects, handiwork, art work, and photography.

We meet up after I've seen what I want to see.

We get something to eat and walk by the midway to ride no rides.

I like to walk through the vender booths to see the overpriced but fascinating stuff.

Then we try to convince the boys to eat ice cream at home instead at the fair.

Fair is always a success!

***

Past Fair

2013