BAM....it's going to be okay...a new day awaits.

Do you ever have one of those days when things are going better than expected and it continues to be a good day...then BAM it's the evening time and one event ruins the whole good day you were having?  But a loving husband is trying his best to keep my spirits up so my day does end well.  Thanks Babes for being my best friend and always willing to be a listening ear.

It's these experiences and trials that makes us stronger....but boy I don't like dealing with...nope I am not going to say it.  I am going to leave it at that.

P.S. Thanks for the Christmas cards to many of you out there reading this.  

Oh So Sneaky!

We're trying to teach our littlest to "try" and say prayers. The other night this is what he did....this is take 2. He was a lot funnier the first time, but I didn't have the camera then. Have a great day!

I don't know what I am doing

I was going to go private on my blog but then I realized I sent this web address to friends in Germany...so nevermind.  Sorry for the email.  Thanks for reading.

Below is our beautiful sunset from our backyard.

The Chill of Washington Monument

Just a Few Pics from My Trip

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery. Above is the Changing of the Guard and below is the New Guard in place. The Tomb contains the remains of unknown American soldiers from WWI, WWII, the Korean Conflict and (until 1998) the Vietnam War. The Tomb is guarded 24/7 all year long by specially trained members of the 3rd United States Infantry (The Old Guard).

President George Washington and Martha Washington's Graves located at their estate in Mt. Vernon, Virginia. Some school children brought flowers for the grave/tomb. The worker opened up the gate for the children to place them inside. I was lucky to be able to see it all opened up.

Door Handle and Keyhole to President Washington's Old Tomb. He was buried inside here initially until they dedicated a new tomb just up the hill on his estate in Mt. Vernon.

These were just a few pictures from my trip to D.C. I know many of you have seen some of the images in your own way/trip, but I had to display them for myself. It was an amazing trip for me. My first to D.C. I feel truly blessed to be a part of this great nation. Several highlights (I may post those photos later) of my trip were seeing all of the amazing monuments, a few of the Smithsonian's (bummed they didn't have my Great Uncle's Picture displayed anymore in the Air and Space Musuem --T. Keith Glennan), going on a ghost tour on Halloween in Old Town, eating mussels (Jason- it was clams and all), viewing the newly dedicated Pentagon Memorial, touring inside and up George Washington's Monument, touring inside the Capitol (tunneling under it from Senator Hatch's office from a block away), going to the Temple, taking the Metro everywhere (except I drove myself to Mt. Vernon in our 1 day rental--a big fear conquered), seeing the Archives of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence (John Hancock is a relative of mine ;) ) and touring the White House. While inside the White House on the West Wing, I looked out the window looking toward the south lawn to watch the Marine One Helicopter land and out of it walks President Bush. I was able to snap a photo on my camera phone. Shhh...no camera's were allowed, but they didn't say no the to the camera phone (well they didn't hear or see me take the picture). He came out and waved to the small crowd awaiting him out front. It was cool to think I was in the White House the same time he was.

I had an amazing time. Very humbling for me. I hope to always be grateful and in gratitude for all the men and women who lost their lives in battle for me to have the wonderful freedoms I enjoy. Inscription at the WWII Memorial: "They fought together as brothers-in-arms. They died together, and now they sleep side by side. To them we have a solemn obligation." - Admiral Chester W. Nimitz

Oh, So Cool! This is Jamey Turner. He's a Wine Glass Musician and is Amazing. We got off the Trolley in Old Town and saw him on the street playing. I recorded him here playing "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing". You can see more on You Tube.

I just got back from D.C. My Heart is Full!

To the Man I Love so Much-

I LOVE YOU BABES!

Let the Flu Season Begin!

We're not sick, but many of our family and friends are. I had a fever a week and a half ago because of the exposure to kids and their friends at school and church. Well, I am expecting to get strep. I am being exposed to one of my daycare kids right now that has it and is waiting to see the Dr. I am just praying to get through the week and hoping my kids don't get sick for grandma next week. Let the trip to D.C. work out well for us all!!!!! I hope you and your family are surviving the sicknesses that are out there.

P.S. Never attempt Frightmares at Lagoon on a beautiful Saturday. I have never seen it so packed. We did about 3 rides or so. We had fun though with the packed house.

I had to post this photo. It doesn't give the Great Salt Lake justice. We went on a Sunday drive up Farmington Canyon and wow what a view. We could see the north side of Antelope Island and the lake just went on forever. It was incredible to know that's our backyard. I have seen the lake from a plane on a few spots, but not quite like this. We are thanking our Father in Heaven too for answering our family prayer. Our car died at the top of the mountain. It was an intense ride down the mountain and we know our Prayer was answered...our tank was on fumes and it had to be in neutral with the engine on so the power steering and brakes would work. It's a windy and narrow road. Glad to be home.

Good Job Kai!

I just wanted to say how happy I am for my little boy. He got a certificate today at an assembly. He was 1 of 2 picked out of his class to be recognized for his good work at school. It was the first assembly of the year and they'll recognize2 more kids from each class in all grades throughout the school year. I am proud of him...Proud in a good way :)

It brought back upsetting memories for me. I won a Patriot of the Month award in 9th grade. Each month a boy and a girl from each grade were picked for the award. Well the Vice Principal made the mistake of calling during a time when I would be home answering the phone. I noticed the caller id for the school and new I didn't do anything wrong. I knew the VP's voice, so I just knew what it was. I confronted my dad and he said yes, you'll be receiving the award. I told my good friend who was in homeroom with me. The homeroom knew I was receiving the award that morning. So just prior to the announcement for the 9th grade girl, my homeroom school mates were cheering for me and they announced it prior to the actual announcement.

My 7th grade English teacher was in front of us with her homeroom and she was not happy about the blown surprise. After I made my short speech in front of the entire student body, went back down the steps to sit with my class, she pulled me to the side aisle and lectured me. My entire homeroom and several of the other classes surrounding the area noticed she was talking with me. The next thing I knew they were dismissing us winners to go upstairs to have refreshments with our parents. As soon as she was done lecturing me, I was in tears. I turned to face my school mates to walk up the aisle and I was crying. It was not a good day. I wished I had been more defiant and told her what she was doing to me was not right. She made me feel bad, when she could have been congratulating me. She knew I was a good student that didn't make trouble. I'll never forget that day...for the good and the not so good.

After school Kai's teacher said he was really good at keeping it a secret. I didn't end up telling him to keep it a secret because the teacher didn't tell me to keep it a secret. But I am glad it worked out.

Let the Halloween Fun Begin!

We had a wet and scary time at Lagoon. Make sure you see the last picture.

Kai had a bike accident a few days ago. He matches the gentlemen quite well with their bloody injuries. Yummy Worm!

Say Cheese!

We were quite wet!

Jason on the Subway Diet!

Our First Field Trip of the Year!

We had a blast yesterday visiting the Fire Station with Preschool. Next month is Fire Safety month. It's a great reminder to us all to remind our children what to do in case there is a fire....a home escape plan, "stop, drop, and roll", and to have a fire drill. My preschoolers surprised me on how much they remembered what I taught them Tuesday and then were asked Thursday by the fireman. They knew the answers to many of the questions. Stranger Danger is a huge reminder too!

All By Myself

Jason got to go to D.C. last week and had a great time learning for work and traveling around. He had a few other coworkers join him on a few of his ventures...but these are pics he took when he was "All By Himself". Yeah! I get to go with him next time he goes for work again. I am so excited.

I'll get to read a book while I am traveling. Any suggestions? I read Twilite. Do I want to read New Moon or something else?

I am...

I don't know what to say, but just have to write it down. I am exhausted, yet somewhat content. I am thrilled to be a Preschool teacher, daycare provider (2 kids after school till 6), primary teacher, wife, mother (that alone can include tons of other careers/jobs), and more. It does make me happy to be all of these things, but boy I am tired and beat.

Do I really have time to do more? I'd like to strip the wallpaper in my kitchen, paint several rooms, shampoo my carpets, read a good book, etc....But things I should be doing are: dust my house, water my plants, vacuum my house, sweep my floors (preschool room, bathrooms, kitchen, playroom), disinfect all my tables and bathrooms, oh and organize my office...including my desk and dining table that has papers and mail everywhere. These are just a few. But wait, first I need to put all my laundry away (thanks Babes for folding it all for me)-this includes camping clothes, blankets, towels, etc.

What's my point? Hmmm....Take one day at a time and not fret about what other's lives are like. My life is different than everyone else's and just enjoy the fun, exciting, and busyness that I do have. But that's the thing. My kids aren't in soccer, dance, have little or no homework, etc. So I am not busy with those extra things. But, my kids are still quite young so they aren't as helpful when it comes to all of these chores. The kids do have some chores, which helps some. They say, "Don't wish these times away with your kids." I am not trying to, but boy am I exhausted. Anyways, thanks for letting me vent some. I hope no one is annoyed with me, "you're not tired enough to blog!", but just know that I needed to vent a bit. On to laundry.

Flash Back Friday!

I just came across these photos and had to share them. This is when Zia was 16 months old and the other is of Kai when he was 3 . It was his first day of Preschool and he fell on the concrete while playing with the parachute. Nice goose egg!

Preschool Begins!

I posted this on my other blog, but wanted to post it here as well.

Preschool has started and I am loving every minute of it. I have some adorable students. Last week we had a pretend bus tour around the preschool. This way the kids were shown where all of our centers are and the necessary items we use in the preschool. The Gingerbread Baby (the Baby version is a lot better than the Boy version because he doesn't get eaten by the fox) left us a note in which we were sent on a scavenger hunt to find Gingersnaps and frosting decorations to make our own Gingerbread Baby faces. We fill the day with lots of books, fun, and various activities.

This week we are talking about our Bodies. We pretended to be a giant caterpillar and played Body Part Bingo. We also talked about our 5 senses. We are having a blast.

We are working on many new things, especially the Pledge of Allegiance and the Days of the Week (sung to the tune of 'The Adam's Family').

I feel so blessed to have this opportunity. Next year when K goes to Kindergarten, she'll be going full day. I am sad about this, but very excited that I get to be her teacher this year.


P.S. This is where Jason was tonight. A nice perk with his new job.

Fort Buenaventura Fun!!

Road Kill

Get ready for the Candy Cannon, hosted by the man in the loin cloth!

The Candy Cannon had a bit too much gun powder. The top tootsie roll was fried and it tasted that way to Jason too.

Grandpa at the Fort.

Watch those cat fish!

We had a blast today with Grandma and Grandpa Simmons, our Cousins, and Aunt Eve and Uncle Matt in Ogden. When I was a girl my dad would take me once a year to a traditional Pow Wow or Mountain Man Rendezvous. We made it this year to the one close to our new home. The one I absolutely love for its' scenery and uniqueness. It brought back a lot of memories.

I Double Dog Dare You!!

It wasn't quite a dare, but I had my lips frozen to a Popsicle a week ago Saturday. I was awarded this Saturday at our Family Reunion with the "Smoothest Move" Award . I stunk at golf and didn't get any awards for that, but instead was awarded for a new category. The laugh is on me. A little girl was selling popsicle's on the side road next to the golf course. We decided to get one to cool off. Little did I know, she was cooling them with dry ice and boy did it stick. I was able to free my top lips with the ice water I had, but had troubles with the bottom lip. A picture was then taken and then I finally got some assistance to free the lower lip. It hurt! I was swollen for the next 10 minutes and later had a bit of skin peeling that week. If you click on the picture you may be able to see the top picture on the award where my lip is being pulled out where the popsicle is still stuck. Also included are some pics from the reunion. Jason's cousins did an awesome job with the activities. There was a giant waterslide, water balloon launch, and a man-sized game of foosball. We had a blast! Yummy! Drooling Tootsie Pop Boy Below!

8 Exciting Years of Being Married...only Forever to Go :)

This last Sunday was 8 years ago for us Birds. We celebrated all weekend with family. Saturday, we golfed "Family Reunion" style at Stansbury Park. We'll see who wins the trophy at the official reunion coming up. Later that evening, we took the older kids to see the Raptors. Ogden's Baseball team. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Simmons for watching the kids all day. Sunday, we didn't have to speak in church, but will soon! We had a BBQ at Grandma and Grandpa Birds. Monday, we went out with the kids again. Little girl got her ear's pierced. We saw baby Khloie (our newest cousin/niece). Gorgeous little cutie. For dinner we ate at Red Robin with Grandma and Grandpa Simmons and then enjoyed another Physics Demo by the coolest guy...Beehler!

Babes, I love you and am so thrilled to have you as my Eternal Babes!

Summer Fun!

Well we have been hunting online for a used playground. They go crazy fast on KSL. So no luck so far. We eventually want to build our own tree house. But check it out! Our relaxing, homemade swing. It changes out to our baby swing as well. It goes so far and high. We love it . Another project done by the handyman. What would we do without him? Thanks Dadda!

A Feeling of Belonging!

Just wanted to say how great I feel today after having 4 moms from my neighborhood come over and play with their kids. We had around 13 kids playing in our yard and in the preschool room. It was great fun to get to know the moms more and see the children play with their new friends. I'll be getting to know the primary kids a lot more. I was called to be a permanent substitute teacher in the ward. Particularly every other week for Kai's class and any time a teacher needs me as a sub. I am excited because it will be a constant reminder for me to teach my kids the gospel on a daily basis and be reminded what their being taught to then be reiterating what they learned throughout the week.
I am feeling so relieved and uplifted too. Some of the mom's are considering me for their kids' preschool teacher. I am getting my sign put on my house today and I have a sign on my car (Thanks Sara for your help). I need to continue delivering fliers and praying a lot for guidance.
Thanks to my friends back in SL. For keeping me a part of your life still when I am so far away. Plans are underway for a BBQ and some volleyball. Chow for now!

I was Tagged...a Long Time Ago! But No...Check the Flying Birds and Gold

SkyCoaster Fun!

A Look Inside My Preschool...I added more Pics!

Any Comments or Suggestions would be great! Things are a bit bare. It's hard to have things out with little Eli to get into things. Oh and you can laugh at the orange floors and wood paneled walls. Once I get some cash flow I want to paint it. I want to do school house colors. School house red with a chair rail in the middle and above it painted a cream color. Thanks for supporting me with Gingerbread Preschool.

Memory Game

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Stitches Again...Are You Kidding?

Before he was disinfected and given a haircut.

Sucking on a lollipop while getting his hair cut.

I don't have after shots of his 4 stitches because the camera died and Eli's taking a nap.

No, I am not kidding. This time it was Elijah. Yes, all 3 of my children have had stitches and all 3 times it was in their heads. "When do we push children?" When we're pushing a swing!" It was more of a knock over then a push. Kezia couldn't see her movie, gave Eli a tap while standing on a cushion chair/bed, he stumbled on the cushion and fell with his head hitting the table of the entertainment center. There was blood, not as much as the others, but a bigger gash. I didn't have a car to take him because Jason drove the van to work. Thank goodness he was able to get off work early and thank goodness he only works 5 miles away.

Eli did a great job. He sucked on a lollipop while the wound was cleaned out and he received a haircut (he just got one yesterday). Same story with Kai. Kai had to get his hair cut too and had a real one the day before. Elijah fell asleep while waiting for the doctor. The doctor and assistants then woke him up with a needle in the head and 4 stitches later. He was a champ though. He did cry while we held him down, but he did great!
Please, no more office visits! Check out the pics. for the other kids. OUCH!

Here's Kai, just last month, having received 3 stitches in the top of his head. Before...

After...Check out those swollen eyes.
Here is Kezia awaiting to get her stitches back in 2006.

After...4 stitches later.

It's Official! GINGERBREAD PRESCHOOL

I officially have a Business License! My Business Name is: GINGERBREAD PRESCHOOL. I am so excited...yet I have a lot to do still to get ready. I hope everyone has a terrific 4th of July!!

Party Fun & a Big THANKS

We are so blessed! I am feeling so overwhelmed with feelings of gratitude, love, appreciation, and so much more. I just want to thank all of our family and friends for supporting us these last 8 years of our married lives as well as our entire lives (thanks mom and dad). We have so much to be thankful for.

Saturday was an eventful and emotional day. We had so much help from so many of you. I can't name you all...you know who you are. It was amazing to see so many of you drive so far and take time out of your busy lives to come and visit us at our new home.

Our children had a wonderful birthday party (sorry it went overtime into the housewarming party) and were blessed by so many thoughtful Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Friends.

We want to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to all of you for your love and support. We couldn't have been blessed by this wonderful home without many of you supporting, helping, and loving us along the way.

We are so thankful to our loving Father in Heaven for blessing us with our wonderful family and friends. You are amazing examples. We feel so blessed to have a loving Father in Heaven with whom we know can and does play an active role in our lives when we include Him in it. Thank you all for everything you have done for us....moving us in, babysitting, meals, friendships, and so on. Mmmmwwwaaaahhhh!

I Miss You!

I was reminded yesterday when a lady at my church bore testimony of the Relief Society and was so grateful for the many activities it provides us ladies to get to know each other more and develop our talents more. I told her "Amen" to that and said how much I was missing my last ward's Relief Society Sisters/Friends.

I miss you all so much and just want you to know how grateful I am to have had the priviledge of getting to know many of you. Thank goodness for blogs! I get to see how you're all doing by reading your blogs and it gives me some comfort. Thanks for being my friends. Please check your mailboxes for our invitation for this Saturday's Dinner. The invite is a bit slow getting out to you...I hope it's not too late of a notice. Anyone, Someone, let me know when you get it!

I can't wait to see you! Hopefully our cooler will be installed and will work well for that day...don't hestitate coming because of that. We have plenty of coolness out in our yard. Come for yummy teriyaki chicken. There will be water games for the kids and volleyball for the adults (us bigger kids). *Be sure to RSVP at the number given on the invitation! We hope you can make it!

Stitches...this time Kai

I'd have pictures but I am still getting my computer all put together. Kai unfortunately had to get 2 stitches tonight on top of his head. We have all 3 kids in the same room and are debating on getting A/C put in the house. We got our answer tonight. The kids' bunk sits really close to the ceiling fan and knew it was a danger. Just last night Jason took the bunk bed's ladder apart, drilled new holes, and placed it in opposite of the fan. We indicated to Kai, don't look over the bed at the end of your bed because you'll hit your head on the fan. We thought it over and decided if needs be to only have the fan run on it's lowest setting at night. This would only be temporary because we were going to have Kezia move to her room in about a week after our Master bed was painted. We're in her room for now so we can work on ours.

Well it happened! The kids were sent to their rooms this afternoon to rest, read books, and to give mom a break...yes, they were in trouble. Eli was already in the room asleep with the fan on full blast because it was hot. I totally forgot about this situation when I sent them up there. Jason came home from work and just after 5 p.m. we heard a big cry from upstairs. If any of you have seen a head wound, they bleed bad. Kai was able to get off the bunk bed before we even got to his room. His face was covered in blood. The bleeding eventually came to a stop. We ate leftovers while I looked up a clinic near us that took our insurance. They got us in pretty quickly and Kai came home with 2 stitches. Pictures will be posted later.

Home Sweet Home

Well, it finally happened and it really was a miracle. It was amusing to see the disbelief of those who helped us move but didn't realize how much STUFF we have.

THANKS, THANKS, THANKS!!!

It was calculated at approximately 2200 cubic feet of STUFF. That equates to one 24" Moving Truck, Bishop Naylor's 16" Moving truck, Farnsworth's 16" open air trailer, and 2 minivan full loads.

We beat up very many good people...I'd name all of you but I may forget one or two and you know who you are...Thank you sooooo much! Even the moving companies couldn't have done that job in one day and so far, nothing is broken.

The older kids got to come home for the first time last night and they loved their new back yard, basketball hoop, and bike riding hill.

Friends Forever....Last post for awhile

Just wanted to say thanks to all our friends in our neighborhood. The kids are going to miss all their friends they made at school this year. We want you to know we will miss you all very much (we'll see each other soon) but we want you all to know how much we've appreciated our neighbor friends. We have some good memories and wonderful examples. Thanks for being so good to us. We love you Haven Ward!

My Big Cheese

Hello all. Well, the big move is nearly upon us and we are full of emotions. We love our ward and stake. We love being close to so many family and friends. South Salt Lake has really become our home.

We know that we will be able to find friendship and a sense of belonging at our new place but nonetheless it is hard to move away (not to far) from what has become so much a part of us.

One thing though that I am especially grateful for among all the changes that are taking place right now is my wife and beautiful children. Last night as I lay in bed I was overcome with appreciation for Ginger. She has truly made it possible in so many ways for me to become who I am today.

Below is just a small list of things she has done for me:

- Encouraged me weekly (sometimes daily) on my mission
- Helped my find work and transportation when I got home from my mission
- Helped me get enrolled in college
- Married me!!!
- Supported me while attending school for SEVEN YEARS
- Carried and delivered three of the most beautiful and lively children ever
- Supported me in seeking out a career path
- Supported me in serving in the bishropric
- Found my "dream home"

She has sacrificed so much for my happiness and I just want you, Ginger, to know how much I appreciate you. It's too bad that the following statement is so cliche but you really do complete me.

By the way, it would be great to go on a date tonight. Would you consider it?

Happy 1st Birthday IKEA Draper!

Today is one year ago that we stayed the night at IKEA. It occurred on May 23rd, but being leap year it really was a year ago today. Jason was 27th in line and I was 72 in line. We each received a Poang Chair, t-shirts that read "I slept with IKEA...to be the first 100 in line." The kids received a stuffed heart. They had lots of giveaways...frisbees, key chains, gift cards, etc. It's a fun memory.
We went last night (the 23rd) to shop once again. They had cupcakes and specials throughout the store. We looked for ideas for the new home and had some yummy meatballs with Grandma and Grandpa. We love IKEA! Duh. ;)

Flashback Friday!

I thumbed through files on my computer and found these. I am the youngest of 3 brothers and Jason is the oldest of many brothers and sisters. I took ballet when I was 4, but the outfit I am wearing was just a loan. I went on to play soccer at 5 till high school...no more dancing for me. The outfit was a part of my mother's doing. I look like a little showgirl surrounded by my pimps! :)

American Idol Mania!

Just a look into the past...time to embarrass Jason a bit since he embarrassed me a bit at church yesterday. Heee Heee! I was looking through older pictures on the computer yesterday and I thought it would be fun to post one of them. Jason was supportive enough to go with me to see American Idol when Reuben Studdard and Clay Aiken were winners. We weren't going to go and the last week prior to the concert I checked out the tickets again. The Pop Tarts sponsor put up front row seats at the last minute. I couldn't resist and bought them. Anyways, Remember to Vote for David Archuleta everyone! Personally, I would buy his cd more than the other David's. David S. has a good voice, a bit raspy at times, but realistically I would buy David Archuleta's cd before I bought his.

One Letter Away from Heaven

I know most of you heard this but I wanted to have it written for my own good and I wanted to share it again because I believe it's true.

I was released from my calling at church today and had the opportunity to say a few words (I spoke too long) and I chose to talk on Elsie Fitt's (one of the originals of our ward) observation that:

HAVEN WARD IS ONLY ONE LETTER AWAY FROM HEAVEN!

Upon pondering this statement I thought it would be interesting to look up the term "Haven" in Webster's Dictionary.

The 3 brief definition's are as follows:

1. Harbor, Port

2. a place of safety; refuge

3. a place offering favorable opportunities or conditions

It was amazing to see how this truly applied to our ward in unique ways.

1. Harbor, Port

Haven ward brings in vessels of all kinds with business of all kinds. This may be true of many other wards throughout the church but I am reminded of when Pres. Eyring visited our Stake Conference a few years ago and said:

The South Salt Lake Stake is a "crossroads" within the church.

Many members of the church can tell you of someone they know that has been a member of the stake at one point of their lives. There are many good people trained up by those stationed in the Stake and then turned loose to serve elsewhere in the church.

2. a place of safety; refuge

Many are aware now of the refugee situation that abundant in our ward. It has been such a growing opportunity to serve these humble and faithful people who dealt with a great deal of turmoil and now move forward in a strange place, usually confronting a strange language, and always among the strangest customs. We are truly blessed by the opportunity to serve these wonderful people.

3. a place offering favorable opportunities or conditions

Finally, anybody who walks through the doors of our chapel will tell you how hard it is to run faster than those who would like to put you to work. There is a great need for service in our stake and what is even better is that eternal truth that with service comes satisfaction, even an eternal joy.

We are not gone yet and we will always have a place in our hearts for the Heaven...excuse me, Haven Ward. Thanks for all you have done for us. We love you.

...After

I needed to add a new entry...so I decided to add photos of the completed room. Jason had it completed a long time ago. Looks good, huh? All is well and busy in the birdhaus. I am packing, waiting, cleaning, and hanging with the kids...while Jason has started his new job...learning, commuting, and computing!

Let's Get Opinionated

Hello all.

It's been a busy few weeks as you may know. We are going to be moving up to Roy in the next month with my new job on Hill Air Force Base. I will be working at DISA (Defense Information Systems Agency). I went to school for an Information Systems degree and am very excited to put it to good use. Many have told me that working for a Federal Agenciy is great. My first day is April 28.

We are also in the process of buying a house and I was hoping to find out what people think. I'm guessing that if any of you don't like the looks of it you won't be bold enough to say anything but nonetheless I'd love to hear your thoughts - positive and negative.


Here are the pics



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Now playing: Sam Bush & Friends - Molly And Tenbrooks
via FoxyTunes

Reflections of Hser Nay Moo

I was blessed by the loving smile of Hser Nay Moo a few times. She attended our church with her family, who was seeking love in a foreign land. She really did have a warming smile that is hard to forget (with or without her two front teeth).

As I have listened to people ask the question "Why?", I have thought to myself that even though this may seem like a senseless act of evil, we may be able to extract some light out of it. The media has helped to make the community aware of the refugee situation in the Salt Lake Area and they have only covered the tip of the iceberg.

In the past four years of living in this neighborhood I have personally worked with about a hundred missionaries. My efforts haven't been great but enough that I know that refugees need help and lots of it. Not just food, money, clothes and other material items but the opportunity of becoming a good part of the community. This communal integration can't be brought about by one person with a lot of time. It takes the entire community giving a little here and a little there.

I feel if we must have an explanation to the disappearance and eventual death of Hser Nay Moo then this is it. The community should seek out ways to help integrate refugees into our community so that they can lead successful, enjoyable lives in this exciting but strange land. Maybe just offering a smile. Taking some time to talk with them, giving them an opportunity to practice English. Finding out about their culture. Help them with work/education opportunities. Simply being nice.

I only knew Hser Nay Moo through her smiles and doing the "twist," but I bet she would want us to know that her life and death can serve a purpose for good.

God bless her family, especially her parents. May He comfort them.

We love you.

Easter Thoughts

I thought I would write some memories from this Easter Weekend. Saturday night we dyed Easter eggs at Grandma's. I took a photo of Kai's egg in the red dye and it reminded me of blood. Later on that night, Jason and I were talking about the Atonement and Resurrection and the symbols of Easter. I indicated that maybe we dye them as to symbolize our bodies being born (perfectly clean...white like an egg) and as we live our lives we have to go through a refiners fire (boiling the eggs to become solid) and then as we get old and have many aging spots and cracks (dyeing the eggs-sometimes in red dye and getting cracks here and there) we then die. After we die we will eventually be resurrected and given a new body that is perfect (cracking open the egg and seeing a hard boiled egg that is white and perfect and clean again, but this time it is solid/whole and won't break like the white outer shell). Just a thought.

Another thought that came to my mind was the fact that Easter came so quickly upon us. I wasn't at all ready for it. Since our front room has been under construction I didn't get any Easter out till the night before. I was totally unprepared and procrastinated till the last minute. Having done this made me think of the Second Coming of Christ. Will I be ready? Am I procrastinating? This Easter "sprung" upon me so quickly...just like the Second Coming...it too could come any time whether I am ready or not...my lamp being filled or not (or my Easter baskets as my comparison).

Another thought...

The humorous part-The Easter Bunny hid our hard boiled eggs throughout our play room. The kids went searching and found all but one. I was in no way going to leave the one not found. Kai had a great idea..He said, "We should email the Easter Bunny and maybe he could tell us where it is." If only we had done what Kai and said. Sure enough the last egg was found hiding on top of the computer (hidden under a half fallen picture frame). If we had gone to turn on the computer to email the Easter bunny we would have found it a lot quicker.

The more serious part-I thought about that last egg. I wasn't about to leave that egg in the house not found. Just the thought of the smell or the mess it could bring if Eli found it, or whatever, it HAD to be FOUND! It reminded me of the Savior and how He knows us personally and cares for each of us personally.

Matthew 18:11-13
11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred asheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?
13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.

The song in my head is about this very idea/scripture. I absolutely love listening to Stephanie Smith. http://www.stephaniesmithmusic.com/

I hope you enjoyed my Easter thoughts.

Best Wishes Uncle Brandon

It's been a week since Uncle/Brother Brandon went to the Mission Training Center. We're so proud of him. He's going to the Washington, D.C. South Mission. Jason was very excited for him, knowing what wonderful experiences he'll have there and on his mission. The MTC brought back many memories for Jason. It's hard to believe Jason went into the MTC 10 years ago and 1 week prior to Brandon. Two years goes fast.