Brenna the Writer

Brenna LOVES to write. She writes and writes and writes. She writes stories, jokes, letters to friends, and lots and lots of letters to her family. She probably goes through about a tree branch of paper a week, but we just keep supplying it. She knows all of her letters and number by sight, so if she writes something that resembles a letter or number, she lets us know. "Look Mom, it's a 4, I made a 4." Her favorite letter is b and she sometimes asks us to write her name at the top of her papers. I'm guessing it won't be long before she's writing it all her self.

Nature in our Basketball Hoop

This is the Mama bird that decided to build a nest against the backboard of our basketball hoop. She had 2 eggs that hatched into 2 tiny babies. The girls would check on the babies often and were worried they were being smooshed by their mother as she seemed to always be sitting on top of them. They would also get worried when the mother dove left the nest to go get food. Where was she? Why wasn't she watching (sitting) on her babies? The babies grew and have now left the nest, but we sure enjoyed having them and hope other birds will want to check into our Basketball Hoop Hotel in the future.

Anniversary #14

Fourteen years ago today we were married for time and all eternity in the Los Angeles Temple. What a wonderful day that was, but the true joy in our lives has come through our journey together since that special day! We are best friends and have found that the strength of our marriage comes from each of us striving to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and grow closer to our Savior. We think of it as an equilateral triangle with Christ at the top. As we grow closer to Him, we are likewise brought closer together. We are very blessed to have each other and look forward to an eternity together.

Emi's Birthday Party

Today was Emi's birthday and party. (She's on the very left in the above picture) She was very glad to learn her birthday would be on a Saturday this year so her party could be on her 'actual' birthday. So lucky. She had friends over for lunch and swimming and loved having them all here.

It's hard to believe Emi is now 6. Her birth six years ago changed my life in many good ways. She is often told how much she looks like me, and I agree. Her happiness and confidence is so strong it is almost tangible. She is kind, caring, and compassionate and loved very much by her teachers, friends, and neighbors. We love you Em and are so glad you are in our family. And yes, You Are HILARIOUS!

Aubrey's 1st Temple Trip

Today is a very special day for our family. This morning Robert, Jenna, and Aubrey rose before the sun to take Aubrey to the temple for the 1st time. We have waited for this day for quite awhile now. Twelve is an important birthday in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints because at that age you are able to receive a recommend to attend the temple to perform Baptisms for the Dead. We believe in the scriptural admonition that ALL must be baptized to enter into the Kingdom of God, hence God has provided a way that ALL of his children can be baptized regardless of their earthly circumstances. Temples are sacred and special buildings where, amongst other things, ordinances are performed for those who did not participate in those ordinances during their mortal life. After entering the temple, we each changed into all white clothing and met at the Baptismal Font. Robert was able to baptize Aubrey in behalf on those who were deceased. She was also confirmed and given the gift of the Holy Ghost through the Melchizedek Priesthood, which Robert holds, for those individuals as well. The temple is The House of the Lord where families are linked and sealed together like an endless chain. Today Aubrey was able to be a part of that sacred work. As her parents, we too can testify that the power of the work that goes on in the temple to bind deceased families also binds together the hearts of those families doing this work.

Aubrey's 12th Birthday Party

One of the benefits of the girls getting is older is that they like to plan their own parties. Aubrey decided to have a party that included dinner, swimming, and night games. The girls had a great time and I learned we have a great backyard for the 'ghost in the graveyard' game. They had fun playing 'toothpicks' and 'sharks and minnows' in the pool and enjoyed massive cupcakes with waffle cone ice cream for dessert. I can't end this post without mentioning what awesome friends Aubrey has. They are just a really good group of girls who bring out the best in each other. I'm glad they could all share in this special day with us.

First Swim

First swim of the season. The girls all like to 'break the ice' or jump in at the same time. This is a little later than we normally open the pool, but that means we will not have to heat it as long. The best news about this years pool opening - No Repairs. Amazing!

LA Trip

We had a good time on our off-track trip to LA. Here are some of our favorite photos from the adventures (Grandpa's softball, Griffith Park Observatory, swimming, Disneyland, etc.)

Bathroom Complete

The master bathroom remodel is done. We have always wanted a steam shower (one of the negative side effects of Robert staying in nice hotels when he travels) and this project completes that goal. We changed the layout of the entire bathroom and grew the shower by about 20 square feet. The crowning jewel is indeed the steamer and bench. We also now have our own shower heads so we choose our own water temperatures (I like mine super hot) and Robert's is on an adjustable bar so the entire shower head can be lowered to be a perfect height for each of the girls. It has been a great improvement to our house that we love.

SLC Cemetery

My Dad and I decided to go visit the Salt Lake City Cemetery today. We both have an interest in Church History (and local news-but I'll save that for another post) and knew that 12 of the 15 Latter-Day Prophets, as well as many Apostles, were buried there, so we decided to go spend an afternoon at this large cemetery over looking the city. I enjoy visiting cemeteries because I like to reflect on life, the Plan of Salvation, and I desire to honor those who are buried there. We were able to get a map that designated the locations of many Church Leaders and set out on our journey. Though I am not typically known for my map reading skills, I was able to lead us to each of the grave sites we wanted to visit. Thanks for a great afternoon Dad!

Lindsay's Baptism

Today was Lindsay's Baptism. I could not have imagined a better day. Prior to her baptism, I was able to attend a Mother/Daughter Brunch with Lindsay and Kayla. We played - How well do you know your Mother/Daughter games, and we did pretty good. I love spending time with them and appreciate all they did to prepare for this special activity.

From there, we changed into our church clothes and headed to the Stake Center. Lindsay had a lot of family and friends come out to support her on this special day. It was a wonderful service and we are so proud of Lindsay and her decision to be baptized. She has looked forward to this day for several years now and wants to do her very best to live up to the covenants she has made. As her mother, I am so grateful that Robert could use his priesthood power to give her the gift of the Holy Ghost. I know that the Holy Ghost will help guide and direct her throughout her life and that it will help her to recognize truth and to grow closer to her Savior Jesus Christ. The light of Christ burns brightly within her and as a family we are so very proud of her.