Sarah, Mary Anne and Me 1992
Okay, so noone can make fun of us for our clothes or hair styles! We were actually in style. It's hard to believe when I look at the pictures, though. Any way this is to my sisters! They are the best! 
Friday, November 30, 2007
Sisters are The Best!
Story # 3 A Soldier's Christmas
Twas the night before Christmas, He lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney with presents to give,
And to see just who in this home did live.
I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by mantle, just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.
With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,
A sober thought came through my mind.
For this house was different, it was dark and dreary,
I found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.
The soldier lay sleeping, Silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home!
The face waas so gentle, the room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured a United States soldier.
Was this a hero of whom I just read?
Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?
I realized the families that I saw this night,
Owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.
Soon round the world, the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas Day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year.
Because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.
I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone,
On a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,
"Santa don't cry, this life is my choice;
I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more,
My life is my God, my country, my corps."
The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent so still
And we both shivered from the cold nights chill.
I didn't want to leave on that cold, dark night,
This guardian of honor so willing to fight.
Then the soldier rolled over with a voice soft and pure,
Whispered, "Carry on Santa, it's Christmas Day, all is secure."
One look at my watchand I knew he was right.
"Merry Christmas, my friend, And to all a good night!"
This I dedicate to Sister Cuff's son who is now out serving our country while his wife and daughter, family and friends, hope and pray for his safe return.
Thank you to all who protect our freedom in this Promised Land!
In a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney with presents to give,
And to see just who in this home did live.
I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by mantle, just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.
With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,
A sober thought came through my mind.
For this house was different, it was dark and dreary,
I found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.
The soldier lay sleeping, Silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home!
The face waas so gentle, the room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured a United States soldier.
Was this a hero of whom I just read?
Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?
I realized the families that I saw this night,
Owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.
Soon round the world, the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas Day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year.
Because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.
I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone,
On a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,
"Santa don't cry, this life is my choice;
I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more,
My life is my God, my country, my corps."
The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent so still
And we both shivered from the cold nights chill.
I didn't want to leave on that cold, dark night,
This guardian of honor so willing to fight.
Then the soldier rolled over with a voice soft and pure,
Whispered, "Carry on Santa, it's Christmas Day, all is secure."
One look at my watchand I knew he was right.
"Merry Christmas, my friend, And to all a good night!"
This I dedicate to Sister Cuff's son who is now out serving our country while his wife and daughter, family and friends, hope and pray for his safe return.
Thank you to all who protect our freedom in this Promised Land!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
The Potty Is Lonely No More!
Okay, So probably not everyone will understand the excitement I have for this post. But if you have kids you will get it....
Tiny A has been making us put her on the big potty for a while now when she first wakes up and before she gets in the bath. But I didn't get my act in gear until after Thanksgiving and finally put the potty seats in the bathrooms. She has only missed going a few times and is constantly coming to get me to show me that she has gone all by herself. We are so excited! We don't remember our other little A's being this proactive in the potty training process. I can't wait to stop buying diapers!Yea for Tiny A!
Story #2 A Very Special Night
Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem;It is a very long way to go.
But tonight is a very special night and the stars have a magic glow.
No room is left in the city- only a stable with a manger and hay.
Mary's baby is born in the stable on that very first Christmas Day.
Stars glitter above the hills as shepherds watch their sheep.
Angels tell them to visit the baby, tucked up in the manger asleep.
A huge star leads the shepherds. It shines with a brilliant light.
Wise men ride on camels, to follow this magic star through the night.
The three wise men arrive with gifts for the baby boy.
The shepherds dance back to the hills and the angels sing with joy.
Watched by the ox and the donkey, Jesus waves tiny hands and toes, As the lamb peeps into the manger Mary smiles and her kind face glows.
Snug and warm in the hay that gleams in the golden light.
Her special baby has so much love; and this is A Very Special Night.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Story #1 Like Unto Christ.....
I was thinking today that it is almost time to get out our Christmas book. When we lived in Boulder our Relief Society made Christmas Story books for the 25 days of Christmas. You read a special Christmas story everyday leading up until Christmas. This is one of our family's favorite traditions.Well, I thought how fun it would be to post the daily story so that I can share them with all of you. I got the book out and found extra stories that Our Bishop's wife had given us last year for Christmas. So, I have more than 25 stories. I am going to start today.....In the first story that I read my immediate thought was " this is not a Christmas story" But the more I thought about it I realized that Christmas is about Christ and this story is about living a good Christlike life. It has everything to do with Christmas!I am also going to post a favorite Christmas song everyday. The one I am posting today is not a Christmas song but my favorite hymn ever! From when I was a young girl this song touched me so much and has remained to be very special to me. When I am upset or worried I sing this song. It brings me so much comfort. I went online to see if there was a video of it. I was amazed at how many came up. I guess others like it as much as I do. I clicked on this one because of the picture of Christ and looked no further. It is beautifully done. It has all of my favorite paintings of Christ. I sat here at the computer desk and cried away. I hope you will enjoy it and feel the spirit as you listen to these sweet words and look at the beautiful paintings.
The story.....
IN MY DASH
I read of a man who stood to speak at a funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone, from the beginning...to the end.
He noted that first came her date of birth and he spoke the following date with tears, But he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.
(1934-1998)
For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on this earth...
And now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own;the cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.
Sp think about this long and hard... Are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left, that can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true and real,
And always try to understand the way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger,and show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives like we've never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect, and more often wear a smile...
Remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.
So, when your eulogy's being read with your lifes actions to rehash...
Would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash?
I dedicate this story to Pinky's dear husband and M's best friend. He trully lived his dash to the fullest. He was a great example to how we want to live our dash.
The story.....
IN MY DASH
I read of a man who stood to speak at a funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone, from the beginning...to the end.
He noted that first came her date of birth and he spoke the following date with tears, But he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.
(1934-1998)
For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on this earth...
And now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own;the cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.
Sp think about this long and hard... Are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left, that can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true and real,
And always try to understand the way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger,and show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives like we've never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect, and more often wear a smile...
Remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.
So, when your eulogy's being read with your lifes actions to rehash...
Would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash?
I dedicate this story to Pinky's dear husband and M's best friend. He trully lived his dash to the fullest. He was a great example to how we want to live our dash.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Beautiful Sabbath....
We'll see if I am able to put into words what I feel in my heart......Today was such a beautiful Sabbath day. I know every Sabbath is beautiful, I don't know, I felt as if these talks and lessons were exactly what I needed. So first off, In Sacrament meeting our good friends were the speakers.( By the way you two did an AMAZING job. Very proud of you both.) Anyway, Sis. Spencer spoke on Being Thankful. Wow! I really need to be more thankful. I try to thank my Heavenly Father for what I am given. But I am not very good at thanking my Father in Heaven for my trials. But these are given to me to test me and strengthen me. And I should be so Thankful for this, because through these trials I will be strengthened and may be able to help others through my experiences. And this brings me to Bro. Spencers talk on Service. Again, a great talk. And I am now going to strive to make service part of my daily life. I don't want it to be something that I have to think about and find( although big service projects are just as good and I will still try to do those). I just want it to be second nature. Ihope I can do this.
Then we had sweet Sis. Cox come and teach our Young Women today. She talked about our gifts, our talents and how we need to use them. She told the girls how Heavenly Father knows each one of them and has given them different talents. Talents that they can use for good and that he wants them to use. We are all so blessed with the talents we are given. Sis. Cox called each of the girls' moms and asked them for what their girls talents were. Then she had them written down and placed in a gift. She had the girls come up to the front of the room and one at a time open their presents and read out loud their talents. It was really neat to see the looks on these girls faces. Sis. Cox then went on to tell them that sometimes our talents are so second nature to us that we don't realize we even have them. This explains the surprised and humbled looks the girls had. It is good to hear that you are Giving, or Obedient, or hard working. These are things you might not always think of as talents. Then, at the end of the lesson she told them to name another talent that they knew they had. I think I enjoyed this part most. They named the sweetest things about themselves. It was really touching that they value these talents in themselves. Sis. Cox also played a song performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It was so beautiful! I tried to find a video of it, but all I could find was a girls choir in Hong Kong singing it. It is Beautiful, but you will catch their accents through out the song. I hope you love it as much as I did. It really makes me think what this season is all about and as I listen to the words the spirit bears witness to me of the truthfullness of our Savior and his humble birth. I love this season!
By the way a good scripture on talents: D&C 46:8 ...seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given;
Then we had sweet Sis. Cox come and teach our Young Women today. She talked about our gifts, our talents and how we need to use them. She told the girls how Heavenly Father knows each one of them and has given them different talents. Talents that they can use for good and that he wants them to use. We are all so blessed with the talents we are given. Sis. Cox called each of the girls' moms and asked them for what their girls talents were. Then she had them written down and placed in a gift. She had the girls come up to the front of the room and one at a time open their presents and read out loud their talents. It was really neat to see the looks on these girls faces. Sis. Cox then went on to tell them that sometimes our talents are so second nature to us that we don't realize we even have them. This explains the surprised and humbled looks the girls had. It is good to hear that you are Giving, or Obedient, or hard working. These are things you might not always think of as talents. Then, at the end of the lesson she told them to name another talent that they knew they had. I think I enjoyed this part most. They named the sweetest things about themselves. It was really touching that they value these talents in themselves. Sis. Cox also played a song performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It was so beautiful! I tried to find a video of it, but all I could find was a girls choir in Hong Kong singing it. It is Beautiful, but you will catch their accents through out the song. I hope you love it as much as I did. It really makes me think what this season is all about and as I listen to the words the spirit bears witness to me of the truthfullness of our Savior and his humble birth. I love this season!
By the way a good scripture on talents: D&C 46:8 ...seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given;
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. We hope you all had a wonderful day with your family and friends. We went down to my parents on Wednesday and had agreat day with them. Thursday we celebrated Thanksgiving with my family. My older sister's family and my brother's family were not there this year. They were with their other families. We missed them. Still it was agreat day.
My grandparents were there, my aunt and uncle with their two children, my sister, S, and her family, And my two little sisters. The boy cousins played outside most of the day playing football or exploring. They had agreat time, and the weather was actually really nice during the day. The girl cousins made up plays and filmed them. The adults visited and were a little silly taking pictures. Okay, so maybe it was me making everyone pose silly for the pictures. I will take the blame! I'll post a few. 
On Friday we went into town to M's family for a second Thanksgiving dinner. Again it was wonderful. All of M's family were there. Many hours of football were played outside. Even when it was too cold for me they kept playing. M, his brother and his friend were troopers, they played long and hard with the kids. I think they probably were tuckered out before the kids but they kept it up. More football was played this morning, we had a nice lunch at El Sombrero( our favorite restaurant! The waiter knows us all by name and even knows what we will order! It's awesome! I highly reccomend it!) and then we came home this afternoon. 
It is always so wonderful to be with our families this time of year. We have two new nephews, and if anyone knows me they can imagine where I am while we are around them. I love all of my sweet nieces and nephews and I am so grateful my children have them to play with and be friends with.
My grandparents were there, my aunt and uncle with their two children, my sister, S, and her family, And my two little sisters. The boy cousins played outside most of the day playing football or exploring. They had agreat time, and the weather was actually really nice during the day. The girl cousins made up plays and filmed them. The adults visited and were a little silly taking pictures. Okay, so maybe it was me making everyone pose silly for the pictures. I will take the blame! I'll post a few. On Friday we went into town to M's family for a second Thanksgiving dinner. Again it was wonderful. All of M's family were there. Many hours of football were played outside. Even when it was too cold for me they kept playing. M, his brother and his friend were troopers, they played long and hard with the kids. I think they probably were tuckered out before the kids but they kept it up. More football was played this morning, we had a nice lunch at El Sombrero( our favorite restaurant! The waiter knows us all by name and even knows what we will order! It's awesome! I highly reccomend it!) and then we came home this afternoon. It is always so wonderful to be with our families this time of year. We have two new nephews, and if anyone knows me they can imagine where I am while we are around them. I love all of my sweet nieces and nephews and I am so grateful my children have them to play with and be friends with.
We are so thankful for so many things, but we thought we would each name one thing we are most thankful for.
M.....I am thankful that I was able to play football with all of my family. It was a blast!
E......Eeek, one thing will be hard, maybe I will break the rule and do a couple. First, I am thankful for my family. Second, I am grateful for the love of our Savior and for the restored gospel on this earth. In which we are able to have so many blessings.
Big A.....I am thankful that we were able to go to our grandparents for Thanksgiving.
Double A.....I am thankful for having this holiday season with my family.
Triple A.....I am thankful for brothers and sisters.
Little A.....I am thankful that Christmas is coming up.
Tiny A.....balloons
We love you all, and if we spent the weekend with you we had a wonderful time. Thank you!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Family......
I have been thinking a lot about family lately and how very blessed I am to have so many close by. I don't know what I would do with out their support and friendship. My immediate
family,my children and husband , I can't say enough about. They are the best. I love to see their silly smiles when they have slyly made fun of their poor mommy. :) I love to see my husban
d in the back yard on the ground clawing his way to his children who are laughing histerically and trying to get away from the "Monster". I love to hear the sweet prayers of my children before we go to bed and before we start our day. I love to hear my husband pray for the safety and well being of me and our children. How much I treasure those sweet moments.
spirit and knowing when I need her. Infact, she knew I was pregnant with Tiny A even before I did....I am so lucky! I also have the most amazing grandparents and Aunts and Uncles around. Again, the example they set for us growing up helped us all. They are a true treasure! I didn't get to know my dad's mom, but yet I feel like I do know her. Maybe she helped watch us before we left Heaven. I always loved being with my grand-daddy. He was the sweetest. My mom's parents, I was lucky to have around a lot and treasure the time I spent with them as a youth. They also were pioneers in my family for they joined the church when my mom was a little girl. Wow! Again, what a blessing that was to my family. 
Where would I be with out the gospel in my life?
family,my children and husband , I can't say enough about. They are the best. I love to see their silly smiles when they have slyly made fun of their poor mommy. :) I love to see my husban
d in the back yard on the ground clawing his way to his children who are laughing histerically and trying to get away from the "Monster". I love to hear the sweet prayers of my children before we go to bed and before we start our day. I love to hear my husband pray for the safety and well being of me and our children. How much I treasure those sweet moments.I also have my family who I grew up w
ith and treasure more than I could put into words. My parents for starters.....Wow! They are amazing. I think I must have been the luckiest girl to have them. They gave me such an amazing example to live by and so much support in everything that I ever did. And when things that I did were far from what I needed to be doing, they were still there with open arms to love me and care for me. That above everything else is what made me who I am today. I hope I am able to be half the parents they were and still are! Then, there are my siblings.....Again, I am so lucky. I grew up with my best friends right in my room or in the room next door. How can it get any better than that?They are always there with an ear to listen when I am troubled or with open arms when I need a hug. Matt often teases me that I am on the phone with them more than I talk to him....Not True! But probably close.. :)
I have had several experiences where I am upset and My sister will call. She has always been good at being so intuned with the
ith and treasure more than I could put into words. My parents for starters.....Wow! They are amazing. I think I must have been the luckiest girl to have them. They gave me such an amazing example to live by and so much support in everything that I ever did. And when things that I did were far from what I needed to be doing, they were still there with open arms to love me and care for me. That above everything else is what made me who I am today. I hope I am able to be half the parents they were and still are! Then, there are my siblings.....Again, I am so lucky. I grew up with my best friends right in my room or in the room next door. How can it get any better than that?They are always there with an ear to listen when I am troubled or with open arms when I need a hug. Matt often teases me that I am on the phone with them more than I talk to him....Not True! But probably close.. :)
spirit and knowing when I need her. Infact, she knew I was pregnant with Tiny A even before I did....I am so lucky! I also have the most amazing grandparents and Aunts and Uncles around. Again, the example they set for us growing up helped us all. They are a true treasure! I didn't get to know my dad's mom, but yet I feel like I do know her. Maybe she helped watch us before we left Heaven. I always loved being with my grand-daddy. He was the sweetest. My mom's parents, I was lucky to have around a lot and treasure the time I spent with them as a youth. They also were pioneers in my family for they joined the church when my mom was a little girl. Wow! Again, what a blessing that was to my family. 
Where would I be with out the gospel in my life?Then, I have my husbands family......They are the best in-laws any one could ever have. My kids have such great grandparents and Aunts and Uncles on both sides of the family.....I thank my Heavenly Father every day for the family I have been blessed to be a part of. Each one has played such an important role in my life and of my childrens lives. I am very Thankful for you all!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
For Now and Always........
Okay one more late blog and then I will only post what happens in the present. My baby sister was married on Sept. 29. It was a lot of fun and I thought everyone would like to see some of her pictures. I did the engagement pictures and my sister-in-law and brother-in-law helped me do the wedding. They did a great job! I think we all found that we really like doing photography.
Halloween!
Okay, I know this is insanely late. I didn't have the blog during Halloween and the kids wanted me to post a halloween blog, so here we go.....
We had two Halloweens. We did the Trunk or Treat at church one week before Halloween and then we did Halloween. The kids loved having it doubled. Big A was an Ironman for Trunk or Treat and then was some sort of Box man with his friend on the real Halloween. ( I am not real sure what was up with the boxes this year. Two of his friends' costumes consisted of boxes...Must be the age!)Double A was a genie along with her best friend and her little sister, Little A. Triple A was Captain Jack Sparrow(Pretty Cute!) And Tiny A was a Harvest Witch! M and I bailed this year and didn't dress up. Maybe we'll get back in the game next year.... Hope you all had a safe and Happy Halloween!
Monday, November 12, 2007
We Are Thankful
Today we are very thankful that M's dad did great through surgery. We know many prayers were answered. We are now praying for a quick recovery for him.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
The Leaves Are Falling
What a busy day! We got up and started cleaning the yard! Lots and Lot
s of leaves and old weeds. It has been on the list of things to do for a while but until today we just didn't have time. By the end we had the whole back yard and corrals completely cleaned and had made a big pile of weeds and started them on fire. I have never seen my boys so excited! I wish I had taken some pictures of the fire but I was a little preoccupied with making sure the fire was under control and no little ones were wandering too close. It ended up going just fine. The kids did so much work today, I was so proud of them. (Triple A did tell me that I was working him a little hard. But hey you really can't expect to not have at least one comment like that, right?)
Matt and I are trying to find things in every day that Heavenly Father has blessed us with, so today I am thankful for the fact that everyone was safe and that we are very lucky to have such good friends and family. It was a great Fall day!
s of leaves and old weeds. It has been on the list of things to do for a while but until today we just didn't have time. By the end we had the whole back yard and corrals completely cleaned and had made a big pile of weeds and started them on fire. I have never seen my boys so excited! I wish I had taken some pictures of the fire but I was a little preoccupied with making sure the fire was under control and no little ones were wandering too close. It ended up going just fine. The kids did so much work today, I was so proud of them. (Triple A did tell me that I was working him a little hard. But hey you really can't expect to not have at least one comment like that, right?)
Matt and I are trying to find things in every day that Heavenly Father has blessed us with, so today I am thankful for the fact that everyone was safe and that we are very lucky to have such good friends and family. It was a great Fall day!
Friday, November 9, 2007
THE TOP BEST THINGS M.N. THINKS HAPPENED THE PAST FEW DAYS
10. Big A wrote a WWF about his heroes and I was the first one he wrote about
9. Double A turned red as a tomato when mommy questioned her about boys she likes at school
8. Triple A and Big A love football more than I do. How lucky am I?
7. Little A can now ride her bike all by herself including starting. I'm so proud of her
6. Tiny A has become my automatic toot detector. When I toot she goes "Bladddddddyyyyyyyyyyy"
5. I gave out my first BOM!
4. That through tragedy our family has come together to be closer to each other and to our Heavenly Father.
3. In reading E and my High school letters and remembering that we had something special from the first time we talked
2. Even after 11 years of marriage I find my wife more spiritually and physically beautiful everyday
1. The realization my Eternal Marriage to my wife and my kids is my biggest treasure in life.
9. Double A turned red as a tomato when mommy questioned her about boys she likes at school
8. Triple A and Big A love football more than I do. How lucky am I?
7. Little A can now ride her bike all by herself including starting. I'm so proud of her
6. Tiny A has become my automatic toot detector. When I toot she goes "Bladddddddyyyyyyyyyyy"
5. I gave out my first BOM!
4. That through tragedy our family has come together to be closer to each other and to our Heavenly Father.
3. In reading E and my High school letters and remembering that we had something special from the first time we talked
2. Even after 11 years of marriage I find my wife more spiritually and physically beautiful everyday
1. The realization my Eternal Marriage to my wife and my kids is my biggest treasure in life.
2007 In Review!
Okay, So I am going to do this a little backwards at first. I am going to do our normal Christmas letter which is usually a quick update on our year. Then I will sart blogging on a regular basis.
Now for Big A. He is in 7th grade this year! Oh my gosh, I can hardley believe
it! He is doing great. He was on the cross country team at his middle school. He really loved it. And to his dad's great thrill he is doing triathlons now. He even got his first re
al road bike for his birthday this year. He wanted a 3P carbon( He even says he dreams about having one. Wow I think I have two Ironmans in the house) It has been fun for M to have big A go on bike rides with him. Big A also recieved the Aaronic priesthood this year when he turned 12. He now passes the sacrament in church( I love watching him do this. He seems so old.) He has also gone out on several scout camp outs. He loves this and enjoys exploring the different areas which they go
. Once they even did a 50 mile bike ride. Pretty impressive!
We have had a very busy year. So this might take a while. I will try not to put too many boring details in ,but for my own memory I am probably going to put more in than most will be interested in reading. So bear with me.
We will start off with My Ironman. He started training this year for his first ever ironman. He had done a couple of halfs but nothing can compare to the 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and the 26.2 mile run. He decided to do Ironman Arizona in April. Well, if you can imagine this takes months of training to get your body ready. This put him training in the middle of winter. Not a lot of light to train by. And since he always puts his family first he trains very early in the morning so when the kids are home , he is home. Isn't he awesome? Any w
ay, this means all training was done in the garage on a bike trainer between 3:00 and 7:00 in the morning. I could never do it. But he somehow can dig deep and get it all done and always with a smile! Anyway Ironman Arizona came and we all went out for the big race. It was a great trip. M's mom, brother and sister in law were also there with us. This made it really nice for the 5 A's and me as we were running around trying to see him on the course. Needless to say he did great. I am trying to attach the video that his brother put together of the race at the bottom of the blog. So check it out. It's really cool! Any way he finished in 9hrs.59min. Even with the horrible winds on the bike he finished within his goal and out of 2400 participants he got 5th in his age group and 50th overall. Wow! We were all so impressed. The biggest thing about where he finished was he qualified for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. So the training would begin again. We were going to Kona!
ay, this means all training was done in the garage on a bike trainer between 3:00 and 7:00 in the morning. I could never do it. But he somehow can dig deep and get it all done and always with a smile! Anyway Ironman Arizona came and we all went out for the big race. It was a great trip. M's mom, brother and sister in law were also there with us. This made it really nice for the 5 A's and me as we were running around trying to see him on the course. Needless to say he did great. I am trying to attach the video that his brother put together of the race at the bottom of the blog. So check it out. It's really cool! Any way he finished in 9hrs.59min. Even with the horrible winds on the bike he finished within his goal and out of 2400 participants he got 5th in his age group and 50th overall. Wow! We were all so impressed. The biggest thing about where he finished was he qualified for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. So the training would begin again. We were going to Kona!Matt trained very hard again and he and I were the only ones going to Kona this time. It was the first time for either of us to go to Hawaii. Infact, it was the first time I had ever been away from my kids for longer than 3 days. I was very nervous but it turned out to be a wonderful trip. Both of our moms took 5 days with the kids and did a fantastic job. The kids had so much fun. I think they were sad to see the Grandma
s go.:)Before we left we had a sad experience. Matt's best friend, office mate, and training partner passed away in his sleep. He left a beautiful wife and 3 precious children behind. We still miss him dearly. I don't know when you stop hurting and missing. But he was such a special person and we know we will meet again. Needless to say this put a diffe
rent perspective on the trip and race. M was now doing it for his best friend. We knew he would want us to go. He finished in 10 hrs. 20 min. The race was really tough going thro
ugh the hot lava fields and winds which would come from all directions. At some point I might post Matt's own rundown of the race,but for now I'll just say he did fantastic. I was so proud of him. It was a very emotional moment when he crossed that finish line. I know that Sixbit was there watching and enjoying the finish with us. We will miss him always.The rest of the trip was spent exploring the island. It was amazing. I wish I could have stayed longer. We went snorkeling(my first time ever in the ocean), hiked through the volcanoes , saw the most beautiful waterfalls and enjoyed the waves hitting against the shore right under our balcony. That, I must say, was the best part of the whole trip. The peaceful sounds of the waves. Ahhhhh, Kona....It's calling me back...................... 
s go.:)Before we left we had a sad experience. Matt's best friend, office mate, and training partner passed away in his sleep. He left a beautiful wife and 3 precious children behind. We still miss him dearly. I don't know when you stop hurting and missing. But he was such a special person and we know we will meet again. Needless to say this put a diffe
rent perspective on the trip and race. M was now doing it for his best friend. We knew he would want us to go. He finished in 10 hrs. 20 min. The race was really tough going thro
ugh the hot lava fields and winds which would come from all directions. At some point I might post Matt's own rundown of the race,but for now I'll just say he did fantastic. I was so proud of him. It was a very emotional moment when he crossed that finish line. I know that Sixbit was there watching and enjoying the finish with us. We will miss him always.The rest of the trip was spent exploring the island. It was amazing. I wish I could have stayed longer. We went snorkeling(my first time ever in the ocean), hiked through the volcanoes , saw the most beautiful waterfalls and enjoyed the waves hitting against the shore right under our balcony. That, I must say, was the best part of the whole trip. The peaceful sounds of the waves. Ahhhhh, Kona....It's calling me back...................... 
Now for Big A. He is in 7th grade this year! Oh my gosh, I can hardley believe
it! He is doing great. He was on the cross country team at his middle school. He really loved it. And to his dad's great thrill he is doing triathlons now. He even got his first re
al road bike for his birthday this year. He wanted a 3P carbon( He even says he dreams about having one. Wow I think I have two Ironmans in the house) It has been fun for M to have big A go on bike rides with him. Big A also recieved the Aaronic priesthood this year when he turned 12. He now passes the sacrament in church( I love watching him do this. He seems so old.) He has also gone out on several scout camp outs. He loves this and enjoys exploring the different areas which they go
. Once they even did a 50 mile bike ride. Pretty impressive!Double A is now 10 and even more a young lady than ever.She is so much help and so much a second mommy to Tiny A. She is in 5th grade now ( this makes m
e a little nervous because next year it is middle school!). She is doing great in school, infact, her teacher said she wished she could make a bunch of little robots like Double A , so she could fill her class with them.She 
played soccer this year and did great. She had a great coach who made her love the game again.What a sweetie she is!
e a little nervous because next year it is middle school!). She is doing great in school, infact, her teacher said she wished she could make a bunch of little robots like Double A , so she could fill her class with them.She 
played soccer this year and did great. She had a great coach who made her love the game again.What a sweetie she is!
Triple A is now 7 yrs. old and in second grade. This is a good year at school. He has the sweetest teacher and he loves school again. He played his first year of football this year and loved it! He played almost every position and proved to the coaches that even though he wasn't the biggest kid on the team he was one of their best. He is already c
ounting down the days until the flag football teams start in the spring. Hmmmmm. I don't know about all of this football. M is so proud though that his boys are as into football as he is. My crazy boys! The girls and I just kind of go away when the football is on. Not really our thing.:)
ounting down the days until the flag football teams start in the spring. Hmmmmm. I don't know about all of this football. M is so proud though that his boys are as into football as he is. My crazy boys! The girls and I just kind of go away when the football is on. Not really our thing.:)
Little A is now 5 yrs. old. She missed the kindergarten cut off date by 10 days this year so we got to have home one mo
re year. This was wonderful for Tiny A. She loves her so much and really has fun playing all day with her older sister. Little A also played her first year of soccer with her Daddy as her coach.( he has been every one of our kids coach for the first couple years of their soccer careers) He loves it and the kids really love having their daddy there. He is a cool daddy, I must admit.
re year. This was wonderful for Tiny A. She loves her so much and really has fun playing all day with her older sister. Little A also played her first year of soccer with her Daddy as her coach.( he has been every one of our kids coach for the first couple years of their soccer careers) He loves it and the kids really love having their daddy there. He is a cool daddy, I must admit.
Now, there is Tiny A. She will be two at the end of December. Wow,
what a cutie! She really has the whole family wrapped around her finger. But not in a bad way. She is so sweet. She has taken her sweet time in
talking. I was a little worried until I realized she just had her own sign language that her older brothers and sisters understand perfectly and were doing everything for her through that. Once we told them that they needed to let her talk before they got her something, she quickly started spilling the words out. Now, ofcourse, we are demanding and I wouldn't mind a little bit of the silent sign language back,Just kidding! We did get wonderful news this past month. We went to her cardiologist doctor for her final appt to determine if surgery was needed on her heart or not.( If you did not know, Tiny A was born with 3 holes in her heart. When she was 1 She had one hole that had clos
ed on its own. This was a good sign and so they decided to wait and see what the other two holes would do over the next year.) Well, we went back and one more hole closed up. The hole they were most concerned about. The third hole will be there for the rest of her life, but shoud not cause her any problems. It would be a bigger risk to go in and close it up than the risk of actually letting it stay open.
what a cutie! She really has the whole family wrapped around her finger. But not in a bad way. She is so sweet. She has taken her sweet time in
talking. I was a little worried until I realized she just had her own sign language that her older brothers and sisters understand perfectly and were doing everything for her through that. Once we told them that they needed to let her talk before they got her something, she quickly started spilling the words out. Now, ofcourse, we are demanding and I wouldn't mind a little bit of the silent sign language back,Just kidding! We did get wonderful news this past month. We went to her cardiologist doctor for her final appt to determine if surgery was needed on her heart or not.( If you did not know, Tiny A was born with 3 holes in her heart. When she was 1 She had one hole that had clos
ed on its own. This was a good sign and so they decided to wait and see what the other two holes would do over the next year.) Well, we went back and one more hole closed up. The hole they were most concerned about. The third hole will be there for the rest of her life, but shoud not cause her any problems. It would be a bigger risk to go in and close it up than the risk of actually letting it stay open.I am doing great. I love my family more and more everyday, I didn't know that wa
s possible but it seems to be. I look at my husband and it is so exciting that we have each other. He is truly my best friend! I was reading old highschool letters that we use to write to each other and it was really neat to see how much I loved him then and how that has grown so much. We really had something from the very beginning. I am so thankful that Heavenly Father brought this special man into my life.
s possible but it seems to be. I look at my husband and it is so exciting that we have each other. He is truly my best friend! I was reading old highschool letters that we use to write to each other and it was really neat to see how much I loved him then and how that has grown so much. We really had something from the very beginning. I am so thankful that Heavenly Father brought this special man into my life.Well, that is our year in review........Hope you are all doing great!
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