Christmas

We had a great Christmas and Christmastime this year. We especially loved having Ashley involved in our lives this Christmas. Ashley and I spent some time with her family on Christmas morning. We then rushed back here to greet the kids coming back from their Mom's house. We focused a lot on the real meaning of Christmas this year. We also talked about families who have to do without a lot of things, and how blessed we are. It seemed to really set in with the kids this Christmas. They seemed to be very excited about giving to others and especially helping those less fortunate. This kind of focus always makes Christmas better. We loved just spending time together and relaxing with each other as well. It was really nice to have Christmas on a Friday this year.

First we went to see what Santa had left the kids. Santa left McQueen a huge electric race track. It came with two Ferrari's and two Formula 1 type race cars. We all enjoyed competing against each other as the cars would zing around the track. Santa also left him a Lego Star Wars spaceship, and some Star Wars and Spider-man underwear.

Tinkerbell got a whole bunch of the Littlest Pet Shop toy figurines and villages. She played with them relentlessly and loves them so much. She was so excited for them. She also got a huge carrying case for all of them. One of the things that seemed to most excite her was her new Princess and the Frog panties. She liked the Hello Kitty ones as well, but not as much as The Princess and the Frog panties.

We then opened stockings to each find toothbrushes (Wolverine and Hello Kitty), little toys, candy bars, an orange, and an apple. Ashley and I gave each of the kids pajamas (Hello Kitty and Star Wars), a DVD (UP and Monsters vs. Aliens) a game (Guess Who? and The Lady Bug Game), some books, and some clothes.

We had a great Christmas playing and visiting with family. Most importantly we sought to remember our Savior and those less fortunate who we can help each day. We are grateful for the gift from both The Father and The Son who make it possible for us to be redeemed and forgiven. We are grateful for the season and the time we can spend as a family.

Will Ashley Say Yes?????

Ashley and I went on our first date in January of this year. I was very cautious in moving the relationship along because I was scared I was not good enough, and I was scared that either I or the kids could get hurt. I now KNOW I am not good enough for her and I am willing to chance my being hurt for the happiness of being with her. After going out at least once a week for four months, I finally introduced her to the kids. A week later I kissed her for the very first time, although we shared many conversations about when our first kiss would occur. About the time this post hits my blog, I will be kneeling on one knee to propose to my sweetheart, and the girl I hope will accept my proposal, to be my eternal companion. I won't go into the details of how I will ask/have asked her. I will leave that up to people asking her. What I instead want to address is why I so badly want to ask her. I love Ashley with all my heart. Typing that even now brings tears to my eyes. I have been truly blessed by a loving Heavenly Father with one of his most amazing daughters. I know that, I am so thankful for that, and I treasure that. In times of sadness, some question, "what have I done to deserve this?" The blessing of Ashley in my life instead makes me deeply ponder in a completely different way "what I have done to deserve this."

Ashley is beautiful in every sense of the word. There is no question of her physical beauty. From her looks, to way she carries herself, to her modest dress. She is gorgeous. She has the sweetest face and the most loving eyes. Her outer beauty is only enhanced by the inner beauty she possesses. She radiates such a bright light from deep within her soul. It seems to pierce me to the heart and brightens all around her. She is truly gorgeous.

Ashley is so sweet in so many amazing ways. She could make anyone's heart melt with her sweet gentle nature. Children, not just McQueen and Tinkerbell flock to her and follow her in droves. She is especially sweet to Tinkerbell and McQueen. She cares for them and truly loves them as her own. She is so gentle and kind, that everyone can see her love for them and their deep love for her. My love for her grows so deeply as she loves my children. She is as sweet to me as anyone, which I am sure requires much more patience. Even when she sees the many imperfections in me, she does not use harsh tones, words, or deeds to make me better. She uses gentleness and sweetness to make me want to be better. She inspires those around her through kindness and people therefore gravitate towards her. She builds others up through sweetness rather then tearing them down in bitterness. Anyone can be harsh and tear things down. Ashley has mastered a sweetness that builds and creates. If kind words and deeds were hammers and nails, it would be breathtaking to see the beautiful city she has created around her.

Ashley is amazingly thoughtful. She constantly worries herself sick in the behalf of others. Her worry leads to action, and that action leads to others receiving help, nurturing, love, or healing. It has been said there are a couple different kinds of people. Those who sit on the sidelines, those who help when asked, and those who recognize a need and act. Ashley is very much the one who recognizes needs and takes care of others. She truly astounds me by the way she serves and knows those around her. She is always a friend, even when a friend might be hard to find. The kind of love Ashley gives does not come from a responsibility, guilt, or persuasion. The kind of love that she gives comes from a Christ-like heart.

Ashley is funny. To see Ashley smile and laugh melts my heart. There is rarely a time we are together when we do not make it a point to laugh together. We spend so much of our time doing that, and I love every minute of it. We laugh at ourselves, the world around us, or just about anything. All that is required to have a good time with Ashley is to have a sense of humor. Some of my favorite dates are the ones where we sat in the car and talked and laughed. I know that Ashley's favorite date was seeing the movie "Race to Witch Mountain," but mine were definitely our talking and laughing dates. Just kidding about the movie babe. :)

Ashley is my best friend. It has been said that a true friend is one who makes doing the right thing easier. Ashley is unquestionably a very true friend to me. I love all the time I get to spend with friends and family. I feel that I do not get to see far too many often enough. However, my number one choice of where to spend my free time is still with Ashley. I don't feel I have to hide who I am, and I can completely and totally be myself. She doesn't judge me, yet she makes it easier for me to be better. I can tell her anything and I think she can tell me anything. We support and help each other and we are happy to be there for each other.

Ashley is a Mother in every sense of the word. She may not have the official title, but she is a Mother. Only a Mother can nurture as she nurtures. Only a Mother can loves as she loves. Only a Mother can worry as she worries. Only a Mother can care as she cares. And only a Mother can feel the feelings in her heart that she feels. I am lucky to have her as a Mother to ALL of the the children we have now and that we may be blessed with in the future. They are so blessed to have her in their lives to love them, care for them. and raise them up. There is no question in my mind of her divine nature as a sweet, nurturing, caring Mother. I am so grateful that all my children are lucky enough to call her their Mom.

Ashley is my love. A couple of years ago as events unfolded, I was not sure I ever wanted to be married again. I thought perhaps it was just not to be in this life. I would go on raising my two sweet kids and go on dates occasionally, but I may never remarry. I had a certain ideal of what I would like in a wife, but I was sure those kind of women would not be interested in me. Even if they were, I was not sure I could give them what I felt they deserved. Some barriers broke down over time, and some feelings fell dim, but much of those feelings remained. In this area, I had created a gray wall, blocking my view. Ashley continued to date me and show me her sweet, gentle kindness. One day when I looked at my gray wall, I saw something beautiful standing much taller and brigther on the other side. You see, instead of attacking my feelings, Ashley had just simply built a big beautiful palace on the other side of my wall. It was so inviting and amazing, that I had to tear down my own wall, so that I could see what was waiting for me on the other side. I am forever grateful for the palace she built. We now work together side by side to build it ever more beautiful and inviting for our family now and forever more.

Thank you Ashley for everything you are. I can't wait to spend eternity with you. I love you!

What Matters Most

I found this video on the church website. I love that the church has started doing these videos, and I especially love this one. What a great message from our Prophet. I hope all the people in my life (whether they see this video or not) know that they are "what matters most" to me. I will strive to show it more convincingly in the future.

Backwards and Forwards

I am obviously a huge car person. I think cars are great and I would love to have more time and money to restore older cars. Overall, I think I am an optimist and can find good in almost any situation. Rather than focusing on what I don't have (lots of time and money), I can focus on what I do have. Sure, I am not "restoring" some old antique vehicle, but I am "de-storing" the vehicle I have into a classic antique. Next year, this old girl will be hitting the big 10 year old mark! This post is not merely about my love of cars though. It is about what is showing on the odometer: 155551. Some may wonder why that is significant. Is it because it has 4 fives and two ones? No. It is because the ones are making a "five sandwich"? No. It is because I have agreed to once again participate in NaBloPoMo (national blog post month). Therefore I must come up with 30 posts in thirty days. Accordingly, I thought one of the posts could be the fact that you could read the odometer backwards or forwards and it would still be the same number. Pretty neat, huh? By the way, I don't know what is wrong with my speedometer. I am sure the needle must have just faded out in the sunlight. I am sure I was stopped when I took this picture, and I certainly would NEVER go faster then 65!

Sunday at the Conference Center

This Sunday, our Stake (as well as many others) was invited to the Conference Center to hear President Monson speak, for Stake Conference. It was a great session and it was so neat for all of us (especially the kids) to hear, and be in the same room, as the Prophet. Most of the various speakers talked about the Temple and Temple attendance.

Grandpa and Tinkerbell
McQueen and Grandpa

After Conference was over, we took McQueen and Tinkerbell over to the huge reflection pond in front of the Salt Lake Temple. They saw coins in a smaller fountain and wanted to know why they were there. I explained that people throw a coin in there and make a wish. They wanted to do it as well, so we made sure to take them to the biggest and neatest spot. They thought it was so neat to see the reflection of the temple in the water. I really think it is neat to throw coins in these fountains, because from what I understand, the church takes the coins and donates or uses them toward humanitarian purposes.

They also thought the waterfall built into the Conference Center was neat. This is them on the inside of the building as the water pours down just on the other side.

McQueen wanted a picture of the temple (one which we took with our very own camera!) to hang in his room. Ashley took this great shot, and it will now be printed off to hang in his room.

Conference Weekend

We really spent the whole weekend listening to General Conference. The kids obviously had a hard time sitting through a lot of it, but were good to listen to it on the radio while they played. They made sure to watch President Monson speak to us and were so cute to sit by us on the couch. On Sunday afternoon we went over to Ashley's house for the last session. McQueen was in heaven and didn't mind listening to conference one bit as he played with some original Star Wars toys that she has. Tinkerbell really enjoyed coloring and by the time conference was over, all four of us were down on the ground coloring pictures for each other. As with any conference, this one contained so many great and important messages. I felt like I had learned so much and been reminded of so much. I am constantly amazed at how "in touch" these elderly men are with what is going on in the world today. Their messages truly are for our time and circumstances. I didn't catch everything, so it is great that I can download them and listen to them again and again. I definitely come from the school of hard knocks. My condition worsens even more in this area, when I am trying to help the kids. Now I just have to follow what they say and work on being a little bit better each day.

A Baptism

Tonight we were able to go to my nephew's baptism. He really surprised me by asking me to say the opening prayer. I was really touched that he thought that much of me to ask me. His baptismal service was great, with wonderful music and talks. One of the highlights of the evening was seeing him, pretending to be a rock singer on top of one of those plastic cars, when we went back to their house for dinner. The kids were really excited to see their cousin get baptized and cannot wait for their day to come. We are really proud of the decision he has made and what a great example he has always been to them. Being able to see a couple of recent baptisms has been especially great for the kids. It is such a neat thing to watch the Gospel take root in their little hearts.

Why We Build Temples

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I sincerely hope that is not a shock to anyone. While I am very imperfect, I believe, and try to live, its teachings. I recently came across this short video posted on the Church's website. The video explains why we build temples. I hope it will serve in helping those who are not of my faith to better understand our beliefs, while stregthening those who believe as I do.

The Mayan/Moonshoes/Blessings

THE MAYAN
So, the kids alternate spending their birthday each year between their Mom and me. This year they spent with her. I am sure they had a fun day with their Mom on Thursday and then I celebrated with them on Friday. While I am sure it can be hard, the most important thing is that they know that both of their parents love them very much. Their birthday party with their friends is going to be this coming Saturday because of scheduling conflicts this weekend. So, on Friday night, I really wanted to take them to a place that they had never been before, but that would also be really fun. I still love a place in Colorado called "Casa Bonita." We ate there every time we visited Colorado when I was a kid. It featured great food and cliff divers and everything. So, as I was thinking of a place Wednesday night, a radio ad came on. It was not only helpful, but hilarious. It said something to the effect of: "hey we all know that the Mayan is a great place to go. It has great atmosphere, is centrally located, yada yada yada....., but let's be honest; THE FOOD STINKS!" They then went on to say that they have changed their menus, and done all of this stuff so that the Mayan is the best place in the whole world, and your family should never go to Disneyland again......yada, yada, yada (maybe a slight exaggeration on my part). While their food WAS terrible before, I figured if they were willing to make an ad like that, I would give them a second chance. So, I took the kids there for their birthday Friday night. The food was not the most amazing food I have ever eaten, but it was good, and a huge improvement. The entertainment was really great too. Because it was their birthday, they sat us in the center, front row table of the whole place. The kids had a great time, and want to know when we can go there again. They really loved it, and I was so excited that they were happy with my choice. To make our experience that much better, it was so foggy outside going to and from the Mayan, that it was like we had to drive through the jungle or rain forest just to get there! Here are some pictures below of the kids eating while enjoying the show.

T was loving the show. It seemed like he really liked the Indiana Jones type theme of it too.
Here he is in a state of awe!

"Don't bother me I'm eating!" Not so much. More like, "don't bother we I'm watching!"

This picture only builds the suspense for the next one.

I LOVE this picture! I took this just as the girl diver took a leap off of the highest point of the cliffs. It is priceless!

MOONSHOES

Maybe most people do not know what Moonshoes are. I certainly didn't until I went shopping for birthday presents for the kids. I found them and thought they would have a blast with them. They are sort of like putting two individual pogo sticks on each foot............just without the stick. Enjoy the video below. This was only a few minutes into their first trial run. You should see those kids fly through the air now! My kids never get in trouble for bouncing off the walls. In fact I actually buy them devices that assist and encourage it! :) Listen to T towards the very end of the video. He is hilarious.

BLESSINGS

I try really hard to recognize and express my appreciation for blessings in my life. I don't know that I necessarily do a great job, but I try. Obviously my biggest blessings revolve around my kids, a good family, friends, the gospel, health, etc. I also try to look for the little blessings each day though as well. I am grateful to make it home safely each night. I am grateful when things unexpectedly work out just right. I even try really hard to be grateful for trials, for what I learn from them, and how they can bless me to grow and be better. As I previously wrote I was having some car problems. As often as possible I do all my own car repairs. My car was leaking anti-freeze all over the place. I could not detect where it was coming from. I feared it was a head-gasket or a manifold gasket. Both of these would require the engine to be torn apart and would be very expensive (even if my mechanic friends did the work). The question would then be to spend the hundreds or even over a thousand dollars on a vehicle with a lot of miles, or re-enter the world of car payments. It was not that either of these things would hurt, kill, or break me, but they just are not in my plans right now. I ended up being so blessed not to have to make either choice. The repair was fairly minor and ended up costing $150 (including labor for my friend to make the repair). Had I run it through a regular shop, it would have been more, but even still it was not huge. Certainly this was a blessing.

When the kids and I went to the car show, somehow I lost my camera. I normally place the camera on the seat next to me when I take the kids somewhere. I think since I was sitting in cars all night, this is what I must have done. I went back to look for it and it was gone. This happened at the beginning of the night. I checked with security at the expo center and they did not have it. We walked all through the show for a couple of hours with me taking pictures with my camera phone. Just before going home, I checked back with security and it still had not been turned in. I assumed the worst. The bigger problem in my mind was not the price of a new camera, but rather that someone has a bunch of pictures of my kids. A few days later I was in the area for work. On a whim I decided to stop by and check with security once more. Someone turned in my camera, and I got it back! Not only was it a great blessing, but events like that renew my faith in everyday people.

Both of these things may seem minor. Some would describe it as chance, luck, coincidence, fortunate, whatever. I figured out a long time ago that all good things come from a loving Heavenly Father. While both of these events may seem minor, I know that they are two more blessings which have been bestowed upon me. Below are a couple of recovered pictures.

Here is T driving his new Corvette. I think he is offering you single ladies (3-6 years old) a ride.

Apparently A not only does not get to drive, but she also does not get to decide what music they listen to either. :)

• Before being seated at the Mayan, we had to wait while they found our reservations and prepared our table. A began to tell me how hungry she was. I told her it would only be a minute or two. She said, "Dad, we never have to wait for our food at McDonald's!" As we were leaving the restaurant after eating, she told me, "that place was WAY better than McDonald's, my favorite part was the girl who jumped in the water all the time!"
• On the same night we were walking to our car. A van drove by and it made a terrible grinding noise. T said, "WHOA! If that Daddy can't fix his van soon, he needs to take his car to the dealership too!"

Merry Christmas!

The kids came home from their Mom's house last night at around 10PM. They went right to bed fairly easily (as soon as we laid out cookies and milk for Santa) in hopes that Santa would come. Santa came in the middle of the night of course. I ended up being really surprised because when I was a kid I am sure I would be awake by 4AM on Christmas morning. I kept anticipating, and waiting for them to come bouncing out there. They both slept clear until almost 9AM! Way past the normal 7-8AM wake up time! They are still little and above all else, I am sure they were totally exhausted from the last couple of days. It was so much fun to have them here first thing in the morning this year, and to be able to relax and spend all of Christmas Day with them (last year they spent all morning with their Mom and then came here in the afternoon). Santa certainly spoiled them. Santa usually brings one big present to each of the kids, fills their stockings, and then brings a few odds and ends. I always give them a couple of presents as well. Santa gave T a huge remote control Hummer H3. He loved it and was so excited the moment he saw it. He drove it quite a bit today. Santa gave A this really cool art table that connects to a TV or a computer. She also was so excited and instantly recognized it as an art table. It takes pictures of people or pictures of whatever you lay on its table. You can then add funny accessories, distort the picture, add borders, add graphics, make greeting cards, or draw stuff on them. It also gives you the option of playing games or just drawing and having what you draw appear as well. You then can save and e-mail things for people. It is right up A's alley, and she loved it.

I gave A the Let's Go Fishing game. The kids loved playing it, but fished by color more than anything else. Heaven forbid A get a blue fish and T get a pink one!

I gave T Operation. They had quite the time trying to keep it from buzzing and lighting up when they were performing surgery today.


Here the kids are opening presents. T gave A a Littlest Pet Shop Ostrich. A gave T a Lego jet. Besides the games, I also gave the kids "Kung Fu Panda," and Horton Hears a Who." Grandma and Grandpa gave the kids puzzles as well as some cash to spend. From their cousins they received a Scene It? Disney DVD trivia game. In our ward, our home teachers gave the kids "The Legend of Frosty the Snowman" DVD. There were also a few couples with grown children that brought by little treats and things just for the kids.

Santa had just stopped by! Even though this picture shows the Hummer taking up half of the love seat, it still does not depict how big this thing is. It is at least half as big as either of the kids.

VIDEO: I made this ramp for T to drive his new toy up and down. He was having a blast. Here are a series of driving school mishaps that were hilarious. It is a good thing that Santa got a protection policy for this thing in case it quits working for whatever reason. Most of the time T drove it pretty well though.

Overall, it was a great day. Christmas with kids is so much better than it is with just adults. I love seeing the excitement and light in their eyes. We truly are so blessed and fortunate to have all that we do. The presents are so fun and exciting, but at the end of the day, the blessings from our Savior are so much greater. I loved that the kids continued to refer to the Savior throughout the day. I was so proud of them. They were so concerned with giving to others and remembering the Savior's birth. It truly is the reason for the season. I hope that each of you also had a very Merry Christmas, and that you felt the loving warmth of the spirit of his birth this year.

Veteran's-Thank You!

Today we honor the people, who for our country serve
and stop to give our soldiers the respect they so deserve.

Rarely have so few, fought so hard for scores,
working to defend us, and protecting all our shores.

We honor all who constantly, fight for all our rights,
through long tiring days, and through short sleepless nights.

Back home, a family longs, to fill a huge empty place,
til their loved one returns home, through our Father’s grace.

Soldiers hear bullets flying by, with an incredibly blistering speed,
we sit in the comfort of our homes, and think of all we “need.”

Our respect and admiration, they all have certainly earned,
we especially cannot forget, those who have never returned.

We know of their great sacrifice, we know that freedom’s not free,
they sacrifice for those they don’t know, yet fight so valiantly.

So whether you’re serving now, or served us long ago,

this nation owes a debt of gratitude, our thanks we wish to show.

Thankful Day 4

I AM THANKFUL FOR FRIENDS

I am so thankful for so many people who I call friends. Obviously I would include anyone reading this (as long as I even remotely know who you are) as my friends. I am grateful for the time I get to spend with friends. I am grateful for the many couples and their families who allow my kids and I to play the third wheel. I am thankful for the fond memories, the laughter, and even the hard times that I have gone through with so many friends. I am grateful for any of you who have shared your life in some way or another. As I have said before you have made a positive impact in one way or another in my life. You are an example to me, and give me strength to become better. I love the quote, "show me your friends, and I will show you your future." If that quote is indeed correct, my future looks amazingly bright. As with my family (who I also consider my friends) I have been so blessed and so fortunate to be surrounded by great people. I have never had to lower my standards, or feel like less of a person (even though I am) around any of you. Thank you for helping to slowly shape me into something so much more than I am naturally capable of being. As I have been surrounded by so many great people who I chose to call friends, it is no wonder it would cause me to be so thankful.

• Today A was a little out of control in Sacrament meeting. I took her out to the foyer and things only seemed to get worse for a little bit. I calmly asked her why she was choosing to be naughty today. In a very loud, tear-filled voice, she said, "BECAUSE I AM A 4-YEAR OLD LITTLE GIRL!" I didn't know whether to laugh or to feel bad for not figuring that one out on my own.

Thankful Day 3

I AM SO THANKFUL FOR MY FAMILY

My family is certainly not perfect, but they are the best! They have always been there for me, even when I have not necessarily been there for them. They have always given of their time, support, and caring. My parents, my siblings (in-laws included) are my friends, not just my family. We all have fun whenever we can get together, but no one requires a lot of each other either. I cannot tell you how supportive they have been throughout my life. They have always stood by my side and have always been there for me. I love when we can get our whole huge clan together and hang out, and I also love when I get to spend individual time with each sibling and family. They are so willing to give and to serve anyone. They are truly examples to me in every way. I am so thankful that I was blessed to be born into this wonderful family.

Thankful Day 2

I AM THANKFUL FOR T & A

I am so thankful for my two sweet little kids. They are my world, and they are my friends. As I have said before, I think being a friend and being a parent do not contradict each other. A true friend helps their friends to choose the right. A true friend helps us to be better, to learn, and to grow. A true friend can tell us when they think we need to improve. I love the kids so much and miss them every moment I am not with them. Life truly does not begin until you get to share your life with a child. They are so caring to each other and to those around them. I love their thoughtfulness, their creativity, and everything about their little personalities. I am amazed at the things they are constantly learning. I love their thirst for life, their laughter, and their optimistic attitudes. I am so lucky I get to be their Daddy!

Thankful Day 1

I AM SO THANKFUL FOR MY SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST

He is by far my best friend. He understands and knows each of us. He is there for each of us. He has bought us with a price. He has made it possible for us to overcome our sins. Along with that great gift, he also felt all of our pain. He knows how we feel, because He has felt it. He is a constant, unchanging, companion from here to eternity. Lately, I have felt somewhat alone. I then thought to myself, "I wonder if the Savior is up in Heaven asking, 'How much deeper do the prints in my hands, and feet and side need to go for you to know I am here? How much more blood did I need to spill in the Garden of Gethsemane to show you I'm your friend?' " It was quite the powerful impression, and made me realize how stupid I had been. He is there for me always, and He is there for you always. He has proven that in a way that no one can, and He continues to prove that each day. I am so very thankful for Him.

Thankful 'til Thanksgiving

I have decided that since I am making a concentrated effort to follow November as blog post month, it might as well be really useful as well. Much like writing in a journal, I use this blog to see my blessings each day and to record daily life. I have decided that I am going to write one thing each day from now until Thanksgiving for which I am thankful, and why.

• Last Monday we all helped A cut out a bunch of hearts. She taped these all around the edges of the dinner table. She then crawled under the table and called it her rainbow castle (since she had used an assortment of construction paper for the hearts). Today she came back home and noticed it was all taken down. She told Grandpa and Grandma that they needed to have a contest. They said, "what kind of contest?" A said, "A contest to see who took all the hearts off the table." Grandpa said, he did. A said, "you couldn't have Grandpa, you helped to make it." Grandma said, "okay, I did it." A then said, "okay, contest over, Grandpa you win, Grandma you lose!"