Aralie's Talk

Aralie volunteered for a talk today in Sacrament. Then she was asked to play the piano for Primary. She needed to learn four new songs for that. This on top of Soccer try-outs this week. Needless to say it has been a busy week for her. Her topic for her talk was "how to make a difference by being a friend to everyone." When she first started researching her topic, she looked up friendship. Nothing popped out at her, so she went to Brotherhood and Sisterhood. Again, nothing popped...so she went to missionary work. That's what stood out to her. She related how becoming friends strengthens missionary work. When we share the gospel with those we care about, it strengthens our friendships...even if they just understand us a little better. Our family has been impacted greatly by missionary work. We would not have an eternal family if not for missionary work. I am grateful my children love the gospel and want to share it with friends. Great Job Aralie!

New Orleans

One year ago this weekend we were in New Orleans with the Mowers for a weekend getaway. The food was fabulous and the adventure was awesome!

Mother's the best Southern Food around!! The Debris sandwich is my favorite!

This year 1 million people are fleeing the city from Hurricane Gustave. We were there on the 2nd anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. We went out on scooter's for a day and saw the destruction left by the Hurricane and subsequent levee breaks. It was tremendously sad to see how much destruction was still there. This year I'll be praying for the people on the Gulf Coast.

The wonders of Blogland...

People worldwide must be interested in Yogurtland. April found us a worldwide Sensation!

This is a view of my Map tacker on the blog today

Lehi, UT, United States
Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:21:00
Valencia, CA, United States
Sun, 31 Aug 2008 15:54:39
Seattle, WA, United States
Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:31:23
Delray Beach, FL, United States
Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:31:17
Prescott Valley, AZ, United States
Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:31:07
Bangalore, India
Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:30:46
Le Bourget, France
Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:30:43
Basel, Switzerland
Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:30:34
Cheltenham, United Kingdom
Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:30:18
Tampa, FL, United States
Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:30:05
Córdoba, Argentina
Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:30:00
La Laguna, Spain
Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:29:18
Oslo, Norway
Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:28:54
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:28:51
Cadiz, Spain
Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:28:43
Fareham, United Kingdom
Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:28:42
Vicente López, Argentina
Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:28:40
New Delhi, India
Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:28:36
Coleman, TX, United States
Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:28:29
Bursa, Turkey
Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:28:16
El Paso, TX, United States
Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:28:15
Valencia, Spain
Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:27:40
Granada, Spain
Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:27:31
Jaén, Spain
Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:27:23
Missoula, MT, United States
Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:27:21

Actually, I think it's just some google glitch...

Saturday Excursion

While in Vegas this summer, April found a yummy place for frozen treats.















Yogurtland!!! They have all different flavors of frozen yogurt. Strawberry Tart, Mango, Heath Bar, New York Cheesecake....just to name a few. Then all the toppings you could imagine. The fruit is so fresh and delish!!

April found out that there is one in Sherman Oaks...just a hop, skip and jump from us. The Bowens, Voges, some Banrys went out for an afternoon treat.









Thanks for finding a new favorite thing April!!

Stupid People Suck!!!!!

So, for all you ladies out there that are Twilight Fans....here's some BAD news. We will not be getting the book Midnight Sun. Stephenie is not going to finish writing it because someone she entrusted with one of the Manuscripts leaked it on the Internet. She says she feels too hurt and violated to continue with the story. I feel so bad for her that this has happened. I wanted to read that book so much. See Stupid People Suck. You can read more about it and her response on her website stepheniemeyer.com

The 3's About Me...

Okay for all you taggers out there(incidentally Nate isn't encouraging tagging a crime;-)

Here's my answers:
Three jobs I have had: Movie Theater(my first job), Assistant in Sports Medicine Office, Mortgage Underwriter

Three Places I have lived: Long Beach, San Dimas, Perris

Three shows I watch: Lost, Friday Night Lights, Medium (and lots of others too)

Three Places I have been: Bahamas, Maui, New Orleans(I miss the food there)

Three People who email me often: Heather, April, Shannon

Three of my Favorite Foods: Mexican, Italian, Chocolate( that's on the food pyramid right?)

Three places I like to be right now: The Beach(preferably where there's beautiful water), On the Lake in the Mower's Boat(maybe one day I'll have my own), playing games with The Bowens

Three things I am looking forward to this year: Trip to Lake Mead, Stupid Hives going away, lots of Saturday's watching my girls play soccer.

Nate's add-ons:
Three cars I have owned: 1970 Firebird(my first car), Ford Windstar(very first brand new car we ever bought), My Saturn Outlook

Three of my Happiest Moments: Given- Wedding and Births of kids! Another three: Leonard's baptism, Being Sealed to Leonard and Jordon in the San Diego Temple, Vacationing with Family and Friends bring me joy!

Three things I want to do before I die: See all my children Married in the Temple, Go on a Mission with My Sweetie, Have a home overlooking a beautiful Ocean.

Three of my most embarrassing moments: My Swim top coming down at a water park in front of all the Institute Guys,
I was the Sports Editor for my High School yearbook. I was on the field taking pictures at a football game. (I was the only girl on the field too.) I was on the sidelines about to get a great shot of the Running Back when he tripped and went helmet first into my face with a mouthful of braces. I was laid out on the sideline with blood pouring out of my mouth. I was so humiliated!
Walking down the long hallway at work with my dress tucked up in my pantyhose.

My add on's:
Three jobs I wanted to have when I was young: A Teacher, A L&D Nurse, A Sports Trainer

Three Sports I like to watch on TV: Football, Ice Skating, Dance Competitions

Three Sporting Events I like to attend: High School Football, Baseball, Ice Dog's Hockey Game

Three Random Facts about me:
I played Softball: started at eight, all through High School and Co-ed Inter Murals in College.
I was a Swimming Instructors Aide from age 12-17.
I am an Only Child (my Mom said I was spoiled but not rotten. lol)

Favorite Olympic Moments

I love to watch the Olympics, the fierce competition is exciting to watch. It's mind-boggling how much time these athletes devote to their sport. There were many great moments this year, but Michael Phelps will surly be remembered the most. An incredible 8 golds at one Olympics. The relay race with Lezak coming from behind to win was amazing. The 1/100th of a second that Phelps won the butterfly...unforgettable!

Both the USA Men's and Women's 4x400 relay teams won Gold!

The USA Women's Soccer team winning in overtime with a goal by Carli Lloyd. What a feat since soccer is the worlds most popular sport...and not so much in the US.

Nastia Luikin and Shawn Johnson winning the Gold and Silver in the Gymnastics All-around respectively. Shawn finally got her Gold on the Beam though. They were adorable and so exciting to watch. They both had awesome routines.

The Men's Volleyball team overcame adversity to win the Gold. The Head Coach's inlaws were stabbed their first day in Beijing. His FIL died from his wounds and his MIL was hospitalized. They are a close knit team and the tragedy affected them all. The Coach came back for the last two games...and saw his team win Gold!

Misty May Treanor and Kerri Walsh are a powerful Duo in Beach Volleyball. They have a winning streak of 108 matches. The duo has played together for eight years. Winning every tournament they have played in. They both say they are hoping for baby showers instead of tournaments next year.

Bryan Clay won the Gold medal for the Decathlon. He trains here in the Southland where he lives with his wife and two children. To be able to do 10 different events is an awesome accomplishment.

Swimming and Gymnastics are my favorite Summer Olympic sports. Track and field has some great moments too. Insane (I mean) Usain Bolt's speed is just jaw-dropping. Unfortunately, his ego is just a big as the times he puts up. That's what I love about Michael Phelps, he just seems like a nice young man! The Jamaican Women sweeping the 100 meters. Diving, Synchronized Diving, Synchronized Swimming, Equestrian Events, Kayaking all were fun to watch too. Especially since we don't get to see those events that often. 'Til London!

Word of Wisdom Thought

Wheat for Man
D&C 89:17


Chocolate for Women
M&M 24:7


Words of Wisdom I can live by.....lol!

How do you handle UNIVITED guests...

Well, for the most part they are usually welcome. If friends want to stop by, come in and chat, get a cool drink I am happy to oblige. However, there are just some guests that are not welcome in my home. Unfortunatley, they are usually the ones to stop by for a visit. For instance, this lady stopped by for a visit tonight...she came in uninvited and would not leave. I finally had to just throw her out!!!

This little Praying Mantis was very cute to start with, but then she kept flying at me. That's when I told her she would have to leave. She was very green to start with, but then started turning brown as she sat on the table.

They really do stand like they are praying. I will have to say she was not as unwelcome as some of our other guests. Black widows, tarantulas, rattle snakes, flies, pincer bugs and mice. I finally got her to go outside so she could go bite the head off her mate!! ha ha

Sunday Sampler 8/24/08

Today in Sacrament Sister Houghton spoke of having Faith and relying on it during the difficult times in our lives. Is it Ironic that during the most difficult times of my life, my Faith is the strongest? Is that the lesson to be learned thru trials...that above all else our Heavenly Father is there for us. That Christ has suffered for us in our weakness. Faith is a tool for us to cope with our trials.

I appreciated Brother Stinson testimony of coming back to church after a long period of inactivity. He said that during his 5 years in the Navy he became inactive and liked to "party" alot. One of his friends asked him if wanted to go to a party one Sat. night. The friend took him to a Singles Dance. He said he felt tricked and that he wasn't expecting to spend his Sat. night that way. However, he met his future wife at that dance. Which eventually led him back to the church.

Speaking of being tricked, that's how Leonard first started taking the discussions too. After going to church for a few months, he became friendly with one of the missionaries. One Sunday the missionary asked Leonard if he could come over and "Practice" giving the discussions to Leonard. He said sure. On Wed. at the appointed time Two different Missionaries showed up to teach the 1st discussion. Leonard said, "oh they were just going to practice with me." The new missionary said the first had gotten transferred but that he needed practice too. Quick thinking missionary! And so it began...5 months and 2 sets of missionaries later, Leonard was Baptized. That was 16 years ago this week!

Question: If you have a teenager, What it the Best $400 you can spend?

Answer: EFY

Jordon and his long time friend Justin went to EFY this summer at UNLV. They had an awesome time meeting new friends. Daniel, Justin, Jordon, and Chayse(pictured below) became fast friends. Daniel is investigating the church and they spent their devontional time teaching discussions. I knew things were going well, when Jordon text me on Wed. night, he said.."Mom my testimony has grown so much about everything...especially missionary work. I feel like I could serve my mission right now." Wow! What an awesome thing for a mom to read. These nice young men live in Rancho Cucamunga...they have traveled here a few times to hang with Jordon and Justin. He has gone to see them too. It's great to see the bonds that experience has made. My son came home a different person. He has grown up so much and looking ahead to the future. He also met a cutie pie from Arizona that he is over the moon about.

My only Complaint about EFY is....they don't have one in Decemeber!

Happy Birthday Sweetie!

Happy Birthday to my Sweetie. He's a great husband and an awesome Father. I appreciate how hard he works for our family. (Even if he is a workaholic) I love that he likes to coach our girls in sports. He has done Volleyball and Soccer. He's friendly, generous, kind, helpful(sounds like a boyscout ;-) He's honest and full of integrity. I am ever so grateful that fate crossed our paths and phone wires 19 years ago. Happy Birthday Leonard!!!

Pedicures, Service and Happiness

Today I was not feeling well, so I did not attend church. Therefore, I don't have a sunday sampler. But, I did have a thought I wanted to write down. This morning I was not feeling well, a combination of benedryl, hives and being really tired of my predicament...made for an exhausted- not happy person. After Aliza was ready for church, she asked me, Mom can I do the Ped-egg on your feet and rub them. Now how can that not put a smile on your face. Such a sweet, simple, kind act of service. Simple acts of service can leave HUGE impressions upon people. The Savior was the best example of service. He lived to serve and teach. So many of his lessons were taught with acts of service.
In John 13: 14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.
15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

Well, I certainly know I was happier for Aliza's act of service. When she was done, she smiled and gave me a hug & kiss and asked if I felt better. I thought of course I do...a mini pedicure...my sweet child who always wants to serve and help me....that's a recipe for Happiness!

So for all of you who don't have a Ped-Egg...run to walgreens and buy one. They keep your feet so soft and smooth. One of my favorite things I like!

Twilight Movie Fans

Twilight the movie has moved into Harry Potter's release date. It will open three weeks early. Yeah, Edward is coming home sooner!

First Day of School 2008

All the kids started school again today. The summer went way to fast. I am not ready to have everyone gone all day again. Aliza is in second grade. Hannah is starting 7th grade. Aralie is a Sophomore this year. Jordon is a Senior this year. He has made the decision to go to OFL the first semester in order to catch up on a few credits. It was a hard choice for him because he had to give up football. He will then go back to West Ranch to graduate with his class. I am unsure of the teacher Aliza has, so we will see if she stays there. Hannah has some of the best teachers in 7th grade, she needed that after last year. Aralie took summer school this summer so she could take an extra elective this semester (video production). Today they say they are canceling the class because not enough students signed up. Frustration is the word of the day!

Aliza and Morgan

Chelsie and Aliza

Aliza and Kaylee

Camping at Morro Bay

The Hoskins Family at Morro Bay

We spent the last weekend before school camping with friends at Morro Bay. We had nine families from our ward join us. The Banry's, Bowen's, Cioffi's, Johnson's, Joost's, Miles, Mower's, Voges's all joined in on the FUN! We spent the nights sitting by the fire, relaxing and roasting marshmallows. The first night we walked over to the bay to watch the sunset. Along the beach were tons of dead jelly fish. It was interesting to look at them up close. The last night the teenagers led us in sing along songs. I love those moments of everyone being together and having fun.

The first morning some of the guys went golfing. Leonard, Jordon, Scott, Wes, Mark, Spencer, Vince and Nathan had a great time playing on the golf course by the beach. The boys loved driving the Golf Cart around too.

After they came back we all took the trolley to town. We went over to Morro Rock, watched the sea otters play and went to the street faire. They had yummy tamales, kettle corn and lots of wonderful fruit. We walked along the shops and ate ice cream and salt water taffy. YUM!

The next morning we went Kayaking in the bay. It was so peaceful out there in the open water. Leonard, Aliza and Daleen were in one Kayak, once we got out in the middle of the bay some seals came up to us and checked us out. They same and jumped all around us. One little guy just floated by us with his fin up in the air. The BIG papa seal would make waves when he would jump up. Later on in the day we went down the coast to see the elephant seals. They were a little lazy that day, that's because they were all teenage boys! We stopped at Moonsand Beach and took some great pictures. Mickey loved the beach, she ran into the water and just had fun chasing everything. Maggie wasn't so sure about the water, she liked to roll in the sand.

We packed up and headed home Monday morning. On the way home we stopped at the Apple Farm for breakfast and went to Pismo beach to collect shells. We had a blast hanging out with all our friends, playing games, walking on the beach and sitting by the fire. We decided that camping is a blast but tons of work! Til' next year!

Morro Rock at dusk

Check out my slide show from our Weekend

Sunday Sample 8/3/08

Testimony meeting was awesome today. Everyone's testimony was inspiring and uplifting. Sister Kelly talked about faith and the power of prayer, how it has bouyed her up during her fight with cancer. It's great to see her doing well. Jordon bore his testimony after spending a week at EFY. I have never heard him speak so eloquently as he did today. It's great to see how much he has grown from his week there. He had an awesome opportunity to spend time with a young man who is an investigator. He witnessed the power of the Holy Ghost and the change it can bring to someone. I also was inspired by Sister Miles and her testimony of growing thru your own personal trials. It was fun to see Sean Parker home from his mission too!

During S. S. we went to hear Aliza give scripture and prayer in Primary. The scripture was on children being baptized at eight. It's hard to believe that Aliza will be doing that in about 6 more months. Time goes so fast these days.

In RS we talked about the Protect Marriage amendment. I liked the comment that we are here to protect marriage the way it has been viewed for thousands of years, not to take away the rights of others. But, sadly I don't think that's how others view us or our conviction. Just that we are trying to "keep them down" persay. It will be interesting to see how all this plays out in Nov.

We also talked about VT and how important it is to become friends with your people. I love my VT's now and glad we are friends! I also got to leave and go play with Megan too, thanks for letting me steal her away Heather;-D

My Fictional Boyfriend is Back!

Steph, Emma, Aralie, Hannah and I went to the Borders in Vegas for the release party of Breaking Dawn. First we went with a group from Steph's ward to Cheesecake Factory. I had the Special Anniversary Chocolate Cake Cheesecake. It was scrumptious! Then we headed over to Borders for some Twilight Fun. We passed the time by doing a quiz. I was excellent at the Twilight and Eclipse question Not so hot on the New Moon...wonder why that is...
Duh, not enough of the beautiful Edward in that book.

Here we are with our Treasure's in Hand! Happy Reading!

Oh and check this out, when we got in the car to leave for the Breaking Dawn Party, this came up on my car's navigation...Voltarie!!! Freaky huh!

Sky Mania

There's this really cool place in Vegas called Sky Mania. It has an area that is wall to wall trampoline. Even the sides are trampolines. I took the girls there and let them jump and flip until they were exhausted. If you ever get a chance to go, it is a blast.

Aralie doing a Back Flip, she can get high.
Emma jumping way up there!
Sabrina and Aliza loved doing the teter-totter jump, one goes up the other goes down.

Hannah bouncing off the side walls.