Uncle Ray

Uncle Ray as he is affectionately known in our home!

I know his eyes are close but he has a smile on his face! Ray and Leonard used to tell people all the time they were brothers separated BY birth. Everyone always looked confused at this statement. These two were "soul friends" if I have ever seen one! From the moment they met there has been a bond.

When Ray first came to our home as a Stake Missionary he had longer hair and a handlebar mustache. You could say he looked a little gruff. He also came with a HUGE testimony and love for the Gospel. His spirit spoke to Leonard's and that opened the door to Leonard's heart. It allowed him to be able to listen to the gospel and accept its truthfulness. I will forever be grateful to him for that transformation. Ray and Lynette welcomed us into their home with open arms. They showed us what it was to BE an LDS family. Our family is truly blessed to have such wonderful people guide us through our first few years of growing in the gospel together!

Laura, Ray, Hoskins Kids and Lynette

When Ray first arrived at church, Aliza wouldn't hug or talk to him. I guess it had been too long and she was too young to remember him. Back at Maria's house she slowly started to warm up. But once she did, she wanted all of his attention!

This is how the rest of the day went. Aliza sitting on his lap telling him all about her life. Another one of my children who has given their heart to our Uncle Ray. When we got home I came upstairs and found Aliza on the computer. She was typing Ray Easler into google. I was a little shocked...I didn't even know she knew what googling was about. I asked her what she was doing and she said she wanted to see Uncle Ray again...then she started to cry. She let out a huge sob and said I miss him so much already. I love him and don't want to have to wait years before I see him again. Every single one of my kids has loved Ray this much! Hmmm...must be a good man for kids to love you that much!

The Easler Ladies!

Ryan and Julia! Julia is so warm and sweet. She makes you feel so welcome and loved! Julia just had her first children's book published. Jenny the Dragon Slayer! It is an adorable book.

Aralie and Laura. Her smile is contagious...she is always happy and smiling! You can't help but smile when she is around!

Jordon and Lynette(she is named after her mom)
Lyndy is three years older than Jordon. We used to go to the Easler's for FHE every week. Lyndy would carry Jordon around like he was her baby doll. She was his little mama!

Laura and Lynette are the youngest two out of 6. They are only 15 months apart. They have grown up to be such beautiful young ladies! I was so happy to hug and squeeze them!

Vicky and the girls. Vicky was always so self confident, even as a teen! She is such a Vibrant Woman! I adore her! She has a beautiful family and is a great Mom!

Aunt Cindy(Lynette Sister) Vicky, Julia, Maria, Laura and Lyndy
It was fantastic to see Cindy! She is so fun full of life, just like Lynette was! Maria is the only one I didn't get a picture of her family;0( She is pg with her 4th little one 2 boys then 2 girls. The girls will only be 13 months apart! She is such an awesome Mom. She reminds me so much of her Mother! It's so wonderful to see these sisters together and how much they love each other. They have such a big beautiful family with all their extended family...it is truly a blessing to see!

Amayah's Blessing

On Sunday we went out to Murrietta to see Vicky and Josh bless their beautiful daughter Amayah! It was so wonderful to be able to see Ray, Cindy and all the girls and their families! We miss living close to them and spending time with them. They are an important part of our lives and we consider them FAMILY!

The beautiful Velasquez Family
Amayah, Vicky, Josh and Jayden

Amayah and Leonard...can you see how happy he is to hold a baby again. Look at all that hair and she is only 11 weeks!

Hannah in heaven!

She loves to be talked to...she will just stare at your face for as long as you talk to her!
We are grateful to The Easler's and their extended family...they truly enrich our lives!

8 is Great!

Aliza's birthday fell on the stake baptism date...Lucky!
She had such a special birthday, getting
baptized on her 8th birthday! During her baptism we give a little spotlight on each child being baptized. I want to share a little of what I said that day for Aliza.

At the beginning of the new year when we were talking of goals, Aliza said she wanted to read the Book of Mormon all by herself since she was to be baptized this year. She has dedicated all her required reading time for school accomplishing this goal. On the day of her baptism she was all the way to Heleman 8. That's 370 pages in 2 1/2 months!

Aliza has two favorite primary songs. My Heavenly Father Loves Me and When I am Baptized.
Jordon made a piano arrangement of the two and played it for everyone at Aliza's baptism.
It was a beautiful rendition!

Aliza is a story of contrast...
She is very graceful....but she is fierce on the soccer field
She loves to float around like a butterfly...but she is a maniac on a roller coaster.
She loves sweets...but she has the taste for spicy too!

Aliza loves to play two touch and hand ball at school. Jump on the trampoline and hula hoop at home. She is an awesome reader and loves to play the piano!

So adorable together in white!

Congratulations Aliza! We are so proud of you and your decision to be baptized!

Celebrating Aliza's Baptism with Family and Friends!

Grandpa and Grandma Easley and Great-Grandma House

Four Generations!

Peacock Family

Larry Wood


Bowen Family

Banry Family

Mower Family

Bishop Parrish and Aliza

Thank you to all our family and friends for making Aliza's baptism such a
Special Day!

Camera Fun!

Just some fun shots of the kids! Still trying to learn more about photography!

Hannah -12

Jordon - 17

Aliza - 8

Aralie- 15

Aliza's Birthday

On March 14th Aliza turned 8 years old! It also happened to be the day she was getting baptized! We had friends over for desert and opened presents! She loved her art supplies and her brand new Scriptures!

Following tradition 8 things I love about Aliza! (it will be hard to keep it to 8)
1. She loves to read as much as I do!
2. She's so great with Animals!
3. She is always drawing me beautiful pictures
4. I enjoy watching her dance and play soccer!
5. She has such a tender heart!
6. I love that she's my little caboose!
7. I admire her quest for knowledge!
8. I absolutely love that she still wants to cuddle up with me a fall asleep!
Happy 8th Birthday Aliza!
We LOVE You!!!!

Ventura Pier

My Grandma has not seen the ocean in Decades!! (her words)
We took a drive down highway 126 looking at all the orchards and strawberry fields.
We walked down the Ventura Pier and had lunch overlooking the ocean.
It was a gorgeous day!

The Ventura Pier is the longest wooden pier in California. It was originally built in 1872.

Grandparents

My Mom, Dad and maternal Grandma came to town for Aliza's baptism.
I love that my kids can have a special relationship with their grandparents and a Great Grandma! We visited, played games and listened to stories of when they were young.
We had a great time!

My Mom and Dad and the kids.

My Grandma looks so great....she is 88 years old! She walks a mile every other day and gardens in the summer! Jordon was telling a friend his great-grandma was coming over and that she was 88 years old and can still walk! lol