Eleven Months Old

It has hard to believe little Avery is eleven months old! She is becoming her own person and showing her personality. She has started to turn on her tummy so she can face all different directions. She has an opinion about things and is starting to tell us especially when it comes to food. We started her on milk and she is doing great with it! She likes to be entertained and sometimes is not happy when we leave her alone. She is such a cute baby. One of the nurses in the dentists office said she is the perfect baby with the perfect features. We agree! She loves her Dad and always butts heads with him (gently) or buries her head on his shoulder and acts shy when she sees him. Landon still goes to great lengths to make her laugh. We haven't seen any more teeth besides her bottom two pop up but she sucks on her fingers and slobbers constantly. She has her Daddy wrapped around her finger and he has a hard time leaving her in her crib if she cries so he informed me I would be the sole parent who would have to discipline her. She is a darling baby, so happy and easy going. She is a ray of sunshine in our home and brings us so much joy. We love you Avery!

Veterans Day

It's not very often that I think about my involvement in the United States Navy or the fact that I am in fact a veteran. That part of my life although only 8 years ago seems like a dream to me. I served from July of 1995 until July of 2000. During those 5 years of service I learned a lot about discipline, honor, sacrifice, and most importantly God. I've seen many different parts of the world and have spoken with people that lived in those areas. I remember going to Euritria which is a war torn country on the East coast of Africa. When we arrived I noticed that most of the buildings were destroyed by mortar rounds, gun fire, and explosives. The people of Euritria were so happy to see us. They gathered around us as if we were movie stars. We took books to their library and medical supplies to their "hospital". Oh, I will never forget that scene. It was concrete building with rooms opening up to the outside. As we walked around the floors we witnessing medical basins outside the doors with blood and amputations. Blood stained the concrete floors and there were very few clean practices being used. However it was all they had and they were grateful for anything we could bring to help them. Another experience I witnessed was one night as I was walking down the main streets I noticed a hole in one of the buildings that resembled a door opening but only about 3' wide by 4' tall. As I walked by I noticed a person peeking out the "door". As I got a closer look I noticed 10 -15 people in the 1 room 'house' huddled together. The floor was dirt and it looked as though they only had one light in the room and no furniture.

The point I am trying to make is, well I guess a couple of points. First, I am so grateful that I served my country and was able to do a little part in the world to help others in need. Most of the things we hear about the war and military is so negative. But I am here to tell you that most of what we do as a country in other countries is good. War is ugly, I do not deny this. But I feel it is our duty as a free country to help others who have the same rights to freedom as we have. Second, when things are hard and it seems our economy is falling apart I doubt many of us will ever live in the deplorable conditions our brothers and sisters live in other parts of the world. I am grateful to live in this free country and enjoy the blessings I have.

God bless America and God bless those who are sacrificing their lives so we can enjoy ours.

My Veteran

I neglect to tell my husband how grateful I am for his military service in the US Navy. He served for five years as a Navy Medic Corpsman stationed with the Marine Corp at Camp Pendleton, California. Countless blessings have come to our life because of his unselfish service. The most important being he found the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love him and am grateful for his determination to do hard things. Thanks to him and all others who have served our country so faithful and well.

Lauren-isms

Response to something shocking....."What in my heck?"

Response when asked to do something....."I betcha!"

Response when not sure what to say....."Whatever."

Response when Mom attempts to discipline her....."Mom, stop saying that!"

Response when Dad asks her to do something...."I can't hear you!"

Response when she does not want to go to bed..."Mommy, your my best mommy!"

Request for approval, "How do you think of me?"

I am sure I will be adding to this post.....

Staheli Farms

We made it to Staheli Farms but turns out it was closed. Thanks to a nice older man, we still got to go in. The kids didn't know the difference and had a ball. They saw the animals, went down the slide, got lost in the corn maze, rode on the swings and got really, really dirty! We ended the night with a trip to McDonald's playland. It doesn't get much better than that.

Grateful To Be An American

(This is Jerry's first post) When all is said and done regardless of the outcome of any Presidential election I am an American and as an American I feel it a patriotic duty to support the President of the United States. Yes, he may not be perfect but I ask of you that are perfect to step forward. I believe President Obama will do the best he can to lead our country. Yes there are moral, economical, political, and social issues that we may or may not agree with but the fact of the matter is, what are we doing about it? What are we doing in our own lives and homes to keep the principles we know and believe in alive? I am grateful that the Lord allowed me to be born in a country where I would have a choice. There are so many who don't have the same privileges or freedoms that we enjoy. I pray for President Obama and hope he will be guided to make the right choices. God bless America and God bless those who stand for freedom.

Patriotic Kids

I am so proud of these Old Navy shirts I got for my kids that remind people to vote (especially since they were $1). They both make the shirts look so cute!

America

I am so grateful to live in America. I am grateful we have an opportunity to vote. I am grateful for those who are serving and protecting our country. I am grateful for all the freedoms and opportunities America provides. I am grateful for religious freedom. I am grateful for the prosperity our nation enjoys. I am grateful that God inspired the writing of our constitution. A sister in our ward was sharing her testimony on Sunday. She shared an experience when her son asked her if they could go to Disneyland. She said no. He said, "We're poor aren't we?" She then said, "No, we are very, very wealthy." She proceeded to express her gratitude for all the blessings they had. I was touched by what she said and reminded of how easy it is to acknowledge things we don't have instead of recognizing all we do have. I am grateful for my many, many blessings. God bless America.