Protecting Marriage

I feel very strongly about protecting marriage. I have signed this online petition to prevent same sex marriage in California. If you are interested in helping in these efforts, please click here and sign the petition.

The Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley said it best in the 1998 November Ensign,
"We believe that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God. We believe that marriage may be eternal through exercise of the power of the everlasting priesthood in the house of the Lord. "People inquire about our position on those who consider themselves so-called gays and lesbians. My response is that we love them as sons and daughters of God. They may have certain inclinations which are powerful and which may be difficult to control. Most people have inclinations of one kind or another at various times. If they do not act upon these inclinations, then they can go forward as do all other members of the Church. If they violate the law of chastity and the moral standards of the Church, then they are subject to the discipline of the Church, just as others are. "We want to help these people, to strengthen them, to assist them with their problems and to help them with their difficulties. But we cannot stand idle if they indulge in immoral activity, if they try to uphold and defend and live in a so-called same-sex marriage situation. To permit such would be to make light of the very serious and sacred foundation of God-sanctioned marriage and its very purpose, the rearing of families"

Dave graduated!!

This weekend has been one that has forever changed our family, David's graduation! It was so amazing to see him complete such a huge goal. Last night there was a pinning ceremony for his class. This is a tradition that started in 1800's. Back then people would pose as nurses, so to help prevent impostors each school would provide a pin for the nurse to wear. This way people knew they have an actual nurse caring for them. David had to choose someone to pin him, it had to be another nurse. David chose a good family friend, Barbara. She helped him get his job at Sutter when he returned from his mission. She has been a great support throughout the many years he has known her (since kindergarten). Then to top it all, David was asked to be the student speaker for his class. It was an amazing speech and he was referred to throughout the rest of the ceremony. Many professors mentioned to us how impressed they have been with him. (Way to go honey!)

This morning was graduation at Arco Arena. It was a nice ceremony and it was exciting to see him receive his diploma. I decorate the top of his cap, it said SUPER DAD. I'll have to take a picture. It's true, he is. Then later we had a get together with family and a few friends. We are truly blessed to be where we are right now. I am so pleased with David. Since 2005 he managed to (on the first try) get into a competitive nursing program, work, attend class, complete 800 clinical hours, be a dad (including adding a second son to the family), be a great husband, attend to his church callings (scouting, so not just Sundays), and even squeeze in some golf time. That's a lot to accomplish in 6 semesters! You are amazing honey!

Teri Pictures

As you have probably read already, ee had a very successful party for Teri. Here are some pictures from the past and a slide show of the party. Happy Birthday Teri!!

Fiesta Photos

We have a winner!

I was hoping Kristi would win. It's been too long since a lady won. Way to go!

Parker's update

This past week Parker had his 9 month check up. He has been going through a rough patch. He's been pretty fussy and clingy. A lot of that has to do with teething, but he still isn't himself. Dave told me I needed to infom the doctor that he is broken and that we'll leave him with her until they can figure out how to fix him. (This is because every time he is with Dave he just cries and cries.)

So, the results of the appointment he is 22 lbs. 13 oz. and 29 inches long. He hasn't put on very much weight, just about a pound since his last appt., he is slowing down. He also has a minor ear infection. Plus, all of his gums are swollen. The dr. suggested we give him motrin 3 times a day to help with the discomfort and of course antibiotics for the ear infection. (Both of which has been nearly impossible to get him to take, but we're working on it.)

On a fun note, he is on the go. He has been pulling himself to standing for about a week. In this picture I was doing dishes when all of sudden I realized he was up. He has the crawling in reverse down and then getting on his bottom, he is just working on going forward. He still scoots all over. I love when they can move, it makes them happy to get around on their own.

Surprise!

Okay... I am back to blogging. I could not discuss on the blog what I have been up to because it was a surprise. Our Aunt Teri is turning 50 and to celebrate we threw her a surprise party. We started planning the party in November. We sent about 70 invitations to friends and family all over. We wanted the event to be big and memorable. I think we accomplished both of those things. Teri was surprised! We had catered Dos Coyotes (which I totally recommend!!) and had a variety of chips and salsa, salad, fruit, and of course birthday cake. I baked and Janell assembled. It turned out great. I used fruit by the foot for the ribbon and bow on the cake. (I found the idea from the Family Fun mag.)

It was so fun to celebrate Teri. It is amazing the way she has touched so many lives, even in ways she didn't know. I feel so blessed to have her as my aunt and friend. She is so good to us and our boys.

I have some pictures, but Uncle Keven was the official photographer. I will post a few when we get some from him. You can enjoy some footage of the actual surprise. Behind the camera there were about 25 people you didn't see in addition to those that greeted her at the door. We had a great turn out.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Pardon the mess, my blog is under construction. The real background I want (Bowl of Oranges) seems to be on the fritz. This one is busy, but I kind of like it. We'll see how it all shakes out! Dave suggests that our blog be a little more manly since our family consists of mostly men. Not a lot of options in that department though. Oh well!

Michelle Duggar, 41, is expecting her 18th child

My response, no thanks!
Good for their family! I couldn't imagine... 18. I hope she is treated like a queen on Mother's Day.

Parker's slide show

Check out the pacifier in Parker's mouth. He doesn't take one, but since teething he likes to chew on it. I was impressed he got it in and kept it in the right way. I don't plan on it being a habit though. (Not now!)

Our Parkeroni

Congrats Uncle Jord!

Jordan is home from BYU Idaho and preparing for a mission. So, to save up he's been looking for a job. He got one, he will be working for car wash in Carmichael. Way to go Jord!

Gluten free for 3 days, woo hoo!

I've gone three days now. I am pleased with myself and pleased with the things I am finding that I can eat. While the important ones are still a little hard to get over (breads, pizza crust, waffles, crackers, etc...) I have found other alternatives. Today Dave and I went to Bel Air to purchase some gluten free items. We got loaf of bread, pancake mix, cookies, rice pasta, rice chips, and some chocolate. So far the tapioca bread is terrible, but the pasta wasn't too bad. Thanks also, to my friend Ruth, she found some recipes for me to try and realized her mayo was gluten free. I am happy about that!!

Some people have been asking what I can eat. Here's few pictures of what I've got going so far.

Golf anyone?

Today I went golfing. Okay not really, but I got my exchange for Dave's time on the course. I have been a little overwhelmed lately with motherhood and life. You know how those times go. When you have different phases your children are going through or milestones you are trying to accomplish, it can just be challenging. With my husband's schedule I am doing a lot of this on my own. It is only temporary, David graduates this month and my hands on hubby will be back to being around to help with the boys. So, since I was at my breaking point Dave took the boys from 10 am - 2pm. It was the longest time I have had to myself since I had Parker. I decided to treat myself to a pedicure. It felt lovely. Then I got a sandwich and headed to the Nugget grocery store. Although it might not sound fun, I had some time to myself to read labels and try to figure out what I can eat. I am finding it is difficult to do that with kids. Thanks Pavo for the much needed me time!

Potluck fun

Bummer I only took these two pictures, but cute kids don't you think! We caught up with some friends in our old ward. It was so fun to see everyone and man, how kids grow in just a few months. We love to keep in touch and hope to do this again soon!

Bad news for business!

I always joked that my family growing up, was probably the only family that bought Imodium AD in bulk. I am starting to see what our problem is caused by. Today I received the results of some blood work I did a couple weeks ago. I have had a sensitive stomach when I eat dairy, so I wanted to see if I was lactose intolerant. A couple days ago the dr.'s office called because my doctor wanted see me. When I went in today and the nurse asked what I was in for, I said I wasn't sure it was related to some blood work I did. She informed me that they usually only call back old people for that. (Thanks a lot lady! If I wasn't a bit worried already!) When my dr. can in, she told me that most my tests came back normal except for one. It turns out that I have Celiac, something similar to a wheat allergy.

So, I am suppose to have a gluten-free diet. If you didn't know, turns out gluten is in everything (even make-up)!! While I don't have an upset stomach that often (only when I eat ice cream) my body is not absorbing the nutrients it needs. After I had Josh I got extremely thin and had an upset stomach quite often. The pieces are now starting to fall into place. I thought I was border line until I re-read my test tonight and realized I was definitely positive for it. So, I am going to start doing my research, which includes talking to some people with the same issue. The plan is to go gluten free for a month and see how I feel. The doc said I should get more energy. Which I already feel that I have a good amount of, but more is always better. So, if you know of anyone with this or have additional info, please pass it along to me. My brother in-law Peter said, "Now here is the real question, will you still be able to eat Wendy's?" If I have to make an occasional sacrifice, I will!

The verdict is...

It was a dry night! Way to go Joshie-o!

Catching up on some family fun!

Don't-cha wish your toilet looked like mine?

Meet Bob. What could be more fun than a potty with a face? Josh picked the parts and most of the locations. He wore underwear all day and no accidents. He went to bed in underwear, (cross our fingers) we'll see how that turns out. Way to go Josh!