Since I am using this blog as my journal I wanted to share my feelings on the passing of President Gordon B. Hinckley who passed away earlier this evening.

I loved President Hinckley, he was an amazing man and had a way of making everyone feel a part of this amazing gospel. His ability to relate to individuals of all ages and walks of life was very refreshing. He was so in touch with the issues of today, even at the age of 97.

President Hinckley has been the only prophet that my children have know since their births. They were both full of questions and concerns this evening as we looked up the church website to read about him. Ken was able to get out the Ensign and show them the pictures of the apostles and talk about each of them and who may be the next prophet and explained what will happen in the next couple of weeks.

I am sad to see him go, I spent a lot of time studying his words. He was the BE man... be grateful, be smart, be clean, be true, be humble, and be prayerful. Revisiting these BE's makes me realize that I can do better.

My children need to know that I do have a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and I love my Savior Jesus Christ. If they always hold to the teachings of our Savior and study the words of the prophets they will be happy.

I am grateful for: The guidance of living prophets and their selfless sacrifices.

Also of note today: Jessica gave her first talk in sacrament meeting! She did fantastic and didn't speak too quickly. Everyone said what a good job she did and that really boosted her confidence. I am so proud of her and I know how nervous she was but she was very composed.

Pinewood Derby 2008

Joshua, Ken, Papa Mike, Jessica, G'ma Cheryl (Mom's behind the camera)

Wednesday, January 23rd was Joshua's first Pinewood derby. He made his car with his dad and painted it all by himself. They did three races for each car and Josh won 1st place in 2 of them and 2nd in 1. You have to win first in all three rounds to do the championship race but we thought for his first try he did fantastic! Although, Josh was disappointed and took some pep talking to get over it...

Joshua getting ready for a race.

Joshua's car is the forth from the front-blue with flames and silver windows!

" Miss Chip Lips"
What talent Jessica has... LOL

This has been a crazy week! It started out slow with a fun quick visit from Papa & G'ma Cheryl who came Tuesday afternoon and left Wednesday evening after the Pinewood Derby to beat the torrential rains we've been having. (Josh and Papa played the Wii for 4 hours Tuesday after school and had a blast!) Speaking of rain... apparently the ants don't like it either and sought refuge in my kitchen. They arrived Thursday morning and as soon as I took care of one are they found a new area to invade. I gave up and called Terminix who came to my rescue Friday afternoon... Augh! I am going to use my sister Susan's idea and put what I am thankful for because I've realized that writing it down sometimes means more than just saying it.

I am grateful for: My family. Not only do I have a wonderful children and husband but I have those in my family who are always there for me. Also, I am very grateful for Terminix... LOL

We'd like to announce the arrival....... of the FRONT TOOTH!

Yes, finally after 5 years without a front right tooth, we have proof that one really exists!

ICE SKATING kids...

Attitude On ICE!!

Today the kids started ice skating lessons. They both loved it, regardless of the crash and burns. Jessica is in a beginning figure skating class and Josh is in a beginning hockey skating class. We'll see where it goes but they are both so excited about it and it's nice to see them really into something!

This week has been... just another week for the most part. Jessica is trying so hard to adjust to middle school with six classes and six different teaching styles, she's been pretty stressed but loves to go and see her friends. Josh is still enjoying school and has one of the leads in the 3rd grade play. I'm sure it's because he can remember just about anything he hears or reads, so I have to be careful if I don't want to be quoted!

Yesterday both the kids had friends over. Jessica and her friend made sure to stay away from Josh and his two friends who were enjoying tormenting the girls! For the most part I thought the house was pretty quiet for having 5 kids around.

Happy Birthday Ken!

So Cool...

I left this morning (Saturday) at about 7:30 am for a 4 hour nursing class. I said goodbye to my husband and a quick happy birthday to him as I left. I'm not sure if he heard any of it. It's been a hard week for me I haven't been feeling well and started my new classes blah, blah, blah etc. Anyways, when I got home the house had been all cleaned up including vacuuming, bathrooms, and a squeky clean kitchen. All of this on HIS birthday so I definitely have to be grateful for him for what he did! This Saturday school think might not be so bad...

Off to school again...

Well, the kids started back to school on Monday (1/7/08) and I started back Tuesday (1/8/08). It's always hard to get back into the routine! Jessica and Josh both held onto their sheets for dear life as we plucked them from their beds Monday morning. It sure is hard to let them grow up. I do miss them during the day and think about them constantly hoping that everything is going good and they are happy and enjoying themselves. It's hard to realize that they are going to have so many challenges and I have to stand back as they learn how to navigate life! (Although, I probably don't stand back enough!)

I did my first class of YOGA on Monday and I really enjoyed it... although I've felt it after the fact. Then, on Tuesday I went to a Speech class on campus during the day and was caught off guard because I was by far the oldest in class. Yikes! I felt old and I'm only 33... I'm sure this feeling is only going to get worse as time goes on. LOL I have been going to night classes and that is where all the adults are, so this is a bit new for me.

I am so grateful for my family and feel very blessed to have them, it's not easy working around my schooling. I'm so thankful to be able to go to school and pursue my dreams, even if it is a bit later than most.

January at the BEACH!

We decided that even though it was windy, 70 degrees was just right for playing in the sand at the beach today! We stayed for about an hour and the kids had fun finding critters and building sandcastles. It was a lot of fun just sitting on the beach watching the kids and listening to my Ipod that Ken got me for Christmas. There is something very calming about sitting on the warm sand with a cool ocean breeze. We are so grateful to be living here and absolutely love Camarillo.

I was reading my sister Susan's blog (Yates Circus) and decided to copy most of her ideas since she is so incredibly insightful! She mentioned that if you right down your goals you are more likely to achieve them, so here goes for 2008:

My goals are...

• Update this blog every week so that I will fulfill a goal of journaling!
• Make sure my kids say their prayers every night.
• Cook more REAL dinners (bye, bye Mac'n'Cheese/Top Ramen etc!)
• Play more games with my children.
• Be on time to church... Ha, ha, ha
• Start YOGA next week and stick with it... and eat my sweets on Sundays :)

Jessica at water's edge...

Jessica would have danced right into the ocean if I let her! She is extremely creative and can make the fastest sandcastle around!

Josh in the sand...

It's never too cold to play in the sand! Josh can do this all day long, regardless of the fact that the backside of his pants were wet from sitting on the damp sand!

Critters at the beach...

(Jesi & Josh wrestling in the sand!)

All the critters come out to play during

winter at the beach!