HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMBER!!!

When I think of Amber so many things run through my head, as those things filter in and out...I find that I am smiling. She is my ray of sunshine--she brings me great joy! I am so blessed to have this princess grace me as her mother.
In accordance with tradition, here are the SIX reasons we love you, AMBER BAMBER, so very much:
~Your smile brightens any room!
~You are always thinking of ways to make others happy! (...she comes home from school and reports on a daily basis how she has tried to make another feel special. She is very good at recognizing when someone needs a friend, and being that friend.)
~You are always trying to do what is right!
~You have an uncanny ability of making others laugh! (Where did that wit come from?)
~Just having you around brings great joy to our hearts!
(Amber and I have a tradition. I am not sure that either of us really realized we were creating a tradition, but somehow amidst the chaos of school, we created a tradition between the two of us. It's a tradition that doesn't happen every day. It is something that is not planned. It is actually a spontaneous tradition; however, it remains a tradition simply by how often it seems to occur, and when it does occur it makes my heart sing! So..., you may ask what this tradition could possibly be? Well, one day as Amber was running towards me, I spread my arms wide, and unknowingly signaled to Amber my deepest desire for a big hug, which she then telepathically knew that my open armed stance meant she should run and jump into my arms (which, she of course did), and then I spun her around and around with her cute little arms wrapped tightly around my neck, and her cute little legs squeezing me in the middle. Ever since that day of way back when...we have continued to do it! We both know each other's signals, and I am sure that we both look forward to our shared moments of delights! Moments that are signaled because of happiness, sadness, or simply by the need of a hug. For whatever reason that spurs on this tradition, I hope it keeps coming, because I know I will miss my little-armed-bear hug if or when it stops! And while it continues...my heart sings at the mother and daughter love we share!)
~You notice when you can make a difference, and you do it! When Jacob needs a friend, you step in. When Hailey needs a hug, you give her that! ...and because you do, you and Hailey share a special relationship! (I may profess that I do not want the two of you talking, and those professions are somewhat true, but I do have to say that it makes my heart happy to see the two of you talking, listening, and laughing together at night...it's the amount of time that you do it, that gets you into trouble:)

Our celebration for Amber's birthday started on Saturday, because her birthday was on a Sunday, and we had some items of "fun" on our list that involved miniature bowling and dinner!
Here we are bowling as a family:

...and dancing

...enjoying air hockey

...eating dinner at Applebee's

On Sunday, the celebration continued...

~Pictures Through the Years~

~Dressed in her New Ballet Clothes Ready to Blow~

~Six Candles on a Unfrosted Cake~
(Amber hates frosting!)

~Enjoying a game of Heart Hunt~

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRYAN!!!!
Bryan, I want you to know how much I love you, and appreciate you! You are truly my world! Everyday I am grateful that you are a part of my life. Sometimes I feel my happiness is too good to be true, but honestly you encompass that--thank you!!! I love you, sweetheart! Happy Birthday! And in accordance with tradition, here are 33 favorite memories/reasons I am totally head over heals for you:
1. Reason #1-Your Faith in Heavenly Father...your faith strengthens mine! You are a rock!
2. Memory #1-Library Dating...I am not sure how much studying was done in the library. :)
3. Reason#2-Your presence calms me...your touch when I am anxious, sad, frustrated...changes any mood to one of peace and tranquility. You are my calm in any storm.
4. Memory #2-I have to say that one of my favorite memories with you was the time you almost made me pee my pants. Not because I enjoyed the experience, but because it was the beginning of many good laughs with you by my side.
5. Reason #3-You are so patient! I love that you are patient! You are patient with everything and everyone. You are such an example to me of what I need to be.
6. Memory #3-I will never forget the many flirtatious grass fights in front of my apartment building before we were married. Who knew that grass could be romantic?
7. Reason #4-Your undying loyalty to Heavenly Father and family.
8. Memory #4-I will never cease to be grateful to your persistence while we were dating. You are my one and only. I am just grateful you allowed me the time to figure it out. I love you!!
9. Reason #5-Your smile, and your crystal clear blue eyes....whoooo! :) Let's admit it, I think you are hot, and you are all mine!!! I am so lucky!!!
10. Memory #5-Our first slow dance at Ricks College... :)
11. Reason #6-Your love! You love me! I know it! You treat me like a queen! I am so blessed to have you as my husband! Words cannot express my love and devotion.
12. Memory #6-Roller blading, skiing, playing....with you.
13. Reason #7-You are my best friend.
14. Memory #7-Getting Engaged!!!...even though I invited all of my long lost friends to what you were trying to make a "romantic getaway" :)...
15. Reason #8-I can talk to you about everything and anything.
16. Memory #8-Our Wedding Day. It was perfect. The temple. The family. The pictures. My heart was full, and it has remained that way for 11 years!
17. Reason #9-I am more in love with you now, than the day I married you.
18. Memory #9-Summer of the Prophets...almost stalking President Hinckley, meeting Elder Holland, and President Monson, eating outside President Hinckley's office window...we were so funny!!!
19. Reason #10-You are patient, and loving to me and the children.
20. Memory #10-Zion's National Park...camping, hiking, spending time together...
21. Reason #11-You are a kind, loving daddy. You are always trying to improve your relationship with our children. You truly care about them, and how they are doing. You inspire me to be a better mom.
22. Memory #11-Hailey's birth!
23. Reason #12-You were and are my best decision!
24. Memory #12-Texas...really poor and really happy.
25. Reason #13-You have always been worthy to hold the priesthood, and you have always used it in our home. Thank you for giving me blessings whenever I request them (which we both know it is often)!
26. Memory #13-Seattle & Amber's Birth!
27. Reason #14-I love listening to you pray. Your faith is unshakable.
28. Memory #14-Boise & Jacob's Birth!
29. Reason #15-You sacrifice so much for our family. You work so hard to provide for us, so that I can stay at home with the kiddos. Busy seasons are hard for me, because I see how tired you are, and I miss you....and yet, you do everything in your power to come home to me whenever possible. I love that work is a means to provide, but not your whole life.
30. Memory #15-Celebrating our 10th Anniversary in Sun Valley. I had the time of my life ice skating, riding bikes, and shopping in the quaint little shops. Sometimes it is hard to find some one on one time with so many cute little munchkins running around...Sun Valley was an amazing getaway with my best friend!
31. Reason #16-Your testimony. From the very first moment I saw you bearing your testimony of the Gospel, I have been smitten. You have such strength in your love of the Lord, and it makes me love you all the more. I feel peace and tranquility in knowing that you seek after the Lord and the Gospel principles. I feel a strength in knowing that you can offer us a priesthood blessing at any moment. I know I am blessed because you are a worthy priesthood holder. So much of my happiness hinges on this reality. I love you for being true to the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
32. Memory #16-You sending me to France, taking a week off of work to watch the kids, and waiting up late to skype me while I was gallivanting in Europe! What an experience! I will never cease to be grateful to you for your thoughtfulness on my behalf. Here is another example of you thinking of other's first. My mind cannot comprehend the joy I feel at your sacrifice for me. I am utterly amazed at your thoughtfulness and generosity. You treat me like a queen, and because you do, I feel like one. Thank you! I love you!
33. Reason #17-I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART AND SOUL!!!

Primary Valentine's Dance
The night of the Primary Valentine's Dance arrived, and our sweet children dressed and primped for the occasion. Hailey and Amber glittered their faces, and donned their princess crowns. All three children were thrilled at the prospects of a "Ball", and they were not disappointed! We had so much fun dancing the night away--there wasn't a dull moment. From swinging with daddy, to dancing the Hokey Pokey with mom, a magical memory was created!

~Jake Demonstrating Dancing Skills~

Featherville ~ January 2010

We were able to go to the cabin with some of our good friends, the Horton's. We spent hours riding around the house behind the snowmobile, and racing down the hill. We also had a couple of good snowball fights. We had a fabulous time, and built many fun memories! Two memorable moments were when the Horton's car got stuck (we named it the gutless wonder...we had a good laugh), and when Rutheanne conquered her fears, and slid down the hill! What a fun weekend!!

~The gutless wonder~

~Jake and Daddy~

~Amber and Ella~

~Amber giving a big thumbs up!~

~Ella and Rutheanne~

~Jake had too much excitement for one day!~

~Love this Girl~

~VISITING GRANDMA AND GRANDPA ELKINGTON~
After a quick trip to Featherville, we ventured a visit to Grandma and Grandpa Elkington's. Our kids continued to get spoiled by a showering of gifts, and they played their little hearts out! We had an amazing Christmas Break! Too bad it couldn't have been longer!

DAY 1: GRANDMA's and GRANDPA's and GIFTS

Grandma and Grandpa gave Amber skates, and she absolutely loves them! She has been skating since she first set eyes on them! My hardwood floors are feeling the pain of the new skates...a few dings here and there... I did pick "rustic" floors for a reason--right? At any rate, Amber's joy is evident as she twirls and glides through our home. Perhaps, with a few more falls, she will catch on that the carpet is more forgiving on her bottom, and on my wood floors. Wishful thinking? Maybe I will start praying for spring to arrive sooner...Does Heavenly Father grant special requests like that? Again,...wishful thinking...He's probably praying for a longer winter, so I will benefit from gaining patience : )?

DAY 2: NEW YEAR's at MICHELLE's CABIN

~Snowmobiling at Aunt Michelle's Cabin~
(Easton and Jake)
Easton was so kind to Jacob-he took him on several rides!

~Amber Drove a Snowmobile for the First Time~

~Amber pulling Jacob and Cooper with the Snowmobile~

~Riding Snowmobiles~

~Sisters Holding Hands~
These two are the best of friends! They are always looking out for one another, and it isn't uncommon to see them holding on to each other. At night, I often walk into their room, and see my two sweet dears holding hands while they sleep. I hope it never changes!

~The BIGGEST ICICLE KNOWN TO MAN-Photo Shoot Take 1~
(I love that Amber is licking it rather than smiling for a picture!)

~ICICLE Take 2~

~ICICLE Take 3...Amber eating it again...~

FAMILY FUN IN FEATHERVILLE
We love Featherville!!! We love the outdoors, the cabin, the family, the memories... This year after Christmas we were able to spend a few days in Featherville playing with the Miller Clan! We had so much fun sledding, drinking hot chocolate, and sledding some more!

~Jake found the chocolate, and I thought it was so funny, I had to take a picture!~

~Cute Aunt Andrea, and Zachary~

~Uncle Jeff, and Little Adam on the Small Hill~

~Dad and Jake~
Jacob had so much fun sledding! He was just as crazy as his dad! I have many years of worry ahead of me with this boy!

Once while no one was watching, Jake positioned himself on top of dead man's drop without a sled. When I turned around, I freaked out! I wasn't fast enough to catch him! When he got to the bottom, he hopped up, and was ready to go again! Against my better judgement--I let him, and after that, he started a new trend...

~The kids went down the hill in so many ways...on sleds, on stomachs, on backs, on bums...we have a few holes in snow gear, but they sure had a lot of fun!~

~INTRODUCING THE SLED TRAIN~
(Drew, Hailey, Nathan & Tanner, Truman & Aunt Michelle, & Jacob & Me)
We had so much fun barrelling down the hill! Good family fun for all ages! And what could be better than riding down the hill, and then...

...riding back up the hill too?

CHRISTMAS 2009

Christmas was a quiet day shared in the company of our little family--it was perfect!

The Christmas season seemed too short to me. I love the lights, the shopping, the anticipation, the pure excitement, but more importantly, I also love the giving! This year for Christmas, I tried to make our holiday mean something more than receiving. Sometimes it is so hard to teach my children the true meaning of Christmas when there is so much focus on receiving. President Monson (Latter-day prophet) said we should change the question of "What did you get for Christmas?" to "What did you give for Christmas?" By changing "get" to "give" the whole meaning of that all too common question changes. This year for Christmas, I wanted my children to be able to answer, "What did you give for Christmas?" And so with that question in mind, we started several traditions in the hopes of retaining the true meaning of Christmas. Some traditions started: the Giving Jar, the 12 Days of Christmas, the Last Straw, and Christ by Candle Light. Each tradition added an element of giving, and I am grateful for the experience. As a result, our home was filled with a bit of Heaven.
TRADITIONS:
THE CHRISTMAS JAR-Inspired by a book called, "The Christmas Jar", our family collected loose change throughout the year to give to another family in need. This tradition kept the spirit of giving in our home even after Christmas had passed. By the end of the year, my children worked to fill the jar. Not only was it being filled with loose change, but love too!
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS-I love this tradition! I love that for 12 days my children fill the spirit of giving in their hearts. I love the pure joy that accompanies this activity!
THE LAST STRAW-A dear friend gave this tradition to me as a gift, and we loved it! The tradition reenacts a story about a family secretly giving to one another in the hopes of filling a manger with straw. Each time a kind act is administered-a straw is placed in a manger. And, each piece of straw cushions the manger for the baby Jesus. So, with each kind act, the family prepares the manger for the baby Jesus, and with each kind deed, the family prepares their hearts to receive Him. I am so grateful to my friend, for giving us such a fun tradition! I love that this tradition gift that keeps giving throughout the month!
THE LIGHT OF CHRIST BY CANDLELIGHT-We turned off all the lights in the house, and each person was given a candle. As we sat in a circle, one candle was lit. By the light of the one candle, we read some quotes on Christ being the light of the World. We talked about our role in sharing the light of Christ. Then we began passing the light to each candle while stating how we were going to share Christ's light this year. At the end of the devotional, all the candles were lit, and the room was illuminated by the light. We then talked about how each time we share the light of Christ by being obedient to the commandments, reading our scriptures, showing kindness to others..., we make an impact, and our little light contributes to lighting the world...just like the one light helped in illuminating our room. ~I got this idea on-line, but I can't find the blog to give credit. I thought it was truly an inspired idea!

CHRISTMAS EVE 2009

Every year we celebrate Christ's birth by acting out Samual the Lamanite (the account in the Book of Mormon), and Luke 2. This year was no different than year's past except...perhaps...my expectations of how the night should run. In year's past, I had always hoped for peace, tranquility, and an amazing spiritual experience shared by my entire family. I have come to realize that all of those things are not logical when the family equation is: kid+kid+kid+daddy (which also can symbolize "kid")+mom. No, with this kind of equation, our yearly ritual is very much disorganized, and some what disjointed. My expectations of this sacred night have changed immensely, and my new perspective of our jumbled mayhem, is perfectly wonderful. I am not sure how I expected anything different, or for that matter, wanted anything different. This year I found joy at each new turn of impromptu magic. Joy in Jacob throwing crayons symbolizing the arrows that were thrown at Samuel, joy in Bryan being the "chosen" donkey, and joy as the kids insisted upon leading him to the stable. The night was filled with these moments as we joined together to reenact the Savior's birth--no matter how disjointed or fragmented the reenaction might have been, in reality--it was perfect! As I watched my children exhibit child-like faith, and as I came to realize that our family equation kid+kid+kid+daddy+mommy truly does = an amazing spiritual experience, all was well! It may not be the way I had first envisioned our experience, but these are the moments to remember...not the moments to change. And so with a new and improved perspective, our mayhem now symbolizes a piece of Heaven here on Earth as we celebrate the single most important event in all of history--our Savior's birth!!

~Daddy as the Donkey~

~ALL DRESSED UP!~