Happy Birthday Joshua

Tuesday was Joshua's 3rd birthday. He was so excited, he knew that the day that he woke up and saw the kitchen decorated that was going to be the day of his birthday. He woke up Tuesday morning he woke up and I carried him downstairs singing happy birthday to him and when he saw the kitchen his jaw dropped and he was in shock. We used the Superman stuff from Sam's party a couple of years ago (since he is obsessed with Superman). He ate his requested breakfast of pancakes, and was just happy being the center of attention.

Joshua has brought a lot of happiness into our family. His brothers and sister love him as do Monica and I.

He has a smile that lights up a room. I can't believe that my baby is 3 years old.

He is excited for Saturday. That is when we will be having his birthday party and his Grandma and Grandpa are doing something different and special for him. All the kids are excited for his party. I think that his excitement is just because his brothers and sister are excited. I am sure that he doesn't know what is going to happen.

In My Defence

I am compelled to write this blog and post it on my family blog in defence of myself and my views. It has come to my attention that while trying to explain my reasoning behind not wanting to work for the U.S. Census taking place this year, Monica portrayed me as an ignorant, narrow-minded individual who makes decisions based upon hearsay and falsehoods.

So, in my defence I need to set the record straight. My refusal to work for the U.S. Census is based off of my personal beliefs. It is not based off of anything that I've heard on the radio or read on some blog online. It is deeply entrenched in the Constitution.

The Constitution of the United States, indicates in Article 1, Section 2, "An enumeration shall be made within three years after the first meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent term of ten years, in such manner as they shall by law direct." The only Constitutional mandate made by the Constitution is that the people are to be counted to determine the head count of the population in order to properly seat the right amount of Representatives in Congress. The current Census is directed under Title 13 of the U.S. Code. It is my personal belief that the Constitution only authorizes a head count, and that the long form should not be required by law, on the basis of the Constitutionality. I could care less about who is President of the United States, or which political party one is affiliated with.

I am not one to make decisions without fully understanding the reasoning behind my decision being made. Hopefully this clears things up a bit. I always tell Monica not to try and defend my positions, but she is always tries. I love her, and I know she does it because she loves me. She is great.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Typically I would not be writing my own birthday blog, but I just got back from an awesome outing with my kids and Dad. Monica said that since it was my birthday I should go shooting. She tried to get a baby sitter, but was unable to, so she suggested that I ask my Dad and take the boys.

Sam, Ammon and Bella were all excited to go shooting with me. I guess that it didn't hurt that it meant not having to go to school. It was a beautiful day, I was afraid that it would be cold so I had everybody dress really warm, but it turned out to be a great day for some target shooting.

Samuel did as he always does. He is an amazing shot. He takes his time and places his shots on target.

Bella was a little hesitant at first. This was her second time going out and she still gets a little scared holding the gun, but once she got going she liked it.

Ammon, did good, he really likes the .22 handgun and shot that the most.

I had fun shooting and watching my kids enjoy something that I love to do. That was the best gift of the day, being able to spend time with Sam, Ammon, Bella and my Dad. Joshua really wanted to go, but he is too young right now to fully understand. He gets to participate in the safety lessons that we do for Family Night, but maybe next time he can go and shoot the BB gun.

Well I have to get older, I might as well get older doing something that I love, with those that I love, in my truck!!!!!!!!

Mom's right to brag

So I am sitting here thinking about how wonderful my children are, and just have to brag for a minute. Yesterday, Ammon and Bella had a recital for discovery. Ammon performed a song and then a dance he learned. It was fun to watch. We'll just say he is a good leader. Bella, did a song with actions. She was saying how scared she was before, but got up there and did an amazing job. She remembered all the actions and really got into it. I thought she was the best up there.

Sam got student of the month in Jan. Sam's teacher just can't get over how good Sam is doing behavior wise, and he has always been good at reading and math. Ammon and Bella got student of the month back in Oct. So now all my children have gotten student of the month awards at Entheos.

Sam and Ammon gave talks in sacrament meeting back in Jan. and every week I go to church I still get different people telling me what an amazing job they did. They really did. Ammon only looked at his papers once. He gave it all in his own words, and he even got the congregation laughing. Sam bore a strong testimony and with both talks I felt the spirit. The amazing thing is that Al just handed them the materials and they prepared them all on there own.

Tomorrow Ammon gets to be an "Entheos Ambassador". He is going to the State Capitol to represent Entheos. They are setting up a booth and talking to the state legislators and local representatives about Entheos. He was one of twelve of the whole student body grades k-9 chosen to go. The school has been helping him prepare to answer questions and such. Ammon is excited for this opportunity.

Joshua is just getting bigger and bigger. He is talking more, and lately he has been doing better about cleaning up his toys. He likes to try to make you feel better. If you don't feel good he'll kiss you, and ask, "Is that better?" He also likes to help with what ever your doing. He's a good kid.

I love all my children. I am truly blessed!

I'ts Coming!

Typically at this time of the year I start feeling anxious. Ever since I was a kid, the start of February always meant one thing. Well, OK, two things. First, my birthday, but most importantly...three days after my birthday, baseball always started! That's right, baseball season is just around the corner. Spring training will be kicking in soon, and all those young prospects with big dreams of playing in the big leagues will be showing up for their chance at the big time.

I can't wait to see what this year brings to the game that I love so much. Who will win the World Series? Who will come out of the gate on fire and hold it steady for the entire season, and who will stumble and fall before they even get started? And most importantly when will my Oakland A's finally get it together and put together a team that will be able to compete with the big boys? We lost a pretty promising pitcher to the priesthood last month, who will step up and take his place? Will my A's be considered contenders for the Division Title, League Pennant, or dare I say it a World Championship? Oh so many unanswered questions, and so many possibilities I am shaking with excitement. OK, so I'm not actually shaking, but I am excited.

New Calling

For the past 31/2 years I have been the Young Women's 1st counselor, and loved it. Most the time anyway. It was a bit time consuming, but fun. I was released about 2 weeks ago. I was sad, but excited to do something different. Today I was called as the weeblos leader. I just knew I would be in scouts aventually since I have boys. To tell the truth, I'm a little nervous being over all these little 10 yr olds. I' m excited to work with Sam, but I have no clue when it comes to cub scouts. I guess I'll learn.

A New Year With New Opportunities

Well here we are in a new year with many new opportunities presenting themselves to us as a family. All of which are very exciting in varying degrees.

I know that I will be getting a new job this year that I can feel good about. That is exciting in itself because I don't feel that I could say that I am honest in all my dealings with my fellow man while doing title loans. It makes me feel guilty to be doing that which I deep down feel is wrong, just to get a paycheck.

We will be buying a new house this year, which we've been anxiously waiting for, for the past 7.5 years. We've been told by one agent that the bank told them that they will most likely accept our offer, but it won't be until February 10. I've placed some pictures of the house here because unless something else comes along or we decide not to purchase it this will probably be the house that we get.

Along with everything else, life's possibilities are limitless. I've enjoyed learning everything that I have over the past 7 years, and I look forward to learning a lot more. My faith in my Lord Jesus Christ is unmovable. I have a firm determination to serve Him who is my God. I am the only one who can put limits on my possibilities through my lack of faith and disobedience which follows.

I love Monica and my children. Everything that I do is for them. I know that I make and have made and will continue to make mistakes, but Monica has never faltered in her love and support of me. That is all I need to succeed in life, is to know that my best friend supports me.

Happy New Year!