Elder F Enzio Busche

My friend Shannon Brown posted this video on facebook this morning and I love it. I love the message from Elder Busche, it was just what I needed this morning. There are so many people going through trials right now, including myself, and this video gave the little extra strength that I needed to get through the trials for today. Hope you enjoy it!

Havasupi 2009

Ryan and Kyle had a great opportunity with their Boy Scout Troop to visit Havasupi Reservation that is at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. When we moved into our ward a year ago, the scout leaders were already preparing for the trip. All the YM were required to go on 4 10-mile hikes throughout the year to prepare for the long hike down the canyon. We were really afraid for Kyle. His scout leaders assured us that he did great on the pre-hikes, so off we sent them. There was alot of preparation for this trip; hikes, ordering food, golf tournament (the fundraiser for the trip), gear checks, etc. They came home very exhausted but had a great time. I will be forever grateful to the scout leaders who put so much time and energy into the program for the YM.

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The Weston's and The Baker's

The month of July has been so much fun for us. First the Kimura's came to visit and then a few weeks later the Weston's came to town. We were able to spend time with them and the Baker's who now live in Carlsbad. For some reason I don't have a family picture of the Baker's. Sorry Jill. I am pretty sure that Ryan and Kyle would give an arm to live back in Indiana. They miss their best friends Scott and Jake. Some how Sophi convinced me to sign up for the TV show "Wipeout". Here are some pictures highlighting our week. These 2 families are filled with amazing people and we are so grateful that they are part of our lives!

Me and the Boys. This was taken at the San Diego Temple. Love this place. One day I hope to have a family picture where we all look at the camera together and smile and Terry is with us. Until then, this is my little family!!

Tanner Baker and Kyle

Scott, Sophi, Chloe and Ryan

Awesome friends - LaDawn and Jill!

Joshua chilling at Oceanside!

Leanne and Sophi - friends forever!!

Kyle, Jake, Josh and Jason in a tree on the grounds of the Los Angeles Temple.

Chloe, Ryan, Sophi and Scott in La Jolla.

Jason

The Weston Family: Rance, LaDawn, Chloe, Scott, Sophi, Jake, and Olivia

The Kimura Family

We just spent 4 wonderful days with our friends the Kimuras. Here is a list of some of favorite things about their family.

1. Laurie is an awesome cook. One of the first things that Joshua asked Laurie when she got here was if they could make cookies together like they did in Indiana. My kids were fed well and are sad that she is gone.

2. Everyone has a fun time. Whenever we are together, there is never a dull moment. Funny moment over the weekend: Micah and his contagious laugh after he found out that Ryan has a hair stylist named Vince. Thanks Ryan for being such a good sport. So happy that you are ok with your manhood!

3. We haven't seen each other in over a year and it felt like it was just the previous weekend we were all together. We are more than friends, we are family!

This was a 4 day vacation with great food but even better company!!!

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Mom, do I look handsome?

Yesterday, I was ironing clothes and Jason came to me with a huge smile on his face and asked, Mom do I look handsome? Obviously, he had put something on his lips but I wasn't sure. I knew my lip gloss was in the car so I asked what he used on his lips and this is what he presented to me:


Elmer's Disappearing Purple Glue Stick

Jason Atilano Victory

On this Easter Sunday it was Jason's 4th birthday. It was great to have our family and friends gathered around. We all went to church together because Ryan was ordained a Priest. So exciting! It was the first time that a majority of my family could attend an ordination for one of our boys. I loved seeing the circle of white shirts, it was a small glimpse into the eternities! But this day belonged to Jason. All day long he sang happy birthday to himself and one minute he was 4, next 7, then 5, then whatever number he could think of. He told my visiting teacher he was 8. There are days when I just want him to be my baby forever and then I can't wait for what life has in store for him.

Jason has his own unique style right now. Most days he prefers no clothes, or they are inside out or backwards. So to have our Superman pj's on to go hiking is ok with me. He will wear snow boots, crocks, or tennis shoes. I leave it up to him. Most days its snow boots. Kind of funny looking in California, but he's a little kid so he can get away with it.

WORD OF WARNING: If you decide to watch this cute video of Jason, turn your volume down a notch, we are a loud family!

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Happy Anniversary!

This has been a very busy week for us when it comes to celebrations. Last Friday we started out with Kyle's 13th birthday party, spring break started on Monday, Thursday was Ryan's 16th birthday, Saturday is our 17th wedding anniversary, and Sunday is Jason's 4th birthday and it's Easter. Terry frequently stops by our family blog because he likes to see the updates on the family and all our friends updates. I thought I would post a few pictures of Terry and I because I just know how much he loves to have his pictures posted. Happy Anniversary Babe!!!


Sorry about the quality of this picture. It's the only prom picture that I have and I actually carry it in my wallet. Terry has worn a tux 3 times in his life: prom, our wedding and my brother's wedding. He would rather be in shorts and a t-shirt. We look like babies!



I think this was our announcement picture. We didn't have a lot of money, so Terry's Grandma took this picture outside her front door. We look like we were ready to take a nap. Terry's sweater was so big!


This is one of my favorite pictures. My Grandpa snapped this picture with a throw away camera. Tender moment for the big guy - I love him so!


Today we had lunch at BJ's Restaurant - one of our favorites. Who can resist a pizookie? Not us! We might not look or act the same when we started out 17 years ago but our love for each other continues to grow each and every day!