Sad Times

My dear friend Diane Nielson Barazotta has been sadden with the tragic news of her beloved brother Christian and his beautiful wife Stephanie, On the 16th of August the plane that they were traveling in crashed and Christian and Stephanie became victims of the fiery crash. I can only imagine the heartache that they are experiencing now. Diane, I love you and your family and my thoughts and prayers are with you. I have been amazed at the talent that Stephanie demonstrated in her blog and it is now one of my most favorite sites to go to. I hope that all who reads this will too see the beauty that she saw. Truly a close knit family with so much love for one another.




You can see a part of their wonderful life together. http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/

Updates on their conditions are listed on her sisters website http://cjanerun.com/
Their dear friend and pilot tragically lost his life in the crash. Doug Kinneard will be laid to rest on Saturday August 23, 2008.

Summerfun

OK I have let the summer get the best of me. I have not kept up with this blogging. We have been pretty much house potatoes. I don't know why because it is truly a beautiful summer. Millie and I go for dives up the canyon when I pick her up from the sitters.All in all it's been a really fun summer especially seeing the kids grow and loving life.

Millie on a float for Summerfest


Millie and her lifejacket


At the Lake

California Trip

WE LOVED CALIFORNIA!!!!
The kids and I had the most wonderful time in CA. We arrived in beautiful San Diego on Wednesday and went out to dinner with my Aunt and Uncle. David and his family arrived in San Diego around 11pm. We tried to get some good sleep but that really didn't happen that night. Thursday morning we got ready to go to the beach, stopped and got some lunch to have in the park and we went to Sea Port Village. We walked around the little shops and had a wonderful time the we headed to La Jolla beach, we all had so much fun there. Tide Pools for the kids, and rocks what more could you ask for. Madison slipped and got cut alittle this was the first casulity. After spending the day at the beach we were all pretty much beat so we went back home and ordered pizza and relaxed.
On Friday we decided to go to Mission Beach, oh what fun we did have. Millie loves playing in the sand Craig and Madison spent the whole day in the ocean. I was so worried about putting sun screen on Millie that I didn't stop to think about the other kids. Talk about a sunburn. Poor Madison was so fried, I felt so bad and so neglectful. Craig got lost at the beach and the life guard station had to call out over the whole beach asking for Lisa to come and get her lost son Craig at life tower 14. Talk about my heart racing. I couldn't get there fast enough. I asked what happened and he said he was with Uncle David and the next thing he knew he was alone. Just goes to show how fast something can happen. After the wonderful day at the beach we went to again to Sea Port Village for dinner. I just love seeing the lights on the ocean at night. On Saturday we decided to surprise the kids and take them to Sea World. I think everyone had a wonderful time. Madison was sick from the day before getting burned. She was starting to blister and pop blister and pop. OUCH!!!! The highlight of Sea World was the Sea Lion and Otter Show!!! Everyone was Laughing. Millie was so much fun she was making the cutest noise every time she saw an animal. I wasn't sure if it was nervousness or excitement but I came to the conclusion it was a mixture of both. After Sea World we went to Balboa Park and ate dinner and played, then we went over to Coronado Island and walked along the beach.
On Sunday we packed up to head home and went to the nursing home to visit Grammy. She is 98 years old and beautiful... She loved seeing the kids especially Millie (she is a pretty cute baby). She made a few funny remarks and we all laughed and took pictures. Then it came to saying good-bye. Open the gates the floods are coming. Tears of sadness! She pleaded for us to come back, that alone made the whole trip with it and a greater desire to return as quickly as possible.
We had the most amazing trip and can't wait for the next big adventure.

My Hero

I want to pay tribute to the most amazing father, he is a man of great intergity, humility, compassion, trust and dedication to his family. I have known this man for 42 years and been taught by his great example of unconditional love and unwavering devotion. Never once in those years have I every heard him swear or speak unjustly of another. He has served faithfully in the Gospel and many have been touched by his love and example. During my life time I have given him plenty of reasons to be disappointed, angry, hurt, frustrated, sad, untrusted and heartbreaking. But at the end of each day I know without a doubt that he loves me, that through all my trials he has carried and bore the burden of my choices. I am greatful for a faithful priesthood holder who has placed his hands on my head and given blessings of comfort, forgiveness and faith to endure what I must. While I was growing up we always had a house full to friends to whom they called him dad. He loved the youth of the church and made sure everyone felt wanted and loved. His devotion to the family has always been unwavering. There are so many memories that we all share about our dad. He made sure we learned how to work hard and play hard. All of our camping trips, motorcycle outtings, skiing trips and countless vacations each having specific memories of fun, laughter and bonding. Dad I love you with all my heart and know I have truely been blessed for having such a wonderful father. I love you.

As I ponder the love that I saw in his eyes,

A Godly love, given without compromise....

I recall many times that he stood by my side,

And prodded me on with great vigor and pride.

His voice ever confident, firm and yet fair,

Always speaking with patience, tenderness and care.

The power and might of his hands was so sure,

I knew there was nothing we couldn't endure.

It's true, a few others provided insight,

Yet, he laid the foundation that kept me upright.

He's the grandest of men to have lived on this earth,

Although he's not royal by stature or birth.

He's a man of great dignity, honor and strength.

His merits are noble, and of admirable length.

He's far greater than all other men that I know,

He's my Dad, he's my mentor, my friend and hero

Memorial Day

It Rained, it poured, it thundered and it lightening. I LOVED IT!!!!!! So for all of you who had plans ruined OH WELL.. It was such a beautiful day. The kids and I loaded up the car and went to my Aunt Beth's house for dinner. We had a wonderful time visiting and playing cards.

Lisa, Maddie, Uncle Craig

Millie getting ready to play cards

Nacho Libra (Madison) and Millie

Arizona Trip

Millie and I took a trip to Arizona the middle part of May. It was so nice to visit with the family....Millie really took to everyone especially Grandpa. When he would walk in the door Millie was trying to figure out the fastest way to get to him. We were both so sick on this trip and my family had to put up with us being fussy and up all hours of the night. Here are a few pics from our visit.

Millie with Big Sister Ali


Baylee, Millie and Hannah


Grandpa and Millie

TODAY I WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Today I will make a difference. I will begin by controlling my thoughts. A person is the product of their thoughts. I want to be happy and hopeful. Therefore, I will have thoughts that are happy and hopeful. I refuse to be victimized by my circumstances. I will not let petty inconveniences such as stoplights, long lines, and traffic jams be my masters. I will avoid negativism and gossip. Optimism will be my companion, and victory will be my hallmark. Today I will make a difference.
I will be grateful for the twenty-four hours that are before me. Time is a precious commodity. I refuse to allow what little time I have to be contaminated by self-pity, anxiety, or boredom. I will face this day with the joy of a child and the courage of a giant. I will drink each minute as though it is my last. When tomorrow comes, today will be gone forever. While it is here, I will use it for loving and giving. Today I will make a difference.
I will not let past failures haunt me. Even though my life is scarred with mistakes, I refuse to rummage through my trash heap of failures. I will admit them. I will correct them. I will press on. Victoriously. No failure is fatal. It's OK to stumble - I will get up. It's OK to fail - I will rise again. Today I will make a difference.
I will spend time with those I love. My spouse, my children, my family. A man can own the world but be poor for the lack of love. A man can own nothing and yet be wealthy in relationships. Today I will spend at least five minutes with the significant people in my world. Five quality minutes of talking or hugging or thanking or listening. Five undiluted minutes with my mate, children, and friends.
Today I will make a difference.
Max Lucado