Primary Challenges

2008's Stake Primary Challenge was for the kids to read the entire Book of Mormon. All three of our primary kids took the challenge and finished reading the Book of Mormon before the October deadline.
While they read they were instructed to highlight all the words the represented Christ in yellow, which represented His role as a light in our lives.
The kids got a book with their names on it so they could have their own copy to mark. Each night before bedtime we read the scriptures as a family. We now have several ways to read together, such as taking turns reading verses (since Alex can't read yet we read, then he repeats), listening as one person reads, or getting assigned a word to say as we come across it while Sean or I take turns reading.
As a whole, our family has been greatly blessed for accepting and completing this challenge, and I want to thank the Cerritos Stake Primary Presidency for implementing this idea in our stake. THANK YOU!!!

Boys and their Toys

At the Cerritos Mall there is a fabulous play center with a cars and trucks theme. Alex loves coming here and playing around, so we usually come right when the mall opens, and patiently wait as the cleaning crew finish their job before we jump right in. This day we were surprised to see a fellow school-mate from Alex's preschool. They had a great time running, playing, and hiding, as well as posing for pictures!



James loved getting down and exploring, and tried so hard to keep up with Alex.



Alex plays hide-and-seek with his friend, hiding in a yellow car's wheel.



Climbing the bridge with preschool pal.



Here Alex makes his own bridge.

James' First Haircut

And, of course, our fabulous "Uncle" Neal performed the services!
November 19, 2008

Headaches and Earthquakes

I'm really beginning to wonder...
I had another tremendous headache Monday and yesterday (Thursday) only to have it disappear just before we felt an earthquake roll through. A 5.0 near San Bernardino, which only felt as if our house were a swing and someone gently pushed it.
Sean thinks I can predict earthquakes.
I think I'm allergic to California.
In reality we're both just nuts!

We Survived!

We are spending Christmas with my (Hillary's) family, the Wakes, in Washington this year, and decided to drive, as it would be more economical all around, especially with these great gas prices!
We started our drive from LA on Thursday at 6pm and drove straight through until we got here on Friday evening at around 8:30pm. 26 1/2 HOURS!!! Yes, it is long, but the kids were really great and we all survived. Nothing extraordinary happened, but we did have to go about 30 miles an hour for around 80 miles through Mt. Shasta and Siskiyou (which is the highest point of I-5 at about 4300 feet). The kids kept asking where we were, and as I was driving through a chains checkpoint I missed the sign: "Welcome to Oregon." Jane, little Miss Eagle Eye saw it and the kids were so excited! We passed the 45th parallel, at which point we were half-way between the equator and the North Pole, saw the Portland Temple, crossed the Columbia river into Washington, and drove through a snowstorm.
Sean and I, of course, were tired, so we talked and ate as much as possible, but it wasn't until we were getting close to the Oregon/Washington border that I finally dug out our apples and we started munching. At this point Sean decided to share some very useful information: one apple as the same energy-boosting effect as a cup of coffee, and lasts longer. Now, obviously this information would have been GREAT to know the night before when I was VERY drowsy, before adrenaline kicked in. Good to know it for the return trip, though. It will come in quite handy.
When we stopped for gas shortly after entering the pass (at 4:30am) the kids woke up and we all got out to stretch. We had the gas station to ourselves, as everything else was closed, and had a mini-snowball fight with the kids. They were having a blast since it was their first time in snow that they could remember. (I haven't taken any pictures of them playing in the snow, but so far they've gone out twice to try to make a snowman, in vain since the snow is pure powder, no packing quality at all.)
After making it through the mountains, we had a pretty relaxing time driving north through Oregon, enjoying the winter wonderland. We made it into Washington without trouble, but about 5 minutes into the evergreen state we saw the first evidences of snow. As we continued north the grounds continued to show more and more snow, eventually making it to the roads. Although it was obvious there had been a significant amount of snowfall, the roads were kept pretty clean until we got into Redmond area. We actually had to put the chains back on to get up to my parents' house. We got in, unloaded our car with the essentials, and came inside to feast on the scrumptious spagetti my mom made just for us (Thanks Mom!). After eating until we were full, we put the kids to bed and came back downstairs to relax and chat for a bit. When we finally made it to bed I thought we'd be out for the night, but James had alternate plans. We slept (more or less) until about 7:30am (thanks for sleeping in, kids!) and spent the day getting ready for Sunday and the upcoming Christmas week (mainly finding room for everyone and their things, grocery shopping and playing in the snow).
Sean spent most of his day helping Rob, Brad, and Dad put in the dining room floor so that we'd have space to eat as a family on Christmas day.
I am so grateful to our Heavenly Father for protecting our family along this trip. We have survived this long journey without harm or accident befalling us and I know the Lord had a hand in it. I am aware of his ever watchful eye, and I thank Him for our abundant blessings!
As I am thoroughly exhausted now, I'm going to save picture-posting for another time. Merry Christmas to all! May the Spirit be with you!

Happy 10th Anniversary!

I know I'm three days early (Thursday is going to be busy, so we're celebrating early) but I wanted to tell my husband how much I admire him. I am so thankful that he is mine forever, and I'll never be more grateful to the Lord for anything else that comes into my life than I am for Sean. He is my world, my joy. He is the reason I get up and breathe in the morning, and the reason I love going to bed each night. There is nothing in the world, or the eternities, that could bring me more happiness, than the thought of spending both with Sean.
For the last 10 years nothing has entered my life that has brought me joy unless it was through his efforts. He is always doing things to bring me happiness. I definitely enjoy the bordeaux, Baskin Robbins, and Mimi's runs. I love to watch our children, since they remind me of him. I love watching him watch the Lakers, or Dodgers (even though I make him keep his end of our deal) because he gets into it without getting too into it. I love that he loves things so much that he gets excited when they come up (Rhapsody in Blue). And, crazy as it sounds (and even if I don't always tell him), I love to watch him go out the door to run the Lord's errands, for I know that I married a faithful, temply-worthy man and because of such, our family can be together forever.
Thank you, my love, for being my love.

Earthquake!

It all started with a headache...
In the early afternoon I had an immense headache that lasted for about an hour. It came suddenly, then left suddenly.
Just now, well, about an hour ago, there was an earthquake in Ludlow, CA (about three hours away from here). I was sitting on the couch holding James and felt the couch move. I went into the hallway and motioned for Sean to come talk to me (he was tucking kids in) and told him we had an earthquake.
"No, we didn't."
"Yes, we did!"
"No, we didn't!"
"YES, we did!!"
"It was probably a car going down the street or something."
"NO, IT WAS AN EARTHQUAKE!"
(Of course, all this yelling was done in whisper so as not to freak out the kids).
So Sean came into the TV room and turned on the TV, saying that if it were an earthquake they'd have it on the news.
5-7 minutes went by with nothing on the news.
Sean gloated.
A minute later BREAKING NEWS flashed on the screen and we were told there had been a 5.5 earthquake in Ludlow, CA.
So, HAH! I may have lived in Seattle for half of my life, but I was born a Californian, lived here until I was 8, and moved back when I was 22, so I can say I have lived here for half of my life. I think I know the difference between a car and an earthquake!
So, to my dear husband, I love you, but I was right. :)

A thing to mention:
Last July when we had an earthquake I had had an immense headache then, as well. I had put off building a fort with the kids because I wasn't feeling well, then it went away suddenly and we started building one anyway. That is when the earthquake hit.
Now, I'm not saying that my brain can detect when an earthquake is going to happen, but I am saying that I am probably very allergic to earthquakes. I'm beginning to think they aren't good for my health.......

Christmas Card Preview

So, why I'm posting this AND sending it out via email AND snail-mail, I don't know. I guess this way I'm sure to get everyone. The picture included in our letter this year is one of the beach pictures from the previous post. Hope you enjoy our year-recap!


"This has to be my (Hillary’s) favorite time of the year! This is the time I get to recap all the fun and new experiences this year offered our family:
Sean~ Sean ended his HS teaching career in the BUSD by being the recipient of the Bellflower High School Yearbook Dedication and is now an “Instructional Math Coach” for the school district. This job involves a lot of different tasks, including night meetings, but it allows Sean to be home during the day more, too. At least twice a week he comes home for lunch and sometimes he is able to take the girls to school, or pick them up. The biggest perk, though, is that Sean is less stressed, and it offers him time in the morning to run. Sean was also changed from Second to First Counselor of the Bishopric.
Hillary~ Like Sean, my calling and job changed this year as well. I was released as 2nd Counselor in the Primary and put in as 1st Counselor, to be released again and called as a youth Sunday school teacher, which I love! With a new baby in the house it has been a fun challenge to manage two kids in school, one in preschool, and a baby who is a good sport at being strapped into a stroller, shopping cart, or car seat most of the day. (Notice I omitted housework. I haven’t quite learned to manage that yet. )
Rebecca (8)~ Becky’s big event this year was turning 8 and being baptized and confirmed by her dad. She is now in 3rd grade, taking piano lessons (and teaching Sean along the way), continuing her love of art at home, and is a great helper to me, often volunteering for various chores. She loves her primary and school teachers, class pet (boa constrictor), and Achievement Day leader.
Michelle Jane (7)~ Jane loves 2nd grade and her teacher. She started off this school year by being Student of the Week and has continued to excel in her studies, already meeting her AR goal. She loves reading books, playing educational games on the computer, beating us at Set, and playing with her siblings. Jane’s highlight of the year was attending Mayfair HS Cheer Camp and cheering at a high school football game.
Alex (5 on Dec 30)~ Alex missed the kindergarten cut-off this year, but has kept busy learning his –at and –in words, completing all preschool projects, and making two trips to the hospital. Alex has also been very patient with me while I walk around a track 3-4 times a week. Alex will patiently play in the sand at a volleyball court within the track until I’m done (about an hour); then we move to the playground so he can swing or slide while I stretch. He’s not fond of these mornings, but he lovingly and patiently complies.
James (1 on Dec 26)~ It has been fun for the whole family to see the changes occurring on almost a daily basis with our baby James. He blessed us with his smile at 6 weeks, and has generally been a quiet, happy baby. Currently he is easily cruising along furniture and enjoying just about every food offered. He is nervous about a lot of things: swings, haircuts, being up high, animals (except ours), strange noises, and water hitting his car window. He loves his toothbrush, clapping, peek-a-boo, giving kisses, and playing with daddy (who is his favorite).
Our family has grown in every sense of the word this year and we have really tried to emphasize spending more time together as a family. We have taken trips to Washington to visit Hillary’s family, walked around various parts of So Cal, made “field trips” with the kids, and through it all we’ve created wonderful memories (of which I’m having fun scrap-booking). We recognize the Lord’s hand in our lives and forever thank Him for our trials, and the ever abundant blessings that follow.
We wish to thank all who have given of their love, support, and friendship. We wish all a Merry Christmas and may the Lord bless you in the coming year!"

Christmas Pictures

Since we still have access to a beach we decided to take advantage of its beauty and take our yearly Christmas photo there. We found a gorgeous spot without too much wind and whipped out the camera. Actually, Kevin (Sean's dad), whipped out his camera and ever so patiently took picture after picture after picture...



As I am not a professional photographer, nor could I look through the lens and see what the camera was seeing, it took a while to get an idea of what we should be doing, but it all worked out and we had such a great time at this quiet little cove that we decided not to wait too long to come back and enjoy the beach without having to worry about picture taking.

Curses!

More specifically, of the Duplo kind. About a week ago I had the misfortune of stepping on a Duplo hidden in my multi-colored carpet - three times, on the same day! A day or so later I noticed a black and blue spot on the bottom of my foot and had a cramping feeling every time I walked. Apparently I had bruised the bottom of my foot!
Sean, the ever kind and loving husband that he is, chuckled and said that he would have learned after the first time! Obviously he isn't in possession of a wiggly 10 month old while trying to maneuver across a multi-colored carpet and the activities of a 4 year old to get chores done.
Ahh, the joys of motherhood!

My Birthday Jane

My sweet girl has turned 7! I can't believe she's getting so ... OLD! Ha! What a bright, sweet girl she is. She got breakfast in (my) bed this morning (donuts and OJ), followed by the present opening. Among the presents were a new digital Samsung camera (she had put in an order for that instead of a birthday party), Disney princess t-shirt, jeweled hair clip, new school shirt, and camera case/money from Gammie and Gampy. She was happy all morning getting ready for school because she knew that once we got there she'd get sung to at the flag salute. She had quite the proud smile on her face all day! I wasn't able to bring treats to her classroom to celebrate (new CA state law), but I did talk to her teacher and was allowed to drop off organic cherry juice and some croissants for the kids in her classroom.
When we got home I made one of her favorite meals - "mini pizzas" (triangle ravioli) and Grandma, Grandpa, and Aunt Leslie game over to give her a present (the rest she'll get on Sunday for her family birthday party). She went to bed happy and anxious to go buy some rechargeable batteries for her camera, and an SD card, so she can start putting her talents and hobby to work.
We actually started her birthday celebration on Monday at Mimi's Cafe where she ate pancakes, then we went to Chuck E. Cheese on Tuesday. On Sunday, at her family party, she gets her third favorite meal - Chicken Balls. How many kids get to have all their favorite meals the week of her birthday? For one who is so little, she sure eats a lot!
We are so blessed to have our little Jane in our family. We actually ended her birthday by taking turns telling her all the things we love about her: she plays well with her siblings, she reads a lot; especially to her younger brother; she likes to play sports; she eats her food well and is willing to try new foods; she tries hard in school and does very well; she is kind to others and helps out her mom and dad a lot; she is a great sister, often helping her brothers or sister to be happy; she laughs like a chipmonk; she makes me smile with her smile...we could have gone on for quite some time, but it was getting to be bedtime, so Sean offered her a piggy-back ride to bed, which officially ended her birthday celebration (until Sunday's family dinner).
We love you, Jane, and look forward to another year of Janey-Baney getting older, and wiser, too!

Girls' Night Out

Once again, we had a wonderful night with the ladies! Crystal, Heather, Shauna, Cindy, Rebecca, Traesa, and I all gathered at the Corner Bakery for some yummy treats and to celebrate Crystal's visit. It was so great to have her back, even for just a week. Hopefully, though, we won't have to wait for her return before we have another night out. These, we have found, are becoming more and more infrequent.
We were missing a few ladies: Rebecca, Jenny (come visit!), and Gretchen (you too!).
These nights provide sanity, laughter, and calories. All are welcome. We love to spread our friendship, love, and caloric guilt!

Peek-a-Boo James

One of James' favorite games is Peek-a-Boo. He gets so excited to see we are still there when he pulls the blanket off. Don't forget to turn off the music at the bottom of the page before you start the video.

Princess Becky

Becky had a great Achievement Day where all the girls dressed up in their Halloween garb, played games, and had a blast! Thanks to Joy Basso, that is! We are all so grateful for the time and efforts she puts into her calling! Thanks, Joy, and thanks for all the pictures, too!

Our Happy Halloween

Ok, so I could have taken better/more pictures, but I can only do so much! After getting ready for the actual event, I'd forgotten to take pictures before we left, and then it was so dark none of the pictures came out well. Next year....


We had a ward Trunk-or-Treat which went well. All the kids came home with about 15 lbs of candy, of which most was then promptly distributed to other avenues (Sean's candy jar at work, Hillary's church class, etc).
We then went to Grandma and Grandpa Monroe's to trick-or-treat. I did get one picture on their steps, if you can tell (it's so dark!). Becky is a pink princess, Jane is Sleeping Beauty (on the top step, hand on the door), Alex is a superb fireman, James is a doctor, and Sean is a very patient dad!




Although Halloween is not my favorite holiday (more like least!) I am warming up to it. I already have the designs of my trunk for next year. I'm thinking pirates, water, ship, plank, helm, sail, cannon, etc....