Season of Blessings

Scott & Marci: This year has been full of blessings. As you can see, we live in a home with a lot of laughter. We are grateful for our supportive family, friends, prayers being answered, and for the confirmed protection of marriage and families.
It took over a year, but I was finally diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and the widespread dysfunction that can accompany it. We are learning it is something that is manageable and that you take day by day.
Now that my health is stabilizing; we are able to get back into life (Yipee). Scott and I were able to celebrate our 10^thHawaii which was a fun adventure. Anniversary in We ate poi, went to the Polynesian Cultural Center, and the Hawaii LDS Temple. (Oh, and Scott presented at his work seminar). Late last night, another big event was when Scott (and helpers) finished our mantle. Of course I had to hang the stockings and get it posted the next morning.
I am grateful that we have been the recipients of service and have felt the strength that comes from the prayers of others. Our kids have been wonderful during this time and have learned that the Lord sends many miracles.

Have a very Merry Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

24 hour dog...take 2

We had a lost dog come into our backyard one night. She was very sweet, very BIG (over 120 lbs) and and very old. She was able to see Sperry eye to eye and begged to come into the house. We kept her for 24 hours and learned about dog food and how older dogs have trouble getting a tennis ball. This is actually the 2nd time we have had a dog for 24 hours. We are happy that these dogs are getting us ready for a dog that will stay longer than 48 hours. Here's a picture of Carter, who took great care of this sweet dog.

Place your votes: we are considering a small lab breed, a beagle or a corgi. Each of these should weigh less than 100 pounds and able to chase a tennis ball.

Happy Birthday to my absolute Favorite Scott

Scott,
It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out why I love you...but here are a few clues. You bring the joy and fun into my life. You were the BEST blind date ever. You laugh at my jokes, you write your own jokes, and are pretty smart. Each year you continue to amaze me. This year you cooked a smoked turkey, delivered on a 5 year old promise of making the mantle, and you even put lights up on the house...whoa! All of your talents would be nothing without your easy, fun personality and dedication to our Savior. You are a wonderful daddy and husband. That's what I call the complete package! Thank you for all that you do & say (and sometimes don't say when I'm acting a little "crazy"). Thanks for loving us so much. I am grateful for you every day. Now, let's go see the holiday lights at the LA Temple and visit the Apple Pan to celebrate!

Tell me a story...

Sharpen your pencil and get ready to listen.
Did you know that November 28th, Friday is National Listening Day. My mom told me about a new family tradition, listening. Pick a person to interview and ask the questions you've always wanted to ask. I'd love see posts about what you learned from trying this.
Here's some questions to get you started.
• What are some of the most important lessons you
have learned in life?
• What are you most proud of?
• What was the happiest moment of your life?
The saddest?
• Is there something about yourself that you think no one knows?
• How would you like to be remembered?
Click HERE for more hints on how to interview someone or for more info on the storytellers website.
By the way, in the photo, I'm related to Chana Elizabeth Broadbent, the 3rd from the left. She is my maternal great grandmother and also known as "grandma great" because she was just that.

Happy Thanksgiving from Jacob the artist

Here's Jacob's take on Thanksgiving Rayman Rabbid style. Notice the Turkey is wearing a rabbid mask and the rabbid is wearing a Turkey mask with a plunger as a tail. Pretty clever idea Jacob. I know the spelling is normally Rabbit, but if you will view the u-tube clip posted earlier you'll know what a rabbid is. You might not understand it (if you are like me), but at least you'll know what it is.

Rabbids Happy Thanksgiving

Hear the Holidays

Christmas is a wonderful holiday and music plays a big part of the festivities for me. I remember turning on the holiday music year after year sitting in the glow of the Christmas Tree and watching the snow fall outside. This year I'm without the snow (and without the car scraper) but I wanted to make a big list of holiday music to enjoy. The kids and I started picking out holiday music for the blog months ago (cause we love listening to it year round). Scott said that we have to wait until July to turn on our holiday tunes, but somehow a song or two sneaks into our music.

Here's what we have complied; we hope you enjoy it. Sit down, relax, enjoy listening to the joys of the season. We will be taking your requests, let us know if we have skipped a few. Music can bring back memories while new ones are created. As a gift to you; please enjoy over 100 holiday songs featured. There's everything for someone young to old, grouch to giver, past to present. What's your favorite Christmas song?

Seeing RED: 48-24

The Utes trounced the Cougs 48-24. "In a game that featured several huge momentum swings, Ute QB Brian Johnson and Co. picked apart BYU's defense in the first half, while Utah's defense forced several mistakes and turnovers from BYU's offense in the second half en route to the huge win before 46,488 fans at Rice-Eccles Stadium." Deseret News Story

Sorry Scott...I know you are true blue and all.
But, this season it's ALL RED baby!!

Wii did it!!

The agreement was made as a family: if the kids earned $100 we would get a Wii.

I thought it would take weeks for them to do enough extra money jobs. But, a few days later and several hours of work they did it. The Cleaning list included: the tub, garage, patio, fridge, mop the floors (sounds a little like Karate Kid). I'm enjoying the clean house that we all worked toward. Good job guys, Wii did it. Also, thank Craigs list that helped us to find a deal on a Wii that was new. Nevermind the 45 minutes one way drive into West Hollywood... to get the game. Kids can do amazing things! Any suggestions on what my Mii should look like? I'm a novice...

Hope and Happiness

I was visiting a dear friend in the hospital on Friday. She has an incredible view on gratitude when most people would feel down and defeated. We were talking about gratitude and she expressed that she feels peace, hope and gratitude with the difficult things that lie ahead.

I love that many times we face difficulties it is when we can feel the most gratitude. We see all that has been given. We feel the love of family and friends deeply that sustains us. We learn how to serve others with greater capacity. Within all the things about Thankgiving; it's more than turkey and stuffing. It's about sincerely offering thanks to all who have given you hope.

Let your thanks be echoed not only in words, but in what you do. Radiate hope, peace and gratitude. As Clint Black said, "Love isn't someplace that we fall. It's something that we do".
I'm grateful to be a member of Team BRI.

The Infinite Power of Hope

"This type of hope in God, His goodness, and His power refreshes us with courage during difficult challenges and gives strength to those who feel threatened by enclosing walls of fear, doubt, and despair. Hope sustains us through despair. Hope teaches that there is reason to rejoice even when all seems dark around us.

And to all who suffer—to all who feel discouraged, worried, or lonely—I say with love and deep concern for you, never give in. Never surrender. Never allow despair to overcome your spirit.

Embrace and rely upon the Hope of Israel, for the love of the Son of God pierces all darkness, softens all sorrow, and gladdens every heart.

~President Uchtdorf, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Forward with Peace

Have you seen the LDS Los Angeles Temple lately? Scott and I were able to go inside a few days ago, on Friday. There were no protests, just busy metro area...like normal. The gates and outside plaques were nice and clean (no signs of recent vandalism remained). As we listened to the member of the Temple Presidency, President Murphy, it was wonderful to hear that inside- the Temple has continued to be a place of peace.

President Murphy shared with us that the largest crowd during protests was about 400 and most of them consist of around 40 people. Even on Thursday, when the envelope with white powder was opened, peace-not panic- filled the Temple. President Murphy reported that Temple patrons continued their work and that the Lord's hand was manifested several ways.

c'mon now...it was voted YES

As many of you know, I support Prop 8, Protecting traditional marriage.
Things have continued to surprise me as things have evolved even after the election. I thought that my little Prop 8 blog would slowly gather dust on the web and be shelved. I thought wrong. As people continue to view the site for updates; I will continue to provide one place for information gathered from different places...all supporting marriage between a man and a woman.

NEW information has been posted today. And, as many in and outside of California are being affected; the site will continue. Here's the link, just click ...http://prop8isgreat.blogspot.com/
Thanks for all that YOU do for protecting families everywhere.

HALLLLLoween

Ok, for those of you who don't know (myself included) about Raving Rabbits you won't understand why Jacob and Carter are carrying plungers for Halloween. Sperry got to be a soccer player, cleats and all. She even got to name her own team, ANGELS. How fitting. Anyone want a free, new plunger?
Here's a pict, and your first lesson in rabbits with plungers:

Rabbids 101 Clip, Jacob & Carter...this is for you.

Field Trip to the Islands

Scott accompanied Jacob on his big field trip this week. They traveled by boat to the Channel Islands off the coast of Santa Barbara. Here's some beautiful pictures to enjoy. This trip was very special because not only did they get to spend the day together, they saw: Orca whales, dolphins, sea lions, and humpback whales. Pretty incredible, most whale watching trips don't get to see all the sea life they were able to. What a beautiful world we live in. These islands are uninhabited and are the chain of Islands where the book, "Island of the Blue Dolphins" takes place.

I HOP for pancakes

Have you ever wondered how to make fluffy omelets that don't fall apart? How does a place like IHOP make their pumpkin pancakes? Who is the gifted chef that helps to make all this possible? Well, our local expert, and my wonderful friend, Teresa came with food in tow to our house one Saturday morning. She is one of the big bosses at Ihop and we enjoyed a cooking lesson from her.

Thanks Teresa & Lori Ann for sharing your talents with us. It was so much fun and yummy. (Hint: for omelets that don't crack and fall apart, put a little of your pancake batter in with the eggs as you mix them. The flour will help keep the egg mixture together).

YES, Marriage is between a man and a woman

It was very close...very close but the results are in!

	Vote Count	Percent
YES	127,124	53.28%
NO	111,465	46.72%
Total	238,589	100.00%

A BIG thank you for everyone who supported this monumental effort both in and out of California.