Inauguration Thoughts.

I watched the inauguration this morning and am thinking many things. It was really a historic day. I had to wonder what President Bush was thinking as he walked out for the last time as President. It almost made me tear up thinking about his feelings. 

I have to admit that I am really concerned about our country. It really doesn't have to do as much with President Obama as it doest with the citizens of this country.  It seems like there is this atmosphere of Obama worship.  Literally worship, and it makes me nervous. 

I get the feeling that people are really looking to Obama to save them from their own choices and struggles. The last time I looked the only person able to save us from our choices and help us through our struggles was the Savior. I hope this feeling changes and people realize that our President is just a man, no matter who it is.  

I really pray for President Obama.  This won't be an easy time for anyone to be president, and I hope he can make wise decisions with the help of the Spirit. 

I was interested to note how much Christianity referenced there was in his inauguration. I wonder how that will go over with those who are so opposed to the use of God in our government.

I am so grateful to live in this country and have a system that allows the citizens the right to elect our leaders. I am also glad I live in a country where I can contact my leaders and representatives with my ideas and concerns.

May we all use our power as citizens and support our leaders in their jobs.  Whether we voted for them or not. We are obgligated to stay involved and protect our rights.

Volcano Outing

For our New Years Day outing, we went out and hiked one of the Volcano's out west of town. We would have hiked more, but we only had a little over an hour before the closing time listed at the park. We also didn't want to be hiking after dark. Anyway, it was very fun. The kids are already talking about our next visit when we hike all three volcanos. One thing I learned is I really need to work out more. But I made it and have the pictures to prove it. It wasn't even a hard climb which is even more evidence of my need for exercise. I guess that is my new year goal. Exercise more regularly.


Kelly's camera has a panoramic feature. It was neat to get the view from the top of the Ja Volcano out west of town.

Here is the proof that I made it. Of course you cant tell from this angle. But I did take a lot of the other pictures for the proof that I was on top of the volcano!

This is the family from the back and below them. I like the angle.

Richard took a nap. What a life. It helped me get more work out to wear him. Marlin offered to wear Richard in the backpack and let me carry his backpack. Richard was lighter. Easy choice.

Don and Andrew loved running around on the rocks. They are ready to go again. Don spent half of the hike up on Marlin's shoulders. Another reason for me to wear Richards Backpack. Marlin was free to help Don.

Not the best picture because of the sun. But an ok picture none the less.

Christmas Pictures

Here is Erin and Richard on Christmas morning.

Here is Kelly and Ian checking out Kelly's camera.

Here is Andrew opening his Moonshoes. One of the few things he asked for and a big hit with everyone.


Don was showing his hot wheels, but he didn't really know how to hold them up to his face so we could see. It was very cute.

Kelly also got some good pictures on her camera. We may have to post more later.

Taking the Cake

Merry Christmas Everyone!

I know this is a little late. I thought about posting, but ran out of time. Christmas around here is pretty hectic normally, then I had the great opportunity to make a wedding cake for my nephew Josh and his bride Jennifer. This was fun, but did add to the craziness. It turned out to be a nice cake, but I am glad it is done. The reception was Saturday the 27th. It was beautifully decorated and very nicely done. Good job Julie and Rochell and crew.



This is the cake on display at the reception. I decorated styrofoam for the reception on the 20th in Arizona, but this one is all real cake. I liked this one better. Last weeks had fewer flowers, I upgraded for the reception where I would actually be able to attend.

9 Months Today

Richard is 9 months old today. It is fun to watch him grow. I took him for his checkup this morning. He is 17 pounds 6 ounces. For getting an early start, he is right on track. He is only in the 10th percentile for height and weight, but his head is in the 75th percentile. I guess it is no wonder he has a hard time sitting up for very long. His head is too heavy to hold up! He was anemic enough that I have to take him to have some blood work done to make sure there is no other problems, but the Doc didn't seem too worried about it. I am grateful for modern medicine that keeps us healthy. He doesn't care if he rolls over or not, and he is content to just watch things. Unless he is alone in a room he stays pretty happy. Thank Heavens for a mild boy. I can only pray he stays this way, but with Don as his example for the next two years I don't know if that will happen. ;-)

All I want for Christmas....

Kenna is so excited. She finally lost her two front teeth. All in one week. They were loose for weeks, and I thought they were never going to come out. She tries to sing the song, but all we know is the main line. I guess it is time to look up the whole song so we can sing it all.

Let it Snow!

TThe kids were excited to finally get snow. They came home after school and played outside for a while. Erin created a snow mountain on the back of the truck. She was excited last night that it was almost the only snow left after a day of melting. Of course in Albuquerque where no one knows how to drive in snow, they canceled school yesterday. By noon the roads were all clear and dry. Fun Fun. Now we will have to make it up after Memorial day.
Ian swept the snow off the side walks, and wrote please stop on the road. He was having fun. He also enjoyed shoveling off the neighbors driveway when they weren't looking.
Don Refuses to wear a coat most of the time. I was glad to get boots on him. He won't wear socks though. Where did such a strong willed kid come from. I am sure he is nothing like me! :-)
Kenna is getting ready to throw a snowball at me. She was pestering Marlin all night to make a snow man. even though the snow wasn't sticking together very well. She was out almost all night.
Andrew was also out almost all night. He loved to play in the snow. It was fun to watch him. We talked about not going to Mancos this time of year because there is too much snow, and not much to do, But Andrew was ready to go and spend the entire time outside. I don't know how long he would last in "real" snow like Mancos. Then he would just be stir crazy stuck in the house.