Always on the Go Wellers

It's been a long time.

2010-10-02T01:32:00.001-07:00

May and June

2009-07-26T05:53:00.001-07:00

So I guess it wasn't tomorrow that I posted this next posting, but at least I am getting it done. So we were really missing going to the mountains in the summer in Utah so we decided to go and check out the Wichita Mountains. Wow!!! That's all I need to say

In May, we went a couple a times, once with just us and then at the end of May, we took the elder's for their P-day. We were able to hike to the top of the mountain in 45 min. It was a lot of fun. We made tin-foil dinner's for dinner. They tasted really good. They have a pageant in April that is the streets of Jerusalem that will be fun to go to.

The Wichita Mountains is a refuge for Bison and Long horned cattle. They also have prairie dogs, deer, turkey's, and elk, along with all the other wild animal's that you would find in mountain's except bear's. The first time that we went, the buffalo were so close to the car, AJ could have braided the mane of the buffalo. It was a mini Yellowstone. We had a lot of fun and this will definitely be a return event that we will continue to visit. It is the closest thing we have to mountains.

SEA WORLD!!!!
For AJ's birthday, we decided to go down to San Antonio and go to Sea World and see the Alamo. It was so much fun. We met the Briggs down there for dinner Thurs night and then spent the day on Friday at Sea World.

These pictures are of the river walk which is well know. We had a lot of fun on the river walk. We also took a tour of the river on a little boat and the girls loved it. We definitely want to go again.

Friday we were able to go to Sea World for free!!! Once a year they let you go for free if you are active duty in the military. We loved it. Emma loved Shamu and is still talking about Shamu today. Aj was in heaven and loved feeding the Dolphin's and seeing all the sea life.

On Sat. we went back to the river walk and toured the Alamo. It was very interesting and I thought a lot about dad and how his love of this time period. We also went to the church were Davy Crocket's remains actully are. I wish we could have gone into the church, but there was a wedding going on. Maybe next time.

So on the way down we saw a sign for a snake farm/alligator farm. WE thought that this would be kind of fun to stop at on the way back. IT was an adventure. I don't want to say anything bad about this place as someone in our ward in Texas, I won't mention any names, Bro Warnock, loves this places. I don't like snake's in the first place so this wasn't my cup of tea. They also had a mini zoo that I thought needed so work on. They had a petting zoo with goats, lama, goats, roosters, goats, and pigs. Did I mention gaots? They riped the bag of food out of your hands if you didn't hold on tight and then butted you if you didn't feed them. The rooster's liked to fight and you thought you might come into the fight yourself if you didn't watch were you were going.

AJ's BIRTHDAY!!!!
The disater of the cake.

SO all grwoing up, my wonderful mother made a cake of our choice. We were able to choose how the cake was decorated and it always looked great. Well, I thought that I would also try to do this and maybe save a little money. The cake was a disater!!! I was bawling to my mom on the phone and it was not at all like I envisioned. I don't know what I was thinking. Oh well, at least it tasted good.

We had a birthday party for AJ and had the Briggs, Hart's and Chavez's over for cake and ice cream. It was a lot of fun and thanks to the great friends that came over to help us celabrate her birthday.

These are picture's of what AJ got for her birthday. I can't believe that she turned 6. Austyn I am so proud of you. Your dad and I love you so much and are so greatful that you are our daughter. You have a special love for learning and exploring. Please, don't ever lose that. Emma is always looking up to you and wanting to do what you are doing. Please remember that and be the person that you want her to be. We love you so much!!! Happy Birthday!!!

In Texas, Kindergarten graduation is a big deal. AJ looked so beautiful in her white dress and her cap. This is her teacher Mrs. Wooton. I am glad that she is done with Kindergarten and now on to the first grade.

EMMA's BIRTHDAY 2 Years old!!!

So My Emma is now 2. I can't believe how fast it has gone.

I was brave again or stupid and tried the cake thing again. At least this time, I had learned a few tricks. It turned out much better this time. We had the Briggs and Hart's, and Jessie and Ramelover for cake and ice cream.
Emma, you have been such a joy in our lives. You have a cute personality that is strong and very opionated. Even though you are a big daddy's girl I love you so much, you are the sparkle of your daddy's eye. Happy birthday my little Emmer's.

Random picture's.

Aj and Emma love to sit in the bean bag and play together. it is so cute to watch them play. Emma likes to go swimming and even though we are not supposed to have a little swimming pool in our back yard, we set one up so that the girls could play and have a break from the hot texas heat. The last picture is one of my favorties, Emma and Dave snuggling. Emma is definately a daddy's girl!!

SO this is May and a little of June in a nut shell. It will be a couple of weeks before I post again of our fun up here in Utah!!!

April

2009-07-17T15:10:00.000-07:00

So, Here is looking at a little bit of what happened in April with our family. When the girls and I got back from Arizona, the next night we went to the monster truck's with our friends.

In this picture are (starting with the adults) Zac Hart, his sister-in-law, Ashley, Dave and Emma, Lyndi and Byron. The kids in the front are, Mitchell Hart, Sam (blond), Seth (redhead(, Aj and Sydney, her best friend here, and then Sadie and Sophie. These quad's are in my primary class and I love them to death.

Aj loved the trucks but only with her ear plugs in and Emma wouldn't keep her's in and didn't really like the noise.

Flying Kites.

Grandma Jessie sent some kite's in the Easter package and so for FHE, we decided to go behind our house and fly them. It was touch and go. The girls loved it.

Daddy and his girl Emma.

This is a common theme in our house. Miss Emma is one of the biggest Daddy's girl that I have ever seen. This happens a lot and yes Mommy does get very jealous, but I love to see Emma snuggle with her Daddy.

My cute girl Austyn.

This is a picture of AJ at her school program. They say that there is no one in the nation that have more state pride then here in Texas, how true that is. They say a pledge to the Texas flag after they say the pledge of allegiance. In her prgram they siad nursery rhyme's and sang songs that had been changes to Texas words, for example, BINGO was now TEXAS. I wish I knew how to download our video camera, because the songs were really cute and of course AJ was the star!!

Easter

Here the girls are coloring their easter eggs. We had a friend come over Andena, she is an officer in the AF that Dave met at COT when he went to Alabama. WE had a lot of fun that night coloring eggs and of course Emma's hands were colored as well. AJ did a beutiful job on her eggs.

At the base here, they had and easter egg hunt for the kids. This brought back a lot of memories of going with dad up to the base and doing this as a kid. There were thousands of eggs and they divided up the kids according to age. AJ was done first and came running to help her sister. Emma finally got it and wouldn't let go of her little basket. AJ loved the Easter Bunny, but Emma wouldn't get near it. They had crafts for the kids to do as well. It was a fun day.

These dresses are from Grandma Jessie. Don't they look beautiful? This is Easter morning and they loved getting all dressed up in their Blue Cinderella dresses. Thanks grandma for the beautiful dresses, we love them!!!

Aunt Stacy's visit.

My sister Stacy came to visit us for a week. Man did we have a great time just having her here. The girls loved it and I think that Stacy had a great time as well. IT was really hard to have her go. Thanks for coming and visiting us Stacy, we love you!!!!

Quad's birthday party.

Lyndi through a very large birthday party for the quad's 5th Birthday. She had it at this gynastic center here in Wichita Falls. Sometime's you couldn't tell who was having more fun, the kids or the parent's. Again I wish that my video's downloaded so that you could see AJ at the ceiling coming down doing back flips. Very Fun, thanks Lyndi for inviting us.

Emma and Jasmine in our backyard.

I just loved this picture of Emma and Jasmine. Emma loves pulling Jasmine around anywhere that she can and Jasmine just follow's her. She is one of the most mellow dog's that I have ever met.

Emma in the cupboard.

So on the last Sunday, Emma decided that while we were doing the dishes that she wanted to play hide-n-seek but only her hiding. Again here is where I wish that another video could be downloaded for it was really funny and cute how she would close the door and knock then open it and say Boo. This went on for at least a half an hour.

So here is what our April was like. I will be posting May and June hopefully tomorrow.

Spring Break and St. Patrick's Day

2009-06-09T14:43:00.000-07:00

So AJ had a week off in March for Spring break and it happened to be at the same time as Madison's in AZ. Chris and Treasure had just moved into their new house about the same time as we did so I wanted to go and see it. I had been talking to Treasure trying to get them to come visit us but talked to Dave and Chris and decided that I would go out to AZ, without Treasure knowing. I love to surprise her. So after 16 hours of driving in the car with my two girls we made it to AZ about 8:30 at night. It was a long drive but my girls were great!!! Treasure could not believe her eyes when she opened the door and AJ was standing there. The kids played until very late. In the morning, it continued. Jackson watches cartoon's in the morning and so Emma wanted to lay down with him. These two get so excited when they see each other. Jackson with his sippy cup and Emma with her binky. These two were inseparable. Then came St. Patrick's day. The first thing that they did was, Madie and AJ read Green Eggs and Ham to Emma and Jackson. It was very cute. AJ was Sam and Madie was the other voice, they read very well together. Then came breakfast, St. Patrick's style.

The girls weren't to sure about the green food, but the babies didn't have a problem with it. They ate it right up. The leprechaun left them a little note that would lead them on a hunt for his gold. I think they had fun with it. First they had to paint a picture of the Leprechaun with finger paints. Emma doesn't really like to get her hands dirty, but Jackson is all boy and loved it. Then they had to dig through a bowel of spaghetti to find some magical ring pop's that of course were green.

They also had to do a spell with their rings to make all the green go away. I don't think it worked though. They then had to make cookies for the Leprachaun. They were yummy!! The Leprachaun let us have some, of course. In order to get the last clue to the pot of gold, they had to pop some balloon's to get the clues. They loved this. And then the pot of gold. This was the best St. Patrick's day ever. This little Leprachaun was a tricky little guy, but AJ still tells people about it. The next day AJ really wanted to go to Amazing Jake's. This is kinda of like Chucky Cheese's but a lot better. The kids had a lot of fun. Emma would walk with me holding her hand and Jackson just ran so I had to carry him.
This is just a min of what they sis for about a half an hour. SO this is just a little look of how much fun we had in Arizona. Thank-you Chris, Treasure, Madie and Jackson for letting us come and visit. We love you and love being in your cute home. Can't wait until Aug!

Road trip to Texas, our house and friends

2009-05-25T17:09:00.000-07:00

Aunt Becky brought the girls to meet us at the airport and surprise Daddy. Emma, who is a daddy's girl wasn't to sure what to think about it. AJ couldn't stop hugging him.

Grandma Jessie came with us to Texas, we loved having her with us. I know that it was hard for her more so when she found out that her dear friend Gladis had passed away. Emma wasn't to sure about the long days. Austyn loving the adventure for now. Mom we sure appreciate everything that you have done for us. Thanks for coming with us.

Somewhere in New Mexico, we got a flat tire. I think this was a very humbling experience. The cirle on the tire is where the hole was. We were blessed that it wasn't worse and that a trucker pulled up next to us and let us know that we had a flat tire.

So mom came with us to help me unpack. Our stuff didn't show up until after mom came. This gave us time just to spend together. We found the bowling lanes on base and now every Wed. we go bowling for only $1 for AJ to bowl and $1.50 for each pair of shoes. WE love it.

This is a picture of AJ outside the Dallas Temple. We found the temple after we dropped mom off at the airport. That was a hard day. The only comfort was going to the temple, Costco and IKEA.

This is our stuff that the mover's brought right into our garage. I love having a garage. That is Sydney Briggs, AJ's best friend here in Texas.

This is Emma's room.

This is AJ's room. Yes her closet is huge!!!

This is the bathroom upstairs in the hall. AJ was our decorator with help from Grandma Jessie. I love it. It is also our Laundry room with my beautiful washer and dyer.

The master bedroom, bathroom and closet. I do enjoy the large closet that we have.

This is our downstairs, kitchen, garage, and our tornado room. Can't wait for the shelving to come. Time to save.

SO We went ot Dallas to go back to Costco and Ikea and bought a little larger dresser the what we had before and I slammed the door shut at Costco shattering our back window. Dave just stood there and laughed while I bawled like a baby. It was Sat night at 5pm and everything was closed. Not fun, but I did feel like I fit in the small redneck town's of Texas and the trailer homes.

These are our wonderful friends here in Texas. Lyndi and Byron Briggs with their 5 kids; Sydney (6), Sam (5) Emma's boyfriend, Seth (5), Sadie (5), and Sophie (5). Yes they are quads. There is also Amy and Zac with their 2 boys, Mitchell (4), and Jackson (3), another one of Emma's boyfriend. I don't know what I would do without Lyndi and Amy. I am so greatful for good friends. Love you guys.

Jan and Feb-COT and Moving and Family Time

2009-05-24T09:20:00.000-07:00

So in Jan on the 11th, Dave left for COT or Commissioned Officer's Training, for five weeks in Alabama. This was a trying time for me personally, being left with packing up everything so that we could move to Texas, sell the car and trailer and making sure that we had all the papers we needed. I was a little overwhelmed and could not have done it without my amazing family. Thanks to Grandma Great and mom and all my sister's that helped me with my two beautiful daughter's.

Madie pushing Emma in a car around grandma's kitchen

Aunt Lisa getting as much time with the neice's and nephew as possible.

We were able to go to the Draper Temple open house and walk through the temple. What an experience for AJ and Madie. I was also able to volunteer there as a nurse on the medical team. That was such a neat experience. How blessed we were in Utah to have the temples so close to us. Take advantage to go as often as you can.

SO I need to thank BJ and kids, Brandon and Lisa, and Stacy, Lindsay, Ana and my mom and dad for helping me pack up everything and move it into the haven so that the movers could repack everything. I really could not have done it without you all.

SO this is what it looked like when the movers came and repacked everything. I thought that it was Dave's doing to have the Ute moving truck come and get us.

Thanks to Lisa for a great night for Austyn and myself. She got us some tickets to the Ute gymnastic meet against, BYU, SUU and Texas Women's University (yes we have driven past this school since being here in Texas). IT was a lot of fun and yes we cheered for both BYU and the Utes. Thanks Lisa.

Dave's COT graduation

In Jan Dave left for COT where he was put in a "flight" with 13 people. They became really close and great friends. In fact one of the girls in his class is now living across the street from us. I flew out on Wed night and was able to have dinner with Dave and then the next day sit in on a spouse day. It was very informative. It was fun to see what Dave had been doing for the last 5 weeks. That night we went to a dining out formal dinner. I was able to dress up in a formal wear and meet Dave who was wearing his Mess Dress blue's which is a tux. He looked mighty nice. It was fun to have to dress up. That night Dave's mom Sherri and brother BJ flew in to come to the graduation. It was nice to have them there. At the grauation, they marched on the parade field and took the oath of an officer again. It was really nice. We flew home the next night and got ready for the long drive to Texas.

Lunch out with my girls!!!

2009-05-24T09:10:00.000-07:00

So the last week of Jan, a few of the girls, the best ones that I love working with, took me to my favorite restaurant, Cafe Rio for lunch. Here in the picture's are Jade Peterson, Michelle Hewitt, Jen Jimenez, Jamie Troyer, Tiffany Furrow and Adriane. Man I miss you guys. It was so much fun working with you all. Thanks for all the things that you taught me. If I could half the nurses that you are, I would be amazing. Thanks for all that patience that you all showed me and Amy, thanks for Mentoring me!!! Love you guys!!!!

Our Student of the month!!

2009-05-24T08:51:00.000-07:00

SO in Jan, Austyn received the award of student of the month. Her two friends in her class and her got the Student of the Month for integrity. We thought that was pretty cool. Austyn, I am so proud of you and your willingness to always do you best in what you do. Keep loving to learn and you can do anything that you want to do. Your dad and I love you so much and are so grateful that you are our daughter.

AJ being called out to get her award

Hannah Knudsen, Kyrie Alldrege, Sharky and AJ

Twins and best friends!!!

Two of AJ's biggest supporters.

Christmas at a glance

2009-04-09T13:10:00.000-07:00

December has come and gone and now a quick glance at what our December looked like. It was crazy with everything and trying to get Dave ready to go to COT in Jan. Spending every last min with family that we could and trying to enjoy the holiday's. Chris and Treasure came up to spend Christmas with the family. We always look forward to seeing them. I guess the pictures can tell you what a wonderful time we had. Our little Nativity Program. Christmas morning
This is New Year's eve where we had one of our Families favorite dinner, raclette!!! As you can see everyone is enjoying themselves.

A quick recap of Thanksgiving in AZ

2009-03-24T13:05:00.000-07:00

So it is now the end of March and I am barley posting Thanksgiving. Wow, so much has happened in our lives since then. I really need to keep up with this so that everyone can see our beautiful girls. This is not all of it but just a little taste. We has so much fun!!! So this last year for thanksgiving, me and my two girls went down to Arizona to visit Chris and Treasure and their two kids with my mom, dad and two sisters. We got there on Treasure's birthday and boy was she suprised that I was there. I was telling her the whole time that I was not going to be able to come and that I was really upset about it because it was also Madie's baptism. It was so much fun to suprise her. I like to do that. So we had Thanksgiving with Chris and Treasure and two of their friends from their ward. It was a very nice day with it ending with the kids putting on a musical event for us.

Dave couldn't come down with us because he had to work that friday and so he went up to Idaho to spend the weekend with his Grandma Weller and Uncle Andy and Aunt Stacy. We missed him. Friday morning, Treasure, Lindsay and Stacy and I went with Jen, Treaure's friend and some of the girls from the ward and went shopping. It was a little different shopping in a light jacket and flip flops. It was kinda fun.
Then Sat. was the big day. Madison was baptized. How proud we are of you Madie that you chose to be baptized. AJ wouldn't have missed it for the world. We love you so much.

We then went and saw that lights at the temple and ended in a memorable trip to the local Denny's. Hot chocolate anyone?

Happy Very Late Birthday Treasure

2009-01-19T13:28:00.001-08:00

I know that this is about a month and a half late, but I was in AZ for your birthday and have been very busy since as you know.

What to say, there is so much to say about you. You truly are one of my best friends in the whole world. I love you so much and so do my girls. If I have to be the second best mommy to someone I am glad that it is you. You are such an example to me and to my family. You have such a wonderful glow about you that attracks everyone to you. You take such amazing care of my little brother and your two adorable kids. They are very lucky to have you. I know that they love you so much. You can see it in Chris's eyes everytime that he looks at you. You are one of my hero's. You can do anything that you have in your head and still find time to make sure your family is taken care of, that you have your study time, both in school and in your scriptures, and make sure that your friends and family still know that you love and think about them. I honestly don't know how you do it. Treasure, I am greatful for your friendship and love and knowing that you will always be there when I need someone. You are truly a noble women in our Heavenly Father's kingdom. Thanks for all you do
and for not only being my best friend, but also my sister. I love ya!!!

2009-01-04T11:46:00.000-08:00

"I, David Michael Weller, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."

This is me receiving my commission as a 1st Lt. in the United States Air Force a couple of weeks ago. I leave next Sunday for officer training in Alabama.

On a happier note, I got to sit with my family in Sacrament meeting for the first time in nearly 5 yrs without any responsibility other than being a husband and a father. I gotta tell ya, I loved it. I hope the girls can get used to me being there.
Have a great day! Don't forget to come to our fireside tonight at 6 p.m.

A glimpse into my own funeral

2008-12-28T08:30:00.000-08:00

It's Sunday morning and Dani and the girls went to hear Brandon and Lisa talk in their Sacrament meeting. I am getting ready to head over to the church one last time as Bishop of the Mt. Jordan 3rd ward. I am getting ready to do everything today, one last time, as bishop. All the preparations have been made for the next bishop to take over. I have nostalgic feelings about my time as bishop and the things we have been able to do in the ward. I have really enjoyed serving and will truly miss the calling-I know, weird.
To update those who don't know, I am being released because my family is moving. Hence the name, Always on the go. I have been commissioned by the United States Air Force as a 1st Lt. I will be serving in the Air Force as a social worker. We are moving to Wichita Falls, Tx (two hours north of Dallas, in case you were wondering) and will be stationed at Shephard Air Force Base. I leave in three weeks from today for Commissioned Officer Training. I will be there for four weeks and then will come back and get my family and we begin our new adventure.
I feel honored to be able to serve my country, but I am not afraid to admit I am a little nervous about taking my family 1100 miles away to start a new life. Fortunately, the Church has two wards in Wichita Falls. Fortunately, there is a strong brotherhood in the military. Fortunately, my family will be with me.
Take Care,

Dave

Happy Birthday Dani with pics

2008-11-12T15:43:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I love technology. Tribute to Dani. Hope you love it.

Happy Birthday Dani!!!

2008-11-12T08:41:00.001-08:00

So, Dani has taken over the editing of the blog and hasn't shown me how to upload pics. I hope this works.
Dani, I love you. You have been the best thing that has ever happened to me. I can honestly say that life gets better and better each year because of you. You are a great friend, spouse, mom and LOVAAAA. (I'm probably going to pay for that last one.) I hope you have a wonderful day and that this year is filled with excitement, happiness, accomplishments and adventure.
Have a wonderful Day!

Happy birthday MOM!!!

2008-11-10T08:35:00.000-08:00

Mom, I said most of it yesterday. How I love you and look up to you. You are one of my best friends. You are an amazing person that everyone wants to be around. You make life fun. Thanks for always being there for me and my family. My girls love you more then me sometimes. I love you mom.

Happy Birthday Madison!!!

2008-11-10T08:28:00.000-08:00

Madie, I can not believe that you are 8 years old. I remeber the day that you were born. You have become an amazing girl. You are a very smart person. When looking for pictures of you, all I had were ones with AJ. Thanks for being a great example for her and letting her play with you. You are her very best friend in the whole world. I hope that this birthday brings you happiness. I am so proud of your choice to be baptized. I am so proud to be your aunt. WE love you so much Madie. Happy birthday!!!

A house Divided

2008-11-04T10:10:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, Dave is a HUGE Halloween person. Every year our family has a theme that we try to stick with. This year the chose was between pirates and the BYU/Utah theme. The pirates were a little to costly and I really wanted to get my girls cheerleading outfits (I wanted them both to be in blue, but decided that I had to be fair). This just fit us and so we decided to go with the BYU/Utah theme. It was amazing how many people comented on the divided house. If you can see, AJ's hands are perfect cheerleading hands.

They both looked so cute and had a lot of fun on trunk-or-treating and then going door to door at my mom's neighborhood. Mom also had a pin the nose on the Jack-o-lantern that we all played, even Darla.

It was such a nice day outside that we decided to carve them out there. AJ had Dave help her carve some wolves hawling at the moon. Dave used his Dremel tool set while I used the old fahion knives for carving Emma's spider web. They both turned out pretty cool, if I do say so myself.

Every year we also go to Gardner Village where they have fun witches out. AJ loves it and Emma wasn't to sure of it. AJ's favorite part is the animals. Thanks Grandma and Stacy for going with us.

AJ in soccer and piano

2008-11-03T10:17:00.000-08:00

Austyn wanted to do soccer this fall. The first game held some high hopes as she scored three out of the teams 5 goals. She played great, but it all went down hill from there. She was cold and was a little more interested in playing with the girls on her team and watching the boys then playing. The last game of the season was also very good as she scored two goals and saved seven as the goalie. She loved being in the goal much to mom's urgning to be out playing. Anyways she had a lot of fun. She is also taking piano at this time. She has been taking piano since June and her teacher Phil Olsen, who is the husband of Dave's cousin Marianne and who I went to school with both of them, said that he has never seen a student advance so fast. She is almost done with her first book. She gets a little frusterated when she can't play it the first time without mistakes, but she get's it the second time and then has it memorized. AJ I love to watch you grow and discover new talents. You are an amazing pianist and I love to listen to you play. You are very good at it. Thanks for being such a wonderful daughter. Her cousin Kyla is also in piano with the same teacher so the recital was very fun.

7 Deadly Sins and country in trouble

2008-10-30T11:53:00.000-07:00

Hi Reader,
I am still reading Steven Covey's Principle Centered Leadership and one of the chapter's is titled: Seven Deadly Sins. He quotes Mahatma Ghandi in this chapter and it seems eerily prophetic with the problems we are facing today.
7 Deadly Sins
1. Wealth without work
2. Pleasure without conscience
3. Knowledge without character
4. Business without ethics
5. Science without humanity
6. Religion without sacrifice
7. Politics without principle

I love the last quote from the chapter: "The Seven Habits will help you avoid these Seven Deadly Sins. And if you don't buy into the Seven Habits, try the Ten Commandments."

It's like Jay Leno said, and I'm paraphrasing here; with all of the natural disasters, the crumbling economy, and everything else that is going wrong, is now really the best time to take God out of our Government?

Take Care, Vote according to your conscience and know that God is in charge. He alone can provide the peace we are all searching for.

Hapy Birthday Brandon!!

2008-10-24T15:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Brandon. I hope that this year will bering you success in your schooling, career and family. I want to thank-you for being a great uncle to AJ and Emma. They both love you and your sweet wife Lisa. Thanks for always playing with them and making them feel important. Happy Birthday!!

So Sad

2008-10-19T01:47:00.000-07:00

I just thought I would let everyone out there that I am not able to post a new blog with pictures because my computer is broken :-( I hope that nothing is lost for then I would cry.

Blogs and self-improvement

2008-10-15T11:49:00.000-07:00

So, I originally started this blog with the intent of sharing my deepest, innermost thoughts and Dani turned it into an online scrapbook. Thank goodness. My deepest, innermost thoughts usually revolve around self-improvement (I would not profess to be a disciple of Stephen R. Covey, but definitely a believer), religion and again self-improvement.
I have been trying to plan the rest of the year and frighteningly, the year is almost all planned. Being bishop requires me to try and plan ahead and make minor adjustments along the way.

I have been reading two books lately: Principle Centered Leadership by Stephen R. Covey (I know) and Broken things to mend by Jeffrey R. Holland.
In Covey's book he mentions 8 characteristics that people possess who live principle centered lives:
1. They are continually learning
2. They are service-oriented
3. they radiate positive energy
4. They believe in other people
5. They lead balanced lives
6. They see life as an adventure
7. They are synergistic
8. They exercise for self-renewal

I don't know who exactly will read this, but just in case you find yourself wishing you lead a more principle centered life. . .

Have a great day!

Disneyland 2008

2008-10-14T10:29:00.000-07:00

The middle of Sept. Dave and I took the girls to Disneyland. Aj had been saving for a long time to go and we finally said "Let's just go" so we talked my mom into coming, not very hard and left a tearful grandpa Butch behind with the other aunts and met up with Chris and Treasure and their cute kids. We went to the beach and spent two days at Disneyland. We had the best time in the world. We love you Chris, Treausre and Madison and Jackson for all the fun that we had. We miss you all so much. Thanks for all the memories that we will always have in our hearts. Thanks Mom for coming with us to help with the babies. We truly appreciate everything that you do for us. Thr girls had so much fun getting autographs in the special books that grandma Jessie had made for them. They also had some fun eating lunch with the pricesses becuase they truly are princesses of ours. WE love you girls.

My little Angel Emma

2008-10-14T09:53:00.001-07:00

Emma is growing like a weed. She is so much fun and such a joy to have in our family. She is now 16 months old and is all over the place. We call her monkey, because she is all over the place and all over everything, and Tigger, because on the rare occasion that she is in one place, she is bouncing up and down. Emma, I love you so much. You are a precious spirit and will do great things. I hope and pray that you keep your rosy cheeks and your love for your mom, sister and most importantly your daddy. You will go far with that happy countance.

Happy 31st Birthday Dave!!!

2008-10-08T12:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!!! I am so lucky to have you in my life. I hope that everything you want will happen and that you will be happy this next year. You work so hard to provide for us and we truly appreaciate it. WE love you!! Thanks for belonging to us!!!

AJ's first day of school

2008-10-08T12:17:00.000-07:00

I know that I am about a month late on this posting but I am just starting. I hopw to get caught up so that it will not take all my time. Anyways, Austyn started Kindergarten this last Sept. She was so excited to go. Her teacher's name is Mrs. Smith (shouldn't be to hard to remember right?). Three of her very best friends are in her class, Hannah, Olivia and Kyrie. She was so excited to go to school with friends that she knows. It has been a month now and she is improving everyday. She even was chosen by her teacher to be on the Student Councel because she thought that AJ was the most resonsible out of the whole clas. Austyn I am so proud of you and what you are doing. I know that you get frusterated when you don't do things exactly right the first time, but that is okay. You always make me laugh. You are a great big sister and a wonderful daughter. I love you so much.

2008-10-07T17:01:00.000-07:00

Conference Weekend

2008-10-05T16:10:00.000-07:00

So Conference has come to a close and for those of you who know anything about this, that means enough food to put you in a turkey coma, somebody is snoring on the couch and great council from our Church's leaders.

Conference is definitely a highlight that I look forward to every 6 months. I always use some of the teachings and lessons in my counseling at work and as the Bishop of my ward.

There were a couple of talks on reverence and being better where you are no matter what the calling that really hit home. This afternoon when Pres. Packer spoke about Patriotism I felt especially humbled by that.

For those of you out there reading this and know me personally, know that I am applying for the Air Force. I am applying to work as a social worker for them and counsel military personnel and their families. I expect to hear sometime this week or next whether or not I was accepted and where we will be stationed.

Dani and I requested 7 different bases around the Western United States. We will see if any of those show up.

I have a lot of family, friends and ward members who do not want to see us move. Whatever happens, it is sure to be interesting to say the least.

Dani is having family come over today for cake and Ice cream for me, happy 31st on Wednesday.

Well, gotta run.

Dave

First Posting

2008-09-30T18:25:00.000-07:00

This is my first posting on our new family blog. I will be adding pictures soon from our recent trip to Disneyland.
Just a quick update on how we are doing.

I am working at Davis County Jail as their social worker and I work one night a week at Primary Children's medical center as a crisis worker. I am bishop of the ward and really enjoying it.

Dani is working at Jordan Valley ER and loves being a nurse. She is almost done with nursing school and has another big test coming up. She was just released as 1st counselor in the young women's organization in the ward after 4.5 years. Needless to say she was a little emotional about that.

AJ is in kindergarten and loving it. She has made lots of friends and is enjoying learning to read. She is taking piano lessons and is tearing through the first book at amazing speed. She really has a talent for the piano. She also just started soccer last Saturday and her team won 5-4. She scored 3 goals. We were really just excited that she knew which direction to go. She started riding her 2 wheel bike tonight. It is amazing how much she is learning and retaining.

Emma is all over the place. We are convinced she is part monkey (Dani will tell you that she gets it from my side of the family). She just decided last night that she wanted to sit at the table with us for dinner. She no longer wants to sit in the high chair. Tonight she sat next to me, had her plate in front of her and a sippy cup too. She sat there eating corn niblets, stove top stuffing and little pieces of chicken. Her favorite word is "Me" I call her the "me-monster."

We are doing great and loving life. I will post more soon.
God Bless!