What did you say?

A few weeks ago I vacationed to beautiful St. Lucia. Ah..... it was like heaven. The sun was warm, the sand beneath my toes was smooth, and wearing short and swimming suites all day reminded me of my childhood days. Plus, I got to take along my favorite person, Niel!
One of our adventures was scuba diving. If anyone knows me well, you would probably be shocked that I actually considered jumping into the ocean. Yes, I am proud to say I actually took part in the underwater adventure. It was pretty cool to be in the ocean. The only problem I had while I was in the deep blue was the fact I couldn't equalize my ears. And might I say..... IT REALLY HURT! We dove about 30 feet. I tried with all my might to pop my ears, but it just didn't happen. I was so determined to make the dive fun for me and Niel that I chose to deal with the pain and just do it. I hate to say it, but that was a stupid thing to do. It has been 2 weeks since the dive and my ears are still feeling the pain. I went to the doctor. His response was, "Why in the world did you not get out of the water with your ears hurting the way they were?" I know, stupid. I was informed at my visit that I have ruptured my ear drums and I even tore one. The tare has caused some bleeding!!! YICKS!! The good thing was, there is no hearing defects. There was also no infection, which mean no medicine. The result.... it will probably take a month to clear my ears up and have them functioning well again (it amazes me how incredibly fast the body can heal itselt). I get to be part deaf. So, if you are around me, make sure you talk so I can see your lips. Make sure you talk in a higher pitch or loud voice.... I can't hear low pitches. Please don't mumble around me, it actually hurts my brain to try to figure out what you may be saying (primary was horrible on Sunday, it was a constant mumble). My poor family has to deal with me saying, "What?" all the time.

Moral of this story.... if ever you go diving, when your ears start hurting, don't keep going down.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Tonight, at Grandpa's house, doing what he does best - being an awesome grandpa and singing karaoke!

I figured I would let you know what a great dad I have by sharing some advice he gave to me once when I was a teenager at girls camp.

"Welcome to the wide open spaces. Look to the highest mountain you can find. Do you see it? This is your potential for the future size of your character. The higher the mountain the broader the base. You have a good base Amy. You are kind hearted and self disciplined. Build these more in all areas and I will be ever so proud of you. The scriptures say charity (true kindness to others) is the greatest character trait of all.
Of course, my motto is - enjoy life. I believe in being happy. Happiness for you can only come from within yourself. Happiness comes from thinking of others instead of worrying about yourself. So, enjoy your time at camp but use that self discipline to be a kinder more thoughtful you. Make me proud!"

Wonderful words of wisdom for anyone to live by. This is only one of the many letters I have from my dad throughout the years. I love to read them! My dad has touched my life is so many ways. I feel truly blessed to call him Dad! Happy Birthday to the greatest hero in my life. I love you Dad!

St. Lucia Trip!

As usual, I took way to many pictures! Below are a few, but I think I am going to have to make a slide show to do the trip justice. It was BEAUTIFUL! We had a great week!!

Valentine's night. What a romantic scene. I had to take a picture, because I am not sure we could ever top this for Valentines Day!

This is just outside on the patio of our room. It was nice to walk outside and be so close to the beach.

We got to ride a zip line through the rain forest. It was incredible!!

Niel can actually call himself a sailor. We tore up the ocean and didn't even get eaten by sharks!

WARNING! Do not eat the street food unless it is completely fried and fried again. Poor Wayne got so sick.

The actual Black Pearl!. This was the ship they used in Pirates of the Caribbean.

The beauty on the Island was breath-taking!

This was the waterfall they used when filming Romancing the Stone.

The homes the people lived in were not so good. It was interesting to view other's lifestyles and be grateful we live in America.

We are banana experts now. The main source of income on the Island is tourism, but the second is their banana production. Did you know, a banana is first an herb, then a vegetable and finally a fruit. I got to taste a banana while in veggie form and it tasted like a potato. Very interesting!

The view were spectacular. The Island is 25 miles long and 15 miles wide. There were beaches everywhere!

Happy Valentine's Day!

We have Valentine's tradition. Every year we make cupcakes!! My favorite part is eating them!!

President Gordon B. Hinckley

I found this tribute and really enjoyed it. The prophet passed away over a week ago, and it has been a week of pondering for me. What an incredible man he was! His teaching and words will leave a lasting impression on my life. I will truly miss his words of wisdom, spiritual strength, and his kind example.




Some wonderful words to live by...

"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just like people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, and most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is just like an old time rail journey ... delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride." -- Gordon B. Hinckley

“Under the plan of heaven, the husband and the wife walk side by side as companions, neither one ahead of the other, but a daughter of God and a son of God walking side by side. Let your families be families of love and peace and happiness. Gather your children around you and have your family home evenings, teach your children the ways of the Lord, read to them from the scriptures, and let them come to know the great truths of the eternal gospel as set forth in these words of the Almighty.” --Gordon B. Hinckley

“Faith in something greater than ourselves enables us to do what we have said we'll do, to press forward when we are tired or hurt or afraid, to keep going when the challenge seems overwhelming and the course is entirely uncertain.” -- Gordon B. Hinckley

"The time has come for us to stand a little taller, to lift our eyes and stretch our minds to a greater comprehension and understanding of the grand millennial mission of this The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is a season to be strong. It is a time to move forward without hesitation, knowing well the meaning, the breadth, and the importance of our mission. It is a time to do what is right regardless of the consequences that might follow. It is a time to be found keeping the commandments. It is a season to reach out with kindness and love to those in distress and to those who are wandering in darkness and pain. It is a time to be considerate and good, decent and courteous toward one another in all of our relationships. In other words, to become more Christlike." -- Gordon B. Hinckley

"Do the best you can. And remember that the greatest asset you have in this world is those children who you've brought into the world, and for whose nurture and care you're responsible." -- Gordon B. Hinckley

WARM San Diego

This is me... on the beach! All the pictures I currently have, we are bundled up in coats, boots, gloves, hats, and even hand warmers. It is sooooo cold here in Utah. I went to San Diego a few weeks ago, in the middle of January, and I walked on the beach... barefoot! That's right!!
I also didn't even have to wear a coat. And, we ate dinner.... OUTSIDE! The best part was, I got to visit with Deanna and meet her new husband Mat. It was a really great night! I think I might move to San Diego for a the rest of the winter...ha!

Winter Stuff

We love going to the cabin. It is even more fun when cousins are there!!

There was this really steep hill the kids enjoyed tubing down! There was a big bump at the bottom! Garrett and Scott are just about to fall out!

Stockton loved the big steep hill too! Whoo!!

Grandpa was so nice. He would stand at the top of the hill and push everyone down. Then he would drive down to the bottom and pick everyone up on the 4 wheeler!

Oscarson Mountain is the greatest hill to sleigh down. Here is Conner going VERY fast!

Zander does sledding a little different. He rides UP the hill on the sleigh and rides down the hill on the 4 wheeler. He loves it that way, and is completely happy!!

Matthew is only 5 years old. He is the youngest little guy to go down the hill by himself. Stockton helped him down a few times, riding together, but Matt went down a few more times all by himself!

It snowed and snowed and then snowed some more. The best part about sleighing is, it just can't snow enough. But that is only if it isn't too cold outside. It was a perfect day!

Garrett has the longest tongue I have ever seen. This picture doesn't even do it justice.... it is long! He is catching some snowflakes from the sky.... delicious!!

We had a great time! I love spending time with the kids making those lasting memories!