Musical Beds

In our house we like to play a game called musical beds.  It happens in the middle of the night and sometimes some of us (me) aren't aware that we are playing it until someone else is in your bed with you.  I guess it's ok though because it teaches us to be tolerant with each other because the person coming to your bed is usually scared and we have to just give them a break and let them sleep in your bed even though it is crammed. 

-Erika

Firesides

In the past couple months we have had the chance to hear both Al Fox Carraway (the tattooed Mormon) and Hank Smith talk at firesides and they were both wonderful!!!  Sadly I didn't take notes at Al Fox.  Luckily I did write down some wonderful Quotes from Hank Smith's fireside.

Hank Smith Fireside 2/8/15

Light Comes Gradually

Prayers that P.A.S.S. (Planned, Aloud, Sincere, Specific)

We must obtain from God that knowledge which man cannot give.

A person with continuous experiences is never at the mercy of a person with an opinion.

You have to partake of the gospel until nothing else matters.

If God gives you the answer, what are you going to do with it?

A personal testimony of the Gospel and the church is the most important thing you can earn in this life.


I hav a testimony that all of those quotes are true.  Since the fireside I have worked on having prayers the P.A.S.S. and it has felt more real.  I am continually working on earning a strong testimony and I would say that that fireside helped me learn more about testimonies.  I am also so grateful to be a part of the Gospel that I know is true and brings light and happiness into my life!

-erika

Ski days!

Discount ski days are the best. We were able to ski twice in a week. Once for ward ski night (actually our old ward in Providence, we still get invited), and our awesome homeschool ski day.  Ross did awesome and as for the girls-well they were never around long enough for a picture. Skiing with friends is super fun. Jared and I swapped turns watching Tate and then getting out on the mountain. Molly and her friend let me ski with them a bit but everyone else was too fast and way too cool. Jared and I decided we are just going to go on a date and then we can ski together just like our dating days. Well, maybe a little slower and more cautious, at least for me. I did take a lesson on Monday and realized I am still a pretty good skier, just a little chicken. The thoughts of being hurt are a bit different 6 kids and 30 pounds later.

-Jen

Family Conversation

We always have lots of conversations or debates in our family.  We were having a conversation about how Heavenly Father helps us in all that we do and Ross said " God doesn't just say "ok you can go now, have fun."  When he send us to earth."  Ross is so close to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and he teaches us so much throughout our lives.  

-Erika

Hawaii

We went to Hawaii and I would say there isn't a better place to appreciate God's creation.

We went Snorkeling, Snuba Diving, Hiking, Boogie Boarding, Wave Jumping, Rope Swinging, Paddle Boarding, Snowcone Eating, Waterfall Jumping and Beach lounging.  I am filled up on beautiful images to think about!  

Our friend Marissa came along and we stayed in a gorgeous house with the Tracy's family.

Ross loved the surf ;)  Although there wasn't any surfing he actually balanced pretty well. 

We found the best Popsicles on this earth, (It was an unanimous vote) and devastatingly found that they are not an international product. So we filled up on them.  Those of you who have had Melona bars will know what I mean.

Dad speared an Octopus (who we decided was Ursula), an Eel (Ursula's minion Flotsam), and multiple fish.  Dad and Jared Tracy also caught some shrimp.  They cooked the shrimp and octopus :/

We carried our bags on the plane (with one checked bag) and I'm sure you can imagine the struggles throughout the trips to and from Hawaii.

Tate loved the ocean and beach.  When we got off the plane (all night flight) to our cold tundra home, Tate was half asleep and he said "where's the ocean mom?"  

-erika

This Blog

We decided to make this blog as a Family journal.  We started a journal (actual book) and I don't know where that wen't. Since it mysteriously disappeared, like many other items in our house hopefully this will work out better.  Since this is a family journal, the family will write about our journey.