Ty's Dream

Ty went and found the exact doll that was in his dream. Perhaps I'd better stop with the creepy Tim Burton movies. (His shirt doesn't help either) ******Pause the playlist

LOOK AT THE "BULL" I'M DEALING WITH NOW!!!!(HER NAME IS BABY Z or ZION, AND MAN SHE'S A SWEETIE!!)

SUS BUZZES GOES TO HOLLYWOOD

For those of you who don't know, Ty is a huge fan of Tim Burton movies.He watches Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, over and over again. Then He discovered the new one. Now he watches both over and over. (he loves kicking Vito while acting like Veruca Salt)........I'm going to screammmmmm..... Anyway, then, he discovered The Nightmare Before Christmas and watches it over, and over and over. Seriously, beginning to end. I can't help but think that when he had to have his defective tooth with no enamel on it worked on, wrapped in a straight jacket with laughing gas and a sedative doing its thing, that he was dreaming he was in these movies. Acting out some part. Playing some important role. Becoming Tims next huge star. We can all dream.....

CONGRATULATIONS AUSTIN!

Ty, Our Hero!!

I had Ty and a few of his friends over after preschool. Needless to say, all women except Ty. It was raining that day, so we decorated cookies and watched "Barbie, Diamond Castle." Ummmm, It was a huge hit. They were soo in to it! When the dragon, (Slider) came they all yelled "Ty, save us!" Of course, Ty was all over that. He wrapped his arms around all 3 of them and rescued them. I have honestly never laughed so hard in my life as I observed him sitting on the couch with a straight face while the girls danced and sang. Yes, lady's man, chick magnet, whatever. The best thing is, on the way home from preschool today, he told me I was his SPECIAL VALENTINE. At least I know who comes first in his heart. XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

NEW PREVENTIVE WEB PAGES

Just wanted to say how impressed I am with my husband and all of his hard work. Preventive has been a wonderful blessing in the lives of many. He and Kevin started it from the ground up, being diligent and hard working in so many aspects. It definately takes a fine tuned work ethic, money smarts(and not spending all of it!), and a dedicated team of hard workers. The new web pages were recently done and look great! I know we can all join in and acknowledge him for being such an awesome guy! Love ya Greg.

http://www.preventivepestcontrol.com/

http://www.theppcadvantage.com/

THE WAR

About a year ago, I gave a talk in church about putting on the Armor of God. Since then, I've often thought about how much more difficult this world is becoming to live in. It seems as if the bad is just getting worse. The wickedness is more "in our face". With all of the technology, it is more difficult to keep it out of our homes. I'm afraid for the next generation, and the one after that. So what do we do? I say "THIS MEANS WAR." My talk isn't all that great, but here's a copy for anyone who wants to "join on in". (Thanks Tanner)
My Talk
If you can see the look on this soldiers face, you know he has been through a battle. One that has taken courage. One that has required him to be armed with the necessary gear and gunfire. By the look in his eyes he has seen and heard a lot Probably much of it he wouldn't have seen if he had a choice.
Our real contest in life is not with human agencies that come with guns and tanks and bombing planes to destroy us, but that our eternal struggle is with enemies that come in the darkness and that cannot be perceived by the human senses.
My talk is to put on the armor of God against wickedness. In (Ephesians 6:11-13) the great missionary Apostle, Saul of Tarsus, declares the reality of this individual spiritual warfare and urges us to arm for the conflict. Here are his words. "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all, to stand.."
Unless we put on the "whole armor of God" to battle against this "spiritual wickedness in high places" we shall not be able to withstand "the wiles of the devil".

It would be foolish to go into a battle or combat unprepared. We must be prepared and prepare our children to face the challenges that face us so blatantly in this day and age. As parents we have the responsibility to prepare our children for their own upcoming battles.
SO WHAT IS THE ARMOR OF GOD? (It protects us where we are most vulnerable.)Paul, a valiant defender of the faith, points out the principle parts of an armed warrior that are most vulnerable to the attacks of these enemies which strike in the night or in the darkness and which are not seen usually by the light of day. Four parts of the warrior are spoken of.
1.THE LOINS: were to be "girt about with truth." in biblical diction the loins denoting the location or seat of the organs of procreation, where human life is generated. In (Exodus 20:14) it reads "thou shalt not commit adultery", which is unquestionably interpreted to mean all unlawful sexual association, inasmuch as the Master used interchangeable the words adultery and fornication in defining sexual impurity.

2.THE HEART: (Covered with the breastplate of righteousness). You will remember the Master had said, "From out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh". The righteous man, although far superior to his fellows who are not, is humble and does not parade his righteousness to be seen of men but conceals his virtues modestly. He strives for self-improvement knowing that he has daily need for repentance for his misdeeds or neglect. He is not so much concerned about what he can get, but what he can give to others. He knows that along this course only, can he find true happiness. The breastplate of righteousness has given him the strength of ten, because his heart is pure."
3.THE FEET: "shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace". The feet denoting one's course in life, or the way of travel in his journey through life. Fear is the penalty of unpreparedness and aimless dawdling with opportunity. (understand the gospel, read the scriptures, know your Savior, have oil in your lamps.) Whether in physical or moral combat, the tide of victory rests with her who is prepared. She has found the way to peace by "overcoming the world." She has built her house upon a rock, and when the storms come, it will not fall. Such a one is not afraid; she will not be overcome by a surprise attack, for She is ready.
4.THE INTELLECT:(The warrior is to have a "helmet of salvation") As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. Harold B. Lee says "With the goal of salvation ever in our mind's eye as the ultimate to be achieved, our thinking and our decisions which determine action will always challenge all that would jeopardize that glorious future state. Lost indeed is that soul who is intellectually without the "helmet of salvation", which tells him that death is the end and that the grave is a victory over life and brings to defeat the hopes, the aspirations, and the accomplishments of life. Such a person may be the one who concludes "eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die." President Lee also says the one who confidently looks forward to an eternal reward for his efforts in mortality is constantly sustained through his deepest trials. He lives above his world and never loses sight of the goal of his salvation.
5. THE SHIELD OF FAITH and SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, which is the word of God, work together.
6. THE ARMOR OF TRUTH IS KNOWING AND DOING.What is truth? It is knowledge.-"knowledge of things as they are, as they were, and as they are to come. We must do more than know the truth. WE MUST LOVE THE TRUTH. Love of truth implies the willingness to sacrifice for its defense.
If we are clothed in the armor of God, we are prepared to face challenges, and if we are able to avoid that which is wicked, we can avoid much pain.But because we are not perfect we may sometimes fall short and be wounded in our battle. The Savior has made it possible through the mighty atonement to be healed, and become stronger and more valiant. By faith, as the word of God teaches, we understand that whatever contributes to our becoming more like Him is good for us, even though painful to us at times.
YOUTH, IF YOU DECIDE NOW TO BE A LEADER AND DEFENDER OF TRUTH AND RIGHTEOUSNESS, WHEN YOU ARE FACED WITH SUCH BATTLES THEY WILL BE MUCH EASIER TO FIGHT AND WIN.
Don't ever take on the attitude that "I am strong enough." "I can handle this." The only way to keep your mind sharp, your armor strong is with the strength of the Savior. Know Him. Study Him. Pray. Avoid music, words, movies, games, and places where the spirit cannot be felt. Doing so invites Him into our hearts.
THE ARMOR OF GOD SUGGESTS FACE TO FACE COMBAT. Harold B. Lee points out that you have no armor whatsoever to protect you from the rear. Does this suggest yet another quality essential to this eternal conflict with "spiritual wickedness in high places"? Evidently, no one can win this battle running FROM the enemy. The contest must be FACE TO FACE. There must be no retreat.
WE MUST BE DEFENDERS OF THE FAITH.You and I, to be worthy of our places in God's kingdom, must be defenders of the faith, and as someone has written, "If you have no enemies you say, alas, my friend, the boast is poor.He who has mingled in the fray of duty that the brave endure must have made foes. If you have none, small is the work that you have done. If you have hit not traitor on the hip, if you have dashed no cup from purged lip, you have never turned a wrong to right, you have been a coward in the fight."

AND SO I CHALLENGE ALL OF US, OLD AND YOUNG, ONWARD, CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS!MARCHING AS TO WAR, WITH THE CROSS OF JESUS GOING ON BEFORE. CHRIST THE ROYAL MASTER, LEADS AGAINST THE FOE; FORWARD INTO BATTLE, SEE HIS BANNERS GO!

THEY'RE GROWING UP TOO FAST!

I can remember when you fit in the palm of my hand.You felt so good in

it; no bigger than a minute.How it amazes me you're changin' with every blink.Faster than a flower blooms, they grow up all too soon.

So let them be little,'Cause they're only that way for a while.Give 'em hope, give them praise,Give them love every day.Let 'em cry, let 'em giggle,Let 'em sleep in the middle,Oh, but let them be little.

I never felt so much in one little tender touch.I live for those kisses, your prayers an' your wishes.An' now you're teachin' me how only a child can see.Tonight, while we're on our knees, all I ask is:

Please, let them be little,'Cause they're only that way for a while.Give them hope, give them praise,Give them love every day.Let 'em cry, let 'em giggle,Let 'em sleep in the middle,Oh, but let them be little.The so innocent, precious soul:You turn around, an' it's time to let them go.

Let them be little

A 4 yr. old little boy in our ward died unexpectedly this week. It is such a wake up call. Life is too fragile to take our time with those we love for granted.

LIVE PERFORMANCES...

The audience awaits a PERFORMANCE OF A LIFETIME!

GOOD JOB LADIES. (APPLAUSE)!!!!

I HOPE THEY CAN ALWAYS BE PROUD TO SHOW THEIR "TRUE COLORS".

THE ROCKET MAN

Greg is such a fun dad. He was so excited to launch this rocket. He worked on it for a long time. He was like a kid with the greatest toy ever. He built up excitement among all of the neighbor kids, loaded them in the back of his truck, and off they went. It was really funny, 'cause the one with the tall yellow hat was under the impression that they were actually going to take turns getting in the rocket and being shot up. He really had to build up his nerve before agreeing to go. Then he saw the size of the rocket, and reality set in. Absolutely classic stuff.

He explained to the crowd that He would be mixing baking soda and vinegar to create a chemical reaction that would result in the launch of the rocket. >>>>>>

Alright all you dads out there. This is a challenge. No "cats in the cradle stuff".

RABBIT TRAUMA DRAMA

The story of Oreo, the little rabbit.

O.K., so here's the story:We were driving home from church a couple months back. There's a sign saying FREE RABBITS on the side of the road. Greg pulls over. I say no no. Then Greg says "alright you guys, if we get a rabbit, will you stop bugging us about a dog?" Of course the kids say ya ya ya. We want that rabbit! Next thing you know we have a pet rabbit. Oreo is a good rabbit. Cuddles and everything. Problem is, He scratches everyone. Pretty soon, he is spending all of his time in the cage. He's making me sneeze and itch. It's messy. And we still get a dog.
After Christmas, The rabbit is never held or paid attention to. Poor little Oreo. I'm the only one to feed it and give it water. We all decide that we should let Oreo go on "the mountain". "He'll find a new family and a home there". So, we take little Oreo up the mountain, and let him go. A couple of chilly and rainy nights pass, and guilt is setting in for Greg and I. Next thing you know, one of the little

neighbor kids who frequently plays on "the mountain" yells, "I found Oreo!" All of the kids run up to greet him. He's alive and doing fine. They feed him carrots and pet his silky fur. "Oh Oreo, we are so glad you're doing good." Meanwhile, Maddi and Lexi are walking Lexi's dog, TANK. Tank is a very good (and huge) puppy. They hear that Oreo has been found. They run to see the cute little rabbit. Tank spots the black and white ball of fir, and takes off, pulling Lexi down. Both girls together can't hold him. Tank gets Oreo and shakes him around. Blood curdling screams come from all of the kids. "Oreo's dead! Oreo's dead! Tank killed Oreo!" Truly any dog would have done the same. The neighbors come out to see the commotion. One of them got it on video. Then they say he peed on himself and was breathing really fast. I told Greg to get off the phone, and go kill Oreo, so he wouldn't suffer anymore. Greg (rattled) goes to look at the rabbit. Meanwhile, a guy down the street is bringing up some plastic bags to dispose of him. Greg comes down the street holding the rabbit. "He's fine everyone. Calm down. He's going to be just fine." (Of course he won't put the rabbit down.) He's petting him and takes him in the back yard. Everyone just watches and stares. The kids breathe a sigh of relief. "Is he really fine, Greg?" You can guess. He takes him to a different mountain to "live". Every one's happy. Including Oreo, who is eating carrots in rabbit heaven.

MAD SKILLS

WE'VE NEVER CLAIMED TO BE THE MOST COORDINATED
FAMILY IN THE WORLD, BUT CHECK OUT AUSTIN ON HIS RIP STICK, AND LARZY ON A BIKE.

IT'S BEEN A BIT OF A JOKE AT OUR HOUSE THAT THE NEIGHBOR, JAY TAUGHT LAUREN TO RIDE HER BIKE. WHERE'S GREG? A DAY LATE, A DOLLAR SHORT. ...the cat's n' the cradle and the silver spoon... ha ha IF ANYONE REALLY KNOWS GREG, HE PROBABLY SPENDS MORE TIME WITH HIS KIDS THEN ANY DAD YOU KNOW.

Yes, I know, get off. Greg can ride like a stinkin' teenager. Not me. I already said, not coordinated.

CHRISTMAS MORNING 2008

SUCH A FUN CHRISTMAS. I HOPE WE DON'T REGRET IT.

JOY JOY JOY

B E L I E V E R S-I WISH THEY COULD STAY THIS WAY FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(AUSTIN'S NOT OPPOSED TO BEING MISSING. HE'S AT A SCOUT CAMP WITH HIS DAD).





I think all kids have a secret plan. They make their Christmas lists, and then, when they go sit on Santa's lap, a week, maybe a day before Christmas, and Santa asks them what they would like, they tell him a totally new thing. It was never mentioned before. Then Santa says "no problem". Seriously kids. Not cool.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAUREN! 6 BIG YEARS.

Thank you Brooklynn, Canyon, and Hudson for making it such a special birthday for Lauren. Special thanks to Madeline and Lexie for their help.