New Years Resolution?

Among many others (cause I have a lot I need to be better at!) is to blog again.  Maybe this will be one resolution I can keep up with... for once!  =)  Happy New Years!!!

What do Mormons and Royals have in Common?

Modest wedding dresses!

News is out that Prince William finally proposed to his girlfriend of 8 years (not in common!), Kate Middleton and now the world is already all a-buzz over the Royal wedding detials. I, of coruse, can't wait to see the dress!! Today on People.com they previewed the Royal weddings of old and I could not help but take note of all the sleeved dresses... and most of them absolutely beautiful too.

I wonder what Kate's dress will look like.  Any guesses?

Quick with the Wit

Every holiday we can expect a hand written note, or card, or postcard from my dad.  This is a special treat because the man is witty... seriously funny and smart!  He spends time writing all of his his kid's families - that a lot!   And, it must he said - the man has perfect handwriting. 
This morning I received his mass family e-mail anouncing the birth of my sister's baby and couldn't help but smile.

"Old news by now to most of you... But congratulations to Allison and Tristan on the birth of Tate Sinclair French at about 1:00 am on Friday, November 12.  Weighing in at 6 pounds 13 ounces; measuring 20.5 inches in length; and batting .337.  Allie reports that he is very good looking.  I propose a [French] toast:  'Here's to new baby and proud parents!'

Grandpa Jim

That makes an even dozen (but who's counting?)." 

It also it reminded me of the e-mail he sent when my James was born... read here.

I really love my dad.  Obviously, since I named my first born after him. ;-)

Little Man Tate is Here!

Allie and Tristan welcomed their first born early this morning in California.  Tate weighed in at just under 7lbs and was 20.5 inches.  I heard he did not cry when we was born, nor when they pricked his little foot for the PKU test.  I heard he make little grins a lot and seems content with life.  Mom is happy and well.  Dad is proud and is my favortie person for calling me right after Tate arrived!  I was never happier to answer a 4 am phone call. ;-) 

Tate, little man, we love you. 

We hope you are good to your mommy and daddy. 

We can't wiat to see you. 

Love,

Auntie Lauren, Uncle Danny, and cousin James

I mean... Why not!?

Many of you will begin your holiday shopping soon and I want to give you something to consider.

My cousin Mike, who is a former police officer, started a charity called " Pennies for Heros" that is "dedicated to providing help to the families of our fallen military men and women, fallen law enforcement and fallen fire fighters who have died or sustained serious injury while doing their duty to protect America.” 

Here is a part of a press release from the organization:

On Friday 10/29/10 we went into the home of slain Sevier County Sheriff’s Deputy Franco Aguilar to re-insulate it. We had learned that Franco’s wife Jamie was spending approximately $250-$300 a month on heat bills last winter. In the attic we were able to seal it (we found birds living in the attic space) and then blow in 2 to 2.5 feet of new insulation, significantly raising the R-value. The professionals who assisted us think it will cut her heat bills by more than 50% this winter.

Franco is one of four police officers killed in Utah this year. They are a fraction of the 140 that have died thus far in 2010 nationwide. In addition to the police officers, there have been 71 fire fighters killed. Many of these heroes leave behind loved ones like Jamie and her kids who need help. Last week alone, there were 9 police officers killed, leaving 14 children, and 10 grandchildren.

This Christmas, if you plan to buy anything from any of the following retailers, you can help these families by purchasing your items online & through our website. It will not cost you one penny more, and you will be helping us improve life for these people.

Wal-mart

Amazon

Sears

Target

Buy.com

K-mart

Office Max

Office Depot

(You can also purchase gift cards to be used at the store if you prefer shopping in person rather than online.)

I mean... why not!? 
So when shopping at one of these retail stores this holiday season why not do it through "Pennies for Heros" website (which, don't worry, will send you to the retailers website that you are familiar with). 

Click Here to get shopping and helping!

Halloween 2010

 And we wonder where the pot-belly comes from...

  

 Hope you had a very Happy Halloween!

Watch Out John Legend!

I debated putting this up because I start to sing (EEEK) so, just ignore it.... and forgive me. =)

2 Years!

Hard to believe 2 years has past since James came to our family. James is a ball of energy. Full of curiosity. Happy as can be. Large and in charge. And, still has little hair. =)

We love you, J-Bird! Happy Birthday...2 weeks ago...Opps!

On October 10th we also remember our sweet Tyson. We made a special monkey cupcake with blue eyes to remember our adorable buddy with the big blue eyes. Even though you are not on earth with us now, I still feel like you are with us everyday. We think of you daily and are grateful that we were one of the families who got the privilege to know you best while you were here on earth with us. Through the years we hope James will understand the special "twin" he shares a birthday with and will want to be better because of you, our sweet Ty guy. 

Tyson, we wish you a Happy Birthday and hope that heaven has some really good cake.

We love you! And, miss those big, blue eyes!

Halloween Food

Check our Our Best Bites deliciously, disgusting ideas for Halloween! So gross, so fun, and so yummy too.

Humbled.

My friend lost her baby this morning. She knew that the baby had Trisomy 13 for a while and was told that the baby could pass away at any time - during her pregnancy or after delivering. So, the day came to be induced yesterday and around 7 pm she delivered a beautiful baby boy named Samuel. Samuel lived for almost 5 hours before returning to be with Heavenly Father.

I am always in wonder by these sweet little ones and their huge ability to change us. To make us want to be better. I guess their sweet innocence reminds us of all things pure in life. There is something about their purity that reminds us their is no room for anger, selfishness, and pride.

I am also always in such awe of their mothers. These mothers who give thanks, who love more, who understand their reason as a most special mother to these most special babies. Who instead of giving up, turn around and live a life filled with more purpose than ever before. Talk about refined woman. They shine they are so refined! I am grateful and very humbled to call these woman my friends.

When my friend, Amanda, lost her baby, Tyson, back in January I remember feeling each day this sense of honor in knowing him, in being a part of his life and the life of his family. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him. I am grateful for this because each time I think of him I am reminded of my desire to be more pure.

And, to my dear Joanie, I thank you for your example and for your sweetest baby, Samuel. I will honor him each and every day too. I love you.

A Little Beach Trip

Some friends from church own a little villa near a beach just west of Panama City

and invited us over to relax and enjoy the sun.

We had BBQ, swam in the pool, and at the end of the day stopped by the beach.

Monkey Island

We are lucky enough to have friends we knew from Mexico City here with us in Panama - it's a small ex-pat world! We are even extra lucky they are so cool and they take us out on their boat. On Labor Day we headed out on the Panama Canal to visit "Monkey Island". I had no idea how close we would come to these spider monkeys while feeding them bananas. It was unreal! James is still talking about "boat, monkeys, nanas" all the time. Thanks to Alethea and Curt for the amazing trip. I still can't believe we live here. =)