Cambodia (By Phil)

Just a few hours until I get to go to the airport and start the 24 hour trip home from Cambodia.

 

And what exactly was I doing there?

 

Well, I spent most of my time at the Cambodia School of Prosthetics and Orthotics...

 

Where the technology is a little more basic than I'm used to.

 

We did some didactic lecture

 

followed by some direct patient care

 

Some instructions on fabrication

 

and some wrap-up discussion

 

the obligatory group photo with attendees from Cambodia, Nepal, Pakistan, Myanmar, the Philippians and Africa

 

But, while your in town you have to explore a little....

 

Infamous Killing Fields of the Khmer Rouge

 

The Presidential Palace Grounds

 

Riding around in the Cambodian Taxi's or "Tuk-Tuk's"

(No, I did not drive...though I eventually got pretty good at crossing the street on foot...not a task for the faint of heart).

 

Playing odd stringed instruments

 

And my personal favorite...

 

Fitting Chkouk with his new prosthesis at the Wildlife Reserve

 

Thanks to all involved for a wonderful trip

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeffrey R. Holland

We had a wonderful Stake Conference today which was presided by Jeffrey R. Holland.  Being that this is pretty rare these days, I want the boys to remember it!  So, I'm going to print a few of his words in our blog book in hopes that they'll remember.  I thought it was so great that he talked to the Youth!

• The Quorum of the 12 Apostles and First Presidency are anxious, like all of us are about the youth of the church.  They spend a lot of time worrying about those in this last and greatest dispensation...not necessarily as a whole but as individuals!
• Our Families must be the greatest line of defense, with the church as back up!  And the kids must be as serious about as we are!
• We need to make sure we have are building on a strong foundation early!!
• He asked the youth to give a tithe of their lives!  10 years - particularly the years from 12-22 where so many decisions are made that will affect the rest of your lives and set the course for your future!
• Friendships are SO IMPORTANT!!  You also end up dating your friends - after you are 16 of course! - so be careful!
• Missions are so important as well.  He testified strongly of his mission and the influence it has had on the rest of his life.  Don't ask him whether or not to serve a mission - He made it pretty clear that you should!!
• These ten years will be a blessed and life shaping decade!!

Having a son that just turned twelve, this talk was heaven sent and eye opening to me!  I love my boys so much and have that same anxiety for them.  I hope and pray that we can do all that we can to give them a strong foundation to build on.  I'm grateful for such a wonderful husband who is a great example and teacher to these boys.  I can blah blah as much as I want, but really, they truly listen when he speaks and acts.  I was also very impressed how in tune Elder Holland was with the members of the church.  They have so much on their plates and yet I felt like he knows exactly who we are, our struggles and our desires.  I was very grateful to be in his presence today!  I am grateful to be a member of this church!

 and love these boys!

And a happy new year!

Just teaching the kids that we are all in this together and that we have to learn to lean on each other...

  Then leading by example...or stupidity! 

 Jacob competing with one of his favorites.

 Micah's threat letter to Baby New Year...who he had just found out about!

 I think this is the first year the kids were actually awake at midnight.  We must have put too good of a movie on (Despicable Me 2!)

The pyramid says it all.  Thanks family for helping us build such a great foundation for these kids.  I love that we are able to build these relationships and to keep them strong together.  Here's to a great 2014!



Christmas Day!

It's kind of sad to look back on, but I guess we're 19 days closer to next Christmas, so I shouldn't complain.  Christmas came and went quickly!

 The Humble Tree

 The boys were up bright and early, but we held them off until 6.  Jacob got a new Ravens sweatshirt, football, Fake Book, a football book and in his stocking a pack of 20 mechanical pencils since he can't seem to keep track of them at school.

Santa knew we weren't quite ready for a lego-less Christmas so Ben got a new Lone Ranger set (that he has transformed into a Hobbit set) a story kit, some new clothes and socks, books and a game he loves called Dominion: Posterity.

 Micah also got legos and a book kit, a new Real Salt Lake shirt, Apples to Apples, and Stick Dog (book).

 We also gave in and got an XBOX (Way to go mom for standing in line on Black Friday Eve!) and my favorite was their new blankets I had made them in December that I was very excited to give them and they love! Yeah!!

 After having a wonderful Christmas morning together, we heard some sad news that Phil's brother JD had passed away.  He had been struggling with MS for many years and didn't have a high quality of life, but it was still quite a shock to us.  It put a little bit of a damper on the celebrating.  We decided to go ahead with our Christmas Day plans, then Phil headed up to Idaho to help take care of things with his family.

 

We went to my parents house and all of my siblings and families were there.  My Uncle Larry also came to celebrate.  We had lots of cousin time,

Presents!,

 Games,

Beautiful music, (this was a big highlight for me seeing Jacob in on it this year!  I smiled pretty big during this hour!)

 

  some exercise time,

 some bonding,

 and of course a little media!!

 I don't know if it was the passing of Phil's brother or what, but I had a very emotional time leaving my parents this year.  I haven't been like that since we've lived in Utah, but I was very content to be with my family and their families and be a kid again at my parents.  It was hard to come back to the real world. 

 

And at the end of another year, that is truly what it is all about: Family.  I love my family so much.  We all go through a lot of other stuff through out the year with comings and goings, working hard, stressing out and learning a lot, but if I could end every year spending this time with the people I love so much, I'd pretty much say it is all worth it.  Thanks for a wonderful Christmas and another great year!

 

Christmas Eve

One of the very best things about living in the same place for seven plus years has been the traditions we've been able to have with our kids and extended family.  It really has been wonderful.  We made our way to Temple Square early on Christmas Eve to miss the crowds and the cold.  It was still beautiful and a great place to be this time of year!

 (We had to make a detour to see the flaming water!)

 

Love these people!

Then back to our house for dinner and the annual nativity, this year orchestrated completely by the kids.

Thanks for helping us remember the Reason for the Season!