mother's of little boys work from son up 'til son down

Disney Dollars

2012-02-24T12:52:00.000-07:00

We are starting something new at our house... Disney Dollars!! The boys are going to start earning them for things they do around the house, getting good grades etc to use on our trips to Disneyland!!

Using Disney Dollars can add to the fun of a Disneyland visit, especially for kids. Many people have heard of Disney Dollars, but do not know exactly what they are, where to get them, or how to use them. For those interested in purchasing Disney Dollars to use during an upcoming visit to Disneyland, the following information may be useful to you!

Disney Dollars are fun money to use at Disneyland - Disney dollars are a currency that can be used at Disneyland Resort, including Disney's California Adventure, and Disney World. Disney Dollars can be used at shops and restaurants inside the parks, and sometimes at concession stands within the parks as well. Disney Dollars are decorated in Disney characters and art, and are especially fun for children to use as spending money during a Disney vacation. Disney Dollars can be purchased in increments of $1, $5, and $10. Disney Dollars do not expire.

Disney Dollars can be purchased in multiple ways - Disney Dollars can be purchased on site at the Disneyland Resort, and Walt Disney World. You can purchase them within some of the shops within the parks, or at City Hall at both the Magic Kingdom at Disney World and Disneyland. They can also be purchased at your local Disney Store, or online through the disneydollars.net eBay store (although these are usually Disney Dollars that are no longer in circulation and therefore, are priced higher than the amount they are worth). Finally, Disney Dollars can be purchased through Disney directly via snail mail. Send a request specifying exactly how much you want in Disney Dollars, and in what denominations, as well as a check or money order payable to Disneyland for that amount plus $10 for shipping and handling to: Disneyland Resort (line 1), Ticket Mail Order (line 2), P.O. Box 61061 (line 3), Anaheim, CA 92803-6161 (line 4).

Disney Dollars are easy to use - Use Disney Dollars just as you would use regular money. Be aware though, that when you spend Disney Dollars, your change will be given in standard U.S. currency. For this reason, it might be better for kids to be given small denominations of the Disney Dollars. Additionally, if at the end of your Disney vacation you find that you have Disney Dollars left over that were not spent, you can exchange them back for standard U.S. currency. You can do this before you leave the resort, or at your local Disney Store when you get back home.

I am going to Africa!!

2012-02-09T20:22:00.001-07:00

2012-01-07T10:07:00.000-07:00

this year is our 5th year for our PCMC NICU project!!

2011-11-05T19:02:00.003-06:00

I need your help with my NICU (Newborn Intensive Care Unit) PCMC (Primary Children's Medical Center) quilt/hat project this year. With my recent health issues I have gotten far far behind :) Many of you know that our precious little Landon born December 15th, 2005 spent his first Christmas in the NICU at PCMC. It was a very hard Christmas for our little family because our sweet baby boy was so sick and couldn't spend Christmas at home with his family. For the past 5 Christmas's our family and cherished friends have enjoyed playing Santa to all the babies in the NICU. I have taken quilts/blankets and knit hats for all the babies who will spend their first Christmas in the NICU just as Landon did so they know they too are loved and that Santa didn't forget them. So here is where you come in...there are 60 NICU beds at PCMC and for the past 5 years everyone of them has been occupied on Christmas Eve by a precious newborn. This year with the H1N1 virus , RSV and seasonal flu infections expected to be extremely high, I expect that every bed in the NICU will be full again this Christmas. That is a lot of hats and blankets that need to be made so I need your help!! If you are a quilter, knitter or would like to help in any other way *or know someone who is* your talents are much needed and truly wanted and there is no time like the "present" to get started!! The snow is already falling and it will be Christmas Eve before we know it.... so if you would like to help, please send me a message of how to reach you and our family and the babies in the NICU will be forever grateful... Merry Christmas!!

Please send an e-mail to pcmcchristmas@gmail.com if you'd like to participate!!

There are only 50 days until Christmas!!

Jackson playing Santa Christmas Eve 2006

Meet the Hitchhiking Ghosts!

2010-10-17T18:25:00.002-06:00

Gus, Ezra & Phineas

VOTE

2010-09-28T08:30:00.006-06:00

We entered a

Disney Family Costume Contest!!

Please VOTE for us by clicking HERE!!

Once registered, you can VOTE once a day

until the contest ends on November 1st!

Thank you SOOOOO much for your support!!

SMILE

2010-09-14T19:35:00.003-06:00

on his way towards a million dollar smile!!!

Back~To~School

2010-09-14T11:02:00.004-06:00

Summer went by way to fast and all the boys went back to school!! Jackson was excited to start his last year in Elementary (although I am not *sniff*) and rule the school being in 6th grade and participate in Safety Patrol. It's his last year for fun parties in school and the year to get prepared for Middle school :( Ayden just loves his teacher Miss. Crocker and has a lot of great friends in his class. He is busy already learning his times tables and cursive writing! Landon couldn't wait to start pre-school at The Red Brick Schoolhouse and just loves it!! He can't wait to go to school with his brother next year...I can. It's going to be a great school year but I am sure it will be over before we know it.......

beautiful...

2010-09-07T16:46:00.002-06:00

I took this picture off my deck the other morning, it was such a peaceful and beautiful sight!

Soccer Boys!!

2010-09-04T11:48:00.007-06:00

The boys all had their 1st soccer games last Saturday. Despite the wind it was a great day on the field. Landon had his very 1st soccer game ever and he scored 2 goals!! He loved it and can't wait to play again :) Jackson and Ayden both played goalie for a quarter for their teams and did a great job. We look forward to a great fall soccer season and spending our Saturday's on the field. Way to go Cundick boys!!!

"And a little child shall lead them..."

2010-09-01T07:25:00.003-06:00

Watch this video first...

Worth Sharing...

I just watched Ayden - I'm assuming your son - and as it was written, "And a little child shall lead them..."

My heart is full right now, my eyes are swollen and it is hard to see. I sit typing to someone I don't even know but I can tell you a secret - there are no accidents - The Savior knew all of this and through God's plan of Happiness every finite detail of all our lives are as one picture before Him.

I was married in the Manti temple. We have two sons, both Eagle Scouts, both served honorable missions. My oldest graduated from from BYU last December with a Bachelor's in Psychology. I sat in a sealing room in the San Diego Temple and watched him marry his sweetheart, they now have a 7 month old beautiful little girl named Lily.

They came to live with my wife and me in our "retirement" home in the mountains of Colorado, they lived on the first level.

His wife, yet a sweetheart, had a rough childhood. Somehow and for some reason she and I just didn't get along. It resulted in their moving out. They went to her family in Mo., St. Louis, and he now works at Wal- Mart......

A couple months ago my beloved eternal companion announced that she had become disenchanted with "everything" and one day while I was at Church she and some friends backed a U-Haul type truck up to our house and in the 3 hours I was gone she cleaned out the house. She quit her job as a banker and went to out bishop to tell him she was leaving. That is all he could tell me.

I could not work, need oxygen at night to sleep, and was left with only a few pieces of furniture. I hired a property management firm to lease our home and I packed what few things I had left and came to Utah. I have a friend here that I've known for 28 years. He gave me a room in his basement where I'm typing these words now.

I went to the temple (Jordan River) last week and did a couple sessions to take a couple family file names through for my friends friends here. It was wonderful yet very lonely.

Today I had hoped to hear from my oldest and my youngest sons, my youngest is still in school at BYU, and nothing. No calls, no emails, nothing. Mothers can have amazing influence I guess and as I sat in my bishops office here today just to vent a little my only response was "I just don't know why??" What have I done? What have I not done to cause this to happen? My wife and I were ordinance workers in the Denver Temple until just recently. There is no explanation. The one good thing that the Lord has blessed me to know for a certainty in my heart and soul is that this has nothing to do with moral issues - for whatever reason my wife just "needs space..."

I do so pray that this is not the tip of the iceberg for many like me. After this happened I had two friends - one is a high council member - tell me without mentioning names that they know of two other situations very similar to this. One sister one day just got up and walked out leaving little children and her husband, a temple marriage, and went to Ecuador where she lived in a hut I'm told out near the jungle for several months all by herself. Then one day she just showed up at the door and her husband opened his arms and welcomed her back.

With me, I'm having to lease our home and that will be for a minimum of one year.

It is indeed the eleventh hour of the last days and as has been prophesied, "Satan will tempt and if possible draw away even the very elect..."

Be thankful for Ayden, families are forever, even if this life gapes wide the very mouth of Hell wide open in front of you, the Lord will never abandon those who love Him and follow His commandments.

Thank you for letting me vent - to someone I don't even know, but it feels right. The Lord knows all and I can testify that there are no accidents, nor is the pre-destination. His hand is in all our lives in ways we cannot imagine now but someday, someway, all will be made better and the bad turned to our good for those who are faithful.

My name is Ken, and it is hoped by me that there is someone special in your life who deserves a hug for Father's Day......

Lagoon

2010-08-29T19:15:00.002-06:00

We spent a day at Lagoon in Early August, it was a fun day. Landon won a huge dog and snake playing a water gun game and Jackson and Ayden won Jazz bears shooting hoops!! I think the games were the highlight of the day *LOL* Landon had fun riding all the kiddie rides over and over while Ryan took Jackson and Ayden on all the big rides! It was a fun summer day :)

out our window...

2010-08-27T14:54:00.008-06:00

a boy and his bike

2010-08-26T11:31:00.003-06:00

Landon got a new bike and has been practicing riding it without training wheels! He is a little timid about tipping over but I think he'll be riding it on his own before summers over :) Way to go Landon!!

Our new lawn boy!!

2010-08-26T11:27:00.003-06:00

Jackson started mowing the lawn a couple of weeks ago to earn some extra money. He does a really good job and says he'll mow twice a week til the snow flies!!

Snowbird

2010-08-25T19:26:00.007-06:00

King of the World!!
Priceless SMILE!!

Head over Heels!!

The end of July we spent the day up at Snowbird. We rode the tram up to Kings Peak and hiked down, it was awesome. At the top you could see the valley and it was so high up that it made me sick. I was constantly nervous telling the boys to stay away from the edge, I hate being afraid of heights :( We also went on the alpine slide, did the bungee trampoline (which everyone loved), the mechanical bull and the ropes course. Ryan and Jackson did the zip line, it was so much fun. Ryan and Jackson want to go back and ride the digger dirt scooters down the mountain but I think they'll have to wait until Jackson's a little older ;) It was a perfect day and we are so lucky to live so close to the beautiful Wasatch Mountains.

Skate Park

2010-08-15T14:02:00.002-06:00

The boys have had so much fun taking their bikes and scooters to the skate park this summer! They have gotten really comfortable with the jumps and skating the bowl :) It quickly became one of their favorite things to do!! Way to go boys!!

Sunflowers

2010-08-15T13:55:00.002-06:00

We have had so much fun watching our beautiful sunflowers grow from tiny seeds this summer! Some of them are over 9 feet tall and there are so many different colors!! We love watching all the butterflies, bumblebees and humming birds visit them each day. It's always brings a smile to your face when you see them :) we love sunflowers!!

Gaffigan, Sonic & Swimmy

2010-08-15T13:43:00.004-06:00

Meet the newest members of our family.... Gaffigan, Sonic and Swimmy. Bet you can tell who's who *lol* Jackson named his fish Gaffigan because he LOVES Jim Gaffigan and his fish is a white pale albino goldfish, we all laughed when he named him :) Ayden's black fin tipped gold fish is named Swimmy and Landon's is Sonic. The night we got the fish I made salmon for dinner and guess what.... none of the boys would eat. They said that now that they have fish for pet's they didn't want to eat fish *LOL* I guess going fishing's out now too!

‎'cause the pain that you've been feeling... it's just the hurt before the healing

2010-08-04T17:02:00.002-06:00

before & after

2010-08-01T11:10:00.002-06:00

Ayden has been growing out his hair this summer but yesterday he said "it was just to sweaty" so he went and got a haircut! I especially like the blue gel but is it just me or does he look older now?? What a handsome boy!!

Ayden's birdhouse

2010-07-29T11:47:00.004-06:00

Ayden had to build something of use for a project in Scouts towards earning his Wolf. He choose to build a birdhouse. He called his grandpa one afternoon and asked him if he would help him. Ayden spent an afternoon at his grandpa's and they came up with the design and built it together. Over the next few days Ayden sanded it and very carefully painted it. It turned out so cute that I couldn't wait to hang it in my tree. Ayden did such a good job and we were all so very proud of him. Thanks grandpa Russ for all your help and Way to go Ayden!!

finally a letter!!!

2010-07-26T12:02:00.002-06:00

Dearest nay nay, ryan, jackson, ayden, landon.

I was very touched by your letter and that story about Cory and Quinn. Amazing. I love you so much. I am so glad to be here on my mission and to be able to know about God's plan for all of us. A lot of people have been dying lately. In the earthquake some people that I knew died. But I am glad that I know that death isn't the end. All I have to do is remember who I am and help others remember too.

Hey, when you told me you had pneumonia I think I caught it from you. I have been pretty sick lately. But I am getting better. Today it ¡s pretty warm but we are in the dead of winter here.

My mission has been the best best best experience of my life. I still have trials but I am so happy to be able to have a different perspective about them. I wish you could know me today. I am like the old Christopher but better! Woo! haha. I love it here because it's like God takes away everyone and everything I know so that I can finally get to know Him. I don't know everything about Him yet but I sure do know that He loves me. Sometimes it can be hard when everything falls apart with "golden" investigators or when the members don't like missionaries or or even when its just really cold. But have remembered that I have a father that loves me a lot. I don't want to be fake and say that the mission isn't hard, cause it is. But I have help. I have a goal to life my life in such a way so that every day when I wake up, Satan says " oh, no he's awake."

Hey Jackson, happy birthday. I can't believe that you are 11 already! crazy. I miss you sooooo much. I am going to some home in no time and play b ball with you. This morning I played and I was terrible. I need to practice haha. I got the mission curse!

I hope all is well over there. I love you Renee, Ryan, Jackson, Ayden and Landon!!!!

11

2010-07-23T07:28:00.009-06:00

Where does the time go? I can't believe Jackson is 11!! For a month I have been counting down the days wishing time would slow or stop but today is here and Jackson is 11. I am truly blessed that Jackson is my son. Jackson is always surprising us with his 's big heart, caring and compassion for others. His laugh is so very contagious... if he starts laughing you can't help but smile! To know Jackson is to love him, his is one of a kind.

HAPPY BITHDAY JACKSON!!!

1. Jackson got his first stitches this year when he tripped and fell on a broken pickle jar!

2. Jackson loves to draw

3. Jackson loves Dill pickles

4. Jackson favorite color is PINK you can often find him in hot pink lax socks!

5. Bedtime is a dirty word to Jackson

6. He loves to be in the water

7. Jackson loves Orange Fanta

8. Jackson loves sausage with maple syrup

9. He loves fishing

10. He loves to watch Jim Gaffigan and Brian Regan

11. Jackson loves to play and watch sports

cub country

2010-07-22T08:51:00.003-06:00

I had the opportunity to go to Cub Country with Ayden's Wolf pack Wednesday and it was so much fun! The boys did a lot of fun activities to pass of requirements towards earning their wolf but I think their favorite thing was shooting BB guns! I think they could have shoot them all dayand been very content :) We got wet during a flash rain and hail storm and we all go so dirty but it was a very fun day at camp!!

camping, mornings and BACON!!

2010-07-19T18:39:00.002-06:00

These are my boys favorite pancakes, I think they could eat them for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You will LOVE them!!

2 eggs
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
5 Tbsp unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
1 1/3 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
6 slices bacon cooked crispy and crumbled

Cook bacon in skillet until crispy and drain. Crumble into small pieces, set aside to cool

Separate the eggs so that the yolks go into a large bowl and the whites go into the bowl of a stand mixer or a bowl large enough to fit a hand held electric mixer.

Add the buttermilk and melted butter to the yolks in the bowl and beat together. In another bowl mix together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder and baking soda.

With a stand mixer or electric mixer, whip the egg whites to hold soft peaks about 2 minutes.

Now pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and stir lightly until just combined. Some lumps are OK. Fold in the egg whites until just combined. It's OK if some of the whites aren't fully incorporated. Gently fold bacon into batter.

Rub a non-stick frying pan with a bit of butter and heat over medium heat. Add batter to pan to make whatever size pancake you want (I like small ones made with a heaping tablespoon of batter - my pan fits about 5 of these at a time). Pancakes are ready to flip once a few bubbles appear on the surface and and the tops are starting to go dull. Flip and cook another minute or two.

If you wish you can keep the pancakes warm in a very low oven while you cook the remaining batter.

Serve with Maple Butter!!

a perfect summer salad time :)

2 medium head broccoli, cut into individual florets
1 medium red onion, chopped
1 cup raisins
20 pieces thick cut bacon, cooked and crumbled

mix together:

1 cup mayo
2 Tablespoons cider vinegar
2 Tablespoons sugar

toss everything together and chill for 1 hour, enjoy!!

lessons learned...

2010-07-18T08:00:00.000-06:00

an amazing experience

2010-07-17T10:33:00.011-06:00

This morning I had an amazing experience. My brother Cory's best friend Quinn passed away in an airplane crash 3 weeks ago. This morning my brother took his ashes up in his plane that they built and flew together and set him free amongst the clouds in the beautiful big blue sky.

My brother called me 3 days ago and told me the plan of spreading Quinn's ashes and asked if I would come and take pictures. Yesterday evening Jackson and I went out to airport #2 and took some test shots and Cory took a couple of test flights to iron out the kinks. It was a scorching 107 but it was well worth it. I don't have any pictures of my brother flying so I jumped at the chance remembering some thing Quinn's mom had said... At Quinn's memorial his mom said that she didn't have any pictures of Quinn flying and that the evening that he crashed they planned for him to fly over so that they could take some. Sadly, he never flew over and she never got the chance to take pictures of her beautiful boy in flight.

This morning at 7:45 I heard him coming for the west and saw his tiny plane approaching Quinn's parent home. Tears started streaming down my face as I thought of the pain my brother must be feeling saying his final goodbye to his best friend. He made his first pass over Quinn's home and I tried to get focused and wipe the tears from my eyes as I saw Quinn's family on the hillside looking toward the sky ready to say goodbye. I waved at my brother and at Quinn's family and tried to focus on the plane through my lens. As he made his final pass I saw the powder start to exit the tube as tears ran dwon my cheeks and my heart ached. He turned toward the west, Pilots who pass away are often referred to as "gone west" so his turn west was to honor Quinn and a aviation tradition. Then in the distance I saw him wave the wings of his plane saying his final goodbye to best friend. It was a very emotional experience and I was so honored to be part of it.

As I drove home Cory called to tell me that not all of Quinn's ashes escaped the tube and that he was going to release them over the site of his crash at airport #2. As I approached the airport I saw my brother circling in the distance and pulled over near the site. As he passed I saw the powder again escaping the tube with the beautiful mountains in the background and again tears began streaming down my face. Quinn will now forever be above the clouds where he loved to be and he will always be my brothers wingman and guardian angel.

our boys

2010-07-13T08:40:00.009-06:00

who needs a water park!!

2010-07-12T09:46:00.002-06:00

The boys got creative on a hot afternoon last week and made their own water slide :) It kept them busy for hours but now we have a hole at the bottom of the slide that we need to patch where their bottoms hit :) I love summer!!

Sea World

2010-07-09T09:51:00.002-06:00

San Diego Zoo

2010-07-07T18:08:00.000-06:00

Remembering Quinn

2010-07-03T16:55:00.002-06:00

PAUSE (II) MUSIC PLAYER BEFORE PLAYING SLIDESHOW ---->

Quinn Michael Falk April 30, 1976 - June 26, 2010.

Quinn is my brother Cory's best friend. They have been inseparable since 9th grade and have shared a 20 year friendship. They were bonded together for their shared love of aviation and enjoyed building and flying their own aircraft. They both participated in restoring historic air craft and love flying to air shows around the country. Quinn died on June 26, 2010 when his plane crashed due to engine failure as he was preparing to tow the SL Bee's banner. Quinn's memorial was on July 2, 2010. He will be greatly missed by many.

flying above the clouds

2010-07-02T08:56:00.000-06:00

cucumber's don't just taste good...

2010-06-30T19:10:00.002-06:00

1. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

2. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.

3. Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!

4. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!!

5. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

6. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don't have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.

7. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!

8. Stressed out and don't have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.

9. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don't have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

10. Looking for a 'green' way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but is won't leave streaks and won't harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.

ski town shoot-out

2010-06-28T10:28:00.004-06:00

Over Father's Day weekend Jackson played in a lacrosse tournament in Park City. They put together a Brighton Bengals Thunder team and Ryan helped coach, it was so much fun. We decided to stay in Park City for the weekend during the tournament and stayed at the Dakota Mountain Lodge at the Canyons, it was amazing! The staff was wonderful and our room (mini house) was aWeSoMe!! We were treated to an amazing sunset every night from our balcony, it was breathtaking. The boys swam everyday between games and at night at the pool while Ryan and I read, relaxed and enjoyed the fresh mountain air. Jackson's team played great and Jackson scored during the last game :) It was so much fun to get out of the city to the beautiful Wasatch mountain's, we forget sometimes how lucky we are to live so close! We look forward to going a a mini vacation very soon :)

STORM Lacrosse

2010-06-23T16:50:00.002-06:00

Ayden had so much fun playing lacrosse this spring and Ryan had a "ball" coaching! He finished the season with 3 goals and looks forward to playing this fall too! We are quickly becoming a all lacrosse all the time household *LOL* We had so much fun cheering for him and his storm teammates, way to go BENGALS!!

Remember, no toy get's left behind!

2010-06-17T09:19:00.001-06:00

BUZZ

2010-06-14T09:22:00.002-06:00

What does BUZZ do when he get's dirty???

He takes a "meteor" shower!!!

Can't wait for Toy Story 3 in 4 days!!!

Chords of Strength

2010-06-07T18:32:00.004-06:00

My cute boys got to meet an amazing young man today... David Archuleta! David recently released his new book Chords of Strength and had a book signing today and the boys just had to go. Landon kept saying "Hi David" over and over and didn't want to leave it was so cute. David signed their book "To 3 awesome Cundick boys" how cute is that!! Ayden quickly found a chair to start reading. David even took a minute to send a short message to my brother Chirstopher who is serving a mission in Chile!! We can't wait until his new CD comes out in the fall and we will forever be Archie fans!!

The Happiest Place on EARTH

2010-05-17T14:42:00.005-06:00

We has a fantastic trip to Disneyland. Sunday morning we started out bright and early at 7 am for our "magical morning" and it was pure magic! We basically had the park to ourselves for about an hour and a half so we rushed to ride everything that would get very busy later in the day. The boys rode everything in Tomorrowland and we even made it through most of Fantasyland before 10 and then we stopped for a little breakfast at Village Haus, yumm! My sister Michelle and her cute little family Gregory and Donovan drove down from Fresno to spend the day with us. Her hubby had never been to Disneyland and it was fun to be apart of his and Donovan's first magical trip :) My brother Cory and his cute family Beth and Riley also joined us Sunday afternoon, it was so much fun. They planned a trip to Disneyland the same time we did and they even stayed at the same hotel. We all went and had a wonderful dinner at The Blue Bayou in New Orleans Square (the restaurant you can see when you are riding Pirates) if you haven't been GO, it is soooo worth it!! We all enjoyed a fun night together and my boys loved being with thier cousin's Donovan and Riley :) We ended the night with the amazing fireworks display, nothing beats the fireworks at Disneyland, NOTHING it pure MAGIC!!

We spent 5 days at Disneyland and it was so much fun to spend time with Cory, Beth and Riley here and there. We loved being able to come and go so easily and have some fun in the sun at the pool between park days. One of our favorite rides Big Thunder Mountain was closed for maintenance and they were working on the whole Rivers of America area so we missed seeing Fantasmic :( We were all excited to see the Captain EO Tribute with Michael Jackson, the boys loved it!! No trip to Disneyland is complete with out Mickey ears....my boys searched for the perfect ones and they found some really cute ones. Landon choose a Haunted Mansion theme pair, Ayden's were Pumpkin Mickey/Jack and Jackson were crazy neon Mickey's! It was a fantastic magical trip and we can't wait to go back very soon!

Disney's Grand Californian

2010-05-15T10:17:00.004-06:00

We started off our vacation at the fabulous Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, it was amazing! Our cute room had bunk beds with a trundle for the boys and a queen bed for us :) We had a view of the pool and we could see Disney's California Adventure Park too! The hotel was amazing and the staff were all wonderful and accommodating during our stay. We loved the cute "i spy" mickey carpet, Bambi shower curtain and the whole Disney rustic logde feel of the hotel. The hotel has it's own entrance into California Adventure so you don't have to fight with the crowd and the best part was being able to walk back to the hotel at any time for a break.

We spent a day at the pool and the boys loved the water slide. The slide attendant called Jackson "King Jackson" because he went up and down for an entire hour straight! My boys are fish and loved the pool being so close! My brother Cory and his family Beth and cute Riley planned a trip the same time and they stayed at the hotel too so we had fun spending time with them at the pool and at the Storytime Cafe for a character breakfast. The boys "loved" meeting Turk, Chip & Dale, Keni and Koda during breakfast but little Riley feel in love with Dale and snuggled with him, it was so cute!

The hotel was wonderful and all the Disney special touches and amenities for us and the boys made it the best part of our trip. It was so nice to be in walking distance to Downtown Disney for shopping and a hop skip and a jump to Disneyland and California Adventures. We can't wait to go back, soon!!

Our Padawan's

2010-05-14T10:18:00.004-06:00

I think the highlight of the trip for the boys was Jedi Training Academy at Disneyland. They could have done it all day and been very content. It was so cute to see Landon go against Darth Vadar and not even flinch, he looked so little! Of course we couldn't leave without some new light sabers for them to "practice" with. They all have asked when we are going back so they can do it again. It was so much fun to watch them and see the excitement in their eyes. I sure feel safe at night with 3 Padawan's under one roof!!

school pictures

2010-04-23T17:34:00.003-06:00

Jackson and Ayden will only be in 5th grade and 2nd grade for another 20 days!! Where does the time go? Jackson is looking forward to 6th grade *gulp* and Ayden can't wait to be a 3rd grader *i can, sniff* I look forward to a wonderful summer filled with lots of sun, sports and spending time together!!

Tebow goes to Bronco's!!

2010-04-23T09:52:00.000-06:00

WAHOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Happy Earth Day!!

2010-04-22T09:05:00.004-06:00

I am the Earth
And the Earth is me.
Each blade of grass,
Each honey tree,
Each bit of mud,
And stick and stone
Is blood and muscle,
Skin and bone.

And just as I
Need every bit
Of me to make
My body fit,
So Earth needs
Grass and stone and tree
And things that grow here
Naturally.

That's why we
Celebrate this day.
That's why across
The world we say:
As long as life,
As dear, as free,
I am the Earth
And the Earth is me.

April Showers

2010-04-21T10:16:00.000-06:00

Hope & Faith

2010-04-20T09:07:00.002-06:00

Thought I would share...

This is a letter from my mom's cousin Ben's wife Lori... Ben lost his battle with cancer last year and was a close friend of Elder Andersen's.

Beloved Family,

One week ago yesterday morning the phone rang. The man identified himself as our good family friend Elder Wilford Andersen of the quorum of seventy. He visited with me, Liz, Kathy and Doug in Hospice a week before Ben passed. Ben was quite heavily sedated but at one point he moved or scraped his nose or something. Wilford went to his bedside leaning over Ben's face, took his hand and said, "Ben, it's Wilford. I sure love you." Ben signaled that he wanted up. He stood with assistance and held out his arms. Wilford came to that side of the bed and they embraced. Ben, would not sit down until Elder A did. Then unfolded a beautiful, precious exchange. The spirit distilled and there was a communication taking place mostly without words. We were spellbound. It was minutes after that beautiful visit that Ben uttered his "assignment".

Last week he called and asked how I was and then each of the children. He then said, "Lori, I have been given the assignment to speak in general conference and feel impressed to speak on Hope. I'm calling to ask permission to use an excerpt from a letter Liz wrote and posted on the care pages." He read it to me. I remembered it like yesterday. It was telling about the night Dr. Runfola came into the packed hospital room and announced that there was nothing more that could be done. Ben was sitting on the side of his bed. When the doctor was walking out of the room, Ben turned to those in the room and said, "Is there anyone in this room who has a problem with the plan of salvation?" Then he spent an hour or so telling us about the night he KNEW there was a God.

Elder Andersen will not be sharing our names, but the great and valiant testimony of our husband, father, brother, uncle, Pa, etc. will be declared across the airways for millions to be edified and moved. This is a general conference wherein every family member needs to attend, no matter activity or standing in the church. Each of us are a part of this tribute. Ben is on assignment, let us gather our families and feel what may be felt.

Lastly, Elder Andersen who is on a six year assignment to the Dominican Republic shared that he had been in Haiti. With great reverence he shared of witnessing these people there who come to church each week happy and smiling and yet, "they have nothing, absolutely nothing except faith in Christ.." He told me that he has come to understand that the way to have hope is to BUILD FAITH. As he spoke of those people, I could sense a kind of holy envy. He said, "I believe we will each come to know sometime in our lives that circumstance does not create happiness. Faith is the builder of hope."

In Remembrance...

2010-04-18T12:39:00.007-06:00

Michael Todd Cundick April 18, 1970 ~ February 22, 1999

Michael Todd Cundick, 28, passed away from this earth February 22, 1999 to join his Heavenly Father.

Todd was born April 18, 1970 to Russell Charles and Adrienne Beckstead Cundick. He leaves behind him many loving friends and family members.Todd was an accomplished pianist and he loved to write poetry. He had a natural ability to express himself through his music and his poems. He was a student at Salt Lake Community College, he was studying the fine arts. Todd loved the outdoors and enjoyed hiking, skiing, biking, rollerblading, and camping. He shared his love for Gods earth with everyone around him. Todd loved working with his hands drawing and anything that involved detailed work. Todd will be missed for his tender heart and sweet spirit that he shared with those around him.

Survived by his parents, one brother, Ryan (Renee) Cundick, grandparents, Larry and Marguerite Huber, grandmother, June Beckstead, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins that cared for him greatly.

We will miss you Todd.

HAPPY 4OTH BIRTHDAY!!

A perfect time to get out...

2010-04-16T15:00:00.004-06:00

some of our favorite places to visit

Starting tomorrow, Saturday April 17th, the National Park Service will be offering FREE entrance to ALL National Parks in the country thru Sunday April 25th! They really want to encourage people to go out & enjoy all 392 National Parks in the US. Many parks will also be offering organized events, talks, volunteer clean-ups & other projects to encourage people to visit this week. Earth Day is on Thursday April 22nd this year and it's a perfect day to get out and enjoy the beautiful world we live in.

You can find a national park to visit on their website: http://www.nps.gov/npweek/ :)

Holland

2010-04-14T14:18:00.009-06:00

I spent last week in Holland and it was amazing!! Ryan's parents planned a last minute trip and asked us if we wanted to come along. Ryan's passport had expired but he told me that I should go since I have never been to Europe, what an awesome hubby I have! We flew out early Easter morning and landed in Amsterdam at 7 am just as the sun was rising over the city, it was picture perfect. We took the train and tram to our hotel at Leidse Square. I have never seen so many bicycles is all my life, they were zooming everywhere and I almost got ran over a couple of times during our stay. Amsterdam is a city full of canals so getting around on a bike is the easiest mode of transportation. At any given time you will find 9,000 of them rushing around, they even have parking garages for them! Everyone spoke great English (most spoke Dutch, English, Spanish and French or German) and were so nice that it made getting around and asking questions very easy :) We went to the Anne Frank Huse (house), Oude Kerk, Dam Square, Rembrandtplein, Jordaan, Magere Brug, The Rijksmuseum, The Van Gogh Museum, The Red Light District (during the day), Amsterdam Tulip Museum, Nieuwe Kerk and took the canal boats everywhere, it was amazing!! Amsterdam is 12 feet below sea level and is the largest city in Holland. It was established in 1275 and has so much history, it was awesome!!

One night I got antsy and took a canal boat tour of the city, it was so beautiful. The tour went on canals that aren't open during the day and I got to see a whole different side of Amsterdam. All the bridges have lights on them and even some of the buildings so it gives the city a very romantic feel, made me miss my hubby :( It even took us down a canal in the middle of The Red Light District and I saw all the red lights...oh la la ;) It was so much fun!

We also ventured into the waterland (country) to The Keukendorf in Haarlem, Edam, Volendam, Wormer, Hoorn, Den Haag, Broek in Waterland, Marken and Katwoude. We went to a working windmill built in 1672 that was making peanut oil, a cheese farm and clog huse (house) in Wormer. I had so much fun picking out wooden shoes for my boys and tasting all the cheese, yummmm :) The Kenkendorf was an amazing garden in Harrlem that had beautiful gardens and fields full of flowers , I could have stayed there ALL day and been very content. In Den Haag we went to the Madurodam a place that has all of Holland in miniatures, it was so cute! We loved visiting all the waterland towns and seeing all the windmills along the side of the road.

It was a wonderful trip but to be honest I got home sick and missed my boys so much! I look forward to getting over my jet lag... 26 hours of no sleep being on an airplane or in an airport will do that to you ;) Thanks Ryan for being such a wonderful hubby and taking care of the boys so I could go on a great trip, I love you so much!!

Michael Bublé

2010-04-02T09:14:00.006-06:00

On Wednesday night I got to go to Michael Bublé with my mom, dad and sister Chanelle, it was so much fun! We had great seats and the music was amazing, I wish I could go again!! He put on a great show and I will forever be a Bublé fan. Coming out to a blizzard and getting out of the parking lot...not so fun :) But it was worth it!!!

Happy April Fools Day!

2010-04-01T02:37:00.000-06:00

Letter from Christopher!!

2010-03-29T13:06:00.007-06:00

I was so happy to get this short letter this morning for my brother Christopher! I am so thankful that he is receiving packages :) The St. Patrick's Day package was sent to him on the 19th of February and he just got it today *LOL* I guess better late than never! We are still collecting and shipping relief kits so if you would like to help please let me know.

“None of us should become so busy in our formal Church assignments that there is no room left for quiet Christian service to our neighbors” ~Spencer W. Kimball

Dear Renee,

I got another package of hygiene kits and the st patty's package, and the cards! Thank you, Thank you! They are helping a lot with everything especially my spirit. This last week they transferred me from Conce to Cauquenes. Me and my companion cover the whole sector, its huge! The whole area has a lot of major destruction because the houses are made from adobe and because its the closest to the epicenter. There are no store's open and the hygiene kits are helping so much, thank you! And everyone that has helped, it has been a blessing to have them since supplies aren't available all the time. Send more if you can, they are very very needed here. We are working very hard everyday from dawn to dusk to get the town up and working and going again. The aftershocks have become part of my everyday life but it's still hard to get use to. Everything that was damaged in the main earthquake is now crumbling to the ground with each aftershock. Please pray for me and the people of Chile.

1 Cor 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

D&C 4:2 Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.

I love you sis thanks for everything,

Elder M

Screamin Banshees

2010-03-29T09:52:00.009-06:00

Jackson 1st indoor football game was on Saturday. It was hard to get use to the short field but it was so much fun. Jackson threw a beautiful pass for a touchdown and ran a touchdown that got called back :( His team won 18 -15 Way to go Banchees!! He has games every Saturday until May so if your free come cheer on our #1 and the Screamin Banshees with us!!

Do your BEST!!

2010-03-26T11:34:00.004-06:00

Last night at pack meeting Ayden got his bobcat and several other awards in sports and music! Jackson is working really hard to get all 20 pins and his Arrow of Light in Webelos before his birthday in July before he goes into Boy Scouts! He got awards last night for travelers, geology and outdoors man! They love scouts and are looking forward to going to camp this summer, way to go boys! We are so proud of you!!

Ayden's 2nd grade program

2010-03-26T11:06:00.003-06:00

Ayden had his 2nd grade program about all the US Presidents at the end of last month. He talked about George Washington and did a great job! They sang songs and all of the kids each talked about different presidents :) They all drew a self portraits and Ayden's was really cute!! It was a great program and Ayden did a fantastic job. Way to go Ayden!!

footprints in the sand

2010-03-23T20:17:00.002-06:00

spring sports

2010-03-23T10:26:00.003-06:00

It's that time of year again, Lacrosse season!!

Jackson and Ayden both are so excited for lacrosse to start and this is the week!! Jackson had his first practice last night it was raining buckets, windy and cold but he LOVED getting out and playing. He is now on the Thunder league and is looking forward to a great season. Ayden starts practice tonight weather permitting there is snow on the ground right now :( he is still on the Storm league :) We all look forward the some great cradling, poke checks and scoops during the "Storm" and "Thunder"!!

Life is what YOU make it..

2010-03-20T08:38:00.005-06:00

I found this post on my cousin's blog and it brought me to tears. It is so true for most of us and really touched my heart...I could have written it myself. I hope you will find a quiet momnet in your day to read it and watch the videos and I hope you find in it something that touches your heart :)

I have discovered something life altering. I think you will agree, when you make this particular discovery, your life changes for the better. Be careful, this kind of attitude adjustment requires you to take personal time for growth. Are you ready for it? I am not sure you are. You want speed. You want MASS validation from the world. Your are comfortable with complacency. How about taking the time to learn how to enjoy what you have?

This discovery has helped me.

I want peace, I want to really get to know my children. I want to hold my husband. I want the time to serve my family and those put in my path. I don't want to miss a sweet sigh, a defining question, a smile, a hug from my husband and children. I want to enjoy the simple things in life.
Do you know what I am talking about yet? Okay. I will tell you. But I think it will require additional convincing.

YOUR EVERY DAY LIFE IS NOT BORING! Yes, Its true. I know you don't believe me, but please try. Just because the world is unaware of your everyday efforts does not mean your life does not have meaning. Just because you may feel uncomfortable in some way does not mean your life does not hold value! I think this is where you might have confused the issue: just because you feel discomfort, irritation and you don't get your way 99.9% of the time doesn't mean your life falls short in any way.
I believe that irritation, discomfort and NOT getting your way helps you stretch and grow, grants you depth and enjoyment that you deserve in every way.

Here are ways to enjoy your life and change your attitude and feel JOY!

#1 SLOW DOWN. I find that slowing down allows you to take the time to listen to that little voice and find opportunistic moments to serve your family and those around you.

#2 SERVICE. As you already know service moments can feel very inconvenient. This is why slowing down your life, is key. When obvious service moments fail to show up, seek them out. Do it without money or expensive gifts. Do something that feels uncomfortable and you will feel growth and fulfillment. Serve like you will never get; money, a thank you, a hug, or anything. Serve to feel good. You will find your reward is increased love and compassion for those you serve.

#3 LET GO OF THE NEGATIVE! When you feel anxiety, under-appreciated and frustration, stop (or like my six your old says "PAUSE") and exercise your agency. Choose to let go of negative feelings (as hard as it may feel)!

#4 THINK POSITIVE. Work hard to muster up all the positive things you have gained from your service. You see, this kind of positive self talk requires lots and lots of practice and does not come easily. Think of your positive self talk like a muscle; it takes consistent and most ALWAYS uncomfortable effort to think positive.
Just because a negative thought pops into your head doesn't mean you are a depressed person. It is when you take that thought and you allow it to fester and build; you give it a name, you dress it up, you take it out to eat and give it a place to sleep. This is when this thought will lead you down the inevitable road of depression and chronic negativity.
On the flip side, when a negative though pops in your head, you must practice letting it go. Don't invite it in to stay. Sometimes, this can be very difficult and may require additional effort like, writing down your thought, you can even burn it later. Find a safe, appropriate person to vent. You can even get on your knees and pray to Heavenly Father for help! (Now just because I brought up prayer and Father in Heaven, don't discount me.) Prayer to Father in Heaven is a very real and live source of help. I have found deep insight for myself when I have been on my knees pleading for a change of attitude. I have also felt a sense of acceptance for myself as well as a comfort in my life.

Try to read on a little more. When I struggle with more difficult situations, I go through a study process. I write down my feelings and thoughts. Not as just a rant session. I dig for insight. I give my feelings words and try to describe them. I determine I must let go, but to do this I must exercise a bit more. I do this by finding a positive song (often times in the hymn book) and then I WRITE IT DOWN. I read a lesson out of the ENSIGN that pertains to my situation and I write down my favorite quotes from the article. I search the scriptures for verses that pertain to me, I write down those favorite verses. Last, I write down the thoughts that come to me as my attitude alters and changes. I write down what I have learned and gained. I write down my blessings. I write down a past experiences. I have even found other helpful books, articles and online talks that provide inspired insight to the situation. You can start the study process with a prayer and end it with a prayer. I get on my knees and beg Heavenly Father for additional help and insight and then I write down those thoughts that come to me as inspiration. I must always pray and thank my Father in Heaven for helping me with inspiration as well as the materials I searched to find insight.

This has been like my personal university, my personal study hall as I have tried to create an environment of learning, from my personal life experiences. I am less afraid of feeling irritated or feeling inconvenienced, because I have found that I can exercise my agency and turn these feelings into "moments of learning and self growth."

I challenge you to find ways to be positive on a regular basis. I have other ways of remaining positive, like, surrounding myself with positive media, uplifting music, books, shows, etc. I keep my conversations positive with family and friends and learn from their efforts to remain positive.

#5 APOLOGIZE. You may feel you are always right in certain situations. You may have a good point. But your point of view is just that, YOUR POINT OF VIEW. No one else's. If you express an opinion and it is rejected or you have offended the other person. STOP talking and listen. Listen as hard as it may be for you. If you find your situation escalating out of control take a breather, internally or step away. Show maturity and do it calmly. Then apologize without the use of the word "but." For example, "I apologize for arguing and not hearing your point of view but I did it because you..." Just apologize and try to hear and see another point of view.

#6 FORGIVE. Forgive, forgive, forgive. Your perspective will be altered and you will find joy in this.

#7 LAUGH! LAUGH! Laugh. Laugh, love and enjoy life people. If you don't feel like laughing. Smile, even while driving down the road. Force yourself to smile and see what happens.

Look at every day life as a positive experience that will grant you a wonderful new perspective. This perspective will stretch you and allow you to become a well refined human being. I challenge you to stretch and exercise your positive muscles! ~Sharee Hale Jones

kindness

2010-03-20T08:30:00.002-06:00

Kindness, can be shown in many ways,
a gift you buy, or debts you pay.

A sweet word to someone blue, or just
listening, to someones point of view.

Acts of kindness, should come naturally
to you. Never noticing what you've done,
until its through.

Flowers picked right from the yard, or
something you've worked for, very hard.

Just taking time to let a loved one know,
just how far, for them you'll go,

A complete stranger, in dangers way, your
act of kindness they've no need, to repay.

Whether its something your asked to do, or
just because, you wanted to.

You never know when you may be in need, of
a sweet and kindly deed.

When an act of kindness comes your way, it
brightens up a gloomy day.

If the chance should come your way, show an
act of kindness today!

~Makala Shay

perspective

2010-03-19T15:08:00.003-06:00

...the Earth emits a low continuous droning sound;
a murmur distanced in silence by modern technology;
it reverberates from West to East, echoes North to South;
the sound resonates throughout nature,
in the quiet of the night it whispers a call;
The Earth sings with closed lips,
an ancient tone known as
"Earth Hum."

cupcakes

2010-03-18T09:53:00.003-06:00

My sweet boys wanted to help their uncle Christopher in Chile and all the other missionaries that lost their supplies during the earthquake and tsunami on February 27th. After many ideas they decided on this great project! After a long day of baking, after school they walked around our neighborhood selling these adorable and yummy rainbow cupcakes! 2 of their cousins Isabella and Taylor came over to help, they had a fun afternoon in the sunshine. They were so thrilled that they were able to raise $270.00 for the missionaries!! One of the most wonderful rewarding times of being a mother is when your children find true joy helping others and seeing the smiles on their faces and the sparkle in their eyes made the 6 hours of baking totally worth it. Thank you so much to all of you who so generously donated :) Way to go boys, I am SO VERY PROUD OF YOU!!

Happy Green Day!!

2010-03-17T08:53:00.000-06:00

Letter from Christopher, Terremoto 8.8 aftermath March 15, 2010

2010-03-15T14:31:00.002-06:00

Dear Family,

I am having the greatest, hardest time of my life here in Chile. Concepcion is better. It has really calmed down since the quakes and looting. Almost everything is back to normal. Water and power is back. The stores are open too. We are teaching more than doing service now. There is still a curfew. They changed it on Thursday from 11pm to 6 am. Last night there was a scare because there was a nation wide power glitch where it just turned off in the whole country. Rumors quickly spread that it was government doing because they knew that another earthquake was coming. False. We woke and there was power and no earthquake. There were tremors like every day, but it was normal. Renee said that you told her that I talked and sang in church yesterday. Who told you that? Did I? how strange...
I have no news any of those missionaries all I know is that they are ok. Nothing else.

Here is the 8.8 story. I think that I can finally tell it because my mental capabilities aren't working off of adrenaline anymore.

Anyways... When I normally sleep I toss and turn a lot. On the 27th of February I was tossed and turned more than I could have imagined.

At first I just thought that it was raining because I could here things hitting the roof but I didn't know what. Then I heard the fridge fall over and the glass in the microwave shatter. I hopped out of bed not knowing what was going on. I, then gripping the wall for balance, found shelter under the door frame. Seeing that Elder Chapman was still asleep, I yelled "earthquake! earthquake! EARTHQUAKE!" I don't know what he was thinking because he told me, "hey, quiet, I'm sleeping," and closed his eyes. Then realizing what was going on jumped out of bed and put his shoes on. We ran out of the house fast. Minutes passed and the shaking didn't stop. I was scared that the giant billboard right above the house was going to fall. It was shaking violently. All of a sudden we saw the pandemonium brake out as our neighbors started yelling "tsunami! tsunami!" Thinking only about how close we lived to the river we thought that it was possible that a tsunami could reach us. As we ran for about twenty minutes towards the hill in our sector, the shaking continued at a weakened, but bone rattling strength. Then we stooped and prayed, the whole while trying to find balance as the earth continued it's angry awake. The feeling was unmistakable that we should go back and help people. We put on jackets and went around asking people if they needed help. We could see that most houses we intact outwardly but that the insides had been close to destroyed. We found people very shaken up emotionally but mostly ok physically. We found many families in great need of comfort as they yelled, "my mother!" or "my son, he lives next on the beach in Penco!" another cried. Wanted to calm them, we decided to sing hymns. Even as the tremors continued a calming Spirit came and we felt strengthened. About an hour after the quake we heard many explosions. Later we found that a chemical lab had exploded and that a bridge next to our sectors had fallen and that the cars had on it had also exploded.

Later, finding that everyone was ok, investigators and members, we tried to call our leaders in vane being that all communication was down. As the sun rose we saw the real damage as we saw that many older homes had collapsed. We spent that day calming people and trying to clear the rubble. We found sanctuary that day with the Olivas.
The next day I was able to talk to you. At about 9 am, a want-to-be-army dude came and warned us that we needed to find food for the next months because all supermarkets would be closed. He said that one close to us was "gifting" food and that we had to get there before it was closed. When we went we found that the "gifting" was actually a dangerous looting situation with people stealing mattresses, plasma screen TVs, and a lot of alcohol, a little food. We left quickly as we saw that the walls were about to collapse on the looters. About 10 died. Later we went downtown and saw that many very tall buildings had toppled. The worst was an apartment building. Other buildings we passed looked like they were about to collapse. Finally we found the office. The office workers were sleeping as we entered. We saw that the wall had many cracks and fissures. We received instructions that we should save water and food and help as many people as possible.

For the next few days we saw many other buildings topple as the tremors hit. We also saw the worst damage of the looting as hundreds died burning in buildings they were looting. From 6pm to 12 the next day we were to stay in the house. At night we were woken up by many fire fights right outside our house between the looters and the military. A few days after we went to Talcahuano to see if we could help. Some of the worst damage we saw was in Talcahuano. Many boats had been lifted to land. It was a strange sight to see huge navy boats in the middle of the street.
The next day we went to San Pedro, but we had to leave quickly as we saw that the escaped prisoners and the looters we looting everything and starting fires without any resistance of the military of police. Events such as these continued for many days all the while we were locked in the Oliva's home. Of course it was difficult and very stressing. But understand that I have seen this earthquake as a great blessing. I feel so much stronger because of it. I have seen that many people have been humbled because of it. One of these is Alex, the 19 year-old son of one of my converts, he was a good kid before but now he is ready now for the healing power of the Atonement. He wants to serve a mission too. If that is the only miracle of this, it was worth it. But there have been many others too.

As we see many people choose Christ, others have lost their faith. Last Sunday and yesterday there were dissension and open apostasy. At the same time I have felt that these Sacrament meetings have been the most edifying for me. We now see that it is true that in the Last Days that the wicked will get more wicked and the righteous more righteous. I have learned so much from this experience. Truths that one can only learn by experience.

Since last week I have moved back to our own house. It is a two floor home the only con is that there is no oven. The address is in Lorenzo Arenas, Concepcion Chile.
My comps name is Zachary Chapman. He is a cool kid since the earthquake, it'll be ok. He's from Alpine Utah. I have found that I need as many copies as possible of the PeaceGiver in Spanish. Also more works pants and shorts and shirts.
I believe that another wonderful thing would be some chocolate . I haven't gotten any packages yet.

It is so good to hear that all of you are helping so much. Thank you. I think that the best thing to do is to send the things that you have already gotten and pray for us. Also, you can help the missionaries that have lost everything by either sending things or by depositing in my account. Either way is helpful.

Today I read Helaman 5. It was very good. Read it. That's how I feel.
I love you all, thank you for all of you letters and everything. I hope I have answered all of your questions. if not, next time.

Love you, Elder Christopher Morgan

Rainbow Cupcakes

2010-03-10T14:24:00.000-07:00

Letter from Christopher; Terremotos y el fin del mundo, Earthquakes and the End of the World

2010-03-08T22:12:00.003-07:00

Hello,

I honestly don't know where to start. What else is there to say than how amazing is the power of God. If you only felt the mix of feelings that I feel now...In the past few days I have learned a lot about God's plan for me and the Plan for all of us.

These really are the last days. That was a confirmation when I woke up and 3:34 in the morning last Saturday. Slowly the earth shook, and slowly I realized that I was experiencing an earthquake. Then the earth shook more violently. And it didn't stop, it seemed, never. Even now .

After that came the tsunami and the looting and the fires and, etc.. A lot.
During this time of trial and chaos, I have observed many foundations fall, literally and spiritually speaking. Many people are found asking themselves, "where is my strength?" I've lost my house, my work also doesn't exist, I have no computer, no tv. Where am I?" they ask. More precisely they ask. "who am I?" Seeing this i am grateful to know that I, nor they have been left alone in this very traumatic experience. I have had the Lord's help every step of the way. Now they have their rhetorical walls broken down so that they can also have this help as well.

I have learned more than anything that if you are prepared you shall not fear. I have seen that a people full of fear will do almost anything to survive. If we prepare spiritually by living the Gospel and by keeping a year's supply of food storage we shall not fear. Ever.

I have a feeling that this is just the beginning. We must prepare. From this moment on we must decide whom we will serve. This earthquake has divided this people in two. The line is more apparent between good and evil. As for me, I chose to serve Jesus Christ. I believe that that has been and will be the greatest decision I make. I have seen the alternative and it is nothing. I am His disciple.
I am safe and well, I we are going to get there. I know it. Pray until your knees hurt.

love you,

Elder Christopher Morgan

Read Doctrine and Covenants 122:7-8

pictures from Concepcion

2010-03-06T08:53:00.002-07:00

These pictures were taken on March 4th...so thankful our prayers have been answered and that water in beginning to become more available!

ksl

2010-03-05T10:18:00.003-07:00

Yesterday I was contacted by KSL to do a news story on my efforts to get Missionary Relief Kits to Chile. My sisters and I have been collecting supplies and donations since the8.8 earthquake last Saturday. I would personally like to thank Dr. Chester Smyth & Dr. Richard Ellis for donating oral hygine supplies for our kits, thank you from the bottom of my heart!! I was thrilled and excited at the opportunity to be able to tell our story and then maybe we could find someone who would like to help us deliver our kits to Chile. At this point we don't have a realistic way to get them to the missionaries who so desperately need them. When the story aired last night I was disappointed that they didn't focus more on our humanitarian effort and not about our families worry about Christopher and other missionaries safety. I do not want my brother to come home. I want him to be SAFE and to get him some supplies that he desperately needs. He LOVES his mission and I know he is where our Father in Heaven needs him. He is a Strong young man and has helped countless Chileans since the quake. Yes, I am very worried about him but he has NOT asked to come home. There are hardships and danger but my intention was to make more people aware that many missionaries now have nothing and recruit help for ALL of the missionaries serving in Chile! Some have no shoes and only the clothes on their backs, I want to help them so that they can continue the Lords work!! The story was slanted, yes he has been in a dangerous situation but we just want to help!! I HAVE prayed and I do have FAITH but as my brother says "Go and do, don't sit and stew." My sisters and I are doing!!

ksl.com - Sandy family worries for missionary's safety in Chile

Help for Chile

2010-03-03T11:35:00.004-07:00

Why? My little brother Christopher is serving an LDS Mission in Concepcion, Chile in the Bio Bio region (one of the hardest hit). After talking to my brother last night via Skype (what a blessing) after the 8.8 earthquake and 100+ aftershocks, he made it known that basic necessities and supplies are in dire need. He has been without fresh water since the quake and food and other supplies have become increasingly scarce. He and his companion Elder Chapman of Alpine, UT are staying with a family in his area that's home is still in one piece and safe. Curfew was put in place by the military at 6 PM and the family has to barricade the doors and windows each night to keep looters out, so crazy. He said that no relief has reached them from the church or any other source. Many of the missionaries only have the clothes on their backs after fleeing the seaside to escape the tsunami and falling buildings and are unable to get the basic necessities. He asked us to work on getting Relief Kits ready so when there is an opportunity to send them they are ready to go. The power in on in his area *cheer* but there is still no way to for them to get water, food or basic supplies. He also asked for continued prayers for the missionaries and people of Chile. I want to help them in any way I can. Please help us either by donating Relief Kits or by a $$ donation to buy the items needed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!

I started a blog to update the situation in Chile, Please pass it along to your friends and family and post in your blog roll, Thank you so much!! http://helpmissionariesinchile.blogspot.com/

update on Christopher in Chile

2010-03-01T09:04:00.005-07:00

I was contacted by a producer of GMA yesterday after they saw my Tweets about him on CNN the morning of the 8.8 Earthquake in Chile. I gave them the number Christopher gave my mom when he spoke briefly to her yesterday morning. They interviewed him this morning on GMA. How is it that GMA can reach him but I have not been able too, makes me crazy. I think I have dialed that number a hundred times :( Hearing his voice brought tears to my eyes and my heart aches for him. He sounded very calm and for Christopher I know that means he was really focusing on not breaking down. Christopher told my mom this morning that the conditions in Chile are quickly deteriorating, there is no food, water, power or shelter. The looting has gotten out of hand and the military is being very aggressive. They are not allowing people to be in the street but they don't know where else to go, their houses are in shambles and they are afraid of going inside because of all the after shocks. He has not eaten in 2 days and has had very little rest. Most of the members in his area (Bio Bio) are homeless and some are still missing. He has spent his days and nights helping to uncover people buried in the rubble and helping out in anyway he can. We are very blessed that he has been able to use a members phone to contact us. I know that there are many missionary families that have yet to talk to their missionary and Chileans unable to reach their families. Please keep him and the Chilean people in your thoughts and prayers. I love you Christopher and I am praying for your safety.

You can also check my moms blog www.becausethesunrises.blogspot.com and Christopher's mission blog www.elderchristopher.blogspot.com for updates.

Concepcion, Chile

2010-02-27T19:16:00.009-07:00

Talk about a emotional roller coaster.... at 1:30 AM mtn. time I was woken up by the ringing of my phone. I immediately thought, no good calls come at 1 in the morning. It was my mom and she was very upset, she said "are you awake, honey are you awake?" "yes mom" I replied and she said listen...I heard a CNN reporter reporting that Chile had been hit by an 8.3 earthquake! I started to sob as my heart pounded and my mom and I both screamed into the phone "where is Christopher!!" over and over. My baby brother Christopher is serving an LDS mission in the Bio Bio region of Concepcion, Chile. I ran downstairs and turned on CNN sobbing as the only images coming in were of fires since it was still dark. I dropped to my knees to pray for my little brothers safety and to find the strength to inform my siblings and comfort my mom and little sister who were in shock.

I was glued to CNN for hours, looking for any information on Facebook and Twitter. My mom and sister have "friended" some of Christopher's acquaintances in Chile on FB and they frantically sent out messages for any information about his safety, but there still has been no response. The Church HQ knew nothing for hours and it was agonizing. What should I do? I wanted to jump on a plane and go find him but how so I did the only thing I could, I prayed. I Tweeted back and forth with a corespondent at CNN and 2 of my Tweets went National but we still received no news. No one had any information about the Bio Bio region.

Around noon someone at Church headquarters said that all the missionaries were accounted for but then retracted the statement, so frustrating! It has been a very emotional day to say the least. There has been no power, no Internet, no cell service in most areas of Chile and they don't expect it any time soon. At 5:30 tonight we finally got confirmation that Christopher has been accounted for! But we still want to talk to him or at least have a message from someone that has seen him and I am hoping that will happen sooner than later.

I am still praying for his safety and that he may find peace and comfort during this very difficult time. I still can't pry myself away from CNN and am always searching the web for any bit of information that I can find. Please keep him and the Chilean people in your thoughts and prayers and I will post updates when I get them. I love you Christopher and I am praying for you and hope to hear from you very very soon!!

a daddy, a husband, a son, a brother , a friend but most of all a superhero

2010-02-25T09:34:00.006-07:00

You are my hero, Dad
You're my secure foundation.
When I think of you, I'm filled with love
And fond appreciation.

You make me feel protected;
I'm sheltered by your care.
You're always my true friend; and Dad,
When I need you, you're always there.

You have a place of honor
Deep within my heart.
You've been my superhero, Dad,
Right from the very start.

~Joanna Fuchs

enjoy today it will be gone with the setting of the sun

2010-02-23T09:08:00.000-07:00

amazing

2010-02-21T10:40:00.000-07:00

a time for everything...

2010-02-18T13:24:00.003-07:00

letter from Christopher :)

2010-02-15T09:22:00.002-07:00

Hola Renee and familia!

How are you!? I am great here! we are having a lot of success in the youth here in chile. We are goign to baptize a group of 8 friends the 28th. its awesome! This coming sunday we are going to baptize a young mother in the ocean and a little boy that just accedentally found us an told us that he wanted to get baptzed. I am safe and well. we found out that there was a deadly scorpion infestation in out house so we have to move again. Crazy! I am glad to hear that everything is good over there in utah. All except for eat a burger. I'll miss that place.

Thank you so much for the valentine package. I spent the day without a valentine. Thats ok haha. I loved the stickers. The little boy that's getting baptized this sunday loves them. This sunday we are going to do sharing time with them. I love it when you send me things but I hate telling you what I need. I need socks and maybe you can help mom with my ipod and camera. Other than that I love the cookies that you make.

I love you so much hermana. Thank you so much for everything and especially for your love and prayers. I can tell you that this time in my mission is the best time ever, but at the same time the worst. there are a lot of trials here and satan is really trying to get us and get us down. But because of your prayers and love and more than anything the love of God, I am thriving here. I love you. I have to go. Say your prayers and send my love to the boys. Give em a big hug!

Elder Christopher Mogan

Happy Valentines Day!

2010-02-14T13:48:00.000-07:00

Ayden maybe in the middle but he is truly one of a kind

2010-02-12T08:55:00.004-07:00

there's only one...Jackson

2010-02-09T15:44:00.005-07:00

families are not easily broken..

2010-02-07T21:26:00.003-07:00

MAKE SURE TO PAUSE MUSIC PLAYER BEFORE YOU PLAY :)

uniquely Landon

2010-02-04T08:52:00.002-07:00

Me I Am !

I am the only Me I Am
Who qualifies as me,
no Me I AM has been before,
and none will ever be
No other Me I Am can feel
the feelings I' ve within,
no other Me I Am can fit
precisely in my skin
There is no other Me I Am
who thinks the thoughts I do,
the world contains one Me I Am
this earth shall ever see,
that Me I Am I always am
is no one else but Me!

today...

2010-02-03T13:53:00.004-07:00

If I can endure for this minute
Whatever is happening to me,
No matter how heavy my heart is
Or how dark the moment may be~

If I can remain calm and quiet
With all the world crashing about me,
Secure in the knowledge God loves me
When everyone else seems to doubt me~

If I can but keep on believing
What I know in my heart to be true,
That darkness will fade with the morning
And that this will pass away, too~

Then nothing in life can defeat me
For as long as this knowledge remains
I can suffer whatever is happening
For I know God will break all of the chains

That are binding me tight in the darkness
And trying to fill me with fear~
For there is no night without dawning
And I know that my morning is near.

~Helen Steiner Rice

BuSy BiRtHdAy WeEkEnD

2010-02-01T10:00:00.004-07:00

Friday was Ryan's birthday so the boys and I surprised him with a trip up to Ogden to experience i fly! Ryan, Jackson and Ayden suited up and had a great time and can't wait to go back. After i fly we went bowling , had pizza and played arcade games at Fat Cats, it was so much fun.

Saturday all the Cundick boys bundled up for a day on the slopes at Brighton. It was a sunny beautiful day and they were all excited. Landon and Ayden had their first ski school classes and both did excellent job and can't wait to go back this Saturday. Ryan broke in his new ski boots that Santa brought him and he and Jackson ripped down the mountain together. We all had a wonderful day together as a family enjoying being together, the beautiful mountains and fresh air. We are so thankful for our many blessings.

hApPy BiRtHdAy RyAn!!!

2010-01-29T09:39:00.003-07:00

Haiti

2010-01-20T16:34:00.008-07:00

many times I have sat down to blog about the devastation in Haiti and I have been overwhelmed with feelings of hopelessness and sadness. Where do I begin...I guess with the smile of a Haitian boy named Jordan. In February 2008 Jackson, Ayden and I went on a Caribbean cruise with Ryan's parents. One of the ports was Samana, Dominican Republic. There we meet a young man named Jordan. His English wasn't very good but he had a smile that captivated you. He was from Haiti and went to Samana to find work. He had no family there and sent all his earnings back to his family. He had 13 siblings and was married and had 2 children of his own. He spoke Creole so it was hard to communicate. He took us on a ride in his motor cycle ricochet. He pulled us through the mountains weaving in and out of the cars. It was a very eye opening experience for us especially for Jackson and Ayden. They were stunned by how the people lived and had nothing. The city was very dirty and the beach was rundown and there was garbage everywhere. The boys just loved Jordan, he was so happy and played with them. That night back on the ship at dinner Jackson asked me if maybe Jordan could come live at grandma and grandpa's apartment so he could have a better life. It was really sad for them to think of their new friend Jordan living such a hard life.

In the spring of 2009 our entire family went on another cruise and again went to Samana. Once the boys knew we were going there they talked about how we could find Jordan. I honestly thought that it would be impossible but Jackson and Ayden were so excited that I didn't want to tell them that we might not be able to. Once on shore we asked some locals who did the same work if they knew him and they helped us find our friend Jordan. He didn’t really remember us because he meets so many foreigners but it was fun to see him again. He again pulled us through the mountains weaving in and out of the cars as the boys giggled and led us to a beautiful waterfall in the jungle. There he introduced us to other Haitian boys working in Samana, away from their families. we went on a hike through the jungle where he showed us local plants like coconut, mango, cocoa bean (chocolate), and the boys favorite the mimosa (like a Mexican fly trap plant). It was a fun day but the boys were sad to leave their friend again.
When we heard about the earth quake in Haiti the boys immediately thought about their friend Jordan...was he ok, was his family ok. I couldn't answer them as the tears filled their eyes. "Mom how can we find Jordan to see if he is ok" Jackson asked and I said that I didn't know. Every time they see or hear anything about Haiti they grow somber. What an impression Jordan made on my boys. He has been in their prayers and always close in their thoughts.

As the days go on and the horrific images of the earthquake destruction are shown, I am truly grateful for all of my blessings and will never forget the Haitian boy with an amazing smile that left his family behind to find work and that he might be in heaven or alone morning the loss of his family. Life is truly precious, don't take a single day for granted.

Jr. Jazz

2010-01-18T10:20:00.003-07:00

Jackson has been playing Jr. Jazz basketball for a couple of months on Saturday mornings and has really had a good time. He cut his hand during Christmas break but he didn't let that keep him from playing. He played with his stitches and splint and eventually he even took out his own stitches. We are all so proud of him. He is quite a little hustler and scores and average of 10 points per game :) He had fun going to a Jazz game with his dad and cheering on the Utah Jazz. Way to go Jackson!!

LEGO Mania...

2010-01-15T09:33:00.004-07:00

Santa brought the boys LEGO's on Christmas and they have had a ball building!! The new Toy Story sets are darling and Jackson is loving all the Star Wars ship's he has built. They are a great project for them *I just wish they weren't so dang expensive :)* and we look froward to many more...Way to go boys!!

time heals almost everything...give time

2010-01-12T11:35:00.001-07:00

today..

2010-01-05T09:30:00.001-07:00

Happy 2010

2010-01-01T09:41:00.003-07:00

Looking back on the months gone by,

As a new year starts and an old one ends,

We contemplate what brought us joy,

And we think of our loved ones and our friends.

Recalling all the happy times,

Remembering how they enriched our lives,

We reflect upon who really counts,

As the fresh and bright new year arrives.

And when I ponder those who do,

I immediately think of you.

Thanks for being one of the reasons

I'll have a Happy 2010!!!

Santa Claus is coming to town...

2009-12-30T12:30:00.002-07:00

We had a surprise visitor on Christmas Eve...Santa! It was so much fun but the best part is when Landon asked Santa for a hanger!! It was so funny. On the way home we asked him f he knew what a hanger was and he said "yes, it's to hang up my clothes" What a silly boy. It was a Christmas Eve we will never forget!!

pj's of Christmas past..

2009-12-29T18:21:00.004-07:00

Christmas Eve

2009-12-29T12:41:00.000-07:00

stitches for Christmas

2009-12-27T12:37:00.005-07:00

If you know Jackson, you know he likes no LOVES dill pickles. He goes through a large bulk jar about every week! Yesterday when I went to the store he reminded me that we were out so I picked some up. When I got home Jackson was helping me bring in the groceries and it seemed like slow motion.... the pickle jar slipped out of the plastic bag and Jackson slipped trying to catch the jar and the jar shattered on the tile stairs in our mud room and Jackson put his arms out to catch himself, right onto the broken jar! It sliced open his left hand, he began to scream and I am sure the vinegar in the pickle juice didn't help. I saw how deep the cut was, grabbed a towel to wrap around it and swooped him up in a blanket and rush to the ER. On the way Jackson passed out either from screaming or all the blood...it was horrible. He was so worried about not being able to golf, play football, lacrosse or even throw or catch a ball again that the doctor game him Verset to calm him down, he was a mess. At the ER he got an x-ray and a specialist examined his hand to see it there was any permanent damage. Luckily the glass only sliced through the muscle in his palm and didn't hit his tendon. 6 hours, 2 doses of Verset and 14 stitches later Jackson is resting at home. His is so disappointed that this happened on Christmas break...no sledding, snowboarding, or anything involving the use of his left hand for 10 days. Basketball is out for 3 weeks too and he is really bummed about that. I guess Jackson was bound to get stitches sooner or later with his active lifestyle but not on Christmas break * UGGGG* I feel so bad for him but when we got home I knew he was feeling OK because the first thing he did was ate a dill pickle, from another jar of course! Love you Jackson, we hope you have a very speedy recovery!!

our scouts

2009-12-17T16:35:00.004-07:00

Last week at pack meeting we made ginger bread houses, all the boys did a great job and they turned out so cute! Jackson earned his Webelo and several other pins and belt loops and is now focusing on his Arrow Of Light requirements :) He loves scouts and we are so proud of him. It was Ayden's 1st pack meeting and he had a great time. He participated in the flag ceremony and is working very hard to earn his wolf. We sure love our scouts...way to go boys!!

4

2009-12-15T00:00:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th Birthday Landon!!

I can't believe it...my baby is 4, yes 4!! It seems like yesterday that Landon was born or maybe I just remember it so well because it was so traumatic... Landon is one of a kind and I am so blessed *most days* that he is mine. Landon was due on Christmas Day but due to an emergency c-section he arrived a little early. Landon spent his first Christmas in the NICU at PCMC and took his first ride on an airplane when he was 3 hours old. We were all so happy when he came home and completed our little family. Landon is curios, outspoken, stubborn and LOUD very loud. A couple of weeks ago I told him to use his inside voice and stop screaming all the time he quickly replied with a smile "mom, them you wouldn't ever be able to hear me because I am the smallest" looks like he's got it all figured out. Landon is so lucky to have 2 older brother that adore him and that teach him everything. He can't wait to play sports like his brothers. He developed a very special bond with his daddy during the summer while Ryan was lucky enough to work form home and misses his daddy so much while he is gone. Landon loves to play Sorry with his daddy and will ONLY play it when he is at home to play. I asked him one day if he wanted to play and he said "mom, that's daddy's game" :) He always has it ready to go when Ryan walks in the door. Landon has grown up so fast and is no longer my baby. He has wanted to be 4 for a very long time. I don't know why 4 but he has been counting down and asking us when he will be 4 for as long as he was able to talk and knew about birthday's. I know he will love being 4 and I hope this will be his best year yet! We are all so blessed to have Landon in our family :)

4 things about Landon

1. He LOVES chocolate milk *it's pretty much all he eats*
2. He LOVES to play Sorry with his daddy
3. He LOVES to cuddle at night when he is tired *the rest of the time he is way to busy*
4. He has a smile that can make you forget why you were mad at him ;)

Festival of Trees

2009-12-03T09:33:00.005-07:00

Last night we went to the Festival of Trees with my mom and Chanelle, It was so much fun. Jackson Webelos troop handmade darling snowman ornaments and donated a small tree...they did a great job and Jackson was so proud to see his tree in the festival. The boys had a blast looking at all the amazing trees but their favorite was a Star Wars group of tress that had vintage Star Wars toys...it was out of this world *lol* We loved all the amazing and creative gingerbread houses and enjoyed yummy scones. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...now bring on the snow!!

a night with David Archuleta

2009-12-01T09:55:00.002-07:00

Last Wednesday night we went to David Archuleta's Christmas concert, It was a blast!! I bought his Christmas CD *a must have if you don't have it* a couple of weeks ago *it is amazing* so we were all excited for the concert. He sang one of my all time favorite songs Prayer for the Children by Kurt Bestor and it was breathtaking. He did an amazing job and my boys have been singing along with his CD all week. We look forward to seeing him again soon.

no time like the "present"

2009-12-01T09:11:00.004-07:00

There are ONLY 25 days until Christmas!!

I need your help with my NICU PCMC quilt/hat project this year. With my recent health issues I have gotten far far behind :) Many of you know that our precious little Landon born December 15th, 2005 spent his first Christmas in the NICU at PCMC. It was a very hard Christmas for our little family because our sweet baby boy was so sick and couldn't spend Christmas at home with us. For the past 3 Christmas's I have enjoyed playing Santa to all the babies in the NICU. I have taken quilts/ blankets and knit hats for all the babies who will spend their first Christmas in the NICU just as Landon did so they know they too are loved and that Santa didn't forget them. So here is where you come in...there are 60 NICU beds at PCMC and for the past 3 years everyone of them has been occupied on Christmas Eve by a precious newborn. This year with the H1N1 virus , RSV and seasonal flu infections expected to be extremely high, I expect that every bed in the NICU will be full again this Christmas. That is a lot of hats and blankets that need to be made so I need your help, if you are a quilter, knitter or would like to help in any other way *or know someone who is* your talents are much needed and truly wanted and there is no time like the "present" to get started!! The snow will be flying again soon at my house and it will be Christmas Eve before we know it....so if you would like to help, please send me a message of how to reach you and our family and the babies in the NICU will be forever grateful...Merry Christmas!!

Jackson playing santa at PCMC in 2006