Are you Prancer, Dancer or Vixen?

Happy Second Birthday!

2011-04-02T21:49:00.011-08:00

Today is A.J.'s second birthday. I guess you could say is birthday party started about midnight when Randy, who can't take surprises, had A.J. open his presents. He got an awesome outfit, some Thomas tank engines, a coloring book and some stickers. I finally got him to sleep about one o'clock this morning. Due to his late night it seemed like he had never-ending energy. The day continued with General Conference, the break between sessions was filled with cake baking, once the second session was over it was time to frost the cake. When I was about done frosting I asked Randy if it looked alright. He said, "we'll find out in a minute." He picked up A.J. who pointed at the cake and said with delight, "strawbee". Randy said, "the cake was perfect." Then with no nap we were off to the Pizza Parlor for dinner and then a movie. By the time we were halfway there A.J. was out like the sun during an Alaskan winter. This is how his birthday party started...Our friends met us at the parlor to share the "strawbee" cake and to catch the movie "I am number 4". A.J. woke from his coma by the time we started eating our pizza. Kaci was her happy self. During the movie A.J. started adding his own commentary..."oh no's" and excited squeals; so I took him into the quiet room. (At our theater there is a sound-proof room so you can see and hear the movie, but no one has to hear a noisy little one.) I think the dog was A.J.'s favorite character. He would exuberantly shout "puppee" every time he saw the dog. All and all I think he had a great day.

Kiddos

2011-03-22T15:10:00.012-08:00

I know I haven't kept up with since Kaci was born. Winter has been a bore. Snow, ice, wind, and more ice...typical Kodiak. Not much going on so I thought that I would talk about the kids and how much they are changing.
Starting with A.J. He is saying a few things these days like: "thank you", "baby", "puppy", "mommy", "ooce (juice)", "hi", "bye", but the cutest has to be "strawberry". He pronounces it "strawbee". He is a strawberry fiend. He gets so excited when he sees them, eats them or even hears some else say the word. One day I bought some and not thinking I put them on the bottom self in the fridge. Low and behold I open the fridge to get something and A.J. sees them, grabs the whole box and runs over to the corner and starts chomping them as fast as he could. It was so funny!There is only one other word that brings that much joy to A.J. and that is hockey. He pronounces it, "hoc". If he hears either of us say hockey he shouts "hoc" and runs to get his gear. A.J. gets so upset when he sees Randy get his gear ready and then leave without him. Just to show how determined A.J. is to get on the ice: one night he saw Randy getting ready for hockey. Randy left the bag by the door to do something else. A.J. opened the hockey bag and started taking unessential gear out. Once satisfied that there was enough room inside the bag he climbed in ready to go play hockey!A.J. is a hoot. He turns 2 on April 2nd. Can't wait to see what crazy things he has in store for us.

He loves his little sister. He calls her "baby" since he hasn't figured out how to say Kaci. They smile and giggle. I love it when he gives her kisses or puts his arm around her when they are watching TV. She smiles from my shoulder as she watches him play. Kaci is almost 5 months old already. She has huge dimples and the biggest grin; her whole face lights up when she smiles. She is starting to sit up by herself she giggles when I catch her as she tips over. She just started eating things other than formula. She shuddered the first time I gave her applesauce and then continued to eat it.

We are really looking forward to getting of the "Rock" for a spell. Sounds like we are going to have a blast with Moab, a sealing, Randy-Ike-n-A.J.'s birthday party and just getting to visit. Kaci will finally get to meet some of her aunts, uncles and cousins. I have a feeling that she is going to have them wrapped around her little finger.

Kaci

2010-11-29T13:18:00.009-09:00

I really can't recall how we came up with the name Kaci...but it was the only name that Randy and I both liked. I have never seen it spelled Kaci but it just seemed to fit. Anne is my middle name so that was easy.

It's amazing to think that 2 weeks ago Kaci came into the world. She was 8 pounds and 3 ounces. She was 20 inches tall. Her skin was a perfect pink. She was wide eyed, alert and taking in everything she could. I hope that she gets to keep her beautiful blue eyes.

Randy blessed Kaci on her birthday. Grandpa Martin, the bishop and a friend from the ward got to participate. We were glad to have Grandma Davis and Martin here to meet her. It meant a lot to both Randy and me to have family here. A.J. had a lot of fun with them too.

Happy Halloween

2010-11-01T15:02:00.007-08:00

I was really hoping that my next post would be a baby one but no such luck. For those who might want to see if throwing a big-ole ward Halloween party will help induce labor, it doesn't. Believe me I tried!

A.J. was adorable as Pinocchio. I was surprised he wore his hat as long as he did. I tried to talk Randy into being Geppetto but he opted for his Calgary Flames hockey jersey. Since I didn't look the part of the Blue Fairy and to be honest I really didn't want to be mistaken for Monstro the whale I opted for the safer look of a fortune-teller.

We had a good time and are anxiously waiting for our new family member!

The 4th on the 3rd

2010-07-05T10:49:00.001-08:00

We started off our day with a parade at the church. We followed the American flag and our Title of Liberty. We had three stations: one on America, one on the Title of Liberty and the third was face painting. A.J. actually let me paint his face, although it didn't last long.The parade was a hit.We had a BBQ at our house with some friends. We were sad that Randy wasn't home. A.J. and I were glad that we had friends to celebrate with. Joe and Marissa brought their kayaks over and we got to cruise the lake in style!A.J. didn't seem to excited about the fireworks. The truck tire was more interesting.We saved the big fireworks for when Randy gets home!

Attack of the Killer Dandelions

2010-06-24T16:13:00.000-08:00

We spent some time romping around in the dandelions next to our house. I was teaching AJ the fine art of blowing dandelions. He was having some fun blowing the white fuzz into the breeze...that is until he found another use for them.

Playing on Pillar Mountain

2010-06-19T10:18:00.000-08:00

We had some fun playing on Pillar Mountain. This mountain overlooks down-town Kodiak, the harbor, the Coast Guard base and has some pretty scenic views. On a clear day you can see just about everything on this side of the island.
These energy windmills were installed last summer. The can be seen from many locations down below. They hum as they spin.
We started the day off in the truck...by the end of the day we had the top and doors off the Jeep. So far we haven't had a lot of rain free days so we decided to take advantage of the moment. It was worth it because we had fun. Every time Kodi gets to take a ride she gets so excited. It's amazing how obedient she becomes the moment she is free to run. As we were walking around she would run out ahead of us and turn around as if to say, "Come on guys!"

Life on the go

2010-05-31T09:26:00.000-08:00

Our family has been on the go for about a month now. Randy headed down to San Diego for a shooting competition and A.J. and I headed to SLC to visit family. Randy joined us for the last few days of the trip. We were there for a little more than two weeks. It's always amazing how busy you stay when you are having fun. A.J. loved cruising around Grandma's patio on the four-wheeler. After spending a few days with his cousin, Ike, A.J. started walking. He is loving his new-found freedom.We got to do many things while we were in SL: we had picnics in the park, grandma's backyard, a bbq at Uncle C.J.'s, we went to the zoo,

we took a road trip to Lava Hot Springs, (where I got my first professional massage) and we took lots of walks. Grandpa and Grandma Cheryl even flew up from San Diego to see us. It was a great trip.

Our trip to UT was followed up by a trip to Anchorage via the ferry. We like taking the ferry because we don't feel rushed to get anywhere and can enjoy the ride. The views are awesome it's a mini AK cruise.

Our friends hitched a ride with us. It was great having someone to meet up with every once in a while. One of the highlights of our trip was stopping at Alyeska Resort where we took the tram to the top. It was warm enough that we didn't need coats. As you can see from the picture the view was worth the trip. Our trip ended with putting A.J.'s new bunk bed together. He has been out of the crib for a few months now and it was time for him to sleep in his own big-boy-bed.

worth a thousand words

2010-03-23T20:13:00.000-08:00

We are the bestest of friends What is that Kodi?

Yuck... not that

We're friends again

Sledding

2010-03-13T14:16:00.000-09:00

We took AJ sledding for the first time. There was a beautiful blue sky and a fresh layer of powder on the hill. AJ had the most fun being pulled around in the parking lot. Randy hiked a little ways and gave the snowboard a workout. I think that Kodi enjoyed the run more than Randy.

The Cutting Edge and Hockey!

2010-02-02T10:49:00.001-09:00

Randy got me a pair of ice skates for Christmas and he can't wait until AJ is big enough to get him a pair. As a family we have been spending some time at the ice rink. Baranof Park houses a full size hockey rink - for free, that's right I said it is free.

Randy has been spending 3 nights a week playing hockey. Wednesday and Saturday nights are pick-up hockey and Friday night is the only organized night. So that is the night that AJ and I go and watch him play. We got to see Randy play goalie for the first time this Friday. I think he wants to be more like Grandpa Martin---Grandpa is about 86 years old and still plays goalie---Randy did pretty good...and loved every minute of it. Now all he thinks about is buying his own goalie gear. In the head to head he was able to deflect a few pucks. This was my favorite shot. He was able to smack the puck away from the net.

Last night we went to skate for the the public skate an had some fun. The temperature was only in the forty's so it was pleasant. There was only 3 other people on the ice so that made it even more fun. We had to take turns skating because AJ can't be on the ice until he can stand on his own power...but that didn't matter. He would get so excited watching us skate past him. He's a tigger but when he would see one of us come past he kicked it up to hyper-drive.

Starting the New Year with a BANG!!!

2010-01-02T22:57:00.001-09:00

We had one amazing sunrise usher in the new year and had to share it. Randy and I started the new year off with a bang. We partied with some of our good friends: Ruger, Winchester, Walther, Leoupold, Benelli, Smith & Wesson, and Colt to name a few. Happy New Year!

AJ's first Christmas

2009-12-30T12:30:00.000-09:00

We had a blast for Christmas. We were invited to a Christmas Eve get-together at a friend's house. There was lots of people way to much food. It was perfect. AJ got to flirt with his girl-friend Betsy, (he had to show her the cool bell he snatched from the Christmas tree)

Randy got to wear is Carhart overalls without my protest, and I got to relax. The kids acted out the nativity. AJ was a lamb...I was happy that he wore his ears as long as he did.

We played a game with "Too-ta-doos". Our host's version of the white elephant game. It was really fun because none of us knew what was in the wrapping paper. We cleaned house. I got a match car motorcycle...that the boys wanted bad so I traded them. AJ opened a match box Scrambler...his uncle Cory would be so proud.

We spent Christmas morning hoping AJ would get into the wrapping paper but he had his own ideas on what was fun. Randy was excited to get the band hero game and controllers...AJ loved to drum sticks. He smacked them together like he was getting the band ready to rock and roll.

We spent the evening with with friends with another huge dinner. We had a blast! Bring on the New Year!

AJ and Santa

2009-12-20T22:17:00.000-09:00

So AJ met is first Santa on Saturday. I got one picture before he started to cry and Randy had to help him get away from the scary white-haired man dressed in red. AJ's reward for his trip to the famous lap was a small bag of candy. He latched on to the candy cane. It's amazing how much red-colored drool can be produced with the wrapper still on the candy cane! At least he got some enjoyment from something that was red and white that day. Randy and I got a good laugh both situations. Santa Claus is coming to town... Santa Claus is coming...to town!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-04T21:13:00.000-09:00

Just getting in the spirit of the holidays. The tree is lit, the house is warm, and winter is in the air. The new year will be here before we know it.

Welcome Winter

2009-11-12T08:58:00.000-09:00

This was my sun rise this morning (8:45 am). We had a good freeze last night. The sheets of ice on the lake were a beautiful sight. After living in sunny SoCal all that I can say is bring on winter...I have missed it.
Most people would say that I am crazy for thinking like that. But I LOVE changes in weather. I appreciate the following season more by having the current one.
Sorry Jeri...you HAVE to have the snow or else how can you water ski in the summer? In San Diego there is 365 days of summer (that means that I had about 1275 days of summer)...it gets old...so bring on the snow.

The Sorcerer's Apprentice

2009-10-29T08:55:00.000-08:00

Randy suggested that AJ be the Sorcerer's Apprentice for Halloween. So I made AJ's Halloween costume about a month ago. Then Randy comes home Thursday night and says, "I have an idea"... when he makes a comment like that you need to brace yourself for what ever follows. Well his idea was that if AJ was the Sorcerer's Apprentice then he needed to be the Sorcerer. Phew! That could be fun...but the night before the Halloween party? Well I spent all day Friday sewing something together. I wanted to buy or make a long-white-flowing beard and some long hair...good thing we didn't or Randy would have cooked at the church. Turned out alright and we had fun.

AJ is 6 months old!!!

2009-10-01T14:14:00.001-08:00

It's amazing how fast time flies. I can't believe that AJ is so big. He is eating mostly solid foods, sits up without support, and I am guessing that he will skip crawling and go straight to walking. My freind Amy took some pictures of him for me. She is trying to get into photograpy and if you want to see some of her stuff go to http://www.3inspiringsons.blogspot.com/.

These were some of my favorites-

I can drive stick too

2009-09-22T11:42:00.001-08:00

We took a drive out the road the other day. When we stopped for lunch AJ decided it was his turn to drive

Why we don't have a Chihuahua problem...

2009-09-22T11:14:00.000-08:00

The rail is the same in both pictures...

Any questions???

Fishing

2009-09-08T09:55:00.000-08:00

AJ and I went fishing this weekend with our friend Kent who was leaving to go back to BYU. Randy would have been with us if he hadn't been in Alabama for a class.

As it turns out salmon are a lot smaller than I expected them to be. I suppose it comes from hearing fish stories about the monsters that you catch in Alaska that I presumed that salmon would be huge. I was trying to catch a silver and was unsuccessful. But I did catch a pink...or should I say that I snagged a pink and had to let it go. I enjoyed myself anyway. It's amazing how fast time passes when you are not watching the clock.

We were fishing on the Buskin River. The grass was high and big clouds that blocked out the sun every once in a while. The fresh salmon were jumping up and down the river as those who had made their once in a life-time trek floated out to sea. I hadn't been fishing more than twenty minutes when I snagged my pink. I made sure that my friend took a picture in case that was the only one to find my line. Good thing I did.

As the water level began to rise we decided that we should find another spot to fish so we moved to the mouth of the river. It was beautiful to watch to bodies of water meet each other. The mighty ocean with the waves crashing down devouring the peaceful flowing river current. The contrast was amazing. It was an afternoon well spent.

Now that's something you don't see every day!!!

2009-08-27T14:20:00.000-08:00

It was about noon, I was minding my own business, I was taking out the trash when I looked out the sliding glass window toward the lake. Expecting to see the usual ducks, trees, water, and cloudy sky...I had to do a double take. WOW!! NO WAY!!!

Lets just say that our neigbor forgot to set the park brake and the Beamer mosied on down the hill and came to a mucky stop in the lake. The car wasn't freed from it's watery resting place until after two when the tow truck pulled it out.

The Jeep is tall now

2009-08-25T22:40:00.000-08:00

I've learned the down side to lifting the Jeep.
The stock 32's look like little wimpy tires.
The 35's Alyssa and I want won't fit on the stock rims
Therefore new rims are required

(J)ust
(E)mpty
(E)very
(P)ocket

Man going broke can be exciting

The fun begins...

2009-08-19T22:54:00.001-08:00

TERAFLEX 3" Lift arrived today...
Pics will follow as Alyssa gets them

Day 1...

That's big as me Dad... can I play with it??

Completed the Rear lift installation today. Getting into the front seat is easy. Alyssa needs a step for the back seat

Day 2...

All Done :)

I have to jump to get in now. Kodi is happy she's half tigger. AJ is the only one who still gets in with ease.

Who Are You??

2009-08-07T17:56:00.001-08:00

Too cute not to post it

AJ- you don't act like the boy who lives in the mirror...

Kodi- You don't play like the puppy who lives in the mirror...

Got Mud????

2009-08-03T10:27:00.000-08:00

Friday night Randy and I decided to head out for the night. We went out to dinner at Henry's and then took a drive out to White Sands Beach. It was still pretty early so Randy suggested that we go check out the view from the top of Pillar Mountain. They recently installed some of those wind energy wind mills up there. Very impressive I must say. The view is spectacular. From the top of Pillar you can see the base, the town, the fishing boats going out to sea, and lots of inlets along the shoreline...you have to see it for yourself!

Well on the way down the mountain we were enticed into the great mud puddles off the main road. We were having fun splashing, slipping and sliding. We got back on the main road when we came upon another path leading to what looked like a lot of fun and we couldn't resist. The brown mucky water called to us like and amusement park. We laughed, splashed and spun the tires causing a fountain of mud. Yet the jeep just stayed right where it was as more mud flew and the tires sunk deeper into the muddy abyss. Laughing I got out of the jeep, kicked off the flip-flops, rolled up the pant legs and tried to push the jeep out of it's hole. When we were sure that the jeep wasn't going anywhere Randy called our friend Kent so they could go and get our truck to pull the jeep out.

AJ and I stayed in the jeep. The forrest is beautiful. The sun was moving lower on the horizon illuminating the tops of the giant pine trees. The moss was wet and lush. I jumped a mile as a bird flew past the window. I didn't think that a bird could scare me like that. Thought it would be a bear or something like that. I was relived when I could hear our truck reving as it made it's way up the road.

Randy hooked the truck to the jeep and started to pull. His balding tread quickly filled with mud and slid into a lovely mud hole. About midnight it was really getting dark so we called it a night. Randy, Kent, AJ and I made the hike back to the house. I was walking down the trail when my feet slid and I landed on my backside. I immediatley started laughing..."nothing like falling on your behind to brighten you day!!!"

We made it back to the house about 1:30 in the morning, got AJ back to sleep by 2 and then by 4 Randy's cell phone started ringing. It was work saying that he needed to come in for a SAR (Search and Rescue) case. Knowing that both of our vehicles were resting peacefully up the mountain the only option was for Randy to take the Harley...which by the way as a battery that is crapping out. Luckily it actually started on the first try. Randy was out of commission for 12 more hours. That left me and Kent to get the vehicles unstuck. Thankfully Tony came to our rescue. He lifted 3 come-alongs from the high school welding shop and so that we were able to get the vehicles out. Kent and Tony are my car heros for our wild-muddy weekend!

Kodi's New Friends

2009-07-29T17:44:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately there are no pictures for this :'(
I was playing with Kodi on the dock behind the house.
Alyssa was playing with AJ in the living room (thus we have no pictures)
While Kodi was swimming after her toy, she caught the attention of some critters playing down the shore from us. They decided to come see what she was playing with. She got back out of the water just before they got down to us. Before I could throw the toy again she had jumped into the water... Nose to nose with 4 otters about 4 feet from the dock. When she realized they swim better than she does she decided to try to get them to play on the grass instead. They declined and swam away before Alyssa could get down with the camera. She did get to see the wake they made though.

4th of July

2009-07-06T13:33:00.001-08:00

Our Fourth of July weekend started off by a whole bunch of Eagles sailing around the lake. It was so fun watching them swoop, glide and land. It felt rather patriotic having them kick of the the Fourth of July weekend. Randy loaded us up with fireworks, we packed up the camping gear and headed to Roslyn Beach.

AJ didn't seem to mind the loud fireworks. He fell asleep while Randy was lighting them off. Kodi on the other hand took off running terrified. She ran into someone else's tent and woke up their baby. We couldn't say sorry enough.

Typical Randy..."What??? Can't you see I'm playing with things that go BOOM???"

Our Trip

2009-06-25T11:55:00.000-08:00

Mom and Randy's cousin Loren took the ride with us from SLC to Bellingham. We had to take Randy---fuming, because he hates site seeing---to take in some of the sites in Portland. The temple was beautiful...What else should you expect? We had fun walking up and down the river.

We were able to visit with Jessica and the girls while we were in Washington. Randy's brother came home after we had gone to bed and left before we got up the next morning. We were happy that we got to see them. Rex and Jessica are expecting a baby about February. Congrats guys!

This is the ferry that we took out of Washington to Juneau. It is called the Columbia. Randy says that the ferrys are like mini cruise ships. I could not complain about our accomidations.

People are allowed to pitch their tents on the deck of the ferry. So that they don't have to rent a state room. I am so happy that we had a WARM room, soft bed and a shower!!!

This is a Canadian lighthouse. I always picture lightouses as having a huge light tower but this is not so -- the errector set tower on the right is the light tower. I suppose a honking huge light is not needed as long as the boats pass safely around the bends in the watery roads.

We had a day to kill in Juneau. So we driving around and stubled accross the entrance to the Mendinhal Glacier. It was a great view and a lot warmer that I thought it would be. The shades of blue and green are awesome.This was the Kennicott. We hopped aboard in Juneau and rode it to Kodiak. I liked this leg the most because the views were prettier when we stopped and we got to see WHALES!!! Well evidence of them anyway. I was always seeing bits and pieces or taking the picture at the wrong time. Cheniga Bay was the best, there were two orcas playing. I caught the tail of one splashing in the water and they were both spouting near the cliffs.
This video is the welcoming committee for Kodiak. We were driving past and the Eagle didn't seem to care that we were there. I have never seen as many bald eagles as I have here in Kodiak.

Howdy from Alaska!!!

2009-06-15T20:03:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd let everyone know that we have made it here safely. We are all unpacked and happy to be here. Just have to let Jeri know that I have not forgotten about posting. I promised at least once a week. We are so happy to have a place to call our own again! So I thought that I would start off---catching-up--with pictures of our new home. We are living in town...not at the base. There is no way we would have quite as good a view or the space if we had gone into military housing.

If you ever wondered what people were talking about when they refer to the long days in Alaska...well...this picture of the lake was taken at almost midnight without any type of flash. It is amazing. The lake is Mission Lake and if you can see the snow capped peaks...those are in the ocean. Off to the rigtht, out of the picture is Mission Beach. When I was up here visiting Randy we were scuba diving there. I asked the guys if they had ever heard of whales being in the bay and they said no...the front page of the news paper the next day showed a picture of two Orcas in the very bay that we were diving in. Glad as a diver you don't look like a giant seal or anything.

All around the house there are tree carvings. We have an orca, a bald eagle, two bear cubs, a howling wolf, and some type of an imp. Randy says that it looks like Gismo from Gremlins. Sometimes I think that it looks like Dobby from Harry Potter...or at least a chubby cousin.

From the deck we can see the fishing boats, the ferry, and sea planes. We have ducks, geese, and bald eagles that hang out around the lake. Every once in a while a someone will row out into the lake. Kodi loves taking a swim in the water.

We are living in a tsunami zone so every Wednesday at two o'clock we hear the tsunami alarm test. Every place has its own hazards.

Life is great. When we got off the ferry I asked Randy if he felt like he was coming home and he said that he was. I have felt more at home here than I ever did in San Diego. A.J. and I take walks up and down Spruce Cape or Mission Beach. It is so nice to get out, look at the ocean, the rough pine strewn streets, breath the fresh air and stretch.

HOT!!! HOT!!! HOT!!!

2009-04-22T17:54:00.001-08:00

It has been about 100 degrees the last three days. I am not even exaggerating. The sun has been beating down on us. I think California is just reminding me why I am so excited to move to a cooler climate. All of my beautiful flowers have been torched! Good thing we only have another week here in the oven.

AJ has had a rough time sleeping through the heat wave. He's been sweating and sleeping very lightly so he has been kind of unhappy. But Randy found a way to beat the heat for him by taking him swimming in the cool bath tub. He was so happy kicking and splashing. After his time in the pool AJ had a nice nap and his hair got spiked.
"I don't know how to put this but...I am kind of a big deal."

Meet A.J.

2009-04-08T10:34:00.000-08:00

For those of you who haven't read everyone else's posts...AJ was born on April 2, he was 21 inches long and weighed in at 8 pounds/15 ounces. He is amazing. Born with a full head of hair and side burns. Giggle Giggle, what baby has burns? He is healthy and happy. We couldn't be happier than being his parents!

AJ is here

2009-04-03T21:51:00.000-08:00

Now there is an update to let everyone know. I'll let Alyssa put pictures up after she approves them.

On the Green

2009-03-26T14:48:00.000-08:00

Tuesday I spent the afternoon with Randy while he played 18 holes. I have to say that I really enjoyed myself. The afternoon was sunny at about 75 degrees and the canyon breeze was nice and cool.

As I cruised along in the golf cart I got to see Randy having a blast, a coyote run across the green, a doe prance across the green, squirrels playing in the bushes, and ducks swimming in the pond. It was peaceful and quiet. I think everyone needs to spend some time relaxing. It makes you appreciate everything so much more.

As a side note...off-roading in a golf cart is not an effective way to encourage a baby to come into the world faster!

Shower

2009-03-10T17:29:00.000-08:00

It's amazing how fast an empty closet can become filled with BLUE. We have been given so many gifts, it's a little overwhelming, but we appreciate it. We are down to the last 3 weeks and are looking forward to our new arrival!

There are many common questions I have been asked..."Is it a boy or girl?" I am always excited to say boy. "Do you have a name picked out?" I answer that we want to call him A.J. What does A.J. stand for...I know that's what you are wondering...Aston James.

I know that surprises can happen...and that the ultra sound can be misleading...but we will be happy either way!

New tricks

2009-01-31T17:58:00.000-09:00

Well for starters I finally figured out how to put sound on this thing.

Kodi learned a new word too. When we ask if she wants to go to AK she gets all sorts of excited and starts jumping on everything. It takes about 5 min for her to calm down and pay attention to anything.

It's Official

2009-01-26T23:21:00.000-09:00

We are absolutely positively going to Kodiak, Alaska. The dates of the move have yet to be set, but the destination is offiacial. There is light at the end of the tunnel. My time in the PRC (People's Republic of California) is coming to an end.

Alaska

2009-01-14T07:10:00.001-09:00

Sorry Randy was so vague in the previous post. We are planning on moving to Alaska---hopefully---in May. We plan on stopping in SLC and then heading off to Washington to catch the ferry to Alaska. With a new born baby we didn't want to take the long...long...long drive through Canada. If this doesn't work out the way we hope we will push the move back to June.

Future???...

2009-01-10T17:13:00.000-09:00

North to Alaska...

Christmas

2008-12-27T08:29:00.000-09:00

We've had a great Christmas. We are happy to be together and have family come and visit...and to see them go.

We look forward to the new year. Heaven only knows what the new year will bring for us but we know there are going to be many dramatic changes in our lives. We look forward to meeting and embracing them. All we can hope for is that we have made the best choices that we could in our current situation, learned from the ones we haven't and do our best when the next ones come along.

This last year has taught us a lot about ourselves. We love our families no matter what. We love to be around them and can't wait for our newest addition. Our goals are in line with one another and that makes all we do bring us closer together and closer to God. For these reasons we can look forward and be happy no matter what the future holds for us.

Remedial Education

2008-12-19T16:38:00.000-09:00

Guess I didn't get a passing grade :(

Education

2008-12-17T09:22:00.000-09:00

Our "guests" departed again last Sunday. I titled this one education because I'm glad I got the clif's notes version and not the 16-20 yr class. All the words I can use to describe my learning experience properly involve a 4 letter combination. My mom said I shouldn't use those words when I was little. I got a very brief glimpse into the growing up of Cam, Cory, Alyssa, Alayna, and CJ. Thank you for Clif's notes.

Just venting

2008-12-13T11:29:00.000-09:00

Alyssa says I need to relieve stress... so I am using this as an outlet today instead of the normal bike ride or shotgun trip. For those "in the know" already you understand. It would be easier to say on the phone then it is to explain typing. Let's just say Thanksgiving was interesting. We had a full house here. My parents came to visit for the first weekend in Dec... and our Guests have returned. Enough said for now.

Latest Baby News

2008-11-09T19:15:00.000-09:00

We had our 20 week ultrasound on Friday. We were really excited to find out if we were having a boy or a girl. Randy said we were having a boy, Survey said boy, ultrasound tech said boy....so chances are that we are having "suprise", a boy!!!

Randy said that the baby reached up and opened and closed his fist... he was waving at him. That made Randy happy.

Baby Update

2008-10-10T14:19:00.000-08:00

Today makes 15 weeks - 25 to go. Randy and I got to hear the heartbeat today! The experience was brief but cool. That inital sigh...ahh, things are going well. We have an ultrasound scheduled for Nov 7, that will be the fun one!

Double Trouble

2008-09-17T16:01:00.001-08:00

Today is Brock's 7th birhtday!! Happy Birthday dude!

To make the day more of a party we got a new nephew named Jared Aaron Veracruz. He was born this morning at about 3:15. He weighed in at 7 pounds and 12 ounces and was 20 inches long. When you give details like that babies sound more like fish than babies!!!
It seems that Jared couldn't wait to get here because an hour and fifteen minutes from time his mom and dad arrived at the hospital he was born. We got to meet him when he was about 10 hours old.
Randy wanted to play with Jared's fingers

while Jessica wanted to play with his nose!

Belly shots!!!

2008-09-14T17:11:00.000-08:00

I have had a few requests for pictures of my baby belly...as cool as that would be for some - I think it would completely gross me out having those kinds of pictures for "ALL" to see. Besides, I am only 3 months along...there is not much to see and
those requesting such shots will see me in October and in November...so chill! I am not opposed to sharing the ultrasound picture. Before we get to SL in November we should have a better one and hopefully know if the baby is a boy or girl.

Our Anniversary

2008-08-12T20:24:00.000-08:00

I love Randy!

Today is our third anniversary! I say that it's true...Time flies when you are having fun. To celebrate we decided to go to Phantom of the Opera on Saturday and we headed off to Sea World today. We have had so much fun together today and always. (I think that is what it is all about.) Randy loves the Clyde and Seamore show. I love the whales and dolphins.

We have so much to look forward to: our baby is due in the spring, Randy is trying to get into officer training and helicopter flight school, and we are supposed to get transferred out of SoCal by summer. It's exciting, scary and fun all at the same time!

"22" Coming Spring 2009

2008-07-28T21:42:00.000-08:00

This post will make more sense if you have seen Mom's site recently.

2008-07-27T18:13:00.000-08:00

Jessica

2008-07-12T10:20:00.001-08:00

I was watching Jessica, my 1 1/2 year old neice, last night and I thought I would suprise her parents with some photos of her. Some of them turned out pretty good. She has a very interesting personality...she may not have the same last name but, she is very much a MARTIN.
I posed her with flowers, had her sit on a pillow...fixed her hair... and she did fuss at all...she didn't even move. Like she was thinking...hum...I don't care what you are doing...I'm watching Shrek. I think Jessica is beautiful. I am constantly brushing her bangs away from her eyes so that her pretty face can be seen. The shadow-profile picture was my favorite.

2008-07-06T14:33:00.000-08:00

4th of July Weekend

2008-07-06T14:02:00.000-08:00

Our 4th of July was spent at the fair. That night we wathed the "bombs bursting in air" from our roof top as the local radio station blared patriotic anthems.

The highlight of our weekend was our ride through the mountains to the ocean. This was our first long-distance Harley ride. Randy has a 2007 Night Train in puter denim. We rode with some couples from our ward. We had a lot of fun.

We started about 9:30 am and didn't get home until about 6:00 pm. We headed out to the oven...we call the desert. From there we climbed up to Julian and had some spectacular mountain vistas. The thermal-clines in the transition from desert to mountain were wicked! We ate lunch in Julian...with all of the other bikers...he he he...me a biker chick! LOL!!!

The drop back into the valley was great. Only a few bugs in my teethy grill! I jammed with my I-pod and held my arms out like I was flying. Randy loved the open stretches where he could hold the throtle.

Our companions were dressed in black Harley duds...bandanas over the hair... big ole sun glasses and flamming boots as we walked to the beach in Encanitas. It was quite humorous. As a group we must have looked so out of place.

I loved the ride down the coast. The air was cool and salty...my hair was flying behind me...the marine layer loomed over the ocean...the sun was getting lower in the sky...I wasn't driving...my music was playing... we had no where we had to go...no where we had to be...and all the time in the world to get there. I felt free! What better feeling than freedom on 4th of July weekend?

Trip to SLC

2008-07-06T12:26:00.000-08:00

We had an action-packed, star-studded party in SLC. Our list of red-carpet events started in CA with Ranae going through the San Diego temple. Bravo!!! The Martin's relaxed at the park with a picnic and then made their exodus to SLC. Fantastic!

Sunday the newest super-star, Ike, was blessed. Oh how someone so young could hold the spot-light. His fan-club couldn't wait to get their hands on him!

Monday the lights fell on CJ and his rockn' birthday-bash.

Tuesday Kodi and Abbey took the lead at the Jordan Parkway. Later than night there was a "swarm" of us at the Bee's game where yet again the spot-light found a new target - Brant proposed to Shauntel! Ahh!!

Wednesday the crowd OOH-ed and awed for Ranae and Nick as they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. Lots of laughs came as Randy and Brant shrink-wrapped the love-sick couple's car closed and squirted the plastic with ketchup.

Thursday the lights were turned up a notch...or two...or should I say three, and burned us to a crisp as we kicked it at Yuba.

Friday the stars just wouldn't be still even though it would have been better to be still due to the sun burns.

Saturday the carpet kept rollin' at the rodeo. Ye-ha, ye-all!!

The events came to a close Sunday morning after breakfast when we packed up to head back to S.D. What a whirlwind of activity. Catch us next time...the spot-light may be coming to an area near you!

2008-05-19T19:29:00.001-08:00

Randy and I painted our front room this weekend. I am so excited!!! I am finally away from the insane asylum white! I think that it turned out pretty good.

The color, depending on the light, ranges anywhere from pale yellow to a dark cream. Randy wasn't too sure of the idea until it was on the walls. Once we got going he wouldn't let me do the work alone, the roller was his. He even threatened to lock it up so that I couldn't paint without him. I thought that was very cool of him.

Guess we need some house guests to check it out, hint, hint!!!

The older...more mature Kodi...(cough, cough)!

2008-05-19T18:57:00.000-08:00

I thought that maybe some big dog pics were in order...To bad she couldn't stay as cute as the puppy pics...Hope Randy doesn't read this, just a little defensive of his dog, if you know what I mean!!

Kodi

2008-05-15T15:06:00.000-08:00

It is amazing how fast puppies become dogs. I was just thinking how big Kodi has gotten. I remember way...way back in time (a whole 7 months ago) when she was a ball of eating, sleeping, and pooping fluff. Now she is a bouncing, running, digging, item stealing, eating, sleeping, pooping, pile of muscle.

She is a quick learner. We bought her a doggie door last weekend. She didn't quite understand the concept until we put treats through the door...before we knew it she was racing in and out of it.

Randy likes to call her "Tig-digger". Tig refers to her bounciness, just like Tigger. Digger obviously represents her digging abilities.

We can't wait until next month when Kodi and Abbey (Abbey is Jason and Alayna's bulldog)will meet again. Abbey didn't seem to like the Kodi (she was 7 weeks old then and about 7 pounds) and let her have it...wonder what Abbey will do now that Kodi will tower over her. Will Moki (Cory and Jeri's yellow lab) want to play?

2008-04-29T16:58:00.000-08:00

I recently got my advanced open water certification for scuba diving. It was awesome. I don't know anything more peaceful than diving. Focusing on breathing brings me back to myself. The colors are spectacular. The sea life is fascinating. To get my certification I had to cover five subjects from a list. I did under water navigation, under water naturalist, night diving, deep diving and wreck diving. Knowing how to use a compass will most likely come in handy. Knowing the critters and plants you will see makes you sound smarter. But my favorites were the last three. I don't know what it is about night diving that is so exciting...for me I would say it is the great-black-unknown. I am sure that would creep most people out...not knowing what is outside your vision...lurking in the darkness...praying your dive light doesn't crap out...I LOVE IT!!! Funny thing about it is that I get terrified from scary movies and horror stories. Guess you could call that a double standard.I did the deep and wreck dives together. The first one was of a Canadian destroyer called the Yukon. It was laying on its port side in 100 feet of water. The destroyer was neat in the fact that it was complete. It has only been in it's final resting space for 7 years. No much sea life growing on it yet but you could see it wouldn't take many years for it to be a habitat for starfish, crabs, anemones, urchins, sea cucumbers, and such. The second dive of that day was of the Ruby E...a Coast Guard Cutter. It was resting pretty much upright in about 75 feet of water. The difference between the two boats were staggering. The rusted metal. The sea life. The temperature of the water. Even the color of the water was different. At 100 feet the water appeared green. At 75 feet the water looked more blue. I enjoyed the Ruby E more most due to it's dilapidated state.I took footage of both dives. I kinda felt like I was the cinematographer that filmed the beginning of Titanic were they close in on the bow of the ship...and all of the plankton is floating this way and that...I could almost picture the ship, squeaky clean cruising the open sea...just imagine.

Brown Nosing

2008-04-20T13:30:00.000-08:00

See I really am the teacher's pet. That's directed to you Jeri and Jennilyn. Guess that would be teachers' not teacher's. So ha...bet that Alayna!!!