I'm fwee!

Happy 3rd Birthday to Austin!

This year has been a big year for you. You have mastered the art of scooter riding and can go for miles without a rest, your vocabulary has exploded to include things like "momma can we stay a da part a yibidit yonder?" and kind words like "may I pease have mo pizza pease?," you have started to imagine things and pretend, you have been going to play group and nursery, you have excellent pitch and sing "Do, a deer" right on, you can identify Birds of Paradise on our walks, you can carry on conversations on the telephone with grandma, grandpa, nana, and papa, and you say the sweetest prayers that always include your cousins healing from their owies and not being scared of the dark.

You were very happy to come downstairs in the morning when I told you it was February 4th- you've had that date memorized for a long time now!

You and Daddy made a model rocket together- a favorite hobby for you both!

You and Gabe went on a run to the donut shop- regular glazed is always your favorite.

We went to the park and played with your buddies.

Charlie and Marissa.

We went to Disneyland and rode the rocket ride- do you see a trend in your favorite things? You love anything that flies.

We splurged and bought you a churro as we watched the parade- Buzz and Woody were your favorites to watch.

Saturday we had your cousins over (we missed Sophie and Avery who were sick) for homemade pizza and donuts and rocket launching.

Uncle Kevin testing your jumping skills and you were determined to clear his arm every time. Here's to jumping into another great year! We love you!!

The launch- 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Blast off!

Children

Children

And a woman who held a babe against her bosom said, "Speak to us of Children."

And he said:

Your children are not your children.

They are sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.

They come through you but not from you,

And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts.

For they have their own thoughts.

You may house their bodies but not their souls,

For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.

You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you

for life goes not backward nor tames with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and he bends you with his might that his arrows may go swift and far.

Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;

For even as he loves the arrow that flies, so he loves also the bow that is stable.

Khalil Gibran

The Errand of Angels

Today we had stake conference. Peter went to the adult session last night while I stayed home with sick boys and I went today with Austin while he stayed home with Gabe. An hour and a half into the meeting, Austin was done. Done being quiet, still, and not going to nursery. You can picture it. He starts crying, whining, kicking the seats, the typical get me out of here attempts. I'm surrounded on all sides by women in their 40's-50's who I'm sure are thinking Come on lady, take him out. Can't you control your child? No, I can't. I'm tired, feeling sick too, and don't have the energy to wrestle him to the hallway without making even more disruption. Plus I want to hear the messages (it was a great broadcast from General Authorities in SLC especially for SoCal stake conferences.) I've gone through all the snacks, books, airplanes I brought with me.

Just then, the lady behind me hands me a piece of paper, a notebook, and some colored pencils. I'm almost too embarrassed to turn and thank her, but I do it, sheepishly. He loves it- we draw for a few minutes. Then he starts stirring again, and a lady in front of me smiles and hands me a crane folded from origami paper that Austin thinks is pretty cool. We play cranes while I simultaneously try to listen to the message. He starts singing Head Shoulders Knees and Toes very loudly and I try to shush him, to no avail, it just gets louder. And the lady next to me kindly gets out her keys and hands them to Austin and he quiets down to a whisper at least. Finally, the closing hymn.

Did I get everything I could have out of the speakers? No. But where I was expecting shame and judgment, I got kindness and compassion. When I was done, they said Keep going just a little bit longer. Thank you for angels, Lord. It was a great Stake Conference.

It's official. We are minivan owners.

Behold the 2006 Honda Odyssey in our garage...or one just like it. 40k miles for $19.5k. We saw it on autotrader.com for $25k at a dealer in Arizona and Peter worked some magic and got us a great deal. Thanks for all your input those many months ago- it took a long time to settle on which van to get, but we're confident this one will last us a long time. The only bad thing- it was a smoker's car, but after a good wipe down all over the ceiling with vinegar, it's almost good as new inside. We drove out with the boys late Sunday night and stayed at our good friend's Bob and Jasmine's home on very late notice (yeah folk dance connections!), bought the car on Monday and drove home Monday night. Peter did all the driving.

Well, almost all of it. It was always the joke amongst my high school friends that minivan drivers were the worst. And now I own one...so yes, look out world, I'll prove myself wrong. Except that I got a speeding ticket within 30 minutes of driving the thing through a 55mph construction zone. Going 65. Dang. But after all, tomorrow is another day, Scarlet!

It was fun to see the boys become automatic buddies even though they've never met, that they can recollect anyway. Siah and Mister are very good boys, and Gabe and Siah had nebulizer parties on the couch. Too bad we brought home an unwanted souvenir- bronchitis!!

Thanks again Gardners for your hospitality and good luck with baby boy #3 and your Kung Fu school!!

Christmas with the Lambs

After spending Christmas at the Hunters, we got to go spend some time at the Lamb's home as well. A blessing that they live five minutes apart from each other! The kids are usually the center of attention at family gatherings, and rightly so since they're so cute. Thanks Grandma for the outfits!

There is always a nativity here as well, and this time Austin was more cooperative with the costume.

Huh?

We gathered around the piano for holiday songs and stories while the kids jumped around us. Margie and Geoff still have their piano skills at the ready!

We had a blast going out to Hollywood Connection- for you Utahns who haven't been out there it's a great deal for groups! $5/person for 10 or more plus 25%off at the diner- just call the manager ahead of time. Rollerskating, rollercoaster, miniature golf, laser tag (additional $3), games, carnival rides.

Austin and Sophie did pretty good for their first time on wheels!

Gabe and Avery just ran around in their shoes. Peter does cool tricks, but we found out he is too tall to fit under my legs. ;)

Why not lay on the floor- it's clean right?

Some of the boys got rollerblades and raced around the rink. Always a competition.

I love merry-go-rounds. Reminds me of Mary Poppins.

This rollercoaster was Gabe's favorite ride. As soon as it stopped he signed "more?" And there were no crowds, so we could go as much as we wanted.

And it was fun to meet Julie's friend Leo- now if the boys of the family would bring a date once in a while...

The Lambs grew up right by the Neal family of six girls and though none of them ever seriously dated (too much like family?) they had fun sharing memories of hiding in closets, barbies, and car racing. A rare event to have all the kids from both families in one room!

True colors shining through.

And how we grow!

Thanks Margie and Steve for a fun vacation!

Christmas in Utah with the Hunters!

We got four out of the six Hunter families out to Utah for Christmas this year- quite a feat considering none of us live there! We enjoyed spending time playing games, sledding, eating yummy food, and feeling at home. My mom does such a great job creating a warm home in all senses of the word. And my dad does a great job planning special events to create fun memories.

We did attempt a nativity as well...Gabe enjoyed being a spectator since he wouldn't leave my side- I know, enjoy it while it lasts. ;)

Austin refused to wear a costume of any sort (is he my child or what) but did attempt being baby Jesus. Grace played a beautiful Mary, Jack was Joseph, Hunter took Austin under his wing and directed, Graham was a shepherd and wise man, Katie was an angel..of sorts, and Wyatt was the real baby Jesus.

We loved getting our new matching pj's for Christmas! The best part was giving Mom a framed copy of her BYU diploma (it's been is a scrapbook of hers collecting dust all these years) and learning a piano duet "Sleigh Ride" to play with my dad- one I had tried to learned while I was younger but was too impatient with learning and never finished it.

The boys loved the simple things...oranges! I swear we could rewrap 95% of the gifts and give them to them next year and they'd be fine with it.

Austin LOVED sledding this year- much better than last year! He carried his own sled up the hill and went down it for hours.

Snow, beautiful snow!

Katie Rose and Joe

Hunter doing tricks on his snowboard

Jack and Grace

Gabe- loved it only when I was holding him but sure was cute all bundled up!

Grace- future downhill skier

Jack- 'aint no jump high enough!

Feliz Navidad!

Making home-made gingerbread houses/trains at the Mosley home- we hope we get invited again next year!!

Trains + Candy = Happy Austin!

Our friends Allison and Philip Nelson and baby Santa ;)

The Mosley boys home for Christmas- thanks to them for making the train for us!

And in case you missed the first "Sleepy Gabey," here's take 2. It's tiring cleaning the church!

Merry Christmas from the Lambs!

Greetings, Family and Friends!

Peter continues to be an incredible husband and father. His work as a Field Engineer for National Instruments in Orange County keeps him busy but we love having him work from home as often as he can. He enjoys serving in the church and helping out with the constant ebb and flow of neighbors moving in and out, taking the boys on bike rides and swims at the pool, and keeping up with ESPN and political and social news. He’s willing to help at the drop of a hat and is a whiz on computers - especially Macs.

I, Abby, enjoyed the fun family vacations we were able to take this year. We went with the Lambs to Costa Rica in April and zip-lined through the cloud forest. In June we went with the Hunter family to Aspen Grove by Mount Timpanogos in Utah. I was very fortunate to remain on my unit at the hospital which went through a change of management and is becoming more cardiac focused, a welcome advancement. I am glad to only have to work one night a week there so that I can work the rest of the time where it matters most - at home! I had fun running the Ragnar Wasatch Back in June and meeting new friends and neighbors in Ladera Ranch.

Austin (2 ¾) has learned all his ABC’s and will sing them all day long to you. He loves to race around on his scooter and has learned how to swim-float-swim to the side of the pool through ISR (Infant Swim Resource). He’s learning how big brothers are “supposed” to act - a lifelong process - but most of the time has a very good time with Gabe. He loves Green Eggs and Ham, The Three Little Pua’a (pigs in Hawaiian), jumping on everything, singing “I am a Child of God,” and counting to 10 in French, Spanish, Tahitian, and Japanese. He has a very sweet temperament, except when he doesn’t, and is a delight to have in our home, except when he’s not. ;) He’s two, and we love him!

Gabriel (16 months) has just picked up on walking since Thanksgiving and is asking Santa for his two front teeth, since he still has none. He’s great at making dog sounds, whistling (it’s true), closing his eyes for prayers, and singing If you’re “Appa” and You Know It. He loves to watch what Austin does but will gladly take off on his own down the driveway and off to Never-Never Land. As long as you sing to him, he takes his asthma breathing treatments like a champ.

We are especially grateful for our parents and particularly our fathers who had some health concerns this year. We’re so thankful for the peace that comes through prayer, priesthood, and fasting. We are grateful for our associations with friends and family like you. We love this time of year when the whole world seems to be a little more open, patient, and hearts are lifted upwards. May the Savior find place in all our hearts.

Merry Christmas,

The Lambs

The Spirit of Christ - in our kids

I loved this video because I can see Austin doing the same thing.

The other day, I was getting very impatient in the morning with the boys and lately Peter and I have been away at nights for choir concerts, dinners, etc. Needless to say, they need more quality mommy time where I'm not worried about other things. Then in the afternoon, I was at a friends and an older child opened the sliding glass door that leads out to the street. While I was having a conversation with my friend, Gabe walked right out into the middle of the street. When I noticed he was gone, I ran outside only to see a woman carrying him back to me. "He was in the middle of the street." She had been in her car. He could have easily been killed. I hate those moments of pit in your stomach and guilt where you realize, why was I so impatient with them when they are such a blessing? I thanked God every day for my kids and husband. I know he could take them home at his will at any time. My gift to Christ this Christmas is to try to treasure them a little bit more by being more patient, teach better, scold less, give more of my heart.

Fountains, Talking Trees, and Magic- Oh My!

That's right- Viva Las Vegas. Although I don't recommend the holiday commute, it was a fun change of scenery and family time for the Thanksgiving weekend. My parents and the Cranney's joined us at the Hilton Grand Vacations Club for swimming, games, reminiscing, and fine dining at In-n-Out and Cafe Rio!

Who is that couple on their honeymoon?! ;)

Inside the Bellagio is the conservatory which always has fun seasonal displays. Austin was particularly enamored by the trees. Tolkein would have approved!

We did some hiking over in Red Rock Canyon- a fun day trip to go explore the rocks and hike (one of Austin's favorite activities- he kept up with 8 year-old Katelyn- pretty impressive!!). I forgot the jackets though- who knew it got cold in Vegas?!

Austin still loves that blue blankey and Gabe loves the binky and we love them.

We also got to celebrate my birthday up there- Peter surprised me with tickets to see the Lance Burton magic show at the Monte Carlo. Disappearing cars, reappearing ducks, floating people, lots of trompe l'oeil! Crazy stuff- now I just want to go find out how it's really done! Thanks for a fun trip hubby!

Turkey Bowl- LR1 vs LR2

Austin and Gabe can't wait to be part of the game! Flags and all. Well, Gabe was actually content to eat his banana.

Go Ladera Ranch 1st Ward- Winner winner turkey dinner!

I don't really like cats, but in this case...

Surprised Kitty @ Yahoo! Video

A Chance to Give.

Many of you may have heard about the tragic accident that claimed john jones in the nutty putty cave in utah last week. He is survived by his wife Emily, a 14 month old daughter, and a baby on the way in June. You can read the family's statement here.

Stephanie over at a daily scoop is hosting an auction all this week to raise money to donate to the john and emily jones memorial fund. head on over to check out the first auction and keep checking back this week to see lots more. Pass the word along if you would please! if you don't see anything you would like to bid on and you would like to contribute to the fund, clickhere. You can also email stephanie at stephaniewaite@gmail.com if you would like to contribute something to be auctioned. Hopefully we can raise a good amount of money for Emily and her little ones. What better gift can we give this Christmas season?

*Thanks Whitney for passing this along to me!*

Gobble.

We had a nice Thanksgiving dinner last Sunday (we were in Vegas for the holiday) down at the Cranney's house again with their friends from San Clemente. Karsen made Nanny's rolls, turkey, stuffing, and gravy. I made green beans, sweet potatoes and marshmallows, and cranberry sauce. Her friends brought potatoes. A feast, as usual. We had to hurry off to choir practice (Sing Noel- you coming?!) so we missed out on the pie, but I didn't need it. Next year we want to join Becky and Joseph for pie night on the Wednesday night before- brilliant idea!

Kevin carved the bird with superior skill.

Austin was super excited to eat his food. Really. "Mom, I like the green beans!" Just not excited for pictures.

I just loved Paige's eyes in this shot.

Cuddle bunnies!

And a bath to clean off the food at the end of the day!

Yeah, she's 6'2''!

Peter's cousin Nicole Warner plays for the BYU Volleyball Team. We got to go watch her hit the winning point against SDSU last weekend with Grandpa Lamb and Maybeth. It was fun to watch "little" Nicole play so well (her 14 year old brother is 6' 4'') and reminisce the fun of being involved on a team at BYU. Austin LOVED being tickeld and teased by Grandpa. We went out to eat at El Torrito after the game- one perk of being an athlete- you can eat whatever you want because your metabolism is sky high with all that muscle!! After dinner we used our Sea World passes to go catch a Sea Lion Live and Shamu Rocks show at Sea World- gotta love SoCal.

Great job Nicole! We'll see you next year!