Wow it's been awhile.

Yesterday marked the end of the hardest 13 months of my life. It has taken it's toll on Anna and I. We try to stay patient and loving, luckily that prevails most of the time. We do have to count our blessings as we are for the most part healthy and Anna got a promotion at work. We have been able to do some fun stuff to our house/yard. Went to disneyland with the kids as well as a family reunion on a large loop home. Went to Canada and had a good time with the family up there. Got to see Kara, Jim and the their kids multiple times. I wished we lived closer as Jim and I get along pretty well. Did a last minute decision trip for Thanksgiving in Folsom. Spent Christmas in California and both trips had perfect weather-very thankful for safety. Got to do a lot of things while out in California. Saw Jimmer play in a preseason game. Celebrated Hunakah and Bekah won the dradle game. Damon is home although he has had at least 3 different issues come up this year-I hope he can see we are here to help him overcome his struggles. We found out where Netto ran off to and that he is safe.

Overall we continue to have our ups and downs like most families do. We are constantly praying for guidance to help us know the way.

Happy New Year and cheers to be a better year, 2012.

Erasure concert tonight with Anna.

Hopefully this one goes better than the last one when Tatiana faked a serious injury on a trampling and made us come home from the Colors tour 4 years ago....That was interesting with Glen, Jeannette, Geoff and Alisha.

Maybe I'll post some pictures of Andy and Vince. Those two crack me up...okay, mostly just Andy Bell and his sensationalized gayness.

So Life has been a rollercoaster.

Football has started for both boys. Yesenia is trying out soccer...she says she has always wanted to try. We'll see how that goes. We are excited for school to start again....summers are not easy with both of us working and all. A lot of stress with the kids around 24/7.

Was going to go to byu/texas football game for reaching some weight loss goals, but have decided against it. My brother has quit his job...in this economy it isn't easy to find a new job. A lot of overqualified people taking lower end jobs.

Working hard to get a better raise this year at my work. I have had great results the last 4 years with no high ratings..hopefully that can change. A lot of personal goals and things to do the next 4 months.

My mom is coming out to see us next weekend. Should be a good few days. I think Gabe's games start that weekend.

We have a new foster daughter R. Situation is unclear but she is 12 and has been hanging out with Yesenia a ton.

Bekah is currently in pre-school limbo as we are trying to get something for her. She is only 3 but she is pretty smart and we're hoping to get her started sooner than later.

I just heard some terrible news from

a friend of mine. Our prayers go out to her and her family. So much sadness in this world these days...

Passed my coverage test from that class

in Seattle. So I don't have to take it again!!! Probably only 25% of the people pass it on the first try so go me!!!

Going on a weight loss journey again...need to take it more seriously to feel a little better about myself. Worked out five days last week and it felt pretty good. Now more cut backs on food and soda this week. Trying to take a gradual approach to hopefully make subtle changes along with the increase in exercise.

Going to Canada in 3 weeks for a week...haven't been up there in a few years. Should be fun. Although coming back from long breaks kills me at work.



The California trip was nice. Although the colder than normal weather made it difficult at the beaches. The kids did get to swim once back to my parents' house as the weather quickly went up to over 90. It was hot.

Still seeing what is going to happen at Anna's work with her job.

I am buying my erasure tickets tomorrow...

Coming to SLC in September!!! I'm excited.

Trip begins tomorrow-

After all of the turmoil over the past six months, we are finally headed on our long trip tomorrow. Headed to Vegas and staying the night. Then to Disneyland for two days, the beach for one and then back to Disneyland for the third day. Then driving up to Monterey/Santa Cruz for the family reunion for 4 days. Should be fun. Lots of pictures as I'm sure the girls are going to have a blast at DL.