Family Movie Night!

Recently we had a really fun movie night as a family.


We ate homeade pizza (thanks Bethany for the great recipe).

We had a big box left over from our new grill (more on this later).

We watched Disney's "Robin Hood" in our fort. It was a lot of fun.

True Heroes

The two men in the center of this photo are two of my Heroes. If it were not for the bravery and courage of both of these men, I would not enjoy the life I live today.

65 years ago today, as young boys, these men's lives were changed forever. The man in the tan military uniform is my grandfather, Ted. May 29, 1943, as a the pilot of a B-17 flying fortress, Ted and his crew were forced to parachute from their plane over occupied France. The man holding the picture, Henri, was one of the boys who helped my father evade capture and delivered him to the French Resistance. You can read more about their story here.



Grandpa's Plane crashed just off the coast of France and several parts have been recovered. The propellars are part of a monument in the city square of St. Quay-Portrieux.

In 2004, I had the chance to go to France and meet Henri and see some of the significant places in his and my grandpa's story.



My grandpa passed away on May 14, 2001, while I was on my mission. Henri passed away a few years after my trip to France on 6 March 2006. I will always remember them as unassuming heroes and will always be grateful for their courage to do what was right. I keep this shadow box on my desk at work to remember them by and the great impact they have had on who I am.

Yard Work

Clarissa is a good helper.

Prayer of a toddler

I'm sure that many of us wonder if what we are teaching our children, espcecially gospel related, is actually working. Quinn and I have always said blessings on our food at mealtime with Clarissa. Sometimes Clarissa cooperates and folds her arms, bows her head, and sits quietly. But quite often she is reaching for her food and screaming as if she hasn't been fed in months!

The other day I did catch her saying her own prayer, so I know she is starting to catch on. I gave her a granola bar for a snack. I looked over at her and watched her fold her arms, bow her head, and mumble a few gibberish words and then say "amen", after which, she proceeded to enjoy her granola bar. I guess I shouldn't give up teaching her, although somedays I feel like I'm fighting a losing battle.

Baby Info

I thought I would share a little more info since I think people are probably interested in more than just a picture. Yes, we are expecting our 2nd baby, and I am due mid November. It seems so far away, but I know it'll come faster than I think. I am 13 weeks along, so this ultrasound was too early to tell us the gender, but it was able to tell us that there was only one baby. As some of you may know, Quinn was really, really wishing for twins, but maybe next time honey!!! It's fun trying to explain to Clarissa that she will have a new baby brother or sister soon, mabye by the time he/she is born, she'll understand a little better. For now we just need to work on her skills of being more gentle and softer with baby's. We are all really excited to add to our family.

Little Buddies

Clarissa and her friend Angelique. Happy Birthday Gigi!!! Clarissa is so happy to have you as her friend.

Who knew that 2 year olds could be so cute! This is my favorite picture of them.

Have you ever eaten turtles?

In our house "tutles" are a fine delicacy. There have been a couple times that I have been cooking ravioli and Clarissa sees them boiling in the water and calls them "tutles". I guess they look like a turtle shell to her. It's amazing what kids come up with and how they relate new things that they see to something they already know.