Happy 15th Birthday Kierstin!!

My darling little daughter 15 years ago

October 22, 1994.

My sweet girl on her baptism day
7 years ago!

My beautiful 15 year old young woman!!

How does that happen? That I have a 15 year old Sophmore in High School?!#
I was just in high school myself, at least it feels like it; I admittedly know I don't look it. I remember vividly looking at moms saying, I don't feel like I'm thirty or forty something. It seems like yesterday! I used to really look at them and wonder at that. Like how could you not feel like it when you so look like it? I really used to scoff to myself. Now I KNOW and most of all feel what they meant. I am them, now!

Now I'm looking at my daughter, my precious gift from God and wondering, did I do a good enough job and I'm freaking out! I only have 2 1/2 more years and she's off on her own, to start her own life. To use the tools that I've hopefully helped her acquire to be able to navigate her way through her own life! She's almost all grown up and leaving me!

I remember those "old" ladies stopping me in the grocery lines and telling me to "treasure the time when they're young cuz it goes so fast!" As my daughter is pitching a MAJOR fit in the checkout line because I won't let her buy some candy. At that moment in time it was hard to not think "how am I going to miss this! It can't possibly go by fast enough!" Wisdom comes from experience, full circle. And here I am, the old lady, echoing those sentiments to the next generation. It does go by so incredibly fast.

It really hits when you look back through those captured moments in time. The cards she wrote, the books she made me, the pictures of those special moments and even walking past the little girl section at Target and knowing I'm past all those special moments! They really are times to be treasured!

And how I treasure them! Kierstin, you have really turned out to be a gem! It used to annoy me to no end that you would refuse to try things or do things but I realize now, that you are very selective about what you endeavor to do because you apply yourself 100% in what you choose to do. You expect to excel and do not settle for less. What a great characteristic that is going to serve you so well in life!

It took patience to suffer through your meticulous way of doing things. Erasing things over and over cuz it wasn't just the way you wanted. Reading things and asking questions over and over again to make sure you understood the task at hand. Now I am so proud of you and your excellence in school and achieving a 4.o GPA!!

I used to get so frustrated with your stubborn side when you would refuse to ride in the stroller, sit in the high chair or ride in the car seat. You didn't care what other kids were doing, you wanted it your way. Now I am so grateful for that obstinance as you apply it to not giving in to what the current fashions or trends are. You are not in the least bit swayed to do something if you do not feel it's right and you don't care what others think!

You are amazing in every way. I am so enjoying watching you bloom into this righteous daughter of God. I feel privileged to be your mother and appreciate the lessons you teach me. It is now my prayer you may continue on the path you're on! I LOVE you and always will!

~mom

Kierstin's Birthday Celebration!

Started with the traditional favorite bday breakfast with

birthday wish warmer upper!

(even though it was 5:30 am before seminary!)

Then... it was off to DLand after school

(since you don't want to miss for fear of falling behind

so got to admire you for that!)

Got her $72 credit to spend as she wishes!

Feel so fortunate Kierstin thought it would be a fun birthday to hang

with her mom for the evening (thanks to Brad & Dad for holding down the fort at home!)

Met up with Aunt Ann who shares the same bday as Kierstin!

Ann was 12 when I was expecting Kierstin.

When she found out my due date was her bday she was ever so excited and kept saying

"that would be such an awesome bday present if my niece was born on my bday!"

Just proves, wishes do come true!

Kierstin putting her ASL to the test.

(Erin, what's the sign?)

The happiest place on earth!!

Prepare to be soaked!

Me and my littlest sister! It always amazes me to see her in pics.

She'll always be 12 to me!

The following Sunday we had Ann, my sister Mary and my Aunt Jayna over

for birthday celebrations!

Mary, Jayna, Kierstin & Ann!

Happy Birthday to my favorite girlies!!

Fred's Birthday

July 30, 2009, was Fred's 30th birthday. His wife Teri, threw a birthday bash for him the Saturday before. All of us that live around came to celebrate.

I have to say that you can see where Danny gets his good looks from! Fred sure looks good for 70!

In case you don't know, "Opa" means grandpa in Dutch. Fred is full blown Dutch. He lived through the Natzi occupation of his country Holland. He was 8 years old then and really has some amazing stories to tell. He came with his family to America when he was 16 years old.

Several years ago, I was browsing through the church book store and came across a little journal called "Grandpa, tell me your story." It was a little journal for granparents to give to their grandchildren reminiscing their childhood memories. There was a page for each day of the year and asked the grandparent to relate a specific story about his life. Such as "tell me about your favorite teacher." "Tell me a favorite story with your maternal grandma." "What was your favorite pasttime as a child." I had a strong impression to pick one up and give it to Fred to fill out. I had a feeling that he would complete it. I picked one up for all of the other grandparents too. It was around Christmas time. I gave each one to the grandparents telling them that it would be their Christmas present to us the following year.

Sure enough, the following Christmas Fred handed me back the completed book! What a treasure! The kids have absolutely LOVED to hear stories about Opa. Everything from finding out that he owned a sailboat and loved to sail when he was young, to purposely step in cowpies when he was young (you read it right) because it was warm on his toes, to more serious things like what he witnessed during the Natzi occupation in Holland. We are thrilled to have it, it is priceless.

Fred is an awesome Opa. He is always thinking of fun things to do with the kids and is always calling to just talk to them to see how they are doing. They love him. They are so lucky to have such a wonderfully thoughtful Opa.

The kids in attendance: Derek, Debbie, Fred, Danny & Daren

getting all the grandkids to cooperate for a pic is not easy.

I think this was as good as it got. At least everyone was in it!

Happy Birthday and Every day Fred!!

I LOVE my job!

I have been blessed to be able to stay at home, full time, with my kids for the past 15 years, their whole lives. That really, truly is a tremendous blessing in this day and age; especially, having lived in Orange County, CA, one of the most expensive places to live. AND the fact that Danny is self-employed. He has worked really hard all these years to make sure that I can stay home with my kids. I am so thankful that he understands the value of mom being home at all times. That there are those special little life moments whern you here the spirit whisper that it is an opportune moment to plant the seed of an invaluable lesson in their hearts.

It has been so valuable to be able to be at the kids' school and work in the classroom. To get to know the environment that they are in away from home. To get a glimpse of what they go through. It has helped me help shape their way into forging some really great frienships. It has helped me understand that I need to cut them some slack cuz their teacher is a little to harsh. I can do a sneak drive by at recess to see that maybe it's not that "nobody will play with them," but rather they just don't want to play what everyone else is playing. Cuz for sure every time I drove by for the last two weeks you were playing happily with someone!

It is also the peace and comfort of knowing that if you don't feel good, or forgot something, or something just goes wrong, you know there is someone to rescue you. I can say that because that is how I always felt. Even though we may not have always seen eye to eye, I felt emmense peace and comfort in knowing that mom was there for me.

I am not, by any means, saying I am better than the mother that has to go out and work, no way. We all do what we have to do. We listen to the spirit and we are all meant to follow a different course. In fact, I am facing, in this economy, the fact that I need to do something that will help contribute monetarily to my family now. With the economy the way it is, missions, colleges, marriage and the fact that we'd like to retire someday, it just has become a necessity.

So I guess, I have been thinking of the tremendous blessing that I have been able to enjoy for these last years. Most importantly, I think I have become aware of what an emmense blessing it has been when there have definately been many times when I have been pressured into feeling like I don't do enough because I do not help my family out in any temporal ways. During those times, I have prayed and the answer has been clear to me that what I was doing was of more value than I realized. I have been grateful for those sweet assurances. The job of mother is really a partnership in helping the work of our Heavenly Father go forward. What can be more important than that? NOTHING. So of course, that is why we are led to feel so pressured and insecure about our role.

I am writing this personal note, because my blog, is really a journal for my family. I am hopefully going to be able to give a copy to each child. When Kierstin reads through this, and she is feeling the same pressure and having the same doubts, she will realize that she was not alone in feeling this and that mother is to be first and foremost in her life. Even though we do still feel it is important for her to get her college education.

I am writing this so that when my 4 boys read this, they will realize they must do all they can to help their wives to stay home with their kids like their dad did for them. They had that blessing and they owe it to their kids if it in their ability after doing all they can do. For without the support of the husband, mom's job seems just such an insurmountable task.

So, I want to express my gratitude at being able to being able to give my all to the best job in the world!!

Flip Flop from flip flops?!!!

Everyone who knows me knows this about me......

Like it says......... I LOVE flip flops!

You can hardly find me wearing anything else, especially living in sunny southern CA.

Rain or shine, flip flops are fine.

This is my closet....

It has to be REALLY cold or we have to be doing a pretty knarly hike for me to even consider covering my feet. I can't stand shoes! I would wear flip flops to the gym if I could, seriously.

I'm not so sure my husband is so fond of this fettish. What would give me that idea? Here is Friday's phone conversation...

"Hi dear. How's work?"

"It was good. I'm on my way home." (he commutes now)

"When will you be home?"

"About 45 minutes... Hey, I was listening to this radio show and they were talking about how it's probably not a good idea to wear flip flops all the time."

"Really, why is that?"

"Apparently they pick up all sorts of bacteria. You can bring them into your home and make you really sick!"

"Really?" (sardonically)

"Yeah. You should probably make sure you get new ones pretty often. "(that actually was some advice to consider).

"Huh. Well, I heard that theory before too. However, the time I heard it I heard the opposing side call in and say the same goes for any type of shoe. All shoes pick up bacteria. They suggested everyone should leave their shoes at the door. So I guess really, we shouldn't be wearing shoes in the house."

"Yeah, well." Conversation over.

"See you soon dear."

you should know, Danny wears his shoes ALL the time and does not like going into homes where you have to take them off at the door.

You should also know that Danny has baby soft feet! They are really to envy.

Mine are rough and tough kind of feet, like a construction workers hands but worse. I try really hard to make sure that my heels are not always dirty and cracked and super dry but it really is a tough battle. Needless to say, they are very calloused and not fun to rub up next to in bed.

Maybe I should take this as a hint? I guess I may be losing the battle.

No, I'm sorry, can NEVER get rid of my flip flops. But I guess I should consider a rougher pumice stone!

Sorry dear!!

** DISCLAIMER... This is not EXACLTY how the conversation went down but the main gist of it!

Bradley Turns 12!!

FYI

I have tried to scan pics of Brad as a baby in this post but our new scanner is UNCOPERATIVE!!!

So, I will post later when I have time to figure it out!!

(the frustration rather than joy of new electronics!!)

When Bradley was first born I would look at the deacons passing the sacrament, I would

look at Bradley and think "that will be you someday too soon!"

Too true, TOO SOON!!

I don't know how time flies by but it does. My darling, dimpled baby boy is growing

into a handsome, dimpled young man.

He's smart, cute (not just cuz I'm his mom), courteous, outgoing, a social bug

AND he's as tall as me..... at 12!!

Somehow I thought this day would take a bit longer.

Mostly I look at him and see the wonderful young man that he is and the even

more wonderful man he will become.

Bradley had his Priesthood interview a week before his birthday.

He passed, with one thing to take care of....

This is Bradley before

This is Bradley after...

Can you tell what's different?

SO HANDSOME!!

(thank you Bishop!)

Of course I will always love Bradley, no matter the hairstyle.

You'll have to ask him why on earth it took him this long to tame

that mane of curly hairtastrophe!!

So Obedient (in the end)

Such a great example to your 3 younger brothers!

Bradley's actual birthday was on Sunday so he was able to receive the Priesthood on his actual birthday. I know the important thing is that you receive it at all, but it does make it more memorable.

They do the Priesthood ordination in the home with a member or two of the Bishopric presiding along with the family.

Of course all if us, your immediate family, were there and Ann, Mary & Patty Shepard.

My parents and Michael came all the way from Utah for the ordination.

Actually, my dad has been so excited he has seriously been talking about how he was planning to come for it for almost a year.... NO EXAGERATION!

For any of you that know my dad, you know what a very jolly guy he is. Jolly is the perfect word because it expresses the fact that he's not just inwardly happy but outwardly happy as well. He is always so possitive and up. But when he is excited about something, he really shows it. Needless to say, it is super fun to share exciting news with my dad cuz he will literally, jump up and down and scream (literally) for joy with you.

In any case, it rubbed off on Bradley. He felt it and it made it seem all the more special!!

Dad even gave him a family history book about how each of the Davis line joined the gospel.

Super special!

Only bummer, I forgot to take a pic of my mom. She has always been so supportive and let me know from an early age how important the Priesthood is and that it does not in any way demean women that they don't receive it. Women play a different and just as important roll.

I knew that it was important and wanted it in my life always. After all, she'd say. Men don't bless themselves with it, they can only bless others.

And of course I found a man who honors and respects his Priesthood. He has been a good example for Bradley to see. I know that he loves his dad and wants to emulate him in every way and that is one reason he has decided to live worthy to hold it himself.

Brother Fronk, who was presiding, asked that dad and I bear our testimonies of the Priesthood. Dad asked Grandpa Robin to bear his too. Then, dad ordained you to the Aaronic Preisthood, office of deacon. Then your new scout leader, Brother Morris and your new Quorum President, Ben Cole, bore their testimonies. It was a very lovely ordination.

And worthy you are Brad!! We love you so much and are so grateful you are on the right path.

Happy Birthday and every day!!

Kierstin & Renee

The hardest part of moving is knowing how much you will so miss your friends. Those kind of friends you've spent a lifetime building all of those treasured life moments with.

Kierstin and Renee have been friends since Renee moved into our ward when she was only 2.

Renee is our official daughter #2.

Where there was Kierstin, there was Renee, where you saw Renee, there was Kierstin.

Renee shared Kierstin's bedroom, had her own floorspace. She had followed the same rules, and would get called out for treating Bradley like a real brother. She was even called on to giveblessings and family prayers.

Unfortunately, she does not get to come over as often as we like now. However, when she does, it's back to the same ol' same ol'.

Renee likes to "cook something up" when she comes over

(although I must admit sometimes it turns out better than others.

Lesson learned last time; you need to turn off the heat before

you add the rice cripspies or they get a bit too crispy!!)

These monkey cupcakes were the bomb this visit...Renee found them in a magazine.

Renee likes to wear her creations!!

(this pic doesn't show the lovely brown glob against the black! Giggle!!)

Final result...

They were so darling!
(cupcakes too)


I don't know if you can see, but they each had a different expression!
So clever! If it was me, they'd all had looked like the one in the magazine!






This dead one, was my fav!




Renee's birthday is July 3. We had a surprise belated birthday cake...

Who me?... I'm sure she wished she could be closer!

Cathching up with an old friend, Callie Campbell

They're oh so cool, in the pool!All good friends need "s'more" good times like this!!

You know you're good friends when you don't really have to "do" anything

to enjoy eachother's company!

Love you Renee, come again soon!

4th Fun starts July off with a BANG!!

I LOVE the 4th of July. I am extremely patriotic. I know that this country was established by the hand of God and set aside as a foundation from where the Lord could restore his church. Many brave men and women have put their lives on the line to make this a land of freedom. this is one of my very favorite pictures. Everytime I look at it it brings tears to my eyes. I know that men like George Washington, were called of God and sent to earth at that specific time to help bring forth the Lord's work.

We had established strong July 4th traditions in H.B. Our incredibly talented Stake put on a 4th of July production every year that was truly an amazing and inspiring way to start the 4th. We'd then have friends over for a soccer or kick ball game at the park. Back to our house for a BBQ and then fireworks in the street and the big finale ones at the Pier. I was so sad that we were going to be missing out on our 10 year traditional way of celebrating.

Fortunately, we were able to coax our dear friends the Ritters, who thankfully brought miss Renee for us and the Arnolds out to visit us for a day of swimming, relaxing and enjoying one another's company:

Kierstin, Renee and Alex enjoying the day!

Jeff, determined to get those hips a turning!

Alex, so patriotic!

Junebug torture!

1st started with, Brian & Sophie, "Look I caught one!" to

big brothers putting them down shirts!

(poor junebugs!)

the big brother mischief makers

Nathan, Bradley & Matt

(yes, Mat's hand is wrapped from almost tearing off the tip of his ring finger

a few days before!!)

Fireworks weren't as great this year. The city of Murrieta has their big shabang the weekend before to celebrate the city's birthday and we weren't sure how sticky the city would be about doing it ourselves but we did set off a few.

Pool fun in the earlier afternoon:

Jeff decided to take advantage of the moment! Sophie's such a good sport!



In H.B., Brian had mostly guy friends, except for Sophie. Other girls have offered time and again the play with Brian. When I ask him why he doesn't want to play with them he'll say,

"they're girls and I don't want to play girl stuff!"

When I pointed out Sophie was a girl and he loves to play with her he said;

"well mom, she's SHOPHIE!!"

They play so great together. Sorry guys, we have an arranged marriage in the works for Sophie and Brian!

Jeff and his dad

Brad & Nathan enjoying the pool

Bryce's cannonball surprise!

Thank you dear friends for making another very fun 4th of July celebration!!