The Saturday after Thanksgiving, we were off to find the perfect tree. We scored with another beautiful day, and even got a carriage ride around the quaint tree farm. I heart Christmas farms in Iowa. 
Let the festivities begin!!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Christmas Anticipation
Christmas is around the corner......... and we (Tyler) happened upon a beautiful day to put up the lights. 
The Saturday after Thanksgiving, we were off to find the perfect tree. We scored with another beautiful day, and even got a carriage ride around the quaint tree farm. I heart Christmas farms in Iowa. 
The Saturday after Thanksgiving, we were off to find the perfect tree. We scored with another beautiful day, and even got a carriage ride around the quaint tree farm. I heart Christmas farms in Iowa. Saturday, December 11, 2010
Ladies Take All
Our family decided to join a friendly competition at the local Y.
An intense free throw shooting contest.
We split up according to age groups and 1 parent could be on each kid's team.
Logan and Dad paired up downstairs, and mom partnered up with Harrison and Mariah.
Logan made 9/10 shots, and Mariah and Harrison each made 5.
This rowdy bunch was too impatient to wait a 1/2 hour to hear the winners announced, so off to Dairy Queen we went.
After all, in the end we're all winners, right?
We hung at DQ until mom got a sugar rush and things started getting out of control!
We headed home praising the Mons kiddos for being brave to try something new.
You can imagine our surprise and excitement when team Mommy/Mariah received a $20 prize in the mail for winning the 6 yr old contest (the rest of her competitors were boys ~ u go girl!).
As proud as I am of my girl for winning, I am most pleased with what she did next. Shortly after receiving her gift card, I read the kids a story from the Friend magazine about a family that sacrificed some of their gifts in order to provide a Christmas for another family in need. After hearing the story, Mariah decided that she would donate her gift card to our ward's giving tree.
Now that is something to write home about! Thanks for your winning example, Miss Mariah.
An intense free throw shooting contest.
We split up according to age groups and 1 parent could be on each kid's team.
Logan and Dad paired up downstairs, and mom partnered up with Harrison and Mariah.
Logan made 9/10 shots, and Mariah and Harrison each made 5.
This rowdy bunch was too impatient to wait a 1/2 hour to hear the winners announced, so off to Dairy Queen we went.
After all, in the end we're all winners, right?
We hung at DQ until mom got a sugar rush and things started getting out of control!
We headed home praising the Mons kiddos for being brave to try something new.
You can imagine our surprise and excitement when team Mommy/Mariah received a $20 prize in the mail for winning the 6 yr old contest (the rest of her competitors were boys ~ u go girl!).
As proud as I am of my girl for winning, I am most pleased with what she did next. Shortly after receiving her gift card, I read the kids a story from the Friend magazine about a family that sacrificed some of their gifts in order to provide a Christmas for another family in need. After hearing the story, Mariah decided that she would donate her gift card to our ward's giving tree.
Now that is something to write home about! Thanks for your winning example, Miss Mariah.
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Logan Eats Drinks, Sleeps...
FOOTBALL!
In October Logan wrapped up his best season yet. The Hawkeyes took him in this year and he did not disappoint.
Logan is a lover of sports, but for now, football is his mana.
He constantly has one in his hands and will be found around the house flipping and diving with the ball. If the ball isn't cradled in his arms, he is punting air inside - or out in the yard kicking it. He knows where all the college teams rank, who is playing who, who won last week, and who plays tomorrow. He loves to learn the stats and will come home from school and track his own. Nothing brings him more joy than chilling on the couch with a bowl of popcorn and a good game to watch.
Luckily his mama knows how to take care of hungry sports fans. (although at this house, don't get too comfy, I've got a 1 game limit - those games can last all day!)
Here's the little quarterback in action:
In October Logan wrapped up his best season yet. The Hawkeyes took him in this year and he did not disappoint.
Logan is a lover of sports, but for now, football is his mana.
He constantly has one in his hands and will be found around the house flipping and diving with the ball. If the ball isn't cradled in his arms, he is punting air inside - or out in the yard kicking it. He knows where all the college teams rank, who is playing who, who won last week, and who plays tomorrow. He loves to learn the stats and will come home from school and track his own. Nothing brings him more joy than chilling on the couch with a bowl of popcorn and a good game to watch.
Luckily his mama knows how to take care of hungry sports fans. (although at this house, don't get too comfy, I've got a 1 game limit - those games can last all day!)
Here's the little quarterback in action:
Fake pass
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Girls Need/Get Some Spice
It's mid October and I'm feelin' the need for some more spice in my life - something fun and interesting to do....
Mariah to the rescue! She invited me to join her and Ms. Card's 1st grade class on a field trip to the Des Moines State Capital. It was just what I needed to break up the routine of life and spend quality time with my girl. I have some great blurry cell phone pics to share!
It's November and Mariah anxiously asks every night when I tuck her in, "mom, what are we doing tomorrow" - with hopes that I won't say the usual -"school and other fun stuff". After many nights of hearing the usual, this girl is in serious need of spice!
Mom to the rescue! Once day, I decided when I tuck Mariah that night that I would surprise her with a spicey answer: "tomorrow, you ask? We are having a pajama pizza party - yes, on a school night!"
Everyone needs a little "spice". What are you going to do today?
Mariah to the rescue! She invited me to join her and Ms. Card's 1st grade class on a field trip to the Des Moines State Capital. It was just what I needed to break up the routine of life and spend quality time with my girl. I have some great blurry cell phone pics to share!
It's November and Mariah anxiously asks every night when I tuck her in, "mom, what are we doing tomorrow" - with hopes that I won't say the usual -"school and other fun stuff". After many nights of hearing the usual, this girl is in serious need of spice!
Mom to the rescue! Once day, I decided when I tuck Mariah that night that I would surprise her with a spicey answer: "tomorrow, you ask? We are having a pajama pizza party - yes, on a school night!"
Everyone needs a little "spice". What are you going to do today?
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Hustlers- Farrell's Fall Session
I had the wonderful opportunity to coach another great team this year. And this time, I had a fabulous co-coach with me to lead several people to success!
It is such a privlege to be a part of this journey with others. Yes, they come hoping to make changes to their physical bodies, but much more than that ends of happening. I have come to love helping adults see their potential and to love them through it. It's easy to be excited with children and to praise them. But I've learned that adults still need encouragement, praise, and nurturing just as much. These people all blossomed and gained a whole new respect for themselves. It took a ton of hard work. They were frustrated, nervous and overwhelmed at first. By the end they had gained physical, mental and emotional strength that they had forgotten was there all along! So proud of this team!
Robyn and Michelle - The Coaches
Most of our team at final testing. It's amazing how you start as strangers and within 10 weeks you truly care about one another. One of my favorite things about this job, for sure!
Susan, Terry, and Diane. These 3 were in the top 5 for best results!
It is such a privlege to be a part of this journey with others. Yes, they come hoping to make changes to their physical bodies, but much more than that ends of happening. I have come to love helping adults see their potential and to love them through it. It's easy to be excited with children and to praise them. But I've learned that adults still need encouragement, praise, and nurturing just as much. These people all blossomed and gained a whole new respect for themselves. It took a ton of hard work. They were frustrated, nervous and overwhelmed at first. By the end they had gained physical, mental and emotional strength that they had forgotten was there all along! So proud of this team!
Thank you Hustlers -- and Michelle, my friend and co-coach for an amazing experience!!
Monday, November 01, 2010
Dad's 60th Birthday
I had the rare, yet cherished opportunity to visit with my parents.
All. By. My. Self.
It was me and my mom and dad. I think the last time I had "alone" time with my parents was probaby when I was - I don't know- 5?
I was soooo excited to fly to California to celebrate my dad's big 60th birthday. I was especially thrilled to spend time with them. I was excited to be Robyn-the-daughter again. Here is my trip as documented with my cell phone:
First 2 things on my agenda: The beach...... 
....and Ruby's. We took a walk along the beach and talked and talked. I love talking about life with my parents. They have so much insight. I love that my dad loves to talk about deep things such as relationships and the purpose of life.
A great pic of my parents. And this was even before this was even before we got drunk on our shakes!
We went to the Newport Beach Temple. Probaby the most beautiful endowment room I have ever seen. Breathtaking murals of the refreshing California landscape. Never seen anything like that!
Shopping time with my cousin and aunts.
Love this girl. I only have 2 girl cousins on this side of the family. I love them both dearly and wish I could spend more time with them. We missed you Maren!
Another trip to Ruby's. We watched Salt and headed to our favorite joint. Pictured here are my parents, my grandma, my dad's brother, Todd - wife Kathleen (and cuz), my dad's sister, Lori -hubby John.
Hanging out at dad's birthday dinner.
Check out all those candles! Don't worry, Fire Extinguisher was ready to go if needed.
The birthday boy with his kind smile. I am so thankful I had to opportunity to this very special time with my parents. My dad is such a blessing in my life. I have learned so much from him and continue to be inspired by his strong faith and determination to grow closer to the Lord. I will always cherish this trip as one of the best memories of my life.
Here is a letter he wrote to us kids soon after his birthday. With his permission, I'd like to share it with you:
January 2, 2011
Tustin, CA
THOUGHTS AT AGE 60 AND A NEW YEAR
At my birthday, Fred asked me a question: “What are your thoughts at age 60?”
At the time, I did not give a very satisfactory answer. I would like to do so now.
These thoughts are about being happy in life. They come from a lifetime of learning. I hope they will benefit you now or sometime in the future:
--Faith in Jesus Christ brings us to the presence of God.
--Worry and fear are not faith. They are erased by the exercising of faith.
--Take faith and the Priesthood into everything you do.
--Humility is where God’s power is.
--Patience obtains all things. Let patience have her perfect work. You and all other humans can only progress a little bit at a time—this is a tender mercy of the Lord.
--Spiritual growth is impossible without adversity. Learning hurts. We only learn by taking the risk of immersing in experience with the best light available.
--Focus on right here and right now, with the matter immediately at hand. You cannot live faster than one day at a time.
This principle cannot be cheated by hurrying up.
--Once you’ve extracted the learning from it--if any--never dwell on a past experience that’s older than a day and a half.
--Rules for successful communication, especially with your spouse:
1. Don’t interrupt
2. Don’t argue
3. Don’t speak unless it edifies
4. Never criticize--especially in public.
5. Always provide a way for the other to save face.
--One of our purposes in life is to develop our emotional make-up, not just our spirits, minds and bodies.
Didn’t Jesus command: “Thou shalt love the Lord with all thy heart, might, mind and strength?”
--As we try to influence others, we must always remember that we are in the “heart-softening business”, just like God and His Son are. Kindness softens the heart. Argument only hardens it against us.
--We become stronger in our testimonies by firmly deciding to live the Gospel, not by overcoming the arguments or doubts that may arise against it. Doubt disappears as we more consistently live principles of truth.
--If we refuse to do evil, the vacuum within will be infused with light.
--The purpose of our move from Pocatello to Texas was to place you kids and your families on higher ground, both temporally and spiritually. That blessing has swallowed up all my heartache with employment during our time in Texas.
--I am convinced 2011 will be a great year for Mom and I. We will prepare for that end. The Lord will deliver us, as He always has. We shall not be denied.
Love, Dad
All. By. My. Self.
It was me and my mom and dad. I think the last time I had "alone" time with my parents was probaby when I was - I don't know- 5?
I was soooo excited to fly to California to celebrate my dad's big 60th birthday. I was especially thrilled to spend time with them. I was excited to be Robyn-the-daughter again. Here is my trip as documented with my cell phone:
First 2 things on my agenda: The beach...... 
....and Ruby's. We took a walk along the beach and talked and talked. I love talking about life with my parents. They have so much insight. I love that my dad loves to talk about deep things such as relationships and the purpose of life.
A great pic of my parents. And this was even before this was even before we got drunk on our shakes!
We went to the Newport Beach Temple. Probaby the most beautiful endowment room I have ever seen. Breathtaking murals of the refreshing California landscape. Never seen anything like that!
Shopping time with my cousin and aunts.
Love this girl. I only have 2 girl cousins on this side of the family. I love them both dearly and wish I could spend more time with them. We missed you Maren!
Another trip to Ruby's. We watched Salt and headed to our favorite joint. Pictured here are my parents, my grandma, my dad's brother, Todd - wife Kathleen (and cuz), my dad's sister, Lori -hubby John.
Hanging out at dad's birthday dinner.
Check out all those candles! Don't worry, Fire Extinguisher was ready to go if needed.
The birthday boy with his kind smile. I am so thankful I had to opportunity to this very special time with my parents. My dad is such a blessing in my life. I have learned so much from him and continue to be inspired by his strong faith and determination to grow closer to the Lord. I will always cherish this trip as one of the best memories of my life.
Here is a letter he wrote to us kids soon after his birthday. With his permission, I'd like to share it with you:
January 2, 2011
Tustin, CA
THOUGHTS AT AGE 60 AND A NEW YEAR
At my birthday, Fred asked me a question: “What are your thoughts at age 60?”
At the time, I did not give a very satisfactory answer. I would like to do so now.
These thoughts are about being happy in life. They come from a lifetime of learning. I hope they will benefit you now or sometime in the future:
--Faith in Jesus Christ brings us to the presence of God.
--Worry and fear are not faith. They are erased by the exercising of faith.
--Take faith and the Priesthood into everything you do.
--Humility is where God’s power is.
--Patience obtains all things. Let patience have her perfect work. You and all other humans can only progress a little bit at a time—this is a tender mercy of the Lord.
--Spiritual growth is impossible without adversity. Learning hurts. We only learn by taking the risk of immersing in experience with the best light available.
--Focus on right here and right now, with the matter immediately at hand. You cannot live faster than one day at a time.
This principle cannot be cheated by hurrying up.
--Once you’ve extracted the learning from it--if any--never dwell on a past experience that’s older than a day and a half.
--Rules for successful communication, especially with your spouse:
1. Don’t interrupt
2. Don’t argue
3. Don’t speak unless it edifies
4. Never criticize--especially in public.
5. Always provide a way for the other to save face.
--One of our purposes in life is to develop our emotional make-up, not just our spirits, minds and bodies.
Didn’t Jesus command: “Thou shalt love the Lord with all thy heart, might, mind and strength?”
--As we try to influence others, we must always remember that we are in the “heart-softening business”, just like God and His Son are. Kindness softens the heart. Argument only hardens it against us.
--We become stronger in our testimonies by firmly deciding to live the Gospel, not by overcoming the arguments or doubts that may arise against it. Doubt disappears as we more consistently live principles of truth.
--If we refuse to do evil, the vacuum within will be infused with light.
--The purpose of our move from Pocatello to Texas was to place you kids and your families on higher ground, both temporally and spiritually. That blessing has swallowed up all my heartache with employment during our time in Texas.
--I am convinced 2011 will be a great year for Mom and I. We will prepare for that end. The Lord will deliver us, as He always has. We shall not be denied.
Love, Dad
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Halloween 2010
I will admit it. This year Halloween caught be a little unprepared. We still managed to do a few things right..
1. Everyone had a costume (except me). I'm just not great- or I guess I should say- I don't put a lot of time into planning costumes. I admire all the coordinated families and the homemade costumes. Love them and so glad that others do it because I really enjoy them! We're just thrilled when we find something that fits and passes as a costume.
2. We did our annual, Halloween FHE. The theme: "How Scary Life Would be Without the Gospel." We shared this night acting out our answers in charade form with other families.
3. We did not carve pumpkins, but we made carameled apples. Doing both would have been way too awesome!
1. Everyone had a costume (except me). I'm just not great- or I guess I should say- I don't put a lot of time into planning costumes. I admire all the coordinated families and the homemade costumes. Love them and so glad that others do it because I really enjoy them! We're just thrilled when we find something that fits and passes as a costume.
2. We did our annual, Halloween FHE. The theme: "How Scary Life Would be Without the Gospel." We shared this night acting out our answers in charade form with other families.
3. We did not carve pumpkins, but we made carameled apples. Doing both would have been way too awesome!
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