The Trump

Matt and I were able to get away for Valentine's Day. Matt helped his boss out a few months back and received two nights at the Trump hotel in Las Vegas. Our room was really nice. Here is picture of our little kitchenette. This was my favorite. The bathroom had a television built into the mirror. I took at least three baths in the Jacuzzi tub. I vegged out watching television while soaking in the tub. LOVED IT!

We went sight seeing a bit on Saturday. Matt had never been inside the forum shops at Caesar's Palace so we wondered around that area of town. However, we mainly hung out in our great room, watched some movies, and played some games (a card game I took-No Gambling-wink, wink). It was a very needed and relaxing get away.

Strange Weather

This is not a lake, but the park next to our house. Mom and Dad lived across the street from it when they were here. We had many days of rain fall a couple of weeks ago and I was amazed at the chaos it caused. Arizona has a very tough terrain and the water doesn't soak into the ground very quickly. So, they build a lot of drainage areas, such as our park, for the rain to go when it gets bad, which it does every once in a while. I however, was amazed at the reactions from people. Yes, it was a record rain fall, and yes, the winds got so high that we had a tornado watch, but in my mind it was "just rain." But, "just rain" in Arizona can really be a big deal with flash floods, and high winds, that it was a bit scary. I sat at home that night and watched the many "winter weather warnings" that continued to interrupt my television shows and was just rather intrigued by it all. Now, this would have been an awesome snow storm in Idaho, but it caused a lot of chaos just the same here in Arizona.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I hope that everyone had a great Christmas and New Years. Unfortunately my camera broke and I therefore don't have any pictures of Christmas to post. However, we had a wonderful Christmas. Anthony and Nathan were thrilled that Santa, Mom and Dad went in together to get a wii. They have been playing non-stop since Christmas. Jaylyn made out with some dress up clothes, and a few other toys. Matt and I didn't go too crazy with the gifts, but I am finding much more pleasure in watching my children's faces as they open their presents.

Probably the greatest thing that happened this holiday season was Anthony's eighth birthday. We were able to baptise him on the 31st as well. He was so excited. He asked Micheal, his 12 year old cousin to play the piano (and he did great), Auntie Emily to lead, and his grandmas to speak. He told me I couldn't do anything which I had decided was probably a good idea since I would be an emotional wreck.

One funny thing that did happen was when Matt flooded the cultural hall. He then had to put on a "way too small" baptismal outfit and get in so that he could unplug the font. I laughed and I think he has laughed about it since, but he wasn't very happy about it that day. In the end though, eveything turned out great.

The day was very special. Anthony had all of his cousins there on the Niu side. He also had many friends there. He is such a wonderful boy and we are very proud of him. The spirit was there to witness to us all that he was making the right choice. I took some pictures with my phone. He is such a handsome boy!

A Star is Born

This video made me laugh hard! It is a video Matt's sister took of Jaylyn at his mom's house. She is very talented. She is our very own one-man-band.

Who knew she could play the paino with her feet?

I also added a vidoe of her at her dance recital on Saturday. She took tap and ballet this fall and her dance teachers put on a very grande production. I was a little disappointed that they didn't get her jacket off of her before she went on stage, but it makes her stand out a little bit. So, if you didn't recognize her she is the one in the front with the blue jacket on. She is pretty cute.

So Much to Love

They make us all want to pull out every hair on our head at times, but then there are those moments that make it all worth while. Here are a few of mine that have happened recently.


Nathan said something so cute in primary today. They were talking about what specials things parents do. Sister Randall asked what special things their moms and dads did. Nathan raised his hand and said, "my mom has the prettiest hair."


Yep, Matt in a suit. He hasn't worn one since he grew out of the one he got married in. Well, a few weeks ago we had to buy a new one. President Niu (his dad is in the stake presidency) called us in for an interview. He then asked Matt to be the second councilor in the bishopric. CRAZY! As wives we know the good things and the bad. On one hand I can point out all of his faults and say he probably isn't the best man for the job. On the other hand, I can't imagine any one better. Well it has been two weeks and he is doing great! Better yet, I have survived Sacrament meeting.


Jaylyn had pictures for dance the other day. I haven't seen the dance yet, but she is a little elf in this number.
She did the funniest thing last Sunday. Matt and I were napping and her and Nathan had been playing outside. Anthony came in and said that they were putting sugar on him. So, I came out and sure enough there was sugar all over my table. There was still some left in the sugar jar. It was full of dirt. Jaylyn had brought in some weeds from the backyard and tried to plant them in the sugar jar. I had a hard time getting too angry at that.


Here is a picture of our yearly turkey we put up for our family home evening around Thanksgiving. Each feather tells of something we are thankful for. I am so very thankful for them!