DAVID AND AMY

Article about infertility

2011-01-18T20:48:00.001-08:00

Tonight, David pulled out the edition of the Mormon Times Newspaper we were given a subscription to. He said "Look dear, here is an article about infertility" I think we should read. We hit home with the subject, and I proceeded to read the article. It featured a cute couple who has experienced infertility. The article listed a blog address that this amazing woman started about her path of infertility, so out of curiosity, I went to the blog. I found this scripture that has captivated me. My soul feels this way.

"I waited patiently for the Lord, and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also, out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God, and many shall see it and fear, and trust in the Lord. Blessed is the man that maketh the Lord his trust."

Psalm 40:1-4.

I know no matter what happens in the future, children or not- David and I have been brought together for a reason. We are extremely blessed to have each other, as many will never have a companion in this life. No it doesn't solve our burning and sincere desire to love a child of our own, but it gives peace and comfort we need :)

Fun new addition

2010-08-20T16:45:00.000-07:00

David has been a life long die hard Beatles fan. I have always been a fan, but became much more of a stronger fan after we dated/married. We were recently doing a Target run, and found this baby onesie (9 months) for our future child that we adopt. We did this hoping we will get a newborn child so they can attach to us. Fun to prepare!!

Blog Overhaul..... credit to be given to David....

2010-07-12T11:51:00.000-07:00

We revamped the blog, yet I have a bunch of entries and photos to upload still. We hope you all enjoy it. David found a new picture of the Ocean for our backdrop, and volunteered to put it up. This picture was one David took last year on a trip to the Fort Bragg, CA area. We hope you enjoy it. Thanks to my sweetheart for his hard work assisting me with some blogger technical things I couldn't figure out. We complement each other well.

New Callings

2010-07-06T21:38:00.000-07:00

David and I were called in the second week in our new ward to see the Bishop, and had a little typical "get to know you" discussion with him. He asked us about our families and how we met. At the end of the discussion, we were asked what callings we previously had. The next week, in less than a month, we were called in and extended callings. David was first called to be Cubmaster. He is over elated, and was cubmaster years ago in his home ward. I was stunned to be called to be the Primary Chorister. I enjoy the piano, and have sang in Choirs, however this will definatel stretch me and be a learning experience

- The above picture is David going to Twilight Camp for Cub Scouts. He is over the boys 8-11 years old.

Visit from the Wadells.......

2010-06-29T23:22:00.000-07:00

Our dear friends moved recently, this past February to where we are planning and hoping in the future to relocate- the Austin, Texas area. Tiffany, and her three children Rachel, Gabrielle (known as our "Gabby"), and Jacob (known as "Jake") came back to Cali to visit family and friends, and made time for us and came to our new place for a summer barbeque of hot dogs, burgers, and the works.

We had a blast catching up them, hearing all about their new life in Texas, and seeing the kids getting so big. Tiffany has sent me some wonderful, supportive emails and texts, excited and optimistic about our adoption, which has shown me what kind of friends we have.
David and I were mesmorized by sweet Jake, as he was litterally a few days old the last time we saw him. He is now six months.
We then enjoyed ice cream at Leatherby's, a well know family creamery here.

Papa's Day, June 20th, 2010

2010-06-27T22:14:00.000-07:00

We had a relaxing day. Since we still aren't parents, I tried to honor David as a future father. He got a massage, and a special breakfast brunch. We joined the ward choir recently, and were kindof surprised to hear we would be singing on Father's Day. We had a nice Sunday. Normally the primary kids do something fun and sing for the dads, but we loved the experience to beable to sing with this chior for the first time. We sang a special rendition of "A poor wayfarying man of Grief." I always feel a deeper appreciation for the Prophet Joseph Smith when I sing that song. At church, the men got chocolate chip cookies.

After church, we got some naps and then headed to see Papa Hobbs. David already went over with him earlier this week to spend some time and enjoy the world cup. David had made a mini wooden soccer field for him, and he loved it. We then headed for the evening of a stake dinner and relaxing with my parents, Grandmother, my brother Ben and his daughter Rachael, and my brother Daniel and his three sons. Daniel's wife, Rebecca was working.

Mama's Day, May 9th, 2010.

2010-05-23T18:09:00.000-07:00

David's co-worker that normally works on Sundays was on vacation, so David was stuck taking the day shift on Sunday the 9th. We visited his Mom, Monica, the night before, Saturday the 8th, since we knew David would be working. I attended Sacrament meeting, where the men brought in Hot rolls and Chocolate to honor the ladies. This year, I had alot more people wishing me a "Happy Mother's Day" than any other year. After church I enjoyed a relaxing walk and nap, and when David got home, we made it, even though it was late to join my family for dinner. I am glad we were able to make it, because we were able to honor the Matriarch of my family, my 88 year old maternal Grandmother and my own mom there. I continue to appreciate them more and more- their love and devotion to our family. They have taught me so much from their love!

Trip to Vegas and Utah- April 16-20th, 2010.

2010-05-23T17:07:00.001-07:00

David and I felt strongly Since December of 2009 to visit his paternal Grandfather, his only living Grandparent who is 94 years old and lives in St. George, Utah. He married us in the Oakland Temple, and has been a huge, postive influence on David. I used tickets that would have otherwise been used for the goal to travel to the Austin area in Texas. We originally wanted the trip to coincide with David's birthday (April 8th), so we were going to go April 8th-12th-but Grandpa Hobbs had his daughter (David's aunt) there that weekend, so we went the next available weekend, April 16th-20th. .
We flew to the closest airport to St. George on the 16th, which turned out lucky for us was Las Vegas. We rented a car, the cheapest rate for the nature of the trip. We thought we would get a clunker, but we got a p-cruiser- which we ended up adoring. We enjoyed a cheap stay at the Excaliber for one evening, with a free game, toured the famous strip, and our favorite famous mall, " the Venician" there. We enjoyed the treasure island show. We were stopped and asked to view and rate an un released television show. The viewing and survey of the show was a neat experience, however it took two hours- but we scored a free breakfast buffet and #20 for our participation. We heart Vegas!
On the 17th, we enjoyed the breakfast buffet, and then got ready for the day and checked out of the hotel. Played a free game in the basement of the Casino, and then visited the Las Vegas Temple for a session. We then headed to St. George. Ut. Our drive was short and sweet. We met that night up with Grandpa Hobbs, and ate at the Texas Roadhouse. On the 18th, we went in the morning to a buffet with Grandpa to the Golden Coral, and then went on a drive to see Hurricane- not much to see but a small, quaint town. We then visited that afternoon the St George Temple with Grandpa. That evening we spent relaxing and chating. I, Amy, appreciated the stories and wisdom he shared with us. He is a legacy for the Hobbs family, and we keep learning more about his life that makes us appreciate him more.
On the 18th, we attended Sacrament meeting with Grandpa, and then departed our drive to Salt Lake City. The drive both from Vegas to St. George, and then from St. George to SLC, reminded me how ugly the southern Utah landscape is. We do enjoy the Red rock areas, but the desert is what it is. We stopped in Lehi to visit David's Aunt Angela, and her husband Ed, and Cousin Braden. It was short, but we had a good short conversation and played a disney wii game, which I completly failed. We then drove a very short distance to Bluffdale, and visited my past Utah State roommates, Amanda and Heather- at Amanda's house. I have not seen them for about 8 years, so it was a fun reunion. That night, we were privileged to stay with a family friend of the Hobbs, the Sterzers, in Taylorsville, They were very welcoming, and very generous hosts with providing us breakfast and a bed. On the 19th, we took off early in the morning to tour the conference center, and temple square, and Behive house. That evening we met up with my sister Heidi, who recently relocated to Utah and our brother in law Ken and our nephews Hayden and Hunter at Thanksgiving point, and had dinner and strolled around. We stayed again that evening in Taylorsville with the Sterzers, and then finished our Church sites tour, at temple square, and then dropped off the car in the afternoon and flew home. The trip was so needed, a chance to both visit loved ones and to get a breather from our work and adoption drama!

Easter, conference April 2010.

2010-04-05T11:14:00.001-07:00

This year, our Easter was really good! We woke up to a cloudy day- which started the day not feeling that "spring feeling" of Easter. What I did love, is having conference coincide with Easter this year. We watched the morning session of conference online with a french toast breakfast that I whipped up. David did an impromptu egg hunt for me, which ended up being more clever than I thought, because he was sly the way he hid the eggs from me. We got ready for the day and then went to the Hobbs house for the afternoon session of conference. We played conference bingo, which I have never done before, and I got bingo 3 times through the whole session. Every conference, there is always a message that "screams" out to me. This conference, I felt the messages to parents hit me harder, as David and I are on a road and closer to obtaining that title and responsibility.
After the afternoon session, the Easter bunny came to David's parents backyard in the drizzling rain. Yes, we all went out with coats and egg hunted. It wasn't bad until the rain started to actually gain momentum, and by that time we were basically done witht the hunt.
David and I left the Hobbs and joined my parents in Lincoln for Easter dinner. By this time, the rain was a hard downpour, and Easter suddenly felt like Christmastime. Unfortunatly, we had a smaller group that could come for Easter this year. Ben and niece Rachael, My Uncle Tracy came since Aunt Sharon was out working her job as a flight attendant, and of course my parents and Grandma. We ended up ending the evening singing along to The Sound of Music which was on TV that evening. What a concert we made :)

APPROVAL OF ADOPTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-03-26T22:13:00.000-07:00

SO WE MADE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! After about two years of investigating in-vetro fertlization, going through the adoption process with LDS Social Services, and working with Lilliput Services and a private adoption attorney. We got word that we were officially approved with LDS social services on Wednesday, March 24th. We actually were approved the day before- Tuesday, March 23rd, but it I found out through a routine phone call. I called the LDS social services to inquire about bringing them a document we had submitted sometime back, and the wonderful adoption secretary, Margaret informed me that David and I were approved, however our Social Worker Wayne, had straight meetings the rest of the day and didn't get to calling us.

I immediatly called David and our parents, and sent a mass text to friends. What a joyful thing to get to this point. We celebrated that evening at Mels that evening! So now we are joined with all the rest of the couples that are hoping to adopt also. hhhhmmmm- are David and I too short, too dark, too weird, too??????????? to the birthparents??? I wonder what will attract the birthparent/parents to David and I???? Both of us have had strong feelings of a boy first, but will we get a princess first?? What will our little munskin look like? So many exciting questions.

New Government Run Health Care Bill

2010-03-26T20:56:00.001-07:00

What would our founding fathers say and do at this time in the history of the United States??? How would they feel? these questions keep racing my mind since Sunday, March 21st, 2010. CSPAN captivated me as I watched the Congressional House of Reps cast their votes on a massive Health Care bill that provides health insurance supposedly to "95 %" of Americans.
Innatly, this bill looks like a charitable, humane thing to guarentee everyone health care. When we first learned the provisions of this bill and studied it, David immediatly asked me "so, why not 100% of Americans?" I didn't have an answer for him even after I read about it.
There are many things still to learn about this legislation, however what I do know, is that NOBODY, not even the author of this bill, has been able to answer, is WHO IS GOING TO COUGH UP the green dough for this???????????????
I immediatly tried to record these house vote proceedings onto a DVD, I wanted to record them, save it somewhere in our memorabilia, so in 10-15 years I can show our future child how our government ran, and that I witnessed our government flex it's muscles, and was ademately against this bill that they are going to have to pay for. My hair rose a little from my head when I saw the projected trillions to fund this program. The projection estimates that in less than 30 years, the United States will not be able to fund public education, the tax increase to fund this - is projected to increase into the 40 percents????????????
Recently, I found a news article that the Canadian Prime Minister came for a medical surgery to the United States. Other National leaders come here too. That is something wrong if leaders of other nations are leaving their own country for a surgery- not to imply there aren't renoun physicians in many other countries- I am just illustrating the point that I truly believe ours is one of the best quality health care systems in the world. Our Health Care System has some of the best, drs, updated research, and equipment!
Michael Moore's film "Sicko" that discussess health care in England and France brought insight to me also. Both countries have a national health care system. In the film, he was talking to the British citizens about their health care, and they seemed reluctant to respond to their thoughts about their own health care system-hmmmmm- why????????. I have a good friend, her name is Paula. she is an esthnician here in Auburn, CA, and has done alot of facials for me. She is from England, but French by decent. I had a long discussion with her about the health care issues, She told me when she goes back home to England, she tries not to go to the dr. She said "one thing is forsure, the drs and equipment are way better here in the United States."
" I also heard an interview on NPR. A lady was being interviewed who interviewed a bunch of medical specialists that want to quit their profession under this new system. Under the provisions of this bill, the government will decide what treatments are needed/necessary for each infirmity/disease. Since when does the goverment have credentials in health care, and know what is best for patients- no two people with the same disease/illness will respond the same to the same treatment. A dr/patient relationship is the beauty of our current health care system. Currently, states provide health care already to patients that have an "acute" health care issue, and cannot pay for the services or don't have insurance. It makes sense to pay a small portion, even if you are on poverty, to contribute to their insurance premiums, than for Uncle Sam to take over.
So even a bigger principal behind all of this than that, what if I don't want any health care at all????????
The new health care bill provisions include a fine for those that don't purchase health care. I watched outside the capital, over 40,000 people were protesting, and that brought hope, and tears to my eyes. That is the hope for the future of my country. What is left of our constitution, I still love!

We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves, and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Mitt Romney's visit to Sacramento..

2010-03-26T20:03:00.000-07:00

Former Massachusetts Gov Mitt Romney, who happens to have been a former boss of mine at the SLOC (Salt Lake Olympic Committe) recently wrote a fantastic book entitled "No apology." I receive emails off and on about his events. I had received an email mid February that Sacramento was on his tour, and blocked out a little time to be able to attend.

The book signing took place in Borders in Sacramento. It was well attended. He gave a brief introduction about the book, and due to his time constraint, went right into autographing. My turn was a brief greeting, and conversation and said he appreciated I came. One thing I can forsure say is his love for the country is tangible, and he has no reservations, or hesitations to confront issues and answer questions from people. His love for our country is tangible.

February, 2010- Oldest Niece turns 16!

2010-03-26T19:57:00.001-07:00

Our niece Rachael- eldest of all of our nieces and nephews has hit 16! I vividly remember the day I got the call she was coming into the world. I raced to the hospital, while her mother was in labor. The funny thing is we didn't know, as this was 16 years ago, her gender- a decision her parents made to be surprised. I do remember all speculating she was going to be a boy, but I am SO glad she was born a Female. She leads the pack of cousins on my side of the family so well. Watching her grow into a beautiful young women has been inspiring. She just gets smarter and cuter all the time. We love her very much!

OREGON TRIP, Nov 5-9, 2009

2009-11-09T14:55:00.000-08:00

In our adoption process, David and I were instructed and "highly encouraged" to attend a western United States including California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii FSA (families supporting adoption) conference in Portland, Oregon. We had a few hours left for foster care training in our required training left, and we had been talking for about 2 years taking a drive up the Pacific Northwest, so we seized the opportunity to accomplish both. Here is a rough journal of our trip.

DAY 1-

arrgg- always takes longer to take off on trips, we left 2 hours latter than planned because we remembered a few more things to bring, and I missed the alarm.

Our journey begins up highway 5, with a quick stop at Denny's for breakfast- happy to admit that my moons over my hammy, and David's pancakes didn't make either of us sick as I always try to stay away from that place. We only resulted to it to make the stop fast.

After we hit Williams, Ca, where highway 20 that takes you to fort bragg meets highway 5- we were in territory neither of us had been, so we kept our eyes peeled for new scenery, and tried to get good glances and views of towns we always hear about, but have never been to, Redding, Red Bluff, and Yreka. They are all what they sound like and look like on the news, mountain towns, lots of northern, CA pine, a few redwood trees. As we passed Yreka, it was open land for awhile, and we figured we must be soon hitting the Oregon border, sure enough we saw the "Welcome to Oregon" sign. We already had seen the mile markers to Medford, OR. It was actually right near the border we got our first random rainfall, and were initiated to the eratic rainfall and then sunny weather patterns typical of the Northwest. I tried a new thing this trip, David insisted on driving most of the way, so I became the photographer for cool scenes/views from our car, and I can brag, some of the pictures turned out great for taking them from the road.

When we hit Medford, OR at around 4 pm, David and I wanted to go see the Medford, Oregon Temple, so we went straight there so we could see the Temple in daylight. It is so pretty,the smallest Temple plan, with only 1 sealing room, and is also located on the same property as a stake center. We took some pictures, and walked around the grounds. We were leaving to go back into town and when David shut the back door of our car after putting the camera in the back seat, he hit his head pretty hard on the door, enough that he got a terrible migraine. We relaxed a few minutes, and then went to eat dinner, we ended up choosing Applebees. The migraine wasn't getting any better with Advil during dinner, so David had an idea to go back to the stake center right next to the Temple, and get a blessing. We went back and there were two brothers that were in the Stake Offices that were willing and able to administer a blessing to David. We decided with a little drama to stay in Medford for the night, instead of proceding to Portland. We decided to let David chill, and get up really early the next morning and make it to Portland early before having to be there for the conference by 3 pm. We layed low and watched a movie in the Ramada Inn so David could get over the Migraine.

Day 2-

Yeah! we woke up early as planned, David's head felt somewhat better, and it wasn't raining, cloudy, but not rainy. After a contiental breakfast at the Ramada inn, we got on the road to proceed to Portland. We pulled over to gas up our car at a cheveron outside of Medford, and when we drove up to the gas pump and stopped, David got out to pump the gas, and I got out to go into the gas station to get some bottles of water for the road. We were approached by a woman, in a raincoat asking us how much gas we wanted. David and I looked at each other a little bit surprised, and a little confused why she was asking us, and who she was. It was then we learned, and were told by this Cheveron employee the state of Oregon has a law that consumers/public are not allowed to pump their own gas. In fact, you will be fined $500 dollars if you do. David and I looked at each other in shock, and thought she was kidding at first. She pumped our gas, and I got our waters, and then we continued to Portland.

The journey up to Portland from Medford was the most picturesque, and amazing with mixtures of fall colors, moss, and amazing landscape of hills and trees. There was low setting clouds, amdist alot of groves of trees. We enjoyed gauking at the scenery, and had of course some beattles music going on that David had loaded on our GPS.

About an hour and a half before Portland, our rear ends were traveling soar from sitting, we were so ready to just be there already. David finally let me take a driving shift, and sure enough, right after I started, I was in the middle of a dark, heavy down pour, but then it subsided, and the rest of the leg to Portland was nice until we hit the city.

Portland is kindof hilly, green and lots and lots of trees, and very updated and modern. They have every store and thing to do possible. It is much bigger than I thought. We made our way to Hillsboro, a suburb only about 10 minutes west of Portland, to check into the Marriott near the chapel where the conference was. We checked into the motel, and I have to say Marriott rocks for being the cheapest motel near the conference we could find! The lady said when we checked in that the hotel was brining complimentary cookies to our room, where do you find that service? After checking in, we freshened up and then went to the chapel for the conference.

Conference Friday afternoon and evening:

.

Camping Trip to Donnor, 2009

2009-08-29T23:30:00.000-07:00

We took a 2 day camping trip, just the two of us this time to Donnor state park August 27th to Aug 28th. We enjoyed beautiful weather, no crowds, and the hike and museum was fantastic. It was all the reason more why we love California!

CPR, FIRST AID CERTIFIED

2009-08-05T18:15:00.000-07:00

We finished our LAST step of the adoption process of the California state requirements for foster/adopting by taking a CPR and First Aid class to become CPR/ FIRST AID certified. We had a really nice instructor from the red cross come and present the classes to us for 6 hours; yes, you read it correctly, 6 hours. We took 12 lessons, as well as our hands on practices of chest compressions and mouth to mouth. We also learned to do splints and bandages for first aid. We took a test at the end, and both passed! Yee Haw

ADOPTION STUDY COMPLETED

2009-07-22T19:12:00.000-07:00

Most of you viewing our blog and that are close to us know David and I have decided (we decided 2 years ago) and are going forth with the adoption process. We applied and did some paperwork over a year ago, and then by the time we were going to have our adoption study we had decided to relocate, so we had to be patient and hold off until we made our recent move.
If you don't know what a home study is, you are not out of it. Neither of us knew until we got into the adoption process. A home study basically is where a social worker checks your house to make sure the house is "suiteable" for a child. Suiteable is basically safe and clean. They come and check to make sure the house has a place for the child. They check to make sure there are not sharp items, chemicals, and other dangerous items ground level or lower cupboards or drawers. They check to make sure you have a place to put the child, and that you have a fire extinguisher and a fist aid kit. Lastely, they want to make sure you are "sanitary" for the health of the child.
We had the appointment, Monday, July 20th. The appointment was an hour, and very smooth. After the inspection, we had another good discussion with our social worker.
This experience has been emotional and tedious, but has been amazing and such an eye opener.
We will update this blog when we find out our profile is viewable and if anything else happens.

4th of July!

2009-07-09T15:45:00.000-07:00

This year- 4th of July was interesting. We finished our last activity as members of the activities committee in our ward, planning the anual 4th of July breakfast. We had a great committee, who were diligent and joined us preparing the breakfast at 6 in the morning. A few even came at 5:30 AM. The heartly breakfast turned out delicious, with strawberry and whipped cream pancakes, scrambled eggs, all kinds of fruit, juice, and sausage and ham. We had a committee member that organized a group of elderly ladies that tap dance and perform to come perform patriotic numbers. We had a good turn-and had alot of compliments afterward. We are going to really miss the wonderful committee and our wonderful ward.

David had to work through the day after the breakfast, while I unpacked boxes, and then fireworks, we broke our routine. For the last 3 years we have gone to the well -known, fun Folsom Rodeo on the 4th of July.
I had spoken earlier in the week to our dear friends, Tiffany and Kevin Wadell, and they kindly invited us to join a group they were going to watch fireworks with again. We joined them and had fun visiting and the firework show kept going and going like the energizer bunny. Thanks to Tiff and Kev for having us.

MOVED!!

2009-07-09T15:33:00.000-07:00

After many months of analyzing and weighing out issues and looking into relocating out of state. We have decided to stay here and camp (figuratively) in Rancho Cordova, CA- the Sacramento area. If you want our new address, please email me. This is an open blog, and I never know who is going to view it. We weren't ready for all the issues involved in making the big move out of state yet, however unless things dramatically change with the local sacramento economy in the near future ( like the next 3-4 months), that day will arrive sooner than we anticipate.

We got 200 feet extra room in this new abode than we had in our last place, and our rent is $200 dollars cheaper- so we have no complaints on our end. We also love, love that David could litterally bike or walk (even though it would be a long walk) to his work.

I have decided that besides painful medical and dental work, moving has to be the most tedious, lame, drawn out event in life. Spending so much time buying boxes, transporting furniture, and taping up boxes is grueling.

It is official- weird but true! I have a new job OFFICIALLY.

2009-04-21T18:09:00.000-07:00

After 4 and a half long, drawn out months of doing odds and ins for work after loosing my job, and going crazy , but waiting in the process of trying to transfer David's job out of state, I was hired on by the same company David has been working for for 3 and a half years at The Home Depot. David has worked most of the time in specialty/appliances and is manager trained. I was hired as a lowly cashier. Bascially David is a big cheese over me.
I am glad that even though this will be a very temporary thing, I have the opportunity to get a dose of my husband's company and work life, and it is a great company to work for. The company is all about the customers and employees.

The first question everybody asks, are you both working at the same location??? Answer is no, no. David and I on purpose work at different locations. I was hired on as a temporary worker, which was the plan from the beginning;but am grateful to have work as so many millions right now are looking and seeking for work. So far, I have gone to orientation, done shadowing, and watched a bunch of training videos. I will put an update as some time goes by and see how this goes.

Tahoe trip- kindof random

2009-03-21T16:49:00.000-07:00

On March 9th, the weather was so beautiful! but snow was still up in the mountains so we took a long awaited jaunt to Lake Tahoe. We were planning on just going to Pollack Pines, but when we arrived in Pollack Pines, there wasn't that much snow, and the mile marker on the road indicated we only had like 25 miles to South Lake Tahoe. So went decided to just continue all the way.

Upon arriving in South Lake Tahoe, we immediatly went to the ski lift at Heavenly, but they had just closed the life. So we checked out some shops, found a place to hike around, throw snowballs, played in the snow, and take pictures. The crisp cool air with the sun out, and the snow around the lake was so picturesque!

When it became dark, we picked Hard Rock Cafe for dinner, which conveniently was located in a Casino. We hung out there and enjoyed dinner. We left South Lake Tahoe around 10pm. Too bad we couldn't stay with work the next day!

St Patricks Day, 2009

2009-03-21T11:45:00.000-07:00

David had to close at work on the 17th, so our plans to go to the downtown (old) Sacramento parade got thwarted. I was going to just head down there and hang out, but I respected David's and my families concerns of going downtown alone at night, even in public.

This year, green nailpolish, a green necklace and earings that my friend Sarah Latchaw made for my birthday a few years ago, would be the most Irish I would get. My parents invited me, and I accepted her invitation to come over for a yummy corned beef and cabbage meal to their house, which was fun- thanks mom! I brought David a plate of food home to have when he got home and he loved it also.

No fingerprints and rejected fingerprints????????

2009-03-21T11:22:00.000-07:00

Ok- talk about humilitating!! David and I went into the UPS store where they do live scanning to get our fingerprints for the department of justice (DOJ) and FBI. We went in thinking it was going to be an easy, 10 minute ordeal, and get it over and done with. The store was busy in the first place, after 15 minutes of waiting, we were called, and I, Amy was first up.
The guy doing the fingerprinting grabbed my fingers, and started his work. In great shock, I noticed my fingerprints looked like a bunch of lines with no grooves or contours in my skin. He had me use some lotion that is suppose to help expose more of the grooves and contours of the skin on the finger, but unfortunatly, it only helped a little. To make matters worse, a 5 minute deal turned into a 25 or maybe 30 minute deal. He was patient and did the best he could, but my fingerprints were still rejected. The guy said the system will reject them at first to make sure it is not the administrator and if they show the same problem when I go in again, they will accpet them on the basis that it is the best print they can do. SO SO Humilitating. He said some people just don't have clear fingerprints, and that alot of times if I wash my hands alot it happens. He said nurses and doctors especially have the problem. So I am waiting for our rejection letter so I can go back in and get them accepted on the basis that that is the best fingerprint they can get on me. To top off the lame experience, the guy said our total was $310 for both of our fingerprints, because they go to three different government agencies. Talk about pure robbery- that should be illegal- but then the government is the best at taking money.

Oldest Neice turns 15!

2009-03-04T21:21:00.000-08:00

On February 27th, our oldest neice, Rachael, Amy's brother Ben's oldest and only daughter turned a whoopin 15 years old. She started high school also last fall, and is quite the smart cookie. We can't believe she is already 15! We love you Rachael!

David's and my own little valentine evening!

2009-02-27T19:55:00.000-08:00

Besides being incharge of the ward valentine party on February 13th, we were asked to babysit our dear 2 neices and nephew (David's sister Rachel and her husband Alex's kids) on the 14th during the day; so they could attend a wedding/sealing in the Oakland Temple that was actually scheduled on Valentines Day. David had by mistake been scheduled that day, the 14th, off from work, which he never gets, so we jumped at the opportunity to spend time with our neices and nephew. We woke up in the morning on the 14th, and got a call first thing from David's parents saying they were coming over to bring us a valentine gift, and they arrived shortly after with a cute, creatively made chocolate heart cake done by my mother in law (see photo). I am constantly in awe of her talent!. We visited with them for a few minutes and then took off to Davis, Ca (about a half an hour away) to fullfill our babysitting assignment. The two girls (our neices) were picked up by a friend to go to a birthday party only 45 minutes after we started the babysitting, so a majority of the time we spent with our adorable nephew,2 year old Peter. He is one easy child to take care of (at least for the short time we were there), and we took him to a children's little interactive, explore center there in Davis called "exploreit." We enjoyed watching him explore the science activities. We kept being told he "would not take a nap, and that he doesn't take naps." by his parents. In the car on the way home we stopped for a snack and drink since we had skipped lunch, and I stayed in the car with Peter while David went in the store. In the car, I kept looking at Peter because he was being so quiet. After about 5 minutes waiting in the car for David, I looked back and he was out as a light bulb. We took him back to their apartment to nap, and then the girls arrived back from their friends and family and then their parents arrived back. They kept expressing they were thankful we were able to help, but any time we get to spend time with them is a treat.
After babysitting, we drove back to our home in Fair Oaks, and got ready for an evening of dinner and relaxing. David took me to Strings Italian Restraunt, which was yummy yummy, and then David bought me the most beautiful star lilies (see photo)on the way home. We went back home to a quiet evening of " Gone with the wind" and the delicious chocolate cake made for us by my in-laws. It had been so long since I have seen that movie, I forgot how well done it is and how much I love the romance of Scarlett and Rhett. I am so grateful I have the hottest, sweetest, and romantic hubby ever!

Our Valentines Party, 2009.

2009-02-17T12:15:00.000-08:00

Back in November, 2008- David was called to be the activites chair and I, Amy was called to be on the committee. We were incharge of planning a Valentine Dance on Friday, February 13th.

Our committee was awesome- very creative and fullfilled assignments so willingly. We had people assigned in the ward to bring desserts and finger food. We hired a caller (square dance DJ) and had square dancing and slow dancing in between. We decorated the cultural hall with naturally pink, red and white balloons, crate papaer, and heart confetti on the table.

We were shocked how well the caller did, he is quite talented and very interactive with the instruction. David and I were also shocked the groups participated and enjoyed themseleves so much. Unfortunatly, we had a low turn out, however that night there was a major storm, and the dancing threw off alot of people that were disinterested in it. The people that did come, expressed alot of positive comments about the activity and kept expressing they were impressed with the dancing and decorations and food. After this activity, I decided I should be an event planner- I love it!

Been a long time!

2009-02-17T12:14:00.001-08:00

I let this blog go for awhile since I joined facebook- but here goes- I will update!

33 Freakin Years Old

2007-09-18T20:41:00.000-07:00

I am 33 years officially now- wow- time flies.

We had family birthday parties at both David's and my family, and on the 17th itself my husband took me out on a date- dinner, watching the moon, and utlilizing a gift certificate... It was a fullfilling peaceful day and I am greatful we are near family and friends that made it more special.

David's 2 day go-tee

2007-09-17T20:55:00.000-07:00

David grew a little go-tee at the recommendation of his co-worker, and managed about 2 days until it irritated him and he gave himself a good clean shave- shucks- his wife told him she thought he was hot- but what can we wives do if they hate it??

2007-08-07T23:34:00.000-07:00

David in the see-through water tunnel exhibit in the Montery Bay Aquarium.

This is a shot after spending 3 hours in the Aquarium.

2007-08-07T23:12:00.000-07:00

We found a beautiful spot near a famous park in Seaside.... with a park and paddle boats and a beatiful walkway....... and the weather was perfect!..

2007-08-07T22:55:00.000-07:00

Beach Shot of Carmel, Ca. Check out how the pic turned out blue!

This was taken at the California Carmel Mission- which was fascinating! It has the most beautiful courtyard and fountains!

2007-08-07T22:50:00.000-07:00

We stopped for split pea soup on the way to Monterey, CA the Wright Family Reunion July 26th-29th at the ever Famous Andersen's Pea Soup in Santa Nella California. David insisted we take a picture - we agree it is a fun stop!

2007-08-06T23:55:00.000-07:00

Nerdy July 4th picture at the Folsom Rodeo. Great fun, really hot. The fireworks were the bomb!

2007-08-05T22:23:00.000-07:00

It was almost 2 years ago in October when we got hitched! I guess you can't have a blog without wedding pics, huh?

Engagement Photo- First Falling Fast in Love.....

2007-08-05T22:15:00.000-07:00

Here we are. Ahhh...