My good friend, Jackie sent this to me. It is a great tribute to President Hinckley done by BYU.

http://photo.byu.edu/video.php?cat1=Slide+Shows&cat2=General&cat3=2008&cat4=Hinckley+Tribute

President Hinckley

We received the sad phone call from both of our fathers tonight that our prophet, President Hinckley, had passed away around 7:00 tonight. We love him and he will be greatly missed. How fortunate we were to be able to hear one of his last sermonsa couple of weeks ago during stake conference. I can't imagine the smile on his sweet wife's face when he was reunited with her. What a great man the lord is welcoming home.

“Faith in something greater than ourselves enables us to do what we have said we'll do, to press forward when we are tired or hurt or afraid, to keep going when the challenge seems overwhelming and the course is entirely uncertain.”
-Gordon B. Hinckley


The church has put out an official statement that can be found on http://www.kutv.com/

President Hinckley's Testimony:

"I hope that all of you will remember that on this Sabbath day you heard me bear my witness that this is God's holy work. The vision given the Prophet Joseph in the grove of Palmyra was not an imaginary thing. It was real. It occurred in the broad light of day. Both the Father and the Son spoke to the boy. He saw Them standing in the air above him. He heard Their voices. He gave heed to Their instruction. "

It was the resurrected Lord who was introduced by His Father, the great God of the universe. For the first time in recorded history, both the Father and the Son appeared together to part the curtains and open this, the last and final dispensation, the dispensation of the fullness of times.

"The Book of Mormon is all that it purports to be—a work recorded by prophets who lived anciently and whose words have come forth "to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations" (Book of Mormon title page).

"The priesthood has been restored under the hands of John the Baptist and Peter, James, and John. All the keys and authority pertaining to eternal life are exercised in this Church.

"Joseph Smith was and is a prophet, the great Prophet of this dispensation. This Church, which carries the name of the Redeemer, is true.

"I leave you my testimony, my witness, and my love for each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

Potty Training Report...

Well... D- today, but B+ overall.

a dollar to spare?

So, this is an old picture, but I came across it and thought it was funny.
On our way to Vegas for the holidays, We stopped at a Taco Bell for a snack. When the T.B. (that's short for Taco Bell, not tuberculosis) employee asked Jake if he would like to donate a dollar to feed starving children, he said, "Yeah, why not." I gave him a hard time because he used my cash from my monthly grocery budget. I explained to him that I was running short this month and he should have asked me first and so on and so on. Jake says, "Honey, listen to yourself. It was just a dollar and I just fed a starving child, you should be ashamed of yourself. " I kind of laughed at myself for being so stupid and was awfully embarrassed when I realized the employee had heard our conversation. I guess that is just a natural reaction to money being spent when you are living off loans! :) And the worst part, Jake bragged about his "good dead" for the next hour or so! Oh give me a break...

I'm speaking from experience... :)

To The Blog Stalker:

You read my blog, you check my site

To compare your own with my mundane life.

Behind you leave no comment-

No trace that you came, then went.

But on to the next link,

Lest someone might think

Your time is no better spent.

No worries blog stalker, your secret is safe

From those who may judge or scorn.

Blog hop with no fear of scrutiny from me ,

But just be aware as I warn:

You know your blog is linked to quite a few,

So don't be naive - you get blog stalked, too!

--Stacie Rennaker

click on picture to view video

Dad, Wake Up!

Mustache Poetry

I am posting this a little late, but this is from the Henriod's annual, holiday "Mustache Party". It was held in Utah this year and we were glad we could see everyone again. Part of the tradition is the reading of the mustache poetry. Here is Jared Lee with, "If My Mustache Were..." written by Jared Lee and inspired by the album "Stone Cold Rhythm" by Young MC (thanks Romneys, for documenting) It is hard to hear at times, so this may help...
If my mustache were a soldier, it would be Rambo
If my mustache were a workout, it would be Tae-Bo
If my mustache were shoes, it would be Versace
If my mustache were a pianist, it would be Liberace
If my mustache were a movie, it would be Dumb and Dumber
If my mustache were an SUV, it would be a Hummer
If my mustache were a coat, it would be made of fur
If my mustache were a martini, it would be shaken not stirred
If my mustache were a formal, it would be an Armani Tuxedo
If my mustache were a weapon, it would be an atomic torpedo
If my mustache were a missionary, it would be AP
If my mustache were a traveler, it would be Rick Steve
If my mustache were a comic book, it would be Hammer of Thor
If my mustache were for high cholesterol, it would be Lipitor
If my mustache were a Landlord, it would be Mr. Roper
If my mustache were on Batman, it would be the Joker
If my mustache were a job, it would be a Dentist
If my mustache were on the Office, it would be Dr. Crentist
If my mustache were a jacket, it would be made of leather
If my mustache were a burden, it would be light as a feather
If my mustache were a gun, it would be an Uzi
If my mustache were a pool, it would be a jacuzzi
If my mustache were a wedgie, it would be a Full Melvin
If my mustache were cold, it would be 0 Kelvin
If my mustache were an action hero, it would be Chuck Norris
If my mustache were a Russian, it would be Yeltsin, Borris
If my mustache were jeans, it would be tapered and tight
If my mustache were love, it would go all night.

"SpiderMan, SpiderMan, does whatever a spider can..."

Logan had his 3rd birthday party today and I have to say that the visit from SpiderMan was the highlight! Our friend, Bryan Houlberg, so graciuosly agreed to dress up as Logan's favorite super hero and visit with the kids. Most were a little frightened and even Logan had his doubts at first. Spidey was fantastic and should really think about doing this professionally! The kids had a great time and at bedtime, Logan signed to me asking if he could have "more party" with his friends when he woke up.

Click on the picture below to view the video...

Logan's Party 1/19/08

Basketball Season!

Tanner really wanted to play basketball this year (like his uncle Tyler), but the only program for 5 year olds was filled up. We found the "Junior Lakers" Program at the YMCA, but the age requirement was 6. The coach said we could try it, but he may not be ready to play in the 6-7 year old league. They had a evaluation day to determine teams and would evaluate Tanner there. The week before, Jake and Tanner worked hard on his dribbling, passing and shooting. I didn't want Tanner to feel the pressure, so I told him that they might not have a team for 5 year olds, but that we were going to check. After the practice, the coach said that Tanner would be fine playing with the older kids and he was placed on a team. I was so proud of him and he was really excited. He said his new year's "rez-lution" was to be good enough to play on G-pa Steve's Toro team one day (Grandpa has an all-star team in Las Vegas of 8-10 year olds).

Ready for the Potty?

Logan doing the sign for "potty"

So...We have officially started Potty Training this week. I say "officially" because he has gone off and on for the past 6 months, mainly whenever he sees Tanner go. We are finding it a bit of a challenge helping him understand the reward system. We bought him a Transformer and keep it up high where he can see it, but not touch it. Once he fills up his chart with stickers, he gets the toy. Well, he thinks that he gets it just for going once...even if he goes to the toilet after wetting his pants! He does love the Pop-Rocks idea (thanks, Carolyn). After each time he goes he gets some Pop-Rocks candy. He loves it and goes around the house signing, "pop-pop-pop".

I'm trying not to use his deafness as an excuse for this being so difficult..but it is making things more challenging. Tanner was so easy, overnight in fact. Logan has more of a stubborn personality, I guess I just have to be patient. Our goal is before his birthday on the 25th...Good Luck to us! :)

Logan's update

I have received a lot of emails and phone calls wanting updates about our little Logan and his new Cochlear Implant. Thank you so much. It will make him so happy one day to know how loved he is! Well, things are going very well. He is getting used to all the "noise" and the only time he has become really irritated was on Christmas morning! :) With 9 cousins and all the mayhem, there was just too much sound and he asked me if he could take it off. "too much, too much" is what he kept signing to me. We have started attending the John Tracy Clinic for the deaf and we just LOVE it. He has actually started recognizing certain words by their name...without reading lips. But this past week was very emotional for me as Logan not only heard a knock at the door, but knew what it was that he was hearing. We jumped around and cheered, we couldn't contain our excitement. That is going to be the struggle, teaching him to recognize what all these new sounds are. We are so proud of him and his willingness to work so hard. I just stare at him sometimes to see his reactions to sound. How blessed we have been. I will do better at updating on his progress. :)

80's flashback

I thought this was too cute not to share...

1. You've ever ended a sentence with the word SIKE. 2. You can sing the rap to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and can do the Carlton 3. You know that "WOAH" comes from Joey on Blossom 4. If you ever watched "Fraggle Rock" 5. It was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday to watch cartoons. 6. You wore a ponytail on the side of your head. 7. You got super-excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class at school. 8. You made your mom buy one of those clips that would hold your shirt in a knot on the side. 9. You played the game "MASH"(Mansion, Apartment, Shelter, House) 10. You wore stonewashed Jordache jean jackets and were proud of it. 11. You know the profound meaning of " WAX ON , WAX OFF" 12. You wanted to be a Goonie. 13. You ever wore fluorescent clothing. (some of us...head-to-toe) 14. You can remember what Michael Jackson looked like before his nose fell off and his cheeks shifted. 15. You have ever pondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf. 16. You took lunch boxes to school...and traded Garbage Pail kids in the schoolyard. 17. You remember the CRAZE, then the BANNING of slap bracelets. 18. You still get the urge to say "NOT" after every sentence. 19. You thought your childhood friends would never leave because you exchanged handmade friendship bracelets. 21. You ever owned a pair of Jelly-Shoes. 22. After you saw Pee-Wee's Big Adventure you kept saying "I know you are, but what am I?" 23. You remember "I've fallen and I can't get up" 24. You remember going to the skating rink before there were inline skates. 25. You have ever played with a Skip-It. 26. You remember boom boxes and walking around with one on your shoulder like you were all that. 27. You remember watching both Gremlins movies. 28. You thought Doogie Howser/Samantha Micelli was hot. 29. You remember Alf, the lil furry brown alien from Melmac. 30. You remember New Kids on the Block when they were cool...and don't even flinch when people refer to them as "NKOTB" 31. You knew all the characters names and their life stories on "Saved By The Bell," The ORIGINAL class. 32. You know all the words to Bon Jovi - SHOT THROUGH THE HEART. 33. You just sang those words to yourself. 34. You still sing "We are the World" 35. You tight rolled your jeans. 36. You owned a banana clip. 37. You remember "Where's the Beef?" 38. You used to (and probably still do) say "What you talkin' 'bout Willis?" 39. You're still singing shot through the heart in your head, aren't you!

Stop the madness!

Dinner time last night at the Cragun house:

-Dad had something nasty in his throat and is trying to "scratch" it out OVER and OVER again very loudly.

-Mom gives Tanner milk, but he wants water. She gives Logan milk, but he is screaming for juice. She gives Chase milk, he throws it and when it hits the floor, the lid pops off

-Logan takes a bite of his roll, but doesn't like it so he throws it up into his bowl of food. He realizes that is gross and puts the thrown-up roll into Tanner's bowl when Tanner isn't looking.

-Tanner notices and gets revenge by pouring his milk into Logan's bowl.

-Logan wants to continue the war, but Dad distracts him by making funny faces.

-Chase then begins sticking peas between his toes, then brings his feet to his mouth to eat them out of his toes.

-Mom then notices that Logan is under the table wearing a holiday wreath around his waist doing a song and dance.

-Tanner laughs so hard that milk comes out of his nose

-Logan then gives out a 4 second belch to which Tanner tried to challenge by burping himself.

-Chase leans forward to grab Dad's plate and passes a little gas. Tanner laughs, so Chase leans forward again and...more gas. (repeat 2 more times)

-Jake then grabs my hand and says..."you still sure you want more of this is in our future?" :)

*Later that night I found my new favorite show. It's on TLC on Monday nights. If you haven't seen it, it's a must see. It's called "Jon and Kate plus 8". It's a reality show about a couple with 8 kids. They had twin girls to begin with, then wanted to try for one more baby and they got sextuplets! It'll make your average day seem mellow! She is such an amazing mom, she said that time-outs are as about as common as breathing around their house! I later felt bad that I was complaining about our dinner together with just my 3 kids!

Happy 2008!

Happy New Year! New years was pretty uneventful. What ever happened to the all night partying and getting all dressed up? Oh year, the kiddies! :) We told Tanner it was "Happy New Years" at 9:00 and we had pop-corn, Martinellis and set off poppers outside. Jake and I then turned on Dick Clark's Rockin' Eve. I was on the computer and he was reading something when I noticed it was 12:02. I looked over at him and said, "Oh, no! We missed it. Hurry and give me a kiss. Happy New Year!" We had a quick peck and continued on with what we were doing. What romantics!

So, with a new year brings new ways to improve yourself. Oh, where do I begin (get my bangs to grow out, first of all). I am a goal maker, that doesn't mean I keep them, but I do make them. Here a are just a few for 2008--I figure if I publicize them I'll try harder to commit to them. Many of them are repeats, so maybe '08 will be the year they are accomplished! :)

*Quit scowling so much so these wrinkles between my eyes won't get worse.

*Get Logan saying 3 words by summer time

*Be a better visiting teacher

*get the apartment more organized and ready for the big move (already half way done...Yea!)

*Finish reading the Conference issue of the Ensign before next conference each time(6 months isn't long enough for some people, don't judge)

*Better Couple prayer--not that the eventful Family prayers aren't doing the trick!

*More spiritual learning in the home, not just during FHE.

*Make more use out of craft/scrapbook closet

*Attend the new Institute class for Moms

*Pace myself and stop taking on too much.

* (This one has been on the list for almost 8 years) GO TO BED EARLIER! Like my parents used to say, "Nothing good ever happens after midnight."

Well, the list goes on and on, but any more could lead you to believe I have even more faults!

**On Christmas morning, my father-in-law asked me how I was doing. I told him that this was going to be a good year. Tanner is getting over his self-esteem issues, Logan is starting to hear and none of my children are in the hospital. I am much better this year than I was last year! 2008 shows lots of potential! One of the best things, is that after almost 3 1/2 years, Jake will be home on Sunday mornings to help get the crew ready for church (he was just released from Elder's Quorm President). Wait until he sees what really goes on while we try to peacefully prepare for the sabbath! :)

More Christmas Fun!

Our week in Utah was fun filled:

-snowmobiling

-indoor swimming

-a snowball fight

-a day in the church gym playing with our new toys and playing dodge ball with Gma and Gpa!

-Movie night for the adults

-many game nights

-lots of visits to Cafe Rio (I have a problem...I know)

*

Our Holly, Jolly Christmas!

Two Christmas', what could be better? We first stopped in at Vegas with my family. We spent a week just lounging around at eating at Cafe Rio...two of my favorite things! We had our little Christmas and my sisters spoiled my kids! Thanks mom and dad for the much needed pack 'n' play...we love it. We then drove to Orem to stay with Jake's family at Grandma Helen's. She was very kind and patient, 9 kids under the age of 7 can be a bit hectic.

Everyone was a bit spoiled this year (we barely fit it all in the car for the ride home), but one of our most special gifts was the "Christmas Jar". Mom and Dad Cragun told all of us that our gift to them was to do our own Christmas Jar. They gave us the book to read, the money to fill in the jar, their own set of directions to follow and the DVD, "The Ultimate Gift", to tie it all together (a fantastic movie, by the way.) We each had to document our journey on how we found a family to give to and how we executed the secret "drop off". On Christmas morning we each shared our story, followed by MANY tears, and we were each given a binder with everyone's story in it. It was such a fun way to bring the Christmas spirit to our home this year. We have kept the jar out and will fill it all year long in hopes to bless someone's Christmas next year in Florida. Tanner and Logan have already added $.68! Thanks Mom and Dad for the best gift ever!

*

"Mom, Santa is really busy tonight. I don't think that is really him"

Christmas Eve was spent in Lehi, Utah at Jake's Uncle Clay's house with Jake's Family. There was a big snow storm that night and Tanner was really worried it would hinder the big man from delivering his gifts. Right after we did the annual acting out of the Nativity and opening of the new PJ's, we hear a knock at the door. The kid's ran to the door and were surprised to see a jolly man in a big red suit. I saw right away that Tanner was less enthusiastic than the rest of the cousins. He watched Santa very closely from his shoes to his hat. I asked him if was excited to see Santa and he said, "Mom, Santa is really busy tonight. He doesn't have time to come here. I don't think that is really him." Before I could answer Santa had sat down and called Tanner up to his knee. He pulled a big Escalade toy truck out of his velvet bag and whispered something in Tanner's ear. When he came to show me what Santa gave him he had a big grin on his face. "Mom, I changed my mind. I think that is Santa." When I asked him what Santa had whispered in his ear, he told me he couldn't tell me. I later found out that Santa told Tanner that there was a special present waiting for him under his tree in LA. It was too big to bring to Utah, so he left it there. I guess that is what Tanner needed to convince him he was real. (Let's just say that Mom -a.k.a "Santa's Helper" had hid Tanner's most wanted gift so well, that she forgot to pack it for Utah. So Dad asked Santa to tell Tanner the small bit of info regarding that toy. Worst Mom ever, I know!!)

My celebrity look-a-like!

While in Vegas I went to my hair lady for a little trim, like I have during every visit to Vegas for the last three years. I asked her to also trim my bangs. She asked me if I'd seen Jennifer Garner's new bangs and if so, I should try that. I said that I hadn't seen them, but if she was willing to make me look like a celebrity, I was willing to try...how bad could they be, right? Well, I am not brave enough to post a picture of what I looked like as I left the salon, let's just say that my new "do" looked exactly like Johnny Depp's hair on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (without the hat)!! Not exactly the celebrity I was trying to look like. My bangs were so short! Later that day, Jake and I were going on lunch date and the car next to us was continually looking over at us during a stop light. Jake said, "You better wave, he thinks you are Charlie!" RUDE!! :)

Our Santa Sighting!

We went to the Mall in Las Vegas to do our annual picture with Santa, but when we got there, we were told the wait was three hours...Insane! We had my sister, Taeya and her son Carter with us and we decided we didn't want to wait. Taeya said that her Father-in-Law had a Santa Costume and has played Santa for the church a few times. So, she called him up and he so graciously agreed to take pictures with the boys. The pictures went...well, not so good, but the older boys had a good time. Thanks Kirk, I mean Santa! :)

*

UCLA or BYU?

My mom's dance team danced during halftime of the Las Vegas Bowl game, so we were lucky enough to get tickets. It was an awesome game (but so cold). We were unsure who we were going to cheer for, but we went with the Cougs! During the second half a nearby UCLA fan yelled out, "Joseph Smith sucks!" We found it humerous what another UCLA fan yelled back to him, "Hey, bro...that aint right. Joseph Smith aint got nothin' to do with football, just watch the game!" Tanner got really cold and tired with about 8 minutes left in the game, so I took him to the car. By time I found the radio station that was broadcasting the game, I had missed the amazing ending! :( Thanks Mom and Dad for the tickets! Yeah Cougars!