Happy Anniversary to Us!

This June we celebrated our 8th Anniversary! Every year has been better than the last and we are learning that we have much to look forward to.

Every year we try to get away for a few days to celebrate all by ourselves. We love this tradition and believe that it's a must for those married with children. This year Daryl (Russ' mom) watched our kids for a couple days while we went to Lagoon and spent some time in Salt Lake. There are a couple great restaurants downtown worth recommending, a New York style pizzeria called Rusted Sun Pizzeria and the breakfast buffet at the Garden Cafe was fabulous.

After 8 years of marriage here are 8 reasons that I love being married to Russ:

1. He is a wonderful friend. Russ was my friend long before anything else, he listened to me with sincere concern, understanding and without judgement. Over time he has only gotten better.

2. He has incredible work ethic. He gets things done, at home, work, school, Scouts or whatever is asked of him. I tried (and failed) to make him this great "Super Man" apron for Father's Day, I thought it would be a fitting gift for someone with supernatural-well-rounded-work ability. (Hopefully someday I'll be "Super" enough to be able to iron on a simple decal to a premade apron!)

3. He makes me laugh, and for some reason I think he's even funnier when jokes around in Visayan. (Sayang na dili na siya bisdok) ;)

4. Spirituality. He quietly maintains the inner peace that spirituality brings, and it inspires me.

5. I love the little things. He savors fine dark chocolate, gets transported into the emotion of novels and movies, gives me regular updates on "Tech News", he's a master of being both generous to others and living frugally, and he is genuinely happy to help family, friends and neighbors.

6. I appreciate his passion for learning and growth. He has a variety of interests that keep him reading and soaking in all he can.

7. Russ is a great dad. He loves to play with our kids, teach them, and counsel with them. They have a number of original games that I don't know how to play, including "Numbers", "The Rabbit Game", and "Mountain". He adores each of them and they reciprocate his affection.

8. I love the way he loves me. Cliche, maybe, but that is how I feel. It is so wonderful to have someone care so deeply and who manifests it daily in word and in deed.

She's off!

This week Naomi came to tell me she can ride her bike. I was a little surprised since I am certain that no one has helped her learn how. (Unless you count me accidentally backing over her training wheel, crushing it, and thereby causing us to remove them.)

She just decided to get on, practice and learn by herself. The least I could do was get the camera out and chime a "Good Job!".

Common Characteristics of Uncommonly Good Men

Happy Father's Day to my Dad, Husband and Father-in-law!

This year as I prepared for Father's Day I thought about their personal strengths and the specific qualities that help them in their roles as fathers and husbands. I appreciate that while they are certainly distinct individuals, as dads they have so much in common. Here's a short list of mutual traits that I believe make them exceptional fathers...

1. Devotion - Love of God and family.

2. Selflessness - They put the needs and wants of their families before their own.

3. Tender Hearts - They exhibit great compassion and concern for their children.

4. Work Ethic - Putting in the time and concerted effort to excel and provide for their families.

5. Dedication - Total commitment to the welfare of their wife and children.



Randy and Russ




My mom (Barbara), Mason, my dad (Robert), my sister (Roxanne)
Camen, Savannah, Naomi

The Little Girl That Could

Savannah is one determined little three-year-old. Sometimes this makes me crazy, but I like to think that her stubborn-strong-will is an asset that will help her accomplish many great things. On Saturday she put that tenacious energy to use and hiked the 'Y' all by herself! It may not be much of hike for some, but it's not bad for someone who is only three feet tall and weighs less than thirty pounds!

Naomi and Camen also completed the hike by themselves. Camen raced to the top with his friend Blake and Russ and Naomi stuck together, while I had the pleasure of hiking with Savannah.

It was both amusing and inspiring to watch little legs and feet get her up the steep incline of the mountain. For a stretch she kept repeating, (with enthusiasm) "I'm getting closer, and closer, and closer, and closer, and closer, and closer..." After we reached the top we rested at the very top of the 'Y' and then noticed the trail leading up the rest of the mountain. Savannah was very upset that we weren't going all the way to the top. We couldn't talk her out of it and resorted to our most reliable means of persuasion - we picked her up and started by down the trail. (What are we going to do when our kids get too big to carry?)

Next time I'm faced with a big task I'll think of Savannah's example and enthusiastically remember "I'm getting closer, and closer, and closer, and closer.."