A Letter to Grandma

I found this letter while sorting through Ammon's art work. It melted my heart!

ABC and 123...

Having a reader in our house has definitely been life altering. Nathan and I can no longer spell out words when the we don't want the kids know what we're talking about.

We visited Arizona for my brother's mission farewell two weeks ago. Nathan flew back to Califormia after the farewell and the kids and I stayed the next week since Ammon was out of school for winter break. While at a gas station Ammon says to me, "What? You're having another baby?!" This statement caught me off guard, so I asked him what made him think I was having another baby. He pointed to a sign that he had read, which was actually "Animal Hospital," but he knew this was just silly, because pets can't go into the hospital. He then proceeded to explain that since we were headed near the hospital that I must be having another baby. The only time Ammon has seen me in the hospital was when Maddie was born, so he quickly jumped to conclusions.

The whole situation was kind of silly. Despite my attempts to explain what a veterinarian is and why they have animal hospitals, Ammon had made up his mind that the whole idea is prosperous!

Elder Clayton Patterson

Clayton's mission farewell was on 2/20/11 in Surprise, AZ. Here are a few pictures from the luncheon afterwards. I know Clayton wasn't too fond of having his picture taken, but he'll thank me later!

Grinch Baby

Ammon loves to read Dr. Suess books. Among his favorites are "When the Grinch Stole Christmas." We purchased a Grinch doll for Ammon a few weeks before Christmas and he has been attached to it ever since. Due to the number of arguments in our home over the Grinch, we also purchased a Grinch doll for Maddie a few weeks later. The Grinch does everything but bathe with Ammon, and I think he'd also join him in the bath tub if I'd allow it.

About two weeks ago, Ammon decided that the two Grinches were going to produce him a "Grinch Baby." Not knowing exactly what his plans were, I watched as he took the Grinch dolls and placed them on the couch together. He took my hand and walked me into the kitchen. He proceeded to check on their progress over the next few minutes and then explained his plans to me.

After about ten minutes of no baby, he finally sighed and asked, "Uhhh, how long it this going to take mom?" The whole event brought a smile to my face and made me giggle a bit. I quickly explained that only living things can create babies. Although this was a little disappointing to Ammon, he finally came to terms with the fact that we'll only have a boy and girl grinch in our house and never a grinch baby.

My Goals for 2011:

2010 was a pretty crazy year for our family. Now that we're settled in California, I've set a few goals for myself. I'm posting them on the blog to help make myself more accountable... to ensure that I actually accomplish everything on this list.

1. Getting more physically fit. I plan to run 200 miles this year. This isn't a lot for most of you, but will be a challenge for me as most of my spare time when I'm not chasing after or caring for kids, preparing meals, or cleaning house is spent working on the computer.

2. Completing the GMAT and starting a two year MBA Program
I hope to start taking classes this coming fall. There are several universities close to us, so I have many to chose from. Unfortunately, a lot of this process is them chosing me. I don't anticipate an issue getting accepted into one of these schools, but can honestly say that I'm feeling an array of emotion starting school again.

3. Reading scriptures every night as a couple. Most of the time I'm working when Nathan is getting ready for bed, so this will require some changes in my schedule, but I know this experience will help us grow stronger.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to improving my overall health both physically and spiritually.

Christmas 2010

We had a wonderful Christmas. December was full of festive activities, visiting the Oakland Temple, birthday parties for Ammon's classmates, various holiday parties, and visits with Santa.

Moffett Field Military Christmas PartyHeritage Oaks Ward Christmas Party

We had the opportunity to spend time with family in Arizona during Christmas. The drive to Arizona and back home was long, but it was definitely worth enduring. On Christmas Eve Day, we went on a hike with Uncle Darcy and Aunt Susan, their children, and many grandchildren as well as Grandma & Grandpa King. Ammon & Bruce were the ultimate hikers, which Ammon referred to the "King Team." They beat everyone up the mountain and were first coming back down as well. As Ammon put it, "no one could beats the King Team." Truth be told, Bruce was the real trooper since he was carrying Ammon most of the way.

While in Arizona, my brother Clayton receive his mission call to Thailand too! We were so happy to be able to be a part of this monumental life experience. We were excited to be there as he read the letter. We love you Clayton and wish you the best of luck. We know without a doubt that you'll be an amazing missionary!

This past weekend has been wonderful and we've had lots of family time together. We've finally unpacked all the boxes and put everything in it's place. Ammon & I saw a movie together on Thanksgiving while Maddie Sue and Daddy napped. He was also a huge help setting up and decorating the Christmas tree.

Maddie refused to keep the bow in her hair..I was shocked that Ammon was excited to wear his new tie!

Our precious little ones...

We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas. Always remember the true reason for this season!