We went to help the orphans... but they gave us so much more.

A year ago, we learned about a foundation (A Child's Hope Foundation) that takes humanitarian trips to an orphanage in Mexico.  While there, they help the orphanages with various service projects that benefit the orphans that live there.  As we learned more about them, Aaron and I knew it was something we wanted to do with our children.  We felt it would be a great way to teach our kids about service and how to help others who were less fortunate.  So we signed up to go over Christmas break.I was filled with a little apprehension as we crossed the border between San Diego and Tijuana for the first time but things went smoothly and proceeded to follow our caravan the short 50 minute drive to La Mision where we would be staying at an orphanage campground named Door of Faith.  As we pulled the gates My eyes filled with tears as saw many of the kids running around and playing outside.  These are kids who are not with family for one reason or another and are living/growing up here.  It made me thankful for my three kids.

Although we stayed at Door of Faith orphanage, most of our service projects were done at another orphanage, Casa De Paz, about 30 minutes south of Door of Faith.  Door of Faith told us that because they get so many volunteers, they coordinate projects with other orphanages in the area.  We also spent time with another orphanage, my kids favorite, due to the awesome interaction we had the kids there.  That orphanage was called Buena Vida.  Buena Vida houses 26 orphans and are currently in need of relocation.  They are losing their lease in 2016 and are looking to buy new land to rebuild.  So, because of that, we did not do any service work with Buena Vida.  We did, however, get to spend our evenings with these kids and came to love them.

Our service projects at Casa De Paz had us taking down a rusted barbed wire fence and replacing it with new chain link fence, painting bunk beds, laying down tile, building a wall to subdivide a room including mudding, taping, sanding, and painting, and painting a mural on a gathering room wall.  The work was long, hard, and at times boring but I was extremely proud of my kids who jumped in and helped without complaint.  Adam learned how to mud and tape, Alex learned how to apply grout to tile, Abbi learned how to paint bunkbeds without dripping, and Aaron and I learned how to put up a chain link fence.  The favorite thing the kids did though, was paint the mural.  They loved it!  It was hard work but very rewarding to know we were helping better the lives of these kids at Casa De Paz.


One of the mornings we were there, we drove up to a church located in the dumps of Tijuana that serves breakfast to the children that live there.  This is most likely the only meal these kids eat that day and we were extremely humbled to see how these kids lived.  The church is located in literally the dumps of Tijuana.  It is here where people live and scavenge to support their families.  The sight and smell of the dumps was very sobering.  Homes are crudely built along the hills of garbage; no running water, no plumbing to most of these homes.  To know that the children we were serving that day lived in these conditions was sad, to say the least.  However, they were so thankful!  We served them pancakes and oatmeal and as some of the kids came up and asked for seconds and thirds, I wanted to stuff their pockets with as much food as I could.  We gladly served them food and they graciously ate.

This trip was an amazing experience not only for Aaron and me, but also for our kids.  They loved serving these kids and experiencing life outside of Utah.  We loved it so much, we are planning on returning in November 2015.

Adam used this trip as his Eagle project.  He collected over 400 lbs of food and $400 in cash donations.  His hard work was very much appreciated.

One of the housing units for the orphans at Door of Faith

Inside one of the Girls dorms at Door of Faith.  This was the nicest orphanage out of the 3 we visited.

This is where we stayed/camped at Door of Faith.  

Playing a little Foosball with the orphans

This cute girl braided my hair.

Hanging out at Buena Vida.  These were kids that were in our group.

Adam and Me serving the kids at "The Dump"

Some of the houses at "The Dump"

Housing at "The Dump"

"The Dump" in Tijuana

Serving breakfast at "The Dump"

The family after a rewarding morning at "The Dump"

Enjoying a little downtime at the beach

At Casa De Paz installing a chain link fence.

Alex at Casa De Paz helping install tile.

Abbi helped to paint bunkbeds at Casa De Paz.

Adam and Abbi helped mud, tape, sand, and paint this wall at Casa De Paz.

The kids favorite thing they did at Casa De Paz was to help paint this mural.

On our last night in Mexico.  We were able to celebrate a quinceanera party with the orphans.  We had so much fun!

Outtakes for Alex's Baptism

Alex's Baptism

Alex's Big Day

Baptism

Last night as I tucked Alex in bed, we were able to share a small moment just mom and son.  We talked about baptism and the covenants he would make in the morning.  I reminded Alex about the promises he would make:  Follow God's commandments, Stand as a witness, repent of his wrongdoings.  We then went over the special promises God will make:  Forgive him of his wrongdoings, Love him, Always have His spirit to be with him.  It was a tender moment we shared as I testified to Alex how great it is to know that God is always with us and how the Holy Ghost touches our heart.  

This morning Alex woke up with a huge smile on his face.  He quickly dressed in his newly purchased gray suit with black and silver tie, and came bounding down the stairs for breakfast.  He was ready to go; ready to be baptized.

The baptism was sweet.  Abbi, after practicing long and hard on the piano, played "I am a Child of God" and "When I am Baptized."  She did a fantastic job, especially since this was the first time she ever played the piano while people were singing.  She and Adam also gave great talks about baptism and the Holy Ghost.  

What a neat experience it was to watch Aaron take our son into the font and baptize him.  It got even better when Alex was surrounded by the priesthood (Aaron, Grandpa McGee, Grandpa Marshall, Uncle Kevin, and Bro. Ian McCracken) to be given the gift of the Holy Ghost and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Aaron gave Alex such a beautiful blessing; blessing him with the strength to use his knowledge of the Gospel for good, that he would be able to serve a mission, and marry in the temple.  Aaron also confirmed the love our Father has for Alex as well as the love Alex's family has for him.  It was a beautiful blessing!

It was a great day surrounded by loving family members and best friends.  This afternoon, Alex came to me and said, "I love being baptized, it was really fun!"

Alex, I want you to know how much Dad and I love you.  As I stood in front of the group to express my thoughts, I could feel the love all our family members have for you, and I could feel the love of our Father and Brother for you.  You are a great kid!  Your infectious laugh, your beaming smile, and sweet personality are just some of the things we love about you.  Always remember the love we have for you and remember that YOU are a Child of God.  He is always a prayer away!

 Dressed in White

Alex and Dallin... Best Buds!

Aaron's 100 mile bike for MS

This weekend Aaron completed one of his goals:  Bike 100 miles for Multiple Sclerosis.  We are so proud of him!  It was held in Logan, UT on Saturday June 23. 

We drove up the night before and were able to stay in the USU housing dorms... twin beds for everyone!  The kids thought that was great!  We all got up bright and early Saturday morning and headed down to the starting point of the race.

Aaron was riding with our good friend, Lincoln Judd and the Hilti team.  Here they are ready to go.

And.... They're off!

While Aaron and Lincoln were riding we were volunteering.  The kids opened all the medals.....

Handed out the medals to the riders as they crossed the finish line......

Sprayed the riders down with water at the finish line....

 

And ate lots and lots of these:

We were so excited when we saw Aaron come around the corner and cross the finish line.  Abbi was more than happy to award her dad with the medal and Alex and Adam made sure to spray him down really good with the water misters.  

Way to go!  We are so proud of our men!  100 miles!

Aaron is now ready to take on a triathlon and maybe a half ironman.

Happy Birthday to our princess!

 Happy 10th Birthday Abigail!

Abbi was quite spoiled for her birthday this year, but turning 10 is a huge deal!  I mean, you are now in the double digits!  

She received A LOT of presents:

Cooking utensils for her cupcake maker,

clothes,

jewelry,

a date night with Dad at Chick-fil-A,

accessories for her doll,

a spa pedicure,

oh, and more clothes.

What more could a ten-year old ask for?  Besides an Ipod touch.  (We said "no" to that).

Abbi,

We love you so much!  You are the sweetest girl and we are so blessed to have you in our family.  You have such a tender heart and truly care about those around you.  You are a sweet daughter to us and to your Heavenly Father.  Never forget your eternal worth!  You are a daughter of our Heavenly Father, who loves you!

Love,

Mom and Dad

Challenge #4--Playtime!

When you have a few minutes or a few days, what do you like to do in your “play” time?

As a mother of 3 busy kids, a wife of a self-employed entrepreneur, and the owner of a home staging business, I've come to realize I don't have a lot of "play" time.  I keep thinking when Alex goes to first grade, I'll finally be able to have more time (I'm SO over this half day of kindergarten thing), but time will tell in a few months if that is true.  To be honest, I'm a little nervous about having all my kids in school all day.  What am I going to do with all the time I will acquire?  Is this a mid-mom crisis?  I guess I'll have to wait and see... In the meantime, these are the things I like to do in my "play" time:

• Browsing different blogs in blogland and dreaming of completing many DIY projects.
• Scrolling through Pinterest - also dreaming of completing many DIY projects or making yummy desserts for my family
• Reading a book
• Shopping - not grocery shopping though, that is not fun.
• Vacationing - I LOVE going on vacation even if it is just for a few days.  I especially love vacationing when it is just Aaron and I.  It's nice to be together without the distraction of kids and work... well, kids at least.  We all know how Aaron will go through withdrawals if he can't check in with the office.  
• I love cooking - but I hate the whole meal planning/grocery shopping thing.  I need someone to do that for me.
• Watching TV.  When I get overwhelmed or need to decompress, I love "zoning" out for an hour in front of the tube.
• Playing card games with the neighbors on a weekend night

So, there you have it.  My list of what I like to do in my "play" time.  Nothing grand 
or even very exciting, but comforting to me nonetheless.  

Challenge #3--Always Something There to Remind Me...

Challenge #3--Always Something There to Remind Me...

A fill in the blank challenge this week: Whenever I ________, I ________.

Whenever I walk through the front entrance of Disneyland and make my way onto Main Street, I get teary eyed.  Okay, maybe I actually cry.  I just love Disneyland so much and get so excited.  It is a completely different place.  I mean, where else can grown ups wear cartooned-out shirts and a big Goofy hat without ridicule?


Since I'm a creature of habit, whenever I go to Baskin Robbins, I ALWAYS order a single scoop of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream.  Also, whenever I go to the Training Table, I ALWAYS order the #24 turkey sandwich.  I'm afraid that if I deviate from what I know I like, I might get something I hate and then I would just be wishing I ordered the usual.  


Whenever I hear a fire engine drive by our house, I remember when Abbi was little and she would freak out when she heard the sirens.  She could be completely asleep for her nap and as soon as the sirens came around the corner, it would wake her up and she would come running to find me.


Whenever "You've Got Mail" or "Sweet Home Alabama" is on tv, I always have to watch it; even if I have seen it a hundred times.


Whenever I sit in the chapel of the Oquirhh Mountain Temple, I remember the time I was there for the dedication with Adam and we met Pres. Monson.  He shook Adam's hand, talked with him and gave him a hug.  It was an experience I will never forget!


Whenever I see someone fall, I laugh.  I can't help it... it is an automatic instinct.  It's not that I think it is funny, It is automatic.  I can't help it!


Whenever my kids are happily playing with each other, I smile.  It makes me happy to know they are getting along; even if the moments are brief.


Whenever there is laundry to be done, I make piles in the bedrooms and then bring up each load one at a time.  Aaron on the other hand, likes to pile all the laundry at once in the laundry room.  Drives me crazy!


Whenever I see the trees blossoming in the springtime, I always sing "Popcorn Popping" in my head.


Whenever I drive by Salt Lake Community College's campus on 3900 S., I remember the feelings of morning sickness I had with Adam.  Aaron and I were taking a Business communications class together when I was first pregnant and I remember being so sick while sitting in class.  Sometimes I would leave and go sit in the car with the windows down.


Whenever Aaron is out of town, I have a hard time sleeping in our bed alone.  So, I stay up way too late watching late night television and infomercials.  The ShamWow! is pretty amazing!

Happy Birthday to me!

I remember my Grandma Burch talking to me about age and birthdays and telling me that once you hit a certain age such as 83 you turn the numbers around and they become 38.  She thought she was pretty clever and at the time I gave her the ha ha laugh and thought "crazy Grandma."  Now that I am getting older, that conversation keeps coming to my mind and I realize she wasn't completely crazy.  Not that I can turn my age around because then it would be 43 which I am so not ready for, but I've come to realize that I will be forever 25 in my mind.  It's funny; my kids get older and every year I think, "How am I old enough to have a ____ year old?"  It feels to me like I just graduated high school.  I guess you are only as old as you feel, which is what I think my grandma was trying to tell me in her own little quirky way.

Don't get me wrong, I don't think 34 is old at least until Aaron told me that next year I would be 35.  35?  I'll be halfway through my 30's already.... augh!  Oh well, that is an entire year away.  In the meantime, I have been thoroughly enjoying my day about me!  I woke up and spent an incredibly lazy day hanging out in bed watching a movie on the TV.  When I finally decided to get up out of bed and move to the computer, Abbi and Alex surprised me "breakfast" of Apple Jacks cereal and a homemade cupcake decorated in purple frosting.  It was delicious!  Especially since I didn't have to get it myself.  

After breakfast, Aaron took the kids and told me to go get a pedicure.  It was so relaxing to sit and be pampered.  Mid-way through my pedicure, Aaron called and told me to not come home until 4:00.  To which I quickly said "OK" and went off to shop all by myself.  I browsed through the racks of Ross and TJ Maxx and slowly made my way through both stores and I didn't have to stop once to take someone to the bathroom or to tell them, "No, we can't go look at the toys."

When I got home, I was surprised with this lovely sight:  Flowers, a birthday cake and an Ipad 3.

I was so surprised!  Mostly about the cake.  Aaron is not a cake-lover and in 15 years of knowing each other, this was the first cake he had ever bought me on my birthday!  I loved every last bite of it!

The kids quickly lit the candles, sang Happy Birthday and told me to make a wish.  They were so excited for me.  They were so cute!

After blowing out the candles, Aaron and I went downtown to dinner at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse.  We had a yummy steak dinner and I even got a yummy apple pie a la mode for dessert.  It was delicious!

We ended the night by catching a movie at the theater.  I had a great birthday and felt loved by all my family and friends.  

Conversation with Alex:


Me: "Do you want spaghetti or tacos for dinner?"
Alex: "Neither"
Me: "What do you want then?"
Alex: "It's your birthday."
Me: "So what does that mean?" By the way, my b-day isn't until Saturday
Alex: "You shouldn't have to cook on your birthday. Don't worry mom, we'll go somewhere and you don't even have to drive - Dad will pay."


His wife is going to love him.  I'm teaching him right!