John & Allison and kids got Disneyland trip from Santa Clause for Christmas this year. They came down at the perfect time to go, the 2nd week in January. Everyone is back to business, Disneyland is so enjoyable.







They stayed close to Disneyland and went for 3 days. On Sunday, they came out to visit us in Murrieta. We had Mary, Ann, Jayna, Brian Jr & Gma Mary Kay over. It was a nice visit!





We also celebrated grandma Mary Kay's 82nd birthday and Bryce's 9th birthday!

Happy Birthday Grandma Mary Kay!!

Grandma's great-grandkids & grandkid - Brian Jr.

I love my grandma Mary Kay. I have so many fond memories with grandma Mary Kay. She and Junior paid for our family to take a trip on the train from Utah to visit them in anaheim, CA when I was 8 years old. I still remember the train ride and choosing a Christmas tree that was a foot too tall (even though we all told Junior it was just too big!). Mostly, I remember the ride down beach blvd. and getting out to sit on the sand at Huntington Beach. We didn't get in the water but it was my first real visit with the beach. I remember just loving sitting there listening to the waves and thinking "I would LOVE to live here someday!" Little did I know that 11 years later it would become a reality.

I was lucky enough to get to spend 1 month alone with just grandma Mary Kay and Junior. When I was 12, dad came home and announced we were moving to CA. I was excited! Dad had to go start work a month early, they hadn't quite sold the house and his job was starting. Mom was worried him making the long drive to Las Vegas, where he was going to meet Junior and Mary Kay alone. I suggested I go with him to help keep him awake. I was so excited to be living there. I remember riding in the car with grandma and coming down the 215 into the valley and asking Mary Kay what all the brown stuff was, it's smog she explained. No matter to me, I still was excited. We had a fun time reading and exploring the wax museum, the beach again. It was fun having all the attention. Grandma really helped install in me the love of reading! I also got to help her with several home improvement projects. I also owe my brilliant smile to Junior and Mary Kay (I was thankful then but I sure am now!)

Thanks Grandma for everything. May not only your birthday, but every day be happy!

FHE reports

How did I get so blessed with such an amazing family! I have 5 AMAZING children! A wonderful, loving husband who respects and honors his priesthood but most importantly has a strong testimony which he bears to our children!

I am so thankful for the Family Home Evening program. What an inspiration it is in this time when families have so many activities going on it is hard to even be altogether! I find comfort in the words of the prophet that if we have family home evenings regularly, our kids should stay close to the gospel. With 5 kids, I cling to that promise! I need all the help I can get!

I come from a tradition of FHE. We held it every Monday night when I grew up and I remember learning a lot. I'm so grateful for that tradition so that now, as an adult responsible for my own family, FHE is not something I think about doing, it comes naturally. I can't go without it! (thanks mom and dad!)

That's not to say that FHE is always wonderful, spiritual and happy family bonding time. Sometimes, I just feel lucky to be altogether in the same place. However, I DO know, no matter how much the kids moan and complain or argue or seem to be totally not paying attention, it is NEVER a waste of time. If I have learned anything in being a mom for 14 years or working with primary age kids for the last 12, is that you never know what is going to sink into a child's heart or when. Sometimes the lessons that seems like no one was paying attention to is the one that sunk in. I know that I just need to do my part and the spirit will do the rest.

Our past few FHE have really been fun and uplifting. I wanted to start sharing what we've been doing so the kids can remember for when they have a family later on.

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A few weeks ago we talked about having "AN ATTITIDE OF GRATITUDE." We started with the story of Jesus healing the 10 lepers and only 1 returning to give thanks.

We talked about how people can turn even a bad situation into being much more bearable if they think of the possitive things. We ended with a quote from our prophet, Thomas S. Monson which will be our new family motto.... "Think to Thank" Don't you LOVE that !! I'm going to have it displayed in our new home to remind us. How much happier we are when we realize all that we DO have instead of concentrating on things we wish we had. We also set forth a new challenge to think of 3 things to thank heavenly Father for before we pray.

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The next week we had a lesson on the bearing of a true testimony. We talked about how a testimony is bearing witness of your belief in Jesus Christ and Principles of the Gospel. We don't need to share lengthy personal experiences or travel logs. We testify what we know or believe in about the truthfulness of the gospel. We all took the opportunity to bear our testimonies to eachother. What a sweet experience to hear my children bear their sweet testimonies. Danny and I are always telling them they need to not take our word for it but the gospel is true; but to truly find out for themselves. I felt the spirit enter the room. I know that they are each really striving to find a testimony of their own.

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Last week, dad decided we needed to do something fun (which sometimes can be a challenge finding something we ALL think is fun and can agree upon). We decided to go to dinner and a movie. We went to dinner at this place called Richie's Diner. He is good friends with the founder of In-N-Out and named it after him. It's just an all american diner with steak, hamburgers shakes and good old apple pie - YUM!

Then we went to see the movie BOLT. This was the hard part; finding a movie we could ALL enjoy, even Tyson. I have to admit, Danny and I were secretly thinking it was going to be one of those "endure to the end for the sake of the kids" kind but we were all pleasantly surprised and ended up enjoying it! Tyson slept for the first part and enjoyed the end. It was entertaining to the point of laughing our loud. Even Kierstin couldn't complain since it was all about a girl and her dog (if you know Kierstin, you know how perfect that is!) Darling movie, we recommend it! Just an ejoyable night all around.

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Yesterday, we had a FHE on the importance of finding good friends. President Hinkley said every member needs to #1: Be nourished by the word #2 Have a Calling and #3 have a friend. Of course we need to feel as if we are friends amongst our family but as we are seperated from our family at school and work most of the day, it is important we surround ourselves with people who will encourage us to make good choices not whom we have to fight for our standards from! We gave the example of "would you eat the cookie dough that had a little mud mixed in?"

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I want to again bear my testimony of the importance of family home evening. The prophet has counselled us to hold it every family night with the promise if we do, our children will be blessed to gain testimonies of the gospel in which if they do stray from the gospel, they will return. What better reason do you need to hold family home evenings? I just know that's more than enough reason for me!

BRYCE TURNS 9 IN 2009!!

Bryce Roy Baak

The Amazing Mathmatical Genius

Turns 9 in 2009!

Our family rang in the new millenium, the new century, 2000, with the 3rd proud addition to our family; Bryce Roy Baak! Already having a daughter and a son, we welcomed our 2nd son, 3rd child, very happily and with no hidden hopes for a girl or a boy. We were just excited to watch our family tree grow!

The middle names of our kids all have meaning. We chose Roy, because it is my dad's middle name, part of my dad's father's first name (LeROY), and my great-grandfather's middle name (Franklin Roy). We not only liked the name Bryce but it also holds family signifigance because my great-gradfather; Franklin LeRoy (whom he shares a name with) engineered all the roads through Bryce Canyon during the great depression.

It ends up being very fitting Bryce is named for them as he has my grandfather and great-grandfather's flare for math. He loves it! (unfortunately, it skipped me) He wants to be a mathmetician when he grows up. Truly, his great- great-grandfather, who was a prominant engineer, and his great-grandfather passed that on. His great grandpa, LeRoy Junior Davis, helped get the first rocket to the moon by creating a computer program that could figure out how thick they needed to build the walls of the rocket containing the fuel so they wouldn't explode on the way to the moon. He also invented a computer program that could figure out how thick they needed to build windshields in airplanes to withstand impact of birds that would oft times fly into and through the windshilds of planes, killing or injuring pilots. Before this time, they would shoot chickens out of rockets at windshields to test them, no joke! (he is a chicken's hero)! Just a little family connection for you Bryce!

Bryce is such a wonderful addition to our family. After crying away the first year of his life, he ended up being a very happy, easy going child. He sucked his middle two fingers so it looked like he was making the sign for "I love you" when he sucked his fingers. It was so cute!

I did worry about how I was going to break him of the habit when the time came since you can't just take your fingers away. I needn't have worried. When Bryce was about 4 we were sitting on the couch watching T.V. He looked at his fingers and noticed the callouses he had on his fingers. He asked me what they were and I told them they were from sucking his fingers. He asked me how to get rid of them. I told him he was going to have to stop sucking his fingers. I could see him thinking it over but didn't really push the issue. About a week later, Bryce comes up to me and says "look mom, my callouses are gone!" Sure enough they were and I realized that he had stopped sucking his fingers all on his own accord! I was so proud of you Bryce!

That is so true to your character. You really think about things you want to apply yourself to. When you decide to do it, you do it full force and follow through successfully! It also shows how self-motivated you are which is why they love to snatch you up for combo-classes at school. When I give you an assignment like "do your homework" or "do your chores." You are usually the first one on it and do a good job of what you are asked to do. That quality will take you far in life.

You are the spitting image of your dad, a mini-Danny, right down to the impish grin! You share so many of your dad's qualities, especially the love of games and his competitive nature! If you're in the middle of Danny and Bryce playing a game, watch out! It's a fight for first place all the way and loving every second!!

Bryce is the quiet button pusher full of mischief, of the fun-loving kind! But you are kind and have a tender heart. You have been so responsible watching out for Brian at school who just starting kidnergarten by having to pick him up from class after school and walking him to the carpool!

Mostly, I am so happy that you try so hard to CTR and that you really think about what you learn about the gospel and ask good questions. You will be blessed for that!

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For Bryce's birthday, he wanted to take some friends miniature golfing. So we took a few friends, ate pizza and played a few games at home first

Left: Ethan Campbell, Ronnie, Ryan, Hunter Patton, Corbin Cubute, Brian hiding and Bradley in rear.

then we shot 18 holes of mini golf.

We did this the day before his birthday as there was no school that day.

On your actual birthday, the next day, we followed it up with dinner at your favorite restaurant Soup Plantation and then cake....


and presents....

your own remote controlled helicopter and the book "39 Clues" by Rick Riordon, which we're enjoying right now.

Bryce, we sure love you! You are a priceless addition to our family! May this day and every day be happy!

Starting off the New Year with the Family!

Danny's Uncle Jack & Aunt Carolyn Allen arranged a super fun family party on January 2nd to ring in 2009. We all got together at the Church Institute at Golden West College in Huntington Beach. We had such a great time with super yummy food and great entertainment!

There was fuseball

a pool table

and air hockey.

Jack & Carolyn also hired the balloon diva to come and thrill us with her terrific creations. She was seriously the best balloonist I've ever seen. she even made Danny a Star Trek Enterprise (failed to get a pic), so cool! If you need a balloonist call me! The kids LOVED it!

Santa even made an encore appearance!

But the best part was the company. We don't get together often enough!

Kierstin & Ann Marie (dad's get the shotguns ready!)



Danny's cousin Michelle and her husband Chuck are a great example to us. They have 4 amazing sons who have grown into wonderful men (2 have already gone on missions and are now married) and 2 wonderful young men!

Unfortunately, I wasn't as good with getting all the pics I wanted to. (my N.Y. resolution is to take more pics) but I did get this pic of those chatting in the pic.

We don't get to see you often enough. We wish you all a very wonderful 2009. thanks Jack & Carolyn for arrangeing the whole thing. We had so much fun!

Christmas 2008

We had a very lovely Christmas this year. Most importantly, we have a nice home, food on the table and the spirit of the Lord. We have health and strength and safety and most importantly the gospel in our lives.

My family is growing so quickly before my eyes. I'm sobered by the fact that as of now, Kierstin only has 3 more Christmases home with us before she will be "visiting" for Christmas! Yikes! I'm trying to treasure all these precious moments and memories with my kids. They are so wonderful. They strive so hard to do what's right and are really making good life choices. They are truly thinking for themselves and developing their own testimonies of the gospel. There truly is no greater gift than that and I pray for it to be the same every year.

I have to note that we were so very blessed to be fortunate enough to enjoy some luxuries in our lives (I often have to remind my kids they are luxuries and not necessities). But I think it's interesting to document what they "got" since they often ask what I got or asked for when I was young.

Tyson received a basketball hoop just his size with several balls to go with it. We all have enjoyed making 2 points all day long.

Brian scored a scateboard from Santa (the sword is from Bryce)



Bryce got a remote control helicopter that really flies!


I know, this picture looks awful, but it's just an airsoft rifle that dad helped Santa choose. (mom got the expensive Volcom hat he's been wanting.


Kierstin got her very own digital camera. We'll see what she captures with it.


Danny and I bought ourselves a new video camera at Thanksgiving time for a gift to ourselves. Ours broke several years ago and we've realized we've missed out on a lot of precious time. In the meantime, I'm taking videos and fogetting to take still pics so I didn't get a pic of Mary and Ann who stayed with us christmas Eve and was here for Christmas morning. We are so glad they shared it with us. Uncle Daren, Aunt Nikole, Kelsey, Hayden & Hailey and my Aunt Jayna, her son Brian came to share Christmas dinner. Grandma Mary Kay was going to come too but had a sore back.

It was a lovely day. I love the holiday seasons! It's a good time to truly reflect upon the blessing of all the gifts that Heavenly Father has deemed fit to bestow upon my family. Danny and I do indeed, feel very wealthy!

Can A Mother Make A Difference

I must admit, this blog is more of a call to arms and gather support amongst friends. I found myself, as a mother, yet again frustrated in my attempts to raise my moral children in an immoral world....

Last night, Kierstin and I were able to have a mother-daughter date. I was excited cuz she actually asked for it and we both LOVE Barnes and Noble. Of course, we headed straight for the "teen" section for books. I am always put off by some of the selections they put in the "teen" section considering teens are also 12-15 which is really young for some of the subject material they put in there (don't get me started on that). So we browse the books and I am inwardly shaking my head at some of the selections....

Then I turn around and there on a table, right next to the teen section and leading to the children's section are the "Valentine" books. Need I say what "selections" were on that table? They didn't really have any pictures on the covers but the Titles spoke volumes, and even worse were the ones that didn't that you might be inticed to pick up and be shocked to find the content.

They had a whole entire store to put this table and they put it there? They could have put it on the whole other side of the entry walkway on the adult section. Why did they put it there? Coincidence? Come on, part of sales is advertising. They think everything through. Like at Blockbuster where everything is NOT in exact Alphabetical Order. They disburse the big releases through the store and put the lesser knowns amongst them so they have a chance. I think every mother would like to kill the guy that, we will reluctantly concede, had the brilliant idea of putting candy in the checkout lanes.

No, they think these things through. Like how tempting it will be for these hormonal kids to pick them up and maybe even secretly buy them. How many of us leave our teens off to browse through Barnes and Noble?

I'm not saying I don't trust my daughter, I do. I am constantly thanking Heavenly Father for what a good girl she is and how she really stands for something and makes good moral decisions. But how much can you take when filth is constantly thrown your way?

So do we accept it, and say "oh well, just don't do it?" No, I think it is our obligation to be active and do something in whatever way we can. In fact, in a conference talk by the Prophet Ezra Taft Benson, he said it is our moral obligation to stand up for truth and righteousness. We must not sit complacently by. I think that is what's happening in this world. People are sitting complacently by and not taking any sort of action when they feel something is morally or ethically wrong.

You don't have to be outspoken or a crusader to do something. It is so easy to do something these days from the security of your own home. You can send a letter, write an e-mail or, as in my case, I made a phone call.

I didn't want to embarass Kierstin or make a scene. So this morning I called Barnes and Noble and asked to speak with the manager.. I politely gave my point of view. She suggested "well, teens are always in the sensuality section." I suggested that yes, but maybe some teens that are too embarassed to be seen in that section might find it so much easier to casually pick up one of those books when it's in their section anyways." She said she wasn't the head manager but would pass it on to him.

Will it make a difference? Probably not with just my call, but I am rather confident it would if several concerned mothers called in. That's how sales work. That's why they are constantly doing surveys; to see what appeals to the people. I'm going to go in on Monday, to see for myself if it did in this case. I'll keep you posted....

On another note, I wouldn't recommend going to see Bedtime Stories either. Not only was it not very well developed script, but I, and especially Danny did NOT appreciate the scene where he is standing on the beach with the very voluptious girl in a very tiny bikini. I was so conscience about how very long the scene seemed to go on with my 3 sons, especially my 11 year old hormonal son sitting right there watching wide eyed.

I always knew men were wired differently than women but I'm finding how much so all the time. Like Danny was so disturbed by another beach scene they had. This time the main girl had on enough clothes but apparently the extras sure didn't. Funny, I didn't notice so much but Danny sure did. Hmmm, do I think my boys notice too? I'm looking up an e-mail site for Disney.

Am I asking you to call in with me in these 2 instances, only if you feel so enticed. However, the next time something really bothers you as being morally or ethically wrong. Instead of being shocked, and shrugging it off; ask yourself instead; "Is there something I can do about this?" I believe it would make a difference.

"It's all in the Name"

I made my mother-in-law's whole wheat pancakes from scratch this morning. The best thing about them is that I don't like them with syrup. I like them either with strawberry jam or fresh strawberries mashed with a tiny bit of syrup or even straight with a little butter. So good for you, n0 butter or oil or anything! I even freshly grind the wheat. My kids will eat them, but of course they're not as good as the "regular" pancakes. I used to make them all the time but had got out of the habit. However, as a new year resolution our FAMILY is now going to be eating better.

As I was reading the recipe this morning I had to chuckle. I put it in our ward's latest cookbook. I labeled them "Yummy Whole Wheat Pancakes." Apparently, the name of a recipe can be very influential. I was thumbing through the cookbook with Bryce a while back. He is my little baker's assistant. If I even get out the BOSCH he is over in a flash ready to help.

In any case I came across that page with the recipe and Bryce says "mom, you should make these whole wheat pancakes instead of the ones you usually make."

I laughed so hard tears came out of my eyes. Of course he looks at me with a bewildered look on his face. I had to explain; "Bryce, these ARE the pancakes I usually make!"

Bryce: "But these say YUMMY!"

It's all a matter of opinion I guess.

YUMMY Whole Wheat pancakes

Divide 4 eggs with the yolk in a large mixing bowl and the whites in a medium bowl.

To the yolks add:

2 C buttermilk

1 1/2 C whole wheat flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

2 T honey

Whip the whites until stiff peaks form. Fold into the yolk mixture. Bake on medium heat until cooked well through. I add blueberries or chocolate chips.