THE BOYZ ARE BACK IN TOWN

Victor and the boys were home Saturday evening after 10 days of play!  :)

They had a great time and many spiritual experiences.

They especially had fun on their last day with their "CAMELOT" game.  It is similar to the boffer weapons that David, Victor and the boys used to play with.  (I wasn't allowed to play - I was too mean)...

Any way, I had visions of them participating in sword fights, etc. dressed in the knightly attire with long locks of wavy hair and intense expressions - determined to "change their stars" 

Wait a minute - I think that was from "A Knights Tale"

When they got home the unloaded their gear and I had them sort their dirty clothes into the pockets in the garage.  All the laundry is done, except for the last load.  Only accomplished because I was able to get the house and the rest of the laundry done two days earlier :)

Evan and Alex were surprised with new bedroom furniture and a clean room with all the clothes put away neatly in the brand new dressers.

The dogs and horses were really excited to see Victor (all were staring into the house until he came out).  It was actually pretty funny watching the dogs surround Victor; giving him kisses and howling their hellos.  The horses were also very happy to see Victor.  Sampson is pretty moody and kind of gave Victor the cold shoulder - but eventually warmed up to him.  Spice and Sierra just kept on talking away as Victor talked to them and caressed their necks.

Victor and the boys are going to spend the day working in the yard today.  We'll see how much gets done before I get home :)

It was nice to have a very quiet house while they were gone.  It's even better that they are back :)

BIG THUNDER MOUNTAIN

Victor and the boys have been in Southern Utah since Saturday evening.

The Oxnard First Ward and the Oxnard Third Ward are participating in Scout Camp at Big Thunder Mountain.  Victor is the Scout Leader over the older boys and has joined them this summer.

The scouts stayed in St George until Monday morning.  They spent some time visiting some historical church sites; attended church; and had a devotional.

They left for Big Thunder Mountain on Monday and have been seeking adventure for the last few days.

Evan and Alex have already been playing on the ZIP Lines.  Went horse back riding yesterday.  Today they are on their 26 mile hike.

Victor has been participating with them the whole time.  I guess we will see how fit the boys are... :)

THE BATTLE FOR THE MIND

The mind is the battlefield where our war with Satan is either won or lost.

FATHERS

In Primary we have been teaching the children a couple songs to be sung on Father's Day.  The first song, Daddy's Homecoming, is one of my favorite songs.  When I hear the children sing the song I see my own children running to great Victor when he returns home from work.

It's kind of funny!  My children learned this behavior from me.  When the kids were really little I would run outside and down the driveway to greet Victor.  I would wrap my arms around his neck and plant kisses all over his face.  The kids learned quickly.  To this day they all run out to greet their father.

This morning while reading the scriptures I came across a verse that struck home.

"And I said: Yea, thou knowest that I believe all the words of my father.  "1 Nephi 10:5)"

I was fortunate to grow up in a family where the gospel was taught.  I never doubted those things that were spoken by my father. 

As Nephi wanted to know more about what his father taught him; I have prayed about those things that were taught by my father.  My testimony of the Savior and the Gospel have grown because of the principles that were taught when I was young.  As an adult; a mother and a wife I have prayed for guidance and have continued to seek the advise of a wise father.

Fathers

by Dawn Ballantyne

"The father of our home leads our family

With wisdom's light in all that's right;

My father's good to me.

Fathers are so special with a very special love.

They watch us and protect us.

They guide us and direct us

Back to our home above."

Remember your father's this coming Sunday.  Reflect upon those things that they taught you.  Express your appreciation.

Fathers have a wonderful Father's Day!

CARDS ON GONZALES RANCH

Well, the house has been extremely quiet for the past couple days and we already want Dara and Jeremy to come and visit again!

 

I year and a half ago, the Cards came to visit the ranch and experienced the joys of home grown pigs.  Dara was certain that we set them loose in the yard to kill her.  Actually, pigs are very funny and love people.  They only run after you if you run away.  They think you are playing with them.

 

This visit they took their revenge and ate "Summer".  We made spagetti and the sauce was made with sausage from last year's pig. :)

 

We love having guests so that we can cook.  We love cooking for other people.  We especially love cooking for family.

 

I took three and a half days off from work so that I could spend time with the Cards.  We visited the beach and played in the water at Leo Carillo.  We saw urchins, a seal, pelicans, seagulls, storks, dolphins, crabs and other sea creatures.

 

We went to the movies several times and watched the following movies:

• How to Train a Dragon
• Letters to Juliet
• Iron Man II
• Robinhood
• The Prince of Persia

We ate a lot and spent a lot of time together.  We really enjoyed having Dara and Jeremy and their kids.  We loved watching Lily and playing with Lily.  What a happy baby!

We would love to have the rest of the family come to visit.  Just let us know when you would like to come!  :)

JUNE

"THE FINANCIAL SEEDS YOU HAVE PLANTED AND NURTURED WITH CARE IN TIME WILL GROW INTO GARDENS THAT CAN FEED YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FOREVER."