Christmas Is Coming The Goose is Getting Fat...

We hope you are all ready to celebrate Christ's birth, and are not too caught up in commercialism of the season.

To start things off we had our own Christmas miracle. It snowed in San Diego. Yeah! I know crazy huh. Well, maybe snowed is too strong a word. If you want to be correct a snow machine shot snow into the air and we walked through it. As some of you know we have season passes to Sea World, and they has a special members only night. As you walked into the park you were met by falling snow. It was pretty awesome, and it made me excited to see snow again. I sure hope we get to go snowboarding this year.

Also, we had the best family Christmas outing in the history of Christmas outings. Jenn found out about a gingerbread village at a local hotel. Last Saturday we headed off expecting to walk through a full size gingerbread village, when we arrived we found out it was just a miniature village on about a 10 foot white mountain. It was neat, but not even close to what we were expecting. After we were done looking at the mountain and some Christmas Trees Ellie decided to ride the elevator. When we got off I saw a sign that said, "Game Room." We investigated and found a piece of heaven on earth. The was a pool table, a foosball table, about 5 playstations, a fighting arcade game, DDR, and a SURFING arcade game (with a mini surfboard)...and guess what they were all free!!!!!!!!!! By the time we left I had surfed in Australia, California, Hawaii, and Japan. Jenn and I ran into boats, docks, got smashed in a barrel, and performed some sick tricks. Talks are now on going for professional contracts.

Anyway, life just keeps getting better and better here in San Diego! Don't be J (Jealous). Now on a serious note. I'll finish where I began. Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat. Please leave a penny in the old man's hat. Christmas maybe good for all of us, but it can be especially hard on way too many people. So keep your eyes open and and lift the fallen, depressed, and hardened. Life is rough, but not nearly as bad in groups. So get out there and put your penny in the old man's hat.

JEM

Happy Holidays!

Well, we hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and are gearing up for the wonderful Christmas Season. Sorry its been so long between posts. I had a little bit of computer issues, and last week class was canceled. This year we had a marvelous Thanksgiving. We went over to a friend's house and had dinner with them, another couple, and a Marine. The two couples were from our ward, and each of us made different parts of the dinner. Jenn made the famous eight layer Jell-O, the rolls, and helped make the mashed potatoes. The Marine, named Jake, is a family friend of Jenn's who is currently being trained at Camp Pendleton, and he was the largest force behind making the potatoes. Dinner went off without a hitch, and tasted great. We loved the company, and were happy to have Jake join us.

The next day of course was BLACK Friday, and we ran out the door practically at the crack of dawn to get all the best deals, or we leisurely left at around 10 am to go see what was on sale at the mall...you decided. We didn't really buy to much. A pair of shoes here and a shirt there, a few movies here, ect. It still amazes me that people are willing to get up at 3 am and go race from store to store to save a buck. The ones that really amaze me are the ones who camp out starting on Wen. What do they do during Thanksgiving? Just enjoy the view from the parking lot and gain an greater appreciation for central heating? Who knows. Anyway, we enjoyed our shopping.

Jake, the Marine, stayed with us till Saturday afternoon. We drove him back to Camp Pendleton, and got to go on base because he was with us. Supposedly, Camp Pendleton is larger than Rhode Island, and from what we saw, very east to get lost in. It was cool to be able to see the base. On our way to his living quarters we saw a sign which said TANK CROSSING, and also saw the NCIS building. NCIS is one of our favorite TV shows. When we dropped him off Marines were everywhere, and both Jenn and I were a little nervous to look around. When we left we were not sure what was the quickest way to get out, and decided to ask a Marine. I asked if we could get out by using this road. He slowly turned to me and said, "Yes," then quickly ignored me. Not the best at people skills, but I guess you don't need people skills in his line of work. It amazed me and Jenn how young these boys are. They give up so much to keep us free. We are definitely thankful for all that they do for their country.

Now as we enter the Christmas Season I want to encourage everyone to forget about the gifts and quit being commercialized. Who cares what you get for Johnny or Suzy Lu, it will be forgotten soon enough, but what lasts is the relationships and lives you change. So give the really gift of Christmas and lift the fallen, mend the broken, and guide the lost.

Now get to work,

JEM

Life is a Blur!

Its been a few weeks since our last update, and to much has happened to write about. I think it is amazing how fast life goes. It feels like we are all traveling in a car going about a million miles an hour, and all we can get is quick glimpses of life. I'm going to show you some of those quick glimpses.

First, Halloween! For Ellie's second Halloween she was a bumblebee. She loved the costume, and loved saying the word bumblebee. When asked to say bumblebee she would say it over and over and start laughing. We had a trunk or treat party with the ward, and by the end Ellie was an expert treat or treater. She loved being able to get the free candy, and only got scared a few times especially when a fog machine hissed and shot fog all over her.

Next on the list is the visitors. In the last few weeks were had Jenn's parents stay with us, and also Aunt Nancy. Both visits were wonderful, and we were glad to see them come, and sad to see them go. We were especially grateful for the shelves that Jenn's Dad got us as a gift. Our house much more organized, and we love it.

Finally, Ellie continues to grow and make us laugh. Right now Mark can get her to do anything he wants simply by pretending he wants to do whatever she is suppose to do. If she doesn't want to eat her food Mark just needs to try and eat it and she will smash the food in her mouth. If she doesn't want to take a bath Mark just needs to run for the tube and she will run to beat him.

All in all life is wonderful in San Diego. Here I leave you with a few glimps from our life.

Enjoy,

JEM

Camping Crew

This weekend we decided to pack the family car and head off on another one of our wild adventures. It was the ward camp out, and we were really excited to brave the outdoors. The place we camped was about an hour away, and surrounded in beautiful trees and fields. We arrived at around 5 pm and quickly got our tent set up and helped my friend Shaohe set up his. Shaohe is from China and has not yet camped in the US. Dinner was wonderful. We had hotdogs, chips, potato salad, and veggies. After it got dark everyone gathered around the camp fire and we sang some songs. This was probably Ellie's favorite part. She loves singing, and this was no exception.

Then the hard part came...trying to put her to bed. We had a portable crib but she did not want to go to bed. Eventually, Mark ended up sleeping in the tent while she slowly fell asleep. The next day we ate a wonderful breakfast, and set off to visit the observatory and go on a hike. The observatory was pretty awesome. We got to go and see the actual inside of the observatory, and were amazed at how much machinery was required for such a small telescope. The hike was beautiful, but took longer than expected. All the kids were beat and so most were carried the entire hour of hiking.

When the hike was over everyone was beat and ready to go home. But not just quite yet. We stopped at an avocado stand. They were selling 15 avocados for $2. Needless to say we left with 105, some for friends, and 45 were for us. Lastly we stopped at the nearby mission. Apparently it was started in the 1800's and was the only mission that still operated for the American Indians.

All in all we loved the adventure, and the only real setback was that Mark got poision oak...again. But he will heal, no worries.

Now enjoy the pictures compliments of Shaohe. Just go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/snownontrace .

JEM

Baby, I'm Back!!!

Well as many of you have noticed the blog hasn't been touched in forever. The reason is I haven't been in class. Now class is in full swing and I will be updating this more often. So much has happened it is impossible to start from way back when. So suffice it to say we have been on a wonderful tropical vacation, bought a new car, and been amazed at Ellie’s growth and change. Any other questions please refer to our editor in chief Jenn.

Now enough with the past and on to the present.! The past few weeks we have been getting ready for Halloween with our even trying. For some reason our house and surrounding area is being invaded by spiders. About two weeks ago we found a black widow spider living next to the downstairs neighbors. That was disposed of quickly. Then the next Sunday we went to church and came home to an orb spider with its web right next to our door. Sadly, this was also disposed of because we thought it my have been a brown recluse, but probably not. Later in the week I walked out the door to go to school and did a move from the movie Matrix. There was an orb spider right in front of our door. I did a slow motion limbo move to avoid making contact, and then continued onto school. Again, later I was looking in our bathroom mirror and a miniature spider floated right in front of my face. He’s gone now. Now things have calmed down, we just have a giant orb spider up at the top of our building.

Throughout this Ellie has become good friend with the spiders. She runs to the door sometimes to see our giant orb spider. She will say good-bye to the orb spider when we leave our house, and even blow a kiss. We love it.

Well, we hope you all enjoy the upcoming holiday season. Fall seems to be a time to slow down, review your life and just be glad for all we have. I hope you take the time to just be happy.

Gratefully,

JEM

P.S. Don't miss the awesome movie at the bottom of the post.

Time For Bed...

This week has taught Jenn and I how good of a daughter we have. She does cry a little bit when she is teething, and misses her mom a lot when separated, but that is pretty much the bulk of the crying.

On the other had she usually enjoys going to bed. Case in point: Just last night it was getting to be around 8:45 and Ellie was still playing around the house. I said something like this to her, "Ellie, its time to go to bed." She then walked over to her room, which was dark, folded her arms, and waited in the doorway. The three of us said her night time prayer, and then I walked with her to her crib. She ran to her crib and was happy to be put in it. I gave her pacifier, and she just looked so happy to be in her crib and going to bed. Then I simple said good night and walked out and shut the door. Pretty cool huh? Yeah we won't deny that we have it nice.

Just remember to love the little things, because that is where joy really comes from.



Best,

JEM

Life etc.

This week has been nothing to exciting. Mark was super busy last week, but got some exciting results, well exciting for him. Also this week Mark went camping with the men in the ward. It was the father and sons camp out to commemorate the restoration of the Arronic Priesthood. It was a very nice place to camp,and Mark brought along a friend, Jake. Jake is one of two young men in the ward, and he and Mark camped together. Mark was able to impress the ward by making perfect marshmallows, and then for breakfast perfect pancakes.

Jenn worked quite a lot this week, but enjoyed teaching art to a bunch of little kids. She started surfing again and is pretty close to going pro. Finally, Ellie is talking up a storm; the problem is no one can understand her, well maybe she can. She is also learning all of her animal sounds. She is the best at imitating the cow, dog, and cat. She use to be good at a lion, but now she just breaks out laughing when you ask her to make the lion sound.



Hope all is well with you. Down at the bottom of the blog I have attached a movie which Jenn found, and it will really make you think hard about what is important in life. Please watch.

Best,

JEM

Images of Life

As you might have noticed the blog has been a little lax on the updated photos of our lives. I kept forgetting to take the pictures from our camera and put them on my computer. So this week is just going to be a series of pictures of our lives...I hope you enjoy.



These men are big pyros, and yes there is a man in the middle of the flame.



This is the view close to where we stayed in Hawaii.



Yeah, I really did get to marry her. One of the greatest joys in my life!



This is one of Ellie's favorite faces. Its happy time.



Ellie Loves the Play Ground.



This one of the plants from our garden. We plated this squash from seed, and it finally broke the surface.



I think these are carrots.

Well that's all I have for now. I hope life is treating you well, and even if it isn't I hope you are finding the joy in the wonders we see everyday.

JEM

Growing Like Weeds

This week we took a few hours on Saturday and worked it our garden. We cleared a bunch of weeds and readied the ground for seeds. Then, we planted onions, squash, and carrots. Later we will plant peas and beans. We are quite new to the whole gardening thing, but I don't expect it to be to hard, I mean we do live in paradise.

Also, in other news Ellie continues to grow each and everyday. She is able to understand sentences that we tell her, and is almost running. She also has a great love of music. Last night Jenn had to go to a meeting, and while she was away I had some music on. Ellie and I danced, jumped, and twisted to the beat. Every time a new song would come on she would get super excited and dance a little more. It is strange to think about how much she has grown. I put to pictures of the blog so you could see the difference. I hope we all try and slow down our lives and not crowd out the really important things.

Best,

JEM

From Paradise to Paradise

Well, we are back from one paradise and have come home to another. We loved our time in Hawaii, and already miss it. We got to visit diamond head, pearl harbor, a macadamia nut farm, and a light house.

Now we are back in the swing of things in San Diego. Ellie continues to grow. Just yesterday Jenn couldn't find Ellie's shoes, and she asked Ellie where they were. Ellie didn't seem to understand, but she walked into the bathroom and came out with her shoes. She put the shoes in front of Jenn and said, "shoes." Pretty cool.

Also, last week we went to Sea World, and here is a movie for your entertainment.

Love,

JEM

Trip to Paradise

Aloha!!!

Yesterday we took a 6 hour flight on the trail to paradise. Ellie was pretty good, and I use that term lightly. She even took an hour nap on the airplane under our feet. Once we got here we were greeted with a great surprise. Grandpa Martell was waiting for us as we walked out. He put leis on our neck and gave us an Hawaiian welcome. We sat and talked with him for over two hours. It was great.

Since then we have found our place. Played in the ocean multiple times, visited the Hawaiian temple, and watched the sun rise. We'll keep you posted, and enjoy your own paradise were ever it may be.

JEM

Mormon Battalion Time

This week we ventured out to visit Old Town, specifically the Mormon Battalion Museum. As most of you know the Church just renovated the museum, and man is it different. It is super high tech, and actually quite cool. Its like they took Harry Potter, Dances with Wolves, and Davy Crocket, put them in a blender, and poof...the Mormon Battalion. They had pictures that were alive, vibrating boxes, free old style pictures, panning for gold, and fiddling. Ellie held out through most of it, and loved panning for gold. All in all I think we found two gold nuggets and maybe another speck of gold. Also at the Mormon Battalion they had computers where you could look up your ancestors. We had a family member, Captain James Brown, who was part of the battalion. We got to see a picture of him and read all about him. He was key in helping to establish Ogden, Ut. I took some good pictures of Ellie, but I haven't loaded them onto my computer yet. I'll get them on soon enough.

JEM

Nice Dress

This week has been rather normal. Paul and his confidant Jamison came to visit us. After they left we found that we now own a swimsuit, sunglasses, and a pair of shoes. What luck! In other good news, Ellie is still as cute as ever. On Sunday she wore a wonderful dress and because nothing else exciting happened this week we will leave you with a set of wonderful pictures.

JEM

Running in the Rain

This week it rained again. It seems like our Saturdays are destined to be rained out. On Saturday it rained a ton, and because nothing is made for rain in San Diego we just stayed in the house. Then around 4ish we decided to go out to downtown San Diego. There is a nice place know as Sea Port Village, basically an out door next to the see tourist shopping center. The arrived it started to pour. Ellie was loving the rain, and laughing as Jenn ran for the closest shelter. Before long the rain stopped and we were able to have a nice time looking at random stuff.

Also, new this week Ellie has learned how to fold her arms when we pray. All we have to do is say, "Ellie, lets pray." Immediately, she will fold her arms with a big smile on her face. She continues to amaze a bring us great joy each and everyday.

Finally, I have attached a movie that a member of Elder Moyle's mission ward sent me, i think on his phone. Enjoy.

JEM

Sweat, Pain, and Agony

This week Jenn and I got this awesome idea to join a boot camp. We decided that we wanted to get in shape for our trip to Hawaii at the end of March so we created a list of things that we had to do each day, and if we are able to accomplish most of the list we get $50 bucks. Jenn is doing fine, Mark on the other has a sore back, leg, butt, arm etc. He simply hopes to survive. Well keep you updated.

In other news Ellie has continued to wow and amaze us. She has begun to try and feed her self...with some success (see photos). Her new favorite game is walking around the house with a bowl on her head. She can't see anything, but she trusts us enough to hold our hand and walk around blind. She laughs and laughs as she goes. She also has learned to say the word belly. When asked where her belly is she will usually point to her belly and then say the word to quite a good degree of accuracy.

Enjoy your week.

JEM

P.S. Check out the new video at the bottom.

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day,

We hope you all had a special day with your special one, and if you don't have a special one hopefully you'll find one soon enough. This year was especially awesome. My brother was here on Sunday so we celebrated it a little earlier. So, on Thursday I came home to a house full love. Jenn had decorated the house and table with everything valentines. Then for dinner we had one of my favorites, shepherd's pie, and she had made my piece in the shape of a heart. After the main course we then dived into homemade eclairs. It was my Grandma Beutler's prize winning eclair recipe, and boy does it take a lot of work. They were a hit. After dinner I gave Jenn her gift, which consisted of 108 photos of our family. I also gave her 3 poster boards, and 4 glue sticks. Together we put many of the photos on two poster boards and hung them on the wall. It looked quite nice.

It is nice to celebrate the day of love with one of the best women in the world. It was an awesome day with and awesome woman. We hope yours was good as well.

JEM

Lemon's All Around

This week we took a little walk to our brand new garden plot, and guess what we found? The best lemon tree ever. It had over 20 lemons on it and made the best lemon pie around. In the near future we will most definitely have lemon pie, lemon bars, lemon juice, basically lemon happiness. Even Ellie likes the lemons.

JEM

P.S. If anyone needs lemons just call.

Under New Management

Based upon the current state of our blog, and amount of times it has been updated in the past year we have had to make a hard yet important decision. We have let the old management go, and have decided to hire a new and improved staff. They have promised us a blog around once every other week, and look forward to seeing if they can measure up.

Thank You,

JEM