Merry Christmas!

We keep meaning to send out Christmas cards, but big surprise, we haven't! We love all of you and hope that your stockings are filled with things that make you smile.

The Rains Came Down and the Floods Came Up

Since when do you have to worry about the weather in Mesquite?! Practically any day of the year the forecast calls for clear skies and a slight breeze. Some days are hotter than others but the thought of having an umbrella and galoshes any place other than a storage shed seems laughable. There is rumor of something called a Hundred Year Flood, but surely it must be a myth.
Well, I know better than that. And when Real Estate, by the wet lands was so incredibly affordable with their beautiful brand new homes, I knew why. The were built on a flood plain ( and a sewage treatment plant- PU!)

Oh yeah, Mesquite has wet lands. Stick around, you might learn a thing or two.In 2005, my family and I lived in the nearest city 26 miles south of here called Logandale; home of the rival high school. The rivalry between the two cities may as well be as fierce as the battle between bloods and the crips- on and off the field. But that is a story for another day. Anyhow, in 2005, it rained for days. News clips showed people losing their houses and cars being washed away in our very own little, and I do mean little, city. Roads and bridges were washed out from there to St. George.

Three things stand out in my mind:

1.) An image on television of a man holding the reigns to his horse, standing next to some small building, a shed or a tack room maybe, as water rushed around him. It seemed he was stuck on a very small island of mud just big enough for he and his mount. It was obvious he was trying to save the horse. The news clip didn't show what happened to him, but to this day I wonder how he got to safety. I worried for him at the time and wondered at the thoughts that ran through his mind. He must have been nervous if not flat out scared.

2.) I went to visit Kai at work with my little Cambria and over hear a woman talking about how she had to save her flock of sheep via helicopter so they wouldn't drown. I remember marveling at the love of a shepherd for her flock.

3.) I remember how swollen the Virgin River was. It was awe inspiring to me because usually it was so small it was hardly noticeable. The river that was usually a muddy mess of tangled twigs was a rushing force of nature that dared anyone to cross it and survive.

These three things came to mind as I heard an elderly man answer a question from a channel 8 reporter. He said, " I can't believe this. We have lived here for two years and I have never seen anything like this." I guess I have been lucky enough to see the hundred year flood twice.

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The Levy broke ( I drove the Chevy to the Levy but the water was dry- that song passes through my head every time I say hear the word Levy- ten points if you can name the song)down the street from the Maverick's gas station. Its destruction was great. Houses and fields could not resist the unwelcome guest.Kai had taken the kids for a drive around town to check out the water from the hills of the High school and other places. He said it was unbelievable. He had been home for no more than five minutes before our friend Lori pounded loudly on our door and told us that a call for community members had gone out to help sand bag threatened homes. Kai called as many people as he could while he got ready to go, but most everyone was already out sandbagging.

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Later on the news we saw a friends house where Kai had been sandbagging. The river was rushing by some 20 feet away from the house. It was scary. And lest you not realize the magnitude of the situation, when I say rushing, I mean moving at a dangerously fast pace.

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By the next afternoon, heaven smiled down on us and the waters receded back to the river where they belonged. The Levy must have been repaired. I know they were many tractors out as well trying to build make shift walls to keep the water in it's place. Not everyone survived unscathed. There were many damaged houses so maybe you could remember them in your prayers this Christmas.

Kai and the girls along with other Mesquitions marveling at the river.

All of the muddy fields were completely covered with water the day before and this house sat threatened.

SAme with these muddy fields.

In other news, can you spot the newcomer in Bethlehem? Aparently, there is a new sherrif in town. I don't think he collects taxes.

We have enjoyed a lot of togetherness this Holiday season. We'll be alone for Christmas but we will be meeting up with family shortly after.

On Monday we had family picture day with the Davis Family. Cathy and Jim hired Debbie Leavitt and we tool pictures in the rain. No one would ever have thought to consider inclement weather. We were scheduled to shoot at a nearby horse ranch, but ended up at the Davis Home. After pictures we celebrated Christmas with a yummy dinner, a talent show and presents.

Our cousins could start their own United Nations Program. Who says we all can't get along?

I couldn't get a head on pictures of all the boys becuase I didn't want my camera to get wet!

We made gingerbread cookies for the first times this year. They came out so good. Not hard and crumbly, but moist and soft.

We have so much fun baking together. It is one thing that we can do together that keeps everon ehappy and occupied.

My little Raia is growing like a weed. Well in length anyway . . . not in girth. She is getting her first tooth and it has meant a lot of sleepless nights. She rolls all over and has started scooting across the room. It is really fun to see her siblings love on her . . .

That is all for now . . . stay dry!

To Finish Up Kai's Birthday . . .

Oops . . . I deleted this one below . . .

We had often dreamed of cutting down our own Christmas tree. Something about the prospect seemed magical. It seemed as good a way as any to welcome in the Christmas season. On the other hand, my husband is no woodsman, he has trimmed our honeysuckle bush and our palm trees that are near the ground, but he has never taken ax in hand to cut down a tree. Now that I think about it though, he has had lots of experience splitting logs into fire wood, ax in hand and all.

At any rate, trapezing through a snow covered forest was definitely a new and exciting experience. Our resident woodsman, and Kai's other true love besides me and my brother, Chris, Cameron and his wife Brittiany (whom I love:)) invited us along with them to Pine Valley on what they hope will be the first of a new yearly tradition.

The first stop on out trip was, Denny's. It had been more than a decade since I had eaten at this restaurant, but I am glad we did. Kai's breakfast slam was on the house due to his birthday.

After nursing our babies (Brittiany and I that is) and a none too brief stop at Target, we finally made it up the mountain. To our children's' delight snow was found in abundance.

I stayed in the car with little Raia for part of the time because of the cold weather, but Cambria made me feel like I was still a part of the snowball fight:) She threw a rather large snowball right at our car window. She was quite pleased with herself

Believe it or not, it really is hard to find the right tree smack dab in the middle of the forest.

We got another big tree this year. Next year we plan to bring a tape measure. I guess we didn't pay enough heed to the note on our permit that says: "warning: trees look much smaller in the forest than they do in your living room."

On our way home, in the true spirit of celebrating Kai's birthday we stopped at the Honolulu Grill in St. George. When you walk through the doors of this establishment you really do feel like you were transported to the islands. If you don't feel that way, then you haven't spent enough time in Laie. While dining, Malachi shot every single employee and patron with his spider web as he is now living a dual life as Spiderman/Peter Parker. I think most people didn't know what hit them. We did however apologize to the family who was parked nest to us. As the Father walked in to get his meal (leaving his son and teenage daughter in the car) Malachi ran to the car and attacked it with his web and perhaps his fist as it must have momentarily turned into an evil villain's hover craft. The father graciously accepted our apology. Seems his son went through a similar phase.

Though the order may deceive you we actually stopped for dessert first. We hit Veyo pies as soon as we came down from the mountain. It was Kai's birthday after all. All I can say is, mmmm, banana cream. I could taste the difference.

It was a happy birthday for all of us!

Today!

Please Join us! Spread the word! Open until 4:30!

So many fun and unique gifts . . . hope you can come . . . spread the word and kids are okay to come . . . don't worry about babysitting!

Heave . . .Ho . . .

21 days left until Christmas! How did you spend your morning? If you tied a piece of crocheted yarn around your sisters swing and then enlisted your other sister and brother in pulling the swing back and forth (hence the heave, ho title) then your morning was a lot like ours. and please excuse the mess, there was a lot of livin' going on.

Today is also my hubby's birthday.

So, I made him one of his favorite breakfasts: french toast.

He blew out candles, the bottoms started to melt because the french toast was hot off the grill.

Raia playing with her toys and below that, a few items that will be available in our boutique Friday, December 10TH from 10:00- 4:30 at Angela Shaner's house. Now we are off to cut our tree!

My Christmas wish . . .

Laundry that stays done. I think that may be more difficult to achieve than world peace.
We are going to cut down our own Christmas Tree down tomorrow! I am so excited to do this. Tomorrow is also Kai's birthday! I hope it turns out to be a great day.

(Just in case Amanda reads this: thanks for saying we are your favorite Mesquite family! I won't tell anyone about our coveted title! My lips are sealed. We can't wait to see you at Christmas!)

The holiday seem a little strange to me this year since none have been or will be celebrated with my side of the family, but we aer excited to go to Utah after Christmas sometime to see family and friends and do some sledding!

Another upcoming event: Our Christmas Boutique!
Date: December 10Th
Time: 10:00-4:30
Location: Angela Shaner's Home

We have such crafty mama's that make such wonderful items that would make wonderful gifts! I hope you can come out and support us. Email me for directions @
amykaidavis12@yahoo.com

Elf Yourself

Kai and I decided to chreograph a little Christmas dance with the kids- its about 30 seconds long!
To see it: Go here!

We'll make one with Raia later!

Many Thanks . . .

Thank you to all of you who had supportive and uplifting comments about my last post ; all things I needed to hear, though I especially enjoyed Kanoe's comment:)


I think you will find it nice to know that as I was walking through the hall of our church building, I passes the primary room and saw my eldest daughter leading a song for all the children to sing.
I stopped and watched her, both of us had matching smiles. I took courage from her and had a fantastic day leading (poor technique still present- but happy heart accompanied it). When we got home I told her what a good example she was to me e and that I took courage and followed her example. She told me that she was hoping I would walk by and see her. So sweet:)
I found that same daughter in her room reading scriptures out loud so that her brother could copy the words she was saying and "read" the scriptures too. My cup runneth over.

**
In other news: I had such a great time taking pictures of the Johnson family. They were so well behaved and full of smiles. When I complimented them, Darrin said it was the first good photo experience they had had in a long time and Jodie said they had been so worried about how their kids would behave that they said a prayer in the car before they got out. There you have it. Prayer works! You can see more of the Johnson's here.

I didn't think this day would come . . .

Never in my life did I think the day would come when I would receive a calling that would make me not want to go to church. I thought I had served in every capacity and though some are more preferable then others, I received a calling that churns my stomach in unpleasant ways. Would I ever turn a calling down . . .no. I believe we need to do our part because that is what keeps the ball rolling. Do I complain- never! Except to my husband and now the whole world of bloggers- but you won't tell will you?!

What could this new calling be that makes my knees shake with fear and and eyes fill with tears? Have you any guesses?
Well I'll tell you. I am the new Relief Society Chorister. That is right, I lead the music. I would rather give a lesson to 5ooo people. Come to find out, I can't lead music worth a darn. Even worse, I can't lead music and sing at the same time. So if you find yourself in Relief Society with me, do yourself a favor, keep your eyes on the hymn book. I am pretty sure my song leading technique does little to invite the Spirit.


Kiera's comment: "Maybe after your done waving your hand at the old ladies, they'll give you a calling you do like." I guess I have complained to her too. Whoops. The complaining stops here.

Cunning and Compassion

This scene was witnessed at Chuck E. Cheese

Cambria playing air hockey with some random child her age.
Cambria: Hey! Look over there!
Random kid: looks away
Cambria: scores while kids is not looking
Random Kid: looks back at Cambria in disbelief
Cambria: (laughs) Okay, that wasn't fair, I'll let you do it to me now. (Looks away)
Random Kid: scores.

So funny.

Bubba

Can you see why I love this boy?!