I am off to help the Young Women with their musical number for New Beginnings soon, but I want to get a blog post off before I go! I love helping music be a special part of our new ward!

First, Matt invited his home teaching companion and their family and one of the family's he home teaches over for dinner on January 28th. We had a great time getting to know them and enjoying their beautiful children. One had a 3 month old and the other had a 6 month old. It only made us want to get another child so badly! For those that don't know, we were approved for adoption again a year ago and when we arrived in California we not only had to meet the California criteria, we also had to redo our entire file due to some problems with our file in Arizona. So we are almost finished with everything we have to do and we will be back up on the LDS Services website (pray the fingerprinting clearances come back quickly from the other states we lived in--that is the major hold up!). So please, PLEASE remember us if you ever hear of someone looking for a home for their child. Abby prays every night for a brother or sister and she would be the best big sister ever! Anyways, we had a wonderful time with our new friends and hope to have them over again!
One Tuesday, January 31st Abby went to gymnastics, but this time it was on her own! She is taking a different class at the advice of her teacher. I was not worried about her skill level, but a little concerned that she might not understand the idea of sitting and listening and waiting her turn. She did pretty well, although she tried to follow behind the teacher as she worked with each kid instead of sitting on the balance beam with the others. We are working on little things, but she did a great job and she will learn a lot in this class!
Waiting to go inside for her class. Notice the new leotard--she used her Christmas money from Great Granny Ruth to buy it for gymnastics. Thanks Granny!
Working with her teacher, Miss Sunny.
Much of the time Abby was wandering while the other kids sat on the beam. It looked something like this!
Abby running to jump off the spring board.
Abby, Matt and I found a nice park in Bakersfield by accident! There was a nice play area, water fountains, bridge over the water, etc. It will be a great place for picnics! You can see Abby running in the bottom of the first picture!
Thursday I had the opportunity to do a workshop at Cal State University Bakersfield. It was for a high school theatre workshop and my workshop was called, "Singing the Musical Theatre Songs." I had a great group of students and taught them some information about breathing, posture, warm-ups, etc. and then we learned a song from the musical Rent called, "Seasons of Love." They loved the song and even auditioned for some solos. We had to move quickly, but by the end they sang through the song and sounded great. I really enjoyed the opportunity and hope to have many more opportunities like this!
Saturday, February 5th we all went to our friend Roegan's 5th birthday party. It was a Star Ward party and so Abby picked out Star Wars legos! We had a great time at the party!
Here is the cake his Mom, Amber made--awesome huh?
Abby jumping on the tramp at the party
Abby turns 3 this week! Prepare for Abby birthday pictures next Sunday! We are having a "choo choo" party on on Friday with family. Abby is very excited.

Life's Little Lessons

Yesterday a student came into my office and shared a bit of his personal life. He explained how he was leaving behind the old him and taking a more responsible path by returning to college. After high school he worked for a while, then lost his job, and was on unemployment for the past two years. He said that during that time he received $26,000/year in unemployment benefits. Because of paperwork issues and retroactive qualification he said that much of it was dispersed in large lump sums, one as large as $13,000. Then he pulled out his MGM casino gold card and explained how he would regularly go to Vegas and with friends and spend that money. He played the high rollers tables where it costs $500-$5,000 per hand. Casinos compted his rooms and gave him free limo rides.

What should Democrats learn from this. . .

You cannot doll out lump sums of money to the poor/unemployed. They will just blow it. That is why most low income households I’ve ever seen tend to have big screen TVs and multiple video game consuls; many drive a nicer cars that me. If they ever get a wad of cash they spend it on frivolous things. A local school teacher here tells me that his district hosts a workshop on “the culture of poverty” which includes a segment explaining low-income/poor Americans tend to view money as a temporary thing that needs to be spent before it is taken, lost, or otherwise used up. Hence the big TVs, fancy car stereos, and shiny rims on cars. So if we are going to give out welfare (unemployment or otherwise) it needs to be in small steady increments, and it would really be nice if much of it was in the form of vouchers for food and rent or some form of credit that could not be spent in electronics stores or at casinos.

What should Republicans learn from this. . . .

There is a large chunk of the American society who are irresponsible. If you really think these people are capable of managing their own social security funds you are insane. We cannot privatize everything or they’ll be exploited, starve, and then taxpayers will have to pay for their idiotic spending habits in the end. The same is true of health care. They may not want to buy it, but let’s face it, they need it. If they don’t buy it then when they get sick and go to the emergency room (which costs a heck of a lot more than a preventive doctor’s appointment) the US taxpayers get the bill. I’d much rather see Uncle Sam garnish their wages and force them to have some insurance so that they are the ones who pay for their bad habits—not me.

Some folks say it is wrong for the government to force Americans to buy something they may not want. That is the exact same argument Southern Democrats used in the 1840s when Northern Whigs were developing public schools and laws mandating attendance. Whigs said that people could not be trusted to make the decision on their own. If given the choice, they’d put their kids in factories and make money off them and years later those uneducated children would have no future. Americans agreed, after several decades of debate. It is better for the whole of the nation to force every family to send its kids to school and then raise their local taxes to pay for those schools. Agreed? Today you must send you child to school (you can opt for the government school, private school, or home school but they must attend) and every American must pay the local taxes that finance the public schools (much of your property taxes is for the schools). Similarly, California requires car insurance because if it did not we’d have drivers all over who could not pay for the consequences that they create. We can’t always control who will hit our car, or if we will get cancer, but sooner or later most Americans will need that insurance. If they don’t have it, then taxpayers pay the bill (often at an inflated cost). Most who refuse to pay for it while healthy will be the ones asking the government to pay for it later when they need it. They are short sighted, just like those who opposed mandated schools, and just like my casino attending student, and just like many other Americans who can’t pay their bills but have expensive toys. They are not capable (or are unwilling) to do what is best for them and everyone else, and in the end we pay for their foolishness. I for one am tired of paying for them, and the only solution is the same one we’ve used before—mandate it. Require it, just like we require auto insurance and education of children. If you really think that is a violation of the constitution then why don't you call for a repeal of the mandates for education and car insurance? If you are in favor of mandatory schooling than you don’t have much room to say mandatory health coverage is wrong. It is clearly better for everyone, and those who resist are really just asking Americans to pay for them when they do get sick and cannot afford it. Requiring people to have health coverage is no more unconstitutional than requiring they send their children to school.

Thank You Huff Family

I guess the post office has been trying to deliver a package to us since December 18th. We didn't know anything about it until Monday when we received a card saying they were going to send it back. How strange. So we ran to the post office and were surprised with a gigantic box for Abby! Her birth Dad Alex and his wonderful family sent a package and Abby couldn't wait to open it. We are so grateful they would think of her and us.

Abby with the big box
She did not like waiting while I took a picture
Alex's Grandma made a book for her grandchildren to use at Church and sent Abby one too--how thoughtful of her. We hope it will help us keep her reverent during Church!
Abby with the sign they sent that says "Garrett." It will look great in our house
Abby carries around the machine that makes music constantly and draws all kinds of things on the board. She is asleep right now with the beautiful quilt keeping her warm. Thank you Huff family!
Love,
Abigail Garrett

Arizona Fun

Our new ward has a really fun group of sisters. One of them called and said they wanted to go out for ice cream for my birthday. I was really excited that they would think of me! We went to a Bakersfield place called Rosemary's and I had a great ice cream shake. But the most fun was just sitting around laughing and talking with all of them. I love to get to know people. Here is part of the group that went! Thanks ladies!

This past weekend (23-25) Abby and I made our way to Arizona. She was such a good girl in the car--both ways! We spent a lot of time singing which helped a lot. Her new favorite song is "Popcorn Popping." Our trips are always too short, but we did manage to see a few people. If we did not see you it is not because we did not want to. I was busy almost all of Monday and we left Tuesday, so it was just short. We hope to see different people during our next visit. Here are some picture highlights:

Andina and Tina--Brother Sundberg gave Abby some pretty cool cars and she hardly put them down!
Dinner with Carric and Jenny Smolnik (Abby really enjoyed the ice cream and even watched a few minutes of the Muppets).
Abby made a train out of the Smolnik's potatoes--we all laughed so hard!
Abby and her friend Caely
Strangely enough I did not get a picture of Abby and Natalie even though we stayed at her house! But Natalie surprised Matt and I and took Abby to have some pictures taken. She then had a collage made up of 4 cute pictures of Abby! I only saw it in miniature on the printed out page, but I cannot wait to get it in the mail! I will take a picture of it and put it on the blog when we get it! Thanks Nat!
We stopped by and saw David Schildkret (one of the professors I worked closely with at ASU). It was great to see him.
The next morning after we got back Abby had gymnastics. Matt went along since it will be the last time we will go in with her. Next week she will do the class where I watch from outside. She will learn more skills and I am very excited to see her do it all by herself.
Abby and Teacher Sarah stretchingI don't think Abby was supposed to be climbing up the wall, but it was cute so I took a picture!
Abby is currently asleep on my lap, so I cannot watch the videos and cut them. Tune in later!

Gymnastics and Birthday Fun

It seems very strange that another year has passed! Time goes so quickly--it seems to be speeding up I think. Wednesday was my birthday and I got to spend the whole day with one of my very favorite people--Abby! We went to gymnastics in the morning and after class her teacher said that she thinks Abby should take the next level class that learns skills and the parents are not in the room. So next week we will be out of town for that class, but she will try the class out the next week and see how it goes. I do not worry about her skill level--I just hope she will sit and listen to the teacher and wait her turn. I am a little afraid that I will see her running across the mat to try something else all by herself! But I am excited to see her do a class all by herself! She is such a big girl now!

After gymnastics we played and did "school time" the rest of the day until we needed to go to the Church to help the Young Women learn some music and a scout court of honor. On our way we even went out to dinner at a great Mexican restaurant close to our house.
I really wanted to go to the temple for my birthday and so we went Friday night! Grandpa Roger came and picked up Abby at the LA Temple and then Matt and I did initiatories and a session--it was so nice. Then we drove to Grandma's and Grandpa's for yummy pizza. We were pretty tired driving home though!
On Thursday morning this week a great group of sisters from our new ward got together for breakfast. Abby had some pancakes that looked like Mickey Mouse and then we ran to go visiting teaching. We also had the missionaries over for dinner that night. It's been a great week!
This is a sweater that Aunt Tiff let us borrow and I thought she might want to see that Abby loves to wear it!

Education

Recently Matt and I were asked to speak at a Young Single Adult Fireside. We were a bit surprised by the request until we heard the topic: Educational Goals. I guess we have a little bit of experience on this subject! So we both prepared and last Sunday were able to share our thoughts. Looking back on my 11 years of formal education truly brought back memories. I am so grateful for countless opportunities and experiences, amazing friends, professors and colleagues, the chance to fulfill some of my dreams, and also the challenges. It is on those challenges that my thoughts dwell this evening.

During my years at BYU a friend gave me one of the new Harry Potter books and wrote a letter on the inside. He said that if he had a magic wand and could wave away trials, he would not wave mine away. I thought this was strange at first, but over the years I've come to realize the wisdom in his comments. The challenges I've faced, although sometimes overwhelming, have truly shaped me into the person I am today, provided me so much appreciation for life, have given me greater ability to listen and understand, and have helped me to learn to love as my Savior loves (although I still have so far to go in all of these categories).

In regards to my Mom's new challenges, a friend said, "Why does life have to be this difficult?" I've thought about that a lot and I believe that trials happen for a reason. I believe, as many do that we are supposed to learn something, supposed to grow and gain strength. I also believe that Heavenly Father shows a great amount of trust in us when he gives us a trial or challenge. He places something in our path and knows that we CAN endure well. Part of that enduring, I believe, is turning to Him. I think some of my trials have come simply to remind me to turn to Him and that I need Him ("every hour" as one of my favorite hymns expresses). My talk for the fireside ended with a quote from Elder Dallin H. Oaks. It reads: “We may have to struggle to achieve our goals, but our struggles may yield as much growth as our learning. The strengths we develop in overcoming challenges will be with us in the eternities to come. The stuff of growth was never made of ease, and persons who have it easy will need to experience their growth with other sacrifices or forego the advancement that is the purpose of life.”

I do believe that growth and sacrifice are part of our mortal journey here and hope and pray that I have and will be able to handle my growth well. I know that my Mom is facing a lot of this now and hope she knows that I wish I could be there to hold her hand, or just to make her smile. But since I am not, I hope that she knows I am always with her in spirit as she always has been for me. How thankful I am to have the gospel in my life and to know that we are never alone.

My Amazing Mom!

There are so many people that know my wonderful mother [Jen's mother Karen]. Most people think of her as one of the most caring people they have ever known. I think she spends her days thinking of what she can do for all of the people she loves and even those she just comes in contact with. Just last week we found out some sad news regarding my Mom and since many friends read the blog, I thought I should let you know. She has been having health problems for a while now and has confused and baffled doctors. Finally, she was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma or cancer or the bone marrow. It is in stage 2, which is somewhat good news, but it has spread throughout much of her body. She will begin chemo and steroids very soon and I thought that any thoughts and prayers you could send her way would be much appreciated. I've seen the power of prayer and fasting in my life and want the same miracles for her and my family.
I hope she knows just how much we love her and want to help in any way that we can. She is one of the greatest examples in my life and we need her to be around for a very long time! We need her strength, example and love. Thank you Mom for your amazing example and willingness to fight. We love you more than you know.

Disneyland Again!

I know there have been a few Disneyland pictures already, but we had to go one more time before Matt started school and Abby turns 3! We had a blast! Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for letting us always stay at your wonderful house.

The only thing Abby could talk about was wanting to hug Mickey Mouse!
Abby plays with Goofy and Goofy's piano in Disneyland (look at me play the piano Grandpa--some day I will be as good as you maybe!)

Jen and Abby waiting to see the Aladdin show--Abby's first live theatre!
Abby with Buzz Lightyear
All of us on the Astro Blaster ride
Abby finds Woody and Jessie
The carousel in California Adventure
California Adventure has a really fun area for kids to play complete with slides, logs to crawl through and plenty of things to climb. We let Abby play as long as she wanted!
Abby and Pluto
We all pose with Goofy and Minnie in CA Adventure
The Mickey Ferris Wheel in CA Adventure
We just love to be together and we had soooooooooooooooo much fun in Disneyland and California Adventure!