Season's Greetings

Family Joys

Christmas is filled with special joys,
And the very best of all
Is contemplating those dear to us,
And the memories we recall.

We often think at Christmas time
Of people, affectionately,
And we realize how blessed we are
To be an eternal family.

Kingman Stake Pioneer Trek 2009

DAY 1 - The Kingman Stake Pioneer Trek began at noon on July 15. We packed our meager belongings, donned our pioneer clothing, and took a 3 hour journey to Williams, AZ. When we arrived, we were assigned a handcart, complete with a jar of fresh cream that shook into butter as we rumbled along. We were thankful to share our Cart with a single gentleman from a ward in Kingman by the name of Victor Martell. We feel it was a great blessing, and he became a fast friend of the children and indispensable to Carl as a helper in pulling the cart. We loaded our water, bed rolls, and tent and a change of clothes for each of us and began our first walk, about 3 miles on a flat, rocky road. We stopped in a pretty clearing around 4:30pm, kicked as many pine cones and rocks out of the way that we could, and set up our tent. We were served dinner, pioneer style. We each received 1 bowl of soup, then cleaned up and prepared for the evening. We had an evening devotional and some shared personal pioneer stories, we sang, prayed and headed to sleep.

DAY 2 - Day two began with a somber spirit, tired from the long day before, and a night sleeping on rocks, we awoke and heard the hustle and bustle of movement within our camp, tents coming down, whispers, the crunching of pine needles. We joined the activity and cleaned up and organized in record time. We wore the same clothes, as we imagined the real pioneers would have done, enjoyed a nice breakfast of oatmeal and rolled out for the hardest day. The terrain became increasingly steep and rocky, the still heat diminished spirits and we began to taste in a small way how a day on the real road west may have felt. Poor Leia stepped in a cactus that went straight through her shoe! Lacey and some young women helped console her, we carefully removed the spines, and the final one had to be removed with Lora's teeth--She recovered well, and moved along as only sweet Leia can. We stopped in a beautiful setting for lunch, peanut butter sandwiches and apples, and then headed out for another stretch of our journey. Little legs began to ache and Luke offered a prayer that he might feel better. After a few feet, we were told that the men were being "called away" (in likeness of the Mormon Batallion), and all of the women and children were left to push the carts. Carl marveled at the determined look on Clay's face and became overcome with emotion as he could see the young man rise to his calling as the priesthood leader, and he gave it all his effort. In contrast, this proved the most disheartening part of the trail for Lora, as with Cora in arms, Luke and Christian eager to help, but dangerously too small for the wheels, rolled forth in the heat of the day, up twisting, rocky terrain. A young man, aged 14 helped Clay. His nose began to bleed due to exertion, and Lora stepped in to help, with eyes now to the ground pushing, we heard a yell and discovered that Luke caught his foot under the heavy, metal wheel. Fearing the worst, we stopped as frustrated sisters some passing, some helping looked our way. His prayer was answered as the injury was minor. With Christian and Cora now in tears, Catie, Clay and Lacey near exhaustion, we stumbled forth while kindly sisters grabbed the hands of our crying children and we moved forward. Soon, we began seeing some of the men reappearing, stepping toward their wagon. Carl never looked so handsome. A monument to marriage, yoked together once again, we moved forward with ease, Carl by the sweat of his brow, Lora with increased sorrow, nurturing the little ones, the burden was lightened.

The journey continued, the clouds moved in to provide a much appreciated cover from the hot sun. They grew heavy and a gentle rain began to fall. At first refreshing, but as the lightening and thunder rolled across the sky, little ones hearts began to falter, Christian began to ask to "go home", his big sad eyes pleading to be held, an impossibility given the circumstances. He walked almost 2 miles in tears. My arms ached to hold him, but little Cora's legs couldn't manage the rocks, a kindly sister walked slowly with us, cheering him on. The rain soaked his little body, but when we told him we were "going to see daddy", he took a few more steps. When we finally were within sight of the camp, he ran to Carl. We saw his tired face as he shared their difficulty pulling through the thick, clay mud. We shook the mud off of our gear, and set up for camp again. No walking tomorrow...the sleep was well deserved and deep.

DAY 3 - This day began slower and with lighter hearts. We knew we were staying. We ate some pancakes and around 11:00am, some activities began, tug-of-war, an egg toss, string games (Lora was in charge of this...we made yarn dolls and necklaces), handkerchief dolls, homemade ice cream, etc. It was a free, relaxing day, a time to chat and use creativity to entertain. Leia, Luke and Christian spent the hours playing with other children just using their imaginations, Cora clung to Lora, Carl looked after the kids, and Clay itched to be doing something more productive. Idleness makes him restless. The day ended in a "Hoe-Down", All of the children participated in some dancing. It was a fun way to end the day.


Day 4 - Originally intended to leave at 9:00am, the clear skies were a warning of a hot day approaching. We awoke at 6:00am, once again greeted by the noises of hard working saints, repacking the handcarts for the last leg of the trek. Only 2.5 miles this day, but it was rumored to be steep. Breakfast of granola bars and apples was quick and good enough. We got an early start, somewhat apprehensive given the memory of Thursday, but we began knowing that each step brought us closer to our destination. This trip proved unique, as although the hills were steep, within the first mile, we could see the base camp off in the distance--this reassurance, with our "eyes single to this goal", made the journey quick, and the carts all arrived within an hour. It was amazing the difference in attitude and speed when the goal is in sight. Lora had a unique opportunity this day, as with Cora once again in her sling, and sweet Christian and his little legs at her side, she became the very LAST of the almost 300 saints on the trail. She was a bit forlorn when she realized that 3 people were behind her, the stake president (a blonde reincarnation of Johnny Cash...:-)), his wife and a young man. Due to an unusual pain in his back and legs, he was unable to walk more than about 30 yards without stopping to rest. The young man carried a folding chair for him. Our strides were well matched as Christian spent most of his time chasing grasshoppers and wanting to be held. We shared a quiet walk together, reflecting upon the pioneers and their sacrifices. Imagining leaving a loved one behind, buried by the side of the road. Emotions were high, quiet lessons of the heart were learned. Words cannot convey the feelings of those last steps. Watching this good man make each painful step, determined to make it to the end, I couldn't help but think of Brigham Young, and then Joseph Smith, as he kindly bid farewell to Christian, and dropped a grasshopper into his hand. That grasshopper rode all the way back to Bullhead City with us in a little boys shirt pocket. Ask him if he liked the "trek",he'll say, "yeah"...Two words: Life Changing.


I hope you can all comment now!

Birthday Bonanza!

June 12-Catherine Emelia turns ELEVEN! She opted for a "Blue" theme (her favorite of favorite colors) We had a party last year, so this year it was a "one friend" sleepover with best buddy "Shelby". She requested milkshakes in lieu of the traditional cake. She received Legos, Webkinz, and some crocheting supplies. It was a fun day and we hope she knows how much we love her silly personality and amazing contribution to our family! Happy Birthday, Catie!







June 23-Luke and Leia turn FIVE! Luke and Leia have been looking forward to this landmark birthday for about the last, ummm, 364 days! They are so cute and so ready to be "BIG". Five is the magic number for all the big kid activities in our family. They had a family birthday this year, as we have been battling illness and didn't think anyone wanted that as a birthday prize to take home. They love "Webkinz", too and their cakes are respectively a "pink pony" and a "Zingoz"...both Webkinz that they got for presents. They were so cute, as you can see by the picture they are still so sweet together and have recently been discussing their future marriage to one another! This is actually very cute, and we know that this is not as scary as it sounds. Catie used to want to marry Clay...so NOT true anymore. We've learned to enjoy these times! Happy Birthday Lukey and Lei-Lei!






July 12-Cora LeAnn turns ONE! What can we say? They just keep getting cuter! Cora's birthday was a joy, she is so LOVED by her brothers and sisters, even Christian wasn't jealous. They fawned and fussed over her all day and she was so pleasant and perfect in her reactions. She adores animals of any kind, especially TIGERS--we had so much fun with her jungle theme. Poppa and Grandma Westphal spent the day with us and spoiled her with all of the cute decorations that we all enjoyed. She got a stuffed tiger, a ball game, a little pet hospital, and some pretty clothes, too. We are so glad we have this precious spirit in our home. In her blessing, it was pronounced that she would bring us peace. How true this is! Happy Birthday Co-Co!













Clayton Allen - Clay's birthday will be on the next post, but he has had a great summer. He became a "junior lifeguard" and attended Scout Camp for a whole week by himself. He had a great time earning 4 merit badges in rowing, archery, mammal studies, and Indian Lore. He is also enjoying some art classes that a lady in our neighborhood teaches once a week. She is an actual artist, and Clay is having fun playing with "Clay" and using his great talents in this area.





















Lacey Sue - had a chance to attend "AYSO UK Soccer Camp" in Chino, California for a whole week while staying with her grandparents. The coaches are all from the United Kingdom, and Lacey loved that "Continental" element. It made it more interesting. She still to date, has never lost a game. Even in the scrimmage games, her team always wins! It's crazy--but she just looks at us like, "well-of course!" She's a bit too competitive for her own good, but it works well for her on the field. Her energy is a real asset, and she really enjoys moving!




Christian is still just a complete nut, and has developed a very tender side mixed with his usual rough and tumble exterior. He is also very funny (as noted in the picture) He loves to make us all laugh, and he usually succeeds! He still loves cars and all boyish things. He is fun to tease and is good at giving it back.

Jovial June

We apologize for "Missed May" as I will call the invisible post for last month. It was an interesting month, filled with some illness and some rougher moments, which most likely explains where the time went. It ended well, and this post is mostly filled with pictures from the better days in between. We like to report each individual as mostly grandparents look upon our page and it answers all of there questions and curiosities. So here we go!










Clay: Clay is having a good start to summer. We enrolled him in the Bullhead Community "Swim Team", more commonly known as the Barracudas. This is just a race against himself, and he is doing really well. In the last 3 weeks, he's moved up 2 lanes and has improved his ability to swim the 4 main strokes (breast, butterfly, free-style, and back) very well. He practices 2 hours a day, 5 days a week and will participate in about 6-7 meets before the season ends in late August. He now has a love for water and is beginning to build muscle and feel good about himself. We are so happy for him. We took a trip to the beach May 30, and he had fun trying to swim in the ocean. He will finish the month with a week of scout camp at a really awesome full scale camp (swimming, canoeing, shooting, etc.) All the stuff boys love and moms try not to think about!



Catie: Catie is also enjoying a break. She had a great 5th grade year and finished with the highest grades in her class and the most "reading counts" points her teacher has ever seen! She has learned a bit of crocheting from a nice lady in the ward and has had fun trying her hand at that. She made me a little pillow for Mother's day. She is also in nightly swim classes 4 days a week and does well to help around the house and keeps us entertained with her naturally silly nature and great imagination. She turns ELEVEN years old in 8 days and I can hardly believe it. She is becoming a beautiful "young lady" and I enjoy our friendship so much. I hope we stay close always!





Lacey: Lacey also had a great school year. She received an award for "Fabulous Friend" from her class, which fits her well. She is a sweetie and very sensitive to people's feelings. She intuitively knows when to hug, tease, or just smile at a person. I benefit from that strength of hers daily. I sometimes feel she is gift from Heavenly Father to comfort her complicated mommy. While I was in the middle of typing this, a little "tiff" errupted from Luke, Leia, and Christian over a toy. She walked off quietly and returned saying, "I solved the problem...I gave them one of my toys and it took care of it. Such a peace maker! She has officially memorized all 13 "Articles of Faith", and said to me "Now what?"...hmmmm, keeping Lacey busy, not an easy task!






Luke: Luke is an impressive soul. His mind fascinates us, from strange things like me explaining to him that "pickles are cucumbers soaked in salt water to keep them fresh" and him responding with, "So they are like little mummy cucumbers?"...uhhh, yeah I guess you could say that! Another example is when I tell him "The Three Bears" which I have done almost every night for 3 years (ugh), and suddenly the story goes like this: "...and their porridge was TOO Hot!...what is porridge? ummm it's like oatmeal...anyways, the daddy's was too hot, the mommy's was too cold and the baby's was JUST right!...what's "just right" mean?...you know, not too hot, not too cold, just warmish...then he says, "so the chair was warm?" ---(sigh) Do you get the picture? Last night, Carl calls me in to the bathroom where he was bathing the little boys, and I come running expecting a problem, he just looks at me and says, "Luke wants to know what time is?" "Do you have any ideas how to explain that? Uhhhhhhhh...well...you know...hmmmm?
Go ahead think about it! We welcome some help here!





Leia: Leia is also going through a big "cognitive shift". I guess turning 5 is more complicated than I remember, especially watching it double-time. Her thing is honesty, or a lack thereof unfortunately.It is always a complicated thing knowing when to punish for lying and when to reward for honesty. I know it sounds like a simple thing, but if you get too angry about the inappropriate things they do, some kids will lie to avoid conflict, and if you praise them too much for telling the truth, they'll often continue undesirable behavior to get the "reward" of telling the truth! Trust me, it's not as easy as it looks. So that is our dilemma with Leia. On a higher note, she is very well behaved in primary and always loving to Cora. She also loves to help with laundry and dishes. She has become enchanted with "doing hair" and patient Lacey is often the recipient of her "styles"--she's very coordinated for a little one, and she amazes me.



Christian: Thankfully, due to the complex balance of the universe, as Luke and Leia become more exhausting, Christian is leveling off and becoming more calm. His communication skills have grown ten fold, and this has greatly lessened his frustration with the world. He is about 75% potty trained, much to the dismay of his mommy, but we have learned these things always work out, so we just go on with life and thank the stars for "pull-ups". (sigh) Christian's social skills are (in our opinion) very advanced. Everywhere we go, he introduces himself to strangers, "I'm Kiss-chin, what you name?" He loves nursery and his teachers (childless younger couple...bless them!) love him, too. He's a cutie and melts my heart every time he smiles at me.





Cora: "One Giant Step for Cora, One Giant Leap for the Westphal's!" Yes, we have an official "walker". (sniffle) She is SO cute though, I could die. Such a tiny thing, but so capable and determined. She also repeats words like "Co-Co" (her nick name), "GO", and "da-da". We think she's a baby genius. She is generally very pleasant, likes to feed herself Cheerio's, bananas, pears, and recently some tiny bits of an "In-N-Out" burger that made her daddy proud!




Did we miss anyone? I hope not! As for Carl and I, we are just plugging along, keeping the kids busy and learning, and trying to find as many moments in a day to nurture our marriage and kiss and hug and gross the kids out. (giggle) We enjoyed a brief visit to California this past weekend. We went out with my dear friend, Dianne Felshaw and our favorite "Uncle Wendell" and all the kids this past Friday night and saw "Night At The Museum II"--we LOVED it, and it was just the kind of stupid, wonderful humor that keeps life worth living. The next day, we took the kids to Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro. (Many pictures attached) we had a truly FANTASTIC time, and it was the perfect kind of place for the ages and stages of our kids. A trip to the beach after wards finished the day off perfectly. I've said it before, and I'll say it again...LIFE IS GOOD!

Ahhhh...April.

Well, from what I am reading of all of your thoughts in "cyberspace", Spring is easing on to all of us and we are enjoying gentle breezes, warmer temperatures, and enjoying it so much.

Quick Family Update:

Clay is enjoying scouting and finished his woodworking merit badge, and is actually flying in a REAL plane tomorrow as he completes his aviation merit badge. He is also working on personal finance and fitness, and we are so impressed that he has earned about $80 on his own, and gets himself up everyday at 6:00am to run and/or do some strength training. He continues to fascinate us and his friends at school with his artistic talents and is also becoming rather funny, kind of 'Gary Larson' style humor.

Catie is still playing Clarinet. She is, as we suspected, naturally talented with musical things and she looks forward to learning other instruments, especially the piano. She also won an award for an essay she wrote about "Citizenship". Also, as I type this, she is attending an "overnight" trip to the Phoenix Zoo as a fun 5th grade field trip to "observe and learn", and I don't doubt giggle into the wee hours of the night.

Lacey is enjoying school and naturally challenges herself to be the best at everything she tries. Hula hoop, multiplication facts, 'cat's cradle", and memorizing her articles of faith. (she knows 11 now, perfectly) -- She is fun to watch grow and continues to crack us up with her quick wit and constant teasing.

Luke has discovered words and writing. He asks me many times throughout the day, "how do you spell..." and we go through the sounding out and it is exhausting and wonderful. He loves to draw, and collect bugs, and read books. He has a fascination with the human body and gazes at his book on bones and muscles for hours at a time. He is an interesting little boy.

Leia continues to dazzle us with her love for singing, she can hear a song once and sing it instantly with a surprisingly strong voice, she's in love with High School Musical much to the embarrassment of her oldest brother who shushes her in public when she "belts out" as tune suddenly...(well, that's what they do in the movie, right?) So funny.

Christian can be described as AD-HORRIBLE! That is the Westphal word for when their very cute kids do those awful things that make you bite your lip not to laugh, mixed with sheer horror of the magnitude of their crimes. (i.e. pulling their pants down and saying, "see my bum?"----giggle, shudder!!) He is currently "Potty training" and it just sounds like so much fun to him "the Potty train!" (like a ride)--Thank goodness for Spider man Under pants. That designer has my vote for the Nobel prize!

Cora is the definition of cute right now, constant smiles, and a new found sense of contentment through crawling around and exploring her world. She brings warm fuzzies to all of us and is the sunshine of our life. What a blessing she is.

Carl and I are also fine, not nearly as cute as the kids, (well, I think Carl is cute...) but we are just trying to hang in through all of the daily tasks that make up life right now. We are very happy and when I type out these updates, I feel so pleased to be the mother of such amazing and beautiful children. We enjoyed our first camping trip as a family of 9...it was an adventure, but really VERY fun. Life is Good!

Presidents Day Play

We enjoyed a wonderful, relaxing weekend and we are so thankful for quiet times to get us through the inevitable crazy times that always follow. It is hard to believe that February is on it's way to an end and Spring can be felt approaching.

We love this season of renewal and are ever grateful for the chance to "relive" the excitement and magic of the simple things of life through our precious children. We are not rich in this world, but can taste the treasure of eternity.

Live-Love-Laugh!

Loving Love

Well, somewhere over the last 13 years, I decided Valentines Day was one of my favorite holidays, granted it has it's roots in something pagan or strange like all holidays, but all that aside, what's not to like about a day to say "I love you" in a hundred different ways?

Pink, red, conversation hearts, silly romantic things, chocolate...all good if you ask me. It's also a great excuse to make frosted sugar cookies with too many sprinkles! I actually found an excellent recipe online this year, and thought I'd share it. And, if you're not feeling the LOVE...then tuck it away for another holiday. ~ENJOY~

Happy Valentines Day! I love YOU! (see, it feels good)

PERFECT SUGAR COOKIES

INGREDIENTS
· 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
· 2 cups white sugar
· 4 eggs
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· 5 cups all-purpose flour
· 2 teaspoons baking powder
· 1 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS
1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely.
PERFECT ICING
INGREDIENTS
· 4 cups confectioners' sugar
· 1/2 cup shortening
· 5 tablespoons milk
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· food coloring

DIRECTIONS
1. In a large bowl, cream together the confectioners' sugar and shortening until smooth. Gradually mix in the milk and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth and stiff, about 5 minutes. Color with food coloring if desired.

Fresh February

It is a beautiful day--70 degrees and breezy...clear, blue skies--major pay-off for the 120 degree temperatures possible in a few months. Just wanted to post a few silly pictures of the kids mostly for grandparents but maybe a giggle for others as well.

My mom and dad brought us a bumper crop of beautiful lemons and grapefruit from their yard in Green Valley. I enjoyed squeezing and freezing the delicious lemons and Leia and I dug in full force into the grapefruit--yummm! Makes me think of Weird Al's song, "Grapefruit Diet". I posted the lyrics because they are TOO FUNNY! (sorry for the fat jokes, but being overweight, I figured it was politically correct to post it!) (sung to the tune of "Zoot Suit Riot")

Grapefruit Diet

by Al Yankovic

Lyrics:

Who's that waddlin' down the street
It's just me 'cause I love to eat
Fudge and Twinkies and deviled ham
Who's real flabby? Yes, I am!
Every picture of me's
Gotta be an aerial view
Now my doctor tells me
There's just one thing left to do

Grapefruit Diet (Diet!)
Throw out the pizza and beer
Grapefruit Diet (Diet!)
Oh, get those jelly donuts out of here
Grapefruit Diet (Diet!)
Might seem a little severe
Grapefruit Diet (Diet!)
I'm gettin' tired of my big fat rear
Blow, fatty!

Well, I used to live on chocolate sauce
Made sumo wrestlers look like Kate Moss
Walked down an alley and I got stuck
I got more rolls than a pastry truck
When I'm all done eating
I eat a little more
When I leave a room
First I gotta grease the door

Grapefruit Diet (Diet!)
Can't have another eclair
Grapefruit Diet (Diet!)
I gotta decrease my derriere

I'm on a Grapefruit Diet
I'm on a Grapefruit Diet
I'm on a Grapefruit Diet

No more pie now
No more creme brulee
Lay off the gravy
And souffle
No french fri-yi-yies now
No ice cream parfait
Mr. Cheese Nacho
Stay away

Oh I think I'd sell my soul
For a triple patty melt
But I need a boomerang
When I put on my belt

Grapefruit Diet (Diet!)
Lay off the 3 Musketeers
Grapefruit Diet (Diet!)
Until my big booty disappears
Grapefruit Diet (Diet!)
Eat 'em till they're comin' out of my ears
Grapefruit Diet (Diet!)
'Cause I haven't seen my feet in years

I'm on a Grapefruit Diet
I'm on a Grapefruit Diet
I'm on a Grapefruit Diet

I think I'm about ready for a Quarter Pounder with extra cheese
I need a side order of onion rings
And don't forget to Super-Size that

Valuable Visits

2009 has started well. We have had a busy month. Carl was able to travel to see his good friend Colleen and be with her and her family at her father's passing. It was nice for him to see old friends again and reflect on the life of a very good man. He also attended an Optometric Conference in Phoenix and was able to stay with my brother John and his family. He had fun seeing them, too.

After he returned we were glad to welcome Carl's mom and sister, Carrie, for a short but pleasant visit. Our kids LOVE Aunt Carrie, she's cool and fun and always buys them unique and fun gifts. We also enjoyed a nice 3 day visit from my mom and dad--just relaxing and fun. In Honor of the Chinese New Year, I tried my hand at making traditional Chinese food (almond chicken, steamed pork dumplings, chow mein, jasmine rice, okay and frozen egg-rolls...) It came out pretty good, but my mom and I commented on why many asian have multi generations living under one roof---you need lots of hands to make this delicious food!

HAPPY YEAR OF THE OX! Slow and steady and strong---should be a good year!

Joyous January

January and the prospect of the New Year is always a special time. I love being able to start "anew", reflecting on all of the good of the past year, and look forward with quiet anticipation for the one to come. 2008 was a very important year for our family and we are so thankful to see the hand of the Lord in our life. New employment, new home, new baby, new schools, new ward, new friends, new wisdom gained. A synonym for "new" is "fresh" and that's how life feels right now. Not easy, not perfect, but fresh and blooming, glowing, novel, unfamiliar, different...any of these great words describes how we feel.

Hope you enjoy the pictures showing our precious children. We love them so very much, it hurts.

Have a truly Happy blooming, glowing, novel, unfamiliar, different...New Year!