Shake, Rattle and Roll...

So, how many of you were jolted today???  Well, it definitely was an interesting event for many of us especially for the little ones who have never experienced an earthquake.  If you get a chance, ask Courtney her experience... it's pretty funny :)

In times like this when you're child asks you, "I'm afraid of going to sleep because of the earthquake,"  I am glad that I have a strong testament of our Heavenly Father.  I know it's hard for a child to understand that He will be watching over us when these things happen, but it definitely is a teaching opportunity that should be taken advantage of.  

Not only is this a great chance for you to talk to your child about why these things happen, but it also an important reminder to see if you are prepared: both physically and spiritually.  We know that when disasters happen, no matter how small, our faith is tested.  We can each be shaken up in different ways and no matter what comes crashing down we must remember to never let our foundation crumble.  We know that our foundation starts with a firm belief in our Father in Heaven and the rest is built upon that.  However, if that foundation has cracks, expect that it will be difficult to hold the rest of that structure up when the next rattling event happens.  But, fear not, we can always retro fit that structure through prayer, reading your scriptures and solidifying your testimony.    

With that comes the physical preparedness... are we ready when a natural disaster hits?  Is our storage "center" up to date?  I know we are behind on what we should have prepared and today was definitely a reminder to get our family up to par.  If you haven't started it's never too late because you never know what's going to sneak up on you next.

Here are some good tips on what to do when an earthquake hits:

• If you're indoors, stay there. Get under -- and hold onto --a desk or table, or stand against an interior wall. Stay clear of exterior walls, glass, heavy furniture, fireplaces and appliances. The kitchen is a particularly dangerous spot. If you're in an office building, stay away from windows and outside walls and do not use the elevator. 
   

• If you're outside, get into the open. Stay clear of buildings, power lines or anything else that could fall on you. 
   

• If you're driving, move the car out of traffic and stop. Avoid parking under or on bridges or overpasses. Try to get clear of trees, light posts, signs and power lines. When you resume driving, watch out for road hazards. 
   

• If you're in a mountainous area, beware of the potential for landslides. Likewise, if you're near the ocean, be aware that tsunamis are associated with large earthquakes. Get to high ground. 
   

• If you're in a crowded public place, avoid panicking and do not rush for the exit. Stay low and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms.

  
  

  For some more interesting information I pasted the link where I copied the information above.  If anything, read the earthquake myths section which is pretty interesting.
  

  
  

  http://www.consrv.ca.gov:80/index/Earthquakes/Pages/qh_earthquakes_what.aspx
  

  
  

  
  

Happy Birthday Courtney

Today Marks Courtney's 28th Birthday!!!

Let's Wish Her A Good One and Many More!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Having Fun in the Sun!

In the summertime, it is all about fun. We have been so active that I can't keep up with all the daily things our family has been up to. So, I figured, let's do a recap of the last few weeks...

There's a new place in town called SPLASH that the girls have discovered.  It's a mini water park in La Mirada that's great for the kids. It beats the crowds at your regular water parks.  Corona Del Mar has been our favorite Saturday spot for the last few weekends.  We've been having a great time getting together with the Montano's and Renouf's.  Sorry, Mike, the bodyboarding video didn't come out clear so I didn't upload it :o(  (I know you were looking forward to it).  Last week, it was girls night out for Wicked.  We've got a new favorite!!!  

Enjoy the slideshow

McKenna tags mom!!!

Here are my answers...

1) LAST MOVIE U SAW IN A THEATRE? 

Mamma Mia

2) WHAT BOOK ARE U READING? 
What to Expect... The Toddler Years

3) FAVORITE BOARD GAME?
Monopoly

4) FAVORITE MAGAZINE?
US Weekly

5) FAVORITE SMELLS? 
Pumpkin Pie, rain when it hits cement

6) FAVORITE SOUNDS?
Sound of waves crashing on the beach

7) TELL ME ABOUT FOOD.
I LOVE MEAT!!!  Any steak house will do for me

8) WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF WHEN U WAKE? 
My schedule for the day

9) FAVORITE FAST FOOD PLACE?
El Taco, King Taco, Taco Bell, Del Taco... hmmm, notice anything in common?

10) FUTURE CHILD'S NAME? 
Lucas Alexander for a boy, Kate, Macy or Madelynne for a girl
11) FINISH THIS STATEMENT—’IF I HAD A LOT OF MONEY I’D...... 
Travel the world with my family
12) DO U DRIVE FAST? 
Not really

13) DO U SLEEP WITH A STUFFED ANIMAL? 
Stuffed, no.  Animal, yes.... Alex
14) STORMS–COOL OR SCARY? 
Very cool

15) WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAR? 
2000 Navy Blue VW Jetta

16) FAVORITE DRINK? 
Diet Pepsi/Diet Coke

17) FINISH THIS STATEMENT-IF I HAD THE TIME I WOULD… 
go back to school, play basketball and travel
18) DO YOU EAT THE STEMS ON BROCCOLI? 
I don't eat any vegetables
19) IF YOU COULD DYE YOUR HAIR ANY OTHER COLOUR, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR CHOICE?
 Blonde
20) NAME ALL THE DIFFERENT CITIES/TOWNS U HAVE LIVED IN? 
I have lived in La Mirada, Albuquerque, Downey, Fullerton, Buena Park
21) FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? 
Any sport

22) ONE NICE THING ABOUT THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? 
She is a good leader, she's a good movie partner

23) WHATS UNDER YOUR BED? 
Unused backpacks and sports bags
24) WOULD U LIKE TO BE BORN AS YOURSELF AGAIN? 
Yes
25) MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT OWL? 
Love the night, hate the morning

26) OVER EASY OR SUNNY SIDE UP?
I don't eat eggs and I can't stand the smell of them

27) FAVORITE PLACE TO RELAX? 
On the couch

28) FAVORITE PIE?
Chocolate cream, it's the only one I eat

29) FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? 
Mint Chip

Meme tag from McKenna to Dad

So, I've never seen one of these until I read it on the Renouf Family blog.  I thought it would be neat to fill one of these out.... but then, sneak attack from my own daughter.  

Well, before I answer the questions I just wanted to let everyone know that the Alexander and Courtney website will be discontinued since we primarily post everything here and I probably became a little too ambitious with setting up all these pages.  However, the kids' blog pages will remain.  Also, I will continue to post "A My Gym Moment" on the sidebar so that I can still share a little bit of the My Gym "magic" with everyone.  Alright, now to get to it...

1) LAST MOVIE U SAW IN A THEATRE? 
Batman "The Dark Knight"
2) WHAT BOOK ARE U READING? 
Believing Christ, Tell Me What to Say - Sensible Tips and Scripts for Perplexed Parents
3) FAVORITE BOARD GAME?
 Battleship
4) FAVORITE MAGAZINE?
 Bodyboarding, Ensign
5) FAVORITE SMELLS? 
Vanilla, a cold crisp morning, the beach
6) FAVORITE SOUNDS?
 Classical guitar, the violin, mornings in Yosemite
7) TELL ME ABOUT FOOD.
 Like my daughter and wife, A carnivore!  I like to try new things.  My favortie... Italian
8) WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF WHEN U WAKE? 
Shh, don't wake up Courtney
9) FAVORITE FAST FOOD PLACE?
 Jack In the Box, King Taco
10) FUTURE CHILD'S NAME? 
Lucas for a boy, don't know for a girl
11) FINISH THIS STATEMENT—’IF I HAD A LOT OF MONEY I’D...... 
make sure my family was taken care of, invest for our retirement and my children's college and travel and surf the world
12) DO U DRIVE FAST? 
Usually after I see a movie with a great chase scene... yes
13) DO U SLEEP WITH A STUFFED ANIMAL? 
No
14) STORMS–COOL OR SCARY? 
AWESOME!!!
15) WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAR? 
Red 1987 Nissan Hardbody pickup
16) FAVORITE DRINK? 
Mountain Dew
17) FINISH THIS STATEMENT-IF I HAD THE TIME I WOULD… 
go back to school just to learn new things and bodyboard
18) DO YOU EAT THE STEMS ON BROCCOLI? 
I don't like broccoli
19) IF YOU COULD DYE YOUR HAIR ANY OTHER COLOUR, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR CHOICE?
 Brown
20) NAME ALL THE DIFFERENT CITIES/TOWNS U HAVE LIVED IN? 
I was born in Toronto, Canada and lived there for 10 years.  Then, we moved to Downey, have lived in Fullerton and Buena Park and are now back in Downey.
21) FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? 
Futbol, hockey, surfing and xtreme sports
22) ONE NICE THING ABOUT THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? 
McKenna has a sweet spirit and I admire her desire to always be helpful.
23) WHATS UNDER YOUR BED? 
Unused backpacks and sports bags
24) WOULD U LIKE TO BE BORN AS YOURSELF AGAIN? 
Yes
25) MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT OWL? 
Night Owl I just can't get up in the morning unless I am going bodyboarding
26) OVER EASY OR SUNNY SIDE UP?
 Neither, I like them scrambled
27) FAVORITE PLACE TO RELAX? 
On the recliner with any of the kids relaxing on me
28) FAVORITE PIE?
 Not a big pie fan
29) FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? 
Cold Stone's Cookie Doughn't you Want Some

Now, my turn to tag.... 

Tiffany and Steve

Matt and Danielle

The Larsens... Dustin, Chiemi, Brett and Kellie

So, just copy the above questions and add your own answers... hehe :o)

Gearing Up and a Meme Tag!!!

Check out Mickey and Noah's blog to find out what they're getting ready for...  Also, Mckenna gets tagged!

Festival Colombiano 2008

Every year on the weekend closest to July 20th (Colombia's Independence Day), thousands of Colombians gather together to celebrate with live music, dance, food and camaraderie. This was the first year I have taken my family (except for Mickey who had a friend's birthday party). I used to go every year with friends and family and had the best time, but have never had the chance to go with my wife and kids. Well, we finally went and we had the best time. This year it was held at the Pico Rivera Sports Arena and as you can see from the pictures that follow there was plenty of fun going on!

QUE VIVA COLOMBIA!!!

We like to party!!!

Feels like any time there is a holiday, there isn't much rest involved.  It's go, go, go!  But, if you're having a good time with friends and family, who cares right.... oooh, until the day after.   Man, we're we tired!!!  Swimming at Nonnie's, party time and fireworks at the Sander's, sand and surf on Saturday and back to My Gym for Cammy's baby shower.... phew!!!

BEFORE

AFTER

Independence Day

Ah, yes, fireworks in the sky! How wonderful it is to look up and see all those wonderful colors blend together and make such a pleasant spectacle. Our family loves this day. We love getting together with aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends and barbecue, swim and play the day away. At dusk, the loud bangs and bursts of celebrations can be heard all over the neighborhood and seen in the night sky.  Today is a day of celebration.  Today is the day we celebrate our independence!

Today is also the day we remember everything this country has gone through to get to where it is. This is the day we thank God for the freedoms that he has provided. It is because of these freedoms that we are able to live the life that many other country's citizens hope to one day be have. Sometimes we take these liberties for granted and do nothing with them. We should take advantage of the opportunities that are presented to us, whether it be at work, at school, at our church or anywhere they are available. Make the best of this great life that has been given to us and make the most of every day.   God Bless America!!!

Do you Wii?

It has come to our attention that many family members and friends have a Wii.  We love to play our Wii and would love to play our friends via Wi Fi.  If any of you are interested, let us know and we can trade our Wii info to be able to play.  As of right now, we have the following games that are able to play wirelessly:

Mario Kart Wii

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Guitar Hero 3

See you soon :)