CHRISTMASNESS!

I love everything about Christmas. The music, the lights, the crispness in the air, the hot chocolate, the excitement on our childrens faces, and most importantly the focus on Christ. We have already made a lot of Christmas memories this season: Dec 8th - zoo lights, Dec 12th - hot cocoa night around the fire, Dec 13th - ward Christmas Breakfast, Dec 14th - Temple lights, Dec 15th - Nativity with the Varneys, December 19th - Christmas caroling in the landscape trailor. Merry Christmas!

14 YEARS of blessings

Scott I am sorry that this is 3 days late. I'm not even sure where to start. I have loved the 14 year journey that has molded us and our relationship and brought us to where we are today. From college, starting a family, learning to parent, failing and succeeding, moving to Arizona, adding more and more and more children to our clan, buying a boat and creating lots of memories on the water, building relationships with family and friends, more failing and more succeeding, I have loved it all. I love you: as a husband, as a father, as a friend, I love your strength and your testimony. Thank you for this amazing 14 year journey!

2 WHEELS!

I have a little bit of catching up to do because we have been so busy. We like to think of our blog as our family journal so I don't want to miss any important events.

Nathan is riding his bike! For those of you who know Nathan this may be a surprise. I've always thought that he would be riding his bike as soon as he could walk because he is such a go getter. I have come to realize that it is because of impatience that it has taken him this long. He would have had to slow down long enough to learn and he just couldn't make himself SLOW DOWN. Well now he is riding his bike and the world better watch out (especailly those pedestrians and dogs that think they have the right of way on the sidewalk)!

News wire...Phoenix Arizona.....

Varvel Inc. heads into the holidays in state of chaotic bliss:
With out a doubt Varvel Inc, owned and operated by Scott and Amber Varvel, is headed for the end of 2008 in a state chaotic bliss. This ever evolving group of six has made huge profits by making a bundle of great memories and they are working hard, with the help of therapy and hypnosis, to forget the bad ones. A Spokesman for this Phoenix based organization says that “when we are not bickering or plotting to strangle one another, we are just happy to be together and that is what family is all about”.

In an interview with Chloe Mae Varvel, the newest member of the family at 18 months old, she was quoted as saying "pa ta gri pi ba ba shlube honk honk lis baba lu bi gr gr blick." An unidentified member of the family translated this as “My Dad is a stud and very handsome and capable” Other members of the group contend it is just baby gibberish. Chloe has progressed this past year from harmless and immobile to walking, falling, opening, tipping, breaking, scratching, spilling, splashing and dabbles in graffiti art. She is known for her natural curls and wild yet entertaining bouncy run-jog-gallop. She recently pierced her bottom lip with her teeth by falling on the bleachers at her brother’s baseball game. What she lacks in tact and grace she makes up for in personality and beauty and is an obvious asset to this organization.

Sources close to this group say it is clear that most of the energy generated by the company can be attributed to Nathan Graham Varvel. He is truly the hamster in the wheel and his energy is contagious. It has been confirmed he is revered and respected for his constant and unrelenting search for trouble or for what ever can cause his Mom to yell his first and middle name. His first year in school has gone very well as he is loved by his teacher and classmates. He spends all his spare time barefoot and in shorts openly ignoring any company dress codes. He excels at video games; riding scooters, wrestling with siblings and he even played soccer this year. He is now 5 years old and when asked what he hoped to accomplish in the coming year he said “turn six”.

Though there is some dispute as to who is really in charge of this group, Brooklyn Marie Varvel seemed to give the most instructions, advice and reprimands in the past year. Her take charge attitude is mostly a good thing and she is a big help to her superiors in the day to day operations. With the addition of her subordinate (little sister), Brooklyn has developed a soft and nurturing side that is a joy to witness. Though still somewhat conservative by nature, she has begun to show signs of being more outgoing and brave in the public arena as well as in her willingness to try new things. She is a strong and experienced debater but says she has no plans to run for public office unless the president of Hannah Montana’s fan club is considered as such. At nine years old she is an excellent reader and piano player and loves movies, friends, bike riding and web-kins.

Known by management as the gentle giant, Clayton Andrew Varvel continues to set and reach lofty goals. He is a great example to the team members. With a recently acquired black belt in Karate he handles all the security issues that face an organization of this kind. His quick stint with the A’s baseball team this year was a first for this young man and along with his scouting activities, piano practice and school work he has been as busy as any member of the family. He thrives in social settings and continues to perform near the top of his class. Our sources confirm he is also an excellent distance runner, and bike rider and loves to be outdoors or learning about science and nature. He will turn eleven in a month and when asked what he hopes to accomplish next year he said “not to take life so serious”.

When asked to describe her role in the organization Amber Varvel said “I am like an angelic chorister patiently and expertly trying to lead an orchestra of inexperienced demon musicians.” Though this description may not be completely accurate, she is truly the chorister of this group and they would not make any music without her. We have received detailed information that her daily therapy routine involves one to two hours of rigorous exercise. She continues to set the fitness and nutrition standard for the family and has begun making her own bread, canning her own meet and is always trying new recipes. She is active in her Church assignments and in her spare time loves to be on the lake with her family or at the mall without her family. Her future plans include a 180 mile relay race in the spring with 11 other team members where she will run a total of 17 miles.

Scott continues to peddle green pebbly widgets. Economy conditions have put considerable strain on his division though he says the long term outlook looks favorable. Real Estate has also been very slow this year and his team was only able to turn one house. When he is not stocking the basement with food and guns he is reading books about the great depression and the destruction of the constitution. Team members say he is a true optimist! He is in survival mode and is always looking for ways to cut company expenses though his partner (wife) says firing a member of the family is not an option. Often you can find him with a glazed look on his face day dreaming about new wake boats and long summer days on Lake Powell.

Top stories: Grammy’s battle with breast cancer is almost half over. She will have completed all her Chemo-therapy treatments by Christmas and then will undergo radiation. It has been a difficult road but she has been brave and we are all proud of her strength.
Jon, Amber’s brother, is engaged to me married to his fiancée Tiffany in February in Florida.
Kim, Scott’s sister is engaged to Shawn and they plan to be married after the first of the year.

Author Scott Varvel
Editor Amber Varvel
Contributing editors
Clayton
Brooklyn
Nathan
Chloe

Love ,

The Varvels

Thankful for a SAFFORD Thanksgiving!

Most Thanksgivings we spend with family, either at home or in Idaho, but this year it wasn't in the cards, though there were plenty of cards involved. Our good friends the Varney's invited us to spend the holiday with them at Anna's parents home in Safford, Arizona. This is a small town in south eastern Az were Anna grew up. Her parents, Tim and Darlene, could not have been more gracious hosts and their entire family welcomed us and made us feel like part of the family despite the additional chaos that seems to follow our crew of six.

There home sits at the base of Mt. Graham surrounded by wide open spaces. The kids were in heaven. They did everything: play video games, hike, play tennis, soak in the hot tub, ride golf carts up and down the dirt roads around the property (Brooklyn's favorite).

Scott was able to shoot his guns every day, learned to play the card game, pitch, with the guys (its like the family religion), drove golf balls off the hill, played with the kids on the tennis court and just had some good old redneck fun shootin rabbits.

I loved spending time with the girls and getting to know the family behind such a good friend. I knew I was around great women when they were willing to hold and love on Chloe despite her sometimes demanding nature:). Clayton says it best, "For some people cute can only get them so far, but for Chloe, cute gets her wherever she wants to go." All she has to do is point and grunt.

On the way out of town we went with the Varney's to Red Knolls and hiked in and out of mud caves, making yet more great memories.

The company and the food could not have been better and we are so grateful to have spent this holiday with these good people. Thank you Alder's / Varney's!

Fall Family Firsts

Clayton played baseball for the first time this Fall. He made incredible progress over the season and his coaches loved his 'Charlie Hustle' attitude and his great disposition.

Nathan played soccer for the first time with a bunch of his friends from church. When he wasn't looking at the sky singing, or chasing his friend Kendall around the field he did great.

My friend Tishia

I am now the Ward Activity Chair person and our first activity was a Fall Chili Cook-off. We had a real live band, a petting zoo and a scarecrow contest. It was a great time for the 250+ people that came. I have a great committee and a great ward who all participated in making it a success. Below is the newest family member 'Shotgun Willie'. He got his name because he road shotgun in Scott's truck for a full week after the party was over. He was built to last through the years so don't be surprised if you see him hanging out every Fall.

Our Precious Freedom to Fail

When Amber started the family blog we wanted it to be about fun and family but we also want the blog to serve as a journal of things going on in general. I believe as Americans we are headed for historic times in more ways than one and so I wanted to post some thoughts, if for no one else, my children and grandchildren to read someday.

I’ve been pondering the things I can do to prepare my family for what looks to be some very difficult times for our nation. My thoughts are continually drifting outside the comfort zone of my daily responsibilities, to thoughts of preparedness and freedom, and specifically, our freedom to fail.

We live in a time of the "government bailouts" of corrupt government sponsored lending institutions, greedy banks, poorly run insurance companies, and now even the bad business model of the car industry is looking for money. A bailout is meant to prevent failure or at least postpone it but what it really does is hand the power (freedom) of these businesses to the government. Our government was never meant or designed to wield that kind of power. Trying to prevent failure of business with this kind of intervention is risky at best, but if we as individuals ever surrender our freedom to fail it will be devastating for America.

God has blessed this country with freedom unlike any nation on earth where individuals can dream, create and achieve according to their own ambition and perseverance. Our freedom to fail is requisite to the real glory and prosperity of America. Failure leads to humility, cleansing, introspection and then resolve, aspiration and success. It is in failure that we realize our weakness, look upward for guidance and hope, and climb back to our feet. It is through heartache and tears that we are reminded to trust in God, commit to change, and be better than before. Americans are not strangers to hard times. Hard times have served as the refiners fire in building the most free, the most powerful, most industrious, most innovative and the most generous nation on the face of the planet. America is a true beacon of hope to all mankind because we have been blessed by God with the individual freedom to fail! Without the freedom to fail, there could be no real prosperity.

Many will stumble and fall in life's marathon, especially in these difficult times, and so it is so important we serve each other like never before. I am grateful to have the support of the family and friends I have and hope to provide as much shade as possible for them and others in the coming months and years.

When times are hard there is sometimes a temptation to see ourselves as victims looking to the Government as a savior. There are many in this country that have already surrendered their place in the pursuit of happiness for the wheelchair of security that the Government offers. They are pushed through life at a snails pace with no real direction. I do not refer to those who cannot take care of themselves but those who only look to be taken care of and are content to flounder through life in a state of mediocrity.

Thomas Jefferson said “I believe Americans will always find happiness as long as they do not allow the government to rob them of their labors under the false pretense of taking care of them.”

Samuel Adams said "If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude more than the animating contest of freedom,--go from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen!"

Our founding fathers understood the dangers of moving from being a self reliant people to a people dependant on government. They understood this would lead to an erosion of personal freedom. There is always a price to be paid for freedom but it is never greater than the cost of surrendering that freedom. That is why so many have and do sacrificed their lives to protect, secure and spread freedom. I am grateful to the brave Men and Women who are on the front lines of this fight and hope that here at home we as Americans can be as valiant in protecting those freedoms from within, even the freedom to fail.

Abraham Lincoln...
Failed in business at age 21.

Was defeated in a legislative race at age 22.

Failed again in business at age 24.

Overcame the death of his sweetheart at age 26.

Had a nervous breakdown at age 27.

Lost a congressional race at age 34.

Lost a congressional race at age 36.

Lost a senatorial race at age 45.

Failed in an effort to become vice-president at age 47.

Lost a senatorial race at age 47.

Was elected PRESIDENT of the US at age 52!

Leaps & Bounds

Nathan is reading! He has been making progress by leaps and bounds since he started kindergarten, but he continues to surprise us everyday with his improvement. We are so proud of you Nathan, YOU ROCK!

*A LITTLE FAMILY TIME*

The weather here in Arizona has been quite a bit warmer than usual so yesterday we decided to take advantage of it and to escape from the normal crazy schedule and the stresses of the upcoming election and the state of our country. It is amazing how much joy can come from a body of water and a couple cans of pringles. None of us know yet how the results of todays election will impact us and our families personally; as I think about the 'what ifs' I become overwhelmed with feelings of doubt and insecurity. Days like yesterday remind me to express gratitute for all I have and bring me back to the basics...My God, My Faith, My Family! I love you all and don't forget to VOTE!

Halloween Treats???

After spending most of the afternoon running errands and getting things in order for our Halloween bash, I came home to find Amber kissing another man! I was in shock! Even though skeleton boy was better looking than me, he did not have near the butt or the sense of humor.

She explained to me her uncontrollable attraction to the rebellious type and I forgave her.

The kids, cousins and Grandparents along with a few neighbors made for a fun evening. We ate tortilla soup, chips and guac, mini tacos and chili dip. Brooklyn and Sydney set new records bringing home about 20lbs each of candy.

On to the next Holiday!

~TABLE DANCER~

Scott and I have set some pretty lofty goals as parents...We would like to raise 4 well-adjusted, confident, self-sufficient, righteous and happy children to send out into the real world when they are no older than 18 years of age. Every once in a while we have a moment that snaps us back into reality and we hope to just be able to survive the next 17 years. At lunch time today we found our daughter table dancing, and if that weren't enough she was topless!

Our new goal is to curb this past time before she turns 18.

Dad's been right all along!

I’m a “news junky” and that's especially true in an election year. And though it's important to stay informed of events and issues, too much news right now can cause even an incurable optimist like myself :) to curl up in a fetal position on the floor and scream “make it go away!” (Just for the record I have only done that once!) The current state of our economy and the bleak predictions by many experts about the short term future has caused me, as well as many of you I’m sure, to count your blessing, reevaluate priorities and remember the things in life that are really important.

Last week I heard a guy I really respect on the radio talking about the current economic meltdown and the upcoming election and how our great country may see things get much worse before they get better. He talked about "needs vs. wants" in today's society and he said a good way to separate the two is to pretend your shopping with your father. I had to laugh! My Dad is known for his frugality; in fact he is practically famous for it, and the thought of shopping with him made me cringe. Not because I don’t like being with my Dad but because he is like the financial Jiminy cricket. He will always give you good advice on a purchase no matter how badly you don’t want to hear it. And when you really want to buy something, you don’t want to hear that you don’t need it, well, because you want it! And to make things worse he is usually right! In today’s financial climate he is more right than ever.

As his adult kids, we like to tease Dad about being cheap and hording his money. We love to tell stories about the creative ways he saved money when we were young like how he would repair the old garden hose with a repair clamp each time it sprung a leak. Yes, there are repair clamps for Garden hoses! By the time I moved away from home that old hose had been repaired so many times it was only 6 feet long and looked more like a giant mutated caterpillar with measles, than a hose. In fact a friend of the family once saw it in the driveway and asked, “What the heck is that? When my parents sold their home of 35 plus years and we were cleaning the property we finally threw the old hose in the dumpster and I think I saw a tear in Dads eye.

My generation has experienced relative prosperity so economic history lessons from the past are important. I realize Dads philosophy on finance comes from his Parents and upbringing. My Grandparents generation experienced true hard times and the lessons they were forced to learn were passed down to my parents and then to me. But with each generation the lessons were diluted by what seemed like unending prosperity. Dad raised a family of five on a schoolteacher’s salary and a little firewood biz on the side and despite my poking fun at him now, as a kid we never went without. His waste not, make your own, grow your own, make due with what you have, stay out of debt, save for a rainy day attitude is now becoming more relevant, if not necessary, for the times we live. Who would have thought? (Besides of course Prophets and Apostles who have been telling us this for years!) Doesn't it seem ironic that the answer to today’s problems may be printed on the money its self? “In God We Trust”. Nobody knows for sure just how bad things are going to get but don't be surprised if you see me in the garden section of Home Depot pricing hose repair clamps.

As a family we are considering ways to simplify and cut out the proverbial fat from our lives and in my case the literal fat as well. I will admit I still have cable TV and we are still doing our part to help Rubio’s Fresh Mexican grill survive this economic slow down, but even those luxuries may have to go soon. This does not make life worse; in fact it may get better. We will make fewer trips to the lake and may even sell the boat but as a family there is still plenty we can do. A five dallar pizza and trip to the local park goes a long way with my kids. We can jump on the trampoline, dance to CMT in the living room or play kickball in the street, or just sit around the dinner table and make fun of the politicians we despise. Its all good! I may even start having virtual vacations. We can all sit in the boat in the garage and turn on the radio and a fan and pretend we are on the lake! Amber may not go for that but my point is that I am ready to let go of the "wants" and focus on the "already haves" in life. Isn't that the secret to true happiness anyway?

Amber’s last post mentioned Faith, Family, and Friends. After seeing these words on a sign at the LDS book store one of our good friends put it best, “that’s F’n awesome!” We have to ask ourselves in times like these or at any time, does anything else really matter? I have learned very little in my life but there is one thing I know for sure, and that is, the quality and fullness of my life is directly related to the quality of my relationships, period. Not money or things or even the thought of owning a sweet 2008 350hp Mastercaft wakeboard boat that seats 12 and has a killer stereo with cherry red graphics, 20 cup holders and…....anyway, you get the point. That stuff doesn’t matter. When my relationship with God, my wife and kids, and extended family is good, I could not be happier. And those who know me well, know how much I value my friendships, but I will save that post for another day.

All we can do today is express gratitude daily, laugh at life when ever possible (my favorite) and hope we can learn as much as possible from today’s life lessons as to be able to share them with our Children and Grandchildren.

Where's Chloe?

Well, as I normally do, I took Chloe in the bathroom with me while I was having my shower and she did the usual: take all the fingernail polish out of the drawer, play in my jewelry, empty the cupboards, tear the toilet paper up in little tiny pieces all over the floor etc.... Then it got really quiet in the bathroom and I figured she had gone out to watch Dora on the T.V. in the family room (How long have I been doing this mother thing?). When I got out of the shower I checked the family room and she wasn't there. My mind started to race...the trash? the toilets? the markers? dumping soap in the washing machine? emptying the file cabinents? This is what I found:)



Thank Heavens! It could have been so much worse.

FAITH, FAMILY, FRIENDS & FOOD!

We spent this last weekend out in sunny California with my brother Pat, his wife Genine, and their kids. We celebrated Noah's 3rd birthday, ate great food, went to a pumpkin patch, visited Medieval Times, ate great food, swam in the pool at the hotel, stayed up late watching movies, witnessed the blessing of our sweet niece/cousin (Sariah Marie Baldree), ate great food, visited with friends and family, ate great food, stayed up late playing games, woke up early to go work off great food (just myself and Clayton) all in 66 hours. Nothing boosts your spirit like a weekend filled with FAITH, FAMILY, FRIENDS and great FOOD!

I've Been Tagged!

4 Things I love about my husband: his faith, the way he loves me and our kids, his sense of humor, his work ethic

4 Movies I could watch more than once: Steel Magnolias, ELF, Get Smart, Moulin Rouge.

4 T.V. Shows I watch: American Idol, Biggest Loser, What Not to Wear, Medium.

4 Places I've Been: Lake Powell; Nauvoo, Illinois; The Grand Canyon, Washington State (I grew up there)

4 Places I'd like to go: New York, Disney World, Italy, Greece

4 People who email me regularly: Anna Varney, Heather Mielke, Tricia Varvel, Genine Baldree

4 Things I look forward to in the next year: Lake Powell, My husband obsessing about Lake Powell (before and after), Disneyland, being out on the lake with my family any chance we get

4 People I tag: Genine Baldree, Anna Varney, Marie Stevens, (anyone else who would like to join in on the fun)

Who's Who?

Can you tell who's who? Scott and I took a stroll down memory lane last night and sometimes it is hard for us to tell who's who; all 4 of our children look so much alike. There is definitely no mailman involved here. It is a reminder to me to cherish each moment and each child in the phase of life they are in because the moments are fleeting. It reminds me of what President Monson said during the Sunday morning session of General Conference this last Sunday, and I am paraphrasing 'find joy in the journey and don't get too caught up in the unimportant things that you forget to take time for the things of lasting significance.' Here is a current picture of my 4 treasures in the phase of life they are in today.

Grammy

For those of you who visit Mark and Tricia's blog you are already aware of my Moms (Grammys) new hair dew. For the rest of you this will be new information. As most of you know Mom was diagnosed a couple months ago with HER 2 breast cancer. She has already had a lumpectomy and has just received her second chemo treatment. She has been very brave and though she is feeling poor and loosing her hair she has been in good spirits. She even played the piano today for Amber's solo in Church. She said she is overwhelmed by the family and friends that have reached out to offer prayers, notes, gifts and phone calls. Below is a sign she still has her sense of humor. She took her Grandson Sawyer's challenge to enjoy her hair while she had it by coloring it pink.



Up until Mom's diagnosis, breast cancer was always a distant disease that has never directly affected my family. Sure I had heard of pink ribbons and walks and seen both the heartache and stories of inspiration of the brave women who fight this disease valiantly. But despite this, it was not personal, so Mom's diagnoses has rattled me to say the least and has shaken the lives, in some degree, of all of us who love Her.
When I say "rattled Me" I don't just mean in a bad way. Along with the sadness and fear that comes with watching someone you care about go through all this, there have come some positive emotions as well. I Instantly felt a greater appreciation for Mom as well as the other important people in my life who I sometimes take for granted. I have genuine empathy now for individuals and families that face life threatening deseases. And most importanly we are closer as a family as we stand shoulder to shoulder with Mom as she fights this battle. A battle she will win!

Clayton is a Jr. Blackbelt!

After 4 years of dedication and a lot of hard work Clayton has his Jr Black belt. He tested yesterday at his dojo for 6 grueling hours. I dropped him off at 8 am and we left the dojo at 2:15 that afternoon. His test began with a run, all juniors have to run a mile in under 10 minutes, and Clayton came in first with a time of 7:21. He then had to do what seemed like endless push-ups and sit-ups followed by correctly demonstrating all punches and kicks and verbally answering questions about technique and the history of Isshinryu karate. Clayton then had to perform, more than once, all six of the Kata's that he has memorized; I added a video clip of his Ku San Ku Si Kata, this Kata is done with his weapons called Si. Clayton then had to defend himself against his Sensei's using techniques he has learned the last 4 years (He said this was the most intense part of his day). He then had 5 sparring matches, one right after another (sparring is like a game of tag using kicks and punches). He ended the day breaking boards and by this time the kids were so exhausted that many of them were emotional and frustrated. It is important for the Sensei's to see that the kids have it in them to find the strength and determination despite their exhaustion to perform well. Last night he was recognized at a banquet for all his hard work and he was presented with his black-belt. I typed in his awards speech and as always we were so impressed with his thought process, maturity and expression of gratitude. I am humbled often at the responsibility I have to parent this great spirit. Clayton I am thankful for this opportunity to recognize and honor you.

"This will be a day I will always remember. The years of hard work have paid off and today I get to be recognized for those efforts. I got emotional today but I could not help it. My black-belt test meant a lot and was very hard but everything in life that is good requires sacrifice and hard work. I am thankful for Sensei Shannon and the other Sensei's for training me in Isshinryu Karate because I know the lessons in discipline I learn in the dojo can be applied to many areas in my life. Though it is hard work, I think I speak for all the student when I say it was also a lot of fun. I would also like to thank my family for all of their support."

We finally did it!

After hearing about and seeing the blogs of our family and friends, we are finally bloggers! Is that terminology correct? We are new at this. It took quite a few phone calls to Mark & Tricia for set up instructions and 1/2 of an afternoon but we are now ready to share all...I mean, only the good, personal stories with the world. Since this is my first posting I thought I would share a picture of my family. We are excited about blogging not only because it gives us a new way to stay in touch with family and friends but also chronicle the highlights of our lives.