The Ladd and Christy Bryce Family

2009 Year In Review

2009-12-20T19:10:00.000-08:00

Ladd enjoys working for Wi-Power, and was promoted to Training, Safety, & Compliance Manager for the Southwest Region last January. He travels a lot to train new technicians & tower climbers while the company expands its coverage area into Northern Arizona and New Mexico.

Christy continues to work part-time at Eastern Arizona College as Division Secretary of Communicative Arts. She was recently released from YW and called to serve in the Primary.

Elder Benjamin Bryce leaves the snowy cold of Provo Utah’s MTC after 8 weeks of training on January 4^th 2010 and heads south to the sunny Argentina Rosario Mission.

Landon loves basketball but has sat the bench most of the season due to several lateral tears in the tendons of his left ankle. He is seeing an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in ankles.

Abby turned 16, loves to drive, exceeded all AIMS tests, works as co-editor of her HS yearbook, enrolled in Eastern Arizona Academy of Cosmetology, and her nail tech skills are always in demand.

Anna is a read-a-holic, enjoyed performing in the recent youth theater production of Pinocchio, loves to sing & dance, and hang out with her friends. Hates her heavy back pack; it’s rarely ever light.

Elijah turned 8 this year and was baptized by his older brother Benjamin. He likes playing with his brothers, cousins, & friends. He loves reading, playing soccer, and eating.

Easton also turned 8 and was baptized by Ben. Dad performed the confirmations. Easton likes taking care of animals and playing sports. He loves doing things with his dad and brothers.

2009-05-16T20:01:00.000-07:00

Benjamin's high school commencement exercises will be held this coming Wednesday. We are very proud of him and excited to hear him speak at graduation. You are all invited to attend.

Hiking Red Knolls - Spring Break 2009

2009-03-13T01:05:00.001-07:00

We stuck close to home this Spring Break. Red Knolls is located just a few miles north of us. It was both exhilarating and exhausting, but we all loved it.

2009-03-13T01:04:00.000-07:00

2009-03-13T01:03:00.000-07:00

Waking the Dead

2009-02-28T13:31:00.000-08:00

From Waking Ned Devine

Okay, the title is a bit melodramatic but I've been in bed sick the past 3 days. I have a severe strep infection that hit hard late Tuesday evening and by Wednesday morning I was barely cognizant of reality. My blood pressure was 70/50, I had a fever of 105, my throat was on fire, I couldn't walk without fainting and my head was ready to explode. Ladd took my to see the doctor and I passed out in the waiting room and again on the walk to the exam room. Dr. Smith put me on an IV with an antibiotic. After an hour or two, they sent me home with more antibiotics, instructing Ladd to go to the ER if I kept fainting or got worse. If I were more lucid at the time I would have insisted they admit me (or commit me, if needed) and then begged for a morphine drip.

Incredibly the next day felt even worse, though my fever was responding to Motrin and Tylenol, and my blood pressure was better. The problem was, I was now processing the reality of the pain rather than blacking out with it. And the meds made me nauseous.

I am feeling a bit better. My throat still hurts but I can at least swallow and I kept an apple down today. Thankfully, while I have been wallowing in self pity I have had books and hulu to distract me.

I just finished This Side of Paradise and The Beautiful and Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald, as well as Jack London's Call of the Wild. I'm now reading Dickens' Bleak House. On the movie front, I watched and loved the 2002 version of Dickens' Nicholas Nickleby, as well as a truly laugh out loud funny show called Waking Ned Devine. I recommend both of these movies, especially Waking Ned Devine. Log on to hulu.com and search for this movie. It is free and will leave you laughing long after the credits roll. Just look at that photo! Enough said.

Another Computer Crash...

2008-12-30T17:09:00.000-08:00

Today, Abby read a series of "stupid criminal" highlights, which included several episodes regarding the absurd depths of depravity to which one might descend when faced with computer difficulties. I totally sympathized with the aggressors in each case. I have felt the desire to drop kick every computer in the house!

While Ladd and I were on our vacation the weekend after Thanksgiving, our computer suffered another attack. Ladd has spent the past several weeks cleaning up the mess. I am so thankful to him.

In consequence, we have relegated the children to the slowest, most ancient computer in the house and monitored it's use with Gestapo-like zeal. Every computer is password protected, and our filter levels are so high, they can no longer enjoy YouTube.

I'm crossing my fingers that we don't have another problem. But I have a sledge hammer ready just in case.

Guitar

2008-11-18T15:42:00.000-08:00

I wrote this song and won a hundred bucks for it a local talent show, so I thought I'd share it with the rest of you. I know the video quality leaves much to be desired, and the sound really isnt there either, but I hope you can get the general feel that I was going for. I hope to have a proffesional quailty recording uploaded by the end of the month, along with some more stuff I have written, so cross your fingers. Let me know what you think....

Thanks,

Ben

Computer Crash

2008-10-20T12:26:00.000-07:00

FYI - Our computer crashed a few weeks ago. It has been in the repair shop for 2 weeks now. Ugg. We are hoping that we didn't lose all of our documents and files. I'm a bit panicked to say the least.

I wanted to email everyone and let them know we haven't dropped of the map, but I don't have access to the contacts list in our email program. I can only pull up received emails from our online server. But you can still email us using bryce@aznex.net.

Miss you all, and all the emails!
Christy

An Unwelcome Visitor

2008-09-04T21:28:00.000-07:00

This morning as Ladd loaded his work truck he noticed a hawk having a hissy fit. She kept dive bombing our shade tree as if in protest of some intruder to her nest. As Ladd searched the sky, he discovered a bobcat in our shade tree. We called Game and Fish and were told "just give it time, it's not stuck." Ladd was concerned that it might be sick by the way it acted, and we have lots of kids around, but that didn't seem to concern the Game and Fish people.

Since the kids were at school we decided to wait it out. Ladd and I both headed to work for the morning. At lunch Ladd found the cat sitting on top of the kids' tree house. He tried to coax it down with a few rocks. When that didn't work he tried the "shotgun" approach to rock throwing - a whole handful at a time. It took a few fistfuls, but the cat finally decided the kids' tree house was inhospitable.

Ben's New Car

2008-08-22T09:56:00.004-07:00

Benjamin finally found a car he likes. It is a light slate colored 99 Saturn SL2 sedan in great condition. It has great gas mileage, which was one of the most important issues for Ben after driving a Mustang with V8, 5 liter engine. It should have a really nice resale value once he is ready to sell if for his mission.

I will post a photo soon.

New Puppies

2008-08-22T09:56:00.002-07:00

Yesterday our dog Sue had a litter of puppies. She had them in a little cave the kids dug out a few years ago. It is under a big cement slab left over from the dairy set up. We have counted six so far. They have really nice coloring... and they are free to a good home soon!

Sick and Tired of being Sick and Tired!

2008-08-22T09:56:00.001-07:00

Once the monsoon hit in full force, our allergies and asthma started going haywire. We have loved all the moisture this year, but could do without the weeds. We have an entire field full of them and our yard looks like a jungle. After each rain we go out and chop a bunch more, but it's hard to keep up. All the sinus drainage and congestion finally caught up with us and everyone started coming down with infections and coughs.

After two weeks with no relief I finally went in for an antibiotic. Easton had been running a fever so I took him in too. Although there was still lots of coughing at our house, I thought we were all on the mend. Then the twins had their birthday and their party on Saturday. No doubt the two cakes, Ding Dong treats for their school classes, and all the candy from the pinata only made matters worse!

By then, everyone in the house was sniffing and coughing from all the allergy drainage, so I just tuned out the noise. (Nothing grates on your nerves at 1am quite like the cacophany of coughing coming from the 6 kids). I noticed Elijah seemed a bit tired at the park party but was still cheerful, dispite his cough. Ladd took a photo of the twins together and Elijah was noticably pale, but I just didn't notice it at the time. (That lush green background in the photos - all weeds - big tall weeds.)

Then that night several of the kids had a fever, so I kept them home for a few days. Even the older three were misserable. Ben, Landon, Anna, and Easton all seemed to feel better in a few days, but Elijah was actually getting worse and Abby's cough just wouldn't let up. I finally took them in to see the doctor and found out Elijah has walking pneumonia. Abby's lungs are pretty bad too, so they are both getting breathing treatments and are on antibiotics.

I am reminded once again how blessed we are to have doctors and modern medicine and good health!

Twins Birthday

2008-08-22T09:56:00.000-07:00

The twins turned 7 years old this month. They really had a fun birthday.

We had a nice day on Thursday with just the family. The twins opened their presents that morning before school, then we enjoyed cake that night. The cake was free from Bashas (thus the pink sprinkles). I let the twins decorate it with lettering, cars, and of course, candles.

On Saturday we had a big party with cousins and friends at the park. We had about 25 kids. Some of Abby's friends also came to help. We had cake, a pinata, water balloons, and games. It was lots of fun and the twins had a great time.

New Job

2008-08-22T09:50:00.000-07:00

I have been looking for a part-time job that would allow me to be home with the kids on their days off and in the afternoons, and one that didn't wear me out too much. Well, I got a phone call about two weeks ago from Eastern Arizona College and they hired me to be the Division Secretary for the Communicative Arts. I handle the English, Languages, and Speech Departments. It is very nice, low stress, and only 20 hours a week. Mike Crockett is the Dean over that department and put in a nice word for me. I am really enjoying it.

Mirror Twins

2008-06-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

Ladd and I just noticed more evidence that the twins are mirror twins. They each lost one of their lower central incisors, but not the same one. Elijah lost his right central incisor and Easton lost his left central incisor.

More interesting mirror twins facts... Easton has a cowlick swirl on the back of his head that sits on the right side. Elijah has one that sits on the left side.

Elijah's Tooth

2008-06-21T03:21:00.000-07:00

Elijah pulled out his first tooth today. I really didn't think it was ready yet, but he was determined. He kept asking for me to tie it with floss until I finally relented. Then he and Easton went into the other room, stood before the mirror, and yanked and pulled 'til the deed was done. He was so proud. And anxious for the Tooth Fairy to pay up. Easton has another loose one and tugged at it a bit today, but it needs more time.

Current Events

2008-06-14T14:59:00.000-07:00

Some moronic newscaster was lamenting the fact that Americans are losing their ability to spell, punctuate, look up words in the dictionary, and read hand-faced clocks.

To this I say, Americans have also lost their ability to read sundials, roll parchment, and scribe on slate. Who the heck cares?

- Benjamin

1984?

2008-06-07T20:59:00.000-07:00

Let it be known that I was hugely opposed to the camera: almost grotesquely so. I was venomously, bitterly, angrily, heatedly, agitatedly, horrifically, appallingly, unspeakably, terribly, indescribably, even abysmally against IT’s installation.

IT was, I feel, the rape of my vehicle. Ripping down all my futile defenses, that hateful camera was to stick it’s prying eye where it had absolutely no right. A servant to “The Man”, IT sought to lay its (metaphorically) filthy hands upon my liberty and freedom. I could not believe it. Here I was, suffering in some Orwellian nightmare, and my parents, the supposed beacons of light and truth to whom I should look in times of trial and need, were condoning IT.

Then, when I thought no other crime possible, IT crossed the line and took something almost too precious to describe.

My Independence.

The very heart and soul of my ‘Stang is gone. And I am left with the pieces of its shattered innocence and my broken dreams.

-Benajmin

Dude! Where's My Dash?

2008-06-06T11:56:00.000-07:00

In an effort to encourage safer driving habits and reduce our insurance costs, we enrolled Ben in the Teen Safe Driving Program with our insurance company, American Family. This required that a DriveCam camera be installed in his Mustang. Ben flipped out when we told him.... threatened to move out, buy his own insurance with a BETTER company, and divorce his parents... among other things. After weighing the cost of living on his own, he finally accepted the inevitable, but not without vehemently expressing his disapproval. And he blatantly refused to drive his Mustang to the shop where the installation was to take place!

On May 28th, Landon and I took the Mustang to Audio Visions, a local Radio Shack dealer in Thatcher. A few hours later we picked up the car. Landon was to drive it to Ben’s work. As he drove the car out of the parking lot, he noticed a smell. He said he thought it was dust or exhaust from the cars passing on Hwy 70, so he rolled up the windows. Within just blocks, acrid gray smoke was coming from the dash and filling up the cab of the Mustang. He rolled down the windows and quickly pulled over to a nearby parking lot. Within minutes, the cab of the car filled with black smoke and the dash started on fire. An employee from a nearby store was able to provide a fire extinguisher. A passerby also assisted. The fire was extinguished just before the fire department personnel arrived.

We are now trying to wade through the insurance mess. Thus far American Family won’t even send out an adjuster. Ben didn’t have full coverage on his Mustang, so technically we don’t have a claim. I have insisted that we understand the claim issue, but would like assistance in determining fault. I feel that since the DriveCam installation was for their program, getting help to resolve this issue should be forthcoming. We don’t see eye to eye on this. Their “hands are tied”.

I have also spoken with the DriveCam company. In their defense, I don’t think it was the DriveCam unit, but they are sending someone out to take a look.

And finally, Audio Visions, the company that provided the “free installation” I was promised, but which charged me for it anyway…. Their owners have been “out of the country” and have yet to return my phone calls. Their office manager/billing specialist states she can’t disclose their insurance carrier, cuz she doesn’t know who it is. I’m scratching my head wondering how hard it is to look up who you send a check to each month. But that’s just me, probably over thinking the issue.

Don’t get me wrong… everyone involved seems kind and sympathetic. We know the Radio Shack owners and they are wonderful people and have a great business. Our agent is a real nice gal, too. It's just all very frustrating. I’m getting lots of nice lip service. But I’d sure like to see someone put their money where their mouth is.

Meanwhile, Ben is without a car, but amazingly is still speaking to his parents. When he saw the damage, his only comment was, “I told you not to put that stupid camera in my car!” Then he hugged me so I didn’t melt into tears in front of the fire personnel, the way his dash melted into a puddle of plastic.

Fun in the Sun

2008-06-04T22:20:00.000-07:00

We finally put up our swimming pool after weeks of begging by the little ones. I would love, love, love a real in-ground pool, big enough for the whole family to enjoy. But for now we are thoroughly enjoying this one. The twins have been in and out of it all day, every day.

Anna is finally comfortable swimming in deeper water. She has good form and is working on her breathing technique. She has been afraid of water since she was little. Even getting baptised was an emotionally charged event. Buying this pool a few years ago was the best thing we could have done for her.

Ben's Feedback

2008-06-04T21:43:00.000-07:00

Ben sent off a snotty little note to his favorite guitar mag, Guitar Player, dissing the lameness of their competitor. Not only did they publish his remarks in their July 2008 edition and offer a 'snazzy' T-shirt, but he also won a MXR Distortion III pedal. The kid's in heaven.

Abby Celebrated Birthday on Memorial Day

2008-06-04T01:29:00.000-07:00

Abby celebrated her 15th birthday on Memorial Day. The afternoon was spent at Roper Lake State Park south of Safford. Abby invited several friends to join the family picnic. Uncle Conley and Aunt Miriam, from Mesa, were also able to attend. The weather was beautiful and the lake this year is fabulous. With all the snow melt the water level is quite high, so the sandy beach area was a few feet under water. Fortunately the area on the north side of the island lends itself nicely to little kids and swimming.

Elijah's Cast Removed

2008-06-03T21:42:00.000-07:00

After four long weeks, Elijah's cast was finally removed on Tuesday, June 3rd. Elijah was quite a trooper about having a cast on this past month. He has had to sit out during all the Little League games thus far, but hasn't complained once. He never even whined about the cast being hot or itchy the entire time. Now that it is off, he has been rubbing lots of lotion on his arm to get rid of the dead skin and relieve the itching. Dr. Bryce looked at the x-rays and said the arm healed well. The cast was pretty stinky after several trips to the pool and lake! But amazingly, no rocks like Easton had in his last year.

Easton's Tooth

2008-05-28T12:29:00.000-07:00

On May 28th, Easton pulled out his first tooth. Elijah is wondering why he hasn't lost one yet.

Heaven Shines Down on Pima

2008-05-25T23:27:00.000-07:00

I took this shot during a recent sunset. Ladd and the twins were out working in the field, irrigating our crop of Sudan grass, when he called to the house to suggest we come enjoy the view. This followed the storm that helped put out the fire on Mount Graham.

Controlled Burn Burns Out of Control

2008-05-25T23:10:00.001-07:00

The Forest Service started a "Controlled Burn" on Mount Graham this month. Unfortunately, heavy winds soon whipped it into a frenzy. The burn was planned as a 90 acre burn but scorched approximately 3000 acres on Frye Mesa. Thankfully a storm front brought in needed rain to assist the numerous fire crews fighting the blaze.

Ben's Spring Music Concert

2008-05-25T22:46:00.002-07:00

Benjamin performed with several music groups this year. He played in the High School jazz band on drums, bass guitar, and electric guitar. He also sang with Pima's show choir, Extempo, and with the men's ensemble. My favorite song during their Spring Concert was called "Ladies Choice" from the musical Hairspray. So funny!

Thatcher High School Prom

2008-05-25T22:46:00.001-07:00

Ben attended Thatcher's Prom with Tassy P. She wore a beautiful dark brown gown that she and her mom made. Her mom also made the corsages. I made a new vest, since Ben didn't think his black one would match. Such fun!

Anna's Dance Recital

2008-05-25T22:46:00.000-07:00

Anna's dance studio held their spring dance recital at Eastern Arizona College's Lee Little Theater on May 17th, 2008. Anna performed in two dances with her classmates and a third during the finale. Although she was so nervous beforehand that her tummy hurt, she performed beautifully on stage. She trains with the Precision Dance Company in Pima Arizona.

Snow in May

2008-05-14T12:21:00.000-07:00

This crazy cold windy weather has powdered Mt. Graham. I can't believe we have snow in May! Both of these pictures were shot the same evening. Mt. Graham is to the south, the Gila Range is to our north.

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-12T02:52:00.000-07:00

It was a lovely Mother's Day at our house. I got to sleep in and have breakfast in bed. After church I slept the day away. I was given so many foot messages I lost count. And best of all, I was inundated with chocolate. Life is Good!

Ladd's New Job

2008-05-06T23:04:00.001-07:00

A few years ago Ladd was approached by AZNEX, a wireless internet service provider owned by Duncan Valley Electric Cooperative (DVEC), needing a subcontractor who could service their Gila Valley customers. Ladd thought it would be a good fit during his photography business' slow season. But what started as a part-time job, quickly developed into a full-time venture as the area's population exploded.

Recently DVEC was approached by TransWorld Network, a telecommunications company based out of Florida, with an offer to buy out AZNEX. Once the coop's board approved the deal, TWN's CEO flew to Arizona and met with Ladd to offer him a job. After some negotiations, Ladd accepted the offer. He will continue to subcontract for AZNEX until TWN takes over in June.

TWN corporate website is http://www.twncorp.com/index.html

TWN wireless internet site is http://www.wi-power.com/

AZNEX site http://www.aznex.net/

DVEC site http://www.dvec.org/

Lady Roughriders make it to the Stake Playoffs

2008-05-06T23:04:00.000-07:00

Abby has really enjoyed playing Softball this year. Her team did well in the Semi-finals last weekend and will head off to the finals this weekend in Phoenix.

Elijah's Broken Arm

2008-05-05T16:41:00.000-07:00

Elijah jumped off the trampoline this weekend and landed hard on his left arm. After it happened he walked into the house and went straight to his room, where he laid down on his bed and elevated his arm on a pillow. He didn't even tell mom or dad he was hurt. About a half hour later someone jostled the pillow and the tears started.

After talking with Elijah about what happened and how he was feeling, we explained that we needed to go to the hospital. In an effort to console his brother, Easton told Elijah he would probably only need one shot. After all, when Easton broke his arm last year, that's how many he got! For some reason, Elijah just didn't find any solace in that prediction.

After the X-rays were performed we learned that Elijah had fractured the humerus just above the elbow. He now has a splint on it and will see Dr. Rex Bryce on Wednesday.

Cinco de Mayo Parade

2008-05-03T14:10:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Cinco de Mayo today. The parade was held in downtown Safford. The weather was perfect! Anna marched with her dance group from Precision Dance Company.

Gila Valley Temple Announced

2008-04-27T21:22:00.000-07:00

We are thrilled with today's announcement regarding the building of a Temple in our valley. Below is a link to the announcement as found on the Church's temple website.

http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/announced/

Next is a link to a map page showing the Arizona temple locations.

http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/world/southwest/

My Life (Poem by Anna Bryce - age 9)

2008-04-15T19:11:00.000-07:00

Before I came to Earth
I was just a small spirit
I lived in heaven
So bright and clear

I learned to be nice and truthful too
Heavenly Father and Jesus
Taught me so well
I am so glad that I lived in Heaven above

When I came to earth
There were two smiling faces
So happy and loving
They keep me warm and safe

I have a home with the Spirit
And a sister so dear
Brothers to keep me strong
A family who loves me

These are the things I am grateful for
The life I have
For the warm spirit
For heaven above

Thank you mom and dad

For bringing me to earth

Prom Night

2008-04-12T23:09:00.000-07:00

Ben asked Kara B to Prom. Ladd and I were at the Stake Conference adult meeting, so missed seeing him off. Thankfully, Abby snapped this shot before he left. I sure hope Kara's family took a few of the two of them! We couldn't find a tie to match Kara's dress so I made one this afternoon. Ben wanted to wear his tux shirt from show choir, so I had to make the center portion of the tie (that surrounds the neck) extra narrow. I got the idea from the a tuxedo supplier. Thankfully, it turned out nicely. When I was ironing his vest, I noticed the buttons still have not been sewn on. I made the vest last year for a Thatcher Prom Ben attended. Unfortunately, I had just finished the last seam when his ride pulled up and honked the horn. I quickly safety pinned the buttons on and off he went. I suppose a year is more than enough time to sew a few buttons. And yet, I think I will simply insist that Ben do it and get in the practice!

Conference Weekend

2008-04-06T21:10:00.001-07:00

Conference this weekend was amazing. And we accomplished something we have never been able to do before... all of the kids watched all of the sessions... and didn't threaten to divorce their parents, or fight (too much) with each other, or drive their parents so crazy so they could get sent to their room (which is where they wanted to be anyway). Well, actually now that I think about it, Benjamin and Landon worked on Saturday so they missed some, yet made it to the Priesthood session and all of Sunday. But everyone else, including the twins!!!, attended every session.

Thanks go to Grandma Martin for the great Conference Packet she sent. The kids really enjoyed it.

We had hoped to watch on the TV we inherited from Leasa and Gerald, but didn't find a channel broadcasting this year. Fortunately, we were able to watch it using the BYU channel online. As we participated in the solemn assembly, it was obvious the little ones didn't fully appreciate the situation, yet recognised that something unique and special was going on. By the time the general membership was asked to stand, Anna was so eager to participate. It was a beautiful experience.

I guess I should tell you how we accomplished the aforementioned feat. It wasn't hard at all. It only took 40 Popsicles, 2 lemon meringue pies, dozens of cinnamon rolls, an endless supply of nachos, and dad guarding the door with a fervor that would make the Protestants proud.

Now to keep this real, I will tell you the blasphemy uttered by Elijah after nearly 8 hours of conference... he had escaped for a potty break and was being ushered back into the room with the words, "Hurry, the prophet is speaking!" He whined, "Why do we have to listen to a prophets voice?"

Ben's Custom Guitar

2008-04-06T21:10:00.000-07:00

After 3 months in the woodshop, Ben's custom guitar is finally complete. Ben began designing his guitar last year, much to the surprise of his fellow classmates and family. Ladd and I felt we had offered nothing but support, yet Ben remembers it this way...

"Yeah mom, you set me up for a soft landing, saying 'Well Ben, I hope it turns out....' In mom language, that means, 'Face it kid, you're gunna fail but at least we'll still love ya.'"

This coupled with Landon's obvious scepticism and his classmates open ridicule failed to deter Ben. In fact, it instilled within him a desire, even a passion, to prove everyone wrong. And he did.

It is beautiful and sounds fabulous.

Here are some of the technical aspects of the design....

design based on a Fender Stratocaster with minor modifications by Ben
6 in a line Gotoh tuners
synchronized Wilkinson tremolo
3 single coil pick-ups
1 volume, 2 tone knobs
three 3-way switches
Graph-tech self-lubricating nut
maple neck with ebony fret board
22 fret neck
bolt-on neck
walnut body
natural stain with black burst around edge
gold tiger-eye effect in lacquer finish

Let's go fly a kite...

2008-03-25T11:57:00.001-07:00

One of Anna's birthday presents was a kite from her friend Camryn. It is a beautiful 3D butterfly. The weather has been perfect for flying!

Easter

2008-03-23T19:26:00.001-07:00

We have enjoyed a wonderful Easter season. The kids decorated dozens of eggs and enjoyed the thrill of the hunt. Their baskets were a little short of candy this year since 6 bags were eaten before we even filled the baskets. Next year, I will hide the candy!!

My favorite was watching the Easter Pageant at the Mesa Arizona Temple on March 21st. I am 1st counselor in our ward’s YW program. We had planned a trip to watch the pageant and I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity for my younger ones to enjoy it as well. I traveled down with Ladd and our three youngest in our van, while a group of my young women (including Abby) traveled in another with our president.

The pageant was wonderful. I was so impressed with how simply and beautifully the life and ministry of the Savior were portrayed. I can remember when I performed in the pageant during my high school years, it was nearly 90 minutes long, but now they have condensed it into one hour. The music was very moving and the weather was perfect.

The kids and I were able to watch some of the films in the visitor’s center and enjoy the gorgeous grounds before the performance began. The Mesa pageant is the largest outdoor Easter pageant in the world!!

More Fun Run Results…

2008-03-23T19:26:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, March 20th, Anna and Easton’s classes held their Fun Run races. The night before, Easton reminded the family during family meeting by saying, “Tomorrow is my race. Someone better pray for me!”

As Easton’s class lined up for the race, several boys talked of running ‘hardest’. Then they all shouted with the race official, “DO YOUR BEST!” As the race began, Easton and his friend Kendal, along with two cousins Levi and Wyatt, vied for the top four spots. After a little jockeying, Easton took first and held his lead for the entire race, with the other three close behind. Easton beat the record for the Kindergarten half mile with a time of 3 minutes, 43 seconds.

Anna’s class raced next. She and her 3rd grade classmates ran a full mile. As most of the kids sprinted off the starting line, Anna maintained a comfortable pace. Many stopped before finishing the first lap, but Anna was able to run nearly the entire race without stopping. She came in 5th place for the girls.

Anna's Birthday

2008-03-20T12:07:00.000-07:00

Anna celebrated her 9th birthday on Friday, March 14th. Since it was Spring Break, she invited all of her local cousins to the house to enjoy her birthday cake and a few hours of playtime. Last Wednesnday we held an all girl party. Anna invited over 30 friends, classmates, and Primary Achievement Day group girls. Most of the girls rode the bus home with Anna. The line of girls walking down the road was quite a site. They enjoyed lots of games, singing, dancing, and cupcakes. I wish I had taken a video of the girls singing and dancing and screaming to the music of Enchanted, High School Musical, and Hannah Montana. What fun!!

Our Garden

2008-03-19T10:21:00.000-07:00

We have been working very hard to get our garden planted this year. Brother Bigler helped us get started several years ago. He truly inspired the older kids. All of their former efforts made the work this year much easier. Ben and Landon have given a few Family Night lessons on gardening to involve the little ones and encourage them to see the spiritual parallels of faith, obedience, and hard work. The younger kids are very excited about what we have done so far. They have even given the garden the name of "Rockridge", after our Great Grandpa Alma Bryce's dairy farm. We planted our garden inside one of the small corrals still standing. We have tomatoes, peppers, onions, and some herb transplants already in the ground. We have also planted lots of seeds. We have 5 grow boxes so far, and still have room for a few more.

My mouth is watering just thinking about the tomatoes. I can hardly wait!

Elijah's Class Fun Run

2008-03-18T00:05:00.000-07:00

Each year the Pima Elementary School PTO sponsors The Fun Run, a half mile race for kindergartners and a mile long race for all other grades. Students initially compete against their classmates, with the top three boys and top three girls from each class progressing to a final run-off at the end of the week.

Elijah's kindergarten class competed on Monday, March 17 at 1:10 pm. He was very excited about the race. Throughout the past several weeks the twins have held races with their friends, running up and down the road to see who was the fasted. Last week during Spring Break, Elijah and Easton continued their "training." In his prayer the night before, Elijah asked, "Please help me win the run, or maybe not." We realized he understood that he may not win, but wanted to ask for the blessing of help to do his best.

Elijah was not disappointed with his effort. He started off strong and immediately took the lead. Although the second place boy occasionally pushed hard on his heals, Elijah maintained his position throughout the entire race, tying the school kindergarten record for the half mile at 3 minutes 50 seconds.

Anna and Easton race on Thursday.

Christmas Greetings

2007-12-20T22:49:00.000-08:00

Warmest Seasons Greetings from our family to yours! It seems that as the years progress, the friendship and love we share with our family and friends becomes even more precious. Though time and distance have separated us from so many we love, we feel gratitude for the impact each of you have made on our lives.

We truly delight in our children and feel humbled by the responsibility of raising them. We often feel inadequate to the task, but give thanks for our Heavenly Father’s compensating blessings.

At 17, Ben continues to work in order to save for his mission & fund his many passions: his Mustang, guitars, & drums. We are grateful for the example he sets for our family & for his wonderful circle of friends.

Landon just turned 16 & loves driving. His world revolves around basketball: playing it, watching it, & practicing. He is an amazing brother to the twins, & spends time every afternoon playing ball with them.

Abby is 14 and loves high school and her friends. We feel immensely blessed by her remarkable spirit. She joyfully picks up the pieces where I fall short, keeping the kitchen clean and our bellies full. She is an especially devoted example and friend to her little sister, Anna.

Anna turned 8 in March and was baptized by Ladd. Seeing her radiant smile as she came out of the water, reminded me of the immense spirit of peace and happiness she brought into our home when she was born. Her thoughtful nature and infectious giggle continue to bring joy to our lives.

The twins are 6 and in kindergarten. Both love sports and idolize Steve Nash and their brother Landon. They enjoyed having their dad as soccer coach this year and had an exciting season. They even played soccer in their sleep, often dribbling a soccer ball (or watermelon or what ever touched their feet) through the house while sleepwalking. Elijah is a true peacemaker and amuses us with his funny sense of humor. Easton is very loving and passionate about life.

Ladd continues to keep busy with family, church, and work. I recently resigned my loan officer position at the Arizona State Credit Union and am once again a full-time mom. Come March, Ladd and I will have been married 19 years. We are both immensely grateful for our Temple covenants and the possibility of being an eternal family.

Earlier this year, the twins and I were watching a movie that ended by showing a family reunited in heaven after death. Elijah turned to me and said, “How they be live? Oh yeah! The Jesus thing.” We are so grateful for the small and simple truths of the Gospel, and the immense love we feel from our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this joyous holiday season and throughout the coming year.

With Love, Christy and the Ladd Bryce Family