A birthday to remember....

I wanted a trip for my birthday gift this year so Joe kindly obliged me ....

I have missed the mountains terribly and wanted also to go back home to 

San Diego so we decided to combine the two and headed first off to Colorado.

We landed in Denver and headed up the mountain to Beaver Creek, it is just
 up the mountain past Vail. It is so beautiful there, it takes your breathe away... 

 We stayed out first three nights at The Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch. 

I think the only word to describe it is magical.....

I wanted some adventure on this trip so after a dip in the spa grotto (heaven on earth!!)

We headed out to go Zip Lining......

Heading off a cliff, so fun...

This is what we were flying over, so gorgeous!!

  Our last run of the day:( 

Joe and I have both decided that these are the most unattractive helmets ever!!

After zip lining we headed up the mountain to go white water rafting. 

I have wanted to go so badly and it did not disappoint:)

Next time though, we are going for bigger rapids!!

 It was time to head to San Diego so down the mountain we went. 

Before leaving Joe had to pay homage to Doug Heffernan. 

(You have to be a fan to know what episode this is from:)

After a long drive down the mountain, a stay over in Denver and a 

couple of flights later ..we finally arrived in sunny San Diego:):)

I LOVE this TEMPLE

 The rose garden in Balboa Park is the most beautiful I have ever seen.

My grandma was named Rose and she loved roses so this is a special place to me.

 We of course first headed to find some Mexican food, GOOD Mexican

 food that is, it is a rare thing to have here in Florida so

 a searching we went.... We found it and a crazy t-shirt to go with.

I do not know what possessed Joe but he went a little crazy over the

 food and the lady at the counter. I think he OD'd on rolled taco's :)

Thank you Los Panchito's

 One of the high lights of this trip was for Joe, he had

 dreamed of flying this old plane for so long.

  

 He got his wish!!!

 Living the California Dream, if only for a day:):)

 Our last stop on this trip was to Coronado Island.

It is a special place for me because my Dad worked on the 

Island so I spent a lot of my childhood there and on the beaches. 

It was truly a magical trip and we both agreed....

Same time, same place next year:):)

Happy Birthday Boo.......

It is truly impossible to believe that this precious little girl....

Is today this amazingly beautiful lady.....

This girl loves life and makes the most of every minute of it, I love that about her!!!

 If you ask her what her favorite thing in the world to do is; it would take all 

of 6 seconds for her to say snowboarding. 

She got her love of the mountains and snow from her momma:):)

And her love of music, very loud music; from her daddy:):)

We are still trying to figure out the basketball thing and why she loves it so much....

I think I am getting a hint from the pictures of the teams 

she coaches, maybe she is on to something:):)

She is a communications major and loves to do broadcasting..

 the perfect job for Katie:):)

She LOVES the Temple and the Gospel!

She is an amazing Missionary and is loving every minute of it.
The Arizona Phoenix Mission is truly being blessed by her serving there!!!

We are so blessed to have this beautifully amazing young lady as our daughter!!!

We LUV you TONNNSSS Boo!!!!

Happy 22nd Birthday!!!

A little catching up...

I have been to busy to stop and catch up but I thought is was time to get on the ball....

In August both Joe & Josh celebrate a birthday in the same week

It is our tradition to celebrate them together with a family trip.

This year they both wanted to just be pampered so I went to work on 

my travel fairy magic...

 Joe calls me the queen of travel, if there is a discount, deal or freebie I will find it!!

 I was able to get  a killer deal at the Ritz Carlton in Naples, such a beautiful resort!

They started pampering the boys as soon as we arrived.

 Already bonding:):)

 After walking the grounds a bit
the competitive juices started flowing and the games began

 Time for presents.... notice how the packages matched the decor of the room?

 I had wrapped them at home so it was not planned but I loved it!!!

 Joe has been an exercise fanatic lately so he got a lot of work out gear. 

I think we have created a monster!!!

 How does a peaceful moment like this......

 Turn into this in just a matter of minutes????

 When staying at The Ritz Naples Golf Resort, you also have full access to

 their sister resort The Ritz Naples Beach Resort.

It is so beautiful and has gardens full of art sculptures, one of which 

Justin loved to play in... do they ever grow up???

They also have a garden area covered with plumeria trees.... I was in 

heaven, they are my absolute favorite tree on the planet!!!

Enjoying the gardens...they can never take a serious picture:):)

 I am so grateful we were able to get away and share some laughs, we are

 truly blessed to have these men in our family!!!

Woman of Strength

In my never ending quest to better myself (thank heavens for eternity, I am going to need it!)

I decided that I would focus my scripture study on the woman of the scriptures.

While doing some research I came across this video from the Emma Smith Movie.

I strive to someday have even half the strength and courage of Emma, she is truly an amazing woman!

Emma's Birthday is this Sunday, July 10th. 

For more information on that and other wonderful woman of the scriptures go HERE:):)

Hola Phoenix!

After nine weeks of joyous life in the MTC in Provo

 Sister Kathryn Alvarez finally boarded the plane to Arizona.

We had the opportunity to talk with her for a little bit at the airport and from what we could tell she is  SO ready to begin the work she was called to do
 and she has not lost that Katie spunk! 

Watch out Phoenix, I think a storm just blew in!!! :):)

Phoenix Airport March 22, 2011

President & Sister Beck 

Signing the Phoenix Arizona Mission Flag

The new recruits  @ the mission home 

She is going to be an AWESOME missionary!!!!

For Japan: PLEASE

If you can give a little help, it will make a BIG difference!

HELP HERE

or 

  http://www.forjapanwithlove.com/

Finding Miracles

As I think back to last week at this time my mind is filled with sadness and 

yet an increased faith as well.

The devastation in Japan is heartbreaking and words can not describe how desperate

 I feel in helping these amazing people! 

I have met many Japanese people through my brother who served his mission in Sendai, the hardest hit area. 

They are warm, kind and loving people! 

What has come out of this tragedy for me the most though is an even stronger testimony of 

the power and love of our God. 

I could not sleep the first few days as my heart was turned to all the missionaries serving in Japan, I had to know if they were safe. I was crying for the mothers and fathers of these young stripling warriors. 

What an incredible miracle, EVERYONE is safe and well! 

God knows and loves each of HIS children and will protect them!

 I know there has been a great lose of life and the Japan is devastated by this tragedy. We can never know the whys of it all, personally I learned a long time ago to stop asking why?? 

What I do know is that our Heavenly Father is VERY aware of each speck of sand on this earth and He knows what he is doing. It is our job to find the opportunity to turn tragedy into joy, to turn a broken heart into one filled with love. We are on this earth to make ourselves better and become more God-like and to help our neighbor do the same.

I DO know that among tragedy we can find hope, among sorrow we can find peace.

 I had a friend yesterday complain that she was giving up soda and was drinking only water now. She was saying how much she hates the taste of water. We then started talking about Japan and she paused in mid sentence and looked over at me and said

"I guess I should stop complaining about having to drink only water, I am 

sure those people would love to have my water". 

Everything is a matter of perspective!:)

THIS IS A  MUST READ: Enjoy:):)

JAPAN KOBE MISSION

Photos from Here & Here