I'm falling apart!!!

It's about a week away from taking my first child and dropping her off in another state that's 1,500 miles away and I am already a basket case. Yesterday, it started hitting me that my family is going to be changing and I have no control. I keep thinking, WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE? I remember the day we moved to this beautiful state of Utah with our 2 little girls who were 1 & 2 years old and feeding ducks at the golf course, walking the streets of St. George for a morning walk in a stroller that I crammed 2 little girls in and pushed up Main St. to Quito Baquito Townhomes. Has it really been 17 years since then? My heart is just aching so much right now, that I don't know how I am going to do this!!! I have to keep telling myself, "Change is Good! You can't progress without CHANGE!" I guess I never thought that my little family would change. I thought that I would ALWAYS have them with me, under my roof-taking care of them always! I am just going to have to BUCK UP and deal with this change and PRAY that my Heavenly Father will watch over her while she is out of my care. I really am excited for her, but I am so sad for the change in our family.

I remember feeling like this way back when my brother, Clayton left on his mission. I remember sitting in the hallway by his bedroom just crying with my head in my knees. I kept thinking, "All 7 of us will NEVER live together again in this house. Our family is changing and I don't like it!!" I got through it, with lots of tears and kleenex!!  I know that it will be the same now and I have modern technology on my side, I will call her everyday and skype as well!!!

Happy Pioneer Day

Francis Webster - Martin Handcart Company
It was in an adult Sunday School class of over fifty men and women. Nathan T. Porter was the teacher and the subject under discussion was the ill-fated handcart company [Martin Handcart Company] that suffered so terribly in the snow of 1856. Some sharp criticism of the Church and its leader was being indulged in for permitting any company of converts to venture across the plains with no more supplies or protection than a handcart caravan afforded. One old man in the corner sat silent and listened as long as he could stand it, then he arose and said things that no person who heard him will ever forget.

His face was white with emotion, yet he spoke calmly, deliberately, but with great earnestness and sincerity. He said in substance, "I ask you to stop this criticism. You are discussing a matter you know nothing about. Cold historic facts mean nothing here, for they give no proper interpretation of the que...stions involved. Mistake to send the Handcart Company out so late in the season? Yes! But I was in that company and my wife was in it, and Sister Nellie Unthank whom you have cited here was there, too. We suffered beyond anything you can imagine and many died of exposure and starvation, but did you ever hear a survivor of that company utter a word of criticism? Every one of us came through with the absolute knowledge that God lives for we became acquainted with Him in our extremities!

"I have pulled my handcart when I was so weak and weary from illness and lack of food that I could hardly put one foot ahead of the other. I have looked ahead and seen a patch of sand or a hill slope and I have said, I can go only that far and there I must give up for I cannot pull the load through it. I have gone to that sand and when I reached it, the cart began pushing me! I have looked back many times to see who was pushing my cart, but my eyes saw no one. I knew then that the Angels of God were there. "Was I sorry that I chose to come by handcart? No! Neither then nor any minute of my life since. The price we paid to become acquainted with God was a privilege to pay and I am thankful that I was privileged to come in the Martin Handcart Company."

The speaker was Francis Webster. And when he sat down there was not a dry eye in the room. We were subdued and chastened lot. Charles Mabey who latter became Governor of Utah, arose and voiced the sentiment of all when he said, "I would gladly pay the same price to personally know God that Brother Webster has." - Writings of William R. Palmer.

It's called "Shall we not go on, in so great a cause" by Clark Kelly Price. The pioneers, leaving Nauvoo, crossing the planes and seeing the vision of the Salt Lake Temple on the horizon. I'm so grateful for the sacrifice of these men, women, and children.

SURPRISE !!!

Pictures of Cambria through the years.

 Tia had the idea to throw a surprise party for Cambria, because she does so much for everyone else's birthdays. So she planned it at THE VAULT and games, food, etc. It was so thoughtful of Tia. She had it decorated so cute. Cambria had absolutely NO IDEA.  Which was so surprising because she spent the day with me shopping at Costco getting things for the party. We are having their team night swim party the next day, so I just kept chalking it up to preparing for that party. She totally bought it.

 Tia also made arrangements to have a scrapbook there for everyone to sign and leave a message for Cambria for her birthday. My mom and Dad having fun signing the book and thinking about something thoughtful to put into it.

 Tia had Jeff blindfold her and tell her that he was going to sing a song to her while she was blindfolded and then we will all be around her listening and watching, then when they took the blindfold off, "SURPRISE!!!!"

 Jeff singing to her the song that he wrote for her. So sweet, which brought her to tears and of course brought me to tears as well, watching my daughter cry. It was a special moment.  Then Tia said a few things about Cambria and started crying and Irene finished with a few words as well. She is so lucky to be able to dance with both of her aunts and to be sooo close to them. Cambria then stood and said a few words and got quite emotional. She thanked everyone for being there and loving her.

  

 Cambria and all of the boys: (LtoR)

Rhett (Jaden's Friend), Jaden, Adam (Navy's Cousin), Cambria, Trevor and Navy

Then of course Cecilee and Tori with Cam

Cecilee and Tori look so much alike, Chocolate and Vanilla

The craziest game of the evening was the panty hose with the tennis ball. They have to try and pull the other's off their head by swinging theirs and then pulling. Quite hilarious.

Everyone at the Party and some of my family watching all of the games. It was such a  fun evening to Celebrate Cambria.

Cambria and some of KALAMITY & KAOS at the party.

Cambria with her cousins that were there.

Mayor's Award

 Me and Heather were invited to the City Council Meeting in Ivins and presented with the Mayor's Award for Community Service.

 This was the plaque and the necklace that they gave us.

Pretty neat award, I feel very honored.

And the award goes to … Ivins Mayor awards for community service

Written by Alexa Verdugo Morgan on July 21, 2012 in Community News, Life, Local News, News - No comments

L to R Tonya Horlacher and Heather Kunde, holding their plaques as recipients of the Ivins Mayor's Community Service Award 2012, Ivins, Utah, July 21, 2012 | Photo courtesy of Tonya Horlacher

IVINS – The 2012 Ivins Mayor’s Community Service Award was handed out Thursday to two women who have devoted themselves to keeping a long-standing city tradition alive: Tonya Horlacher and Heather Kunde, organizers of the annual Miss Ivins Princess Scholarship Pageant.
Established more than 10 years ago, the Mayor’s award is given out each summer to a person or persons who have demonstrated a commitment to bettering life in Ivins. The determination is made solely by the mayor – in this case, Chris Hart – and is presented at a ceremony during a regular City Council meeting.
A past recipient himself, Hart said that he stays true to the basic ideals of the award when considering candidates, who have run the gamut from civil servants to ordinary citizens with a passion for helping others. Hart said that he is especially impressed by those who have participated in community service over long periods of time, as well as those whose service is widespread.
The 2010 and 2011 honors were given to Pete Kuhlman, the city’s former fire chief who helped organize a volunteer firefighting team and Linda Elwell, founder of the Friends of the Ivins Animal Shelter nonprofit group and a dedicated animal welfare activist.

Civic-minded people willing to donate their time are crucial to the community

“The name of the award pretty much says it all,” Hart said. “Civic-minded people willing to donate their time are crucial to the community, as there are needs that even our budget and paid staff can’t cover.”
This year’s award recipients, Horlacher and Kunde, organize the city’s annual Miss Ivins Princess Scholarship Pageant. As its name implies, the pageant invites teenage girls to present a mix of talent, sportswear, interview skills, poise and presentation in hopes of capturing one of the four titles: Miss Ivins, 1st Attendant, 2nd Attendant and Miss Congeniality. Each is accompanied by a scholarship, to be used by the winner at the university of her choice.
Though Miss Ivins was first held in 1972, Horlacher took the reins as director five years ago. Kunde, who joined three years ago, serves not only as her assistant but also assists the young ladies with preparation through a series of workshops. Both have experience with the pageant: Kunde competed as a girl and two of Horlacher’s daughters are former runner-ups. Together, their efforts have helped raise awareness and support for Miss Ivins, along with attracting more contestants. The most recent pageant, held in March 2012, saw a record-breaking turnout of 16 hopefuls.
“The pageant is a source of pride for our city (and a) wonderful event for these young ladies,” Hart said. “Mrs. Horlacher and Mrs. Kunde have committed a huge amount of time to put it together.”

Both Horlacher and Kunde are volunteers with families at home; the latter is a mother of five currently studying for a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. And though the responsibility of running the pageant in conjunction with a busy family life sometimes feels overwhelming, receiving this award has assured her the effort is worth it.

“(I’m so thankful that) the mayor, city council and community support the pageant as a developmental program for young women,” she said.
Horlacher said, “I feel very honored to receive such an incredible award (for) all of the hard work that Heather and I put into the program. I love to (serve) any way I can and see the community get better and better. I wish everyone, not only in Ivins but in all cities, would get involved and help make a change for good.”
Horlacher and Kunde received the honor on Thursday, July 19, at the Ivins City Hall. Mayor Hart gave them a commemorative plaque and to all present, thanked them for their continued efforts to improve the community.

A Letter from Elder Nelson

Cecilee got her first letter from her friend THE MISSIONARY.

She let us read it and it sounds like the MTC is alot harder than anyone imagines.

He said that his companion is driving him crazy & that he has ADD & OCD. Not a good combo.

He is surviving and learning the discussions.

How exciting to be able to read his letters and see his testimony grow.

Another Post From Cam's Blog

I copy this onto my blog because I want it in my BLOG BOOK at the end of the Year.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Goodly Parents.

I like the way Nephi, fom the Book of Mormon, put it...I have been blessed with goodly parents.

And I have!

My brother and sisters are amazing because of these two people.

I can't even begin to tell you how incredible my parents are, BUT I'm going to certainly try!

Ladies first...

Tonya Irene Dole Sinataonga Ah Quin Horlacher

(I don't know how to spell Sinataonga. Hopefully that's right.)

My dear, sweet, funny, sarcastic, spiritual, amazing, beautiful Mom. This lady is amazing! I remember my mom used to have a shirt that said "One Amazing Woman" on the back of it and she was so embarrassed to wear it so she only wore it when she cleaned, but every time she wore it I would always say, "that's the perfect shirt for you Mom" and she would always roll her eyes (haha). The truth is that she is one amazing woman. She is always thinking of everyone else. She's the most thoughtful person I know. She's always happy (except for when the house isn't clean, but what mom isn't like that? Ha!) She loves clean everything. She is stylish. She is hilarious. She loves to joke around. She's sassy. She is such a hard worker, can I just mention this lady works 2 jobs on top of being the most incredible mother. She is so in tune with the spirit. She is a true example of Christ. She always teaches with love. She is the most supportive person ever. She knows how to give true empathy. Every time I'm going through something hard or something exciting, anything, my mom is always the person right next to me feeling exactly what I'm feeling. Looking back, she's always encouraged me and lifted me up in everything. She always made me feel like I could do anything, and not just do it, but do it well. She truly is my role model and I am so grateful for her and her humble example. I love you Mom! Thank you for the AMAZING woman you are!

Richard "Bryan" Horlacher

My funny funny Dad! My dad is literally one of the funniest guys you will ever meet. Part of the reason why he is so funny is because he laughs at himself, he has mad sound effects, and he will literally drill the joke into the ground (haha). But that's why I love him. He tries to put on a big tough guy front but really he's a teddy bear. He works extremely hard to give our family such a wonderful life. He's always pink (as you can tell from the picture haha.) He loves war and action movies. He cries in heart felt movies (he bawls in Charly every time.) He's always willing to give his strong opinion. He's an amazing coach that loves his athletes. He's taught me to never give up and when time are hard give a little more. He loves to tell old stories, he's famous for "when I was your age...) He loves to cook and he is a dang good cook, everything he makes is completely his own, no recipes. He loves loves loves memories, talking about memories, making memories, planning for future memories, you name it. He loves to laugh. He easy going. He has such a strong testimony and I love when he shares it. He has a happy, cheerful countenance. He lives in a house full of divas and no matter what he is always loving to all of his girls, he's always trying to make their day better. The same goes in life, no matter how hard the situation is he is always trying to make it a little better, and vice versa, no matter how amazing the situation is he is trying to make it a little better and really soaking it in. He knows how to enjoy life. I love you Dad and I'm grateful for you! You're amazing!

I love my family and I am so grateful for them! They are the light of my life!! Thank goodness for eternal families! I love you all!!!!!!!

Posted by Cambria

Makes you Think.....

I saw this picture and ABSOLUTELY LOVED it!!

It makes you think about the Sacrament in a different view.

I hope that I can always think of this picture every Sunday while partaking.

Post from Cam's Blog

Monday, July 16, 2012

Sibling Loving.

So I was talking with Jeff the other day and for some reason I randomly just started talking about my family and the things I love about each and every one of them. I think with the knowledge that Cec is going to be heading off to college and our family is going to change has really got me going. I know that change is inevitable in life but it is hard to face. I will admit that I was too scared to leave for college. I was scared to be the change in the family. I was scared of missing out on their lives. Scared of not being with the people I love, and I know love me, every day. Scared of life. I'm grateful for Cec's example and for her courage to do the inevitable. She truly is amazing.

With that I just would like to brag for a second about how awesome my family is, starting with the youngest for once...

Sydnee Tierra Horlacher

Syd is sweet. She will do anything that anyone asks her. I'm always amazed when I ask her to get me a glass or chocolate milk, or turn off a light, or get me a blanket, anything, she will always do it. I admit that sometimes I will purposely ask to see if she will tell me no, but she always does it. I love how she always asks me to pick out an outfit for her and she won't let me go until I have everything set out from her shoes to her accessories. I love the random girls nights we have where I take her out on dates and pay for everything and teach her date etiquette and try to teach her how to answer questions. (She has the tendency to say "I don't know" to any question asked, haha.) She really looks up to her older brother and sisters and always gets excited when people tell her she looks like Cecilee's twin. She is boy crazy. Loves her ipod. Paints her nails all the time. Loves borrowing my clothes. Is admired by her friends. Is an awesome cheerleader and soccer player. She's fun to be around. Laughs at everything I say (she makes me feel funny and I love it.) Is always easy going. Loves any kind of food. And is beautiful inside and out, I love you Syd!

Trevor Richard Horlacher

Trev is humbly awesome. This kid is hilarious. I will always remember he had a school assignment where he had to relate each family member to an animal and state why they were that animal. It melted my heart because he said, "Cambria is like a puppy, because she is fun and playful but she can be your best friend too." Is that not the sweetest thing ever? He truly is one of my best friends. Another story, when Paula (my best friend/foreign exchange student from Brazil) went home I had to go to girls state the week she left so I said my goodbyes a week early. When I got home I wasn't prepared to see all her stuff gone. I walked up to my room, glanced at the corner where all her clothes had been and started bawling. I came downstairs and was laying on the couch, curled up in a ball crying when I see my little brother walk back in and sit on the couch next to me. Next thing I know he's changing the channel to the show I like, he goes and grabs a blanket for me and a cup of milk with a roll of oreos. He then sat down and watched the show and ate oreos with me. That just warmed my heart but made me cry even more to see how much he loved me. This kid is hilarious. He loves to tell jokes. He loves all animals. He's athletic. He's terrified of girls. He loves loud music. Loves oreos. Leaves a mess everywhere he goes. He loves to have adventures with Navy, and they do some pretty crazy things. Not to mention he's handsome. But the best thing is his big heart. I love you Trev!

Cecilee Ah Quin Horlacher

My Cec-so-sweet. Cec is truly one of my very best friends. We are 13 months apart and have been attached by the hip from the day she was born. Cec is strong, both physically and spiritually. She's super sassy. But also the sweetest person you will ever know. She will do anything for you. She is fun. She is athletic. She is naturally good at everything she does. She is absolutely gorgeous. Me and Cec have so many funny memories. We just always have fun. Whether it's trying to sing along to a cat commercial, fathers day shopping in Big Lots for 2 hours with a guy creepin' the whole time, pretending mom's spankings hurt then laughing in our room about it, drifting the van on accident, getting our car stuck in a corner of a parking lot and needing someone to drive it out for us, playing weird leg war games, pretending to clean our room, watching White Chicks and quoting every line, anything! But along with fun, she is always there to pick me up when I'm sad or give me a hug when I need one. She is one of the most understanding and forgiving people you will ever meet. She is always willing to give her opinion with confidence. She is a hard worker. This girl is amazing!! It's going to be hard not having her home when she goes off to college but I'm proud of her. Even though we both are workaholics but the time that we do get to spend together is always amazing. I love my sister and I am so proud of her. I'm proud to call her my sister and my best friend! You're gonna have a blast in Kansas, and everyone is going to love you, BUT remember..."There's no place like home." I love you Cec!

Stay tuned for my parents and how amazing they are! :) But for now, have a wonderful day! Tell your family you love them...

Cecilee's Friends Photoshoot

 These two girls work with Cecilee at Pizza Factory and wanted to do a photoshoot before Cecilee leaves for Kansas. Such cute girls-Channing's mom took the pictures

 Channing, Cecilee & Skyla

 

 Showing off there Pizza Factory Shirts

Flooding again

On Sunday after getting back from Girls Camp, we had more rain and this is the aftermath. It was as if the heavens opened up and dumped a ton of rain. Everyone says, "You have to be careful what you ask for when the whole city is praying for rain."

This picture is on Sunset Blvd.

Ivins Stake Girls Camp-Ivins 9th Ward

Girls Camp was on Cedar Mountain again, like always. It rained the whole week. I was only able to go up Friday and Saturday because of work.

These are the leaders for the 9th Ward.

(LtoR)Derek Larsen, Bishop Smith, Jen Kennedy, Sis. Monroy, RObert Ence, Darrin Hintze

Shellie Hurt, Andrea Larsen, Lori Brown, Me, Shelly Ence, LaDawn Richey & Tylyn Hintze

We had testimony meeting with the Bishop and Bro. Larsen

Because it was raining and we couldn't make a fire, they found an empty POD for us to go in and have testimony meeting. They wired the 2nd set of beds up so we could sit and be dry.
It was such a wonderful evening listening to these girls bare testimony of our Savior.

Sydnee, Jocelyn, Kenna & Aspen on the top bunk in their POD

Lori Brown and I trying to endure the rain.
We were sitting around with the girls just visiting and it was raining, of course.

We loved our plastic ponchos, that is what kept us dry.

These were the PODS that we slept in

Me and my Syd at Girls Camp - I felt like a big plastic marshmellow tyring to stay dry and warm.

IVINS 9TH WARD - we had a total of 29 girls and 6 wonderful YW leaders