Thursday August 11, 2011

The Draper family is making up for lost time... three years without a traveling vacation have been greatly missed. Melissa and I used to travel all over and were grounded somewhat when Taylor joined our family. Melissa and I picked and started a short while after with some shorter trips. Then once the other three joined our family we felt the solid grounding and no traveling vacations. We had a couple short get aways but nothing too far away.

This summer we started with a complete surprise for the kids. Melissa and I took the kids to church and once they were dropped off in Nursery Melissa and I headed for the house to pack the Tahoe. Melissa returned to Church to pick up the kids while I finished packing. We told the kids that we were going on a trip and that they would see some interesting sites. With Grandma Rose, Grandma Kathy, and Grandpa Rod we started out for Cedar City Utah for a Sunday night stay. On Monday we traveled onto Anahiem.

Tuesday morning we woke up, got breakfast, and told the kids finally that we were going to spend the next two days at Disneyland. We had a blast as well as the kids and the Grandparents. Thursday was quite the day as we visited the ocean at Venice Beach. Those of you that have been to Venice Beach completely know the show that we saw and experienced. We had fun in the sand and water. After a short play time at the beach we then headed for Las Vegas.

Because of traffic and trying to get out of the San Bernidino Valley we did not make it to Vegas until around Midnight Thursday night. Friday morning we went to the top of the Stratosphere and then continued onto Salt Lake City thus ending our trip on Saturday afternoon. All in all, total mileage for our California trip = 1700 miles.

This past weekend we ventured out once again for an even faster trip. We left Thursday night for Colorado Springs to witness Dallin's baptism by his father Dave. What a great trip. We arrived in the Springs Friday night, baptism on Saturday, back to Salt Lake on Sunday, Hogle Zoo on Monday, and after a quick trip to Temple Square we arrived home Tuesday afternoon. Colorado trip = 1550 miles.

Overall summer driving mileage as a family = 3250 miles. How is that for busting out and teaching the kids about the great nation that we have been blessed to live in.

Seeing as how I missed the Fourth of July Holiday I need to express our gratitude, from the Draper Family, the love we have for those that have chosen to serve our great nation. Many have sacrificed, both near and far, for our benefit to be free. The Draper Family believes in a mighty God that has blessed our great nation for the establishment of a life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Thank you to our many family and friends for your continued support and understanding as we continue along the straight and narrow path. It is because of the light you share that we are able to walk steadfastly, holding tight to the iron rod.

Sunday May 8, 2011

April has come and gone, but not with out another party at the Draper household. As fast as time flies we once again remember a blessing that came into our lives seven years ago.

Melissa and I were living quite the life. Each of us had our own careers and enjoyed the spontaneous ability to pick up and go wherever, whenever. Then this little blessing came to our home about 12:40 on the 21st of April, 2004. Taylor changed our lives forever and helped us to learn that there is more to life than careers. Melissa and I's little family of two increased to three. Amazing how things have changed but all too much known now, it was for the better.

Taylor's birthday came and went. She was blessed with three days of celebration. Wednesday, the 20th, was spent with grandma's and grandpa, Ernie, and our family. Melissa made Taylor's cake to order as requested. Thursday, the 21st, was spent with just our family having Taylor's favorite meal, Spaghetti, and watching her birthday present, Tangled. Then on Friday, the 22nd, Taylor had a couple of friends together for a bowling party. All in all it was a good time and Taylor loved the attention.


We have been blessed with great children. They keep us busy and continually keep us laughing. Breagan requested a white shirt and tie so that he could be just like Daddy on Sunday. In keeping with a tradition started by Melissa's Grandmother, the girls received new Easter Dresses and the boys new white shirts and ties to wear to church on Easter Sunday.


Today is a glorious day. A day to remember those special Ladies in our lives that make everything possible. I know that without the love, guidance, support, and encouragement from all the special ladies in my life I could not be who I am today. My heart felt appreciation and love to my mother, wife, grandmothers, and mother-in-law. May the good Lord bless all mothers out there with a special blessing. Your load has been heavy but you have all given unconditionally to those you love with little reward.

"God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers." -- Rudyard Kipling

"All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother." -- Abraham Lincoln

In closing, mothers are everywhere and everything. May your day be bright and as glorious as you. Happy Mothers Day!

Sunday March 13, 2011

There are constant reminders of events in life that tend to bring us back to a sense of normality, if you can define "normal." As much as we need these continual reminders it remains a mystery as to why they surprise us at the most in-opportune times. This past week was one of these reminders of the circle of life, the celebration of families, and the ever lasting knowledge that there is a greater power at work to help us get through this GREAT trial called "life."

The Draper family is honored to say that we believe that Families can be together forever! On Saturday March 5, 2011 Ayden, Breagan, and Carmen celebrated their third birthday. The miracles acknowledged at this time is the long road that the three have traveled to get to this point, the fact that their mother allowed them to see birthday number three, and the fact that the three still consider one another a very good friend.

As you can imagine, a single child going through the "terrible two's" is a trial in itself. To add to this particular difficult time is also the fact of them, or us, being potty trained and surviving the learning process. Since we have moved the kids out of their cribs into "regular" beds they have proven to be quite independent at bed time. The excuses are endless, the weeping and wailing continual, and the comfort of having their mother sit outside their bedroom door until they have finally drifted off into slumber. Melissa has found this time valuable in itself to catch up on reading, whether it be a novel or her scriptures. I guess this just solidifies her "Saint-hood" in my eyes, always looking for the positive in every situation.

Saturday was a very good day. There were Aunts and Uncles, Grandma's and Grandpa's, cousins and friends that attended the birthday party. Fun was had by all, three "Happy Birthday" songs were sung, and wrapping paper strewn everywhere. All though it has only been three years, the time has flown. The kid's health appears to be right on track and the boys are growing. Carmen is still a force to be reckoned with as she does not take any guff from her brothers. She is beginning to show the quality of explosiveness in a small package. Each of the kids show their own individuality whether it be by shifty eyes, smiles, or laughter. We truly love each one of them for who they are.




As we journey through life, we are given the opportunity to meet great people. These people cross our paths when our Heavenly Father offers each of us blessings to grow, mature, and learn valuable lessons. My parents and I had the great opportunity to celebrate the life of such an individual on Friday. Grandma Davis is an individual that was placed along our path so that we could learn the importance of always seeing the good in life. Our most heartfelt prayers, love, and gratitude go towards Aunt Eileen and family as they strive to continue along the "straight and narrow" path towards the "Tree of Life." Because we believe in Eternal Families and the belief of a much greater power than ourselves, our burdens are lightened. Thank you for the opportunity to share in your celebration of Grandma Davis' life.