Hunter Family Blog

Family Reunion Trip

2011-08-08T18:40:00.001-06:00

The kids swimming at the pool on our family trip.

Trip to the Zoo

2011-04-17T20:40:00.007-06:00

Here are some photos from our family trip to the zoo to celebrate Spring Break!

A new film about Joseph Smith...

2011-04-10T23:07:00.005-06:00

Joseph Smith was called of God to be the first prophet in the latter days. He was given power from God to translate an ancient record of the peoples who lived on the American continent before, during, and after the time of Christ. This translated record was published as the "Book of Mormon". Joseph Smith was also called to restore God's church back to the earth. To do this the "priesthood" power, or power or God, was restored to him by the "laying on of hands"... given to him directly from the hands of John the Baptist and also from the ancient apostles Peter, James, and John.

This film portrays these events and continues to show the establishment of Christ's church through the prophet Joseph Smith know as "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints". It details some of the trials he and the early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints went through during the first years as members of the newly restored church. It also shows the tragic deaths of some of the Saints by persecution they received at this time as well as the murder by a mob of both Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum Smith at carthage jail.

http://radio.lds.org/joseph?lang=eng

Here is a link to the movie above... it is about 1 hour and is worth it. Wether you are a member of this faith or familiar with the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints or not, it is a great way to understand the courage and faith that founded what is now a worldwide church. Also why so many people since that time have taken the challenge to "read and study these things" and to take the question of its truth to God in sincere prayer... to know from Him who's church we claim to be, whether or not The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the church of Jesus Christ re-established under his direction on the earth today. To know that the Book of Mormon is a true ancient record translated by the power of God that testifies that Jesus is the Christ... and consequently to know that Joseph Smith was called, not by man or by himself, but directly from God. That he did see God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ.

A little about me... I guess that some would call me a stubborn or skeptical person by nature. I could never be content (okay that isn't a strong enough word... I could never be dragged, pushed, pulled, compelled or even strung up by the heels :) to belong to a church or believe in any doctrine which claimed to be from God, if I could not find out from Him if they were true. I am one who needs to know for myself directly from God through prayer if the way I worship and the beliefs and doctrines I follow are His ways and doctrines. If The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is Christ church on the earth today. If it has His sanction and His power. If it has a living Prophet at it's head who receives direction and revelation directly from God so that things are done the Lord's way. If, as is claimed, the Book of Mormon is true and that through the power of God given to His church, families can be "sealed" or bound together for this life and for all eternity. That families can be together for ever and the relationships we have in this life can and will continue after death.

Important questions, that I have and do believe are worth taking the time to read and to pray about to find the answers. I know that doing this... by studying the Book of Mormon and pondering its teachings, one can, by asking God in sincere prayer, receive an answer by the power of the Holy Ghost. For me the answers to this and many other questions have come to me in different ways. Because they come as a feeling to ones heart and soul that can be so different from anything else we have experienced before up to that point, it can be hard to describe to someone else. Sometimes it is a simple sense of peace and calm pouring into my heart. A sweetness of the love of God almost like a literal burning or warmth in my heart and soul.... like as if the Holy Ghost came into your heart with a new feeling where there is no doubt that what you are feeling is given to you from God because He loves you so much and wants you to know His will for us. Sometimes it is an overwhelming feeling of joy or happiness. Other times again it is a gentle peace or a soft feeling like a whisper.

One thing that all these answers to my personal prayers add up to, is the ability that I can say to myself as well as others that I know from God Himself the truth of the things that I have asked Him about.

I know that God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ live. That they are so mindful of us and love us individually so much. That the care what we choose to do in this life and that they have desires/plans/hopes for us in this life and desire us to become like them. That for us to do so, Jesus Christ came to earth to show us how to live.... not just the people he walked among, but everyone who came before Him and after Him regardless of when and where they lived/live. That in order for us to learn about and know of Jesus Christ as our Savior and Exemplar, Christ called, talked to and taught prophets to teach about His coming and mission on earth before He came to live on this earth. Some of these prophets were Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaiah, and Moses. That He also called prophets among the people in the Americas as we read about in the translated record "The Book of Mormon". That they were also important to God and that Christ's message and power to save and redeem were and are today universally critical and important. And because we in our time are also just as important as those who lived before and during the time of Christ, He has called Prophets in our day who also speak with and know Christ so that they can teach the people of His role and mission as our Mediator with God and our Savior and Redeemer. I love the fact that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.... that He would call and teach His people through prophets. That when the people rejected the prophets of old, He would not give up on them but call another prophet to teach His gospel to. That like the prophets who came before him, He Himself was eventually rejected and slain as well as his apostles by the people, He still didn't forsake us... He called again as He had done before another Prophet to teach us and so we can know of His love and mercy towards us...

Please take an opportunity to view this movie... to heft and read the Book of Mormon. To ask God to know if it is true. What is the worst that can happen... you will either walk away from the experience no worse off then when you started or you will find out that God does talk to His children today through Prophets, that He has a way for us to return to Him, that He has established a church today, and that He truly is our Savior and Redeemer and that there is another testament of His mission as the loving Savior of all man to compliment and uphold the testaments compiled in the Bible, that He desires our Happiness and eternal welfare... Now that knowledge, if true, is worth any effort don't you think!

http://radio.lds.org/joseph?lang=eng

Snowing Again....

2011-04-03T08:12:00.008-06:00

As we have been covered with snow again last night, I thought that I would post some photos of the outside activities that we have been "sneaking" in when the weather has been nice!!

After our daily post office run, we stop by the park to play until daddy calls to say he is coming home...

All of us going for a walk at Daddy's School. Notice how he is a hard core "rebel", popping a wheelie with the stroller!!

We've also been on a couple of bike rides around our neighborhood which has been a lot of fun. Daddy leads with Julia, Rachel follows on her scooter, while Alissa and me bring up the rear on our bikes.

2010-12-24T20:36:00.000-07:00

Some fun Pictures of the Girls

2010-07-11T13:45:00.003-06:00

The Park with Daddy!

2010-06-07T15:32:00.005-06:00

The kids got to visit Daddy today for a few minutes and go to another park! They had fun riding and feeding leaves to 'The Dinosaur'.

Disneyland, Seal Beach, and Sea World

2010-05-23T13:11:00.014-06:00

In April, we got to accompany John to California where he was attending a Medical Research Conference. While there, we were able to visit family and go to the beach, Disneyland, and Sea World. Here are some of the pictures of our fun adventure.

Julia making friends while we wait in line...

Rachel in the Jedi Show...

At the Annual Seal Beach Old Car Show with Aunt Shirley, Uncle Peter, and William...

Sea World...

At the hotel...

2010-03-31T14:38:00.003-06:00

Julia asleep on the couch. She has recently found it her favorite thing to dress up in her and her sister's PJs or her swimming suit if she can get it!

Julia playing the part of BABY

2010-02-16T14:50:00.000-07:00

Julia playing a baby in the orange box.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T19:54:00.003-07:00

Our reenactment of the Christmas Story... featured in this picture is Joseph, the Angel, Mary, and a shepherd, with a wise man (woman) taking the picture. Merry Christmas to everyone!!

Playing with Grandma & Grandpa Noall

2009-12-23T22:11:00.003-07:00

We got to have Grandma & Grandpa Noall come play for the last time at our house tonight before they leave on their LDS mission to Peru. Although we will see them a few more times, tonight was the beginning of the farewells... We love you guys! Here is a cute photo that sums up the night.

Busy, Busy, Busy!

2009-12-11T07:40:00.002-07:00

We have been so busy lately, I'm sure just like the rest of you all! With holiday shopping, family events, and home life, there hasn't been enough time. John is doing well at school and keeping busy. He also got a new calling to serve in the new Elder's Quorum Presidency in our church that is giving him more opportunities to serve. I decided to purchase a booth at the Quilted Bear... coincidently the same week my sales went up because of the holidays, so I have spent a lot of time with my sewing machine. The girls just keep growing everyday and with it comes new surprises... everywhere!

Well I hope that you are all well and Happy Holidays!

Trick or Treat

2009-10-31T20:27:00.005-06:00

Happy Halloween From Us!

HeeHaw Farms

2009-10-24T17:19:00.015-06:00

The girl's in the corn box and the corn in... well almost everything... some of which even found its way home with us!

They had horses made from tires which the girls road with help from grandma & Crystine. We also made our way through the corn maze with Rachel in the lead.

We played on the barrel the slides... which luckily we survived in one piece (minus the cut glove and some sore hands)... I wouldn't recommend them. We also like the big slide that they usually have... this year you had to use potato sacks. We went through a blow up haunted house and jumped on their hay trampoline.

Then of course went for a little wagon ride. All in all, it was a fun night.

Going out on a limb!!

2009-10-21T16:12:00.007-06:00

So today I finally made a decision on something that I've been debating for months!

I decided to have a special donation extravaganza for my company where I donate a blanket to charity for each one that is purchased this next month. Whoa going public... I know... not typically Kimberly. Well I had to make the decision to have the possibility of making service blankets and donating them next year too. I have really enjoyed the quilts and blankets that I've made... with the help of many of you THANK YOU... that have been donated and will be able to be donate by the end of the year. I can't imagine waiting until John is out of school before I can do it again. My hope is that this way I may be able continue and make more next year!! I guess we'll see... to see exactly what I'm doing visit my KNH Designs Blog and then let me know if you think I'm crazy... I might just agree with you!!

Our Local Amusement Park

2009-10-18T22:20:00.001-06:00

This summer we have had so much fun at our local amusement park. Here are some of the pictures from the last two weekends...

The State Fair

2009-10-18T21:55:00.009-06:00

Our Family at the State Fair this fall. We had a lot of fun riding the big slide many times and seeing the animals. We also got to see some of the art work as we got caught in the rain on the way out... mom loved that part... there are so many talented people out there!

Alissa didn't like the smell of the animals... she is proving to be our girly girl.

Rachel (the very little black dot that you probably can't see) rides the big slide all by herself!

My Parents Received Their Mission Call!!!

2009-10-04T10:26:00.003-06:00

My parents received their mission call Wednesday night to serve in the LIMA, PERÚ EAST MISSION. They will leave Monday, January 4th to the MTC in Provo and then that weekend will head off for Lima. We love you all very much and wish you good Luck!

The Hunter Family

At this time their missionary blog is under construction and will be at alansonia.blogspot.com

Alissa's First Day of Pre-School

2009-09-20T22:06:00.004-06:00

After watching Rachel go to pre-school without her for two years and longing to be able to play too, she finally gets her chance! Alissa started pre-school two weeks ago and has really liked it so far. ... here is her first day!

Well okay not all of her first day... just the backpack hanging up ceremony!

In Rememberance of Jeffery Parker Spencer

2009-09-20T21:45:00.001-06:00

In remembrance of my second cousin who died September 9th, 2009, I would like to include a copy of his obituary as well as a link to it in the Deseret News Here.

Jeffrey Spencer 1978 ~ 2009 BOUNTIFUL - Our beloved Jeffrey Parker Spencer passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at the age of 31.He was born May 23, 1978 in Salt Lake City, Utah, the son of Scott R. and Louise Foxley Spencer. He married the love of his life Krystal Johnson on August 8, 2008 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. He was an active member of the LDS church and served an honorable two year mission in Fort Worth, Texas. Jeff will be remembered for his big heart. He always had a hug and kind word for everyone. He loved spending time with his sweet wife, they enjoyed jet skiing, watching movies and creating memories together. He loved golfing with his brothers and hanging out with his nephews and nieces. He was always helping other people and serving others. Family and friends were everything to him. He is survived by his wife Krystal, parents Scott and Louise Spencer, sister Rachel (Sergei Ivanov), brothers Jeremy (Leah), Ryan (Bethany), Rick (Traci). Loving nephews and nieces and so many other family members and friends who will miss him forever. A viewing will be held at Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, 295 North Main, Sunday, September 13th, 2009 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. A celebration of his life will be held at the Orchard 7th Ward LDS chapel, 3599 South Orchard Dr., Bountiful, on Monday, September 14, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. with a viewing prior to the services from 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. Interment will be at the Lakeview Cemetery in Bountiful. Memorial Funds can be donated at any Mountain Credit Union in lieu of flowers. Online guest book atwww.russonmortuary.com. Memorial Funds can be donated at Mountain America Credit Union in lieu of flowers.

The Hunter Family Camp out

2009-08-29T21:49:00.000-06:00

Every year we go on our annual Hunter Family Camp out, so here are some of the pics! Enjoy..

(Notice the squirrel on the left hand side drinking the pancake syrup)

Our Service Quilts are finished... on to the blankets!

2009-07-12T20:49:00.002-06:00

I finally got the other two full service quilts bound and finished!! All four of them along with a couple of receiving blankets were dropped off this week heading for the LDS Humanitarian Department with the hopes that they will bless the lives of others somewhere. Again thanks to friends and family who donated your time to help me tie them all and share in the joy of service. I do need to apologize that I don't have pictures of the final products to put up. I got so excited about getting them dropped off that I didn't remember the photos until they were boxed up and taped shut. Next time I will have to take pictures of the process too so you can all see yourselves.

On to my next service projects. I still have about twenty more receiving blankets I hope to sew and have donated by Thanksgiving and if everything goes well with my website and Etsy shop, I'll be able to buy more for next year's donations!

Camping and Fishing Trip

2009-06-30T21:26:00.001-06:00

We went camping with my family and got to tryout fishing again with the girls... we had more success this time!

Julia fishing in the river!

Saturday with Daddy!

2009-06-24T12:20:00.004-06:00

This last saturday Daddy and the girls had the day out while I went and worked for a friend at a local boutique. They went to the Bean Museum to see the elephant displayed there and had so much fun. They also went to feed the ducks on campus.

My New Projects!

2009-06-12T19:44:00.012-06:00

NEW! - The ultimate rag quilt!

So I designed this quilt to use some of the smaller fabric pieces I have

and it is definitely a favorite of mine. I had fun designing the large embroidered flowers

and used them in the large squares to keep the fabric in place instead of the traditional X.

I love how my pattern turned out so much that I might just have to make more...

at least a boy version!

Two of our finished service quilts to donate to the LDS Humanitarian Services!

The bear one is a crib size quilt and the moon one a single (72x90)!

Christian's Baby Blanket

'fish style' to match his bedding!

Free Fishing Day!

2009-06-08T16:14:00.006-06:00

For Free fishing day our family went fishing in a local reservoir. We fished for about an hour. Rachel noticed that every time she reeled in her fishing line that she had caught another worm again. I don't think that we got the point across that the worm was always there.

Then we then drove to a little fish farm in the yard of a retired couple and fished in their ponds. Rachel went first. As she pulled out her fish, the girls realized that fishing involved actually catching a real, wiggling fish! Both Rachel and Alissa were afraid. We barely got a picture with Rachel and we couldn't convince Alissa to try and caught one. As I was fishing Alissa dramatically said to me "Mom, just don't let me see the fish." as she turned her head away from me in a most pompous manner. We decided that we might have a little work to do with our 'ladies' to become an active outdoor family or exposing them to any non-princess thing.

Rachel's Graduation

2009-06-07T11:34:00.000-06:00

May 20, 2009

Sprinkler Time

2009-05-22T22:32:00.003-06:00

Running through the sprinklers as we water the grass while daddy is at work...

...turned out to be a day of drinking sprinkler water outside!
One little touch of the water and Julia was a no go. After a few minutes

She parked her bottom by the backdoor and watched.

Hunter Family Fun

2009-05-16T01:31:00.006-06:00

Some of the fun stuff we've been up to!

Riding our bikes around the neighborhood.

Coloring Time!

Julia chasing the remains of one of our valentine balloons.

Alissa & Rachel with their aunts at Grandma Hunter's ?? Surprise Birthday Party.

Alissa Reading to Julia.

Julia sporting Daddy's socks.

The girls baking their own mini cupcakes... most of them didn't make it into the oven!

2009-05-16T01:05:00.000-06:00

So Rachel & I had fun making a little graduation announcement for her friends and family. We got it down to two flowers, but if Rachel could do it all herself, everyone would have gotten a large bouquet this week!

What's been going on?!

2009-05-16T01:00:00.005-06:00

So a quick update for those who have noticed the span with no new entries...

John's grandma did pass away on St. Patrick's Day at home surrounded with her family.
We have had all of April to enjoy a little extra time at home with everyone taking ill in turn.
Thanks to the help of family and friends, we have been able to tie 1 baby quilt and 3 large quilts for the humanitarian department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am still working on the bindings so pictures will be forthcoming!
I attended women's conference with my mom & sisters and just loved it.
We held a huge 'yard sale style' store closing sale at my parent's house last Saturday which turned out to be a success... but we still have thousands of things we still don't know what to do with yet.
John's got a date by which he hopes to have his first article submitted to "Science", "Nature" or "?"!!!! We are so excited and wish him good luck!
I've been working on a little advertising for my company, but things are still slow.
and John's Grandpa ended up in the ER tonight with a broken femur and PE (pulmonary embolism) so our prayers are with him at this time.

I hope to include some pictures of the yard sell and women's conference once I get them, but here are a couple of pictures at Mor Mor's (John's grandma's) funeral.

Getting Ready

Getting Home

Validation

2009-03-05T14:19:00.004-07:00

So I saw this on my friend Danna's Blog and I wanted to pass it along! It is a bit long, but very creative and well done. We both liked it!

Political Laughs

2009-02-28T16:10:00.002-07:00

Sent to us by Natalie & Steve. Thanks for the laughs and

thought that we would pass it on.

Julia Taking A Ride

2009-02-19T13:49:00.000-07:00

John taking Julia for a ride Thursday in the sled through the kitchen and front room.

Below she is smiling special for the camera!

Our Valentine's Day Sledding Trip

2009-02-18T23:04:00.023-07:00

For Valentine's Day our family went sledding at the park. It was by far our most successful sledding venture! Rachel and Alissa were both able to walk up and down the hill and Rachel was so excited that she could carry the sled up by herself.

Julia got tired of the hill after a few rides... she must have thought that it wasn't big enough! Her favorite thing was to be pulled around in the sled. Every time that I would stop pulling her, she would start kicking her legs and saying "Uh,uh,uh" until I started again. She was asleep in about five minutes.

Alissa and Rachel enjoyed playing at the park. They thought that it was so cool that their snowsuits gave them a lot of added speed on the slides. They went from playground to playground and would have continued all night, but Julia woke up and was ready for food. Even while we were changing and packing up,

Rachel kept sledding!

Our Visits With Mormor

2009-02-11T13:32:00.006-07:00

Here is a picture of our family visiting John's grandparents at their house. John's Grandma has cancer which will most likely take her life within the next month or two. Although this is a difficult time for everyone, we are grateful that we have an opportunity to spend time with her before she passes on. How lucky we are to have 'time'... so many wish for even a few moments with a loved one after their death to let them know how much they are loved and how much they have influenced and touched the lives of those around them. We have been reflecting on the privilege of knowing such a wonderful lady in this life. John has been so grateful for the memories of them he has growing up and for their wonderful example of love and service. Most of all we are grateful for the hope and knowledge we have of life after death because of the atonement of Jesus Christ. Because Christ over came death, we will all be resurrected and receive perfect bodies. Because Christ suffered for us, we can, through faith in Christ and repentance, be made perfect through Christ and have the opportunity to live with Him and God (our Heavenly Father) again forever. We believe that there we can live together with our families forever. This knowledge of God plan and His love for us gives us so much hope and comfort in this life.

Our Family Home Evening

2009-02-02T22:17:00.002-07:00

John helping Alissa cut out her crown as part of tonight’s Family Home Evening activity. Our lesson was “I Am a Child of God” so they each got to wear crowns to help them feel special and remind them that they are each a child of God.

Rachel conducted and again this week we sang some of our traditional favorites... “I Am a Child of God”, “Once There Was a Snowman”, and “Popcorn Popping (which Julia can now do some of the actions to so she gets so excited).

John's Mission Reunion

2009-01-31T23:07:00.000-07:00

No, we didn’t host it at our house nor did we forget to take the camera, we just forgot to use it! Well this picture was taken as we were getting ready to leave so that will have to be good enough.
Saturday night was so fun to see John’s mission president as well as missionaries that he served with. There wasn’t as good of a turn out as there has been in years past with only about 20 missionaries showing up. It was surprising to see how many people had been affected by the economic crisis. At least 20% of the people had either been laid off or lost a business within the last few months. Overall though, everyone was doing well and it was great to see some old friends again.

Our Cruise

2009-01-30T13:55:00.001-07:00

John and I went on a cruise with my family just before Christmas. We went to Roatan, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico. We went snorkeling, four wheeling, and zip-lining. We also enjoyed playing games like shuffle board, wizard, and sand volleyball. They always had food so we all brought back a few extra pounds!