Family Christmas Letter...

Many of you didn't receive our Christmas letter (due to our budget and printer problems) so here it is.  We wish you all a Merry Christmas and the Happiest New Year 2012.

 We hope this letter finds you and your loved ones well, healthy and happy.  We wish you a Merry Christmas and a wonderfully memorable New Year 2012.  May the Spirit of our Savior dwell in your hearts all throughout the year and that you may always remember the reason why we celebrate this holiday season.  We hope you feel of His love, grace and mercy every day.  We feel truly blessed to have each other and have the happy, comfortable life that we enjoy!  

In a nut shell . . .

      Sophia -6.  She is in 1st grade.  She has learned to read and has beautiful handwriting.  She loves math, plays soccer and she ran her first 2 mile race (and was pictured in the local paper).  She adores her daddy.  She is an artist; able to dray anything.  Gives the best hugs and kisses.  She is full of love.  She enjoys cooking and baking with Mom.  She loves to read, is Juliette’s best friend, and was a background player for a New Testament film project in UT for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

     Juliette - 9.  She is in the 3rd grade.  She loves to read, write and do math.  She has self-taught cursive writing and sings almost all the time.   She is full of love, tender hearted, plays soccer and likes it a lot.  She ran her first 5K, is an artist, an organizer, and was a background player for the New Testament film project.

     Eliza- 11. She graduated from elementary school and is now a 6th Grader.  She’s full of life, energy and is so valiant.  She is still playing soccer and she keeps getting better at it.  She ran her best 5K ever, she enjoys reading and math.  She says “Yes!” to anything she is asked to do at school or at church (i.e. singing a solo and doing her best).  She loves to make people laugh, experienced her first paid babysitting job, and was a background player for the New Testament film project.

     James -14.  He is in 8th grade this year. He’s a super soccer player, great runner who came in first for his age in a race.  He went to UT by himself for first time for 3 weeks.  He loves making friends laugh, and was a background player for the New Testament film project.  He really enjoys snowboarding and is a great student, excellent mathematician, and a pretty nice teenager (so far, heeeheee!)

     Rob – when not working has been my running companion.  He’s accomplished a lot and I love and appreciate him.  He’s a spiritual giant.  The best Dad, husband, friend, and missionary. 

     Francys – I am happy  being a mom, runner, wife, missionary, and home-maker. 

Family – Our year’s highlights were:  a Gulliver family reunion in Pasco, Matt’s wedding in Idaho, having Rob’s parents and Lisa visit us in Bellingham, time in Utah with my family and participating in the Church’s New Testament film project. http://lds.org/bible-videos (Watch ”The Wise Men Seek Jesus” segment and find us).

  With Love, Rob, Francys, James, Eliza, Juliette and Sophia Tobler

"Giving, not getting, brings to full bloom the Christmas spirit. Enemies are forgiven, friends remembered, and God obeyed. The spirit of Christmas illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world's busy life and become more interested in people than things. To catch the real meaning of the "spirit of Christmas," we need only drop the last syllable, and it becomes the "Spirit of Christ."

--Thomas S. Monson

 

New Testament Film Project...

With the recent debut of the New Testament Vignettes representing this Christmas season in celebration of our Savior's Birth and life; I have felt those wonderful feelings that I felt on set during the filming this Summer.  That wonderful experience of living as close to the actual scriptures was amazing.  Being able to dress, walk and think as if I was one of those who lived during the time of Christ's birth and ministry was unforgettable. 
I should really take the time to write about each day that I was (we were) able to be a part of this wonderful project, but I seriously could not describe justly all that I (we) experienced.  But I can give a little summary as best as I can: 
Eliza, Sophia and Juliette took part in the "Suffer The Little Children To Come Unto Me" scene, James, Eliza and Juliette in the "3 Wise Men" and Rob (was a Roman Soldier) and I in the "Cleansing Of The Temple."  I took part in 12 different scenes, total, that includes the ones mentioned.  Each day I came in (usually at 6:30am, with an hr and 20min drive each way, each time), I joined up on those days with my few new friends to read the scriptures, after wore drove, regarding that day's scene.
This was a wonderful experience, because it set a spiritual mood for us, we were more reverent and more understanding of what was going to take place.  We literally liken the scriptures each time and prepared our hearts and mind to re-live them.  Having been filled with the spirit and with so much love made this opportunity more significant.
During my last few days there in September, questions were asked about what we had learned from this whole experience as well as what we would tell people.  The common answer (I felt) was that we all had gained a greater desire to LEARN more about the Savior.  To study His life, to truly get to KNOW Him better, and strive a little harder to become more LIKE HIM!  The other question we asked was how our relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ was like?  How did we feel about it?  What were we willing to commit to do better, to improve or change such relationships, thus resulting in better relationships with our families and friends.  I came back full of ideas and desires.  I'm hoping these will last me a life-time that will change me forever.  One of my goals was to read "Jesus The Christ," So far I'm reading it and it looks like I'm gonna finish it, for once!
My main desire is to get to KNOW Him better so that I can truly LOVE Him.  With this will come more life changing experiences and improvements, not just for me, but for my family and those who know me.  I desire to become more Christlike, but I know I will come short at times, and that is when I will solely rely on the merits of Christ's Atonement.  I know who I am.  I know that my Heavenly Father Loves me.  I know that Christ is my Savior.  I want to become who I am expected to become here on this earth.  I'm hoping this will be my first steps towards becoming who I am meant to be in accordance to the Lord's Plan for me.  Thank goodness for the power and gift of prayer, and the empowering influence of the  Holy Ghost.  I want to rededicate my life to Him from now on and strive to live more like Him.
I can't wait to go back this next Summer, 2012, on set.  There's more work to be done and I can't wait for the new growth I will, we will, experience as we liken the scriptures on film again.  I so love doing the Lord's work and helping build His Kingdom here on the earth.  These videos will change lives and we are so blessed to be a part of all that change that will come to pass.



In the "Three Wise Men video" above...you will find James, Eliza and Juliette.  I know where I am, but I can't be noticed unless I point myself out to you.  Have fun and enjoy watching these amazing vignettes.  They are beautifully done.  Truly inspired work!




This vignette above is the one shown at the "First Presidency Christmas Devotional".  This is where the new vignettes were announced, and there are more to come.  Watch the whole devotional below.  It is inspiring and so uplifting.  If you would like to just read or watch each talk individually go to this link: http://lds.org/broadcasts/archive/christmas-devotional/2011/12?lang=eng and choose.

There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus Christ.

Because He came to earth, we have a perfect example to follow. As we strive to become more like Him, we will have joy and happiness in our lives and peace each day of the year. It is His example which, if followed, stirs within us more kindness and love, more respect and concern for others.

Because He came, there is meaning to our mortal existence.

Because He came, we know how to reach out to those in trouble or distress, wherever they may be.

Because He came, death has lost its sting, the grave its victory. We will live again because He came.

Because He came and paid for our sins, we have the opportunity to gain eternal life.

Because He came, we are gathered tonight to worship Him, in bonds of brotherhood and love.

By President Thomas S. Monson

First Presidency Christmas Devotional, 2011

Just Had To Post This One...

My boy is not much of a high adventure kid, at least I thought he wasn't.  He has been telling me all about his future trips to these places in the States and the World to do these High (risky) Adventures.  I listen carefully and I tell him that he can do anything he wants to do as long as he sets out to do it.  Then he goes and shows me videos on YouTube of these risky things he wants to do.  Oh My!  I'm beginning to worry and stress out already. 
Rob gets him all excited by finding even more adventurous videos of these risky stuff.  For example, "Hang-Gliding," I totally wanted to do it when I was in UT and encouraged James to do it someday, until he showed me this video...

What is a mother to say about this?  I am laughing right now...but will I be laughing the day he calls me to tell me he is actually doing these risky adventurous things? 
For his birthday he asked for a season pass to Mt Baker to go snowboarding this Winter.  I totally hesitated and felt completely scared-  I totally dislike the snow and it terrifies me.  Especially when this video was shown to me before the pass was purchased...Sorry about the music.  Just hit mute.

Seriously Crazy!!!
He also shows me videos of "Man vs Wild" and tells me he wants to do that too.  He has always loved the outdoors, but I had no clue he loved this other stuff as much too.
http://youtu.be/ZFa9VSFVDLw
This last weekend (Saturday) he and a few friends decided to go on a High Adventure Bike Trail ride.  I questioned the idea that they had checked the weather- which I was told later that they did.  They still chose to go with the cold temperatures ahead and rain.  Well, as a result they couldn't even make it home and had to stop at a friend's house and get a ride back home.  James said that he felt he was pretty close to experiencing Hypothermia.  He said he was soaked and freezing, yea- he was wearing SHORTS!  He could hardly feel his hands to ride (he had no gloves).  He still expressed that he had a great time, regardless...that's my boy!  I just hugged him and SMILED! 

Park City Half Marathon...

What an incredible experience this race was?!  After I had signed up for it in May, I kept thinking "what had I done?"  I was going to be in UT for three weeks and thought "why not?"  But I didn't think about the fact that the elevation might affect my running and that I would be arriving only a week prior to the race. Which would leave me with very little time to adjust to the elevation.  I ran three times before the race, the first two times, I just about died.  Seriously I struggled to get passed one mile on day one and then get passed 3 miles on the second run.  My legs felt like led and I couldn't breath easily enough.  I was really starting to worry.
On the third run I decided that I would do better at listening to my body and take my time.  I changed my tempo, my breathing and slowed down my pace.  I told myself that all I wanted to do was to finish the race, have fun and not get injured.  On the day of the race I had the privilege of dragging my Sister Frandi, Weston and my kids along.  They woke up at 4:30am and drove me to Park City where the race would start at 6:45am.  That is TRUE LOVE. 
I had prayed for help and comfort the night before and felt a great deal of ease and peace that morning.  I felt great and felt so happy to be there.  I guess it helps to have seen the sun coming up and then it was so beautiful all around me.  I couldn't help but SMILE.  Having my Sister and Weston with my kiddos there meant a lot, as well.  Although I did miss Rob a ton more than I thought I would.  I just felt so much love and joy, so much support and encouragement from my family.  I also knew that prayers were being said on my behalf.  I KNOW that I never run a race without the Lord's help...He is the one that always helps me finish! 
As the race started I had a little anxiety come over me.  I watched a ton of runners go by me.  I felt like I should catch up, but knew that it would be a mistake if I did.  I ALWAYS have to start slow to warm up and not wear myself out on the first 3 miles of the race.  So, for fun I decided to challenge myself with a silly goal.  I would pass 100 runners by the time I would finish the race.  There were over 700 runners participating in the Half- Marathon and over 100 had already passed me.  So, I figured it was motivational enough.
The course was absolutely GORGEOUS!  It was about 90% through trails, some hills which were manageable and it was about 60-65 degrees...It was absolutely breath taking.  The sunrise made it even more gloriously beautiful.  The mountains, flowers, grass, crispy fresh air, the smells of nature, the smiles on the volunteers, the cheering and encouragement, seeing my family shouting for me and giving me high fives, the cows, and horses, the birds...I felt like I was on a cloud.  I felt HAPPY and at ease.  I felt inspired and motivated!  I didn't struggle at all with my breathing or with my running...I'm still in AWE over this whole race.  I felt a natural HIGH!
I know that the Lord had a hand in all that I felt and saw.  He knew exactly what I needed to feel the peace and comfort I had prayed for.  I felt focused and in tune with my body and the spirit.  I listened carefully and had a great experience because of it.  I passed 98 runners.  I set a new personal record (finished in 2hrs: 36min: 49sec.) and had no injuries or aches at all.  I felt no pain or even felt exhausted.  It was my best race ever!   I had much to be thankful for. 
If I get the chance to run it again, I will!  I'm sure I will never have the same experience I just had, but it is sure a happy place for me now.  Thank you Frandi, Weston and the kids for being there to support me.  Thank you Rob for training with me and for being so selfless and willing to do so.
P.S  Thank you Frandi for taking so many wonderful pictures and capturing my wonderful experience!

A Beautiful Hail Storm...

The other day we enjoyed the most gorgeous Hail Storm I had ever witnessed.  The sun was out, there was some blue skies and then one section had a cloud which brought down the hail.  But the sunshine and the blue shy was just gorgeous with it.  It is so hard to describe it.
Anyhow, my girls went outside and by the time I got out with the camera I saw them running around and screaming because the hail coming down actually hurt, really bad.  I got a good laugh!  I caught the girls in action and captured them being natural, and just having a grand ol' silly time.  Sophia even starting singing with an umbrella to the "I'm singing in the Rain" song, but changed the lyrics a bit..."I'm singing in the hail, Just singing in the hail, what a glorious feelin', I'm hurting, and its OK, because I'm singing in the hail".   Very cute!  She is so darn cute! 

The best faces were made by Eliza...oh my goodness she was making the most funniest body gestures and faces.  She had me laughing.  I took some videos of them and a ton of pictures.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I did! 
Juliette actually wore her bike helmet to protect her head...very funny!

My Boy is 14!!!!



He too, wore the Santa Suit!!!

Where does time go?  I cannot believe I am the mother of a 14 year old boy!  I will probably be saying this the rest of my life.  It's incredibly amazing how I can just think back of the day I brought him home from the hospital and then look at our life now...there are 4 miracles that I thank the Lord for every day.  It is a miracle to have all the children I have been blessed with, but James was my first...Thanks to him, my dream of becoming a Mom came true!  It was not easy getting him...and all that I had to go thru was sooooo worth it.  He is my one and only BOY!  He is my Joy!
I know he had a great birthday.  He got a season pass to Mt Baker for snowboarding this year.  Then he got some nice gifts from friends and family, lunch at his favorite Restaurant "Panda Express", but the best gift ever, I believe...was Rob's.  He gave him this cute homemade coupon that said "this coupon is good for 1/2 hour of free driving.  Lessons in church parking lot.  Exp 12-12-11".  He ate that up!!!!
He is such a great kid.  He truly is!  He has been a blessing and a source of happiness in our lives.  I can't wait to see what the future holds for him.  We love you my Boy!!!  You're the best!  You never cease to amaze me.  Hope you had a great birthday!
P.S  I found a ton of fun pictures of him.  I just couldn't resist not blogging them.  It was so much fun having him first.  He was such a good natured little guy...he put up with us dressing him up and doing all sorts of crazy dumb things that first time parents do...Amazingly enough, he survived it all!