Family for Thanksgiving

The family here for Thanksgiving has left :(. We had from Utah, McKelle & Casey, Grandma Ames, and Tareisa & Anthony, Rudy, Tessa, and AJ. We had on Thanksgiving Day as well, the Metzel Family, and the Charlton Family. It was great to have them. Thanks for coming!

We Love Our NY Missionary

While the family was together for Thanksgiving, we thought we would show our love for our missionary.

New York Times

Last we heard Sam had went into The Radio City Music Hall and disappeared. Well, after a thorough search of the place, he could not be found. Sly yam he is. But, he was seen leaving on the Madagascar bus as it was leaving town. Who knows where he will end up next.

Sam the YAM sighting

Barcelona Spain!

Jaxon Ames received his mission call to the Barcelona Spain Mission and will report to the MTC on April 1, 2009. Sam can hardly wait to go to Barcelona!

Thanksgiving Bakery at the Ames Home

Great Quote

Pres.Harold B. Lee Prophet of the Church
"Men may fail in this country, earthquakes may come, seas may heave beyond their bounds, there may be great drought, disaster, and hardship, but this nation, founded on principles laid down by men whom God raised up, will never fail. This is the cradle of humanity, where life on this earth began in the Garden of Eden. This is the place of the new Jerusalem. This is the place that the Lord said is favored above all other nations in all the world. This is the place where the Savior will come to His temple. This is the favored land in all the world. Yes, I repeat, men may fail, but this nation won't fail. I have faith in America; you and I must have faith in America, if we understand the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are living in a day when we must pay heed to these challenges.I plead with you not to preach pessimism. Preach that this is the greatest country in all the world. This is the favored land. This is the land of our forefathers. It is the nation that will stand despite whatever trials or crises it may yet have to pass through." (Ye Are the Light of the World 350-51)

NYPD S.W.A.T. (Secret Weapon Attack Turkey)

The NYPD have chosen their top turkey to track down this strange creature that is loose in the streets of New York, most recently seen going into The Radio City Music Hall. They hope to have a capture soon and have a restful Thanksgiving Day.

New York Times

The same strange creature was seen today walking into Radio City Music Hall. When it was attempted to be stopped by the ushers, there was no way that it could be apprehended. It quickly disappeared into the actors dressing room areas and could not be found by security.

Elder Ames and his Spanish Progression

I thought you might appreciate how Elder Ames is progressing in his Spanish. You can see it coming to him and that he is relying on and recognizing the help of the Lord and the spirit of the Holy Ghost.

S0... the Spanish is coming along well. we actually started a goal today where we would only speak in spanish for the rest of the mtc, it is going to be super hard but so rewarding. We can only speak in english when we absolutely have to! Almost our entire district agreed to do it, and so far it is going pretty well. But of course, with every law there is a punishment affixed, so if we have an outburst in english, we have three choices: #1- to do 15 pull ups, #2 to do 40 push ups, #3 to have a piece of mail withheld for one day. I think its a pretty good system. :)

Family, our life is always going to be full of dificult situations. Always. Sometimes it may seem like things are impossible. The gap may just be too big. School work may seem overwhelming. Work may be crazy or health may not be so well. You may be trying to learn a language. There will always be difficult situations. But I know with out a shadow of a doubt that if we turn to Our Savior, He will be our stepping stone to help us across the gap. A gap that may be impossible to overcome on your own, you can turn to the Savior and He will help you safely across. But, in order for us to have His help, we have to ask him. Ask and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be opened unto you. He will help you with school, with work, with health, not having your son for two years. If we turn to the Savior and put all of our trust in Him, He will help us through any hard time. He will carry our burdens for us, that they may be light. Turn to the Lord and He will help you. I promise you that, I have witnessed it here in the MTC. It is impossible to learn a language and become a missionary that fast with out the help of the Savior

Elder Ames, in one of his letters to us on the day before he left the MTC said this, “Well it has been a great week. Although it has been really hard. It seems like everything is trying to keep us from entering the field at full strength. Last night at the fireside a man came and spoke to us and he had brought his friend who was a hispanic man who was recently converted. He didnt speak any english and so he bore his testimony in Spanish. While the speaker translated. But we could have understood it with out the translation. It was the perfect way to end our MTC experience. It was difficult to understand though, he talked really fast and slurred his words. It is not going to be an easy task to learn the language in the field. But I know that if we trust in the Lord, that we will be able to do it. I have no clue what to expect tomorrow. It is going to be crazy.”

I am sitting in a room right now, and no one is speaking english! I had to talk to a man in spanish yesterday fearlissing and I had know clue if he understood anything I said.

So on Saturday we had the baptism of Trinidad. I will send some pictures home today. I printed some out. But they probably won't get mailed till tomorrow. The baptism was incredible. The Spirit could be felt so strong. She was so ready, the only thing holding her back was her dad. She didn't want to disappoint her dad. Elder Rowley performed the baptism, and I ended up giving a talk. I wrote it in my journal so I will have it forever. (I am starting to figure out better ways of how I can preserve all of my memories :) ) The talk went surprisingly well. I knew that I wasn't the one talking, that I was receiving help of some kind, because the older ladies afterwards were saying, " He talks really well, are you sure he doesnt speak spanish" And I was even told that I had a good accent. There must be something in the water here. But Trinidad is incredible. She is going to be an amazing member of the church. I was so blessed to be a part of her special day.

Barns Across America

Sam the YAM will post pictures of barns that are found throughout our country. Why barns? Barns represent to me hard work. They also "store" the memories and history of those that lived there.

How Did Sam Get to New York?

Recently one of Sam's fans asked the question, How did Sam get to New York? Well, it has not taken long for the notoriety of Sam to spread across the country, so when the New York Botanical Gardens heard that there was a new YAM in town they immediately sent an agent out to Arizona and before you knew it Sam was on a leer jet heading back to New York City to be the official mascot of the NYBG. Sam will be there to meet and greet the people as they come to the gardens. The news of this famous yam has already caused the daily attendance to double. Parents and children are flocking to the gardens to see a real live yam. Sam has armed body guards and 24 hour care. Please check out the garden website at the link on the left side of the blog.
www.nybg.org

New York Times

Special Forces from the NYPD have been called on to track down this strange creature. Hoping that from high above the city they will be able to spot him and catch him. Good luck M&M Man! You have not seen the likes of Sam the YAM!

Personal Note from the Editor of Sam the YAM

I have been told that people have probably started to think that I have gone crazy with this Sam the Yam stuff. It's just simply a side effect of medication. As you read the side effects of modern day medication, it can scare you. Why, if the illness that you have isn't going to kill you, the medication that you are prescribed to take to combat the illness will! But in my case, and the indication that I have gone crazy, the side effects I am having have, increased my sense of humor, allowing me to focus on some wholesome and creative family fun that I have not experienced before, utilizing the resources of photographs, internet, and other material, and has increased my appreciation for my friends and family, which hopefully brings us closer together and gives us the opportunity to share experiences that we otherwise would miss if we fail to take the time to share them, which, in the fast paced lifestyles that we often get caught up in, we truly can miss out on experiences that will help us cherish our associations one to another and hold them close in our hearts and memories. So, with that said, I carry on with my silly sense of creative energy and will keep posting the life and times of Sam the YAM! The Editor.

Excerpts from Elder Ames emails

"We are able to see so many cool different things, everyday brings a new adventure. We ran into a homeless man the other day who didn't have any teeth. And he knew exactly who we were so he came up and talked to us. Called us elders. And he knew so much stuff. He spoke seven languages. Had stopped several robberies in front of McDonalds. and put one of them in a coma. He knew that Elder Holland was going to come talk to us this Sunday, he knew the address and he was really cool. He was selling Hockey sticks he had gotten from the dumpster. It was awesome. So many crazy things and crazy people.

So many sirens and horns and people yelling. Fast walking and crazily driving. A car slammed into the Dolex store underneath us last week."

New York Times

Taxi cabs drivers in New York City were brought to a screeching halt today when the same strange creature spotted yesterday in Central Park was jay walking on Broadway. No one could seem to get close to him as he was rather a fast mover. The busy streets of New York have never seen the likes of such a creature. Where did it come from? It certainly is the talk of New York City this evening. The taxis are now moving though, but where he will be next is another guess. Stay glued to the KYAM for the 10:00 news.

New York Times

A strange looking creature (not Elder Ames) was seen in Central Park today by at least three different reports from concerned citizens. They said it had vines, leaves, and some type of protective shield around it. When approached to see what it might be, they were squirted with an orange colored chemical that stunned them right out of the park. It was obvious that this was something not to be messing with. The mounted police were notified but by the time they arrived at the point of sighting the creature had escaped and was no where to be found. It definitely was a strange experience for them. Better luck next time officer.

Elder Ames is sighted at Central Park NYC

Elder Ames with his first companion, Elder Rowley

Elder Ames is sighted at the MTC in Provo, Utah

Their running away trying to escape!

Baby Update

McKelle & Casey went to the doctor and had an ultra sound this week. It's a................

A little baby longlegs!

The Little Red Lighthouse in New York

This little red lighthouse is a significant landmark in New York. We hope it becomes important to Jordan as he looks to the "light" for strength, courage, and direction as he faces any days of darkness and discouragement.


The most beloved lighthouse in America, thanks to the children's book "The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Grey Bridge" by Hildegard H. Swift, illustrated by Lynd Ward. The Little Red Lighthouse is actually correctly known as the Jeffreys Hook Lighthouse.
The current Jeffreys Hook Lighthouse was constructed in 1920 and commissioned in 1921, the second light on this site. Its purpose was to aid the navigation of shipping up the Hudson, the major transportation artery between New York City and the interior ports of Albany, Troy and beyond.
After the George Washington Bridge was constructed in the 1930s it was determined that the lighthouse was no longer needed and it was deactivated in 1947, and was scheduled for demolition. However, the children's book popularized the little lighthouse dwarfed by the bridge, and the millions of children tho loved The Little Red Lighthouse spoke out saving it from destruction. It was later deeded to New York City.

Elder Ames loves his mother!

"In the heart of the big apple there is a missionary who loves his mother!"

Jordan's email failed to come through today because his time on the computer ran out and he did not no it, so we were a little down because we so much look forward to his emails, and he said that he had written a good long one.

So, to boost Leisa's spirits I decorated a small New York style cheese cake for her with this message. Maybe a little bit of cheese cake will be some comfort!

Kamrie sings the National Anthem!

Smart Flower

Torie thought this was a pretty smart flower because is closes up at night and opens again in the morning.

Sam's Cooking Show

Julia Child's as a young girl (Torie thinks she needs goggles to chop onions)

Sam's Best Selling Comic Books

Torie has written comic books and is selling them.

The Lamb and the Lion

The lamb: Allie
The lion: Jacie

Havasuapai Inspiration

Torie was our Havasupai Inspiration this summer as we made the excursion with our family and ward youth and leaders. It was a great experience for all

Wisdom from Elder Ames

Family, our life is always going to be full of dificult situations. Always. Sometimes it may seem like things are impossible. The gap may just be too big. School work may seem overwhelming. Work may be crazy or health may not be so well. You may be trying to learn a language. There will always be difficult situations. But I know with out a shadow of a doubt that if we turn to Our Savior, He will be our stepping stone to help us across the gap. A gap that may be impossible to overcome on your own, you can turn to the Savior and He will help you safely across. But, in order for us to have His help, we have to ask him. Ask and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be opened unto you. He will help you with school, with work, with health, not having your son for two years. If we turn to the Savior and put all of our trust in Him, He will help us through any hard time. He will carry our burdens for us, that they may be light. Turn to the Lord and He will help you. I promise you that, I have witnessed it here in the MTC. It is impossible to learn a language and become a missionary that fast with out the help of the Savior.

News from Elder Ames

IHola Mi familia! (With a new YOrk Accent)Well, I am now officially in New York!! The flight was great. I slept the whole way, I was so drained. Yesterday we got off the plane, and as soon as we got our luggage we were greeted by the Mission President and his wife and the assistants. We then went to the van in the freezing rain and we were given the biggest apple I had ever seen!! They were huge! We then drove to Harlem! and we did what they call fearlissing. They dropped us off on a corner where a bunch of missionaries were and one of them grabbed one of us and we were told to go talk to people and give people pass along cards. I was scared as could be, this is new york! And the people are not the same as they are in arizona. Big Culture shock. I am sitting in a room right now, and no one is speaking english! I had to talk to a man in spanish yesterday fearlissing and I had know clue if he understood anything I said. We also talked to a lady and she agreed to call for a book of mormon. We gave out lots of pass along cards. IT was a great experience. After we headed to the mission home. It is such an awesome home. It is huge and so cool! I will have to take pictures if I ever go back there. I have no clue if I ever will. We had an amazing dinner and had a good night with the Mission president and his wife. This morning we had the transfer meeting. They had us stand up and introduce ourselves and say what zoo animal we would be if we got the choice, I had no clue, so I Said a porcupine. (Strange, I Know) My first companion is named Elder Rowley! He seems like awesome elder. I have no clue how long he has been out, because they told us never to talk about it. I can definately learn alout from him. He speaks the language really well. We are in an area called Washington Heights in North Manhattan above Harlem. We took the subway to get here from the Chapel!! That was weird. The area we are in is almost entirely Dominican. There are no white people. So I am going to be speaking all spanish!! :) Thats going to be so frustrating, but so rewarding. Our apartment is kind of crazy. It is really old and really cramped and messy. It could really use some work. It is on the sixth floor of a six story building. And you can see the empire states building way off in the distance. We live with another companionship whom I have not met yet. But he says that they are awesome. I am excited to start the work here. He says that they have a baptism in two weeks. Crazy. I am told that I will get over fed, and will have a hard time adjusting to the food. It will be quite the experience. I dont know how long he will be my companion, because he has been in this area for four transfers. So who knows. I think that I will hit a big stumbling block with the language, but thats okay, that is how we learn and improve. Pretty exciting here! Its so fast paced and busy and traffic is crazy. We just walk everywhere or just take the bus

The Garden November 8 2008

Charles Winborg Ames-September 19, 1929 - March 18, 2005

Kamrie, your Grandpa Ames was a veteran. He would be so proud of you. Your grandpa really loved you!

Our "Star Spangled Girl" Kamrie Sings the National Anthem

Kamrie sang the National Anthem at the school's Veteran's Day Assembly. She did it so well and with remarkable poise and a beautiful voice. She is a talented young lady. Her Grandpa Ames, a veteran himself, would be very proud of her.

Kamrie's Young Women in Excellence Project

Kamrie sang "The Star Spangled Banner" for her Young Women's Value Project and will also be singing it for an Veteran's Day assembly at school. She sings very well.

Jacie's Young Women in Excellence Value Project

Jacie is learning American Sign Language and for her Young Women's Value Project she learned how to sign the Young Women's Theme: Stand for Truth & Righteousness. She photographed Torie's hands to signify CTR for Choose The Right

Sam's Produce

Radishes from the garden

Sam's Inspirational Quotes

"Get up, Get ready, and Grow!"

CHOOSE THE RIGHT

RIGHT!

CHOOSE THE RIGHT

THE

CHOOSE THE RIGHT

CHOOSE

The Healthiest Tomato Vines In Arizona

Just need some tomatoes now!
There are a few one them.

Carl's Garden

Our Missionary

Elder Ames with President and Sister Searle

Halloween 2008

Okay, here we are on Halloween at our ward's trunk or treat. We have Cruella De Jacie, Hannah Kamrie, Jasper the Dog Napper Carl, Miss Liberty Torie, and Dalmation London.

****SAM the YAM returns home****

After being gone since last evening, SAM the YAM was returned by the yamnappers this afternoon. They pulled a slick one, asking me to go to the church to meet at 14:00. However, once we arrived there, they were to chicken to meet me face to face. I went home and found that SAM had been dropped off on the tailgate of the truck. I was indeed a happy reunion to have SAM back safe at home. The yamnappers got away without being seen. We hope to find them soon and bring justice to this felony.

***YAMNAPPER MAKES CONTACT VIA TEXT MESSAGING***

Typical of one form of communication in this day in age, the Yamnapper has made contact earlier today with Sam's owner via text messages. Sam was reported to be doing fine but that the ransom was still not yet taken care of. Of course, the silly yamnapper up until now had failed to let us know where or how to make contact with him (yes, it is a him). He then indicated that I was to drop of the ransom request, Randelle Radish and Jean Bean, at the church and not come back until after 18:00 this evening. Then he texted back and had a change of plans. He wanted me to meet him at the church at 14:00 this afternoon and Sam would be returned. My goal was to remain firm in making him return Sam directly back home, so we shall see what transpires.
More on the Sam the Yam Napping as it unfolds. This has become a state wide story as yamnapping has become more and more prevalent.

****YAM SIGHTING****

Sam the Yam was sighted on 75th Ave and Peoria area. He was attacking the yamnappers with his ferocious leaves and strapping body. Hopefully the nappers will survive the time they will have Sam in their possession. Peoria Police are sending a special force out to bring him safely back.