Primary Program

Our Ward Primary Program was today. The theme was "My Eternal Family". It was wonderful! This is the first year in a while that I haven't sat on the stand with a class or been in charge and stressed. It was so nice to just watch and enjoy! All three girls participated, with this being Kenzie's first year. They each did SUPER on their speaking parts! Of course, being a Mom, I was so proud and had my big smile and eyes glued on the cutest kids up there!:) I got quite a few thumbs up signs from Kenzie. I have always loved serving in Primary. Listening to the children this morning reminded me why...I love Primary songs! The spirit that is felt through the beautiful songs is powerful. My testimony has been strengthened from this amazing presentation. I am so grateful for the simple truths that are taught in Primary.

Just Tubing Around

Our good friends, the Sharp family, invited us to spend an evening full of fun at one of their families favorite get away spots. We, along with the O'Dell family as part of our caravan, headed down South towards Yuba Lake yesterday after school. We were all looking forward to it! Aaron's family owns property on which they have built really nice cabins, bathrooms, a lodge and pavilion, but the best part was...a river runs through it. It's a great spot! Shortly after checking out the place, we got tubes and kayaks and headed to the river before the sun went down. The river was pretty low, so it was a muddy mess getting in. Kenzie totally freaked out, but that didn't stop us. We eventually all got situated and absolutely enjoyed floating slowly down the river. Who knew tubing could be so fun!?! We finished the night with a yummy BBQ and gathered around the camp fire to make Smores. We loved the company of friends and can't wait for the next invite!:)

We Got Spirit

We got spirit, yes we do...we got spirit, how 'bout you? We have been feeling the excitement that our new high school has brought to the community! The past couple of weeks we've been to football games, volleyball games, and I've even been to a tennis match. It has been so fun to support some of the girls in my Mia Maid group. I decided that to really show our spirit I needed to invest in school shirts for the whole family. I figured we would be able to wear them for years to come, so it was worth it. Another way we show our spirit is to stomp our feet with others in the stands and really feel the "Thunder". We love hooting and hollering for our team. It excites me to think that in the near future I could be watching and cheering for my own children!

Go Westlake Thunder!

Family Prayer Participant

It used to be that when we said our family prayers Matt or I would say them. As time has passed and the kids have gotten older, we each take a turn, including Kenzie. She has always needed help from someone. When she prays she says a few words out of the sentence that has been recited to her...it's so cute. Well, last night, it was Kenzie's turn and for the first time she wanted to say the prayer "all myself", as she says it. When she ended the sweet prayer, I looked around and we all had the biggest smiles ever, especially her! It was priceless! Rarely does Kenzie stay on her knees with her arms folded, head bowed, and eyes closed through the entire prayer, so I was surprised that she stated some of the same things that the rest of us do in our prayers. She obviously pays attention!:) It is so fun to watch this brave little girl as she becomes comfortable with doing things on her own. I am so thankful for her example and her sweet spirit. As the youngest, she is such an important part of our family!

Silly Little Girl

Karley is so funny! I knew that her and Kenzie were out front riding their bikes. They love doing that and Karley is such a good helper in keeping an eye on her sister. I went to check on them and about died laughing when I saw Karley. She looked hilarious with her cousin's hat on backwards and 3-D glasses on! I love that she is happy with just being herself. She can keep herself entertained no matter where she is...even on a bike. Karley has a gift for making people laugh and thrives at the challenge to make it happen. For instance, just this morning as I was doing her hair for school, she said the hand that wears her CTR ring is Mormon and the other hand isn't. She always has something funny to say...she's a riot!

I love you SILLY Karley! Thank you for putting a smile on my face everyday!

Goats, Horses, And Dinos Oh My

It was the last day to use free coupons to Farm Country and the Dinosaur Museum, and when I asked who wanted to join me, it was just the girls who were interested. I will take just girl time anyday! These are places we have been a lot, but it is always fun going again. I enjoyed letting the girls take as much time as they wanted and not rushing them through. It was fun!

Feeding the goats corn kernels...watch your fingers!

Gotta love pony rides!
Silly girls!

We love the fun "hands-on" activities at the Dinosaur Museum.

There is so much to do and see.