Tuesday, March 31, 2009

A priceless moment...

Elder Richard G. Scott
Chad called as 2nd Counselor in the Stake Presidency

Emotions of...being humbled, overwhelmed, unworthy, honored, scared...

our love goes out to the Maplewood ward and our families...

treasured moments... the children spent quality time with Elder Scott as he wanted to shake hands and visit with each one of them. The love was felt and words were invaluable.
Cade remarked, "Dad, does that mean you're going to be even busier?" Loss of sleep continued... as promises were made that their dad would never be too busy for them.
Emotions and thoughts have been shared...as for now, hang on....enjoy...the ride...

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Sportin' FRIENDS for the BIG day...

Turning SEVEN


" SETHER BUG " is GROWING UP
Psyched and ready for the BIG day...



We just HAD to SING and blow out candles TWICE for an EXTRA BIG wish that was forgotten...



CANDY RACES



STOMPIN' FUN



The Race begins...the balloons go WILD...


Picking teams had its drawbacks since everyone wanted to be TOGETHER!


A CAKE to DIVE into...


No one REALLY was a loser...


Baseball, Dodge ball, Football, and....



Wearing the Balls...



The bases were loaded in Musical TAG



Hey, batter, batter...


Teamwork, friends, treats and fun made this day memorable. I love this age...the simple things that create excitement, the small things that make little eyes light up. Happy Birthday Seth!!! My WISH would be to keep him little....at least for a few more years!


Monday, March 16, 2009

got Hoops?

Colter, Seth & Kobe

Seth LOVED playing ball with his friends this year...
At first Seth wanted to be just a LITTLE taller, but then thought that lowering the hoop by about a foot or two sounded like a better idea. Way to go guys...great teamwork!!!

Sunday, March 15, 2009

VALENTINE boxes

Sweet Surprises were in the mail from Grandma & Grandpa Hawks
Brooklyn LOVES her new bear....and has something to hug while her grandparents are away on a mission. Boxes of chocolates for everyone, a doll, a ball, and even a dress....
Thanks Grandma & Grandpa
A new favorite BEAR now follows us EVERYWHERE!

I got the KEYS

Aaronic Priesthood was given to Jaren today
A very MOMENTOUS occasion...

Family & Friends came to support Jaren in the blessings he was given.

Cinnamon Rolls and jugs of milk were consumed as we visited...

Our Future MISSIONARY

Happy to have so many blessings.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Goals WORTH REACHING for

First Class, Star...
Jaren wondering where he won't stick his Mom
Buttons, pins, awards, merit badges...it's Scout time and I have three boys that want to get their Eagle just like Dad did. I absolutely love this program. The leadership, friendship, and skills learned are helping to mold, provide growth and ample opportunities to my sons lives. I love to see the boys do things that are worthwhile and make them better citizens and people ...

A good squeeze

While working on Citizenship of the Community the boys were definitely all boy and made me laugh as we spent several hours of service work at our local Distribution services hanging and sorting clothing and toys. Articles of clothing were hung on us several times as boys would try to see if you would notice...a Napolean Dynamite shirt was found that we just HAD to buy that said Vote for PEDRO. We found all kinds of treasures and loved serving together.
"We often equate charity with visiting the sick, taking in casseroles to those in need, or sharing our excess with those who are less fortunate. But really, true charity is much, much more. Real charity is not something you give away; it is something that you acquire and make a part of yourself. And when the virtue of charity becomes implanted in your heart, you are never the same again."--Marvin J. Ashton
Hugs...Never ENOUGH
The rewards are simple. Accomplishment and doing hard things...like sleeping in the Scout overnighter in the snow at sub zero temperatures molds us and gets us out of our comfort zone yet, makes us who we are. Hugs....are given along the way, but the friendships that develops and the people we become is well earned. Doing hard things helps us to face the world and gives us the drive to tackle whatever comes our way. The scouting program is remarkable....it helps us to find the strength beyond our own and to do things beyond our reach.