Getting out to Celebrate

Taking time out with a few friends to celebrate birthdays and friendships

Getting out is half the battle and so worth it!!!

Brooklyn however was a little distracted by all the adult conversation and couldn't resist the cute shapes of her mac & cheese....apparently they look better on her fingers as rings instead of in her mouth. What a fun little lunch partner, although I think she still craves the simple home lunch even better. I am enjoying all the tender moments....with lots and lots and lots of hand wipes and sanitizers!!!

Young Women SERVICE

What a fun bunch of girls....

The Beehives of the Young Women program came over to do service in our home...

We decorated loads of cookies and had cards out to make. I think we ate more cookies than we saved!!! The cookies went to homes of the people we Visit and Home Teach. I loved the endless energy and excitement that the youth had as they became so creative and left our home with a great atmosphere that we loved. Thanks girls!!!

Woodbadge

A FEW GREAT MEN

Tyler, Chad, & Trent

The moments that were lost in the home front were made up by the motivation to do better and have inspiration, make goals and become a better leader.

It's kind of funny...I actually thought Woodbadge was a badge where you go and learn woodworking skills....who knew? I had no idea the sacrifices that were made to build better leaders, fathers, mentors were implemented in such a great program. Chad felt very blessed to be among other great men that have taught him along the way, inspired and whom he has grown to love. He loved surrounding himself with such amazing people that continue to teach and allow him to laugh...

I loved that these men had to do "tickets". I loved that Chad wanted to complete the Young Women's Personal Progress and see and feel what the Young Women do, he was so amazed and impressed. Chad memorized the Joseph Smith Story and toggled it back and forth to Jaren on his morning runs as Jaren rode beside him on his bike. My absolute favorite "ticket" was the one that he made for a straight 6 months of a date with ME every week no matter what. Sometimes it was just a walk around the block holding hands...playing tennis....sneaking away in another part of the house...getting out a lot....going places, but being TOGETHER.

The values, the skills, the revitalization of commitment and leadership skills is a once in a lifetime training experience. The common foundation of the leadership skills gained will be used throughout the rest these men's lives. Way to go babe!!!

I'll go inside Someday...

I Love to See the Temple

We visited the Draper Temple Open House and found peace, inspiration and aspirations were found here.

A definite treat to see the temple before it was dedicated.

THE 129th temple

The symbolism and reverence were definitely felt. The exalted and reverent state were expressed. The rooms represented contentment, inner harmony, and peace. I loved the seagull lilies that were placed throughout the building in the tapestry, ceilings, furniture, etc., it reminded me of the Saints and the sacrifices that they made, the same pioneers who left their homeland and traveled by ship, by wagon, by handcart, and on foot to gather with other Latter-day Saints. Everything in the temple testifies of the divinity and sacrifice and teaches us to follow the example of our Saviors love and service.

Chad took the kids to the Distribution Center to pick out their favorite temple. They each picked out where they would love to go...Those pictures are placed inside frames and stand as a reminder in their rooms of where they too can go someday.

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...

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!

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!!!

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.

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.