New Beginnings "Live Like You Believe" Marathon

We held our annual Young Women's New Beginnings last week. What a great event! My sweet friend, Jana, helped me put together the cutest activity! We chose to have a marathon theme and all the girls came in casual clothes and their running shoes. We started in the RS room and "introduced the runners" and the purpose of Young Womens. We had a special highlight on the girls turning 12 and entering YW, which happens to be my Natalie! It's crazy she's that old!





We then went to our 1st leg of the marathon and went down the hall to another room and had a lesson on our theme this year: the 13th article of faith. It was a darling lesson on the 13 different steps we need to take (along our marathon) through the 13th article of faith.





We then went to another room and had the 2nd leg of the race: endurance. We had a great talk about the importance of enduring and stretching and realizing our potentials and that we have to live like we believe to be able to reach our goals.




Then we went to another room and had leg 3: the aid station, The Savior. I had the opportunity to talk to the girls about how we all need help along our marathons and that's when we need to turn to our Savior.


We then wrapped back around the church to the finish line and the bishop spoke to the girls and wrapped up the evening.

We had water bottles, granola bars, and gogurts for dessert. It was such a great night and the spirit was really strong. I usually hate being in charge of big events like this, but it was so well put together that I was really excited to be a part of it! It was a wonderful experience and I hope it helped strengthen the girls' testimonies.

Invention Convention

Each year the 5th graders participate in the "Invention Convention". The idea is to take a problem, and create a solution for it. Natalie chose the "Late Night Book Light" as her invention, because she likes to read in bed at night, but hates to hold up the book and get out of bed to turn off the light. Phil helped her create this invention, and it was a huge success. People seemed quite impressed by Nat's idea.



Thanks, Dad, for helping with the parent project! Mom is very appreciative! And way to go, Nat! Great idea!

Visiting Grandpa

On Valentine's Day we stopped over to see Grandpa and take him some Valentine treats. We happened to be there when his favorite clock struck on the hour. It plays a tune and pieces turn in a circle. It sure tickles Grandpa each hour and he loves to share it with his family. We sure love Grandpa and are thankful for him in our lives. We miss Grandma since she passed away last summer and hope we get to have Grandpa around for a while! He's a tough old man with a great big heart. Each time we visit he tells us, with tears in his eyes, how he's never felt pain like losing his sweetheart. He loves his family so much and is a great example of love, faith, and courage. We love you, Grandpa!


The Girls watching Grandpa's clock

The Proud Mama

There are just some moments in life that make me so proud to me a mom. These are some of them...




James ran track again this year and made it to the District Qualifying Meet. I am so proud of him because a few years ago, I never would have dreamed he would even be interested in track. Now he's doing so well with it and even signed up for it as a class next year in High School. He amazes me with his talents and abilities. I am so impressed by his determination and will to improve himself.

The girls took dance again this year and it seems that a recital doesn't start without my tears starting, too. Somehow, seeing my beautiful girls on stage brings a deep emotion in me. They have both improved so much this year and I love to watch them dance, even when it's just at home in the living room.



These are some of my true joys!

Beauty School Beauties

While we were in St. George a few weeks ago with my parents, Nick & Carri, and Jeff & Jenny, Carri scheduled for all the little girls to go to the Beauty School and get makeovers. They had so much fun getting their hair done and their nails painted. I got to chase Lexi and Ava while Carri and Jenny got pedicures. It was a fun day. We had a great time down there while the men golfed. The weekend was filled with food, shopping, basketball, massages, and golf, of course. It was great to get away for a few days. We love the property down there and the opportunities we have to go visit!

HALLOWEEN FUN!

This afternoon we got together with Grandma, Carri, Lexie, Jami, and Kate for some Halloween activities. The kids had a great time. Grandma bought t-shirts that the kids decorated themselves and then we made yummy spider cookies! It was a fun time together with the cousins. All the kids love this fun holiday. Next Monday we get to go to Shane's brother's house for a haunted house. We're so excited!!

I'm online!

I'm so excited to finally be blogging! I have some great friends who are big "bloggers" and have been big motivators to get this thing going. I'm looking forward to sharing our family with others and be able to have a place to journal for myself.

James, Lauren, and Natalie were being goofy when we went out to dinner to celebrate James' birthday the other night. I thought this funny pic shows their fun personalities and their close relationship.