Twelve Already?

This little lady turned 12 years old a few weeks ago. Twelve is a "big" birthday in our home because you enter the Young Women's program at our church. Kadyn's birthday ironically ended up falling on Tues. evening of the New Beginnings program where they welcome all girls turning twelve that year. She celebrated with her good friends the weekend before and then enjoyed presents and ice cream with the family on the evening of her birthday. Everyone in our family would describe Kadyn as the patient, peace maker who aims to please and looks for every opportunity to serve. She has been a ginormous blessing to each one of us and we're so grateful that Heavenly Father placed her in our family as we strive daily to become what He wants us to be. Happy 12th Birthday Kadyn!!

Christmas And New Years '15

Christmas Break was filled with countless wonderful memories. Our decorating tradition of using the kids yearly ornaments to trim the tree is becoming grander by the year, mainly because these kiddos keep getting older! Their ornaments combined now cover the entire tree and then some. Once the house decorated to perfection we spent every moment possible either playing games, watching "Once Upon A Time", running around outside, or cooking up a fun new treat to enjoy. We rung in the New Year with wonderful friends and made note on Jan. 2nd of Haley J's diagnosis into the world of diabetes. Even more importantly, we took the opportunity that day to thank our Heavenly Father for her safety, our lives, and for all our many blessings.

Thanksgiving '15

Thanksgiving entailed lots of great food and fun. We ate, played tons of board games, and held our annual Turkey trot...adding with it this year a mean game of kick ball. We are so very grateful for our many blessings. During the entire month of November for evening prayer, the family member praying would offer a "thankful" prayer. It was a neat experience to listen to the many things our children realize are blessings in their lives. The best part of that experience however has been listening to it continue on in the month of December. Here's to many "thankful" months ahead as well. 

Fabulous Fourteen

Our eldest child turned 14 a few weeks ago. I will no longer refer to her as a "kiddo" on the blog since she has without a doubt grown up into an incredible young lady. Ryley is a fantastic "big" sister and has a talent of making everyone around her feel needed and welcome. She loves to draw and has a few books started that she adds chapters to each week and hopes to one day publish. She starts high school next year and will most likely join the ranks of public education, but her three years of homeschool have not only been a fantastic growing experience for her, but me as well. It's been so rewarding to be her "guide" and watch her increase each year in learning to govern herself. We love her so much and are grateful everyday that she was sent to our family. Happy Birthday Ryley bugs!

Spectacular Seven

This amazing kiddo turned seven a few weeks ago. We were actually on the Disney boat when her big day rolled around so the lucky duck technically received two parties. Haley has brought such joy to all of our lives. She is an amazing example of "doing hard things" and has a smile on her face no matter what obstacle stands in her way. We are so very grateful that she was sent to our family. Happy 7th Haley J!

 Haley in 2010.

Go Cougs!

Our BYU parties continue with great enthusiasm and loyalty. Due to various obligations on the weekends, some parties are big and some parties are small, but make no mistake about it, there will always be a party in honor of our BYU Cougars!