Happy Birthday, Carter

Today is our nephew, Carter's, birthday.
He is such a sweet boy. Ethan loves to play games with him when we visit his house in Utah. We wish we could be there to see one of your football games, Carter. we love you! Happy birthday.

School Report

Ethan hopped off the bus today with a huge smile on his face. Ella ran up to hug him and Ethan looked so proud. The first thing he said was "There were some sad things and some happy things today." I was worried, until he sad the sad part was the he never got to eat his granola bar I snuck into his backpack. I guess that's not too worrisome. Ethan said, "I was very brave today and I asked three kids if they wanted to be my friends." I was so happy that Ethan was outgoing and confident. He said, "I don't remember their names, but atleast they are my friends now." My heart is at peace, knowing that he feels safe and happy about school. I teased with my friend that Ethan left this morning for Kindergarten, next thing I know he'll be coming home with his cap and gown. I am glad that Ethan is growing up, but I am happy that he's still my little boy too. I love him so much and I love watching him grow.

Off to school...

Here's my little big boy!

Well, after so many back-to-school days, orientation days, meet your teacher days, I thought I was ready for him to go to school. I am ready. He is ready. Ella is not ready. As my little man hopped out of the car (he was dying to ride the bus, but the bus didn't show up so I got to take him- thank you!) and the teacher took him in, I cried a little inside- Ella cried on the outside. I couldn't be sad for too long because he is so excited to go to school, he could hardly keep from giggling in the back seat whenever he saw a bus. A couple of snags, he didn't wear what I wanted him to and the bus didn't show. Other than that, he was happy, excited and "ready to go to school to get some knowledge"- Finding Nemo. I can't wait to pick him up at the bus stop and hear all about it...

Happy Birthday, Lori

I hope you have a wonderful year. You are a beautiful woman. Go out and celebrate. Eat LOTS of cake and know you are loved. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

90210 Revisited

Just in case you didn't get enough back then...Here it is again! Hilarious. You know you want to take a peek... just to see.

Speaking of Preparing...

Kent and I took the kids school shopping to get Ethan some new jeans.
It wasn't a total loss, Ethan did find a backpack that he loves so much he had to wear it on our walk last night. He also found four shirts that pretty much look exactly the same (I was so preoccupied at the store, I didn't see the shirts he picked out until we got home). We did, however, have a problem finding pants that would fit. Ethan has such a small waist with long,skinny legs. The size 5 were a little too short, while the size 6 were drowning him. Has anyone tried the slim jeans at Old Navy or Gap? I'm wondering if it's worth the trip (remember, I live in the middle of nowhere). I thought I'd get some opinions first...?

Prepare Every Needful Thing

Today at church we were reminded of the importance of preparedness and self reliance. This has been on my mind a lot lately. So it hit home with our sacrament meeting message of temporal, financial and spiritual preparedness. In Sunday school we had a combined meeting with the men and women about being ready with our food storage and other needs to take care of our families in case of any sort of emergency. As natural disasters, and otherwise, happen around us, I take comfort in knowing that my Heavenly Father has given us the proper tools and resources to prepare for whatever will come. We are in the last days before our Savior will come back. I know that if we are prepared physically and spiritually, we will be ready for that day. We are here at this time for a reason. I hope I can prepare my children for what lies ahead for them in their lives. I saw this clip from Youtube on my friend's blog and wanted to post it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqaesQ2EE8w

Weddings, Baptisms and Anniversaries

I am honored that I have been asked to take pictures of a family in our ward for their parent's 50th wedding anniversary, their daughter's baptism, and their new grandchildren. This is the same family that I was able to be a part of their daughter's wedding. I am thankful for the church and for my ward family. I have had the honor of being an intimate part of this family's life that I deeply respect. Today I was able to take pictures of their entire family of almost 40 people! Their were four generations that I photographed. It was satisfying to be see this amazing family and their dynamics with one another. Thank you for letting me be a part of your special events. It makes me look forward to the wonderful memories I will make with my children. I hope they don't mind if I share a FEW of my favorites...(for now)...

Football Season Begins

This post is for Kent.
I really don't have much to say, except maybe "I'll see you next spring, Kent."
GO COUGARS!

GO GATORS!

Happy Birthday, Wally

I couldn't ask for a better man for my sister. He is gentle, caring and fun. Thank you Wally for putting up with me. I am thankful Camille has you in her life. You are a great addition to our family. I hope you have a wonderful birthday. You deserve it.