Congratulations Kirsten!!!!!

My friend Kirsten just announced to the world that she is pregnant again with TWINS!!!!!!! When I was in Young Women's as an advisor she was one of my girls. I just can't believe how much she has grown up to be such an awesome mother!!! She has a little boy and girl, but now she will add two more. I couldn't be happier for you. Here she is with her cute little girl {I}.

A visit to the Library

Today I took the kids to the local library so we could return our books, which were due today. They headed off to look for new exciting books, for new exciting adventures. My kids love to read. My Oregon friends notice Spencer's shirt. He is a Duck fan through and through, but is still very loyal to Arizona State University. It is fun to watch him, Hunter, and Doug watch football when the ducks and devils are playing. Taylor really loves to read, just like her older sister. Reading isn't Hunters favorite thing to do, but he doesn't mind it. Jessica told me she was not going to check out any books today, because she has books at home she just bought and has not read them yet. Also, she is leaving for girls camp on Monday. Well she just can not resist picking up a book and reading it. She ended up getting four books. She is my bookworm through and through. She LOVES to read. In fact we actually ground her from reading. Laugh all you want to, but she loves to read that much and we use it as a form of punishment for her. It speaks really loudly. She also thinks that we are the only parents in the world who grounds their child from reading. But Doug's older sister Katherine grounds her son from reading too. So it must run in the genes for the love of reading.

Hunter's knee surgery

Hunter had to have knee surgery last September. It was just the beginning of the football season. He had to sit out the whole season. He tore his menial meniscus. Which is the outside of his knee. He is shooting basketball before surgery. They let me walk him back into the actual operating room and hold his hand until he started to fall asleep from the anesthesia. Then they started the iv on him. He did not feel a thing and was a real trooper. It was harder on me than it was on him. He was in surgery for about 45minutes. Then they took him back to the recovery room where I joined him. It didn't take long before he started to feel sick from the anesthesia. They were so kind to him giving him cold rags to put on his head. He was so tired and groggy. He went home from surgery on crutches and the next day he was off of them. The doctor couldn't believe he was off so quickly. He started physical therapy two days later and only had to do it for four weeks instead of six. He surpassed what the Dr thought. This picture is of him when they took the bandage off for the first time at physical therapy. They made three tiny incisions and that was all. They did have to cut away some of the cartilage, but he is 100% back to normal. He did have to sit out of basketball, but he was able to do baseball and now is back in football. Hopefully he will be able to have a great season, with no injuries.

Random things

The other night I could not sleep and I went to the living room to find this sight. I just had to grab my camera and take a picture. We let them stay up and watch a movie and they all fell asleep, but they were all on the floor. Well Taylor is halfway off of the ottoman and both of the boys are on the love seat. These couches are very deep so they both fit easily. Hunter is just to tall. Jessica was at her friends house spending the night. We decided to stain our deck on Tuesday, since we were going to have nice DRY weather with no humidity for three days. We took advantage and this is the end result. Doug wanted brown, but I wanted more red so we compromised and it is perfect. It looks more brown in this picture, but it definitely has red in it. I made Doug Baked Alaska for Father's Day. Here is what it looked liked just before I baked it. It turned out really good, but for how long it takes to make, cake and ice cream is just as good. That is pretty much all it is with a meringue on top. We ran out of stain and had to wait until the next day to get some more, because we bought all the stain they had. It ended up taking 5 and 1/2 gallons of stain. I did not put the pictures in the right order, but I did not feel like redoing it and I don't know how to rearrange them after I have downloaded them. If you know how, please let me know.

Happy Father's day

Happy Father's day to my husband. His father passed away when he was seven years old and so he did not have an example of a father very long growing up. He turned out to be such an amazing father. When most men have hobbies of their own like golf, cars, or just hanging out with their buddies. Doug's number one hobby is his family. Don't get me wrong his hobbies are still sports, but he always put his family first no matter what. He is there for everything thing if he can be. I love him dearly with all of my heart. I hope you have a fantastic father's day, you deserve it. I love you! This is my dad, who is also a great father. He loves us unconditionally and is so compassionate and loving. He is always willing to serve. Besides his family his passion is golf and he loves it. I love you dad! I hope you have a great Father's day! I miss you.

Surprise!!!!

Since I was put in as Young Womens president two weeks ago. One of the first things I wanted to do was kidnap all of the girls for breakfast. We did this last friday morning after getting back from the race track at 11:30pm. We kidnapped them all at 7am and brought them back to my house. Now all of the girls were not available for kidnapping, because of jobs but we had the majority. We let the girls make their own waffles. We had strawberries, blueberries, chocolate chips, whip cream, and syrup for the waffles. Then we had bacon and sausage on the side. With a nice glass of orange juice or milk. We had all of the girls fill out a survey so we could get to know them a little more. We also had the camp director come over and go over camp preperation for girls camp. We all had a great time. I hope the girls will remember this forever.

YW/YM at the race track

So for Young women's last week we were combined with the young men. We all went to the Atlanta Motor Speedway to watch two of our Young Men race. They do this professionally, but for fun. It was the hottest day of the year so far, but once the sun went down it was perfect. we didn't get home until 11:30pm. Jessica and Hunter at the races. Here is the majority of our youth group that went. Here is I am with my sidekick Laura, who is also my 1st counselor in Young Women's. This is Shawn during the race making a lap. I believe they go around twenty times. Here is his brother Dallin, they are twins. His cars gears got stripped and he had to be carted off of the track. It was fun to be able to support these boys in what they do. They have come to Jessica's softball games with posters in tow and cheered her on.

Very blessed & grateful

My heart has been so full these past couple of months that I am not sure where to begin except at the beginning. This might be long, but bare with me. Back in January I was serving as 1st counselor in the Primary Presidency and the Primary President, who also happens to be a great friend of mine, Sara. Her and I had been talking about me not being in Primary for very long and that she knew she would have to let me go one day. I told her that I had been feeling like I was going to serve in Young Women's. I didn't know in what capacity, but that I felt that I would be called into Young Women's. Well, several months pasted and I did not think anymore of it. Then in March I felt really strong that I was going to serve in YW (young women's). Doug and I talked about it and he had a feeling too. I went with the youth in our ward to the Temple to do Baptism's for the Dead. It was Hunter's first time and I wanted to be there. While I was in the temple with the girls I felt strongly again that I was going to serve with the YW, but as the President. I said a prayer in my heart and asked if I was going to be the next YW President. The spirit testified to me that I was to serve the girls and youth. I talked to Doug about this and we continued to talk about it for the next month. The middle of April one of my best friends from Oregon Laurie, called me on the phone. She had asked me to go to Women's Conference with her for the past 7 years and I have not been able to go. She asked me to go this year back in October of 2007, then again this past January. I told her I was not able to. Then again in April she called and tried one more time. She told me that the Spirit told her to ask one more time. Doug and I talked about it and Doug thought that I should go and that we could work everything out. Now mind you Jessica was in the county track meets the week she called. I told her it depended on how she did. Well, Jessica made it to the divisionals, and then to the finals in her division. If she placed in the finals in her division, then she would be going to State which was held on April 30th, and May 1st. Well, that is when Women's Conference at BYU was held. So Thursday night April 24th Jessica ran her track meet and did really well with doing her Personal Best in each of her races, but it did not qualify her to go to state. So on the way home from the track meet I called my friend Laurie and told her that I was coming to Women's conference. She was in shock, but so excited, but kept telling me I better not be teasing her and asking me Are you kidding? So I made the arrangements, but I could not get a flight on the correct days, so once again my loving husband wanted me to go he said just go a day earlier and a day later. It was settled I was to leave Tuesday April 29th and to return on Monday May5th. I was going to be gone five days. Then on Sunday April 27th the Executive Secretary asked if we would meet with the Bishop right after church. I knew what this was about, but then it could have been anything. We sat in his office and I offered a prayer, then he asked me "We would like for you to be the YW President!" I started to cry and tears were shed by all. The spirit was so strong. I told the Bishop that "I knew that I was going to be getting this calling." Doug told him that "I knew for over a month." The Bishop said that "I was a light in the world and that I live in the world, but not of the world and that I am a good example." I knew who I wanted to serve with already, but I took the week to pray and fast and ask the Lord who he wanted to serve with me and the YW. Here is my itinerary for the next week: Tuesday: Left for airport, Doug flew in from AZ at 3pm and my flight left at 5:15pm. I drove to the airport and I picked Doug up at the curb, and I got out at the same time. We said our goodbyes and I was off. I did not get to Utah and to my hotel till 11:20pm that night. Wednesday: I got up early and went to the Salt Lake Temple to do a session. It was 80 degrees on Tuesday when I got in and by the next morning it had dropped to the 3o's. It was cold, and it ended up snowing later that day. After the Temple I still had a couple of hours to kill, before I met Laurie, so I went to the Joseph Smith Building and saw the movie "Joseph Smith". It was very powerful, and it testified to me of the faith Joseph Smith had to ask the Lord in prayer what church to join. I took a shuttle from my hotel back to the airport. I know that sounds silly, but I was to meet my friend there, because she had rented a car and Women's Conference was in Provo at BYU. I was so thrilled to see her again. It had been four years and it was just like yesterday. We always pick up where we left off. Thursday: Our first day of classes. I of course chose classes all about young women's and how I can better my relationships with them. To teach them the gospel standards. Here we are waiting in line to get into a class. Later that day I was able to go to a class given by the new YW General Presidency. They had just be called back in March. They were new and so am I. There class was wonderful. I was on the same page as they were. I felt that we needed to get back to the basics and teach the Gospel Standards to get the girls to the Temple one day. After the class I went and talked to the 2nd Counselor Sister Ann Dibbs who gave me the biggest hug and gave me some personal advice on being the new YW President. She told me to put all other books away and pick up the scriptures. I was in heaven just to meet her, but for her to give me advice was wonderful. She told me many things, but that is what really stuck with me. Later that evening Laurie and I went to do service. We started out making homemade cards for the troops in the military, to be able to send to there loved ones. Those who know me know how much I love doing this kind of thing. I cranked out 25 cards in 30 minutes. Then we decided to try a different service. As we were walking to another building I saw Sister Mary Cook the 1st counselor in the general YW Presidency. I told her about my new calling and she asked me to email her so she could give me something. (I have emailed her, but I have not heard back yet) She also gave me a big hug and great advice. Then we were off again to make Christmas stockings. We sewed up the sides and decorated the fronts really cute. As we were doing this the service fairies came around and gave us 10th row tickets to the concert that evening. We were not going to go to the concert, but with such great tickets we went and it was a blast. Then we went back to our hotel and hit TGI Fridays for a late night snack. Took it back to our room and talked and talked till we were exhausted. Friday we attended more classes. At the end of the day in our last session the Prophet was going to speak to us. When President Thomas S. Monson walked in the room, everything fell silent except for our singing. He sat down, and we all started to sing We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet. I of course bawled and there were not many dry eyes in the place of 20 thousand woman. The spirit was very strong. This was an amazing experience for me, I had never been in the presence of the Prophet before. He is truly the prophet of God, for our time and dispensation. I left feeling so spiritually uplifted that I can't wait to be able to go again next year. The next morning Laurie and I went our separate ways. My sister-in-law Tricia who lives in Provo was gracious enough to come and pick me up from the hotel. I stayed the next two night with their family. They treated me like a queen. I loved every minute of it. Here is a picture of my nephews and their sister. Dalton,Haley,Joshua,&Caleb. I had so much fun playing with the boys and holding Haley. they have a beautiful house and I had my own bedroom down in the basement, in fact I had the whole basement to myself. I started to get sick on Friday night and by Saturday I did not have much of a voice. You all know how much I love to talk. Saturday night Tricia and Damon took me out to a yummy dinner. Then we went tot he LDS bookstore, rent a movie, then we got ice cream. While we were at the ice cream place, I ran into my 3rd cousin Connie. It was so funny to be in another state and at the right place at the right time. We went home and watched a movie on their big screen, and I mean they have an actual movie theater screen. It was awesome to watch.

Sunday I woke up feeling horrible and two of my nephews and little Haley were sick too. Tricia and I stayed home with them form church and just had a very relaxing day. Monday morning my sister in law took me to the airport and I was off. I was glad to see my family once again. I thanked my husband for being so thoughtful of me by working everything out so I could go on this wonderful and spiritual trip. I am blessed and grateful.

I have a testimony of this gospel. I know that it is true. I am thankful for a Prophet here on this earth to guide us in these latter days. I am thankful the Prophet Joseph Smith. I am thankful for a loving husband who honors his priesthood and who is truly my best friend. I am thankful for each one of my children and what they bring into my life. I am thankful for my new calling and I know that if I have faith and ask the Lord to guide me I will know what to do. I am thankful for good parents who raised me in the gospel. I am thankful for great friends to lean on and who support me, even with my crazy ideas. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Diamonbacks vs Braves

We took the kids and their friends to a baseball game last Saturday. It was a perfect day to take in a baseball game. We of course chose to go to a Braves game when the Diamondbacks were in town. We are still Diamondback fans, even though they are not doing so well this year. Taylor did not want to go to the game, because she was invited to her best friends house. It was a hot day, but as you can see we are under the terrace and was shaded the whole game. There was a breeze the entire time. It was pretty much perfect. Jessica and her best friend Alyssa, with Spencer sneaking in the shot. Doug and I love to watch games together, especially watch our children watch the excitement of it all. The Spencer & Ryan enjoying a nice big snow cone that left them with blue mouths all day. Hunter and Stanton came away with red mouths, which did not stay as long as the blue.

Awards

Taylor received two awards in her classroom. One was voted on by her peers and that was that she was the most respectful in her class. Her teacher told me that she was voted for in so many of the categories, but the teacher could only pick one for her and said she could not get everything. Spencer received the TOPS award for the whole third grade. Today's Outstanding Pupil Spotlighted is what TOPS stands for. There are over 180 kids in third grade. The nine 3rd grade teachers all got together and had to pick one student in 3rd grade to receive this award. The student had to have good citizenship, great character, hard working, good academically, and just an all around great student. Spencer was chosen. He was actually chosen back in December and was announced on the radio, newspaper, and local magazine. He just received his award and a pin for it at the end of the year. I was sure a proud parent. He also received a national physical fitness award for commitment to and achievement in physical fitness. Another award was a Silver attendance award for missing less than three days of school. None of my children have ever earned any kind of attendance award. He also was voted on by his peers as the most Honest Student in his class. Spencer had a great year and loved his teacher who challenged him everyday.