My baby is growing up!

D turned 12 this week! Although the actual day didn't seem that significant, everything else is. We started his day at 6:50 with a visit from Bishop Wadsworth. He kindly arranged for D to receive the priesthood that morning before he went to work so he could go to the temple the next day. That was very exciting, and D has been looking forward to that, and getting himself ready to receive the priesthood. He is such a good boy, and continues to amaze me in his understanding of the gospel, and his awareness of the spirit. Not too long ago he came to me crying and said he didn't feel good about going to a friends house. (He had not been there before.) He really wanted to go, but knew he shouldn't. I had been busy with camp stuff among other things, and apparently not paying attention. I am so thankful for his worthiness to recognize the spirit, and follow its promptings. There seems to be time and time again when he is blessed for his faithfulness, and his sincere prayers. We are so lucky to have him in our family. He is a hard worker, thoughtful, smart, funny, and loving young man.
That evening G and I took D and Reed and Carissa out to dinner and to an Aces baseball game. I think they had fun.
On Saturday our whole family went to the temple. I have been looking forward to all being there for a long time. I always felt bad when we would leave D home while the rest of us went in for baptisms. But today, we all were there...I look forward to many more days like that... A little taste of heaven.
Today D will get to pass the sacrament for the first time. A new suit is definitely in order for that. Hopefully he will let me take a picture. I really wanted a picture yesterday of all of us at the temple, but when we left, not a soul was around. A great weekend not only for D, but for me, the Mom as well.

Good things:
1. Being in the temple with everyone
2. A worthy family
3. Growing up (sad too)

The rest of the family

While B and I were at camp, everyone else was busy as well. G had the unpleasant experience of working all week, and being home alone. He didn't think that was much fun, and I think even appreciates all the noise and messes the rest of us make. I was happy to see him too, I missed him not coming up to join me for testimony meeting and clean up.
D had the time of his life with his cousins. They did all the things he and boys love. Camping, 4 wheeling, shooting, and various other things he could not get enough of. He asked to stay just one more day. Thanks, to those who made that possible, and did lots of extra driving, and cooking to feed a growing boy.
K went to Hawaii with her dance team. They had four performances, and taught workshops. They also had lots of free time for going to the Polynesian Cultural Center, which was her favorite thing, and snorkeling, Pearl Harbor, surfing, visiting the temple, and just enjoying the beach. She had a great time and is trying to talk us into Hawaii for spring break.
With everyone going there separate ways for even a week, I can see how the dynamics of our family are about to change.

Young Women Camp

I went to camp June 14-18. This time with only one daughter, B. It seemed strange to not have K with us, but I guess daughters grow up, and can't be in YW forever. G didn't get to join us either because he had to work. I also missed the Austin's due to health, and a counselor, Kenna, and her husband due to back surgery...The things people do to get out of camp! And although they were missed, we did survive without them, but had to work extra to fill their jobs, as they all just pitch in to do whatever is needed. I love help like that!
I was a bit worried about the weather situation because of the cold spring, but left it in God's hands knowing I couldn't do a thing about it...And just like always, He took care of us and gave us beautiful weather. Many from our stake went up the Saturday before and shoveled snow out of the ampitheatre and off tent pads. There were still piles around when we got there and a little mud. The days were warm and the nights cold, but I took extra blankets, and slept warmer than ever.
The theme this year was "stolen" from my sister..."Got Courage?" We focused on having the courage to stand up for what is right, and how those good decisions will lead us to the temple. The leaders were wonderful. They all took such good care of their young women. And did some really great things to teach about courage and the temple. We had great speakers, fireside, workshops, and devotionals. To all who took part, any part in the planning of camp, I thank you. It could not happen with one person. I have such great people to work with, who love the young women, and want them to feel the spirit. I know the young women felt the spirit in not only an amazing testimony meeting, but as they participated in workshops, learning, and team building experiences. My prayer is that they continue to feel and recognize the spirit in their lives, and they make the small changes that will keep them on the path to return to our Heavenly Father.

Dilemma(sp?)

So here is my most recent dilemma...I have been doing two thing for the last 9 months that take a considerable amount of my time. I have done it not because I wanted to necessarily, because I have felt an obligation to, let's just say the "community." I have now come to the conclusion that I am under appreciated, and no one seems to notice my "good works." Now understand, I don't feel entitled to a grand thank you, or anything of that sort, but a genuine heartfelt thank you would be a nice gesture. So without going into further detail not fit for public viewing, I have a decision to make for the future...Do I continue with the obligations knowing that no one will notice, I will again be under appreciated, and get over it, or do I simply say "no thank you" next time with no explanation, and feel guilty for being a non-supportive parent? Please help me out with your comments. I know I am not the only one who has felt this way. My new goal is to make sure those who help me out are thanked and let know of my appreciation.

Good things:
1. knowing someone appreciates you
2. those who say "thanks"
3. friends who listen to me ramble

K my Graduate!

G and K
Mason, K and Kai

B, K, and D

Me and K

G giving K her diploma

K talking about retiring teachers, her Grandma G

K singing "Don't Stop Believing"

K and Lauren, Senior President and Vice President

Leading the Graduates

Wow, could it really be that K graduated from high school already? Wasn't it just yesterday she had her kindergarten graduation? I just can't hang on to the time...It seems to get away from me. How did my shy tiny preschooler turn into a confident beautiful intelligent young woman? Although I am not ready to admit it happened, it did. She is ready to face to world and go out on her own. She will be fine...she knows who she is. Thanks to all who have supported and taught her...It really does take a village to raise a child. I am so proud of all that she has become, and will continue to become. She has worked so hard in, and excelled in many aspects of high school, academics, sports, music, leadership. I know she will continue to make me proud and will find success and happiness in her future. I love you. Be who you are and you will be happy.

I forgot!

About posting good things. And I do have some, I just forgot.
Good things:
1. Rains that come AFTER the party
2. Boys who listen to the still small voice (even if they don't listen to my big loud voice)
3. Daughters who grow up to be strong, confident, beautiful, and make good choices
4. Dads, Moms, and sisters who come and work while they stay at my house
5. A husband who interacts with teenagers