Oh No...it's that time again!

The beloved 4th grade...it's time again to enjoy the blissful high pitched screech from this lovely recorder! Ellerie will be blessing us with her talents this year! We can hardly wait for the big push to "practicing at home"

Bells Are Ringing!

School Bells

Today was the first day back to school for Kaden, Garrett and Ellerie. Garrett had a short 7th grade day yesterday but today will be his first real day. He was pretty anxious and a bit nervous as well. I'm having a day of "I can't believe they're this old"...

Kaden turns 14!

Okay so Kaden is 14 now and by the looks of this first photo, you can tell what's on his mind! ha ha The Iron Gym is something Dad has been eyeing now for a few months. What a crack up! I guess we'll either have some sweet looking young men and a 5 yr. old soon or it will make a really cool toy for all the neighborhood kids to "swing" on!

Kaden is going into 9th grade! I can't believe he is that old. It's been such a joy to watch him grow into a great young man. I am so proud of him and all his hard work in school, church, music and sports! He is a well rounded young man.

Grandma Smith (aka my mom) sent up this huge clown face pinata! We thought it was such a great addition to his gifts! Here he is waiting to open his presents.

Kaden is probably my most predictable kid. He always picks the same cake and has for the past 4 years; Heath Bar Cake. Here you can see we had to get creative with the candles being it was SUNDAY and I forgot to check my candle stash on Saturday. Oops! Good thing Kaden is a math whiz! He thought it was pretty funny that I put the addition signs inbetween. What a good sport!

Kaden's prized possession- or best gift was the ipod touch he bought with his own money (with a small donation by mom and dad) He really is such a great teenager. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he will continue to keep his positive attitude and pretty good nature. We feel so blessed to have him for our son! Happy Birthday Kado! You are one amazing 14 year old!

Love,

~Mom

Another dedication...

Oquirrah Mountain Temple

Today was not only Kaden's birthday celebration but it was another opportuntiy for us to attend a temple dedication. We feel so blessed to have such a special year. Draper Temple was dedicated on Ellerie's b-day this year, March 22nd, 2009 and then today the Oquirrah Mtn. temple was dedicated. What a special memory that will be for both Kaden and Ellerie.

We attended the 9 a.m. session this morning. It was such a wonderful meeting and all the talks seemed to be just for me. I love it when that happens. It was a remarkable day and one that we will always cherish!

This is One Amazing Woman!

I just had to take the opportunity to share my admiration for this sweet friend of mine! Her name is Shirlene. Her husband was our great Bishop in Gilbert while we lived there. They moved up to Utah just about the time we moved here. It has been so fun getting together with them the past few years. I was fortunate enough to have lunch with Shirlene today and I can't begin to tell you what a wonderful time we had. She is truly amazing! I am so overwhelmed with her positive attitude and her continued faith through out the past year.

Just after Chad had his cancer and was finishing his last week of radiation, I heard the news that Shirlene was diagnosed with breat cancer. Reflecting back on that week last year I now sit in amazment and gratitude for the tender mercies we've experienced over the past 12 months.

Visiting with Shirlene today helped me again reflect on what REALLY MATTERS! It's these moments when I long for my heavenly home more than ever.

I am grateful for a plan- and so grateful to know my own part in that plan. Thank you Shirlene, Chad and so many others who endure the "disease of love" that we so passionately call it.

There has been greater growth and reflection in the past 12 months then ever before in my life.

Thank you...for bringing it all into perspective!

I love you both!

Class of 89'

We went as a family to my 20th H.S. Class Reunion. It was lots of fun seeing all the old classmates but especially the girlfriends I have kept in touch with through the years. We went up to Poky on Thurs. and came home Sunday. It was such a great time! I enjoyed visiting and catching up with old friends and enjoyed time with my sister and her family as well. Lots of fun memories for sure!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Pirate Gramma Camp!

While I was away at Girls Camp this year, Grandma and Grandpa Morris came and took Porter, Ellerie and cousin Haley camping. This year the Gramma Camp theme was PIRATES!!! This is how the crew came home. They knew all sorts of pirate lingo, had lots of pirate booty and a super fun adventure to share! Thanks Gramma and Gramps for such a fun time!