Called to Serve

Some time before Christmas Emily mentioned to me that she was thinking about serving a mission. She just wasn't sure if she decided she was going how she would work it out with school and her other plans. By the end of the Christmas break she had decided she was going on a mission putting aside school completely.  She decided she would leave at the end of the summer after working full time to save up for her mission. As soon as she could she got all of her paperwork in order so she could go. She couldn't wait to find out where she was going. We had her send her paper to Idaho so we could be with her when she got it. We knew she would wait for us to get there to open it. With just one week left of school she decided to come home just in case it came in the mail. She thought it was a wasted trip because there was nothing in the mail when she got here. To all of our surprise it came in the mail. She didn't want to let social media know where she was going until she told her family first, so I gave a little clue to where she was going to be serving. She was called to serve in the New Hampshire Manchester mission reporting to the MTC August 12. Dad was extremely relieved thinking of all of the places in the world a missionary could go. He was grateful it was somewhere close to home.

FHE of Service

Sometimes things don't always work out as you plan, but the way things end up working out is almost better. Eric and I both serve in the Youth program at church and we were challenged to do a week of service. The last day of service was supposed to be planting flowering at the homes of widows in our ward. The weather wasn't looking the best to plant flowers so the youth committed to plant the flowers a different day on their own. It didn't happen, so we decided to do a combined family home evening planting flowers. It was great to get together with other members in our ward and do service. It was even better watching my girls get so excited to be able to plant flowers and give service. They couldn't get enough. I love their hearts and I can only hope that I can continue to give opportunities for them to share their love with other people.  

Happy 7 years Savannah

I know everyone says it and sometimes when you are in the craziness of life you don't believe it, but time flies and for some reason my little baby girl is already 7 years old.  With every year she looks forward to what she gets to do next...like get baptized, wear make-up...drive.  She is so ready to experience so many things, I hope she enjoys the moments that she has now.

Savannah is in first grade this year.  Her teacher is Ms. Goodsell, who she loves dearly. She is often found playing school with he sister (she likes to be in charge) and she tells me she wants to grow up and be a teacher someday. She is learning more everyday.  She is still struggling when it comes to reading, but the last few months she has improved and has a desire to read everything she can.  

In our home Savannah is determined, stubborn, feisty, fashionable, caring, loving, silly, responsible, athletic, sweet, and the best big sister ever. On somedays you are able to see each of her different aspects of her personality shine through within a matter of moments. We are always busy doing something when she is around, because she doesn't like to be doing anything alone.  I love her excitement for life and all the little moments. She helps me get excited about all the little things.  

We had a hard time getting pictures this year. Between the weather, crazy schedules, and personality issues it took me two weeks to finally get pictures take.  Once again her personality shows up in each one of the pictures and that why I love taking them of her.   

1. What is your favorite color? Yellow

2. What is your favorite toy? My little pony Equestria girl

3. What is your favorite fruit? bananas
4. What is your favorite tv show? Annie
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Spaghetti-O's
6. What is your favorite outfit? Rainbow skirt, yellow shirt, scarf
7. What is your favorite game? Barbies
8. What is your favorite snack? Chips and salsa
9. What is your favorite animal? White tiger
10. What is your favorite song? It's a hard knock life-Annie

11. What is your favorite book? Fairy tales
12. Who is your best friend? Allie
13. What is your favorite cereal? Cinnamon Life
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Jumping on the tramp
15. What is your favorite drink? Apple soda
16. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Brown bear
18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? burrito
19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Rice and Beans w/stew chicken
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? A teacher

Happy Easter

Easter this year seemed to sneak up on our family...or it happened to be on a weekend that was full of so many other things that needed to be done.  Savannah's birthday, soccer game, conference.  So the traditional Easter Sunday getting ready for church and celebrating didn't happen...but the true spirit of Easter was even more present in our homes. We were able to be inspired and edified by living apostles and prophets.  To have them teach of the atonement of Jesus Christ was much needed reminder of why we have so much hope...and why we celebrate Easter.

Because we didn't get dressed for church and we spent the day listening to conference it was a little more difficult to have little girls want to cooperate with you to get dressed...take pictures...smile.  I know I just had pictures taken as a family not to long ago, but it was been an Easter Sunday tradition for my family.  Not only does Easter bring hope for those who have made mistakes through the Atonement.  It also give hope of living again with your family also made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ....life does not end at the grave.

Soccer

After much waited anticipation soccer season has finally started.  Unfortunately the spring weather didn't get the memo and the last two games were very windy and chilly.  Savannah is having so much fun playing soccer.  She has her good friend Allie on her team which can be a good thing or bad thing if they get to distracted.  She has somehow developed strength or her body has grown but she has a solid kick.  She scored the first goal for her team on her birthday.  She was so very excited.  The best part about playing soccer is she has her Daddy and her brother as coaches.  With Alex in the house there is always time for extra practice. After seeing the first game, Brittlynn wishes she was on a team also.  I guess we will just have to wait until next year.