A New Calling in Life...

The past few weeks, our family has felt an abundant outpouring of love from our Heavenly Father, yet we have also felt Satan's power, and know it's real. Our home has been filled with high-highs and low-lows...and now we are understanding why.
As a family we have been tried and tested, (and I like to think we made it through) but, we have also felt the Spirit testify of truth more powerfully than usual, or maybe we've just been more aware. We have no doubt that our Heavenly Father knows us and love us...no doubt!
Late Saturday night Garrett and I met with our Stake Presidency and listened as Garrett was extended the call to serve as Bishop of our ward. It was a humbling experience to hear counsel from these good men, President Thurgood, President Rhoades and President Hawks and to know of their love for us and for the Lord. It was humbling to see the letter approving Garrett as Bishop and to see signatures from the First Presidency of the Church, President Monson, President Eyring and President Uchtdorf.
I don't know what to expect, but I do know the Lord will provide and our family will be blessed.
Sunday morning, as Garrett sat in PEC meeting, just before being sustained as Bishop of the Maplewood Ward, when only a few knew of what was to take place, and after not sleeping all night, he could hear the prelude music being played for the ward before ours and recognized his favorite hymn, Be Still My Soul...a tender mercy from a loving Heavenly Father.
After church and a few meetings later, as he home taught the Wilkes family, he shared that experience with them and Sister Wilkes, who is one of our ward organists, said she would be sure to include it every week in her prelude music. We have received many phone calls, cards and delicious desserts offering love and support...we have an amazing ward family.
Many of our friends have shared tender experiences with me that they have had over the years while serving with Garrett or just interacting with him that made this change so easy to accept. Bishop Burton, whom Garrett served as 2nd counselor to just two years ago, stood at the end of Sunday School and told of an experience he and President Elmore, our Stake President at the time, had after extending the call as 2nd counselor to Garrett almost 5 years ago. He shared that after our family had left the room, President Elmore turned to Bishop Burton and said "that young man will soon be a Bishop." Bishop Burton is a tender-hearted man who has a special place in his heart for Garrett. We love him and his wife dearly. We are so blessed and look forward to this new chapter in our family's life.

6th of 6th...

A fun tag and easy tag from Diane...my 6th picture from my 6th folder. I love this picture of the kids on the beach in Oregon from a few years back, before Wyatt was even a thought.
To me, this is childhood...playing on the beach, no worries, no cares. I also had to include the next picture, just because i love it...

"Bulls Eye"

Saturday afternoon Garrett and Tyler took the boys out target shooting. Kobe got a BB gun for Christmas and Colter has been anxiously awaiting his birthday to get his own. All morning Colter kept asking "when's it gonna to be time to go shooting?" That's all he could think about, talk about and breathe...after about the twentieth time asking, I was about to go crazy.
Colter and Kobe were naturals...they must take after their dads. Colter was so excited to show me all of his bulls eye marks...I loved seeing how happy and excited he was. The target is now hanging on his bedroom door. I forgot to have Garrett take the camera with him and Tyler didn't take one either...we've got to train these guys better! But, as Diane and I talked about it we laughed and joked that it would have been pretty funny to see our guys out in the middle of nowhere posing and taking pictures of each other. Really, who knows what we would have gotten if we had sent a camera :) But thanks, Di, for taking this one. I love that they were wearing matching shirts...they are so cool! Great childhood memories with dad and the boys.

The BIG "7"...

About a month ago we saw that the movie Monsters vs Aliens would be out in theatres on Colter's birthday...so, of course we had to plan a movie party with 7 of his best friends. Earlier in the week, we went out to find invitations, but found nothing he wanted. So, he asked me if I could just make one with his picture on it...here's the invitation. He absolutely loved them!
Traditional breakfast in bed...
Colter got to open one gift before school...his first BB gun. He was so excited!
It was fun to watch dad teach him a little about his gun. Colter asked dad if he could keep his new gun in the gun safe where all of his guns are kept - Garrett loved that. All day Wyatt has been saying "where my gun?" and "when daddy gonna get me my gun?" Garrett's taking the boys out tomorrow for some target shooting...I'm sure Colter won't be sleeping much tonight. But, really I'm not sure who's more excited...my little boys or my big one. Garrett loves that his boys love to shoot, fish, hunt, look at fishing and hunting magazines, watch sports together...anything to be with dad (the girls, too)! McKenna, Ashlyn, Wyatt and I visited Colt's class today and dropped off a candy-gram. It read:
Happy Birthday Colter,
You are one Hot Tamale.
BeTwix all of us, we think you're a SweetTart.You make us Snicker.
We love you to the Extremes.
Love, M&M's (Mom & McKenna) and the
3 Muskateers (Dad, Ashlyn & Wyatt).
He was pretty excited to see all of us in his classroom. He passed out Ding Dongs and everyone sang Happy Birthday to him, he said it was a great day!
With his party being a Monsters vs Aliens theme he wanted the same Monster Cake we made for his class clake walk a few months ago, only this time he wanted it to be blue with a jagged tongue...it's so easy, I'll make this cake anytime! Good thing I took this picture when I did because all too quickly our house became all too quiet...as I came into the kitchen, I noticed Wyatt sitting at the counter in front of the cake. He quickly put his hands behind his back and puckered his lips at me while making kissing sounds. I know this sound all too well, lately, when I've caught him doing something "naughty" he smiles a huge smile at me and gives me tons of air kisses. Then I saw what he had done - he had stuck all of his little 'fingies' into the cake....aaaaggh! Luckily I was on the phone with my mom...she said "remember, we love that little guy!" We just refrosted the cake and all was great - Colter's little friends won't care (or even know) there are finger pokes under that frosting!
With all the running around this morning, we came home and Wyatt crashed while eating his lunch. I was glad to see him napping, because I knew it would be a busy night. In the end, that really didn't help much. He's moving into the tantrum stage and lately it seems I spend lots of time each day following behind to clean up total disasters or apologizing for his behavior...he is by far our busiest 2 year-old.
The boys arrived and the party began...
Kobe, Trey, Drake, Dylan, Colter, Jacob, Seth and Wyatt
Garrett and I had a great time and laughed right along with all the boys...the overall consensus from all the boys was that Monsters vs Aliens is now their favorite all-time movie!! And no, Kobe is not sleeping in the theatre, he's just a great actor...these boys are all such crack-ups! A few times Garrett had to turn into Brother Sill just to get the job done...it sometimes seems they respect Bro. Sill just a little bit more. Happy Birthday Colter Boy!
Colter also got to pick out a new bike from G&G Nichol...pretty lucky little boy - he is in heaven!

Little Girls Dressed in White...

So, this is kind of a continuation from my last post...I forgot we took these pictures until I went to download some others. After our FHE lesson on Temples, the girls begged us to get my wedding dress out for them to try on. They loved twirling around in it and playing with the veil. One day, this is what we get to look forward to...I'm sure it will come faster than we realize.

A Few Tears...and Lessons Learned

Monday night as we gathered for Family Home Evening, Garrett asked Colter to offer the prayer. He was being a little silly and not really prepared to pray, so we waited and eventually McKenna ended up offering the prayer. Then, as I began the lesson, Colter covered his ears and giggled. Granted it had been a long day...first day back on-track, homework, then playing with Kobe and Trey and even eating dinner with them and then home for FHE, so he was kind of in a silly mood, but still no reason to not be reverent and listen.
Well, Garrett wasn't up for any messing around so sent him to his room for the night. My heart went out to Colter...I had prepared a great lesson on Temples, we had just attended the Draper Temple dedication on Sunday, and felt this lesson would be so good for him to hear, but, I'm so glad Garrett doesn't tolerate that kind of behavior and that he teaches lovingly and after he counsels with the kids, always shows forth extra love - he is such an example to me. I gave the lesson and bore my testimony of the important of Temples. All the while, in the background I could hear Colter quietly crying. What was funny to me, was that as the rest of us all sat together, Wyatt began crying because he wanted Colter to be with us...just last week (last Monday, in fact) Wyatt had bitten Colter's arm really hard, hard enough to take skin...ouch. Well, Wyatt ended up in his room for the night for that and for also saying "mom, my hate you." So, while we were having FHE without Wyatt (last week, this exact time), Colter sat on the couch with his head buried into the back of the couch, crying and pleading with us to let Wyatt join us...saying "I love my brother and I want him to be a part of our family." It touched my heart. We had to help Colter understand that Wyatt was just fine in his bedroom and that he had to suffer the consequences of his actions...
it was so hard on Colter. His heart is so pure.
Tonight as everyone finished their brownies, I went in and layed down with Colter and just held him as he continued to cry...oh, my sweet boy! He kept saying "I really wanted to hear you bear your testimony mom, I just want to be part of the family again." What a tender-hearted boy. I love him so much! I bore my testimony to him and shared a little of the lesson and promised to make more brownies for him tomorrow and teach him the full lesson when he gets home from school. He was happy with that. I then asked him if he would try harder to be reverant and respectful during FHE...he quickly said "definitely, mom, I never want to miss out on being with the family again." Then he smiled as he shared with me that dad had brought him in a brownie...just then Garrett walked in and again told Colter how much he loves him.
Being a parent is sometimes heart-breaking...sometimes challenging...but, so rewarding and better than anything in the world! A friend of mine mentioned that teaching and guiding our children is really just walking beside them, showing them the way, just as our Heavenly Father walks beside us...I love that thought.

Boys, Boys, Boys...

My sister is an amazing mom and Aunt...she goes all out whenever the kids stay with her and this past weekend was no exception! She always has such fun things planned for the kids - the girls love making jewelry, painting fingernails & toenails, and doing crafts with her and the boys love getting messy with paints or whatever else she has planned. I used to be that kind of mom when my girls were younger, but I think I sometimes forget to take (and make) the time to get messy with the boys - they seem to be able to do that all on their own :)
While the girls and I were in Arizona she had the boys for the weekend - and from the looks of these pictures she had lots of boys over. All week, Colter and Wyatt were counting down the days until they could be with Tanner and Ethan. When Garrett picked the boys up late Saturday night, Colter said "Dad, can we do this every weekend??" He sure loves being with his cousins.
Every Friday night Whitney has a 'Star Wars-Clone Wars' late-night party with a bunch of Tanner and Ethan's friends. The boys were so exited to be a part of that...she is one cool mom! Whitney mentioned that Colter was such a great big brother to Wyatt...always watching out for him, taking care of him and making sure he was always included - what a great thing to hear. Thanks guys, for loving our boys.

A Little Rest and Relaxations...Arizona style

Early Thursday morning, Garrett dropped me and my girls off at the airport to board a plane to Arizona for a mini girls vacation weekend...
Garrett's older sister, Sonya, her husband, Frank, and their cute girls...Amanda, Justine and Natalie have lived in Arizona for about 4 years and we had never been see their home and where they live, so we planned a little get-away. The girls were soooo excited...so much so, they had a hard time falling asleep the night before and then woke super early so we wouldn't miss the flight. We had so much fun swimming in their beautiful pool and enjoying the 90+ degree weather...kind of a bummer to come home to snow-brrrr. Sunday the girls and I joked that we were ready to be back in sunny Arizona. Sonya and her girls met us at the airport and we were off for 3 fun-filled days.
We lounged by the pool everyday, sat in the hot tub and played with their cute new puppy, Jack...
at Ikea we shopped a little and enjoyed yummy sweet rolls and chocolate milk ...
we enjoyed a little window shopping along the streets of Scottsdale. The girls found these Indians just hanging out and at first were a little leery of them, then Ashlyn got the courage to touch one...she sat down and moved his hand over to her knee...then everyone joined in-too funny!
we visited the beautiful Mesa, Arizona Temple...
met some of Frank and Sonya's good friends at a pool party and just had fun being together.
The Green Girls...McKenna, Aunt Sonya and Amanda
The Pink Ladies...Justine, Ashlyn and Natalie
and me...I loved this red hat of Natalie's so McKenna snapped some pictures while I modeled!We also visited Garrett's Grandpa and Grandma Powell who moved to Arizona about 4 years ago, also. It was great to see them and spend some time with them. They live in a beautiful community...Grandpa even took us on a little tour in his golf cart, then we played Natalie's favorite game...Old Maid.
Great-Grandma & Great-Grandpa Powell gave the girls CTR locket necklaces for their choice to be baptized. So thoughtful...the girls love them!
McKenna, Great-Grandpa Powell, Natalie, Ashlyn & Justine
McKenna, Great-Grandpa Powell and Ashlyn
This photo was taken Saturday afternoon, on the way to the airport, after we had just enjoyed a little Hawaiian shaved ice to help us cool down (look at all that sunshine)...
This was taken today...back home in Utah, brrrr (look at all that snow)
Natalie was so cute to let me sleep in her bed...the first night she and McKenna snuggled in bed with me, but the next night, when all the girls wanted to sleep together in the loft, Natalie said to me, "Aunt Steph, would you be ok if I didn't sleep with you tonight?" She is such a crack up and so spunky! Sonya and her girls (and Uncle Frank, we can't forget you!) were the perfect host and hostesses...thanks for an unforgettable weekend in the sun!

"Rich" Blessings...

Last night we had the opportunity to do a session at the Ogden Temple with many of our friends and neighbors in the Legacy Park Stake. This Sunday is Stake Conference, and along with having Elder Richard G. Scott come and speak to us, we will also be sustaining a new Stake Presidency. Saturday's adult session with Elder Scott was remarkable. It was as if we were being taught at his feet...not from the pulpit. It was so intimate. He was engaging, funny, witty, humble, and testified so powerfully of the power in reading the scriptures. He taught us how to study the scriptures so they could have more meaning in our own lives. It was unforgettable. We have been encouraged the last few weeks, by President Elmore, to take the time to read some of Elder Scott's previous conference talks. As a family we took on this challenge and have had our testimonies strengthened and have felt the blessings of heaven pour upon us as we've learned about this great man. We've learned more about his personal life and more about his testimony of the Savior. My kids' favorite talk was entitled "Do The Right Thing"...after reading together, I told the kids how I had made a choice, when I was about their age, to never taste alcohol, to never smoke a cigarette, to never do drugs and to plan to be married in the Temple and for the boys to be like their dad and prepare now to serve a mission. Even though temptations came to drink (never really to smoke or do drugs) I had already made the choice not to. I asked each of them to make the same choices right now so that when a temptation is placed before them they will already know their choice. It was a powerful moment with the kids...I know they will be tempted and will sometimes have to stand alone, but like the song says: "Do what is right, let the consequence follow." Only good consequences will come from choosing the right.We have been blessed immensely through following President Lyle Elmore's counsel. We will miss him as our Stake President. He has personally guided and taught our family many gospel truths and principles. He is a great friend and mentor and has brought our family to another level. While Garrett served as 2nd counselor in the bishopric with Bishop Burton, he had many opportunities to be taught at the feet of President Elmore, one-on-one and in many group meetings (or places of revelation). As a family, we have been obedient in all he has asked...he counseled against sleepovers and we readily obeyed, he counseled against using face cards and we followed, he asked us to be seated for Sacrament meeting and other meetings 7 minutes prior in order to enjoy the music, ponder and be ready to receive personal revelation, he counseled to not watch TV while away on business trip, so when Garrett's next business trip came around he was obedient and took along his scriptures. Because of that, he has received numerous blessings. His hotel rooms become places of revelation from choosing to study and ponder the scriptures. President Elmore has raised the bar for us as a stake and for our little family and for that I am overwhelmingly appreciative. His loving influence and his boldness in challenging us to do hard things, to step out of our comfort zone and sometimes stand alone has been a blessing in our family. I hope to instill that in our children. Because they can...they can accomplish and do hard things! Things that make us stretch, and grow, and build character...worthwhile things.
I watch as Garrett leads our family in family scripture study, Family Home Evening and family prayer. I am amazed at his goodness and his constant desire to memorize scripture passages and seek out ways to strengthen and increase his testimony and in turn help our children's testimonies to grow. His dedication to the Lord is unwavering and something I admire about him. Our family scripture study takes place every morning at 6:30 a.m. The kids are all early risers , plus they love to see their dad before he heads off to work, so this is a great way to start the day. With the kids being off-track right now, Garrett is letting us all sleep in on Tuesdays and Thursdays...he's counting on me to lead out in family scripture study on those days and I'm grateful for that opportunity and glad that I can meet up to the challenge. The other day as the kids and I were playing games on the floor I mentioned it was time for scripture study...their willingness and excitement over reading the scriptures is due in large part to the way Garrett teaches them directly from the scriptures and helps them apply it in their lives, right now. I continue to learn as he expounds on passages as we read together. As we sat on the floor and read in Alma about Ammon and King Lamoni I was overcome by the Spirit. I remember looking up at each one of my kids while McKenna was reading...the Spirit was present and bore testimony to me of the importance that what we were doing was true. Amongst the craziness that oftentimes surrounds our home, it was a welcomed glimpse of heaven. It's something I won't forget.
Again, just this morning as we all sat together for family scripture study, especially after our incredible Stake Conference weekend, I was emotional as we read about Aaron teaching King Limhi the Gospel and King Limhi asking what he needed to do to have the Spirit with him and then telling Aaron he would give up all the has, even his Kingdom, to have the Spirit. Garrett asked each of the kids what they've had to give up or what they would give up to live the Gospel. Colter mentioned he would give up his bike if her were asked, Ashlyn said she gives up her sleep to read as a family (she's the only one who would like to sleep in) and McKenna said she gives up her money by paying tithing. He then asked me the same question...I couldn't speak. I answered that anything I've had to give up, really doesn't seem like a sacrifice because of what I've gained...a testimony, a love for the scriptures, blessings from being a full tithe payer...it's all little compared to what I've received by keeping the commandments of the Lord and having the Holy Ghost as a companion. Garrett then talked about serving his mission in Guatemala and how, as a 19 year-old kid, he thought giving up two years of his life to serve the Lord was a sacrifice, but in actuality, he received the greater blessing...a stronger testimony of the Gospel, a passionate love for the scriptures that is unwavering, a love for the Guatemalan people and a desire to serve the Lord every day.
I am saddened that so many boys don't take advantage of serving a mission. Elder Scott mentioned not serving a mission is like an Eagle who spends his life walking the earth, never learning that he could have soared above it all. Our boys will learn to soar...they already are. The other night, our good home teacher, John Anderson, was teaching our family about the Prophet, Joseph Smith. He asked Colter if he had a testimony of Joseph Smith...Colter quickly answered "Yes." Brother Anderson then asked him how he had gained his testimony of the Prophet...Colter replied "after I finished reading the Book of Mormon, I prayed to Heavenly Father to know if he was a Prophet, and I felt a good feeling inside that told me he was." It doesn't get an simpler than that! He's already on the path to becoming a great missionary.
Back to Stake Conference...because McKenna sings with our ward choir, we were able to be at the stake center for Stake Conference, rather than our ward house, for the live broadcast from the stake center. It was an unforgettable opportunity to be 10 feet away from an Apostle of the Lord, Elder Scott, and his companion, Elder Brenchley, an especial witness of the Lord. When Elder Scott walked into the Chapel we all stood. I lifted Wyatt up to see him and he looked right over to Wyatt and smiled at us. It's something I won't forget. We gave our thanks to the outgoing Stake Presidency, Pres. Elmore, Pres. Bitter and Pres. Thurgood and then sustained Pres. Thurgood, Pres. Rhoades and our own Bishop, now President Hawks as the new Stake Pres. and counselors. The hand of the Lord was evident in these callings. To know Elder Scott had never met these men until Saturday, and then was able to call Pres. Thurgood as our new Stake President, confirmed to me that Elder Scott is called of God and is continually on the Lord's errand.
After the meeting we were able to shake his hand and look into his eyes. He is truly a man of God. I thanked him for his testimony. As the girls shook his hand, he told them they had beautiful eyes. Garrett told him how he had the opportunity 19 years earlier to meet him on his mission in Guatemala...Elder Scott replied "it's good to see you're still here" that made us smile! He was so personable and so friendly, a beacon to the world. Exactly what I would expect from an Apostle of the Lord.
Now we are anxiously awaiting the formation of our new bishopric. Garrett mentioned that losing Bishop Hawks was bitter/sweet. He has loved serving with him and learning from him, as have I. We feel so blessed to live here in Syracuse, in the Maplewood Ward. We have tried moving a few times, but just never felt right about it. When we first came to this neighborhood nine years ago, we immediately knew this was where we were to raise our family...and because of following that prompting, blessings have been poured upon our family. More than we can count. We are so blessed!

Week In Review, Part II...

Another week of off-track fun...playing with friends, Hill Aerospace Museum, Chuck E Cheese's, rock painting, playing outside, building forts (the M&M club), lunch with girlfriends, building Chopper's dog run, a CPR course for Garrett, Colt's last b-ball game, soccer games for Kenna, a little pick-up baseball in the backyard...and more friends. What would we do without friends? I am anxious for warm weather...anxious to work in the yard & be outside all day long.
Colter's coach and his wife gave each player a towel after the last game...embroidered on each towel was a basketball with their number and name. So cool...Colter loves it so much, he has slept with his every since his game on Friday...funny kid!
Looks like it's time for baseball.
Check out this picture...2 broken arms on this team. These girls are tough! Kat, the one kneeling with the broken arm even finished out a tournament by playing 2 games after breaking it in the first game...now that's tough!
It's funny to me when Colter and his friends make things with Legos and take pictures of their creations just so I can put them on our blog...who would have thought? But, here are a few...

Pizza, Planes and Promises...

My sister (in-law), Mandy, and her kids are in town, so they came up to our house to spend the night and play. They joined us for dinner and FHE...plus, she taught me a little about the new family history search site. Because of that little introduction, I am meeting with my ward family history specialist on Thursday to learn more and begin our family genealogy. I am so excited. While Mandy and I were online, we looked up a few different family lines, then went into my Grandma and Grandpa Gutke's line. Mandy had mentioned how powerful the spirit of Elijah is while doing genealogy...as we looked back at his parents and brothers and sisters I became so emotional. I couldn't hold back the tears. It's almost as if these people that I never knew, came alive. I've caught a little of the fire and I'm excited to learn more. There is so much Temple work to be done and so many promises to be fulfilled and I'm anxious to be a part of it.
I feel blessed to have such an awesome sis in law...she is always an example to me. She loves the scriptures and lives them. She is a great listener and always has perfect advice and counsel. We loved having them spend the night and were sad to see them go. They showed up at our door a little sooner than we had expected and to see the kid's expressions when they saw their cousins was unforgettable...they thought friends were ringing the doorbell, but when we opened the door, it was such a fun surprise to see Jacob, Lily, Kali and Aunt Mandy - Colter's expression was priceless. He was soooooo excited to see his cousins!
I love this picture of Jacob and Colter in Chopper's little run with Lily hanging outside the run, being the little poser she is...hey, but where's the dog??
Tuesday we met up at Chuck-E-Cheese's with some of my good friends to play and have lunch, then headed off to visit the Aerospace Museum. Jacob's favorite part was putting his token into a machine that would make a special card with our picture on it. He was so excited to use his tokens so each of us could have one...thanks for that special memory, bubs, I won't forget your thoughtfulness! My mom also took the day off to come up and play with us...
Living so close to Hill Air Force Base, it seems all of my kids have been to the museum on one field trip or another...all except for Wyatt. He doesn't ever remember going and Jacob, my nephew, who is 5, loves airplanes...(maybe it's because his dad, my brother, is a pilot) so I thought it would be a great day out - plus it's free...it can't get any better than that! But, the whole time at the museum the kids kept saying "can we go back to Chuck-E-Cheese?" Are you kidding me? But, really we were practically the only ones there and the kids had a great time.
I love this picture of Wyatt, Jacob and Colter checkin' out the 'guts' of the airplane...
While at the museum I learned something new...thanks to the curiosity of two little boys, Colter and Jacob. At the beginning of the tour is an area with uniforms and flight suits on display, one mannequin dressed in a flight suit had on an eye patch and the boys questioned why. We read the inscription and were taught that at times during WWII, fighter pilots had to fly at lower altitudes, sometimes in places where atomic explosions were possible. When this was their mission they would place their patch over one eye so they could still control the plane, then if an atomic explosion happened nearby, only one eye would be damaged. They could then remove the patch and still maneuver their plane and themselves to safety with their one good eye that was protected....pretty amazing! So many men and women sacrificed so willingly and so readily. In talking with my mother-in-law, I was also reminded that her dad, Dale Powell, who is Garrett's grandfather, served in WWII. He flew 35 missions over Germany as a Turrett Gunner in the B17's...that means he sat in that big bubble below the plane. How scary. He said being in that bubble was very cold, but he felt invincible! Wow.
I love this picture of Wyatt & Aunt Mandy enjoying an 'apple kiss'...something she and her kids love to do!
Thanks for coming to play...we'll see you in a few weeks!

Week In Review...

The first week of being off-track has come and gone. We've been busy playing with friends, visiting the library, working on humanitarian projects, late-nights, babysitting, reading, playing outside with Chopper Chip, going to birthday parties, Activity days, basketball games, soccer games, dance, tumbling, visiting teaching conferences, bowling with friends, Kodiac Camp training for Garrett, lunch with friends, and for me...dinner, reminiscing and a little shopping with my lifelong girlfriends, Britt and Dani (BJ, we missed you)...It's been a great week.
Wyatt...McKenna...Colter...Ashlyn
Wyatt is an awesome bowler...he even bowled his first strike (with a little help from his big sis). Wyatt's favorite thing about bowling was definitely the shoes...he liked them so much he tried to wear them home. I didn't realize this until we were in the car, all buckled and ready to go home...I started to back up and heard McKenna saying "mom, he's still wearing his bowling shoes." Aaaghh...we laughed as I pried them off his little feet. He did not want to part with those shoes. What a crack up!
This was the reaction I got when I asked Wyatt to take his bowling shoes off...not going to happen! the gang...Ashlyn, Mitch, McKenna, Alec, Jacob, Colter and Wyatt
As much as I am loving this new little puppy, he sure is a lot of work...well, not necessarily work, more like emotionally exhausting. I want to do it right! Kennel training, potty training, obedience training...all of it. The first night with Chopper I expected the worst, thinking he would be up all night whining or barking. We were totally surprised when he whimpered a minute, then went right to sleep. He has a great temperament, obeys pretty quickly, nips at everything in sight and everyone (but, I know this will come to an end), is now sleeping through the nights and is so dang cute. I've never trained a puppy before - I really didn't know what to expect. I read a few books and felt pretty confident before we got him...then reality set it and I'm realizing (at least for me) it's harder than having a newborn (maybe because that was always easy). The part I didn't think about was being able to get away for the day...that's not easy and it's something I've had to adjust to. Maybe that's the tough part for me. But, he's quickly become part of the family and the neighborhood, too. Every day he has quite a few visitors and loves to run with the kids and neighbors in the yard. Nighttime is my favorite with Chopper, when the kids have gone to bed and he just snuggles up in my lap. I love that he comes to me over everyone else... he knows his mama.

Ohhh, so cute...

So many milestones these past few months...sleeping in your own bed, finally going to nursery and totally potty trained. You are growing up too fast...I cannot believe you are almost 3. You are the light of our home and the life of the party. You make us laugh. You are what happened when we wished upon a star...

pictures of wyatt

My Heart...by Colter

Going through a bunch of Colter's school papers, I found a little booklet entitled My Heart. I flipped through it and smiled at his cute pictures and his phonetically spelled words. One page in particular tugged at my heart...
Most nights, Garrett says personal prayers with Colt, tucks him in, then reads a few pages in his Star Wars paperback and I go through the night time ritual with Wyatt in his room next door. Garrett usually peeks his head into Wyatt's room, or wheverever I might be, and says, "Colt wants you to tuck him in." It's a simple enough request. I hate to admit it, but some nights after getting Wyatt down I forget, I get distracted, or by the time I've gone in he's already asleep - he's like me in that way, his head hits that pillow and he's dreaming. Well, one page in his 'heart' book read:
Oh, my shoulders slumped...I can't explain the guilt and sadness I felt when I saw that. My tender-hearted boy really loves to be tucked in. I went on a search to find my Colter boy and smothered him with loves. I talked with him about being 'tuct' in... he told me how much he loves it and how sometimes he hears me talking on the phone and he thinks I'm just too busy...oh, my heart broke! I'm determined to be better at tucking him in each night! Here are a few more of his cute pages...
Colt and Wyatt love to 'resel'. Just last night I came home from a meeting and found Wyatt asleep on the couch next to Garrett - it was only 6:30, but because Garrett, Colter and Wyatt had spent the last hour wrestling he was wiped out...life is good!