Maddy's First Testimony...

On Fast Sunday almost a month ago a bunch of kids in our ward were bearing their testimonies. Maddy asked me why he never got to do that. I was quite surprised because he's usually pretty shy in those kinds of situations. I told him he could if he wanted and he practically dragged me up there to help him he was so excited. I made him wait a few minutes because there were a couple people waiting to bear their testimonies and I didn't want to leave Avery by herself for very long. I had been asked to give the opening prayer and so I made my second trip up there with him. Anyway, he did a great job (with my help) and wasn't scared at all. His first testimony went a little like this...

"I want to bear my testimony.

I know the church is true.

I know the scriptures are true.

I know Jesus loves us.

I love my family.

I say this in the name of Jesus Christ amen."

I was bummed Steve wasn't there to hear him but we called him and let him know, he was so proud of him.
Sunday 9/25/11

Avery's Primary Talk...

Theme: The Gospel Will Be Preached in All the World

Scripture: “This gospel shall be preached unto every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people” (D&C 133:37).

When Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ ask us to do something, it is called a commandment.

When we obey the commandments, we show Heavenly Father and Jesus that we love them.

When Jesus Christ was alive on the earth, he commanded the members of the church to spread the gospel to all of the world. 

Today, we are still commanded to spread the gospel to everyone on the earth.

We can set an example for others by always doing what we know is right. 

We can tell friends at school about the church. 

We can invite other children to activities or to church.

Spreading the gospel to others helps us remember who we are. 

The church could grow a lot more, if we spread the gospel by telling other children about it.

I know that we can choose the right and obey the commandments.

I know that when we obey, Heavenly Father blesses us and our faith in Jesus Christ is strengthened. 

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ amen.

*Talk written by Steve and I helped Avery give it.*

Sunday 9/11/11

Five From Sunday...

Aren't they so cute! Maddy dressed himself and insisted on wearing the tie on the outside of his vest (who am I to tell him otherwise!?)

The two of them also insisted that we eat dinner outside on a blanket... which was breakfast again :) Jamie-your omelette's turned out way better than mine!

Lately Maddy likes to grab my camera and take random pictures. He took the one above as well as the one below and I was so surprised when I loaded the pictures onto my computer. I didn't know he had taken them and I think they are awesome pictures... I didn't even crop them at all :)

He crashed so fast later that night... seriously I looked over and he was out! Must've wore himself out with those awesome photography skills :)

Sunday 8/22/11

Maddy's Primary Talk...

Theme: My Body is a Temple.

Our bodies are like temples, sacred and clean. 

They need to be treated with respect by ourselves and others.

Just like the temple, it's a place where the Holy Ghost can come.

If we want the Holy Ghost with us we need to care for our bodies.

We should eat healthy and obey the Word of Wisdom.

If you are clean in mind and body you can receive great blessings.

I say this in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Steve wrote Maddy's talk and I helped him read it. Maddy was excited and did such a great job! I'm so proud of my sweet little boy that is growing up way too fast.

Sunday 8/28/11

Missionary Homecoming...

On Sunday the kids and I went to my cousin Parker's Sacrament Meeting to listen to his Missionary Homecoming talk. The entire meeting was wonderful and his talk was awesome. I'm sure he was an amazing missionary! Afterwards we of course all got together for a yummy luncheon... seriously, I don't think I've had better food! It was so nice to catch up with a bunch of aunts, uncles and cousins! My Dad and brother Justin came up Friday night and stayed with us both Friday and Saturday nights. Needless to say the kids got lots of attention and were sad to see them go Sunday afternnoon. They took the kids and I out to dinner Friday night and picked up some pizza and watched the kids while Steve and I snuck away Saturday night for a date night. They had lots of fun playing, reading and of course playing tons of hide-n-seek! Thanks Dad and Justin, we really enjoyed your company and free babysitting! Here are a few pictures from the luncheon on Sunday...

Perfect picture to end with right?

Sunday 3/13/11

My little Valentine's...

The kids have both been so excited about Valentines Day this year. They picked out their own Valentines (Hello Kitty for Avery and Scooby Doo for Maddy) and got them all ready for their friends. Maddy got lots of practice writing his name and wrote his name on all of them. They took some to their friends and teachers in their church class and to some neighbor friends as well as their school friends. I snapped these pictures of them before heading to church on Sunday because they looked so cute. They insisted on doing this for one of the pictures...

I love them so so much and am so happy they're mine forever!

Sunday 2/13/11

Primary Talk

This past Sunday Maddy gave a talk in Sharing Time at church. He was so excited! I love that he's not afraid and actually looks forward to giving talks and participating in Primary. I teach the class older than him so I'm in Sharing Time when he is. I love being able to watch him participate and learn. Steve wrote the talk for him and then I helped him give it. It just melts my heart hearing his little voice talk about the Gospel. Here is his talk...

Theme: The Scriptures teach of Heavenly Father's Plan

The plan of our Heavenly Father is simple.

 He wants us to return to Him, but first we must work towards becoming like Him. 

We must strive to follow the Commandments. 

We must be kind to others and always be humble. 

If we read our scriptures we will have the Spirit with us which helps guide us to the straight and narrow path. 

This is his work, to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. 

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ amen.

Sunday 2/13/11

Cole's Blessing Day...

Sunday was my nephew Cole's blessing. We attended Stacy's ward along with a bunch of other family members. It was a beautiful blessing and we heard some beautiful testimonies. Afterwords we all went over to Stacy's house for an awesome lunch (pulled pork sandwiches, homemade potato and pasta/chicken salads, lots of fruit, chips and several desserts.) Of course I had to get a family picture of us all in our Sunday best! Here are a few more pictures from the day...

Stacy and her beautiful family.


The men who participated in the blessing (minus the Bishop and one of Stacy's brother in laws.)


Stacy, Cole and my parents.


Most of the kids playing and eating their lunch outside.

Thanks Stacy (and family) for letting us share your special day!

Sunday 9/5/10

Maddy's Primary Talk..

Maddy was assigned another Primary talk on Sunday. He wasn't nervous at all and was actually excited to give it. He did a great job! Here it is (Steve wrote it for him and I helped him give it)...

Theme: Jesus Christ is a God of miracles.

Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and through him we will be saved.
We will be saved according to our faith.
We have to have faith in our Savior and ourselves.
Jesus is the God of miracles.
He is always ready to help us and guide us, but we must be worthy and have great faith in ourselves first.
We must read the scriptures and pray often and try hard to do what is right.
I say this in the name of Jesus Christ amen.

A month or two ago the Primary Presidency gave all the kids a CD with the songs on it they will be singing for their program in a few weeks so they could all learn them. Once they listen to the CD all the way through 15 times they get to bring in their check off paper and get a treat. Maddy finished a couple weeks ago but we forgot to bring it in the following Sunday. He brought it in this past Sunday and was so excited to get his treat. Of course his favorite song is "Follow the Prophet."

Sunday 8/29/10

A Couple From Sunday...

Maddy all ready to go church. Look at those eyes... seriously love them!

Breakfast for Sunday dinner... a favorite of ours! After dinner we all cuddled on the couch downstairs and watched a movie together... and ate Red Vines.

Tardy...

I haven't used an alarm clock very many times since I stopped working full time when I had Maddy 4+ years ago. While I was working part time before quitting all together I was working nights so I never had to wake up to an alarm clock. I pretty much refuse (unless absolutely necessary) because for years I had to wake up to that awful noise at 3:45 am so I could get to work by 5:00 am. Since then the kids have become my alarm clock I guess you could say. Anyway, I slept in a bit too late for us to make it church on time on Sunday so we were late. We were sitting in the foyer and Maddy started digging through my bag to find some snacks. He came up empty handed in his search for snacks but found my camera and decided to take a couple pictures of us.

Of course when he was done I had to snap a quick one of him.

Sunday...

The kids on Sunday morning. Avery is wearing her Easter dress and sandals. It has a really cute bow on the front that you can't see because she is folding her arms across it.

Maddy was assigned to give a talk in Primary on Sunday. The theme was "Jesus Christ restored the fullness of the Gospel through Joseph Smith." Steve wrote his talk and I helped him give it. He did such a good job and I was so proud of him. Here is his talk...

"Jesus Christ restored the fullness of the Gospel through Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon for us so we may have the fullness of the Gospel and learn how to return to our Father in Heaven and live with Him again. I'm thankful for the church and I'm thankful for Joseph Smith for restoring the Gospel so that we may learn to be better people, and live with Heavenly Father again. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."