Oquirrh Mountain Temple

Today we were privileged to attend the Open House of our newest temple. It was so beautiful and a great experience for the kids to walk through and see what they have to look forward to someday when they attend the temple. I loved that you can see 2 other temples from the grounds of Oquirrh Mtn., the Draper and Jordan River temples. I was surprised to learn that the new Angel Moroni atop this temple had recently been struck by lightning and still has a black arm and trumpet. I understand a new statue will be brought in to replace this one.

Independence Day

We enjoyed celebrating the nation's birthday with our great friends the Hogans. There were lots of friends, great food, and a fabulous view of the fireworks. One of the highlights for the kids was having their own turn to drive Aunt Kathy's "spare" electric chair. Weeeee!

Fun Friend Reunion

Today we were so lucky to meet our good friends from Calif. at a park in Ogden. Our families used to live by each other and we both moved away about 10 years ago. Then we only had 3 kids between the two of us, and now we have 8! We rarely see them, so we sure love every minute when we do get together. I love that we can pick up right where we left off and never miss a beat! It is so strange how us moms haven't aged a day, but somehow our babies have grown so big!!! We sure do love you guys! Thanks for the awesome day!!!

Bragging Rights

Today we were greeted with a wonderful card from one of D's teachers at school. She was writing to let us know that D has been chosen by his teachers as an outstanding student. We don't know what other recognition will come with it, but we've got all we need. She had the nicest things to say about our 7th grader.
Then, he came home today with his end of year test results in Language Arts. For the Gates McGinite his scores were 11.5 (meaning 11th grade, 5th month level) in vocabulary and his comprehension is 13!!! (OH YEAH, that would be equivalent to a freshman in college!)
For the Star test his score was a 12.9+, with an end of level test score of 57 out of 62 possible.
This is one of those Mommy moments that feeds your soul through the challenges of parenting. We are so blessed to have this brilliant, bright boy in our lives!

Free Ice Cream For A Year!!!

Never in the history of ice cream has there been a girl who loves it so much. H REALLY REALLY loves ice cream. When she saw a coloring contest to enter for a chance to win free ice cream for a year, she just had to try. The odds really were in her favor. She is a fabulous artist. The grocery store called to tell her they had chose her as their winner so she had to go in immediately to claim her prize. Now she gets to go back once a month for the next year and choose 2 - 1/2 gallons for herself. She has been good enough to share with us! Congratulations, Sis!

Soccer Stars

I have to admit, I LOVE being a soccer mom. I think Dad enjoys it as much as I do. I helps that our kids are really good. I'm not just saying this because they are my kids, they are both really good! H&G have played for the second year and despite rain and snow we have enjoyed every game. H is great in any postition and runs like a gazelle. Her coach will shout "Use your speed!" and she sprints out past the other girls and looks like it is no effort at all. G is also great in any position and loves to play goalie. The funny thing is almost every picture I took of him, his tongue is out! He concentrates really hard! The season is over and we will miss it. We are looking forward to soccer camp in August. Until then, it will be family games in the back yard. I'm sure the older boys will be whining again that H won't let them have a chance to get the ball!

Mother's Day

We enjoyed spending Mother's Day with Hubby's family to celebrate with his mom. We had a great time visiting and eating in the backyard. G's Sister made a memory book for her mom with favorite things about her mom. It was so delightful to reminisce with her and see her light up as she reflected on things she hadn't thought of for a long time. She even still has they "eyebrow" look that she used on the kids when they misbehaved in church. If they got the eye brow, they knew they were in big trouble!