Cousins Camp-Day 4

Today we went down to the Church History Museum.  It was the 100 year anniversary for scouting, so Max and Jacks had fun looking at all that.

The girls had fun with the Mexican dresses and dancing once again.  I was a little tired obviously, so I didn't get many pictures.

Walking to the Temple

As a combined youth activity, we walked about 3 miles on a highway, through a neighborhood, and through a field to the temple.  It wasn't until we hit the field that we could see the temple, and what a beautiful sight it was. Once we were able to see the temple it became very silent (for youth that is rare) and the spirit was there as we walked quietly towards the temple.

Once we got there we sat on a hill close by and had a few words from some of the youth and leaders.  

I know the kids that went had a wonderful time.  I know the leaders and myself did.  I especially loved having my three kids there.  Sammy, Jackson and Aliza.  I am so glad I can be a part of some of these experiences they have.

If you are wondering, no, we did not walk back to the cars.  We had some one pick up the leaders that drove, picked up their cars, and came back to get us.  Phew.

Happy Mothers Day

I Love being a mother!

 Even when things aren't perfect.......

Today was a full day.  I guess I got up too early for the kids to give me breakfast in bed, I had my shower then got back in bed so they could give me my yummy tray of eggs, toast, bacon, and milk.  Loved it!  Had a great day at church, listening to Aliza and Sammy each give a talk on mothers.   At 3:00, went to a wonderful piano recital for Sammy, Aliza, and Maren.  Had a quick enchilada dinner, then Sam and I went to Sammy's Seminary Graduation at the Stake Center.  What a proud day to be a mom.  I love each and every one of my children so much, and am proud to be their mom.

Yes, I did get a wonderful hour nap in there as well and my darling husband gave me six little cactus plants to represent each member family.   I better get them planted before its too late...

Pioneer Trek

Sammy (17) and Jackson (12) had the chance to participate in the Stake's Pioneer Trek.  Sammy had done it a few years ago when he was 12, which was pretty cool to get to do it twice.  Jackson was pretty excited to go.  We gathered their costumes a few weeks before and packed them up. 

In the wee hours of the morning, Clint and Amy were kind enough to pick them up and take them to the Stake center to get on buses to head to Martin's Cove.

(Clint and Amy went as a Ma and Pa)

They each had to put all they were going to take (except sleeping bags and pillows) in these 5 gallon buckets.  Sammy's "family" made these soft cushions to glue on top for a comfy seat.

Breck and Melonie Nielsen in our ward, were Sammy's Ma and Pa.  Jared and Tami Gage, also in our ward, were Jackson's.  I haven't received their pictures so I don't have any of Jackson on the Trek, but here are a few of Sammy and his Trek family.

Sammy, along with others, helped carry women across the river in an re-enactment of the pioneers, except the water was much colder than it was this time.

Amy with her trek girls climbing the hill without any help from the men, they had to just stand there and watch.  I heard it was a very spiritual experience.

Breck and Melonie Nielson and their Trek family.

I am thankful for these experiences that my children get to participate in.  They didn't say much about the trip, but I know they grew and learned a lot about the handcart pioneers.

Sammy and Jackson's B-day's and Ordinations

I know these pictures were put on my picture a day blog, but these are what I have and I can't pass these two great events up on this blog.

In July, Sammy turned 16 years old.  It has been a blessing to have this young man as my son.  He is responsible,  knowledgeable, and when I ask him to do something, it's done.  He had some friends over, went to Geyser Park (laser tag, miniature golf, games, go carts etc), then stayed up late playing x-box.

We were gone so much during August, that he wasn't ordained a Priest until August 29th.  Sam ordained him along with Bishop Graves and Brother Foote, the young men's president.  Why we didn't think to have Clint, his uncle, in there, I don't know.  I feel sad about that, I wish he could have been in there.

Jackson turned 12 the end of August.  We had a family party the Sunday after.  Jackson is an amazing young man who is also very responsible, knowledgeable, and will help any way he can.

Jackson was ordained a Deacon on September 5th in his Deacon's quorum.  Sam ordained him, and those who stood in the circle were Brothers Egland, Atkinson, Wiscomb,  and Sammy.  Yes, Sammy stood in the circle.  He was able to do so since he was ordained a Priest.  It was a happy moment for me.

The next week I was able to witness both my sons doing their duty.  Sammy was up at the Sacrament table and Jackson was passing the Sacrament.  I'm so happy my sons have chosen to take this path and hope they continue to do so.