A Night at the AWANA races Feb. 23, 2010

For the past couple of years the boys have been attending the Awana program at a little church that is close to our house. They have had a great time for many reasons, but one of their favorite events each year has been creating and racing their own little cars in the Awana Grand Prix. Kevin and Brandon are the only ones that chose to participate this year, and both really enjoyed designing their cars. Logan has decided to not attend this year which has turned out for the best. His workload at school has been quite heavy and so it's been a good thing for him to not have one more thing added to his plate. He was bummed however, that he was not able to make a car.
Overall the night went very well. There was some great competition and even though my guys did not place, we all had a great time! Please see the pictures below.

Awana Grand Prix Pics

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Grandma Retires from Micron 1-15-2010

On Jan 15, 2010, we were able to go to Micron for Grandma's (my Mom's) last day of work. It was very exciting for us because she has worked very hard for them for many years, and has earned a much needed rest. For her of course, it was bitter-sweet.
It is funny how we can become attached to people, places and things, even if we don't necessarily like them at times, and when that door closes to that part of our lives that centered around that particular person, place or thing, it often makes us sad. God is good though, because with every close of a door, He always opens either another door or a window to let us know that He is still in control and that we are right where He wants us to be for the next stage of our lives.
It is sweet when those that support us at the beginning of each new phase in life, are still there when that phase comes to a close.....
and of course it is always fun to have a party at every intersection!!!! In this case all those who were able to attend, along with the spirit of those who were not, went to the Great Wall restaurant to celebrate this momentous occasion!
I am so proud of my Mom for the strength that she has shown over her years at Micron. In the midst of greater pain than I have ever know, she has shown perseverance like no other!
Congratulation my Mother!!! You have definitely earned this!!! :-) I love you!

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Happy Birthday Jesus!!

We had our annual "Birthday Party for Jesus" on December 12th this year, and as always had a great time!! It is so fun to be surrounded by people that you love especially when you come together to do something for someone else! I would like to say a HUGE thank you to all of those that participated not only in the party itself, but in donations as well. Everyone of you helped to make this years party a huge success!
The boys have learned this year about all the symbolism of the Christmas tree:
1.How it's triangular shape represents the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,
2. That the Ever green tree was selected to represent the Ever Lasting Love of God,
3. lights (originally candles) were/are placed on the tree to represent the fact that Jesus in the light of the world and,
4. the wood of the tree represents the wood of the cross where Christ would suffer and die for our sake- thus freeing us from the penalty of our own sin and giving us the gift of eternal life. How cool is that!!?
So, I thought it fitting that this years craft be a fun little christmas tree that was made out of a sugar ice cream cone, some green icing and colored sprinkles. They were slightly messy but an over all big hit with all the kids!
It is so fun to see all the kids get involved in the preparation of helping someone that they don't even know! My prayer is that they carry this tradition, in some form, with them throughout their lives as they learn to live the way Christ would want them live. The party is really fun for them, but the lesson is very real: It really is more blessed to give than it is to receive and it truly touches my heart to watch that lesson grow in the hearts of my young men.
I pray that each one of you have a very Merry Christmas as you reflect on every symbol of the Christmas season that ultimately highlights the love of the Father who sent His Son to lead the way home for each one of us. May we all have the courage to follow His lead now, and until He returns in all His Glory!
God Bless you my friends and Family!!! :-)

"I'm in the Lord's Army"

During this past summer, I told the boys that I would re-due their bedroom because they are getting older and the "cars" theme that they have had since Logan was 5years old was starting to look a little young for them. Because they are all in the same room (yes by choice), I told them that they all had to agree on one theme. Well after much debate and discussion, they are agreed on a "Military" theme which I have to admit I was pretty excited about. They chose a theme that would grow with them a bit which means it can stay around a while. :-)
For a few weeks, we all talked about what they would like in their room and the "I'm in the Lord's Army" theme was born...


I have a friend that we go to church with whose hubby was a Marine, and graciously let us barrow his uniforms for these photo's. Kellie, my photographer-in-training sister took these awesome pictures of the boys in downtown Nampa.


The boys were a little nervous at first, but soon were having a pretty good time with it. After all, it's not very often that you get to wear a uniform that like 8 sizes too big for you! :-) Brandon I think got the most kick out of it! He was swimming in the uniform and he didn't seem to mind a bit!!
As their Mom, I have to say that I would never want them to have to go into battle, but they do look pretty darn cute in these uniforms!