Back to school blessings

Last night Joey had the opportunity to give blessings to each of the kids before the start a new a school year.  He left this morning for a business trip to Philidelphia so he needed to get it done before he left.  I am so grateful for a husband that honors his priesthood and can share blessings that Heavenly Father wants to give these special spirits.  I tried to write down a little bit of what was said for each of them after their blessing was given.  Here is what I remember:

Luke- He was blessed to feel peace as he starts the 8th grade.  He was blessed with the ability to excel and to be able to learn from his teachers.  He was encouraged to take his studies seriously as he is preparing for high school and for college.  He was blessed to meet new friends and build strong lasting friendships.  He encouraged to be an example in his church quorum and to reach out to those who need friends.  He was asked to pray daily and to strengthen his relationship with Heavenly Father.  He was told to be an example to his siblings as they look up to him.  At the end of his blessing Luke was reminded that his Heavenly Father and family love him.

Harlee-  She was blessed with peace and calmness as she goes into the 5th grade.  She was blessed that her mind would be quickened as she learns from a new teacher and a new style.  She was blessed as a House Leader that she will be an example as she serves others.  She was encouraged to strengthen her testimony and remember to say her prayers.  She was told to continue her special relationship with Tag and try not to get frustrated as he gets frustrated.  Told to be a peacemaker around her brothers and to know that her Heavenly Father and her family love her.

Nash-  Nash was told that he will make many new friends and he would have the opportunity to be a good example to them.  He was encouraged to use his intellect to bless others.  He was told that his teacher would be blesed to teach him in a way that he will understand.  He was blessed with a desire to learn more of Heavenly Father's Gospel.  He was told to strive to continue to be kind to his brothers and sister.  He was also blessed with the ability to continue to be a good swimmer.

Gray-  Gray was blessed that school will come easy to him but he will feel challenged.  He was blessed that his teacher would be able to instruct him.  He was told he would make new friends and was encouraged to be kind.  He was blessed to continue his special relationship with Tag and to strive to help him in his issues and frustrations.  He was encouraged to reach out to Heavenly Father and strengthen his relationship with Him.  He was also instructed to strengthen his testimony.

Tag- Tag was blessed that he will have a good school year and that he would make new friends.  He was blessed that he might be able to help others that might not know the answers.  He was blessed that he might continue to progress and to learn.  He was told that his Mom and Dad love him and his Heavenly Father loves him.

What a gift the Priesthood is.  I am so grateful to have that in our home.  Love that each school year these sweet kids get to hear words of encouragement and advice from our Heavenly Father.  Thank you Joey for being an instrument in His hands!
* I know that I posted this picture in the SG trip post but it is seriously one of my favs.  How cute are these kids?  Love them so much!

Last Summer Trip

With Stake Conference this weekend we decided to take the opportunity for one last trip to St. George before summer was over.  We left on Wednesday night and did  not come back until Sunday.  It was a dreamy trip!  We really did not do much of anything except relax.  On Thursday we spent the morning swimming and then went and met John and Darolyne at Pizza Factory for lunch.  They decided to go down at the same time so we could spend some time together.  We came home to swim a little more and grabbed take out for dinner.  It was such a relaxing day!  On Friday we did a lot of the same!  We got up and swam while Joey did his 11 mile run.  Then we watched the movie  "Gifted" which was so good.  John took Harlee and Gray to DI while Darolyne and I swam with the kids.  We both even dived off the diving board!  We went to Apollo Burger for dinner and finished the night with Arctic Circle.  I got my favorite Huckleberry Shake!  Saturday morning I woke up super early to get my 11 mile run done and then we went garage saling.  We came home to swim.  After swimming we decided to go to Burger Theory for our new restuarant experience.  Seriously the BEST place to eat.  The food was amazing and all of the kids were so good.  It is getting so fun to be able to go out to eat as a family!  We came home and got ready to have John and Darolyne over for a BBQ that night and more swimming.  We actually watched that movie "Gifted" again with them.  After they left we cleaned and prepared to leave in the morning.  On our way out we stopped at the Crepery for a perfect ending to a perfect trip.  I know that I have said this a million times but I am beyond grateful for this beautiful home we have in St. George.  We get to make amazing memories as a family and honestly there is no where else I would rather be.

Face Swap

The kids begged me to get an app called "Face Swap" and I think I might like it more than they do!  You take a picture and it swaps the faces of the people in the picture.  I serioulsy laught out loud as I look at the results from the swap.  Here is one of the whole family!  So so funny! Luke's face is on Joey's body, Nash's face is on mine, Harlee's is on Luke's, Tag's face is on Harlee, Joey's face is on Gray,  my face on Tag, and Gray's face on Nash.

One Less Brace Face in the Fam

Today was a BIG day for Luke!  He got his braces off!  He was so excited but even more so nervous for the process.  Poor Luke had a bit of an anxiety attack shortly after they started removing the brackets and glue.  He was anticipating the worst and he could not pull himself out of it.  I asked if we could go for a little walk and with a few puffs on my asthma inhaler, he was able to pull it together.  The rest of the appointment was almost painless and the results are amazing.  His teeth look so straight and beautiful.  With the braces off he grew up into a young man.  So handsome! 

House Leader

This morning Harlee had her first meeting for her new position as "House Leader".  Towards the end of the school year Harlee brought me an application and asked me to fill it out.  I did so but did not completely realize what she was applying for.  She was applying to be a House Leader at her school.  Her school is divided into 10 different houses and she wanted to be the leader of the house she is in.  Out of many applicants Harlee was chosen!  I was so excited for her!  Harlee has the personality I wish I did!  She is so kind to everyone, so outgoing, and most importantly she is such an example of goodness.  She will be the best House Leader and definitely someone that her peers will want to look up to!

Date Night with Gregory...

Last night we were so lucky to go to the Gregory Alan Isakov concert at Red Butte with some of our favorite people.  Justyna invited us a couple of months ago and I could not wait!  Joey got home around 5:30pm and we rushed to grab Café Rio for dinner on our way to the concert.  The weather was perfect and the company was even better.  I love catching up with Justyna and Landon.  We sat right behind Ryan and his friends.  Alisa was there and it was so fun to catch up with her for a few minutes.  Blind Pilot opened up the concert and they were really good.  I thought they were amazing until Gregory Alan Isakov got up and he was perfection!  His voice is so clear and beautiful.  There really is nothing better than enjoying amazing music snuggled up to my best friend.  So grateful for these opportunities to date and get a little respace from real life.

Museum of Curiousity

The summer is quickly coming to an end and I want to soak up all the fun possible.  As soon as the boys were home from swim practice this morning, we got ready and went to the Museum of Curiosity.  We have had a pass this whole year but not very much time to use it.  We started outside and the kids had so much fun going on the zip-line and other fun options.  Then we went inside and they split up in partners to go do their own things while Tag and I explored what he was interested in.  After a couple of hours, we left and grabbed McDonalds for lunch.  I cherish these times that my work is slow and I can take these kids out of the house to do something fun. So grateful!

Dance Auditions

Today Harlee had her dance auditions at Showcase.  She is trying out for the Jazz Prep team.  She has worked so hard and I know she will do an amazing job.  Harlee has an enviable attitude towards everything in life.  I asked her how she would feel if she does not make it.  She said "Then maybe I am meant to stay in the other class next year."  She is such an example to me!  Love this beautiful dancer of mine.

Lagoon Day

 

 

Today we had our long awaited trip to Lagoon.  Joey and I both took half days at work and we met at Lagoon at 12:30pm.  As we were walking in, Tag saw the Old Rollercoaster and begged to go on it.  I think this scarred him for the rest of the day. He said "Mom, can we just do rollercoasters one time?"  For the remainder of his time at Lagoon he went on the kiddie rides.  We spent 6 hours going on the rides and praying for Cannibal to open.  The ride finally opened around 4:30pm and Luke took Joey and Gray on it for their first time.  They all loved it.  Harlee and Nash loved going on the Tilt a Whirl and the spinning Ferris Wheel.  My favorite was the Rocket.  We ended the day with a family ride on the Log ride. What a fun day!  I love that the kids are all getting older and we can enjoy these fun times together. 

Gets me every time...

It is grooming time again for our favorite puppy!  Mikaya who has groomed him in the past moved so I found a recommendation for Jen on Facebook.  She comes to your house to pick up your pet and then brings him home when he is done.  She came at 4pm and did not return until almost 8pm.  The kids missed Ike so much and they were sure that he was dogknapped!  They love him so much!  He returned with a lot less hair and he was so excited to be home.  Hopefully his new look will grow on us.  She trimmed his beard and we think he looks like a platypus or a duck!  Sure love this sweet puppy no matter how he is groomed!

Lowes

Work has been a bit slower lately which has been such a blessing during the summer.  I have been able to spend more time with the kiddos and we have been able to enjoy some fun things.  Today I took the kids to Lowes Air Extreme in Provo.  Tag had never been and he was so excited.  I let Luke bring two of his friends and everyone had a great time.  They were so sweaty and starving so we decided to go to McDonalds on the way home.  So grateful that we can afford to do these fun things and the kids get to enjoy their summer that is quickly coming to an end.  Everyone will sleep great tonight!