Trip to Gunnison

Yesterday Jenna, Don, Jeremy, and I made our way down to Gunnison to visit my Dad for his birthday.  I never thought I would be driving to prison for the visit.  Sometimes reality hits me and I cannot believe that this is part of my life.  The visit was actually honest and healing.  I was able to say how I feel and express my expectations for a relationship with him when he is released in June.  I am so grateful for the close relationships that I have with my siblings.  They know exactly how I feel and the comfort that brings is an amazing blessing. 

I wanted to write down an experience that I had during Relief Society today to share with my kids.  Let me preface this by saying that going through this difficult time with my dad has taken its toll on my testimony of the atonement.  I have questioned whether or not my dad (GP) could really be forgiven for all of the hurt that he has caused his family and those that he has wronged.  In turn I have questioned the atonement working for me and helping me in strengthening my testimony of the process.  This was fresh on my mind as I sat through Cami's lesson on grace.  The lesson was centered around a talk by Brad Wilcox called "His Grace is Sufficient".  The talk was amazing and focused on how if we do our best the Savior's grace is sufficient to make up the difference.  As I sat there I thought about a close friend who was going through a challenging time with her son.  I thought that I would suggest that she has him listen to this talk.  The moment I thought that I instantly heard "This can work for you too."  I came home and listened to the whole talk.  I was overcome with the Spirit.  It is very difficult for me to work through my hard feelings all by myself.  The good news is that I do not have to do it alone.  I have a Savior who knows exactly how I feel.  He felt my hurt and sadness when he suffered in Gethesamane.  He can help me heal.  What a gift the Holy Ghost is to remind me of this.  I am so grateful that I attended church so I could begin the healing process. To my kids, when you struggle, when you question, I hope this post can be a little reassurance that it is ok.  I hope that you read this and realize that you are not alone.  Not only do you have parents that love you more than anything but you also have a Heavenly Father and a Savior that love you emensly. 

Tag's first day of Kindergarten

Tag started kindergarten on Tuesday and he is LOVING it!  He goes to Freedom Elementary where is he is in a transitional kindergarten class.  He is part of a special education class that has the opportunity to be in a typical kindergarten class as much as he can handle.  His teacher is Mrs. Taylor and she is so sweet!  He rides the bus and loves it. He is in the same class as Mia, Erika's daughter so we are loving that!  I am so beyond proud of the progress that this angel in my life has made.  He told me on the way to the bus today "Mom, I'm so good at kindergarten!".  I love his confidence and I love his spirit.  He makes me want to be a better person.  I am blessed to be his mom and look forward to the promised progress that will continue this year.

An Amazing Surprise

The last time we went to the Museum of Curiousity before school started, I promised Tag that I would take him all by himself.  He reminded me of this promise and we decided to go on Friday after his therapy.  The morning was so crazy busy as I tried to get grocery shopping done while he was in class.  I was already exhausted and a little stressed about work, but a promise is a promise.  We rushed home to put the groceries away and made our way to the museum.  As we were walking in I saw Roxie and Nickell walking in also.  I could not believe it!  What a blessing!  I would get some time to catch up with Nickell while Roxie and Tag would play together.  It ended up being such a fun time.  I am so grateful for the tender mercies that come on days that we really need them. 

Trafalga Thursday

 
 
 
 

The boys do not start swim and Harlee does not start dance until after Labor Day so we are trying to take advantage of the after school time.  On Thursday we decided to go to Trafalga.  It was so not crowded and the kids had so much fun.  They started out in the blasting boats and they all got soaked!  Then they did all of the outside rides before going in to take advantage of all of the free arcade games.  I guess once in a while they will put several games on "Freeplay" and today was the lucky day.  It was so much fun.  I feel so blessed that I get to enjoy these experiences with my favorite kids.

Reunited

After crazy, busy, summers Amber and I were finally able to arrange a play date for Tag and Ava.  Tag counted down the days and could not have been more excited.  As we were leaving to meet them at McDonalds Tag turned and asked me "Mom, does my hair still look good?"  I was dying!  How cute is that?  He wants to look perfect for her!  When we got to Mcdonalds Tag could not get out of the car fast enough.  He ran out and embraced Ava.  As he hugged her he kept saying, "I missed you so much!" They spent some time playing and Tag was so sad when it was time to go.  We will definitely have to get them together again soon.  I love their sweet friendship.

First Day of School

I seriously cannot believe that I am already posting about the first day of school.  The summer absolutely flew by and kids are ready to get back to school.  Luke is starting 8th grade.  Harlee is going into the 5th grade with Mrs. Schauerhammer as her teacher.  Nash was invited to be a part of 3rd/4th split class and his teacher is Mrs. Andes.  Gray is going into the 2nd grade and his teacher is Mrs. Schwanke.  Tag will start school next week.  I cannot believe how quickly these cute kids are growing up!  Here's to an amazing year!  How darling do they all look?  I love them all!

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.