A Good Receiver!

I had the chance to listen to the special Christmas Devotional that is given by the first Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints last night.  President Uchtdorf spoke of being a good receiver and as I listened to that talk I could not help think of a special gift given last year with an even greater receiver.  Avery, as Christmas was getting closer wanted so bad to do a gift for her brothers.  She decided she would think of everything they liked and do a poster.  I, thinking the worst, imagined my teenage boys making fun of the gift not appreciating her unique thoughtfulness.  I tried in a nice way to persuade her to think of something different.  Needless to say, she wasn't persuaded.  She finished her simply cut and past poster.  I just hoped that her feelings would not be hurt.  Come Christmas morning they excitedly unwrapped the gifts.  My heart smiled as they lovingly told her what a good job she did and she had put such good things on them.  Braxton impressed me by hanging his up above his bed and it still hangs there today.  There are days I struggle with knowing that my kids love each other :) but it is in these little moments that I know it is there and know we can feel that love and joy forever! 

University of Montana names new Athletic Director

http://gogriz.com/allaccess/?media=334310

Follow the above link to view the press conference held at the University of Montana.

We are so excited for the opportunity we have to stay in Missoula Montana and have Kent be able to reach his goal to be an athletic director.  This is a special place that has a great passion for their school and their teams. And we couldn't feel more blessed than to continue being grizzly fans. At the first home football game our family was asked to go out on the field and be introduced.  Wow there are alot of griz fans in the stand from that point of view. 

Camp Whoville??

 On May 30th Avery turned 12.  This means at church she moves into the young women's group.  It also meant she goes to girls camp for the first time.  The theme was Camp Whoville -  And if you can't tell from the picture the older girls got to dress up the younger ones to look like cindy lou who or something like that.  She had a blast (other than the one night they went snipe hunting and she ended up in tears) and can't wait to go next year (excited to now scare the first years when they go snipe hunting). We are so blessed to live in a such beautiful country! They went to Paxon, a camp right on Seeley Lake.

Oregon 2012

Our trip to the Oregon Coast was amazing.  The home we stayed in that Grandma and Grandpa rented was fabulous! With I think 13 bedrooms, a huge theater room(that seats 41), lots of bathrooms, a few family rooms, hot tub, etc, etc it had plenty of space for everyone to relax and have a great time.







One of our favorite nights was when Kyle brought out his guitar and he and Angela sang.  They were so good. The girls loved it when they got to join in to their favorite songs that he just seemed to play with ease.  "Call me Maybe" was a big hit. :)

There is something so beautiful about the Oregon coast.  We only had a the sun shining one day and it was great, but it didn't matter.  The misty shore was still an adventure as we looked for agates and starfish and any other treasure we could find.  Kyler took a while to feel comfortable with those waves crashing in to the beach but felt a little bit better in his big brothers arms.




 We could leave that area without heading to Newport, about 20 minutes from Lincoln City where we were, and eat at Mo's. The best clam chowder ever! With yummy bread bowls and my favorite, fish tacos.

  

Most of the guys were able to do some ocean fishing thanks to a friend of Wade's that took them out. I think they started fishing at 11:00pm so it was quite the night fishing adventure.

 

One of the best things about the trip was spending time with cousins!  Baby Stella was a doll and it was fun to see and spend time with her. We loved getting to know Jame's new wife Lexi, better and just love her so much.  She is so great with everyone and feel pretty lucky to have two great  new cousins in the family!

Thanks Grandma Priscilla and Grandpa Larry for making this perfect trip possible.  It definitely brought our extended family closer together and created wonderful memories that will last forever!

We Miss the Godfreys

Two years ago my wonderful sister Carrie moved from Missoula to Layton, Utah.  This Memorial Day weekend they came for a visit.  It just made me realize even more how much we miss being close to their sweet family.  What a great time we had!!

Spring Break in Arizona

 I forget how unique this landscape is.  As we approached the first few cactus my kids, especially the girls couldn't believe that they were in a place that the cactus were growing.  I forget that they haven't seen them (or don't remember them).  We are staying in Chandler in a really nice home.  It's been a little windy and cool for this area...but we don't mind.  It still feels nice and warm to us:-).  Tonight Kent joins us.  We are excited to have him here.  

17 Years Old!

Braxton only has two years til he leaves on a mission.  So hard to believe!  He is a great kid.  Happy 17th!