Maizey's last prom

So, this was Maizey first and last high school prom. She had gone each year to the Mormon prom but never to the high school one. She went with Justice Brown, one of Garretts friends. I like how Maizey and Garrett have the same good of friends. She also was in the same group as her cousin Kade. They had a great time. Unfortunately I wasn't able to be there when her date picked her up. I was in China. But Im thankful for her friends and sister that helped her get ready for her big date! 

Maizey super star!

Maizey is at it again with all her acheviements. :) This time she got student of the month at the high school. I didn't know they did that at the high school level. I think it's a pretty big deal, but Maizey doesn't think so. Haha! Tonight she was recognized at the Queen Creek school district meeting along with other students from different school. We're so proud of Maizey and all accomplishments.

The 3 amigos!

Today Toby and I and a couple of the kids attending the singles ward. 3 of our kids just happened to be speaking together. Kami, Tim and Bentley were asked to speak. They all spoke on talked from general conference. Kami spoke on raising children. Even though none of them have kids, she talked about how they could each be better sons and daughters. Tim spoke in the priesthood and why we sustain our leaders. Bentley spoke about how during the war buildings were destroyed but afterwards they were rebuilt. It went along with the atonement and how sometimes we tear ourselves down by sin and how we can rebuild ourselves through the atonement. Wow! We have amazing kids! So proud of them and all their hard work and accomplishments. They did amazing!

Labor of Love!

Well, I'm finally finished with Kami's wedding dress! Whew! :) Just in time before I take off for China for a couple of weeks. Yikes! I think it turned out pretty amazing! It has been a labor of love and privilege to make this special dress for her. It took a lot longer than I expected. I wanted to get it just perfect for her! So I took extra care of how it was sewn and didn't skip corners, like to tend to do. Haha! I'm grateful for a mom that taught me to sew, so many years ago. I'm thankful for sisters who are amazing seamstresses and who I can call to help me out. Can't wait to see her wear it on her special day!

Glasgow FHE

Well, it's that time again for our annual Glasgow FHE at the park. We try to get together a couple times a year. It's hard sometimes with so many kids. :) But we made time for it and loaded up and went. We made our famous buffalo chick dip and this year for dessert I made yummy banana pudding in honor of my dad. It was one of his favorites. I guess it was a hit, because it was gobbled up super fast and I got several request for the recipe. I even made a gluten free one for Toby and his gf buddy, Melanie. The kids have fun throwing the football and frisbee around. It was nice to catch up with my brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews. It was a great night to be together. 

Prom 2016

Today Maizey got asked to prom! I'm so happy that she'll be able to go to her high school senior prom. She's been to Mormon prom the last few years, but never to the school. So this is exciting. One of Garretts friends, Justice Brown asked her. They all hang out together at school. Garrett has told us some pretty funny stories about Justice. He sounds like a pretty easy going funny kinda guy. She'll have a great time! We'll need to hurry and get her dress this week before I leave for China on Thursday. I'll have to miss her prom, but I know the girls will take good care of her. 

Driving Joe and Caleb

Toby took Jonah and Caleb out driving today. This was Jonah's first time behind the wheel. Toby said he did really well. Caleb had been a few times. Can't believe these boys will be able to drive in the next year. Thankfully they are easy to teach. :) Noah is still practicing. He drives home from working some times. Need to get him out driving more. Hopefully he'll finish up his eagle soon so he can get his license in August. 

Good job boys! 

Las Vegas here we come!

Today, Toby and I and Danny drove to Vegas for CinemaCom. It's a huge show for movie theatres. It's had everything you can image for the theatres, seats, flooring, lights, projections, screens and of course food! The whole bottom floor is dedicated to food and drinks! They had samples for everything and for free! :) That's the best part of the show. They did have private screenings for new movies that are coming out this year, but we didn't get to see those, unfortunately. Toby and Danny talked to a lot of people and had a lot of interest in our screens. The last day we loaded up 4 bags full of free candy and popcorn. Haha! It was a great week, but glad to be home.

Driving through the Joshua Tree national forest. 

We were a little worried about the size of the truck and how low the parking garage was. Some times the antenna would hit the top of the ceiling driving through. 

Celebrating Bentley and Rod!

We try to go out to dinner when our missionaries leave and come home. So we've been eating out a lot with Cindy and Toby's birthdays and with Garrett leaving and Bentley coming home! Bentley was so tired and jet lagged when she got home that we postponed her dinner until tonight. Next week is Rodd birthday and Toby and I will be in Vegas for work. So we decided to combine them. Bentley has been craving Mexican food her while mission. She learned how to make home made tortillas and guacamole to curb those cravings. So we went to Tia Rosas for dinner tonight. We had a yummy dinner and Bentley was in heaven! Our waiter was pretty awesome! He gave us a fried ice cream dessert to share as a welcome home gift to Bentley for serving a mission. Then Caleb wanted a few more chips before we left, he gave Caleb a huge bag full of chips and a couple cups of salsa! When we got home Bentley gave us our presents she brought home from France. She gave the girls aprons and bracelets and Effile tower key chains. Then boys got tie tacks and t-shirts and key chains. She brought chocolate and waffle cookies and almond cookies to share. For Toby and I, we got 2 picture prints, tie tack and s beautiful scarf! Well do Rod's present on Sunday before Toby and I leave.

Bentley starts new job!

A few weeks ago my niece texted me and said she might have a job for Bentley when she gets. It was a full time job starting at $10 an hour. The job was a little bit away, but for full time and good pay, who cares. Haha! The week bentleyceas to come home my niece tested me to let me know that they heed another person. They couldn't wait any longer. Oh, I was so sad. This job would've been perfect and answers to prayers. But in the back of my mind, I had a feeling that it would come back and it did!!! Last week I got a text from my niece wondering if Bentley could come in for an interview on Wednesday! Hallelujah! She got her resume all updated and went to her interview. She walked it and was hired right on the spot! Haha! She said there was no interview and they didn't even look at her resume! Haha! It's good to have connections  and better yet,  It's nice to be blessed for serving the Lord for 18 months. Love tender mercies from our Heavenly Father.

Rod's 45th birthday!

🎉HAPPY 45th BIRTHDAY🎉to this awesome guy! A day doesn't go by that we don't talk or think about Rod. He was a great husband, father, son, brother and friend. We love and miss him dearly! We went to Tia Rosas for his birthday dinner and the kids got presents. Love our tradition of celebrating his and Cindy's birthdays.

Celebrating Bentley and Rod!

We try to go out to dinner when our missionaries leave and come home. So we've been eating out a lot with Cindy and Toby's birthdays and with Garrett leaving and Bentley coming home! Bentley was so tired and jet lagged when she got home that we postponed her dinner until tonight. Next week is Rod's birthday and Toby and I will be in Vegas for work. So we decided to combine them. Bentley has been craving Mexican food her whole mission. She learned how to make home made tortillas and guacamole to curb those cravings. So we went to Tia Rosas for dinner tonight. We had a yummy dinner and Bentley was in heaven! Our waiter was pretty awesome! He gave us a fried ice cream dessert to share as a welcome home gift to Bentley for serving a mission. Then Caleb wanted a few more chips before we left, he gave Caleb a huge bag full of chips and a couple cups of salsa! When we got home Bentley gave us our presents she brought home from France. She gave the girls aprons and bracelets and Effile tower key chains. Then boys got tie tacks and t-shirts and key chains. She brought chocolate and waffle cookies and almond cookies to share. For Toby and I, we got 2 picture prints, tie tack and a beautiful scarf! Well do Rod's present on Sunday before Toby and I leave.

Count down to graduation!

Maizey brought home her cap and gown today! Pretty crazy to think that she'll be graduating in 2 months! Then real life will start! Haha! She's has lots of decision to make real soon about what she wants to do when she grows up. Good luck Maizey mouse!

Back to reality!

Bentleys been trying to adjust to normal life again after serving a mission. It's been a little hard, but she's doing it. She helped me today by going grocery shopping (it's a big task!) While in Costco she found some comfort food from France.... Cheese and baguettes! She got a little taste of France today! :)

Cabin Conference!

This morning early we left early and headed up to the cabin with everyone except for Noah who had to work and Kami who had lots of work and wedding stuff to do.  But Bentley, Maizey, Caleb & Jonah joined us and we got to the cabin just a few minutes before the first session of conference started.  It was nice up at the cabin...cool, sunny weather, here with Grandma & Grandpa Severtson and Danny and Micah & family.  We missed Garrett & Porter who would usually be with us.  But we enjoyed the time together snuggled up on couches watching the session.  This evening all the boys went together with Grandpa to the priesthood session of conference.  We had a great laugh when Jonah kept pushing the door and waving a guy to come open it for him -- when in fact all he had too do was pull (rather than push) it open.  :-)  Afterwards, we all went out to dinner Casa Ramos.  It was a good time eating together there as well.  Its always a nice time being together as family at the cabin...and even nicer with it being conference weekend.

Bentley's open house

It was so surreal having Bentley home today. I took her to the dentist to get her teeth cleaned for the first time in 18 months. :) Then I went to the high school to get Noah and Caleb and let them play hookie for half the day. Maizey was already home and started in baking for Bentleys open house that night. I took over and Maizey and Bentley went shopping and then over to Brian Trotters house for him to give her a back adjustment. I was finishing baking up until  it was almost time to start the open house. Toby and I tried to run to go get something to eat, but as we pulled out of the neighborhood we saw Mike and Becky pulling in. So we turned around and heading back to the house. :) Lots of family come to welcome Bentley home along with good family friends and old friends. It was a nice night listening to Bentley tell stories of her experience of her mission.