Working with Youth

I thought I'd do a little post about my calling, since it is such a big part of my life (and has been for 8 years!). I go through phases when I think I'm ready to have a calling that doesn't require as much time, but then I think how much I love these kids! These kids make me realize that the future is bright. They are not perfect (who is?), but they amaze me at times with the things they have to deal with, and they remain strong. They seem so much smarter to me about the gospel, than I was at their age.
Another perk to this calling is the awesome leaders and friends I get to work with! We have alot of fun together, and I think I would miss that. Here are some pictures of my Wednesday night. I was in charge of the combined activity. We did a service scavenger hunt, and met at my house before and after. It's true when they say that people like to congregate in the kitchen. I think I had about 45 people standing in my kitchen area. With youth the volume is LOUD! Everyone is in competition to be the funniest or coolest. Needless to say my house was loud, although that's not much different from the norm!

I'm sure Dalton liked this! He was getting special attention for his 16th birthday.

What time is it??

First week back was a fun and busy one. We celebrated Ella's birthday, our 12th wedding anniversary, and had a High school Musical 2 party with our neighbors! For those who don't know what that is, it is a movie on the Disney channel that is all the craze with the 5-13 year old age group (33 year olds don't like to admit it, but they like it too).

Here are some pics from our trip to Cali. They are in order backwards.

Newport Beach- it's hard to tell, but it was pretty crowded.

Searchin' for treasure.

Thayne showing Kaden how to body surf.

Fun little tide pools where we found lots of goodies.
Now this is Stinson beach. Allie's such a cutie.


All of the Price grandkids, however not all looking at the camera.

Love these boys- they are best buds!

Sweet little girls! I wish they could stay little forever.
My sweet little stinker! Cute family!
All of the Price/Huber grandkids! Aren't they a good lookin' bunch.

Five kids at one time being pulled on the tubes! Thanks to Greg and Julia! That was so nice of them to take us boating. (And thanks to mom for watching Ella!)

It wouldn't be a 'day at the lake' without skipping stones!

Nice uncles! I wish I had gotten Sam to come to the front. Tan kids!
This is what my car usually looked like at the end of the day. These kids played hard everyday!
Little bathing beauties!

You know what is so dumb? I hardly got any shots of the adults. I tend to do this. Next time I'll remember to get some of us.

First day of school

We're back from Cali- as if you didn't know. We had an awesome time there. Once again my kids did not want to leave and kept saying on Friday, "it wasn't fair that the Steven's didn't have to leave yet". I wish we lived closer! My kids loooove their cousins and their grandma's and grandpa's! Thank you mom and Dave for letting us stay with you- hopefully you'll be able to take a breather after all of us hooligans leave. I'll post some pics of the trip later.

As for now-- we are back in the swing of things! Hailey started Kindergarten today and Kaden started third grade. It was a bitter-sweet moment dropping my kids off today. I am excited about Kaden's teacher-- she seems really good. Hailey, however, got the one teacher (out of 6) that I didn't really want..... at first. I have now met her and talked with some other mother's who said their kids loved her. She seemed really sweet to the kids today. The only reason I didn't want her is because she is very strict- which is fine with me, but I want her to be fun and nurturing as well. She claims she is (via her letter to the parents). We shall see. Hailey in her school uniform. They have to wear a polo shirt (5 colors to choose from) and khaki or navy blue bottoms.
Kaden couldn't t stop squinting- so we went inside for a picture. He's still squinting.

After school-- looking all flushed face from walking home in 109 degrees! And my very homeade looking "back to school bus cake". My kids thought this was the most awesome thing. (I just need to provide a lot of junk food and Kaden thinks I am awesome--- sad, yes....... but true.)

One more tidbit of info. I ran upstairs while Ella was playing in the family room today, to grab an outfit for her and brush my teeth. I took about 2-3 minutes and headed for the staircase. There was Ella, sitting in the upstairs hall. I gasped, out of shock, and then second guessed myself- "Did I bring her up here?" No- I did not, she climbed the entire staircase! I guess I am going to have to watch her more closely now--- - I am so thankful for that.