New Family Pictures

9 Month Pictures

Optimist Award

Thomas was presented with a distinguished award this past week, the Optimist Award.  Schools are asked to have teachers nominate students that live the Optimist Creed.  Thomas' principal, Mr. Saxer, told us that in past years there have been a number of students nominated by teachers for this award.  This year, however, every teacher at the Middle School nominated Thomas.  Thomas was awarded a plaque and enjoyed breakfast before school with Joel.

OPTIMIST CREED

Promise Yourself - 

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have not time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

           

Mother's Day

 The one downside of going to Utah over the weekend was I flew home late Sunday night and missed Mother's Day.  I know it is difficult for the kids because they want to share the day with me.  When I walked in after midnight Sunday night I was greeted with a huge candy gram and lots of gifts from the kids.  It was perfect.  They were so excited the next morning when they woke up to tell me all about the things they left for me.  They also told me that it's not very much different when Dad is gone for the week for work but when I leave for a couple days EVERYTHING is different!  I think that was one of the best gifts they could give me.  It made me realize I do make a difference each day just by being mom and being here for them and with them.

Here are some of the things they kids wrote on different cards they made for me:

Sammy:

     My Mom likes to spend time with me.

     My mom has taught me how to borrow in subtraction.

     My Mom's favorite hobby is making dinner.

     My favorite memory with my mom is Day Camp.

     I love my mom because she cares for me.

Gideon:

     She can draw faster than anyone!

     She makes the best bread.

     We always play rescue bots.

      She likes to play with me.

     She makes me happy when she takes me to the park.

     She can fix everything.

     I love it when she lets me help cook.

Josh:

     She can drive faster than anyone.

     When I feel sick she makes everything better.

     We always play catch.

     Her favorite thing to do is cook.

Sammy:

    She can make dinner faster than anyone.

    She makes the best spaghetti.

     We always play games.

     Her favorite thing to do is spend time with me.

     She likes to make dinner.

     She cooks the yummiest casserole.

    She makes me happy when she cares for me.

    She can fix anything.

    I love it when she plays.

Mary:

     She can do the dishes and laundry faster than anyone.

     She makes the best macaroni and cheese.

    When I feel sick she helps me.

     Her favorite thing to do is be with us.

     She likes to help us.

     She makes me happy when she cooks dinner for us.

     She can fix anything.

    I love it when she helps me with spelling.

I guess I have fooled them that I like cooking dinner! :)  So grateful for our children and the blessing they are in my life.  I'm grateful for Joel and the opportunity we have to make this journey together.  He completes me.

Mother's Day Surprise

Every year my mom, sisters, Aunt Karen, and other relatives that live in Utah get together for Mother's Day weekend.  They participate in the Race for the Cure in memory of Grandma Mary.  I was able to go about 4 years ago after Gideon was born but living so far away makes it difficult to participate.  This year Joel told me I needed to fly out and be with them.  We decided it would be fun to surprise everyone.  I needed to be picked up from the airport; however, so we enlisted the help from Aunt Karen.  She devised a story that her daughter in law was flying in for it.  So Friday morning my Mom, Alanna, and Karen headed to the airport to pick up Katie.  Karen walked over to the curb and helped me with my baggage and Jacob as we walked to the car.  All of a sudden my mom realized it wasn't Katie with Karen.  She said to Alanna, "It's Jen!" and was out of the car running to us before Alanna could even put the car in park.  It was so worth every moment as I hugged my mom and told her "Happy Mother's Day!"  Alanna and my mom go out of their way to come and spend time with us and be a part of our children's lives even though we live so far away from them.  It was amazing to do a little for them...and making it a surprise was even better.

It was a short and quick 3 days but so worth it.  I was able to see some family members that I haven't seen in years.  I got to visit with Emily and she was able to meet Jacob for the first time as well.  It is a trip I will always remember.

Trip to the Zoo

While I was visiting my mom and sisters in Utah for a couple days Joel treated the kids to some fun.  He took them all to the Akron Zoo on Saturday.  Fun was had by all, even with a poopy pants episode from a child that is not in diapers!  Can't say I'm sad I missed that part of the trip! :)

Jazz Band at Cedar Point

The Kimpton Middle School performed in a big Music Festival near Cedar Point last Saturday. They placed 1st in all High School and Middle School Jazz Bands.  Following their performance they were able to spend the day at Cedar Point, a huge amusement park.  Joel was able to chaperone the trip and soon discovered he doesn't handle roller coasters as well as he used to!

90 Day Challenge

Spring was finishing reading the Book of Mormon and we got to talking about the different ways we can study the scriptures.  I mentioned to her that I had read it in 3 months a couple of different times and how much I enjoyed that for a change.  She decided she wanted to try.  She asked me, Thomas, and Joel if we would like to join her in this challenge. We all accepted.  Grandma Powell joined us in the challenge as well.

We found a reading schedule that would allow us to finish in 90 days reading between 2-5 chapters daily.  It was an incredible experience to read the Book of Mormon again this way.  We all read individually; however, we were reading and studying the same chapters each day.  It allowed for some great discussions and sharing of insight and testimony during this time.  I loved when Thomas and Spring would come home from school and say, "Mom, have you done your reading yet today?"  Sometimes I could answer yes and sometimes I told them I still needed to do it.  Amidst the busy schedules of life we were able to motivate each other to keep going.  Spring mentioned that she was finding herself yearning for moments to read the Book of Mormon.  It began to be something she sought after, not something hanging over her head needing to be done each day. She said she learned so much from the story of the Book of Mormon. She caught the vision!  The Spirit began to instruct her and guide her.  Thomas has read the Book of Mormon quickly before and has an amazing habit of daily scripture study already.  He mentioned that this challenge helped him develop the habit and love to study even on the weekends.  It helped him determine how to make it a priority even when he was not on a normal routine.  My testimony of Jesus Christ increased as I studied this time.  I was taught, by the Spirit, over and over that we need to rely on the merits of Jesus Christ daily.  Regardless of the trials and cycles of life, it is the repentance and turning back to our Savior that will bring peace and joy now and through the eternities.

I know the Book of Mormon has a power that is unequaled by any other book.  Our family grew closer during this time.  We were reminded of the most important things in life and how we need to make time for the BEST things before anything else.  In these challenging times our children are faced with much opposition, as has been in all generations of time, and consistent study of the Book of Mormon is an amazing defense and weapon to stay on the Lord's side.  We didn't even have to challenge the kids to take Moroni's challenge again when they finished.  They did, on their own.  These children we have been given are spiritual giants.  I often feel like I bask in the light of their testimony.  How grateful I am for their example and strength.

As I have reflected over this experience another blessing became apparent to me.  Spring and Sammy have struggled getting along for quite some time.  They get frustrated easily with each other and tend to focus on the negative characteristics of each other.  We have challenged them many times over the last few years and tried to give them ideas on how they could improve their relationship.  It has been successful in the short term, but never a lingering peace.  One evening about 2/3 of the way through our challenge Joel and I were discussing our children.  I mentioned to him how Spring and Sammy have become friends.  They seek each other out. They want to spend time together.  They rarely argue and when they do both are quicker to apologize, forgive, and move on.  We tried to determine what happened and we couldn't find the reason.  We were just grateful for the respite and hoped it would continue.

Then one evening, these words of President Marion G. Romney quoted by President Benson came to my mind in a moment of quiet reflection:

“I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness.” 

The change in their behavior was a direct blessing from Spring's study of the Book of Mormon. This blessing has continued as Spring and Sammy continue to build upon that friendship and love. The struggles they were having are all but gone. How grateful I am for the power of the Book of Mormon and for the opportunity we had to witness this together in 3 short months.

Director's Award

Thomas was presented with the Director's Award at his final middle school band concert.  The 8th grade band members vote for the following awards:  Leadership, Citizenship, Musicianship, and Director's Award.  The Director's Award is for the student that excels in all 3 of the other areas.  When Mr. Newman was describing the Director's Award he stated that historically it is really close between 4-5 students for this award.  Then he said, "This year it was not."  

There are various responsibilities that come along with accepting this award.  He will be the Freshman Band Representative, meet and aid visiting bands at football games, help in organizing/facilitating various band banquets/events, amongst many other responsibilities.  Thomas did not expect to earn this award; however, there was not another student or parent that was surprised by it.

April Odds and Ends

 Gideon & Sara were able to take part in a photo shoot for the Pediatrician's office new decor with the theme, "When I Grow Up."

 Sammy thought he'd be funny after dinner on April Fool's Day and squirt ketchup and strawberry syrup all over the heads of his parents.  We held it together and then grabbed him and repaid the favor!  It made for a very sticky mess and even more memories.  This kid LOVES April Fool's Day.

 Can you tell it is Springtime and mud is everywhere!  Back to the days of mandatory daily baths & showers.

 You are never too old for fun dip...courtesy of Grandma Powell.  Thomas also got contacts and loves them!

 Sara loves being at the library.  She really likes the fish even though I have to remind her each time to not bang on the aquarium to "scare" the fish.

 When did Thomas get so big?!

 This is how we roll!  The walking comedy show of every store!

 Joshie loves homework!  He is a math stud and an amazing reader.  I'm not ready for him to go to 1st grade and be gone all day; however, he tells me all the time he can't wait to stay at school all day.

Thomas learned to weld this month earning the Welding Merit Badge.