Home Run!

Peyton hit her first home run of her High School career last night against Vallivue!  She hit it over the fence in right field.  Of course, we had to keep the softball as a momemto.  Way to go Peyton!!

Spring Break

 We went down to Hagerman for a few days during spring break and had a great time.  Even though the weather was not the best, the kids had a lot of fun doing a little sight seeing and visiting with the grandparents.  We took a drive up to the windmills and got to see first hand how big they really are.  The wind was blowing like crazy, especially at the base of the windmills (shocking there would be wind around windmills....hmmm) and the kids had a blast running around the base and feeling the force of the wind push them.

We also went to see the alligators,  Clear Springs fish hatchery, the sturgeon ponds (they also had golden trout) where they always try to grab their fins to see if they can get splashed, and of course swimming at the pool.  The kids always want to go back as soon as we get home and always remind us that we need to go see both grandparents, whom they adore. 

If I Were President

As I was looking through Kobe's school papers this morning, I noticed this little booklet that he had made.  I love reading the kid's thoughts about things that I have never asked them.  And then I ask myself why I have never asked them that before!!  It is so great that school often makes them think outside the box and imagine things that they never thought possible.  Yes, Kobe, you could someday be the next President.  And just so you remember, I will add your thoughts from second grade on "If I Were President":

If I were President, the first thing I would do is :  look around the White House.  (What a logical answer!)

If I were President, I would help:  the poor. 

If I were President, I would travel to:  Ireland.  (That's where he wants to serve a mission too).

If I were President, I would have a pet:  Golden Eagle.  Named:  killer.

If I were President, I would pass a law that:  no doing drugs. 

If I were President, I would eat:  steak with onions on top. 

Jimmer cookies

Madison and I decided to make some "Jimmer" cookies on Wednesday to celebrate BYU's game that night.  However, we later found out the game was not Wednesday night, so really they turned out to be pre game cookies.  Especially since they are all gone.  We might have to make some more for the the real game Thursday night.  They turned out pretty darn cute and Madison had a great time helping me bake. She is quite the little chef.  And quite the little model as you can see. I love the lips!

Peyton's First Game

The rain is really coming down today, but when I look outside all I see is the little green shoots from my daylilies!  I can't wait to get outside and start planting.  I miss the smell of grass after it is cut and getting my hands dirty in the garden.  In the meantime, we will play a lot of softball.  So fun to watch!!

Peyton had her first game this past week against Moutain View and it was freezing!!  However, it wasn't raining, so that is a plus.  Peyton played a great defensive game as short stop and we are looking forward to this week with 3 games. 

I found a amazing quote from Elder Neil A. Anderson about how we should be raising our children: 

"We hold in our arms the rising generation.  They come to Earth with important responsibilities and great spiritual capacities.  We cannot be casual in how we prepare them.  Our challenge as parents and teachers is not to create a spiritual core in their souls but rather to fan the flame of their spiritual core already aglow with the fire of their premortal faith."

I think sometimes I get so caught up in "raising" them (their physical needs) that I don't take enough time to simply make sure that they are fed spiritually everyday.  They live in a world that surrounds them with such negative feedback that it is vital for me to really instill in them a great sense of spiritual worth.  The faith of a child is an amazing thing and I ask myself, "What am I doing to increase their faith?"  What an amazing responsibility, but one that I gladly accept.  It makes my heart big to see the sparkle in their eyes, their huge smiles and to share in their joy of all the little things that we as adults seem to forget.  Thanks to my kiddos for bringing me daily joy and lots of good times.  I hope that I can make you realize how amazing you are and the many things that you are capable of.

Our First Pinewood Derby

We had the fun experience of being part of our first pinewood derby last night.  Kobe was super excited  and I am pretty sure Dad was a little nervous as well.  After all, there was a lot of thought, time and preparation put into that little car!  Unfortunately, I can't say that we took first place (however, we didn't place last either so that is a good thing), but it sure was a great time and it was a lot of fun to see how excited the boys were as they watched their car race down the track.  I think the Dad's are just as competitive as the boys are!! 

 I have to say that I think I got the biggest kick out of seeing Jason put so much interest into helping Kobe build his car.  There were a couple of nights that he stayed up late hand painting the stripes and making sure things were "just right".  We are blessed to have such a great Dad who loves unconditionally and  would do anything for us. 

                                              

                                                   ( The red and white car is Kobe's)

Grizzly Softball

Hurricanes Softball 2010

Softball season has arrived!!  This last weekend, Peyton braved 20 degree weather and two days of tryouts for Rocky Mountain HS softball.  She was a little nervous, but did a great job and and she made the JV team. Way to go Peyton!!!

She will either play shortstop or center field, which is what she has played previously for her Hurricanes team.  We are really proud of the way that has is committed to playing hard and becoming a better player.  She really loves playing and I am so excited for the season to start and to watch her play.  We are also gearing up for Carly's softball, Kobe's baseball and Madi's soccer.  Craziness is what we are all about.  However, I wouldn't have it any other way and I love watching the kids having fun and being part of something that teaches them to work hard, be diligent, and how to be a team player.