Dallin's Priesthood Party

Turning 12 in the LDS faith is a big deal!!!

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, when the young men turn 12, they are able to receive the priesthood, administer the sacrament to the members of the ward each Sunday, collect fast offerings once a month, attend the temple to do baptisms for the dead, and other great things.

So, in an effort to help these sweet young men to prepare for this special day, it has become a tradition of ours to have a "Priesthood Party" for each of our sons as they turn 12.

I try to choose a theme for each boy, something that interests them that I can also tie into the gospel...

for Dallin?

 Cars! the "Keys" of the Priesthood!

 Fast Kart Racing! :)

We invite all of the men in Dallin's life that have had a positive influence in his life...

We plan a super fun activity that will bring all of these big boys together...

and then we end up back at our home for food, dessert, 

and bearing testimonies of the power of the Priesthood.

Let me just tell you, it is an awesome sight and an even more awesome feeling in my home when I see all of these men gathered together for such a worthy cause...

The Fast Kart track was a blast for all of them! They of course had to get a little competitive, and Clint came home bragging of the Winner's rights :)

They said that Carew is a maniac on the track (which does not surprise me since I feel that's kind of how he really drives...it's kind of scary!)

And sweet little Dallin...is a "cautious driver." :)

Doesn't go too fast and stays smack dab in the middle of the lane...making it extremely hard for these super competitive boys to even pass!!! :)

But, 

It was so much fun to have all of them arrive back at the house laughing, joking, slapping each other on the back, and enjoying doing what "boys love to do!

When they came home, I had arranged some Giant Pizza Pies from the Pie Pizzeria, and Banana Cream and Triple Chocolate Cream pies from Kneaders for dessert.

Everyone filled their plates and then took turns one by one 

going around the table talking directly to Dallin.

 It started out with Clint of course, and then on to Uncle Kevin, Grandpa Trickett, his brother Carew, cousin Maicen, good friend Rhett...

then on to Uncle Curt, Dallin's primary teacher Danny Morgan, our friend and old home teacher David Taterita, friend Brad Holt, and other primary teacher Matt Reams...then Uncle Colby, Uncle Shane, and member of the bishopric Spencer Butler.

The Spirit was strong as each of these fine men bore testimony of the power of the priesthood...

each one shared a way that the priesthood has blessed their life or one way that they have been able to use the priesthood to bless the lives of others.

There were a few times when these "big boys" had to choke back tears...and so did I...

Dallin even told me later that he really loved what his Uncle Kevin said..."that the priesthood is not for Dallin...but that it is for Dallin to use to serve and bless others."

I know that Dallin is going to be an amazing priesthood holder...he is already so sensitive to the Spirit...he is always the first one of my kids to notice when I need a hug, or an extra kiss on the cheek with a big smile...he is always rubbing my back and asking me multiple times a day, "Mom, is there anything I can do to help you? Is there anything that you need me to do for you?"...and the amazing thing is...I don't even ask...he just does it! With a SMILE too if you can believe it!!! :)

I tell him all the time how sweet he is and that he is only going to get sweeter when he receives the priesthood! He is a good boy...and the priesthood makes men BETTER.

I know that doing "wholesome recreational activities," providing experiences and settings where the gospel can be taught and learned...and doing so in a fun and memorable way is pleasing to Heavenly Father. It is just another thing that I know that I can do to instill in my children a deeper testimony, and an assurance that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the one sure way to true joy and happiness both in this life and in the life to come.

Dallin, 

I am so proud of the fine young man that you are growing up to be, and I can't wait o see you receive the priesthood in just a few short weeks...

I love you so much little buddy!!!

(Below is what was inside the invitation that was sent out to everyone for the Priesthood Party:)

Keys to Drive???

Keys to Success…Keys to serve…

Keys of the Priesthood!

Can you believe that Dallin will be turning 12 soon???

He is so excited to be able to receive the Aaronic Priesthood and begin a life full of serving others with it!

Thank you for having a positive influence in Dallin’s life and for being a good example to him. Won’t you join him for a morning of celebration in preparation of his special day?

WHEN: Saturday March 7^th 10:00a.m. – 12:30p.m.

WHERE:  Fastkart Indoor Speedway 3969 S 500 W, Salt Lake City

(You can meet there or meet at Dallin’s home at 9:30 to car pool if you would like)

After racing on the track everyone will meet back at Dallin’s home for lunch and dessert! J

***Also, Please come prepared to share with Dallin one way that the Priesthood has blessed your life, or one way that you have been able to use the Priesthood to bless the lives of others… ***

Your thoughts and testimony will leave a lasting impression on the heart and soul of this fine young man…and I thank you for that, with all my heart! After all, it really does take the village to raise the child!

Love, Susette

 The Aaronic Priesthood deals with the temporal and outward ordinances of the law and the gospel…It holds the keys of the ministering of angels, of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism (D&C 13).

Please RSVP to Susette: 801-381-4292 (text or call)  Thankyou!!!

Our First Ever Season of Jr Jazz!

What an adventure we have had playing our very first season of basketball ever!!! :)

Gavin and Dallin both decided that this was the year that they wanted to try playing basketball, and they both learned so much and had such a great time being on teams with friends and great coaches!

Here is Gavin with Coach Brown and Coach Peterson, holding his MVP award!

(Which all of the boys got. :)

The awesome thing about Gavin's team was that there was not one boy on the team who had ever played basketball before! They were all so excited to be with their friends and to HAVE FUN!

Their very first game of the season Gavin enthusiastically told people that his team scored ZERO points! This was true!!! :)

They played their little hearts out and never even scored one basket! AND they played the highest ranked team on their first day as well...soooooo the score ended up being about 60-0...but we weren't keeping track :) especially when they shut off the score board! :)

BUT....they had a blast! :) They were so pumped after that first game! 

We thought, "Well, they can only go up from here! " :)

And they did!!!

By the last game of the season, which was again playing the number one ranked team...

they actually ended the game in a tie! 

Gavin practiced shooting hoops everyday after school and eventually became one of the best players on the team. He would also pray every day that he would do his best, and after that first game with no points, Gavin ended up scoring multiple points in every other game! He really played his little heart out and had so much fun doing so.

We were so proud of him for being a leader and such a good sport...AND for working so hard!

Way to go Gavin!!!:)

Here is Dallin with his "MVP" award as well. :)

The awesome thing about Dallin's team was that they were a young group that only had a couple of players that had ever played before and even though they did not win ANY games...they played their little hearts out too, and encouraged each other all along the way.

Dallin's team signed up to be in the "recreational" league, and somehow they ended up getting put in the "competitive" league!

Here were these awesome boys, most of which had never played basketball before, and they were playing against teams that had been together for years!!!

Even though they never ended up winning, they did improve drastically by the end of the season.

Dallin never made a single basket through most of the beginning of the season, but he did have numerous steals and fast break assists that were awesome. :)

BUT...by the end of the season Dallin found his groove! He began scoring in the last couple of games, and at the last game of the season, he went out with a BANG by scoring the second most points on the team!

I love that these boys learned to play on a team, how to be a great support and inspiration to the fellow team mates, and had a blast learning how to play basketball!

There is definitely a lot more to the game than winning...especially at this age!

Way to go Dallin!

You are awesome!!! :) 

One of Our Favorite Vacations...

Last July when my sweet Dad had passed away, we were actually on our way to California for our family vacation when we received the sad news. 

We turned right around and came home of course...but always knew that we would one day take our children back and have that vacation that we never got to take.

When we went back, it turned out to be one of the BEST vacations we have ever had...and I believe in part, that because Heavenly Father is so aware of our sincere hearts desire, He blessed us and we had even greater opportunities than we originally had planned.

Our good friends the Penrod family "happened" to call us just 2 weeks before the fall break to see if "by chance" we might want to go to California with them and share a beach house in Newport Beach that would sleep 14 people...

We were already talking about going there to have our vacation that we had missed before...but this opportunity was perfect for us and so we went!!! :)

My favorite thing was waking up first thing in the morning and stepping right out the back door and onto the warm sand. I would go out and sit in the still morning and listen to the waves and communicate in quiet prayer with my Heavenly Father. It was beautiful.

Then, one by one, little children would start to come from their beds, grab their bucket and shovel, and join me out on the beach! All before ever having any thoughts of breakfast or any other silly cares! Just pure and simple relaxation! It was divine!!!

We went body surfing, flew kites, built sand castles, had picnics, walked the beach, chased the waves, sun bathed, and even buried each other in the sand! :)

If you couldn't tell, Kierra turned her brother Carew into a real live mermaid! :)

This made me giggle when I saw what they were up to!

We also of course had to visit the "Happiest Place On Earth!" 

Disneyland was so fun and we had never been there at this time of year before, so it had an added element of fun and surprise for us...it was magical! :)
(It was also funny while we were here, each of our children kept on chiming in that "we need to have another baby so that we won't have an odd number of people when we go on the rides!!!"
Silly kids :)

We also made a visit to Lego Land...one of our kids favorites since they were little!

Here Carew, Kierra, Dallin, and Clint are waiting to ride a dragon roller coaster...

(I love all of these cuties :)

And here is our group again at Lego Land...we had 2 of our friends children with us as well...little boys that were Dallin and Gavin's ages, who love Legos as well and had never been there before! They were so happy we let them join us, and they were a joy to have as well!

(Kierra, Clint, Gavin, Carew, Logan, Dallin, Landen, and Kambriela...8 goofballs in all! :)

Towards the end of the day at Lego Land there were Stilt Walkers that were dressed up for Halloween... All of the kids had fun Trick-or-Treating around the park, dancing to the party music, and solving mysteries and eating yummy food.

But needless to say, as much fun as all of those amusement parks can be, our favorite time of all was back at the beach. :)

We went to Crystal Cove during low tide and found all kinds of marine life hiding in all of the coral reef. My kids loved finding little rocks, and shells, and crabs, and fish...

Kambriella's little smile says it all... :)

What a handsome couple of beach bums :)

Carew and Dallin and their new found treasures :)

The last night we were there we walked all the way out to a restaurant at the end of the Pier and had cheeseburgers and milkshakes...

Then we were having so much fun chasing the waves and collecting seashells that we didn't even want to go home! We found hundreds of shells that we all collected together that I plan to make into a decoration for my new master bath that Clint plans on remodeling...I can't wait for that! :)

We stayed as long as the day light would...and then finally decided that it was time to go.

I love spending time with my family making memories and building traditions! 

All of our children still talk about when we are going back to the beach house...and all of us agree that when we do, it won't be soon enough! :)

Sleeping Beauties :)

Kambriella always gets so excited when her siblings come home from school! :) She loves to hug them and play with them and tell them all about her day...and then hear about theirs too :)

The other day when Kierra got home, she had gone upstairs to her bedroom and Kambriella ran right after her... It made me smile :)

I listened to them giggling and talking...and then after a little while it was soooo quiet!

Way TOO quiet for a couple of chatty girls! 

So I tip toed up the stairs to peek in on them, and THIS is what I found...

2 sleeping beauties. :)

I thought they were so cute laying there next to each other getting a little beauty rest ;)

(actually we all go to bed WAY too late and I know they were both exhausted!)

I love that even though these 2 "Sissy's" (as they call each other) are 11 years apart in age, they still love each other so much! And they love spending time together...

and even dreaming together too! :)

Concerning Motherhood...

When I was a little girl...I used to love to make believe that I was "the mom." :)

I remember tenderly taking care of all of my babies from the Cabbage Patch doll, to Rainbow Bright herself...to the handmade doll that my mother gave me for Christmas one year.

Those are some great memories.:)

I also remember when I was little, making long lists of names for my future children...

among them I remember:

Jessica

Shale (???)

Whitney and Brittany (for my twin girls of course :) ...

and I very specifically remember planning that I would have 4 children!

2 boys and 2 girls.

They would each be born 2 years apart, and we would live happily ever after. The End. :)

I'm glad that Heavenly Father had a much better plan for me instead...:)

Here is a picture of my sweet children...5 in all...not 4...:)

Gavin Ryker, Kierra Nicole, Kambriella Noel, Carew James, and Dallin Clint

MY SWEETIES :)

My children were definitely NOT born 2 years apart! We have every mix BUT 2 years! :)

Kierra and Carew : 1 year and 1 month apart

Carew and Dallin : 4 years and 10 days apart

Dallin and Gavin : 2 years and 6 months apart

Gavin and Kambriella : 3 years and 3 months apart

No matter the age... no matter the birth order..no matter the number of days or years that separate these siblings...

The bond of eternal family and true charity and love is strong.

They are learning each and every day under the direction of a mother and father some of the most valuable life's lessons both for this life and for eternity.

They are learning how to love, how to forgive, how to ask for forgiveness...

How to share, how to shine, how to STOP being selfish and be SELFLESS...

They are learning how to trust, how to study, how to pray, learn and grow...how to ask questions and how to find answers... how to help others, how to cook and clean and do laundry...and how to clean a toilet the RIGHT way, even if it means that you had to go back and do it 3 times. ;)

There are so many things that a mother is responsible for, and every single day I feel that this is my number one most important job. It is also the hardest job that I have, 

but also one of the most gratifying. 

As I read the conference talk from Tad R. Calister titled,

 "Parents: The Prime Gospel Teachers of Their Children," I agreed wholeheartedly with his words...

" As their prime gospel teachers, we can teach them the power and reality of the Atonement - of their identity and divine destiny - and in so doing give them a rock foundation upon which to build. When all is said and done, the home is the ideal forum for teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ."

Also, as influenced by stories from this talk...I love to hear my little Gavin praying out loud for Heavenly Father to help him find a good wife one day. :) I think he has heard it said enough by his father too that marrying the right person will be one of the single most important decisions that he will ever make in his life ! :) 

So, as I have prayed about and contemplated my role as a mother, and the very important calling that I have, I have also asked myself many questions that I still to this day seek answers to...

"Do they all know how much I really love them?"

"Do I do enough individually for each of them to be able when needed to stand on their own?"

"Are they all here?"

"When does a mother KNOW that her family is complete?"

"Am I radiating joy in motherhood so that my daughters will be excited and want that to be their main priority one day too?"

I have found that some questions will always remain because they are a constant.
I believe that I can never tell my children enough, of all of the love that I have for them...so I will continue to tell them and show them each and every day...

I constantly look at them and wonder..."Are they all here??? Who is missing???"
As Clint and I have personally and privately talked about this and prayed about this and gone to the temple seeking answers to this very question, our feelings have been tender and mixed...I think mostly because the work of a mother and father are never really "done."

Over the last year or so, Clint and I have discussed our children, whether or not to have any more...and I know that I have to think in an eternal perspective as I seek my answers because Heavenly Father's will is the one I want for my own...

I love my family more than I can say...
They truly bring me so much joy :)

As each day passes and life moves forward at it's ever quickening pace, I become more and more aware of my role as a mother. I am very aware that they need me. And I need them.

As we seek to learn and grow, and find answers to all of our questions in life, we will learn and grow together, and find our answers all along the way...as we experience this mortal journey together...JOYFULLY enjoying the journey!

I do not know everything that Heavenly Father has in His plan for me, but I do know that He loves me deeply, and that He is proud of me for embracing my role as a mother.

I know that He smiles at me when I give the love to each child individually that He would give to them personally if He were here.

 I know that my plans as a little girl were "a good idea..." but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Heavenly Father's plan for me is the best thing for me.

I'm so grateful for the calling of motherhood and for the opportunity to share in the sacred and important responsibility of trying to help my children return to the presence of our loving Heavenly Father. With the gospel to guide, and Clint by my side...we will get there... together! :)

Kierra Nicole ~ 17!

My sweet Kierra Nicole turned 17 this week and never ceases to amaze me with the

 beautiful young woman that she has become...

Talented in so many ways and simply bursting with a pure heart of gold.

Kierra has loved dance for so long and it really is a part of who she is! She recently auditioned for the BYU summer intensive program, and we will hear by the end of March if she makes it or not...

either way, Kierra is very confident that whatever happens is the path that will be right for her, and will be what Heavenly Father wants for her to do.

Kierra has many friends that are good examples in her life! Friends that encourage her to develop her divine qualities, and who support her in all her endeavors. This is a picture of Kierra and her sweet friend Emma when they were going to a dance in a group together. They plan on going to St. George together this summer, going to EFY together, and spending any extra time working on their tans out by the pool. :) Emma is a true friend that brings out the best in Kierra! Her family is amazing and her grandpa is a general authority which is pretty cool...She shares all kinds of neat stories from him...it's nice to know as a mom that your children's friends have as high of standards as you have for your own family...after all, I believe it really does take the whole village to raise a child! :)

Ahhh dating...:)

This is one of those crazy things that you know eventually will come,

 but when it actually does...WOW!!! Hold on tight! 

Kierra has very high standards for choosing who she wants to date, and so far for the record has sent off a couple of missionaries that I know are hoping and praying that she will still be around when they return home in 2 years! This guy right here is one that treated Kierra like a queen and she has fond feelings for ... Adam James...Hmmm....I guess time will only tell...:)

Being a busy teenager with school, dance, a job, young womens, and other family responsibilities...Kierra hasn't really had time for a real "Party" for her birthday... But as her favorite momma ;) I was more than happy to fill the order of:

1) A favorite birthday cake

2) My special homemade banana bread per birthday girl's request :)

and 3) a surprise lunch date during her lunch break from school!

My sweet sister Tiffany brought her daughter Lexi (far right) to Kierra's school and dropped her off at the main office with balloons, a teddy bear, and a gift to surprise Kierra! Kierra definitely was surprised as she saw Lexi standing there...ran and hugged her..and then scooped her and her friend Emma up and met me and Tiffany and Kambriella at Subway for a bite of lunch. Even though Kierra had so many other places to be ON her birthday, we all knew it was so important to try and do something sweet for our sweet Kierra to try to make her day feel as special as she is!

Thank you so much Tiffany and Lexi for helping to spoil my Kierra!

Something very special to Kierra and I that I wanted to include in this birthday post was the fact that we both have recently earned our Young Women medallions together!

 This was a goal that we had set out to do together almost 4 years ago...

When Kierra turned 12 and entered the young womens program I can still remember the day that her leader came over and presented her with her personal progress book and journal, and all of the other tools that would help her to achieve these goals. I remember hearing words spoken by our church leaders that mothers were encouraged to work on this program together with their daughters...

I knew that this program was inspired and that I would come closer to my daughter if I would do this with her. I have always tried to be a good example for my children to follow, but it was also amazing to me what a good example Kierra was for me to follow while we were working on our personal progress together...

When Kierra and I recently attended a councilor meeting at the high school to help plan out the rest of Kierra's high school career, I was humbled and touched as her councilor reported to me that Kierra's plan after high school was to be a mother.

I almost let the flood gates open because I was so proud of my daughter and that she had recognized where her main goals and priorities should lie...she didn't even hesitate when she announced this to her councilor! He commended her and then asked her if there was any other areas that she was interested in for college...

After we had a brief discussion about her commendable goal, we also then discussed that she was also very intelligent with a straight A high school career and that she could probably do whatever she put her mind too. She has expressed that she would like to become a nurse and have that for an occupational goal as well...so she is preparing to receive her CNA so that it might make it easier for her to be accepted into a nursing program for college...

Kierra and I have a special relationship.

I know that first and foremost I am her mother. And I love it. 

She is first and foremost my daughter...and I love her!

But we are also sisters and friends and she has such a pure heart and soul and she brings the spirit closer to me through her relationship.

I have been blessed to have a teenager who loves and honors her parents and brings an increase of love into our home when she is there.

When your teenage daughter asks if for her birthday she can just have time with her mom, then you know that you are special to her and that you are loved. Kierra always makes me feel this way and I am eternally grateful to my Heavenly Father for blessing me with her for a daughter. We are enjoying the ups and downs of this mortal journey together as we move forward on the Lord's side.

Kierra, Happy Happy Birthday my sweet!

Thank you for being an inspiration and a gift to me...I love you!

My Heartthrob, My Valentine :)

I love my calling of being a wife! 

Ever since I was a little girl, I remember how I wanted nothing more out of life than to meet my Prince, marry him in the temple for time and all eternity, and then live happily ever after! :)

Well, here I am 38 years old young ;) ...and living my "happily forever after!"

Life has taught me a thing or two along the way though...

 I have learned that what you think about your spouse is exactly how you will see them. No, I am not perfect, but I believe I can love my husband perfectly if that is what I choose to do!

 I have always admired the strengths of my sweetie, and have always tried to calmly overlook any of his "flaws"... I have always tried to be very pure in my thoughts and words about him.

I have chosen to never say an unkind word to him or about him to anyone...especially our children! In fact, I have tried to do the exact opposite! I will repeatedly remind my children how they are the luckiest kids on the earth to have Clint for their dad! And even to this day, they will agree! :)

I have learned that dates are a MUST! No, they don't have to be extravagant, but one on one time with each other every week is simply necessary in order to focus on each other. When we go out, we get to talk about each other and NOT our children! Don't get me wrong...I LOVE my calling as a mother and I LOVE our children! But I believe that if I am happy in my marriage, then I will be happy as a mother too! 

Going to the temple, praying together, studying the scriptures together, and bearing testimony to each other is essential too! Oh how I love to express my love and gratitude for my husband out loud as we talk to our Heavenly Father together. I feel a deep inner sense of love and peace and reassurance that I am the most precious thing to Clint, and when that feeling of love is amplified by the warmth of the spirit and the confirmation from Heavenly Father of His love too....well, you can see how much strength that can bring to the most important eternal relationship of marriage.

The lessons I have learned are many...I could go on and on...but I feel it enough to say that marriage is ordained of God, and that I am eternally grateful to my Heavenly Father for this man that has proven to be the greatest blessing of my life! 

Clint and I on the beach in Cancun...sooo beautiful!

Clint and I at a catered dinner on the beach in Cancun...

(I wish I had a picture of us while we were line dancing!!! Hilarious!!! :)

Clint and I stopping for a picture and "another" hug while on a 26 mile snowmobile ride on New year's Day. I loved that he let me drive so he could "hug" me the whole time :)

Clint and I at one of the many JAZZ games that we get to go to! Having season tickets has been a great way for Clint to take turns taking me, and all of our kids on one on one dates. It's always a "win-win" even when the JAZZ don't win!

Clint and I sneaking away for a romantic night's stay at the Grand America...What a perfect little holiday getaway and a great way to squeeze in Christmas shopping without the little ones!

Clint and I at the Conference Center for the First Presidency Christmas Devotional...Our kids were with us too...(minus Kambriella) but of course we had to get a picture together :)

Clint and I in front of the "Tree of Life" in Draper. We had the family there too, but again, had to sneak a picture while the little ones were busy rolling down the hill! :)

Clint and I in front of Bill White's Porsche at Billy Blanco's in Park City. 

Clint became friends with Bill through work and he has invited us to come and try the food at all of his 9 restaurants in Park City! Pretty fun!!!

Me and my sweetie...Here he is once again sporting those baby blue eyes that I first fell in love with, and have always loved every day ever since! I love you Clint!!!

Valentine's Day was yesterday, and we were fortunate to have a date night alone...but like I have always said, it doesn't really matter where we go, or what we do..Being together with him is enough.

I have always felt like I have been treated like a queen, but I feel like it has been our mutual love and respect, and always "putting the other one first" that has helped us to come as close and as strong as we are today. I have been spoiled rotten and gotten to see and do some pretty awesome things with Clint...but even if I were to take all of that away, I would still feel like the Queen that he sees me as.

As much as I have loved the memories we have made, some of my favorites are still the most simple and sweet ones that I hold dear...sunrise hikes... walks in the falling snow after shoveling the driveway together... sitting up late at night and talking for hours... and his happy eyes and sweet smile that greet me with his warm embrace every single time he walks in the door...

He's my heartthrob, my Valentine, and my Best Friend for eternity!!!

I love you Clint!!!