A Land, Air, and Sea Animal Birthday Party!

Oh my!!!

 How quickly time flies!!!

Somehow life gets so busy, and the little things get "pushed aside"...(like keeping up on my blog!)

But to me, it's the "little things" that really matter! 

So, I am going to try to get back to recording some of my favorite things...

after all, it's all of these "little things" that make my life so incredibly enjoyable :) 

and, help me to see just how immensely blessed I am! :)

On June 2nd, Kambriella Noel turned 6 years old! 

She had every element of her birthday planned weeks before it was actually here, which made the planning part pretty easy for me! I simply had to follow her wishes, and I KNEW that I would have one happy little girl!

Kambriella wanted a "Land animal, Sea animal, and Air animal" Birthday party!

Yes, my friends, my children have unique, sophisticated, and complex birthday planning skills!  ;)

Thus we had pink cheetah cupcakes with each of those animals represented on top.

Great idea Kambriella! ;)

Kambriella also had picked out little "Wild Cat" accessories for her and her friends Emrey and Mya to sport during their birthday party activities! Don't they look like a true bunch of "Party Animals?" ;)

We all headed to the new Living PlanetAquarium for par tof our "Sea Animal" celebration...

The girls loved getting to actually touch the Starfish and Sting Rays...

And I think the underwater observatory was one of MY favorite parts to see! The girls sat in front of the huge window watching all of the sea life swim by... I could have sat there for hours...

They also had cute little penguins that were so fun to watch!

There was even an area that had different exotic birds...which made me soooo happy since I knew that would satisfy Kambriella's "Air animal" portion of her little birthday wishes! They even had this fun little rope bridge over there that they loved crossing time and time again! :)

After the friends went home we had our own little celebration with just our family.

Here is Kambriella with one of her classic favorites...Her Birthday card from Grandma Panter with her very own money tucked inside. :)

And then how could any little girl have an "Animal" themed birthday party

 and NOT get an animal of her very own???

            

Aunt Tiffany and Uncle Colby have a special place in their hearts for little Miss Kambriella. They knew how much she loves animals and got the OK from me to give her a pet fish for her birthday...

She was sooo happy and lit up the room!!!

And...just about melted everyone's heart in the mean time...:)

What a special little birthday girl! We love you Kambriella!!!

"Lost Connection"

This is a picture of one of my most prized possessions. :)

My wireless headphones and my arm sleeve for my phone!

I use these two babies every single day!!! ~ Usually first thing in the morning when I head out for a run...or a walk...depending on how I am feeling that day. :) ... and then other times I use them when I am doing my household chores...laundry, dishes, toilets...

 it makes the job soooo much more enjoyable!

What I love so much about them is that I am "hands free" and "care free" as I go about my work! I listen to conference talks, or the Mormon Channel, or my Pandora station...or talk to someone that I love on the phone! It's absolutely awesome.

Today when I came in the house from my run, I set my phone down on the counter and proceeded to head downstairs to wake up the little brothers for school. 

At this point I still had my headphones on, and as I entered their bedroom and flipped on the light I heard the voice on my headphones say,

"LOST CONNECTION"

I paused for just a second since I hadn't yet said anything to my boys...and had the most profound thought and prompting from the Spirit...

"DON"T EVER LOSE YOUR SPIRITUAL CONNECTION!!!!"

In just a few seconds of time my testimony was strengthened from a simple lesson I had learned from my phone...I had walked far enough away from my phone, that the blue tooth connection could no longer reach my headphones...and so, I had "lost connection."

In my life I rely so heavily upon my "connection" to my Heavenly Father through my spiritual studies, through prayer, and through the Holy Ghost... that I don't EVER want to lose my "spiritual connection." I want to try to keep a healthy balance in all aspects of my life and I know that if I keep close to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and try to live it every single day, then I can always be "connected" to the one true source of joy and happiness in this life.

I'm so thankful for the still small voice that whispers to me each and every day...and for the "connection" to my Heavenly Home while I'm here at home on earth. :)

A picture and a Surprise :)

This photo was one of Kierra's individual shots from her 2014-2015 school year on the 

Riverton High School Dance Company.

When I saw this picture I was in awe because Kierra really is so talented at dance and I love having such a beautiful pose captured...it seems to say a lot...

Then, the other day I got onto the school web site to check some things and found out that apparently I was not the only one who loved the picture!

THIS...was what I saw...and I'm sorry...but I was a proud mama! :)

They had selected her picture to be the advertisement for the Audition Packet for the 2015-2016 school year Dance Company try outs.

What a neat thing to see..especially when you very least expect it!!!

So proud of my kids :)

I love them to pieces!!! :)

PROM 2015!

PROM 2015!!!

Just look at these 2 cuties!!! I can hardly believe that I sent 2 of my children off to PROM this year!!!

It was so fun shopping, asking, planning, and helping these 2 get ready for their big dates!

Such fun times!!! :)

This year PROM was on March 21st, which happened to be 5 days after Carew's 16th birthday!

So, lucky for him, he was old enough to go! AND...he was lucky enough to have such an awesome experience for his very first date! :)

His date's name was Alexa Milne...an absolutely beautiful girl with  a personality that matched! Alexa had also just turned 16 so this was a "first date" for both of them!

(I think because of where my children's birthdays fall in the beginning of the spring, PROM ended up being the first date for both of them...Kierra's was last year with Adam, and Carew's was this year with Alexa...so fun!!!)

They were absolutely the cutest thing I have ever seen!!! They were both so excited and so nervous all at the same time...and I'm pretty sure I probably embarrassed both of them the whole time

 I was taking their pictures...:) ...but I just couldn't help myself! ;)

...and then there was Kierra and Jacob!

The funnest thing about these 2 being together for PROM is how they are such good friends! Kierra was so excited to go with Jacob just for the fact that she knew she was going to have an amazing time with him! Not only is he a great friend whos so outgoing and funny...but his cousin is Kierra's best friend, and they all ended up going in the same group together...

I think it was Kierra's funnest night ever. :)

Watching these kids exchanging their flowers was a treat too...so excited and yet trying not to stick the guys with their pin ;)

I'm so grateful for my good kids, for their good friends, and for such neat opportunities to grow and have fun in this life. They are some amazing kids...and I'm glad they're mine! :)

The "Dating Date" with Carew!

This cute boy of mine turned 16 on March 16th! :)

And....as per family tradition, we were privileged to be able to take him on the "Dating Date."

This is one of my favorite family traditions that we have with our children!

This is where we take our children for a special dinner and a one on one date with mom and dad to talk about their next big adventure in life...Dating!!! :)

I love going to the restaurants at the top of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in downtown Salt Lake City simply because of the perfect view there of the Salt Lake Temple...which is ultimately the final destination of where we want our children's dating experiences to take them to...eternal marriage in the Holy House of the Lord.

With this view set as the backdrop for our dinner and conversation, I feel like I am planting seeds of testimony and strength in the truths of the gospel and eternal marriages and family.

When I made the reservation for the dinner, I told the people there that it was for my son's 16th birthday...so they set out this little sign on the table 

with a white helium balloon attached to it...drawing just enough attention to Carew 

for him to feel a little embarrassed, but a little special as well. :) AND...they set us right next to the window with that beautiful view of the temple. It was perfect.

We enjoyed our food and conversation..which we drew mostly from the pamphlet put out by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints...For the Strength of Youth...

as we talked about dating..dancing...chastity and moral purity...we told Carew stories from our own dating experiences and bore testimony of setting HIGH goals in order to find the perfect spouse one day. I thoroughly enjoyed being with Clint and Carew and watching him absorb what we were saying, and then watching him crack jokes just like his dad would do..:)

After we were done eating our waitress asked Carew if he would like to make a birthday wish...So she took him and his balloon to the center of the restaurant where they opened up the ceiling!

Everyone seated around us sang along to the "Happy Birthday" song as we watched the ceiling open and then Carew made a wish...

...then he let his balloon go!!!

(After he was finished the guys there all asked..."What is her name?" (with a *wink *wink...SURE that THAT was what he had wished for! :)

After we were finished with dinner and dessert, we walked around the Joseph Smith Memorial Building taking pictures...I don't ever want to forget these special times...:)

Carew is a strong spirit with great things to accomplish in his life...He wants to serve a mission one day, and I pray that all of these lessons we teach...not just the "big" ones...but the little ones that we experience every single day will touch his heart, strengthen his testimony, and make him a strong leader. I know he will do great things.

I love you Carew! Happy 16th birthday!

P.S.

Since this day...Carew has been ordained to the office of a Priest and has had the opportunity to bless the sacrament. He's also gotten his driver's license, and gone on a couple of dates, with some outstanding young women! Yay!!! The fun is just beginning! :)

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!!! :)