This "Amazing" Family

We had a dandy time last taking a break from calculus, dioramas, and essays...

 and going for a visit to the Wheeler Historic Farm. 

Running through a corn maze, riding on a hayride and picking pumpkins was 

just the perfect getaway on a Fall~ish Tuesday night! :)

My heart was full of thanks and gratitude at the end of the day when sweet little Gavin 

included in our family prayer that he was

 "...so grateful for this amazing family that we all get to be a part of."

I couldn't agree more Gavin! 

I'm so grateful that we are all a part of this AMAZING family!!! :)

Happy Wednesday!

Face Timing Sissy...

Although 11 years separate Kierra and Kambriella in age, their hearts are SO close...

Kambriella feels so loved and important to Kierra, and it's rightly so...Kierra has always given such special time and attention to her little sissy. They love each other soooo much! 

Kambriella loves to "face time" Kierra and talk about girl things...

And even asks for a bedtime story from her big sister at night. :)

This makes me smile...

soooo big 

!!! :)

This particular night, Kambriella told Kierra a story first about "2 sisters named Kierra and Kambriella..."

and then Kierra told Kambriella the story of "The Little Engine That Could"...

After they said their goodbyes, Kambriella came running to share the story with me...

She even shared the moral of the story that 

"everyone can do anything they put their mind to!"

And THAT'S what sisters are for.

To love each other, lift each other, build each other up, share "I love you's,"...

and even tell bedtime stories to.

:)

This is a good life! 

:)

Family Time

This weekend was full of family time which is always our favorite! :)

ALL of my boys went on a scout camp to the Sand Dunes. It was pretty exciting for them since Gavin just barely turned 11 and got to join the big boys!

 Imagine, playing tackle football with 30 young men and a dozen dad's and leaders...in the sand!!!

The boys had a GREAT time!!! 

(Although Clint...can hardly walk...;)

The girls went to a wedding up in Logan for my nephew Carson, visited Aunt Tiffany, had dinner with Grandma Panter, and slept in mom's bed!

(Needless to say it was kind of a rough night for me! ;)

And on the beautiful Sabbath Day, Gavin, Kambriella and Dallin all walked to church together.

They LOVE walking together!!!

They remind me of little missionaries headed out into the world with their scriptures in their hands

 and smiles on their faces...

Sunday really is my favorite day.

I love everything about it.

EVERYONE is home together...we worship together...spend time together...

eat dinner together...laugh and learn together...

and if we are lucky, 

NAP together!!! :)

A Rainbow...(and a "Pot of Gold")

Sometimes amidst the storms of life, God reminds us that He is there and that He loves us. :)

Dallin and I were in the car together driving home when we rounded the corner and saw this beauty.

We weren't experiencing any "storms" personally...

In fact, we were both so happy and noticed immediately the vibrant colors of the rainbow.

We both wanted to pull over and take a picture...and so we did.

I felt warmth and peace, and was reminded once again that I am loved. :)

(If you look super close, you can see the Draper Temple in the bottom right hand corner of the stormy area...I was thinking that it was the "pot of gold" at the en of the rainbow!!!)

:)

Happy weekend!!!

Gavin Ryker

11 birthday candles on his cake!!!

Happy Birthday Gavin Ryker Trickett! :)

 This sweet boy of mine is growing up right before my very eyes!!!

I think this hit me the hardest this week when Clint invited Gavin to join all of the boys for the

 Priesthood session of General Conference. 

 I wish you could have seen the look on his face...he couldn't believe that it was finally his turn to go!

(Even though the boys usually don't go until they turn 12, I think Clint was thinking ahead and realized that this opportunity needed to be taken NOW. 

There may only be a few short opportunities like this one for all of the boys to be together before Carew leaves to go on his mission next summer...oh man...)

I was lucky enough to get to join Gavin at his scout camp this summer too.

When I say "lucky" I really mean it.

Gavin is so special in the fact that he is a very good leader.

He is talented, yet humble.

He is kind and selfless and is a friend to everyone.

He is FULL of energy but still has the most tender disposition and sensitivity to the spirit.

You should hear his sweet prayers. 

So heartfelt and sincere...

Thank you for your example to me Gavin. :)

You are preparing well for the Priesthood that you will get to receive next year!

Look at what you are already learning...

A worthy priesthood holder arms himself spiritually every single day.

(Gavin at scout camp with mom, summer 2016)

A worthy priesthood holder keeps his sights set on the target of  the temple.

 (Gavin received his Arrow of Light, September 2016)

 A worthy priesthood holder doesn't "transform" to the world, but stays true to his spiritual DNA.

 (Dallin, Xaxton, and Gavin ~ Universal Studios California, June 2016)

A worthy priesthood holder knows that everyone can win when you work as a team!

 (Gavin's undeafeted Jr. Jazz team, 2016)

A worthy priesthood holder recognizes, develops, and refines all of his God given gifts and talents. 

(Dallin, Gavin, and Kambriella's piano recital ~ March 2016)

A worthy priesthood holder stands for what's right and is a defender of truth.

(At  Riverton Music, piano recital)

A worthy priesthood holder values education and prepares to be a provider for his own family one day.

(Gavin as Rod Carew ~ 4th grade wax museum, May 2016)

A worthy priesthood holder loves and honers eternal families and the temple.

 (Provo City Center Temple open house)

A worthy priesthood holder knows that there is safety and protection from the "Rock of our Redeemer."

 (Gavin and Kambriella in St. George, Ut. Spring Break 2016)

A worthy priesthood holder invites others to enjoy that safety and protection too...

 (Hiking, exploring, and cave finding :)

A worthy priesthood holder provides love and support to his family.

(Gavin and new baby sister Kesslyn Natalia...Fall 2015)

 A worthy priesthood holder is happy!

(4th grade Mini Mall ~ Kendama holders made by Gavin :)

A worthy priesthood holder seeks "Living Water."

 (Newport Beach, June 2016)

A worthy priesthood holder works hard and helps others.

 (Gavin and big brother Carew digging for treasure :)

A worthy priesthood holder recognizes God's hand in his life.

 (Carew, Dallin, and Gavin found their treasures :)

A worthy priesthood holder recognizes blessings as numerous as sands of the sea...

 (Beach house vacation with cousins, 2016)

A worthy priesthood holder knows where to turn to ask for help.

A worthy priesthood holder loves and lifts others.

(Swimming in the back yard! Kierra's graduation day and Kambriella's 7th birthday party.)

A worthy priesthood holder "looks long" to see eternal goals.

 (Frisbee with dad, Newport Beach 2016)

 A worthy priesthood holder finds peace and happiness in "holding to the rod."

(Carew, Gavin and Dallin ~ Balboa Pier, Newport Beach 2016)

Dear Gavin, my gentle giant...

You are growing so fast that you may be taller than your brothers one day!!!

You may be the younger brother, but so was Nephi...

 Your strong spirit is easy to see...continue to be a kind and loving leader both in your family and with your friends and you will be an amazing worthy priesthood holder one day as soon as you are old enough!

I LOVE YOU!!!

:)

Kessly's Lunchbox

Kesslyn gave me the NICEST gift for my birthday...

She learned how to walk!!! :)

She is a very cautious little toddler, always holding on to something as she walks around. 

But I've noticed that her very favorite thing to carry around is this little lunchbox!!!

It is the CUTEST thing ever because she will see me packing up lunches in the morning, and whenever I get the lunchboxes out she will ALWAYS choose this one for herself!

(We have WAY too many to choose from! ;)

It's almost as if she is trying to be BIG and head off to school with the kids...but I SAY..

."Hold your horses Little Princess! NOT SO FAST!!!

I just don't like how fast our babies grow up! :( I wish they would stay cuddle size FOREVER!!!)

BUT... What I DO love, 

is the fact that the lunch box that Kesslyn chooses every single day is the one that says,

"I am a Princess" 

Just as I have always thought and as I recorded here yesterday...

EVERY GIRL IS A PRINCESS!!!

I'm just soooooo glad that Kesslyn already knows it!

:)

Yes, you are baby girl...

YOU are a princess!!!

Every Girl is a Princess

This morning as I was going through my emails, I was pleased to find this message from Kambriella's teacher:

Susan Warnock <susan.warnock@jordandistrict.org>	Sep 30 (4 days ago)
to me

Kambriella just totally aced her district Benchmark 1. 100% !!!

 



My heart felt so happy!
 I was so happy that Kambriella's teacher would take the time to share this with me, but most of all, I felt so happy that my little girl is thriving and growing in so many positive ways...

I'm grateful that her little spirit recognizes good and absorbs it...
I'm grateful that we are surrounded by loving family, friends, teachers, and neighbors who recognize and implement the same strong values into the lives of those they teach, lead, and serve...
I'm grateful that with all of the mixed messages that the world sends to our children these days, that Kambriella KNOWS that she is LOVED, that she is SPECIAL,
 and that she is a REAL PRINCESS and daughter of God.

With all of the gratitude in my heart and love for this little girl, I want her and my Heavenly Father to know that I will do EVERYTHING in my power to continue to build her up and
help her to stand tall and to wear her "crown" with conviction...
She IS a Princess!!!
And so is EVERY girl!!!
:)

A true princess glows with the Light of Christ.

(Balboa Pier, California)

A true princess loves and appreciates ALL of Heavenly Father's creations no matter how big or small.

(Newport Beach, California)

A true princess sees herself as a beautiful child of God.

(Beach house, Newport Beach California)

A true princess believes she can dream big to become ANYTHING she wants to be!

(Kambriella's 7th birthday! Mermaid surprise party)

A true princess believes her Daddy is her Prince and LOVES her time with him. :)

(Daddy daughter date at the Utah Jazz basketball game)

A true princess feels safe and "loved at home." 

(Especially in mommy and daddy's bed.:)

A true princess can "do hard things"... AND get grass stains on her knees. 

(1st year playing soccer :)

A true princess feels compassion and love for others.

( Picture with mascot for Children's Heart Foundation)

A true princess "Enjoys the Journey!"

(Utah's Hogle Zoo)

A true princess recognizes that ALL girls are princesses!

(Swimming at home with sister Kierra and cousin Brier.)

A true princess knows that motherhood is God's noblest calling.

(New baby sister Kesslyn Natalia)

A true princess knows that sadness will come, but that Jesus suffered the atonement for ALL pain and sorrow.

(Halloween 2015...an overly tired little princess! :)

A true princess celebrates righteous family traditions.

(Cutting down the Christmas tree with dad! 2015)

A true princess knows there is safety in the "tools" given her to help weather the storms of life.

(Christmas 2015 Park City, Utah)

A true princess honors and keeps the Sabbath day holy.

(Napping on the way home from Grandma's :)

A true princess helps bring others to Christ.

(Kambriella and Kesslyn at the Provo City Center Temple open house.)

A true princess obeys the Word of Wisdom.

(Kambriella always asks before she goes to bed, "How many hours of sleep am I going to get tonight? :)

A true princess sees beauty and magic in every single day.

( In Hogwarts with the Sorting Hat, Harry Potter World, California)

A true princess watches out for others and scatters sunshine all along the way.

( Helping mommy get groceries at Harmon's)

A true princess is a friend to EVERYONE.

(1st day of 2nd grade with Mia, Ashlynn, and Sarah)

A true princess always has a caring heart.

(End of the year (1st grade) award for Kambriella)

Kambriella, you are a shining star in my life and I'm so lucky to be your mom!
You are learning everyday what it is like to be a princess, and I want you to know that you truly are!!!

Continue learning and growing and getting up when you fall...
Continue loving and serving and spreading that Light of Christ wherever you go!
I LOVE YOU BEAUTIFUL PRINCESS!!!
:)