Gavin on the HOPE Squad

Last night I had the opportunity to attend a parent meeting for the 1st ever Hope Squad at OHMS.

This is an amazing program that has been in operation at the high school for years now, and they are finally implementing it into the middle school!

Gavin was nominated to be a member of the HOPE Squad,  being known as a person who is a good friend to everyone and is someone that people would identify and feel comfortable coming to if they were ever in need. As I read through the information in the pamphlet that Gavin brought home to me, I was immediately overcome with the Spirit and tears filled my eyes. I had an immediate confirmation that this was definitely something that Gavin needed to participate in and I became very grateful that he was nominated to be on the squad and for all of the various ways that this program will be a blessing to him in his life. As I sat in the room with other parents and teachers I again was overcome with the Spirit and a giant lump that wouldn't leave my throat. :) I love that there are good people and good things out there for our children especially in a world where so many things try to take that goodness away...I am very excited to see Gavin grow in this program and have yet another blessing that is helping to build and shape these precious children of mine!!!

Confidence!

 The confidence levels coming from these two are off the charts!!!

"Tacky tourist" for spirit week at OHMS...socks and sandals and the whole bit!!!

WOW!!! ;)

I just LOVE it! :) :) But what I really love is the fact that my children are confident in WHO they are. They are Tricketts! But even greater is the knowledge that each of them is a Child of God. 

They know they are loved, and that He loves them, and that through Him they can do ALL things!!!

Go Gavin!!!

A Bridal Shower For Stacy

 Last night I hosted a bridal shower for a new young lady in our ward named Stacy Pratt. 

I love having reasons to bring people together when HAPPY times come around!

 Stacy, her mom, future mother in law, and sister in law all sat together having a great time and expressing SOOO much gratitude! I have never seen someone more gracious and grateful for such a simple act of kindness...but Stacy was so very very grateful.

She made me smile. :)

 And so did these wonderful, beautiful, supportive friends of mine...

We live in a  neighborhood with some of the most sweet and Christ like people you will ever meet and I LOVE THEM ALL!!!

Gavin's SBO Posters and FHE!

Great news!!!

Gavin made it to the top 8 after the interviews for SBO! 

He was so happy, and I was so happy FOR him. :)

He is such a good boy and he is a great leader no matter what! He thought of the theme and what he wanted to say for his posters, and I put them together for him...they turned out AWESOME don't you think?? ;)

Also for family home evening we had a Bool of Mormon read-a-thon out on the back deck.

We all read our scriptures by ourselves, and I read out loud to Kesslyn.

It felt so good.

I felt close and connected to by family, the Holy Ghost, and to my Heavenly Father. But then again, I know that reading my scriptures always makes me feel that way, and I love it. I love the peace that comes from that book...peace in Christ. :)

Stake Standards Night With James The Mormon

For our Stake Standards night last night we had the amazing opportunity to listen to the beautiful music of Jay Turner and the powerful conversion story and testimony of "JTM" otherwise known as James The Mormon.

People like Jay and James make my heart so happy because they are happy and successful people who have worked hard to get where they are today, and have not become too self absorbed in their "fame" to go out and serve the youth of the church. James shared all of the good, the bad, and the ugly of his life, and HOW he overcame his trials through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

He showed everyone that no matter how far into the dark you may have gone, there is ALWAYS a light waiting for you to come home to.

It touched my heart, it strengthened my testimony, and taught my boys a heart stirring life lesson that came straight from his heart.

Thank you Jay and James! 

We love you!

Get To Work

I am trying daily to become closer and closer to my Heavenly Father, my brother Jesus Christ, and to the sweet companionship of the Holy Ghost.

It's a daily challenge that lasts a lifetime. 

Time to get to work. :)

One Year Ago Today...

 On September 6, 2017, THIS is what our family was doing!!!

We said our goodbyes to our missionary son and brother and dropped him off at the MTC in Provo to prepare for his mission to Italy, Rome! 

When I think of this day I still get a nervous feeling and a little anticipation...I really can't believe that a whole year has come and gone!!! 

 So much has transpired in the last year, and the experiences and growth that have come to Carew have really been life changing for him. He has met so many new people that have influenced his life for good...namely companions and other missionaries that know how he feels, what he is experiencing, and what trials he may be going through...

 He has gained so many new friendships and tried sooo many YUMMY Italian foods!

GELATO!!!

 Authentic Italian Pizza!!!

(I'm so jealous!;)

 He's been to the Rome Temple, and although it has been under announcement and construction for over 10 years now, HE IS GOING TO BE THERE IN ITALY WHEN IT FINALLY BECOMES COMPLETE AND DEDICATED!!! In fact, the dedication of the temple is almost like a birthday present to him because it will be happening just a day before his birthday. To me, this is a tender mercy by divine design from Heavenly Father because of the importance, impact, and meaning of this sacred place to Carew. He will always have a special place in his heart for the people of Italy, and for this beautiful House of the Lord.

 He's visited the Colosseum and other beautiful historical places in Italy... 

 He's gained a great love and appreciation for the rich culture there, and for the apostles who have gone on before, walking some of those same streets where he has been...

 He's strengthened his testimony and relationship with his brothers and sisters in the gospel, but most importantly with his Savior Jesus Christ and with Heavenly Father. He has learned things for himself that I could not have paid anyone to teach him...important life lessons about being selfless and forgiving, staying close to the Spirit, and being exactly obedient...

 He has seen some of God's most beautiful creations that have also testified of His great majesty and love...

 He has fallen in love with the beautiful surroundings and gained a greater appreciation for the small and simple things in life...like Reese's peanut butter cups and American deodorant! :)

 He's taken in cultural celebrations and experienced the sights and sounds of Italy...

 He's experienced the thrill of feeling loved from a distance and the longing for home...but only when his mission is complete. Although he has missed dearly the people he loves most, he KNOWS that the sacrifice and the reward will all be worth it soon enough. These 2 years truly are just a small sacrifice compared to the amount of blessings that Heavenly Father desires to shower him with...

 He has felt the JOY of service and being united in the cause of Christ. He has found happiness in being part of a truly royal army of righteous young people who love God more than themselves, and are willing to do whatever He asks of them to show their love in return...

 He has gained a love for his Mission President and wife, President and Sister Pickerd.

He has become a father figure to Carew and someone that he looks up to and admires in the same ways he looks up to and admires his own earthly father. He has enjoyed teaching and testifying of Christ everywhere he goes, and even though no one has been baptized from those teachings YET...Carew has become fully converted himself and will continue to grow and touch the lives of so many...watering and cultivating those seeds that have been planted that are ready and waiting to spring forth!

 Carew is still Carew, but only a little bit "shinier" and better than before! He has always been a great friend to everyone and continues to be that to everyone he meets! He knows how to laugh and love, and how to help others feel that same joy in life. He blesses others with his optimistic and cheerful outlook on life and knows how to make contagious his bright smile...

 He represents goodness, light, and truth, and I could never be more proud of him today than I have ever been before... the handsome and honorable young soldier of Christ.

And while some of us wait patiently for his 2 year return, (and others NOT so patiently ~ Kesslyn;) we rejoice in his happy service and selfless sacrifice to our Heavenly Father and loving Savior Jesus Christ.

I testify with you Anziano Trickett that this gospel is a message of joy and gladness and that only through Jesus Christ can we receive the greatest gifts in life and eternal life with our families one day.

We love you, we honor you, and we are so proud of everything that you are doing out there!

Keep up the hard work, and remember the counsel from your parents...Be "exactly" obedient and you will be happy and blessed! And also the counsel from the temple sealer that we spent time with in the temple right before you left on your mission..."Be the kind of missionary that your mom thinks you are!" And remember..."The harder you work, the prettier your wife will be when you come home!!!"

I LOVE you Carew! Work hard and do good things Anziano Trickett!!!

One year down, and only one more to go!!!

XOXOXOX