Annual Relief Society Progressive Dinner

Tonight was our ward's annual Progressive Dinner.  I opened our home to serve the main course.  There were a lot of yummy soups and I think there was a pretty good turn-out. 

 

April

It seems to be my mantra lately...

Where did ____________ (fill in the month) go?????

April is no different.  I'm reeling at the speed at which this month has flown by, and yet it has seemed really long, too.  That probably doesn't make any sense to anyone but me.

I'm going to try my hardest to re-cap this month.  I did post on the 3rd about mom and dad coming down, so I'll start from there.

The easiest way to describe my month is this way...with a photo of my calendar.

Maybe it doesn't look too bad to you, but it was incredibly busy.  Baseball is in full swing and there were days that I had 4 games to go to.  It was incredibly difficult to choose between watching Tanner play, or watching Ty, since their games were scheduled on the same days at the same time.  They were both so understanding and seemed to be ok whether I was there or not.  I hate having to choose.  It makes me sad.  Especially since I hate to miss ANYTHING!! 

My dear friend, Stephanie, came to sunny AZ with her family and some friends for their spring break.  It was so wonderful to spend an afternoon shopping, lunching, and catching up!  She is an amazing woman, wife, and mother, and I love her dearly!  I sure miss you, Steph!

{blurry cell phone photo--at least it sorta hides my hideous sunburned nose and sudden and extreme case of adult acne!!!}

Treyson made it into the elementary school's annual high jump competition again.  I didn't get any photos of him jumping (too many kids and parents to get a good view), but I did get some of him waiting to jump. 
(Try to ignore the fact that the boy in front of Treyson is scratching his butt....uuuggg...)

 (...and I have no idea why this boy is wearing a white glove on his hand.  Maybe trying to channel his inner Michael Jackson?  Wow.)

Easter snuck up on me this year.  Needless to say, I was grossly unprepared.  I did manage, however, to get some eggs boiled for our annual coloring...

Sadly, that was the extent of our Easter celebration.

On the 10th, Becca and her family came down because Rob had meetings in Phoenix.  We had such a fun time hanging out with them!  They were incredibly good sports to support the boys by watching their many, many baseball games.  Of course, I didn't take any pictures.  I don't know why.  I can't explain it.  Dang!  We love you guys!!  Thanks for coming down to visit!

On April 12th and 13th, I got to tend my very favorite redhead in the whole world!  She is such a sweetheart!

On the 16th, Tanner was recognized at a school assembly as a Golden Scholar.  I was so proud!!

The 17th provided me with some much needed "girl time".  Leslie, Sara, and I lunched and talked the afternoon away at Liberty Market in Gilbert.  It was great!  Thanks, girls!

Bevan, Donna, and Anna Bean (as Treyson calls her) came down for their annual the-winter-is-over-the-ski-resort-is-closed- trip to visit!  We had fun catching up and loving on that sweet Anna!

Tanner's last Freshman baseball game was on the 24th.  I am not ashamed to say that after the game I sat in my car and shed a tear or two.  It has been such a fun team to watch.  Most of these boys have played together in 7th, 8th, and now 9th grade, and will probably not play together again for a while.  Next year, a few of these boys will move up to Varsity, while most of them will be playing J.V.  It will still be great, just never the same.

Top Row: Coach Gilbert, Adrian Montano, Justin Boubelik, Sonny Santibanez, Tyler Muzzy, Brendan Morris, Ryan Beaver, Tanner Lewis, Coach Peloquin
Bottom Row: Daylan Amey, Brandon Balli, Sam Eichinger, Max Cook, Jake Peloquin, Harrison Alteri, Evan Spitzer, Christopher (Boston) Rossini

This weekend is looking to be another busy one.  The baseball booster is having a huge garage sell to raise some needed funds for the team.  I also have a couple of baseball games and a bridal shower to attend.  However, next week holds a couple of very special events:
Kevin is graduating with his Masters Degree (wooooooo hoooooo!!!!!)
and
Tater Bug is getting baptized!!

Visitors and Halloween

We were lucky enough to have Scott, Katherine, and Bubba here for a week, and I enjoyed every moment I got to spend with my adorable nephew and his cute mommy.  Scott had meetings in Phoenix all week, so I got Katherine and Chase all to  myself.  We went to our neighborhood's annual picnic on the golf course, and we also went to my ward's trunk or treat.  

At the end of the week, Bonnie and Vaughn came to visit us too!  We spent the weekend running from ball game to ball game and enjoyed each other's company.

It was a fantastic week and we can't wait to see them all again!!

Tanner's team won the Halloween Scream tournament this past weekend.  It was the longest baseball game I have ever been to in my entire life, lasting a whopping 3 hrs and 28 minutes, and ending with a score of 25-24.  It was a fantastic game, but I was happy to see it end.  Kevin has been coaching the team this season with Jack Ross, and has had a blast doing it.  Vaughn had as much fun watching Kevin coach as he did watching Tanner and Ty play. 

I don't have one single photo of Halloween.  Bonnie and I took Treyson and Tate Trick-or-Treating, but Treyson quickly ditched us to go with his cute friend, Patrick, and their family.  Tanner was at a party with his friends, and Ty was in his bed sick with the stomach flu.  We didn't even carve pumpkins because the kids don't enjoy it much, and Kevin and I end up doing all of them.  No one seemed to care once they got home with their 2 tons of candy.

Handcart Trek

Today, Tanner set out on a fabulous adventure:

Mesa Arizona Desert Ridge Stake

Youth Handcart Trek

He was so excited, and I am so excited because I know he will have a fantastic experience!

I can't wait to hear all about it when he gets home on Saturday!!

General Conference

How we watch General Conference:

Ty in full catcher's gear.

Hey!...at least he's watching!! 

Tate kept asking how long "Geneval Conference" lasts...

Treyson snuggled up into the corner of the couch and didn't move...

Tanner took notes....

wait...what?

Yes.  My 14 yr old took notes.

It was a proud moment for me.

I love conference weekend!!

Modesty

As I walked into church on Sunday, my eye immediately turned to 2 young women in our ward.  The first girl had on a beautiful Prom dress which she had worn to the dance the night before.  The dress was stunning and her hair was beautifully curled.  She looked like a Princess.

The second girl walked in and immediately caught my eye because of the beauty of her smile, but my eye was quickly drawn away from her smile as I noticed her too-short, figure hugging shirt and skirt,  and I sadly realized that the beautiful smile was "upstaged" by her inappropriate, and immodest, dress. 

I watched as my 14 year old and 12 year old noticed exactly what I had, and it took every effort not to jump in front of them and cover their eyes.

I'm not judging. 

In fact, I know the 2nd girl.  I know her sweet spirit.  I know her testimony.  I know she comes from a wonderful family with loving, supportive parents. 

Would someone who didn't know her assume that she has a sweet spirit and strong testimony? 

Sadly, they probably wouldn't. 

Many comments were made on Facebook the other day, as well, about the "strange", "quirky", and "weird" ways that the LDS girls try to make their Prom dresses modest.  From what I understand, it is nearly impossible to find a dress that has sleeves.  They are either strapless, or have plunging neck lines or backs.  I received a link to this video, which really got me thinking about the subject of Modesty.

  It's a touchy subject for many people, although, I don't really understand why. 

 In my mind, you are either modest in your actions and dress, or you are not. 

It's pretty black and white to me.

I have to admit, however, as I write this, that I know I wasn't always modestly dressed when I was in my teenage years.  It's something that I look back on now and wonder if I totally missed the modesty lesson in class, or if it wasn't as emphasized as it is now.  It's one of those things that I wish I could go back and change about myself. 

As a mom of 4 boys, my perspective has completely changed, because now I am seeing things through their eyes.  I'm understanding their thought processes.  I'm seeing, from a different angle, why modesty is so important.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 says:  "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?...The temple of God is holy, which temple ye are"

Every other week I drive some of the Jr High aged kids in our ward to school.  I often comment on the girls we see on our drive.  I am amazed that some of them are even allowed to leave the house in the morning, looking like they do.  They have their boobs hanging out of their tank tops, and their butts hanging out of their short shorts.  They have piercings and tattoos.  I feel bad for my son who has to look at them, and then try his hardest to control the thoughts that, I'm sure, come racing into his mind.  Modesty isn't only for girls, even though it usually is directed towards them.  I think, not only of my teenage boy who is trying to control his thoughts, but also the male teachers at the school who have to look at the scantily clad teenage girls as well.  Are any of them thinking about how smart and witty she is, or something else?  I can guarantee it's 'something else'.   

I love this quote from Robert D. Hales,

"Some Latter-day Saints may feel that modesty is a tradition of the Church or that it has evolved from conservative, puritanical behavior. Modesty is not just cultural. Modesty is a gospel principle that applies to people of all cultures and ages. In fact, modesty is fundamental to being worthy of the Spirit. To be modest is to be humble, and being humble invites the Spirit to be with us."

I think about this body of mine.  I think about the fact that it's a gift.  One given to me by my Heavenly Father.  A temple in which my Spirit resides.  Would I be comfortable standing in front of my Heavenly Father in the clothing I choose to wear on a daily basis? 

I love President Hinckley.  He was so wise, and in tune with what was going on in the lives of the youth of the church, as well as youth throughout the world.  He was keenly aware of the struggles and temptations to go the "ways of the world".  This is one of my favorite things that he said about modesty:

"Young Women, modesty in dress and manner will assist in protecting against temptation.  It may be difficult to find modest clothing, but it can be found with enough effort.  I do not hesitate to say that you can be attractive without being immodest.  You can be refreshing and buoyant and beautiful in your dress and in your behavior.  Your appeal to others will come of your personality, which is the sum of your individual characteristics.

I am not asking you to be prudish.  I am asking you to be virtuous, and I think there is a vast difference between the two."

I am thankful for the beautiful young woman who came into church last Sunday, dressed modestly, looking stunning, with her countenance shining.  I am thankful that it was important to her to be modest.  I am thankful that there are girls out there who aren't afraid to stand out and who aren't afraid of being referred to as "strange, quirky, or weird". 

"...The temple of God is holy, which temple ye are"

BIRTHDAY TIMES TWO

My dad, grandpa, and Ty share a birthday which I think it completely cool!

I will always be thankful for Doctor Melendez who agreed to induce me 3 days before my due date so that Ty could share his birthday with his Grandpa H and Great-Grandpa Ray.  I am also thankful that I went into labor on my own on that day, and didn't have to be induced. 

It was meant to be!

At any rate, December 17 is a special day for our family, and we felt very lucky to be able to celebrate with Grandpa H, since he and Grandma H were here for another special event: Ty's ordination!!

We celebrated by stuffing ourselves to the brim at the Chinese Buffet.  We definitely ate our meal cost in crab legs!!!  {They probably lost money on our family!!}

The night was complete with a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday To You",  and Ty's very own chocolate cake, complete with candle.

It was a fun night!

 On Sunday, December 19th, Ty was ordained a Deacon and received the Aaronic Priesthood.   What a wonderful day it was.  I am so proud of the man Ty is becoming.  On Sunday, November 28th, Tanner advanced to the office of a Teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood.  Of course, I could go on and on about that, too, but I won't.

Lists and Other Nonsense

Treyson's Birthday Gift List:

My To Do List (and my list of wishes...)

Ty's List of Multiplication Facts:

And, since it wouldn't be my blog if it didn't have a little bit of randomness, here's a little story:

The primary recently did an activity centered around Ephesians 6:11:

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

One part of the activity was to make a shield. 

 I guess Ty believes that it's important to be "awesome" to stand against the "wiles of the devil".

And last, but not least, Tate has named his bouncy ball Bob.

Yes, Bob.

And not just Bob.

It's Bob Bilrf.

Pronounced: Bob Bilerf--in case you were wondering.

Father and Sons 2010

I should have know by the groan that Kevin gave me when I handed him the camera, that there wouldn't be any decent pictures of this year's Father and Sons outing.

We do, however, have a photo of Brian and Keaton, and Steve and Colin. And a picture of Colby Mallet.Oh, wait...here's Tate......and Tanner.And, there's actually one of Kevin helping with breakfast. But that's it. I know Treyson was there with them...but I have no photo proof of it. And, since I sent the camera with Kevin, I only got one photo (from my camera) of my evening with Ty. He had an 8 a.m. game on Saturday morning, so he stayed home with me! I told him he could have ANYTHING for dinner from ANYWHERE HE WANTED.

He chose Little Caesars.

Ty was ecstatic and I was thrilled. (Can you sense the sarcasm?)

Pinewood Derby 2010

I believe that life is made up of moments...a moment here and there that shape us into the person we ultimately become. Some moments are filled with dread, some with heart ache, and some with fear. Others are filled with love, emotion, and pride. Saturday was one of those moments for me, involving my sweet, sweet Treyson. This child has a heart of gold, and is one of the most caring people I know. I learn a lot from him, and he's only 8.

Our ward's Pinewood Derby was last Saturday, and as we prepared to go Kevin was apologizing to Trey for running out of time and not getting his car done. Trey was a little sad, but realizing that his dad was truly sorry for not getting the car done, he quickly gave Kevin a hug and said, "It's ok dad. I'll use Ty's car from last year."

Oh. My. Heart.

Considering that he is only 8, this could have been a moment of complete and utter melting down. But not Trey. He was sad for a split second, but moved on. He grabbed up Ty's car (that had been pretty beat up over the past year) and got in the car to go.

It made a few good runs, but wasn't nearly as fast as it was the year prior. He knew he wasn't going to have the "winning car", but enjoyed the day anyway.

The best part of the Derby, though, was when his best friend, Keaton, was racing against him. Instead of being upset that Keaton beat him (and ended up getting second place) he was patting him on the back and on his arm and was as excited for him as Keaton was for himself. It was a precious moment that I'll never forget. I am so proud of the amazing young man Treyson is becoming.

And...he's already planning his car for next year!!!

{trey and the car}

{sister harmon with keaton and trey}
{brother lutes putting the car on the track}
{trey and jason}{trey and keaton}

Arrow Of Light

Ty recieved his Arrow of Light tonight and believe me, it wasn't without a lot of cramming and help from Sister Calkins, his kind and caring leader.

It was such a cool ceremony, which, of course, isn't documented very well because of my stupid camera. I think this was my same gripe around Christmas last year. I'd better give Santa a call and ask for another new camera!

Our Family Tree

{according to Tate}

And, speaking of family trees...have you checked out the new genealogy website??? If not, here's the link...

New Family Search
Be careful, though! It's addicting!!!

Trey's Big Day

Treyson's Baptism Day

{November 14, 2009}Treyson was baptized and confirmed by his dad today. It was extra special because he and his best friend, Keaton, were baptized on the same day!
We had a family party (including our "Arizona" family, the Stecks) at the park after the baptism. He loved having G&G Lewis, and G&G Hawkins there, and Uncle Scott and Aunt Katherine were even able to come!!! I am so proud of Trey for making the decision to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He is such a sweetheart, and I am blessed to have him for a son. He radiates love and happiness, is kind and caring, and is a great example not only to his little brother, but his big brothers as well. Congratulations, Trey!!! I love you!!!