A Day of Champions

Wow, I got to be involved (somewhat) in a great event put on at Tumwater High School. It's called A Day of Champions and it's to celebrate all the kids in the area who are physically and/or developmentally disabled. Let me tell you, it was so awesome seeing these kids participating in races and other events. The smile on their faces when they completed an event said it all for them! But let me tell ya, there were other champions there. The teachers and leaders who show up to work every day because they want to and they love those kids, I applaud them as champions ...

and the parents, the people who nurture and love their children no matter what and face the challenges right alongside them, to me, they are the greatest of champions.

Dalton & Dayton supporting their brother Devlen.

Devlen the Champion

Having a great time!!

Me and Dayton on garbage duty. Our responsibilities included keeping the water stocked for thirsty athletes and volunteers, taking care of the garbage and cheering on the participants! We were awesome!!!

Our Last Swing Choir Showcase

Last night we got to listen to the kids sing! I love Showcase. It's a time when all the Swingchoir kids get to share their talents with us, And all the parents get to bask in the wonderfulness of their kids. We had some great kids involved! Jesse got to be the president of Swingchoir this year, which was a challenge for him, but fun also. So, every year the Seniors give the teacher, Mrs. Holdsworth, a gift. Kinda like a going away thing. Jesse had the idea of making her something, so he got together with our friend Steve Beck and they came up with the idea of making a music stand.

Steve assisted Jess in cutting out all the pieces (out of madrona wood) and Jesse, with some assistance from his father, put the thing together. It turned out very beautiful and I think Laurie really liked it.

Thank you Laurie for being such a wonderful teacher and for keeping this program going!

"That Old Black Magic"

The Review In Shelton

Thanks to KayLynn for taking all these fabulous pictures!!!


That's Ayris Sobczak out in front

Jesse doing the Beach Dance

Arlin the Chaperone, and his group of boys he herded all day!!

I'm putting false eyelashes on Lexi Harris

Some of the Tango Men!

I've Been Tagged By Sis!

A) Pick-up the nearest book
B) Turn to page 123
C) Find the 5th sentence
D) Post the 5th sentence
E) Tag 5 more people

A) The Old Testament (still teaching seminary.....)
B) Ok
C) Did it
D) And thou shalt make upon
E) Crystal, Denise, Mom, Sherry, Mary Alice

It's Beautiful, Sunny & Warm outside!

It doesn't happen too often, hence people's frustration with the place, but, You have to admit, when it's sunny and warm, Western Washington is about as beautiful place as you can get!! I love when the grass is coming in thick and dark green. I love to mow my yard in diagonals and then come upstairs and look at it from the blue bedroom window.




To me, the scent of the lilac is the very best! How do you describe the smell? It's beauty, and warmth, and springtime. It's your grandmas back yard. It's fresh, crisp, clean sheets.

The Last Days

Whenever you hear those words do they cause you to tremble with fear? They do for me!! But, the last few years I've been saying to myself "If you are prepared, you will not fear!" Our mom has always been a good example of putting up stores of food and planning ahead for "just in case". Last Saturday we went through the store room and kinda checked out what we have and what we need. (you don't need so much when you're down to one kid!!)
Last Tues. in Seminary we had a fire/earthquake drill and discussed the need for being prepared. Have water in your car, and blankets. Keep an extra pair of underwear in your backpack ... stuff like that. We had been studying Isaiah and he's really into warning us about the "Last Days".
Anyway, with the quakes and the storms happening one right after another you kinda wonder ~ where next?
Here's a little piece of info. I found at Emergency Essentials:

Six Ways to Plan Ahead
1. Check for Hazards in the Home
2. Identify Safe Places Indoors and Outdoors
3. Educate Yourself and Family Members
4. Have Disaster Supplies on Hand.
5. Develop an Emergency Communication Plan
6. Help Your Community Get Ready

If we at least do one thing a week, we're working towards being prepared and following the counsel of our Prophet(s)!!

Here's Some New Pictures!

Jesse got his graduation robes & etc. on Fri.

Jesse & Maddie watching some movie

Mother's Day ~the 4 mothers~ (Neil plays both roles so gets to be celebrated)