Back 2 School

The kids started back to school this last week and.... I'm sorry but I can't believe I have a high schooler! AUGHGHGHGH... and early morning seminary is kicking my rear!! Josh is having a blast and Jessica is enjoying her friends... a little stressed about classes but happy. Jessica went to her first HS football game Friday night with her friends and LOVED it!! Apparently, in the mid-west EVERYONE including parents go to the games even if you don't know anyone playing... they parents sit on one end... then the middle schoolers... then the high schoolers... pretty funny actually. So, we will be out there cheering on the Centerville Elks too!
I am grateful for: Some seriously awesome schools and the chance for my kids to get a fabulous education!!!

Jessica's YW Recognition Award Weekend!
I have to journal how very proud I am of Jessica! She decided when she became a beehive that she wanted to get her YW medallion as a beehive and before she started high school. I really didn't think she would get it done because it is soooo much work, but she amazed me and spent July finishing up the program... including the Virtue goals and project which are not required if you receive your award in 2009. (I kinda didn't tell her that part until she finished reading the whole Book of Mormon though! LOL)

G'pa & G'ma Hilliard came in Friday night to be here for this special recognition on Sunday which was followed by her receiving her Patriarchal Blessing that she asked for Ken, I, Josh & G'pa & G'ma to attend. What an amazing experience. It was such a spiritual experience and the Patriarch was wonderful... he really spent a lot of time with us. This experience has really increased my testimony of God's love for us and the fact that he truly knows each one of us. Patriarch Carter had never met Jessica nor her family before Sunday but the things in her blessing clearly indicated that the Lord knew her well!! I was a bit worried about her getting it this young but am so excited that she chose to do this now and came away wanting to be a much better mother for my children... I realized that is all that truly matters!! I love my children so much and am so grateful that I had the opportunity to provide a body for these two special spirits. It was such a wonderful day and it was so special to be able to spend it with our grandparents too... we all came home from a long day of fasting, ate and then just sat and visited... no TV! It was such a wonderful day.

Jessica with her YW Medallion

Ken, Josh, Jesi & Debi
G'pa, Jesi & G'ma

GLEE!! That's what describes the look on G'pa's face... he was letting Daisy kiss him all over his face and then she snuggled up on his neck... I think he's PUPPY HUNGRY?

I am grateful for: My family and so very grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for a daughter who made the Personal Progress Program a priority in her life and for her desire to receive a patriarchal blessing. I am so thankful for grandparents who are always supportive and bring such a sweet spirit with them. I am grateful for two children who try hard to choose the right and follow the savior. I am very grateful for a husband who honor's his priesthood and loves his family!

Happy Aniversary BABY!
WOW... the years have been good to us!! LOL
16 years have flown by.......

I am grateful for: My man... he's a great teather in life and I'm glad to have him forever!!

Oh ya... We got a dog too...

Daisy... or Daisy Doodle as Ken calls her. She's a ShiChon or Shih-Bichon or Zuchon or Teddy Bear or Fuzzy Wuzzy they call them many things I found when I googled it.

The 1st "Project"!
The entryway was bad... 30 year old wheat stalk wall paper that just had to go! In fact... it was what made me a little skiddish about buying the home until Ken said, "it's only wallpaper... we can take it down." Well... 30 year old glue backing is some serious stuff let me tell you!!! AUGH... it was a HUGE undertaking.

The finished product... we used a technique called "Tuscan Accents" on the small wall.

The scary ladder! Yikes... Ken had to do this part!
The kids actually helped to peel the first layer that came off pretty easy... it was the glue paper backing that was a killer!

I am grateful for: the fact that this project is done!!

Cousin Jared's Visit
My nephew Jared came back with us from Colorado to stay for a week and we really enjoyed his visit. Here's a few pix's of our week....

Apparently there is no back seat driver in this car?!?!

OK... Jared would have ridden this the whole week had we let him! :) He is WAY into cars!

I am grateful for: family... again. Just love the fact that we are all stuck together!

A Baby Blessing!

We went back to Colorado for my nieces blessing... Meghan Lea Yates. She is such a cutie and such a good little baby. We had fun visiting with everyone... Susan's family and G'pa & G'ma Hilliard along with Fred's family!

I am grateful for: The chance to see my family... I love 'em and wish we lived closer but I'm so grateful when I get to see them!