advice for seminary graduates

Last evening our youngest graduated from seminary. Our Stake President is a hoot and so fun to listen to. Here is some advice that he shared.

• Smile more than you do. (Char's note, too many grumpy faces!)
• You'll be no bigger than the smallest thing you argue about. (So true,how many times do we get caught up on insignificant issues and they turn into a war of words? I'm guilty.)
• Have faith in the revelation that you have already received. Accept the answer. Maybe you just need to move on to different questions!!
• Enjoy the gospel. Keep it Simple.
• Be grateful for everything. Remember that nobody owes you anything
• Turn on the "light" in your life. Scriptures, Prayer, lighten your understanding. Have faith to follow the "greater light"
• The Secret to life is that there is no secret. Read John 15:10:11, add your name at the beginning and live the principle taught. Keep the commandments.

cravemyphotography

did you notice her name?

Here are a few pics from a recent photo shoot. The urban look is the trend these days. It is fun and different. I like different. Little K had a fun time.

inspired by Women in Motion

I wish I had pictures to post of the women that have inspired me most recently. I have been involved with a group of women who come from all walks of life, shapes and sizes. We teamed up together in January for the cause to get moving and our end goal was to walk in the Ogden half marathon, May 15 . I eagerly joined up with my friend, Vicky and as a added bonus I was able to share this experience with my daughter Nat. Nat was an intern last year for this program (Women in Motion, WIM ) and decided that because mom was involved you she would do it again for me! During the course of this adventure I was able to receive valuable instruction and tips for healthy living. I wasn't always able to attend all the weekly meetings but kept in touch and gradually started to MOVE! Although my journey was filled with ups and downs and a reoccuring injury I was able to participate and complete the marathon. I learned some valuable lessons yesterday. I am inspired by Donna who is much older than I and with the use of walking canes proudly finished the race, Nancy finished with bleeding blisters with two wonderful friends by her side. She was never left behind. Another sweet lady tried valiantly to finish but was unable to and was in extreme pain. My good friend suffered much and never complained but moved ahead and finished. Nat..you inspire me the most. I cannot tell you in words what yesterday meant to me. Without you I could not have done what I did. You were in so much pain but hardly said anything about it. You sacrificd your time this past semester, you allowed me to vent and talk, then gave me positive feedback, you shared your knowledge, you guided me and helped me so much. I learned so much just from your example. Finally I am grateful for the tender mercies of the Lord that were extended to me yesterday. I am very aware that even in this particular experience that the lord was with me every step of the way. I am glad that I heeded the counsel given and followed the guidelines to prepare. Thank YOU WIM and Nat...I LOVE YOU>

Cotillion

Little K was invited to attend Cotillion with her friend, Colton. It was held in Ogden. This is her last official high school dance. She had so much dress that it filled the truck.. They were meeting friends to get into a limo. I hope it is a fun night for her. Big weekend, did my 13.2 mile walk, we had a bridal shower for Caraline and got K off on her date.

Graduation Day!!

Getting ready for the big day to begin. Look at that smile!! President Monson spoke at the commencement and the First Presidency was in attendance.

Cousins sharing a moment after graduation. Duncan, Clint, Nat and Mike. We wish them well in their future endeavors and good luck to Mike as he heads off to medical school.

The sun came out! Here they are after the Convocation Exercises. Nat, Clint and Duncan.

We did it together!!

Proud Day for everyone.

images of kenzie

So it's the end of school and a chapter in K's life. Here are some pictures from the past year and since we change our hair color often at our house we will be doing some more pictures to celebrate her look at the end of the school year. Watch for the new look in the next little while.

Congrats

Big Shout out to Natalie for her wonderful accomplishments at school. YEAH HIP HIP HOORAY!! Human Performance Management Student of the Year and an award for GPA!! It was like 3.999 Next week, Nat, Clint and Duncan all graduate from college!! I'll post more later.

Easter 2010...

You are only allowed one crazy face pose mom!

The creme soda is always a coveted prize.

She hasn't changed. Always a kid and going for the goodies.

Checking it out.

The Easter Dad

Nat sporting a new and very attractive hairdo.

Kallee on the go.....always.

Cuncan offering a prayer? Clarification: We call Duncan "Cuncan". This is due to some mail coming to our house to Cuncan and Kallee. Also, his father goes by the same name and it is less confusing. Thanks Nate for inquiring.

Success in obtaining the chips!

I pleaded for derf man to pose for the camera.

The lucky egg!

proud owner of some money eggs.

checking out the trees....the dead trees add character along the side of the yard.

Our children will never be too old to hunt eggs. As long as the easter mom and dad can move they will host the annual hunting of eggs....and yes true to tradition there is always a money egg or two.

The expert egg man

Need I say more? The pictures tell the story. Just wish I had the camera on video!! Funny Cuncan.

This was a wonderful day. Blake became part of our eternal family.

And the family just kept growing...Little K is the baby in this picture.

This was taken at my parents home just a few weeks after we announced our engagement. We had a special dinner together. I hung out with Derf's sister a lot and we did aerobics together. So young back then.

Best Hubby and Daddy!!!

Derf always has time for the kids. He loves the adventures and trips we take with the family. In this picture we went to arches with friends. Notice that Nat and Kall are holding hands. How sweet!! One time they were so naughty that we tied them together with string. They have better memories about that then I do and it would be great for them to post about it sometime.

Derf man helping the girls and neighbor to build a snowman.

Here we are at Disneyland with our favorite friend, Mickey!! Derf works hard so that we can have play time as a family.

Derf man has a love for animals and our kids enjoyed parenting the new puppies that came along.

Here we are a young family. The little baby is Joshy. He looked so cute on his blessing day in his little Tuxedo. Derf has and always will be the best hubby and daddy. He works so hard for our family everyday.