Vegas Bound - April 26, 2008

We're off the Vegas for a basketball tourney...and to Sheri and Trent. This is the first traveling tournament the boys have been too, so it's very exciting. But we're all a little nervous because Vegas teams are known to be good. It will be great experience for them regardless.

The boys played hard...against some tough teams.

They went 2-2 in the tourney, and all the way to the championship, finishing with a 2nd place trophy. We were very proud of them, and they were very proud of themselves.

The bonus to the Vegas tourney was that I got to see my sister Sheri, and baby Trent. What a great place to go for a tourney... It was so nice to see and visit with them, and to see Trent since we don't get to see him very often...he's getting so big so fast (already 6 months).

The kids loved 'loving' Trent, and I really enjoyed visiting with Sheri. My mother came with us on the trip (don't ask me why I didn't get a picture of her...), and stayed an extra week with Sheri after we left. It was her birthday, so Sheri made a cake and we had a nice dinner and sang to her. Nothing extravagent, but I think special. It was nice for her to spend time with Trent and Sheri since we don't see them often...as much as we should or would like.
Overall, an awesome trip...a great bball tourney and great visit with my sister. BTW, she's already lost all of her baby weight from Trent and looks great...she makes me mad! I'm still trying to get off my last 20 from Jacob...some day!!!!!!

A Very Special Day - April 23, 2008

I don't even know where to begin...other than this is and probably will be the most special day of my life on this earth. Joseph and I went through the Temple for our endowments on Tuesday, and then with our children on Wednesday to be sealed for time and all eternity. It has been such a wonderful ride down the path we have taken as a family; growing in the gospel as a family. How close we have grown together in the church and as a husband and wife, and as a family. To know we will be together in heaven as a family in the Celestial Kingdom means more than anything here on this earth.

Joseph is my ROCK, and I don't know what I'd ever do without him. He is the convert, yet has helped me grow so much. I know for a fact that the Lord had plans for us and our family, to meet and to grow together, to become closer to eachother and to thee. He is such a wonderful husband and an even better father. I could not have asked for more...I love him with all my heart!

My children are so precious to me, and it was so wonderful to be able to have them there with us when we were sealed as a family. It was such a blessing to have my children present, so pure and innocent, so beautiful in white! It is so hard to explain in words what it truly meant and what it felt to be able to have my children present during the most important day of our lives.

I asked the kids what they thought of the experience...

Caleb - It was so amazing to be sealed to my family forever. The temple was so relaxing, and it felt good being with my family. I love my family and want to be with them forever. (Caleb also made a few comments regarding our clothing I don't think I'm allowed to mention; however, it was very cute and I'll have to write it down somewhere else and remind him later in life :)

Madelyn - It was quiet, peaceful, and relaxing. I couldn't believe that so many people we knew came to see us be sealed as a family. I liked us getting sealed so we can be a family in heaven. (I don't think she ever stopped smiling the whole time we were in the temple. Her pure innocence in her face and smile is something I'll always remember.)

Abigail - I saw people holding hands and getting married. I saw people not running, only walking. Everyone was very quiet and wore all white. I thought the seats were so so soft. I knew Mom and Dad loved eachother and were wearing all white. Oh, and I liked the toys and the gummy bears in the kids room. (Abigail couldn't stop staring at herself in the mirrors. It was so cute to just watch her watch everyone else...and herself. She looked so precious in all white!)

Jacob - I saw Mommy and Daddy getting married in Jesus' house. And I liked playing games and singing Old McDonald had a farm in the play room. (Jacob's first comment had to be my favorite. He kept saying it over and over. It was such a pure and innocent comment from a 3 year old, but meant so much for him to notice the important reason we were there...)

My Mom and Dad helped us through everything. My mom was my escort, and Joseph asked my Dad to be his escort. It was great to not only have someone helping us, but to have my parents helping us meant so much more. My parents are such wonderful people that area lways will to do anything they can to help. Many long talks about the scriptures with my Dad meant so much, that I will never forget. My Mom who I can talk about anything too and she will understand. They are amazing people and I am truly grateful to have them as my parents and friends.

We of course ended our wonderful evening celebrating as a family...eating. It meant so much to have family there to support and love us through this grand experience. I love my family with all my heart and I could not have asked for a better Mom, Dad, sisters, brothers, grandmas, sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, neices, nephews, cousins, friends...well, you get the point. What can I say, my family is awesome! I love you guys!!!!

Basketball and more Basketball - April 11, 2008

It seems every weekend is spent watching basketball. Don't get me wrong, we love to watch and we always do it as a "family," so it's great! But it just seems we're always headed to Phoenix for yet another tourney! Coach Glenn loves the game, and will do whatever he can to get these kids in every tourney possible. This tourney; however, was hosted by Powerhouse. Yeah, a tourney we can actually stay in town for. It was nice not having to travel too far to watch the boys play. They had a good weekend, winning the Consolation championship. Team AZ always seems to be the team to give us a run for our money. They have some tough kids, but it only makes us tougher. Our team also made some money on this tourney, helping us to pay for our next 3 tourney's which includes our Vegas Trip at the end of the month.

The following weekend was spent...you guessed it...at another basketball tournament. This time back to Phoenix of course.

They also got to spend some time with the big boys Powerhouse team. Looking up to the big boys and watching them play means a lot to the little guys.

They even got to sit on the bench with them during a game. They thought they were cool! It was cute to watch. Both teams did well in the tourney...hopefully helping us get ready for Vegas.

The girls even find fun at the basketball games, giving everyone a half-time show...

We definitely try to make every weekend a Family Affair, making sure whatever we're doing, we're doing as a family. Right now just seems to be basketball games...we'll enjoy it while it lasts!