Happy 14th Birthday, cute Stephen!

We've loved every moment with this great boy! So lucky to have him. From this...

To this!!

 

 

Playing with the Chalks!

It was so fun to enjoy the Chalks over Spring Break!

 

 

Kylie sort of fell in love with Steevie... and vice-versa... 8-)

My first official Stake YW activity ~ hike! So fun to have Kas with me!

 



And strange Texas weather... from sunny one day to ice the next!



 

 

 

Had to twist mom's arm to come to lunch at Kenny's school with me... but all worth it when she wipes his mouth off... 8-)

"When were you born...

did they have TV's back then?" Super cool question from Kenny during church last week.

I'm enjoying our kids these days! Recently, Kenny was standing in my kitchen listing off some things he was thankful for, then he said, "You know what, I'm just going to bear my testimony right now." And he did - it was so cute. I told him to freeze so I could take his picture and remember that moment.

Stephen was asked to join National Junior Honor Society. My initial thought was, what a good boy -- then my next thought was how old that made me feel, as I remembered when I joined NJHS. How time flies - there's a whole generation. Here's his application essay:

I am excited for this honor. When living in Switzerland 2 years ago, I learned firsthand the value of not following people’s bad influence; my so-called friends offered me drugs and continually used foul language. People ask me at school why I don’t curse – one of my favorite quotes is “Profanity is the desperate attempt of a weak mind to forcefully express itself.” I recently received a note from my church young women’s group thanking me for respecting women. That made me happy because I believe it’s an important display of character to stand up for your standards, and to have integrity – which is doing the right thing when no one is watching. This is especially important because I’m an older brother to 2 great siblings – I like to look out for my brother and sister, and I definitely feel the importance of setting a good example. I enjoy serving others – it’s a great way to reach out to people. An interesting thing about leadership is that if you are good, it will reflect in the people you’re around, so it’s crucial to be the best you can be. 

Here he is camping with his scout buddies ~

 

 The kids did the hoe-down for 'Go Texan Day' at school - love that they do that here!

 

 

 

This month, Stephen will turn 14 and attend his 1st youth dance - whoa! We spent an FHE practicing some moves...

Kassie will also turn 12 and join young women's this year -- HOW DID THIS HAPPEN? Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers.  Loved going to our ward's New Beginnings with her!

 

And my favorite part about Mondays: my Chill shift from 12 - 2 with Kas!