Evan Green Belt Test

Just a quick note. Over the weekend Evan tested for his green belt in Tae Kwon Do. Watch closly... it happens fast! He had to break the board with the top of his foot this time rather than his fist or the ball of his foot. We are SO proud of him!
Have a very HAPPY Thanksgiving everyone!

good... better... best... WHAT are you?

I just had my sweet sister Diane come and visit us this past weekend with her daughter Madison, unfortunately we forgot to take pictures so there is no proof but I promise she was here. It was such a great visit and I feel (as I always do) spiritually lifted after being around her. She is a endless reservoir of spirituality and peacefulness that pours into the lives of those who associate with her, I am so lucky to be one of those people. While she was here we visited about this concept I have had on my mind a lot lately about "good.. better... best...". Being that it is Thanksgiving and a time for gratitude, I have come to the repeated realization that there are so many things to be grateful for and it is truly the "best things" that I am most grateful for. It is true we spend so much of our time doing good things but how much of our time do we spend doing the "best things" for the "best people". My sweet sister consistently offers her best, does her best and is a great example of someone who continually questions that very idea "good, better or best" in all she does. I love her and I am so grateful for her and her example, she truely is the "Best"! That is my thought of the day.

Jen

Twins Baptism

It was a wonderful (quick) weekend in Utah for the Ryan and Tyler's Baptism. We stayed in Park City and our good friends the Ewell's were even able to come stay a night which was a bonus. Our sweet twin boys met their new best buddy, The Holy Ghost. Their baptism went really well, they could not have possibly have been more cute. They were so excited for themselves and for each other. I have never scene any kid, let alone 2 kids, be so enthusiastic and animated about their happiness in receiving such an awesome gift. They were both beaming from head to toe.
The boys chose who baptized and confirmed them. Ben baptized Ryan and Scott, Tyler and the roles reversed for the confirmations. The boys actually got baptized in the same font Ben was baptized in so that was really cool for him.I think Ryan had a smile on his face before he even came up from the water. Once he was up he embraced Ben with the biggest hug and wouldn't let go, Ben finally had to pat him on the back as if to say "OK, that's good.... lets get out of the font". When Tyler was baptized I think he was a little more embarrassed that everyone was watching him so he hurried right out of the water, plus I am sure he was uncomfortable about his hair being flat and wet.... he doesn't like that. After words, both boys couldn't stop saying "can you believe I just got baptized" and immediately following Ryan's confirmation, Tyler looks at me with eyes as big as fists and says " Mom! I can't believe Ryan just got the Holy Ghost!!!". It was so sweet and tender. We are so proud of the boys and all they have done to prepare their minds and hearts for this special day. "By the Power if the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of ALL things" MNI 10:5
The night of their baptism... they were still glowing!

Here are a few more pictures of the twins baptism courtesy of Ben's awesome brother Chad Hurst Photography. These were not anything formal but even his snapshots look great!This was such a great weekend, we are still on a high :)

This the entire "immediate" family (both sets of Mom's and Dad's) for the boys Evan, Ryan, Tyler. They are so blessed to be so loved by so many people.

Other 2007 NOTEABLES

Pictures with my babies - April 2007










Garden of the Gods - Colorado Springs CO


Lots of swimming...

2007 Family Reunion - Disney Cruise

2007 Started with a Bang!
In January, Ben went to Utah for the Sun Dance Film festival and returned home just in enough time for him celebrate his birthday and to get very sick! He was sicker that I have ever seen him. Ben was able to get recovered (barely) in time to go on our family reunion Disney cruise in February. We had the most unbelievable time! Daidy, Sam and Tyler all got sick on the boat but our prayers were answered and it was short lived. Daidy also celebrated her 2nd birthday on the boat the day we left.