Singing in General Conference Part 2

The Mother's with their Children from our ward that were performing in the Saturday Afternoon LDS General Conference Session.

LtR: Melodie Lund with Sterling, Alison Bundy with Sarah, Tara Names with Isaac, Crystal Albrecht with Cambree, Heidi McDermott with Brooke, Ashlee Frisbey with Kaleb, and Blanca Vidalas with Dylan.

The Children from our Stake (Western Springs Stake) who performed in the Choir

I have one last experience I wanted to record here on our Family Blog that I feel impressed to write about. While carpooling with several of the other mothers and their children downtown and driving around the streets of down town as we neared the Temple and Conference Center( trying to find a place to park our car), there were several protesters standing on the corners with their anti-mormon posters and shouting their messages. It was disheartening and Kaleb asked what they were doing. I explained briefly that they were protesting our beliefs and our religion for they did not agree with what we believe. There was a sad feeling in our car among me, the other mothers and their children. It hit me the most as we were walking our children through the streets as we made our way to the conference center for the protesters grew quiet as we passed. I was thankful they stopped shouting their hateful messages towards our church when we came near. This wasn't the case when we left the conference center after the session. The protesters, even though they were few in numbers after the session were protesting loudly. As I grabbed Kaleb's hand and made my way through the protesters with the other moms my heart felt empty and sad and uneasy. As we neared the street corner, there were Elders from our church singing on both sides of the side walk. They were singing hymns. Immediately, I felt a comfort as we walked between the men and the spirit was incredibly strong. My thoughts turned to the story from the book of Mormon about Lehi and his family as they made their way holding onto the iron rod and maneuvering their way to the Tree of  Life. In this dream of Nephi's,  many people tried to coerce Nephi's family to let go and to fall away from staying the course and holding onto the iron rod. I felt this exact same way as we made our way through the protesters. My heart was immediately comforted when I heard the men singing their hymns on both sides of the sidewalk and I felt like I could and would press forward with Kaleb to get to the safety of our car so we could return home. Through this experience, it was a great reminder to me that Satan's influence on me and my children in close by. How easy it could of been for us to stop and listen to what these men were preaching and get side tracked. These men could easily distract me or my son from what was most important in this life. I hope that me and my family can stay the course and not be easily influenced by Satan. I know that God Lives and so does our brother and Savior Jesus Christ. I hope that me and my family will be a forever family and can be with each other forever!

Singing in General Conference

Kaleb had the most wonderful opportunity to sing in General Conference during the Saturday afternoon session this past weekend.  Several Stakes in the Riverton area were asked to participate and our stake (Western Springs Stake) was included. Kaleb along with 7 other children (Dylan Vidalis, Sara Bundy, Cambree Albrecht, Brooke McDermott, Sterling Lund, Isaac Names and Kaleb) were chosen to participate from our ward. 

The kids had practices at our local Stake Center every Sunday evening for two hours during the month of September and one dress rehearsal down town at the Conference Center on a Saturday morning, that was held a week prior to the performance. Listening to them during their rehearsals each week was amazing. The spirit was so strong at each practice and the kids sounded like angels. Tears flowed from my face at many rehearsals because of the incredible feeling and spirit that I felt. I have never experienced anything like this! I was also overcome with emotion on many occasions as the thought came to my mind how incredibly special these primary children were. My heart just burst with feelings of how proud I was of Kaleb for making the decision to accept this call from our Bishop and sing.

The day of their performance was a special one for many reasons but the one that sticks out the most is because 3 new general authorities were announced and sustained during this session. Elder Rasband, Elder Stevenson, and Elder Rendlund were the men that were called to the Quorum of the Twelve to replace Elder L Tom Perry, Elder Richard G. Scott and Pres. Boyd K. Packer all who have passed away over the course of the past 6 months. Elder Richard G. Scott passed away just 12 days before conference. I was so thrilled for Kaleb to see this process take place and to be able to sustain them as newly called apostles. I hope Kaleb will never forget this monumental lifetime experience. I was incredibly touched by so many talks during this session and watching the newly called apostles take their seats on the stand next to Pres Monson.

These talks during the session stood out to me and spoke to my heart:

1. Elder Rober D. Hales talk: "Meeting the Challenges of Today's World."

2. Elder Jeffery R. Holland: "Behold They Mother"

3. Elder Bradley D. Foster: "Its never too early and it's never too Late."

 I felt incredibly humbled and the spirit testified to me many times how important my job is as a mother and how important my job is to teach my children the importance of choosing the right as we prepare for the winding up scene before the Saviors return to the earth! Many days/times I feel so inadequate as a mother in hoping that I am teaching Kaleb and Karmindy the things that they need to know; especially teaching them the things that they need to learn to safe guard themselves against Satan's temptations and influence- I feel like I fall short everyday. I have felt like Satan's influence is all around us and is knocking on our door to our home quite frequently; especially this past year. I don't want me, Mark or our beautiful kids to succumb to Satan's temptations- there is nothing I want more than for us to be a forever family!! I know how important it is to continue to make good choices because the spirit remains with us when we do. Many days I fall short by not saying my prayers or reading my scriptures but I know that when I do I feel safe guarded from Satan's temptations. The kids and I have been trying to read the comic scriptures before they leave for school in the mornings and say family prayers. I can tell on the days that we don't read and don't say prayers that our days don't go as well. The messages from the talks that were given on this day were great reminders that I am doing my best, even though I am not perfect but as long as I am pressing forward that I am doing what my Heavenly Father and Savior want me to do.

The kids performed 3 songs during conference, Beautiful Savior, Search, Ponder and Pray and I think when I read that sweet Story of old Medley, Come Follow Me. Each was so beautiful to listen to. They sounded like angels singing. During their musical numbers, my heart swelled not only because of how proud I was of Kaleb but because of the spirit that I felt. I really wished Mark and Karmindy could have been in attendance to hear the children sing and feel the spirit. We were only given one ticket for Mark and I to attend and Kaleb had me go with him. I was thankful for the opportunity to attend with my son and see him perform and to hear the apostles and prophets speak. It will be an experience that I will treasure for the rest of my life. I also hope Kaleb will treasure this experience as well and will remember how special it was to participate in this session. I also hope Kaleb will remember the special spirit that was felt, as well as the great peace that was felt, there in that great conference center. 

School's In Session

After a month and a half break, school is back in session for the kids. We had a great summer of BBQ's, get togethers with friends, bowling, a day spent at Cowabunga bay water park, scout camp and a trip to Lagoon with Aunt Misty and Uncle Rex and a few house projects that kept us busy. I can't believe how big the kids are getting. Kaleb is in 5th grade and wasn't too excited to be starting a new year. I attribute that to his age and the teenage hormones kicking in. Karmindy, however, was so excited to be starting 2nd grade! Both kids were assigned to A track this year and both the kids got assigned to have some great teachers. Kaleb has Ms. Bator as his teacher this year and is in a portable outside the school since Midas Creek Elementary is growing and running out of room. He was excited to be out in a portable the first few days but the "coolness" factor quickly wore off once he realized that they have to leave the portable and get a special badge  that grants them access into the school to get a drink or go to the bathroom [since their isn't a bathroom or drinking fountain out in the portable]. I don't think he will like the portable come Winter time either since they will have to trudge out in the cold and snow to go into the school for bathroom breaks, lunch and drinks. The schools entrances minus the main entrance remains locked during the day due to safety reasons.

Karmindy got Mrs. Butikofer for her teacher this year and I think she is the perfect fit for Karmindy. Mrs. Butikofer has her credentials for additional training in reading and math, two areas that Karmindy seems to love but struggles a little with. I am glad she has a teacher that can help her do well! After attending back to school night this past Thursday, and getting to know both the teachers a little better, I am confident that both of their teachers will be great fits for the kids and they will be receiving the best education.

In addition to the kids starting school and starting a new chapter in their lives this year, I have also started a new adventure and applied for a job at Midas Creek Elementary[the kids school] and I am spending 2 hours a day helping out in the lunch room during lunch time as a Lunch monitor. I have been wanting a small part time job to get me out of the house since the kids are gone all day to break up the day. This week was my first week and I really enjoyed it. I work from 11:30 to 1:30 everyday. I oversee the kids helping out in the lunchroom, stock napkins, silverware and lunch trays, help with safety, keep the fruit and veggie bar stocked and cleaned and help with some small cleanup after the kids/grades have all gone out to recess to play. It is a fast 2 hours and I have enjoyed it. The only downside to the job is that it falls smack dab in the middle of my day, so before work I don't have time to get too much done and after work, I just want to sit and recoup before the kids get home from school and the business of homework, piano/dance practices, and extracurricular activities and dinner begins. Over all, I am liking the new opportunity and the out it gives me. The extra money isn't bad either!

Each year, I have tried to make a little collage of the kids on their first day of school which includes them in their new school outfit on the first day and their favorite things. Here are a few pictures of the kids on their first day of school.

Kaleb with a couple of his friends on the first day of school. LTR; Damion Ohlson, Aidan Dressen and Kaleb.

And last but not least my sweet baby girl, she was so incredibly excited for her first day of school!

Breakfast and Bowling Birthday Party

We celebrated Kaleb's birthday today with Kaleb's friends by having a Breakfast and Bowling Party. Kaleb doesn't care much for cake or cookies but he does love donuts, so we decided that we would have a Breakfast and Bowling Party. Kaleb invited 7 of his closest friends. His guests were: Tevan Albrecht, Will Searle, Thayne Ward, Damion Ohlsen, Caleb Bradford and Lukas Mendoza.

When Kaleb's friends arrived they came in and gathered around our kitchen table, where we served a breakfast of donuts and then let the boys choose whether they wanted chocolate milk or orange juice to drink. The little bottles of orange juice were a hit!!

We all sang Happy Birthday to Kaleb and I couldn't get over the TEN  candles we had to light on his maple donut (his favorite)! I am having a hard time accepting that my eldest is 10 years old! It truly seems like yesterday that we were driving home with him at the hospital! I feel a little bit old!

After Breakfast was served and Happy Birthdays were sung, we headed into the living room where Kaleb opened his presents from his friends. He was extremely spoiled by his friends and got lots of cool "boy things" to keep him occupied, Legos, a Boomerang, more Legos, and Nerf guns. He also got lots of candy, which I am sure he will hoard in his bedroom until next Halloween. Kaleb takes his sweet time eating candy!

After presents were opened we loaded up the boys in the car and made our way to Delton Lanes, a new bowling alley here in Riverton. It was such a great, clean facility. I am sure we will be frequent visitors here; especially with their great deal of $35 dollars an hour which covers 10 people and shoe rentals. The boys had a great time bowling!

All the boys seemed to have a great time and Kaleb seemed to really enjoy spending the morning with his friends. After checking out and turning in our bowling shoes, we handed out the boys party favors, which included a Bowling Pin Water Bottle and a sleeve of extra large gum balls. I found a cute tag on Pinterest that said, "Thanks for "sparing" the time to come to my party!"
Happy Birthday Bud! Your Family and Friends love you! You are growing up to be such a great kid and we are so proud of you!

Christmas Piano Recital

Back in August we switched Kaleb to a different piano teacher, her name is Kellina Norby. We decided to switch Kaleb from Tauna Broadhead to Kelli this semester because even though Tauna did a great job we didn't feel like Kaleb was progressing as well as he should be after taking for two years. Also, Kelli had majored in Music and Vocal so we thought we would give her a try. Kaleb has done very well over the course of the past few months while taking lessons from Kelli. Kaleb has worked so hard on practicing and memorizing his piano pieces this semester and did a great job preforming his pieces at his Christmas Piano Recital. The two pieces that he preformed were: "Angels we have Heard on High" and "Hedwigs Theme" from Harry Potter.  Kaleb is a huge Harry Potter fan and so I know "Hedwigs Theme" was his favorite piece to practice and perform. Kaleb did an excellent job and we couldn't be more proud of him and his amazing performances. Mark and I are both so proud of Kaleb for taking the time to memorize his pieces too. This boy has some amazing memorization skills!

Kaleb truly has put a lot of time into practicing and developing this amazing talent. I know there are many days that Kaleb gets discouraged from practicing and wants to quit because it gets difficult, but I sure hope he will stick with developing this amazing talent. We are so proud of you bud!!

3rd Grade Field Trip

 Today was my turn to go on Kaleb's 3rd grad field trip with him! I wasn't originally planning on going because another parent beat me at signing up to volunteer but then another parent canceled and I was able to go and fill in. I was thankful for the opportunity to go with Kaleb because for the past two years only room moms were able to go. I am sure poor Kaleb has felt jipped the past few years. So when I found out I could go, I jumped at the chance.

Kaleb's field trip started when we left the school around 9:15 and we returned around 2:30 in the afternoon. We traveled by school bus to the Museum of Natural History where we were welcomed, briefed and then allowed to explore throughout the Facility. I was assigned to look after 3 of Kaleb's classmates and Kaleb was thrilled when he found out his good friend Lukas was in our group.

 The kids and I took our time and made our way around to several exhibits. There are like 3 floors that you can explore. We saw native american pottery, baskets, totem poles, fossils, dinosaur bones and displays of dinosaurs.

 After visiting the dinosaur exhibit and the native american exhibit we headed over to "The Chocolate" exhibit which was an entire display dedicated to educating the kids on where chocolate comes from, how it is made, and the different kinds of chocolate. My favorite display was the life size box of Chocolates the kids could stand in front of! I wished it wasn't made of plastic because the Chocolates looked so real you could just take a bite out of it. Our mouths were salivating too because throughout the room you could smell chocolate. I am sure this helped promote chocolate sales in their chocolate candy store at the end of the tour. It worked on me and my kids I was chaperoning, so as a surprise, I bought them each a truffle as we left the facility. I received some brownie points with Kaleb's classmates for that!

After touring the Museum we went to one of their cafeteria's to eat lunch and visit. After lunch we headed out to the Red Butte Gardens that are right on site for a hike with several other groups.

Our tour guide Lauren, was a cute girl from Massachusetts and did a great job of teaching the kids about the different vegetation in the Utah mountains. A favorite of mine was the desert sage and seeing and touching a plant called Lamb's ear. It is a plant that is incredibly soft to the touch. We also learned about a bitter bush that had little pods that you could eat but were bitter. I didn't try it after watching the kids eat it and spit it out. Apparently, it was Bitter! Hee hee. The Bitter bush was made into a tea and the Indians used to drink it for medicinal purposes. We also saw a magpie nest, and lots of wild flowers along the trails. We also saw an old pioneer house in the canyon that used to be a quarry keepers home. The canyon that we hiked through has provided a lot of the stone that was used to build the Salt Lake City Temple. I love history lessons!

Our tour guide led us down a trail called Rattle Snake pass and it was quite exciting for the kids. They all were scared we would see a rattlesnake along the way because of the history of the trail being filled with rattlesnakes. Seems like a dumb idea to take little 3rd graders through a place like that but um, okay. I was worried about the kids too but the hike turned out great and we didn't have one student get bit or see a rattlesnake. Thank goodness.

Since Its been in the high 80's all week and it was toasty. I am glad that I brought several frozen bottles of water with Kaleb and I because some of the kids in Kaleb's class were not prepared and were getting sick because it was so hot. The hike was also not a simple hike and was quite difficult for most of the 3rd graders. They were all troopers though and I am proud of all the kids for making it through. I had so much fun hiking with Kaleb. It was fun to reach the top and take a few pictures of us and the Salt Lake City Valley. Kaleb expressed wanting to do the hike again with Mark and Karmindy at a later date. We had a great time and I am thankful I got to spend the day with my sweet boy!

Spring Piano Recital

I am so proud of Kaleb and all the hard work he has been putting into playing the piano for the past 2 years! Kaleb is so hard working and even though at times he hates practicing he has truly grown as a piano player and is developing a nice little talent. Kaleb takes from a cute neighbor lady, Tauna Broadhead. Kaleb has really enjoyed taking lessons from Tauna. For this year's spring piano recital, all of Tauna's students were given a movie theme song to practice and play for the recital. Kaleb was chosen to play, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." Kaleb enjoyed playing this number and spent many weeks practicing for the recital. The video above, is of him practicing one afternoon after school! 

When the big night came, Kaleb knocked his piece out of the park and did awesome with out any mistakes. As parents, it has been so fun to watch Kaleb develop a talent that we know he has a natural ability at and learn and grow. We are so proud of you Kaleb and for the hard worker and wonderful young man you are. You make me so proud to be your mom!

Wax Museum

One assignment that all 3rd graders at Midas Creek Elementary have to complete is the Wax Museum. The students choose someone that they want to learn about and then are asked to do a written report, oral report then participate in the Wax Museum. At the Wax Museum, the kids have to recite a 30 second diddy about the person they are reporting on. The kids are also asked to dress up as the person they are reporting on. Kaleb chose Abraham Lincoln to report on. Kaleb worked so hard on his written report and oral report. I helped Kaleb make a stove pipe hate to wear with his black suit and bow tie. He really looked the part and played the part of Honest Abe. We are so proud of Kaleb and how hard he works at everything that is asked of him. Way to go Dude!

Harry Potter Birthday Party

 

For Kaleb's Birthday this year, he requested a Harry Potter Birthday party. We love all things Harry Potter at the Frisbey home and since Mark and Kaleb have been reading the books together at night, Kaleb has become an even bigger fan. So requesting a Harry Potter Birthday Party didn't come as a shock to me. About a month before Kaleb's birthday, I got an early start on planning his birthday party. I turned to the website, Pinterst, to get some inspiration and was shocked with how many fun Harry Potter Birthday Party ideas that were out there.  So naturally I started making stuff for Kaleb's party so I could have everything to go for his big day! For the invites, we made "Owl" invites. I got white balloons and drew owls on them and attached a letter addressed to each of Kaleb's guests. I tried to make the invites look like the real "Owls" that Harry Potter received when he was accepted to Hogwarts. I think they turned out pretty awesome and Kaleb had a really fun time dropping them off at all the guests homes. The guests were pretty excited about their invites too.

After we got the invites passed out, I went to work on putting together the guests gift bags to take home. I customized each guests bag with their name and added a Marauders Map that I printed off the internet and folded, a wand, pop rocks, ring pop, Starbursts, and a pooping firework.I have to say the gift bags were pretty awesome. I was tickled with how they turned out. Kaleb was also pretty excited!

On the night of the party, Kaleb was so excited! All his guests came but one. So he had an excellent turnout! For Kaleb's party, after the guests arrived, we had them all come into the living room, where they would choose their wands. The guests had to close their eyes and choose a wand out of a bucket. I mad the wands out of wooden dowels and hot glue. I then painted them different colors. I loved how the wands turned out. To be honest I kind of became attached to them and didn't want to let them go after all the time I spent making them. However, it was easy to let them go when I saw how excited Kaleb's friends were to get one. After the wands were chosen, we invited the kids into the kitchen were I had our kitchen table decorated with skulls, Harry potter books and lanterns. The kids were then able to make "Popcorn Potions." The kids could add how much popcorn to their bowls and we had different candy they could put into their bowls. The kids thought this was so awesome!! We had candy's that were mentioned from the films, like Dumbeldores Lemon Drops, Berty Botts Every Flavored Beans, and Licorice Snaps to name a few. To drink, the kids got to have a Butter Beer (Cream Soda).

 After all the popcorn potions were made, the kids were invited back into the Living Room where we opened presents, took pictures and sat down to watch the 1st Harry Potter Move: The Sorcerer's Stone.All of Kaleb's friends seemed to have a great time at the birthday party. The birthday boy also seemed to enjoy himself. I sure love planning parties for my kids and I hope they will always remember how much I love them. Happy Birthday Kaleb! I love you!

Kaleb's Guests Included: Front Row- Thayne Ward, Karmindy Frisbey, Adilynne Hagen, Kaleb, Eli White, and Tevan Albrecht. Back Row- Aidan Rollins, Jake Wallin, and Aidan Dressen.

Look Who's 9!

 I can't believe Kaleb is 9 years old! I know that I always express how much it seems like yesterday that I brought him home from the hospital but it truly does! I don't know how time can fly by so quickly. My little baby isn't much of a baby anymore...he is a young man! This makes me sad because I just wish that I could bottle up my kids and keep them young forever. I love having them home with me and being with them.

This year for Kaleb's birthday he was off track which made it nice. Because he didn't have school we all slept in and had a nice easy going morning. Kaleb woke up to a balloon bouquet decorated table (a family tradition) with presents, donuts and treats.For breakfast we broke out the donuts and had donuts and milk (birthday boy's request) and then opened family gifts. Kaleb was really spoiled and got a new outfit (sweater, jeans and a beanie), Skylanders gaming system for the xbox and some travel games from his Grandpa And Grandma DeMille. Several days later, Grandma and Grandpa Frisbey sent a card with some money. Kaleb was really spoiled and loved his gifts.

This year Kaleb requested to Have a Harry Potter Birthday Party and his wish was granted. We decided to spend the day together as a family on his birthday. The night of his birthday, he requested to go to Chili's for dinner. Kaleb loves their chips and Salsa and Macaroni and Cheese. The servers also brought him an ice cream Sundae and sang to him. He seemed to love all the attention even though he got a little embarrassed with them singing to him. We decided to have Kaleb's birthday on the weekend so he could have a "late night" Harry Potter Movie Birthday bash so he and his friends could stay up late!

Kaleb we are so proud of you and the young man that you are becoming. You are such a sweet, kind and well mannered boy and are a friend to everyone you meet. You make us proud parents. You always strive to choose the right and do what is asked of you. You are smart and seek to learn all that you can, even when it comes to learning about the scriptures and church. I will often find you reading the scriptures and learning about the gospel. You are a wonderful brother to your little sister and truly look out for her well being. You are such a wonderful big brother to Karmindy and make us so proud to be your parents. We love you son and hope your 9th birthday was a wonderful one for you!

Best Buddies

Over the past couple of years, Kaleb has gotten to know a great little friend. His name is Anthony Nixon. Kaleb and Anthony have been in the same classes at school for both 2nd and 3rd grades. This past year (3rd Grade) the boys have become even better friends. Anthony and his mom and two brothers have been living with their Grandparents here in Riverton, while their dad was deployed with the military. It truly is a small world because I found out that Anthony's Grandpa(that grandpa he was living with), Steve Thomas, is the high counselor over the Stake Primary Presidency that I have been serving in. Brother Thomas, is such a sweet and kind man and I have truly enjoyed serving with him.

This past December, Anthony's Dad found out that he would be able to come back and live with his family in the states since his deployment was up. That meant that Anthony would have to move back to Georgia where his family was living and had a home.

When Kaleb found this out, he was very sad to think that Anthony would be leaving. 

Before the Anthony moved, I promised Kaleb that Anthony could come play and I would take the boys to Chick-Fil-A for lunch. The boys had a great time together. It has been a few weeks since Anthony has moved and Kaleb truly misses his friend. I feel for him. Anthony and Kaleb had so much in common and actually looked a lot a like. It was pretty cute and crazy how much they had in common.We hope that in a few years that Anthony will be able to move back to Utah and Kaleb and Anthony will be able to go to Middle School together.

Here is another picture of Kaleb and his good friends from school!There just isn't anything better in life than having a good, good friend.

Best Friends & Sunday Wear.

Before Church this morning, I had to get a picture of Kaleb and Karmindy in their Christmas Sunday Clothes. They looked so cute in their new duds. I truly love how close these two kids are. They truly are best friends. I am so proud of these two little ones and I am so proud to call them mine.

Boy Scout Choir

For the past year and a half, I have had the opportunity to serve in the Stake Primary Presidency as the Secretary in My Stake. I have truly loved this calling and it has been so enjoyable to be able to visit the Primaries in our Stake and get to know the leaders and the children. I have had a lot of neat experiences with this calling and have enjoyed working with Sister Toni Ipson, Sister Marie McDougal, Danielle Christianson and Steve Thomas(high counselor over us). During one of our meetings, we were notified that the General Primary Presidency had chosen our Stake to participate in the 100th Year Celebration of Scouting in the Church. Since Our Stake had been chosen this meant a few of the Boy Scouts in our Stake could be chosen to participate in the special choir during the 100th Celebration Program. I was excited about this; especially since Kaleb had just turned 8, so he could possibly have the opportunity to participate in this once in a life-time event! There are 8 wards in our Stake and each ward could only choose 4 boys. The 1st Presidency only wanted the "cream of the crop" chosen to participate. Kaleb ended up being one of the lucky ones chosen from our ward. 

Kaleb had 6 practices that he had to attend to be able to sing in the Choir, the night of the program. It was such a neat experience for him. I was able to go and sign the boys in our Stake in when they arrived at the practices so I was able to listen to the Choir leader on several occasions teach the boys about our Country's History. He taught the boys the National Anthem and the stories behind it. The spirit was very strong in the room and I hope Kaleb will never forget this opportunity and experience. Kaleb practiced so hard for his performance at the Conference center.

Kaleb got to participate in the choir with one of his best friends, Anthony Nixon and his Brother Brandon.

On the night of the performance, Mark and I were able to go to the Conference center and watch the special program. It was such a neat experience to be able to see Pres. Monson, Pres. Uchdorf and Pres. Eyring come into the conference center before the program. You could have heard a pin drop, and everyone stood when they walked into the room and were escorted to their seats. They sat 2 sections over from us so I had a direct view of them and it was fun to watch them during the performance.

Kaleb came out and performed with over 100 boys scouts and sang the National Anthem. They were also able to participate in other parts of the program. The program was very spiritual and the spirit was in attendance. There were some great experience shared about the importance of the Boy Scout Program. Pres. Monson was given an award for getting the church involved in the program and his support with encouraging Boy Scouts into the church and the importance of Boy Scouts in boys lives. I didn't realize how much Pres. Monson had done to get the boy scout program started in the church. It was such a special evening.

I hope Kaleb will remember this night for years to come. I also hope he will be able to remember that he got to sing for the President of the Church and also listen to his testimony of Scouting and our Savior Jesus Christ. We are proud of you Kaleb and the special young man that you are becoming!

Picture Day at School!

I can't believe how big the kids are getting! They are growing up right before my eyes. I wish I could just make time stand still and enjoy these years and make the moments last a little longer. I sure do cherish my time with Kaleb and Karmindy and hope they will always know how much I love and cherish them!

The Puppet Master

Kaleb has become an official puppet master! Over the past month, his teacher, Mrs. Goodman has worked with her second grade class to write their own puppet plays and make their own individual puppets. The class was split into groups of 4 to 5 and they were assigned to come up with a mixed up fairy tale. Kaleb's group chose the Bear and the Goldilocks Family. Everyone of the students wrote their own parts for the puppet play and made their own props. After writing their own parts, each student made their own puppet character. They made the puppets body out of paper mache, sewed their own costumes and added their own embellishments like hats, hair, lips, wiggly eyes and earings. I was able to go in on the day that they were putting on the embellishments and it was so fun to help the kids and see the puppets come together. I am also grateful that I got to help Kaleb a little bit with his puppet. He was Papa Goldilocks! I also was able to help Kaleb put hair on his puppet. He seemed so happy to have me in his class helping and I am so grateful when I can go in and  help.

Last week, the parents were invited to come and view the puppet plays. It was so fun to watch all the plays and see how creative all of the kids were with writing their own parts and putting a spin on the traditional fairy tale. I loved all their mixed up fairy tale stories! So cute and creative. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get any pictures of Kaleb while he was performing his play but I did get a picture of him with his puppet when he brought it home from school today. I am so proud of Kaleb and the hard work that he puts into each of his projects at school. He is a very creative and so hard working!