Caleb's 10th Birthday (part 1)

For Caleb's birthday we set out a special treasure chest for each of our boys.  Each year we add something to it to help them remember Caleb.  

 

Caleb always gives the boys something to help them make a fun family memory.  Last year we went to see Brian Regan! This year Caleb gave us a coupon to go to out to dinner and then to the nickelcade! 

Caleb also gives the boys a way that they can feel close to him.  This year since he would be turning 10 years old, he challenged his brothers to read 10 talk from the last General Conference.  He knows that as we listen to the prophet and apostles, we will also feel close to him.  

We also celebrated by visiting the cemetery, eating cake, and watching a DVD with pictures of our sweet boy.  Caleb's birthday is a sweet day to celebrate the miracle of his life and the miracle of eternal families.  As another year passes, we know we are one year closer to being together again.    

We Have a Wolf!

Mitchell is thrilled to be a cub scout and looks forward to his Den meetings each week! 

A Visit to the Payson Temple

On the afternoon of Mitchell's baptism we went with Nana and Papa Moody to see the Payson Temple. We are so excited for the open house this Spring! After spending some time at the temple, Papa took us to Arctic Circle to get Milkshakes! YUM!

Mitchell's Baptism

Mitchell was baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Saturday January 4th. It was such a sweet day, and we loved being surrounded by our wonderful family!

 

Mitchell's baptism memories in his own words: 

We started in the chapel and we sang the opening song which I chose- My Heavenly Father Loves Me.  The song made me think if it weren't for Him I would be getting baptized today.   I asked my mom to give a talk about baptism.  She used all the letters in the word baptism and gave each of us who were being baptized a white handkerchief to bring to the Payson Temple dedication since I'm old enough to go now.  The clothes felt really special.  I was worried about getting them wet because I could tell they were a spiritual thing.  When I was in the chapel I found out that I was going to be last.  Watching everyone else made me feel anxious, but when my foot hit the water I had a feeling I've never felt before.  I thought, "this isn't going to happen ever again.    Next time I'm in a font I will be the one baptizing people."  The water felt very warm.  Dad held my arm and helped me know what to do.  Then he said a prayer.  He stepped on my feet so they wouldn't come back up.  He put me into the water, and when I came up I was really wet.

Then I changed into my dry clothes and went to get confirmed.  I was in sitting in a chair surrounded with lots of hands on my head.  I could feel the weight of the hands on me.  My dad said a prayer.  He said to remember to be a good example.  When he said "receive the Holy Ghost" I felt like something was going inside me.  I felt warm and surrounded.  After the prayer I shook hands and hugged everyone in the circle.  

Memories of blessings and counsel shared during Mitchell's confirmation:  

* be a good example by using your gifts, talents and good personality.

* The Holy Ghost will help you have a strong testimony and know the church is true.

* Go on a mission and get married in the temple

* you can go to the Celestial Kingdom with your mother and brothers. 

* You will be able to resist temptation.

A Surprise Concert

The day after Christmas is my Dad's birthday and a few weeks later is my mom's!  On Dad's birthday we all went to his house for cake and ice cream then we all started to leave without explanation.  My parents were confused as my brother John blind folded them and drove them around aimlessly.  
The rest of us went to the church to set up for a surprise concert we had prepared for them!  Each family had prepared several musical numbers to share for a special birthday surprise for both of them. My parents were so surprised, and their eyes were filled with tears as they watched their children and grandchildren perform. 

We love you Mom and Dad~

Christmas Morning

This year we tried something new for Christmas. Dallan and I decided that in the tradition of the 3 wise men we would give 3 gifts to the boys and Santa would bring 1.  I loved this because it helped our boys to have reasonable expectations and it helped us carefully consider our purchases. Some of their gifts were bundled- for example one of Matthew's gifts was a music stand with a CD, and one of Mitchell's was a reading package with several books he'd been wishing for.  They were all delighted with their gifts, and our morning had a sweet feeling. 

We had a really mild December with very little snow. Our boys were praying their hearts out for a white Christmas.  On Christmas morning we opened our blinds to the most magical snowfall I have ever seen...and it snowed all day long!  I can just imagine Heavenly Father hearing the prayers of all of the sweet children in our area and not being able to resist sending a little bit of Christmas magic!

Christmas Eve With Caleb

One of my favorite Christmas Eve traditions is lighting candles at Caleb's grave.  It is a sweet sight to see flickering lights all around the cemetery as loved ones are remembered. 

"Because He came, death has lost its sting, the grave its victory. We will live again because He came...May His precious Spirit be with us, and may He ever be the center of our celebrations and indeed of our very lives.”
Thomas S Monson

Chritmas Eve Nativity

On Christmas Eve we always act out the nativity story...It is so much fun to watch the kids chose their part and act it out. After we finish the nativity story we turn out the lights and light some candles around Grandma's wooden nativity set from Israel. Then we all take a turn saying what gift we'd like to give the Savior. I was especially touched by the gifts my boys chose to give. 

Dallan: The gift of living in the moment. 

April: The gift of more patience. 

Josh: The gift of more time spent with the family 

Matthew: The gift of forgiveness and not holding a grudge            
  Mitchell: The gift of keeping his baptismal covenants.

 

Karate Kid

Mitchell loved participating in a community Karate class this Winter.  He was anxious to show his "Karate kid" moves to his instructor who was not always amused with his antics.  One day his instructor even had me drop and do 20 push ups for wearing BYU gear!  Apparently he is not a fan.