Our differences can help us be unified, if we have the right perspective!

I have been thinking a lot lately about how different each one of our lives is.  We all have such different, personal trials and blessings, that it is often hard to understand what our friends and family members are going through and vice versa.  I was so grateful to Andy for offering to take work off last Friday so that I could attend a day of Women's Conference.  I had been planning on attending with my mom and had made arrangements for the kids so that I could attend both days, but my kids were still pretty sick and my mom ended up not feeling well on Friday as well.  At first I thought maybe I should just let Andy go to work, but the kids were excited to spend some time with Daddy and I felt a strong pull to still go.  So, I went alone.  But, let me tell you, I was not alone!!!  There were thousands of women there all seeking strength for their many different challenges and lives.  The spirit there was SO strong.  I would love to share some things I learned from each class, but let me just start with an answer I received about this great concern of how to understand better those who I love dearly who are experiencing challenges different than my own. 
The closing addresses were given by Elder Neil L. Andersen and his sweet wife, Kathy.  I never realized how tiny she was until a friend in my neighborhood told me what happened after the address. This friend is a polio survivor and has a hard time walking.  She rides a scooter that carries her oxygen tank and she said that afterwards Elder Andersen came over and gave her a big hug and thanked her for coming because he knew it took more effort for her to be there.  She said after that big, welcomed hug, Kathy Andersen was able to speak to her eye to eye and share her love and appreciation as well.  Apparently she is even tinier than I had thought from the top of the Marriott Center.  But, the stories Kathy Andersen told and the spirit that was there as she talked were not tiny at all.  She told a sweet story about her grandson who is just 3 years old and how he had some big concerns one night as he kneeled to pray with his mother.  His prayer was very lengthy for a little 3 year old who had much to share with his Father in Heaven.  Afterwards, he looked up at his mother and said, "Mommy, He heeerd me!"  How could He not hear the honest, tender feelings of this little boy.  I also know that He hears each of us, no matter what our concerns are, no matter how silly others may think our needs and desires are.  He knows our hearts and He wants so desperately to heal our hurts and bless our lives with peace, joy, and the power to overcome whatever we are going through.

That was not the story I meant to share, but I hope it touches you as much as it did me.  The story I really wanted to share, however, was a story that Elder Andersen had shared a few years ago, of which his wife repeated and I was amazed that I had somehow forgotten:

Hadley Peay is now seven years old. Hadley was born with a very serious hearing impairment requiring extensive surgery to bring even limited hearing. Her parents followed with tireless training to help her learn to speak. Hadley and her family have cheerfully adapted to the challenge of her deafness.

Once, when Hadley was four, she was standing in the checkout line at the grocery store with her mother. She looked behind her and saw a little boy sitting in a wheelchair. She noticed that the boy did not have legs.

Although Hadley had learned to speak, she had difficulty controlling the volume of her voice. In her louder voice, she asked her mother why the little boy did not have legs.

Her mother quietly and simply explained to Hadley that “Heavenly Father makes all of His children different.” “OK,” Hadley replied.

Then, unexpectedly, Hadley turned to the little boy and said, “Did you know that when Heavenly Father made me, my ears did not work? That makes me special. He made you with no legs, and that makes you special. When Jesus comes, I will be able to hear and you will get your legs. Jesus will make everything all right.”

This story touched me and made me think back to Elder Andersen's words spoken just a few moments before.  He said (according to my very imperfect note taking) basically that we like to divide ourselves into groups (single, married, male, female, rich, poor, etc.)  Then he reminded us that this is not what we want.  He went on to say that:  The importance of this noble cause allows more thinking about what lies ahead and what we can contribute rather than dividing us by looking at our differences.

The feeling in my heart was almost overwhelming.  I have struggled to know how to love some of the people I love most.  The answer was that all we need to do is look ahead - which is possible through our Savior, Jesus Christ and the blessings that come to each of us because of His great gift to each of us.  The gospel of Jesus Christ helps us to not focus on our differences, but to focus on that sure knowledge that we can each have that we are sons and daughter of God and that He wants us to help each other in whatever challenges we may have, by loving each other as He loves us and encouraging each other along the way back to Him.  He placed each of us here to succeed, not to fail.  If we focus on the glorious future that He desires for each of us, we can more easily understand each other's hearts and be unified in our efforts to return to Him with those we love. 

I hope that I can follow the example of Hadley and have the faith of a child as I remember that our differences are what make us special (and allow us to contribute in very different, needed ways), and that in the end, "Jesus will make everything all right!"

New Conference Traditions and Experiences April 2012

  Conference was extra special as we started some new traditions and Drew got to listen to a session in the conference center for the first time (and thankfully President Monson was just barely far enough away to not notice Drew's awful black eye he got from jumping a little too close to Jesi on the trampoline - Drew was a little worried he might have to see such a site)!  After talking to some friends who finally convinced me that you really don't need a special "crepe maker" to make crepes - like the one our family had growing up, I finally gave it a try.  It was SO easy and SO yummy that we decided to call them "Conference Crepes" and we enjoyed them two days in a row and then again for Andy's birthday - but we'll save that for another post!  I don't think anyone could convince me to buy a "crepe maker" now that Andy and I have become quite the crepe makers ourselves!  And, who knows, in a few years, maybe we'll have some other "conference crepe makers" in the family?!?  We enjoyed strawberries, syrup, powdered sugar, the Perrin's blackberry jam we've been saving for a special occasion, and we even broke into the Nutella for dessert!

Andy's family likes to play the game, "Scattegories", so our next food tradition for conference had to have at least 2 "C's" in it, right!  So, how about some Conference Caramel Corn!!!  We couldn't hide it from Nathan, as you can see.  He was quite proud of himself every time he found my new hiding place!

We thought it would be a little crazy at the new City Creek Center South of temple square.  Boy were we wrong!  It was absolutely insane!  We got in, met some nice people standing in line at Subway with us and got out of there as fast as we could!  By the time we got our food and found a place to eat, it was time to rush to the afternoon session of conference.  But, we made sure to get some family shots in front of the temple first.  Andy and I were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple 11 years ago and I am so grateful to know that our family can be together forever if we keep the promises we made that day.  Andy was so sweet to watch the kiddos while Drew and I attended a session of conference.  I wish I'd been there when Nathan walked up to the Christus statue for the first time, but pictures are the next best thing.  SO SWEET!

 Drew and I made it through security somehow - complete with the baggie of 11 inches of Jesi's hair and 11 inches of Kassi's hair (I've been meaning to donate their hair to Locks of Love ever since all of us girls got our hair cut months ago and remember every time I reach into my purse!)  It scares me every time!  But, thankfully they still let us in, hair and all :0).  We switched places so that Drew could see President Monson.  We had GREAT seats.  We were only about 20 rows up.  I brought a notebook for Drew to take a few notes.  I loved what he chose to write:

Elder Holland:  Pickle Juice!  - This made a great F.H.E. lesson.  We took some pickle juice to our friends' house and let everyone taste it.  Then we talked about when good things happen to other people we should have sweet thoughts (sweet tarts), not sour, bitter thoughts (pickle juice).  That is definitely a good lesson for children and adults alike!!!  We also played a matching game with the teachings of the first presidency and quorum of the 12 apostles.  Then the kids colored a stop sign on one side of the paper and wrote something they felt they should STOP doing and on the other side, they colored a green "go" light and wrote something they should GO and DO!  Drew wrote "I will STOP ignoring people" and I will GO and "write the notes that the prophets say".  Jesi wrote "I will stop gitting mad" and I will GO and "pray".  I think this will become a tradition for F.H.E!

Elder Hales:  Prepare for sacrament.  Prepare for temple!

Elder Baxter:  No second class citizens in Kingdom of God (Mommy helped with this one because Drew had a sleepy moment - it happens to all of us)!

Elder Soares:  D&C 20:37

Elder Cook:  Jesus wants us to return to Heaven

Elder Scott:  Keep the Commandments

It was so sweet to experience this "first" with you, Drew.  I hope you always remember how lucky we are to have a Prophet of God on the earth today.  I know that the Lord guides and directs his church through President Thomas S. Monson.  You have always thought it was neat that your middle name was the same as the prophet's first name (named after your Grandpa McConkie's middle name).  You were a little disappointed that President Monson didn't speak during the session we were there (the only session he didn't speak), but you were sure that he was staring right at you during each of the other 3 sessions.  I hope you come to know that the Lord is very aware of you (just as you thought President Monson kept turning his head to look at you) as an individual and that the scriptures and conference talks are wonderful gifts for you and will help guide you in your life if you seek to know the Lord's will for you.  If you follow the teachings of the Holy Ghost to your heart, you will find happiness and peace no matter what struggles you face in this life. It was so sweet.  Right before the closing song, you looked over at me with a smile and said, "Thank you for coming with me!"  Then we shared a hug and listened to the closing song by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  Actually, the lady next to us was humming and it tricked me into singing a little bit of the first line - but you just smiled with me and we liked to think that no one noticed your crazy Mom pretending like she was a part of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir!!!  Thank you for letting me sit by you and for taking such sweet notes for us to remember forever.  I hope we'll get to share LOTS more conferences together, Andrew Thomas!!!

What is perfectionism?!? It is not suffered by the perfect!!!

I am in a very humble state as I type up this post as I recently set goals that were way beyond my reach to be better at keeping things updated!!! I have this horrible characteristic that I wish I could get rid of! I remember a couple years ago mentioning to someone that I really wished I wasn't a perfectionist. The person I was talking to made it very clear that she definitely did NOT think that I was a perfectionist (someone who is VERY aware of all of my imperfections)! Not really hurt because I am VERY aware of those imperfections myself, I explained that being a perfectionist DOES NOT IN ANY WAY MEAN THAT YOU ARE PERFECT - only that you find it almost impossible (sometimes paralyzing) to move forward on something if you don't have the ability or means to do something exactly right. This can be a HUGE problem in many areas of your life if it isn't remedied. For example, being paralyzed as to how to paint and decorate my home because I feel like I need to have everything perfectly planned before I begin, not being able to start a project that I've been wanting to do for years because I can't find the courage to do it without an expert by my side for moral support, being stumped on scrap booking because I feel like I need to have every picture safely digitally backed up in perfectly organized files and copied onto multiple discs in different locations just in case something horrible happens to my external hard drive before I can print a picture, or staying up until early morning hours trying to learn everything about a topic before teaching a lesson (because following the inspiration to just ask a couple questions is extremely frightening without a back-up plan), etc. etc. According to Webster's online dictionary, one definition of perfectionism is, "a disposition to regard anything short of perfection as unacceptable". If that is the case, and I and many others do suffer with "perfectionism," then I am therefore doomed to think of myself as COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE because of my disposition to regard anything short of perfect as such, right?!?

WRONG!!! I want to thank my Heavenly Father for His constant love and forgiveness of my imperfections and for His willingness to send His Only Begotten Son to earth to atone for our sins, our weaknesses, our hurts, our mistakes, and ALL OF OUR IMPERFECTIONS. He not only makes up for our shortcomings and our sin, but He gives us strength to become more and do more than we are naturally able to do ourselves. I have felt that power in my life. Andy was asked to speak in sacrament meeting on Easter Sunday after the cantata and I'm so glad he was asked instead of me, because I know I would have been an emotional wreck! He did a wonderful job, speaking on that exact topic, how the Savior enables us to do and be more through his infinite atonement. It is only through the Savior that I feel I am able to overcome this annoying characteristic trait and keep moving - something that would be almost impossible to do sometimes because of fear or self-ridicule. He helps me to see things clearly and set goals that help me reach out and up and become more than I think I can be. He helps me to get rid of things that are holding me back, and keeps me from committing to things that are going to get in the way of what is most important and of eternal nature in my life. He helps me achieve things that I would have never thought were possible. He sees all and helps me to let go and keep moving towards those things that will bring the greatest joy. I just realized when reviewing my notes from conference the other day that a line from the hymn, "When Faith Endures," was quoted twice. The line, "Fear departs when faith endures" must be something that many of us need to hear. It seemed to be one of several themes of this conference for me. It is amazing how different themes come out for different people to meet individual needs. I'd love to hear what stuck out to you!!!

Why on earth would I ever set such a ridiculous goal to write in my journal or blog everyday anyway? Let me tell you (or remind & encourage myself)! First of all, I've already mentioned that I have received personal counsel to do this and it has been weighing heavily on me these last few years as the demands of motherhood and other obligations have increased and my spare time (is there such a thing?) has decreased. But, something I have also pondered recently has been the need to seek inspiration and to be willing to ASK for it! For someone who struggles with perfectionism, this can be a daunting task. I was almost always too shy to ask questions growing up, especially school and church teachers because I didn't open up to very many people. I didn't want to be a bother and I feared that the old saying "there is no such thing as a dumb question" wasn't true. I had definitely heard a dumb question or two in my lifetime. Well, the last 10+ years as a mother of young children, I have had MANY questions and I have finally been forced to humble myself enough to ask for specific answers. I am so grateful for the answers that come when I humble myself and ASK!!! Well, as I was listening to general conference (a wonderful conference held twice a year for the world by the Lord's prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, his counselors, the Quorum of the 12 Apostles, and other inspired leaders), I was seeking answers and desiring to know what was MOST important for me to do, change, & become in the next 6 months, many things hit me. The thing that hit me the most came from Elder Richard G. Scott's beautiful message. Among the many things he taught in that message, I heard clear and strong and wrote down, "Inspiration carefully recorded shows God we value what he has given us and helps us not forget!" Pretty close to Elder Scott's exact words, "Inspiration carefully recorded shows God that His communications are sacred to us." For sake of time, I probably should have just posted a link to his talk. But, I feel like I really need to be better about recording things (both in my personal journal) and on this blog to share with my family and friends. I appreciate your love and support as always and for not judging me because I sin differently than you :) (another favorite talk by President Uchtdorf who recited a bumper sticker he had seen recently). Most of all, I want to express my gratitude for the truths proclaimed in General Conference and the HOPE that they give us, whether we suffer from perfectionism, depression, loneliness, exhaustion, physical, spiritual, mental, or emotional challenges, or any other difficulties. The Savior is the only one who knows exactly what we are going through and how to help us. It never ceases to amaze me how when I make it a priority to seek inspiration, whether in conference, from the scriptures, or through prayer or sometimes as I serve others, my troubles become light and my vision is increased so that I am able to become who He wants me to be.

Drew and I were able to attend this session of conference (Drew's first time), thanks to Andy being willing to drive up with us and hang out with the other kiddos on temple square - another place where I struggle with perfectionism - I can't stand the idea of driving into Salt Lake by myself, especially with the mad rush of conference traffic!!! I think I would have had a nervous breakdown in the session if I'd attempted it without Andy's help :0). So, I hope to share some notes and pictures from Drew's first experience at conference soon! Do I dare put that in writing? Why not?

I've mentioned before that Easter, since my father passed unexpectedly, is the most meaningful holiday for me. I don't know if I could have ever recognized so deeply, my desire to return to my Savior and my Heavenly Father if I hadn't had such a wonderful, loving father in this life, who taught me so much by his Christ like example. Man, I miss him and maybe that is why I was so drawn into this talk by Elder Scott, where he first mentions his sweet wife who he felt was with him, supporting him through this talk.

Elder Scott concludes his talk with these thoughts that I hope will help you as much as they helped me, if they haven't already:

"The scriptures give eloquent confirmation of how truth, consistently lived, opens the door to inspiration to know what to do and, where needed, to have personal capacities enhanced by divine power. The scriptures depict how an individual’s capacity to conquer difficulty, doubt, and seemingly insurmountable challenges is strengthened by the Lord in time of need. As you ponder such examples, there will come a quiet confirmation through the Holy Spirit that their experiences are true. You will come to know that similar help is available to you.

I have seen individuals encountering challenges who knew what to do when it was beyond their own experience because they trusted in the Lord and knew that He would guide them to solutions that were urgently required.

The Lord has declared: “And ye are to be taught from on high. Sanctify yourselves and ye shall be endowed with power, that ye may give even as I have spoken.”² The words sanctify yourselves may appear puzzling. President Harold B. Lee once explained that you can replace those words with the phrase “keep my commandments.” Read that way, the counsel may seem clearer.³

One must be ever mentally and physically clean and have purity of intent so that the Lord can inspire. One who is obedient to His commandments is trusted of the Lord. That individual has access to His inspiration to know what to do and, as needed, the divine power to do it.

For spirituality to grow stronger and more available, it must be planted in a righteous environment. Haughtiness, pride, and conceit are like stony ground that will never produce spiritual fruit.

Humility is a fertile soil where spirituality grows and produces the fruit of inspiration to know what to do. It gives access to divine power to accomplish what must be done. An individual motivated by a desire for praise or recognition will not qualify to be taught by the Spirit. An individual who is arrogant or who lets his or her emotions influence decisions will not be powerfully led by the Spirit.

When we are acting as instruments in behalf of others, we are more easily inspired than when we think only of ourselves. In the process of helping others, the Lord can piggyback directions for our own benefit.

Our Heavenly Father did not put us on earth to fail but to succeed gloriously. It may seem paradoxical, but that is why recognizing answers to prayer can sometimes be very difficult. Sometimes we unwisely try to face life by depending on our own experience and capacity. It is much wiser for us to seek through prayer and divine inspiration to know what to do. Our obedience assures that when required, we can qualify for divine power to accomplish an inspired objective.

Like many of us, Oliver Cowdery did not recognize the evidence of answers to prayers already given by the Lord. To open his and our eyes, this revelation was given through Joseph Smith:

“Blessed art thou for what thou hast done; for thou hast inquired of me, and behold, as often as thou hast inquired thou hast received instruction of my Spirit. If it had not been so, thou wouldst not have come to the place where thou art at this time.

“Behold, thou knowest that thou hast inquired of me and I did enlighten thy mind; and now I tell thee these things that thou mayest know that thou hast been enlightened by the Spirit of truth.”⁴

If you feel that God has not answered your prayers, ponder these scriptures—then carefully look for evidence in your own life that He may have already answered you.

Two indicators that a feeling or prompting comes from God are that it produces peace in your heart and a quiet, warm feeling. As you follow the principles I have discussed, you will be prepared to recognize revelation at critical times in your own life.

The more closely you follow divine guidance, the greater will be your happiness here and for eternity—moreover, the more abundant your progress and capacity to serve. I do not understand fully how it is done, but that guidance in your life does not take away your agency. You can make the decisions you choose to make. But remember, the disposition to do right brings peace of mind and happiness.

Should choices be wrong, they can be rectified through repentance. When its conditions are fully met, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, our Savior, provides a release from the demands of justice for the errors made. It is wondrously simple and so incomparably beautiful. As you continue to live righteously, you will always be prompted to know what to do. Sometimes the discovery of what action to take may require significant effort and trust on your part. Yet you will be prompted to know what to do as you meet the conditions for such divine guidance in your life, namely, obedience to the commandments of the Lord, trust in His divine plan of happiness, and the avoidance of anything that is contrary to it.

Communication with our Father in Heaven is not a trivial matter. It is a sacred privilege. It is based upon eternal, unchanging principles. We receive help from our Father in Heaven in response to our faith, obedience, and the proper use of agency.

May the Lord inspire you to understand and use the principles that lead to personal revelation and inspiration" - excerpt from Elder Richard G. Scott's message, April Conference 2012. Find the whole message and others at lds.org or watch of video of message highlights!

Our baby (Drew) is 10 years old!

I remember seeing a commercial several years ago. It had me in tears. I can't remember if it was a couple or just a mom getting into her car and looking back at her little toddler. He had the cutest head of curly hair. When she goes to look back at her little boy again, she is shocked to see a very big teenage boy in the same seat with that same curly hair on top of his head. I remember thinking - that is happening to me!!! I swear, my sweet 10 year old boy was just a toddler a minute ago! I was thinking about that commercial as I dropped you off for piano lessons a few weeks ago, Drew, and the tears came again! You just turned 10 in December, 5 days after Dad and my 11 year anniversary! This picture was taken this December with your matching Christmas ties. December is always a crazy month around here, but it is extra magical as I remember all of the blessings that have come from our Decembers past! Our first December together was the one in which we were sealed for time and all eternity in the temple. The next year was the year we got to bring you home from the hospital. Someone at the hospital even made you a stocking to "come home in." We brought you home on Christmas Eve and I've always told you that you were the best Christmas present we could have asked for! We had no idea how much you would change our lives, Drew! You are such a loved, important part of our family!!!

It seems like just yesterday you were this little guy. I don't have most of your baby or toddler pictures on our computer yet, but it is amazing to remember the trials you dealt with as a baby. You were such a patient little guy with therapists, doctors, and nurses helping us to know how to help you be healthy and strong and learn and grow. You have taught us so much about dedication, selflessness, and unconditional love.

Here is a good example of why that commercial hit me so hard. Here you are (our little meat-eater) at Grandma Starkey's 80th birthday party in Park City when you were 4 years old. Check out the size of those ribs! You couldn't get enough!

And, here you are, not long ago at your absolute favorite restaurant, Tucanos. You amaze us every year when we go there for Dad's birthday. We definitely get our money's worth with Dad's free birthday meal and the way you pack in the meat!

It seems like just yesterday you turned 8 and became a scout. I wish I would have posted a picture of you at your baptism as well. That was a beautiful day when you chose to follow the Savior!

Now you've earned your Wolf Badge and in these pictures, your Bear Badge!!! I always feel like singing a song from "Bye Bye Birdie", a musical that G-pa McConkie loved about being "pinned". Now I can say that I've been pinned by a very sweet and handsome boy!

This year for your birthday we took the family to Trafalga in Lehi and enjoyed some dinner, some rides, and your favorite car racing video games. The food took a LONG time, and you were so patient for how hungry you were! We have been meaning to get back there for some mini golf and laser tag, so maybe for Kassi's upcoming birthday, we'll get to finish our b-day celebrations!!! It was a crazy week, and you insisted that a pumpkin pie from Costco was a perfect idea for your "cake" this year!

I love this picture. You have ALWAYS loved sleeping with stuffed animals and I think it is so sweet! First, it was a stuffed dog that you named, "Jazz" after G-ma and G-pa McConkie's dog. You slept with that dog and carried it around everywhere until you were 2 or 3. Then, you switched to "Rex", a stuffed bear that aunt Stacy bought you when she was going to BYU Idaho. And, not long after that, G-ma McConkie bought you this bear that you found on our shopping trip to Deseret Book when you were a preschooler. You found one of these bears that was bigger than you were and I was thankful G-ma bought this one that wasn't quite so big. Most nights you still sleep with "Conkie Bear" and the nights you forget, I have to admit it saddens me to think you are growing up too fast! I'll never get rid of those three prized stuffed animals! Maybe I'll have to keep them when you move away for me to hug!

You have a special relationship with your siblings. You and Jesi occasionally get along and that absolutely melts my heart when you do :0). Kassi is often your little buddy and she imitates much of what you do and say. And, you always want to hold Nathan and if he is in a good mood, he loves to play or cuddle with you. It is so sweet to see that my little boy will make such a great Daddy someday!!!

Oops. This picture didn't get turned around, but I love how you wanted to be a cowboy 3 years in a row! You will always be my little cowboy!!!

You have always been very impressionable. It is a good thing we only let you associate with all of your wonderful family members and friends that are always such good influences :0)! We were amazed at how you would instantly bond with a few select people like Uncle Verne and Uncle John and your Grandmas and Grandpas! You have the ability like your Daddy to be friendly to everyone, but there were a few select people that you just LOVED the instant you met them. I have hardly met anyone that didn't say "Oh, I just LOVE DREW" or "There is just something really special about that Drew", etc, etc!!! I always have to agree with them. YOU are very special and Heavenly Father has a great plan for you!!!

You are true blue! This year you were shocked to hear that one of your friends on the basketball team was a Utah fan! We had to explain that Ute fans are good people too, (although a little misled) - just kidding!

You were the cutest little turkey ever in preschool! Now you are one handsome turkey!

You've always been a trooper with Mommy's picture taking. This particular morning, Daddy had a meeting in Salt Lake and you let me explore the temple grounds with you and take your picture for an hour or more while we smelled the tulips and walked around! It was SO much fun! And, considering our little camera, the pictures turned out quite well.

I love all the pictures of you and your Daddy. Of all the kids, I think you have been Daddy's biggest fan. You would talk about him all day long when he was at work and want to hang out with Dad every second possible. That is why we moved closer to work. We knew that you and the rest of the family would benefit from an extra hour with Dad every day!!! In the above picture, you are wearing a "Big Dog" outfit that G-pa McConkie bought for you. I remember my dad calling and asking me what size you were so he could pick you up a couple outfits while he was in the "Big Dog" outlet store! Maybe someday your own little guy can wear this outfit!

Again, my little cowboy with Daddy! You are wearing Uncle Ken's hat (another one of your favorite people)!

You were always good for helping Daddy pretend to fix things (like the stroller & shopping cart wheels)!

And, you had an obsession with riding around in this truck our neighbors gave us, and one of your favorite activities was washing it off in the summer time! I hope you always take such good care of your things! Here you are washing it off with your squirt gun!

We've always loved attending your activities. You started playing baseball and soccer when you were very young and you loved the interaction with the team and the progress you made each season. I love your face in this picture - the sense of accomplishment you gained was always worth any time and effort! Now you are playing basketball and you want to try out Track this year! We'll always be cheering for you, Drew!!!

I can still hear Jesi saying in her sweet, high little voice, "too tight!, TOO TIGHT!!!" You give some good hugs. Some of those hugs are more appreciated than others, but I'll always take one!!!

I always love your "smoothie smiles"!!!

It seems like you were just learning to read and now you are in 4th grade and you are learning division!!! Your favorite subjects have always been reading and science! I love watching you learn and get excited about things!!!

This picture was taken the week that Kassi was born. We've always been blessed with a beautiful view of the mountains. I hope you always remember that no mountain is too hard to climb. You can do anything with God's help!

You were so sweet each time a new sibling was born into our family. You are a good big brother!

Off to your first day of 4th grade. First, we planned on walking. That didn't work because we ran out of time. Then we planned on biking. Then we found out my bike was having issues. So, we ended up driving the first day. Having me as your Mom has helped you adjust to all of life's crazy turns!!! Thanks for being patient with your Mommy!!! It was the BEST birthday present last year when you learned how to ride your bike on my birthday! We've been riding almost every day the weather has permitted since!

You and Kassi at Aunt Nicole's dance competition in St. George!

Your off-road Pinewood Derby car two years ago! You and Dad always do such a great job.

I will always remember how you could pick out a painting of Jesus so easily as a baby. I was amazed at how you always seemed to know Him. Even a painting of the boy Jesus in the temple, who I would have never guessed you would think of as being Jesus, you instantly knew that it was a depiction of the Savior. I KNOW that you KNOW HIM! And, that gives me hope for whatever crazy things lie ahead of us in this life! He is your brother and he has made it possible to return to our Father in Heaven and be together forever! I am so thankful that you know that in your heart!

You are always up for our crazy adventures as a family! We may not be perfect, or even close to perfect, but we have a lot of fun together!!!

Off to 3rd grade!!! So fun to be close to Dad. I remember when you were going to your first day of preschool on the bus when we didn't live so close. Dad had to go to work early. I helped you get on the bus and then went to open the door. I could feel the tears coming and I knew I'd have a good crying session inside the house. Unfortunately, the door didn't open. I had locked myself out and never did get my good cry in that day. I had to borrow a neighbor's phone to call Dad, who had to drive home to help me get into the house. Daddy was sad that he missed seeing you get on the bus for your first day of school only to have to drive home and help your crazy Mom get in the house. He is a good sport! We all survived that first day though, and you have always loved school and learning. We've always been so proud of you!

Here you are with Nathan and your best friend from school. You are a great friend to have!

And, your most recent piano recital where you earned 3 medals and your Articles of Faith Trophy! You are one talented boy with so much going for you, Drew. It has been so fun to watch you learn and grow. I have loved hearing you play prelude music at church for Mother's Day and other special Sundays. We are so proud to be your parents. We hope you always remember who you are and why you are here. Great things are in store for you! You will always be my baby (even after I finally let you say goodbye to your booster seat this year) and a big part of our hearts!!! We love you, Drew!