playing catch up

We're still here :)

Just been super busy. Summer has just begun for the kids which is the one thing I long for each year...not so much right now. Keeping them busy is at the top of my list, but activities are quite limited. Last week we participated in an emergency effort to help the flood victims. At our local Bishop's store house, we helped assemble clean-up kits. We happened to be the first group through, which made us the 'guinea pigs' of the production line. It was so much fun, tiring, but fun! They had hoped we'd get about 400 done, and we quickly surpassed that number by an extra 350 in less that 2 hours! The director actually STOPPED us because they had another group coming the next day. As we were walking out the door Kyle said "That was SO much fun, when can we do it again?". Remember, this is my very kind hearted young boy. On Monday night, we were sitting and talking about the weeks activities and I asked the kids if they wanted to go back to the Bishop's store house and help with food orders...they quickly answered "YES"! So we did. Yesterday was going to be a tough day, but I knew that if the kids and I were doing something good, my heart and mind would be at peace. Lyndsie, Kyle and I got up early and headed out...when we arrived sweet Brother Yocomb (not sure of the spelling) said we were an answer to his prayer! On a side note, back in February our ward had an assignment to serve a the Bishop's store house, I was the only one who signed up-and went. Kind of sad, but our ward is not built of great servers. Anyways, for the last few months I have been going once a week (not because we are on food orders) but because it has given me a sense of purpose. It has truly helped me keep my focus and stay positive. I know personally, it's not something that you think about when it's a time of feast. And I can't help but admit how ashamed I am that service has not been a priority in my life for the last few years. I mean, service in the grand scope, not in the small. I am a natural server and love to do things for people and not expect anything in return. It has been difficult at times being a 'server' because people tend to take great advantage of it. That's probably why it's been on the back burner. Anyways..back to my story. We worked hard yesterday re-stocking the shelves as orders were being filled. Kyle & Lyndsie (not best friends) worked amazingly well, side by side guiding and helping one another. It's moments like that that make my heart swell with love and joy, and you could see the pure love they had for one another. We decided it will be on our weekly calendar for summer.

In my email box this morning I found this....

For my local Orange County friends, this looks like so much fun! This is something that Kyle would totally enjoy. Check it out!

Remember this little guy?

We called him Taco Bell, amongst many other names...lol. He found a new home with a super nice family from our Ward. They were looking for a small dog, and he fit the bill perfectly! They couldn't be happier. We miss his sweet little disposition. He was such a lover and just wanted to sit in your lap and give you kisses. Still amazed that not one person called from the fliers that we put up. I guess they couldn't love him anymore. But now he is in a home filled with LOVE.

Speaking of doggies....A quick photo shoot of our BOY doggie, Tucker.


Lyndsie is so creative! This is what girls do when the little brother is too BIG to play dress up.

And last but not least...
Our knights in shining armour.

These are our Elders. Well, three of them are. We had and Elder on loan for awhile..it gave us a chance to get to know a few new ones. From left to right; Kyle, Elder Vogler, Elder Decker, Elder Thompson and top is the loan-e, Elder Alpanalp (I call him Elder 'A'). All I can say is these are the most generous, loving Elders! While we were crazy busy in the hard-hat area, they came by once a week to provide service helping in what ever needed to be done. One week they kicked some butt pulling weeds in our yard. Dan and I thought they'd get half done, or maybe not do such a great job...but they proved us wrong, big time! We've had a really great time having them here, lifting our spirits and keeping us laughing (secrets won't be revealed).
Elder Decker was just released and went home, an unfamiliar place...His Dad is in the military and they moved to Italy awhile back. So off he went, traveling to Italy!! He will be doing more traveling and sight seeing for about 6 weeks with his family, then he will return the the US and start school in Utah. Elder Decker is an awesome young man and we miss him already! Last week was transfers and all but one left...Elder Thompson. We love this kid! So happy that he will be here in this area for awhile longer. Oh, and Elder "A"...well, it's a secret but a little someone has a little crush on him! He is one nice kid. Very friendly, LOVES DOGS, and is extremely family oriented. We enjoyed the time we had with him...who knows, maybe we will see him again .

Happy June!