When I Grow a Foot or Two

We have a missionary in the family!  Elder Garrett W. Rawson left for his mission in Los Angeles, California this month.  He is going to take Hollywood by storm!  He is such a wonderful example of humility and service to his family and we could not be more proud.  We had a little farewell soiree at his house to send him off, although I got to see him one more time at his setting apart-- an amazing experience.

In one of his first emails home, he wrote from the MTC, "I have been very focused everyday on my work, coming closer to the Lord and figuring out how to teach. Really, what it comes down to is how in tune you are with the spirit and your ability to bring it with you wherever you go, which I am working on. You really have to go in loving the person you are going to teach. It really is all about love and that's what I have realized. I really hope I can love all the people in Los Angeles.  I really think I will because I am really trying to see these people the way God sees them. And I'm really trying to teach in a way where its not just teaching a lesson but really focusing on the needs of the one. I find that to be very important."

It sounds like he's spending the majority of his time studying, learning and becoming closer to the spirit.  But I'm also sure he also spends a few minutes now and then thinking of his future wife...(Why can't I stop singing, "will I wait for you?  Will I WAIT for you?")

These will be fun for the "before and afters" in a couple of years.  

The Elder and his Mamma.

His friends attended and showed their support.  

You're in our prayers, Garrett.  We love you!  Work hard!  Hard to believe I'll have a five and a three year old when he returns.

And you know I can't resist toddlers in ties...

In other news, Lindsay got a new car and it suits her well!  

Nothing to see here...

Look at my beautiful niece!  Anyone know a tall, handsome RM looking for a spunky, sweet, smart redhead vixen?  I hear she's on the market.  Must be at least 5' 10" and not a loser to qualify.  Guitar ability is also a plus.

Nature Week

We live in an awesome place.  At least once a week in the summer and fall, we spot what we like to call "moosen."  The moosen love our thick green grass and our neighbors trees.  My boys love to watch them graze even more than watching Super Why or Sesame.  A few weeks ago, the boys got to experience much of what nature has to offer, both in our own backyard and at the local library.  We had our very own "Nature Week!" 

Aiden was the first to spot the Mama and baby, calling "Moo!  Moo!" until we ran over to see what all of the hollering was about...  

We love the Summit County Library.  They have great events and weekly storytimes that enhance our summer days.  This particular event was called "Kim's Cold Blooded Creatures."  It takes a special kind of person to raise snakes and bugs, doesn't it?  Despite the fact that Liam is OBSESSED with all creepy crawlies, he spent most of the time making new friends and showing them his pretend snakes.  The boy is a social creature, what can I say?

Yeah, no thanks.

My favorite moosen sighting to date included a Mama nursing her two babies.  I really empathized with her.  She waited so patiently while her two little ones SO aggressively went to town on her!  Such is the life of a mother.  

A Pizza Party

Wes threw a Pizza Party for the most recent Charles Sunday Dinner at our place.  It was a hit.  I bet you didn't know Wes can toss a pizza crust like an Italian Stallion!

We all teamed up to decorate our own homemade pizzas.  The kids ate it up, literally.

Aiden's reaction is written all over his face.   

Stop. It.

Arrivederci!