Stamp of Approval

We did it! We finally updated our family picture thanks to the talents of Allyson Randle Photography. Here is the story:

Ally is sister-in-law to my friend Sarah. I follow Sarah's blog and she posted a contest to promote Ally's pictures since she had just moved to Utah. I decided to entered the contest, because if I won, well then we would just HAVE to get our pictures done. Needless to say I did not win the random drawing contest. But... due to the kindness of dear Ally, who not too long ago, also went through the loss of a child, called and still wanted to do our family pictures for us. How great is that?! We set up a time, and I nervously awaited the day, wondering if I could really go through with it. A family picture without our complete family was really hard for me to come to grips with. But October 22nd arrived, and there were no conflicts. Weather was great, no extreme hairstyles (thanks TJ) no huge skin blemishes, no big scheduling mishaps, (even with TJ having to work in Manilla that day). I had no reason to cancel. We arrived on site and Ally got right to work taking pics of the girls. Then suddenly there was a moment when I realized Chelsea was there with us, it was as if she was giving us a stamp of approval! It was peaceful, enjoyable, and we had a great time. It was easier than I thought, now actually framing, hanging, and replacing our old one, will be my next hurdle.

Anyway, these are some of our favs.minus the ones we will be sending on our Christmas Card, and the ones we printed. Thanks Ally~ you are fabulous :)

Moving Forward

Sunday TJ was ordained an Elder! What a neat day. We invited family up, and everyone came! What amazing support. TJ is the oldest boy cousin to 11 future missionaries! ( think there is pressure to set a good example or what? sheez!) Family is very important to TJ, so I was so thankful he could see that he is important to them too! Bishop said some very touching things and Rich did a wonderful job with the blessing.
A mission is right around the corner, we have some work to do still, but he is moving in the right direction! FORWARD! I am so proud of him. He has been through some "stuff" that not a lot of kids know about, and is going to be stronger because of it.
I love ya TJ~ way to go!

Sadies '09

Last night was the Sadies Dance, and also somewhat of a family affair. TJ was asked by Mckena's friend Bree, and Mckena asked Ramon, who is Markie's brother, and Markie asked Kolton, who is Ramon's best friend, and then Taylor asked Logan, who is well ... not related to anyone by everyone's friend!

For the 'day date' they went to breakfast, rode Trax to Gateway and broke into teams to do a picture/scavenger/contest thingamabob. Then they came back to our house for dinner.( I was kinda proud of my table setting. It was color coordinated with the dates shirt colors)
To add to the family affair, Rich & I got to chaperon the dance! It was so fun to see Mckena & TJ on a group date together. Their relationship has been so typical brother vs sister for so many years, and this year, they have actually become friends!! :)

1 messy boy room + 1 girl asking him to a dance =

A TOTAL DISASTER!

TJ (yes TJ) was asked to Sadies last night. Although the idea is cute... umm ya, well just take a look.

Shredded newspaper everywhere.. in his bed, pillow, dresser, hanging from the walls, in his shoes, in his hamper... WOW! We will be finding little strips for months I fear. Oh well.. good times!

But.... the difference with boys is all he could think of was how to get her back even worse. (For the record, I have removed myself from this project!! )