Just One More Reason To Pay Your Tithing!

I have always had a strong testimony of paying tithing but this Sunday just helped solidify it even more! Church was over and I had not yet paid my tithing. We went as a family towards the bishop's office and handed the second counselor our little envelope. I shook his hand, thanked him, and noticed that Kellen had bolted. This did not surprise me because the kid is crazy and is always trying to play tag whenever and wherever possible. I caught sight of him amongst a large crowd that had made their way outside the building and into the parking lot. I went outside to catch him. As soon as he heard me yell his name he looked at me and proceeded to run as fast as he could. I dropped everything I had (a back pack, Sunday school lesson manual, and other little odds and ends) onto the street and ran after him. This only made him laugh harder and run faster. By this time he was already through the whole parking lot and into the street. As soon as he was in the street I saw a black car turn onto the street at a very fast speed. I screamed at the top of my voice (this must have been alarming to all church goers) for Kellen to STOP! Literally, as he was less then two feet away from the car, who did not see him, he stopped. I really think that between little Kellen and the big black car was a whole host of guardian angels. This story seems rather long but this all took place not more then 30 seconds after paying tithing. It's not just "fire insurance" but "little boy life insurance" as well!!

Camping

Last week, my mom planned a camping trip for our family. We went to Woods Canyon Lake, just past Payson. It was really nice and cool up there and not to mention, pretty! Katie and Kellen thought that they had died and gone to heaven. They had the best time in the woods. Katie thought it was so fun to find leaves that Indians would use as toilet paper. Kellen was running all over the place, and didn't stop even though it was super dark outside. Hence, many scrapes and bruises. He also fell off the hammock and totally biffed his face. During our weekend, we took some really nice hikes next to the lake and the Mogollon rim.



I thought it would be so neat to take a really cute family photo in the forest. Too bad it didn't turn out really well.


Uncle Scott. He really looks cool in this picture lying in the hammock.



Our home away from home.



Grandpa Lyle just hanging out.



Katie, Kellen and Scott hanging out together. If you look at Kellen's cheek you can see where he biffed it. Poor Guy!


Katie took this picture of Kellen. After she took the picture Katie showed it to Kellen and he thought he looked so handsome!
Funny Kellen story: Kellen started rubbing my mom's leg while she was sleeping in the morning. He then said to Tom, "Dad, look I am rubbing people." Apparently, that is something to be proud of?


Katie, Kellen and Scott during our hike by the lake.



What is up with Tom's right foot? It looks so funny!



Sister and brother hanging out on an old tree stump.



Kellen was very intrigued by a rock.


Kellen and Katie playing in a meadow we found during a walk. This picture is one of my favorite pictures. It is so calm and peaceful.



Tom and the kids in the meadow.



This picture was taken by Katie. She was so excited that leaves where "Indian toilet paper."



Self portrait by Katie.

Camping in the backyard

The night after my Dad and Scott went camping with scouts our little family went camping in the backyard. It was so fun! We slept in a tent and roasted marshmellows over the BBQ grill.


Tom, Kellen, and Katie were all ready for bed in the tent.


Kellen roasting his marshmellow. After we roasted marshmellows we made yummy smores!



Katie roasting her marshmellow. Yummy!!

The other day my mom told me that I have not posted anything in a little while. We have been really busy lately doing little things. Here is a little update on everything.

Tom: He has been doing some accounting for a friend of his. The job was always considered temporary so this week will be his last until some time in July. We are just grateful for the time Tom could work and earn some mula.

Tom has also been playing bass guitar in a band lately. He loves being able to take time to himself and play some music. He has also been hiking lately with his friend, Wade. They just did a really nice hike the other day near Roosevelt Lake. I was a little jealous because they got to swim during their hike and repel. What's up with that?!

Katie: Katie's asthma is under control and she is doing well except for a small flu this week. Poor kid, she's really getting hit hard with germs this season. She was really sad that her friends could not come over and play when she was sick. She doesn't understand the concept of contagious germs.

She is such a sweet girl and loves to play with her friends, her brother, and her uncle. I think the ultimate day for Katie would be to invite all her friends over for a ginormous party!!

Kellen: He is talking so much now!! He has a little low voice too so it sounds so manly. He loves to play outside and swim. He was swimming with his little inner tube tonight and taking laps around the pool working on his "big boy kicks".

The other night during the dinner prayer Kellen folded his arms and closed his eyes. During the middle of the prayer I hear, "Mom, my eyes are closed and I can't see." Ah, priceless. I quietly laughed because it was so funny and hoping that he wouldn't say anything else.

Jen: I have been working two days a week at a law firm. It has been an interesting experience. Everyday I go there I am not sure what type of mood the attorney will be in that day. I always pray that he's either really happy or that he has court all day so I won't have to deal with him.

I have also been teaching swimming lessons for four little students. It has been pretty fun and has taken me back to days as a lifeguard. I also have a lovely scent of chlorine. Gotta love it!

All in all, we have been doing really well. Regardless of our crazy situation right we see so many small miracles that we have been blessed with. We just hope that we will soon be blessed with gainful employment and be able to move on with our lives. So for now we have to rely on Heavenly Father's timeline and trust in Him.