Spring Break

The kids had a week off of school for spring break the first week of April.  Tyler has wanted to tour BYU so we headed to Provo for a couple of days.  We had a free hotel stay at the Marriott for two nights that included breakfast for two mornings.  We toured both BYU and UVU.  The girls said they liked BYU better because we drove in a golf cart, UVU we had to walk and Joslynn was very tired by the end of the 75 minute tour.  Tyler is leaning toward BYU, doesn't really have any desire to attend UVU, but thought it would be good to do since we were there.  

We went to the BEAN museum at BYU, which was awesome. A room is devoted to Pres. Packer and displays the birds, art work and wood work which he has done throughout his life.  They had a few pictures of him as a child and sketches of when he was in high school.  We also went to the art museum and drove up Squaw Peak.  That was an impressive sight of the valley.  We spent a lot of time at the pool in the evenings and enjoyed the time together.  

Watch out!! Joslynn's face looks like she'll attack!!

Squaw Peak

Dennis & Beth Larchar

Dennis& Beth were married March 13th in the Bountiful Temple.  It was a beautiful day outside and a very nice temple ceiling.  Prior to Dennis's sealing, Mom, Dad, Scott, Kenneth, Heidi, Jason, Rachel, Allen and I were able to do sealings for deceased family members.  It was a wonderful experiences to be in the sealing room with my parents and siblings.  The sealer was a brother to a family we knew in New York 30 years ago when we went to the Oneonta Branch.  We are very happy for Dennis and we love Beth.  She has done wonderful things for Dennis and are happy he was finally able to meet someone that makes him so happy.  They had a reception the night before in SLC.  It was fun to see people we  knew in New York, and  haven't seen in several years.  It was great to have all my siblings here and enjoy each others company.  I love to get together with my brothers and sister and enjoy the bond we share.  We love to eat ice cream together, laugh and talk until it is way to late!  I'm grateful for the time we had to be together.  Mom and Dad are usually present in person, but doze off during the chats.

Dennis didn't know what was coming.  He HATES to be tickled.  In the process of putting him down, my brothers thought it would be fun to tease him.  They started tickling him, so Diane and I had to join in.  His laugh is so contagious and funny to hear.  I love to get him behind his knees!  Just thinking of the day, makes me giggle because I can hear his laugh in my head.  In the process of letting him down, my brothers swiped his cell phone.  Unfortunately, Dennis noticed it missing before my brothers could change his cover picture.

After the wedding we said goodbye to Diane and Joseph,their flight left the next morning.  The rest of us headed back to Smithfield.  My brothers all squeezed in the back seat of the Suburban until we got to Brigham City.  We quickly had to make a change before Jason lost his cookies, so I got the back with Scott and Kenneth.  

At the reception Thursday night, Dad was going to wear his hat into the building.  We saw Dennis through the window and soon after Diane came out and with strict instructions from Dennis for Dad to "loose the hat!!!"  So as to not spoil his evening, Dad left the hat in the car.

Alyssa's Baptism

Alyssa turned 8 on February 20 and was baptized on March 14th, 2015.  It was a wonderful day for many reasons.  First we are very proud that Alyssa chose to follow Jesus Christs' example to be baptized.  We are proud of her righteous decision and know that our Heavenly Father is also very proud of her.  Second, I am glad that Tyler holds the Aaronic Priesthood and could baptize her, as she has talked about for many years.  Third, my siblings and parents were able to share in this wonderful event in Alyssa's life.  All of the children were able to participate in the service.  Kaylynn played the piano, Ashley said a prayer, Tyler performed the ordinance and Joslynn was there with her smiles. Joslynn also talks about Tyler baptizing her and often asks if he'll be home from his mission in time. Grandma Larchar gave the talk on baptism and Uncle Nathan talked on the Holy Ghost.  Alyssa brings love and peace to our home.  She has a sweet, kind spirit and I love her dearly.

Joslynn's Birthday

December 16th  we celebrated Joslynn's 5th birthday.  She was so excited to turn five, thinking she could go to Kindergarten the next day.  She was a little disappointed when she didn't go.  Joslynn is my little buddy during the day.  In the morning we do her school work, volunteer at the school, run errands and the afternoon we read books, play games and try to get some chores done.   She is my visiting teaching buddy, although that is probably her least favorite activity.  I tell Allen that she has a split personality though.  She is a delight to be around from the hours of 9-3pm.  At that point the other kids are home from school and she sure fights for attention!!!  Every weds is preschool day, alternating weeks at other homes for a couple hours.  I asked Ashley what Joslynn likes to do, her response "She likes to be the boss"!!  Joslynn is the bully of the family.  She bosses Kaylynn around, Joslynn only listens to Tyler or Ashley when we are gone.  She bullies Kaylynn and Alyssa..  As long as she is given attention, all is well, but if left alone, she will get into mischief!  Joslynn can be a sweet girl though.  She has a picture of Christ above her bed and if asked, says Jesus' watches over me at night.  She loves primary and loves to conduct the music at family home evening.  She has her own Book of Mormon that she likes to take to church every week in a little purse.  We love her and are very glad to have her spunky, beautiful spirit in our home.

Disney "frozen" socks

Tyler doubled for the Christmas dance at Sky View High School.  A group of kids got together to decorate their shirts, play games and eat prior to the dance.  Pictured below are Caleb Oar, Ashley Blair, Robin Christensen, Tyler.  They had a fun time and were glad they dropped by for us to see their shirts!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

We had a wonderful, quiet Thanksgiving Day at home.  We had a delicious dinner, that took WAY longer to prepare than it took to eat!!
There are many things I am grateful for.  My life is richly blessed and I owe that all to a loving Heavenly Father who is very good to me.  I am grateful for the knowledge I have of Him and the chance I have to talk with him in prayer.  I know He is very aware of me, loves me and wants me to have joy and happiness.  I am grateful for the wonderful husband and children that Heavenly Father has blessed my life with.  They bring me GREAT joy and happiness.  I am grateful for my home, friends, callings that allow me to serve others.  I am grateful for my siblings and the fun memories we have made and their kindness towards me.  I am grateful for my healthy body and the health of all of my family members.  I am grateful for the Savior, Jesus Christ.  I am grateful for His perfect example, love, teachings and sacrifice He made for me.  I am grateful for the scriptures that teach of Him so that I can become like Him.  I look forward to the Saviors return and want to live with Him again.
After lunch/dinner we went  by Forester Acres to take a family picture.  Man, you would have thought I'd asked them to walk hundred miles.  Getting everyone to look at the camera was a chore. Luckily, I think there is one that might be usable.  Joslynn was by far the hardest.  She and Kaylynn are definitely the hardest to get to stand still.  Joslynn was dancing, singing Frozen songs and using the marker as a microphone.  Kaylynn just doesn't stand still and was even worse when a dog started barking.  She is deathly afraid of dogs and every time one barked, she looked away to make sure it wasn't close.  Tyler is to "old" for family pictures and just wanted to get it done.  Ashley loves to photo bomb.  Alyssa was very helpful and just likes to smile.

8

 Tyler is a titch frustrated - lets get this done!!!