Going off to college......:-(

Michelle begins her 3rd year at BYU-I and Jessica begins her 1st...

I don't believe any mom is ready for their children to leave home. You prepare them for 18-19 years, but when the time comes to either to go college or on church missions it pulls at your heartstrings. It pulls even harder when you hear that they are thriving and happy without you! We've taught our children to be indendent and self-reliant for the day when they go out into the world on their own, but.........the letting go takes time. It's been a month now. The girls have great friends, doing well in their classes, experiencing life like never before, happy and you know what, they haven't forgotten about home and family because they love to call and share a couple of times a week. Yes, the heartstrings will always be there, but when a mom can smile, sit back and relax because she knows her children are living up to their upbringing it makes saying good-bye a whole lot easier.

EFY and St. George Trip

Lake Powell.......

Family fun on Lake Powell in July

Something to think about........

Watch your thoughts, they become words.
Watch your words, they become actions.
Watch your action, they become habits.
Watch your habits, they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.

Jessica's Graduations.....

High School Graduation! Jessica worked hard. We are proud of her!!

It rained the entire ceremony. Jessica loves being out in the rain.

Family pre-graduation celebration!

Payson with Aunt Jessica

Younger brother Ryan

Jones Grandparents

Jessica with her mom--when did she get taller?

It's tradition to get a graduation cake with your photo on it! Congratuations Jessica!!!



Graduation from School of Cosmetology

Receiving Cosmetology diploma

Ms Chapman: Cosmetology instructor

Classmates




Seminary Graduation....

Best of friends: Steven, Rachael, Vanessa, Lauren and Jessica

Spring Piano Recital

Jessica, Aubrey and Ryan have taken piano lessons since they were 8 years old. They have two recitals a year. The recital in May was Jessica's last recital since she is going off to college and pursing other interests. Aubrey loves to find her own music and will practice until it is perfect. Ryan is learning the Hymns and believes he is good enough to stop his lessons. Sis. Nancy Briton is their piano teacher and is shown in one of the photos.

A Most Precious Gift

My three beautiful daughters took me out to dinner. It was a Mother's Day gift. It is hard to believe they are old enough to earn their own money and decide what to do with it. They are so much fun and love to laugh. A mother couldn't ask for anything more. Thank you, Michelle, Jessica and Aubrey!

Motherhood

The noblest calling in the world is motherhood. True motherhood is the most beautiful of all art, the greatest of all professions. She who can paint a masterpiece, or who can write a book that will influence millions, deserves the admiration and plaudits of mankind; but she who rears successfully a family of healthy, beautiful sons and daughters whose immortal souls will exert an influence throughout the ages long after paintings shall have faded, and books and statues shall have decayed or have been destroyed, deserves the highest honor that man can give, and the choicest blessings of God. -David O. McKay-

I dedicate this beautiful quote to my mother who raised me with integrity, high virtues and a heart full of love. My mother-in-law also deserves much credit in raising a son who influences those around him with patience, kindness and dedication. Thank you to both of these moms who are the choicest blessings of God. We love you!

Good thought......

Tolerance is about being kind and civil to one another in spite of disagreements. Disagree, but don't be disagreeable.
(quote source unknown)

YW/YM Senior Night

Jessica has been the only Laurel in her YW class her entire 1st year until only recently. She is the only female senior, but always got a lot of attention from the two senior YM. Our ward, traditionally, celebrate's all the High School Seniors each year with a short program. The parents make a poster full of photos of their graduating senior and tell a little about 18 years of life of their child. Jessica has been so fun to have in our family. She is a beautiful young woman who will no doubt make good decisions throughout her college years.

Senior Prom (s)

Jessica and Caleb

Jessica and Chris

Jessica went to two Prom's this month. She went to her High School Prom with 4 or 5 couples and two weeks later went to a LDS Prom that a Coolidge and Gilbert Stake was putting on with a group of 3 couples. What great fun she had....... I want to thank the young men who took my daughter out. They were pure gentlemen, respected my daughter in every way and treated her like every young woman should be treated. Kudos to these two fine, young men!

Ryan received his Star Rank in Boy Scouts

Ryan has a goal to receive his Eagle Scout in 2010 at the age of 14. His mom loves his new goal and all the effort that Ryan puts into his merit badges.

Strong Family....

Our newest grandson was born in February in the Strong Family. His name is Creed William. Savannah and Cole love their new brother and so do we. It was so fun to visit with their family and give all three grandchildren plenty of hugs and kisses.

It's Spring Season in Arizona. Enjoy it while we can...

Jessica with golden egg


Rigdon liked Payson's Mermaid
wig.


Payson looking hard for Easter Eggs


Rigdon at 7 months

Payson with her stunning

smile.