then and now

Because it was not even quite one year since Maren got her braces put on, I felt very compelled to insist that she leave them on "just to get our money's worth!" She strongly disagreed.  

Her new and improved teeth do look gorgeous! Her smile is as beautiful as ever. "Retainers every night, sweetie, or you'll pay back every cent!" (That's a fair demand, isn't it?)

Spring Concert at the Tabernacle

Maren and Natalie had their spring choir concert a few weeks ago. They sang beautifully!  Like angels!  Maren has been a part of this group for a few years now--and Natalie joined in January and absolutely LOVES it! She can hardly wait until choir day.  In the fall, Natalie will move up to the middle choir, Maren will remain with the SSA (all older girls) and Millie will join the young singers.  In fact, Millie goes around singing Natalie's songs just from hearing her sing around the house.

The choir robes are just the right touch added to these angelic voices singing in the tabernacle!

Maren's favorite past time--singing.  She really has an amazing voice!

Our two singers.  We are so proud of you both! 

on your mark, get set, go!

Pinewood Derby 2009--The final race for Davis as a Cubscout.  And the last one for a while for Dennis.  He (and his dad) looks forward to this event for months before the actual day.  I am not sure who really enjoys it more!  

Davis and his buddies, Bryson and TJ before the race began.

Davis took 2nd place in the Webelos Den and 3rd place all-around. Great job Davis!

The whole gang showing off their cars and awards.

A close up--Dennis took the car on a business trip with him and found time to take the car to a body shop for a professional race car paint job.  What a dad!  Davis added the flames and the "i Rule" decals.

The pit crew, aka Jordan, was helping out at the race since dad was out of town and mom's hands were full of camera, video camera and kids!   Thanks Jordan!

Way to go buddy!  You are our #1 no matter what!

In Loving Memory . . .

Alexis and Amanda 

A few weeks ago (it has taken me this long to actually write about it), our dear sweet friends in our ward passed away.  Having been the master minds behind the family vacation in a rented RV in hopes of finding the warm sun down south for spring break, Alexis and Amanda did not survive a tragic car accident while traveling with their family. This is what they absolutely LOVED. . . being together with their family.

We love the Johnson family.  We have only known them a short time. But we are so thankful for our friendship with this wonderful family and for the opportunity to call them "family."  Because neither of us have family nearby, we have adopted one another and enjoy our fast sunday dinners together.  Our families have camped together and vacationed to Disneyland.  Our children play together.  We have memories.  Fun, wonderful memories.   

The Johnson Family at Disneyland (we missed you, Abby!)  

From the time Eli was born, he and Alexis were buddies.  Anytime they were in the same room together, Alexis had him in her arms.  In fact, when Natalie found out the news of their passing, she said to me, "How is Eli going to make it without Alexis?"  

And in the same breathe said, "I am really going to miss my big friend Amanda." It all began one day at Disneyland . . . Natalie and Amanda were wearing the same color of shirts ("matching shirts").  Amanda, being the kind, sweet girl, payed some extra special attention to Natalie. Instant friends!

This tragic event has really impacted our ward family.  From the very moment of hearing of the accident, the tender mercies of a loving Heavenly Father were seen and felt.  There is no doubt that individuals from our ward family were placed specifically in their path (which was far from home) and here at home to help, to lift, to bless, to serve, to love. What a blessing for us all.  There have been many tears shed and a great sorrow felt for the loss of these two daughters of God.  But a very tangible feeling of greater unity and love for one another has been the result.  And the youth of the ward . . . absolutely incredible!  Oh, it has been painful. But to have all of our young women and young men and their faithful leaders stand (they covered the entire stand behind the podium at the Stake Center!) and sing at their funeral "As Sisters in Zion/We'll Bring the World His Truth" . . . the spirit was so strong.  Powerful.  It was felt by all. Realizing that it was being sung by a group of our Heavenly Father's children specifically reserved to be on the earth at this time because of their strength and valor--wow.

A very talented and inspired young woman in our ward drew these sketches in 2 days of each of the girls.  Breathtaking.  Beautiful.  

Alexis (age 16)

Amanda (age 15)

As our wonderful Bishop commented on these drawings, not only was this young woman able to draw a perfect depiction of Alexis and Amanda, more importantly she perfectly captured their spirits--the light and life in their eyes.  An amazing gift!

Not an event that anyone would ever want to encounter.  But it has been a reverent reminder of the sacredness of life and death and that our Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us.  We love and miss Alexis and Amanda, but thankfully know that they are together busily engaged in our Heavenly Father's work.  Quoting from Millie's prayer a few days after the accident, "Bless Alexis and Amanda that they will find Jesus." Assuredly they have!