Both Mac and Beckam came home with the Art award. Whatever creativity my children have, is thanks to me, since Nate throws away any crayons or markers that he finds out and has had a ban on playdoh for as long as we've had kids (instead we just do it when he's at work).
Way to go boys!

Jilli got an umbrella for her birthday and has been waiting patiently to use it.  She was so thrilled to be outside splashing around with her newest accessory.

Nate and I had the privilege of going to the temple together a couple weeks back.  The church had come out with a new movie and we were especially excited to see it since a family friend, Corbin Allred, was a main actor in it. I love the temple!  What peace it brings to my soul.

Our Mebane church building is coming along beautifully!  Jilli and I were able to attend the steeple raising and couple weeks back and it was so neat to see what a difference it made to the church when it was on.  After 6 1/2 years of driving an hour round trip to the church, five minutes to and from sounds divine!

For a couple days last week I worked on this sun at the gym's Kid Zone.  It measures about 7 feet and I was most proud of myself for freehanding the circle and getting it pretty spot on.

Nothing like sleeping children to remind me how much I adore them, even after rough days.  Such sweet kids!

There's major construction happening behind our house, which means lots of holes, lots of red dirt and happy kids.

Me, sporting my USU shirt on the day of the big game, USU vs. BYU.  Too bad the Ags couldn't hold it together -- they lost their QB early on to injury and ended up getting stomped on, 31 - 14.

Love this picture of Nate and Jilli -- he sure does love that little girl of his!

This was taken yesterday as Mac read Jilli a Halloween book.  He's so good to her.

Some of our family's favorite YW, Madison and Destiny.  I'm so lucky to have such wonderful girls in our ward!

Little Miss was so tired after YW's -- thankfully Madison and Destiny gave her their pumpkin to take home, since it doubled beautifully as a pillow.

Beckam was chosen as the first Terrific Kid in his class this year.  He is such a smart little guy and has transitioned to Kindergarten so well!  This is what Ms. Faerber had to say about him: "Beckam is a Terrific Kid! From the very first day of school, Beckam has worked hard and given 110% in everything! He thinks deeply and makes great contributions to our class discussions.  He is also a kind and caring friend, who includes everyone.  Beckam, we are so proud of you! What a great start to Kindergarten!" Beck really is terrific -- I didn't need an award to tell me so, but it is fun for him to be celebrated!

 

Bert and Kelly came out to visit for a few days in late September.  While they were here, we took the kids out early from school and headed to the zoo for a fun-filled and tiring afternoon.  The kids loved having both Bert and Kelly around and really bonded with both of them.

Jilli told me yesterday in the van,
J: Remember yesterday when me and Beckam were mad at eachother?
Me: Yeah
J: Well, my stomach really wanted me to kick Beckam but then I remembered you saying "Did you learn your lesson" and because I did, I didn't kick Beckam!
I love that she is actually listening to me, despite the many times that I think she isn't.

We were so blessed to listen to General Conference this past weekend.  The kids did fairly well and I was actually able to watch all 8 hours of it.  I look forward to receiving the Ensign and digging through the talks at my own pace.

Tomorrow Nate is taking a call from IHC regarding an offer that they are giving him for a job in Salt Lake.  I"m not sure what to think.  What I thought would be such an easy decision for us, has turned out quite emotional and complicated.  NC has really become home to us and I can't imagine our little family anywhere else.  It'll be interested to see how it all works out -- I just pray that we can decide with the guidance of the Spirit.  I take comfort in knowing that the Lord won't let us stray too far off the path He intends us to take as long as we are keeping His commandments.

This is how Jilli coped with all the boys being gone at school all day. Poor girl is so used to having a full-time playmate, that she wasn't quite sure what to do with herself. Thankfully her school started the next week and she's managed her time just fine.

This is after Beck's first day of school. Jilli couldn't wait to get him up to their room so that they could play again.

Nate and Mac went to Virginia to watch the BYU football game.  The night before they also went to a fireside where they were able to meet a couple Cougar stars.  Mac was thrilled!

Here's my boys ready for school.  Love them to pieces!

And here's Miss J all ready for school.

Jilli had her four year well-check and got her Kindergarten shots as well.  She was so brave and didn't even cry.

Admittedly, I am loving the little extra alone time that I get with my girl.  She just makes my heart happy!

I love sleeping children -- even after the hardest days, my love is renewed when I see them like this.  Such innocence and sweetness!

Beckam got in the van the other day and said, "Hey mom, I recognize that you cleaned the van out!" to which Jilli responded with, "Yeah, mom sure is a good cleaner!"

Summer Ball

Mac and Jaxton played in the summer basketball league. It was a great way for them to stay active and we met some great people through out the season. The highlight of Mac's season was being asked to play on a travel team. At one point as we were driving in the van, he turned to me and said, "Mom, I can't believe I did it!" When I asked him what he was talking about he replied, "I made it on to a travel team -- I can't believe I really did it!" I'm hoping he finds success and happiness with his new team!

Mac was the "go to" guy again. He was aggressive and passionate and a huge asset to the team.

Jaxton had a great season as well, but it just so happened that his team didn't win a single game.

The highlight of his season was meeting a boy named, Peyton, who has become a great friend to him.

It's on to soccer for all three boys as well as Mac's first travel team tournament in October! Good times!

This past Sunday during Sacrament meeting I was holding Beckam on my lap with him facing me.  He pushed the hair out of my face and then cupped my face in his hands and said softly, "You're perfect."
Melt my heart!  He's such a sweet boy!

Jillian’s 1^st talk – September 1, 2013

Because I am a child of God, I will serve God with all my heart, might, mind and strength. 

I can serve with my heart by showing love and kindness to others. 

I can serve with my mind by thinking of ways to help others. 

I can serve with my might and strength by working hard to help others. 

I know that if we serve with our whole selves, that God will bless us and we will be happy.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

When Mac gave his talk, he wanted to rewrite it in his handwriting and then he clipped it to a clipboard and took it to the primary pulpit with him.  I guess it was his way of looking official.

McCade’s Talk – September 7, 2013

We are taught that because we are children of God, we should serve Him with all our heart, might, mind and strength. There are many ways to do this, but here are a few that I have tried:

I serve with my heart by telling my family that I love them and by doing kind acts for those around me.

I serve with my mind by writing letters to my cousins and grandparents who live far away and by helping my brothers with their homework.

I serve with my might and strength by helping with chores around the house and working hard at the things my parents ask of me.

I have a testimony of service.  I know that when we serve with our whole selves that it makes Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ happy and that we will be blessed for it. I hope that we will all try to serve God with our heart, mind, might and strength.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Jilli's 4!

We took down the crib/toddler bed yesterday. It was the first time in almost 10 years straight that it hasn't been up. Feeling a bit sad to see all my kiddos getting so big, but it's just a reminder to cherish each and every day, cause I will never get it back.

 Birthday breakfast in her birthday suit!

Love this girl!  She's such a sweet little thing and I am so looking forward to having some one-on-one time with her this next year!

Jilli loves to walk her dog, Daddy White Fang. This is a picture of her at Jaxton's baseball game. It doesn't even seem to bother her that White Fang is stuffed and I'll take it because he sure is a lot easier to take care of than a real dog.

Jaxton is officially 7 1/2. I feel like his baptism is going to be right around the corner.

Beck lost his 2nd tooth in an apple a few weeks back. His was thrilled with the $2 that the Tooth Fairy left.

I was called as the YW's president towards the end of May and at the time Nate was still EQ president. We only overlapped for a month or so before Nate was released. I'm thrilled and humbled to be president. My YW are so wonderful, each and every one of them. I'm so grateful for this opportunity to work so closely with such choice daughters of God.

Miss J, doing what Miss J does.

It has basically rained non-stop for 6 weeks straight, seriously. This week has been the first week in SO long that every day hasn't called for thunder storms. It's definitely hot and humid, but it's a welcome change from all the wetness!

Jax got a little carried away with the stamp. Heaven help me with that child.

I took Beck and Jilli strawberry picking about a week and a half ago.

The favorite treat that we made with the strawberries was this beauty, Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pie. Delish!

Mac took his first EOG's (end of grade tests).  He was a bit nervous, so I gave him a treat each morning as way of encouragement.  When it was all said and done, he thought he did well and that it wasn't too bad.

While Nate and I watch Mac's baseball game, the others dig in the dirt.  It keeps them busy, so I'm not gonna complain!

Jilli had her third mini-recital last Wednesday and she did great.  She's learned a lot and feeling more confident about performing in front of others.  Here she is working out a few pre-show jitters.

I earned my second Young Women's Recognition award this past Sunday for completing the Personal Progress program.  I guess it was good timing, since after Sacrament they called me to be the YW's president . . .

Memorial Day weekend was spent outside working on the pergola.  Jilli and Beck also helped with this beautiful chalk art, but the were MIA when I took the picture.

He's at it again.  Last year he put on a basketball clinic to make money and this year he is selling original art work . . . any buyers?

Wrestling dad!