A Child's Prayer

It has been fun to listen to our children pray ever since they were tiny. But, there is something about when Cameron prays. He is definitely the most eager to pray at two years old - more than Kylie and Chad were. He started out imitating each of us when we said dinner or family prayer about six months ago and that was really cute. Then he wanted to say the prayer and we would help him and he would repeat the things that we said. It got to the point where he knew the end all on his own, and then he got so good that he didn't want ANY help anymore. He has started to say his own prayers and it is so sweet.

Tonight he said his own prayer with just him and I in the room. He knew exactly where in the room he wanted to kneel, and he didn't even want me next to him. He wanted to do it ALL by himself. It went something like this...."Heavenly Father, thank you for my family. Thank you for my friends. Thank you for my food. Thank you for this day. Okay Mom, you can help me now!!!!" I helped him finish the words to his prayer and he knew just how to close it...in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. He had the biggest smile on his face. He is so proud of himself. I know he thinks about Jesus a lot and he is constantly mentioning him when we are out and about. I can already tell that he loves Jesus and wants to be like him. I hope he remembers this throughout his life. He is such a cute boy....we are lucky to have him. I know he is only 2 years and 4 months old, but I have a feeling he will be a great example to others throughout his life.

Happy Easter!

We had a wonderful Easter Sunday spending time with all of our families. It is so nice to know that my children have the opportunity in their life to know what Easter is really about. We are thankful for the knowledge we have of the Savior who sacrificed so much for us. As we were dying Easter eggs the day before Easter, Chad looked at me and said, "Mom, it's fun to have eggs and candy, but that's not the real reason we celebrate. Right, mom? There is another reason." I said, "Yes, and why do we?" He then explained to me that we celebrate because Jesus died on the cross and then was resurrected (he even said the right word!). I was very content at that moment knowing that we are doing our jobs as parents, and thankful for the help we receive from his primary teachers at church. Happy Easter!

Open House 2010

Open House is a big deal at our house....naturally, we do have many educators in the family...and everyone that can come does. It's pretty funny. Kylie and Chad have a little entourage following them around to their classrooms. But...we love it. Here are some pictures of their awesome work, classrooms, and teachers this year.

Chad

Kindergarten 2009-10

Ms. Gilbert

Kylie

2nd Grade 2009-10

Mrs. Pitts

Alvord Musical Festival

Every year our school district hosts a musical festival where any school performing group in the district can perform, sing, dance, etc. Kylie's school has a group called the All Stars and they had the opportunity to sing at the festival. They were a huge hit and it was fun to watch Kylie sing on stage. She has become very shy and won't sing much in front of people anymore, unless she is in a large group or the people are very far away. It's great when she actually will get up and sing because she has a very pretty voice. We are trying to get her to develop this talent! Here are a few pics from the evening. It was a great show!

Kylie and three of the little girls that live on our street...fun friends!

Promenade Elementary School

Loving being on stage!

My Little Award Winners

So proud of my kiddos this month! Kylie was awarded the Reader of the Month award in her class for March, and Chad was the Student of the Month for March. Chad's teacher wrote a nice little introduction for him before announcing his name at the school assembly. It was cute to watch his ears perk up, hoping that she would call his name. She said that he is a hard worker, independent and focused, and is a friend to all. She said he is a joy to have in class. I was very proud and thankful that my little boy is following in the footsteps of his big sister. (Because, honestly, I was worried how a little busy boy would do in kindergarten! I really wasn't too worried when Kylie started school. Boys are just different. :) But....I'm thankful I have three handsome ones in my family!)

Photo Shoot

We needed some cute pictures of Kylie to put on her baptism invitation. So we headed over to La Sierra University for a photo shoot. Here are some of our favorite shots of Kylie (and Chad and Cameron wanted in on the action too!) We had a great time...thanks Daddy for taking such great pictures with our not so great camera!

Kylie's Baptism Day

February 6th was a very special day for our family. We have been preparing for this day for a long time. It has been fun to watch Kylie learn and grow in the church and develop her own testimony. She is a great example to others and really loves the Savior. She wants to please those around her and choose the right. She remembers scripture stories she learns at church and shares them with her family. Her teachers are amazed at what she can learn, remember, and share in class. She sings the primary songs so beautifully and we wish she would sing more for others! She prays to Heavenly Father with a sincere heart, and I love to hear her pray. We are proud of her decision to be baptized, now that she has reached the age of accountability - eight years old! We had such a spiritual day and enjoyed the time with our family and friends.

Here is a picture of Kylie's first two white dresses - her little blessing dress and her baptism dress. It's scary to think about her third white dress she will be wearing on her wedding day!

She is growing up way too fast....

Opening a little gift from Mom and Dad.

All reverent and ready to go. It was so neat to see her wearing the same dress that I wore to be baptized. My mom made it and my sisters and I each wore it on our special day.

With the little brothers...

Mommy and Kylie....I will never forget a little moment we shared before we left home. Kylie walked in as I was putting on my jewelry and looked a little bit nervous. I asked if she wanted to say a prayer with me and we both knelt down on the floor in my bedroom and I said a little prayer to ease her nerves and to ask Heavenly Father to help us enjoy her special day. It was a really neat experience and I will never forget it.

Apparently, this is what David was dealing with while Kylie and I were having our little moment. Never a dull moment at our house...


I am so thankful for a husband that is worthy and able to baptize our daughter. It was so awesome to see them walk into the water together. I am thankful for my eternal family. I am thankful for the special confirmation blessing he gave Kylie as well. I know that she will receive all of the blessings that he mentioned during his prayer. It was neat to see her sitting in that chair, surrounded by awesome men who hold the priesthood, laying their hands on her head to give her a blessing. Watching her, I know that she felt the Holy Ghost at that moment.


Chad's photography skills...

Thank you Sister Munyer for the special blanket (and towel!)

The next morning, Kylie got to get all dressed up in her beautiful dress again to go to church. She got to stand up in Sacrament Meeting when the Bishop announced her as the newest member of the ward.

She looked so beautiful! Don't mind all of the similar pictures -

I couldn't pick only one!

Opening more cards and presents from our wonderful

family and friends! I am so disappointed that I did not think to get a group picture of everyone that filled the room that special day. We felt so loved and supported! Thank you!

I am looking forward to watching Kylie grow more in the gospel. I know she will continue to be a light to others around her. I am very proud of her and the wonderful choices that she has made in her life so far.

Love you Ky!