It's vacation time!

Last year Chad received a wonderful christmas gift from his sister and her family. She gave him a membership to the National Parks for a year! For those of you who know Chad well, that was a perfect gift. It gets him one step closer to his dream job, that of being a National Park Ranger.

Shortly after opening his gift, Chad asked me which national park we should go to. I quickly responded, Acadia National Park in Maine (I've always wanted to go there). The other option we considered was Yellowstone National Park, but we ultimately decided to go to Maine. The plan was to go this past summer. After some research we decided to put off our trip until September - Labor Day weekend. We felt this would be a great time to go because most kids would be back in school and we might be able to catch some of the fall colors.

I was a bit nervous to go while school was in session, mainly because of Tanner. I knew the younger boys would be able to get all of their make-up work done quickly, but with Tanner being in all honors this year I knew it would be tough for him. We were gone for ten days, six of which were school days. Luckily, all of the teachers were good about giving us the homework/classwork the boys would miss. Another plus was that we were in the car for at least 22 hours on the way there and on the way back, so the boys were able to get all of their work done. I wouldn't say it was the highlight of the trip for the boys, but it sure made for happier boys when they started back to school.

Since the car trip would be so long, we decided to stop in Boston for two days. Chad has had some business trips to Boston lately, so we thought it would be fun to show the boys were Chad has been going. When we were planning the trip we also tried to fit in a trip to New York City (Chad has also been traveling there a lot), but in the end we decided we didn't have enough time to stop there.

We really wanted to the boys to enjoy this trip. Sometime last year Chad and I watched a documentary on the National Parks and became very excited about visiting them one day. Because of the things we learned we were even more excited about visiting Acadia. Taking this into account, Chad came up with a great idea. Before school started Chad told each one of the boys that they had to write a report about one of the places we would be visiting on our trip. The boys were not extremely excited about the assignment, but they learned a lot. Tanner did his report on Maine, Kaden's report was on Boston (The Freedom Trail) and Trevor's report was on the animals of Maine. Devon's report was a little different. He found images of Maine's state seal, state tree, state bird, etc and colored them. These reports proved to be a valuable asset to our trip. The boys found things they wanted to visit and saw thing on our trip they had learned about. I highly recommend this idea!

On Thursday, September 1st, we embarked on our exciting family vacation. The car was packed to the brim, the gas tank was full and spirits were high! Next stop, Boston Massachusetts!

A special Temple Trip

Now that Tanner is twelve, he is old enough to go to the temple with the youth to do baptisms for the dead. This is when temple patrons act as proxies for the deceased. I'm not sure who was more excited - Tanner, Chad or me.

Chad and I both made arrangements so we could accompany the youth to the temple on this special day. We left the boys with the Hancocks, then continued on to the temple where we met the rest of the youth.

Tanner was a bit nervous, since he had never been inside a temple before, but he did great. There was a wonderful spirit in the temple. I was touched to see Chad baptize Tanner in behalf of those who had already passed through this life. I was struck by the awesomeness of their task. What a wonderful and essential role they were able to play in the eternal welfare of a fellow saint. I felt very blessed to be in the temple with Chad, Tanner and all of the wonderful youth from our ward.

Tanner had a great experience. He was happy that Chad and I were there with him and that Chad was able to baptize him. Being in the temple also prompted Tanner to ask questions, to which we had good conversations. It was a beautiful day and I look forward to going to the temple with Tanner again soon. What a wonderful day it will be when Chad and I will see all of our boys in the temple together.

A Hero Returns

A little over a year ago, our friend, Lt. Lofthouse, found out he was being deployed to Afghanistan. This is the second time he has been deployed. The first time was to Iraq. His assignment came a shock, since he was supposed to be relocating to accept a new position. We felt sad for our friends.

We feel honored that our friend would leave his family to go and defend our country. It was really neat to follow his experience and to pray for him every day. While he was gone we were able to do some service projects for the soldiers our friend worked with. It was nice to be able to give something to help the troops who are out risking their lives for us everyday.

Finally, the year is up and our friend has returned home. Austin and I were able to go to the airport to welcome him back home. It was such a great reunion! There were smiles and tears of joy all around.

I am thankful for the Lofthouses and all of the other soldiers and their families. They sacrifice so much for our country. I think sometimes we take it for granted or forget what these men and women do for us. It has been a blessing for me to see the sacrifice our friends have made. Throughout the year I watched them serve others. They wished the year would go by quickly, but they were blessed because of their sacrifice. They are wonderful examples to our family.

Tanner's first job

Tanner has a long list of wants. He is frequently telling us about new things he wants to save his money for. The only problem is Tanner has expensive taste. Well, now he can finally do something about that himself!

Tanner just landed his first job. Our good friends asked Tanner to mow their lawn while they are gone on a work assignment. Tanner wasn't so sure about the job offer at first because it meant that his saturday mornings would be busier. He soon changed his tune, however, when he realized that he would be able to earn money and achieve his goals a little faster and when he found out he would get to ride this . . .

Tanner loves being able to ride the lawn mower. When he first started, Chad gave him some pointers and showed him how to drive. Now Tanner can do it all himself. He loves being able to "drive" the riding mower from our house all the way up the neighborhood to our friend's house (should I be worried about that??).

Tanner is doing a great job and is learning a lot. Thanks to our friends for giving Tanner this great opportunity!

Elder and Sister Mahaffey

As you know, my parents received their mission call a couple of months ago. They had a wonderful time in the MTC (Missionary Training Center). They were there for one week. It was pretty tiring, but they didn't mind. Since they live so close to the MTC they were able to go home each night and sleep in their own beds. At the completion of their training they began the road trip to their mission in Montreal Canada.

Living in the "middle" isn't like living in vacation destination, but it does have it's advantages. It makes for a great rest stop for weary travelers. So, a couple days into their trip, my parents stopped at our house to re-energize and get in a little more grandchildren time! It was a really short visit, but we enjoyed every minute.

Shortly before my parents left on their mission, my dad had a birthday. We thought it would be fun to celebrate with my dad while he was at our house, so we waited to celebrate. What do you give someone who is on their way to start their mission in Montreal? A Fleur De Lis cake of course!

It was actually the only thing my dad requested, so of course his wish was my command!

Devon and Papa love to be silly together!

Before my parents left they gave us a gift. It is a nice plaque that shows their love for us. They gave one to each of their children and their families. We think of my parents every time we see the plaque.

We will miss Nana and Papa and it was hard to say goodbye, but we are so excited for them to serve their mission. They are wonderful examples to all of us. We love them very much!

We can't start school without . . . ICE CREAM!!!

At the beginning of every school year our friends, the Lofthouse family, invite everyone over for an ice cream social. It's a great way to start the school year!

This year the social was held on the second day of school. The boys were very excited when they got home and found out where we were going. Trevor said, "I like going to the Lofthouse's house, they always have fun parties!"

The kids had a blast running around with their friends and the adults loved sitting down and talking. It's one of those events you hate to leave because you are having so much fun!

Sadly, next year won't be the same because our friends are moving away. We will miss them, but I'm sure they will brighten someone else's new school year with yummy ice cream!

First Day of School

This year most of the boys were excited to start school. I was ready for school to start as well. We had a great summer, but I was ready to get back on a schedule. Tanner was the one who was nervous to start school. I was surprised because he loved middle school last year. Then I got to thinking that we most likely caused the anxiety. Since Tanner made straight A's last year he had to opportunity to be in all honors this year. We kept telling Tanner how proud we were of him for his achievement, but we also mentioned that honors would be more work. I think we scared him a little. Right before he got on the bus we wished him luck and told him we loved him. I prayed he would have a good day.

My prayers, and I'm sure Tanner's, were answered. When he walked in the door after school he was a completely different boy. He was beaming and he couldn't stop telling me how much he liked his teachers. Whew, I was so relieved and excited for him.

The other three boys, Kaden, Trevor and Devon, were all excited to start school.

Kaden loves school, so he was anxious.

Trevor likes school and was excited to meet his teacher.

Devon started Kindergarten and was excited to ride the bus and eat lunch at school (just like his brothers).

The bus stop for the elementary kids is right outside our front door. In years past, there haven't been many bus riders. This year, however, the amount of kids doubled. It was a very exciting first day at the bus stop. Three of the kids were riding the bus for the first time, they couldn't wait. All of the parents were beaming with smiles as the kids got on the bus and left for school.

It was a bit weird sending four out of my five boys to school. The house was pretty quiet all day and I'm sure Austin was wondering why everyone was gone so long. Austin and I had a great day though. This new schedule will be an adjustment. It's been a long time since I have had only one child at home. I have been used to the boys playing with each other while I get things done. Now I am the only one Austin has to play with. I am looking forward to the one on one time I will have with him.

When Kaden, Trevor and Devon got home from school they were all smiles. They all really liked their teachers and had a great day. Devon did tell me he cried a little at school. He was waiting in line at lunch and he was standing next to his friend (our neighbor). He accidentally hit his friend with his lunch box. His teacher told him she knew it was an accident, but he still needed to say he was sorry. Devon doesn't like negative attention, so he immediately started crying. Luckily, the crying didn't last long and he apologized to his friend. Besides that little event the day went well for Devon and he came home happy.

I am excited for this school year. I think the boys are in a good place. I hope they will have a great experience and learn much.

We are already moving full speed ahead. We have started sports and school and were getting ready for a fun vacation over Labor Day. Never a dull moment around here!

All sewn up

Being a young women leader is a dangerous job, but someone has to do it. At least that's what it felt like at our last young women activity. I brought my sewing machine because we were teaching the girls how to sew an apron. The aprons were really cute and easy to make.

After some instruction, the girls sat down at the sewing machines. I quickly went over to my machine because I realized I had forgotten to thread it. With the young women sitting at the machine - my first mistake, I began the process of threading. The last step in the process involves putting the thread through the needle. Once I had put the thread through I put my finger under the needle to grab the thread - second mistake. At that very moment the young women sitting at the machine accidentally touched the foot pedal. I was looking the other way and suddenly felt a lot of pressure. I immediately knew what had happened and so did she. Yep, the needle went through my finger, thread and all.

I quickly turned toward the machine and assured the young women that everything was okay. Then I reached over and manually backed the needle out of my finger. At that point I cut the off the thread and calmly, but swiftly, exited the room. Once in the hallway I ran to the bathroom, because by now my finger was bleeding pretty well. I washed my finger, pulled out the remaining thread, and wrapped a paper towel around my finger.

When I returned all of the young women were worried. A couple of them quickly left to find the first aid kit. They found it in the kitchen and were able to patch me up! It was actually a good first aid experience for them. They still had it fresh in their minds since they had recently gone to girl's camp.

I remember several years ago, a friend telling me that she had sewn her finger. Ever since then I have wondered how someone can sew their finger . . . well, now I know! I was actually surprised that it didn't hurt more. I felt a lot of pressure, but not searing pain. I was lucky that the needle didn't hit the bone because the needle could have broken off in my finger.

I was touched by the girls concern for me. Many kept asking if I was okay and if the needle actually went all the way through my finger. Someone else made the comment that Monroe fingers should beware while at church. This makes two fingers that have met with injury this year. As you may recall Devon got his finger closed in a door earlier this year. Let's hope the quota has been filled!

A special trip to St. Louis

We had a wonderful Saturday. We were able to travel to the St. Louis temple to witness a family being sealed for eternity. What a wonderful and special moment it was to see the whole family together in the sealing room. It was so neat to be there and be a part of their special day. We have gotten to know this family over our five here. They have been waiting for this day for a very long time. There were many tears of joy all around.

What a wonderful blessing it is to be sealed for time and all eternity. Being in the sealing room was a wonderful reminder of the happiness families bring and that it is through the gospel that we can be together forever. I can't think of anyone else I would rather spend eternity with except my family.

After the going to the temple we joined with our friends for dinner at Red Lobster. We had a fun time talking and sharing stories.