Pogo! Pogo! Pogo!

We would like to introduce you to our newest family addition - Pogo.  He recently came to us in the form of a Christmas gift.  Let me tell you why we love Pogo so much.

A little background.  Carson has a great teacher. She is one of those that you literally give thanks for! He has a real bond with her - I think it has something to do with her swimming with sharks and knowing all of the Jazz players.  It also is the respect that she gives him and the true affection she gives to each of her students.

So she has started a monthly talent show. Carson wanted to perform with a group of kids who were going to do a rap and also dance to Billie Jean by Michael Jackson. May I just say that we are less than thrilled that Carson 1) wants to rap 2) has found such acceptance with these unsavory kids and 3) wants to dance around to a song proclaiming who is not his "lover". He is like a magnet for thugs in training.  Trying to steer him away from these Jr. punks has been tricky. When he told us he would be performing with them, we tried to come up with some different ideas for the talent show. Guitar - "no, I already did it." Piano - "no, I am not good enough." Let's teach them to make Krispy Treats - "no, that's gay mom!" And then....GOLD! Pogo Stick!

Pogo, we love you!  Not a traditional talent, I know. Surprisingly he latched right on to the idea!  He invited a class mate to participate with him and they had a whole routine planned. They did great! Carson really wowed them with his Pogo Prowess, hopping over an 18" pile of mats and announcing that he has pogoed for 535 bounces in a row - true.  Just a note - 4th grade girls think that's really cool!

Way to go Carson, and a little pat on the back to Brad, Liesha and Pogo for their genius idea! Welcome to the family Pogo!

Welcome Home!

Just yesterday Brad asked me, "Shouldn't we take a "Welcome Home" gift to our neighbor?" I hadn't given it much thought yet, so I decided I would ask each of you to weigh in.

When a missionary comes home we make a big sign and have an Open House. When a soldier comes home we tie yellow ribbons around the old oak tree and wear our Flag pins. When the kids come home from school we make their favorite cookies and great them at the door while the steam wafts across the front porch (okay, maybe that one's a stretch). When dad comes home from work we greet him with a hug and a kiss (sometimes we greet him with an "I'm going to kill your children, it's a good thing your home!").

But what do you do for your neighbor when he comes home....from the State Penitentiary! Yes folks, that's right, our neighbor is home from the Point of the Mountain (as it is lovingly called in Utah). After his race across the Canadian border and hiding out for several months he came back to Utah to face the music and has been in the state pen, the big house, for the last several months.

We had to have a family meeting the other day to warn the children and make sure all of the windows and doors are locked at all times. We thought about implanting those little GPS devices under their skin, like the dogs, but thought that may be pushing it. But seriously, how much do I have to worry about? Since most of his adult life has been spent behind bars, he'll probably be back there soon.

Now, maybe I am being a bit snarky, but HELLO! I live in Orem! Why did it move next door to me? On the bright side, maybe some of the marijuana he planted in his back yard will spread under the fence (like our mint plant does) and we can use it as a side business! (Just kidding)

But seriously, what should we take! :)

Is There a Deacon in The House?

Why, yes there is! January 22 was Colton's 12th birthday. I can't believe we have a 12 year old. He has been anticipating this day with great excitement. He has been looking forward to receiving the priesthood and doing his best to prepare for it.

Since we only let our kids have friend Birthday parties on their 4, 8, 12 and 16 year parties, we decided this one should be a doozie! Colton decided to have a game night at the church. We ended up with 32 eleven and twelve year olds there for 3 hours. They had hot dogs, chips, snacks and cake and ice cream. They played ping-pong in one room, the Wii in another, Dodge Ball and Basketball in the gym and a putting green was in the hallway. It was a blast!




The next day, Saturday, he played in the "Game of the Year" against his cousin Andrew's team. Coincidentally, that team was coached by Brad's brother, Dwight. It was Coach vs. Coach, brother vs. brother, cousin vs. cousin. Lucky for Colton, his team won and he got the bragging rights!

That Sunday Colton was ordained. He woke up throwing up so we decided to cancel everything. By 11:30 he had decided he was okay and was not going to delay his ordination. We hurriedly prepared for family to come over and got everyone to church. We called everyone who we had previously called to cancel on and reinvited them!



Colton was sustained in church, looking very dapper in his new suit (which was a combination of gifts from Brad and I and Grandma and Grandpa) and his new green silk tie, a gift from Uncle Patch and Aunt Jacque. Brad ordained him and Colton was surrounded by family and close friends, all of whom he invited. He had his Dad, Uncle Dwight, Uncle Chris, Grandpa T, Bishopric, 2 primary teachers and a scout leader. It was a beautiful blessing.



Following the ordination we went to our home for lots of food and visiting. It was a great day and caused us to reflect on many things. We are so grateful for Colton and his special spirit. He has been so special, thoughtful and blessed, since the day he was born. His tender heart has not changed and I hope it never does. We are so proud of him for his choice to receive and honor the priesthood. I am grateful to have four sons and grateful that Colton is their example. I hope that Brad and I can do what the Lord would have us do to raise 4 righteous priesthood holders.