Wendy and Camille's Young Women's Recognition...........

The goal has finally been reached. THE goal that has been a process over several years. Several long, patience testing, arduous years (for Wendy, anyway). The celebratory evening has finally arrived. And, as Wendy and Camille do nearly everything together, the evening wouldn't be the same if they didn't celebrate together. They both had fulfilled all of the requirements to receive their Young Woman's Medallion!

But, of course, these two cannot do what everyone else would do. They needed to celebrate in their own way. Thus a 'Pajama Party'! (This was tamed down from a 'Princess Pajama Party' with tutu's). Most everyone showed up wearing pajamas. It was a great evening. One of their advisers had written a story about the two girls, and her daughter had done some illustrations. They are having the story bound into a book so Wendy and Camille can each have one.


Everyone enthralled with the story of the Two Princess Fairies.



The Two Princess Fairies!

Congrats Wendy! You are an inspiration and an example to the rest of us. Keep up the good work.

Love you!

Happy Birthday Ryan.............

In the midst of all the excitement going on at our place, we also needed to celebrate a birthday! Ryan's 12th birthday, no less. It was a rough start for the family choir, but we pulled off the performance quite well (a miraculous feat with it being so early in the morning)! It was a big day for Ryan. Not only was he turning 12, he was also scheduled to have surgery for his broken arm. He managed to single-handedly (literally) rip through his presents by himself. It took a little longer than usual this way, but we all managed to enjoy watching him. He commented that he wouldn't be able to play his new DS game, because he would need two hands to play that one (good thing it won't rot or go to waste). His main concern was that he didn't get any cards (we usually save any cards that come in the mail and have the kids open those the morning of their birthdays, too). But, he did get a couple of cards in the mail that afternoon.


Happy 12th Birthday, Ryan! It's hard to believe that you are already 12. You are becoming quite an incredible young man. I admire the testimony that you have of our Heavenly Father and His gospel. You are an example to all of us.

Love you!

Ryan's update.........

Today we took Ryan to the orthopedist for a follow up from his adventure last week. The doctor looked at the x-rays from last week, had some more x-rays taken today and then came in and visited. I guess visit really isn't the word that I should use - it's not like we had cookies and punch (which would have been nice, as we ended up being there during lunch time). The end result is Ryan will be having surgery on Wednesday (yes, on his 12th birthday). They are hoping to straighten the arm more than what it already is, most likely inserting a rod and possibly pins in the elbow, hoping to avoid having to put in a plate and screws. Here are x-rays that were taken the other night, and these are after it was set the first time..............

Ryan's End to the Year.................

Most people would think that our year has already been filled with fun and excitement. Apparently, Ryan was feeling a little shortchanged on the excitement part and decided to contribute to it. He was invited by a friend to go to the 'Family Fun Center'. What a great way for the kids to burn off some built up energy! Well, that lasted all of five minutes! Literally! Ryan and his friend were playing on some balls. Ryan rolled on a ball, rolled right off of the ball and fell down a hole and broke his arm. This was confirmed after Monique spent three hours at the doctor's office waiting for the x-rays. Another joyous six hour was spent at the emergency room. It wouldn't have taken nearly so long, except they had to set his arm twice. The poor little guy. Fortunately, he was given some medication that pretty much put him out so he wouldn't remember the pain he was experiencing while they were setting the bone. It hurt just to watch! Tomorrow he goes to the specialist to see what needs to take place next.