Updates

I want to start this update with Blake. My little buddy is 9mo old. I have a couple of videos of all the awesome things he has learned to do, including WALKING!!! Yup, just this past week he has started to walk. He is always smiling and just so fun to be around. He really loves any type of ball and has a pretty good arm:) He enjoys his brother and sisters....most of the time. He is such a joy to have in our family!

Blake is enjoying his first Oreo, YUM!!

Stephen and I started these charts for the kids to help them be more responsible. Each week we see how they did and if they fill in there chart the earn a dollar. We would also find ways during the week they could earn extra (doing more chores, babysitting, etc.) Then for Family Home Evening we went to Target and they chose a toy that they wanted, but they needed to save their dollars to get the toy. Well, last FHE they had earned enough and we went to get their toys. They were so happy to pay the cashier and get the toy. I need to add that these toys were not a dollar or two(Karly's was $3), they were over ten dollars, and that just made Stephen and I more proud of them. They were also proud of themselves. The kids didn't spend all they earned, they wanted to save some of the money, which also made us proud. We are just so happy with them!

Wolverine claws

dolphin pool toy

Barbie and dogs

Last weekend was our Stake basketball tournament and it was a crazy weekend. I am the female assistant athletic director for the stake and Stephen refs, so we were there the whole time. We love it, but it is tiring. This year I helped run things, played with the women's team, and coached. Stephen also coached the YM team. Unfortunately, the YM lost, but played a good game and my women's team lost, but the YW team that my mom and I coach WON!!! We have such a great group of girls, so it made it even sweeter to win. The final score was 27-14!! We rocked that game. We can't wait till next season.

Yesterday Stephen received a letter from the City of Raleigh Parks and Rec. Here is what the opening said...

Raleigh Parks and Rec Department has over 6,000 volunteers who assist with programs, events, and parks each year. In recognition of your outstanding volunteer service to the City of Raleigh and our Parks and Recreation Department, you have been nominated as a "2010 Fred Fletcher Outstanding Volunteer".

Stephen was one of 40 volunteers to be nominated!!! 6,ooo volunteers and only 40 nominated! WAY TO GO STEPHEN!!!! I am so proud of him. Stephen has done a lot of refereeing and umpiring for the city, but he gets paid for that. This was for his coaching:) It just made him feel so good. He is going to be recognized at a ceremony in May. Stephen is so wonderful and I am proud to be his wife!