La Bebe Doux

Grandma and Grandpa, serving a mission in the Congo, sent Mari some cute dresses made by some sweet African women. Mari is finally big enough to wear them. For church, we decided to give her an African hair-do to go with her African dress. It was a big hit!

Pretty little hair pretties!

Youth Conference

One of the greatest things about Ben's calling in the Bishopric is being able to participate with the youth. The Young Men and Women of today are fabulous. They are strong, courageous, and FUN! We recently returned from a Youth Conference for those ages 14-18. Ben was in charge of the whole thing (so Mari and I got to go too- Thank you Shirlene and Christie for watching the other kids!). Ben did a marvelous job. The Youth strengthened their friendships and grew spiritually.

One activity was a ropes coarse. (The youth learned leadership skills and overcoming fears.) The youth also participated in water activities, night games, a dance, and a testimony meeting. Our youth (we had about 35 attend) have such great personalities that, at the dance, youth from other wards were asking if they could join our group. Also, leaders from other wards asked our Young Men if they would ask their Young Women to dance (no one was dancing until our Young Men went on the dance floor and did their thing.) Our youth didn't worry about looking dumb, they just wanted to have fun. Others were attracted to this and soon everyone was having a great time.

My favorite thing about activites like this is getting to know the youth. Many of these youth babysit our kids. They are also examples for our kids.

Even though Ben was busier than I had ever seen him before, he still found time to be a husband and my best friend. Thank you Ben!

Soapstone Stories

We recently spent time at the family cabin and had a great time. Between working on projects and watching the "quakies quake", we had time for a few firsts. Ben, for example, showed us a great trick that involved puncturing a small hole in a soda can. The method: Shake and squirt. Sticky mess!

The kids all wanted to try this amazing anti-gravity trick. (Ben was more than happy to oblige.)

Somehow they thought that I should try this trick too. Trying to be a fun mom I reluctantly agreed. Not my finest moment.

By the end of the day the kids' feet were filthy. Rather than fight it, we embraced it. We decided to have a "Dirty Feet Contest" to be judged each night. The winner would get to display a ribbon drawn on a Magna-Doodle. This contest became an outlet for creative ways to get dirty feet (not my intention). Feet down, Eve and Hyrum won the event. (Hyrum was dirty all the way up to his shins).

On this trip, Hyrum also realized the benefit of his gender.

Mari discovered that she loves the cabin too.

Thanks Mom and Dad for making the cabin available. Because of this, we have been able to make memories with you and our own little family.

Which Princess are You Most Like?

You Are Pocahantas!

Free-spirited and wise. You have a strong passionate spirit that touches and changes all who know you. The wisdom and common sense that you have is really what guides you through life. Even so, you also have a very playful side that loves adventure and excitement.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

Fashion Statement

Two different dinners, Two different kids, ONE BIG MESS!

Hyrum is Pooped

Hyrum was being particularly naughty today. As soon as I could, I sent him to his room to play by himself (he'd long since lost his T.V. privileges). I threatened him with a spanking if he were to wake me up from my much-needed (and deserved) nap.

After I woke from my power-nap, a much happier Tiffany went to greet Hyrum with renewed strength and patience. I was prepared to tell him how proud I was of him for playing so quietly and would he like to read books together now.

I heard Hyrum's deep breathing as I made my way down the hall to his room. (I was secretly congratulating myself for boring the kid into a nap). I peeked in his room expecting to see him with his books, asleep on the bed. He was not there. I checked in his closet. No Hyrum. I stopped myself from yelling "Hyrum" (because who would want to wreck such a good thing as a sleeping angel?) I could still hear him breathing deeply from somewhere. I'd just have to keep looking.

Adding my keen sense of smell to my sensitive ears I finally found Hyrum...All Pooped Out!

I guess I had to wake him up now. Trying to wake Hyrum up is never a pleasant experience. Add this to cleaning him up...and "Waaaaaaaah! Mom, my feet hurt. Needles mom needles".

Here's a Smile to Brighten Your Day!

Mari sends her love to you today!