Scouting Broadcast

That scouting broadcast was amazing, wasn't it? I decided to grab a couple of screen shots of an awesome young scouter we all know and love:

Love it! Way to go, Raymond IV!

Baby Bill of Rights

Emma recently read the Bill of Rights and her writing assignment afterwards was to create her own on a topic of her choice.

1. All babies have the right to clean clothes.
2. You should have lots of baby toys.
3. Babies need to be snuggled.
4. Proper play clothes should be kept for the baby.
5. Don't treat us like trouble.
6. Treat us like fun.
7. Babies should be played with.
8. We need sweet things because our first tooth is a sweet tooth.
9. We need freedom, let us run around.
10. Love us!


We have thought of this daily as Lucy is into everything right now and have quit calling her "trouble". It has brought many laughs and smiles here! Enjoy your babies! :)

Some of Sarah's thoughts on the 'Mormon Feminist Movement'

Sarah shared this in a note on facebook, and I wanted those of you not on facebook to be able to read it. It was so good!
 
I feel compelled to express my thoughts about the many posts and articles I’ve read in the last few months regarding women holding the priesthood. First of all I feel sadness that some women have had the unfortunate experience of being in a home with a priesthood holder who would manipulate the words of the scriptures and the prophets to exercise unrighteous authority to control spouses and children. It is sad that because of this some think that priesthood power is what gives opportunity to create a circumstance such as this. This kind of abuse takes place across countries and cultures where priesthood is present or not and the power of the priesthood should not be tied to this kind of behavior or tainted by it as it is clearly not a power over others but a power for others. Those that try to manipulate it to seem otherwise will stand accountable before God. The priesthood is a power and responsibility. As a woman I feel that I have access to every priesthood power and blessing but have none of the service responsibilities. I have been given countless other opportunities for service in the church and in the home. I have complete trust that this is the way God set it up to maximize my personal growth and the growth of the wonderful men in my life and in the church. I acknowledge that I have been blessed to have been raised by a father who honored his priesthood and been surrounded by brothers and a husband and other church leaders that have honored their priesthood which has helped me come to the understanding that I have. What I have witnessed is men who serve others at sometimes great inconvenience and sacrifice to themselves so that they can ease the burdens of someone else, weather it be through offering priesthood blessings or helping with a huge variety of temporal and spiritual needs. Many times literally taking the burdens of others on themselves. The priesthood is the power of Jesus Christ and that is who these priesthood holders follow and represent. I think of what He did. Jesus Christ took upon himself the burdens, sins, and sorrows of ALL of Gods children. His entire life was spent in service to others. To us it’s all about Him but to Him it’s all about us. Even when he was hanging on the cross his thoughts were towards others as he asked his apostle to take care of his mother.(John 19:26) When my husband leaves to help someone else and I put kids to bed I’m grateful that we are not both required to leave and I can feel good about my sacrifice of giving support to him although it admittedly increases my own burden but my kids still have a parent to tuck them in and sing them a song and read them a story and he gets to sacrifice his time and energy to help someone else and we are both blessed by the experience because we are experiencing things that make us more like Christ which gives us a better understanding of who He is and helps increase our relationship with Him. And that increased relationship with Him is worth any sacrifices made and the sacrifices are so well compensated for as to not seem like sacrifices at all. The priesthood works so well set up the way it is when it is understood and exercised correctly that it just adds to my complete trust in Heavenly Father and His ways. He is bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. (Moses 1:39) That is his work and he is completely efficient at it and His love for All of His children is evident.
One other aspect of the priesthood is the leadership of the Church with Christ as the cornerstone and head of the church and a foundation of prophets and apostles. And again  these positions need to be seen accurately  as the service positions that they are.  The Ephesians 2:20 refers to Christ as the cornerstone and symbolically displays a most accurate picture of things as they really are. Christ is the chief cornerstone. If you take the cornerstone out of the church it will crumble. It literally carries the weight of the church, much like the foundation of apostles and prophets who carry the weight of the church. It is not a pedestal they are placed on. These apostles and prophets of the church have literally given their lives to their service in the church and to the savior and all of God’s children at great personal sacrifice and a sacrifice to their families. I’m so grateful for their sacrifice and the willingness of worthy priesthood holders around the world to follow Christ’s example to sacrifice and serve so that all can come to better know and understand the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I Write the Songs . . . and Movies :)

I'll start with memories of Darrin. I was barely thirteen when Angela and Darrin got married. Even though I was still pretty young (and immature) when I first knew him, I never felt like he treated me differently than an adult. I appreciated that. Those early teens are weird years when you want independence and respect, but are also fairly childish still. There was one thing that I immediately loved about Darrin: he was a Star Wars fanatic. It didn't take much time to realize that he was an overall movie fanatic, really. I think he missed his calling in the film industry. :) I'm no longer surprised, but continuously amazed about how much he knows about movies - who makes them, various techniques and technologies. I find it impressive when people delve so deeply into things; I don't have that kind of passion for anything that pushes me to learn on a deep level. He's also always struck me as a humble, non-judgmental guy, just taking people as they are. Those are great qualities.

I'll always think of Raymond whenever I hear the song, "I Write the Songs". One of my first memories of him is playing and singing that song. I always felt really special because I shared my birthday with him. I loved it when he called me his birthday present when introducing me to people. I idolized him from the beginning. I loved it when I went to college and I got to be his student and be with him in the dance department. I got to know him a lot better, and wasn't disappointed to find him less than I thought he was. I appreciate his integrity. I never got any special treatment because I was his sister (not from him, anyway). The lowest grade I ever got in my dance classes was from him, but I got what I earned. One semester when he was directing DancEnsemble, I auditioned and he could have put me in the company but I didn't really deserve it. I honestly didn't resent that at all. I was sad not to have the opportunity to be in the company while he was director, but I could see that I wasn't good enough yet and I was glad that he didn't give me something I hadn't earned. I was, and am so proud that he's my brother.

So grateful for all of the "August kids". :)

August heroes

Note: This was actually submitted last year, but for purposes of organization I saved it to post this year.

My first memory of Rachael is really as a twelve-year-old, and now I'm old enough to have my own twelve-year-old (wow!)  But Rachael has always been a sweetheart and ready with love and compassion.  She is quick to laugh at everyone's jokes, even when they are not very funny (mine:). Her undying support makes me feel like I can do no wrong.  Yet as soft- and big-hearted as she is, she has great reserves of strength and power.  I love hearing about her birthing stories and how she uses them as a reference for accomplishing hard things.  I love going running with her and can't wait to cheer for her marathon!  Though I started out knowing her as a young girl, she has become quite an awe-inspiring woman.  Happy Birthday this month, Rachael!

And I've only been in the family three days longer than Darrin.  He's felt like a peer and a friend from day one.  I admire his diligence and kindness, and was really touched by his testimony at this last reunion of prayer and the Atonement.  But my favorite memories are watching he and Angela cutting a rug with their swing dancing!  Most girls can only dream of a husband who will take them dancing (even me, and I married a dancer! :)  Happy Birthday Darrin!  You're awesome!

--Julie

Mother, I Love You

My very first memory of Mom is of being disciplined, or rather post-disciplining. I have no recollection of what I'd gotten in trouble for or what punishment had been meted out, but I clearly recall Mom giving me a big, long hug afterward and telling me she loved me. In that moment I understood and felt profoundly that she would always love me no matter what choices I made. It hasn't been until much later in life that I've understood what a profound impact that kind of understanding can have in a child's life.
She has no recollection of negative interactions when I was a teenager (bless her memory!), but I know we had our scuffles. Mom helped me get over shirking and complaining about work by making me wash the dishes by myself every day (by hand) for an entire year. April can back me up on that. :) My poor hands! It was a hard-learned lesson, but it did me good. I think after that I was mostly a cheerful cleaner, if not completely proactive. hahaha
As many of you know, the move to Preston was very difficult for me. I had trouble getting and keeping friends basically the entire time. I got much closer to my family as a result, but particularly Mom. Now that I am a Mom I can see how painful it must have been for Mom to see me struggling so much. The entire first year we lived there I think I came home from school crying most days. Mom kept assuring me that I was okay just as I was, and that I just needed to like myself and then other people would come around. But mostly she listened when I needed to talk, built me up and just loved me.
Oh, how I ache for people who don't have meaningful relationships with their earthly parents! How difficult it must be to believe in God's love for us when you have no one modeling it here! I remember a time that I had made a choice that I was extremely ashamed of, and it took me a while to work up the courage to tell Mom about it, because for the first time that I could remember I had to wonder if she could still love me after she knew what I had done. When I finally did, she handled it just right. She said to me, "Rachael, you're okay. And I still love you." And that helped me feel like Heavenly Father still loved me, too. In fact, in that moment I knew that He did, and that I was not a lost cause.
Thank you, Mom for helping me believe in my worth as a daughter of God. That was a priceless gift. I love you.

We Love You, Angela

I'll go stream of thought style for this one . . . I remember loving Angela's sweet, angelic (how appropriate!) singing voice from the very beginning - the quality has always reminded me of a flute, and I loved it when she sang around the house . . . Angela picking me up from piano lessons at Sister Seamons' house in Jerome and driving in a crazy serpentine pattern to make me laugh (I loved it when she did that) . . . from my perspective, it has always seemed like Angela was ready at any moment to have a party, and she would be well prepared with plenty of junk to party with . . . after high school she went to Provo and we all got showered with BYU gear - it was beautiful :) . . . more than once I sneaked into Angela's room (which was always so neat, it was rather shocking compared with other rooms in the house) and stole some of the candy she often kept on hand - sorry about that, Angela - I think she knew it was me, but I don't remember her ever yelling at me about it . . . I remember thinking that she was just gorgeous, particularly for her engagement and wedding photos - what a knock out! . . . also have vivid memories of her in her prom dress that mom made - pretty sure that style of dress was prominent in my drawings for a long time after that . . .

The older I get the more amazing I think Angela is. I'm pretty sure I know no other adult that is less likely to hold a grudge than her. It's just not how she's programmed! She seems to have an infinite well of forgiveness in her heart, and I just love that about her. She takes people as they are, and never seems to expect anything different. It ended up not being in the Lord's plan for me to serve a mission, but I planned on it from the age of twelve, being highly influenced by the choices of my older siblings, including Angela. I was just so proud of her. Even though I didn't end up serving a full-time mission, I know that even just planning and preparing for it was a blessing in my life. I love Angela so much. What a fantastic older sister she is. She's fully supportive and completely non-judgmental - you can't have a better cheerleader than that! When she showed up at the marathon around mile twenty-four last year - well, it was just perfect timing. I needed that boost right then; she gave me the motivation to actually finish the rest of the race at a run. I don't think I'd have managed it without that. She's just amazing, and I am continually awed by her strength and her tremendous faith. The perfect phrase to describe her is "steadfast and immovable."

Memories of Angela

Angela was always Momma's girl, with her little brown curls and big blue eyes.  When she was young and got tired, she would just lay her head on the couch seat with her legs still on the floor.  She followed Raymond all around.  She was pretty tender.  When she got on another little boy's tricycle in the quad housing at BYU where we lived, he was going to push her off, but Raymond came to the rescue.  Told the little boy, she wasn't going to hurt it and she would get off.  She did.  She loved to swing.  Of course, she loved to run and fall on the swing to swing herself and then the famous miss when she went too far and went right over onto her face.
I noticed a little determined attitude in her around 5th grade and I knew if I taught her well in the gospel plan of happiness, she would never leave the path.  It has been a great blessing for me to see her solidly on the Lord's side, keeping her covenants and cherishing her own children. 
As a child, it was brought to my attention, that she needed order.  Her room, including her drawers, closet, bed, etc. were always just so. 
She was compassionate and that made her a great coach for the special Olympics in Jerome.  And she was very strong, so she could push wheel chairs.
I remember when she had out-of-school learning at a daycare.  She came home declaring, "They don't need a school, they need a mom."  She really hurt for those children.
It was also hard for her to watch the elderly at the hospital care facility.  "I'll never put you in one of those places."  Angela wasn't much for words, but her heart was simple and full.  ...of such is the kingdom of heaven .

Lesser Known Memories of Dave

My first memory of Dave was actually just 'hearing' about him. Around the time that I announced to people at school that I would be moving across town I was exchanging notes with a mutual friend. I hadn't yet met Dave, and somehow my friend knew the ward boundaries even across town. When he learned my new location he wrote in a note, "You'll be in Big Dave's ward." My thought was, "Who is 'Big Dave'?" Neither Dave nor I recall the first time we spoke, but I do remember the day that I put a face with the name. Our first Sunday in our new ward, the Sunday school teacher introduced everyone in the class to me. After he introduced David Allred I thought, "So that's 'Big Dave'. He's not very big." :)
During our senior year, I got rides with Dave a lot to school, partly to make sure that I could be on time to ballroom (he's very punctual). One day that I'd gotten a ride with him I had some errand that needed doing and somewhat urgently apparently because I asked him to drive me there during the lunch hour. We had AP English together after lunch and we arrived a little late. We walked into the classroom separately and tried to  stagger it slightly to try to avoid teasing, but it didn't work. Boy, we got a lot of ribbing from our class mates. That was the first time that our teacher ever got a hint that we might be more than friends.
After his mission, and after our first post-mission date someone that came through my checkout line invited me to go swing dancing that evening. I didn't really know him, but he was a friend of a friend from work and so I said yes. I was a little nervous since I couldn't even recall the guys' name, but not nearly as nervous as mom was. She was so upset with me for accepting a date with a guy that I didn't even know! While she was still at the store Dave came in and I invited him to come with me, as a safety measure and because I just wanted him with me. Mom was so relieved. I was driving somehow - the guy (Travis) met me at the store, and then I picked up Dave who wasn't too thrilled to go (since he really doesn't love dancing) but was going to keep me safe. Dave was in the backseat by himself and Travis held up the conversation single-handedly, talking about himself and horses. *eye roll* We ended up meeting a group of people at the dance that Travis had planned on meeting up with, which meant that he definitely had a ride back home. I danced with him once (he was awful), and then Dave and I got out of there. So, it all worked out!
Dave got me out of more than one scrape while we were single, and keeps me sane now. I always knew I could count on him for anything - even after I'd broken up with him (I did try not to take advantage of him since I knew that I'd broken his heart, though)! He's always been a gentleman - completely respectful of me as a woman and as a person. He's a really smart and steady man, but he's never made me feel inferior. In fact, he's made me feel like I am capable of doing anything. I am profoundly grateful to have him in my life, and to have had him in my life for so long. He's just my favorite person ever. The end. :)

Mom's Memories of Dave

My first memory of Dave was in the foyer at church.  I thought he was quiet and shy and needed encouragement with girls, so I gave some in connection with a dance at school ---you know, that he should ask someone.  (Insert from Rachael: she was telling him that he should ask me to Homecoming. Per my instructions. :)
It seems he was always at church and always doing what he was suppose to be doing, like he had his own liahona.  I don't know what kind of instruction he had in his home, but it seemed that he had his directions internally and nothing would get him off course.  When he is converted to a principle, I don't think anything could move him.  Like in the Book of Mormon when Lehi is counseling his sons and he says something like, "oh that you were like this river, always flowing into righteousness or like this mountain, always steadfastness and immovable in keeping the commandments of God".  I know this is my favorite attribute of Dave's.  I don't think anything could take him off course with his Father in Heaven.  As the Lord teaches him, he will follow.
I appreciate how he takes care of Rachael by putting the kids to bed, by getting them dressed, by getting them something to eat...whatever, so she can sleep or visit or whatever.  I know he works a lot of hours; but when he isn't, he is right there helping her out.  Another favorite memory is when he took us all tubing on his family property and had a snowmobile to take us back up the hill.  Dave seems to want to contribute to our family and that is so nice.  When it was Raymond's birthday, he went over the top, arranging for horses and a ride.  It was kind of a dream of Raymond's.  And when there is work to do, Dave doesn't talk, he's there to assist in any way he can for his family or ours.  Thanks Dave! 

3 Marches and a December

I've got some time to make up, so let me backpedal and start with Mike.... Michael Maughan! A Christmas gift for the whole world! :) We first met Mike while he and April were dating down at BYU. She was soon giddy in love, and still is! We had the incredible good fortune to live next door to them for their first couple(?) years while they finished up school. It was neat to see him help fix up that house for April, first the basement and then the upstairs. Susan loved running over to visit them, and they would often babysit the girls in order to send us out on a date (a gift they probably only now realize how much we appreciated!). They were also invaluable at helping me pull together party details. Mike has a talent for exactness and precision that I can only dream of, but definitely admire. He has a profound sense of honor, yet also a side that is playful, and he is particularly good at entertaining children. It is so inspiring to see the beautiful family he and April are creating together. Happy belated birthday, Mike!

Nathan. For almost all of his single life, Nathan was Raymond's only brother, one of the most meaningful relationships I think he has. Raymond loved everything about about him--his happy nature, his rolling laugh when he would bounce him on the mattress, his competitive eating and waterskiing, his creative adventures, his drive and ambition. Ray especially loved it when Nathan grew up and came to school and they would lift at the gym together and performed in Fiddler on the Roof. Then that must have been weird for Nathan... he left on his mission and came home to three new siblings--a new brother, a brother-in-law, and a sister-in-law! But he was nice about it (what could he do?). We also got to live next door to Nathan for a while which was fun, and exhausting, for those months that we had to pray so vigorously for him to marry Amy! But what a match made in heaven! And what caring and thoughtful parents to (almost) five very lucky children! They are great friends, and we truly look up to them. I am especially grateful to Nathan for being someone Ray can call and talk about things man-to-man (and to Amy for giving up the husband time!); he sometimes needs a man's perspective and it's a role I just can't play.  Thanks, Nathan.

Charity! I heard all kinds of stories about you before I even met you! Ray told so many "Charity stories," you were a Dancers' Company legend. But to meet you in your little three-year-old person was all the better. Curly hair, painted fingernails, and the vocabulary of a college student. You could hold up an adult conversation with the best of them (I still remember you giving a review of the latest movie while we were hanging out in the hot tub, just like you were a miniature Siskel and Ebert.). And you still have that precocious quality! I love to talk to you and hear about your experiences and plans. You have grown up to be a lovely person, and I appreciate your example, to me and to my girls who are trying to grow up to be like you. They watch the way you talk, act, dress, do your hair, anything Charity. So thanks for making it a worthwhile endeavor! I love you, my friend!

And Dave, let me be the first to sing your praise! It was so fun to watch Rachael try to figure out just what she was looking for in a husband, and to hear about this neat guy out on his mission, that both she and Mom were guessing was it! And you were! I truly admire your dedication and loyalty to your wife and children. You are always there with a watchful eye, protecting them and providing for their every need. I just know you will be ever faithful and true. But as seriously as you take these important roles, there is still a side of you that is willing to dress up in a wig with a mullet and play an air guitar. Totally radical, dude!

This is our Charity . . .

I was so thrilled to get a baby sister! I had been wanting one for as long as I could remember. But then I wasn't the youngest anymore. I wasn't so young that I was truly jealous, but it did turn out to be unsettling. I was suddenly expected to be much more mature than I was used to. Too old to act some ways, but too young to be making certain decisions. It was a confusing time.
I loved that baby girl. I was a master at making her laugh. When I got older she was really insistent that I play with her, which I was sometimes willing to do, but not always. I lost my temper with her more than once, and sadly I would end up hitting her out of frustration. Mom punished me by making me play with her for a solid hour every time I hit her. I always ended up enjoying our time together, but it didn't take Charity long to discover that if she felt like I wasn't playing with her enough then she could goad me into being angry enough to hit her, resulting in a punishment for me that was a reward for her being deliberately irritating. I felt very vindicated later when she admitted to doing her best to get me in trouble on purpose - I knew she was, but mom thought I was crazy. :) Smart little stink.
I missed Charity when I went off to college. We had been sharing a room before that, and still did when I'd come home for the summer (I think?). She was just so smart that I really could talk to her about anything and she'd understand! She's always been very precocious, and I bragged to anyone that would listen about my younger sister who though much younger than me was smart enough to be a real friend that I could have worthwhile conversations with. And I still enjoy having conversations with her. She often surprises me with her insight and wisdom. She's got a good head on her shoulders. :)
My favorite memory with Charity was when I took her out on a formal date for a Christmas present (pictured above). On Christmas day it appeared that all she was getting from me was a card, but in the card I told her about my plans to take her on a fancy date. She loved watching me get ready for the dances at school and wanted me to make her fancy, too. We went the day after Christmas. It was so fun because I could tell that she was loving every minute of it. Totally worth it.
I love you Charity doll. You're my favorite younger sister. ;)

Mom's Memories of her second March baby

Charity.  The name says it all.  This little bundle brought such love and joy into all our lives.  It was 11 days before she could defecate.  What a concern.  It taught me not to hate changing diapers.  Attitude.  Attitude.  Attitude.  Her big words were such a shock and pleasure.  I remember when she wouldn't be reverent in sacrament meeting, so I gave her a little pinch.  Of course, we were in the front, so she turned around and announced to the congregation that girls didn't need to be pinched, they needed to be loved.:) 
Then there was her 2nd or 3rd birthday and she got mad at her dad, so she told him he couldn't come to her party.  He quickly responded that he wouldn't give her a present then.  Quickly she replied, "Well, maybe I overreacted."  What a girl! 
When Andrew came along, she quickly put her mothering skills into play, telling him to do this or not to do that.  They would have long talks in their rooms.  Charity has enjoyed her siblings and the new in-laws as they've come in.  She likes to follow them around talking, talking, talking.  I never tire of her conversations.  I have always enjoyed her voice, speaking, singing, whatever...She is a loyal friend.
She has been faithful in reading her scriptures and loves her Savior.  I'm grateful she knows where to look for all her answers and concerns.  I have appreciated how she has taken responsibility of her own education.  I remember when she announced that she was signed up for charter school and was leaving public school.  I never felt concern because I knew she would just DO IT!  I remember when she made "the deal" that if I would let her quit piano lessons, she would practice on her own.  She kept "the deal". She is an overachiever who doesn't want recognition.  She finished her Young Womanhood Recognition early and then the church added a new value and she wanted to do that also.  And she did.  How grateful I am that Heavenly Father sent me another live baby who had commitment of her own and just  finds the way to DO IT. 

Peaches and Cream ;)

I LOVED my spot in the family right next to Nathan. He was so fun, creative, energetic, smart, inventive, spontaneous, and kind. I did fall victim to a few harmless pranks and experiments, like when he had friend over for the night and I woke up with honey in my hair or the time I was wearing rubber soled tennis shoes and he assured me that if I touched the electric fence with  a wet carrot he handed me I would not get shocked and I trusted him so I did it and felt very tricked when I got shocked however, I saw the genuinely surprised look on his face and wasn’t to upset about it. He was very protective of me and I think took only very calculated risks when I was involved. Like driving the go-cart through swallow you whole sized mud holes on our way to get milk from the dairy. I thought Nathan was fascinating, all the things he would make from parts of stuff blew my mind. So cool! The first time I remember singing with him was at a party he threw for all his friends (I think the whole school came) at our Jerome house. I really liked singing with him we sang at church, and Christmas parties all throughout high school. One ward Christmas party we danced a west coast swing that Raymond taught us. It was so fun and I was really glad Nathan didn’t think it was gross to dance with his sister because many brothers would have and I really liked to dance and he was way better than any of the other guys at it. He always treated me really good at school and at home, in fact I was asked more than once if he was my boyfriend. J Our school took a compatibility test for dating and it turned out I was the most compatible girl in the school for Nathan J Although it was still only around 70% compatible, good thing he found the 100% girl in Amy, she’s perfect! He was quite the achiever, he had no problem putting in way more effort than most people at improving his MANY talents. He would drive 2 hrs from Boise to get voice lessons from the best teacher (Marty Mead) I got to benefit from that too and tag along and usually got a Wendy’s baked potato and frosty out of it as well. Yum! He memorized all scripture mastery scriptures plus a few extras that our seminary program challenged us to do to become a master scriptorian. I think there was only 2 that did it the whole time I was in high school (and I was not the other one, but, you know we all have our strengths) I was so impressed and proud to be related. I think people assumed good things about me because of him. I really enjoyed our friendship during high school, group dates, after youth dance talks over ice cream, and watching movies, especially funny ones (he has a really fun sense of humor and a great laugh). I remember him telling me once about feeling really close to Heavenly Father when he prayed and it made me want to feel that closeness with Him as well. I know I’m a better person because of Nathan. When he went to college and on a mission I felt kind of left behind and is really the reason I started thinking about a mission. I wanted to better understand the experiences he was having. I knew he was the best missionary ever. We’ve been geographically  apart for most of the time since but I LOVE getting together still with him and Amy and their fantastic kids. I’m just really thankful to be family so that the miles don’t separate us permanently. Happy Birthday, Brother!

Nathan

Well, to be quite completely honest I don't have a large number of Nathan memories because the span of time between me being old enough to remember things and him going to college/on a mission is not a long one.  However, on reflection I had to chuckle remembering a summer after Dad's collective birthday gift was the wakeboard.  I remember Nathan taking it out to the trampoline and practicing flipping with it on.  He was darn serious about learning to do that!  Ha, I also remember while he was on his mission he sent a tickle-me-Elmo for Christmas.  It came in a giant box full of those packing peanuts and we played bubble bath in it...granted, Nathan wasn't actually there...but obviously it made an impact on me who the gift was from!  I also remember when he and Amy had first had Elle, they were both so protective.  Especially Nathan though.  If you so much as cleared your throat there was always a good chance he was going to make you wear a mask!  At the time it was a little frustrating because I felt like I was walking on eggshells, but looking back those protective instincts are pretty sweet.  It's also always so fun to spend time with Nathan and Amy because they tell the funniest stories!  And they're just cool.  They've lived with us a couple of times, and I remember one summer we played Monopoly with them all the time.  We'd sit outside on the patio with lemonade or something and chat while we played.  It always came down to Nathan and Mom...they're pretty strategic players.  I still love that game, and believe me it's not because I just love playing games that last for hours.  I just have really good memories of playing with them.  I'm grateful to have such great brothers (and sisters) to look up to!  Love you, and happy birthday!

Stream of thought memories of Nathan

. . . Nathan and Raymond in a physical fight and me crying hoping that would make them stop :) . . .  I already mentioned in another post a memory of a Christmas that Nathan gave me a beautiful dress, and feeling surprised at his skill in choosing it . . . Nathan in high school being the youngest member of the jazz choir and being called Mickey Mouse . . . Nathan having heated discussions with mom and dad (high school) on gospel topics - they were probably mostly heated with mom :) . . . Nathan's awesome red hair (I hope I have a red head baby) . . . his awesome blind eye - not that I thought it was awesome because he was blind in that eye, but because the tear drop shape of his pupil was so cool to me, plus it's a slightly different color! . . . his crazy "girly finger" (his words) which I just always found fascinating, especially because when he played guitar he had this special little glove just for that finger to make it less painful to play . . . I also enjoyed watching his prominent Adam's apple move when he talked and sang :) . . . him buying two sets of boxing gloves and duking it out in the backyard with friends for fun! . . . him padding around the house in mismatched socks and/or Birkenstocks . . . occasionally walking around the house in just boxers . . . him dancing ballet in tights, in a very masculine way . . .  him saying something to me that kind of implied that I was too fat to be a ballroom dancer at BYU, then soon after being apologized to because he realized how it sounded and that wasn't precisely what he meant . . . 
hahaha Some of these memories seem like they could be bad memories for me (mostly just the first and last I guess), but they're not really. I have to admit freely that I don't have very specific memories of interactions with Nathan. He is six years older than me, and I view him as intellectually superior so I personally am a little hesitant to try to converse with him one-on-one, but I love to listen to him talk to other people because it reveals how his mind works. It's really different from mine, and really amazing. For instance I remember a conversation about honesty. He posed the question, "Is it always wrong to lie?" Mom instantly responded, and my initial thought was, "Yes!" Typical to Nathan style (I'll call it devil's advocate) he cited the Holocaust, and the people that lied to German authorities about Jews they were hiding in their homes. "Was lying wrong in that instance?" he challenged. Really, can it be any wonder that Nathan is suited to be a lawyer? hahaha
Also, I just have to say that I love and respect Nathan. He is amazingly gifted and talented, and it's so fun to see him in the roles of husband and father. When Raymond left for college or a mission or something, I consoled myself with the knowledge that I still had at least one brother to hug (obviously, that was before Andrew came along). I loved hearing Nathan practicing jazz piano music. He could see that I really liked it and he actually bought me a video as a gift once that was designed to teach improvisation on the piano. Sad to say, I never watched the whole thing through (although I'm pretty sure he did) - I still have it just in case I decide I have the courage. What was neat about it was that he noticed how much I enjoyed it, and he gave me tools to help me learn to do it myself. I just didn't have enough courage to follow through. :)
Happy birthday, brother!

Mom's memories of her first March baby

Submitted via email. It was so long I decided it shouldn't be combined with the other March birthday people. haha
 
He's Nathan in diapers...since Nathan was only 15 months old when Sarah was born, lots of my memories are of them.  He would run in circles around her when she was on the floor.  He was a great entertainer with his binky and long orange string.  When it cracked, he gave it a long toss.  He was done with that. 
He's Nathan in training pants...Nathan had the greatest laugh.  He would be downstairs on the mattress giggling like crazy while Raymond bounced him. 
He's Nathan in tough skins...when we bought a trampoline, Nathan would just jog around the outside edges forever.  I loved watching that little body.  When Nathan was 3, he had surgery on his eye.  We were told he would see better after the surgery.  What we weren't told was that both eyes would be covered.  When he came out of the surgery he said, "You told me I'd see better.  Now I'm blind!"  We were all pretty upset.
As he and Sarah were in the early grade school years, he and his friends would spy on Sarah and her friends at recess.  That was always funny to hear about.  Then he would tell me not to let Sarah have certain teachers, since he had experienced them or his friends had.  He was pretty protective. He was a fun student to have in kindergarten.  He looked forward to all my school plans.  He really was so enthusiastic.  Nathan was always a good student.  He had a voracious appetite for knowledge.
I remember how diligent he was about his work.  We never had to tell him to go do the vending machines; he just went, filled them, fixed them, listened to complaints; but he totally took care of them--independently and competently.  I don't remember him ever complaining about it.  When he used to make sandwiches at the store, he would whistle while he made them.  People love Nathan.  It's just who he is, not what he does.  He just has a lovable spirit.
How I enjoyed having this boy in our home!  All the quartets he was in practiced at our house.  When I had Charity, he would run home at lunch to see whatever new thing there was about her.  He was totally fascinated with children.  I thought he would be embarrassed when I was pregnant and fat, so I considered not going to the Christmas concert.  Of course, he wouldn't have that.  I so appreciated his attitude.
I remember how he took his hard-earned money and bought everything he could find on the "lost ten tribes."  He was committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  He took a job at Marie Callendar's with the understanding at the beginning that he wouldn't work on Sundays.  Well, he had the power to call the manager when he got scheduled and remind him.  The manager said it wouldn't happen again, but then someone got sick and they called him in.  He didn't punch in the time clock because he was doing a service.  Man can't serve two masters, so he chose to serve God.  Nathan was committed to serve God in all things as he understood it.  When it was time to serve his mission, I encouraged him to finish the second semester of school because his birthday came in the middle.  No, he wouldn't do that.  He was going to serve as soon as possible, so he finished one semester and went on his mission as soon as the call came.  He was studious with his scriptures and gospel study.  When he went on his mission, he was as well prepared as most when they return.  I've always been grateful for Nathan's total commitment to Jesus Christ and to His living prophets.  What else would a mother want of her child?  And then he married Amy.  How I love his tenderness toward her and how he loves to visit with her about everything.  Man is that he might have joy and in Nathan's life, I have had JOY.

Mom's Memories of Mike

My first memory of Mike was of him sitting at the table in April's apartment at Heritage Halls BYU with longer hair on top.  He was pretty cute, but I was concerned he might be a "player".  Then the story continued ... We worked together on them living in the Provo house by Raymond and Julie, so it was so nice to get comfortable talking about money.  After they were married, I remember how nice it was that he would play with my younger children.  That is the key to a mother's heart.  I think one of my favorite memories was watching them make the snow cave in the backyard.  When Mike does something, it's always first rate...cubed blocks.  It was so cool.  no pun intended.  It has also been fun having Mike be willing to share his neat family with us.  His parents' mission farewell was very cool and such neat siblings!!!  Thanks for sharing with us.  I also love how Mike makes us feel hosted at his house, wherever that may be.  He cooks on the grill.  He tries to find interesting things to entertain us and he can just sit around and visit.    Another neat thing about Mike is his unselfishness.  How he was willing to let Emma be baptized in the midst of extended family instead of waiting until he came back.  So unselfish.  Mike has been a participator from the beginning.  That is so helpful when trying to build a family. Mike also has great discipline over himself.  This trait gives me confidence that he will follow the Master.  He is not hesitant to repent and make his life to model the Saviors.  Changing is possible for him.   Mostly, I love his total devotion to his wife.  He tries endlessly to please her, to take care of her and to love her.

Memories of Mike (how alliterative)

Well I guess my Christmas post kind of covered some favorite memories of Mike, but don’t worry because I have more! :)  Mostly I remember being younger and playing with Mike a lot.  He was sort of the Jester for Andrew and I.  Sometimes we would just sit and listen to him tell us about Japan and Guam.  I really couldn’t get enough of hearing about cultural differences and foreign foods.  He also demonstrated Chinese water torture, which I have never forgotten. :)  I was also inspired by Mike to read Phantom of the Opera—great book.  When April and Mike were living in Provo and we would visit we’d always play games, my favorite being Harry Potter Uno.  It was also with them that I first watched the 6-hour Pride and Prejudice, which of course was life changing.  It’s just always fun having Mike around!  Love ya!

Charity

Highlights in My Memories of Mike

I really do love reminiscing about all of my favorite people. We seriously have an outstanding family, and the people we've chosen to marry are no exception! My first memory of Mike was before I even met him. hahaha Since I am two years younger than April I had a lot of opportunity to observe April in various stages of 'like' with boys (not that it happened as frequently as it did with me). The Christmas break after April started dating Mike I was forcibly struck by just how much she liked this Mike guy. I had never seen her so . . . giddy! It was a strange thing to witness because while I knew I'd gotten giddy frequently, I'd seen her like guys but it had never affected her in this way. I was pretty sure that this was going to end up in a marriage. During that break we got to meet Mike, and I was so impressed with him for being open enough to give us all hugs - good ones, too! :) He is clearly a good match for April, because April is never more happy than when Mike's around.
It's already been mentioned in a Christmas memory from Charity, but the first Christmas after they were married, Mike set a trap for Charity and I to get past to reach the presents. To us it was pretty complicated, although Mike later told us that it was like one that his dad had set when he was really young. That made me feel pretty smart. hahahaha Charity and I slept in the loft so he could set it on the stairs, and she seriously woke me up every hour starting at 2! I finally gave up trying to make her sleep at 5, and we started attempting to get past the trap. :)
One last memory. April and Mike were still living in Provo when I was there for a summer term. It was my junior year. I was taking a calculus class (because I had to), and I hadn't had a math class since my junior year of high school -- and it wasn't even pre-calculus! Math does not come easily or quickly for me, but Mike took the time to personally tutor me. He was so patient and encouraging. I was convinced that I was just a math idiot, but he bolstered my confidence. I got an A- on the final. It was just too bad that I didn't get to have that as my final grade. I ended up getting a C . . . that's how badly I was doing before I got Mike's help.
Mike, you rock. I'm glad you're part of our family!
Added later: I was pondering what to write about after I sent the prompt out, but I forgot one of the things I thought about. I totally hung out with April & Mike while I was in Provo. One of my favorite memories is watching Pride & Prejudice with them. I totally love it that Mike was completely masculine, and still loved a high quality chick flick. :) April scored. I did, too, even though Dave doesn't like to watch Jane Austen movies with me. hahaha