Television and Acceptance.

Jon and David were asked to give talks in Sacrament Meeting a few weeks ago. However, they didn't give any topics. Kind of just let them choose. David's talk was on Elder Ballards article in the May 1989 Ensign, called "The Effects of Television" was an easy fit as we recently cancelled our DISH and since we get NO local chanels out here... we get fuzz and/or movies. David and I have previously had conversations where he has told me how much he likes not having tv (no really - from a 13 year old!!!) and how much other stuff he gets done, etc... It was awesome! And he said that people even came up to him and told him they were going to take his "challenge" to turn off the tv for a few hours and play a family game.

Jon's talk was on Elder Wirthlin's talk from Conference "Concern for the One". It was very eye opening (for me) when researching all these different talks for him... we are expected to be concerned for people. People who are struggling, people who are tired or weary, people who feel they are different, etc.

It reminded me of an experience I was able to witness in my ward when I was growing up. There were lots of families with lots of little kids (shocking! lol) but there was one family whose baby was crying and the mom had her hands full with the toddler and couldn't just take the baby out. The noise was becoming very distracting to everyone in the meeting. As we were all looking back and thinking "geez, why doesn't she take that kid out", there was one lady who got up and went and sat by the woman and offered to help her. She was able to keep the toddler occupied while mom took the baby out. It was a simple act of service that stuck with me - and I'm sure it meant a lot to that mom too.

Anyway, the talks went well and the 3rd speaker was actually an Elder who had just returned home a few weeks ago from the NY, NY North Mission, who talked about retention also... inspired?!?

I'm very proud of my boys!

Kali

Kali had her 9 pups this weekend, but unfortunately, the next day, Kali needed to be put down. The cancer had spread and she was in much pain. About half an our before labor started, I was able to get some pictures of Kali and Martine. This is my favorite one. Kali is mother or grandmother to all of our Malinois. She will be missed.

Josh's Photo Shoot

Josh was a good sport today as my model assistant! What do you think? I'm very interested. I took these pictures with my wide angle lens. I haven't used it before and I'm still not sure I like it all that much... but the colors are amazing... and the sky really was that color!!!

Random happenings...

1. A week or so ago, we were dropping David off at a friends house when low and behold we drive by these two beautiful fairies!!! I HAD to have Jon pull over so I could take pictures... they were too adorable to pass by.
2. David has started football. He's number 76... he wanted 75 (Dad's number), but had to settle for 76... close. Practice for hours a day... these boys have stamina!
3. We checked out the new restaurant in town... Iggy's. The food was pretty good... our waitress was VERY nice... but the food took a LONG time to come once we ordered it. I think the pro's outweigh the con's... we'll be back :).

4. Jon is officially a Volunteer Fire Fighter for the City of St. Johns. He begins his EMT class in a few weeks. He's gotten some pretty strange pages...and it's only been a few days! lol... should be fun for him - and good experience too.
5. David and Jon had Scout camp recently. I'm SO glad that David had a good time! He earned 7 or 8 merit badges!!! Jon was able to go too - his new calling is "Assistant Scoutmaster". So far - so good!

6. Our Annual Primary Swim Party was on the 4th of August. I was able to go due to having the week off of work! Josh and the rest of the kids had a blast! It ended with popsicles for treats! Good Times.

I'm sure I've missed things and I'm sure I'll be posting a "make-up" post to fill in the blanks... so stay tuned! :)

3rd Subject

Oh my goodness, can you say "photogenic"??? I would love to get this girl in a studio!!! Her smile and skin and tone... BEAUTIFUL!

2nd Photo Shoot: Unofficial

So does it make me a bad mom to have alterier motives for letting my kids have friends over???? Ok, good. lol.

So I took some cute "real life" pictures of some friends of ours today.

I got a few cute shots that their Mom & Dad will like! Hope you enjoyed!!!

Sillouette of a cowboy (cow-man?)

by Hannah Claire Gray :)

My First Photo Shoot

So this morning, after dropping David off at his morning football practice, I had my first photo shoot. I had been excited about it since we set it up! So here are some of my favorite... not too bad for my first time, eh?
The older sister, she was hamming it up for the camera - an absolute DOLL!

I got a chance to see what "props" might be fun... and what items I should have and things I should keep my eyes out for.

I hope Mom will be happy with what we ended up with... we'll see!