Winner Winner

Today was the Springville baby contest. We were on and off about participating. Max and I took a fall on Sunday (road rash) but he healed quickly. His face was back to beautiful by Friday so we decided to go. Springville rules state babies must be in plain white onezies or a white t-shirt -NO COSTUMES. At first we thought that was a bad rule - but really it leveled the playing field.
Max's age group was 8-10 months. About 25 other boy babies were in our group. I'm not sure what they judged us on but they had to re-do the process. Most babies were restless after the first go around. When they announced the re-do I was sure the babies with spiky moosed hair crawling around the floor flashing smiles had won us out. I figured the winner would be a judges neighbor, friend or widely known in Springville (a name carries a lot here). We knew that in advance so we were solely participating to support the community.
The host stared announcing by third place. He said "Max Stevens". I was shocked! I know he is cute, but I so was everyother baby there. I am now a huge fan of the white onezie rule. It was a great experience and now he gets to ride in the parade with Curtis next Saturday.
As the Third place winner he received a bronze metal, his photo in the Springville Herald and a ride on the flote next Saturday. As a participant he also gets a picture, a new t-shirt, 1 diaper, some tootsie rolls and a ribbon. No one was really handing out the participants gifts so I went around asking for them.

New Hat

I don't know why I deleted this post. It's back by popular demand -minus the text cause I don't remember what I wrote.

Another big weekend.

My dad is retiring! Lindsey came up with a great idea to surprise my dad with a limo on the last day of school. He thought he would be cleaning out his room but we called him down to the front office about 15 minutes after school let out - Surprise!
We even had Grandma Finch with us. Aunt Beth picked her up in the morning, Tyler Lindsey and the kids drove up (only Bailey got to come in the limo), Curtis Max and I finish out the group. We went out to eat at Olivia's in Spanish fork. It was a great meal and I found a cute hat that I went back and bought the next day.
Isaac is growing. I forget how little babies are. Grandpa Jim let me look at his pictures of Max - just hours after birth. I can't believe he was ever this small.
Our friends invited us to a Bee's game on Friday night - we took tracks. It was my first time on tracks. The guy in front of us at the game made this dog - so I asked if I could get a pic of it...it looked so good and I don't even like hot dogs. Max liked the game but he got tired quick.
On Saturday we cleaned the house and went up Payson canyon with our friends to have a little BBQ. Curtis is a great cook.
Backing up a little...On Wednesday I went to Heritage makers to be a part of a focus group. After that ended.. I was talking to my friend, who works there, and she told me to apply for a customer service position. I brought in my resume and application Thursday morning and got a call for an interview the next day. Friday morning I had my interview and was offered the job. I start this coming Tuesday - Wish me luck. I'm feeling a little sick about learning a whole new job. I'll be learning tech support, the company program, reading accounts....The list goes on. I never thought I'd be starting over. I'm excited to learn but feel a little like the old dog. I've really appreciated all of your prayers and support to our family while I've been out of a job. (Lori, you've been a breath from heaven). It has meant so much to our family and we have felt very blessed and humbled. Thank you all! We love you.

A memorial weekend

We had a wonderful busy weekend. Isaac was born on the Thursday. He is adorable. Angie is doing great. I'm surprised at how well she does. They are such great parents.
Claire came to town on Friday. Saturday we spent some time at the cabin. One fire outside and one inside for Max. We roasted hot dogs and watched the fish in the stream.
TL Finch family came to town Friday night. We got to keep Sadie for the weekend. Chai was happy to have her friend back.
Sunday we celebrated Tuckers first birthday. He opened a few gifts (with help) then attacked his cake.

I love this tradition.

On Monday we spent the morning with the Finches. Lindsey made the best sandwiches. We had to say goodbye to Claire again. We hope she comes back soon. TL Finch family headed back home. We love to spend time with you - see you soon.
Memorial day afternoon was spent at the Payson cemetery and with the Stevens. Papa Jim BBQed stake and hot dogs - And we celebrated Grandma Della's birthday.
Hope you all had a wonderfully busy Memorial weekend too.

8 Days

Curtis set out on a journey Last week. He headed to Billings Montana for a wine and cheese show. He, of course, did the cheese part.

Or maybe he just went around and took photo's of cool ice sculptures.

And his cheese.

That is a really classy set up. I think I might try to go with him next year. I was going to go this year but I have a wonderful new job so I had to let him go on his own. Besides, what would we have done with Max?

See what I mean by cool ice sculptures?

Look at this one again, it is his hotel. He took a picture from the indoor balcony above the lobby. Pretty swanky for a business trip.
After billings he went to Jackson Hole, by way of Yellowstone.
He has really been putting his photo skills to work. Look at that water. It kind of makes me thirsty.

This is the lodge. Curtis has a life long dream to stay here. He took a self guided tour while he was in the area and found out that some floors have shared bathrooms at the end of each hall. He's in no hurry to fulfill this dream.

Curtis, we missed you and are so glad you will be home for a while. Life is not the same with out you here.
On Curtis' trip he also found out that his company has contracted for another 600 stores, most of them in his region. California and Nevada will be added at the end of the summer. We are not sure what this means for our family but life will get exciting come August.

7 Months

He is such a cute kid! McKenzie took his pictures today and I think they turned out great. He is learning to clap, he's pretty good at it. I had to work so I didn't get to be there for the pictures. I'm so sad I missed them but a BIG THANK YOU to grandma and grandpa for taking him for me. I really appreciate it.

Elder Rafael E. Pino, Faith in Adversity

I hope I don't get in trouble for stealing this pic. I read his conference talk tonight and was filled with hope, love, peace and admiration.
His talk was filled with wonderful quotes such as:

• "'there is no tragedy in death, but only in sin' and that the important thing is not how a man died but how he lived."

• “My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; “And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes” (D&C 121:7–8).
  

So many more. I'm so glad May and November ensign's are devoted conference. I love to read them and remember/find new things. If you don't have an ensign, all of the talks are on lds.org. You should read it. It's a good one!