Brock's baptims

I can't believe I have an 8 year old!  What is even more weird is that I will have an 8 year old almost every year for a while.  Our family is definitely in a new phase of big kids.  

When he turned 8 he decided he wanted to wear "real" ties.  We got him a few for his baptism and he has been working hard and learning to tie them.

Grandma and Grandpa Herbert.  (Grandma Herbert gave the talk on baptism)

My Family. (Ashley gave the talk on the Holy Ghost, Daniel gave a prayer)

Brock got a good story out of his baptism - he got baptized twice!  When Jason baptized him he forgot to say "Herbert", he just said, "Brock Alexander..." and he forgot to say "Amen".  Neither of the witnesses notices the mistakes, so Brock started walking up the stairs when the member of the bishopric and the few members in the audience said, "umm.... that wasn't right".  So Brock got back in and they did it again.

Brock is such a sweet 8 year old.  It has been so fun to have an 8 year old in our house.  When the kids have given talks in Primary they mention Brock's baptism or how he has the Holy Ghost.  It is often talked about when the kids are in charge of family home evening.  And Brock is such a natural leader and example in our family - he is perfect to have as our first - he sets such a wonderful example for everyone.  He tries hard to read his scriptures everyday and has decided that he wants to only wear white shirts with ties to church - like dad.

Noah's soccer

Noah played soccer back in Utah when he was three.  However, I don't really count that because I don't think he touched the ball the whole season.  This was definitely Noah's first real season of soccer.  Because of how Noah's season went when he was three - and because of his general personality.  We had very low expectations for soccer.  But he wanted to play - so of course we let him.

He totally surprised us!  You think you know your kid.  He stayed up with the ball, and kicked, and RAN, and was even sometimes aggressive.  Even at practice when it was cold and rainy and all the other kids were complaining and not wanting to practice, he stayed out there and never complained - I now have a testimony of how sports can build character!

Here are some live action shots.

Noah's typical run is more of a... well... arms flailing and knees straight... sort of thing.  Every once in a while we would get a real run with arm pumps and everything.  But usually it was more like this.

Here is Noah's goal!  We were so excited for him!


And so was he!

Some more shots - just cuz I am the mom and watching him play soccer kills me.

And I am "that" mom who doesn't buy a team picture.  Usually I just stand behind the photographer and take my own picture - but his photographer wouldn't let any parents in this year, and we never did another one.  So sadly this is the only team picture I got.  Luckily he is playing with the same team this fall.

loaves and fishes

I have been struggling lately.  Struggling to find my place - my balance.  Trying to decide between good, better and best.  Since Krista's conversion I "caught the bug" of missionary work.  And to add to that I got called as a ward missionary.  Everyday I receive promptings of the spirit about who and how I can reach out to people and share the gospel.  On top of that there is so much to study to know how to share the gospel.  There is a reason serving a mission is a full time job!  I have felt exhausted physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally.  Obviously the Lord wants me to be sharing the gospel - I believe strongly that is why we moved here, plus it is all of our responsibilities anyways, it is actually my calling, and I am getting the promptings.  But it is hard to do it, it takes so much time and so much emotional energy.  

I have been struggling with weeks on how to balance this.  Not to be "weary in well doings" (motherhood).  Trying to determine between good, better, and best.  Offering up my loaves and fishes and asking him to bless them and make them more.

Then this morning I was reading the lesson for Relief Society today.  It was Elder Holland and Elder Uchtdorf's talks from conference.  They were about mercy and grace, the atonement, and help.  Afterwards I watched the Because of Him video the church put out - then said myself a good long prayer - trying to sort out all the things on my list.  While I was praying I got my answer (funny how that works).

Loaves and fishes.  What are my loaves and fishes?  What is MY offering?

I have been offering missionary work.  I have been putting the focus on my energy there.  Not wanting to fail at this - I have been putting it all there - and then asking the Lord to help me be a good wife and mother.  Bless my offering of missionary work and make up the difference at home.  In my prayer today I was reminded that we are on this earth to learn to be a good wife (husband) and mother (father).  That is it.  Those are my eternal roles in which I will never be released.  THOSE are my offerings.  When I focus on those and do those well then he will bless those and I will receive more.  The "extra" bread and fish that come will be missionary work.  I will be magnified to do that.

The multitude and the apostles brought the original loaves and fishes to Christ.  My loaves and fishes are my roles as a wife and mother.  And when I focus on that I will be able to be a better wife, mother, and missionary.

Funny how we can forget things we have always known.  I am grateful to Heavenly Father for always reminding me and giving me grace when I forget.

Family in town

In April Brock was baptized and we had lots of family come to town.  It was highly anticipated by the children for months.  It was kind of busy and crazy - but it was perfect.  We had so much fun and loved having so many family members with us.

Aunt Ashley, Uncle Daniel, and Great Grandma Brown playing Candy Land with Noah and Madison.

Grandma Hanna reading a book to Megan.

We went and got ice cream on night

We all went to both Brock and Noah's soccer games.

Aunt Angie could't come so she sent signs  cheering the boys on.

We felt so blessed to have the kids' great grandparents make the long journey for Brock's baptism.

Jason made us all a "big breakfast" on Sunday morning before everyone left.

Not pictured:

Grandma and Grandpa Herbert took the kids shopping and Brock to his goalie soccer camp.

Grandpa Hanna took the boys fishing

Brock's Soccer

I didn't take any picture of Brock playing soccer this year because I have taken so many in past year.  However, I will say Brock really came into his own in soccer this year.  He has always had a natural talkent - but it never really manifested itself in games.  He was never really aggressive, and liked to stay out of the "mass".  We thought that once they got to positions it might help - and we were right.  On the first game he "woke up".  The parents and coaches were like "who is that?" (we have been playing with the same team for 2 years) Brock scored 5 goals in the first game - where as he didn't score at all last season. 

Despite his awesome goal scoring and defense - he preferred to play goalie - which he also rocked!  

For the last game we had a little party with the team.

Two cute soccer brothers!