Luau Celebration

What's a birthday without cake? Sam's club came through in a pinch. There was a tiny foul up with the order and the icer had to decorate 6 cakes in 30 minutes. They weren't able to do the logo that we had for camp and needed to come up with an alternative. They were wonderfully done as you can see.


Cub scout camp wouldn't be the same if there weren't any cubs.

This year marks one hundred years that boy scouts has been in existence. As has been my custom I spent the week at cub scout day camp. However, I did not do my usual job as registrar, Linda did that job this year. Instead I was a sort of administration assistant. It was fun! I got to do so much more and had a blast doing it. I got to help with all of the noon time surprise activities like sno-cones as well as riding through camp, judging the campsites. For only the second time being at cub camp was I able to participate in being hosed by the fire hose. Since the day was hot, it felt wonderfully cool.
There were a few things happening that made for a very interesting week. On family night, 30 minutes into the evening, the sky just opened up and it poured. The lightening was striking very close too. Close enough that in one of the program areas burning leaves were seen coming from one of the trees. Somehow during the race to the car, my camera fell out of my pocket. Unfortunately, I didn't notice until I was home. At that point I just knew it was gone. That didn't stop me from saying a prayer asking Heavenly Father that not only would I be able to find it, but that it would continue to function. In answer to my prayer, someone from one of the packs had found it and tested it to see if it still worked after a soaking in the storm. Lo and behold, it did. The final test came later when I needed to upload pictures, but even that was successful. This experience helped to strengthen my testimony in the power of prayer.

The absolutely fun, wonderful District Executive for Northern Tier, Kathryn


We couldn't do cub camp with out the wonderful youth staff.


Linda taking a break. She's so cute pregnant.

Clean up.

Knobnoster, Here We Come

My wonderful partner for the week. The craft lodge before the hoards arrive. The hoards arrive When the assistant craft leader has to cancel going to camp, I was asked to step in and take her place. It's been about 6 years since I've been to girls camp. I think I will wait another six before going back. It was a long and tiring week. A really cool bug. Don't see many of those in the city. This was prep for a very cute skit. I still don't know why everyone got mad at me for posting the clip on facebook. I thought they all did a wonderfully, hilarious job. I know I wouldn't have done half as good a job as they all did.

Grad Party

To celebrate Sean's graduation, we got together with four other young men that graduated this year. They were a great group of boys. I think they had a great time.

the hostess with the mostest. Okay I know my grammar is lacking there.

even more guests

More guests

Guests

yummy treats

Waiting around

Some of the achievements the boys have done.

He Did It

He's done it. He's finally done it. Sean's graduated from high school. Woo hoo!!!! It was touch and go there a few years ago, but the last two he's made a complete turn around.
I am so happy with the changes he's made. What's even better is that he can see his successes.

She ain't heavy.

Oops

Ta dah! I did it.

Bubba Sings Her Last

Bekah's decided to not be in choir next year so this is her last high school concert. Every year from the time Linda was in high school the SMSouth has done a revue that's just plain fun.
I love this because the kids aren't supposed to have cell phones at school. I guess it's okay when the teacher tells you to.

Mother's Day Tribute

We have a tradition in our family that started seven years ago when my mother-in-law passed away. Every Mother's day we go to the grave site and sprinkle rose petals around the head stone. Then we will share some of our favorite memories we have of her. This year Sean wrote a poem as a tribute to this wonderful mother. It's a great way for the younger kids who only knew her as an invalid to know her better.



Grandma’s Legacy
by Sean M. Fackrell

Let me tell you a story,
Of a woman kind and loving.
A woman of wisdom and beauty.
A woman who raised my father
And cared for all and every life.
This wonder woman, I regret to inform
Is no longer with us, in human form.
But not even death and decay
Could stop this woman from fighting dismay.
You see, she was sick for a while,
Diseased, curses of men and mortality,
Plagued every breath and blink she gave.
She fought her time,
not for her sake take in mind,
but for her family at her side.
Her love unable to suffer the pain
From the sight of their tears.
Her love so great, she fought death
Till she was alone, so her living love
Should not witness her final breath.
And with her pass came pain.
And I found myself fighting the tears
I desired to shed, for this woman
I never knew.
As time passed, the pain remained.
And the day of burial entered the frame.
But no dreary darkness threatened that day,
But a shining sun, and children’s laughing
Filled death’s yard.
Hypocritical and disgraceful some would say,
Disrespecting such a marvelous woman’s memry.
But t’was not mortals, such as I,
Who caused joy and celebration,
But this woman, adamant with fighting despair,
That even in death quelled our fears.
This woman, who loved so pure,
Who would rather die alone
Then have her children witness death,
Was with us that funereal day.
Refusing us the shedding of a single tear,
Making us smile not frown,
Laugh not grieve, reminding us
Her legacy, not filled with pain or tears,
But love never ending.
That is the memory of my grandmother.

It's Finally Happening

Today is an historic day in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After many, many years and many, many, many prayers we are getting a temple. Today was the groundbreaking ceremony. It was simply a marvelous experience. There were probably close to 2,000 people in attendance. The Mormon Chorale sang some beautiful hymns. Elder Ronald A. Rasband, Senior President of the Seventy, Elder William R. Walker, Executive Director of the Temple Department, and Elder Donald D. Deshler of the Sixth Quorum of the Seventy were the General Authorities in attendance. The sun was shining brightly which was a good thing since the wind was blowing so cold. In about two years time, I hope to be back in that spot for the dedication of the temple. 11 Stakes, 8 from Missouri and 3 from Kansas will comprise the temple district.

Chess Anyone?

 

Sean is at it again with his wood working skills. This year he decided to make a chess set. He used maple and oak for the pieces and left them with their natural colors. Just a bit of varnish to protect them. He entered in the R&D Forum for the school district and received the outstanding achievement award in his category. That's better than 1st place by the way or so I was told. He didn't have the board done for the forum so used one we had at home. It will look much better on the board he makes. He's one talented young man.

Family Home Evening

This was probably the easiest of the activities.


Reverse cup stacking, alternating hands. Not as easy as it sounds.


The best part of the evening, treats.


The first and hopefully not the last OP1 Ward Family Home Evening was a blast. The event was started as all good FHE do with a lesson. Chad and Monet Deshler presented a wonderful lesson on Having Christ as our Example and explained what FHE is. The Primary Children sang beautifully one of their songs they've been learning for the program in the fall. Then came the fun and games. I really like the idea of having FHE as a ward family.

So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Adieu

The cake looks to good to eat, but we didn't let that stop us.


Gardner Clan


Stake RS Presidency with Michelle Sinsel as secretary.
Heidi Weed, Ruth Gardner, Cheryle Mire, and Michelle Sinsel

Stake RS Presidency Jan 2010-March 2010

Easter 2010

I just love this picture.