Spring Break '14

Our spring break lasts for 4-weeks this year! Here's a peek at what we've been up to during the first two weeks of Spring Break. We are loving the sunshine!

 Michael had his molds taken to start braces. I can still remember how much I hated that stuff! Yuck!

 Michael attended the temple with Todd and me for the first time.

We had a chance to enjoy the ski slopes one more time this season.

Thanks Loretta! You are awesome!

Michael has been working hard on merit badges for Boy Scouts. He completed his snow sports merit badge while we were at Brighton.

Speaking of scouts...Michael (with Benjamin's help) is selling scouting expo tickets this year.  Let us know if you're interested in attending. We can tell you how to order online. 

Priesthood ordination & birthday interview

Michael received the priesthood the Sunday following his 12th birthday. What is the Priesthood?  I found the following answer to that question on a great website- mormon.org;

The priesthood is the authority to act in God’s name. The same priesthood authority that existed in the original Church established by Jesus Christ exists in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today. The Church is directed and led through this authority.

All male members of the Church who are prepared receive the priesthood in order to help lead the Church and serve Heavenly Father’s children. A man with the priesthood might serve in some of the following ways:

• Leading congregations of the Church
• Performing the ordinances of the Church, such as baptism
• Blessing those who are sick

God expects those who hold this sacred priesthood authority to follow the example of Jesus Christ and serve with love, gentleness, and kindness.

 Michael's priesthood ordination was a special occasion for our family. We are grateful that 6 of his grandparents were able to attend.

Michael's 12th birthday interview:

1. Favorite food: cheesy noodles

2. Favorite song: In Summer (Olaf- Frozen)

3. Favorite book: Harry Potter & the chamber of secrets

4. Favorite movie: The Hobbit & Frozen

5. Favorite past-time: Building legos

6. Favorite school subject: Science

7. Favorite holiday: My birthday

8. Favorite BSA merit badge earned so far? Snow sports & Architecture

9. What do you want to be when you grow up? An Engineer because I like to design and build things

10. What is your best accomplishment so far? 15 merit badges

11. Favorite vacation place? Disney World

12. What is your favorite memory of living in England? Sight seeing on Saturdays & Legoland

13. What is your favorite memory of living in Australia? The Australia zoo

14. What do you do well? Be amazing!

15. What makes you laugh? You Tube videos

16. What is the best time of day? When I get home from school

17. What are you afraid of? Being alone in the dark

18. What do you like to do with your family? Visit fun places like Disney theme parks

19. What do you love to learn about? World War 2

20. Where would you love to serve your mission? New Zealand

21. Complete the following sentence; I love it when my mom... makes delicious food!

22. Complete the following sentence; I love it when dad... takes us on fun rides at Disney parks!

23. Complete the following sentence; I love it when my siblings... do everything except break my Legos!

24. If you had one wish, what would it be? Be able to move back to Australia for a few years again with Grandpa and Grandma this time.

Michael's 12th birthday

Michael had a menu request for his birthday that kept me on my toes all day.

First, he wanted breakfast in bed on his birthday. Look at that sleepy face! He really enjoyed his breakfast once he woke up a little more.

 For his birthday lunch Sara and I delivered Chick-fil-A to his school cafeteria. Followed by cookies 'n' cream Cold Stone ice cream topped with gummy bears for his class treat.
His birthday dinner menu was cheesy noodles with mashed red potatoes. I added the spinach salad :)

 And finally, chocolate bundt cake with drizzled chocolate ganache topping.

 Opening his $75 Lego gift card...

 We love our Michael! He is such a great big brother and a good example. Happy 12th Birthday! (He's going to be taller than me before I know it!)

 Michael loves Boy Scouts. Here he is with the rocket he built for his Space Exploration merit badge. He launched it twice and he said it was a huge success.

Michael's friend party

Michael turned 12 in March. We had 8 of his friends over to celebrate his birthday. Todd taught them how to make survival bracelets. I fed them bagel pizzas, chocolate fondue with fruit and chocolate cake with ice cream. Then we played some games. Michael has a great group of friends!