Entryway furniture piece

I am so thrilled with our new entry furniture piece. I have always wanted something like this to set the tone by our front door. Before our remodel, the wall wasn't big enough. Even after we added to the wall, I had a hard time finding the right furniture for this spot. I found a builder near me who was willing to custom make this piece for us. I can't believe what a difference it makes. I love it!

Michael is training a new missionary

I am so grateful that Sister Auna posts pictures on Facebook. Michael's new companion arrived in the mission yesterday. I don't know anything about him yet (not even his name), but I'm able to see that my son is happy in his service to the Lord. We love you Michael and we are always praying for you and your companion as you serve together.

Luke's pyogenic granuloma

Luke has had a growth on his finger for several months. At first we thought it might be a wart. Then when it wouldn't stop bleeding and oozing we decided he needed to go to a doctor. 

The doctor immediately diagnosed the lump as a pyogenic granuloma.

It more than likely formed when Luke had a minor injury to his finger. His body overcompensated to heal the wound and the pyogenic granuloma formed.

The doctor numbed Luke's finger and had to dig deep to remove it completely.

Then she put two stitches in his finger, wrapped it well, and told us to return in a week to have the stitches removed.

Luke is so relieved to have it gone.

He turned white and almost fainted when we changed the bandages for the first time.

However, each day his finger hurts a little less and it seems to be healing well.

We are so grateful for good doctors.

What a relief to have this taken care of for our Luke!

This is this text that I received from Luke the day after the procedure on his finger. What a sweet boy!

Update: one week later it was time to get the stitches out.

Luke became a little lightheaded when the stitches were removed. He had to lay down for a bit and he was given juice and oreos as he recovered. He is all good now and we are so grateful that the pyogenic granuloma is a thing of the past.

Mary's updates

I was able to attend Mary's orchestra concert because I volunteered to record it so it could be posted for other parents to see.

I love to hear Mary play the viola and piano. She is musically gifted.

Mary has been very busy lately. She tried out for Bingham Dance Co. She didn't make Dance Co. but she made Dance 3 which will be great for her Sophomore year!

Mary also started working at Chick-fil-A.

She loves it!

Mary noticed quickly that she is instantly well known when she says her last name. The first question at school and at work is, "Are you Ben's sister?!" We love our fun, hard-working, friendly Ben! It is a joy to be known as his family.

Senior class president

A few weeks ago, Ben was elected by the student body as a Senior class officer. Before he ran for office he petitioned to be selected as president if he won. The student government advisors determine positions. Petitioned positions are not guaranteed. Last week the student government held a dinner where next years positions were announced. Ben was selected at Senior Class President! His good buddy Kyle (they have been friends since we moved here when Ben was in 3rd grade) will be vice-president. We are so thrilled! Way to go Ben!!!

Here is a picture of Kyle and Ben in April 2015 helping to pass out programs at school.

These boys have also served on our Stake Youth Council together this year.

It's good to know they will continue to serve and do great things for the class of 2022!

County float and lost tooth

Sara made a Sanpete County float for her County report at school.

Sara pulled out her loose tooth. She said it was a relief to finally have it out so she can eat again!

Mother's Day 2021

 I was up late the night before Mother's Day waiting for Ben to return home from his Stud Gov formal date. So, I took the opportunity to sleep in on Mother's Day.

My phone rang at 8:00am and I was so excited that it was Michael that woke me up! My heart skips a beat and I seriously get so excited when I see his face and hear his voice! As we were talking I could hear the sounds of breakfast being prepared in the kitchen. I was so spoiled that day. Todd and the kids made delicious food for me and gave me lovely cards. It was wonderful.

On Mothers Day, we attended sacrament meeting in person for the first time weekly going forward.

We no longer need to attend in groups according to last name every other week or every third week.

Next Sunday will be our first Sunday back to the second hour of church in person.

After more than 1 year, some of the things we have missed are slowly returning to our lives.

Sara is so excited to attend Primary again next Sunday.

Todd and the kids made this delicious dinner for me.

We visited my mom after dinner on Mother's Day. She had an amazing dessert spread all prepared.

Sara loves to play on my mom's phone. She made several of these pictures for me on Grandma's phone.

Mary was able to get Instagram on Mother's Day. Her first post was about me. What a sweetheart!

I treasure my role as a wife and mother. I am so grateful to the Lord for blessing me with Todd and our kids. We are truly blessed. My heart is filled to overflowing.

Ben's stud gov formal

Ben asked Alyssa- a friend from school to Stud gov formal. It was only recently that we put the puzzle together. Alyssa is the daughter of some very good friends of ours. Her parents were at our temple sealing. We have been sending them a Christmas card every year for 20+ years. We are so thrilled that our kids are friends. They had a great time at stud gov formal.

Ben drove the suburban for Prom and Stud Gov formal.

Taking pictures at the temple after the dance.

Weekend getaway

We de-winterized our trailer and spent a couple of nights in Heber together.

Our first Thunder Wagon adventure of 2021!

It was so fun to take a break from it all and enjoy each other.

Even though much of the day on Friday was spent doing homework, it was still great to be together.

Milkshakes at Dairy Keen

Dutch oven chicken and rice dinner

We loved taking walks because the blossoms were incredible. The nights were a little chilly but we stayed warm in our trailer. I also love this time of year because it's still too cold for the bugs.

Playing games at night is our favorite.

We can't wait for our next adventure in the Thunder Wagon!

We laugh often about how we have the biggest family and the smallest trailer in the RV park.

There was a family across from us- they had a 5th wheel twice the size of our trailer. They had 3 small kids and a small dog. They were probably amazed when they saw six of us and a big dog emerge from our trailer each morning. I love the coziness!

Ballroom formal

Ben came home from his first mountain biking practice of the season to find that he had been asked to Ballroom formal. To be honest, I wasn't thrilled to learn that the dance was on a weeknight and the night before one of Ben's AP tests. However, because Ashley and her family are good family friends, we decided to let Ben go.

 They had a great time!

And Ben felt rested enough the next day to take his AP test. He said he thinks he did well.

Teacher appreciation

One of my friends from church is Sara's 4th grade teacher. 

We love her and she has been a huge help for Sara this year.

Sara and I had a great time putting this basket together for Teacher Appreciation Week.

I love how excited Sara was to give it to her.

SBO elections at So Jo

Luke ran for next year's Student Body Officer at the middle school.

We used the top 1/2 of Ben's posters and added VOTE LUKE STEPAN to the bottom half.

He also created a great 30 second video that was shown to the student body before voting.

 

He handed out candy with copies of his poster attached.

He won! Congratulations Luke! You will be an amazing Student Body Officer next year at So Jo!