That First Step is a Big One!

We're doing some fixing up at our house, including replacing our deck in the back.  It's a little scary to open the back doors these days!   

I'll post "after" pictures when it's done.

What Did the Prophet Ask Us to Do?

What did the prophet ask us to do in the October, 2014 conference?  Here's what I gathered from the four talks that President Monson gave:

Saturday Morning Session
We encourage all worthy and able young men to serve a mission.
Give your attention to the brethren and sisters who will participate in conference.

Priesthood Session
"Please, before you put yourself and your priesthood in jeopardy by bv adventuring into places or participating in activities which are not worthy of you or of that priesthood, pause to consider the consequences."
"Be an example;  be an influence for good."

Sunday Morning Session
Be merciful, be humble, be righteous be pure in heart, be peacemakers
Stand up bravely for our beliefs
Let our lights shine
Be morally clean
Lay up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.
Go to the rescue of those who have left the path and have lost their way.
Ponder the path of thy feet.

Sunday Afternoon Session
May we return to our homes with a resolve in our hearts to be a little better than we have been in the past.
May we be a little kinder and more thoughtful.
May we reach out in helpfulness, not only to our fellow members but also to those who are not of our faith.  As we associate with them, may we show our respect for them.
Let us extend our concern to those who are struggling, as well as lend a helping hand.
May we remember the elderly and those who are homebound.  As we take time to visit them, they will know that they are loved and valued.
Succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down and strengthen the feeble knees.
Be a people of honesty and integrity, trying to do the right thing at all times and in all circumstances.
Be faithful followers of Christ, example of righteousness.
Ponder the truths we have heard.

Kenneth Reed Prince

On Thursday, October 30 at 1:23am  I got a text from Michelle saying she thought she might be in real thing labor.  So I got up and started wrapping gifts and then a little later she sent another text saying that she was pretty sure this was it.  So I woke up Ken and we started packing in earnest.  We got it all in the car and left about 3am.  We arrived and found Michelle in full labor.  After getting instructions on how to care for the kids which mostly went right over my head because I was so tired, we slept for a couple of hours while Michelle continued to labor.  When the kids woke up, Michelle and Brian headed to the hospital and so began a very busy day.  Michelle had signed up to help at Gabbi’s kindergarten with  the Halloween party, so we dressed both kids in their cute costumes, and Ken (what a good man) took them to the school and helped.  I crashed on the couch.     

Gabbi was delighted to have her brother at school with her and took him by the hand to be in the costume parade.

Gabbi and her Elsa friends.

 After the kindergarten party, Ken took them to the library for the library party.  It was party day!

 That evening, we took them to their ward trunk or treat party at the church.  

Anna convention at the ward party!

Meanwhile, Michelle labored all day long and brought forth a beautiful son who they named Kenneth (after Grandpa Ken) Reed (after Brian's beloved Grandpa Reed Walker) Prince.  He weighed 9 lbs. 2 oz. 

That evening, we put the kids down and immediately climbed in bed  ourselves.  I feel certain we were asleep before Jaron was and didn’t even  hear when Brian came home. 

The next morning, we all headed to the hospital to meet baby Kenny.  It was so fun to see the excitement of the children in meeting their new brother and getting to hold him.  After Ken blow dried Michelle’s hair (for old times’ sake) we took the kids home.  

That evening we took the kids trick or treating.  It was really fun.

So began our delightful (for the most part) week in Brian and Michelle’s home.  We so enjoyed tending the kids and taking care of and playing with them, as well as preparing meals and other chores.  It was SO fun to do it together.  I loved having Ken with me and found we made a great team.  Jaron loves him. When I would suggest I change Jaron’s poopy diaper,  Jaron would say, “This is a Grandpa job.”  And so it was.

 One of my favorite things was doing Puzzle Wars with Gabbi with these Frozen puzzles.  We'd each choose a puzzle and race to put it together.  At first, I'd purposely go slow so she could win.  But it wasn't long before I was going for all I was worth and she'd still beat me most of the time.  . . Smart little cookie!

While Kenny had his newborn pictures taken, Ken and I took the kids to the library story hour.  

Story hour.

The two Kennys snoozin' it out.

We left on Friday morning to get back to St. George in time to attend the 2pm wedding of our nephew, Kasey Hinton (Mark and Kathy's son) and his new bride Courtney.  It was a beautiful temple ceremony and good to be with family.  

Welcome to the Family, Kenneth Reed Prince!!!

Teasing Mr. Alligator

Our cute Jaron.  Love this kid.