Jaxson and Derek go to school campout!

One of the things I love about our elementary school is the campouts! As third graders, they go and spend 2 nights in tents and have centers set up all day long. Derek went along with Jaxson and other than a little rain, they had a great time! Here are a few pictures the teacher sent me! It really is a beautiful place with lots of cool outdoor things to do!

American Mother's Inc. Gala

It was quite a surprise and an honor to find myself nominated this year for young mother of the year award by American Mothers Inc.

http://www.americanmothers.org/

Last weekend was the annual Gala. We left Brock with a babysitter and the rest of my family was there to support me as I gave my 2 min. speech. We started off with a really formal dinner. Upon seeing lettuce and what looked like grass, coming out of a tomato, Jaxson informed me this was maybe too formal for him. LOL

It was a really great night and we had a chance to hear from some amazing mothers who have earned this award in years past! Part of a family of 10 children, now grown were there to share their incredible musical talents. Daughters and grand daughter singing and playing violins with their mother(in her 80's) accompanying them. My family was asked to sing Teach me to Walk in the Light to end the night. Although we are not as talented as the first group, our message was received well by the people of many faiths in attendance that night!

This picture is the Mother of the Year who went on to compete in NYC and the 3 Young Mothers of the Year. None of us were able to compete this year, but invited to compete for next years award, so we were all equally nominated as honorary!

Here is a copy of my speech, mostly so I will have it to remember! Thanks to those of you that helped me with this!

I first want to say thank you for this opportunity to learn from all these other wonderful mothers here in Wichita and although humbling, what an honor it is to be able to participate in this great event!

What legacy will I leave behind?

I hope to be remembered not only by the things I say, but also by the way I live!

I strive to live a life that represents my ancestors well and continue the legacy they started. A moral life is what I strive to live, which was taught to me by my parents and my grandparents. I strive to teach my children the same principles to pass on to the generations.

Important values that have remained a part of my family’s legacy and are my hope to be passed on are:

Honesty, integrity, faith, good works and education!

I strive to live an open and honest life, not only honest to others, but most importantly, honest to myself. Honesty is not rationalizing the wrong as right, but it takes courage and commitment to actually do what is right!

Integrity is not only how you act but also what you watch, read and think! A wise woman, my mother, taught me that your true integrity is who you are when no one else is watching!

Faith is an important principle to have in my family, in my community, in my country and world! But most importantly, I must have faith in God! If God comes first in my life, all the rest seems to be supported by that most important relationship.

Doing good works starts in the home. Serving my husband is the best example my children can have. I hope this teaches them to serve one another and those around them. A great man once said, “No amount of success can compensate for failure in the home”. Service must continue to our neighbors, church members, and in the community, but, it doesn’t need to stop there, there are many opportunities to serve all over the world. With all the devastation happening around us, I find it is important to focus on the good that can happen when we come together! As we serve, our capacities increase and our lives and those around us will be blessed!

Education is not only what is learned the classroom, but expands beyond into skills you gain, hobbies and interests we nurture, and talents we discover. We need to educate our mind to improve and add to our abilities. Education helps us to be an influence for good in the world. We need to keep the enthusiasm for learning throughout our lives!

I truly believe that if these principles are taught and lived that a strong legacy will continue to be handed down for generations to come!

Thank you!

Cruisin' with our old Wichita gang!

Not sure which was more fun, cruisin' through the eastern caribbean or reuniting with amazing friends that have all moved away from Wichita!?! It was such an incredible week to combine those two together!

First day of cruise with Miami behind us!

The Flow Rider, where we spent most of our time waiting in line and hoping to stay up for 10 seconds!

First Stop, St. Maarten(day 3)

catching the water taxi

Stacie's old stomping ground! Del Sol and the Belgian Chocolate Box

(delicious iced chocolate drink!)

Best beach in the world! Orient Beach!

This is what happens when you burn on the first day...will they ever learn??

2nd stop-San Juan, Puerto Rico(day 4)

Took a day trip to the Rain Forrest

our Royal Caribbean cruise ship
San Juan Fort built in the 1500's-has been used as protection, as a castle and as a prison

3rd stop-Labadee, Haiti(day 5)

Royal Caribbean owns their own island and employees over 500 Haitians. There was no earthquake damage on this part of Haiti (about 90 miles from Port Au Prince).

Jeep ride up to the top of the mountain for zip lining!!

View from the top...

View from the ship as we sail away. The tower on the left is where we zip lined from.

Rock climbing competition-I took 3rd place in female category! (day 6-at sea)

Derek goofing around during the dinner pictures!

Can't forget the pictures of the towels! So nice to have your room made up 3 times a day!

Thanks to Moses, the best room attendant ever!!

First formal night on the ship!

80's dance party..featuring...

Garrett as George Michael!!

Girls just wanna have fun!

(Karaoke)

Typical night, hanging out in pizza place talking or game room playing nertz!!