Thursday Team Meal

We got to host a dinner for a bunch of football players the Thursday night before their home game against Wayne. Initially we had about 15 boys show up. I always love doing these team meals and am so grateful that Heidi and Ryan are so kind to let us do it at their home.

The Clarks have a much cooler backyard, especially because of the pool!

Only real casualty of the night - Noah's bloody nose.

We had a few party crashers a little later...

and then a few more. But it was all good because these players are such good kids.

Coco did not like Brody!

After making Omar run a lap around the yard for using bad language, Omar decided to go after Brody.

Apparently a fun game of belly slapping. Sometimes I just don't know.

Most of the boys went home but a few stayed for some more pool shennanigans.

Some of the senior trainer girls came a little later to hang out. It was definitely a fun night!

One Year!!

Xander has been serving as a missionary for one year!! He started in the Orem, Utah mission and in June he was reassigned to the new Saratoga Springs, Utah mission. Although we miss him tremendously, we are so proud of the good he is doing. 

A couple weeks ago I received the sweetest message along with a picture from a member of one of the wards where Xander had first served. Xander had actually met this man his very first day in the mission field and was able to stop by recently and visit with him for a few minutes. This man was kind enough to reach out to me with the following note: "We met your son originally on the first day here in Utah with his first companion. He was doing splits today and decided to stop by and say hi. He is a good young man, you have a lot to be proud of." I responded with how much I miss him and he replied back: "I'm sure it seems like a long time ago as close as he is to your heart. As a parent time seems to slow down every day he is away. Just know he is making a difference in many people's lives and testifying of our Savior to those who are in need of it and searching for the purpose of this mortal existence. Thank you for your sacrifice to let your son serve. I hope this year goes by a little faster." 

What his first year has looked like: trainings, councils, conferences, member messages, personal and companion study, good lessons, new friends to teach, door knocking grind, lots of rejection, struggles, tender mercies, food (his favorite is Chubby's), time at the temple, highs and lows, 8 different companions, 2 different mission presidents, service, P day fun (fishing, pickle ball, Here to Slay, basketball, volleyball), meeting tons of people, spiritual experiences, knee pain, bike crashes, homie members, hitting multiple church services on Sundays, miracles, baptisms (he even got to do one in Russian!), witnessing hearts change and an increased desire to follow Jesus Christ. As Xander put it in his last email - the work continues! His latest crop of photos! 

Meeting up with his very first companion, Elder Reams!

The baptism of a little angel.

Temple Day!

Holy pizza!

September Birthdays

Tricia was in town since she and Mom were going to be heading out on their Europe trip so we decided to celebrate all the September birthdays - Mckenna, Heidi, and Tricia. 

McKenna was super excited about her caramel popcorn from David!

Dinner was delicious!

Love watching the progression of Bryan's expressions in these pictures.

Make a wish, birthday girls!

Mom's beautiful gift to Heidi.

Time for some family photos.

You know we couldn't keep it serious.