August Update

We are all alive and doing well. Here are our list of happenings from August.

1. The kids started school August 3rd. They all like their teachers and seem to be doing well. Getting back into the homework routine has been difficult, but we will survive! :-)

2. In August I started working (without pay) as KVOA's Savvy Savings Contributor. I film 2 small stories with me acting as the actual reporter. In August, I did Birthday Freebies for Kids and Birthday Freebies for adults. I go into the studio to be live on the 4 p.m. news twice a month. I am learning a lot and count it as free tuition and hands on experience that could possibly help me to become a Home and Family Life Reporter when I grow up.

3. I am officially an alternate on the Police Citizens Advisory Commission for the town of Marana. I was confirmed by the town council in August and took the oath of office on Tuesday after the monthly commission meeting. It will be nice to be a voice for young families in Marana.

4. I am now wearing contacts when I'm not home in pajamas that is. :-) I'm really enjoying them!

5. Devan received his Arrow of Light from Cub Scouts on the 27th of August with two of his best friends- Tyler and Zach! The activity included the largest slip N slide that I have ever seen topped off with the 3 boys shooting flaming arrows. Devan is excited to be an 11 year old scout with Brother Esplin and Julie Mills brother-in-law.

6. I really have the dream calling at church now! I was so excited to be a ward missionary, but now I get to still be a ward missionary and teach the Sunday School class (Gospel Essentials) for people who are just learning about our church or who are new. I am so excited. The teacher before me was able to do it for 5 years. Maybe I'll be that lucky! :-)

7. I've been working at building up our family's food storage. I think I've gone a little overboard. We've had some huge sales lately where I could get cereal from .39- $1 with my coupons. I now have 189 boxes of cereal! We go through approximately 20 boxes a month. Luckily I have a huge walk in pantry. I have boxes stacked according to their expiration dates, so we know which boxes to use in what order. If my calculation is correct, I have a 9 month supply! :-) My kids love to show off our cereal to whoever comes to visit, so you have fair warning!

8. We had an amazing super Saturday in August. I actually felt a little crafty after making 15 Christmas Ornaments, etching our name on 10 of my pyrex pans, making a Look What I Made sign to hang the kids art from, and more. I, as usually, signed up for more than was humanly possible to do. I was saved by Sister Knight and Francine Riggan who hadn't signed up for much and volunteered to help me! Thanks, ladies!!! It was an awesome activity!

9. We had a great church BBQ this month at Ora Mae Park. It was fun to visit with so many people. The best part was watching them load this cannon type machine that fired candy everywhere. The kids all loved it!

10. Ivan and I were able to go up to Mesa when our friends, the Nelsons, went for their first time. The next day I went back up to be there for their sealing. After the parents made their marriage covenants, they brought in the 3 boys dressed in white. Little Tyler was beaming with joy from ear to ear. I don't think there was a dry eye in the room. I love baptisms and the amazing feeling that comes with each one, but this experience topped even that. It was truly amazing!