Duke

Our photogenic dog!

Ethan at School

We don't often get pictures of the kids while at school, but here is one at lunch time @Ridge Point High School, with Brooke Francom, Lexi Weaver, Carson O'Bourke, Alicia Reynolds and Kayla Shaw.

So long Primary WELCOME to Young Womens, Lauren!

This beautiful little girl is finally in Young Women.  She has turned 12 and gets to experience the many blessings of Sister Lori Francom as her Beehive leader.  She will be a beautiful color in the Young Women box of crayons. 

THE TALKING BOX OF CRAYONS

While walking in a toy store The day before today, 

I overheard a crayon box With many things to say. 

“I don’t like red!” said yellow. And green said, “Nor do I!” 

And no one here likes orange, But no one knows quite why.” 

“We are a box of crayons That really doesn’t get along,” 

Said blue to all the others “Something here is wrong!” 

Well, I bought that box of crayons and took it home with me 

and laid out all the crayons so the crayons could see. 

They watched me as I colored With red and blue and green 

And black and white and orange and every color in between. 

They watched as green Became the grass And blue became the sky. 

The yellow sun was shining bright On white clouds drifting by. 

Colors changing as they touched, Becoming something new. 

They watched me as I colored. They watched till I was through. 

And when I’d finally finished, I began to walk away. 

And as I did the crayon box Had something more to say…….. 

“I do like red!” said the yellow And green said, “so do I!’ 

“And blue you are terrific So high up in the sky.” 

“We are a box of crayons Each of us unique, 

But when we get together The picture is complete.”

Longest Straw

Filmed and Narrated by Matthew 11/30/09

Thankful Thursday-Rachel & Matthew

Just a few quick finds of these two in their toddler years. 

 Love every roll, chunk, squishy part about them!

Just for Fun Friday - Their First Birthday Party!

Love that Mathew just went for it face and all and that Rachel was very dainty about the whole thing.  Nothing like giving your babies their own cake to dive into.

Ethan's Seminary Graduation

Ethan and his last seminary teacher Brother John Butler at graduation 2016!

He had five teachers.  Brother Thompson, Sister Linda Urmston and Sue Porter in Bakersfield and Brother Tyler Smith and John Butler in Sienna. 

Early morning seminary is definitely a sacrifice, but one with many blessings in return.

Washing the Truck?

Rainboots + A bucket full of soapy water = Fun for this little boy!

Salt Lake City Mission President & Wife

George Scott Spendlove, 51, and Kariane Christiansen Spendlove, five children, San Antonio Texas North Stake: Utah Salt Lake City Mission, succeeding President Stephen W. Hansen and Sister Carol V. Hansen. Brother Spendlove serves as a stake president and is a former stake presidency counselor, bishop, stake Young Men president, ward Young Men president and missionary in the Italy Catania Mission. Retired chief financial officer, Tesoro Corp. Born in Salt Lake City to George Paul Spendlove and Louise Prestwich Spendlove.

Sister Spendlove is a former stake Young Women presidency counselor, ward Primary president, ward Relief Society, Young Women and Primary presidencies counselor and ward nursery leader. Born in Portland, Oregon, to David Glen Christiansen and Julianne Prude Christiansen.

2015-2018

Walk Through California

Welcome to Walk Through California™!  This presentation is designed to allow fourth grade students to actively participate in a lively retelling of California’s rich history.  Through the use of games, music, and storytelling, history will come alive!

Walk Through California is California Weekly’s first Walk Through presentation and continues to be presented to thousands of classrooms each year. The program focuses on major events that shaped our great state of California. Drama, dance, games, and music support students’ listening skills, vocabulary development, history and geography standards. A large topographical map of California is built for students to experience California’s geography hands-on.

Lauren's part: Mountain

A mountain is high, rocky land, often with steep sides and a pointed top.  A mountain range is a group of mountains that form a wall or chain.

What is the highest mountain in California, and what is its elevation?

The highest mountain in California is Mt. Whitney and the elevation is 14, 500 feet.

Lauren's 4th grade class

This was very entertaining and educational for me, too.   I was a little late {the location was moved to a different school} and I literally walk in and sat down just in time to hear Lauren.  What a fun activity!

Indoor Soccer 2014 Go AZTECS!

Matthew's second season of indoor soccer at the zone with the Aztecs.  It's just extra playing time for them.  They played lots of teams that only play indoor soccer and still held their ground.  Matthew's real game though is out on the field.

Matthew and Anthony {best friends}

Almond Groves in Bakersfield

Once a year the almond trees bloom everywhere in Bakersfield.  We have lived here for almost five years and haven't yet been out to take pictures.  So one Sunday afternoon I just took whoever wanted to go and so here you go!  Our FUN photo shoot!!