Sunday, September 25, 2011

The big boys off to church in their new suits.

Davin got his first suit since his baptism one. The kids here don't wear them. In fact, they hardly even wear long sleeve shirts. I have been wanting to get him one, but we decided to wait until he mostly stopped growing. I think we are just about there, but just in case we left room in the sleeve and pant leg to let out. He is 6'5" now without shoes. Davin went on a recruiting trip to MIT and Northeastern recently. He enjoyed the visit to Boston since he hasn't really travelled much, but I just can't imagine him going that far away! Before he went, he really thought the idea of MIT was exciting - I mean it is MIT, but he has had time to think about it and is leaning toward not going all the way to Boston. We are trying our very hardest to just guide him and give him space to explore his options without just telling him what we "know" would be best. For those of you reading this that have not gotten to this with your oldest yet, it is challenging - guide, advise but not push. They do have to come to the decision for themselves even if you do know what is best!


Taylor Swift here we come!!!!!
Heather and the Wertner clan ran away from home and landed in Memphis, TN. This so obviously was not O.K. with any of us, and to make it up to us Tim has been following through on his bribery promises:)! First up, a trip to TN for me and Perry to meet up with Jessie, Alyssa, Brooke, Lauren, and Heather. I can't even get started on describing the mansion they live in - just think dream house! Taylor Swift was in Nashville so we made the 3 1/2 hour drive to meet up with her too. (well almost meet:))

Look how close the four older girls were to her!

Jessie is the go to girl for planning. She made sure the four older girls had floor seats so that when Taylor walked by they could actually touch her - and that they did! She sang some of her songs from this tree as close to them as it shows in the above picture. Perry had the time of her life.

Ready for some Taylor Swift fun



The car drive there was fun too. For me and Heather the concert was fun, but the memory building was the purpose and the highlight. These woman we were with are amazing daughters of God who shine in this world. It is a blessing to be with them - they stand out wherever they go.

Mom and Perry ready for the concert

Perry is the oldest daughter in a family of six. Our one on one time is on the slim side. She is the most undemanding individual I know - I am so lucky. So, we went big with our "date" and made it 4 days with plane rides and hotel rooms and concerts and lots of eating out. It will be a special memory for us I am sure.

Perry with Luke Walton from the Lakers

(I don't know why this picture loaded sideways?) Unfortunately on our way to TN we stopped in TX and got held up at the airport for 8 extra hours. We tried to make the best of it and Luke Walton showing up sure helped. He is coaching a TN college team during the lockout.


Sunday, September 11, 2011

Daddy Playtime = Happy Kids




My 17 year old still loves to watch a beautiful sunset!

Couldn't resist taking pictures of this angel baby sleeping. (Thank goodness the flash didn't wake him :))

For a year and a half these older Guinn kids get to be youth together. Tonight they all headed off to a Bishop's fireside, and I just had to snap a photo. They are friends which is what I always hoped for. They'll make it - we'll make it because we are in it together. Eternal families - God's plan for happiness.











Thursday, September 1, 2011

Brody and his first taste of organized sports



Kellen, Brody, and Emmie waiting for church



First day of school 2011
So we have started to settle into a routine. Kellen is not so happy all of his friends ditched him, but we took care of that at least on Tuesday and Thursday. We are trading houses with Cannon Edwards so the moms can help in the classrooms and the little ones have a friend - so far so good. Soccer is in full swing at our house with four playing right now. Brody is in heaven playing on the Green Tanks, Emmie not so much. Perry and Josie are on the same club teams as last year and playing tournaments all over southern cal. every weekend! Davin is all basketball trying to get ready for his senior season. Brad is working in Texas Monday through Thursday and we really miss him in the evenings. Did I mention how much Brody loves kindergarten. We weren't certain we were even going to send him, but he has told me several times that he loves school. I asked him what he loves, and he told me "everything".

This is what I want my children to know...
"Trust the Lord. Believe in Him. Study His words. Worship your father in Heaven in the holy and sacred name of His Beloved Son...Faith is one of the greatest powers that you and I have in this sojourn of mortality. Fear is one of those principles that the devil uses...replace any fear or apprehension you have now with faith...May every righteous desire of your hearts be granted through your faithfulness and your trust in your Heavenly Father." M. Russell Ballard