Eagle Scouts

On Sunday we attended an Eagle Court of honor for Joseph Joslin. Joseph is one of Jeff’s young men.


Jeff has been blessed to have 5 boys receive their Eagle Scout awards this year, including our son Keldon.


Jeff also attended and completed Woodbadge training along with other men in his presidency, Derek Hatch, Dave Godemann, and Brett Hamblin. Woodbadge is the highest training you can receive in the Boy Scouts.

I have witnessed personally the changes and the impact this program has on young men. I know there are allot of dissenters of the program, but I question whether they truly understand and have committed to learning it. I say this, because I can’t understand how anyone would disagree with this program if they truly understood its purpose. It has been my experience that people that have had a bad experience with Boy Scouts is because they had a leader who was improperly trained, not trained at all, or disillusioned going into the program. Anyway there’s my soapbox, but I am really pleased with my scouts and the work that they continue to do to get these prestigious awards.

Tubing Trip

We had the young men over to our house last Wednesday to air up the tubes for a trip to the Salt River this last Saturday.


It worked out that Brother Haws, Brother Hatch, Brother Godemann, Brother Barrett, and Brother Snow did all of the airing, while the young men "tested" them out in the pool. They all had a good time swimming and eating pizza.


The tubing trip was fun, and I was able to go this time. There wasn't enough Young Women's leaders that could go, so I was asked if I could go to represent the Young Women. I was really happy to go, and had a good time. The young men and young women make this an annual activity, because it is so fun. They always go early in the morning to avoid the riff raff that comes later in the day to drink and are generally immodest. Besides there is so much wildlife you get to see when you go early in the morning. We saw two herds of wild horses that came down to drink in the river. I have never seen wild horses, so it was a new experience for me as well as many that were with us. There is tons of big fish that would swim and jump very close. I wasn't sure if I like that, but I soon got used to it. Bishop Hale navigated his kayak to help all those that strayed out of the currents, and help keep everyone safe. I think everyone had a fun time, and I would love to go again.

D-Backs Game

Orland Hudson was hurt toward the in of the game, when the pitcher hit him in the ankle with the ball.
This was the Logo on the huge new T.V. Screen they have. It's pretty cool.

Jeff and I went to the Diamond Backs baseball game at Chase field. Jeff has season tickets, and it has been a fun date to go and watch them play. I like baseball, but the games get a little long so I usually have a book or something. Anyway, they played the Chicago Cubs. The Cubbbies hold a special place in my heart, because growing up here in Arizona we didn't have a professional team yet, so I watched the Cubs on T.V. I watched Ryne Sandberg, and Mark Grace as a rookie. I even came to a spring training game with my best friend Angela and her dad when we were in High School. The game was fairly exciting though, and the D-Backs rattled the Cubbies 9-2. We left during the 7th inning, because it just got to stinkin hot, but watched the rest of the game at home.

Monsoon Season in the Desert

I went outside tonight and everything had the strangest red/
orange glow. It was the eeriest feeling. I had to take a picture. The storms here are the most incredible I have ever witnessed, and can be soo intense.

Family Friday Night Barbeque

We had a Barbeque at our house with the Hatch's, Hamblins, Haws's, and the Barnett's. Hmmmm, what's wrong here? Maybe we need to change the Barnett's to the Harnett's. lol. Anyway we had a great time, and the kids enjoyed swimming in the pool that now feels like warm bath water. The kids and suspiciously some or all of the husbands found water guns that were used maliciously against each other and the innocent wives. I am vowing to accidentally lose those toys in the future. The food was great. We made the burgers, the Hamblin's brought mouth watering watermelon, and yummy bean dip. The Barnett's made guacamole dip, and potato salad. It was fantastic especially since it was the first time for Kelly to make it. Kudos, Kelly and Tad! The Hatch's brought three different ice cream desserts, and a special no sugar dessert for Danielle, which was incredibly sweet of Elizabeth. She always makes the best desserts. It's kinda her permanent job. We were all completely stuffed, and happy watching the D-Backs on the back porch. As always it's refreshing to have friends to hang out with and have fun. It was really nice to get know Kelly and Tad a little better. They are newlyweds of about 3 months and new to the ward. They are great people and look forward to associating with them in the future.

Happy Independance Day! The Parade

There is nothing like going to the parade in Eagar. We sat in our usual spot in front of Uncle Ted's bookstore. It has been a tradition for a long time and it was great to see the Haws's too. The 4th of July has always been our favorite time of the year, and there is always an excitement that accompanies it. We were a little disappointed to see all the political stuff that saturated the parade this year, but were excited to see the neat floats. There was a cool surprise when three large Military Helicopters flew low over the crowd and close enough to see the soldiers waving at us. The kids had tons of candy and had a blast. We were glad that we attended.

Happy Independance Day! Dinner at Granny and Grandad's

We had a great time in Eagar and celebrating our nation's birthday! We enjoyed dinner at Granny and Grandad Nelson's after the parade. Keldon and Chandler took down Grandad's old flag and replaced it with a new one. The old flag can be properly disposed during a Boy Scout Ceremony. Grandma Childers was able to join us and it was a real treat to have her there. She was in the parade and was dressed pretty in pink. She came over a little injured since a lady fell off a float and onto her! She was sore for several days after that, but we are glad she is ok. Aunt Cherai showed off her "new bod" and Grandad thinks she will blow away now that she is so skinny. We enjoyed reliving old times and being together. The kids built a great stick fort and played by the pond. Poor Nicholas fell when he was hauled on a rope swing. He endured some sore ribs, but lives to tell about it. We were also to visit Great Aunt Winnie at her house and enjoyed talking with her. It is always fun to be with family. We enjoyed being together. It had been a long time since we were all able to get together as sisters. We were only missing Seneca (she was with her dad), and Aaron (out fighting fires. Even with only two gone there was a hole, but maybe next year everyone can be together.