Youth Conference {Our Book of Mormon Journey}

Where do I even begin with explaining our Youth Conference experience this year! I don't even know if there are words to describe it, but hopefully through a good summary I will be able to remember and hold on to the feelings that were had over these few days at camp. This years theme was "Our Book of Mormon Journey: A Generation of Promise". As a stake they challenged all youth and leaders to read the Book of Mormon cover to cover, knowing at Youth Conference they would be seeing a handful of these scripture stories come to life through mini-skit productions and activities. We started on Monday July 25th meeting at "Jerusalem" {Stake Center} where we got to see our Stake President act out the scene of Lehi prophesying of the destruction of Jerusalem and commanding that those living there should leave behind all belongings and journey in the wilderness with his family. That is when we packed up into our cars as a "Tribe" and journeyed to our stake property, Beaver Ridge right by Park City. Once we were settled and camp was set up we watched another skit about Nephi and his brothers as the were trying to collect the brass plates from Laban. After that was over we made it back to our camp to find a "Liahona". This Liahona was our guide on where to go and what activity we were doing later that afternoon. The youth spent a few hours rotating through many team building activities.

 Later that night our Tribal Leader {Bishop Jenkins} talked to the youth about the Title of Liberty and how important this was to Captain Moroni. After Bishop was done talking to our family, the youth got to decorate their own Title of Liberty for our tribe. Being the Legacy Ranch Ward, our YCL's gave us the tribe name of the Ranchites!

To finish the first night off, we had dinner and then one more combined activity learning about the Iron Rod and Lehi/Nephi's vision of the Tree of Life. The Stake leaders built this incredibly long path out of sprinkler pipe for the youth to hold to as if they were actually holding onto a rod. To add to the effects of people taunting them to let go of the rod on their way to the tree of life, they were blindfolded and the rain showed no signs of stopping. Our youth were covered in garbage sacks but that still didn't prevent them from getting soaked. After all families had made it along the Iron Rod and made their way to the Tree of Life, we met back at the pavilion for some closing thoughts from Brother Sorenson. I will always remember his words he shared because he made those few chapters come to life for me. I won't be able to read those pages again without remembering his thoughts on Nephi's vision and teaching us to take notice of the many times when Heavenly Father tells us to "Look" at different points in our lives.

Day 2, our Liahona directed us to more activities and skits. Some of the rotations consisted of Helaman and the stripling warriors, King Noah, his wicked priests and Abinadi, Ammon and his sheep, and one of my favorite skits with Korihor, the anti-Christ. After lunch, it was free time for the youth and it was time for me to go pick up Nate in Park City so he was up at camp in time for his skits. As soon as he got there Nate needed to do dress rehersals, so I went back with my Tribe as we were called on "missions" to share and receive messages from other families at camp. Funny story that happened during this was when we were visited by another family and they taught us about unity. After their spiritual thought they had us play the human knot game. Well my side of the knot was untangled rather quickly, so as we were all holding hands in a semi-circle waiting for the rest of the knot a conversation was had with a teenage boy next to me. We talked a lot about where he went to school and what his school goals were when he decided to turn the conversation to me. He then proceeded to ask, "so do you go to Herriman High??". I had no clue what to say, but the first things that came to my mind were "oh, you sweet thing, I am married and have 2 kids". The look on his face was priceless! Good thing the knot was almost untied because he was ready to run back to his camp as fast as he could if it wouldn't have been too noticeable.

Later that night it was one of the 2 scenes Nate was in. Nate played a Gadianton Robber during Samuel the Lamanite scene. This also was the beginning or setting up of the scene to come in the morning as camp was coming to a close.

That night the prophesied destruction, thundering, and darkness were acted out and, as youth and leaders, we were told to go back to our camps and wait out the darkness. During our Tribe/family time we talked about 3 Nephi 11 preparing them for the next morning. Our youth were awesome! We had some good conversations around the campfire and then went to bed.

The morning of our last day we were gathered by "believers" telling us to come with them because the darkness had lifted and more prophecies were being fulfilled. This skit was by far the highlight of our Youth Conference and I am lucky to be married to the lead role. Nate got asked to play the role of the Savior a few months before so as a family it was extra special to prepare for this moment. The skit consisted of the story of Christ visiting the Nephites in the Americas during 3 Nephi 11. What an indescribable feeling as Nate appeared to the youth and gradually descended down the mountain side. I still get chills just remembering that moment. I know the youth were overcome with the spirit that was felt during this scene.

 It was hard to hold back the tears wondering what it might be like to actually meet the Savior face to face and have him bless you and your little ones.

After this scene, Mormon asked the youth to write and share those things that they know to be true on their very own brass plates just like prophets of old. And to finish the conference Moroni gathered the plates and buried them in a rock to be restored later to the Prophet Joseph Smith {This happened during our fireside a few weeks after we got back from Youth Conference}

This Youth Conference was by far my favorite activity I have ever done as a leader or youth! and I was even more grateful I got to be there with Nate for one of the days. The 7 weeks of  watching him grow out his beard and hair was totally worth it after a moment like that. This was just the beginning of many more youth activities I am sure we will be doing together, but it gets me so excited for what is next. I am sad my beehives missed this experience because I know that this experience strengthened the testimonies of the youth that were able to come more than us leaders realize. We had such a fun family/tribe and this was definitely one campout I didn't ever want to leave! Thanks to all those Stake Leaders who sacrificed so much time for all this to be put together. Every aspect to this activity was executed to perfection!

My {27th} Birthday!

This past Friday while at Girls Camp, I celebrated my birthday. When we were planning camp and deciding what days to do it, the only weekend that was logical and would work for everyone's schedules was the week over my birthday. I figured, why not? It will be a fun and different birthday experience, plus if I am not with my family the 2nd best people to celebrate with are all these fun YW girls and leaders. With all of us staying up late every night at camp, I started my birthday off right with a "Happy Birthday" song at midnight from all the girls and leaders. That morning I was swarmed with birthday accessories including the sash and tiara, and a cute book filled with sweet nothings from everyone. As the drama intensified I started questioning my willingness to celebrate my birthday at camp. It was quickly turning into the worst birthday EVER. I was at my peak of emotions when I got a surprise visit from Nate! I was shocked and I think I probably held on to him and cried for a good 5-10 minutes just SO happy he was there. Instantly everything was better and I was ready to party with our Bishopric for our Luau on the last night of camp. Later that night, thanks to Alli and Amanda {Camp Directors}, we had cake and ice cream in honor of my birthday. Despite all the drama from camp, it was a day that will definitely be remembered for years to come. Thanks to all {Tina & Paul for watching the boys over night so Nate could come and all the leaders for initiating the surprise and inviting him to come!} that made my birthday unforgettable this year.

Mrs. Kofoed! {8.6.2011}

I am probably 2 months behind on summer updates, but this tops the list on favorite summer highlights so it is worthy of skipping ahead. 6 years ago Amanda was celebrating my big day with me and Nate and over the weekend it was our turn to celebrate hers!

Amanda and I have been friends since 10th grade. I didn't know her too well until we sat next to each other in Spanish class {Senior Lago? AKA Gummy Bear... remember him Mandy?} All these years later and all the different paths our lives have taken us we have managed to stay good friends even though we've been miles apart forever it seems like! 

With Amanda living in Texas the past few years she chose to forgo the tradition wedding reception and focused on the Sealing and luncheon with close family and friends. We started the day down at the Salt Lake Temple for her 9am sealing.

Nate and I were glad we got to be apart of it all. I don't think I have ever seen a prettier bride walk through those Temple doors. Amanda looked BEAUTIFUL and her dress was amazing!

We stayed around the Temple grounds for a couple hours doing pictures until it was time for the luncheon.

The luncheon was at Heritage Gardens where more friends and family joined to celebrate. We spent a couple hours eating, laughing and enjoying the excitement of the newlyweds

 And before you knew it the happy couple were on their way... that is once they made their way through the thick fog of bird seed being thrown at them.

 I don't think I have ever seen Amanda this happy!! I absolutely love it and its icing on the cake that Tyler is just as great as she is.

 These two are perfect for each other! I remember a specific phone call Amanda and I had months ago. We hadn't talked in a couple weeks so I was checking up to make sure everything was ok and just in her simple hello I could see the huge grin going from ear to ear telling me there was someone special in her life and she was in love! Watching her heart be broken time after time I was so happy for her that she had finally found someone that she deserves. Everything was history from there because it was obvious what the future would hold for the two of them.

Everything about Amanda's wedding was BEAUTIFUL including her! I am so grateful for Amanda's friendship. She has been such a great friend to have all these years. Who knows where our paths will continue to go as our families change and grow but I know our friendship will always be there no matter where we live! Love you Mandy! 

Does it get any cuter than this?? This is what I came home to tonight after a long night of our YW activity and presidency meeting. When I see moments like this I am overwhelmed with comfort and gratitude knowing with all the hours and late nights that go into my calling right now, that these boys are totally in good hands... if not better, because Dad is always the fun guy. I will be the first to admit that I don't acknowledge Nate for all his help like I should and I know I can be better. Tonight reminded me that I NEED to be better because every time I am gone doing something for the young women he is at home carrying the load by himself. Thank you Nate for all your support... I couldn't do it without you!

The Piles of Life...

Lately I have felt like my life keeps piling up with long to-do lists, bad news, never-ending hard trials and many disappointments. I feel like I have been riding the "poor Jamie train" FOREVER and its about time I get to my stop and jump off! I was looking at this ever growing pile of clean laundry that I need to fold (Yes, this has been sitting here for a few days, and I have been adding more loads to it all day) and I realized what a "ground hog day" of life I have been living and its driving me crazy! I have been so caught up with whats not right in my life that I have been missing everything that IS right and all the beautiful blessings in it... including these little munchkins! Today I am grateful for the sweet whisperings of the Spirit to remind that I am here to do more than fold laundry and check off my to-do lists. Watching the innocence of these two sweet boys eat their Popsicles together while having so much fun, overwhelmed me with gratitude. Although my life may be hard and not the way I would have planned at the moment, I know I am abundantly surrounded with so many blessings that I could have never planned for myself. I have loved this summer as I get to watch my boys learn and play outside. I have loved the long chats with my good neighbors and best friends as our kids play for hours together. The simple pleasure that comes from a cold popsicle, or a picnic at the park with friends will definitely be missed as we slip closer to the Fall. Until then I hope I can continue to enjoy what is left of this summer and maybe by then "this too shall pass"!

Our Weekend

Friday night we met at Gateway with some of our good friends from Hooper. Stephanie and I went to Weber together and have stayed in touch all these years later. We went to California Pizza Kitchen for dinner and then let the boys play in the fountains. It works out perfect that we both have 2 little boys and our husbands love sports because everyone is happy and Steph and I get to catch up! Jackson has played in the fountains before, but Andersen wasn't sure about it. He was definitely curious, but wouldn't get too close. He ended up picking a seat on Daddy's lap over playing in the water, but that didn't bother Jackson and Stephanie's boys. They played in the water until they were soaked and shivering. We were there for over an hour so the boys got to play in two water shows. I think Jackson was amazed with how much water would come up out of the holes. The funniest was watching Body and Jackson hover over the water holes until it shot into their faces.

On Saturday we went to our ward BBQ and Bike Parade. Jackson wasn't able to be in it last year because he wasn't Primary age yet, so this year he was SO excited and was counting down the hours until it was time to go. Right as we got there he made sure his bike was all decorated with streamers and balloons. He even made sure he asked our neighbor if I was doing the paper in between his wheel spokes properly. The kids circled around our church  parking lot a dozen times and then we all went to eat. Jackson didn't want anything to do with eating because all he wanted to do was go back out on the course and ride. It was so fun watching Jackson and all of his buddies ride around because they were so concentrated on not crashing in to people. Jackson wishes he still had his decorations on his bike but later that night he was playing in the sprinklers with his bike and the paper got all soggy. You would have thought I threw the whole bike in the garbage! Good thing that tantrum only last a minute but I will agree with him, the decorations were fun while it lasted!

4th of July

This year we spent the day with the Frasers. It is their tradition to do the Park City Parade every year. This was our first time and I will be the first to say it definitely was a different parade then we are used to. The biggest difference is NO candy and water guns! Overall it was an entertaining parade though.

Some of our favorite float entries were the couple that were "just married", the old man on this HUGE bike with his parrot as captain, the superheros, the guys jumping on the tramp in their ski's and Jackson's personal favorite... the Karate boys! Jackson got to break a board in half and loved every second of it.

After the parade we carried on with the Fraser tradition of swimming the day away with a little BBQ mixed in there. My boys are usually not big on swimming but this day was an exception. They were little fishes and loved playing in the pool. I think they actually spent more time jumping off the edge into the pool than they actually swam but either way they were having fun and that's all that mattered! Scary (funny now) story that happened while we were swimming was when Andersen jumped in the pool without anyone around to jump to. Little stinker was out of the pool getting a bite of sandwich that I had in the stroller and the two seconds I turned around to put the rest of the sandwich away he took his half and decided to jump back in the pool! Luckily he floated right back up and we were able to pull him out before he even had a chance to breath in water, but the poor sandwich didn't make the jump. Andersen didn't even get a bite of the sandwich before it was too soggy but you would've never known because he instantly forgot about food as long as he was able to stay swimming. The life jacket became a permanent accessory after that! After a long day of swimming and food the older boys and Jackson played ping pong, but Andersen had reached his limit and crawled up into his stroller and crashed.

 

Later that night we drove home to have pizza with Nana and Grandpa Paul and to celebrate the rest of the night with fireworks. Between the wind and a few sprinkles of rain we were eventually able to burn everything. We started with sparklers. The boys had never done them before because Jackson has always been too afraid of fireworks, but this year was different. He has become some what comfortable with the noise, but was still hesitant to hold a sparkler. With time both Andersen and Jackson were loving it. Thanks to Nana and Daddy they both got a hang of the sparklers quick and Andersen became a little firecracker himself. After holding a couple sparklers on his own he decided he was too big for Nana's help and refused to let her even touch a finger to his sparkler while it was lit.

When the sparklers were all gone, we all watched as Daddy lit off the big fireworks. Jackson was having so much fun, but Andersen was so tired that he eventually crawled up to my lap and just cuddled rather than watch.

It was fun this year to see so many fireworks that used to be illegal just last year. Quite a few of our neighbors were lighting them off, which was kind of scary seeing them so close to my house, but it was a refreshing way to celebrate our freedoms that we enjoy by living in this great country. Overall it was a fun day spent with good friends and family! I think all of us were exhausted the next day, but I still wished every Monday was a holiday.

Like Father... Like Son...

 With Father's Day being tomorrow I thought this post was a great time to make a tribute to Nate and  the "weird sleeping position" gene he passed down to our kids. Nate's friends from growing up know this gene all too well, but I remember when we were just barely married I would wake up to Nate in all sorts of strange sleeping positions and was curious to what the heck he was doing. 6 years later, no I know he is just sleeping in weird positions. The "sleeping sitting up" position is the most common and yes I have seen all 3 boys do so. But my recent captures have been Andersen in the "leg crossed" position, both boys in "face down" and the best and most interesting position is "I'm exhausted, I will sleep anywhere!" I love this picture of Jackson crashed at church. He was so tired that I had a hard time waking him up to go to Primary. 

There is no question that these boys love their Daddy! They always want to be right next to him and do exactly what he is doing... even if that is sleeping, they will be right next to him to cuddle!

Look what he learned...

Excuse the naked pictures of my munchkin, but he is so proud of what he just learned to do! It is very common for the kid to run around the house with just his diaper on and no clothes because that is how he prefers it! Andersen's favorite though is running around naked right before we get him in the bath. Just the other day I had taken off his PJ's and changed his soaked diaper from the night before and hadn't gotten him dressed yet when I heard the velcro like noise of the first strap get ripped off. Then seconds later the other strap was undone and this is what I found... A naked bum on my kitchen floor! He kept holding it by the strap and saying "Cheese!" like he already knew I would want to take a picture. He may be a streaker right now, but at least he is modest one by always covering himself for pictures.

Silly Goose!

Andersen has become a very curious kid. He is always looking in every cupboard and drawer for new toys to play with or messes to make. Recently he found the box of Q-tips. Luckily he hasn't had the desire to dump the box all over the bathroom but what he does like to do is run around pretending to clean out his own ears. He thinks he is pretty cool that he found a hole to keep the Q-tip in and that is doesn't fall out while he plays. What a silly goose he is, but I think he is pretty darn cute even with a Q-tip hanging out his ear!

Preschool Graduation

This year of preschool FLEW by! I can't believe we already did graduation for these cute boys. With most of the boys not starting Kindergarten for another year, we decided as neighbors we would put together a little preschool agenda of our own and rotate who teaches each week. We had 7 boys total and Jackson loved every second of it. I can't say I thorough enjoyed it when it was my turn to teach, but Jackson loved when it was my turn so that is what kept me going all year. Looking back now though, it really wasn't that bad considering we only had to each teach around 9 or 10 times with one of those being a holiday/party to plan. I had the Valentine's Party and then with two other moms, we were in charge of graduation. We planned a short and sweet graduation ceremony for the boys and any parents that could come. We held it at our clubhouse in our neighborhood and started with the Pledge of Allegiance. Its awesome to see how far they have come in memorizing that over the school year.

With Jackson receiving the "Teacher's Pet" award, it was fitting that he was the first one to volunteer to hold the flag for the pledge. 

After the Pledge, we watched a slideshow that Nate and I had put to together of all the fun pictures the moms have taken over the year of the field trips and other fun things they did at their homes. I loved watching the slideshow but it left me in denial that my little boy is growing up! After the slideshow we did awards and then took a bunch of pictures. I don't think we got a picture all year long of the 7 of them all smiling or looking at the camera, but I think those are the best pictures for fun memories.

I have grown to love all these little boys so much and have made some good friendships with these moms.

After the slideshow and awards, we ate donuts and juice. This definitely was Andersen's favorite part. Then Nate left for work while we all stayed to let the boys play and the moms talked.

What a fun ending to our school year! I know Jackson misses playing with all his school friends, as do I. I miss all the cute crafts and listening to him share everything that he learned that day. Before I know it Andersen will be going to preschool! He loved playing with Jackson's graduation hat and he even wanted to have snacks on his school rug just like the big boys used to do. With Jackson and his friends having 1 more year until Kindergarten, him and most of the same boys from his class will be going to Riverton High School as a Silver Pup next year.

Woman of Steel {Round 2}

I had so much fun last year doing this Triathlon that I figured I would try it again since the swim was canceled last year. I registered for this back in 2010 so I put off training until the Herriman Rec Center opened up just a few months before. As time got closer the anxiety built hoping this year the swim wouldn't be canceled. Good news, May 21st this year there was NO snow like last year! I was super excited, but more nervous for the swim because that part was still going to be a first for me. 

The morning of, I picked up my registration packet, set up my transition area, got all marked up and then headed over to the pool to get started.

 We all lined up according to swim times so I stood at the end of the 5:00 minute group. I can usually swim a 300 meter in 5:40, but with the time chips outside the gates my swim time was 6:51. I was super nervous but confident in my swim because I feel like that is my strongest area. Once I was actually in the water I started second guessing my strength. Being in the whole moment is completely different than just practicing. Overall I was satisfied with my swim, even if I did get held up by one swimmer that I couldn't pass for one length of the pool. After finishing the 300 meter swim, we ran to the transition area to dry off, get dressed and grab my bike.

 Then it was time to bike 12.4 miles. I have never biked other than last year and that is when the love for biking began. I am no professional on the bike (that's for sure) and I definitely still get scared going fast down hill, but I still managed to finish my bike in 49:28 minutes. Not as fast as I was hoping for, but when you are in the middle of it all you don't really know where your standing in comparison to the other contestants. A huge thanks to our neighbors, Dennis and Tammy Wood, for letting me borrow their bike. Hopefully one day I can get my own!

The last event is the run. I will be honest... I HATE running and I know I am terrible at it. But I guess I love the other 2 so I kind of have to run to finish. Last year we had to run twice, which killed my body, so this year you would think it would be easier for me.... NOPE! I finished 3:00+ minutes slower than last year. I ran this 3.1 miles in 33:10. If only Nikki was running with me like last year. She was the only reason I finished last year under 30 minutes.

Nothing feels better though than crossing that finish line surrounded by friends and loved ones! That's two year in a row I got a little emotional right at the very end.The feeling of self accomplishment is indescribable! Overall my time was 1:34:47. A good 7+ minutes of that was transition time, plus a potty break in between the bike and run. Considering my last year's overall time was 1:35:15, I feel like I maybe did slightly better than last year but its hard to compare without a swim time from last year. I finished 448 out of 739 overall, and 53 out of 89 for my age group. If only I was a better runner! Maybe next time. I am just glad my bosses wife Jenn did it with me again so I at least knew someone. And I am so glad Nate and the boys were there the whole time cheering me on. It always makes such a big difference hearing my boys!

I am so glad I did this triathlon again, but I am so glad it is over too! I am sure I will do another one again just don't know how soon until the next one.

No training wheels attached

On May 24th Jackson learned how to ride his bike with NO training wheels! We've been trying to get him to do it for a few months now, but it wasn't until he wanted to impress the Wagner's across the street that he finally got the confidence to do so. Jackson's buddy Landon has been riding with no training wheels for months now because his broke. He wanted to ride with Jackson and Tate so bad that he just figured it out. With seeing Landon do it, we knew Jackson could too so we took the training wheels off this little red bike so that left him his bigger bike with wheels and the little red one without. He always preferred the red bike until the training wheels came off, and then instantly the green one was his favorite. Well one night while we were out playing I talked Jackson into trying his red bike again. I made sure I was always at his side just in case because he was still hesitant to ride alone. Our neighbors pulled up while we were practicing and gave Jackson a little confidence for being a big boy riding with no training wheels and that is all he needed to ride solo. Ever since he has been riding like a pro! He has had a couple falls but that is because the red bike has been put away and the bigger green bike {minus the training wheels} has become the only bike of choice for him to ride... and it is still slightly too big for him to reach the ground while sitting on the seat. The day after Jackson learned to ride, his buddy Tate didn't want to be left out so he decided he was going to figure out how to ride without training wheels too. Now the 3 hoodlums can ride away from us moms even faster. Man, are we proud Jacks and I love watching you be such a big boy even if you have to wear your "BYU outfit" to ride your bike!

Learning the hard way...

I hesitate to put these pictures up because I don't want my friend/babysitter to feel bad, but a couple weeks ago Andersen decided to be a big boy by walking down cement garage stairs only to realize he wasn't quite ready for that adventure. Rather than turning around like he knows he is supposed to, he tumbled to the bottom of the stairs with his eye taking the fall. It happened about 30 minutes before I got home from work so the top pictures is what his eye looked like just minutes after I got home from work. The pictures in the red pajamas are the morning after. He looked pretty cute with a swollen eye, but not family pictures cute. We were scheduled to do family pictures the day after the fall but decided it was best to cancel and let it heal. If only pictures were a few days later because within less than a week it was back to normal!

Memorial Day

I am way behind on stuff that has happened prior to Memorial day but I wanted to write while it was fresh on my mind. I am not used to spending my Memorial Day weekend visiting grave sites, so this year was special for us. I haven't had to deal with death too much, and other than Nate's Grandpa dying almost 5 years ago, my Grandpa is the only other one. My parents were in town this past weekend for a few different reasons, but my Grandpa's grave I am sure was on the top of the list. After church on Sunday, we all drove up to the Mortuary.This was my first time since his funeral so it was definitely emotional. It seemed like a flood of memories came through my mind and I could only imagine what my Dad was feeling. My Dad has always had a special place in my life and I know he feels the same way about his Dad.

After an emotional embrace with my Dad we stood around the head stone chatting with my Grandma and my Aunt Linda and some of her family while my kids played with my cousin Cody. My Aunt Linda had twins die around 24 weeks twenty-something years ago and they are buried in the same place so we walked over with them until Andersen had had enough.

Days like that remind me to cherish these little moments we have with each other. Andersen definitely enjoyed his visit with Grandpa this past weekend and he even learned to say his name for the first time. I hope my boys will grow up loving their Grandpa as much as I love mine because I know he sure loves them!