Power of the Father

Have you seen that movie "Game Plan"? I love that part when the ballet instructor tells Dwayne (The Rock) about how he should never underestimate the power of the father. Fathers play a very special role in each daughter's life. Michelle has been asking more and more for dad to do things with her or take care of things for her. It is magical to watch this relationship grow and become stronger. Gabe worked from home one day last week. After Michelle's nap, she came in and asked Gabe if he would have a tea party with her. He very happily said yes. Gabe told Michelle to go get the tea ready and let him know when she was ready. I went in to check on her and she had the table all set. I helped her get into her princess dress (her new thing is dressing up for tea parties).

When Michelle called for Gabe, I don't think she was ready for her daddy to be dressed up, too.

She told Gabe he was silly. Their tea party lasted for almost twenty minutes. I sat in the office and just listened to the conversation that went on between father and daughter. It warmed my heart to see Gabe take such an active part in his little girl's play time. I am thankful that he is a good dad and enjoys our kids so much. I am also thankful for the time to sit back and watch or listen to the interactions of our kids with their father.

Today was the day that every mother dreads: my baby started kindergarten. I have been okay with Charles starting kindergarten until about two weeks ago. I took him to buy his uniforms. When we came home, I had him try one on and he aged about 2 years. From then on, I have not been okay with Charles starting school. He was ready school wise, I just worry about him making good friends, about kids picking on him, or being called to the Dean's office because he is in trouble. I am thankful that he is growing up and headed off for new adventures.

Getting ready to go to the school.

Charles with his new Spiderman backpack.

Michelle is feeling left out with Charles starting school.

He was cute and posed with for this quick picture.

Charles in front of his school.

We went to the school at noon. Charles' teacher, Mrs. Johnson, met us at the front door. After everyone congregated Mrs. Johnson led everyone down to their classroom. We then sorted all of the school supplies into the community bins. After we were done, Charles said we could leave. I told him I wanted to walk him into his classroom and he said we didn't need to, he could do it. When I told him I really wanted to get him settled, he said it was okay and that I could only take one picture.

This is the "I can do it mom, just one picture".

This is Charles during story time as we were leaving.

It was hard to leave him behind. I figured he would be a little clingy or a little up upset, but he was the biggest boy ever. My mom said I should be glad that he was well prepared and comfortable to be left at school. This whole experience has given me a glimpse of what it must be like for Heavenly Father to allow us to come to earth. As loving as He is, I am sure he sheds a few tears for each one of us when we leave His presence and that He worries about us, just like I do about Charles. I am grateful for the gospel and the power of the Priesthood. As we talked about school over the last few weeks, Charles said he was scared and nervous. Then he would say, "I need dad to give me a blessing. I will be okay if I have a blessing". Out of the mouthe of babes comes those teaching moments for us as adults. I am also grateful that my children are learning at an early age how the power of the priesthood can bless their lives. I am glad that Gabe is a worthy priesthood holder and was able to give each of us a blessing last night before we each begin school.

Charles, I love you and am happy that you have grown into such a loving, caring, and wonderful boy. I hope that your love for learning only grows as you go through school. You did awesome on your first day of school and I am so proud of you.

A Trip to Aalamosa, CO

This past weekend, the kids and I went to Alamosa, CO to visit with family. We had a great, great aunt pass away. It was such a blessing. Because of her funeral, we had a reason to spend time with family. It was especially great because my cousin from Oregon (Deanne) and my aunt from Utah (Carol) were there. We had a great time playing cards, eating, playing outside, eating, visiting, and did I say eating!

Because my mother has breast cancer and her white cell count was low she had to wear a mask to the funeral. This is Chloe kissing my mom through her mask.

Grandma Chocolate taking the kids for a snow cone. We figured the best way to get the kids to stay with us was to have them follow in a line behind Grandma to the snow shack.

We gave Aunt Carol a book of letters from everyone for her belated birthday present. She enjoyed the book so much she took a nap with it on her lap.

What can I say but cute, cute, cute!

Wyatt James Dutton (my nephew)

Harley Jean (Wyatt's sister)

FEAR!! TERROR!!!

Look at me mom!!

Chloe and Wyatt

Harley pushing Wyatt and Julinn in the jeep that the battery died in.

Julinn and Chloe

Michelle in my mom's wig. Mom hasn't had to start using it yet, but has it on hand.

These two cuties, Michael and Caden, egged the Sheriff's house next door.

Gathering eggs out at the Woods'.

My dad and his shadow!

And what would a trip to Alamosa be like without a ride on the tractor. We shed many tears, had many laughs, and really had an enjoyable time.

Grandma Hinton Turns 80!!

On August 1, 2009, we were able to celebrate Gabe's granmother's 80th birthday. A small family reunion took place at Gabe's parents house in the mountains above Texas Creek, CO. It was a lot of fun. There were about 75 people who attended. Some we knew and some we didn't.

Grandpa and Grandma Hinton

The weather was beautiful, the company was wonderful, and the kids enjoyed spending time with family. They were excited to also meet new cousins or renew acquaintances with cousins they haven't seen in a while.

Charles and Chandler

Michelle and Jesse James

Gabe's Parents: Charlene and Jack

Charlene's Family:

Charlene, Marvin (Grandpa), Clayton, Jeanette (Grandma), Cathy

Charlene, Mike, Jack, Dan, and Gabe

Because Gabe's sister Sherri was unable to come up to the family reunion, we stopped in Canon City on our way home to spend some time with her. The kids love that Aunt Sherri is just like one of the kids. We had a great day!

Pretending to be a Mcdonald's and Aunt Sherri is driving thru the drive thru.