The Big Party!

Well it is graduation time again at our house. This year we had the party the day before graduation, which was better I believe. So many came to join in on Zach and Alcides big day. Thanks to Steve and Jelana for all the pictures. Sorry we still missed getting alot of people's picture, but we sure thank you all for coming. It was one of the hottest days of the year so far. But that did not stop everyone from being out side and enjoying conversation and a good game of volleyball. They would just step inside to cool off a bit. Zach had a few of the people that he loves from school come, Col. Olson, Mrs. Benedous, and Coach Hoke. That was very nice for them to come and show their love for Zach. What great teachers and leaders they have been to him. A big thank you goes out to Sharmyn for all the help and great recipes...you are a BFF :) What a great time we had. I think I will have more get togethers like that this summer it was so much fun to have friends and family over. And the eight flavors of ice cream wasn't bad either...YUM YUM! Congratulations Zach and Alcides. We love you and know that you have great things ahead! There are so many pictures and I still didn't get everyone!Myra and Barry
Me & Anne who don't see nearly enough of each other.

Jelana & Dad

Norah

Nathan Swinson, Joseph Watson, Coach Hoke, Col. Olson & Jon Mitchell

The Anderson Clan - Sebastian, who was playing Volleyball

Dalllin, Angela, & Kirby

Zach & Grandpa Jack talking to Col. Olson

Scott trying to take a nap...ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Jelana & Lacey

Kirby, Brandon, & Jordan

Alex & Yiselle

Coach Hoke and sweaty Zach and Rebekah Watson laughing in the back.

Boy Mrs. Benedous, you are a brave soul to stand by such a sweaty guy!

Jason Mattingley

Sharmyn and Jon Mitchell

Lindsey & Me

Mrs. Benedous enjoying the outdoors

Brook and Tori Watson

Volleyball anyone?

Abigail!

Everyone really enjoyed the Volleyball

Brook & Olivia

Don't you just love how boys love their Momma's!

Carter Watson/Rebekah Watson & Luke Swinson/Heidi Swinson

A & A Allison & Alcides

Jumping for JOY!

Elder Page and Elder Kinsey are so excited about being companions, they are jumping for joy! Matt says that it is soooo much hotter in Tucson than it was in El Paso. He is getting to know his new area. He says the members in their little branch are very nice, so he looks forward to getting to know them. He really loves having a companion who he can work out with everyday!! EXERCISE!!! He said that all but one from the MTC group (his companion Elder Jordan) came back to AZ, and will stay in the AZ mission. I am really glad that he stayed, I know that he has grown to love his mission President and his sweet wife. Until next time...drop Elder Page a letter!

A night away....

Steve and I tried so hard to getaway for a long weekend, but when you don't plan ahead then your options are few. We looked from the mountains to the coast for a place to stay and nothing was available. During our search we saw that there was a room for one night available at the Zevely Inn, so we took it. We have stayed here before and really liked it. We had not been to Old Salem in a long time we went. It was not nearly long enough, but we took what we could get. Any time is a good time with Steve...I love that we like each other sooo much and love being together. I love my best friend! Hopefully we ca get some more alone time together this summer.

Just some thoughts...

I don't think that I have ever posted on my blog without having pictures...Oh well its a first and may not be quite as interesting. I just thought that I would just type...type about thoughts and things that are going on in my life.

Life is a funny thing, it is constantly taking us on a journey. Sometime we know exactly where we are heading and other times it feels like someone else is in control of the car and we are just passengers that just want to get out! I am not too sure I like the latter but those are the times that you just hang on and try getting and see as much as you can as things are flying by you. Either way I guess it is a blessing, you are alive and experiencing things! And hopefully after it is all said and done that you can look back and see that you have grown and loved and shared some really wonderful things along the way

This time of year has become a time of pondering and looking towards change. I guess over the last few years it has become that way with children growing up, graduating, going onto missions and college. I tell myself that change is good, and I truly believe that. The trick is that we are changing for the better. Seeing my children grow up and experience things that are some times so very hard for them, can make change hard. It makes me want to look back and think why do things have to change, because sometimes the changes we go through are not by our own choosing. But what a joy it is when you see them growing and making decisions that will bless their lives forever.

I am coming up on another graduation, Zach. I know he is ready to move on from High School, but at the same time I know he is sad about moving on...thinking about things he is going to miss. Family, what a great institution!!! I have a great family, one that truly loves each other. We love being together! What greater blessing could there be. Yes it is hard to see them all going in different directions as far as location, but we are all so very near in the our hearts and thoughts.

Elder Page goes to new area with a new companion!

Yesterday we heard from Elder Page. He is headed back to Tucson!!!!! He will actually be in the Valencia Branch, a spanish branch in Tucson. I am really excited about his new companion, Elder Kinsey! They were in the same district in the MTC and they got along great. Matt says that he is a great missionary, and a very hard worker! I could not be happier for him. He worked hard in Fabens TX and he grew to love so many people there. Hopefully the fruits of their labors there will surface soon. Good luck in your new area Elder Page! We love you!

Jaclyn left for Arizona

Jaclyn left today to go to Arizona. She is visiting her sister and her sweet little Addie and Tanner. While she is there she will be looking for a job. That could be anywhere...even back here in NC. She saw alot of jobs in Raleigh. SO good luck on the job hunting Jaclyn. We miss you already!

Making old things new again!

Dallin and Jaclyn have been shopping at goodwill and yard sales to find some things to put in Dallin's apartment. Here are a couple of projects we have been working on. Jaclyn wanted to learn how to refinish furniture so I showed her how to do it and she went right to work. Sanding was the hardest part because it was in such bad shape, but look at it now! Why people can't see the potential in things I don't know! It is always fun making old things new again! I am soooo bad at taking before pictures...oh well it is beautiful now! I think they bought the table at Goodwill for 25.00. Great Deal! Dallin all ready to go help Jaclyn out with the table.

They both worked on it together wipe on wipe off...

She was covered in stain before she was through :)

Doesn't it look great and that is without the poly!

Again I am not good at remembering to take pictures before. I guess I could take off the slipcover but I did not want to after getting it on. Oh well! It turned out pretty good if I may say so. It will look really good in his apartment. It will make a great study chair! They bought the chair at a yard sale for 20.00 and then I got the fabric for 30.00 so for 50.00 he has a great looking chair!