Maestin Basketball Camp

I have to say that it is a bit overwhelming trying to keep up with all that is going on this summer. But I am going to keep at it and maybe I will catch up when nothing is happening. When is that?

Maestin attended a basketball camp on June 15-17. This was a first for him and he really enjoyed it. I went and watched for a bit on the last day. They played five on five. He came home the second day and said mom do you know what shirts and skins are? Skins is when you take your shirt off! I think he thought it was cool, I had to just grin, he is growing up. Here are some pictures of him playing.

They had awards at the end this is a picture of just before Maestin got his award.

Maestin received most improved player. The other two boys are Hayden Degn and Cameron Livingston, they were the three in their age group to get awards. Maestin just missed winning the free throw contest. They tied and had to shoot until one missed.

I liked this picture of the coach talking to his team.



This is a random picture, but Maestin and I had the opportunity to go the Scout Jamboral it was 100 years of Scouting. It was held at the Eastern Idaho state fair grounds in Blackfoot. There were hundreds of boys there, it was fun to be there as a scout leader and with my boy. He had a lot of fun too.

My Big Sister

Maysi & Pepper

My heart and mind has been turned and occupied a lot this past week with thoughts of my big sister. Where to begin is hard as my thoughts have gone from one extreme to another so I will begin with what she is too me.

She has been an amazing example to me in so many ways, she is kind, outgoing, a good mother, sister, wife, and friend, she is a women of service and many talents, she loves the gospel. I could go on and on forever but my mind has stayed and wondered about her ability to endure trials with amazing resiliency .

I have watched my big sister not just go through one trial but many and various trials throughout her lifetime, which is really my life time as well. I grew up two years younger watching in the background as she struggled through each of her trials that were given to her. On more than one occasion, I have wondered as I do today, why was I left on the outside looking in with no obvious imperfections? Why could I not have carried some of her imperfections for her? Why should she be allowed to carry, and deal with all of them? I remember numerous occasions as a little girl watching my big sister, laying on the couch recovering once again, and wondering when she will be able to come play with me. I have memories of staying at my grandma's house waiting for news of how she was and for her to come home, so I could be home again with her. As we got older I watched as she dealt with varied difficult trails, that I did not quiet all understand but knew that this was hard for her. And I have continued to watch her make it through one thinking all is well to be faced with yet another. My heart has ached for her as it does now, and ache does not even describe what my heart does whenever I think about her and what her heart must feel, is there even a word which could describe how her heart must feel? I do not believe there is.

However, the amazing thing about my big sister, is that she has faced each of these trials for what they are and she is a happy fun big sister! I loved her then as little girls and friends, I loved her when we were in different stages of life, and I continue to love her and look up to her! She has never been negative or a depressing person to be around. She is quiet the opposite, upbeat, undeterred, and fun. It has been an amazing thing to watch each new trial that comes into her life be faced, overcome or "fixed", and another one come again! As I question why her and I get frustrated, I can't imagine how she must feel and I get to the point where I don't know that she will make it through this one here she comes "marching" out with a confidence and faith that is unexplainable! She just starts looking for solutions and I am left in the dust, never really having had to face the trial in the first place shaking my head.

She is my rock! Her testimony has never faltered and she has always known the truth, and has come out of each trial with a stronger testimony and more knowledge because of what she continues to be faced with. And she shares what she has learned and helps me to grow. I think of her and think how much more I need to grow.

So to you big sis, you are amazing, I still question why you, why can't I carry some for you? I question how you can continue to do it? And yet you do, thank you for never giving up, for staying strong. Your strength is my strength. I will never give up on you and the desires of your heart. I carry your desires close to my heart with faith and prayer.
I love ya Pep

Maysi & Pepper

Working with Dad

These are some pictures when earlier this spring Ruxton, Holdan, and I decided to run out to Buist with Austin to check the water. It is so nice that some days we can just hang out with Austin and enjoy being out.

This picture was funny because they were all waiting for the water to come out and they all looked the same!

Holdan trying to get out.

Ruxton being such a good big brother helping him.
My boys are growing up so fast I want to record every moment for life, it makes me sad to think about the things I don't remember about the simple days with my kids, not just the exciting busy days. I love them and cherish them and I try each day to enjoy the journey with them, they simply just love life and I am grateful they let me tag a long.

Flies

Are you wondering what that is a picture of? Well, I had to record for life the pest that has presented itself to our lives since the mink farm moved in next door. This is a gross post if you do not like flies do not continue!!

We started having bad flies last fall, but when they started to show up in March, I knew they were going to be bad. They are so bad that we hang fly strips in the house. This is a picture of one that was full, I think it was the second or third one we had up just this year. This picture was taken on May 3, 2010. It was not even a warm spring. If anyone has any knowledge about fly control, we are open to all suggestions!

Obviously Maestin is grossed out too!

Cousins

These are a little late, but surly worthy of a journal entry. When Dezi had Illie, we had her kids in Malad. They spent some time at my house with the boys. They all really had fun with each other, and it always reminds me how important cousins are to each other. I wish we lived closer to more of them. Holdan and Kinzie tolerated each other considerably well. Holdan would rather play with Jayvin and I think that is understandable. Jayvin is good to let him tag a long. We all had a lot of fun with them and were sad to see them leave.

I was making some frosting right there in the corner and Kinzie squeezed herself between my legs and the cupboards and sat there, when I was done I looked down and she had powdered sugar on her head and shoulders, she is so cute!

Jayvin had fun trying to stay up with Addler and Ruxton, they played everywhere and everything.

Kinzie trying to play baseball with the boys.

Thanks for coming to Malad to hang with us Williams kids, we always have fun when you are here. Come back again soon!

Father's Day

Father's Day for Austin wasn't quite a Father's day. As it turned out, it was Holdan's Birthday as well. I had family over for dinner to celebrate both. Austin was great help as he always is. So I just want to take a minute, and thank him for being such a good Father.

Austin loves, loves his boys, and they in return have felt that love and love him unconditionally! It is him them go to when they are hurt! They think that he hung the moon. He is very patient with them and they can follow him anywhere while he works and he teaches and talks to them throughout the day. Working outside on the farm and ranch is his job, however he looks at it like a lifestyle and we are included in that, we are always welcome to come a long. He is so fun to be with and can have a good time, just playing games with his boys, playing ball of any kind with them, or with them all around him while he reads them a book. Above all, he is an amazing example of a righteous Priesthood holder! I couldn't, if I sat down with them everyday and read to them from scriptures and stories about how to honor your priesthood, do a better job or teach them more than they have learned by watching their father. He loves the gospel, and has a strong testimony of it. He honors his responsibilities to his children, wife, church, and extended family. I love him very much, and is an example of pure good to not only our children but to me as well. I continually see him doing things that amaze me and I strive everyday to be more like him. Thank Austin for being such an amazing Father. Happy Father's Day!!! We love you!

Catch up

These are a few pictures and moments that I want to last forever.

This is Holdan loving his first corn on the cob of the year! He loved, loved, loved it. Isn't he the cutest little boy ever!

This is Addler and Holdan before church, they were excited because they looked alike, Holdan just had to have a vest. I think they are very handsome boys!

This is a picture of Maestin at the awards assembly for school, I took this picture because he was one of the top 10 readers in the entire school, he is standing next to a really big kid, and he looks so small. I thought it was cute and just had to get a picture. He is the one with his hands in his pockets next to the tall kid in the plaid! He committed to reading this year and went crazy, he loves to read now and you can find him often just reading a book. (my dream come true!) He set goals and far exceeded them each month. Way to go Bud!- you are an awesome reader! Keep it up!

Addler tied his own shoe!!! He was so excited. Good job Addler way to stick with it, I knew you could do it.

This picture has a story! So for a couple of days I was starting to suspect that Holdan could open the doors by himself, but I wasn't too sure he does have three big brothers that will do any thing for him! So this night, I was back in my room working on the computer and Austin was in the shower. Hodan was "in bed" as were the other kids. I noticed that I didn't hear him, and then I heard the door open and close. I went to the garage and see him coming in from being outside in this get up. Those are my shoes. I have to say it made me a little nervous, needless to say I locked the doors before I went to bed that night!