It's all worth it.

Disclaimer:  This post has some religious opinions of my own.  If you are uncomfortable or feel you will be offended with that, I am warning you to not read this.

Can I just begin by saying, that being the Primary President in a Branch definitely comes with it's challenges, BUT it is so worth it!   Just last week we had our annual Primary Program.  (We actually combined with the Youth this year because we had such a small number of children).  To give a little bit of a background, some or most of these children come from very extreme situations or broken homes.  They didn't grow up learning the basics of the Gospel in their homes, like many of us did.  They aren't surrounded by neighbors who are all their same religion.  They couldn't walk a few houses down and hang out with their buddies from church who believed the same as them.  Some of their families are new converts to the church and are still figuring out how everything works OR the parents are inactive or non-members.  A lot of them don't have parents who are supportive of church at all.  These kids, despite their circumstances, somehow make it to church most Sundays! Whether they come with their older siblings, their grandparents, aunts, uncles or friends, the fact is that they come. Not only do they come, but for the Program they had written their own parts or had their parts memorized!  That says a lot.  When I was younger I had faithful, church going parents helping me write or memorize my parts. Most these kids have nothing but themselves!!! All that being said.....I am SO Proud of my kids!  My heart swells with joy being able to witness their simple testimonies growing each week.  It is even sweeter knowing that it is completely THEIR DECISION and no one else's.  I love being in the Branch and even though things are worked a little differently and takes some special effort....it is all WORTH IT!!!!

The only picture I got while we were practicing for the program.  Half the kids and leaders weren't in the picture.
The girl in the top left corner (yellow dress) is deaf and was signing all the songs and she also signed her talk as well, while her sister interpreted.  

The Original Gourmet Jelly Belly Tour

"Hello Jelly Belly Jelly!  I don't believe YOU are the original, you kinda look like a picture on the wall. I will not give you the time of day." 

"Hey MOM! Will you please help me get a Jelly Belly out of the bag? Marshall and Kaden already had one and Penny is too little, but they all agree that I am big enough to eat a Jelly Belly." 

"Lemon flavor Belly. Yummy Mom! What other flavors are there? More! More!"

"Fine! If you won't give me more than I will eat my way through this glass wall!"

HMMM, not quite the same.

Mr. T.P.

Just one of many reasons to keep our bathroom door shut.

Nana and the Goats

My mom came to Milwaukee to visit us a few weeks ago.  We did a number of things.  We went to the Zoo twice.  We went out to eat at this Ethiopian restaurant to try something different (You share a platter with the table and everyone eats with their hands.  It was definitely interesting but I wouldn't recommend the place to anyone).  We also went shopping and got custard at Kopp's.   But the best thing of all, we went to Apple Holler!  I had never been there before and it was more than I was expecting.  

Talmage loved playing with the goats and llamas.

At first he was a little hesitant.

But he got a little more brave and started touching the fence.

And then he would touch their noses.

The goats and llamas loved him too.

They started nibbling on his fingers, but he kept going back for more.

Talmage especially liked emperor Kuzco the llama.

I put grass in Talmages hands and they would snarf it all up. 

Our favorite part were all of the bridges that connected the goat pens.

When we finally pulled Talmage away from the goats he started bawling!  He LOVED them!

We walked around and took funny pictures.

Billy Goat Gruff!

He's got bunny ears in this one.

Sweet Nana

Well this is weird mom. Where are we?

Got milk? 

Getting back to my roots. 

1/25th Dutch

A house my size. Knock knock. Let me in.

Hanging with the um....what are these things?

Well that's just mean.

Yummy apple.

Paul Bunyon's Chair

Ferociously enjoying the apple.

ppppbbbbbt

Age: 10 Months 

Skill:  Blowing raspberries

They chose the BEER!

My sister- and mother-in-law came to Milwaukee to visit us.  I gave them a list of about 15 different things that we could do while they were here.  They chose to go on the Miller Beer Tour.  So here we are next to a very tall bottle of Miller Lite.   

Here is Jen and our cute little niece Brynlee.  She was a doll the entire trip. Such a good baby! Next to the beer taps waiting for a bar tender.  

Talmage was more interested in the mug coasters than anything else.

Grandma Steph, What a peach (or maybe I should say plum, that is her maiden name)!  She is so helpful with the babies!

Look at us lushes, getting our fill of drink in for the day.  

It was lemonade for all those who are worried about our salvation.

It was fun to be with all the girls, but the boy was kind of a stinker.  Talmage was all over the place. Which didn't make it very fun for Daddy.

The Inn where the tour ends and we got our free samples of beer, or I mean, Lemonade.

And then there was the walk back to the car and that ends our tour.

Today I will...

Hi Mom! I think I will attempt to stand and walk on my own today!  But first a really cheesy grin for you.

All right! I got one hand off.  Are you catching this?  I am SO excited!

Oh crap!  Catch me Mom! Catch me! I'm a coming!

Yeah! That was great.  Round of applause for me!