Dallin's last basketball game!!

Basketball season is finally over! As much as I enjoy watching Dallin play, I am usually done with basketball after a couple months...and it seems to keep going. Since Dallin is on a league team, his season is more than just a normal school sports season. I will admit that it has been fun to see Dallin transform this year. I think he has not only gained more skills and comprehension about the game, but he has also gained a little more maturity and doesn't get so worked up about things. Unfortunately, they didn't win tonight's game, but I think his team had a great season overall. Now on to track! Sheesh! Does it ever end?

Chicago: SHHS Choir Tour

While we were in Utah enjoying family and working on Eagle projects, Amber has been in Chicago with Salem Hills choir. Each year, the choir goes on "tour" to a different location. They participate in clinics and do several performances, but let's be honest...the best part is all the sight-seeing. Amber loved the trip! She came back with fun stories about silly things she would do with her friends and cool things they were able to see. I'm glad that she has had these experiences. These are memories that she'll get to share for years to come. Here are just a few pics she sent Jeff and I while she was in Chicago:

Willis Tower with Sarah and Tayler

Taking a random picture with a window washer.

Cool Chicago sunset from their dinner cruise

Dallin's Eagle Project

This morning we spent a few hours completing Dallin's Eagle Scout project! Most people joke that it is really the mom who earns the Eagle Scout award for all she does to make it happen. Well I can say that isn't true in this case! Jeff has helped Dallin spearhead the whole thing. Before I left for Arizona, I mentioned a possible project opportunity that I had become aware of at a LDS trek site on the other side of West Mountain. Jeff and Dallin called the missionaries who run the site, met with them, chose a project (pouring two concrete pads so that trek participants can wash off the handcarts at the end of their treks), and got it approved by the Eagle Scout board all while I was in Arizona. When I returned from my trip, I only provided minor assistance when Dallin called neighbors to raise funds for the concrete, took pictures on the day of the project, and have since provided minimal editing help with the write-up. This project truly has been all Dallin and Jeff (and in some aspects probably a little more Jeff than Dallin). I'm proud of both of them. Jeff now jokes that he can say he finally earned an Eagle (since his mom provided so much help with his Eagle project). In any case, Jeff and Dallin (along with Danny and several of the other Southwick boys) went out to the trek site on Thursday to do the prep work so that just the concrete could be poured on Saturday. On Saturday, several scouts met at our house in the morning and we headed to the trek site. We arrived earlier than the concrete truck so the missionaries had the boys cleaning fire pits, grills, and shoveling sand while we waited.

Finally the tuck arrived. There were still limited tools to work the concrete, but all of the boys took turns helping. It only took us a couple hours to get the concrete in the forms, smooth it all out, and clean up all the tools. Dallin even got to write his name in the concrete. I was really proud of both of my boys. Danny is always ready to jump in and help. He is such a curious and quick learner. He always wants to know how and why things work. Dallin is also not afraid of hard work. He is a natural leader. I think the other boys respect him because he knows when to let them have fun and when to take a leadership role. I loved hearing all the compliments about my boys from the missionaries that were there. It was definitely a proud mama moment!

BYU Football Experience

So not only were Krystle and Nolan in town for the weekend, but Jeff's brother, Stan, and his family also came down. My boys absolutely LOVE these Southwick cousins. There is never a dull (or quiet) moment when they all get together. Sometimes I need a break from all the chaos, but they are great kids...and are making great memories. These are the types of relationships that last a lifetime. Because Krystle was in town, Jeff's sister, Katie, spearheaded the activities for all the boys (and little Maci) while Stan and Kristi enjoyed some well-deserved time off. Friday evening BYU held their annual Football Experience and Spring scrimmage. The boys attended last year and had fun. There were definitely more people this year though! Dallin and Grant decided they were too cool (or it was too crowded) for the football drills but the younger boys patiently waited their turns as they rotated through the various drills. Jeff and I met up with everyone after the event started and stayed with them during the scrimmage game. It was fun to see the boys having fun...and it's probably the closest I'll ever sit to the field while we watched the scrimmage. I know I have my issues with the almost cult-like following of BYU, but it is a good university and I have enjoyed their family and cost friendly activities.

Danny running a drill.

Travis, Carson, Daniel, and Bennett

Grant and Dallin

Krystle and Nolan

Today my sister, Krystle, and nephew, Nolan, flew into town for the weekend. Krystle flew in to attend her mission trainer's wedding on Saturday. I didn't care why she flew in, I was just really excited to see them! I miss both of my sisters. I have my brother, Scott, who lives close, but brothers just aren't the same. I think that has been one of the hardest aspects of living in Utah...living away from my mom and sisters. I often miss my family. I am so grateful to have felt so welcomed by Jeff's family. I enjoy hanging out with them...but it's just not the same as being with your own parents and siblings (as I'm sure everyone can agree). In any case, Krystle and I had a fun weekend. We didn't really do anything particularly spectacular, but hanging out (and a little shopping for Baby Southwick) was all we needed. I can't believe how much Nolan has grown since I last saw him a couple months ago. He is so much more animated and talkative. He kept us all laughing! I am really looking forward to having that childlike innocence and laughter in our home when the baby arrives. It was a great weekend. I was sad to see them go at the end of their trip. Here are just a few random pics from the weekend:

Reading a book before bedtime...yes, you can see my little baby bump!

Nolan was waaaaay more interested in the cookie than in getting his picture taken.

It was fun to watch the boys play with Nolan. I think they're getting ready for their new little brother!

Nolan with his favorite aunt...right?

Saying good-bye in the airport. I may have smiled for the picture, but there were tears on the car ride home.

An evening of scouts...

Tonight was a packed evening! First, I attended Danny's pack meeting. Tonight they met at the Veteran's Home here in Payson. The meeting was focused on compassion (which they accomplished through visiting with the veterans) and respect. To demonstrate respect, one of the veterans spoke to the boys about respect for the flag. Tears came to my eyes several times as I recalled similar talks from my father and grandfather (both veterans). I am grateful to have had these great men instill in me a love and respect for this great country.

Danny earned his Scientist pin tonight.

After Danny's pack meeting, Danny and I raced over to the church where Dallin was having a court of honor. Tonight he finally received the three merit badges he'd earned during the last BYU PowWow he attended (music, geocaching, communications). I am so proud of Dallin. The only merit badge he lacks is camping (and he just needs to get it signed off by a merit badge counselor). Plus, he has already identified and is going to complete his Eagle Scout project this weekend! He made a goal to get his Eagle Scout award at age 14...and he doesn't even turn 14 until May! While I know I complain about the pack meetings and certain other aspects of scouts, I think it is a great program and has instilled many valuable and admirable traits into both the boys...and will hopefully do the same with the next little guy who will be joining our family!

Payson Temple Cultural Celebration Kick-off

Tonight Dallin, Amber and I (Jeff was attending Mitchell's Melchizedek Priesthood confirmation) attended a fireside to kick-off the Payson Temple Cultural Celebration! I can't believe the beautiful beacon I can see from my house is finally going to be dedicated. I have watched this temple take form over the 2+ years I've been here and have anxiously anticipated its completion. Well the time has finally arrived. The dedication will be on June 7, 2015. The evening prior to that dedication there will be a cultural celebration highlighting the history and culture of the Payson area. All youth ages 12-18 in the temple district are invited to participate. Dallin and Amber are lucky enough to have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. My nephew, Tyler, was able to participate in a similar celebration in Gilbert, AZ. He will admit that he wasn't too happy about singing and dancing at first, but now says it's an experience he'll never forget. I think Dallin and Amber will feel the same way. Our ward/stake has one specific musical number they'll be performing as well as a couple of group numbers. Amber actually won't be performing with the stake because she auditioned for a solo part and got it! Out of 800 people who tried out to sing the National Anthem, she got the part. Needless to say, she is super excited! And so are we! She is very talented and what better way to end her "youth" activities than to sing a solo for thousands of people during the cultural celebration at BYU stadium. I am so glad that two of our kids will have this experience and that we, as a family, get to vicariously participate with them. I am so grateful for this beautiful temple. I am grateful for the peace I find in the walls of each and every temple I've been in. I am grateful for the covenants I've made therein that keep me safe and bring me closer to my Father in Heaven. I am eternally appreciative of the fact that I have been sealed for time and eternity to my best friend and companion, Jeff. in a holy temple. I look forward to the experiences that will come in the next couple months as we all prepare for this momentous event so close to home!

Amber went to a recording studio at BYU a couple weeks after the fireside to start preparing for her solo! She looks so at east behind the microphone. 

A week in Arizona

On Friday, March 13th, I was able to travel to Arizona to spend a week with my parents, sister, and her family. Prior to leaving, the week was filled with last minute "to-do" items to make sure everything was in place here before I left. (I even made sure there were ample veggies in the house...hoping that would inspire their consumption during my time away!) There weren't any pictures to take or notable experiences to document prior to my departure. Life in the Southwick home is busy, but pretty routine. In any case, my Arizona vacation has been a tradition every year since I've been married. Usually, this vacation entails a trip to the ballpark with my parents for a Spring Training game (which has been a tradition with my dad for many years); however, this year was a little different. On Tuesday, March 3rd, my dad underwent a hip replacement. This is just the first of a few joint replacements he'll receive over the next year, but he is a trooper. My dad has taught me (by example) the value of optimism and being positive. Each time I would call to check in with him, he would be smiling and report all the milestones he achieved that day instead of lamenting all the things he was still unable to do.

Because of his surgery, we weren't able to make the game this year, but that didn't stop us from enjoying our time together. I arrived in AZ on Friday afternoon. My sister, Nichole, and nephew and niece, Tyler and Kate, picked me up from the airport. I briefly went to their house to help finalize a few last minute details for their yard sale the next morning before Nichole dropped me off at my parents where I hung out the rest of the evening. Saturday (March 14th) was a busy, but fun day! I started off the morning bright and early by helping Nichole with her yard sale. I have to admit, for a person who made a career of studying people, yard sales can be a lot of fun! It is interesting to watch as people peruse the items or haggle the prices.

After about 3 hours, Nichole and I loaded the remainder of the items in our cars and took them to Good Will before grabbing Kate and meeting up with my mom for lunch and a movie. We went to see the new Disney movie, Cinderella. I don't think I'll ever outgrow the fairytales. I realize they are flawed with improbabilities, but I love them. 

Nichole, Kate, Cinderella, and I!

That evening, Nichole contacted a few of my friends and threw an impromptu "baby shower" for me. We all met at one of my favorite restaurants, Pita Jungle, and enjoyed a delicious dinner and good company. I was so happy to see some of my friends that I haven't seen in awhile. It is hard to try to fit everyone and everything into one short week so this was perfect. I loved it! I also loved all the cute gifts I received. It still seems so surreal, but my burgeoning belly reminds me that it is real. It is finally my turn! I love feeling him kick and move. I used to think that was creepy, but it is the sweetest, most reassuring feeling I could ever have. I still have my moments of worry, but I choose to keep the faith and enjoy the moments...like this one. Thanks Nichole (and Mom) for making that happen!

Clockwise from the head of the table: Kalli, Whitni, Lydia, Natalie, Dana, Carrie, me

Two of my friends from junior high/high school, Andie and Rena, couldn't make it that night so we met up another night for ice cream!

The rest of the week was spent helping my parents with routine tasks, shopping with my mom for clothes that would actually fit,

I'm loving my cute little belly...although I'm not too fond of the other body parts that are growing!

going to the temple with my mom and Nichole,

The Mesa Arizona temple...where Jeff and I began our eternity.

hitting my favorite restaurants, 

visiting my aunt and grandma's grave,

and just hanging out with family.

I love Arizona in the Spring. It is my favorite time of the year. One of my favorite smells is the citrus blossoms. I could seriously get intoxicated from that smell. It never gets old. 

It was a great week! I needed the break and needed to spend some time with my family. I don't like living so far away from my parents and sisters, but that just means that these weekly vacations every March are even more fun and meaningful. I am so grateful for family. I may be a little biased, but I have the BEST parents, siblings, nieces and nephews! Even though I was sad to leave, I was happy to get back to Jeff and the kids. I did miss them. Again, in my biased opinion, I have the BEST husband and kids EVER! I know none of us are perfect. I know I have my moments of disagreements and disappointments, but I wouldn't change any of them. I pray that our relationships will continue to grow and become stronger as the years go by; after all, family is the legacy we inherit and the legacy leave behind in the end.