Brandon's Habitat for Humanity Landscaping Eagle Project

DAY ONE: Well it's been in the planning phase for several months now, and we finally did the first day of physical work yesterday, Saturday, August 16th. Needless to say, some of us are sore! It was great to do the work and we are looking forward to next Saturday with a little bigger youth crew. The Saturday before school starts was a very popular day to be busy, but we were thankful for the help who did come! Thanks Nate, Jason, and Jacob!!! We were very greatful so see some LDS missionaries show up to help mid-morning and look forward to seeing them again in the next couple weeks. Some of the dirt was a compacted clay and was more like breaking up rock. JR's tractor "Oliver" saved the day when he ripped up some of the soil for us. It wasn't until the last hour that our driveway expert thought to hook up his snow plow to his truck and bring it on over to level things out. It was the first time it was used in the month of August!! We ended up staying about an hour longer than anticipated, but got the job done!! Way to go Brandon!!

It's GOOD to be HOME!

We just returned from a week and a half vacation to Colorado to visit Blaine's family and as always it's good to be home. We thoroughly enjoyed our 3-part trip: 1) The Pioneer Day Celebration in Manassa, Colorado (2-day parade, carnival rides, rodeo, moto-bike competition, demolition derby, and many hamburgers) 2) The FAMILY Reunion at a cabin in the mountains by the Conejos River with all of Blaine's family - Wonderful! and 3) Colorado Springs - Family, Friends, Shopping, Camping and Water Skiing (Brandon), Swimming at the YMCA, and Chipotle Burrito - we hadn't had a Chipotle burrito since Minnesota (yes, it was way good!). Now the countdown begins for school...summer is coming to an end. :(

Lovette Family Reunion 2008

We just returned from Marci's Family Reunion near Ashton, Idaho! It was wonderful to see extended family. The reunion had to be cut a day short because of all the mosquitos. This picture of Matthew tells it all...this is with bug spray after 2 days!! Poor guy!

The Sign Says It All:

Solo Roadtrip

Well, Kayla finally took her first solo roadtrip...to Pocatello! She took the old family van and navigated her way there and back in one piece, by herself; no other passengers. She went to spend the night with her cousin, Taylor. Way to go Kayla!!

Birthdays, Birthdays!

Well, Brandon turned 14 on June 5th; and Sarah turned 12 on June 6th. We celebrated with Brandon while the 2 older girls were at Girl's Camp; and then joined the girls at camp to celebrate Sarah's birthday. I have to say we were the most popular parents there (thanks to the big birthday cake we brought with us!). Brandon was ordained to the office of a Teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood on Sunday, and Sarah graduated from Primary and is now officially in the Young Women's program! We are so very proud of them and their accomplishments and dedication to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

And She's Off!

Well life is going to get much busier real fast - Brielle started crawling this week! She's trying to get ahead of herself and I have even seen her on her hands and feet (with the butt up in the air) like she wants to walk like a monkey!! She has cut two teeth on the bottom and we are enjoying her immensely!

A "Published" Poet!

One segment of Kayla's English class this year was poetry. Her teacher submitted one poem of each of the student's into a poetry contest. Kayla received a letter this week that her's was selected to be published in a hardbound book, the 2008 "A Celebration of Young Poets". We are so proud of her and she is so excited!! With this honor also comes the opportunity to be a judge of all those selected to be published in the book. The top ten will receive cash and prizes totally $3000! Good luck Kayla!!

A Milestone for Brandon

I remember how proud I was the day I was as tall/taller than my MOM! Today, that day is Brandon's! He is finally 5'7'', the same as his Mother! Way to go Brandon...another inch and you'll be as tall as Kayla, another eight to nine to catch your Dad! :)

It's May Once Again...

We woke up to several inches of the white stuff on the ground yesterday, May 1; and we are celebrating our 18th Wedding Anniversary this Sunday on May 4. It has been a wonderful 18 years and I feel so blessed to have a wonderful husband and 5 beautiful, healthy children!