Caden the 12 year old!

 

October 2nd is an awesome day at our house, and it's so easy to keep track of how old Cade is because of his birth year being 2000!

 

Fun BIrthday cards!

 This card from his friend, Shaun Myer is pretty creative!  And $20!  That is generous!

 

 Crazy. Fun. Boys. Expression. Obnoxious. Funny. Loud. Long. This pretty much sums up Caden's friend birthday party!

 

Curtis took these crazies out to eat at a fast food joint, Burger King I think..and then for some bowling fun at Dixie Bowl.  They came back after for some treats and the movie, "The Avengers".  Pretty cool!

Now, for the real day!  Our baby boy was born in mid afternoon on a Monday, 12 days overdue, only weighing 7lbs. 6 oz.  See, he teased us from the very beginning by waiting so long to make his entrance into this world!  Ha ha!  What a cutie!  I was instantly in love and was totally smitten by his charm from the start!

 

Caden convinced us to change tradition a little bit and open the tinfoil presents the night before.  His silly early morning school hours had me agree to his request.  Getting everyone up at 6am seems a little loony!

We had a good time as a family celebrating at good old Texas Roadhouse!  Our boys LOVE steak!!

It's birthday family fun with the Meyers, the Hancocks, and the Russells!

I think money was the main theme of his presents.  Ha!  It gets more and more exciting as they get older!

 

Emery was invited to her good friend, Elle Melo's birthday party.  It is fun that Elle and Caden share the same birthday.  Emery was dressed as her assigned character, "Harriet", ready to act silly at a fun murder mystery dinner party!

 

By request, no cake, just cinnamon rolls.  I like his choice!  And it had to have the "yummy icing", meaning no cream cheese, just normal with the almond flavoring.  I grew up loving this kind too.  He takes after his mama!  And thanks to my mama for raising me with this deliciousness!

Looks like he received $180.  Lukcy duck!



 

One of the most precious presents that Caden received was the gift of the Priesthood.  There is not enough money in this world that could buy this most amazing gift.  I was so happy for Caden and so proud of him that he is living his life like he should, and is choosing to follow the Savior's path, and has the desire to do what is right.  Caden is a sweetheart and is sensitive to the spirit.  He listens to the Holy Ghost closely.  You are a good example to me Caden and to all those around you!  Thanks for being so wonderful and incredible.  I treasure this picture of you and your brother.  He too is an example and one that I know you look to.  I am a lucky mom to be blessed with such valiant Hancock boys, soon to be men.

Such handsome young men in my favorite attire for them!

 

Caden was ordained as a deacon and received the Aaronic Priesthood on Sunday October 14, 2012.  His dad gave him this beautiful blessing in his setting apart.  I am grateful Curtis.  Thank you.

 

                                         *our Heavenly Father is proud you are worthy

                                         *you help many people

                                         *you will be blessed to feel promptings

                                         *you will be an example to your quorum and hold the Priesthood sacred

                                         *you are an instrument in our Heavenly Father's hands

                                         *you will always be loved by your parents, leaders, and peers

                                         *you will be blessed with health and strength

 

Caden Mitchell, you are one special boy.  Thanks for coming to our home.  We are the luckiest parents!  We love you!

 

September 2012

 

Random, wonderful memories, in no particular order.

 

 We love Brother Jesse Callahan!  He was an incredible leader to Carter and so motivating and encouraging at helping him get his merit badges and other scout awards!  Most importantly, he has been an example to my boys in the gospel in being such a strong leader, who honors his priesthood and respects women and children.  Thanks for the things you have taught our boys Jesse! Even though he has moved away, he continues to check on us and make sure Carter is on track to get his Eagle.  Carter, you are almost there!!

 Carter's buddy Kristian received his Eagle.  It was great to be able to attend the ceremony and see this amazing accomplishment!

 We made a visit to Zion's National Park.  Every time we go I am in awe at my beautiful surroundings!

 The green trees against the red rock is so gorgeous!

 Riding the tram!

 

 I had surgery this month.  A hysterectomy and tonsillectomy sure wore me out.  Auntie Cynthia came to help for the weekend, along with cousin Jenna!  Cynthia was awesome at cooking, cleaning, taking care of me, and making sure the kids were happy!  Jenna had fun hanging out with the girls especially!  Swimming at the rec center was a great activity for them!

 My cute girls are always so busy playing together.  They made these coordinating fans to their outfits and performed a dance for me!  I just love how they play together and am trying to cherish these moments! I am glad they were being thoughtful of me.  Trying to cheer up their sick mommy!

 

This Lalaloopsy display is too cute.  It is blog worthy.  Ha ha!  Girls, you are so creative!

More imaginative creations at work!  Who knew plastic spoons could be so entertaining!

 Grandma C. also payed us a visit and was so good at being our magic fairy for the week!  She took over my duties far and beyond what I ever do!  She was also an amazing nurse to me!  Thanks mom!  I am SO glad you came!

 And my sweet children were so thoughtful in writing and drawing me get well cards.  I was also blessed to have such wonderful neighbors, friends, and ward members help our family out.  I believe we received 10 dinners, yummy cold drinks, books, movies, flowers, phone calls, and love.  I am one lucky girl and felt so special!  This is my lovely card display by my bed!

Evey loves the piano.  As a preschooler, she would ask and ask for me to sit with her to learn new notes, and songs.  Sometimes it would be an hour long and I would have to say, "okay Evey, let's be done for now."  Crazy, right?!

 This baby of mine is just too busy growing up.  Now she is already starting to lose her teeth, only at 4 years old.  What?!  Please slow down the time!

 I guess Ella wanted to join in on the tooth fun too!

When the Woodwards were here

We had a most wonderful visit with the dear, sweet Woodward family!  I sure love it when a sistah comes into town.  Woowee!  We have a blast! 

 

Laurette had the fabulous idea of going to see The Phantom of The Opera in Vegas before it was gone.  We really enjoyed the show.  It was so cool and the music was powerful and good. 

 

And this was Will's favorite part, visiting the famous "Hash house a go go" in the Imperial Palace.  It's a pretty cool restaurant with HUGE portions!

It's pretty crazy when your dinner goes halfway up your face!

  

 We made a visit to our beautiful St. George Temple.  It looked so neat with the storm clouds behind it.  I just love this temple.  We are so blessed to have it so close!

These cute little girls were more then happy to pose for some pictures!

Another one of our adventures involved going to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Will was pretty brave to be present at the look outs.  He has a definite fear of heights.  Pretty nerve wracking!

 Oh my, you can tell mom wasn't here to stop this from happening. (below) I had to march back to the car with a grumpy, tempertantrum Evey who did NOT want to hold my hand.  Kids just don't understand the dangers.  Ahhh!  Thank goodness they were watched over!

 Such fun cousin sleepovers!  Giggling and talking into the night!

And such amazing performances by the girls!  Dancing and singing with their own compositions.  "Ooooo, oooo ooo la la!"

"Tralalalalalalala, grow a little seed, on the mountain side. "  Eden was very creative with these lyrics!  I sure love all these girls.  Their entertainment was just as good as Phantom of the Opera.

 

We love this family and are so happy that they came all the way down South to visit us!  Thanks for the good times guys!