Alena is ....Up, Up and Away

Alena came back for a couple days to say farewell to friends and FFA members for the last time as a 2008 MHS senior. Thursday evening we enjoyed participating in the FFA Banquet / Closing Ceremony at Millenium High School..."UP, UP and AWAY". Officers relinquished positions (Alena was Treasurer), awards were presented and senior slide shows were "ahh"ed over. A & K both received awards. Oh course Alena stole hearts with her huge smiles and giggles.

Tonight Kensey will receive in behalf of her sis, Alena's 4 year Seminary Graduation Certificate...4 years of early morning seminary. As she started in Morenci, the Sandoval's were so gracious to pick Alena up for almost 2 years. She returned the favor by driving and/or giving rides every day after that. She is so loved by her many friends. (and appreciated by many parents I'm sure).

The Bishop gave Alena her YW Recognition Award a few weeks ago but will be also recognized by the Stake later this summer. She is an example of goodness and happiness. Alena stands as a witness at all times and in all things and in all places. We are very proud of our little Miss Alena Janae. I cannot thank her enough for being such a wonderful big sister. Alena and Kensey compliment one another, when one is not bossy the other is.

As a baby Alena would laugh and I would laugh back, the more we laughed at each others laughs the more hysterical we became. Once she cried when someone told her she might be short like her mom. (and she hasn't grown much since). We are proud of you sis. Keep laughing and being an example of greatness; great daughter / sister, great student, great girl!

Brandon and Marcy

It's a done deal - Congratulations to Brandon and Marcy. They were married yesterday, Tuesday May 6th at the Salt Lake Temple. In spite of the distance many people traveled to witness the special day. Thanks to each of you for that. What a special time. Sunday each of the kids (except Alena - missed her) and families met in Glendale - love having the kids together! We all left Monday very early to fly together. Spent the day enjoying the sites of SLC. What a treat Monday night to have Alena meet up with us and so many meet at the Lion House for a family dinner - the Skinner and Player families! The weather could not have been more perfect Monday and Tuesday. The couple were married by J. Richard Clark of the Seventy...beautiful sealing. I am so appreciative (surprized and yet not surprized) to so many who traveled to share the day with Brandon and Marcy. The flight back to Phoenix was fun with Tanner as he loadly announced his excitement of his first flight experience; rows around just laughed. ..."here we go"....oh an airplane ride through the eyes, mind and excitment of a child. I couldn't help but remember when Brandon was that age and the excitement / love of life he enjoyed -...remember when! Brandon and Marcy, love and enjoy your lives as husband / wife, and best friends.

Thatcher at Playoffs

My nephew Wayne plays first base for the Thatcher Eagles. Last weekend the Thatcher team traveled to the valley to begin the playoffs. Had a great time watching Wayne and the Thatcher team. Thanks Wayne for the fun and also it was great fun having Darrell, Lori, Katie, Shannon and Jason up for the weekend. Thatcher won the first game and was edged out of the playoffs Saturday by Morenci. GREAT Family Time - Wayne graduates this year. It was fun to watch the Basketball and Baseball playoffs. Best Wishes to Wayne.

Appreciation Day

Several days out of the year a girl is given a special day to say "thank you for all you do". I am so thankful for the caring people I work with... The whole week was very much appreciated.

tears of joy - byui - alena

Alena has been delivered to BYU-I. I feel somewhat comfortable with her so far away. Cousins, Nick and Krisjana are in the same apartments. What a blessing that is. It would have been much harder to leave her there had they not been there. I thank them both in advance for all the love they have and will continue to share....they are just that type. Alena is #4 of the kids to "move on"...as wonderful as it is, it is not so wonderful. ....tears of joy. Alena is our little peace maker - she is full of love, giving, sharing, laughter - ........and we LOVE our little Alena Janae! Wishing you the one of your best of times! FOREVER SMILES!

Marcy's Bridal Shower

Saturday we all had such a great time at Marcy's Bridal Shower. Love hearing her laughter and know she and Brandon will have many days filled with laughs and smiles. They both have such a sense of humor. Her sister Melissa was such a gracious hostess and invited so many to clutter her beautiful home. Marcy we love you and appreciate you being apart of the family. Side Note....It is an interesting thing that my mother and daddy was the Player's home teachers and was well acquainted with her granddad. Her father's band played at Toby's and my reception and will play at Brandon and Marcy's reception I've been told. Of course Brandon and Marcy didn't know all of this until later. It's a small world....Looking forward to the many memories.

Shout Out to Torie

The past few months sharing through this blog stuff has been interesting. How much I appreciate all you young mothers that still have time to share your interests, families and YOU. Love ya back! One particular family I have enjoyed watching are the Derrick's. We shared Morenci experiences with the Derrick family years ago. The boys had left home and there was emptiness. I had spent many years in the Stake YW program and after being released was soon called to be a Sunbeam teacher. I had one little "sugars" that filled our hearts. She was there every Sunday, and many times the only child in the class. It didn't hurt that she totally loved her baby sitter, Nae Nae and I was Nae's mother. Many Sundays, she would tell me, "no, I don't want a lesson". We took walks, picked flowers, watched/listened to the creek, ate, drew on the chalk board and just enjoyed "the love". That little "sugars" is growing into a beautiful girl. Torie - thanks for being you. You are loved. This shout out is for you....Hi back! The Y is a good choice. Thank you Derricks - Love ya back!