Happy Thanksgiving 2008

We celebrated Thanksgiving this year at home with my parents. Falyn was home from college for the first time in three months, and it was great to see her and have her home for the week. Scott was on call, luckily he worked late morning, and made it home in time to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner! We have so many blessings and so many things to be thankful for...

Falyn & Scott

Falyn, Poppy, and Farah

Poppy (background) Falyn & Grandma

Farah & Poppy

Scott & Pugslee

HOW TO OBSERVE THANKSGIVING

Count your blessings instead of your crosses;
Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes;
Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears;
Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean;
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth;
Count on God instead of yourself.

~~Author Unknown.~~

G'day, mate!

Mom & Scott

Mom & Dee

Farah, Dee, Mom & Scott at Superior Dairy in Hanford

November 11, 2008 Mom and Dee came to visit us. They are preparing to leave next month to Sydney Australia, where they will serve as missionaries for our church for 18 months.

Young Women in Excellence

Farah with her rose from her evening of excellence

The Lemoore Young Women, Farah is the tall/cute one, in the back (middle)

October 22, 2008 Farah participated in our ward's "Young Women in Excellence" program. It is an annual program which spot lights each girl and her accomplishments in the Young Women's program. Farah was spotlighted for being in C.S.F. and Concert Choir in high school; also for playing the piano, clarinet, guitar and singing. Farah participated in the "Terra Bella Relief" fund raiser by selling tickets for a tri-tip dinner. She also gave service recently by canceling a sleep-over and a football game to baby-sit 20 hours for our first counselor's family while the mother delivered baby #5! Farah's Grandma & Poppy attended the program along with Scott & I. Farah sang during the program, and it was quite enjoyable.

It's Fall!

Farah Before leaving to her Fall Concert

Farah performed Wednesday night, October 15th, 2008, in her first Concert Choir at Lemoore High School, She is in advanced choir, although she is only a Freshman! She skipped two levels, the next level is the highest level "Chamber" and must be earned through an audition. Farah plans to audition at the end of the year. She sang "Oh, Occhi Manza Mia" in Italian, and "Ahay Tuburan" which is Tagalog, and "This is why we sing". The music was beautiful, and I was so grateful that Scott was able to attend (work clothes and all) he made it! Farah said, "Music is such a part of my life, I have to sing". And, she sings lovely...

Falyn holding Baby Adam on his blessing day

Falyn, Taylor & Brittney Larsson, (Baby Adam Freedman)

Brittney Larsson & Falyn

Falyn spent the weekend of October 10th thru the 12th with Family in Utah. She rode to Salt Lake with David, Rose Anne, and Garrett Bowen. She enjoyed dinner with her Grandma & Poppy, and the Freedman's at Cafe Rio, then spent the night with Aunt Shannon & Uncle Charlie in Salt Lake. Falyn drove to South Jordan with the Freedman's to attend McKay Larsson's baptism, I feel so old... I cannot believe McKay is 8, he is Julie & Butch's baby, #5! The baptism was followed by a lovely family dinner at the Larsson's home. Falyn stayed Saturday with the Larsson's and rode back to Salt Lake City with their family to attend Adam Freedman's blessing. After the beautiful blessing, all gathered for a lovely family dinner at Jonathan & Lee Ann Freedman's home. Falyn & Garrett Bowen rode back to Rexburg with Grandma & Poppy. What a weekend! Grandma & Poppy stayed at the "Best Western Inn", so that they could extend their visit with Falyn. She had a wonderful weekend; Falyn needed a break from school and to be around family. We wish that we could have been there... but it was not possible, so we thank all of our wonderful family for welcoming Falyn, and making her feel so at home. Falyn said, "Being at the Larsson's is just as comfortable as being at home". Grandma & Poppy spoiled Falyn as usual stocking her bare cupboards & frig with food, and buying her winter boots, pj's and a new dress! Who needs Santa when you have Grandparents right?!

BYU -Idaho

College Girl!

Garrett, Rose Ann, David, Scott, and Falyn @ BYU-I orientation day

Idaho Nights...

Beautiful BYU-I Campus

September 8, 2008 Falyn started college at BYU-I, she is taking 5 classes, she especially loves her Sociology Class.

BYU-I has an amazing program called "Get Connected" it is for Freshman, to get acquainted with other students and become familiar with the campus. "Get Connected" began on Thursday with registration and a BBQ, Friday the students were divided into groups, and given tours of the campus, the parents met in the chappel with President Clark, he gave a fantastic talk and presentation. Friday also included another BBQ. Saturday was a student only affair, at 8:00 A.M. Falyn went to a breakfast conducted by President Clark. Saturday night was a HUGE party for the entire school.

Falyn is very lucky to have two cousins also attending BYU-I, her cousin Melissa, is a senior, and her cousin Garrett is a freshman also. Falyn has one roommate, Natalie, and "A lot of nice guys who live close by"... Falyn had three boys make her dinner her first week of school... Falyn told Scott & I, "I am NEVER coming home"! Falyn's best friend Amanda Murdock, who attends Weeber State came and visited her for a weekend, the girls had a fun time attending the APX party. College life...

FRESHMAN!!!

Farah ready to take on LHS

First day of School!

August 18, 2008 Farah started high school... she said, "I love it" after her first day! Farah loves her classes, especially her choir and geography class, she despises being called "Falyn" by the majority of her teachers. A few teachers have given up, and started calling Farah, "Fortner". There is an advantage to having an older sister... Farah likes knowing all of the cool seniors; and she enjoys being walked to P.E. everyday by her senior football playing friend Austin.

Mustang!

Grandma, Falyn, and Poppy

This is what HAPPY looks like =)

August 8, 2008 Falyn received a wonderful surprise, a 2004, Anniversary Special Edition Mustang, from her Grandma & Poppy Helton.