Max at the Temple

I wanted to post these pictures and say how proud I am of my dear friend, Max Laforet. For those of you who don't know about Max he was my pen pal from Haiti who introduced me to the wonderful world of humanitarian work, sacrifice, love, and compassion for a people who I consider some of the most beautiful on this earth. We wrote for seven years talking about starting our own school in Haiti and how we could change the world. In 2000 I was able to start that wonderful journey. And now since May2007 Max has been going to UVU to obtain a degree in elementary education, and adiministration so he can some day help to run schools in Haiti. The fact that Max is here is a miracle in itself. They never let single, male, Haitians leave the country. They are too much of a "fligh risk." But with many prayers, phone calls, letters, and miracle workers Max is here gaining his education.
If you've ever been in a church congregation in a third world country you know that the people are devoted. They walk many many miles to get to church, or a temple. People will sell house and all they own just to attend the temple. The members in Haiti have to take a bus about ten hours, and a couple of hundred dollars later to attend the Dominican Republic Temple. They make so many sacrifices to serve their Lord. I was so touched a couple of weeks ago for Max to be able to receive his endowment at the Timpanogas Temple. I know Max is destined for incredible things because of all the miracles that have been had in his life. I am thankful to be a witness of the Lord's work and his hand in our lives. Did I mention how he was converted? After many letters talking about the church I told him to somehow go find our church and talk to the missionaries. I had yet to know how the church functioned in Haiti. So I just had faith he would find someone to talk to. As he walked into a tiny church house in the middle of the most populated city in Haiti he found two Elders sitting in a room and showed them my picture and said he wanted to hear the gospel. Another miracle, one of the Elders was one of my really good friends from Centerville Utah. You can imagine the shock he got when some random Haitian had my picture and wanted to learn about the church. Again, I know the Lord is aware of us and all we do. He guides our life and will help us find the things that will make us most happy. I didn't mean to make this some sermon but I am in awe of how blessed I've been to be a part of Max's life, and the world of Haiti.

Pierced Ears

Well, I feel like I might be officially a mean Mom. Ryan told me I couldn't pierce Raiyah's ears until she could atleast ask for them to be done. She has started wanting to put my earrings on and always talks about how pretty they are. I decided that this was her asking for earrings. :) I would put the video on but Ryan said we have to erase it. It might give her nightmares down the road. She was not happy. I felt horrible sitting there holding her head still while they poked a needle in her ear. As you can see she was VERY tired when we got to the car, it was a little emotional. Everyone kept looking at us like we were bad parents as we walked around the mall afterwards and she was sucking on two suckers. But I think she deserved two. Anyway, would I do it again? Yes. But probably when she was younger so she wouldn't notice. For a while there when people said 'how pretty her earrings are' she would kind of lean her head to the side and just say, "hurts". But now she quickly responds "pretty". So I think we are okay. And I think she is adorable with her cute little ears pierced.

BABY BOY!!!

I've had a lot of bugged people lately when they find out I've known forever what sex the baby is. I cannot find his cute little picture but as soon as I do I will post it. But yes, we are having a BOY!!! We are really excited. I'm not quite sure what we will do with a boy. Everyone tells me he will be my little side kick just like Raiyah likes to be with Ryan. we will see. Ryan made them do a double check when they did the ultrasound just to be positive he was getting his little rugby player. :) We are excited for this new adventure. Jenn made me laugh the other day. She pointed out that Me, Jenn, and Em (we grew up our whole lives together) have all had a girl first than a boy. So, if trends keep up I will just depend on what Jenns ultrasound (in a couple of weeks) will say for the third kid. I love that all of my friends started their families before me. it's nice to know I can always call someone with a question or concern about my family.
Anyway, it's a boy. No more complaints from anyone that I didn't tell you it is a boy.

USA RUGBY GAME

We had so much fun going to the USA Rugby game! Ryan bought the tickets months ago and has been waiting in anticipation. I really enjoyed watching it as well. I don't know how anyone gets excited watching football after they've seen rugby; the game never stops. They just keep getting up and going. Love the action. Ryan was able to get his Viewmont Rugby boys to be the "ball runners" I believe they called it. They were pretty excited to be so close to such big name rugby players. Ryan also swore in for his next three years of National Guard. We both obviously have mixed emotions about that but felt like it was the right decision. It was an honor to have the General come to swear him in at the game. They decided to do it at the rugby game to show how someone in the National Guard can impact the community. I've been proud of Ryan for being in the National Guard, coaching Viewmont Rugby, and playing for Utah's Mens Rugby Team, Haggis. He loves this game!

October Update

Yes this is late but I thought I would blog Raiyah's cute Halloween pictures. She LOVES flowers and was such a cute one. Once she caught onto the idea of knocking saying "Trick or Treat please" and then you get candy she loved Halloween! It's funny how proud you can be of your little girl just for going trick or treating. I love being a Mom. What more could you ask for.

We had fun going to Grandma and Grandpa Flanders to see Raiyah's cousins dressed up and ready for Halloween.

Okay so it's been a little while. I thought I would start with October and maybe start updating our blog again. Raiyah loved carving pumpkins if you can't tell by the "grossed out" face. It was fun. And her cute frined Brinkley came and joined us for a little Fall fun. They both love being together, everyday they ask "Where is Brinkley Mommy" or "Where is Raiyah?" It's pretty cute.

Logan Canyon, Ryan's Family Reunion

Everyone loved swinging on the rope swing into the Logan River.

Ryan was very proud of building the shower. It heated up during the day by the sun and then several people got a hot shower. Funny thing is I don't think Ryan ever got a shower. But I guess sometimes the fun is building something not enjoying it afterwards.




Ryan and Tanner slept in our other tent the last night. Someone woke up during the night and toilet papered them. I wonder who it was... (Alex and Christen?) :)



Raiyah loves playing with her cousin Tyler.



One of our fun adventures was on the Crimson Trail up Logan Canyon. Wayne (our brother in-law) fell down a steep part of the mountain. He ended up having to have surgery, with plates and pins. So Ryan and another guy we found had to literally carry him down the mountain until they could get a four wheeler on the trail. I know Wayne was grateful and I thought my cute husband was well on his way in his Search and Rescue Career.

Raiyah and Easton playing while the rest of the family cleans.

We hiked to the Wind Caves, they were beautiful. It was a little scary being in charge of our four nephews who wanted to venture all over. The drop offs were a little scary. But we all had a good time. Well, all of us but Bella. I think it was a little rough on a puppy. She slept the rest of the day as soon as we got back and limped all the way down the trail. I felt bad but hopefully she'll be more ready for our next hike. Raiyah loved it as usual in her caravan ride up the mountain.

It was pretty tough hiking up this cliff hee hee.

Wyoming Weekend

Me, Ryan, Raiyah, Jack, Luci, and Paul Hollingshead, Brian and Tamara Hills (Todd and Natalie left before we took this picture).

We went to the Webb's Cabin in Wyoming a couple of weeks ago. It was so much fun. I always say how strange it is that we've made such strong bonds with our friends we made in the Canyon Ward from Centerville. I could call any of them for anything and they would be there. It was so nice to just relax and have no agenda. We loved playing two on two soccer, I believe Todd and I dominated :), swimming in the river, shooting, hanging out around the fire, and just being with good friends. Brian and his cute wife Tamara are heading to California for law school next week so it was great to see them before they left. It was also nice having two little friends for Raiyah to play with Luke, and Jack. Thanks for having us up it was alot of fun!

S&S Railroad Choo Choo!!!!

We had so much fun at the S&S Railroad! My Uncle Gordon invited us to join his family. We loved it. Every day Raiyah goes around saying , "Choo choo" and informs me she wants to ride the train again.
For those of you who don't know about this place you need to go. My Dad's cousin Steve Flanders has put together the most incredible place for kids to get a chance to ride a real train, hand crank trains, and a tiny train. They love it. It's in West Farmington but is only open the first Saturday of each month. I recommend it for a fun day with the family.

Raiyah's second cousins Mara Michelson, and Mykell Flanders.

Dress Ups

Raiyah loves playing dress ups at Grandma and Grandpa Flanders with Abby. They always get very excited when the princess outfits, and the animals are pulled out for them to play in. Her favorite is the Ariel neclace. When you touch it the song Ariel sings to give her voice away plays. Raiyah loves to sing it with her. We love having Abby around for another girl for Raiyah to pretend and play with.


The toy Raiyah has in her hands is pretty funny. Since I was ridiculed growing up about being the "Mormon Flanders" from the Simpsons we all thought the toy was fitting. It's Ned Flanders, when you pull his hand he says, "There's always room for one more Flanders." Okay maybe you have to be a Flanders to appreciate it but it's funny.