Roped Into "Service"

One of my personality "flaws" (as Tyson sees it) is that I can't seem to be able to tell people "No". But because of that I have had a lot of opportunities to help out and serve. This week I helped a couple of friends make the decorations for Raygen's pageant. We spent all week coming up with ideas, getting donations for materials, cutting wood, painting, modge podging, shopping, eating, talking, and even threw in a lot of laughing. It was so much fun! I love being able to have an idea and make it a reality. The stage looked so cute when we were all finished. I'm glad to have such talented and amazing friends! They are a lot of fun to be around and make any task enjoyable.

Little Miss Idaho Days Queen!

Today Raygen participated in the Little Miss Idaho Days Pageant. She had to learn a dance and perform it with all the other girls. Then she walked across the stage while the announcer read a description about her. She then gave a a speech and answered three questions. In her speech she said, "Hi! I'm Raygen Murphy. I am 9 years old and I love the color purple! I use it often in the pictures I draw because I love arts and crafts. I have a pet cat named Rosie. She hates everyone but me! She's feisty but I love her! I also have a pet pygmy goat and rabbit. It is my job to take care of them. One of my favorite things to do is to ride horses with my Grandpa Benton. I am my Mom and Dad's only daughter. I'm spoiled not too much, not too little, but just the right amount! My mom tells me I have a big heart to go with my big smile!"
For her questions, she was asked 1. Who is your role model? She said, "My mom and dad because they teach me not to be mean." 2. Why do you like living in Idaho? "Because it has a lot of nature and animals and I love those things!" 3. Why would you make a good princess? "Because I would be a good example to everyone and I would be nice to everyone."
She did an excellent job and we are VERY proud of her. Crown or no crown, Raygen is definitely our little princess!

Ellie

The newest member of our family is Gabe's puppy, Ellie. He has worked very hard to earn the money for her and also permission from us. He has tried really hard to prove that he is responsible enough for a dog by helping out around the house and taking care of Cash when Tyson is gone. We drove down to Riverton, Utah to pick her up. Gabe was in love the moment he saw her. He started crying and kept saying, "She's perfect!" He has been very good at taking care of her. He feeds her, baths her, cleans up her messes, and plays with her every day. He is working on training her and is learning a lot along the way. It took a lot of debate for Gabe to finally decide on a name for her. I have nicknamed her "Ellington Fitzgerald" because I think it fits her more then just plain old "Ellie". :) She has been a lot of fun, work, and frustration in the charming way only puppies can be.