First Day of School

This year Gabe is going into 7th grade (Junior High), Raygen is going into 4th grade (Mrs. Purser), and Ridge starts Kindergarten (Mrs. Wade). The summer went by way too fast, but the kids are excited to get started on a new year. We missed the bus the first day, but made it on the second day. Gabe so far really likes all his teachers. He has been running with the Cross Country team and is getting in good shape. Raygen loves her teacher (who is also in our ward) and is still the social butterfly she has always been. She is excited to start orchestra this year and is planning on learning the violin. Ridge wasn't even nervous on his first day. I had to make him come back and give me a hug and a kiss before he went into class. It has been so weird to have my baby start school. I am so glad that we opted for the half day schedule. It might give Mom a little more time to adjust to the idea of not having babies at home anymore.

Peas in a Pod

This summer Gabe has spent a lot of time with his best friend, Clance Belnap. They are so much alike it is scary! Gabe has been really into "Indiana Jones" and has played with his toy whip until it totally wore out. One day Clance came over to play. He told Gabe that he saw a package on the front porch. When Gabe went out to see, there was a wrapped present sitting there. In it was a new whip that Clance bought for him. He was SO excited! The two of them spent the rest of the day "cracking" their whips in the backyard, and "exploring" with their dogs. It has been so great for Gabe to find a friend that he has so much in common with and that he gets along with so well. He loves spending as much time as possible with Clance and I am so glad that he found himself a "kindred spirit".

Happy 4th!

As Little Miss Idaho Days Queen, Raygen gets to ride on their float in various parades. Today she was in Lewiston's parade. It was pretty hectic getting her there. The float they had lined up got locked in a storage unit and the owner left town. So at the last minute (like 20 minutes before the parade started) we threw together this float with the left over stage decorations. Good thing the girls are so cute and don't need a lot of fancy decorations! Last night we had dinner at Mom and Dad's house where Grandpa Benton and Uncle Braydon decided to teach Raygen how to do a "parade wave". Wow. I should smack them.

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.

Yesterday Gabe became a deacon in the Aaronic Priesthood. Tyson gave Gabe the blessing in Bishop Beckstead's office after church. Grandpa Benton, Uncle Braydon, Mike Cole, Bruce Nate, Vance Broadhead, and Bishop Beckstead stood in the circle. Those watching include myself, Raygen, Ridge, Branson, Grandma Lynda, Bridgett Broadhead and her kids, and Wyatt Cole. There was such a great spirit in the room and Gabe smiled when he was done. Gabe gave everyone a handshake, even his dad, and everyone laughed when the Bishop teased him that he was suppose to hug his dad. Of course his mom gave him a big hug and kiss! (He cussed me later for embarrassing him)
As I sat there, I was reminded of Gabe as a tiny baby in his hospital bed when he received a priesthood blessing. It is amazing to watch the gospel come full circle as Gabe now has the priesthood and can use it to help others. It fills my heart with love and gratitude for our Heavenly Father and His incredible gifts. I am so proud of Gabe for choosing to follow the commandments and for being a good example to his younger siblings.