Friends since Elementary School

Two Friday's ago, my two friends came over to visit, giggle, laugh, eat, and just be together. We had the BEST time. I have known Angie since 6th grade. She helped introduce me to the Church. I have known Barbra since we were in the same kindergarten class. We all went to the same elementary, Jr. High and High School. We have been friends ever since. Between the three of us, we have 12 kids...simply amazing. Anyway, I simply adore them and can't wait to get together again soon.

L to R: Angie Shutt Barker, Me, Barbra Shutt

Out with the Beagley's

Tonight we were blessed to go out to dinner with some friends that we haven't seen in several years. I would say that they are old friends but then you might assume that they were old, when in fact, they are our age. Paul and Teri Beagley are visiting from Colorado. They moved there almost two years ago for work, and now they are here for Christmas vacation. We were in Brookdale Ward together for many years. Paul used to be the Bishop of the old McChord Ward. We had a great time together. We went to Applebee's and laughed the whole night long. It is always wonderful getting together with friends. Tonight was perfect.

Church 4 Ward Youth Party

O'Ryan Ethington and Sasha after she was bobbing
for apples. That would explain her soaking wet shirt !

Jayson with shaving cream on his face betting ready
to play a group game where half the group puts the shaving cream on and the
other group throws cheetos in hopes of them sticking to the cream.

Jayson bobbing for apples

Sasha bobbing for apples too!

Last night for Mutual, the youth had four congregations of young people together for a Halloween party. They had homemade root beer floats, games, bobbing for apples, and a ton of candy. The kids all had a great time. I am so glad that the Church gives our teenagers fun places to go that are safe. They always have a great time with their friends.

Two Peas in a Pod

L to R: Dave Mathison and Mike Pope.

Tonight was a memorial celebration for Cory Jenkins who was killed in Afghanistan two weeks ago. Cory was a Scoutmaster from the Steilacoom Ward. Dave and he worked together for several years. Bro. Mike Pope and Dave have also worked together several years as Scoutmasters too. Mike and Dave have been such good friends over the years. They both discovered tonight that not only did they wear the obvious Boy Scout Uniform top, but that they wore almost the same pants and the same color and type of shoes. For years now, we have always called these to men brothers....now we can call them twins.

Teenager's are awesome!

L to R: Andrew Smith, Austin Hjelm, Kenny Smith
Kjersten Ness, Sasha Mathison and Spencer Lawrenson

Kjersten Ness and Sasha Mathison
Aren't they beautiful !!

On Monday evening, we were invited over to the Dooley's (friends from church) to attend their kids' birthdays. All four of their children have had birthdays in the last month or so, so they decided to throw a big bash all at once. We all went and had a really nice time. Sasha was there and saw one of her good friends who was visiting from Montana. Kjersten used to be in our ward, but moved away a year or so ago. It was fun seeing all of these great teenagers just lounging around and visiting with each other.

Best Friends

Jayson, Mario, and Adam

Isn't this the cutest picture? This is Jayson, Mario and Adam, who have been friends since Kindergarten. I have also done daycare for the two other boys. They are still friends today. They are really nice young people.

Tessa Ross is AWESOME!

I just wanted you ALL to know how much I appreciate Tessa. She came over to my home last night and stayed and helped me learn how to attatch pictures and cute backgrounds to my blog. Yippee. Now it is not so boring after all. I asked a multitude of retarted questions that most middle schoolers can figure out computer wise, and she never made me feel stupid. I really had a fun time, Tessa and I love your sunny happy disposition on life. It is contagious. Also thanks to Dani for blogging in the first place and getting me started on my own blog. I have the best friends. I love that the Church brings great people together. Thanks Tessa !!