Utah Day #2

     Today we went to the Saturday AM session of conference.  The talks were great for Devin, Trevor, Natalie, and I because a big focus was on the youth.  

       Later today we went to Audri's house and enjoyed time with the girls while the boys were at the priesthood session.  We enjoyed time laughing and stuffing our faces with dessert. ( Not needed after our huge dinner) The get together was mainly for people to day Hi and Bye to Devin before he leaves on his mission.  It was a super fun day. 

              -Savannah

Utah day #1

After slowly rolling out of bed and around 10 am we headed over to Melville farms. Thanks to Sydni we got to go ride horses. It was a little nerve racking but it was fun. Grandma and Grandpa Gibb stopped by to watch us ride. Mom was better than all of us and she did not let us leave the arena without letting all of us know once... or twice. 

Back in indio there isn't much to do, so when we find something fun to do we have to do it. We went to airborne, a trampoline and obstacle course place. Grandma and grandpa came with us and watched us jump and mess around with each other. 

Jaryns, Rachel's, and my birthday are all in April. All three families met up and had a big birthday dinner for the three of us. 

The night consisted of the typical Hampton, Williams kinda night. Staying up late, laughing, and laughing some more at little stories of pranks, memories, and the fun times we have had together. 

-Natalie 

Another trip to Utah...

I stopped counting the number of times we've made the trip to Utah. It's funny to hear the kids reflect of the many different memories they have of places we've stopped to eat or sleep, different games played and events that have made an impact and have stuck with them through the years. 

This trip feels a little different for a few reasons. First of all I've yet to be in the drivers seat. It's a completely different view looking at the back of Devin and Trevor's head from the second seat in the Yukon. There's a pretty good chance I may never touch the steering wheel this trip. 

We left Indio at 3:20 am and Devin drove to Las Vegas while the rest of us slept. Trevor took his turn driving to St. George where we stopped to do baptisms for Grandpa Hampton's ancestors the Garner and Barber families. It was such a cool experience as Devin was able to perform the baptisms and do the confirmations. 

More memories being made and new games played as we drive along taking turns singing solos with head phones in our ears with the music turned up as loud as it can go. Snow ball fights during a quick bathroom stop from the only small patch of snow to be found and enjoying some DQ ice cream. This is why we continue to make the trip to Utah!!!

I get tired of being the one to document all these great memories and it's all from my point of view. So to mix things up a bit, we are all going to take turn posting. Yes, this will be very interesting and the only requirement is that Trevor "keep in clean". Here goes nothing!

Sunshine in My Soul

I can totally relate to the hymn ...There is sunshine in my soul today! Seems like more than most days and after some thought I have come to the conclusion that my prayers are being answered all around me! The sunshine I feel in my soul is the love my Savior has for me. I have always known without any doubt that I am loved by my Heavenly Father but I have begun to feel his love for me at such a different level lately! It's beautiful...it's peaceful...it's comforting... and most of all humbling to feel it so abundantly. I feel such an overwhelming sense of gratitude when I take a step back and look at my life! Gratitude to my Father in Heaven who looks out for me specifically making sure my needs are met and that I am loved. He is and has always been there for me. The only thing that has changed through the years is my mind set and whether or not I am humble enough to allow His blessings into my life.  As a parent obedience is a familiar word. I am happiest when my children are obedient and doing the things that will benefit them and help them grow. I am also more apt to reward and show my love and appreciation when obedience is a part of their everyday lives and I imagine it must be the same for our Father in Heaven. We are showered with blessings and the peace that comes from doing what's right. If listening, we are able to feel and sometimes hear the direction sent from our Heavenly Father. I am learning to listen with not only my ears, but my heart and then most importantly act! Let the sun shine, let it fill my soul and I pray I never forget what it feels like to feel my Saviors love.

Life's Rewards

Throughout life there are small and simple rewards that come your way that make the not so fun days of parenting worth while. An apology, a hug, a cute text filled with fun emojis, all simple gestures that go such a long way when coming from a teenager! The other day I was so flaming upset with Trevor I really wanted to kick him! I get so tired of trying to get him up in the morning and out the door to seminary/school I was ready to take everything that makes his life comfortable away!!!  As the day went on, my anger faded a bit as well as the intensity of what my wrath on Trevor would be. When he came home that evening, Trevor happened to have a bouquet of tulips and some dark chocolate and a hug for ...me. The heart to heart conversation that followed was truly priceless. 

Last weekend, Gerald and I had the opportunity to visit the New Port Temple with Devin for the first time. There really aren't words to describe what my heart was feeling on March 1st, 2014. The biggest reward from that day was seeing the excitement in Devin's eyes and the eagerness he has had to learn and develop an even stronger relationship with his Heavenly Father. We have had the opportunity to teach, direct, lead, and help Devin develop into this amazing person. Then the time comes that as parents you begin learning and growing side by side with your children and it is an amazing place to be...another huge reward as a parent!

Called to Serve in Salta, Argentia

Exactly 2 weeks after sending in his missionary application Devin received his call to serve in the Salta, Argentina Mission. He was hoping to have the opportunity to serve his mission where he could learn a second language and experience a different culture, so you can imagine how thrilled he is! Devin will report to the Provo, Utah Missionary Training Center on May 7th.

I really can't explain what I'm feeling right now. I know it is probably what every missionary mom goes through but it's a flood of crazy emotion all bundled up in a ball that wants to explode! Excited, sad, worried, uncertain, grateful, thankful, so very happy, and concerned all at once. I had a good cry last night and am hoping to get this all out behind the scenes so I'm not a blubbery mess. Letting go a little bit more tugs at my heart strings pretty hard. All part of the plan... I know...but I can't help but feel the way I do!

Heaven Help Me!

View Devin opening his call! 

CALLED TO SERVE

Natalie - Varsity Water Polo

It's been an exciting Water Polo season as we have watched Natalie grow as a player. She made the Varsity team as a Sophomore and has also helped lead JV to victory a few times. Her confidence level has sky rocketed as well as her ability to play tough against her opponent and no one loves to see that more than her father Gerald! You are looking at one tough, determined young lady who is finding out what she's capable of.

The really amazing thing about Natalie is her ability to wake up every morning at 5am for seminary, attend a 7 hour day of High School while keeping a 3.9 GPA. That's not even close to the end of her day... she then goes on to a 3 hour water polo practice, home for a quick meal only to begin working on 1 -2 hours of homework to end her day. Now somewhere in the middle she has managed to read the Book of Mormon twice this year, run an Etsy store and save enough money to be somewhat self sufficient as a 15 year old!

I'm allowed to brag...SHE IS AMAZING!