Sunday at the Lake

So this is 'The Lake', Twin Lakes, Rainbow Beach Resort of the Colville Indian Reservation, 'The place to be', whatever you call it, it's the best vacation spot EVER. See the cabin in the background? That's what all the cabins look like. I wish I had an up close view. My family has been coming here since before I was born or even a thought. 35+ years. My parents started coming with their 3 couple friends and families. We've since grown and it's been the place to come every year. Another group of families goes 2 weeks before us. Anything they leave behind, we pick up. :) It's just that awesome! 

We arrive on Saturday and leave the following Saturday. So what do a bunch of Mormons do on Sunday.....we have church. Church locations have MUCH improved since I was younger. We used drive around the lake, park, and hike to this 'familiar spot', carefully perch on the side of the hill, have sacrament, talks, hymns, the whole works. Now, we meet by the 'Grand Cabin' - also a recent addition over that last 5 years. It's actually a goal to see what improvements have been made to the cabins or what is still the same. Like the window in my parent's cabin has been cracked for at least 20 years, same hole in the screen, same tiny fridge in the corner, no running water, no bathroom - unless you have a 'Modern' cabin. We who rough it, use the bathroom building out back and the shower that cost 50 cents - inflation......and you might get scalding HOT water or freezing cold water with a drain that holds about 2 drops and starts to over flow. Sounds like heaven right?? Well it's pretty close.

My sister Caryn (since having 3 weddings this past year) had some tulle lying around. She decided to make skirts for all the little girls 12 and under. Super cute! Surprisingly Abbey LOVES it. I was surprised I could even get it on her. Her little cohort, Shay, convinced her it was fun. :)

Notes of love for my nephew Elder Hunt serving in New Jersey

Show us your best pose

one more.

 and........JUMP!

 So here it is: The official site of Twin Lakes Church, my sister Kristin is the unofficial number keeper and record keeper for all who have even been to the Lake with us (all families included). I think this week there was to be around 200 from those 4+ little families who started coming. I'll have to ask her for the official count over the years and this past year.

 It really is the best place to be. What better place to sing 'Come, Come ye Saints' than outdoors where long ago, the Saints were singing themselves as they walked across the plains to Zion. Not this exact spot, but you know what I mean. It's peaceful and quiet.

And since we don't ski, swim or do any other water activities.....we have Christmas. Yes, Christmas. and the M&M game.

 Since we live in various places of the USA, we have Cousins Christmas every year at the lake. We don't all attend ever year. Last year, Ammon was born 2 weeks after Twin Lakes, so we didn't go.

 

 

 Seriously the funniest thing ever. This is Taylee - the baby, and my brother Rustin. She is laughing her little baby rolls off, why? Well because Rustin is hilarious...no really, he was tossing the ball in the air and catching it. Not funny to anyone else but her - she laughed so hard she's crying. :)

 Abbey got Buzz Lightyear - so EXCITED!

 She gave to Dallin and was so excited, she opened the gift and handed it to him. :)

 The older grandkids/spouses, played the Left/Right game - it's serious game - see the concentration??

 Someone messed up.

 Rules for Cousin's Christmas - there is a dollar limit - not sure what it is, but we all get really cool stuff without spending a lot. And once you graduate from high school, you're out of the gift giving and receiving.

What else.....

 I think someone looks a little guilty.....Lucas......

 GOTCHA Uncle Ryan! It's his birthday, he deserves to be pelted with a bubble gun. :)

Awww, 40 - gosh he's OLD. Someone snitched in the scotcheroos, I don't think he'll notice though.

I pledge to be....

 In honor of Red Ribbon week, the kids were able to tie a ribbon for their pledge, and then on Halloween, they go to wear all the red they could and have SCARY hair - to scare away the drugs! Love it!

 His is already red - I thought he should get bonus points just for that. :) We put a 'red ribbon' in his hair.

 Lea's scary hair and the inspiration for Halloween - just added purple highlights.

Project 'Costume'

Tis the season for ghosts and goblins, vampire princess and super-heroes??

Tis also the season for lame costumes to become SUPER cool!! 

Exhibit A: party #1 - Aitkens

 

 Lea's - not half bad. First time we ventured into Halloween make-up.

 Ammon's recycled and - 'will you please FEED me!!!'

 What?

 I guess, I'll go with him, but seriously the hair??

Jeff's costume ROCKS! The 'angry golfer' - has a broken golf club too. It was promptly hidden when 'Superman' decided it need to be used a weapon.

 Do you 'Robot'?? And lastly: Abbey's....ahem.....'costume'. I did convince her she didn't need to wear the bright green t-shirt too. At least she's dressed - yeah it was that sort of night.

Exhibit B: Abbey's preschool class party - a MAJOR improvement for her.

 We got a 'costume' on her - even it was straight from the dress-up box. We did some crazy hair and added some purple highlights.

 What? Who doesn't love 'em some Fat Free milk container!?

 Exhibit C: Ward Halloween party

 We have arrived! No masks allowed, so I drew Lucas' on his face. To which he replied: "Mom, my body is a temple, we're not supposed to write on ourselves." yes.....yes it is. Thank you primary teachers! :) And my sweet little Abbey suddenly morphed into this vampire princess like Lea.

 Awesome shooting game the young men put together. I did want to know who volunteered to drink the DP cans they were shooting at - I would have gladly drank? drunk?.....guzzled regular DP so they didn't have to have 'diet' cans up there. :)

 sweetness!

 eat the donut.....if your dad doesn't try to tease you.

 there are just some people who don't like to follow the rules of the game. :)

 Make-up has all been rubbed off - it's not 3-year old proof.

 Vampire princess and the Smurfs - sounds like a Blockbuster to me!

And finally Exhibit D: Halloween Night - TOTALLY AWESOME, SUPER COOL!!!!

 I didn't paint Lucas' face this time - he wore his mask....for about 3 houses. Ammon even has a little red cape - 'Super' cute! :)

 The Scary House, right next to the other even WAY scarier house with the Haunted backyard - So fun!!

 And the Dominican Scorpion that had Abbey climbing the back of the couch. Always a blast - thanks for coming Sorensens!

I am so smart. S-M-R-T.....s-m-A-r-t

Very proud - way to go smarty pants! (3.8 or higher)
As an added bonus, kids on principals list got to dress down the next day - they were SO excited!

 Just wanted to show you this picture and the AWESOME quality pics I can take in the gym.....now you'll get to appreciate a 'good' picture......

 Oh happy day!! Way to go L & L!

Sharing the gospel

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we want to spread the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. There's a new campaign starting in select cities to inform and improve understanding that we 'Mormons' are normal every day people with normal every day skills and talents. We are just like everyone else. We are Christians, we believe in Christ. Phoenix has started this campaign over the last month called I'm a Mormon (There is a 'button' to the right - bright green circle that says so) :) There are billboards, radio ads, tv commercials, and even billboards in Time Square, New York City!! All in the effort for those who don't know Mormons to get to know us. Check out Mormon.org and see all sorts of AMAZING people.

Last Sunday, the children ages 4-11, performed in the annual Primary program. The theme for Primary this year is 'I know the scriptures are true'. 2Nephi4:15 "For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them." I teach the 6 turning 7 year olds (part of the group - there are 2 classes) so I was able to be on stage with them as they shared their testimonies of the scriptures and sang beautiful music that also shared their testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Each child was able to choose a question (questions asked by those leaders in charge of primary), and come up with their own answers. 

Here is what Lea and Lucas shared:

Lea: What help do you have to keep your baptismal covenants?

When I was baptized I made covenants with Heavenly Father. He gave me the gift of the Holy Ghost to help me remember my covenants and to make good choices. I wear a CTR necklace that reminds me daily of my baptismal covenants.  I can renew my covenants each week as I listen to the sacrament prayers and take the sacrament. Heavenly Father gave us scriptures and as I pray and read my scriptures, I can always remember Jesus and keep my baptismal covenants. I have faithful primary teachers and parents who teach me and help me remember the covenants I have made with Heavenly Father.

 

Lucas: What do the scriptures teach us about the Holy Ghost?

The scriptures teach us the Holy Ghost does not have any bones. He is a spirit. The Holy Ghost teaches me about Jesus. He helps me choose the right and be safe. He helps me to play nicely and not get hurt. He helps me feel better when I am sad or scared. He's my friend.

(side note: the first time Lucas had to speak in front of everyone for practice, he made it through half, then stopped. I looked up to see him wiping his eyes. He mentioned later that giving his answer made him cry. Good tears or sad tears? Both. Well, that's the Holy Ghost telling you that what you said was true. Sweet spirits of children.) 

So after the program on Sunday, during primary, the kids were given a chance to write their testimonies again or their name in the front of a copy of the Book of Mormon. They were given the options of taking it home and giving it to a friend or neighbor or giving it back to the missionaries and they would hand it to someone who was interested. Both of my kids brought one home. Lucas wanted to give it to Jeff.......can't, already has 2 sets of scriptures. :) Lea wanted to give hers to her teacher at school. Lucas then decided that would be a good idea too. So off they went, armed with the truthfulness of the gospel and ready to share it with two amazing teachers that they love dearly. Both teachers said thank you and Lea's teacher said she'd read it as did Lucas' said she'd look at it at home. I hope they do. I know it's true. I'm grateful my kids have no fear of sharing the gospel. I know they set a good example for their teachers. I'm grateful they are recognizing the Holy Ghost and we are able to talk about it with them.