Carson, The Penitent Thief

So after dinner last night, we stopped into a bookstore to see if they had a certain book for Cherisse to read. The store had a childrens section, with a few toys the kids could pick up, play with, and beg for mommy to buy them. The main toy that the boys chose to play with, of course was the Thomas the train table with tracks and multiple trains. Carson really wanted a specific train that had a tractor scoop on it (forgive me for not knowing this train's name, but I can almost hear most of you saying it now). He asked on multiple occasions if he could have it, but of couse the answer was no. After some time we left, travelled home about 5 miles, and when we got there, Carson says, "Hey look what I just found on the floor." You guessed it, the train he wanted so bad just so happened to appear on the floor of our duplex. Nice. So, in order to get him to take it back with me, I had to tell him that a police man would come get him if we did not take it back. He went with it and we headed back to the store. I coached him along the way to the store and tried to make it as much a learning experience as possible. We get there, and at least to my credit, I find the kindest looking girl in the store for him to apologize to as opposed to the big bald security guard we passed on the way in. I don't know if it was harder on him or me, but we were both on the verge of tears. The store clerk was sweet and patient as Carson fought to get the words out clearly. After it was over, all he wanted was to be in his daddy's arms. I felt a little comforted by an old woman patting me on the back and telling me, "that's a hard lesson learned." On the ride home I asked him how he felt and he said it felt like he was sick or going to throw up while talking to the clerk, but that he felt a lot better having done the right thing. He now also assures me that he will follow how he feels inside in choosing to do the right thing.

Lubbock, Texas

Well we have officially arrived here in Lubbock after much effort and help from all of our loved ones. We thank y'all for your help and support to get us here. We have moved into our little duplex and somehow fit some of our stuff inside(some of the bigger items had to be taken to the goodwill). We have had a few surprises along the way, but the place is quickly feeling like home. Our ward is great and everyone is so nice. The boys are having a fantastic time, other than waking up early to take dad to orientation. Carson said that he felt like he was in a dream the past few days moving and what-not. Jonathan asked him if it was a good dream or a bad dream, and Carson replied, "Well, it's kinda fun, except for all these boxes everywhere." Had to be there I guess. Anyways I will try to keep you posted on our adventures here. Thanks again everyone.

PLEASE HELP!!

we are in a little bit of a pickle!! we had a trailer all lined up to use to move to texas this weekend. on tuesday, that fell through. we have been frantically thinking of everybody we know that has a trailer, all of them are unavailable. if you know anyone who has a trailer enclosed or otherwise, it would be such a help!! please leave a comment, or email me or call me if you know my number!! we are leaving friday afternoon!! we can have it back to you by monday! thanks!!

PHX Zoo with Dad

The boys had a day out today at the zoo. It was a blazin', but we had a lot of fun. We met some giraffes.

















Carson and Cody got a chance to feed the giraffes some delicious morsels of romaine lettuce leaf served fresh from a sweaty hand with the help of a lady with some stylish sunglasses.











Satch said he wanted to run with the rhinos just like in the shoe commercial. I found out he was serious as I took this picture. Barely grabbed him as he landed on the other side of this fence.










The boys enjoyed some monkey friends in this exhibit. This one if you notice was especially playful going upside down and jumping back and forth.










Practicing for cowboy farm life in Lubbock.













Carson had a great idea to have snowcones with lunch and he made sure we did not forget to make it happen.











Cody almost made it through the day, but after his snowcone and candy lunch, he was done. Thanks for the fun trip fellas.