From Cold... to Hot!

Our family decided to take a trip down to St. George for a weekend. We planned another service project with a few people in the area for MYNT. Our family was chosen to do the random acts of kindness. So with money, gift certificates and flowers, we set out to make people's day. Our first stop was a fast food restaurant where we paid for the customer's order behind us. They were shocked and actually paid for the next persons meal. It went on for at least 5 cars until we had to leave. What a great feeling to pay it forward. Then onto a parking lot where we left random notes that said "Have a great day" with $5 attached. Then we found an elderly lady that the kids gave flowers to. She thought they were trying to sell them to her at first, but when she realized their intent, she quickly smiled and gave them hugs. She explained she was just moving up from California and appreciated the nice people of Utah. Then our final stop was a thrift store. We stood outside and asked for people to sing, give hugs, dance, etc for money. It was fun to see people getting into it and smiling. They were shocked that we were handing out money. The manager of the store came out and we thought he was going to shut our whole project down, but instead sent out a few employees that he thought might like a little extra cash. So out they came giving hugs and singing. The kids were loving it as well. Then, inside, we randomly gave out money. One employee said she couldn't accept it because she found it on the ground (in a plastic baggy with a note that said, have a good day... Pay it forward). She returned it to her boss (who knew what was going on) and he said it was a gift, not something lost. He told us she became teary eyed and said she had no money for gas and was running on fumes to get to work. She could now make it home. What an incredible feeling. Taylor and I said it would be fun to do once a month. I think it was more exciting for us to watch reactions than it was for the people to receive the random acts of kindness.

During our trip we were able to take a walk with the kids down by the virgin river. We also visited the beautiful temple grounds and walked around on Sunday. Mikelle and John are always so willing and sweet to let us stay with them when we come down. The kids love getting together with their cousins. It was a great trip.

Daddy Daughter date with Real

Taylor decided to take his favorite oldest daughter to his favorite soccer teams game. So off to the Real Salt Lake game in the Lion's club seats, thanks to Rob. She enjoyed it, but I think mostly because she was on a date with her dad and got to eat some amazing food. Next time Taylor will have to take his favorite youngest daughter on a date. (Maybe not a soccer game quite yet)

YeeHaw!

Aysia's 1st grade program was about cultures around the world. Her cute class represented the old west. They sang and danced and did an amazing job!

Knowledge Bowl

Skyler and his knowledge bowl team were very serious in their studying this year. He was given a georaphy notebook to study and memorize. They split the information into 5 parts. Each student was responsible to know his/her part. They had several tests prior to the bowl and were required to attend practice twice a week during their lunch recess. Skyler was selected for team number one. It was very competitive. They won two games and lost two. They didn't place, but came very close. We were really proud of the kids and their dedication to studying! Congrats!

Who's 3??

Traycen turned the ripe old age of 3! We were excited to be able to spend his special night with him especially since he was touring around the world with his family for a few months. Noelle did a great job with the Candy Cake. The kids love their cousins!

Green Day!

Once again we started our St. Patrick's day with our traditional Green breakfast. The kids look forward to it every year and are getting old enough to start making it with me. We also celebrate the day with Corned beef and Cabbage for dinner. No pinching us on this green day! Our bellies are full of green.

Art Projects

The kids come home with numerous art projects every week and unfortunately our room is limited. I would love to keep each one, however, since that is not possible we decided to do the next best thing... take a picture of it! Great job kiddos!

Gerald "Jerry" Pikus

Gerald J. Pikus 1940 - 2014 | Obituary | Condolences 1940 ~ 2014 Our world is absent one of our favorite people. Jerry was born in Duluth, MN., April 7, 1940, to Frank Joseph and Martha Martin Pikus. He then proceeded to live 10 lifetimes in one. This was an honorable, intelligent, fun and funny guy who held deep beliefs and never wavered in his sense of duty, responsibility and an intolerance of injustice. Despite his guarded privacy, he was a genuine friend to those to whom he was close and a respectful, helpful mentor or student to everyone else. His quiet assuredness was a strength to many. He was a talented, thorough perfectionist and, simultaneously, profoundly humble. Jerry died March 10, 2014, following a brief illness. As bespeaks his character, he donated his remains for scientific research. There will be no service. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a Charity of your choice.

Sad to Say Goodbye

Shortly after Dad went to Florida to visit his cousin in Florida with Jerry and Dale in January, Jerry became extremely sick. He was diagnosed in February with cancer and unfortunately was unable to fight it. He passed away with Dad and many family members by his side. Dad had many great 4-wheeling trips with him over the past few years. I am so thankful we were able to enjoy a Lake Powell trip with him last summer. He will be greatly missed.

Mommy/Children Date

Mommy, Kid date - The three older kids are doing so well in skiing. I decided to be brave and take them all. It was a peice of cake. The boys decided to go off together for a few runs while I went with Aysia to practice technique. She really has picked it up quickly and will hopefully become a little ski bumb like her Mom was. It was perfect weather and a perfect day.

Who Are These Children???

The kids look forward to the special days of dressing up and wearing certain colors to school, but their favorite is always the CRAZY HAIR day. If only they could have it every day :)

MARCH

Welcome Home Noelle

After the Olympics, Noelle was whisked away to New York where the family had the chance to ring the stock exchange bell and be interviewed on several broadcasting stations. We had a group of family and friends to greet her at the airport. We were happy they were all home safe! Then, the City of Eagle Mountain surprised her with a celebration. A Fire Truck came by to pick her up and take her, along with a large escort to the local Jr. High. There were several hundreds of people waiting to greet her. Many lined the streets as she passed by. It was a great turn out. She was excited to be back, however, slowing her life down after competing was completely opposite. She started getting thousands of calls to speak for both church and corporations. She, unfortunately, has had to say no to several speaking opportunities due to the large quantities of requests.