August 23rd - 29th

 In Our Family This Week...

* The girls had their first Volleyball game this week. It was against Heritage (another middle school here in Meridian). There were so many girls that came out for Volleyball (and at the middle school level, no one gets cuts - they just make however many teams are needed to accommodate all of the girls). Anyway, the girls ended up on different teams - but they say that's ok because now they can watch a cheer each other on. Lexi's team played first and they won their game (and Lexi did amazing at serving and gained the team like 6 points in a row!). Aubrie's team did well but ended up loosing the game. Aubrie also did great and did like 6 serves in a row where she won the points. Dad and I were both able to attend and watch their games.

* Mom had a birthday this week! She turned 46 on Thursday and all of the family spoiled her! She woke up to a super clean home and some birthday decorations on display (courtesy of the girls!). Mom and the girls decided to hit the thrift store for some birthday shopping! Savers was having 40% off of their summer clothing and we found some great deals! Mom requested a BBQ for dinner and dad didn't disappoint with his delicious burgers! Aubrie had also baked a sugar free cake for dessert. Mom got all sorts of awesome gifts! wireless bluetooth earbuds from Ben and Natalie, Boom Chick-a-pop popcorn from Nathan, Athletic socks from the girls and Aubrie also purchased some of the things from the thrift store for her, a cute watercolor painting from Lexi, flowers from August and McKendra, flowers from John and Anne and money, wax candle scents from Seth, money (that was used on  multiple outfits from Savers) from grandma and grandpa Carlson and then earrings and a gift card to Torrid. She was very much spoiled!

* The Western Idaho Fair was in town this week... we're not your typical "Fair Folks" but the younger kids had never been to a Fair and the girls really wanted to go. We decided to make it a family affair and took everyone! We spent most of the time waiting in lines but the kids had a great time! They rode most of the "big" rides (except one called "Turbo" that had a line that you couldn't even see the end of it!) Mom's favorite part was getting pictures of all the kids together! haha

Spiritually Speaking...

* Even though we've been doing school for over a month now, we felt we should still get our "Back To School" Blessings from dad! This is always such a special time! Looks like we're in for a wonderful year!!  Here's a copy of them:

* Alexa Fae Vogt, by the power of the Holy Melchizedek Priesthood, I lay my hands upon your head and give to you a father's blessing. As you enter this school year know that you will be blessed, that you will continue to grow in your knowledge and in your skills and in your talents. I bless you with the ability to maintain a love for learning and have an opened mind and an opened heart to explore new areas and to develop new talents that you may have not thought about.

Father in heaven knows your heart and knows your desire for friendship and knows your desire to have a true best friend. Know that as you reach out, and serve others and show them love and care that your heart will be full and you will feel the spirit. You will know that you are doing the Lord's work, and that his work is done through the hands of angels here on Earth. I bless you with the ability to remain optimistic and to be a light to others, and I leave this blessing with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

* Aubrie Annabelle Vogt, by the power of the Melchizedek Priesthood I lay my hands upon your head and give unto you at this time a Father's Blessing. I give you a blessing of comfort. A blessing of good joy. Father in Heaven knows you and knows your heart. He hears your prayers. He knows of your struggles. You've been placed in this family so that you would have the support that you need to face the challenges that you have in life. Know that you are not alone - Heavenly Father is with you, Jesus Christ is with you, the Holy Ghost is with you and your earthly family is with you.

I bless you with the promptings that when you feel stress and feel anxiety that you will remember the things you've been taught on how to cope with them and that you would not suffer in silence - but that you would reach out to mom, dad and to your siblings. Know that this will pass in its time and in it's season. You will be strong and be able to conquer it.

I bless you with a keen intellect and the ability to learn, devour and retain knowledge and information. You will excel in your studies. I bless you with being a good influence on others and helping them find joy and happiness in their lives. I leave these blessings with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

* Nathan Mark Harry Vogt - you are so loved! By the power of the Holy Melchizedek Priesthood which I hold, I lay my hands upon your head and give you this blessing. That blessing is first and foremost to know that you are so loved! Father in Heaven is mindful of you and he knows you. He knows your heart and desires. You have been given many earthly challenges to overcome. You have been blessed to overcome, persevere and endure to the end. Remember those qualities you have as you seek to conquer other obstacles and challenges in your life - that they are surmountable and you will be able to conquer them and come off as the victor!

I bless you to continue to have your dyslexia and dysgraphia diminished as you overcome. I especially bless you this year to experience the same gains in writing as you've had in your reading. Know that Satan would do whatever he could to make you feel depression, to feel sad and alone. Know that when you're faced with temptations, that you have a great support structure in your brothers and your parents. You have an honesty and truthfulness about you - that you know good from evil and right from wrong. I bless you with willpower and the ability to resist temptations.

As you seek Heavenly Father, seek His will, and seek His words through the scriptures that you will be given strength. You will know of those in your Quorum that are sad or scared, lonely or hurting. and will be able to reach out to them and let them know that they aren't alone. That you are there for them to be their friend. I bless you with joy. I bless you with happiness. I bless you with love in your heart. These things I leave with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.