October and November

 Here's what we've been up to during the months of October and November...

* Rugby finished up at the end of October with the End of Season Banquet in November.  The JV team went undefeated ALL SEASON and took home a trophy for their efforts! We went on to play in the District Championship game against Owyhee but came up short (it's a sore subject but suffice it to say that the Sir made some horrible and biased calls (even the other coaches and Idaho Rugby President agreed on this!) and we did not take the win (but should have!) Anyway, this Fall 7's season was exciting, challenging and fun! Mom became one of the official team photographers and actually enjoyed being down on the field capturing the action! After the season ended we had a banquet to honor and recognize both the players and coaches. Aubrie was awarded the JV Offensive Player of the Year and both girls were recognized as being the JV Team Captains (along with Kennedy Jones and Ray Yost). To recognize the Coaches, I (mom) invested a lot of work! I interviewed most of the players to get their thoughts and thanks for the coaches and then created a slideshow for them. I also had matching customized hoodies made for each of them (there are 4 coaches in total) and finally I spent the most time designing an image with the silhouette of 2 Rugby girls filled in with pictures taken throughout the season. These were printed as 11x14's and framed nicely. Each of the girls were gifted customized MHS Rugby Joggers with their names on them (which I also took the lead on). Here's to the end of the Fall season with our sights already on the Spring 15's season!

* Halloween  came and went without too much fanfare - we didn't even hand out candy this year! We did have the two cutest Trick-or-Treaters stop by (the most adorable Skunk (aka a "Stonk as Henry would say!) and a Rabbit). We also had another unexpected guest - Coach John 2.0! You know they say that imitation is the best form of flattery and so I'd say Katie hit that one out of the park! Before she left to go home, the girls quickly threw together a costume and the 3 of them went out to get some candy.

* Teegan's Birthday was on October 27th and so the girls threw him a little party. They celebrated by going to the new release of Five Nights At Freddy's, had pizza, chips and salad for dinner and then feasted on the delicious cake that Aubrie made of his favorite character - Yoda! To end the night, Nathan and Charlie had a sleep over at Teegan's. I can't forget to mention the gift that Lexi gave him - it was a birthday box filled with all sorts of his favorite things - a new hoodie, yoda plush, candies and a whole bunch of "open when..." letters.

* We celebrated Thanksgiving this year with Grandma and Grandpa Vogt joining us for dinner! We did our tradition "everyone make their favorite dish and be 100% in charge of it" meal. We haven't had a traditional turkey in a few years but that's what Grandma Vogt chose to bring (along with stuffing, gravy and a cherry pizza). Dad smoked some "poor man's burnt ends",  Seth did a sweet potato dish in the crockpot, Ben did deviled eggs (although let's be honest - it was really mom who made these so he could sleep!). Nathan made funeral potatoes (all by himself with Aubrie overseeing with a recipe given to her from Charlie's mom). August and McKendra made several pies and a green bean casserole, Aubrie made    Lexi supplied us with rolls and a banana pudding salad and mom made some Keto-friendly desserts for her, dad and Ben. As you can see, we certainly didn't go without and everyone had an enjoyable time! 

* The fall colors and leaves are always so fun to frolic in this time of year and the girls are always up for impromptu photo shoots! Whether that be taking advantage of the trees outside of counseling to a great backdrop we see on the side of the road to just our front yard (or Charlie's!).. they are always so cute and ready for a picture! Here are a few we've taken this month...

* BSU games were going strong these past 2 months. Like in years past, dad rotated taking kids (and their friends!) to the different home games and watched the Away games either from the comfort of home or at Bill's house. Boise State finished out the season at 8-6 and even fired the head coach half way through the season! They have since hired a new coach that is heavily recruiting and dad says that the fans are optimistic and excited for the future! Here's dad, August, the girls and Hallie Ballard at the Black Out game against New Mexico. Ben, Nathan and Teegan went with dad to the Wyoming game (Orange out) and then the girls and their friend Annie Leavitt went to the San Jose State game (Blue Out). It was fun that we found a picture of dad and the girls from 2012 that they recreated (see below!) Can't believe how grown up the girls have gotten!

 

* The little boys are growing up so quickly!! Luka just turned TWO on November 1st! He's starting to interact with us a lot more and communicating lots more as well! That's probably a good thing because August and McKendra announced that they're having ANOTHER BABY in June 2024! They shared this exciting news on Thanksgiving as we went around the table to share what we were each thankful for. We couldn't be more thrilled!

Spiritually Speaking...

* Hello, family! It's been a while since I've written a spiritually speaking, but I wanted to recount my experience with the Temple Endowment. This happened back in October (the 19^th to be exact) and it was one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had throughout my 21 years on this Earth.

The Endowment is something I have been passionate about since I was a young teen. I remember my older brother, Seth, going through and receiving his own endowment before his mission - an experience that piqued my curiosity and desire. I always thought I would take out mine the second I turned 18, but the years passed and some trials in my life halted my progression in the ways of salvation. Finally, though, in November of 2022 I was able to meet with my Stake President and start the process! Nearly a year passed, and I soon found myself with a temple recommend in hand along with a living ordinance recommend. The 19^th came, and both my dad and I arrived at the temple early to meet with the temple president and go through the washing and anointing. Stepping into areas of the temple I had never seen prior, the spirit whispered to me that what I was doing the right thing, and that the path I was on was the one Heavenly Father had prepared for me.

While I cannot speak in detail about what followed, I can reveal my own personal feelings. It was a giant "Ah-ha!" moment that blew my mind. So much made sense; the origin of what we teach and strive for was unveiled before my very eyes and branded my heart with its glory. To all of the posterity reading this, I urge you to prepare yourself to take out your endowments. There is no greater feeling on this Earth. Some may be frightened by the secret and sacred nature of the temple, but I promise it is nothing to fear; on the contrary, it is something to yearn and respect. The garments I now wear keep me standing upright in the ways of God, and I can confidently say that going through and making covenants with God is the best decision I have ever made.

Time does not exist within the temple. The outside world no longer matters; there is only peace and comfort. The white carpets, the grand staircase, the beautiful artwork, the chandeliers, everything. It is perfection. My testimony of the church, the temple, and God are as firm as a pillar of diamonds. The gospel is worth everything to me; it is something I would change for, live for, die for, and more.

When there is turmoil in your life, go to the temple. When there is a tough decision to be made, go to the temple. When you need peace, go to the temple. In all things, seek out The Lord and His House.

- Ben Vogt, 21 

* Another special thing happened during this time - Nathan was able to receive his Patriarchal Blessing. He has been promised so many wonderful blessings throughout his life and it was wonderful to see him as the Lords sees him! Here's us outside of the Patriarch's home.