Why I love the neighbor's cats

The sun hits our back deck just right! It's a welcome invitation to the neighbor's two outside cats to come over and sun themselves. I love that they're so friendly to Kaden and I don't have to feed them!
We're not sure what his official name is, but we call him "Buddy". The other cat is a calico, but she wasn't around for pictures on this day. These cats spend so much time at our house, sometimes I feel like they're ours, only I don't have to pay the vet bill or the bill to feed them!
Buddy lets Kaden give him a hug. Buddy also got lots of kisses on this day!
The pure joy and excitement Kaden feels from playing with the neighbor's cats is priceless! Oh, and did I mention I don't have to feed them?!

Just because

That's what the card said that was attached to my bouquet of flowers. I've never felt such sorrow before when being released from a calling. The flowers were sent to lift my spirits, to let me know I'm loved. They're beautiful Lori, and so are you! Thank you!

The end of one, the beginning of another

This afternoon during our Church Sacrament meeting I was released as the Hanover Ward Relief Society President. When Bishop Burton first told me he was extending a release I burst into tears. Funny, that's exactly how I reacted when Bishop Cook extended the call to me just over four years ago! I was so afraid to accept such a huge responsibly. I would be over all the women within the Hanover Ward boundaries, members and non-members alike. I have grown in many different ways through serving my Father in Heaven in this capacity. I know that it has only been through Him that I was able to fulfill my responsibilities. Heavenly Father gave me the strength and courage to accomplish what needed done. It breaks my heart to leave my Relief Society calling. I worked with, and served the most amazing sisters and their families. I have grown to love and care for each one of them. Many sisters I would never have gotten to know had it not been for my calling as president of this wonderful women's organization.

I have received many rich blessing while serving. My most precious blessing was the birth of our seventh child, Kaden Michael. Many thought it was crazy that a mother with seven young children would have this calling, but the Lord blessed me with the ability to handle the load. I'm so thankful that He did. I don't regret one minute of the past fours years and two months. Even when times were hectic and stressful, I came out of it having learned another valuable life lesson.

My most humbling experience while serving was helping to dress the bodies of two young sisters in preparation for burial. To serve these two sisters in this capacity was also a very spiritual experience, and one I will surely never forget.

Like it or not, it is now time for me to move on. After all, it's only fair for another sister to have her time serving in THE BEST CALLING EVER! After my release, I was sustained in a new calling. Following our three hour meeting block I was set apart as the second counselor in the Young Women's organization. I will be working with the twelve and thirteen year old girls. I know my Father in Heaven will again bless me with the ability to magnify and fulfill my calling. It is my prayer that I will grow to love this calling, that I can one day say, this too is THE BEST CALLING EVER!

Look at my Beehives! Aren't they beautiful? I love them already!

Let's scrimmage!

What's this? A snow storm in mid April? No, just the wind blowing blossoms off the trees! This was the scene at the ball park while Ashton had her first scrimmage game this afternoon.

Bryson, Kenzie and Kaden spent some time on the playground before watching Ashton play.

Kassie, reading her book through osmosis.

Batter up! This time Ashton walked to first.

She's getting ready to run!
There she goes! She's stealing second base! Soon after she also stole third.
Another batter was walked and Ashton came home.

Now her team is in the field and Ashton is pitching.

Ashton's turn at bat again. It's a hit, a single! She then stole second. I love to watch her play! She's a good little ball player, my little Ashton Annie!

Now that the weather is warmer

The children have been playing outside every chance they get. The other day Bryson dug up a salamander. He kept "Bob" for a couple of days before giving him a kiss goodbye and returning him to his rightful home.

Ashton
Kenzie
Kaden

Bryson
It takes twice as long to gather the family for supper now. They just want to stay outside and play! After being called to the table twice, if they still don't come, Dale is implementing our rule of years ago: "Miss the prayer, miss the meal"! So far we haven't had to use it, thank goodness. There's nothing worse than a tired and hungry child at the end of the day!

Avery joins the club!

Avery has now joined Kenzie in the 200 Club at school! It shows he has been a good role model for others by following the school rules and being a good citizen.
Way to go Bo-Rob!

An After Easter Egg Hunt

My nephew, Mitch, had the great idea of getting the cousins together for an Easter egg hunt this past Sunday evening. Two cousins thought they were too old to participate and another had to work. The rest lined up by the garage door waiting for Aunt Maria to give instructions.
Kassie, Brady and Ashton listen as Aunt Maria reminds them to leave some eggs for the younger children.


Joey and Kaden work together to fill their baskets.

Here they are, looking to see what they got.
Before the egg hunt we had a meal together: ham and chicken salad, Barbecue, hot dogs, veggie tray with dip, chips and dip, baked bean casserole, fruit salad, frog eye salad, deviled eggs and too many desserts to list! Always plenty of food at a Wagner get together!

Thanks for having us Tim and Maria!

A night to remember!

Months ago Shelley asked if I would like to go with she and her friend Jeannette to the opera. Since I had never been before, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to experience some culture! When Dale found out I would be part of a small group of women driving to down town Baltimore, he asked to go along to be our chauffeur and protector! After months of waiting, last night was our night at the opera! On the way down Shelley snuck in some time with her ipod. Ever since seeing Dale's band perform at Arcadia, she just can't get enough of that toe-tappin' Bluegrass beat! LOL!After a quick stop in Westminster to eat, we headed to Baltimore.

Here we are, waiting for the orchestra to begin!


We saw Romeo and Juliette! It was amazing, and the scenery was phenomenal! I really enjoyed myself. Thanks Shelley and Jeannette for arranging our night out! Next time let's do a Broadway show!!