Justin's Mission Call!

Senior Prom May 2011
Eagle Scout Feb. 2008
New puppy-Dec 2007
Summer 2006

I have hoped and prayed for this day for many years! As you raise your children in this crazy world with all of the negative, evil influences surrounding them on a daily basis, it is no easy task to raise a child with high morals and a love for God, home, and family. At one of the most selfish times in their lives, giving up two years to serve God and others is truly no small feat. I also realize and give credit to the many people in our lives that have helped us in raising and influencing Justin's life. As many may know, we are lucky to have Justin with us. When he was born, his pulmonary valve in his heart was critically too narrow. Thanks to modern medicine, and the skills of dedicated Doctor's, he is with us today. When Justin was in about 2nd grade, he told me, "Mom, I know that Heavenly Father preserved my life for a reason. I know that I have great things to do." At the time, I was very touched at his perspective of life at such a young age. I too know that Justin has great things to do, and I know that him serving a mission is part of that. I'm excited to send him off. I will miss him like crazy, but look forward to the adventure that awaits him! On Aug. 17, we invited family and friends over to open his mission call. He is the first grandchild and oldest cousin to serve a mission. His little cousins were super excited. As he read the words, "Elder Justin Curtis Stringfellow, You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Georgia Atlanta Mission," my heart was touched, and I knew immediately that the Lord knows each one of us, he knows the desires of our hearts, and that he wants what is best for each of us. I am grateful for the blessings in my life, and the tender mercies of a loving Heavenly Father.

First Day of School

School started on Aug. 24, and I wasn't quite ready to have my summer over! I felt like with the wet June that we definitely got shorted! Nikell is in 1st grade this year. What will I do with my time? (Plenty!) Kylie is in 5th grade, Alex is in 9th grade, and Justin is a Junior this year. They really are growing up so fast. It's a joy to see them grow, and hopefully make good decisions in their life. I am so thankful to be a mom! The girls adore their brothers, and they couldn't resist getting
in the picture with Alex.

We live close to the school, so weather permitting, they ride their

scooters to school.

Justin has been driving for almost a year now. It is no longer

cool to ride the bus.

He is about to be taller than Scott!

Summer Boating

We bought a boat in early June, and we didn't take it out until almost July because of the cool, wet June that we had. But once we took it out, it was a hit! We had a lot of fun with it this summer, and the kids loved tubing, and learning to wakeboard. These pictures are at Willard Bay, which ended up being one of our favorite places to go! This trip we took Aunt Karen, Uncle Travis, and cousins Logan and Abby. Thanks to Uncle Shad for getting us interested in boating!


Logan and Kylie kicking back!

Justin and Alex on the tube. Alex was usually the first one to

get thrown off!

Logan and Alex

Nikell and Justin

Abby, Kylie, and Logan

Aspen Grove

We started our summer out by going to beautiful Aspen Grove in Provo Canyon. Aspen Grove is a family camp with groups for the kids, and a lot of fun activities. We stayed in rustic cabins, and had a great time with our family. This was our 3rd time going, and something we always look forward to!
Kim, with Kylie, Abby, Adrie, Macy, Nikell, and Logan

McQuen, Justin, Hailey and McKay Newell, Alex

Kylie with Indian

Scott and Kim

Nikell

Kylie's 10th Birthday!

Kylie with her friends eating cupcakes!
Earlier in the day, she spent the day at Lagoon with her sister and cousins.

Kylie's new bike, and Little Pet Shops.

Alex's 14th Birthday

Alex's birthday was May 25. He always looks forward to it because he knows that school is also coming to an end! Alex wants to bike ride on the new Legacy trail, so we got him a nice bike that hopefully he will take on it!

Girls in the kitchen!

Nikell and Kylie helping me make brownies. Kylie wants to be a chef when she grows up!

Dance Recital

Kylie, Abby, and Nikell

Kylie and Nikell had their spring dance recital last Saturday. They looked beautiful in their costumes, and did a great job with their dances. Kylie started jazz dance this year in addition to tap and ballet. It was a beautiful spring day, and their cousin Abby was also in the recital. After the program, Grandpa and Grandma took as all to Maddox in Layton for dinner. It was a real treat!

Prom Pictures

Jacob, Justin, and Adam

Ashley & Jacob, Kaylee & Justin, Tia & Adam

Kaylee & Justin

Here are a few pictures of Justin and friends on prom night for Viewmont Highschool. Their prom was at the Hilton in downtown SLC. They had dinner at Adam's house, catered by a friend who is a professional chef. Day activity included going to the zoo. After the dance, they all came to our house for more dessert and games. They had a great time. I enjoyed going shopping with Justin for a new suit, shirt, and tie. Thanks Denise (Adam's Mom) for making the vest! They all looked sharp!

Catching Up!

Hawaii, LDS Temple, Currently under construction.

On the grounds at Pearl Harbor.

Scott on the USS Missouri Battleship. The shell casings

are almost as tall as Scott!

It has been a busy few months! Scott and I had the opportunity to go to Hawaii the first week of March. It wasn't quite the "postcard" Hawaii with the sun brightly shining, but we had a great time anyway. It was my first trip there, and we stayed on Oahu at the Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore. It was gorgeous! We enjoyed visiting Pearl Harbor, the Polynesian Cultural Center, and beautiful beaches. A big thanks to Mom and Dad for watching our kids! Unfortunately, I did not come back with a tan!

January 2009

Happy new year to all! January has been a very busy month! We ushered in the new year with everyone in different places. Alex went with his friend Parker on a snowmobiling trip, and he had a great time. Justin had a party at our house with about 15 friends over. Scott stayed home to supervise, and make sure that the fireworks didn't get out of control, and the girls and I went to my parents for games, and movies. We all had a fun evening, but then I was lucky enough to have to work New Years Day, and needless to say, I was very tired!

We enjoyed an evening of Football, watching the Utah Utes take on Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. We had all the family over that's in the area. It was very loud in our basement, and we were thrilled that Utah won. We still think they should have won the national championship! We had a large snow storm that night, and Scott had to brush our satellite off a few times.

Justin took a cute girl named Chelsea out this month. We have a rule in our house of not dating until your 16, and the girl he took out also has that rule, and she turned 16 in December. He took her to dinner, and then to "Build a Bear" for her birthday. They came back over to the house and played cards with us. Driving, dating, friends, I feel like the time I have with Justin is going by way too fast! Justin is enjoying the snow this winter, and is becoming quite the snow boarder. I went up to Brighton Ski Resort yesterday, and watched him and his friends for awhile. It was beautiful up there!

Yesterday was the inauguration of Barrack Obama as President of the United Sates. I don't share his political views at all, and it was a little depressing for me. But, I hope all goes well, and that he will attempt to do what's best for our country. I am so grateful to live in America!

Merry Christmas!

Justin and Alex very excited for this gift!

A lot of work for Scott!

Stringfellow children with new Wii. Even

Scott and I are having fun with it!

Merry Christmas to everyone! We hope you had a wonderful day. We feel so blessed, and are grateful for the blessings in our lives, and especially for the reason we celebrate Christmas, the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We hope you all have a prosperous new year, and we wish you the very best!

Thanksgiving in St.George

We went hiking around the red rocks above St. George. It was a beautiful day!

Alex coming out of the "Crack." You either had to be really skinny

to fit through it, or really little!

Karen, Kim, Marie, and Becca

Thanks for the great time Nate and Becca!

Nikell's 6th Birthday

Nikell turned 6 in November, and she had a princess party! It turned out to be a lot of fun!

Happy Birthday Nikell!!