Take that, Martha Stewart . . .

This sweet girl has suffered from an egg allergy for most of her 11 years.  But little by little, we're finding more and more things that she can eat - even if they have egg!  And so - a whole new world of baked goods has opened up to her - much to her delight.  The great part is, she isn't just loving eating goodies - she's loving making goodies!!  Here's her first almost entirely solo venture into cupcake making (pink lemonade cupcakes - thanks for the fixins', Angela!!).  I'd say she's got a good thing going here!

So long, farewell . . . .

This family of ours has had at least one child at our local elementary school for the last 19 years!!!  It's a tiny school that has served us so abundantly over that time.  All that came to an end today, as Marcy finished her 5th grade year.  And while we arrived all those years ago wanting to make our mark on this school, we found that instead it enormously left its mark on us.

 Last night was the 5th grade transition ceremony where the 5th graders were ceremonially honored as they make their step from elementary to middle school.

There was no shortage of awards for our sweet Marcy.  Of greatest note, she was one of 6 students to receive the Presidential Award for Academic Achievement.  It required both an A average through 4th and 5th grade as well scoring on the advanced proficiency level on all state testing.  We were so very proud of her.

She was also honored for outstanding effort in art . . .

 . . . for serving as one of the school photographers . . . and for achievement in participating in the American Citizen's Club.

While the achievements are exciting and humbling, it's the people who influenced our lives that will leave the most lasting mark on us.  Here is Doris McKimmey (the great) with our 3 youngest.  She taught them each as they passed through her doors - and has had a lasting impact on each one.  We love her so very much and have had the easiest time entrusting our sweet children to someone such as her.  She is among the primary reasons that we will miss this school so much.

And, of course, friends and school go hand in hand.  And Marcy and this sweet friend have been besties for many years.  We love that cutie on the right like one of our own  - and feel so thankful to have passed through these last of our elementary years with such a good friend.

Lucketts Elementary - you will be missed.  And we are forever changed due to your influence on us.  Many thanks.

It's nifty to be fifty . . . .

It's true - I'm 50!!  And to be perfectly honest, I don't mind one bit!  I actually kind of like it!  The festivities were extensive and delightful.  They included - a day spent with the family furniture shopping and having a cookout where I didn't lift a finger!; a quiet lunch with a couple of 'May birthday' friends; a lovely lunch at a friend's house with lots of friends, old and new; an abundance of texts, phone calls, facebook contacts, emails, and face to face greetings of love and good wishes; and too many sweet, thoughtful gifts.  I am one blessed woman.

Huskie white-out . . . .

Our high school soccer team is awesome - and last night they won in the first round of the state tournament.  The fans declared a white out - everybody in the student section was to be dressed in all white.  Well, you know our Chap - nothing plain and boring here.  He got all dolled up in his personally designed and implemented toga - and cheered his team onto victory.  Kind of nervous about what dress codes are coming up next . . . .

Pink, pink, pink . . . .

Yep - it's true!  First Tagg grandchild is a girl!!!!  And we couldn't be more thrilled.  The parents are pretty thrilled too!

I know this shot is from a long time ago - but Bethanie in pink was too hard to pass up!  The acquisition of baby stuff is in high gear - and we kicked it off in grand style with a pink party!  Pink presents, pink soda, pink candies, pink cookies . . . Bring on that sweet little girl!!!  I know, I know - I'll calm down.  After all - September is still 3 months away . . . .

She helps . . .

     This girl of ours is a most generous soul.  She has spent the last two summers, at her own expense, living in underdeveloped countries (Belize, El Salvador)  with a group called HELP International.  Her activities ranged from teaching gardening to women recovering from addiction to teaching English classes to native Spanish speakers to translating for American doctors giving health exams to locals.  It would be an understatement to say that each of these trips has been a highlight of her life.

     This summer, she's headed to Thailand - her first venture to a non-Spanish speaking country!!  She'll be primarily teaching English this time.  We're so proud of not only what she's doing - but who she is. 

PS - Here's a recent article from BYU's 'The Universe' that tells a little more about HELP.  Look for some pieces of an interview with Shaw near the end of the piece . . .

Weather Fore

How can you HELP?            

by Aubrey Steenhoek

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A country director from HELP International met with the United Nations and UNICEF last week to discuss the upcoming projects HELP International has in mind for this summer.

HELP International, a non-profit organization, is accepting volunteers to Nicaragua, Belize, Fiji, Uganda, Thailand, India and Peru this summer. HELP empowers volunteers to fight global poverty through sustainable projects.

Volunteering for HELP also counts as an internship credit for a wide range of majors at BYU.

The office manager, Kara Goodrum, explained why HELP is different from other organizations.

Aubrey Steenhoek

Helping the people plant gardens

“We help communities with projects they tell us they are in need of and we help them accomplish it,” said Kara Goodrum, the office manager. “We also go back to the same cities every year to make sure our efforts are sustainable and keep in contact year round.”

The first wave leaves on May 10 to countries across the globe. Volunteers can stay for one wave, about a month, or all three waves, the whole summer, for $2,950.

Until recently, HELP’s volunteers have been primarily BYU students, but it is now receiving volunteers from all over the United States, said Matt Collings one of the co-executive directors.

“This year we have students from Notre Dam, Harvard, Yale, ASU, Washington D.C., and many schools in California,” said Collings. “I think it will be good for our teams to have a variety of different backgrounds.”

Volunteers experience a wide array of projects that leave them with a sense of accomplishment.

Aubrey Steenhoek

Building a school in Peru

Kaylynee Lisonbee, a volunteer of HELP last year, helped develop a project that got children in Belize off the streets and into sports.

“I know people might wonder why working in the rain, heat, and mud was enticing and life changing, it’s because I wasn’t doing this work for myself but I was doing it for others,” said Lisonbee. ”The saying is true that when you get lost in service, you find yourself.”

Shawney Tagg a former volunteer in El Salvador and Belize taught people English and created a curriculum for future volunteers to continue the classes.

“Knowledge is power, being able to help educate someone is empowering to that individual. We want individuals to feel empowered to help get them out of poverty,” said Tagg.

Elise McAllister worked in an orphanage in Uganda for one of her projects.

“All I have to say is that kids in orphanages are probably some of the most heart-melting children you will ever meet,” said McAllister. “They love any sort of human contact, they run up to you, hold your hand, hug you, want you to pick them up and hold them. Its rather heart-wrenching.”

If you would like more information call 801-374-0556 or visit help-international.org.

Aubrey Steenhoek

Aubrey Steenhoek is a reporter for the Universe