A Moment or Two to Brag

*Warning, this is MY story, as I recall from 2 months ago and might not be completely accurate as I am a sleep-deprived mom of 4.*

As we were driving to Texas this summer, Andy got an interesting phone call from the Law School.  It was Lauri Thorpe, one of the Asst. Deans of the Law School.  She explained to Andy that the Board of Trustees for the University of Akron wanted to get to know the students better.  The Honors College asked each College to select one student they felt represented their school that would be honored at a Board of Trustees meeting.  So, the Dean's Office at the law school asked around for suggestions.  Andy's name came up several times, so Dean Belsky approved that and would Andy please write up an autobiography and submit it.  OKAY!  Honestly, writing that was really fun!  It was *neat* (for lack of a better word) to see how much has been accomplished in the last 11 1/2 years we have been married.  The only experience on that autobiography that I wasn't a support to was Andy's 2 year mission to Puerto Rico, although I did pray for many missionaries at the time he was serving.  ;)

So, as August 3rd was approaching, Andy told me he wanted the kids to come - all of his family was welcome.  I admit, I was a bit hesitant to bring 4 children to a serious meeting (and even more nervous when we were actually there as they listed the agenda for the meeting!), especially as the meeting was scheduled during Mitchell's naptime.  However, we are family and support one another, so I got the kids ready and we headed out!  (I'm sure there had to have been a few bored board members who were entertained by our antics as we were seated in the special seats on the side of the room instead of the rows in the back.)

Andy did great in his few minutes of presenting to the Board, although he did get a little bit choked up when talking about his fabulous wife (or maybe not.)  ;)  That is the top picture.  Just above this is Andy with Luis Proenza, the President of the University.

From Left to Right: Joe Rich, one of two Student Board of Trustees members (who also happens to work with Andy, but that had no bearing on this honor, I promise!), President Proenza, Andy, Ben, Emily, Me (who didn't know we were going to be taking pictures or I wouldn't have thrown my hair into a braid), Annie, Mitchell, Ann Brennan (Chair of the Board), and Wayne Watkins (Andy's boss at the University of Akron Research Foundation and who he wants to be when he grows up).

Joe, Dean Thorpe (who we all completely love.  She was such a gem when we came to visit the school 2 years ago.  She remembered everything about Andy and has always been a friendly face around campus.  She's also a HUGE lift to my self-esteem each time I talk with her!), Dean Belsky (who completely convinced us that Akron was the place for us on our Campus Visit; Love him!), and you know the rest. 

It was a great honor and very humbling as well, to both of us.  I love the picture of Andy with Pres. Proenza - you can just see the top of Ben's head looking up at them.  That is why we are here!!!

Cute Things

Oh, how this little guy is changing!  Mitchell has started a few new things lately.  First, after I put food into his mouth, he likes to take it out, look at it, then put it back in.  Cheerios are no longer easy treats to carry around with us!  Yesterday, he started the new phase of throwing his head back; this is NOT one of my favorites.  He will look at me to see if I notice and how I react.  This will often make a rather loud sound, but I have learned to ignore him for about 15 seconds and then turn with either a blank face or a smile.  He loves when I help him clap his hands and will open from fists so they make a sound.  He loves my songs (although, really, who doesn't?!?).  He loves getting up from naps and seeing each of the kids.  He is still constantly bombarded with hugs and kisses from Ben, Annie, and Emily - this warms my heart but also causes some stress as they each want to kiss him RIGHT NOW!  He does have cute, kissable cheeks, especially right when waking up.  He's starting to make his presence known and can crawl SUPER fast.  He loves things he shouldn't get into...joy.  Mitchell will pull up on furniture and cruise.  Today he stood for about 3 seconds without holding on to anything.  Ben, Annie and I were in the room and cheered rather loud.  I think we might have scared him from further attempts!  He is a joy and we love him dearly!

Emily has hit a new stage that about drove me bonkers when Annie went through it - her panties don't feel good.  *sigh* I was realllllly hoping she would skip this one!  Unfortunately, I have learned (after going commando a few times), that I need to check for bottom-coverings and not to trust her word that she isn't bare-bummed!  It's a rough little stage!  She is doing so well to explain things; I am constantly astounded with her vocabulary and capability of speaking.  If not for the articulation issue, one would think she is 10!  Emily has LOVED doing 'school' with me this summer.  I have to call it quits because she would continue in her little workbook forever!!!  Ems loves being where the action is!  She can make friends with anyone and just loves to be around people.
Annie is such a sweetie!  She likes to please her mom and dad.  She is consistently happy each morning when we read scriptures and ready to jump in.  She finds where we are supposed to be and then waits patiently for Ben and Emily.  I'm pretty sure Annie's calling in life is to be a nurse; she has such a comforting and nurturing nature.  Whenever anyone is hurt, she is the first one there!  She will run to get bubbly-stuff (hydrogen peroxide), q-tips, band aids, and cream then either hold the patient's hand or blow on the owie or whatever is needed to help ease the pain.   Then she will read stories to Emily or get a special blanket or give up a toy.  Annie most often chooses to be the peacemaker - not to say that she can't stir up her own trouble!  She and Ben have discovered wrestling this summer.  Each time they wrestle, Annie gets hurt and cries, but she always goes back for more!

Ben loves riding his new bike.  He worked for about 3 months to save enough money (minus tithing and savings!) for this purchase.  Andy and I told him, that if he could save enough for half of the bike, we would pitch in the rest.  He's had so much fun going on a couple of scout bike rides and walks with our family.  Although now he is getting more confident and trying tricks, which definitely makes my heart beat faster!  Ben loves to work and especially to serve others.  He spent half of the day making Annie a tower (from Tangled) out of Legos, complete with Flynn Rider, a soldier, and Maximus.  He loves helping our neighbor, Miss Linda, with weeding or putting down mulch or watering.  Ben has really gained a testimony of prayer over the last few weeks and is almost always, the first one on his knees for morning prayer (even if scriptures didn't go so well).  He is my gopher and completely loves his brother.

The Big 8 Years!

Ben had his 8th birthday last week!  At times, it seems just a moment ago that he was a newborn.  Other times, it was forever ago!  He has been asking for breakfast in bed for months and months.  Since he is often the first one up, we made him get BACK into bed for his breakfast.

The kids had a Primary activity in the moming.  I took my mom and sister to the John Johnson farm in Hiram, Ohio to see a church history site while they were gone.  Home for showers and Sunday clothes, then off to Ben's baptism into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!!!

Andy and I went on a Friday night date and found these super cute dresses on clearance at Sears.  What sweet sisters they are.  They want to be just like Ben, and often follow him around just to be with him!

Thanks for coming Aunt Jamie, Grandma, and Grandpa Doerk!

Walking down the hall...towards our sweet 83 year old home teacher, Bro. Griffith.

The Maas Family

The baptism was just beautiful.  So many friends and neighbors came to support Ben.  He was beaming throughout the service.  Many many many thanks to all those who participated!!!!  Just after it ended, the rain came POURING down!  We served root beer floats (made with Blue Bell ice cream) and people hung around to visit (while waiting for the rain to slow down).  Then we went to Five  Guys for dinner!

Home for the long-awaited presents!  Ben has been asking for 3 years for a Nintendo DS lite.  Grandma told him when he turned 8.  He loves it; he just doesn't love all our parental restrictions!

Another fun gift - thanking dad for a really cool Nerf gun.  Ben was excited about that!  This is the first year that he got everything on his birthday list (also the first year he made a list)!  Happy Birthday, Ben!  Life is always exciting with you around!!!!