Wrong Papa

A few days ago I posted the following image to Facebook:

It was a picture of my grandfather at the National Mineworkers Convention of 1932, held in Indiana. I recently got an email from my uncle where the image was found on a mining website. I didn't think much of posting it to FB, but it quickly got a few responses.

The only thing about it is - all the comments came from my Haycock cousins. Unfortunately, the picture is of my Grandpa Covili, not my Grandpa Haycock. Not sure I have the heart to break the truth to my Haycock cousins....

All Fired Up

Our stake is preparing for a pioneer trek at Martin's Cove this summer.  I am currently serving on one of the committees working to get things ready.  One thing I have always felt about my stake is they really do things right.  We have tons of good people on these committees and they have planned some wonderful events to help the kids feel the spirit of trek.

Take tonight's fireside for example.  A few weeks ago we watched the film 17 Miracles as part of our preparation.  Well, tonight we had two of the actors from the movie share their testimonies of the handcart companies and their struggles.  Chantel Flanders played a young woman in the movie who's family endured many hardships.  She spoke of the film, but more importantly, she spoke of the impact that attending a pioneer trek had in her life.  It was a great talk and helped the kids feel the spirit.

The second speaker was the star of 17 Miracles, Jasen Wade.  He played Levi Savage in the film and Jasen had the kids completely engaged as he shared story after story of his experience with this pioneer hero.  Jasen encouraged the Youth to learn who they are and to avoid settling for things that don't match their values.  It was very cool to have Jasen come to our stake and share his testimony with our kids.  Come on, he's Levi Savage - and he came to our stake center to talk to the Youth!  Wow...

I hope the kids are getting excited for trek.  I know I am.  This will be my 3rd trek and each time it becomes more important to strengthening my testimony.  I can't wait for June to get here!

Don't Wear Your Green, Bring It!

Over the weekend we had our YM/YW fundraiser for camps this summer.  Our fundraiser typically consists of a dinner and auction over at the church.  We canvased the neighborhood this year, making sure that every home was invited to attend.  It was fun to take the Youth door-to-door and give them the chance to talk to their neighbors about the dinner.  Even though it was hard for them to talk to strangers, the kids needed to run this for themselves and they came through.

We had a great time at the dinner.  It was a St. Patrick's day theme, with baked potatoes for dinner.  We had some fun activities before the auction.  I think my favorite was the jello eating content.  I was nominated to compete against a few YW leaders and the bishopric.  Now this contest involved "eating" the jello by using a straw.  I tried my best yet came up short.

After the adults the kids had their turn to slurp to their heart's content.  Dede was quick to get involved and she made a valiant effort.  In her round she was the only girl competing and Dede certainly held her own.  Out of six kids Kennedy came in 2nd, but she had a great time and didn't puke!

Once the auction started, things really got going.  Our neighbors have always been very generous and the donations during the fundraiser proved that once again.  There were three tables full of tasty treats for people to bid on, and bid they did.  We had cakes going for $75, brownies for $25, and the list goes on and on.

By the time the event was over our YM and YW had raised a ton of money for camps this summer.  The boys are heading up to Idaho and the girls are going down to Zion.  The money will certainly help as we try to provide the youth with great outdoor experiences.  My only questions is:  I know that everyone was willing to donate their cash, now who's willing to donate their time and come with me to scout camp in July?

Follow the Prophet?

Earlier today the Primary kids were discussing modern-day prophets during Sharing Time.  As the leader went around the room she asked the children about the Prophet.

Who's our Prophet?

President Monson came the reply.

Are there any other prophets?

President Uchtdorf.

President Eyring.

At this point Alex raises his hand to respond.  When he's finally called on, he stands up and loudly proclaims:

President Obama!

After the laughter dies down one of the primary teachers turns to Tara and says, "Well, you can tell he's Jared's son."

Yep,  that's my boy!

Dede on the Pitch

We were quite surprised when Kennedy told us she wanted to play soccer again.  Dede's been down this road before and she didn't really like it the first time.  We spent more time trying to convince her to play than she actually spent time on the field. So, what changed her attitude?  A new intensity in her life? A desire for more physical activity?  A love for all things Real?  Nope - her friend Ava wanted to play.  Simple as that.

Indoor soccer has been a little more fun for Dede, but I don't think she's the next Mia Hamm.  Kennedy still would rather stand around and chat with her friends than mix it up in a soccer scrum.  Still, we're glad she gave it a try and happy to see her play a sport.