MISSION CALL!!!!!

Justin received his mission call yesterday (Thursday) afternoon. He had to go to work so he waited until last night to open it with the family. He was VERY anxious, needless to say. He waited for Grandma & Grandpa Hammer to get here then we got ready to open it. He was just sliding his finger under the flap when mom remembered the camera...just about killed him off with anticipation! But he was good for me & let me take a couple of pictures.

He is going to the Roseville, California mission, English speaking. He will report to the MTC December 17. He has a brand new mission President who is actually from the Salt Lake area. Elder L. Tom Perry's son was the former mission President.

Justin's mission is about 150 miles from end to end, we figure. It is a pretty area from Central to Northern California. The climate will be nice. Rain and possibly snow in the winter depending on where he is.

If you can't tell from the picture, Justin is EXCITED to say the least. He says his call feels right. He is anxious to get going and teach the gospel. We are so proud of him and his accomplishments & are happy that he has chosen to serve the Lord for the next 2 years. I have a feeling the next 3 months will go by super fast.

Eagle Scout

With all the other events happening in our lives, I forgot to mention that Justin OFFICIALLY received his Eagle Scout award August 21. His dad did a nice presentation & he is now a recognized Eagle. Here he is sitting in the "nest".

And Where did the Summer Go?

Here it is September and you have all probably quit looking at our blog because I haven't changed it since April. Well, SURPRISE!!! I have updated you on the months missed. Maybe you'll understand why I haven't gotten to this until now!

September brings changes in the weather that I love. I am so excited to see the fall colors and feel the crisp, cool air. Preschool started this month & so far it is going well. I'm exhausted by the end of the week & find myself catching a nap every day for a few minutes. But it's fun & I like it. I have 3 in my 4 year old session & 2 in my 3 year old session. Mason is my helper with the 3 year olds. He sure enjoys it.

We had our Stake Conference this last week. It was a regional conference broadcast from the Marriott Center. Pres. Ucktdorf was the presiding General Authority. It was fun to hear him speak. Scott has been busy with his calling. It is challenging for him, but I think he enjoys it.

We are awaiting a mission call that may be here next week. Justin got a feeling that he was going to Argentina...we'll see if his feelings are correct. He will be 19 on the 15th and Kasey will be 15 on the 16th. They sure do grow up fast.

Justin started working for Timp Rental in American Fork. He is still working for the Music School to pay off his tour, too. He is busy. I think it's good for him!

Devin's football team has done well. They lost their opening game against Viewmont, but won against Snow Canyon and Timpanogos. They are playing Tooele tonight there. He gets to play a lot this year. Forgive me for not remembering his position. I have a hard time with that! I do know he's #85!! He auditioned for the Super Band last week & we just found out he made it. He plays trombone.

Kasey is collecting insects for her science class. She isn't too excited about pinning them, but will get it done. She has a science project she will be starting soon too. Baby sitting is top on her list & she is busy two or three nights a week with that. She is taking a sewing class this year & has really enjoyed it. She has a lot of talents that she doesn't know about. She is in the Wind Symphony this year (the top band in the school) playing her clarinet.

Kurtis is finding out what life is like in Junior High. He likes it, but needs to be more responsible with his homework. It's a little more difficult than he expected. He is practicing & doing well on the trumpet. He likes mutual and is continuing his work in getting his merit badges. He will be participating in the Merit Badge Pow Wow at BYU in November.

Kadin enjoys 3rd grade. He really enjoys Cub Scouts and is doing well with his requirements to get his wolf. He is reading Harry Potter & Eldest. I hope he gets through them!

Mason LOVES preschool. He likes being part of it every day, but mom is having a hard time because he likes to answer all the questions in the 3 year old class. I keep telling him he needs to let them answer so they can learn. Too funny. He made a poster about him and showed it to the class. Our theme is "All About Me" this month. He likes to wiggle & jiggle, thread beads, color, and be my helper.

Diane is just about keeping up with everything, but not quite. Life is very busy and hectic, but it is good. We are blessed in many ways. Here's hoping you are all well & happy. Thanks for your patience with me & this blog. I am trying to get one going for preschool too, we'll see if I can keep up!

School starts in 3 weeks!

Whew! With Girls Camp out of the way Diane has some breathing room...NOT!!! Preschool is right around the corner and there's a lot to do. The house passed inspection & I am licensed. WOO HOO!

Justin had his wisdom teeth out on the 4th of August. He didn't feel too well for a while & swelled up a bit. Glad it's done.

Devin left for Football Unity Camp in Lava, ID and was gone from the 4th-9th. While he was gone, Apollo got out & went on a walk. We were really afraid Devin would come home and not have a dog anymore. He was found by Animal Control and retrieved from the pound (after paying too much). We pulled into the driveway just as Devin was going out to look for him. Apollo was glad to be home, and Devin was glad he was home too.

Football 3-a-days started the second week of August. They were actually changed to 2-a-days because the field wasn't done yet. Orem High is undergoing a huge change over the next two years (being torn down & rebuilt) & part of it was getting a new field. It will be nice when it's all in & completed.

Grandpa Spencer had his surgery on the 13th and went back home on the 17th. Glad all went well.

Scott had an unexpected event. He was called to 2nd Counselor in the Bishopric and was sustained and set apart on the 17th. He was overwhelmed and excited with many other emotions rolled all in one. He will do great.

School started August 18...HOORAY!!!!! The kids enjoy their classes and teachers for the most part. Kadin is in 3rd grade. Kasey is excited to start Seminary. Kurtis is excited to be in Junior High. Devin is excited to be a Senior. Justin is excited he isn't going to school! Mason can't wait for preschool to start in September. He is ready to help mom get everything set up.

July ALREADY????

Justin left with the Crescent Super Band for Europe July 2nd and was gone until July 15th. He had a blast! They flew to New York & played at a Jazz Club there. They got to watch the 4th of July fireworks over Roosevelt Island. Then off to Europe. They were in Switzerland, France, and Italy. Everywhere they played they got standing ovations. They got to go to the Leaning Tower of Piza, saw the David statue, and many, many more amazing sites. I still can't believe he was actually there. I see the pictures he took & think..."WOW! He was actually there & got to see this in person!" What an amazing opportunity.

Diane continued to be sick & in bed. Just for fun, she decided to have a colonoscopy (Dr.'s orders). This didn't have anything to do with being sick. Just a precautionary procedure. All is well.

Scott flew to California the second week of July for work. He had to check out the apartments, etc. in a few of the areas. He had some free time & got to see some sites. He drove across the Golden Gate bridge, actually found a road named Hammer road, went to the Air Force museum, and drove down Lombard Street to name a few.

Kasey decided she wanted to get her hair cut before camp. Needless to say, she got 10 inches taken off and is going to donate it to Locks of Love. She looks so much different. It took a while to get used to it. She loves having shorter hair. It actually makes her look older (shhhhh! don't tell anyone!!!!)

Diane went to the Dr. & found out all the sickness she had had the last two weeks had developed into a sinus infection. Got some antibiotics to take care of it & actually started feeling better.

The Priests & Teachers went on their Super Activity to Capitol Reef July 23-26. Scott went with them. They had a lot of fun.

Girls Camp was July 28-August 1. It turned out to be ok. Planning fell into place & we had a lot of fun. The girls were amazing & the family survived with both mom & Kasey gone.






Kasey on the giant swing...

Graduation is over...now the FUN begins?

The day after Graduation, Justin headed to Salt Lake for the Best of State Awards. He played in the Super Band. The Super Band won some awards there for their oustanding performances.

Diane started the process of getting the house inspected for Preschool. There weren't a lot of repairs/additions she needed to do which was nice & surprising.

Devin & Kasey participated in their Stake Youth Conference & Justin headed to Telluride, CO for the Telluride Jazz Festival. He had a lot of fun & saw some interesting people there. And, once again, they had an amazing performance.

All this happened the first week of June!

The second week of June, Devin started football practice/training and Kurtis started beginning summer band. Kurtis is going to play the trumpet. Mason turned 4 June 10 and Justin was ordained an Elder June 11.

The third week of June started out with Jam Camp in Park City for Justin & Devin. They were there all week. Diane was busy with Girls Camp...trying to get things going and ready.

The fourth week of June was Kurtis' Scout Camp at Camp Maple Dell. He was excited to go since it was his first one. He really enjoyed the experience and actually completed 3 merit badges there. Of course, they weren't required for Eagle. Oh well, guess you need to have fun too!

With everything going on, Diane decided (haha) to get sick. This was not a fun time...in bed with no energy to do ANYTHING.

Graduation

Justin finally hit the graduation milepost. He was excited to finally be done with school. It is different having one graduated. Next year we'll have two!