We have been keeping very busy with our church. We have made many new friends and are involving ourselves in activities and in the community. I have been called to be the YW secretary. I am excited to get to go to the activities with Marissa (whether she likes it or not), and be involved with them. Mike is teaching primary. Somehow I've opened my big mouth and let it out that I like the Scouting program, which is BIG here, and am a merit badge counselor for that also.
Being a member all my life, I still have never understood the true meaning of the term "ward family". I alway assumed it was the feeling of community or neighborhood that I had. We were immediately overcome by that feeling of family. People here have taken us in, they take care of each other and love each other for the good or bad. Now I understand.
Madison's birthday was at the end of July. It was fun. We were nervous because we had just moved here and that no one would come. Everyone that was invited came! She was very happy! We went to see the Smurfs movie and had a homemade horse pinata and horse cake.
We were very happy that Galen could get home a couple of days before Madison's party. She actually postponed her party a week so that he could be there. It's a little louder around here, but definitely more fun! His sisters even hugged him and admitted they missed him!
Mike got a couple of tickets to a Cowboys and Broncos pre-season game. I wasn't feeling up to the loud screams of thousands of people with warm beer swarming shoulder to shoulder in a testosterone filled stadium, SO Marissa was excited to go with him. It was an experience, they said AND the Cowboys WON! Sorry, Grandpa Tony! Other than that we have been just getting ready for school. Shopping and filling our endless amounts of paperwork for the cross-state transfer of credits. We were AMAZED when we didn't have to pay for registration for our high school and jr high school students. The list of school supplies that we had to buy almost made up for it though. The school lunch is almost twice what it is in Davis county, BUT they actually make it on site and I'm hoping that my kids will actually enjoy it. 
Some other differences are that the high school students start school and almost 9 o'clock! and the intermediate(5th) starts at 7:50! backwards! High school lets out at 4:20, though. It makes it tough for them to get an afterschool job, but way easier on me trying to get them up in the morning! My 5th grader is not so happpy about it though! The bus comes at 6:50! wow! What a wake up call! Missy is trying out for the Volleyball team on the first day of school! GO MISSY! We bought knee pads and a ball already, we already know in this small town her chances of getting on the team with her winning attitude and talent! Go Cardinals! YEAH black and red!
Some of you have heard that I'm not feeling too well again. Don't worry! Please. Nothing major just the usually headaches and weakness. We have a dr's appt next week and I promise I'll try and update the blog and facebook. Our phone numbers are starting to change. Our mobile #'s are the same for now, but our Texas home number is now 972-837-1240.
We love y'all! Have a good one!
The Cranston!