22 January 2017 - Birth and Birthday

 Ezra McRae Heath

   Monday started off with the news that  Elizabeth was off to the birth center where she gave birth to her 5th child and 3rd son, Ezra McRae Heath just after 12:00 on the 16th of January. Austin stayed with Elizabeth while the kids went over to Jon and Jenna's home where they had a great time with their cousins and even baked a birthday cake for their new family member.

Austin and little Ezra

Liz and little Ezra.

Cousins having fun at Jon and Jenna's home.

Heath Family

   Along with a birthday, Monday was a day off with the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. and his vision of equality by being judged by your character rather than your skin color. Character is an important part of development for eternity.        Stephen, Kathleen and Samuel made it to the gym and all had a good work out before Samuel went to basketball practice. That night Stephen was in charge of FHE. He chose to play the video of President Russell M. Nelson's speech from Sunday night's fireside at BYU. It was a wonderful speech on Millennials and how True Millennials are destined to bring in the Millennium and the reign of Christ. It was an awe-inspiring speech worth the watch.
   Tuesday, Kathleen taught Seminary combining two lessons in one and playing a little Kahoot that tested the students knowledge of the scriptures they need to know for the assessment. Teaching John 13 and 14 on Jesus' last teachings to his disciples the night prior to his crucifixion. Jesus taught the importance of service and love one to another. Stephen received a phone call early in the morning from John Sharp. He had several previous appointments to go to including a 1st grade class at Soos Creek Elementary where he was scheduled for half the day. He enjoyed his short time in the classroom since there was a MLK assembly followed by PE and then lunch. After school he went to the Stake Center where they were moving the library cabinets to the new room. Then he drove to Puyallup where he met with John Sharp who offered him a job working for his company at $45/hr. Stephen only wanted part time and John is happy to give him that.
Tuesday evening Samuel had a game with Tahoma HS. Samuel got to play the last two minutes and he made his first 3 point basket for the season. Go Samuel!
   Wednesday - Happy Birthday, Sarah!!! Kathleen received a text from Michael thanking her for giving birth to Sarah. That made her very pleased. She feels that she received the best blessing by having Sarah in her home and heart. Of course, she feels that way about each and everyone of her kids, in-laws and grandkids.... She is blessed!
   Wednesday morning after Kathleen came home from Seminary, Stephen was leaving for his new job in Puyallup. He was taking the truck and tools to work on some construction. He looked very pleased with himself. Wednesday evening was the ward potluck. It was to be "Superbowl Finger-foods" but there was many things that were healthy for the superbowl so Kathleen cut up fruits and made a "no-fail Kale salad". The fruit was a big success with all the pizza that showed up for dinner. Samuel had YM after at the workplace of Br. McNeil at a Care Center for aged and handicapped individuals. The boys played games and talked with the residents. Samuel had a great time. Stephen stayed for his usual Wednesday night Stake Meetings and Temple recommend interviews.
   Thursday Kathleen went to Seminary where they administered the New Testament assessment to the kids. Three kids decided not to come so they missed out on the fruit, go-gurts, muffins, milk and orange juice that the teachers brought for their students. Stephen stayed home so that he could take Kathleen to the airport at 12:00. She was flying to Dallas to help Liz and Austin during their transition to five kids. It was a 4 hour trip by 737 but it seemed longer.
   Friday night Samuel had his first time announcing the Varsity basketball game during Senior night. It was counted as his job shadow for his culmination project for high school. He said he was very nervous and he only did 3/4 of the game so that he could play in the band his last few minutes. Stephen attended the temple for the Park Orchard Ward temple night so he missed the game and Rebekah was madly working on homework while Kathleen was enjoying grand-kids and helping with laundry and cleaning for Elizabeth. Kathleen took the kids to the park with Jenna and her kids. That made the night go fast. It was dark when we got home.
   Saturday Jon and Austin left early for a "boxing" practice. A kind of exercise workout that includes punching bags etc. Katheen took the kids to the store to pick up some meds for Liz and she picked up a gift for Preston's birthday party but she was informed that it was unnecessary since they never get gifts for the kids...too many cousins. Now she gets to take it back.
   Sunday Austin, Kathleen and the kids went to church while Liz stayed at home with Ezra. Liz was able to get some sleep which was really necessary at that point. The ward that was attended was packed and they ended up in the back due to everyone saving seats in the chapel. Austin says that they hope the ward will be divided this February because their ward is so big. It's great to see the growth of the church. Sunday was a stay at home day which was a nice activity for the kids and the adults.
   A full week of many blessings finished up on Sunday. What a blessing to see family growing and teaching their children the gospel and truths that will bless their lives forever. Stephen and Kathleen feel so blessed. Love to All!