Mr. Woodbadge

While Jared was in the bishopric, he was very much involved in the scouting program. Partly because he had to, and partly because he really learned to enjoy being with the scouts and helping them get the merit badges they need in order to receive their Eagle. Dad Stafford was very involved with scouts and every one of his sons (all 6) received their Eagle - so cool! So Jared had a great example growing up. He and the bishop he was serving with went to a big scout leader training called "Woodbadge." Apparently the "projects" and things you have to do in order to receive your Woodbadge award are fairly equivalent to doing an Eagle project... It took them a while, and of course they are no longer in the bishopric, but they finally received their awards at a recent court of honor. Good job, honey! We are proud of our scout, and look forward to you helping our little scouts as they get older :)

The funny thing is, now that he is no longer in the bishopric, he has been called to be the Young Men's president. So the scouting continues... he has several young men who will receive their Eagle Scout Award by December. The boys in our ward really like Jared, and he likes hanging out and working with them, and really wants to help them get those merit badges!

My Dad the High Priest!

My Dad's bishop has been trying to convice my dad that it's time he became a High Priest. Of course my Dad didn't feel he was old enough for that (HEHE! We had to tease him about that since Jared is one!) Finally, my dad decided that he'd accept that "call" and said ok! He made sure that it happened while Jess was up from Arizona. My Dad is a great guy and I look up to him. We got to go to my Grandpa Grace's, who ordained him. It was SO awesome. My Grandpa has always been my spiritual hero. He's amazing. His testimony of the Savior and His gospel are very inspiring to me. The ordination was so neat. I'm so glad we got to be a part of it. We love ya, Dad, and we are so proud of you!

A few pictures from the day - Left: Dad and Mom with Grandpa. It's so good to see Grandpa up and around! Top Right: Mom and Dad with all their grandchildren! Bottom Right: "Great" Grandpa Grace with a few of his great-grandkids!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day! I've been so blessed in my life with "Fathers." First, my own Dad. He's the best! I appreciate the time he took to teach us to hunt, to come to all our performances, and to teach us how to live the way we should. We never doubted his love for us (even if we did something stupid!) He's an awesome Papa to my kids, too! I was also blessed to have an awesome Father-in-law... (who raised an amazing son.) He was always an example of unconditional love and kindness. We miss him. Jared has followed his Dad's example of love, and is such a great dad to our kids. I also have had wonderful Grandfathers who have been such great examples to me. What would we do without these awesome "Dads" in our lives!