Video Update from Dallin

We got a bunch of pictures and videos sent to us from Dallin last week. I compiled a few of them for this video. I'll try to post more of them as I get more time. Stay tuned!

As you can see he is still our same goofball Dallin. I assure you he has managed to perform quite a few baptisms in between his horsing around. It was great to see and hear him. 10/28/10 was his 1 year mark. Can't wait to get him home.

Click on the link below to view the video:

All things Dallin!

As the old saying goes a picture is worth a 1,000 words, well why don't I shut up. here are a whole lotta words! Straight from Dallin in South Africa.

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UYSA State Cup 2010

Payten's Rampage soccer team is playing in the State Cup this year in Orem. It has been a blast to watch them advance. They will be playing their quarter final game this Thursday.

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More UEA Weekend

Mel and I decided to end our weekend with the kids with a continued theme. Visiting Awesome places in our own backyard that we'd not been to yet, or at least in a very long time. We went and spent the afternoon on Antelope Island having a picnic and playing in the Great Salt Lake.

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UEA Weekend!

We decided to take the kids to Timpanogos Cave while we were staying in Orem for the State Cup which Payten is participating in. Mel and the kids had never been there and it had been over 20 years since I'd been there. The hike nearly killed Mel and I but we both agree it was SOOO worth it. I don't think we could've picked a better weekend to go. The leaves were turning and temps were perfect for a strenuous hike.

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Abby the Fundraiser!

[caption id="attachment_433" align="alignleft" width="225" caption="Most of the crew that worked ALL DAY!"][/caption]

Several months ago Abby told us she wanted to do a yard-sale to raise money to find a cure for her mom and MS in general. Knowing full well of the laborious task ahead Melanie immediately thanked her and began to discuss, with Abby, all of the tasks and work it would take to pull it off. Abby never backed away or got discouraged when we'd tell her how much work it'd be.  After several month's and many trips to Morgan and other cities to collect donations from friends, family & co-workers, the weekend had arrived. With most of the items stacked in my garage;  Melly, Abby, Grandma & Grandpa Mikesell & several girls from our neighborhood spent Thursday and Friday sorting, pricing and hauling all of the items to the yard-sale location. Bright and early Saturday morning we were off and running. We headed over to the sale location and started pulling out the tables and setting things up. If you've ever seen or been involved in a yard-sale you know what happened next. Before we could even get half the stuff out of the garages cars were swooping in pulling off the side of the road and things were off and runnin'. That was my cue, so Tyson and I bolted! (not my cup of tea) While I spent the rest o the day at home catching up on some yard work, while the rain had stopped. I couldn't help but think to myself; Abby will probably get her wish one way or another. She'll either make enough money to find a cure or Melanie will cure her own disease by working herself to death!

  

Saturday evening was spent with Melly & Abby at the kitchen table counting the fruits of their labor. After it was all said and done Abby had sold enough 'stuff' to donate $250 to The National MS Society! I can't even explain how proud of Abby I am. It was amazing to see how much love and support is surrounding my two beautiful girls. Thank you to all that contributed. 

[caption id="attachment_434" align="alignright" width="225" caption="Abby's MS Fundraiser Yard-sale"][/caption]

 

A few days after the yard-sale I noticed a post by my cousin Darin that had that, all too familiar MS logo with it. Darin was going to be riding in the 'Bike MS 2010: Harmons Dam Bike Ride'. immediately my wheels started turning as Melanie and I had been trying to decide what method we'd use to donated Abby's money. I thought what a great thing. We could help Darin reach his donation goal and seamlessly donate Abby's money at the same time. I discussed this idea with Abby and she thought it was a great idea as well. Darin was very grateful for Abby's donation and asked for my phone number so he could call and personally thank Abby. He also posted the following on his Facebook wall:

"Thank you for helping me surpass my fundraising goal. I'd like to personally thank my cousin Joe
Craven and his daughter Abby Nielsen, our honorary teammate!

Abby put together a yard-sale fundraiser, and she raised $250! The most touching aspect of her effort is that Abby's mom, Melanie Craven, was diagnosed with MS 4 years ago. 

They're ...a family dedicated to finding a cure; we're an extension of that dedication!"

 

This whole experience has given me renewed energy and a desire to get more involved again. Thanks again to all that donated helped and supported this effort.

Thank you ABBY for being such a sweet, caring, sincere & beautiful young lady. I can't imagine a more perfect daughter!

I love you!!

[caption id="attachment_435" align="aligncenter" width="470" caption="The Crew trying on some of the merchandise"][/caption]

 

 

Way to go Payten!

Payten had his last game of the season the other night. More importantly it was his last game with teammates he's played with for several years.

Roy Rampage Soccer Club had their annual tryouts. Payten was asked to join the club's premier team. He has mixed emotions about this decision because none of his buddies on his current team were invited to move up. He has decided to change teams. I believe this will be a good move for him. He is a talented little soccer player and this should help him to continue to improve and reach his goals. I could go on but I'll let these pictures speak for themselves. Needless to say I'm a very proud Papa!

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