The Pickering Family

Since I have not posted anything for the last year I thought I would include this year's Hughes News. It gives a decent summary of some of the major events of our lives.

I am thankful each that we have the opportunity to write the Hughes News as it causes me to reflect back on the many events, challenges and blessings our family experienced throughout the year. This year has been eventful as always and there are a million things to write about. Here are a few highlights of the Pickering Household.

Each of my children reached a monumental age this year. Ryan turned 12 and with that came YM and the Priesthood. He is a fine young man and I am so proud of his decisions and how he honors his priesthood. He goes to church 35 minutes early each week in order to get a spot to pass the sacrament. He wouldn’t miss YM to save his life and he never complains about cleaning the church or doing the fast offerings. On top of it all, he always watches out for his mom and it is nice for me to have another “man” besides his father to help me out.

My “baby” Brianna turned 8 and chose to be baptized. She seems so much older than she is and has such a deep understanding of the gospel. She was so excited for her big day and definitely brings a special and happy spirit into our home. She reminds me to appreciate the little things in life and to find joy around me.

Now my eldest “baby” Alyssa will be 16 by the time you read this. That is very hard for me to believe. She has grown into a beautiful young lady with very strong values and a witty sense of humor. She will soon have her driver’s license and she maneuvers the minivan quite well for her age. I am excited for the fun things she has ahead of her, including dating. It should be interesting. She was especially thrilled with the age change for missionaries and is already counting down the time until she can go. I am trying to enjoy each day because I know that it will here before I know it.

· Roger’s business continues to grow and flourish which is such a blessing. He is in the process of finalizing the plans for a new office building of his own. He found a great lot right on main street in Lehi and has been working with an architect and contractor. The building should be underway soon and it is very exciting to see how far he has come in the last 12 years.

· We were able to enjoy a trip of a lifetime this past summer thanks to Grandpa Jan and Grandma Becky. We were all able to travel back East for a Church History Trip. Although I was a little skeptical about how all the logistics would work out and how much the kids would actually learn, I was pleasantly surprised. We had a fabulous time, with lots of laughs, many spiritual moments, great bonding and memories to last forever. It was great for my children to see the testimonies of their Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles. We come from such a great heritage and it I know that greatness will continue to be passed down for many generations.

· We were also able to take a trip to Ohio for the wedding of Roger’s Sister. It was good to go back to the Buckeye State and spend time with family. Roger performed the wedding ceremony and did a fabulous job. It reminded me of how important our relationships are on this earth and how we need to work to maintain them so we can have joy and grow together.

· Our church lives are ever busy as you all understand and know. Our ward just went through a huge split and we lost over half of our friends. We did gain 200 new people and that meant many hours for the Bishop to meet new people, call new counselors, train new people and restaff a whole ward. This has been challenging for us and yet we know that new blessings and experiences always come with change and faith.

· This has been a year of change for my children. We have left old hobbies and interests behind as we have grown and desire to experience more. Ryan has started to play the Trumpet and enjoys being in the Jr. High Band very much. He also loves technology and puzzles and can solve a Rubik’s Cube in record time. His personal best is 41 seconds. It is an amazing parlor trick. Alyssa, besides being a social butterfly, tried her hand at running for the cross country team this year. She has made wonderful friends and does amazingly well at running and her endurance is phenomenal. She gets to go compete in California in a few weeks and she is really excited for that. Brianna is singing in the choir, taking piano lessons, and is a very competitive basketball player. It has been fun for me to see their excitement and sense of accomplishment as my children experience these things.

· And like most everyone else, we have not been immune to challenges and disappointments this year. I think the Lord was really testing me to see my willingness to submit to his will and let go of certain things. There has been heartache and disappointments, frustration and anger, sadness and forgiveness and most of all peace that only he can give. I have felt stretched this year and know the Lord is always willing to help when we struggle and turn to him. I am so thankful for my understanding of the Gospel plan and for the Savior whose birth we celebrate at this time. I am especially grateful for family and the support we receive from all of you. Thank you for being such great examples to my family.

Well that is a brief but accurate summary of our year in the Pickering household. We hope this finds all of you well and enjoying this wonderful time of year.

P.S. I reached a major milestone as well by running 750 miles this year with my good friend Heather.

No one can dispute that the Felix Family aren't Cougar fans!

Young Women Volleyball Stake Champions!!

Ryan playing competitive basketball for Westlake.

Alyssa playing Futsol for the Arsenal Strikers

Alyssa did a promo for a color race through Westlake Track

Our annual trip to Disneyland with our good friends the Teerlinks and the Hamners. We had a fabulous time.

Happy Easter!!

Alyssa was on crutches because she got a stress fracture which put her "out" of both her competitive soccer season and running track for Westlake :(

Ryan turned 12 and became a Young Man and Priesthood holder.

For Spring break we went to Goblin Valley, the Slot Canyons and Nine Mile Canyon with the Websters. We couldn't have asked for more fun.

Yes we all survived another year of school and each child was promoted to the next grade. Hallelujah!

Roger and I had the incredible opportunity to go to Hawaii. We went to the big island where I once lived with my family. We visited all of my old haunts as well as made many wonderful new memories together.

We overcame our fear of heights and did a zip line excursion. It was exhilarating with beautiful views.

Roger was "really" scared of the erupting Kilauea Volcano.

Alyssa got her driving permit . . oh my.

For Brianna's 8th birthday party we had a spa party, complete with hair chalking, personal pizzas, facials, pedicures, crafts and hair styles. The girls were so cute and really got into the spirit of it. Such sweet friends.

We had the crazy adventure of having a fire on the mountain just to the West of us. It got dangerously close to the homes and we had to be evacuated for a day. It was an incredible thing to witness from such a short distance away. We were also very blessed that nothing major happened to our homes.

Brianna was beautiful on her baptism day. We were very proud of her decision to follow Christ's example. Grammy came from Ohio to be here and the Felix Family came out in mass. It was beautiful.

I had the opportunity to go to girls' camp with Alyssa this year. I was able to do the overnight 4th year hike with my friend Jen Long. We had an adventure and it was great to spend time with Alyssa.

We live in such a beautiful place. The summers are gorgeous.

We had the privilege of taking a 10 day trip back East with the entire Felix Family. Grandma and Grandpa felt strongly about taking their grand kids to see the Church History sites and gave us all airline tickets as a Christmas present. We visited many places such as Niagara Falls, Palmyra New York, The Sacred Grove, The Hill Cumorah, Kirtland Ohio, Cedar Point Amusement Park, Chicago, Nauvoo and Carthage Jail and much much more. We grew closer as a family, and strengthened our testimonies as well. For a more in depth look at the trip see the Family Photo Album.

First Day of School! Ryan (7th grade), Alyssa (Sophomore) and Brianna (3rd grader). Don't they all look so cute and eager to learn??

I have been working on developing my photography skills. I have great models!!

As a result of the fire earlier in the summer, we had severe flooding in our neighborhood after a huge rain storm. Basements of homes were entirely filled with mud, hail and sludge. Parts of our neighborhood was ruined. Church was canceled for the day and volunteers came out in the thousands to help. It was extremely hard labor to move the mud and there were endless bucket brigades. Although it was a sad situation, to be a part of such an incredible service opportunity with so many people was unforgettable.

Fall in Utah on the Alpine Loop.

In October we went to Ohio for Aunt Del's wedding. It was quite the event and we were glad to be a part of it. Alyssa was a bridesmaid, Brianna a flower girl, Ryan an Usher and Roger actually performed the ceremony for Del and George. He did an amazing job. The whole thing was a night to remember.

While in Ohio we couldn't pass up the chance to go to the "famous" Fairfield County Fair. It had all the charm and wonder of a small country town. We loved it!

Roger and Alyssa "talking" to the Animals.

Ohio is gorgeous in the fall.

The kids were finally introduced to the wonder of The Ohio State Stadium. Considering that they are really Big Buckeye fans it is a wonder that we have never visited before. They were in awe of such a magnificent wonder.

Hehaw Farms.

Alyssa ran cross country this year and did a great job. Her coaches were amazing and the team was so nice. They had great success and even went to California for a meet. Alyssa improved with each race. Unfortunately she got Mono in the middle of the season which was difficult be she persevered and still had a successful season.

Roger was the Greatest American Hero for the Halloween Half Marathon this year. He can really fly!!!

The celebratory "I am finally 16" jump.

Alyssa was soooo excited opening her present. It was her own set of van keys . . .yahoooo!

Our traditional Christmas Eve sledding.

Brianna entered the Reflections contest with some photos she took of the hummingbird nest we have in our yard. She won locally and went on to win district. We have yet to hear how she did in the Region. She was proud of her trophies that she earned.

Christmas 2012 was another fabulous year. We were very blessed this year with so much. We enjoyed several days together playing family games, eating scrumptious food, enjoying our presents and just relaxing. It was the best.