Jared's Eagle Project

Jared presented his blankets to The Julian Center. He, along with friends and a lot of family members on a memorable night made 70 blankets for the shelter. The Julian Center is a nonprofit agency providing counseling, safe shelter and education for survivors of domestic violence. We're proud of him choosing this as a project and look forward to him getting his Eagle Scout award soon.

The Rain Came Down And Washed The Spider Out

Well a busy, busy couple weeks. On June 7 Indianapolis and counties southwest suffered severe flood damage. Some areas had received up to 10 inches of rain in a several hour period. The Indianapolis Stake Center was utilized as a command and evacuation centers for Marion County. 30 home and portions of an apartment complex were evacuated. There was emergency equipment including the Metropolitan Emergency Communications Agency (MECA) mobile information bus, boats, fire engines, ambulances and buses staged in the church parking lot. In the background you can see the Stake Center. The other has a sign of "lake lots available" at this intersection.

Fast forward now to the next weekend. The church sent out 2000 clean-up kits for use at the homes of those in need. This was for those members and non-members requesting assistance. We organized our stake and surrounding stakes to help with dispersing the kits and cleaning the homes. On Saturday the 14th we were in our local area helping people. There wasn't wide-spread damage until about 15 miles south of Indianapolis, but Indy had pockets of it. (Chris and I on the left side of this picture)

This lady is one we helped in the area. Her husband is serving in Iraq. She said she sent him an email after I told her we would be by to let him know the Mormon Church is coming to help with the house. We had the flooding victims over to the firehouse for breakfast and lunch and worked until about 4:00 that day.

Sunday, there was a combined Sacrament meeting and then everyone was released to work in the counties south of Indy. Jared and I went to Columbus, Indiana, about 25 miles south to work. There was significant damage to the area and was kind of the center for the church volunteer work. Most of the time was spent pulling up flooring and cutting drywall up to the point where the water line was. None of the church buildings were affected by the flooding.

On Monday morning we felt the labors of the weekend with sore muscles and few scrapes and bruises. In an unfortunate situation what a great opportunity to serve others. Up came the sun and dried up all the rain ............

Cameron's Elementary Graduation

Well even though it isn't a graduation, they do hand out awards at the end of the year. Cameron scored on the awards also. He didn't get the attendance award because all the kids that got it, gave their illness to Cameron. We've been fortunate to have Chris work out of the home so we have that flexibility.

He also tried on Lauren's commencement gown. He thought he was pretty cool and I thought it was a "Kodak moment".







This is one of those pictures. I'm really tired of you taking pictures of me shots. Well he is going into 5 grade after all.

Cameron on the Field

Cameron pitches and plays 1st base. (click on pictures for larger image)

Lauren Leaving for College

Cameron showing some love for his sister leaving. Yes, we do have another child, named Jared. He is standing with Lauren, too embarrassed to acknowledge they're that close. He's just too cool to get a picture with his sister.

Cute picture of Cameron and Lauren.

Lauren and Chris left for Salt Lake City on May 30th. They stayed with relatives for a couple days in SLC, then drove up Idaho. You ask why fly to Utah? Flights are about $200 more EACH to fly to Idaho from Indy.

It's a Twister, Auntie Em, Auntie Em

Well late Friday night into Saturday morning some severe storms rolled through Indianapolis. Most of the damage was on the north side of town.

There was some damage to homes, an apartment complex and a middle school.

Well the south side of Indianapolis didn't go unscathed. There was a lightning strike on a house in my fire district which spread to two neighboring homes. I responded to the 2-alarm fire to assist command with finding shelter for the 9 displaced people. This was about 5 miles away from our house. No damage to our house or immediate area.

Lauren's Party and Commencement

Well Lauren's Graduation Party and Commencment went well. Probably about 125 people throughout the night and of course the chocolate fountain was a hit (aren't they always?). I made a cd of her pictures since birth and played it on the TV for all to see. Also for her to see at one point her and Jared did get along.

She got a purse she fell in love with at the mall but didn't buy. You can see the childhood picture of her in the background in the TV.

Pam made the trip up from Kentucky to see it. We appreciate her doing that.

Her Commencment was on May 28th. Also as an added bonus it was shown live on the internet. Mom, Dad, Gail, Ron and Melody watched it also. This just in, Nancy and Rod said they also listened watched it. That was cool for them to share that experience with us albeit across the country.

She sang with other seniors that were in the choir. there were 420 in her graduating class and it will be the last year to have it in the gym because of a larger class next year.

Priceless shot of her irritated with me constantly taking pictures of her.

Lauren's Senior Pictures

Well here they are the nationally coveted senior pictures of Lauren Nicole Futrell. She wanted to take two different settings, although I don't have any of the casual shots on here. What a fun time she and I had going to different places to find the right spot. I mentioned to her some of my favorite places to take family and senior pictures over the years. I added the picture frame for the website.

Of course, some things always change. One thing we've always known is Lauren's long hair. The only thing that may change is whether it's curled or straight. Well a few days after the the pictures were taken, she cut about 6 inches off. We think it looks great! Stay tuned for more pictures of the new doo.

Not only graduating High School was a great task, but she also graduated from Seminary. Anyone that has done that, helped, coerced, prodded or forced someone to do that, knows how tough that is. We are very proud of her!!

Cameron's Baseball Weekend

Cameron had 6 games this going 4-2 this Memorial weekend. He had one Friday, three Saturday and two on Monday. They came in 2nd place, beating a 22 and 5 team twice to get to the championship game.

Their "trophy's" were the bats. Definitely a nice change from the traditional plastic trophy or medal. Also, it doubles as a weapon too in case the other team decides to get unruly.

Cameron pitched 3 innings throughout the weekend allowing 2 hits, no runs and 5 strikeouts. His primary position is 1st base, so he's in on a lot of action and makes some great plays to get runners out. He's one of the tallest players on the team so that helps with stretching to gain that advantage on the close plays.

I thought it was fitting with Memorial weekend upon us to show the kids lined up at home plate for the National Anthem. Cameron is near the middle of this image. He's #3 after his great, great uncle Babe Ruth.