Fohawk Twins

Who knew that Justin possessed hair styling skills?

The Great Snail Slaughter of 2012

What began as a harmless three hours of service at our local park, turned into a massacre. The section that our ward was assigned to "beautify", was full of waist high weeds which were home to thousands of snails. With fifty strong bodies moving at anything other than a snail's pace, the place was quickly cleared and replaced with mulch.

(Kirsten and Steven)

(Josh, Matthew, James, Steven, and Jack holding up a huge root)

(After the weeds are cleared and the finished project. I wish I had taken a "before" picture)

The unsuspecting snails never had a chance against the Mormon Helping Hands

Check out the Mormon Helping Hands video that Zion Youth Choir is in. (Justin can be seen on the left side). Enjoy

Can You Handle It?

The boys made a make-shift rope-handle that attaches to their bikes to pull a person on a ripstick, rollerblades, etc.

Everyone requests Justin to be the driver since he rides the fastest.

Kirsten will NOT try it.

Steven's Purchases

Steven has been working hard and saving his money for two things:

An iPod (4th generation);

And a BMX bike.

This past week, his money burnt a whole in his pocket.

Steven is one happy 13 year old.

I'm Zinn

An insightful conversation with Dave-o:

Me: "You're so lucky." 
Dave-o: "No, I'm not lucky. I'm Zinn. Dave-o Zinn."
David laughing in the background: "I guess Zinns aren't lucky."

The Good, The Bad, and the Little

During spring break Justin's friend, Noah, shot another movie. It's a western film focusing on the troubles between a gungslinger and a regular teen.Take a peak at some "behind the scene" pictures.

 Noah constructed a device out of PVC pipes that he can attach his camera to for "moving shots". He stands on a longboard, while Justin pushes him.

The crew: James and Andre (set crew), Justin, Noah and Steven (the gungslinger).

Mini Cheesecakes

 I made 70 mini chocolate cheesecakes for today's Visiting Teaching Conference.

My neighbor, Lucy, was kind enough to let me bake them in her oven (mine blew up on Friday).

They were too much of a temptation for Dave-o (and myself).

LDS Prom

In my youth, I could always depend upon my dad waiting up for me when I went out on dates. The image of him sitting in his "chair" while reading a book (scriptures) or working on a crossword puzzle was the first thing I saw when walking through the front door; no matter what time of night it was.

I find myself carrying on that tradition.

Tonight I am awaiting Justin's return from LDS Prom. Up until six days ago, he pledged that he would NOT go to prom. But peer pressure and the inability to get out of a car that his friends held him hostage in, changed his mind. While driving home from a Zion Choir performance, Justin's friends drove him to Jennifer's house where she was serenaded and asked to the prom.

This is the corsage that I made for Justin to present to Jennifer.

Justin putting the corsage on Jennifer.

The cute couple.

This group of ten couples are very tight. Notice the boy whose face you can't really see? He was throwing up in between photo shoots. (I feel for Olivia, his date.)

The guys

Justin and two of his friends, Kyle and Braden...Another friend, Jonathan and their dates.

Everyone was supposed to jump at the same time, but as you can see, it didn't work out well.

After the picture shoot was over, they all had dinner at the Judd's house. (Apparently the food at prom last year was gross.)

I am grateful that our Stake puts on a prom for our youth. Not only are school proms expensive (try forking out $200 dollars per couple), but they are immoral and dirty.

Open for Business

Our pool is open for business. It's not heated yet, but that didn't stop the kids and their friends from jumping in to excape the 90 degree weather.

We need to work with Kirsten on jumping in the pool without having to plug her nose.

That is one determined Steven.

Josh and Matthew

The end of school is near!

Obedience Brings Happiness-Disobedience Misery

In April's General Conference, Richard G. Scott, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said, "The more closely you follow divine guidance, the greater will be your happiness here and for eternity-moreover, the more abundant your progress and capacity to serve."

Aren't those words beautiful?

We are all blessed with the ability to receive our own personal revelation as well as the ability to use our free agency to act upon it.

A week before Easter, while doing my weekly grocery shopping, I spotted a grouping of Easter Lilies for sale. I immediately thought of my 82 year old neighbor, Lucy, who proudly shows off this particluar lily in her home each year. I felt impressed to buy one for her, but quickly dismissed the impression, rationalizing that she probably already had one.

Earlier on in the week, I learned that I should've acted upon the inspiration, for when I visited Lucy, she sadly told me that this was her first Easter without an Easter Lily. Her daughter, who usually buys her one, had just lost her husband and was not in the mindset to continue the tradition.

I felt HORRIBLE!

Today, I was given a second chance..

While buying flowers at Trader Joes to make a corsage for Justin to give to his date, I saw some beautiful Easter Lilies in full bloom.

This evening I was able to bring joy to my friend and neighbor. I just wish her joy had been felt a month earlier.

Prayer is Free

Tax season is upon us. As we drive about town we see advertisements for various companies promising to help you file your returns. On one such outting while waiting for the light to turn green at a busy intersection, Kirsten and I were entertained by a person dressed like the Statue of Liberty waving around a sign to advertise for Liberty Taxes. Kirsten's experience with spending her pocket money has already left a bad taste in her mouth towards paying taxes. After seeing "Miss Liberty", I explained to her that Dad and I pay taxes once a year to the State and Federal government. This can get complicated for many households causing many to seek help with companies such as Libert Tax. I then added that this service is not free, but requires payment. After soaking in this new information,

Kirsten said, "If you need help, you can pray to Jesus for free."

So true Kirsten.

Look at Me!

A Walmart finally opened up near our home! It's a Super Walmart!

On our first visit to the store, Dave-o discovered that riding in the front of the shopping cart was much more exciting than sitting in it. He repeatedly yelled out,

"Look at me! I'm cool!"

MHH Music Video

The members of Zion Youth Choir were invited to participate in a unique opportunity to sing backup vocals for a music video for Mormon Helping Hands that the church is making. Alex Boye (watch here) and Carmen Rasmusen of American Idol are the lead singers.

After spending five hours in a stuffy cramped recording studio, Justin declared that he never wants to be a professional singer. On Saturday, the group filmed the video. This was more entertaining for Justin. Hair and make-up was provided for the choir, but Justin declined saying he likes the natural look. There was a lot of time waiting around, but the youth found ample ways to entertain themselves, such as having basketball dunking contests (in their tuxes and gowns).

Will let you know when the video is out.

Charm Bracelet

Kirsten was so excited to receive her charm bracelet in Primary yesterday. Each charm represents a Faith in God for Girls section that has been completed. For example the "Book of Mormon" stands for the Learning and Living the Gospel section, the "heart"for Serving Others, and the "star" for Developing Talents. She is very motivated to earn the last two charms.

Easter

The Zinn family enjoyed an inspirational morning at church this Easter Sunday. The music and lessons were all centered around Christ's Atonement and Resurrection (as it should be). Steven was very excited to wear his new bow tie (he's been wanting one for quite some time now).

Our oven is on the fritz. Great timing right? We ended up cooking the ham in our fire pit. The rolls ended up doughy, the sweet potato casserole burnt, but all things considered, it was a nice meal.

Dave-o loved the Easter egg hunt.

I love Kirsten's Easter dress.

Steven, James, and Justin still enjoy the hunt for eggs. David and I make it really hard for them.

We had chocolate cake for dessert. Dave-o kept saying that it was a birthday cake. I got the idea for it here. The candy eggs were really easy to do. Kirsten helped me make them without any help.

Happy Easter!