Dancing In The Rain

End of May 2011 Mission Poster

2011-05-31T17:40:00.007-06:00

This is the last month!

Look at that. The poster is full....

And then some. We had to add 5 more stickers for May.

Oh what happy little bugs these are to finish out the poster!

Except that's not the end.....there will be one final sticker tomorrow! The day he comes home!!! :)

2011-05-19T18:00:00.003-06:00

This is how we told Elder Gary whether he had a nephew or a niece. He doesn't like to find out in advance. So it was a good thing he was on his mission......cause it wasn't a secret around here!

Needed a little love before the pictures.

Cutest little Brody bug.

So tired. Maybe he will be awake when we get to the airport in 2 weeks.

I think it's not a secret anymore. He has the cutest little nephew Brody!

End of April 2011 Mission Poster

2011-04-30T16:36:00.001-06:00

And we come to the end of yet another month. This is an exciting month as we have only one more left!

The triangle that is left is very small now!

Aren't those the cutest little Easter stickers?

Yep. That's what it says, 26....but there are a few more days than that. We're going to have to add our own 'circles'.

So little left!

End of March 2011 Mission Poster

2011-03-31T17:06:00.003-06:00

The end of another month already. The end of countdown month number 3.

Getting quite full.

Smaller double digits....

The triangle is shrinking ever so much smaller :)

End of February 2011 Mission Poster

2011-02-28T16:46:00.003-07:00

This was month number 4. It is flying by. :)

Look at it filling right up!

In double digits!

Look at that smaller triangle. Shrinking even more.

End of January 2011 Mission Poster

2011-01-31T16:28:00.008-07:00

And we end a new month, and the beginning of a new year. And a countdown of only coming home. This was month 5.

And it fills even fuller

Look how happy those penguins are about those numbers :)

Shrinking of the triangle

End of December 2010 Mission Poster

2010-12-31T15:58:00.002-07:00

And it comes to the end of, not only another month, December, but that of another year.

Getting fuller, ever fuller

The days are counting down

Ever smaller triangle

End of November 2010 Mission Poster

2010-11-30T19:58:00.011-07:00

As November draws to a close, we give thanks that Elder Gary's poster is as full of stickers as it is. :)

And the poster gets fuller, the empty triangle smaller

Not many rows left!

Cute little turkeys

Yep! Only that many days left.....plus any extension.

Color Guard 2010

2010-11-07T10:28:00.002-07:00

It is the close of another Color Guard season. I have a video, but for some reason I can't seem to get it from the camera to the computer. I'll have Morgan help me later. Then I'll post it for you.

They had a most awesome program this year....Koto. It's Japanese and means....again, I'll have to have Morgan find out.

They had a really great season this year. Taking first overall at ISU, and winning all captions, color guard, music, etc etc etc, except percution there. They took 2nd or 3rd at the other competitions, Weber, Davis, BYU, Mt Timpanogos, BBI (at USU) and color guard was consistently 2nd, percussion 1st, and all others placing well.

This past weekend (Thursday Nov 4th through Saturday November 6th) they were at Red Rocks and BOA (Bands of America) competitions in St George, UT. These have bands from California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and I don't know where else come and compete. They are in division depending on school size. So these kids were competing against some pretty awesome bands, as well as the ones they compete against all season.

Red Rocks-----the band placed 6th overall (which made them 3rd in the state), and color guard placed 2nd just behind Clovis West, CA. (which made them 1st in the state!)

BOA-----They performed in the afternoon and were one of the top 5 bands!!! Which put them in the finals, performing at 9:00pm, the first of the top 5 bands. They said it was the best performance they had done all season. They were sooooo excited, to say the least. I didn't hear from Morgan after they performed. Of course they had to wait for the rest of the bands to perform and then go through placing, awards etc etc etc.

So after going through that, loading the trailer, saying goodbye to everyone, driving all night on the bus, Morgan walked in the house pretty close to 6:00am Sunday morning. The results?.....

Sky View Marching Band placed 5th overall....which places them 3rd in the state! Colorguard placed 2nd only behind Clovis West, CA. Which places them #1 in the state! Since Morgan and her bestie Mandy are on the Rifle Line, they (and we) are pretty excited. They worked hard and deserved every win they got. They put everything they had into this year.

I think it has really hit Morgan that she only has one more year. She is going to miss it. But, who knows, maybe she will get to go to a college that has a color guard? Only time will tell. :)

Yay me!

2010-11-06T17:15:00.002-06:00

So, I know I said I was going to be better about keeping my blog updated. Yeah, I know, not so much. I just don't seem to get downstairs to the computer except for a few minutes each day. So much to do. Remodeling the house, never ending laundry, work for 3.4 hours a day (I know, hehehe), random Mom/wife stuff, etc etc etc.

But today I got completely caught up on Elder Gary's mission posters! Yay! Take a look, it's amazing to see how much of a difference there has been. We are so EXCITED!!! And I also got the Halloween blog done. I know. Nice. Only 6 days later on that one. So much of an improvement over how I've been for about the last year, huh?

Now I need to catch up on birthdays, last years Prom, this years Homecoming, (since Sadie Hawkins is just around the corner....literally), some Color Guard, and just every day life. I'm not promising anything.....just saying I'm going to 'strive to be better'. How's that for non-committal?

Hope your November is going awesome so far!

End of October 2010 Mission Poster

2010-10-31T23:41:00.008-06:00

Fall is well on its way. Another month, fun days, and Halloween are all over.

And even more stickers are on the poster!

Looking AWESOME!!! Row 7 into the second half.

That triangle is dwindling down.....

Yep, the numbers just keep getting better and better looking!

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T22:10:00.003-06:00

Halloween is a favorite holiday at our house. We love the dressing up for school/work. The dressing up for trick or treating. Seeing all the cute/scary/weird kids that come for candy.

Well, here is who and/or what we were this year...

Wynn the gunslinger

Pretty normal, huh?

Mom the hippie

(both school & passing out candy night of)
And this was Elder Gary's costume the last Halloween before

leaving on his mission.........

(nobody recognized me in this.....the kids, coworkers, friends,

people in the ward....)

Scary part is how much I LOOK LIKE HIM IN IT!!!

Nothing feminine here!

(absolutely wore my 5 inch heels to

church the next day!)

Drew as Pebbles for work on Friday

Drew as a ghost for Halloween night

Scary?

Morgan the zombie
(for school)

Nothing like her Homecoming pics huh?

Lexie ready for her Hillbilly prom?

(school)

Ain't she purty?

Lexie and friends RaQuel and Sharilyn

The Purple Ninjas

ready for trick or treating

Scary Ninja pose

Tanner wanted to be a baby girl doll

(both for school/and treating)

after all, his dad and brother (Elder Gary)

had both done it before!

And isn't he a cutie!!!

(nobody recognized him either!)

And now you see why we love Halloween. How can you not? We have soooooo much fun. Hope you had fun too!

End of September 2010 Mission Poster

2010-09-30T15:55:00.003-06:00

And another month has gone by...a whole month of school, fall is here,

the leaves and weather are turning....and another month of stickers

are on the poster!

Look how small the triangle of days left is getting!

Look at it filling up...start of row 6.

Yup. That number is looking good!

Why Do I Do This To Myself?

2010-09-02T17:33:00.006-06:00

Over and over again I get behind on my blog. I tell myself I enjoyed it much more when I stayed caught up! But yet, again I find myself behind. And farther behind than I've ever let myself get. But I find myself behind in so many things right now....

I decided to get caught up today on my blog, only to discover that my last real post was Elder Gary's mission poster the end of April. April? Really? I could have sworn I had done it since then, could have sworn I was only a couple of months behind. And in May I got ambitious and did numerous mission poster pictures because of it being a monumental month for him and all. I really could have sworn that I had posted them already!

I need to finish getting Tanner's things sewn on his Scout shirt. I was caught up at one point, and now they've changed some things. But that actually works to my advantage. Most of the things I don't have sewn on, they aren't doing any more and don't need to be put on his shirt. Yay me!!! Oh, wait, but then I need to put them on something else so they don't get lost. Boo! Maybe not an advantage after all.

I need to make some decisions on paint colors for my bedroom and bathroom. Why is this room the hardest to pick out? All the others I at least know the color I want and just have to find the shade. My room? Not so much. Though I'm thinking blue for the bathroom. But I don't want it so intense I can't stand to be in there!

I have two dvr's. Yes 2. One in the family room and one in my bedroom. Since Tanner is in my room for right now, I am behind on my shows in there......most of which are to help me in my house remodel. *Sigh*

I have some library movies Lexie and I were going to watch. She informed me that she has never seen the Pride and Prejudice movies. Really? Where did I screw up on that? I could have sworn I had watched them with her! So I got them from the library last Friday, which means there due tomorrow.....not watched yet. Good thing I can renew them on the computer! Done. Will watch this weekend since it's a Holiday and she has no soccer games!

And on that same trip to the library, I checked out a car full of books. I have been reading a lot this summer. Turning in a book just about every day. Plus all the other stuff I got done in a day. In the past week I have turned in one book!!! What happened? I have the house to myself all day!

So today I did get caught up on my blog......well, partly. I caught up on May. :) And I posted something for today. That in its self is a major improvement. Tomorrow I plan on working on June, and a new daily post.

I swear I'm going to keep up this time. I swear!

Now I see that Tanner is watching Pink Panther cartoons. Then after that, it's Flintstones, Jetsons....Maybe I'll go reward myself for posting May by watching with him. :)

End of August 2010 Mission Poster

2010-08-31T15:08:00.003-06:00

And the summer is coming to a close. School has started.

And the poster is making progress. :)

The days left are slowly getting fewer!

(ignore the date, new camera)

On row 4 now! That second half is going down!

Now look how many days are left. Making us happy!

End of July 2010 Mission Poster

2010-07-31T14:56:00.001-06:00

The summer is already more than half over!

And the poster is filling right up!!!

Looking good!

Look at those numbers!

So close, yet so far away still. But less than a year!

End of June 2010 Mission poster

2010-06-30T14:40:00.001-06:00

Here we start the first full month of year two!

Good start on the second half of the poster!

Good start on the second row of the second half of the poster!

The numbers are getting smaller! Yipee!!!

Yep. That's what we've got left!

Really Great Deal/Site

2010-06-01T10:51:00.003-06:00

So I bought a magazine, which I never do. In it there were some really good site ideas for saving money. I decided to try ebates, because I could get coupon offers and cash back from sites I was shopping at anyway. It really works and is such an awesome deal. Here is a link to the awesomeness. Click on it to visit and get a one-time bonus. Yay, bonuses are good. :)

http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=MvqVArr%2F4FoxtXtGcHRmhA%3D%3D

Happy shopping!

End of May 2010 Poster

2010-05-31T16:51:00.008-06:00

It is the end of May. School is out. Summer has started. A year ago we didn't think we'd ever get here. Yet, somehow, it seems to have zoomed right by!

Already making progress on the second half of the poster!

That is a wonderful sight!

We've been waiting for these numbers to look like this!

First Day of Year 2 Poster!

2010-05-27T16:40:00.009-06:00

And today is day 365 for the 2nd day in a row! The numbers will be getting smaller from here on. I can't believe we are on the count down already!

On the 2nd half of the poster! Happy day!!!

Day 365!

See the numbers getting smaller? That's good. Come on June 2011!!!

And Another Happy Happy Day!

2010-05-27T16:30:00.003-06:00

As if yesterday wasn't happy enough....today is the last day of school for the year! Happy day! We have so many plans for the summer. So much to do, so much we want to accomplish.

We have the matinees at Cine-four every Monday at noon. Morgan's besties Mandy and Lexi are planning on going with us. We will invite others to use the tickets on the days the girls can't go.

We have the library movies every Tuesday at 2:00. They are free and G-rated. They are so fun to just go to together. I usually get some reading time in too. Yay!

We are going to go on hikes and walks. Go swimming and to the lake. Go to the dam and feed the ducks. Hopefully we'll be able to get some day trips in. We won't really get a vacation because we're remodeling the house this year. Yeah, that takes all the time and money.

And I plan on reading........A LOT!!! I haven't got to do that much for the last 2 years because of all the time Ameri-corps took. But I'm gonna make up for it!

And Tanner will be going to Greenville next year. He is in the Greenville bounderies since they switched to K-5 now. I have asked to transfer there with him. I probably won't find out until August if I have a job or where it's at.

So see you through the summer! School's out until August 26th! Three whole months of summer break. YAY!!!!!

One Year Mark Poster!

2010-05-26T16:05:00.007-06:00

YES!!! IT'S FINALLY HERE!!! THE DAY THAT MARKS ELDER GARY'S ONE YEAR MARK OF HIS MISSION!!!!!

HAPPY ONE YEAR MARK ELDER GARY!!!

Look at that. Half the poster is actually filled up!!! Finally!

And it's all downhill from here now!

Look at that. Starting to count down as of tomorrow!

Look how happy that frog is. I think our smiles are even bigger!!!

Stick a Fork In Me, I'm Done!!!!!

2010-05-25T13:40:00.003-06:00

Last year I started doing Ameri-Corps. I've talked about it on here a few times. The things that were required, the projects that had to be done, the time it took. I have been done with Reading Groups at the school for a few days now, but I had a few hours of service left to complete. I decided to volunteer at the local library. So I went in and talked to them to see what they needed.

The first day I sat at the desk and put the new dvd's into the secure covers. I put the fine paper on it, along with slipping the dvd picture in. Then I folded summer reading papers. If someone asked me a question I could answer, I did. If not, I directed them to someone who could. The next time I shelved dvd's and answered questions.

Since then I have been helping with the story time they have for toddlers and preschoolers. It was so much fun. I got to sing songs, dance and read them stories. Most of them silly (well, look at the ages). The kids love story time! I'm actually going to miss it, and today was my last day there. Which means..........

Even though I could do one more full-time year, or 2 more part-time years of Ameri-Corps, I have decided to not. I AM DONE!!! I could go back and finish these at any time if I so choose. We'll see. I am now off to other pursuits.....

As in, at this time we are filling out the paperwork and getting the house ready to have Foster Kids come into our home. More on that at a later time.

As for now.......I AM DONE!!!

Happy Birthday Elder Gary!

2010-05-23T14:38:00.023-06:00

So, 20 years ago today Elder Gary was born. Of course at the time, he wasn't Elder Gary, just our adorable loveable, agreeable, frog-legged Gary. Since he is now in Texas serving the Lord on a mission, we had to celebrate it without him.......

We started the day with his favorite breakfast.....Kellogg's Corn Flakes with bananas. Had his favorite dinner........homemade biscuits and gravy with homemade salsa and homemade chow-chow....then on to the celebration.......

The cake

Morgan trying to light the candles.....

And still trying......

Guess she's trying to phone it in now!

The family......and the candles are lit!!!
(Andy and Leza and Drew couldn't be here)

The siblings....

Tanner, Mandy (Morgan's bestie that came to celebrate with us), Lexie and Morgan

Look how full it's getting now!

Almost there!

And YES! only 3 more days until the one year mark!!!

I Will Serve.....

2010-05-19T14:23:00.003-06:00

We found out that they have split Elder Gary's districts in the Texas, Lubbock mission. He is still in Monahans, Texas. He is now the District Leader of the Fort Stockton district. Where he lives in Monahans is not even in the Fort Stockton district. They only had one set of materials for District Leaders, and the D.L. of the other half got all of them.

So at this time, Elder Gary is flying blind, so to speak. He will do great, as he does and has done with everything given him so far.

He was also made a trainer.....which means his companion is straight from the MTC and Elder Gary gets to teach him what is done and not done while on a mission.

Both of these callings are very big deals. They are only given to those missionaries who follow the rules and are very trusted to make the right choices. They are given to those who have proven humble and obedient.

Good luck Elder Gary. May your pants come home with worn out knees from calling on the Lord to be with you.

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-09T17:21:00.004-06:00

First I want to say Happy Mother's Day to my mom and my Grandma Hulsey. So......

Happy Mother's Day Mom.......You're the best!

Happy Mother's Day Grandma......Hope you know how much we love you!

I had a pretty good day. I don't have to cook on Mother's Day, but I get to pick what we eat. I don't have to cook or clean, but this year we went to Pleasant Grove to my nephew Matthew's mission farewell. Since we were there I got a Mother's Day present from their ward.......hand made chocolates!!! Yum! What could be better! I also got the plant from our ward that my friend picked up for me.

My family got me a book......
The Remarkable Soul Of A Woman by Dieter F. Uchtdorf
He is one of my favorite General Authorities to listen too. I could just sit and listen to him all day.

All in all a really good day.

(I can't find the picture of the gifts right now. I'll keep looking and if I find it, I'll replace this with it. :) )

End of April 2010 Poster

2010-04-30T13:40:00.001-06:00

It is now the end of April. Easter is past and spring is leaving and summer will be coming soon......

Look how close to the middle we are now!!!

Started up that last row...

Not many days until the one year mark now!

End of March 2010 Poster

2010-03-31T19:49:00.008-06:00

Really? The end of March already? Time seems to be flying by!!! For us anyway. Though Elder Gary does say he can't believe it's been this long already.

Look how full the poster is getting!

Look how close we are to half way!!! Woohoo!

Look what day we're on. So close to one year!

Our Adventure---Day 5

2010-03-19T23:35:00.004-06:00

Today is Friday. Last day of our adventure. But we're not done yet! Last night we got to Pendleton as I said. Yeah. Not impressed. We were supposed to stay in the Red Lion. Supposed to be a nice hotel. The most we've paid for the whole trip. The most horrible of the whole trip. Yuck. Might as well have stayed at the Motel 6. It was quite unimpressive. Anyway, at least we had a bed to sleep in...one. It was supposed to be two. My recommendation is....don't stay at a hotel in Pendleton, Oregon!

I got up early even after having arrived quite late. Went to the fitness room since I figured we wouldn't be doing any hiking today. I know, huh? Kind of unusual for this trip we've had! We got ready and called the Underground Tour, per their recommendation on their site, to see what time they opened so we could get there as early as possible. No answer. So we decide to load up the car and go down there. We drive to the thriving metropolis of downtown. We find the Underground Tour building. The door is locked. We try all of them. Nothing. So we go down the street to a couple of promising looking stores. We get pictures of the Betty Boop statue outside the cafe. Go into the Fudge Shop. Yeah. Don't go there. It was filthy and disgusting. We could hardly breathe everything was so coated with dust. They had stuff in there they must have had since..........the 80's? 90's? We did answer the questions. They were really nice people. We told them about the Tour, and she even called the office. They were there! Then they asked us if we wanted a sample of fudge. Our thought? And how long has that been there. We declined.

We went to the Tour building, went around the corner and down the street and there they were! They were there. Not the address we had, but a door to the gift shop around and down the block. We looked around the gift shop, bought a couple of things. Yes we found a little something for Morgan and Lexie in Seattle yesterday (secret) and a little something today at the gift shop (secret again). We even found something for Wynn we thought he might like. He's hard to buy for. We bought the items, and our tickets for the tour, and waited for others to arrive. They recommend reservations. I guess it actually gets quite busy.

As the tour started, it was a video about the starting of Pendleton. Then they take you on the tour. The history of Pendleton's underground is very different from Seattles. Where Seattle has an underground because they had to build the city up, which happened after a fire, (it needed built up anyway), this was for the chinese to live underground, get there money to bank without a hold-up, etc. It was interesting to walk this tour and see what life must have been like. It also shows the brothels that were here. In a 5 block area there were 18 bars and I can't remember how many brothels, but just about as many as there were bars! And this was clear until 1953 or 57!!! Quite interesting. But the tour guides in Seattle were hands down sooooo much better, and what a hoot. So funny, full of personality, so loved their job! If this one hadn't been so interesting in content, I think I would have fallen asleep. She was a snooze fest. She wouldn't even leave enough time for Drew to take pictures, so we were always lagging behind, which was a BIG NO NO! Whatcha gonna do. I paid for this so......Then we found out that Portland has an Underground Tour as well! Who knew? Tawnya, did you know? Anyway, I guess that will be for another vacation. We might have to look up underground tours for America. That could be interesting.

Then since it was getting late and we had to drive 7 hours home still, we just stopped by the Woolen Mills, got a couple of pictures, walked around the shop, didn't do the tour, (another time) and headed home. We laughed and sang along with her Ipod and drove. We were planning on stopping at the Outlet Stores in Boise, but that didn't happen. We did get off to get some food at the Jack-in-the-Box in Meridian. Yeah. Don't do that either. Even though it has a sign showing it's off this exit, you can't find it unless you ask directions. Not a quick on/off for that one. Wait a couple miles down the road, there's one there! Oh well.

Wynn did remind me that he has ball games in Ogden at 8:00am tomorrow! That means we have to leave before 7:00am. Then nephew Matthew is going through the Mt Timpanogos Temple to prepare for leaving for his mission in 7 1/2 weeks! (That's 11 days before Elder Gary's One Year Mark!!! How'd that happen?!) Figured I'd see what time I get home to see what all I make it to.

Got home late. The wind is blowing and man is it a cold one! Needed to throw some jeans in the washer before going to bed so I have something to wear to the ball game, and since I don't like to put them in the dryer....don't think they're gonna be dry by morning. Don't think the kids are going in the morning. They all stayed up waiting to see me....oh, us. They are tired. So glad to be missed while I'm gone. Gotta love the kiddos! Well, I am tired and have quite a day tomorrow. Better get to bed.

Now, as we were talking on the way home. We hope Drew gets a departure date soon. We need to know how much time we have before she goes so we know how many more adventures we can plan.......and do! Of course, you can always tune in to the daily adventures that always seem to happen.......

Our Adventure---Day 4

2010-03-18T23:59:00.002-06:00

Today is Thursday. We are in Seattle. Going to spend the day seeing the sights. I got up early, again. Why does my body not understand that I am on vacation? What happened to me sleeping in? No matter. I let Drew sleep, so we got a little later start than we thought we would. We didn't figure the things we were doing today would take a long time, and definitely not all day. So we booked a room last night for tonight in Pendleton, OR. Guess we were wrong!!!

We figured out that if we left the car at the hotel, which they changed our parking pass to last all night tonight!, and took the hotel shuttle to the Light Rail, and then catch the monorail to the Space Needle, we could get on and off all along the way and see everything we wanted to see.

First we caught the shuttle, asked him to drop us off at the Light Rail. Bought round trip tickets and got on the train. We used the map to make sure what stops we needed.......first stop---Pioneer Square and the Underground Tour.

We walked from the train to the Underground Tour and they have amazing old buildings in this section of the city from 1889 (after the big fire). On this tour they tell us all about the history and starting of the city. If you go on this tour, if there are children on the tour, they calm it down a bit. There were children here, their parents letting them climb all over everything. It was disgraceful. There were 3 girls from Arizona that when the kids said, "Look mom this is really old!" told them, "That's exactly why you should get off." The parents just sat there and let them climb. When they split the group in 2, we chose to go without the uncontrolled children! Therefore, we got the real tour with nothing left out about the beginning of this city. All about the sewer system, the fire, how they built the new city on top of the old city (hence the underground tour), and the irreputable things and goings on that happen in the late 1800's in downtown Seattle. So if you are a little not wanting to hear the unedited version of madams, Opium, Sin, Sex and Debauchery, go with group with children!

Then we walked to the EBC (Elliot Bay Cafe) made famous by the show Frasier. Not as cool as I would have thought. It is attached to the EBC Bookstore however. Could have spent ALL DAY in there! But alas, we had booked the hotel in Pendleton and had to keep moving.

We walked back down to the King Street Station to get back on the Light Rail and head on to the stores Tawnya had told us about, didn't buy anything, but did walk around for a while and look at everything. J ohn Fluevlog has the most amazing shoes. As Tawnya said, works of art. Can't afford a shoelace in there, but so worth seeing! Anthropologie had wonderful things as well, but nothing yelled at us that we needed it today. I really think I love this city as well. Big cities just have something about them that speak to my very core!

Then on to Pikes Market Place and the Sound. Got cool pictures. Amazing how many stores and boothes they have there. Amazing place. Then back to the monorail and up to the Space Needle. As we were crossing the street from Pikes Place to go to the Monorail, there was a man coming toward us eating his McDonalds. He dropped his fries on the street in the middle of the crosswalk. He bent down and picked them up, we assumed to throw in the garbage.......we thought. HE PUT THEM IN HIS MOUTH AND ATE THEM!!!! Right off the street, middle of the crosswalk!!! Can you say EEEEEWWWWW! We did. Drew made a sound and I said I was hoping I didn't just see what I thought I saw. She said oh, you did. So you saw it too? Yup. And our gag reflex kicked in. Now we have french fry guy for our memory of today!

We chose to not pay the exorbatant fee to go up. Maybe next time. Got cool pictures of the Space Needle and sculptures in City Center. It was cold today though. They said it was supposed to be about 60*, but the wind had a bite to it straight off an Alaskan iceburg! My hands were freezing and the wind went straight up the sleeves of my jacket!!!

Back to the Monorail, to the Light Rail and back to the hotel. Only thing is, we had to walk back to the hotel as they don't have a return trip from there. It wasn't too far, but what is it with our hiking on this trip....every day? We got to the car, were quite cold, and headed out. Got Drew some Jack-in-the-Box, and me my food from the cooler.

We were now wishing we had stayed one more night at the Double Tree in Seattle and headed out tomorrow morning, but we had reservations. Headed to take pictures of the Temple in Bellevue. So I missed seeing the bridge to get there. Supposedly it floats on the water. Yeah. I was OK not seeing it. The Temple was pretty though. Drew got out and took pictures. It was so pretty all lit up.

Then on the road. It was late, and dark and cold. We only stopped at the rest areas if we absolutely had to. Missed seeing the pass and the view along the way. Finally got to Pendleton, OR and the Red Lion Hotel. For what we paid it should have been nice, but I would have expected what we got if I had paid $30 for a Motel 6. Can you say YUCK! Very disappointed and so wish we had stayed in Seattle one more night.

We'll be heading to the Underground Tour here in the morning and Pendleton Woolen mills and whatever else catches our eye. But we don't want to stay too late as we do need to get home at a decent time tonight.

Why can't vacations last forever? Tune in for the last day of our adventure!

Our Adventure---Day 3

2010-03-17T23:14:00.001-06:00

So it seems I mis-spoke yesterday. The incident with the first bridge crossing happened AFTER the visit to Trader Joe's.......but it DID happen. And Drew says I said, "I just about swore!" I guess fear will affect your memory, huh? So on to today............

We woke bright and early this morning to get ready for the day and pack up to check out. We got that all done and on the road, just to get off the road in a short distance, again in the Hollywood District, to buy me my stash of Trader Joe's Roasted Plantain Chips. Seriously, if you have not had them all I can say is...SHAME ON YOU! Ok, yes I realize I had never had them until yesterday myself. But see, I didn't know about them, and now you do so you have no excuse, right? Then on the road again to the downtown district to Finnegan's toy store that Tawnya told me about. LOVE! I found Tanner the PERFECT gift in this store. Can't tell you what it is though because my kids read this and then it wouldn't be a surprise. The only problem was picking just one thing. Seriously. Could have spent a fortune in this store! Instead, I just spent a small fortune. Then Drew took some pictures at Pioneer Square. Can I just say cutest little place ever? We so understand why Tawnya loves Portland so very much. I think I could live there and be very happy.....I might even get used to the constant crossing of the river! I know, pick yourselves up off the floor people.

Then it was on the road to Seattle......with a few detours along the way of things Drew wanted photos of. It's so nice just being able to go as we please. No real time pressures like vacations usually are. We even had a few more bridges to cross, no, literally. We took pictures of the draw bridge coming into Washington from Oregon, there at Vancouver. It is so pretty there. We just took pictures along the way.

When we got to Olympia, we could see the Capitol building. So we got off the freeway and drove up to take pictures. We found a cute little neighborhood to park in. The houses were sooooo cute! I would love to live in one of them. We even found one that was for sale. Ok, maybe not. It was over $600,000.00!!! Then we walked around the Capitol campus and took pictures. Well Drew did. I left my camera home so they could take pictures of Tanner's pinewood derby last night. (Morgan has seemed to lose her camera. It just disappeared off the kitchen table a week ago!) But it was a nice little walk and stretch of the legs. Then back on the I-5 toward Seattle.

We made it to Seattle and the hotel in good time anyway. Then we spent a little time on the internet looking things up for tomorrow. Then time for dinner. There was a pub, Bull Pen Pub Bar and Grill, just up the street from the hotel, so we walked up there for dinner. Nice thing was, they aren't allowed to smoke in there! Yea! The food was really good, the waitress really...not. We had questions about what was in a few dishes to make sure that we were getting what we wanted (there were no descriptions of any kind on the menu) and she told she didn't have time to stand there and answer our questions. We had to ask for ketchup and mustard for Drew and dressing for me, that had been ordered with the meal. She dropped 1/2 of one guys dinner on the floor. She also told us that she wasn't even supposed to be there tonight. Too bad. She didn't get a tip. Well except the 2 pennies she didn't give me with my change anyway. Even after she said as we were putting my dinner in the box, "Sorry." "The food was good." "Yes, but the service wasn't." We said nothing because she was right. Seriously, what did she want us to say? Then we walked the mile back to the hotel. Seriously. What do have with hiking on this trip? The air has a little bite to it, so my hands were freezing when we got back.

Drew got on the internet to look up some things for tomorrow and I got on the treadmill. I know. More exercise. Drew got us a hotel for Pendelton tomorrow and then went to bed. I got on here. Emailed Elder Gary. Told him of our adventures and asked him about his. Hoping they are a little calm. In his last email I found out that he had caught not one, but 2 viruses that gave him seizures! He has his driving privileges back now though! Things a mom wants to find out AFTER THE FACT, MATT!!! (yes Sandra, tell him I said that!)

Tomorrow we're going to Pikes Market, Puget Sound, some stores Tawnya told us about, and a hike/tour under the city of the hidden underground. Then on to Pendelton.

Now as I sit here, a cute black man just offered to bring me something back from Denny's since he was going for a snack. No worries Wynn. I told him no thank you. After all it is 1:13AM. Then he decided not to get anything either. Talked to me for about 45 seconds about why (no caffiene, suger etc trying to go to sleep. That's why she doesn't want anything!)

So since it is 1:14AM now, I need to head to bed myself. Have a great one and come visit again for the next expounding of our adventures!

Happy St. Patty's birthday!

2010-03-17T09:25:00.002-06:00

Today is St. Patricks Day. It is also my Mother-in-Laws birthday. Even though I am spending a few states away from where she is, I just want to say.....Happy St Patricks Day and Happy Birthday Mom Elaine!!!

(I will have to add a pic later since I'm not on my computer)

Our Adventure---Day 2

2010-03-16T23:00:00.000-06:00

Today is Tuesday. We woke up in Portland and at 7:00 am it was already 51*!!! I think I could like this.....except it means that the trees are blooming. And of course Oregon is covered in many various pine trees!!! Those things are death to me. I am so allergic, but yet I suffer the allergies to have a live tree in my house for a month every Christmas. But I digress.

We started off the day going to Trader Joe's to get a supply of yummies for my sister Tawnya. The only problem with this is that we have to cross the Willamette River to get there. We're driving along the river when Drew says, "Look at that cool bridge we get to go across Mom!" I looked up and said,"OH SHHHHHOOT!!!" Then I said, "I can't believe what actually just went through my mind & almost out of my mouth as soon as I saw that! It wasn't 'shoot'." And it's not like I ever say that word, but it just popped right in there. Maybe it was appropriate considering this bridge we had to cross. Have I mentioned that the very thought of having to cross killer bridges can give me hives? Anyway, I wound up getting a few things for myself while there. I got 1 bottle each of lemonade, pink lemonade, french berry lemonade, limeade and pomegranate juice. Then I found a bag of Trader Joe's Roasted Plantain Chips. Since these are allowed for my diet, I bought a bag. Wish I had bought more! I had just been telling Drew this morning on the way to Trader Joe's how I would kill for just one potato chip right now. These took that potato chip craving away and then some! And they are sooooooo much better and better for you! I'm thinking I just might have to go back to TJ's in the morning to get me my own stash to take back with me. I have never seen these at home. Mmmmm, Mmmmm, Mmmmm. Happy vacation to me!

Then it was off to see the Portland Temple. I forgot to bring a skirt, but we just took pictures out side. Now, I have seen many a picture of this Temple. Can I just say, I have yet to see a picture that does this Temple justice!!! It is absolutely, breathtakingly BEAUTIFUL!!! All this time I thought it was just white marble, which is beautiful in itself, but I didnt' realize the grey streaks through the marble. And that it sits in the middle of these little woods just off the freeway.......Breathtaking! It started to drizzle while we were there and got cold, but soooooo worth it! Can't wait to post those pictures.

Then back to the freeway to head up to The Dalles. We called and found out they don't give dam tours anymore, so that got scratched off the list. We did go to The Dalles though because there was an old Gothic Church Drew wanted to see. It was beautiful. Small, but worth going to see. The lady that was there was this cute, sweet little old lady. She told us about being in the military in WWII. We told her I was Drew's mom. It must have taken a few minutes to register because she followed us up to the front a bit later, looked at me and said, "You look much too young to be the mother!" We informed her we here that a lot. But it never gets old! And what is with the wind there? It was brutal! Drew rolled down her window to take a picture & we were assaulted by gale force winds loaded with dirt and gravel. She yelled OW!!!!!! and instantly rolled the window up!

Then back headed east to Maltnomah Falls. I agreed to this before I really saw what I was getting myself into! It is sooooo beautiful. It had been raining though so it was cold. We walked up to the bridge and took pictures. Drew commented about how beautiful it would be here for bridal pictues...and it would make the most beautiful pictures. Then we started up the trail to the top of the falls. We got to a corner where the mist from the falls absolutely soaks you. My hair was soaked. Then we continued up the trail.......and I mean UP! I am used to walking 5 miles at a time. I am also used to getting on the tread mill at the rec center and do the random where it gets pretty steep. But I guess I am NOT in shape. There is 11 switchbacks (we swear there are more cause they didn't count 2 of them) and they are steep. At least it is a beautiful view while hiking. Then we got to the top of the falls. I was a bit disappointed that we couldn't see the bottom from there, but I don't know that I would have been able to handle that anyway. We could see the parking lot and it looked a looooooooong way away! Oh the hike was sooooo worth it. So very beautiful.

Then we took some pictures of what this all comes from. Then as we could no longer feel our fingers, we figured it was time to hike back down. It was cold. Summer would be a nice temperature to go I would think. We got to the bottom, grabbed some veggie and fruit out of the cooler and headed back to Portland.

Drew wanted more pictures of the Temple at night so we went there. It was beautiful. I stayed in the car though because we were still not warm! Then off to find Drew something to eat and somewhere to heat my food. We swear we drove past the hotel FOREVER, but in reality we got back to the hotel in just a couple minutes!

Then time to hit the hot tub to soak those soar muscles from the hike......and warm up! It felt so good. Much needed and deserved.

Now off to bed. In the morning we will head back to TJ's, downtown Portland to go to a few stores Tawnya told us about, and then on to Seattle. We're planning on eating lunch at an Irish Pub, since it is going to be St. Patty's day and all!

Tune in for more adventures! I promise, I'm going to insert picture posts between the text posts for each day!

Our Adventure---Day 1

2010-03-15T22:22:00.003-06:00

Today started out bright and early.......well, for me anyway. I got up right after Wynn left for work (he leaves at 4:30 am thank you very much) and started getting ready to leave. I let Drew sleep for a while longer since Morgan and Lexie both needed showers for school. It always seems to take longer to get out the door than we plan. Especially making sure the kids being 'left behind' have all the instructions they need, etc, etc, etc.......

Anyway, we did get out the door, car loaded, gassed up, ATM, and on the road, and hour or so later than planned. Oh well. Since we had just been this way 3 weeks ago, there were a lot of things that were, 'Let's just get past this part', but many things that were, 'Remember that? We want a picture of that. Where was that?' So we had many laughs and looking for those elusive memories we didn't catch on film before.

We had chosen to have all our snacks and food ready to go so we didn't have to leave the freeway other than for gas.....and the ever needed potty break, which seemed to come every hour, maybe that had to do with the humongous amounts of water we were consuming?

We were having a nice drive and then had to get out for gas and additive since 'Ellie' (Drew's affectionate name for her car) is not running so smoothly as she has before. Man is that wind COLD!!! Couldn't wait to get back in the car! Thank goodness it is state law in Oregon that you can't pump your own gas! We can just sit in the warmth of the car and let the sweet men do that for us. Then it was my turn to drive....

As I am innocently driving down the freeway minding my own business, I'm watching a hawk in the middle bar pit of the road catching something. And while I am still innocently driving on MY SPACE of the road, the hawk decides to fly off with it's catch. I don't know if what it caught was heavy or what, but it didn't lift off very high, and it came straight at the car! It barely got high enough to clear the windsheild! And I mean barely!!! Drew and I both ducked and gasped, but I think I still kept my hands on the wheel and my eyes on the road.....I think I did.

We made it to Pasco in plenty of time. Picked up her card, ate dinner and headed on our way. How long do we have to drive along the huge river? I think I can, I think I can, I think I can......

At one of our bathroom stops we were glad to see that the sign said bathrooms inside, you know, as opposed to all those along the way that are just a tree outside! Hahahahaha! So when we got in there, they had toilet paper stuck in the hole where the lock for the stall was supposed to be! Oh yea!

Drew drove along the Columbia River, but as it was getting late and dark it was a bit hard to see much. Hence the no hives ya think? But we decided to stay in Portland Tuesday night as well and go back to the falls, the dam, the river......

So we got to Portland and checked in to the hotel and here we are. Reserved a room at the same place for tomorrow night. I will do a picture post tomorrow after Drew gets them on her laptop. So until tomorrow. G'night!

The Adventure Begins Tomorrow

2010-03-14T20:12:00.001-06:00

Three weeks ago Drew and I went to Pasco, WA to get her security clearance for her to work on the Cruise ship. It is now done and in, so we need to go back to get it. She has decided that she wants to go on to Portland and Seattle before heading home this time.

So tomorrow the adventure begins. We'll be leaving in the morning, driving to Pasco, pick up her security card (TWIC), then on to Portland. Depending on time will determine what we see along the way.

Drew is taking her laptop, so I will try to keep you all updated with our goings on each day. Since big bridges give me hives, and there are a lot along the way, we'll see how my complexion fairs!

Now to go finish packing and off to bed! See you all as you check in!

End of February 2010 Poster

2010-02-28T20:48:00.007-07:00

It's the end of February. Time for an update on the missionary poster!

Look how much it's filling up......even for the shortest month of the year!

What's better in February than conversation hearts!

Look how many days he's been out. The year mark will be here before we know it!!!

Happy Valentines Day!

2010-02-14T20:30:00.008-07:00

Wynn always seem to surprise me with gifts. This year I think he did pretty well. Here are the pictures Lexie took of them.

He picked them out himself

Tulips that I can plant out in the yard this spring

Lexie liked the way the flash on the foil sparkled

The jewelry and tulips together

Christopher hadn't got Morgan a corsage for the dance last night. So as we were watching a movie together tonight, there was a knock on the door. This is what he brought her on Valentines Day instead..........

Aren't they beautiful?

What a sweetheart! It made her day.

Happy Valentines Day!

First Sweethearts Dance

2010-02-13T23:00:00.002-07:00

Sweethearts at the high school is a girls choice dance. I don't know if they do that because they figure that way all girls will have a chance to go to a formal dance that might not be asked to Homecoming or Prom, but I think it's an odd dance to have girls choice. With that said, it was Morgan's first Sweethearts Dance. Being the social butterfly that she is, she chose to go. And I must say she was beautimous, even if I do say so myself.

For the 'day date', they went to one of the girls houses for breakfast, so it only cost 3 packages of sausage. There were 10 couples in the group. After breakfast they went up behind her house to go sledding. Had a blast.

Then it was time to come home and start getting ready for the dance.

The perfect dress.....and modest too!

Borrowed my jewelry

Sister Drew's expertise on the hair.

Side view of the hair

(what are we going to do when Drew is half way around the world working on the cruise ship!!!)

Borrowed my coat

Such a princess

I had to alter the shoulders

they stuck up away from her body.

Don't know where she gets hamming up the camera from.

Very old Hollywood

Borrowed my shoes

(what would they do without my closet?)

Then head for pictures and dinner. One of the mom's did the pictures for them so they only cost $10/per couple instead of the $25-$30 for the schools photos. Yeah! For dinner, one of the dad's is co-owner of The Elements, so the girls paid $20/couple, could order whatever they wanted, and her dad paid the rest. Another YEAH! Then they headed back to our house so we could get pictures of them together........

Morgan and friend Christopher

Christopher and Morgan

This is what happens when you ask them a question during photos

There's the smile we spent so much money on!

Then off to the dance where they had a blast! After the dance they headed home to change and then off to go bowling. So glad that she has such good friends that have so much good fun together.

Sweethearts #1 down......how many more to go?

It Must Be Love!

2010-02-12T17:00:00.005-07:00

So I took yesterday off to finish altering Morgan's dress, and finished early (on Wednesday night!) and took the day off any way. I did get the Mission poster blogs all caught up. I got all the birthday blogs all caught up, as well as Tanner's Baptism day. The next thing I'm going to tackle is getting the vacation blogs caught up. All two of them. The one to Vegas may take a couple of blogs because we had so much fun.....the one to New Mexico as well. Anyway, hopefully I get to that tomorrow, or the first of next week.

Wynn came home last night and told me that they had today off instead of tomorrow because of the parts they need not being there until Saturday. Then he asked if I was going to take the day off and spend it with him. SURE! Twist my arm. Oh, darn, I have to find a sub. Drew was already taken. So I spent a while and finally at 9:30pm found a sub! YAY!!!

So today I took Tanner to school and got things ready for Grandpa Joe to teach my kindergartners. 2nd grade was having a Valentines party for reading groups. Then I headed home.

We had what I'm calling a high school/college date, and boy was it fun. First we went bowling (which I haven't been for so long that I totally stink on ice at it) then went grocery shopping for a couple of items. Took them home then headed for a movie in the middle of the day. I love that. And I love that Wynn took me to see 'When In Rome', a total chick flick. He is so great like that! It was really cute (predictable ending) but still really cute. I would so watch it again, even let my kids watch it. I told him next week he could take me to see 'Valentines Day'. And he's so great like that that he probably will.

I know, I know!

2010-02-11T11:40:00.004-07:00

OK. So I promised FOREVER ago that I was going to go back and update my blog. Clear back to October when we took our trip to Vegas. Apparently it hasn't been done. I have varying excuses and reasons, some legit, some just to make me feel better for not doing it.

So this week I have been altering the dress I bought Morgan Saturday for the Sweethearts dance this Saturday. It fit like a glove, except the shoulders. I have been working on it since Monday. I only had 2nd grade today, so I planned on taking the day off to make sure the dress was done before the last second. So yesterday I informed my 2nd graders that they would have Miss Drew for a sub today. They were really excited about that. They love her. So when I actually finished it last night, I decided I couldn't disappoint the kiddos and actually show up to work, so I still took the day off.

Now the decision was, what of the meriad of things I have on my to do list should I do today? I actually even contemplated doing none of it and just spend the day reading a book, which I haven't done FOREVER! But no, I saw my camera sitting there and decided to download all the pictures to the computer. Done. Since I'm on the computer I may as well start the updates to the blog.....but I checked Facebook first. Where my mom caught me!

So now I have updated the background and written my blog for today. I have every intention of getting the missionary poster and birthday blogs caught up today. Then we'll see what time it is and how close it is to the kids getting home from school. And every intention of keeping up-to-date with this again while catching up at the same time. Gotta eat that elephant one bite at a time, right?

And we all know what road is paved with good intentions!

End of January 2010 Poster

2010-01-31T18:48:00.011-07:00

As we begin a new year, it's hard to believe the first month has already gone. But here it is, the end of January 2010.

Another column down

Getting closer to the middle

I think there's more snowmen on the poster than there is on the ground!

Lexie-ism

2010-01-22T17:43:00.002-07:00

So Rian is at our house because he doesn't want to drive home in the weather. He, Lexie and Tanner are playing Super Mario Brothers on the Wii. Lexie keeps making the same mistake.......

Lexie-Why do I keep doing that!?
Me-Lexie, what color is your hair?
Lexie-Shut up!
Me-Hmmmm, I haven't heard of that color before.

Happy Birthday! You're a Teenager!!!

2010-01-17T17:12:00.009-07:00

Today is Lexie's 13th Birthday! Woohoo! She's a teenager! I can't believe child #5 is a teenager already. What happened to my little, tiny baby girl. Oh yeah. She grew in to my little teenage girl. She is so sure of who she is and where she's headed already that it can be a little scary at times.

She loves playing soccer and wants to try out for Competitive this year

Blowing out the candles. See the cute hat Sister Christin Taylor made her for her birthday? And the new shirt I bought her

Typical Lexie licking off the cake decorations

Lexie in one of her birthday presents

Her birthday haul. A new wardrobe!

Tanner's Very Special Day

2010-01-02T16:56:00.005-07:00

We woke up to a very snowy white morning. White was a very appropriate color for today....Tanner's baptism day. Though the weather kept some family members from being able to come, he had his siblings (minus Elder Gary), cousins--Tiffer, and Arek and Tamsyn, and many, many friends to witness this special occasion. His Aunt Maridene and Aunt Sirena were headed up with his Grandma and Grandpa Jenkins, but had to turn around being only 30 miles away because of extremely slick icy roads. But they sure wanted to be there! And since it was his day, he got to pick what we had for lunch/dinner.....of course it was PIZZA!!!

Tanner in his Baptism clothes

Tanner and his dad, Wynn, ready to go to the church

Tanner after we got home with his new pink Baptism day tie

He's so excited because it's a big boy tie and not a clip on. And he has learned how to tie it

Ready for church tomorrow with his new pink tie and brand new scriptures

Congratulations Tanner on making one of the most important decisions you will make for your life. We love you!

End of December 2009 Poster

2009-12-31T13:32:00.007-07:00

Not only is it the end of another month, but as the end of December, it is the end of another year. As we say good-bye to 2009, here is how Elder Gary's poster looks for the year.....

7 months of stickers. Still a ways to go until the half-way mark though.

All the different stickers for all the different months

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Happy Very Special 8th Birthday!

2009-12-29T16:36:00.007-07:00

Today is a very special day for a very special boy. Today Tanner turns 8 years old. Which means that in 4 days he is going to be baptized. He keeps us laughing with his quick sense of humor. We are so glad that Tanner came along in our family, it's been fun having him as the caboose to the train of our family.

Oh how he loves his TMNT--

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Looking a little tired thinking he's never going to eat the cake!

Finally getting to blow out the candles!

Was so excited to get the same present all his brothers and sisters got on their 8th birthdays. A real set of Scriptures with a case and his named engraved. He couldn't wait for his birthday to go pick them out!

Happy Birthday 8th Tanner!!!

Oh Christmas Tree!

2009-12-26T20:30:00.003-07:00

I used to leave our Christmas decorations up until New Years, then we had Tanner a few days after Christmas. In order to keep his birthday just his birthday, we take the decorations down the day after Christmas. This year was no different. At least in the taking down the decorations part. Wynn decided he didn't want to haul the tree down to the Christmas tree drop off. Instead he wanted to burn it to see how fast it would burn since for some reason it dried out really fast this year. It usually is barely started to dry up when it's time to take it out.

I didn't want it burned in my backyard, even though the fire department is only a few blocks away, and the fire hydrant is in my yard. I told him he had to call our dear friend the Fire Chief. Craig decided he was in and told us to meet him at the mouth of Green Canyon. He even went so far as to call and tell the fire house that if they got a report of a fire at the mouth of the canyon that it was just us and he was with us. And does it scare anyone that I was the adult representative in this situation?

If you choose to watch, beware of the off key (on purpose) singing and silly comments. And sorry, I had to turn it on it's side to fit it in the screen.

(and this was done with no disrespect to Christmas. It was just a tree at this point)

The Best Christmas Gift EVER!!!

2009-12-25T11:52:00.012-07:00

This morning we got up around 6:30. We went downstairs to see what Santa had brought. (More on that on a later blog) Then we went upstairs and opened the gifts under the tree. We had just finished that when...........

ELDER GARY CALLED!!!!!!

We got to talk to him for ONE HOUR! Even though I get an email from him every week, it was sooooooo good to here his voice. He spent Christmas Eve with a great family there in Texas. He told me the dad had sent me an email. So I came downstairs and got on my email and had the 2nd best present.........

PICTURES OF ELDER GARY ON CHRISTMAS EVE!!!!!!!

Elder Memmott watching Elder Gary checking his email

Elder Memmott and Elder Gary with the Christmas tree

Elder Gary with the Christmas tree.
(what a good looking man)

with his Amarillo, Texas mug for his hot chocolate

Elder Memmott, Elder Taylor (just home from Korea) and Elder Gary

The Group

Elder Gary, Brother Taylor, Sister Taylor, Elder Taylor and Elder Memmott

With the Texas flag

Saluting the Texas flag

(he really does love Texas!)

Doesn't he look good! I am so glad that he had such an awesome family to spend Christmas Eve with. Thank you Brother and Sister Taylor!!! Merry Christmas to your family and God Bless You!

The Stockings Were Hung By The Chimney With Care

2009-12-24T18:33:00.009-07:00

In hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there.

with Christmas Eve dinner all done

The tree all trimmed. The presents, how fun.

Now it's off to see the lights of our friends.

Then home to see what games Santa's elves left under the tree again.

We'll play for a while, but it can't be all night.

Or our Jolly old friend will be nowhere in sight.

And though these things are fun,

the true cause to celebrate this season.....

This is the one

only True Reason.

Merry Christmas to all our friends!

Do You Hear What I Hear?

2009-12-15T22:08:00.002-07:00

Today was Tuesday. Therefore, it means tonight was Mutual. Tonight happened to be the Young Mens/Young Womens combined activity. The YM were in charge. We went caroling to people in the ward......

We got to the church, had a prayer, got instructions of whose houses we were going to....and then found out that they couldn't get a wagon this year. What!!! The kids were so disappointed. So we loaded up in vehicles and drove to each house. I had 6 girls with me, and oh how much fun we had. I think we had as much fun driving to the houses as we had singing at the houses. We sang 2 songs at each house. Each recipient being ever so appreciative of our thoughtfulness. But as we got in the van to drive to the next house, we would listen to Christmas songs. There was much singing and much more laughter, loudly on both counts, on the short drive. It was a nice night for it, no below zero freezing temps like we had last week!

The last house was one of my neighbors.....Crazy Bonnie. (said respectfully and well earned, of course. Bless her heart) We got to the house, all lined up on the walk and porch, rang the doorbell, she opened the door and we began to sing.......she actually stood there and listened for a few bars......then she yelled for us to get off her porch, slammed the door and turned of ALL the lights, inside and out!!! The kids all faltered for a second and looked at us leaders and we kept on singing. We finished that song and proceeded to sing 'We Wish You A Merry Christmas' just like we did all the other houses we had gone to. Then we proceeded to the Church house for cookies and hot chocolate. All the kids laughing there heads off at what Crazy Bonnie did. (at what she did, not at her)

They loved it. Had a blast that they will never forget. Or not for a long time at least, if they don't write about it in their journals.

His One Christmas Wish

2009-12-11T07:17:00.005-07:00

I got my weekly email from Elder Gary yesterday. He is still in Canyon. He is a little bummed that he is still in his greenie area, but great work is going on there.

In the email he let me know that he received his Christmas box from my parents. Then he proceeded to let me know that he didn't want us to send him anything.....I mean NOTHING!!! He said the only thing he needed was clothes and he has all of them that he needs. He wants us to take the money that we would have spent on his presents and shipping them to him, and use it for someone who really needs it. He has ALWAYS been one to think of others before himself.

At first I thought, I can't just send him nothing! Not one thing! But as I have thought about it, this was his Christmas list. His one Christmas wish. Give to someone who needs it worse than he does. This is what he would do. After all, this is the kid that right before he left for his mission, we had a food drive. I sat 2 sacks of food out for it. But Gary wanted to do something from him. So he went to the grocery store, bought things on sale, so he could buy more with the same money, and bought a full sack of groceries to come home and place it on the doorstep.

So....That is what I am going to do. I am going to take the money that I would have spent on him and give it to someone that I know needs more than he does right now. I know, beyond a doubt, just who that person is supposed to be. Then I will send him a Christmas card telling him who his gift went to this year.

May we all learn from a humble missionary, just what the true meaning of Christmas really is.

Merry Christmas Elder Gary.

Not a Very Wise Man

2009-12-09T07:24:00.002-07:00

Hope this brightens your day with a good laugh!

Not a very wise man...

Mark forgot his wedding anniversary and his wife was really ticked off at him. She told him, "Tomorrow morning, I expect to find a gift in the driveway that goes from 0 to 200 in under 6 seconds, AND IT BETTER BE THERE."

The next morning, Mark got up really early to take care of the gift. When his wife woke up a couple of hours later, she looked out the window where there was a small gift-wrapped box sitting in the middle of the driveway. Confused, his wife put on her robe, ran out to the driveway, and took the box into the house. She opened it and found a brand new bathroom scale.

Mark is not yet well enough to have visitors.

End of November 2009 Poster

2009-11-30T22:58:00.005-07:00

Can you believe it's the end of November already? Time for another mission poster update.

Closer and closer to the middle of the poster. Of course, as the rows get longer, it's going to seem to take longer!

Such cute Thanksgiving sticker to add to the other holidays.

Surprise

2009-11-30T15:47:00.002-07:00

Well, it looks as if I am doing a new post! Yes. I know I'm behind a bit. Ok, 2 months. And I need to update to a Christmas background. (How'd we get here already?) I know. I know. I had computer problems, then went out of town, then more computer problems, work, life, a move, another trip...............

I didn't realize how many people actually read what I have to say. Yes, I've gotten your emails, or you've asked to my face. I am planning on catching up. And yes, I know I'm 2 months behind on Elder Gary's mission poster, so those are the first 2 I'll post.

As I'm catching up, I'll do it the way I always catch up (gee, I must get behind.....A LOT!!!!) I'll put the actual date on it. But I'll try to stay caught up at the same time. Hope I'm not biting off more than I can chew right now!

So, if you want to be brought up to date on the zany Jenkins' family escapades, stay tuned.

Happy Sweet 16 and Never Been Kissed

2009-11-22T15:51:00.016-07:00

Sixteen....16!!!...years ago a beautiful little baby girl with black eyes (with the longest black eyelashes I've ever seen on a baby), black hair and olive skin was born. Her name is Morgan Shelby. We knew those eyes were going to be trouble, and now she's 16 and we're so.......afraid, but glad that she is well grounded in her beliefs. Doesn't mean we're not going to worry though. Judge for yourself.

She loves Piglet

And out comes Pooh Bear

Blowing out the candles

What could be in the packages?
(isn't she pretty? And doesn't even know it)

The loot

Happy sweet 16 Morgan!

(and tomorrow she gets her drivers license!!!)

End of October 2009 Poster

2009-10-31T17:48:00.002-06:00

So here it is the end of October already. Time for an update on the Mission Poster. Time seems to be flying by. Where has the time gone?

Look how close to the middle we're getting!!!

See all the different months? Nice Halloween stickers!

Happy Happy Birthday Mommy Dear!

2009-10-21T14:34:00.000-06:00

My mom has raised 7 children and is now seeing her grandchildren getting married and starting their own families. She deserves to have a very Happy Birthday.

Happy Birthday Mom.

End of September 2009 Poster

2009-09-30T13:51:00.004-06:00

It is the end of September. Time for a poster update. Fall is definitely in the air. It has actually snowed here today and it is cold.

Making progress

Added one more month!

Tannerism #13

2009-09-28T15:31:00.002-06:00

The other day I was on my Facebook. I noticed that the 'Farm' on there that Tanner usually takes care of for me was getting a bit overrun. I decided I would take care of it by deleting a few things and rearranging and then readding things back on. Tanner walked in while I was doing it......

"Mom! What are you doing?"
"It's getting over crowded so I'm rearranging it."
"Why are you getting rid of the plants. I don't want you to delete them!"
"But I have to for right now. We'll put some more back on. I'm going to make it bigger and rearrange things so they fit. It's too crowded."
"You're deleting them. I told you I didn't want you to do that."
"But I told you I needed to."

He turns his back and sticks his foot out in a very teenager sort of way and says in a sing-songy way....

"I'm not done not liking you right now."

I couldn't help it. I cracked up. It was too funny!

And he did like the 'farm' when I got it rearranged.

Happy Happy Birthday Drewann Dear!

2009-09-26T15:15:00.006-06:00

Today is Drewann's (Drew) 22nd birthday! I can't believe it's been that long. She was my right-hand for so long, it's hard to have her all grown up. We're taking her to Las Vegas on Thursday for an interview to work on a Cruise Line, so she gets to pick out her present there. But we did celebrate with cake and ice cream, family and 'roommates'.......

Drew with her cake and the roses are from the 'roomies'

Veronica, Lindsey, Emily and Drew

'The Roomies'

The picture my dad put on his birthday email of her.

Drew and Gary in Lexie's sunglasses

Happy Birthday Drew!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2009-09-25T14:57:00.000-06:00

Today is my Dad's birthday. I don't get to see him much, but I love him!

Dad and Andy showing off their hats at Andy's wedding

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!

Good To Go For Another Year?

2009-09-24T15:30:00.003-06:00

I had my annual doctors appointment today. I have had enough female/health problems that I don't go to the doctor. Literally. Wynn has always had to make my appointments for me, and then take me to them to get me to go. Seriously. I kid you not. And then in November of 2007 we found my current GYN and his PA. Can I just say.....Hallelujah!!!

They have never treated me like a stupid female. Two years ago the PA listened to my problems and told me it wasn't all in my head, it wasn't normal, everybody does not go through this, etc, etc......I had never said what the other doctors had been telling me, but this is exactly what I had heard my whole life. I literally started crying in the office. The PA put her arm around me and gave me a hug and told me they were going to help me. She wished she had met me 20 years ago because there were so many things she could have done for me. But at that point, there was really only one option open to me....to have a hysterectomy. I was fine with that. So the very next week I was in to see the GYN, the did some tests, I followed up the next week and was scheduled for surgery for one month from my first visit to them.

It has been a long road since then. My weight was up, ugh, which caused my blood pressure to be up, double ugh, and I was severely anemic. I was put on BP meds (1/2 pill once a day) for 3 months until I lost about 5 pounds and my BP went down. Then I was taken off of them, knowing that I needed to get more weight off and if my weight went up at all I would be going back on the meds. So started the long process of getting the weight off. I exercised, counted calories, watched as I did Weight Watchers with Wynn and he lost 25 pounds and I lost 2. It was hard. But the weight has started to come off. It's just such a slow process. When you basically eat healthy to begin with, no chips, sweets, pop, junk etc, there's not a lot to cut out to lose weight. It can be very frustrating.

So a few months ago I made my appointment for today. Yes, I made the appointment all_by_myself and today I went there all_by_myself. I was nervous about going because my weight is not to the goal we made. And although I take my blood pressure regularly just to make sure it is staying down, I was having Doctor visit anxiety. So on to today.....

They all raved about how good and well I look and how much weight I have lost. Then I went into 'the room'. Of course they wanted to get my weight and blood pressure. I_was_EXTREMELY_nervous for this. Drum roll please........My blood pressure was a good number. Yeah! My weight was down 12 pounds! Yeah! But even better was the fact that I had gained 4 more pounds after that appointment that they, of course, didn't have recorded. So I have lost 16 pounds. Hooray for me!!! Of course I still have to get to the goal weight I have set with the PA, but she was very impressed and very happy with my progress. I just know I can't slack off knowing I won't have another appointment for a year. Next year I know I can be at my goal weight if I just keep at it. It's not going to be easy, but I already feel so much better I can't wait. Plus I'll HAVE to get a new wardrobe. There's the best plus! Now we just have to wait for the blood tests to come back because she doesn't think I'm anemic anymore. Gosh. Once I finish getting the weight off, I'm gonna be a whole new me!

And It Starts

2009-09-21T23:30:00.002-06:00

Tonight was 'Parent Night' for the Marching Band. That means that Sky View and Mountain Crest both perform their routine for competitions this year for their friends and family. That means it is the start of the competition season. They each perform their routine twice. Can I just say, it was cold. Not as cold as last year though since the wind wasn't blowing. Last year it was at Mountain Crest, so this year it was here, at Sky View.

Mountain Crest performed their routine. They are still polishing it up. It was a little rough still. Then they did their second performance. It went better. It was interesting. It should be good once it's a little more polished.

Then it was Sky Views turn. I must say, when Morgan walked into the living room with the new Color Guard uniform on.....I wasn't impressed. In fact I was a little worried. But as they walked out on the field I was happy to see that it looks soooo much better out on the field than just in the living room. In fact, it looks good out their in their performance.

They took the field and I was excited that I had remembered the camera. I gave it to Wynn to video the first performance up close and then go up to the top of the bleachers to video for the second performance. That way we could get Morgan & the second one would show the formations. As he was videoing, we noticed that it just stopped. We then found out that my card was full! Remember my computer being down? Yeah. I haven't been able to download my pictues forever! We did get the computer back tonight, but now I don't have anything from their performance tonight. Sigh. It looks pretty good too.

So I will get the pictures downloaded soon and hopefully get caught up on my blogging.

Volunteering

2009-09-19T22:08:00.002-06:00

Today I started the volunteer hours for AmeriCorps. These are the 25 hours that are in the 'not comfort zone' area. For 5 hours today I volunteered at the Special Olympics. Not just me though, Morgan, Lexie and Tanner went with me. My hours go toward AmeriCorps, Morgan and Lexie's hours are for a Value Project for Young Womens. Tanner's are just so he learns to serve others.

I was very nervous this morning as we were headed there. Talk about out of my comfort zone! I didn't know what they were going to have us do. I didn't know how Tanner would do. I knew it shouldn't be a problem for Lexie, she does Peer Tutor at school. (that is where for one period of school a day, students go to class with a child with special needs and help them with their class. Lexie goes to Science with the student she peer tutors. She absolutely loves it!)

The Special Olympics today were held at the University. The event was swimming. We got to time the races. Morgan was in the big pool area (along with my friend). Lexie, Tanner and myself were in the small pool area. Each of us had a lane we were responsible for timing, except Tanner, who helped me with my lane.

It was so fun to watch the athletes and see how excited they got when they finished. Notice I didn't say when they won.....but when they finished. But, yes, they were excited when they won too. They had such great sportsmanship, they were truly role models in how to behave at a sporting event. It was also exciting to see how Tanner cheered for them & laughed as they splashed us as they got to the wall. There was one boy that, when Tanner would see him would say, "Look mom, it's the guy with the really big splash."

If my kids learned nothing else today, I hope they learned that we can always learn something from everyone. Even if they are different than we are. Though we were there to serve them, they truly taught us plenty, and in that way, served us.

We will be doing more hours for Special Olympics. I'll be posting about each of the events we get to volunteer for. I know I'll be nervous again next time as well. Maybe it won't be so out of my comfort zone by the time I get my hours done.

AmeriCorps---Round #2

2009-09-18T21:47:00.000-06:00

Last year I wrote about my year in AmeriCorps. It is a volunteer program in many areas. I volunteer in Literacy. There are many requirements for the year, I am part time......

900 hours

Out of those hours, there are certain areas that have to met.....

25 hours of community service that can be done in an area that I am comfortable
25 hours of community service that have to be done in an area where I am NOT comfortable, for a Non-profit organization, that I work directly with the people the organization benefits.....(cannot be the same thing I did last year)
1 Literacy night project
1 Homeland Security project
1 Martin Luther King project (January)
1 AmeriCorps week project (May)
Training sessions....school, district & AmeriCorps
Study groups, about once a month, of which I am study group leader this year.......the organization is reading and discussing 'Bridges Out of Poverty' this year
only 180 of my hours can come from training and community service
Reading groups....I work with the most at risk in Kindergarten and 2nd grade
Any other things that the Principal and Literacy Facilitator have us do within the parameters of AmeriCorps
CERT.....since I completed this last year, I don't have to do it again this year. They didn't give anything to replace these 20 hours, so I need to get them on my own

Now we just need to make sure we get our hours in and projects done. And help the kids learn to read. Not always the easiest of all the tasks for the year.

Give oh Give Away

2009-09-16T22:20:00.004-06:00

Go to this blog......

You can enter for a chance win a beautiful picture of the

Salt Lake City Temple.

Except that I plan on winning it! It's beautiful.

Kill It? or Let It Die a Natural Death?

2009-09-16T16:36:00.003-06:00

We have been having problems with our computer since June. First it messed up my whole log-in, losing all my pictures that were saved on the computer and my favorites that were saved for the internet. I found them all eventually and got them copied back where they belonged. It copied some of them several times and Lexie and I laboriously made sure we had pictures then deleted the rest....back and forth, back and forth...

Then it got a virus. We could work around it for the most part, while Wynn worked on it every day after work trying to remove it. Then it got ANOTHER virus, and we had to take it to the computer doctor. It took them no time at all and it came back feeling better. Not like new, but better than it had in a long time.

NOW it refuses to get on the internet...AT ALL!!! We are all having to use Drew's laptop for now. Are you kidding me? It says that there is a connection problem, but Drew's laptop connects just fine. GRRRRR. So now we will have to take it back to the doctor. This time I think we will add whatever it is that makes it go faster too. Might as well just get it all done now.

So that is why I am behind on my blogs again. Can't get on the computer for long and all my pictures I was going to use are on our computer and I don't feel like searching the cd's for the ones I wanted. So once we get it running, I hope I have time to catch up!

Birthday of a Father-in-Law

2009-09-16T14:18:00.003-06:00

Today is my Father-in-laws birthday. He has lived most of his life in Wyoming, but now spends his days in Utah. He has had a long, eventful life. He has seen many things come and go and many things change in his lifetime. Some good and some not so good. But progress none the less.

And here he is with Zach and Sara. Another grandsons wedding.

Happy Birthday Dad, Grandpa, Dean

8 Years Ago

2009-09-11T05:42:00.002-06:00

Eight years ago today, we were living in Evanston, Wyoming. I was pregnant with Tanner. We didn't have cable or satellite at the time, or even an antenna. Lexie was 4 years old. I had sent the 4 older children to school when I got a phone call from Wynn. He told me to turn on the radio and proceeded to tell me why. At 8:46 Eastern Time, the Twin Towers in New York City had been hit by hijacked by terrorists jets, one jet each. A hijacked jet had also hit the Pentagon. Yet another jet had been hijacked, but the passengers overtook the hijackers and it went down in a field in Pennsylvania. It was presumed that it was suppose to hit the White House. I could only listen, having no way to watch. Wynn's boss, as well as many bosses across the country, sent them home early, since no one could focus long enough to work. The country was in a state of mourning. We went down town to a furniture store so we could watch what was going on. I couldn't believe what I saw. Total devastation. The country rallied together. We were again the 'United States of America'.

Today they are revealing the memorial that has taken years to build. Many people that lived through the tragedy, many of them lost family in the attack, are going to be there for the reveal. The victims are being honored. Many people that are attending were just children at the time. They will be remembering the parents, friends & family members that were lost.

Maybe with the memorial being revealed it will help us remember what this country is supposed to be about? Maybe we can remember that we are supposed to be 'UNITED'. Maybe we can remember that our presence in Iraq (thank you Donovan and Trevor) and Afghanistan is necessary or the war would be on our soil.We need to remember those who lost their lives that day. Today should be a day of rememberance of so many things.

Happy Birthday Andy!

2009-09-08T21:13:00.007-06:00

Today is Andy's 23rd birthday! Andy has always loved loud things.....trucks, tractors.......anything that makes noise. And the faster the better. He likes the tricked out everything. Even at 2 he knew what he liked, and it had better be John Deere green. And he even got some for his birthday again this year. I don't think his collection will ever be done.

Leza planned a BBQ for his birthday dinner. We all went over to their house for it, both families. Some of the kids had to leave early, but we had a nice dinner with family.

Leza baked him his favorite...German chocolate cake

(white cupcakes as well)

He's not old enough yet. He got them all with one breath.

Happy birthday Andy!!!

Happy Birthday Grandma!

2009-09-07T21:48:00.003-06:00

Today is my Grandma Hulsey's (Evelyn) birthday. She is like the energizer bunny....she just keeps going, and going, and going......She has so much energy and always has time for everyone.

I hope I'm just like her when I grow up! Although I don't know that she'll claim that she's grown up yet! (wink)

Happy Birthday Grandma!!!

End of August 2009 Poster

2009-08-31T20:30:00.007-06:00

It is the end of August, which means an update of the mission poster. Quite a change from just a couple of months ago!

Look at it filling up! 97 days already!

Still a ways to go though.

You can see each different month!

Tannerism #12

2009-08-29T17:04:00.003-06:00

Lexie and I were sitting at the table playing 'Sorry'. Tanner was at the table playing with some of his toys and watching us. (Lexie and I are having a 'Sorry' tournament) I went to make a move and hesitated, to think, and Tanner put his hand on his chin and said "Hmmmm." So Lexie and I did that too and noticed that we both rolled ours eyes up.

Us, "Why do people always roll their eyes up when they're trying to think? Maybe it's so they can see in their brain."

Tanner, "Or that cloud over their head."

Us---Hysterical laughter

Tanner, "What? You know how they always have a cloud over their head when they're thinking in a commercial. If you would just look in the cloud over your head then you would know what you're thinking!"

Then he proceeds to disappear in the office, coming out a minute later. He had with him a notebook they use to draw in. He flipped right to a picture he had drawn a long time ago of a person with a dialogue cloud over their head.

"See. The cloud over peoples heads like in the commercials. Just look in there people!"

Does Anybody Ever Really Catch Up?

2009-08-29T08:40:00.003-06:00

I said a few posts ago that I had a book I had been trying to read and would let you know if I finished it......yep I did! Not before the kids got home, but just a couple hours after. So, YAY ME!!!!!!

I just put up 4 Tannerisms that have been sitting here waiting for me to post, starting with #8. That kid is soooooo funny. Make sure you catch up on these! I hope it doesn't get lost in the translation.

I have a few mini-vacations from summer to post. Maybe I'll get to that next week. I can't believe August will be over on Monday!

I did finally find all of my pictures on the computer after Wynn got home from girls camp. He showed me where to look, I searched and searched. Then all of a sudden...PICTURES!!!! I got them moved back where they go and it recopied some of them a few times. So Lexie and I sat here and deleted the extras, making sure of triple checking that we did indeed already have that picture in the file it was supposed to be in. I haven't got them all on facebook yet.....but I did get them all on CD. I still need to get that flash drive too.

Drew is all moved home and now needs to start the job hunting next week. Glad it's not me.

Guess I better go exercise so I'm ready when it's time to carpool the Color Guard girls this morning!

Tannerism #11

2009-08-29T08:17:00.003-06:00

Lexie, Tanner and myself have been watching the old school Beverly Hillbillies reruns on TVLand. We were watching an episode where 'the wealthiest woman in the world' wanted to buy the mansion. She wound up trying to bribe Granny and Ellie Mae with some fur coats. The two of them finally realized that she wasn't being sincere and decided they needed to return the fur coats. Of course, they decided they needed to return them clean, so they threw them in the washer. When they get to the woman's hotel room, they explain what they did, then show her the coats. One was shrunk, of course. The zebra one is completely white, the lye soap took the stripes right off. Etc, etc. Tanner doesn't even skip a beat and in all seriousness says........

"Well, that explains why we can't put Moose in the washer. His fur would shrink and his grey would be gone."

Yeah, that's why. Bahahahahaha!!!!!

Tannerism #10

2009-08-29T08:13:00.003-06:00

Morgan and Lexie went to breakfast for one of the girls that was leaving Young Womens to go to college. Of course, they decorated with balloons. Lexie brought 2 of them home and gave them to Tanner. They were just regular balloons blown up by the girls. Tanner let go and they fell to the floor instead of floating to the ceiling like he was expecting. He looked at Lexie and said......

"Why aren't these balloons made out of Helaman?"

Seriously!

Tannerism #9

2009-08-29T08:09:00.001-06:00

Lexie and Tanner were building things with the Jenga blocks. Lexie had built a tower and Tanner told her it was leaning......

"It's leaning."

"No it's not."

"Yeah, it's leaning over."

"Tanner, it's not leaning. It's straight."

"Lexie, it's leaning. It looks like that Leaning Tower of Paris thing!"

Laughing so hard we were crying.

Tannerism #8

2009-08-29T07:59:00.003-06:00

A few weeks ago Lexie, Tanner and myself were driving in the car. We saw someone that looked a little.......different, to put it mildly. So the saying was said of 'Don't judge a book by it's cover'. Tanner and Lexie start saying random things and Tanner comes up with.......

Don't judge a spy by it's gadgets!

Really? Then we find out that, (all in one breath) "Well, you guys said don't judge a book by it's cover and that reminded me that Lexie has that book 'Don't Judge a Girl By Her Cover' and she's a spy in the book so I thought of a spy and a spy has lots of gadgets and I just came up with 'Don't judge a spy by it's gadgets'."

Really.

Celebrate Good Times...Come On!!!

2009-08-26T21:30:00.000-06:00

Today was Drew's graduation day....for the 3rd time in her life. In June 2006 she graduated from High School. One year later, May 2007, she graduated from Beauty School (which she started while still in high school mind you). So she has been a cosmetologist/stylist for over 2 years. Today she graduated with her Master Esthitician! YEAH DREW!!! She worked hard and it only took her 4 months because of already having her cosmetology license. So Wynn took the day off and he and I drove to Salt Lake to be there for her at this momentous time of her life.

Tomorrow she will take her state exam and get her Esthitician license....because we know that she will pass. Then she will be moving back home for now because her next goal is to work for a cruise line in their spa on a Cruise Ship. She already has an interview lined up...but it isn't until October. So she will live with us and work until then. WAY TO GO DREW!!! We are sooooooo proud of you!

Drew getting her turn in the 'spotlight'

Drew and her friend-ly graduates

Wynn, Drew and myself

Good Grief!

2009-08-20T10:43:00.003-06:00

Man. Has it really been that long since I last did a post? I guess I have some serious catching up to do! I'm not planning on doing a long one here though. Just a short 'this is what's been going on' one.

We went to Lander for Wynn's family to see his oldest sister Delaine. We celebrated both Leza's (actually posted this one) and my birthdays. I got super sick for over a week, starting the night of my birthday....didn't go anywhere, didn't do anything....for OVER a week!!! Went to 1 1/2 days of training for AmeriCorps Tuesday and yesterday, will do a post on that later. And have now sent the kids off to the first day of school. Reading Aides don't start until Sept. 2nd, though I will probably go in for a couple of days next week.

So now I have the whole day to myself. I should probably clean something, or do some sewing, but I'm not going to. I think I'm just going to curl up and read the book I've been trying to read for the last month but kept getting interrupted! It's not very long, just 237 pages, and I'm already on page 49. I think I could actually have it almost done by the time the kids get home. I'll let ya know!

Happy Birthday Daughter-in-law!

2009-08-03T21:33:00.003-06:00

Today is my daughter-in-laws (Leza) 22nd birthday! She has been in our family since November. Wynn and I went to dinner tonight with her, Andy, and her family. We went to Cafe Sabor. It was fabulous. Who ever thought that Coconut Soup wouldn't taste like coconut? I was going to take pictures while there to put on here....but didn't remember until I got home. So.....here is a picture from the weekend instead!

Happy Birthday Leza!!!!!

Tannerisms #7

2009-08-02T20:48:00.004-06:00

At the first of July-ish I bought Tanner a pair of khaki pants for Church so he didn't have to wear his suit all summer. (he gets too hot and that's never good!) He wore them to church, they were to the bottom of his shoe just above the floor so not dragging. He wore them the next Sunday and I noticed they were at the top of his shoe. I thought they must have shrunk and then remembered they hadn't been washed since he only wore them a couple of hours. I washed them and he wore them the next Friday when we went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House. I noticed his socks were now showing between his shoe and pants when he walked and they were really tight on his tummy. He had only wore them 3 times in 2 weeks and had been washed once!!! So I bought him a bigger pair and took the now too small pair to Tawnya for Sammy. That day I got to thinking that even though I had to buy him new pants for school in the spring because his others were too small (so they were fairly new), he hadn't worn them all summer. I figured he probably ought to try them on to see how they were so I knew what I had to buy for school.......

(If you haven't watched 'Over the Hedge' you probably won't find this as funny as it is)

Me--"Tanner go get all your jeans and try them on for me."
Tanner--"Why?"
"So I can see how long or short they are."
"Fine."

I was cooking dinner so he gets them and takes them to my room which is next to the kitchen. He comes out and I see they are WELL above his ankles. Wynn was in the back yard working on the yard....

Me--"Go show your dad your pants Tanner."
Tanner--"Where is he?"
"In the back yard."
Tanner opens the back door, looks out, and with no hesitation what-so-ever turns around to me, puts his hands out and says........
"He has a weed hacker Vern, A WEED HACKER!!!" Grins and goes outside.

Honestly...where does he get this? We were laughing so hard we had tears running down our faces!

End of July 2009 Poster

2009-07-31T12:11:00.007-06:00

The end of July already? Where is the summer going? Time to update the poster once again! It's looking good!

May, June and July---66 days

So much fuller than 2 months ago.......but still quite a way to go. :)

Tannerisms #6

2009-07-22T20:59:00.002-06:00

Earlier today I was in the office sitting at the desk and Tanner walked in very straight faced. For the full affect, picture this with him straight faced, monotone, slight shrug of the shoulder and tick at the corner of his mouth........

"I guess Drew and I have a date tomorrow night."

"Oh really. Why?"

"Cause she just called me and said she will be here at 6:00 tomorrow night just in time for me and her to go swimming. So.......(sigh)I guess that's a date." (I didn't even hear the phone ring!)

"Don't you want to go swimming? Aren't you excited to go swimming."

(more excited) "YES! (shrug) But I just guess it's a date."

Doesn't figure he's supposed to go on a date with his sister I guess. Hahahahahaha!

Quiet Time And Devastation

2009-07-20T10:06:00.006-06:00

This morning Wynn, Morgan and Lexie headed out before 6:00am for Girls Camp. This is Lexie's first year, and she is the only new Beehive in our ward.That leaves only Tanner and myself at home all week, at least until Drew gets home late Thursday night or early Friday morning. But then she has to be back to school on Saturday. The others get home Friday afternoon/evening some time. I was never allowed to go to Girls Camp growing up. Maybe that is why I've never been camping in my life. Maybe that's why I don't think I'd like it. They are still trying to figure out a few days to take me camping this summer. My girls are asking the inevitable question of 'Why?' And my answer is....I don't know. I have no idea. (So mom, here's your chance to answer them.........if you want to.)

I got on my computer Saturday night and all was well. I got on yesterday, but only had a few minutes, and noticed there was something wrong with my log-in. It was not right the picture I had as my background, all my icons were in the wrong place, and my internet was even messed up. I commented about it to Wynn and figured I would have him look at it later. I forgot. So this morning AFTER they left for Girls Camp, I got on the computer to email Elder Gary. I then noticed/remembered the mess my log-in was in and decided to change the picture back to the one I had. It was one of the ones of Wynn and myself in Cali. Ummmm, ya. No picture in the choices available. No picture for the ones before. I got on my pictures and in fact, there were NO PICTURES ANYWHERE!!! All my pictures are gone. I can't find them. All the folders are gone. Even all the favorites on my internet are gone!

I got on everybody elses log-ins and they are all fine! (thank goodness for them) I only had some of the pictures on cd's. Only a few are on facebook or my blog. Morgan wanted to put them all in folders on FB for me, but we hadn't got around to it yet, so I was going to have her do it next week. I talked to Wynn but he didn't know where to tell me to look. I am devastated. He assures me that if he can't find them when he gets home, that they are still there and all we have to do is take the computer in and have them pull them from the hard drive for me. I'm still devastated. Can they put them back like I had them? Labled and in the folders like they were? I was going to get a flash drive to put them on, but just haven't. Guess I will get one now! As soon as they get them back for me, they're going on one!

Maybe I should take a computer class so I could find things when this happens. It's always when Wynn is out of town. Why didn't I have him look yesterday when I noticed. Because I didn't check my pictures because I really didn't figure it would be a big deal to put everything back the way it was. I don't know how this happened. I didn't do anything different on Saturday night than I have done the other 2 million times I've been on the computer. Anyway, I have faith that Wynn or Drew will save me from the evil computer monster somehow, yet again.

24 Years Ago Today

2009-07-12T21:03:00.005-06:00

Wynn and I were married on July 12, 1985 in the Mesa, Arizona Temple. I was extremely sick that day and still tease him that since I don't remember that day at all, I am just taking his word for it that I actually said yes. Today we celebrated with the family by eating......nothing fancy. Egg enchilada and banana splits.

I thought we were getting something together for a 'gift' and we were still talking about what to get. So I got him nothing and he gave me this......

Happy 24th anniversay!

(Yep. They're real)

Happy Happy Birthday Baby!

2009-07-09T16:20:00.009-06:00

Today is Wynn's 46th Birthday!!! And he had the day off! For his birthday he took me to see 'The Proposal'. We loved it. See what a great guy he is? He does stuff like that for me all the time. He is such a sweetie. That's why I love him. So just for being such a great guy, we got him something he's been wanting for a while......

Forgot the candles....so he got the 'OLD' one

Also forgot that we were out of wrapping paper.

The towel seemed to do fine.

I think he liked it anyway. Even without wrapping paper!

But I did remember the most important thing....

the present he really wanted!

(and it's expandable for him to make all that yummy stuff he wants!)

Happy Birthday!!!!

Family/Gone and Here

2009-07-05T20:56:00.014-06:00

It would have been my Grandpa Hulsey's birthday today. But he's been gone for 22 1/2 years now. That's most of the time I've been married. I still miss him. I miss his laugh, and his jokes. He always had a joke for everything. Sometimes even making a long distance call just to tell a joke to someone he thought would appreciate it. He always had time for me. We were close. We still are. He's still with me when I need him. I love you Grandpa.

It was also the day the cousins went home. And Morgan and Lexie went with them. They had a blast while they were here and I'm sure they'll have one there as well.

Kelli, Morgan and Kiri

Kelli, Morgan, Lexie and Kiri

Lexie, Kelli, Morgan, Kiri and

Tanner

More pictures of the 5 amigos. Otherwise know as the cousins, the youngest 5 of the family. (except the older cousins babies now!)

Silliness

Cause Tanner can't go with them now

Oh so thoughtful.....

RIGHT!!!!

Happy? 4th of July

2009-07-04T22:48:00.020-06:00

We started the day by going to the Lewiston Parade. It's a ways out there, but since Morgan was marching in it, we decided to lend her our support, hahaha. It was a bit chilly when we first got there, but warmed up nicely by the time it started. There was....us with the visiting Kelli and Kiri, Drew and her roommate Emily, Andy and Leza and Leza's family. Lexie took posession of my camera.

Kiri was a little chilly

Me, Wynn, Kelli and Tanner.

It looks like I'm yelling at someone in the parade, but I was pushing up my glasses while talking to Wynn, the parade hadn't even started yet.

Morgan is the dark haired cutie in the middle.

She made rifle as a sophmore!

Yeah! She caught it!

(She's the one in the capris)

The horses

(County Mounted Posse)

The silliness that's so cute

The sign on front says Where's the engine!

The cute floats

The old cars

After the parade it was back home to rest, odds and ends, the kids playing, lunch. And on the way home the kids decided that my kids needed to go home with Kelli and Kiri on Sunday for the next week. So they were texting with their mother....all unknown to me. When finally asked, I was fine with Morgan and Lexie, but Tanner has been having nightmares lately and climbing in my bed every night. I didn't want to do that to my sister-in-law. But I finally decided I could drive the 2 hours to get him if he just couldn't do it. So Lexie decided to grab everybody's laundry so they could pack. They all worked on the laundry and the packing. Lexie grabbed a bag for her and Tanner and packed her clothes then helped Tanner choose and pack his. They were all so excited you wouldn't think they had just spent a whole week together here. I guess the prospect of 2 solid weeks together, just at different places, was an adventure!

Then it was time to get ready for the annual neighborhood 4th of July party. We have a bring your own meat and potluck dish bbq in the backyards of 2 adjoining neighbors. The moms and dads bbq (mostly dads) while they visit and the kids play. Then after, it's around to the street for the fireworks, we always supply the sparklers. Then usually back around to the backyards for a movie. (this year being a Saturday night, we'll do the movie another time. So no movie tonight) Since I have had a cold all week, I was pretty tired and opted to not go. That and I didn't want to spread it around. They got their hamburger patties ready and grabbed a fruit salad and headed over. I grabbed my book and settled in. Pretty soon I could swear I heard Tanner crying but talked myself out of it. Sure enough here came Wynn carrying a crying/sobbing Tanner. He was playing on the swinging bar of the swing set and fell. Being at our doctors house, they were sent home while he called xray, being pretty sure it was broken after observing him for a bit.

The doctor told Wynn to bring him to me and come back over and finish eating while he called and got everything set up. Of course Moose came running when he heard Tanner. I got a picture on my phone of them laying on the floor together (of course) to comfort Tanner, but I don't know how to get it on here. Then Doctor sent Wynn back over to get us to head to the hospital. He called me and told me to go through the ER to get him checked into xray, but no need to check in to the ER. So we grabbed Spotty (his new stuffed Leopard) and left. When we got there, they wouldn't do it and our doc was on the phone to the ER doctor, who just happened to be another friend of all of ours. Anyway, our doctor left the party and came down to meet us there. He had to sign a requisition, a phone call wasn't good enough, so we didn't have to go into ER. We headed to xray. Wynn held him and I was the one that got the unfortunate job of inflicting pain on the poor little guy in order to hold his arm in the unnatural positions they needed for the xrays. They took 4. He was a trooper and only whimpered even though I told him it was ok to cry.

The doctor then emailed the photos to the radiologist and they discussed them over the phone. Yep. A facture next to his elbow. There was a lot of fluid though. And now they don't cast for just small fractures. Kids heal so fast. (Lexie only had a removable splint on hers this spring) They figure if we can keep him from injuring it further,(mmmm hmmmmm!) he should be ok in 2 weeks of just a sling. So no trip to the cousins house for Tanner. Lexie got him unpacked.

What a trooper

Trying to smile

He actually chose to go back to the party after the xrays! Of course he was doped up on Motrin. So with Spotty in tow, he went to the fireworks with his dad. And slept in my bed when he got home.

Happy birthday America!!!

Early Celebrations

2009-07-03T22:31:00.015-06:00

Yes, today was the 3rd of July. The day before the celebration of the Independence of our great country...the USA.

We spent it pretty quietly just hanging around the house all morning. But the afternoon got busy. Our nieces, Kelli and Kiri have been here all week, and after going swimming last night, Kelli decided she needed some goggles. So we went to our favorite store, Kohl's. After getting goggles, Tanner some khaki's, and Morgan, Lexie and Kiri miscellaneous things, we went home to go swimming again.

Wynn was finishing up the shelves and fixing the pipes under the stairs for our food storage (since it flooded yesterday after the family party!!!) and Drew was home from school for the weekend. They all changed clothes and we headed to the rec center. It turned out to be a better idea than we thought since they had the pool all to themselves the whole time. They had fun playing water basketball, dunking and jumping off the diving board. They all decided to do front flips off the diving board. Even Tanner decided to not be out done and did a front flip off the diving board...3 times!!! (I have a video on my phone but don't know how to get it on here.) He has become quite the daredevil!

After swimming, we took them up to the University for ice cream cones. They didn't know we were going, but soon didn't care that they looked like they had just gone swimming!

Then it was back home to change for the fireworks. They set them off at the University football stadium every year on the 3rd. I was pretty worn out where I've had a major summer cold all week, so I didn't go. Our niece and nephew, Ashli and Rian drove over and went to the fireworks with them though. Drew went with her friends. I sent my camera with Lexie and she took 87 pictures and 1 video! I won't put them all on here (only 10 plus the video) but will add them all to facebook, but I think she did an absolutely fabulous job. Maybe I should give her my camera more often. Here is a sample of her photos.

Happy 4th of July weekend everybody!!!

(I think she did super considering she couldn't see what she was taking a picture of or filming the whole time! And she's only 12!)

Australian/American 'Holidays' Reunion Time

2009-07-02T21:53:00.012-06:00

My brother and his wife, Dustin and Cindy, have come from Brisbane Australia for an American Vacation! Today they came to my house for a mini family reunion with my family (all but Drew, she had school today and will meet up with them for a while on Saturday), Sandra and her girls Jessica and Brandi, and our niece Lacey. Wynn's nieces Kelli & Kiri were here for the whole week, so they got to meet them as well. Wynn bbq'd meat for everyone and everyone brought potluck. We visited and had a good time while eating....and playing with my 'granddog' Rawley. Sandra brought a cake and we celebrated Brandi's 10th birthday today.

Since they had traveled so many hours yesterday, and being on a completely different time zone, they were a bit tired. So after a few hours of visiting and a quick tour of my house, they were ready to head back to rest. I found out that they don't have basements in Australia, so Cindy was fascinated with the concept of being underground while being in the basement of my house. Dustin and I explained what the walls were made of, why we had window wells, etc. I got to learn that they built their houses on stilts for circulation until they started getting air conditioning down there about 20 years ago. Now they either still build them on stilts or on cement slabs. I was just as fascinated.

Eating on the back lawn. I don't know why they chose to not use the chairs or picnic table.

Brandi blowing out the candles.

Happy 10th Birthday Brandi!

Myself, Dustin and Sandra

Wynn, Loretta, Cindy, Dustin and Sandra

(Don't know why this one is so dark)

With my kids that still live at home.

Morgan, Cindy, Dustin, Lexie and Tanner

First time to meet for Cindy, Dustin and Tanner

(They said I was very pregnant with him last time they were here. He's 7 1/2)

With Sandra's girls

Cindy, Dustin, Jessica and Brandi

A good time was had by all. I hope to get to go visit them in Brisbane one day, but will really need to save up first! Hopefully it won't be another 7 years before we get to see them again. Happy rest of you Holidays!

End Of June 2009 Poster

2009-06-30T21:14:00.006-06:00

I can't believe it's the end of June already. Time to update the poster pictures!

Still a lot of stickers to go, but so much fuller than the end of May! Even the writing part is filling up!

And the turtles were joined by bugs.

Tanner Swimming Vids #2 Woohoo Amazing!

2009-06-25T13:05:00.012-06:00

Look at how he did today. Better than yesterday!

(4 very short videos, big progress)

Look how far I made it

Better today

No arms today!

Dolphin kick (he's better at it w/0 the boogie board)

I actually had one of the mom's ask why would I have him in 3 swimming lesson sessions this summer. She commented heavily on that it's SO much money. (not thinking that her having 3 kids in 1 session is the same amount, and that it's not her money that's paying for him)But she also commented on how she just dreads this because it takes so_much_time. They were in at 8:00am. Nothing is open. What else are you going to be doing? Why not be here?

Now look at what he learned today. WOOHOO!
(4 short videos but big AMAZING progress!)

Just a noodle? Never without a life jacket before!

What he does at the end sets up for the next one

Yes! Twice!

And a third!

Last year, going off the diving board even with a life jacket on was next to impossible to get him to do. He got better this winter as we went more. And to think that last year (last week!) he wouldn't even go near the deep end without a life jacket. Now he's jumping and swimming in the deep end with no help! This is only his 2nd session. And this is exactly why I put him in 3.