December is Birthday Month at our House

The month of December brings 3 of the 4 birthdays in our family. We started the month out with Rylli's 13th All-Girl Birthday Party. Here is a couple of group shots that we were able to get. These girls were alot of fun and full of lots of energy. Many of them are new friends Rylli has made at Jr. High and we are very excited about her choice in friends.
As you can see, they are being girls, posing for the camera in their funny way. These pictures will also show you how fun they are. Hopefully they also had a good time playing games, eating Pizza along with the Cake and Ice Cream. One young girl told me she was "hyper" because I fed her lots of sugar! (I'm not sure a piece of cake and some ice cream qualifies as "lots" of sugar!).

As the month goes by, I will post more pictures of the other birthdays and other activities that we are involved in during not only the Birthday Season but the Christmas Season too!

November = Ensemble Festival

At our house, November means Ensemble Festival time. Rylli and Haylee have spent the last 2-3 months working on two Duets to perform at this years Festival. This is the third year they have played together. This year not only will they perform their pieces at the Festival, but they are performing one of their songs, Praise to the Man, in each of their church meetings.

Here are the girls just before going in to perform for the judge. I have tried to post the Video of these two playing their songs together, but it's not working too well--so obviously I am doing something wrong. I'll have to figure out how to get the Video to post to the blog and will update this at a later date. We are looking forward to hearing their results and hopefully another "superior" rating will be theirs.

Smile! It's Family Picture Time

Fall Season brings Family Picture time for us, in hopes of having a recent family picture for the annual Christmas Card. Since I have never done a Christmas Letter, I feel that I have accomplished alot when I am able to get the family together, have everyone smile and we all pretend to have a good time! Then comes the task of deciding which picture to use for the Christmas Card. Here are some of the pictures we took this year.



The girls refer to this picture as our Rock Band Picture! This is the closest we'll ever be to being a Rock Band. Overall, we had a great time this year and ended up with some fun photos and everyone was happy about the results.

Summer of 2009 has come and gone!

WOW! I can't believe that Summer 2009 has come and gone. I have been a little slack in updating my blog during the summer; however, we have had quite the busy summer.

We started our summer the day school was out by flying to South Carolina so we could be in the Columbia Temple with two different families on May 30th.

Sal and Judy went through for the first time and had their two boys sealed to them.. This picture was taken at their home the day after they went to the Temple. Dave and I were able to spend a couple of hours visiting with them. This trip was the first time I had the opportunity to meet Judy, Torre and Nick. It was a real treat for me to spend this time with them.
















Mike and Cathy had Madison sealed to them.
This picture was taken back at their home later that evening--I'll have to get the one's Dave took at the temple and get them on here also. This is the first time we were able to visit them in their new home. It was fun to be with them for their special day.

It was a great day to spend in the Temple witnessing these two families each become A Forever Family.

Being able to be with these two families on the same day at the same place was indeed a special treat for me and I will always remember this experience.


June brought friends from South Carolina to our house. Doug, Nikki, Taylor and Cassady came for a visit and spent two weeks. While they were here, they were able to not only see the sites here in our area, but they traveled to Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, St. George, Cedar City and then back to our house for a day or two before they flew home.

While they were here, we had planned to take them to the Manti Mormon Miracle Pageant. They were going to stay at the Cabin and then head down to Bryce Canyon the following day; however, we received a phone call the night before we were suppose to attend the Pageant and our cabin had been hit by lightening and was on fire. Thank goodness for great neighbors who had a plan and put it to action. They were able to put the fire out before the fire department arrived. However, due to the damage caused by the fire, smoke and water, we have spent the rest of the summer getting it re-built.

Talking to one of the neighbors that held the end of the hose squirting water onto the fire, he was amazed at how "little" damage was caused. He said, knowing the amount of water going into the home and the flames he saw, he was sure the damage would of been much more extensive. He made a comment to me that "This was not meant to be a Tragedy". It certainly could of been much worse. We make sure the doors and windows are all shut when we leave each time. Because all the windows and doors were shut, the fire couldn't get oxygen and spread; however, I'm sure it was only a matter of time before the whole thing would of been totally engulfed in fire. Thanks to all the neighbors who watch out for our cabin, when we can't be there.

This is where the fire started. It appears the lightening hit the power pole and then hit the cabin underneath the deck right at the spot where a Joist Hanger was located, which then sparked flames and the rest is history.


The extra bedroom that received most of the damage. Because the fire started on the East side of the home, most of the "fire damage" occurred on this side of the home; however, the entire home was filled with smoke.















Here is the basement family room carpet, which was soaked with water and covered with sheet rock that fell from the ceiling. Also, is a picture of the wood floor leading to the upstairs loft from the main living area. Just look at all that smoke!

As of today, we are ready for the painters to go in and re-paint the sheet rocked walls & re-seal the wood walls . Hopefully by the end of September (or sooner) we will be back in and be able to enjoy it. Dave has spent a lot of the week-ends there, while I have stayed here at home taking care of things that need to get done here.















Labor Day Weekend found me doing Manual Labor in my back yard. During the past few days I have cleared the weeds that grew so well this summer in the back part of our yard (I call it "the Orchard"). Those weeds must of been 3-4 feet tall (OK, maybe I am exaggerating a little, but to me they seemed that tall). I am getting new trees to put up against the back fence line, so I had to get ready for them. I have other ideas for my Orchard area....hopefully things will happen and next spring I won't have to look at so many weeds! For now, I am enjoying my somewhat weedless Orchard area of my yard (however, I'm sure it will only last a couple more days and the weeds will start to grow back........Ugh.......).


The other part of my yard that I have been working on is the South Side of the house---for some reason the grass has a hard time in this spot, so I decided to make a Rock border up against the house. Hopefully I won't need to worry about the grass (or weeds) not growing here now. All the rocks that I used in this Rock border, came from the Orchard (back yard). Believe me, my back and legs are feeling it............ But, it was worth it! Will I ever be able to stop picking up rocks for my rock border?

Piano Recital

Here is Lindsey and her piano students at the 2009 Piano Recital that was held today. Lindsey enjoys teaching piano lessons and considers her students, "her kids". She teaches 17 students, works at the Pharmacy, attends college and still finds a little bit of time for a social life. Watching these young boys and girls develop their talents and see them perform is exciting and very rewarding. She has many young students and it is sometimes pretty scary for them to get up and perform in front of an audience--but they did wonderful! One parent told me tonight that her child only played half the song and played it backwards and she played it without missing a beat. Playing a song backwards definitely takes talent! Ummmm, I'll have to try it sometime.........

Is this really April?

April 16th: Isn't it suppose to be Springtime in Utah? I guess somebody forgot to let Mother Nature know. This morning we woke up to no power in the house (yes, I did pay the power bill) and about 10-12 inches of snow. It was very wet and heavy snow (I should know, I shoveled the driveway, all by myself). I thought we were suppose to just get a lot of rain in April, but this much snow? I'm sure by the week-end it will all be gone and we will be enjoying 70 degree weather (yea, right!) and Dave can mow the lawn --I know he just can't wait to get out there and start the lawn mowing season.

This is the view of my back deck this morning before I left for work at around 8:30 am.

Another picture of the back deck. Look at all that snow on the railing and the trees! I must say, it does look pretty and in April, it wasn't too cold (however, that depends on your definition of cold!)

It appears that our mailbox didn't make it through the storm very well. This was how I found it this morning. (Ours is the black cylinder on the ground). Never fear, the mailbox has been fixed (thanks Dave!) and is back ready to receive whatever the postman delivers to us, preferably no bills please!

This picture was taken when I got home from work. What a difference 10 hours makes (yes, I had a long day at work today). Of course it helped that the sun came out and melted most of it away.......


Where did all the snow go that was on the handrail earlier this morning?

More Visitors

On April 6th, Brook, Karen and family finally came for a visit. This is Brook and the boys first visit to Utah and I think they had a great time. We were very excited to have them come and spend time with us and see the mountains and sights of Utah. Thank goodness for their daughter attending college here at BYU and cheap airline fares, or this trip just might not of happened. They were able to spend a time in Bryce Canyon and St. George. They also enjoyed Temple Square in Salt Lake City. A trip to Mt. Pleasant was also made, and lucky for us--it snowed! Believe it or not, the younger people in our group enjoyed a morning of sleigh riding (in April?). We hope they will come back real soon!

Rylli spent the day on Monday with them in SLC and here is a picture she took of her and Brook, or otherwise known affectionately as "Uncle Brook". You see, our visitors are not only good friends, we consider them part of the family.

Thanks to Brook, Drew, Cameron and Brandon, (I think Rylli also helpd a little) my Christmas puzzle of 1000 pieces finally got put together. I have been working on it for awhile now, but have had a difficult time getting it finished. It was either lack of time, or patience that delayed my progress on this puzzle. I did get the center pieces and the border put together (yes, I was told by Brandon that I did the "easy" part) but it was my Visitors who finished it for me. I am now going to glue it together and frame it and will enjoy it every Christmas Season. Thanks boys for helping me. I will think of you and your hard work every time I look at it.

Sal

On March 25, 2009 I spent the evening in Salt Lake with Dave, Rylli (Lindsey was not able to make it---somebody has to work in the family!) and Sal, a friend of mine. I have not seen Sal in over 23 years and it was such a thrill for me to finally see him again, after all these years. I met Sal while I was serving a mission in South Carolina and I had the privilege of being able to teach him the Gospel and to witness his Baptism into the Church. This was his first trip to Utah--what an exciting day for me as we were able to see each other after all these years. I look forward to meeting the rest of his family. Sal and his family have moved back to South Carolina and because of our trips that we usually make back to South Carolina, I look forward to seeing and meeting the rest of his family soon.

Spring Break in Atlanta

During the month of March, we were able to hop on a plane and fly to Atlanta to spend a few days with Reece and Stephanie and Syd-O. It was great fun and many laughs were enjoyed. We spent one afternoon taking a Tour of Turner Field (Braves Stadium). The next day was spent at Stone Mountain and then attending the Thrasher's Hockey Game. Stone Mountain was fun--we all enjoyed the Sky Hike (Ropes course) and it was one of our favorite activities. Although the 4-D Movie of Journey to the Center of the Earth was fun and had left the Theater. The Thrasher's played the Detroit Red Wings and lost 6-3. Dave was smiling from ear-to-ear and loved being at the game.

Friends from South Carolina (Archie, Dianne, Jason, Julie, Brantley, Bryson, Leia and Cassidy) came to see us on Saturday, March 21 -- it's always fun to see them and the kids have grown up so much. I don't see myself growing older, until I see the kids that are growing up. I always say that they can grow up, but I'm refusing to grow older. Year after Year, I always turn 29 years old (how many more years can I get away with that!)

Here are pictures of our trip to Atlanta and all the fun we had.

Here we are at Turner Field in the Dugout.

Here is Dave in the Dugout, with the field behind him.


Next stop on the trip: Stone Mountain
Stephanie, Reece, Rylli, Sydney, Heidi, Lindsey, Dave.

After seeing the sight of the Mountain, we decided to try out the SkyHike (ropes course), which turned out to be a blast. We only had time to do one level of the course. Next time, we will have to try the other levels.

Here I am maneuvering my way through the course

Rylli was not going to stand on the ground on this one. There was no way she would miss out on this adventure. Thanks Rylli for encouraging all of us to try the Sky Hike out.


Lindsey was not about to be out done by her little sister, even though she has a fear of heights!

Next stop: Thrasher Game. Even though they lost, we enjoyed the company and the smile on Dave's face could not of been bigger!


Here's the rest of the Gang................

Visitors from Georgia came the middle of February to have fun in the snow. We took them sledding on one of our favorite sledding hills. Rylli and Syd-O are ready for the first run of the day.


Having a 4-wheeler really makes the trek back up the hill easier. Syd-O preferred the back of the 4-wheeler over the sled, after the first couple of runs. (Stephanie, Reece, Ry, Syd-O and Dave).




On your mark, get set, GO! This race between Dave and Reece was just one of the many races that were held. However, someone (Reece, I won't mention any names) decided he wasn't winning enough and had to start running into his competition to slow them down. However, this person (again Reece, I won't mention your name), was disqualified. All in all, a fun time was enjoyed by everyone.

Guess who is going to Spain?

We spent the day saying good-bye to Aaron, who will be spending the next two years in Spain. We are excited for him! I'm not sure who will miss him more, Tyler or Rylli. Who will Tyler sit on to touch the ceiling or who will Rylli hug? Aaron received lots of hugs from Rylli today and she said she was making up for the ones she won't get from him while he is gone. We will all miss his humor and quick comebacks that keeps us laughing at the family parties. But we are excited for the experiences and the people he will come in touch with during the next two years. We love you Aaron & pray for your success and safety as you serve among the people in Spain! We look forward to your letters and e-mails.

Surprise visit by Paula, Nate, Tracy, Christian and Kole made the day even better! However, I'm not sure if Tyler was excited by the surprise he received when this picture was taken or not! However, a great day was had by all.

I Am Now a Blogger!

I can't believe it! I have finally come into the 21st Century. I have become a blogger and hope that by doing this, family and friends from far and near will be able to keep in touch with the happenings at our house. Come back often and see what has been happening in our little corner of the world.