Zac's Visit and Halloween

At lunch with Zac the first day he come to the land of cold and snow. He kept his facial hair to help him do better whilst deer hunting. It was shaved later but the long locks stayed.
Pumpkin Carving ensues--a little competition going on with Mike's BYU and Andy's U.



Hudson looks so cute in his little skeleton Halloween outfit



I think Zac won the pumpkin carving contest with the Palm tree, surfer, sun scene. Although we didn't get a pic of Brooke, she was with us.

Me Too!

I think I'm not blogging much because I have felt weird putting personal things on my blog... Brooke gave me the push I needed to make by blog private. So, if you want to see my blog, please give me your email address. I can get all the family emails off of Brooke's "private request" list. So no need to put them on mine, if you have given it to Brooke.
Is there anyone who looks at my blog that is not family???
Thanks!

Hudon on his blessing day....can he get any cuter?

Summer Update...

Just a little update on the summer goings on. I started out the summer with incredible fatigue and vertigo. I let it go for about a month--hoping they would both go away, but they didn't. I went to the doctor to get some help. I had gone off my HRT's for about 2 months previous to the doc visit just to see how I would feel and I also wanted to try "bio-identical hormones". The doctor talked me out of the bio hormones because they have not been FDA approved and so I started back on my regular HRT's. She also ordered multiple tests. Some tests are because of my age; Colonoscopy (Fun-Ya gotta get your first one at age 50 or earlier if you are at high ristk), Dexascan, Mammogram. And other tests because of the way I was feeling; Blood Work, UA and an MRI. Every test came out great--no problems except my blood work came out with low Vitiman D. She put me on extra Vitiman D. I still had alot of Vertigo so I went to the ENT and was diagnosed with Benign paroxysmal position vertigo-if I understand this correctly it's when the crystals in your ears come loose and get into the semicircular canals and that makes you dizzy. I just had to do some weird "chiropractic like" moves in his office and I need one more session and it should be taken care of. I'm still somewhat fatigued and am hoping that being back on my hormones and on multiple supplements and vitimans that I get my energy back. I'm really, really trying to eat more healthy and more natural foods too--knowing that will make me feel better.

I'm having so much fun playing with and holding Huson and spending time with my girls. I actually made myself wash all my windows and blinds yesterday (I will admit that I've lived here for 2 1/2 years and just did it the windows for the first time--they were dirty!) I have a great window washing recipe for the outside of your windows--no wiping and they come out beautifully--let me know if you want it.

My new project, that was supposed to be started at the first of the summer--but was not because of the way I was feeling, is learning Spanish. I ordered Rosetta Stone to help me out. Wish me luck--this will be a challange--and the brain doesn't work like it use to! I have decided for job security, I have to learn this language. If I stay with the school district--they may just keep me if I can speak Spanish and if I have to look for a new job next year becuase of more posssible budget cuts, I need an edge if I have to interview with 30 other social workers.

Things I'm looking forward to;
Seeing Zac--some time in the future
Watching Kaila's tummy grow
Going back to work (well, that is a big lie)
More Summer time fun
Harry Potter this Saturday
Reading all your blogs and FB comments
Feeling energetic
Speakingo Spanisho

My Two Cents...

Ned and I taped and then watched the Michael Jackson memorial today. Between watching that and watching all the specials this past week I have to say that Michael Jackson was an incredible musician and performer! He has had so very many great songs such as, Gone Too Soon, I'll Be There, Human Nature, Say, Say, Say, Man In The Mirror, Black or White, Heal The World, etc... Many of his songs have important messages--many about uniting. He was a humanitarian, he supported many charities, a civil rights activist and tried to break down barriers in racism. I don't know about his personal struggles--he had many. I don't think we have any proof of the allegations made against him regarding children--God will judge that one. I think I'm going to download some fantastic Michael Jackson music on my Ipod and ENJOY.

"DON'T MAKE THE MISTAKE OF EQUATING EASE OR POSSESSIONS WITH HAPPINESS."
Quote from David McCullough, author of John Adams, etc.

David McCullough spoke at BYU graduation a few weeks ago. He made this statement, which has stuck with me ever since. Sometimes this is hard to believe, but I know, as I look around me, it's true. I thought I'd share it with you!

Hudson comes into the world.

This pic of Kaila and Hudson is supposed to be posted down lower in the sequence--but I can't figure out how to move it--so here it it--the first posting of many I'm sure of my new grandson!!!!!



This is near the beginning of a long day of labor for Brooke. Brooke looks like she is about to pop here! Brooke was a trooper and did a fantastic job! I was very impressed. Andy was soooo attentive and patient and sweet. I can tell they are going to be wonderful parents and they help and support each other so well.



Brooke in "labor". Yes, she really is--doesn't she look beautiful?



Brooke in Labor--an epidural made labor much easier.




Us in the waiting room when Brooke and Andy went in for the C-section...waiting, waiting, waiting...

After a long wait and some trauma, he finally arrives! This child has been a long time coming and we are all so excited.























Brooke, Andy and Hudson

Just Stuff and Crap from the past couple of months...

I KNOW THIS IS A BAD PIC--BUT I HAD A VERY FUN TIME BEING WITH BROOKE AND KAILA AT BROOKE'S BIRTHING CLASS. ANDY WAS OUT OF TOWN, BUT HE ATTENDED THE OTHER TWO CLASSES.



BROOKE'S SHOWER AT G'MA B'S.
























WICKED!!!! WE MISSED YOU ZAC!


ANDY'S AFTER GRAD PARTY AT COLDSTONE.


CONGRATS TO ANDY--U OF U GRAD!

CONGRATS TO MIKE AND KAILA--BYU GRADS!

First I was dying to finish high school and start college.
And then I was dying to finish college and start working.
And then I was dying to marry and have children.
And then I was dying for my children to grow old enough for school so I could return to work.
And then I was dying to retire.
And now, I am dying ... and suddenly I realize I forgot to live.

Weekend Projects

Well, I have been off for Spring Break part of this week. I have done some great deep cleaning, changed furniture around, moved bedrooms and sewed this apron! I bought the pattern and material last Summer--so it's about time I got it done. I've been wanting to work in the yard, but it's been too wet and cold. I think tomorrow, Saturday, is finally going to be nice. We are getting some nice, black compost to cover the beds and plant a garden. I hope I'm not to late to plant some vegetables! I did do some enjoyable things today--exercised, had a nap, browsed Barnes and Noble for 2 hours, went to Joe Bandido for dinner. I'm having company next week for Kaila and Michael's graduation--nothing like company to make you clean and get organized.
Happy Spring!

Tristen and Marco's Reception--Parrrrrtaaaaay

The reception was in an airplane hanger in Heber. Fun was had by all!!



Most of the family at the reception. They asked all the guests to wear black and white.


I'm not sure how to comment on this picture--a new kind of dance?
They were having fun though.


Kaila, Tristen and Tristen's sister. Can you see Tristen's Van's shoes? All the girls and Marco and the moms all had Van's on in different colors!



Dancing the night away!






BEST FRIENDS FOREVER

Cute couple!!!




You couldn't be there and not want to dance!
Brooke, Andy, Kaila and Michael--and a few others


Tristen and Marco and Kaila and Michael (mostly)
Guest appearance by Andy and Brooke.

Employment for next school year is a go!

So our boss called yesterday and asked if he could meet with us.  We were all very nervous.  He gave us the good news first, which was that they had enough funds to pay us for next school year.  Then the not so good news was that all our contracts were cut.  So instead of working 220 days a year, I will work 200.  That is a significant monthly financial cut for us but I am sooooooo grateful that I still have a job.  When I first knew that a lay off was a real possibility, a few months ago, I was concerned that we did not have more in savings and more food storage.  So, now I'm committed to putting all we can in in savings and adding to the food storage.   I don't want to be in that position again where I feel we can't make it through a tough economic time.  The church has warned and warned, and encouraged and taught us to prepare for hard times and disasters.  I feel that that advice has been stressed a lot lately.  So I'm going to work on this.

 Something I haven't done for many years is plant a garden, so I think I will plant 2 or 3 things this year and see how I do?  I definitely don't have a green thumb so this could be a challenge.

Happy and Satisfied....

I'm feeling very grateful for all the blessings I have. I'm thankful for my home, my job, my children, my husband, Spring, a healthy body, the gospel--even my cat who follows me around the house from room to room--I think he idolizes me?

I'm so excited for Brooke to have her baby, I'm excited for Wicked, I'm excited to work in the yard, to do everyting--read, exercise, read blogs. I feel so blessed to have good friends and family (the best friends and family!!!) I'm excited for 3 college graduations I'm going to SOON. I have so many things I want to learn and do and feel I better get in gear cuz life is going so fast!!!! In the next day or two I'll find out if I have a job for the next school year... I'm being hopeful. Okay, I'm off to the gym now. I've worked 1/2 a day because the kids are not in school today.
I love you all. Please stay close to me cuz I need you all.

Our quick trip to St. George this weekend.

We had a great time--thanks!