The whole month of December!!!!!

Ok, this is going to be a very long post.  I am going to try to break it up with pictures.  It seems there is so much to remember and when I get writing I write.  This will be my journal entry so I am going to brag about my kids and really play catch up so it will be long and I am going to pretend no one will read this until I die, just like the 30 other journals I have.  Yes I am a journal writer since the ninth grade and I would fill up a journal a year for a long time.  Since the kids I don't fill one up as fast but still fill them up.  So here goes my long entry.

I am going to try to remember everything.  First, my JJ.  He had a busy December with basketball and soccer, piano and school choir.  I have some video of him so I will have to have Megan help me with that.  He performed with the school choir at Barnes and Noble and also for his school.  He enjoys doing that.  I am glad.  He gets a little shy at times but he does sing.  Grammy and Bapa got to see him when he sang for the school and Meg and Curt came to Barnes and Noble.  It was fun.  Gets us in the mood for Christmas even more.

His soccer is still going.  He had practices on Monday and futsol on Fridays.  It is ok.  He always has fun.   Basketball is on Tuesday and Thursday with games on Saturday.  He is loving playing basketball and it is fun to watch him.  He is like his dad when it comes to sports.  He is a natural.  His basketball team have fun and I love the fact that there is not a lot of pressure to win or be the best or any of that.  It is just very enjoyable.  Jessica says we get intense so I  have to work on that.  I love watching them play and want it to be fun and no pressure.  Parents tend to make sports full of pressure for these young boys and I really don't want that.  I want him to just have fun and if they win, they win.  If not, no big deal.  So it has been fun watching him play his sports.

We have been supporting the Utes as well so that adds to the busy life.  But it is always fun to go to the games.  Jessica is in the Muss along with Curt and Megan.  Curt hasn't made it yet I don't think because he has had class.  Megan has and makes it more fun for Jessica.  There have been times when she has sat down there with all those noisy kids and cheered all by herself.  I admire her for that.

On to Jessica.  She studied so hard and finished up her first semester of college.  She did very well.  I am so happy for her.  It is amazing what she has done this quarter.  Her work is going well.  She works a lot and I know she does a great job.  She has been enjoying her sorority and the activities they have.  We have so enjoyed her and her sweet spirit.  She has been sweet with JJ (most of the time) :) and its just fun to have her around.  Glad she didn't move out.  When she is gone I miss her and don't want her to move out just quite yet.  :)  That's a mom for ya.  She is just such a great example to all of us and such a fun person to be around.  Lights up the room when she walks in and I am just so proud of her and all she has overcome and how she has overcome it.  She is definitely a spiritual giant and very special person.  She will make a great mom someday.  So good with the little ones.  Can't say enough good about my Jessica.

Megan had her graduation for her internship at the U in critical care.  She also got to go where she wanted to work at the Medical ICU at the University of Utah.  The graduation ceremony was great and so many came up to us and told us how wonderful Megan was.  It is a great mommy moment.  Moms need these moments.  I do anyway.  I am just so proud of what she has accomplished and in such a short time.  She is very good at what she does apparently.  The head management of a couple of units came up to us and told us how they so wanted her to work for their unit.  It was nice.  The main person told us she was a keeper.  I knew that.  Megan is kind and compassionate and I know she is a wonderful nurse.  So happy for her.  Now she will work for a couple of months before starting more school.  Never stops I guess.  Glad she likes to learn.  It was fun taking a tour of her unit and see where she works and some of the people she works with.  So interesting and fun.  Great job my nurse.  MICU nurse that is.  :)

Curt took the LSAT and we are waiting on scores for that.  Excited for him.  He is getting his school done and working towards law school.  That is so exciting.  It was so fun having him and Megan here on Christmas.  I sat there watching my son-in-law and silently thanked the Lord for him and his happy way.  He is so good with JJ and my parents and just fits with us.  I love that boy like my very own.  Yup I do.  So glad he is a part of our family and my daughters life.

We had the Christmas Eve family party on the 19th because that is when Lynn got off work.  We had everyone (except for Dixie) for the first time in years.  Once Dean arrived it was just perfect.  I just couldn't believe it.  It was a wonderful afternoon and evening.  I know it was long for some of the little ones but thank you to everyone who made it.  Lynn has been so sick this past summer and fall and still is and it was so good to see him.  We had like 34 people in our little house.  Now Jeff and I want to expand the house  Need another room to fit everyone in.  We just love doing the party and loved having everyone here.

Can't get these to line up.  Dean with Jacob, Jenz and others while Bry plays the guitar.  The rest of us and Jes, Meg, Curt.

Grammy and Bapa were with us for Christmas.  Meg and Curt were too and it was just a lovely Christmas day.  I sound like my mom when I say lovely but it was.  :)  We played games all day and ate and just so fun.  Saturday we headed to Helper to see Gramps and arrived to a full fledge dinner waiting for us.  Aunt Colleen and Gramps had cooked all morning.  It was so nice.  I felt guilty because I usually am the cook and it was weird just sitting down to the meal.  I loved it and it was so nice visiting with Gramps for a couple of days.  Did go to church with Grammy and Bapa so saw them for a few minutes but really just spend the time with Gramps.  I was surprised when I didn't leave.  I told him I was there to visit him.  I will make a trip to Grammy's in a couple of weeks.  I told Grammy how nice it was that they traveled up to see us and come for the holidays.  It really is a wonderful thing.  Love the holidays.


Now we will relax sort of.  Jeff is back to work tomorrow and I have a primary activity on Saturday but this is not a busy sports or piano or school week so that is nice.  I really enjoy this time of year.  2010 is quickly arriving and lots of plans for the year.  It will be an exciting year.  Ok, I think that about does it for this post.  I know I will think of things I missed but I will just have to add.

JJ's Shoes!!!

So here are JJ's shoes that he will not give up.  Today, he wanted to wear them in the snow.  I absolutely forbid it.  His feet would be so wet and frozen.  He has worn the bottoms completely off.  He loves these shoes. Do you think we should go shopping?  JJ doesn't.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow..........

This morning I woke up at 5:15 when I heard Jeff walk out the front door.  I heard the shovel against the railing and knew my honey was shoveling snow.  When he came in I asked him if there was much snow and he said a lot, and still coming down.  Yipee, I thought.  I love running in the snow.  (Well walking now since I don't run much.  But I did do a few quick steps just to keep up with Becky.)  It was a beautiful morning and soft fluffy snow to crunch down for an hour of walking.  Tonight, I can tell my legs are tired from the workout this morning.  I am so out of shape.  But, I enjoyed the brisk air, and falling snow in my face and the crunch of snow at 6 A.M. Ready for Christmas now.  It just gets one in the mood.

Later I will post a picture and a little blog about JJ.  Funny coming right up.

Recital Time!!!!!

Today I have been baking again.  Didn't I just do that a week ago.  It is my recital for my piano students tomorrow and so I decided to make muffins for everyone.  I have about 75 people that come to the recitals so I need a lot.  I have baked Brown Sugar Muffins, Lemon Poppyseed Muffins, Cream Cheese Banana Bread (so yummy), Chocolate Zuchunni  Bread (how do  you spell that), some Whole Wheat Banana Choc. Chip Muffins, Lemon Struesel Muffins.  Hope it is enough.  I am excited.  Everyone should do well.  It is always a nervous time for me because I want each student to be pleased with themselves.

Ok off to print program.  Good luck to everyone!

Yummy Brownies.......

So after Thanksgiving I was looking at the pictures we took and I just couldn't believe how I looked.  So I decided that I needed a steady exercise routine, which I try to do but have not been good since the first of October, and watch what I eat a little better.  Be more careful and conscience of what I am putting in my mouth.  So I have done really good especially since it has only been a few days that I decided to do this.  Anyone who knows me knows I hate to watch what I eat.  I am not good at it.  But I really don't over do that much.  I just need to work out harder.  :)  Ok, so anyway like I said, I have been trying to be more conscience  and Monday I looked at one of my favorite cooking blogs called "Sisters Cafe" and a yummy brownie recipe was posted.  She said it was a one bowl one spoon recipe and yummy so I had to try it.  And, yup, it was great.  So I decided I would post the recipe so you could try it.  (Megan)  Here it is.  I had to bake it longer than I thought but I was very careful to not let it get over done.  YUMMY!

Perfect One Bowl Brownies

submitted by Melanie

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup cocoa

4 eggs

3/4 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla

1 3/4 cup flour

1 cup chocolate chips (although I never measure--I just sprinkle them on top)

Preheat oven to 350. In a medium bowl melt butter in microwave, then stir in oil, sugar and cocoa. With a wooden spoon stir in the remainder of the ingredients except for the chocolate chips. Spread into a 9x13 pan sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top. Bake in a preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. If your toothpick comes out clean you have cooked them too long! DO NOT OVERCOOK!

Thankful for..........

Ok,  I know I have blogged about my wonderful man but today I am so so grateful for him.  He has made our family what it is.  He makes every day a good one.  He makes every holiday the best.

My honey supports me in every effort or every adventure I take.  Right by my side the whole time cheering me on.  Take Thanksgiving for example.  He comes home from work on Wed. and starts helping me.  I had cooked literally all day and didn't stop until after 11:00 (why does it take so long) and he was there doing whatever I needed.  Then on Thanksgiving Day he is up first, running on the treadmill and gets ready for the day before anyone is even up.  When I finally roll out of bed he asks what he can do to help.  So side by side we have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day and dinner along with our wonderful family and extended family.  Then he gets the flag football game going because it is the most important thing in JJ's life and has been for the past month when I gave him the idea.  And after the game we were off to UP.  Jeff gets us there and gets the tickets, treats and seats and we all settle in for a fun movie.  Back home out comes the pie and guitar playing from Bryant.  All because of my wonderful man.  He is always upbeat and happy and loves everyone.  Truly not a bad bone in his body.  He is such a great example to all of us and a true example of living a Christ-like life.  I could go on and on about my man, but I love him and so thankful that he is mine for eternity.

Thankful for..........

Ok, playing catch-up.  I missed the last three days.  Each day I knew what I was thankful for but just never got to the computer.  So let's begin where I left off.

I am thankful for a kitchen that I can experiment all my fun cooking recipes that I find.  I love to try new recipes.  And I Love having a willing family to taste the stuff.  :)







Second Missed Day
I am thankful that I can get up and walk or run each day.  That my health allows me to enjoy physical activity.

Third Missed Day
I am thankful for three crazy kids that drag me to movies at 11:30 at night.  New Moon rocks.

Having fun at midnight! Waiting for Jacob and Edward!




Today I am thankful for the Christmas Season.  Jessica reminded us it is time to set up the Christmas tree so that is what we did.  Thank  you daddy for helping us get it out.  And thank you Jessica and JJ for helping.  It was a fun Sunday afternoon.  Then Jessica and I had to watch the Holiday while Jeff and JJ watched Real win.  Jessica and I caught the final kicks when they actually won.  So that was great.  I also did some church work while watching the movie so that makes it even better.  :)

Thankful for..........

Today I am thankful for my wonderful man, husband, friend, everything and he takes out the trash every single morning.  I am talking all the trashes.  Ya, trashes.  The trash in every room.  Is that wonderful or what.

This picture was taken just after we just finished Ragnar Relay!

Thankful for..........

Ok, everyone who reads this, you must do the same and make a comment so that we can go and see what you write.

Each day this week I am going to post a blessing.  We are so very blessed in our lives that sometimes we just take our blessings for granted.  So as we come closer to Thanksgiving I want to remember some of my blessings and some things I am thankful for.  So today I begin with.....

I am thankful for my children.  My children bring so much joy in my life.  They are my best friends and the ones I want to hang out with.

What are you thankful for.

Laugh, Laugh, Laugh..........

On Sunday nights, at 6 P.M. America's Funniest Home Videos come on.  So we watch it.  Well, we as in Jessica, JJ and me.  So the laughing begins.  Sometimes it comes on late as well so I can watch it then too if I am waiting for Jessica to come home.

One night I was downstairs watching the show.  I don't even know why or what time it was or anything, but I was by myself.  I think Jessica, JJ and dad were upstairs.  I, of course, am laughing and I barely hear someone upstairs ask, "what is she doing?", and the reply, "oh she has to be watching funniest videos."  So it goes.  I laugh at the videos even if I am all by myself.  But we do enjoy this show on Sunday evenings at 6 and we good some really good for ya laughing in as well.

(Side note here.  We missed Megan and Curt today.  They usually come and spend a little time, but Megan had to work.  We missed you two.  Love ya.)

I've been tagged.........

Ok, I will see if I can do this right.  Thanks to Megan, I have to figure this out.  So here it goes.  Don't know how interesting it will be.

What are  your middle names?  Jeffrey Joel, and Linda Bryson.  I don't have an official middle name just like Megan and Jessica.  Hmmmm how did that happen.

How long have you been together?  Well married for 25 wonderful years.

How long did you know each other before you started dating?  I met Jeff when I was 13.  He was 16.  We saw each other as much as you can when you are that young.  Had our first date to his prom.  Yup, I was only 15.  Aghhhhhh!  I loved him sooooo much.

Do you have any children together?  Three wonderful children.  Megan, Jessica and JJ.

What about pets?  Nope.

Did you go to the same school.  Well we graduated from the same high school but different years.  He was ahead of me 3 years in school so we never were together in school.

Who is the most sensitive?  We both are.  We can both cry at anything.  I love that he can cry so easy.  He is a major weeper!!!!

Where do you eat out most as a couple?  Oh gee, that is hard.  We usually grab quick burgers but if it is a fancy place, aaaaaaa I don't know. We like lots of places.

Where is the farthest you have traveled as a couple?  Hawaii.  Love Hawaii.  But we are going to Japan in May!  Can't wait.

Who has the worst temper?  Oh man this is so easy.  Me by far.  Jeff has no temper at all.  Never has.

Who does the cooking?  I do the cooking.  But Jeff cooks the steaks and cooks a lot on Sundays.  But I hardly ever do the clean up.  Always Jeff.  :)

Who is more social?  Probably me.

Who is the neat freak?  Well, we are probably the same but Jeff is the dust freak.  Can't stand dust.  Still, I don't dust enough.  But he takes the trash out every morning too.  So that is good.  Gathers all the trash in every room every room.  I want to go on Opra and tell the world how wonderful he is.

Who is the most stubborn?  Me of course.

Who hogs the bed?  Definitely me.  He stays on his little spot all night.  Never moves.

Who wakes up earlier?  Definitely Jeff.  He has always been an early person.  Never sleeps in. Probably has slept past 6 a.m. about 5 times his whole life I swear.

Where was your first date?  Well, it had to be his Prom although we met at many Gold and Green Balls.

Who has the biggest family?  I do.  He as 2 sisters, I have 1 sister and 3 brothers.

Do you get flowers often?  Not often but I do get them.

Who eats more?  I probably do overall.

Who sings better?  Me!  Jeff tries but just doesn't cut it all the time.

Who does the laundry?  Me

Who is better with the computer?  Jeff definitely but I am getting better at some things with my mac he gave me.

Who drives when you are together.  Jeff does.

Who picks where you go to dinner?  We both do.  It is usually mutual.

Who is the first one to admit when they are wrong?  Jeff is but he usually is never wrong but he still admits to be.  I am usually wrong.  Sometimes I am right though when it comes to directions.

Who wears the pants in this relationship?  I would say Jeff because I respect what he has to say.  But he would say me because he just keeps quiet most of the time.  Let's the woman rule most of the time.

Who eats more sweets?  Oh this is easy, me.

Who cries more?  Probably me.  But he comes in a close second.

What is your best day together?  Oh any day we can be together.  Out running our mountain, fishing at Twin Potts, on a family vacation with the kids, Anniversary Inn, working in the yard, driving to the Utes games.

Where did you honeymoon?  Wellington, Park City, and Salt Lake City.  Wow, exciting.  But it was in those days.

Favorite date night?  Gee, probably going to the temple together.

Favorite tv show to watch together.  We don't watch tv except for sports.  So probably a UTE game.

I tag, um my mommy and andrea dustin, but she has to look at my blog to know I tagged her.  :)  I think anyway, how do I let her know Meg.

I miss my honey......

My main man, my honey, is gone.  He is in Texas.  Dallas, Texas for that matter.  He had to go for work for this major training.  It is quite an honor that he was chosen along with other executives throughout the whole company (which is alot) and came from Louisiana and all over where I didn't even realize Questar existed.  I am learning.  But I miss my honey.  He has been gone since early Sunday, but really since Thursday because he went to his dad's until Saturday.  I miss my honey.  Did I already say that.  I do though, I really do.  Honey................I miss you!

Happy Birthday.......

Today is my wonderful daddy's birthday.  He is 82.  I told JJ this morning that he is really smart because he has been here a long time.  So dad, you are very smart.  :)  We love you!!!!

Halloween

This Halloween I didn't know if we were going to make it.  But JJ recovered from his sickness and made it out.  He got to go with his friends and no adults.s  Jeff went to the football game at the U and Ty Ty's dad was sick so we sent them on their way.  It is tradition that JJ goes with Ty Ty.  It used to be the Datwylers and the Callor's but everyone is growing up now and so it was just JJ and Ty Ty.  So it was a first that he got to go without an adult but they did great.  Came home with lots of candy and a good time.  I stayed and handed out candy and the rootbeer that everyone seems to enjoy.

There didn't seem to be as many trick or treaters this year and makes me sad to think we are growing older. Don't want to see the day when there isn't a bunch of kids coming to my door for some candy.  Love to see their costumes and smiley faces.  Halloween is fun.

Park City 2009

I realized today that I have not posted about our wonderful Park City trip.  It has been a tradition now for 23 years.  We have picture books for 21 of those years.  As usual, this year was fantastic.  Each year just seems to get better and better.  Maybe it is because as we get older we mature more and realize how important these family times are and how precious it is to be able to have this week in our lives.  

Each year has memories and helps shape each of us up there but this year just seemed to be that much more special.  Both Jessica and Megan came up on Thursday so we had some days together.  We got to shop with Grammy which is always fun and and the girls and I shopped away and we all got fun things.  Dad makes it fun cause he gives us the funds.  

The food was great and of course and all the fun traditional treats.  Let me name a few.  We have Aunt Farol's treat, Michael's treat, Grandma's divinity, Dee's caramels and licorice caramels, kay's 14 layer dessert, fancy drinks and on and on.  We eat very well.  And I always end up with a sick stomach by the end of the week.  I love it all so much.  

Anyway it was so fun being with my mom and sister, Aunt Joyce and Dee the first of the week and then with everyone else as they slowly arrive one by one.  Krissy on Wed. then Meg, Jessica, Stacey, Cami and Naty Mae on Thursday, Kimmie on Friday and Nikki on Saturday.  So we just missed Kimmie's 2 girls.  It was a great week and I feel blessed that we get this special time together.  We are very blessed in many ways to be able to do this.  

I will see about posting some pictures.  

 

            

                              Jessica, Grammy, Krissy and Megan

Grateful for........my humble abode

This morning, way early this morning, the wind was howling and I could tell the snow storm that has been predicted was moving in.  As my little boy lay in my bed burning with a fever and throwing up about every hour (it was a rough night) all I could do was pray and thank my Heavenly Father for my home.  The walls to protect and a comfortable warm bed to lay in and the heater coming on regularly to heat up our home.  I thought of the pioneers and other people whom I know have been so ill and not had the proper shelter.  Just made me feel really humble and grateful.  


My house is not a fancy one.  It is not up to date with all the new stuff. It is decorated on a small budget but is just fine.  Needs new flooring desperately, but it is warm.  Very warm and very comfortable especially when you are very sick.  So today I am in a very grateful mode.  Grateful for the comforts that we are blessed with everyday.

 JJ, when he is not sick.

Quick Catch Up

Ok, so these pictures are posted in a funny arrangement, but that is the best I can do for right now.  I will be posting some more hopefully and with a little more info about what is going on in our lives.  But these photos are a quick run down.  So if I am on the ball, a post will come tomorrow.  Right now it is time to study spelling words and read with JJ.

Ragnar, Camping, South Dakota Vacation 2009

This is how Jessica and JJ looked after their horseback ride.

Jessica's Graduation 2009

Catching Up

I know it's about time that I sit here for a moment and start to catch up. Megan keeps telling me to get to it. Me, the journal writing freak since I was 14 thanks to my older sister, and I can't keep up with a blog. I am turning a new leaf as of today or tomorrow or sometime. For now, I am just going to start uploading some pictures that I want on here of past events. I will have sweet Jessica's high school graduation, some of us camping at Aspen, then a quick trip to South Dakota. I will have to explain that later as well. I will try to get something from August and finish with some Park City pictures. Then I can go back and update and try not to leave too much out.

The only thing is that when I get writing I tend to write a lot and it might be boring for some. I will try hard to remember not to carry on.

Ok, off to finding the pictures I want and see if I can put them where I want. Megan showed me how a little while ago.

Graduated to the Front Seat

Ok, so it has been forever since I updated.  And it is late so I am only going to get a little in tonight.  We will see how far I get before Jessica gets home from her play night with some friends.  

So JJ has graduated to the front seat of the car.  Now who would have thought that this would be  a big event.  But it really is.  Being 10 and tall and 100 pounds allows him to sit up front.  ( I hope anyway).  He is in heaven.  I have gotten the biggest kick out of watching him enjoy the view from the front.  We take so many things for granted.  

So Jessica is home and we have been talking for a long while about her interesting evening, and it is bedtime so I will write more hopefully tomorrow or soon.

Taylor Swift

Ok so Jessica is in love with Taylor Swift.  I guess I shouldn't say it that way.  But she absolutely loves her music.  Her dad knew this and stood in line "FOREVER" and got  2 tickets.  Then Megan found out and was so sad that her dad's heart was so hurt he went and tried to get 2 more tickets.  He checked weekly and finally scored 2 tickets.  So Megan and Curt got to go with Dad and Jessica.  Needless-to-say this picture tells it all.  They all had a blast.  Go Taylor!

We love Nurses!!!

Last weekend we were able to attend Megan's graduation from Weber State Nursing.  She graduated with high honors and it was such a great accomplishment.  I will post a picture of her as soon as I get it on my computer.  

I sat there looking at my girl in her purple and was just bursting.  So proud of her.  It is amazing how we just pull for these children of ours to be successful and happy.  It was a very happy and fun day for us all.  Her cute hubby was so supportive and so fun to sit by him and watch the event.  We had a lot of family there and then after we had food at our house so the rest of Curt's family could come.  His parents went to the graduation and then his siblings and their children came to the house afterwards and it is just always so fun having them come.  They are so supportive.  Megan is blessed to be in such a great family.  Aunt Kay, Krissy, and Bry came as well as Grammy and Bapa and all of us.  It was just a great day.  

Along with the good news, I went to a scholarship awards dinner at the U for Jessica.  Her and I got to go.  She was presented her scholarship there and it just made her even more excited to to go to the U.  Then on our way to Megan's gradation, we got a call from Jessica's counselor and she had been nominated as an outstanding student and was to receive another $1,000 scholarship for the U.  So it was just an amazing day.  The hard, hard work of these two girls are paying off.  I was just so happy.  Happy mommy time.  Life is really good right now and we have been so blessed.  I just don't want it to end.  Just want all to keep going good and happy things keep happening.  Don't we all.  

I have to add something about JJ.  He is doing soccer and doing good there.  But we especially love his piano playing.  He is really into that and he fills our house with fun music and trying to learn every new piece that he can.  Right now it is Twilight, Bella's Lullaby.  He hear's something and wants to learn it so he works hard and does it.  It is fun.  So that is the update so far.  Life is good.  

April 19th

Well, half the month has flown by.  Jessica, JJ and I headed to South Point in Las Vegas during Spring Break.  Jeff was going to meet up with us on Wed. but didn't make it.  Work too busy.  We so missed him.  I have some pictures I will try to add if I can figure out how to do it so they are little and part of this post.  :)  

We missed dad so much but it was a great time.  We sat by the pool and play some bowling, played at the arcade, drove to see the temple.  That was great.  Fun to see all the temples when we travel.  We watched movies in the room and ate at In and Out which we love.  Had to eat there 2 times.  Shopped one of the days and it is always fun to "touch the fabric" shop.  That is when you touch the fabric but don't buy.  That saying comes from my dear Aunt Dora.  The kids learned about the "oh hell" cars too which also came from Aunt Dora.  That is when you are searching for a parking spot and you see it down a ways and when you get to the empty spot it is taken by a little car you couldn't see so you say, "oh hell."  Thank you Aunt Dora.  Keeps a person from getting upset cause everyone laughs when you say it.  

So we made it home safe and sound.  Jessica did get dropped off in Orem and stayed with a friend she has down there and Jeff picked her up on his way back from Helper.  So it was a full week.

Easter came and went so fast.  I always love Easter.  It was a crazy one this year.  Fun to see Meg and Curt and they even got to find their basket.  Couldn't forget them.  

We enjoyed every session of conference.  I just love that time of year.  I almost can say those are the two best weekends of a year.  There is Christmas and Park City and Mud Springs as well, but I just so love General Conference.  Makes you want to be good and try so much harder to be the best you can be.

Ok, I better close here and get to bed.  Have to get up early.  Jeff and I are trying to get in shape for the Wasatch Back Relay.  Megan and Curtis are going to join us.  Crazy but fun.  So have to get up and run before  I go walk with my friends.  

April Fool's Day

Usually I like to play a little trick or joke on my kids.  Last year it was a funny dinner.  Today I better get to it if I am going to make something happen.  We will see.

But I haven't updated for a while so I have a few events to write about.  Last Thursday, I headed to St. George.  I stopped in Spanish Fork and picked up mom.  Dad brought her that far so I wouldn't have to go all the way to Price.  So we headed out and met up with Kay.  She was there with her trailer so we joined her and had an amazing weekend.  Jeff was his wonderful self and ran the house.  

It was nice being with mom and my sister.  We swam in the pool there and enjoyed 80 degree weather.  Even mom swam.  We visited and ate good food.  We watched a couple of good movies and then headed home on Monday.  The weather was starting to get chilly on Monday and we came back to snow.  Yuk.  Mom came back and stayed the week here.  That was nice.  Jeff took her home on Friday.  

It was fun to have her.  She was able to see JJ play his soccer game.  He played his last indoor game last night.  Now he starts outside.  So it was a good week having her here.  We were able to meet Aunt Joyce and Dee for lunch a day.  

JJ got sick again.  It has been a rough winter for him.  So he was down for a couple of days.  We got his county report done and he hit the bed.  He was there all weekend but made it to school on Monday so that is good.  

Jessica had Prom this weekend.  She had a date on Friday night and then the dance on Saturday.  So it was an eventful Saturday.  I had the first ward baptism that I was in charge of.  Well Chris, my 2nd counselor, did all the work before had and I just made sure it went ok on Sat.  It did.  There was a lot of other stuff going on but Jeff came home early from Helper and so that helped a ton.  He is always the life saver at our house.  

So I am going to post some pictures of Jessica in her pretty dress.  She looked like a princess.  Megan came and helped and it was fun to have her a part of it.   

P90X

Off to St. George

Well the week is winding down.  End of quarter for Jessica and JJ.  They have done well.  So happy for Jessica and all her hard work.  It is and will pay off.  

JJ played a soccer game Tuesday night.  They tied.  It was a good game.  Always things to learn.  It is fun to watch these 10 year old boys out there fighting for the ball.  Such good exercise for them.  

I had a meeting tonight with my favorite women to work with.  They are so great and I feel so blessed to be working with them.  Also, so happy they are my friends.  Great examples and so fun to be with.  I actually look forward to my meetings with them.  I miss them if we don't meet.  I guess that is good.  Makes our callings more fun when we work with such great people.  

I am off  to pick up my mom and heading to St. George to spend a few days with Kay.  She is down there with her trailer so we are going to go play.  This will be so fun.  We are all excited.  My wonderful perfect man is going to do the kids running around and school work and church work and all that cooking and cleaning stuff.  He is so great and so supportive and good to let me do this.  So lucky to have my man.  I love him.  He is the best.  Jessica asked me who she is going to talk to till 3 a.m.  I told her "me".  She is just going to call me every night and tell me all her adventures.  Great fun.  We have some good laughs and cries together.  

Megan will be working the night shift most the time I am gone.  She works way too hard.  But doing so good in almost being a R.N.  Oh so close.  Way to go girl.  

P-90X

Monday night for family night we all did P-90x.  Now this is a new exercise video series that is crazy fun to do.  It is hard and we all huff and puff and laugh.  We are doing the arms and shoulders this night.  I took some funny pictures that I am going to try to post.  It actually was quite fun. Takes us about 1 our and 15 minutes to do it all and then the next day we all compare which muscles are the most sore.  Jessica did the legs on Friday or Saturday and was still quite sore come Monday.  

We finished the night with lots of water drinking, reading and then bed.

Thursday I almost went and got JJ from school to bring him home and pick up after himself. Can you believe that every room I entered there was evidence that JJ had walked into it.  It was toilet paper in both bathrooms on the floor (now how does that happen) socks in my bedroom, hat on the stairs, balls by the door, jacket on the box seat, book on the new couch.  Need I say more. I decided it was my fault for not being a good mother and making him do more jobs.  That way he will notice more of his messes if he is cleaning more.  So the list is coming out and back to the job chart on the fridge.  Let's see how that goes.  

Last night after we did math and practiced his piano, Jessica and I showed JJ the duet I want him to play at my piano recital.  He took a look at the music and listened to us play it and said, "I can't do that".  I said, "oh yes you can."  I showed him some patterns and gave him a couple of lines to do.  About a half hour later he had the whole song learned.  Yup, the whole song and it is not that easy.  Jessica and I just laughed and were amazed.  Kids can do anything they want if they are willing to work at it and love what they are doing.  He is quit the piano player.  It is fun to keep the piano tradition going.  

Jeff is down in Helper helping his dad.  Peas will be planted this weekend. Yum. We always miss him when he is gone but know that he needs to help down there too.  Grammy and Bapa are out of town this weekend.  Next weekend it  looks like mom and I will head to St. George to spend the weekend with Kay in her trailer.  That should be fun.  

Trying to figure out this blog thing.

Ok, so after reading some blogs, I am  being inspired to start my own.   I have always been a journal writer so I might as well keep it here too so family and friends can enjoy.  (I guess)  Of course the private stuff will still be in my written journals.

So I am trying to figure out how to make a cute background.  I found one at a different website so I need my Megan to show me what to do.  I have tried and tried and now I am running on reserve battery so I better finish up for tonight and wait for my Meg.

Here are the Tallerico's.  Fun to have them come.  

On August 14, 2008 Megan and Curtis got married in the Bountiful Temple.  It was a perfect day.  This is a small portion of our family that came to the wedding earlier that day.  Nice to have those that could make it.  Aunt Les, Uncle Ronnie, Marcie, Mia and Holly came a little later.  I will add their picture.