The Church House

BEST Birthday EVER!!!

2011-03-31T15:08:00.002-06:00

On March 18th, we finally got Ty's mission call. We thought it would be here on Wednesday or Thursday but instead, it came on my BIRTHDAY!!!

We got up early that day and got to Moab(Kyle had a tournament) by noon so that we could skype it if it actually came. I am so thankful for modern technology. The coach let Kyle off at the motel for a few minutes so that he could be there too. We were all so nervous awaiting his call.

So, Ty is going to the WISCONSIN, MILWAUKEE MISSION. He leaves for the MTC on Aug. 10th. I am so excited!

Crazy thing about his call was that one of his best childhood friends, Taylor Shamo, got his call the day before to the same exact mission. I thought Ty was teasing me because of Taylor's call. But, he wasn't and I am so thrilled. I hope they are put as companions sometime.

Thanks T-Y TY for being such a great young man. You have made being a mom such a blessing!!! Love you.

Kyle's Jr. Prom

2011-03-27T21:53:00.003-06:00

Kyle and Sydney

The Couples Dance

Kyle and Sydney

Jace and Shennie, Colin and Janae, Kayson and Kelli, Kyle and Sydney

Kyle and Sydney at Grandma and Grandpa's for pictures (Ya Kyle was thrilled with all the pics.)

On March 12th Kyle had his Jr. Prom. He took Sydney Dutson and I think he had a GREAT time. Earlier in the day they had their DAY DATE, which was a version of the AMAZING RACE. Their team was Kyle and Sydney, Colin and Janae, Kayson and Kelli, and Jace and Shennie. They didn't win but had a fun time even if there vehicle broke down at the golf course and they had to go get Sydney's. That night they ate dinner with the Jr.'s and then had the dance. Kyle looked great and Sydney was gorgeous. They did the couples dance and Kyle even said that the dance was fun. We teased him that it was always funner with a pretty girl and he definitely agreed.

KYLE -FOOTBALL 2010

2010-11-11T01:08:00.002-07:00

The season started out a little rocky to say the least. We were 0 - 4 at the end of pre-season. The boys thought the whole town was against them and out to get them. But,once their season began they were off and running with a FORCE. They have now gone 7 - 0 and are playing tomorrow in the semi-finals against Hurricane. We lost to Hurricane in the pre-season so we know that it will be a tough game. GOOD LUCK KYLE!!! Sure do Love you.

Church Family Reunion at Hidden Canyon Ranch

2010-11-10T23:00:00.001-07:00

2010-11-07T19:46:00.009-07:00

Rylie and Russ at the Daddy - Daughter Party.

Taya's 1st day of school. Rylie's 2nd. So so CUTE!!!

Ty's new room. Welcome to dorm life!!!

Denton Field

Billings Temple

Idaho Falls Temple (on our way to take Ty to Montana)

Mommy Miss Party. Achievement Day Girls.
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While pitching, Rylie took one in the forehead. This was two days after Kyle's broken nose. I think everyone might had been wondering what was going on at our house. Especially when Rylie and Kyle got the black eyes a few days after.

Rylie's slow pitch team. She loves it.

Taya playing T-ball. Just before one of the games she said, "Dad, I need to tell you a secret - T-ball is really NOT fun."

Huh? Do you think it's broke? The radiologist read the xrays and said it wasn't. REALLY? Are you sure? It looks broke to me.

Kyle after an hour with my cousin Dee. Thank goodness we have a plastic surgeon in the family.

2010-11-06T19:47:00.002-06:00

Make an invitation card

The Cruise

2010-06-11T16:31:00.002-06:00

We had so much fun on our cruise with Ty and Kyle and their friends. We drove to Logandale on Sunday and stayed with Jeff and Shauna and then left for Long Beach. It was a long drive down because of all the traffic but we made it. And of course we started getting our pictures taken everytime we turned around and we immediately started eating. I bet the cruise line didnt make too much money on us. The boys made frequent trips to the 24 hour icecream machine and pizza bar plus the buffet and the nightly dining room meal. We shopped and snorkeled at Catalina Island on the first day. The 2nd day was spent in Ensenada. We had a great time shopping and seeing the area from our bus. The boys had fun but did not think that it would be too fun to live there. The 3rd day was a day at sea. It wasn't real warm but I sit out and read a book for a little while and got a pretty good sunburn. Then the next day we got into port and other than Kayson almost not passing through customs we were off and on our way. Ty and Russ flew home via Sky West airlines and the rest of us flew home in Portia's Montana and my Chevy Venture. I have to say Portia and I were taught really well by our mother's to fly low. We definitely didn't waste much time coming home. While we were there Rylie was homesick and Taya got the stomach flu - (sorry Evelyn and Toddy). But other than that they did pretty good. We had a great time but it is always fun to be home again.

END OF SCHOOL PICS

2010-06-11T15:29:00.002-06:00

The end of school seems to be such a busy time. It is also a fun time of year. This year was no exception. I love watching the programs, dance reviews, and end of year activities. I also love summer and spending time with family.

ALL-STAR GAME

2010-06-10T17:51:00.009-06:00

TY PITCHING

PLAYING 2ND BASE

TY AND THE COACHES

BRADY HANSEN, TY, JAKE CROPPER

3A ALL-STAR SOUTH TEAM
On Saturday June 5th, Ty played in the All-star game in Ogden. It was played at the Lindquist field. The game went 12 innings and the Utah South team won 9-8. For graduation we took Ty and Kyle and some of their friends on a cruise.(I will post those pics later). We found out that Ty had been chosen to play on the all-star team the week before we left so we made a quick change of plans. Instead of all of us driving home, we flew Ty and Russ home Friday after we got off the ship so that they could make it to the banquet that night. Kyle and I drove home from Long Beach Friday and then to Ogden Saturday morning. (I still haven't recovered.) Jackie and Chris and their boys came to the game too. It was so awesome to have them there with us. It is so nice to have some family support. Thanks Jackie and Chris we really appreciated it.

TAYA, HUNT, AND MASON

MASON, TY, AND HUNT
When Ty was at the banquet one of our friends from Richfield congratulated him on making the Deseret News All-state 1st team. The paper came out Thursday so we didn't know about it. We are way excited about that. And then there was an article in the Friday paper about the All-star game and it mentioned Ty in there. So that was cool. We haven't heard anything on the Tribune yet. I hope he gets something there too. Ty really deserves it. He has worked hard at baseball and all the sports and it is so neat for him to get some recognition. I have been so bugged about the Delta High School awards that I guess this makes up for them. DHS has a couple of athletic award and the one that Ty was totally qualified for was one that was in honor of one of my moms relatives. For as long as I can remember that award has gone to an athlete that played 3 sports and was a good all-around kid. Well, I had a teacher come up to me after the assembly and told me that they had changed the reguirements so that the kid that got it was eligible. I think that that kid is a great kid but he didn't play 3 sports and hasn't played 3 sports since he was a freshman. I think that it should have gone to someone that met the requirements in the first place. But there is nothing that can be done about it. I just don't agree with changing the requirements when there was someone that fit them in the first place. I also had a coach (that was bugged by it all) tell me that Ty was "everything that that award represented". Maybe now that I have vented I can get over it. To paraphrase Mark Twain, It is better to have deserved honor and not to have received it than to have received it and not deserved it. I am thrilled that Ty has received this recognition that he so much deserved.

GRADUATION!!!

2010-06-10T17:01:00.003-06:00

Decision Made

2010-05-25T05:32:00.003-06:00

Always happy playing baseball

Ty throwing for the coaches. He wasn't too nervous but I was nervous enough for both of us.

Well, Ty has made his decision. He will soon be wearing BLUE!! On May 1st Ty and I flew up to Montana to check out Miles City Community College. We spent 2 days there meeting coaches, checking out the school and the ward. He throw for the coaches and they clocked him and then made him an offer. Then we came home and started weighing out the pros and cons of MCC. On May 14th, Ty signed his letter of intent and he will be going to Montana.

Signing Letter of Intent

Ty in front of his new home field - DENTON FIELD

Taya's Dance Recital

2010-05-15T10:09:00.001-06:00

Taya's cute little Dance Group.

Preference

2010-05-15T09:25:00.006-06:00

Ty's YANKEES Cake.

Ty, Bryan, and Kohl

April 27th was the Preference Dance. Ty was voted in the TOP TEN. We were a little worried because on the Wed. night before the dance only a couple of the "TOP TEN" had a date and Ty wasn't one of them. But that night I got a call from Jessica's mom and she said that Jessica was wanted to take him but she was making sure he hadn't been asked. So Ty went to school, Jessica put a candy bar card in his truck, Ty got called to the office and another girl had asked him. What to do? Anyway, he went with Jess and had a great time.
The Preferred Men all have to make a cake that is auctioned off at the assembly. It was fun making the cake and then Ty and the gang all cut out the fondant and we thought it turned out pretty good. Expecially with our cake decorating skills. Of course, it was a YANKEES cake. What else would it be?
They announce the top 3 at the dance and Ty was the 2nd runner-up, Bryan Bishop the 1st runner-up and Kohl Callister was voted the Most Preferred.

Kyle went with Amy Wankier

Ty and Jessica

Colin and Janae,Danaille and Devron, Jessica and Ty

Baseball Going Strong!!!

2010-04-14T10:54:00.002-06:00

Nice Win last night. Ty pitched a great game. 7 strike outs. 1 home run. Kyle was on 2nd when Ty hit his homerun. Kyle fielded GREAT and pitched a super JV game.

Baseball - rain, snow or shine

2010-04-02T19:34:00.002-06:00

Baseball is going strong. It has definitely been springtime in Utah. We have played in all kinds of weather. It was so cold in Hurricane that I didn't even get out of the van the 1st game. The weather did get better the next day. But they have played in a blizzard at Richfield, wind, yes, WIND in Delta, and we did have one game with good weather in Hurricane and one with Millard at Delta. When we played at Canyon View they had shop vacced the field and taken 150 gallons of water off their field. Yep, it is baseball season. I am ready for better weather for sure. All in all they are doing pretty good. We started out strong but have had a couple bad losses this past week so we are ready for better weather and a few better games.

2010-04-02T16:21:00.005-06:00

NO MORE TONSILS. We are soooo glad to have the worst part behind us. Taya was awesome "during" her surgery, but she did not go down easily. Dr. Shamo said that she got 2 rankings from the surgery crew. One gave her 1st place in being the worst patient ever, but Marsha (who has been doing this for quite some time) only gave her 2nd place. She didn't pull her mask off and scratch her face so she came in 2nd. I am not so sure that 1st or 2nd is a good thing in this case. Taya hates medicine too. It took threatening her with - well, I won't reveal everything but, I will say that she now takes her medicine. We are glad the worst part of that is behind us all.

Starting to wake up.

Ready to go home. If she could just talk the nurses into it.

HOW TIME FLIES!!!

2010-03-16T23:19:00.002-06:00

OK, My pictures are kindof backwards but that is ok. I am too lazy tonight to change them. It has actually been a month since I blogged at all. It has been a little crazy lately. After basketball we had 1 week to go check out colleges with Ty and now we are in the decision making process. But, life goes on and it is going sooo fast. HANG ON, is all I can say!

Baseball has started and we now have a REALLY HAPPY Ty!! And so is Kyle but Ty is WAY HAPPY. It is fun to have him back to his crazy self.

Rylie turned "10" on the 7th of March. She is growing up way too fast too.

And, Rylie's basketball league is all done and we started Volleyball last week. Volleyball pics will come later.

Kyle, Jace, Taylor Bryan and Ty at the BASKETBALL Banquet.

Kyle (with the ball) driving and then passing to Ty #23 and Ty makes a basket. This was the last game of the season against Judge Memorial. Where did they get that big 6'10" guy??? Oh Ya, they recruited him from East, I almost forgot. I wish we could recruit - not really. I just think that they should play in their own private league or 5A. Yes, I had to get on my soap box about these private schools who do not play by the same rules as everyone else, AGAIN.

BIG WIN!!!

2010-02-16T17:36:00.004-07:00

OK, our basketball team has been struggling, to say the least. Well last Friday we played Emery who is the 1st place team in our region and who was ranked 2nd in the state in the 3A division. If we won we would place 4th and get a playoff game and if we lost we would have to play the winner of the Manti-N. Sanpete game to see who would get the playoff game with Judge. Well, I have to admit that I was not very optimistic going into the game. It was the seniors last home game and they honored them before the game and that was fun. It is so weird doing all these "last" things. Then the game started and our boys played amazing in the 1st half. We were actually up 34 - 22 at half time. Well, the 2nd half started and we struggled (to say the least). Emery tied the game in the 4th quarter and I was sick about it. But we made a basket with only a few (too many) seconds left to put us ahead and Emery went down the court and missed the shot at the buzzer. Oh my gosh it was exciting!!!
Both Ty and Kyle played amazing!!! Kyle got Hogi-Yogi player of the game. So we play Judge, who are now ranked 2nd after Emery's loss, on Saturday.

Ty and Sadie

2010-01-30T10:19:00.004-07:00

Ok, I am having a hard time having my "little boy" almost to graduate. All of a sudden we have all these deadlines - order this, turn in that, apply for everything and anything. It is getting too REAL for me now. I am really not ready for him to "move on". We booked a cruise yesterday for Ty's senior trip and we are way excited for that. But everything else for some reason doesn't seem that exciting. It is so hard to let them grow up but yet it is so fun to watch them change and "grow up". Lots of decisions to make.

We went yesterday and took some pictures of Ty and Sadie for the yearbook. They are so fun together. It was fun to take their pictures. It doesn't seem that long ago that they were both just little and were running around teasing each other. It doesn't seem that long ago that Ty was peeing on Sadie's head and they were painting their faces with lipstick. Well second thought, I guess it is good that they are moving on. Good Luck you two. I love you!!!

A Little bit of Basketball, a Little bit of Tumbling

2010-01-16T20:20:00.001-07:00

Taya's 5th birthday!!!

2010-01-09T11:14:00.005-07:00

Taya turned 5 on the 28th of December. She was so excited to have a birthday and it lasted for almost a week. She is already wondering when her next birthday is. We had planned on taking her to Provo to Chuck E. Cheeses on Monday and also going to Ty's eye appointment but basketball practice was later than I had planned so we had to cancel his appointment so we didn't go that day. So we were going to go up on Wed.

On Tuesday she had her friends party. It was so much fun. This was her first REAL birthday party. They played musical chairs, Kiss the Frog (the princess version of Pin the Tail on the Donkey), decorated cupcakes, and of course opened presents. It was a success. Taya had a ball!!

Wednesday came with a BIG SNOW storm. The roads were terrible so we cancelled Ty's appointment once again and did not make it to Chuck E. Cheese.

Finally on Saturday the weather looked good so we headed up north. Kyle needed to take his ipod to the apple store and Rylie needed to change her hoodie in for a "taller" size so we went up to the Gateway in Salt Lake and shopped and then ended up at the Chuck E Cheese in Sandy. Everyone had fun and the pizza was pretty good too so it was a great day and a SUPER birthday. Taya can't wait to be 6 now. Oh and then when she went back to school she had her party there too. So her birthday lasted about a week.

My Most Favorite Time of the Year

2010-01-09T10:48:00.007-07:00

Well we had a GREAT Christmas holiday! It is always fun to go to the School Christmas program and the dance recitals and everything that goes along with this time of year. It is just a good thing that it is only once a year. I don't think I could survive it if it were more often.

On Christmas Eve we went to Darla's and had a fun time. We had prime rib dinner, opened Grandma and Grandpa's presents, and even talked to them through the computer so they got to see all the kids and that was fun for everyone.

Everyone was excited for Christmas morning and we had so much fun. Ty got a new gun, Kyle got a pspgo, Rylie got a porcelain doll and karaoke machine, and Taya got her Baby Alive that she wanted.

We had our traditional Christmas breakfast with my brothers and sister and theirs families that were around. I love that part of Christmas. I still remember going over to Grandma Black's house for breakfast and she always had a great big breakfast. I truly love Christmas breakfast and hope that it is a tradition that my kids will carry on forever.

Then Christmas night we went out to Jim and Evelyn's for our Christmas night party. We have so much fun playing games and of course eating MORE. I think that the most fun part of Christmas is definitely the time that we get to spend with FAMILY!

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like CHRISTMAS!!!

2009-12-10T14:57:00.005-07:00

TAYA was brave enough to sit on SANTA'S lap

and she told him that she wants a "Baby Alive Doll".

Rylie is so ready for Christmas!!!

The Church family Christmas Party!!! We missed everyone that was not there.

Thanksgiving

2009-11-28T11:42:00.004-07:00

We had a great Thanksgiving. Most of my family was there and we had a fun time. The food was awesome, of course and then we had a volleyball game after. It took me a day to recover from the game but my knees are feeling much better now. The little kids had some projects (crafts) which they loved. Thanks to Amy for entertaining all the younger ones. Thanks FAM, We love you all.

Football Awards

2009-11-28T11:20:00.004-07:00

Last week we had the football banquet. Coach Loe fixed an awesome meal and we had a great time honoring the seniors. I can't believe this football season is actually over. We had such a great year. It makes me excited for next year. I am just not too thrilled that Ty is getting so close to graduating.

But, as for the night and the awards Ty was given a couple of fun awards. They gave him a plaque for being a captain and then he got the "All-purpose player of the Year" along with Josh Ipson and Taylor Shamo. I was so excited that he got chosen for 1st team All-region team. Good job Ty Ty!!!

During the year they gave shirts for player of the game in different positions. Kyle got one Offensive player of the week and he was also Hogi Yogi player of the game that week. And Ty received a Defensive Player of the Week shirt, 2 Hammer shirts-(best hit of the week), and 2 Blocker of the Week shirts. and he also got a Hogi Yogi Player of the Week.

Yes, we are very proud parents. Good job guys and good luck with basketball this year. I hope it is as great as football was.

Halloween

2009-11-19T22:11:00.001-07:00

More Football Pics

2009-11-19T16:25:00.000-07:00

2009-11-19T08:59:00.002-07:00

OK we haven't really fallen off the face of the earth. Life has just been kind of crazy. Football is over now and the boys did so good. They lost their quarter final game to Park City but played their hearts out. Then they had a good week off before basketball try-outs which ended last night and they are both ready to get playing some basketball now. The first game is not until Dec. 2nd in Cedar.

Rylie tried out for the school chorus and made it so she is way excited about that. It will be so good for her.

Taya is just being Taya and having a great time with whatever she is doing.

And Russ just got a new calling on the 8th of November. He is on the high-counsel. We are still in shock from this. Anyone want to speak with him???

I am going to post some of the pictures from October. Russ got a great deer. The boys and Neil were with him so he had a GREAT time. We had a fun Halloween party out with the Johnson's. The kids loved playing games and dinner was great. Anyway, I will be putting some pictures on next of October. Hopefully I do better this month.

Kyle Starts Varsity

2009-10-09T09:12:00.005-06:00

It is so FUN and stressful to have both boys on the field together. But, how fun for them to get to play together. Kyle got his first varsity start last Friday. The 1st play of the game Kyle had an excellent block on the D-end and Derek went around the corner and made about a 70 yard touchdown. He also had some other good blocks, caught a pass, and ran the ball a little. Ty was great on the line and he played D-end sooo good. He did have one sack. It was so good to get a region win. Good job guys.

Fun, Busy Week

2009-09-28T09:14:00.007-06:00

Governor Herbert was at the game and did the coin flip.

Ya, Ty has a new number, #57. He is now playing guard. Ty went up against the BIG boy #77 all night long.

Ty on a crucial sack which also caused a fumble which we recovered.

At the cabin after an afternoon of paintballing.

Ty and his cute date Jessica George.

Homecoming Assembly Dance Picts.

2009-09-21T18:44:00.001-06:00

I had to put on a slide show. Their dance was way cute and too many fun pictures not to.

Homecoming Kick-off Assmbly

2009-09-21T11:19:00.010-06:00

Jessica and Ty

Sadie and Ty

Kyle's class competition - throwing Cole
Today started Homecoming week at DHS. Last weekend we hit all the DI's from St. George to Delta looking for 70's clothes for Ty and Sadie. Portia ended up finding an old stash of polyester that Marilyn still had. She sewed Sadie a skirt and vest and also sewed Ty some awesome pants. Marilyn even had some patterns for her to use - 50 cents each. Thanks, Aunt Marilyn!!! Ya, Marilyn never throws anything away and she was right "someday" came and we did need it. Now I know why I can't ever throw anything away, it must run in the family. Oh ya and I did find those AWESOME boots that Sadie has at the Cedar City DI.

Delta vs Park City

2009-09-07T21:14:00.003-06:00

The pep assembly before the game. They introduced the fall sports teams and had each of the captains say something to their team. It was fun watching all of the excitement. GO TY AND KYLE!!!

Walking through the "D"!

DELTA VS. HURRICANE

2009-09-05T16:00:00.001-06:00

Go Delta Football!!!

2009-08-23T17:38:00.009-06:00

Ty's interception

Kyle during the red and white game
This past couple of weeks have been way fun. Ty and Kyle are exhausted from the football but they are totally loving it. On the 15th of Aug. was the red and white game to meet this years team. Kyle got a "red helmet", which means he is on the varsity team. He will play JV, but dress varsity. WAY COOL!!! Good job Kyle. That night they introduced the seniors (I can't believe Ty is already a senior) and they announced the team captains which are Ty, Joey, Nick, and Brendan.

Nick, Joey, Ty and Brendan
Then on this past Friday they played their 1st game of the season. They played a new school called Westlake. Ty played an excellent game and was given the "Hogi Yogi player of the game". He had 12 carries and 61 yard rushing, 1 reception for 6 or 7 yards, 1 touchdown, an interception, 9 tackles, and some great hits (one causing a fumble). He played great on both sides of the ball. Good job TY!!!

43 and 34

Oh Ya, Ty's NEW # is.......43 and Kyle's is 34. I should be able to remember those. Unless they change Ty's number again. HAHAHA
We will try to keep you posted Grandma and Grandpa and Wyatt since we haven't done so great at writing.

BACK TO SCHOOL

2009-08-21T23:21:00.002-06:00

Of course my battery was dead on the very 1st day of school, so I didn't get any pictures of Ty, Kyle, and Rylie. But, Taya didn't start until the next day so I did get her 1st day. She wasn't too thrilled to go to school but she did make it through the day. We will see how next week goes. Wish us LUCK. If it is anything like getting her to go to primary if may be a very long year.

Taya's Mini Cheer Camp

2009-07-31T22:41:00.006-06:00

Taya had Mini Cheer this week. Thank goodness for a sweet big sister, Rylie. I don't know if Taya or Meg would have made it without her. But I do think that Taya had a fun time. And it was so good to have Meg and Adi with her.

Fun Weekend - "Hidden Canyon Ranch"

2009-07-26T13:24:00.003-06:00

We had the funnest weekend. One of those "last minute" trips. Friday we were debating on what to do and we decided to go out to Lehman's cave and go hike up Mt. Wheeler. The next thing we knew we had made reservations at the Hidden Canyon Ranch. We had heard about it but had never been there before. But, we are going back. We just didn't spend enough time there. Maybe we will have to do a reunion there or something. It was so fun. We didn't know that there was a pool there so we didn't take our suits, but it has a nice pool and many things to do. It was so relaxing and there was fishing so it totally was what we all needed.

Saturday while we where hiking up to the glacier, I turned around and Jeff and Brayden were right behind me. That was so fun. The boys loved it because they didn't have to wait for me and Taya anymore and Jeff took them on farther than what Taya and I would go. It was so much fun. I can't wait to go again.

JOHNSON'S ARMY BOOT CAMP

2009-07-24T11:12:00.006-06:00

I am a little late on my post but that is how my life has been going lately. I am so far behind I don't even know what I should do first. So, I do a little of everything and get absolutely nothing done.

Last weekend was out Johnson family reunion. It has always been my favorite. It wasn't the same without Dad this year. Seeing all the people that he loved so much made me miss him even more. But with that said I just want everyone to know that I LOVE my JOHNSON FAMILY. Thanks Karen, Janet, and Evelyn for another wonderful reunion.

I don't have a picture of it but Kyle won the 5k on Saturday morning with a time of 25:09. Not too bad for getting out of bed and running it for the first time. OH, to be that young again. And in shape. Good job Kyle!!

DELTA on the 4TH

2009-07-04T20:53:00.003-06:00

The weekend started out with a 4 on 4 volleyball tournament. It started at 8:00 Friday night. Ty's team took first beating Kyle's team for the championship. Russ was the baby sitter this year while I played. My team had fun but we got beat out early. It is a good thing because I am so sore today. My poor knees are feeling it. Rylie was on a team too with Elle and Harley and they had fun playing for their first time. Today we enjoyed the parade at the laundromat. One day a year for about an hour, Russ and I are one of the most popular people in town. I do think that it is the best place in town to watch the parade. After the parade it was strawberry waffles at our house. Several of Ty's and Kyle's friends came over to eat. We love it when they do. They are great boys. Rylie and Syd went to the park and then the girls all went to the movie this afternoon. And the boys went to the derby. Russ, Taya, Rylie, and I went to Grandma and Grandpa's to watch the fireworks.

That is the the 4th in DELTA, UTAH, the best place in AMERICA.

Our Primary Colors Are 1,2,3 Pink, Purple and Yellow

2009-06-04T15:46:00.004-06:00

Yes, it has been a day of painting! I wasn't too fond of the idea (I still feel about the same- Maybe even less fond of it right now), but Dad said,"SURE"!, got them started and then left for Youth Conference. Rylie and Taya have been painting the playhouse ALL day long. Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Ashby- they have nothing on Taya and Rylie. I was going to go in and show the progress but they got a LITTLE paint on the floor. Oh, by the way, Rylie informed me that they are not quite done after 6 hours of painting. They need another day and I think that I will be gone that day. Have fun Russ!!! Maybe Russ could get Anna to come help them. She likes to paint. GOOD IDEA!!!

Taya after 2 hours.

Rylie ALMOST done!!

Ya, this is about 5 hours into the project. She actually had already peeled the paint off most of her hands before she came in. The tears were because she hates to get into the tub. I thought that she really should get in. I did win that battle.

Maybe we can keep it to the pictures on the fridge from now on. I really don't mind buying the many reams of paper that they go through. It could be worse!!!

ATime To Reflect and Remember...

2009-06-01T17:20:00.008-06:00

I will start out by giving a little background about this blog. 22 years ago I had the opportunity to go to Boston and be a nanny. I was so fortunate to go to a wonderful family who had this cute little baby, Scott. The day I got there Scott was a whole 12 days old. I learned alot during the year that I was there. It was such a growing year for me. I left my little town of Deseret and headed to the Big city of Boston or I should say Newton.
This is me holding Scott. He was about 5 weeks old. I loved this little, colicky guy and we about wore his new stroller out walking around Waban. This is Scott when he was about 6months old. After his colicky stage, Scott was a happy baby.

This is Scott 22 years later. All grown up and as his mother would say - he is old enough now to make his own mistakes. Ty and Kyle showed Scott a little Guitar Hero. Yale students are too busy studying. They don't have time to play games.

Well, I had a great time this past weekend. Scott and his friend Joe came to Utah and during their travels they made their way to Delta. Scott and Joe stayed with us Saturday night and we had a little barbeque and we had a great visit. We even took them out to Johnson's and Jace showed them some of the farm equipment that they use and we drove around and I showed them "Our Lovely Deseret" and recommended that if they ever hear the song "In Our Lovely Deseret" that they probably should put their hand on the heart. Ya, my boys think that I am crazy every time I say that..
On Sunday we went to church and then went for a drive to show them the power plant. We just didn't have enough time to get everything in that I wanted to get in, SO... that means that they have to come back again.
I so enjoyed seeing Scott again and meeting Joe. It has made me reflect a little and I have once again realized that the people we meet are definitely a part of our lives forever. I do not think that it was just by chance that I went to Boston and met the Nelson family. They will be a part of me forever and their influence on me has helped me be the person that I am.
I remember how homesick I was when I was in Boston for my own family and then when I came home I was homesick again for my family in Boston.

Scott thanks so much for coming to see me and meeting my family. It was such a joy. I believe that relationships last forever and I treasure your friendship as well as our mom and dads. As for Joe, Scotts friend, thanks for being in our home. Please know that you are always welcome. Joe made me reflect again on my religous beliefs. I appreciate the great person that you are. I decided that I would list some of my beliefs on my blog. I think that it is important review and ponder what we stand for often and I probably don't do this often enough.
I only hope that Scott and Joe will have success in whatever they pursue in life. And most of all I can't wait to see them again.
Now I am a little homesick for Boston again. I really need to go back and take my family there so they can see all the sites of that fun city and meet my other family.

STILL PLAYING BALL!!!

2009-05-12T11:35:00.005-06:00

We had a GREAT game on Saturday! Our DHS (#5 seed) team beat Grantsville (#1 seed). Ty pitched and once again had an excellent defense behind him. The Deseret News had a comment on there that said Delta could ruin someones Saturday and it happened. The next game wasn't too exciting. We played Judge and they 10-runned us. Kyle was the relief pitcher in that game and struck out one of their "BIGS". We heard that he has already signed to go on and play and may be a draft prospect. ( That is hear-say) Anyway, he was one of their main players and Kyle is a freshman. And I am the MOM. And that entitles me to brag a little. The funniest thing that happened in that game was when the plate-ump called a time out and left the game to go to the porta-potty. When a guys gotta go, he has gotta go. It was funny though.

GOOD LUCK this week boys. We are so proud of you.

Oh and since the perfect game, we found out that there are only 7 others in the Utah High School record book that has done that. Yes, I am still BRAGGING!!! I am the MOM and I can do that.

Sweet Perfect Birthday!!!

2009-05-05T20:50:00.004-06:00

Sunday night we had cake and icecream for Ty's 17th birthday and Kennedy's 14th birthday. I really cannot believe that Ty is 17 years old already. I keep saying that time flies and I really think that it does.

Today, May 5th, Ty turned 17 and he pitched a PERFECT game. No hits or walks. He pitched 3 up, 3 down, 77 pitches in 7 innings. WOW!!! What a game! He struck 8 batters out and his team was AWESOME behind him for the rest of the outs. I was so nervous going into that 7th inning when I realized that this could be a no-hitter. This was a do or die game. We won 5-0. We now have a playoff game on Saturday in Grantsville. Good Job Ty and Good Luck Saturday!! And Happy Birthday. I love you!!!

A Tribute To Dad

2009-04-27T23:44:00.006-06:00

I cannot believe that it has been two weeks now since Dad was able to get out of this life. I am so relieved for him and happy that he is where he is. It is such a strange feeling. As we left Rylie's recital last night, Kyle said that it felt like we should be going out to Grandpa's. Every time we say our prayers we have to stop ourselves from blessing "Grandpa that he can feel better". I need to go out and clean out the fridge but the house just isn't the same.

The funeral was wonderful and such a great day. People have asked me how everything went and I just keep telling them that it was such a fun day. And it really was to me. We couldn't have asked for a better day. I am so grateful for all of the family and friends that came and so many came from miles away. We are so blessed to have such great family and friends.

After the services we all got together and went roller skating. I KNOW that Dad was there just a giggling. I am sure he got a kick out of us all having fun, laughing, falling and just enjoying each other. That is what Dad would have wanted. I am sure of it.

I really miss Dad. I miss seeing his car at the Rancher. I miss putting his medicine out for the upcoming week. I miss his phone calls. I miss checking on him. I miss him at the baseball games. I miss him bragging about how wonderful those three boys are at "everything". I miss him telling me that I am going to have my hands full with that little one. I miss calling him to tell him the the Jazz are playing. I miss drinking a coke with him at the coffee shop. I miss buying him "half and half" (I still can't believe that he loved drinking that - yuck!!!). I miss his "thumbs-up". I really miss talking to him about a whole lot of nothing. But most of all, I just miss my DAD.
I am so grateful that FAMILIES CAN BE TOGETHER FOREVER!!!! What a wonderful plan!

Dad

2009-04-15T10:29:00.010-06:00

I am going to miss my Dad so much, actually I already do. It already feels so weird to not check on him. I am so happy for him that he doesn't have to lay in that bed anymore and that there is no more suffering. I am thankful for the gospel that brings comfort to me and my family. I am grateful for the Atonement of my Savior. I know that we all can be together FOREVER!!!

Hoot Warnick
(November 11, 1924 - April 13, 2009)

Deseret, Utah - Van J “Hoot” Warnick, age 84, died on April 13, 2009 at his home in Deseret, Utah from complications due to age. He was born November 11, 1924 in Delta, Utah, a son of Mansel Owen and Chloe Johnson Warnick. When Van was 6 years old, his mother died and then his father married Mable Desmond Crafts, whom Van always called “Mom”.

Van married Carole Black on June 20, 1943 in Ely, NV. She died October 28, 2003.

Dad loved life and lived each day to the fullest. He loved to be with his friends and family. There was never a dull moment when Dad was there. He was a master prankster and tease which kept everyone on their toes. He enjoyed watching sports especially if his kids or grandkids were playing. Dad loved hunting, camping, fishing and just being outdoors.

From a young age, Dad had a passion for horses whether it was chasing wild mustangs, breaking colts, racing chariots and thoroughbreds or just relaxing on a trail ride. Dad was a big rodeo fan, and he never missed a rodeo. He served on the Days of the Old West Board, and was the Rodeo Grand Marshall in 2006. He was a lifetime member of the Pahvant Riding Club.

Dad was very patriotic and loved his country. He served during World War II in the Pacific Islands. He was a member of the American Legion. Dad made an influence on those that knew him and will be missed greatly.

He is survived by children: Marilyn and Howard Clayton, Jay and Lisa Warnick, Jim and Evelyn Warnick, LeAnn and Russ Church, all of the Delta area; 23 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; sister and brothers: Shirley Bailey, Mike Warnick and Dean Warnick.

Van is preceded in death by parents; his wife, Carole; a grandson, Chet; great-granddaughter, Marie; brother, Golden; sister, Gloria.

Grave side Services will be held Saturday, April 18, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. in the Deseret Cemetery, Deseret, Utah. A viewing will be held for the family that morning at 10:00 A.M. in the Deseret LDS Ward Building.

Burial with military honors accorded by the Delta American Legion Post #135 will be in the Deseret Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.

Rylie, Rylie, Rylie!!!

2009-04-07T20:12:00.007-06:00

Rylie has been so busy this past week. She is playing volleyball, going to piano lessons, and loving achievement day activities. Oh ya, going to school too. Grandma Church is Rylie's piano teacher. Rylie loves to go to Grandma's - piano lessons is another story. We are losing Grandma for a year as her piano teacher. They are going on a mission to Indianapolis, Indiana. We are so excited to have missionaries out. It will be so weird having them gone. Now who will I call to bail me out of my messes?

Rylie's volleyball team has been undefeated until last night. It is fun to watch them get better each week. Rylie LOVES volleyball and I am so happy about it. I didn't ever think that she would like sports. I think that Coach Karen has the patience of Job. Isn't it great to live in a community that loves and cares about our children?

Rylie had her MOM & MISS party Friday night. It was so fun. The girls have been putting together hygiene kits and they put together school kits at the party. It was called "Service Around The World". They are going to welfare square on Thursday. Rylie has the most incredible leaders. I am so grateful for their influence on her. One day she told Sister Lake that I was not crafty at all. When Sister Lake told me that, I had to agree. My motto has always been, "If I can't buy it, I don't need it", so she was exactly right. She loves being crafty and making things so she loves going to Achievement Days. Thanks Leslie, You are great!!!

Rylie really wanted a slide show so here are a few more picts.

A Night To Remember

2009-03-23T00:03:00.010-06:00

Ty had his Jr. Prom Saturday and we had a great time getting ready for the big night and even more fun at the prom and during the day date. It was the perfect day for the "Amazing Race". Ty's team ended up winning. His team was - Ty and Maryn, Joey and Jessica, and Nick and Salem. They are all extemely competitive. There was only 2 minutes between the 1st team back and the 3rd team back so it was pretty close. I really think that Ty broke the speed limit. What do you think? He is my child you know. That's what scares me. I wish that he drove slow like his dad. I would feel much better about sending him out the door.

He took Maryn Cook and had a GREAT time. The theme for the prom was "A Night To Remember" and the theme song was "The Ride of Your Life". He said it was even better than he thought that it would be. Maryn looked gorgeous, which she always does, and I would have to say that TY cleans up pretty good too. Because Maryn is a Sophomore, Ty escorted Katie Noyes during the promonade and he danced with Emilee Banks in the Junior's dance. I am so glad that they had a fun time and that it was a memorable time in Ty's High School days.

I can't believe how fast my boys are growing up. But, I wouldn't want it any other way.

I had to add this picture of Russ and Karen. They were standing there talking about the "Prom of 1980". They went to Prom together and now they are at their boys' prom. How time flies!!! I feel like I keep saying that. But it really does.

PLAY BALL!!!

2009-03-15T12:15:00.007-06:00

KYLE PITCHING AND PLAYING THE FIELD
We began the 2009 baseball season with the Hurricane tournament. We all enjoyed being outdoors and watching the boys play the game. Kyle has the number 29 for his uniform but Jade Edwards has that number too, so again we are back to using the tape to make Kyle a number. He had to use Aussie's uniform for the 1st game (shhh - don't tell Ryan) and then he was # 9 after that. It is fun to watch these boys doing what they love... I love being their MOM.

TY BACK INTO THE GAME!!!

Here is Wyatt and a few pictures of the girls and the boys' fans.

SURPRISE!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYLIE

2009-03-09T12:30:00.003-06:00

It was Rylie's 9th birthday on Saturday. I told her that she could either have a party or go to Disney on Ice next Thursday. She chose to go to Disney on Ice. But, for the last two years we have been to baseball tournaments and we haven't done anything for her birthday for a few years. So, I thought that it would be fun to have a little surprise party for her. She had no idea because I took their invitations to them during and after school and a couple of them I just called. The girls met me and Kyle at the Pizza House and then we called Russ and He brought Rylie and Elle over to meet us. It was really fun and it took a minute for Rylie to figure it all out. She kept saying, "When did you invite them?" She couldn't believe that we were having a party too. It was fun. She said it was the best birthday ever. Yay for me! Now she can't tell Russ that her birthday is never fun. That night Grandma and Grandpa came over and she just had a great day.

Season Came To An End

2009-02-26T14:28:00.002-07:00

We were all excited that Kyle got to dress varsity for the last game of the year.
After the season came to an end, we all went back to the motel, ate pizza, and the kids went for a swim. The next day we drove up to Pocatello and watched Brayden run in the indoor track finals. Wow!!! He is fast. Other than he had a little bad luck on his final race, he did GREAT!!! I think he was one of the few white boys on the track. Good Job Brayd. We are excited for baseball to come for Ty, Kyle and Wyatt and for track to come for Brayden and Wyatt. Good Luck Guys! Work your guts out. Have Fun!!!

Happy Anniversary!!!

2009-02-16T19:04:00.001-07:00

19 years sounds like so long. But, it really doesn't seem like that long. It has been the BEST 19 years of my life. I am looking forward to an eternity more. I love you Russ, You are the VERY BEST. I don't know how I got so lucky.

Spring Fever

2009-02-16T19:00:00.000-07:00

It was such a beautiful day out today that all of us "needed" to get out and go for a ride. It felt so good to be outside in the brisk almost spring air. Here are a few pictures. Can you guess where we ended up?

I am SOOOO ready for summer.

2009-02-16T17:41:00.000-07:00

I found my old camera today and look what was on it!!! YES, More pictures of Lake Powell. After looking at these, I am ready for summer. I hope that we can get to go to Lake Powell one more time before these big boys are off to school and busy with college, missions and all that comes after high school. Boy, they are growing up too fast.

More Basketball excitement!!!

2009-02-12T20:02:00.000-07:00

Kyle's team played the Carbon Dinos last night. Carbon doesn't have a freshman team so he played in the Sophomore game and the JV game. He played awesome!!! Both games were way exciting. In the sophomore game it came down to the wire. With the game tied Kyle got the ball at the top of the key and shot it with seconds to go and missed, but he got his own rebound and put it back up and missed again but was fouled. He then went to the line with 3.2 seconds left of the game and he made both foul shots and we held on and won that game. Then in the JV game he played a lot of that game. And in that game he was on the floor in regulation time and they tied that game up and went into overtime. And then it went into another overtime. He nailed a couple foul shots again at the end of the game and the coach even called a play for him to score and he made a base line shot on that play. I don't know how many points he scored but he played excellent. He was so pumped about the game that he couldn't settle down after we got home. He could not even sleep. He talked to Colin today about it and Colin said that he couldn't sleep either. Colin watched a couple movie and Kyle played his ipod half the night. They were pretty excited. So were we.

NEW TRUCK

2009-02-07T19:47:00.000-07:00

Ty and Kyle next to there new RIDE!!!

Russ and I just bought a new truck (anyway - new to us) and Ty and Kyle are so excited that we are sharing it with them. haha!!! It is a '97 Toyota Tacoma. Just what they wanted. I didn't realized that they didn't know how to shift - they have always had an automatic. They are doing much better with it now. We are still praying for the clutch and we hope that they don't get rear ended at intersections. But other than that we just hope that Kyle will someday get to drive it too. Actually, they are excited to have a little truck and we are excited for them. They are both pretty dang good kids!!! We are so lucky!

Kyle

2009-02-07T18:27:00.000-07:00

Kyle had a couple games this past week and last week. I am posting what pictures I have but of course, I didn't take my camera last night and he played so awesome. Sometimes I take the video camera and I didn't even take that. KYLE CAN JUMP!!! WOW!!! He got this rebound last night and was so high that if it would have been me, I would have been afraid of heights. Who said, "White men can't jump"? That's right he is 1/4 Black. It is so fun to watch him improve. The last few games he has kindof been in a slump. But, as I say, "At least you are good enough to be in a slump". I can't believe how fast this season has gone by. I know Ty wishes it could go a little faster. Only 3 more weeks and Ty will see how out of shape a person can get when they do nothing for 3 months. He says he can't wait to be able to run and jump.

DAD - Better Days.

2009-02-06T22:46:00.000-07:00

Everyone has been asking how my dad is doing, so I thought that I would let you know as much as I know. He has had a rough winter. Because he keeps falling, we have had him in the hospital twice this winter. Once just before Christmas and then again on the 21st of Jan. The combination of his 84 years (you all know that some of those times he was ridden hard and put away wet as we say in the Warnick family) and his failing health (diabetes, congestive heart, high blood pressure, etc.) is taking its toll on him. Today he went in for 2 units of blood and they are having him wear a heart monitor for a little while. Hopefully this will either find out why he is blacking out and falling or it will rule out some possibilities. He has about had every test that they could give him. Next they are doing an MRI on him but the CT- scan didn't show any small strokes or anything but we will do the MRI next week. But again he is 84 years old- not a spring chicken anymore. We (his kids) are now taking turns with staying with him and taking him meals. Even with our efforts to keep him safe and sound he still fell again Monday. This time he was there for an hour or so. Better than his 24 -31 hours that he laid there last time. We didn't take him to the hospital that night because he knows what his options would be if they see him so soon from another fall and he did not want to go. He was sore but nothing broke. Hopefully we can get him on his feet again so that he can be a little more independent again. Maybe when the weather breaks. It is hard watching him get older and more feeble. It is crazy to see him using a walker now. Hopefully he can get feeling better SOON. By the way, I love comments so Warnick's and Walkers please leave me a comment. And anyone else. Oh and Judy will you email your cell # or leave it on the comments - I cleaned up and it got thrown away before I could put it in my phone - thanks. Talk to ya soon.

Paigie All Grown Up - (how did that happen so fast?)

2009-01-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

It seems like these "club house cousins" should still be little kids running around the place giggling, being crazy and teasing each other.

Now the oldest one of these cousins is all grown up and married. Where did the time go?

We all had a great time as Braydon and Paige got married. Paige was a very beautiful bride, but she is beautiful in her boots, levis and t-shirt.

This was Jim's 1st wedding. He did a great job. He told a story about when he and Dad were hunting and a storm came in and so they worked and worked so that they could get home. And then he gave some good ol' Grandma Carole advice. It was fun to be there at his first wedding and it was neat because it was Paige and Braydon's wedding. How fun to marry your niece.

Congrats Paige and Braydon. We are all so excited for you. We LOVE You!!!

It was fun to have so many of the family together and see so many friends and family. We were so glad that Jaylene and Ben could come from New Mexico (we missed the rest of Jaylene's family but do understand their busy lives.) Also, Congrats to Laiken and Delanie on there Grand Champions. It was so good to have Ryan home from cold, cold Minnesota. I hope that you were able to handle the heat while you were here. Love You Guys! My family ROCKS!!!

Kyle Still Going Strong

2009-01-15T22:32:00.000-07:00

IT IS SO FUN WATCHING KYLE AND HIS FRIENDS PLAY BASKETBALL. THEY ARE LEARNING ALOT AND HAVING FUN. THEY HAVE WON SOME AND LOST SOME. BUT THEY ARE DOING GREAT!!!

Are We Losing It?

2009-01-15T21:07:00.000-07:00

O.K., You all know how I have said that Taya (sweetie!?!?) is either going to keep us young or make us old. Well, she is such a character that she is making us feel like we are losing it, but we are still laughing. Maybe we don't know what "it" is anymore. Maybe we are laughing so that we won't cry, I don't know.
Tonight Russ is on nights so he was all ready for work, had his lunch box packed and he was ready to go and Kevin (his car pool buddy) was waiting for him out in the car. Russ went down stairs, out to the garage, back down stairs, back out to the garage, to the bedroom and then came in and said, "Where is my lunch box? I can't find it anywhere." And I said, "How far could it be?" He said, "I know, but I can't find it and it was just right here - I thought." So I told Russ to back track where he had been. Russ said that he had - twice. Russ was getting a little frustrated and thought that he was losing it. "How many places could it be?" Then Taya said, "I can find it for you." And sure enough, she ran to the exact place that she had hid it. I have been laughing all night. I don't know if Russ thought that it was so funny, but he did laugh. Russ said that Kevin laughed the whole way to work. Sure he can laugh - it wasn't his lunch box and it is always funnier when it is someone else's kid. No wonder I have gray hair. By the way I have seen a few gray hairs on Russ' head too.

Cooking With Taya!!!

2009-01-07T12:35:00.000-07:00

Taya has been so excited and she is ready to "COOK". Jenilyn Bishop made the cutest little aprons and gave her one yesterday. She has hardly taken it off and she wants to cook. So today we have been "cooking" one of Ty's favorite treats. It is also one of my favorite 4 year old compatible recipes. Marshmallows dipped into carmel sauce and then covered with Rice Krispies. How easy can it get? Besides that Taya thinks that she is quite the cook.

Thanks Jenilyn! She loves it!!!

Some Days?!?!?

2008-12-30T01:27:00.000-07:00

I am sure that this is what my kids would say today.
This totally describes my day. I should go to bed so that
they could see me "sweet and peaceful".

Happy Birthday Taya!!!

2008-12-28T10:37:00.001-07:00

I can't believe how time flies. It doesn't seem possible that our little baby girl is already 4 years old. Taya is quite the girl. She still isn't too friendly with people and sometimes she ignores us too. But she is so fun too. She is definitely a blessing to our family. Russ and I keep saying that she is going to keep us young -- or is that, make us old. We can't decide. I guess it depends on the day - or the moment. But we love her still the same.

What a cutie!!! Taya has always been loved by her big brothers and sister. She is just what our family needed to make us complete.

Taya should never get a cavity (unless she has her Dad's teeth) because she loves to brush her teeth. This picture was taken BEFORE she went to see what Santa brought her. She said,, "Just a minute, I have to brush my teeth." Keep Smiling Tay, your smile makes all of the rest of us smile too.

Happy 4th Birthday Tayters!!

O Christmas Tree

2008-12-24T01:52:00.000-07:00

I have a Christmas tree story for you. A couple weeks ago Russ was trying to get our tree in before he left for work so that we could decorate it for Family Home Evening and I was at work. Grandpa Gary had cut us a tree and it needed to be trimmed a little to get in the house. It was a little tall and that was all ok. Well, Russ was measuring it and getting ready to cut it when the phone rang. He ran into the house and answered it and then went back outside to cut a little off the bottom of the tree. I am not sure what happened next other than he cut more than a "little" off the tree. It was really short. So, Russ thought that we would have a down stairs tree too this year and then he ran to Service Drug and bought the ugliest tree I have ever seen. It was so ugly that when Ty came home he asked why Grandpa had cut such an ugly tree, he usually got good trees. And, Rylie said that it was a weird looking Christmas tree. And then I came home from work and I was so mad that Russ had actually spent money on that ugly thing. Russ went to work and I was ticked off and so we didn't decorate Christmas trees that night. When I am mad I cry and so I cryed. I went to bed and said my prayers and actually prayed that I wouldn't be so ungrateful for that pathetic tree. I got in bed and didn't feel a bit better about it. I layed there and thought about how I should get up and go chop it up with my trimmers and put it out in the driveway so that Russ would have to haul it off first thing. But it was cold and really late and I was warm and also tired. So I stayed in bed and went to sleep. And then the next morning I got up and looked at it and I still hated that tree and to tell you the truth I wasn't all that happy to see Russ either. After I got the kids off to school, I got in the shower and my advice that I quite often say to my children came to me - "You will have to find a way to make lemonade out of a lemon". So, I thought about how I could make something positive come from this ugly tree. I had several thoughts come to me and so I got out of the shower and got my journal and hurried to write them down. I felt like I needed to teach my children about the Savior and about the true meaning of Christmas and I could with this tree.

I want to tell you how much we love our ugly little Christmas tree now. This is what happened.

The first night we talked about the humble circustances that our Savior had when he came into this world. And how, like our tree, He was hated by some who wouldn't see who He really was. And then we put on the lights and talked about His light to the world and about the sacrifice that he made for each of us. Also we talked about how we need to be a light to those around us. During the week we added a new ornament each night that symbolizes either a gospel principle or the true meaning of Christmas and had a story or just talked about the meaning. We strung popcorn. We put bells, wreathes, stars, candy canes, and hearts on our tree. Most of these ornaments we made. And most importantly we talked about our Savior and about our family everynight while decorating our tree. It took us all week to get our tree decorated. On the first night after we had talked about our humble little tree and about our Savior, Rylie stood up and went over to the tree, put her arms around it and said, "I love our tree now". What a learning experience our "ugly, little tree" has given me and hopefully our family.

This is one of those times in life when in a small, simple way, the spirit touched my life. I hope that my children will realize and recognize that it is through small tender ways that the spirit touches us. I am so thankful for the gospel and for my Savior and for the love that I feel from Him. How blessed I am.

Kyle going strong in Basketball

2008-12-24T01:02:00.000-07:00

I know that it has been a while since I have put anything on our blog. I would like to say that we have just been home kicking our feet up and relaxing and so there has been nothing to write about, but that has not been the case.
Kyle is going full blast with basketball. We are loving every minute that he is on the court. We started the season playing in Ogden and we lost in the last seconds of the game in both the Sophomore game and the Freshman game. Then we played Morgan at home. During the Sophomore game Kyle hit the floor really hard and when he got up he was really dazed. I could see that he was shook up and then Russ came over where I was sitting and told me to go check Kyle. So I went over to talk to him and he said that his head hurt really bad and he couldn't see out of his left eye. I said, "What do you mean you can't see?" His left eye was blurry and he didn't have peripheral vision in that eye. So, I called Dr. Shamo (thank goodness for Dr. Shamo) and he came over to the game. By that time Kyle was seeing "stars" or sparkly light on the side. So Dr. Shamo said to get him to the emergency room. That was a sign of a possible torn retina. So we hurried to the hospital. Then the CT machine was down at Delta so we flew over to Fillmore to get a scan and back to Delta hospital to get the results. (Kyle was not happy with all this - He was missing his game - "This is so stupid" , "Why are they so slow?", "Can't we just leave?") Anyway, when we got back to Delta Dr. Smith said that it was "just a concussion". We were so happy to hear that. I was getting prepared to head up north for another surgery and when he said a concussion I wanted to celebrate. So he took a 48 hours rest and is back playing again. He has played quite a bit of time in the Sophomore games and most of the time in the Freshman games. Last weekend he went to a JV tournament in Cedar City and played a lot of minutes there. He was so nervous to be playing on JV and then the 2nd day Coach Rob put his arms around Kyle and Colin and said, "I don't want to put any pressure on you two, but I am going to start you". Kyle was so excited and so nervous. I thought (of course I am his MOM) that he played excellent for a young freshman player. They played Davis and Hurricane. The Davis players looked so HUGE compared to our skinny Kyle. We went to Cedar tonight and played Canyon View and won both the Sophomore and Freshman games there. Kyle loves basketball and if he keeps improving I think that he will be a great player. Good Job Kyle!

About Ty, We are celebrating his first day without crutches!!! He did really well and he was so happy to get rid of those dumb things. He starts rehab in the morning with Howard Q. It will be good to get going with that. We need him ready for baseball. The 1st game is March 10th. Hopefully that gives him enough time to be back 100%.

Just chillin'

2008-11-29T00:41:00.000-07:00

Ty just hanging out icing his knee.

Rylie hanging out on a Friday night with the gang

Jace and Ty

We love "Cowboy" to come and hang out with us.

Chips, Salsa, and Sparkling? Apple Cider (I think that it was more of an experiment - or dry ice is just really fun).

Thanksgiving Day Pictures

2008-11-29T00:36:00.001-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2008-11-28T23:12:00.000-07:00

I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving! We had a wonderful dinner at Gary and Annalee's. I thought that I had eaten so much that I wouldn't want to eat for a week. But, I woke up and started in just like normal.
Ty ended up having knee surgery on Tuesday so we haven't done much since. Today he was wishing that he would have felt like eating some pie. I reassured him that it was really good and told him that he missed out.
Our house has been a little bit like Grand Central Station this past couple of days. Ty has had quite a bit of company. I have enjoyed his friends coming over and making themselves at home. Tonight Kyle and I went to the laundromat to clean and when we came home there was a bunch of boys here with my bowls out and they had dry ice in some apple cider and they were making up some sparkling apple cider. I am not sure if they know what they are doing but they are having fun making a mess and playing in the dry ice. It is fun to have all of them here.

Dang you, Darla!!

2008-11-21T12:42:00.000-07:00

It really isn't Darla's fault that I have no will power but, she made the best popcorn recipe and my family loves it... so, I HAVE to make it now. So, I thought that I should share it with all of you guys. I don't know if it has a name or not(called it whatever you want). Here is the recipe.

15 - 20 cups unbuttered popcorn (2 or 3 bags of microwave popcorn)
3 cups miniature marshmallows
1 bag toffee chips
Mix together in a big bowl

Boil for 3 minutes :
1 cup butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup Karo syrup
add:
1 tsp. vanilla

Pour over popcorn mixture. Spread out on waxed paper and let cool.
Melt 1 cup chocolate chips and drizzle over popcorn.

ENJOY!!!

FAMILY PHOTO SHOOT

2008-11-18T14:24:00.000-07:00

Portia and I decided that we would take our families up to the cabin and to the canyon for pictures on Saturday. Well, I haven't seen Portia's pictures yet, other than a few that were on my card, but I had so many that would have been so dang cute, if only. .. If only Taya would have been looking, If only Rylie would have been smiling, If only I could have dropped 20 pounds, and the list of "IF ONLY's" goes on. Well I thought that for the most part they were cute, maybe not good enough to put on the wall, but here they are. I am putting some of Portia's on too. Hope that she doesn't mind. I don't think that she looks at this so I am probably safe. Next time we need to go before it is 40 degrees outside and maybe everyone would be happier and our noses wouldn't be red - Oh well.

Also there are some pictures of some of the deer that are down by the cabin. It is fun to see so many bucks. You really have to be careful with the traffic in Oak City at this time of the year though. You never know when someone it going to stop in the middle of the road to watch the deer.

Knee Stress

2008-11-18T10:08:00.000-07:00

Well, I am a little bummed out today. Basketball tryouts start today and Ty can't tryout yet. But, I just talked to coach Rob and he said that they would deal with it and he just needs to come to tryouts anyway and not do anything for now. I am waiting for Dr. Shamo's office to call and let us know when they have Ty scheduled with an orthopedic surgeon. The sooner we get this done the sooner Ty can get back to basketball. Ty had an MRI done on Saturday and when they called and read it to me they did not speak English so, Dr. Shamo called last night to see if we understood what was going on. As I understand it, Ty has a torn medial meniscus, a deep bruise on the femur and a contusion(bruise) fracture on the tibia which means that the bone was indented in. The tibia will take the time to heal and hopefully we can get the meniscus repaired soon and get on with the healing there too. I told Dr. Shamo's nurse that we could leave right now if they would take us in but she just laughed at me. I hate waiting. I am so thankful that it was not an ACL or something that would take him out for the year.

SAD ENDING

2008-11-11T19:48:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, November 7th Grandma Annalee's birthday, we traveled to Morgan for the quarter finals football playoff game. We were all pretty pumped up and we thought that we were ready to beat those Trojans. But, we got off to a rocky start and it went down hill from there. By the middle of the 1st quarter Ty was out of the game with a knee injury. We were all praying the it was not an ACL like Wyatt's last year. We really didn't want him out for baseball(his love) and we need him for basketball. Well, our prayers were answered and he was just bruised up and there was some swelling in his knee and in his ankle. But, he didn't get to play anymore that game which we were bummed out about because he had finally found himself a starting position. The good thing is - there is next year. Wyatt played a hard fought game and led the team to a 9-2 season. It didn't end too good but what can I say - They played their hearts out and I am proud of them for the great season that they had. Good Job Guys!!!

WOW!!! A Bishop in the Family

2008-11-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

Not that we all didn't think that it would happen... just now we are all going to have to straighten up. No, we are really proud of Jim and excited for the opportunities that Jim and Evelyn will have because of this new calling as bishop. I am sure Jim is a little (or alot) nervous but we all know that he will do an excellent job. We know that he will love his ward (even those that don't love to be there on Sunday) and will be an influence for good in their lives. Good luck Jim and Congratulations! I bet Mom is smiling right now. I wonder what little tune she is humming. I would love to hear what she is telling everyone up there. Maybe about when Jim killed all the "mean chickens". She always told that one. Anyway, I know that she is one PROUD MOM. And Dad is pretty excited about it too. You know, he thought that they should have "given" it to Jim when they put that last guy in - - he cracks me up.

We all had a fun time after church. It is so fun to get together as a family. These little cousins love each other. And thanks Warnicks for letting my family feel like we are part of the bunch. My girls (and boys) love it!!! And I know a couple of little girls that must think that Kyle is a cutie. I am so good with that. It makes me a little nervous when the girls are any older than 5 or 6 yrs old.

NEW NUMBER

2008-11-02T18:02:00.000-07:00

Last Monday, Ty came home from football practice and he was really excited about football. I asked him how it went and he said that it was great. Then he told me that the coaches has tryed him at 3 back. I said, "COOL, GREAT, WONDERFUL - but, don't get too excited - you haven't played that position very much and going into the playoffs you may not get in much." But we were excited anyway and talked it over and decided that maybe it will give him a chance at it next year. Well, Tuesday came and Ty was still practicing 3 back. Wed. came and it was the same story. Thursday he came home and said that he thought that he might be starting there. I hoped that he would but still thought that we better keep him grounded a little so Russ and I told him that we didn't think that he should get his hopes up. Friday night after practice he came home and he said, " Mom, I am really starting tomorrow." I said something like, "Ty you never know until game time but, if you are that would be so neat." Well, Ty didn't sleep to well Friday night (too many butterflies) and Russ and I ended up being nervous wrecks before the game. That is when we finally realized that he really was starting. So Ty has a new number - 45. If you haven't followed his numbers this year I will list them for you now - 8,52,85,76,and now 45. Good Job Mr. UTILITY. Not everyone gets to learn the game from playing so many different positions. Who knows - someday it may be a great benefit to you.

Tagged by Cody 4th folder and 4th picure

2008-11-02T17:14:00.000-07:00

This is my 4th picture in my 4th folder. This was a hard picture for me to post and I almost didn't. But it reminds me of many lessons that my mom taught me during her life and especially during that last year of her life. I wasn't going to post this picture because it shows how sick my mom was and it was not an easy or happy time. But it was one of the most spiritual times in my life. I truly felt my Saviors love.
It was in Sept. of 2003. My children love their Grandma Carole. Rylie would sit on her bed and my mom would say, "There's my Rylie Buttons, come give grandma a love". Rylie still remembers her calling her Rylie Buttons. One day at the hospital Rylie brought "handprints" (her blanket that she still has) and put it on her Grandma Carole and said, "That will make Grandma feel better". I am sure it did. Rylie and Elle were lucky to have Grandma for a little while. She loved taking them to McDonalds and cooking for them and mostly rocking them on her lap and humming a little tune to them. During the time that my mom was so sick, my little boys were giants. They were so incredible. They showed service to their Grandma like I had never seen before. They did some of those things that you would never expect from a grown man let alone a small boy. But they loved their Grandma and would do and did anything that they could to make her more comfortable. She would tell them to come over and see her before she had to"thump their melons". The boys always got a kick out of Grandma's sense of humor. But who didn't?
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This picture make me so thankful that my mom is out of pain and that she is in a better place. It reminds me to be happy for her. I am so grateful for the plan of salvation. I am grateful for the gospel that teaches those thing that we must do to be A FAMILY FOREVER.

I tag Ashley A, Kristen S, Jenny S., Jimi

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2008-11-02T11:30:00.000-07:00

Usually I do not love halloween but this year it was really fun. On Wed. night I went with several of the ladies in our ward and we had a "witches night out". We were all dressed as witches and we rode around on a wagon, sit on bales of straw, and cackled the whole evening. We took treats around to several of the sisters in the ward and to our wonderful bishop (I think that he thought that he has a crazy relief society and he is probably right). It was so fun to see all of the different witches and see the fun that this brought to those that we went to. I think we should do it again next year.

Harlee and Jack stayed with us Thursday night so we had to get up and get 3 spooks ready. Rylie was a football player, Harlee was Pebbles, and Jack was a ghost. I thought that the ghost would be the easiest but his brown hair did not take that white hairspray too good. Oh well, they all make it to school on time and had their costumes on.

Taya started the day as Cinderella. She has been Cinderella every day for the past two weeks or however long it has been since we bought the dress. Well at mid-day she changed her dress and she ended up as Barbie Fairytopia. She loves to dress up and she would wear those princess costumes to church if we would let her.

We ended up at our house this year for our annual Halloween trick or treating and pizza party. This is usually at Springers, but since they are in the middle of building we came here. Next year it's back to their house. It is always fun to see what boys end up here for pizza and we are always wondering if we got enough for the multitude, but it always seems to work out.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUSS DADDY!!!

2008-10-30T09:07:00.003-06:00

Today is Russ' 46th birthday. Rylie had big plans for him this morning - breakfast in bed. She only had one problem with the whole plan, Russ got up and went to the laundromat way before she got up. She tryed to talk him into going back to bed but he didn't think that he was tired yet. So, we just gave him his present and he got just a normal breakfast.It is definitely the thought that counts. The fun thing for Rylie was that she is home from school today so we didn't have to hurry to get everything done and she can spend the whole day home with her dad.
I found some pictures of Russ that will show that he has definitely changed through the years and just want Russ to know...

YOU'VE COME A LONG WAY BABY!!! We Love You. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Russ's blessing Day December 2nd, 1962

Nine Months Old

Senior Picture 1981

Russ "year booked" in 1978. For some reason I really don't think that Russ ever had that "hair--do", but I may be wrong. That was Way before my time.

5 Years

2008-10-28T22:13:00.000-06:00

It is 5 years ago today that my little Mom passed away. In some ways I can't believe that it has been five years and in other ways it seems like it has been forever. She is still such a great influence in my life. What a fun, neat, sometimes crazy, always caring, and incredible mom I had. I miss her so much and I am so grateful for the gospel that gives me the knowledge that I will see her again someday. I know that she has and does watch over her family still. I will never forget some of those great words of wisdom that she gave me. I will forever laugh at some of the things that she used to say and do. She had such a wit about her. My mom was my very best friend. I told her everything and she was always there for me. I only wish that my little family could have had a little more "Grandma" time with her. But that was not the plan and it is neat to know that FAMILIES ARE FOREVER and it will be so fun to be with Mom (Grandma Carole) again someday.
I LOVE MY MOM!!!

Fall Vacation - Previously known as "The Deer Hunt"

2008-10-22T07:21:00.000-06:00

The kids have been out of school the last two days and I love it. We had a good time, We played on the computer, Rylie went to the zoo with Syd, Hailey, and Kaitlyn (see Darla's blog - I'm sure she will have pictures), Kyle shot his first deer, and we even enjoyed doing nothing together. Too bad that Russ always works when the kids are out of school. It never fails.

Kyle's 1st deer. . . Not real big but, good meat. He was pretty excited and he hasn't even minded the razzing that his brother has given him - any way ,not too much. All Kyle has wanted is jerky. I will have to get busy now.

Russ - 1954 "The Good Old Days" (that's what they say anyway)

Kyle - 1984 Isn't he a cutie!
I can't remember such big hair.
Maybe my memory isn't so good.

Rylie in 1994 - Now I do remember this hair.
I told Rylie that she looks just like Shannon and Portia used to with that hair. They both had that "do". As much hairspray as Rylie uses now, I can only imagine how much I would have to buy if she really had that hair.

Ty in 1952 - He looks so sophisticated doesn't he. So clean cut. Innocent. Charming. Nice white shirt and tie.

Then he came home last night - with his "new do".
I thought that Dr. Mur was a better example.

I am so thankful that he really doesn't like it either. I can't wait to shave it all one length - bald. The basketball coaches won't have to worry about it being too long now.

You may wonder where my picture is - This is my blog and I will only post what I want to.

Jitterbug At The Cabin

2008-10-20T10:39:00.000-06:00

After church yesterday we all met at the cabin to roast hotdogs and s'mores. The girls ran around and played in the creek. Ty and Kyle played horseshoes. Taya, Danny, and Josh played with Aunt Darlene (who they totally love). Taya turned into "Biscuit" the dog. So she acted like a dog - she barks, scratches, fetches, and whatever else dogs do. We all laughed at her, except Ty and Kyle, they didn't laugh, they think that she is so annoying when she does that. They are such the tolerant big brothers some days - oh well. And we all ate way too much. It was such a beautiful evening. Once it got dark it cooled right off and so Grandpa Gary started a fire and we all went in the cabin. Well, Grandpa put on some records (which most of our kids had no idea what they even were) and Grandma and Grandpa showed the kids how to Jitterbug. All the little girls had their first jitterbug lesson from Grandpa. All of them except Taya - she didn't want to. And you know Taya she doesn't do anything that isn't on her agenda. Taya did have fun playing with Max and eating marshmallows. There were lots of laughs and the little girls even wanted another turn dancing with Grandpa. It was such a fun time.
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Last Saturday we were over to Grandma and Grandpa's house and we were all introduced to Danny's new imaginary friend "Guy". It was so hilarious, Kyle and Jordan took "Guy" and started playing keep away with him. Danny would run from Kyle to Jordan and back to Kyle while they pretended to play keep away with Guy. Danny was not happy with Kyle and Jordan. He did not think that it was funny at all. We were laughing so hard that we were crying. Well, Danny still has his friend and so this week Ty got to dance with guy. Danny was so ok with that. Ty and Guy were such good dancers.

GONE TO THE DOGS

2008-10-15T09:38:00.000-06:00

In June we acquired two new dogs - Buddy and Pauly. They are basset hounds. Well, Pauly just had puppies on Oct. 1st. She had 5 puppies but only 3 lived. They are so cute. We have had a fun time with them. Kyle named the biggest one "Big Fatty", the other big one Rylie named "Biscuit", and the smallest one is "Brownie". The girls have had so much fun with them. Rylie has mothered them to death. All of Rylie's friends and some girls that we didn't even know came over on a daily basis to see these puppies. These puppies have been quite the riot.

Deer Hunt Pictures

2008-10-13T09:09:00.000-06:00

Thanks Craig and Val for all the pictures. Also Craig, thanks for coming with your lucky hat! It was so fun. I wish Ty and Kyle could have been there too, next year with Russ. (We hope)

OAK CREEK DEER HUNT

2008-10-12T11:19:00.000-06:00

I finally drew out for the Oak Creek deer tag this year. I have been so excited for this hunt and I definitely was not disappointed. The big hunt started last Saturday the 4th. We got up early and headed to the canyon and it was raining like crazy. We sat around for a little bit trying to decide what to do. Ty said that he didn't get up at 5 am for nothing but I said that I was a "fair weather" hunter especially on the first weekend. I knew we wouldn't see anything if we did go and we would only come back wet. So, I won out and we went back to bed. Sunday was a great day we stayed at the cabin, listened to conference, played cards, the kids rode the mule and 4 wheeler and we just enjoyed the day hanging out. Any more we just don't get good old family time. The cell phones didn't even work there unless you were standing in one certain place in the cabin and everyone didn't fit there so nobody use their cell phones. How NICE! Grandpa Van came up and had lunch with us and Rylie took it to us playing cards. Well, Russ had to work all week so Neil took me hunting all week long. The boys missed school Monday to come with us. We had fun, saw three baby bobcat, saw a few good deer - but, no shooters. The boys really thought that that would be the day. But back to school for them. Tues. morning Taya had a fever so I had Russ call Neil at 5 am and tell him that I could not go - "sick baby girl". We did go that evening but-no shooters. Wed. Rylie stayed home from school to tend Taya and Neil and I were back on the mountain hunting and hiking. Still not shooters, but still having a ball. Thursday Russ was off work and so we got up early and headed up Whiskey Creek. We hiked to where we wanted to be and started scoping the mountain. Russ and Neil were watching a couple of little buck in a clearing across the canyon and we had seen a few doe go across there too. Not much was moving and we just kept glassing the whole canyon. Neil got up and looked into a different canyon and I glass down below us when I saw a spike elk not 30 yards below us. He came out from behind a pine tree and saw Russ and I and he snorted and took off. Neil came back and we were talking about what we should do. I was so sore that I really wasn't up to a real big hike that day. My body is not used to hiking once or twice everyday. I am a true "flat-lander". So we got up and were talking and making plans - the sneak was off. We were just going to leave when I said to Neil, "Will you just look at that little buck one more time for me?" So, he looked over in the clearing that I told him and we all got excited. Neil told us to sit down and asked, where did he come from and how long had he been there? I said, "He's been there all morning, that's the buck that I asked you about, that is the deer that I have been watching the whole time." Well I had been watching him and Russ and Neil were watching one in the clearing next to him. I asked them if it was the buck just below that bunch of pines and he had his butt to us. They said yes. Well, he was a shooter. The only problem was that he saw us and so he started to move out. We were not in shooting position. We regrouped and decided to come back the next morning. We would be earlier and I would take more ibuprofen. We got up there and it was still pretty dark. Neil and Craig have some great optics and they started looking. They spotted 2 buck and those 2 deer kept looking down the mountain. I asked Neil if it was the same deer that we had seen yesterday, he said that it wasn't. So, I didn't get too excited yet. Then from where those other deer had been looking the buck that we had seen before walked out and Neil told me to come with him. We got where I could see him and get a shot off. Neil said to wait until he stops and then shoot, so I did. The shot was a little low. The buck turned and started up hill and was trying to get out of the clear, but he couldn't find where we were. So, he stopped again. I took another shot and he started down hill and dropped. I was trying to get another bullet in my stupid gun so I didn't even know what he was doing. Craig said that he was down, don't worry about getting another bullet in. That is when I started to shake. How exciting! We were at 370 yard and I shot him with my 243. Russ text the boys, called his Dad and I called my Dad. Our dads were on their way to Whiskey Creek.
We hiked over to him, took pictures, measured him at 28 1/2 inches, Neil and Craig quartered him out, Gary and Bryce got there and brought me a Diet Pepsi (which may have saved me), took some more pictures and then we packed him out. Grandpa Van was waiting for us at the bottom of the trail. I had the best time. Thanks Neil! I love you and I could never have done it without you. You're the BEST!

DELTA PRIDE

2008-10-07T21:49:00.000-06:00

TAGGED AGAIN... This time by Darla

2008-09-28T23:17:00.000-06:00

4 things I love about my husband:

1. He is a wonderful DAD. The BEST!
2. He very seldom gets mad.
3. He is very FUNNY. Sometimes he is a little on the corny side but we laugh anyway.
4. He has ALWAYS known what is important in life and has tryed to live it. He is a Great example to me.

4 Movies I would watch more than once:

1. Top Gun
2.The "Bourne" movies
3. National Treasure
4. Skulls

4 TV shows I watch more than once:

1. Channel 2 News ,Channel 4 News, Channel 5 News, KJAZZ News - (really 2 News), CNN
2. Deal or No Deal
3. The Home make-over Show - Ii can't remember what it is called.
4. The Biggest Loser

4 Places I have been:

1. Hawaii
2. Puerto Rico
3. Puerta Vallarta, Mexico
4. Boston, MA.

4 People who email me regularly

1. Russ
2. Portia
3 & 4. People at work

4 Favorite Foods

1. Fried Shrimp
2. Prime Rib
3. Strawberry waffles
4. Chocolate chip cookies

Places I would like to visit

1. Mt. Rushmore
2. Cancun, Mexico
3. Sweden
4. Alaska

4 Things I am looking forward to this coming year

1. Baseball in the Spring
2. Lake Powell trip
3. Springers getting into their new home ( I am so excited for them)
4. Getting the new computer system all learned and going at work and having all the kinks worked out.

4 People I would like to tag

1. Amy
2. Jackie
3. Cody
4. Ashley

I'VE BEEN TAGGED...

2008-09-28T22:35:00.000-06:00

Yes, I've been tagged by MY "QUIRKY" niece AMY JAN. By the way Amy, you didn't have to be an over-achiever on this too. You could have just named 6 and it would have made it easier on me to name 6.
Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of your own and tag 6 "unsuspecting" bloggers to complete. Pretty simple, eh? Until you get to the 6 unspectacular quirks of your own.

This is so hard. Where do I start? You know when you come from such a "quirky" family the list is long.

1. I do not like to stand in lines. It really bugs me. If I am standing in a line I try to figure out how it could go a little - ok alot faster.

2. When I am driving I have to pass the car in front of me if I can. I like to see the open road with no distractions. Besides that, who wants to be 2nd if you can be 1st to the gas station.

3. I ask too many questions (my boys opinion) - but, I just have to know whats up in their lives. I tell them it is because I care and they should feel so lucky.

4. I love to stay up late. I get all my energy to really tear into a project around 10 pm. I don't know why but that seems to be the best time to start something. SORRY Russ.

5. I LOVE to be in charge. I think that "MOTHER KNOWS BEST". Too bad for my kids and all their friends because I like to "mother" them all.

6. I saved the "quirkiest" for last. Anyway,I think that this is so dumb but I just can't help myself. I've been doing it for years. Since I was in the middle school or maybe before that. Maybe as soon as I could add, subtract, multiply and divide I have done this. I can't remember not doing this. But, when I see the numbers on the clock such as 12:53 or whatever, I try to get the number or number combinations in order like 1,2,3,1+3=4,5,2X3=6,2+5=7 and so on until the time changes and then I start all over. And I see how high of a number I can get to. Dumb HUH? So now you see why Kyle divides all the numbers that he see by 3. He takes after me and plays dumb number games. Isn't that so "QUIRKY"?

6 people who I would like to tag are:

Darla, Jimi, Stacia, Evelyn, Reggie and Steph (that is 6 isn't it - Come on Steph you can do this.)

How Time Flies When You Are Having Fun

2008-09-21T20:34:00.000-06:00

This has been another busy week. Russ is on his days schedule so Taya and I have been home. It has been nice to work on a few of those little projects that I seem to put off. I got caught up on the laundry (until everyone came home and went to bed), started and finished Max's quilt, cleaned a little and just really enjoyed being home with Taya and home when Rylie came home from school.
On Wednesday Rylie and Russ had her first "Daddy Daughter Date". Their theme was "take me out to the ballgame". They played kickball and had the BEST hamburgers ever. It sounded like they really did have a "BALL"! Thanks Leslie and Jetta for always making achievement day activities so much fun.
The boys played Moapa this week in football. Thursday the games were in Logandale, Nevada. We left a little early and were able to stop in St. George and get a bite to eat. I called Chris and Chanda and they came over to Bajio, where we were eating and we got to see Cooper and Courtlin. What a beautiful baby! And I am not at all bias. When we pulled into the parking lot of the school the temperature registered on the van at 97 degrees. We are not used to that heat at this time of year. The boys played really well and both teams won. I totally enjoyed seeing Russ and Andrea (Henrie)Owens and their darling girls there. It was so fun to visit and get caught up on their family. Andrea is still as cute as always. It is so fun to talk about the good old days of volleyball and high school. I wouldn't want to go back and I wouldn't trade watching my boys in their sports for anything. I just hope that they get to have the opportunity to have the fun and success that Andrea and I had.
Friday Moapa played here and it was a crazy, exciting game. It felt like it was a closer game than the score showed. This team is showing a lot of heart.
On Sat. Ty and Kyle had the "Survival of the Fittest" scouting competition. They were so exhausted and did not want to go but they went and did real well. Our 3rd Ward boys took 2nd. A Santaquin team beat them. There were about 20 teams there so they did really well. Later we drove up to the canyon to see if we could see any deer. You know the big hunt is coming up?
Today we were all getting ready for our 1:00 church. Russ was ironing his shirt and Taya asked him if it was church today. Russ said that it was church and without hesitating Taya said, "Am I Scick (sick)?". Russ said, "NO" and she said in a disappointed tone, "Oh". Anyone that has a 3 year old has a "house of learning". She was sick last week so Kyle stayed home with her. How quickly she learned that one. Rylie gave a talk in Primary today and it was so good. We all had tears in our eyes. Good job Rylie!

Ty #52 S. Summit game

2008-09-14T22:46:00.001-06:00

Kyle Cedar Game

2008-09-14T19:38:00.000-06:00

In the Trenches and Loving It

2008-09-13T21:50:00.000-06:00

This week we watched 5 games. We traveled to Cedar Tuesday, to South Summit (Kamas) on Thursday, and had a home game on Friday. The boys played hard and came out victorious in all 5 games. Kyle had a 40 - 45 yard touch down in both of his games. He says he loves when they call the "41 trap". He has such long strides, he takes 1 step for everyone elses 2. He looked at the pictures and said, "Boy, I have big ole' long legs." I told him they were long, but there is nothing big about them. He is such a tall skinny kid. On Fridays he gets to take stats for varsity. It is fun for them to be involved. Ty is loving football. He is way tired and sore when he gets home now, but he loves that he can be in the action. For never playing on the line, he is doing awesome. He and Kohl Callister are animals in there. They are on the same side on both offence and defence and they are doing great! I didn't know there was so much to watch for when they are on the line. Ty did get in the varsity game on Friday too. He played D - End. It has been a great week.

Is It Christmas Yet???

2008-09-08T23:54:00.000-06:00

Rylie told Taya that it is almost Christmas and right after Christmas it would be her birthday. Well, this week Taya has decided that it IS her birthday. The boys asked her to do something for them and she said, "I can't, it is my birthday". For the past two mornings she has asked - "Is it Christmas? Is it my birthday? And, is it snowing?" I certainly hope not. Who can afford Christmas and birthdays after getting two high school boy registered and an elementary girl registered in school? Not me. Besides that who wants to be cold?

Russ is on nights right now and so he hasn't slept much. But what's new for him.. He is married to a night owl. Poor Russ. Speaking of poor Russ, he had quite the Saturday night. Everything was going great and he wanted a Pina colada. I ran to the store and when I got home (about 9:30) he was bent over and was having quite a bit of pain. Well being the self-proclaimed Dr. -nurse-pharmacist that I am, I gave him a couple pain pills that I had left over from when I had Taya and I thought that he should be just fine. Well, he wasn't just fine. Finally at about 12:30 - 1:00 he was able to GO and he felt much better. He wasn't feeling too great this morning and so I called Toddy and she got him an appointment with the Dr. And after a little test, Dr. Shamo thinks that Russ has either passed a kidney stone or will soon. He is feeling better now but he was really miserable.

Ty came home tonight and was pretty excited. He got the "Special Teams Player of the Week". He said that it wasn't a big deal but, it is to this CRAZY Mom. Good Job TY!!! By the way his new number for the week is 76.

Oh one more thing. We are so excited for Chris and Chanda's new baby girl -Courtlyn Cate. I hope that I got the spelling right on that. We can't wait to see her.

What number is Ty wearing now?

2008-09-05T14:44:00.000-06:00

Well, it has been another fun week at the Church House. Rylie started piano lessons from Grandma Church and so far it is great. She has been practicing and practicing. Too bad that we don't keep that same enthusiasm in everything that we do. We would all be pretty amazing if we did. I am sure it won't last for her either and then we will start the battles that do happen. That is why I haven't signed her up sooner. I still remember the boys taking lessons. Oh well, it is important that she takes some kind of music. Taya is now counting 1,2,3,4,1,2,3,4 and quarter, quarter, half note and she even knows some of the words to the songs, so she is learning a little too.

As for Kyle he was moved to line backer and he played 4 back this week. Kyle always plays hard. He hurt his neck a little last night and Coach Droubay took him out for a minute to make sure he was ok. Coach Droubay asked him what 100 - 7 was -- Kyle said 33, no 97, no 93. And then he asked him what 96 - 8 was. Kyle said that he thought, oh crap what is it and he turned to Aspen Corbett and said "What is it?" and Aspen said, " I'm not telling you, they are checking your brain , dude". I thought that that was so funny. And I guess Kyle must have figured it out because he went back out onto the field. I have been laughing at Kyle. He is just the funniest kid. Could we have another Fran? He is helping take stats for the varsity game today in Grantsville.

Ty is now # 52 on JV and # 76 on Varsity. He is now on the O line as a quard. I don't know much about the line other than they need to protect the quarterback and I thought that Bryan had dang good protection last night. Cole and Ty were on the one side and they were awesome. We just put his name in #85 uniform last Wed. and this week he gets a new one. The uniforms are only $90.00/set and we now get to buy another one. Hopefully Kyle will be able to wear it but, if not we will have a CHURCH # 85 jersey and we will have to get Kyle another one too. Oh well, it's only money. Maybe someday we will have some. I think that Russ needs another job just to finance the sporting events.

Russ and Grandpa went scouting for deer yesterday and didn't see much. My hunt is coming up on the 4th of October so they better get busy. Hopefully, Neil has seen something.

DELTA VS. HURRICANE

2008-08-28T23:02:00.000-06:00

Ty played both ways tonight - D. End and Receiver. He played hard and did a great job. He blocked well and made some good tackles. The team as a whole looked like it was their first game of the season. They have a few things to work out but they did pretty good. The lost 8 - 28. Hurricane wanted to kill them after our big win last year.

Kyles team won 23-21, but almost lost in the 4th quarter. At one time we were up 23 - 0. Kyle played running back, quarterback and defensive end. Good job Kyle.

LAKE POWELL - I Think That Week Was A Little Bit of HEAVEN!!

2008-08-26T14:49:00.000-06:00

We had the best time as a family that we have ever had. Anyway I felt like it was the best. The boys had a GREAT time jumping off cliffs, water skiing, fishing at 1 AM (sorry Grandpa Gary - for _ _ _ _ sakes), and just being crazy like boys are. The little girls had so much fun on the tube and the slide and swimming all day long. Russ was the designated boat driver and I was the official photographer so we both were doing exactly what we love. I can't forget that we were also eating non-stop. I said that I only ate once a day - I started when I woke up and stopped when I went to bed. Good thing that I had to get back to Weight Watchers. We had the time of our lives and can't wait to do it again. I didn't have a watch or cell phone so I didn't know what time it was. I couldn't keep track of the day of the week either. And the best part of all that is - IT DIDN'T EVEN MATTER. How fun to escape REAL life for a few days. But it sure has been tough to come back to it again. Can't we just play and forget this whole grown-up stuff? Only at LAKE POWELL!!! Thanks Grandma & Grandpa Church. Can't wait until next year.