Hanson's

MICHAEL & MORGAN'S WEDDING DAY

2011-06-15T00:56:00.006-06:00

On Tuesday June 7th, Michael and Morgan were married in the Salt Lake Temple. It was a beautiful day. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. Everything went as planned (as far as I know). The only "oops" would have been me when I tripped as I was starting up the steps outside the temple where the pictures are taken. Luckily there were many, many men who were able to pick me right up. Michael and Troy were among those strong men. I was so impressed. It hurt pretty bad but I wasn't about to let the newlyweds know because it was their day and I wanted nothing to put a damper on their day. I didn't want them worrying about me. They looked so beautiful and happy. Here are a few pictures that others took of the special day.

Beautiful Wedding Cake

Morgan and Michael as they were leaving the Reception
Jersey #'s 67= (June 7th), 11= (2011)
I love these jersey's!

GUESS WHO'S GOING TO PROM!!

2011-03-01T02:14:00.004-07:00

My baby boy, Cameron, is going to Junior Prom. It's exciting! I still remember my Jr. Prom. (A very long time ago), Anyway, he asked a cute girl named Tessa. Tonight she answered him in a cute way. Here is a picture of him and his answer. It's cute!

HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!

2010-08-16T12:10:00.003-06:00

Today is our "26th" wedding anniversary. Wow! That seems like such a long time. But you the saying, "Time flies when your having fun" right? It has been fun but just like everyone, we have had our trials as well. We have been blessed with 3 beautiful children who have brought us joy, love, frustration, tears, happiness, laughter, pride, more frustration and more laughter. Baseball, basketball, gymnastics, football, piano lessons, voice lessons, softball and more I can't remember. We have lost some loved ones along the way. Hardest for me was losing my mother when I was 24. Health problems have come and gone and some that will forever be with me but have made me a better person. We have had many vacations that have brought us great memories. Camping trips that still make us laugh (The moose story & Mallory). Many, many trips to Bear Lake where we have dealt with sunburn, mosquitoes, rope burns, bruises, cold water, hot cabin, with cool nights. Needless to say, we have had a wonderful life so far and we look forward to many more years of good times with our family and friends. Looking back however, it is very obvious that we are truly blessed.

(I couldn't find a picture where Troy wasn't making a face)

OWEN WALKING AT OUR HOUSE! YAY!

2010-06-19T00:22:00.005-06:00

Well, if isn't obvious that I just love Beck and Owen, then you don't know me very well. To them I am Grandma Wendy. I'll take it because they are so sweet. Anyway, Mallory was babysitting Owen a few weeks ago and while we were waiting for Scott and Laura to come and pick up Owen, we took a video of Owen walking. (You can't tell, but Owen is walking towards me.)It is so cute. However, there is an embarrassing moment (for Troy). If you listen closely, you will hear Troy rip one. (Close to be beginning). The man has no shame and just laughed about it. Yep, that's my man! Enjoy the short, sweet and smelly video. :)

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T23:16:00.002-06:00

Today was a very nice day for me. First, Mallory and Troy made me breakfast in bed. It was awesome. Omelet and fresh strawberries. It was delicious and very sweet of them. Went to church and watched my Cameron bless the sacrament for the first time. That was a special moment for a mother. He did a great job even though he was a little nervous. I am very proud of him. Had a nice family dinner with Troy's side of the family and later, Troy, Mallory and I went to the cemetery to put flowers on my mother's and my sister's headstones. Very nice day to be a mother. Thank you family!

FINALLY!

2010-04-23T13:25:00.002-06:00

Okay, now I can be back among the blogging world. Troy bought a SD Card reader last night so I can finally get the pictures off my card and post some of them. I just made a slideshow. Sorry, it might be a little boring for some of you in the middle. But we've had a great year!

This picture slideshow customized with Smilebox

YES CAMERON! THERE IS AN EASTER BUNNY!

2010-03-29T10:08:00.002-06:00

My sister and I went to Sam's Club on Saturday and were greeted by an "Easter Bunny". So for charity I donated $5 for Primary Children's Hospital and we got a picture with the Easter Bunny. Enjoy these crazy cousins Scotty and Cameron.

I FEEL SO BAD!!!

2010-03-07T19:12:00.002-07:00

I feel so bad for not blogging. Okay, here is the thing. I don't have a good reason for not keeping up on my blog. Other than my computer crashed and now I'm not able to (easily) add pictures. There isn't a slot for an SD card. So, now I am going to have to figure out how to hook my camera up to the computer. So, I will do that soon. I have lots of pictures to add from my trip to South Carolina.

For now, I will just catch up on what is going on. NOTHING! Just kidding. Troy is busy with work and now trying to raise money for the Annual MS Bike Ride in June. So, if you are interested, you can find "Team Bintz" on Facebook and become a fan. And if you feel so inclined, donate a few dollars to help find a cure for MS. I am so proud of Troy and my daughter Mallory for riding in this event every year. We also have lots of friends who ride for Team Bintz too. It's awesome. Since I can't ride, I am there for support.

Michael and Mallory are still working and going to school. Michael is now going to the best school, The "U"! He transferred this semester. He even made the Dean's list last Semester. We are proud of him for that. He is still living at home which is best for him because he can hurry through school and not have to worry about rent and other expenses. Mallory is still going to SLCC continuing her studies in photography. She has done some amazing work. She has also done some engagement pictures and just recently took pictures for a wedding. I'm proud of her. I will be so sad when she moves out next month. :( Yep, she is moving. More information will be coming regarding that.

Cameron is now 16 years old and that in itself is very scary. Where did my little boy go? He has also grown a foot in the last year. He and Troy have been working on a Toyota Cruiser (with a lot of help from our friend Scott Smith). They have been having so much fun with it. Now it is drivable. So sorry neighbors! Soon, Cameron will be driving that cruiser to school and hopefully to work. HE NEEDS A JOB! For MANY reasons.

So, now that I caught us up a little bit, I will try and get some pictures up here that makes a blog so much more interesting. Don't forget TEAM BINTZ!!!

FLASHBACK FRIDAY - MEMORY

2010-01-08T11:44:00.002-07:00

Okay, no pictures with this flashback. I was just thinking about some of the funny things my kids said when they were little. One of the funniest had to be Mallory. Mallory was probably 5 years old and we were driving home from somewhere and she said (very seriously)"Dad, I think I'm going to Kupe." (She meant to say "Puke") It was Priceless but funny. We didn't laugh because we knew what she meant and we didn't want to hurt her feelings. But we did get her home in time. She didn't "Kupe". She just has car sickness once in a while. She often made us laugh. Actually, she still does. :) We do love to tease her occasionally about that. Just another day in the life of "The Hanson's". More memories to come.....

HAPPY "2010"

2010-01-01T12:02:00.003-07:00

As you can tell by the time of this post, I've been awake for about 40 minutes. Yes, I REALLY slept in. Isn't that what you are suppose to do on New Years Day? I had a rough night. My legs were shooting off fireworks again so I didn't get to sleep until probably 4:00 a.m. But that's okay. We had an small, quaint, little dinner with friends and of course Troy cooked the traditional Prime Rib Roast. (Well, I actually baked it, Troy just did all the seasoning and got it ready). It was a team effort and it turned out awesome. We ate, and ate and until we were ready to die. We played "Apples to Apples", the younger kids played a game on xbox. "Modern Warfare" or something like that and it got quite loud. But I think they had a good time. Then we talked while waiting for the big ball at Time Square to drop and welcome the new year and kiss our sweethearts. (Actually I think our dog Abby got a kiss from Troy before I did) Just kidding. It just appeared that way.

Now, I should write down some big time resolutions like "Lose weight" or something for this year but I'm not going to because I will just be depressed at the end of the year because I will have accomplished NOTHING on my list. So, I will just make some easy resolutions: Be a better wife, be a better mother, be a better sister, be a better friend. I think these are do-able. There is nothing like a new year to give you a clean slate. My prayers for the new year are: Continued good health for me and my family, continued happiness for me and my family, and continue our wonderful relationships with our friends. We have been blessed with such great friends. Especially here in the neighborhood and ward. We have found long lasting friendships. There is nothing better than to have strong relationships with family and friends. To know that there isn't anything we wouldn't do for each other. We have been truly blessed in this way. I hope you all know how much we love and appreciate you. We want the best for you all in 2010.

GOOD INTENTIONS

2009-12-22T22:46:00.001-07:00

I posted this on my facebook but I thought I really should post it here too. I really had good intentions on getting Christmas cards sent out but alas the keyword is "intentions". I didn't do it and I am going to try not to beat myself up over it. So, I'll just say to all of my wonderful family and friends out there, Merry Christmas! I hope you all enjoy these precious days with your loved ones and make memories that will last a lifetime. May the new year bring peace on earth and in our hearts. May we all be healthy, happy, and able to enjoy and endure what 2010 brings.

ONE LITTLE PIGGY STAYED HOME

2009-11-30T11:58:00.003-07:00

Well, Cameron is sick! Don't know if it is the "Swine" or not but he has all the symptoms of it. I'm keeping him down for the most part and giving him plenty of liquids. Not to mention Advil, Mucinex, and lots of tissues. He is miserable. The headache and congestion are the worst. I called the doctor and they said that if the fever lasts for more than 3 days to bring him in. If the congestion lasts more than a week to bring him in. Or if he just gets worse in general to bring him in. So, I'm guessing there really isn't much they can do until he is really bad off. That is scary. Anyway, I am trying to keep things sanitized wherever he goes and touches. I've emailed all his teachers to let them know what is going on and to see if they will email his assignments. (Not that he would do them anyway, but it was his idea so what the heck). So, all of our wonderful friends and family might want to stay away from our house for a little while. Sorry, I think we were going to have FHE here tonight. Better reschedule that one. I hope that you all can stay healthy and if Cameron has been around you I am so sorry. This didn't come on until Saturday night. I hope that no one was around him to catch it from him.

NEW MOON

2009-11-28T23:19:00.002-07:00

Okay, I know that a lot of people are sick of hearing or reading about "New Moon" so this will be the last time I mention those two words on this blog. (I hope). But, I saw the movie twice and when I saw it the first time I came away liking it. Not loving it. Then I went to see it again and I liked it more. I stopped trying to compare it with the book and decided that the movie was better than the book. The special effects were amazing. Jacob might be really cute and as Bella said, he is really "Buff", but I am still Team Edward. I wish that he would work out a little more. Work on those abs like Jacob did. So, if you are still debating on whether or not to go and see the movie? I say DO IT! It is better than Twilight. You will be entertained for a couple of hours and please don't forget the popcorn with extra butter. :)

I SHOULDN'T HAVE TAKEN HIM WITH ME...

2009-11-16T14:26:00.001-07:00

WHY I SHOULD NEVER TAKE TROY SHOPPING....

One of my favorite passtimes is to shop....unfortunately, it's not one of Troy's. He prefers to go in and get out without wasting time! I however like to browse and have begged him to accompany me on my shopping trips. Target happens to be one of my favorites as I can shop for food and wonder around in other departments for other treasures...until today, when I received this letter.....

Dear Mrs. Hanson,

Over the past six months, your husband has caused quite a commotion in our store. We cannot tolerate this behavior and have been forced to ban both of you from the store. Our complaints against your husband, Mr. Hanson, are listed below and are documented by our video surveillance cameras.

1. June 15: Took 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in other people's carts when they weren't looking.

2. July 2: Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5-minute intervals.

3. July 7: He made a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to the women's restroom.

4. July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official voice, 'Code 3 in Housewares. Get on it right away'. This caused the employee to leave her assigned station and receive a reprimand from her Supervisor that in turn resulted with a union grievance, causing management to lose time and costing the company money.

5. August 4: Went to the Service Desk and tried to put a bag of M&Ms on layaway.

6. August 14: Moved a 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to a carpeted area.

7. August 15: Set up a tent in the camping department and told the children shoppers he'd invite them in if they would bring pillows and blankets from the bedding department to which twenty children obliged.

8. August 23: When a clerk asked if they could help him he began crying and screamed, 'Why can't you people just leave me alone?' EMTs were called.

9. September 4: Looked right into the security camera and used it as a mirror while he picked his nose.

10. September 10: While handling guns in the hunting department, he asked the clerk where the antidepressants were.

11. October 3: Darted around the store suspiciously while loudly humming the 'Mission Impossible' theme.

12. October 6: In the auto department, he practiced his 'Madonna look' by using different sizes of funnels.

13. October 18: Hid in a clothing rack and when people browsed through, yelled 'PICK ME! PICK ME!'

14. October 21: When an announcement came over the loud speaker, he assumed a fetal position and screamed 'OH NO! IT'S THOSE VOICES AGAIN!'

15. October 25: Asked a cashier, while holding several boxes fleet enema's, "where's the restroom"?

And last, but not least:

15. October 27: Went into a fitting room, shut the door, waited awhile, then yelled very loudly, 'Hey! There's no toilet paper in here.' One of the clerks passed out.

Sorry, we know the holidays are just around the corner so we ask that you please, please, please, shop at Walmart.

THE HELP

2009-11-16T13:19:00.008-07:00

I am reading this book that Cookie gave me for my birthday. I can't put it down (although I have to). Here is a synopsis of the book and a review from the Washington Post.

"Synopsis

Be prepared to meet three unforgettable women:

Twenty-two-year-old Skeeter has just returned home after graduating from Ole Miss. She may have a degree, but it is 1962, Mississippi, and her mother will not be happy till Skeeter has a ring on her finger. Skeeter would normally find solace with her beloved maid Constantine, the woman who raised her, but Constantine has disappeared and no one will tell Skeeter where she has gone.

Aibileen is a black maid, a wise, regal woman raising her seventeenth white child. Something has shifted inside her after the loss of her own son, who died while his bosses looked the other way. She is devoted to the little girl she looks after, though she knows both their hearts may be broken.

Minny, Aibileen's best friend, is short, fat, and perhaps the sassiest woman in Mississippi. She can cook like nobody's business, but she can't mind her tongue, so she's lost yet another job. Minny finally finds a position working for someone too new to town...

The Washington Post - Sybil Steinberg

Southern whites' guilt for not expressing gratitude to the black maids who raised them threatens to become a familiar refrain. But don't tell Kathryn Stockett because her first novel is a nuanced variation on the theme that strikes every note with authenticity. In a page-turner that brings new resonance to the moral issues involved, she spins a story of social awakening as seen from both sides of the American racial divide."

We had a sweet lady who was our "help" while I was growing up and her name was Pansy. We loved her so much. I know she loved us too. We were not among the "White, snobby society" that was obviously there in the south. Pansy died many years ago and the last time I saw her was at Cookie or Lorna's wedding reception. A long time ago.

Thanks for the book Cookie. I really have enjoyed it. I highly recommend it.

Tell Me Why -

2009-10-10T12:53:00.001-06:00

My sister Kay sent this to me and I thought it was amazing and wanted to share it. "This is a video of a 13-year old boy singing a song for which he wrote the lyrics and composed the music. Incidentally, he also has a very nice singing voice, into which he puts all of the nuances of emotion, pathos and passion that he can muster at his tender age. This boy gives this song, which has a very strong message, ALL he has in his presentation. Bravo! Enjoy!"

FLASHBACK FRIDAY - Halloween 1994

2009-10-09T15:46:00.002-06:00

Here is a picture of Michael (8) as a Ninja, Mallory(6) as Fairy Princess, and baby Cameron (8 months) as a bumblebee. Aren't they cute?

Cameron's School Picture

2009-10-04T17:13:00.003-06:00

I love technology.... (I'm not going to sing the song). Anyway, this year I ordered the CD that came with the picture package. So all I had to do was copy it to my hard drive without having to scan it. They put the pictures in color, black and white, and Sepia. They are so cute I have to put all three on here. He actually looks like a High School kid. That means he is growing up. What a happy day...... :)

Jib Jab Chippendales

2009-09-28T13:36:00.003-06:00

Zane Rigby put this together and it is hilarious. All the men in it are in my ward. It's so hilarious because none of these men have these bodies and probably never did. (No offense guys). But it is fun to watch anyway. Enjoy!

FOOTBALL DANCE - AWESOME!

2009-09-25T23:52:00.000-06:00

College Roommate Reunion

2009-09-17T12:57:00.003-06:00

The other night I drove up to Layton to have dinner with 2 of my college roommates. It was so nice to get together with them after so many years. (too many to count) Candy and I have been friends throughout middle school and high school and then college. Irene is a sweetheart. She was born with a disability and has never let it get her down. She is like 3 feet tall but has a giant heart. We were so blessed to have a roommate like her because she always had a positive outlook on life. Now she lives in Logan. Candy just moved back to Utah after living in Virginia for over 20 years. It is great to have her close by. Even though Clinton isn't close by but it is a heck of a lot closer than Virginia. I loved our little reunion ladies and I think we need to get together more often now. Here are few pictures from our evening. I wish I could find our college pictures but they are in a box who knows where. Or if Troy got hold of them they are in a landfill long filled over with the rest of my sentimental things he throughout while I was in the hospital for 2 months. MEN!!!

Wendy, Candy, Irene

Mallory's New Blog

2009-09-07T13:43:00.003-06:00

Mallory has decided on a new career path and she is going into photography. She started taking classes as SLCC and she is building up her portfolio. I am so proud of her and I know that she is very passionate about doing this. She really looks up to her cousins who have been very successful in this area and hopefully they will give her some tips. I am happy for her and I know she will be successful in anything she attempts. If you want to add her to your blogs to follow her new address is: www.photographybymal.blogspot.com Be sure and check it out. She just put it together today so it is still very new but should improve daily. We are hoping that our sweet friend Laura will help her with a really cute header. hint hint. By the way, I will give her cousins a shameless plug here. I must say, they are AWESOME!
Brooke Moon: www.brookemoonphotography.blogspot.com
and Hailey McGuire: www.hayleebeanphotography.com

HAPPY "21ST" BIRTHDAY MALLORY

2009-09-01T10:58:00.006-06:00

Our little Mallory was born on Thursday Sept 1st at 6:08 p.m. She weighed 6 lbs 7 oz. and was 18" long. We were so excited to have a baby girl. We loved having Michael and he was all boy but I wanted a little girl so I could do all the "foo foo" stuff with. Trust me, she was very "foo foo" until her dad got hold of her and took her fishing and hunting and stuff like that. So, she is well balanced. She can sing, dance, cook, look beautiful, and she can also, fish and clean the fish. Hunt and not afraid to clean the deer and also enjoyed disecting the heart because she was curious. That's my girl. Now she has a new passion. Photography. Good luck sweetie with this new venture in your life. I know you will be a great success. We hope you have a wonderful birthday. WE LOVE YOU!

Mom, baby Mallory and Nannie (My Mom before she died)

TIC TAC TESTIMONY

2009-08-29T20:56:00.002-06:00

Last night I was searching the internet for LDS Humor to find a joke to put in our Relief Society Newsletter. While searching I found this cute little story about a woman and her ward testimony meeting.

“My wonderful ward, bless its heart. The same motley crew gets up every single month to bear their testimonies. A few of us who are too chicken to ever go up to the pulpit will every-so-often sit together or in proximity to each other and draw blank tic-tac-toe boards. Instead of X's and O's, we write the names of people we think will get up in each square. We then black out the square if the corresponding person gets up to bear his or her testimony. First player to get 3-in-a-row "wins". Yeah, I agree that this seems pretty "sacrilegious", but I still get a lot out of these meetings, I swear I do”.

By Anonymous

I hope I didn't give you all any new ideas for church next week. I already had a friend write me after I emailed it to her and said that she was for sure going to try it. She has a lot of "The Usuals".

HANSON BOYS NEW TOY

2009-08-22T19:01:00.003-06:00

It is a known fact that men really never grow up. Today Troy and Cameron went and bought themselves an old Land Cruiser. 1970 to be exact. They are going to work on it together and get it drivable for Cameron. (Who will be turning 16 in February - HELP). It is going to need a lot of work and thankfully we have a friend up the street who knows his way around a cruiser pretty well. Thanks Scott and Laura! Especially Laura for letting Scott play with Troy on the cruiser.

FLASHBACK FRIDAY - Bear Lake 1998

2009-08-21T12:55:00.003-06:00

This is the family picture at Bear Lake after working and playing all weekend. Notice how far up the water is. We haven't seen it that way for soooo long. Probably 11 years. ha ha. Now we have about 50 to 75 yards of beach.

COUNTING DOWN

2009-08-19T17:39:00.002-06:00

Well, just a week left until school starts. Yahoo!!! Cam went and registered for school last week and came home with his schedule. There was a note for him to go and see a counselor. Wouldn't you know it? School hasn't even started yet and already he has to go and see the counselor. At least it isn't the Principal. Actually, we have a friend who is a counselor over at the school and she said that 75% of all the students have to meet with a counselor. There were problems with the computer system and the new school district. It has been a big head ache for them. So now he has to go and stand in a long line to go meet with a counselor.

HAPPY 25TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

2009-08-16T17:12:00.003-06:00

Today is our 25th wedding anniversary. We have so many memories of good times, hard times, sad times, and very difficult times. But there has never been a time when I didn't love my husband. (frustrated - YES) He is a wonderful husband and father and he takes such good care of me. We have 3 beautiful children who have blessed our lives in so many ways. Each moment with them has been an experience. We've experienced joy, elation, frustration, aggravation, (I tried to get all the "tions" in there). Tears of Happiness and sadness. Scrapes, scratches, bruises, stitches, surgeries. Basketball games, Baseball games, and football games and some soccer. Gymnastics, dance recitals, piano recitals, voice recitals. Sleep overs, and having to go pick up kids from sleep overs in the middle of the night, night games, water fights, snow ball fights, ping pong games, nintendo games, x-box games and Wii. Carpool, elementary school, middle school, high school, summer school and college. Dating, dances, sweet sixteen, sweet eighteen, and still waiting. Zits, pms, arm pit hair and puberty. Hunting, camping, 4-wheeling, and bicycling. Driver's Ed, Lerner's permit, new drivers. We have also witnessed many miracles along the way. These are just a few of the things that have made up our 25 years together. We have been truly blessed. I know we have so much more to look forward to. I love you Troy! Thank you for making me happy all these years.

Sorry these pictures are about 4 years old.
Time for a new family portrait

FLASHBACK FRIDAY - September 2001

2009-08-14T13:48:00.004-06:00

Can you guess who is in this picture? They have each changed so much.
(and no, Mallory isn't choking Cam. He is just being a little dramatic for the camera)

Mallory, Zac Rigby,
Cameron, Madison Rigby
Aren't they cute?

TOP REASONS I CAN'T WAIT FOR SCHOOL TO START

2009-08-10T14:36:00.005-06:00

Maybe I'll be able to keep the house cleaner.

I won't need to buy as many Pizza Pockets.

Less arguing with Cameron (I hope)

The home will be quiet. (at least until 2:45)

I can go out to lunch without feeling a little guilty (not that I really did)

The weather will start to turn cooler.

Cameron will be a Sophomore!

I'll try to re-organize the kitchen.

I can sleep in without someone to tell on me.

I SAVED THE BEST FOR LAST!

I GET THE HOUSE TO MYSELF FOR AT LEAST 6 1/2 HOURS!

YAHOO! YIPPEE! HURRAY! WAHOO! YAY! OH YEA BABY! HURRAH! THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKIN ABOUT! AND ANY OTHER WORD THAT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR MY EXCITEMENT!

DISCLAIMER: I don't want in any way for Cameron to feel offended or sad by my feelings because he is probably just as happy to be away from me and the chore list. I love you Cameron!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TROY!

2009-07-24T14:21:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday to a very wonderful man, husband, father, son, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend, etc. (This almost sounds like an obituary). Oops. We love you Troy and hope that you have a great birthday!

NO MORE BRACES!

2009-07-20T11:08:00.003-06:00

Cameron is a very happy now. He got his braces off last Tuesday. He said it was weird and that his teeth feel a little slimey. He has had those dang braces on for a little over 3 years. He would have had them off sooner but he wasn't very good about wearing his elastics. Neither were Michael and Mallory. Let's hope that he will wear his retainer. Unlike his older siblings who didn't and therefore their teeth shifted a little. Anyway, Cameron has a beautiful smile and beautiful teeth and is ready for high school. (Well, not really ready for High School, but you know what I mean.) So, we are done with our Orthodontist forever! We don't have to pay for braces ever again! Yahoo! I'll add pictures of his cute smile later. I am at the mercy of Mallory's camera since I lost mine. (Guess what I am going to ask for for my birthday....A Camera!) But I have to wait until October for that. :(

ABBY

2009-07-13T11:29:00.002-06:00

Okay, since Lucky is gone, we have decided to let Abby be in the house more. Well, it is looking like it is not such a good idea. She is getting into all the garbage cans and shredding the garbage in them along with the garbage bag. I know that she is 13 years old and has been an outdoor dog mostly all her life and that we can't expect her to just change her ways over night but, I don't think I can do this. She also found a bag of m&m's somewhere and was found eating them on Mallory's bed. She also threw up on a blanket in the living room (probably because of the m&m's) WHAT DO I DO? Oh, and did I mention that we recently realized that Abby is deaf? Yep, we are such great dog owners that we didn't even realize she was deaf. Whenever we called the dogs for one reason or another she always followed Lucky so we had no reason to think she was deaf. It's sad! But I'm thinking I need to let Abby outside a little more than we have been. But we will still let her sleep inside (with Mallory). She has both Abby and Kobe sleeping in her bed now.

SAD DAY! WE WILL MISS HER!

2009-07-10T15:58:00.006-06:00

Today is a sad day because we had to put our sweet dog, Lucky, down. She went to sleep today about 3:15 p.m. this afternoon. Lucky has had a really bad week. Her hind legs gave out on her completely a couple of days ago. It was like she was completely paralyzed in her lower back yet she was still in a lot of pain. Lucky was keeping herself under our deck where it was cooler and yesterday Troy had to crawl under the deck and practically drag her out and then he put her on my wheelchair and we got her into the house and laid her on her little bed. That is where she stayed until we took her to the animal hospital today at 3:00. Lucky was an awesome dog with a very distinct smile. A lot of people weren't sure if she was growling or smiling. But it didn't take long for people to realize that Lucky was extremely friendly and she smiled to let you know she would be your friend. She smiled the most for Troy. She loved Troy. She will be missed. Especially by her pal Abby. Abby is our little Britney Retriever (Britney Spaniel/Golden Retriever). I am going to make a slide show of Lucky but for now, here are a few pictures of our sweet Lucky girl. WE WILL MISS HER!

SMILING LUCKY

HAPPIER TIMES FOR LUCKY

LUCKY AND ABBY

FOR MICHAEL

2009-07-07T16:21:00.003-06:00

Mallory sent me an email that was called smile. It was really cute and it did make me smile. I scrolled down to a quote that is so funny because it is something we tell Michael often to help him with his self confidence. (He needs it sometimes.) So here it is. (Sorry it's a little blurry, it came that way.)

A MAN OF EXAMPLE

2009-07-01T21:47:00.004-06:00

I was reading on Laura's blog and she wrote a wonderful post about life and not taking it for granted. To start living for today. She is related to the Cardall family who recently lost a son/brother. They also have a son Paul who is waiting for a heart transplant. If you want to read a truly inspiring blog, go to his. (I'll list it below) It shows his incredible faith and endurance. There is also a beautiful tribute to his brother Brian. This is the family of Duane Cardall who is a Sr. Executive with KSL. Anyway, I will leave you with this quote that was on Laura's, that was on Paul's. I hope it is okay that I am borrowing it. Anyway, here it is.

"Stop waiting for life to come tomorrow, begin living today. Don’t miss what’s NOW because you are looking for what’s NEXT!" Paul Cardall

Go to LIVINGFOREDEN.COM to learn more about Paul and his battle for a heart transplant. Go to http://mytricuspidatresia.blogspot.com/ for his inspiring words and tributes. You won't regret it.

CRAZY WEATHER & DESTRUCTION

2009-06-26T22:32:00.003-06:00

Okay, let me explain. I was sitting at the computer this evening working on the RS Newsletter and I could hear the wind outside just going nuts. It even scared Kobe. I thought I heard noises of the garbage cans being blown around so no big deal. Then sweet Heather Hardle calls me to tell me that our basketball stand/hoop has blown over and into Mallory's back window. Oh, so that was the loud noise I heard. Not the garbage cans like I thought. So I went outside to check out the scene and yep, the back window had a basketball hoop stuck in it and the window was shattered. Meanwhile, my whole family is away. Cameron is at Scout Camp and Troy and Mallory are in Logan doing the MS Bike ride and Michael took the boat up to Bear Lake. So, I am home alone and thinking what can I do? So, I tried to call our great friends the Rigby's and they weren't home so I called our other dear friends the Schroephers. Justin was more than happy to come down and help me take care of it. He was so incredibly helpful that it made me want to cry. He was just so sweet about it. He pulled the hoop out and we both wondered how Michael's car wasn't even scratched by the ordeal because his car was right next to Mallory's. He didn't even get a scratch. Anyway, I was very worried about Mallory's car getting all wet inside because of the rain, but good ole handy Justin, moved things out of the way in the garage and was able to pull Mallory's car into the garage. Then he proceeded to shop vac the glass out of the back of Mallory's car. He went totally beyond the call of duty. We are so blessed to have such good friends. Ones that I can just make a phone call and know that they would do whatever it took to help me. So, bless you Justin for saving me from this because there was no way I could have physically done what he did. You have earned bonus blessings tonight. I would have taken pictures, but unfortunately, I LOST MY CAMERA IN SOUTH CAROLINA! So, I am little bugged about that. So that was my evening. I hope the rest of you were able to weather the storm without any mishap.

OKAY....HERE ARE THE PICTURES....SHEESH!

2009-06-25T15:56:00.009-06:00

Thanks to my "nagging" daughter I am finally getting around to adding pictures from our trip. But sadly, I lost my camera while in South Carolina so I had to wait for Mallory to get these pictures downloaded. I had some really cute ones on my camera too. Oh well. Sniff, Sniff. I'm too old to remember exactly what pictures I had on there so I guess it's no big loss except for the camera itself. Enjoy these few pictures of Mallory and I in SC. Remember, I was sick and so these aren't the best of me.

Mallory happy to be there!

If you like Boiled Peanuts, this is the
best place in SC to get them!

My sweet Mallory always happy! I look sick and
ready to go to bed.

"Five Guys, Burgers and Fries" Awesome!

Gary and Lorna. Gary showing you his "5"
for Five guys! (He ate paint chips as a child)

This is the famous "Rocket" at the fairgrounds.
If any of us kids ever got lost, we knew to
meet our parents at "The Rocket".

Beautiful Mallory
(on the way to the reception)

Mother & Daughter on the way
to the Reception! It was so hot
and humid!

Whitney (The Bride) and Grandma Mona

My Dad with a family Friend John Keller

Mallory and Grandma Mona

Bride and Maid of Honor
(The both looked so Beautiful) Did I
mention that Mallory caught the bouquet?

Mallory's first time to eat Real Crab!
(She isn't a seafood lover)

I think this was at Bennett's Calabash at Myrtle Beach.
Best known for their Seafood. Mmmm Good!

Does Mallory look a little sunburned?
Too much playing in the ocean.

Lorna and Mallory. We had so much fun
at Myrtle Beach with them.

Giving my Daddy a big hug and kiss before
we leave for the airport. I always hate to
say goodbye to my Daddy. I love him so much!

WE'RE BACK FROM SC

2009-06-12T13:09:00.002-06:00

It was a nice trip but I wish I could say that I really enjoyed it. I was sick the whole time with a cough, runny nose, and sore throat. I swear I just went through this a month or so ago. But it hit me again. I didn't dare get too close to my Dad because I didn't want him to get sick. He isn't feeling very well anyway. But the wedding reception was nice. Myrtle Beach was awesome and the plane ride home sucked! Having to be sick was bad enough but our connecting flight out of Cincinnati was schedule to leave at 8:00 p.m. but was delayed until 11:00. p.m. NOOOO! My body was saying. But we were given 2 $7.00 food vouchers for our inconvenience. We used one of them for cinnamon rolls and were going to get more food later. But did we know that everything was going to close at 8:00? NO! So, we lost out on more food. Oh well, just get me on the airplane and get me home. Then a small bit of good luck. They changed the departure time to 10:00 p.m. instead of 11. Yay! However, before we actually took off it was way after 10:30. We did have an inflight movie. "He's just not that in to you". I haven't seen it before so that was nice. It helped the flight to go by a little faster. Then sweet Michael picked us up at the airport at 1:00 a.m. I couldn't wait to get myself into my own bed to die. (That is how I felt) I am still sick but hopefully this stuff is on it's way out. I really am tired of being sick. Anyway, that's my story. I'll add some pictures later. It's good be home.

SOUTH CAROLINA HERE WE COME!

2009-06-02T15:49:00.002-06:00

Mallory and I are leaving tomorrow for South Carolina to attend my niece's (Whitney) wedding reception. Mallory is her maid of honor so we thought it would be fun to have a Mother/Daughter trip and do this. Can't wait to see my Daddy too. He hasn't been feeling well so I am anxious to see him. Bye ya'll!

HAPPY "23RD" BIRTHDAY MICHAEL!!!

2009-05-28T17:05:00.004-06:00

At 9:35 p.m. tonight it will be exactly 23 years since my sweet Michael was born. It has been 23 years of love, laughter, happiness, frustration, tears, and more laughter. He is a wonderful young man and we are so proud of him. He is going to school and working and still living at home. So, we hope that this birthday is a great one. Who knows where he will be next year. Hmmm....... !

8 lbs 3 oz. 20 1/2"

HAPPY NEW FATHER

HAPPY NEW MOTHER!

HAPPY PARENTS!

WENDY & BABY MICHAEL

NANNIE (MY MOM) AND BABY MICHAEL

BEAR LAKE WORK WEEKEND!

2009-05-25T22:28:00.004-06:00

This Memorial weekend was spent up at our cabin at Bear Lake but it wasn't our traditional playing in the water, boating, etc. weekend. WE WORKED! It has been over 20 years since the place has been painted and it had blinds the same age. It was time to clean, clean, clean and paint, paint, paint. We all were able to get a lot accomplished. I really can't include myself in a lot of the work but I did a lot of the purchasing of items before we left. I consider that work. I'm not very good at painting, but I did what I could as far as cleaning. I'm pretty good at doing dishes. So, I had little small jobs. But my kids and Troy and his sister's and their families worked fiercely to get the place painted. Andrea YOU ROCK! Good thing she had those Rock Stars to keep her going. So, the place looks nice. Actually, everyone really rocked! DeLynne and her kids and inlaws are very hard workers. I was impressed. There is still so much more to do. The work week is continued next week but we aren't able to go because my niece Whitney is getting married. on Saturday. It is going to be an awesome day for her. Well, I am tired so I'll head to bed. I've got more shopping to do for Bear Lake. Blinds and more paint. Does anyone know the best place to buy good but inexpensive blinds? I'd appreciate any leads for that. I hope everyone had a great Memorial Weekend. I can't believe that June is right around the corner. CRAZY! Hey, I'll post pictures of our improvement sometime in the near future.

REMEMBERING JENNIFER

2009-05-08T16:53:00.004-06:00

Today is the anniversary of my younger sister's death. I just wanted to pay tribute to her and not dwell on the fact that she died. I want to pay tribute to the fact that she lived. She was an amazing woman. She had 4 beautiful children who were her life. They were her heart. She was an awesome mother and her only regret was that she wouldn't be here on earth to watch her kids grow up. She was a loving sister. She was proud of the fact that she was the baby of the family and that she was somewhat spoiled. I can attest to that because growing up I spoiled her. I love her and I miss her but I know that she is with our mother and I know that she is happy and I know that she is also able to watch over her children and I know that she must be very proud of them. They are such beautiful children.

Joseph (19) Serving mission in Kentucky

Mellissa (17) Going to school and such a
beautiful young woman.

Stephen (15) so handsome with a cute,
happy personality

Crystal (12) Jennifer's "Baby". So adorable
and growing up too fast

FLASHBACK FRIDAY - Dec. 1st 1982

2009-05-01T13:10:00.001-06:00

Troy left for the MTC/ mission on August 26,1982. (Headed to Rio de Janiero, Brazil) He was suppose to spend 2 months in the MTC to learn Portuguese. However, there were Visa problems and he was there for many weeks longer than he was suppose to be. At this time, I was going to school at Ricks College and so if his Visa came, he would be leaving the following day. The chances of me making it to the airport to see him off weren't looking good. Then Troy got his visa and I was frantic to try and find a way to SLC (in a snowstorm) to say goodbye. Well, as luck would have it, Troy's companion had a girlfriend at Ricks also and so I was able to hitch a ride with her and the companions family. I made it to SLC at 3:00 a.m. and then I was able to say goodbye to my sweetie. And yes, even though it was against the rules, he did kiss me goodbye. (He thought of it as a camel getting his last fill of water before going out into the desert). It was AWESOME! You can tell that we were both a little sad.

BOY'S ANNUAL TRIP TO THE GREEN RIVER

2009-04-27T22:28:00.004-06:00

This past weekend was the annual fishing trip to the Green River. This trip is like Christmas according to Justin Schroepher. He is a maniac when it comes to fishing and this is one of the highlights of his life. Sad, it kinda makes you want to say, "Justin, GET A LIFE!". Just kidding. We love Justin. From what the boys have told me they had a great time. Randy Allen came up on Friday to fish with them. I thought the weather might bring them home a little early, but NO! Nothing will keep them from this fishing trip. However, I felt a little jipped. Usually this is a vacation for me as well. Usually all of my kids go. Cameron was not able to go because of his ummm (grades). Mallory had to do a Bridal Shower for her niece so she didn't go. So, it was just Troy and Michael. So, my annual time off from being a Mom was sadly interruppted. I usually LOVE this particular weekend every year. All I have to say is that next year I better have the house to myself! I NEED that time to myself. I did manage to have a girls night out with some friends and we went to Asian Star for dinner. It was awesome and fun to get away with some great friends. Here are a few pictures from their trip.

TROY DOING SOMETHING, I DON'T KNOW WHAT.

TROY CAUGHT ONE AND THEY BOTH
SMILED FOR THE PICTURE.

THIS IS A CLOSE UP OF RANDY ALLEN'S CATCH

RANDY ALLEN WITH ANOTHER VIEW OF HIS CATCH

MICHAEL WITH HIS CATCH!

JUSTIN WITH ONE OF HIS CATCH

JUSTIN WITH ANOTHER ONE OR THE SAME ONE
(DON'T KNOW, DON'T CARE) JK
WE LOVE YOU JUSTIN!

JUSTIN WAS LIKE THE ENERGIZER BUNNY.
NOTHING COULD STOP HIM FROM FISHING.
HE WOULDN'T STOP FOR SNOW, RAIN, LUNCH, DINNER,
AND MAYBE EVEN THE BATHROOM. WHO KNOWS?

RANDY ALLEN FREEZING WITH ANOTHER CATCH

RECIPE

2009-04-26T17:48:00.002-06:00

Yesterday Mallory and I had a bridal shower for my niece Whitney who is getting married at the end of May. Anyway, I made a yummy dessert for it and a lot of people wanted the recipe so I decided to post it on here for them and anyone else who might want to try it. Anyway, here it is and it is really easy to make.

FROZEN STRAWBERRY DESSERT

CRUST: (Heat oven to 350)
1 1/2 C. Flour
1 Cube Butter + 2 T (soft)
1/4 C. Brown Sugar
1/2 C. Chopped Walnuts

Blend it all together and then place into a 9x13 pan. Bake for 15 mins. and stir it around every 5 mins. (Reserve a little of the crust to sprinkle on top)

FILLING:
1 Pkg frozen strawberries (thawed)
1 C. Sugar
2 T Lemon Juice
2 Egg Whites
1/2 Pint Whipping Cream (w/ 2 T sugar to sweeten)

Combine first 4 ingredients & beat on high speed until stiff. (Usually takes about 10 mins)
Whip the cream & fold into filling. Pour and spread over cooled crust. Sprinkle the reserved topping. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight. Enjoy!

IT IS SO YUMMY!

HURRAY FOR CLEANING LADIES DAY!

2009-04-23T12:30:00.002-06:00

I know that I have mentioned this before, but the last couple of weeks have been extremely hard on me. I have (stupidly) fallen down. First I kind of slid down the stairs on my bum and really messed up my back (not to mention the tailbone) then I fell during the night and hit my head really hard on my night stand. So as you can imagine, the last thing I feel like doing is cleaning my house. I love these ladies and they do such a great job. So, they help me to feel a little better because I know I don't have to clean. They get all the deep cleaning done for me. Now, I wish I could find someone to do my laundry.

THE CARPET IS IN!!!!

2009-04-17T14:02:00.005-06:00

Finally, Kobe can relax and go back to his spot on the couch and keep watch out the window to make sure we are safe. (Mostly he just finds a comfy spot and sleeps) Anyway, here are the pictures of the carpet installed. I hope I don't seem a little "OCD" over the basement but it has been a long 5 months getting to this point.

The carpet looks a little weird from this angle.

The walls need to be washed

BUSY, BUSY, IN THE BASEMENT

2009-04-17T13:09:00.005-06:00

Let me just tell you that this has NOT been a fun project. Especially for Troy. He has been taking off work early every day so that we could make the deadline (today) for the carpet installation. He didn't get to bed last night until around 1:00 a.m. He is sore and very tired. But thanks to Michael and Mallory for their help in painting, and Cameron for helping with puttying and sanding the nail holes, and then I contributed some. (I painted all the door trim) I just want some credit. Anyway, it was a big project and we were even able to find a minute and take some pictures. But Hurray for today being carpet day!!!!! I'll add a pic as soon as it is done. By the way, Kobe is going nuts because we have "Strangers" in the house and I have to keep him locked up behind a gate or outside to keep him away from the installers. It's funny. Enjoy the pictures of our work in progress. (Camera didn't like the lighting in some pics. Sorry)

Putting up the trim

Troy and Michael had to hang 3 doors

YAY IT'S PROGRESS!

MICHAEL THINKING OF DRILLING
A HOLE IN HIS NECK.... (?)

I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS UP WITH MY
CAMERA BUT IT DOESN'T LIKE THE LIGHTS

CAN THIS ROOM SERIOUSLY BE DONE
BY MORNING FOR CARPET?

ANOTHER VIEW OF TRIM

OUR LITTLE CABINETS AND FRIDGE
(WE STILL NEED TO ADD THE TOP)

ME AND MY GOOFY KIDS

JUST FEEL THE LOVE......

INSTALL DAY... THIS IS THE PADDING

THIS IS KOBE GOING NUTS OVER THE "STRANGERS"

BEHIND THE NAME

2009-04-08T23:06:00.002-06:00

Have you ever wondered what your name meant? Well, last year Cameron had to do some research on his name and what it meant and what country it came from. So, with the use of the Google Search we found this website. However, Cameron was extremely upset to find out what his name meant. We all had a good laugh over it but he didn't think it was so funny. His name is from Scottish descent and it means "Crooked Nose". I know it is so sad for Cameron but we thought it was hysterical. Cameron did end up laughing over it. We told him he didn't need to worry because he doesn't have a crooked nose. The website is www.behindthename.com When you get the chance, go and see what your name means. While I'm at it, I'll tell you what mine means. It is an English name here is the meaning:

"Probably first used in J. M. Barrie's play 'Peter Pan' (1904). It was from the nickname fwendy "friend", given to the author by a young friend. However, there is some evidence that the name may have been used prior to the play, in which case it could be related to the Welsh name GWENDOLEN and other names beginning with the element gwen meaning "white, fair, blessed".

I'm okay with it. We all know it could definitely be worse. (Crooked Nose) :(

BASEMENT BLUES (or reds in our case)

2009-04-06T21:18:00.008-06:00

As a lot of you know, we had a flood in our basement on Thanksgiving evening. So, we have been renovating ever since. We are finally getting towards the end of the tunnel and we might actually be done in a couple of weeks. It has been a lot of work for Troy. He has really worked hard. The kids have helped and that has been nice. I have a few patches on the walls where I painted and can take some credit but I must sadly admit I haven't done much down there. Truthfully, there isn't much I can do. The other night I did manage to slide on my butt all the way down the stairs, (and no it wasn't on purpose). I was so dang sore the next day I could hardly walk. Needless to say, my bum was REALLY sore! It was even sore on my numb side. (Not Fair). So here are a few pictures of the basements transformation over the past few weeks. I'll add more as we do more to it. We are shooting to have it done for the Jazz Playoffs but who knows if we'll make it.

AFTER THE FLOOD (reminder pics)

NEW SHEETROCK ON CEILING
THIS IS THE HARD AND HATED PART

MORE MUDDING AND SANDING

THIS IS THE PRIMER COAT

NOW COMES THE RED (THEATER RED)

MICHAEL WAS ANXIOUS TO GET STARTED
HE STARTED PAINTING BEFORE TROY

MICHAEL PAINTS THE TOP
AND MALLORY PAINTS THE BOTTOM
HAVING SO MUCH FUN PAINTING
WHILE LISTENING TO CONFERENCE.

MICHAEL PAINTS A "W" BECAUSE HE
LOVES HIS MOMMY (WENDY)

TROY IS A PERFECTIONIST AND HE WASN'T
HAPPY WITH THE AREA ABOVE THE WINDOW.
IT NEEDED MORE MUD AND SANDING.

WAHOO! PROGRESS!
(The red is a lot darker than it appears in the pic)
I LOVE IT!

JUST KIDDING - LAS VEGAS TRIP

2009-04-05T22:19:00.010-06:00

We really did have a good time in Las Vegas. Troy and I drove down on Wednesday and the kids drove to St. George on Thursday and then to Vegas on Friday. Sadly Michael had car trouble when he was about 30 miles away from Vegas. It was a terrible. He could only go 65 MPH instead of 80. Mallory said she has never seen Michael so mad. But they did make it to Vegas safely just a little slower. ha ha I turned out to be a sensor needed to be replaced and he didn't get that fixed until we went back to St. George. (Yes, he could only go 65 mph) Troy had a few meetings he went to and then he, Michael and Cameron went golfing on Friday. Meanwhile, Mallory and I went to lunch and did some shopping. We even managed to get lost (sort of) even though we had a GPS. Yes, leave it to me to get lost in Vegas with a GPS. Mallory went to her first Swap Meet and it was fun. We found some good stuff there. Here are a few pictures from our trip.

JUST CHILLIN

CAMERON'S IMPRESSION OF "ZOOLANDER"

MALLORY CAN'T BELIEVE WE ARE LOST IN VEGAS

MOTHER/DAUGHTER DAY

MALLORY'S GOOFY PHOTO OPS

T-BONES AT RED ROCK CASINO

IT'S SUPPOSE TO BE A "FAMILY FRIENDLY"
RESTAURANT BUT NOT FINE DINING.

WELL, WE WERE SHOCKED TO FIND OUT THAT THE
PRICES WERE COMPARATIVE TO FLEMINGS OR
RUTH'S CHRIS. WE WILL NEVER ASK THE
CONCIERGE TO SUGGEST A RESTAURANT AGAIN.
(Troy is about to look at the check)

OUR TRIP TO LAS VEGAS

2009-03-30T18:57:00.002-06:00

You know what they say, "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas".... Sorry! :)

TWILIGHT DVD

2009-03-22T13:45:00.004-06:00

Laura is such a good friend she bought me a copy of the DVD yesterday when she went and bought hers. So, since we didn't have church today, Troy made a nice breakfast and then Mallory and I watched Twilight. The boys wanted NOTHING to do with it. But we liked it. We laughed at a few scenes we thought were cheesy but that's okay. It was fun.

FLASHBACK FRIDAY - August 1982

2009-03-20T13:04:00.006-06:00

Okay, first of all....NO LAUGHING!!!! Okay you can laugh but make it a chuckle. These pictures were at Troy's Farewell party at his neighbors house. I know Troy looks 12 but I promise he was 19 and believe it or not I was 17. Crazy! Enjoy these sweet memories.

TROY'S LAST CHANCE TO GE RID OF ME

JUST KIDDING HE REALLY DOES LOVE ME!
(Notice the Farrah Fawcett Hair Style?)

WE ARE GOING TO MISS EACH OTHER!
(Tender, Sweet, Awwwe)

Free Blog Backgrounds

2009-03-16T22:41:00.002-06:00

Here is a new site for free backgrounds. I got mine off this new site. On her blog she just asked that if anyone uses her backgrounds to please spread the word and she would keep them coming. She really has a lot of cute ones. I hope you check them out. http://shelsscraps.blogspot.com/

FLASHBACK FRIDAY - Feb 1995

2009-03-13T16:20:00.006-06:00

If I remember right, this picture was a real pain in the butt because of dear sweet Cameron. The photographer was trying to so hard to get Cameron to smile and he just wouldn't do it. Cameron was in a very grumpy mood. Notice the toy in Cameron's hands, it was a last second bribe to make him behave and he had to take it quick because the moment didn't last long. Wow, I'm glad those days are behind me.

Mallory (61/2) Cameron (1) Michael (almost 9)

I'VE GOT A PROBLEM.......

2009-03-11T23:13:00.002-06:00

First of all I know many of you are thinking that I have more than one problem, but at the moment, I have a small problem and some might think it is just a stupid problem. So, here it is. I am suffering from Blog Background Hysteria. I keep checking back to "Cutest Blog" to see what the latest is and I just can't seem to pick one that just fits. So, this one I have now is just temporary until I find "The One" to make me happy. I want to find a cute Spring one but I'm not having much luck. So, that is my dilemma for tonight. I'm sure I will have more tomorrow. I saw that I could design my own so I might try that if I get the courage and the know how. We'll see. So sorry kids if this embarrasses you but I am what I am. Nuts!

DRAPER TEMPLE OPEN HOUSE

2009-03-11T19:41:00.002-06:00

We finally went to the Draper Temple Open House. It was so awesome! We took Mallory and Cameron with us. (Michael had too much homework, whatever.) Cameron and Troy had already been through before so as Cameron was pushing me in the wheelchair and he was pointing out some interesting facts about the woodwork and the chandeliers and the font among other things. I was so impressed that he really paid so much attention the first time he went. But overall going to the open house was a great experience. It is a beautiful temple and I couldn't help but wonder if my kids would choose to get married in that Temple or the Traditional Salt Lake Temple. I also can't believe that I am old enough to have children who are old enough to get married. Where did the time go? Going through the temple today was another reminder of how much I love the gospel. To know that without these temples, we couldn't be with our families forever. I can't imagine not having my husband and children with me forever. So, I hope you all get a chance to go to the Draper Temple Open House.

My Sisters

2009-03-08T11:58:00.003-06:00

As a lot of you know, I have been trying to teach myself Photoshop Elements. (I am ready to go buy the book "Photoshop for Dummies". Anyway, I stayed up late last night trying to do this layout in dedication to my sisters whom I love dearly. Sadly, 3 of my sisters couldn't be in this particular picture because this was when we were in South Carolina. So, here you go and I will be happy to take any constructive criticism. I am getting cheat sheets from Laura and lessons from Cookie. (Which I am desperately in need of more). So, I am going to "Toot myself on the back" (personal story regarding Lorna) and enjoy what I have done. Hopefully it won't take me an entire day and night to do another one.

COLLAGE OF FAMILY PICTURES

2009-02-27T18:35:00.004-07:00

Last month I put together this collage of family pictures to put in a picture frame that Alan Monson and Samantha Sharp gave me for Christmas. I love it. It says the word "Cherish" at the bottom of it. So, here is a small version of the collage. I made one in Color and then one in Black and White. They are a little different.

FLASHBACK FRIDAY - Summer 2004

2009-02-27T11:46:00.003-07:00

I thought these pictures were so cute of Cameron and Mallory. I'm not sure where Michael was during this "Kodak Moment" but anyway, enjoy these adorable pictures. (They are so cute when they are young, however, THEY DO GROW UP!!!!) jk :)

CAMERON AND ABBY

MALLORY AND ABBY

MALLORY'S 14TH BIRTHDAY

FLASHBACK FRIDAY - South Carolina 2004

2009-02-20T22:57:00.004-07:00

We took the family to South Carolina for the first time back in 2004. We had a great time and I think it was a memorable trip for the kids. Can't wait to take them back again.

Valentines Day for the Hanson's

2009-02-16T10:47:00.004-07:00

Okay, you know you're old when you quit celebrating Valentines Day. According to Troy (the most romantic man on the planet) Valentines Day is just a day for Hallmark to make a little more money. Which is probably true. However, Friday night we did go to dinner with the Smith's at Texas Roadhouse. We brought Mallory and Cameron with us and the Smith's brought their adorable Beck. So, I can't say that we didn't have a pre-Valentines Day date. But the extent of our Valentines Day was like this: I went to a movie with my sister's and niece at noon (Confessions of a Shopaholic), while Troy worked on the basement with Michael. Then for dinner we ordered Chinese food with the kids, then Troy and I went to the Rigby's and played games. Is that not the most romantic of Valentines Days? We quit giving gifts and cards a long time ago. So, thanks Rigby's for being the highlight of our Valentines day, playing Five Crowns and eating cheesecake.

SOUTH CAROLINA WITH MY SISTERS

2009-02-12T00:26:00.003-07:00

THE SOUTH WILL NEVER BE THE SAME!

2009-02-11T16:56:00.005-07:00

It's true! The south will never be the same. After spending 10 days in South Carolina, I had the most amazing time. My sisters, Annette, Lorna, and I went to South Carolina on January 27th for our Dad's 86th Birthday (on the 28th). My Dad is so cute and sweet and it was wonderful to spend his birthday with him. We also spent a few days at Myrtle Beach and that was "crazy" fun too. Here are a few pictures from Dad's birthday. I will make a slide show of the rest of the pictures that aren't too embarrassing.

My Cute Daddy

Me and My Daddy

Daddy and Lorna

Daddy and Annette

Dad and his Birthday Cake

FLASHBACK FRIDAY - April 2005

2009-01-16T17:55:00.004-07:00

In April 2005 we went to Hawaii for a Bintz Business trip. So we decided to take the kids. Unfortunately Michael was on his mission at the time. So this is a touchy subject for him. Sorry Michael. We had so much fun. Here are a few pictures from our time on Maui and Oahu.

Twilight / New Moon News

2009-01-13T11:48:00.007-07:00

For those who care, I was surfing the internet last night trying to see if there was a trailer for the Movie "New Moon". I was totally confused because there were about 60 of them. Most of them are all "Fan Made" and they are DUMB! I don't think there is an official trailer yet. There has also been some gossip about who will playing the part of "Jacob". On Stephanie Meyer's website, they confirmed that it would be "Taylor Lautner", who played "Jacob" in Twilight. They say he is trying to work out and bulk up so he is a more convincing "Jacob". He is a cutie!The movie won't be out until November 2009 (I think). Meanwhile, the movie Twilight will be out on DVD on March 21st. Wahoo! I know it was a little cheesy in parts but it is still a sweet love story. Maybe they will use a little less glitter on Edward when he sparkles in the Sunlight. I also didn't realize that "Carlisle" is married to Jenny Garth. Thank you Angie Schroepher for that bit of trivia.
I knew he looked familiar. Anyway, that is all the news I have about Twilight and New Moon. So if anyone has anything to add, please do so.

FLASHBACK FRIDAY - May 2003

2009-01-09T21:06:00.003-07:00

We took a family trip to Island Park and Yellowstone because we had free use of a condo in Island Park. It was a little cold to be there and it wasn't quite tourist season yet. So a lot of places were closed. But we had a great time. This is a picture of the kids enjoying the big buffalo. Of course I made them get out of the car and pose. (How did I know that someday I would want to blog these pictures?) This is also the time when Michael was flirting with a waitress at this hole in the wall restaurant. He nonchalantly put his arm out over a chair (trying to look really cool) and acting very suave asked, "Do you, um, have free refills?" She just looked at him as if her were crazy but she did smile..... We laughed and laughed and we have given him such a hard time about that. Feel free to tease him anytime. He loves it! He will probably kill me though. Check the obits for my name. :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

2009-01-01T22:40:00.002-07:00

I hope that everyone had a great 2008 and that 2009 will be even better. I am not going to make resolutions though. I've learned from the past that it doesn't do me any good. So good luck to all of you who have set goals and I hope that you will be successful. Now, If I were to make 5 year resolutions that would be easier. To see Michael and Mallory graduate from college. See Cameron graduate from high school and go on a mission. Maybe have Michael and Mallory married and working on making me a Grandma. ( I am going to be the best Grandma someday.) I guess those aren't exactly personal goals but my goals for my family. I should add that I hope that Troy and I will have good health to enjoy these future events.

FLASHBACK FRIDAY - On Tuesday

2008-12-23T21:13:00.003-07:00

I have been really bad about doing my Flashbacks the last few weeks. So here is one that I think is adorable. This is on Christmas Eve 1998. Cameron was 4 (almost 5), Mallory was 10 and Michael was 12 1/2. I can't believe how much time has gone by. This was 10 years ago exactly. Enjoy your kids because they grow up so fast. Merry Christmas Everyone!

10 MORE DAYS! OH NO!

2008-12-15T16:40:00.003-07:00

Okay, I am officially going to freak out because I have only made a dent in my Christmas shopping. And that shopping was done by my sweet, wonderful, and most loving daughter Mallory. She has taken pity on me. I don't know what I would do without her. Troy and I made a list last night but the list isn't going pop off the page and go do the shopping for me. Troy is going to have to deal with it and take me in my handy dandy wheelchair and see what we can get done. If it weren't for my darn legs, I could do so much more. Oh well, I do what I can. I hope that everyone else is farther along in their shopping than me. One of these years I am going to be done before Thanksgiving. (like some people I know, Laura).

Happy shopping and wrapping and everything else you need to do.

FAMILY CHRISTMAS PARTY

2008-12-09T22:20:00.005-07:00

We had a family Christmas party with Troy's family and all the Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, etc. And there was a very special visitor that came to the party. Yep, it was Santa. Look closely and Santa might look a little familiar. Sadly, Santa's Aunt told him that he might not need much stuffing for his suit. Sad..... but he just laughed, (ho ho ho). Enjoy these few pictures of Santa and the kids. (Michael didn't go because he had a Basketball game) Mallory was Santa's helper for the evening and did such a good job.

Isn't he cute?

Cameron just loves Santa!
You are never too old sit on Santa's lap.
Cameron led the whole group in "We Wish You A Merry Christmas"
before Santa left . . . Santa loves Christmas carols.

My Impression of Twilight

2008-12-03T12:54:00.002-07:00

Okay, I really liked it. It had a few scenes that were a little weird but overall I liked it. I am going to see it again tomorrow with my friend Angie. I heard that it is even better the 2nd time. I went with some friends to see it because my dear, sweet husband would NOT go with me. He had no desire to see it. I even told him that I would go see 007 with him if went with me. But that didn't work. It is better to go with friends anyway. Troy would have laughed or slept through the whole thing. He isn't the "romantic" type but I love him anyway. We did go and see 4 Christmas's on Saturday and that was cute. So, there you have it. Whether you care or not, that is my opinion of the movie "Twilight". Now I can't wait for the next one..... :)

HITLER'S REACTION TO BYU LOSS

2008-11-29T18:43:00.002-07:00

Sorry to all of our BYU fan friends out there but this was just too good not to post. I stole if off of my niece's blog. Her husband is a die-hard BYU fan. Way to go Jeila!

WHAT A DISASTER!

2008-11-29T00:06:00.005-07:00

We hope that everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. We had a great Thanksgiving and as always we all ate too much and we were all ready to go to bed at 8:00. Last night (Thanksgiving night) we went to visit Troy's parents and wish them a Happy Thanksgiving and take them some pie and some "Pretzel Jello" (which is Claudia's favorite) and we were gone for about an hour or maybe an 1 1/2 hours. Can't remember. But anyway, when we came home we heard a shower of water in the basement. Cameron ran downstairs and there was a huge leak of water (about 4 feet long) just gushing from our the basement ceiling. The only thing it could have been from was the dishwasher. We had just put a load in before we left for the in-laws. The basement floor was flooded, the ping pong table was starting to warp, the couch was soaked and the ceiling looked close to falling down. Actually it did fall down during the night. So, we had disaster clean up come over this morning and do what they could. We have fans running downstairs to help to prevent mold and our insurance adjuster won't be able to come until Monday. So, we had quite an evening. I am including a few pictures of our cute little "disaster" of the basement. (It could have been worse if we had stayed away longer. (Why do these things always happen when nobody's home?) But since it is Thanksgiving, I know that we need to be grateful that it wasn't worse. We really do have a lot to be thankful for. The timing for this isn't the greatest but at least we are all healthy and doing well.

FLASHBACK FRIDAY - NOVEMBER 1997

2008-11-21T12:35:00.008-07:00

Michael and Mallory were taking piano lessons from Delores Petterson and she was having her piano recital at the church in the Relief Society Room. I wonder if that is the same piano. (Probably) Anyway, that was 11 years ago and I look much younger but Troy looks about the same. What is up with that? (Check out the "Bowl" hair cuts on the boys)

I dont' know where Michael was for this Photo Op

Michael wasn't happy with me for making him take
piano lessons but he did a good job anyway.
Needless to say, he quit a few months later.

Mallory actually liked piano lessons and she took
from Delores until she retired and went to work
full time. Then later Mallory took lessons again
from Angie Cassity.

Cameron was extremely bored at this recital
and couldn't wait for it to be OVER!!!
Needless to say, he never had the desire to
take piano lessons EVER!!! I wonder why?

And now sadly, and after all the money we put into piano lessons, not one of the kids can play exceptionally well. Michael can play a few songs he learned on his mission and Mallory can play the songs that she memorized from her recitals. So tell me, where did we go wrong? Never mind, I really don't want to know where we went wrong. Sad Face :(

Flashback Friday

2008-11-14T16:41:00.003-07:00

Okay, I know that Halloween is past, but I came across these pictures and I just had to post them. We all could use a good laugh right?

Don't Ask.... 1987 (Sorry Troy)

Pebbles & Bam Bam 1988

Halloween Pictures (A little late)

2008-11-09T21:22:00.008-07:00

Halloween this was eventful. Troy and I made our traditional Spudnuts and they turned out awesome. I'm sorry if any of you didn't get any. They go fast. (Really, Really fast!). The pictures below are of our family and some friends who stopped by in their fabulous costumes. I had to share them. After this blog, I can start worrying about Thanksgiving stuff and then before you know it, we will be worrying about Christmas stuff. Did you know that there is a radio station that is already playing Christmas music? Come on people! What is up with that?

Michael and Troy making the Spudnuts!
(Michael didn't last long, he had places to go!)

Scott & Laura Smith and Alivin the Chipmunk

BJ and Zane (Bob Marley)

Two Polygamist Sisters looking for a man!
(Angie Schroepfer & Holly Keiler)

Cameron as a 1980's Basket Ball Player

Mallory is a "Little Devil"
(far stretch from her real personality, JK)

Michael imitating his boss at work
(Sorry Brad, he really does love you!)

Flashback Friday - 1987

2008-11-07T18:21:00.003-07:00

This is a picture of me, my mom and little Michael. My parents were living in Boise, Idaho at the time and we went up to visit them for a weekend. I love these pictures of my mom with my kids because Michael was 2 1/2 when she died and Mallory was only 3 months old. So she didn't have much time with them. She really loved all of her children and grandchildren.

WAY TO GO "UTES"!!!

2008-11-06T22:28:00.002-07:00

We had some friends over tonight to watch the game and eat hot dogs and other goodies. I was late getting home, (got hair done) and so Troy ate my hot dog. When I had him go out to cook me one, he came back in with a sheepish, uh oh, look on his face. He left the package of hot dogs outside by the BBQ and our cute little dogs Abby and Lucky ate the rest of them. (about 6 or 7). I was a little disappointed because I am a very picky hot dog eater. I only like certain kinds of hot dogs because honestly I don't know what is in them. Anyway, Mallory was at the store so we had her bring some home. They weren't even close to being the same thing. Poor me..... Anyway, the game was awesome and the "Utes" won! With all the screaming and yelling at the TV, they better have won. It's amazing to me that the men keep yelling at the tv knowing that the little people inside the tv really can't hear them. What is up with that? Someday, I hope that this will be explained. Michael was lucky enough to get a ticket to go to the game from a friend. He had a great time and of course he was wearing "Black Out" black.

EXPERIMENTAL LAYOUT

2008-11-05T23:43:00.003-07:00

Okay, as I mentioned before I am trying to learn Photo Elements so that I can make my own digital scrapbooks. So, this is a page that I made without much help. I think it turned out pretty good. So, this is why I haven't been blogging much...I am trying to teach myself photo elements. I know some of the basics thanks to Laura and my sister, but there is SO much to learn. But I am enjoying the process. I am just impatient and want to know everything NOW!

HALLOWEEN Flashback Friday

2008-10-31T16:24:00.005-06:00

Okay this is a real flashback for Troy and I. It was our first Halloween married way back in 1984. These masks use to scare my nieces and nephews. It was awesome! I already know without you saying it, it is a glimpse into our future....... sad. :( HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYBODY!

Old Man Troy 1984

Old Lady Wendy 1984

Ninja Michael, Princess Mallory, and Bumble Bee Cameron 1994

Isn't Cameron adorable?

Beautiful Princess Mallory
Scary Ninja Michael
Scary Pirate Michael and The Bride Mallory 1995

Enjoy your kids now because they grow up so fast. Halloween was so fun for them and when they got home from Trick or Treating, we always had to check their candy (and take out our favorites) and then the kids would eat a little bit and never look at their bag again. So many times I found their halloween candy bags still full in the Spring the next year hidden in their closet or a drawer. What a waste!

I'VE BEEN DISTRACTED

2008-10-27T10:36:00.003-06:00

I need to apologize for neglecting my blog lately. I have a new hobby/challenge. I am learning how to use Photoshop Elements. Trust me people, it takes a lot of brain cells to get this all figured out. So, after the help from Laura Smith and my sister, I am hoping to come up with some really cute scrapbook pages. (If only they had this program 20 years ago when I had a younger, fresher brain). I will post some of the pages I get done. This is the page I made at Laura's house. It turned out kind of cute for my first one. (I misspelled Troy) In my defense, I was using a laptop. It's cute anyway..... isn't it?

MY BIRTHDAY DINNER

2008-10-19T22:20:00.004-06:00

We went to Asian Star for my birthday and it was soooo good. If you haven't been there, you must try it. It is awesome Chinese food. I had a great birthday even though my children gave me grief about being 44. Yes, they reminded that I am halfway to 88 and halfway from 22. They are such darling, wonderful, and precious children. (Is it too late for me to take them to a hospital and drop them off, no questions asked?) Just wondering.... Enjoy the pics.

I don't think Troy knows how to have a real smile when there is a camera near. I guess the photographer needs to quit telling him to say "MONKEY" and with his hearing loss, he thinks he is suppose to look like one..... (ha ha)

Picture of young Joseph Smith from Mallory and Michael.
Cameron gave me charms for my charm bracelet but I didn't
get a picture of it. Sorry Cam. Troy gave me Photo Elements and
we didn't get a pic of that either..Sorry Troy. Love you!

Complimentary Birthday Cheesecake....Cameron ate most of it.
Look at the way he is looking at it.

Group shot taken by our waitress... Good Times with the Family and Friends.

Yearbook Pics

2008-10-13T22:18:00.010-06:00

I came across this website off of my nephews facebook and I thought it was hilarious so of course I had to try it. You will get a laugh out of these. Michael, Mallory and Cameron might not appreciate it though but I do. Enjoy!

"BIFF"

"PEGGY SUE"

"SPORT"

FLASHBACK FRIDAY - FEB. 7, 1999

2008-10-10T12:58:00.003-06:00

This was Cameron's birthday Party at Jungle Jim's. He turned 5 and he had an awesome party. You will probably recognize Zac Rigby in the yellow shirt, Cameron is in the middle and Mallory is next to Cameron.

Zac, Cameron, Mal, Becky Shumway. Across the table is Cassie Croall and Preston Akagi (Cam's cousin)

Zac and Cameron

Mallory and Becky

New England 2008

2008-10-08T18:43:00.002-06:00

We were so blessed to be able to take Michael back to New England where he served his mission. It was a beautiful time of year to go. However, we were about a week or two early for the real vibrant fall colors. But it was still nice to be there and see where Michael spent 2 years of his life. We took one of his friends (who served with him in Rutland, VT) Alan Monson and he was awesome. He and Michael kept Troy and I laughing most of the time. However, being in a car most of the time with 3 men was NOT a good thing. (use your imagination). The trip was too fast but it was good for Michael to show us the places he served and meet some of the people he baptized and some of the members who took good care of him. It was evident to me that Michael was very loved on his mission. It was also awesome to see where Joseph Smith was born and spent his early years. This is a trip that will stay in our memories forever.

WHAT ABOUT ME!

2008-10-07T14:09:00.003-06:00

I am...a wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend.
I Want....to take my family on a long and relaxing vacation
I Have....the greatest family and friends in the world!
I Wish...I could keep my house clean.
I Hate...when I can't keep my house clean
I Fear...a crazy ex- brother-n-law (who should be in jail) breaking into my house.
I Hear....myself saying "O0eee, Ooeee, Ooee" every time I walk or stand up.
I Search... for ways to tell them I love them
I Always... love being with my family...
I Usually... try to be a better mother than I am...
I Am Not… as good a cook as I use to be...
I Dance... NEVER! Have you seen me lately?
I like to Sing...whenever I play Karaoke Revolution.
I Never... forget to tell my kids I love them.
I Rarely...cook anymore because no one is ever home to eat it and I get harassed when I do.
I Cry...silently...when I don't feel good.
I am Not Always...a grumpy mom
I Lose.. a few more brain cells every day.
I'm Confused...whenever Michael and Alan Monson are together.
I Need... a house cleaner
I Should...go to the temple more often
I Dream...of being able to run with Mallory some day.

TAG: Lorna, Annette, Lynnie, Kaye!

WE'RE BACK!

2008-10-07T13:29:00.003-06:00

We are back from our fabulous (too fast) trip to New England. We got home last night around 10:15 p.m. We left our hotel in Rutland, Vermont at about 9:15 in the morning (7:15 Utah Time). We took a few pictures and had to go and get a "Grinder" (sandwich) from Gill's Grinder's before we could leave the state of Vermont. The boys said they were wonderful. We actually saved our sandwiches to eat during our layover in Chicago. Anyway, after an eventful morning in Rutland, we drove the 2 hours back to the Manchester, Airport and barely made it in time. Our flight left at 1:30. Troy was naturally STRESSED OUT which made me STRESSED OUT! But when we were on the plane we were fine. Now unfortunately, Michael took the camera downstairs last night and left it. I don't have the strength to go down stairs and get it. So, I am going to post some pictures later. (After Cameron gets home so can bring me the camera. I know that is so ultra lazy of me, but I can honestly say that this trip ZAPPED ME! I have NO strength but the strength it takes for me to go back to bed. So, stay tunes for some really awesome pictures. The leaves were changing but they weren't at the prettiest. We were about a week or two early for the beautiful reds and oranges that I wanted. Oh well. So, I'll be back..... (By the way, the Grinder sandwiches were AWESOME!)

Annual Hunting "Camping" Trip 2008

2008-09-29T22:46:00.005-06:00

The family went on their annual hunting "Camping" trip and I was left home all alone. :) This is one of my favorite times of the year because I get the whole house to myself for a few days. But I know that Troy and the kids always have a good time. I'm always relieved that they don't ever actually shoot anything. And by looking at the pictures, they had more fun fishing. I guess they had a lot of success with the fish. Michael and Mallory came home early because they have school tomorrow. Troy and Cameron will be home sometime tomorrow (Tuesday). I did miss them and it will be nice to have them home again. I am just not looking forward to the laundry mess they will leave me. Oh well, it was nice while it lasted. Enjoy the pics of my crazy family.

FLASHBACK FRIDAY - July 1982

2008-09-26T14:11:00.004-06:00

This is a picture of me and Troy when we were dating before his mission. Young, carefree, not a worry in the world. Wow...look at us now! Troy was barely 19 and I was 17.

Little "BIG" League

2008-09-23T16:10:00.003-06:00

We missed having our team captain, Kyle Rigby, for the last game which really wasn't a game because the other team forfeited. So this gives us 2 wins and 6 losses... but who's counting. Justin Schroepfer also added a little drama at this "game" and dislocated his finger. We are just glad it wasn't broken.

WORTH A GIGGLE OR TWO .....

2008-09-21T16:57:00.005-06:00

I found this picture on a friends blog and I thought it was hilarious. Who knows, it could be a fake, but if not, the poor guy probably got picked on all his life. My friend wondered if his name was an indicator of how he died....sad.

FLASHBACK FRIDAY

2008-09-19T12:18:00.005-06:00

In June of 2003 we took a trip up to Montana with the Shumways and the Rigby's. It was so much fun. Here are a few pictures from that trip.

MICHAEL, MALLORY AND CAMERON
WHILE DRIVING UP GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

MALLORY AND CAMERON
(GLACIER AGAIN)

THIS IS THE "BEAR WITH THE BELLY ACHE"
A FAVORITE PLACE TO HAVE PICTURES
TAKEN. I THINK IT IS NEAR HENRY'S LAKE.

HANSON AND RIGBY KIDS BEING SILLY

(AS ALWAYS)

MALLORY COPYING THE STATUE....
THIS IS OUR CABIN IN "WHITEFISH"
IT WAS SO FUN! RIGBY'S AND SHUMWAYS
HAD CABINS TO THE LEFT OF US.

We have so many memories from that trip. It's too bad we weren't able to go back with the Shumways. They went there for years. It was an annual vacation for them. Thanks again Shumways for making that trip so much fun. We'll never forget it!

INSPIRING MAN

2008-09-17T23:29:00.002-06:00

I was browsing some blogs and I found Paul Cardall's blog off of my friend Laura's. I know that he is a very gifted musician and I didn't realize that he was suffering from Heart failure and waiting for a transplant. As I was reading his blog, I was touched by something he wrote and I hope that he won't mind me posting just a brief paragraph that he wrote. It inspired me and I know it will inspire others. Here it is....

"You can't know the sweetness in life without tasting the bitterness of life. There is no reason to blame God for what we are subject to. I believe we chose to experience earthly life as part of a three act play in the eternal nature of things. We are in the second act. God knows what's ahead for us in the third and final act. Like any loving parent, he loves seeing us grow and mature from the choices we make. But above all, at times we make poor choices or are hurt by the choices of others, and like the child who falls from a bike and cries for their mother and father, there is a loving Savior who is there to wipe away our tears and heal our wounds." (Paul Cardall)

I too have felt my Saviors love with some of my own personal trials and I know these trials have only made me a stronger person as well as my family. How truly blessed we are. I pray that Paul will find a donor soon and I appreciate him sharing his story on his blog.

FLASHBACK FRIDAY (a little late)

2008-09-12T21:50:00.005-06:00

TROY AND THE KIDS HAVE ALWAYS LOVED TO
GO HIKING, FISHING AND CAMPING. THIS
WAS ONE OF THEIR FAVORITE TRIPS IN 1998
(notice our dog "Lucky" and how young she was)

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE BEING LEFT AT HOME ALONE!
KNOWING THEY ARE HAVING A GOOD TIME!

NEED TO BRAG

2008-09-12T17:28:00.002-06:00

Okay, I took Cameron to the doctor today to get a strep test (It was negative by the way) and guess who walked into the clinic? Lindsey Mair! I guess she had the baby on Monday and I had no idea. So I have to brag because I am the first in the neighborhood to have seen Dawson and he is absolutely ADORABLE. He has lots of dark hair and he even opened his eyes and I saw a lot of J.D. in him and also some of Lindsey. Needless to say, with those parents you are going to get a cute baby. AND Lindsey looks great for just having a baby. It just isn't fair. Motherhood seems to agree with her. So, Congratulations Mair Family on your special delivery....Dawson.

DAY OUT WITH MY DADDY

2008-09-11T22:40:00.004-06:00

The day my Dad flew in we picked him up at the airport and then we went to lunch. My Dad has a tradition that when he is in town he buys a bunch of roses and with his daughters, takes them to the cemetery to my Mom's grave. He
always reserves a rose for each of his daughters and the rest goes to my Mom's grave. This year we split the flowers between my Mom and Jennifer. It was a nice day. However, my silly sisters tried to get me to do a pose that was very difficult for a handicap. Anyway, my leg wasn't even remotely off the ground. Oh well, at least I tried. It was fun to be with my Dad and Sisters and enjoy the moment. (My sister Jennifer's headstone is on the left and my Mom's is on the right)

MORE JENSEN FAMILY PICS

2008-09-11T22:15:00.006-06:00

I love my family so much and it was so great to get together. We don't do it often enough. We were blessed to have my Dad visit us for a couple of weeks.

WHITNEY & MALLORY

LINDSEY, SAWYER AND BELINDA JENSEN

LINDSAY, CHASE & BEN

LORNA AND WENDY

LORNA, WHITNEY & MALLORY

MONA, TRYSTAN, DADDY, WHITNEY & MALLORY

A VERY TIRED WENDY

ERIC & AUBREY BERRY

GARY & MY BROTHER BARRY

JEILA, SYDNEY & JASON

JONATHAN MCGUIRE