Olsen: The Life and Times

2009-04-20T14:16:00.003-06:00

here is just a snip it of how my son plays his instrument of choice. He plays then has to concentrate. Oh the melodies he creates!

Ballet Class

2009-03-07T10:43:00.003-07:00

Here is just a preview for Clara's up coming recital in May. I can already tell how it is going to go... OH goodness, that girl makes me laugh. Can't tell which one is her? Look closely, she is the one doing her own thing. :)

just some random things...

2009-03-06T12:45:00.004-07:00

Jackson's first time skiing! He's a natural.

Here is my little ballerina! She is SO much fun to watch. Notice the Tu Tu...yeah, that was how it stayed the whole class time. She doesn't really like to do what the teachers say, she just wants to do her own dancing.

Sanora Grill...

2009-03-06T12:33:00.003-07:00

Just trying to win some DEEEEE-licious good. If anyone is interested in some great food, check out the Sanora Grill in Ogden, UT. Honestly the best ever!

Check them out at: http://thesonoragrill.com/blog/wordpress/

IT'S BINGO TIME Y'ALL

2009-01-05T12:51:00.004-07:00

iT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN. hOORAY! tHE CRAZY bUSHELL GANG ALL GOT TOGETHER TO PLAY A MEAN GAME OF bingo. wINNERS GET "GREAT" PRESENTS AND LOTS OF LAUGHS.
tHIS YEAR nANNY rUTH DECIDED TO HAVE A GREAT BIG SNOW BALL FIGHT AND BONFIRE. iT WAS sooooo MUCH FUN. tHANKS nANNY AND pAPPA FOR MAKING IT POSSIBLE! iT WAS WONDERFUL TO BE WITH THE FAMILY, AND PLAY IN THE SNOW.

2009-01-05T12:51:00.001-07:00

Christmas At the Olsen House 2008

2008-12-29T17:12:00.000-07:00

Jack's Kindergarten Performance

2008-12-29T16:41:00.002-07:00

I know that you probably cant find Jack in all the 5-6 year olds, but look...He is the cute one! just off to the left from the center.
He did AWESOME! it was almost tearful for me to see my oldest up on stage. I cant believe he is getting older. What a handsome devil he is!

FRONTRUNNER AND FHE

2008-12-29T16:29:00.005-07:00

We decided to embrace the BITTER and i emphasize the word BITTER cold and go to the BIG city to see the lights. We started off with a fun ride to SLC on the frontrunner. IT was a blast. The kids loved it as you see in the following pix.
After a tasty pizza at the gateway, we rode trax up to Temple Square and VERY quickly made a loop around and went right back to the trax stop. The lights were beautiful as always but boy it was FREEZING!!! The highlight of the trip was that we left early enough so that the kids could watch out the window. Link was having the time of his life. It was well worth the funds just to see them having fun and not fighting for once.

tREE tIME y'ALL

2008-12-29T16:20:00.004-07:00

Is this the one?!!!???? NO

NOT HERE EITHER

FINALLY! THIS IS THE ONE

rANDOM pIX oF THE fAMILY ON oUR tREE tRIMMING oUTTING!

NOVEMBERFEST... aka to some of you "CRAP" FAIR

2008-12-29T16:09:00.003-07:00

Just a few snaps of our set up

Jaime Paige sportin' the WRAPPED baby wrap. THANKS JAIME! What an awesome SIL! Special thanks to Cami too. Actually thanks to everyone who helped me with this fair! You know who you all are. TIME, $$$, PATIENCE ETC... THANKS

This cute girl was the highlight of the fair. Her 3 year old son was WAY tired and was ready to go. Well momma was not! So I just popped him on her back and BAM! he was out cold. No i didn't pop him as in hit him on the back and no i don't mean out cold as in knocked out!
It really was cool. Mom loved it and bought this wrap right then and there.
I had such an awesome fun time doing this show. Its too bad that the $ i made was spent the next day on bills. oh well, at least we got $ to pay them :)

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS CLARA ANN'S 3RD BIRTHDAY

2008-12-29T15:51:00.003-07:00

Princess Clara and Her AWESOME princess castle cake. THANK YOU LINDSAY ANN for making this totally tubular cake.

Thanks to all who dressed up. It was GREAT FUN!!! The Royal King and Queen could not have been more pleased.
(Princess Mia Rose, Princess Gracie Paige, King Andrew & his lovly bride, Queen Kate)

LINCOLN...

2008-12-29T15:40:00.004-07:00

PHEW...FINALLY A NICE DOWNY SOFT, APRIL FRESH SMELLING BABY BOY! YUP I LET MY KIDS TAKE THEIR WEEKLY BATHS IN THE WASHER AND DRYER. HEY IT'S O.K., THEY'R H.E.

ELECTION DAY

2008-11-04T12:40:00.002-07:00

JUST A REMINDER FOR YOU ALL. HAPPY VOTING!

LINK TAKES AFTER HIS GRANDPA DEAN. SO POLITICAL!

ODE TO TUDY ... A.K.A. SULIKA

2008-11-03T15:32:00.004-07:00

TOOTS, I AM SORRY ABOUT YOUR FATHER. I REALLY AM. HE WAS A WONDERFUL MAN. I AM SO GRATEFUL THAT I WAS ABLE TO KNOW HIM FOR THE SHORT TIME THAT I DID. I AM EVEN MORE GRATEFUL TO HAVE GOTTEN A SPECIAL NIC NAME FROM HIM. "THE BUSH". I LOVE YOU TUDY AND PRAY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY (ALL 3 MILLION OF THEM).

ALL HALLOWS EVE

2008-11-03T15:20:00.004-07:00

I HATE THIS HOLIDAY, HOWEVER I DO LOVE TO DRESS UP AND TO DRESS UP MY CUTE KIDDIES. HERE ARE A FEW PIX.

CLARARELLA (YES I MADE THIS DRESS. WHO KNEW I COULD DO IT? NOT ME. SO I AM A LITTLE PROUD, I GUESS THAT MAKES ME A SINNER.)

WHO ARE YOU???? ....... I'M BATMAN!!!!!!

BUT I'M NOT TIRED

2008-11-03T15:14:00.002-07:00

Sweet Clara fell asleep in a tote full of blankets in the very back of her closet.

Here she is watching Ballet Movies on the computer. She refused to get into bed! I am NOT tired MOM! Yup, that's my girl.

Autumn Ruth's 1st Bday

2008-11-03T15:08:00.002-07:00

Just a few pictures of my niece's 1st birthday. She is SO beautiful, I had to show her off. Happy Birthday Autumn Ruth! I love you!

Autumn and Daddy Spencer

Birthday Cake.

LINCOLN'S 1ST BIRTHDAY

2008-11-03T14:56:00.008-07:00

OCTOBER 1, 2007

OCTOBER 1, 2008
(so i am a month late. Better late than never!)

TAG

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

SO... I HAVE BEEN SO HAPPY THAT I HAVE NOT YET BEEN TAGGED. UGGG. THANKS NOELLE. I HOPE THAT NO ONE ELSE GETS THE IDEA. ANYWAY, HERE ARE MY ANSWERS.

10 YEARS AGO:
1. I was preparing to serve a mission to Seattle Washington
2. I met a few of my best friends in the world. Holla to Holls, Kati, Angie
3. I was WAY skinner.
4. I had short hair, which I finally have again!
5. I decided that I wanted to live out all my days in the beautiful Northwest! What the hell am I doing here in UT?

5 THINGS ON TODAY'S LIST:
1. Clean kitchen
2. Make paper mache(sp?) pumpkins with the kids
3. Sew Clara's Cinderella dress
4. Survive all the screaming!! ENDLESS screaming!!!!
5. NOT beat my kids, or my head against the wall. OHHH THE SCREAMING!!

5 SNACKS I ENJOY
1. pumpkin pie
2. chocolate
3. cookies
4. Andy :) (just a little love sanckins)
5. Ice Cream...ice cream on Andy...ha ha ha. yup, that sounds good!

5 THINGS I WOULD DO IF I WERE A MILLIONAIRE
1. I would give HUGE tips when i eat out
2. I would stuff 100 $100 bills in my bra just for the fun of it. then I would go get a tummy tuck, boob job, butt tuck. All with the $$ I pull out of my bust.
3. I would pay off all this blasted debt we have
4. I would buy stuff. lots of stuff. Come on, you all know that you would too.
5. I would go to school, and put $$ away for my children

5 JOBS I'VE HAD
1. cleaning condos
2. wiping old people's bums. Tudy LOVED that I had that job!
3. Ophthalmologists Asst.
4. Optician
5. Orthodontic Asst.

RULES:
Each player answers the question themselves. At the end of the post the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment letting them know that they've been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person that tagged you know when you've answered the questions on your blog.

I TAG:
Melanie
Brooke
Sulika
Kati (Antimony)
Emily snoop Dawg-E-Dawg!

Happy 1st Birthday Porter Alvin Byington. sorry it's late. We LOVE you!!!

2008-09-11T21:13:00.001-06:00

LINCOLN ON CRACK...OH, I MEAN SUGAR! THANKS GRANDMA!

2008-09-11T21:12:00.000-06:00

HEY? WHERE MY FOOD GO?

2008-09-11T20:42:00.005-06:00

Oh how I love my little baby! Andy was watching Link the other day, and put him in his highchair to eat a piece of bread. Lincoln was happily talking and eating when Andy turned away for just a moment. Suddenly, sounds of sadness and terror escaped Lincolns lips. Andy quickly turned around to investigate and this is what he discovered...

OH THERE IT IS...RIGHT WHERE I LEFT IT! I can not tell you how much of Lincoln's food ends up on his head. Today he was wearing a hoodie, and I found a whole Graham cracker in his hood. He is such a smart boy, he likes to save his food for later, just in case. Oh chuckle!

ANOTHER REASON WHY I DON'T HOME SCHOOL...WE WOULD DO THIS ALL DAY

2008-09-11T16:03:00.007-06:00

I must start off by saying thanks to my dear friend and Sister in law, Brooke Lambert. This video is inspired from her latest blog post, "Mr. Rogers learns to break dance". A true classic! The fallowing is a few white boys who thought that they could show me how it's REALLY done. Oh boy, what cute kids!

SO... SO... SOCK'IN FUN

2008-09-10T16:34:00.010-06:00

You thought that nylons were so last week, well you are wrong! Here are some pics to prove it. This is why this mom doesn't home school her kids.

HERE WE HAVE THE VERY HANDSOME JACKSON

DON'T WORRY, HIS FACE REALLY ISN'T MELTING OFF.

HERE I AM AS I BEGIN TO PUT ON MY BEST FACE.

FINALLY, THE BEST PICTURE OF ME IN YEARS.

ODE TO JACKSON

2008-09-07T18:17:00.005-06:00

SO much has happened since my last post. I've wanted to update it, but for some reason, I keep putting it off. Well, I have finally come to terms with why I have taken so long to post. I have had a very hard time realizing that my oldest is growing up. Two weeks ago I sent him off to Kindergarten, and today he gave his very first talk in primary. I know that all mothers are proud of their children, but boy, am I ever proud of Jackson. I love that kid SO very much and I don't want anyone to be mean to him, I want him to be the best in his class, etc... I have never before wanted to home-school my children. EVER! This momma needs a break, time to myself. However, as I took Jack to school on his first day, I really thought that maybe I could just keep him home, teach him myself. Sort of like a mother hen protecting her chicks under her wing. I want to hold my boy close and never let anything bad happen to him. As I have realized with different things in the past, life is about growing, discovery, and challenges. So off you go my boy...enjoy life but remember that I will always have my wing here for you to crawl under.
This post is for you my son. I love you with all my heart. Congratulations on going to your first "real" school and on growing up. Remember who you are and what you stand for!

Jack outside his classroom

Jack and friend/neighbor Mark Gardner on their first day of school

This is how my boyz roll...Andy taking Jackson to school.

TO WIG, OR NOT TO WIG...

2008-08-24T17:12:00.007-06:00

That my friends is the question!!!
(This is for you Val. What do you think?)
Before

After
So now the decision is up to you... As for me, i think that I would probably prefer the after, but hey, that's just me.

Here are the rest of us trying out the infamous wig. I honestly think that andy is HOT! SO this is what he is going to look like in the resurrection. Yikes! ha ha ha.

BRIGHAM CITY POOL

2008-08-24T17:03:00.003-06:00

THIS IS OUR VERY FAVORITE PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDS SWIMMING. JUST A FEW PICTURES OF THE KIDS. JACK IS NOW A FISH, AND IS ACTUALLY SPROUTING GILLS AND GETTING WEBBED FINGERS. CLARA WAS JUST HAPPY THAT HER "FRIEND" CARLEY CRABTREE WAS THERE TO PLAY WITH HER. (Carlie is like 16, but Clara doesn't care, she just loves to play with other girls). LINCOLN WAS SO EXCITED TO WORK ON HIS TAN THAT HE FELL FAST ASLEEP. AHHH, THE BEAUTIES OF SUMMER!

ANNUAL BUSHELL FAMILY LAGOON DAY

2008-08-24T16:54:00.002-06:00

We kept our arms and hands inside the rides and had the VERY BEST day at Lagoon. Jackson is TOTALLY fearless! He went on every single ride that he was tall enough to go on. Colossus...no problem. He mastered that twice. Tidal wave...puah, that's cake, Spider...LOVED IT!!! He was a bit sad that he was only 1 inch away from going on the "wicked". Maybe next year.
Clara was a bit frightened at first, but once she got the hang of it and realized that they were fun, she didn't want to get off and go home. Lincoln even liked the few that he went on. Thank you Ruthie and Randy for making this a very memorable experience for us all. We love you!

Smithfield Canyon on a Hot Summer Day

2008-08-24T16:45:00.003-06:00

We had the opportunity to go to Smithfield Canyon a few weeks back with my wonderful Mother and Father. We played in the river...BURR, but FUN, ate the best watermelon and cantaloupe money can buy, & just plain enjoyed each others company. Jackson brought his new goggles, and of course we all had to try them. I cant believe that I am actually putting these pictures of me on here, but since I have no shame, here you go. By the way, No I am not smelling my bum!

SWEET AUTUMN RUTH

2008-08-09T20:44:00.002-06:00

I JUST WANTED YOU ALL TO SEE HOW ADORABLE MY NIECE IS. I CAN'T STAND HOW CUTE SHE IS. DON'T YOU AGREE? you had better say yes, her mom reads this blog.:)

NEWPORT OREGON 2008

2008-08-08T18:56:00.000-06:00

So we are now home. TOTAL BUMMER, but I guess we have to get back to reality some time. We had a WONDERFUL time. The weather was perfect. I love the Great Northwest. It isn't called "great" for nothing.
We had a few days of rain, the first while Jack and Andy were on a 3 hour crab boat, but we all had a blast beading,puzzles, beading, puzzles,and more beading.
The kids and I have never slept better. The sweet crisp smell of the ocean air, the sound of the waves lapping on the beach,and the amazing "Simmons Deep Sleep" bed made for spectacular slumber!
On the way home we stopped to see the greatest friends anyone could have. VanEvery's... Thanks for the tasty spaghetti and waffle cookies.
It would not be right if I did not send a great BIG THANK YOU to Dean and Katherine for making this possible and for helping us to make memories for our children.
We love you!!!!
Enjoy the slide show...if you point to the picture, it'll explain it.

2008-08-08T18:06:00.000-06:00

GETTING READY FOR OREGON!!

2008-07-22T09:05:00.000-06:00

ANDY GOT THE KIDS SOME SNORKEL MASKS FOR OREGON...WE FILLED UP THE LITTLE SWIMMING POOL IN THE BACK YARD SO THAT THEY COULD TRY THEM OUT. JACKSON THOUGHT THAT THE WATER WAS TOO COLD SO HE DECIDED TO TRY THE BATH TUB. I AM SORRY TO SAY THIS MY SON, BUT YOU THINK THAT THE POOL WATER WAS TOO COLD...JUST YOU WAIT UNTIL YOU GET IN THAT OCEAN.

TWINKIES ANYONE?

2008-07-08T08:21:00.000-06:00

I just thought I would honor those brave men and women in my family who have worked, or who are working at the notorious Wonder Bread Hostess Factory. Good Luck and God Bless.

MY FIRST "P"

2008-07-07T22:59:00.000-06:00

OK so it's PEA not PEE, but isn't it AWESOME?!?!?

I have been so excited for my peas, and carrots to come up this year. As a small child, my Nanny and Gramps would always have peas and carrots in their garden. We would get excited to go out back and pick and eat them until we pooped.
Umm Mmm, ain't nothin better!! "Peas" & poop.

STOP!!! SMELL MY ROSES

2008-07-07T22:52:00.000-06:00

I thought that these were WAY to beautiful not to share. So I am sending each of you your own personal rose bouquet via the blog world. ENJOY!

2008-07-07T22:07:00.000-06:00

4Th of July Festivities!!!

We had so much fun celebrating Independence Day. We had a picnic up Smithfield Canyon with Grandma and Grandpa, the Lamberts, Auntie Camie and our good friend/neighbor Mark.

We all tried the water and some of us got more wet than others. If you will notice who of us is wearing white shorts, that geek is the one who fell all the way in. Oh wait, that's me.

Seriously, what kind of nerd wears white shorts to the river? Obviously I was not thinking.

So where are the pictures of that you ask? ha ha ha I will never tell! Thank goodness for Cami, she had a pair of PJ pants in the car. PHEW, what a relief for everyone!

All in all we had a great 4Th with some SWEET "free" music. (only one dollar)

RIVER FUN. LINK REALLY DID NOT LIKE IT THOUGH. IT WAS MUCH TOO COLD FOR HIS TOESIES.

JAKE

mark

BEAUTIFUL LITTLE CLARA. AT THE END OF THE DAY, GRANDPA & LINK HAD JUST HAD ENOUGH. TIME FOR A LITTLE REST. AWWWW, SWEET!

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

FINALLY!!!!!

So FINALLY after about 8 weeks and 2 different casts, the arm is free!!! Hip Hip Hurray!!!
I think that I was more excited than Jack was to get that stinky thing off (really, it smelled so bad. Just sitting by him you could smell it! BARF!). I'll bet that I got whacked in the head on average 6 times per day.
Jackson is finally able to use his right hand again, but most importantly he is able to go swimming!!!! Welcome to Summer Jackson Dean.

CACHE VALLEY CLASSIC TRIATHALON

2008-06-24T08:01:00.001-06:00

BUSHELL BANDITS

Well it was DEFINITELY a day to remember. But, we did it!!

Congrats to the "Bushell Bandits" for taking 4Th place in our division. (thanks Michelle and Rhonda for picking up my slack.)

WOW what a crazy/fun/exhausting/rewording experience. I started off the race by swimming 1/2 mile. Michelle then took off on her 10 speed for her bike race to beautiful Paradise UT. and back, then Rhonda ran like the super hero Flash to finish out the race.

I am sure that these pictures could and will be used as black-mail(sp?) some time in the future, but I have to prove that it actually happened, so world, here you go. Enjoy.

I also have to say a great big CONGRATULATIONS to my little brother BOOG. He did the entire thing all by himself and he did AWESOME!!! He came in 14Th in his division, even after his goggles broke during the swim, he had to replace a tire during the ride, and he broke his leg during the run. OK so he really did not break his leg, the run went great, but still...what a man. YOU GO BOOG!!! I LOVE YOU...Thanks for your support and encouragement, not to mention our team name.

2008-06-12T23:18:00.001-06:00

O.K. so i have been slacking a whole heck of a lot. I am not going to bore you with all of the details, but i will quickly update you on what has happened these last few months.

Jack turned 5. I can not believe it! I swear I just had him. wow how times flies.He had a small party at the Fun Park in Logan with his cousins and good friend Mark. We also had a family party later in the week. Needless to say, he was spoiled. Thank you to everyone who came and had fun. He is starting school tomorrow. He is going with his cousin Owen to summer school at Utah State. We all are WAY excited!
Andy turned the ripe old age of 29. Wow how time flies. It seems like just yesterday that I had him...no wait that's not right. That doesn't even sound good. anyhoo... Happy Birthday to him. Again thank you to all who traveled so far (& not so far) for his festivities. He too was spoiled.
I was called to be the first counselor in the Relief Society. I think that i am still in shock. I am however VERY excited, (not to mention VERY busy). Maybe this is because i don't really know what i am getting myself into.
My mom had her 60Th Birthday in May. We planned a surprise party for her at the very delicious restaurant Sonora Grill in Ogden.(My favorite!) Thank you to Gus and Sean for helping make the DA*@ slide show. Loved it!
Link is growing like a weed in our garden. Which by the way is why i chose this template. Our garden and yard are keeping us VERY busy, but we LOVE LOVE LOVE it!
Clare is still Clara. Princess Clara. need i say more?

So there you have it. Sorry this is so long, but here is a slide compilation of the past events along with a few new pictures of the little ones. Enjoy!

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-06-12T23:16:00.001-06:00

2008-06-12T22:45:00.000-06:00

HERE THEY ARE FOLKS. IT HAS BEEN A LONG AWAITED TIME, BUT THE PICTURES ARE IN. HERE ARE THE MOST HANDSOME/BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD. NOTICE JUST HOW HAPPY LINCOLN IS. THIS BY THE WAY, IS THE VERY FIRST PHOTO SHOOT THAT LINCOLN HAS BEEN IN. WHAT A SLACKER I AM!(WELL, THE FIRST ONE THAT WORKED. THANKS FOR TRYING BRITANNY.

WE STILL LOVE YOU!)

THESE ARE ANDY'S AND GPA'S FATHERS DAY PICS. HOPE THEY LIKE THEM.

(HOW COULD THEY NOT)

2008-06-12T22:43:00.000-06:00

Jackson Dean. 5 years old. Jack just turned 5 this past month. Can you believe that? He is such a ham. He makes me laugh every day!

2008-06-12T22:40:00.000-06:00

Clara Ann 2 1/2 years old. Is she not thee most beautiful girl you have ever seen! She loved getting her pictures taken. A True princess.

2008-06-12T22:36:00.000-06:00

Lincoln Ross Olsen. 8 1/2 months old What a cutie. Man, I sure do love this boy!

QUICK PHOTO SHOOT WHILE AT THE PARK

2008-05-04T14:40:00.000-06:00

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-05-04T14:38:00.001-06:00

PRIMPING PRINCESS

2008-05-04T14:26:00.001-06:00

JUST GETTING READY FOR THE DAY. THIS LASTED FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES THEN THEY WERE OUT & ALL OVER THE LIVING ROOM. OH WELL, IT WAS CUTE WHILE IT LASTED.

LINCOLN ROSS

2008-05-04T14:21:00.000-06:00

AAHHHH. SEE MY 2 TEETH? I'M SUCH A BIG BOY. 7 MONTH OLD AND ALREADY KNOW HOW TO BITE. JUST ASK MY MOM.

BYU HERE WE COME

2008-05-04T14:12:00.000-06:00

It's that time of year again. time for millions of women to gather together to learn, play, shop, eat, gossip and hopefully be inspired. I was SO excited I had to poop. TMI? too bad, it's true.

INSPIRING SPEAKERS

2008-05-04T13:51:00.000-06:00

Sheri L. Dew was our opening speaker. She is such an inspiring woman. I love to hear her speak and read her books, because I always feel better about being the looser that I am. Just kidding. Really, she just knows how to make one feel so important.

Some of the other classes we attended were on subjects such as the Holy Ghost; Scripture study, alone and with family; F.H.E.; and my favorite was on the power of sincere personal prayer. while attending these classes we worked on service projects. I of coarse chose to crochet! hip hip hurray. hurray for crochet. (i just made that little poem up. good hua?)

I always feel so "pumped" from these conferences. Sort of like a pep-rally in High School. I highly recommend it to all of you. If any of you want to come with us next year, just give me a shout out. the more the merrier.

WE THANK THEE OF GOD FOR A PROPHET!!!

2008-05-04T13:25:00.000-06:00

Indeed I thank our God for a prophet to guide me in these latter days.

WOW!! What a sweet blessing it was to hear the prophet of our Lord speak to us at the concluding session of Women's Conference.

When I found out that the prophet was going to be the last speaker, an overwhelming feeling of the spirit came upon me. How blessed I am to be in the presence of one who speaks and walks with God.

For those of you reading this blog and are unaware, our beloved prophet Gorden B. Hinckley passed away this past January. President Thomas S. Monson is his successor. I have to admit that I was sad/happy like most of you at the passing of Pres. Hinckley, though knew that the new prophet would be just as wonderful.

I have heard and seen President Monson speak on numerous occasions, but this is the first time since becoming the prophet.

With tear filled eyes, the congregation began singing "We Thank Thee Oh God For A Prophet" as President Monson entered the room. The spirit was so overwhelming. It was wonderful.

He spoke to us women on the importance of the now.

Some of the things I jotted down (through my tears) were

Do not save things just for special occasions. Every day that we are alive is a special occasion.

One day, we will each run out of tomorrows.

Find joy in our journey NOW. Do not wait until our trials are over. Find joy today

I am just SOOOOOOOO thankful that I was able to attend this conference this year. Thank you Andy for staying home with the kids! I love you. thank you Jaime for going with me. Next year we will stay closer to campus and NO bug salad!

for those of you who want to watch some of the talks (i.e. the prophet's) they will be re-broadcast on May 15 & 16. here is a link: www.byutv.org

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MOMS OUT OF TOWN

2008-05-04T12:41:00.000-06:00

Friday afternoon I spoke with Andy and the kids. They were getting ready to go to the park to play and to have a picnic. I was happy to hear from them, and even felt a bit lonely to be with them, though I was glad that Andy was spending special time with his children. I attended a Class on personal prayer, and was heading to the next class in a building across campus. That is when the phone rang. It was Andy, "Hey, I just wanted you to know that I am taking Jack to the hospital. He fell and broke his arm." For those of you who know Andy, you know that he kids a lot, and likes to say things like this. So of coarse i did not believe him at first. When the truth of this really did sink in, I felt SO sad for Jack. I just wanted to hold my boy, but they both ensured me that they would be alright and not to worry. So guess what I did...WORRY. especially when Andy called me back a few hours later and told me that they were headed to an orthopedic surgeon. Even though he was in pain, Jack still talked to me and let me know that he was brave and that he was going to be O.K. What a STUD!

STICKS & STONES MAY BREAK MY BONES, & SO WILL A NICE LITTLE PLAYGROUND!

2008-05-04T12:07:00.000-06:00

Here we have the culprit. Not sure if you can tell from these pictures, but my little monkey boy Jack was laying, with his feet and lower body still on the platform, while his arms and upper body were stretched out to the curvy ladder. His hands slipped and he went head first down to the ground landing on his right arm. He broke both bones in the right arm just under his elbow. We are all SO grateful that it was not the elbow, or even his head. In fact, Andy asked him if he could crawl out from under the platform, and when Jack responded with "I can't move dad", Andy began to freak. He just knew for sure that he had landed on his head and was paralyzed. So really, what a blessing that it is just his arm.

As a mother, I was just sick that I could not be there to hold my lilttle boy. Jack is just a stud. even as he was headed to the hospital, he was being brave. When I talked to him, he was telling me that he would be alright and that he was still having fun with his daddy.

TONSILS ANYONE?

2008-04-27T16:56:00.000-06:00

OUR POOR LITTLE PRINCESS HAD TO HAVE HER TONSILS AND ADENOIDS TAKEN OUT THIS LAST WEEK. WE ARE HOPING SHE WILL SLEEP BETTER, AND IN TURN BE A MUCH HAPPIER LITTLE PRINCESS. (SEE TEMPER TEMPER VIDEO)

CLARA WAS TERRIFIED! AS SOON AS SHE HEARD DR.WOOD'S VOICE SHE STARTED CRYING AND HOLDING ON TO ME AS TIGHT AS SHE COULD. I HAD A VERY DIFFICULT TIME WHEN THE ANESTHESIOLOGIST CAME AND WHISKED HER OFF TO SURGERY. I THINK THAT I CRIED JUST AS MUCH AS SHE DID

ANDY AND I GOT TO WATCH THE ENTIRE SURGERY VIA CLOSED CIRCUIT T.V. IT WAS FAST AND FURIOUS. WHAT A CHAMP. SHE DID GREAT...UNTIL THE DRUGS WORE OFF. CLARA DID NOT WANT ANYTHING TO DO WITH ME ONCE SHE SAW HER NANNY. BUT THAT IS O.K. I WAS THE SAME WAY WITH MY NANNY. THANKS FOR COMFORTING HER NANNY.

CLARA IS DOING BETTER NOW. SHE HAS ALREADY BEEN OUT ON THE TRAMPOLINE, THROWING HER USUAL TANTRUMS ETC... AT LEAST WE KNOW THAT SHE WILL SLEEP BETTER

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-04-27T16:14:00.001-06:00

SWEET SKILLS

2008-04-18T15:57:00.000-06:00

JACK HAS THE SWEETEST NUN CHUCK SKILLS AROUND. JUST TAKE A LOOK SEE FOR YOURSELF. DON'T WORRY, HIS DAD IS TEACHING HIM ALL OF THE RIGHT MOVES.

TEMPER, TEMPER

2008-04-18T15:47:00.000-06:00

Please don't be alarmed, this is a very mild one. Besides, I have come to be an expert on her tantrums. Really, I do love being her mother. I guess pay backs really are a "B"ummer. Sorry mom!

pretty balerina

2008-04-18T15:39:00.000-06:00

Pretty Clara, my dancing princess.

Clara loves to dance until she knows that you have a camera, then she wants to see herself on film. Not only does she love to dance, she loves to throw fits. Oh boy does she throw fits! check out the next video to see a mild one. Isn't she precious?

2008-04-18T15:07:00.000-06:00

THIS IS OUR PRINCESS.

I know that it looks like she was eating playdough, but really she just finished eating a piece of cake.

she loves this cap and would not take it off.

that makes a momma feel good.(i made the cap)

BABY LINCOLN

2008-04-18T15:03:00.000-06:00

Mr. Studious

2008-04-18T14:58:00.000-06:00

Jackson is so studious that he even takes the Salt Lake Tribune into the latrine with him.
He always has to be up to date on the latest and the greatest.