Darling pictures, Jess! Love them!

Sorry it took so long...

Hey! sorry it took me forever to post these but... here they are! I had sooo much fun! Best trip ever!

This is at our hotel, the swan

me being a power ranger

holywood studios at disneyworld

this is made out of legos! crazy. its in downtown disney

The ONLY picture of my dad the whole trip! haha this is at the harley davidson store

Norway at epcot

this was sooo cool everything is made out of plants on these!

This is a creepy bird that was next to us while we were eating

this is what he wanted! haha its a giant turkey leg!

The prettiest castle EVER! Probably my favorite part of the trip :)

Inside the castle...

The back of the castle!

Mickey!!!

Universal studios...

In case you missed the current issue of the NY Times, here's the latest!

Stephanie's judging went well and she was worried for nothing! JESSICA made Senior Cheer Squad! (of course), Jess and Chuck went to Florida for Jess' 16th b'd trip and she promises to post pictures soon. The play is over and Joseph is able to spend some time at home again. He is on the Stage Crew and has been helping them get ready after school forever! Play's over, they all did well and whew! MaKayla took practically every track ribbon at the meet last week! 3 firsts and a second if I remember my stats right.Kayla graduates from Jr. High on the 15th of May. And, our Brynlee girl is having surgery on the 26th at Primary Children's. I haven't heard from Zan but will keep you updated as I talk to her......Watch for pictures also of the Jones' Disneyland trip. Have I mentioned that I love you?

Rosanda's daughter Tahschina

As you all probably know by now, but just in case word didn't get around to all of you..Zan's daughter, Tahschina died last week. I have talked to Zann several times and she seems to be doing well. She swings from one end to the other, ok to horrified that this could have happened. I know you will include her, as always in your prayers. Call me for her address if you want to send a card.

Laughs, Love, and so much fun!

I spent the past week with the Walker gkids while Mom and dad took off to Hawaii for a few days. Misha and Chuck came home tan and rested and had a terrific time, however, I think I got the better deal! The kids were great, Steph came home at the end of the week and we got to visit with her. Always fun! Joe had swimming EVERY night after school, plus taking care of Bella...and the rest of us. Jessica had tumbling one night in SL and cheer another over on Geneva road. AND, an early morning cheer class. I'm not really sure how she does it all and ALWAYS with a smile on her face! She found time to make us a WONDERFUL chocolate cake (pictureabove). It was so good. Lots of gooey chocolate thick syrup between the layers and a terrific milk chocolate frosting, lots and lots of frosting! So good! We tried to save a piece for Steph but...well, maybe another time. I arrived on Saturday night, after working, and Mish and Chuck and I stayed up almost till they had to get up and catch their plane, visiting. Fun to be able to spend some time with them. Anyway, we set the clocks forward and the next morning I awoke at 8:30. Their church begins at 9! We needed to be there early enough to be a good "reverent example". Well, that didn't happen but we did get there! The kids had Monday off and Tues David was SURE I was kidnapping him and taking him in the wrong direction for school. Gratefully his school isn't that far from home and so he only stressed for a few minutes. We took "Tiny Tim", the class turtle back and he showed me on Wednesday the route HE thought we should take to go to school. He got his report card and "got straight "A"s". He is so fun and says the most amazing things. He could give you dads a few pointers with the boyfriends! He told Steph's date, "Now, you're going to be her EX boyfriend cause she already has a boyfriend and he's on a mission!" When Austin replied, "Oh yeah? And does she talk about him a lot?" David said, "Well, yeah, like EVERY day." Bless Steph's heart, she laughed about it and wasn't too upset at him. I am constantly amazed at the relationship Steph and Jess have. They really are best friends, love being with each other, and hangin out. They went to see "Taken" on Saturday together. (They loved it!, of course). I could sit and watch/listen to them forever..and laugh constantly! Steph is having a good time in Idaho...it's maybe a little too tame for her but she is making the best of it.

Joe made the State Swim Team!

While I was with the kids, Joe got word he had made the State Swim team! He will be swimming in three events and is alternate for a fourth! He is excited and we're excited for him! What a worker he is. He took care of the dog every morning, every afternoon and every night w/o being asked! Besides that he did everything Jess or I asked for help with, took out the garbage, and made us all feel safe and protected with him around! He reads late into the night but the guy gets up and at it early in the morning. I am so proud of him; even on Sunday's he is up and to early morning meetings w/o a grumble! Grandma needs lessons!

Don't look Uncle Buff! - You'll hurt for a week!

Jessica doesn't have any joints! She can turn, bend, move and twist in any direction! I took some pictures of her at a tumbling class and I may post one but mostly, if she is moving, it is a blur! I was just amazed at the moves she could make and so when we got home I made her stretch for me so I could get some shots that you could see! What a fun girl! A well known photographer is coming here from Texas to do a mentoring class with the photographer in Walker's ward. He saw Jessica's picture on the local photographer's blog and left a comment. We looked, of course and he said, "Bring this girl to our shoot!" It wont be for a couple of weeks but exciting! Jess drove me EVERYWHERE all week. She's a very good driver and I loved not having to navigate. With her behind the wheel and taking a different route everywhere we went, I think I can find my way around their neighborhood now! I loved spending time with this girl!

David was Student of the Week and....

And, he got to take the class pet home to care for and feed for the long weekend! Tiny Tim stayed in his cage by David's bed. David kept him fed on salad greens and took him out on a regular basis for exercise. The kids didn't have school Monday so he got to keep him an extra day. I'm pretty sure it was because he is such a great kid to have in class.

And I got to go to the temple a couple of times!

After getting the boys up in the morning, I took a page from Melissa's book and showered and got ready for my day. I dropped David off at 8...once we could decide on WHERE his school was, and then didn't need to be back to pick kids up till 2:00. I met Rebecca a couple of days but also took some time to go to the temple while I was so close. They were so busy! The first day I went I wanted to do initiatories and it was so crowded I was asked to sit in the foyer till they found some space for me! I mean, the FOYER! The second time they told me they had 100 patrons at 6AM!And, did I want to go on a session and let things slow down. I only did the one endowment session because I has so many initiatories to get done. They only allowed FIVE names and then you had to go out, go to the back of the line and wait your turn again! Isn't there a quote somewhere that says someday the temples will have to be open day and night? That day isn't that far off at the Timp temple! Beautiful, wonderful and very serene. I did Grandma Green's work and that was special. Tons, TONS more names to do so when you are going let me know!

Braden's soccer match!

These pictures aren't the best but the best I could do. David and Joe and I went to watch Braden's soccer match while I was in PG last week. Braden's team won with a score of 9-1! Braden is a very agressive player and has quite a kick! At one point he kicked the ball so hard it flew into the face of another player. The child left the floor. I really expected Braden to leave and cry with him but he was tougher than I thought that tender heart could be and stayed in and kept playing. McKenna is unimpressed with it all. Her highlight was when her dad showed up and watching the fish in the foyer! Loved it!

Last Week - School lunch with the Jewkes kids!...

Last week I went over to have school lunch with Cedar and Chase. Grandma and Grandpa Jewkes hadn't thought they could be there but surprised the kids by coming. The kids were darling, showing all their projects to us and their rooms. It was a fun visit and even more so cuz I got to visit with Linda and Reese! Too fun.

Aunt Jenny

aunt Jenny changed her email address and didn't even tell me!

MaKayla makes the team!

MaKayla has made the team and will be playing softball with the High School this year! We are thrilled for you, darlin' girl and of course, we are SO proud of you!
And, news just in...she will be playing shortstop! Wow! Our little freshman will be backing up a junior in one of the most important positions of the game!

Katie's homecoming - more

Katie gave her homecoming talk at Sacrament Sunday and did such a terrific job. I was so impressed by her spirit and touched by the things she taught. She was good enough to send me a copy of her talk so any of you who missed it let me know if you want a copy. She began her talk with the following poem. I loved it! Before you read it please remember Joseph Smith's comments to the early saints when he said, "When you joined this church you enlisted to serve God. When you did that you left neutral ground." The poem, written by Bob Moorehead:

I am a part of the fellowship of the unashamed.
The dye has been cast.
I have stepped over the line.
The decision has been made.
I AM A DISCIPLE OF JESUS CHRIST
I won't look back, let up, slow down, or be still
My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure.
I'm finished and done with low living, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need pre-eminence, positions, promotions, plaudits, or popularity.
I don't have to be right, first, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded.
I now live by Faith, lean on HIS presence, walk with patience.
I am uplifted by prayer, and labor with power.
My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven.
My road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear.
I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, divided or delayed.
I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, and paid for the cause of Christ.
I must go till he comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till he stops me.
And when He returns for His Own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My Banner will be clear.

It is this mother's prayer that we might each strive to live that He will have no problem recognizing us when He returns for he will see His image in our countenance.

Katie and Aunt Peggy, Aunt Marijke

Katie's Homecoming

Katie and some of her girlfriends after church.

I'm not sure...Am I ever?

Cedar is our newest member of the church! We are growing, ever growing! I added some pictures below but they didn't (never do) turn out as I had planned. The top pic is of Greg showing off the fire engine to the little girls. McKenna was SO excited to see a REAL fire engine and was really impressed that her Uncle Greg was a fireman!

We had the baptism at the stake house in Castle Dale. That was a little bit of a blip for some of us who thought the font was in Orangeville! However, we all got there eventually. Kim played the piano, Misha led the singing and we sang "When I am Baptized", Braden said the invocation and Ashlynne gave a great talk! After Ashlynne's talk the cousins and aunts and mom (Jen) sang "Let the Holy Spirit Guide". Beautiful! A really neat arrangement and such wonderful voices! And, then Cedar was baptized by her grandpa, Reese Jewkes! She got to go under the water twice and she was glowing! After the baptism both grandmas gave little talks. Uncle Buff confirmed Cedar. We sang "I am trying to be like Jesus" and Chase gave the benediction. It was wonderful! Then we left the church, went down to the firehouse in Orangeville and had lunch. It was great! Misha and Chuck were down with their kids (more pictures later), Breck was here with her kids. We missed our college kid but the rest were all there. It is always so fun to have everyone together. I loved it!

Cedar is Baptised!

Uncle Greg is the HERO! Showin' off the fire truck to two little ones.

Better late than never right!???

me pretending to cook, brit and gwen ACTUALLY cooking, my boring family room before i decorated it, my closet trying to fit everything, my bedroom!

Hey!! it's steph, just a quick update on life in idaho..

1. it's freezing. seriously, my nose hairs have never turned to icicles like this before

2. no. cute. boys. i know, horrible. At least it means i won't be getting married anytime soon!!

3.roommates.. (britney aka the super smarty pants and gwen the one with a missionary that likes to laugh.. ok i couldn't really think of anything for her sorry) they think i'm insane. I probably am insane. :) I always think of such great ideas like yesterday we rode in my laundry basket down a hill of snow. It took alot of convincing but they finally agreed, much to britney's dismay everyone thought we were hilarious. oh yeah... i also made them wear all black and lipstick. As you can tell, theres not alot to do in idaho

4. My appt. is pretty small and it makes funny noises but atleast it's a place to get out of the stormy weather.

5. i'm totally cleaner than my mom leads me on to be.. i for reals haven't even had a problem keepin it spotless around here meaning.. david's a pig. :) (love you dude)

6. classes aren't necissarily hard but it's alot of work work work.

7. i miss you all!! hope to see you soon!

p.s. i'm having more fun than it sounds like in this but it still is very boring.

Happy Birthday Cedar!

Cedar turned ***8*** today! Happy Birthday, darlin girl. Even though we couldn't be together today, I know we will have a GREAT party with everyone this Saturday for your baptism! We are all so proud of you!

I'm never going to get the hang of this - Steve and Glenna

I thought I was going to post in order so Hailey's game picture was first and then Ellie and then on to news of Steve and Glenna. I'll get it...I'm just not sure in what lifetime! Anyway, So those of you who remember Karen and Glen Jensen's daughter, Glenna and her husband, Steve will appreciate the update. Just before Christmas they were here visiting Karen and Glen and while here Steve suffered a massive stroke. It left him with no vision in his right eye, and no use of his left leg and arm. He could talk but was a little muddled. Anyway, now he has spent five weeks at Utah Valley and is being released to just stay at his sister's and do PT five days a week. He still can't see or use his left arm. HOWEVER, he is walking, using his legs really well! He has maintained his sense of humor and had us laughing at his stories of catheters, falling out of bed, and giving us some insight into learning to walk again. He said he has to concentrated a bunch to get his left leg to work. As he walks along, thinking he's doing a great job, the PT asks him what 2x2 is and Steve says "4" and then falls over. The PT asks "what color is that ladies hair?" Steve says "Red" and falls to the ground. All the time he is talking he has that big smile on his face and there isn't a trace of self pity at all. What a couple! It was fun to see them and see Steve doing so well.

Also, remember Roy and Mary Ann Oviatt? Nicki's mom and dad? Roy had a stroke about a week after Steve and he is coming home this week to do PT here in Price. This is his second stroke so that is a little scary but he is doing well, getting most of his problems behind him and we are all praying for him as well. To visit at Utah Valley you have to have a "password or pin number" or they wont let you in. So, we didn't get to see Roy. I'll try to keep you posted. In the meantime Jen, if you know how to contact Nicki she'd probably love to hear a friendly voice.
And, I have a SS lesson to finish up so I'm closing this. Have I told you how much I love you and appreciate you? You are the best family in the world. No wonder the Lord thought I could be here w/o your dad. He knew I would be spoiled like always. Thank you. You are so amazing; every last one of you!

This past week - Jan 09

That is Ellie SUE, Sam and Trin's newest addition. She is so beautiful and I want to tell you all about her but first, maybe I will start with today and work backwards. perhaps the webs of my memory will have less dust on them that way.
TOday, Hailey had a basketball game. She is one little scrapper! I loved watching her play. They didn't win but that didn't keep Hailey from playing really well! Above is a picture of the game.

And, if you missed it, take a look at Jessica's post. SHE has learned to post herself and can update her news on the blog. I for one am looking forward to the rest of you learning so you can post stuff from your little families too! Can you believe the precision of her team?

Jen called last week to tell me about Meinkina's latest choices. She has decided her mom is way too old fashion to choose clothes for her and so she will be making her own fashion choices from now on. (Oh, I am sorry but revenge really IS sweet!- thank you grandkids!) And so Meinkina decided to wear her pink sweatshirt with snowflakes on it, with a skirt with polka dots. I think it was pink and purple but I may be making that up. Anyway, the pinks go together don't they? So, I think Jen was ok with that till it was time to pick Jax up from preschool and Meinkina could only find one of her favorite pink shoes. Jen thought she had talked her into just wearing her boots till they were going out the door, late, and she looked down and sure, you know the rest. One pink shoe, one pink boot! I LOVE it! I only wish her mom had taken a picture and would post it here!

Now, to Ellie, last Sunday Trin and Sam had a baby girl. I drove up with Dot and they started Trin early afternoon. Lyns was there to rub her feet as labor got going. Jealous girls? Ummm..a foot rub sounds wonderful anytime but while in early labor it sounds devine! Trin said it was better than that. Anyway, lots of loved ones to surround them. Dot and Ben, Trin's parents, her brother and his wife and cutest little boy. Lyns, Emilie and John (Em's friend) AND, Lynsie and Allen's little girl, Samantha who is a doll! So cute. I had a great time getting to know her. Trin was a trooper even at the last when she was tired; she was wonderful. And, little Ellie SUE was here with three pushes and had our hearts with the first breath. Amazing. Birth is such a miracle. I never get tired of being a part of that process. And, I am so honored to have her wearing my name.

This is my form of bragging :)

Update from jessica... so cheer has been going great as pama already informed you :). It's a lot of fun, and I loooove it. We've done two competitions so far (got 1st and 2nd) and we're going to nationals the end of february in Las Vegas! I'm really excited and until then were practicing like crazy! Anyways... My family is doing great! Nothing really new here. Steph seems like she's doing good up in Idaho but it's FREEZING!! today it was -22 degrees there! we just hope she survives :)
And heres a few pictures from my competition 2 weeks ago...
The squad before competing

warming up...

Standing back tucks

jumps

cheer

dance
the end
me and a few of the girls


us and our first place trophy!!