The Portlock Family

Wilson turned 7!

2012-02-12T08:36:00.001-08:00

I can't believe that my sweet Wilson is 7, but he is! His day started out early (pretty excited of course), he and I went to get bagels for breakfast. He opened his presents, LEGO Star Wars pjs and shirt, Boba Fett LEGO alarm clock (not that he needs it, he just wanted it), and the big hit...TIN TIN wii game.

He wanted a red velvet cake, like we had for Aunt Becky's birthday, so we made a Costco run right at 9:30am.

He got to take Holden, Keaton, and his friend Isaac to Boondocks. We had pizza, and they played laser tag twice, go carts, and lots of games! We had some family over for cake and ice cream to end that day!

My personal favorite thing of the day was watching Holden drive the go carts. He was last out of the gates, and was totally content to move along at his own pace. He could barely seen over the stirring wheel, but was totally loving it! Oh, how that little boy can make me smile!

It is a GIrl!

2012-02-12T08:03:00.000-08:00

Like I said before, this pregnancy is a total surprise! I have felt a lot different this pregnancy this time, than the other three. I have been more sick (nausea) than I ever have, probably longer this time than all the other three put together. Smells have bothered me tremendously. The smell of fabric softener, air freshener, perfume, soap, lotion (really anything I enjoyed before) has been a real problem...gagging, headache, and wanting to throw up! Ken and I really thought we were finished having children, in October we gave away the last of the baby stuff. All the clothes and blankets (even the ones we both adored) were given away. Everything except an infant car seat, crib, and high chair are gone (which now I am very grateful we still have!) Thanksgiving weekend I really didn't feel right, I decided to just put my mind at ease I would take a pregnancy test. The test popped positive immediately! Ken and I were both shocked. I made an appointment with a doctor immediately, because I was out of thyroid medication, and I knew being pregnant I needed a new prescription ASAP. I got into an OB/GYN that next week. I got my thyroid tested, and had an ultrasound. I still didn't really think I was pregnant until I saw the little heart beating on the screen. It still took awhile to sink on, and become reality. I have a different OB/GYN this time, because my last doctor stopped performing labor and delivery right after Josef was born. It really stinks having a new doctor on my fourth pregnancy, and I really miss Dr. Hinson (and I think Ken misses her more than I do!) This entire pregnancy I have felt like it is a girl. It has been a real struggle, because I didn't want to get my hopes up, and then find out it was another boy (yes, another boy would have been fine, but I really wanted to have a daughter). I don't have any sisters, and the relationship I have with my mom is one that I treasure, and I really wanted to have that with a daughter of my own. The people that have found out that I am pregnant have all responded this is your girl. Of course, that was my hope, but I really didn't want to get hopes up! I found out from my doctor that he didn't want me to have an ultrasound for another 5 weeks, I decided to go to accuscan at Gateway Mall, and that is what we did on Friday! I have been so relieved to find out that my feelings were correct, and that we really are going to have a little girl. The few friends that have known, up to this point, have been really excited to find out what we are having too! My cute friend, Amy, ran to the store right after I texted her, and bought all the pink stuff she could find. When I pulled in the driveway from picking up the kids at school, there she was with a big bag of pink to celebrate! I am grateful for the good friends that I have! This might be TMI, but too bad, this is the closet thing to a journal I have, so if you don't want to know, don't read it:)

A BIG Announcement

2012-02-10T18:48:00.000-08:00

Drum roll please...we are having a baby girl! She is due to arrive on July 21, 2012! The boys are adjusting to the thought that there could (and now will) be a girl in our family (besides me, of course!) This has been a big surprise for us, but the best things in life are a surprise, right? We thought that our family was complete, but we were wrong!

3D image of the little girl at 17 weeks, she has her little arms up behind just like her big brothers!

Her cute profile!

Oh, the Life...

2012-02-08T12:26:00.001-08:00

Josef has not being consistent with a nap in months. Every afternoon, I try to get him to lay down, and watch a movie. This afternoon he fell asleep to The Rescuers. Bernard and Ms. Bianca hadn't even made it on the plane yet! He is so sweet when he sleeps!

Family Update

2012-02-01T08:57:00.000-08:00

I don't know where the month of January went but...it is now gone! January, like the end of December, has been a whirlwind of the sickies, Wilson had strep throat, and the rest of us have had a yuckie cold. I am hoping that February is much nicer to us health wise!

Ken celebrated his 40th birthday! We had fun night out with Eric & Heidi, and Bart & Shell at Mikado. It was fun to get out with just adults, which none of us do enough! Evan babysat the boys, I can't believe he is old enough to do that, but he is! I am sure we will be using him often!

The boys finally got to play in some snow! It has been such a mild winter...I am not complaining!

Wilson finished another successful term in First grade. It is getting a little harder to get him to do his homework, but he does it. He is a great speller, and consistently gets 100% plus his challenge words.

Holden loves preschool, and playing with LEGOs. He is funny and entertaining as always.

Josef is Josef! He keeps himself busy getting into trouble. He loves to fill the toilets with toilet paper, play in the sinks and bathtubs (with water of course), turn off the power to the TV while his brothers are watching it, and play with his brothers! He has started sleeping in the big boys room, and loves sharing a full size bed with Holden. They are so cute together at night, all cuddled up together with their blankets, stuffed animals, and pillow pets! They love to chat, and frequently get in trouble for not falling asleep.

Josef wanting a picture with a necklace on....

I will try and do better at keeping the blog updated in February!

New Year's Eve

2012-01-03T10:27:00.000-08:00

We had a fun New Year's Eve. We had the Voordeckers and Toone families over...we partied really hard until about 8pm:) Like I said previous, everyone has had the sickies including both of these families, so we had fun, and then went to bed!

Christmas

2012-01-03T10:19:00.001-08:00

Wilson and Holden with their gingerbread men - they had so much fun decorating them!

We had a wondeful Christmas. Santa brought Josef an indoor trampoline, Holden LEGO Police Station, and Wilson LEGO Darth Maul Infiltrator, Ken camping gear for scouts, and me...a Kindle Fire! I did not take any pictures...bad mom! We have been in and out of the sickies now for two weeks, and we all hope it ends soon!

Rum Pum Pum Pum

2011-12-24T10:38:00.000-08:00

All of the boys have loved the Little Drummer Boy movie, and song. This season Josef has really enjoyed singing the rum pum pum pum's. This isn't the best video, but this morning I figured I had to get a video of his singing before Christmas is over.

Merry Christmas to All!

2011-12-24T07:14:00.000-08:00

December has been a wonderful and crazy month! Since we got home from California, it has been a whirl wind of activity. Presents to buy, presents to wrap, cards to send out, parties to prepare for...and then it came to a screeching halt....Holden has strep throat. He hasn't been himself this week, so I am grateful for the mommy gut that made him an appointment to the doctor yesterday...he should be just like new again this afternoon (24 hrs. of antibiotics works wonders), and we just hope no one else gets it...because Santa Clause is coming to town!

Wilson

2011-12-21T10:02:00.000-08:00

Wilson was so cute on our trip. He wanted his picture taken all by himself. Here are several of his alone pictures. He is growing up so fast!

Wonderful Trip

2011-12-21T09:52:00.001-08:00

We had a great trip to Carlsbad. It started out a little rough with Holden getting car sick, in the car, twice on the way there! Other than that the boys were troopers on the way there. We went to Disneyland and LEGOLAND, and several beaches. We saw our niece Mandie briefly at Disneyland - she is such a doll - it has been a long time since we have seen her! We spent time with Grandma and Grandpa (which I didn't get any pictures of:(! We also visited a dear friend, Julie. We own her a lot...she is the person that set Ken and me up! We stayed the night in Yucaipa with Mark and Myra on the way home. We got to see some of their kids and grand kids - we wish we could have seen all of them, but December is crazy for everyone! I obviously didn't do so well at taking pictures of people we visited...I need to do better! It is back to reality now - just trying to get ready before Christmas. I did finally get my Christmas cards in the mail this morning - that is one HUGE check mark on my long list!

LEGOLAND

2011-12-21T09:22:00.001-08:00

What a beautiful day to be in the Park! Look at the blue sky!

LEGO Santa

Snow at LEGOALND! My boys weren't as excited as the others kids - they aren't from Carlsbad...they are from FARMINGTON, UT!

Lots of Santa sightings in Miniland!

Star Wars in Miniland was amazing!

Balboa Island

2011-12-21T09:17:00.001-08:00

Balboa Island was gorgeous! The boys had fun playing at the playground on the beach, and walking out on the pier. The highlight was driving on, and then riding the ferry. The boys thought it was cool to drive our car onto a boat!

Frist Trip to Disneyland

2011-12-21T09:10:00.000-08:00

I love Disneyland at Christmas. Disneyland is so magical, but at Christmas it is even more magical! Wilson & Holden were so excited, and they loved ever bit of it! My mom went with us, and I just realized, I must have been having too much fun, because I did not take very many pictures!

Temple & La Jolla Shores

2011-12-21T08:55:00.000-08:00

It was fun to take the boys to the San Diego Temple. They love to go to the Salt Lake and Bountiful Temples, so it was great for them to see another one. They loved the nativity. I wish we could have seen it at night, because there were tons of lights up, and I am sure it is spectacular!

We had a great afternoon in La Jolla. We went down into the cave, and watched the seals swim and on the beach. The boys got to choose a shell to buy to take home. They love putting the shell up to their ears and listening to the ocean in Utah!

A Trip to the Beach in December

2011-12-21T06:34:00.000-08:00

We decided to go to Carlsbad to visit Grandma and Grandpa. The first day we got there was beautiful, so of course the boys wanted to go to the beach. We were typical tourist, with swimsuits on in December! The boys had fun in the water, but more fun collecting shells!

Ward Christmas Party

2011-12-04T12:50:00.001-08:00

We had our ward Christmas Party yesterday. It was "Pancakes & Pajamas". Holden told me he wouldn't wear his pajamas to church, so he got dressed. Wilson, Holden, and Josef got to sit on Santa's lap, and tell him what they want for Christmas. This is the second Santa they have seen, and I really wish they would be CONSISTENT with their desires! It makes is hard on Santa's elves when stuff keeps changing:) Josef was not too sure about Santa...I am sure you can tell by the look on his face!

One Crazy Wind Storm

2011-12-02T14:51:00.000-08:00

Early Thursday morning the wind started to blow (my boys were awake at about 1:00AM). The wind blew, and blew until about 1:00PM. The power went out at 10:00AM, and finally back on again at 8:45PM. The wind gust in Farmington were 86 MPH, with sustained winds between 50 and 60 MPH!

I decided not to send the kids to school, because I didn't think it was safe to be out with the wind and dibris. I was glad I kept them home, because the school sent a text message at 10:00AM to come pick up the kids. We stayed inside and watch dibris fly by our home. I can't believe how loud the wind was!

These three pictures were taken in downtown Farmington, so sad to see so many old trees gone! The sustained winds bent lots of street signs.

This picture was taken during the storm. I watched my neighbors RV roll into their backyard. After this picture we lost two more panels of fence.

After the wind stopped blowing...not a lot of fences left in our neighborhood! Our mailbox flew off of its base, Ken will be fixing that:)

Wilson

2011-11-27T08:32:00.000-08:00

We took this picture yesterday at Home Goods. It is for mom...she loves Annalie dolls, and has lots of them...but none this big! Wilson and I laughed that the doll was taller than him!

Wilson is growing up so fast. He loves to read, and now he loves to write! Every night he reads in bed for 30 to 45 minutes. Now he has started writing in bed. The other night he came out to read me what he had written for me, and then his dad. He is such a good little boy, and has such a tender heart. There are some obvious spelling errors, but for a first grade I think he is doing fantastic!

Christmas Lights

2011-11-24T12:44:00.001-08:00

Ken is putting up the Christmas lights this afternoon. He hasn't put them up in a couple of years, because of the weather, so it is fun to see them go up this year. When the weather is cooperating, Ken is always such a good sport at putting our lights up.

When I went outside to check on Ken's progress, I saw our neighbor putting up his lights...

He isn't having to climb up and down the ladder like Ken is... This process looks a whole lot easier:)

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T11:40:00.001-08:00

This is the sunrise this morning, Wilson and I really enjoyed it together!

What a great looking "rafter of turkeys"!

The lynx really liked its pumpkin!

This morning we went to the Zoo, it was so much fun! The boys were so excited that dad was going with us this time.

Ken having fun with his boys!

Tired Josef

2011-11-22T13:20:00.000-08:00

The time change has completely messed Josef up! He is usually up by 5am, and goes to bed at about 7:30-8pm, oh, and did I mention he refuses to take naps! November has been a very tired month for Josef. I am hoping he is turning the corner, because this morning he slept in until 6am! When I picked up Holden from preschool, Josef fell asleep in the car. I haven't been able to transfer him successfully lately, so I just brought him in the house. Moments later he was crashed out on the sofa, and I was able to take him to his bed for a nap, yippee!

Wilson's Wrestling Tournament

2011-11-21T05:38:00.001-08:00

Wilson's first opponent. He won this series of three matches.

Wilson second opponent. He lost the series of three matches.

Wilson came in second out of these four boys. He was so pleased with himself! I giggled at his size, he is clearly the smallest boy out of the four. When he weighed in, at the beginning of the season, he weighed 46 lbs. 4 ozs, so he has been wrestling kids that weigh 46 - 55 lbs. I was so impressed with his perseverance. He just kept going and trying. I would have totally given up! He is excited to do it again next year.

Josef, Stone, and Sam

2011-11-15T09:48:00.001-08:00

I picked up Stone this morning, and so I have the three little guys. I think Stone and Josef make Sam a little nervous! Stone and Josef are quite the pair! I am so grateful Stone lives close, and that Josef and Stone love playing with each other!

Sleepy Holden

2011-11-12T07:00:00.001-08:00

Holden is such a good sleeper. He is the BEST sleeper of the three boys. He falls asleep fast, and can sleep through about anything! Last night Ken, Wilson, and Holen were watching the BYU basketball game. It was about 7:30pm, and I heard Ken ask him if he was falling asleep, Ken told him to just go to bed. He told his dad he was just going to lay on the floor, and listen to the game with his eyes closed... Holden was out for the count!

LEGO Star Wars

2011-11-10T12:59:00.000-08:00

Holden got this set of LEGO Star Wars for his birthday from Stone. This afternoon he started building one of the ships, and then asked me if I would help. Holden is good at roping me into building stuff for him. Then he wanted me to take a picture, and put it on the blog for Grandpa V to see!

Happy Anniversary

2011-11-09T14:39:00.000-08:00

Josef keeps looking at the flowers, and saying "Oh, pretty momma!" Ken and I are celebrating our 9th anniversary today. We agreed not to get anything for each other, and that going to Flemmings would be our present. I ran out this afternoon to pick up a pizza for Ben and Alli to feed the boys, and when I got home, there was a note on the door from a florist. I was shocked, it has been a really long time since I received flowers (I always tell Ken not get flowers, because they die too quickly.) The flowers are bright and cheery. I didn't even have to go pick up the flowers, Emma (our cute neighbor's daughter) brought them to me! I opened the door and she said, "happy whatever!"

Caught Shaving

2011-11-07T16:01:00.001-08:00

We asked the boys to go and wash their hands to get ready for dinner. Wilson and Holden came back into the kitchen, but Josef didn't. Ken went to check on him, and found him with shaving creme, and his razor. Not a good combination...he was just trying to be like his daddy! He is going to have a sore lip for awhile. I am just grateful it was only his lip.

Happy Sunday Dinner

2011-11-07T12:00:00.000-08:00

I know these pictures are blurry (dang it!), but it is all I have! Standing, Allison, Ben, and Ashley Seated, Blake, Josef, Heidi, Holden, and Wilson

Dane and Ashley

Seated, Josef, Blake, Heidi, Holden, and Wilson

We had Sunday dinner with Allison and Ben, Ashley (we really missed Taylor), Heidi and Dane, and BLAKE! It was so fun to have a surprise visit from Blake (he went to Harvest Dance). Josef warmed up quickly to Blake, and of course Holden and Wilson had a blast with him.

It was strange to have my family and just the Holmes "kids", but SO much fun. It is crazy how much they have each grown up and matured. Allison is engaged, Ashley is married, Heidi is engaged, and Blake will be submitting papers for his mission in the Spring! They are all amazing "kids" - they will always be "kids" to me! I love them, and am so grateful for them. I definately missed the members of the Holmes Family that weren't there, but I am grateful for all that they are doing to serve the Lord. I am also looking forward to seeing Whitney in a couple of weeks!

Ken's Prize

2011-11-04T15:57:00.000-07:00

Ken and his team at work, have been competing for a month to win a 42" TV for each of them. Today was the day, and they won! Ken was pretty excited to bring the prize home. Now we just have to figure out how and where to put it!

Wilson's Wrestle Mania (WWM not WWF)

2011-11-04T07:48:00.000-07:00

Wilson and his friend getting warmed up. The boys before Wilson's first match.

Holden and Josef inbetween matches.

Wilson started wrestling. He has had two practices/clinics, and last night he had his first matches. He loves it! It was crazy - they had matches for kindergartners, first graders, and second graders. Wilson got to compete in two matches, each with 3 one minute rounds (I am not sure I am using the correct terminology!) I guess he is used to wrestling with his brothers, only now he has rules... We had fun watching, when he was struggling, I just wanted to help him. Holden told me he doesn't want to wrestle, he wants to either play golf or basketball.

Halloween Night

2011-11-03T12:24:00.001-07:00

Halloween night was so fun. We had Ben and Becky over for dinner in a pumpkin, and then went trick or treating. The weather was absolutely beautiful. Ken and I took the boys (grandma stayed to hand out chips) trick or treating. We went for almost 2 hours, and I wore sandals! The boys had so much fun. Josef was so cute when he would say "thanks"!

Annual Family Halloween Party

2011-11-03T12:13:00.000-07:00

Evan, Keaton, Wilson, Annalise, Canyon, and Holden!

Lyric, Josef, and Stone. With some peer pressure (positive) from Stone, Josef put on his lion costume.

The little lion and his grandma!

The boys listening to Emily tell Halloween stories!

Holden could have sat with Emily all night!

Emily had her annual Halloween Party, and as always, it was a blast! Holden got to party all day long on his birthday. Aunt Becky even made a yummy coconut birthday cake for him! On the way home form the valley, I got a call from Ashley, she was in Farmington! She came over to visit, and then Heidi & Dane, and Allison and Ben came to visit too! What a great way to end such a fun day!

Holden Turned 5!!!

2011-11-03T12:01:00.000-07:00

Birthday morning present time. Holden was SO excited! Friday night Ken took Wilson and Holden to the Spooky Dinosaur Park, so my mom and I had a chance to wrap his presents, and get his cake ready. All of the kids dressed up in costumes for his party.

Gotta love pinata time!

I can't believe Holden turned 5, but he did! His party was so fun - 11 little kids...they were all so good! We played pin the teeth on the dracula, trick or treat, skeleton drop, and then it was time for the pinata! I am so glad my mom was visiting so she could help!

Josef

2011-10-28T16:21:00.000-07:00

This morning, when I took Wilson's picture, Josef wanted his picture taken. He is at such a cute stage right now, cute but really naughty!

Halloween Parade

2011-10-28T16:18:00.000-07:00

Wilson had a Halloween Parade today at school. He was excited to wear the jedi robe that Aunt Becky made for him!

Crazy Hair Day

2011-10-26T08:41:00.000-07:00

I did a terrible job at centering the hawk - I guess, since it is crazy hair day, I should say I meant to make it crooked!

Annalise and Keaton

It is crazy hair day at school today. There is a very good reason I only have boys...I can't "do" hair to save my life! Wilson really wanted a faux hawk, so that is what he got. I am not sure how long it will last, but I am pretty sure it will look crazy all day!

Dinosaur Park

2011-10-22T14:24:00.000-07:00

This picture of Holden makes me laugh, he is such a character!

We went to Dinosaur Pak on Friday. We weren't there very long, because it was too cold. The boys wanted me to take a picture of the tombstone...they thought it was funny because of their cousin Blake.

The Zoo with my Boys!

2011-10-20T12:46:00.000-07:00

We have a four day weekend, yippee! This morning we went to The Hogle Zoo. I was afraid it would be packed, so we were there bright and early - 9am! It was kind of chilly, but we were almost all alone. It was so much fun to be there when the animals were waking up. We saw all of the animals, and were on our way out at Noon. I was really glad we were there early, because by the time we left it was packed!

Only Wilson wanted to get in the rhino for a picture - you can see two live rhinos in the background!

Josef and Holden hanging out in the stroller. Holden was freezing, so he is all bundled up!

The giraffe came right over to Wilson, it totally looks like he is posing for the picture. He looks at the camera better than Holden does!

Wilson trying to look like the gorilla:)

Holden showing us how big he is.

I love this picture! If you look closely you can see Holden peeking his head out of the egg...

My three little hatchlings...they are not so little any more!

After we saw all of the animals, had lunch, then we played. Wilson was SO cute with Josef, he took him all over the playground. It is times like this, that make all of the craziness so worth it!

Cooking Time

2011-10-19T09:05:00.001-07:00

Sam and Josef are at the age that they love to cook! This morning Josef was taking his little frying pans, and trying to cook on the stove. I decided it was time to bring up the grill set (it is NOT a kitchen - that would be way too femine for Ken's boys!) It is not often Josef plays with toys, so this makes me really happy!

MarketStar Halloween Party

2011-10-19T08:55:00.001-07:00

The return of Harry Potter!

Yes, Josef is sitting on a Hubbard squash:) Josef is so scary!

Luke Skywalker

Last night MarketStar had a family Halloween Party. Wilson and Holden were excited to dress up! We tried to get Josef to dress up, we even gave him many choices (Yoda, lion, Sulley, Hedwig), and he adamantly refused them all! The pumpkins and squash are all from the Toone's garden!

Scarfs, mittens, and hats oh my!

2011-10-07T13:37:00.000-07:00

Keeping the mittens/gloves matched is a big problem in our house, and then add to that all of the scarfs and hats! I saw this idea on a blog the other day (appartantly we are not the only family that has this challenge!) I was SO excited to see a possible solution! This afternoon, I tried to gather all of the goods, and this is what it looks like now! I am surprised at how many sets of mittens/gloves we have - I am also surprised that, as of right now, I only have one lonely glove! I really hope this helps us keep our winter gear more organized. I am sure it won't always looks this orderly, but we can try!

Random Happenings

2011-10-07T13:23:00.000-07:00

I am not sure where the last couple of weeks have gone! I did snapped a couple of pictures of the things that we have done...

It was a warm September, and Holden learned how to ride his bike without training wheels, yippee! We took some family bike rides over to the new park by our home. This picture is in the middle of one of our bike rides. We ran into a friend that was on a walk with his little boy, Isaac. Isaac and Holden decided to get done of the sidewalk and checkout the dirt and bugs, oh what cute little boys! I wish the picture would have turned better.

The boys had their Primary Program, my favorite Sacrament Meeting of the whole year! Wilson sang Book of Mormon Stories, with his class. Holden said, "I can be like Jesus by choosing the right!" They both did a great job singing their hearts out! We have enjoyed going to Orange Leaf, and getting frozen yogurt!

I have been decorating for Halloween. We made potion jars with vampire blood, werewolf fur, snakes, and frog legs, to just name a few! That is a quick update to some of the things that have been keeping us busy, and out of trouble!

The BIG Game ...

2011-09-18T11:54:00.001-07:00

Ken and Wilson had a great time going to the football game. They didn't hit any traffic, so the ended up in Provo by 3:00pm! They were able to visit the Scotts, and Heidi. Ken took Wilson to the bookstore and bought some shirts and a little BYU football. They had great seats, right by the BYU basketball team, and Wilson got a high five from Jimmer! Wilson's favorite part was going to the bookstore!

The game was pretty one side (go UTES!) I am a Ute, and it was even difficult for me to watch at times. Hopefully Heaps can get it together for their next game!

Josef

2011-09-18T11:06:00.000-07:00

This morning I brought Josef home from church early. It was nice to spend a little time with just my Jojo! He has had a runny nose, it is not anything serious, but not something to share in Nursery! He was so cute, I had to take pictures!

Aurora Nebeker Wilson

2011-09-17T16:12:00.000-07:00

January 15, 1881 to December 26, 1958

Tribute to Roe Wilson written by Marie Stevenson Some of the nicest things in life come in small packages. Roe Wilson was one of them. As a girl she was a dainty lovely thing with a fragile kind of beauty much like a Dresden figurine. At the old Brigham Young Academy she stood at the top of her class, not only as a scholar, but also as a leader, being chosen class vice president. The memory of this petite little brownette from Payson remained bright in the hearts of her classmates throughout the years. My mother-in-law was one of them. After receiving her normal degree, she accepted a position as a teacher in Santaquin, and some of her students were almost as old as she was. To this day many still remember attending her school during the week and enjoying the warm hospitality of her home in Payson on week ends. The friends she made at this time remained life long ones. She taught but a few years then married a man whom she had known all her life, Melvin Wilson. At the time of her marriage she was all a man could desire; beautiful, popular, well educated, and poised. To her husband she gave all her love and respect. Their marriage was a good one for their interests were the same. The fulfillment of her husband's ambitions in his chosen field from teacher to principal and finally superintendent of Nebo District School was the realization of her own dreams. Roe was a woman of many accomplishments, but her finest efforts went to being a wife and a mother, and her two sons Dale and Gordon were throughout her life her biggest pride. As years passed she matured to a soft spoken intellectual woman, reserved and charming, and had the unique quality of being able to meet the great and the small in the worlds of education and government with equal grace. She was the kind of a wife and mother that any man would have been proud of. She was fine and sensitive, feeling more deeply than most of us. Consequently she had more love, more joy and more sorrow. She was able to put herself in the position of others easily, and tears often came to her eyes when she spoke of a friend's misfortune. She had a wistful smile that remained throughout her illness. The daughters she never had materialized with the birth of Dale's two daughters, Becky and Diann. She couldn't have loved them more had they been her own. And what they feel for her today is probably best expressed by Robert Louis Stevenson "What were childhood wanting you?" The long illness that preceeds death more often then not is an ordeal that many of us feel inadequate to cope with, especially if it strikes some one close to us. It is certainly a credit to anyone can see a loved one through without outside help during this trying time. In all my years Melvin and Gordon are the only two men I have ever known who were unselfish enough to assume this responsibility. They did it not because it was best for them, but because it was best for her. I must add the task was never done with a more heaping measure of devotion, nor for one more deserving of it. Not every man had a wife like Melvin's or a mother like Dale And Gordon's. What a tribute of love her husband paid to her. Words are inadequate to express the patience and understanding needed to for care these last few years. I wonder if anyone ever lived the clause in the marriage contract to love and to cherish though sickness and health more fully than Melvin. Any time during the last few weeks death could have come to Roe not as the thief, but as a friend. As often is the case, her death was in keeping with her life. She stayed with them for Christmas, then slipped away early the next morning.

I was given this dressing table and chair from my aunt Maggie last weekend. It was Aurora's. I can't believe how tiny the chair is! I obviously never knew Aurora, but I have always admired her. She was a member of The Daughter's of the Utah Pioneers, and wrote her own personal history. She had dementia, and burned all of her records. I really wish that she hadn't done that, because I would have loved to get to know her better. If we would have had a daughter she would have been named Aurora, but at this point that won't be happening!

My mom and aunt have fond memories of Aurora and this dressing table. I asked my mom to write about it. This is from her...

When I was in the third grade, my mom and dad got a divorce. My mom, Becky, and I moved to Riverside to live with Grandpa Beck. Every summer Becky and I went to Payson to stay with Grandpa (Melvin) and Grandma (Aurora) Wilson. They lived in the "little" house then. I first remember the little dresser and chair when Lynn Harmer and I would play in the bedroom. The princess sat in the little chair, and the other one was the servant, and would comb her hair and braid it. Both Lynn and I had long hair so it was very special to be the princess. At that time there were two pictures on the dresser, one of dad (Dale) and the other one of Gordon when they were younger. We would pretend that they were pictures of one of the princes we were going to marry. I know it sounds silly now, but I can still remember how special I felt when it was my turn to be the princess. Becky and I spent at least 2 weeks every summer with Grandpa and Grandma. Dad married Winnie and was living in Idaho. He would come to see us, when he could. Grandma became very senile. I can still hear grandpa in a sweet gentle voice trying to get grandma dressed. He would tell her over and over it was alright for him to help her get dressed because he was her husband. Both he and Gordon were so kind and sweet to grandma. I know now how hard it must have been to care for her. They always had to have some with her. I remember one time grandpa was in the barn and a neighbor came to get him because Fritz, Gordon's Doberman, was in the front yard trying to protect grandma and would not let the neighbor close to her.

I am grateful for my family history, and the wonderful reminders of my ancestors in my home.

The BIG Game

2011-09-17T13:05:00.000-07:00

Thursday I got a call from Allison, and she said, "long story short, Heidi and I aren't going to use our tickets for the BYU - Utah game, would Ken want them?" I am sure Allison knows Ken well enough, that she knew the answer to the question before she even asked me! So, long story short, Wilson and Ken are going to the BIG game! They both were so excited ALL day, that I finally kicked them out the door at 1:45pm, for the game that starts at 7:15pm!!! Yes, traffic is going to be a challenge...but I am sure it will be worth it to Wilson and Ken!

Wilson snuck in the "U" for me - what a considerate little boy!

I kept telling Wilson that he needed to cheer for the Utes. He did tell me, before they left, that since he was going to be at BYU he was going to cheer for the Cougars:)

Uncle Stan

2011-09-15T06:35:00.001-07:00

Stanton Lars Beck

June 16, 1929 - September 15, 2001

Uncle Stan passed away 10 years ago today. Uncle Stan was such a character, and lived his life to the beat of his own drum. I didn't get to know him until Grandma moved to Carlsbad from Clear Lake. I was sixteen, and so I drove her to Riverside to have lunch with him and Violet (an old friend of the Beck family.) After lunch we went to his home, I was shocked! His house didn't have finished walls or floors. Uncle Stan always teased me about the look on my face when I walked in his house. He had a LARGE boat out in the back of his property that he was building - Yes, a boat in Riverside! My dad called him Noah of the Inland Empire! Stan was so much fun! We were so blessed to have him in our lives. He would come to our house for holidays, and we would often drive to Riverside to have lunch with him. He loved Grinders and Sizzler. Stan loved boats and the ocean. He worked on a boat in Balboa Island - it was beautiful! He was truly a craftsman, he made beautiful things with wood. Stan is the only person that called me by a nickname - Krissy - and I let him. Uncle Stan loved good music, his favorite hymn was Come, Come Ye Saints. He was a well read, and educated man. He had a BS in Biology - if I remember correctly, but he never used it. Uncle Stan didn't like to be tied down, he sailed the world. The longest job he ever had was when he worked at the Golf Course by his home in Rubidoux (Riverside). He watered the greens. He tried to quit that job countless times, but they kept getting him back! Stan had thought he had a hernia, and he didn't like doctors! When he finally went to the doctor, it wasn't a hernia. He had cancer in his bladder. They removed his bladder, but the cancer had spread. The morning he passed I got a call from Jack, his son. I was staying at my mom and dad's home, because they were driving back from Boston (9/11). The conversation was hard to follow, but I got it that Stan had passed away. All Jack wanted was for my mom to be there. I told Jack that my mom and dad were still driving. Stan had fallen out of bed, and Jack couldn't get him back into bed, so he had to call the paramedics. Eric and I ended up meeting my mom and dad at Stan's home that afternoon. My poor mom and dad had driven straight for 50 something hours, and they didn't even go home. We helped Jack get things together for the funneral. Stan was a very organized man. We found all that we needed to have him buried at the military cemetary. We also helped Jack find cash that was hidden in a pipe, in the wall of his home! I am so grateful for the 14 years that I had to get to know my Uncle Stan. He was a great friend, and I miss him dearly!

He had such a funny sense of humor!

A Day to Remember

2011-09-11T12:32:00.001-07:00

Ken and the boys saying the Pledge of Allegiance this morning. I don't think anyone will forget that day ten years ago. Kayla called me just after 6am Pacific time, and told me to turn on the TV. She was living in New York state. I couldn't believe what I saw. I was staying at my parents home, because they were on a trip with Art & Vicky in Boston. I was on the phone with Eric, when we both watched in disbelief as the Towers crumbled. I went to work, and sat with my boss listening to reports on the radio that there was another plane, in the air, headed to Washington D.C. I worked at LEGOLAND, and so part of the morning was spent walking out to Miniland to see if the Twin Towers were there (none of us could remember!) The Twin Towers had not been built in Miniland, because they were so tall that, even when built to scale, they would have looked way too tall! I ended up leaving work in the morning, picking up Evan from daycare, and spending the day with him. My mom, dad, Art, and Vicky were in Boston. There was so much incertainty about when airplanes would fly again that they ended up renting a car, and driving home from Boston- they didn't stop to sleep at all!

Cougars & Utes

2011-09-11T12:17:00.000-07:00

Last night BYU & U of U played football, and they both lost. Ken watched the BYU game, during the game, the boys were drawing pictures. Later that night, after the boys were in bed, I went to go to bed. Wilson had drawn Ken and me pictures, and he had placed them on our sides of the bed. He is such a thoughtful little boy - he always wants to please his mom and dad!

Beets

2011-09-10T07:12:00.001-07:00

My friend gave my four grocery bags of beets...lucky me! I canned pickled and sweet beets yesterday. Canning is always a lot of work, but I am always so satisfied when I look at the finished product. I think the color is absolutely beautiful, and I can't wait to eat them with a salad!

Holden fights it!

2011-09-08T07:11:00.000-07:00

Last night, when Ken got home from work, we went to Salt Lake to check on some chairs for our table (Josef wants to sit at the table with us, and our chairs are REALLY wobbly.) Holden was obviously tried, but he wanted to color. Ken and I watched him close his eyes, and then open them and keeping coloring. Holden is such a determined little boy!

Uncle Broby's Wedding

2011-09-07T12:20:00.001-07:00

Grandpa Wilson, Eric, Rocky, and Bart. What handsome guys! I love this picture of my grandpa!

These pictures were taken at my Uncle Broby's, my mom's step brother, wedding. The reception was at the Lion House in Salt Lake City. I am think it was probably about 1978, so I was 7 years old.

I love this picture of Eric, Rocky, and Bart.

Eric, Rocky, Bart, me, and Emily I am so blessed to have a wonderful brother and cousins. I am not sure why Erin and Natalie are not in any of the pictures. I did not grow up close to my cousins (they were in Utah and we were in Southern California), but I am blessed to raise my children with theirs. I love it that my brother and all of my cousins and their families live with 45 minutes of us (except Doug and Erin while they are in Detriot - I can't wait for July 2013!)

Ding Dong

2011-09-07T07:11:00.000-07:00

This morning at about 8am, Josef found a box of Ding Dongs in the pantry. He had already had breakfast, and really wanted one. Josef has gotten VERY stubborn, and he throws screaming fits (yes, he is two), so I try and pick my battles. I did not want to fight this one, so I gave him a Ding Dong and sent him in the backyard to eat it - I didn't want Wilson and Holden to see it, and I didn't want to clean up the mess! He went out the back door, when I went to check on him he wasnt' in the backyard, but the gate was open. I went around front, and he was sitting on his favorite rock enjoying the Ding Dong.

After Preschool

2011-09-06T12:56:00.000-07:00

Some day Holden will learn what it means to look at the camera!

Holden and his buddy had a great first day of preschool. The played with play doh, painted fall leaves, read books, and sang songs!

First Day of Preschool

2011-09-06T07:11:00.001-07:00

He is so excited to use the dog backpack Aunt Becky gave him last year! He wanted his picture taken in front of the garage door, so there it is!

Holden starts preschool today, he is SO excited! I can't believe he is old enough to go to preschool! I guess better preschool than kindergarten, since most of his friends started kindergarten this year (he is blessed to be an October birthday!)

Frites

2011-09-06T07:09:00.000-07:00

We went to Brugges Frites and Waffes on Labor Day. It was yummy! We were to full of frites to have a waffle, so I guess we will just have to go another time to get a waffle!

Checked Out

2011-09-01T12:28:00.000-07:00

Holden and Josef went down the slide together. Holden was trying to "help" Josef!

Sporting the Ute shirt, go Utes!

Wilson has finally gotten to the point that he isn't sad at school anymore, poor little guy has had a hard time adjusting to being away from me. I thought it would be fun to check him out of school for lunch today, so we did! The weather is perfect today, so we had a picnic lunch and played at the park, and the right back to school!

Tomatoes

2011-08-30T13:08:00.001-07:00

Last night Ken, the boys, and I all went out and picked tomatoes. Our plants were overflowing! We picked a bunch of roma's, big steak, and cherries! Today I decided to blanche and freeze the tomatoes. It is always exciting, in the middle of winter, to use a frozen bag of tomatoes for chili, soup, or a yummy spaghetti sauce! I guess I was just getting ready to make salsa this weekend!

Slides

2011-08-30T12:59:00.000-07:00

Last night for Family Home Evening we rode our bikes over to the park. Josef loved the slides, and just kept sliding down over, and over!

Sunday afternoon at Temple Square

2011-08-28T17:54:00.001-07:00

brothers...

the flowers were absolutely amazing...Wilson was the only one that would stand in front of them for a picture...

We went to Temple Square this afternoon. We haven't been in awhile, and the boys love to go up to see The Christus. It was a beautiful, warm, Summer afternoon. We had a great time at Temple Square, and then we stop to see Art & Vicky - what a lovely sabbath!

First Week of School Happenings

2011-08-25T13:19:00.000-07:00

I thought that Wilson had overcome his anxiety with being at school ALL day, but I was wrong. Yesterday Annalise, Keaton, and Wilson walked to school together. I guess Wilson started hiding his face with his backpack from Annalise and Keaton. They kept asking him what was wrong, and finally he told them he was missing his mom. Annalise talked him into walking all the way to school, and she told him he could talk to his teacher, and maybe she would let him call me. When Annalise told me what happened, she said, "Auntie, I am only 8 years old, I didn't know what to tell him!!!" When Keaton found out who his teacher was going to be, he was really nervous, because everyone said his teacher is mean. Yesterday I asked Keaton how it was going, and he said it was going just great, and that he really liked his teacher. He then said, "all the kids that thought she was mean must not have been following the rules!" I loved hearing that come out of his mouth, and I am really happy he likes his teacher! We are still working with Wilson and his anxiety. I am going to take him to school, and hopefully that will help him not have the time to get sad. Wilson is such a sweet, tenderhearted little guy!

100%

2011-08-23T16:27:00.001-07:00

Wilson took his first spelling pretest today, and he got 100%! I got the list yesterday, so we had gone over it together once. He is such a great little student...

First Grade

2011-08-22T09:03:00.000-07:00

Wilson started first grade this morning. I have been dreading him be gone all day for weeks, he is just a pleasure to have home. Wilson has been saying for months that he didn't want to go to school all day, because he wouldn't be able to spend enough time with his family. He has been talking about it more and more as the time has come closer. Last night, when it was time for bed, he told me he had a headache, and then that he was going to throw up. He went and sat by the toliet, and eventually he did throw up - 3 times. He finally went to sleep, and woke up this morning ready for school. I was worried he was maybe sick, but I just think his nerves got the best of him. Wilson is such a good little boy. I adore him, and will miss him a ton during the day, and so will his two little brothers!

Backyard Campout

2011-08-20T16:07:00.000-07:00

Ken decided to put up the tent and sleep outside with the boys. They were both SO excited! They had ice cream sundaes, and watched Indiana Jones on the laptop. It was a great way to celebrate the last weekend before Wilson starts First grade!

Hogle Zoo Carousel

2011-08-19T07:31:00.001-07:00

Interesting...not one of the boys is looking at the camera...only the pretty little girl! Classic Holden face!

Nice sour face Josef (without his toutie!)

We went to the Zoo for one last hurrah before the kids go back to school on Monday. They all loved the carousel:)

Water Table

2011-08-15T12:32:00.001-07:00

Josef got a water table for his birthday, in the hope that if he has a water table, he will stay away from the kitchen sink and bath tub! All of the kids love the table. The only challenge is the amount of times they change into dry clothes each day! I need to make some waterproof aprons:)

Annalise & Josef

2011-08-15T12:30:00.000-07:00

Annalise is so cute with Josef. She plays with him all of the time, they are great buddies!

The Cake

2011-08-15T07:12:00.000-07:00

Four layer white cake, with chocolate mouse filling...mmmm

Cake topper, it looks just like Josef, right?

Isn't the cake the best part of the party? This cake was pretty dang good.

Cowboy Party

2011-08-15T06:57:00.000-07:00

Josef ready for his party!

All my cowboys!

Boys eating some chow - Stone doing the corn on the cob dance:)

Josef chilling with his dad before cake and presents.

Josef tasting the Cowboy cookies we gave everyone to take home.

Annalise painted Josef a cowboy picture!

We had a cowboy party for Josef's birthday. It was pretty low key, with some family. The boys loved the bandanas and cowboy hats. I have been looking for cowboy shirts at DI for weeks - I found something that "worked" for everyone except me. We had pulled pork sandwiches, homemade baked beans, corn on the cob, watermelon, salad, and chips with salsa. Ken, Josef, and uncle Ben loved the peanuts. Holden would have loved them had he listened and figured out he shouldn't eat the shells - he kept going around spitting them out - one time right on Ken's toes!

What cowboy party would be complete without a rodeo!

Two

2011-08-13T13:06:00.001-07:00

Josef is TWO. Even after two years, we all adore him as much as the day he was born! He is a curious little boy. He loves chocolate and diet coke - I know neither one is good for him, but he will fight me to the bitter end for them! He is stubborn, and loves to play Angry Birds on my phone. He loves to play in water, and is often found scooting a stool over to the kitchen sink to playing the water. He got a water table for his birthday, and I hope that will replace the obsession with the sink and bathtub! He is a wonderful blessing to our family.

Waiting for Family Prayer

2011-08-09T07:53:00.001-07:00

Yesterday morning, Ken was rounding up the boys for family prayer. Josef went over to the chair, and made himself comfortable while he waited! Ken grabbed his phone to take a picture, and then Wilson and Holden had to join him.

Nice lips Wilson:) Holden with his sleeping hat still on his head - what funny little boys we have!

Hobo Dinners at the Toones'

2011-08-07T13:14:00.000-07:00

Bart and Shell invited us over to have hobo dinners (I always called them tin foil dinners, but I think hobo dinner sounds much more fun!) Bart made them with venison, onions, carrots, pototoes, broccoli, mushrooms, and some cream of mushroom soup - they were DELICISOUS! Wilson ate his all up - he loved it, Holden loved all of the veggies, but not the meat (no surprise there!) It was fun to sit outiside, and watch all of the crazy little boys - 5 crazy little boys, and one very sweet infant, that I am sure Taft will eventually fit right in with all the boys!

Starting to Practice

2011-08-03T15:39:00.000-07:00

Ken had Josef trying to go potty. Maybe he will do it before he is four years old, like his older brothers, that would make his mom and dad SOOO happy!

Otter Pop Time

2011-08-03T15:35:00.001-07:00

Every (well almost) afternoon this summer, we have had Otter Pop time. It is usually after Josef wakes up from his nap. We take a seat in the coolest part of the yard, on the rocks in the shade, and enjoy an Otter Pop!

Keaton's Treasure

2011-08-02T10:27:00.000-07:00

Keaton was so proud of the frog that he caught. When we were taking a picture it jumped out of his hands, and I jumped and screamed - Keaton thought that was pretty funny:)

Independent Josef

2011-08-02T08:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning, when I was frantically getting ready to go to the zoo, Josef showed how independent and resourceful he is. He took a stool from the counter, and pushed it over to the cabinet where the glasses and sippy cups are. He got up on the stool, and got himself a sippy cup with the lid. Got down, and went over to another stool at the counter, climbed up, got my Diet Coke, and filled up his sippy cup with Diet Coke. He is a funny little boy!

Hogle Zoo with Cousins

2011-08-01T15:47:00.001-07:00

Annalise, Whitney, and Matthew giving Josef and Holden a little ride. What do you do at the zoo when it is pouring rain? Take a ride on the carousel, and then eat a sandwich while watching the carousel go round and round:)

Silly, silly kids!

Just checking out the dinosaur, it would lower and raise his head and then roar!

Gotta loves these boys, Blake loves to get Holden going (and we all know it doesn't take much!)

Cousins - minus Benjamin (I am not sure where he was) plus Sara!

Keaton really wanted me to take this picture of him with the dinosaur!

We went to Hogle Zoo this morning with Aunt Becky, Blake, Sara (Blake's friend), Whitney, Matthew, Emily, Benjamin, Shell, Stone, Taft, Annalise, and Keaton. It was so fun! It was raining and sometimes pouring rain most of the time, but we wanted to get it in before Blake, Matthew, and Whitney go back to Michigan. It has been so fun to have them around for while, and of course my boys have been in heaven:)

Dale Berkley Wilson

2011-07-31T13:55:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Wilson

July 21, 1912 - August 1, 1991 (I can't believe it has been 20 years!) He was a cute little boy!

This is how I remember my grandpa when he would visit us in California. He LOVED the sun!

1976, Grandpa bought Eric and me Boogie Boards, we had so much fun playing at the beach with them!

Grandpa and his horses

Mom, Me, Dad, Billy (Eric's friend), and Eric when went to Payson for the Onion Days Celebration over Labor Day weekend, probably in 1988. This picture was at Payson's Downs, we were waiting for the horse race to start!

Grandpa sent this dress to me in a package. I wish I had a picture of the whole dress, it was so pretty, and I felt so special!

Grandpa was a funny man. He loved to recite songs and poetry. I loved to go to the horse races with him. If his horse won we got to go and get our picture taken with the horse and jockey.

This is his eulogy, it was written by his cousin Marie Douglass Stevenson

Dale was many things in this world, but first and above all, he was a father and a grandfather. In all his relationships his children came first. He was giving and generous to everyone especially to his children. In all his relationships his children came first. He had a special charm. His piercing blue eyes and captivating smile endeared him to family and friends alike. Most found Dale to be his own man - - a friend to many, but close to no one. He was a thoroughbred like the horses he raised - - handsome, well bred, well educated, and high spirited; even when bridled, he was hard to lead. He had a sincere compassion for others less fortune than himself. In adversity Dale was always there for those in need. He helped both financially and gave of his time as well to many. He had a keen sense of fair-play and couldn’t tolerate hypocrisy or pretense. He detested snobbishness. He took disappointment and tragedy stoically, keeping the pain inside, masked carefully under wit and good humor. He wanted to be the giver, not the receiver on all occasions. But beneath the surface and carefully hidden was a complex perceptive mind and heart of a poet. This gave him a special sensitivity and tenderness. On occasion when touched his eyes would fill. He loved poetry and as long as he was able - - music and dancing. Edgar Allen Poe had a special fascination for him. He had repertoire of his favorite poems a mile long that he could recite from memory to the end of his days. Some were humorous, some tragic, and some hauntingly beautiful. His two favorites were written by a little waitress he met in Billings Montana. He requested that this one be read on this occasion: Wasted Sympathy By Omar Van Seegrave Sympathy for me ‘tis a wasted thought. Rather you should envy what sorrow has brought. Should one pity a soul who can understand Not from trials of others but first hand. Perhaps my eyes see more of disappointment and despair; But these same eyes see more of the fair. So feel not sympathy for me, Rather glory in my choice; For while you stagger in monotony I may sigh but still rejoice. Dale has come to be laid to rest - - home to Cow-Lane where he longed to be - - where horses graze and lilacs bloom and Peteetneet creek banked with buttercups ripples softly through the night. But he that dwelt in yonder field is not here. He has gone where eagles soar and thoroughbreds run free.

Coneflowers

2011-07-29T08:10:00.000-07:00

Just checking out the coneflower!

Josef thinks that when I tell him to smile he needs to close his eyes!

Josef wanted his picture taken, so I took him by the coneflowers. I love the coneflowers, they are so pretty right now! Of course, I love Josef's face even more! Annalise walked outside, when we were taking pictures, so she joined Josef!

Swimming Lessons

2011-07-29T07:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the last day of swimming lessons. All of the kids passed their current level, so they were all excited. It was been fun to watch all of the kids learn new skills. Annalise has been diving off the side of the pool, Keaton and Wilson have gotten good at floating on the backs, and Holden is quite the little rocket! During the lessons, Josef has sat on my lap and eaten animal crackers, pretzel fish, and ritz crackers. He has also been begging for drinks of my diet coke! Oh, the joys of summer!

Macular Degeneration

2011-07-29T07:05:00.000-07:00

This week my mom was diagnosed with the beginning stages of Macular Degeneration. That is a very scary diagnosis for our family. My grandma had Macular Degeneration, and lost her eyesight. Grandma was an amazing lady, and handled it with such strength and humor. The thought of my mom losing her eyesight is hard to imagine.

Currently, there is no cure for MD. Vitamins and diet are the only course of treatment. My mom will be taking lots of vitamins and eating high antioxidant fruits and vegetables. We hope and pray that the disease will progress very slowly. Macular Degeneration is hereiditary, so that is a huge incentive for me to add more of the high antioxidant fruits and vegetables into my families diet. This morning Holden and I ate some yummy blueberries. Josef put a couple in his mouth, but he did not like the texture, and I couldn't get him to bite one (I am sure if he had bit it he would have liked it!)

Last week my dad FINALLY got hearing aids (he has needed them for a very long time!) We always use to laugh at my grandma and Ken (her third husband), because my grandma was blind and Ken couldn't hear. One time the missionaries (that lived with them) overheard a phone conversation like this...

Grandma, "let me give the phone to my husband, because I can't see." Ken, "wait let me give the phone back to my wife, because I can't hear you!"

I am afraid that I might some day overhear that conversation, only it will be my mom and dad! Hopefully that won't happen because my dad has his hearing aids now, and my mom is going to eat so many antioxidants that the cells in her macula aren't going to break down!

I talked to Wilson and Holden about Grandma's diagnosis, so they have been praying for Grandma. Wilson has been really concerned, and I have had some interesting conversations with him. After I told him that my grandma had gone blind, and that is what Grandma has (my grandma's was wet MD, and my mom's is dry - so we hope and pray my mom's vision doesn't degenerate as quickly), Wilson asked my if it was going to happen to me to - I told him I hope not. Another time Wilson was talking about when he turns 7, and then he said, "but Mom, Grandma won't be able to see me as well when I am 7." I told him that hopefully she will see him just as well. Holden diligently prays for Grandma's eyes, oh how that little boy loves his Grandma! I am so grateful for my tenderhearted little boys, they can be SO crazy, but they have VERY tender hearts!

Pioneer Day

2011-07-25T07:11:00.000-07:00

My cute little pioneer/cowboy! Wilson is growing up so fast, I can't believe he will be in 1st Grade! My boys are blessed to have the most wonderful cousins (unfortunately not all are pictured here:).

Oh, I just adore this little boy! He is almost 2, yikes!!!

Ethan went and got a coloring book and crayons, and all this little boys followed his lead!

Ogden Rodeo

2011-07-25T06:48:00.000-07:00

I love it when the skydivers fly into the area, it is fun to watch them descend, and then hit their mark with the flag and all!

Friday night we went to the Ogden Rodeo. It is was fun to have Whitney with us! Josef finally warmed up to Whitney...just in time for her to go back to Michigan on August 3rd!

Heritage Park & The Pie

2011-07-14T14:14:00.000-07:00

We went to This is the Place - Heritage Park with Kayla, Paige, and Brooke today.I don't know what happened with this picture...just pretend that you can see their cute faces clearly! Keaton, Wilson, and Holden on a pony ride.

Paige was a good sport to demonstrate what would happen to a child that did not complete their homework. They would have to have to sit on the stool with a "dunce" cap until after they came back to school from lunch. I loved the the teacher explained that the "dunce" cap did not mean that they were not smart, only that they had made an unwise choice!

Holden, Josef, Wilson, and Brooke in front of a door at Brigham Young's farm house. The house is beautiful, and has a porch all the way around the house. It is perfect to run round and round while waiting for the rest of the group to finish their tour inside the house!

Mini train ride. Look at the view just past the train, what a beautiful view of the valley.

Perfect way to finish up the day, lunch at The Pie!

Peddle, Peddle, Peddle

2011-07-11T17:28:00.000-07:00

Holden is learning to ride his bike without training wheels. He is not usually a willing participant. It takes a lot of coaxing and bribery to get him to try. Tonight he did really well, and earned himself an orange creme! Wilson was very encouraging, and great at showing his little brother what to do:)

Recycled Crayons

2011-07-11T11:57:00.000-07:00

We had lots of crayons that were broken, so I saw a way to "recycle" them into multicolor round crayons. Annalise, Wilson, and I spent some time and sorted our crayons, and then did the tedious job of taking off the wrappers. Then the kids picked out the colors they wanted in their custom crayon. We put them in a muffin tin with a liners, and then let them melt for about 15 minutes in a 275 degree oven.

Holden and Josef liked watching the crayons melt, it took so long for Keaton he decided to read a book while he waited! The kids showing off their special creations!

I mean really, this was just away to pass sometime on a long summer day:)

The "Up" House

2011-07-11T08:59:00.001-07:00

A builder in Herriman got permission from Disney to build the house in "Up". We went to check it out on Sunday afternoon before we went to have dinner at the Angell's home. The house is so CUTE! They even painted the mural of Paradise Falls above the fire place mantel, we could see it through the window!

The back of the house, and to the side is the garage (not in the movie.)

I love the movie "Up". I love the beginning with Carl and Ellie. What a sweet marriage they had with all of their ups and downs! I also love Russell. The end of the movie is so sweet with Russell and Mr. Fredricksen!

Farmington Days Parade

2011-07-11T08:49:00.000-07:00

waiting for the parade Lucky us, Whitney was with us at the parade too!

Aunt Becky and Uncle Ben staying cool in the shade. We are so lucky to have them live so close to us.

Steve Anderson and his cool, old fire truck.

Josef finishing off his otter pop!

Fourth of July Weekend Fun

2011-07-11T08:32:00.000-07:00

Fun games with cousins at Emily & Gary's home! Yes, look at all of the boys! Poor Whitney, Annalise, & Lyric...

Sweet baby Taft!

Sourdough pancake/waffle breakfast! It was fun to see Taylor and Ashley too!

Children's Bike Parade at our Ward Breakfast

Morning with Grandpa!

Fourth of July Flag Ceremony

2011-07-04T07:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Independence Day!

Art & Vicky

2011-07-03T10:01:00.000-07:00

I found this picture awhile ago, and it reminded me of the first time I met Art and Vicky. I had gone to Carlsbad for the Fourth of July weekend with my friends June and Kayla. My mom and dad had a BBQ, and invited Art & Vicky, and David and Mary Ann Kershisnik. Art and Vicky had moved to Carlsbad, and my mom met them at the bank. The Kershisnik's were serving a mission in the Carlsbad California Mission office. I think this was probably in 1996, but I am not sure. I would have never guessed what an important part Art and Vicky would play in my life, at a point when I really needed them. I am so grateful for the special people that the Lord places in our lives to answer our prayers!

In 1998 Kayla, my best friend and roommate at the time, got married. I moved into Art and Vicky's basement in West Jordan. I decided to quit working, and go back to school and earn my Bachelor's degree at the University of Utah. Shortly after I moved into their basement, Art and Vicky bought a home in Federal Heights which is a short walk to the U. I lived with them, again in their wonderful basement, for a year and a half while I finished my degree. This picture is taken in front of their house, by my dad when he was visiting. Art and Vicky were so generous and gracious to me. This was a difficult time for me, and they were so supportive. They were great company in the evenings, and I enjoyed many dinners in a bowl! At times, they were also very respectful of my privacy and allowed me the alone time I needed to heal. I will forever be grateful for them! I love that when Art and Vicky moved from this home, they gave me the white planters that are in this picture. I have them on my back patio filled with flowers, and they are a wonderful reminder of that home, and the wonderful people that lived there.

This picture is taken at my wedding reception. Since I lived with them, they have continued to be supportive of me. They attended Wilson, Holden, and Josef's blessings. Vicky crocheted them beautiful white afghans for the occasion. They are regulars at family gathers, like the one that I will have at my house tonight since my mom and dad are visiting.

A couple of months ago, Art and Vicky called me on a cold, winter day. They had ridden their bikes from Salt Lake City to Farmington, and were planning to take Front Runner home. It was a holiday and Front Runner was not running. I was so happy that we (Ken, Josef, and I) were able to pick them up, and take them home. It was a very simple thing for us to do, but it made me feel good that I was able to be of help to them.

I am so grateful for Art and Vicky and all that they have done for me!

A Sunday Evening in Eden

2011-06-29T13:44:00.000-07:00

Sunday we went up to the Valley for a picnic with the Toones. Emily and Becky had been working to get the yard ready for a wedding on Saturday, so Becky suggested we go up and enjoy the yard. It was a beautiful night in the Valley! The boys had fun playing catch with their dad. Ken has been teaching Wilson and Holden to catch a throw a ball.

Water Fun

2011-06-24T14:19:00.000-07:00

Josef showing his attitude!

The kids played outside in the water this afternoon. Of course, Holden got cold and moved to the driveway to warm up with a towel. All of the kids followed him. Keaton is really into faux hawks, so since Wilson's hair was wet, Keaton decided to style it for him. I cracked up at the funny little boys, and had to snap some pictures. I thought it was little girls that liked to "do" each others hair. I am sure Keaton and Wilson will REALLY appreciate these pictures in 10 years!

Blackberries

2011-06-24T09:50:00.000-07:00

Nice purple tongue!

I was reading to the kids in Josef's room. Josef was not listening to the story, so when the story was finished I went to find him. Josef had helped himself to the blackberries that were in the refrigerator!

Happy Father's Day Dad!

2011-06-19T11:58:00.000-07:00

My Dad was blessed with some really cute kids:) and even cuter grandkids!

Father's Day

2011-06-19T11:55:00.001-07:00

Josef wanted a picture with his Dad, I laughed at his face, he thinks that he is smiling!

Kool Aid Play Doh

2011-06-17T14:58:00.000-07:00

Today has been filled with preparations for Father's Day, and to end the day we made Kool Aid Play Doh. The kids are having fun playing with, and I am trying not to be a freaky mom about keeping things clean!

Summer Fun

2011-06-15T13:31:00.000-07:00

Today is finally warm enough to play in the water. We made water bombs by cutting up a sponge and then zip tying it together. Annalise and I made the bombs, and all of the kids had fun playing with them. Poor Annalise took her swimsuit home, so she had to make due with boys stuff, she is such a good sport!

Temple Square

2011-06-15T11:43:00.000-07:00

The Church History Museum has a new children's exhibit. The kids had so much doing the various activities.

Josef LOVES Annalise, she is so sweet and kind to the little guy!