Strong Ties to Haiti

I don't usually encourage "blog stalking" (even though I love to do it myself) but I have been reading a blog of a Lehi woman who is a friend-of-a-friend, Andrea. Wow, this story is amazing and very touching. Please, if you want to read a heart-warming story, go to this blog and start reading from the date of the earthquake, January 12th. Get your tissues ready....I have mine.

If you want to read more about this family there is an article in The Daily Herald and also one in The Salt Lake Tribune.

Science Fair 2010

Kelsey aka "Vanna White"

It's that time again! Science Fair preparations have been on-going in our home since Christmas break. As of 8:15 am this morning we can now relax!! Morgan's project was due the first week in January. She did a team project with her friend, Katie, and unfortunately I do not have a picture to show off.

This was Kelsey's first year for science fair and I wish my enthusiasm matched hers. ;) She did a great job and I'm really proud of our children's desires to learn and their school work ethic. Love you kids!

Niece on a Mission

Isn't she beautiful?

My oldest niece, Hayley a/k/a Sister Paul, entered the MTC on January 13th. She will be serving in the Baltic Mission and I am so proud of her!! She is extremely bright and witty and will do wonderful things!

I am looking forward to hearing her stories and sharing in her triumphs and sorrows. If you'd like to follow along, check out our newest blog. (My sister, Tammy, graciously let me do the honors. I kind of dig this blog stuff.) She's also on my links to the right, under Fabulous Family.

Love you Hayley

Kelsey Turns Eleven!

The cute Birthday Girl!

Trying on some new clothes

The anticipation of blowing out the candles

Two favorite gifts: Snuggie and Homer Simpson Chia.

Kelsey turned 11 on January 10th and we had a fun day relaxing at home. Kelsey usually has to attend school on her birthday so it was nice to celebrate on a Sunday and just chillax. We ate the birthday girl's meal of choice (steak). Carol and Lynn brought a beautiful gluten-free cake and Kelsey blew out all the candles (no boyfriends yet, thank goodness!). Then we watched Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs on DVD. It was a fun day with a wonderful daughter. Love you Kelsey!! You bring so much joy into our family. Glad you're ours.

Happy New Year! Welcome 2010

We brought in the new year with our crazy kiddos at home. We let the kids watch Monty Python and the Holy Grail to get warmed up. (No worries, we skipped some scenes.) We thought they'd think it was stupid but to the contrary...they were bustin' a gut! That kind of humor never grows old.

Cheers with a little bubbly!

"What the honk?!?"

Maybe too much bubbly?

2009 was a BUSY and life-changing year. The year went something like this: We started the year with me in school, took a trip to Vegas in January for a boxing match; school, school, school; I started my preceptorship in L&D in March; road trip to Arizona in April; graduated in May; Curt and Debby visited; the kids started summer-break; our house flooded June 9th; I passed my national boards on June 10th; started working part-time; vacation to Yellowstone; Jake turned 8 and was baptized; 20th class reunion and vacation to Missouri end of July; vacation to Portugal in August; celebrated 15th wedding anniversary; kids back-to-school; Joe and I went back to work so we could pay bills after all the vacations; hiked to Summit of Timpanogos in September; Halloween festivities; Pie-Night; Thanksgiving with Tammy & Randy's family visiting; then on to the holidays and the rest is history! I'm tired just recalling it all.

It was a fun-filled busy year but we are grateful for all we did and especially all the people who made our lives wonderful. Thank you Heavenly Father for this experience we call life!

Wrapping up 2009

We spent New Years Eve gorging ourselves on all-you-can-eat crab at Magleby's. Yummy! What a perfect way to end an eventful year.
Good food and good friends.

Ummm, we need a new shell bowl. Keep the crab a comin'!!

My cute Hubby and me

Jae and John

Mike and Susie