SLC Family Weekend

What a fabulous family weekend we just experienced! We rented four motel rooms at the downtown Salt Lake Marriott for a family weekend. Our rooms were all right close together so that we could go in and out of each other's rooms. Anyway, I thought I had this all figured out to put the pictures in order. Well, they're not. This first picture is inside the Union Pacific (?) depot just north of the Gateway. We all met here. On Friday night, Curt and I went to Cashelle and A.J.'s to watch Madalynn perform in her dance recital. Lacey and Landon arrived around midnight. Chris and Amanda drove up the next morning. Anyway, we had pulled into a parking lot and Chris and Amanda met us there. It was amazing how we all showed up at the same time to start our adventure. Another picture inside the railroad depot.

Madalynn during her performance. She really did a good job.

Madalynn again during her dance recital.

At the Gateway, Lacey decided to go to Build-a-Bear Workshop to get a bear made for Jayleigh--who is expected to arrive in February. She and Landon decided it would be cute to get the girls one, too. Were they ever excited! They both chose a Hannah Montana bear. Madalynn named hers Miley Cyrus. Audrey named hers Hannah Montana. They were so excited!

Grandpa at the "waiting bench" inside Build-a-Bear.

Getting the bears all stuffed. Afterward they picked out a cute outfit to dress them in--after they gave the bears a bath first, though.

Here is the whole clan at the Gateway Food Court. We had so much fun!

Audrey pushing Cody in the stroller.

The nativity at Temple Square. President Hinckley was speaking a recorded message about the Nativity. Madalynn turned around and said to Grandpa, "Is he talking to us from heaven?" It was so cute. The fact that she recognized his voice even was amazing to me.

Cashelle had promised Tommy we would go on a train ride. So we walked to the Trax station to the "free zone." I wish we had a recording of the whole ordeal. We probably gave the riders a good laugh. When we were first getting on (with two strollers--one was a double) I asked A.J. what that sound was. He said "The doors are going to close." I pushed everyone up the steps so I wouldn't get left. We rode down to the Energy Solutions Arena. Cashelle thought the line ended there but we soon found out if we stayed on, it would take us who knows where. We all jumped up screaming, "Hurry, hurry--we've got to get off!" A.J. got ready to take the stroller down the steps--the doors wouldn't open. Oh my gosh, it was hilarious! You could tell we were country hicks for sure. Then we got on another train to go to Temple Square.

Here we are in the motel room. We had a room, Cashelle and A.J.'s family had a room, Chris and Amanda's family had a room, and Landon and Lacey had a room. It was so much fun!

The two boys looking out over the construction area north of the hotel. They had a perfect view of the temple from their room.

Grandpa pouring root beer for the two little boys. After we got back from Temple Square, we ordered pizza, pizza sticks, and root beer and had it delivered. After the pizza party we all went down to the pool for a swim. That was another adventure. Audrey forgot she didn't have her little life saver ring on and jumped in the deep end. Luckily Chris was there to save her. Then when we were getting out of the hot tub, Thomas (who is two) started running toward the pool but we were all in the hot tub. He put his brakes on soon enough to stop.

Opening presents. Everyone got a present to open.

The whole clan in front of the Salt Lake Temple. Spencer is inside the stroller so you really can't see him. We were all bundled up in our warmest clothes and gloves. It was pretty cold outside.

A nativity scene in the reflecting pool. There were little candles floating all around it. We saw two brides getting their pictures taken by the pool. It was beautiful. You can see the one bride in the corner of the picture.

The statue of Christ in the Visitor's Center. It always leaves me with a feeling of awe when I look at it.

Spencer's Blessing Day

Last Sunday was Spencer's blessing day. What a nice day it was. Previous to that, Curt and I hurried up to Cashelle's and A. J.'s after school on Friday just in time to see Madalynn's dance performance at a craft fair. She did a great job. On Saturday, Curt and I went to the new Real Stadium to see the Snow College Badgers play in the Top of the Mountain Bowl (sigh . . . they lost in double overtime, unfortunately). Then on Sunday, it was Spencer's day. Look how cute he is. He is really filling out now. A. J. blessed him in their ward at 1 p.m. afterwhich we went back to their home for delicious soup bowls, brownies, and carrot cake. Lots of people were there for his special day. I swear, all Spencer does is smile. He smiles with his eyes. This was the tailend of one of his grins.

Curt, Verne, and A. J. after the blessing. Curt got out of his Sunday clothes before we got the picture taken.

Audrey with her "cheesy" grin--and chewing gum. She LOVES gum!

Madalynn giving Spencer a kiss on his special day.

Madalynn's toothless grin. The tooth fairy has been having fun at her house.

Big brother, Thomas. Poor little guy had been sick for over a week. I'm glad he is finally feeling better. He was such a good sport about not being able to eat all the fun stuff.

Thanksgiving, Black Friday Shopping, Baby Shower, Christmas Party--All in THREE Days!

Whew! What a busy Thanksgiving weekend! We started out with Thanksgiving dinner at Granny's house. There were about 30 people there. Then, the next morning, Lacey, Landon, Amanda, and I got up at 2 a.m. to go to Provo for Black Friday shopping. We stuffed the Toyota to the top! We did get some great deals. That night, Cashelle, Amanda, and I threw Lacey a baby shower. We had cheesecake and a sherbet, lemon-lime drink. On Saturday it was the Duncan family Christmas party. Gee, couldn't we fit something else in on the weekend?
Now the first two pictures are not of the busy weekend but I had to share them. This first one was taken during the BYU/Utah game. Whoever had the ball, Curt would put on their hat. Finally he decided to just wear them both! (Sorry, A.J., you'll hate this picture. You'll hate the next one even worse--) You will NEVER see this happen again! A.J. in a Utah hat! I just had to get a picture.

Lacey's baby shower was a success. If only my house were a bit bigger, it would have been even better. Amanda decorated (pictures of the decorations are on Lacey's blog). Madalynn made little notes so people could find their way in. Lacey's former co-workers and current workers showed up (that was nice). A lot of family came, too.

Lila's family at the shower. Allynne was showing Spencer to Amy's cute girls.

Missy, Maree, Grandma, and Cashelle.

Tammy, Kason, and Amber.

Lacey's co-workers came all the way from Cedar City for the shower.

Madalynn sitting on Santa's lap at the Christmas party. What a cutie.

Thomas wasn't feeling the best at the party, but he managed to climb on Santa's lap.

Cody was more interested in the sucker than Santa.

Tiny little Spencer got his turn. He probably won't be so unconcerned next year.

Audrey could hardly wait for her turn to sit on Santa's lap. She was very excited.

Thankful, Day 10

I am thankful it is almost Thanksgiving!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and, thus, an end to my thankful posts. I was pretty faithful; I only missed one day--Monday of this week. It really made me stop and think about all the things I really am grateful for. I could probably go on and on as I think about it. Some other things I am thankful for are sunshine, food, clothing, friends, a beautiful sunset, flowers, rainbows, the mountains, technology, my computer, the temple, my brother--Jesus Christ, the atonement, scriptures, good leaders, holidays, vacations, cars, Black Friday shopping days, buying presents, neighbors, etc., etc., etc. I hope you all take the time to think about the things you are thankful for. Let's not take them for granted. Happy Thanksgiving, everybody!

Thankful, Day 9

I am thankful for pets.

Pets are a blessing in our lives. They become one of the family. Today I am very sad. We had to have my friend of 15 years, Simba, put to sleep today. When we first got her, Lacey was just a little girl--I believe she was about 6 years old. We decided to visit the Humane Society in Salt Lake to choose our pet. Simba definitely had her own personality. She wanted what she wanted. One thing she didn't want was grandkids. She didn't enjoy being around kids, or crowds for that matter. She scared A. J. to death. All he'd have to do is walk past her and she would hiss at him. She hissed at ALL the grandkids. She hissed at Chris. She hissed at Cashelle. She hissed at Lacey. She even hissed at me sometimes. But, I loved her. I'm going to miss my friend.

Thankful Day 8

I am thankful for my health.

Sure, I have some problems, but I can handle what I've got. There are so many people who have devastating health problems. So, I am grateful for my health. Thank goodness we all live in an age where doctors and medicine make life so much better for a lot of us.

Thankful Day 7

I am thankful for summer . . . .

Actually, spring is my FAVORITE time of year, but summer means I'm home. I can work in the house, in the yard, in my mom's yard, go for walks, go to Cedar City or Tooele whenever I want, etc. I know that winter is necessary, but I hate the cold. I kind of enjoy the very first snowstorm. And I also love it when it snows on Christmas, but that's it. Just one more month and the days start getting longer again!

Thankful, Day 6

I am thankful for my job.

Listening to the news and hearing about the thousands of people who are losing their jobs, I am so thankful for mine. This is my 33rd year in my teaching career. Who'd ever have thought 33 years would pass so quickly? I do have one major regret--that is that I worked while my children were growing up. I always felt like I shortchanged them to some degree--well, maybe a lot. And, I felt shortchanged myself. Not being with them all day I missed some of their "firsts" that babysitters would tell me about. That always bothered me. But, there were advantages, too, when they reached school age. We had the same vacations and summers off which was a nice perk. I hope my children will forgive me for being a working mom. We really didn't have much choice at the time. Aside from that, education has been a great career for me. Teaching high school kids has kept me young.

Thankful, Day 5

My education is something I am thankful for.

Where would I be without my education? Education is something not everyone has the opportunity to obtain. Unfortunately, some people don't believe it is important. We should never stop learning--no matter how old we are.

Thankful, Day 4

I am thankful I am a citizen of the United States of America.

I definitely am proud to be an American. We enjoy so many freedoms that we take for granted--things we don't even think twice about. I'm thankful for the many men and women who have fought and died so I may enjoy my freedom today. I am grateful for those serving at the present time. May God bless them. May our country ride through the tough economic times we are facing at the present time with flying colors. I love my country.

Thankful, Day 3

Today, I am thankful for my home.

I feel so blessed to have my own home. As we see the struggling economy, and the number of families losing their homes, not only to the economy but also to the wildfires in California, I am so grateful to have my own. It isn't the largest, fanciest, or prettiest--but it is home. It is a refuge, a place of security, a place where others may feel welcome. Many people don't have such a luxury.

Thankful, Day 2

I am thankful for family. That is next on my list.

I love it when all the kids come home with the grandkids. It makes a houseful but we always have such a good time. I'm thankful for my children (Cashelle, Chris, and Lacey) and their spouses. They all chose great spouses--I love all of them. They complement our family (A.J., Amanda, and Landon). I'm thankful for my five cute, loveable grandchildren (with a new one coming in February to Lacey and Landon). They have to be the cutest grandkids (Madalynn, Audrey, Thomas, Spencer, and Cody) in the world, and I'm not kidding! I'm thankful for my parents, brothers, and sisters. I'm thankful for Curt's parents, brothers and sisters. And, of course, I'm thankful for extended family on both sides. I am especially thankful for Curt. I love him very much. I don't know what I would do without him. We make such a good team. He is so logical (which I'm not). But I'm good at other things like balancing the checkbook (which he definitely is not). We really do work well together. He is also a wonderful grandpa. He loves his grandchildren, and they love him. He is a fun grandpa. He loves to play with the kids. They mean the world to him (and me).

When you think about it, what kind of life would you have if you didn't have family? It would be a lonely, desolate life without family.

Be thankful . . . .

Lyndsay (Landon's sister) had a wonderful idea. She decided to do a post every day until Thanksgiving that tells about something she is grateful for. I hope she doesn't mind, but I thought that was such a super idea, I want to try it too.

I, like Lyndsay, am most grateful for the gospel. I don't know where I would be without it. In church today, we had a homecoming and a farewell. The spirit was so strong. I am so grateful to be a member of the church. I just wish everyone knew what a wonderful thing it is to belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It means everything to me. Anything that is important to me came about because of the gospel: family (which is one of the church's most important facets), a temple marriage, a priesthood holder in my home, the scriptures, I could go on and on. I challenge anyone reading this blog to jot down your thankful things before Thanksgiving arrives. We still have several days.

Too many people hear such awful things about the church that are simply not true. Don't believe everything you hear. Find out for yourself. Get a copy of the Book of Mormon. Read it! You'll find out. There is an amazing promise in Moroni 10:4 which you can try out for yourself. Don't know where to get one? Let me know--I can help you find one.

Happy thankful blogging!

Tagged by Cashelle . . .

This one is from Cashelle.

8 fav tv shows
The Biggest Loser
The Office
10 O'clock News
Deal or No Deal
The Amazing Race
Oprah
The Apprentice (has it been on yet this season?)
Friends

8 fav resturants
Panda Express (not really a restaurant, but one of my favorites)
Los Amigos
Texas Roadhouse
Olive Garden
The Satisfied Ewe
Sno Cap Lanes (we really don't have a lot of choices in Manti)
Wendy's (that's a restaurant in my book!)
Taco Bell (another pseudo restaurant)

8 things I did yesterday
Watched the Biggest Loser (I was furious at Vicky because of how mean she is to Phil--I think she should be voted off next. Good ridance to her husband, too)
Took a shower
Played with Lucky with a golf ball
Went to school
Cooked dinner
Worked on my church program on the computer
Visited Grandma Kjar
Talked to Kelly and Grandma Duncan

8 things I look forward to
Baby Jayleigh Kay being born
Fridays (my favorite day of the week)
Bowling Mondays
Eating out
The Twilight Movie, of course
Summertime (but Spring is really my favorite)
Family visiting or me visiting them
Family camping trips

8 things on my wish list
To lose another 50 pounds (Hey, I've lost 32 since the end of July, so I'm well on my way)
Travel to Australia
A TOTALLY clean house (every nook, cranny, closet, etc.)
Someone to cook and clean for me
Enough money so I didn't have to worry about it
A stable economy
A new truck for Curt
Self-cleaning clothes (I would love to not have to do laundry!)

I tag: Amanda, Lauri O., Bridget, Stephanie, (I would have tagged Amber, but I was certain Lacey would want to tag her)

Football Weekend

This weekend Curt and I traveled down to Cedar City to watch Manti and San Juan play in the semifinals. Manti won 26-13. We now play for the state championship next weekend against North Summit. We left after school on Friday and stayed at Lacey and Landon's Friday night and Chris and Amanda's Saturday night. We had a nice visit with them all. We especially enjoyed Manti winning the game. The weather was perfect! It was almost even hot. Landon and Lacey at the game. We didn't even have to wear coats.

Curt and I had to don our sunglasses. The weather was absolutely gorgeous.

Cody was having a good time. He was clapping for Manti. He really enjoyed getting down on the grass behind our seats and playing there.

Chris and Amanda at the game.

There's the three amigos against the fence enjoying the game and the nice weather.