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Garrison

Here are some fun pictures I forgot I had of Garrison

Tags

People at times get tagged to let others know what they like. Here are a few of mine:

6 things that happened yesterday:

1. Went to work
2. went visiting teaching (the visit went longer and I missed the stake activity with the young women)
3. Let Garrison go next door and play the Wii with his friend
4. Fixed homemade cream of broccoli soup for dinner - even the kids ate some!!
5. Enjoyed a t.v. show with Greg after the kids were in bed (not necessarily asleep)
6. Said family prayer
7. Watched the rain from inside my office
8. Stayed happy
9. Picked up the kids and asked how their dy was going
10. Made a list of things I need to get done by the end of the year with young women (I am the 1st counselor in the presidency), Thanksgiving (My parents are coming to our house this year), and also Christmas

Favorite places to eat:

1. Bajio Grill
2. Wendy's
3. Olive Garden
4. In and Out Burger
5. Subway
6. Red Robin
I know there are more places, but I can't think of them right now. . .

T.V shows I like to watch:

1. Extreme Home Make Over
2. Oprah
3. Jazz Basketball (I know it's not a tv show - but it is on tv)
4. Most things on HGTV
5. Heros (but this season it's a bit hard to get into - kind of boring)
6. Most movies that Greg has recorded
7. Biggest Looser
8. Disney shows with the kids

Man - after looking at this list. . . I am kind of boring. Need to change that.

So, what were some things that you did yesterday?

Utah Jazz Game

Greg's boss at work, Don, (thank you) gave him tickets to go watch the Utah Jazz take on Portland Trail Blazers for the last preseason game. These games are always fun to watch (and having good seats doesn't hurt.) So Greg decided to take me. We were able to park underground at my office and walk to the arena. . .so free tickets and free parking makes a wonderful date night! Of course, when we go out, the kids always get pizza for dinner which they don't complain. Utah didn't play well in the first half - no baskets were going in and they couldn't play defense. Then half time came. . .and a different Jazz team stepped onto the floor. The second half of the game was definitely a better game to watch. The Jazz did beat Portland in the end. I can't wait to get tickets for a regular season game. I will have to remember to take the camera next time to get some good shots of the players. During one of the time-outs they were throwing soft mini-balls into the crowd. . . .Greg caught one and gave it to me. He was so thoughtful. Thanks Greg. It had been awhile since just the two of us went out and it was a fun evening for both.

UEA Vacation

Over UEA this year we took the kids and went to Mesquite, Nevada. No, there is not a lot to do if you don't gamble. We left Thursday and drove to St. George and ate lunch and relaxed a bit. Afterwards, we finished the drive to Mesquite. It was nice and warm. We got to our room (Best Western Mesquite has family suites that holds up to 8 people - so it's great to have the family in one room and not have to pay for two) and went to the pool. Now let me remind you the weather was in the upper 80's, but the swimming pool was in the 40's to 50's. . . not very warm.

Friday we got up and I went to the travel center and asked if they had hikes in the area to go on. They mentioned a bike/walk trail that goes around for about 3 miles. We thought why not - let's check out the town a bit. We got our water bottles and went on the hike. We were almost at the end when the trail just ended. We were all hot and tired. I had a map but there was no last part of the trail. . . so exhausted. . .we walked back a bit and then walked along the main street (which made things even hotter and we were almost out of water) until we found the intersection where the path was. We were excited. We got to the car and were greatful for sitting down. I was impressed by Payton who walked the entire way except for 1/2 mile or so. After we got to our room we rested a bit, drank water and then went to eat at a mexican restaurant. The food was good but not worth the money.

Saturday came and we decided to drive toward Vegas and go to Valley of Fire State Park. What a beautiful place. We checked out the visitor's center and then decided to go on a hike. We drove to the top of the canyon and then hiked the White Domes. It was a beautiful and fun hike to go on. We enjoyed this hike when we knew it was only 1.5 miles. . .walking on rock, sand and through some narrows. The brochure stated the Valley of Fire State Park is where Nevada does a lot of shots for commercials. (just like southern Utah for movies and commercials for Utah). After the hike we went to the Lost City Museum. They had artifacts and reconstructions of dwellings found in the Moapa Valley. The kids didn't want to go but it was a good break from the weather. Once we were finished we drove back to Mesquite and was going for Subway when someone saw a Little Caesars Pizza joint. . . .so that's where we went for lunch. It tasted good. We took it to our room and relaxed some more and then right back out to the pool (which was still cold) but the hot tub was nice.

Sunday we ate breakfast, packed and drove home. . . while the kids watched movies. They all had a good time. I enjoed it because it wasn't home and a chance to get away for a few days. Thanks to my brother Mike for watching our dog Hailey. Now it's back to school, work and other things that come in the way.

The Man In Red and Girl In Blue

Last week at Boys and Girls Club (where Garrison goes before and after shool until mom and dad get off of work) had a lights out and come out and play with the family. There were giant slides to go on and also games to play. Below are some pictures of the kids having fun. Payton did not like going on the bouncy slides/rides. It is too scary for her as other kids get on and everything moves. .. so she opted for all the games. Whatever makes them happy.

Payton enjoying her time on the slide which she loves.

Payton going up the slide before she got scared and wouldn't come down until Garrison went up to get her.

Here is the man who wore RED for Red Ribbon week. He is showing off his water bottle which his class had won. They were so excited to be the winning class. Garrison stated that the class next to them started "booing" becasue his class was so excited.

It was pretty cold this weekend so we didn't do a whole lot. The kids are getting excited because we're going on vacation for UEA holiday this week. I couldn't get a hotel in St. George so we are staying in Mesquite. Nothing like not having to work, a pool and good weather is all that we need. Should be fun.

Red, red and more red

Red, red, red. At Longview Elementary this week is RED RIBBON WEEK. On Monday, Garrison received his wrist band to remind him. On Tuesday it was wear red. This was a contest with all the classes. The class with the most "red" on won water bottles. Garrison was so hopeful that they could do it. That morning he dresswith a red shirt, a red/gray/white basketball jersey, matching shorts, red knee high socks, his old black shoes with red stripes and of course, his U of U hat. The funny thing was except for the jersey and shorts - none of the other "red" colors matched. (I just need to download the picture I took of him and post it). Well, due to him and another kid in their class. . .they help them win the water bottles!!! Garrison stated when they found out they cheered and cheered - - - and then they heard the class next to them boo them. He said it was pretty funny. What a fun way to remember going to school.. . having class competitions and winning. Way to go Garrison! : )

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

Yes, today is my birthday. Greg wrote a big happy birthday on the mirror with soap and then Garrison and Payton had fun adding to it. The fun thing about birthdays is the fact that people call and chat with you for a few minutes. (and yesterday was my dad's birthday, and had a good one so he and my mom are going on yet another cruise in the near future to the Panama Canal. I think I'll try to hide in their luggage for that one.)

Greg bought me a gift but it will not be delivered until next week. My sweet husband got me a new washer/dryer set. .. you know the kind that opens up from the front. Wow, almost 10 years of marriage and it's a new set. Thanks dear.

At work my friend Lisa took me to Lion House for lunch. It was delicious. I had chicken with a creeam sause over it, mixed rice, mixed vegetables, a roll and water. On our way home we passed the church Administration building. I noticed that photographer Ed Smart was there with his camera so we waited for a second. Out the doors of the building was Elder Uchtdorf, his wife and another couple posing for picutres. It was really something to see a servant of the Lord right there and not just on TV or in church magazines.

At work they celebrated my birthday with root beer floats. Nevermind that it's about 60 degrees outside, but that does sound good. When was the last time you had a root beer float?

Now, I think instead of fixing dinner. . . I'll go somewhere and pick it up so that I can relax at least one day of the year.. . . knowing that Greg will put the kids to bed tonight. Thanks honey. You really are a great catch!!! I don't know if there is any worth while pictures to show, but if any get taken I will have to post them.

Conference

Conference was this weekend and it was amazing listening to the talks. I likes how they addressed all ages. I enjoyed Saturday and listening to the children's choir. They sounded like angels. . .as we have been taught to be like little children. I also loved all the personal stories that were told to make you laugh, but also the hard times of loosing someone. . .and my mind instantly went to the Rich family in our ward who had lost their 16 month old son in September due to an accidental drowning. I had printed out an activity booklet for the kids to do to keep them quiet, but also able to listen.

Saturday, Greg went to priesthood session at night, so Payton and I ran to Target to pick up a few things while Garrison stayed home to play computer games. On the way to the store Payton asked "does it rain in Heaven?" (Saturday we had a pretty good rain storm all day). I told her that I didn't know the answer. Payton then proceeded to state "well, when I go up to Heaven I am going to ask if it rains." I asked her if she's been thinking alot about Heaven lately and she said yes.

This weekend was an overall good weekend for all of us and just staying close together as a family. I made a trail mix for all of us to eat during conference and that also helped keep the kids quiet. We all have up and down days, but this weekend it was more up than down. I keep thinking that I need to get the camera out and just start taking pictures of everybody.

Garrison is on a roll at school and at home to get at least 20 minutes of reading done every day. Lately he's been pulling in about 40 minutes. Way to go Garrison!!!!

Payton is learing her numbers by writing them out. We also taught her our home phone number. (she thinks at times it is to my cell phone. That will come later.) She is SO excited to be starting school next year. I'm not only excited (not because that mean's my little girl is growing up) but the fact that the kids will be more in one place for pick up before and after school. . . . instead of two different places right now.

Life

Last Saturday we went to a funeral of a 16 month old boy who addidently drowned at home. Nathan and Rachael had never been to a funeral so we took the entire family. The service was wonderful and a great celebration of Jackson's life. Just listening to the stories you could tell he had taught a lot to his parents in his short life time. Afterwards, we went and looked at all the pictures they had of Jackson. It made me think wow, I need to take more pictures of my kids. One thing that his dad, Coby, mentioned was that they took the four heart valves and were able to donate them to other children. So, having the gospel in your life really makes you think and know with more surity that there is life after this time on earth. That there is a greater plan for all of us, but yet we can't see it right now.

After the funeral we went to Costco for food shopping and then put things in the fridge/freezer and left the rest out. We went to Murray Rec Center for Greg and Nathan to work out and the rest of us went swimming. The best thing was that it was FREE!!!! Yep. Free. It was a day where there were several recreation centers open for free to get families out and exercise and to check out what the center's had. We had a fun time. Payton's favorite thing to do is go down the big waterslide with somebody. She laughs the entire time.

That night we made hogie sandwiches and relaxed watching Spiderwick. The time was late when everybody went to bed, but after the day's events (and earlier in the week with the passing of Jackson) it made you hug your kids, be around them more and just give in on some of the rules in the house.

Yesterday - Utah Utes beat Oregon State in football right at the last second with a field goal to win by 3. Tonight, BYU plays Utah State. Even though I graduated from Utah State, I know that the true blue team will come out on top. USU? Nope. BYU.

The Things Kids Say

Friday evening we were in Layton at my brother Dave's wedding reception/open house. My parents were walking from the street to the back of the house and I told Payton there is grandma and papa. Payton excidedly went toward them and gave them each a big hug. Afterwards, Payton comes running back to me and states. . . your grandma and papa parents are here!

Then on Sunday I was getting ready to brush out Payton's hair for church as she was sitting on the floor and she stated to wait because she was putting her shoes on her dainty feet!

The things that make you laugh.

Sunshine

Not a lot has happened lately. Just the usual of getting the kids to school, daycare and ourselves to work everyday. By the time you know it the weekend is here. It seems like lately the kids are just after each other and then whining because they want to sit by mom at dinner time and the one that doesn't is yelling. . . and so on and so on and so on. . . . but after reading a few of my friends blogs I've realized that I have a pretty normal life with kids. I love them to death, but yes, they can get on your nerves at times. So now we need to come up with a solution that makes everybody happy. (especially mom)

Tonight we're going up to Layton to my brother Dave's open house. He and Terri got married last month and there is an open house to congratulate them. She is a great person and I'm glad that Dave found someone that will make him happy. Yeah Dave ! ! !

Garrison has a birthday party to go to at Laser Quest. We'll need to go and get a present tomorrow morning and then drop him off for a few hours. He's decided he wants his birthday party there or at Boondocks. His birthday isn't until February - so we'll have to see. It really is worth paying a bit more to go somewhere and let the kids have fun so when it's all over you're not stuck cleaning everything up.

No Title

This last weekend the kids had a bit of fun. Saturday morning we went to our ward's morning breakfast put on by the scouts as a fund raiser. Nothing better than having someone else fix breakfast in the morning. After we were done I rushed Payton over to Murray High School. The drill team had a workshop for girls ages 3-14 to learn a dance and then perform it at the next high school football game. Payton was WAY excited to go. The drill team taught the girls their parts for the dance from 10-noon. (nothing like watching the little girls dance and move their bum bum's!) They now go back to the school Friday night wearing black pants and tennis shoes and a bandana and they will receiv their t-shirts that were ordered.

As I was at the high school, Greg took Garrison to Lowe's building class for kids and Garrison made a pirate ship that actually floats in water and where one can actually "walk the plank." The kids like going there and building things.

We had a somewhat peaceful Sunday and spent time together.

Rain

Not much to report for the last day or two. Today is a cooler day and its actually been raining. We haven't had rain for some time so it is nice. (It's nicer when you don't have to go out in it (unless you want to) and just watch it come down. It's a good relaxer. . . . okay - back to work)

Garrison had scouts and they did a bbq with hot dogs. The boys needed to learn and pass off preparing and eating a meal. Garrison said they had a good time eating and playing.

Payton is learning to write her numbers in preschool. They just started so she is practicing on numbers 1-5. She's practiced them a few times and have improved in the little bit.

Greg and I are still working everyday (and some days hardly working) Somedays we have pretty boring lives with working and then taking care of the kids. . . I think we need to change that a bit. We are planning on going to Mesquite over UEA weekend in October with all the kids. It's not that far but still far enough without getting too tired of driving. We haven't had a trip yet this year so it should be fun.

It's September

I can't believe September is already here. Okay, a week has already gone by. Greg's parents have been in town for a couple of weeks and enjoyed their time going to Education Week down at BYU. For the last little while they have been staying at the KOA in Salt Lake City. We've enjoyed going over to visit and going swimming. We took the noodles to float with and Payton really enjoyed them. She's beginning to enjoy the water a bit more. (she took swim lessons and half way through decided she didn't like to swim. So slowly we're getting her back into the water.)

Sunday, August 31, 2008, our family had the chance to give talks in church. Thank goodness it was Labor Day weekend and not everybody was at church. Payton got up and repeated her poem like a pro. One would think that at 4 years of age she would be scared. NO. In fact, I think I was more nervous than she was. Our topic was on Prayer and everybody did a great job.

We have the older kids church records down in our ward and is pleased to state that Rachael is now 1st counselor in the Mia-Maids class and Trea is the priet's presidency. . .since right now he's about the only priest. He is also on the stake Modesty Squad (MOD Squad) to help plan activities for the youth and to represent our ward for the males.

On Friday, September 5, 2008, Gma and Grampy were at the church history library working on their geneology and Greg and Payton went with them. They called me up and we all had lunch in the cafeteria at the church office building. It was fun to eat with them in a place I'd never been. I think that was one of the few times Greg and I had lunch together on a Friday since I've been working down town. Thanks Greg and family.

Garrison is doing well in school and just got his first 100% on his spelling test. He is reading every night for 20 minutes and does a great job.

Payton has started preschool at her daycare center. Last week they talked about numbers 1 through 5 and are starting to learn how to write out the number.

FAMILY PARTY

Nothing like typing in everything and then somehow it disappears. I hope I remember everything.

Saturday, August 16 we had a family party over at my parents for Isabella and Ciara's birthdays. We were told the party had changed from 5pm to 4pm so that Beth and Ramsey could get back through Parley's Canyon before they closed it for bridge work. Well, Mark and Ty showed up, we showed up and were waiting. At 4:30 Dave and his family showed up and then we were all waiting for Beth and Ramsey. 5:00 - still waiting. . . . 5:09 still waiting. . .around 5:20 p.m. they come strolling in. Apparently Beth did not remember Dave called and moved the party earlier. . . . that's a conversation that will stay between teh two of them.

We had a bar-b-que, opened presents, had cake and ice cream and watched the kids play while the adults chatted. And of course when it's time to go - it's always too early for the kids to stop playing. We'll have to make a play date for all the cousins to play one day.

Sunday was hectic for us. Debbie brought down Trea, Nathan and Rachael for the day (the weekend was messed up a bit). They came to church and then afterwards Greg was able to set apart Trea as a priest and Nathan a teacher. Finally.

After we got home Greg gave a father's blessing to Rachael, Garrison and even Payton. In fact, Greg got a father's blessing from HIS father. Wait. . . . I didn't get a blessing. Guess I'll need to get one soon from Greg.

School starts this week for Trea, Nathan and Rachael and Garrison starts on August 25. I can't believe that school is starting so soon. . . . the kids definitely are NOT ready for that. Well, enjoy it. The sooner you start - - the sooner you get out.

Random thoughts

Nothing like going out on Saturday to look at houses and then afterwards going to Macy's store to buy a new blender and can opener. It's amazing how things can break one right after the other. The best part was we only spent $17!!!!. Yep. That is right. Well, along with the $100 in gift cards that I get from work.

Greg's birthday is this Friday. I wont mention how old he is, but he's old enough to have a 16 year old son as well as a 4 year old daughter.

AAHHH - the nice quiet evening on Monday with kids in bed by 8:00 p.m. Yes, they must be feeling sick to go to bed that late. They were hoping to go to be BEFORE family home evening, but as parents we made them suffer for about 10 minutes. They sure were in a good mood this morning. (I don't think that will happen again tonight.)

Swimmin' Fun

Saturday night our ward had a swim party and had reserved the outdoor pool in Taylorsville. Nothing like swimming from 8:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. There was a decent crowd there, although I'm surprised there were not more families. The water was a bit cool at first but once you got in you didn't want to get out. Garrison was either on the diving board or on the water slide the entire time. Payton at first just wanted to walk around and not get too wet. Once she did get wet she had fun. She hesitated at first about the water slide but when she saw her friend go down with her mother Payton decided it was her turn also. Walking up the stairs to the slide was a bit cold with a slight breeze, but the water running down the slide was warm. Payton enjoyed the ride. Afterwards the activity committee had brought ice cream goodies and everybody enjoyed a treat or two, or three, or four. . .

SMOG

With all the fires that are buring in California and Utah - nothing like looking up into the blue, uhm blue/gray - sky. Working in downtown Salt Lake there's nothing more than going outside and trying to breath some 'fresh' air. It will all clear out once our temperatures start dropping.

Saturday we have a ward party at an outdoor pool from 8:30 pm until 10:30 p.m. should be a lot of fun. I'll have to take pictures an post them so you can see the fun we've had.

Lately Payton has been getting upset with Garrison because at breakfast time he stares at her as he's looking outside. She does not like that. . .but we tell her that Garrison keeps looking at her because she is so beautiful. Then she gets a little smile on her face and is in a better mood. (I know we're in trouble when she gets older.)

what in the world. . .

Today I've set up this blog to share with you what we do and to keep in touch. Please feel free to leave comments, etc. I've seen others have this post and thought I'd try it out. When I get the hange of it I'll post pictures. (after I start taking pictures again).
Garrison is now 8 and we just got done with Pinewood Derby racing. He placed 5th out of 12th. He and Greg (mostly Greg) made a Utah Jazz car which I need to post. He'll be going into 3rd grade this August and he just finished playing coach-pitch baseball.
Payton is now 4 and is definitely her own person and holds her own. She was taking swim lessons but decided it's too scary to put the head under water - so we'll have to work on that before signing her back up.
I am at my lawfirm still and enjoying it. I work with a bunch of great people.
Greg is with Craig Construction still and is in the works of drawing up our home with the basketball court so that he and Garrison can play and hopefully help Garrison get even better than he is now.