OCTOBER

It's now October. . .which means you never know what the weather is going to be day to day. Kids will be out for UEA (or just another day that we don't have to go to school). October also means Halloween and the fun that one can have. I love to look at pumpkins that are lit up and night and wonder how they were able to carve the picture into it.

I LOVE AUTUMN

Autumn is the time of year where I love to wear sweaters and shorts. I love all the trees changing colors and the cooler temperatures. Sometimes I wish it would stay like that all year round.

A BIG THANKS TO ALL

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I am not sure who you are in the pictures - but words cannot describe how we feel to be free in this country. YOU ARE ALL HEROS!!!!!!!

SPRING TIME???

With all this warmer weather lately one might think S-P-R-I-N-G is here. . 50 degree weather . .birds chirping, people outside playing or taking their dogs for a walk. . . oh so nice. . . NOT ON THURSDAY! We're supposed to be getting S N O W!!!!!! and back in the 30's. Guess mother nature is playing with us right now. . . all we can do is take it in stride.

THANKS JERRY. . .

Just Not Much To Say

Just sitting here at work (yes, I should be working) I just thought I should update my blog, although I don't have much to say. Just get rid of this smog gunk . . .because I hate to see it outside! I just know the closer to the end of winter we get the better the weather is outside. I can't wait for warmer weather and spend more time outside.

We went to Provo about two weeks ago for the Elk's Hoop Shoot for Garrison. This was the District event with kids ages 8-13. There was one kids who was fantastic making 24/25 shots. And then you see his father who is one of the assistant coaches for BYU! This kid has a future. Garrison was in a different age group by was 3rd out of 4 boys. That doesn't sound too great until you realize all the kids they had to beat out back in November just to make it to this spot. I think if he works on his free throws this next year he would certainly be a better shooter. While we were looking for the school we went past the Provo Tabernacle. It had burned down on the inside and to actually see the building was something else. Garrison is now playing Jr. Jazz ball and have won one game and tied another. We're early in the season so we'll see how much he improves by the end. We got the second term report cards and he was all A's again!

Payton is still cute as ever! She is doing great in school and had received all E's for the second term. She has started dance again and will work more on ballet for her next program which will be in May. It is really fun to see her grow in this area.

Greg and I are still working at our same jobs and feel blessed to have them. It's not everyday that we enjoy going, but our companies are really good about giving us the time off we need to be at school programs, actives or even sporting events.



Well, our Jazz team isn't doing too well at the moment - just losing for the 6th straight game. The season is almost half over and they WILL find what will CLICK together and PLAY as a team and have a much better IMPROVED record before the run for playoffs. We still have hope for you guys!

NEW YEAR

Well, we are now into January and I can't believe that 2010 is over. It seems like as we get older the years go by faster. S-L-O-W D-O-W-N.
For New Year's we hung out at the house and watched movies and played Wii and had a contest on who could dance better on DDR. (Payton may have had an edge there.) They were excited to be able to stay up until midnight. Who wouldn't as a child.

Garrison is back playing Jr. Jazz basketball and knows a few kids on the team. They played last Saturday and ended up in a tie 21-21. Not bad for the first game. Now they just need to keep moving forward and show the other teams that they will be the team to beat. We'll see.

Payton is excited for dance to start back up. They will be working more on ballet this next term. I'm not sure if she got ballet out of her system yet from the holidays. She would put on her dance outfits, get the radio in the kitchen and dance to her Taylor Swift CD for hours. I guess when you love something - you can do it for hours.

Greg and I are still working and sometimes wishing we (at least for me) to have a bit of time off to be able to see the kids more during the day or help out in their school class. Well, that time will probably come eventually.

The weather is still freaking cold!!! We've had an arctic cold front come by and it doesn't want to leave. Oh well, that is winter here in Utah.

Time to post again . . .

Well, school has started for the kids and the parents just keep going to work. I don't feel like there is a lot to post by I'll try.

Payton - loves going to school and REALLY loves her dance class on Mondays. I cannot wait to see their winter program in December. I believe it will be their tap show. She has lost a few teeth so she has had the award smile, but they are coming in. She is always singing around the house and at times can carry a tune. What will she end up doing when she gets older?

Garrison - well, he's a boy. Wanting to do his own thing. We are waiting to see if he will be on a basketball super league team, but if not, we will sign him back up for Jr. Jazz which will be just around the corner. He is becoming an artist and at times I think he is acting on stage. (I'm wondering where that is coming from!)

Greg and I go to work every day - which we are fortunate for having our same jobs still. We go up to Logan at times to see the kids in their sports and watch them excel at the things they do.

I'm Still Around - - Somewhere

I know it's been about - - - that long since I've written. Between work, kids, church, holidays, facebook, etc. I'm not on this blog all that much. It's been a crazy summer with the weather and still today no telling when it's going to rain. I love the rain but no so much the humidity that comes with it.

The kids have been at Boys and Girls Club all summer and for the most part have actually liked being there. They have tons of friends and it seems like they are always going on some sort of field trip.

We've been to Moab, Lagoon and Bear Lake this summer. I'd still would love to take off at least one more time before the end of September. I'll have to keep wishing for that one.

In the meantime, I'm trying to relax and enjoy life more and worry less about how the house looks. It's hard. . .but I think I'm starting to get the hang of it.

SNOW?!

WOW. . . only in Utah during springtime will you have 60 degree weather one day and the next you're in teh 40's and two inches of snow on the ground. It happens every year so I shouldn't be surprised, but you never know when it's going to hit. aarrgg. . .

About a week ago Garrison was running to the basketball cout with some friends and their feet got tangled up. He fell and put his left hand out to stop the fall. He ended up with hairline fractures in both bones on his left forearm. SO, that means he is missing baseball until the beginning of May. BUT for some unknown reason, they have two weeks of preseason games that DO NOT count towards the standings!!! That is good for Garrison. Now he will only miss 6 games before getting back and showing the other teams what he can do. (don't think this is a ploy to fool the other ball teams and to get Garrison's arm ready for pitching. it's their team's secret weapon!!!!)

Then not to have sister left behind. . .she was at the club the other day playing ping pong with some friends. One of the kids accidently hit her right between the eyes with their paddle. Yes, the spot was red and a bit swollen. We're doing better now, but it's still bruised.

You know it's BASEBALL season when your child is out at practice - it's raining hard - and they keep on going.

Nothing like muddy shoes and remembering there is a towel in the back of the car.

How much fun to get the mud, now dirt, off his good white everyday shoes.

Only a mom can love a son like that.

Only a mom can love a daughter who SHOULD be in bed at night trying to sleep come out to show you that the front tooth that has been loose forever is now bleeding, but still in her mouth.

Knowing that her daughter will not try to sleep until she's had that 'bedtime story' read to her - now matter how short the book is.

Listening to a 6 year old slowly read a Dr. Seuss book before bedtime to stay awake a bit loner.

Gotta love kids!

Happy 6th Birthday Payton !!!

I cannot believe that Payton is 6 years old today. She was born six years ago at 3:21 p.m. After arriving at the hospital at 7:00 a.m. to hook me up and get me started thanks to my blood pressure rising. I don't recall being in labor that long and once I started pushing she came really fast. She weighed 6 lbs 13 ounces. (5 ounces more than Garrison- then again, they both were delivered early.)

I have to laugh because in this picture Payton wanted to 'POSE' and wouldn't let me take the picture until she was ready. It's so fun to see that she loves to be in front of the camera.

If anyone could have a job at being a PRINCESS when they grow up - she would be at the top of the list. She is in kindergarten and loves to color and read. She has 2 new teeth coming in and 3 that are lose and on the way out. She is usually pretty happy and hugs everybody that she knows. Don't get me wrong. . .she DOES have her days! (must take after mom)

She loves to get up and dance to music, play with barbies, color and loves to watch the Utah Jazz play so she can see HER player - Kyle Korver. We did go to the Utah game a week ago and got to meet some of the coaches through the Boys an Girls Club. The kids received a yearbook of this years players. She wrote on Kyle Korver's page that she likes him and then when he was close to us while warming up shooting she called out to him and held up her page. Kyle came over and then wrote that Kyle likes Payton. He was cute with her. Who could resist that smile of hers?.

We love her and are glad she is part of this family.

MOM, he loves you. . .

Last night I was standing by the stairs in the basement waiting for dinner to finish cooking and Greg was watching TV with Garrison. I said, Greg, I love you. Then I hear from the side in a whisper, as Payton is coming down the steps, "Mom, you don't have to tell him. He already knows you love him." I was laughing. It's good to know that Greg and I have told each other how we feel vocally so that our children know we love each other.

What's Up With The Utah Jazz????

Nothing like a late start game Sunday night in Portland. You start watching the game and the Jazz have only scored 14 points in the first quarter. At half time the Jazz haven't even made it to 50 points . By just after 10:00 p.m. I'm beat, the Jazz are down and I figured they were going to loose one game to Portland. Where is my faith in this team????

Then to wake up Monday morning to work out - I turn the TV on to ESPN. . .and I see scrolling across the bottom with the leagues scores. . . Utah Jazz beat Portland 93-89 in overtime!!! Who would have thunk it??? That will teach me to stay up and watch my team. . .no matter how tired I am. Thanks team for making my day!

BIRTHDAYS

Well, Greg is now the proud father of twins who are 16 years old. Nathan and Rachael turned 16 on February 16th! How lucky are they. They were down this weekend and we had a great time. Garrison had another basketball game Saturday, and lost, part due to the officiating (like always)but I do have to admit his team started coming together
After Garrison's game we went and signed him up for baseball. We're always so busy between basketball and baseball the first half of the year that by the time July comes he is already complaining he is bored! Go figure.
Monday we all went and saw The Lightening Thief. Very good movie, even Payton stayed focused the entire time. All the kids in the theater were way excited when advertised as the movie coming out in the spring. . .Diary of a Wimpy Kid. We then went out to eat and then spent time watching the Olympics and whatever else was on tv until the kids had to leave to go back to Logan.
The kids were very excited to have a short week this week in school since Monday was Presidents Day. Who wouldn't be.

JAZZ PLAYER

This past week for Junior Jazz we had a chance to go and see a Utah Jazz player. Every year different players will go around to the different areas in support of the Jr. Jazz program. As always, there is some hype as to who the player is. In the past we have seen Memo Okur. This years player was none other than Andrei Kirilenko. The kids had fun listening to him and watching him make at least two baskets from half court. (okay, we were at a junior high school). It was fun to see him balance two balls on top of each other. Garrison tried it and then stated it was hard to do. That is to help with the balance. Payton, being a girl, did not enjoy it as much. Give us a dancer and she'd be right up there.

Sunday, Payton was brave enough to get up by herself in church and bear her testimony. When she told me she wanted to go up I thought, "great, she'll want me to go up with her." She got up and sat on the stand until it was her turn. Way to go girl.

This weekend the kids got their Valentine cards and put them together for school. Now they just have to wait until Friday until they have their parties all day long.

I cut my hair shorter and am enjoying it more. It was down to my shoulders and now it's a bob cut with the front longer. It takes some getting used to, but it's so much easier to take care of.

We had Nathan and Rachael down for the weekend and all the kids had fun just hanging out with each other and then watching the Super Bowl (whether or not their team won.) Now we'll be counting down the days until Saturday when it's the NBA All Star Weekend.

IT'S FEBRUARY ????

Where in the heck did January go? I think it just flew by. Garrison has started Jr. Jazz basketball. . .and to say the least. . .the other kids on his team like to play for fun which is a bit frustrating for him since winning is on his mind. Garrison is letting that go for now until he gets to at least junior high and more competition. In school he got all A's and one B. . .pretty good for 4th grade.
Payton has lost two teeth as of now and she has about 3 more that are getting loose. She loves kindergarten and no matter where she goes and has friend she has to give each one a hug. We keep telling her not to "life" anybody up that is shorter than her. We gave her bike away to a great girl in our ward. Payton was excited to give it away and Addie was excited to receive it. Now we have more room in her bedroom at the moment. . .until the next bike comes. Payton is waiting for tee-ball to start so she can play and wear a "pink" helmet. We'll see. . I think she's more apt to being a dancer and singer (although off tune at this stage of her life).
Greg has been busy at work and still loves to get out and play ball with the "younger" men.

I'm still doing the same. . .working. I do have a new calling in church. I am now a relief society teacher. It's only a year calling and have 11 more lessons to teach. Getting ready to plan 2 birthday parties for kids who keep changing their minds of what they want to do and where to hold the party.

My Jazz Boy

November 30, 2009 - Utah Jazz against the Memphis Grizzles. What a fun night for a boy who dreams of playing in the NBA!!! Here is Garrison helping the team with rebounding prior to the start. I loved it when he threw the ball to Carlos Boozer and Booz said "thanks man." What a guy. I think Garrison was thinking . . . .man, if only I could be out on the court shooting around with the players. . .



Here is the chance to meet the team. . .What a fun night for a boy and a dream. . .(and mom signing up for a chance to meet some of the players and be on the court.)

WINNER - WINNER-WINNER

I am so excited for Monday, November 30 - I entered a contest on the Utah Jazz website (yes, we still support our struggling team) for the SuperCuts Courtside Kids contest. I ended up being one of the winners!!! Okay - it's probably going to be more fun for Garrison since it's more for him. We get 2 free tickets (upper bowl, but hey - they're free and we like FREE STUFF!), he gets a super cuts/jazz t-shirt, he gets to be on the court for the team warm up, possibly on the court to give the starting 5 line up a high-five's and a picture with a favorite player! I think Garrison is totally stoked and who wouldn't be for a die hard ball player. I'll have to take pictures and then post them later. This isn't something that happens all the time so we're going to take advantage of that night.

November Already?

I can't believe we're already into November. Okay, so we're halfway done with the month. Where does the time go? Some days I feel there are things to write about and other days I feel like there is nothing. If I stay in the habit it might be easier to write things on the blog. . .guess better late than never.

Greg - he is still working up in Park City as an estimator. The tough times did lead him to work 30-32 hours a week, but the economy must be doing better. They have a few jobs lined up as well as the homes they are working on now. These are nice little resort homes where the owners live in them for only a few months. Maybe I can work out a deal to 'house sit' for some of these people and then stay in a hotel when they come into town. You know these are 'little' houses when there are living quarters for the housekeepers. He gets to see the beautiful scenery everyday and enjoy the drive in the snow quite about during winter.



Me - I am still working for a great attorney and have truly enjoyed it. The company is so good to me. Where else can you enjoy going to work, great people and very family oriented. It's good to know that whenever I need to leave for either a sick child or to watch at child at school for a program - I can rest a sure that I will be there for my kids.

I get up early every morning to P90X - just Tony and me (Greg isn't even jealous! He's such a good man). It wears me out after rising early and going to be late, but I always feel good when I'm finished. I should try running a bit, but with this cold weather, I may wait to really get going in the spring.

Garrison - he is in 4th grade now and is begging me every week to let him bring the class bunnies home for the weekend. I'm not so sure with a dog around, but maybe one day he'll be 'bunny sitting'. He loves school, except for the cursive writing, and loves his friends. We've signed him up for Jr. Jazz basketball and since it doesn't officially start until January. .. it's a very long wait.. . and then it will be on to baseball.

For Halloween Garrison was a clown and everybody loved his colorful hair and tall hat.
I do have to laugh, but yet get a smile on my face, when he and Greg sit down to watch basketball and talk about all the fouls that are not being called. They are like best buddies during that time.

Payton - our princess - what can I say? This last week she lost her first baby tooth! She was so excited. Then two days later she is telling us that another tooth is starting to get loose. At this rate, she could be toothless up front by Christmas time. She is in kindergarten and has learned so much. She is constantly telling me words that she is learning and words that are in the books that she knows.

Of course as our princess, she was Cinderella for Halloween. she was a little upset when her wand broke, but that's life. She makes us laugh - she makes us cry - but she is our princess.

That about raps it up with our from the past few months. I'll need to download my pictures for all to see.