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.

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.

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.

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.

Baseball

Yes, we're still alive. We've just been caught up with life and hanging in there. Garrison is playing baseball and is on the Atlanta Braves team. As of today, their record is 4-0!!!! We've been busy with four games in five days due to make-up games thanks to all the rain we've had the past few weeks. Hopefully after today we'll have just one more game to make up and then we'll be back to a normal schedule. I've learned how to keep score and also how to work the scoreboard at the games. There is just a lot involved.

Greg and I are new Sunday School teachers for the 16-18 year olds. It's been awhile since I've taught so this will be fun. We team teach with another couple in our ward so basically each of us only have to teach roughly two times each month. Not bad.

Payton has all the High School Musical movies pretty much memorized. The scarry part is when a song comes on the raido from any of the movies, she will tell you what movie it is from AND also what track number it is on the CD!!! I'll have to record her while she dances and sings to the songs for future reference. She's told me she'd like to take dance lessons. . . now I just need to talk to people and find out where they go and when I can get her in.

We have a beautiful, warm, semi-cloudy day today. . .but Spring is definitely here.

How long has it been. . . . too long

Yes, I go in random phases of blogging and then not blogging. . . nothing new with me. Garrison is officially on Spring break this week from school . . .looking outside one would never know it is Spring. IT KEEPS SNOWING!!!!!

In February Greg was playing church ball and like they all say. . . it's a dangerous sport. He ended up breaking his right thumb between the knuckle and the thumbnail. Come to find out. . .it was a compound fracture inside the skin. So, he had it operated on and the doctor put a screw in to hold the bone. There is still a little piece that is there and the doctor is keeping his eye on it.

Garrison played Jr. Jazz basketball and to say how the team did. . . . well, they did win one game out of like 10. . .but the kids didn't play dirty and they really understood the game better so it will help them in the future.

Garrison is now playing (first games hopefully starts April 7) baseball. He is on the Atlanta Braves team. He got picked for that team before a neighbor in our ward was able to get him. So - that only means. . . we need to beat that other team now! Garrison is really excited and has a great coach whose main goal is to teach teh boys how to play but also letting the boys have fun at the same time.

Payton did a six week - one hour soccer class. She was a little hesitent at first but once she got going she loved it. Everytime they played a scrimmage and she kicked the ball she would look at us and give us the thumbs up sign. On their last day all the kids received a backpack with a soccer ball inside. How exciting for a 5-year old.

On Monday, March 30, Garrison went to the Utah Jazz basketball game with his basketball team. All the kids who played Jr. Jazz this season got a ticket to a game. They were given a hot dog and drink with their ticket. Garrison was excited when he got home to show us what he "bought" at the Fanzz Store. . . and over the door Jazz basketball hoop and ball! (not that he already has 3 of them in his room -this is the Jazz one.) Then he was excited to tell us from the program who on the New York team got kicked out of the game. Even though it was late getting home you could see how excited he was for going.

Greg's work has slowed down a bit and is working a fewer hours each week, BUT he is still working which we are greatful for.

My work is still going strong and doesn't seem to be affected by what's going on with the economy. . . YEAH! ! ! (for now)

I used to be the Young Women's 1st counselor in our ward. . . I (along with all the other people in that organization)got release a few weeks ago after being in that calling for almost 3 years. After breathing for about a week or so. . . Greg and I have now been called to teach sunday school to some of the youth in our ward. We may have the older class, but we'll wait for another week to know for sure. I'm excited for this calling. We team teach with another couple . . .so that means we teach like 2 times a month. How cool is that?

I'm sure there is more that has happened but due to the lapse of time in writing I cannot remember everything.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.