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My cousin Bud and his wife Kelly just added a baby boy to their family. We were lucky enough to meet the new "cousin" today, he is darling. Sam even thought he was neat, because he's a boy. Here are some pictures of our visit.

Rhodes Bake & Serve...

I just got back from a fun church activity at the Rhodes offices. They do this fun, and short, demo on a bunch of things you can make from their products. (You mean you do more then just put them in the pan to rise???) And then you get to eat lots of yummy samples. While your eating you get to visit. They told us they did baby and wedding showers, any groups, and the best part is for just $3.00 you get dinner, and no mess!

Red Rock, BFF's and Sleepovers...

Last night was another Utah gymnastic meet, this time we took the "BFF." The girls had a great time, they made posters, had their faces painted, danced, cheered, and ate lots of junk. The fun was multiplied with all the other girly cousins who were there, 9 in all! Then to make the evening even better the BFF sleptover! Wow, could Elisabeth be any happier?


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Anyway You Look at it It's 33...

That's what my husband told me about turning 33. On the list of birthdays, it was pretty boring but that's okay. The highlight of my day was at 7:30 this morning (after going to be after midnight, which is late for us) Sam made me breakfast in bed, which was dry toast, he also had a cute card. Fortunately, Koda was near by to help eat the toast. The cutest part was the note Sam left on his nightstand to remind him it was my birthday. Miah gave me a funny card to, with a really nice note in it (unusual for my emotionally shallow husband!) Elisabeth's BFF had spent the night so next it was girly hair do's, and wedding dress shopping with Randi.(She has found her dress, the weddings in June, Yahoo!) Followed by nieces and nephews basketball games, and catching up on my Tivo. For dinner my mom and dad got us, the kids and I, yummy Chinese food and yummy cake. Then it was home for tubs, both kids are coming down with colds, and the 3 of us snuggled on the bed watching America's Best Dance Crew. To finish out the night, I had another cry fest with the pictures of my nephew at the MTC. So boring and uneventful, but fine by me.

Our Teachers Are The Best!

At Parkside we truly have the best teachers around! Here are cute 4th, 5th and 6th grade teachers doing a cheer to the school song! The kids loved it! I really do love each one of them and I am so glad I have got to know them. Fortunately I had my camera at the assembly, unfortunately it only recorded a few seconds of the song! :(

We also had Miss Murray, Cari Southwick, at our school today as part of our character building and Road 2 Success assembly. She is a very lovely and talented young lady, she talked to kids about being responsible, especially for themselves.

I Love To See The Temple...

Today we were able to visit the Draper Temple, because the temple has not been dedicated yet, we were able to see many of the rooms inside. Our kids went with us and it was really exciting for them to see what a temple is like inside, they found out that there aren't any big secrets, it is just a sacred and beautiful place. Elisabeth really wanted to see the "big bath tub," and Sam seemed very mature talking about how he will be able to do baptisms for the dead when he is 12. My parents also went with us, and we followed up our visit with lunch at Zuppa's for my early b-day.

Jordan...

Yes, this is another post about Jordan, because his bawl baby aunt said good-bye to him tonight. So I will just make it short, with a cute picture, Jordan, we love you and we are so proud of you!

Change...

As I watched the Inauguration today, I loved it! My love of history was inspired by all the tradition and facts and my love for my country was renewed. And as I watched, and I admit I couldn't get enough, I was thinking about CHANGE. I think, no matter your political view, race, or spiritual beliefs, today was a good day. CHANGE is always good, there is a reason our President serves a limited term. No matter your feeling on the previous Presidents or other past Presidents, new administrations bring new ideas and new hope.

I will admit that I am completely taken by the Obama family. I think Michelle is great example of style and grace, I think she will make a wonderful first lady. I love that the two of them love each other, I love that she is his rock, that they held hands, that they danced and that they smile and laugh together. And their daughters are darling, I love that they are young and youthful, and represent whats best about America, I love that they tell their daddy how it is. Their family unit is an example to many in our nation.

And my last "love" about this day, is what I heard from someone at our school. The students in our school all watched the swearing in and the speech that followed, but what impressed her the most is that with all the talk of him being the first African American President, our kids weren't worried about that. The kids at Parkside are surrounded by every color, and consequently don't see race. They watched a good man become our 44th President, and the good part was all that mattered. They, and school kids all across the nation, are our future leaders.

About the mountain lion...

In reference to the previous pictures, where it looks like my nieces and nephews are about to be attacked by a mountain lion, everything is okay. You see my brother has an illness, its called hunting, he can't help himself, it brings him joy and gives him the jitters if he misses out. Soooo... there really isn't any place in his house where we wouldn't have a animal... deer, elk, turkey, bobcat, etc. joining in the picture!

Farewells...

I'm proud to say my nephew Jordan is going on a mission, but it is really hitting me hard how long 2 years is! I can't imagine being his mom, dad, sister, little brothers and especially his twin! He gave a great talk in church today, and has a strong testimony. I know he will work hard and will come home to us before we know it. But I will miss him!

P.S. It was amazing to see all the people who showed up for Jordan's special day, we had tons of family there (he's the first missionary in a long time around here!) and I have never seen so many friends in my life. But, I'm not surprised Jordan is so out going and fun to be around, I'm sure that will help him be a great missionary.

Car Show...

Yesterday we also went to the car show, we try to go each January with friends. Our kids had a great time sitting in all the cars. Elisabeth wants a pink slug bug for her 16th birthday, Sam wondered if we could get him a Ferrari! They also liked the 4 wheeling Jeep and the 15 passenger van. The best part of the night was seeing friends, we went with the McF's and the Hiatt, who we hadn't seen in forever. Good times all round!
Here's my dream car... a Bentley, i'm drooling.

Bridal Fair...

Yesterday Elisabeth and I went with Randi to the Bridal Show, we had so much fun, looking at all the gorgeous cakes, dresses etc. and sampling tons of YUMMY food. I was happy to hear that Randi had lots of ideas of what she wants, because there is so much to chose from. Elisabeth has now decided she also wants to design cakes and wedding dresses when she grow us, along with a ballet teacher and librarian.

PeRfEcTiOn PaRaDe!

We just got back from the "Perfection Parade," it was so great seeing everyone out, so excited about the Utes perfect season! My kids were excited to be there and then they were super excited to know one of the players! Zane Beadles is from our old neighborhood, he used to come use our phone when he got locked out, boy has he grown since then! What a ride this season has been, 13 huge wins, tons of awards, Sugar Bowl victory, Coach of the Year, and oh yea, don't forget, beating the boys down south! The new season kicks off September 6th, Yahoo! Go Utes!!!

Who Rocks The House?

"Who Rocks the House?
We Say the UTES Rock the House!
And When the UTES Rock the House,
They Rock it All the Way Down!"

Elisabeth has been out of her mind excited for the first University of Utah Gymnastics meet. Last night finally came and met all her expectations! The Red Rocks pulled out a close one against UCLA. I've been going to meets since I was about Elisabeth's age now, and she's been going since she was a baby. We have been lucky enough to have season tickets for years now, thanks to my brother.

In Other UTE News...
The final #2 ranking is a mixed bag at our house. Who really can complain about #2 in the NATION! But it is hard to swallow with 13-0 record. (See the above picture of our awesome, "the Quest Perfected" t-shirt.) And if you have to play second fiddle to anyone, who's more fitting then Urban Meyer, who I am still a huge fan of.

Our Other Team in Red...
Ohio State almost pulled out the win! After coming from behind, it was heartbreaking to see them lose at the last second. It also makes big depressed lugs out of Miah and Joe!

Crazy January...

As usual my January is not turning into a relaxing post holiday break.
It seems to be snowballing!

Here's A few things that are keeping me hoppin'
Primary
My never ending need to volunteer at the school!
PTA Meetings
Scout Meetings
Road 2 Success Meetings and Such
Assemblies to be planned
Utah Gymnastics Meets
Friends Who Want to Do Dinner
(We are working on this one, promise!)
Native American Report
Community Council
Dance Lessons
Piano Lessons
Guitar Lessons
(These are the kids not me, but I am the taxi!)
Play Rehearsals
(Both kids are going to be in the school play in February)
My Nephew Leaving to Seatle :(

And so...
I thought I would push my self over the edge...
And take a (very part time) job!

Learning 4 Life Teachers
The program is taught in the school through Boy Scouts of America, it a character building curriculum, and I will be teaching the 1st and 3rd graders at Parkside each week.

Wish Me Luck!

The "Bucket" List.....Things everyone should do before they die. I highlighted and enlarged the things I have done, a great list though to get started on, I have now realized there is a lot I haven't done yet that I want to do.
Started your own blog

Slept under the stars
Played in a band
Visited Hawaii
Watched a meteor shower

Given more than you can afford to charity

Been to Disneyland (are you joking, we live for it!)

Climbed a mountain
Held a praying mantis
Sang a solo
Bungee jumped
Visited Paris
Watched a lightning storm at sea
Taught yourself an art from scratch
Adopted a child
Had food poisoning (Hasn't everyone?)
Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
Grown your own vegetables
Slept on an overnight train
Hitch hiked
Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
Held a lamb
Gone skinny dipping
Run a Marathon (I will be checking this off my list this year)
Seen a total eclipse
Watched a sunrise or sunset
Hit a home run
Been on a cruise
Seen Niagara Falls in person
Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
Seen an Amish community
Fired a rifle, shotgun or pistol
Michelangelo’s David
Sung karaoke
Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
Bought a stranger a meal
Visited Africa
Walked on a beach by moonlight
Been transported in an ambulance
Had your portrait painted (drawn)
Gone deep sea fishing
Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
Kissed in the rain
Played in the mud
Gone to a drive-in theater
Visited the Great Wall of China
Started a business (tried to anyway)
Taken a martial arts class
Visited Russia
Served at a soup kitchen
Sold Girl Scout Cookies
Gone whale watching
Got flowers for no reason
Donated blood, platelets or plasma
Gone sky diving
Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp (one the hardest and best experiences of my life)
Bounced a check
Flown in a helicopter
Saved a favorite childhood toy
Visited the Lincoln Memorial
Eaten Caviar
Pieced a quilt
Stood in Times Square
Been fired from a job
Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
Been on a speeding motorcycle
Seen the Grand Canyon in person
Published something
Bought a brand new car (lost count!)
Walked in Jerusalem
Visited the White House
Had chickenpox
Sat on a jury
Met someone famous
Joined a book club
Lost a loved one
Had a baby
Seen the Alamo in person
Swam in the Ocean
Owned a cell phone
Been stung by a bee
Seen Mount Rushmore in person
Learned to play an instrument
Held a tarantula
Touched an iceberg
Changed a baby’s diaper

Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
Had a food fight
Had a snowball fight
Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
Ridden a roller coaster
Visited all 50 states
Taken a road-trip
Milked a cow
Been in a movie
Crashed a party
Made cookies from scratch
Gotten a tattoo
Rafted the Snake River
Performed on stage
Been to Las Vegas (to many times(
Eaten shark

Bought a house (more than I have sold???)
Been in a combat zone
Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
Touched a stingray
Broken a bone
Ridden a horse
Eaten sushi
Had your picture in the newspaper
Gone back to school
Eaten fried green tomatoes
Killed and prepared an animal for eating
Dyed your hair (This to is to many times to count)
Caused a car accident
Saved someone’s life

Tag, your it, see how you do on the bucket list!

Bowling... Before the Big Bowl Game

The Nieces & Nephews (at the least the middles and littles) went bowling for Andie's 12th birthday Friday, they had a good time all being together. I must say my brother & sisters kids are all so athletic, my kids... well their just there for the good time!
Happy Birthday Andie Lou!

Who am I, sir?
A Utah man am I
A Utah man, sir,
and will be till I die;
Ki!Yi!
NEED I SAY MORE???

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