Cherish the Moments

2010-08-17T22:00:00.000-07:00

What can I say? I am a SLACKER!

2010-08-17T21:43:00.000-07:00

I totally realize that I am a complete slacker/failure when it comes to blogging. I guess I have allowed my obsession with Facebook to distract me from blogging. I truly just don't know where to begin, so I won't. I will, briefly touch upon some of the more memorable experiences we've had in the last six months.

Top 10 things to remember November 2009-August 2010:

1. Katie made the drill team for Springville High School in April

2. LeGrande finished his sixth grade year in my classroom. It was great to have him in my class, but it was a VERY difficult year in more ways than one.

3. LeGrande and Emma developed a love for fishing with Dad! They have caught countless catfish down at Utah Lake in the last couple of months.

4. I participated in my first relay race,- the Ragnar Relay. It was truly one of the most physically exhausting and trying experiences of my life. (My total was 21.4 miles)

5. John is hunting for a Dall sheep in Alaska as I write this.

6. We went to Driggs, Idaho (and Jackson Hole) for our family reunion. It was wonderful to visit with all of my family, but especially nice to visit with my brother Shane and sister-in-law Michele from Missouri.

7. Girls Camp at Heber Valley was truly an amazing experience. I had to participate in the fireside on Temples the very first night, so it was a little bit intimidating, but fun.

8. Katie danced in the Stadium of Fire where Carrie Underwood performed.

9. LeGrande got braces in March. What an experience for him!

10. Signed up for my first marathon (potentially my last one too!) It isn't until October 2, but I feel it has overtaken my life!!

Family Pic

2009-11-19T17:09:00.000-08:00

We finally, after years of neglecting to do our family photo, took the jump and had it taken. My sister-in-law Maria took them and did a great job. I will add them as I get them. Life is good these days...just crazy busy. Katie is active serving in the student council, doing dance and guitar. LeGrande finally finished football and will be getting into football, and Emma is...well...she is Emma and keeping us on our toes.

June 2009

2009-06-28T19:32:00.000-07:00

June has been a busy month. I started out by going on the 4th year overnighter to Capitol Reef. A week later I, along with Katie, went to youth conference in Gunnison, Utah of all places. A week and a half later, we went to girls camp. It has been crazy! I am just grateful to be home and with the kiddos. We have had plenty of fun in between these outings to hang out at Seven Peaks. These next few weeks I just plan on being with my babies and relaxing. Youth Conference was an especially amazing experience. The planning involved was at times overwhelming, but its amazing how everything just seems to come together. Most of the youth who participated ended up having a tremendous experience. It was evident in the testimonies that were shared on the last day in the shadow of the Manti temple. And although I wouldn't allow Katie to go to the dance on the last day as she isn't quite fourteen, she even says she had a great time. The 4th year overnight experience was incredible. I had never been to Capitol Reef, but it was absolutely beautiful! We hiked around the bottom of the canyon traversing the river over and over again. It wasn't strenuous, but there were a couple of spots that were a little bit challenging to climb. More than anything, I loved hanging out with the AWESOME people that I worked with.

Jamaica and Grand Cayman

2009-04-28T20:37:00.000-07:00

My parents purchased a cruise for all of the kids and their spouses. We left the children with friends for a night, and then with Grandma and Grandpa Bair for the remainder of the time we were gone (they didn't EVEN miss us they had so much fun!) It was absolutely and unforgettable experience,-one I hope to never forget. The cruise was great, the food was delectable, and spending time with John and the family was wonderful. I sang Billie Jean karaoke with my sister and two sisters-in-law Michele and Melannie. I swam with the stingrays in Grand Cayman. I walked on the beach with my husband hand in hand. I ate chocolate til I was about to puke. I took naps on the beach and on the pool deck...had a virgin margarita and pina colada. I LOVED it. I think I needed some time away to regroup and rest. It has been an exhausting year. We kind of heard some negative comments about Jamaica. Although it was poverty stricken and kind of scary in places, I absolutely loved it. Our tour guide (who was incidentally inebriated for a good portion of the trip,-and yes, he was driving the van with all twelve of us in it!) We went to a beach that was pretty isolated...not one other tourist there, and met some of the locals. The kids of course begged for a couple of dollars. They were so cute that I couldn't resist. On Grand Cayman we swam with some stingrays which was so incredibly bizarre that it still feels a little surreal. When we returned to a snowstorm in Utah after having experienced 85 degree weather, I felt as if the whole experience was a dream.

Katie's Student Council Run

2009-03-26T19:55:00.000-07:00

Katie made it through the first round of her student body elections. She is running for Vice Pres. She has been working so hard on her campaign, cutting out handouts and handing out pencils. Each candidate had to make a video to persuade voters to vote for them. I thought Katie's was pretty funny. Her entire campaign was centered around Kung Fu Panda's quote, "Prepare for Awesomeness." I have been so proud to see her work so hard. She is a very motivated child.

Old Wedding Pics

2009-03-16T20:11:00.000-07:00

I had to scan some old wedding photographs as there are only a few of them. The original proofs were lost shortly after the wedding....don't ask us how that happened. Anyway, here are just a few of them. I know i look different. Someone commented on how much better i look now. Should I take that as a compliment? I don't know. I thought John looked so cute in these pics.

Science Fair Winner!

2009-03-01T22:12:00.000-08:00

LeGrande received honorable mention for his science fair project. It was fun to see him get a medal and be so proud of his accomplishment. I love the look on his face though. He's just a funny child.

Hunting and Conservation Expo SLC 2009

2009-02-09T16:05:00.000-08:00

John invited me to attend the expo with him this year. He was in charge of much of the emceeing and auctioneering there. The first day, I attended a luncheon entitled "Denim and Diamonds" which was geared toward all of the women. As you can tell from the pics, everything was absolutely gorgeous...pink satin chair covers with lace, silver boot centerpieces filled with greenery. So detailed! We were surprised with a visit from Karl Malone who walked the catwalk with a fur around his neck. Wow he is still cute. Love those basketball players. On Friday we attended the Jeff Foxworthy show with all my family. I was so excited because my brother happened to be here for it. It was so good to see him. The concert was hilarious and I got a good ab workout from laughing so hard. Saturday we went to the big dinner with Foxworthy where John got to auction some items there with him. It was cool. We talked with him for a little bit and had pics taken with him (I still need to get them). He's a very grounded, likeable guy. Anyway, I was very proud of my husband. He did a fabulous job with it.

Katie's Choir Concert

2009-01-27T20:48:00.001-08:00

We were so proud to see Katie in her choir concert at Springville Jr. She is growing up so fast! We had to get a picture of her with us in front of the knight.

Science Fair Mania

2009-01-27T20:43:00.001-08:00

Of course we have procrastinated the inevitable science fair project. LeGrande wanted to test the strength of various kinds of wood. John cut some small pieces of wood, and they tested the strength by adding water to it gradually to see how much water it would hold before breaking. Talk about FUN! A quality bonding experience.

Remembering Warm

2009-01-26T21:06:00.000-08:00

As it is freezing here, I thought back to the nice, warm Santa Monica Beach. AAAH! Hangin' out with the sister and Sisters-in-law was a blast.

Ol' Friends

2009-01-24T12:45:00.000-08:00

Just found this pic from last summer I think it was. Some of my work wives were there and a kindred spirit who left to be principal at another school. Our school reading specialist was also assigned to another school (left) and she has been very much missed as well. I feel so blessed to have such great friendships at work and at home.

The New Year

2009-01-19T13:17:00.000-08:00

Emma and I were experimenting with the new computer and took this lovely shot.
It has been a non-eventful beginning of the year which can be a good thing, or a bad thing I guess. In my case, I think it's a good thing. The craziness of SEP's is over and now I will really be able to focus on getting back to normal life if that's possible. John and I took the kids to see Paul Blart: Mall Cop today. HILARIOUS! The kids loved it and so did we. It's rare to find a movie that appeals to all of us and is, for the most part, not morally compromising.

On New Year's Day we pretty much just hung out as a family and watched movies. We actually started watching The Dog Whisperer and couldn't stop watching it (there was a marathon on TV). We made tinfoil dinners with carrots, potatoes and meat. They turned out pretty good I guess. It was just something different. It was just fun to hang out with the fam. That's all I seem to want to do anymore.

I included a picture of my black eye I got playing basketball with the faculty on Teacher Development Day which we did just before lunch. I don't know which teacher hit me, but it really hurt! It was the first black eye I've ever had so that was exciting in and of itself.

Cristy, David and I played against the students (along with some other awesome teachers) and beat the 6th grade student teams in a basketball game. I am happy to report that no one was injured this year!

Christmas 2008

2008-12-26T20:33:00.000-08:00

We awakened Christmas morning to find that yes indeed, Santa visited us and left everyone pretty much everything they wanted (excluding a new truck and computer for the kids). John gave me a MacBook and a gun! It was so exciting! After several hours of playing with all of our new toys, we headed over to my parents' house for a fantastic dinner. We had over 26 people there, many of which were my sister-in-law's family from California. (Maria) It was fun to have so many people there to celebrate a wonderful day. There is nothing better than being with family. We certainly missed my brother Shane and his family as they are in Missouri, but they were definitely in our thoughts.

To cap off an awesome Christmas, John and I took a couple of the dogs on a walk. We walked about 2 miles in a blizzard, but it was well worth it! Anytime I get to hang out with the hubby is time well spent. We feel so blessed this year with our wonderful children and family. We have truly learned the importance of family as they have supported us and been there for us during good times and bad. Although we have had struggles, we have come to see our blessings because of them. John's family in Manti are fantastic as well as is my family here and in Missouri.

My Brother's Art

2008-12-22T18:08:00.001-08:00

As I was looking at my brother's blog, I was utterly amazed with the artistic ability he possesses. I feel cool that my family is so talented. Being the Christmas season and all, I thought I would include a Santa piece that he did. I hope he doesn't care! :-)

Priesthood Preview and Fun in the Snow!

2008-12-22T17:32:00.000-08:00

LeGrande had his Priesthood preview this last Sunday. I can't believe my baby boy is going to be a deacon soon (okay...eleven months..but that IS soon). Brother Laing asked me to speak about how we can prepare the young men to receive the priesthood. Luckily I only had to speak for about 5 minutes, but I was grateful for the opportunity. I realized how many things I need to be doing as his parent to help him. LeGrande also was asked to say the opening prayer. All day long I could tell that he was stressing about it, but he did a great job. He is such a good boy. Grandma and Grandpa Wood came to the meeting and came over after for some Angel Chicken Pasta YUM! All in all, it was a very special day.

Today the first real snowstorm hit. It is STILL snowing. I feel guilty for saying this because I know several people who have been in car accidents because of it, but I LOVE IT! I think I love it because I know I can stay inside with my kids and bake cookies and just hang out and be cozy. The kids went outside for like 3 hours and played in the snow. LeGrande made a snow fort and then all three went to the front yard and made a snowman. Later on, I hear a cry from Emma as she looks out the front door and sees that her snowman she made is was lopsided. Quite the sight. Kind of defies the laws of gravity. It was just a fun day all in all and I loved hanging out with the kids for most of it.

2008-12-12T21:04:00.001-08:00

Meeting Brandon Mull

2008-12-12T14:18:00.000-08:00

So Brandon Mull came to our school. He is the famous author who wrote the Fablehaven book series which has become really popular with middle school aged kids. My students love his books as do I. He signed books for the students and I asked if I could get my picture taken with him. I was so nervous asking, because he just.....has such great word choice!!! Cristy and Jen also joined in. He was very kind and patient with the students which I am sure might be difficult after doing a bazillion of these presentations. Anyway...just an exciting moment for me to meet him!

What to Remember About 2008

2008-12-10T12:21:00.000-08:00

In May, I was able to go to SUU and graduate with my Master's degree in Education. It was great to hang out with some of the best people (Heidi, Cass and my parents). Unfortunately, John and the kids couldn't come. The kids were doing their 4-H auction and John was working the Miss Ephraim pageant as MC. I was grateful to have my parents there who are so supportive in everything that I do.

I felt a tremendous sense of accomplishment at having completed the program.

Summer Leisure
During the summer of 2008, I decided that I really wanted some quality time with the kids. The previous two summers were devoted to taking classes for my master's degree. It was so nice to wake up in the morning and eat breakfast with them, and watch them during swimming lessons by the poolside taking in some sun. We did the summer movie thing each week at the Provo Towne Centre and were able to spend time with friends. It was nice to soak in the time with them, and just enjoy their fun personalities.

Bryce Canyon

In October our family went to Ruby's Inn in Bryce Canyon for a couple of days. We were there to hunt antelope, but enjoyed some leisure time watching movies in the hotel room and four wheeling in the hills. It was also my first opportunity to gut an antelope! We were only there for a couple of hours when we made the kill....well...John made the kill, but we were there to see it! It didn't have time to suffer as it went straight down. When John led us out to it, he showed us the proper technique in skinning it. I pulled out the entrails which didn't gross me out as much as I thought it would.

Disneyland

In October I went with the kids and my parents to Southern Cal during the fall break. Yes, we did the every so much fun minivan trip. The only ones who weren't there on my side of the family were John and Ashby (the nephew that I haven't meant yet). Although Disneyland is always so much fun, my more cherished moments came with just being with the kids at the beach and watching them play in the waves and in the sand. LeGrande became violently ill and was puking into the garbage cans at Sea World, but he still stuck it out. It also helped that we rented a wheelchair so he wouldn't have to walk around feeling sick. It was good to just be with the family and enjoy their personalities.

Bunnies

When one of my students last year brought their batch of baby bunnies to school for show-and-tell, I immediately fell in love! We ended up getting a couple of them and named them Buttercup and Peanut. The kids just doted on them! Our nightly ritual would consist of eating dinner and then immediately going outside to play with the bunnies and watch them frolic in the yard. (John will love the word frolic). Unfortunately we lost one during the summer. We think the heat must have gotten to him. A while later, we got Cinnamon from the Sanpete County Fair in Manti. It has been fun to see the kids take responsibility for their pets.
I loved going to girl's Camp up at Heber Valley! I can't believe I have been serving in the Stake Young Women's for a year now! We had such a ball working with the senior staff. Katie, John and I participated in a skit with the Stake President. It, for me, was a truly spiritual and growing experience and I loved being there with my daughter!

Running!

To lessen stress in my life, I have been running a couple of times a week. LeGrande and I ran in the 4th of July 5k and also the Run for your Turkey 4.2 miler on Thanksgiving day. I was so proud of him for sticking with it and finishing! I never would have done something like that when I was his age.

4-H Pigs

Katie and LeGrande took care of pigs this last year and sold them at the stock show in Spanish Fork. They had to clean the pig pens (no, not their rooms) and walk them around the yard. This experience also taught them quite a lot of responsibility. They also had to do some fundraising for the 4-H cause. John was the auctioneer at the 4-H dinner.

Football Season

John helped coach LeGrande's football team this year and Emma and Katie were involved with cheerleading. It seemed like the whole family was involved this year and it was FUN! I would stay during practice a lot of the time and help paint signs for the football players to run through at half time.

John's Banquets

John involved us in most of his banquets this year and it was fun to see him in action. I love watching and listening to him auction. I am very impressed with how he works so hard for what he believes in. Do I ever get sick of listening to him auction? NEVER!

Family is Everything

2008-12-08T19:43:00.000-08:00

I am really upset as I just tried to delete one photo and accidentally deleted all of my posts! I will try to catch up as much as possible, but we will have to see.

I love this time of year as we prepare to celebrate Christmas and make goals and resolutions for the new year. I feel so incredibly blessed with wonderful family and the best of friends who have been so supportive of me and my family. I love you all dearly! Just a few pics that I have come to cherish.

November News

2008-11-25T20:57:00.000-08:00

LeGrande celebrated his 11th birthday on November 19th. It was a fun day celebrated by an early morning breakfast served by Dad. Yes, believe it! The pictures are there to prove it. We gave him a shotgun for his gift which he took out shooting with John and Grandpa Bair within a couple of days. He is apparently a good shot, which John could not stop bragging about. He didn't have a party with friends, but we did celebrate as a family.

Just tonight we had his football banquet to celebrate their awesome season. John was given a plaque in recognition of him coaching, Katie and Emma were given a trophy to celebrate their cheerleading contribution, and LeGrande got a plaque for playing. I felt kind of left out as everyone in the family got a trophy but I didn't. Just kidding...I am excited to sit back and watch my fabulous family have the glory.

There is a pic of LeGrande and me running in the Earn your Turkey race on Thanksgiving day. We were really slow, but we still completed it!

Twilight was a highlight of the month. We celebrated jen's birthday by going to eat out and then waiting in line for 3 hours just to get a good seat. I thought it was a good comedy, but wasn' t really impressed as I had hoped I would be. Playing games out in the hallway as we waited, and just hanging out with awesome friends was definitely the highlight of the night.