The Holidays Have Arrived!

I just love the holidays. The kids at school are cheery and excited. There are field trips to keep the days busy and Charlie to remind all of us at home how fun it was to be little once.

Dad's birthday was just fun. Charlie loves to be with his cousins and I am so glad we are near so he can!

Although, I have been missing the old days at the beach. I miss the salt air and stormy nights. I miss walking in the breeze and fighting our dog Murphy on the leash, cooking Mac and Cheese, hiking the forests, seeing beutiful sites, finding sand dollars, watching sunrises on the bay and sunsets on the ocean. Those were really nice years for me. It is our anniversary today. I feel so lucky to actually have a man who married me and decided to take on the role of father. He has been a blessing to them. I know that it hasn't at all been easy, but I hope he knows that I think it has been so very worth it. Jay has been wonderful at taking me out on weekly dates. It has always been important to him to have our time away. I can't remember ever missing one. He has kept me rejuvenated with weekend getaways to my favorite beach spots and cabins in the mountains; Stay overs at the nicest hotels and steak at some very nice restaurants. I just love him.

Enjoy the family party pictures.

Thanksgiving at our house!

We just wanted to thank mom and dad, Marne, Erica and Nathan for spending the holiday with us. Charlie says his prayers every night and prays that his family will 4 wheel with him forever. It was fun. D.J. and Becky with Ryan and Jaryn shared a relaxing Saturday with Tami and she loved baking cookies with Grandma. Jay, Charlie and I headed south to "The Little Sahara" national park to do some 4-wheeling in the sand. It was amazing! We loved the smooth ride that sand affords. Watching as the daredevils climbed the sand mountain was quite an experience. We will be asking others to join us soon. Enjoy the pictures and know that we feel blessed to have a great family be such wonderful friends.

Brian's Wedding

This is the lovely dress my sister and I wore to Brian's wedding. They are gorgeous and I added a small touch to the picture so that it looks aged (it looks a bit out of focus, but cooler this way). As for Brian's wedding the bride was radiant as ever, and Brian seemed to have a humble appearance. At the Provo Temple while inbetween taking pictures we were introduced to relatives and friends of the bride, and to this day I couldn't account for their names or how they're related. There were so many step cousins, aunts, uncles, and siblings it was so hard to keep track of who's who. After all the pictures needed for the relatives, we all went to the Skyroom on BYU's campus, and waited for the bride and groom to appear so we could eat lunch. In the mean time we broke all havock and got all the family riled up wondering why in the world anyone would invite these teenagers to this special event. JUST KIDDING! We were good, and stayed in a corner and talked most of the time to ourselves and a few relatives who crept their way up to meet us. Apparantly Brian had told them lots about us, and we knew absolutely nothing about them. Don't you just love it when that happens! Well as dumb as I felt I was even more dumb founded after our luncheon when Lisa's family (the bride) had a few speakers all praising and adoring my father as the man I wish he was in my life and perhaps he's striving for( but I'm gonna need a bit more proof to agree to those comments), but it just didn't match. All my siblings and I could think was, "He better not mess this one up..." Well, that's all folks! Je t'aime!

We Have A Mission Call!

Curtis received his letter from the First Presidency on Oct. 10th. He called me at work that day and asked if I would gather the family in the area to be at the house at 6:30 for the opening of the LETTER! The night before, he had said that he would wait until Thursday to read it. By noon on Wednesday, that plan changed.

Friends and family began arriving and my heart started jumping. We were all feeling his excitement. Curt received a call from his Uncle Eldon saying that he had just heard the invite and was on his way. So we waited a little bit more. Then after everyone had arrived, Curtis stood up and walked to the front of the room, thanked everyone for coming and smiled as the company cheered, "Read IT, Read IT".

Curtis answered, "We need to say a prayer first. I'll give it." Then, he began to read and quickly got choked up. Words cannot express how wonderful it is to read a letter fro the prophet sent directly to tell you what you are going to be doing the next two years of your life! Chicago, IL North - Spanish speaking. He was thrilled. HE had wanted to learn Spanish and that wish came true. Jay was the first to jump up and give him a hug. I snapped pictures then hugged him as well.

After the commotion died down and friends began to leave, he walked over to Candace, who was patiently waiting in the back of the crowd watching with a big smile on her face, and excitedly picked her off the ground in a big bear hug and said, "Come here!" She tried to say congratulations but the tears fell too quickly. What a tender moment.

Another Halloween party at the Short's has come and gone. We had a really good time. Pie and homemade ice cream, spooky dead body parts, twister and bingo. We just wanted to let you all know how glad we are that you keep coming, even with the cramped quarters and noise! If ou want any copies of these pictures, just click on the slide show and it will take you to our web album where you can download them. Happy Halloween!

Baptism Day for Caroline

Charlie and I had a great time this past weekend in Boise. Caroline was being baptized so it was a perfect excuse to visit their family. As always, they made us feel so welcome. Charlie is more than excited to play with cousins and Grandpa brought down a trampoline so... that made it all worth it. Personally, I liked game night with the adults. I found out a few secrets playing with Eldon, Maren and Mom!! Thank you Bohn's for being such the crowd pleasers and hosts that you are. And congratulations Caroline! You made the weekend all worth it.

ROOMIES!

One night the 5 of the 8 of us decided to take our blankets and walk to a near by field and lay together outside to view the stars. As we were having fun and goofing around we decided to "put our heads together" to create a picture. Not as round as we imagined it being, but at least our faces fit!

Back 2 College!

So I come down, move back, and it feels like I've only stepped out for a weekend and came back. Ephraim has become my second home and I just love it here. It has it bad points...i.e. the turkeys...but what town doesn't. All of my roommates moved in Monday and those of us who roomed again from last year were thankful to find our new roommates were awesome and normal...so far. AND! I have a good friend moving to Orem and he's coming to see me Friday!
My first day with classes started out smoothly. Had chemistry with a couple people I knew from last year, and English is not going to be easy but I will have lots of help. I'm taking Teachings of the Living Prophets for institute, and I even tripped and cut my leg! :D STORY: So I'm going to Majock's to buy my books for 10 times cheaper than what the bookstore would be selling them for. It's a little trailer and I have to step on a platform to get to their eye level and pay for my books. Well, my eyes and feet didn't exactly coordinate. Glad that there was no one around except for the elderly man selling the books, I get up, examine myself, and realize i only had scraped off my skin on my shin and my knee was pretty dirty so I couldn't tell if anything was wrong. I got home, lifted my leg up to the sink to clean off the dirt, and found myself bleeding. Not profusely, but I had definately cut myself up. (sorry mom...I know you get queezyYeah, a great way to start the day!

Kindergarten Here I Come!

It was an exciting day for Charlie. He started it at 5:30 in the morning. He was so excited to go to school, that he gave up the 9:00 morning call he was use to all summer in order to climb into our bed and talk about his day. "I'm so cited!"

The early rise stopped the panic I felt the night before, wondering how I was going to get him out of bed at 6:45? Instead, we had a casual breakfast and then Charlie listed all the things he had to do before we could leave. Brush his teeth, make his bed, spike out his hair and, oh yea, get dressed. The uniform made that task much easier than it has been.

Mrs. Orton was pleased to pose for a picture with him before the crowd arrived. He has the luxury of roaming the halls before anyone else. Then, Mom was there with her camara to capture the event. Her fifth graders were more than willing to watch. Charlie was sure proud of his day and the homework he brought home. As he pulled a skittles out of the bag, he answered questions that were tagged to colors of the candy. What is your teacher like? What games did you play? Can remember what you worked on? He played the game with mom, dad and Zach!

All's well that end's well. Now, at 7:00, his parents are more than ready to put him to bed. The day is catching up to him and the crankies have set in!!

Thunder Ride

A few weeks ago my sister and I were riding bikes to the playground just behind Legacy Elementary. We were goofing around the jungle gym when the distant flashing lights became more frequent. We knowingly set out on the bike ride with a thunderstorm on the way, but thought it a greater adventure that couldn't be left behind. To continue...As the sprinkles of rain became a bit more frequent I told my sister we better head back before it really started to pour. No sooner had she rebuked my remarks than a bolt of lightning flew through the air followed by thunder and a huge down pour of rain. I was fine getting wet, but the rain hit like millions of pins and needles pricking at my skin. I was barely able to keep my eyes open from the heavy rain draining my energy as it filled my shoes and wieghted down my jeans. Mom, worried as ever, found us on our way back and followed us leading the way with her headlights. As we set our bikes down in the comfort of the garage, mom gave us a few stares but we couldn't keep ourselves from laughing. It was the most fun we've had together in such a long time. Mom had to take a picture and we just stood there trying hard to keep on straight faces as we poured the water out of our shoes. What a great night. I'd do it over again if I had the chance. It had fullfilled a dream of ours to ride bikes in the rain, and I couldn't have picked a better sister to do it with.

Our Summer Trip To Sea World

What a great way to end the summer. Off to the happiest place on earth, Disney Land. Then it was Sea World, Huntington Beach, Lego Land and San Diego Harbor. Charlie, Jay and I enjoyed a well earned week away. Away from the demands..... of teenagers! Well, they HAD to stay home and work. Charlie keeps us young and makes sure we came back to the hotel everynight with sore feet, or a sunburn. However, it was never so bad that a dip in the pool or soak in the hot tub couldn't cure it. Enjoy our pictures. It is back to school - in more ways than one - students and a teacher.

A Mother's Hallmark Moment

Today I played the piano for Zachary and Tamara to sing a duet for sacrament meeting and again for Chelsea to sing a solo in her singles branch. What a moment for me.
I have to tell you though, it was really entertaining to listen to Tam and Zac, during our run through, talk about the best way to turn the music pages on the podeum. I kid you not, for about 4 minutes they debated all the ways that would be best and in the end, they sounded like a married couple who knew how to work things out together. It had me smiling. Chelsea was so nervous, shaking in her skin but sounded like an angel. She sang " In this very room", a familiar song and perfect for her voice.
I just needed to mention how much I love them and their desire to serve in the church and benefit others with their talents. That just happened to be the lesson I gave in my primary class today as well. (Talents)

Ooh! Ooh! Pick Me! Pick Me!

Okay, cutest little story I have to share. I was walking home from Branch Prayer, nearing the playground a few blocks from our house, and a little boy was riding his plastic trike down the sidewalk in my direction. He then stopped in front of me, walked over, and handed me the head of a sunflower. I smiled, said thank you and continued my way home. As I was walking the little boy shouted to his mother in the yard, "Mommy! Mommy! I gave the lady a flower and she said thank you!" I smiled and waved at his mother as I passed her and he shouted again saying, "Mommy! Mommy! That's the lady!" I thought it was the cutest thing ever. It totally made my day.
In other news, I have been called to be a member of the single branch's choir, and I am also an F.H.E. coordinator. And, oh yes, I sang in sacrament meeting today. The song was "In This Very Room" and with all the compliments I received I'm guessing I did pretty well. A sister in the ward told me I didn't look nervous at all. I told her she should have watched my knees behind the podium. She laughed and added that's what they're there for.

Allen and Rosemary Visit Salt Lake

I enjoyed the sealing session with Jeremy and his family this week. Jay and I were sealed at the Salt Lake temple. It is just as beautiful as I remember. I think it would be great fun for our family to do a session there soon. So many of us have memories at this temple.

Allen and Rosemary, and we can't forget Stephen, were just fun to be with. I was so glad they were able to spend a couple of days with those of us in Utah County. Stephen spent the night at our house. Tami played him a game of Battle Ship, Charlie decided he was his new wrestling pal and I just enjoyed getting to know him. We watched a late movie, laughed and enjoyed being together. I wasn't able to raft down the river with them the next day, but Mitchell made it a foursome and Rosemary braved the ride. Once again, Lynelle hosted dinner at her house. Thank you Lynelle. On day three, we met at the Zoo. Amazingly, the heat was bearable and the trip was well worth it. Charlie is loving his family and as a side note -we just want you to know how greatful we are that he has cousins to play with.

So it's 12:18 am...I go to work in approximately 10 hours...and I can't sleep. Charlie is overhead snoring quite loudly, there's a train that's passing by at the moment, and all I can think about is how in the world I'm going to make sure I make it through my last year at Snow College. Then I start thinking ok, I'll study...shut myself in the library all day long...and have zero fun. How boring is that! Not to mention socially and then soon to be mentally painful. I'll honestly just start talking to myself and wonder how I got in that mess in the first place. Soon enough I'll start answering my own self, and we all know that's not good. So option #1...exnae. Option #2...Balance my schedule, but always do my studies before play. Easier said than done my friends...easier said than done. How do you motivate yourself to do something (like homework) that you really don't want to do. I suppose in my case it's my last chance to prove my responsibility and maturity to myself and my parents especially, but I suck at test taking, so in that case that means I don't know how to study well. But I hate studying with someone else because either one of us is usually unfocused and I'm either at a faster or slower pace. And in the middle of the whole school process I don't want to loose my drive or my focus to be there in the first place. Mom says I do it often. I start something with vigor and then just shut off or quit trying or have a lack for trying after a while. What's wrong with me? Nothing really I know, but how do I fix it? See? I can't even stay on the same subject. Hahaha...well at least now I'm feeling a little sleepy. Good night.

Oh where, oh where has my summer gone?

Summer has been full of adventure. We just returned from our Gibb family reunion. I loved it! Jay and I rented a camper and found out what a nice way to go that can be! I must say, it was the first time I felt relaxed and able to enjoy all family members. The scenery was beautiful, the lake a fresh retreat, and the golf for the teenagers made the stay wonderful. Dad put on wonderful nightime gatherings. We listened to family stories and ideas, laughed and even tried a little "Knot" tying. (You had to be there to get that pun.)

Eldon knows how to throw a party! He had canoes, four wheelers, and bikes. I was worried that the kids would not be able to stay occupied. What was I thinking? I lived at the beach for 10 years and I forgot how the water and sand can keep a child occupied all day! Grandpa took the little ones on an adventure hike around the lake. Those adults who tagged along had a good laugh when it more time was spent taking pictures on the hike than the hike itself! I loved our fishing lessons from Dan. The kids were very enthused when trying to throw lines out to the coolers on the lawn. It was fun entertainment to hear how everyone designed their family flags. We have quite a creative family.

Thanks mom and dad for your efforts to keep the reunion going. I think my favorite part was the service project. It was a neat thing for me watching all of us working together, helping to make others lives a little better. What a wonderful memory. Until next year!