A Day for the Boys

Some of you may know that I was raised as a BYU Cougar fan and when I say Cougar fan, I mean a SERIOUS fan. I was totally in love with Steve Young when I was younger and thought that I'd someday marry him. (glad I didn't honey!) When they won the National Championship, my dad took my brothers and I to the airport, in the middle of the night, to welcome the team home. So, when Greg and I got married and ended up attending "that other school," (aka U of U) I was almost disowned and my name forgotten forever. As a little joke for our first Christmas, we gave my parents a picture of us in Utah sweatshirts. According to my family, it was like pouring salt in an open wound. However, we have always maintained a love for the Cougars ... just not when they play the Utes. I know, I know ... you can't cheer for them both, BUT WE DO!

Well, Josh has become a HUGE Cougar fan, much to the delight of my brothers. So, when Greg was able to get tickets to a football game this past weekend, we jumped at the chance for them to go. It was one of those moments that I hope will stay with Josh forever because I know it will for Greg. Josh has now informed us that he's going to go to "BYU College" someday ... and frankly, we would LOVE that!

Thanks for being such a great dad Greg! You really are amazing! Josh ... you look great in blue! We love you buddy! And Ryan and Nolan ... thanks for letting our Ute fans cheer for the Y with you!

UEA Weekend - Hurray!

Every year during fall break (aka UEA), Greg's brother, Chris, and his family come down to visit us and we LOVE it! This has become something that we all look forward to. They have 3 adorable kids - Zoe, who is 6 months older than Kate; Noah, who is 9 months older than Josh; and Jonah, (2 1/2) who entertained us the entire weekend! I know what you're thinking ... we couldn't have planned those ages better if we had tried. It's wonderful and the kids get along PERFECTLY! We had such a great time and we are already looking forward to their next visit.

We started off by introducing them to Jumpin' Jacks. However, I wasn't thinking that there would also be lots of older kids there that day. Needless to say, we didn't stay a long time, just long enough to wear the kids out. Then on Friday we hit the pumpkin patch where the smell was awful and it was a tad bit warm, but that didn't stop us "city folk" from havin' a rip roarin' time! Saturday we took the kids "window shopping" at Target so they could start making their Christmas lists. Then somehow we (the parents) were talked into going to see "Beverly Hills Chihuahuas." Surprisingly it wasn't too bad. It could have been much worse, plus with some buttered popcorn and licorice you can endure almost anything. Sunday we went to church and then they headed back home.

Thanks you guys for a fun, fun weekend! Hope you know how much we love you!

Raptor Romp '08

It's been a very exciting week at our house with the countdown until the "Raptor Romp" at the school.


Every fall the PTA puts on this highly anticipated event where the entire school and their families are invited to come, have dinner and watch dances put on by each grade. Josh has been waiting for this day ever since he saw his sister do the same dance when she was in Kindergarten. And Kate has been talking about "The Electric Slide" for weeks. Great job guys! You were awesome!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

I LOVE Josh's face during his "performance!" This kid has got MOVES and as you can tell, thoroughly loves to "jam out!" Nice job buddy! Thanks for making me smile!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

My sweet Katie bug also loves to dance. You can see the concentration on her face ... always wanting to do everything just perfect! You're my "GREAT KATE" and I love you sis!

Conference weekend

I'm sure I'm not the only one who LOVES General Conference weekend, and this weekend was no exception! (And not just because we got to sleep in and stay in our PJs all day, although that was VERY nice, too!) The weather was rainy and cool so it made it all that more enjoyable to sit in comfy clothes and relax. Then, to make it even better, my mom came down. Thanks Nana ... we LOVED having you here!

I think that everyone was really looking to our church leaders for some encouragement and advice in these troubling times. There were so many awesome talks, stories and testimonies, but these were a few of my favorites.

I loved Elder L. Tom Perry's talk about a "simplified life." Really, when it comes right down to it, there's very little that we NEED.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf shared this thought: "Hope has the power to fill our lives with happiness."

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin shared this saying that his mother told him as a boy: "Come what may and LOVE it!" I am going to try to live this way.

Of course, my favorite talk of all was Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's talk about angels. He had so many awesome things to say and with such emotion, but I particularly loved the reminder that "GOD NEVER LEAVES US."

Elder M. Russell Ballard gave a wonderful talk on missionary work and shared this idea: "The Lord isn't asking us to die a martyr's death, but live a disciples life."

And finally, our sweet prophet, President Thomas S. Monson had so many great things to say, but ended conference with these encouraging words: "This is our one and only chance at mortal life. Find joy in the NOW!"