Here's the Scoop

2011-06-29T12:32:00.002-07:00

Since it has been so long I decided to just start my posts with the most recent past as it would take too long to catch up. Maybe I will post some pictures of other events from the past year at another time. These pictures are all from this month.
The Ragnar relay race that I ran with my sister, Kim, and some friends is first. It was an amazing experience that I hope to have again but running a relay of 192 miles from Logan to Park City was quite a crazy idea. The lack of sleep, crazy eating, lots of running, and two days in a suburban were a lot to handle.
While my sister and her family where here for the race we also got to have some fun: like going to the Children's Museum in SLC, hanging out in rainy Park City, and going to the Hogle Zoo. It was so great to have them come for a visit.
I was able to go on a trip alone, to counteract all of Jason's fall hunting, with a friend that is from South Carolina, Erica. She introduced me to her family, showed me around, and fed me lots of southern food. It is true what they say about southern hospitality, they are so amazingly nice. It was the most traveling I have ever fit into such a short period of time but worth every minute as I was able to see almost the entire state (from Greenville, to Myrtle Beach, to Charleston).

2011-06-29T12:27:00.002-07:00

Erica and I ready to head out to dinner.

In a park in Charleston.

The boardwalk at Myrtle Beach.

Robbie and his women having dinner.

2011-06-29T12:22:00.002-07:00

Eating my first hushpuppy, so good!

Erica catching some rays and getting beat up by the ocean.

Me on the beach at Garden City, near Myrtle Beach.

Another first, Bojangles Bo-berry Biscuit.

2011-06-29T12:17:00.001-07:00

Justin and Hunter on the carosel.

Zack and Kaydence at the zoo.

Riding the train.

Darrian and Hunter.

2011-06-29T12:06:00.002-07:00

At the finish line.

Running my secong leg.

Some of the team near the finish line.

Wearing our Alpine Plastic Surgery "got boobs?" shirts for our sponsor, Dr. Barnett.

My 52 "kills".

2010-11-07T20:08:00.002-07:00

Here are HALF of the pictures from this past summer and fall. I am slowly getting caught up to date. We have had an amazing summer with lots of fun times, traveling, enjoying time with friends and family, and, of course, hanging out on the boat. Enjoy reviewing the past few months and I will do the rest as soon as possible.

2010-11-07T19:53:00.004-07:00

Hanging out in the boat while Jeff wake surfs.

The twins, Sara and Jackie, enjoying a day on the boat.

Allison getting up on the wake.

Zack doing his best to enjoy boating and swimming even though he had a cast half of the summer.

A definate "Boating Beauty".

Zack enjoying a day of boating, like a true gangster should.

Papa Ted trying out the surfboard.

Jeff shredding some wake.

Here are some candid shots of us boating this summer. Definately our entire family's favorite summer past time. Too bad it only lasts three months if we are lucky.

2010-11-07T19:45:00.005-07:00

Jason and Allison in the plane heading up to jump.

Jason giving the thumbs up in midair.

Jason and his tandum master, The Fonz, jump out of the plane.

Allison and her tandum master, Argile, during their freefall.

Allison and Argile on their way out of the plane.

2010-11-07T17:43:00.002-07:00

LITERALLY signing our lives away.

Sara, Ted , and Jackie all suited up and ready to jump.

Jason ready in his jumpsuit.

Check of Allison's harness.

Allison and Jason ready to skydive.

Jason's step-dad, Ted, and his came back to visit in July and this time they brought Jason's twin step-sisters. They came to skydive. On a beautiful Saturday morning we headed to "Skydive Utah" to jump out of a plane. It was an amazing experience that some of us enjoyed more than others. ;)

2010-11-07T17:38:00.002-07:00

Cassidy's friends over for a party.

One of Cassidy's gifts.

Cassidy blowing out her candles.

Cassidy celebrated her 10th birthday this summer. We had a pizza and cake lunch at teh house then took three of her closest friends to see "Beezus and Ramona" at the theater.

2010-11-07T17:34:00.002-07:00

Grandpa Rudy and Cassidy and Zack.

Kathy and Ty.

Uncle Dale and Grandpa Rudy.

Uncle Dale and Ryan.

Grandpa Rudy came through a week after the reunion to head to Montana to see his brothers and sisters so we had a get together dinner at Dale and Jill's house. It was so great to see Grandpa and hang out with family again.

2010-11-07T17:30:00.001-07:00

The Pfister boys hanging.

The Pfister Sisters.

Matt and Cassi.

Hanging out around the campfire.

Uncle Matt, being Uncle Matt.

2010-11-07T17:22:00.002-07:00

The kids bouncing on the "pillow".

Everyone playing minigolf.

The kids going on a tractor ride.

Andrew showing his "other side".

Uncle Jason loving on Paityn.

The second weekend in July it was off to Bear Lake and the KOA there for the "Pfister Pfamily Pfuntion". This was a wonderful family reunion for Jason's family. We hung out at the campground, played at the pool , had a dutch oven dinner, and of course, enjoyed a day on Bear Lake. It was so great to have everyone together for a weekend of Pfister Pfamily Pfun.

2010-11-07T17:16:00.002-07:00

We all ran a 4th of July 5K in a neighboring city. Allison and Cassidy ran together and Jason and Zack did as well. It was lots of fun and a great way to start the holiday. After the race we watched the parade and had a BBQ with our friends Tyler and Carin and their kids. When we were done eating we did fireworks in front of our house and sat in the front yard to watch.

The kids watching the fiework display put on by Jason.

Tyler and Carin.

2010-11-07T17:08:00.002-07:00

Hanging out at The Grand Canyon with Grandma Lora Lee.

Hiking at The Grand Canyon.

BEAUTIFUL!

The kids pose with a statue of Brighty the donkey.

Hanging out with grandma and grandpa at the North Rim of The Grand Canyon.

Grandpa Allen came to Yuba Lake to pick up Cassidy and Zack to take them to the Kaibab for their annual camping trip with grandma and grandpa. When Jason and Allison went to pick them up they spent a weekend camping and took a trip to the North Rim.

2010-11-07T17:02:00.002-07:00

Zack resting after a long day.

Jerek and Chanse, our friend's Mike and Rachelle's boys, eating some roasted marshmellows and Starburst.

Mike and Britton, his oldest son, hanging out at the campsite.

Hanging out at camp.

We went camping at Yuba Lake in June with our long time friends Mike and Rachelle Player and all the kids. We had a great time hanging out at camp and boating, though Allison was the only one brave enough to get into the frigid water.

2010-11-07T16:56:00.002-07:00

Hanging out after Zack's baseball practice.

Standing in front of the Frontrunner train that we rode to and from Salt lake City.

Jason playing with the kids at an exhibit in the Children's Museum.

Zack hitching a ride on Papa Ted.

2010-11-07T16:48:00.002-07:00

The kids take a bow after putting on a play for us at the theater.

Allison reads the news like a real anchor.

Zack and Papa Ted pretend to fly a helicopter.

Allison and Jason hang out in a car.

Jason, Papa Ted, and Grandma Ronna look on as Cassidy and Zack play in one of the exhibits.

This past June Ronna and Ted, Jason's mom and step-dad, came through to visit on their way to San Francisco to celebrate their anniversary. We took them to a Children's Museum in Salt Lake City and had a wonderful time riding the train down and back and playing at the museum.

2010-11-07T16:41:00.002-07:00

Cassidy smiling big and swimming laps at the deep end of the pool during swimming lessons.

Zack practicing his backstroke and hanging out in the pool with his friend Elauna.

The kids took swimming lessons again this summer, we figure if we are going to boat owners our kids are going to be swimmers. Cassidy is like a little fish in the water and is doing an awesome job learning all of her strokes. Zack had a great lesson this year. His fear of water is really starting to go away as he learns to trust his teacher and become a stronger swimmer.

2010-11-07T16:39:00.001-07:00

Cassidy played her first season of softball this summer. Here is a picture of her team.

2010-11-07T16:33:00.002-07:00

Zack swinging for the ball.

Jason helping him get ready to be catcher.

Standing on first base, ready to head to second.

Zack played another season of baseball with Jason's old mission companion, Jeff Harrop, as his coach. He had a great time playing machine pitch baseball and hopes to do it again next summer.

2010-11-07T16:25:00.002-07:00

"Bring the Noise"-Allison is very festive for the Jazz game.

Zack and Cassidy ready to cheer for the Jazz.

We were lucky enough to get playoff tickets for one of the games in the Lakers/Jazz series. It ended up being the best game of that playoff and we had a great time.

2010-11-07T16:10:00.002-07:00

"Pink and Purple"-My friend Melanie and I dressed up for the school's end of the year assembly and sang the Pink song "So What" (with new school appropriate words of course). It was tons of fun.

Zack helping Jason mow the lawn. Only a few more years and MAYBE Jason will let Zack do it on his own.

2010-11-07T16:03:00.002-07:00

Breakfast at Cracker Barrell with the family.

Kaydence, Zack, and Jason heading to the DQ for a treat.

Cassidy cuddling with her papa.

Aunt Allison and baby Hunter headed to the hotel pool for a swim.

In May we met my parents and sister in St.George for a weekend of fun and catching up. Some cuddle time with Hunter is just what Allison needed.

2010-06-01T19:22:00.002-07:00

I promise to post all of the pictures from the end of April-present as soon as I get a chance. I think I will wait until I have pictures of Cassidy playing softball and Zack playing machine pitch baseball as well as Jason's mom's visit this weekend.
The end of this school year has been kind of bitter sweet. I am always happy to end another school year and have time to hang out with my own kids for a while but this was my first class in ten years that was mine and mine alone. Job sharing is great and I loved the freedom in gave me to be a mom while my kids were little but I missed running a classroom on my own. Though there were a few kids that were, how do I put this delicately, jerks, this year was one I will always remember. My students rocked! They won more awards than any class I have ever taught including medals at the math/science olympiad, the highest reading class for reading minutes in the school, the highest reading student in the school, the second highest reading student in the school, and numerous others. They were honestly the best class I ever had and I hope that the bar isn't too high for the kids that will follow them in my classroom.
As far as summer goes we have a lot to look forward to. Like I already said, Jason's mom and her husband Ted will be here this weekend, we will be going camping with our friends the Player's at Yuba Lake the middle of June, the Pfister Pfamily Pfunction in July at Bear Lake, going out on our boat and enjoying the sun, and a few summer workshops for school that I am actually kind of excited to attend. I love hanging out with Cassidy and Zack in the summer, I only hope they look forward to it and enjoy it as much as I do. ;)

2010-04-25T20:56:00.003-07:00

I spent my Sunday evening posting all of the pictures off of my hard drive from every activity from Halloween through today. I really don't want to do that again so I better stay on top of my posts again, didn't I say that last time I posted, in NOVEMBER! Wow! How time flies.

Things continue to go well here. Cassidy and I are recovering from a very nasty cold and Zack has had quite a cough the last week. We have been keeping a low profile and trying to get better. We are all anticipating the summer, except Jason I guess since he is the only one that has to work around here in the summer. Spring has been taunting us with a few nice days in a row then the weather takes a turn towards winter again so it will at least be nice when it gets warm and stays warm, and you can quote me on that in mid July.

We hope everyone is doing well and enjoys catching up with our family for the past few months.

2010-04-25T20:46:00.002-07:00

Cassidy's smile, she is down to her two front permanent teeth and molars on the top.

Zack getting ready to pull out his first tooth.

So brave! Zack decided he wanted his loose tooth to come out before dinner so he made sure it did. He pulled it out by himself and was so brave the whole time. His permanent tooth was already coming in behind the baby tooth so it was definately time for it to go. Sorry if anyone has been expecting the tooth fairy, she has been busy at our house with a total of three teeth lost theis week between Cassidy and Zack.

2010-04-25T20:33:00.003-07:00

Hunting for Easter eggs.

Cassidy and Shelby had a wonderful time playing Barbies and hanging out while we were there.

Zack and Brayden looking cool in their 3-D glasses at How to Train Your Dragon.

This was a giant indoor tramp place called the Sky Zone. It was awesome fun! We all learned that jumping on the tramp for an hour and a half is harder than it sounds.

We drove to California, Nor Cal or Fornia, to see Jason's brother and his family in the Sacremento area for Easter weekend. It was so much fun to see them and have them show us around. It was a VERY long drive but it was so worth it to see them.

2010-04-25T20:19:00.002-07:00

Cassidy and Jason working on her birdhouse.

The finished product.

Cassidy recieving her first place award in the child's competition.

Cassidy with her birdhouse on the trail.

We have had a few of Grandpa Milt's birdhouses in our garage and last spring Cassidy got the idea from her third grade teacher to decorate one of them for a competition at the local Nature Center. She paited and colored it and won second place. This year the theme was recycling so Jason had the idea to save our cans for a while. He used the tin cutters to cut the cans apart and wrapped the birdhouse using a staplegun. Cassidy helped the whole time and she won first place this year. We are out of birdhouses so we need some more for next year Grandpa Milt. :)

2010-04-25T20:12:00.002-07:00

Baby Hunter's new room.

Aunt Allison holding her new nephew.

Hunter Allen Heatwole, what a handsome baby!

Hey Hunter, what is happening?

So cute!!!

Allison's sister, Kim, and her husband, Justin, had their new baby in February and Allison was able to fly down to see him when he got home from the hospital. He is a beautiful baby boy and loved instantly by everyone, especially his Aunt Allison. She must love him a lot to spend the weekend sleeping in Kaydence's twin bed and getting up all through the nighgt to hang out with him. Allison is too old for that!

2010-04-25T20:05:00.002-07:00

Kyle Kover, Jazz player, at one of Zack's basketball clinics.

Cassidy's team, the Glamor Girls, playing some defense.

Cassidy shooting some hoops.

Zack hanging out with his team.

Zack ready for his first season of basketball.

Both of the kids were able to play basketball this winter and loved it. It is so great to have so many opportunities for the kids to play athletics in our community.

2010-04-25T19:59:00.002-07:00

Allison loosing her tube on a wicked jump.

Zack enjoying a run down the hill.

Allison and Zack racing up the hill.

Cassidy getting ready to head down the hill.

Zack enjoying a wonderful day of sledding.

The new Frontrunner station up the street from us entertains us in another way as well. When winter came it proved to have one of the best sledding hills around. Yea! No more searching for the perfect place to sled each winter, it is less than a mile from our house.

2010-04-25T19:55:00.002-07:00

We were able to stop in Veyo to see Jason's Great Granpa Rudy and Great Grandma Barbara and were very glad we did. This was the last time we were able to see grandma alive alive, she died less than two months later. We love and miss miss her very much.

2010-04-25T19:49:00.002-07:00

Great Grandma Zola and Grandma Lora Lee watch the kiddos unwrap their gifts.

Hanging out at Justin and Kim's house unwrapping some presents.

Kaydence entertains everyone! ;)

Papa Allen looks on, he doesn't look much like the grinch this year.

Zack and one of the doggies check out the tree on Christmas morning at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

2010-04-25T19:44:00.002-07:00

Oh Christmas Tree!

Cassidy gives her daddy a hug.

Ahhhh! At Chistmastime even brothers and sisters are feeling the Christmas spirit.

Zack giving his daddy a love.

We had a quiet Christmas at home then it was on to Page, Arizona for a family Christmas with Allison's parents and sister.

2010-04-25T19:35:00.002-07:00

Scott, Amy, Allison, and Jason dressed to go to a murder mystery dinner at Rex and Linda's.

The boys saw Jason's mustache and wanted to wear one to.

Scott had an evolving look...a unibrow...

a mustache...which is it?

The Three Amigos.

Rex and Linda planned a murder mystery dinner at their house while we were in town and invited all the kids that were in Helena and some of their friends, Papa Ted and Grandma Ronna babysat. It was a lot of fun and the food was awesome. It turned out Allison "did it", who knew!

2010-04-25T19:24:00.002-07:00

Grandpa Milt hanging out with his buddy Riley.

The boys watching a movie and playing "ninjas".

Uncle Jason giving Paityn a ride.

Milt and Ted heading to a football game dressed for the Montana weather.

Grandma Jane hanging out where she always is, the kitchen.

We spent Thanksgiving in Montana and had a wonderful time with Jason's family. We ate, visited, ate, visited, and ate. :)

2010-04-25T19:10:00.002-07:00

Cassidy, the Cheetah, and Zack, Wolverine, on Halloween 2009.

Cassidy and Allison, felines heading trick-or-treating.

Zack's Wolverine costume came with a plastic face in the packaging. Instead of throwing it away Jason thought it would make a cool mask so he punched some nose holes and attached some elastic and called it his costume. The spooky thing is that it fit so well it looked like a plastic mold of his face, like "Jason" on a horror movie.

Our trick-or-traeing buddies Elauna, Elli, and Livi Horrocks (a.k.a. princess and a Care Bear).

We told Livi to come here so we could take a picture of her and she laid down on the grass in front of us and struck a pose herself, it was hillarious!

It was an unseasonably warm Halloween so we loved EVERY monute of it! Jason made it back a few hours before trick-or-treating started from hunting so he was able to come with us. YEA!

2009-11-08T16:50:00.002-07:00

It has only been five months since I have found the time to blog so there shouldn't be that much to catch everyone up on, right? Wrong! Wow, that took two hours to upload all of these photos. It is hard to believe how much we actually do in a summer. I posted pictures of Zack learning to ride a two wheeler, Jason and Zack working on our new shed, our summer trip to Montana, birthdays, boating, camping, and many other activities. This chronicles our lives pretty well.
Things have been going really well and been very busy since school began in August. I went back to work full time and still am struggling to balance home and work. Wow, does the laundry pile up. Jason is such a great help to me and even scrubs the bathrooms, does laundry, or makes dinner for me when I need some help catching up. We are slowly getting into a groove.
The kids love school and have been working really hard and learning a lot. They never cease to amaze me in all that they can do. Jason has been working hard as well and just finished an elk hunt, he focused mostly on muzzleload hunts this year.
Life is great here in Utah and we hope that everyone else is doing well. I promise I will try harder to post more frequently as I already have a camera full of stuff I need to download and can't sit for two hours to get it done next time. ;)

2009-11-08T16:35:00.001-07:00

Cassidy's fourth year of soccer, fall season.

Zack's second year of soccer, fall season.

2009-11-08T16:30:00.002-07:00

Zack's sixth birthday party with friends and family in our backyard.

His brand new bike, now that he can ride a two wheeler he needed a bigger one.

Dreesed up in the knight dress-up stuff Grandma Lora Lee and Papa Allen gave him.

2009-11-08T16:25:00.002-07:00

Zack on his first day of first grade.

Cassidy on her first day of fourth grade.

Waiting at the bus stop.

Cassidy and Zack ready for another great school year.

2009-11-08T16:19:00.002-07:00

This is how we got the boat out of the water at our annual trip to Bear Lake with Kathy and Ty and friends this year. That is the kind of service that you get when you go to a private beach meant for locals. ;)

2009-11-08T16:12:00.001-07:00

Cassidy and Zack doing some fishing.

2009-11-08T16:07:00.003-07:00

This is the camper Jason bought last November. We took it up to the Uintas to have a camping weekend with the kids.

2009-11-08T16:00:00.002-07:00

Cassidy and Kaydence at Cassidy's birthday party at Applebee's.

Cassidy decided for her birthday party this year she would invite 3 of her favorite friends and take them to Applebee's for dinner. Aunt Kim, Uncle Justin, Darrin, and Kaydence made it to town for a visit just in time to come with us.

2009-11-08T15:53:00.002-07:00

This is a cave near Bear Lake that we explored on one of our trips up that way.

It was only 42 degrees at the bottom of the cave and we didn't bring jackets, cause it was July.

2009-11-08T15:43:00.003-07:00

Jason trying a skyski while boating with our friends the Mann's. We had a great time trying it out and the kids had a blast because they have four kids and their two oldest are about the same age as Cassidy and Zack. I met Carin Mann at Lady Fitness, she is one of the instructors there, and we have hung out with them a few times. Lots of fun!

2009-11-08T15:35:00.002-07:00

Zack all ready to help dad build a new shed in our backyard.

Jason and "Mini-Jason" get to work.

The finished shed.

2009-11-08T15:24:00.002-07:00

Hanging out in Columbia Falls, Montana at the waterslide park.

Grandma Linda holding napping Paityn.

Hanging out in the WARM pool.

Jason and Zack showing off their "moves".

Cassidy and Papa Rex doing some swimming.

2009-11-08T15:14:00.002-07:00

The kids and their kids in front of the cabin.

Cassidy in the canoe.

The twins, Jackie and Sara, show the kids how to work the paddleboat around the pond.

The doe and her fawn that hung out at the cabin.

Ronna and Ted's family cabin, Ted's family owns it and they take turns using it.

2009-11-08T15:06:00.002-07:00

Aunt Jill holding baby Paityn as she waves hi to her mommy.

Jason looking fierce on the plasma bike.

Cheese!!! Paityn and Scott, Jason's little brother and his baby.

The summer project at Scott and Amy's house, a deck on the the back of the house.

Cassidy and Madelynn hanging out as far away from the boys as they could get.

2009-11-08T15:00:00.002-07:00

Kaiden getting ready to have his turn on the slip and slide.

Swimming at the Broadwater in Helena, Montana. Madelynn and Cassidy, little mermaids.

Playing Ping-Pong at Grandma Ronna and Papa Ted's new house.

Zack learning to ride a two wheeler with daddy's help.

2009-06-18T19:31:00.002-07:00

Well here are some of the highlights from our trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It is probably the best vacation I have ever been on in my life and I think that Jason agrees. We went with our friends since college, Mike and Rachelle Player, and had a blast!
We had so many great adventures. We snorkled, kayaked, ziplined, rappeled, hiked, parasailed, and laid around the pools at the resort without a care in the world. We ate all the time and barely ever felt a hunger pain. The resort we stayed in was amazing and we were waited on the entire time we were there. It was an awesome adventure!
My parents watched the kids for their anual camping trip with Grandma and Granpa Byrom. They were able to go to Pipe Springs and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon as well as swim in the Kanab pool and play with their cousin Kaydence. They had a great time, thanks so much mom and dad!
After we dropped the kids off in St. George we hopped in the car and drove to LA to fly out the next morning. It was a long drive but it was a lot of fun listening to Rachelle sing Vanilla Ice and Guns N' Roses. We were able to see some of the sights in LA while we were there too, plane tickets were 300 dollars a piece cheaper as well.
We got to Mexico on Sunday afternoon and as we stepped off the stairs onto the tarmat our breaths were taken away by the heat and the humidity, I don't think we ever really got used to that! We had a marvelous time and did so much stuff while we were there. It was definately a vacation we will never forget.
The last time we traveled with Mike and Rachelle was to California when we graduated from college in 1999. We definately have to do this again but sooner than every ten years!!!

2009-06-18T19:22:00.001-07:00

All of us enjoying a delicious dinner.

Jason and I on a boat ride back after a great day on the water.

Some of the gifts we brought the kids, a dress and headband for Cassidy and a NAAAAACCCCHHHHOOOOOOO mask for Zack! ;)

2009-06-18T19:17:00.001-07:00

Some of the pools we loved to lounge in.

Our kitchen.

The living room.

Our bedroom, Mike and Rachelle had one just like it too.

2009-06-18T19:09:00.002-07:00

This was the view from our balcony.

Some of the resort in the evening.

Downtown Puerto Vallarta from a boat in the bay.

Our resort taken by Jason while he was parasailing.

Looking up a street in downtown Puerto Vallarta.

2009-06-18T19:02:00.002-07:00

It was so humid this is how Jason's back looked after a taxi ride!

Enjoying the evening at the resort.

In downtown Puerto Vallarta after a day of shopping.

The Pfisters and the Players enjoying an awesome day on the golf course.

2009-06-18T18:56:00.002-07:00

A beautiful tree outside our hotel lobby.

Jason and I relaxing in a hammock. We loved it so much we bought one for our deck!

Jason and Mike got to golf with a caddy, Antonio.

Rachelle and I ready to head to the beach!

2009-06-18T18:47:00.002-07:00

Me rappeling down a waterfall.

Jason and I with our bestest friends, Mike and Rachelle Player, on a boat crossing the bay.

Me all ready to snorkle.

Jason with the thumbs up ready to go!

Jason and I in a zip line race, I WON!!!

2009-06-18T18:40:00.002-07:00

Beautiful village of Yelapa that we hiked through, you can only reach it via boat.

Jason and I kayaking. Apparently he knew someone was going to take a picture but I didn't. ;)

Jason ziplining through the canopy.

Jason on his midget mule!

2009-06-17T17:31:00.002-07:00

Mike and Rachelle Player on the plane ride to Mexico.

Jason and I on the plane to Mexico.

We flew out of LAX so I had to take a picture of my first time there.

There were random people dressed like characters in the street in downtown Hollywood (Spiderman, Ironman, Bumblebee, KISS). These guys wanted a dollar each to take your picture with them, I guess we were suckers.

We drove to LA to fly from there to Mexico, flights were cheaper, so we had one night in LA. I have always wanted to go see the Chinese Theater in downtown Hollywood so I talked everyone into going. It was very cool to see, there is something I can check off my bucket list! ;)

2009-06-17T17:24:00.002-07:00

Zack is almost dead center.

Zack and his Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Hepner.

Zack graduated from Kindergarten the end of May. I can't believe my baby is going to be in first grade! It is so exciting and weird at the same time. The graduation was a cute program during which they did a small group and a whole group performance of something that they learned each month of the school year. Zack's small group part was December's 10 Little Reindeer, too cute!

2009-06-17T17:05:00.002-07:00

The midgets at the Aquarium.

The midgets at the Dinosaur Park.

While Jason and Scott golfed the kids played dress up.

Cassidy and Jason holding Paityn.

Jason's little brother Scott came to visit Memorial Day weekend with his cute family (Amy, Kaled, Kaden, and Paityn). Besides the rain keeping us from the zoo we had a wonderful visit with them and were so glad they came to see us. The guys played golf on base and we all went to the Dinosaur Park and an Aquarium. We also had a fun BBQ with all of Jason and Scott's extended family in the area. Such a great time!!!

2009-05-15T15:13:00.000-07:00

The new swingset, a.k.a. the scene of the accident.

2009-05-15T15:08:00.002-07:00

Zack and Timmy after cast #2.

Putting on cast #2.

After they cut off cast #1.

Finishing up putting on cast #1.

Zack with his splint before cast #1 got put on.

(I forget the pictures upload backwards!)

2009-05-15T15:03:00.002-07:00

Cassidy explaining her birdhouse.

Cassidy's birdhouse hanging on a tree at the exhibit.

Cassidy dropping her birhouse off to be judged (after a soccer game).

2009-05-15T14:35:00.002-07:00

Zack and Cassidy's baseball team coached by Jason's old mission companion, Jeff Harrop.

Zack and Cassidy in the dugout.

Zack hitting the ball one handed.

Cassidy and Zack hanging out in the outfield waiting for action.

A lot has happened since the last time I blogged. The biggest event being Zack breaking his arm the weekend after Easter. He was playing on his brand new swingset, remember that Cassidy broke her arm on our old swingset when she was five, and doing a neat trick on the rings to show his friend. Well, he landed left arm first on the ground and ended up breaking both bones in his arm, his radius and ulna. We sent his poor little friend home and rushed him to the ER, Jason was outside when it happened and took one look at his arm and knew it was broken. We spent about three hours in the ER. They had to sedate Zack to set the arm since the breaks were so bad but there was an orthopedic surgeon on call so we know it was done right. He was in a lot of pain but did as good as you can expect a scared little boy to do. He wore a split until that Friday then we went to get in casted to his armpit. He planned all week that his first cast was going to be blue and if he got to another one it would be black. I took him back to school with a sharpie and he came home with the whole thing written on. He and I went back to the ortho's office today to have the cast cut off, more x-rays taken and a new cast (the black one) put on. He freaked when he got a glimpse of the saw even though I spent all morning preparing him. It was pretty scarey I imagine. He insisted that the same guy that did his x-rays and put on his first cast, Timmy, put on his second cast so we had to wait a little while for him to be free to do it. He will wear this cast, it is only about 7 inches long, until the 3rd of June. Luckily he will get it off before mom and dad head to Mexico and the kids head camping with grandma and grandpa on the 5th.

Cassidy recieved quite an honor last month. She heard about a bird house competetion from her 3rd grade teacher and after her class did one she decided she wanted to enter her own. We took one of the birdhouses that Jason's Grandpa Milt made and let her paint and decorate it however she wanted. We were invited to the awards ceremony at The Nature Center in Ogden, where the competition took place and Cassidy recieved second place in the kid's category for "form and functionality" (thanks to Grandpa Milt). She was asked to talk about her bird house then recieved a ten dollar prize for it. It was very special to her and exciting to see her birdhouse displayed at The Nature Center, where it will be until August.

Soccer is winding down. A few of Zack's 10:00 games have been cancelled but the weather has always cleared up anough by 1:00 for Cassidy to play. They have one game left tomorrow. They both stated playing baseball a few weeks ago. Zack really could have played T-ball one more year but we didn't want to be up at the ball field Monday-Thursday like we were last year for games so we decided to put them both on the same coach pitch team. This is the last year Cassidy can play in this league as 4th grade girls and older start playing softball. Jason's friend and old mission companion Jeff Harrop is coaching the team so it is fun to see him and my old roommate Dalyce, who he is married to, more often. It is sad that they live in the same city as us but we go months without talking to them sometimes. It has been fun so far and having a cast hasn't slowed Zack down at all.

We are all anticipating the end of the school year as well as a visit from Jason's youngest brother, Scott, and his family for Memorial Day weekend.

2009-04-16T15:45:00.002-07:00

We are still waiting for Spring here, hopefully this weekend will actually be the beginning. It is supposed to be in the 70's from Saturday-Wednesday at this point so I am going to keep my fingers crossed, do the spring dance (such an awesome sight to see), and hope that the weather holds. The kids have soccer games this weekend and it sure is miserable to sit through those in the cold, wet weather.
I took lots of Easter pics of the kids but the funny thing is that I took them with the disposable camera that Ronna, Jason's mom, sent in the mail with her Easter craft for the kids. So, since we mailed the camera back to her she has all of the pics we took of the kids this Easter. ;) I really don't have any new pics to post because of that. Sorry!
We are looking forward to the long days of summer ahead, we have plans to go to Mexico (YEA!!!!), Montana, and maybe a trip to Page in there as well. We have been emailing Jason's brother Scott and his wife and they are planning a trip to see us for Memorial Day so we are WAY excited about that!
That is all that is new here, hope everyone is doing well and happy! We love you all!

2009-03-06T16:03:00.002-07:00

Mr. and Mrs. Justin Heatwole.

The cute couple.

2009-03-06T15:53:00.002-07:00

Kim's cute family!

Me and my little sis!

The amazing cake that my mom made and decorated.

The whole family .

The bridal party on their way down to the resort on the lake for the reception, it is a LONG walk so they take everyone down on carts.

2009-03-06T15:43:00.002-07:00

My big brother's cute family, Sam (1), Crista, Monte, and Megan (3). They live down in the Phoenix area.

My family all dressed up! Doesn't Zack look so handsome in his suit and Cassidy look beautiful in her gold dress, not to mention how hot Jason always looks in a tie!

The Byrom siblings make a Kim sandwich.

The bridesmaids: Elena, Lexie, Kim (the bride), Kristie, and Allison.

The girls strike a pose with Kim, LITERALLY!!!

2009-03-06T15:21:00.002-07:00

The bride and our dad enjoying a dance.

Kaydence and Zack having a spin on the dancefloor.Zack and his crush, Justin's niece and the current Miss Arizona, enjoying themselves as she takes him for a spin. He flirted with her the entire afternoon (I wonder where he got those skills, JASON).

My mom and dad even danced a few slow songs.

Kaydence and Cassidy bellied up to the bar.

My big lil' sis Kimberley, I call her that because though she is a good three inches taller than me she is still my little sister, got married on Saturday, February 28th in Page, Arizona. My family and I were lucky enough to be able to make it down for the weekend full of festivities, after I carefully rearranged my parent/teacher conferences. It was a lovely wedding ceremony at one of the churches on Page's famous church row then a beautiful reception at Lake Powell's Antelope Marina in their resort ON the lake. We couldn't have asked for a more wonderful day, everything turned out so awesome! I was lucky enough to be asked to be the maid of honor and Kim also had three other friends serve as the bridesmaids. Justin, her new husband, had his dad and his 13 year old daughter be his "best people". I was able to help decorate the church and the restaurant where the reception was held, get ready with the bridesmaids at a local hotel the morning of the wedding, and go to lunches and dinners with the bridal party (Jason was awesome at watching with the kids or even helping decorating so I could be a part of everything, I love him so much for that). My brother and his wife and kids were able to make it as well, it always makes me so happy when my whole family is able to get together, though their little boy was sick with a double ear infection while they were there and not much for partying with us. The ceremony and reception were well planned and so pretty. Kaydence did the best a three year old could during a wedding but ended up not really wanting to be the flower girl as planned and yelling to Grandma Lora Lee that she needed to poop during the ceremony, too funny! I am so glad that my sister is happy and wish only the best for all of them, to the Heatwole family (Justin, Kim, Darrin, and Kaydence).

2009-02-14T15:41:00.003-07:00

The whole family at iRock climbing wall. I was looking at the past few pictures I have posted and was laughing because evry picture I post of myself shows me with straight hair. I really don't straighten my hair more than twice a month or so but everytime I do is when the camera is out. Allison doing her thing, man I hate looking at my butt in a harness!

Jason making sure the kids climb safe.

Cassidy starting a climb.

Zack stopping to say cheese while he is scaling the wall. GO SPIDERMAN!

Happy Valentine's Day! Jason and I decided to take turns being in charge of romantic holidays, i.e. Valentine's Day and our anniversary. I do the odd years and he does the even. For Valentine's Day this year I decided to take the whole family climbing at an indoor rock wall. Cassidy has done it before, at a birthday party a few years ago and I used to go rappelling in college back at Dixie, Jason and Zack hadn't been before. I was really excited to take Jason to do something new and hoped that the kids would enjoy it and not be too afraid to do it. Both of them began climbing right away and their favorite part was hanging in the air after a climb. Jason did awesome and seemed to really enjoy it. I made it to the top of the wall in one area twice. :) We climbed until our hands hurt and then headed to lunch. It snowed really hard all morning so the roads were pretty crazy, we didn't want to do much besides that. Since we have been home the kids and I watched Madagascar 2 while Jaosn took a nap and then shoveled the driveway. I just finished making a double batch of no bake cookies so we will end up eating our weight in those tonight I am sure. Also, I have a few things planned for just the two or us after the kiddos go to bed. ;)

We bought each other shoes, me new running shoes and Jason new work/dress shoes, a few weeks ago and decided to call it our gifts to each other for Valentine's Day. Of course I couldn't leave it at that so I bought him some candy he really likes and an itunes gift card and he surprised me with a gift card for a hot stone massage, isn't he AWESOME!

Valentine's Day is kind of a big deal to us because it is the day Jason proposed to me on my ugly couch in my apartment in Cedar City when I was going to SUU and he was going to Rick's. 12 years ago today, CRAZY!

2009-02-14T15:35:00.005-07:00

Cassidy and Zack at the iRock climbing wall.

Our heart-shaped pancake breakfast.

Cassidy and Zack's homemade Valentines from the Family Fun Magazine.

We have had a fun and event filled Valentine's Week. Cassidy, Zack, and I made their Valentines this year using the magazine that Ronna gets for me, I felt like Martha Stewart saving all of our empty toilet paper rolls to make bracelets, printing out paper airplanes, and tracing hands.

2009-02-05T14:57:00.002-07:00

I can't really think of an excuse for not blogging in so long, sorry Stephanie :). Usually people make a resolution to be better at stuff like this, but not me I guess. I don't have any new pictures to post so that may be one of the main reasons. I didn't really make any resolutions this year but I have been trying really hard to go to the gym at least 4 times a week, eat less treats, and drink lots of water (which is really hard on the days I teach because I never get a chance to pee so I swear I am going to have an accident one of these days). Jason and I started an account on Facebook and I don't spend nearly the amount of time on there that my friends do, in fact I would rather blog then mess around on there. But some of my friends that are on Facebook did a thing called "25 Random Things About Me" and challenged me to do it as well. I decided to put it on my blog rather than Fcaebook so if people want to see what wrote they will have to look here.

1. I wasn't born in Page, AZ but I lived there most all of my life, my parents still live in the same house I grew up in. I hated living in a small town growing up but now I kinda miss it. I liked being able to walk everywhere and not having my mom worry about me too much.

2. I worry about my kids way too much. I wait until the bus comes to pick them up everyday before I will go to work or go about whatever chores I need to do. I watch them walk to friends' houses or have them call me when they get there so I know they made it safe.

3. I have a new found love for reading and do it all the time. I love silly fiction novels that get me away from it all, especially if there is a fun plot or a love interest. I have almost read everything by Meg Cabot and Sophie Kinsella (so excited for the Shopaholic movie).

4. I would rather hang out at home than go out, I love cuddling on the couch with my little family and watching a movie together.

5. Watching the Disney Channel is a guilty pleasure for me. I think that Hannah Montana, High School Musical, and The Suite Life are actually pretty cool. I really like the music too, in fact I have the Jonas Bros., Ally and AJ, and Demi Lovato on MY Shuffle.

6. Jason is the one and only man I have ever said I love you to. I remember the moment I fell in love with him very vividly and all I can say is that the drive to Montana in the summer of 1996 to take him and his bullet bike home was the best thing I ever did.

7. I adore Jason's mom. She is one of the most wonderful and funny people I know. Her dad, Milt, is my fill-in Grandpa, since all of mine are gone. I love it when he calls me WOMAN! Jason's sister Jill, and sister-in-laws Amy and Cassi call ourselves the Pfister Sistas.

8. Teaching school isn't the right job for me, I am dying to go back to school to study Public Realtions, and I think I can maybe start at Weber this fall.

9. I am the shortest person in my family, at 5'9" can you believe it!

10. My dad is a huge teddy bear and he makes me laugh, my mom is a saint and would do anything for anyone, my big brother never ceases to surprise me with all of the things he is into and eats now (way to go Crista), and my lil' big sis (she is younger but taller) is the best listener and I know she is always there for me.

11. I hate being cold yet I live in Northern Utah, go figure.

12. This summer I am going to Mexico and it will be my first trip EVER outside the US, I even got my first passport last week.

13. I finally learned how to straighten my curly hair, which gets curlier as I get older (CRAZY!!!), I can do it in about 30 minutes from wet to straight now.

14. My favorite food is hamburgers, YUM!!! I love Chili's, Red Robin, Applebee's, etc. because they put delicious things on them and they are huge.

15. If I could move anywhere I would move to St. George, UT. I loved living there when I went to Dixie College and I enjoy going back to visit. I hope thats omeday we can both find jobs there because I would love it, though Jason would probably MELT.

16. My husband is the hottest guy I have ever seen. He only gets better looking with age too, lucky me! I hope he says the same thing about me.

17. Cassidy is a mini me and it scares me, I am worried that we will either fight constantly when she is a teen or be best friends, I hope the latter.

18. Being Mormon has never been a problem for me, in fact I love it. I have never had a hard time not making bad choices when I was in college or even today. I love my religion and think it helps me be a better person and teach my kids values.

19. I wanted 4 kids when I got married but am lucky I decided to have 2, I didn't want Cassidy to be an only child. Sometimes I am sad Cassidy doesn't have a sister though because I loved mine. I wouldn't trade little Zack ever though cause he is the best.

20. Going to the gym is one of my favorite things to do, I love the rush I get when I am done working out and knowing that I have pushed myself. I hope to run more this year, when the weather gets nicer, and maybe do some foot races. I would like to try a 10K or a half marathon but am worried it might kill me.

21. Having a clean house and dinner on the table is important to me, that sounds very 50's housewife of me. I like knowing we have a nice house to live in and delicious meals to eat.

22. I really enjoy being a blonde. My hairdresser, and bestest friend Emmalene, colors and cuts my tresses to perfection. I don't think I will let my hair go dark again for a while because blondes really do have more fun!

23. Back in the day, I wanted to study theater. My Associates Degree from Dixie is in Fine Arts. I miss the theater and hope to do another play sometime. Doing Grease a few years ago was the best, even if I was the oldest person in the play (even older than my director). I love singing and need to do it more often. I wish I was young enough to try out for American Idol, though I don't really watch the show I think that would be awesome.

24. My all time favorite show on TV is So You Think You Can Dance. It airs during the summer and is the American Idol of dance. I sercretly wish I could take lessons and dance like that but then I take a Zumba class at the gym at realize I have no rhythm at all.

25. My family is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I am so glad I found Jason and we have such awesome kids. I love them all very much!

2009-01-01T16:00:00.002-07:00

The hosts with the most!

Garet and Andrea Cooper.

Cortney and Scott Frandsen.

Allison tearing it up on the drums.

What is Scott drinking????

This was New Year's Eve at Beau and Emmalene Horrock's place. We had a fabulous time eating TONS of food and playing Rock Band while we ignored our kids. It was crazy fun. We learned when some people come out of their shells, they come ALL the way out!!!

2009-01-01T15:53:00.002-07:00

Scott and Amy hanging out on the sledding hill.

Kadin wanted to wear a face mask so Papa Rex hooked him up, too cute!

Linda, Kadin, and Rex look on as someone heads down the hill.

Scott and Jason race down the hill, my man won by the way! :)

Kaleb and Zack ready for another run!

We spent the morning after Christmas sledding with Rex and Linda. It was so fun and we were bundled up so well I don't think I heard anyone complain of being cold. It was awesome fun and all of the kids were so brave. Poor Jordan ended up going through some fresh powder with his Aunt Mindy and quite the spray of snow in his face so he was done after that.

2009-01-01T15:46:00.002-07:00

All of the grandkids that were present at Grandma Ronna and Papa Ted's Christmas Eve.

Zack and his buddy/cousin Kaleb checking out Zack's new DS game, Ironman.

Grandma and Granpa Romick open the pepper grinder that everyone chipped in to get them.

Present opening madness and Ronna dn Ted's house later on Chritmas Eve. Christmas #3 for my family.

2009-01-01T15:39:00.002-07:00

Christmas Eve at Rex and Linda's house (Jason's dad and step-mom) in Helena, Montana.

Four CRAZY boys! Kaleb, Brayden, Zack, and Kadin.

Allison cuddling and getting her baby fix with the newest Pfister, Paityn.

Sibling rivalry playing Mario Cart racing on the Wii (Jason and his brothers Matt and Scott).

2009-01-01T15:32:00.002-07:00

The pajamas that Grandma Lora Lee made for the kids for Christmas. This was our first Christmas celebration. We unwrapped presents from Allison's family and each other at our house the Saturday before Christmas so we wouldn't have to drag as much stuff to Montana.

Jason's new 22 that he hinted that he wanted for weeks.

Zack very excited about new Tranformer toys.

Cassidy showing off one of her many gifts.

2009-01-01T15:26:00.002-07:00

Family pictures that we took via camera timer in our backyard.

You can tell I hurried to my spot after setting the timer and didn't quite make it there.

Candids of the kiddos in the backyard.

We had family pictures taken at Target one Saturday morning. It was such a nice day outside and we looked so good that when we got home I decided to take a few more in our backyard. I was going to call a friend to take them for us but then Jason reminded me that my camera has a timer so I brought out a stool to set the camera on and ran back and forth to our swing. Not too bad if I say so myself!

2009-01-01T15:16:00.002-07:00

Zack's turkey head, a craft he made at school. So Funny!My brother and sister-in-law's baby, Sam. Such a sweet and happy baby!

Jason, Allison, Cassidy and Zack with Grandpa Rudy and Grandma Barbara at their place in Veyo, Utah on our way to Page for Thanksgiving.

Our Thanksgiving was spent in Page, Arizona with Allison's family this year. It was so great to have everyone make it home for the holiday. Monte and Crista with their kids, Megan and Sam, from Phoenix, Jason and Allison from Utah, then mom and dad and Kim and Kaydence in Page. We had an awesome dinner made by all of the women folk at Kim's new house. It is a huge home on the other side of town which she shares with Justin and his daughter Darrian as well as Kaydence. We had a great visit and a tons of fun playing Apples to Apples.

2008-12-18T15:06:00.002-07:00

I've got tons of pictures to post but no time to do it but I thought I would take a quick second to say Happy Holidays to everyone in case I don't get my pictures posted in the next little while. We had a great time in Page over Thanksgiving and were able to see all of my family. We are looking forward to the trip north to Montana to see Jason's family for Christmas next week. We are a little bummed his sister Jill and her family won't be there but look forward to maybe seeing them this summer, Cassidy really hopes so.

2008-11-19T14:02:00.002-07:00

Robin, Clayton, and his mom (Mary Brown).

Jason and I at the reception.

I guess this is a Brown family tradition, some of the girls lip sync to the song "You Will Be His" and do a little dance to it as well.

Cassidy just missed the bouquet and felt bad about it so Robin gave her some other flowers.

Rich, Mark, Clayton, and Jason at the reception.

2008-11-19T13:44:00.004-07:00

Provo Temple

The entire Brown family, minus Tyler who is on a mission. 13 kids altogether!

Robin and Clayton on their way out of the temple.

Robin and Clayton in front of the temple fountains at sunset, they should have hired me to do their pictures, huh!

Robin, Clayton, and Robin's three kids. Clayton got married and became a father all in one day!

Well, Clayton Brown is married! Clayton and Jason were good friends in high school, went to Rick's for a while together, and have just been friends for years. In fact, everyone in Helena, Montana knows the Brown family, infamous for having 13 kids. He got married last Saturday in the Provo temple since we live so close we had to make it down. Two of Jason's other friends from Helena, Rich and Mark, drove down to our place on Friday and picked up Jason to head down to Provo for one last night with single Clayton. They stayed there for the night and hung out the next day. After Cassidy's basketball game the kids and I headed to Provo as well, about an hour drive (depending on traffic). I had to go because I promised Jason's sister, Jill, that I would take lots of pictures and I knew Jason couldn't be trusted to do that.

We waited outside the temple, a beautiful fall day for mid-November, for the happy couple to come out then headed over to the church for the evening. It was a beautiful reception with lots of food, family, and even some entertainment. Some of the Brown girls did a dance, then Clay's new wife played the piano while one of his sisters sang a song. Finally it was time for something they do at every reception, four of the Brown sisters did a lip sync and dance, it was really cute.

We stayed for almost the entire reception and ate a ton of food and enjoyed catching up with the people that we saw there as well as with Rich and Mark.

Robin has three kids from a previous marriage, they are 8, 5, and 2, so Clayton gained a wife and three kids all in one day. He was so happy that he said his face hurt from smiling so much. They make a very cute couple and we wish them them all the happiness in the world.

2008-11-03T21:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday HONEY!!! I just wanted to wish Jason the best birthday ever and let you all know that he is 35 tomorrow. I hope he has the best birthday ever and knows how much I love him!

2008-11-03T20:53:00.000-07:00

Zack as Anakin Skywalker, before he turned to "The Dark Side" of course.

Cassidy as Hannah Montana, no autographs please!

Well, October is over and here it is November already. Time seems to get away from me lately. I thought I better sit down and blog the past month to catch everyone up to date. Things are great here and we are having a great time. Jason has been gone hunring quite a bit this past month, both deer and elk, with a rifle, a muzzle loader, and a bow. I don't mind it as much when he goes with friends but it does seem like we have hardly seen him this past month. He is either hunting or talking about and planning the next one.

School is going great for the kids, they are both loving their teachers and their class. The soccer season ended with Zack loving his first year and Cassidy learning more then ever with two great coaches. She is starting basketball now so Jason said he would be an assitant coach and help out as needed since this is a sport he understands better. They both had so much fun trick-or-treating and dressing up for Halloween. It was tons of fun and the weather was fantastic.

I have been busy with work and subbing on a few days off to make some extra cash. I spend most of my days off doing the laundry and cleaning the house, FUN! I am bummed that running weather is about over and I hate running on the treadmill. I hope I can keep my butt going to the gym so I don't undo any good I did this summer.

We are looking forward to a trip to Page for Thanksgiving, with a pit stop in St. George to see Grandpa and Grandma Pfister, and a trip to Helena for Christmas.

2008-11-03T20:36:00.001-07:00

I can't believe I actually put this picture on my blog but it was pretty funny. This is me as a gangsta for Halloween with my friend's brother, Hughes (this is how he always dresses). I am wearing all of Jason's clothes, but I had them washed and returned before he got back.

Cassidy, Elauna, Elli, and Zack all ready to go trick-or-treating.

Baby Livie, Princess Leah. SO CUTE!

Beau, Emmalene, and Elivia as Anakin, Patame, and Pricess Leah.

Zack, a.k.a. Anakin, and Hannah Montana, I mean Cassidy, all ready for Halloween.

Jason was muzzle loader elk hunting during Halloween this year so that is why you don't see him. Cassidy and Zack had a ton of fun trick-or-treating with our friends Beau, Emmalene, and their family then going back to their house to hang out after. It was the most beautiful Halloween weather wise that I can remember. So nice in fact we were taking pieces of our costumes off rather than putting winter coats on like other Halloweens since I have lived here in Northern Utah.

2008-11-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

High School Musical 3 premiere.

Elauna, Cassidy, and Ky heading to the movie. GNO!!!

A few girls on Cassidy's basketball team, The Glamour Girls.

The Lady Fitness workout crew at Karianne's wedding (l to r: Danielle, Amy, Karianne, Allison, and Tiffany).

Here are some candid shots of us going to High School Musical 3 with some of our friends. A picture of Cassidy at her first basketball game (in her second game she made a their first point, a free throw shot). They are currently 0-2. The last is of myself and some friends at my good friend Karianne's wedding reception. I was able to go to her temple wedding earlier that day, it was so beautiful. Congrats Kari!

2008-11-03T20:17:00.000-07:00

Here are our pumpkins Zack, Cassidy, Allison, and Jason's.

Cassidy and Zack decorating their pumpkins.

Jason and his "hockey mask" pumpkin.

Allison's pretty pumpkin.

Jason helps Cassidy decorate her pumkin.

We decided instead of carving or painting pumkins this year we would decorate them instead. Jason had the idea to use construction paper and straight pins to fasten our designs on our pumpkins. So we spent the evening making out pumpkins perfect.

2008-11-03T20:06:00.000-07:00

Grandma Lora Lee jumping on the tramp with the kiddos.

Kim and Granpa Allen hanging out on the deck.

Jason, Justin, and Kim enjoying the sunshine.

Kaydence and Zack going for an afternoon drive in the backyard.

My parents and Kim decided to come up for a visit for UEA weekend, the kids and I had a four day weekend. We had so much fun hanging out in the warm sun, going to Cassidy and Zack's last soccer games of the season, and going to the new Chuck E. Cheese (I am convinced this is what hell is like for adults and heaven is like for kids). Kim, Justin, Jason, and I were even able to go out for a night on the town while awesome grandma babysat for us. We couldn't have asked for a nicer weekend and it was so great to see my family.

2008-11-03T19:34:00.000-07:00

The view out my front door.

The willow tree collapsed on the deckin the back yard.

The willow tree's split trunk.

The stump that is the memory of where the tree once stood.

On Sunday, October 12th we had a freak early winter storm and it did all sorts of damage in and around the neighborhood as well in the Salt Lake area. Roy and West Haven got the most snow out of the storm, a record 12 inches (a FREAKIN' foot of snow in October, I KNOW!!). Well, our beautiful willow tree was a statistic. We were worried this might happen so Jason had gone outside and shook all of the trees in our yard to keep the heavy snow from weighing them down. However, the next time we looked out the window, part of the tree was laying on our deck. We both bundled up and ran outside and I went door to door l0oking for a chainsaw. Luckily a neighbor had one, in fact he works for the poweer company as a tree trimmer, and was willing to help us out. The next day was Columbus Day so Jason and his friend Mike spent the day cleaning up the branches and taking loads to the dump. So, needless to say, we don't have much shade in our yard anymore!

2008-10-03T13:59:00.000-07:00

Nothing much new to report, same ol' same ol' here. We are just going through the motions of the day to day.

Jason has been doing a lot of hunting the past two weeks, one time by himself (I hate that) the other with his "brother from another mother", Mike. Both times he came home without a deer but he had some fun stories to share. I guess since the mussle loader hunt was unsuccessful he will be rifle hunting in a few weeks so he can still fill his tag for the year. He is also planning on elk hunting with Mike Halloween weekend so maybe we will get some wild meat after all, not that I want it.

Cassidy and Zack are busy with school. Zack thinks home lunches are novel, it is funny how something so little can be such a big deal to him. I did get a call from the lunchroom at school the other day saying his account was overdrawn at school, I couldn't figure out how that would happen since I always pay a month at a time for school lunch. Well, come to find out he has been eating breakfast at home then eating breakfast again at school. Too funny! I had to tell him no more school breakfast but if he needs more food at home to tell me and we can fix a bigger breakfast. Maybe when it gets cold in the winter I will let him and Cassidy eat breakfast so they don't have to wait for the bell outside. Cassidy is home with strep throat today, she wasn't feeling well on Wednesday but since dad was hunting, I had to work , and it was short day I told her to tough it out. I am such a mean mom. She got home and laid in the same position on the couch all afternoon, so I took her to the doctor on Thursday. The rapid strep test came back so fast that I felt horrible for the poor little thing. She was feeling better today but her grade was going on a hiking field trip up the canyon so I decided that was an activity she had better not participate in today. So, we stayed home together and she helped me clean the bathrooms. We also took her to Emmalene's to get her hair cut. Jason, Zack and I got ours done yesterday. She decided she wanted some whispy bangs, because I got some last night. She just wanted some to push to the side, not like Demi Lovato (the funny thing is everyone with kids has seen Camp Rock so the hairdresser knew exactly what she meant). They look pretty cute on her but make her look older, not sure if I like that!

I have been busy with work. It has been a very stressful year with the new reading program adaoption and getting used to all of the new materials, those that have arrived at the school that is. I am keeping an open mind and using everything with "fidelity", like they asked at our training, but it leaves little room for fun. My students this year are very disrepectful so I am spending a lot of time enforcing rules so I am sure I look like the bad guy but what are you gonna do! I continue to tell them that when they are respectful they get rewards and give them a taste of something awesome, hopefully that will end up working soon. My job share partner is a a first year teacher and I think she is a bit overwhelmed with their behavior. I have assured her that not every class is like this and we will get them broken it, it just might take until Christmas! Hopefully both of us stop going home with headaches soon. :o)

So, Jason and I are off to his mission reunion tonight. We are going with Jeff and Dalyce, his friend from his mission and my girlfriend from college that got married. Her mom is coming down from Logan to watch all five kids so I hope it ends up being a positive experience and not craziness for her. Cassidy and Stacy play pretty good and Talon and Zack are buddies, the boys just like to bug the girls. Dalyce says her baby is teething so hopefully she will be happy for grandma. We are just headed to Bountiful so it won't be too late of a night.

My sister's little one, Kaydence, is three years old today! I can't believe it. Happy birthday sweetie, Auntie Allison loves you!

2008-09-11T13:51:00.000-07:00

No new pictures but I thought I would catch everyone up to date just a bit.

Jason passed his test last week with flying colors, 850 out of 900 points. All I can say is he is WAY more studious than I am. I don't know if I have the discipline to study like he did the last few weeks. He is headed up to the mountains this weekend to scout for deer before the mussle loader hunt begins on the 23rd of the month. He was supoosed to go with a friend but he backed out so he is going alone. I hate having him out in the wilderness by himself, especially overnight but he insists I shouldn't worry. Ronna, a little help here... :)

Cassidy and Zack are loving school and have made all sorts of new friends. Cassidy has "the meanest teacher" according to all of her older friends but she loves her so I am happy about that. Zack is enjoying Kindergarten (school lunch and recess are his favorite parts). He is so worn out and tired though. He has fallen asleep on the couch, the minute he gets into bed, and on Jason's lap in sacrament meeting. We have them in bed by 8:15 or 8:20 but I still have to wake him up every morning to go to school. Hopefully he gets used ot his new schedule soon.

I have an interesting bunch of students this year and am getting used to all of their different personalities and trying to get my classroom management set up. My new job share partner is brand new to teaching so she is a bit nervous. She is too cute though and I think we will have a great year. I am going to take sub jobs here and there on my days off to make a little extra cash. My first one is on Friday at the kids' school in 6th grade so we will see how that goes. I am only on the sub list for my school, the kids' school, and Roy High, Jason's Uncle Dale's school. I think I will only sub maybe 3 times a month so I get a day off here and there. All I have done on my days off is clean and do laundry so far. Of course.

Other than that, not much to report. We are enjoying watching the kids start their soccer season and will post some pictures of that soon. Jason and I did celebrate our 11th anniversary on Saturday. We went to dinner and a comedy club in Ogden and had a lot of fun. He gave me a new camera, that I haven't learned how to use yet, and I gave him 11 things that he loves (Henry's Rootbeer, chocolate, Itunes gift card, etc.). I am sooooo creative aren't I. :)

2008-09-02T11:50:00.000-07:00

Zack and Cassidy ready for Zack's first day on a chilly morning.
Cassidy and Zack getting on the bus.
Zack looking so smooth for his first day of Kindergarten.
I followed the bus to school so this is Cassidy and Zack getting off the bus, they marked his hand with the color blue because he rides the blue bus. That way they can make sure he gets home.
Zack at his table at school.

Well, the day I have been dreading for months is here. My baby is in Kindergarten! I feel so old with my youngest child in school now. It is a crazy concept! He wanted me to go in his classroom with him this morning but was fine when I left. I had to go to my own school for a minute, I took the day off so I could be home when he left and gets home (the Kindergarten comes home earlier than the rest of the kids today), to do some work to keep my mind off of everything. Jason asked me what I was going to do the rest of the day day but after showering, eating some lunch, cleaning up the house a bit, and now doing my blog and checking my email Zack will be home in less than a half of an hour. Time sure flies when you are kidless!

I am staying part time this year though I could have went full time with both of the kids in school. I figure with Thursday and Friday off I can get the cleaning, shopping, laundry, etc. done so we can play on the weekends and not have to worry about that stuff. I plan on going to the gym those morings, or going on a run when weather permits, and getting all of my chores done during the day. Hopefully I am as productive as I see myself being during this time. I may substitute those days if I feel like it as well but only for my school, Lakeview, the kids school, Valley View, and Jason's Uncle Dale's school, Roy High. I think I will go full time next year though, the money would be cool and the kids are old enough taht they can start helping me get things done around here. :)

2008-09-02T11:47:00.000-07:00

Cassidy ready for her first day of 3rd grade in the outfit she bought herself with her birthday money.
Looking good Cassidy!

This is Cassidy's first day of school, August 25th. Unfortunately it is my first day of school too so it is hard to make as big a deal of it for her as I would like to each year. She is so beautiful and so smart. She is excited and nervous for new things in 3rd grade.

2008-09-02T11:34:00.000-07:00

We borrowed this wonderful toy from our neighbors to use at Zack's party, it is like Disneyland!
The kids had a great time playing in the water and going down the slides.
I realized when I was getting the cake ready that there were no candles in the house so this is Zack blowing out his tealight candle on his cupcake.
He was very excited about all of the presents he got for his special day.
His friends: Elauna, Bryndee, Zac Anderson, Talon, Ellie, and Ella.

Well, believe it or not my baby is 5 years old! I can't believe it. He has been waiting for this birthday for so long because he has wanted to go to school with Sissy so bad. He had a wonderful time playing outside (luckily the weather was nice) for the evening with his friends, eating pizza, and opening presents. Unfortunately Cassidy was in the house sick. She called me during the day and had thrown up at school so she was quarentined from the party. It really didn't end up making a difference because Zack got sick in the night, 3 times and on 3 different beds that I had to strip and clean in the middle of the night, and I was feeling the same by the morning (I am sure the four hours of sleep that I got the night before helped make sure I got sick). I was so glad it was my day off and we had the entire long weekend to recover before school started again on Tuesday. Jason was so nice and took Friday off to take care of us and run to the store to get Sprite and Lysol. I think he was actually glad to have another day to study.

Jason is taking a test for his job today, another certification, that he has been studying so hard for. I have my fingers crossed and am praying for him to do well because he deserves to. I don't think I studied that hard for anything in my life, even in college.

2008-08-07T10:59:00.000-07:00

Zack in his borrowed goggles at the KOA pool.
Everyone playing a game of mini golf at the campground.
Papa Rex and Grandma Linda with the grandkids (notice how happy Zack is).
Cassidy sitting so pretty.

Zack jumping over the waves. This is one of my all time favorite pictures.
The cabin Jill's family and our family slept in, that is right 9 people in a small cabin.
Jill and Andrew (her oldest) at the pool at the KOA.
Cassidy collecting seashells. This is all she did for 6-7 hours at the lake and she has the bag of seashells to prove it.
Zack is being chased by Jessica, Ty's sister. He is so in love with her so I bet he is in heaven in this picture.

BEAR LAKE, BABY!!! I love this place! We headed to Bear Lake for a fun filled day on the water and camping at the KOA. It was so much fun to take our anual trip with Kathy and Ty and add quite a few more. The water was perfect and the sun was hot, the best day ever. We had a great time skiing, tubing, swimming, and worshipping the sun God. :)

2008-08-07T10:55:00.000-07:00

High School Musical on Capital Theater stage in Salt Lake City.
Cassidy and Madelynn with a cast picture.
Cassidy and Madelynn in their seats.

What an awesome time us girls (Jill, Madelynn, Cassidy, and I) had in SLC seeing High School Musical live on stage. It had a lot of the same elements as the movie with some new songs and stunts. It was so fun!