Joneel's jottings

Friend parties, and Friend birthday parties

2011-12-09T00:27:00.001-08:00

Julie with Emily Stephens and Rachel Hendertilo

Having a pizza party.

These girls can get CRAZY

Julie, Jenn and Marissa went to a yacht for 3 days for Jenn's birthday. They
had a blast.

My trip to Utah end of June/first of July 2011

2011-12-09T00:24:00.000-08:00

Macy LOVED LOVED LOVED the splash park in Alpine

4th of July at the Makins house. Here is katie hanson, boyfriend and Whitney Hanson

Mike and Linda Makin...the Host's

Mike and Linda's grandkids....Emma and james

Irelee (Ryans oldest) and Derek, ryans boy

My sister in law Vicky and her daughter in law Marianne

Julie, Mandy and Michelle

Me and the hubs

Julie, Emily and Michelle

The pyro technic guys. Geoff and Ryan

Linda is always such a great host for the Lund family fireworks. We'd had a picnic
before hand and then all met at their house for the fireworks. It was a little sprinkly,
but not too bad. We had a fun evening for all.

More family time with Michelle and Macy and the Lunds in April/May 2011

2011-12-08T23:39:00.000-08:00

Macy hanging out with Julie watching T.V.

Two little peas in a pod

Cousins Jarom and Macy

Jarom, Macy and Grace

Sam was really liking Macy

Julie is often a human jungle gym

Can you tell how much Sam was liking Macy?

Sam, Macy, jarom and Grace. LOVE them

macy being stone faced.

Mel....just the way he likes it. Holding a grandchild

Kesha concert

2011-12-08T23:33:00.000-08:00

Jenn and Julie all decked out for the Kesha concert. Julie said it was
pretty wild, and probably wouldn't go to another one. That's my girl.

Easter with the Lunds

2011-12-08T23:31:00.000-08:00

Sam got to find the sports eggs

Grace got to find the sparkly eggs

Her loot

The Egg Hunters

Tyler smooching on Jarom

A pretty rose in my back yard.

We had Tyler and family come over for a little Easter celebration and had the
kids do a little Easter Egg hunt. Grace was really good at finding the eggs, and
Sam needed just a little bit of help. They had a good time and went away with
some Easter goodies.

A visit from Michelle and the New Zealanders April 2011

2011-12-08T23:23:00.000-08:00

Michelle and Macy at the beach

Michelle, macy and Erana having fun in the water

Erana (from New Zealand), Macy and Michelle

The beach was nice, but still....it was April

Sweet Sandy feet

Going across Newport Harbor on a ferry

Julie enjoying the ride

Michelle

The "driver"

Erana giving us the thumbs up with Raven in the background

This is Macy's cousin Raven from New Zealand

After Julie was through with school in April, she and Marissa drove to Utah and picked
Michelle and macy up to drive the rest of the way to California with them.
Raven and Erana had come for a visit and stayed with Michelle while in Utah,
then came and stayed in our home for about a week. We did a few fun things
and one of those things was going to the beach and riding on the ferry.
Michelle had so much fun having her niece and Erana around. We enjoyed
getting to know them also, and enjoyed hearing the New Zealand accent.

Everett Arrives in March 2011

2011-12-08T23:14:00.000-08:00

Stella showing me her BIG sunglasses

Sterling showing me his Thomas train

Having fun with my South Carolina grandkids

Little Everett arrived 4 days after I got to South Carolina!

What a cutie

The siblings checking out the new little brother

Stella was pretty excited about her new baby brother

The "new" Smith family

Sterling thought he seemed pretty neat

Everett

Stella loves babies

Grandma with the new one

Everett getting his first ride home

Sterling still all smiles about new baby brother

Stella and Sterling love to help in the kitchen

The whole group

Stella loved making silly faces

Sterling with a little trim of his curly locks

Andy tossing a pizza crust. I was impressed

Sterling helped with the cheese

Stella put on the pepperoni

And no visit to South Carolina is complete without a visit from Karen R.

Tangled was the big hit.

So in keeping with Tangled, we made Everett a Prince

Everett's first bath

All wrapped up in his crab blanket

Another favorite thing for Sterling and Stella, is doing the dishes

I'm glad that I can be with my daughters when they have a new little baby. I love
spending time with all of them.

A little visit to utah to see my Parents, Michelle and family, and Julie Feb. 2011

2011-12-08T22:55:00.000-08:00

These are 2 people that make it a bonus when I go visit my parents in
Utah. Macy and Michelle

While I was there, Macy went to a cousins birthday party at a bounce house.
Here Michelle is taking her down the slide.

Macy enjoying some ice cream

My whole family live in Utah, so when I go there, we usually try to get
together. Here we are at lunch at Carl's Jr.
L-R back Jessica, Shannon, Michelle, Alaine, Joneel
front Julie

My Mom and sister Denise and Danielle are on the left (the rest I mentioned
in the previous picture) and on the right is Aubrey, Amber and Clark.

Oh my, they can all make funny faces with their lips. ha ha

once again, saying good-bye to Julie. She met me in Utah while I was there and
brought a friend Addison Chandler with her. The driver is Chelsea England.

Tyler also came up and brought Grace. This is their first snowman. Then
the 2 of them drove home with me.

Sam turns 3

2011-12-08T22:42:00.000-08:00

The Tonka truck from Mel and I

Sam and Grace checking things out

Daddy holding Jarom

After all the presents were opened.

One of the favorite parts of his birthday.

YUMMY

Grandpa holding Jarom.

It's nice to live close to Tyler and his family because we get to celebrate
all the holidays and birthdays with them. Happy Birthday Sam.

A meeting at the Beach with my cousin

2011-12-08T22:32:00.000-08:00

I'll never complain taking a drive to the beach. Especially if I get to
meet up with my cousin Sandra. This is Newport Beach, and I love it.

Julie's friends bidding her farewell Jan. 2011

2011-12-08T22:22:00.000-08:00

Katie, Marissa, Julie and Jenn had 2 weeks to enjoy julie's
company before she headed back to BYU-I for her second semester.
They were so funny. They had to say good-bye before she left
and katie and Marissa even came to the airport with me to say
good-bye.

Julie had been picked up at the airport by Bro. Larsen while
he picked Emily up, so we returned the favor and took Emily
back for the return flight to Idaho Falls.

Emily Larsen and Julie

How could I?

2011-05-26T12:43:00.000-07:00

Clark and Michelle at the skating rink

Grace had a lot of fun ice skating

Michelle, Anna, Tyler, Mike's wife, and Mike Andes

Tyler's mission buddy

Julie with Grace

Sam was cold and tuckered out after ice skating

later that day at Tyler's house for Cake and ice cream

Happy Birthday Tyler

How could I ignore my blog? Have i really been that busy, that i couldn't

just leave a picture with a little synopsis? Well, whatever. I'll just do it

NOW. Every year, 5 days after Christmas, is Tyler's birthday. We went

ice skating for his birthday, and then went to his house to have cake

and sing to him. I am happy that he lives close by so that we can do

this every year. Here are some pictures from the day.

Christmas with the Lunds

2011-01-21T21:30:00.000-08:00

Having fun with Macy

Mel, Sam and Grace

We switched it up this year. Instead of going to Mimi's

for Christmas Eve dinner we went to Lucille's for lunch.

Clark and Macy

Tyler and Anna

Michelle and Julie

Anna, Joneel and Clark

Jarom

Macy, the cute present

Julie, Michelle, Clark with Macy--Christmas morning

JULIE

Macy opened her Lady bug pillow pal

Michelle, Macy and Clark

Our zebra attire

The Tyler Lund family Christmas day

Grace enjoying Sam's new train set

Sam's loving it

Grace's sweet smile

Julie was the first to arrive. She got here on Friday, Dec. 17th.

Then next came Michelle, Clark and Macy on Sunday. Then

it was time to just shop, eat, and get ready for the big day.

Macy is such a sweet natured little girl, and she finds a place

in your heart pretty darn quick. Michelle and Clark got to

visit with Clarks family a couple of days also, and Julie and

I tagged along one of those days.

On Christmas Eve we usually go to Mimi's cafe for dinner.

But this year, we changed it up a bit. We went to Lucille's

for lunch. Ribs, Tri tip.....Y U M M Y !

Christmas was pretty low key. I didn't have time to go crazy

with gifts, so it wasn't overwhelming, just nice. We missed

having Andrea with us for the day. She had to work. Boo Hoo.

Anyway, I am thankful I have a husband who enjoys the holidays

and makes it even more fun. And then with his week off of work

between Christmas and New Years, that is the icing on the cake!

Speaking of cake, Michelle made cinnamon rolls for us on a couple

of occasions! YUMMY We dipped a few chocolates also, thanks

to my V.T. Marlene for donating the chocolate and recipe!

I hope we all remembered what the day celebrates.

Pre-Christmas

2011-01-21T20:59:00.000-08:00

a nightly occurrence

Having fun with Stella and Sterling

Their first bath in their new home

Meeting Santa

I had to say Hi too

Stella helping Mommy

Andy helping Sterling

A trip to South Carolina wouldn't be the same without

seeing this woman!

Grace at her Kindergarten program

Christmas is always a fun time of year. this year I felt a little

less prepared, probably because of the 2 months I'd spent

in Arizona with my Mom. I kind of feel like I'm playing

catch-up all the time. But even though I wasn't totally

prepared, and I'd missed my time to go see Melissa during

my usual October trip, I decided to go on out and see

my daughter and family in their new home. Melissa

moved into their first home on Dec. 4 (Saturday) and I

arrived on Monday. What fun to see everyone. I got to

stay for a week and got a little aquainted with their new

city. We also went to visit some friends from Lexington

too. I used to stay with Karen Rozmus and family because

there really wasn't much room for me in Melissa's apartment.

So it was nice to have a place for me this time.

Then after I got home I went to see Grace perform in her

school Christmas program. it was really sweet to see her

sing her special song and all the others too. It's so nice to live

close enough to do that.

Giving Thanks

2011-01-21T19:30:00.001-08:00

julie...meet jarom

Isn't he a cutie

Grace and Sam are having fun being with julie again

Jarom

Macy

We took the Varner's Christmas picture while they were

here.

Macy showing us her clappin

With a new grandson recently added to our family, we

had every reason to be feeling Thankful at this time

of year. We had Julie home from college, Michelle

and Clark and Macy were able to come from Utah,

Tyler and Anna and kids came over, and Anna's mom

Linda too. Mel's sister ReNae and her hubby Ron here,

along with their daughter Courtney and family. It was a

lovely group. We had Turkey and the fixings. Ham

too. We just had a great day relaxing and visiting.

While Julie was visiting, she couldn't wait to get

over and see Grace, Sam and meet Jarom. She really

misses them.

A new grandson, Jarom

2011-01-21T19:10:00.000-08:00

Grace and Sam seeing their brother for the first time.

The new bigger family

Grace was enjoying her big sister role

Grandma getting her turn

Grandpa holding Jarom with his eyes wide open

I am back tracking since I have been lax in my blogging.

We had the arrival of our 6th grandchild November 18th.

Tyler and Anna welcomed their 3rd child, Jarom. He

is beautiful, and his older sister and older brother were

excited to welcome him to their family. Grace understood

what was going on, but Sam was a little leery at first.

Anna's mom Linda and I were able to get there before they

wheeled Anna off to deliver the baby. We waited what

felt like forever before Tyler came out to tell us that their

son had been born, and that everything went well. Mel

came down with the kids just a little while later, and we

all got to get our first looks at the darling new baby boy.

Welcome to our family Jarom! We love you already.

My time in Arizona with my Mom

2010-11-01T13:46:00.000-07:00

The Cactus in Arizona

Mom and I

After going to Idaho to drop off Julie, then flying home and being

an empty nester for 3 days, I flew off to Arizona to be with my

Mom while she underwent low dose chemo treatments in Phoenix,

Arizona. I had told her that I would stay for 6 weeks, as long as

we could drive to my home every couple of weeks. So we came

home for Grace's primary program, then we drove home for

Grace's 5th birthday. That was nice. My Mom and I went

shopping for Christmas gifts, we tried to find food that

sounded good to her waning appetite, we swam, we visited

with Christine and Andy B. We tried to make the most of

our time in Arizona. My Mom struggled after

a few weeks with the treatment. She felt like it was so harsh.

It even made her lose some of her hair. But every Monday

and Thursday when she got the low dose chemo, she would

get horribly nauseated. So after week 5, she went in and told

them she didn't feel well enough to have another treatment.

It's a good thing, because the next day, she had a slight fever

that then escalated to 102.5 that evening, and was the same

the next day, then the next it was 103.5 and then on Friday,

my Mom seemed really unstable, so I called my Aunt Renae

and told her what was going on, and she told me to get her

into the E.R. immediately. So when my Mom got admitted

to the E.R. her temp was 104.1 and she was in shock and

septic. Oh My Word! Talk about scary. Then they took an

X-ray of her lungs and she had double pnuemonia. The next

day when I went to the hospital to see her, she scared me

even more. She didn't feel like she could catch her breath,

so they almost intubated her. But thankfully, the bipap

machine changed that, and it helped her to feel like she could

get enough oxygen. My Aunt Renae flew down from Utah to

be there with me. We both were glad that each other was

there. We didn't feel like we could do it alone. My Mom got

a priesthood blessing that told her that her body would heal.

Each day after my Aunt got there, I felt like my Mom was

making steady progress, and after one week, she was released

from the hospital. What a great day. Mel drove in that Friday

to help me get things settled with my Mom, and then we left

the next morning to go home. I'm grateful for that time I had

to spend with my Mom. But by golly, it's good to be home!

Julie and her roomies

2010-09-12T20:38:00.000-07:00

Hannah, Ashtyn, Syndney and Julie

(The Freshman roomies)

Well, it is official, we are empty nesters. It was hard to leave Julie in

Idaho. In fact, I don't want to think about it. But I have 3 male cousins

that live close by and are there if she needs anything. YAY

Anyway, Julie seems to be very happy with her room mates.

Here they are.

Birthday's, Visits and "Is this my retirement?"

2010-08-28T23:18:00.000-07:00

Flowers from Mel for my birthday

A wonderful cake from my visiting teacher Sis. Cawley

Julie was surprised when Marissa, Jenn and Wendy

came to take her out for breakfast.

The Mad Hatter

Pedicure for the birthday girl

Eating at BJ's for dinner

On her way to Katie's party which was on

Julie's birthday

Makenzie singing to Julie

Julie, Makenzie, Marissa, Jenn, Wendy

Getting ready for the jet ski's

Wendy, Julie and Makenzie on the tube

Julie, Jenn and Marissa going for a ride

After the "incident"

Trying the tube with all 5 girls

Time for the Jet Ski's

Perfect way to end the day, Cafe' Rio YAH!!

Visiting Sam and Grace

Grace eating the watermelon from the garden

Sam with yummy watermelon

Fun times

Julie with her niece and nephew

Wendy, Jenn, Marissa, Julie and Katie starting their

photo shoot at the Hangar at Chino Airport

More poses

Fun Pose

Good times

What a cutie

Woo Hoo

Woo Hoo # 2

Friends

Well, with Julie heading off to college, and no more children at home,

am I considered retired? It's a different phase of my life I'm about

to embark on, and it feels a little weird. I'm afraid of leaving her
in Idaho. I don't want to get all sad. I've never done that before,
dropping off a child at college. I'm usually so excited for them.
And I am for Julie too. Idaho just feels a little further away, AND

she's my baby. As soon as I hear that she is having a good time,
I'll feel much better. Basically, as long as my kids are happy,

I'm happy.
On another note, here are some pictures from My birthday and
Julie's 18th birthday party, and a last photo shoot with friends.

The birthday party was quite a blast. Such a good group of

friends Julie has. And who wouldn't like jet skiing and tubing?
We went to Carlsbad Lagoon, where they rented us a boat with

a driver and the tube, and then an hour or so later, they got the

Jet Ski. We had one incident where one of the girls, Makenzie

Curtis, got hurt when she was whipped off the tube and

Julie's shin hit her eye. But that was it.

Anyway, it's late and we are leaving in the morning for Utah.

LONG LIVE MOTHERHOOD!!!

Things we do at the Beach

2010-08-08T22:11:00.000-07:00

Michelle, Clark and Macy spending time as a family

Andy, Melissa, Stella and Sterling spending time as a family

Andy and Melissa

Shannon, Julie and Aubrey spending time with cousins

Anna, Tyler, Grace and Sam spending time as a family

Macy and Stella spending time with cousins

Macy with her mommy having fun with the waves

Melissa enjoying the sunshine

Julie being the best Aunt

Sterling eating

Macy biting her tongue

Macy finding "stuff" in the sand

Melissa showing Sterling the crashing waves

Sterling loving the water

Grandma playing with Stella and Macy on the sand

Macy learning about the beach

Sam with the cousins and Uncle Andy, digging in the sand

Cousins Grace and Stella making sand/rock pies

Sam in his water hole

Sam having fun with his Aunt Julie

Here are some of the things that bring us back every year to

the beach. The possibilities are endless, the memories are

wonderful. The family bonding time, priceless.

This year my parents and siblings, nieces, children and

grandchildren all went to the beach at the same time. It

happened to be one of the coldest summers on record. But

that didn't stop us from trying to have a good time. Mel and

I and our kids and grandkids camped with a tent trailer and

two tents. Mel, Me, Julie, Melissa, Stella, Sterling, Michelle and

Macy were the first to arrive on Saturday. Denise and her family

were also there starting on Saturday. Anna, Grace and Sam

came up on Tuesday. Clark and my parents got there Tuesday

night. Tyler arrived by train Thursday evening, and Andy flew

in late Thursday night. The rest of the families stayed at our usual

spot, Motel 6 arriving Tuesday. This made it a little more difficult

to get together, because the state park wouldn't let other cars come

in, unless they paid the 10 dollar fee. So we shuttled people in to our

camp site a couple of days, so we could spend the time together on the

beach. We had dinner at our campspot one night, with a fire,

and roasted marshmallows. My poor Dad sunburned his feet

so bad, that he's still not recovered. We learned a few things

about how we might want to do things next time, but I'm sure

we will remember this trip for a long time.

FAMILY + BEACH = Aaaaaaaahhhhhhh

"The Dirt"

2010-08-08T21:49:00.000-07:00

Macy, enjoying the sand

Stella, with dirt and sand

Sterling, holding sand

Sam with some smudges

Grace

Group Shots from the Beach

2010-08-07T23:54:00.000-07:00

Make Big so you can see Faces. My family is on the left side
going toward the back, to the middle.

Sister's family in front, Parents sitting in chairs, Brother Mark's
family on the Right. Brother Darryl's family just left of them,
then my family the rest of the way over to the left. Melissa's
family on the very left, then Tyler's family, then Michelle's
family, then Mel, Julie and I.

Clark and Michelle holding my grandchildren.
l-r Sam, Grace, Stella, Macy and Sterling

4 generations

2010-07-11T20:46:00.001-07:00

front--Macy
middle-Michelle
back--Joneel, Reane

Michelle with Macy

Macy is such a sweet natured little girl. So content and
just plain 'ole loveable. I could just eat her up.

Our Family Filled Fourth of July

2010-07-11T20:14:00.000-07:00

Michelle and Macy at her first 4th of July

Grandpa Mel and Macy

(Niece)Emily holding (Niece)Mandy's son James, Michelle

holding Macy, Julie is behind (Nephew)Ryan's son Derek

(Mel's sister) Linda and Mike, Clark in the back and Mel

Ryan's daughter Charly, Mandy's daughter Emma, and

on the right is Jenna, Ryan's #2 daughter

Mel's sister Anita and Todd, their daughter (niece)Whitney
and peaking out from the back is (niece)Katie

Mel's brother Richard, Ryan's #1 daughter Irelee, Vicky holding

Ryan's last, Danica

Maryann and (nephew)Ryan

Michelle, Macy and Clark

Emily holding James, Joneel and Julie

(niece)Mandy holding her son James, and (nephew)Cameron

Clark with Macy

Julie in her Gear

at the end of the night.

Our fourth(5th) of July was spent with Mel's side of the family.

They try and get together and have a pot luck and invite all

family members that are there. We had lots of yummy food,

sat and gabbed forever, and enjoyed each other's company.

Then it was off to Mike and Linda's for fireworks. We had a

great time. Wish everyone could have been there!

Julie and David Archuletta

2010-07-11T19:35:00.000-07:00

Julie meeting David before the concert

A third David. He was a guitarist for the other 2 Davids.

Julie and I enjoying the concert

David Osmond on stage

Julie's future.......... = )

The stage

a close up of David Archuletta

another stage shot

He sang "Be Still My Soul" as the closing number

LOVED IT

Singing the last number

Man, Julie and I have had some summer. First it was off

with my Mom to get to Utah in time to go with Alaine to

the temple. Then it was her wedding. THEN, we took off

the next day for Idaho where we saw David Osmond and

David Archuletta in concert. One of the funner things

about that, is Julie and I got to go into a meet and greet

with David A. Our timing was just impeccable. The stars

were aligned....ha ha ha ha. Julie always jokes that he is

her future husband, so this may be the beginning..... = )

Julie was even bold enough to ask for a hug at the end

of the meet and greet. I wish my camera hadn't been low

on battery, because I caught the very end. DARN

David Osmond was also performing. He was enjoyable

also. It definitely was the night of "David's"

While in Idaho we checked out BYU-I, Tuscany and

Rexburg. Visited with my aunt Pauline and Uncle Doug

and their 3 boys and families. It was a fun time.

My Niece Alaine got married today

2010-06-18T16:42:00.000-07:00

Justin and Alaine----just married

The happy couple

Kisses for the crowd

all of the people from Alaines side at the temple

cheering them on

Julie, Michelle and Tyler 3 of my 4

Michelle, Clark holding Macy, Julie, Tyler and Joneel

Clark, Macy, Michelle and Julie

l-r Aubrey, Amber, Danielle, Jessica, Julie, Michelle, Shannon
and Ashley

So, today my niece Alaine was married. It was a very special day

for the family. Tyler was able to come up with Mel, and we all

got to be here, except Melissa. Poor Melissa, lives so far away.

After the sealing, we went to the luncheon where we had Cafe'

Rio. YUM, with a capitol Y. Tonight it will just be desserts at

the reception, but that sounds like a perfect ending to a wonderful

day. Julie is a bridesmaid, along with Shannon, Ashley

and Julieann, Alaines half-sister.

Congrats Alaine and Justin

Julie's graduation from High School

2010-06-18T16:23:00.001-07:00

at Lucille's before graduation

Sam and Sterling saying their good-byes

Grace and Stella saying their good-byes

A picture taken of Julie getting her diploma from the big

screen at Ontario Citizens Bank Arena

Tyler, Mom, Mel, Michelle holding Macy

Macy

Michelle holding Macy, Me and Melissa

front--Tyler, Macy, Michelle, Julie, Reane, Joneel

Back--Mel and Melissa

f--Tyler

m--Macy, Michelle, Julie, Reane, Joneel

b--Mel, Melissa

Julie graduated!! She is very happy to be done with high school.

She walked in with Ali and sat next to him and also right on the

end of the row, so we got good pictures of her. At least Melissa

did. I'll add those to the post when I get them from her. She is

the first child to have all her siblings at her graduation. That

was fun for me! She also had her Grandma Stallings there.

We had gone to Lucille's barbecue beforehand. Got some
cute cousin good-bye's there also.

Now it's on to college!

We had to hit the beach at least once!

2010-06-18T16:10:00.000-07:00

Sterling and Andy

Melissa

Stella being buried in the sand.

Sterling thought it was fun to be buried

Stella

Macy playing with her Mommy

Macy loved playing with the sand

Macy

Michelle, Julie and Macy

Melissa's family looking at the seaweed

One day while Melissa and Michelle were visiting, we thought

it would be fun to go meet Tyler for lunch at the new Cafe'

Rio in Costa Mesa. Since we were so close to Newport

Beach, we decided to go pay a visit. It's always fun to be

at the beach.

Everyone was here!

2010-06-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

Macy and Michelle at the little waterpark

Sterling, Stella, Grace and Sam having fun in the water

Sterling and Sam

Grace

Michelle with Macy, Melissa holding Sterling, and Stella

before the waterpark

Sterling and Stella loved little Macy

Julie sang at her Senior Talent show

Stella being the little Mommy again. So sweet

Melissa can still have fun on the trampoline!

Andy pushing Sterling on the swing

Stella and Melissa on the trampoline

Stella holding Macy

Stella was looking forward to holding Macy

Stella is going to be such a good Mommy

I had all my children here for a week! I LOVED it. I love

when I can have them all together, the cousins can play

together and get to know each other better. The

added bonus to them all being here right now, was

they got to all go to Julie's high school graduation.

What a treat. I'll post pictures from that later.

Memorial Day fun

2010-06-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

Julie, Grace, Jocelyn and Tyler jumping on the trampoline

Jocelyn and Grace. Great friends and cousins

Anna behind the glass, Tyler, Julie, Sam, Ron, Courtney and

Mel relaxing.

Delilah and Colton

Julie, Ron, ReNae and Mel

We had a great Memorial Day spent with family. Great

food, great fun. Lots of relaxation.

Holly's birthday

2010-06-14T08:38:00.000-07:00

Today is my oldest child's birthday. For those who don't know
I had a daughter before my son Tyler, who was born prematurely
and lived for 3 days. I'm happy to know that I will have her for
eternity. And I get to raise her during the millenium. Happy
thoughts. So....Happy birthday Holly.

I'm back Ya'll

2010-05-15T18:43:00.001-07:00

A favorite thing to do. Reading

This is where Stella stayed at the Lake. Didn't want to
touch the water. We wonder if she was traumatized
from the near drowning she witnessed last year at
her birthday party.

Melissa and Sterling. At Lake Murray

Sunday Dinner at the Rozmus'. Melissa and Andy and

kids spend a LOT of time here on Sundays.

Karen Rozmus, eating some of the yummy ka-bobs

Sweet little Sterling. What a fun and precious guy

This was a look I saw several times from Stella this visit.

Melissa, Stella and Sterling

Sterling LOVES to throw.

Stella, Sterling and I played with Playdoh

I missed Mother's day with Mel and Julie. Mel

made sure I got flowers though. = )

Grocery shopping one night.

I think I came back with a bit of a Southern Drawl. hee hee

I went out to South Carolina for Andy's law school graduation.

It was a wonderful occasion. Something to be proud of, for sure.

While there, I stayed with the Karen and Chadd Rozmus family.

Always a treat. Everyday, Melissa would come get me, and we'd

try and figure out what we wanted to get done while I was there.

I arrived on Thursday evening, and we went to Hudsons for dinner

with Andy's parents and sister. Friday was Andy's graduation, and

surprise party. Saturday we went to Lake Murray with Debra, Andy's

sister. Sunday, Church and dinner at the Rozmus'. Monday and
Tuesday, I've kind of forgotten. Probably just hung out with Melissa

and kids. On Wednesday, Melissa and Andy got an early anniversary

gift. I think they both enjoyed it. On Thursday Melissa and

I took a day trip to Aiken, SC. It was fun to just spend the

time with her and Stella and Sterling. Friday, it was off to

get pictures of Sterling, Build a Bear with Stella,

and Jeramiah's baseball game. The time always passes too

quickly. Man, did I have a good time! Little Sterling said

ma ma (grandma) and signed it too. I love getting to know

my grandkids and just loving them all I can.

I'll do another post of more pictures later.

Semester Break visit from Michelle

2010-05-15T18:31:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful visit from Michelle, Clark, Macy and
Clark's sister Mattie, during Clarks semester break. I
love when they come to visit. Macy is such a sweet good baby.

During their visit, Julie did something at school, which
made Michelle and Clark reminisce about the things
they did during their high school years. This was in honor
of Clark. Computer geek. ha ha

This was for Michelle. She wanted to relive her years
on cheer. Lucky Clark. = )

Sweet Macy. Mel got some time to enjoy her.

Oh, there's nothing like those sweet little Grandkids.

Senior Prom

2010-05-15T18:11:00.000-07:00

Jessica, Julie, Katie, Marissa and Sara
These 5 have become really good friends this year.

All but Zac. I'll have to have Julie tell me everyone's name.

All but one couple

Ali and Julie

Jessica and her date, Julie and Ali, Kyle and Sara

Ali and Julie, Sara and Kyle

Tonights the night. There's been lots of anticipation for this

one night. Dress shopping, tux picking, Limo reserving. I

hope the night is everything they are hoping for.

Afterall, it's their Senior Prom. They all met at our house,

then they are going to BJ's for dinner, the limo picked them

up to drive them to BJ's, then he will take them to downtown

Disney where they are having prom. I can't wait to hear

about their evening.

Funny thing, I just got back into town today, after flying

in from South Carolina. I may be spending most of my

evening sleeping on the couch. Or maybe getting caught

up on e-mail, etc. Time will tell.

Work Out time with Young Women's

2010-05-05T21:28:00.000-07:00

Julie and Jessica in their matching work-out get up

Jessica, Hillary, Sara, Julie, McKenzie, Marissa

Do you think these girls had fun getting dressed up for the
Zumba class that Robin F. arranged? Just look at their
clothes, and it's pretty obvious. This was a fun way to
have Julie's friends come enjoy an activity at church.

Youth Conference 2010--Special Olympics

2010-04-28T15:36:00.000-07:00

Zac Cawley, Marissa Barnard, Julie Lund, Michael Campbell
and Katie

Thursday night fun pictures for the slide show
L-R Spenser Turner, Marissa Barnard, Julie Lund
Katie, and Zac Cawley

Weston Almeida (boy from our ward) and Julie

Everyone. Julie is front and Center almost, and I'm on the

very left.

Friday night, during the dinner

Our "Family"

Back l-r Emily Chamberlain, Mckenna Wright, Taylor ? Me and Mel

front l-r Brittany Ting, Peyton Startup and Katlyn Abeyta

All of the Youth Leaders

Julie is back row, 3rd from the left

Making the posters Friday night

closest going clockwise--Taylor ?, Emily Chamberlain

McKenna Wright, Tanner Farnsworth, Brittany Ting, Peyton

Startup, Katlyn Abeyta

Those funny boys

Greg Peterson, Tanner Howe, ? Tanner, Paul Russavage
Cheering on the athletes

Shortly after we got home, actually, it was the day we got home

from our trip, we were called by our Bishop and asked if we

would be a host family for 6 youth, for our Stake's youth

conference. We really had a good experience 2 years

prior, so I said yes. We had a nice group of girls, and the

boy family that we were linked up with, were dolls also.

The first evening we were involved, we had a hamburger

dinner, then Quinn Eliason talked to everyone about his

trip to India, and his Eagle Scout project donating 650

wheelchairs to the "Free Wheelchair Mission". The

slide show was pretty touching. Then after the

presentation from Quinn, the youth went over to a

dance. It was only about an hour and a half, but they

seemed to enjoy it. After that, we brought the girls

to our home, and the boy family later joined us. They

had to make posters for the Special Olympics. We

played a little game after the posters were made, (we

had scads of junk food and candy for them to have) had

a short devotional, and then it was midnight, and the

boys had to go to their host families home. The Johnson

family. The next day we had to arrive at Cal Poly Univ.

between 6 and 6:15 a.m. Eeeeek. I am not an early

riser. They fed us breakfast burrito's and then it

was off to getting set up. The youth got things going

in no time. At around 8:15, we marched on the track

and then made way for the Special Olympians.

What a sweet treat. So sweet and appreciative of any and

all recognition. We stayed until just after 2 p.m. and

headed home for a little R & R before dinner and the

testimony meeting. It was really such a sweet experience.

Then on Sunday, they had a fireside and Brother & Sister

Rockwood spoke. His message was to reach out to people,

and make a difference in their life, and your life.

I was enriched by the whole experience and I enjoyed my

time as a host parent again.

Day 11 Finishing in Lucerne, passing through Bern, and onto Geneva

2010-04-25T21:47:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday morning, we woke up and checked
out a few more things in Lucerne. this is Fritschi
Fountain. Named after a possible farmer, who
made people laugh and gave the poor free wine.

Possibly the Jesuit chapel

First mentioned in 1356, this is Kornmarkt: town hall

where grain was possibly stored.

The Lion Monument. It's to be a reminder of the mercenary

soldiers from Central Switzerland serving the French King,

Louis XVI that were killed during the French Revolution at

Tuileries in Paris in 1792

Julie and I in front of the Swiss temple. Notice the swiss flag

The Swiss Temple in Bern, Switzerland

Wanted to show the German writing.

After we left Bern, we were onto our final destination.

Geneva, right next to the airport. Our final train ride

Mel

Joneel

We shopped at the COOP for lunches while we were in

Switzerland. We were very happy to find a COOP restaurant

the last evening in Switzerland. Good prices. YAY It was

with in walking distance from our last hotel, the Express

Holiday Inn

After getting quite the trip through Switzerland, and being

able to see Paris, we felt like we'd really seen a lot, and

done a lot. I loved being able to stop in Bern and see the

Swiss temple. I'm so glad we ran into the missionaries that

were able to give us very detailed directions, so it was easy

to find. By the time we'd come back to the Geneva airport,

we were ready to head home. We left the hotel at 6:15 am

and waited for our 7:45 am flight. I am so glad we left on

that early Wed. morning flight. Later in the day the volcano

went off in Iceland, stranding the passengers in Europe.

I enjoyed my time there, but to me......There's No Place

Like HOME !!!!

Day 10 Grindelwald-Jungfrau

2010-04-24T21:34:00.000-07:00

This is in Grindelwald, the view from the balcony. There
were clouds on the mountains, so we didn't know what type
of view we'd have up above.

Another view

The train that took us up the BIG MOUNTAIN

This is where we went and saw the Eiger, MÜNCH, etc.

Never could figure out which one each was

A view of the Alps

I thought this was the Eiger, but it could have

been MÜNCH

Eiger, or MÜNCH

again

They had an ice "palace"

Mel walking through the ice "palace"

see the carved penguins?

can you tell how steep the slope is that the train is going

down?

Grindelwald. Totally picturesque

We ran into some Missionaries on their P-day. It was

a highlight.

Trying to capture the turquoise water color.

again

When we transferred from one train to another train, it

was a real close call, so there was someone to show us which

platform, and help us move our luggage. He also had candy

for the "ladies". Julie ate a bit of half of them, and gave the

rest to Mel.

Mel goofing off. Chocolate mouth!

Julie and I got goofy also. When you have that

much time on the trains, you have to find
something to pass the time.

another goofy pose.

Our hotel room in Lucerne

We had a little bit of time that evening to take

a look at Lucerne. This is Chapel bridge to the

left, and the Water Tower that was built in the 1400's.

Julie and I standing on that bridge, with a pretty view of

Lucerne in the background.

My hubby and I on the bridge

an unobstructed view.

looking outward, the other direction.

Man, did we try and fit a whole bunch in one day. Whew.

We got up fairly early to go up to Jungfrau. The clouds were

at the middle of the mountain, and upwards, so we didn't know

if we would get above the clouds or not. AND, luckily we did.

On the way up, there were lots of skiiers getting on the train,

and also lots of Japanese tourists. The ride up the mountain

was amazing. Through the last portion of the ride, it is through

the mountain. And it is so high up, that you can feel the thinness

of the air. I almost felt like I couldn't breathe. Eeeek. A little

scary to me. We stopped in part of the mountain tunnel, and

Mel got out and took a picture of a glacier. Then when we got

to the top, we were so happy to see that the clouds were all

down below, and we could get a clear shot of the mountain. I

really don't know if it was the Eiger, or mt MÜNCH. oh well

But once again, the weather was good, and not windy at all.

The only bummer was that because of the clouds down below,

we couldn't see all around, because Jungfraujoch means

Top of Europe, and you can see a gorgeous view on a clear

day. But we did get to see a gorgeous view up above. After

we came down from the mountain, we happened to run into

2 missionaries, and then 4 more missionaries. It was truly

a highlight. We chatted for a while, and then found out they

would be on the same train as us, so we got to chat for

a while longer. We shared a couple cookies with them, and

they shared their strawberries with us. We then took a

picture with Mel's cell phone, and e-mailed several of their

parents. We got responses back from them shortly after

we separated. They also gave us detailed directions to go

see the temple in Bern. So, that got put on our agenda on

our last day in Switzerland.

When we got to Lucerne, we went and looked close to out

hotel and walked across the bridge in the picture. I think

I read that it was built sometime in the 1400's. amazing.

we were pretty tired, so didn't walk much further that

evening. We went to dinner at Burger King, and it cost

us 12.90 for a whopper meal. CRAZY!!! I had a real hard

time with the prices over there.

Our time was coming to a close, and we had seen a lot. We

had a little more sightseeing to do the next day, then off

towards Geneva the next day.

Day 8 Grindelwald

2010-04-22T23:42:00.000-07:00

Waiting at the train station in Lausanne. We were leaving

Lausanne and heading to Grindelwald.

I thought the little villages along the way were so quaint,

but pictures just do not capture it.

I kept trying though.

Trying again, to capture the beauty.

This is where the camera fails miserably. At Interlaken, the

water is turquoise. I have never seen water quite this color.

I wanted so badly to capture the color. this was the best I

could do. It was one of my favorite places that I saw. So

darn beautiful.

Just strolling around Grindelwald.

Hotel Central Wolter

It was Sunday when we arrived in Gridelwald. Julie was

just having her day of rest. = )

Something else that was fun to have a picture

next to.

Sunday morning we got up and had breakfast at the

Hotel Elite in Lausanne. That was our last day at that

Hotel. It was the one we stayed at the longest. At each

hotel we stayed at, they included breakfast. Our

breakfast would consist of sliced lunch meats, sliced

cheese, crusty breads on one table. Then at another

table they had juice, milk, 3 types of cereals, 3 types

of yogurt, and cut up fruit. Then on your table, they

would bring you a bowl of different breads. The

croissants were great. We also had hot chocolate

each meal. We ate at the Hotel Elite 5 mornings. We

almost felt like it was our home base. But, we were

off to other places now. We got on a Golden Pass line

which had panaoramic trains. Even though the train

rides were long, they didn't feel that way, because of

the beautiful countryside we could see. When we came

to Interlaken, I had discovered my favorite place in

Switzerland. Mel had told me he thought it was really

beautiful. Now I could see what he meant. I really

wish I could show you the color of the water in these

lakes. MAN. Anyway, it wasn't much longer and we

were in Grindelwald. It was similar to Zermatt, but not

as crowded. A very touristy, or rather, a place where

people came to go skiing. Just like Zermatt. Kind of

like a Small Park City. We had come on the last day of

the regular ski season. They were shutting down the

town basically. But we walked around a little, explored

some of the things there. (A few shops, an ice skating

rink, possibly the place where they practice for the

Olympic curling team). And we looked up at the huge

mountains that we would be exploring the next day.

The Eiger, MÜnch. They were breathtaking, even with

the cloud cover that was part way up, so you couldn't see

the whole huge mountain. The weather was a little

unsettled so we wondered if we would have the clear view

like we did at the Matterhorn.

Day 8 Zermatt and the Matterhorn

2010-04-21T23:11:00.000-07:00

Mel and Julie on the train we took to Zermatt.

We passed through the city of St. Niklaus. Fun huh?

A lot of the chateaus had this type of roof.

The train that took us up to the Matterhorn

In Zermatt, with the Matterhorn behind us

Zermatt, with the Matterhorn in the background. Can

you tell I'm obsessed with the Matterhorn

The Matterhorn!

Going up the mountain to see the Matterhorn

Aren't the Alps beautiful

On the train again, or is that still?

Look at the skiers. Everyone seems to know how to ski

in Switzerland, and the surrounding countries

trying to get a panoramic shot of the alps in the next 4 shots

We've arrived at Gornergrat. Check out the elevation

I now know what they mean by "thin air"

Can you tell what we were excited to see?

It totally beats the Disney version

Showing the beauty of the Alps of Switzerland

There was a restaurant and it looks like an observation

area.

It was SO bright and sunny. Glad I had on the shades.

This little church was up there too.

The weather was so nice. I could hang out in just my shirt

sleeves. LOVED IT!!

Eating at the restaurant. It was just so beautiful. Mel has

Julie's scarf as a headdress, to keep his forhead from burning.

Mel could feel the rays burning his face. He really covered

up. = )

So, we went to see the Matterhorn. I was obsessed with it.

I took picture after picture. It was just so beautiful. And the

weather was absolutely wonderful. The interesting thing

about being at 10,132 ft. is the air is so thin, and you actually

feel really light headed. Well....at least Mel and I did. Julie

didn't notice anything different. But we mosey'd around,

took pictures and ate some lunch, just basking in the

swiss air, enjoying the beautiful view of the Matterhorn.

We took a train from Lausanne to Zermatt. I wish I could

remember how long it took us. 2 hours maybe. Then we

took a train up the mountain side. All the while just

enjoying the beauty. We did a little shopping in Zermatt

before heading back to Lausanne. Well, window shopping.

Mel said that he will remember this day forever.

Day 7 Eiffel Tower and Seine River Cruise

2010-04-20T23:58:00.000-07:00

one more picture at the fountain at Place de la Concorde

looking from below the Eiffel Tower

my shots of Paris from the Eiffel Tower

more of the city of Paris

The tourists

I tried to get a panoramic type of shot of the city

Julie on the second level of the Eiffel Tower

The Seine River from the second level of the Eiffel Tower

Another view

Where the "lift" goes up the tracks

Going Up? On the Eiffel Tower

scenes from our Seine River cruise

I've forgotten what this is.

Notre Dame

The back view from the river, of Notre Dame

The ornate bridges

The back side of the Thinker statue

The street where our Hotel was on

The name of our Hotel in Paris

Julie on the stairs of our hotel in Paris

This was our Metro Stops. From Gare de Lyon to Concorde.

The last day in Paris, we boarded our tour bus, and headed

for the Eiffel tower. That was the one destination that we

HAD to see, and also had to go up to the second level. I

was too chicken to go to the top. It sways. Eeeek. So,

we waited in line for 2 1/2 hours, and finally got to go on

the "lift". It was so crowded. There were so many people

there. There were Bosnian women begging for money. They

were in a very organized group. Spread all around Paris.

Then there were African men selling Eiffel Tower trinkets.

It was crazy.

After we were done there, we went and bought a crepe by

the Seine River and took a boat cruise. It was fun to see the

city at a different angle. We took notice of the bridges, which

are all different. When we were done with the cruise, we headed

back to our hotel and got our luggage and hopped on the Metro

to go to the Train station. The train station was overflowing.

It was freakish how many people were there. It was so crowded

that when people came up the escalator, it was so jam packed

that there was no place for the people coming up, to go. I kept

hearing screams. It was scary. Mel said he felt like he was in

Instanbul, or India. We finally figured out where our train was,

boarded, and headed back to Lausanne, Switzerland for the rest

of our trip. Paris was a nice place to visit, but I was ready to

head out. Especially after the experience at the train station.

Day 6 Paris [Louvre, Notre Dame, City tour bus]

2010-04-19T21:55:00.000-07:00

We were so bushed we didn't wake up in time for the hotel
breakfast, so we grabbed some pizza. At least that's what
they called it.

Getting closer to the Louvre. Can you see
the pyramid in the background. that's the
entrance.

Out front of the Louvre. Lots of people went
the same day we did.

It's amazing the carvings, and statues they have on their
buildings.

The famous Mona Lisa painting. They have it

so well guarded, it's tough to get a picture. I

guess someone tried to destroy it a few years

back.

One of the huge paintings in the Louvre

Looking out one of the windows of the Louvre. Pretty.

Some of the artwork on the walls and ceilings.

Another beautiful piece of artwork.

Showing some more of the art on the walls and

the ceiling.

The crown jewels from France maybe?

Not sure who this belonged to.

I've forgotten whose apartments these were.

Maybe Napoleans? Or King Henry the ???

More of the apartments they have in the Louvre

Another beautiful view from one of the windows. In the fore

front, you will see 2 buses. Those are the kind we rode around

in after leaving the Louvre.

Notre Dame

Inside Notre Dame, made famous by the hunchback.

Stained glass in Notre Dame Cathedral

I think this was a bishops tomb.

The view to the front of the Cathedral

The view looking back to the back

Some of the statues on the outside of the Cathedral

This is a statue of Charlemagne.

The Eiffel tower from the tour bus. So fun

to see in person.

Another amazing view.

Julie looking intriguing on the open air tour bus.

The 3 of us on the back of the bus, enjoying the sites around

Paris.

This is called Les Invalides. They used to take care of soldiers

who were injured. Now they house a few, but it's also a buriel

place, and there are people hearts buried here also.

The back of Les Invalides

Some interesting pillars

Can't remember if this could be the opera house, or what?

More interesting pillars.

Finishing off the evening at Hard Rock Cafe'

After walking and touring all day, we got dropped off blocks

away from the Hard Rock Cafe, and had dinner there. Then

we had to walk blocks home. No wonder I am so tired.

When we went to the Louvre, the first thing I wanted to see was

the Mona Lisa. I wish I had a memory that could remember all

the paintings, and all the facts about the painters, but I don't. I

just tried to soak in what I could.

At Notre Dame, it was interesting to see them trying to have Mass

and the confessional being used. With everyone walking through

it seems like it would be rather distracting.

Getting on the open tour bus was such a relief for me. We got

earphones, and they told us some of the history behind the buildings.

It was nice and relaxing.

Day 5 Wed. April 7th On our way to Paris

2010-04-18T20:37:00.000-07:00

On the train Wednesday afternoon, headed for Paris

The countryside. I thought it was so pretty.

The train station in Paris

Concorde square. Lots of traffic. Eiffel tower in the

background!

Our hotel room. They had WiFi, so Julie checked out her

facebook.

Mel and Julie at the Arc de Triomphe

Julie standing at the Arc.

Close to our hotel at the Concorde square

The Obelisk of Luxor (stands where the guillotine once stood)

it was taken from the entrance of the Egyptian temple of

Luxor and is made of red granite.

A pretty fountain in the Concorde square

Mel and I with the Eiffel tower in the back

ground.

Well, on Wednesday, we boarded a train bound for

Paris, France. Our morning train had been canceled.

Something about a strike in France. We almost
changed our plans and went to Italy. But we

found out the later train was a go, so we kept

with our original plans. During the train ride, which

was about 4 hours long, we saw lots and lots of green

hillsides, with little villages along the way. Very

pretty. And then after the 4 hours, all of a sudden,

there was Paris. Huge city. I'm used to California,

where city meets up with the next city, and it's just

one continuous city. Not in France. All small villages,

then BAM, huge Paris. We walked alot in Paris. The

first night we walked to the Arc de Triomphe, which

is at the end of one of the most famous avenues, Champs

Elysees. We stopped at a little restaurant, and had a

very tough steak, and french fries. Dessert also. Flan

and also some fruit custardy tart. There were so many

other students there in Paris. Must have been a lot of

other spring breakers. It was fun to see the Arch in

person. they were doing some upkeep on it, so part of it

is covered with scaffolding. To think of the history there,

makes it pretty neat to see it in person.

Our hotel room was on the 5th or 6th floor. I just

remember that the "lift" went to like the 5th floor, and

we had to walk the last floor. It was old construction,

you could tell by the wood, and the old "nails" that held

the beams together.

The next day, off to the Louvre.

Day 4 Mels day at work, Julie and I at a Musee'

2010-04-17T22:53:00.000-07:00

Julie standing in front of the Olympic Musee'

Julie thought this was cool, It is an ab model that moves
apart, then back together. We wanted to get a picture
when it was together, but were too late.

???? Had to get this picture.....right?

Jewels loved this painting.

Latin for Faster Stronger Higher. Not sure which order.

There was a flame coming out of there.

Taking the Metro back down to Ouchy after Mel's day of

business. it was funny. I left Mel a note in the hotel room

telling him what time we'd left to see the Museum. So when

he got back to the hotel room, and we weren't there, he

decided to hop on the Metro and try and meet us. As he

was coming down, we were going back, and Julie happened

to spot him. She didn't realize that he had spotted her also.

So we got off the "train" and headed back down to meet Mel

and he turned around and headed back. So as we were

moving, and came to one of the stops, I figured I better look

for Mel, just in case he had seen Julie. Sure enough, he had

gotten off and turned around, but this time he didn't see us,

so we got off again, and headed back to the hotel, and there

we connected up with Mel again.

The stops that the Metro stopped at. We started at Lausanne-

Gare, and it would make all the stops, so we heard the names

over and over again, the days we took the Metro. During the

rest of our trip, we would try to imitate the way the voice said

the names of the stops with the French accent. I guess you

could say it's a little inside joke between the 3 of us.

After we met up with Mel at the hotel, we figured since there

wasn't anything else to do, we would go back down by the

Lake and just enjoy the atmosphere, and the good weather.

Julie and I having fun for the camera.

So on Tuesday, Mel had to attend to business, so Julie and

I had the day to go to the Olympic Museum. Musee' as they

call it in French. It was interesting to see the different medals

from all the years, some of the ice skatingoutfits, the torches

that were used from year to year. There was a lot of info, and

I couldn't take it all in. But it was a fun way to spend the day

while Mel was working.

Day 3 Exploring Lausanne, Switzerland

2010-04-16T18:48:00.000-07:00

Julie was excited to get out and explore the city. These

are the steps we had to walk down, and CLIMB back

up each day.

Down by Lake Geneva, looking around and enjoying the

good weather.

Mel and I sitting by Lake Geneva.

I wanted to take a photo of this sign because

of the city Bern on it. that is where the temple

is. Also, just to see the language, etc.

Getting a picture of some of the architecture in Luasanne.
This is called Chateau du Ouchy. Mel said it was a castle

that was turned into a hotel.

We took a boat cruise on Lake Geneva and got to see several

cities that border the Lake.

Mel enjoying the cruise

This is where there were grape vineyards all along the hill

side. There are a lot of grape vineyards in Switzerland. It's

amazing how they terrace the slopes and grow the grapes.

A beautiful view of some of the Alps.

This is Chateau du Chillon that sits out on Lake Geneva

On Monday night we were invited to Mohamed's house for

dinner. Mohamed is an employee of Mel's

company, Kinemetrics. He is in charge of the Swiss office.

They prepared such a wonderful dinner. Best dinner we

had while traveling.

Julie was so happy to have people her age around, even if

it was only for one evening. They are now facebook friends.

I was amazed at how mountaineous Switzerland was. I should

have known, but didn't really realize. Across from Lake Geneva,

(which is HUGE by the way) is a part of France. We could see

Evian across the lake. That seemed neat to me, to be able to

see another country looking over across Lake Geneva. The

boat cruise was enjoyable. Relaxing, and just taking in the

sights of the cities bordering the lake, and the gorgeous Alps.

We took the Metro down from our hotel, to Ouchy, which

is what they called the little area where it bordered the lake

and where we got on the boat. There were lots of people around.

I guess we weren't the only people on Easter/Spring break. And

we'd heard they'd had a cold winter, and the weather was sunny

and a little chilly.

In the evening we had dinner with Mohamed and his family. It

was nice to drive in a car to his house. And Julie had fun being

around his children. They told us a little about schooling there,

and getting into college. I have to say, I LOVE America. We

are definitely the land of opportunity.

Day 2. Heathrow Airport & Lausanne, Switzerland

2010-04-16T00:29:00.001-07:00

Here is Julie and Mel at the Heathrow airport. At a place
called Giraffe's. Not many choices for food there in London airport.

Julie and I on the train after arriving in Switzerland.

When Julie found out she got her own little section in the hotel
room, she was VERY happy!

going up the very small elevator to our room. We look a little
bushed.

The view from Julie's little alcove.

The name of our hotel in Luasanne.

Sunday, April 4th was spent flying, layover in London's Heathrow

airport,flying some more, and also getting settled into our hotel

room in Luasanne, Switzerland. We traveled through the night, and

lost about 9 hours. The flight was pretty good, but it was a little

squished in the plane. Thank heavens for movies during the

flight. They helped the 10 hour flight seem a little shorter.

When we arrived in Geneva, we found the train that would

take us to Luasanne. It was fascinating to me, to hear all the

people speaking French. I have a weird way of thinking. I

almost felt like the people were just pretending. I thought "How

can they really talk like that all the time? And, how do they

understand it?" I know.....weird. But the train was smooth, and

pretty fast. The hotel was very close to the train station, so we

walked to the Hotel. The train system in Switzerland amazed me

as well. With all the mountains, I'm surprised that you can use

such a system. But they have got it ALL figured out. There is

a LOT of walking going on in Europe also. No wonder why there

aren't many overweight people. Besides the fact that food is so so

so so so expensive. I've figured it out. Food is a luxury to them.

They can only buy what they need to get by. Anyway, we arrived

to the Hotel Elite, slept very well and were happy to begin our

time in Switzerland.

Day 1 My travelogue of Our Switzerland and Paris trip

2010-04-14T22:25:00.001-07:00

Julie in front of the sign at the airport

Julie and I In a little eatery at the airport.

Julie and Mel at the same little eatery. We shared a drink (soda)

and a little sandwich.

Mel travels...Mel travels the world. Joneel didn't use to travel.

But Joneel travels more now. Every year Mel travels to

Switzerland for business. I've always heard how beautiful

it is there, and how nice Switzerland is. So, I figured in my

mind that someday I would go there with Mel. Well, in

December 2003, Michelle beat me to it. She went with

Mel to Switzerland, so I decided that Michelle couldn't

be the only only one that got to see the country, so I told

Mel that I would like to go and we may as well take Julie

with us. So, that's what we did. My only stipulation was

that I didn't want to go in the Winter. My Mom had taken

me to England and Scotland in the Winter, and I didn't want

to do something like that again. So, Mel was able to arrange

our trip for April 3-14. The first day pictures are just from

the Los Angeles airport. We left on Saturday, April 3, 2010

at 6:25 p.m. bound for London, Heathrow, continuing on to

Geneva, Switzerland.

Cheer Banquet, Senior Year

2010-04-14T22:08:00.000-07:00

VARSITY CHEER

Julie with her little sister on spirit, Brooke Bauer

Cheer Banquet was held on April 2, Friday night. It was well attended,

and it was a night to celebrate the girls. Mrs. Weiss, who has been

the cheer advisor, along with being the Activities director, was

stepping down as cheer advisor, so there was a lot of farewells, etc.

A fun part of the evening was the senior video, and also the video

from pictures taken through out the year. This was my 10th

cheer banquet. I think I'm glad that I am all done with these.

They were fun while they lasted.

eating peas

2010-03-31T02:01:00.000-07:00

Sam and Grace eating peas from the garden

I LOVE Tyler's garden, and looking at the two of these
enjoying peas from that garden, I would have to say
that they love it too.

Macy's blessing (added more pics)

2010-03-29T18:18:00.001-07:00

In the car on the way to the Church

Clark's Mom Valerie, made Macy's dress.

Sweet Macy was blessed in Alpine, Utah with lots of family

around. She is definitely a sweet girl. We drove up for a

quick trip, and only wished we had more time with them.

Macy had lots of family support, and Clark gave her a

beautiful blessing. We had a potluck dinner at the park

across the street from where Mel grew up. It was nice.

Especially the sweet smiles and coo's and "almost" laughs

from the person of honor.....Macy.

Newport Week-end Fun

2010-03-23T01:13:00.000-07:00

Sandra, A. Renae, Julie, Me and Mom

Sandra, I apologize for putting the first picture up, but I think

you look cute. It has the best color, don't you think?

My Mom has been staying in Tijuana for 4 weeks now. On the

weekends we pick her up either in Murrieta or Carlsbad, and

then have time to visit, or do fun things like go to Newport

Beach. this particular week-end, My Aunt Renae, my cousin

Sandra, her daughter Stacy, my cousin Linda, my daughter

Julie, myself and my Mom had fun enjoying the weather,

the beach, and just each other. We also got to make a trip

down to Cafe' Rio. We sat and gabbed for quite a while. I

like making memories like this.

Scrounging for a post (All Things Senior)

2010-03-17T21:53:00.000-07:00

Well, I know you've seen the first picture before, but this

is a little better version from Neil Rickman (photog).

And the second picture is one of our favorite Senior

pictures also.

The last picture is the Varsity Cheer and Song squads.

Julie is third row back, fourth from the right. Not a

great picture, but like I said, I was scrounging for

a post. My camera is not in the house right now, so

couldn't download any new pics. So here it is,

everything Senior!

They make me happy

2010-03-03T01:41:00.001-08:00

I Love my Grandkids. They are like little treasures from
Heaven. Today, Stella told me she liked me. Sterling gets
excited when he sees me. Saturday, Grace told me she
loved me. Sam loves to give me hugs. Such sweet moments.
It's funny how all I want to do is LOVE them. And be a good
example for them.
I am so proud of my children and their spouses. They are
good parents.
I have been blessed.

Sam likes to do what Grace does. Great playmates

Stella and Sterling. They are pals

Sweet Macy for her 2 month comparison photo

I'm sure she will be a great big sister someday

Where's Julie

2010-02-27T21:41:00.000-08:00

So, Which look suits Julie?

Michelle and Macy are heading home. = (

2010-02-14T21:20:00.000-08:00

Grandpa enjoying little Macy

We got a cute little smile from her

Going to meet with Lorna and Lindsay and Courtney

Melissa made the cute little hat for Macy

Julie's friend Sara washed hands, wasn't sick, so got to

hold Macy. She really likes baby Macy.

DARN IT !!! Our time with Michelle and Macy has come to an end.

I'm not happy about this at all. I realize they need to be back with

Clark, but I have enjoyed getting to know Macy's personality these

last 12 days. She is so sweet, so lovable, and a pretty easy going baby.

She eats well and sleeps well. At this moment, I can smell spit up

from Macy on my shirt. haha. She also will spit up with all the

bubbles don't get up. = )

Clark and his Mom took off Friday at noon, got here at 10 or so, and

we went to Newport Beach Saturday and met up with my cousin

Sandra. Today was church and Valentines Day. Lots of sweet

stuff happening here. Anyway, family is everything. And I have

the best people for me!!!

dances and weddings

2010-02-06T22:10:00.000-08:00

l-r Amy Sue, Grooms friend, Courtney, Grooms brother in law

Michelle, Grooms friend, Nicole, Noelle, Mark, Grooms sister,

grooms brother, Grooms sister, Grooms brother, Alicia and Ben

Michelle and Noelle

Mrs. and Mr. Heaton

Macy

after the dance....had to get a picture = )

Daniel and Julie

LOTS of GIRLS

Jenna, Matt, Julie, Daniel, Jackie, Alex

****Warning***** pictures are in reverse order******

Back at the end of January, Julie was nominated for Winter Formal

Court. We thought it was a fun honor and at the end of the evening,

she was crowned Winter Formal Princess. Another girl won the

honor of Queen. Julie went with Daniel Armstrong, and went in

a very large group of kids and had a blast. The pictures of her

with her sash and tiara are after the dance, and NOT good.

camera is fairly new, and I don't think I have the right settings.

DARN IT !! Anyway, I'll post the pictures anyway.

Then Michelle came down with little Macy, to be here for Noell

Perkins/Heaton's wedding. The wedding was yesterday, in the

rain, and tonight was the reception. All fun times. Michelle was

a bridesmaid. Noelle was a beautiful bride. When Noelle threw

the bouquet, Julie caught it. Ha ha. She just stood there, and it

landed in her hand.

HAIR

2010-01-22T18:06:00.000-08:00

I don't know what got into two of my girls. They both had the
"itch" to change their hair. If anyone knows me, I have a hard
time with change, especially with hair. Thank heavens, they
look beautiful either way.

Before

After-- Bangs and darker brown. With her friend Sara,

whose hair she curled up.

Melissa--before.

Melissa--after

Orange you glad.....?

2010-01-19T21:46:00.000-08:00

Wow, we did it! We finally got an orange off of our orange tree.

It's only taken about 15 years. (Don't quote me on that). But

today I rescued it from the ground, which was sopping wet from

all the rain, brought it inside, cut it up and ate it! I'm happy

to report that it was delicious. I was a little nervous, because

we don't water it regularly, so i didn't know if the orange

would be dry, but it wasn't. AND....there are more where

it came from. Now maybe I should try an avocado tree. = )

Curly Hair

2010-01-15T00:43:00.000-08:00

So......Grace has said that no one has hair like hers. Well, she

is not quite on the money on that one. I had hair like hers

when I was a young girl, except mine wasn't that blonde.

And Andrea has hair similar to hers, but even more curly.

Here's to beautiful curly hair.

Time with Grandpa

2010-01-15T00:11:00.000-08:00

Have some fun with Sterling

The special donut Grandpa bought Stella

At Cabella's

I admit it, I am so fortunate to have a husband who brings

home the bacon. And while he is bringing home the bacon,

I get to go and visit with my family, my kids and my grandkids.

So while we were in Utah, and Melissa was there with her

children, I was glad that my hubby was there and got to have

some time with his grandkids. And it was so wonderful

that he got to be there when Michelle had her baby. He has

been talking about having grandkids, since our kids were little.

Now that we have a webcam, I am hoping that he will get to

see them even more, without having to leave home. Mel often

times will offer to go watch Grace and Sam so that Anna and

Tyler can have a night out. He is just the best Grandpa!

Birthday Man

2010-01-14T23:58:00.000-08:00

Grace and Anna, Sam and Tyler

After our trip to Utah, we got home just in time to celebrate

a birthday with our son Tyler. We went to one of our

fave's, Lucilles barbecue. After the dinner they invited

us to their place for cake and ice cream. Grace always

looks forward to this part of the birthday. After the cake

and ice cream, Tyler put some music on, and we had

some major dance moves going on. Sam and Grace

have some awesome "moves".

Well Tyler, another year older and wiser too. Happy

Birthday...to YOU!

The circle of life

2009-12-28T21:57:00.001-08:00

On December 4, I started my journey to Utah to be with
my daughter Michelle while she waited the much anticipated
delivery of her daughter Macy. On the drive up, I got a
call from Mel telling me that he'd gotten a call from his
sister Linda, and she told him that his Mother Eleanor
wasn't doing very well, and that it could be hours or days.
We have had that scare before, and Eleanor always seemed
to pull out of it. But this was different. I got a call about an
hour later, and he told me that his Mother had passed away.
When I got to my exit, I drove straight to where the family
was gathered, with Eleanor before the mortuary came to
get her. On one hand, I was sad, because she was the best
Mother in law I could ask for. But on the other hand, I knew
that she was ready and hoping to go to the other side.
We let our kids know, and Tyler made plans to get his family
to Utah, and Melissa changed her flight plans, and headed
to Utah to be with the family. It was a very quick trip for
Tyler and family, but we were glad that he could be there
for the funeral. Melissa got to stay until Dec. 18th, then
flew to meet Andy in Colorado, where they were going
to be for Christmas and Andy's sisters wedding.

The trip was so quick for Tyler and family, that we didn't
even get a picture of them. Here is Stella and Sterling at
home before they came out for the funeral.

We were happy to be able to see Melissa and kids, even
though it was for a sad reason. I called it my "bonus"
visit.

With all the craziness, we wondered if Michelle would hold
out to deliver Macy, until after everything was over. We
were quite glad that Michelle could be at her Grandmothers
funeral, before she gave birth. Here she is at around 4:45 am
on her way out the door to deliver her first baby Macy.

I was pleasantly surprised when Michelle told me and
her Mother in Law Valerie, and Melissa, that we could stay
in the room with her during the delivery. That was pretty darn
special to witness the birth of my granddaughter. Clark was
quite the coach, and I got to hold on to one of Michelle's legs
during the delivery.

It was so sweet to witness Michelle welcoming her new
baby Macy shortly after she was born.

Daddy Clark with his new daughter Macy

Grandpa Mel with Macy

Yay, another grandchild.

This was Macy when she first arrived home. All bundled

up. It was very cold outside.

Grandma "Tutu"

Melissa was able to get a few newborn shots of Macy on her second day of life.

Stella was so excited to hold Macy. She said "Can I hold her and sing to her?" It

was so precious. Too bad she could only hold her for about a minute, because she

had a cold. As you can tell, she is thrilled, but Sterling doesn't know what's going on.

Clark, Macy and Michelle on Christmas Day

Macy hanging out with Auntie Julie

Michelle and Clark on their 1 year anniversary. I had to

take this, to contrast what a difference a year can make.

ha ha ha ha ha

Baby Macy having her first bath after her umbilical cord

fell off. She liked the majority of it. Tears happened at

the very end.

All warm and snuggly with Daddy, after the bath.

It's all a part of the circle of life. Someone leaves the earth

through death, and another comes in, through birth. Thank

heavens we have each other for ever!

Grandchild # 5 Macy V

2009-12-17T23:22:00.000-08:00

Well, Macy has arrived. I think we had to wait a few extra days

for her, because My sweet Mother In Law wanted some time

with her in heaven before she'd let her go. Giving her some

last minute instructions. But she is beautiful. Alot like her

Dad, with touches of her Mother. We love her already. What

a wonderful thing it was to witness her birth.

Pizza and a movie

2009-11-28T16:36:00.001-08:00

Jessica, Julie, Daniel, Hannah, Michael, Spenser, Jackie & Alex

Daniel, Julie, Michael, Spenser, Jackie, Jessica, Hannah & Alex

Julie teasing Jackie

Julie invited some friends over for some pizza and a movie. It

was a good group of friends, and they seemed to enjoy

themselves. Enjoy the pictures.

Mels birthday dinner

2009-11-28T16:26:00.001-08:00

Mel's birthday came and went. He was gone to San Francisco

for the whole day. BUMMER. But the next day we made

sure we went out and celebrated. Julie wasn't home, Tyler

was taking Anna out for her birthday, so it came down to

Just Mel and I. I didn't mind. It was nice to have time

with just my birthday boy. We went to Lucille's barbecue

which is one of our favorites. Mel had the rack of ribs,

and I had tri-tip. Yum. He even got a little ice cream

Sunday.

New Moon Night and birthday party

2009-11-20T17:49:00.000-08:00

Julie and Marissa are off to a double birthday bash, and then

to see New Moon. Oh, to be a teen again. = )

Trying to balance married life, children, married children and parents

2009-11-18T17:01:00.000-08:00

At the BYU/San Diego State game in San Diego. We were

invited up to enjoy some box seats. We even had our own

bathroom!!!

Goofing off with Sterling and Stella

At Hudsons

I am always amazed at how much Stella mothers her

doll.

Eating at Hudsons

Stella really enjoyed the music

Stella in her flapper costume carrying her doll

At the South Carolina state fair. Stella on a tractor

Stella getting her picture taken in a banana costume

At the South Carolina fair with Karen too

Julie and Cambria at homecoming game

Alexia, Julie and Cambria

Sam and Grace on Halloween night

Our view in Santa Barbara

I'm not sure how good I am at balance. I try though. Sometimes I feel

torn. I want to see my married kids (Thanks Ty for living close and

making that part easier for me), grandkids, parents, and I want to be

here for my last child at home, and of course....my hubby. So this is

how I've done it the last month or so. On October 20th, I flew out

to South Carolina to see my daughter Melissa and her adorable and

wonderful family. I get an added bonus when I go there, because

I get to see the Rozmus family also. I spent 8 days with them, and

then flew home in time to see Julie cheer at one of her last football

games. The next night we went to Tyler's house and enjoyed

Halloween night with them. Then the next day, I was off to spend

5 days with my Mom in Santa Barbara while she was attending an

alternative medicine clinic. So.....how's that for "balance"?

Well, when I was in South Carolina, I had fun just letting Stella

and Sterling get re-aquainted with me. They were sick for

several of the days I was there, so our outing time was pretty

slim. I didn't even get to attend church, which is always a fun

time for me. I did help Melissa get halloween costumes done,

(She sewed, I held and helped kids) We went to dinner at

Hudsons, and I got to enjoy some barbecue from the South.
And some blues music, which Stella enjoyed.
So, I'll add pictures and see if it jogs my memory of anything

else.

On my brief stint home, I enjoyed watching Julie cheer.

When I went to Santa Barbara with my Mom, the thing I

thoroughly enjoyed, was being SO close to the ocean. We could

see the ocean from the living room, and we could hear the

waves at night. One afternoon my Mom and I went walking

and we sat on a bench to just gaze at the water, and we were

able to see some dolphins. I love being able to see dolphins

when I visit the beach.
I had to leave Santa Barbara early enough to get to the next

to the last football game, where they honored the Senior

students. So Mel and I escorted Julie onto the field. It was

an honor. = ) So, that is how I balanced my life this last

month. I try.....

are you bored yet?

2009-11-16T22:45:00.000-08:00

So, I have not posted in so long, that I am getting bored
with the same post sitting there day after day. SO...
I promise to get something new up there in the next
couple of days. I have been a little busy and pre-
occupied this last month. LATER !!!

Homecoming Senior Year

2009-10-10T20:17:00.000-07:00

Daniel and Julie

Daniel, Julie, Marissa and Quinn

Marissa and Julie

Well, I just got back from dinner at Souplantation

with the "group". Everytime it's Julie's last, it's

my last too!! Maybe that's why grandkids are

so fun. You can enjoy from a distance. = ) Don't

get me wrong, I've enjoyed experiencing all of

these things with my kids. Anyway, this group of

kids have been friends since freshman year.

(most of them anyway). So here are some of

the group and Julie and Daniel, and Quinn and Marissa.

When Samantha's Mom sends me her pictures, I'll

post some of them.

Julie's Senior picture proof

2009-10-10T17:26:00.000-07:00

Julie got her yearbook Senior pictures taken, and we really

liked one of the poses. So, here it is. I'm not buying one

because Julie wanted her other photographer to take one.

Enjoy

Grace's 4th Birthday

2009-10-10T16:52:00.000-07:00

Ron Cade and Courtney

l-r jason, tyler, Julie and mel

kids in pool l-r Jennica, Grace, Jocelyn, Delila and Sam. Julie outside the pool

david, courtney and Julie

The Birthday Girl

My oldest granddaughter turned 4 today, and they had quite

a party. She had lots of people come to celebrate with her.

It was cute, because Anna tried to have everything the way

Grace wanted it. All the things that Grace likes. So.....

we had pretzels, Pirate's Booty, watermelon, tuptakes,

ice cream cones, etc. It was really cute. Julie and I

had to leave a little early, because tonight is homecoming.

BUT, I was able to snap a few pictures before we left.

I was a little sad to leave before having a lot of time

to visit with Ron and ReNae, Courtney and Colton,

David and Rolene, and Jason and Katie Dial. Oh well,

I'll enjoy my time with Julie tonight, being the chauffeur.

Here are some pictures of the festivites.

My Sweet Mom and her Wonderful Twin

2009-09-29T23:49:00.000-07:00

Denise, Mom, darryl, Joneel, Dad--Timpanogas Temple

Renae and Reane

Renae and Reane

Clark and Michelle

right, front to back-Amber, Jessica, Denise, Craig, Kim, 2 people i didn't know

Left, front to back- Darryl, Jessica's friend, Lisa, Tom, Sharon Head of table-Renae

right, front to back-danny or steven, Jared, kenny, Ashley, Head of table-Reane

Left, front to back- Ashley, Kelly, Brenda (hiding), Mark, Dad, Joneel

right front to back-phil, sharon, alan ,ken
left fron to back- Sandra, Stan, Julane, Judy, Garth

I just got back from spending time in Utah with my Mom

for her birthday. Since my Mom is a twin, we had a

double celebration for the two of them. The morning

of my Mom's birthday, my sister Denise, brother

Darryl and myself, along with our parents,

went to the Timpanogas Temple. It was a great

start to the day. Then it was time for the birthday

celebration at Los Hermanos. All of my siblings were

there, and all but one of my cousins. Just like old

times. ; )

I have always loved my cousins, but I have a new

appreciation for my Aunt Renae and her family.

Ever since we found out my Mom has ovarian

cancer, my aunt Renae's family has been so

supportive and helpful. I don't know if they will

ever know how much that means to me.

Anyway, here are some pictures from the party

and also a picture of the "birthday girls"

Pre Senior Pictures

2009-09-29T23:41:00.000-07:00

Julie is a Senior. So, when you are a senior, you take

senior pictures. These are the pictures we took before

we went to the studio that took the pictures for the

yearbook.

PS The pictures the studio took turned out very nice.

Will post when I can.

Do I hear Triple?? Naaww, it's a double

2009-09-14T22:32:00.000-07:00

Clark, Michelle, Melissa and Andy

Michelle and Melissa

While Melissa and Michelle were visiting California,

I know that they were hoping to go on a triple date

with their brother. I'm not sure what happened,

but they took what they could get, and headed

out on a double date. They both decided to wear

their new dress, so they looked like the doublemint

twins. ha ha. but I think they had an enjoyable

time hanging out as "adult" sisters on their

double date.

Labor Day and a B-day celebration for Julie

2009-09-07T23:05:00.000-07:00

drinking some refreshing soda

Samantha, Jaclyn, Julie and Marissa

A week ago, before school started, Julie and I decided

to take a little trip down to Carlsbad, to visit with my

cousin Sandra. I've gone down there several years

during the summer, and had the greatest time.

Fun, relaxing and so enjoyable. Well when Julie

and I were there, and out in the beautiful ocean,

she said "Why don't we come down here for my

birthday?" So, my sweet cousin said that we

could bring the party to her house. (How sweet
is that?) So Sunday evening we took off for

Carlsbad, with 2 of Julie's closest friends. We had

a blast singing.....Oh darn, what is the name of

it? Mya hee, Mya ho, Mya ha, Mya ha ha.....any

one getting my drift? We made video's of us singing

along...(pretty funny) anyway, we rented a movie

and watched that, then got up this morning and went

to the beach, relaxed, then went and saw 2 movies.

500 Days of Summer, and All About Steve. We

enjoyed them both. then afterwards we went to

Souplantation for dinner before heading home. We

had a great time! Thanks to everyone who helped

make it a special time.

The last of the last

2009-09-05T21:58:00.000-07:00

Well, our last child has started her last year of high school. I am amazed

at how fast life can go. Sometimes it feels like it whizzes by. Thank

heavens we have eternity.

Anyway, we finished the first week of school, the first football game

cheered at, and also....the first BYU football game of the season.

(Tyler, Anna and kids came over to enjoy with us)

They were all good. So here's to our last year of public schools.

Hip Hip Hoorah!!!

Family Pictures

2009-08-19T01:21:00.001-07:00

l-r Melissa holding Stella's hand, Andy holding Sterling, michelle, Clark, Mel,
Julie, Joneel, Grace, Anna, Tyler holding Sam

I have been having so much fun having all of my children

in the same state. On Sunday we all were at church

together. I was in Heaven. I love my family and am

so proud of all of them. With everyone spread out across

this great beautiful country, we had to capitalize on

the time we had together, and have some family

photo's taken. Here are two of the group shots.

Possibly more to follow at a later date.

Birthday Time

2009-08-19T00:17:00.000-07:00

The lunch bunch..Lindsay, Lorna, Joneel, Shelly and Bonnie
back row---Melissa, Sterling, Michelle, Stella and Julie

cake number 1 compliments of Shelly J.

Beach buddies from WAAAY back

cake 2--compliments of Josey C. (aka Visiting Teacher)

cake 3--Compliments of karen H. (aka visiting teacher)

Well, I turned the big ?0. I can't believe I reached this milestone,

but here I am. And I have to say that I feel like I was treated so

kindly. From party lunches to sweet thoughtful gifts, to phone

calls, cards, cakes and even Facebook Birthday Wishes, I feel

remembered and cared about. Here are some pictures of my

wonderful day. One funny side note. Melissa was going to

make me a beautiful cake, but after getting these 3, she

decided to make it up for Julie's birthday. I swear, it's

either feast or famine around here for cake!

Beach

2009-08-18T23:47:00.000-07:00

Sterling and Michelle

Stella with Mel, Julie, Michelle

Me with Stella

Andy with Stella

Melissa and Stella

Sterling and Mel

Stella hanging on to her Mommy, Melissa

Melissa and Andy and kids came for a visit, and so did michelle and

Clark. Tyler lives here, and so does Julie.....DUH, ha ha, anyway,

we decided to go to the Beach so Andy could have some time

there, since he will be missing Carpinteria. We went to Corona

Del Mar, and went to the side where the waves aren't big, so

Stella could have fun playing. We happened to pick one of

the most crowded days there. And wouldn't you know it,

they were having "baptisms" in this little part of the ocean.

I'm not sure which church it was, but it was a little noisy,

and emotional for some of the people getting baptized.

But, we had a great time anyway, Stella loved the water,

and it made a fun family memory.

Low Quality Family picture from phone

2009-08-12T22:37:00.000-07:00

I needed to qualify my title. The only reason why it is low quality

is because i took a picture of a picture, and it's hard to see any

definition in it. BUT, for now it will do. This is the family shot

we took back in July. This is everyone. for now that is. It

seems like family pictures are always changing. Someone

new is always added. But that's what's neat about it. New

babies expanding your posterity. Hope this doesn't BUG

the eyes too bad.

King of the Hill

2009-08-11T23:47:00.001-07:00

fuzzy picture of a picture taken with my cell phone

My Parents have one grandson. It is my son Tyler. Besides my sweet

Holly, who was here on earth for 3 days, he was the first grandchild

they got to know. AND he has been the only grandson.

Just before our family trip to Bear Lake, My mom wanted a family

picture, and I am posting the one with all my parent's granddaughters,

AND grandson. Notice though, there are 2 great granddaughters

and 2 great grandsons. The spell has been broken........bah ha haha ha

Wide Range of emotions

2009-08-01T23:23:00.000-07:00

Angie and Mark, YAY

Amber, Jessica, Alaine (in back) Aubrey, Danielle, and little Reane
(Cristina in back also)

The Bridesmaids

Alaine, Julie and Shannon

Mom, Mark and Dad

Clark, Michelle and Julie

My family. Also Mark's daughters and his bio father Tom and

wife Nancy.

Our side of the family that were there at the temple

Amber, Angie, Aubrey (in front) and Ashley

Shannon, Alaine, Mom, Julie and Michelle

Michelle and Clark and Jessican and Amber

Michelle and Clark and Jessican and Amber

my Dad and his sister and her hubby

my mom and her twin sister and her family

cousin Connie and Cousin Steve

So, today (actually yesterday since it's past midnight) was my

brother Mark's wedding. What a wonderful day. Very Very

happy emotions. We were all gathered together in the Salt

Lake temple as a family, witnessing the sealing of Mark, to

Angie Oakes. We had family drive from out of state to

be with us today. It was wonderful. But, we have another

major event happening in our family. My Mother was

diagnosed with ovarian cancer Wednesday, and she will

be flying off to Houston with her twin sister Renae, tomorrow

afternoon. My Mom has an appointment at MD Anderson

cancer center Monday morning. I've heard that it is one of

the top cancer centers in the nation. So our family is going

through happy times, and very worried and scared times. In

fact, it is the hardest thing I've had to deal with, since the

death of my first baby Holly. BUT, we have a ton of support

from family, church friends, etc.

Anyway, here are some pictures from our happy time today.
Mark and Angie, we are so thrilled.

Mom, all of our prayers are with you.

Photoshop magic

2009-07-21T00:28:00.000-07:00

Melissa, Sterling, Andy, Stella

Anna, Sam, Tyler,Grace

While in Utah, my Mother wanted to get all of her children,

grandchildren and great grandchildren in a family picture.

The last time we had a professional picture taken was when

Tyler came home from his mission. That was back in 2002.

The problem is......Melissa and Andy couldn't make it out for

the picture, and Clark was at school. SO we are hoping that

the photographer can photoshop them in.

I have the picture Melissa sent to me

for the photographer to use, and I have a picture of

Tyler's family that we took on his camera, so you can

get an idea of the look we were after. I figured that

if each family unit wore their own color, it would be

easy to tell who belonged to who. Our color was Navy.

My parents wore white, my older brother's family wore

royal blue, and my sister's family wore purple. My

younger brother's family wore yellow. If they turn

out, I'll post them at a later date. Until then, I've

got my fingers crossed.

Bear Lake

2009-07-12T21:06:00.000-07:00

Julie and Michelle in front of the Logan Temple

What vacation is complete without shakes and ice cream?

hanging out around the 12 seater table

cowboy SAM

Michelle and Julie on the Sand at Bear Lake

Grace, Sam, Tom and Anna

The kitchen

view from the kitchen into the family room

view from the entryway

the bunk bed room. All the non married girl cousins slept here

Master Bedroom (with bedding stripped) Wish I'd taken

pictures when all the beds were made.

downstairs family room

dining room (another view)

The deck

everyone but Melissa and family, Michelle's hubby Clark, my hubby and Shannon : (

Recently, my extended family had a little gathering at

Bear Lake. We had never been there before, and I've

always heard such good things about it, so we decided

to give it a shot. Last year while on our way to Colter

Bay in the Tetons, we drove past it and thought

it looked beautiful. On the way up we drove

through Logan and had to take a picture in

front of the temple. Then we arrived at the

cabin and we were all very surprised at how

beautiful it was. We got to spend two days at the

lake and rented 2 jet ski's for half a day. Anna's

Father drove from Idaho Falls and got to hang

out with us all. It was a fun time.

It definitely is colder than Lake Powell, but the

accomodations can't be beat.