There I was.....

ABC News Special Report

2012-02-15T22:47:00.006-07:00

Lex got a call about 4:00 today. By 6:00 they were filming. The article is here but click the picture and enjoy the video report.

So Proud!

(now I am waiting for the school counselor to call....bad mom!)

http://www.abc4.com/content/news/top_stories/story/Reality-TV-is-it-changing-teen-reality/93dYofIavk6UMM68DWQBBQ.cspx

True Story....

2012-02-03T16:51:00.000-07:00

Dodgeball Tournament 2012

2012-01-29T20:19:00.007-07:00

Tonight we ran the annual

JMCHS DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT

(Brett ran the tourney, I fed everyone!)

Every team had
"Old School" Headbands
in their own team color

8 teams, 2 Refs, 15 Pizzas, 8 cases of soda,

3 cases of water,

Caesar Salad, and 85 cupcakes :) Mal even came home from USU

to play on Mike's team This Is Serious Business Tebowing Out of the

tournament TOO EARLY! Getting down to the FINALS!GAME OVER...Bring on the Food!

Keep Calm & Carry On

2012-01-27T10:03:00.009-07:00

It has been 7 weeks since my last post and I would love to say that I have been away basking in the Florida sunshine, eating calzones in Switzerland (really!), or weathering a snow storm at Bear Lake. Well....nothing that exciting. These last few weeks have just been real life. My pictures are out of order and a bit boring....but like I said....

REAL LIFE!I am trying to clean out my pantry

so we have been baking a lot.

One of my FAVS is this Berry Cobbler.

Erica and her mom

taught me how to make quiche.

We call it "refrigerator quiche" because

I used the leftover pieces and parts

of veggies and cheese in the fridge drawer.

So Delish!

Mike & Lex figuring out how to

fly the mini helicopter.

HELLO!
This guy is never too far away!

He loves to go for rides!

We are waiting for his left ear to

pop up. Right now he is in his

awkward teenager stage!

Mal had her wisdom teeth pulled.

She was a trooper!

Jade hung out while Mal

dosed in and out.

True friendship :)

Enzo always has some sort of

stuffed animal close. I think

he misses his brothers & sisters.

We brought down THE BIG BEAR from

Lex's room. Enzo wasn't quite sure

what to think of him!

He really loves his Santa Frog!

Buddy shot!

Lex & I had a very productive

Facetime session.

I am on week 5 of

4 cardio activities/week &

2 weight trainings/week.

I am sore, tired, and feeling fit.

I look and weigh the same.

Dean & Enzo have been attending

Obedience and Show Classes.

Interesting!

We FINALLY have some SNOW!

Lex & Enzo

watched the Jazz game.

It went into double overtime.

Enzo couldn't make it.

Poor guy

was up WAY past his bedtime!

Lex was filling out college apps online.

We busted up laughing when I saw this.

She highlighted the material she was

interested in receiving. "Meal Plan",

"Housing Information".

Notice she didn't highlight the

"Honors Program Information".

HAHAHAHA!

My latest project.

A black family room.

Don't worry, I have help....

and a plan!

Fireplace painted!

Well, the first coat anyway.

Now walls, wallpaper, trim, tile.....

the list is long and will

keep me busy for a while.

Oh yeah!

It was Ryan's birthday. We promised

he would make it on the blog.

The girls baked

a GIANT CUPCAKE.

Happy Birthday Ryan!

(I know...better a late post

than never!)

He is so funny!

He goes and goes and goes....

and then he drops fast asleep

wherever he is.

And OF COURSE WE LOVE

that Logan is home.

Well now he is back up at school.

But it's a whole lot closer AND he

can text!

And finally, let us not forget

the dreaded Ugly Sweater Day!

Their beauty outshines their

AWFUL attire!
(Let's not forget that they have to wear

uniforms to school. Lex prides herself

on completing all four years in

shorts - they do have pants and skirts -

but she will have nothing to do with that!)

Yes, it was 20 degrees when this was taken!

Lastly, Santa carried on the Easter

Basket Stocking Tradition started last

year when Santa couldn't find the stockings

on Christmas Eve

and had to swing by the Easter Bunny's house

and borrow baskets.

The girls were appalled this year

when they thought they

were getting stockings.

Luckily, Santa got the memo.

Logan thought they were crazy and appreciated

his traditional stocking :)

So that's our life in a nutshell.

Dean is opening a new store downtown in a few weeks.

Logan and Mal are back up at Utah State.

Lex is filling out college apps and playing with friends.

Enzo and I are off to the carwash.

Happy 2012!

HOME SWEET HOME

2011-12-01T10:50:00.017-07:00

starting his journey in

Bahia Blanca, Argentina

11 hour bus ride to

Buenos Aires, Argentina

10 hour flight to

Miami Florida

4 hour flight to

Dallas Texas

3 hour flight to

Salt Lake International Airport

Arrival time 4:45pm

Cameras in place...

These two are making a documentary on the diversity

at Judge Memorial Catholic High School.

Lexi is one of their "Spotlight Students".

I was grateful for the extra footage!

Lex, Mal, & Cousin Alex were READY!

I love that Elder Walker Fan Club :)

The anticipation was killing me!

All eyes were on the gate

Lex could hardly contain herself!

Mal was

NOT GOING TO MISS HIM!

HE'S HOME!

HUGS

Best Smiles Ever

It's true....I lost it....

Everyone do The Wave!

The girls even made Logan

his own fan club t-shirt

Pure Joy

Lots of Kisses

Nice to see ya!

Our JOY Runneth Over

(nice cast on my hand, huh?)

I have waited

2 years & 2 weeks for that hug!

He was most definately missed!

We were hanging

on his every word

The back of his fan club shirt...

some things never change!

They started in the MTC together -

they ended together

He gave away all of his suits & ties

and his luggage was

full of surprises

That luggage was HEAVY

They could hardly contain themselves

Saying goodbye to his companion's families

Come On...Let's Go Home!

See ya Later

Homeward Bound

Ah.....

WELCOME HOME LOGAN

(a BIG thanks to Tyler for the awesome pictures-

Thanks for being our paparazzi!)

Art Update

2011-11-18T19:04:00.003-07:00

Lex changed her piece from

yesterday,

she prefers the blue background.

Genius at Work!

Random Act of ART

2011-11-17T15:50:00.009-07:00

I had to make a quick run to my favorite

frame/art gallery.

These tags were

on every parking meter.

And so were

these knitted stocking warmers.

It gets cold around here, ya know!

Lex has been working on her still lifes.

The theme: Nuts & Bolts

Where does she come up with

this stuff???

Cool, eh?

Making a List, Checking it Twice

2011-11-14T08:12:00.005-07:00

Yes, it's true...

Dean is the Best Elf Ever!

You see,

I am trying to get the house

completely decorated for Christmas by Nov. 30th.

That is the day Logan comes home!!!

(@ 3:45pm...I'm counting the minutes!)

I know Dean thinks I am crazy.

In fact, he even told me so.

But he is humoring me -apparently

he does not want to see the alternative :)

Enzo was pretty quiet while we

were so busy.

TOTALLY CAUGHT IN THE ACT!

Although he didn't seem to care.

On a side note -
I was making a delicious beef stew.
I needed more red wine to deglaze the pan.
Hey look....we had this FAB bottle in the cupboard
just begging to be used. Little did I know it was a bottle
Dean brought home from Italy and was saving
for a special occasion.

Let's just say...
It was really good stew!

This is one of my favorite
Christmas treasures.
It's my letter to Santa circa 1972.

Yep...I was 4!

Where to start?

Luckily Dean is leaving town for 3 days.

I better get my creative juices flowin'...

quickly!

Phew....

at least he finally tuckered out!

Spray Paint Art

2011-11-12T16:54:00.003-07:00

This was very cool.

Lex spent the evening working with Ben,

a professional spray paint artist.

(sorry- banished to the cold garage!)

They actually
both work together at
Emigration Market, too.

He was really
passionate and enjoyed
how excited Lex was to learn.
She was VERY excited!

One of their creations...

creepy, huh?

Different pieces

for different techniques

Yep....

totally done with spray paint!

Her first attempt on her own...

good stuff!

There is a whole world in everything,

isn't there?

Our Week in a Nutshell

2011-11-09T18:21:00.004-07:00

Lex is always ready with a

smile for the camera
Best Carpool Ever!

BFF'S :)

Lex & Funpack

Oh yeah....

this is my splint

...after breaking my fingers

And this is who i found laying

in the flowerbed!

After a nice bath -

the boys are relaxing

shhhh......sleeping

Do dogs take catnaps?

Muddy paw prints....hmmm???

He won't

stay out of that flowerbed!

Enzo LOVED the

trick or treaters...

And they LOVED him!

A little cuddle

after a hard days work

Yep!

Another bath!

His cuteness has

saved his life

multiple times this week!

A Little Bit of Random But A Whole Lot of Fun

2011-11-09T08:50:00.005-07:00

Mal channeling her Oakie Roots :)

Kappa Delta Girls

Big Fun
I wonder if this is a class???

Buddy Movie Night

Awesome Chompers Ladies

Lex & Hannah

Lovely Smiling Girls....

Yep....

Lex & Hannah

Lovely Smiling Girls :)

On a Mission

2011-10-30T10:09:00.007-06:00

He really is "on a mission".

A Mission to Serve

A Mission to Teach

A Mission to Cooperate

A Mission to Lead

A Mission to Learn

A Mission to Love

I am so very proud of him.

I am also SO READY for him to be home.

(31 days people!)

We are blessed.

Working Girl :)

2011-10-24T13:27:00.003-06:00

This poster was hanging at the

opening gala for the new

Emigration Market.

How could I not get a photo of it?

(and steal it and take it home!)

Checker in Action

Ah.....
Everyone's a Bagger...
huh Dean?!

Two Weeks of Crazy!

2011-10-24T11:27:00.004-06:00

Honoring Seniors and their parents.

Truly an honor to know these girls

and their families!

Love these Lady Bulldogs!

Ah Mallory....

Let the rushing begin!

How come Toga Parties always bring

out the crazy in people?

Mal came home this weekend

to meet the new hound

It's Halloween Party Week!

Flashing her inner nerd :)

Enzo giving kisses

Nice Save Girlie!

As random as these photos are -

so is our life!

Things should settle down this week and

we'll get back to doing what's

really important....

cleaning out Logan's closet so he has

space when he returns home.....

IN 5 WEEKS!!!

Should I be worried???

2011-10-20T17:26:00.003-06:00

Four missionaries with time to kill....

six more weeks!!!

(Yes Logan, it's official....

I AM COUNTING!)

One Spoiled Hound

2011-10-17T17:57:00.002-06:00

Enzo will turn on the charm

just to be held.

And we are SO willing!

Enzo is here....and he is BUSY!

2011-10-17T12:56:00.008-06:00

It was love at first sight

Let's just say....

Enzo knows where his bread is buttered!

He loves playing outside.

He tried to convince me that the bed

was a better sleeping arrangement

than his crate :)

I love that his little legs stick

straight out behind him when

he sleeps

He LOVES being held

And sleeping in really tight spaces...

odd?

See what I mean!

This is where he hangs out while I

make dinner.

And of course....

he enjoys a little "me time"

with his toys

Did I mention

he loves being held?

Really!!!

Let the Pinning Begin....

2011-09-25T14:19:00.009-06:00

Adrienne pinning Andrew

Lex pinning Mike

Mike's still smiling...

she must not have jabbed him yet!

Ryan corsaging
(is that a word?) Hannah

Serious floral discussion...

Smiling for the

"MOM PAPARAZZI"

Let the photos begin!

Wow....Profound.

The 3 Muskateers....and their dates!

Love these Seniors...

Love THESE Seniors More!

The Mom Shot for Kristina :)

Fancy Girls

Fancy Girls with Attitude!

Such odd little ladies :)

All Charm

Lex and Adrienne....

makes my heart smile!

Good buddies

Okay, I think she's had all

she can take.

Off to dinner.....

and the dance....

and laser tag....

and movie watching...

and the sleepover.

Phew -

Ah to be 17 again!

GUTS

2011-09-02T08:36:00.003-06:00

This Girl ROCKS

(thanks for the photo Peterson family)

Our Family Treasure

2011-08-24T10:33:00.008-06:00

As you know,

Birkie was the BEST DOG EVER!

He had a perfect 11 years with our family,

and then a really bad month.

Birkie passed away in April. I know it has

taken a while for me to post this.

I wasn't ready.

Our family has cried....A LOT....

and now we are anxious and we laugh again.

The Circle of Life continues...

Meet the newest member of our family...

ENZO!!!

He is 23 days old
and growing like a weed!

He has 2 brothers and 3 sisters.

We haven't met his family yet.

They will be here October 8th.

And don't worry Dean,

if you are reading this,

we know we only get to keep one!

Needless to say,

we think he is the cutest thing ever!

He is the chubbiest in the bunch
(a whole 5 lbs)
and likes to rest on the top of the pile.

Always on top.
Lex is hoping that
means he'll want to snuggle.

Look at that face!

So curious.
We have started "puppy proofing" our house.
I really need to break
my "shoe pile in the kitchen" habit!

Only 6 more weeks.....ugh!

He will be a good excuse for Mallory

to come home for a visit :)

Yep!
I told you he was the chunk!
I can't wait for Logan to meet
the newest hairy member of the family!

October & November are going
to be AWESOME!

2011-08-22T07:34:00.004-06:00

First Day of School

Look who is ready to start

her first day of school

as a SENIOR!

All of the necessities to get
you through
the day.

Lugging her books to her

locker....ugh!

One Proud Bulldog!

"Okay Mom....I gotta go!"

Lex is ready to start her final high

school year. Where did the time go?

Tomorrow Mallory will be

leaving

for Utah State.

I think Wednesday I will enjoy one day

of peace and quiet....

and then I want them to come

back home!

Cheers to the 2011-2012 School Year!

Soccer Slumber Party

2011-08-20T10:56:00.003-06:00

The Senior Girls always host the

first soccer sleepover of the season.

The Senior parents get to attend....

well, at least for dinner.

Nina, Lex, and Layne...

groovy girls!

Lex, Erin, and Quinn
feelin' the love!

We should call her Lexi Lennon :)

The freshman were Flintstone Freshman

The sophomores were Spaceage Sophomores

The Juniors were Jazzy Juniors

and of course, 70's Seniors!

For Freshman Initiation they taught

them a Hannah Montana dance to

Hoedown Throwdown, blindfolded them,

and took them to the Gateway (an outdoor mall)

to perform "flashmob" style

while dressed like the Flintstones.

They were GREAT!

Thank you Brodke Family for hosting 41 girls

and 20 grateful Senior parents!

More pics to come...

Vison.

2011-08-18T14:14:00.004-06:00

I had some very cool designers

I met recently

help me with my family room.

Here is their sketch.

Actually, they gave

us a whole presentation.

The fabics are awesome.

The walls and floors are awesome.

The whole thing is awesome....

except the price.

As Dean always says....

"It's only money"

(sarcasm noted)

He's Eating Well...

2011-08-18T14:10:00.001-06:00

Perhaps he is celebrating his

RETURN

in 3 months!

4 Months to Go!

2011-07-20T14:48:00.004-06:00

Treats with his favorite family.

I love this mom and her family!

She sends pictures via facebook and we use

Google Translate to talk.

I love getting his weekly emails, but

I REALLY LOVE that she

is watching out for my boy!

Make funny faces for the camera!

If I translated correctly,

his companion is singing...

and Logan is not loving it!

I wonder if he is sending me an email
right now!?!

He is definately used to little sisters

blowing him off...

hahaha :)

I promised him I

wouldn't start the countdown too soon.

So I lied....

Bear Lake 2011

2011-07-04T15:45:00.008-06:00

The girls first night at dinner.

I am not sure why some photos

transferred small and some regular.

I am sure it is my lack of skills - patience please.

Lex & Sarah

They went to get their fishing license.

"Now I have a license to kill"

Tara and the boys...

just chillin'
Tara's evening smoothies were a

BIG HIT!

Born To Ride

Mal & Mattie

Foozball Fest

Water Weenie Action

It may be hard to tell, but

they are attached by two

pieces of string...

And they tried and tried

to get untangled!

One of the many campfires-

let's just say Emma was the BOMB

smore maker! Who knew?

And Kyle had mallow

EVERYWHERE....

even between his toes!

Ahhhhhh Sweet!

Lots of hair braiding and

colorful hair wraps -

luckily no tatoos!

This girl got sick.

I mean REALLY sick!

HOT TUB!

Lex & Sarah smorin' it up

Sitting by the fire, they saw

fish jumping in the lake.

So off they went to explore.

What you can't tell is that the water is only

knee deep. They just didn't want to

get touched by the fish!

James on his early

morning expedition to the dock.

While Kyle

snugged in with his juice box

and read.

Back out on the water!

Let it be known.....

This was the only driver to dump everyone

off the jet ski and into the lake!

These two are down right

DANGEROUS!

Okay....where's the sunscreen?

Who has my towel with the kittens on it?

Did you see that snake?

Turn around, I have to pee.

Who's got the flag?

He landed on my leg!

Yes...all these and more!

Can you tell they came back for lunch?

Poor little starving faces.

SMILE

Now the fun really starts!

HOLD ON....

LEAN!!!

And off they go!

Okay Uncle Scott....

Show us what you've got!

Back up to the teenage girls room

to play LIFE.

While I kick back

and enjoy!

Thanks family and friends!

What FUN!

A Boy and His Toy

2011-06-19T17:51:00.009-06:00

Just arrived from Italy...

the bike, not Dean.

He has been waiting months
for this little dream.

He was as happy as a clam when
they called him to go in
for his "fitting".

They have lots of different tools and
measuring tapes to make sure
he is riding at his most
efficient best.

We tease him...
"New Bike, Same Motor"

A little tweaking here, a slight

adjustment there...

This is quite the process. I really
wouldn't have believed it if I
had not witnessed it myself.

Then they went to the computer to
review and save everything they did.
You KNOW my techie husband
was ALL OVER THIS!

It came with international plugs
just in case Dean wants to join a Tour
in any part of the world, he can recharge his
battery.

Yes, his bike has a battery. I think
it has something to do with the
electronic shifting. Or maybe
it's for the cadence and kilojoules
measurements.

Oh I don't know...
Perhaps someday I'll figure it all out!

All I know is when the light is green,
your battery is good to go!
Blinking red is a problem.

I didn't even know
we had a stationary ergometer???
Heck...
what's an ergometer?!

The final test....
It weighs 17 pounds.
And I guess that's good.

So his new love is home from the
bike shop and he's taking it for
it's first spin up City Creek.
I'm not sure....is it inappropriate
to say
"Break a Leg"?

Her Hero

2011-06-12T10:29:00.002-06:00

Lex and I had to make a quick trip

to Toys R Us - and she fell in love!

I guess this is the closest we'll get

to Legoland anytime soon!

3 Kids and a Critter

2011-06-10T12:24:00.008-06:00

Logan sent this photo....

not sure if it's a pet or a pest???
Logan's Missionary Family

A great day for the family....

and the missionary!

Geez I love (and miss) that SMILE!

And now on to Mallory....

She is home from her first year away and

already working like crazy.

Here is the final roomie pic.

Mostly fun and games

Kappa Deltas

Girl Power

Weekend away at Bear Lake

I LOVE having Jade & Mallory

home from school. You never know

what will happen next!

Chow for Now

Mal & Laura -

back together in SLC

And now to the youngest child...

and a Soccer Tournament in

Park City!

All smiles after

the Junior Pin Ceremony.

Let their Senior Year Begin!

I spy with my little eye....

Sarah asleep in the chair and

Lex asleep on the couch...

They were wiped out!

Sarah & Lexi....

now they're awake!

At the Senior Graduation....

making sure the Seniors go so they

can take over!

Lex & Ellen....

best buddies!

That Marissa...

She's always smilin'!

Hannah, Lex , & Marissa

Finals are OVER!!!!

One week ago today....

2011-05-25T08:44:00.002-06:00

He's home now.

Perched on the chair.

Supervising.

Back to work in 21 days.

Did I mention supervising???

Butterfly Kisses

2011-05-25T08:30:00.003-06:00

Can't wait to do this in person!

Okay Logan...

6 Months to Go!

(Mal & Logan 1994)

Hanging out at Home

2011-05-23T10:30:00.004-06:00

The weather was FINALLY nice

enough to sit outside, enjoy

the sunshine, and

paint your toenails!

I just had to get a shot of her

casual chic ensemble

as she headed out the door.

You don't understand....

I rarely see her in anything other than

a school uniform or soccer shorts!

The not-so-patient Patient

He is perched on the chair for the next 4 weeks.
Oh let me tell ya...
we are ALL so looking forward to that!
At least he is on the mend!

(Hey Logan....those UNO games

are headed your way!)

The Wait is OVER!

2011-05-16T13:06:00.003-06:00

Time to clean out the bedrooms...
I love that we have random art
around the house.
This is Lex's rendition of "Celery".

This girl collects EVERYTHING!

I remember when she got Benya Benya...

She was 3!

(notice he is wearing his Halloween Costume!)

Her drawers are like the holy grail of

chatchkeez!

Getting things put away

is still a work in progress

Even her art space

is a little bare

Mal's room is a little too clean.

That's because she hadn't

arrived yet.

She's home now -

and it doesn't look like this!

Good bye old carpet...

it's been a 10 year wait!

Hello new!

There's always some kind of

project going on around here.

Like my Dad says, "You're

the only people I know who

move into a house and 5 years later

it's a fixer-upper!"

Progress!

The new and improved fort

The unfinished stairwell to the fort

It's almost done and I am thrilled!!!!

Hmmm....

I think my bathroom needs an update :)

We LOVE Dean

2011-05-16T12:49:00.003-06:00

Dean has surgery on Weds.

So, we have been giving little reminders

of how much we love him.

Let's face it...

Nothing says "I LOVE YOU" like

heart shaped herbed cous cous

with your salmon!

Now how am I going to shape tonight's pasta?!

Judge Memorial Prom 2011

2011-05-09T11:48:00.008-06:00

This girl was never one for

playing dress up...

tonight was an exception!

Lex was so excited to meet up with good

friends for the

BIG NIGHT OUT

Luckily, she didn't miss the

ABC Morning Television News Broadcast

when Tyler "extended an

invitation" for her to go.

(I am still trying to figure out how to

get the news segment from my dvr

to the blog. I'll post as soon as I

figure it out. So fun!)

These two have A BLAST together!

They can be found most days of the

week driving to or from soccer.

Lex is the driver, Sarah is

"the little fun pack"!

Apparently taking photos is
very funny business!

Group Shot 1

Group Shot 2

Group Shot 3

Such Sweet Little Divas...

Cheeseball!

Girls in the Hood

Bieber Fever

Andrew DOES NOT have

Bieber Fever!

The Pinning Ceremony

(actually, no pin...it's a magnet!

She didn't have to turn Tyler into a

voodoo doll)

Geez Mom...enough already!

And they're off....

Looks like dinner

was entertaining

The morning after....

all four girls looked like tired raccoons!

Good Morning Little Sunshines!

I LOVE

when you can tell friends have been here

THE END

A REAL Bike Ride

2011-04-06T07:42:00.004-06:00

After spending his winter couped up

in the house spinning on his trainer,

Dean wanted to go out for

A REAL

bike ride.

Well....this was the end of the road.

Hopefully,

April will bring more clear roads and sunshine!

They Could Be Twins

2011-03-16T00:47:00.002-06:00

Mal home for Spring Break last week...

and Lex loving every chance to hang out!

Look at 'em,

They make me SO PROUD!

Bieber Fever...and a little Art

2011-03-06T12:55:00.004-07:00

These two girls always make me smile.

And tonight, they worked on making

Ellen smile, too.

Ellen had ACL surgery 2 weeks after Lexi did.

She & Lex were the Gimp Squad

during soccer season.

Tragedy struck on Tuesday night when Ellen

tore her meniscus....

in the same knee!!!

She had surgery Friday.

Ellen also LOVES Justin Bieber.

So A & L figured out a way to make Ellen

smile. They delivered a special guest!

But first they hung out with him

at our house!

Toys R Us
has everything!

Lexi is working on a self portrait
in art.

I can't wait to see the final product!!!

The 16th Month

2011-03-02T15:13:00.003-07:00

The last of the 10 missionaries

who were in his district when

Logan arrived 16 months ago!

Lex said, "Oh man, is that Logan? He's

gonna get snatched up when he

gets home!"

Teaching Elder Forkey how to

handwash his laundry.

Logan picking up his new companion
Elder Forkey. He's straight out of the MTC!
Logan is his trainer and District Leader.

Give me another month and I will

start counting down to the

MOTHER'S DAY PHONE CALL!!!

Walking the Hound

2011-02-27T14:40:00.001-07:00

Off they go!

A Quiet Sunday

2011-02-21T10:11:00.009-07:00

It was a quiet snowy Sunday.

I felt like I was living in a snow globe.

I stayed in my jammies most of the day.

I baked....this cake was

scrumptious by the way.

Dean shoveled snow

And shoveled....

And shoveled...

And shoveled!

See Logan....
enjoy your sunshine,
humidity & BUGS!!

I loved spending a mellow day with my two BFF's!

He's Baaa-aaack

2011-02-16T08:16:00.002-07:00

It looks like he enjoyed

himself at the Yurt...

and now he's asleep under

the dining room table!

Doggles

2011-02-12T16:08:00.010-07:00

Birkie had to have his cornea scrapped

(ouch)

and now his eye will be VERY sensitive

during the healing process.

BUT...

Dean has a yurt trip

(backpacks, cross country ski into the yurt,

spend a few nights, freeze, you know him!)

planned with some friends

AND THEIR DOGS.

So the doggie opthalmologist came up

with a way for Birkie to go.

He's looking at us like,

"oh man...what are those?!"

"Those" are Doggles!

Birkie & Dean went on

a practice walk around the block

with them today.

He caused

quite a commotion.

One little boy about flipped!
He wants "a dog like that!"

Who wouldn't???

Meatless Mondays aka Crash & Burn

2011-02-09T00:17:00.006-07:00

The recipe on Cooking Light

looked like a winner.

Lots of our favorite winter delights

saute'-ing with onions and parsley

and sage....

Mmmmm

But actually when everyone sat down

to enjoy it, the flavor was...

NO BUENO

And that doesn't happen

around here very often!

Oh well, there's always

Next Monday!

Christmas In Argentina

2011-02-03T08:15:00.008-07:00

Logan sent an email letting us know that

his glasses broke.....smashed beyond

repair. I tried to replace them with

the same style

BUT

they had been discontinued.

So, these are what we picked out for him.

Apparently, they fit.

Geek Chic???

One of his

Argentinian Facebook Friends

posted these pics on their

wall. Upon visual confirmation

that is WAS Logan,

I immediately snatched them up!

I guess his mission is
"Two Thumbs Up!"

I think he has his dress shirt

& tie on UNDER the t-shirt???

Soccer jersey perhaps?

At least he looks comfortable
with himself.

Not looking like he wants to wear the blue hat.

That is the same face he has made

since he was 2 yrs old when

I have made broccoli!

Oh the Shame!

Ah Logan,
how do you really feel???

There are those "Two Thumbs Up" again!

HOHOHO....

I'm not sure how to
say that in Spanish???

Done Deal

2011-01-31T11:58:00.006-07:00

Today is THE BIG DAY!

We snuck out of school for an hour

and braved the DMV.

Now she's licensed

and ready to roll....

Park Pics

2011-01-30T10:47:00.001-07:00

Nice Hat...

Goofball!

Old School Family Photos

2011-01-28T11:34:00.005-07:00

My Sister
My Cousin, my Sister, & I.
I think I was 14 or so?
All I know is that is a whole
lotta stripe going on!

Our backyard pool
with the family

Great Grandma, Auntie, Dad, & I

The Three T's...
Ty-roni, Tiffy Wiffy, & SlopJar
(sorry Tara!)

To those who ask how Ty and his family are
doing now....
They are fabulous!

Escape to the Sunshine!

2011-01-28T08:36:00.005-07:00

Dean had FMI meetings in

Scottsdale, AZ.

The least I could do was tag along

for moral support :)

WOW...

He is on the Board and so

they upgraded our room.

I thanked him for his

hard work & dedication.

It was fabulous!

This became my office.

The Snack Zone

Early morning sunshine....

oh how I LOVED that!

Power napping

in the sunshine

between meetings.

Hey Jo, look!

A red pillow that "pops"!

Outside our front door

Barstools in the swimming pool.

How funny is that!?!

So much sunshine....

an ABUNDANCE I would say!

I guess you have to be from Utah

surviving January to truly appreciate

this much sunshine!

Lawn Chess (or checkers) anyone?
The kids would have been all

over this!

Love Nordstrom. Love The Rack.

Last Chance is THE ONLY

store in the country where all of the

Nordstrom returns and the unsold

merchandise from The Rack goes.

Got a pair of new Toms for $12.99, cute

sweatshirts for $9.97, and

I won't even mention the Uggs!

It is pretty messy, gross, piled, crowded in there...

Let's just say Dean wanted to see it. He
got the chills and said he needed a bath!

BUT....

When you have some time, it's a great spot

to treaure hunt!

I was on my own most of the time. I finished

two books (The Help is awesome!), went to

the gym, visited grocery stores....

But MOSTLY soaked up Vitamin D's!

One night was extra special.

In a room with 12 tables, we had a great dinner,

fun conversation, and

the most amazing entertainment.

SHE IS AN ICON.

Whatta voice, whatta stunning woman,

whatta tribute to her dad. She would sing

and you could feel it all the way

to your toes.

Oh...and by the way,

this stunner is 61 yrs old!

I will not forget this night.

"Unforgettable...."

And then we came home....

only to find out that Lex's art made it

up on the wall in the school. She didn't

get into the library, but she is in the hallway

by the bathroom.

I told her more people would see it there anyway!

It's nice to be home.

Winter Wonderland

2011-01-20T08:50:00.014-07:00

We had an extra few days

off for MLK Weekend, so

we swung through the dorms

@ USU, got Mal,

and went up to Bear Lake.

(Too bad my phone took

small photos!)

We LOVE to spend time at the cabin when

it is sunny and bright....

But this was a fun

adventure, too!

View from the deck...

it looks colder than it actually was.

We added seed and suet (sp?)

to the bird feeder. But,

no action.

We ended up taking cross country skiis

and skiis and snowboards.

The girls wanted to go

"Ski the Beav"

(Beaver Mtn)

Ah.....

I love that they look all

padded and bundled up!

We were able to put X-Country skiis on

right by the cabin and then

glide down to the lakeside.

Dean was helping me with my

skiis cuz I was a wee bit

out of control!

Dean & Lex

Mallory

My Little Nordic Adventure Family!

Logan would have

LOVED

this!

Hello my skiis!
I have missed you!

Our fearless leader!

Look closely at the top right

side of the roof...

It's a BALD EAGLE!

So Majestic!

Whether at home or away,

there's always a pile of shoes

in the kitchen.

I wonder who this could be?

She is still getting used to

skiing with her brace.

Two iPads...

Lots of Fruit Ninja!

Mr Techno...

on the cell phone & the iPad

Whether there is sunshine or snow,

I love mornings at the lake.

So peaceful -

okay,

and WINDY!

He's ready to hop in the hot tub.

Bare legs and slippers,

now that's a look!

HAM!

Pick your pair!

We had a constant rotation of gloves going

depending on your activity and

the gloves moisture content.

After 4 days of fun,

it was time to clean and head for home.

I loved being "stuck" there with my

family.

Hey....I wonder what we're doing

for President's Day Weekend...

Hmmm.... :)

Finals are OVER!

2011-01-20T08:45:00.003-07:00

They were both wiped out

after the late nights

up studying and drawing....

Of course,

Birkie was moral support!

Shhh....let them sleep.

Finals Week

2011-01-14T08:03:00.007-07:00

Lex has been working on her

Art final.

Look at an image

and recreate it using Conte' pencil

(special note for us amatuers...

there is no erasing conte')

The Artist at Work

Next section...

using the image given to you by

Mr Bettin, put the face into

a disturbing scene.

She can only use Black & White Pastels

Sorry...I got sidetracked looking around

her "studio".
This is one of her pieces we just got
back from being framed.
She had to create a "Caution Style" Road Sign.
Hers was
"Beware of the Troll under the Bridge"

Late @ night and still at work....

See the "face" in the top left corner?
That is the image she has to
incorporate into her idea.

She decided to use the face, put him
in a lab coat, holding a ragdoll.
Disturbing, eh?

Progress....

She has the basics drawn,
now going back to fill
in details and shadowing.

I can't wait to see the completed
masterpiece!

*****
On a side note:
She cracked me up when she
was talking about her next
student drive....on the freeway...
at 5:00pm.

"That's gonna be a lot of cars
to dodge!"

HAHAHAHA!!!!

1 Drive Down....

2011-01-10T15:30:00.003-07:00

2 To Go!

And then....

She's a licenced driver!

(yes - she is in the driver's seat

of that car.

I'm just giving everyone fair warning)

Leaving Rivadaria

2011-01-03T16:07:00.002-07:00

Well.....he has now transferred to his 2nd to last

area before returning HOME!!!! (in 11 more months!)

He had two baptisms this week. The ward grew from

22 to 24 members....counting the missionaries!

All I know is they are truly

LUCKY to have him!!!

Elder Walker Phones Home

2010-12-29T16:33:00.008-07:00

I can't even begin to tell HOW GREAT it was to

hear Logan's voice on Christmas. We got to talk for

one whole hour! Being that he has had only Peruvian

comps for 6 months, he has only been speaking Spanish.

He kept hunting for the right words in English and switching

back to Spanish when we spoke. Finally, he laughed and

said, "Geez, now I don't speak English OR Spanish very

well!"

He is doing all the right things and loving the people. He

is HATING the heat. "Bahia is a hot miserable place" - his

words. Not quite the Christmas he is used to! Luckily, he

spent the holiday with a family he enjoys.

He doesn't know what an iPad is, he had to go to the dentist (eek),

but he promises he is loving what he is doing.

11 months to go!

A Good Day

2010-12-29T16:16:00.008-07:00

Look closely.....

Santa had a minor issue on Christmas
Eve. The stockings were carefully put
away last year so they would not be lost. Apparently, they were also put away so well, they could not be found.

Luckily, Santa swung by the Easter
Bunny's house on his way here and
had to get creative.

I hope the girls weren't too traumatized!

And that was our day in a nutshell.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Let the Holidays begin...

2010-12-16T19:26:00.007-07:00

The lights are up, the leg lamp in the window,

the wreath by the door....

I think we are ready for Santa.

I keep wandering aimlessly through the house.

I am missing Logan.

He loves this jar filled with
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

He has his favorite holiday dinners.

(Pass the Prime Rib Please!)

Sister #2 can't wait for him to open her

handmade gift on Christmas

And Sister #1 LOVES getting letters from him

....although she does take

FOREVER

to respond!

The MOM can't wait for his Christmas Day

PHONE CALL!!!!

And so Lex waits for Mal to

leave for the big game.

Do they look like they are on

opposing sides?

Judge vs West....

go RED!

(I'm Switzerland)

Geez Mal....

are you FINALLY ready to go???

And they're outta here!

So...

Dean is flying in tonight, Mal & Lex

are out the door, and Logan is

across the planet.

I guess Birkie and I will hang out

and watch Oprah.

Goofballs!

2010-12-12T18:54:00.002-07:00

I just found our

Judge Gala

Photobooth Shots.

Oh my!

California Adventure....no really!

2010-12-12T18:00:00.010-07:00

And off we go!!!

Lex & I went to CA for a few days.

We ended up cancelling some

scheduled school visits, we did a few

school drive by's, and then just

relaxed and had fun.

This is the "N" in

California Adventure!

Channeling her Inner Woody

Trust me....
Santa's Elves threw away the
mold after making this
action hero!

Love the guy who asked if he could
be funny with the photo!

I could sit and listen to him
all day :)

This could be serious...

Double Trouble

If I had to get on that thing,

my smile wouldn't look

anything like Mickey's!

Catch of the Day!

Ah....

and yes, it's true...

we got G'ma to

SOAR OVER CALIFORNIA!

Next time she might even do it with her

eyes open :)

Okay,

perhaps Lex & I were feeling a little

Logan nostalgic

because Heimlich in Bug's Life

was his FAV!

"OOO..oooo....candy corn....

give me some,

give me some...."

We ate our way

through a whole picnic

And it smelled delish!

Photo Opp for Logan!

Ah....there's our Good Buddy!

We went to the

Disney Animation Class

Lex with her work of art.

Mine was soooo bad,

they probably should have

confiscated it prior to my departure!

Getting in touch with his

Inner Minnie :)

View from Mom's.

You could walk down and get

a Balboa Bar.

We walked down to Balboa Island,

much to Lex's dismay, a few times.

Such cute little shops and

amazing homes.

We rode the ferry to the beach

Had a fun lunch at Ruby's on the Pier

with Cousin Jen and her boys.

Hilarious!

Jen had to ride with Dylan.

Not a highlight for her!

And they're off!

It was pretty funny when the guy

kept stopping them at the top

just to hear Jen scream!

What a brave Mom!

Hitching a ride

back to the island

So peaceful.

Not a shark in sight!

(Lots of dolphins though!)

Look at those brave

Ferris Wheel Survivors!

Phew!

Add in a little shopping, a few schools,

a cute cupcake shop, and

RED'S Hot Sauce -

A Wild Weekend in Newport!

Oh yeah....

and then our flight was cancelled

due to weather in SLC, so we

got to stay and play just

a little bit more!

Gone Gone Gone

2010-12-12T17:44:00.001-07:00

Gone is the JMCHS soccer season....

but I have to laugh when I see

the evidence of it!

This Girl's Got Skillz

2010-11-30T08:11:00.003-07:00

Mal didn't answer her phone last night.

She told me she was "in a meeting".

This photo was on Facebook this morning.

Hmmmmm???

Diggin' Out

2010-11-29T08:48:00.005-07:00

Dean sent Lexi a text message

with this photo...

"This is what a

frozen Blueberry looks like."

Lazy Days & a Big Surprise

2010-11-27T16:41:00.008-07:00

Love having this girl HOME!!!!

Hmmmm....
who's on Facebook?

Dean & Birkie resting

Birkie was glued to the
National Dog Show

Lex tried on her snowboard boots
with her brace.
Now that's a look!

She's like the Bionic Woman!

Lex at rest

Ahhhhh...Mallory!

Dean was hoping she

didn't pay for those jeans.

He could rip some up for half

the price!

Birkie still being a couch potato dog!

Geez Mom....

stop with the photos already.

"And no, you don't need to sit next to me

and hold my hand!"

Girlies

So being Black Friday and all,

we went to get a new ride

for the little sweethearts.

Lex will care for the red car she named

"Blueberry".

(She really liked the electric blue colored car,

but we told her no way!)

She seems to be

pretty Thankful this weekend :)

Now maybe she'll get her license!