"Ah C'mon! Really?"

I must just have a lot on my mind and don't pay attention. Just when I got over my keys locked in my car, I get a traffic ticket.

This isn't your average traffic ticket. No, I didn't get pulled over for speeding. My break lights were working, so it wasn't for that. I signaled when turning, was safe while changing lanes, stopped for stop signs and red lights. So any of those reasons were NOT the reasons for being pulled over by a cop. Believe it or not, I was ticketed for "Not Yielding To A Pedestrian." I guess The Layton Police had a slow day and decided to pick on housewives running errands. It was middle of the day. School was in and I guess they picked some out of the way cross walk. One cop crossed the street while the other hid down the street and watched. Yep. Some man crossed the street trying to get hit. I admit, I didn't stopped, and I know the walker had the right away. I didn't even see him, and c'mon, you can't just step out in the street when a car is coming, and assume he sees you and will stop. I didn't argue with the cop, I knew I was in the wrong. I really believed I would just get some warning and a lecture about the law. However, when the cop came back with my licence, he made me sign a "automatic citation, when it involves a pedestrian", ticket. Now I have $90 less in my pocket, and Jared wishing me a Merry Christmas, because I just paid money that could of been used to buy something for me for Christmas. I wonder when Grandma crossed the street and got ran over by Santa's Reindeer, if Santa got a ticket, for "Not Yielding to a Pedestrian". And now that I'm thinking about it, did the chicken use a cross walk while crossing the road?

"HALLOWED" Traditions

Halloween is not just a one day affair. It is at least a weeks worth of fun for all. Starting with decorating the yard. Next, going through the costume box several times, trying to decide which costumes will be worn, lots of laughs when trying on wigs, fake teeth, and masks. Then there is Pumpkin picking, Pumpkin carvings, Pumpkin cookies, and Pumpkin seeds baked. Don't forget the awesome Church carnival, and trunker-treating, a night to visit and see the adults really get into the spirit of the season, while the teens try to entertain the smaller children with games and home made haunted "rooms". Then there are school parties, Halloween specials on TV. Corn mazes and Haunted Houses to visit. Last but not least the much anticipated night of Trick-or-Treating, ending with hot cider and camp fire at the bishop's house.

4th Annual Pumpkin-Carving party with our good friends, the Barkers.

The month of November is to recover from nightmares. The nightmares aren't just of scary movies, but nightmares of stomach aches, abandoned costumes strung all over the house. Nightmares of trying to remove face paint and hair dye. And the biggest Nightmare is putting back the Halloween decorations, and STUFF. I swear, I didn't get more STUFF, however it just doesn't seem to fit in the storage room anymore. I guess it will be shoved back in until sometime after Christmas, when I will "clean out and reorganize" the storage room.

What Was I Thinking!?

When it comes to keys, my brain must not comprehend the importance of them, because I have a key problem. My problem isn't loosing my keys. I automatically place them either on the key hook by the door, or in my purse. My incomprehensible key problem with my brain, is that I tend to leave my purse in my car, with my KEYS in it! I have locked my purse with my keys in my car 3 times this year, 2009. Twice Jared has come to my rescue, and once Kailey came with the trustworthy spares from home. You would think I'd learn, especially since one the times, Jared's rescue came at 3:30 in the morning. Jared, so kind hearted, and thoughtful, had had enough of my lame brain and bought me a magnetic "hide-a-key". I hadn't quite hid it yet, and unfortunately the hide-a-key was sitting in my console of the car, when my last, inconceivable, 4th time locking my keys in the car, act took place. Yes! Can you believe it!? Actually that was the first question Jared asked when I sheepishly called him. "Where's your hide-a-key?" I quitetly yet quickly responded, "Umm.....Well....I haven't hid it yet! Because I hadn't gotten around to getting another key made because I actually have to have the dealer make it, and I umm....didn't want to hide a empty hide-a-key!" Now my lame brain, produces lame excuses too! Anyway, Jared gives me an exaggerated sigh, and proceeds to ask where I am. Right then, my brain starts flash backing and I then realize, that I had the spare keys too, also locked in the car! ( BTW Jared's keys to my car ARE the spare keys). Again, I pitifully explain that, earlier I had left my purse in the car in the garage, with my keys, so just grabbed the spare. And now both sets were tucked safely away in my purse. "You are on your own, Baby!" were the comforting words Jared gave as I hung up the phone. I had no other choice but to call a lock smith.
After a hour and half wait, the locksmith showed up. I wasn't too happy, because of myself, the concern for me from my husband, and most of all the wait. The locksmith proceeded to asked me a number of questions concerning my car. I guess my annoyed look, made him confess that he was just making sure I wasn't trying to steal the car, that I wanted him to unlock for me! "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!" I have half laughed half choked up, "If I want you to help me steal a car it wouldn't be a Dodge Mini Van!" The, then scared, locksmith just shut his mouth and hurried and unlocked my door. With out any words, he thrusted over the bill. (see exhibit "A" above). I murmured something to myself about how I should get a discount because he made me wait so long, then I wrote a check and he left. That was it! 5 minutes of his time, 90 minutes of mine, and a hefty $118 down the drain, all because of my brain seems to pass over the importance of NOT leaving your purse with your keys in it, in the car, then lock it.
I hope all who reads this will learn from my Ummm....unlearned mishap.

UEA (Utah Enters Anaheim)

Yes! We did it!! Jared and I have been waiting what seems forever to have ALL our children tall enough to ride all the rides at Disneyland. Finally Porter, our youngest is tall enough! We don't like Disneyland (Sorry to anyone who is a Disney FREAK!). But unfortunately Disneyland is place that children must experience for themselves, plus they need to be able to fit into the "Ive been to Disneyland Crowd.

Yea! We are done! We've done the Family Vacation to Disneyland! Now if my children want to go back, they can choose to go on their own when they are older. Please don't judge me too hard, I just don't like crowds, and I can think of a thousand and one things I rather be spending my money on, than a over-rated, over-crowded, over-priced, place like Disneyland. I'll admit Disney goes all out on decorations, on the themes. They don't hold back for sure. And Yes, I'll also admit, it is pretty clean considering how many people go daily, and finally I'll admit the bigger, popular rides are enjoyable to ride. But one time is plenty for me. I think of Disneyland like an real expensive restaurant. Some restaurants, are decorated so great with a fun or neat atmosphere, yet the meal is just mediocre. You end up paying for the atmosphere not the meal. Instead of going Disneyland yearly, I think Jared and I will try to vacation different places, like back east or up north or down the pacific, now that our kids are old enough to really enjoy and appreciate vacations.

I think what made Disneyland fun, was that we purchased a "Ride max". Ride max is an program where plug in the rides and shows you want to see, and it mathematically give you an schedule that tells you where to go and what rides to get on at certain times to avoid long lines. We as a family used that, and it was like a scavenger hunt. We would race to beat the clock and time. We grabbed fast passes, and actually got to ride all the big rides 2 times each. We never stood in line for more than 30 min. The average Wait time was 10 min. Trying to out beat the crowds, was very challenging, entertaining, and rewarding! by the end of the day, I almost felt like I out smarted Disney! "In your face Disney...Not only did we ride all the rides, we didn't get pulled into your spell of buying stupid mickey ears, Pictures with fake characters, or $6 churros The itinerary, also recommend popular restaurants,worthwhile shows and what rides or show that aren't worth the time. Who needs a week in Disney when you can get-her-done in one day!

Ok with all that said, We did go to the beach too! We went to New Port Beach. Now there we just relaxed. At the Beach we enjoy the soft sand, fun waves and warm sun. There was fun shops to visit with great deals. You can ride your bikes down the board walks for miles, inexpensive restaurants that served yummy foods, and plenty of room everywhere!!

I think my kids enjoyed the beach just as much has Disneyland. And other than parking, it was FREE!

Hello Autumn

I'm not a real fan of fall, I know that a lot of people like the fall colors and the autumn smells in the air, I say WHATEVER! I don't like how I never know what to wear! I'm freezing in the morning, and Hot by the afternoon, I'm not sure whether to get my winter clothes out and my summer put away. There are Clothes everywhere because my family has to change clothing 2 or 3 times during the day. Besides that, my flowers are brown, and dead!

However.....I do like the harvest.

My apple tree gave me Yummy apples this year!

We went to a pumpkin patch, rode on a tractor trailer

and picked out our own pumpkins! (Note the shorts.)

Kailey bought her first car (with help from mom and dad).

And finally this fall Kelsey, Kailey and I ran in an all woman's 5k! For no training, or gearing up, I think we did pretty darn good! Kelsey ran it in 31, myself in 32, and Kailey in 33 minutes. I think we might do one every year, it was kinda fun.

I guess Fall isn't that bad!!

Oh What Did You Do In The Summer Time? (Second Verse)

Oh what did you do in the summer time,

When all the world was green?

Did you camp with cousins?

Where the fun never ends.

Up in Wy-o-o-ming?

Is that what you did?

So did I!!

Favorite Cousins..... Nick, Kailey, Hunter, and Kelsey

Campfires!!

Water Fights!!!

Horse Back Riding!
(Trey leading Porter and Robbi leading Natalie)

Lots and lots of roasted hotdogs, and marshmellows!

Natalie and Porter, riding on the trailer, pulled by Grandpa's tactor

Oh What Did You Do In The Summer Time?

Oh what did you do in the summer time,

When all the world was Green?

Did you Swim in a Pool,

To make yourself cool,

Or Swim in a lake or stream?

Is that what you did?

So did I! Kelsey, "Queen of The Air Mattress!"

Kailey, "Whale Rider!"
Natalie with Cousin Tyler
Natalie and Porter playing on the beach

Kennington Reunion "All Day At Willard Bay!"

"Cherry Hill" with Turner Friends Kailey and Kate Janalynn and Biffy
Porter waiting at Top while Jared Slides down at "Kenton's Cove"

Work Party at West Valley Centennial Pool

Natalie isn't afraid of heights! YIKES!!

Neither is Porter! There goes my Baby!

Surf n' Swim with friends, Peter and Sophie

Oh Where! Oh Where, Has My Blogging Gone?

Ok So I took the summer off of Blogging. Actually I really didn't have a choice. Having school out really messed up my routine. With kids home, I had no time for the computer, or should I say I didn't get any time ON THE computer. Now... oh wonderful, wonderful school! I have time to myself. I'm not breaking up fights, nagging about chores, driving kids from one place to another, and trying to entertain! Blessed SCHOOL! Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed my kids this summer, it's just by August, we are ALL ready to go back to school!

Natalie and Porter 1st Day of School

Porter started Kindergarten this year. My last one to finally get to go to school. Did I cry? Not quite. Actually I went Grocery Shopping and enjoyed it for once. I took my time, didn't have to detour the toy section, to get to the other side of the store, I took the time to read labels and compare prices and didn't have any surprised purchases in my cart, it was wonderful.

Tribute To The King of POP!

8th Grade

Thriller Album

Please don't laugh! This has been a nostalgic day for me! Yes! I was one of millions of girls who fell for Micheal Jackson. During my 7th and 8th grade, He was a BIG idol. He made the "MOONWALK" He made music videos historic with "Thriller", I even believe he made me addicted to Pepsi, when he made that famous hair burning commercial for Pepsi. I had 12 posters of him hung in my room, along with banners, t-shirts, and countless of buttons. I cut up every picture found of him in magazines, and pasted them to my locker. Yep! I was one of millions during the "Thriller" era of the 80's! Today I sat. I sat and surfed YouTube, and watched all the music videos he made (the only good ones from "Thriller" and "Bad" albums). I made Kailey watch most with me. She even agreed that he was much better looking BLACK! However, I grew up and by ninth grade, my dreams of Micheal, were replaced by realistic boys my age. But it was fun to realize, that Yes, I was very apart of the Michael Jackson craze of the 80's. I guess this how many of the women my parents age felt like when Elvis died. It's really too bad that Micheal Jackson got so weird in the 90's. I have to keep reminding my kids that Micheal Jackson that I loved, was a very talented singer, songwriter, and dancer. And that was 25 years ago. NOT NOW!!

My Cute Grandma!

Flat Stanley

I'm not sure if you are familiar with the "Flat Stanley" stories. About a boy who can travel to different places inside an envelope because he is FLAT. In second grade, Natalie's class sent Flat Stanley to visit someone they knew that lived far away. Natalie sent Flat Stanley to her Great Grandma Wheeler ,(my Grandma) who lives in Star Valley Wyoming. I laughed so hard to see the pictures that grandma sent back to Natalie's class. Some times I think Grandma's and Grandpa's are just so cute. My Grandma really got into this project and sent everyone in Nat's class a personal postcard. I wish I could visit with her more often. Sometimes, that's all they need, is someone to come visit. I Love You Grandma!!!

One Man's Trash Is Another Man's Teasure!

Tis the season for YARD SALES!!! I personally don't like them, however, I know people who dedicate Saturdays in search for them. When my smaller kids come home begging for money, I Immediately know there is a yard sale somewhere near by. I have come to realize that my children like hanging around these yard sales until the people are ready to be done, and start giving away stuff. By the end of the day, my children come home with such treasure!!!

Porter was so proud of this new found tresure.......until I pointed out that it had a dancing girl on it. Quickly this treasure once again became trash!! It was kinda sad to see him so disapointed. what he thought was so great, ended up not being that great after all. A lesson to be learned by all!!

Seeing and Believing

Ive heard from others, that Kelsey is a sweet, outgoing, fun, respectful, great all around teenager. I for one have not seen this in her, for many years. So you can imagine my surprise when I got a letter in the mail informing me that Kelsey was nominated as Student Of The Month at school. I think I was more excited than she was, because as her parent I got to accompany her to an award breakfast! It was awesome!!

This is more like the Kelsey I know. Actually this is her dressed up in some 80's get-up for spirit week at school. Really? I mean REALLY? Hey I'm straight from the 80's and I don't quite remember looking like this. I told Kelsey she only had to wear an "I LOVE MICHEAL JACKSON" t-shirt or button, and that would be good enough. I do remember however, the Big Permed Hair-Do's, baggy sweat shirts, stirrup pants, Layered socks with converse, and tapered pants. Florescent came and went really fast, along with mini skirts. But if you had a Member's Only jacket, Op shorts, IZOD pollo, or Jordache jeans, you were really cool!

Of course there weren't cell phones, in fact not even cordless phones. Everyone just had LONG cords so we could go into other rooms if we wanted privacy. Talking on the phone was a favorite pass time, I can see that has somewhat stayed the same, except that it's texting now.

Yes! I had many of perms, and used lots and lots and lots of hair spray. Oh and you can't forget the "wrap-around" braces that most of us had to wear for 2 or more years. Kid's today don't even know how good they have it!!!

Easter Break and Break Easter Traditions

The day of matching Easter Dress is now in the pass. I grew up having to match Easter Dresses with my sisters, and having girls myself, carried on the tradition. Yes, some years were difficult finding matching dresses, but I did it! Today........NO MORE!! My teenagers REFUSE to match anymore! What?!!? I was heart broken, yet if you have teenagers, you know that some things are not worth arguing over, so yes, I gave in. In fact I gave Kailey the car keys and credit card and said "take your sister's and go pick your own dresses this year!" Hum...I've got to say it was one less thing I had to worry about, and kinda nice!

Dying Easter eggs too has kinda changed. Yes all the kids had their eggs, and decorated them the way they wanted, however, again the teenagers changed the tradition, of letting the "Easter Bunny take the eggs to hide, so they could find their own decorated eggs in the morning. Instead my two teens decided to cracked their eggs open as soon as they were dyed, and made egg salad sandwiches. I was miffed! Why did they even bother dying them? I know I too, was a teenager, yet I can't seem to understand my own.

For one day of our Easter Break, We decided to go up to Daddy's stomping grounds. He showed us all around the campus of the University of Utah. We went to the History Museum, and then to a favorite student hangout, "The Pie" for lunch.

porter running from the dinosaur. (he thought that was way funny)

Natalie inside a bubble of an aquarium

Kelsey and Kailey next to a Wolf. (they were hoping it was Jacob from Twilight)

Kailey and Kelsey sitting on a large Dinosaur Bone.

"Ketchup" Anyone?

Ok It's been a month since my last entry. So I'll try and "Ketchup" (hee, hee, hee).

I'll be serious. What a month. Not too exciting, just busy, busy, busy!! So I'll not bore you with endless reading, I'll just "reader digest" the high lights!

March 15th-18 I went on a Girl Friend Retreat! BFF's

since 2nd grade, Wendy, Laura and I drove down south to St. George for our 2nd annual get away. We stayed in Wendy's Condo, and Relaxed! No cooking, No cleaning, No Time table. Just pure relaxation. We went to an all day spa and got massages, facials, and pedicures. We ate out, laid by the pool, swam, shopped, and even hit the movies. Money was running out, and we soon realized we'd have to come back to reality. I can't wait until next year!!

Let's Go Fly a Kite!

The weather has been crazy. One day it is 70 degrees, next day it will have snowed. March was quite unpredictable, however, there was one warm, breezy Saturday that was perfect to fly kites. Of course Porter was the only one that had a kite. Kelsey took charge, and Porter and her went out to the field behind us, to fly the kite. It went straight up, Flew, and ran out of string quickly........then flew away! The whole kite-flying experience lasted almost 5 minutes!

When It rains, you paint!!

Yea! One of my Goals this year was to paint my up stairs. I did it!! well...I painted the Living room, foyer, and hall way. I didn't get the kitchen, or my bedroom, but after the Living room, I think those other rooms will be next years project. Special thanks to Jared and Biffy for all their help, although I still think I need to paint the front door. They both voted against that. Ellie the dog, decided to be a cat and observe the painting while laying on the back of the sofa. Weird Dog!

Rare Moments!

that's all I need to say...

Lived, Laughed, Loved

In Loving Memory of My Sister Bonnie

May 1, 1975- March 15, 2008

Never Forgotten

May the bond we shared as sisters

Bring you peace when days get long.

May the love you heard in my voice

Be a warm and soothing song.

May the memories of our childhood

Fill your heart with strength and love.

May God's promise of the future

Bring warm assurance from above.

It's been one year since Bonnie died. It has been a difficult year. Anyone who has lost a loved one will know the feelings of the "First____________" without them. I have felt Bonnie's love and closeness many times. I have known she has had her hand in many decisions and situations. I am comforted to know that she is in a happier place, she is where she needs to be and doing much work. Because of my testimony of the Gospel, I know I will see her some day and will have a much anticipated and joyous reunion with her.

I love you Bonnie!

There has not been a day this last past year that I have not thought of you! Slowly my heart continues to mend. I have tried to replace the memory of that tragic day, one year ago, to random memories of happier times spent with you. A long journey still faces me and those who are left behind, I know we must endure and carry on without you. It uplifts me to know that you are here with me in spirit,

Living with, Laughing at, and loving me always,

until we see each other again.

Should It Stay Or Should It Go NOW?!

Tuesday's Top Ten

Reasons why Winter must Go!

#10 reason why winter must go....I can't Wait to change heavy coats for jackets,snow boots for regular shoes, and no more wet melted snow on the floors, from them both.
#9 reason why winter must go.....I don't snow ski. I don't care about "FRESH POWDER"!
#8 reason why winter must go.....I hate driving in it.
#7 reason why winter must go.....Ugly debris on the sides of roads, that was covered up by the snow.

#6 reason why winter must go...maybe it will get warm enough for occupants of this home to venture out and take down not only Christmas decor, but also last year Fall Decor! (HELLO! it's now march!)

#5 reason why winter must go....People who opt. to keep their Christmas lights up, yet let them come loose, thus having to watch them dangle and sway in the wind. (unkempt, hung Christmas lights)

#4 reason why winter must go....Dirty, ugly side snow, that just won't melt!

#3 reason why winter must go.....Pot Holes!!

#2 reason why winter must go....Being toilet papered in the winter really SUCKS to clean up!

#1 reason why winter must go....My spring Flowers are coming out!!!

Wednesday's Words

Words With Jared

Setting: Janalynn sitting in her favorite chair reading a book. Jared walks in and suddenly stops.

Jared: "Stop doing that, you're turning me on."

(Janalynn looks up with a confused look on her face)

Janalynn: (replies with annoyance in her voice) "I'm not doing anything!"

Jared: (in a serious voice) "I know, and it's working!"

(Jared then leaves the room. Janalynn goes back to reading, smiling inwardly.)

Yes! Really, this is how Jared is. I think one of his goals in life is to make me laugh or at least smile. He is seldom in a bad mood, and is always quick witted, with sharp, funny or make you think, come backs. For example if he happens to call me on his way home from work, he'll ask me how my day was. If I say it was awful and I'm in a bad mood, his typical response would be, "YES! I can't Wait to get home!" (in a serious and excited voice). If I ask him if if he loves me, he'll sometimes respond, "For the moment." or something along those lines. People who don't know him, don't know how to take his humor. But those who do, either avoid his sarcasm, or try to out wit him. You would never guess that he was very Romantic and writes the best love poems and letters. Of course I'm the only one who knows that!!!

It's Great Being "8"

"It's Great Being A Girl"

Natalie Turned 8 this month. What an exciting age! She is at an age where dressing up, doing hair, and dreaming about make-up is always happening. So I decided to throw her a "Make-Over" party. First the girls ate pizza, then decorated make-up bags with hearts, flowers, jewels and their names.

Afterwards the mirrors were brought out, curling irons plugged in, make-up was divided up and the show was on. When all the girls hair done, nails and faces, painted, a game was played like musical chairs. If you were left without a star, you chose a number, and dressed up according to that number. (The dress-ups were bagged with numbers).

Their final number was was a fashion show, lip-sinc, dance performance all in one, to the song "So What, I'm a Rock Star" by pink. What a sight to behold. I was proud and entertained at the same time. It was a fairly easy party to do, and I think the girls enjoyed it!!

(special thanks to Linda Ford for providing the props!)

You Say It's Your Birthday....

It's My Birthday Too!

Jared sent me on a wild scavenger hunt for my Birthday! He loves surprises and making me work for them. Too be honest it's really frustrating, not to mention I'm not too good at puzzles. I scanned his clues. If you could figure them out without help, I'll consider you a genus. All I can say is that I'm grateful for cell phones. I had to call Jared at every clue, except #4.

Clue #1 was the library
Clue #2 was the Book title "flower children"
Clue #3 was Jared's Aunt Lorna
Clue #4 was Smith's Grocery Store Customer Service Booth
Clue #5 was the home of our good friend's the Turners.

It was a fun and eventful night. First, because I took so long figuring out the clues, we had to RUSH to Pei Wei to eat. We snarfed our food down only to run out to the car and find out that we had locked our keys in the car!! We had to call Kailey to come bring the extra set to us. Afterwards we drove to Hale Theater to watch the 2nd half of "Cash on Delivery". Last but not least. We stopped at Leatherbys for Ice cream. All in all it was a fun Birthday! Too bad we locked the keys in the car and missed the first half of the play, however, memorable night and great company made it all worth another Birthday!!!
(side note: I told Biffy NOT to let Jared throw me a Surprise Party...she did her best!)