Speaking of Janalynn....

October

2010-10-30T19:32:00.007-06:00

October Highlights and Traditions

UEA trip to Cedar Breaks Canyon and Brian Head Ski resort in Parawan Uath, with Uncle Bill, Aunt Chris and Uncle Chuck and the Zito cousins. Thanks to Uncle Bill's connections, we got to stay in a nice condo for 3 days and see the beautiful sights, hike some trails and take a trip down to St. George for the day while the men played golf. It was very nice weather and a lot of fun!

Uncle Bill with Natalie and Porter Looking over the Cedar Breaks

Fun, Fun, Cousins.

Zach, Ammon, Landon, Caleb, Porter, Natalie and Lily.

Crazy Hair Day at School.

Annual Pumpkin Carving with our Good Friends, the Barker Family. Sidney, Kelsey, Katie, Liz Olivia, Eddie, Kennedy, Porter, and Natalie

School Parties, and Carnivals. Natalie was Medusa at school, and a Ginnie at the School Carnival, Ward Halloween party and Trunker-Treating, and Trick-or-Treating. Porter was a Vampire at school and carnival, and Star Wars Jedi fighter for the ward party and Trick-or-Treating.

Face Painting at the Ward Halloween Party
lLast but not least, Janalynn Cuts her finger with scissors

while making Halloween crafts and has to gets 2 stitches

Fact or Fiction Friday

2010-10-01T12:44:00.002-06:00

Fact or Fiction: Now that I have all my kids in school, and it's just me home during the days, my House stays clean. FICTION!

I've been accused of being the messiest in the house, of course, I would just roll my eyes every time Jared or the girls would say that. However, the other day, I looked around and thought, "how did this house get so messy? I'm the only one home today?" Then all of a sudden a sick feeling came over me, I then realized that they were right! I was the messy one!
In defense......I like to do projects when I'm alone so no one will interrupt me. Unfortunately, my projects can get out of hand, or the projects gets strung all over the house. I do NOT clean house when I am doing my projects.

Funny Words Wednesday

2010-09-29T12:53:00.000-06:00

Jared is a BIG UTE fan. He is an minority in our neighborhood. My kids love and want to support Jared with the love for the UTES, however, I think pier pressure is getting to them....

Porter:"Dad did you usesta like BYU when you were little?"

Jared: "Yes, then I grew up."

Porter: "Does that mean when I grow up, I wont like the UTES, and like BYU?"

Jared pretended not to hear him after that question. LOL!!!

Jared Trying to look like "Kip" from Napoleon Dynamite. I just think he looks like a Nerdy UTE fan.

Rocker Bottoms

2010-09-23T13:10:00.001-06:00

Rocker Bottoms.....

No it's not the newest, or hottest underwear. They are new, but definitely not hot. You might know them as, "Sketchers Shape ups".

Because of my ankle and my brace that I have to wear, I was told by my Doctor, that I needed to start wearing Rocker Bottoms, like Sketcher's Shape-Up Shoe, so my hips and knees don't start getting out of line from wearing a brace. I laughed, he didn't. So Kailey and I headed to the mall. I think the sketchers are UGLY! I couldn't get myself to spend $100 on ugly shoes. Then I found them...They were almost love at first sight and they were only $70 and not nearly as ugly. They had the rocker-bottom sole that was required and that I could live with. YEAH! I bought them! And now I can walk almost normal, and without pain! I found them at the store, Trendhome. They carry a lot of orthopedic shoes and top brands shoes made for comfort at this store! Your favorite store might be American Egale, or Kohles, but mine is Trendhome. Now if AVIA can make a Rocker Bottom Shoe that I can were to church. BTW. as for toning my calves, I still haven't seen a difference in them, they are comfortable, but not really a workout.

Trends: Same thing, new name.

2010-09-14T13:44:00.004-06:00

Silly Bands!

Past: They were called "Jelly Bracelets

Natalie just informed me the other day that they aren't "IN" anymore...that was a fast trend!

How about "skinny jeans"? Past: "tapered jeans",

"Beach wave curls"...Past: Perm

Kelsey doesn't believe me that I used to wear Vans. (same name too)!

Today, "Mini Van" Past: "Station Wagon"

And yes, I had to drive one, and Kelsey refuses to drive the family mini van. Nothing has changed there, just the name.

Good 'ol Blogging

2010-09-02T18:11:00.005-06:00

So I see I haven't Blogged since last April! WOW!

So little Time, So little Patience, So little space, So Little has really happened!!!!

Just the good ol' Summertime! And the the wonderful beginning of School!

I now have the computer to myself ALL DAY!

Some Highlights, and pictures worth showing....

Family 5k. We won 3rd place!

(7 families competed)

Kelsey got her wisdom extracted! LOL!!

Kailey Graduated from Layton High School!

I said Good-Bye to wonderful friends at Wells Fargo Bank.

Kids started school!
And of course there was a lot of playing and laying in the SUN!

Bag the Boutonnier

2010-05-06T17:02:00.002-06:00

With two teenage girls, I have had to buy plenty of boutonnieres for school dances. This last dance, Prom, I routinely did my duty and ordered Kelsey's boutonniere for her date. I went to a place (I wont mention the business) that we have had boutonnieres made for us before. They took my order, and two days later (the day of the dance), I went to pick up the flower. When I saw the flower, I about came undone! (it didn't help that I only had 3 hours of sleep the night before from working late). This boutonniere was UGLY!! I said to the girl exact words, "This is the ugliest boutonniere I have ever seen, and I'm Not going to pay $11.50 for 1 rose a leaf found on the ground and wire!" The girl and I proceeded to have a stare off. Kelsey was of course mortified! Finally the girl asked, "What do you want me to do about it?", in a not too happy voice. I told her I wanted a new boutonniere. I didn't want a dead leaf, I wanted fern-like leaves, babies breath and ribbon, and to make sure that the wire was covered with floral tape. The sales girl took my ugly flower and crumbled it in her palm right in front of me and then said, "We try to make our boutonnieres different and not so OUT DATED". I think she wanted me to come behind the counter and make a new one myself. I would of too, if she had suggested it. I'm not a florist, but I think anyone could have made a nicer boutonniere, and since when did boutonnieres that looked nice go out of style? So I commented, "I don't care if it looks out dated, I just want it to look nice and not so ugly." I then told her I'd be back in a couple of hours to pick up the new one, then I flipped my head high and walked out not looking back! When I went back the MUCH nicer looking boutonniere was on the counter with my name on it. Since I had already paid, I just picked it up and left, hopefully never to see that young gal again! A man was the one who made our boutonnieres before, he wasn't there this time. I have a feeling that this girl was the one who actually made this ugly one and I had offended her. Oh well! She was young and she didn't have ANY customer service skills. I think next time, I'll try to make my own boutonniere. Kelsey agreed the boutonniere was ugly, and although she was embarrassed, she thanked me for getting a new one. The things mother's have to do for their children. Don't mess with mama bear, especially when she's tired!!!

Kelsey and Max Prom 2010

I love you Grandma Wheeler!

2010-04-18T16:18:00.001-06:00

This is the Vault that will be placed over Grandma's Coffin.

Grandma Wheeler's Daughter (my mom), granddaughters, and great granddaughters and
Porter.

Wednesday, April 7th, My only living grandparent died. It was sad, however a good thing. My Grandma fell the week before, and when she was taken to the hospital, they told her she was in Kidney failure. It was a surprise to everyone. They sent her home to be with her family and said it wouldn't be long. Exactly one week later, she left us to return home. She is now with Grandpa, her loving Husband of 66 years, and my sister Bonnie. She didn't suffer,and she had her family arround her. She lived a great life. 4 children (my mom her only daughter). All 3 of her sons and all her grandsons had served missions, and everyone of her grandchildren had been married in the temple. She and my Grandpa had served 3 missions together. And she was without grandpa for only 2 1/2 year. Natalie started calling her "Grandma Willow" (she got it from Disney's Pocahontas) when she was just tiny and the name stuck. She helped Natalie with the Flat Stanley Project one year ago. I blogged about my cute grandma then too. We sure will miss her!

Grandma and Grandpa Wheeler with me as a baby.

Teenagers VS Matching Easter Dresses

2010-04-03T15:50:00.000-06:00

Last year, my teenage daughters refused to wear matching Easter dresses, so I let them pick out their own unique dress for themselves. This Easter, I MADE our Easter dresses. LOL!! I told them if they wanted a new spring dress I was going to make it since I got a new sewing machine for Christmas. So that's just what I did. I finally cracked open my new sewing machine, and set up shop!! Yes I made us all matching skirts, however since General Conference was on Easter this year, we didn't get a chance to actually wear them on Easter. The following week Easter was all but forgotten, and I had to practically get down on hands and knees and beg the girls to wear their dresses. After some fake tears, and hope-you-feel-guilty, words, I finally got my way. Last year they said no to matching dresses, this year I thought if they wanted a dress bad enough they would agree to match, however next year, I have a feeling that they rather have no dress than have matching dresses, especially if I make them! I think the days of matching Easter dresses are over!

For some reason Dying Easter Eggs is still fun for teenagers,

just not wearing matching dresses.

Two Years Missing Bonnie!

2010-03-31T13:10:00.004-06:00

May 1, 1975 - March 14, 2008

This Year, on the Anniversary of my sister Bonnie's passing, Our family met at her grave site and sent yellow balloons with messages tied or written on them, into the air. It was a bitter sweet site to see us all there with our yellow balloons. This was my sister Annette's idea. It was so neat, that I think we will make it a tradition each year to meet and remember Bonnie.

I miss Bonnie so much. Time has defiantly healed a lot of the pain, but the longing for her company has deepened. I find myself still wanting to call and ask Bonnie for her opinion or advice on something. I still catch myself planning out my Fridays with her. I find things that I know Bonnie would love or hate. I hear her laugh whenever I do something funny or absent minded. I especially long for her hilarious stories. Life has gone on, but there will always be a part of my life that will long for and miss Bonnie.

Jared's Been Redeemed!

2010-03-19T12:58:00.001-06:00

Valentines, 5 days after my Birthday. Jared took me into Salt Lake for the day. We had a progressive lunch with soup and salad at Market Street Grill, Pizza at Balitoli's and dessert at the Wild Grape. It was a lot of fun. Plus the balloons on the garage made me the envy of the neighborhood. (The balloons were the decoration from the Jr. High's Valentines Dance, that Jared brought home.) Jared makes me laugh. One of the many reasons I love him!!!

Pizza for my Birthday!!

2010-03-12T13:07:00.000-07:00

Birthday? What Birthday?

Ok so this year I only turned 39! And yes, I've been so busy that I really didn't have time to celebrate my birthday anyway! But I expected SOMETHING nice from Jared. He called me from school, and asked how my birthday was. I had received many Tex's from well wishers, thanks to Jared who sent a Tex out to remind my friends to Tex me a Happy Birthday. My cell went off all day. I took a long nap (my favorite pass time) so I missed most of them. I told Jared when he called that I didn't want to make dinner. Kailey was working , and Kelsey was going babysitting, so it was only going to be us, Natalie and Porter. I was in the mood for Hawaiian Pizza, I'm the only one in the family who likes Hawaiian but since it was my birthday, I suggested that Jared bring home Hawaiian pizza. When Jared got home. He opened the pizza box to reveal ONE SLICE OF HAWAIIAN PIZZA, and nothing else. I was speechless. Jared was so excited! He explained that there was a student Body officers party (he's over the SBO's) and there happen to be one slice of Hawaiian pizza left that no one wanted, and when I said on the phone that I wanted a Hawaiian pizza for my Birthday dinner, he couldn't believe his luck!! I asked what he and the kids were going to eat, he said he would fix them cereal. So I had one, left over, slice of Hawaiian Pizza! Happy Birthday to ME!!

I told Jared that he was off the hook this year for my birthday, but NEXT year for my 40th.......

Thanks to Biffy, and my Parents for treating me to Lunch and Dinner the next day for my birthday. And at the family Birthday party, sister Suez gave me a fun clock (I collect clocks) and I got some cash from sister Annette and Parents, which I treated myself to a pedicure and nails.

Kailey took this picture before she left for work. My birthday afternoon nap. Natalie, Porter and Ellie dog joined me, they watched TV while I snoozed!

Cankle Ankle YUK!!

2010-03-09T13:52:00.003-07:00

So Everyone knows that I broke my ankle 4 years ago. I have had 5 surgery's on my ankle since. I have a brace to wear whenever I workout. I'm fine if I wear it for a very short time, however if I wear it longer than a hour or so I have a allergic reaction. In January that's just what I did. It felt so good on, that I forgot I had my brace on, and wore it the whole day! Two trips to the dermatologist, and 3 weeks of Predizone, and 6 weeks of intense itching, I finally rid my rash. Now I have to wear a leather brace, that I have to have specially made.

Warning: The following image may be upsetting to leg and ankle lovers.

2009 review in March!

2010-03-05T11:33:00.006-07:00

It is now March! I really did think about blogging in January and February. I have been quite busy. I think since January I have visited the dentist 6 times, and the doctors 5 times, Have had been sick myself 2 times, and have nursed Porter 2 times, Natalie 2 times, Kailey 2 times and Kelsey 1 time. Ok so maybe not quite nurse Kailey and Kelsey except 1 doctor visit, and a few trips to Wal-mart for sprite and cold remedies. Jared got food poison from a pilly sandwich.
So I reviewed my 2009 goals. I did pretty good.
*I wanted to get out of debt. I paid off a overdraft, and 2 credit cards. Not out of debt yet, but other than a BIG dentist bill paid on credit, I didn't crew any new debt! YEA!!
*I wanted to paint up stairs! With the help of my good friend, Biffy and awesome husband Jared, We got the living room, hall, and entry way painted. I also changed decor so now my living room looks updated Yea! (didn't touch kitchen...too overwhelming).
*I wanted to make a memory book for sister Bonnie.....I collected all the pictures so I've started.
*I wanted to read the Book of Mormon again. Um.....I've read plenty of passages.
*I wanted to go to the temple more often. Yea! I made every month except August and December!
*I wanted to unspoil Porter... still in progress. Little easier now that he is in Kindergarten.
*I wanted to spoil Jared more...I think I forgot about this one.
*Oh and I wanted to give up Pepsi. Well I have a Pepsi next to me as I type so defiantly No on that one!

So, I see some of my goals for 2009 are still in progress, and are still awesome goals to continue this year. So for 2010 I'm keeping the same goals, except This year I will paint the kitchen, maybe.

9 FAVORITES OF 2009

1. FOOD Pei Wei Mongolian chicken over lo mien noodles

2 BOOK "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" by, MaryAnn Saffer

3. MOVIE "Blindside"

4. TV SHOW "The Office"

5. PASS TIME Sleeping or Working in the yard

6. EVENT Natalie's Baptism

7. SONG "Show Me What I'm Looking For" by, Carolina Liar

8. TIME Thursday nights with Jared

9. ACCOMPLISHMENT Cash only purchases.

I think I remember the month of December....

2010-02-19T14:17:00.003-07:00

Great Grandpa Fawson

Christmas time was a blur. I did take pictures to prove to myself that a lot took place, just in case I forgot. My wonderful "U" that I made and displayed in my yard was good natured vandalized twice. The second time the culprit was caught and a confession was made admitting to both incidents. (Jared is a master of "getting back", Biffy can verify that). I can't waite until April Fool's Day!

I started Christmas shopping in the fall, hit the sales after thanksgiving and ended up not getting enough, getting too much, returning some, exchanging some and saving some, for birthdays. No matter how hard I try, I think I'll never get it right. The older the kid gets the harder it is to buy for. They have to make a difficult decision weather to get one pricey gift or few inexpensive gifts, weather to have cash or items, or the decision to pick out their presents themselves or be surprised. While I have to deal with the decision of the teenagers, I have a 8 year old who has her suspicions, yet WILL NOT admit to anything about Santa Claus (I believe she thinks she will hurt my feelings if she is found out to knowing). Then my baby who is 6 can't understand why Santa gives different toys to everyone, why he will give a lot more toys to some boys who he KNOWS he's been better than. And why can't Santa just give him everything he asks for?

I bought myself a sewing machine. Jared bought himself a golf club. I bought him new temple clothes, while Iron Chief Jared (he likes to cook and watches the food network a lot) bought me a new set of pots and pans! I hate to cook. I'm sure glad he is enjoying my Christmas present, I would hate to return them for something I wanted! Last year it was a new set of knives. I still don't have a clue what knife is used for cutting certain things.

The traditional "White Elephant" game played at the Kennington's Christmas Party

Cousin Lindsey went all out on decorations!

I vaguely remember a few parties squeezed in the month. One was at Jared's work. I meet his principal, and few teachers and their families. I thought it was nice that the school paid for dinner and a free 8X10 picture for the family. Another party was the ward. It was a breakfast. I'm not a morning person, and I think I actually missed that one. I do remember making salads all month long, so I know I must of been assigned to bring a salad to a party or two. And of course I do remember going to both family parties. Same fun loving people each year, with the same traditional games, and food. The only difference is everyone is getting older and bigger.

The traditional "Nativity Story" was played out. All the cousins are getting so big. No one to play Baby Jesus!

The three youngest played our shepherds. Hayden (middle) said he was a German Shepherd.

The Lawler Christmas party at Uncle Bills. Lots of Laughs, Food and games.

Merry Christmas to "U"

2009-12-09T19:53:00.002-07:00

Max Hall Hates Me!
Some years I really get into the spirit of Christmas. I guess this year is one of them! Thanks Dad for helping me cut the wood. I know it must of been hard making a "U" instead of a "Y"!

2 down and 2 to Go!

2009-12-07T19:39:00.000-07:00

Got this year's "Santa Visit" done. I can cross that one off my list. My kids called him "Not the real Santa, he is just Santa's helper, because the real Santa is home still making toys!" So here is a picture with "Santa's Helper"! (The Fake Santa). Only Natalie and Porter still need to see Santa to be sure to get their wish list in. I think by next year I'll have 3 down, and only 1 left, then my, To Do List..."Visit Santa" will be no more!

"Ah C'mon! Really?"

2009-11-27T12:19:00.000-07:00

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

2009-11-05T13:21:00.004-07:00

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!?

2009-10-23T14:05:00.003-06:00

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)

2009-10-16T14:51:00.006-06:00

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

2009-10-01T16:19:00.003-06:00

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)

2009-09-20T16:11:00.000-06:00

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?

2009-09-20T14:52:00.002-06:00

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?

2009-09-10T14:07:00.003-06:00

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.

2009-09-09T16:32:00.000-06:00

Tribute To The King of POP!

2009-06-26T16:41:00.005-06:00

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!

2009-06-03T20:05:00.006-06:00

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!

2009-05-24T19:58:00.003-06:00

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

2009-05-14T20:05:00.004-06:00

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

2009-04-19T21:17:00.004-06:00

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?

2009-04-12T08:35:00.011-06:00

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

2009-03-15T16:04:00.009-06:00

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?!

2009-03-10T14:23:00.009-06:00

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

2009-02-25T09:40:00.001-07:00

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"

2009-02-22T11:06:00.005-07:00

"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....

2009-02-15T08:14:00.003-07:00

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!)

Super, and Not So Super!

2009-02-07T10:47:00.000-07:00

Super Bowl Sunday (Church got out at 5:30, so we DVR-ed the game)

Super Friends (2nd annual party, I think it will be now a tradition)

Super Dinner and Snacks (Biffy made dinner, the rest brought snacks.)

Super Games (gals played board games, stopped for commercials, while the men watched the Football Game)

Not-So- Super Bowl Game (we were all rooting for the underdog, the Cardinals. By the last quarter, we were all on pins and needles!! Congrats to the Steeler Team and Fans.)

100 Days of School

2009-02-06T11:48:00.004-07:00

This year in 2nd grade at Heritage Elementary they celebrated the 100 days of school, not by bringing 100 items to count during math (thank you! I always stress over finding something for the kids to bring that was unique, yet wouldn't be eaten by the time they needed it at school). They celebrated it by dressing up as if they were 100 years old. I thought this was a fun and different way. Kids love to dress up and Natalie really got into it. Hat's off to the 2nd grade teachers at Heritage!!

(Side note to all parents: This means that the school year is more than half over. School is only 180 days a year! YIKES!!!)

Thursday Thought and Theory

2009-02-05T19:56:00.004-07:00

Thought: How many things do our children learn from us through example, or simpling by telling them?

This thought came to me the other day. This time of year, we all hear coughing and sneezing on a regular bases. My son Porter is no exception. I noticed a while back that whenever he sneezed, he would bless himself. "Bless me"., he would say. I of course thought that it was a cute response and never corrected him that someone else should be the one blessing him. However, like I said the other day I got thinking, how come he blesses himself? He didn't learn that through example of anyone I knew. The more I thought about it, I soon realized that young children not only learn from our example, but also by what we tell them to say or do. Often they don't know why we tell them to do things, they just do it. For example I have seen parents, myself included, tell a child to "wave good-bye" or "Say your sorry." And other small demands that will teach children. So I can't help wonder if that is why Porter says "Bless me." whenever he sneezes. Instead of me teaching through example which was intended, he was taught through a demand. "A-choo!" From Porter, I would then respond, "Bless You!" Porter's young mind then formed what I had just said as a demand. Therefore he soon learned that whenever he sneezed he should bless himself because that was what he was taught to do.

So I wonder...Why is it so hard for a teenager to learn the same way? Why can't they just take your small demands and just do what we say without asking questions, and just do it?

Wednesday's Words with Ellie (my dog)

2009-01-28T21:50:00.000-07:00

Setting: Janalynn has just peeled an orange and sits down to eat it. Ellie the dog comes mosey in. Instantly she sees that Janalynn has something in her hand, and whatever it is, it is making it's way up and into her mouth. Instantly she goes from "woe is me" attitude, to, "I'm getting me some of that". (Actually it's pretty hard to tell facial expression on a Basset Hound).

Janalynn:(a little irritated) No Ellie! You wont like it! So stop begging and leave me alone!

Janalynn: (resignation in her voice) Ok, but I promise you wont like it!
(Janalynn holds the orange just above Ellie. Ellie jumps as high as she possibly can, maybe 5 inches off the floor, to snag the orange slice. She sits then spits it out. Sniffs at the orange, looks at the orange. Pushes the orange with her nose. Then finally leaves the orange and returns to Janalynn).

Janalynn: (frustration and disbelief in her voice) "Really Ellie!!?! C'mon, It's the exact same thing I just gave you, and you obviously hated it!!

9 Goals for 2009

2009-01-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

Me and my dog Ellie (I got her for my Birthday in 2008)

9 Goals I want to Accomplish in 2009

Listening to a lot of experts on how to accomplish goals, I was repetitively told NOT to make too hard or unrealistic goals, that would be impossible to achieve. So this list was very hard to come up with, but I managed to come up with 9. I figured that being "Being more healthy" was a given, so didn't even bother listing that goal, because for as long as I can remember, that has been my ongoing goal.

1. Get out of debt (Pay off my credit card)

2. Take the kids to Dreaded Disneyland (I have a phobia of Disney-anything)

3. Paint and Redecorate my entire upstairs (ok maybe just livingroom, entry, and possibly kitchen)

4. Make a Memory Book of my Sister Bonnie

5. Read the BofM and D&C again

6. Visit the Temple more often (I'm trying for at least once a month)

7. Give up Pepsi (at least cut back)

8.To unspoil Porter (this one will by my hardest)

9. To spoil Jared (this one will be easy)

Wish me Luck!!

Favorite 8 of 2008

2009-01-17T17:08:00.002-07:00

8 Favorites of 2008

8 Favorite Books read in 2008
1."Jackdaws" by Ken Follett
2."Austinland" by Shannon Hale
3."The Other Boleyn Girl" by Gregory Philippa
4."Innocent Traitor" by Alison Wier
5."Hornet Flight" by Ken Follett
6."A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Hosseini Khaled
7."Cane River" by Tademy Lelita
8."The Host" by Stephanie Meyer

8 Favorite Activities in 2008
1.Playing games with friends
2.Shopping with daughters
3.Surf'n Swim with kids
4.Lunches with girlfriends
5.Going to the Temple with mom and Sister
6.UofU game with friends
7.Working in my Flower Bed
8.Saturday dates with Jared

8 Favorite Foods I ate alot of during 2008
1. Cafe' Rio Salads
2. Pei Wei Mongolian Chicken
3. Rooster's Ravioli
4. California Kitchen's Thai Salad
5. Maverick's Cheesy Bread
6. Campbell's' Chunky New England Clam Chowder
7. Turkey and Swiss Hoggie sandwiches
8. Home Grown Garden Tomatoes

8 Favorite Purchases in 2008
1. New Furnace and Central Air
2. Basset Hound named Ellie
3. American Eagle Jeans
4. Tires for Jared's Car
5. Area Rug for my Living room
6. Leather Couch, Chair and Ottoman
7. Custom made Mother's Ring
8. Camera

8 Favorite Songs in 2008
1. Shattered, by O.A.R
2. Stop and Stare, by One Republic
3. Calling You, by Blue October
4. Apologize, by Timbaland
5. Rise Above, This by Seether
6. Viva La Vida, by Cold Play
7. Paralyzer, by Finger Eleven
8. Pork and Beans, by Weezer

Wednesday's Wall Words

2009-01-14T20:12:00.011-07:00

Wednesday's Wall Words With Daughter Kailey

setting: I'm downstairs watching a movie. Kailey yells down to me.

Kailey: "Bye Mom, I'm going."
Janalynn: "Be sure to check in."
Kailey: "I will!"

(three hours later, Kailey returns home)

Kailey: "I'm Home"
Janalynn: "How come you didn't check in?"
Kailey: "I did!"
Janalynn: "No you didn't"
Kailey: "Yes, I did!"
Janalynn: "Don't you think I'd know if you checked in with me?"
Kailey: "Don't you ever read your text messages?"

(Janalynn goes upstairs and down the hall into a back bedroom where her cell phone is on it's charger, because unlike all teenagers, Janalynn does NOT carry her cell phone on her body at all times. Janalynn checks her cell phone. Cell phone has little picture of envelope floating across screen.)

Cell Phone Text from Kailey's cell phone says: just checking in

Tuesday's Top Ten

2008-12-30T19:30:00.002-07:00

My Top 10 Favorite Christmas Party Photos
(2 different parties, Jared's family's and my family's Christmas Parties)

#10 My Sister Susan and I (she's 10 years older than me, doesn't she look great?)

#9 Jared and Uncle Rick acting like....well like Jared and Uncle Rick

#8 Cousin Zach holding Natalie "Hostage" during the Charades game.

#7 Aunt Robbi showing us a Yoga move during the game, Charades

#6 Aunt Lorina sitting on Santa's Lap

#5 Uncle Tom getting a Barbie Doll in the game, "Santa Spilled his Bag"

#4 Kelsey getting Great Grandma's False Teeth as a Gag Gift

#3 Cousin Hayden giving Porter a Hug

#2 Porter with Keven and Lucy. Porter wearing Mr. Potato Head Santa's Beard and mustache

#1 Jared and I enjoying a party together

The Mom Song

2008-12-26T00:37:00.001-07:00

Wednesday's Words For MOMS!

2008-12-26T00:00:00.001-07:00

Christmas Has come at last. I saw this video over a year ago and my good friend Becky e-mailed it along with a Mom's letter to Santa. This mom is my Hero and pretty much sums up my life as a mom especially this month.

Dear Santa,
I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my own doctor, sold sixty-two cases of candy bar s to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground. I was hoping you could spread my list out -- over several Christmases.
Since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles; and who knows when I'll find any more free time in the next 18 years, so now - -

*** Here are my Christmas wishes ***

* I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (-in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze; but are strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle in the grocery store.

* I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy.

* If you're hauling big-ticket items this year, I'd like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music; a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.

* On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, 'Yes, Mommy' to boost my parental confidence, along with two kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.

* I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting, 'Don't eat in the living room' and 'Take your hands off your brother,' because my voice seems to be just out of my childrens hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.

* If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.

*If you don't mind, I could also use a few miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely.

*It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family.

Well, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing, and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his red crayon back. Have a safe trip Santa, and remember to leave your wet boots by the door, and come in and dry off, so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table, but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.
Yours always with love and appreciation,
A Mom

P.S. One more thing . . You can cancel all my requests, if you can keep my children 'young' enough to believe in Santa.

To All You Moms out there...
I hope you had a very Merry Christmas!!!

Tuesday's Top Ten

2008-12-23T23:20:00.000-07:00

Top Ten Christmas Memories
#10 Watching mom and dad make homemade fudge (the only time I ever saw them frustrated with each other)
#9 Grandmas Christmas Train. Still a favorite with my kids
#8 The only Christmas where Santa came early and we had to wait down stairs while he unloaded his gifts. Then we opened as soon as he left around midnight. We never did that again.
#7 Caroling with the young men and women on a tractor pulling trailer through the streets.
#6 Caroling with the family with home made chimes
#5 Riding on the sled behind Grandpa's Tractor, up into the canyon to find Christmas Trees.
#4 Having my very own Christmas Tree in my room
#3 Performing as singing Christmas Elves with my siblings
#2 Pizza for Christmas Eve dinner.
#1 listening to my dad's favorite Christmas album all month of December..
"Mitch Miller and the Band"

First and Last

2008-12-13T09:03:00.000-07:00

My First Child.......

Kailey and Chris

Christmas Ball, 2008

And My Last Child.....

Porter lost his 1st tooth.

(I hate the tooth fairy! Right up there with the Easter Bunny! Another Blog for another time!)

Wednesday's Wall Words

2008-12-10T15:35:00.000-07:00

A Frequent Conversation With Kelsey.

setting: Any given Day!

Kelsey: "Please Mom?"

Janalynn: "No."

Kelsey: "Why?"

Janalynn: "I already told you why."

Kelsey; (a little louder, and an added whine) "Please?"

Janalynn : (a little louder, and a touch of annoyance) " I said No!"

Kelsey: (Whine) "Please?"

Janalynn: (a DUH type tone in her answer) "A... No!"

Kelsey: (A lot more Whinnier) "PLEASE?"

Janalynn: (Ignores this question and rolls her eyes)

Kelsey: (Draws out the question) "PA-LEEEEEEZE?"

Janalynn: (A lot Louder and draws out her answer) "NNNNN-OOOO!"

Kelsey: (Asks with a voice like she is in pain) "Please?"

Janalynn: (snippy) Ask me please again, and You won't be doing ANYTHING!!"

(Quite for about 10 seconds)

Kelsey: (more controlled) " So can I?"

Janalynn: (drops whatever she's doing and walks into her bedroom and locks the door to keep from screaming)

(knock on Janalynn's Bedroom Door)

Kelsey: (quite, and sweetly) "So was that a Yes?"

Janalynn (yells through the door) "GO ASK YOUR DAD!!"

Tues. Top Ten #3

2008-12-09T15:30:00.000-07:00

Top Ten Favorite
Christmas Songs

#10 O Holy Night

#9 Little Drummer Boy

#8 I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

#7 Must Be Santa

#6 Silver Bells

#5 Let It Snow

#4 Grandma Got Ran Over By A Reindeer

#3 Sleigh Ride

#2 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

#1 Do You Hear What I Hear

Thursday's Thoughts and Theories

2008-12-04T21:52:00.000-07:00

Thought: Is It Worth Shopping on BLACK FRIDAY?
My Theory: If you don't mind BLACK MOODS.
Ok so I got all excited to go out and SAVE BIG!! I have only done this one other time, and like giving birth, must of forgotten the pain and misery you are in, and repeated the same act. My sister goes every year and is so organized and swears by this her method of shopping on this day. Unfortunately I tried her techniques and failed miserably. Yes I got what I wanted, Yes I ran to the check out and was even out of the store just 15 min after it had opened, only to realize when reaching my car, the checker had not scanned the main item I went for. This meant I had to go back in to pay for it. By this time the lines were at least 45 min.LONG! After an all day Shopping event, I spent the evening and into the night wrapping all the presents, numbering them and putting them away until Christmas eve, (My sister's tactic). Long story short, I have spent this week returning 10 items because, I either found something better, wrong size, it was broken, or I just plain didn't need it. Three of the items were already wrapped (good thing I numbered the gift!) While returning, I found that a lot of the "savings" wasn't all that much of a savings, and even found a few of the same items I "rushed" to get were still the same price a week later. I also wonder if some of the stores jack up the price, so it looks as if you're saving big. I'm not sure. I am sure however, some people love this day, and somehow can pull it off. Me? either I have to find an easier way, keep practicing, or just avoid "Black Friday" all together!

On a cheerful note....Thanksgiving was enjoyable. Held at the church, and Hosted by my family this year. The gym was open for basket ball and games, the kids ran free, and the kitchen large enough to "not get in the way".

Wednesday's Wall Words

2008-12-03T21:55:00.000-07:00

A Conversation with Porter

This is what a fly on the wall would hear.

(setting: Janalynn bringing in groceries. Porter going through the bags to see if Janalynn bought any treats to eat.)

Porter: "Yea! you bought Dr. Dew!!"

Janalynn: It's not Dr. Dew, It's Dr. Pepper.

Porter: "Oh, I get it....Dr. Dew is Dr. Pepper in French.

(Janalynn just smiles, and thinks, too cute to correct.)

Tues. Top Ten #2

2008-12-02T21:10:00.000-07:00

Top Ten Reasons I drive a Minivan
#10 Sliding Doors (a must when you have to share the garage with the husbands car).
#9 Built in Car Seats. (Do you think 16 is too old to still be in them?)
#8 Easy to separate fighting kids. (they get their own bench.)
#7 I love to see if I can out speed a SUV at a red light. (Sometimes I actually win. You Go MOM!!)
#6 I love the sound of soup cans, soda cans, balls, and even milk jugs roll up and down the floor of the van when returning home from the store.
#5 The bench seats make nice lawn couches when they are removed for yearly cleaning.
#4 Nothing says "Car Pool Mom" better than a Minivan. (There is always room for one more.)
#3 To embarrass my kids. (I lived through the station wagon era, and I survived, and so will they.)
#2 A dent in a minivan looks natural, no one asks, horrified,"What Happened?!"
And the #1 reason I drive a minivan...
1. My teenager doesn't ask to drive it!!!

Wednesday's Wall Words

2008-11-26T17:43:00.000-07:00

A conversation with Natalie

If you were a fly on the wall at my house, you might hear this conversation.
(setting: Natalie sitting at the table coloring a picture of the Mayflower, reciting to herself a poem. I'm fixing dinner Jared in the other room doing who knows what.)
Natalie: "In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue. Mom? How old were you in 1492?"
(Loud laughing from the other room)
Jared: "Ya, Mom, how old were you in 1492?"
(more laughing from the other room)
Janalynn: "I wasn't born in 1492"
Natalie: "you mean you weren't alive when Columbus came to America?"
(louder laughing from the other room)
Janalynn: silent gives no answer.

Tuesday's Top Ten

2008-11-25T21:47:00.000-07:00

Being the week of Thanksgiving, I thought it would be appropriate to list the top ten things I am THANKFUL for.
10. Automatic Washer, Dryer, Dishwasher (all major appliances)
9. Indoor plumbing, heating, air conditioning (My Home)
8. Modern Medicine
7. Employment
6. Health
5. Friends
4. My Parents, and siblings
3. My Children
2. Jared (He's just happy to be in the top ten)
And the #1 Thing I am Thankful for is...
1. My Testimony of the Gospel.

The Day After....

2008-11-21T11:48:00.000-07:00

Thank You Laura!

I knew Laura would come through for me. She made this video. She knows how to have a good time. (I talked to her this morning on the phone. I won't blog our conversation, lets just say...There was A LOT of active, not so good, hormones at the movies).

I'm still standing my ground on "Twilight"

I'm In The "Twilight" Zone!!

2008-11-20T15:45:00.000-07:00

WARNING: If you are a "Die-Hard Twilight Fan" over the age of 19, Please do not read this post. (I still love you Laura, and Becky!)

I'll admit it. I've read all the Twilight books, one right after the other. I'll even admit, that they were a VERY fun read. I will continue to admit that I really enjoy Stephanie Meyers writings, and her creativity. But I'm going to stop there!!

Really? Really? Come on now. Can you really lust after a Vampire? I had to laugh at "Edwards" description. All on the same page mind you. End of page 18 to the top of 19, I'll type straight out of the book,

"And yet, they were all exactly alike. Every one of them was CHALKY PALE, the pales of all the students living in this sunless Town. Paler than me, the albino. They all had very dark eyes despite the range in hair tones. They also had DARK SHADOWS UNDER THOSE EYES-PURPLISH, BRUISED-LIKE SHADOWS. As if they were all suffering from a sleepless night, or almost done recovering from a BROKEN NOSE. But all this is not why I couldn't look away. I stared because their faces, so different, so similar,were all devastatingly, inhumanly beautiful."

I don't think I was Ever turned on by this description. Maybe I'm weird, but pale, cold, sparkling skin, just doesn't do it for me. Enough of the description. I can forgive my girls falling for a Rich Kid who can give them the world. However my girls ARE in high school, and sure they can imagine BOYS are like this. But if your not in high school....Are you in la-la Land? Why in the world would want someone that controlling? (High schoolers can only see the money, they don't see how controlling he is). Sure we would all loved to be saved from harm time and time again, but can you say "STALKER"! Book Two I was warned was the "Boring" Book, because Edward was hardly in it. Now I have to disagree. I thought Jacob's story was much more realistic other than he was a Werewolf. However, his not-so-sure-of-himself was more endearing. Always trying and getting turned down was more like boys in my high school days. Which brings me to my last and final "Beef" of the Books. HELLO!! This book is about teenagers!! They think and act like teenagers. I am NOT a teenager. I have no problems with my TEENAGERS going nuts over the books, but if you are NOT a teenager....What am I missing? Do you secretly wish your high school days were like Bella's? I don't understand the attraction. Help me out here, give me your comments. Really I want to know why older women in their late 20's and 30's are so obsessed with these books!!

My girls are both going to go to the opening movie tonight. I was asked if I was going, I wasn't sure if the person asking was serious. LOL!! I wouldn't go to any opening movie. I could maybe understand if the movie was only going to play one time, but I believe most movies are in theatres for a least 3 months. Do I really feel it necessary to stay up in the cold, loose sleep and be with a bunch of teenagers, just to see a movie that I can see some other time, with less people? Ok really I'm done!! BTW Kailey informs me since I haven't gone to any movie opening night, I don't know what I'm missing. (Exactly). She LOVES going opening nights to movies, but then again, she's a teenager.

Utah Weddings

2008-11-09T13:01:00.000-07:00

Bride and Groom - Daneila and Jack
Mother of the Groom (my sister Susan)

I paid big bucks to dance with my nephew!

Natalie and Jack

Porter and Daniela

Yesterday, my nephew Jack, was married. he married a beautiful, sweet girl, Daniela, who is Mexican descent. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple. This was the morning after the 2,000 people protest at the temple. I was a little afraid, that there would be some protesters still there, however, there were none. It was beautiful day. Afterwards the wedding breakfast was held at the church. Cafe Rio style tacos and salads was served. The reception was what was the high light. The reception started out quite typical of "UTAH" style receptions go. Ward members of my nephew's and sister's came, formed a line, congratulated the couple, sat at a table, ate their mint/peanut cup and cake with slush, and left. Daneila's friends, and family, came half way through, and the fun started. Now I am so sheltered here in Utah, and for the most part have not participated in too many weddings or receptions, other than "Utah Style" When the mariachi band came in and the Latino dancers, I was excited. They sang and danced and entertained. Mexican pastries, and flan was brought out, and the party began. Starting was the Wedding dance. The couple danced, then we started to pin money on either the bride or groom to have the chance to dance with them. Everyone got involved. It was a lot of fun. My kids had a blast. The most humorous however, was when the DJ played "Boot scootin' Boogie" Ironic to see a bunch of Mexicans doing a country dance. I laughed the whole song. (I have no idea how this got recorded sideways. too much laughing I guess).

Shopping Done Right

2008-11-07T13:20:00.000-07:00

I Love to Shop! I think most reading, could probably agree with me that it's enjoyable to shop. I don't mean you have to buy everything you see, just looking sometimes and find the newest and latest things out there. I don't particularly like to shop for a certain item, cause I get too frustrated, because I feel like I'm racing against time, to get to all the stores to find that one item, and then to get it at the best price. I just like to more or less BROWSE. I love to search the clearance racks and find the best deal. I love to shop at stores that have unique things, that you usually can't find elsewhere,(however, I tend to buy more at these stores, therefore don't shop there often). Today I am making a shopping list. Whenever a list is involved, it immediately takes the fun out, and a list usually involves food. This is one type of shopping I DO NOT like. In the past I've had Jared go for me......although I don't like to go, sometimes it's better for us all if Dad doesn't go.
These are the top 10 reasons that Grocery Shopping is not a favorite of mine.
1. 50% of the time I leave my list at home.
2. 50% of the time I forget an item or two on my list and don't realize it until I'm checking out.
3. 99% of the time, I'm buying just STUFF, without a clue when I'm going to use it, or cook it.
4. For some reason, I keep buying peanut butter, and tomato soup. I always think we're out, but, my pantry is over stocked with these items.
5. For some reason, I keep forgetting to buy bread and eggs.
6. 50% of the time the clerk doesn't put the rest of my groceries in while I'm paying, and then I end up walking out with out a bag or two.
7. 10% of the time, I'll buy all the stuff for a great recipe but never make it. A year later, while cleaning out my pantry, wonder why the heck I bought molasses.
8. The Ice cream isle.
9. I know I need to buy fresh vegetables..come on I just can't get myself excited to buy fresh, and hurry home to use it before it goes bad,
10. Where is the canned pumpkin? does it belong in the canned veggies? Or the baking isle? (the stores, won't make up their minds.) And on that note, lemon juice. Come on now, is it really a juice? Right next to the Kool-aid?
Help me out here. How do you make Grocery shopping more enjoyable. Oh and if I have to take a child with me, I just WILL NOT GO!! So all you mom's out there, who has to have a take-a-long, Well I guess I do have it better than you! I'm so sorry!!
Question for all you Grocery Shoppers
1. Do you shop at different grocery stores?
2. Do you stick to a list?
3. Do you add match?
4. What is the most unbearable thing to you about grocery shopping?
5. About what price range do you spend on a weeks worth of groceries?
6. What are some items you always run out of, or keep buying?

If you can't tell, I'm stalling. I don't wanna GO!!

Yea! Yea! Time To Put Halloween AWAY!!

2008-11-01T09:52:00.000-06:00

Don't ge t me wrong, I LOVE Halloween! It kicks off the Holliday season, I love to decorate the yard, the fun costumes and parties, it's just a lot of work! I have 15 years of costumes now in 2 large totes. These costumes get out on October 1st and are strung all over my home until November 1st. I have so many mix and matches, that my kids love to go though them and pick and choose all month long. I think I add an extra load of laundry each week trying to keep the costumes clean. I try not to make a big deal about getting into them, because this is a fun time for them, to pretend and get excited, besides this way they can be more than one character, for each activity they go to. However, I am glad to gather them all up and put them away until next year!
This year for preschool, I was a witch. I had a LONG gray wig, that kept getting in my way. After the day was done, I was reminded why I liked my hair short. Our ward carnival and trunk-or-treating, Jared went as white trash, and I went as...I'm not sure what I was, I used the same LONG gray wig, dumped the witch dress. I guess I was a cross between a hippie and a biker chick- or maybe white trash too. Anyways Kelsey was a black cat, Kailey "Judy Sparks" the girl with long red hair on Guitar Hero, and Natalie a witch. Porter claimed he was a "Dead Skeleton" He wore a pirate's hat with his skeleton costume. (I think he was thinking about Pirate's of the Caribbean). Natalie was Rapunzel for her school party and a fairy for trick-or-treating. When it was time to dress for trick-or-treating, Porter didn't want to get into his costume. He told me that he just wanted to be "Letter Man" when I asked who letter man was he said."someone who wears letters on his shirt like me." I laughed and suggested he be spiderman. His response was "I'll just be Peter Parker." Needless to say he just put on his jacket and grabbed his basket and went as is. (He is totally Jared's son!)

Carnival, Natalie as a Witch

Mr. and Mrs. White Trash? Skeleton PorterSchool Party Rapunzel Peter Parker Porter
Fairy and Porter Parker

Annual Pumpkin Carving

Halloween isn't Halloween if you don't spend a ooey, gooey, night of carving pumpkins. We had our good friends, the Barkers, over. This is our 2nd year carving pumpkins with them. We had taco soup, apple cider and lots of pumpkin seeds. A fun night for us all.

Girls Just Want To Have Fun!!

2008-10-31T13:26:00.000-06:00

This Year, I wanted to do a "Mother and Daughter" trip. I had previously asked my own mother, sister-in-law, my sister and her daughter, to come along with myself and my daughters, however, with collage, work, and an up coming nephew getting married, it just didn't happen that way. I was going with my girls no matter what. My dear friend Becky, decided to come along, and brought her daughter, Mekelsie.

We had such a blast!!

We went down to St. George, on Friday, October 24th, and came home Sunday evening. Friday night we went to the Tuacahn to see "Thriller". It was performed by the Odyssey Dance Company. I thought it was pretty good, and quite funny. They danced and acted out skits and spoofs on popular scary movies, or people. My favorite was the Chucky Doll Dance. But The "Jason" Rap was also great. And Clowns are VERY scary. They had a "Bozzo The Clown" who was hilarious, and who also was the gun man during the "Irish Blood Dance". Another funny spoof of "Loraina Bobbet" who sang the song "Cuts like a Knife". Kailey and Kelsey didn't know why that was so funny, until I explained who she was and what she did!! After the performance, the characters where out in the front, so you could get pictures with them. Of course we had to get a few.

(I actually shopped until I dropped!!)

Saturday, we spent shopping at the outlets, and the mall. We hit an afternoon movie and ate out. We stayed at a hotel with a pool. It was such nice weather, we swam until 10:30 p.m. Saturday night. This was a fun vacation. No golf, fishing, or even preparing meals! Just shows,movies, shopping, and eating out! I think I'll do this more often!!

Kelsey is done having fun!

2008-10-23T19:16:00.000-06:00

Although she was voted
"Biggest Flirt" in 9th grade, Kelsey is done with the "Blondes Have More Fun" stigma. However, the "Dumb Blonde" title will be harder to get rid of. (that just goes with being such a BIG flirt). Actually Kelsey is pretty bright, she just hasn't figured out how to used that to her advantage with me as her parent. Hopefully one day (so I'm told) her teenage brain will develop into a mature adult brain, and then she'll be a smart, friendly, daughter, that I'll enjoy being with.(o:

Back Seat Movie Watcher?

2008-10-22T12:29:00.000-06:00

Is there such a thing? I believe so!! Last night I watched "HULK" with Porter. Jared had previously taken Porter to the movies to see Hulk when it first came out. So needless to say, Porter knew all the scenes. All I can say is that it was a good thing, that I thought the movies wasn't all that, or I think I would of been upset from Porter, telling me what was going to happen. In fact he was more entertaining than the movie. Some of his comments were.."Don't worry mom, she's not really dead". and "Hulk chokes the bad guy with a chain." and "The dog gets shot, but he's only asleep". But the best was at the very end when you see the major sitting at the bar and the door opens and you just see a silhouette, "Look mom, it's Tony Stark, Iron Man!" No hidden surprises with watching a movie with Porter, that's for sure!! It's so fun having a little boy!! He amazes me most times. He LOVES super heroes!! He can name every super hero there is from Marvel, what their powers, and weaknesses are. He even knows all the villains, and who they want revenge on the most. All I can say is I never was interested in super heroes, until now. Because of Porter, I too know quite a bit about them, who's on who's team, how they were formed and so on. I'm sure I'm a lot better off now, because of my knowledge.

Week In Review

2008-10-12T13:38:00.000-06:00

October 4th started this week for Us. It started with a "Beatles" piano recital. Kaiely and Natalie did very well. I am amazed how far Natalie has come in one year of piano lessons. Last October's recital she played, "My dog, Mac" and this year it was "All My Lovin" by The Beatles.
Kailey also played a Beatles song,"Hey Jude". I love their piano teacher. She will find the songs they WANT to play, on their level, this way they enjoy playing and practicing. They like going to piano each week. Not only that but they will occasionally sit at the piano to play for fun on top of their practicing. She is so organized and does a great job and goes all out on parties and recitals for them.

OMGosh, If Feel Old!!

Saturday night was an eye opener for me. Kailey went to Hunter High's Homecoming with her friend Carlin, from Hunter. We spent all day in West Valley after the piano recital. Kailey's Homecoming date started at noon and ended at midnight. She went with a group of kids to play Lazar tag, then to lunch. Afternoon was spent with girlfriends doing each others hair and getting all "DOLLED UP"! Then at 4:30 they all transformed from everyday teenagers to nice looking young adults. And as if it would never happen again, they went off to countless of homes for endless pictures. After the photo shoots, the group of 10 drove off for dinner, dancing and finally for movies at a one of kid's home. What ever happened to the simple Dinner and Dancing? I almost feel sorry for the one who's paying for it all. I guess that is part of the reason I feel so old. In my days it wasn't an all day date, just a nice dinner, then to the dance, usually held at the high school. Now the dates last almost from sun up to sun up. CRAZY!!! (thought: what happens if you go as a kind gesture with someone you don't particularly care for? Do you spend the whole freaking day with them?)

Anyways, my little girl has grown up from cute to beautiful. It's quite funny and nostalgic to take a picture of her and her date at my mom's house. All my dance pictures where taken in front of the fire place. This was fun to be on the other end of the camera. WOW! I am getting old. I actually got out that lovely 80's dress, that I'm wearing in that lovely picture, to show Kailey. Of course there was no way she was going to wear it. LOL!!!

To sum up this week it went,
from Sun's Glow, to Falling Snow!
So now it's Sunday October 12th one week later. Nice warm weather for General Conference and then within a week, cold, colder, SNOW!!
For all you fall lovers...Here you go!

Always a step behind

2008-10-09T17:24:00.000-06:00

OK! OK! I too have joined the millions of Bloggers. I thought that just having Jared Blog would be enough to reach out to all OUR friends, however, reading his blog, I realized, that His blog is for him and his thoughts, and he does not cover my thoughts. So here I am starting my own blog. Jared is constantly telling me that "I'm a step behind", and I guess now, I can agree. The "Fawson" Blog has been going for 2 years now, and I am now just starting mine. I relized how much I enjoy reading countless of our friends and family blogs, and keeping up with whats going on with your lives. So ... I am now a full plege blogger. (well...we'll see).

So Jared did inform me that blogging is really easy. For those who know me...Easy can be still hard. Besides asking Jared to sit next to me and show me how to add this and that, is like just saying "Hey Jared, do you want to blog for me?".
I've been on the computer for 2 hours now. I have figured out to get my picture in, and how to post. The cutesy, wootsey, knick-knacks that you all add will have to come later. I have to let you know that whenever I sit at the computer, I cannot pay attention to what's going on around me. All I know is Kailey and Kelsey are no where to be found, (Kelsey is grounded, to where I'm not sure. I think I said yes to something 45 minutes ago.) Natalie is playing at someones house. I just hope it's at someones home I know. And Porter I think is watching T.V. I thinks he has been watching T.V. now for three hours. I LOVE DISNEY CHANNEL.