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!)