Ice Skating and Fantasy at the Bay

♪ Tradition...♫

♫ TRADITION! ♪

With Skyler and McKay

Each year between Christmas and New Year's a big group from Dave's family go ice skating.  This year was no exception!  I have always loved to ice skate!  However, at last years ice skating party, I broke my tailbone and after was on the injured list, meaning no running for six weeks!  Not good timing since my marathon training started two weeks later!  I kept telling myself that I would NOT race this year (that is how it happened last year) NO. MATTER. WHAT!  The race is also a tradition.  Whoever wants to race, lines up center rink and races to the wall and back to the center.  I am very competitive and last year my nephew Weston was beating me and so I was flying to catch up and I couldn't stop.  Next thing I knew I hit the wall and landed flat on my back!  OUCH!  Oh man, did that hurt!  I knew my tail bone was broken because I have broken it twice before.  It was very painful for a very long time.  So, when the race commenced, I abstained!  I was very proud of myself for abstaining!

The top photos below are the race (sadly only three participants this year).  They lined up ready to roll and as soon as they began Skyler turned and skated backwards and still won!  haha  He played hockey and so he is VERY good on skates! 

This year's gang!

Me and my adorable niece Aubrey!

With my cute nieces Aubrey and Natalie.  With Linda and Michael on bottom right.

Skyler skating with Alexandra!  She is only three months old!  Kevin trusted her with Sky.  Good thing her mama wasn't there!  ha!

Sky with his harem.  His cousins L O V E him!  Can ya tell?

You can see why they love him in these photos.  He is so patient and willing to help them.  He is trying to help Mackenzie.  She got pretty good by the time we left.

More shots of Sky with the nieces and Alexandra!

Oh, oh!  Busted!  ☺

This year after skating, we went out to eat at a Pizza joint near the rink. Me and my boys ordered a Greek pizza.  It was really quite tasty.  I even ate some lamb!  That is a never heard of thing!  And, YES, I actually even liked it!  THAT is a never heard of thing!

Later that night, we all met at Willard Bay at Fantasy at the Bay where Bryce has worked all season.  It was really cold, but we braved the weather and was rewarded with the amazing light display.  Bryce was working that night and so we got to see him for a bit and warm up around the fire.

Gathering around the fire waiting for the horse and wagon to take us through the park.

This is Bryce with his boss Sonny, the guy who gave him the job. 

This is Bryce with his mom (ME!), the woman who gave him his life. ☺

 We loaded the wagon and bundled up in blankets and off we went... over the asphalt and through the woods.

Once again warming up around the fire as we drink our hot cocoa!

It really is a fun place to go with your family, but sadly this may have been the last year it will be open here in town.  We were so happy we got to see it this year and be able to support Bryce too!

Missionary Moms Lunch

Today I went out to lunch with some of my missionary mom friends.  We choose a little Mexican place in our town and by chance, or coincidence...(no neither of those, it was by "plan")...there were two Elders eating lunch in there as well.  Of course, we HAD to take our picture with them!  And of course, as any missionary mom would do, we HAD to take their photo to send to their Mamas too!  Whenever I get anything from a member or another missionary mom while my boys are out on their missions, it's the best gift in the world!  No one, except a missionary mom, can understand what joy such a simple little thing can bring to a mother's heart who has a son or daughter serving somewhere out in the world!  It's like a little hug from them and it just does a MM's heart good!!!  Interestingly enough, these two are serving in my stake!  I hadn't met them yet but they were both very sweet.  One is from Colorado and the other is from Texas.  

We always have such a good time when we get together to talk about our boys!  Our boys (with the exception of Marilyn's McKay) have been basketball pals since they were in elementary school!  We have watched them all grow up (and grow UP and grow UP - as basketball players do!). Stephen is almost 6'9"!  It's crazy to think they are now all on missions!

  Three of them
TAYLOR, STEPHEN, JOSH

These three left the same week to go on their missions.

Taylor to Brazil, Stephen to Columbia,and Josh to California.

Trevor is in New York and McKay is in California.

 We are all so...almost giddy...when we talk about these boys!  I honestly believe there is absolutely NOTHING that compares with a mother's love for her son!  You can tell how proud of these boys we are all as well.  I'm sure anyone that was eavesdropping got a kick out of listening to us all just go on and on about our boys!  

*Monday Memos*

*Monday Memos*

 

dear mr. cat, you make me deliriously happy.  You have become such a lover boy!

dear friends I stood up at lunch today, I am very sorry my brain was taking a leave of absence without informing me first.

dear friends I stood up at lunch today, thank you for hanging around waiting for me (in MY city and not YOURS) while I got back in town!

dear washing repair man, I love you.  If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have cleaned my laundry room and found some old pictures.

dear mckay, it was so fun spending some time shopping with you today.  I know that these days are numbered and so I do not take them for granted.

 

dear sun, even though I was originally miffed at what you did, thank you for fading the purple frosting on my mom's birthday cake.  The effect was very unique and quite cool.

dear long run, I really did not like you this week.

dear list of things to do, once again I neglected to accomplish all of you this week.  Life just seems to get crazier and crazier.

dear mom, thank you for continuing to let me live and not killing me for throwing you a surprise party.

dear sunday school class (16 year olds), I hope you understood where I was coming from when I told you that cell phones are only to be viewed when looking up scriptures during my class.  I really do think you can live without them for 40 minutes.

dear amish friendship bread, I promise I will finally make a start of you this week.

dear arby's, I have fallen totally in love with your mighty minis beef sandwich with crispy onions! I hope they are not a quick romance and only here for a limited time because I could live on them!

dear aunt dixie, I love your visits because then I have an excuse to go play when you are here.

dear fingernails, I am having mixed emotions about not having you done in acrylic anymore.  This doing you myself is high maintenance!

dear christmas crack, I really need to stop making you because I am completely unable to stop eating you and I don't have THAT much time to run to make up for it!

dear change, I hate you.  Especially when you involve a dear friend that I've known and loved for 20 years that is now moving away.

dear clear blue sky and clean air, how I've missed you!

dear friend that is in Florida, thank you for inviting me to go with you.  I am feeling so very sad I was unable to go.

dear extended family, I really love spending time with you. I wish we could do it more often.

dear fhe, I am glad we finally got you right.  10-15 minute lessons instead of the hour long ones we used to force upon the boys.

dear tomorrow, I am looking forward to you and going out to lunch with friends again and making a cake for another dear friend who is having a birthday. 
dear weber state, how things have changed since I attended you.  At least in the attendance at the basketball games.  There didn't used to be a single empty seat!  But it was still fun to go and cheer on the wildcats in purple!  The half time show of the Golden Girls was inspiring.  It brought back memories of MY performance days on that same floor many, many years ago.  

Talk about a throwback!  ↓

Packed house at every game.  1981

I also twirled the rifle with my majorette costume underneath. I'm in the front (middle) ↓

I got to remove the rifle costume in front of the entire crowd for my baton routine. Oh what a joy that was. 

dear right now, it is getting late so I guess I better hit the sack!       

A-Z Post

A-Z

A. Addictions: Running, chocolate, the fireplace in my room, the ocean, purple anything, carbs, lighthouses, children, animals, going out to lunch, shopping, internet, the spa, my family.  (okay these aren't necessarily addictions but more like the things I would not like to live without!)

B. Bed color: I'll give ya one guess.  You got it...PURPLE!  Actually a floral print that is grey, white, and purple.  Accented with white battenburg lace pillows.  It's time for a change though.

C. Chore you hate:  Bathrooms!  Changing sheets.  Cleaning out the freezer.  Any chores in the basement aka Man Cave.  I also hate cleaning my mud room.  It seems as soon as I do, it needs it again!  Guess it's appropriately named. 
D. Dogs:  I LOVE dogs!  I had dogs growing up and I love them.  We had 10 Samoyed puppies living INSIDE our home at one time when I was a child.  The only dog we've had since I've been married is Bryce's dog Kilo.  He was run over after only having him for a year.  I miss him desperately and really want another one.  If only Dave felt the same.  I love ALL animals.

E. Essential start to your day:  Scriptures with the family, family prayer, a good run, checking my phone, and some form of chocolate.

F. Favorite color:  Purple.  Such a silly question!
G. Gold or silver:  If we're talking money - gold.  If we are talking jewelery - silver.
H. Height: 5'4 and 3/4"
I. Instruments you play: Piano.  I used to play the clarinet in Jr. High.
J. Job title:  Domestic Goddess and Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations.
K. Kids:  5 amazing sons!
L. Live:  Utah
M. Married:  For 31 years!
N. Nicknames:  Jo, Jode, Jo-Jo, JM, Jodi Mae, VD, and most recently Joey by my cute nephew.
O. Overnight hospital stays:   5 (with each childbirth delivery), once when I was 8 years old for a bladder surgery, and too many to count when I would stay at the Primary Children's with Tyson.
P. Pet peeve:  Only one?  Not shutting cupboard doors!
Q. Quote:  “I am determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances.” ― Martha Washington

I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition.
Martha Washington
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/martha_washington.html#J4IDhLR8ZZyEqM7y.99

I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition.
Martha Washington
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/martha_washington.html#J4IDhLR8ZZyEqM7y.99

I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition.
Martha Washington
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/martha_washington.html#J4IDhLR8ZZyEqM7y.99

I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition.
Martha Washington
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/martha_washington.html#J4IDhLR8ZZyEqM7y.99

R. Righty or lefty:  Right
S. Siblings:  One brother two years older than me.  (Jerry)
T. Time you wake up:  Seems no matter what time I go to bed, my body wakes me up around 5:15.  IF I can go back to sleep, which is rare, I get up at 6:50 for scriptures.

U. University attended: I graduated with an associates and a bachelor's degree from Weber State University.  I also attended Dixie College for one semester (mainly to play!).

V. Vegetables you dislike:  I honestly can't think of a single veggie I don't like.  I really LOVE them all!  Possibly eggplant since I've never tried it because it doesn't look too good.  Yeah, I know it's purple!  But the texture of it seems odd to me.  If mushrooms are considered a veggie, then those!

W. What makes you run late:  When I just want to get one more thing done before I go. 

X. X-rays you've had:  Lungs, fingers (crushed fingertips from getting slammed in door), teeth.  That's all I can remember.  I've had an MRI, mammogram,and numerous ultrasounds as well.

Y. Yummy food: Lasagna, crepes, German pancakes (both with orange Suzette sauce), grilled turkey sandwich with swiss cheese and pesto, spaghetti with Mizithra cheese in browned butter, caramel bread pudding, and ANYTHING chocolate!

Z. Zoo animal favorite:  Polar Bears!  They are so entertaining!

Now it's your turn to play along!  Leave me a link in the comments so I can check it out!

*Monday Memos*

Monday Memos

dear blog, sorry I have been so neglectful of you the past six weeks or so.  I will try to do better. 

dear holidays, you were the cause of my blog neglect. Why do you have to be so insane?

dear mom, happy 75th birthday tomorrow.  You are an amazing woman and I'm so glad I got you for a mommy.

dear valentines day decorations, I love you so much that you are going up this week.

dear winter, you are starting to wear on my nerves.  It's time to be on your way already.

dear mother nature, please take winter far, far away.

dear body, please forgive me for filling you with so much junk the past few weeks.  

dear treadmill, I still have a love hate relationship with you, but I am so grateful I have one of you now.

dear new phone, I promise I will take better care of you than my last one.  Your indestructible case will see to that.

dear caramel bread pudding, I need you now. 

dear new year's resolutions, I am so glad that we have parted and gone our separate ways.  

dear one word, welcome to my world.  I think you will replace my new year's resolutions nicely.

dear cat, don't blame yourself that Dave tripped down the stairs to answer your calls to go out.  He most likely would have even if you hadn't been crying.

dear brazil, thank you for being so good to my son Taylor.  He loves you very much.

dear to do list, why can't I ever get you done?  

dear Downton Abbey, thank you for being so entertaining. I really do like you.

dear homemade spudnuts, you turned out quite well.  Too well in fact.  I could have eaten the entire tray full!

dear bladder infection, thank you for leaving in a timely manner.

dear sleep, I've not been seeing enough of you lately.

dear marathon training, you came way too fast.

dear strength training, I'd like to adopt you again.

dear Monday Memos, I look forward to meeting you each week!

Sky... In the Air Again

Oh this first born son of mine...  He is always off onto some adventure or another.  He definitely does know how to live, that is for sure!  I am so happy that he is able to experience so much of life and live it to the fullest.  After all, life IS short and there is so much to see and experience.  He has collected a lifetime of experiences in a few short years.  It was so good to have him home over the holidays this year. Last year, he spent Christmas alone in Texas due to his job.  I think he learned his lesson and realized that is no way to spend the holidays.  

It is always so nice to have him around.  Just his presence does something to me.  It always has.  We have a connection and a bond that is hard to describe, but it's there.  I'm just happier when he is around.  I love talking to him and I could (and sometimes do) for hours on end!  He is such a responsible person and when he is here, he doesn't wait for anyone to do anything for him.  If he is hungry, he makes a meal.  And he is an amazing cook.  If something needs doing, he does it.  He is the furthest thing from lazy that there is.  He is always busy and always doing. While he was here, he de-junked our office for us.  That is probably one of his greatest strengths.  He does not get attached to "things".  It is a piece of cake for him to chuck stuff and not hang onto it......unlike both his parents.  He is very good at organizing things as well.  I hope to think he learned that from me because that is something I have always loved to do.  When I was a little girl, I would go to my Grandma Mae's house and organize her linen closet and other cupboards.  He does the same when he comes here.  He also organized our medicine cabinet while he was here.  I worry that if he is in charge when Dave and I check out of this world, that he won't keep or save anything!  Including all my journals and photos!!!  Hopefully by then he will realize that some things DO have value! haha


He paid a visit to Mike and Britts house (where he lived for a couple years while going to the U of U) and Mya was more than happy to see him.  She calls him her "otha brotha" and always asks about him and why he left. 

I just love these pictures of them both.  So cute!

She had to tell him goodbye again, not knowing when she will see him next.

Kind of like the rest of us....

We never know when we will see him next unfortunately.

We took these photos before we headed out to take him to the airport to go back to Hawaii (the poor kid!).  

After we took them, I asked him to take off his hat for another one.

No problem...

That is until Mom had to fix his messed up hat hair.  But he was a good sport!

Much better....

And he's off....

AGAIN.  :(

Dave's Birthday

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DAVE!

 Wow!  55 years old!  That kinda freaks me out!  Mainly because I am right on his tail and holy heavens, THAT sounds OLD!!!

 We had our parents over and the Garrett's and had the usual cake and ice cream.  I had made a huge pot of corn chowder (Sky's favorite and his last supper home for a while), but everyone had already eaten and so......we ate dessert first!  That is after all the best way to live life!  Yep, you heard it from me.

 Our cute parents.  And we do have cute parents!

It was so nice to have all three boys here for Dave's birthday. Well, four if you count that Dave is holding up Taylor's stick person.  haha (click to enlarge) Sky stayed an extra day before heading back to Hawaii so he could be here for it.  I'm gonna miss that boy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OLD MAN!  (teehee- JK - mostly) ;)