Ben's basic training address

Here is Ben's basic training address. If you get a chance, write him a note of encouragement. I'm sure he will appreciate it.

Mayzie's blessing

We are blessing Mayzie on June 7th at 9 AM. It is in the same building we had when we blessed Myles. (It's actually closer to Chuck and Amy's house than it is to our house :) Let me know if you need directions. Just a heads up at the moment there is only one other blessing that day besides Mayzie, but there could possibly be up to five and we can't save seats for anyone. Don't worry if you can't make it, I know it is a long drive for some of you. We are going to try and get the club house so we can have a brunch after, but details to come. Hope to see you all there.

Float building time

In case you haven't heard, Lisa and I are building a float again. Thankfully we have a lot of help. Chuck designed it. I'm really excited about the design. I think it will be a real crowd pleaser. Travis has been working hard to help with the construction. Needless to say, most evening and all Saturdays will be tied up on this project until it's finished. You're all welcome to come help or just hang out.

Utah Highway Patrol

Just thought we would let you all know that because Travis took the very first entry test last September that means we are down to the last FOUR months of the year-long hiring process!!! We are asking everyone to keep your fingers crossed for Trav, hopefully by the end of summer (September 21, 2009) He will be a trooper to watch out for while you are speeding down I-15! Ok, actually hopefully he will be in the academy at that point so he won't be one pulling anyone over for another 6 months or so. We will let you know as soon as we hear anything, but it may not be until end of July/early August. Unfortunatly the hiring process only moves forward when the UHP has spare time and because they are under-staffed :) it is taking FOREVER! I know many of you were concerned that there was a hiring freeze, but that was for people who had not yet started the process. We know for a fact that they ARE hiring. Thanks for everyone's interest in this whole thing. Hopefully it will be sooner than later. We are very excited.

Also had to add some cute pictures of the munchkins! (notice the cute shirt Mayzie has on Karlene?!) Look at how her little arms are getting rolls. You should see her legs! I love it

It's like pulling teeth to get this kid to smile AND look at me at the same time! But I thought this picture was pretty cute of him. Love this kid (even though sometimes I want to say "quit acting like a two-year-old" and then I remember that it's exactly what he is) He does look older than two in this picture.

All Dogs Go To Heaven

BUCK
Aug. 21,1996-April 25, 2009
The best dog in the whole world is now in heaven doing what he loves. He's running and jumping and playing fetch! He went with his tail wagging. Buck brought us so much joy and happiness and we're going to miss him terribly. We'll miss him jumping up to meet us as he sees the car driving up the road, knowing he'll get a treat as soon as we got out the car. We'll miss having to hold him back because he wanted to follow whoever was walking to church or a friends house. We'll miss that big 'ol bark when someone passed by the house. Our friends will miss Buck greeting them on the porch wagging his tail like crazy. Buck had gentle spirit and instantly captured the heart of all those who made contact with him. We're thankful we got to have Buck in our lives. We love you Buck-a-roo! Forever in our hearts, Ron, Karlene, Whitney, Trek, Baylee and Brinley

THANKS TO KARLENE

Karlene, this Family Blog has been a great idea!!! It's wonderful to see current pictures and comments that each family contributes and I also love the "Pictures of the Week". And I must confess it's much easier to add a tidbit from time to time than to work-up something for the newsletters. We all owe you, big time.
Love - Grandma
P.S. Thanks for adding pictures to my blogs!!!

Latter day prophets

I found this quote and thought it would be appropriate to share, especially as we will be getting our confrence ensign soon.

The Prophet Living in Our Day
Posted: 22 Apr 2009 12:00 AM PDT
"President Wilford Woodruff tells of an interesting incident that occurred in the days of the Prophet Joseph Smith: . . . " 'Brother Joseph turned to Brother Brigham Young and said, "Brother Brigham I want you to go to the podium and tell us your views with regard to the living oracles and the written word of God." Brother Brigham took the stand, and he took the Bible, and laid it down; he took the Book of Mormon, and laid it down; and he took the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and laid it down before him, and he said: "There is the written word of God to us, concerning the work of God from the beginning of the world, almost, to our day. And now," said he, "when compared with the living oracles those books are nothing to me; those books do not convey the word of God direct to us now, as do the words of a Prophet or a man bearing the Holy Priesthood in our day and generation. I would rather have the living oracles than all the writing in the books." That was the course he pursued. When he was through, Brother Joseph said to the congregation; "Brother Brigham has told you the word of the Lord, and he has told you the truth." ' (Conference Report, October 1897, pp. 18–19.) ". . . Therefore the most important prophet so far as you and I are concerned is the one living in our day and age to whom the Lord is currently revealing His will for us. Therefore the most important reading we can do is any of the words of the prophet contained each month in our Church Magazines. Our instructions about what we should do for each six months are found in the General Conference addresses which are printed in the Church magazine."Topic:
Ezra Taft Benson, "Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet," Tambuli, June 1981, 2–3

Cancun, MX

Cancun was a blast! This is Chichen Itza. They won't let you climb it anymore, but Ron & I did last time we were there. eeek!This is Coba. The kids climbed it. Can you see them at the top?:D If you click on the picture, you can see 'em.
Ocean fun and pool fun!We also did some flea market shopping and ate at some authentic places. It was a nice, relaxing break.

Family of Four

As you all know, we had Mayzie! Trav choose her middle name, Elise, after my middle name! I love it, and hopefully she will as well. We are all doing really great, only Travis is a little sleep-deprived! Labor and Delivery went well, and I am already looking forward to the next one :), good thing I have Trav to keep me in line! Myles is doing pretty good. He LOVES his "baby sister, princess, sweetie, and Mayzie" Every time he wakes up the first thing he says is "Where's Mayzie?" Mayzie is doing really well. She eats great and sleeps great (so far). We are so happy it's finally Spring and we can spend much more time at the park. Love you all. See you Sunday.

donotcontact.utah.gov

Hi everyone! This is just for your information, but I wanted to pass it along in case you aren't aware. Companies are now targeting mobile phones with advertisements of alcohol, tobacco, pornography and gambling. Utah has a website now that you can go to and register your e-mail, mobile phone, fax etc. so that you CANNOT be contacted or sent advertisements. It is donotcontact.utah.gov . I strongly suggest you register, especially your kids phone numbers, so that these buggers cannot send any of this scum to our kids! (or us!) I just did it. It is super easy and gave me peace of mind knowing I can try to protect my kids from this crap! Sorry, this scummy world just ticks me off sometimes! But life IS good and I will post about our Mexico trip soon. We had a blast! I love you all and our kids and want them protected as much as possible! Hugs, Karlene

SUNDAY GET TOGETHER 4-26-09

This Sunday will be the last Sunday that Ben will be with us for SIX MONTHS!!! I know he likes Fajitas so that is what I'm fixing for dinner.
We will also be celebrating a few birthdays; Mandi, Ben, Austin & Michael. Next April we will be adding Mayzie to the list. Already celebrated Trek's birthday earlier in the month.
We will also be tying Chuck and Amy's quilt. Should be an enjoyable time together.
Love - Grandma
P.S. Lori had Carpal Tunnel surgery today. Everything went fine. She'll have the other wrist fixed next week.

MOTHER'S DAY

Mother's Day is coming up soon and I would like to request NO presents please. Like the original founder of the day, I think it is wonderful to give praise but no presents.
Love - Mom

Two more days

Two more days Karleen, don't forget, or the beautiful blue skys might be a thing of the past.

Baby Mayzie

I'm sure Travis and Kristy will have lots of details but here are a few pictures until then.

A little update

Hey everyone! This is my first time blogging, and I'm excited to keep up with it.  This last Sunday I got asked to Prom!!  On my front porch was a yellow poster that said to look around my yard for Easter eggs.  So my family pitched in and we found about 20 eggs throughout my front yard, in the dark might I add.  His name was in one of the eggs.  His name is Morgan Hardy.  I'm borrowing my cousin Aubrey's dress so there's so stress about that.  It's on May 1st.  I'm super excited!!

I've been running for Student Council for the last couple of weeks and it's been hectic putting together the packets, the notes, and the video (thank you to everyone that helped).  I ran for SB Secretary.  I didn't get the Secretary position, but I did make it to Cabinet!  My official title is Cabinet - Publicity.  I'm way excited!!  In the end, it'll be a lot less stress than the Secretary position:  I won't have to take notes in all of the meetings and won't have to be as organized! :) Well, that's all for this month.  See you all at grandma's!

Can we really not afford it?

You Are Invited...
to spend a half day (or even a full day) in the temple each month Here is what monthly temple participation will do for you:

1. If a man, you will become mighty; if a woman, powerful.(D&C 109:22)
2. It will serve as great "insurance protection" for your marriage.(D&C 132:19)
3. The blessings of the Eternal Gods will be called down upon you, and great spiritual growth will be yours.(D&C 109: 12&14)
4. Unseen angels will watch over your loved ones when Satanic forces tempt them.(Acts 27:23)
5. Your families will draw close to the Lord and there will be no empty chairs in the Celestial Kingdom.(Hymn #301)
6. Your children will all go on missions.(D&C 109:58)
7. You children will get married in the temple.(Conference Talks)
8. The veil will be thin, you will have great spiritual growth, and many spiritual experiences will distill upon you.(D&C 138)
9. You will be prepared for exaltation--with a celestial body, a celestial mind, and a celestial personality.(3 Nephi 12-20, 3 )
10. You will become receptive to divine guidance and you will receive spiritual perception to help you grapple with your problems and cares.(D&C 38:30)(D& C 3:1-3)
11. You will see clearly how to make critical decisions that weigh heavily on your mind.(D&C (109:42)
12. You will become Christlike.(D&C 109:22-25)

Travis and I have thought about trying to come up with a way to get everyone together to the temple once a month. I think we will just decide on a date and temple and then let you all know via the blog. If you can make it great, if not, hope to see you next month!

Love this kid

April 22nd

This is our reminder to go to school on the 22nd

or your living quarters might be too cozy.

You would look cute in orange,

but stay away from tattoos!

Okay. So I went before the judge today for the second time in a week. Me and all the other drug heads, shoplifters, and stalkers. Man, all I did was drive over the speed limit a little bit. Does that make me a criminal? I sure felt like it as I watched those in orange suits with chains on their wrists and ankles taken back to their cell. Now I have to go to traffic school! Traffic school! I could teach traffic school! I'm not nervous about going to traffic school, I'm more nervous about forgetting to go to traffic school. So this is my request, please don't let me forget on April 22nd, I have traffic school at 6 p.m. sharp! Because I am NOT going back to that courtroom again! It freaked me out.

Gage and the miserable trip to the Hospital

Poor little Gage is doing much better. These are pictures of his fourth day in the hospital. Hopefully he will be able to come home Sunday 4/5.

On top of everything else, Mandi and Bronson are also sick.

Several times a day, Gage needed to have a deep suction to clear his lungs from the accumulated mucus. When the nurse came into the room and put on the yellow gown, poor little guy knew what was coming and would get such a sad look on his face.

EASTER SUNDAY (4-12-09)

Looking forward to Easter Sunday dinner.
Menu:
Ham (Erin Sanderson's recipe)
Yummy Potatoes
Pretzel Salad
Etc. etc.

I have fond memories of a few years back when I couldn't remember where I had hidden the Easter candy and some of you grandchildren became obsessed with finding it. Fun!

After dinner, we will have funeral services for Lenny. You remember Lenny, he was the little hidden imp in our monthly newsletters. He is no longer in the picture and will be laid to rest in a lovely spot in our back yard. Anyone wishing to express words of appreciation may do so at that time. Viewing just prior to services.
P.S. UPDATE
Sorry the viewing and funeral has to be postponed!!! Probably a first in all of history. Karlene, Ron and kids will be out of town so we will have the services when they return. Put Lenny on ice.

Two things to post, one good, one not good

First the not so good- Gage has been in the hospital for the past two days with RSV, but he should be home Saturday. Even thou he's sick, he has been such a trooper. He rarely crys, and trys to smile. He smiled a lot for Lori. Ron stopped by to show his support. Mandi and Bronson are holding up pretty well. They really appriciate everyones love a support. Bronson' s mom, ChrisAnn, is going to stay with them until Sunday. Keep them in your prayers.

(This is a picture taken in healther times)

On a happier note Chuck, Amy, and all the parents met at Grandma's (and Grandpa's) house Wed for Chuck and Amy to open their wedding presents. They got lots of cool stuff to start their new home and lives together.

Thank You, Everyone!

We are so glad for all of the support at the wedding dinner, Sealing, and reception. Everything went so well. It was so fun seeing everyone there.


Here are just a couple of Amy's STUNNING bridals.




The honeymoon has been great. If you've never been to Steamboat Springs, Estes Park, or Fort Collins, Colorado... go. They are great. Steamboat has more to do than the other places, but all were amazing.

These first two photos below are of another great place- in Midway, UT called Johnson Mill- Bed & Breakfast. We'll definitely be returning to visit this place.





Amazing food in Steamboat Springs, CO:


Estes Park, CO:



Next on the list: Open presents and hopefully move into our new house... let's hope!

-Chuck & Amy

Band Concert

Jessi and I have a band concert on April 7th. Its at Canyon View Jr. High. I think it starts at
7 pm.

Watch out!

I love that everyone is getting the hang of this!! So, March flew by! Trek is turning 16 on wednesday and has already asked a girl to the Prom in May! He is anxious to get his license so I don't have to go everywhere with him. And so am I buddy! He made the Lone Peak soccer team so he's been busy and he played great tonight with one goal and a few assists. Whitney is running for Student Body Secretary as most of you know. I tried to post the video, but the computer wouldn't post it. (I'm sure it wasn't me:)Baylee has to get a minor surgery done in her mouth on friday. She has a cyst on the inside of her lip that has to be taken out at the surgery center. I really wanted to post a picture for you all to see, but she said "no". Party pooper. Brinley has a lead in the school play. She is Ophilia in "Hamlet" so she going to be doing a lot of memorizing of lines. Ron just bought a new (to us) lawn mower and trailer. He and Trek are hoping to get a little business going this summer. I am getting excited for Conference this weekend! I love Conference weekend! Think Spring! We love you all so much! "R" gang :D

Emergency prepairedness challenge

I just finished CERT (citizen emergency response team) training. I learned more how to be more prepared for home and community emergencies. So my challenge for each family member is to make sure you have a fire extinguisher in your home. Also to keep a box of baking soda in the kitchen next to the stove. Any kitchen fires, especially oil and grease fires, need to be smothered. DO NOT ADD WATER. Review with your kids how kitchen fires need to be put out.

Okay, that is the challenge. Post a comment when you’ve completed the challenge. If anyone has any other tips, please post.Tom

YELLOWSTONE HERE WE COME!!!

We finally have firm conformation on the cabin rental. Money has exchanged hands and we have the Island Park cabin reserved for July 6,7,8,&9th (Mon, Tue, Wed,& Thu). We will arrive on Monday and leave on Friday morning. We reserved a fourth night so it will give everyone time to go into Yellowstone Park if they want. Also we will be able to celebrate Jessi's birthday while in Yellowstone. A great place to have a birthday. I AM EXCITED!!!
Love - Grandma & Grandpa

Mommy's BAD

So Austin was really quiet this afternoon and all of you who are moms know the quiet means bad news! So I walked in to the bathroom and Austin was sitting on top of the toilet and he had gotten into the baby lotion that I had just bought and I left out….whoops ….. he put lotion ALL OVER HIS FACE! And then he thought it was funny cuz mommy was taking pictures of him!