Happy Birthday Lindsey

Where has the time gone Lindsey turned 9 on Sat. I was remembering the day she was born.
I had been leaking fluid for a few weeks instead of getting bigger I was getting smaller. They had scheduled a test an amniocenteses test on a Monday morning. I remember being really nervous. The Dr. called on Sunday night and asked Gary if he would be willing to drive the fluid they drew out over to Utah Valley Hospital, so they could get the results faster. he agreed to do it. When we arrived on Monday to the Dr. I walked into the room and seen the needle that they was going to use I said a little pray that I would be able to get through this and that all would be alright with my baby. We did not know the sex of this baby. I had stress test every week starting when they could hear the heart beat. They keep telling me it was a boy's heart rate. So we just decided we were going to be an all boy family and that we didn't need to know the sex because we figured it was a boy. When they started the test they start with an ultra sound the Dr. turned off the machine I remember just freaking out inside because that is what he did with Nathan. I took a deep breath thinking I can do this. He then told us we had to delivery the baby today they didn't have enough fluid to do the test. They sent me to the hospital where they gave me medicine to soften my cervix and sent me home for awhile. We got a few things in order and went back to the hospital. The baby was born at 12:29 am. They pulled the baby out he(because we thought it was a boy.) had have a lot of hair. Then the DR. said it was a girl. Gary and I both cried a girl.
We were excited. They took her away rather fast. They could not keep her body temputure up. I was laying there hoping all was alright. next thing I new was a nurse grabbed my gown and pulled it down. I was a little in shock of what she was doing then another lady ran over with the baby and placed her on my chest and then they snapped up the gown again. They then told me they were going to try something different to bring up her temputure. By using my body temputure. So we laid there for awhile. She had a ton of hair so I looked liked like I had a man chest they all got a kick out of that. April came to see what we had and all she could see was hair and said Miranda doesn't even have a chance.Because she was 2 and still had no hair.

When we called to tell people in the morning that we had the baby Gary would tell them if you want to know what we had you have to came see. Well I called his brother Rick and told him that he said come on and tell me I was so excited that I told him. I think he told his wife that we had a boy. Because when they came to the hospital to see his wifw asked why did they put a bow in his hair. We laughed and told her it was a girl. It took us a long time to name her.

We are glad we have her she add's a lot of joy and laughter and love.

Week of Labor Day

On Monday it was Labor Day. We went over to Payson for the parade. We went to my parents shop. Where all the cousins aunt uncles come and we bring camp stoves and make breakfast before the parade. We have pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, Gary's cheesy hash browns.They have bought bleachers to put out in front of the store for the parade. They even put traps on them so it is shady. We have a huge turn out. The kids have a lot of fun. The tribune even wrote something about it in there paper on Tues.. I didn't get one so I don't know what they said about it.

On Monday night Taylor went to a concert with my niece. Gary and i took the other for kids hiking up Santaquin Canyon then had a hot dog roast. I am thankful for the 2 1/2 miles I walk every morning at 6:00a.m. because I don't think I would have been able to do the hike. We had a great time with the kids up the canyon and had a great time setting around the fire and talking.

Emily and Taylor had a great time at the concert. The concert was at UVU. So they parked at the walmart parking lot. Big mistake. When they got to the car they had put a tire boot on Emily's car tire. And about 50 other cars. Emily didn't have the money to pay for the boot to be taken off her car so Taylor paid the $60.00. They decided they would split the ticket and that she would pay him back on pay day. It made me mad because you can pull your trailer into any walmart and sleep in it over night. But you can't park there for a few hours. A lessoned learned I guess.

I went to Garrett's Football game on Tues. night they played in Salem. They won just in the nick of time. They were tied 22 to 22 and had 15 seconds left. They were able to get a touch down and won in that 15 seconds they had about 50 yards to be able to get the touch down. The kid that got the ball just ran like crazy it was fun.

Lindsey went to achievement days on weds. They made the cutest bracelets with washers and ribbon. They were cute.

Thurs. in the middle of the night Bryce woke up with a tooth ache. When he woke up Friday morning his face was swollen. I called the dentist he was out of town so he had a dentist that was taking his calls but didn't work on Fridays but had a number for emergencies. So I called that number explained to the dentist what was going on. He called in an antibiotic for Bryce and told me that it is hard to numb them if they have that much infection. That he needed to clear that up first so we are working on that.

Friday Gary's uncle Dale passed away. His daughter Linda passed away about 4 weeks ago.

On Sat. morning I went to Garrett's football game. They won 27 to 0 they played in Spanish Fork. They had a great defense today.

We are sure putting the miles on the suburban. Taylor made the golf team and has to be to the golf course everyday after school and because he doesn't have a license yet I get to take him. His friends mom picks them up in Elk Ridge but I have to go to Payson to get him. Garrett is playing 8th grade tackle football in Payson he has practice everyday from 5:00 to 7:30 at Taylor School. Thank goodness we put together a car pool. So I only have to take them over on Monday nights and pick up that night. Garrett's Team won there first game. Gary is playing men's fall softball. He really enjoys that on Tues. nights. I enjoy watching and supporting them in what they are doing. Sometimes it is hard to be to everything but I try. I am glad right know we only have one in football. that makes it a lot easier. Basketball is always tricky because we always have 3 or 4 kids playing.

When I came home from camp I came home to a new girl. She is all about trying to do her own hair. And has to have it done everyday. She fixes it about 10 times a day. She used to care less about having it done. But not anymore. she sure does add a lot to the family. He is enjoying the third grade.

Tanner is enjoying 5th grade. He wishes basketball was year round. Bryce is loving first grade. Taylor loves going to the High School.

Garrett is in the 8th grade. On Monday August 31, 2009 he went to school at 5:00 a.m. to do a qualifier for a Mount Nebo hike He had to run 3 miles in 39 min. with a twenty pound pack on his back. Then they had to run bleachers afterwards. He did the 3 miles in 30 min. On Friday Sept. 4, 2009 They went on the hike he had a great time. He had to get up at 4:30 a.m. to get to the school to go on the hike. He was tired when he got home.

You want to beat them but instead you hug them.

On Weds. Sept. 2 2009, I was having a peaceful morning just getting ready to shower and the phone rang.(it was 9:30am) I answered the phone it was the elementary school Brooke the Secretary, said Amy is Bryce home this morning I said no she said was he late I said no he was there by 8:30. She said hold on let me check if he was in class I said OK. I new he was in class because we took him to school. She came back on the line and said Amy he has not been to class at all today. I said OK I am on my way there. As I was getting dressed I called Brenda to see if she would come help us look for him. When I got to the school the lady that does playground duty was in the office she said she walked around the whole playground and didn't see any one. Tanner's teacher Mr Bailey was teaching the kids some math and happen to look out his window with the corner of his eyes and said those two kids look like they are going on an adventure then he got up to look closer out his window and said they have back packs on and a jump rope. He sent to boys out to run over where they were sure enough it was Bryce and a little boy Taylor from his class. They had been to the rodeo grounds and were coming out when they seen them. They were heading to the fields behind the rodeo arena. When they got him in the office and we came in he looked sad. They had a little talk and then we took him back to his class. I had the school counselor go and talk to him so he new it was serious. When he got home after school he started to cry. Mom Taylor hates school. And he made me go with him, I said Bryce you are bigger then he is and you could of told him it was wrong. I said you made a bad choice. He said I know I will never do it again.

First Day of School

The first day of school was on August 19Th. I was not ready to send my kids back to school. I felt like we did not have enough time together. Taylor is a sophomore this year. I can't believe he is getting so old. Garrett is going into the 8Th grade. He is getting so tall. Tanner is going into the 5Th grade he has Mr. Bailey this year as a teacher. He was scared at first, but he really likes him. Lindsey has Mrs. Rupper, she was sad that Elli and Kyler were not in her class. She is making friends. Bryce my baby ( he hates it when I call him that. He lost his first tooth and said know you can't call me your baby anymore.) is going to first grade he has Miss Dooley. I do not know how Kanyon and Bryce ended up in the same class but they did. I did the kissing hands with him before school. Tanner and Lindsey said I can remember when mom did that for me. They said Bryce that really helps. He made it through his first day and loves it. All my kids have seemed to enjoy school so far. Thanks to all the teachers for there time and dedication they give to my children.

Park City

On August 17TH we went to Park City to do a little over nighter with the kids. Westgate resort kept bugging us to come to one of there little spills they would give us a free night stay and fifty dollars. We had to be to the meeting at noon the kids played basketball and we did the tour. I was not impressed the rooms were really tiny. We did the spill then we had 2 hours until we could check in. We went for a little drive and the little kids were dying to go swimming. We were able to check in at 4:00. We were in the room for only a few min. and the kids were in swimming suits and were ready to go. They swam for 5 hours. They loved it. They were in heaven. The next morning they got up early to go swimming before we checked out. They had a lot of fun swimming. I just relaxed. Gary swam with them. I had left my suit on the back of the couch. I had fun watching them. They are great kids.

Girls Camp

This year I went to camp on a stake level. They had a camp committee of four people Myself, Leslie Hindes, Melanie Kunz, Trisha Ringger. They are a great bunch of ladies and I love them and have a great new friendship with them. Our theme for camp was super hero's. We wanted the girls to learn that they were all super hero's and that the greatest Super Hero is are Savior. We had a lot of fun. The 13Th ward was a lot of fun they kept putting nerds in our beds. So we would pick them all up and return them to their beds. I had a lot of fun with the 8Th ward joking around and laughing. The 3rd ward was awesome of course and were great at there acts of kindness and for doing my hair( Addie & Becca). I had a lot of fun with my photo shoot with the 15Th ward. I would dress up in red skirt and red boots, mask, and super man shirt and go out and do the caught being Super Award. All the wards were great. I could go on and on about all of the them.

This is what happens to your hair when you let Becca and Addie do your hair. This is not a wig. Bryce tried to pull it off but it is the real thing. The stake YW President is Colleen Wilson, first counselor Amber Bascom, second counselor Lori Hansen, Sec. Katrina Davenport. They are great ladies and they love each one of these girls and they worry about everyone of them.

July 24th

I have not posted for awhile, so I am going to try and catch up. On the Weekend of the 24Th we went Jet skiing and camping to Mona Reservoir. We had a great time. The kids played in the water and had a great time. On Friday night you could see the fireworks from Levan. IT started to rain really hard and we did not have the rain guard on so Gary had to put it on and the rest of us ran to the suburban to stay dry poor him no one stayed to help him. On Saturday Gary's cousin Allen and his wife and there four boys came down. (poor Lindsey we are going to have to let her bring a friend). Bryce and Hugh would set and make songs up. they set for over an hour just singing. Garrett and Sam had a blast taking the Jet ski's out by there selves. Tanner and Lindsey had fun in the water and riding in the tube and on the Jet ski's. Taylor loved that he had one all to himself. Allen and his Family left after dinner. We decided to stay one more night. We were able to see the Mona fireworks. We then tried to go to bed. But the other families that were camping down there stayed up and partied until 3:00 a.m. in the morning they were not quite at all. They had there music up full blast. They kept screaming don't drink the whiskey save it for the last. They drove us crazy. some of my kids were so tired they slept right through it. Then a horrible wind came through and knocked are shade tent into the tent we were sleeping in so Gary once again had to get up and take care of everything that we had outside. The next morning we got up early to come home. I told my kids to be as loud as they wanted to.(maybe the drunks would realize how loud they were.) All in all we had a great time.

Old Times

We had Rick over for dinner he is working in Utah. His family will be moving back to Utah the first of August. Gary and Rick used to karaoke in the little house we used to live in. So tonight they pulled out Rock band to play Gary was singing, Taylor on the drums, Emily on the guitar. Gary kept trying to get Rick to sing. He kept saying he had a headache. They got him to finally sing The Eye of the Tiger. He sang for just a sec and gave Emily the mic. he said I am to shy. We will have to work him back into it. I just think he is getting old and could not see the words they are kinda small. I am going to the dollar store to get him some reading glasses. Valerie and I used to laugh at the jam sessions they would have. We just need to get him in the grove again.

Old Times

Seven Random things about me!

I was tagged so here I go!

1. I broke my arm in second grade on a trampoline. My friend drove me home on her bike. When they took me to the hospital and they got the x-ray's mixed up with another Amy Reed and was going to take me into surgery. Then they realized the mistake thank heavens. All they had to do was put me to sleep to set the arm. When i got the cast off it smelled so bad I pucked all over the Dr.

2. I love Hawaii. I thought I would hate it because I was so fat. But it was awesome. I dream about it all the time. It was so relaxing.

3. I wrote in my journal in 9th grade that I was going to marry Gary Jackson. When i found out he got married I was going to tear that page out, but I never did. Then guess what we ended up together.

4. I have always wanted to run a 5k. I hope I can get my weight of so I can do that. (now I said it I have to do it.)

5. I love the ocean especially in Hawaii. it is so pretty and you can even see your feet. The water is so clear. I loved snorkeling in the ocean. That was awesome. We seen turtles and all different kinds of fish. ( I usually I am a little nervous in water. But Salt water helps you float)

6. I used to hate to read when I was younger, but know I love it.

7. I wish I could sing. I can't carry a tune but in the next life I am going to be a singer. Taylor always says I should sing in sacrament he said I would bring everyone to tears not from my voice but tears of laughter. It is said when they are young they love to sing with me. until they would go to preschool and realize that mom can't sing and then they no more want to sing with mom.

Seven Random things about me!

What is that bad Smell.

On Monday July sixth me and my niece Were heading to Payson. We thought we could smell something in the car,but we checked under the seats I even smelled Garrett shoes to see if it was it could not find anything. So we got on the freeway as we got to Payson there was this smell that was horrible we were both gagging. We were trying not to throw up. We had to drive that car back to Santaquin we did not know how we could drive with that smell. So my niece got out her Victoria Secret lotion and squirted some in our hands so we could set and smell it on the way home. I pulled in the drive way and the front of my suburban was covered in flies. Gary came out to check he opened the hood and the smell was so overwhelming he was trying not to puck.
Well he found the problem the four kittens that we were getting ready to give away were dead in the fan. They were on the porch Sat. night when we got home from the fireworks. My niece spent the night and Gary got up early to run her home so she could get to work. That is when he figured he had got them. Bryce was so sad. He had been praying we could find his kittens. I said your prayer was answered we found them. He got mad and said that is not what I wanted.

Fourth of July Weekend

We had a busy weekend. Friday was my dad's birthday. We got together as a family to celebrate. We had a BBQ and then we did fireworks. We had a lot of fun. Tanner was not feeling to good he had got really sunburned that day I think he was a little dehydrated. He was eating an Ice Cream sandwich and set it on a chair. It was dark and I could not see so I sat on a chair next to Gary well I said I think I just set on something wet. It got a little cold so i reached back and to my surprise I had set on that Ice Cream sandwich. The kids had fun playing with cousins.

On Saturday we went and visited my grandma Clark for awhile the kids played with Lego's and these little wooden doll things that stack into each other that a friend gave her from Russia. The grand kids love them. She let's them play with them. We had a great visit. The kids were excited to get there pickle fix. Nobody can make a pickle like her. My mom and aunts have tried but they can not get them to taste like hers. My kids call her the pickle grandma.

After we left her house we stopped at Macy's to get an Ice cream cone. Taylor told Gary Macy's has the biggest cones. He was not a kidding. Gary ordered him, Taylor, Garrett, Tanner a Cong Cone. It was a 20oz. cup overflowed with Ice cream and a cone on top. They were big. Bryce and Lindsey had a small one.

We then headed to Gary's parents where we had a BBQ and then we headed to the fireworks below the temple. The kids played catch and ran around. Emily, Lindsey and I taught Valerie how to play down by the banks. Gary joined in. Then Emily and I gave everyone a great laugh and tried to get everyone to play ride that pony. I nearly wet myself from laughter good thing it was kind of dark and nobody seen me make a fool of myself, but it was fun.

We had a good weekend. Gary's brother Rick is moving back to Utah we are excited we used to have so much fun with them. We have some very great memories with them. It will be fun to get together with them more.

Scott

It has been almost a month sense Scott has left. We sure miss him. He is always whistling or humming around the house. He always would give me and Gary a hug and a kiss on the check before he went to bed. He is thoughtful caring person we sure miss not having him home. He added a lot of joy into our home. I feel bad that he is giving up on some of his dreams and goals.

Holy Ghost

Today I was talking on the phone to Stefany while i was washing dishes and I was listening to Bryce sing in his bedroom Heavenly Father are you really there do you hear and answer every child's prayer over and over. All of a sudden he runs out of his room just as happy can be and says I was just visited by the Holy Ghost. I said"what" he said the air conditioner was going and he felt so warm inside but he didn't have a blanket on he just felt warm. Stefany said I needed to write this down so instead I am posting it. He said the Holy Ghost came for just a sec. I got off the phone we talked about the Holy Ghost He was just so happy. Kids are great.

Prayer

My kids sure have learned a lot about prayers in the last few years. Bryce has been praying for Sister Barker in our ward she hurt her back really bad and couldn't walk. She plays the piano in primary. She has done that calling for at least 15 years. When we are praying and someone forgets to mention her name in prayer he gives you a little lecture on how we can help her by praying for her and if we don't pray for her we are not helping her. She came to Sacrament on Easter Sunday Bryce was so excited to see her there. He said see prayer works.

Tanner has also learned a lot about prayer. In Dec. Sister Neff was visiting with me about her husband Ed. He has struggled with cancer. They had found 2 spots on his lung they were worried if it was in his Colon then they would have to do chemo again. She said "I don't think he can Indore another round of chemo". She was crying I felt so bad these two people are the most neatest people in the ward. I came home and gathered the kids and we talked about Brother Neff Tanner said" he is the strongest man I know I have never seen him sick but I am going to pray so hard for him because I know he can get better". I was a little nervous about this because I was not sure of how the out come would come out.(me lacking in faith). Tanner was always praying for Brother Neff Praying for his Colon. Two weeks later after his colonoscopy Sister Neff sent me a text saying his Colon was all clean there was no cancer. I pulled the kids together to tell them about this. Tanner started to cry he said" Heavenly Father does hear and answers prayers" he said " i want to tell dad that Heavenly Father answered my prayer." He sat on the porch with his coat on and waited for his dad to come home to tell him what has just happened.

My older kids got there testimony of prayer as they prayed for there cousin Curtis. As they watched him recover from his car wreck.

We all need to have Faith as all the children do. Heavenly Father is just waiting for us to knock. Some times we may not get the answer we want but we need to trust in him to help us through the trails of life.

I guess I needed to write this for myself as a reminder of the importance of prayer. I know there are lost of days I feel like I am just a burden to him with all my problems. But I know he is there if we just let him in.

Personal Space

Bryce has decided that he is to big for hugs and kisses. So he told us he would give us high five instead. He just informed me today that he is only going to give us high five once a day. Where does this come from. He is just growing up way to fast. Every now and then he will come crawl up on our laps we cherish that moments. He must be like his dad personal space. My nephew Curtis came by to see us the other day and he gave Curtis a great big hug.

Finger nail polish

What a night Brent, Charise and kids came over for dinner. I thought it would be a great idea to paint the girls nails. One of the bottles of finger nail polish broke on the carpet. Charise googled how to get finger nail polish out of the carpet. We had to laugh at how many different ideas there was. We scrubbed away. Charise did an awesome job of scrubbing. What was I thinking of doing this project on the carpet. So we moved to the table things seemed to be going good and Jaylyn fell off her chair ( I have a counter high table). She had the finger nail brush in her hand and ended up with finger nail polish in her hair. We got that out the best we could but she still has a few little purple dots through out her hair. We had quit the evening. They loved having there toes and fingers painted they loved the little flowers i put on them. Byrce was sad to see Jayna leave. They got along great. They had a lot of fun together. I went through Lindsey clothes so I could send the ones that did not fit with Charise. As I was showing the clothes to Charise Lindsey was having a hard time letting them go. That is my favorite outfit those are my favorite shoes. I said Lindsey do they fit? She would say no. Ok we can give them away. She was cute about it.

Gary's Family

Gary's brother Brent and his family came for a visit. Brent and Charise had all the girls for the family They have 4 beautiful girls Jaylyn 6, Jayna 5, Katie 3, Karli 4 months (I think). We have not seen them for 5 years. Brent did come last year for his Grandma's funeral, but his family did not come. We had a great time getting together with them. It was so funny Katie was setting on Gary's lap she looked at him and said you have no hair. Gary said what I have no hair I had hair when I got here what happened to it? She looked and said I don't know. It was cute you had to hear it from her. Jayna has a little crush on Bryce she doesn't realize that you don't love your cousins like that. She wanted to marry him today. The kids had fun playing together we did not leave Gary's parents until after 11 p.m. my kids will be bears tomorrow. They kids enjoyed being with family. We missed the family that was not here. Gary has all of his brothers living out of state. We have never been together as a whole family. This makes me sad. when we are together we have a great time. When they come home it is all at different times. Gary's parents 50Th anniversary is going to be in Oct.. So far we have six out of seven children coming. We pray that Kevin can work out his schedule to come. That will be so awesome to have everyone together. Family is important to me. We need to build relationships here on earth with are family. I think we need to be better about visiting family out of state.

Bryce and Shoulder Pads

On St. Patricks Bryce wore a shirt that was football jersey for little boys and of course it was green. Well I told him it was time to go to school. He was hiding from me. I new I he must be up to something if he would not let me see what he was doing. I told him we had to leave so he came out of the closet and all I could do was laugh. He had made shoulder pads out of toilet paper. He was so proud of them. He was sad that he could not where them to school. He did put them on for his brothers after school.

Growing

Holy Cow, I can not keep my boy's dressed for a week. Taylor is pushing 6ft. 2. I just bought him church pants 2 months ago. I leaned over to Gary Sunday and asked when the flood was coming. Then I looked the other way Garrett's pants are floods he has had pants for a month I bought big. At the first of Dec. he wore a size 12. He has just been the little runt out of all my boys. Not any more he is catching up by Christmas time he was into a 16 that is for the length. The drowned him around the waist. It is so hard to find slim pants anymore for boys. The ward probably thinks we have a bunch of orphans.

I have been reflecting on were has the time gone. These little boys are growing up so fast they are turning into fine young men. The other night Taylor picked me up in the kitchen. I said let me try and pick you up. I picked him up. He is a lot heavier then I remembered. I went to SEP a few weeks ago I visited with Taylor's math teacher and he told me he has a big talking problem. I said Taylor he said yes I started to laugh the teacher did not fine that to funny until I explained myself. He has always been so shy in public. All his life until this year his teachers have wished he would talk more. The teacher said ya I know I had him last year this is night and day. He asked if he had any head trauma over the summer. I said nope. He said he is funny and has a great sense of humor, and he does. He makes us laugh all the time. He said I can't complain because he gets a A in my class. Garrett is trying to find his place. He is a good kid. His Drama teacher just loves him. She told me she wants him in drama in 9Th grade. I never thought that would be something he would enjoy. His teacher says he is great, he doesn't care what people say or think he just acts away. Scott has been taking auto shop this year and has been really enjoying it. His choir class is getting ready to go to California. They will be going to Disneyland. He is so excited. Tanner is really loving to read. He is a real fast reader and was skipping words and not retaining what he just read. He has really worked on reading and has really improved. He is a whiz at math. Lindsey is really excelling in school. They have her working on her times tables because they want to challenge her. I always struggled in math it is fun to watch these kids get it. Bryce is really enjoying kindergarten he loves his teacher and class. Compared to my other kids kindergarten class he has a small one. I like that the teacher has more time with them. He is a little spoiled he thinks he should have everything handed to him. Maybe that has something to do with him being the baby. But i forgot he is not a baby. He reminds me that everyday.

Life of sports

Life has been a little crazy with basketball. We are now done with JR. Jazz. The kids did a great job. Garrett was really aggressive his last game and did really well. I wish he would have been more aggressive the first part of the season. He felt intimidated by some of his players, but that last game he decided that he would not care about anyone but himself and the game and did a great job. Scott's team did really good. Scott's is a really great defensive player. Tanner did a great job. Most games he averaged about 16 points a game. He practices all day. Taylor Junior High team did OK. They played better at home then they did away. He is working hard for next year. It is very competitive at the High School. Gary is the Stake sports director so we were doing JR jazz in the morning then we all go help him with running the stake basketball. We really have some great talent in are stake. Sure has been fun watching them all. I have to admit that it does get a little old.

I guess I am going to coach Bryce's soccer team. That ought to be fun. Lindsey and Bryce love soccer. Gary cannot understand why. That is a sport he really doesn't care for. The kids have fun so here we go.

Great Friends

I wanted to tell all my friends thank you for all that you do for me. Lunch was great.
We need to do that more then just every three months. We need those laughs and it is cheaper then going to therapy. We have been through a lot together and I am glad to have you as my friends.

Weblos

I have a new calling I am the new weblos leader for the Santaquin 3rd ward. I am a little nervous about it the other leaders were so awesome and I have big shoes to fill. Stefany Crook is my assisant she does a great job. We had the Blue and Gold Banquet the boys did a really cute skit. We had a great time. I love the boys that are in my group. I can't wait until Tanner comes in. He will come into weblos in May.

Valentines Day

I love holidays. This year Valentines started on Friday for me. I made treat bags for my kids, and took them to there school and the office delivered the valentines to my kids. Gary took me to dinner and a movie. On Valentines we went to Jr jazz games and young men's basketball. We then took cookies around to family and kicked them at the doors. Then we came home and had a candle light dinner with the kids. They love it. We have them go around the table and tell each person one reason why they love them. The kids love this tradition we have been doing this for at least 12 years. One year I didn't do the dinner and we took the kids out to dinner they were so upset that the next night we had the dinner. Gary always gives me a hard time about valentines he says this holiday is for lovers not your kids. I just tell him it is a day to express your love to the people you love.

What a day

Well, I never seen it coming and was rather suprised me 3 weeks ago when the Bishop called me into his office and told me that they felt it was time for a release. At first I was mad thinking what have I done. Then I started to soften and think it was ok. You just hope who they call will love these girls as much as you have. This is going to be a huge adjustment in my life. I have been involved in YW for 12 years. This has been a big part of my life. I have felt like I am loosing 22 babies. The new president is going to be awesome. She will do an incredible job. so will her counslers.

Youth

I have been thinking about the youth latley and about the trials they have to face on a daily basis. A scripture came to mind D&C 10:5 "Pray always, that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work." Satan is out to destroy the youth of the church. If they would pray to him on a daily basis, learn to rely on him. He will help them through the tough trials of life. He will help them avoid the pitfalls. The youth of the ward are the futre leaders. We need to pray for them to remain strong.

Girlfriend

Well, Scott has his girlfriend over tonight to watch the Superbowl. I have had to leave the room a few times to laugh. It is really funny to watch him interact with her. I am not ready for this yet. I wish he would wait another 10 years. She seems like a really cute girl. I am just not ready for the seriousness of a girlfriend. I sure liked it when he dated around and not just having a steady girlfriend. We just pray for him constantly. He is a good kid he just is not thinking clearly. I think his head is a little fogged up. After meeting all of us she might just brake it off with him. Then we don't have to worry about him.

Journals

I was talking to a friend tonight about when I had Nathan I got into a bad habbit after he was born I would have a hard time going to sleep at night. The dark plays horrible games with your mind. I would have bad dreams I would wake up thinking I could hear a baby cry. I could not shut my mind off to go to sleep. So I started to watch TV until I would just fall asleep. The TV had to stay on. So ten years later Gary says it is time to take the TV out of the room. He feels like he has not got a good night sleep because it is on all night. So out goes the TV. Well I find myself sleeping on the couch alot so I can have that TV on so I can sleep. Crazy I know. So this friend suggested to me to journal at night. She said you don't have to put it in a journal because there are days you might want to write down your frustrations and you might want to rip it up after because you don't want anyone to read it but she said it might help get things off my mind. So we will have to try it out. I feel bad when my older kids go to school and they find me sleeping on the couch.

YW

This year the Stake decided we would have New Beginnings on a stake level. Each ward was giving a value to present. We had Divine Nature. We gave each girl a speaking part. To teach them about the value, then they all sang Because I have been giving much i to must give. We were lacking in numbers so I was so stressed out how this song was going to work. I even tried to call to get some of the girls to come. But the girls that came did an awesome job. I was so proud of them. The song sounded great. It was a great night. I am excited about the new value virtue. We have to get working on that new value. I love working with the youth it is one of the most rewarding callings. As you watch each girl grow and reach goals that they set for themselves and how excited they get when they reach that goal. I have one girl that has struggle for a few years and I have often wondered if going to church was her thing, but as i set back and watched her over the last year she has grown so much. She is trying so hard to do what is right and trying to find friends that have the same goals as she does. I am proud of her and for her choices. I know life is not easy for these youth but if they rely on there Heavenly Father he will guide them and help them through the tough times. I love each of the girls in my ward they all add so much to are little group. This calling has not been the easiest but the most rewarding calling I have ever had.

Happy Birthday Bryce

Happy Birthday Bryce. Bryce is such a delight in our house. We love his little giggle. He is doing awesome in school. He told me that he hates to take test. For his birthday date with mom and dad, he chose to go to jumping jacks and Sizzler for dinner. We had a great time. He is getting so big. He hates it when we call him the baby.

Life is changing

I have had a rude awaking this week. My life is changing so fast, and I am not sure I am ready for all the changes. My baby will be six on Friday. In six years I could be a grandparent that is a scary thought. When kids are little you couldn't wait for them to grow up. Well it happens way to fast. Faster then you want it to. So hold on to those little ones. Cherish each moment you have with your little ones. Because they will be gone before you know it. I guess I am scared to let go and to send them out in this fierce old world we live in. I watch Scott and I think to myself have we taught him everything he should know about life and the gospel. I know we are all put down here to learn from are agency but it is scary to send your kids out in this wicked world. I just hope and pray that they are all strong enough to with stand the temptation that is out there.

These are pictures I promised Brenda and Stefany I would post.

Today was the first day of JR. Jazz. Scott team one 40-39 very close game. They played really hard. Garrett's team lost they played a really good team.Garrett's team worked really hard. the team they played has been playing together for at least 5 years together.Tanner team did great. Tanner made 14 points. They really don't keep score in his league but they have a parent that keeps score for them. Life is a little crazy with basketball but the kids love it. We can't forget about Taylor's team on Tues. they lost by 20 points, but on Thurs. they won. He has really enjoyed playing on the freshman team. Lindsey and Bryce are great little cheerleaders. They are proud of there brother's.