Happy Anniversary to Us!

That was Then!

Honeymoon, February 1990

This is Now!

19th Anniversary, February 2009

Monty and I celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary on valentine's Day. We enjoyed a weekend at the coast cabin and had lots of fun! The weather was great and it was very relaxing. I had been working on a scrapbook of our wedding and honeymoon pictures to surprise Monty. When Hyrum saw the pictures of our wedding he asked, "Who's that?" I told him it was mom and dad. He replied, "Well, that's you (mom), but (pointing to dad), that's someone else and you're going to marry him, and dad is going to say, no way, you can't marry my life." (He calls a wife, "life" for some reason.) Anyway, it was pretty funny. I think I have finally convinced him that it is dad in the pictures and not some stranger. I feel so blessed to have a wonderful husband and am so thankful that he is my eternal companion! Life is great!!

Ammon's Band Concert

This is Ammon's latest, and last, high school band concert. This featured four drummers on four different drums, hence the name "Four for Four." It was a university level piece and I think they did an excellent job! Eli and Isaac should enjoy it, as its over five minutes of pure drumming!

Hyrum's Latest Antics

1. Well, the other day while I was gone, Hyrum decided he was old enough to cook frozen mac and cheese in the microwave. By the time Jesse discovered the burnt smell and smoke billowing out of the microwave, there was still 42 minutes on the timer! There was a completely black lump of something resembling the shape of mac and cheese in the middle of the microwave. Needless to say, our house has smelled bad for a few days now, and continues to smell every time we use the microwave. (Imagine the smell of burnt popcorn x10!) The inside is stained yellow. I have had to do some research on the internet to solve the dilemma. Its not back to normal yet, but it is getting better. By the way, non-acetone fingernail polish remover works pretty good at getting the yellow stains off.

2. Hyrum needed some help a couple of days ago, but I didn't have my glasses readily available. I finally found them and Hyrum told me that I needed to wear my glasses when my eyes "get cranky!"

3. The same night as we were watching one of his TV shows, he laid his head on my lap. Apparently, I made some sort of noise. He said, "Mom, why do you make a noise when I push hard on your stomach?" I asked what kind of noise. He proceeded to make a sigh/grunt. It was pretty funny. I told him it was because sometimes it hurt when he pushed hard. He told me it didn't hurt him.

4. He's a better driver than Grandpa...at least on Mario Kart.

5. At the dinner table last night, he was crying over something. I asked him if he wanted to say prayer. He responded, "No, because I'm crying." (Insert pathetic crying sounds here.) Grandpa looked at him and started smiling. Hyrum starts laughing, which makes Grandpa laugh. You would think all would be well, but instantly he's back to his pathetic crying. He's so dramatic!

It's Snowing!

It's cold, cold, cold! But the kids are having fun. They finally went to school today, after having snow days Monday and Tuesday. Most likely they will be out on Thursday and Friday also. Talk about a long Christmas Break!

The Annual Christmas Parade

This is for Shailey, Eli, and Isaac. See if you can spot Uncle Ammon on the drums. I'll give you a hint: he carries four drums!

I Love Christmas!

I love this time of year! It always brings back fond childhood memories of family time, decorations, traditions, and presents! Let's face it, as a kid, presents were a BIG part of Christmas! I only hope that I can create fond childhood memories for my children to cherish over the years. I love to decorate the house for Christmas. It always brings a wonderful spirit into the home. I'm including some pictures of decorations, along with pictures of our family room update, mainly for Kim to see since she is down in California.

The Front Porch

The Front Door

An old sled brought over from Ontario, OR

while Mom and Dad served their mission

The Front Table

The Living Room Fireplace

The Christus

Living Room Tree Ornaments

Formal Dining Room Centerpiece

Lighted Vases in the Family Room

The Wise Men

The Christmas Village

Ornaments on the Family Room Tree

The updated Family Room

Updated table with paint and architectural detail

The Game Room Snowman Tree

The Tree Top

An additional ornament this year made by Hyrum

The stockings made from second-hand sweaters

and vintage button accessories

Pillow covers made from second-hand sweaters

My Sister's a Missionary!

Hyrum was assigned to give a talk about missionary work for the children's Sacrament Meeting Presentation. We recorded him giving the talk at home and sent it to Kara so she could enjoy it, too.