Hang On To Your Hats!

2011 Posting Time . . .

2011-08-27T16:21:00.000-06:00

It has been just a wee-bit too long since my last posting. I find the best and easiest way to catch up is to do my blogging in collages . . . the following posts gives you a pretty good idea of what has been happening in Andrew and Lori's lives the last several months . . . there are a few happenings I didn't get pics of such as most of July and August's birthdays ... Amy (36) June, Rylie (7) and Kendall (28)-July, Evan (34), McKenna (24), Dylann (2), and Val (34)! Forgotten pics - yes! but, not Forgotten memories of our special kids and grandkids!!! So with this said . . . enjoy . . .

Young Women's 2011 --

2011-08-27T16:13:00.000-06:00

Girl's Camp at Shalom

New Beginnings - What's 'UP' in Young Women's!!

Hair and Make-up Beehive Activity Night
Thanks to Val's "Shear Serenity' Salon . . .

Grandkids . . . random pics of the joy and delight of our lives . . .

2011-08-27T16:07:00.000-06:00

Kendall and Jamie's duo .. .

Amy and Silas' bud and chicklet . . .

Taylor and Jill's threesome . . .

Evan and Val's chicklets . . .

Summer Fun . . .

2011-08-27T16:03:00.000-06:00

Picnic at the Park . . . with Courtney Brown and family. Courtney's visit from AZ

A trip to Idaho for a speaking engagement for Andrew

Ellis Ranch overnight campout and 4-wheeling fun . . .

Bear Lake Family fun . . . second year in a row!!

Orlando Florida . . . National PTA Convention . . .

2011-08-27T15:56:00.000-06:00

Naitonal Convention was held in Florida which allowed for some fun at the many parks their in Orlando - inbetween convention workshops and general meetings . . .
I am on the state PTA executive board as Leadership VP

Proud as can be . . . A UVU Graduate!!

2011-08-27T15:52:00.000-06:00

Kendall actually graduated from UVU with his BS degree in
Health Adminstration in December. . . graduation was held in April!!

Spring Outings . . .

2011-08-27T14:24:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving Point - a great way to have a fun day . . . whether it is at the
petting zoo or the dinosaur museum . . .

Birthday Months . . . April & May . . .

2011-08-27T14:21:00.000-06:00

April brings birthdays for:
Drew - 3 yrs old on April 7th
Reagan - 1 yrs old on April 15th
Hallie and Brighton 3 years old on April 17th
Cole - 5 years old on May 3rd
Grandma Scadlock 84 yrs old on May 30th

January 2011

2011-08-27T14:11:00.001-06:00

In January Jacoby had a skin graft on the inside palm of his left hand. He burned his hand on a flat iron just before Christmas. It is now healed and is looking sooo good, with full function and moibility.

In March Kendall and Jamie left for Poland (where Kendall served his mission). They were gone for two weeks. Grandma and Grandpa Ellis watched the boys the first weeek. Papa and I watched them the second week. It was a fun-filled, busy week with these cute boys!!

Catch-up Time . . .

2011-03-25T13:08:00.001-06:00

Time just seems to have gotten away from me these last several months. Life holds many changes some expected and some not. Since the saying goes, 'a picture is worth a thousand words...I believe the pics below pretty much says it all in a nutshell. Family! Family! and Family! The love of our lives is our family. We so enjoy and rejoice in our kids and spouses and our grandkids . . .

Family pics early October 2010

Halloween Debut . . .

Holiday train making tradtion . . .

Let it snow ... let it snow ... let it snow . . . I'll add right here - for Christmas I decided to get Andrew a snowblower. Low and behold two days before Christmas we have a huge snowstorm. Of course, the snowblower is hidden at Evan and Val's place so as to be a surprise for Christmas morning. Since Christmas Andrew has only been able to use the snowblower once with just a wee bit of snow and every storm since then the snow has not even accumulated enough on the driveway and walkways to even make using the blower worth it. Soooo . . . dear husbby . . . maybe next winter your gift will be able to be used!!!

Random pics of the grandkids . . .

2010-08-07T11:04:00.016-06:00

The joy and delight of our lives
Dylann - 1 year
Reagan 4 months
Daxton & Jacoby 11 month
Hallie & Brighton 2 years
Drew 2 years
Rylie 6 years
Saige 4 years
Cole 4 years . . .

Spring and Summer Fun catch-up!

2010-08-05T15:51:00.025-06:00

This summer has been extra fun since McKenna (who arrived from Germany on June 30th) and Josef (arrived July 21st) are here visiting for the next several months. (my post is coming out a little weird - can't seem to figure out what is causing this furstration...but, I believe you can still figure out what descriptrion belongs to what pic. Will fix it when I get help from my personal customer support person (daughter!) Enjoy!
All fixed with help me daughter!! Mucky Muck!!

LS Ranch or another words the Ellis Ranch)- Down in Spanish Fork Canyon made for a fun overnight/day and half adventure for the Ehat fam. We ate yummy food, rode 4-wheelers, ate some more, toasted marshmellows made into smores, rode more of the 4-wheelers, slept in our tents, threw tons of rocks into the river (at least the kids did) visited, and just had a fun time. We appreciate Jamie's parents for their generosity in letting us use their really nice camping property facility!! This is the second year we were able to have an Ehat mountain/4-wheeling retreat. . .

Stewart Falls(up near Sundance) July 6th. . . Aunt Rosie came for the 4th of July weekend and the Tuesday before she left to go home we took her for a hike up to Stewart Falls. This was Rosie's first time to visit Utah in the summer as she always spends her Christmas holiday with the Ehat families. It was such fun having her in the summer to show her that there is green mountains, blooming flowers, green trees and nice warm summer sun and weather. . .

"The Princess Festival'- Due to a nice gesture of a friend; I was given some free tickets to the 'Princess Festival' - which happens to be a block north of where we live. Val and I (with Dylann) took Princess Rylie and Princess Saige to the festival for an afternoon of fun, storybook adventure, and visiting many of their

favorite princesses and their princes. . .

May flowers and some sunshine in between cold and snow - Amy and I (several weeks after Reagan arrived in April)took Drew in May inbetween warm and snowy weather to Thanksgiving Pointe Gardens . . .

Winter in May We were beginning to think spring or summer was never going to arrive. We had a late winter and a very wet snowy storm which created quite the heavy snow on our trees. Several of the branches broke off, but luckily the trees did survive and spring or summer did arrive come June!!

The previous post (for those that ventured a guess . . . is an . . .

2010-07-28T16:28:00.006-06:00

ORANGE!! I think it is soooo cute! While picking out some oranges while at the grocery store I found this cute orange - which to me looked like a pumpkin!

What's your Guess? PUMPKIN OR ORANGE . . .

2010-06-28T12:13:00.001-06:00

TSUNAMI - Tsunami

2010-06-16T19:59:00.001-06:00

The correct spelling!!!!

February Fun . . .

2010-06-09T14:09:00.002-06:00

Long overdue is a blog update - More to come as time permits!!

February I had the chance to travel to Hawaii for a week - here are a few pics of the beautiful island of Oahu. The pic at the bottom of a ship that is being rebuilt is the ship that they will be using when they start shooting for the new upcoming movie - 'Pirates of the Carribean' Sis Janet and I had a fun and relaxing time! My tan is now faded - boo!hoo! We were also there on the island the day after the Chile earthquake. On Saturday from 10am until 1pm we were on a vertical evacuation due to the threat of the sunomie (how in the heck do you spell that?!) I will have to check on it. Needless to say and gratefully so - our part of the island only had a 6" ocean swell. One of the other islands had only about a 4' to 6' swell. That afternoon we were able to leave our condo and enjoy our last few hours by the pool!

Just so you all know . . .

2010-04-15T09:15:00.001-06:00

Siage's cake was not made my me . . . it was made by Val. She makes fabulous looking cakes and yummy ones at that!!!

Saige turns '4' !!!

2010-03-08T12:12:00.002-07:00

Saige turned '4' on January 29th. Is she cute or what?!

Daxton and Jacoby Blessing Day . . .

2010-02-16T17:24:00.009-07:00

On Sunday, January 17, 2010 was a very special day (as all blessing days are!) . . . Kendall blessed both boys which at that time were 4 months old. While writing this in prep for posting they are now 5 months old. Featuring Daxton Kendall and Jacoby Ross . . . Pictures below are with Auntie Amy, Grandma and Grandpa Ellis, Grandma and Papa Ehat,and great grandma's from both sides --- of course a pic with Mom and Dad...

More to come . . . but this is the beginning of the last several months - working backwards and going forward . . .

2010-02-11T17:05:00.020-07:00

Since August - Andrew and I have been working on moving his study to the area that was once Kendall's room, cleaning out the cold storage, putting up shelves, moving stuff, shuffling to reorganize to organize, removing stuff by making several trips to DI, more: moving stuff, shuffling stuff to reorganize to organize (you get the idea!), and removing more stuff to give more stuff to DI (23 years in a house does this to you!) and putting up shelves for my new area, purchasing some used filing cabinets and cleaning out my scrapbooking room (once the crap-room) and the upstairs kitchen pantry. You can see the . . . BEFORE and . . . AFTER!! Finally, several weeks after Christmas we finished our projects with only a small area left to complete (Andrew going through boxes to be filed)... doing all this in between family life, BYU football ballgames (very important you know!), church callings, Halloween, family life, Andrew's work, my PTA, family life, Christmas, & family life . . . . YAHOO!!! YAHOO!!! YAHOO!!! Before . . . After!!!!!!! I will add that we still have many projects on our to do list . . . but this is a start - a good start!!

Holiday Fun . . .

2009-12-23T16:21:00.011-07:00

Traditions with family.... Our annual Train making day! Alot of families make gingerbread houses . . . we make Christmas trains . . . this year it was fun to see Rylie and Saige make their own. Ornament exhange! The ornament exchange started when our kids were young and I bought each child an ornament representing something that had happened in their life during the year. This tradition has expanded to include each person rotating names and finding the perfect ornament for that person in which we do the exchange on Thanksgiving day or close to that day. PS - since I am the one taking the pics I forgot to take one of Andrew and me with an ornament -oops! Josef and McKenna obviously being so far away were not with us that night (even though they are included in the ornament exchange) - we then mail them their ornaments), yet, included them in this pic! By the way I am quite excited to pat myself on the back (I'll try not to break my arm!!)to have figured out how to create these collages. Be sure to click on the collage to enlarge it so you can better view the pictures.

Our Speical House Guest . . .

2009-11-12T18:12:00.015-07:00

Yes, we have had a very special guest in our home for the last who knows how long...let me start from the beginning! Last winter while cleaning out under the sink after experiencing a leaky pipe, I came across some very tiny droppings. Ah hah! I said to myself, "it seems we have a guest visiting us." So after wiping everything down with gloves on of course, I set out traps and within a day or two our house guest was caught in the claws of the trap. I was very proud of my efforts with such a quick catch; when low and behold I find more droppings scattered under the sink once again just a few days after we thought we had said farewell to our first guest. So I proceed once again, with even more traps and poison this time, to rid ourselves of the guest or guests once and for all. And yes! another guest is caught. I continued to leave our guest food and trappings, but after several weeks and months no other guests were to be seen or caught. Well, a few days ago (mind you it has been at least 7-8 months since our last several house guests); while turning to get off of the barstool in the kitchen, out of the corner of my eye I see something moving toward the upstair steps and as I raised up off the stool moving towards the unkown guest, it turned and ran back behind the couch in the front room. I hollered and screamed, called Andrew at work with my frantic news (not that he could doing anything about it while at work), but, I felt better venting to him that we had another house guest! Ahhhhhhh! So after gaining my composure, telling myself, 'good heavens Lori you are a trillion times bigger than he or she is - get a grip.You have done this before' So I go about retreiving the box full of traps and putting four traps with cheese in the front room in various spots. Two days went by without a trapped guest. So I got to thinking I should place the traps in other spots in the kitchen as well. So I placed one under the sink, one in the walk-in pantry, one in the small kitchen pantry and leaving one in the front room.... Tick tock...tick tock...a day goes by...tick tock....tick tock...a week goes by and no house guest to be seen or caught! Was this creature a figment of my imagination, did our guest leave our home (wishful thinking) with the possiblity of the cat next door catching this intruder?! Each day for the last week I would go around inspecting the traps to see if our guest had succumbed to the temptation of the once yummy fresh cheese. The last few days I actually forgot about checking the traps figuring our guest had bid us farewell. Thursday, November 12th while putting tubberware away . . . . . . . . . . what to my wondering eyes did appear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes, yes, ah yes! the mouse in our house is no longer our guest!

Ain't it nifty Andrew has now made it to . . . 60!!!!!!!!!

2009-11-12T14:28:00.014-07:00

Monday, November 2, 2009 we celebrated my sweet husbby's birthday by having dinner a The Olive Garden . . . it was fun, crazy, and so yummy!!! We came back to our house for gifts, ice cream and cake!! Special wishes to my man!

Halloween 2009 with random pics in September/October

2009-11-01T14:07:00.016-07:00

Can't forget Bentley - Kendall and Jamie's cute Yorkie . . . Our newest pumpkins . . . Daxton (left) and Jacoby (right!! Tiger (Drew) Taylor and Jill with kids - Cole as a pirate . . . Brighton and Hallie as China Dolls . . . Glinda the good witch (Rylie) with Dorothy (Saige) and Toto (Dylann). . . Pics from the Step-out Walk for Diabetes (September 26, 2009. Silas, Amy, Drew and I participated in the 2 1/2 miles walk . . . had lunch and then visited the Zoo!! Cole, Hallie and Brighton . . . playing in the backyard at Grandma and PaPa's . . .

Our wonderful Church History Trip - September 27th through October 2nd

2009-10-23T17:08:00.064-06:00

Andrew and I had the opportunity to go on a church history trip starting in New York and touring all the below listed sites. Of course, this is just a few of the pics taken on this wonderful 5 days and not even all the places went to. We were invited to go along with Dan, Carol and Adam Stephens (Adam left for his mission the Wednsday after we arrived home heading to Argentina), Gene and Lynette Morris, and Sharon Whipple. Andrew was basically our tour guide to many of the sites - on top of what the site missionaries shared with us!! It was such a marvelous experience!! It is hard to put into words the feelings and meaning of all that was felt and the special feeling that accompanies so much of our history and sacredness of each place. How blessed and grateful we felt to enjoy this with dear friends. We joked and laughed, cried, shared testimonies and feelings - we had a blast! Hope you enjoy the pics and brief tour.... The Hill Cumorah... The Joseph Smith Sr. frame home.... The path that leads to the Sacred Grove... Entering the Grove. Grandin Book Company - where the first 5000 copies of the Book of Mormon was published in downtown Palmyra, New York... Harmony, Pennsylvania - Susquehanna river where the Priesthood was restored This is where the church was organized on 6 April 1830 ... in the log cabin! The Community of Christ (former RLDS Church)owns the Kirtland Temple. Below is their visitor center. After we viewed a brief movie they opened the curtains to the beautiful temple in the distance. Kurt and Shawn Dehner some really good long-time friends met us in Kirtland. They live in Columbus, Ohio and made a two hour trip to surprise us by meeting up with our group and spent the morning with us touring. Kirtland, Ohio . . . Elder Harris... Sister Harris... The Ashery ....which made paper, glass, fine china, fertilizer, tanning leather, and steel) Our muscle-men!!

Together again...

2009-09-25T18:01:00.004-06:00

After Daxton was free of his c-pap on the first day of life . . . the next day the boys were back together again in the same sleeping quarters. They are doing so well even though they had to be under lamps for several days due to being a little bit jaundice. Which they are now out from under the lamps. They are gaining weight and gradually catching on to eating and swallowing and breathing at the same time. Once they eat up to a certain amount of milk from mom and do it continuously for several days they will get to come home. They were a week old on Thursday, September 24th-

Born September 17, 2009 --- Our double dose of fun...finally...

2009-09-22T15:55:00.006-06:00

As I started to post some pics on my blog yesterday I kept having my computer just stop in the middle of what I was doing. With the help of my personal customer support person (namely my husbby!) I am finally able to post some pics of our sweet babies - Jacoby and Daxton. They are both doing really well for being born at 34 weeks. They are both breathing on their own, but are learning to suck and swallow without choking while nursing - a step by step process. We are all pleased with their progress and pray they will be home soon. Jamie is healing quickly from the c-section and was relased from the hospital on Monday. She and Kendall are spending their time back and forth from home to the hospital and are dealing with patience with the fact that they are unable to bring the boys home; yet, they are so grateful they are doing so good and have such tender loving care from the staff in the NICU at Utah Valley Hospital. I only have time for a few pics so will post more later. The first two are of Daxton-he weighed 6#'s 3oz. at 18/12 inches. He needed a little help breathing the first day. The next two are of Jacoby he weighed 5#'s 12 oz. at 18 1/2 inches. He had no trouble breathing... September 12th Amy and Jill planned a shower for Jamie and the boys! It was such a fun afternoon with a lot of love, support, and cute gifts from family and friends...below are a just a few pics...

Coming attractions (Daxton and Jacoby) coming soon!!!!

2009-09-19T14:09:00.000-06:00

A month of catching up . . .

2009-08-12T09:44:00.042-06:00

FEAST OR FAMINE...RAIN OR SHINE...LOTS GOING ON OR NOTHIN' AT ALL! This is the tip of the iceberg on our busy month...This makes for one long post - Enjoy! Evan and Val's newest sweet arrival - "Dylann McKensie Ehat" August 12th, 2009 7#'s 1oz. 20 inches with blond hair making her debut at 6:59a.m. Dylann is their #3 girl, our #7 grandchild and 5th granddaughter!!! We are so thrilled, excited and feel extremely blessed...mom and baby are doing great (as well as dad!) Birthdays - let's just say that June, July and especially August is our busy birthday months. It starts with June 18th Amy. July is 23rd Rylie(and very special birthday for Rylie as she turned 5 this year and will start to kindergarten) and 28th Kendall. Then August hits with a bang! 9th Evan - 11th McKenna - 12th Newest arrival Dylann - 16th Val - Lori 29th (which is just around the corner)! Just a few pics but not of everyone . . . August 3, 1974 - August 3, 2009 - 35 year Anniversary Fun!!! You say Sterling?! What is Sterling? A place? Where in the heck is Sterling? . . . A very surprised me found out when my husband took me about an hour south of Orem to a beautiful mountain area to a cabin in Sterling - which is about 5-6 miles south of the booming metroplis of Manti-jk! But, we had a fun few days relaxing, watching TV, going into Manti, and golfing. It rounded out the fabulous weekend with friends, ATVing, and enjoying each other's company. WOW! We have been married 35 years. Thank you Andrew - I love you with all my heart!!!! FABULOUS FUN WITH OUR FRIENDS 'THE BATES'!!!! Thank you Bates, again and again! and let's do it again and again! Oh, my heavens I can't begin to tell you how much I love ATV-ing! Only our second time riding them, but our first time on a trail (35 miles round trip) down near Fairview and up the mountain from this small little community and into the beautiful terrain. We prepared ahead of time with a packed lunch, ATV's and trailer (thank you Taylor and Jill), were picked up on Saturday, August 1st at 8a.m., traveled the hour +, donned our gear, and ATV-ed the mountain slopes, paths and roads of one of the many beautful Utah mountains. I can't say it enough - I had a blast!! I am ready to do it again.... A week with Grandma and Papa...while Taylor and Jill had the fun of picking her brother up from his mission back in New York...Papa and I had the fun (tiring fun!) of having Cole and the girls with us for a week. Due to the busy nature of watching and loving 3 busy little ones these are the only pics I found time to take....(are they cute or what?!!!) Picnic in the Park - a bunch of us got together while Peri was here in July, figuring it would be easier at the park than at someone's house. PERFECT! The following are pics of Lindsay and her girls - Ashley, Breanne and Claire; Julie Brinkerhoff and her crew - Jackson, Natalie, Brady, and Reece), Amy and Drew, Val and her girls Rylie and Saige; Jill with Cole, Hallie and Brighton; Grandma Scadlock and myself (no pics of me - I am the one taking the pics, but I was there!!!) Fun at Thanksgiving Pointe petting zoo! Julie and Olivia joined us for the fun while visiting from backeast. We had a fun time... Years ago when Evan was born I was given a hooded towel for a gift. Since then over the years I made some for my other children and eventually started making them years ago to give away as gifts and eventually for my grandchildren. These (with my cute models) are the last batch I made. Three went to Val/Evan for their girls(new baby included); two will be given to Jamie/Kendall for the boys; one to my niece, several others have already been given away as gifts to the wives of our executive secretaries who serve in the BYU stake where Andrew and I serve!! I still have more to give away!

4th of July Fun - in St. George!!

2009-07-14T09:59:00.009-06:00

We had a fun weekend in St. George with most of the family. (We missed having Evan, Val and the girls with us.) We swam, shopped, men golfed (and Drew), relaxed as much as you can with 4 little ones with 3 being 14 months old, and enjoyed the fireworks on Saturday evening. Below are pics of the grandkids swimming and hanging out at the condo. Jill and Jamie... Kendall and Jamie... Amy and Taylor... PaPa and Drew... Fun in the sun and water... Hallie, Drew, Brighton and Cole and Taylor fast asleep!! We all left Thursday afternoon and arrived home Sunday evening. How I love being with my family!!!! Of course, we always miss having McKenna and Josef with us. Not fun having them live so fair away.

Church Service Volunteer...

2009-07-10T16:08:00.004-06:00

As some of you may or may not know, two times a month I have the opportunity of serving in the Relief Society Resource Room. The resource room is located on the ground level of the Relief Society building in downtown Salt Lake, which is the offices for all of the general women's auxillaries of the church. Every other Wednesday afternoon I get to spend time serving and enjoying the opportunity as a volunteer to welcome visitors and guests as they visit the resource room. The displays share the history of relief society, the mission and objectives. It includes information and ideas on visiting teaching, welfare, and enrichment. I am there to answer questions and give tours. The Primary and Young Women also have a resource area and two other ladies serve in their respective organizations as volunteers. It is so much fun to get to know and visit with these ladies as we serve. There is also plenty of quiet time when there are no quests, which gives me time to read my scriptures or other books, to prepare for leadership meetings or lesson or talks that I have been asked to give in the ward relief societies. There is such a peaceful feeling in this building. Last fall I was looking up info on lds.org under relief society, I noticed a request for volunteers. The requirements were: to be a stake RS president and to be able to commit to two years of service. I felt this prodding that this is something I should do. So after several days of seriously thinking about it and sharing my thoughts with Andrew, he strongly encouraged me to pursue this opportunity. I went ahead and emailed my application of interest. Several weeks later I received an email back asking me if I would be available to come in to visit with Sister Allred - first counselor in the General RS presidency. To make a long story brief, I had an interview with Sister Allred which was so delightful, and was asked to begin my service in January. It has been a wonderful experience. I've met people from all over the country. I've even met several sisters from Canada and one of them knew Janet and Don. So we had a great conversation sharing this common ground. Quite often we have sister missionaries who are being released from the Salt Lake mission come with family to tour the resource room as they end their mission. I get phone calls needing guidance and answers to some of their questions. I have had the opportunity to be asked questions by general RS board members as they wanted input from stake RS leaders as they prepared to update their website, I have been privileged to beta test a soon to be released RS training on their website, my presidency and I have had the experience of having the general RS board do some practice training with us as their audience. Below are just a few of the pictures I took a few weeks ago....

Camping under the stars....June 12-13th - Ellis Ranch

2009-07-07T12:29:00.011-06:00

Well, the stars were up there somewhere...since we mostly had cloud cover, some sun and occasional rain showers. It was actually perfect weather. Needing to wear just a light jacket. We had a fun weekend camping and 4-wheeling for several days. The grandkids were in their element of dirt, freedom and fun. I must say we all were in our element of freedom and fun. As you can see we were surrounded by beautiful mountains and scenery, enjoyed the campfire, cooked smores, 4-wheeled to our hearts content, ate plenty of yummy food, hiked, and just had a blast.... Val and Saige Tuckered out Taylor Jamie and Bentley Silas and Evan Jill, Amy, and myself with some of the kids... Hallie and Brighton Rylie Drew Saige Cole 4 Wheeling - Soooooo much fun! Never have done 4-wheeling before, but want to do it again!! and again! and again!! I had a blast!!! We all had a blast! We all took turns riding alone, giving the kids rides, and jetting up and down the roads and viewing the beautiful scenery...

The Tinubi's...

2009-06-18T11:30:00.005-06:00

Solomon and Lara were sealed for time and all eternity on June 6, 2009 in the Salt Lake Temple! (story below) Let me tell you their story. They and their families are both life long members of the church having grown up in Nigeria. Solomon is a return missionary and has been going to school in engineering at BYU. He left to go home to Nigeria after the semester to marry his sweetheart Lara at the end of April. The Nigerian government does not sanction temple marriages, so a couple must marry civilly before being sealed. The closest temple to where they live in Nigeria is about 12-14 hours away and is very dangerous country to drive in. When Solomon was traveling to the temple not too long ago he was robbed at gun point. They chose to wait to ber sealed here in Salt Lake upon their return for Solomon to continue his schooling. Lara was able to have all her paperwork miraculously completed and approved in record time for her to travel here with her husband. They are now attending our BYU 17th Young Married Student stake. Upon their arrival into their ward and our stake they started the process of getting clearance to be sealed without having to wait a year due to their unique circumstances. All was approved by the first presidency and on May 30th, I had the privilege to accompany Lara (she had not been previously endowed) when she received her temple blessings in the Provo Temple. The following Saturday, June 6th when the above pics were taken, was the day Solomon and Lara were sealed. It was such a tender experience to witness this sweet couple as they were sealed for time and all eternity!! The only ones in attendance (in a rather large sealing room) was Andrew and myself, Solomon's mission president and wife, another couple having served in his mission, and a close friend Dennis also from Nigeria going to school in Salt Lake. The other friends were outside to greet us all as we came from the sealing. After Solomon and Lara were sealed and stood for everyone to congratulate them - Lara came to me and hugged me so tight and I her as we shed tears together! This cute couple without family, ward members or lots of friends from Nigeria humbly kneeling to become a 'forever family'!! (It was such a tender and humbling experience to be a part of this couple's special day) PS - their full names in their native tonque (which is really rather beautiful)has been simplified in English!!

The Healing Hand . . .

2009-06-12T11:23:00.005-06:00

It's been about two and half weeks since my carpal tunnel/locking trigger finger surgery. It is healing quite nicely with my stitches having been removed a week ago. Most of the brusing is gone, but I still have swelling and the stitched areas are still a little tender. I was told it would take about two months for the strength in my hand and finger to fully return, although, for the most part I am doing pretty good. It can sometimes be hard open jar lids, hold heavy objects, close my hand all the way, etc. I can actually type better than write since I don't have to grip on to a pen or pencil and typing only requires partially bending my hand. I can tell when I have over done it as my hand does ache and gets a little stiff. I just know when that happens it is time to take it easy. I have become quite proficient with using my left hand, but, I must say I am even more grateful to have two hands and even more grateful to have two healthy ones!! I look forward to a full recovery and full use of my right hand - I really can't complain - but I have to say, it's been nice to have 'my right hand man!'(husbby) around when needed!!!! Thank you dear!

TWINS...TWINS...TWINS...

2009-06-11T12:02:00.003-06:00

Yes, I said Twins...we found out last night (Wednesday, June 10th) Kendall and Jamie are having twin boys!! We are all so thrilled, excited and still shocked!! No pics, but you can go to their blog from my blog. This will give us nine grandkids by the end of October, 5 girls and 4 boys. Evan and Val have #3 baby girl arriving in August!!

Home Intruder. . . tornado . . . or could it be...?

2009-06-04T21:00:00.003-06:00

DREW . . . never!!!

2009-06-04T20:49:00.002-06:00

What? all tuckered out!!!!! Amy's been at girl's camp all week and I have had the fun of watching Drew. Silas would come here after work each evening to play, feed, and to put Drew down for bed, plus have dinner with us before heading home. We decided it was easier to have Drew sleep over to make it easier on Silas to head to work, which happens to be in the opposite direction of where we live than to have to bring him each morning. It has worked out great and it has been a delight to be able help out and to have this little sweet boy spend time with Grandma and PaPa!!!

Sunday Fun . . .

2009-06-04T20:37:00.005-06:00

At least twice a month on Sunday we get together for dinner. This last Sunday everyone was here and we had extra company with Jackson, Natalie, Brady, and Reece Brinkerhoff. TJ and Julie were out of town for their anniversay. Amy, Silas, Kendall and Jamie were children sitting. I must say it was fun even with all the noice and craziness of a house full of people!!!

Carpal Tunnel and Locking Trigger Finger . . .

2009-05-28T20:14:00.002-06:00

Tuesday, May 26th I went in for same-day surgery for my right hand. All went well, although, you can see it is quite bruised and swollen. I will have the stitches out on Friday, June 5th. Right now it hurts to bend it and I have a hard time picking anything up as I have no strenth due to the bruising. I've become quite good at eating left handed, writing with my left hand (well, not that good at writing - it is like learning to write all over again!) I feel like a first grader in my writing skills. About the time I get really good being left handed, it will soon be back to normal - thank heavens. It started giving me trouble last fall when during the night my hand would fall asleep and my middle finger would lock in a down 'not up!' positon. It was quite painful and so annoying. After some nerve tests and seeing the Dr. he felt it best to have the surgery now before there was any further nerve damage.

Grandma delights in Rylie's pre-school graduation . . .

2009-05-28T20:03:00.004-06:00

Auntie Amy was able to be one of Rylie's pre-school teachers. Fun for her and Rylie! Rylie will soon start kindergarten this fall. My oh! my where does the time fly to . . . it was only yesterday Rylie came into our family. Grandma and PaPa are so proud of you and we love you so much!!!

2009-05-28T19:55:00.006-06:00

A few pics of Rylie and her cousin Brady (our great nephew - Julie and TJ's little boy!) Rylie and classmate Andrew . . . Brady Brinkerhoff Rylie . . .

Mother's Day made special by my dear sweet, thoughtful, loving husband...

2009-05-28T18:21:00.004-06:00

Besides this beautiful corsage to wear on Mother's Day, my husbby planted flowers under our front yard tree, gave me a perfect card, and took me and all our family to a surprise dinner Saturday evening!!

Tiptoe through the Tulips...

2009-05-20T16:35:00.006-06:00

Thanksgiving Pointe has the most beautiful gardens with tulips, waterfalls, walking paths, bridges ands streams, a variety of other flowers, etc. The first part of May- Amy, Drew, Jill, Cole, Hallie, Brighton, Auntie Janet and Sherri and I took an afternoon to stroll through their gardens. It was a fun, beautiful and delightful adventure!!

2009-05-20T13:46:00.000-06:00

April and May - busy months for Birthdays!!!

2009-05-05T11:55:00.002-06:00

Cole's 3 year 'CAR' Birthday Party!!!

2009-05-05T11:44:00.002-06:00

Hallie and Brighton's 1 year Birthday Celebration _ the Mad Hatter Tea Party

2009-05-04T18:34:00.003-06:00

Drew's 1 year Celebration . . .

More to come . . . in the near future!!!! I said that before!!

2009-04-30T13:22:00.001-06:00

A much later update . . . later than I had hoped - Oh, well!!!

2009-04-30T13:05:00.006-06:00

BYU 17th Stake Relief Society Conference "The Spirit...a Lamp Unto My Feet'!! The conference turned out wonderful with over 250 sisters in attendance. The conference consisted of an opening session with some beautiful music, a speaker, 7 workshops to choose from and a humanitarian project, followed by a yummy catered lunch!! Below are just a few pics of the event... Notice the cute 'flip-flop' folders I taught a class on parenting Cultural Hall in prep for the luncheon My classroom!

Update in the near future . . .

2009-03-30T08:15:00.001-06:00

Life is busy...but certain times in life seem busier. March has been one of those months. I'll be updating soon!

Featuring Our Wall of Brides!

2009-02-25T19:31:00.006-07:00

Finally! all the beautiful brides on our wall. After much pestering I finally got Jamie's bridal picture disc from the photographer. Then the difficult task of choosing the perfect picture to add to the wall. Aren't they all just beautiful?!!

Saige's 3 year Tinkerbell Celebration...

2009-02-04T07:40:00.003-07:00

I have to add that Val makes the cutest and very yummy cakes!! And yes, the pinata, which is so cute, was made by Silas. He has made many cute and fun pinatas. He has made a frog, Homer Simpson, and the list goes on. At least 30+ of them. Spending hours putting them together, creating and painting them! Ever need a yummy cake or fun pinata you know who to contact!!

Drew's cast! uh! oh!

2009-02-04T07:30:00.001-07:00

Drew fell from a toy and ended up with what is called a buckled fracture. Cute boy!!

Family Traditions and Fun...Holiday Trains!!

2009-02-04T07:26:00.000-07:00

2009-02-04T07:20:00.002-07:00

Other Random Holiday pics

2009-02-04T07:14:00.001-07:00

Amarillis plant, Cole and a surprise double yoked egg...

Below is just the start of our holiday pics...more to come!!

2009-01-09T16:53:00.001-07:00

The beginning of Holiday pics...

2009-01-09T16:39:00.003-07:00

Aunt Rosie Bentley (Kendall and Jamie's dog) Rylie

More Holiday Pictures - Saige, Brighton, Hallie, Brighton, Drew and Cole!!

2009-01-09T16:28:00.008-07:00

Saige Brighton Hallie, Brighton and Drew Cole

Festival of the Trees . . .

2008-12-15T07:58:00.004-07:00

Due to Amy's efforts and desire to do a tree for the 'Festival of the Trees'- it finally came to pass! After a year of preparations, planning, etc. her goal was accomplished. We even managed to keep it a total surprise to my mom. The last several months Amy, Val, myself and help from others in the family - on December 1st we were up bright and early arriving at the South Towne Expo (by around 7 a.m.) to begin the task of setting up and decorating the tree. It was a great experience. For those of you who don't know what the 'Festival of the Trees' is all about - let me explain. All the preceeds from this festival goes to the Primary Children's Hospital. The Expo center has rows and rows of trees (big ones and small ones and minature ones). The trees can be in memory of a friend, loved one. The trees are decorated to usually a specific theme. There are gingerbread houses, wreaths, workshops, visiting Santa, two stages with performances of singing and dancing going on at both ends of the center. There are craft and candy shops. and an area for children to do projects. The day after the displays are all set-up and ready, the first night is open to invited guests, and those interested in buying a tree, wreath, etc. Tickets can be purchased for $30.00 per two people. The first night is for the ceremony for the 'lighting of the trees' and for the trees and other displays to be auctioned off. As I said before all the proceeds goes to the Primary Children's Hospital. The next four days (Wednesday through Saturday) the festival is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. It is absolutely amazing. Definitely worth the experience and possibly an annual tradition to visit the 'Festival of the Trees' for such a worthy cause. Once again, thank you to all those that helped make this rewarding experience possible. Thanks for your support!! It was such a fun way to start off the Christmas season . . . enjoy the pics . . . they don't quite do it justice, but it does give you and ideas of how it looked. Merry Christmas one and all!!

Up close and personal . . . December 1, 2008

2008-12-15T07:52:00.000-07:00

Festival of the Trees!!

2008-12-15T07:20:00.001-07:00

Thanks everyone who came to see the tree!

2008-12-15T07:04:00.003-07:00

Tuesday, December 2, 2008 Tuesday evening was the opening night and the turning on of the lights program. We were able to take mom up to surprise her about the tree. Surprised she was!! She sat looking at the tree for quite some time - it was very touching and the rest of us sat back and watched with tender emotions.

December 1, 2008 - Putting up the Tree!!

2008-12-15T06:47:00.003-07:00

What a fun and full day of working on the tree - Monday was the day everyone came to put their trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses, etc. Amy, Val, Taylor, and myself with Sigh tending to Drew and Evan brought us lunch!!

Cardston Alberta Temple

2008-11-15T15:18:00.003-07:00

Congratulations Sean and Katelyn - 8 November 2008

2008-11-15T15:13:00.000-07:00

2008-11-15T15:03:00.002-07:00

Who let the dogs (puppies) out!!

2008-11-12T13:36:00.006-07:00

Halloween 2008 . . .

Dancing Dalmations!!

2008-11-12T13:28:00.000-07:00

Arizona Wedding - Jordan and Stacey

2008-11-03T19:35:00.003-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS JORDAN AND STACEY ... October 18, 2008

2008-11-03T19:32:00.000-07:00

2008-11-03T19:27:00.000-07:00

2008-11-03T19:22:00.000-07:00

2008-11-03T15:08:00.003-07:00

Step Out and Walk for Diabetes - Saturday Morning September 27, 2008

2008-10-04T15:44:00.007-06:00

Heritage Park (near the Hogle Zoo!) Me! Amy, Silas, Drew, Evan, Val, Rylie and Saige, Kendall, Jamie and Bentley . . . who is Bentley? (the dog -Kendall and Jamie's) Our day started off early in the morning by arriving at Heritage Park, Salt Lake City by around 8 a.m. We checked in, ate some breakfast (if you wanted some) and then they had an opening ceremony with honoring some diabetics, the national anthem and posting of the flag. We then headed off to complete either a 2 1/2 mile or 5 mile walk. Silas and I chose the 5 miler. We came in 7th and 8th in the 5 mile group. We ended the walk in the Zoo, ate lunch and had whatever time we wanted to visit the zoo! It was a wonderful day -- most of all walking for such a good cause --- diabetes --- my daughter Amy and all others who struggle with this disease. It's never too late to donate to the efforts for a cure. Be sure to plan on joining us next year!!! Let me add that Josef (our son-in-law and McKenna's husbby is diabetic as well)

2008-10-04T15:36:00.003-06:00

and Zoo...

2008-10-04T15:32:00.001-06:00

General RS Broadcast - September 27, 2008

2008-10-04T15:09:00.005-06:00

The BYU Stake that I serve in was given tickets to attend the RS Broadcast in the Conference Center. We were seated in the Terrace level. It was such a wonderful evening especially being with 'my daughters'! The only daughter missing was McKenna (boo! hoo!) We then ate dinner after the conference at 'The Lion House'. It was so yummy!! We were fed not only physically but definitely spiritually. This was a perfect way to end a very busy and fun-filled day!

Watching Cole, Hallie and Brighton

2008-10-04T14:55:00.005-06:00

Taylor and Jill asked if I would watch the Cole and the Girls while they went up to Salt Lake to see 'So You Think You Can Dance'! A fun evening for them and a fun evening for me!! Such sweet little girls and my cute, busy Cole!!! Cars are a common toy to be zooming around the house when Cole visits!!! Something that brings back so many memories of when my three sons were little boys. The girls are rolling, turning and grabbing at their headbands. The headbands are often found around their faces instead of where they belong ... Brighton . . . Peek-a-boo Hallie . . .

Back to Normal!! No leaning to the left or leaning to the right!!

2008-10-01T14:22:00.003-06:00

"I'm" feeling a little more centered and inline! "My" beautiful, amazing, wonderful, talented, creative, ambitious, lovely, helpful...oh the list could go on...daughter (it's really Amy typing this) came to straighten this blog mess out! We feel everything looks much better! What do you think?

What the ... heck happened?! Lean to the left ... but not to the right!!

2008-09-25T15:36:00.001-06:00

I made a change to my background which made a change to the format of my pics, etc. Can't seem to figure out what happened and how to fix it. I need some help! If you tell me what to do I might be able to figure it out. I will most likely need Amy or Val or whoever is willing (and has time?!) to come and show me. I really am a visual learner and besides some of the terminology is not within my league of understanding or if you tell me what and how to do it please use words I understand!! Thanks, Lori

Bath Towels!!

2008-09-03T20:03:00.001-06:00

The pink and purple ones I made for Hallie and Brighton. I make these bath towels as gifts for family and friends! I haven't taken pictures of all the ones I've made in the past . . . but this one has baseball buttons on it! I'm thrilled with how cute they have turned out!! (If I say so myself)

Birthday Gifts - Spoiled Birthday Girl!!!

2008-08-30T15:06:00.001-06:00

Thanks everyone!!

Birthday Girl - 2008!!

2008-08-30T14:56:00.001-06:00

Who is 54? . . . Jim, Gongy with Drew . . . Cole, Jill and girls . . . Drew . . .

2008-08-30T14:20:00.003-06:00

Taylor, Jill and Cole Peri and Pat (Birthday boy as well!) Amy and Silas Evan, Val, and Saige (up) --- Millers and Brinkerhoffs (down) Part of Rylie . . . Kendall and Jamie were there as well (thought I got a pic of them! guess not . . . darn)

Birthday

2008-08-30T14:20:00.001-06:00

Look who just had a birthday!!

2008-07-29T19:20:00.001-06:00

July 28, 2008 Bring out the extinguisher!!!! No . . . not Kendall and Jamie's baby!!! (Taylor and Jill's Brighton) The birthday boy! Newly married and now 25 years old!! Where has the time gone . . .

2008-07-29T19:00:00.000-06:00

July 22-26, 2008 Amy and I decided on a moments notice to drive to Colorado. We left Tuesday, July 22nd and returned home Saturday, July 26th. We had a fun week with Marilee, Adam and their cute family. It was planned that Amy would drive home with Marilee after her trip to Canada, picking Amy up here in Utah and then back to Colorado. Marilee chipped a tooth and ended up staying a few extra days to have her tooth fixed and ended up having to drive home another route. That's when Amy and I decided to jump in the car (with Drew, of course) and visit the Rockie Mountain High family. We had such fun! Thanks Mar, Adam, Spence, Annie Frannie, G-man, and Logan boy! Love you all!

A Fun Visit to the Rockie Mountain High Family!!

2008-07-29T18:50:00.000-06:00

An outing to the "Garden of the Gods"Watching video about the beautiful area ...

Garden of the Gods in the background. Pics of Amy, Drew in stroller, Spencer, Annie, G-man, and Logan Kids and Marilee Amy and Drew Auntie Lori and Spencer, Annie, Garrett, and Logan!!

This is who I am?!

2008-07-28T08:27:00.001-06:00

You Are Pocahantas!

Free-spirited and wise. You have a strong passionate spirit that touches and changes all who know you. The wisdom and common sense that you have is really what guides you through life. Even so, you also have a very playful side that loves adventure and excitement.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

Pool Party with Grandma!

2008-07-21T08:38:00.001-06:00

Rylie, Saige, Drew with Amy! No Cole,Hallie or Brighton -they were camping with family . . .

A Happy 4th!!

2008-07-07T17:17:00.001-06:00

We had a fun 4th with all meeting up at the parade in Provo. (Barry and Chris -Silas' parents joined in on the fun as they were here visiting from California) Thank the heavens for the cloud cover. From the parade we headed for a much needed rest in prep for the BBQ. Everyone arrived around 4 p.m. for the BBQ which consisted of hamburgers, hotdogs, fruit, potato salad, pasta salad, chips, homemade ice cream (thank you Amy), sodas; need we eat more?!! The grandkids had fun in the pool . Around 10 p.m.we enjoyed the fireworks at Thanksgiving Point (sorry no pics). It was a fun day and evening!

BBQ and pool fun!

2008-07-07T17:12:00.001-06:00

Fun in the sun!! (the pool is to the left of Jill and Cole)Patriotic twins! Leaving the parade . . .

The beginning of a wonderful day. . .

2008-06-26T18:23:00.000-06:00

Kendall and Jamie wed on June 19, 2008. The whole day was just perfect. Thanks everyone for your love and support!!!

Waiting . . . Waiting. . .

2008-06-26T18:18:00.000-06:00

Some of Jamie's Family . . . sister (below) brother (up) and nieces and nephews Jamie's parents . . . Coley . . . McKenna, Marilee holding Drew, Amy, and Julie

Family and friends . . .

2008-06-26T18:14:00.000-06:00

Marilee and Drew Josef, McKenna, and Allie Youngberg Amy and Lisa Youngberg Aunt Judy, Kally, McKell -top Don, Jim, and Sherri - bottom

Could it be . . . the happy couple?!!

2008-06-26T18:07:00.000-06:00

I'd say happy chessy cats!!!Rylie and Saige Great grandmas - and Drew . . . Kendall's siblings and spouses Grandma and PaPa and Hallie, Drew, and Brighton

Heading to ...

2008-06-26T18:02:00.000-06:00

Wedding Lunch at Malgeby's

2008-06-26T18:00:00.000-06:00

Snapshots of Jamie's Bridals

2008-06-26T17:50:00.000-06:00

Such a beautiful bride . . .