Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! It is our family tradition to go out to eat at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. We look forward to it every year, and make our reservations early. They have the best steak. We love to be together for New Years dinner.

Here we are. Everett, Kim and Colten

Jayson and Tina

*************************************************************************************

I bought a new lens for my camera, and my dogs and cats were my only willing subjects, so here they are.


Brandy, our 9 year old Chihuahua
Jenna, our almost 10 year Shih Tsu
Roxie, our special Pomeranian
Maggie, our fawn & white Boston Terrier
Keegan, our kitty (he was found at the Texas Roadhouse parking lot)

This is Xena, she was Stacey's cat, who we inherited.

Colten's Mission Call

Well Colten got his call on Thursday, December 20th. He will be serving in the
New Jersey, Morristown Mission. He reports to the MTC in Provo, Utah on March 26th, 2008. So I am setting up another missionary blog so you can keep up with Colten's journey.

http://www.eldercoltenwells.blogspot.com/

Giving Christ My Sons

There is a awesome poem being circulated on the internet. It is so fitting of my life at this moment, with 1 son serving, and the other leaving in March.

This Year for Christmas
I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving.
The thrill just wasn't there.
No pictures taken with Santa Clause,
my decorating has no flair.
His presents are shoes, shirts, and ties,
two suits and socks...no fun.
I've bought him all white clothes because...
This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I've spent more time in the temple,
Felt strength come from His words.
I've reread November's Ensign,
and my testimony stirred.
Our family prays more frequently
My tears are quick to run.
Abraham seems closer because,
This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I wonder how those Lamanite mothers,
gave their sons to war?
Or how the pioneers chose Zion ,
their sacrifice was so much more.
My loss will be his presence,
I'll miss his smile a ton
For two years we will pray for him,
I'm giving Christ my son.

I stare at his face when he's not looking.
I memorize his eyes, their shine.
He's always hungered for the part of him,
that makes his soul divine.
The stories and lessons he always heard,
His choice and mine are one.
I'll put my faith in God's hand,
This year, I'm giving Him my son.

Past gifts have lost their glitter,
I think I finally understand
Christ's birth should be celebrated
by giving Him a hand.
It's because I know Christ lives and reigns
that all his packing's done.
My gift has taken years to make,
This year... I'm giving Christ my son

May the Lord bless you and our missionary children as they serve him with
all their hearts!

Another Missionary

Well, here I go again... Colten is Mission bound. I cannot believe it, well I can but it is happening too soon. Colten's papers are submitted to Salt Lake, he should get his call within the next 3 weeks. He is hoping for the 20th/21st of December, he wants to wait till Logan calls on Christmas Day, and open his call while Logan is on the phone. So here comes another roller coaster ride.

Halloween

I am so glad that I have Jayson, Tina and Tristan here close by. I love being a "Granma". Tristan is talking so much, and repeats everything you say. Such a little smartie.



Tristan learned real quick, to grab handfuls of candy, when the people opened the door and gave him the bowl. He was so dang cute. He was a puppy. He would walk down the sidewalk and say "I am Granma's Puppy".

Our "in State" family is shrinking

Well, it has taken my a while to talk about Stacey and family moving to Colorado. They moved in October. It was really rough on me for a few weeks. I cried and cried. I know I haven't been this emotional in my whole life as I have in the year 2007. Big events, some tears of sorrow, some of joy. Those of you that know me, I do not cry... well I cannot say that anymore. It doesn't take much, so is this another sign of growing old? Yeah. Matt got a awesome job opportunity, and away they went. I sure miss all of them. Stacey has worked for me for over 5 years, I miss our daily conversions. I am so close to Gracie, we are very bonded. I am thankful for telephones! We talk alot, I will miss them at Christmas! I have found I must keep busy, which isn't hard. I gave Stacey a early Christmas gift, a digital camera...But to no suprise, I have yet to get any pictures. Maybe she will suprise me soon? Here are a few pictures of the kids before they left. On a side note, between sending packages to Puerto Rico and Colorado, I am getting good at packing and shipping!

Garen will be 1 year old on the 21st of December

Gavin is going to be 4 in March.

Some beautiful brown eyed susans flowers,
from the Provo Temple, compliments of Elder Wells :)

Time is FLYING!

Wow, I just checked the date on my last post... Lots of things have happened for sure. Logan left for the MTC (Missionary Training Center), in Provo, Utah on July 18th, that was a happy/sad day. I am just glad to see that this is September, and time is flying. Everyone is always asking about Logan, so I made a blog for him, check it out http://elderlogandrewells.blogspot.com

I will keep it updated with letters and pictures.

I am hoping for some cooler weather, do you think it is ever going to happen?

I PROMISE to post here more often.

Gracie is taking dance, she loves it.

Baby Garen and Gavin (Mohawk stylin)

Tristan, getting ready for breakfast!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRACIE

Our little princess is 6 years old. Oh my. Just a simple birthday party with cousins, swimming, presents, and cake. What more do you need? She spent the night with us this past Sunday eve, she is so much fun, I love the things she tells me. It saddens me that my kids are so grown up, I wish at times I could back over again, and enjoy those little kids, when they were so innocent.

Graduation

Another milestone in life, another chapter finished. Our youngest Logan graduated from Mountain View High School along with 842 other kids. It was fun watching Logan with his friends, he called me his paparatzi, you know the one that follows you around with a camera. What a great kid he is, and what a fun bunch of friends he has. I love those kids! My house is going to be so quiet as they start to go their seperate ways this summer. Congratulations Logan!

Colten and Logan

Jayson, Stacey, Matt, Logan, and Tina

The mission call is here.....

The anticipation is over.....The mission call came on Thursday, May 3rd


Here it is.... Where is he going???

Puerto Rico, San Juan East.... Spanish Speaking!

Yes, Logan is so excited!!! He leaves July 18th for the MTC in Provo, UT

Prom Time

Well, this is Logan's last prom. Do I sound excited? This kid has gone to 5 proms in 3 years.

His date was Kelsey Sprouse. Isn't she pretty? I think so. They had so much fun. They went to the Landmark for dinner, and of course have to get a day activity in. They are heading on a charted bus to Magic Mtn in California this weekend. This year is winding down, and I think

my life with teenagers is about over. I am sad in ways, and happy in others. Just another turning of a chapter in life. Ahhhh, that sounds like I could be getting old??? No way, age is just a number, RIGHT?

The family weight loss challange...

So, the whole dang family is on weight loss. I cannot say the four letter word (DIET), or it is a jynx....As a family we have lost over 100 pounds, that is like losing a family member. We all decided we were a bunch of "fatties". Should have taken a before shot. Me (the main cheese) has lost over 20 pounds... I am just cutting the junk food, and riding my bike almost nightly. Trying to go farther than I did the night before. I love being in the fresh air, soaking up some thoughts, and being alone. Everybody is doing a good job. My throwing away syrofoam cups with soda's has ended. I swear every morning I was tossing 6 cups in the garbage. Wish us luck we are on a roll... I will try to post some pics soon. TaTa for today.

Family Gathering

This is Everett's Dad, wit the girls. In front, Gracie, & Shannon. In back Stacey, Kayla, & Sherry

So, here we are together again. Everett's (one and only,younger) sister Sherry, and her 4 kids came to visit from Colorado. They were on Spring Break, so they came to visit. It was so fun to be together. Her little boys are so precious. This time we gathered at Everett's younger brother Dale and his wife Michelle's house. They live close. Dale cooked us some fish that he caught in Mexico. Yum.

This is Creedence, Jaden and Skyler

This is Lorin (my nephew's girlfriend) and my neice Shannon

Mission Call?

Everyone is asking....Did Logan's call come? The answer is no...not yet. His call was delayed in SLC, due to him having to lose a few pounds. He was so optimistic, and worked so hard to shed those dang old pounds. But the pounds are gone, and his papers are back in SLC. So we are anxiously waiting again. This has been a test of patience, and endurance for all of us. It has been a guessing game as when they are coming in the mail. So maybe his call will come this week? or next week?

Family Easter Time

Easter was a wonderful day. Church in the morning, we had baby Garen for the day. Matt, Stacey, Gracie, and Gavin went on a picnic and egg hunt. In the afternoon we all gathered at our home for the dinner. A yummy honey baked ham, deviled eggs, baked beans, potato salad, rolls and corn. It was a great day for pictures, overcast. So I took advantage of it, and shot some great family pics. Everett's sister Sherry and her family came to visit from Colorado. It was so nice to see her and her growing family.

Gavin turns 3 years old

Gavin turns 3 years old

It was lots of fun. A big blow up jumpie with a slide. And a suprise visit by Spiderman.

Gavin is such a serious little guy. I tried so hard to get him with a smile.

my BFF

This is my bestest friend in the whole world. We have been friends since we were 4 years old. Cyndi lives in Michigan. We manage to see each other at least 1 time a year...But lateley more, her son and family moved to Tucson, so its been great. I think we were real sisters before we came to earth. We have so much in common, it is scary at times. I love my Cynthia Marie Lewandowski!

This is a picture of all the kids.
Jason Jones, Darcy Wesley, Kendra Ahlstrom, Logan Wells,
Grant Huish, Alexa Hoon, Jasmine Kimzey, Jarelle Kimzey,
Daniel Wesley, Jessica Gearhart, and Jason Berg

Here are all the adults

Ron and Renae Hoon, Jackie Kimzey, Liz Ahlstrom,

Me, John and Teresa Wesley

Logan and I

Getting off the ship in Puerta Vallarta


The cruise is over, and was so much fun. There was 27 of us all together. We left from Long Beach, Ca. We visited Puerta Vallarta, Matzalan, and Cabo San Lucas. The food was awesome. The kids were so much fun. Logan is such a great son! He is kind hearted and loving, he always treats me well. He is always making me laugh. Gosh, I am so lucky to be his Mom. I am so grateful for him and for our friendship. Happy Graduation!

Logan's missionary papers are in

Last post... Gotta get my butt in gear. Logan and I, with 9 of his friends with families are off for a 7 day Mexican Riviera cruise. Lots of things to get done today. We leave for our drive to Long Beach, early am on Sunday. I am so looking forward to a nice vacation, and being pampered. This is Logan's last big venture before he leaves for his mission and graduates. His papers are off to Salt Lake....We should know where he will be serving by the end of this month. Look for the post. Emotions are good this week for me. I guess I am too dang busy. Thought I would post a picture that went in with mission papers. Ta Ta for now.

Colten

Colten thinks he is the forgotten kid. NOT. He is the best. He is obedient, trustworthy, polite, and lots of fun. He is a Daddy's boy. He loves to hunt, fish, watch the Phoenix Suns and ride his quad. He has such a tender heart. He loves his nephews and neice! He is Uncle Co Co. His exgirlfriend broke his heart. :( I guess he isn't a boy or a kid anymore. He turned 20 years in January. I love you Colten!

Baby Garen

Just thought Iwould post a picture Garen. He is growing up so fast. I cannot believe he is 3 months. He is smiling, cooing, moving his hands and feet now. Why can't time just stand still?

Birthdays... and more Birthdays...

Well February/March are our biggest Birthday months. We celebrated Jayson who is turning 28, and Stacey who is 26 this week. We like restrauants for birthdays. We went to Texas Roadhouse, yummy. Am I old enough for children that old? Doesn't seem like it. Happy Birthday Jayson and Stacey. I love you. I am glad I am your Mom.

bad shoe day

This is so funny... I thought I would get dressed quietly in the morning, and get to work early. Do you think I thought to look at the shoes I was getting out of the closet? I guess not. Or when I tied them on my feet? I guess not. I arrived at work, and my daughter in law Tina, said "nice shoes". But the good thing was they were both Nike... Does that count. I just counted this up to one of those days... Or was it a senior moment? Oh well. Life goes on.

Renaissance Festival

What a fun day at the festival. Lots to do and see. Logan has such a fun group of friends. We enjoyed this cloudy day with no school. If you like to people watch, this was the place... I had to try the famous "turkey leg" , it was very yummy. Just about the time we were leaving, it started raining like crazy. We were soaked to the bone. I was glad to come home, get some dry clothes, threw a log on the fire, a warm blanket, and take a nap.