Utah, MTC bound

We flew from Phoenix on Monday, March 24th to Salt Lake, we landed got our rental car, and checked into our hotel. Everett and Colten both wanted to eat at Wingers, we used to have several here in Arizona, but they closed about 2 years ago. So it is a tradition to eat at Wingers whenever we frequent the Salt Lake area. Colten wanted to eat his favorite foods before leaving for New Jersey. It was great to be able to spend some quality time just the 3 of us in Utah.

This is Colten, grabbing a bagel, before we headed to the Salt Lake Temple for session. We also walked around Temple Square, the Salt Lake Temple Visitors Center, we also went to the Joseph Smith History Bldg, and checked out the Conference Center. We did some shopping, Colten bought some of his friends a tie, with a matching tie for him. Colten had to have 2 suits for his mission, we had bought his second suit at Mervyn's, and he was never thrilled about it. Colten has always been very picky at how things fit him... So we went to Mr. Mac's, he tried on a couple of suits, and since we knew he would never wear the one from Mervyn's, we decided to buy him on from there, plus they have free delivery to the MTC in Provo. So here are a few pictures from our ventures in Salt Lake.

To read more about Colten and his adventures for the next 2 years, click here to go check it out.

Finally updated

Yes, I am still here. We were super busy, getting our son ready for his 2 year mission for our church. Here is a photo update, of what has happened since the middle of March.

Lots of last minute shopping, trying to tie up all the loose ends, like realizing that Colten got the wrong 2 pair of pants to match his suit jacket... and he was leaving in 5 days for the MTC.

Having Colten's pictures taken at Brandt Photography, they provide a free session for Missionary's, and give you a free wallet for the plaque that will hang in your ward building for the 2 years they are serving. Plus a added bonus, they post your picture in the Beehive News.

My 4th (not really, but our great friend) son, Daniel Wesley got his mission call...He is going to the Pennsylvania, Harrisburg Mission and reports to the MTC on June 18th, 2008

The same evening as Daniel opened his call, we had a bridal shower for my nephew Justin's finance, Lorin Payne at our home. They are getting married on the 27th of March, yep the day after we take Colten to Utah.

(Thanks for making the cake Kelli.... Your the best!)

Then Colten had his opportunity to speak in our ward Sacrament on Sunday March 17th. So that was cause for a little family dinner. Since he spoke at the beginning of Spring Break, we actually had a little gathering on the following Sunday, which happened to be Easter. Logan and Colten's good friend Chad Dewey gave his talk on Easter also, so it was a busy Sunday for sure!

Here is Colten with Daniel who is headed for the Pennsylvania,Harrisburg Mission is June, Chad Dewey who is leaving for the Russia,Yeikenburg mission on April 9th, and also Chase Judd who is headed for the Mexico Vera Cruz Mission on April 2nd.

Easter Morning, we had Jayson, Tina, and Tristan over for breakfast. Of course the Easter Bunny didn't forget Tristan's basket.. The Bunny also put together a package and sent it to our Colorado grankids...and a package to Elder Logan Wells in Puerto Rico. Busy times for sure!

After Colten was set apart as a Missionary on Sunday evening March 23rd, the next morning was time for Colten to say "good-bye" to everyone one last time.... Here he is with Jayson, a bit tough on both of them... They are very close!

Happy St. Patricks Day!

Happy St. Patricks Day to all!

"May your blessings out number the shamrocks that grow,

And may trouble avoid you wherever you go. "
~ Irish Blessing

52 Blessings Week 10

This week I am grateful for the Power of Prayer!

Power of Prayer “How wonderful it is that you get on your knees, and pray in earnestness night and morning. Prayer unlocks the powers of heaven in our behalf.
Gordon B. Hinckley

This past month, as we have waited on medical opinions, for a decision on whether Logan was to come home from his Mission in Puerto Rico to have knee surgery or to stay and finish serving, I have felt the power of prayers and faith in my life. I have had a sweet assurance of peace that all would be fine. I could have been majorly stessed, and a wreck but I was very calm and patient thru this. So all of us are so relieved that he will continue serving!

52 Blessings Week 9

Yes, I know I am behind....

I love my leather rocker recliner chair! I have been sick with a cold, and pink eye... So this chair has been my salvation. I can sleep like no other, can u imagine me curled up, and 4 dogs sleeping with me too? I also love rocking my grandbabies. I love reading to them in my chair, I love them falling asleep with in my arms.

52 Blessings Week 8

This week I am grateful for my son Colten. He is such a wonderful young man. He is always so helpful and loving. He nevers tells anyone "No" when he is asked to do something. I love seeing his growth in the gospel. I love his example of attending the temple! He just went on a little trip with a few friends before he leaves on his mission. He did sessions at the San Diego Temple and also the New Port Beach Temple. He has always been a obedient kid. I am going to miss him.
He will make a awesome missionary. He leaves for the MTC on the 26th of March. He will be serving in the New Jersey, Morristown Mission. I l♥ve you son!

Girl Scout Cookies... and dieting

Did you know that Girl Scout Cookies have a history? But what I want to know is whyeverytime that it is cookie season, I am trying to lose weight..... Arghh......
Anyways here is some history of the GS Cookie.
Girl Scout Cookie boxes are bold and bright and capture the spirit of Girl Scouting. Introduced in the fall of 2000, these boxes clearly show girls having fun and growing strong. The licensed bakers produce a maximum of eight varieties, including three mandatory ones (Thin Mint, Peanut Butter Sandwich, and Shortbread). All cookies are kosher. So what kind is your favorite?

52 Blessings Week 7

I am "grateful" for my camera. I l♥ve pictures, I l♥ve taking pictures! I l♥ve scrapbooking, I l♥ve making dvd movies, I l♥ve looking at photography. I l♥ve preserving memories with my camera! So it is a clear choice this week.. I l♥ve my Nikon D70.....

Happy Birthday Tristan

I cannot believe this little guy is allready 2 years old!
Time just keeps flying by. He is such a sassy kid!
He loves to give kisses ♥








Tristan is such a "Daddy's Boy", I just ♥ this picture of him and Jayson!

Happy Hearts Day

Happy Valentines Day!

52 Blessings Week 6

This week I am "grateful" for Family Fun! We had such a fun weekend at the dunes in Glamis, California. We went with our brother Dale, Michelle and their family. My nephew Morgan is getting ready to leave for his mission to Montana, Billings on the 27th of this month. Morgan loves to ride his quad, and so does Colten, so it was just fun to be together!


Everyone watching riders on Comp Hill

Colten racing up the hill

Go Jayson!

Go Justin!

Jayson and Tina

52 Blessings- Week 5

I guess I would not be who I am without my Mom and Dad....

10 things I love about them.

1. They love each other.
2. They always support their kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.
3. They taught me how to work.
4. My Dad taught me how to ride and love horses.
5. They believe in God.
4. They love to travel.
5. They taught me how to save money.
6. I can call and talk to them anytime.
7. They never tell me I am wrong.
8. They taught me to love animals.
9. My Mom is my friend.
10. "Rome wasn't built overnight", is on of My Mom's favorite sayings

Happy Birthday, Dad! His birthday was February 2nd

Link for tribute to Pres. Hinckley

Here is a real great link to a tribute to President Gordon B. Hinckley. I loved every minute of it.

http://photo.byu.edu/video.php?cat1=Slide%20Shows&cat2=General&cat3=2008&cat4=Hinckley%20Tribute

52 Blessings Week 4

"I Thank O God For A Prophet"

I have been thinking of what my blessing would be this week. With the passing of our dear Prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley the choice is obvious.

Whenever I think of President Hinckley I will think of love! How he loved the people, all people not just members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. How he loved the Lord and the work of the gospel. How he loved the Temple and helped to spread Temples throughout the world! Whenever I read his words in the Ensign, our Church magazine, I can hear his voice speaking in my mind! I knew that the Lord was speaking to us, through him.He was an amazing man!! At age 97 he continued to lead and guide the church. Surely the Lord, blessed this man to accomplish so much in his golden years. His wit and his humor were endearing!!I'm happy for him that he can be reunited with his lovely wife, Marjorie I know he missed her dearly. He will be with other family members too!! It's wonderful that families can be eternal. And what a wonderful reunion with the Savior!! I'm sure the Lord will hug him and tell him "well done, thou good and faithful servant" Matthew 25:21

A fun evening for sure. I love plays, so a few months ago I bought 2 tickets for Hairspray the Musical.

It was great. I had never been to the Mesa Center for the Arts. What a great venue! The play was awesome.

It was my friend Carolyn Miller's birthday right before Christmas, so I put a ticket in her card. A great night for sure.

52 Blessings Week 3

Well, this week I am "Thank-ful" for the blessing of my business. I am located in the heart of Gilbert, AZ. I opened for business in 1988, a friend asked me to share a suite with them. They left me a short time later. I am now in a 1600 sq ft. suite, with 8 full time employees, and 2 part time empoyees, all of whom I adore and love working with. I love the fact that I am now semi retired, so I have a extra day for myself. I have never had to advertise for employees. I love everything about my job! I know it is a Blessing and am Thank-ful everyday for Aardbark Grooming!
(You can check us out on the web at www.aardbarkgrooming.com)

And baby Garen makes 4 grankids

Since baby Garen was in the stroller, and not in alot of the pictures at the Zoo, here he is. He just turned 1 on the 21st of December. He is such a good natured little guy. So easy to please.

Fun Day

It was a great day.... Stacey, Matt and the kids came from Colorado. Oh how I have missed them all. Colten and I took them all to the Phoenix Zoo. What great weather it was, not too hot, and not too cold.

Here is Gracie, Gavin and Tristan by the Giraffe's.

Gavin will be 4 in March.

Awww, Cousins Gavin, Tristan and Gracie

Gracie is about to loose her front teeth. They were so loose.

We all enjoyed the spider monkeys. They were so fun to watch!

So funny, Tristan wanted to do everything his cousin Gavin did. He is getting to be a big boy!

52 Blessings Week 2

Ok, so this week I thought about what thing that I enjoy. I love my ipod! Would you think that I would get use out of a ipod? Yes, I listen to it at work, home, and in my car. I listen to it at the dentist, when I ride my bike, when my husband snores. I listen to church music, the scriptures, country music, watch videos, and movies. I have my pictures stored on it, I just love my ipod! Would I consider my ipod a blessing? Hum? Yes, because I love music!

52 Blessings- Week One

The 52 Blessings Project
About 52 BlessingsOnce a week post a photo of something you are most grateful for. This gives us a chance to reflect on the good things we have learned from or that have made us better in our everyday lives or things we just enjoy! I think everyone needs to be more grateful for what they have now days instead of always thinking about what we want! This is one of the things we can do to be more gracious people. It will be like a photo gratitude journal.

Thanks Cara, for the awesome idea!

I am "THANK FUL & GRATEFUL", for the Blessing of my savior, without him I don't know what my life would be like. At the beginning of each Christmas season, our thoughts turn to the birth of the Savior. The Father condescended in sending His Son; the Savior condescended in taking upon Himself a mortal body and offering Himself as a sacrifice for sin.