All Dressed Up

Bryson was somehow willing to dress up like Cupid for Danielle, and ask Jordan Thompson to Sweethearts. Becca used a monkey pinata, and bananas in a tree to ask her date. You have to hand it to them, they are very creative! The dance is this weekend, and I think they are both looking forward to it.
I had a busy week at work; I did a booth at the Idaho Tech Expo on Wednesday and Thursday. My new headrest for the taxis showed up just in time, and everyone who stopped by was excited to see it. It was two long days. John stopped by Thursday afternoon to help out, and after we finished we walked over PF Changs and had dinner. We ate the seared ahi, dynamite shrimp and the lettuce wraps- and for dessert we had the chocolate dome with fresh berries, and the lemon tart- it was so delicious!
Bryson had been injured this week with back and shoulder pain, so he hasn't been wrestling. Natalie has had two basketball games which are highly entertaining since most of the girls won't jump, or are afraid to shoot. Steve and I went to yoga on Saturday and nearly died. There were 60 people in the class, and it was so hot- I know it's supposed to be hot, but this was crazy! People were leaving class, and having to sit down- luckily we made it through, and are still alive! Then that night I model for a fashion show for pageant gowns and dresses; it was so fun. The clothes were so beautiful; it made me want to do a pageant again- we'll see. John went on the bus with all the fifth graders from Natalie's school to Bogus Basin for their ski night. I'm glad it was him and not me; that sounds like torture to be on a bus on a windy road with a bus full of noisy children. He's a good dad.
I'm glad that January is almost over; it's my least favorite month of the year. But we've had a lot of sunny days, except for this weekend which has had snow off and on.
Here's to a sunny day tomorrow!

Deb

California Here I Come!

A week and half ago I got away for a much needed vacation. I took my Christmas money, and bought a ticket to California to go and see my family. Liz picked me up from the airport on Thursday, and we headed straight for San Francisco. It was the one sunny day of my visit, and the city was beautiful. We walked around Union Square, and did some shopping, and then had lunch at one of our favorite restaurants- Scala's. Jason and Olga had their wedding dinner there, and we have been many times over the years. Liz and I had the salmon with buttermilk mashed potatoes- heaven! We went down to the Ferry Building after that, and had a delicious milkshake, and then met Rik and the children at Cactus for dinner. Warning- don't read this post if you are hungry!
Friday Rik, Liz and I met Pamela for lunch at my favorite sushi restaurant. It was good to see her, and catch up on what her family is doing. Liz and I picked Katrina up from school and went to Loard's for ice cream. We all worked at Loards growing up, and I could taste all of the flavors whenever I worked; so it's hard for me to narrow it down to 2 flavors. I had their banana, which is by far the best banana ice cream ever! Then we went had had pedicures before returning home. Katrina is hilarious to listen to as she is reading "Teen People", and asking our opinions of dresses and celebrities. After dinner at home we went to Jason's and Olga's to see the remodel of their kitchen and family room- it looked amazing, and beautiful. White, clean and spacious- I was a bit jealous of how clean everything is. One of my projects this month is to clean out my pantry- I'm not looking forward to it.
Saturday I talked Rik into coming with me to hot yoga- it was a great class, and he actually liked it, and said he would go again. Then I met my friends from High School; Diane, Jane, and Diane's mom. It was so good to have lunch, and catch up on everything. We were at the Cheesecake Factory for two and a half hours- and it flew by. Then of course we had to do a bit of shopping, and get Gelato from a fantastic shop in Walnut Creek. Later that night Liz, Rik and I met Jason and Olga for dinner at a new restaurant in Oakland. They cook everything over an open fire. It was very Californian- huge family style redwood tables over 50 feet long made out on a single redwood tree trunk, huge chandeliers, and brick walls- it was fun to eat somewhere new. I had a smoked half a crab, and we shared appetizers and desserts. Somehow we ended up at Fentons for ice cream- yes, I know three desserts in one day- but the ice cream was as good as I always remember. It was so fun to be out with just adults, and we had some great conversation and reminiscing.
Sunday we had church, dinner, a nap, and it was time for me to go home. I miss California, and especially my family; I always feel recharged after a trip there. This week has been busy as usual with work and family life. Becca is living with Steve and Rachel during her busiest cheerleading time since they live 2 minutes form her school. I miss having her around, but it's a good transition for her before she leaves for college. Everyone had finals last week, and we will be starting the last semester for Danielle and Becca. Bryson is wrestling, and Natalie just started basketball; her games are highly entertaining! I hope you January is going well-

Much happiness,

Deborah

Christmas Part Two

We were able to delay Christmas morning until 9:00. Dan, Becca, Rachel and Steve had to leave for their dad's, so they opened their gifts while we drank hot chocolate made with real cream and chocolate chips. Opening all of our presents takes a while with this many of us, so we broke it up with breakfast in between. It was cold and sunny, and I suggested we play tennis in the afternoon. John, Brent, Lisa, Kristin, Shannon, Macsen, Natalie and I went. It was one of the highlights of the day for me. We all warmed up in no time, and we played for two hours switching partners, and enjoying the sunshine.
Jessica called about 5:00 our time, and we all talked to her for over two hours. She is a great storyteller, and the conversation never stopped. I was in and out of the room preparing dinner, since I knew by the time the phone call ended everyone would be starving. We had ham, potatoes, sweet potato casserole (my favorite), rolls, and green beans. The Rays had invited us over for a white elephant gift exchange; all the children enjoyed seeing their cousins. John and I left early to have a bit of quite time at home before everyone returned; it was a fantastic day!
Saturday almost everyone went night skiing at Bogus. John's shoulder was bothering him, and it was too cold for my liking; so we went to dinner, and to see Sherlock Holmes. It was nice not to have to cook! Bogus was good and we had another late night of games and movies.
This past week has been full of late nights, sleeping in, lunches out and relaxing days. Natalie had a birthday dinner Monday night, while most everyone was still here. Macsen left on Monday, and Lisa and Max on Tuesday. We were going to go up to Cascade to stay with the Kerrs in their cabin, but it snowed 5 inches on Wednesday, and we decided to stay here. Natalie had a birthday breakfast, and we watched Harry Potter #6 that night. Brittany, Brent, Jason and Kristin left Thursday; Dan, Becca, Steve, Bryson, Shannon, Natalie, John and I went up to Bogus and had a great day skiing with the new snow. It started to snow more in the afternoon, and we had dinner in downtown Boise for New Year's Eve. All the older children went out with friends; I just wanted to be home- so we watched a movie and rang in the new year with Natalie, and the ball at Time's Square.
Friday I went to a much needed yoga class, and then we had a special dinner with Dan, Becca, Rachel and Steve. We played games before they had to leave for the rest of the evening. Saturday we got the house back in order, and all the Christmas decorations down. I do love having the house clean and back together again. It feels like a good way to start the new year. It snowed several more inches, so John and Steve and I went night skiing at Bogus. It was some of the best snow I've skied on there. The night was relatively warm, and no wind which is what I need for night skiing- it was an awesome evening!
Rachel and Steve got a new min-pin, and named her Lilly. She has stolen our hearts already, and we like it when Steve brings them over for us to "babysit". Becca has deicded to live with Steve and Rachel for a little while; she is entering her busiest season with boys and girls basketball, and her competition schedule. Steve and Rachel's house is close to Rocky Mountain-but I will miss her terribly. It's probably good for me to get used to her being gone so when she leaves this fall it won't be so hard. I leave for a much need break to California to see my family in 11 days, but who's counting?!

Deborah

Christmas Part One

Christmas was busy and fun this year with everyone here. Most of the Provo gang was here by Saturday night, the 19th. We had everyone take turns cooking dinner which helped with the food bill, and work load. Monday morning I took Brent, Dan, Becca, Danielle and Shannon to yoga with me. It was the first time for Danielle and Brent- Brent said he felt like dying toward the end of class, but everyone did great, and I loved having them come with me. Tuesday I went out to lunch with Dan and Becca; Japanese again, and most everyone else finished up their shopping. I was very glad that I had wrapped ours up, and didn't have to venture to the mall this late into the game.
Wednesday morning I did the Costco and Walmart run which took about three hours, but it had to be done. I met my friend Julie for a pedicure later that day as a reward for all the grocery shopping. That afternoon Lisa and Max arrived from seeing his sister in Oregon. Since Rachel and Steve had to work Christmas Eve, I planned Wednesday night for the night for both families to be together. We had a surprise for everyone, so after dinner we got a babysitter for Jason, and we all went downtown. I had put together a Scavenger Hunt for us to do. I had each son-in-law head a team, and they each had a digital camera. There was a list of tasks, which they had to complete and film, and also a list of objects to find. We started and ended at a restaurant I do business with, and I told everyone that there were gift certificates for the winning team, so people knew I was serious.
All the pictures on this post are from that night. Everyone really had fun, and we passed each other downtown running around to collect everything. Brent's team won. The thing that put them in the lead was that they got several strangers to participate in using people to spell "MERRY." We met back at the restaurant for cookies and hot chocolate and then went home to watch "A Christmas Carol".
Christmas Eve day I went to yoga, and then we went bowling with families from my old neighborhood. Obviously there is quite a crowd when we show up, so Dan and Becca and I left early to get started on our dinner. We made the best dinner ever! I had gone to a cooking class, and we used the recipes from that class. We ate herbed prime rib, lemon rosemary mashed potatoes with marscapone cheese, hot rolls, and bourbon glazed carrots. It truly was one of the best dinners I've made. The only sad part is that when we left the bowling alley early I missed John's rolling a score of 201!! He was pretty excited about that score--his highest ever. But I think he forgot it quickly once he tasted my dinner.
Our neighbors the Kerr's were to come over that night, but Brian and Susie had to take her mom to the hospital. We still played family feud with all the rest of us, and had yummy desserts, and John read the Christmas story to us, and we sang carols. It was a wonderful evening!

To be continued.....

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving started on Monday night when everyone arrived. Dan and Kristin were the first to come, and unfortunately Mascen, Brittany, Brent and Jason has a long and eventful journey since Jason threw up repeatedly on the drive up.

Dan brought a friend Brian, and they stayed at Rachel and Steve's house. Lisa and Max went to Ohio to be with his family, and of course Jessica was not with us. Wednesday we all went to the Festival of Trees to hear Natalie sing with her choir. They did a great job, and it was fun to see the decorated trees; although they weren't as many as they had had in the past. Then we went to P.F.Changs for lunch, and did a bit of Christmas shopping.

We had really yummy food the whole week, besides Thanksgiving dinner I made some delicious risotto, Indian dinner one night, and chicken tortilla soup. There were lots of movies and games, and I think the college group enjoyed a break, even though Macsen studied a lot for his organic chemistry class. Friday Shannon and Becca went to yoga with me which I love, and then we went out to lunch. Brent, Brittany and Macsen left early Saturday to see the BYU/Utah game. John took Natalie and Shannon up to Sweet to play with cousins and get a Christmas Tree. Rachel and I went to a baby shower, and then met Becca for lunch at our favorite Japanese place. Becca and I braved the mall, but by Saturday afternoon it wasn't too busy.

John helped get most of the Christmas decorations up this week, so the house is ready to go! I have most of the shopping done, and hopefully I'll get all the packages mailed this week. Natalie, Shannon, Bryson and Danielle all have Christmas concerts this week; so add basketball, cheer and wrestling in the mix, and I don't think there will be much time for anything else!

Have a great week-

Deborah

Sadie Hawkins

On November 14th, Bryson, Danielle and Becca all went to the Sadie Hawkins Dance. It was Bryson's first official dance, and he said he had a good time. Danielle went with a big group of her friends, and Becca and 5 other cheerleaders decided to go stag. They ended up inviting a few boys that hadn't been invited, and went as a mis-matched group. She said it was the best dance she had been to; I think because there wasn't any pressure!

November is marching a long at a brisk pace. Jessica is is Singapore, and we love getting her e-mails. She writes just like she talks; so it's fun to hear her stories. I've been very busy with work, and have three new screens up, and some new clients. I still need more clients, but I'm holding off on any more screens for awhile.

In sports news, Eagle won the State Football Game Friday night, so there were a lot of smiles around here. Shannon is enjoying basketball, and Bryson has decided to go out for the wrestling team. Becca had no break at all since girl's basketball started four days after her last football game. I think her schedule is catching up with her though; she has been sick with a cold all weekend. The fact that she and I went to the New Moon premiere at midnight Thursday didn't help either.

Rachel and Steve are in Las Vegas for their bodybuilding competition. They have been very faithful with their nutrition and working out. It has paid off; Steve took first in his division, and Rachel took third. I am really proud of them.

We have had Scarlett and Rhett at our house while they have been gone. Friday was possibly one of the worst days of my life. I came home from a meeting, and let the dogs out back to go to the bathroom. I went inside to see the live web-cast of Rachel's competition, and when I went back outside to call the dogs, Scarlett didn't come. I called and called, and to make a long story short the neighbor's dog had attacked her. By the time I got the dog off her and home I could tell she was dying. I totally fell apart, when I called John he couldn't even understand what I was saying- he immediately came home, but Scarlett had died. I am still so upset about this. I cried most of Friday night, and missed the football game. She was the tiniest, sweetest thing- we haven't told Steve and Rachel yet because we knew it would ruin the competition that they worked so hard for. I'm sure this is going to be hard on them.

On a brighter note, Dan comes home tomorrow for Thanksgiving, and the rest of the Provo gang are coming up Tuesday. Lisa and Max are going to his family's in Ohio, and of course Jessica won't be home; but we will still have a full house! I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving- we all have much to be thankful for.

Deb

Bragging Rights!

Hello Everyone,

The rest of October has disappeared on me! It seems like I open every entry with the fact that I can't believe how fast everything happens. Becca had her Homecoming week at Rocky Mountain. I never saw her that week, besides being cheer captain, she is also on student council,and yearbook. Every minute is taken up with a school activity of some sort. The seniors won the powder puff game, and Becca was one of the receivers, and had some good plays! It was strange to see her on the field, instead of cheering on the sidelines.

They won their football game, and she had a good time at the dance. We chaperoned for part of the dance, much to Becca's dismay. At least we didn't have to help clean up- seniors get a free pass on that one. Eagle has had a good football season, and Rocky lost to them when we played a couple of weeks ago. Both teams won their first playoff game this past Friday, so they play each other again this weekend. I spent the first half on the Eagle side, and then headed over to the Rocky side to support Becca. We had a team dinner for all the cheerleaders at our house before the Eagle game- it's hard to have a divided house!

Bryson's team won their last football game, and finished for a strong season. Shannon has started basketball. She was disappointed to be on the B team, but at her first game she made 22 points; so she's getting a lot of playing time. I have to brag a bit on Dan and Rachel. Dan is one of the captains for BYU's Lacrosse and had an interview with Lacrosse All Stars. Here is the link
http://lacrosseallstars.com/fireside-chat-with-dan-crawforth-byu-cougars/

Rachel is in the commercial for West Valley Hospital where she works. It was funny to hear her story of filming this. When she finished the director was crying, and came up and told her what a wonderful job she did; all she said were a few words over and over again- Crazy- Here is the link to the commercial if you want to see it

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For Halloween we had a pretty busy day; we worked outside in the yard, I went to yoga, and had a tennis match. John took Shannon and Natalie to Trunk-or-Treat at the church, and then we went to the Shaw's for fondue while the kids went out to do more trick or treating. It was Lana's birthday, so we all went up the grave today to bring flowers, and John read from part of his book- it's been a great weekend!

Go Rocky! Go Eagle!

Much Happiness,

Deb