Games, Games, Games

I grew up in a family that played and still plays lots of games, and Dan and I enjoy playing lots of games. We have many in our game collection. Here are some of our favorites that we enjoy:

Rummicub
Nines
Phase 10
Clue
Boggle(Jill always wins this one!)
Quiddler
Scrabble Slam
Uno
Catch Phrase
Seek
Monopoly(Dan always wins this one!)
Blink
Wackee 6
Skip Bo
Spoons

What are some of your favorites? Or new ones that you have received that are fun?

How do I scan and put a picture with my posts?

Calling all experienced bloggers(family or friends),

I need your help! I really need to be told or taught how to scan pictures, ect and be able to put them in along with my posts.

One of my goals for 2010, is to post more often and put pictures on our blog, too.

Belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Oops! I've been meaning to write all month, and the month and year is almost gone.

We hope all of our family and friends had a wonderful Christmas and that you have a happy 2010! We appreciated all of the Christmas cards, letters, pictures, and e-mails that we received.

If you are thinking that you didn't receive a Christmas letter from us--it's because we don't have your address--so write. We'd love to hear from you or even better come see us. Our letter consisted of a word search puzzle of 15 words or phrases to look for that described what we are doing, where we visited or traveled to, and other tidbits about us. It was fun to put together at the puzzle site at discovery.

Dan and I had a wonderful Christmas. 2009 was a year of learning, patience, fun, and faith. We look forward to 2010 and all that it will bring!

BLESSINGS

When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged thinking all is lost.
Count your many blessings name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what they Lord has done.

Count your blessings name them one by one,
Count your blessings see what God has done.
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings see what God has done.

I have many things that I am thankful for:
Dan--he's a wonderful husband and friend!
Family
Friends
Gospel of Jesus Christ
Priesthood Power
Eternal Marriage
Power of Prayer
Whisperings of the Spirit
Improving Health
Modern Medicine
Talents and Abilities
The Book of Mormon
Children--we look forward to becoming parents!
Good Books
Internet
Planes
My Testimony
Games(board, card, Sodoku)
A Place to Live
Service
A Temple down the Street
Thanksgiving
Utah
Opportunities to learn and grow
Knowledge I am a child of God
Flowers
Mountains dusted with Snow
Having an awesome Sunday School class
Newspapers
Hot/Cold Packs
Cell Phones
That I wasn't a Pioneer
Serving a mission in Argentina
Pizza
Chocolate
Icecream


I CHALLENGE each of you to make your own list of 100 BLESSINGS. It's pretty easy to do--in a short time I've written 36 on this blog, you can do it, too. Then when you are down or discouraged, take a look at your list. It will put a smile on your face and you will realize that you are loved and have a lot to be grateful for. Or you can start a daily journal of GRATITUDE and write down 5 things that you are grateful for each day.

HAVE AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE!

FALL

FALL is a wonderful time of the year and reminds us of many things:

Football
Piles of Leaves
Wind
Beautiful Fall Colors
Gigantic Pumpkins
First Frost
Elk and Deer Hunts
Orange Cones(on the roads)
Apples or Apple Crisp
Halloween
Daylight Savings Time
Fire or Furnace
Hot Chocolate
Homemade Soups
Start Christmas Shopping
The First Snow
Reading a Good Book
Family & Friends

Jill's birthday on September 1st

I had a great birthday this year, that was celebrated over several days.

Dan treated me to a massage on the Saturday morning prior to my birthday. Jill, the massage therapist, came to the house. It was awesome!

On my birthday, I received 3 dozen beautiful mini roses at work from my wonderful husband, who also took me out to dinner that night. The first graders at school gave me homemade birthday cards and sang to me. The cards and the kids are so cute!

All of my sisters and their families, Dan's mom, my parents, and a few friends--- either came by, called, sent a card or an e-mail. Thanks for all of the wonderful cards, gifts, e-mails, and birthday cake. Our nephew Nick wants to know when he can give me all of my birthday spankings?! I think your hand might get too tired!

Where did August go? It sure was busy and fun!

I'm not sure where all 31 days of August went.

We spent a lot of time getting Dan's classroom ready. He is teaching a 5th/6th grade split class.

We spent a few days at the cabin relaxing.

My parents 50th anniversary celebration was this month in conjunction with a wonderful family reunion. Welcome home Elder Adam from Guatemala! We all had lots of fun, and it was good to see everyone and get an updated family picture!

On 8/28, Dan and I had the opportunity to be "Amazed" and sit 5 rows from center stage of a Lonestar outdoor concert. They played all 10 of their number 1's and many new songs from their new album that will be released in February. It was Amazing!!!!

Fun Trip to St.George

Dan and I decided that we would take a little vacation and head to the Southern most city of Utah for some relaxation, the arts, shopping, and some history. We enjoyed all those things, a lot of sun(112 degrees), and more!

We left early in the morning on July 14th, and drove until we reached Cove Fort Historic Site where we stopped to stretch our legs and go on a tour. It is located near the intersection of I-15 and I-70. Cove Fort was built in a 7 month period in 1867 to serve as a way station for people traveling between the central Utah communities of Fillmore and Beaver--a sixty-mile journey that usually took 2 days. The fort provided safety, shelter, fresh stream water, and plentiful livestock feed. The fort is built primarily of volcanic rock and limestone that were quarried nearby. The fort has been restored to the 1867-1877 period and the rooms contain authentic period furnishings and artifacts. There is also a short film, as well as walking around the barn, ice house, blacksmith shop, and garden area.

We reached St. George, checked into our motel, and went shopping at the Outlets(which were just up the street). Dan and I found some great clothes for school at discounted prices. There were also some fun toy stores as well as a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, but it really was too hot to eat chocolate.

We then drove up the road a few miles to Ivins, to the Tuacahn Theater. I had been wanting both of us to see a play there since we moved to Utah, 2 years ago.
If you love plays, and you love being in the outdoors, then you will love this venue! Majestic red rock cliffs are the backdrop. We drove up early because besides having play tickets we also had dinner tickets. It was wonderful! Dinner included:turkey, roast beef, corn, beans, augratin potatoes, stew, roll with honey butter, green salad, lemonade, and peach cobbler with vanilla icecream. After dinner they had pre-show entertainment, shopping, and a mechanical bull to ride. Dan was so tempted to do it--but didn't. "Footloose" started at 8pm. The actors and actresses did a great job. The music was especially good--even better than the original singers and soundtrack! We're so glad we went! Annie is also being done this summer, too. We saw our nephews, Spencer and Nick, as well as a teacher that Dan knows.

The next day, July 15, we visited the St. George Tabernacle, Greene Gate Village(ancestors owned houses), Thomas Judd Candy store(old time candies and sodapop), Brigham Young Winter Home, and the St. George Temple Visitors center and temple annex. We learned lots of history--and Dan and I love history! We learned St. George is named after George A. Smith. He discovered that eating potato skins would prevent scurvy, thus he shared this with everyone he knew and they called him Saint(St) George. After these sites, we enjoyed a cold milkshake at Iceberg, and then headed to the mall to walk around--and see if anything else was calling out to us to buy it! We enjoyed browsing, and then we got on the road to drive to Cedar City for the night which was a lot cooler than St. George.

Cedar City(SUU) is where I went to school as well as Dixie. We walked down Mainstreet to check out the old shops. We had been told of a wonderful Mexican Restaurant called "La Fiesta" that is on the north end of town, that we shouldn't miss---and Dan's friend was so right. It was the best Mexican food that we have ever had!!! We will stop and eat there whenever we are headed South. I can't believe I didn't know about it when I went to college, but then I never had much money to eat out. After dinner, we(mostly me and Dan followed) took a stroll down memory lane. Where I lived (Bobbie, Becky--Camino Manor is still there--can you believe it?), went to church, Institute, all of the buildings where I had classes, ect.. We went in the large, new library and student center. It is all so nice and updated! It would have been nice to have those same buildings when we were there!

Next morning, July 16, up early, had some breakfast and headed home. Dan had to work at 11am. The roads and other drivers were good, and we got home earlier than we thought. It was a wonderful time away, and we will do it again. Vacationing mid-week is great, less crowds.

July 4th Weekend at the Cabin

Dan and I, my parents, and 4 of our nieces and nephews(Tannor, McKenzie, Ashley, and Kelsey) spent the weekend of the 4th at the cabin. It was the annual Pleasant Valley Days in Scofield. We had a wonderful time as always.

We enjoyed the Saturday morning parade--where I have never seen so much candy, bouncy balls, otter pops, and colorful necklaces thrown from the floats that were decorated by families who live in the area as well as local businesses. We thought it would be a short parade, but lasted about an hour. We then checked out the historic jail, town hall, and some of the other old buildings. We walked to the old school and saw the pictures that documented the 1900 Scofield Mine disaster, which was so awful and affected so many. There's a nice monument in the cementary. We then walked to the town park where they had booths, food, music, and games for the kids. We had an enjoyable time shopping and playing and devoured snow cones to help cool us down on the way back to the cabin. Some of us got a little sunBURNed! I always forget we're at a higher altitude and we all forgot the sunscreen.

The men went fishing a few times, Dan and Dad scouted some hunting spots, watched some movies, read, ate yummy food, shared our thoughts about what things we are grateful for because we live in the USA,and we played lots of games. A new one we like is called Quiddler--it's a spelling words type of card game. Our family loves playing games, if you can't tell.

That night, we enjoyed the wonderful fireworks over the lake! It had started to rain, so we were in blankets but it didn't matter. The fireworks echoed throughout the valley and the vibrant displays of color showed as reflections over the lake. We are truly grateful for living in this country and for the freedoms we enjoy.

We enjoyed church the next morning in the quaint little building and we were able to luck out and sit on the benches instead of on the chairs. On holiday weekends, the little branch grows to several hundred people. After lunch, we cleaned, packed up and had to return home. Too bad, we couldn't stay there longer. We love the cabin!

RAIN, and more RAIN

As many of you are experiencing this month, there has been alot of rain where we live. They said last night on the news that it has rained a significant amount of water, 11 of the 14 days in June so far. It's not a record yet, they said, but if it rains 17 days or more than it will be.

For me the rain is not so bad, I just don't like the thunder and lightning that sometimes comes with it. Dan loves that part.

With all the rain: the lawn is really green, but there are mushrooms in it(too much moisture).
With all the rain: I can't get out to weed in the yard(oh darn), but the weeds are still growing taller.
With all the rain: We can't send our nieces and nephews outside to play, so we're having to keep them inside for rainy day activities(they're going stir crazy!)
With all the rain: It might ruin Strawberry Days activites this week, and things would not be the same.
With all the rain: There seems to be more accidents because Utahns still drive the same speed whether it's wet or dry.
With all the rain: It seems like April and not June.

Rain, Rain go away, come again some other day, we just want to play!

7th Annual Girlfriends at the Cabin

June 5-June 7 was the 7th annual Girlfriends get-together at the cabin. It was great to have so many of us there:Janet, Becky, Tiff, Bobbie, Linda, Heather, and I. We always have such a great time playing games, watching movies, eating, talking, walking, eating, and reading. Normally there's a big air hockey tourney--but not this year, so prepare for next! I enjoyed sharing Usborne books with my friends, now that I am a consultant--thanks for the orders!

The weather was lovely, everything is really green, and the lake is really high this year.

A movie recommendation: Forever Strong--it's awesome! And games: Beanho and Nines.

While playing games, a fawn walked past the window. We were amazed it was so close to the cabin. We were watching it until it really looked into the window and saw us, and got spooked and ran away.

Spring Break in April

From April 10-18, 2009 we were able to fly back and spend time with Dan's mom in Cleveland TN, which is where he grew up. That is in the southeastern part of the state.

Our flights back were very bumpy, as there were a lot of thunderstorms and tornados in the area. Cleveland was safe and sound, though. We decided that flying the day before spring break is great because the airport was not even crowded.

We had a great time spending time with his mom, and his brother and family. We celebrated Moms birthday as well as our sister-in-law, Jill's. Easter was fun, too. Have you ever tried edible Easter grass? We have.

We also visited The Lost Sea which is some very old caves hooked together with a lake at the bottom. In the lake are some huge white trout. We hiked 500 feet down and got on boats and took a ride. It was really fun! We also visited Mayfield Milk/Icecream Dairy where we got a tour of the facility. If you don't know, milk in the South comes in dark yellow cartons. It was really interesting and the icecream is yummy! We meandered back to Cleveland on what seemed like a country road that winded through green hills with lots of cows in the pastures, little towns, and tiny churches.

The weather was wonderful. The temperatures were perfect, 60-70's. It rained a little adding to the green of the hills and valleys. (We heard that it snowed about 10 inches in Utah while we were gone and we were glad that we missed that storm).

We enjoyed being able to eat at Krystal Burger a couple of times. We wish there was one out here. We just love those cheese sliders. We also enjoyed chocolate burgers which are a local creme filled donut that is better than a Krispy Kreme. Jill enjoyed cooking/baking for family, so that we weren't eating out too much!

Vacations always come to an end and we hate to leave, but we must. We look forward to returning each spring and we are grateful that we are able to do just that.

March came in like a lamb and is going out a lion!

I can't believe March is over today--I don't know where the month has gone. The first couple of weeks of March it was springtime and the temperatures got into the 60-70's, and this last week, Sunday night to be exact, Mother Nature reminded us that it can and will still snow in Utah in the Spring. We got 6-7 inches. Now I know it could have been a lot worse, and I am grateful for that. We're supposed to have several more storms this week, and we could even get snow into June. I have to admit, that I love the beauty that snow brings. I just don't like driving in it.

Dan's Candy Bar Poem

All candybars used in the poem will be in capital letters. I used 8 pieces of cardstock that I numbered or you could use a poster board. I crossed off letters or added letters to the candybar wrappers to have it make sense. This was the second one I have made Dan. I made the first when we were engaged.

LOOK!
Once upon a DIME, and through the MILKY WAY, on a ROCKY ROAD, there lived a BIG HUNK named Dan who lived with his SWEETHART(sweettart), Jill.
UNO that you are a M&M'S-Marvelous and Magnificient husband, friend, and teacher! You are EXTRA(gum) SPECIAL(dark choc bar) and you mean very MUNCH to me, even more than 100,000 GRAND or chocolate. You are my LIFESAVER(S) and my (almond)JOY. We always have WHOPPERS of FUN(dip). You have taught me MOUNDS of TWIX over the years, and you make me LAFFY(taffy) all of the time. With every HUG(s) and KISS(es), you make my STARsBURST. You are one HOT TAMALE(s)! I look forward to becoming parents when we adopt a BABY RUTH and an OH, HENRY, NOW OR LATER. All I MENTO(s) tell you in this candybar poem it.....TAKE 5 this Valentine's Day, and know that I love you a whole (crunch) BUNCH!
YOR(k)(peppermint patty) wife.

Valentines Day 2009

Dan surprised me with a dozen pastel-colored roses and a teddy bear at work on Thursday. They are so beautiful and smell so good.

Since we have been married, we have celebrated Valentines Day early, to beat all the crowds, ect. Thursday after work we enjoyed going to the temple, and then going out to eat at The Pizza Factory. It was a lovely evening.

I sent my Valentine gift with Dan when he went to work on Friday. I told him that he should open it up at lunchtime. I made him a large candybar poem. There will be a post of what it said, that follows. All who were in the faculty room enjoyed it--and Dan is set for a couple of months with candy.

Both Dan and I brought home enough Valentine candy from class parties, to last us a while. It was Halloween again.

It snowed off and on today, February 14th. Tonight Dan and I have been invited to a Valentine's Day party hosted by a new couple in our ward. We'll let you know how it went.

Hope all of our family and friends enjoyed this day, and that you know that we love you all!

LDS Draper Temple Open House

On Monday, January 19th, Dan and I, Jill's parents, and their friend Desiree and her 4 childrenfrom Window Rock, Arizona attended the open house of the Draper temple. Desiree and her daughter are new converts.

It was a beautiful day even though it was a little smoggy, and there was hardly any traffic because it was a holiday. We arrived at a designated chapel west of the temple, and saw a video about temples and the ordinances performed therein. We boarded a nice bus and rode for 6 minutes to the temple. Our bus guide talked about the area of Draper and it's history, as well as the building of this temple.

After departing the bus, we entered a walkway through tents to keep us out of the elements, and then entered the temple. All of the rooms that we saw are just beautiful! There are wonderful murals, and also paintings of the Savior throughout. The spirit was really strong and there is such a feeling of love and peace. It is truly the Lord's house.

Our tour group was quite small, but bigger crowds were behind us that morning. After exiting the temple, we were ushered into an adjacent chapel for refreshments, to look at displays and pictures, and to have any questions answered. It was a time to talk and to reflect on what we had just seen. We then boarded a bus, and was taken back to the church where the cars were parked.

It was an awesome day! We're so glad that we could have this experience. We would encourage any and all of you to visit the Draper Temple open house. For tickets, go to lds.org/temples The open house goes through March 20, after which the temple will be dedicated.

Name This TV Show

Clues: Sengala
Tony Almeda
Agent Walker
Chloe
Monday Nights

Any Guesses? If not, this clue should tell you.

Agent Jack Bauer

These clues describe the show "24", which has become a favorite of Dan and I. It is action-packed and very riveting. Each show depicts an hour of a day, and the season is one entire day or 24 episodes. We're so glad it's on the air this season, after having been gone for a long time because of the writers strike. Is it anyone else's favorite show?

SNOW, SNOW, SNOW

It started snowing on Monday, January 5 at about noon and snowed until Tuesday, January 6 around 8pm. That's a lot of snowing! In our neck of the woods, we got probably 14-15 inches. Dan and I spend a lot of time shoveling the driveway and sidewalk--so that we could get out.
It sure is beautiful, though. Everything is sparkly and white.
This afternoon was nice and warm and has melted much of the snow off the roads-yeah!

Delightful December Events

Dan and I enjoyed many wonderful events and activities in December 2008. We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Years!

-Christmas Tabernacle Choir Concert with Jill's parents. We ate at Paradise Cafe(yummy!), rode TRAX, saw the Christmas Lights on Temple Square, saw Becky & Janet, and enjoyed a awesome concert of words and songs!

-December Birthday Dinner at Val's. Good food, great to get-together, wonderful family. Ashley are you loving your Twilight, calendar?

-We celebrated our 3rd anniversary on 12/16. Dan sent me 2 dozen beautiful red roses. They lasted more than 2 weeks. We ate a lovely dinner at Tepanyaki. What a wonderful husband I have! He says that our anniversary is my holiday.

- Dan and I spent 3 days at the cabin in a winter wonderland. It was so quiet and beautiful. The hardest part was hiking in/out in the 2 feet of snow. We arrived home on Christmas Eve day. We're grateful for the blessings of getting home that afternoon, as we had car problems coming down the canyon and the traffic was horrible.

-With 2 weeks off for Christmas break, we enjoyed other activities and accomplished projects, such as: Making homemade candy, babysitting Lisa, get-together with Heidi & Family, Jen, and Lily; Dan taking his test at BYU, shopping for great deals after Christmas, cleaning out our storage facility, bowling 4 games on New Year's Day, and cheering on the Utes as they won the Sugar Bowl (this is a rarity--since we are huge Y fans).

Pictures coming soon.

Thanks Nat!

A big thank you to Natalie for setting up this blog. This will definately be a new adventure for us.