Today is the first day I have felt good for about 2 weeks. I am glad to have school out and have some time to catch up on my rest. I was able to tend Kyle this week and we went to "Pirates of the Carribean 3" last Saturday, then on Tuesday we went to get Lexie and went to Cherry Hill with Maren and Brinlie. The rest of this week I spent alot of time sleeping and tending Brinlie and Ashton on Thursday and Friday. On Friday Brinlie acted like she felt like I did so I hope it was just something going around.

Larry has been busy with school and work. But, he and Erick took time off to go to Pirates with us. We have been trying to find time to watch Shrek 2 because Larry got to watch Shrek 3 at work for a reward and he was a little confused about what was going on. We have had a little more time to do fun things lately.

We had a party on Saturday June 9th for June birthdays and Father's day. We had Father's day early because Michelle and Jeff were leaving town for Father's day. It is Michelle, Kennedy and Landon's birthdays in June. Kirsten and Jon were camping at Flamming Gorge this weekend so we will have to do something for Kennedy when they get back. Erick made his Italian lasanga and everyone brought something to go with it and we had a great dinner. We bought pies rather than cake and sent them home with the birthday people so Larry and I would not eat them.

Jeff and Misty announced last night that they are trying to move to Seattle with her family. Jeff does not have a job there yet so Misty is going to move with her Mother and sister and then Jeff will move when he has a job there or in Portland. Everyone was sad that they are leaving but they seem to want to go so they have to do what they want.

Michelle and Daniel are leaving for California this week for a vacation for about 10 days. Ethan and Hailee had a concert with their choir a couple of weeks ago and did a nice job. Ethan had a Piano recital the same week. He has really progressed. This week Hailee had her dance recital on Friday night at the Ed Kenely Ampitheater. She has been taking Ballet and she looked really cute but Michelle says that she wants to do something more exciting.

Kirsten and Jon went to Flaming Gorge with Jon's family this weekend. It snowed in the mountains this week so they were in cool temperatures. The morning high at Flaming Gorge on Saturday was 58 so I am sure it was an interesting experience. Jon's parents went looking for a good campsite during the week and their car broke down so Jon had to make two trips to Flaming Gorge this week to get them and bring them back in addition to going up camping.

BJ sent a form letter from boot camp with all the rules and regulations and things we need to plan for. He told Holly that if he passes everything on time he will graduated from boot camp on July 29th. He is finding out that everything they promise at recruitting is not necessarily so because if he doesn't get into his A-school right after his boot camp he will not be home by October 5th when he and Holly were planning their wedding. He wants everyone to pray for him that he can get into his school immediately after boot camp.

I am not sure if I told you that BJ is engaged. He ask Holly Milligan to marry him and gave her a ring the Monday before he left although they have been planning the wedding for a month. We went to Logan on the 26th to meet her parents and begin the planning. She is actually from Cove, Utah.

We had a going away party for BJ on the Sunday before he left and most of the family was there. We had a dinner and everyone had a chance to talk to BJ before they left. Grandma and Grandpa Jenkins even came up with Jake and we had a good time with them.

Erick has been helping alot on the yard. We got some weeding done on Friday in the garden area and he planted some plants yesterday. When I wasn't feeling good and he was gone to Italy we really got behind on the yard work. We had weeds that were about as tall as us in the garden area. We also decided that one problem this year is that we do not have Frescas to dig up everything so it had a chance to grow. I planted Evening primrose by the garden and every year there has not been much but this year it was really full.

Maren and Landon went to Disneyland over Memorial Weekend with Landon's Mom's family for a reunion. They spent 5 days there so they got to ride everything several times. Apparently it was not that busy during the week. The brought me a T-shirt that has Goofy on it and says "Partly confused (All of the time)" Which sometimes describes me. They also bought a Pirates of the Carribean Life game that we had fun playing last Sunday. Brinlie has had a runny nose since they got back and alot of this week she has been pretty grouchy. Maren thinks that it is teeth but she may have a cold also.

Jake had guard this weekend so they were not able to come up last night. Erick and I got to see them several times this last two weeks. A week ago Saturday we went to Lexie's last Soccer game. She has improved alot over the winter. Then we went to get Lexie this week to go to Cherry Hill before she had to go back to school She is on year round school so she went back to school on Thursday. Thursday Nikki came up to have Maren do her hair and so I got to tend Ashton for about a half a day. He and Brinlie had fun together. Nikki cut her hair alot shorter than usual but it is cute.

Nathan and Sara are working towards moving. Sara met him half way so he could give her some of his stuff from Kingsville. Sara had on her blog this week that Samuel has two inflamed heart valves. So we need to pray for him. I haven't gone to the website to read more so check Sara's blog for more information. Sara was down in Kingsville for about a week and a half after they were home for the birthday's. There are some fun pictures of the birthday party and the kids on the blog. http://www.4boysandme.blogspot.com/

Grandma called yesterday and said that Cory and Rebecca Shaw had a new baby girl on July 7, 2007 and Erica and Craig Swenson had a new baby boy (I think that is five fore them) on July 8, 2007 so they were pretty close together. When I talked to mom they were all doing fine.

It has been really cold and raining this week but it is a gorgeous day today. Yesterdaty wasn't bad either. We spent alot of time outside at the party because it was cooler outside than in the house but it was not cold.

Well, I am at the Family History Center again and I decided to preserve some history on the Blog. I am so excited for school to end for the summer. I am just beginning to feel well after a month of congestion in my throat and chest. I have felt like I was dragging myself through the rigors of school and I am sure it has showed in my teaching. I am looking forward to a couple of days of sleeping in to begin the summer.

Larry has begun school classes again and has been busy with those. He has been feeling really good lately and doesn't seem to need as much sleep. He is really on top of things and always doing things for me to keep me going. The house has looked great lately because he is constantly picking up and straightening.

We celebrated our 6th anniversary on the 17th of May by going out to dinner. We always have a good time but there was a little damper on the occasion because my principal had informed me that day that there was a possiblity that I might be cut back again on my hours at school for next year. I have decided not to worry about it for now because it is just a possiblity but we really don't need the cut in pay.

Maren did my hair on Thursday and dyed it a darker color. I have had a lot of compliments on it but I hate it when people can tell that you have dyed your hair. I prefer to have them think it is my natural color. But, maybe I have only been fooling myself.

Brinlie has been sick this week. Maren thinks it is partly teeth but she seems to have what I have had. They are planning to go Disneyland with Landon's family on the 28th for a family reunion, so they are hoping that Brinlie can get feeling better before they go.

Erick and BJ got home from Italy yesterday. They were supposed to get home on Tuesday night about 10:30 p.m. but they were having a airline strike in Italy when they left and so the plane left 4 hours late. When they got to New York they missed their plane by about 7 minutes and so they ended up having to spend the night in the airport and leave at 7:00 a.m. the next morning. BJ says he will never fly Delta again.

Erick showed us all their pictures on his camera last night. They got to Italy during some culture festival so they were able to go into alot of places for free because of the festival. They figured that this saved them at least a hundred dollars. They have some beautiful pictures of places they were able to visit and photograph.

Holly is staying with us this week. She picked up the boys and they are getting some things done before BJ has to leave again next Wednesday for Navy boot camp. It was nice to have them here today because I ran out of guest checks for the restaurant simulation today at school and they brought me some because I did not have a car. Of course I couldn't have left even if I did have a car because I can't leave my classes.

We are going to Logan to meet Holly's parents this weekend. BJ and Holly are trying to get as many things done as possible before he leaves. BJ was really stressed about getting it all done when they missed the plane in New York but he seems to have mellowed now he is home and can be with Holly.

Michelle and Daniel's kids have had two performances this week. Hailee and Ethan had their spring concert with the Choral Connection on Monday and we were able to see that. It had a country music theme and costumes. The kids did a great job. Ethan had a duet he had to sing with another boy. Wednesday night Ethan had a piano recital. He is really progressing. The pieces he played sounded much more sophisticated than what he played a year ago.

With Larry at school and no one home on Tuesday night I went to dinner with Jon and Kirsten and the kids a week ago. We had a good time stuffing ourselves and talking at the Golden Corral. Kyle is going to Vernal with his dad on the 17th of June until the 22nd of July so they will not have any kids for that time period. There are some benefits of divorce! Until then I will be tending Kyle some days this summer because both of them are working. So we will do something fun. Jon is trying to get their truck going so they can go camping in June.

Nathan and Sara are progressing towards their move to Alabama. They are trying to get housing on base so David can attend the base school. If that is not possible then they are trying to find out if the schools in Alabama are where they want to send him. Sara has been thinking about home school. It will be interesting to see what comes of that. Gail will be staying in Houston with a girl friend that she has there.

Misty's Mom and sister are moving to Seattle. So Jeff and Misty are having to make some changes in their life style. Jeff has been publishing to a blog lately and sharing his ideas with us.

Nikki is working her swing shift at the hospital now. She works three nights a week normally but she has to work this weekend. Ashton let me hold him again when they came up for Mother's day. Lexie turned seven this year so we are going to make her quilt this summer. Jake is adjusting back after being in Germany on an AT assignment.

Most of the kids in Utah came up for the Saturday before Mother's day and helped me to get the grass and weeds out of the front flower beds. I was really feeling overwhelmed by it all especially with Erick going to Italy. It looks much better. You can see the flowers now. Dan was a real weed pulling machine. The lawn was getting long again though so BJ mowed that this afternoon.

I bought myself the book "Debt Free on Any income" and Larry and I have been reading it occasionally and trying to implement the recommendations. It has a good program that I would recommend to anyone and it has a CD that has the paperwork all set up in Excel for you that you can install on your computer.

Well it is good to have time to write. Hope some of you have time to read it.

Well, it seems that the Family History Center is the only time I have to work on the blog lately. I am hoping to get some pictures up but they are on the home computer.

Last night Craig came home from Iraq. It was a great reunion. He looked good and seemed to enjoy having everyone there to greet him. He came in about 6:20 p.m. Corrine had a photographer there to capture every moment but I don't think she caught the moment when Dad almost cried when Craig hugged him and was home. Dad took everyone who came to Chuck-a-rama for dinner and we had a chance to talk a little more. We mostly updated Craig about what we had been doing though. He didn't say much to me or those around me about his feelings or plans.

Jacob and Lexie and Ashton came up. I was excited because Ashton went to me and did not cry and put his head on my shoulder and cuddled like he liked me. I thought he was going to go to sleep but he perked up when the food came and enjoyed eating all the fruit on my plate and his. Maren cut his hair this week when she went to visit Nikki and he looks really grown up but I miss his curls. Lexie ate with Craig's boy's Cameron and Landon. Lexie and Cam are the same age. It seemed weird to me that my brother's son was the same age as my granddaughter. But I know there are weird combinations all the time like that. After all Craig is 15 years younger than I am.

I have had a cough and congested throat for about 2 weeks now. I finally realized last Saturday that I was getting worse. I was able to get some antibiotic for the congestion and I am feeling much better. I am still feeling overwhelmed with all I have to do at school. I work really hard but I am always behind. The new computer systems that allow parents to go online to check on their students grades is good for them but if I don't have grades posted the minutes their child turns it in they are emailing me and calling about, "where is my child's assignment" and it takes time just to answer all of those email. I also have two very tough classes as far as students that do not behave and I am constantly working to keep them in check.

Larry went back to school this week so he was stressed all last week about a paper that he had to write. He finally got it written, and I am sure it is fine but he really stresses over papers. He had a gout attack this weekend because he went to the doctor on Friday and they gave him an antibiotic that they said would react with Indomethicin that he takes when he has an attack. So he didn't dare take it when the Gout started. I finally called the doctor and found out that he can take it because he felt the reaction was minor to what a gout attack is like, so Larry took it and is better but it has lingered and not gone completely away so we are wondering if that is part of the reaction.

Erick and BJ left home for Italy on Tuesday morning at about 5:45 a.m. Holly was down with BJ so she took them to the airport. Their plane left at about 8:30 a.m. I haven't heard anything from them so I hope everything is going okay and they are having a good time.

BJ moved all his stuff home on Saturday. He said that it snowed in Logan that morning. He and Holly had spent all of Friday cleaning and getting ready and he was supposed to work for Holly's dad one last time on Saturday and then with the snow he could not work. He came down in the afternoon and they had dinner with us. Then he and Holly went out to do something for a while. They have decided to get married on October 5, 2007 so they spent some time looking online and in Bountiful for places to hold a wedding dinner after the ceremony. Holly stayed all weekend and on Monday so they could be together for some time before he left. BJ has joined the Navy and will go to basic training a week after he gets back from Italy so he and Holly will not see each other much until September.

Sunday, Larry and I did not go to church because we were feeling sick. We slept for most of the day and got some medicine so in the evening we were feeling better. Maren had invited all of us over for soup and rolls and to play games the week before so we went to that. Maren had worked hard and had hot rolls and a commerical chicken noodle soup that my kids like that is like homemade. She had also made baklava for everyone. BJ had made lemon squares for lunch so we had an abundance of good deserts. We had a good time and really enjoyed the food. I thought I had won the game but Landon beat me by one card.

Jake got home last Saturday evening from Germany. He said that he had really missed his family this time. I guess that Ashton didn't want to go to sleep that night because he was afraid Jake would not be there in the morning. He is learning a lot more words and Jake said he talked to him often on the phone. Nikki said he got to the point that he wanted to talk to everyone on the phone because he thought it was Daddy.

Nathan called last week and said that they will be moving to Alabama the first week in July. He has to be to Helicopter school on the 8th of July. He will be learning to fly the Black Hawk Helicopter. Sara and the boys can go with him so that will be good. Sara drove down this week to see him and then he was going to go back with them to celebrate birthdays in Houston, I think.

Hailee's birthday was last Saturday. It rained and was cold so they had to cancel their plans to go to Lagoon and they took Hailee's friends to Chuck-E-Cheese. Michelle said they had a good time. It was really cold last weekend but it is back up to the eighties today.

Jeff is interviewing for a promotion this week. Hopefully he will do well. Leah came up as one of the friends for Hailee's party on Saturday. They were looking for Leah's levi jacket this week, I don't know if they found it. If you know where it is let them know. We couldn't find it at the house.

David and Sara have May birthday's also. David's is on the 8th and Sara's on the 10th. We are celebrating May birthday's and Mother's day this Saturday at our house. I have ask that those who want to do something for me for Mother's day come on Saturday and help us work on the yard. Our flower beds are awful. Then we will have a dinner at 5:00 p.m. for the Birthdays. I would like to make this a tradition in our family for Mother's Day because it is so hard for me to get to yard work before school gets out each year and Larry isn't really into yard work. Luckily Erick has been mowing the lawn. But he is gone for two weeks.

Grandma and Grandpa Jenkins got new windows for their house that are supposed to be really easy to clean and energy efficient. I haven't seen them yet but Dad said that Mom really liked them.

Kathy says that Amy is getting married the last week of July or the first week of August.

Well if there is something important that I missed add a comment.

I have had a hard time finding time to write in the blog the last two weeks. Last week Maren and Landon came over to play games with us and it was too late when we finished and the Sunday before that it was the April family birthday party. I am at the family history center and have decided that this is family history that needs recorded.

We had a great birthday party on the 15th of April. It was good weather so we had it outside and Larry barbecued again. As ususal he out did himself on the meat. Chichen, Hamburgers and Hot Dogs. It was great but he had to work so hard that we are going to try to have the parties on a Saturday or a Weekday from now on. It was BJ, Lexie, Ethan, and Kalisse's birthdays this month. We had a great time together. Grandma and Grandpa Jenkins even came and stayed for a while. Owen is walking now and had a great time showing off how he could walk across the living room.

I have been really busy at school lately. Most nights I stay until at least 6:00 p.m. part of the reason is because I am riding with Larry and he is not getting off until about 5:00 p.m. at his work but, I also have had a lot to do. TLC has been in the sewing room and I always have alot of extra work when they are sewing. Aprons to fix when they cut holes in them with the sergers and machines to take care of, supplies to buy and on top of that I had one Foods class that I had scheduled a lot of demonstrations and labs for so I was moving back and forth from the sewing room to the foods room for one period. I also am teaching FACS Exploration sewing for the first time so I am having to do new lessons for that class. I have felt really stressed for about three weeks now. TLC finally is back in my classroom so I am only switching for one period and it is better.

While I have been stressing about school Larry has been doing a lot of things around the house and even at school to help me out. He took a leave of absences from his school until May 8th so he has had a little more time. He has done alot of the laundry and dishes lately at home. He even got ambitious last Saturday and started cleaning out the mess in the garage. It looks so much better. Last night he cleaned up the kithen at school while I was finishing up some paper work. He is really great at cleaning and organizing but I have to close my eyes because sometimes he throws away things that I would keep.

Larry is feeling much better lately. He doesn't require as much sleep and he has more energy. I don't know if it is the change to the short term insulin or as he says he likes his job much better now that he has a promotion.

Nathan has called each weekend to talk. I think he needs things to do on Sunday. He is going to flight school to learn about Helicopters in July. He should be able to take Sara and the boys with him as it is a permanent change of assignment. They will be in Alabama at I think he said Fort Brag. He has been moved in his present assignment to another town further North on the border, Kingston. He said that Sara and the boys had been sick a week ago.

Jacob has been in Germany since the 14th of April on his yearly Advance Training. Nikki started her new job at the Hospital and said she is liking it. She had to do alot of juggling though with Jake leaving and she had to work days for a while to be trained in their procedures. When she is trained she will be working nights and Jake babysitting when he gets home.

Jeff and Michelle had their "Grammy", Marie, up for Ethan's baptism and party and then she stayed the week after. She stayed at Michelle's house the first part of the week and then went to Jeff's to stay. She came to the birthday party with Jeff and Misty and seemed to have a good time. She went home the Tuesday after on the 17th.

Michelle and Daniel had an early morning temple trip with their stake last Saturday so I got to go over and tend their kids while they went to the Temple. Larry dropped me off at about 6:00 a.m. Ethan had bought himself a Nintendo game cube with his birthday money so he played that a lot. We just sat around and played games and tried to keep Kalisse from playing with the buttons on the stereo and the TV. Kalisse is walking now and very proud of herself.

Ethan and Lexie are both playing soccer but we have not had a chance to get to a game yet to watch them.

Kirsten has been using the Infinity for a while because she and Jon have conflicting schedules and only one car. They looked at an old car yesterday that they could maybe get but they are not sure if they will get it. Kirsten works at Tanner Clinic on the weekdays and at "Undertees" on Saturdays so she is pretty busy. Jon has been working the 3-12 shift on his internship lately so he goes to work before Kirsten gets home. Kyle went with Aaron and Jessica last weekend for a while because Kirsten could not find a babysitter on Friday and they were coming to the Wasatch Front.

Erick is almost finished with school. He has two tests next week and then he will be finished. He and BJ are leaving for Italy about the 7th of May. They will be gone for two or three weeks. He has been spending time planning that. He is also saving all his money right now for that.

BJ has decided to get married the third week in October the last I talked to him. He is marrying Holly Milligan. He is coming down this afternoon and I am supposed to help him go look for rings so he can surprise her with a ring. He has also joined the Navy and will be going for Basic Training on May 27th so Holly is not very happy that he will not be around for the summer. I assume that they get out of school this week also. BJ has been working for Holly's dad on his tree farm lately instead of for Alert Cellular so he says he is learning a lot about the family by talking to Holly's sisters.

Maren has been working the weekends. I got to tend Brinlie last Saturday because Shirley (Landon's mom) was sick and Landon was laying a new floor in their bathroom with his Uncle. Maren has been ambitious lately and made curtains for her kitchen that are really cute. She also spent some tip money and bought some things to make her bedroom more attractive. I think she has some of her dad's decorating genes. They moved their computer out of Brinlie's room also so that they can work on it when she is asleep. Landon is working on trying to get into school still.

I had a party for my primary class last Saturday for the birthday's and they had a great time playing with Brinlie and jumping on the tramp. They are only six so they had a great time mothering Brinlie and telling me all the things she could do as they discovered them, like walk, run, clap and jump.

I have also been working on my application for Graduate school the last few weeks. I think I have a better chance of getting in now that I have taken the classes and proved that I can do the work. I would appreciate prayers in my behalf. It was midterm this week also so I was at school until about 9:30 p.m. finishing up grades. I am looking forward to summer.

I have a few pictures I will try to post. I found out now that I have my new computer that the reason some of the pictures did not post before was because they took forever to upload and I was not allowing them long enough. Live and learn.

It has been a busy week. We have had something everynight this week, and Larry and I have had to work late also.

Monday night Larry and I went shopping for Ethan's birthday for Family Home Evening and listened to a conference talk.

Tuesday night was Ethan's baptism. He had it with his cousin Sabrina on Daniel's side of the family because their birthdays are one day apart. It was a nice program and a great service before the baptism. We had to pick up Kirsten and her kids because Jon had to work and so we were just barely there on time. Hailee sang a great solo. She did an outstanding job.

After the baptism everyone went to Classic Skating for a party. They had rented the kareoke room and had pizza and drinks and fruit and vegetable trays for everyone. We rented inline skates and scooters for some of the kids that wanted them and then I tried to help Hailee skate around the rink. She did pretty good but wanted to skate backwards so she had a hard time staying up. I got my exercise trying to hold her up.

Wednesday night we went to the temple to do sealings. Then we had to go to Ben Franklin and get some sewing supplies for my classes. That day Maren had to bring me 75 more dishtowels that we use for aprons for my classes because I was out of the dishtowels by third period. I was so grateful that she did not have to work so she could help me out. So I had to go in and get the tax removed and get some seam rippers and rotary cutter blades.

Thursday Larry and I worked at the Family History Center from 6-9:00 p.m. Larry came to pick me up and I had just finished the grades for one of my classes. I had to print some things out and then we left in a hurry so we would not be late. As we were driving along I realized I did not have my phone. I had left it at school. I ask Larry for his so I could make a call. He said it was in the back seat in his jacket. When I looked back I said, "what jacket?" At that point we decided that He would go to the Family History Center and I would go back and get our phones and get him something to eat. It took me about an hour round trip from Kaysville to Bountiful to do that. So, I guess that I only worked at the FHC from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

After I went there I had to go shopping for school. That took another hour and a half but I was prepared for my demo the next day.

Friday we stayed at my school until about 9:30 p.m. Larry was helping me with various clean up projects as I worked on my grades. I finished all except one class. Larry got so tired he went down to the Faculty room and laid on the sofa for a while. I really appreciate the sacrifices he makes for me all the time.

Saturday Larry had to work. I went to Maren's work to get my hair done. It is free for family so you cannot beat that. I then went shopping for birthday gifts for the Monthly birthday party we are having today. After that I went home and Larry was home and we went shopping for food for the party. I had had a headache all day and Larry didn't get much sleep so we laid done down for a minute and the next thing we knew it was 2 hours later. I got up and went to a wedding reception for a boy in the ward but Larry said he didn't feel good.

Well everyone is coming for the party so I will write more later.

Well, I just learned that I cannot look at the blog without saving my post. I had about three paragraphs written and decided to look at where I ended when I was in Texas and lost it all.

We have had a good Easter Sunday. I had an Easter lesson to teach to my Primary class that reminded me of the importance of Christ in my life and helped me to remember the blessings I have being a member of his church. I truly believe that Christ suffered and died for all of us so that we would not have to suffer if we would repent and turn to him. He is alive today and helps each of us if we will let him. Becasue of him we can live forever.

We went to Mom and Dad's (Grandma and Grandpa Jenkins's)for a while this afternoon and just visited them before they went to Keith's for dinner. They are so fun to talk to. It was cloudy when we left there but it is beautiful in Kaysville and sunny.

We returned home from Texas on Friday evening about 8:30 p.m. It was much easier to find our way out of the Salt Lake airport than it had been at Houston a week earlier. Erick met us and then we went to dinner with him in Centerville at Bajio's. After that we went to Kirsten's to get Erick's truck and visited for a few minutes. The kids were coloring Easter eggs and Brinlie was there. Kirsten's friend Kara was helping Brinlie color eggs. Maren and Landon came a few minutes later so we were able to see them also.

Saturday we slept in. We were tired. Larry forgot the cord to his C-pap machine so he did not have that all night. He looked for a cord and found one and I went to Super cuts to have Maren comb out my hair. It was a beautiful day in Kaysville and we probably should have worked in the yard but we watched the movie "The pursuit of happyness" instead and prolonged our vacation. In the evening we went to a wedding reception in Tremonton for a Niece's son, Jason Allen. We saw some family for a few minutes then went to dinner at a restaurant outside of town that had Larry's favorite, Prime Rib, advertised.

Last Tuesday in Texas after we had lunch Nathan had to leave to go back to McAllen. We saw him off and then I watched movies with David while the others rested. We watched "Harry Potter II" After that we decided to go to dinner with the boys (David, Isaac, and Samuel) We went to a Steak house. We had a good time and the food was good until the waiter lost my credit card. They kept saying it was just lost around the cash register but I was really worried. Gail got the manager and he assured us it was just lost but after having watched the Dateline program on identity theft the week before I was not so sure. They eventually found it and we left but I called Larry immediately to look on line and see if something was suspicious but after he looked and I looked when we got home we decided that the numbers had not been used.

Wednesday, Sara had an egg hunt for the boys with the play group they have formed in their ward. We went to Mercer park. Every mother had brought at least twelve plastic eggs filled with candy and they combined them and then they each got a few of each kind. They had a great time looking for them and playing on the playground.

In the afternoon Sara and Gail went looking for a new washer for Sara after hers had died. I stayed home and listened for Isaac while he was sleeping and David and I watched "Toy Story 1 and Toy Story 2" Sara found a washer at Sears but they couldn't install it until Friday after we left. They put it in for her and hauled off the old washer.

Larry came back from his sister's on Wednesday evening. He said that they had had a good visit and talked a lot about genealogy. He went with John to collect rent on some rentals they had and spent some time visiting with David and Jane. He said the rush hour traffic in Housten was bumper to bumper coming back.

Wednesday night we had pizza and just hung out at home. Nathan has the computers that they can talk back and forth on so they had time doing that. David was having a great time everynight taking pictures of himself on Photo Booth. We got lots of crazy pictures. I uploaded a few to Snapfish and will email those to everyone.

Thursday, Larry and I went with Sara and the boys to a Children's museum that they have in the Woodlands Mall. We spent most of the day there. The kids had fun digging for dinosaurs, dressing up, drawing pictures, sitting in a tooth, reading books, and many other things. Grandma almost lost Isaac's hat twice by putting it down. We also rode the carousel. It was a fun time for all of us. The Woodlands area is really nice.

Thursday afternoon David and I watched "Harry Potter I" I had seen the beginning another time with Lexie but never finished it so it was good to see the ending. Thursday evening David played a checker game with Nathan over the internet. It was interesting to watch. Sara fixed a great meal of Chicken Cordon Blue and Asparagus with other things that were equally great. Gail went to the play Wicked that was in town.

Friday we went to get my glasses fixed because I sat on them and went shopping with Sara to get a stroller that she could use with the baby. We talked her into getting a dual stroller for Isaac and Samuel. Isaac liked it so much he was mad when we had to put the display model back and get the boxed one. Sara said he played in it for an hour after we left. We also went to "Sweet Tomatoes" to eat with everyone before we left.

Ethan's baptism is this Tuesday. We are trying to work out a time for April Birthday party next weekend. It looks like it will probably be on Sunday about 6:00 p.m. I will write more about that later. It is already late for me.

We made it to Texas. We have had a good time playing with our grandchildren and trying to help Sara. We flew in about 9:00 p.m. but it was about 11:00 p.m. before we made it to Nathan and Sara's house.

Sunday we watched conference on the computer. It was fine in the morning but in the afternoon it would cut out at certain places so we have half of President Eyring's talk memorized and the other half is still to be heard.

Nathan and Sara had made arrangements to bless Samuel on Sunday night at the house so after Conference we got ready for that. I was nice. They had several friends from the ward come over and a member of the Bishopric was here with their wives and some children. Larry was able to participate and then they served cookies to all. We took some pictures of the people and afterwards social that I will post later.

Larry left on Monday morning to visit his sister Judy in Ingram, Texas. He called last night and said he was staying today and coming back tomorrow morning. It is a six hour drive there so he didn't get much time to spend with them last night.

We colored Easter eggs in the morniing with the kids. They had a great time doing it. Then we went for Family Home Evening and found a place by the Freeway that had a hill and was reletively secluded and we introduced Nathan's family to the tradition of rolling Easter Eggs. It was the first time Sara had been able to participate and she had planned that we would do this so she could learn what it was all about. It was really fun to watch the boys. They enjoyed it so much that they want to do it again when Grandpa Larry comes back.

Nathan and Sara have a new IMac computer with a photo program that the kids can take silly pictures of themselves so David has had a ball taking silly pictures. I will try to upload some of the pictures that they have taken. The pictures on this post are of when Samuel was born. They also have one of the two way camera program so they can see each other when Nathan is away. Nathan has to go back today so that is a blessing for the boys.

Well lunch is ready and Sara makes great food so I will see if this will post.

I just talked to Jeff and he reminded me that they went to Las Vegas this last weekend to celebrate their anniversary. He said that they went to see the Dave Matthews band while they were there. I can't remember what he said about where they stayed. He said they had a lot of fun and lost a little money. Misty's mom tended the kids for them while they were gone.

BJ said that his orders will change that the July thing was temporary and so I guess we will wait for further updates on that.

Have a good night.

I decided that I would finish the blog tonight for family home evening because Larry is working on Homework so I can't talk to him anyway. I am still at school because I need to use a computer and Larry has to have the computer for his homework. I just finished doing some things for school.

Last week became pretty hectic when I got the flu on Tuesday evening. I had been at school until about 7:00 p.m. getting ready for a sub and then I had to get home to go visiting teaching. When I got home my partner told me she was sick and could I go alone. I ran in the bathroom and got the Ensign and then I could not find my keys. I looked everywhere and when I opened the car door the alarm when off. I did this twice and found out that it would eventually stop but finally walked to my appointment that was only two blocks away because I could not find my keys. I did a phone visit for the next sister and gradually became aware that I was aching all over. The next day I found my keys on the bathroom floor where they had fallen out of my pocket.

I was supposed to go to a workshop to work on my school web site but when I woke up the next morning I was still aching all over. Because this was something I had chosen to do and was not required to do for school, I decided to make it a sick day and changed my absence to sick leave. I went to the doctor and he told me that I should have gotten a flu shot because I live in a Third world country-School. He gave me some medicine that make me feel human again and in the afternoon I went back to school and participated in the NAL vs. Teachers competition and took the things that I had promised to take for that. I felt wonderful, until the Darvocet wore off and I was getting ready for a sub for Thursday. I stayed home and slept on Thursday and in the afternoon I was finally able to not take the medicine and feel human.

Larry and I had to work at the Family History Center on Thursday so I went to do that and felt okay. I am trying to find out about a Mable McFarland that was married to Mary Pollock's first husband before Mary was and I can't seem to find her after her two year old died of Encephylitis in Billings Montana. Then six years later Hazen Hatfield is married to Mary Winterholler. But, I did find a relative of Hazen's that is doing genealogy so maybe I will solve this mystery.

Friday morning I went to Kyle's "Breakfast with Grandparents" morning before I went to school. It was hectic getting back to school after being gone for two days but luckily I have the counselors teaching for me three days this week in TLC, which is 5 of my 7 classes, so I might get caught up by the end of the week.

Friday night Larry and I went with Dennis and Carol Harris to Davis High School's Moonlight Serenade to celebrate the anniversary of our first date 6 years ago that day. It was wonderful. We had a great prime rib dinner and I loved the music. Of course it is 40's to 70's music. They really have some talented singers and dancers and musicians that perform. They played Blue Moon for us twice and announced that we were there celebrating meeting at Moon Light Serenade. It was just a fun night.

Erick had a girl call him and ask him out for Thursday night to watch a movie. He went because it was his spring break this week and he did not have to work friday. She is a girl that he likes in his Chemistry class so maybe the feeling is mutual. He went to help another girl look for a new car on Friday and ended up being out later than Larry and I and we didn't get home until 11:30 p.m.

Saturday he worked on the yard. He pruned trees and tried to get a trailer hitch so he could haul all the things in the trailer to the dump. He also took BJ's car in to get the snow tires changed. He also watched Myth busters for about 3 hours in the evening.

Larry had to work on Saturday. I went to the Family History Center for our Saturday shift. It was really busy. I actually had to help someone with Temple Ready twice. When I got home I went around the neighborhood and got signatures on a petition asking the Governor to let the people vote on the voucher issue that was just passed in the legislature. Then I came home and pulled some tops off of the Chrysanthemums from last year and then went to the local Grocery store to ask for signatures for two more hours.

When I got home I got to tend Brinlie for the night. She is like tending a barrell of monkeys. She was really active until about 9:30 p.m. and then she fell asleep and someone loved me because she slept all night long. Getting ready for church in the morning was a joke though. We were about 20 minutes late and about half put together because we have 9:00 a.m. church and we didn't get up early enough, but we survived and Brinlie even fell asleep during Sacrament meeting.

Maren and Landon went to spend the night at a hotel for her birthday. That was why I got to tend Brinlie. Maren got a job at Super Cuts and started her training this week. She says they are teaching her a whole new way to cut hair and she feels like she is back in school. Landon is tending Brinlie while she has to go this week from 8:00-5:00 but then she will only work on Thursday's, Friday's and Saturday's after this week and Shirley told her she would watch Brinlie most of the time.

We celebrated the March birthdays on the 17th at our house about 5:00 p.m. Larry barbecued pork ribs, chicken, hamburgers, and hotdogs. We had all the trimmings to go with it and everyone seemed to have a good time, except for Leah. BJ put up the trampoline because it was so nice and Misty had let Leah wear a new white dress and she didn't want her to get it black so Leah was sad. Erick, Maren, Nikki, and Nathan and Sara's new baby Samuel have a birthday in March.

BJ has joined the Navy something and will be going to training in July. He came down on Thursday night to an orientation for Friday morning. I didn't get to see him because he had to stay at a hotel. He left his car at Maren's and then Erick got the snow tires taken off for him on Saturday while he was in meetings. He picked it up while I was gone and had to be back at work in Logan at 4:00 that afternoon on Saturday.

Kirsten got a job doing medical transcription at Tanner Clinic which is the clinic we have all been going to. She has some benefits and gets paid by the hour instead of the line and also has some free medical with the job. She is trying to finish up her two weeks with her other jobs around this job though so she is pretty busy right now.

Nikki got a job working at the St. Mark's hospital in the pharmacy three nights a week so she will be leaving the teaching job she had. She doesn't start until this week end however. Jake is getting the stucco on his garage he built finished this week so he was excited about that. Lexie says that she has just been doing "stuff"

Nathan and Sara had their third boy. They named him Samuel Frederick Lars Wolfgang Christiansen. He was 8 lbs. 20 inches long and Was born on March 12, 2007 in the evening. Nathan had time off from his military assignment for about two weeks and had to go back this week. Larry and I are flying down on the 31st to spend a week with them and try to help out a little bit and see the baby. We will be there until the 6th of April. We come home that evening.

Aunt Chris Jenkins has Multiple Sclerosis. They just found out so they are still learning to deal with it. The have a treatment that is supposed to help but she and Uncle Keith could use your prayers. She is doing pretty well but she lost her job because she could not go back to work without restrictions, and her work wouldn't take her back with those restrictions. She does have the possiblitity of a new job however.

Uncle John Trolinger still needs our prayers as he recovers from his cancer. He is still really weak. Larry is hoping to go visit them while he is down in Texas. He didn't get to go for Christmas so he has not seen them for five years.

Aunt Kathy and Uncle Gary found their van but is was trashed in a police chase.

I am finishing this up on Thursday now because I thought that I could go home and use the computer to finish on Monday night. Larry and I are at the Family History Center again because we had to work the fifth Thursday this month.

Jordan and Megan Hadlock blessed their baby this last weekend but we did not make it. There are some really cute pictures on line at Amanda's photography website To access them go to
http://www.riversedgefamilyphotography.com/
Choose Galleries
Choose View Your Photos
Choose Carston's Blessing

There is also a gallery with the pictures from the Jenkins Family Christmas Party in December that we held here in Kaysville. They are under Jenkins.

Michelle and Daniel are busy with the kids. They took all the kids out to dinner for Family Home Evening on Monday because the kids had such good report cards. Ethan will be turning eight on April 9th. The are having a special baptism for him and his cousin on the 10th of April. Then they are going to have a skating party after at the classic skating for their birthday's.

Well I guess I better sign off. Hope you are all having a good day.

Well, Sunday is here again. We had a great testimony meeting today. Lots of testimonies of Christ and his importance in our lives and how he can help us to do the things that are hard in life. We got a new Relief Society Presidency today and our former Relief Society President Koy Helgesen bore a stong testimony of the help she received and the association with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ that had deepened because of her service. I felt like it was an answer to prayer because I have felt numb for a while.

Friday was Erick's birthday but we all celebrated it by getting some 24 hour throw-up bug. I don't think it was food poisioning because we had not eaten the same thing for several days. Michelle and her family had it the week before and several persons at all of our work had had a similar thing. I was nauseated most of the afternoon at school but decided I could stay the last two classes after lunch. I was leaving the school when I decided that I needed to visit the restroom before I left. About that time Kirsten called me to talk to me and as I entered the bathroom I knew I was going to throw up. Kirsten kept talking to me as I was throwing up and I finally told her that maybe I should call her back. I probably would make a good humorous movie scene. Then I went out to the car and found out the battery was dead from leaving my lights on in the morning. I had the older car. When I got someone to help me jump it we could not get the grill open so I called Larry and found out that he was home because as he got ready for work he had become sick. One the way home Erick called to tell me he was home sick also. Erick actually went on a date that night to see David Copperfield.

Yesterday we were feeling better so we went to Owen's birthday party. The party that was planned for the week before was quickly cancelled when Misty and the boys got Strep. The party was at 12:30 p.m. I don't remember Owen being in such a playful mood at our house. He really seemed to be enjoying himself. He was having a good time eating the frosting off of his small cake but others wanted him to have his hands in it so they stuck them in. He was okay with one but when they stuck two in he was through. He did not want to stick those diry hands on the cake! It was funny to watch. We had a good time with those that could be there.

Thursday I worked until about 8:00 p.m. at school trying to get grades ready for the weekend and helping students sew again. Then I came home and went shopping for a card for Erick's birthday. Larry did homework most of the evening and laundry. Erick got home about the same time as I did from school.

Wednesday I went to the Orthopedic Surgeon and he told me that I was too young to have my knees replaced after two years ago telling me that the right knee needed to be done. I was not happy but I have some options.

Monday and Tuesday I spent the evening finishing up ESL assignments and going to my last class. I got the last assignment in on the due date Wednesday the 28th of February and so now I should have my ESL Endorsement when all the paperwork is completed by the district and the state. That is a relief.

Last Friday and Saturday Larry and I went to St. George to the Utah Association of Career and Technical Educators Conference. It was snowing in places on the way down but it was clear and snow free and in the 50's in St. George. We stayed with my cousin Diane Beacham and her husband Rand and had an enjoyable visit with them. Larry went to the conference with me and helped me with projects I had signed up for but his favorite part of the trip was getting to eat breakfast and dinner at Jack-in-the-Box!

On the 22 of February I had Parent-Teacher Conferences all evening so Larry went to the Family History center to work without me.

Maren and Landon have been in Las Vegas and Los Angeles for about a week. They left last Monday to go to with Landon's family to work there. Landon's brother got beat up there on Friday so they were staying over until tomorrow to finish up the work. Maren said that Landon was accepted to a flight school in Cedar City so it looks like they will be moving there so he can get his schooling. She is hoping to get a job there to help support them while he is in school.

BJ said that he and Holly broke up on Friday so he was sad about that. But it is still in transition because she keeps calling He has prospects for a better job this week so he is hoping to get that. He could use your prayers. He is coming down next week for a friends wedding at the Mount Timpanogos temple.

Erick finally got courage to ask the girl in his Chemistry class to go out with him. That is who he took to David Copperfield. He said that he told her that he was sick and she still wanted to go. He ended up throwing up just before the show in the bathroom but then he said he felt good for the entire show and was amazed at some of the illusions he performed.

Kirsten and Jon had to work last week so Kyle brought his Apples to Apples Jr. and we ended up going to Maren and Landon's and playing it while Maren did Holly's hair. Landon beat everyone. He was really on a role. I think Kyle was next. Kirsten and Jon got passes to the Clearfield Aquatic Center so they can take the kids and do some of the programs there. Kyle got his Bear award in cub scouts

Jeff and Misty have a routine down that works right now. She works from 2-8:30 p.m. He goes to work at 10:00 p.m., I thought she said, and works all night and then she takes care of the kids while he sleeps in the morning and he takes care of them in the afternoon while she is at work. They have to do that four days a week and then they have the weekends to be together with the kids.

Michelle and Daniel and family were sick most of the week before last with something like what we have had this weekend. Ethan and Hailee performed a solo last night at their choir program. Michelle said that they did it perfect in rehearsal. We were planning to go and then didn't make it. So we where hoping to see the video's of the show this week.

Jacob has been sick all week with a cold. He is getting better now and Ashton and Nikki have it. He is hoping to hear on a job but has not heard since his interview. He would like to get in a better position to go to school than he has right now. Nikki is still teaching nights so he is spending more time with the kids at night. He says Lexie likes the show about can you beat a fifth grader that they just introduced on TV.

Nathan has received his slot for helicopter school. He is supposed to go in September in Alabama. He is looking forward to that but still trying to find time to be with his family. He is in a play right now in McAllen. It is a performance of "Once Upon a Mattress." I don't know how long it is running. Sara is scheduled to have the baby on March 12th. Nathan said he thought she was over her cold. Larry and I are flying down to Texas on March 31 to spend the week with them and help Sara after the baby.

Kathy and Gary had their van stolen this week after someone stole her purse from the church kitchen where they were holding the Blue and Gold Banquet that she was in charge of. They had already tried to use the credit cards by the time they got home and the keys to the van that was stolen were in her purse that was stolen during the banquet. The van disappeared on Friday night when they awoke on Saturday it was gone.

Aunt Chris is having some major medical issues and needs our prayers. She is still healing from her back surgery and has a lot of issues on her plate right now.

On a happier note, Aunt Marcia called and said that Mike and Karen's son Jason is getting married. Kirsten talked to her so I don't have the details but I will try to learn more.

Hope all is well this week with everyone.

Here are a few pictures of Brinlie's Birthday party.

We have had a relatively quiet Sunday today. We went to church and Larry has been doing homework and Erick and I have been reading. Larry bought me a book I have been wanting to read and I read it last night and this afternoon.

We bought a new computer from my brother Keith and finally took our old ones down to him yesterday to get the information transferred to the hard drive and then Larry realized that he needed his test for school off the hard drive so Keith did a rush job and we went down last night at 10:00 p.m. to pick up our computer. It is so nice to have a computer that actually works with the high speed internet.

Yesterday I went down to clean house for Mom (Grandma Jenkins) and I had a good visit with them. I found out that Kyle not only had the same Birthday as Jordan's new baby but, he also had the same birth weight and length as their new baby. Grandma and Grandpa gave their old love seat in the family room to Amy for her new townhouse and bought a new couch so that it would be long enough for Mom to lay on. My brother Larry has also had a lot of head aches and Cameron, Craig's son has been in the hospital again this week. He is still not completely well. I was not sure what the problem is. Mom said that they thought at first that he might have crones disease.

Larry and I went out for dinner last night for Valentine's because on Valentines what time we had for dinner was spent taking a cheesecake and flowers to the Happy Sumo for BJ to present to his date. We went to Tepanyaki. It was wonderful. We had a good time. The steak must have been prime it was so tender. We also had a lovely romantic evening going to the church dry pack cannery for Valentines.

Erick had some friends over for Lasagna again last night and then they went to the Conference Center for a concert by the Orchestra at Temple Square. He said that they had a good time. He stayed home for Valentines however, and he gets home about 12:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and 9:45 p. m. on Thursdays from school.

Maren and Landon and Brinlie are all sick with a sore throat and cough. Landon has had it most of the week but Maren came down with it on Friday and Brinlie is starting to get it today.

BJ had a great time for Valentines planning things for Holly. He took her to "Build a Bear" and they each built bears of each other. Then he took her to the Happy Sumo for dinner and had them present her with a couple of roses at the table before dinner. They went to Happy Sumo because she likes sushi (so she would get along with Nathan) and then he ordered a cheesecake from the Cheese cake factory and had them present that to her at the table after dinner. It all went well except that the cheesecake was shipped on dry ice and I didn't take it out of the box when it came and the restaurant didn't take it out of the box when I delivered it so it was frozen solid when it was served!

Kirsten and Jon spent alot of time going to doctors last week because they thought he had type I Diabetes but now they have decided that it is type II. They spent about three days going to doctors. Kyle went to his dad's for the weekend and they did not have Jon's girls this weekend so they have had the weekend to themselves. Kirsten has a new cell phone that is supposed to forward the calls but I have not had good luck with the forward so call me if you want her temporary number.

Misty has a new job working for the post office as a data processer part time. It works good with Jeff's job right now. Jeff is still working nights. The kids are really growing up. They are having a party for Owen's birthday at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday at their house.

Michelle and Daniel went to Bear Lake for the weekend while it is the President's day holiday. Daniel's brother has a cabin up there. We tended their kids last Saturday while they had a Valentine's date. The went to dinner and their Stake had a sweetheart dance.

Isaac had a good birthday with Sara and Granny Gail and David. Nathan had to call because he could not get time off now and when the baby is born, also. I called and talked to them for a few minutes. Sara is getting a cold so pray for her that she will get better before the baby is born. She is also having water leakage problems so Nathan is looking at options for different housing for his family.

We had a family party for Kyle's and Isaac and Owen's birthday last week at the house and had everyone here. We had a good time and enjoyed all the grandkids being here. I have some pictures that Erick uploaded that I will try to post.

Saturday night we had Michelle's kids and Kirsten's kids here to tend. They all had a good time playing together. Kallise is really getting around with her crawling and we had a hard time keeping her out of the toilet. Later that night we had to go shopping for the birthday party and I had to shop for the restaurant simulation that we do at school. Erick went to Krispy Kreem for me to get hats for the simulation and came home with two dozen donuts that everyone enjoyed at the party.

Tuesday and Wednesday I had to go to a work shop on Advanced Strategies for ESL Students at the district so Monday night after ESL class I was planning for a sub for two hours. Tuesday I got feeling a lot of pain in my back shoulder blade and did not feel well most of the night but I had Maren come and wax my legs went visiting teaching and then went to Kirstens to see if she could massage it out as Larry was at class. I kept feeling like I would just like to lay down and die.

Wednesday I started feeling better after a shower. I had NAL game after the class at the district which we lost in the last two minutes and then we went to Happy sumo and to the cannery.

Thursday and Friday I stayed at school and worked on grades and helped students with sewing while Larry was at home working on his homework. He spent all of one day trying to get the computer to work and that is when he made the decision that I had done the right thing to call Keith about a new computer.

The restored gospel is the only true church. Please do the things to keep your testimony alive, pray and read the scriptures. Christ is there to help you in the things you think you cannot do.

Maren called on Monday and said that she had passed her state test with a 93. She was pretty excited about passing. Now she can get her license and begin working some. She and Landon have gone to St. George this week with his business. I suppose with the way things have warmed up lately it is really nice in St. George this week.

Monday I had ESL class until 6:30 p.m. after school. The Larry and I went shopping for a few things at the grocery store and to get prescriptions we both needed. We got home about 8:30 p.m. and Erick was just getting home from his ward family home evening.

Tuesday I stayed after school to help some students sew and finished a few projects for TLC and threaded a serger that needed threaded. Larry brought me the infiniti so he could take the malibu to class then I stayed longer at school and worked on getting set up for the lab the next day and put some scores in the computer. I got to bed about 9:30 p.m. I woke up at what I thought was the middle of the night to go to the bathroom and the power was out. Larry was in bed with me and I thought he was asleep. I went back to sleep worried about how the alarm would go off. The next morning the alarm went off at 4:30 a.m. I was amazed. When I told Larry about my amazement he said that he had reset the alarm after the power came back on. When I ask him when he did this he said about 12:30 a.m. about the time that Erick got home. I had been so sound asleep I did not realize that Larry had got up to sleep in the recliner because he could not sleep without power to his C-Pap machine. Erick had stayed at school until late working on a project for his class and got home just as the power came on and I didnt even wake up for that. It was weird. We ended up going back to sleep for an hour and I was almost late for school so I was glad I had everything set up for the class that morning.

Yesterday I had another NAL match after school. We played Centerville Jr. High. We lost by a few points which was disappointing. Then Larry picked me up and he had bought some Kentucky Fried Chicken for dinner for me because I invited some of my Hispanic Mexican neighbors over to talk about Mexican culture for a paper I have to do for my ESL class. We both enjoyed talking to Rigo and Alma Guitierrez and Margarita Tovar. There were a lot of things that were interesting but they said that in Mexico there are very few jobs available for women over 30 because there is a prejudice towards having someone who looks good working for you especially as secretaries and receptionists. They said that women my age are not hired and if they want to work they have to start their own companies.

Today Larry picked me up about 3:30 p.m. I had a meeting after school and then we went home. I had planned a primary party to celebrate the birthday of one of our children and so Margarita Tovar (who I teach with) came and most of the students and they had ice cream and cupcakes and looked at the fish. The cupcakes really made a big mess because they had lots of frosting. I am teaching 6 year olds this year and Margarita brought two of her grandsons and they really smeared the icing. Larry went and paid several bills while I was doing this. I took the kids home and when I got back he had the mess cleaned up but thought that was the messiest party I had given in a long time. Now we are at the Family History Center working our shift.

We had a great spirit at testimony meeting today. I felt my testimony so strong. I want to do a better job of living the gospel and doing my callings. I have the cutest primary class that I am teaching with Sister Tovar. They are six going on seven and really enthusiastic about the church. Larry bore his tesimony and I was surprized at the depth of his feelings for our Bishop and his calling, but not surprized by the strength of his testimony. He is truly a blessing from God in my life.

I wrote about Frescas this week but last week Larry needed the computer on Sunday so I didn't get a chance to update what was happening to us and everyone.

Maren took her State practical test a week ago Saturday on the 27th. Erick went as her model. She picked him up at about 5:45 a.m. that morning because they had to be there at 6:30 p.m. About 7:00 a.m. Erick called Larry and woke him up. Maren had forgotten her license and they would not let her take the test without it. She could not get Landon to answer the phone so they needed us to go wake him up. I was already dressed in sweats so I put on my shoes and volunteered to go. I decided that because he had the baby at home with him that I would just get the license from him and take it up to Maren. Everything was going good until I got to Ogden and it was foggy with the inversion from last week. I could hardly see where to get off the freeway. Erick had told me to turn at Wall avenue and I could hardly see the street signs. All of a sudden I noticed that the street sign I was at was Wall avenue. Then I realized that I had come to a stop on a green light. I looked over and could not see any cars in the turn lane and it was a red arrow so I moved over. Almost immediatedly there was a car behind me with flashing red lights. To make a long story short I got a ticket for driving irradically and not having my license. She asked me for my license and I said that that I didn't have it because I had forgotten to get it when I left in a hurry. She looked and my hand with Maren's license in it and said, "What is that in your hand?" she also was not sympathetic to the fact that it was foggy and I could not see any thing. She said that I pulled in front of another car in the turn lane but I honestly did not see another car. Larry said it was probably the policeman that I pulled in front of because I have been trying to figure out how she got behind me if I pulled in front of another car.

Larry has had a headache all week. He did not go to class on Tuesday because it was so bad. He still had it yesterday but it has gone today. He has been helping me sort out paperwork so we can get our bills paid now that we are not having Terry and Sandy do it for us. We went to the temple on Friday night and had a good time together. We got home about the time Erick got home from work.

I got a cold on Monday and felt bad most of the week. I couldn't stay home at all because my classes had so many labs and demo's in the schedule so I just took medicine to make me feel better. I tried to use all the sanitation techniques that I know but I will probably have some students sick because of it. When we had to take Frescas to the vet on Thursday I was aching so bad I was wondering if I would be able to get my homework done for ESL which was due on Friday. I couldn't stay home because I had to be observed for part of my homework and because of the labs one observer was coming in on Friday. I finally decided to get a half day sub and work on my homework in the morning and then go in for the afternoon classes. I didn't feel good when I went to bed, but I said a prayer that Heavenly Father asking for help to get the work done. The next morning it was like a miracle. I did not take medicine for the cold and I felt fine. I was able to get the work done and turned in on time.

Nikki has a new job. She is teaching pharmacy tech classes at a college in Salt Lake area from 6-10 p.m. in the evening. Jake has been tending the kids for her and so far Ashton has been good for him. But he is really clinging to her during the day. She and Lexie have been working on scrapbooking on Sundays after church. Lexie has lost about 7 teeth now she was really excited to tell me.

BJ was down last weekend. We had a good time talking to him. And we all got together with Maren and Landon and played Apples to Apples. He seemed to be getting pretty serious with Holly but he called yesterday and said that things were not going well so maybe she needs her space or maybe it just isn't going to work. He is very busy trying to work and go to school full time. He has added classes to his schedule so he will be prepared to go to UCLA , therefore he has a extra full schedule. He went to church with Aunt Marva and Uncle Charles today because he had to work.

Erick has been busy with school also but he always has time to play a game on Sunday with us. He is really getting into his student ward. He goes there for Family Home Evening and Scripture study on Sundays besides the regular church meetings and he said today that he has a date for the CES fireside to listen to Elder Bednar. He was the only one that could get Frescas inside on Thursday when he was so sick. I was glad he was here.

Maren got sick this week too, but hers was more like the flu or strep. She had aches and a sore throat but no runny nose. She was really feeling terrible for a few days. We went and bought the stuff so she can to waxing and hopefully I can get her to wax my legs now. Anyway if you need waxings she can do them at home now. Brinlie is as cute as ever. She will have to learn to say fish or cat now that we no longer have a dog.

Kirsten and Jon are coming over today to play games and have dinner. Kirsten had a lot of computer and printer problems a week ago so she spent two days trying to resolve those so they didn't have time to come last week. Kyle's birthday is this Tuesday. He will be ten. He is leaving to be with Aaron on the third weekend so we were thinking that we could have the Feburary birthday party next weekend. Michelle and Daniel are going out on Saturday so we probably will need to meet on Sunday. It is also Isaac's birthday on the 16th but I don't think they will make it up and Owen's birthday is on the 23rd and Larry and I are going to St. George that weekend for the UCTE conference.

Sara went down to McAllen to see Nathan this weekend and stay with him. She was able to leave the boys with her mother for the weekend so they are having a weekend alone. Nathan said it would probably be the last time she could travel before the baby. She is going to the doctor on Thursday. I talked to Jeff at the last birthday party and he said that Larry remembered wrong that he wasn't in McAllen on his mission.

Michelle and Daniel are going out for Valentines this weekend on Saturday and we are tending the kids for them. They had a marriage enrichment fireside that they went to last Sunday. We are looking forward to spending some time with the grandkids.

Mom and Dad sent us a sympathy card with $20.00 in it for Frescas. I think knowing my dad that there was a hint of sarcasm in the gesture be we appreciated it.

I just got home from the vet. We made the decision to have our dog Frescas put to sleep tonight. He has been having a hard time walking and lately he has not wanted to climb the back stairs when he has been outside to go to the bathroom. Last night he woke me up about 1:30 a.m. to go out and I let him out but he would not come back in. He acted like he wanted to be in but he did not want to climb the stairs. I tried three times between one and four-thirty to get him to let me help him and he would just run away. Larry tried a couple of times. Erick was able to get him in about 6:00 a.m. but he started gagging like he was going to throw up and wanted out again. Erick got him back in but when we got home tonight he was walking like a drunken sailor. He almost didn't make it in the car. He refused to sit in the car as we went to the vet and he sat and was shaking the whole time we were waiting for the vet. The vet felt like it was the most humane thing we could do to put him to sleep. He was almost 14 so that is about 98 in human years. I have a picture of him somewhere but I can't find it

I am at the family history center. There is no one who needs my help. Our laptop is broken and so I cannot get to the information on my family or Mary and Theo's so I decided that the best thing I could do is to update the blog. Sunday, despite what the blog says it was 9:00 p.m. when I decided to sign off. I get up at 4:30 a.m. during the week and I need to be in bed that early if I want to function. I only got to Monday on my description of the week so I guess that I will continue on from there.

Tuesday was a quality teaching day at school. That means that I have to be there but the students are not. Generally they come at the end of each term so that we have time to work on grades and prepare for the new term or semester. I spent the day working on grades and organizing the kitchens to make sure they each have what they need. Larry has classes on Tuesdays so Erick picked me up from school.

Wednesday the new Semester started at our school. It was also the day of an NAL game which I am a mentor for. When we have away games we have to leave early so the school busses can go on their normal run so we have to leave school early therefore, I had to get a sub for my two new classes on the first day! Not a good situation. But we survived and we won the game with Millcreek by 1 point.

Maren gave me a flat iron for my hair for Christmas. She spent alot of time on Monday doing my hair and then helped me try to use it. A lot of the girls at school mentioned my hair the first day back so I guess it would be worth it to try but I am presently back to curlly because it is easier.

I was glad that we only had a three day school week last week because we ended up not getting to bed early and we were tired by Thursday. Erick is staying late on Tuesdays and Thursdays now at school but last week he did not have to so he was home a little earlier.

Friday night we had Kirsten's kids while they went to the Bar J Wranglers with Jon's family. The kids enjoyed playing clue with me and then we watched several shows on Disney channel. I was so tired I just sat there and watched. Then I sent the kids to bed at 10:00 p.m. Larry had gone to bed earlier because he had to work early on Saturday.

Saturday we watched Kyle's movie, "Ant bully" while we ate breakfast. Then Kirsten came to get the kids and Erick and I had to start working because we still had the Christmas tree up and all the Christmas decorations and Maren had planned Brinlie's birthday party for the evening at 6:00 p.m. Erick and I worked on the Living room until about 12:30 p.m. and Maren came and started to help us. She ended up cleaning most of the kitchen while we finished the living room. She also Vacuumed the stairs for me while I mopped the floor. Then we got some of the food ready and It felt good to have a clean house. Larry said, "it would be worth having a party for every week" when he came home.

The party was a lot of fun. We had all of the family here except Nathan and Sara. With Landon's family all there, I realized that I have a very small house for giving a big family party. Brinlie seemed to have a good time. She also got lots of presents and there was alot of good food for everyone. BJ even brought his girl friend Holly Milligan to the party so everyone was giving Erick a bad time about being single. Erick got some good pictures but I haven't had time to get him to upload them. I could have taken some pictures if I had thought to go get my mail in. Sara had sent the recharger for the camera but we didn't get the mail in until Sunday but then I was able to upload the pictures from Christmas for Sunday.

Sunday Larry slept all afternoon so I was somewhat concerned but I guess he was just tired because he has been alright this week. We had a post trek fireside that was a great spiritual boost for me. The had a great DVD but of course as cooks and crew non of us were in it. I was thinking the theme song for the Trek, called "Carry Me" would make a great family song for this year.

Monday I had ESL class again so it was a late night. Larry came to pick me up at 6:30 p.m. and he had bought some King crab legs for a good price so we went home and ate them with Erick and enjoyed each others company and went to bed. Maren called and was excited because she passed the written part of her test for her Cosmotology license. She has the practical part on Saturday.

Tuesday Larry had the day off and he worked on school and some financial things we needed to take care of. I made chocolate chip cookies most of the day teaching about measuring and then helped some girls after school on clothing projects until about 5:00 p.m. Then I had to get the car home to Larry so he could go to school. I was really tired and thought I would go to bed early but it was about 9:30 p.m. befoe I made it but after eating I really revived and even exercised while I watched the State of the Union Address.

Wednesday I had NAL again after school so Larry brought me some clothes to change into and we went to the Bountiful temple to do sealings with our ward. We ate at Burger King on the way home and then right after Erick called and said he had dinner ready for us, homemade macaroni and cheese, I was thrilled but surprized because he had said he would be late after a service project in his ward so I wasn't expecting him to be home. He even fixed a vegetable and a fruit to go with it! We also went shopping for a lab I had today so we went to bed late again. I really had a hard time getting up this morning.

Today I showed a video so I could get grades caught up in the morning but I had labs in the afternoon. I stayed after school to help some students get caught up on their clothing projects and then we came to the family history center to work.

Larry and I bought our tickets to go to Houston during spring break to help Sara with the baby. We will be going on March 31st in the evening and coming back April 6th in the evening. Hopefully we can help out. Sara told Nikki that she is set to be induced on March 12th so that Nathan can be home.

Well we need to go home so I will mention other children later.

It has been an interesting week. I had the 15th off of work which was Martin Luther King Day. I went to the doctor because I did not feel good on Saturday again. I learned that I did have Strep all through Christmas. The throat swab they cultured came back positive. So it is a good thing that I insisted on getting some antibiotic on New Year's eve. He told me I was on Dr. orders not to do anything extra so I have been having fun joking about that all week. It felt good to have some confirmation that I understood my body and what it was going through. Those of you that were around me make sure you get aches and chills or sore throats checked.

Larry had Monday off too so it was fun to sleep in together and then he went to the doctor with me. We went grocery shopping and then when we got home Maren came over and worked on my hair coloring and cutting and styling it for about 5 hours. I look much better now. Maren is trying to teach me how to use the Flat Iron that she gave me for Christmas and it is just not as easy as Diffusing my hair, but I realized that about 5 years ago I was trying to learn how to diffuse my hair and it was just as frustrating. Eventually I will learn how to do it but it is hard right now.

Sara sent my camera recharger and Erick finally brought in yesterday's mail today so I uploaded a couple of pictures from Christmas. The first is in Ingram, Texas. It is Larry's sister Judy and her son Mike. The second is Nathan playing a pool game with the kids, Isaac and David, on Christmas day.

I will write more tomorrow hopefully but is is past my bedtime.

Well, I am finally back after a month of crazy Christmas trips and not feeling good. The week after my last post I started aching and did not feel good. I made it through the end of school frenzy before Christmas but only by taking Excedrin most days to stop the aching. I started to feel better and it was time to go to Texas. Larry couldn't go because his work banned all emergency leave from December 20th until January 2 and that was all he had left for the year. So Erick, BJ, and I took off with our map from Mapquest and started across country to see Nathan and Sara and the crew. Things went pretty well the first day but I had to stop so much for the bathroom that I decided to stop taking the Excedrin and then I really got feeling bad. Sore throat, aches and chills, all the way to Kerrville where John and Judy live. Luckily they would still take us in even though it was possible I could be bringing them more than a Christmas present. After sleeping and taking some medicine I felt much better and had a good visit with Judy, John, Jane, David, Mike, Sandra and their children. Hillary had grown alot from our last visit four years ago and seemed to enjoy talking to Erick and BJ. The baby that we saw the last time was now almost 5 and seeing him really put it in perspective how long it had been. We had a great brunch with the family and exchanged gifts and moved on to Houston.

We had a good trip to Houston and I kept thinking that I would be able to go to an urgent care when I finally got to Houston but by the time I got there and had dinner with the family the urgent cares were closed. So I made Nathan take me to the nearest Target and we bought a big bottle of Excedrin and went back to the drugs for comfort. We had a great night when we got there watching Nacho Libre and eating taco's and other Mexican food. We were able to stay with Nathan and Sara in their duplex on air mattresses. They have a spacious place and it was fun to be there full time, but Sara had to put up with a bed on the Living Room and Office floor for three days. Sara's mom Gail was also there. She is staying with Sara while Nathan is gone and we had a good visit with her also. We had a good time playing games and watching movies and eating good food for three days. Sara made some really good food and by Christmas night I was feeling better.

We went to Nathan and Sara's ward on Christmas Eve and then some couple missionaries there helped us contact Weston's mission president to see if we could see Weston when we took the package Annette had sent with us. He said, "no!" so we gave the package to the missionaries to take to him and called him to tell him the situation. It was good to talk to him on the phone for a few minutes.

We got up early the day after Christmas and left Houston hoping to make it back for Maren's graduation from Fran Brown at 2:00p.m. on the 27th. We drove straight through and I enjoyed reading some genealogy magazines that Judy had given us for Christmas all across Texas. I felt pretty good all the way home. We made it home by noon on the 27th just before the Snow started to fall. We had dry roads down and back. Nathan called us about 6:00 a.m. when we were in Moab eating breakfast because he had heard about the big storm coming in and he was worried but it had not arrived and we made it safely. After the storm arrived I was glad that we had needed to get home so fast because we would not have had dry roads a day later.

I tried to go without my medicine on the Thursday I got back and found out I was not better. I went to the doctor and had a strep test and it was negative so I went home and took my drugs and began finishing up the plans for the Jenkins, Presser, Christiansen party that we had planned for Saturday morning at our church.

The party seemed to go well, despite some minor gliches like the Primary also scheduled the cultural hall for their breakfast activity that morning so we had to move the Humanitarian projects into the Multipurpose room. But it went well and then we had a good dinner with Ham and Turkey and rolls and numerous salads and desserts. We had a video of Steven and his companions entertaining in Ukraine and some entertainment by Ethan and Hailee and Ashley and Uncle Gary. Craig and Corrinne's little boys had strep the last minute so they could not come but eventually most of the family showed up. Then we cleaned up and our family went to our house and opened our presents. Larry worked the whole day, then went to a team meeting for school. I was frustrated but we still love each other.

Sunday I got so sick with aches and chills at church again that I had Larry call the doctor. I talked him into giving me an antibiotic and went to bed for New Years Eve. I slept most of the day on New Years and got feeling much better in the evening and was able to go to work on the 2nd and feel good the rest of the week. So at least by then I had something that was bacterial. BJ took a date to first night in Salt Lake for New Year's Eve. Erick invited some friends over to the house and I shut my door and ignored them. I think the rest of the kids stayed home with their families.

I was really grateful to get feeling better for school. We just had two more weeks until the end of the term and I needed to be able to do my job. Larry received a promotion the first day back that entailed that he be at work at seven a.m. At the same time his car started acting up again on him and we had to carpool. I was able to complete several projects that I had to do in the hour and a half that I had to get to school early so I felt like things were going good.

Larry's promotion is a good one. He is making $3.00 an hour more and working more hours. We feel like we have been really blessed. I am really proud of him. He didn't think he would make it to coach until maybe another year and he is there now. We have really felt the help of the Lord as we have worked through our finances. It really pays to pay your tithing and counsel with the Lord.

I was aching and chilling again this weekend but I think it is a combination of not enough sleep and the cold. We have really seen the temperatures drop this past week. I am feeling okay tonight so I guess this is my new trial for the year.

I am still teaching primary with a sister in our ward. Larry decided that he wanted to go to Priesthood and get to know some of the men in our ward better so they released him but I am sure they will find a job for him. We are on the early schedule from 9:00-12:00 in the morning. Larry is going to school still but I am only finishing up ESL Endorsement and other projects for my Technology Endorsement. We also have curriculum maps to do at school for each subject.

Michelle is the Relief Society book club leader which must be something unique to their ward, she is also the choirster for young women, and the achievement day leader for the 8-10 year olds. Dan is ward mission leader and rotating organist. Hailee and Ethan are learning the song "On the road again" to sing as a duet for their choir in March. Michelle is struggling because she is trying to lose 20 lbs. and Daniel is trying to gain 20 lbs. so she is having to fix him all the things that she cannot eat.

Jake is trying to figure out how to go back to school. He has been exploring on line universities and trying to figure out if their accrediatation is going to be what he wants. The kids have colds. Lexie is back in school after being off track during and before Christmas. Jake bought a new car when his work car broke down and it would cost more than it was worth to fix it. He was really upset when a week later a Christmas tree that was on the curb rolled into the road and hit his car and did body damage so his new car is going in the shop tomorrow.

BJ is alive but has lots of girl friends. He has one that is more than a friend named Holly Milligan. He just started the new semester and hates his schedule. He is still working for Alert Cellular but looking for a new job. He says he might start running again. I think he needs to start going to bed earlier. He is a real night owl at school. He agrees.

Erick finally got the courage to ask a girl out on the same day he was going to take her out after all his dates fell through yesterday. He has staunchly defended his position that it is rude to ask a girl out on the same day up until yesterday. He had a good time too. He likes his schedule for school. He was happy to find out that his Chemistry class was using the same text that BJ used last semester and BJ didn't make him pay for the use of his book. He is getting really busy in his University of Utah ward.

Maren takes her state test on the 27th of January. She has a job working nights at Hair Play here in Kaysville when she passes. She has enjoyed being home with Brinlie and spending more time with her. She is planning on having a family party for Brinlie's birthday this Saturday at 6:00 p.m. You should be getting an invitation. Landon is still working for his dad in the family business but is working towards starting school now Maren is finished. They took Binlie sleigh riding on Saturday with all the snow.

Kirsten and Jon took the kids sleigh riding on Saturday also. They have all the kids for the weekend. Kyle has been sick with a cold so Kirsten was glad we have the four day weekend from school so he can rest. She and Jon have been working hard to keep up financially. Jon has two jobs so I hope that he does not overload himself. Larry and Dad tell me that is just standard operating for Dad's sometimes. I know John Christiansen also had two jobs for a while.

Sara has been in Missouri for a while. Her brother came home from his mission on the 4th of January. He spoke today in his ward. She was going to go home to Houston today but there has been an ice storm so they decided to wait until tomorrow. Sara went down to McAllen, Texas to stay with Nathan for a week before she went to Missouri so they have been on the road alot this month.

Nathan gave me his address last week and I finally got it in my head that he is in McAllen instead of Brownsville. Larry said that Jeff spent some of his time on his mission in McAllen, Texas. Nathan tried out for a part in a play called "Once Upon a Mattress" and he got a part as an understudy to one of the leads and he is in the chorus there in McAllen. He has had several people from the ward there invite him over for dinner. Someone even invited him for his birthday.

Well I was going to upload some pictures but the battery on my camera is dead and I left the charger in Texas so as soon as Sara is back in Texas then maybe I can show you some pictures of our trip and other things.