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.

The pictures did not post so I am trying again.

Larry and I have been home sick today. I woke up with chills and aches and Larry had nausea and stomach pains all night. We slept all day and got someone else to do the primary class and we are feeling better tonight. Erick has been busy with his ward all day so it has been pretty quiet.

I called Sara and she said that they had all been sick lately too. Some of the boys had to have antibiotic. She is busy getting ready for an enrichment night party this Thursday. She said that her mother and her and the boys went out and cut their own Chistmas tree. That is a real woman woman for you, add to that she is pregnant and her mother is fighting cancer.

We have had a somewhat stressful week this week. It has been the end of the semester at the University of Utah. Erick spent three days this week mostly at school finishing up projects but it paid off for him. His team tied for 1st in the Frisbee throwing competition that they had to build a Frisbee thrower for. So he was feeling pretty good Thursday night. He drew up the contraption in 3-d on CAD so that impressed a few people too.

Monday night I had ESL class as usual and things to finish up for school. I got home about 8:30 p.m. Larry had done the laundry and gone shopping for me again. Plus he was working on homework for his class on Tuesday night.

Tuesday Larry took the day off to work on homework and get things finalized for his class. He got home about 10:30 p.m. from class. I stayed at school and did National Academic League practice and then stayed working on my school project waiting to see if parents would come to visit for parent teacher conference. I had sent home a letter that I would be there for them because I could not be there on Wednesday because of my class. I left at 6:00 p.m. because my visiting teachers were supposed to come at 6:30 p.m. I had a good visit with them and then put some finishing touches on what I had to do on the final presentation for Wednesday and went to bed.

Wednesday went well. My classes went good and I stayed after helping a girl with her pattern layout for Clothing. I ate the Parent Teacher conference luncheon and then went to my class. Our presentation went really well and the teacher gave us alot of conpliments on it. I came home feeling good because he said that if I finish up my schooling in IDET that there are a lot of things that I could do and encouraged me to continue.

Thursday I did not feel well all day but I made myself keep working and I stayed after school again for a couple of hours for parents again. I actually had one parent come in and I spent the time calling and emailing parents who had left their name and number the night before for the conferences. I left at 5:00 p.m. and went to a class at the University of Utah about the electronic portfolio's we have to develop for the Technology endorsement. I stopped on the way home to get some laminating I had dropped off at Kinko's for a game I wanted to play in Foods the next day. They had done the order wrong so I ended up going to look for some dice for a few minutes and then waiting for the order for an hour. I ended up getting home about 9:30 p.m. But I got the order for free because they had messed up.

Friday I forgot to hand out a sheet asking for volunteers that I had gone early to type and run off. Then the game did not go over good and I had high hopes for it. We had faculty meeting and then I read my email and by then it was 5:00 p.m. and Larry and I were going to the temple. I actually made it home in time and we made it back in time for the 6:30 p.m. session with the ward. Larry and I got dinner after the session and came home to go to bed.

Larry had stayed home Friday and gone to the doctor. He is working with the doctor on an insulin pen that makes it so he can eat more of what he wants and then give himself some insulin. He also went to the foot doctor and got fitted for some orthotics and had a check for neuropothy in his feet. I was shocked that he actually went to the doctor without having to be urged to go.

Larry worked on Saturday morning. I went up to Fran Brown and Maren gave me a manicure and pedicure and we had a good talk. I like to go in just to have the chance to talk with her. Landon called while we were there and said that Brinlie had thrown-up after taking a bottle. But she seemed to feel okay later. Maren and I went to lunch and then she had to take the car home to Landon. She tried to get Brinlie to walk for me but she wanted nothing to do with walking then.

While I was getting the manicure I called the last of my brothers and sisters and everyone said that they could come to a party on the 30th of December. Because we are going to Texas and I am in charge of the party I decided to have the Presser/Christiansen party with the Jenkins party in the after noon and then our family can open presents before or after the big party.

While talking to Kathy I found out that Amy may be getting married in June. She has a boy friend who wants to marry her but it is still up in the air for some reason. Amy also bought a town home in Provo now because she works there 4 days a week.

Aunt Chris is doing well but they expect that it will be 2 to 3 months before she can go back to work. It takes about six months to completely recover. Apparently they found out the problem was worse than they thought when they got into the surgery. She said it was the most painful thing she has been through. They have moved her bed into the family room so she can be with everyone.

I took the car in to get it serviced and got gas and a car wash. By the time I got home it was 1:40 p.m. I worked on some things on the computer and then Larry decided we had better get things ready for Matthew's birthday party. Kirsten had called and wanted a ride to the party because Jon was working, but Maren had also called and asked us to take Brinlie because Landon had got tickets to a concert before they got the invitation to the party. So we took the malibu to Kirsten and then went shopping for a present for Matthew. Kirsten had gone with her mother-in-law, Ann, to a shower for someone in Jon's family earlier in the day and was not home.

We left for the birthday party at 5:15 p.m. after Maren and Landon brought Brinlie. Brinlie walked for us then because she wanted to get to Frescas. They had the party at Chuck-e-cheese most of the family was there. Jake doesn't get home until about 7:00 p.m. so he was not there and I already mentioned that Jon and Maren and Landon couldn't make it. Kristen got there after us because Kyle got a migraine on the way down and they had to stop for him to throw up. Michelle was also late because Jaron threw up on the way down and they had to go back and clean him up. So it was a good day for throwing up.

They had everything ready. Plenty of Pizza and soda for everyone. The kids were having a ball and I was having a hard time hearing everything. Lexie was excited because she had lost her first tooth so we took a picture of her that I will add. I will also add some pictures of the party. Matther seemed to be having a good time. Jeff and Michelle's grandmother Marie was there also. She has been up this week from California visiting with them.

Grandma and Grandpa have been calling us this week trying to get us to fly but I think that we are still going to drive. Nathan and Sara would also like us to fly but Larry wants to drive.

Well, hope you are all ready for Christmas we aren't but we are getting there.

It has been a busy week. All of us at home have had projects and team projects to get done for school. Usually we are home on Saturday's some but we all left by 9:00 a.m. and no one was home until about 5:30 p.m. yesterday. Then we all went to the ward Christmas party. Maren and Brinlie even came for a few minutes.

We had a great Thanksgiving at our house. Everyone was here except Jeff and Misty and their family and Nathan and Sara and their family. Michelle came about 12:30 p.m. with her family and they had a good time playing Phase 10 with Erick. Larry worked Thanksgiving morning to follow an old Presser Tradition. But he was home in time to eat and be tired the rest of the day. We ate about 3:00 p.m. and had all the good things for Thanksgiving. Turkey, Rolls, Dressing, Cranberries, Mashed potatoes and gravy,Yams, Peas, Jello Salad, Fruit salad and several pies and cheese cakes. Michelle make cranberries. Nikkie made mashed potatoes. Kirsten make pumpkin pie, Maren made three kinds of cheesecake, and I made a lemon, apple, and banana cream pie and the rest of the dinner. Most of the family had left by 7:30 p.m. to go to the spouses family but we had a good time together while they were here.

Nathan called in the morning and talked for a while. Sara and the boys had gone to the border to be with him for Thanksgiving. They were cooking dinner in his apartment and having a good time.

Jeff called in the afternoon and they had a good time with Misty's family.

Ethan and I made his seven year old quilt the day after Thanksgiving and we were acturally able to complete it in one day. We had Kirsten's kids here while she and Jon went shopping and they all helped tie it along with Larry and Erick so we were able to complete it that day. Ethan also had fun playing a computer game with his cousins that day.

Saturday morning I went to have Maren do my hair and then I went to the Kaysville Nativity display to watch Ethan and Hailee's choir perform. I had to go pick Larry up from Salt Lake because the car stalled on him and would not start after work. After a dinner with him he helped me record graded papers for school so I could get the progress reports out on Monday. It was midterm this week so getting that done last week was a big help.

Monday the 27th I got new students in TLC so I had to be at school. Tuesday I took off to work on a project that is due for school next week. It took me all day until about 11:00 p.m. that evening to get everything ready. Larry had class that night and a presentation to do. He said it went well but he was gone until about 10:30 p.m. BJ sent me a text with a picture of his Christmas tree that night about 11:00 p.m. and I was able to have a good talk with him for a few minutes. He and his roommate went out and bought a christmas tree and ornaments so they could have a tree.

Erick came home on Tuesday ready to go to bed at 4:30 p.m. so I knew he was sick. He has had a cold or flu all week with a runny nose, congestion and a cough so he was home several days right after school going to bed but he still got his 30 hours in at work so he was surprized. He is counting the days until school ends. He is working on a frisbee thrower for his class, he calls it an alternative dish washer because you can load the plates into it and launch them off and shoot them with a shotgun.

Wednesday I had school and class. Larry did some wash while he did his home work. He was able to help Michelle take the kids to a concert they had to perform and see the kids perform at a local elementary school. Daniel has been out of town all this week so she was grateful to have help with the younger kids. Larry held Jaron until he fell asleep. Erick was sick but he still went to school and work.

Thursday I stayed at school helping students finish their sewing projects for TLC until 5:30 p.m and then picked up dinner at McDonalds and met Larry at the Family History Center were we worked until 9:00 p.m Erick was just fixing his dinner when we got home after sleeping the afternoon.

Friday I had midterms due. BJ stopped in at school to see me after a meeting for work in Salt Lake. It was good to see him. He also saw Maren when he went to get his hair cut. I stayed at school until 10:00 p.m to finish my grades so they would be finished for Monday morning at 7:30 a.m. when they are due. Larry worked on homework. He was in bed when I got home. Erick said this was the first day he started feeling better. He got home about the same time I did from work and school.

Saturday as I said we were all busy. Larry went to work in the morning at 7:00 a.m. and then had a meeting with a school team to work on a project after work until about 5:30 p.m. I met my team about 10:00 at the U of U and we worked until 3:00 p.m. then I went home and ran a few errands. I called Kirsten and she sounded like Erick has so she has been sick all weekend. Erick went to work then to be a model for Maren's second practice test and get a hair cut. After that he went to the U of U to meet his team to work on the Frisbee thrower. Then he came home and rushed to the temple to meet his ward. Then we all went to the Christmas party which was a good relaxation after a long day, and dinner was already fixed.

Ethan and Hailee performed Saturday night at the Festival of the Trees in Salt Lake City. Michelle said it was the first time they had been to Festival of the Trees.

Today was fast Sunday. The choister in Primary asked the children to think of a gift they could give to Jesus. She said that it is a tradition in their home to do this for the first Family Home Evening of December and then the children work on their gift the month before Christmas. The gifts are changes they can make or commandments they try to keep better. I thought it was a good idea. I hope we can focus on the spirit of Christ for Christmas.

Larry and I and Erick and possibly BJ are going to Texas for Christmas to be with Nathan and Sara and their family. We are leaving on the 21st of December and will drive. We are hoping to visit Larry's sister Judy on the 22nd and 23rd and then go to where Nathan will be. He is hoping to get some time off and be in Houston but we do not know where he will be yet. We have to come home on the 26th so Larry and Erick can go back to work. Hopefully we will be home on the 27th.

Aunt Chris had back surgery on Thursday and was having a fever yesterday so it would be good if we could all remember her in our prayers.

I talked to Aunt Annette tonight and Amber and Nate were out for Three weeks and just went back today. Adrienne and Drayton have moved into their new house so Annette and Rex are finally empty nesters until Weston gets home.

Larry talked to Aunt Judy tonight and Mike is taking a two year course on Helpicopters with the police department that will make it possible for him to be an instructor when he gets finished.

Well I need to go to bed. If I forgot something about you then make a comment on the blog. Love to you all.

Well, what do I say tonight? It has been a fairly calm Sunday. Choir, Church and dinner after. We made brownies for our primary class and then gave the rest away because Larry and I do not need the extra sugar and Erick has decided that brownies are not his favorite.

Michelle is feeling better this week but still tired. They went up to Midway this weekend to stay in a time share that they have. They swam in the crater and had a good time as a family for Friday through Sunday. Ethan's choir group is singing at the Kaysville tabernacle at 3:00 p.m. this Saturday. They are coming at 11:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day so if anyone wants to see them they will need to come earlier.

Misty's Grandfather is recovering well and has feelings on both sides of his body and is off of the respirator so they are feeling good about his chances for recovery.

Maren and Landon both have a membership at Gold's Gym so they have been going together and taking turns watching Brinlie. Maren only has 250 more hours to get before graduation so she said that if you want something done before she leaves school you will have to come in soon. Brinlie just got her sixth tooth and has been fairly grumpy through the whole thing.

BJ has been frustrated because the car insurance is charging him double what Erick has to pay so we have been trying to find out why this week but have no answers. His roommate moved out of the apartment because because he has involved with marajuana and alcohol and didn't like everyone checking on him. Erika had two roommates move out because of the fire so it is alot quieter when I talk to him on the phone.

Erick's ward had a service auction this last Friday to raise money for "The Road home" He donated an authentic Italian dinner and had six girls buy that so he is going to have a party with him and six girls. He paid $35.00 for a cheesecake and $20.00 dollars for a dinner with two girls, so he said to tell you he paid more for a cheesecake than a dinner. I think he is looking forward to giving and receiving the services he bought and they raised $3000.00 for their charity. He is looking forward to the end of the semester for school.

Kirsten bought a Christmas Cactus yesterday because of her fond memories of my Christmas Cactus's. It is even blooming. They are both working two jobs and trying to stay sane. They raked up their leaves this weekend. Jon started his internship and is tired because they are moving something. They have the girls for Thanksgiving this year so we will get to see them.

Jake and Nikki have had all the family sick this past week. Everyone has colds. Jake worked 6 days last week so he is feeling like taking a day off to help him get rested. Lexie had her Primary Sacrament meeting today. They had the Father's sing the adult part with Lexie's class so Jake was able to sing with Lexie in the program today. He talked like he enjoyed it. Nikki had her Relief Society craft night that she has been preparing for this week so she was busy with that. Jake was helping Nikki's parents lay some tile yesterday in one of their bathrooms.

Larry did a lot of cleaning on the house this week. The office is cleaner than it has been for a year. He also did the laundry which was nice to have an automatic clothes washer, dryer and folder. He said he was going to patent the process. He bought him some new temple clothes this week and quite a few things at the church distribution center. He doesn't seem to be as stressed with school lately so I guess he is studying things that are easier for him to understand.

We went to the temple on Thursday and were able to do some names in Theo Pollock's family. Yesterday we went to see "Pirates of the Carribean 2" at the Kaysville Theatre. It was fun to have the time together.

I have been teaching sewing in TLC which is always stressful because we have to get done in two weeks and I have to trade rooms with Karen Taylor. We have a big project that is due for the Instructional Technology Class on the 6th of December and I have had to do a lot of reading to keep up with what I am doing. I have also had a lesson plan to write for the ESL class I am taking. I too am looking forward to the 6th of December.

Yesterday all my brothers and sisters and the spouses that could met at the Chuck-o-Rama in Draper for Dad's birthday. All the siblings were present except Craig who is in Iraq, but several spouses could not make it. Larry had to work so he could not go. It was fun to talk with everyone. Kathy said that Cory and Rebecca are expecting and Keith and Chris said that Erika and Craig are expecting. Aunt Annette has braces so she looks 30 years younger. Oh, and Dad predicted that BYU would lose yesterday so we know what he knows about BYU Football. Actually he was just disagreeing to be disagreeable.

Thanksgiving is at our house at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday. Have a good week.

Larry is as a Priesthood preview for our 11 year old primary boys right now. He had to give a talk. Erick went home teaching and then to Provo to see some Italian missionary friends so I am home by myself tonight for a while. It is actually good to start on the blog before 8:30 p.m.

This week was an exciting week for Michelle and Daniel. Michelle had her appendix out on Wednesday after a night of stomach pains. She came home on Thursday and was feeling good but woke up with a bruise on her stomach on Friday. Ethan had a piano recital on Friday and when Daniel got there with all the kids he said they had put her back in the hospital because they were worried about internal bleeding. We thought she might get out on Saturday but when they checked her blood it was down so they kept her in the hospital. That was when I ask everyone to pray for her and fast today if possible. She was able to come home this evening and they think that everything is going to be okay. But I hope you will keep her in your prayers.

Maren took her first test for completion of cosmetology school and passed with a 97% so she was feeling pretty good about that. She cut Landon's hair because he was the only person that needed a half inch off and they told her she would have an easier time finishing in the 30 minutes if she chose someone with straight hair next time so she has already informed Erick he has to grow is hair. She did a great job on Landon's hair though and finished in the 30 minutes. I got a free facial and manicure in the deal plus an acrylic nail that Maren was able to take off (because it was just on one finger.) It was interesting to see how they do the acrylic nail. Maren said that Brinlie is grouchy today.

BJ has mostly been busy with school and work. He helped Ericka paint her apartment yesterday. Right now they think that they may have to pay $1400.00 dollars for the fire damages to the apartment, but they don't know for sure.

Erick spent a lot of time on school this week but he spent most of the weekend working to make up for it and he took two days of vacation so he would have some money. He went shopping with me last night after Brooke's baptism and confirmation so we had a good time talking then. He went down to visit with some friends from his mission tonight in Provo.

Speaking of Provo, I am so excited about how the BYU Football team is doing this year. It seems they cannot be beat.

Kirsten and Jon had Brooke this weekend for the baptism and confirmation so they had a get together with everyone at their house after. Brooke was baptised and confirmed at her mother's ward and then we all went to Kirsten and Jon's for punch and cookies. It was fun to get together. If I can get the pictures uploaded then I will add a picture of their family after the baptism.

Misty has been in Montana with her brother and sister and the kids, visiting with her Grandfather before he had brain surgery for a tumor. He was diagnosed with a tumor about two weeks ago and so they went up to talk with him before the surgery. It is still undecided about how he will do but he could die if the surgery is not successful. They wanted to talk with him before the surgery because there was the possiblity that he would not be the same after the surgery. Jeff said that he is enjoying working graveyards because it is not quite so stressful. The kids had flu shots this week and Owen was grouchy tonight.

Jake and Nikki came up for the baptism and confirmation yesterday. Ashton would let me hold him without crying so I was excited about that. Jake said that Ashton is getting more teeth so he was grouchy today also. Ashton is learning a few words like "I don't know". Nikki has been busy with the Relief Society Enrichment board working on a craft night that is coming up. Lexie is learning to read better and having fun in school.

Hailee was excited last week because she had lost three teeth and now this week she is excited because she is getting her "grown-up teeth". She showed them to me at Ethan's piano recital.

Sara has her ultra sound tomorrow but she said that they still do not want to know what it is. David is enjoying his coop preschool that he is in on Fridays. There are 7 children so Sara only has to teach once every seven weeks. Isaac is saying some words like "I love you" and "bye, bye". He talked to me on the phone tonight while David played twister. Gail is living with Sara again while Nathan is gone and they have the room. They had some family pictures taken when Nathan was home Halloween weekend and the sent them to me to view. They were really nice. Nathan said that they had a number of activities for Veterans Day there that were fun to attend this week.

Larry went to a class this week and learned a lot about nutrition for diabeties. He has been reading some of it to me. It sounds a lot like what I have been trying to tell him for the last 5 years but what do I know. He has been frustrated that the laptop died. He took it into where we bought it and they said that it was fixed so he brought it home and it did the same thing so he took it back and got a new hard drive and brought it home and it is still doing the same thing. He needs the laptop for his school work so he was not a happy person last night when it did not work again.

I made it through another week of school work and going to school and got most of it done on time. My class at the U of U ends on December 6th and I am already counting the days.

Larry and I worked at the Family History Library on Thursday. It was Dad's birthday so I called him. We are celebrating his birthday this week sometime. We went to see Michelle in the hospital on Friday night besides the other things I have mentioned. We are busy but we are happy and relatively healthy. Have a good week.

We can't forget Owen the bumble bee!

Some Pictures of our Halloween Grandchildren

I am hoping to add the pictures of the fire BJ experienced.

Well, it is Sunday night again and we just finished playing Uno Attack with Maren and Landon and Erick and Kristen Taylor and BJ, while Brinlie chased the dog and tried to eat the cat food everytime we put her down.

We had a historic stake conference today. It was broadcast from the conference center to all of Davis and Morgan county Stake Centers. The Stake Presidency spoke at the Saturday night meetings but this morning they had talks from Merrill J. Bateman, Boyd K. Packer, and Thomas S. Monson. They reminded us of several things but the importance of prayer was one that I wanted to stress. I also Thought about the Book of Mormons that I gave my kids last year and wondered if they had read them yet. I would like to challenge them to read them again if they have.

BJ was down for the day. He had an exciting experience on Friday night. He was with a girl who lives next door and she was fixing him and another couple dinner. She put some oil on to heat and went to the other room for a minute and when she got back the oil was on fire. They didn't know what to do except look for the fire extinguisher. They couldn't find the one in her apartment and so they went to BJ's apartment. That fire extinguisher would not fire so by then they called 911 and got the fire department but they finally found a fire extinguisher in another apartment that they were able to put things out mostly before the fire engine arrived. I have a couple of pictures I will try to attach that BJ sent me from his phone.

Maren and Landon were in Las Vegas all last week for Halloween and for a convention that Landon's dad's business goes to every year. They seemed to have a good time. The bought a cute outfit for Brinlie that she had on tonight. Maren is starting her state exams on Saturday. I got to tend Brinlie last night while they went out alone.

Erick has been mostly working and going to school this week. He did take off on Tuesday early to do his home teaching. He went to the movie "Prestige" on Friday and really liked that. He was raving about it.

Kirsten's birthday was tonight. She celebrated it with her family tonight. We are celebrating her birthday and Jake's on Thanksgiving with the family. Kirsten has a job with Mervyn's for the holidays as well as her job doing medical transcription. Jon has got a second job with the Standard Examiner on weekends also so I hope they do not burn out. They went to dinner last night with Jon's parents for Kirsten and Ann's birthday's so Kyle and I went to see "Pirates of the Carribean 2" We really enjoyed that and are looking forward to movie 3. Kyle was one of the good guys from the Mummy for Halloween.

Ethan has a piano concert on Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the Piano Gallery again. Michelle and Daniel had their family pictures taken yesterday. Inkley's has a great special she said. Michelle also reminded us to vote this Tuesday if you did not vote already during early voting. Michelle brought the kids over for Halloween so we could see their costumes. Kalisse was an elephant, Hailee was a princess, Ethan was Darth Vadar and Jaron was Winne-the-pooh. I thought it was funny that Jaron took two handfuls of candy just like you would expect Winne-the-Pooh to do with honey.

Jeff and Misty brought the kids up for Halloween. Leah was Snow White, Matthew was Captain Jack Sparrow, and Owen was a bumble bee. Alana, Misty's mom always does such a professional job on their costumes. She really has a knack for sewing.

Nathan was able to go home to Houston for Halloween. They had a trunk or treat at the church on Saturday night then he went back to Brownsville on Tuesday night about 9:00 p.m. He is concerned about his spot for the Helicopter school and so he called asking everyone to fast for him that things might work out if they are supposed to so they could move on. He has a new phone number in his new apartment if anyone wants it they can call me.

I talked to Lexie on the phone today and she said that she was sick with a cold so they were not able to go to church. Jake wasn't home so I wondered if it was a Guard weekend.

Larry went to a sleep clinic on Wednesday where they tested him to see if his sleep apnea machine needed to be adjusted. He has not slept well lately. He went to a diabetes clinic on Monday where they taught him more about what he needs to do to control his diabetes. He has been been able to go into work later lately and that is a better schedule for him. He seems to be feeling better. He is busy with his business classes but seems to be enjoying them and doesn't stress as much as when it was Math.

I had end of term grades to finish last week and a big project for my class at the U of U. I am the mentor for the National Academic League and we are having to start practices for that. We have another teacher to help this year so hopfully that will ease some of the stress there. I didn't have ESL class this week because Monday was a Quality teaching day where the students don't come to school but we have to be there to figure grades and attend inservice. We attended the Olympic Caulron Park near the U of U stadium for part of our U of U class. We had to determine what Goals and Objectives they had when designing the park. It is an interesting experience that would be good to visit for a boost to your spirits.

Larry and I went to the temple on Thursday's for Ward temple night. We were supposed to work at the family history center together on Saturday but Larry had to work so he got a substitute. Larry went to pick up Maren and Landon at the airport while I took Kyle to the movie.

Well hopefully the pictures upload. A few times I couldn't get them to show even though it says they are uploaded.

I should be in bed so this is going to be a short post.
We have had a busy week. Last weekend we had a birthday party for Leah at Jeff and Misty's on Saturday that many of the family attended. Then Kirsten had a party for Jon and Brooke at her house on Sunday evening. Most of the family was to that party and it was fun to see the kids two days in a row, but we got home late so I did not post anything and after Sunday it seems that I do not have any time.

Monday I went to school and found a note in my box that I was scheduled to attend a workshop that is required for my ESL class on Tuesday and Wednesday. This was the first I knew about it and so I had to find a sub and rearrange my classes because I had labs scheduled for those days and I do not like to have most subs do labs with the students. That night I also had my ESL class so it was a late night.

Tuedsay and Wednesday I had my REACH training class all day so I was not at school so I had alot to catch up on when I got back. But, It went okay and the lesson I had planned went well. I also had my University of Utah class on Wednesday so that was another late night.

I had a second draft of a research paper that I had to write on Thursday and Friday evening. Larry was also working on a paper for his class so we studied together.

Saturday Larry had to work. I went to Herriman to watch Lexie play a soccer game. then Jake and I and the kids went to lunch at Artic Circle. I was able to go home with them for a few minutes and see the garage that Jake is working on in the back. He was able to get the shingles on the roof Friday night and he only had to put in a window and a couple of doors and he will be able to lock it up. He needs to get it stuccoed but doesn't know who to contact yet. Nikki had Relief Society Super Saturday that she was partly in charge of so I didn't get to see her.

Maren flat ironed my hair yesterday to see what it looked like. I liked it but I don't have the equipment to do it myself. Landon has gone back to working with his dad so he is going to be out of town most of this week. Maren was all excited about a witch costume that they had bought for Brinlie to wear for Halloween. Maren is working at school on Tuesday and Wednesday nights from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. so if you can go in on those nights that is available also. Maren needs 15 more scalp treatments before she graduates.

Erick went out with Kristen Taylor again this weekend and she seems to quite like him but I am not sure how he feels about her. He spends alot of time at the computer lab at school lately trying to get the programs he is writing to work. He is having a party next weekend with some of his mission companions and dates or spouses so I guess I will have to clean my house.

BJ came down from Logan last night because his phone had gone out on him and they told him he would have to come to the company headquarters in the Layton Hills Mall. He has a girl named Erika that he seems to like and she is indicating that she likes him so he was wanting to tell us about that. He is having a good time at USU. He seems to have a good relationship with the apartment of girls next door and have a lot of fun with them. I hope he is studying also.

Kirsten and Jon took the kids to a corn maze for Brooke's birthday and they also got to go on a hayride. They were able to get free pumpkins while they were there so they all have a pumpkin. All of Jon's family were at the party on Sunday as well as our family. Kirsten had Chili and cornbread. Ann her mother-in-law had made a good raspberry and blueberry ice cream dessert. Kyle came over and spent the night on Saturday so Kirsten and Jon could go out.

Jeff started his first night tonight working midnight to 7:00 p.m. Misty has quit her job so someone is home with the kids at night. Owen has started crawling just this week. Last Sunday he looked like he might take off but he wasn't moving anywhere so he has really taken off this week. Leah is in pre-school now and likes that.

Michelle is upset because it looks like they will change them into the Clearfield High boundaries with the new high school boundary changes the district is supposed to make. Yesterday was Ethan's last soccer game. Michelle and Daniel took the kids to a Sunflower Maze in Farmington this week. They also got to go on a pony ride. They had pumpkins you could buy but they had raised their own pumpkins so they didn't worry about them.

Nathan is moved into his apartment. He is happy because he has a kitchen now that he can fix his own food and save some money. He has been accepted to the flight program but he now has to wait for a slot before he can go to school. The Texas National Guard has only one slot right now and he is number 3 on the list. So he was happy that things are progressing. He is feeling busy because they have 8 Officers to work with 430 men. He said that he gets to go home for this next weekend to see Sara and the boys. He will be home for Saturday through Tuesday night. Then Sara might drive down to see him.

Larry went to the doctor this week at my insistance and they are going to do some sleep tests to see why he is not sleeping well later this month. He is also making some changes to his medications for diabetes and going to a class to help him with his diet. He spent alot of time this week shopping for food and other necessities. He was frustrated because Saturday he had to get new tires for the Infinity because they were bald on the inside.

We are going to have Thanksgiving at our house this year. It will be at 2:00p.m. If you can bring something let me know what you can bring. Maren is bringing Cheesecake and Kirsten is bringing pumpkin pie or banana cream pie. Let me know if you cannot come.

Well, have a good week. I's try to get some more pictures up soon.

Maren and Landon and Brinlie just visited and brought some pictures of Brinlie for us. Brinlie is getting another tooth. She is also crawling everywhere. Frescas was having to move every few minutes because she wants him and the cats decided they wanted to be outside while she was here. Maren is getting ready for some of her state exams and Landon is enjoying his job but thinks he needs something that is indoors for the winter. He is looking at laying tile.

Jeff and Misty went to San Francisco a week or more ago. Misty told me but I promptly forgot and so when Michelle called me to see if I knew where Jeff was I told her no, so we had a panic for a night wondering if something had happened to them because they were not answering their phones for two weeks. Anyway they finally figured out that everyone wondered where they were and called. They had a good time visiting with a brother of Misty's and they took the kids to Pier 39, went riding on the trolley and on BART. They drove down so they were brave to do that with three kids.

Daniel has been working on a project for a year that his work is releasing tomorrow. They will be sending out emails about the new project. Larry didn't find out what type of project it is but maybe if you call Daniel he can explain it. Michelle is teaching joy school this week for the first time so she will be busy.

Nathan is busy at work but he was a little down tonight because he is in Brownsville and Sara is in Houston and his computer in his room doesn't work anymore and Sara's dryer doesn't work anymore so they have to figure out solutions for those problems. Nathan is moving to an apartment next week so he will no longer be in the motel. Sounds kind of permanent.

Jake is working on his garage during his off hours. He is also investigating the possiblity of getting his degree online. He can get about 30 credits for his military experience and he has the financial help from the government too. Ashton is getting more teeth and Lexie had a soccer game and she was excited because they won.

Erick went to a dinner for his ward tonight that a girl passed out at so he said it was different. Apparently she was okay. He had fall break on Thursday and Friday this week so he had a little bit more time to work. He spent Saturday doing homework and going to the temple. He got home late from the temple so he missed his friend Brian Harris's wedding so he was frustrated. He had a barbecue that he helped work on for the Latter-Day Saint Student Engineer's Association that he says went well except that he had to haul some grills that kept wanting to tip over.

BJ was excited that Utah State finally won a football game and it was Homecoming. He had two dates this week that he enjoyed and "didn't cost him a dime" to quote BJ. He went with a friend to date his girlfriend's friend and they played board games. Then when he went to the football game a girl phoned him to find out where he was sitting and came and found him and then they went to the Homecoming celebration and to her apartment to watch a movie. He is having a lean period at work so he says you can all send money if you would like.

Kirsten had been making Halloween tablecloths to carry on a Christiansen tradition. But my machine had the handwheel so tight that she had to come twice to work on it. She is also trying to get Brinlie's quilt she started before Brinlie was born done. (Sounds like she is related to her mother) She tended Brinlie a couple of days this week for Maren because Shirley went to Hawaii. She is also tending for her tomorrow.

Larry has been busy shopping for food and running errands for himself this week. He had is class on Tuesday and had a paper to write for it that he was stressing about today. He came by school on Thursday and helped me record some papers so I could get caught up. We went to Brian Harris's wedding on Saturday. It was out on 6700 West and 7500 South in West Jordan so that is why Erick could not make it when he got out of the temple at 6:45 and the reception ended at 7:00 p.m. Then we went to the Kaysville Theatre and saw "The Devil wears Prada." It was a good movie but I didn't think it was very funny.

I had ESL on Monday and on Tuesday I went down to Orem to see my brother, Craig, who was home on R&R for a few days from Iraq. His 2nd daughter Mollie was in the school production of "Into the Woods", so some of my family met there and saw the play and were able to see Craig for a few minutes. I don't know when I have seen a better Jr. High school play and I felt like I was teaching in the ghetto after seeing their auditorium. Molly did a great job on her role as the Baker's wife. And it was good to talk to Craig and Corrinne and see my other family. There is a link to Craig's website on my blog.

Yesterday I had to meet with my team for my class at the U and we finished up a project that is due this Wednesday. It was a good experience working with them.

Well till next time have a good week.

Well General Conference this weekend was truly a feast. I learned a lot but Elder Bednar's talk on taking offense was truly for me. Not that anyone in the church has offended me but I need to apply the principles at my work with the people who purposely try to make me look bad.

Maren and Landon came over during the Sunday sessions and had dinner with us. It was good to see them and Brinlie again as we don't get to see them much during the week. Brinlie is really moving around and climbing up to things. She seems to be a very bright little girl. Maren was really proud of some things she had found at kid to kid for not much that looked so good on Brinlie.

Kirsten went to be a model for Maren yesterday and had Acrylic nails put on her toes. Larry and I tended Kyle and the girls while she went. On Friday Kirsten took me in to have a pedicure with her for my birthday and we both had a chance to talk to Maren while she worked on us. Jon is busing working a lot of overtime and trying to get his truck working so he has been busy. He has been accepted to the internship he was trying for in Ogden so he will be learning a new job with UTA.

BJ was down for the weekend. He got tickets to the priesthood session of conference and asked Landon to go with him. He didn't realize that they are serious about you have to be there a half hour early and they got there about 6:00 p.m. and the conference center was closed and they had to go into the little theatre. Apparently the T.V. was not working very good there so it was a miserable experience.

Erick had his mission reunion Friday evening so he went to Provo for that. Apparently his mission president wanted to know why he was not married. Saturday he went hiking with a girl from his ward and listened to conference that way. He has been putting in a lot of 12 hour days lately with work and school so he often comes home very late. Thursday night he got home about 9:00 p.m. from school and then went to work until about 12:30 a.m. He has fall break coming up at school so he will have a little more time starting this Thursday and Friday.

Larry has been stressing over a 1200 page paper he has to write for his Economics class on Tuesday but not like he stresses over math. He also had a final exam for his statistics class that stressed him. He is able to go into work a little later so he is liking that part of the new postion. And he did all the laundry this week.

We went to Uncle Thorpe Waddingham's funeral on Monday. Kirsten went with us and we had a good visit with her. It took most of the day because the funeral was in Delta, Utah. It was good to learn more about Uncle Thorpe. We also stopped at Mom and Dad's on the way back for a short visit.

Friday night we went to see Seth and Maryn Jenkins in the stage play of Aladdin at the Roger's Memorial Theatre in Centerville. They both did a good job on their parts. Maryn was a narrator and dancer, and Seth was the genie.

I spent most of the week playing catch up at school because I missed Monday. I also missed my class on Monday night so I will have to make that up later. Tuesday I had a book club meeting I joined for school and went visiting teaching. Wednesday was my class at the U. I also had parent teacher conferences on Wednesday and Thursday but I left a paper for them to sign on Wednesday and then I participated on Thursday. I have felt frustrated because I have a lot of homework to do and school work to do but I read a scripture in the Doctrine and Covenants on Friday morning that gave me hope that I can get this all done with the Lord's help.

Sara is feeling better and they have her some medicine for her morning sickness. She had Strep on top of the morning sickness and she had and allergic reaction to the amoxicillin they gave her. She said that she had enrichment night this last Thursday that she was in charge of but it was an easy one. She is taking David and Isaac to a play group once a week and David to a preshool group once a week.
David was having fun coloring a picture of his dad on the computer. He was coloring his face red he said.

Nathan is working 10-12 hour days on the border. He is in a motel room with a Microwave, mini refrigerator, a george foreman grill and rice cooker to fix his meals on. He is getting sick of top ramen and T.V. so he is reading a book tonight. He will probably not get to go home for Thanksgiving and Christmas but he is going to be able to go to Houston for Halloween.

Jake is back working at Envirocare this last week. He is putting in long days too. With the driving it is about a 14 hour day. Lexie had the day off from soccer this week which was nice to watch conference but it was the first week to have good weather to play soccer. They painted the kids bedrooms. Ashton's is green and Lexie's is pink with pink strips. Nikki said that Lexie said she feels like a princess now. Ashton recognizes when the door opens that it might be Jake and runs to greet him when he gets home from work.

Ethan and Hailee are starting a choir in school for Christmas. Hailee is in ballet. She is in an 8 year old class but is doing well. Daniel and Michelle tended her friend Jena's younger children while they went to conference. So they had 4 kids under two during afternoon conference.

Jeff and Misty were busy tonight doing something. I don't know if she was trying to sleep and Jeff was downstairs with the kids but we could not get through to find out what is going on in their lives.

Craig is coming home from Iraq tonight. He is surprizing his kids. Molly is in a play this week so we are going to the play and then we will get to visit with him a little on Tuesday.