My first Post

This is for you MOM!

HURRAAYY!

I am blogging and now I have entered my first photo of Dad's future car... The Smorsche. It's tinier, cuter, and perfect for the respectable toyota yaris owner.

Love you guys.

This trip has so far been awesome!!!

Where else can you feast of the great and beautiful outdoors, but also have the great and beautiful outdoors feast on you?
Yes this is a lizard with a red head trying to eat my finger. He held on long enough for me to reach into my pocket and retrieve my iPhone, open the application, and snap this picture. It was awesome. I am sure glad that he doesn't have any sharp teeth.

April's first nature find of the day.

Ethan said it has leaves for wings.

Star Trek

Liz & I saw the new Star Trek last night on our Wednesday date and it was AWESOME. If you're not familiar with the old Star Trek, you should briush up first because it will be way more exciting that way. We loved it and I'm pretty sure you will too.


-- Post From My iPhone

Vacation

Let's hear it for vacation!!!! Yipeee!!! Going on vacation, going on vacation! See some of you soon! James and Liz, enjoy your VACATION!

Funny Headlines

-- Trudy McDaniel sent in the instructions for putting together an Ikea desk, which state: ``It is advisory to be two people during assembly.''

-- Doug Gordon sent in the instructions for a set of Tama brand drums, containing this warning: ``Stay away from the drum set if an earthquake occurs.''

-- Dave Zarrow reports that he saw a sign making this appealing offer: ``I Lost 40 Lbs. in Two Months! Call for Free Samples!''

-- Joe Bays sent in a glossy color brochure for the American Standard ''Cadet II'' model commode, featuring the slogan: ``Get more out of your toilet.''

-- Sandra Bowers sent in a story from the Akron Beacon Journal headlined, ``Police Find Man Dead to Death in Motel.''

-- Paul Morrill sent in a story from the Santa Cruz County Sentinel, concerning a man who was arrested when he attacked some sea lions ``because they constantly defected on his boat.''

-- Jeanne Reed sent in a bulletin from Weatherby Health Care, a physician-placement firm, with this headline: ``Born and Raised in the Midwest, This Very Talented Surgeon Is Looking for His Nitch Back Home.''

Q. You hate it when a surgeon loses his nitch.

A. Let's hope he didn't leave it inside a patient.

Workman Family Reunion

Now that the holiday is actually here, we are sitting at home, Jodi doing her nails, and I am just getting our pictures off the camera. But the weekend was much more delightful and eventful, starting with a celebration to mark our first anniversary. Saturday morning we packed up (and later realized we didn't pack all that we needed!) and headed to Bryce Canyon to join the Workman family.

It has been a long while since I have ridden an ATV, and this was Jodi's first ever experience. Needless to say, I did most of the driving, Jodi taking a venture only for the last journey back into camp. She enjoyed our racing around bumpy, muddy trails. Oh, forgot to mention that it rained. A lot. We arrived Saturday to a camp ground of mud, and a lot of people tired of the mud. We were happy that the sun came out shortly after our arrival, but only for a short time.
Saturday night we discovered that my tent, from Wal-Mart, which I have had since I was 12 (a bad combination) just happens to leak. It rained all night. Luckily it only leaks a little. Because we were the only ones from our the Hutchings family, we pitched in on breakfast duty with Grandma and Grandpa on Sunday morning. I made some really good pancakes and fried eggs.
We had the chance to attend sacrament meeting in Tropic, about 12 miles from Bryce Canyon. That was an adventure by itself. It being Memorial Day weekend, the Branch President had invited two veterans to speak. Sadly, in their reminiscing of war and deceased friends, they forgot Christ. I was very disappointed, but in my ponderings put together a fantastic talk for some Memorial Day weekend down the road someday. Jodi was worn out from swimming Saturday night and slept through most of the descriptions of death and bloodshed, and took another nap when we got back to camp. She had to use the car because our things were still drying out from the night before.
Sunday afternoon was spent in Bryce Canyon. We went with Grandma and Grandpa along the rim trail, meaning we got to look down into the canyon (as opposed to hiking down into the canyon). It was magnificent!

Sunday night each family had the chance to act out a little snippet of Grandma and Grandpa's history together. We were the smallest bunch, but made do with a great portrayal of them getting engaged, and trying to find places to spend time together while at school in southern Utah. Would have been easier with more cast members, but we managed without you.
Though we, and all of the Workman family missed you all (but were all very excited about Marquie's playing Dorothy this weekend), we are looking forward to being with all of you in July!

It's Official, Again

We received word about a week ago that we had. finally, been approved as a host family for the coming school year. Seems as they didn't accept one of our references, our former coordinator. After providing another reference, (good thing they didn't ask for two more, we could have been stuck) they finally got it all done. This afternoon we received an email from Diana Kadyrova, from Ufa, Russia, who will be joining us in our home. We are excited and nervous all over again. We will provide pictures as soon as we have.

Packard Clan?

James, kindly, added a link to the Packard blog for all of us to keep up on the life of the Packard family. Unfortunately, the last--and may I add only--post is dated February 4. Michelle, it's almost June. Surely something noteworthy has happened in your life since that time--a graduation, closets, birthdays, health issues--maybe a computer crash? HELLO???? ANYBODY THERE!!!!!

Anyone there?

Working on family reunion stuff. Right now I have cost as follows (these are done as heads of households)

Joe - $83
Bryce - $75
James - $79
Justin - $31
Dad - $55

These prices include food, waterpark, and babysitting if you have children. This does not include the adult dinner. I think we will eat on the square in Woodstock. I will pick up menus this week from three different places and give you a generic price range. I think we will just have everyone pay for themselves for this. If appetizers are ordered, we can figure this in later. There is an old courthouse grill, French bistro, and an Italian place. All are nice places. I figure after dinner we can walk around the square some, depending on weather. I spoke with our babysitters today and they are still available. If you would like a specific break down of your cost, please let me know! We do have a friend that is an excellant photographer. Would anyone be interested in family photos? He could do whole family, individual family, and any other things you could think of. He would just put it on a cd for you and you can print whatever you would like. I don't know the cost, as I have not spoken with him yet, but I don't think it would be more than $10 a family. I also don't know where to fit this in, but we will make it work. I would want to do them in the morning, since it will be rediculously hot outside. Let me know!

Belated Congrats

I fear we have forgotten a few congratulations as of late.

First, Bryce...
You did it! You graduated!

Michelle...
You did it! You made it through his graduation!

Justin and Jodi..
Congratulations on your first year. What a crazy and wonderful one it was too!

Jacob....
Happy late birthday!

James and Liz...
Yippeee for the house and you!

I'm done now. If I forgot any, so sorry. Tell me and I'll add them in! Love you all!

Amazing Cakes

I just thought it would be fun to brag on James and his great birthday cakes!  He does an amazing job, and they taste good!  It doesn't get better than that!

Movie

O.k., this is just sad. The last three blogs are mine. Work with me you crazy people. So, I am not what you would call a treky, but I loved the new Star Trek movie. I thought it was absolutely amazing. They did an excellent job casting. There was only one stupid part which I refer to as a venus fly trap with legs, but the rest was well worth seeing!

Family reunion

Sorry to be so slow with this. Here is a tentative schedule.

Friday July 17

8-10 guys shooting
9-11 park and tennis (guys can join when they are done)
Lunch/naps
Afternoon will be free time but we will have things set up to decorate t-shirts. Everyone bring your own shirt.
Dinner will be at a park in Woodstock
5:30-you are tired water park ($5 adult; $4 ages 4-17) park closes at 8.

Saturday July 18
9-11ish Scavenger hunt at conservation area (this will be done as individual families).
Lunch/naps (Ladies will go out during this time. Probably manicure/pedicure thing here in town).
Afternoon We will have the pool and water slide set up for adults and kids. (Water slide max is 250 lbs) I expect all who fit in this category to be on it at least once.
Dinner This will be the adult dinner. Where we eat depends on how much you want to spend. Please give me an idea so I can find the best place. We do have babysitters already. We have 10 kids, so suggestions for how much to pay would be acceptable.
I am still planning weather alternatives, but we hope we won't have to do that! I was hoping we could sing James' super cool song in church on Sunday, but won't force the issue. You are welcome at anytime. I do have other guests coming the Wednesday after the reunion, but am free before! Hope this works for everyone. Can't wait to see you all!

Little update

Just a quick little update. Sorry I am so behind, especially when there is so much to tell...
Yep, our dog is in a cast. Joe stepped on her. Oops. Yep, he feels terrible. She will be in the cast for 4 weeks.

While at the vet we (some of us grudgingly and bribed), brought home a stray, blind, old, very smelly dog. After a good bath, she still resides in the garage. She smells terrible. We will call animal control tomorrow and I imagine they will put her down. I really should just have their number programmed by now....
Chloe and her super new haircut! Yep, I did it.
A pic of our girls night in. We went to a middle school play then laughed hysterically for about an hour before we all fell asleep in my bed. The father son campout was canceled for weather, so Joe and Ethan built a fort in the basement and slept down there. In the morning he took the boys out for doughnuts and fishing. They didn't last long, it was really cold. They made it back in time to infringe on our german pancake time.
Last, our first camping of the season. Yes, this was weeks ago, but I am slow. It was very windy and miserable, but the kids liked it. The tent was up for three days, because it started raining Saturday morning and didn't stop until Monday afternoon. Hmmm, figures. Love you all!

In case you were wondering

In case any of you wonder just what Marquie does in her spare "spare" time, that means after computer facebook time. Here you go! Yup, she takes pictures of herself. Hmmmm....she could clean her room. By the way, she's pretty good at it. Pictures that is...not her room.

Photo Friday

Here are a few photos!

Justin was pretty exhilarated about his ability to carry so many groceries and asked me to take a picture!
Another picture of the park FHE.

My sister Jerilie came to Utah just to buy a puppy. I got to help pick him out! They named him Tater.

My Wife...and FHE

We love Family Home Evening, and as mentioned in Jodi's update, we are having it more often. This is in part because my work schedule has changed and I no longer work Monday evenings, but the real credit must go to her. She has worked so hard to plan meaningful activities and lessons that help us become better people. This is a picture from one of our FHE at Rock Canyon Park at the mouth of Rock Canyon.

Isn't she just ADORABLE!

Notches in the Belt

"Notches in one's gun belt signified the number of "wins" in gun fights and have for years been used as a euphemism for important victories. I just wanted to share a few of my recent "notches" with my family.
1- Actually on my belt. Pulled it in one notch. I have not lost weight but my legs are certainly bigger from umpiring and the waist is smaller.
2- My first ever High School Softball playoff assignment. It was originally planned for tonight but has been moved to Monday. Three man mechanics. I am the "rabbit". (Third Base Umpire)
3- While I do not yet have the contract, I have been advised that I am a definite for the Clinton/Kayesville Utah ASA 14U, B Nationals
4- I already sent the picture from last night, I guess I should have just put it on the blog. Well, since it is Photo Phriday, I will do that as well. I can not remember when someone took a picture of me umpiring and wanted to use it for training. (James, you have used for other things! :) ) As an aside, this was the only run of the game. Broadrun 1-0 over ParkView in the bottom of the 7th.

my simple world

In my world, everyone is a pony, eats rainbows, and poops butterflies.

and everyone loves each other.

and everyone is everyone's friend.

and there isn't stupid drama.

gah.

i love you.

:)

Too good not to post

Here's a little snippet from our Cinco de Mayo party.

HEATHER LOVE SALSA!

family reunion

Ummm, so everybody seems to have changed all their summer plans. Is the reunion still going to work for everyone July 17-18? I have talked to a few of you, but others are too busy for calls. Let me know please, so we can plan accordingly. Oh, this is heather, not Joe.

Update

Here's a more detailed run-down of what we're up to:

We finished our semester last month and started the Spring term a week after!  Our lives changed dramatically since we found out China has been post-poned.  We didn't walk in the graduation ceremony, instead we will both be walking in the graduation ceremony on August 13th/14th.  For now, we are both going to school and working.  Justin has three classes and is working full-time (it's quite a bit for a Spring term), and I am taking one class and working part-time.  Justin has decided to work towards a minor in Business Management, and will therefore continue to take full loads next term and during fall semester.  I will be done after Spring term, which ends next month, and won't have to ever take any more undergraduate classes!

Justin should also be working toward preparing for the LSAT right now.  I think he's planning on taking it in September, and again in December if he doesn't do well the first time.

I'm currently trying to sell my wedding dress.  I've posted it on craigslist and have had 3 people come try it on so far. 2 of them haven't fit into it well, and the 3rd fits fine and will get back to me when she decides if she wants it.

We have worked out our medical insurance and are all set for having the baby!  We were pretty worried about what we were going to do for insurance, considering I will no longer be a student in the fall, and as of recently, will not yet be part of the Flagship program (which would have granted us insurance through BYU).  But, all is well now!  We are taking our choice of doctor more seriously now that we know we'll be here in Utah for the birth.  I made an appointment with Dr. Wold, the doctor that delivered 1(?) of James and Liz' kids and all(?) of Michelle and Bryce's.

We've made a greater resolve to have a structured family home evening every Monday and have done well so far.  Before, Justin worked until about 9:30pm on Mondays, which made it more difficult, but now he's home at 6:30pm, and it is working much better!  We've enjoyed studying the subjects of journal writing, scripture reading, and how to be better teachers of our Sunday School class in the last few weeks.  We're still teaching the 12 and 13 year olds every Sunday.

Surprisingly, we've had much more time for each other this term than we did last semester.  But, I've got this lurking fear that all of the time will disappear if and when Justin's classes catch up to him.

We're excited for James and Liz to come visit in June!!

I love you all and think you are amazing! :) Happy Mother's Day!! I hope it was lovely!

hello lovelies!!

We had our choir concert today!!!
Mother did such a lovely job with all of the accompanying. :)
I got my All-District Chorus certificate.
I got my All-Virginia Choir certificate and Medal.
and I got the 2009 Musicianship Award. :)

Love you all! We're getting a DVD, so when you come, you can see it! :D

I'm good!

I'm four months along and feeling pretty good.  My first trimester I was really tired all of the time, but most of that is gone now.  Now, I am hungry all of the time!  It's quite annoying actually.  I have to bring snacks where ever I go or I'll be sorry (and so will Justin).  I get stomach aches and headaches more than I used to, but I wouldn't say those are too bad (yay for drugs and tums!).  One thing that is really odd is that my right hip has started hurting like no other.  After talking about it with Justin, he brought to my attention that it's the same joint that got dislocated when I was run over as a kid.  So, maybe my past injury is acting up now that my body is changing?  I don't know.  We're going to take a visit to uncle Roger and see what he can figure out.

It's quite strange to see myself growing a bigger belly than I have ever had, and it's weird to step on the scale and know that weight gain is healthy. Hmmm...

mom quote and marquie's stupidity

So! 5 minutes agoish:

mom was flipping through the local newspaper
Mom: Hey! There's a picture of our house in here!...
*flips back
Mom: Oh nope. It's an apartment building.

about 20 minutes agoish:

yeah, i came in the house, and turned the corner after the entryway into the kitchen. and i ran into the wall. it hurt so bad. i got instantly sick to my stomach.. i'm just that good. so now i have a big bump on my shoulder...
what happened, Marquie?
oh i ran into the wall...

update silllies

Well, I don't have much of an update. Mom already told you the choir concert is sunday. We are cool. :) The musical is coming along nicely. i need to memorize my lines, and we learned the "off to see the wizard" dance today. it's super fun! :) I got a letter from Sound of America today because I was in allstate, inviting me to send in an application for a national choir to tour Europe this summer.... it's $5000.... mhm. what else what else? Mother's Day is Sunday. Heather's gonna come visit soon! School will be over in June! and i looked cute today. :) I wore my bright orange and yellow scarf i got in Taiwan. (atleast i think that's where i got it...?)
yep ok. i don't really have any pictures. they are blurry. but here is one. i took it last week i think? or the beginning of this week. i love you all!! Congratulations, James!!! :D What are the details on this job? I don't know anything about it!

Happy Day!!!!

James has a job! We have a 2 year rental contract (with a check) on our home in Johnsburg! Tonight, wedding rehearsal and dinner, tomorrow playing for the wedding, Sunday, spring choir concert (playing, I think, 14 songs! 14 more days of seminary!
Terrific husband, wonderful children (that includes spouses), awesome grandchildren!
Communication done.

Friday

No one blogged today, which is a sad situation all around.  As an item of instruction, please note that it is impossible for one family member to know the goings on of other family members if they don't communicate one with another.  For example, how would we know how Jodi's feeling now that she's a few months along?  How would we know how Michelle's doing as a semi-single mother in the early days of post-graduate summer?  Or most importantly, how would we know that James got a new job in Galesburg, IL?  

I guess we wouldn't.  Well, except that last one—you know that now.

Workman Family Addition

Aunt Sandy called me this morning. She sounded very tired. She had two baby boys yesterday morning weighing in at 7# 15 oz. and 7# 1 oz.; 19 1/2 and 18 1/2 inches long.
C-section. YIKES!!!! She may be tired for the next 20 years!

all-state music

Hey guys!!!

I got my All-state CD yesterday!! I just absolutely love it, and I really wish you guys could hear it. :/ sorry... if you come visit me, you can listen to it. :D
love you!!!

Kids . . .

Where do they get these things? This tidbit was from April to Joshua.



It says:

"Will you play with me until Michael gets better? If you will please sine here->

" and play with me and no one ells. If you say yes please sine here->"


-- Post From My iPhone

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMf2EQpxVtI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PzPvagT39w
these are 2 of the SATB choir's all-state songs. I couldn't find any SSAA. or anymore SATB.
I like the first one, Janger, best. :)

how do i put these as videos instead of links? i know you cool people know how... could you teach me please??

Weekend vacation

We drove in last night and we're having the time of our lives. Michael and April had a fun moment this morning playing and singing together.


-- Post From My iPhone

On my way to the Lawyers of Monday.

The view from my passengerside window...taken with my iPhone...Man, am I addicted...iPhone Users Anonymous, here I come!