My Dad

My dad was my hero, my dad was my friend.

I will always look up to him til the end.

He made some bad choices that hurt us a lot.

But in our heart he will not be forgot.

He was an awesome dad in so many ways,

he made you look forward to the coming days.

He made us all love what the outdoors was like,

Swimming, camping, boating, or a hike,

The long rides I used to think could be such a bore,

I wish you were here so we could do much more.

Your grandkids adored you and loved when you'd stop by.

You would hug and play and give them a candy high.

I enjoyed the conversations that we had

That hug and kiss I received from my Dad.

I still often get told I am just like you,

My looks, my attitude, work ethic, and a lot that I do.

It makes me proud and I hope I can pass this along,

I hope my boys inherit this and will be so strong.

They love the times they had with you.

Lake Powell, road trips, Disneyland to name a few.

My girls loved you so and we all miss you so bad.

Sometimes when I think about it it makes me so sad.

Shane was so hurt he lost a dear friend,

We all wanted you around to the very end.

There is so much you have missed.

And often times I get pissed.

I really did need you around alot longer.

In hopes that my heart could get stronger.

After four years the pain is still there.

To think of you gone still brings me to tears.

A girl needs her dad in good times and bad,

Without you still here your family is sad.

We miss you more then you will ever know,

but I understand you felt you had to go.

I hope you know we all love you so.

It has been four years since my dad died, and I miss him so. There hasn't been a day that I haven't thought about him, wanted to tell him something, show him something, call him, hear his voice, etc. He made a lot of mistakes in his life, but as a dad, a son, a brother, a friend, a father-in-law, a grandpa he ranked high and did his best!!! I love you Dad!!! I miss you tons!!! You are always in my thoughts. My son Dereck right after my dad passed away would see me crying and say you are thinking of Grandpa we miss him huh??? Everyday as I went to work right after, and was taking him to daycare he knew it and he would give me hugs. Still to this day he knows when I am thinking of my dad and he comes and gives me loves. In a way I think he picked up where my Dad left off. My dad gave the best hugs and kisses. You knew they were sincere. I just wanted to write and pay tribute again to my wonderful Dad!!! I love you!!

Spring Break and Wellington Weekend

Shane had been working in Sunnyside Utah for about 2 1/2 weeks. During the kids Spring Break and one of the weekends we decided to join him. Let me just tell you it is quite exciting.This is Cambree, Natasha's friend, and my friend Shanon's daughter. Well there I taught her how to ride the motorcycle. I had to run beside her and Dereck as they both learned.
This is Ryan showing off and doing jumps onto the trailer.
Dereck as he is mastering the skill of riding a motorcycle. Can I tell you, it gave my heart a little jump when he took off on his own.
Tyson and Jace coming done the slide at a dinosaur park in Price. This is the kids like second or third cousin. Jace is Garth's son Bryce's little boy.
Natasha waiting for her turn to ride the motorcycle.

Natasha and Jace ain't they pretty cute. Jace looks just like Bryce and his Grandpa Garth!!!

Kyiler and Natasha on the four wheeler. Kyiler is Shanon's son. Dereck being cool!!!!
Cambree so very proud of herself that she has such a big GRIN!!!

The boys climbing the wall at the dinosaur park.

We also went to the dinosaur museum in Price. Here the kids are in a tee pee.
If they could only always sit this quietly and loving side by side!!! I think my actual thoughts were too bad that Dinosaur ain't alive to scare them into being good!!!
Natasha playing with the Dinosaur puppets.
Dereck swimming.

This is Jace and his mom Jenna!!! Bryce now works with Shane so they were down there as well!!! It was fun to spend the time with the kids and create memories!!!

Ryan's Prom 2008

So today is Ryan's Prom, and he is taking his girlfriend Whitney. Can you say it is is pretty expensive. His tuxedo cost $40, haircut $10, carwash and gas $40, pictures $25, and dinner $75. Oh yeah, expensive!!! Just think what I could have bought for myself. J/K LOL. Ryan is a good kid and I hope he has a great time. He's pretty cute don't you think?
They are going to Ruby River for dinner. His girlfriend doesn't know, she thought they were going to the Smokehouse because it is cheap. I hope she likes her surprise.
I really hope he is careful with my Excursion. You know it isn't the easiestvehicle to maneuver. I told him to park far away from everyone else.
They had started out with her Dad taking pictures, and Ryan got something in his eye so that is why it is a little inflamed.
All in all I hope they have a great time. I think they look pretty cute, and grown up, but boy it is hard to believe he is almost 18, and another one of my babes is grown and moving on with life. I love you Ryan.

2008 Patriotic Program "Just Believe It"

So once again it was my kids Patriotic Program. All 3 of them were in it this year. Dereck in Kindergarten sang "Do your Best" and "I like being Me".

Natasha in third grade sang and danced to "Its a Sunshine Day", "My Favorite Things", and Seize the Day". She also had a dancing part and did really good.
Tyson in sixth grade helped with the lighting and sang "A new tomorrow" and "Go the Distance." This will be his last performance since he starts Junior High next year. I can't believe he is that old.
Some of their songs bring tears to your eyes when you realize how pure they think the world is, and the hopes and dreams they have. It's so scary to see them get older and know the struggles they will have to go through. I am so proud of my kids they did awesome and I love them.

Nichole

So this is my beautiful daughter Nichole. I have loved her from the second I met her, and couldn't love her anymore if I had gave birth to her. We have gave her many names in the last couple years from tree hugger, strange, wild, weird, but in the end she is still our Nichole. She has decided to try Oregon out for the second time, and it scares us to do death, but we wish her the best and hope she knows we are here for her again if she needs us. She came into my work yesterday before leaving and we were both in tears that made my coworkers cry as well. It was a great big sob fest. It really is hard to let your children grow up. She isn't planning on coming home to visit until July or so. That is a long way off to get a dose of my Nichole. She doesn't like country music that much, but the words to Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus's song Ready, Set, Don't Go pretty much sum up my feelings. I love you Nichole!!!!

Ready, Set, Don't Go

by Billy Ray Cyrus

(BILLY RAY:)Shes gotta do what shes gotta doAnd I've gotta like it or notShes got dreams to big for this townAnd she needs to give 'em a shotWherever they are

(MILEY:)Looks like I'm all ready to leaveTheres nothin' left to pack

(BILLY RAY:)Aint no room for me in that carEven if she asks me to tag along

(Both:)Gotta gotta be strong

(MILEY:)I'm at the startin line of the rest of my lifeAs ready as I've ever beenGot the hunger and the stars in my eyesThe prize is mine to win(BILLY RAY:)She's waitin' on my blessins `Fore she hits that open roadBaby get ready

(MILEY:)Ohh Im ready

(BILLY RAY:)Get set, don't go

(MILEY:)Looks like things are fallin in place

(BILLY RAY:)Feels like theyre fallin apartIm paintin this big ol' smile on my face To hide my broken heartIf only she knew

(MILEY:)This is where you don't say What you want so bad to say

(BILLY RAY;)This is where I want to But I wont get in the wayOf her and her dreamAnd spreadin her wings

(MILEY:)I'm ready to fly

(MILEY:)Im at the startin line of the rest of my lifeAs ready as I've ever beenGot the hunger and the stars in my eyesThe prize is mine to win

(BILLY RAY:)She's waitin' on my blessins `fore she hits that open road(MILEY:)gotta hit that open road

(BILLY RAY:)Baby get ready, get set

(Both:) Don't go

(CHORUS)(MILEY:)Im at the startin line of the rest of my lifeAs ready as Ive ever been

(BILLY RAY:)It'll be alright

(MILEY:)Got the hunger and the stars in my eyesThe prize is mine to winI'll be okay

(BILLY RAY:)She's waitin' on my blessings 'Fore she hits that open roadBaby get ready

(MILEY:)Oh oh oh

(BILLY RAY:)Get set, please don't goDon't go

(MILEY:) Lemme go now I'm ready

(BILLY RAY:)Hmmmm Dont go

(MILEY:)I'll be alright I'll be okayKnow that I'llBe thinkin of youEach and every day

(BILLY RAY:)Shes gotta do what shes gotta do

(MILEY:)lemme go now

(BILLY RAY)Shes gotta do what shes gotta do

(MILEY:)I gotta do what I gotta do

(BILLY RAY:) Shes gotta do what shes gotta do

Yes, this is really how it feels to send your kids off. So I hope none of you have to do it anytime soon because it just tears your heart out.

WHATS YOUR NAMES HIDDEN MEANING?

WHAT AMY MEANS

What Amy Means

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated. You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want. You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way! You are a free spirit, and you resent anyone who tries to fence you in. You are unpredictable, adventurous, and always a little surprising. You may miss out by not settling down, but you're too busy having fun to care.

What's" Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Does this sound anything like me???? Go see what your name means.

What Shane Means

You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong. You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know. You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do. You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out. Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia. Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Some or most I can agree with, but suave, flaky, and easy going? Those ones really made me laugh.

GO BYU!!!!!!!!

BYU vs U of U, and once again BYU came out on top. Melanie has no taste what so ever. We try every year to get her rooting for the right team and it just hasn't worked. This was a fun day Janet, Cindy, and I (Cindy and Howard doing most the work) had our pod covered in Blue. Melanie tried with care packages of red, but we out did her and helped our team to the win.
This was a little bit after our win, but we just thought we would rub it in a little more!!!
Look Melanie even dressed in Blue that day. Maybe we are rubbing off on her after all!!!!!!

Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve, since my Dad passed away, I have had my family over for a Christmas Party. It always ends or starts out at the cemetery to light luminaries for my Dad, and then we go by Spanish Fork and light one for my daughter Garamie.
This year Shane and Ryan sat there and said that my Dad was up in heaven laughing at all of us saying "You dumb suckers, look what she's got you doing now. Why aren't you at home keeping warm, instead of out in the worst snow storm of the year?" He was getting quite a kick out of us forging our way in the snow. Even Gramps got a chuckle and said "He probably thinks we're a bunch of dumb asses!" Anyways I am thankful to my family for supporting me in this ritual. It is my way of being with my Dad on the holidays. As you can see all the white stuff, that was a lot of snow coming down.


Here is my favorite younger niece Vanessa and Natasha opening gifts. We do our gift exchange on Christmas Eve.
Here is my son Ryan, David Hunter, Ryan, and Gramps. Hunter get your finger out of your nose.
Nichole and Ryan teasing Grandma and Lewis.
This is Lewis and my mom. They are BYU junkies. So of course they received more BYU apparel.
My Sister In Law Kelly and my wonderful Gramps. I loved being with my family and having them create traditions. I loved having my Gramps there because it meant I had a part of my Dad there. After we ate and exchanged gifts we went to the movie and seen National Treasure II. It was pretty good. I had a great holiday, I enjoy the memories, and I love my family.

Natasha's Christmas Dance Recital

This is part of the dance "Sleigh Ride." It was fun to watch her perform and for being as sick as she was she did absolutely great.

Ok, so Natasha had a dance recital up in SLC at the festival of trees. These were cute lil 4 year olds dancing to "I wanna hippopotamus for Christmas." They were pretty cute.
Now here is Natasha getting ready for her Company kids dance. She has a fever and is doped up on Medicine, but really wanted to come. She missed her dance rehearsal that morning, but still wanted to go to the festival of trees and perform. What a trooper!!! Her big sis Nichole helped her get ready.
This is her Hip-Hop routine. She did her best, but you could tell she didn't feel well.
Here she is dancing to the song "Sleigh Ride". They did pretty good and it was fun to watch. The other kids had already looked at the trees and didn't think it was all that. Natasha was really to sick to do much looking. I remember going as a child and thinking how neat it was.

Shane Birthday/Christmas Party 2007

Jerilynn, Cassie, and Oscar look at those smiles. See how much fun everyone has!!
Johnny just making friends with Mijo and Angela. Or who knows maybe he holding Mijo back, from taking on Charlie again??? Mijos wife Angela is such a saint and such a great girl to be around.
Me and some friends! Who knows I must have needed a moment of shut eye!

Ruthann is turning 30??????? She was a good girl and blew out the candle. I wonder what she wished for?
This is Shane's favorite cousin Garth, and my kids favorite lunch and shopping partner. He is awesome and we are lucky to have him.
This is Chelsea's boyfriend Dan. You give him a couple and he is out for the night. Like the beard? He is our Grizzly Adams.
My nieces Cassie, Chelsea, And Cami, and Cassie's boyfriend or should I say fiancee since they just got engaged?

Ruthann , Johnny and Shane and someone else saying cheers!!!!!
Here is Mike, who I hadn't seen in years. My niece Chelsea, and my handsome son Ryan. Yes we have raised our children to become card sharks!!!!!
Just some of the girls.
This is my favorite older niece Cami and her boyfriend Jake. She is my favorite because she has always been so good to my kids, and is always willing to help out. My kids absolutely adore her. Her boyfriend seems like a good kid too. My kids think he is pretty awesome.

So I Had this party on December 15th at midnight it was my cousin in laws Ruthann's Birthday so we celebrated it as well. This is my brother Ryan, his wife Kelly, Me and Shane, and Ruthann and Johnny.
This is me and My Souls Taurus Sister Shanon, friend Kenny, and Mijo And Angela. We always have a wonderful time eating, drinking, and being merry. We play some fun games, tell old stories, and catch up on new ones.
We always have a good card game going. This year we had it in the garage. It makes my house feel more spacious. This is Garth, Shanon,
This was a fun picture, but I wasn't present for the why, who won, or what is going on and why is Jeri Lynn taking on Kenny?
This is my beautiful daughter Nichole, My sweet Sis in Law Kelly and one of her friends. It was a fun night. To all of you that couldn't make it you were missed, hope to see you next year.