You'll Shoot Your Eye Out...

Jake woke on Christmas morning to find a genuine carbine action Red Rider BB Gun residing under our Christmas Tree. He was elated. Reed was elated. And I am not going to lie to you, that BB gun is really fun. We shoot it in the basement. We had a tournament. We will probably have many more. Reed won the first one. He probably won't win the next because I can practice when the kids are in school.

6:05 a.m.

Merry Christmas...

We wish you a Merry Christmas, a day filled with love and laughter, and a life filled with the love of our Savior.

Gingerbread....

This year Santa will be enjoying Grandma Simper's famous gingerbread cookies courtesy of the three little elves. We have been super busy with home building, Christmas shopping, and dentist appointments. Jake was really glad he wore his lucky underwear today, as his cavity was too small to fill. Sometimes that underwear really pays off!

Saturday...

Saturday was very eventful at our house. We began the day at the Ward Christmas Party, where our family got to sing part of the "Twelve Days of Christmas." Torey also sang with the Primary kids and a good time was had by all. Following that the gentlemen in our family went to see Jammie for some haircuts. And then.... we had to go and help save a goat. Well, we sat in the parking lot for three hours while Reed helped to save a goat. But then we were treated to this...

This is Kennecott Copper Mine, and I hope I spelled that right. Because we waited so patiently, and no one was harmed in the car, we got to drive up and see the biggest hole in the world - you can even see it from space.
This tire costs $25,000, and as we all know it takes four tires to drive a dump truck. Do the math. That is super-duper expensive. We were happy to just stand by it. We wanted to thank our favorite friend and engineer, Russ, for letting us see something really cool. So, thank you.
Next up was Grandma Glenda's Christmas party. It was lots of fun to hang out with the cousins and perform in the talent show. Santa Claus even stopped by for a minute to hand out candy canes. Jake asked him for a little brother - and if not that, then an elf. So, if anyone knows of an elf or a brother looking for a home, please call.
This is the latest picture of the house. It now has part of a roof so that's good news... or is it?

Another House Picture....

It's coming right along.

A Shameless Plug for the South Jordan Fire Department....

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Decisions, decisions....

As it turns out I have discovered that I am on my own when it comes to building this house. Reed has generously taken himself out of the picture, reserving for himself three vetoes depending on my choices. One has already been exercised, in a blatant attempt to undermine my decor. The charlatan did not even inform me of his veto power until I had carelessly shared my choices on lighting design. Let me paint you a mental picture. Reed and I standing in the lighting aisle at Home Depot, and me explaining to him in no uncertain terms the gender of our two eldest children. "They are girls" was heard repeatedly by customers bold enough to venture down said aisle. Two can play at this game. I have now decided that I hold the judicial power in our relationship and can therefore overturn his veto. This means one thing. The girls will be having chandeliers in their bedrooms, on the condition we come in under budget. I think that is a sensible compromise, don't you? Now, on to more important issues at hand. Windows. Who knew that their were so many options when it came to windows? This is why I am coming to you - hat in hand - asking for your opinion. Do I want full grids, Craftsman Grids, Prairie frames, or no grids at all? Do I want white window frames, taupe, or tan? Do I want a picture window in the front room, or one that opens. Tempered glass is necessary in the bathroom so that if Reed and I are frolicking in the tub and one of us slips, we will not fall through the glass, impel ourselves on a shard of non-tempered glass, and fall to our ultimate doom. These are the kinds of decisions I have to make, and frankly I am getting little help and a huge headache. Please, take mercy on me and offer up your opinion. I may or may not take your advice, but at least you will have done your part. Everyone loves the luxury of having absolutely no opinion, but someone eventually has to climb down off that fence. Reed.

Thanksgiving Weekend....

The Friday after Thanksgiving we finally talked the kids into going to see our house. Reed sees it every day, but the rest of us hadn't seen it at all. Three of us have no desire of ever seeing it. Here is our basement. Is it just me or does the dirt have a distinct yellow/orange tint to it. I think it is mine tailings, but that is purely conjecture on my part. Anyway this is our basement from the north side of our house, directly over Taylor's bedroom. Reed called today to tell me to picture it with some basement framing, and some brick in the background, so things are moving along.

This is the kids standing by our basement. Pictures are worth a thousand words. Enough said.
We ventured out to do some shopping late Black Friday. Jake was tired and took a short rest and before he knew it he was the new store mannequin. He did manage to turn some angry shoppers' frowns upside down when they saw his bright smile.
On Saturday we went to pick a few things up and Jake left us to our own devices. He couldn't be bothered with any of the decision making, he just bellied up to the bar with a good book and entertained himself. He then treated us to a grand retelling of the story he just read. So apparently his reading comprehension is amazing.
Now we are looking forward to the holiday hustle and bustle, trying to get our shopping done, and most importantly finding something to bring the true spirit of Christmas into our home. We sang Christmas songs for family night and that did give us a temporary fix, though there were several dogs in the neighborhood that were singing along with us, I am sure!

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us...

We hope that everyone is having a Happy Thanksgiving. We are feeling very grateful today for all of our many blessings. We know that there are many people in the world, and in our very neighborhood, who are suffering and we are praying that things get better for them. We are waiting patiently, wondering if Reed will get to join us for our Thanksgiving feast, but we understand if he can't make it as he is unavoidably absent due to someone else's tragedy. Things like that make you even more grateful that your own family is safe.

Another Update...

Last Tuesday was Young Women's in Excellence and Taylor was asked to give a small talk on her Integrity Value project. She did a great job and was also able to earn a few laughs when telling the group about some of her baseball experiences.

On Friday, we took all of the girls and went to see New Moon. It was opening day, so you can imagine the excitement in the audience when we were finally able to watch the movie we had waited so long to see. There was a whole lot of woo-hoo-ing going on, if you know what I mean.
Because Reed had felt so bad that Jake had to "endure" Twilight with us, they decided to have a men's night. They had planned on going duck hunting with his old crew, but sadly, that idea fell through at the last minute. Reed gave Jake the option of going hunting alone, shooting, fishing, etc. and Jake finally decided on going roller skating at Classic Skating. He came home pretty damaged, with bruises on his elbows and knees, and was pretty stiff in the morning but they apparently had a great time, even winning one of the games.
Now we are looking forward to Thanksgiving with my mom and her side of the family, and are trying to think of what to ask Santa Claus to bring us for Christmas. The Toys R Us Big Book was of little help, and we are getting desperate. No one can think of a thing, and we need to get those letters in the mail. Help!!!

She's Done It Again..

Congratulations, again, to our sweet Torey on being awarded the Student of the Month. Your spectacular behavior makes us proud to be your parents. You are always student of the month in our book, and this month you are student of the month at school too! So we all agree that you are pretty darned fantastic and a joy to be around. The world would not be the same place without you in it. We love you.

Halloween Recap...

This year for Halloween...

we carved pumpkins, and cheered for the Yankees.....
dressed up like the G.I. Joe's....
played with cousins from Missouri....
visited Grandparents, and Trick or Treated until our baskets overflowed. We hope you had a great time as well.

News of the Day....

1. We now own a building lot, and 23,000 "cimaron" brick. So that's good news.

2. We have a 4.0 student who danced with two eighth graders today. Sounds like two eighth graders will soon have their legs broken. Bad news for them, good news for Tay.

3. Gutting pumpkins "is not easy for someone with little pea shooters like me." That was Jake that said that, not me, though I tend to agree.

4. The urologist still wears goofy shoes, and is still extremely confident in his skills. Also good news, but not about the shoes.

5. The house is still not for sale, but we do have someone coming to look at it on Monday. Call it good or bad, whichever you choose.

6. My sister is due any minute from Missouri. Good news. The 50 something hour drive due to snow - bad news.

7. I hear good news about my cousin Dusty - is it true? A baby?!?! Congratulations.

8. I saved 75% at the grocery store yesterday - Great News!

9. Halloween tomorrow - good news. Eating my weight in candy - bad.

10. Did I tell you we own brick and dirt - call it what you will.

Happy Halloween Week...

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We Love Conference....

General Conference this year was great. There is nothing better than church in your pajamas, listening to the Prophet, and gaining new insight about life in general. It seems that they were all inspired to talk about loving Heavenly Father with all of your heart, loving your neighbor and family, and listening and being in tune with the Spirit. At least that's what we got. Is that what you got? It can be so different for everybody, depending on what you need to hear I guess. Reed and I found it very interesting that these are the very things that our bishop has been talking about for some time. It strengthened our testimony of how inspired our church leaders are. We also loved Elder Holland's talk. He spoke boldly and without apology about the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. He's our kind of guy - no mincing of words. To read it click here.

Feeling a lot of Love....

It is very hard to think about moving when the people around you are the very best people in the world. I have known this for quite some time. I have the best neighbors, many of whom have taken a part in raising me in one aspect or another, or at least in easing me into adulthood, probably without even realizing it. They have taught me a lot of "skills," they have talked me through a lot of issues, offered a lot of advice (mostly solicited), and sometimes they have put me in my place (but only when I have needed it). They watch out for the kids, and take care of our house when we travel. And they make you feel like a million bucks. I felt so much love on my birthday from all of the amazing women who surround me, and I will be forever grateful to them. But it is not just on my birthday that I feel their love, it is everyday. They are the best this world has to offer, and I am not sure that they can be replaced. The example they have shown me of love, friendship, and service is something that I will always treasure. Thank you ladies, for just being you. I love all of you, and I will miss you when we go. .......So, will you still come play with me when we move away? It is not that far. You can still see Timp - at least the tip of it. What do you think, are you up for the drive?

Happy Birthday to...

Me.

Happenings...

Today Reed and I were treated to a wonderful patriotic program at the local elementary school. The kids sang great songs, and the school provided us with amazing speakers - one of whom has been recently widowed - her husband was killed in Iraq. It was a touching program, and one that made us realize how lucky we are to enjoy the freedoms that we do.

In other news, some days our floor is so clean you could eat off it. Literally. Other days, not so much. No big news on the house hunting front, we are still waiting to hear on a building lot. Also, we just found out our bank is not offering construction loans, so that's good news. Hating the moving things right now - the packing, the cleaning, the denial, the lack of interest - all of it. Needing to kick it into gear.

Taylor is rocking the softball field this fall. You heard it here first. We finally talked her into giving softball a go. We knew the day we showed up to a game and the coach walked out and started putting bows in her hair that we were in a whole new dimension, but we are enjoying it. She says not as much as baseball, but it is something to do!
And let me introduce you to this years winner of the Miss Beautiful Smile pageant. She is a fiery fifth grader who loves candy, suckers, and anything sweet. She is motherly and compassionate, and is the recent recipient of a new retainer. Her braces are off, the head gear is now useless, and the tongue can't stop gliding over those pearly whites. Let's hear it for Miss Torey!!!!

Birthday Quiz....

Question #1: Who would be 245 years old today if they were a dog?

Question #2: Who is the equivalent of 7 x 5 today?

Question #3: Who is 70 years old divided by 2 - today?

Question #4: Who is in denial about the question to all three of the above questions?

Question #5: Who spit in my mouth when we were kids?

Question #6: Who is the "fun aunt" in our family?

If you answered my older sister, Niki, to any of the above questions, then congratulations you are correct!

Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday dear Niiiiiii - Kiiiiii, Happy Birthday to YOU!

(See, even she is really excited about today!)

How to Make Friends and Influence People....

Tip #1 - When you want a boy to play with you, threaten to stab and kill them at recess. Hey, don't knock it till you've tried it. Needless to say, one little boy is home in "time-out" right now, but one little boy is feeling a little bit safer on the playground. Turns out this kid just wanted some one on one time with Jake, you know, away from his mantourage. If you are asking me, that sounded like a reasonable enough excuse to threaten my baby's very existence! What?!?!

Tip #2 - When the sweet little girl you have a crush on tells you that you are just a good friend, tell her you want to burp in her face. Because that is really classy, and not at all offensive. In fact the sheer boldness of this maneuver will hypnotize them into believing they are as in love with you as you are with them. Is this how it went Torey?

Good tips, each and every one. Let us know how they work for you.

Remembering...

Just took a little time today to remember where we were on September 11. We were awakened by a ringing phone and Reed's dad telling us to turn on the news. We were watching when the second plane hit. I watched it again today on MSNBC and took the time to remember what those days were like following the attacks. I was working on Reed's scrapbook this week, and looking at the pictures he took of the devastation, and I loved this quote from him, "I did experience the unbelievable destruction of Ground Zero and cannot begin to describe the magnitude of this, but through but through it all have come to realize that many good things have come to pass as a result of one tragic day in history. Freedoms have been recognized again and a restored sense of patriotism is felt nationwide." He also went on to comment that people seemed to treat each other better, and we were all concerned a little more about each other's welfare. I think in today's world we could do with a little more patriotism - (ie: Congress), and definitely a lot more kindness. Enough said for today....

How Does Your Garden Grow....

Quite well, thank you. This year we decided to get serious about gardening, and serious is all it took. Who knew that when you actually tried, you know, put forth a minimal effort, great rewards would be reaped. We feel very blessed to be able to reap a bountiful harvest from our own dirt. Jake insisted we grow cucumbers this year, and boy howdy, have we grown some cucumbers. They are delicious, but we have had to donate some to the neighborhood farmers market as we have them coming out of our ears. The tomatoes are just greening up now, and I have had to take some time off cleaning and organizing to do some canning. We have canned peaches, peach jam, and salsa so far, but I am thinking pizza sauce, stewed tomatoes, and carrots are in my future. I should be getting a house ready to show, but I can't bear to see all of that produce go to waste, so the house will wait, I guess. Still not quite sure what we are doing on that front. We're thinking of building now. We better hurry up and decide. Or not...

The Red Gales...

On Reed's birthday we were able to go to South Jordan and help them celebrate their 150 year anniversary. As a part of their city celebration they asked the fire department to put together a softball team reminiscent of the legendary Red Gales. We had a great time watching them play, and win. And yet, through a lack of communication the trophy was awarded to the other team. Apparently, in South Jordan, the losers also walk away victorious. This did not sit well with some of the players, but we hope by now they have gotten over it.

Happy Birthday Reed!

Reed, on this the celebration of your 35th birthday, we, your family, pay tribute to you in the form of a letter of your name poem.

R - R is for being a Really, Really great Dad.  A Runner of Races with your kids.  A Red-Hot lover.  A Real man.  A Rescue technician.  A Responder to emergencies.  A Revered colleague.  A man who understands Reverence for sacred things.  A man whom we Respect.  A husband whose values Resonate with my own.  Resolved to do Right.

E - E is for Eternal mate.  Excellence in Everything.  Eager learner.  An Expert in many, many things.  A good Egg.  An Exuberance for life.

E - E is for continuing your Education.  An athlete who makes it look Effortless.  Your Ego.  Your Electric personality.  A great Escort.  An even greater Example.  Sometimes Exasperating, always Exemplary.  Grateful to Exist together with you.  An Elder.

D -  A great Daddy.  Sometimes Daffy!  My Dear.  A hater of Debt.  A Deep thinker.  A Defender of right and truth.  You Do your Duty.  Very Dependable.  A Descendent of noble heritage.  A lover of Dessert.  Determined.  Disciplined.  Last but not least, a Delightful companion.

I guess what we are trying to say is that we admire all of your qualities and love you very much.  Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Reed, Happy Birthday to YOU!

Happy 17th First Date Anniversary!

A letter...

Dear South Jordan, 

If you haven't heard already, our family will be moving there within the next year or so, emphasis on the "so."  I'm going to be honest with you, we are not very excited.  You are going to have to do a lot of selling to get us excited to move to your northwestern city.  The city we live in now nestles right up against a grand mountain range.  All you have to offer is the world's biggest hole, which as you know, you can see from space.   Where we go, the school is on a traditional schedule.  Yours is not - and frankly, that blows.  You do have two, count them two, temples.  That is a plus.  That and Chick-fil-a.  Those are the only two pro's we can come up with at this point.  Please understand, it's not you, it's us.  We just really, really like our home, and our neighbor's - especially our neighbors.  If you wouldn't mind sending us a listing for a brand new home, or building lot, that has a friendly neighborhood, a fun ward, and is conveniently located next to a Charter School, we would really appreciate it.  Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Sincerely, 

Us

A Letter From the Neighbors...

Dear neighbor, 

Would you please do something with your yard?  If you haven't noticed it is looking atrocious.  The roses need pruned, the lawn needs mowed, and have you ever heard of weeding? Take care of it.

A concerned neighbor.

 

Our response - 

Dear neighbor,

If you think the yard looks bad, you should see the inside.  Ever since we found out we are moving the whole house has went to pot.   Everyone has said, "clean the closets, clean the closets" and the closets are getting there, but in the process the rest of the house has fallen away.  At this rate it will take us months and months to move.  On a better note, the bathrooms have also been cleaned.  Please excuse the boxes you will have to step over if you come and visit.

Love, 

Us.

First Day...

The first day of elementary school has never looked so good.  The kids were stunning in their new attire, and only had mildly nervous bellies.

Good luck to you and yours as we all embark on a new school year!

First Day of Junior High...

She made it!  She was only late 5 times, and only got lost 3 or 4.  We are hoping for a great year!

Junior High...

I had nightmares last night that we couldn't find our way around at back to school night.  We wandered and wandered with no purpose.  Why oh why isn't there a map online?  I checked this morning.  Nada.  Then I wonder if we are adequately prepared.  Do we have enough clothes?  Are they cute enough?  Will we make it?  I think Taylor is fine.  Me, I need a sedative.

For He's a Jolly Good Fellow...

For he's a jolly good fellow, for he's a jolly good fellow.... That nobody can deny.

Hip Hip Hooray!  Hip Hip Hooray!  Hip Hip Hooray!

Dear Reed,

Congratulations on your new job.  I, along with the kids, think you will do a great job.  I also think that you look really hot in this picture.  

Love, 

Nat

Wondering what the new job is???

South Jordan City Battalion Chief

This past week...

we went camping with Grandma and Grandpa Simper.  We arrived at Lodgepole Campground on Monday and were able to stay until Thursday.  It was a great time, and a good opportunity to get away.  Jake challenged Grandpa to a game of checkers, and unfortunately for Jake he didn't know what kind of competition he was up against.  Grandpa 2 - Jake 0.

Reed doesn't stray too far from the grill when we go camping.  I don't know what it is about men and cooking outdoors, but I will take it any day!
I was taking Grandma and Grandpa's Christmas Card pictures and we decided to take some of the kids with them.  Grandpa had so much fun and kept saying that he wished we could stay "one more day," but Grandma had enough and was ready to leave by Thursday.
We love the time we get to spend with them, so much so that we spent all day Saturday with them too.  We were at their house from 7:00 in the morning until about 1:00, and then I got to go over again that night because Grandma fell down the stairs.  This time my heroic brother-in-law, Thad, was gracious enough to come with me.  She is fine, only required 3 stitches, but I joked with them that I am going to get a construction sign that reads "1 day without an injury" and so forth.  What with Grandpa cutting off his thumb with the table saw, and Grandma falling, we need to start offering some kind of an incentive program.  I think Grandpa could be bought with a trip up the canyon, Grandma on the other hand, I am not sure...

Happy Birthday Jen...

The youngest of the Evans girls just turned thirty.  Word on the street is that she has been crying her eyes out in Misery, er, I mean Missouri.  

To Jen,

We are sorry that you are getting so old.  Welcome to crows feet, saggy bottoms, and waking up at night to go potty.  We hope this birthday message helps to make your day a little better.  We love you and hope your birthday was fantastic!

Have you seen this frog...

Here he or she is from a different angle...
We brought four frogs home from our trip to Sanpete County and the Big Horn Ranch and we cannot seem to find them.  They are big, spotted, slimy, and have little round eyeballs that stare through your very soul.  We haven't seen them since we introduced them to their new home.  Apparently our home was not good enough for them and they are hitchhiking their way back home, probably with little knapsacks on their backs.  If you happen to see them, whatever you do, DO NOT RUN THEM OVER WITH YOUR LAWNMOWER.  Just gently pick them up and return them to us.  Thank you.

ToReY TuRnS 10!

Once upon a time there was a little girl who dreamed about cupcakes, and had nightmares that her sister was stealing her candy.  This little girl asked for popcorn for her second birthday, and a mini-fridge for her tenth.  She comes home from school with a sucker in her mouth, and can't get enough ice cream or popsicles.  She works at the candy shack in the summer, and the candy throwing floats at the parade put her into a frenzy.  She has thumbed her nose at conventional dental wisdom, and in the process turned out as sweet as she could be.  Happy Birthday to our little hummingbird, we love you very much, and hope you have a great day.

P.S.  We are kind of sorry that the mini-fridge was a no - maybe next time - but probably not.

Grandpa Kerry Built a Zipline..

at his campsite and invited us all to attend over the Pioneer Day holiday.  Sadly, we were only able to attend for a day (July 23), but boy did we have a great time.  I will let the pictures tell the story....

I personally love each picture and the story it tells.  Taylor has never been about precepts.  If she is scared it will show on her face.  I would say this face is mildly scared, but not anywhere near the "I am going to puke or pee my pants stage," although that stage is next.
Torey is 5% excited and 95% scared - or is it the other way around?  At this point all she is worried about is looking like she is having fun so Grandpa doesn't feel bad.  She is very thoughtful that way.
Jake is really concentrating on holding on, because he knows if he lets go he is a dead man.  Way to go, buddy, way to go!

Thanks Grandpa, we had a great time!

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner....

CONGRATULATIONS goes to our very own Natilie, who received a third place ribbon in the Steel Days Quilt Contest!!!  We knew it was awesome, and that shear awesomeness has now been validated by a non-biased outside panel.  Thanks for providing WARMTH for our family in more ways than one.  You are first place in our book!!!!!!!

Love, 

Reed, Taylor, Torey, and Jake 

The Very Best Part...

of Steel Days is going to Grandma Glenda's for the firework party.  We were blessed by the presence of Reed this year, for the first time, as he is usually doing the fireworks.  All these years and he had no idea of the fun he was missing.  Grandpa Mark and Uncle Jon were also able to join us, for the same reason, and we loved having them all there.  This is the semi-annual family photo (thanks Haley for the balloon fun!)....

Reed won the prestigious job, along with Christie, of holding the "finish line" toilet paper for the races.  
The smaller kids just had a running race, but Taylor and Torey needed something more challenging.  It was a photo finish, but I firmly believe Torey won!
Potato sack races were next - here we have Jake, Trent, Taylor, and Torey.  Taylor came out the winner - at least that is what she tells me.
The more mature crew even joined in the fun!  The Murdoch siblings held a grudge match and brotherly pride carried the day.  On a side note: I now know where Taylor got her concentration face.  Thanks Grandma!
Aunt Jone brought water balloons and everyone competed in the water balloon toss.  Jake and Kamryn were out right away, Dad and Torey held on for a while, Trent and Taylor went right up until the end, but Mike and Torie won the day... 

Thanks Grandma Glenda for a great time, the food was good, but the company even better.  We can't wait until the Christmas party!