What's up?

Here's a quick update...

Jay is great!   Has worked a couple late nights this week.  Ran 8 miles with me this morning!  We're preparing for a 1/2 marathon on March 3!  He's playing church ball!  HE TURNED 50!

Taralynn and Kory are ready or not!  Baby is due in 1 1/2 weeks!  Crazy!  They are preparing mentally and physically!  They will be terrifc parents and we can't wait to meet him!

Amy is working.  She works with Taralynn on the other side of the computer!  It's fun having them talk to each other during the day through skype.  My days don't seem nearly as lonely!  She starts another new job this next week.  More on that soon!  Applications in for EFY counselor/Time to Blossom counselor AND grad school!

Scott is in school--and snowboarding!  He only has classes on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.  He is enjoying the slopes occasionally too.  His best friend, Hunter, comes home from his mission next week!  Scott will visit Mesa for a weekend in February to see him!  He had four friends receive mission calls this week (two were roommates) - to Texas, Mexico, Africa and Russia!  More waiting!

Jason had knee surgery yesterday.  The only way you'd know is that there is a brace on his leg.  He looks great and feels great.  Surgery went as predicted.  His recovery time is 3-6 weeks.  Basketball season ends this week and then on to track.  We've loved the basketball season.  He is anxious to get the okay from the doctor to snowboard! 

Young Women is my part-time job and I love serving them and spending time with them!  We recently had a sunrise program where we challenged them to SHINE (S-scriptures, H-Honor Bee and Personal Progress, I-Improve Yourself, N-New Era, E-Experience Prayer).  These are all things that help me in my life.  They make a difference!  Try taking part!

My full-time job is my favorite!  I'm a Mom--soon to be grandma!  I spend my time with my kids when I can, helping them as I can, and imagining what it will feel like to hold my very own grandson! 

Thinking of all of you ,

Lori

Texts to never be forgotten...

I text.  Never thought I would.  Sometimes wish I didn't.  But I text. 

My whole premise for not wanting to text is to never "loose the voice."  I try to call when I can.  Sometimes I get a text that I want to save forever.  I try to save them as long as I can and re-read them when I need a boost or a laugh or a reminder of the good in my life. 


But then my inbox gets full and I have to selectively delete...So today I decided that before emptying my box, I would record some of these favorite texts so they will never be forgotten!

Friday June 24, 2011.  

***Leaving Idaho after a very good time with Taralynn. She had told us on this trip that she was expecting!  She was a little sick while I was there...

Taralynn's TEXT:  love you too!  I need you to come back!

Mom's TEXT:  I'd love to!  when?

Taralynn's TEXT:  Monday? ha ha just soon.

Friday July 15, 2011

**I'm always wondering what my kids are doing, especially on the weekend!

Scott's TEXT:  Hey if you're wondering, I'm going to the Funk's house tonight by Park City and then maybe rafting tomorrow.

Saturday July 16, 2011

Scott's TEXT:  Fun time river rafting.  we went under that bridge where the tour guides tell you to get out!

Wednesday July 20, 2011

Scott's TEXT:  Have we already paid a lot to BYU-I?

***This was the beginning of a series of texts and phone calls when Scott was deciding he may want to  stay in Provo for Fall semester rather than transferring to BYU-I, as planned...

Scott's TEXT:  ...just weighing my options because I didn't know so many people were staying here and josh is staying in Provo but going to ldsbc and I had a scholarship there.

Monday July 25, 2011

***Scott came home for a weekend--for his birthday, for a friend's mission farewell.  It was a last minute decision on his part so the flight cost more than it would have if he had said "yes" when I had asked him a month ahead if he wanted to come home.  Hence, even though it was his birthday, his mean Mom made him pay $100 for that plane ticket!

Scott's TEXT:  Thanks Mom.  I had a blast here.  Well worth the 100$.  Love you too!  Thanks for the pants and presents.

Saturday July 30, 2011

**I was at girls camp when I got this text.  Had been so busy that I hadn't really contacted my kids!  It was a pleasant, happy surprise...!

Scott's TEXT:  Went to Sundance with Thorntons today.  It was fun.  How's girls camp?

Friday August 5, 2011

Scott's TEXT:  am I remembering wrong, or was dad a dealer in a casino once?

***for the record, Jay was an auditor at a casino once...not a dealer!

Tuesday August 30, 2011

***Scott started his Fall classes...

Scott's TEXT:  I was feeling good about accounting until he put up a slide that basically said this class is too hard for freshman

Mom's TEXT:  what exactly did the slide say?

Scott's TEXT:  Beware Freshman!

Thursday September 1, 2011

Scott's TEXT:  got 100% on my first accounting quiz!

Tuesday October 4, 2011

Scott's TEXT:  Why is college so hard!?  ughh

Thursday October 6, 2011
 ***Kory's birthday!  We had gotten him a new hunting pack.

Taralynn's TEXT:  Kory has already transferred everything from his old pack to his new one.  He showed me how much better this one is.  He has been wearing it around and now even has his camo on!

Monday December 12, 2011

Amy's TEXT:  I got the job!!  despite Greta not returning a call...apparently Dr. Duncan said enough good things.

Monday December 26, 2011
**one of Jason's Christmas presents was Suns tickets.  He and a friend got to go early for a tour of the arena and watch them warm up.  Jay, Amy, Scott and I dropped them off and then ran to get a bite to eat before heading to the game for our "nose bleed" seats.  I got this text while we were eating...

Jason's TEXT:  we saw Steve Nash walking through the tunnel towards the locker room.  I almost fainted.
Then this one after Jason was in his seat, waiting for the game to start...

Jason's TEXT:  It was awesome.  We got Josh Childress, Jared Dudley and Markieff Morris's autographs.

Tuesday January 3, 2012

***after a great day with Scott--moving him into Heritage Halls!  He was grateful for my help and thanked me multiple times.  I sensed a bit of sadness when I hugged him goodbye.  A trip I will always remember...

Scott's TEXT:  Love you too.  I'll miss you!  Thanks for your help today

Thursday January 5, 2012

***a few days later I asked him how he was doing.  He used a word that I never thought I'd hear from Scott...HOMESICK!

Scott's TEXT:  Missing Jake as a roommate a little, but mostly I'm just a little homesick - for the 1st time since I have been at BYU

Mom's TEXT:  Homesick?  Why do you think?

Scott's TEXT:  I'm not sure.  Maybe just becasue in Mesa I saw what I'm missing

Mom's TEXT:  What are you missing most?

Scott's TEXT:  the ward.  and I guess not rooming with someone from Mesa. it's just sinking in that Monson is gone and that I'm leaving soon

Sunday January 8, 2012
***after a great visit with Taralynn and Kory--getting her ready for baby!  A trip I will always remember...
Taralynn's TEXT:  Thanks for coming.  It was very helpful!  We are looking forward to your next visit too.  Love you. 
***the last conversation we had before I left was her wanting us to move to Idaho after Jason graduates from high school!  I told her not to hold her breath on that request, but it was a compliment.  She's sure I will reconsider after the baby is born!

Saturday January 14, 2012

Scott's TEXT:  I'm proud of myself.  I lit a match on my jeans today like grandpa allen

***sometimes I get the most random texts from Scott that make me smile...and wonder what he's up to!  He likes it that way, I'm sure of it!

Saturday January 14, 2012

Amy's TEXT:  Tell Dad I may have found someone to go to the suns/kings game with me.  So don't give away the tickets. ha.

Wednesday January 18, 2012

Scott's TEXT:  What should I buy if I want to start cooking more and eating better?  I'm getting eggs for breakfast but what about lunch and dinner?

Thursday January 19, 2012

**Taralynn was training a new girl at work via the computer.  She was not very computer literate apparently...asked her how her training was going and got this response...

Taralynn's TEXT:  Yes.  Definitely learning patience.  I am already learning patience by being pregnant though so having to learn it in another way at the same time is hard!

Thursday January 19, 2012

***Amy missed one of Jason's basketball games because she was babysitting a family of eight kids under the age of 11 for the weekend.  I sent a text to her about how the game went...

Amy's TEXT:  glad they won.  My night is good.  all kids in bed.  now I need to sleep since they'll be up at 6!!!

Saturday January 21, 2012

**from a friend after our Stake Young  Women sunrise program

TEXT:  I think Heavenly Father saved one of His most spectacular sunrises for you this morning.  I almost cried when I saw how beautiful it was this morning knowing you guys were out enjoying it.  Hope it went great.

Wednesday January 25, 2012

***I had sent Scott a text on this morning reminding him of my suggestion when he left for school this semester to have Wednesday be his temple day since he did not have classes on that day...

Mom's TEXT:  Don't forget Wednesday temple!   You won't regret it!

***Didn't hear from him so that night I sent a text asking him how his day was...

Scott's TEXT:  It was awesome!  Went snowboarding with Kevin.  We plan to go every Wednesday.

Mom's TEXT:  Did you go to Park City? What about Wednesday Temple?

Scott's TEXT:  Yeah at Park City.  In the olden times mountains were temples, so that is my temple at college.  Kevin goes to Mesa tomorrow to open his call.  And my roommate got his call to Texas.

***later I found out another roommate opened his call to Mexico.  Kevin's call was to Russia. 

I guess that is all for today.  As you can see, Scott does most of the texting in the family to me!  I do talk to him about twice a week and love hearing his voice!  Jason calls more than he texts (to me) and I am so grateful!  Amy lives at home (well so does Jason) and we talk face to face most of the time!  That is the best way.  Taralynn and I talk too--and recently Amy has started working at home with Taralynn on the computer and so I hear them talk on skype during the day!  It's the best!  

Jay still doesn't have a cell phone!  He doesn't know what he's missing...or does he?

love,
Lori  

I'm back!

So it has been a while since I've posted.  I started writing again in a personal journal. It just feels good.   But I miss my family updates...updating any who care about what is going on around here.  I miss it mostly because I love staying connected to family and friends.  This somehow makes me feel connected.  I was so much more consistent when my grandparents were living. They were my writing friends!  I loved getting letters from them and sharing my life with them.  

I will try and be more consistent again (because after all, I'm going to be a grandma soon)!

One year ago today, my Grandma Webb passed away.  I have thought about her often.  I have written letters in my head to her, telling her what I've been up to!  I'm sure somehow she still stays connected with me!  I miss her letters.  They were full of encouragement and love.  I miss her whenever I eat a tangerine or drink fresh orange juice!  I miss her when I go to the temple.  I miss her when I curl up beneath a blanket to stay warm.  I miss her when I look at a picture of my Aunt Lorian that sits on my dresser.  I miss her when I watch Jason play ball.  I miss you, Grandma!  

But, not enough that I would want her back here. I know how happy and busy she must be.  I know that she is enjoying the love of family on the other side of the veil.  I know it was time to share her with many there who were missing her...

love,

Lori

Christmas letter of 2011...finally posted

Dear family and friends,

We love this time of year—especially to hear from you and how your family is doing.  Like yours, our family is growing older, but we still have some “firsts” to record from 2011…

1^st year at Mt. View—August 2011.  Jason is a sophomore at Mt. View High School and recently made the JV basketball team!  It is a great accomplishment and we all look forward to the season.  SportsCenter is still his favorite channel on TV but he can most often be found socializing with friends.  He will most likely have gotten his Driver’s permit by the time you get this letter.

1^st day of college—June 20, 2011.  Scott left home just weeks after graduating from Mt. View to attend BYU summer school.  He loved it so much that he stayed in Provo, rather than moving on to Idaho as was originally planned.  He is having lots of fun, studying hard and looking forward to balancing his time next semester between school and the ski slopes!

1^st college graduate—April 22, 2011.  Amy graduated from BYU in Family Studies with an emphasis in Human Development.  She works as a Teachers Aid at a private preschool and loves it!  She is currently living at home and applying for graduate school to become a school counselor.

1^st heartbeat—July 19, 2011.  Taralynn and Kory heard their baby’s heartbeat for the first time!  In September they learned that “it’s a boy!”  In February 2012, we will all get to meet him!  Taralynn and Kory are doing well in Idaho, working and loving life together.

1^st Easter Pageant experience—April 2011.  Jay was chosen to be the apostle Thomas in the Arizona Temple Easter Pageant.  He invited the boys and me to join him in this experience.  This was a first for Jay, Scott and Jason. It is truly amazing to portray followers of Christ from His lifetime during the Easter season, remembering Him and sharing our testimonies of His life and resurrection with many.

We hope you will all remember the first Christmas night as you celebrate Christmas with family and friends this year.  He truly is our Savior, our Redeemer, our Friend.

With love,

Jay and Lori and family

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

The Monday before Halloween Andreasen family members can always be found at Aunt Dawn's house, eating, visiting and carving pumpkins!  In years past the crowd was many in numbers, small in body, with many creative pumpkins carved.  Now, we seem to be fewer in numbers, larger in bodies and few, but creative pumpkins carved!  

THE SMALLEST PERSON in the group, however, ALWAYS GETS THE MOST ATTENTION!  Ellie was the hit of the night, thanks to her good parents for sharing!  

No matter what we always FUN!  We love getting together - though we always miss those who can't make it, some busy close by, others living life farther from Aunt Dawn's house than we would like!  

Families are Forever!  I love mine!

 Happy Halloween to all of you!

with love always,

Lori

THREE...

What best describes this picture...?

Three's a charm?

Three strikes YOU'RE OUT!

Three's a crowd

Two out of three ain't bad...

Three's a charm - kind of, I guess.  This picture was taken at the finish line of my THIRD marathon...

Three strikes you're out!  That's how I feel now.  Three strikes and from here on out,  I'm OUT of the full marathon running...but here's one advertised that YOU might be interested in!  

Coming to Mesa - The Phoenix Marathon!  March 3, 2012 will be a half marathon (13.1 miles)! From 2013 on it will be a FULL marathon - 26.2 miles!  Come join the fun!

Three's a crowd.  Nope!  The more the merrier when it comes to marathon running!  We ran in St. George with 5,700 finishers.  Here's the ones we knew...

Tim Cowley, his first marathon! 4:47:32 - Mike Norberg, his 20th marathon! 4:10:22  - me (!) 4:30:21 and Jay Allen, his 4th marathon! 4:30:20 (yes, take note HE BEAT ME!)

(minus one, Kerry Green, who finished so fast (2:53:35) he already went back to the hotel with his five kids when we came in!) 

Two out of three ain't bad... well, not really.  The goal was to run this marathon with Amy.  She motivated us, she found our training schedule, and she ran with us until she got sick and just couldn't.  Mono is not our friend, but Amy was a GREAT cheerleader!  

Brooklyn Green, Amy, Anika Green and Jason at the finish line!

 

 

other cheerleaders - Melissa Standage, Mel Allen and Marki Baxter!  Great support for the crazy runners!

 
Love,

Lori  

Things I might have missed...

Well, it's been a great month. Throughout it, I have reflected on blessings...I think if I hadn't had some experiences I wouldn't be so grateful for the little things in life that truly are important.

If I hadn't got to move Scott into his "new" apartment...

I wouldn't have appreciated my BED!

We took Scott back to Utah and moved him into an apartment. I wish I had taken pictures of this place. We walked into his room and the mattress caught our eyes immediately. Can't say I have ever seen such a dirty, disgusting-looking thing. Not sure how old it was, but I tried to be grateful as I helped Scott make his bed. The next day I asked him how his sleep was. When he responded that his mattress kind of stunk, that did it for me. Jay and Scott went to DI and bought a new mattress. Yeah. I know, maybe getting a new mattress doesn't prepare him quite as much for the missionary places he may get to live in, but for me, as his mother, I felt much better leaving him a few days later.

I gotta report that when Jay saw the condition of the apartment, etc. he made the comment that Scott needed to get to know some cute girls so he could ask them to help him clean up the place...NOT!  I immediately informed Scott that he better clean up if he plans on getting to know any cute girls! You know the place was bad when we went to the store and Scott asked if there was something he could buy to make the apartment smell better (candles aren't allowed), then he came "home" and the first thing he did was spray that air freshener!  Then Jay came in and sprayed some more!

It was fun unpacking together, getting to know his roommates a little and getting him settled. I do love this part of college - helping them find places to put things, making sure they have what they need and are ready for classes and spending time with them in their new place is fun. There's always a bit of anxiousness mixed with excitement of the new things coming. Scott has a GREAT roommate, from Mesa and we are grateful that they get to live together!  He is taking some tough classes and working hard to succeed.  I am really proud of him!

I will admit, I miss having Scott around here a lot. There is something missing in our home. I miss having talks with him, his laugh, his stories, his help and having him say before going to bed, "I love you too."

If I hadn't gone to Idaho in August...

I wouldn't have appreciated training for the marathon!

We have just two and a half weeks til we run the marathon! CRAZY! I was really getting to hate those long runs. We ran long in Provo. It was cooler than Arizona, but by the time the 17 1/2 miles was up it was pretty hot there too (and the hills...?!)! In Idaho, in August, I could have run for miles and miles! It was so beautiful and green. It was cool at ALL times of the day. I loved my morning runs.

But I couldn't do that everyday because I had visiting to do! It was SO great spending time with Taralynn and Kory. They are doing great. They BOTH cooked for me! I ate a very large and juicy peach from THEIR tree! Kory made salsa using vegetables from THEIR garden (well, Kory's garden!). We played games on the patio in the middle of the day and at night! We shopped, got pedicures, ate out, went to the movie and the temple, visited family, and even went to Rexburg and saw the new "mini Conference Center" there. AMAZING!

I didn't want to leave Idaho. It was great seeing Taralynn and Kory so happy, so content, and so settled into a good life.  Taralynn reminded me that the weather is not always perfect in Idaho. In fact, on September 1, there was a significant change in the temperature there...Taralynn said, "it's like Idaho knows it's September." Arizona didn't know it was September - still 113 degrees when I got home. But, home is good.

Can you see the wind?

10 basketball courts on one side, a beautiful meeting place on the other.  Carl Bloch paintings on the walls surrounding the Conference Center.  It is an amazing building.  BYU-I is great!  (but, you gotta endure the wind and cold!)

If I hadn't had mono many years ago...

I wouldn't have appreciated just how lousy Amy was feeling...!

Amy hasn't been feeling so good.  I "made" her go to the doctor before I left town.  They thought she'd be fine in a  few days...she wasn't.  She went back to the doctor, got tested for mono (that's a blood test, you know, and my children hate sharing their blood), the test came back negative (?) but the doctors are pretty sure the test was wrong!  So Amy is pretty frustrated with doctors...she has been getting stronger the past couple days though and I think someday she will feel "normal" again.

The real bummer for me is that Amy will not be running the marathon with us.  She was our inspiration in doing this in the first place!  But, Jay and I will do it together and enjoy Amy on the sidelines cheering us on.  I feel so bad that she wasn't able to finish the training to run,  but I have no doubt that Amy will someday run a marathon.


Amy is back at work, enjoying sweet children.  She is always looking for something fun to do and someone fun to do it with her!  It is great having Amy  home with us!  She and Jason are becoming closer by being the only "kids" at home.

If I hadn't gone to Idaho...

I wouldn't have appreciated HOME and my "jobs" here!

I did feel appreciated when I got home, though Amy had done a GREAT job taking care of Jay and Jason, cooking and cleaning (even feeling lousy).   Jason and Jay looked happy and handsome!  I do love being a wife, mother and homemaker.  I enjoy serving people around me and I hope I make life happier for those that associate with me.

and lastly...

If it hadn't been for this storm...

We wouldn't have gotten this...which is so much appreciated!

Weather for Mesa, AZ

93°F | °C

Fri

Sat

Sun

Partly Cloudy

Wind: SW at 9 mph

Humidity: 25%

94°

73°

95°

69°

99°

72°

BELOW 100!  It feels GREAT!

That's all for today.  I love and appreciate life and the people in my life.  Spending time with them is what I live for as I strive to become more like my Savior.  Life's experience is one of learning, growing and appreciating!

Love,

Lori

Can't Wait til February!

The day I found out that Taralynn and Kory were expecting a baby was truly a fantastic day.  Today I found out that IT'S A BOY! and he is healthy, perfect and "on schedule!"  Modern medicine is truly amazing!  I can hardly wait to HOLD HIM and ROCK HIM and PLAY with HIM!  What will be an even greater joy, I believe, will be to watch his terrific parents LOVE HIM and TEACH HIM!  This is truly a fabulous day!  We love him already! 

love,

Lori 

Yes, I am still here...

Dear family,

Well, it has been awhile! Someone asked me if I had taken them off my update list - no, just haven't written any updates!

I'm not sure I can catch up - but I can give you a brief summary of our summer and then hope to be more consistant from here.

I AM GOING TO BE A GRANDMA! Best news ever! I gotta say, I was very excited when Taralynn and Kory told us. It's a great feeling and I couldn't be happier! Taralynn actually told us when we were in Utah dropping Scott off for summer school. The plan had been for Taralynn and Kory to meet us in Utah and play for a few days, including a trip to Lagoon. With Scott still healing from surgery, we opted out of the Lagoon trip. I was telling Taralynn reasons that we changed our plans and she responded, "that's okay. I don't think they allow pregnant women on many of their rides anyway..." Did I just hear that right?! I had to say it in my mind again...Really? Yes! It was a GREAT announcement. Her due date is FEBRUARY 7.

I had a hard time keeping it a secret from family and friends for a few more weeks until she had been to the doctor - and posted the news on her blog- but we enjoyed an Andreasen get-together with a note under the cookies reading "Kory and Taralynn are expecting a baby!" The cookies finally got eaten and Samantha shared the news with everyone in the house.

Unfortunately Taralynn is not feeling so good. She seems to be nauseous more than she is not. She is unsure of the term "morning sickness" as hers lasts most of the day and night. I feel so sad for her and hope that she improves soon! She did have a couple of good days last week, so maybe...! She has been to the doctor twice and heard the heartbeat! Love it! She is anxious to find out if they are having a boy or girl so she can prepare a fun nursery. But that would require her to feel better too! We'll keep you posted.

From what I hear, Kory is being a great support and kind and helpful husband to his wife who seldom feels good. That cannot be easy! He does the cooking and the shopping when Taralynn isn't up for it. He takes her out when he can talk her into it. He will be as happy as she will be to have her feeling better. He will go on a hunt the end of September and also plans to hunt at least one more time in October with his brothers and Dad.

Amy had a good summer. She enjoyed ten days with her roommate, Abby, from West Virginia. They played on the beaches of Myrtle Beach for a week and then enjoyed family time, including fishing (!) in West Virginia. Yes she caught a fish - we enjoyed the video clip on Abby's facebook! Abby then spent a few days with us in Arizona before she headed back to Provo for work and school. Amy successfully took the GRE and will now look into applying for Grad school, to begin in the Fall of 2012. She is back at work and loves those little ones that refer to her lovingly as "Miss Amy." She turned 21! Jay congratulated her and reminded her that she was now "legal and could vote." Oh wait! She could vote three years ago! Funny Jay. Jay and I are training with Amy to run the St. George Marathon on October 1! CRAZY! It is so hot running in the summer of Arizona! But we are making it and look forward to running together.

Scott successfully completed summer school at BYU! He took golf, sociology and Mission Prep. I think he got As in golf and mission prep and a B in sociology. He came home for a weekend, his birthday weekend! SCOTT is 18! Yep! He can vote - as soon as he gets registered! Scott has always showed interest in politics. It'll be interesting to see him vote. The news from Scott is that he loved Provo so much that he is STAYING IN PROVO for fall semester! Yep. I can't believe it myself, but it's true. It took a little effort, but luckily he knows a guy from Mt. View who decided later to go to Provo too, so he will know one of his five roommates, Jake Jarvis. Should be a fun time! He only has TWO weeks between summer and fall semesters though. He came home and headed up to Strawberry to work for Mel for a week (gotta earn some fun money for school). He will be ORDAINED an ELDER today (June 21) and we will head back to Provo Thursday, August 25, to get him settled in an apartment off campus. His schedule for fall is a little more intense. He may have to study more and play less but I think he will balance out just fine. Hopefully he will make a trip or two to Idaho for the weekend to see Taralynn and Kory - and cousins there too!

Jason is a SOPHOMORE! High school didn't slow him down. He describes it as boring, but I know better. I can't wait until boring is eliminated from his vocabulary! He has some honors classes that will keep him working hard and he is enjoying working out with basketball bound boys. The real season, complete with tryouts, begins November 1. He works hard and is growing! We are enjoying Jason as much as possible! We know they grow up and leave too fast! He is a great boy and we love spending time with him - doing just about anything! Jay took Jason and some friends to Strawberry this weekend to play at Fossil Springs. It was a great boys trip.

Jay is my hero! I can't tell you how much I love him! We celebrated 27 years of marriage on Jason's first day of school! We enjoyed dinner out and relaxing together that afternoon and evening. Then Friday, Jay took me to the temple and we made a last minute decision to go to Strawberry for a quick 24 hours (well, almost 24). We intended to run our 18 miles up there. It ended up that I WALKED 13 and Jay RAN 17.6. It was a beautiful day, but the altitude wasn't my friend (as well as I forgot my running shoes - but luckily borrowed some from Sarah!). Jay works hard and provides for us with no complaints. I am so grateful for his love and support shown in so many ways, always.

Much of the summer was preparing for Girl's Camp. LOTS of work! But it was worth it when we got there! Jay spent the week with us at LoMia and was invaluable helping non-stop! I am enjoying serving the young women of our stake. They are amazing and I love how I feel when I spend time with them. I enjoy serving in the temple. Yesterday I got to spend time with the Costello's grandson, Carter, in the youth center. What a sweet boy! Congratulations to Karen and Morgan! There is nothing sweeter than a temple sealing. I hope to sub this year. No calls yet, but maybe after I get home from Idaho. I'm excited to spend a week with Tarlaynn and Kory after getting Scott settled in Provo.

Life is good. I sometimes forget that and have to stop and remember. It is quiet times in the temple, quiet times reading scriptures, quiet time in prayer, quiet times just thinking and getting out and doing good things for others that brings me back to my senses. I am truly blessed! This update is so incomplete but will suffice for today...

love,

Lori

Who Am I?

I got the splints taken out of my nose (they were HUGE), I drove to Provo with my parents and sister, they helped me move into the dorm (it took 1 hour tops), we played in Provo, I said good bye (well, they did), I started school at BYU,... 

WHO AM I?

A picture opportunity that Scott could not pass up!

Scott and Monson's room - not a great picture, but the only one they'd let me take!

I try and fix things to please my kids, no matter the cost, no matter the danger...

WHO AM I?

The basketball net out the dorm window was not acceptable--Cowleys provided, Jay fixed.  

The campus police stopped to look, a little concerned that he might get hurt (he was pretty secure on top of a CAR!) and told Jay that they "don't normally allow people to drive vehicles on the court, but since he was improving the place, they'd let it slide this time."  How kind...!

I love my new grass!  I love colors in my house and out!  I love when the wind stops blowing quite so hard (for a day), getting mail, the song of the day and when my family visits!

WHO AM I? 

I love family time!  Family Traditions!  Visiting Family!  and pictures - even if they don't turn out as perfect as the moment...and I don't like having my children grow up and leave me!

WHO AM I?

Monson Cowley, Amy, Scott, Taralynn and Kory!

After moving each of our kids into their dorm room we have taken a drive up the canyon to Sundance - for lunch and to enjoy the BEAUTY of this place we are leaving them at!

I love visiting Taralynn and Kory! Their home is beautiful!  And they always seem to like it when we visit!

We always try to see family in Provo and Idaho.  This trip we got to eat dinner with Austin and Monica at one of my favorite Idaho spots Gator Jacks!  Missed seeing Katie and Ashton this time (they were moving into a new place and had Ashton's family visiting) and Nathan (he was busy getting ready to leave for NY!)  Next time!

I love basking in the sun!  Visiting friends in Provo and Idaho (but seldom take pictures)!  Helping my brothers grow up smart and happy, just like me!  Running with my Mom, and being spoiled by my Dad!

WHO AM I?

 

I love having a yard! and a garden!

WHO AM I?

Kory got to mow his lawn for the FIRST TIME this week...

and is very attentive to his garden, trees, plants...and his wife!

I didn't get to go on the trip to Utah.  I was HUSTLING at basketball camp!  Got the Hustle Award...and had a birthday!  (15 years old!!)

 WHO AM I?

I hope your summer is going GREAT!  

Love,

Lori

WHERE IS SCOTT GOING?

TO SEMINARY GRADUATION!  

Congrats to him and to all the ward graduates!  What a great group of youth!  

The day after graduation Scott was looking through a Family History book and found one of Jay's seminary report cards.  His comment, "this sure would have been useful information sooner."  

Let's just say, Scott's attendance in seminary was OUTSTANDING!  I am so proud of him!

TO SOMEBURROS BEFORE GRADUATION 

WITH THE OTHER ALLENS AND GRANDPARENTS...

Scott's favorite place to eat!  

This is one thing he will miss when you goes away to school!

TO HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION!

A graduate from Mt. View High School - the yellow tassel represents a 3.5 GPA or higher!

THE MORNING AFTER GRADUATION...

TO TAKE THE PRACTICAL PORTION OF THE PILOT'S LICENSE!  JUST ONE MORE FLIGHT TO GO AND HE WILL BE A PILOT!  CRAZY!

TO SPEAK WITH OTHER WARD GRADUATES IN SACRAMENT MEETING.  SCOTT DID FANTASTIC - USING THE ANALOGY OF BECOMING A PILOT, WITH THE HELP OF GOOD INSTRUCTORS UNTIL GIVEN THE TURN TO SOLO AND DO WHAT HE'D BEEN TAUGHT ON HIS OWN.  HE WILL LEAVE US SOON - TO SOLO IN LIFE!  WE ARE PROUD OF HIM AND CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHERE HE SOARS TO!

TO STRAWBERRY AND FOSSIL SPRINGS - ONE OF HIS FAVORITE PLACES ON EARTH!

With Dad, Jason and friends!  

The higher the cliff, the funner the fall!  They had a blast! 

then...

TO SURGERY!  

(for pictures of this you can see his facebook) 

He is recovering nicely!  But it hasn't been easy.

Scott has had busy season!  He leaves a week from tomorrow to go to BYU in Provo!  I can't believe it. 

Family is the most important - love them in every season of life!  I'm grateful I have mine for eternity!

love,

Lori 

Our 2011 Graduates!

 She really got dressed up for graduation, huh?!

 I am so proud to be the mother of these graduates!  

I love my kids!