Worth the Wait...

Scott was on a July NIGHT - the latest in the day of any of my births...

he was worth the wait!

Scott was baptized on an August morning - the LONGEST Stake baptism I've ever attended..there were 12 to be baptized...he was last...

he was worth the wait!

Scott gave his farewell talk in Sacrament Meeting on an August afternoon - full house with family and friends, other peoples family and friends due to a baby blessing, extra sacrament needed...Scott was the first speaker, but to get to his turn, it felt like FOREVER...

He was worth the wait!

Scott gave an excellent talk.  I wish I could post it in it's entirety (I will on his mission blog...coming soon!), but here's ONE part I loved...

A mission call is a very unique thing, and for me at least, as my mission continues to get closer, my life has kind of flashed before my eyes. And one thing I have noticed myself and many of my friends doing soon before leaving on a mission is spending a lot of time reflecting on the past, reminiscing on ‘the good old days.’ I believe that as we are looking back on our lives before our mission, the Lord is busy trying to prepare us for our future.  But sometimes it is difficult to see the things the Lord is doing to prepare us for our future.

 I actually loved it all!  He bore testimony of the Word of Wisdom (including taking care of our physical bodies by abstaining from drugs and alcohol, going to bed early and rising early in the morning and expanding our minds by study and education); he expressed gratitude for family and friends (including grandparents), he testified of the truthfulness of the Restored Gospel and the Atonement of Jesus Christ and he even spoke a little Russian!  

Scott will leave for a mission on an August morning.  A flight out of Sky Harbor Airport.  I'm already imagining what it will be like when he returns...

(because the thought of when he leaves is too hard to imagine!)...

it will be worth the wait!

I'm full of emotions this week that I have never experienced. 

Life is good for a mother on days like today...

love,

Lori

 

Update...long overdue

Dear family,

Well, it has been a while since I have sat down to update all of you.  Life is good and busy around here!  Lessons are being learned and memories are being made.  

Where to begin is always the problem when waiting so long to record memories!  The first week of July we enjoyed a family reunion with my side of the family in Carlsbad California.  My mom loves Heavenly Father's creations--from the frozen lakes in Wyoming to the trees and creek in Pine to the ocean in California!  She loves clouds out an airplane window, rain at the cabin, and any sunrise or sunset she is able to view.  She has taught me to love and appreciate all of the many wonders of this earth by spending time in them.  I am grateful for her and all she has taught me.

Many of my parents grandchildren remember the last time we went to the ocean with Grandma and Grandpa but it was many, many years ago (some grandkids weren't even around yet!).  Mom decided it was time to go again!  She and my sister spent hours and hours planning and preparing and what a great time we had!  

Here are some highlights to remember...

•  Grandpa started the Reunion off with a theme--"It's not happy people who are thankful, it's thankful people who are happy."  A true statement that we reviewed each day and learned throughout the week watching the examples of each other.
• ALL of my kids (and Bowen) were there together!  Bowen didn't love the ocean--but he looked simply adorable in his swim suit!  It's not easy being a parent of a baby on the beach!  But, like all parents learn, Taralynn and Kory sacrificed some of the things they would have liked to do in order to take care of the sweet baby!  Amy enjoyed the sun.  Jason enjoyed games and water.  Scott read a book about a Russian Spy and may look into such a profession!  He also was up for volleyball most days.  Jay and I enjoyed whatever the kids and Bowen were doing!  It was a great time.
• San Diego Temple doing baptisms--Scott got to baptize and confirm  some.  Jay had even researched some Russian names to do the work for.  The sister temple worker who gave a short devotional thanked us for being there, sacrificing some of our time on the beach to help others do a work that they cannot do themselves.  She reminded us that some have waited a long time for this day and testified that they were aware that this work was being done, at this time, by us.
• Mormon Battalion.  What a great presentation sharing some of our pioneer history.  How grateful I am for the pioneers and how they listened to and followed a living prophet of God, even when it was hard.
• THE BEACH!  Unfortunately we had a few overcast, cold days, but the sunny days we had were the best!  I love that when I am on the beach the cares and worries of the world seem to drift away.  On those couple sunny days when I did get in the water--it wasn't so bad AFTER I got in!  Fun times, when I get brave enough to venture out!  It was wonderful watching the cousins play together and laugh together.  It always makes me wonder why we don't do things like this more often...
• We ate dinner together each  night and had an activity.  Every night was perfect!  Monday, Jay  planned a FHE lesson that I would have never dreamed of!  He is quite amazing, I'd say.  Using a Coca-Cola bottle he reminded us of the scripture in Malachi "And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers."  He told them that a good way to learn this is by remembering that COCA-COLA stood for "Cherish Our Children Always...and Crave Our Loving Ancestors."  Who thinks that up?!  Jay does!  Clever, yes.  But the lesson got even better!  Then he put us in two teams and told us that we were going to play a game...by spinning the Coca-Cola bottle...but to help remember the scripture this game would be called TURN the Bottle.  I have seen Jay creative, but never this creative!  And I must say, it worked!  He had questions for us to answer, such as, tell about your first kiss, tell something unique about your courtship or marriage, tell about a time you almost died, tell something you learned from your father, etc.  Each of us chose one and when the bottle TURNED to us, we got points for telling about that event about us, more points if we could tell about that same event about someone else in the room and even  more points if we could tell a story of one of our ancestors.  It was brilliant, actually!  We learned a lot about each one in the room and some more about the great people that came before us--how grateful I am for FAMILIES.  Jay has a great love for the temple and the work that binds families together in those Holy Houses of God.
• Another night-time get together was our "Cousin's Party" for Marcus.  This is something we do for each cousin as they graduate from high school.  It was fun having the center of attention be on Marcus and remember his strengths and talents.  Marcus is getting mission papers in order and will have a call soon!
• GAMES!  I love  playing games anytime, especially with family!  I don't think a day went without playing a game or two!
• Fourth of July Fireworks.  My Mom tried hard to find some place to go enjoy fireworks.  We enjoyed time with cousins but...let's just say that the fireworks weren't as memorable as the time together.
• Mom and Dad were thrilled to have many of their family together.  They treasured every minute and did everything they could to make sure everyone was having a great time.  They were very generous and kind.  They taught us a lot during our time together in their words and actions.  I am so happy my children were able to all be there to learn from their grandparents. THANKS!

 NOW MORE UPDATE...

This is a horrible picture! I will replace soon!

Amy is having a blast being an EFY (Especially for Youth) counselor at BYU in Provo.   It is an exhausting job--but full of fun people and activities.  Amy enjoyed the "younger" girls for the first several weeks (age 14-15).  She didn't think they could get any more fun than these girls and then she got a week with the "older" girls (age 16-18) and loved them too!  In reality, the girls love her!  It is such a good feeling when you work with youth and feel that they really love you!  I am so happy she is having this experience.  Yesterday when talking to her on the phone, she reminded me that she would see Bowen on Saturday...and that she would give him hugs and kisses for me!  Lucky Amy.  She takes the shuttle from Provo to Idaho Saturday and will continue as an EFY counselor for three more weeks in Rexburg.  She will come home mid-August--and is currently working on finding a job for when she get home...

A Russian Marshrutka!

Scott has attended many missionary farewells lately.  His friends have been leaving.  It is strange.  They are going to all parts of the country and world.  I think Scott is anxious and ready to have his turn!  He will speak in our ward on Sunday August 19 at 1:30 pm.  Come listen!  He will report to the MTC on Wednesday August 29.  The closer it gets, the crazier the thought becomes...!  I am so proud of him and excited.  We had an adventure recently.  We decided to take a friend who served in Scott's same mission to dinner.  Our plan was to take he and his wife out for some Russian food.  I found a place online that seemed to have good reviews so I called.  It took several calls before someone finally answered.  But instead of answering with the name of the restaurant, the man simply said, "Hello."  I asked if this was a restaurant.  He said yes.  I asked if they took reservations.  He had some questions for me before answering...!  How many?  What day?  What time?  After telling him, 7, tonight at 7 pm, he responded, "ok.  I open tonight."  So we set off for an adventure.  Forty minutes later we pulled into the parking lot and found the restaurant CLOSED...and dark.  We knocked, called and waited and James taught us our first lesson about the Russian people...often they say they will be somewhere and then won't show up!  Frustrating!  But I must say, it was a great night out!  We had lots of time to visit and ask questions and learn about Scott's mission.  It was great!  We learned about the MTC (language is hard but learn-able.  The gift of tongues is real), about the different areas in the mission, about the members (few but wonderful), about the mission work (lots of walking, knocking.  teaching members, blessing members, speaking in church), the mode of transportation in Russian (besides walking is riding in a Marshrutka) and about how a mission is the best thing to do in so many ways!  

It was great having Taralynn, Kory and Bowen spend a week with us!  They are doing great.  We enjoyed California and then when we got home, headed to a Diamondbacks game before they had to go home to Idaho.  A great game!  We look forward to seeing them again when Scott speaks in church in August and to celebrate Taralynn's birthday!  Taralynn does a great job keeping up with her blog.  We love the pictures and stories she posts. Sometimes I know we give Bowen more attention than Taralynn and Kory!  They are wonderful parents and we are so proud of them.  We love seeing them too EVERY SINGLE TIME!

Jason is always up to something!  It is always good.  This week he did a lot of yard work! That wind blew every night--and then the next day the yard was full of pine needles and pine cones.  We are considering getting rid of those beautiful trees.  But don't worry.  Jason uses his time wisely and still has time for lots of fun with friends.  They went to the mid-night showing of The Black Knight (happy he wasn't in Colorado), they swim, play basketball, and enjoy the huge slip and slide, complete with bungee cord!  (Makes me a bit nervous, but what doesn't make me nervous that boys think of?)  Jason will attend EFY in Provo this week--we are sad that Amy has moved onto Rexburg and won't be there to keep an eye on him!  Then SCHOOL STARTS!  He will be a Junior!  Crazy!  Jason turned 16!  Jason looks forward to helping at Freshman orientation...and also to driving to school (after Scott leaves on his mission).   Jason was ordained a Priest and is a great young man!  


Jay and I leave for Girl's Camp tomorrow!  So excited!  Lots of work during the summer.  So worth it! Jay has been a great support and will be very busy with many assignments at camp.  I love that he works with me! I'm so grateful for him and those others I work with.  I am grateful for the things that I learn as I serve.  I learn that the Lord is in charge.  I learn that we have our timing, but the Lord's timing is much wiser.  I learn to love as Christ does.  I learn to forgive and be forgiven.  I learn that if we get too caught up in the  things that are not really that significant that we forget what's most important...and I learn how to re-focus when that happens.  I learn that the Lords answers prayers.  I learn that family is most important.  I learn that Heavenly Father knows and loves me!


I have enjoyed time with my boys, shopping for missionary and school things, doctors appointments and lunch out at Firehouse Sub.  I love that they are home this summer!  The time for Scott's mission is coming fast now and I have conflicting thoughts on the events that are to come in the next five weeks!  At Stake Correlation meeting this morning we listened to some experiences and the testimonies of a mission President and his wife from our stake who recently returned home.  The Spirit was so strong as they spoke of their duties in Thailand.  I look forward to Scott having a mission experience.  I know he will do great but I also know that it will be hard.  As he serves, I know that he will learn many things, just like I learn as I serve.  This life is a time for us to prepare to live with our Heavenly Father, as families, throughout eternity.  Experiences are for our good and learning.  As we learn to be obedient 100% we become His hands in helping others and we are happier.  


What my Dad taught us at the family reunion is true...It's not Happy people who are THANKFUL, it's THANKFUL people who are HAPPY!

love,

Lori

Time Flies When You're Having Fun!

Well,  it's been more than a month since my last post.  What a great month!  Here are some highlights...

• Scott made it home from Provo!
• Jay and Scott took a trip to Austria and Switzerland!
• Taralynn and Bowen came to visit (we missed Kory)!
• Jason completed his sophomore year of high school!
• Amy's time is flying and she's having fun!

And her are the DETAILS....

Scott made it home from Provo!

If you follow Facebook you will know that Scott not only completed his Freshman year at BYU successfully and packed up and drove home BY HIMSELF from Provo (with NO phone as his was in a water accident a few days previous), he also got to visit with a nice Highway Patrolman.  No, Mom was not pleased; and it better never happen again!  Luckily he had sold back a couple of college books that allowed him to take care of his civic obligation :)  ugh.

Jay and Scott took a trip to Austria and Switzerland!

Just TWO days after Scott got home, he and Jay boarded a plane to Switzerland!  This was a Christmas surprise from me (Jay here: it was the best Christmas present ever).  For whatever reason, I thought about doing this for several years. I didn't ever imagine I could pull it off as a surprise for them, but it worked and they have been looking forward to this trip.

Ever since I met Jay I have known that his mission was one of the best times in his life.  I love how he talks of the people he met, the culture he experienced and the testimony he gained.  I know when he gets to Austria all those memories will come back that much stronger.  So my thought was to have them go back to this  place before Scott left on his mission.  The timing could not have been better, really.  

I encouraged them to...have a blast!   To think of me sometimes, to talk about THEIR missions, to laugh together, ski together, eat together, to take pictures and to be like missionary companions—together 24/7—read scriptures and pray and talk to people wherever they went.  

I think they did!  I was proud of them for actually taking pictures!  and sharing their fun times with us when they got home.

Herbs - A favorite missionary eating spot in Vienna!

It's not ALL about eating, but Tichy's is another missionary favorite!  Okay, maybe when vacationing in Europe, or on a mission there, it is all about eating!

The mission apartment--42 Kreuzgasse--Jay was companions with Scott Jackson (one of Scott's namesakes) here!

The Marholt family graciously let Scott and Jay visit!  After all these years they still know and LOVE Jay!  A great family who are so fun and kind.

There is really no place in Europe that isn't beautiful!

Bikes in Salzburg... 

on a cold and rainy day!

Warmth was found at the hotel, no worries!

I would say that Zermatt is one of Jay's favorite places on earth.  Though not a part of his mission, he has made it a part of each trip to Europe since.  The plan was to ski there, but unfortunately the lifts were closed due to wind.

No skiing?  Well, why not SKYDIVING then?!  Yes, the wind won't be a problem there!  Really?!

Yes, really!  Skydiving over the Swiss Alps!  Scott was almost to heaven!  and definitely IN HEAVEN!

They ended their trip with a tradition we have of going to the temple anyplace there is one when we have the chance.  The temples around the world are each uniquely beautiful.  They all are the House of the Lord and His spirit may be felt there.

 Taralynn and Bowen came to visit!

There really aren't words to describe how I feel about being a Grandma.  LOVE IT!  They were only here a few days, but we loved every second.  Taralynn is a terrific mother and Bowen makes us all happier!  We love pictures they send.  We love to Skype often.  We love visits best!

I love this picture!  And Jay said it best when he said that it reminds him of his Mom.  When Phyllis was sick and not talking much, Jay would often ask her questions, having her wrinkle her nose if she understood.  She always did.  Days before she  passed away Jay made it a daily routine to ask his Mom if she loved him.  She, without hesitation, wrinkled her nose.  This picture is in honor of her!  April 22, 2012, marked six years since her passing.  We love and miss her!

Bowen got to meet Ellie.  She is the favorite baby around these parts and found she had some competition when Bowen came to visit!  At first, she really wasn't interested in him but after a while she wanted to play!

Next time he'll be ready to play with her!

Aunt Amy did not want to share...but she did! He loves her.

It was fun watching Scott and Jason hold him, talk to  him and play with him.  Here he is in one of his new outfits from Arizona which reads, My AUNT is AWESOME!

The other new outfit from Arizona!  His uncles ARE RAD!  And they loved him! 

And just in case you were wondering if Taralynn really did come, here's a picture of her too!

  Jason completed his sophomore year of high school!

Jason is a "normal" teenage boy...I hope!  He did very well in school, though we don't have the grades yet.  He loves fun!  The first day of summer has been eventful.  He and his friends wanted to make a big slip and slide in the yard.  Okay.  With a ramp.  and a bungee cord.  really?  Yes, really.  This picture doesn't capture the fun that they had.  I'm sure you'll find those videos from their phones on Facebook soon :)  Oh boy!  If I live through these boys I will have accomplished something! 

 Jason goes on the Trek next week with the youth in our stake.  It will be a wonderful experience for him to appreciate more the early pioneers, their faith, their sacrifice, and their love of the Lord as he experiences something similar to what they experienced.  These families truly are amazing and can teach us so much. I am happy for the opportunity we will have to be with Jason and learn with him.

Amy's time is flying and she's having fun!

Amy is doing great.  She is busy working three jobs right now.  When she is home, she is working and when she is away, she is working.  She leaves those jobs next week for another job.  She will be a counselor at Especially for Youth in Provo.  I will miss her.  She may not make her bed very often, but she does make a difference in our home.  She is so good for all of us--she listens, encourages, loves and makes life fun for all of us.   As she serves and contemplates life she is happy and she makes good choices.  She will be a fabulous counselor - everyone's favorite!  I'm not gonna lie, though, she will be missed.


So there you have it!  We are busy doing good things.  For Mother's Day all I wanted was to go to the mountains with my family for the weekend and then be home in time Sunday to watch the Survivor finale!  It was a great weekend.  My kids love me.  Jay loves me.  and I love them! I couldn't be happier!

love, 
Lori

This is pure JOY!

THIS IS A MISSION CALL!  

SCOTT SUCCESSFULLY READ:

Dear Elder Allen:

You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  You are assigned to labor in the Russia Rostov-na-Donu Mission.  It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 24 months.

You should report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, August 29, 2012.  You will prepare to preach the gospel in the Russian language...

Sincerely, Thomas S. Monson

The opening of a mission call is unique for each and every missionary.  We have been talking about this one in our family for months!  The call was "in process" for 19 days.  It arrived in Mesa, Arizona.  Scott still resided in Provo Utah.  What to do?

There were many options given.  The one decided upon was to have Jay's secretary--a reliable, honest source--to scan the call WITHOUT LOOKING, and e-mail it, WITHOUT LOOKING, to Amy's roommate and dear friend--another reliable and honest source--to print it, WITHOUT LOOKING, and seal it in an envelope, WITHOUT LOOKING, and deliver it to Scott's apartment at 9:00 pm, Utah time.

We got Scott on Skype at 8:50 pm, Utah time (7:50 pm, Arizona time).  Gathered in our family room was Jay, Lori, Amy, Jason, Grandma and Grandpa Andreasen, Hunter  and Jordan.  Taralynn, Kory and Bowen were on another computer in the room, listening in.

Abby delivered the envelope--she did her job perfect and got to stay and witness this--and take the picture above!  Scott's buddies Kevin and Jake were also there in the downstairs Activities Room of Heritage Halls, building 25, with Scott!  

We saw the sealed envelope.  
He opened it quickly.  
He began to read.  
His eyes scanned down a bit.  
He looked up and chuckled.  
And then proceeded to say RUSSIA!  

 

 WHAT?!  Crazy!  Exciting!  The room was filled with pure JOY!

We chatted with Scott for another 10-15 minutes.  So fun!  

He was excited!  I think he was overwhelmed, but truly happy.  

I hated to say goodbye, but we did.  

Jason was the only one around that I could hug and feel like I was hugging Scott! 

The reaction from those in the room?

Jay:  Would have never guessed it...though it doesn't surprise me at all!
Amy:  I'm so proud right now!
Taralynn:  If you had come to Idaho for school, you would have been more prepared for the cold.
Kory:  That is a long ways away! 
Jason:  You're gonna be a great missionary in Russia! I think I'll learn some Russian on line while he's gone...

  

We talked and laughed and googled and texted and called and answered the door for the next couple hours.  D-backs were winning in the background! Jordan spoke a little Russian for us.  The only thing that would have made it better would have been to have SCOTT WITH US!

 Most of the comments went something like this: "Scott will do great there."  "Doesn't surprise me."  "So exciting!"  "I can already see him there in my mind!"  "They only call the most sturdy, hardworking elders to Russia!" "That's a perfect mission for him!"  "How is Scott feeling about it?"  Dave and Tami commented that his report date is so close to Tanner's birthday!  Aunt Heather commented that his report date IS HER birthday! 

After everyone left and I was cleaning up the kitchen, I couldn't help but think of how our home was filled with love that evening.  There was a great spirit in our home, for which I was truly grateful.  

At the end of the night, I sent this text to Scott:  How are you feeling now?

His Text back:  It's crazy.  Too many emotions in my head at once.  How am I supposed to study now!?

I was a proud Mom when I went to bed, still trying to say the name of the mission to sound right!  As Jay and I lay in bed talking, before falling asleep, the picture that kept coming to my mind was Scott's picture on a large computer screen and this talk given in 2010 by Elder Rasband...

    Elder Eyring was assigning missionaries to their fields of labor, and as part of my training, I was invited to observe.

    I joined Elder Eyring early one morning in a room where several large computer screens had been prepared for the session. There was also a staff member from the Missionary Department who had been assigned to assist us that day.

    First, we knelt together in prayer. I remember Elder Eyring using very sincere words, asking the Lord to bless him to know “perfectly” where the missionaries should be assigned. The word “perfectly” said much about the faith that Elder Eyring exhibited that day.

    As the process began, a picture of the missionary to be assigned would come up on one of the computer screens. As each picture appeared, to me it was as if the missionary were in the room with us. Elder Eyring would then greet the missionary with his kind and endearing voice: “Good morning, Elder Reier or Sister Yang. How are you today?”

    He told me that in his own mind he liked to think of where the missionaries would conclude their mission. This would aid him to know where they were to be assigned. Elder Eyring would then study the comments from the bishops and stake presidents, medical notes, and other issues relating to each missionary.

    He then referred to another screen which displayed areas and missions across the world. Finally, as he was prompted by the Spirit, he would assign the missionary to his or her field of labor.

    From others of the Twelve, I have learned that this general method is typical each week as Apostles of the Lord assign scores of missionaries to serve throughout the world.

    Having served as a missionary in my own country in the Eastern States Mission a number of years ago, I was deeply moved by this experience. Also, having served as a mission president, I was grateful for a further witness in my heart that the missionaries I had received in New York City were sent to me by revelation.

to read the entire talk go to http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/the-divine-call-of-a-missionary?lang=eng

I could go on and on, but will save all the rest of my thoughts for another day! This was one of those monumental moments that mothers look forward to from the day they become a mother!  

Scott posted on Facebook:  "Life all comes down to a few moments. This is one of them." I don't know if that is a quote from a movie or what, but it does express the feeling!  Russia!  It's the country that when I was a teenager we prayed their doors would open to the missionaries.  Today, my son will serve as one of those missionaries--in one of the EIGHT missions currently in Russia!  He will learn and grow as he teaches and testifies.  He will bless the lives of others as his life is blessed.

Scott's mission call says,

The Lord will reward you for the goodness of your life.  Greater blessings and more happiness than you have yet experienced await you as you humbly and prayerfully serve the Lord in this labor of love among His children.

More about the rest of my family soon!  I am proud of them all!

love,

Lori 

Better than a Marriott...

Why is this room better than a Marriott????

Because this handsome guy is not far away...and there is a personal heater by the bed!

What is Jason's favorite part of the outfit?

The shoes! AIR JORDANS!

Who has the magic touch?  The girls or the boys?

 

 His Mom, of course.

What was Grandpa's favorite activity on his vacation?

hmmm.  Definitely a tie!  

They are already talking about the day when Bowen will get to join them on the slopes!

Who was blessed on March 11, 2012?

Bowen Jay - He was an angel during the blessing and during the church meeting - smiling and loving being held by his parents.  It was a sweet day, complete with Taralynn's sweet pork dinner for all the family and friends!

Who is the BEST Aunt in the Allen family...?

Aunt Amy!  He was worth the wait!  She was in heaven and hated to leave her sister...and her nephew!  In fact, we all had a hard time leaving...

Spring Break of 2012 

will go down as one of the sweetest weeks ever!

After holding him for the first time Jay said

He's cute in the pictures but he's much better in REAL life!

So true, so true!  You should go visit and see for yourself!

love, Lori

Update...

 

Scott has been home three out of the last four weekends.  Yes.  You heard right.  There is always room in someone's car for Scott because he packs light--just his school backpack!  He loves being home, I guess!  We love having him.  Seems like someone he knows gets a mission call every week!  This last week it was his roommate from last semester, Jake.  Called to Chile!  Scott's mission papers are getting ready--and can be turned in soon!

We ran with Amy!  Yep!  The Phoenix Half Marathon--FIRST EVER!  It was a beautiful day in Mesa.  We ran together for a while--but then Jay wanted to beat "the biggest looser!"  Amy and I were close behind.  With the little training we did, I'd say we succeeded!  We all finished, and ran through the finish line after 13.1 miles!  

We knew many who were involved in the planning of this event.  They can be proud.  It was perfect!  Great, happy volunteers, with COLD water and Powerade, perfect weather (I know they planned that!), good course (no sun in our faces), family to cheer us at the finish line (thanks Mel!), a cool medal to show off, and great snacks after the run!  

Basketball season has officially ended.  Knee is strong and getting stronger every day.  Jason still finds time to play basketball often.  Jay has been playing a little church ball.  Our ward beat the singles ward last week!  That is quite a feat!  They all know Jay and make those old men work for their win!

Jason can now be found at the Mt. View track meets doing the high jump!  He's working hard and having fun.  We need to get him driving a little more...

Boise Bowen!  From what we hear, he loves being held!  He is awake all day, unless someone is holding him!  He sleeps good at night, though, so no complaining!  WE VISIT HIM THURSDAY!  Jason has "called" sitting by him in the car.  Amy has "called" holding him first!  I'm not sure if she will let any of the rest of us have a turn without a fight!  He will be blessed on Sunday March 11.  We can't wait to visit...and I promise to take pictures of his parents too!

Until next time...

love,
Lori