Reflections

As I sit here celebrating our traditional New Years Eve (peacefully at home, asleep by 10) I can't help but reflect upon our many accomplishments and blessings in 2008.

Evan received his banking award, Kylee graduated from High School and started college. Taylor put Jr. High behind her and started High School (my baby!). I dove into HTML code and enhanced my blogging skills.

I have been most touched this year by the Clark-Nielsen family as they have stood together firm in their testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, facing a horrific trial with amazing grace and dignity. I am in awe of their dedication to family. My testimony is stronger this year because of them. I believe firmly in our Saviors plan, I love my family more. I hope that when faced with great trials - I can be as strong and sure.

I am looking forward to a New Year and the opportunity to better myself. To be a better wife and mother. To serve the Lord more diligently. To be a better Visiting Teacher. To magnify my calling as Primary President.

May you find yourself happy with this last year and even happier in 2009!

Homeward bound

After an exhausting night in the hospital, Emily and Ashlynn are heading home. So far, the tests that they have run are negative - that includes Stevens-Johnson syndrome. So, they are heading home. The doctors will continue to examine other test results as they come in, but still no firm diagnosis.

Keep in your prayers...

Ashlynn, Neale & Emily's youngest, has had a serious side effect to the Chicken Pox vaccination. We are requesting your faith and prayers on her behalf. She is on the way to Primary's with her mother. We have already called the temple.

Looking forward to the New Year

This year Neale and Emily with kids in tow will be joining us for the New Year celebration. Food, fun, and a sleep-over.

Calling all cousin's...

check THIS out

May we all get what we want for Christmas...

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Christmas Greetings

Tonight, I played photographer for Kylee and her friends who wanted to create a photo collage for a friend who is currently in the MTC. 45 shots later I got to play editor and assist Kylee in the layout.

Here are the results:

and for the good news....

I won't be spending Christmas in jail. Long story short... I got a subpoena to testify in court today and on the advise of one of the attorneys I did not appear. (I previously filed an objection to the subpoena.) But the thoughts of "Contempt of Court" ; were with me all day until I heard back that all was OK and that (hopefully) things will be able to progress in court without me. Keep your fingers crossed.

Perfect timing

Tonight my friend Jenny (the worlds greatest Primary Secretary) delivered her annual Christmas Apple Strudel. It was still warm and it quickly disappeared. I had a crappy day at work and I was in great need of comfort food. Jenny was most inspired!!

Evan answered the door and I heard her ask him to"give this to your wife". I am tempted to tell her I never got it in hopes for a 2nd delivery...

is that bad of me?

2nd best program of the year.

Next to the Primary Program, our Ward Christmas program is second best, but top notch just the same. They did a terrific job this year, the best one in recent memory. It was the perfect start to a great week full of family traditions and thoughts of our Savior.

Evan made it home safely and will be a great help to me (as always). He has stepped up his role as Mr. Mom as he takes advantage of the opportunity to telecommute. He gets the girls off to school, drags them to some of their doctor appointments, picks Taylor up from school, and even manages a honey-do now and then.

He will get a small reprieve when Taylor starts driving in the spring. (Did I really say that?...my baby!) 

Christmas Sauce

Another year down and another office Christmas party for me to plan. To top it off - there needs to be purchases made for the gifts for the bosses. I usually end up with the job, but passed the buck (at least most of it) this year.

Traditionally we take office donations and buy liquor. It has been decided for the big boss - to buy an item not typically found in Utah. (Very little in stock, and what is goes quickly, in spite of it's cost.)

So, Evan was given an (expensive) assignment while in Vegas. I'm certain they don't run out of alcohol there. He even wore his BYU fan garb for effect. Those rumors will fly! Fortunately  for him: What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

Oh yeah, Go Cougars!

It never fails

Evan's winter "business" trips result in snow storms that require shoveling & snow blowing, and kids with late night parties that require late night road trips. Conclusion: I am cold and tired.

AHHHH Sleep

Today was the first day of Kylee's winter break. I'm certain she slept the day away... or at least the whole morning. Evan said she worked her way upstairs at noon. Taylor has one more day before her break. Evan will be working hard in Vegas. Oh, I mean - hardly working. BYU is Vegas Bowl bound and Evan has business in Vegas. Go figure.

I've said it before, he deserves it.
(I am also amazed that he does actually generate business leads on these "business" trips.) 
I am very impressed with my man.

Christmas Carols

OK so we didn't get the best seat for watching Tay sing, but it was a great concert just the same.

Taylor's head on a piano

Grandpa even got in on the act - singing the Hallelujah Chorus.

Final Week

Kylee started her finals today and will finish tomorrow, Taylor's last day of school is Friday... then they get to sleep until next year.

ps. Stephanie had another skin graft surgery sunday.

A Christmas Carol ala Hale

Tonight for FHE we went to the Hale Center Theater (quickly becoming a family tradition) to see "A Christmas Carol". A small theater in the round (no bad seats in the house) and a great way to see amazing theatrical productions!! Hale puts on a first class show with amazing staging and talent.

First Dinner.

Then Dessert.

30 seconds later.

Then a show.

Christmas is coming!

It snowed. It's cold. Presents are wrapped. Christmas music is finally allowed.

We spend this evening at the Stake Center for the annual Christmas Fireside. Each ward sang a number from their Christmas Program, the congregation also sang a few numbers, and then we heard from our Stake President: President Critchlow.

It was the perfect way to kick off the season and I am looking forward to the next 10 days.

Are you going to miss the Bodyworlds Exhibit?

For a sneak peek - click on this link and wait for the video to play.(it will start automatically... just wait a minute) Click HERE!

Don't Forget...

Taylor's winter concert is this Wednesday December 17th @ JHS 7pm.

Do you have your tickets yet?

Get them HERE.

Props to Tay

What I've learned today

1. Rowley's aren't meant to run in 5k's.

The attempt for family fitness is failing miserably. Taylor is dropping out... claiming she never wanted to run in the first place. Kylee just never started training. Evan is hit and miss, but would be able to pull it off without much training, and I have hit a brick wall - cant seem to get past week 5 of my training circuit. Early New Years resolution: resume training after the first of the year.

I'm planning on panicking later

For the first time in many years, I still have Christmas shopping to do this far into December. Well, OK, Evan and I usually look at each other the weekend before Christmas and decide that we don't have enough gifts to spoil our girls with and we dash off to shop. Setting that aside, I still have "regular" shopping to do.

Evan is a tricky one this year. I know I am hard pressed to top the gift I got him last year (his Hole-In-One display), and the fact that he runs off and will buy himself what he wants or needs - that leaves very little for me to surprise him with. Now, don't worry about Evan... After his last business trip to Vegas, he did supply me a bag full of clothes from the outlets to wrap and place under the tree.

As for the girls, not many surprises there either. The are right there, picking out, assessing colors, trying on.

Chester just doesn't care.

I am giving myself another week to tie this year up... and then I will panic.

What I've learned today

Time flys. 

1. Some weekends only last 30 minutes.

2. Christmas comes earlier every year. (Two and a half weeks away.)

Our Little Drummer Boy

(Password "hero")

Winter Formal

Kylee is off to another ball...Her date is Eric.

(Held at the State Capitol)

Déjà vu (Kylee and Eric @ Homecoming)

Good (news) Friday

Taylor just had her semi-annual visit with Dr. Scott. We are happy to report that there is no change in the curve in her lower back. The brace that she is wearing at nights seems to be doing it's job. We go back in May and will hope for the same news.

For now... no need for additional surgery.

The best December 3rd ever!

Thanks honey (& kids)... you spoil me.

Got 6 minutes?

(Some days I am very easily entertained!)

Body Worlds

The family spent the evening at the Leonardo Museum visiting the Bodyworlds exhibit. (Hit the link & wait for the video to load!) Pretty amazing stuff. The girls and I liked the embryo section and Evan loved the heart.  The body is so fascinating. It was nice to break our usual routine for FHE.

Christmas begins the day after Thanksgiving

Traditionally we avoid black Friday and spend the day starting on Christmas decorations. Evan is the pack mule and Taylor and I spend time together on the trees and villages. Kylee is secluded in her room writing a paper for school. We will finish up the rest of the house tomorrow.

We have some house guests this evening: Clavin and Barkley are spending the night and Connie is napping on the couch after dropping in for leftovers. She arrived home safely from her trip to Afton for the holiday. It's nice to have her back.

36:1

I started cooking at 7am on Wednesday. (I like to prepare as much as I can in advance and enjoy less stress.)

36 hours later, the last entrée was placed on the table and the guests dug in after the blessing on the food. ONE hour later we were done. We had a much smaller crowd that usual: 16 this year. Us, dad and mom, Eric and Tamra and kids, Sandy and the missionaries: Elder Jennerjohn and Elder Evans.

The ambush:

The feasting:

After the meal, the missionaries left for their next meal appointment (second of three) and the Rossiter's took off to St George for Rachel's soccer tournament. Evan did most of the dishes (thanks honey!). Taylor left to spend the night and grandpa and grandmas while Evan, Kylee and I soaked in the House marathon while waiting for Uncle Darin's (formerly announced) pop-in.

We have enough left overs for at lease three more full meals for 10. I love Thanksgiving!

Denise

Ashlynn

Pre-Thanksgiving

1. Wake up and shower.
2. Make cranberry sauce.
3. Bake 4 pumpkin pies - one to give away to a co-worker.
4. Have Primary Presidency meeting. Plan 2009.
5. Run errands with Kylee.
6. Bring home Wendy's for the family.
7. Send Evan to the grocery store to pick up turkey.
8. Go to Home Depot - buy blinds.
9. Go to grocery store - forgot yams.
10. Have Evan hang blinds.
11. Cook yams.
12. Prepare stuffing.
13. Consult brother re: HDMI issues.
14. Peel and slice yams - prepare.
15. Blog. (listen to Evan cuss while hanging blinds)
16. Wonder if I should fix dinner. Decide NO, I've cooked enough.
17. Finish cleaning the house.
18. Rearrange furniture.
19. Set up tables.
20. Decide how early to wake up to start turkey.
21. Empty dishwasher for the third time.
22. Watch mindless TV and fall asleep

I've had a productive day... See you tomorrow.

Jacob

You know it's been 21 years when

You get up at 4:45 am to go to the gym

You go straight to work after your workout.

You come home and your spouse is still busy on the phone with clients trying to close a deal

You take your kids out for burgers.

You spend an hour and $100 at the grocery store.

You make treats for school parties the next day.

You empty the dishwasher and fold laundry.

Your spouse is watching his shows in the back room while you blog and watch your shows in the family room.

You wait for your daughter to call for her ride home from the High School musical.

You go to bed before 10 because you are pooped.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY HONEY!!  I LOVE YOU!

Anniversary Phase 2

Kylee is well on her way to the UofU v BYU game. Taylor is being dropped off at a game party and Evan and I are off to an early dinner. I surprised him with concert tickets and had to break the news when he started making plans for the big game last week.

Evan was more than willing to sacrifice the game... 

We spent a great day together and look forward to the next 21!

(Side note: I have not perfected the art of self portraits from the camera yet)

The funny thing about service.

This morning marks the beginning of the weekend prior to my wedding anniversary. On Monday, the 24th, Evan and will have been married for 21 years. Evan and I got up early and headed to American Fork to help Neale and Emily move. We spent the morning together packing boxes, moving furniture, loading trucks and remembering the many times we have moved ourselves. We spent a little more time in Payson helping undo what we had just done. We emptied trucks, arranged furniture and unloaded boxes. More and more new neighbors showed up and they were in good hands as we left to get ready for phase 2 of our anniversary Saturday.

I wish we could have done more to help.

The funny thing about service though- even a little goes a long way. I know that because I have been on the receiving end of service myself. Another funny thing about service is that it is easier to serve than it is to receive service. I know that because I have a hard time asking for and allowing help. I read or heard something a while ago that helped me with that... One of the greatest ways we can serve someone is to allow them to serve us. It has helped me to be able to stand back and allow others to help me when I am in need. I do this because I know how I feel when I am able to help others.

Everyone needs to be able to feel that good.

Punk Rock Tie Dye

Last minute crisis - Kylee wants to go to Neon night at the club and wanted to make sure she glowed. Off to Walmart we went. Nothing on hand that met her expectations... so now plan B. But what is plan B? Not enough time to tie dye... she leaves for Gamma in a couple of hours. So - we took a chance and bought a couple of cans of florescent spray paint and some plain white tee's. A quick google at home and vuala - instructions. Within minutes we had a tie dye shirt that Kylee approved of.

Twilight at midnight

Taylor's (the Twilight Addict) good grades have earned her the privilege of attending the midnight showing of the Twilight movie. That will put her at home after 2am and in bed during her morning classes.

Turkey on the brain.

I keep counting the guest list, checking over the menu, imagining the furniture re-arranging and scheduling the cooking times. I love getting ready for the Thanksgiving meal. Thank goodness for mothers and sister's in law and their delicious contributions. Having only one oven makes this meal a challenge otherwise. I will start baking on Wednesday and work until Friday when I finish up with the dishes. (I took those days off work.)

I cant wait!

What I've learned today

1. Sometimes the encouragement you give a friend is something you should take heed to yourself.

The words I dished out recently:

It is amazing how the Lords blessings come. Often they are disguised in the chain of events that alter our lives. We may not see that life changing events are blessings in disguise - but it is up to us see the good in change and allow ourselves to be better because of it.
Even more amazing is how the answers to prayers are not always the answers we expect or desire, but are the answers that make us stronger.

Family night on the range.

Grandpa took Evan, the girls and me to the shooting range.

Taylor is first.

 

Then Kylee.

 

Evan

and Heather.

Thanks grandpa!