Taylor's Hair Bows

Taylor has been very busy creating hair accessories the past few weeks. They just keep getting cuter as she experiments and tries new ideas. She took pics for those interested in buying some and will be selling them at the craft fair over Labor Day. The first two sets of bows are $3.00 each and all others are $5.00 each.

23rd Wedding Anniversary

Twenty-three years ago on a very hot summer's day, August 28, 1987, Evan and I were sealed in the St. George Temple. That time has flown by as we finished our education, had our family, transitioned with job and career changes, a few moves, in debt, out of debt, various church callings, death of loved ones, a major flood, a premature baby, and endured many challenges and celebrations along the way. It has definitely not always been easy, but through all of our life's lessons together, we have each grown individually and together. Our love seems to expand with each test of time. I am thankful we both set a goal in our youth to marry in the temple and to be selective in choosing our eternal companion. I'm grateful Evan was willing to serve a mission, for the way it helped him grow and mature in the gospel. His experiences have helped us in many ways. I'm thankful we were both raised by wonderful parents who provided the things we needed to become self-reliant adults, who taught us to serve others, to love the gospel and enjoy the blessings of eternal families.With all the busyness of school starting up this past two weeks, and one last trip to Davis, CA, we were able to get away for a night and a day to St. George. It was nice to be able to VISIT without distractions or interruptions, eat where WE like to eat, shop where WE like to shop and BROWSE as long as we wanted. Later, we met up with family at the annual Corn Fest in Enterprise for a BBQ. It was a great weekend! I hope the next 23 years are even better than the first! I love you Evan; you still make me grin!

First Day of School

The first day of school has come and gone once again. This year brings new changes for all three girls. Taylor is a Freshman, Abby in Middle School, and Whitney beginning her first year in Dixie's education program. It is an exciting time for everyone with new friends being made and new life experiences. I think they looked too cute...probably should have made them wear a brown paper bag over their heads!



As for me, I'm just pleased that I could get up early as I head out the door on the first day of school to face my little class of second graders! (Only 11 students this year!!) Unheard of, but awesome! Low stress for me this year! Woo-hoo! My theme once again is: "Camp Read-A-Lot"...I'm holding a newly recovered cushion for our reading bench! I love teaching! It's always exciting to see the kids' excitement on the first day of school!

Manti High School - Class of 1985

This past weekend was my 25th class reunion in Manti, UT. It seems that over the past several years I only get up that way for funerals, so it was nice to get reacquainted with old friends and classmates for a happy occasion. Evan wasn't able to get the time off work, therefore, Whitney was willing to accompany me. It was comic relief for both of us listening to stories (and the stories within the stories) that were revealed and/or confessed. This is approximately one-third of our graduating class.Doug Haymond & Kenneth Nielson.My highschool sweetheart...Dan Macfarlane. 25 years ago we said our goodbys at the airport as he left for his mission. Life is always full of surprises! My good friend, Julene. We grew up in the same ward together and have kept in touch through the years. She's also a teacher and lives in southern Utah. Julene is always good for a laugh!
LeeAnna & Doug Haymond.

(LeeAnna cheered with me and Doug was a close neighbor.)

Angie Larson, Paul Blad, Me, Brooks, Nielson
(Angie's parents owned the Cow Palace Lanes...bowling alley) Paul was my first grade school crush, and Brooks and I were nominated Biggest Flirts our Senior Year.
Paul, Roger, Brooks, & I all met up at McDonald's the next morning by surprise. Whitney & I were at the drive-up about to order when we heard this sexy, masculine voice coming from the speaker saying, "You can have anything you want, honey!" Out jumped Brooks and Paul from behind. We about wet our pants laughing so hard. We all visited for a few more hours. It was so fun hearing of their lives since high school and remembering fun childhood memories.Whitney had to hear all evening how much she looks like me. I think she is a much better version of myself. Road trips are always fun with Whitney along. She entertains and keeps me awake by playing, "Name that tune" with her I-pod. Good times!!I always loved being able to see this beautiful sight from nearly anywhere in the valley. We often went there for baptisms, firesides, and performed in the annual Mormon Miracle Pageant each summer. I always enjoy reading about the early pioneers that settled the Sanpete Valley and sacrificed so much to build this temple. The best event that took place here was in November 1989 when my parents were finally sealed for time and all eternity!

I feel so incredibly blessed to have been raised by great parents, to have lived so close to the beautiful Manti Temple, and to have been always surrounded by good friends who brought so much joy and laughter in my life during my childhood and teenaged years. When you grow up in a small rural town such as Ephraim, most of your classmates are with you from Kindergarten on up through your Senior year of high school.

Fun 24/7 at Lake Powell!

There's plenty to do at Lake Powell for the young, old, adventurous,and not-so-adventurous. Cliff jumping for the very brave and adventurous! Kirby watching Whit & Allie go down.

Swimming with cousins and sisters.

Looking pretty as always!

Uncle Aaron attempting to parasail!

Doing what he does best....driving his boat!

Sure glad his boat stills runs good!

Whitney browsing through pics with Korbin.

Chicka surfing!

Attempting to look as cute as our daughters; we're 'almost' pretty!

Naps are always nice!

Posing for more photos!

Grandpa Taz making faces at us since we're teasing him about getting in the water all the way up to his hips!

Styling hair!

Looking kinda cute with the new surf board!

Abby thinking and enjoying the gorgeous scenery!

Abby wakeboarding!

Whitney surfing!

Chicka wakeboarding!

Aunt Michelle taking pictures of everyone!

Abby, Jacey, Sydney & Taylor working on their tans!

Paige getting smarter with Sudoku.

Allie & Whitney enjoying the water after a couragous cliff jump!

Grandma Schimmy reading.

Uncle Bart gives us free medical advice for whatever ails us!

Taylor and Whitney in donut eating contest!

Skinny dippin' is the best. . . for the young and the old!

Uncles Kirby and Aaron planning the end of the world as we know it or something important like that!

Younger cousins chasing the balloon in a game of Balloon Roullette!

Gma Schimmy says, "Nat'l Dance Day cannot be ignored." After various dances, kids enjoyed a silly game of Ninja Attack!

Many of our camping neighbors enjoyed similiar water activities though with a lot of loud music and alcohol involved. I'm grateful this family knows how to have a good time without it; although some might think we were drinking if they observed us! Good times...good times!