We're Still Alive, I Promise. ANNOTATED

Brooke here! The reason my mom hasn't posted in almost a year is because she's too awesome for her own good. (She's too kind. The reason I haven't posted in almost a year is because I'm good at making up excuses not to post, like I don't have good pictures of what I want to blog about, or just plain procrastination.) The family is in a perpetual state of motion--they start before dawn and work/school/practice/perform/host/teach/help/serve/etc until they drop well into the night.(This is pretty much true. But whose family isn't busy?)So here's a quick update of what everyone's up to. (As far as I can tell, anyway. They don't call me anymore. (We do too call, just not as often as she'd like.))

Dallin has most of his college applications in and is auditioning for North Texas University today.(He did great! Chris and I sneaked into the foyer where we could hear after he'd gone into the audition room and were soooo proud of our French horn playing son! Turns out his auditioner (is that a word?) knew one of Chris's music professors at BYU.)  He survived the craziest semester imaginable and otherwise laughs in the face of stress. He was brass captain of the Regiment this year and he and John both marched in the Rose Parade this year. (We went to see it live-my first time ever- and it was awesome!)

John is still obsessed with band and plays first alto in the Stage Band. (He's auditioning on Tuesday for Wind Symphony, so he plays classical, too. Although he really prefers jazz.) He has great teachers (I would know, I had half of them at his age) and is otherwise awesome.

Jared is a...blue(?) (nope. green) belt in karate now and returned to public school this year. He's a sixth grader and clearly the smartest kid in his class. (True. But he's humble about it. He made the million word club, and has a goal to read 3 million words by the end of the school year.)

Noah is also at the public school and is probably the most well-spoken third grader in the country. (Well, maybe not the entire country, but he's not shy to talk to anyone about pretty much anything.) His AYSO team made the playoffs (will this season ever end they win?) and he can talk soccer all day long (as long as you don't bring up famous teams or players).

My parents are still working hard at their callings (Dad's in the bishopric and Mom's YW President) and manage to get everyone where they need to be on time. They still look too young to be married for almost 21 years.(Has it only been 21 years? It seems like forever- and I mean that in a good way!)

That's all I can think of for now, and Mom can fill in the rest. (Thanks for updating, Brooke! Feel free to continue, and I'll edit where necessary:)

Family Photos

Check out our new family photo up above!!! So every year for the last 6 or 7 years, we have had our family picture taken by our dear friend, Jill. Every year, she's done a fantastic job with our crazy clan. I mean, she's the ONLY one who can get my boys to show their teeth when they smile (as evidenced by their individual photos, which I'll post later), and she lets us all be our silly selves, which I LOVE, because it comes out in the photos. With Jill's direction, you can see that we went for a brighter, more 'suburban' photo this year, and I love the look!! If you live in the Mesa, AZ area or So Cal, (or maybe other places, too) and you need new family pictures, or a wedding photographer, or photos for just about anything, Jill's your gal. Check out more of  her work here. It's amazing to look back and see how much we all have changed. . .except for Chris. . .he never seems to age, lucky guy!

2006

 

2007

  

2008

2009

New year and random thoughts

I know it's been a long time since I've posted anything. My motivation is still lost, but I figure the best way to find it again is just to post something. And, I haven't forgotten about the ideas posted here. I'll get to each of those eventually, too. Today, though, my thoughts are about random things. . .like strawberry kiwi jello, good friends, wii fit, and cleaning the garage. It's a new year, which for most means resolutions. I've resolved not to make any this year, however. Instead, I'm just going to enjoy life more. Things like strawberry kiwi jello, good friends, wii fit, and yes, even cleaning the garage.

Happy Thanksgiving

We have a chalkboard up on our entry way wall that a dear friend of mine made for us last Christmas. It has served as a schedule reminder and message board, a doodle spot, and today, it says, "Give Thanks." So, here is what everyone is thankful for just this minute:

Dallin: "Life." (as he finished off the last of the Life cereal)
Jared: "Computers." (As he finished playing a game before heading out to the backyard to move rocks.)
Noah: "Water." ("I'm going to be working in the backyard and I'm going to get thirsty.")
Chris: "Employment." ("Even though I'm not working this week."- but he really is- in the backyard, anyway)
John: "A house to live in." (As he reluctantly went outside to help move rocks.)
Brooke: "Hot water."  (I asked her as she was getting out of the shower.)

I am thankful for a lot of things this minute- the ability to move my hands, to see, and to think. I'm also grateful for a husband and children who are funny, hard working, and a lot of fun to be around. And, I'm so blessed to have friends and extended family who love and care for all of us. You are wonderful!!