And they're off!

Hard to believe, but summer break is officially over! The kids all headed back to school on Wednesday. Luckily, so far, they like their classes and teachers. Already we are full swing into homework and activities. Busy, busy, busy! Here are the traditional first day of school photos.

Amaya, 10th grade

Bryce, 8th grade

Amaya trying to pose and show off her whole outfit.

Jayson, 6th grade

Kyla, 3rd grade

Jayson and Kyla

And now a word from our sponsor...

Participation fee:  $45

Spandex:  $15

Knee pads:  $15

Sweats:  $70

Shoes:  $70

Equipment bag: $35

Socks:  $10

Game day t-shirt:  $15

Practice t-shirt:   $15

Numerous camps leading to this point:  $$$$$$$

The look on Amaya's face when she found out she made the Sophomore volleyball team:   PRICELESS!!!!

(This was not the priceless look, it is just a tired reenactment)

CONGRATULATIONS AMAYA!  We love you and are so proud of you!

Oh the shame!

Oh, the shame of it all! Jack was forced to wear the CONE OF SHAME this week, and it was hilarious and sad at the same time.

Back up to about 1 week ago. I was going to bed one night at about midnight. Jared was downstairs doing whatever he does down there until the wee hours of the morning, so I couldn't use him as back up when my non-surround sound hearing heard a cat fight. Usually Jack is in the backyard, so I checked there first. Nothing. Then I check the front. Nothing. Then I went to bed. About 2 days later, we noticed that Jack had a big scab on his nose and a smaller one above his eye. A day later, his nose was swollen some, but we decided to just watch it. Sunday after church, Kyla noticed something purplish dried up by the scab on his nose. I decided it needed to be cleaned with a little hydrogen peroxide, which led to a whole lot of pus draining out. Thus, a trip to the vet for antibiotics... so I thought. I took him in Monday afternoon, thinking we would be able to get the drugs and leave. No such luck. Anesthesia, surgery to drain the abscesses, 2 penrose drains, and a night in the hospital later... THE CONE OF SHAME!!!!
Poor Jack has looked so sad.  We feel bad for him, but we just can't help laughing as he walks around bumping his cone into everything.  The chairs, table, doors, walls...  The funniest thing, however, was when he decided to get a drink... from the toilet.  He got stuck.  He kept trying to pull his head out, but he was too close to the seat, so he would lift up... bonk... try again... bonk... again... bonk... over and over again until we quit laughing long enough to help him out.  We only wish we could have been thinking enough to grab the camera.  Here is one more picture of the poor kitty with the drains.

Don't worry. Jack is on the mend. He got his drains out today and no longer has to wear the CONE OF SHAME.

Jayson Hits A Walk-Off

Jayson had the baseball highlight of his life tonight with a walk-off game winning hit in the city tournament championship game. Here's the pressure situation he found himself in:

Jayson's team, the Marlins, was playing their nemesis the Dodgers (both teams undefeated except against each other) for the championship of the Salem tournament. It was a close game with good pitching and defense, with the Marlins leading 2-1 going into the last inning. The Dodgers, the visiting team, scored one on an error in the top half of the inning to tie the game.

The Marlins were playing one player short and had to take an automatic out each time their 9th slot came up in the order. Jayson, batting in the 8th slot, came up with runners on second and third with two out.

Because of the automatic out, Jayson would be the last Marlins batter of the inning and so it was up to him to get the winning run in. If Jayson got out OR walked, the inning would be over because the spot after him was the automatic third out. (The other team could have intentionally walked him and ended the inning, but decided to be good sports and pitch to him straight up).

The count went to full, so the intensity level was high in the bleachers. Jayson's coach told him he COULD NOT walk, he had to hit the next pitch no matter how good or bad. Under this kind of pressure, Jayson got a difficult low outside pitch and smacked a sharp grounder that made it through between first and second, scoring the winning run.

Jayson got a big cheer from his teammates and everyone said "JAYSON" instead of "CHEESE" as they posed for the photo op with their medals. It was a pretty proud parent moment. We're saving the game ball.

Let's Go!

Get in, sit down, buckle up and get ready for the ride of your life!  Amaya is on the road!  I can hardly believe it myself, but it is true... she is old enough and yesterday she passed the test, earning her learner's permit.  She is very excited to finally be able to drive like all of her friends have been able to do for a while now.  Just watch for more gray hairs to be appearing on my head soon!  

16 Years!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

 Sixteen years ago we were married for time and all eternity in the Manti, Utah temple! The time has really flown by, yet it seems as if we have always been together!  It has been a very busy, adventure packed 16 years.   We look so young, skinny and hairy in these pictures (okay, the hairy only refers to Jared).  
Anyway, I am so thankful for this wonderful husband that my Heavenly Father blessed me with.  He is a good father to our 4 beautiful children.  He works hard and long hours to provide for us.  He is a worthy priesthood holder and blesses our family with that priesthood.  He fulfills his calling and loves it (I am occasionally jealous of all the fun things he gets to do).  He loves me with my flaws, shortcomings, annoyances and all... and I love him with his!  Thank you Jared for all you do for me and our family.  I love you very much and look forward to many, many more years of happiness with you!

"I'm 15 for a moment"

Fifteen years ago today, I became a mother!  It is hard to believe she has grown so fast!  My petite little 9 lb. 1 oz baby is all grown up!  Happy Birthday Amaya!  Amaya is a joy to have in our family.  She is helpful, responsible, funny, kind, talkative, and just fun to be around!  She is a very good student (4.0) and very talented.  She is becoming quite the seamstress and is also becoming quite adventurous.  She got a wetsuit for her birthday and immediately asked if she gets to take scuba lessons now.  I didn't expect that one!  Anyway, we love her very much and are very proud of her and all she does!  Here are a couple of pictures from the party!  
(This was her imitation of Barbie in a wetsuit... notice the new wedge shoes!)

(New bedding... she is doing a bedroom makeover as part of her personal progress!)
Happy Birthday!  We love you!!!