A Night Under the Stars

Try not to die of shock, but I actually have some blog worthy events to report. And so after you pick yourself up off the floor, you can check out these pictures.

First of all, remember this picture from three years ago? Yes those were some scary times. I was looking through some old photos and even reading some old blog posts, and well that was certainly a memorable time in my life. I am so happy that I recorded so much of the details and can go back and read them. Go figure I had managed to forget about the blood clot scare after the hip replacement surgery. Good, good times people, NOT. But it made me realize how much I take for granted how healthy Jared has become.

Yes we have come along way from hospital beds to this fine looking specimen of a young man:

It is almost inconceivable to think how worried I was that a day like today would never happen. Perhaps there is something to that whole opposition thing. In that when you get what you never thought would happen, does it make it seem all the sweeter? I don't know, but today was a day I had always hoped and dreamed would become a reality. And I am extremely grateful that we both lived to see such a happy event as a Mormon Formal.

Here he is waiting for the bedecking of the flowers.

I think wrist corsages are the only way to go. Really avoids some awkward moments.

And it was a two person job to get his boutonniere pinned in place. Finally his date's mom managed to get it on there.

And here is the happy couple. Check out her dress? Isn't it gorgeous? She really wanted purple and found this perfect dress at the dress exchange. Can I just tell you about the pressure of choosing a vest at the tux shop? Gosh I am so relieved that it actually went well together. Mother blunder averted. Whew!

And a closer up one where you can see their adorable faces. Their group had planned to go to a park and take pictures, but the weather decided that it was still winter and it was cold and windy and then it rained cats and dogs, so they had to go to plan B which was the public library.There is an art gallery at the public library which included this rather interesting colorful cow.

Now who doesn't need their picture taken with a cow like that?Because the light was so bad inside, they did brave the rain and go out for one quick shot, umbrellas and all.

Jared and Bailey had left their umbrella in the car, you can see the rain drops on her dress but it dried soon enough. They are standing next to their good friends Tori and Tanner.

This is the group shot of all the kids from our ward. Eighteen in all, quite a large group.Nice face Jared, way to stand out in a crowd.

Here are Tanner, Tori, Jake, Katie, Jared, and Bailey.

Here Jared is showing just how thrilled he was to have his mother come to the picture taking ceremony. As if there was really any other way it would turn out. Has he met me?

And here is a little bit better one, I took with my own trusty arms length method. Too bad I was so busy getting him ready to be able to put any make up on myself.

You can imagine my disappointment (and Jared's relief) that I wasn't needed as a chaperon so I had to come home after the pictures. I would have loved to tag along for the whole evening. Not a popular idea with my kid.

All in all it seemed very successful. It is his first big dance and I am glad that he got to join his friends for one last hurrah before they all graduate and go their separate ways. He has been very fortunate to have such a great group of friends. Most of them all played soccer together throughout middle school and then there have been scout camps and just generally lots of fun times together through the years.

Goodnight kids,

Have fun storming the castle!

A post of a bunch of picturs of Christmas decorations. And a few of people.

I decided to get one more post in before the New Year.  Boy my posting has really dropped off the charts this year.  I think it is due to working so much more.  It is OK I can live with it.  Perhaps I will post more next year.  Who knows?  I decorated my house mid November because I was so excited about all the new decorations I have acquired from work.  I think one of the best things was a new 9 foot tree.  This one I got from a company who works across from RAZ.  They just needed it out of the building, and it was free for the taking.  It is really one of the most beautiful trees I have ever seen, and one I could only dream of owning.
 

 Here is a closer up shot.  Most of the ornaments on it came from RAZ.  Diana says it is very sad that we don't have all the old ornaments we are used to seeing, but I loved having it all be so cohesive.

 Here are a few of my nativities.  I loved the taller one of just Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus. 

 I got this nativity from a company next to Raz who were selling their samples.  I love it, and I saw the very same one for sale at Deseret Book for quite a bit more than I paid.

I loved this tall upright nativity, and it fit just right on my little table with my missionary picture.

 My niece Brooke came to visit us for Christmas vacation.  She had so much fun with Jared and Diana.  Here are Brooke and Diana in their new pajamas on Christmas Eve.

 Jared is a giant compared to these two girls.

 Diana hoping for Santa to come.

 The girls strike a pose.

 Brooke looking good on Christmas Eve.

 Jared's soccer shirt looks pretty appropriate for the season.

 Here is my Santa corner.  Last year there were just two Santas here, but they have multiplied.

 How funny is this moose?  I love him.  Another favorite addition to the decor this year.

 This is the tree for the family room.  It has more of the traditional decorations, but still we didn't get everything on the tree.

 This Santa was the perfect tree topper.

 Here is the collection for the top of the TV.

 And here are the snowmen, with one Santa thrown in for good measure.

 Diana wore these antlers to school for crazy hat day, and then they seemed to fit just right on this Santa.

 I loved how all these red things looked so nice on my white shelf.

 This moose is swooning from all of the festivities.

 Someone was a bit excited about her Itunes cards.

 And finally, even though she is practically the last one to get a Wii, she finally got her heart's desires.

 And, YES Just Dance.  This game has to be the most fun and has been played almost non stop.

 Brooke got some perfume.  Jared isn't that impressed.

 And here is a shot of my Mother-in-law who is serving in Nauvoo.  She is the blond angel on the front row with short hair.  I found this picture on Meridian Magazine.  Kind of cool.

 And finally a shot of my missionary at the mission Christmas devotional.  He is hamming it up for the camera.  Nice, huh.  We had a very nice visit with him on the phone on Christmas day.

I have to say that I am very impressed with how blogger had made it so much easier to put pictures on a blog post.  Who knew?  Not me as I haven't posted in forever.  I hope all of you made it through the season.  I am going to be working non stop for the month of January, but perhaps in February I will be back.  Maybe.  I am not making an promises.  OK.  So don't hold your breath. 

Sweet Sixteen

Happy Birthday Jared!



It seems like just yesterday you
were this sweet baby.


Or this irresistibly adorable three year old.

Where did all those years go?



I am certainly grateful
these days are over.

Glad sixteen looks to be
so much better than
fourteen was.

Trip to Seattle back in October 2010 (oops I meant 2009, I do not have a time machine in the form of a Dalorean)

I stumbled across this unposted post in my draft box. Since I am trying to catch up over the past few months, I might as well publish it.

Last October Jared and I flew to Seattle so he could get his patriarchal blessing from my Dad, who is a patriarch there. I was an incredibly fast trip, we were only there for 32 hours, but it was wonderful and something worth noting.

Here is Jared with his grandpa. It is very special to be able to get your blessing from your Grandpa. I hope he realizes how lucky he is.



And here is the shot of him with Grandpa and Grandma.



And one with me as well.




Here he is with his good friend and cousin, Michael. There are just six months apart and sad that they don't live closer. But they have a great time when they do get to be together.

Brandon jumped in on this picture. Jared and Brandon have always been great friends. I think that maybe the fact that they both have older brothers has helped them bond together. They always have fun together as well.


And here Laura joined in for one big group shot.

It was a great to visit my parents one on one. In a large family that doesn't happen very often. It was also wonderful to see my sister and her kids. All in all it was a wonderful weekend and Jared received a beautiful blessing. And yes, it was worth missing attending the BYU/UNLV game here in Vegas.