POW WOW

NOW there is an APP for that..

2011-12-16T15:54:00.000-08:00

This is my Iphone :)

An early Christmas present that I LOVE!

Notice the APP on the top left corner, second row, first app. That is StudyStream!

There is now an app for your IPHONE so not only can you learn a language ANYWHERE - you can learn it in a fun way!

Get it here

StudyStream Iphone App

An Empire State of Mind..

2011-11-16T14:29:00.000-08:00

Justin and I had a great trip visiting Scott and Dayana in New York. They live in a great apartment in midtown and we were spoiled staying with them. We ate Crumbs cupcakes, dined at NYC restaurants, shopped til we dropped, and ate NY pizza again! We forgot how much we missed some of these things - all of these things. A great vacation without the kids.

It is HERE!

2011-11-16T08:58:00.001-08:00

Well...the program my brothers, Ryan and Scott, have been working on has LAUNCHED! It is awesome and you can tell they have worked really hard on it. Sign up - it is FREE. It is such a fun and great way to help you learn a language. Check it out!

www.studystre.am

Also, here is an instructional video for it...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjnlc7yCsmk&feature=share

Bumblebee Cheerleaders

2011-10-09T19:42:00.001-07:00

Madison and Anna attended a Bumblebee Cheer-leading camp this week. They finished the camp with a half time show at the football game. The weather was wet and cold but the girls had fun and showed of what they had learned.

Madison's Campaign Speech

2011-10-03T13:31:00.000-07:00

Madison's Campaign

2011-10-02T21:23:00.001-07:00

VOTE

FOR

MADISON

Madison decided on her own that she wanted to run for student body. Three kids would be chosen by writing an essay in each grade at her Elementary school. The Fourth Grader would be secretary, The Fifth Grader the Vice President and the Sixth Grader the President.

Madison worked hard on her essay and was ecstatic when it was chosen. She ran against two other kids in the Fourth Grade to be the student body secretary.

She campaigned hard. She talked to kids all week, handing out stickers and putting up posters. She worked hard on a speech and delivered her speech to her entire student body.

Her hard work paid off and SHE WON!

She is the FIRST Secretary to be at her elementary school.

PoWeR

2011-09-18T17:13:00.001-07:00

Today was a special day today for Andrew. In our church, turning 12 for boys is a BIG deal. Since this is our only and oldest boy - it was a VERY special day. Andrew received the priesthood. In order to receive the priesthood, he needs to be living specific standards and continue to live those standards.

He is growing up fast. I am proud of him for making correct choices and being such a good kid. We are truly blessed to have him in our family. He is kind, thoughtful, funny, dedicated, and smart.

His two little sisters love him to pieces and are lucky to have a kind BIG brother like Andrew. He looks after them and takes good care of them.

He is social and loves to hang with his buddies. Everyone loves Andrew and wants to be his friend because he is such a kind and thoughtful friend.

We are so blessed to have him in our family and be our son.

I hope he continues to be the kind of boy that he is as he progresses to becoming a man.

Of course, as his Mom, I would like to pause time and keep him from growing up.

12 year old PARTY

2011-09-18T16:54:00.000-07:00

Andrew wanted to have a few buddies over and go go-carting and mini golfing for his birthday party. After then fun, the boys came back to the house and had a night of playing the Wii and staying up late. He had a great time and it is wonderful that he has a good group of boys to hang out with.

Party like it's not your birthday

2011-09-08T21:34:00.000-07:00

or...party like it IS! Andrew is turning 12 next week and we have already kicked off the birthday festivities with a concert at the Idaho State Fair. We took the kids to Allstar Weekend.

First day of School

2011-09-08T21:21:00.000-07:00

The kids started their "First Day of School" a few weeks ago. However, with my returning to school at Idaho State University for another full semester. I forgot to take the actual "first day" photos. So these pictures were a week late. But, better late than never.....

Andrew is in middle school this year! He started 7th Grade and is growing up quickly.

Madison is in 4th Grade this year and loves her teacher so far. She applied to be the "teacher's helper"

Anna is in 1st Grade this year and has ALL her friends in her class with her. I just hope she learns something and doesn't just socialize all year. She is our little social butterfly.

2011-09-04T14:50:00.000-07:00

Cruise

2011-09-04T14:13:00.000-07:00

We went on a 3 day Cruise to Mexico with family. We all got babysitters for the kids and went with "Adults". We had a lot of fun eating, eating and more eating. We also played games and trivia. Listened to karaoke and trivia. Then, ate some more.

It was a great time spending time with family without kids. However, we did miss the kids and were happy to see them when we got home.

Andrew's State Golf Tournament

2011-09-04T14:06:00.001-07:00

In August, Andrew qualified for the State Golf Tournament in Boise, ID.

Justin and Andrew spend two days together in Boise while Andrew competed in the Tournament. They had a great time and Andrew did really well. Andrew really enjoys that they treat the junior golfers like professionals.

2011 IGAJ State Tournament (full group)

2011-08-11T17:18:00.000-07:00

Rafting

2011-08-03T21:50:00.000-07:00

We had the opportunity to head up to Palisades and raft down the river. Steve and Sharon are great guides and gave us a fantastic ride.

BFF

2011-08-03T21:47:00.001-07:00

I drove Madison to meet her "BFF" from New York to the middle of nowhere - Craters of the Moon. Her BFF's Mom then took Madison to Sun Valley with her family for 4 days. I will have to have Madison post her adventures but she had an amazing time and loved spending time with her good friend.

Oregon Trail Tournament

2011-08-03T21:41:00.000-07:00

Justin and Andrew went on a guys trip up to Soda Springs, ID for a Golf Tournament. They went fancy and stayed in a motel that was proud of their "no rat dropping" status. It beat out the only other motel in town, it sported a community bathroom. However they did enjoy a good breakfast at a local diner before the tournament began.

Andrew did well in his tournament and is now invited to the STATE golf tournament in BOISE.

Anna's Tournament

2011-08-03T21:37:00.000-07:00

Anna competed in a 6 hole short course golf tournament. She was so cute as she competed with her little buddy and was always asking "am I beating him?"

Family Reunion

2011-08-03T21:23:00.000-07:00

We headed up to "Uncle George's" Ranch for a Lovell Reunion. The kids enjoyed some water sliding, zip lining, and golf.

One-Shoe Andrew Trick Putt

2011-07-27T21:02:00.000-07:00

Andrew Golf Tournament video

2011-07-23T16:21:00.000-07:00

Hole 7 at Oregon Trail CC. Tough uphill par 3 with severe drop off on the right. Great shot right where he was aiming lands on the left edge of the green, stops, and then rolls off.

Justin's Birthday

2011-07-18T11:06:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Justin

Justin played in a Golf tournament on Saturday, and played some golf with the kids.

He is a great teacher with the kids. He is also teaching Madison how to play guitar. The kids and I are blessed to have him in our life.

No more books...for now.

2011-07-17T21:14:00.000-07:00

My first semester, and summer semester at Idaho State University is finally complete and I can enjoy the summer with my family. It was hard to go back but I feel a sense of accomplishment and relief to have on chunk of schooling done. I am happy with my grades (well...most of them) I worked hard. I got a letter from the ISU College of Business declaring that I made it on the Dean's List. That made me happy and excited to keep working toward my degree.

Now to finish updating the blog and enjoy the rest of summer before I hit the books again!

Anna turns 6

2011-07-17T18:21:00.000-07:00

July 8th 2011

Anna is 6

It is hard to believe my baby girl is getting so old. We love this little girl. She brings the Spunky into our life. She is funny, cute and fun to have around!

Anna talents are: Making people laugh and smile, friendly to everyone, she is a strong gymnast, and when she has her mind set to do something...she does it!

Happy Birthday Anna!

July 3rd and 4th

2011-07-17T18:08:00.000-07:00

Anna & Aubrey

at Special Dinner in Memory of Grandma Kristine Powell

On July 3rd we had special dinner down in Utah to remember Justin's Mom, Kristine. We had a special day to talk about her and remember how wonderful she is and how much we all love and miss her.

Then, we drove home for July 4th. I ran in the Firecracker 5K , Justin and Andrew golfed and then we spent time with family and enjoyed the Fireworks.

The kids spending time waiting for Fireworks by playing cards

Fireworks 2011

Andrew and Golf

2011-07-17T17:54:00.000-07:00

Andrew has been GOLFING up a STORM this year. He started the season with a trip to stay with Grandpa down in Utah for a week and attend the BYU golf camp. He cleaned up in the end of the camp tournament and was not happy with the prize choice of BYU gear...but he enjoyed the golf camp and spending time with Grandpa and Diane in Utah.

He also attended a two day golf tournament in Sun Valley, ID. It was a beautiful course! He did really well on a VERY difficult course.

He is still competing in tournaments all over Idaho in IGAJ. He has one more golf tournament to go this summer.

It has been really fun to watch him play. I am amazed at how well an eleven year old can play! He is very knowledgeable about the rules and the sport and has been watching golf on TV with Justin commenting on the players.

Sun Valley, Idaho

Madison turns 9

2011-07-17T17:41:00.000-07:00

June 20th, 2011

Madison had her 9th Birthday

Grandpa and Diane came up and took her to lunch to celebrate, as well as a birthday party at Blast Off.

She is getting so old.

Here are some of Madison's talents: Piano, singing, she is very smart, kind, she is currently trying to learn guitar and she is always as questions trying to learn as much as she can about EVERYTHING.

Happy Birthday Madison!

Madison Visits Nan

2011-07-17T17:33:00.000-07:00

I am slow on updating the blog...so get ready for a WHIRL of postings...

In JUNE 2011, Madison spent the week, alone, with her Grandma "Nan" in St. George, Utah. While she was visiting she learned to sew, cook, and work in an Optical Shop

She completed a beautiful quilt for her bed and pajamas. She got to see how an Optical Shop is run by going in to work with Nan, she learned how to make yummy dinners (her favorite was the "Olive Garden" salad), watched movies with Nan. She also learned how make chocolate chip cookies with Nana (her great grandmother). We really missed Madison that week but she had a great time one on one with her Nan.

Dirty Dash

2011-06-07T20:57:00.000-07:00

I blogged on my fitness blog about the fabulous DIRTY DASH. Go here for more pictures...

U2

2011-05-28T18:20:00.000-07:00

U2 @ Rice Eccles Stadium

May 24, 2011

We waited a long time to see U2 in concert. The concert was scheduled a year ago but was postponed because Bono needed back surgery. It was worth the wait! We waited in line and got to stand in the inner circle for a great view of "The Edge" and "Bono" in front of us.

The Fray opened for U2 and gave a very somber opening.

Justin met up with a friend from New York earlier in the day and golfed before waiting in line for the concert. It was fun to catch up with friends and enjoy a night of U2.

Andrew

2011-05-28T18:19:00.000-07:00

Andrew graduates 6th Grade and moves onto Middle School.

Anna

2011-05-28T18:16:00.001-07:00

My baby girl finished her first year of school and graduated Kindergarten - on the First grade for Anna.

5K Run for the CURE

2011-05-09T14:00:00.001-07:00

Justin and I went down to Salt Lake City to run in the "Run for the CURE - 5k" in honor of his Mom, Kristine. We met up with Justin's family, ran the 5K, and had a breakfast after.

Justin is not much of a fan of running, but given the cause, he was willing and happy to tackle the 5K. He did awesome! We ran it together and finished together. He even beat his training time!

Madison's first book

2011-05-08T18:55:00.001-07:00

Madison's Short Stories by Madison Louise Powell | Make Your Own Book

Madison gets Glasses!

2011-05-06T14:47:00.001-07:00

Madison got her first pair of glasses. It is a good thing her Nan owns and Optical Shop -

Dixie Optical - and picked out the perfect pair for her.

She is a little Fashionista!

Monster Recital

2011-05-01T13:59:00.000-07:00

Madison was part of a MONSTER piano recital this weekend. There were over 200 piano students and about 12 pianos on stage. Each piano would have 2-3 players during each song. Madison played 2 songs in 2 different duets. She did a GREAT JOB! It was also nice to have Grandpa and Diane come up to see her perform. Great Performance Madison!

1980s

2011-05-01T13:42:00.000-07:00

Justin & I attended a friend's 40th Birthday Party.

80s Style

Fourteen

2011-04-26T07:48:00.001-07:00

TODAY - We have been married 14 years.

3 amazing kids

Lived in 4 States together (Utah, Minnesota, New York & Idaho)

Happy Anniversary Justin!

I love you!

Easter

2011-04-25T19:47:00.000-07:00

We went down to Utah for the missionary homecoming talk by Grandpa Powell and Diane. It is great to have them home from Mongolia and to hear about their experiences Mongolia. We have all really missed them. The kids love to play with cousins and it has been fun to get together and spend time with family.

Happy Easter!

Prada

2011-04-05T21:59:00.000-07:00

I heard on the radio the other day that women realize they are becoming their mother at the age of 32.

My mom is one of the smartest and business savy women I know. She has designed, created and started her own Optical Shop, DIXIE OPTICAL in St. George, Utah. Sunday, She was on the front page of The Spectrum, the newspaper in St. George.

I am proud of my mom and happy to think I am becoming like her.

Here are some pictures of my PRADA sunglasses from Dixie Optical.

Welcome Home!

2011-04-05T13:55:00.000-07:00

Dad and Diane returned home from a mission in MONGOLIA!

We had a BIG family WELCOME HOME at the airport.

We are so happy to have them back.

Sunshine Spring Break

2011-04-05T13:51:00.000-07:00

After our visit to St. George we decided to go on a road trip a little further to get some warm sun. We ended up in Arizona. We got a great place with a pool, went shopping, played at parks, visited with friends, and the boys golfed.

The kids were great on the long drive. It was fun to take time off from school, work and spend time as a family.

St. George Spring Break

2011-04-05T13:49:00.000-07:00

We spent some time in St. George visiting "Nan". We baked cookies with our matching aprons (Thanks Dayanna!), went to the park, shopped and had a great time with family.

Madison Music Festival - "Feeling Happy"

2011-03-13T18:20:00.000-07:00

This is the other song Madison played at the Music Festival. "Feeling Happy" - She scored a 49/50.

We are so proud of Madison for all the practice she puts into the piano. It is fun to see her hard work paying off.

Great Job Madison!

Madison Music Festival - Waltz

2011-03-13T18:16:00.000-07:00

Madison has been playing the piano for less than a year. Her teacher asked her if she wanted to play in a Music Festival. She agreed, and has been working hard on her music.

She was judged by an actual judge and she did a fantastic job!

For the waltz she got 50/50...100%

This video is the waltz piece...a very difficult piece for a beginner - she did awesome!

gymWOW

2011-02-24T21:23:00.001-08:00

I have learned that there is nowhere for ISU students in Idaho Falls to get a good workout close to campus. So.. gymWOW is BACK! I plan to accommodate the students at ISU in Idaho Falls. Be a friend....LIKE IT on facebook

Broken

2011-01-30T16:08:00.000-08:00

Andrew was playing football with a bunch of his friends (his usual after school activity) and was hit from behind. We took him in for some X - rays and discovered he broke his collar bone. When he was 4 years old he broke the left side. This time it is the right collar bone. I guess he just wanted to be even on both sides. He was in a lot of pain the last few days but is slowly starting to feel better.

Brighton

2011-01-09T19:14:00.001-08:00

We drove to Utah this weekend and spent the day skiing at Brighton. Uncle Ryan joined us on or trip. The kids showed off their mad skiing skills as they went to the top of Brighton and took intermediate hills the whole way down.

Anna took her first "official" lesson and was put in Level 3. By the end of the lesson her instructor told me she was ready for Level 4 and the BIG hills. It is so much fun to have all the kids skiing. It makes for a great family day. We were also happy to have Uncle Ryan come from Japan and show us he still knows how to snowboard.

FaMilY

2011-01-04T21:50:00.000-08:00

We had Christmas part II. My Mom and Bruce came up and we had fun with them as well. The Uncles {Ryan & Michael} are still in town and we are having a GREAT time with all the family here.

I haven't even taken the tree down yet...I just want to make Christmas last a little longer.

My Mom got us all sunglasses from Dixie Optical

Blackboard

2010-12-31T14:22:00.000-08:00

The last day of 2010. Usually I make a big list of things I want to accomplish for the next year. But, this year I just want to accomplish/survive one thing. It is something the whole family will have to help me with. It is going back to school FULL-TIME. I have decided to attend Idaho State University this next semester and work toward my Business Management degree.

This will be a huge sacrifice for my whole family but they are willing to help. Anna is just happy that I am not "going away to college".

I brought back the BIG BLACKBOARD with all the family chores and schedules on it. It is a good way for the kids to remind me, Justin or themselves what events they have going on that day. It is also a way for the kids to see when I am "at school". The blackboard also has the chore chart on it as well, so there is no discussion as to who has "garbage" this week.

So that is the BIG goal this year. Return to school & the blackboard.

Happy New Year!

Newspaper

2010-12-29T20:51:00.000-08:00

Anna was in the Post Register Newspaper on Tuesday, December 28
She was interviewed in a segment for "Predictions for 2011....What kids are saying"
Her answers were listed under a picture of her.

"What was your favorite thing to do in 2010?"

Anna: Probably ride my bike.

"What are you looking forward to in 2011?"

Anna: I am going to Blast Off.

"What will you do at Blast Off?"

Anna: Play. I want to go in the ball pit.

"What hae you learned this year?"

Anna: How do to do somersautls. My mom taught me today.

"What do you hope to learn next year?"

Anna: I want to be able to do a back flip.

The FUN continues...

2010-12-28T18:53:00.001-08:00

The fun conitnues with....
Sledding, Rock Band, Just Dance, Foosball tournaments, Board Games, eating lots of food and staying up late.....Christmas Time with family!

It's CHRISTMAS time

2010-12-28T18:38:00.000-08:00

The Uncles (Ryan & Michael) made it just in time! They arrived Christmas Eve at 2am. Also, Granpa Rapp and Wendy made it earlier in the week. It was a fantastic CHRISTMAS with family.

Targhee

2010-12-05T18:44:00.001-08:00

Our kids are all now at the age were the WHOLE family can SKI together. Anna is still learning and is progressing well. However, she does not want to learn how to STOP or turn, she just wants to french fry and GO FAST!

Madison and Andrew are doing GREAT and went to the top of the mountain at TARGHEE.

It was a great family day. The weather was perfect, the snow amazing, and it wasn't too crowded. A FUN DAY!

Disneyland

2010-11-28T18:07:00.000-08:00

This week the kids had off school. So, we drove down to St. George (picked up Nan) and the next day drove to California for DISNEYLAND. We got to the park when it opened and were able to go on a ton of rides while the lines were short. Then, after lunch, the crowds came and the lines got really long!

We all had a fantastic time.

Anna's favorites: Soaring over California, It's a Small World, and dancing with the princesses.

Madison's favorites: Soaring over California, Indiana Jones and Pirates of the Caribbean

Andrew's favorites: California Dreaming Roller Coaster, Toy Story and Indiana Jones. Andrew especially like Indiana Jones because he was the driver of the 8 passenger car and when it stalled the whole car was egging him on the "get it started".

Lisa's favorite: Soaring over California and the California Dreaming Roller Coaster

Justin's favorite: Soaring over California

The kids were a perfect age for Disneyland and it was so much fun to spend time together as a family.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2010-10-31T10:48:00.000-07:00

This year Justin & I were BIKERS (we did wear a helmet when the bike was moving). Andrew, was a ninja for the school carnival and a football player for trick or treating. Madison was a sailor (she picked the costume out on her own), and Anna a duck (Anna picked her costume as well!)

Happy Halloween!

An Empire State of Mind

2010-10-21T16:28:00.000-07:00

The past weekend I had the opportunity to go back to NEW YORK. It was so much fun to hang out with my good friends again and experience the city (without kids!)

The Lifehouse Smoke & Mirrors Concert with Kris Allen. There is nothing like going to a concert in the city. The venue, the ambiance, the fans.

The Kips Bay House in New York City on the upper East Side. This brownstone was selling for 26 million and it was gorgeous. Each designer took a room in the house and decorated it according to their tastes. It was really neat to see what ideas they had for each room and I drooled over the outdoor patio on the roof...with a view of the Upper East Side. I would spend all day on that patio!

I had to stop at Juniors and get cheescake. It was just as delicious as I remembered it. I also got a cupcake from Crumbs. The BEST cupcake I have ever had! I ordered the RED VELVET and it was divine! However NYC has started putting calories on the menu and board everywhere....this is good information but I did NOT want to know that the cupcake I ordered had 500 calories in it. YIKES!
I also took a walk down my old Carroll Avenue. I miss this road. As I walked down the road I was reminded of all the stroller rides, bike rides and walks I took down this street with my kids. A trip down memory lane.
The old house. This house will always be our FIRST home. It is where I brought Anna home from the hospital. I got a little teary eyed just thinking about it.

It was such a great trip to visit with old friends, go shopping, attend a Broadway show, and just walk the streets of the BIG APPLE.

Justin was wonderful to take the kids and run the household while I was gone. Thank you so much!!

St. George Marathon

2010-10-11T11:41:00.000-07:00

I did it! I completed the St. George Marathon! It was a great race and I was happy to have my family there to cheer me on.

Family Photos

2010-10-08T13:08:00.000-07:00

We took our 2010 family photos on the ranch in St. George, Utah. A great place to take pictures!

Football Season

2010-10-08T12:56:00.000-07:00

Andrew's tackle football season comes to an end. He ended the year with a great play. He got his team a first down! It was really fun to watch him play. He worked hard at his practices and played hard at his games. What a great season Andrew!

Happy Birthday Andrew!

2010-09-16T16:32:00.000-07:00

It can't believe how fast these kids grow up. Andrew turned ELEVEN on September 13th. He has also started playing tackle football. It is fun and nerve racking for me to watch. He is doing a great job playing and can really tackle well! He is also SPEEDY! Andrew and I had a sprinting contest and he was WAY FASTER than me.

Happy Birthday ANDREW!!

First Day of School

2010-08-30T19:21:00.000-07:00

The kids had their FIRST day of School. Anna started half day kindergarten this year and was so excited to go to school with the "big" kids. Madison is in 3rd Grade this year. Andrew is the big kid in school this year - 6th Grade! He missed his first day of school because he had the flu. But, he let me get one picture of him in his school clothes. Hopefully tomorrow he feels better and can have his real "first" day of school.

Five For Fighting Performance

2010-08-26T13:52:00.001-07:00

As some of you may know...I am a huge FIVE for FIGHTING fan! So when I found out John Ondrasik was doing an acoustic performance in Salt Lake City. I was working on winning the tickets. The only way to go to the show....was to win the tickets. After facebooking, twittering, emailing my fingers off....I got the tickets!!
I had no idea it was going to be this FANTASTIC! It was a very small gathering (20 people) with drinks and appetizers. John came out and played some acoustic versions of his songs "Superman", "Slice", "100 years". He also took questions from the audience and met and talked with us after.

Extreme Makeover Home Edition

2010-08-26T13:45:00.000-07:00

The Extreme Makeover Home Edition came to Idaho and we had a chance to see the house just before they parked the bus in front to "move that bus!". There was lots of action going on while they were getting ready to reveal the house to the family. It was so neat to see all the volunteers working to help this family. We also so Jillian from "the bachelorette" and a few of the designers from the show. I can't wait for the episode to air so I can see the inside!

State Golf

2010-08-26T13:36:00.000-07:00

Andrew qualified for the STATE golf tournament. Justin and Andrew drove up to Lewiston for a the big event. They treat the junior golfers like they are adults...announcing their tee off. He did really well and shot a 51 both days. Great job Andrew!!

Minnesota 1/2 Marathon

2010-08-23T14:51:00.000-07:00

While I was in Minnesota I signed up to run a half marathon in St. Paul. Jordyn signed up and ran the 1/2 marathon skate. She rollerbladed the whole thing. It was so much fun to watch the rollerbladers! I finished with my best half marathon time.
1 hour 59 min. My goal was to finish it in under 2 hours...I barely did it! It was a hot and humid run but it rained the last hour and if felt great to have the rain cool me down. I am still training for the St. George Marathon in October so this was a good training run.

The longest drive EVER...

2010-08-23T14:23:00.000-07:00

That is what my kids called it. The kids and I decided (well, I decided...they didn't have a choice) to drive from here to Minnesota to spend a week on the lake with my Dad and brother's. Since Justin has to work he flew out there for the weekend and Jordyn helped me with the drive. It was an ADVENTURE! The first day we drove to Mount Rushmore. It was fun to see Mount Rushmore and it gave the kids a chance to stretch their legs.

We thought we could get a hotel on the way but because of a "STURGESS" weekend all hotels were booked. We stopped at the "Redwood Inn" at a small town between Mt. Rushmore and Wall, SD. Lets just say this "INN" was the only thing in this town. It reminded me of something you would see in a horror movie and the creepy guy running the front desk looked like the killer. I asked if they had a room and he said "yes..one." I asked if I could see it first. I have no idea why I even went in this place but I was worried we weren't going to get a place to sleep. So he gave me a key and told me it was across the street in the white house, second door on the right. I walked across the dark street and went into the house. It was a motel room with a hollow door and the room looked like it belonged in the same movie my imagination was taking me. As well, as no dead bolt on the door. It creeped me out and hurried out then an old man on a motorcycle told me "this is the best and only thing you will get". "NO THANKS!" I responded and gave the inn keeper the key back, jumped in the car, and got OUT of that town as fast as a could! We then drove another 45 min to Wall, SD. Same problem...no hotels with rooms! We found another "INN" ran by a grandma and grandpa but there were 3 people waiting for rooms and NO rooms left. The lady said to drive down the street and the "cabins" should have availability. I was getting worried! We drove down the street and found another "inn" with florescent green lights around every "cabin". This one was also ran by an older couple...so I felt a little better. I got a "non-smoking" room with enough space for all of us. We checked into our "cabin" and found the decor was very ......old. But, we were tired. We all got sleep that night and I learned to make reservations for hotel rooms in ADVANCED! The next day we checked out the famous "Wall Drug" in South Dakota and drove the rest of the way to Minnesota.Our "green light" Inn

Minnesota Lake Fun

2010-08-23T14:10:00.001-07:00

This summer we went on an adventure to my homeland, Lakeville, MN. My Dad lives on Lake Marion and we had a ton of fun on the lake. We went on the catamaran, waterskiied, wakeboarded, tubed behind the boat, kayaked, and swam.
The kids loved tubing behind the boat. Anna was our dare devil and would hold the "thumbs up" position so she could go "faster". At night, we enjoyed a fire by the lake and made Smores.

Now who wouldn't want this as a backyard?

Blue Angels

2010-08-01T21:40:00.001-07:00

The BLUE ANGELS came into town. The whole family enjoyed the JETS and the impressive skills of the pilots.

Anna turns 5!

2010-07-18T20:13:00.000-07:00

Anna celebrated her 5th Birthday - Spongebob Style! It is hard to believe my baby girl is FIVE already and going to start Kindergarten this year. Wow time flies! Anna is the spunky, fun loving, comic relief in our family. She loves everyone and can be friends with anyone.

Happy Birthday Anna bannana ~ We love you!

Hazard Creek Golf Tournament

2010-07-15T16:13:00.000-07:00

Andrew and Madison had a golf tournament at Hazard Creek this week. Andrew did a great job and got first place! Madison had a fun time with her group of girls. The weather was beautiful but a bit windy (ok...really windy) but, that didn't stop Andrew....he got a GREAT score!

Madison's Baptism

2010-07-04T19:02:00.001-07:00

Madison had her Baptism this weekend on her Grandmother's birthday ~ July 3rd. She played a piano piece "I like to look for Rainbows" in a duet with her piano teacher. It was a beautiful day to watch Madison get Baptized and Confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints by her Father. She is a special sweet little girl and we are so proud of her to make the choice to be Baptized. We love you Madison!

Lasik

2010-06-25T13:55:00.000-07:00

My eyeballs look like they have gone to war....but I CAN SEE CLEARLY!!! I love that I can participate in all the sports that I love and won't have to worry about glasses or contacts getting in the way. I can't believe I am posting this picture of my eyes...but...here they are....they look sore (and I can't wear make-up for 1 week!) but they are working better than ever!

Montpelier Golf Tournament

2010-06-25T13:43:00.000-07:00

This week we went to Montpelier for Andrew and Madison's golf tournament. Nan came along to watch the kids compete. Andrew got 2nd Place and Madison got 2nd Place (and her best score yet!)

Happy Birthday Madison!

2010-06-23T16:00:00.000-07:00

Madison turned 8! We had a fun family day (Nan came up from St. George) and enjoyed a beautiful day at Lava Hot Springs. It is hard to believe my little girl is 8! I am so blessed to have such a wonderful little girl. She is caring, smart, talented and beautiful. She is a joy to have in our family.

Happy 8th Birthday Madison!

Golf Tournament

2010-06-18T17:31:00.001-07:00

Andrew and Madison had a golf tournament this week in American Falls. The weather was beautiful and the kids had a great time. Andrew got First place and had his best score yet. Madison got Second place and continues to improve on her golf game. Way to go Andrew & Madi!

Back to Glasses

2010-05-21T19:23:00.000-07:00

Last week I went in for my Lasik screening and was told that my contact lenses are causing warpage to my eyes. They asked me to wear my glasses for 2 weeks before doing the tests again. Well...my glasses were 6 years old and the wrong prescription. My wonderful mother came to my rescue. She recently opened her own OPTICAL SHOP in St. George, Utah. She rescued me from my old glasses and hooked me up with some fabulous BEBE glasses. She also hooked Justin up with a few pairs of RAY BAN sunglasses. If your ever in St. George and looking for a pair of glasses DIXIE OPTICAL is the place to go and my mom is the one to talk too. THANKS MOM!

Become a fan of DIXIE OPTICAL on FACEBOOK

Madison's Choir Concert

2010-05-15T15:04:00.000-07:00

Madison has been singing in a youth choir. She LOVES to sing! It was fun to see her shine and do what she loves at the choir concert.

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-08T11:58:00.000-07:00

Piano Recital

2010-04-30T09:34:00.000-07:00

Madison had her first piano recital. She has been taking piano lessons for a few months. She LOVES her teacher and LOVES to play. However, she would rather be playing Disney Songs then her recital music and told her teacher "After the recital, do I ever have to play my song again?"

She learned the song "Sea Song" and had it memorized. She played her piece perfectly.

Music Wednesday...VOTE!

2010-04-14T14:44:00.000-07:00

I need all my blogger friends (and tell your blogger friends) to VOTE for my brother in law's band BURNING OLYMPUS.

Go here to VOTE. (only 1 vote for computer) *it only take one second and EVERY VOTE COUNTS!

If his band wins he plays at the Battle of Bands in Idaho and if he wins that...TARGHEE FEST!

GO DEVIN!!

REAL Soccer

2010-04-11T15:01:00.000-07:00

Andrew and I attended the REAL vs SEATTLE soccer game in Salt Lake yesterday. The game was sold out and A LOT of FUN! The game ended in a TIE (2, 2) and all fans went home HAPPY!

Follow The Prophet

2010-04-04T20:34:00.001-07:00

This weekend we had the opportunity to not only celebrate Easter and the resurrection of Jesus Christ but to listen to the words of our prophet, Thomas S. Monson. I always love General Conference.

While we were in St. George this week my Mom recalled this happening.....

Maddie was moving her player through a game on the Wii, with Andrew giving her pointers and Anna cheering them on. Andrew advised Maddie, "just follow that red guy", and Anna pipes up "no, Follow the Prophet."

Spring Break part 2

2010-04-01T17:01:00.001-07:00

Spring Break

2010-03-30T18:50:00.001-07:00

The kids are out of school for a week. So, we took a trip to St. George to enjoy a visit with Nan & Bruce, sunshine, golf, biking, swimming, four wheeling and an easter egg hunt on the ranch. It is nice to get out of the cold and have fun with family.

Music Wednesday

2010-03-24T11:29:00.000-07:00

My mom and I saw the chick flick "Dear John". I love any sappy Nicholas Sparks book. The movie was enjoyable and was just as good as his other love stories turned into movies like "The Notebook". I really enjoyed this song from the trailer of the movie "Dear John". I started to listen to more of Joshua Radin's music and really like it. Schuyler Fisk also has a beautiful voice. The two of them in the song PAPER WEIGHT is beautiful and my new favorite download.

MsScreensiren

2010-03-23T21:05:00.000-07:00

My really good friend, Rachel, from New York has started a great new blog. She is an expert in the entertainment biz. If you need a good movie recommendation or review...she is your gal! I miss having Rachel around to go to "chick flicks" ...well, I just miss having her around for everything!

Her BLOG is EXCELLENT. This week she interviews Joshua Bitton from the HBO series "THE PACIFIC". It is worth checking out!

Thunder! Thunder!

2010-03-19T15:20:00.001-07:00

The Pinewood Derby for Cub Scouts was this week. Andrew (and Dad) worked hard on the derby car for the big event. Andrew's car "BLACK THUNDER" roared down the track.

2 Front Teeth

2010-03-06T12:50:00.001-08:00

Madison lost her two front teeth this week. She is getting so old. She has also been taking piano lessons and is LOVING it!

I also took a Photography Class at BYU-I....so there will be more pictures on the blog as I practice my skills (and hopefully they will improve)

Happy Birthday Mom!

2010-03-01T14:41:00.001-08:00

Andrew & Madison at "Nan's" birthday dinner.

I met LA GALAXY players in Scottsdale.

I got to spend a week with my Mom on her birthday. First, we spent a day in Salt Lake City with the kids. Then, the next day, my Mom and I went on a "girls trip" to Arizona. We flew stand by and it wasn't easy to get there...but we got there! We had fun shopping and eating. It was fun to have some time with my Mom and explore Scottsdale. We ended up staying an extra day longer because we were flying stand by. But, thanks to good friends and a great husband, everything was fine at home. After we got back to UT. We drove home and my Mom stayed the rest of the week. The kids had a great time playing with "Nan" and it was fun to celebrate her birthday with her.

Happy Birthday MOM! Thanks for a FUN trip!

Billy Joel & Elton John

2010-02-23T15:40:00.001-08:00

Justin and I went to the Billy Joel and Elton John Concert in Salt Lake City. It was one of those concerts that I thought...oh yeah...I know this song!

"We Didn't Start the Fire" by Billy Joel brought memories of 7th grade History class when Mr. Schlink made us memorize all the words in an effort to learn history. It is amazing how much you remember when things are put to music.

Although I thought the quality of the performance were not great. If I didn't know the words to the songs...I wouldn't have known what they were singing.

It was a fun night and fun to hear all the songs that we would listen to when we were younger.

Basketball is Back

2010-02-17T12:01:00.001-08:00

Andrew is back to playing basketball. He is now playing with the "older" kids and he is doing really well. It is so fun to watch him play.

Music Wednesday

2010-02-17T10:54:00.000-08:00

Today is a cloudy gloomy day and it has been one of those weeks thus far that have just not gone according to plan. So this song by Mika seemed fitting.

I have always enjoyed music from Mika. "Blame It On the Girls", "Love Today" and "Grace Kelly" are his more popular hits and the electric flair to his music leaves me wanting more.

"Rain" is perfectly suited for "when it rains and rains". Sometimes you need music to get you through those UGH days. We all have them. So sing it out and it will make you feel better! It will eventually stop raining and the sun will come out.

Music Wednesday

2010-02-10T15:16:00.000-08:00

It has been a long time since I have posted a "MUSIC WEDNESDAY" post. Mainly because I haven't been "hooked" on any particular music lately....nothing really jumped out at me as blog worthy. Until.....

White Sky by Vampire Weekend

I love it! I listened to this song over and over as I ran in Hawaii. Now when I listen to it....I can close my eyes and pretend I am running along the beautiful Kauai coastline...and it makes me happy.

Home

2010-02-08T21:00:00.001-08:00

We made it back home to the kids. I did miss them after one week. They were well taken care of, thanks to Jake and Jana. The kids are now begging for us to take them with us next time.

Hawaii Trip: Day 6

2010-02-08T20:47:00.000-08:00

This was the day we had to go home. But, before we left the paradise island we went down to Poipu Beach at the South end of Kauai. We snorkled and saw fish in all colors of the rainbow. We also saw a Monk Seal laying on the beach. Then, after a great meal at the Wahoo restaurant we took off to the airport.

Hawaii Trip: Day 5

2010-02-08T19:55:00.001-08:00

On the fifth day we went back to Hanalei Bay and surfed again. The waves were a bit larger and Justin got really good at getting at riding the bigger waves. Then, we explored some of the East coast beaches.

Later that night we went to a Hawaiian Luau and the Hyatt. The buffet of delicious Hawaiin food, music, dancing, and I even got my ankle tattooed (with crayon) by one of the entertainers. The food and entertainment was a great time!

Hawaii Trip: Day 4

2010-02-08T19:31:00.001-08:00

On our fourth day in Kauai, Hawaii. We went on a kayak and hiking tour. We first kayaked down the Wailua River for 2 miles. Then, we hiked the beautiful tropical rainforest for 1 mile to a secret waterfall. Then, we got to swim under the waterfall and enjoy a lunch. Then, we hiked and kayaked back. The scenery was just like LOST or JURASSIC PARK. It was BEAUTIFUL!

Later that night we ate dinner and did some shopping up at the North Shore in the Hanalei Bay area.

Hawaii Trip: Day 3

2010-02-08T15:33:00.001-08:00

The Third day we went as far WEST as the roads would allow and discovered the Kekaha Beach. This beach was huge and long and mostly empty. The current was rough and the waves got high here. I went for a run along the sandy shoreline. We also watched some surfers and fisherman. We had a nice relaxing day on the beach (we were sore from surfing the day before) and toured the west end of the island. We ate lunch at a Shrimp place and had some fantastic Coconut Shrimp.

Hawaii Trip: Day 2

2010-02-08T14:49:00.001-08:00

The Second Day we had Surf lessons at Hanalei Bay. The beach is gorgeous and perfect to learn to Surf with lots of sand, shallow waters and safe waves. The beach is located on the North end of the Island and surrounded by green mountains. It was a perfect day for a lesson! Justin and I were both able to get up on the surfboard and ride a waves. We even rode a wave at the same time together! We had a GREAT time!

After surfing we cruised Northward to the end of the road to the Na Pali Shore. It was rainforest and a lush green mountain backdrop to the aqua blue waters and white sand. A Beautiful area to explore.

We discovered a light house on the North Shore as well. Located in the Princeville area.