Garry Family

Itchin'

2012-01-23T21:10:00.000-06:00

I don't know if it's because we have been here in O Fallon for 4 years or if our last vacation was a year ago or if it's because my new job is boring (in a good not stressed out never cry at work kind of way), but I have an itch. I am getting jumpy. I need to get out of here lol. Michelle is due next month I might have to plan a quick trip to TX. Jen and I have been discussing doing something with the family this summer. Plus I am craving a cruise big time. Ahhhhh a beach! I need to plan something quick to give me something to look forward to!

Quick update

2011-12-18T20:08:00.000-06:00

I last posted in July after we went to TX to visit the fam. That was fun. Joe redid the basement while we were gone. That's the best way to do a remodel! After we got home a lot of things happened. I realized I hated my job and I missed my kids soooo I quit my job at Children's Place in September and started working for PNC Bank. I love my job! I am home every night and I am off every Sunday and all holidays! The Sunday thing worked out great cause Joe and I got called to co teach the 12-13 yr old Sunday School class which I just love. It's Alison's class!
Here we are one week til Christmas. Tree is up (in fact 2 trees are up) gifts are bought wrapped and under the tree. We are on top of stuff this year! I even got Christmas cards set! We are doing well. The kids are happy and healthy. We are in a lull between sports and Alisons plays. That's fine by me. Less running around after work and school. We are planning on making 2012 our readiness preparedness year. Our goal is to have our year supply of food and our house in order. That's the goal!

Cousins

2011-07-10T19:05:00.006-05:00

We made a quick (too quick) trip to TX to see family. I just love my nieces and nephews. They are soooo cute!

Kelsey's Sweet 16 80's Party

2011-05-21T13:01:00.005-05:00

Happy Birthday Kelsey!!!

Kelsey opening her loot

Jon dressed preppy. The sunglasses we found at Kmart were perfect!

Alison eating pop rocks

Jon and Nico rockin out to 80's tunes

Pac man cake that Joe made. It turned out sooooo perfect!

Kelsey and her hair

2011-04-18T14:05:00.002-05:00

We have lots of posts on here about Kelsey and the hair on her head. Well the latest thing we did was color it purple. She is so adventurous I wish I could be like that!

New Years Cruise

2011-01-18T20:26:00.017-06:00

Well I am sure there is a clever cruise saying but once you do it you want to do it again. This time we sailed from Mobile, Alabama and had stops in Progresso and Cozumel. We had a good time. The older 3 made some fun friends and Jon claims to have met his future wife!

Progresso Mexico just walking the beach shops

Progresso was crazy warm. It stank soooo bad. Our captian had joked that the weather for Progresso was going to be partly cloudy or partly sunny lol. It wasn't even partly cloud. We walked around for a bit before we jumped on a bus and headed to some Myan ruins.

The kids minus Kelsey. That girl is in no photos.

Jon on the steps

Steep steps

The sink hole you could swim in. It was crazy cold and it had little fish that would nibble your feet!

Jon getting eaten by the crocodile in Cozumel

Joshua is getting eaten by a crocodile.

A quick cruise tip. Do not buy an excursion on the ship. They are crazy over priced. We just got off the boat and found a guy pimping rental cars and asked him about beach fun and he suggested Paradise Beach so a $26 taxi drive later and we were on the beach. We paid $2 for chairs with umbrellas and $12 for access to everything. They had kayaks, snorkle gear, water trampolines, rock climbing, pools etc. We just paid for the kids. Same exact trip through Carnival was $40 for adults and $36 for kids. Crazy.

Paradise Beach Cozumel
It was fantastic. So warm! So blue!

Jon and Alison spent all day out playing in the water. Josh and Kelsey spent their time in the pool and at the beach collecting shells.

Pool Area

My favorite thing about Carnival is the animals, chocolates, and turn down service you get after a fun day. When we got home I was so sad no one was around to clean my room and leave me an activity schedule for the next day!

This was our great waiter Ktut. Joshua loved him!

Kelsey Homecoming

2010-10-27T18:37:00.005-05:00

Kelsey all dressed and ready to go sans shoes

My beautiful girls!

Tyler & Kelsey

Kelsey had a great time!

Texas Trip

2010-06-29T10:34:00.011-05:00

We made an impromptu trip to San Angelo to see the fam. It was a long 14 hours both ways but it was worth it. Jeremy and Steffanie have Scottland (who I got no photos of) and Samantha. Tyler and Michelle have Shaylee (also no pictures), Cayden, Addy, and Zachary. We had so much fun playing with them that we didn't take enough pictures especially with the kids all together!

Addy and Samantha

Kelsey taking close up of Samantha

Samantha

Joshy and Zach

Jon and Zach

Josh and Cayden playing the Wii .
This is what they did for 5 hours while we all sat around talking.

Zachary

Jon reading to Addy

Game of chase turned into a wrestling match.

It was hilarious! Cayden could not get enough.

Cayden holding his own. Plus he had a secret weapon....
Farts hahahaha

Kelsey's 15th Bday

2010-05-17T19:49:00.005-05:00

Kelsey is 15! I can't believe it. New year new look... love ya Kels!!

I let Alison decorate the cake. She wrote Twilight rocks going around the side. Crazy girls.

Post "Happy Birthday" singing. It was almost the song that never ended!

Boredom

2010-05-13T14:35:00.009-05:00

So today was field day at school and Alison didn't want to go so this is what we did...

Rebecca Motte

2010-04-23T08:15:00.004-05:00

Alison had to do a project for Social Studies on a person from the Revolutionary War out of a pop bottle. With help from Joe this is what the creative minds came up with. I think she is adorable! The pictures don't do her justice. Her dress is beautiful .

Blogging Vs Facebook

2010-03-03T07:49:00.002-06:00

I think my problem is that I post quick updates on Facebook so I fail to post things on here. So when Kelsey poured salsa in her hair (fantastic blonde moment) I shared it on Facebook but really should have grabbed the camera and blogged it in embarrassing detail. So I will try to have my camera more available and post to the blog more often.

Kelsey's Hair

2010-02-10T08:52:00.006-06:00

Self explanatory in hair chronological order:

Bahamas Baby!

2009-10-25T08:46:00.010-05:00

Something to remember on a trip like this. Camera. Oh I brought it but after we moved into the house it was never plugged in to charge and me being the true blonde I am I didn't bring the charger on the trip. I brought the cable but not the charger. So this trip will be brought to you via camera phone photos.
Friday morning we started driving. It was 40 degrees. Come on Florida! We stayed the night in Georgia and got to Jacksonville around noon.

Carnival Fascination

Kelsey waiting on the Lido deck for our rooms to be ready.

Good bye Florida!

First full day and Alison got sick. A little sea sick but she had a fever too. Thank goodness for room service. Alison never had to leave the room plus there were movies on the tv to keep her company. Luckily it ended the next morning.

Nassau

Fort Fincastle

Queens Staircase

The Caves

Anna Nicole Smith's grave stone and her son Daniel. Our crazy driver thought we'd want to see. Ah what the heck!

Atlantis Hotel. They have a massive aquarium in the hotel set up to look like the city of Atlantis. It's very cool.

A little hair braiding of course

After we got back to the boat the kids found our first towel animal. It was an Elephant.

Next day Half Moon Cay. The best and everyone's most favorite thing about the trip!

We rented a cabana for the day. Joe hates being out in the sun. It came fully stocked with food and drinks and snorkle gear. The beach sand is soft and white. The water is the most beautiful blue ever and it's not cold. The kids are there in the water. They spent the whole day in the water. The waves were strong so they would sit on the shore and the water would pull them out. It's the little things.
I sat and read for hours. By the way the new Dan Brown book is GOOD!
Our boat in the background.

The Arch

2009-10-25T08:19:00.005-05:00

The Feldmans came to visit for the weekend while they were in Iowa visiting Janice's family. It was nice to see them and have them in our house instead of us taking over theirs like we do every summer! I worked the whole weekend so Joe took them out for a good time and I met up where I could.

The view of IL

If you are going to build a landmark that allows you to see things on all sides perhaps making it so there is something nice to look at would be good. That is a casino, trains and industrial yuck. Plus scary downtown East St Louis

Looking straight down

St Louis

Busch Stadium on the left

Falling Behind

2009-10-07T07:55:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the lack of posting! Between working, school, band, basketball and the new house we have been pretty busy. We are officially out of the old house but we are still in some boxes here at the new house. The Feldmans are coming this weekend to visit and luckily the room they will be staying in (Kelsey's) is the one room that is 90% finished. So here is what's new.

Jon made the 7th grade basketball team hooray! It was stressful for me. Tryouts were every day with cuts at the end of each practice. Then the coach posted the roster Sunday night. So stressful!

Alison started clarinet. She is adorable! She goes twice a week. She's having fun.

Kelsey is busy being a teenager. She is always coming and going. Loves the dances and hanging with her friends. She is an avid vampire book reader lol. She has a lot!

Josh is a happy camper since we moved. His friend lives down the street and so he has someone to play with every day. Josh is doing well in school and looks forward to Thursday's when he can have PE. He has to be active or he is bored.

That's about it. Joe is doing his Masters and that keeps him busy. I am working and trying to multitask like Joe. It's getting better but I still hate it.

House

2009-08-29T17:18:00.006-05:00

So barring any unseen complications we will be in our new house middle of September. It's not my dream house but my needs were so specific. I wanted to stay in our general neighborhood. I didn't want our house payments to be more than our rent. We wanted a basement and 5 bedrooms. Our realtor kept showing us really small or fixer-uppers....no way!! When this house popped up we jumped! It's 5 bedrooms same schools same ward and the living room in completely separate from the family room (our house currently is side by side). I will be giving up space like my giant bedroom and walk in closet and my fancy garden tub and separate shower. Also my kitchen will be smaller. But... the new house is sooo much closer to the elementary school and it will be ours. We are excited.

Camera is Missing

2009-08-02T07:16:00.003-05:00

I need to update this blog but I feel I need pictures to go with the things we have done. However, the camera is missing so no pictures have even been taken. I will fill you in and you have to just imagine us doing these things!

Cheap Trick, Poison , Def Leppard

Totally went to this concert! We had AMAZING seats. You could see the sweat dripping off them as they played. Hands down best thing we did all summer. It was just Joe and I and it made up for the Def Leppard concert I had tickets for but didn't get to go to in 93 (stupid boy). I know I will be hated but my favorite band that night was Poison.

Six Flags

We did this for 2 days. This was really just for Jon and Alison. Seriously, I have said it before but those two ,and really moslty Alison, could live at a theme park. I NEVER saw them. I'd get a text asking where I was just so they could get a drink or eat. The first day I went with Kelsey and Josh on a water ride but because it started raining we never did dry off. I hated it. The next day I traded Kelsey for Joe and he was able to get Josh on rides. Plus Joe had the camera on his phone so we have a few photos of Josh. I'll get those from him later.

Harry Potter

Joe took the kids. I hate Harry Potter. I know I know. I tried. I can't do it.

Becky

So my cousin Becky came into town just over night. It was so much fun catching up and chatting til 2am. We went to the Cardinals Dodgers game that lasted 15 innings. We got our monies worth that's for sure. I took Jon and Alison.. We had a blast! I have a photo on my phone but I am not so much good with technology lol. Ask the kids.

Update

2009-07-05T15:54:00.007-05:00

I wish I had more to put on here but alas our summer has been pretty boring. No big trip home. No fun day trips. Not a whole lot of anything. So lets see... June held baskeball camp for Jon. He did good and won the free throw contest and the most points in one minute with 43. We also had Fathers Day. That was Corned Beef and cabbage and cheesecake plus cards breakfast in bed etc.. Jon also spoke in Sacrament meeting on Fathers Day. He wrote the talk and did a good job.

What else? We swam a bunch and saw some movies. Boring. But now we are in July so hopefully this will be a more eventful month. Kelsey and I already changed our hair so that's something!

BLACK!!

Does it make me a bad mom that now I think we should add blue highlights?

Mine's not as exciting just went a little redder

Holiday World

2009-05-31T06:40:00.011-05:00

We decided to take the kids to Holiday World in Santa Claus IN. The kids had fun. Unlike Six Flags there are not a million people trying to ride the same ride you are. The kids never had to wait more than a couple minutes for a ride. Many rides they jumped on over and over again. We did the ride part Thursday and did the water park on Friday.

Jon and Josh

Joe and Alison

Joe Jon and Alison

These are Joe's kids. Spin them, drop them, flip them over... back in line they go!

Kelsey and Josh

This was their ride. They did it 20 times I'm sure. These are my kids nice and safe and not sick to their stomachs!

Josh a little cold

The weather wasn't quite warm enough for the water rides. That didn't stop the kids though!

Kelsey waiting for Jon and Alison so she could ditch Josh and have real fun. Love you Kelsey!

Jon is trying to avoid the sun we finally got on Friday.

If you notice...Alison is in hardly any photos. That girl loves her a theme park. She came back twice. Once to eat and the second when we told her we had to still drive 3 hours home and we had to go. I know she wishes we lived next door.

Crazy Kids

2009-05-25T11:28:00.004-05:00

So summer break is here and we have rain. I guess with the combo of that we get some interesting ideas.

Jon found some tape

Should have given them some shampoo. They were soaked!

Alison

2009-05-10T08:24:00.003-05:00

On Monday night (May 4th) Alison was riding her bike and fell off face first. She wouldn't let me take a picture until now. You can see it was pretty bad. At least now all the swelling is down. Her lips looked like collagen gone seriously wrong. She managed to chip two teeth but no root damage. She didn't go to school the rest of the week. She did go for a few hours on Friday when I was there volunteering.

Grandpa

2009-05-04T09:58:00.005-05:00

For whatever reason, we can never get my parents to vacation together. Or at least that's the way it seems. So this time it was my dad who came out to visit. We had a good time. Saturday we went down to the Arch and to Union station. We ate at Hard Rock and took a carriage ride. I totally forgot the camera so there is only one photo from this weekend of Jon and my dad on Sunday before church. Next time we have been promised a trip with both grandparents at the same time. I'll also do better with the photos. Thanks dad for coming out!

Kids

2009-04-20T17:55:00.003-05:00

The kids post Easter photo. Kelsey and Jon with attitude, Alison with her 80's hair, and Joshy with no teeth.

It's always fun when Grandma comes. When grandma comes. Hurray!

2009-04-05T20:03:00.007-05:00

My mom came in for Jon's ordination. It was fun. It's always fun. We play games and the kids hang all over her. This time Grandma took us girls to get pedicures. So fun!

Weird toe shot

Alison's lady did a design on her toes. It turned out so cute!

Jon and Joe after the ordination.

We did it at the house between Conference sessions. Our Bishop lives down the street so he came as well as the Capecchi's. It was really emotional for me. I said I would cry. We'll see how I do in two weeks when he passes the Sacrament the first time. I will cry. Joe says I always cry. I do.

The Family

Bishop Logan was making faces. It's his fault we have cheesy grins.

Something is different

2009-03-29T08:38:00.003-05:00

When I let the dog out this morning this is what I found. I hate snow!

....oh yeah and the tree fell down.

March Madness

2009-03-28T22:22:00.011-05:00

Not basketball ,although I do love that, rather the birthday's of my 3 younger kids. Here are some of the photos from the birthdays.

Jonothon March 17....12yrs ...Jon had friends over to hang out but I failed in the photo department.

Joshua March 18....7yrs. Josh had a couple friends over did the birthday thing then went to see Aliens Vs Monsters. After Josh's party crazy me planned Alison's party. This picture is of Josh and his friend Robert and Jon's friend Trevor getting ready to put on a show for the girls.

Alison March 29...10yrs. Alison had this crew over for cupcake decorating, dancing, concert (courtesy of Jon and his friend Trevor) Here is a little video of Alison's friends jamming to Taylor Swift.

The big 1-2

2009-03-17T20:00:00.003-05:00

My guy is 12. I can hardly believe it!
Jon had a good day. He got socks (his choice... he's weird), a gift card, went shopping, bought some clothes, got money from the grandparents, money from a friend, picked his dinner, had a girl at school remember it was his birthday and gave him a gift ("you sly dog" as grandpa would say) and then cupcakes for dessert. His party is this weekend. Then over conference weekend my parents are coming up for Jon's ordination. He is so excited to be out of Primary. He can't wait to be a deacon and pass the Sacrament. My baby. I might cry. I know I know but I probably will.

We want Blizzards

2009-03-15T20:59:00.008-05:00

Our super awesome neighbor gave our family 6 tickets (excellent seats) to the St Louis Blues. He works at Scotttrade Center as the building manager. This is (for the non St Louis folks) where the NHL hockey team St Louis Blues play. Joe and I used to go to hockey games in Tri Cities back in the day and Joe took Jon once to a game in San Angelo. Other than the Winter Olympics we really haven't done hockey in a while. I love it. It has to be live though.

When we got to the game, Dave (neighbor) grabbed Jon for a quick tour of the building. Met some people, got a game puck, Blues hat. He already has two signed hockey sticks.

It was free food night at the game but we all know that Kelsey doesn't eat...come to think of it I'm not sure who ate her food... huh...anyway, so the photo is of Kelsey's attitude and the one thing she did eat or I mean drink.. pop.

Alison and Josh were more excited to be there

Now after the game got started all the kids really got into it. Even Kelsey was having fun! Well partly because of #74 TJ Oshie

They announced that if the Blues scored 5 goals then everyone would recieve a free Blizzard. When we had 3pts the game started to take a turn for the worst and the other team started scoring. We scored again and the crowd was going nuts. The new cheer became "We want Blizzards" It was loud and it was often. There was only 1 min left in the game and WE SCORED!!!!!!!!! Oh man it was crazy. Oh and Josh and I made the big screen!

So for the $10 we paid for parking we got

Free game, dinner , dessert and memories

Thanks Dave!

What's up Kelsey?

2009-03-04T15:55:00.003-06:00

Kelsey got contacts on Monday. She thinks she is soooo cool. This is her and Jon goofing around which is typical behavior.

Random Pictures

2009-02-25T08:48:00.005-06:00

I found some photos on the camera of the kids I thought I'd post since I know you all are dying. Sorry none of Kelsey this time. Well there is one... but she would probably like to keep it with the swimsuit and turtleneck photo.

Joshua and Stich taking a nap together.

Alison before school. She is so pretty!

Jon going to have some post-game fun at the YMCA with his friends

For Fun

2009-02-17T21:30:00.004-06:00

Candysaurus

2009-02-01T22:00:00.000-06:00

Joshua had to create his own dinosaur out of whatever he wanted and then name it accordingly. This is Joshua's Candysaurus.It is made out of skittles and m&m's. It was one project all the kids were willing to help eat...I mean make.

A Day in Alisons Life

2009-02-01T21:33:00.000-06:00

Alison had a sleepover with her friend Taylor. They decided to do a little dressing up.

After the dressing up Jon and his friend Trevor challenged these girls to a game of basketball. Jon promised if they played he would let them do his hair.

But they still weren't done. Our poor...male...dog Stitch was just minding his business when these two girls decided to do a little more dress up.

He's a pretty little girl!

Sick Sick Sick

2009-01-26T13:43:00.000-06:00

My kids are usually very healthy. A sniffle or headache here and there but for whatever reason we have all just been sick. I have 3 kids home today and Kelsey was home Thursday. The high school had a couple hundred kids gone on Thursday! So I spent the day trying to kill off germs in the house. Blech! Oh and that's blech not bleach. Although plenty of bleach was used to kill the blech.

Quick update

2009-01-14T08:05:00.000-06:00

Joe- Torn meniscus? Again? Hope not
Stephanie- Not working... bored bored bored
Kelsey- Boy who calls all the time, black nail polish, Speech on legalizing drugs (Love it! Now she's fun!)
Jonothon- 4th in bball tournament out of 15 better than last season, straight A's, chick magnet
Alison- Grand Canyon Project, Wesley(oh so dreamy), pillow maker extraordinaire
Josh -First place runner, 100% Spelling tester, Lego Star Wars champ

A Big Catch Up

2008-12-27T08:51:00.000-06:00

I can't believe that I have fallen so behind. So here is an attempt to get caught up. Alison had a part in her school play. She had some speaking parts and got to sing a song with 3 other people. Performing is right up her alley. By the way I totally made this costume. It involved no sewing which is right up MY alley.

Alison before the performance

Alison center stage. Just as she likes it.

Our tree

Joe always decorates the tree. We are allowed to provide ornaments and bask in it's glory but never ever touch the tree. Joe wants a new tree which seems fair since we have had this one for about 10 years now. By the way that is a moose stocking holder behind the tree.

Santa Stitch . All ready for Christmas Eve

Jon's new Notre Dame Jersey. #13 his favorite number and GARRY on the back.

Joshua had a Clone Wars Christmas.

Kelsey in her new Team Edward shirt and holding her new watch.

Alison got a lot of things but this was her favorite. She has been asking for Guess Who and Twister for a while now. Her reaction kills me.

This was Kelsey the rest of the day. She is doing her French Word Coach. And Joe is ready to go back to bed.

The aftermath and my wicked cool Irishopoly game from my cooliest sister!

We had a very good Christmas. On Christmas Eve my dad read all the family the Christmas Story on conference call so we could say hi and Merry Christmas to everyone. We did our traditional Pizza and watched Christmas movies and... well... also the Notre Dame game...which was awesome! Christmas morning we got up at 6. Rather the kids got up at 6 and we were drug out of bed lol. After the official opening of gifts I made breakfast. That is actually my gift to my kids. I hate making breakfast so I don't very often. Then I went back to bed! I slept until 10 then we played games, ate junk and made our yummy dinner of ham. Love ham! Christmas night we went with our friends to see Bed Time Stories. It's really cute. Then to thier house to play games. We came home happy and tired from a really fun day. On a side note I always get a puzzle (or this year 11) so we worked and finished one at 1am. Good Times!

Bolt

2008-12-01T19:21:00.000-06:00

This is not a film review. We did enjoy the movie. The hampster and pigeons were my favorite. However this is about our need to pick on our dog Stitch. He's small and helpless to our bored desires.

December First

2008-12-01T13:40:00.000-06:00

This is a fun day in our house. December first is advent calendar day. It didn't used to be anything special. Now it's the beginning of the yummy countdown to Christmas. When we lived in Germany we learned lots of things but our favorite was the vast amount of yumm that was everywhere. The kids grew accustomed to this new thing called advent calendars. Now some of you are saying yes we had those here in America too but I didn't. Neither did Joe. I remember the wooden ones but Germany introduced fun chocolate ones. Our sweet landlords brought them over our first Christmas and did every year following. My kids looked forward to this all year and got so excited every morning to see what their chocolate would be. The commissary here has some German candy, none of the really good stuff from Real or Lidl but still...and they have advent calendars so my kids don't have to suffer through the holidays candyless. So thank you Herr and Frau Epp for introducing advent calendars. Oh and don't judge Jon. It was early this morning and he hadn't done his hair yet.

Leaves

2008-12-01T13:30:00.000-06:00

Alison raked up the leaves in the front so she could jump in them. But when I went out to see she was gone. Oh where could she be?

Oh there she is. Totally her fathers kid. Although one mention of spiders and she was out.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T19:38:00.000-06:00

Just want everyone to know how thankful we are for you our family and friends. We hope everyone had a great day and yummy food.

Braces

2008-11-20T11:29:00.000-06:00

BEFORE .....

....AND AFTER

By the way. Photos taken by Kelsey. It was not me taking up the nose shots lol.

Congratulations Kelsey We Love you !!

Primary Program

2008-11-16T19:08:00.000-06:00

I love the Primary Program. I hate the prep but the end results are always a treat. The little little kids are always sooo cute with their loud singing or misspoken words. Everyone in the congregation is either laughing or crying because it's just so darn sweet! And lucky for Kelsey since Joe got released from Primary she didn't have to sit alone. The other 3 kids and I were all in it.
Josh had a speaking part and his class sang the verse of "Home" that says "Home is where there's father with strength and wisdom true. Home is where there's mother with all the children too. " Cute.
Alison had a line and then all the Activity Day girls plus us lady teachers sang Childs Prayer. That song makes me cry!
And then there was Jon's. He had 2 speaking parts. Then the Valiant Boys plus the missionaries got up and sang Called to Serve. It was neat to see these 11 yr old boys with the missionaries.

Miracle

2008-11-12T09:07:00.000-06:00

Many of you know that Jennifer has Breast Cancer. Well it had spread and doctors found another lump in her left breast. Monday she went in for a lumpectomy. The doctors did a quick ultrasound to double check location. They found NOTHING on her left breast. The did the test several more times to check and it was all gone! AND the lump on her right side shrunk!!! Her doctors have her scheduled to come back in a month to remove the lump on the right side. This was amazing news! We are so thankful that her cancer was discovered early to begin with and her proactive doctors. I am always and forever thankful for the power of prayer and fasting.

I am also thankful for the most obnoxious and stubborn sister ever who refuses to give in to anything! Love you Jen!!

Our Surprise Visitor

2008-11-10T08:23:00.000-06:00

....was Joe's sister Brandy! What is happening to the world when Joe's family comes to see us. I think it's one of the "signs" haha. It has been 4 years since I saw her. I had run into her at the park on one of our visits to WA. That sounds crazy to most of you I am sure but Joe does not keep in touch with his family. If they call he'll talk but you will never catch him calling or emailing them. The last time Joe and the kids saw her was probably 8 years ago. And when Joe and his sister got together last night... the stories they tell...you know why. His family was a mess. That compounded with distance leads to not many family reunions. It was fun to see her and have my kids meet her. She was Indiana visiting a friend (altogether another story) and she called Saturday to let us know she was there and I thought wow you are close (state wise) but how close? Turned out she was only about 2 hours away so Sunday after church she came over. She stayed all afternoon and the kids had fun with someone from dad's family being around. It happens soooooo rarely. All in all it was a great time. So Brandy if you get on here.... it was great having you and we should do it again soon.

New President

2008-11-05T08:37:00.000-06:00

I have to admit I was torn this election. Not whether to vote for McCain or Obama but if I should even vote for McCain. Not a big fan either way but with only two to choose from I picked McCain. I fear Obama's socialist ideas. I get tired of people justifying that it's ok that we work hard and loose more money as long as it goes to a good cause. What? We lived in Germany we saw their economy. We talked to the locals. We know how hard it is for them to pay ridiculously high gas and other taxes and work every day all day so that those who choose not to don't have to.

I have always been a procrastinator and the moving around in the military makes it hard to start let alone keep a good food storage. This election has been a huge wake up call for me. Even before Obama won I could see the need for me to get my butt in gear. I see that our country is so far to the left it's going to drag us all down. Pres Hinkley said that we are going to hell in a hand basket and it's true. I feel it's important for us to be diligent with our family to make sure good principles are reinforced daily... hourly...and that we have the provisions that we need to live when indeed it all falls apart. My mom used to worry about our generation. I worry about my kids. I fear that they will never enjoy the freedoms we obviously took for granted!

Rest of Halloween photos

2008-11-04T08:18:00.000-06:00

I forgot to post pictures of the kids. I got the younger 3 before they headed out but Kelsey had gone to a friends after school so I didn't see her until we met up at the church and although I brought the camera I didn't get pictures. However she was a vampire... a pretty one lol.

I don't know why it looks like he has attitude. Jon was a prisoner. He even had the board with the prison number he just wasn't wearing it. He added the Napoleon Hair for fun.

This was the costume that almost wasn't. Alison was the Corpse Bride and it took forever to find the costume in her size and after paying extra for quick shipping it didn't show. It took lots of phone calls to DHL to get them to find it and get it to our house 2 hours before it was time to go. Good Times!

Joshua was a Clone Trooper. I told the kids to bring pillow cases to pack their candy (I'm old school) Josh grabbed his transformer pillow case and was not going to trade it out for a plain one. Oh well. It was dark and I am sure no one noticed.

After we took back in our body parts from the yard, Alison decided they needed to be dressed and put together. These are her clothes and display. She was actually trying to make it look like the evil two headed baby ate the guy but she couldn't get the doll to sit right for the photo. She makes her father proud!

Halloween

2008-10-31T17:00:00.000-05:00

This is Joe's FAVORITE holiday.

All about me

2008-10-27T13:02:00.000-05:00

Well I did it. I got off my lazy (scared) butt and got me a job! What?? I know. I have been a stay at home mom for 13 years. It was the saddest looking job application I have ever seen. But luckily it's Christmas time and people need help. I have returned to my old stomping grounds of the mall. I got a job at Childrens Place. I am nervous since I have been out of the loop for so long but it should be fun. I start tomorrow. The silver lining to this job thing is having to buy new clothes. I do like new clothes!

Joe

2008-10-19T13:26:00.000-05:00

Joe is in Florida for a week at a conference. Lucky dog! I figure since he's gone... and can't tell me not to.... I will spotlight him.

Joe was born in Spokane WA and spent the rest of his "Before Stephanie" life between Kennewick WA and Umatilla OR. After graduating in 91' he continued working and started college. That's where I come in!

November 1993

Joe and I met while we were both working at JCPenny. I was a credit catalog girl and Joe did display. I'd seen him before but I was too busy flirting with the stock hands to pay much attention. One day at work the phone rang and one of my coworkers said it was for me.

He said "Hi this is Joe and I work in display. Do you like kids?"

haha I didn't know who this guy on the phone was but I was so sure I was going to have to break his heart right there with a nice version of I am way too cool for you so don't ever call me again.

I said sure with the question of why in my head. He said that he was putting on a haunted house and needed volunteers. He asked if we could get together after work to tell me more about it. My arrogance faded.

We met that night and after telling me the details and what he wanted my part to be we spent the rest of the night talking and talking. He made me laugh and I loved that. He was ambitious. Even though he didn't have the best life he made every opportunity count. I admired that about him.

That was October 14 1993. We have been inseparable since. We got married in May of 94. Kelsey was born in May of 95. Joe joined the Air Force and left 2 weeks later for Basic Training.

Joe at Basic Training Graduation July 1994

Since then the boy who had never left the Northwest never gets to go back. We have lived in Washington DC, Maryland, Texas, Germany and now Illinois. He has been a writer for the base paper then editor. He cross trained into computers but even that's not what he's doing now. It's top secret. He'd tell you but he'd have to kill you.

Things you may not know about Joe:

He decorates our house not me
He colors my hair (I like changing colors)
He can draw very well
He is artsy craftsy
He makes really good lasagna
After these next set of classes are finished he is going to start his doctorate so we have to call him Doctor... Dr Joe. Kelsey says it has a nice ring.

New Calling

2008-10-12T21:39:00.000-05:00

Joe has been the 11 yr old Scout leader and taught the Valiant Boys in Primary. I have been the Wolves and Bears Cub Leader, CTR 7 teacher, and a Visiting Teaching Supervisor. I say this because I have been frustrated lately with our busy schedule and the fact the Joe and I have to be in the same places at the same times and there is no one left to run kids to and from or to be at home when one of the kids is sick.
Saturday night Joe got a phone call from a guy in the High Council wanting to meet with both of us on Sunday. Joe got called to be the 2nd Counselor in Elders Quorum. I was so excited. Joe too. He's happy to be out of Primary lol. I am happy to have our callings seperated so we don't overlap so much.

Update

2008-10-10T18:19:00.000-05:00

We are still here. Just really busy. Jonothon tried out and made the 6th grade basketball team. Being the good mom I am I was sort of hoping he wouldn't make it. Kidding! But it is one more thing to do lol. So currently Jonothon is doing soccer (a practice and a game every week), basketball (practice 3 times a week), scouts and he signed up for a chorus group at school. He does chorus during lunch twice a week and one early morning practice. So maybe Jon is busy and I just drive alot!
This week has also been sick week. First Josh got the stomach bug then Kelsey then Alison. But on the plus side...all the bedding has been washed.... several times..... and I am only down to 3 more people to get sick.

Smooth Talker

2008-09-26T21:17:00.000-05:00

The phone just rang and it was a girl for Jon. He answers the phone with hello. oh hey. what do you want. uh huh. what? I don't know. ok. bye.
Yeah my son is a smooth talker lol.

A Great Day

2008-09-26T07:33:00.000-05:00

It's only 7:30 in the morning and already I know it's going to be a great day! First of all it's sun shiny! Always a great start. Plus after volunteering first thing this morning I will have nothing NOTHING for the rest of the day! Finally after a week of non stop sports and appointments and school I have absolutely nothing to do. I think Joe and I will go out tonight. Yes! An evening out of the house with my hubby. It will be a nice break before the chaos starts again. Saturday is soccer, football, festival at the park, and General Relief Society Conference with a dinner before. It's fun but I like to not be busy.

But the best part...

the reason I just KNOW it's going to be a great day

is that ....

USC LOST!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you Oregon State!!

Michelle

2008-09-23T13:32:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to blog about Michelle and let her know how grateful I am to her for being Tyler's wife and therefore being apart of our crazy family. Also for making such cute little people for me to love so!

Oh one more thing...

I want to show you all just how crafty she is. She can do things with crochet needles that my grandma would be proud of! She makes the CUTEST baby hats.

A little plug (because she's family and my blog) Michelle sells these on Etsy. So if you are in the market for a baby gift please think of her. http://cuddlybug.etsy.com/

Spotlight

2008-09-21T14:09:00.000-05:00

So not much is going on here and I thought if I don't post soon people will lose interest in me and I won't be cool anymore haha. I decided that I would spotlight people from my blog list. Today I will do my sweet beautiful smart clever sister Jennifer!

BAM! What now! I think this photo is GREAT!!! She makes me look so good hahaha!

I have obviously known Jennifer a very long time. We have been close since we were very small. I always thought she was so cute and fun. I think my mom has a photo somewhere where I am trying to rip her arms off. Also a classic.

When we were teenagers we took turns with our brothers getting our own rooms and it used to drive me nuts to share with Jennifer! That girl was MESSY!!! You wouldn't know it now since she is OCD about cleanliness. But when were were younger she didn't clean so one day I threw all of her stuff outside the front door. Good Times!

What's with the socks?

Jennifer is the best. She has always been there for me. Even taking my cute baby Kelsey to let me sleep or run errands when Joe was at Basic Training and Tech school. It was hard having Joe gone but Jennifer really helped me out. She still does. We haven't lived anywhere near each other in 13 years but we spend hours on the phone laughing so hard I cry. We have some memories for sure. Many are not for public knowledge, some are not for mom knowledge. Ask her and you might get something good. Jen is a great story teller but if it's about me.... she is a liar!

Love you Jen!!!

Holy Gas Prices!

2008-09-14T21:40:00.000-05:00

I was holding off buying gas in hopes it would go down but it didn't. In fact it went from $3.69 to $3.89 in a day. I thought wow I need gas soon. Next day I was at the school and a teacher said it was $3.99. Crap! So I sent Joe to put gas in the car while he was running Jon around to Scout campout/soccer. He told me it was $4.19 WHAT!! So then he hears that it's supposed to top $5 and they are going to limit it. He goes to get gas for his truck and it's $4.80!!!!!!!!
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Wanted to add a little follow up. As of today Tuesday the 16th gas is at $4.09 so hopefully things will get better soon. I was really enjoying gas being lower after this summer and traveling!

90 and Skinny

2008-09-12T11:24:00.000-05:00

So I am volunteering at the elementary school for Library and Computers. Yesterday I had the 1st graders in Library. So cute! They were all staring at me and commenting how tall I was to each other. Granted I was standing and I was wearing a boot with a heel. So I was taller. Then when I sat down to read this was the conversations:

little boy: "Wow you must be 90!"

me: "90? Years old?"

little boy: "Yes because you are so big!"

little girl: " Yes but she is so skinny!"

As you can see the little girl was clearly my favorite. Thinking about having her follow me around making such incredibly accurate comments lol.

Cardinals Baseball and Dancing

2008-09-07T21:14:00.000-05:00

Alison had the chance to dance before the Cardinals game on Saturday. She was so excited and not the least bit nervous! The only downside was the crappy seats they gave the parents. It was like hey pay a ton of money and sit no where near your kid to take pictures ha ha. We were spoiled all season with excellent seats a friend hooked us up with. Jon didn't mind and Josh and Alison had never been before so they thought the whole experience was cool. Kelsey was too cool for school so she stayed home and Jon brought his friend Trevor as our replacement kid. Over all it was fun to hang out as a family and Alison had a blast. Plus the cherry on top was that the Cards won! I'll post better pictures of Alison later.

Alison is blue shorts hands on head. Before the dance started.

Nose bleeds

Alison and Jon

Josh and Joe

Birthday

2008-09-06T22:07:00.000-05:00

I am the big 33! I actually like being in my 30's. I don't feel "old". In fact I feel pretty darn good. Thanks to all my well wishers. I really appreciated the cards, emails, phone calls etc. I had a great day!!

Just Because

2008-08-24T15:42:00.000-05:00

I just adore them!

Bye, Bye Bejing! Next Stop London

2008-08-24T14:45:00.000-05:00

Well I for one will miss the Olympics. I live for the stories. The underdog coming through in the last minute. The countries who have never medaled finally bringing one home (like the taekwondo athlete from Afghanistan). Of course I want the US to have the most medals and jump and cheer when we win.

Michael Phelps was too fun. We would gather around the tv to watch him swim. Cheering him or his team on. I always like the swimming events but this year we really got into them all. Women and men's. We look forward to seeing him and all the other athletes in 2012.

First Days of School

2008-08-15T10:38:00.000-05:00

They have been a little bit rocky. Last year we moved in 3 weeks after school started. All the kinks had been worked out. Schedules established bus routes honed to perfection. This year has been a nightmare! Buses don't come, they pick up late, they drop off late and in the wrong places. Or my new favorite was yesterday Kelsey wanted off the bus and the bus driver said it wasn't her stop so she couldn't get off. Kelsey told her she was going to a friends and apparently that was ok. It's been very frustrating. But all through these last 3 days I am so thankful for cell phones. The kids and I have used them a lot lately.

Six Flags

2008-08-12T16:16:00.000-05:00

Joe took Monday off and we went to Six Flags all day. It was a nice little break and a fun way to kick off school which starts Wednesday. Joe and the kids (minus Kelsey) love rides. They could go all day and they did. Kelsey and I are more stay on the ground don't die sort of people. Kelsey went on a few rides with Josh and did Go Carts with Joe. We all did the water rapids. So funny. We got soaked! I sucked at taking photos sorry!

Kelsey and Joe driving

The video is of the Superman. Joe and the kids were on the far right so I couldn't get a good shot of their faces but they said it was pretty freaky.

Under Arrest

2008-08-10T18:56:00.000-05:00

Well not quite. A policeman did show up at my door this evening though. I went to the school after church to check who the kids' teachers were going to be. When we got all done with the who's in my class excitement I peaked into the recycling bin to see if there were any coupons on top. Yes I like coupons. I didn't dive I didn't even dig but I did look. I saw nothing and left. I guess someone saw got my licence plate and called the police. Apparently it's illegal. Lesson learned. Good times. Sorry no pictures with this one but at least the cop was nice. Plus everytime there is a story involving me and the law Jennifer gets a good laugh.

Zoo

2008-08-06T11:30:00.000-05:00

My mom was here for a few days and I wanted to do something fun. We went swimming a couple times but mostly the kids just played games with grandma. It's their favorite thing to do when she comes. Anyway, we wanted to go to the Zoo and fiigured if we got out of the house early enough we could miss the heat. WRONG!!! Oh man was it hot. As we pulled out of the driveway the dj on the radio announced that there was a heat warning for the day and with humidity it would feel like 110. Nice. So armed with lots of water we headed to the zoo.

These are some ways we stayed cool

We made sure we found places in the shade.

We saw the Sealion Show. Afterward the staff turned the hoses on and sprayed guests as they left.

We spent time inside the Primate House. (Alison's hair shows the hosed down look)

And lastly we spent a long while visiting with the penguins and the puffins. Their habitat was freezing and it felt sooo good!

Mini Vacation

2008-08-02T07:14:00.000-05:00

We made it to WA. It was a last minute decision. Gas prices were so high and I had decided that I was going to take the kids to TX to see Tyler's family. Joe changed his, mine and the kids' minds and we decided what the heck. We had to bring our dogs (kennels were full) and for the most part we spent it at Jen's because she's Jennifer and she's bossy. Kidding. For those of you who didn't know, Jen had a hystorectomy and she has Breast Cancer and it was just nice to be there and let the cousins play. We were only around 2 weeks and 5 of those days were driving to and from. Yuck! The last day we were in town went and had pictures taken of the grandkids. It took a while but everyone had their eye's open and Kai wasn't screaming lol. I am thankful Jen let us take over her house. We are glad we went "home" and got to see even the few people we did! Below are some of the other things we did.

First we saw Heidi. I love Heidi and she made the first part of the trip (when Jen was in Vegas) bearable. We played with Nyssa who is adorable. We went swimming and to the park and just chatted at her house. We even went to church in her brother's (Shawn Sant) ward (also Aaron Kellers ward but they were out of town).

Jen got back from Vegas so we met up at Taco Bell in Pasco. I know... big spenders high class!

The kids spent the time playing war with the playing cards Jen bought for each of them and trying to convice us to let them go back to Jennifers. They won.

The next day was July 4th. And Jon and Alison were still at Jen's so I only had Kelsey and Josh at Columbia Park.

When we go home we always go there for Fireworks. Joe's family goes early and everyone comes and brings food. I love being by the river! Kelsey and I hung out most of the day. We did some shopping at the booths and some people watching. There were some bands playing so we checked those out too. It was fun until the fireworks actually started. They launched them not from the barge they have had since I was small but from the boat launch at the side of the park so no one could see the fireworks. LAME. We gave up and walked back to the car where magically you could see them clearly. Not funny.

We went to Howard Amon in Richland to meet up with some of Joe's friends/family and they rented a segway and Jon stole most of the time. He had a blast. The rest of the kids hung out in the river. By the way the photos are supposed to be side by side. I still struggle haha.

The last week was all Jennifers. I loved it. The dogs loved it and the kids I never saw. Alison and Jonothon went with Maycie and Isaac all week to their dance camp. We would go swimming or play games. There was shopping at one point. It was just nice to sit and veg.

Kids

2008-07-29T06:41:00.000-05:00

I was thinking how I will never do this blogging thing since I can not imagine a more boring family than mine. I love it! I hate the going and doing. I like the hanging out and doing nothing! And while we are all doing that I never have the camera. So perhaps to jumpstart this blog I'll talk about my babies.

Kelsey

Kelsey is 13 and going into the 8th grade. That is wild when I let myself think about it. It's strange to know I have a daughter this age. Kelsey loves babies. LOVES them. I did too when I was her age. She is even trained in CPR and first aid. Her and her friend take babysitting courses. So cute! She is currently the Beehive Secretary and likes that. Our ward doesn't seem to take it as seriously as when I was in YW. I swear there was always a planning meeting and we had to come up with the activities. Some of her likes are Nick Jonas, ice cream in all it's forms, sleeping in, shopping, reading and watching TV. Currently when she grows up she wants to be a Paleontologist.

Jonothon

Jonothon is 11 and will be in the 6th grade. He is a basketball nut! Loves to watch LOVES to play. He is pretty darn good. The YM Pres comes up to Jon all the time asking when his birthday is or if it's ok that we just change his birthday so that he can be in YM and play ball with them. Usually after scouts is over he joins up with the older boys when they are in the gym shooting baskets. This summer I got him over to my brother Jeremy's so that they could play. Jon had so much fun playing with the master. Jon's likes are basketball, all other sports, swimming, hanging out with friends, playing games, basically anything other than laying around. When he grows up he wants to be in the NBA.

Alison

Alison is 9 and headed into the 4th grade. She is a social butterfly. If there isn't a person around to talk to or play with she goes nuts! She loves arts and crafts. She keeps everything because you just never know when you might need it. I doubted this philosophy but she has proven me wrong on many occasions. She's a collector and her room shows it. Alison loves music. She likes to listen to it and sing it. She does hate school. I think it's the constant sitting and listening. She needs one of those liberal think outside the box schools. Alison's likes are Hannah Montana, playing anything with anyone, swimming she is a fish, making up songs, finding new ways to reuse peoples discarded items and getting her nails done. When she grows up she wants to be a singer.

Joshua

Joshua is 6 and going into the 1st grade. He is the baby and therefore gets away with everything. He is just so cute. My other kids are too just Josh has a way. He is funny, witty and smart smart. Josh can keep himself entertained all day. He's easy going and laid back. He loves little people. Not just babies but all ages. If I have people over with kids Josh will take them and entertain them. He asks all the time why we don't have more kids and he wants me to have 18 like that lady from Arkansas. Josh is nuts but I'll be sure his future wife knows what she is getting herself into. Joshua's likes are hanging out with his brother and sisters whatever it is they are doing even if they just let him watch, playing video games, listening to music, and dancing. When Josh grows up he says he wants to be a dad. We discussed jobs that pay a little better and he says maybe an actor.

Mac is broke

2008-07-27T20:32:00.001-05:00

This is what my kids would do all day if I let them. We had so much fun with our Mac and now the computer that's supposed to be better than PC is now the most expensive decorative piece I have in the house. It's so frustrating. Joe has tried everything to fix it. So there it sits holding my photos and other important documents hostage.

Duke Basketball Camp

2008-07-25T12:50:00.000-05:00

For those of you who don't know Jon, he is a HUGE Duke basketball fan. In June we sent him to Duke Camp for a week at the University. He had a blast, blisters and all. He flew by himself to Raleigh NC and stayed in the dorms. He had so much fun, met so many players and Coach K, and learned a lot. I just wish he had taken more pictures. He plans on going again next year. We have more photos at our photobucket site http://s4.photobucket.com/albums/y143/garryfamily/

Jonothon and Greg Paulus #3 Duke