October Update

I've been pretty busy lately I'm sorry for the lack of blogging. It's crazy. Stephen's been traveling the past couple of weeks for work and I've kept pretty busy with school and my Reading Recovery Class. (I'm getting my reading recovery endorsement to help teach reading to struggling students. The classes are pretty intense and very time consuming.) It makes for a long day to work eight hours and then rush off to class for another 3 hours.

Once again, Stephen and I put on our parenting hats, while my sister & her husband went to New York for the weekend. Stephen thinks the only thing scarier than an angry 9-year old is an angry 5-year old. He was a good sport and helped the girls with homework while I went to a wedding shower and then as I left early for work, he stayed behind and helped them get off to school. It was fun though, on Friday we took Sabrina, my six year old niece to get some fish for her empty fish tank. She was pretty excited and we had a fun night all playing Monopoly!

We've also found out this last week that Stephen's car is on it's last leg and needs about $1800 in repairs to fix it. We've concluded that we'd rather put that money into a new car. So we've been in the market and looking. It's such a hard job and spent about 5 hours on Saturday looking. I was very tired and overwhelmed after that. Stephen on the other hand thought it was great! He was like a little kid eager to test drive all the different cars.

This Sunday was our Primary Program. The kids did great! I'm the primary choirister for our ward we've been working hard the past few months putting it all together. We have a very young ward with a lot of young kids especially in the 3-5 year old age. As crazy as all the practices were, they did amazing today. It was truely insprired. I have really enjoyed this calling and love working with the primary children. They have the sweetest testimony!

Take A Look

Don't let your eyes deceive you! This may just still look like a bunch of dirt, but if you notice there are little blue and pink flags all over our yard. This month we were able to put sprinklers in our backyard! YEA!!! We were so excited to finally get this summer project finished. We debated quite a bit weather or not we should save some money and do it ourselves. But when it came down to it we decided to pay someone to do this for us. I was amazed. I went to work one morning and when I came home our entire back yard was completely done. It was definitely worth the little extra $$$. We put them in just in time too! They ended up turning our water off the very next day. We can't wait until spring when we can put in some grass and have a real back yard.

Scuba Steve

I'm not much for Adam Sandler movies but I couldn't resist with this title! As of Saturday, Stephen is officially certified in Scuba Diving! YEA! He and my brother's in law are gearing up and getting ready for a cruise our family is taking in November. They did their final dives last weekend in Wendover, NV. Don't ask me why they had to go to Wendover...there's definitely not much out there, but I guess there's a place to do some open water dives. They thought it would be great to get certified and then be able to make a couple dives in the beautiful waters of the Caribbean. I on the other hand decided not to get certified...at this point in time. Let's just say I went scuba diving a few years ago with a guy and it wasn't the best experience. To sum up the traumatic experience in a few short sentences, I got really freaked out and it was very low visibility. I got claustrophobic and panicked. Anyways, I'm getting very excited for our cruise. It will be a great break from school. We're going with just the adults in our family and it will be such a fun week! The count down is on....only a month away!

It's never too late!

We decided that summer isn't quite over yet. We still wanted to play so we ended up going camping this weekend with some friends. It was a really quick weekend trip. We loaded up the car and headed up American Fork Canyon on Friday. We didn't think we'd have a hard time finding a camping spot, but I didn't take into account that hunting season has begun. I didn't realize it started so early. There we tons of people dressed in camo and bright orange. So, we drove around for quite a while until we found a place. It was great and right next to the river, but we ended up setting up camp in the dark. (This is becoming a common occurrence of Stephen and I) We had so much fun sitting around the campfire and cooking delicious tinfoil dinners. However, it did get pretty cold that night. I would guess it got down to 35 or 40 degrees or so. But I was toasty warm in my sleeping bag next to Stephen. The next morning I had probably the best breakfast you could make on a camping trip. Our friends Justin and Carissa brought up a griddle that we stuck over the fire and we attempted to make bacon, eggs and pancakes. Yummmm! They also had brought up some guns and we were going to go shooting. But with it being the hunting season you have to have a permit. So I guess we'll do it another time. We're hoping to maybe go one more time before it get too cold!

A Day on the Boat

We were able to finally spend a day on my parents boat. It's taken almost the entire summer to get it on the lake and it's been a couple of summers since we've used the boat. This was a well over due get-a-way. We went up to Deer Creek where surprisingly for a holiday weekend it wasn't very busy at all. I enjoyed it and was amazed that I remembered how to get up on skis. (It's been a couple of years) All the grandkids had a great time going on boat rides and playing on the water and in the sand. One thing we all agreed on is that we need to do this a little more often. However, I am sure stiff today. I don't think my body is used to being drug behind a boat. I hurt in places I didn't think I had muscles! It's all worth it though. Anywho...here's some pictures from the fun day.

I'm so proud of Stephen. He made it up only after a few trys!

Here's proof that I actually got up after 2 years!

A Week with the Holden's

As you can tell with my lack of blogging, I'm back at the grind with school. Things are going good there, but I must warn you this might be a long post. I apologize in advance. I've already been spoiled by taking some days off to play. Stephen's little sister Erin is starting as a freshman at BYU. So his family decided to bring her out here and make a little vacation out of it. It was so good to see them. Stephen's been out a few times to Michigan, but I haven't seen his family since last Thanksgiving. We were able to have them stay with us in our house and we played hard. I have a few pictures of our adventures, but my camera all of the sudden decided not to work. We spent one day up in Park City where we walked the streets and shops and then saw an awesome ski jumping show up at the Olympic Park. It was really incredible to see how they train in the summer time. They had about 4 different jumps and did some amazing tricks and flips, then landed into a swimming pool. Some of the athletes were as young as 13 years old.

After that we went and spent some time up at my parents cabin. It was nice for everyone to at least have their own bed for a few nights. We played lots of games, rode the 4-wheelers and even caught frogs and salamanders at a nearby pond. I always love spending time up there. Here's the murky pond where we were catching frogs and salamanders.
One of the many salamanders we caught.

As soon as Stephen found out that his family was coming he's wanted to take them flying. Tuesday morning we got up early and went to the Provo airport. He ended up taking 2 short flights, since the airplane only had 4 seats. He took the girls up and we flew up Provo Canyon and around Timpanogos. Then he took his dad and brother up they went up to Heber. He even let his dad fly around for a while. They all really loved to go flying...you never know with it being such a little plane. It can be kind of scary.
Then we spent an afternoon up American Fork Canyon. We packed a picnic and hiked up to Timpanogos Caves. I'd forgotten how steep the hike was and even with the elevation difference from Michigan, Stephen's dad hiked us into the ground. (I guess that's what happens when your a marathon runner.) The cave's were beautiful and it had been about 10 years since I'd hiked up to them.
Then I sadly had to go back to work, but they ended up moving Erin into her apartment and spending the day at BYU. After work, I was able to go and see the new place and meet her roommates. It really made me think about when I headed off to school as a Freshman. How fun those days were!
It was so great to have Stephen's family out here for a week. We had a great time entertaining them and showing them the area. It was sad to see them leave and get back to our everyday lives.

And so it begins...

Needless to say this past week has been crazy, sad and exciting all at the same time, as my summer ends and school begins. I'm always so sad to see the relaxing days of summer go. The kids start tomorrow (YIKES!) and my school will be buzzing with excited little children. Its way too early to start school and my body is revolting...it's not used to getting up so early. Long gone are the days where I can wake up to the sun rising over the mountains and into my bedroom window, read in bed, clean my house and head to the gym and not even think about taking a shower until lunchtime. Although it has been nice to be at my new school. I love how close it is to my house. I can run home for lunch and don't have to spend an arm and a leg for gas. It's also been interesting being the "new one" at school. It's a very weird feeling going from knowing the in's and out's of how everything works and all the teachers, to not knowing a thing. I know it will all come, so wish me luck this week!Other good news is that... Stephen's back home after about a week and half of traveling. Right after the funeral he flew straight from Michigan to Las Vegas where he had some meetings for work. I was like a little kid and so anxious for him to return late Thursday night. He did however play a very mean trick by calling me up and telling me he had missed his flight and he'll try to catch the next one in the morning. I believed every word and about hit the roof when he sneaked in the front door and up the stairs with out me even hearing him.

Myrtle Jean Wilke

Feb 1, 1922 - Aug 6, 2008
I wanted to take a quick minute and write. Earlier this week Stephen's Grandma Wilkie passed away. It's been kind of lonely here the past few days. Stephen is out in Michigan right now visiting his family with the viewing tonight and the funeral tomorrow and how I wish I could be with them. This was the only picture that we have of her, that I could find. We took it the first time I met them, the Christmas before we got married in 2006. They've been in a rest home the past little while. And even though I was only able to met them just a handful of times since we got married, I've cherished every moment thinking this might be the last. I was so excited to inherit grandparents when Stephen and I got married. My Grandma Dent was the only grandparent I really knew growing up and she died when I was 10 years old. Although I never new Grandma Wilkie in her prime, I heard many wonderful stories. Stephen grew up in the same city and was very close to his grandparents. They would always taking him hiking and he grew to love the outdoors and his grandma's hobby of bird watching. To this day I'm always so amazed at how he can pick out and name almost every bird we see. She also loved to garden and had such beautiful flower gardens around her house. What a wonderful lady she was and how grateful I am that I got to know her for this short time.

Hats off to Mother's

It has been quite the busy week this week. I must say I am tired. My sister Camille and her husband have been in Europe this past week and a half visiting Scottland, England and France. Between me, my mom and my sister Allison we've been watching their 3 kids, Nathan (7), Austin (5) and Megan (1 1/2) while they are gone. I'm so glad they are able to go on this once in a lifetime experience! I can't wait to hear all their stories. I spent a couple of days up at their house then brought them down to my house for a couple days before sending them off to Allison's. We kept plenty busy going swimming, riding bikes, playing at the park, and getting ice cream at Macey's. I've come to realize that my house is....a) not toddler proof b) has no toys for little kids c)has no baby supplies (high chair, bibs, sippycups etc). We made do and were just fine. But in the midst of all of this, we found out that Stephen's grandma died and in less than 24 hrs he hopped on a plane to Michigan for the next 5 days. Which left the last day and a half with just me and the kiddos. I wish I could be there with him, but I start school on Monday. I've done a lot of baby sitting with my many nieces and nephews over the years but this was quite and adventure going from no kids to 3 overnight! So I would have to say, hats off to all you mothers!

These are a few of our Favorite Things

Since I can't think of anything to write about this week, I saw this on somebody else's blog and thought that I'd share a few of our family's favorite things. Enjoy!
Stephen's Favorites:
Color: Red
Movie: The last one he's seen
Food: ChineseDessert: Cheesecake
Season: Spring, Summer & Fall
T.V. Show: The Office
Place to visit: Home in Michigan or Iguazu Falls
Book:Too many to choose
Hobbie: Flying
Scripture: D&C 46:13-14
Holiday: Christmas
Thing to Do: Play piano, computer & read

Emily's Favorites:
Color: Green
Movie: I am a sucker for any chick flick...you name it and I've probably seen it!
Food: Chinese (it's all delicious)
Dessert: Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream
Season: Spring - I love all of the beautiful flowers
T.V. Show: The Office
Place to visit: Paris & Hawaii
Book: I have lots, but "A Little Princess & "Diary of a Worm" (both children's books)
Hobbie: Digital Scrapbooking/Blogging & Teaching
Scripture: Helaman 5:12
Holiday: Christmas
Thing to Do: Spend time with my family

What a Mess!!!

This past week has been kind of crazy around our house and we're slowly getting it put back together. Stephen's been quite adventurous in trying to figure out how to rewire some electrical outlets and cables so we could hook up our new t.v. I would have to admit I didn't think he could really do it and was nervous when he started punching 3 or 4 holes into the wall. (Thank goodness the holes were in our pantry where if he messed up, it wouldn't matter too much.) But with a few trips to Lowe's and few hours later, I was pretty impressed at his skills. While I was helping him run some wire, I felt some drops of water on my shoulder. At first, I was quite puzzled and couldn't figure out what it was. Then we realized it was coming from our ceiling and we had some sort of leak! Being new home owners we started to panic a little. We couldn't figure out what or where it was from other than being directly underneath our water heater. We rushed to get a bucket and turned off the water main, since it was too late to call someone. An hour later, about 3 feet further into the room it started leaking again. At this point it was almost midnight and we were really tired and nervous as to what would happen during the night. The leaks were getting closer and closer to our piano. We were grateful to wake up to no more leaking in the morning and had someone come look at it. They ended up ripping a hole in our ceiling and ruining the wall that I had just painted a few weeks ago. I'm just glad our house is still under warranty from the builder this first year. Here's a few pictures of just how crazy it's been!

My 10 Year Reunion

I can't believe I'm old enough to say this, but I went to my 10 year High School Reunion this weekend. It was such a weird feeling. I did get to see some good friends that I hadn't in a very long time. But in some ways I felt like I was stepping back into high school.....I can't believe how fast time has flown. What have I done the last 10 years? This was a common question that was asked during the entire evening. My life...well, I've gone to school at USU for 5 of those years, gotten my degree in Special Ed, taught school for the other 5 years. During that time I've traveled, spent many summers doing EFY, met many amazing people, gotten married to a wonderful guy, bought a house, ummm yep. I think that about covers it. Somehow it doesn't sound all that exciting. But, I've sure enjoyed the journey. We'll see what the next ten years brings!

Swimming Pool to Cement

One of our big projects this summer is to put in a backyard. Although we don't have a very big one...this is still a big job and we are learning lots along the way. Thanks to the knowledge and skills of my dad, we were able to extend our patio and pour some cement this past week. We've learned so much about how it all works and spent many hours digging, raking tons of rocks, screeding, and putting in the forms all to get ready for the cement. A few days prior to pouring we needed to water the ground to keep it moist. Well one day Stephen surprised me and got off work early. He decided to take me to lunch and a movie. As we were sitting in the middle of the movie, I realized I had forgotten to turn the water off in the backyard. We quickly rushed home afterwards and found a swimming pool had literally formed. We had about 4 inches of standing water. We couldn't believe our eyes and quickly tried to dig some ditches out each side to drain it. We had a good laugh and we're glad that we weren't pouring for a couple of days so it could dry out a little. I would have to admit I was really excited to finally get some cement in. (Ten years ago I think it was pretty weird to get excited over something like that. It's interesting how our priorities change) My Dad and Brother-in-Law Mike came down and helped us. It was a hot morning and we...well the guys worked really hard. We are continuing to water it and it's looking great...So long to our one time swimming pool and onto the next project of sprinklers! Here's a few pictures. Enjoy!

We're working quickly before the cement drys!

Here's Stephen getting the cement from the mixer!

YEA! We did it!

Dad's Car

After showing Stephen the changes I made on our blog and the last post, he wanted me to add a few pictures. We went up to my parents house the night before the 4th July so I wouldn't have to wake up any eariler than needed form my race. We ended up helping them get the old car ready for the race we washed it and polished it inside and out. Then my dad taught Stephen how to drive it. It's kind of tricky because it has a double clutch. (I figured I'd stay with my automatic car) But Stephen was up for an adventure. My dad shocked us all when he got the 1931 Model A car about 3 or 4 years ago. But he really enjoys taking his grandkids for rides in it around the neighborhood and hearing the sound of the old fashioned horn.

Here's Stephen in the driver's seat...watch out!

Happy 4th of July!

I just wanted to post a few pictures from our highlights from the holiday weekend. We were able to go up to my parents and celebrate with them. About 2 weeks ago I convinced my sister Camille to run a 5k with me. So we got up bright and early that morning to run the Kaysville 5k. It was so great! I'm so proud of her for doing it. It was her first one and she did awesome! I always enjoy running a good short 5k each summer. It gives me something to look forward to. However, I was pretty tired the rest of the day. I must be getting old. We did make it to the Kaysville parade where my dad drove his Model A car with the grand kids. (This is becoming a fun tradition each year) Stephen rode with them this year and helped hand out candy. They had a blast and it was great to watch for them. Then we did the usual 4th of July BBQ and homemade ice cream at my sister Melinda's house. The night wouldn't have been complete with out a fireworks show. At Melinda's house we not only saw one but 3 different shows from around the valley. The 4th of July is always fun...especially since 2 years ago that day was the first time Stephen met my family and he held my hand for the first time. It's kind-of our unofficial "anniversary"! What great memories!

Weekend at the Cabin

We did a family get-a-way up at my parents cabin this weekend. As always we love spending time together as a family. Since my brother Ryan and his wife Karen and their family are moving to New Jersey this week, it was our last little hurrah before they hop on the plane. It's always so relaxing and beautiful up there. The snow has finally melted, all the spring flowers are in bloom and the deer are plentiful. We always have a great time riding 4 wheelers. watching movies, eating yummy treats, staying up late laughing (especially after all the little kids have gone to bed.) On Saturday, we pulled the canoe out and took it onto a spring run-off pond. It was so much fun. I especially like taking the little kids for a ride in the canoe. We saw lots of salamanders in the pond...if only we had a net to catch them. We even made it the entire afternoon without tiping the boat! What great memories! I'll miss Ryan and Karen and their adorible 4 kids so much, but I know that have a great adventure ahead of them.

Strawberries, Strawberries, Strawberries

We've only lived in Pleasant Grove for four months and already were able to celebrate our first of many "Strawberry Days" earlier this month. It was quite the small town festival. My sister Camille and her family came down and spent the weekend. We woke up early and went to the morning parade where we saw my darling niece who was on a float for Little Miss Lindon. It's always fun to know someone in a parade. We cheered loud for her! Then we went swimming in our pool to cool off on the hot Saturday. Afterwards we headed over to the Strawberry Days Rodeo. I am always amazed at why people think that riding an animal that will buck you off and almost kill you is a sport and that it's fun. I'm not quite sure but it sure is entertaining. My favorite would have to be the mutton bustin - where 1-3 year olds ride these lambs and hang on for dear life. It's actually quite hilarious to watch.

Stephen and I are enjoying some famous Strawberries and Cream. We couldn't get enough of these at Strawberry Days.

Here's my cute niece Jenna(the one on the right in pink) on the Little Miss Lindon Float. Which my sister and the other mom's spent HOURS making.

Christmas in June?!?

I just have to share my new favorite addition to our home. We are so excited to get a baby grand piano! Stephen and I have been fighting to take turns playing it ever since it arrived. ;o) The first night we had it we spent about 3 hours just taking turns playing it and singing together. It was so much fun. I've been saving for a very long time for this and now that we're in a more permanent place we went looking. I now have learned the rule 'don't look unless your intending to really buy'! We found a piano store that is going out of business and just couldn't pass it up. I would have to admit I'm quite rusty and have lost a lot. I'm excited that I'll be able to practice and polish my piano playing skills.

Road Trip

Stephen and I decided to take a last minute road trip down to Arches National Park this weekend. We couldn't wait to go camping this summer. So we through together our things and hopped in the car. We got there late that night and tried to find a campsite in the dark. After looking at about 7 campsites we finally found a place to pitch our tent. Then the next morning we got up early and headed into the park. We did a few hikes that day, but I would have to say that my favorite part was the hike to Delicate Arch. It is so massive as it sits on the edge of a cliff. We then hit the road again and headed back home. It was a great little get-a-way especially for being spontaneous and the weather was wonderful. I love the beautiful red rocks down in Southern Utah!

It's Officially Summer

You know what that means... SUMMER VACATION IS HERE! Yea! For a teacher that's the best thing anyone could say. I am sooooo ready for summer! This school year has been a long one and if you couldn't tell already, I'm very excited. I'm so ready for the warm weather and relaxing days ahead. (especially now that our pool is open!) This summer is going to be full of lots of fun things...Camping, playing at the cabin, hiking, having Uncle Don & Aunt Deana visit from Ohio in July, having Mom & Dad Holden staying with us in August putting in our back yard, painting our house...the list could go on, and on. As excited as I am that summer is finally here. It was also a sad day. I had to say goodbye to a lot of good friends & co-workers at Brookside today. I can't believe I've been at that school for 5 years. That's a long time in one place. I have really grown to love the little town of Springville and my school. So many memories. It's going to be hard starting over at a new school. I'm also going to miss my "kids" as hard as it's been. They have a soft spot in my heart. I snapped a few pictures today...here's a few I thought I'd share!