Avery Turns Four!

Saturday night the Miles family joined us at our home to celebrate Avery's 4th birthday.

Avery models the beautiful birthday dress her Mom made especially for the occasion.

Avery opened a myriad of gifts and enjoyed a pizza dinner and birthday cake.

Success ... she blew out ALL the candles!

Gracyn & Avery ... sisters & best friends.

"I SPY"

I just finished a quilt for the grandkids.

It is multi-purpose quilt.

It might be used to curl up in to keep warm or to sleep under during nap time or when spending a night with Grandma & Grandpa.

Maybe it will serve as a tent or a good hiding place when playing hide and seek.

Mostly it is intended to play "I SPY."
I spy a star ... can you?

Weekend in the Sunshine

Saturday morning Clive and I left the snow and storms behind and drove south for the weekend. We made a stop in St. George for the wedding reception of a former neighbor and friend, Elizabeth Lindell, then travelled on to Henderson to visit my sister, Jolene, and her husband, Rendal. We hesitated making the trip because of my illness, but I decided that I could cough as well in Nevada as I could in Utah. As it turns out, the warmth seemed to do me good and I came back home feeling much improved. The trip was quick, but relaxing and we had a wonderful visit.

Ben & Janet Lang --- former neighbors & good friends

Jan & Cathy Lindell --- parents of the bride

Elizabeth & new husband, Matthew Avery

Elizabeth poses with her brothers, Johnny & Jimmy

Clive & Rendal take care of dish duty following Sunday dinner

Wendy teaches Jolene how to Blog and archive photos

Clive & I enjoy the February sunshine

Rendal & Jo joined us for an evening video

My Valentine

Valentine's Day is a day of events in my family ...

my sister, Sheryl, was buried

and my son, Kevin was born.

But, of course, I like most of all to celebrate my love for my husband, Clive.

This month marks the 32nd anniversary of our first date.

The traits that attracted me to him still stand true:

1. His love of life
2. An infectious laugh
3. Commitment to family
4. Optimism
5. A friend to everyone
6. A worthy Priesthood holder
7. A hard worker & good provider
8. Spontanaity
9. Patience with my impossible expectations
10. His beautiful singing

And so, to Clive I say ...

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY. I LOVE YOU MORE THAN EVER!

Under the Weather

I have really been under the weather this winter.

The snowflakes keep falling and the snowbanks are getting higher and higher.

My spirits are low from lack of sunshine and I find myself desiring nothing more than to hibernate with a good book and a blanket.

To top it off, I'm suffering from bronchitis again ... the third time in nine months!

I've celebrated every big occasion this year with sickness.

I say NO MORE!

Now, excuse me while I go back to bed.

Marisa's Married!

Friday was a beautiful day! The snow abated, the sun shone, the temperatures rose, and it was a perfect day for a winter wedding.

Thanks to the hard work of dedicated friends, the Activity Barn at Wheeler Farm was transformed with thousands of brilliant lights, tables and chairs were set in place, and a delicious dinner was served.

Two yet unacquainted families merged and became immediate friends.

Close family and friends witnessed the union of Marisa Jean Killpack and Jonathan Denny Larsen. Everyone enjoyed dinner, chuckled at Marisa's presentation of the final chapter of her Relationships Book, and dancing ensued.

Families and friends gather and greet one another.

Family anxiously awaits the entrance of the bride & Clive signs the computerized guest book.

Nieces & nephews serve as ring bearers and flower girls;

the preparation of the bride;

the wedding guests from a birds-eye view;

Marisa and Jonathan receive counsel & are married by President Jesse Baer ...

Jonathan says "I do" while Marisa shouts, "Heck, yes!"

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--- For the professional photos of the wedding, wait to see them on Marisa's BLOG! ---

Super Bowl or Super Snow Sunday?

Sunday was quite an eventful day in West Jordan. We awoke to more than a foot of snow and it continued throughout the morning. It was so heavy that church was dismissed following Sacrament Meeting and all able-bodied members were invited to don their snow gear and spend the day helping their neighbors shovel. Our Ward consists of a great deal of elderly people, so more than 20 families and individuals were shoveled out in the trailer court. Clive came home exhausted!

In the meantime, Mars shoveled our walks, then proceded to build a "giant" snowman. He took the girls out to add a carrot nose, some button eyes, an ill-fitting hat, and a scarf.

In the evening the family (all 15 of us) gathered at Jonathan's for a pre-wedding dinner. The kids had fun exploring, while Jayden finished the 15th chapter of his latest book.

The guys gathered to watch the Superbowl ... Clive rooting for the Patriots, while the others cheered the Giants on to victory.

Mars joined Melanie, Sheryl, and me in cropping photos, drilling holes, cleaning glass, and finishing up the photo cube centerpieces for the wedding.

Jonathan and Marisa hosted our yummy meal.

Kevin looks asleep, but was really into the game. He gave up a Superbowl party to join the family for the evening.