The Jenkins Journal

Buy our truck!!!

2009-02-09T14:06:00.000-08:00

We are selling our truck so if you are interested, blog me back or give us a jingle! Our add is also on KSL cars.

2001 Chevrolet

117K Miles

Extremely clean inside and out

$9,200 O.B.O

Gray turns 3!!!

2009-01-27T12:54:00.000-08:00

I can't believe my little Gray-bug is three! He has always been in the 90% for height so he's always looked 2 years older than his age, but, to me he's still my little guy.

This year we decided on a camping theme for the birthday party. It was a huge hit. We set up a tent and made a fire out of red and orange tissue paper and real wood (thanks Dad for chopping logs for me). It was so cute even though it was indoors. When everyone arrived, we ate BBQ hotdogs and salads and drank juice boxes and rootbeer. Then we gave the kids a "bug-bag" and their own flashlight and we went on a bug hunt throughout the house. We turned the lights off for more effect and the kids loved it. After our bug hunt, we sat around the campfire and Uncle Kurtis and Grandma Kathie told scary stories in the dark-the kids thought the flashlights were the coolest thing ever :) Then Grandpa Wayne got his guitar out and we sang camp songs. Next we opened presents and then ate bug cupcakes and ice-cream. It was so much fun. Thanks to everyone who helped make Gray's birthday so special!

(Waiting for his party to start and making cupcakes with mom:)

Is this normal?

2009-01-13T10:33:00.001-08:00

At our house Gray is known as Fancy the dog, thanks to my friend Kellie who named her dog with such a girly(is that a word?) name:) Anyway, I let him crawl around the house, act like a dog even when we are at other people's homes or in the cart at the store. I figure he has a fun imagination and I should let him be a kid. However, he threw a massive fit yesterday when asked to eat his cereal at the table and act like a big boy and not a dog. He insisted that he would not eat unless he could eat like a dog. This went on for an hour until finally I gave up. Not quite sure what to do with this one!

"Mom you can't see good"

2009-01-13T10:24:00.000-08:00

Gray-bug loves to look at the blogs with me and see all the pics of him, sis, and his cousins. But he was very concerned when I pointed at the kids and said their names in the picture of Layla's birthday party. "Mom you can't see good". Then he pointed out that the cousin I was pointing out was not Caleb in the picture but Trevor. So sad, but he's right. I can't see "good". So to clarify-it is Trevor not Caleb! According to Gray I better get that right.

Little Tinkerbell!!!

2009-01-12T13:25:00.000-08:00

The theme for Layla's 1st birthday was Tinkerbell. We celebrated with my family in Monroe and decorated the house to look like Tink's garden. We had tissue paper flowers, streamers, and balloons in greens, pinks, and purples. We ate "Tink-tators" (a.k.a. Potato bar) and drank "Fairy-punch" (a.k.a. lemonade with pop-rocks). Because Layla has boy cousins who would rather not come to a pink Tinkerbell party, we also included pirates in the theme and added "Captain Hook Chili" to our meal. When the kiddos arrived, the girls were given Tink tiara's and wands to match Layla's. The boys were given pirate patches and black bandanna's (just Gray and Jace of course). We ate dinner, opened presents, ate cake and ice-cream, and visited. It was a fun first birthday - even if she won't remember it :)

(Notice the t.v. show playing as we ate. It was Tinkerbell the movie but turned to regular t.v. when the boys showed up.) Gray, Adison, Jace, & Maycie were all big helps when it came to opening presents.

We usually try to include both sides of the family for one big party but because Layla's birthday is so close to Christmas (and this year we celebrated Christmas day in Ephraim) we didn't want the Jenkins to have to drive so much, so we had a second party the Saturday after Christmas. We decorated cupcakes with pirate swords and Tinkerbell sprinkles and different colored frosting. Then opened presents and put on our Tinkerbell and pirate tattoo's.

"The boys" wanted a front row seat to the present opening part of the party. (Gray, Mason, Issac, Tyce, & Caleb). Sister-in-law Aubrey took the sweetest pics of Layla's party but I'm still trying to figure out how to put them on the blog without looking tacky. At least my scrapbooks look great :)

We are so glad that we are able to spend birthday's with Grandma's and Papa's, Cousins, and Aunt's and Uncles. Thanks to everyone who made Layla's day so special!

Happy 1st Birthday Layla!!!

2009-01-06T13:44:00.000-08:00

Dear Layla Kate,

This year has gone by so fast. You are getting so big! I hope you know how much your mom and dad love you. You make us smile everyday and your sweet little spirit is such a blessing to our family. Gray can't wait for you to wake up every morning so he can help mom get you out of bed. You struggled a little with jaundice and RSV when you were first born, but you were a little fighter and in no time trying to keep up with brother. You are at times such a shy little sweetheart. You have always been our little cuddle baby, most of your life you've been attached to mom's hip. Your first game was peek-a-boo and you would laugh until you had the hick-ups. Once you could crawl, you were an adventurer! You were given the sweetest smile and already know how to use it to your advantage. You also have, to date, four front teeth (with more on their way) which you use on Gray daily. Your little personality has really shown through the last couple of months and your dad and I can already tell you are going to be a handful, but a beautiful, smart, funny, and sweet little handful. We love you little sis-you make our eternal family complete!
Love,

Dad, Mom, and Gray

Layla's Stats:

30 inches long = 68% for height

19 lbs = 13% for weight (They had to weigh me with her- I think it is a mistake)

Likes: hugs, yogurt bites, crackers, books, her mini rocking chair, riding brother like a horse, dolls, tutu's, playing tease, tastes of candy, biting everything in sight,singing, and dogs.

Dislikes: squash, getting her diaper changed, drinking from bottles, sharing toys, messy fingers, and hats.

Happy Birthday Love!!!

2009-01-04T21:01:00.000-08:00

So I am a little late at blogging about a lot of things, oops.
For John's 32nd birthday, he and I went to the movies-Four Christmas (not that great). That was the first movie at the theatre that he and I have been to in almost three years. Pathetic I know, but I guess it's called kids and we never go anywhere without them. I just want the old man to know how much I love him and appreciate him and need him. He is my everything even though I don't tell him or show him enough. I could not have chosen a better Eternal companion nor father for our children. I love you babe!

Christmas!!!

2009-01-04T16:40:00.000-08:00

We had such a great Christmas this year! We are so blessed to have such amazing and fun families who live close enough that we are able to spend time with both sides during the holidays. This year we spent Christmas Eve with my family and Christmas Day with John's. The kids had a blast with their cousins and we had fun just relaxing and visiting.

The kids were able to sit on Santa's lap at our ward's Christmas program. Gray told Santa he wanted a real horse for Christmas-a white one. Layla was a little intrigued by this Santa man but never cried.

Both Layla and Gray got horse's this year that sing the same song. Gray rode his horse so hard that after the first 5 minutes he was laying on the horse instead of riding.

Layla was Jesus again this year in the annual Jenkins Christmas program. Gray was a little lamb.

We are also grateful that we got to spend another year with Granny Great. However, it makes me miss my Grandma Mickelsen and how special she made every Christmas.

The Saturday after Christmas we went sleigh-riding with my family up Willow Creek. I love being outdoors, especially with family. 2008 was a beautiful year for us. We are truly blessed!

Thanksgiving!!!

2008-11-30T16:05:00.000-08:00

I was so excited to eat that I didn't take one picture on Thanksgiving day, how pathetic am I? But we had a great Thanksgiving at brother Trent's house this year. I decided to make John's great great Grandma's stuffing and I have to admit it turned out yummy. Lots of food and fun games with the fam-what could be better! Julie, Cory & Maycie stayed at our house that night so the next morning I got a cute pic of Layla and Maycie in all their bed-head glory. Future BFF's!!

The friday after Thanksgiving is always our annual "Christmas tree hunting" day. We all look forward to this day as much as Thanksgiving. This year we choose Monroe mountain. It was the perfect day-we had snow for the kids to play in and oh yes, another turkey waiting for us at home! Dad, Mom, Trent, Kami, and Julie all got trees.

Both Gray and Layla fell asleep on the way home (Layla is under the blanket). It was a good thing Cody had his Rhino, our 4-wheeler was too cold for the kiddos-and Cody's dog, or should I say baby, Weezer :)

Later that night we celebrated Jace's six birthday at Kami's house. Jace had a Curious George cake. I still can't believe he is six.

Happy Birthday Jace!!!

Grandma Nikki and Layla in her cute new winter vest! I love the holiday's. Can't wait for Christmas!!!

Twilight!!!

2008-11-23T21:56:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was mom's night out and we had so much fun! We left on Friday at 1:00 and headed to American Fork. We went shopping and ate at the Olive Garden and then headed to the Twilight movie at 10:00. We had mixed feelings about the movie as you can tell from the picture (Thumbs up or thumbs down). But I lOVED IT!!! I seriously forgot about comparing the movie to the book, because I knew it would never live up to my expectations if I did, and just enjoyed my night out. We got a motel for Friday and went shopping ALL day Saturday. We were also able to hit the Moonlight Madness sale at Gardner Village. If you have never been-you are missing out. We shopped so long that we didn't make it home until close to 11:00 on Saturday. Did I mention how much I love my husband who stayed at home all weekend long and didn't have a come-apart at my excessive shopping.

New Flower Clippies!!!

2008-11-18T15:42:00.001-08:00

We have new flower clippies!!!They are interchangeable with our crocheted beanies and headbands or wear them alone. They are ADORABLE!!!Check us out at dimples-n-daisies.blogspot.com

Happy Veterans Day!!!

2008-11-11T12:25:00.001-08:00

Here's to all the veterans (including my Dad) and their families who have sacrificed so much for us all. We love you and we thank you!!! They Did Their Share

On Veteran’s Day we honor

Soldiers who protect our nation.

For their service as our warriors,

They deserve our admiration.

Some of them were drafted;

Some were volunteers;

For some it was just yesterday;

For some it’s been many years;

In the jungle or the desert,

On land or on the sea,

They did whatever was assigned

To produce a victory.

Some came back; some didn’t.

They defended us everywhere.

Some saw combat; some rode a desk;

All of them did their share.

No matter what the duty,

For low pay and little glory,

These soldiers gave up normal lives,

For duties mundane and gory.

Let every veteran be honored;

Don’t let politics get in the way.

Without them, freedom would have died;

What they did, we can’t repay.

We owe so much to them,

Who kept us safe from terror,

So when we see a uniform,

Let’s say "thank you" to every wearer.

By Joanna Fuchs

Layla Kate!!!

2008-11-10T13:57:00.001-08:00

My sweet Layla Kate!!!

My sister Julie and I took Layla to get her 9-month pictures (even though she is now 10 1/2 months...oops!) and they turned out so cute!!! Here are a couple of my favorites.

Just thought you might like to know where she gets her nose, chubby cheeks and dimples! This is my 10 month old pic!

So today is the first day that I let Layla cry herself to sleep. She still gets up two times a night and I feed her and get her back to sleep, but John and I are physically exhausted and we just can't do it anymore. I am blogging right now because I can hear her crying and I'm about to give-up.

She didn't calm down for a good twenty minutes. I am still stressed out about it and feel like the worst mom ever. Poor Layla, this is how she finally fell asleep. Don't look at the miss-matched clothes, it is a laundry day.

We love Dwight!!!

2008-11-03T19:17:00.000-08:00

Thanks to sister-in-law Mandy's blog I remembered our fun "girls night out" in St. George a couple of months ago. We met sister-in-law Aubrie and went shopping, out to dinner (anytime you can eat without kids is a good time) and to Les Miserable at Tuacan. It was so much fun!!! I'm really lucky to have such cute sister-in-laws.

Also I have to post this pic. I stole it from Aub's blog and I'm still laughing about it. Any Dwight fans out there?

October in Review!!!!

2008-11-03T12:34:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it is already November! October flew by for us (hence the lack of blogging) so now I'm going to attempt to fit all of our October activities into one blog. So here goes....

First, here are the marathon pics I promised.
Not sure what I was looking at but it is the only close-up pic of us running

My sweet hubby finished the last 1/2 mile with me and we crossed the finish line together!All of my "supporters". Dad, Mom, Tresha, Me, John, Kami, Julie, and Gray and Layla in the jogger. I love my family!My running buddy Shera-we both look so good!The men in my family have always been big on hunting, so the girls (my sisters and I) have a big sleep-over at mom's every year. We usually stay up all night playing games but this year around 2:00 in the morning we went toilet papering. It was seriously scary! I haven't gone toilet papering since I was in middle school. I have to admit we didn't do a very good job, I guess we were rusty, but it was still so much fun! I'm still trying to get John to go toilet-papering with me around Monroe. Thanks mom for sleeping with the kids until we got back. By the way, you can't tell by the picture but we line up four big mattresses and sleep on the living room floor.Can you tell who is more excited? Hmmm...John thought it was time to take Gray to the South Sevier football game. Gray informed me that it was only for boys and so sis and I had to stay at home. Mom and sis waving bye to the boys. Adison turns 3!!! My sweet niece Adi celebrated her birthday on October 11th. We ate sloppy-joes, and cake and ice-cream. Then we visited while the kiddos played and of course fought over toys. Not quite sure why I didn't get the cake in this picture?Adi got a necklace which Gray thought was pretty cool. John was not exceptionally happy however that I took this picture! Anyway, it looks like we put lipstick on him but it's from his sloppy-joe. I know he'll just love this pic when he gets older.

Dad pulled Gray and Layla all over the house on his sleeping bag one night and then it somehow turned into an every night event. Poor Layla would hang on for dear life but she loved it.

Also in October, my niece Aspen turned 8 and was baptized. It was an awesome meeting. Later that day, we had a potato bar and visited with family at Ty's house. (Papa Wayne, John, Tyler, Kurtis, Jordan, Matt, and sweet Aspen).

My fam!!! And uncle Matt's cell phone!!! My sister-in-law Amanda had the cutest scarecrow's at her house so we stole her idea and made our own. Poor John just got home from work but was a good sport and humored me. My brother Brett also showed up just in time to be put to work. Layla and Gray were big helps as well!!!The finished product! Yes I really am a good mom but Gray decided he didn't want his coat on for the picture. John drew faces on the pumpkins and they looked a little freaky after that.

The kids love to wrestle their daddy!!! I think our little Layla Kate might turn out to be quite the spit-fire. She gets down and dirty with her brother.

My beautiful Layla Kate in all her naughtiness!!!! Yes this was a day where she watched herself while I made bows. Check out the mess behind her. That was only the beginning!

Just chillin' in her brother's Diego jeep!!!My handsome Gray-bug!!! He's destined for a career in football!!!

His new "snow clothes". He wasn't about to wait for the snow so he wore them around the house. ALL night long!!!We love Halloween!!! My old roommates and I get together every year and have a Halloween party for the kids. This year it was at Jessica's and she did a great job of hosting.

Arrrg Matees!!!! (That's probably not even how you even spell it. I'm such a dork!)Gray, Layla, Lyndin, Kennedy, Gavin, Colby, Jaden, and AriJohn tried to get off early for Halloween but with no prevail. So I loaded the kids in the jogger and we old-school trick-or-treated. No trunk or treats for us!!! We had fun visiting Gray's friends and showing off their costumes.

(Notice the sucker in Layla's hand. I figured she wouldn't eat it with the wrapper on, however, she managed to bite a hole in the back of the sucker where I could not see and by the time we were through she had managed to suck an indent into the sucker).

John came home and we headed to Grandma's. Grandma was a 50's gal for Halloween, just so everyone is clear that this is not her normal up-do!!! (Julie holding Maycie, Grandma, Gray, Me holding Layla, Michael, Kami holding Jace, and Teven). Michael and Tev were good sports about getting their picture taken. They think they are now "too old" for dress-up. This year we missed Grandma and Grandpa Jenkins!!! They headed North for some shopping but we have some cute pics to show them.

We had an eventful October. We are excited for Thanksgiving and hope that November is just as busy and fun!!!

dimples-n-daisies

2008-10-28T10:07:00.000-07:00

So the last time that I blogged was litterally a month ago, not good I know. But Shera and I have started a new business and we have been quite busy. Our new business is dimples-n-daisies and we make little girl hairbows, tutu's, nursing covers (obviously for moms), beanies, ect. We have worked really hard and our proud of our products. We would really appreciate it if you would all add our button to your own blogs. The instructions are on our website at www.dimples-n-daisies.blogspot.com Please check us out! Also, if you are interested, we do "bow-parties" and if you would like to host, you get a $30 credit to buy whatever product you would like. Thanks to all of you who have already ordered from dimples-n-daisies!!!!

TAGGED!!!

2008-09-24T19:50:00.000-07:00

Okay Dev, this ones for you!

1.Where did you meet your husband?
John and I met at SUU-he was friends with my friends and I was friends with his. The rest is history.

2.How long did you date before you got married?

About a year and a half. We were engaged in March and married in June.

3.How long have you been married?

Five amazing years.

4.What does he do that surprises you?

He still compliments me EVERYDAY, even when I look like poop. Oh, and he has always kissed me and the kids before he leaves for work, even when we are sleeping. I love that.

5.What is your favorite feature of his?

John has nice muscular legs not chicken legs and I love his broad shoulders. Very sexy!

6.What is your favorite quality of his?

Where do I begin. He's loyal, he loves his kids and wife and truly makes his life about us. He loves and lives the gospel and teaches me. He is crazy funny and sometimes we just sit around and laugh together. He is friends with everyone and easy going so with my sometimes uptight personality we make the perfect couple.

7.Does he have a nickname for you?

Deids, sweet Deids, dirty Deids (AC/DC), and Deirdra Ann when I'm in trouble.

8.What is his favorite food?

Anything, but he really likes pork chops and curry chicken.

9.What is his favorite sport?

Football.

10.When and where was your first kiss?

It was just after we first started dating and we kissed while watching a movie in my college apartment.

11.What is your favorite thing to do as a couple?

Literally doing anything together but probably snowboarding and watching movies. There are other things but I won't mention them on this blog :)

12.Do you have any children?

Two-a handsome son and a beautiful daughter!

13.Does he have any hidden talents?

Most of our close friends know but John is an awesome impersonator. He has me laughing so hard sometimes I think I could pee my pants.

14.How old is he?

He'll be thirty-two in December.

15.Who said I love you first?

Definitely John-It was a couple of months after he said it that I finally did. Sorry babe!

16.What is his favorite music?

He loves everything. Hard rock, hip-hop, but he doesn't really love country. I think the guys at work are working on that one.

17.What do you admire most about him?

That he is a family man first and foremost.

18.What is his favorite color?

Maybe blue, although I don't think he really has one.

19.Will he read this?

If I turn on the computer and sit him down in front of it, or if I read this to him which I will.

20.Who do you tag?

Shera, Keish, Heidi, Aubrie, and Mandy-give us the goods!

I DID IT....26.2 MILES!!!

2008-09-22T16:07:00.001-07:00

On Saturday, Shera and I ran in the "Top of Utah" marathon in Logan. We had been training for this marathon since last March and I am so excited that we were able to finish. It was quite the race. We woke up at 4:00 a.m. and had to be to the buses by 5. Then the marathon coordinators bussed us up to Hardware Ranch canyon. We arrived just after 6:00 and started to prepare for the race. It had sprinkled a little on the way up the canyon but luckily we were saved from the rain, it was really cold that morning. Now comes the crazy part. I had to pump behind the port-a-potties before the race started. (Layla is nine months and refuses a bottle so this was my only option. By the time the race was over, six hours later, I thought I was going to pop.) Anyway, the race was about to start so we made our way down the road to the starting line where thousands, truly, of people were already waiting. It was so cool to see all of the different types and ages of people. The guns went off and we waited for the people in front of us to begin. I was so nervous that I gave myself a stomach ache and it didn't go away until after the second mile marker. It was about that time that we saw a man kneeling down on the side of the road bleeding from his nose with EMT's at his side. (Come to find out, he tripped and face-planted into the pavement but decided that he wasn't going to quit and eventually passed us with bandages covering his head. It was his 200 and something marathon. Crazy, I know). Then we saw a grandma, probably early 70's, running in front of us and after we passed her, Shera said something about "for our own pride I hope we finish before her". Unfortunately, grandma beat us. But we met some really cool people running that cheered us on and we cheer for them as well. My personal favorite was the man in the kilt and a husband and wife team. You could tell this was her first time and he was just there for support because he was eating donuts while running and giving her advise. We ran 15 miles down the canyon before we were able to see our families. I wanted to cry when I saw John, the kids, my parents, and all my sisters all there cheering me on. It was around mile 16 that I hit a wall. My knees were giving out on me and poor Shera was so sick to her stomach. (It was her worst run; she was cramping from mile 2 until the finish line and her hip was really bothering her as well.) I really started to have my doubts about being able to finish until my sister Kami jumped in the race and ran with us from mile 18 to 19. Then my sister Tresha ran from 19 to 20 and from there on, both Kami and Tresha ran with us until close to the finish line. They each ran about 7 miles and were only planning on 1 to 2 miles. But they talked us through the pains and kept our minds focused. Around mile 22, we ran passed a house that was blasting the song, "The final countdown", and Kami sang for us. Poor Tresha wore my old running shoes that were too little and she ended up with a big blister on her ankle, but never said a word until after the marathon. My dad and mom met me at every mile and cheered me on. My sister Julie helped John with the kids; driving them from mile marker to mile marker and changing dirty diapers. (I really owe you one for Layla's blow-out). Then at mile 25, Julie told John she would take the kids to the finish line so John could run with me. John and I finished the race TOGETHER! My end time was 05:47:14. I don't think my family knows how much I appreciate them being there or how much they helped me through the race. (On a side note, the guy who finished the race first came in at a time of 02:22:57. Shera's dad also ran and ended with a time of 04:15:19). Shera and I weren't racing for time but we had to finish before 6 hours. AND WE DID!!! I am so proud of us. Back in March when we decided to train, we had both just had our second baby. It's been quite the journey. You'll have to go to her blog to hear all about our crazy cat story. Also back in March I asked John if he would help me with the marathon. Some nights he would come home from work and I would literally throw the kids on him and go running for hours. He has been so supportive with all my crazy ideas and I love him, which makes me wonder why I don't have more pics of him and I on the blog. He really is the best husband and dad. Well, there's my novel. I can now check a marathon off my top ten list. Shera we rock!
I'm waiting for my marathon pics to be developed so stay tuned....

2008-09-08T19:42:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went to Nephi Canyon for the Jenkins family reunion. We were only able to spend a few hours on Saturday night and Sunday morning but it was fun to visit and see everyone.

Granny Great and Layla

Gramps singing around the campfire is my favorite part!

On Sunday, Grandma read books to Gray and Layla in the trailer.

Yellowstone!!!

2008-09-08T13:12:00.000-07:00

Five days in Yellowstone with family....what more could you ask for!

My sister-in-law Mandy invited our family and Tyler's family to spend Labor-day weekend with them at a family's cabin in Island Park. We were only about 25 minutes from the west entrance of Yellowstone. We took the lower loop the first day (Friday) and were able to see many waterfalls, geyser's, as well as Old Faithful, and ended our day in Grant Village. Saturday we ventured the top loop which includes Mammoth Hot Springs. Sunday's trip took us through Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park, back up through the south entrance of Yellowstone, past Yellowstone Lake to Tower-Roosevelt. Labor-Day we headed home but not before stopping at Bear World (Grayson's favorite stop throughout the trip) in Rexburg Idaho. We had two DVD players (one for each kid) and somehow they managed the trip very well. It was an amazing weekend for both the kids and John and I. Thanks again Mandy. It was so much fun.

The Wildlife of Yellowstone The waterfalls were beautifulTaking a lunch breakGeyser'sOld FaithfulLayla wanted to push instead of ridePure Chunk!!!Twins and yes, more twinsLayla's favorite stop was hanging out on the lawnFun nights at the CabinWe were quite the site, eight kids and six adultsMud VolcanoMore geyser'sThe Grand-canyon of YellowstoneBear World. The white elk in the background is albino- Supposedly one in six million. John couldn't stop looking at it.There were two wolves in with the bears, weird I knowDaddy GrizzlyLots and lots of bears, probably 35-40 when we drove throughThe baby bears we caged. Can you tell that Gray loved them?Notice how Gray is coming out of the bear head. He thought this was great fun.Gray at the petting zoo. He went crazy running around from animal to animal. I think they were a bit overwhelmed.Sis loved the fawnsI actually got to pet the moose, but obviously, he's on the move in this pic.Bear World also has amusement rides

Dimples!

2008-08-27T14:54:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen cuter dimples than these? No you have not. Our little Layla is no longer stationary. She loves her new found independence through crawling, and her newest adventure took her to one of the table legs-this is now her favorite hangout.

Stay tuned...Yellowstone here we come.

My Cute Kids

2008-08-22T13:24:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago, John and I were asking Gray to do something and he said "whatever guys". I had no idea where this came from but just today we were watching Alvin and the Chipmunks for the hundredth time and Alvin says it in the beginning of the movie. Gray also says "Oh my gosh" and acts all dramatic but unfortunately that comes from me.

Layla is now starting to crawl or should I say slide on all fours. She is very cautious and girlish about it. It makes me laugh. I love my kids. Here are more pics for your enjoyment.

This is a picture Gray colored in Primary. John is worried that this is the future look of our family. Pretty scary!

Summer Fun

2008-08-13T20:17:00.000-07:00

Here are some new pics from way back when. The 24th of July, BBQ's in the backyard, Layla and Gray swimming, Layla's first pony-tail, and now this.... Check out the bite mark on Layla's little (or I should say chunky) leg. It must have looked quite tasty and tempting to Gray's friend Carleigh.

Camera Problems and Up-dates

2008-08-11T19:10:00.000-07:00

HELP! So I cannot figure out how to get my camera to work with my computer. The camera will turn on and show pictures from my SD cards but as soon as I hook it up to my computer to download, it shuts off. At first I thought that I broke my camera so I took it to get fixed. They put new batteries in it and it worked. Shut-up I know. Anyway, I thought that would take care of the problem but obviously not. Sorry that I haven't blogged in awhile but I am still angry that I can't figure it out. Stay turned....
Just to keep you up-dated, We had the fam over for the 24th of July which is always so much fun. Then Gray and I went to Lagoon with my fam. I can't believe how big he is. He was not afraid of any of the rides. We left Layla Kate with aunt Mels and uncle Kurtis and didn't get back to their house until midnight. I love you guys and I'm sorry. Anyway, John finally took me up on top of Monroe mountain where we saw 6 five and six point Elk. I guess this sort of thing is random so we got some cool pics but again still having camera problems. Then last Saturday John and I went out with some friends to dinner and left the kids with a babysitter for the first time EVER. I was so scared but the kids did great and the babysitter seemed like she knew what she was doing. However, I have not truly felt my age until I took the babysitter home that night. I started having flashbacks of when I was the babysitter not the adult and it really freaked me out. I will stop writing now because this is a novel and quite boring without any pictures.

The pinkie

2008-07-27T19:15:00.000-07:00

As promised, here is a pic of the pinkie. It was dislocated and broken just under the knuckle. My hand also had a spiral brake about an inch lower than the pinkie brake. Crazy. The second picture is right after the ER visit. I have a pic of the blue cast but my camera isn't cooperating, hopefully I will get a pic up soon.

Visiting Cousins

2008-07-13T19:19:00.000-07:00

This weekend our family took a trip to SLC for cousin Cade's wedding reception. I don't have any pictures of the cute couple (oops) but after the reception we visited with Aunt Jenn and fam. Here are some cute pics!

Gray thought Garrett's room was pretty cool. He has a full-sized drum set as well as a guitar and other fun stuff; John of course thought he needed to try out the drums first.

We ended up at Grandma and Grandpa Jenkins in Ephraim. John thought it would be nice to mow the lawn but didn't have any shoes to do the job, so he borrowed Graps. Now that is sexy!

OCD?

2008-07-09T16:17:00.000-07:00

So, I am a little worried about my obsessive son Gray. He has to have order even with his toys; footballs in one compartment (the chair), animals and 4-wheeler in another. I think he justifies the 4-wheeler in with the animals because he runs them over with it. Notice how he has all of his animals in a row reading his book. I would like to say that I don't know where he gets this but obviously I do. Or we all can just pretend that it's from John.

He sure is cute though!

2008-07-07T12:59:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

We had family pictures back in February, but I am posting them for our friends who we don't get to see nearly enough. I'm also including Layla's blessing day to show off her dress. If it still fit I would put her in it everyday.

Layla Kate and her Papa's

Here are some up-dated pics of Gray and Layla

Best Buds!

This summer we have been busy with family reunions. Both John and I have big extended families so when we get together, it is quite the event. The Mickelsen reunion was June 12-15 at Accord Lakes. It is an annual event where we camp, play games, and spend time together. There were exactly 100 people who attended this year.

Below is a picture of Gray playing in the man-made camp sandbox digging for "gold" (really coins) and bobbing for apples.

The "Kendall Kampout" was June 19-22 up Big Cottonwood Canyon. It is a lot like the Mickelsen campout. My favorite part is the camp fire at night when we all sing songs and visit. John is so lucky to be so close to 2nd and even 3rd cousins. There were probably 250 people this year, rough estimate. We are truly blessed to belong to our families.

The pictures don't really show the magnitude of the camp-outs, but John and I forgot the camera most of the time. I wish I had taken more pictures up Cottonwood Canyon because it was beautiful. Next time maybe.

I recently broke my pinky and hand playing spoons at our monthly girls night out. I am in the process of getting the picture so I can show you all the nice dislocated finger. I have only 2 weeks left until my cast comes off and I am counting.

Also this Summer, my Dad headed up a Veterans Memorial Monument at the Redmond park. It took months of planning and hard labor. He had two large monuments made, one in honor of soldiers, and one in honor of those who lost their lives. The second monument is only a helmet, boots, and a gun, propped on each other. Also, there are flags for all of the different units, like army, navy, ect., POW, and the American flag. They built a large rock wall around the monuments with a cement path inside. I am really proud of him.