Team Covey

How Many Quail are in a Covey?

2011-12-27T19:03:00.001-07:00

For this Covey of quail, the answer is 6.

Officially on May 1, 2012, Scott Parrish Covey will make us a 6 member family! We usually wait to be surprised but we chose to peek during today's ultrasound. The ultrasound technician knew that we had a girl name picked out, but not a boy name. So she converted Lucy to a more masculine form - Lucifer. But Jacob already has dibs on that name. We were hanging out as a family, talking about names of nephews and nieces that hadn't been born yet and Jacob was frustrated by being younger than the rest of us. "You guys are going to pick all the good names and there won't be anything left by the time I get a wife and we have kids. All that's left over will be...Lucifer!"

Can't wait to meet you, bro! And I promise not to name you Lucifer...

Happy Birthday Afton!

2011-12-27T12:08:00.003-07:00

Camille organized gingerbread house making for Afton's birthday. Of course it was a competition and of course we had amazing entries. My favorite would be the car house by the Mangus family although San Francisco was very beautiful from the Bennetts. Our graham cracker yurt struggled but had all of the things we really want: yurt, plane, horses, ice skating pond, tennis courts and plenty of room to breathe.

Happy Birthday to Afton!

Christmas Bells are Ringing

2011-12-25T09:59:00.000-07:00

Hear what they say to you!

Here's what they say to me:

I love being with my family. I love celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Singing through the Nativity is one of my favorite parts of Christmas. I was touched by the scripture of Mary keeping all these things in her heart. She had a lot to keep. My heart is full as I learn the lessons Heavenly Father provides for me. Christmas gifts are fun to give and receive. Kids play with the first gifts they open and pretty much don't care about the rest. Kids love the dollar toys as much as the expensive ones. There is nothing like the feeling of flying paper as people are ripping into their stuff. Wrapping paper is tricky - it can end up anywhere. Surprises are fun. Christmas breakfast is delicious and necessary sustenance for all that is required on Christmas morning. Only attending one hour of church is awesome and difficult in a different ward when you choose to sit in the back and kids just want to run around the gym. Extended family adds an additional aspect to Christmas - lots of people, lots of fun. Missionary skype calls are the best. I enjoyed seeing Sister Davis and Elder Covey at peace with what they are doing right now and enjoying their work. Christmas feels good. I'm glad we could be with people we love to celebrate it.

Kitchen Mania!

2011-12-20T13:03:00.000-07:00

I was so pleased to get into a land locked kitchen when we got home for Christmas vacation. Evelyn and I threw on our aprons and went to work making delicious treats until we were sick of it. Now I can happily go back to the motor home kitchen. I'm all baked out. For now. I still am very excited for the meals I am in charge of next week - fondue (can't do that very easily in the car house), raspberry pork tenderloin (my favorite birthday meal) and cafe rio (which we actually do quite often in the car house).

First words

2011-12-18T13:10:00.000-07:00

Cheese and ball - Davie's first words. Not ever used together, but cheese is to communicate that he wants food, be it a cheese stick or breakfast or anything. Ball is used accurately and watch out, because this kid will throw it right in your face. Davis is eating cheese puffs because that is what the kids picked for their birthday breakfast on my birthday. It was awesome. We were alone on my birthday because our dad was attending Tony Robbins conference, but we made it a great day. Case in point, cheese puffs for breakfast, I got to watch 2 movies that were not animated and did not have talking animals, and I ate an entire pack of Snickers snack size, which at first was depressing because I thought I ate ten, but then I got over it when I figured out there were only eight in the pack. Score!

When we came home for vacation, we had a proper Kneader's cinnamon french toast breakfast along with my favorite - birthday surprises. I did get presents that I knew were coming - I picked them out myself - a white tennis skirt, and two pink tennis tops (thank you, adidas outlet for $10 presents for me!). Then Katie and Van got me the SURPRISE - some boots that Johnny happily modeled. Yay! Happy Birthday to me!

Happy Birthday, Gammie!

2011-12-17T12:57:00.000-07:00

We got to stop by and see Grandma LL and Grandpa Rey on our way home for Christmas vacation. And it just happened to be right before my mom's birthday. I love explaining to my kids who everyone is. Gammie is my mommy and Grandma Laura Lee is Gammie's mommy! They are always so shocked at first and then they repeat these geneological facts to me later to confirm that they have understood. "Gammie is your mommy?" "Yes, and Beal is my sister!"

We got Gammie a surprise for her birthday this year. We just gave her the address and the phone number and let her know that even if she picked out the most expensive thing in the store, it was still in our birthday budget. So Gammie texted me to let me know that she googled the address of the place and she was a little bit nervous because it came up as a tattoo parlor and were we really thinking of going that direction for her birthday??? HA! Love it. However, we did NOT get my mother a tattoo for her birthday.

You've got something in your teeth

2011-12-13T12:38:00.000-07:00

My kids love to eat raw broccoli. How can I complain about this? Well, because it makes their breath stink, that's how. I'm totally happy they eat something so awesome. But please do not breathe in your mother's face while you are eating it, after you have eaten it or when you are ever thinking about eating it. Thank you! Oh, and that is how the mirror always looks except for the first 15 minutes of Saturday cleaning when Johnny and Evelyn have polished it right before they put their hands on it again.

Seaport Village, San Diego, CA

2011-12-11T12:46:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed walking around Seaport Village. My kids go coo-coo for carousels. And hula-hoops decorated with lovely stickers. And cows. And pirates. And dancing metallic spray painted mimes. Especially when their dad breaks it down right along with the street performer. Forget the book tour. I think we really could make it on the streets with our dad, the dancer.

Pie Ohne Ears

2011-12-06T16:12:00.003-07:00

We told Johnny we were going to a place to learn about pioneers. And he grabbed his ears and said, "Pie Ohne Ears?" Yes, darlin'.

What a cool visitor center! Kids got to watch great depictions of the history of the 500 members of the battalion and dress up as soldiers and pan for gold. It was inspiring - Heavenly Father provided a way to provide for the pioneers, even though the way looked incredibly risky by sending off lots of their men to go fight. Yet, Brigham Young promised the soldiers if they would remain true to their religion, they would not have to fight. And they didn't! Miraculous. Great stop and glad we went.

TKO

2011-12-03T12:24:00.000-07:00

Evelyn head butted me in the middle of the night. She had no idea what she was doing and she said, "Sorry, sorry, sorry. Issokay, issokay." She is adorable. Lethal, but adorable.

Happy Birthday, Grandpa Dee!

2011-12-02T11:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the Davis' for hosting all of us for Grandpa's birthday party. Evelyn loved the cupcakes. Johnny boy loved the pie. And we all got to enjoy being together. Grandpa has 3 boys. I grew up always thinking I would have all boys and always thinking that they would all be blonde. I'm good on the blondies and pretty even on the boys and the girls. It's funny how you picture what you think your family will be and then you actually grow up and have them and you have nothing to say about what they look like or their sweet personalities. Grandpa Dee is a good man. He will sing to you with all he's got on your birthday. He plays peanuckle once a week with his cronies. He is quick to laugh and share a joke. I remember going to his house as a little girl and having cousin gatherings. I remember being shocked when I went to his backyard and his pool was no longer there. I remember his neighbor boy that chased me with dog poo on a shovel because he knew I would run. I remember white trees in his front yard and the skin peeled off in a lovely way. I remember his car that talked to you and said, "Your door is ajar. Your door is ajar." And I thought they meant the door was a jar...

Happy Birthday, Grandpa! Thanks for a fun party.

Happy Birthday, Nana!

2011-12-01T12:31:00.000-07:00

We got to be home for the celebration of Nana's birthday. Johnny actually helped Katie to make the cake. He was asleep when we actually cut into the cake but he didn't even notice the big gaping hole when we put candles on it again and had some for breakfast. Happy Birthday, Nana! We love you!

California Science Center

2011-11-28T15:42:00.004-07:00

This place was a fun way to spend two days while our dad was at Tony Robbins Conference in Los Angeles. Entrance was free. The exhibits were awesome. But the secret score was the little playstations specifically for little kids. They went crazy. And I found Johnny's Christmas present - a bird building set. I can't wait for him to open it up!

Happy Birthday Johnny!

2011-11-12T11:22:00.001-07:00

We celebrated Johnny's birthday early while we were still visiting Utah. Van suggested Thanksgiving Point Farm so we could see all the animals, get faces painted, ride horses and eat birthday cake with candles that Johnny is STILL talking about. Thanks, Nana & Papa!

Love this girl

2011-11-11T15:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T15:05:00.000-06:00

We were in El Segundo, California and after we went trick or treating, we set up camp chairs on the corner because no one was knocking on the motorhome door, for some reason...

Our kids paid tribute to our siblings. I figure this is the last Halloween that I can control what they are dressed up as. Although I do remember that my mom dressed me up as a victim of PMS when I was 9 or 10. I didn't understand really what PMS was, but I wore a robe with tootsie roll wrappers pinned to me and my hair was ratted to maximize volume with more candy wrappers nestled within my hair. And I had to have been willing, but I didn't know really what I was. But I did know that people laughed their heads off when I told them what I was.

So, here we have Davis, the missionary (Jacob)

Evelyn, the Park City teacher who likes to clean for fun (Collette)

Johnny, the UofU student who has a slight mohawk and wears Vnecks and jeans (Van)

Everyone was super confused at the doors, but the kids loved the magic that happened when they said trick or treat and put out their bags. It was awesome to watch them understand for the first time. Next year will be even more fun.

Wedding Bells

2011-10-29T13:03:00.001-06:00

One of my dearest friends, Dana Allison, got married in Arizona and I was so happy to be able to put it on our schedule. We just happened to be home in Utah for some appointments and so we drove to Arizona on our way for the next appointment in Los Angeles. It was great to be able to be there, to meet her husband and her three new children. She was nervous about becoming a mom - more so, I think than becoming a wife. I told her, "You'll do great! You'll do awful! And you'll do great. And you'll do awful." It's just how it works. The learning curve of parenting is steep and then smooth and you just have to take the lessons as they come. Parenting is fun. Children are fun. I was talking on the phone and the customer service representative heard my children in the background. He said, "What a blessing!" And it was so refreshing because normally people are wondering how I've kept my sanity with three children. And children can get crazy. They operate on different rules than adults do. Or maybe the same rules, but adults lie to each other. Yes, that's probably it.

Regardless, I know Dana will do great at being a mom. Likewise I know she'll do a crummy job sometimes too. And that's awesome. Not awesome, as in, ha ha, you stink and that makes me feel better about the stinky job that I do. But awesome, as in, what a cool way to learn about ourselves and to learn about our Heavenly Parents and Their perfect love for us made manifest through the birth and life and death and resurrection of Their only Begotten.

Congratulations, Dana and Festus and family!

First Deal

2011-10-28T12:34:00.000-06:00

When we look back at where it all started, we have to go to Kanab, Utah. And we actually did drive through Kanab on our way down to Arizona. John & Kathleen had invested in the Redrock Country Inn but they wanted to sell it because it was so stressful to manage long distance. Johnny found the buyer that would put their son in as the on site manager and helped them get rid of the property. When we drove by, it looked like they had made a lot of improvements. I'm so curious what Johnny boy will love doing - what he will choose to support his family with. It's exciting to start somewhere. We all know the real first deal was when Johnny got bought out by the golf course because he was selling used golf balls right outside the pro shop for cheaper than the guy was selling them inside. So the poor golf pro came out and bought everything Johnny had to eliminate his competition. Great for both sides. Johnny boy, feel free to make your millions on golf balls or motels or whatever you want!

Fairytale Land

2011-10-20T14:20:00.000-06:00

It's fun to find fun things to do. Disneyland was awesome, but Fairytale Land was right up there on the awesome scale. And less crowded. And 1% of the price. And did I mention less crowded?

Ocean's playground

2011-10-16T13:55:00.000-06:00

We play at playgrounds every day. It's part of my routine to get tired kids to be able to take a nap and so I can sleep with them all each afternoon. It's very important. It's interesting being at so many different playgrounds. Kids come and play and a common game is some variation of grocery store where kids order from each other and deliver whatever is requested. This grocery store is magically stocked with everything imaginable. At this playground, we met a cute little girl named Ocean. She had dreadlocks, like her mom. She was helping fill the grocery orders and helped get carrots and apples and after she delivered everything, she offered her own recommendations. Would you like some tofu? Yes, Ocean. Thank you so much.

Metal Mouth

2011-10-12T13:46:00.000-06:00

I have noticed that when I speak, I have a lisp. Totally weird. I didn't used to have one and then I have one. I had an internal retainer cemented in because when my grandpa gave me the option of retainers, I did not want to be the kid jumping onto the lunch tray conveyor belt because I forgot that I left my retainer next to my tater tots. So I got the internal one. 15 years have passed since it's been put in and that means pieces have fallen off and it has deteriorated to practically nothing. So that means my lisp formed and it freaked me out.

The solution came in actually getting a bigger lisp because of a take out, put in, but really I just wear it all the time so it can work it's magic, retainer. Chad Rowan, the boy who taught me 7 Habits in highschool, offered to make me a complimentary retainer. How kind! He fitted me for it and made it himself in his dental office. I'm so grateful because braces are not appealing to me right now at this stage of my life. Although they will be the permanent solution when I do choose to take the time to fix my teeth.

For now, just call me Metal Mouth.

Life as truck drivers

2011-10-08T13:40:00.000-06:00

We're not really truck drivers, but these crisp hats would help us play the part if we ever wanted to. Johnny and I went to a Byron Katie conference to do our work. It was inspiring. And we got to be all by ourselves. We left all three kiddos (meaning an emergency weaning for Davis) with Samantha, my cousin, in Merced. Then we drove to Big Sur and stopped by Casa de Fruta on the way. It was a fun trip. The food at the conference was amazing - all created from the gardens on the oceanside property. Delicious. And fun to be by ourselves for the first time since Davis was born. I like this truck driver. I could go for another trip all by ourselves anytime in the near future.

Artistic touch

2011-10-06T13:35:00.000-06:00

Our cousin, Kinzie, painted some cool creations that were featured at the Kuumba Collective gallery in Sacramento, California. He creates with spray paint and it is fun to see all of his stuff.

Turning a Corner

2011-10-02T13:30:00.000-06:00

There is no going back. When you are your own electrician, you can officially take care of business. Once you've cut off a melted plug and replaced it with another and twisted all of the right color wires together and plugged it back in to your generator and nothing blew up or was destroyed, you have turned that corner and it's all up from here.

Last mow of the season

2011-09-29T11:07:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday!

2011-09-27T12:22:00.000-06:00

Davis, we love you. Happy Birthday, sweet boy.

Last boat trip of the season

2011-09-26T15:26:00.000-06:00

We came home from being on the road and one of the first things we did was to hit the water for the last trip of the season. Fun. Cold. Mostly just hanging out on the boat rather than driving around. The kids sun bathed with Nana on the tube. And we forgot their life jackets so they went old-school style.

Cousin Power, Take 3

2011-09-25T15:46:00.000-06:00

We got to visit the Smiths in Reno on our way home for October. It was so fun to be with them and get a peak at their daily schedule. Johnny had fun in the backyard on the tramp. Thank goodness their neighbors have a motorhome too because they were excited to talk to us about ours rather than upset that we parked there overnight. Yay for family.

Getting official

2011-09-13T14:26:00.002-06:00

You know you are the real deal when you have your website decal up on the back of your motorhome above the dolphins. Don't worry, we are going to strip the dolphins off and replace them with a covey of quail. How many make a covey, anyway?

It's here. It's live. It's waiting for you to go check it out...

www.TheAnswerInMe.com

Super Star

2011-09-13T13:59:00.004-06:00

There is something wonderful about holding a baby. They are so pure and full of love. Davis was on rock star status while we visited Grandpa Dee Frederick Davis and Bruce & Robin & Kinzie Davis. It was awesome to watch him interact with everyone. Fun trip. Amazing aviary in the backyard that I never took a picture of, but Johnny loved talking to Millie, the hen (because she has a million spots on her feathers) and Sherby, the princess of wales parakeet (because she looks like rainbow sherbet).

Speaking of rainbow sherbet, Johnny offered me some once, thinking it was my favorite.

M: What? You don't know me! I don't like sherbet.

J: What? You had it at our wedding reception!

M: That is because it was cheap and I thought it was elegant in my waffle bowls and champagne glasses. And because my mom gave me a wedding budget and I got to keep every penny I saved so I ordered sherbet from BYU. Ok? Can we go back to being soulmates who know eachother now?

Cousin Power, Take 2

2011-09-11T19:28:00.005-06:00

We got to visit the Bennetts in their new house in Livermore, CA. It was amazing - great neighborhood, awesome back yard deck, tennis courts, swimming pool and fun private playground. The cousins had fun reconnecting. We look forward to when we can be together again!

Where did the year go?

2011-09-11T19:20:00.003-06:00

Davis is like a grown man. Standing up on his own, 4 teeth in his mouth with one more trying to cut through, clapping his hands and waving goodbye. This boy is growing up. Time is unmerciful - marching and marching and forgetting to go slowly when I want it to go slowly and especially ignoring my pleas to speed up when something seems unbearable. This boy is pure joy. He is cheerful. He is adorable. He makes me want another baby because he is no longer a baby. He won't have his first birthday until September 27, but I know as soon as I blink, that will be over, so here's to Davey.

Good Morning, Sunshine!

2011-09-11T19:18:00.002-06:00

Our daily morning conversation:

M(for mom): Good morning, sunshine! How are you?

E(for Evelyn): Gooooood (as she stretches awake)

M: Did you have a good sleepies?

E: Yeeeeeees (as she smiles and gives me this cute face. I. can. not. stand. it.)

Summer Lovin'

2011-09-11T19:11:00.000-06:00

Take a picture 'bout me, mama!

Water Weinies

2011-09-11T18:59:00.006-06:00

Pools are awesome in the summer heat. We have been swimming a lot. Johnny will doggy paddle with his life jacket on. "Look at me! I'm swimming!" Evelyn got her first taste of chlorine on accident when she walked off a step expecting it to have continued for her - love the life jackets with the handle on the back of the neck. Davis went crazy for the water. I was totally hesitant but our friend took him on his first motor boat ride and Davey loved it. Swimming is a great way to get your kids to go to bed when you want them to. It was my go-to tactic for wearing little people out in Merced. Thanks to everyone who hosted us and let us use their swimming pools.

Freckle face

2011-09-11T18:48:00.002-06:00

What used to offend me as a child is now beautiful to me especially as I see it on my children.

Go Ducks!

2011-09-07T23:36:00.004-06:00

Welcome to your mission, Elder Covey. We love you so much and pray for your success. FEARLESS via FAITH

Hair Cut Candidate

2011-09-03T17:51:00.001-06:00

More grammar lessons. Some people say cannidut. It's candidate. And here is definitely a hair cut candidate.

Lie berry

2011-09-03T17:46:00.002-06:00

Remember how some people say, Lie Berry? Sorry if you are one of those people. It's Library. It's home away from the home on wheels that we're in while we're away from home. Libraries and parks. My kids are actually learning what it means to be quiet. Sacrament meeting and libraries can sometimes elicit a quiet voice from both of them and sometimes even at the same time.

Cousin Power

2011-09-03T17:42:00.003-06:00

We got to meet sweet Grayson Eldon while we were here in Merced. Homeboy had the umbilical cord wrapped 3 times around his neck. Does that mean it will be hard for him to cut the apron strings when he gets married? Let's hope not. He is handsome and good natured. It was fun to see Samantha be such a kind and loving mom. Great visit and we can't wait to see him grow over the years.

Squirrel!

2011-09-03T17:37:00.003-06:00

The Days had us over for dinner. So kind. They also shared with me about Grandma Ila. Sherri used to visit teach her. They remember her being sick but they also remember her being tall and kind and happy. And even though she really wasn't feeling well, the house would be neat and tidy when Sherri went to visit. Dee Day even told me that I am like my Grandma. I couldn't be happier. I know the neat and tidy part doesn't apply, but I'm okay with that if everything else does.

Johnny boy found a squirrel on their stairwell. He loved it. Johnny and Evelyn played Rapunzel the whole night on this towering staircase. Pretty appropriate because Sister Day still has such long hair. The coolest part of their house was the 14 name tags in a frame because they have served SEVEN missions together. Totally dreamy.

Memory Lane

2011-09-03T17:25:00.002-06:00

Not really.

It's actually Temple Court and White Fir Court. I have been driving around Merced, loving the good memories I have. I remember our parents visiting Temple Court while we were waiting for the home to be built. I remember seeing a toilet without finished walls. Temple Court meant Lizzie Torres lived next door and I took my piggy bank outside after my mother had instructed me not to take it outside because there was the potential to drop it. And drop it, I did.

I also remember Uncle Kelly teaching me to ride a bike on Temple Court. He just let go and I had no idea he had let go, but I was riding! Then we would flip our bikes upside down so we could turn the pedals to churn out ice cream. It was any flavor, made to order. I also remember play pretend passing the sacrament as little girls. We pulled bread apart and used a basket to pass it around. Great house. Great floor plan. Great memories.

White Fir Court is shown by the street sign. I was too lazy to drive down the court in the motor home with my camera because I would have had to ten point turn out of the court. I did actually already drive by and saw a light on in the kitchen. Great house. Same position on the court as the Temple Court house. We are 'end of the court' kind of people. You get a pie shaped lot and you get the best use of your lot. Small front yard - great for whoever was in charge of mowing (me) and huge backyard that opened out and only got bigger. Intelligent use of space, in my own opinion. White Fir Court was awesome. I remember paper routes and falling asleep at the computer with Rachel Rowan staying up to finish class projects, cleaning dental offices, playing the baby grand piano and our new neighbors came over and said they could hear me and wanted to know would I teach their boys, backing up over my little neighbor's bike and mangling it because I was an impatient 16 year old who didn't check behind the Ford Econoline to see if anything was there, summer sleepovers where we tried to invite every young woman in the stake over and bring your favorite breakfast cereal, lunch snacks stored in the garage, Sunday desserts, a messy, messy, messy room where I could never fathom picking anything up because I just left it on the floor, Zones for chores in the house and we're really excited for Sunday when they rotate, Mom's ten year plan Poster where she filled in boxes of what could happen in our lives (driver's license, college, mission). What a great house.

I love Merced. It has been balm of Gilead to my soul to be here. People are so kind and generous and complimentary. It makes you feel like a good person. I could TOTALLY live here when I grow up.

Speaking of the Ketchers...

2011-09-03T17:17:00.003-06:00

Aaron & Missy Castleton moved into the Ketchers' old house in our old neighborhood. And they had us over for a BBQ/pool/dance party. It was a blast. Castletons of all kinds have been hosting us and taking care of us here in Merced. We are grateful.

Mariposa Chinese Food

2011-09-03T17:07:00.003-06:00

Every summer growing up, we would hike Half Dome. It is a day hike. As in, it takes an hour and a half to drive into Yosemite National Park and 5 hours up and 4 hours down and another hour and a half on the way home. Maybe I'm squeaky on my memory of time elapsed to climb up and down...Specifically, I remember when we got a late start (6 am instead of 5 am) and we were running pell mell down the mountain to make it back for a shift at Baskin Robbins. No shower, just gratitude for the mist of the falls that at least took off some of the sweat and throw on the hat and shirt and straight to work.

We have been looking for vegetable oil to put in our motor home instead of diesel. We are trying to turn this aspect of the trip over to Heavenly Father so our gathering can be more efficient than relying on our own talents. He knows where the oil is. And He knows who is willing to give it to us. We just have to ask Him. And listen. And we are strengthening those listening muscles.

One gathering session took us out to Mariposa, which is on the way to Yosemite, which is where the yummy Chinese food is, where we stop after Half Dome unless you are late to work at Baskin Robbins, which is also where our dear friends, the Ketchers, now live. After gathering vegetable oil from the Chinese restaurant (thank you for the oil, no thanks on the orange chicken - it must have tasted divine because of the extreme hunger pains of hiking all day), we went to find the Ketchers. We got to say hello and good night because we had taken so long to fill our tank. Emphasis on the fact that we actually DID fill our tank halfway and re-emphasis on the fact that Heavenly Father knows where the oil is and who is willing to give it to us.

We love the Ketchers. They used to live around the corner from us. They were faithful hometeachers. They are so kind and FUNNY and fun to be around. And they forgave me for keeping them up late on a Saturday night just so we could park in their front yard before driving back to Merced for church. I can't wait to meet my nephew, Bobert, whom Catie will give birth to and name in honor of Bob Ketcher.

Phil Dawg

2011-09-02T19:12:00.000-06:00

I have called Philip this forever. Why? Who wants to be called an animal (besides Johnny boy and Tom Rowan - when we went to Merced for our reception, Tom Rowan was about 7 years old and Johnny asked him what his name was. "You can call me Tom. Tom the bomb. Or Tom the tiger. And Tom the Bear. Really, you can call me Tom and then any animal.")

Philip, I hope I'm not offending you. You are my Phil-Dawg. You don't mind. You tell me so. You were so nice to hang out with us and take Johnny to the movies. We love you. And you took me to Prom. I remember La Hacienda and nausea on the bus ride. Why did they put highschool kids on a bus to go to Prom? Is location really that big of a deal? I suppose so. But we don't care now, right? It wasn't worth throwing up over, right? Right, Phil-Dawg.

Bacon bequeathed

2011-08-27T12:21:00.000-06:00

We met Lars while we were trying to park the carhouse so we could run across the street to scout for oil. He came out from his repair shop while we were in his parking lot. Every person has a story worth telling and Lars shared some of his story with us. He was so anxious to give us something. He wouldn't let us leave his parking lot until he had filled our freezer with bacon. Lots of it. Then he chased us down and tried to give us cash. We had to convince him that we had what we needed. People are so kind. We have been the recipients of so much kindness. We see the hand of the Lord in our lives.

Sunday dinner in the park was tasty.

Even Davis thought so...

Happiest place on earth!

2011-08-26T12:31:00.009-06:00

Disneyland was so much fun. We decided after visiting Mickey Mouse's ward on Sunday that we probably should go, even though our kids are so small. It was fun. The saving grace was the 2-5 pm nap in the carhouse. Otherwise, we were in the park from 8 am to midnight. It was fun. We packed our lunch and tons of water and slept very well. The lines were not bad. The nurse that consoled me after Davis fell on the concrete was kind. The teacup ride was nauseating for me, but fun enough for everyone else to repeat. Great day. Large price tag, but great day.

Parks and Recreation

2011-08-26T12:09:00.002-06:00

It's my area of study - Parks and Recreation. I have loved going from park to park, seeing what different cities have and watching families enjoy being together. The city of Anaheim has a traveling Art Truck. It sets up shop at different parks throughout the city and provides a craft for free. Darling. We truly camp out in a park (or library) each day and Johnny sets up his office (folding table, camping chair, notebooks, EVO & laptop) somewhere in the shade nearby (actually as far away as the kids will let him be). My kids have an unlimited supply of Vitamin D. We put sunscreen on now because Johnny boy told me I burned him, which I did. I let him take off his shirt to run through the sprinklers and I never put it back on. So he got a little more sun than he should have.

But the true beauty of hanging out in a park in California has been the vendors walking through. Corn on a stick WITH mayonnaise and butter and cheese and chile powder - delicious. Strawberry ice cream - yum. And we have a strategy with Evelyn's appearance. She is a dirt magnet. My hypothesis is that she actually licks her hands, rubs her cheeks and massages dirt into her pores. That is truly what she looks like. But it's all part of the plan to cover up her beauty so no one kidnaps her. It's been working so far...

Silent Valley RV Resort

2011-08-24T13:13:00.002-06:00

We found time for 18 holes of putt-putt at Silent Valley in Banning, CA. Mom Allan got us a motor home travel book for the United States. It has every RV location that's worth mentioning in the country. And we got hooked up for 4 days, 3 nights at Silent Valley. It was darling - over 800 hookups, a pool, putt-putt, playground and lots of other kids to play with.

So we pulled out all the stops. Because we were hooked in to power instead of using our generator, we decided to live it up with baking banana bread, cafe rio and lasagna. Our meals have turned into one large meal making session and reheating leftovers in the toaster oven the rest of the week.

The kids (and their dad) were more into running around on stuff instead of actual putt-putt. Whatever works.

Big Mistake

2011-08-24T13:08:00.002-06:00

We went to what we thought would be an awesome place to relax and eat dinner after a hectic day. Big mistake. Not great food, not great service, not great prices. And we usually only need two of those three criterion in order to have a successful experience. Johnny and Evelyn did enjoy climbing around on the huge kid holding a burger. Eve is looking at a puddle in between the statue's feet and she might have been commiserating with the statue because she had wet her pants herself inside the restaurant, which was also not great for the momma.

The best

2011-08-24T13:03:00.004-06:00

In Rialto, California, we find the best. The best Walmart employee, regrettably whose name I cannot remember, who came and helped us put our new car batteries in. You will also find the best Chinese take-out on earth. We are tainted for life because everything pales in comparison to Yu's orange and lemon chicken. Thank goodness for people who know how to do things that you cannot. It is the kindest service ever because we couldn't figure out how to connect the grounding wire to all of those other wires down there. We wish the best for this full-time employee, student and father.

Painting the Town

2011-08-24T12:43:00.003-06:00

We stopped in Fontana, California for Sunday afternoon park play. Our motorhome batteries died, so we couldn't start the carhouse and actually ended up spending the night in the parking lot. We called the city and asked if we could help clean up the graffiti at the park. Ray came out and suited us up to cover all the graffiti.

His and Hers

2011-08-18T13:05:00.002-06:00

The carhouse has limited amounts of space, so we get creative. The kids have the couch in the main room that folds into a bed, but just like our Cedar Fort home, they come crawl into bed with us in the back in the middle of the night, which is fine with us. On our Cal-king, there still wasn't enough room for all of us to fit, so we drew the line as parents, because not getting a good night's sleep is not conducive to a happy home. Same rules apply in the car house.

There is a walk around space around our bed. We put our food storage buckets in between the wall and the bed. Johnny put foam on top of the buckets so the kids each have their spot to climb in and we parents still get the space of the bed. The ironic thing is that this bed fits all of us comfortably. I'm not sure what size it is, but it is truly a carhouse miracle that we all fit. We still have them sleep in their spots, which luckily, they enjoy. His and her's, 2011 style.

Goodbye, Forever

2011-08-17T08:01:00.001-06:00

Jacob Paul Covey enters the MTC today. He is serving in the mission hosting NIKE headquarters - Eugene, Oregon. That is pretty much the most perfect mission for Jake. He is a poster boy for Nike shoes - he even sported some hot pink ones at prom to match his date's dress. I can't wait to hear if any Nike employees get taught by Elder Covey.

Happy first day in the MTC. We're thinking of and praying for you.

I can see clearly now

2011-08-03T12:53:00.002-06:00

We are off on our big adventure! We left on Wednesday, August 3. Our first stop was to gather some oil. We found some great vegetable oil at a Chinese restaurant and pumped it in. When we go to gather, Eve says, "Eeew. Yucky. Gross." Which is 100% accurate, but with our motor home converted to run on waste vegetable oil, we put on the gloves and don't complain when we get free fuel. It takes about an hour to pump and fill our 75 gallon tank. We figure we are getting 8 miles to the gallon, which is less than we wanted, but we will take it. Yes. We. Will. We made it to Springville for a second gathering search and our pump broke. So we started gathering by hand. Slow and tedious, but free. We drove Wednesday night to Paragonah to stay in our cousin's front yard. We pulled in at 3 am. They were sure we had to be family, but didn't know who in the world we were. After a good morning of chatting with them, we filled up our entire tank in Parawon at an abandoned restaurant with beautiful, clear oil. It took Johnny about 4 hours to fill the tank by hand. We can't wait for our pump to be delivered!!

After topping off all of our fluids (oil, transmission, milk & potable water), we drove down to Vegas to spend the night. We tried to save room by putting our milk in our camel pak in the fridge. It worked well until the propane powering the fridge ran out...

Cousin Sleepover

2011-07-29T13:16:00.002-06:00

All of the cousins piled into the carhouse for a sleepover to break it in for us. It was a success. We found out that everything worked. Our first carhouse meal was boiling water for hot chocolate. Yum. Thanks to Beal for letting us park in front of her house and for providing popcorn treats. Thanks to Nigel for putting safety first, even when sleeping.

Hebgen Lake 2011

2011-07-18T12:29:00.015-06:00

Let's just say that a picture is worth a thousand words and I've got pictures but no words right now. Here's to Hebgen 2011.

The words worth posting are the rhymes we made for the treasure hunt:

Ahoy Mateys!

If treasure be what ye desire today

Then here be the rules of treasure parlay

Read every clue you find with great care

When traveling by sea - LIFE JACKETS ye must wear

The treasure clues are scattered in pieces

Be sure to take ALL the nephews and nieces

There be treasure awaitin' after you've gone place to place

Everyone show me yer best pirate face!

With a yo ho ho and a bottle of tums

Get going off to the treasure, ye lazy bums!

As the crow flies from the cabin to the dock

Look a few paces up, you'll find a great rock

For the next clue, climb aboard the closest ship

Search carefully to make sure you don't tip

You can look high and you can look low

Find the clue and away you will go

Follow your waverunner cousins - it's a pirate chase

A no-wake zone that rhymes with FOOEY is the place

Well done, you found the clue, me cousins!

Now sail by the place where there are tadpoles by the dozens

Keep your eyes peeled, there's no need to get out

When you see yer next clue, just scream and shout!

Next you should travel to the island of FOWL

It doesn't smell bad, but you could hypothetically see an owl

On the island, look for the clue as hard as you can

You might see something people use to lay out to get a tan

Good job, scallywags! You don't have to walk the plank

Now on to the treasure, it's not the kind from the bank

To find the treasure, you'll have to dig

Those who don't help get thrown in the brig

Go to the volleyball court. X marks the spot

If you all work together, you won't have to dig a lot

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-20T09:09:00.003-06:00

I married the right man.

And I know I was raised by the right man.

Happy Father's Day, men. Thank you for all you do to be righteous influences in my life and in the lives of those I love.

Pop a wheelie

2011-06-18T13:08:00.005-06:00

The boy that I tutor taught me how to pop a theoretical wheelie. I haven't tried an actual wheelie yet and I can guarantee Gammie didn't pop any, but the cousins had a blast riding the four wheeler with her. Thanks for taking everyone for rides, Gammie! And thanks for bubbles. And for taking pictures. And thanks for being a good sport about running out of gas...

The Virtue of Cousin's Camp...

2011-06-17T02:23:00.003-06:00

Is the sheer exhaustion at the end of the day.

Imagine what is going through my head for 2 hours, as little people are stretched out across the trampoline, the sandbox and the lawn chairs.

One, two, three. Four, five, six. Seven, eight, nine.

One, two. Three, four. Five, six. Seven, eight. Nine.

One, two, three. Four, five, six. Seven, eight... Where's Eve? Oh. Nine.

Homegirl got a haircut

2011-06-17T00:00:00.002-06:00

The second cut of her entire life after 26 months on earth. And she is lookin' good.

6 of one and half a dozen of the other

2011-06-06T15:30:00.000-06:00

These babies were definitely cut from the same cloth.

Hebgen circa 2009-Johnny and Evelyn

Spring circa 2011-Evelyn and Davis

Criss Cross will make you wanna

2011-06-06T11:44:00.003-06:00

JUMP!

As an interesting side note, I never wore my overalls backwards like those guys, but in confessing that, I automatically confessed that I wore overalls...

This place is the best. The kids run around and jump and play and it's all for free! 3 and under - I am seeing financial benefits for having my babies so close together. Johnny and Evelyn love Jump On It and we went to meet cousins for a great jumping afternoon. Jumptastic.

Called to Serve

2011-05-31T11:15:00.004-06:00

Congratulations, Jacob. The Eugene, Oregon mission will welcome you with open arms sometime in September 2011. The Missionary Training Center will catch you as you get kicked out of the car with mom & dad driving away on August 17. I have heard there is no more cry fest departure meeting like there was when I was there. Here is Jacob opening his call. Then Johnny opening his call to Ireland on Halloween day circa 2001. Missions change your life. There's not really a way to explain how you come to love other people for the time you get to wear the black name tag. You truly are out there somewhere in the world trying to love other people the way that Christ loves them. It changes you more than it changes others. Some of my best friends came from serving side by side. Missions rock. Good luck, Jacob.

Memorial Day Weekend

2011-05-31T10:38:00.004-06:00

A quick trip down south to St. George for the holiday weekend. Grandma LL and Grandpa Rey hosted us and we went boating in much warmer weather than what we left behind. We saw Kung Fu Panda 2 and lost Johnny's phone in the theater. I also watched a clip of a Lady Gaga interview. Interesting insights into human beings. We are way more alike than we let ourselves think. Also, the secret to a fast trip home is that we switch drivers every hour. It makes the time fly by.

Good luck, Mitt. You've got the support of this 3 year old, that's for sure.

Fever

2011-05-20T19:38:00.002-06:00

I had never heard the song until I watched his movie. I would just sing to myself, "And I was like, 'Davie, Davie, Davie Oh-oh. Davie, Davie, Davie Oh-oh.' But then I heard it all the way through when I watched his movie. I didn't realize hearing the chorus meant I had heard most of the song. I cried watching Never Say Never. I was inspired by Justin's story. And we have it on tonight for our cousin sleepover.

Uncle Johnny asked Lulu, "Do you have Bieber fever?"

And Lulu replied, "No. But my dad does..."

And then I was just dragging Evelyn to bed after an afternoon with no naps. We're walking up the stairs and she is doing a little bit more than her usual resistance. She throws her head back in despair and let's me know how she really feels. "I WANT BIEBER!"

Utah Valley University GRADUATE!

2011-05-04T21:22:00.003-06:00

Congratulations, Cate! We love you so much. We are so proud of you. We honor you and the determination and dedication it took to graduate with the highest GPA of anyone in our family. I'm not quite sure dad's GPA but I would venture to say for sure, you win out of all the sisters. You are #1. You are #5, but you are #1. UVU's mission statement says that they have prepared you to be a professionally competent person of integrity who, as a life-long learner and leader, serve as a steward of a globally interdependent community. And with all of your life dreams and plans, I KNOW YOU WILL MAKE A GLOBAL IMPACT. You rock. Grandpa's making a global impact by endorsing world peace...

Happy Easter

2011-04-30T13:41:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday Evelyn!

2011-04-23T12:14:00.004-06:00

Evelyn's birthday has come and gone

This cowgirl's growing up

We'd still like to celebrate

With a yee-haw and a giddy up

Come join us this Saturday, April 23

From ten to twelve o'clock

Horses, turkeys, doves and cows

This farm party is going to rock

Clap, Clap

2011-04-17T20:03:00.005-06:00

Johnny and Evelyn have seen Tangled literally 16 times. The most darling consequence of that (besides me doing whatever I want to do instead of the dishes) is that Johnny boy was playing with a long purple wig from the dollar store and said, "Rapunzel! Let down your hayer!" Then he also gave the reply "Coming, mother!"

Hayer is not a typo. It's how he says it. Like when I was in the first grade learning syllables in Goldsboro, North Carolina and they clapped with every syllable. Like mo-ther. That's clap, clap. And fam-i-ly. That's clap, clap, clap. And Mrs. Dougherty tried to tell me that it was ha-yows. That's clap, clap for house. And I kept saying house. Clap. And she kept trying to correct me. And I knew I was right. Red hair roots run deep...

So, thanks Nana and Papa, for the trip to see the real Rapunzel. And thanks to Tammy for taking a picture of it and giving me a real live print to hold in my hands. And thanks to Callie for letting us borrow her brand new DVD and wear it out with no shame. And thanks to Kristen, Jake's friend, for keeping the magic alive when Eve thought she was seeing Rapunzel again. And here's a clap, clap for hayer!

Joyful boys

2011-04-06T12:11:00.003-06:00

Will this feeling of deja vu ever quit? Especially when they are wearing the same outfits and have the same expressions. Love it. Love them. Love my life. I shot the first two pictures of Davis today. Jon Canlas shot the second two pictures of Johnny exactly 3 years ago today, April 6, 2008 (quite possibly the only digital photo shoot in existence that Jon Canlas has ever participated in when he picked up someone's digital camera and started messing around with it).

In 'n' Out

2011-03-31T13:08:00.003-06:00

Thank you, Aunt Katie for Valentine's treats. Remember the white sugar stick that you lick and then stick in the powdered color sugar? Johnny boy now will check your tongue throughout the day and ask to see if it's pink, which means you have been lucky enough to have a treat.

Yee Haw

2011-03-17T23:37:00.000-06:00

Johnny and Evelyn could not stop smiling while Kandice let them ride her horses. Even after Eve getting pooped on by Dennis, the menace horse. Pooped on, as in she walked under the horse's belly and around his backside and he plopped a package right on her head. Talk about forgive and forget...

I know I'm beating a dead horse...

2011-03-16T13:06:00.004-06:00

But daylight savings did not affect this child at all. He can still fall asleep anywhere at anytime.

Honest Abe

2011-03-10T21:31:00.001-07:00

I don't know if Abraham Lincoln was an honest man. His reputation precedes him. I will ask him one day. What I did learn from him is to put the letter in the drawer. Something happens, you have an immediate reaction, so back then, I guess you would write a letter instead of an email or text or phone call. Write it while your feelings are fresh and then put it in the drawer and think about it for a day. Then, if you still feel as passionately as you do about the topic, you can act on it. But waiting usually results in a tempering of passion and calming of emotion. I have learned a lot from you, Abe. Not necessarily consistent in application, but it makes for a good examination of my often reactive instincts.

However, it was honesty that prompted this post. I tutor a cute girl in my ward in math. We hang out and work on parabolas and polynomials and Pythagoras. In exchange, she babysits for me. Totally awesome to not worry about forking out any cash when I need to be kid free. Like next Tuesday night when my huzband and I get to go out on an honest. to. goodness. date. Yipee.

So it's the end of the term and she has spent a few afternoons in a row over at my house from after school until as late as her mom will allow so we can catch up on study guides and get all of the missing assignments understood and turned in. She watches me as I'm on the floor with Davis, finishing the 3rd eat, burp, diaper change cycle since she'd been there and Eve had a couple choice diaper changes as well. Her observation was spot on.

"Sheesh. You don't do anything but change diapers all day."

You speak the honest truth, girl. More than you know...

Girls just wanna have fun

2011-02-24T10:54:00.002-07:00

Deep in the heart of Texas

2011-02-24T10:47:00.003-07:00

My step-sister is getting ready to have a baby girl. She has 2 boys that are excellent athletes. I did my homework to find out what their favorite teams are. Silly question - the cowboys and the rangers. I was so happy to find rangers fabric and tried to feminize it with red stars on the front. We can't wait to meet you, Brooklyn. We hope you enjoy your blanket.

Farewell

2011-02-16T00:41:00.002-07:00

Carlie is called to serve in the Halifax Nova Scotia Mission including the setting of Anne (with an e) of Green Gables and a portion of Maine. I love her so much. I am so pleased with her testimony. Hearing it inspires me. Next time we take this sibling picture, we are shooting for Mt. Fuji 2012.

Pretty cool, eh? I am looking forward to celebrating Canadian Thanksgiving and other international holidays, hearing about Carlie's conversion to Canada and all Canadian escapades and possible coo-coo companions and miracles. Missions are all about miracles because you're doing the work of God.

Happy entering the MTC day, Sue. We love you. I am so proud of you. I want to serve a mission with this guy as my companion. Isn't that awesome that he is my companion? Love it. Definitely not coo-coo. I'm the coo-coo companion in this companionship. Yikes. Thanks for handling it, dear.

Victory

2011-02-05T10:17:00.000-07:00

Forget Simon. It's Lulu says...

2011-02-04T08:20:00.002-07:00

Straight from Lulu's mouth. Why don't I hang out with her more often? She is a CONSTANT source of humor. Get this girl a mic and a spot on late night television.

Driving in the car at 11 pm after I had just woken her up from her bed so she could ride with me to my house. I'm talking to Johnny and Lulu about how fun our sleepover is going to be. First thing she says to me in the car.

Lulu: Wuss yo dad's name?

Johnny and Lulu are playing house. There are some discrepancies about who is the mommy, who is the daddy, and who is the dog. Lulu tries to make peace with Johnny.

Lulu: I love you, son.

Disclaimer* Lulu did not provide the following quote although it is right in line with her humor.

Christine: Hey, cute kid. You shouldn't do that. Your mom just asked you not to do that and here is why you shouldn't be doing that. (I thought I was helping another mother out by enforcing her expectations and giving logic to the child about the reasons why he was expected to comply)

Cute kid: Oh, no. I can do whatever I want.

Christine: Why's that?

Cute kid: Because we don't have a deal. If you make a deal, then you don't do it. But if you don't have a deal then I look at the kid and say, "Do I want to hit him?"

Brothers

2011-02-02T09:54:00.000-07:00

Davis 3 months (December 2010)

John Davis 4 months (March 2008)

Barefoot and Barebum in the kitchen

2011-01-31T09:22:00.000-07:00

Eve just learned how to take off her diaper. After only one harrowing and disgusting experience, I have learned the power of duct tape on a diaper during naps. She does see the need to wear her boots even if her rear end is not covered. Johnny sees no need to cover his rear end, however. I bribe him to wear underwear and it's a special occasion to get him to wear clothes. He thinks he's a dog. "I'm Itchy, mommy. Itchy no wear clothes." Itchy is the sidekick of Charlie from All Dogs Go to Heaven, which is a definite family favorite around here.

Narcolepsy?

2011-01-29T01:10:00.000-07:00

Like my Locks?

2011-01-28T08:55:00.003-07:00

I do. I do. 'Til death do us part. I do.

Flattering pics for posterity

2011-01-03T08:01:00.004-07:00

We'll most likely show his first girlfriend before we show his children. Whoever it is needs to know what an awesome package deal they're getting.

Gorgeous smile.

Lightning quick nose-picking skills.

Eye-crossing skills.

Evidently whoever she is also needs to be aware that I am going to be part of the picture and I will not hesitate to use force when necessary when it comes to my children.

Happy Christmas

2010-12-28T07:00:00.005-07:00

Provo's Night in Bethlehem was wonderful. Even the rain could not take away from the Spirit of the story of how the Savior humbly came to earth. We truly felt the message - Peace on Earth, goodwill to men.

Happy Birthday, Mooder

2010-12-17T11:06:00.005-07:00

Chere Mere,

Happy Birthday. I love you so much. I'm grateful that I am a piece of you. I'm proud of that. I'm happy for my childhood. You worked so hard to make birthday breakfasts happen with the cousins and a reverent home on the Sabbath and early morning scripture study and cheer for me at all of my games and Joyschool and you still were a balanced and developing person. You made wedding mints for your friends and hand crafted hearts checkers sets for Christmas gifts and SuzanneWear and inviting a young girl to live in your home while she went to nursing school. You are a good example to me to have projects on the side that keep me engaged and involved. I think often of you and what your life must have been like when me and callie and millie were running around your ankles. Because I have Johnny and Evelyn and Davie running around mine. I honor your strength and your commitment to creating a powerful life where you can do whatever you set your mind to. Thank you for setting your mind to my character and development. I appreciate it. I love you and I'm proud to be your daughter.

Thank you for teaching me about music. You really were my music leader in primary and I know how to enunciate my words. And you took me to see Reba and we took you to see Wynonna. Naomi really didn't sing much, but she is the mother worth mentioning. And every day I'm learning that we can do Anything. anything. Anything. anything. Keep believin' in the power. Of. Love.

Christine

Thanksgiving

2010-12-12T21:18:00.000-07:00

These boys melt my heart. Thanksgiving was a wonderful gathering of family at Beal and Micah's beautiful home. We got to hang out and eat and eat and eat. We decided we made too much food, but those leftovers got vacuum sealed and someone will get to enjoy them as a tasty freezer meal. I. love. my. family.

Peek-a-boo

2010-12-10T20:07:00.000-07:00

Party People

2010-12-10T13:12:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday, Johnny boy! Happy Birthday to me!

Johnny boy is turning 3

His mother's turning 30

He's a rootin' tootin' cowboy

And she is looking purty

Come celebrate their births with us

We really want you there

Dinner and shooting at 6 o'clock

And we'll have guns to share

We celebrated at a local hunting club. The kids stayed in the lodge while the adults went skeet shooting outside. It was so fun! Johnny and I won the partners' piece contest - where you hit the skeet and break it for a point and then your partner hits the piece to break it for another point. We both did both. Wahoo!

Johnny did sleep through half the party. But he woke up for the presents! Evelyn looks like a sassy cowgirl that needs a nap, but she was happy during the party. Thanks to everyone for coming!

Blessings so you don't even have room to receive them

2010-12-09T12:56:00.009-07:00

He was blessed that he will have an amazing life. He was reminded that he has an amazing family and support system. And he was very happy to be blessed, not to have pictures taken. He was blessed with the blanket my grandmother's mother started making and my grandmother finished it. And many grandchildren have had it wrapped around them while they received a name and a blessing.

Davis' middle name comes from my great-great-great grandfather, Alexander Matheson, who helped save the town of Panguitch in the spring of 1864. The crops had failed and families did not have enough food to survive the winter. So Alexander and 6 other men walked through the deep snow over the mountains to Parowan. Today, it is 50 miles to drive from Panguitch to Parowan, but these brave men walked the 20 miles over the mountains. Their wagons sank in the snow, so they walked on the quilts they brought with them. Parowan settlers drove them as far back as they could, but these men had to quilt walk back home carrying the flour they brought.

I appreciate the sacrifice of those who have gone before and honor those who were willing to do the hard things. Likewise, I try to be willing to do hard things today.

Dog Tired

2010-12-08T19:48:00.000-07:00

Meaning you fell asleep on the dining room floor in a matter of seconds. Meaning you haven't had a nap for days. Meaning staying up late because your parents can't refuse cuddling with you. Woof, woof, johnny boy.

Happy Thanksmas 2010

2010-12-06T19:20:00.004-07:00

We finished Thanksmas at Joe's Cafe in Orem today for breakfast. Tasty food and a very charismatic chef named Joe. Thanksmas started with take-out Thai on Friday from a yummy restaurant in Lehi that I would endorse and hanging out time and sleepovers at Beal & Micah's and brunch on Saturday and Jon Canlas generously watching our kids so we could have Korean food at a restaurant that I choose not to endorse. Then more hanging out and Temple Square Christmas lights and home to put kids to bed. Sunday was Davis' baby blessing which was so incredible. I love being with my family and our home teacher bore his testimony and recognized the love that he watched our family show each other. Then people continued to bear testimony of families and the Spirit was incredible. I want to share my testimony of the love of God. It is manifest in many ways in my life - most often through my family, immediate and extended. I bear witness of the miracle it is that Heavenly Father allows us to be bound to Him through covenants. We get to make and keep sacred covenants. And through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, those covenants are given power and effect to return us to the God that made us. Miraculous.

Speaking of miracles, it was amazing how many people could fit into our tiny home for the after blessing party. Then, later that Sunday night we went to Callie's for shepherd's pie and the traditional expression of gratitude round the dinner table. I love my family. We sat together and watched the Christmas devotional and ate tasty key lime pie. And today brings us full-circle to Joe's Cafe.

Serious shout out to Callie, the sister matriarch (satriarch) of our family who invented thanksmas through inspiration as a way to celebrate the holidays with our dad. Why fight over who gets to be with who on what holiday? Make your own holiday, people. It means more food and more together time.

And now again, in pictures.

New Babies

2010-12-05T22:59:00.004-07:00

Cosette was born just 2 weeks ago and yet the comparison is astonishing. Here are the darlings at Nana's 50th birthday party, which was a smashing success.

Hey sister, Soul sister

2010-11-28T22:24:00.002-07:00

Spidey Elephant Girl

2010-11-21T10:25:00.000-07:00

Her bum is my favorite part.

A pirate's life for me

2010-11-20T10:29:00.000-07:00

We spent the weekend in Vegas at a pirate themed water wonderland. The kids camped out in the warm water. It was incredible - water slides, a pirate ship, crow's nest to jump off 50 feet into the water - completely pirate authentic everywhere you looked. I just neglected to take any more pictures. Imagine amazing pirate style and then multiply it by one million.

Wake me, shake me

2010-11-19T10:15:00.003-07:00

Pure and unaltered bed head buddies

Halloween 2010

2010-11-08T11:09:00.004-07:00

Halloween 2010

Lion and lion tamer; elephant and peanut; mimes; ring leader; trapeze artists; clown; man shot out of a cannon; nerd going to sadie hawkins; spider-flying ninja and freaky mask man (papa covey)

One Month

2010-11-01T15:26:00.005-06:00

I can't believe Davis is already a month old. This is crazy. Time has no mercy. I am no longer the mother of a newborn. He is already chunking up. I love that part.

SLEEPOVER at Gammie's

I heard there was not a lot of sleep but lots of fun. Thanks, Gammie!