Chris and Alana

Plants and shrubs

2011-05-17T08:07:00.002-06:00

I have to say, that this probably the most fun I have had in a while, as Alana and I prepared to put in plants for our front yard.
It took Alana and I all day 1 week ago last Friday to decide on the plants we wanted to use. And, while deciding we discussed where we would like the plants to go. We decided to start with the front yard, since it was the most noticeable.
On Friday night after work we went to the nursery again to pick up the plants, and I was reminded that I had ideas of where I wanted the plants, and Alana had ideas of where she wanted the plants, and even though we discussed where we `both` wanted the plants we never really decided. So, it was fun to recap on the placement of our front yard. :)

Alana was so good to pull all the weeds, while I installed the drip system and planted the shrubs and bushes.
After the evening Friday and half day Saturday, I am happy to say that we have put in most of our front yard... :) (hoping to finish it up this coming Saturday.)

Thank you love for your support, I couldn't do it without you.

Country Music Extravaganza

2011-05-17T07:52:00.004-06:00

Well, for those who know Alana know that she is a big fan of country music, specifically:

Brad Paisley,

Kenny Chesney

and Tim McGraw.

Thanks to USANA, and the Stadium of fire, Alana is getting to attend all three this summer.
We will keep you all posted on how they turn out, as I (Chris) get to attend the first 2, and Alana, Annie and Brittany get to attend the last concert in August.

James and Fran's visit

2011-03-20T13:50:00.003-06:00

This past weekend we had the pleasure of having James and Fran here and as much as I would like to say it was because they missed us too much, our company was just a bonus to their visit :) The main reason for their visit was also just as exciting for the Whitchurch family. It was the signing of their new home they purchased in Draper Utah!

Jazz vs. Timberwolves

2011-03-16T22:48:00.002-06:00

Last minute our cousins, Geoff and Emily invited us to another Jazz game along with Aaron, Annie, Sydney's husband Tom and Tom's younger brother. It was super fun for several reasons. Not only the crowd we came with but half way into the game, they released some Taco Bell packages having one float to our section right into Aaron's hands! Lucky Aaron, he now has a Taco Bell shirt lol. Last but not least, the Jazz also won 119-104!....also meaning we all got to go to McDonald's the next day to receive our FREE Big Mac when you turn your ticket in. :) I am not much for McDonald's but the boys appreciated it. Chris and I love hanging out with family and doing activities like these. It always nice to pull away from the usual day after day evening activities if you know what I mean.

Milo & Avery Guernsey :)

2011-03-13T15:19:00.007-06:00

After 5 months of these two playing and becoming the best of buds, I finally took some pictures of them together! While Dorothy and I worked out early Saturday morning, Dorothy shared with me that she had their Kitchen window open for the first time since last Fall due to the weather looking so beautiful and not long after, she discovered that her little Avery climbed up on the counter to yell out the window calling out, "Alana, bring Milo over to play" repeatedly! We thought it was so cute that she thought we would hear her calling :) Well, after Chris and I worked out cleaned up and me taking Milo on a walk to help him get over us both leaving him :) I told Dorothy that they could come over to play. Not surprisingly I missed her call, only this time it was do to me already being on the other line with my momma. About 15 minutes later I called Dorothy back just in time for me to hear Avery in the background asking her mom if it was "me" she was talking to. Right after her mother told her it was, I heard Avery scream of excitement and found out that she started running around the house to get her shoes on etc. It's so funny because they probably see each other a couple times a week over the last 2 months that I have been home but she can't seem to get enough of our Milo. The beautiful weather is getting me super excited for the summer! I love the beautiful Spring weather that is allowing Milo and I to go on a couple walks/runs each day! :) After Justin, Dorothy, Wes and Avery left, it was around 4pm, so Chris and I decided to go to Chili's for some lunch/dinner before finishing the night off at the Guernsey's after Wes and Avery went to bed to play some more Texas Holdem and Monopoly Deal.

Birthdays!

2011-03-10T14:18:00.005-07:00

Last Wednesday, my dad turned 53! He was a bit jealous when my mom was only turning 49 yesterday... she said that she was going to hold out and stay in her 40's for one more year! As if she had a choice ;) Tyrel and Jessi worked hard on throwing a surprise birthday party for mom! She thought she was going to share with Tyrel again who is 28 today! With their birthdays being a day a part, mom has always held off on her celebration to have the birthday festivities with Tyrel. She enjoys it of course but the kids couldn't fathom the idea that they would miss out on my mom's favorite... carrot cake. So Jessi and Tyrel gave my dad some birthday money to eat out for a birthday lunch and shop at Nordstroms Rack. Dad purchased his first pair of size 34 in. pants! Yep, my dad lost 30+ pounds and doesn't fit into anything. What a wonderful way to start a new year by feeling younger a lighter while getting older! Mom found a sweater, she never was much of a shopper so I am happy to hear that she made a purchase :)

Something I want to share about my older brother is an experience he had this past week that explains how sweet he is and why he is so easy to love. Anyone who knows my family and Tyrel, also knows their love for sports! Tyrel is a season pass purchaser for football and basketball. He resales them to make a little extra cash and to share/build fun memories with his family. The Portland Trail Blazers will put you in a drawing if you renew your season tickets early for some prizes. Tyrel ended up being number 2! The prizes were to be announced during one of their home games that happened to be on the 1st of the month. Tyrel was SO excited that he bought tickets for the whole family so they could be their when they put Tyrel on the big screen to announce his prize! It was during the week so my dad couldn't make it but my uncle Ira wanted to go. He was the uncle that would take us to Hockey and the Blazer games growing up along with my dad :) He was going to send me the pictures and video that my family took but didn't because he was so bummed about the prize. It was the one prize that he didn't care to have. All other prizes had a value such as free food during each game etc. but this just offered a unique experience in which he didn't care for. Talking with my mom, it broke everyone's heart because their is nothing sadder then seeing my older brother upset :( He is the most sweetest, kindest, and thoughtful person one could ever have for a big brother.

After that night he tried thinking of someone who would really appreciate this offer to help brighten the situation. The prize he won was the attendance for the press conference after the game in which the coach speaks to the public. This was for the Saturday night game last week. Since my dad usually can't go to the games, he went with Tyrel to help him with their friend Wayne from church who is blind. Wayne used to go to the Blazer games and was still a huge fan! So 2 minutes before the game ended, the three of them made their way to the meeting spot before heading to the press conference. After it was over, the head coach approached Tyrel, my dad and Wayne to say hi etc. When the coach saw who Tyrel chose to bring, he was touched and he was touched by the passion and time Wayne took to attend the basketball games when he couldn't even see the game. The coach than decided to do a little more for them by bringing them to the locker room with the Blazers still their. The first player that came up was Rudy Fernandez which happens to be a family fav! He introduces them in Spanish since he is from Spain and the goes on in English but much to Tyrel and Dads surprise, Wayne new Spanish. So the two went on in Spanish! They one by one came up to them and chatted for a bit and took pictures! It was a dream come true for Wayne. And another when my dad got to meet the assistant coach who was on old Trail Blazer back when my dad took us! Before they left, each player signed a basketball for Wayne and another took his tennis shoes he wore during the game, signed them and also gave them to Wayne! So what turned out to be a disappointing situation, Tyrel turned it into a very rewarding won! On Sunday, my family sat behind Wayne's family and overheard Wayne still talking about it! This is what my brother lives for and this is what my parents taught us. Service is one of the biggest keys to my families happiness.

Trail Blazers Roster

2010-11 Roster
NUM	PLAYER	POS	HT	WT	DOB	FROM	YRS
12	LaMarcus Aldridge - C	F	6-11	240	07/19/1985	Texas	4
11	Luke Babbitt	F	6-9	225	06/20/1989	Nevada-Reno	R
88	Nicolas Batum	F	6-8	200	12/14/1988	Lisieux, France	2
23	Marcus Camby	C	6-11	235	03/22/1974	Massachusetts	14
31	Jarron Collins	C	6-11	249	12/02/1978	Stanford	9
5	Rudy Fernandez	G	6-6	185	04/04/1985	Palma de Mallorca, Spain	2
1	Armon Johnson	G	6-3	195	02/23/1989	Nevada-Reno	R
2	Wesley Matthews	G	6-5	220	10/14/1986	Marquette	1
24	Andre Miller	G	6-2	200	03/19/1976	Utah	11
8	Patrick Mills	G	6-0	185	08/11/1988	St. Mary's (CA)	1
52	Greg Oden	C	7-0	285	01/22/1988	Ohio State	2
7	Brandon Roy - C	G	6-6	211	07/23/1984	Washington	4
3	Gerald Wallace	F	6-7	220	07/23/1982	Alabama	9
9	Elliot Williams	G	6-5	180	06/20/1989	Memphis	R

HIT closed shop...

2011-03-08T14:06:00.003-07:00

Just 7 months before and I just 2 months before leaving HIT when they went under today... all was lost was not getting paid $63 from my last check. I am so grateful Chris followed his heart by going a different direction. We have been so so blessed! Our hearts go out to the friends we had that stayed who is now facing this difficult time.

Provo Web design firm shuts down unexpectedly

By brooke adams

The Salt Lake Tribune

Heritage Internet Technologies of Provo, lauded as one of Utah’s fastest-growing companies in recent years, shut down suddenly Tuesday, leaving employees and customers reeling.

Heritage provided website design and hosting services for small to medium-sized businesses. According to its website, it had more than 15,000 customers.

On Wednesday, a recorded message referred Heritage’s customers to Fibernet, a separate Internet company. Fibernet, based in Orem, provided hosting services to Heritage, which in turn resold that service to its customers.

Repeated telephone calls to David Aitken, chief executive officer of Heritage, were not returned.

Fibernet CEO Lane Livingston said he had no warning of the closure and initially was unaware Heritage was referring calls to his company. As of noon, Fibernet had received more than 500 calls.

"We’re in emergency mode over here," Livingston said. "We’re just trying to get to everybody as quickly as we can."

Livingston said Heritage officials met with employees Tuesday to inform them it was shutting down immediately. The company at one time employed more than 300 people full time and an equal number of contract employees, but its staff had dwindled to under 200 or so.

"We’ve heard from lots of employees," Livingston said. "One unfortunate misconception is that we bought them, and they are asking for their paychecks. We didn’t acquire or buy them or anything of that sort."

Livingston said his company has received no customer account information from Heritage but is still trying to do everything it can to answer questions and provide service.

"What we’re trying to do is communicate with everyone who calls in," he said. "We’re just taking down the information from these customers and what their concerns and needs are, and promising to get back as soon as we have information."

Fibernet has created a form on its website at www.fiber.net that Heritage customers can use to ask questions or request help.

Heritage CEO David Aitken started the company in 2001 with a $1,000 investment. Other principals in the business were Brad Stone, Mark Strong and Leah Young. Attempts to reach Aitken Wednesday were unsuccessful.

Inc. 500 listed Heritage in 2007 and 2008 as one of the country’s fastest-growing privately owned businesses.

Utah Valley Business magazine cited Heritage, also known as HIT Web Design, among the valley’s top businesses. In 2008, the magazine ranked Heritage No. 14 out of 50 top businesses, noting it experienced 175 percent growth in the previous three years, and had revenue of $11.5 million in 2007. In 2008, the company said it was on pace to pass the $20 million revenue mark.

But the company also logged numerous complaints from customers, according to the Better Business Bureau. The BBB processed 882 complaints involving Heritage in the past three years, half of those within the past year; 95 percent were successfully resolved.

In 2009, Heritage set up HIT Humanitarian, a nonprofit organization, and matched employee contributions to support charitable efforts in such countries as Nepal and Haiti. The nonprofit’s projects included sponsorship of the Hope for Little Angels orphanage in Haiti, from which Aitken and his wife adopted three children last year.

First timers...

2011-03-05T21:55:00.008-07:00

Yesterday was a pretty sad day for me when we woke up to Milo throwing up... It was the saddest thing when he would suddenly look at me and then try running off to the next room while his body would pulse in preparation of throwing up which appeared to be stomach acid. He wouldn't eat and I couldn't make him drink any water. After the 7th time in a row, I called Chris at work to let him know what was happening. After having to put my hands under his mouth to avoid the carpets if I could quickly get him to the hard floors, I decided to leash him to our bathroom tub so that I could spend the day sitting by him. About 2:30 in the afternoon Milo had thrown up 16x :( I felt helpless as I tried giving him comfort. As I cleaned up the last "spill" Dorothy called to see if Avery could come over. Avery is Milo's friend in our neighborhood (she was the first to meet him last October the day Chris brought Milo home and carved pumpkins together) and it had been a couple days since we had last stopped by to play. I honestly didn't think Milo would have any energy and I told them that he is sick and we would be in the bathroom but the moment that they came, Milo was as good as new. He loves Avery and I couldn't contain him. So I thought I would let them play a little. It was a beautiful day so we all went on a short walk around the neighborhood and Milo did great. I let Avery hold Milo's leash when Chris called for an update. While I was on the phone, I didn't realized that Avery was picking up speed to keep up with Milo's desire to go faster. When Dorothy told Avery to slow down, Avery who is 3, yelled back saying, "I can't, Milo is making me run!" We both laughed before I ran up to grab the leash. Dorothy was pushing Wes in the stroller. Avery did great once we told her that she could pull back on Milo's leash to slow him down. :) For the rest of the day, Milo didn't throw up so we decided not to take him to the vet but keep a close eye on him to see if it continues at all.

So today, we decided to go on with our plans to ski up at the Canyons in Park City. This was my first time skiing and Chris' first in 7 years or so. We woke up a little later than planned but made it to the resort around 10am, purchased rental gear and ski's before spending the day up on the mountain. Chris was a great and very patient teacher! I hate going into things without having a clue on what it is I am doing. My experience with snowboarding wasn't all that fun so I was hesitant with skiing. I did okay on my first trip down the bunny slope but I still hated the fact that I did not have any control over my speed or stopping. I would just fall down to stop lol. So the second time down was when I decided to make myself figure the whole thing out. That was a little frustrating and I am sure it was for Chris too but it must have worked because after the second run down, it all clicked and I had no more falls till I went down the blue square trail! I fell 3x going down the mountain and it was all do to me panicking. I new the bunny slope route but I had no idea what was around the corner etc. on the blue square trail. We skied till about 3pm when we decided to eat at their cabin. Once we sat down with our food, we realized how exhausted we were and quickly decided that we had enough fun. Chris and I had so much fun and I would love to ski! We are trying to find new things that we can do together so thank you Ancestry for the FREE ski passes and to Thanksgiving Meadows for the gift card that paid for our food and rental gear!

We finished the day off with Dorothy and Justin. They share a love for poker along with Chris so I thought this would be a great opportunity to learn and share another experience with Chris. Another way to let him know I love him. I ended up learning it and having a great time playing Texas Holdem, yay!

Milo's play date :)

2011-02-25T22:10:00.004-07:00

One thing about Milo is that he absolutely loves loves loves little children, visitors, and other animals! Milo is the first in our household to have to greet anyone who comes to our house :) Along with a ton of kisses! If Milo sees you are kneeling down, he will jump up and lick your face as many times as you will let him and then instantly drop to the floor laying flat on his back to let you rub is tummy! If you don't rub his tummy, he will just jump back up to give you more kisses :) And that is Milo's favorite thing next to playing fetch :) Since our visit to the Miller's home last month, little Avery has been asking about Milo! The two really did have so much fun playing together, one because Avery was just fine with Milo giving her unlimited kisses lol! After eating some Papa John's pizza and some root beer floats, yum! I had Avery throw Milo his basketball to try and keep him off from jumping at her so much till he settled down a bit. It started out great until I threw Avery the ball while Milo raced her to get it. Well, Milo's speedy legs got to the ball just before Avery could pick up the ball meaning that Milo thought it would be more fun to lick her all over her face! Avery started giggling uncontrollably while falling to the ground seeking after the ball. I couldn't help myself but laugh before helping her up and as you can see, Milo got her pretty good in the picture to the right before Andrea fixed her hair. Luckily, Avery was still all smiles :) Once an hour or two past, Milo finally settled down and just wanted to follow Avery around. We put Finding Nemo on for her as she sot tired, Milo just sat on the bed next to her while she watched the movie. Cutest thing! This allowed Dustin, Andrea, Chris and myself to play some Monopoly Deal and a game they brought. It was a fun night catching up with our good friends and Milo loves his new play date!

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-15T23:20:00.003-07:00

This Valentine's was special for several reasons. Yesterday, Chris and I went to our usual favorite, Chili's because it reminds us of the first day we met. Or at least that was the place I picked that morning when Chris kindly asked where I would want to have dinner. Luckily Chris got home from work at a decent hour so that we could get ahead of the rush that night due to Chili's not taking reservations but before we left, I gave Chris a card and his favorite cookies that I made, oatmeal raisin and snicker doodle with a batch of my own chocolate dipped strawberries which he loved! It was a great evening, we even got to window shop a bit while we waited for our table. We went to Bed Bath & Beyond to get a plastic pitcher since the glass one that we got for our wedding had broke. Chris had also mentioned that we were going to also go out to dinner the next day which would be a surprise! With the flowers, notes of gratitude ,an email expressing his love for me, our marriage and the life that we have lived with a surprise dinner date to come while being out on a date Valentine's Day made me feel so special and thankful!

When today came, I got all dolled up again for our mysterious date! We drove up to downtown Salt Lake and entered the parking garage under the Joseph Smith building which lead us to the restaurant located at the top called The Roof. It was the most perfect location and evening! It is a beautiful all you can eat buffet with a pianist that played the most beautiful songs! It was a clear night. Our table was across from the Temple view with the city lights surrounding and then of course another beautiful bouquet of red and purple roses on our very own table! Chris enjoyed watching every thought on my face as I noticed the flowers and quickly looked around at ever other table around us to see that there were no other bouquets. It took a minute for me to realize that they were specially made and placed at our table for me from my dear husband! We took our time and enjoyed our surrounding! Chris mentioned that the restaurant was booked on Valentines so he made me think I got to pick Chili's for Valentines Day when this was really what he wanted to do for me. It was absolutely perfect and I am so grateful to have my Forever Valentine!

Brithdays and Grooming!

2011-02-09T14:20:00.004-07:00

Today was Milo's first full body groom! We were referred to go to Red Bandanna located in Draper from our neighbor friends and they took real good care of Milo! The girls instantly fell in love with Milo and could not believe that this was his first time because he was so well behaved! I told them that he was used to us bathing him and blow drying him weekly since he was 9 weeks. The ladies then commented that Milo didn't make a sound, gave lots of loves to all of them and that he was the quietest little dog! Above is a picture of him when we got home! I gave him a treat right away for being so good :) I couldn't believe how much the cut changed his whole look. The black was all shaved off the top of his head which was previously falling over his face covering his eyes lol. Now you can see his cute face! He was so soft and fluffy, I just wanted to hold him all day :) Milo will be 6 months at the end of this month which means that Milo will be full grown! I can't believe it, his adult teeth are nearly all in leaving 3 more baby teeth that are hanging on side by side with the adult tooth growing in. All in all, I am having a wonderful time staying at home taking care of him, taking him on walks and playing his favorite games of tug a war and fetch with his basketball. He sleeps by my side while I play piano, read, nap or blog and runs around with me when I clean house or dance around when getting ready for the day ;) I couldn't have asked for a better companion dog!

Today is a couple Birthday's! My brother Hyrum is now 19! It sounded like he had a really fun day. He went out to lunch with my mom before the rest of the kids came home from school to celebrate :) Hyrum has always been a very kind and sweet brother who never wanted to be in or around a fight/argument. I am lucky to have him as a brother and I am excited to see what he does with his life! Right now he is enjoying work at Kohl's and living/rooming with his friends in Gladstone, Oregon. If he continues to follow in my footsteps, he would be moving to Utah right about now ;)

Chris' cousin Geoff Montague turned 29 today and his sweet wife, Emily threw a surprise birthday party for him at his sister Ashley's place with her husband, Jason in Provo. Since we often play games we decided to buy them a card game, Bonanza. It was nice being able to get out and socialize while also getting to chat with Sydney and Thomas who are expecting a baby boy in June!

Womens Roller Derby

2011-02-05T18:41:00.004-07:00

I woke up Friday morning to the picture on the right and it totally made my morning as I did my daily routine of putting Chris' his lunch together! I love moments like this that take seconds to do to show appreciation of gratitude and love for one another! I had to take a picture because it is the simplest thing to right a note and yet make a very happy wife!

Tonight was an adventure of sorts with our neighbor friends, Jason and Cassie. Yes, we went out to dinner to Goodwoods in Draper on our way up to Salt Lake and yes we ended the night with some Rock Band but the unique experience was the activity... Did someone say Woman's Roller Derby?! Yep! It was the first time for all of us so we really didn't know what to expect but it was fun and a new experience! Lucky for us, we were given a basic how to play sheet so we new what it was that they were doing. Legal moves included using shoulders and hips to block, PUSH or WHIP a teammate! What was not legal were the usage of elbows, forearms, or head while intentionally tripping another skater or grabbing an opposing skater... When the whistle blows once, the pack of girls start off. When the last blocker passes the pivot line, the whistle blows twice to let the two Jammers take off (one for each team). The Jammers race to be the first one through the pack of Blockers. The first Jammer to break through the pack is declared Lead Jammer for the round as long as she does not commit any penalties along the way. Lead Jammer status gives her the ability to call off the jam as she sees fit. On the Jammers' second pas, they begin earning points one for each opposing team member they pass legally while the Blockers try to get their Jammer through the pack while blocking the opposing Jammer. If anyone is interested, you can go to their site at wasatchrollerderby.com for tickets or info. Now I am waiting for Netflix to send "Whip It" with Drew Barrymore which is about the sport!

Just beacause...

2011-02-03T16:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Chris and I had his cousin Geoff and Emily Montague over for some Rock Band and game playing time! We have really enjoyed getting to know them both better these past few months! They are the cutest couple and they have been introducing us to some fun games that I love to play. Tonight they brought Blokus and Quarkle which are both right up my ally! We introduced them to Monopoly Deal, a game that Chris picked up at Target on his way home from work because our friend, Chelsey Vuyk introduced it to us last weekend when she had a get together for some pizza and cards games at her house in Eagle Mt. before they have their first baby boy in a few weeks. As you can see in the pic of Geoff on the Rock Band drums, Milo was unsure of it and ran around him in circles really fast while barking at him. We probably should have pulled it out before they came over since Milo went crazy over these "new items" in his house.

Today, I received a special delivery when a man pulled up to our house with a beautiful bouquet of flowers! I happened to already be outside with Milo. I assumed he had the wrong address when I quickly ran my thoughts and came out with no reasons or special occasions for this type of delivery but when he said my name and wrong. I new it was my husband sending my flowers just because! I love "just because" gifts!!! The card in the bouquet of flowers read, " I am so in love with you. I want you to know. I love your smile and the love that you show. It is not Valentines Day, but an important day where I can share my love with you."

In Loving Memory

2011-01-29T18:49:00.004-07:00

Helen Jean Steele Wilson
1928-2011
Our Beloved wife, mother, grandma, sister, friend---Helen Jean Steele Wilson, 82 passed away Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at her home after a courageous battle with cancer. Even with her cancer she was an inspiration to us all, saying life was wonderful and worth living. Helen was born Oct. 20, 1928 in Goshen , Utah to Raymond Duane Steele and Golden Blanche Sorensen. Helen loved growing up in the town of Goshen where her beloved father was mayor, educator and author of "Goshen Valley History". Like her father, she embraced learning and excelled in reading, writing, penmanship and spelling bees. She had fond memories of ice skating on Howlers Pond and Goshen Dam, enjoying Easter Egg Hunts on Sand Hill with her family, and frequenting Milo's confectionery store with friends. One of her special memories was working side by side with her father in the alfalfa fields on their 40 acres in Genola.
Helen graduated with high honors from Payson High School in 1946. She attended BYU where she was a member of the BYU volleyball team.
She married Shirley Wilson September 9, 1950. Their marriage was solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple June 26, 1952. They are the parents of 7 children. Helen's first love was her family--devoting herself to homemaking and raising her 7 children. Later in life, her greatest joy was begin a grandma, loving and supporting her 32 grandchildren. She was a talented homemaker and beautiful seamstress. She was resourceful and hard working and capable of tackling any job such as book-keeping for her husbands upholstery business, gardening, canning fruit, painting the house inside and out while keeping it clean and attractive. Mom and Dad enjoyed traveling together throughout many parts of the world. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Dads love and devotion to our mother will always be remembered. During her life, among he many talents and hobbies, Mom embraced music. She played the piano and was 1st chair clarinetist in High School. She sang with Goshen Singing Mothers at the age of 12 and sang most of her adult life in church and civic choirs, including La Nesta Chorus, and Payson Civic Choral. Helen was skilled at short hand, recording patriarchal blessings for the Stake Patriarch's at age 15. Before she started her family, she was a longtime teller and stenographer at First Security Bank in Payson. After her children were raised, she worked at Payson High School for 14 years as a counselor secretary and later as a front office attendance secretary. In 2002 Helen was awarded the "PHS Distinguished Alumni Award". She was a longtime member of the Payson Civic Jr. Cultus Club, Helen served in many church callings including Visiting Teacher, Primary President, Relief Society 1st Counselor and teacher, Young Women Advisor, Primary Pianist and Compassionate Service Leader. Mom loved life and the people in it. She was a friend to all. She had unconditional love and possessed the ability to make a person feel loved and special. Mom was smart, wise and witty and had a fun personality; she was a good sport and laughed easily. We shall miss her sense of humor and clever sayings. Mom loved reading the scriptures. Her faith and commitment to the gospel made her a source of spiritual strength for all of u. She was and is a faithful daughter of God with a strong testimony of Jesus Christ who valued her membership in the LDS church throughout her beautiful life.

House decorating!

2011-01-24T16:48:00.002-07:00

This last weekend was super fun for me! Saturday I started the day off by going to Chelsea Vuyk's baby shower for her boy who should arrive on Valentines Day :) Chelsea and I have been able to get to know each other when she moved desks next to mine at HIT. I wanted to keep working till she was done in Feb. because I new I couldn't keep working their once she left on maternity leave to end up being the only girl left on the team. I had fun shopping for her at Target, I new I would go wanting to purchase everything. I did good and got her some onesies, socks and bottoms for newborn and 3-6 months. We played some fun games and it looked like she got most of everything she may need for baby Vuyk to arrive! When I left, I called Chris to discover that he was still working on some of the contract work he is doing for his boss from EZ Watch Pro. So on my way home last minute, I decided to stop at Osmond Design in Lehi to window shop a bit. I left with a few extra bags in hand...! I couldn't help myself :) I came home to show Chris what I bought with his full support! Chris then joined me while we went on a dinner date at the District and looked at what Hobby Lobby had to offer. What I wanted was not on sale anymore but they had some plats and other little nick nacs on sale that Chris spotted as I was trying to explain to him what it was that I was trying to do for the kitchen. When I checked out, they explained that the iron and wall decor would be on sale next week. So Monday came and I called my neighbor friend up (Dorothy) who originally told me about Hobby Lobby to see if she felt like getting out of the house!? We were going to give her kids (Avery and Wes) a chance to take a nap but right before she was going to come over, her mom showed up. So much to my surprise, Dorothy came kid less? Dorothy's mom was kind enough to stay and babysit the kids to give her a chance to get out and have fun. So we went to Hobby Lobby, I got the iron wall piece for the plates and a wood ledge piece. Afterwords, we quickly discovered how hungry we were and how wonderful a chocolate covered caramel apple would be right about now! We made one last stop to V Chocolates in Orem while bringing one back to Dorothy's mom for watching the kids. I finished off the night with Chris' help decorating our home with all the new things I found over the weekend!

My first week at home

2011-01-21T11:46:00.002-07:00

Over this past week, Chris and I spent more time visiting Grandma Wilson when we heard that she wasn't doing so well. Fran flew in Tuesday afternoon to see her mother as well. It has been a year now since Helen was diagnosed with bone cancer. She did however have the cancer for a couple years prier from her diagnostic. It has been a difficult year with her health quickly decreasing but she has been a fighter...A real fighter. She loves life and will love life till the end. She pulls out of it each time we think it could be her last week or days with us here on earth. However we do feel it is very close at this point. Helen is only weighing 65 pounds or less now and isn't very mobile. Each time we visit, it has been fun to see her with her fingernails painted and wearing beautiful jewelry to keep her standards of looking her best up to par :)

Wednesday morning, Fran called me up to see if I was still feeling up to going to the temple with her. Grandma was conscious again so Fran felt it was okay to leave her for a few hours. I was so thrilled to be able to go and bring some temple names that my mom had prepared for me to do since we were going to do initiatory work. This was my first time dong initiatory work other than when I went for myself with my mom. Fran and I split the names, her doing 3 and I 4 names. I was grateful for the little wait we had because it gave me more time to read the scriptures and invite the spirit within to emotionally and mentally prepare myself for what I was about to do. During our wait, I reading in D&C, it was chapter 5 I believe when it all hit me and became so very clear to me that what I was now doing was what I am suppose to be doing. It was an answer to my prayers and doubts to wither or not I should be home working on my spiritual, physical growth or work which would help us provide and pay for things that "we need." This was my first time receiving an answer to a prayer through scripture reading with as much power felt. I was able to complete my first two ladies when I needed to move rooms which I ended up moving right behind Fran. It brought a smile to my face when I overheard them talking about the names being for her daughter n laws family. When it was time to move on, the lady put the two of us together with great happiness that we were here at the temple together. By the end of my third name, something special happened and the temple worker paused and softly said, "I love when that happens" I couldn't help but smile unknowingly what it was that just happened. After we were done, the temple workers swapped places and as the one left, she stopped... looked at me and held me while she emotionally said softly, "You, are an amazing person!" It was than that I was brought into tears wondering what it was that came over her prior to us finishing. Was it Heavenly Father speaking threw her knowing that this was something I needed to hear? I had never experienced something so powerfully personal at the temple. I quickly pulled it together knowing I had one more person to complete. Almost making it through again, the lady that replaced the previous temple worker at the end was brought into tears as she looked at me. I couldn't help myself but to reciprocate the tears. Why was everyone getting so emotional, what started it with another temple worker? It was now that I wish I could have known what it was that people saw in me that I more than likely don't see in myself. I was told that I was special and beautiful by several temple workers that day. I loved so much being with the elderly women. I couldn't help myself to know with out a doubt that this was what I need to focus on in my daily life. Afterwords, Fran took me out to lunch at Food For Thought in Draper. We ordered my favorite, some soup and sandwiches! I think it moved up to my top lunch place :) I was so grateful for the answers and spiritual guidance received and to have my mother n law with me.

The following days I just cleaned house top to bottom including Milo :) Today, Fran and I met up again later in the afternoon. Chris worked late so Fran and I went to her TJ Max store up on 3300 S. in SL. We went looking for wall decor for the Lehi home and walked out with new shoes for Fran. Funny, but at least we didn't leave empty handed ;) We then got to go to another favorite place of mine, Paradise Bakery for dinner. This time we were kind enough to bring cookies and a sandwich back for Chris. It was a great first week at home for me. I have been able to work on playing the piano, reading, exercising, spending time with Milo and most importantly being here for Fran during this difficult time.

My Last day!

2011-01-14T23:52:00.002-07:00

As expected, today started out with emotions raised to the surface as I faced the last day of my usual day to day repetition of work, cook, eat, play with Milo and sleep. As much as I needed a change, I was scared! Unfortunately Chris had to be with me as I faced the difficulty of not knowing how the "non work life" would be for me and if I would like it. The hardest part of it all was feeling like Chris still "needed" me. I have always provided for myself never depending on someone else these past 7-8 years. My dad taught me to be responsible and hard working as a young teenage girl. It started out I am sure keeping him company while he had to clean buildings all alone in the evenings but then it quickly led to responsibility which I have carried with me up to this point. My thoughts were me not bringing in income, not carrying for any children, what is it that I am doing with what self worth? It all came down to trust, Chris was trying to provide a wonderful opportunity for me to focus on my self and deepen my self worth, value and knowledge in life. To help myself, I printed out a daily schedule with a list of things that I first wanted to work on. And yes, I have it on my refrigerator. I feel I need improvement spiritually, physically, musically and etc. so we will see how it goes.

For tonight, we started off celebrating and hanging out with friend, Cassie and Jason at the Tavernacle in downtown SL. The Tavernacle has two pianist that play songs requested by the audience. It was fun to get out but I wish it would have been "cleaner." The good news is that I get to start the weekend off with a 3 day weekend with my hubby because Chris gets Martin Luther King Jr. day off Monday. Talk about timing!

The MOA

2011-01-10T22:24:00.002-07:00

After work Chris and I joined Geoff and Emily for another FHE at their place! We had dinner, played a couple rounds of Blokus (which I LOVED and won the second round)! and then drove to the MOA at BYU. It was free and it was showing some of Carl Bloch's paintings. Below is a description provided by the MOA at BYU.

The BYU Museum of Art welcomes the works of renowned artist Carl Bloch for the first time out of their native Denmark. His thoughtful depictions of the Savior have had profound influence on the lives of Christians all over the world. Bloch's portrayals of Christ possess a unique and timeless quality. They pull viewers into their story by engaging directly with the moral conflict and humanizing their characters struggles. They affirm Christ's mission of salvation and challenge the viewer to contemplate what it means to have living faith, a principle the artist lived his life by.

Bloch was born in Denmark in 1834. He was born and raised Lutheran and practiced their faith for the duration of his life. After discovering and pursuing a passion for art in his youth, Bloch attended the prestigious Royal Danish Academy of Art in Copenhagen. Though a faithful Christian, it was not until later in his career that he began painting the Savior. Because of his acclaimed work, Bloch was later commissioned to paint twenty-three depictions of the Savior's life in the Frederiksborg Castle. Later he was commissioned by various congregations in Denmark and Sweden to create religious altarpieces, several of which will be featured in the exhibition.

While respected by many Christian faiths, Bloch's work has come to be particularly meaningful to Latter-day Saints. Though during his life Bloch was considered a master at his craft, he was largely forgotten after his death and the rise of the Impressionist movement. Half a century later and half a world away, LDS people in the Salt Lake Valley discovered and developed a love for his artwork. From then on, it has been used to beautify many Church publications, LDS meetinghouses and temples throughout the world.

The Museum's miraculous acquisition of Christ Healing the Sick at Bethesda in 2001 deepened the Church's connection to Bloch. Now, after several years of negotiations with many of the churches and museums in Denmark and Sweden, nearly forty of Bloch's works have traveled to the Museum of Art to be seen together for the first time ever outside their homes.

Through Carl Bloch's masterful paintings, visitors will come to recognize the hand of the Savior in their lives. Come experience these powerful works of art in their originality.

Self-Portrait, 1886, Oil on canvas, the Museum of National History at Frederiksborg Castle.

Big Changes...

2011-01-08T15:32:00.002-07:00

Our first week into the new year has brought some big changes for us but mostly for myself... When I returned to work at HIT Web Design Monday, I had several phone conversations with Chris in regards to work and wither or not I should continue to do so. This was something that Chris and I have been thinking about over the past month as HIT continued to struggle paying their employees. At this point HIT had not paid me for the last month and a half of work and could not pay me when I returned. To be more accurate, the phone conversations between Chris and I were more pep talks to help me build up the courage needed to confront my VP on my 2 week notice that I would be putting in with HR right after I spoke to him. As silly as it may sound, I was so incredibly nervous about the whole thing. I was shaking, sweating, butterflies up the wazoo with crazy cold chills that ran threw my body. I honestly thought my knees would give out on me after hanging up on our last phone call for the day. But I did it, I found my VP before I gave myself the chance to sit back at my desk chickening out and disappointing my husband. So there you have it, I just finished one of my last two weeks of work for I don't know how long. We have received questions from many of our friends and family if I am pregnant do to this change but I have responded with "No, I am not pregnant." This is a time which Chris is in full support of for some "self improvement." I am absolutely terrified of this change as many close people know that I don't like the "unknown." I have always been afraid of the unknown which may be the reason why I take things a little slower even though change has never let me down. It always is a good thing for me so I hope this will be too.

Monday, we also had family home evening with our cousin's Geoffrey and Emily Montague. They came over to our place while Chris offered a small spiritual lesson. We ate dinner at Zupas and came back for some Monopoly playing. It was my first real attempt to play Monopoly since I was a kid and I have to say that I still get bored of the game and wished someone would take over my place before the game ends. Chris was out and then myself leaving our two guests in the lead.

Tuesday, Chris and I were able to catch a visit with Jennifer and her adorable new girl Gwen before they returned to Texas. They were visiting Ryan's family in Orem. I held baby Gwen the whole night while Jennifer and Chris talked Photoshop :)

Throughout the week, Milo has started to loss is baby teethe! His first four teeth fell out on his bottom row and today, two of them are popping through his gums :) Today was also a day that we spent almost the whole day at our friends home in Eagle Mountain. Dustin and Andrea supplied Sub sandwiches and chips while we brought drinks and dessert from Harmons! They were delicious! I wish we brought our camera to capture Milo and little Avery who is now 2 years old! Times flies by so fast... They were definitely center of attention as Milo and Avery played together the entire day :) I do believe we left Avery with a 6 pack lol because she was giggling and laughing non stop while Milo gave her "kisses." It was a very fun week getting together with close friends that we had not seen in a while.