Backlog

I don't even know where to start. 

I had a birthday. A winter birthday. Winter has shifted and taken over my birthday. I always thought I had a spring birthday but not anymore. We hiked Black Rock. Ash and Erik are at the top.

Ash had a birthday.

Ashlyn's birthday happened over spring break AGAIN. Our birthday spring break wouldn't be the same without a Ding Dong "birthday cake."

Spring break to Kanab. This trip was a little pricey. Bald tires + very bumpy road = BAD IDEA. BUT that slot canyon was worth the extra day delay and set of new tires. Buckskin Gulch was spectacular. Belly of the Dragon and Sand Caves were pretty cool too.

Ash got her wisdom teeth out. She's been the funniest so far coming off that anesthesia.

Nate is applying to BYU while on his mission. It hasn't been easy.

Alex had his early morning math competition.

I got to tour the new prison and brought my neighbors along.

I snagged tickets to the Sunday afternoon session of conference. Alex, Kiersten, and Jason tagged along.

Chickens hatched in my classroom, and this year we got to actually watch one hatch out. The other I had to help out after he struggled for more than a day.

This is basically what we did all day, every day for a few days. Watched chickens. My students were mesmerized.

I sent them home this past week and didn't realize the suffering that would cause to one student in particular. He had grown quite attached over the week and when the day came to give them away, he cried and cried and cried. His mom also moved out at the beginning of the school year, so it's been a rough year anyway. And then to "lose" his chicken. After school dad took him to the dollar store. That didn't help. Eventually they made it to Tractor Supply where he got his own little chick.

And that's a wrap for now. I'll sign off with one last photo of Ash and her prom date.

Spring Break

You know you planned a good one when your 16 year old says that it far exceeded her expectations.

Our trip began with a stop to visit Grandma and Grandpa Ellis. Grandma and Erik kept having the same conversation about Erik's mission and where he served. She was ecstatic each time she learned they had served in the same area. It was so good to see them again.

Then we went to Grandma's in Ferron.

And took a few side trips.

Tyler had not been with us when we did Little Wild Horse slot canyon a few years back. So we did that and instead of turning around, we hiked the entire 8 mile loop.

And on our way home, we stopped by the Wedge otherwise known as the Little Grand Canyon. 

Ash: "I can't believe this is right by Grandma's house!"

Erik: "This is the coolest place."

Ash: "I can't believe we have never been out here in all the years we've come to Grandma's."

All these places were places I would go for school field trips . . . Arches, Goblin Valley, the Wedge. So glad my kids can experience them also.

Also, we go to Grandma's for the dog. This boy loves that dog.

Spring break

This week has been just what I needed. A break from normalcy.

Several years ago for spring break, Tyler was unable to come with us when we hiked Calf Creek Falls. So we decided to go back and take him.

I've got to say this trip was much easier. There was no hauling a child on my back while hiking through an ocean of sand. Alex made the entire 6 mile trip by himself. And while it was snowing at home, we were enjoying beautiful, sunny weather.

There is something about Grandma and Grandpa's house that is magical. I suggested doing several things for the break, but when I mentioned Ferron, the discussion ended.

Erik repaid their hospitality by cleaning the windows. Yea. He wasn't too thrilled with me snapping photos.

I hired him to clean my own when we got home, and Ash also got in on the action. I sure do love me some spring-clean windows.

I got to work in my yard: mowing and weeding and planting peas and lettuce. Ash and I painted my end tables and beans poles. When I put my bean poles up I realized that the yellow in conjunction with the turquoise pea sign were the exact colors of Kiersten's wedding. It was a sign! We are hosting an open house.


I took Erik to a foot doctor to ensure his self-diagnosed bunion have an actual doctor-certified diagnosis. And yep. Sure thing. That's what he's got. Not on one foot but on two. The doctor was slightly mystified that no one in our family has one. They hardly ever see teenagers and even rarely see male teenagers. He won't need surgery thank goodness, but they did send him home with some orthotics they custom made to his feet that he is required to wear regularly. Bunions aren't hereditary but his pronation is which is what has caused the bunions.

And then Good Friday really was a good Friday. Tyler had an initial interview with CUNA Mutual Group for a position we've been waiting to open up for 18 months. He's also interviewed for a different position with Wells Fargo. In my prayers I just tell the Lord that we are in need of better employment to afford the many good things happening in our lives right now. He knows what lies ahead and which position will be best for us. I'm just hoping that either of these will work out. While he was interviewing, I took my growing family to the Jordan River open house.

It was fun to see the sealing room where Tyler and I were sealed many years ago, and for Kiersten and Jason to envision themselves kneeling across that altar in a few short months.

Kiersten told me that Jason's parents were also married in the Jordan River Temple and that this temple was hers and Jason's first choice. However, when they called to reserve a day and time, the temple told them they weren't sure they would be open and operating by the end of June. So they went with option B: Payson. I even managed to get a picture of them in front of that particular temple. Ha, ha. Actually a picture of the Payson temple.

Later it was a Jazz game for me and Tyler.


Only 38 days, 7.5 weeks, left of school. For me the countdown has begun with so many things happening in this short period of time.

Valley of the Goblins

Our original plans for spring break didn't come to fruition due to no job. We were going to surprise the kids on Ash's birthday and fly to Seattle for a few days. Life has a way of altering plans.

Instead, Tyler stayed home due to several job opportunities that he needed to be available for while we headed south to grandma's.

Valley of the Goblins. Doesn't that just sound more intriguing than Goblin Valley. Our last jaunt there was six years ago which Alex doesn't remember.

Fast forward and we are now entering that stage where I feel the need to revisit places so he'll remember what the older kids have already experienced.

A slot canyon was first on our list.

Little Wild Horse.

The kids are not big hikers. Seems they like to grumble and complain anytime we mention it. However, this one was different. Maybe because it was the scaling and meandering and squeezing that made it different.

After our hike, it was off to Goblin Valley for lunch and playing.

As a child I would come to this state park for field trips. It is the best place for a game of tag, hide-and-seek, or sardines.


These are the days of . . . 
*An accepted job offer. Tyler starts work for Wells Fargo in two weeks. It's not a great job but it's an income for now. He is still earnestly looking and flies out to Indianapolis for another interview this week for a different company.

*Tennis matches.

*Lots of rain which brings beautiful green grass.