The Wilson Review

MARATHON 2010

2010-01-24T17:21:00.000-08:00

WE DID IT!!!!!!!!

Heading to the Start

This is my official marathon post, I started running more often about 4 years ago after we moved to The Woodlands. It is such a beautiful area with gorgeous paths and trails that I got the bug to increase mileage and enter some races. Well, it doesn't take long to become addicted to running, it is so nice to enjoy the outdoors and it is such a great stress reliever. So, after Greg and I ran a half marathon 2 years ago, I had to do a full. It was just something that I always wanted to accomplish. Last year we trained for the Austin marathon and got through most of the training until a knee problem shut me down. I was so disappointed, all that hard work and hours and hours of training and no marathon. So, we tried again and registered for the Houston Marathon this past July.

So, here is a quick rundown of our training the past 41/2 months.

18 Weeks Training
193 Miles of Long Runs
238 Miles Weekly Runs
1 day a week at least of Cross Training
2 Pairs of running shoes
Too much Goo to think about (gross)

All that equals One Marathon.

The marathon was amazing, the weather was perfect and it could not have been a prettier day. It was harder that I even imagined especially as mile 21 rolled around. I was done and everything hurt. That's when the crowds are amazing and they really keep you going. It was amazing and I can't wait to do it again. So, all of my children and family start running and do a race with us. The best part of the past few months is all the time that Greg and I got to spend together. He wasn't planning on doing the full but as time went by he just kept training with me and we did it together. Thanks, honey!!!!

Piggy Flu

2009-10-09T15:02:00.001-07:00

Well, H1N1 has made it to our house, or as Sammy likes to call it Piggy Flu. Samantha's never ending love of animals (I know how could she be my child) has renamed swine flu to piggy flu. So, just a little fyi, for all those who haven't had it yet. It does not last only two days, try 8 or so. She was tested last Saturday and the doctor walks back in to the room with a mask on and proceeds to mask up Samantha and tells her not to lose the mask for 7 days. Just a bit unrealistic. Oh, did I also mention that of course the pharmacy's are out of Tamiflu, so they have to compound it and of course if it is compounded the insurance company won't pay for it! Why do we have insurance they don't pay for one thing. So, we left the pharmacy with a little smorgasbord of medicines and some Tamiflu for Gregory in hopes that he won't get sick. So far so good, no else has been sick. What a long week, she was miserable and her cough sounds like a freight train. Last Friday in her school class there were only 7 students attending. I guess Samantha won't be needing the H1N1 vaccine. Good luck to all and stay well.

The Happiest Place On Earth

2009-08-19T14:02:00.000-07:00

I love Disneyland, I grew up in California and we went all the time. I have always loved it and it never gets old. The grounds are immaculate and every kid there is in heaven. Yes, the lines are long, but it is always worth it. Especially now that there is Ride Max. Quite a timesaver. This was Indie's first time at Disneyland and she loved every minute. I don't think she would have left but her mom and dad were done. It was a great way to spend a day.

Indie got her first princess dress from the Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique, (totally adorable) she went with Sleeping Beauty after much deliberation and stress over choosing. She was so adorable we were dying. I bought her costume and then we went right outside and put it on. Meanwhile Brittanie was buying her shoes and a purse. So, I got her costume on and then she looks up and pulls out her bows and says, "Bows out, crown in."

She is only two and the complete Disney indoctrination is complete. So, we promptly went back in and bought the crown, of course. How can you say no to that face?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAMANTHA

2009-08-19T13:54:00.001-07:00

We were in California for Samantha's 11 th birthday and we spent it at Disneyland. It was a great day because all of our family was together. Mandy came from Utah for two days and Britt and Marki and Indie loo was there too. We all loved it and Sammy had a great day at Disneyland. She wore a birthday sticker and small hat ( ha ha) all day and every disney employee told her Happy Birthday. She has never had so many birthday wishes.

Happy Anniversary

2009-08-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

Greg and I celebrated our anniversary when we were in Utah. We rented a Harley and drove through the Uintah mountains and went to Park City. It was breathtakingly gorgeous and the weather could not have been more perfect. One of our best anniversary's ever. Greg would say any day on a motorcycle is perfect and it was. Happy Anniversary, Love ya more.

July 4th

2009-08-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

We spent the sizzling fourth of July, at the parade and the water park and then the fireworks show at Market street. The pictures speak for themselves, sweaty and oppressive but fun.

Finally an Update

2009-08-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

Wow, summer 2009 has been a crazy one. Sorry for the lengthy absence. We just got home from being gone for a month, it was great but we are all very happy to be home. To recap the summer, Greg and I spent all of June and I do mean all of it working on our Stake Youth Conference. We planned and executed 2 1/2 days worth of events for 200 teenagers. It was great and generally it all turned out well. Thanks to all of our many friends who didn't ignore my phone calls and pleas for help.

Here are a few of the highlights, yes everyone is sweating profusely the whole time. It was a record breaking June in Houston, lucky for us!! Our weekend included two dances, the first one was at our church but the a/c was broken. Hot but we survived on the chapels a/c blowing into our gym. We worked at the Houston Food Bank, it was great! The last day we had awesome speakers and our "Night In Galilee" It was worth all of the planning and efforts. Thanks everyone!!!

Mandy's Graduation

2009-05-28T16:02:00.001-07:00

Mandy graduated on Friday, May 8. Congratulations Amanda. We are so proud of you. Mandy graduated in International Studies and is looking for a job like every other college grad in the country. Ha Ha. At the moment she is traveling through Europe again, we are all jealous. One last study or play abroad before the real world hits. It looks like she might be moving to Houston in August, but we shall see one never knows. We all love you and are so proud of all your hard work the past 4 years.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHLOE

2009-04-03T06:23:00.001-07:00

Chloe's 18th birthday was Saturday. Mandy came home from Utah to surprise her for her birthday. We had so much fun. Lots of fun bowling and of course Chloe's favorite, Vincent's for dinner. Samantha was so excited because she knew Mandy was coming and she didn't tell Chloe. (Sammy has a difficult time keeping secrets. ha ha.)

Oh yeah by the way who would have ever thought that Gregory would be taller than all his sisters someday?

Old Pictures

2009-03-26T19:52:00.000-07:00

Okay I have old pictures that I scanned and they are a pdf, how do I upload them? Nothing I do works. Let me know if you have ever done this.

HOUSTON ZOO

2009-03-20T15:47:00.000-07:00

Samantha decided to go to the zoo, because animals are her favorite thing in the world. How sad, is she in the wrong family or what? Everyone loved it even Indie. We showed her what a real zoo is supposed to look like, not the pathetic one in Vegas that her and Monet went too. At the zoo you can adopt a pet and get updates on them and special access etc. Sammy wants to adopt the baby elephant, Thai. The baby giraffe was our favorite and Sammy and Indie loved the meerkats.

Spring Break 09

2009-03-20T15:27:00.000-07:00

We had big plans to go away for spring break, but you know what with a recession and all we decided to stay around here and enjoy the sights and sounds of Houston in March. Probably, the best time of year here. It has been gorgeous all week. So, we let the kids each have a day to plan and decide where to go and what to do. This is a few pics of Gregory's day, all he wanted to do is go to a BBQ place that Marcus and Greg and Gregory are obsessed with. Then we went bowling and Chloe beat us all, not Gregory's favorite thing to lose to Chloe.

Blog update

2009-03-06T10:45:00.001-08:00

I know, I know I have slipped to the frequency of Brittanie in updating my blog. jk Britt. I will try to do much better in the near future. In my defense it has been crazy ever since Christmas was over. Chloe graduated early, congrats Chloe! We have been trying to keep up with the kids and work and school and oh yeah our two church callings each. Greg and I got called to be the Youth Commitee Chair in our Stake. So everyone that knows us better not answer there phone. Ha ha. We are in charge of Youth conference and stake dances, etc. So any great ideas send my way please. I was recently released from my relief society calling so now I can devote my time to Y.C. Oh yeah and also try to keep up with my classes. A & M is great but the drive is kind of a drag. If I could just figure out a way to do homework while I drive it would be perfect. Oh yes and I have finally joined the world of Mac, I finally got my own computer, not that I didn't love sharing with Gregory and Sammy. Now I just have to learn everything, not too bad so far. Just a few pics of recent events. Greg's science fair and super bowl sunday, and of course Indie.

Bird Watching

2009-03-06T09:23:00.001-08:00

Monday night Indie was over because Brittanie and Marcus went out for their anniversary. I was in the kitchen and I looked out to the front and this is what I saw. Indie loves to be outside and her and grandpa always go looking for birds. This is what they were doing to look for birds. Of course Indie was laying on the driveway in her brand new outfit. This is why Greg is Indie's favorite. Ha ha.

Chloe's Senior Pictures

2009-01-14T20:05:00.001-08:00

Last Saturday Chloe and I drove to College Station to have her senior pictures taken. Of course it was one of those rare freezing cold Texas days when the wind was blowing like crazy. The pictures turned out so pretty, I love them all. Here are a few of the highlights. The photographer is named Tyan Jaycox and she is amazing. Her company is named Tiny Bird, you have to go look at all of her adorable pictures and stationary. http://ciaobella-tyan.blogspot.com/ This is her blog and her links to Tiny Bird photography are there. I love the last picture it is in a beautiful field with winter grass and I love the hay bales behind Chloe. Tomorrow is Chloe's graduation, I can't believe it.

"The Center Cannot Hold"

2008-11-14T11:35:00.000-08:00

I never usually bore you all with my psych tidbits but, since I have been in my Abnormal Psych class I have read some phenomenol stuff. And I thought that I have several family members who would love this book that I just read and had to write a paper about. The book is called "The Center Cannot Hold" by Elyn Saks. It is a first hand account of her battle and ultimate success against schizophrenia. Her sheer grit and determination to overcome all odds are inspiring and I do mean all odds. I don't want to give away to much but she is inspirational. We could all learn alot from her perspective and sheer will power. The general prognosis of schizophrenia is poor to say the least, the majority of schizophrenics live in a prison or a nursing home. Elyn Saks has multiple graduate degrees from the finest schools in the U.S. as well as from Oxford, and is a current professor at U.S.C. law school and adjunct professor at several medical schools. To say that she has overcome all odds would be a serious understatement. So, in all of your free time pick this one up and read it, you will love it.

Homecoming Texas Style

2008-09-28T14:04:00.000-07:00

Well, even though Houston has been anything but normal the past two weeks, things are slowly returning to a resemblance of normal. This past week was Homecoming at The Woodlands High School and because some in the school had power most of the week they proceeded to have Homecoming. I know that all of my Texas nieces and nephew know all about mums, but this post is for everyone else that has never heard or seen a mum. We had so much fun designing the mums, Chloe's dates mom and I went down to see the Mum Queen who lives in Spring and spent forever choosing all of the trinkets that adorn the mums. All of this was planned plenty early, but who knew that Ike would be quite so devastating and our mum designer did not have power for two weeks, but she did an amazing job. I was telling my mom about Chloe's mum exchange the other day and she told me that she got a mum when she went to Homecoming,in Shamrock, Texas in 1955, so she is looking for it in her scrapbook, I would love to have a picture of it.

IKE

2008-09-12T18:31:00.000-07:00

Here's a few pictures of before Ike hits. Not a loaf of bread anywhere and most of the fruit was gone. Luckily I shopped on Wednesday and Thursday and Friday so, I'm good but some people were quite upset. Greg and Gregory decided to tie up our trampoline so that should either hold it down or pull the trees over that it's tied to. I'll let you know, we are all as ready as you can be, so I will take lots of pictures and video and we will share. So far just wind but our electricity just flickered. We are deciding at the moment where to sleep, but there is some discussion between Greg and I about that ha ha.

Summer Fun

2008-09-07T18:18:00.000-07:00

These are just a few cute pics of everyone recently. We all went to American Idol and had a great time, that's where the picture of Hilarie and family was at and Indie and Britt. Also, Chloe just got asked to homecoming and that was the roses that her date left for her. When Mandy came home from Europe she brought all the girls Ciao Bella shirts and I wanted a picture of everyone in them, they were all thrilled of course.

Indie

2008-09-05T08:52:00.000-07:00

Last week Brittanie and Marcus went to Vegas for some fun in the sun and we got to take care of Indie. She was perfect except for deciding that she didn't like to sleep anymore. Brittanie left Thursday before I got home from school, so Greg and Chloe graciously took care of Indie until I got home. Well this is what it looked like when I walked in the kitchen. Greg did a great job babysitting but, let's just say that Indie was in charge.

First Day of School 08

2008-09-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

I just thought I would post a few pictures of the first day of school. Yes, it is dark outside when Chloe and Gregory left for school what ever happened to kids going to school when it's light outside. Chloe is a senior this year, scary and Gregory is a freshmen and Samantha is in the fourth grade. Again, my kids are all in different schools. I dream of having all of your kids in one school how easy would that be? So far so good though for the new school year everyone seems to be happy. Seminary started this week though and Gregory is adjusting but, the other night he was done with his homework and laying on the ground at 7:30 at night.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

2008-09-02T18:01:00.000-07:00

I have been debating about whether to admit to this story, but it's just to great to not share. On our last day in Paris we were packed and ready to go early, we ran the whole day to fit everything in and then back to the hotel to grab our stuff and then on to Charles DeGauille airport. We left in plenty of time and there was limited traffic, we were set to head on to Munich and arrive in Garmisch in the late evening to start the Bavarian half of our trip. There was one small problem as we went to check in for our flight, we had not looked at our tickets to confirm the airport and yes we were at the wrong airport.Our flight was leaving from Orly, very close to the hotel we had just left. We tried to get a taxi, but there was no way to get across town in time for our flight. Then we went on a scavenger hunt for transportation, no trains because the Tour D' france had just ended, no buses, no flights until the next day and they were 1,000 each. So, Greg rented us a car a French Renault to drive to Germany, how far could it be right? As we pulled out into Paris rush hour traffic it became quite obvious that our French rental had a problem with the air conditioning. That's okay it was only about 95 degrees. We drove all through the night and arrived in Garmisch at sunrise. Although, it was an unscheduled road trip it was probably one of the best nights we had. The moral of the story even when on vacation check your tickets.

Paris Day 2

2008-08-30T20:25:00.000-07:00

This is a photo diary of day two in Paradise or Paris whichever you prefer. Our day started off at a bakery for Chocolate croissants of course, or a few tarts if you were Greg. We started at Notre Dame which I was totally in love with. Who knew that gargoyles could be so cool. We hiked all the way up the tower which was around 468 steps or so. It's a good thing we run every day ha ha. After Notre Dame we made a dash to the Musee D'Orsay unfortunately, it was closed because it was Monday. Very sad but it gives me an excuse to go back. After that it was on to the Eiffel Tower and a few hundred gypsies. The view is spectacular, the crowds are not. Then we made it to the Arche D' Triompe. When we were in Paris it just happened to be the final day of the Tour D' France and we just happened to be strolling the Champs D' Elysse at that time. Pretty cool although, most of the stores were closed by the timne we got there that afternoon. I think Jeff and Greg planned it this way. Well Paris was fantastic, but there were things we didn't get to because we ran out of time. I will include the awesome story of our departure from France tomorrow. Stay tuned.

Paris Day 1

2008-08-22T21:42:00.001-07:00

This is our first day in Paris and we started at the Louvre, how could we not. Just think DaVinci code. First of all, there aren't any words to describe how large the Louvre is, second I think it would take at least a full week to see everything there. Since we had two days in Paris we attacked the map first thing and we picked out the most important things to see. Yes, this is the Mona Lisa and yes I was almost crushed trying to get close enough to take a picture of her. Just think about five hundred people in one room trying to see one small painting behind glass.... very hot and sweaty and way to many people pushing you over to get up close.

Europe 08

2008-08-22T21:19:00.001-07:00

Apologies to all, yes it has been way to long since I have posted. Sorry, but we have been traveling most of the last month and I didn't have a computer with us. Greg and I just got back from an amazing trip to Europe with Jeff and Shelly. We traveled through France, Germany, Italy and through Austria. We spent 16 days having a great adventure. Most of the time I was there I kept saying why haven't we ever been here before, the only excuse I could think of has something to do with five kids and about ten years of dance trips every summer. Not that those dance trips weren't great as well, just a little less of the European beauty. There are many stories to tell but, they will have to come in stages. This is our first night in Paris which was amazing. I just had to show this picture of the restaurant and all of the tables in the torn up street. There was concrete and construction going on everywhere but it did not stop the Parisians from enjoying their Saturday night. Mind you that every woman is walking on this torn up street with stilettos on.

July Fourth Texas Style

2008-07-09T20:22:00.001-07:00

This is the first year in a few years that we stayed in Texas for the 4 of July. We had a great time although, we missed all the family. We went to the parade in the morning and had a BBQ, then went to Market Street for an awesome firework show. It was unbelievable weather, I almost can't believe we were in Houston. ha ha. When we scoped out the perfect spot on a hillside near the waterway to watch the fireworks, it was 79 degrees. That will never happen here again I'm sure. It was Brittanie and Marcus and Indie's first official holiday here as Texans and we loved having them here.

The Worst Phone Call Ever

2008-07-09T20:07:00.000-07:00

This is the phone call that everyone waits for and is not happy to get. Last Wednesday Greg and I were going to run some errands about 6:45 pm, when we got a call from Chloe's cell phone. Greg said, " hi Chloe" and a lady says, "this isn't Chloe and your daughter was in a car accident but she should be fine." We turned around and were only about three minutes away from the accident at Kuykendahl intersection and Flintridge. As we drove up I was expecting to see Chloe's car pulled over on the side of the road, but no we got there and the whole intersection was blocked off by a fire truck and ambulance and police car. That is scary; especially when I see Chloe's car up on the median and an EMT hovering over her while she is sitting in the dirt. Fortunately, Chloe was only scared and mostly sore with bruises from the seat belt and a cut on her head. A lady of about 50 or so ran a red light and plowed into Chloe's passenger side going about 45 or so. The air bags released and Chloe spun around and went up onto a median in the center of the road. The ladies car was totaled and Chloe's was towed away as well. We are still waiting to see what the damage is to Chloe's car and how long it will take to get fixed. All in all not a great day but, Chloe was lucky to walk away like she did.

Grease Is The Word

2008-06-25T20:50:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Chloe had her first lead role in a play. DLP is a new production company in the Woodlands and Chloe played Jan, one of the Pink Ladies. It was so fun and Chloe did a great job. I had no idea she was so funny. It was so exciting because she had family come from Utah and Las Vegas. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Robin and Megan and Monet for coming from so far away.

Cafe Wilson

2008-06-25T20:40:00.001-07:00

Well summer is here and instead of vegging out in front of the tv (I hate that), Samantha decided to open up a restaurant yesterday at home. I don't know where her creativity comes from, definitely not her parents. She named her restaurant Cafe Wilson and made an adorable menu. I had the lava cake, I highly recommend it. I think Grandma Wilson would be so proud.

INDIE

2008-06-25T20:02:00.000-07:00

Last week we went to Panera for dinner and Indie was in rare form with her many faces. Her favorite part was a pickle that she sucked on until there was nothing but seeds left. I'm attempting to put a video on but we will see how that goes. Only six more days until Indie and her mommy and daddy are Texans. Yeah!! We can't wait.

Summer in Texas

2008-06-18T21:27:00.000-07:00

Yes it's summer in Houston and yes it's 95 degrees outside, but here is how Sammy is cooling off. Since this is the first summer in three years that we are staying in Houston, I thought I'd show a little summer fun. This year Samantha is doing swim team which is a first for us. She is on the Riptides and has two practices a day although, one is about her limit. This is her meet last weekend. She swam in five events and she got fourth overall (out of about 18) in her age category for back stroke and butterfly. She also got second in the team relay that she swam in. She hates the swim cap but I think it's cute, so I snuck this picture of her.

Father's Day

2008-06-18T13:36:00.001-07:00

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to the best Dad that I know, who just happens to be my kid's Dad. I am so happy that my kids have had such an amazing Dad. He is my ideal of a great Dad because he always thinks of everyone before himself. I have learned amazing things from him as we journey along through life. Besides what kid wouldn't want a Dad who burns cds with the apple bottom jeans song on it. I know it's Low, it's just what Greg calls it. Love to all the great Dads I know.

Cousins

2008-06-13T19:29:00.001-07:00

A few more pictures of the kids having fun at Indie's party.

Summer Fun

2008-06-13T16:50:00.001-07:00

Samantha has finally gotten a trampoline after begging and begging forever. You might wonder why we finally caved in and got a trampoline; well in the past six months since our squirrel incident at Thanksgiving, Samantha has abandoned her bedroom for our room or other locations in the house. Greg set up an elaborate schedule for her to begin to sleep in her room again, and after a succesful five week run in her bedroom, all by herself she got her trampoline last weeknd.

Indie's First Birthday

2008-06-13T16:33:00.000-07:00

Just thought that everyone would want to see a little of Indie's special day. We had a blast. She, unlike her mother on her first birthday loved it all and didn't cry all night. She swam in the morning and then went to Lupe's and then had cake and opened presents.

Man Lessons

2008-06-04T07:53:00.001-07:00

I thought that I would share one of our new traditions since we have moved to Texas. About two years ago Greg decided that it was time for Gregory to learn a few necessary skills to be a reasonably handy man someday. So, Man lessons were born. This is probably one of the funniest things that you have ever seen, each Saturday after waffles, of course Greg and Gregory embark on a few hours of some man type skill that Greg thinks he should teach Gregory. You know your typical checking the air pressure or painting a room or of course the dreaded in Texas at this time of year; working in the yard. This is just one of the down sides to being the only boy with four sisters. Gregory of course loves every minute of this, he is quite sure that he does not need any of these skills since he plans on hiring this type of stuff out. I know, I know, arrogant we are working on that. These pics are from last Saturday and I think Gregory was outside for maybe one hour but he informed me that it was at least 3 hours. I must say though, that as long as Gregory can swing the pick ax he is pretty happy.

Memorial Day

2008-05-28T20:56:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Chloe and I drove to Dallas to pick up Katelin one of her best friend's from Provo; she was in Dallas for her brothers wedding reception. Monday we went to the Galleria and Grand Lux Cafe. Katelin loved The Galleria and before I knew it they were both in a store trying on Nike Dunks. I'm not sure that the Dunks go with their Betsy Johnson jewelry that they bought, but they are teenagers.

America's Top Public High Schools

2008-05-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen this article it is very interesting, the article only has the top 100 schools but if you go to the link it has the top 1300 schools in America. A school in Dallas is number 2. There are 107 schools listed from Texas. Utah has 12. The ranking is based on many factors, read the article for more details. FYI only the schools who submitted stats were considered, schools are still able to send in statistics and be added to the list. After spending the last three years in Texas I have come to have an even greater appreciation for good schools, I am very fortunate to be here at this time, so that my kids can attend these great schools. Just the other night Gregory and Samantha were having a discussion on what resources are renewable or nonrenewable or inexhaustible, not typical conversation for a nine year old. By the way the school pictured is College Park High School, that is where the Academy of Science and Technology is and that is where Gregory will start 9th grade in August; or what we affectionately refer to as the Nerd Academy. ha ha. Click here if you are interested in the article.

Aggie Time

2008-05-27T08:08:00.001-07:00

Please excuse the moment of self indulgence, this is for my mom. After much deliberation and beating my head against a wall trying to pass a horrible Finite math class, I am going to Texas A & M in the fall. Most people do not know that my mom's family are die hard Aggies well, most of them at least and I have decided to follow in their footsteps. I was accepted to A & M and I will pursue a BS in Psychology and a minor in Neuroscience. Wow, where is my pocket protector that sounds a little nerdy. I have loved every minute of school since I decided to go back a couple of years ago minus the above mentioned math class of course. Isn't life funny who would have thought that we would move to Texas and that I would end up being an Aggie. Thanks mom for letting me do things in an unusual order (ie getting married a little young ha ha) but I'm still checking it all off of the list. Go Aggies!

TWHS Prom

2008-05-25T21:26:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Chloe went to her first prom and I thought everyone would want to see part of the fun. Keeping in true girl form they were more into posing with their dresses and shoes and flowers when I realized I don't have any good pictures with her date. Those will have to follow later. They went downtown to "17" restaurant and then the dance was at The Waterway Marriott. Chloe had a great time, especially finding her dress at Tootsie's.

Graduation 2008

2008-05-25T21:15:00.000-07:00

Last month Greg and I got to go to Provo for Marcus' graduation. It was great even though it was snowing when I got there, but oh well it was only the end of April. We are so proud of Marcus and all is hard work, and Brittanie for letting Marcus do his homework. I sent these pictures to Britt but I have yet to see them on her blog so I decided that they were fair game. Besides Indie looks so adorable I had to post them.

My Daughter is Fraulein Maria

2008-05-22T08:27:00.000-07:00

Mandy is in Italy doing yet another study abroad, but before arriving there she traveled through Germany, Austria and numerous other locals with Grandma and Grandpa. She posted this picture to her Facebook and it cracks me up, she looks just like Fraulein Maria or one of the Von trapp family singers. We miss her so much but are loving the entertainment that she provides. Have a blast Mandy, we are all jealous.

America's Next Top Mormon

2008-05-20T20:48:00.000-07:00

I just watched American Idol and it was amazing. This was the best finale ever.I love both David's but I think Archuleta is the winner. I think he is adorable and a great representative of the church. Check out this article in Newsweek.
America’s Next Top Mormon
As reality shows dominate television, they're plucking contestants from an unlikely pew.

By Sally Atkinson | Newsweek Web Exclusive
http://www.newsweek.com/id/135758

Samantha's Day

2008-05-16T21:19:00.000-07:00

Samantha had a busy day today, so I thought I would fill you in on what she is up to. Today was Field Day at her school, Deretchin Elementary. It was unusually cool today, so that was nice since I worked at Field day for 3 hours. There were over 100 parent volunteers today! Sammy also had her first piano recital tonight, she did a great job and loved it, unlike all of her siblings at their piano recitals.

Blogging Begins

2008-05-14T18:42:00.000-07:00

Well, I have finally decided to enter into the world of blogging. I have had several requests, so I decided that now is the time to start our own blog. I have become addicted to reading everyone else's, so I thought I could keep you all up to date on what we are doing in Texas. Hopefully, I can be a little more consistent than Brittanie. This was on Easter right before Mandy was off to Europe.