Congratulations Class of 2012 - Jazzmine Marie Kelly-Hill

Congratulations, Jonathan!!

Jonathan graduated from High School this year and although we did not make it to the ceremony we did come down the next day to take him to lunch and celebrate.

We had lunch at this place called Hong Kong Kitchen, went to the DI, walked around Wal-Mart went to the park to play Smart @$$ and some Farkle, opened gifts (and I have to add in there that the pure excitement and joy on Jonathan's face from his gifts made my day!!)  Afterwards we found a park that had a BBQ pit and roasted hot dogs where we continued to play Farkle.  The winner for that day was, Micah!

BCT Graduation - Brown Family

Feeding the Ducks

Today we took, Dylon, Packer and Alex to to feed the ducks at Jensen Park - Dylon returned home to his family while I was away in So Carolina.  So the following Sunday afternoon we picked Dylon up to have one last family dinner and then off to feed the ducks.

Packer was able to get one of the ducks to eat from his hand!!!  I was lucky enough to get a picture of it!!!

Boozer and ChumLee

Congratulations to Sam

I was able to make it out to South Carolina for Sam's BCT Graduation and I can't even begin to describe how proud I am by his choice or the changes that he has made in those 10 weeks!!

Solider's Creed

Gift from Home for Graduation

Sam has a friend, Megan who was sweet enough to get him a gift for BCT graduation and asked me to being it along to give to him.  I am ever so grateful for the good friends Sam has met and what a good influence they can be in his life.

Happy 15th Birthday to Alex

Alex turned 15 today!!!  Birthday's are bittersweet for me around here - I love to celebrate birthdays and I love decorating for them, but I always worry about how the youth feels being away from their family and friends.

Alex's family sent him a gift that came a few days before his birthday that got him pretty excited, not to mention that in March he started the count down on how many days were left until he turned 15.

Alex loves to be outside so he went up to Logan Canyon and roasted hot dogs and marshmallows on the campfire and let the boys run around the hills.

Happy Easter

It does not matter the age of a child - even at 15, 16 and 17 years old these boys enjoyed a good ole fashion egg hunt for Easter.  I am sure it was motivating when they saw all the candy and treats.

Sam - During Basic Training

Thank God for Facebook . . . .  And a huge THANK YOU to the people who not only created, but maintained the Facebook page for Fort Jackson BCT.  Each week pictures were posted of all the companies and those platoons. 

Even though the phone calls were weeks apart I was able to know how things were going and the things Sam was learning during those quite times.  And when he called I was able to ask about something or have an idea of what he was talking about.

Our Latest Basement Project

Thanks to some recycled pallet wood and a very patient husband this bedroom is complete.  I made a deal with Micah that I would not buy another gallon of paint until I used up everything I already had - SO I DID IT!!  I was able to paint all of Sam's new bedroom in paint that we already had from other projects around the home and Micah patiently piece each piece of wood to the wall to make it look like old barn wood that was cut just for the walls.

This is my my most favorite bedroom of the house by far - It is also means that we are closer to finishing our basement after seven years. 

Elder Palmer

Elder Palmer was called to serve in the Houston South Mission (Spanish Speaking)

He reported to the MTC on February 15th 2012

Leaving for Basic Combat Training (BCT)

It's taken sometime for me to be able to sit down and put this post together

 and even three days away from seeing him at BCT Graduation I am having a hard time. 

Sam made this awesome choice to join the Utah National Guard - Micah and I are so very proud of him, but it has been quiet the adjustment here at home not having him around.  I always told myself it would be in preparation for his mission or going away to school.

Sam will be spending the first 10 weeks of his military career in Fort Jackson - South Carolina where he will train to be a Solider.   Just in the few days that he has spent in SLC preparing for his move there was a change in his personality and the way in which he carried himself. 

We said some quick goodbyes to prevent the water flow of tears I thought I would have - of course I took the opportunity to hug him for everyone that asked me to do so!!  The bottom right corner is about the time I made him promise that he would come home and he agreed to not go active duty!

The countdown to graduation began - - - - April is not soon enough!

Blog Update

Several months ago I deleted the widgets of my blog and was discouraged from posting, but I am hoping after some time away and more patience's that I can get back to work.

In the meantime, where have we been?  Surviving and some-days it feels like we are barely doing that, but we ended 2011 looking forward to what 2012 would bring and we are happy to report it's starting our great!!

A Wise Ole Man Once Told Me . . .

The wise ole-man is my Father in Law - He told me shortly after Sam came to our home that Micah and I should make new traditions for our new family by each Christmas going to Temple Square to see the Christmas Lights.  The first year Sam submitted my parents names to the Sister Missionary's - the following year my parents were with us at Temple Square as new members (they were baptized in June 2010) and this year we were able to introduce it to youth who had never been there before.

I love this tradition and I love the ole-man who suggested it to me - despite his son who hates the over crowed front runner, waiting in line to take treks and the large number of people :)  It's part of our family tradition and each time I go there it feels like I am seeing it for the first time.

Those were just some of the pictures I took that evening - Sam brought a friend with him, Megan and the others boys were just being goofy.

Nothing like a self taken portrait to make you question what the heck was I thinking?!!?  Oh well better luck next year :)

Family Wii Competition

As part of our Countdown to Christmas this year we held a week long Wii Competition - this night we did a Just Dance and the boys had a great time.  So much in fact I went out and bought a country version of it.

• Down Hill Jump
• Bowling
• Just Dance
• 3-point Jump Shot
• Wakeboarding
• Mario Brother - Coin Battle
• Family Choice - Just Dance Take Two

Utah National Guard - E1 Private Samuel C Mower

This moment is bitter sweet . . . I am truly excited for Sam's new journey, but at the same time I am able to count on ONE HAND how many nights I have been away from him in the last 2 1/2 years (Four for anyone of you asking).  And I know he is 19 years old, but for me it is like having separation anxiety for parents who have a new baby.  I found out on Tuesday (Nov. 1st) night that he was enlisting Thursday (Nov. 3rd) afternoon . . . I wanted to strangle him, but what could I do I had already told him to sh!t or get off the pot with his life. 

Sam is scheduled to ship out on February 13th, 2012 - and I am forewarning anyone and everyone it will not be a good day!  He will be completing his basic training in Fort Jackson So Carolina and completing AIT at Fort Lee, Virginia. His MOS is a 91-Echo and in civilian terms a machinist.

Micah and I are very proud of you, Sam and are looking forward to seeing you at graduation in May 2012 from basic training.

Capital Theatre - Dracula

Tonight we went to the Halloween showing of Dracula - Sam, Albert and I were so very excited, however, Micah, Dylon and Alex were a little apprehensive.  The best part of the evening came when Micah turns to me and says '"Are they ever going to say anything?"  it was not until the intermission that Micah took the time to read his program and was able to figure out what was going on.

This was a first for Alex who has never even heard of a ballet and at the end of the evening said how much fun he had and how much he had enjoyed it - that was the reviews from the rest of the boys, as well.

Snap Shots in Morgan, Utah

Here are a few of the pictures I took along the way . . . I have been wanting to take pictures of this bridge since the first time I saw it and finally I got a chance to do it :)

Saturday Family Fun Day

Left to Right: Sam, Dylon, Albert and Alex

Not much to post about . . . However, here is an update of the boys in our home.  This morning after haircuts and a quick lunch at Sam's club we headed up to Morgan and Snow-basin so I could take some pictures of the season change.

Welcome Alex

That had to be the LONGEST car ride home . . . We couldn't get him to say more then Yes or No to any question we asked and when we tried to feed him we found he eats like a bird.  He is gonna be forgotten and starve  - hopefully the rest of the boys will help bring him around. :)  His mom assured me that once he feels comfortable he will talk more and I will wish he would stop talking.

Fun Facts about Alex:

• Birth date: April 15th, 1997 ( I feel old now, I was almost a year out of high school when he was born)
• Age: 14 years old 
• 9th Grader
• Hometown: Vernal, Utah
• Favorite Sport: Shooting a bow and arrow
• Favorite Color:  Red
• Favorite Movie: Resident Evil
• Favorite Book: Harry Potter Series
• Hobbies: Drawing and Fishing
• Favorite Food: Tamales
• Favorite Holiday: Halloween
• Least Favorite food: Lasagna
• Favorite Season: Fall - its just right with no mosquitoes
• Favorite Subject in School: Sign Language
• Favorite TV Channel: Si-Fi
• Favorite TV Show:Full Metal Alchemist

Way to Go Zach!!

College of the Canyons defensive lineman Zach Eaton tackles East Los Angeles College quarterback Mike Oliver for a 5-yard loss during the first quarter on Saturday at Cougar Stadium. COC won the game 42-17.

Winner stays, loser goes. It’s a popular rule on playgrounds all across the country, but on Saturday night at Cougar stadium, those were the stakes for College of the Canyons quarterbacks Chris Rini, Chris Owens and Tyler D’Amore during their 42-17 victory over East Los Angeles College. The team scores a touchdown and you stay in. The team doesn’t, and you rotate. That might mean a lot of pressure, but for the Cougars (3-1), it was a way of getting all three experience in a non-conference game. And it worked. All three quarterbacks led scoring drives for the Cougars who effectively put the game away when D’Amore led a 3:43, 75-yard drive on 12 plays to put COC up 21-10 with just 34 seconds remaining in the half. “Everything just fell into place tonight,” D’Amore said. The Huskies’ offense did its best to stay in the game, as Aaron Cantu replaced starting quarterback Mike Oliver early in the first quarter. Cantu would finish the game 14-of-22 with 184 yards and one touchdown. “You’ve got to take it to the Cougars, they played a good game,” said East L.A. head coach Lynn Cain. Coming out of the locker room to start the third, it was a chance for Rini — the usual starter — to go under center. And he knew he couldn’t repeat the mistake he made on the team’s opening possession. After forcing a punt on the opening possession of the game, the Cougars, led by Rini, drove to the East LA 13-yard line before Rini fumbled and the Huskies jumped on the ball. After the fumble, Rini didn’t return to the field until the first possession of the third — and he was determined not to hand over quarterbacking duties again. “He told me he wasn’t going to come off the field (in the second half),” said COC head coach Garett Tujague. “I told him, ‘you better score, and field goals don’t count.” To start the third quarter Rini led Canyons on a six-play, 47-yard drive culminating in Rini’s 7-yard scamper into the end zone to give the Cougars a 28-10 lead with 13:03 left in the third. The Cougars came back on their next possession as Rini hit wide receiver Chris Rivas with a 15-yard pass to end a 10-play, 82-yard drive. Rini finished 12-of-17 with 144 yards and one touchdown and two fumbles. The next drive, though, didn’t work out as well for Rini, as he lost his second fumble of the game after running 20 yards down to the East LA 32-yard line. Later in the quarter, D’Amore got another shot and ended a 45-yard, seven-play drive with a five-yard run to give the Cougars the final margin. He went 13-of-18 with 103 yards and a touchdown. Owens ended up 6-of-8 with 58 yards. While each quarterback played well during the game, there was no doubt the “win or go home” mentality of the rotation added pressure to each player when he took the field. “That’s what it’s all about, “Tujague said. “No matter what we do in life, there is always going to be adversity.”

http://www.the-signal.com/section/2/article/51688/

Winner stays, loser goes.

It’s a popular rule on playgrounds all across the country, but on Saturday night at Cougar stadium, those were the stakes for College of the Canyons quarterbacks Chris Rini, Chris Owens and Tyler D’Amore during their 42-17 victory over East Los Angeles College.

The team scores a touchdown and you stay in. The team doesn’t, and you rotate.

That might mean a lot of pressure, but for the Cougars (3-1), it was a way of getting all three experience in a non-conference game.

And it worked.

All three quarterbacks led scoring drives for the Cougars who effectively put the game away when D’Amore led a 3:43, 75-yard drive on 12 plays to put COC up 21-10 with just 34 seconds remaining in the half.

“Everything just fell into place tonight,” D’Amore said.

The Huskies’ offense did its best to stay in the game, as Aaron Cantu replaced starting quarterback Mike Oliver early in the first quarter.

Cantu would finish the game 14-of-22 with 184 yards and one touchdown.

“You’ve got to take it to the Cougars, they played a good game,” said East L.A. head coach Lynn Cain.

Coming out of the locker room to start the third, it was a chance for Rini — the usual starter — to
go under center.

And he knew he couldn’t repeat the mistake he made on the team’s opening possession.

After forcing a punt on the opening possession of the game, the Cougars, led by Rini, drove to the East LA 13-yard line before Rini fumbled and the Huskies jumped on the ball.

After the fumble, Rini didn’t return to the field until the first possession of the third — and he was determined not to hand over quarterbacking duties again.

“He told me he wasn’t going to come off the field (in the second half),” said COC head coach Garett Tujague. “I told him, ‘you better score, and field goals don’t count.”

To start the third quarter Rini led Canyons on a six-play, 47-yard drive culminating in Rini’s 7-yard scamper into the end zone to give the Cougars a 28-10 lead with 13:03 left in the third.

The Cougars came back on their next possession as Rini hit wide receiver Chris Rivas with a 15-yard pass to end a 10-play, 82-yard drive.

Rini finished 12-of-17 with 144 yards and one touchdown and two fumbles.

The next drive, though, didn’t work out as well for Rini, as he lost his second fumble of the game after running 20 yards down to the East LA 32-yard line.

Later in the quarter, D’Amore got another shot and ended a 45-yard, seven-play drive with a five-yard run to give the Cougars the final margin.

He went 13-of-18 with 103 yards and a touchdown.

Owens ended up 6-of-8 with 58 yards.

While each quarterback played well during the game, there was no doubt the “win or go home” mentality of the rotation added pressure to each player when he took the field.

“That’s what it’s all about, “Tujague said. “No matter what we do in life, there is always going to be adversity.”

Dirty Boys, Sam and Zach

Welcome Dylon

 

Dylon joined our home August 16th . . .  this guy is by far the quietest kid we have had in our home, but mom and dad assure us that in time we won't be able to get him to stop talking. 

• Birth Date: January 29th, 1995
• Age: 16 years old
• 10th Grader at Syracuse High School
• Hometown: West Point, Utah
• Favorite Sport: Wrestling
• Favorite Color: Red and Black
• Favorite Movie: Batman
• Favorite Book: Paper Town
• Hobbies: 4-Wheeling, Air Soft Guns, Video Games
• Favorite Food: Pizza, Pizza and Pizza!!
• Favorite Holiday: Christmas
• Least Favorite food: Canned Spinach
• Favorite Season: Summer because he can be outside  more often and its warm outside.
• Favorite Subject in School: Seminary
• Favorite TV Channel: Food Network - Cupcake Wars