The Garlocks

Annual Post :)

2011-08-02T10:54:00.000-06:00

What? I have a blog? Oh, I must have misplaced it because there is NO way I would just consciously neglect it! So, how is that for an excuse? Anyway, about a year has passed since I've updated this lovely record of our daily lives. Do I dare attempt a quick year update? Here goes:

Okay, so John is still going to school and working full time, but he has recently moved to a Home Supervisor position out in Draper, which he loves.
Ellie has grown even taller - 5'6" now and is entering 6th grade this month. She is busy perfecting the piano and growing into her "tweens". She just turned 11 this year but, no kidding, she passes for 16 at least.
Josh is also growing like a weed and will start 3rd grade this year. He turned 8 and was baptized in February. He still enjoys soccer and basketball. He bought himself a new pet - a new chameleon named Jack (We are becoming a zoo over here!)
Alexis turned 2 this year. She is really grown into a little girl (no baby anymore). She is talking very well and does all she can to keep up with her brother and sister. She has grown into her little fire-cracker personality and is quite the jokester.
As for me, I am still doing the same job as always - MOM. I also work part-time for YHA which I have really enjoyed. I am still enjoying running daily although not as fast or as far as usual due to my current state of pregancy - 6 months along with another little girl!! (poor Josh :)

We have spent many days at lagoon, trips to our cabin and a big one to the Oregon coast (will post pics soon). So, as you can see we are all thriving and doing well. Here are some pics of the past year to share to get us caught up:

Hello Again...

2010-10-04T15:27:00.015-06:00

Wow... Has it really been 7 months since I've updated this?? There's really no good excuse, but I think everyone will understand if I just say - LIFE. So, to update all the readers of my blog, I guess I'll have to start with my kids...

Ellie started piano lessons and is loving it. She passed me up in height this year!! And not just by an inch! See for yourself-

She also started 5th grade and is loving school as much as ever.

Josh is playing soccer again this fall and started 2nd grade. He is also getting so big, but I better at least have a few more years of standing taller than him!

Little Lexi...Just turned 16 months old. Where to start with her progress! Well, she's walking now - since July actually. She's pretty much running around non-stop these days getting into everything! The bathroom drawer and the kitchen drawers are her favorite play places. I find toothbrushes and measuring cups all over the house. She is so much fun! She is talking a lot and just becoming a little person. She has become obsessed with Daddy, especially at bedtime and can't get enough of Ellie and Josh.

Since I've neglected to post anything over the summer, here is a collection of pictures from our many trips to the Cabin, Montana, Lagoon and many more places...

As for the parents... John has been busy at work and school. He is busy getting his bachelors in Social Work. He has already completed 4 classes! I am so proud of him for choosing to finish his degree.
I have been busy with kids, work - I went back to my old job 2 days a week, and training. I ran the Bair Gutsman again this year in August and ran my first full marathon on Sept. 18th - the Top of Utah Marathon! I was so excited to run the race and so nervous also! I had been battling with a sore hamstring for a week or so before the race and that made me even more nervous, but there was no way I wasn't going to run the race. My sister-in-law, Amy, ran the race with me and made it such a fun experience. We were doing pretty good for most of the race and although my leg began bothering me early on, I still felt pretty good at the half way point. We made it in about 1.45 and were on pace to finish under 4 hrs until my leg and knee completely went out on me on mile 21. I made it to the finish line at 4.28 and was really proud of myself to finish! I am really excited to run another one and plan to do 2 races next year. Hopefully, starting injury free!

Okay, there it is. A quick and lengthy update. I am making a goal to stay on top of my updating!

Cake, Cake and more Cake!

2010-02-21T19:36:00.005-07:00

It's been since December since I posted a cake... A large update:

Mission farewell to Madagascar:

Super Mario bros cake: Done for Josh's birthday..

Cake for the Superbowl:

Chihuahua cake: Done for Ellie's Birthday. Those are all of our dogs, including Skippy (RIP)

60th Birthday cake:

Wedding cake: I made all the flowers from gumpaste.

This cake was done for a company's basketball tournament:

Alexis...

2010-02-21T19:19:00.004-07:00

Lexi is growing so fast! She is now officially crawling, she is getting her first tooth (see pic below), she stands by herself and is now a little girl, not a little baby. Is there something we can give these kids to stop growing??

The tooth...it's been a few days since this picture and it has broken the surface completely.

We still see a lot of this:

Lexis loves this sink...here she is taking a bath in it:

Here she is just playing in it - her favorite place to be when im doing anything in the kitchen:

Birthdays

2010-02-21T19:09:00.003-07:00

Happy Birthday to Josh and Ellie!! Every February they have their birthday parties exactly a week a part...Josh's bday is on the 1st and Ellie's is on the 10th. I guess I was busy with kids and other party responsibilities because for some reason, I don't have very many pictures and the ones I snapped are pretty bad. Next year I'll have to put someone on camera duty...

Ellie tuned 10!!

Josh turned 7!!

Ellie's First Cake

2010-01-11T22:47:00.003-07:00

Ellie got a cake decorating kit from Santa for Christmas. She loves helping me and John in the kitchen with decorating cakes and she bakes brownies and cake by herself all the time. This is her first time decorating a cake all by herself:

cake

2010-01-11T22:34:00.002-07:00

This cake was done for Stephanie's birthday...her favorite color is yellow :)

Lexi - 7 months

2010-01-11T21:37:00.004-07:00

Little Alexis is starting to move...almost crawling but not yet. I'm torn between excitement and anxiety... are my floors clean enough, how fast will she wear out the knee area in her pants, the constant arch of her back to get down from my arms to explore (especially places I don't want her to), the messes to clean, the scary things she could put in her mouth.... ugh

she looks really Asian in this picture:

Her scooting around:

Christmas

2010-01-11T21:08:00.003-07:00

Our Christmas was so much fun this year. Here are some pictures to share of our morning:

Ellie and some of her loot:

Josh and some of his:

Even Lexi scored from Santa:

And there was no forgetting Leia:

The best gift this Christmas (to quote my kids) was the newest addition to our family, little Bella. She was hidden and the kids had to follow a scavenger hunt of clues to find her. She is a sweet little chihuahua, and hopefully a good friend for Leia, who has really needed a play friend since we lost Skippy:

This Christmas really helped us to realize that we are so blessed to have so many great friends and family.

Update

2009-12-03T14:02:00.003-07:00

Lexi and some cake...

Brushed embroidery:

Powerpuff girls:

Lexi: I love the slobber in this picture

Cakes in the month of October:

2009-11-09T18:27:00.004-07:00

Witches Brew:

Diaper bag cake done for a baby shower:

Football Stadium:

Birthday cake:

We LOVE the cabin!

2009-11-09T18:22:00.006-07:00

p.s. - YES, Josh caught that fish all by HIMSELF!

In the Life of Alexis

2009-11-09T18:13:00.004-07:00

This month I...

spent lots and lots of hours with Mommy.

grew big enough to play in my exersaucer.

learned that Daddy is just as fun as Mommy (that took a while) and is the best snuggle partner.

decided I love to wake up with my hair like this:

tried solid foods for the first time.

discovered that my feet are the only toys i need.

learned that laughing is more fun than crying.

Happy Halloween

2009-11-09T17:51:00.006-07:00

Introducing:

Ellie: Mad Scientist

Josh: Vampire

Alexis: Baby Spider
Mom: Mommy Spider

Dad: Pimp

Cake It

2009-10-01T12:32:00.007-06:00

For those of you that don't know, we've started a cake company to sell our cakes... it's been slow getting things set up, but soon we'll get going and be legit, so start spreading the word :) Thought we'd share some of our recent cakes... (everything used for our cakes is completely edible (except support structures such as dowels and bases)

Go Utah Jazz - if you can't tell the ball is crashing through the cake:

A little Dinosaur fun:

To sweeted up some auditors:

This was made for Lexi's baby blessing:

Some Underwater fun:

For the itouch lover:

(this cake was done as a demo using styrofoam and got a little dented up)

Here are some recent photos.....

2009-09-17T09:45:00.003-06:00

Life has been crazy... Hope you enjoy these photos until I have time to update! For you, Tanya:

Alexis

2009-08-20T13:02:00.004-06:00

Finally some pictures with her eyes open...

The Cabin

2009-08-20T12:58:00.003-06:00

We LOVE the cabin. This time we had Annie's family and Brian's family there, also two of Amy's kids (Gabi and Mason). It was so much fun!

Alexis Update

2009-07-09T17:13:00.003-06:00

Alexis is now 6 weeks old tomorrow! Can you believe it. I am still so in love with her and it's so fun to see her growing so fast. I think I'm producing some steroids in my breast milk because this girl grows a pound a day, it's amazing...I thought I'd update this with some pictures of our NOT so little girl. She weighs almost 12 pounds ALREADY!! We call her Jaba or Buddah baby around here. Leia and her are best friends. That puppy has to be wherever Lexi is, it's really quite funny.

For SKIPPY

2009-07-09T16:55:00.004-06:00

Alexis Rose Garlock is here!!!

2009-06-02T12:42:00.005-06:00

Name: Alexis Rose Garlock
Birthday: May 28, 2009 - 9:24 pm
Weight: 8 lbs 2 oz (and that's 2 weeks early!)
Length: 22 inches

Well our little Alexis came into our lives with some serious style!
Thursday night I made a phone call to John, who was out for ice-cream with the kids, at 7:59 telling him that my water just broke. He rushed home against my recommendation to stay and get ice-cream... which was a very good decision on his part... My contractions started immediately and were quite painful, by the time John got home and we grabbed our bags and headed to LDS Hospital, my contractions were right on top of each other - literally NO break in between.
We made it to the hospital around 9pm, was barely able to get changed into a gown (all the while screaming for help), was told I was not able to have an epidural because she was coming now, freaked out, pushed 3 times and she was here. Luckily there was a doctor walking down the hall that saw we needed help, or the poor nurse would have grabbed Lexi as she shot out...at 9:24 pm
Literally the hardest physical experience of my life...all worth it of course.
She has been the best baby! She is sleeping through the night, I have to wake her to feed and she is just so content. We are so lucky! The kids are being such great helpers and are so happy their little sister is here. She is definitley loved...maybe even a little obsessed over.

Updates

2009-05-19T14:10:00.005-06:00

Okay, so apologies across the board for the disappearance. This pregnancy has been a bit of a drama queen lately and has decided to not play very nice. From stopping early contractions, to dehydration (due to the flu), I'm just glad to be keeping her in a little bit longer. You'd think i'd never done this before...geez... Anyway, here is a picture of my 37 week pregnant state:

Ugh - Can you believe it! I thought I looked big in my last post... (the picture is a little off center...poor Josh, it's sad trying to see him hold up my 5 lb camera)

In other news - our kids earned themselves a new puppy!! Yes, we still have Skippy... but with the new baby coming and the summer, we figured a new playmate for our current perfect pooch and some extra responsibility for the kiddos while they're trapped at home this summer (thanks to their darling new baby sister - mom will be out of "take me here" commission) would be a good way to keep everyone at bay.

She is of the same breed as Skippy (chihuahua) and should have similar coloring. They already get along great and she is doing fabulous adjusting to our home and potty training. She is still a little small and a little high-maintenance seeing as she can't climb anywhere, or push the doggy door open yet, but i've put it all on the kids. Here are some pictures to share of Leia (after Princess Leia of the legendary Star Wars - could you expect any different from John and I?)

Thanks to Josh for his background help... Love the no shirt look.

San Diego

2009-05-19T14:03:00.004-06:00

I'm so embarrassed to post this two months late, but i couldn't let it go unposted. Here are a few pictures from our fun trip to San Diego!!

The Belly

2009-03-13T14:23:00.004-06:00

After several requests to show the "bump"... here she is:

This one's from February:

I apologize if i offend any of you with my workout attire, i don't get dressed up for pictures.

This one's from March:

yesterday

I'll try to be better with the posting. Less than 3 months to go!!! Whoo hoo!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELLIE!!

2009-03-13T14:08:00.004-06:00

Our beautiful Ellie turned 9 on Feb. 10!! (sorry for the late post)

We celebrated by taking some of her friends for pizza and dessert at yogurt stop! It was so much fun!

Let's get you guys familiar with some fun facts about Ellie:

Favorite food: Wendy's
Favorite color: blue and pink
Favorite subject in school: Art (she is the most creative person I've ever known... kid or adult)
Best subject in school: Everything - she is super smart
Favorite toy: Littlest Pet Shop and Barbie
Favorite TV Show: Hanna Montana
Favorite Sport: Soccer and Dance
Nicknames: Ellie Bellie, Ell

Happy Birthday Ellie!! Thank you for being the best daughter in the world!!

The clan at Yogurt Stop

Happy Birthday Josh!!!

2009-02-05T09:29:00.005-07:00

My sweet little boy turned 6 on Feb 1.!!!

Let's share some insider info on Josh...

Favorite color: Green
Favorite sport: Basketball and Soccer
Favorite toy: Nintendo DS and Wii
Favorite food: Corn Dogs and Beef Jerkey
Best Friend: Ellie (that's the truth... you can't believe how much these two love each other), and of course, his Mommy.
Favorite past time: Making people laugh (this kid is one of the quickest, wittiest kids... he'll be the next big comedian)
Favorite TV show: "Sponge" - we all know it as Spongebob Squarepants
Best subject in school: Math - well, he is a quarter Asian
Nicknames: Joshie, Bear, Goof Nut, and Gollum/Smeagol (if you lived here, you'd know why)

Happy Birthday Josh! We love you!

Josh had 10 boys over for a Wii Sports party

What the boys waiting to play did...

Some of the boys (and Ellie, of course) that we could pull away from the Wii

Make a wish!!

Eyan Latimer - Jan. 19, 09

2009-02-05T09:24:00.001-07:00

Josh's little brother is here! His dad and his girlfriend had their baby on Jan. 19. Josh is very excited to have a brother!

Happy Birthday to JOHN!!!

2009-01-06T13:34:00.005-07:00

Happy 35th Birthday to the best husband and father in the universe! (December 30th)

Make a Wish

The awesome under the sea cake made by the kids. I think they did an awesome job!!

CHRISTMAS!!!

2009-01-06T13:21:00.002-07:00

I don't think this Christmas will ever be beat! Our basement was finished just in time for us to have the kids get brand new rooms on Christmas morning! They have been sharing a room for some time now while our basement was not livable, so we had to make it extra special. We've had downstairs off limits while we finished furnishing and decorating their rooms and the kids have been antsy for weeks. Dad wrapped the hallway so the kids had to break through the paper on their way to see their rooms, and their faces were priceless. Here are some pictures to share of our Christmas morning!

Garlock Family Party

2009-01-06T13:07:00.002-07:00

Lots of puzzles, snow, family and food!

The igloo we built in Grandmas yard - the roof was finished on Christmas Day.

hard workers

And the results are in...

2008-12-31T12:47:00.002-07:00

It's a girl

13 Week Ultrasound

2008-12-05T12:52:00.003-07:00

Just thought we'd share some pics with you of our little baby. I had an ultrasound for some routine genetic screening they recommend between 10 and 13 weeks. However, once we were in there, i was measuring over 14 weeks, which i guess is out side of the "testing" range. But, regardless, it was awesome to see my little womb dweller. We saw a lot of the profile and other views, but for some reasons, these are the only pictures we made out with. The top one is a back view with her/his left arm bent over it's head. The lower is of a bum and leg shot. I have a few more of the gender area, but we'll leave those for later when there's no, or at least a lot less, percentage of mistake.

An Update... finally

2008-12-01T16:18:00.007-07:00

So, it's been over a month and in between the nausea, remodel of our basement, Halloween, and now Thanksgiving, I couldn't find a minute to sit and post. Today's the day, I guess. So, here are some pictures to share of the kids Halloween.. kind of funny to post these over a month late :)

Vampire Vixen

Professional Ninja - minus his swords

I suppose I should comment on the much anticipated release of Twilight. Did I like it? No... Did I like it the second time? Much better (i know, i saw it twice already:) I don't know if it was the 230am delirium, or the fact that my expectations were through the roof, but for someone who usually can find enjoyment in any movie... my first viewing was rough. I actually laughed almost the whole way through it at the ridiculous facial expressions by "Edward" and, the whole meadow scene... don't get me started. Anyway, Amy and I decided to give it a second chance after everyone else we talked to either liked or loved it. I must say, it was much better the second time when my expectations were through the ground :) A big thanks to the girls that lost sleep along with me, all for the love of Twilight.

Oh Yes!

2008-10-10T16:02:00.001-06:00

EXPECTING!!

2008-10-07T14:40:00.008-06:00

So, you're supposed to post the test picture, right?
We are SO excited to announce that we are expecting...FINALLY! I made this t-shirt to break the news to John...after about two hours of dinner and video games, he finally noticed what my shirt said! He was so excited...It's been over a week since we've found out and it's still feeling a little surreal! I've never been so excited to gain some pounds!!

Camping Trips with Dad

2008-10-07T14:23:00.005-06:00

Each of the kids got to go one on one with Dad on an overnight campout. Here are some pictures from both weekends:

Notice in one of the pictures there is a tree that resembles an elephant. The kids have since named that campsite: Elephant Grylls - partly for the tree, and partly in thanks to the great Bear Grylls.

Camping over Labor Day

2008-09-04T17:05:00.003-06:00

Us and several of the Garlock Clan went camping in Yellowstone. It was so much fun!

Go BEES!!

2008-09-04T16:48:00.003-06:00

Josh had his first soccer game last Tuesday. The boys are so dang cute, and they've got one smokin' hot coach. Go BEES!!

Look at Josh go!

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!

2008-09-04T16:32:00.002-06:00

Ellie: Third Grade
Josh: Kindergarten

Waffles for breakfast

So cute

Kobe Rowland

2008-09-04T15:58:00.003-06:00

Moana, my sister, had a new baby!!! Welcome Kobe Rowland. We are so excited to have a new nephew and cousin! Isn't he adorable??!!

The Bair Gutsman - Conquer Thy Self!

2008-08-19T13:07:00.006-06:00

John and I decided to run the Bair Gutsman race this year. The Bair Gutsman is basically a half marathon - half up farmington canyon and half down to the finish. (Adventure running at its best. Mileage is around 12 - 14 miles but is based on how many times you get lost. First half of race is uphill, second half is running down on dirt road) Brutal? yes, but so much fun!! Thanks to Amy for running with us! Here are some dirty pictures... don't get too excited, i mean actual dirt, srapes and sweat. Unfortunately, we didn't have a camera during the race, but these were taken after. (Can't really tell, but we were covered from head to toe in dirt.)

Pirates!!

2008-08-19T12:54:00.004-06:00

What goes on when Mom is trying to read: The scary Capain John Hook led his scurvy pirates on a dangerous, adventure filled journey to search for hidden treasure. Some say the treasure was never found and that it was cursed to remain hidden forever to drive pirates crazy with years of endless searching, others say Captain Hook found the treasure years before and has it stashed in an overseas bank account. What really happen to the treasure, we'll never know...

The treasure

Echo Triathlon

2008-08-13T13:06:00.005-06:00

Here are some pictures from the Echo Tri. John did awesome!!
The Swim

The bike

The run

The FINISH - John and Brian (although starting in different heats, met up in the run and were able to run into the finish together)

Lesson Learned

2008-07-14T14:44:00.006-06:00

How to get your kids to always wear their helmets: Show them these pictures.

Lesson learned:

Some Summer fun in the Backyard

2008-07-14T14:41:00.002-06:00

Montana

2008-06-30T17:16:00.003-06:00

On our way home from Coeur d'Alene, we stopped by St. Ignatius, Montana to visit some of John's family. While we were there, we celebrated his grandma's 80th birthday, the kids got to wreck a few cars in Uncle Jimmy's car lot, rope swing over a river, and fill up on Huckleberry shakes at the Malt Shop.

IRONMAN 2008!!

2008-06-30T14:57:00.003-06:00

We had so much fun this year!! We took our 4-runner on the 13 hour drive and arrived in Coeur d'Alene on Wednesday morning. We spent the 4 days before the race visiting friends (Aggens), going to movies, swimming in the pool 4-5 times a day (no kidding), hanging with family and preparing for the race. No back problems this year, no crashes! The kids did a one mile race called the Ironkids. We brought Skippy who was a hit! John did awesome and recovered amazingly fast. We are all so proud of him! The day after he promised that he'd never do this race again... We all know what that means. Now, a week later, he's got his plans for next year! My favorite quote:
"IRONMAN is every person, trying to find out what he can do: Swim 2.4 miles, Bike 112 miles, Run 26.2 miles... BRAG the rest of your life."
John, thank you for being such a motivation to me and the kids! You truly are our superhero!

IRONMAN 2007 - Last Year

2008-06-17T11:52:00.003-06:00

So, We're off to Coeur d'Alene today for John's second Ironman Triathlon race! I am so proud of him and so excited. We are hoping for a much better experience (physically) this year. I'm sure many of you, including John himself will have a passing thought of: Can he do this? Swim 2.4 miles, Bike 112 miles, run 26.2 miles!! Well, let's recap on what happened at last years race and put those thoughts where they belong...

John's story is truly one of determination and will. John arrived in Coeur d'Alene full of excitement and anticipation for his first Ironman Race. Unfortunately, his excitement soon turned to extreme disappointment when his back went out the Thursday before the race. This was no ordinary back spasm... It changed the shape of his back, not allowing him to stand straight. There was nothing left to do, but to find a local chiropractor to see if they could fix it. We were so blessed to find David Aggen, who came in two to three times a day, even on his days off, leaving a family bbq...all to adjust John's back. We were initially told that the race was off - there was no way John would be able to race like that. But, with Davids help and our faith in John... he got him to the starting line. David even showed up to adjust John's back at 5am before the race and stayed to watch the start and was there at the finish to support John. It was wonderful to find such a great friend in Coeur d'Alene.
The back problem didn't seem like much of an issue once race time came around. But, the problems were just starting. The wind was so powerful on the lake and creating such choppy waters, that they created a duathlon for athletes to just do the bike and run if they chose not to risk the water. It didn't seem to matter to John and he made it out of the water in great time!
All was going well until two small kids ran into the street causing John to crash on his bike, setting him back. His hand was pretty scrapped up, his legs and shoulders and his helmet was cracked. He, of course, kept clear of the medics so they wouldn't pull him out of the race and kept on going.
Next was the run... he was struggling a bit with his breathing, but kept on running to the finish!! It was the most amazing experience to see him finish such a large goal! I could have never imagined the impact that race has one you, as an athlete and as a spectator/supporter. The motivation, the emotion, the thrill...
After the race, Johns breathing didn't improve and we took him to the hospital in Montana on his way home to discover he had collapsed his right lung when he crashed on his bike. He spent some time in the hospital, and immediately signed up for the next year...
So, here we are... headed back to complete the race with 2 full lungs!! I am so proud of John and all his training and his dedication! I am his #1 fan!!

Remodel: A dang good reason for suicide

2008-05-29T23:05:00.008-06:00

Some background: Our home was build in the 1950's. It has it's charm and it's character and well, it's flaws (which I'm sure would be debatable if we pressed rewind to the 1960's). Most of all, it's got lot's of potential that we are just about to crack into :) Of course, not very easily dealing with plaster walls. So, we begin the remodel - Kitchen, basement (bye bye pine walls!), bathroom, outside (landscaping, fencing, roofing). Some of the outside will be moved to next spring and John and I have already made some major improvements in the landscaping department. Mainly, we're getting the house ready to sell in the next year or two. So, anyway, here are pictures to begin our journey... The demo:
Kitchen:
Ripping out cabinets

Some soffit we took down to open the room and it left a huge hole in the ceiling...Curse the many contractors who said it would just pop off! Notice the dust!!

Patching things up

We let the kids go crazy with permanent markers on the Counters. That was fun!!

The basement:
Taking down the pine walls - that's a lot of wood!

We're doing most of this ourselves, so it's going to be a slow, but fun process... I'll keep you all updated on the progress.

Summer Time!!

2008-05-29T22:36:00.006-06:00

ONE MORE DAY!!!! We have been counting down the days for our Summer to begin!! It's finally here and we are all so giddy in our house. The last day of school is tomorrow (May 30), and also my last day of work!! Full time anyway - I'll still be making my presence known to the slave drivers down at Millennia once a week :) I'll miss them, but come on, there's no comparison to the heartache one feels when away from your kids all day. What a blessing to be able to play with my favorite people in the whole world all day!! Thank you to my wonderful Superman of a husband who will be working his bum off while i spend all his money and sit by the pool sipping diet coke all day... Isn't that what Stay-at-home Mom's do all day? :)

Here are some updated pictures of our dog. He's a bit of a punk, but man, he's cute. His ears have popped up, except for when he's tired... then they droop. He's lazy.

Game 4 - Round 2 vs LAKERS

2008-05-15T13:49:00.003-06:00

John and I got to go to the BEST game of the year on Sunday! These are two of our friends from the games - Art and Dot Stevens. They have the same seats every year, so we've spent the past few years getting to know them. They are so fun and we actually keep in touch and trash talk visiting teams through email before the games. They are great!

Action Shot of 4 on Kobe. Does he make it? Negative!!

"Boo Hoo - my aching back".

Just a fun picture to show that Utah does have an occasional (non-local) celebrity to grace the halls of the Energy Solutions Arena during a game. Course they were cheering for the Lakers, so...

To quote the many signs posted about - the only good Laker is a SALT LAKER!
ps- this is a delayed post and I won't mention last nights game and how Boozer has pained me... Let's think of happy, winning thoughts and how we're going to tie it up again on Friday!!! GO JAZZ!!

Charlotte's Web

2008-05-09T11:42:00.003-06:00

John and I took the kids to another play at the Children's Theater of Salt Lake. This time it was Charlottes Web. Our kids love this Theater... we are so lucky to have something like this for kids in Salt Lake. If you've never been, you should check it out: HERE

A date with the Jazz... oh, and John too

2008-05-09T09:34:00.005-06:00

John and I cheered on the Jazz at Game 6 of Round One against the Rockets! My work has Row 5 season tickets every year and we were fortunate to score some for the playoffs. Here are some fun pictures to share

What's John looking at??

Some actions shots...

Go JAZZ!

Twilight Trailer

2008-05-07T18:03:00.002-06:00

The trailer is out and was released on Tuesday!!!!
Twilight in HD

and Here is a peek at the official movie poster

New Official Twilight Cast Picture

2008-05-02T09:28:00.003-06:00

This is an official picture released from Summit. What do you guys think?

Antelope Island

2008-04-29T12:51:00.006-06:00

Saturdays are big training days for John and at least 4 hours are spent at Antelope Island on his road bike. This Saturday, the kids and I grabbed the dog and decided to crash John's little bike party and show up ready for some fun! It was a bit cold and windy, but we definitely enjoyed ourselves! We played a little bit in the seamonkey-filled water, went to the gift shop, drove around and ate us some buffalo! We saw some of the big beasts also (please see the blurry picture in the slideshow below) and some antelope (hence the name of the island).

I know where i'll be on 12/12/08

2008-04-21T12:27:00.003-06:00

SKIPPY

2008-03-31T16:12:00.004-06:00

"Mom, can we get a dog?"
"No."
"Dad, can we get a dog?"
"No."
"Mom, can we get a dog?"
"No."
"Dad, can we get a dog?"
"No."
This is how it's been for years, folks. And, being the anti-aminal type of people we are, it didn't seem likely (especially with their "i hate dogs" Daddy)... MAYBE when Mom stops working and stays home to keep house...MAYBE!
So, what made the clouds part and the time turn to "right"? Skippy!
Mom has taken the kids to the pet store to look at the dogs a few times before, but this Saturday was different. Ellie fell in LOVE with a little 4 month old, cream-white, chihuahua. What made this dog the "this is it dog"? It could be the fact that he hasn't made a SOUND since we've had him, or that John and I have never seen a more well-mannered dog, or that John fell in love with him too! That's saying A LOT, i mean A LOT! John doesn't just not like dogs, he hates them! So, we brought home this little puppy, completely undercover from the kids. I have never seen them so excited... and they named him SKIPPY.

EASTER 2008

2008-03-31T15:42:00.002-06:00

Here are some pictures of our Easter egg decorating and egg hunt!

Ellie's BAPTISM!!!

2008-03-31T15:23:00.002-06:00

Ellie was baptised on March 1, 2008. It was such a wonderful day and experience for our little Ellie. She is amazingly grown up and has such a commanding testimony of the gospel. We are so blessed to have her fill our house with her sweet spirit. It's so comforting to have a daughter that is a righteous example for her little brother, and to her parents as well sometimes :) We can rely on her to always remind us to keep the Sabbath day holy and to say our prayers. I know Heavenly Father has some great things planned for her!

Thank you Steph, for the pictures!! Getting a new camera soon!!

Audry's Blessing - Feb. 24

2008-03-31T15:18:00.002-06:00

My brother Llew and his wife, Susan, came to Utah to visit and to bless their beautiful little girl, Audry. Since everyone was together, we celebrated the blessing, Moana's birthday and Dana's birthday! It was so great to have my whole family together!

Sob Story and a bit of MOTIVATION

2008-03-19T15:07:00.003-06:00

Unfortunately, several things have happened since my last "Monster Truck" posting (no, Heather, I'm not turning White T - Just a little exposure to red neck life to entertain the kids :) My brother's daughter was blessed, our beautiful Ellie was baptized, a trip to sunny St. George - All with hopes of posting these events with PICTURES! To the disappointment of all (I'm sure), my camera has failed me and snapped it's last shot. Bad, yes! Good, yes too - i get a new camera! Right, John? :) Anyway, in response to the few inquiries of "why" i'm not updating - please be patient while I steal pictures of these events from my dear family and friends. In the meantime, I thought I'd post a bit of motivation for all those sick of "maintaining their base" with indoor runs and swims through the winter and want to kick it in gear - Mainly dedicated to my husband who is training for his second Ironman Triathlon, June 22!!

MONSTER TRUCK JAM

2008-02-18T09:57:00.008-07:00

We took the kids to see some very large...very LOUD trucks. It was so much fun! The kids were in awe at the massive trucks and their jumps!

It was SOOOO loud that we had to use earplugs.
Some Video to share:

Showing some love for TWILIGHT.

2008-02-15T15:17:00.002-07:00

So, when these books were first introduced to me as a "MUST READ", I was a bit skeptical... How good could a teen-fantasy-love story book really be? Okay, okay, so I DO have a secret adoration for Harry Potter (which i guess is for kids too) and I was pinning over the fact that I had just read the LAST book EVER! I opened Twilight a bit half-heartedly and was literaly out of reality until I was finished, then book 2, then book 3... 3 Days out of your life isn't too much I guess :)
Currenlty, I am ANXIOUSLY awaiting book 4 - Breaking Dawn, which comes out this fall. Saturday, August 2, 2008 to be exact.

But what's even MORE exciting is the MOVIE, which should be released this December:

Robert Pattison and Kristen Stewart will star as Edward Cullen and Bella Swan! I am SUCH a NERD and so excited!

So, if you haven't read these books, do it and I'll get the credit for the intro... If you have, you KNOW you are just as excited as me :) MUCH Thanks to Stephanie Ridges for telling me I had to read these and for letting me borrow the books when i didn't have them!

10 Reasons why I am in LOVE

2008-02-15T14:33:00.005-07:00

I guess there's no better excuse to go on about reasons why you love your husband than Valentine's Day. So, here goes...

10. He's ALMOST as big of a nerd as I am - From Star Wars to Battlestar Gallactica to Lord of the Rings... It's so nice to have someone to openly share filling your head full of useless sci-fi/fantasy knowledge.
9. The BEST movie Partner - Yet another part of our "nerdiness". And to know that if I actually DID dress up as a jedi master to an opening night of Star Wars, he'd be okay with it.
8. Shrimp Tacos
7. "Our Nights" - The fact that sitting around playing video games can seem like the best place in the world.
6. Looks amazing in Spandex...Sorry honey.

5. Stops to kiss me even when he's racing against time.
4. Let's me have the whole closet.
3. Works so hard at his job and loves every minute of it.
2. Is the BEST dad in the whole world! Family comes first ALL the time!
1. Loves me unconditionally. Still makes my heart flutter. I am the luckiest wife in the world!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ELLIE!! 8 Years Old!!

2008-02-14T11:15:00.005-07:00

"Lifes what you make it, so let's make it ROCK!!" Inspiring words from Hanna Montana who took over the theme of our party... We had so much FUN Rockin' out to Hanna Montana in our PJ's!! The kids came over and immediately couldn't sit still to the music and started their own little dance party, then we made rocker bead bracelets with our names on them, door hangers to keep out boys (or girls for the little men who endured constant Hanna Montana music and video), and became real rock/pop stars with RockBand on X-box. It was so cute...the girls all sang along together. Thank you to everyone who came!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JOSH!!! 5 years old!!

2008-02-06T16:13:00.002-07:00

Friday, Feb. 1, started off with Josh waking up to balloons and streamers and lot's of "Happy Birthday's" from his family. We all got ready for school and work as usual, but when Mom pulled up to his school, she kept on going... see ya school! We don't go to school on our Birthdays!!! Josh and Mom went to breakfast and spent the morning building a pirate ship and playing with his brand new electric guitar!! At lunch time we picked up Ellie and took off to Chuck-e-cheeses!! Dad met us there for some serious, ticket-filled fun!
Josh and his guitar:

The fun didn't stop there... It spread into the next day when he had his actual birthday party at the South Davis Recreation Center for a little swimming. Thanks to everyone who came, it was a blast!!

Another year older... when does it stop :) Stay tuned for more partying next week: Ellie's turning 8!!!

Mr. Dance

2008-01-23T13:21:00.000-07:00

Let's give you readers a little background on this video. This is NOT a random occurance in our house. Little "J" has been dancing to any music he hears since birth! Without fail, if music can be heard, Josh can be found bouncing around or moving to the groove...even during commercial jingles or cell phone rings he can't help but bust a move! So, I thought I'd share some of his latest dance moves with you all... he's been practicing some of his breakdancing moves. Enjoy!

*I apologize for the awful lighting...maybe it will help with the effect of it all.

Sledding

2008-01-04T15:22:00.001-07:00

Dad and Uncle Brian took the kids out to the horse pasture on their new sleds from Santa. Of course, sledding is almost an every-other day activity for our kids at the church by our house, but this trip was different! Uncle Brian brought his Ranger and tied their sleds to the back...wheeeee!

It looks cold!!

CHRISTMAS!!

2008-01-04T15:14:00.001-07:00

The kids woke us up at 3am, of course, and we all ran downstairs to see if Santa had come. They weren't disappointed!

Santa brought lots of new toys and Rockband for our little rockstars! Notice all the pictures the kids drew and hung on the walls downstairs for Christmas!

Josh and his loot...

Ellie and hers...
We took 2 hours to open and play with our presents and were all sound asleep by 5:30am... everyone slept until 10 - What a fun Christmas!!

Gingerbread Houses...

2007-12-11T12:30:00.001-07:00

A Sunday afternoon activity... I can't believe i don't have a picture of the finished project!

Guitar Hero!!!

2007-12-11T10:48:00.000-07:00

Mom (Jenny) got Guitar Hero III for her birthday!!! We were shocked at how amazing the kids are... our little rockstars!!

Making Cupcakes

2007-12-11T10:31:00.002-07:00

The kids helped to make cupcakes for Stephanie's Birthday!!

Happy Birthday Stephanie!!

SNOW!!!

2007-12-11T10:07:00.001-07:00

11:00 pm came around on Friday night and after a fun night of Christmas shopping for cousins and dinner at Iceberg, the kids were not tired...bedtime?? Heck no! It's Friday!! We threw on our snow clothes and headed out into the snowstorm! The moonlight reflected off the snow and it seemed like 12 noon instead of almost midnight! We built a snow fort, had a few snowball fights and romped around in the field... It was one of the funnest nights we have ever had!!!

Snow Angels

2007-12-03T16:11:00.000-07:00

The kids enjoyed the first really "big" snow storm of the season!

Texas Turkey Trot

2007-11-30T11:44:00.001-07:00

Thanksgiving day we all woke up early to do a 5K with Tanya and her family. It was so so cold, and so much fun. John and I have never seen such a big race - 30,000.00 people registered!! It was a sea of people!! It was like a video game running through the crowd and dodging people.

TEXAS!!

2007-11-30T11:31:00.000-07:00

TEXAS - Dylan

2007-11-30T11:18:00.000-07:00

Texas was so so so much fun for our family. Everyone fell in LOVE with little Dylan. My kids still cry for him (even John :), who Dylan just loved!). We miss him and just have to pay tribute to him, because we know the next time we see him, he will not be the little Dylan we remember... He will have grown up so much.

Texas - Nate's Birthday!

2007-11-30T11:14:00.002-07:00

We were in Texas for Nate's 6th Birthday! We spent the day a Chuck-e-Cheese and went swimming (indoors of course). It was such a fun day!

Okay, this is a gift for Nathan from my mom. It's an awesome gift, However, we all quickly discovered that it takes a rocket scientist to put it together. Tanya and John spent a few hours figuring it out! Congratulations...

TEXAS - The Nutcracker

2007-11-30T11:09:00.001-07:00

Tanya, Ella, Me and Ellie went to watch the Nutcracker. It was a very beautiful show and it was so fun to be with just the girls.

TEXAS - Heard Museum

2007-11-30T10:46:00.001-07:00

Tanya took us to the Heard Museum, which was so much fun! There was so much for the kids to touch and explore, and a nature walk filled with animatronic dinosaurs!!

TEXAS - Thanksgiving Vacation

2007-11-30T10:38:00.001-07:00

We are off to Texas to visit Tanya and her family for Thanksgiving!

Waiting around to board the airplane to Texas

Because of the Holiday and full flights, our seats weren't all together and the kids were so nervous to have to sit by a "stranger". It was a huge relief to hear them talking and playing constantly with the lady who happened to work at a daycare. They played with stickers and were entertained the whole time! The kids did amazing on both trips!!

Bowling

2007-11-30T10:09:00.000-07:00

Just a fun day of bowling...

Ellie is up...

John has great form...

AT least I am trying :)
This video is Josh bowling and his dance that he did EVERYTIME!

HALLOWEEN 2007

2007-11-13T11:00:00.000-07:00

Ellie: A Pirate Princess
Josh: Batman
John: ummm.... any ideas??

Pumpkin Carving - October 29th

2007-11-13T10:56:00.001-07:00

Josh and Ellie had so much fun carving pumpkins!!

SLEEPY HOLLOW - October 22nd

2007-11-13T10:48:00.001-07:00

John and I took the kids to the Children's Theater to watch a musical called Sleepy Hollow. This was our first show of the season. It was so much fun! The new theater has circular seating around the stage and we sat front row, inches away from the performers. What a fun FHE!!

Who Wants to be a SUPERHERO!!!

2007-11-13T10:23:00.001-07:00

All Superheroes were sent an invitation to meet at the Secret Lair on Friday, October 12th at 7pm. There, all superheroes watched Stan Lee put fellow Superheroes through tests to prove their worthiness to be named the next Superhero ("Who wants to be a Superhero")
When they arrived at the Secret Lair, Warlock (John) had each Superhero perform a series of tests (obstacle course) to prove their power and identity. They began at bending a rod of steel, matching Superhero symbols, crossing over the dangerous alligator infested waters by rope, saving a drowning girl from a pool of insects, rescuing kittens from a tree, saving girls from a burning building, and finally shooting an attacker with the death ray (silly string.
Once inside the Superheroes enjoyed such treats as: Nacho Libre Cheeps, X-Ray vision sticks (carrots), Tron discs (cookies), Kryptonite Antedote (dip), Kryptonite (green ice cubes), and many more Superfoods.
Superheroes included: Baldaculous, Reflector, Reflector Boy, Cupid, Flame, Soccer girl, Rediculous, Star, Fire and Ice, Kevin Cutilious, Makupulous, Portilious, Warlock, Asian Avenger, Fireball, Batboy, Aquarious, Canine Cruncher, Diego Man, Romulous.

Matt won the award for UGLIEST costume we've EVER seen... For those of you that don't know him - no, he is not really bald.

Bountiful Bobcat 5K

2007-09-27T14:19:00.001-06:00

CONGRATULATIONS to Ellie on Finishing her FIRST 5K!!
Little Ellie was so excited to run her first 5K. Dad was with her the whole time. They ran a little, they walked a little, they ran a little more... She made it over the finish line - 55 min!! Ellie said she had a great time!
Bountiful Elementary (Ellie's school) put on this race as a fundraiser and of course our little "Fit Foot" queen was ready to join. What's Fit Foot? Well, It's a program put on by Bountiful Elementary for the kids who want to run ONE MILE during their recess. If they do, they earn a "fit foot" (a charm in the shape of a foot). Ellie has a whole bracelet full!! It's been fun to see her take her own initiative to run and stay fit! We are so proud!!

TOP OF UTAH Marathon

2007-09-17T11:06:00.001-06:00

It was a very cold morning at 5am when John loaded a bus to take him to the top of the mountain... temperature? 26 degrees!! 2500 runners battling for room in one heated tent at the top. A long time to wait for 7am...

Here he comes!! A long run to the finish! Spectators: Wife - Jenny. No kids this time...:(
Finish time: 4:43!!

Good Job John!!! Top of Utah Finisher!!
Our little trip to Logan was so much fun! What's next??

Spanish Fork Half Marathon

2007-09-10T10:20:00.002-06:00

Here are some pictures from the Spanish Fork Half Marathon - 9/08/07

It was a cold morning waiting around for the 7am start... the kids were all snuggled up in blankets to stay warm and trying to fall back asleep after the early wake-up. It's tough being the support crew!

The kids ran with me to bring me into the finish! Finish time - 1:57

It was such a fun race! I had the BEST support crew and can't wait for the next one. John's up for a full marathon next week... then we've got another half together in Oct. - We'll keep you posted!!

Labor Day Weekend

2007-09-04T09:58:00.001-06:00

For Labor Day Weekend, we decided to fit in a little of everything. We took the kids to a movie, a little walk through Temple Square and the Visitors Center, spent some time at a Museum, and took the kids up the mountain for some outdoor fun. Unfortunately, we couldn't light a fire, but the kids managed to stay entertained exploring through nature while John and I fired up some guns from our little arsenal. What a fun weekend!!

Josh's First Soccer Game

2007-08-27T11:49:00.001-06:00

Josh had his first soccer game EVER on August 21!! He is loving the game and doing so well. He can always be found in front of the pack and gaining control of the ball! I can't wait to see how well he does over the years as John passes along his infamous soccer skills. We are so proud of him! Go #9!!

Shark Attack

2007-08-22T15:31:00.000-06:00

This page was created by the lovely Tara Garlock (my sister-in-law). The Shark Attack was a sprint distance triathlon up in Honeyville, UT. John, Tara, Madison, Hayden, and Larry (Grandpa) all participated! John won Clydesdale division, Tara won third place, Hayden took second, and Madison won her age group. See the picture for details :) If you click on the picture it will enlarge it for you!!

Introductions...

2007-08-16T15:18:00.001-06:00

Well, after a little suggesting from Tanya, I've decided to post a blog to keep all you family and friends updated. So, lets get the initial "catch up" over with:

John - The Ironman
John is currently working in Business Development for a mortgage company. He is continually growing with the company and enjoys motivating and coaching loan officers. Other than work and time spent with the family John can either be found in the water, on his bike, or pounding the pavement. We are so proud of John for finishing his first Ironman race this June in Ceour d'alene, Idaho!! You'd think after doing the Daddy of all races he'd be finished, right? Nope, he has a whole line of races (triathlons, marathons, rides, you name it) scheduled through the year, not to mention his plan to do 2 Ironman races next year.

Jenny
I am currently working for Millennia Investment Corp., a real estate investment company. When I'm not at work, I am at play with the kids and John. This year has been quite interesting for our little family and has allowed me to treasure and appreciate each moment I have with each of them. Aside from being a wife and mother, I am a "supporter" on the sidelines for my husband's races and joining him in his trainings. We enjoy running and swimming together and will plan to do several races together throughout the year.

Ellie and Josh
John and I are so extremely lucky to have our kids. Being step brother/sister, they get along so well and have so much fun together. Ellie (7) is starting 2nd grade at the end of this month, and Joshua (4) is starting pre-K. Ellie has an amazing gift for creative writing, drawing, and a slight addiction to littlest pet-shops. Josh is constantly learning, loves to be outside looking for and putting bugs in his pockets (watch out if you're going to do his laundry), and is in love with his nintendo ds. Both kids are FISH in the water... swimming is a must for these two!