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Turning 50

2011-07-29T15:24:00.000-06:00

I am turning 50. That pretty much means I can do what ever I want for the day. I have chosen to update my blog. This will be a very random blog since I have not updated for a long time. I am just choosing random pictures in random order so if you find it a bit random then stalk someone else's blog. :)

Larry and I took the family to Hawaii this year. Fourteen people ranging in age of 76 down to 1.....Here we are at the Fia Fia Luau. Everyone happy? Look again...

The kids didn't like the luau to much but they did like the swimming pool and beach.

Last January Lindsea and Travis were married in the Salt Lake Temple. I had the pleasure of putting together an open house at our church. It was so fun since I have only have boys getting married. This was an honor for me to do something fun for the beautiful couple.

Sara Jones, who is Lindsea's cousin took these pictures of my boys being dad's. Love, Love Love these pictures. Thanks Sara

You've been Jimmered!

2011-02-05T22:53:00.002-07:00

Ashley wanted to know what Jimmer Fredette looked like dressed up.

After showing her the picture she began to tell me that the only reason she watches BYU "football" is to see Jimmer and Emery.

hahahaha Love that girl!

A Photo Shoot!

2011-01-24T10:40:00.004-07:00

I was going through my pictures to get my blog updated and came across a photo shoot I did not know happened.

And my favorite!

Made me smile all day long!

It Is Always Good To Have Such Awesome Brothers

2011-01-09T21:42:00.006-07:00

I am totally plagiarizing. Rob did such a good job that I thought I would copy. I want it for my Blog Book. Thanks Rob.

We move on to Sherry's house for the Christensen soiree (look it up). All the girl cousins liked to hang out together and put their legs on each other. Girls are so weird. And Jacob, he's one of the girls too.

In the other corner the boy cousins are playing a dreidle game for candy.

I get the feeling KC is a gamer. Just a hunch.

Woo hoo food! The best part of any family party. We are the salad and dessert people so this year we shook it up a little bit by taking a pasta salad. I know, crazy huh? Totally took everyone by surprise, especially when they found out how potent the red onion was. We are sooooo unpredictable.

Katie is still happy to get to see Alyssa.

I don't know what it is about Jim but kids seem to like him. I, however, have the opposite effect on them. I know, it's my rugged good looks.

I present to you the Steven table. You can (or must, I'm not quite clear on this rule) sit here if your name is Steven. I guess it's a good thing Kelli wasn't here this year or the table would be really crowded.

And now I present to you the lazy guy couch. We will revisit this again later.

The second half of the party was the fun present part. All the grand kids brought a $10 gift card from one of their favorite places and stuck it to a candy bar of their choice.

The gift cards and candy bars were placed in a basket and given to KC. He was of course happy to receive them and thought this was a great present from all of the other grand kids.

Until we told him that wasn't part of the game.

Sherry gathered all of us into the family room to explain the rules of the game. None of which included KC getting all of the gift cards. Sorry KC, I was pulling for you dude. Here we are carefully listening to the rules. See that guy in the red sweater sitting in the chair? You know him as G-pa Christensen. Watch closely for the next few pictures.

Here is Sherry explaining the rules while everyone is carefully listening. Except for the guys on the lazy guy couch, they are trying to watch the game but Sherry keeps talking and standing in front of the T.V.

The rules are similar to the white elephant game we played at G-pa Clowards. What? I didn't explain the rules at the last party? Sherry had all of the kids pick a number out of a bowl and then we went in order of lowest to highest number. When your number is called you can either steal a gift card from one of your cousins and hope they don't punch you or you can try to steal a card and candy bar from the bowl that KC is holding. You decide which one is scarier.

And we nearly have full comatose-i-ness. What did I say about comfy places?

Well at least Kelsie was happy with her gift card and candy bar combo.

The faces may change but it remains the lazy guy couch. And who is that? Why I believe it is the king of the comfy lazy guy couch sitting on his G-pa's lap eating an entire package of peanut butter cups. I so envy that guy. The eating the peanut butter cups, not the sitting on Larry's lap. I don't think he would like that.

A New Halloween Tradition

2011-01-09T21:35:00.007-07:00

I really wanted pictures of the Grand kids with their Halloween costumes on. So Lacey told me about this great photo place and we met there. Lacey and Nisa both had the boys costumes early so that was good. We had a lot of fun. I think this is a new tradition. At least I hope so.

My favorite of all. I know these are my grandsons but this picture just makes me happy everytime I see it.

Jameson and his yummy toes.

Carter and his big blue eyes.

We had a hard time getting Corbin to smile. I am so glad he was stubborn because I love this picture.

We decided to do some traditonal pictures as well. These are my favorites.

All I can say is next year the Mom's better get the Halloween costumes early again. I think this was one of my favorite events of the year.

Halloween

2010-11-16T21:05:00.002-07:00

I am to the point in my life were I only have one child who wants to dress up for Halloween. It is a sad point of life to be in for me. I love Halloween. I thought TJ would always want to dress up but he has taken the role of handing out the candy. And the last few years he has liked this role. I am grateful that this year Ashley stepped up to the plate and at the last minute put together a costume and went out with her friends for a fun night of parties and Trick or Treat. Makes me happy :)

The Mission

2010-11-14T16:21:00.000-07:00

Of all the pictures that were sent home, this is my favorite.

Ashley-ism

2010-10-27T21:33:00.005-06:00

"Mom, you are kind of sassy"

"I think my name should have been Ashton or Ashlynn. Every ones name is Ashley. Mom, your name could be Cherry. Well maybe not. Cherry reminds me of someone who is dainty and sweet. You, mom, are a little rough around the edges!"
"My mom and dad almost named me Cherry."
"It's probably a good thing they didn't!"

"You and Dad need to cough in your elbow and not your hand. You "Older Generation" people need to learn that."

"Mom there are lots of people who think we are just alike"
"What do you think"
"I think they are right"

There is no one I would rather be like than Ashley.....I love that girl!

tj balloon

2010-10-08T13:18:00.001-06:00

Hancock Home Evening

2010-10-08T09:32:00.008-06:00

There is nothing I like better than to gather the family.....all the family around for dinner and Family Night. We usually do this on Sunday nights. Someone once told me that I should plan dessert first and then worry about the rest later. So that is what I do.

I found a large cupcake mold on the internet. Ashley and I had fun making these. Ashley decorated the chocolate one and I did something to the other one.

Then we had a lesson on generating you own power to do better. The idea coming from a steam engine. Water boils at 212 degrees. Not 211, even though it is only one degree cooler. So if we try just a little harder we can even accomplish greater things.

So we enhanced the point by racing balloon cars by using our own "hot air"

KC totally dominated the Balloon Race.
But I think TJ dominated on the Hot Air part.

After we had photo sessions with the Grandkids.....I have to add many of those :)

I Love Family !!!

Ashley and the Karate Kid

2010-10-05T22:44:00.002-06:00

So, the Karate Kid came out on video today and I had two kids who wanted me to go buy it right now. TJ and Dane. But it was Ashley who kept commenting on Jaden Smith. (Will Smith's son)

It went like this:
A: He is so cute
M: Oh, like, you really like him
A: Mom, he is only about ten
M: Well, Demi went for a much younger man
A: That is disgusting. I would never marry a younger man.
M: What if you really loved him?
A: Well, that might throw me off a little.

Love that girl :)

Hogsmeade and Butter Beer

2010-09-25T20:20:00.003-06:00

TJ and I along with his good friend Dane and Dane's mom, Melanie, went to Florida for TJ's senior trip. We went to Universal to spend time with Harry Potter.

One of the things I found I really liked in Hogsmeade was Butter Beer! Yummy!!!

I did a search on the internet for a recipe for Butter Beer. Both recipes have you serve the butter beer warm. I think that is the way the actually story goes. But the Butter Beer I had was slushy cold. So I guess you could chill the mixture before you mix it with the cream soda or even freeze it. Try it and let me know what you think of Butter Beer.

Butter Beer Recipe #1

1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup butterscotch topping
2 tablespoons whipped butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups vanilla cream soda

Directions
Combine condensed milk, butterscotch topping, and butter in a glass heatproof measuring cup. Heat in microwave for 1 minute. Remove and stir until butter has melted and incorporated into mixture. Meanwhile heat cream soda in another heatproof measuring cup for 1 minute 30 seconds.

Divide butterscotch mixture between 2 (10 to 12-ounce) mugs. Fill mugs with heated cream soda and stir thoroughly. Serve garnished with an old-fashioned butterscotch candy stick

Butter Beer Recipe #2

1 cup (8 oz) club soda or cream soda
½ cup (4 oz) butterscotch syrup (ice cream topping)
½ tablespoon butter

Directions:

Step 1: Measure butterscotch and butter into a 2 cup (16 oz) glass. Microwave on high for 1 to 1½ minutes, or until syrup is bubbly and butter is completely incorporated.

Step 2: Stir and cool for 30 seconds, then slowly mix in club soda. Mixture will fizz quite a bit.

Step 3: Serve in two mugs or small glasses; a perfectly warm Hogwarts treat for two!

From One Missionary Mom To Another

2010-08-10T23:21:00.002-06:00

I log into my e-mail and found the following e-mail and picture.

Sister Hancock,
While on vacation in Chicago, our family attended a Cubs game and there we met your son. We also have a son serving a mission and understand how much we love hearing about them and seeing their picture, so we took a picture to send you. He was conducting himself as befitting a servant of the Lord. He was very gracious and fun to chat with for a few minutes. I am sure you are proud of him. I hope you enjoy the picture.

The Wedding

2010-07-07T16:13:00.005-06:00

Ashley's sister Rachel was married on July 1, 2010 in the Salt Lake Temple to Brenden Rhinehart. We then had her reception at our house that night.

Ashley and her birth siblings. Rachel, Andre, Ashley, Quentin, and Casey.

Ashley and Rachel

Waiting at the temple for Rachel to come out.

Ashley and Andre

I absolutely love Rachel. I am very proud of her and her decision to be married in the Temple. Best of Wishes to her and Brenden.

TJ Graduation

2010-07-06T09:31:00.009-06:00

For as long as I can remember TJ has wanted to Graduate from High School. He could not wait to walk down the isle with his graduation cap and gown. Well that day finally came for him. And he was very happy.

Tyler Coleman and TJ have been best friends since before Kindergarten. Tyler graduated the same day from Brighton High School.

The night of graduation TJ wanted a surprise party with Hamburgers and Hot Dogs. He planned the whole thing. Then just before everyone came he his in my bedroom and waited patiently. When everyone got there they all hid behind the hot tub and I went to get TJ. He made me leave and told me to hide and then he came outside and was surprised that no one was in sight.

He found us and we had a great night.

One of the things he wanted was BIG presents. So the Morgans made sure TJ had some BIG presents.

Rae Anne sent him some seventies candy.....cigarettes, cigars, pipes.....Yum. Do you remember candy cigarettes? Thankfully they don't make them anymore. But, yes we did all enjoy the old times and the old candy. Thanks Rae Anne

I love my neighbors. They have always been very supportive of TJ. We could not have picked a greater neighborhood to live in.

Thanks to Jason and Lacey for coming to the Graduation and Colby and Nisa for coming to the Graduation Party. They both have newborn babies but still are very supportive of TJ.

TJ sure planned a great surprise party for himself. He is available if any of you need party plans!

You Think Your Job Is Bad......

2010-06-21T21:59:00.002-06:00

Facebook!!

2010-06-17T07:38:00.000-06:00

The things we learn about our kids on Facebook.

Jameson Tyler Hancock

2010-06-16T22:40:00.007-06:00

Born May 23, 2010 at 12:04am. Weighing 8 pounds and 7 ounces

Nisa and baby are great. Family is very happy.

Even TJ.

LaCrosse

2010-06-14T17:19:00.003-06:00

Ashley decided to play LaCrosse this season. I don't know anything about the sport. I doubt I even spelled it right. Now that the season is over I still don't know anything about it. It is a very confussing sport, but we are glad she played. She looked very cute and had some good moves. She is not sure if she will play again but she did very well this year.

A Birthday Card

2010-06-08T09:42:00.003-06:00

Nate sent me this great Birthday Card. I loved it. My favorite Birthday Presents are letters. This year I got a letter from Larry, Ashley and now Nate.

I threw in the envelope just because when Nate gets older and forgets he is my "Baby Boy" I can remind him.

Babies, Babies and more Babies

2010-05-29T20:50:00.010-06:00

The last month has been lots of babies at our family. First we had
Carter Jace Hancock. He was so excited to come into the world that he came five weeks early. Born April 28, 2010. He weighed 6lbs 13oz.

Lucky Mom and Dad

Next was Jameson Tyler Hancock. Born May 23, 2010 and weighing in at 8lbs 7oz.

And this lucky Mom and Dad

And then we had 5-8 babies.

Born May 27, 2010.
And the lucky Mom.

And The Question Is

2010-05-26T20:45:00.002-06:00

Who put who to sleep?

Math Class

2010-05-15T16:46:00.003-06:00

TJ has always loved math. He had begged myself and his teacher at school to take a math class. We have put him off. His teacher finally said to me this last year that she was going to put him in a math class because this was the last chance he would have of taking one. She got permission from the principal and found a teacher who would let him be part of their class. I thought he would last a few weeks, but he loves it. Last week he brought home this assignment he did. I know it is a theory to save the world. I just can't unlock it. And then I thought, I have the smartest blogging friends ever. I know they will be able to unlock the theory. So here it is. Please hurry. WE NEED TO SAVE THE WORLD!!!!

Carter Jace Hancock

2010-05-10T15:06:00.002-06:00

Here are a few pictures taken by Jason with his phone. Carter is still in the NICU. He is trying to gain enough strength to eat. He is such a cute little guy. I love just watching him sleep. What a great addition to our family.

Into the 100's

2010-04-29T21:29:00.008-06:00

Well, we are down to less than 200 days, and just in time I received pictures from Nate, so I can make a post. He did not write anything about the pictures so you are on your own guessing what they are about. It is fun to see him and guess what I think he is up to.

I will insert this story here by the baptism stories. I don't think it was either of these people but might have been. This story is written by Nate's companion.

"On Saturday, we were able to witness a fantastic baptism. Several people showed up and the Spirit was strong. Dave Gladen, age 20, is now officially a member. He is champ. Yet little does anybody know about what happened only an hour before the baptism.
Since both Elder Hancock and I are new to the Crystal Lake chapel, we asked 4 people how long it took to fill the baptismal font. Each of the 4 people told us that it took 2 hours to fill up. Since the overflow drain is so low, we decided to put tape over it so we could raise the water just a couple more inches. We turned on the water and expected it to fill up in 2 hours. We left the church to go work on some other assignments.
After 50 minutes had passed, we had a feeling that we should check the font. Upon entering we found the baptismal font completely brim to the top seconds away from overflowing. Literally, all the font steps were buried under water, and the water level was even with our feet. We both let out a yelp and I quickly shut off the water. We busted up laughing not really knowing what to do. The drain was at the bottom of the font under 4 feet of water. I turned to my companion, "Well, the only way to unplug it is if one of us goes in. I vote you." He asked, "How am I supposed to do that?" I thought about it, and gave him the most logical answer. "Since we don't have a lot of time, take off all your clothes and go in there." After laughing some more and a lot of hesitation... he agreed. Minutes later my companion comes out of the bathroom.... naked. So imagine, 2 missionaries standing by a font, exactly one hour before the baptism. One is fully dressed and laughing (me), the other is naked and in shock (my companion). As soon as he plunges in, the water level billows over and just floods the nursery room where the font is located. He was having a tough time pulling the drain which made my entertainment even funnier. Then guess what... the drain is the slowest drain EVER. Minutes passed by and it had only dropped an inch. Both he and I were doubled over laughing as he stood flat out butt naked waiting for the water level to drop.
Then came the funniest part of all! I could hardly contain myself. Finally the water level had dropped enough and he went to put the drain back in. This proved to much more difficult than imagined. I soon saw my companion gasping for air, flailing his arms, and his whole body sprawled out naked in the water, in attempts to put back a small little drain. Oh boy did I laugh my gut out! Finally he came out shivering. I checked the nursery and noticed all the water that had flooded into it. Just perfect.
We rushed home because we only had 30 minutes till the baptism began. We grabbed lots of towels and rushed back to the church to dry up the water. As you might expect, everybody entered and wondered, "Elders... don't you know how to fill a font?" If only they knew what we had been through. Ahhh.. the memories!"

It looks like someone gave Nate a Birthday Party. Kind of looks like a bunch of Beehives. But I am glad he had a party. Happy Birthday Nate.

Maybe mission home pictures...

In an e-mail Nate wrote about the following pictures.

"This past week has been pretty crazy. Friday night elder rainey and I were in the upstairs planning what we were going to be doing for the next day and we just kept hearing sirens going off all over the place. We live right off of a main road so we figured there was something going on up from where we lived. so we go look out the window and all these fire trucks are cruisin down our street right past our home. So we run to the back window to see these flames coming out of the house right behind us. So we throw on our shoes and run over there. The man who developed the entire neighborhood that we live in had been building his dream home for the past 2 years and they were planning on moving in next week and Friday night it burned completely to the ground. Sister Spencer was telling us how it was suppose to be the "house of the county" something like 7500 square feet to ashes. It was intense and because we live in an unincorporated part of crystal lake they don't have fire hydrants and they had to wait for all these trucks to show up with more water. so they would spray the house for 10-15 minutes than sit and wait for 5 minuets for another truck to show up while the fire would just grow and spread. It was an exciting night."

Random:

Crazy we are coming to an end. Just like Colby and Jason, it is good when the two years is over and they can come home, but it sure is a blessing to have a child serving a mission. I truly know I have been blessed by Nate's service.

A Call To Germany!

2010-04-09T09:24:00.004-06:00

Cindi has been a good friend of our family for a long time. We love her. Last night we were invited to her house to see her open her mission call.

There were a lot of people there. But the best people there were her family. Her Dad's side of the family are from Germany. I am not sure the year they came over here to the States. Her cute Grandma was there with her German accent.

There has always been something special to me about old people. Especially those who seem to keep their sense of humor. She was a cute lady and very anxious for Cindi to open her call.

We all made our predictions on where we thought Cindi would go. Her Dad gave a beautiful opening prayer and then Cindi opened her call.

She is going to the Germany, Munich Austria mission. The Lord works in Mysterious ways. Grandma just sat and cried.

Good Luck Cindi. Our prayers will be with you.

Michael Buble

2010-04-07T19:07:00.005-06:00

Girls night out at Michael Buble. Don't you just love girls night out!
Yep! First thing Nancy and I did was buy T-shirts.....We think we are teenagers.

From Mens Choir To House Of Representives

2010-03-19T20:30:00.006-06:00

So Larry and I show up at TJ's men's choir concert in November and find out that TJ is the Men's choir president. That means at the concerts he gets to announce the songs that the choir will be singing.

This is TJ being announced as the choir president.

This is TJ announcing the songs the choir will be singing.
(I know some of you are worried that the audience could not understand him.....I coundn't even pronounce the songs they were singing, so what ever TJ said sounded good to me)

TJ loves choir. He practices at home all the time.

It shows on his face.

Well, at this certain concert there was a writer for the Salt Lake Tribune there. He was touched by TJ, and the how the boys responded to TJ, that he thought the Tribune should do a feel good story about him. In December I received a call from the Tribune that they wanted to do a story about TJ and the mens choir. I really wasn't sure what kind of a story there really was but I told them that I would meet them at the school and we would talk and they could meet TJ. So that is what happened. The SL Trib meet me at the school, took pictures of TJ, talked to his teacher and the students. I was a little worried at what type of story they would write. I didn't hear back for a couple of months and then when I was in Chicago with Kelli I found out that the article was published.

Elise Thompson swimming for Skyline High School

Nate Monson and TJ Hancock eat lunch at Jordan High School. TJ, who has Down syndrome, is an honorary student body officer, manager of the basketball team, and president of the Men's Choir. (Thomas Nelson / The Salt Lake Tribune)

High-achieving disabled teens shatter stereotypes
By Kirsten Stewart
The Salt Lake Tribune
It would be easy to define 18-year-olds TJ Hancock and Elise Thomas by their Down syndrome -- or by their enviable accomplishments. TJ, whose friends call him "Teej," is a student body officer, manager of Jordan High's basketball team and president of the men's choir. Elise swims competitively for Skyline High School, volunteers at Red Butte Garden and is an accomplished skier.
But these talented teens aren't outliers, say their parents and teachers. They embody the culmination of a decades-old trend in special education known as inclusion, or mainstreaming, that education officials say has produced unexpected academic and social gains for countless students.
Instead of being segregated in magnate schools or resource classrooms, TJ and Elise were among Utah's first generation of special-needs learners to be mainstreamed starting in kindergarten.
They went to neighborhood schools, learning to count and blend consonants alongside their non-disabled peers, exceeding expectations and shattering stereotypes.
This spring they'll graduate from high school, proud members of the Class of 2010.
"The bar has been raised. We put kids in inclusive settings for social reasons, and they picked up more academics than we thought they would," said Christine Timothy, severe disabilities specialist at the Utah State Office of Education.
There are almost 3,200 intellectually disabled schoolchildren in Utah receiving special education services. Increasingly, it is expected that these children will attend mainstream schools.
The Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), passed in 1990 and amended in 2004, does not mandate inclusion. But it does require school districts to teach disabled children in the "least restrictive environment" possible.
Today, 52 percent of Utah's special-needs learners spend most of the school day in regular classrooms, up from 42 percent in 2004.
Graduation rates and test scores have followed a similar upward trajectory, said Timothy.
Technology has driven advances in learning aids and textbook publishers are now producing adaptive instructional materials. Testing instruments for measuring students' progress are also more sophisticated, Timothy said.
But some disabled-rights advocates say Utah has room for improvement.
Compared with other states, Utah has historically been in the bottom fourth for mainstreaming rates, said John McDonnell, a special education professor at the University of Utah.
"There are pockets of excellence," McDonnell said, citing Park City and South Sanpete school districts. But not all schools get it right, he said.
Timothy said mounting evidence shows mainstreamed students fare better as adults in terms of employability, wages and independence. But, she acknowledged, "you can't just dump special-education students in a regular class to fend for themselves."
Ideally, all general education teachers would be trained to work with special-needs students. More often, though, they're aided by para educators or peer tutors, said Heather Weiler, TJ's life skills coach at Jordan High.
Another strategy at Jordan High is co-teaching, in which a teacher familiar with the subject matter (math, English and science) pairs with a teacher who is trained to modify the curriculum.
Weiler, for example, team teaches TJ's drama class, helping him interpret scripts and articulate his lines. Another specialist in mainstream Algebra guides him through concepts of greater than, less than.
"You find ways for TJ to access the content," said Weiler, who says all students in the class benefit from having a second teacher in the room.
In addition, TJ receives "pull-out" tutoring and speech therapy.
With mainstreaming, there is no single recipe for success, said Weiler, who tailors schooling to 16 students' unique strengths.
But parents say mainstreaming does take support from the administration, teachers and a welcoming student body.
"You run into bumps. Not all of the teachers get it," said Elise's mom, Jane Thomas, who reserves special praise for Skyline High's swim team and coach Joe Pereira. "I mean, she could have been the water girl. This is a winning coach. But she practices and races with the rest of them."
Pereira said Elise is an "invaluable asset" to his team, and not just for the motivational talks she likes to give on bus rides to swim meets.
"No one is more competitive or works harder than Elise," he said.
Highly social, with an affinity for dance, music and sports, Elise is reading on a third-grade level.
Asked what she aspires to do after graduation, Elise said, "I want to go to college at the U. and swim with Joe." She also envisions getting married, having children and learning to drive.
More likely, Elise will enroll in a transitional program aimed at honing life skills and preparing her for the work force.
Tempering expectations is a challenge shared by TJ's mother, Sherry Hancock. TJ also dreams of college. He has settled on Utah State University, two hours away in Logan, and wants to live in the dorms, said Hancock. "He wants the whole college experience. He understands that's what you do after high school."
Hancock has explored enrolling TJ in classes closer to home at Salt Lake Community College, which she hopes helps fill the void left by TJ's high school friends.
"It's those kids at Jordan that have made high school such a wonderful experience," said Hancock. "They're the ones who voted him choir president. They're the ones who allow him to succeed and treat him as their equal."
Said TJ's locker mate, Nate Monson, who plays center for Jordan's basketball team: "You can't be sad when you're around TJ. He's amazing."

Our House Representivie Trisha Beck saw the article and asked TJ to open the House meeting one day by saying the Pledge of Allengence. Trisha has a son with Down syndrome. She was my support when I first had TJ and has been a good friend ever since. So we took TJ down to the House floor and he led the House in the Pledge of Allengence.

I am very proud of TJ. He works hard and watches others and tries his best. I had a hard time decided if I was going to publish this or just leave it for my own history. TJ seems to attract a lot of attention. At times it seems a little to much. TJ will graduate this year. A big part of his support system will be gone. I am not sure what will be in his future so I decided I better put as much out there as I can right now.
The rest of my family have been more than supportive in my over indulgence in raising a child with a disability. I want to thank them for their support and patience with me. They do seem to get sidelined at times.

Julie and Julia

2010-02-28T16:33:00.008-07:00

A couple of week ago we had a girls night were we watched Julie and Julia and made some recipes from the cook book. Well I made some and then the girls made Chocolate Souffle.

If you have seen the movie then the must recipe to make is Beef Bourguignon. Everyone who tried it liked it and I got a lot of compliments on it. Probably why it is a popular recipe on the movie.

Next I tried potato gnocchi. One of the recipes had you put butter and Parmesan cheese on top. It was okay. I probably would not make this again. I know in a sauce gnocchi is better. But it was fun to make.

I really loved the Beet and Rice Salad. But I think I was the only one. It was very fresh tasting salad, maybe better in summer.

The girls made a great Chocolate Souffle. Julia Child says if you can master the Souffle you can master French cooking. Well they did it.

Fun night with food, family, and a little grandson running around. Nothing better than that :)

Personal Progress

2010-02-20T17:44:00.002-07:00

For one of Ashley's Personal Progress projects she wanted to make a quilt for her piano teacher. She loves Janet and Janet has been a great inspiration to Ashley. Janet is also a great piano teacher. Many times Ashley has wanted to quit and Janet has talked her into continuing. Now Ashley loves the piano. She does not like to practice but she loves to play and she plays really well. Thank you Janet for being such a great influence to Ashley. And Ashley, that is one great quilt you made.

Valentines Day

2010-02-13T22:04:00.006-07:00

I was just talking with a friend about how I no longer have little ones to make me hearts with glitter on Valentines Day. Well, I spoke a little too soon. This cute Valentine came in the mail today.

I love being a Grandma.

Team Manager

2010-02-08T20:25:00.002-07:00

This is TJ's picture that appears in the Jordan Basketball Program. He loves it at looks at it every time he has a program available to him.
Two points:
First, his best friend is Dane and not Dave. He pronounces it Dame. So they must of came up with Dave to be safe.
Second, he is a very smart boy to state that his Mom is the smartest person he knows.
He has had a very busy year and the team is doing really well. I will let you know how the team did in the end.

The Bishop

2010-02-01T19:28:00.006-07:00

Larry has been Bishop now for over 3 1/2 years. There are a lot of good and hard things that come with this responsibility. But my favorite part of being the Bishop's wife is the youth firesides we have at our house every few months. We move all the family room furniture out and filled the whole room with folding chairs. Last Sunday the priests brought over 70 chairs. I thought for sure there was no way all 70 would be filled and let Larry know my opinion. He said the would be. But I was absolutely sure they wouldn't and made him a bet.

So far so good for me.
TJ decided he should take his post just outside the door so he could greet everyone as they came in.

Well true to "Mormon Standard Time" the youth started showing up right at five. And they filled every chair. I am so impressed with the youth of today. They are so kind and respectful. It truly is a honor to have them in my home.

I had the post the following picture. It is our second councilor giving his talk with his Kindle. The Kindle is my newest favorite gadget. I love it.

Well the kids loved the Fireside. And I did lose the bet with Larry. And he let all the youth know that he won. But I am glad he did. I wish he would have put up one hundred chairs!

Nephews, Nieces, Cousins and Grandparents

2010-01-27T22:29:00.003-07:00

It has been fun having nephews and nieces close by. They are always so willing to come up for dinner or let me come down once in awhile for dinner.

This is Whitni's Birthday dinner. Thanks Dale for a great meal. To bad you were not here to enjoy it with us.

I don't know what it is about Nick that has TJ going every time he sees him. TJ loves the boy! But who doesn't!

There they are the four England Clan. KC is living with us in TJ's "Apartment". Whitni is living in Provo in an apartment going to BYU. Marissa is living in Provo and going to College of Provo in the nursing program. Nick lives in Provo and going to BYU.

Wake Up Wonderland!

2010-01-18T12:21:00.005-07:00

This last semester Ashley has been in Advanced Theater Class at Eastmont Middle School. She enjoyed it until she learned that she had to be in a play at the end of the semester. She tried to transfer out but it was to late and she ended up staying and liking the class. The students had to write, produce and act in the play. They held auditions and the students even did the casting. Ashley was casted as the Fairy God Mother. I was thinking this was just another Junior High School play. I was pleasantly surprised at how great the play was. Good Job to all the students in the theater class.

I told Ashley to act like she was flying.....hahaha.

Here she is pondering who to cast a wickedly spell on.

Corbin loved the play. Thanks Nisa for coming!

TJ and Dane are always good supporters.

That might be because there was food involved!

We went to Training Table afterwards for a post dinner celebration.

Ashley you ARE a great actress. What a nice job you did tonight!

TJ And The Basketball Manager From Davis

2010-01-14T22:02:00.002-07:00

Larry and I walked into the Jordan game late, and the first person I saw sitting with the opposing team was their manager. After the game Katie Knight had to get a picture of TJ with him. So she took her Dad over to meet this cute boy and get a picture. I didn't get a name so he is just the manager of the Davis team. If you look really close you will see they both have the same ties on.

Elder Nathan L. Hancock Is Officially Out Of The 300's

2010-01-14T09:06:00.005-07:00

I didn't think I would ever see this day. We are on the downside. When Nate's mission is over I will miss having a missionary. Nate could be my last child I send out. This experience has been both a blessing and a trial. But absolutely the best thing a Mother can do. I love hearing about my son's mission experiences. So here are some random pictures of the last few months of Nate's mission.

This is some exclusive golf club that Nate wanted to see. They did get kicked out but not before he got this picture. He thinks Larry is going to take him golfing there after his mission. He is probably right.

This is the Merced family. They are teaching the family and have a baptism date set for the end of January. Elder Kirman with Michelle, Eli, Mercades and Jasmine.

The Greiders, must be a family from the ward, supplied them with Christmas gifts. The missionaries also helped them cut down their Christmas tree.

There is a law in Illinois that you can't build a casino on the land, so they put one on the water.

So freezing cold in Chicago. Actually Nate is in Elgin, IL.

I am so glad to know that Nate is still the same Nate. Makes me happy :)

Bowling and what is with all the bright ties? He told me he only wears them on p-days. But that is Nate, he always has loved ties.

Okay now that my eyes are watering and my nose is dripping I have got to be done for awhile.

Last But Not Least

2010-01-09T15:20:00.007-07:00

Well this will be my last blog for 2009. Hopefully, 2010 will find me not puttering out at the end. A couple of days after Christmas Ashley and Halle went with me up to Logan to support TJ in his job as Jordan High Basketball Manager. Lets see how he did.

Eating is a big part of the job!

A little on the end court line support with a bag of chips. Yep part of the job!

Walking out and being with the team before the games starts. Yep part of the Job!

Looking in the program for his picture. Absolutely, part of the job!

And just overall hanging with the team!

Christmas

2010-01-09T14:04:00.006-07:00

Christmas is always fun when you have a missionary out. All you want for Christmas then is to talk to your missionary and be with family. That is why this Christmas was so much fun!

BYU and Lion King

2010-01-09T09:08:00.003-07:00

These are two great combinations right before Christmas. We went to the BYU bowl game in Los Vegas, froze to death. So cold I forgot to take pictures. And so windy that they would not have turned out anyway. We did see the whole game. Only the second half was from our hotel room. BYU won. Yes!

The next night Larry bought us tickets to the Lion King. What a great production. Costumes and music were outstanding as well as the performers. I highly recomend it.

The Niebuhr's

2010-01-08T07:58:00.003-07:00

Okay so I stole more pictures. But I had to include the Niebuhr's in my blog. They stayed with us for two weeks in December. They moved from Korea where Tyler is in the Air Force and they are being re-stationed in Italy. While in Korea they adopted two cute kids. Lily who is seven and Cade who is 18 months. So fun to have them with us! Good Luck in Italy.

Christmas Dance

2010-01-08T07:50:00.004-07:00

TJ asked Danielle Cottle to the Christmas Dance at Jordan High. We ended up having his group at our house for dinner. Such cute kids.

And then they came back over to decorate gingerbread houses and watch the movie Elf.

Thanks Danielle you made his night. I love you!

My Hero

2010-01-07T08:52:00.002-07:00

While I was stealing pictures of Nisa's Blog I had to steal this one of Corbin. This is a live snake. No one in my family would touch one of these but me. So I am so PROUD of my Grandson for being so brave like his Grandma. Love you Corbin!

Birthdays

2010-01-07T08:38:00.005-07:00

As you can tell I am trying to catch up to the New Year. But first we have three Birthdays to celebrate. First is Corbin's second.

Okay this isn't his Birthday Picture but it is so cute I had to put it in.

We went to Corbin's house for a Birthday Party.

The first of December we celebrated Larry and Ashley's Birthdays.

The next night we went to dinner.....just the four of us at our favorite restaurant. Bonsai

Halloween

2010-01-05T18:46:00.003-07:00

Halloween was great at our house this year. First year TJ did not dress up. But honestly does he really have to dress up when he has a face like this? Dane came over to help him hand out candy. Dane dressed up like a fireman.

Ashley had some of her friends over for dinner before going out Trick or Treating. She likes to get lots of candy because I then pay her per pound and buy it from her. That way she gets a new outfit! We both are happy. But the person who really is happy is the last trick or treater who comes to our house and gets all the candy!

And my cutest train engineer. This is what Halloween is all about. The little ones. Isn't he the cutest!

Birthdays and Halloween

2010-01-02T17:27:00.011-07:00

Every October we get to celebrate Lacey, Nisa and TJ's birthdays. And then have a Halloween party. First we start with the Birthdays. Thanks to Tonya I was able to get these cute cupcakes at a bakery in Lehi.

They worked great for individual Birthday Cakes.

Happy Birthday to two wonderful Daughter-in-laws. I am the most blessed Mother to have these two.
How lucky for me. And Happy Birthday TJ.
TJ should be 159. He loves to celebrate his Birthday at all times of the year.

Now for the Halloween party. We broke up into teams and made Gingerbread Houses.

Nisa and Nick

TJ and Whitni

KC and Lacey

Grandpa and Grandma

Colby and Ashley

Marissa and Jason

Corbin was on Larry's team.

They resigned to watching Barney. Oh, who is watching Barney?

They created the best Haunted Houses ever.

Don't they make a beautiful but scary neighborhood?

Oh that is Lacey adding a green moon for special effects :)

Happy Anniversay to Jason and Lacey

2009-11-23T12:02:00.004-07:00

As you may be able to tell. I have been in a frump and I am trying to catch up. But this one is one I do not want to leave out. I love these two. They are always there for me and last October 4th they celebrated their second wedding aniversay in New York. Happy Aniversay!

Baseball And The Yankees

2009-11-19T17:53:00.003-07:00

When we were in Florida we went to a Tampa Blue Rays game. They were playing against the New York Yankees. I didn't know either team. Ashley had bought a New York Yankees jersey and we would not let her wear it in fear someone would beat her up. TJ however wore his Blue Rays jersey. We should have let Ashley wear her jersey. Half the stadium had Yankee Jersey's on. We had a great time.
It was fun to watch the World Series. I knew some of the players!

Nate's Mission

2009-11-18T21:37:00.003-07:00

Well I am so behind on my Blogging. I am going to catch up before Thanksgiving. Nate has been out of the 400's for 50 days and I have not shown the latest pictures. So here they are.

One Beautiful Girl

2009-11-16T17:37:00.001-07:00

What Is Up With Pictures Of Sunglasses?

2009-11-16T17:35:00.002-07:00

Being A Grandma

2009-11-15T15:00:00.003-07:00

What happens when your Grandson is over and there is a mud puddle in the backyard?

Exactly!!!

Theme Parks and Swimming in Florida

2009-09-30T13:09:00.004-06:00

Disney's Animal Kingdom was fun. Lindsea came and joined us. There were lots of people but we survived.

We went to Epcot at night. We wanted to see the Laser Show. As soon as TJ caught on all went down hill. He hates fireworks so he was not giving in to his naughtiness. But we made it around the loop of different counries and did a few rides.

Picture taken before knowledge of fireworks.

Our favorite days are just hanging out at the pool. TJ and Ashley love this.

TJ loved the water slide that was at the Hotel. Have yet to get Ashley to let me take a picture of her.

More fun to come.

Spanish Branch and Orlando Temple

2009-09-27T13:26:00.003-06:00

Today we went to a Spanish Branch for Sacrament Meeting. I thought Ashley would like it since she is taking a Spanish class and it was the only time I really wanted to go. 11:00 church is the best. You can sleep in and also have a good afternoon nap. But it was TJ that actually loved the meeting. He asked all kinds of questions trying to figure out why he could not understand these people. He also saw the missionaries and then would ask questions about Nate and if this was the kind of church he went to now. It actually was really fun to see him so alert and attentive.

After church we went across the street to the Orlando Temple.

Tonight Lindsea and Travis are coming for dinner :)

Multiply And Replenish The Earth

2009-09-05T22:40:00.003-06:00

Rae, Dale, Larry and I took a cab ride and a tour of the city. The cab driver took us around the University of Victoria. He said there was a reason he added this to his tour. Literally, hundreds of bunnies all over the campus. I am not sure I can explain how amazing it was to see these creatures. You will have to link to the following links and see for yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAQMyU4-SYI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrfHXHDb3W8

In No Special Order....My Most Favorite Alaskian Scenery!

2009-09-03T16:11:00.017-06:00

Now if that doesn't get you excited to go on another trip....I don't know what will.

I So Love It....Post 2 of Alaska

2009-09-02T20:34:00.004-06:00

So I am stealing pictures! I am looking at all of them and deciding on which ones to copy. I then realized maybe my picture of Larry and I was not so bad. Take a look at these shots!

The bear cubs even got into the action!

I never found one of me. YES!!! WOW!!! And then it hit me....Was those fancy wide angle cameras not big............

My Alaskian Memories---Part 1

2009-09-01T20:47:00.007-06:00

You all know the feeling of packing for a big trip. One you want to remember your whole life. The one thing you make sure to bring is your camera. I have this 3x4 camera. I thought it was a pretty good camera. I think it has a 3x zoom and 10 pixels. (What ever that is) And yes, I remembered my camera. The first thing, however, I realized is how big and long and black and fancy everyone else's camera's are.

When we first got on the ship I noticed how big their camera bags were compared to mine.

I also noticed that they took them everywhere, even to church!

And took pictures all the time.

So I asked myself why was I taking pictures. Why not get copies of their pictures. Let them do all the work and I would sit back and relax. So I did. I am sitting on the ledge watching them fiddle with their camera's. Life is good.

Until....we get home and the only picture that is posted of Larry and I is this one. We both look totally disgusted.

First Day Of School

2009-08-26T15:15:00.004-06:00

There is something magical about the first day of school that seems to dissipates as the weeks go by. So to get a picture is priceless. We will see in two weeks if the smile is still there.

Yes he did get his shirt all dirty before school and yes I did let him wear it that way.

Yes a girls place is in the bathroom.

They both came home happy so the magic is still there!

Diet Coke and the Bishop's Wife.

2009-08-25T18:07:00.004-06:00

Ann Cannon has always been one of my favorite columnist for the Deseret New. This article is about her but with a few minor changes could easily be about me. Here it is with my minor changes in parenthesis.

My husband is the bishop of our LDS ward, which (technically speaking) makes me "The Bishop's Wife." Sort of like Whitney Houston before she started getting busted for possession at airports.

As far as I can tell, my husband is a pretty good bishop. I, on the other hand, kinda stink as a bishop's wife. I offer this factual story as evidence.

OK. I am not a good sitter. I can't even sit through a two-hour movie unless the male lead (a) looks like George Clooney (Ryan Reynolds) or (b) is George Clooney. (is Ryan Reynolds) And after living with kids for the past 19 (26) years. I don't have much of an attention-span left, either. These two facts combined, frankly, make three hours of church on Sunday a pretty rough go.
That's why I sometimes sneak home during the middle of meetings while you're all in class!
Anyway, I enjoy the experience of being at home by myself on a beautiful Sunday morning. It's quiet. It's peaceful, it's serene. It's everything church WOULD be if you didn't have to go there with your kids.

I turn on KBYU and listen to "St. Paul Sunday Morning." I read the Church News. I meditate. (If I turn on the TV it would be to see the latest score of a football game or the PGA Tournament.) (I might look at the Church News....I would meditate)

Also, I open up the fridge and find a cold Dr Pepper (Diet Coke) that I've hidden from all of you! (Ha! Ha!) (Yes, now that TJ can no longer have caffeine, I do have it hidden)
So here's what happened not too long ago. I went home one Sunday morning, put up my feet, and opened a can of Dr Pepper. (Diet Coke)

Which, by the way, I didn't have to share with any of you! (She shoots! She scores!)

The only problem was that I didn't finish it before it was time to return to church. So I took my can of Dr Pepper (Diet Coke) with me, drove up to the church and sat in my car, where I finished drinking it.

Well, as I sat there in the church parking lot, sipping my Dr Pepper (Diet Coke), I started to feel a little guilty, a little sleazy even. (This was Ann's words not mine. I don't feel guilty) Somehow I couldn't quite see Mary Ann or Carolyn, (Debra or Julie) the wives of our former bishops, hiding out in their cars during church like a bunch of AWOL deacons.
Suddenly, I was completely embarrassed for myself. (Not really embarrassed either but adds to the story)

Just what was my problem, anyway?
That's when I decided I would be a GOOD bishop's wife, as opposed to a LOSER bishop's wife! From now on, baby!

Right then and there!

I'd do everything I was supposed to do!

By the time I died, Mormons all over the world would be singing my praises,
saying what a fine, nonsluffing bishop's wife I was!

They might even give me a mention in the Church News! (Yahoo)

I jumped out of my car and sprinted into the church like a pitcher to the mound, ready to put my new resolve into action. I strolled into the chapel, where I waved and smiled and shook hands with ward members all the way back to our pew.

It was only then I happened to notice (this is the truth) THAT I WAS STILL HOLDING MY CAN OF DR PEPPER! (Diet Coke)

OK. For those of you who haven't spent a lot of time in LDS chapels, I can totally promise you that you don't often find people taking little midmorning soda breaks there. Especially if you're the bishop's wife. In fact, if there were such a thing as a "Bishop's Wife's Handbook," it would probably have the following two rules.

RULE No. 1: Be good.

RULE No. 2: Don't go wandering around the chapel with a cold Dr Pepper (Diet Coke) can in your hand … duh … thereby alerting everybody that you have been sluffing instead of going to Sunday School again.

It's little experiences like these that have caused my family to lately call me names like "addict." They keep trying to bet me that I can't stop drinking Dr Pepper. (Diet Coke)

Well, I can, you guys. Honest!

But come on now. Why in the world would I want to?

For all you honest to goodness BYU fans.....Ann Cannon is LaVell Edwards daughter. She has a column in the Monday Paper.

TJ And His Dad's Hospital!

2009-08-24T21:27:00.004-06:00

TJ gave us quiet a scare last week when he decided to have a few days rest in the ICU at Larry's Hospital. We forgot to tell him it really wasn't his Dad's hospital. The nurses would always ask him where he was and he would respond that he is at his Dad's hospital. I want to thank Tj for letting the staff know that this was in fact his dad's hospital. I got my own lounge chair, something the other ICU rooms did not have. I also got to stay in his room from 6:30-8:30 when all the other visitors and family members had to leave. As usual he made friends fast with all the workers there. We are very blessed that he is okay and we have great family and friends who have taken such good care of him.

Well after 4 days in ICU we took TJ home. He is up and running around like he never had a seizure or a blood clot.
Thanks to Jason for being in tune with Tj and his needs at such a crucial time. Thanks to Lacey for being the mom when I was not there. Thanks to everyone for their prayers and thoughts at such a scary and tender time. We love you all.

Job Posting On Requirements To Be A Parent.

2009-08-23T09:26:00.010-06:00

Would you take the Job?

Nisa sent me this e-mail on a Job Description for being a parent.

POSITION :
Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma
Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop

JOB DESCRIPTION :

Long term, team players needed, for challenging,
permanent work in an often chaotic environment.
Candidates must possess excellent communication
and organizational skills and be willing to work
variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends
and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities!
Travel expenses not reimbursed.
Extensive courier duties also required.

Do you really think they knew what they where getting themselves into?

RESPONSIBILITIES :

The rest of your life Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily,until someone needs $5.Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule
and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat
in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges,
such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets
and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and
coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings
for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be a willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next.
Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices.
Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product.
Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and
janitorial work throughout the facility.

I may have missed it but was color coding your clothes to match you car part of the description?

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :

None.
Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills,
so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you

I remember packing boxes from one house to the other by putting them in the wagon. Great memories in both homes.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :

None required unfortunately.
On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

Wow look at that girl in the suit!

WAGES AND COMPENSATION :

Get this! You pay them!
Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them
become financially independent.
When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more..

BENEFITS :

While no health or dental insurance, no pension,
no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and
no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love,
and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.

Thanks for taking the job......We all love you!

Happy 50 years of doing a job well done :)

Another Catch Up

2009-07-26T17:12:00.008-06:00

I have been slacking in my blogging so I am going to do a quick catch-up.

On the Fourth of July we went to see the hot air balloons lift from Provo High School. We had to be there at 6:30am. And the amazing thing is that we did it! After we had breakfast at Mom and Dad's place. And then off to Provo's downtown celebration. Yes! I did steel these off of Baldy's Blog. Thanks Rob.

Kelsy doing a fine job on the French Toast...It was Yummy!

Carnival in Provo

For play by play action go to Baldy's Blog.

Ashley went to two girls camps this year. One with the ward and one with the entie Salt Lake Valley. They call it Oakcrest. Her she is getting on the bus with her friends.

I am not sure she loves girls camp as much as I did. But she is always a good sport about everything. Ash...I LOVE YOU!!!
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Every summer we do a bowling league. TJ loves it, especially because he gets to be with his best friend Dane. Ashley and I go along. We call is a service project for TJ. Ashley doesn't really love it but she does it for TJ. I told you she never complains.

For the 24th of July we went to the REAL Soccer Game. I was amazed at how much I enjoyed it. That could have been the company though. After we enjoyed fireworks.

Okay a quick catch up....More to come...I am hoping.

Okay so the 500's are on there way out!

2009-06-21T10:19:00.008-06:00

Every 100 days of Nate's mission I am going to post pictures and update his events. It is a good thing he sent me some pictures for my Birthday.

Nate is now in a village called Shaumburg. Kelli says it is not really like a village. It is outside of Chicago. He asked his mission president if he could be companions with Elder Bryner. Colby and Jason thought he was crazy for doing this, that there was no way the mission president would allow it if you asked. But next transfer Nate and Elder Bryner were put together and they are both happy is sounds like.

On preparation day they attended the Chicago Temple. A treat they usually don't get. So they were excited.

Larry for some reason does not like my count down clock on my blog. He thought Nate needed a chart like the rest of the boys and so he went and bought one. He bought different colored pencils to carefully mark each day, transfer, companion and assignment a different color. He took an evening and filled out his chart so carefully. He was very proud.

He was very proud until he found out that he marked the 18 month side instead of the 2 year side. I was rolling on the floor with laughter. Whoops. I guess he will have to start over again. He told me I could not touch his chart....So mum is the word that I put in on the blog because I had to sneak it to get it in the scanner.

Well, here is to another 100 days of Mission...:)

Sorry...but I am putting it all out there.

2009-06-20T09:59:00.016-06:00

I have so many pictures of things we have done that I would like to put on my blog so I can have them in my history book. But I keep ignoring them because there are so many. So in no particular order I am putting them all on with a blurb and hopefully I can get caught up and do a little better staying caught up.

The Draper Temple was dedicated in March of this year. The youth of the Draper Temple district had a Temple celebration. They had a choir of over 4000 youth. Every stake had a group of dancers dancing out an era of time in church history. Our stake was assigned the immigration of people from other countries coming to America to be part of the LDS people here. This is TJ and Ashley with their costumes. I have to say that I was really worried about the organization of this whole mass of youth. 7000 youth coming together to put on a celebration and be professional. This production was the most amazing thing I have seen. It once again tells me who's church this really is. I am thankful for a Heavenly Father who allows us to keep having experiences to let us know he loves and cares for us. And, I am always impressed with the youth. LDS and non LDS kids participated and had a great time.

TJ was from Germany

Ashley was Ireland.

It was held in the conference center. The youth got the bottom section and so us parents sat in the balcony. Yes I did bring binoculars.

This is a picture of President Monson through my binoculars.

Its hard to have a favorite but this was one of them on the top of the list. Before President Monson spoke he had everyone sing Happy Birthday to President Iring.

What a great night. Jason and Lacey came with us as well as KC. I will remember this for a long time.

We took Corbin to the Aquarium. As a mother it is really fun to watch your child's awe at seeing something new. But, as a grandma it is a whole different perspective. I love this little boy and even though Ashly and TJ thought the Aquarium a little boring. Corbin was amazed at every little thing.

I was the Young Women's basketball coach. I had to put this picture in. I love these girls. Especially one of them. :)

In TJ's life skills class at school they do what is called music therapy and yoga. They practice these things all year long and then have production at the end of the year.

TJ doing Yoga

This is an exercise in coordination. They beat the stick to music. Quit impressive I thought.

I have to say the best part is the support we get from family and friends. This is not the most exciting concert but we always have those who are there to support TJ.

Thanks Doug, Nancy and Katie!

Thanks Grandpa and Grandma. And a special thanks to Uncle Mark. Who came all the way from Menan Idaho. Okay so he was already here doing something else. But he came and that made me happy.

Ashley had her end of the year dance concert.

I am not really a dance mom. I didn't even bring flower or remember that you are suppose to. But, thanks to Lacey the flowers were covered. Thanks Lacey for coming to support Ashley.

But dance is wearing off on me. Especially when your dancer is so cute.

Well, this is about at third of the pictures. So until next time. Hope everyone is having a great summer.

Happy Birthday To Me :)

2009-06-06T11:32:00.003-06:00

Ashley asked me how I was feeling today since it was my Birthday.

Can you remember when you were young and you felt so important and excited on your birthday?

So here's to the over forty crowd.

May all your birthdays seem as exciting as this picture.

However old you may be.

Nate...three years old.

Catching Up

2009-06-02T09:56:00.014-06:00

Rob inspired me to do some catching up. I have a lot so here we go.

Eagle's Nest....
This is my friend Michelle Coleman.

We each have four boys and one girl. On March 15, 2009 we were able to cross off a goal on our bucket list. We had our forth sons Eagle Court. We felt this a great occasion for us and had our picture taken. It is always nice as a mom to make goals for your children and see them accomplished.

TJ earned his Eagle on June 17, 2008

With a child who has a disability you would think a parent would be involved doing lots of the work. Well, in TJ's case he had two very good leaders who took him along just like he was another scout. I know with these two leaders he truely learned what a scout was and loved the adventure. Almost as much as he loves these two men.

Tony Sieverts

Bob Elkington

This is Tyler Coleman. He has been a good friend to TJ since they where bearly walking. He always took TJ to the Scout pow wow's and they would come home with merit badges each time. Thanks Tyler.

Grandma and Grandpa are always huge supporters. They love their grandkids and love being at events to support them.

The best part of the Court of Honor....

Yep, the Mother's Kiss!!!

Nathan earned his Eagle on September 13, 2005

An Eagle scouts journey always starts with Cub Scouts and good friends

I'm thinking this is when they found out they had to give a short talk at the Court of Honor.

Celebrating they are done giving the talk.

Nate did his project at the Christmas Box House. They collected items for the younger children and needed supplies for the Teen Home. Here they are at the Christmas Box House where the younger children are housed.

And the "Mothers Kiss?" Well with Nate he would rather just give the "big ol punch in the arm kind"

Thats all right with me...hahahaha.

Jason earned his Eagle Scout on August 6th 1997

Jason had his Court of Honor with Jared Morgan and Matt Procter.

I think this is one of my favorite picture. The only thing missing is Colby. He was on his mission. My Dad has been a big support of Scouting. He still loves to be involved.

Jason collected items for the Joy of Down Syndrome Foundation. They were building a cabin in Wyoming for the kids to visit in the summer. He collected a lot of needed items as well as money to fund bedding for the new facility.

Jason is always saying that I earned his Eagle for him. Well, I did not attend any scout camps or pow wow's. I think I might have been a den mother at one time. But yes at the end I did push him, but he did most of the work. And he did give me kisses but I have no evidence of this. He still will give me a big kiss everytime he sees me. Thanks Jason.

Colby earned his Eagle on August 6, 1997

I think of all my boys, Colby liked scouting the best. It really shows in his face.

He had his Court of Honor up in Mill Creek Canyon at a big lodge. Taylor Richards and Brady Jones were the Eagle receipients.
He did his project for the VA Hospital. They were in need of supplies for older men. He did a great job collecting and organizing items for the hospital.
He would also give me a "Mothers Kiss" Thanks Colby!

Just Trying To Be Obedient!

2009-05-21T11:16:00.006-06:00

I have made it a goal to get my food storage organized and replaced. So I went to the cannery to can some beans. White beans to be exact. The guy there asked me what I was doing with all the white beans I was canning and I told him.."I'm Just Trying To Be Obedient!" And then he told me what I could do with white beans.

If you cook the beans.

And then mash them like you would do potatoes. (I did mine in a food processor)

You can use this in place of shortening in your recipes. So I decided today to put it to the test. I made chocolate chip cookies. For half of the butter I put in the mashed beans. Same measurements and made the cookies. I couldn't come to terms with eliminating all the butter.

With the left over beans you can measure out increments and put them in baggies and store them in the freezer. Then they are ready to use when needed.

Ok, these cookies are so good. I have already had three friends try them and they love them. But the real testers will be coming through the door at three. We will see then if they pass the test.

Next I am going to try making bread with the beans. I will let you know about that one.

Yesterday morning I made whole wheat pancakes. I heard Ashley telling a friend that I had made whole wheat pancakes and they didn't even taste like whole wheat. The kids loved them. Here is the recipe I used.

1 cup milk
1 cup Wheat, whole and uncooked

Blend in blender until smooth. This may take up to 5 minutes depending on your blender.

Add 2 Eggs (2T powdered eggs & 1/4 water)
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 Tbs oil (or maybe white beans)
2 Tbs honey

Blend well and cook on griddle.

Happy Anniversary To Two Great Couples

2009-05-19T10:13:00.003-06:00

Four years ago Colby and Nisa were married in the Salt Lake Temple. What a great day for a mom when you see your son so happy and also get to add another great child to the family....Without having to raise them! I love it almost as much as I love them. Happy Anniversary Colby and Nisa. And thanks so much for the grandson.

Thirty years ago Dale and Rae Anne were married in the Salt Lake Temple. Thirty years, now that is something to celebrate. I love my sister and her great husband. They have brought me six wonderful children that I get to mother every once in awhile.

Rumor goes that Dale is always the one bending the rules. Well, from day one it looks like to me that Rae Anne has been right there by his side....

The sign says "No Wedding Parties"

TJ Trivia

2009-05-06T21:35:00.006-06:00

Well last Monday night TJ was in charge of Family Night. He needs to teach four lessons for his Duty to God. I am handing out extra points to those who can guess what his lesson was on. Or at least help us to know what we learned last Monday night.

Two clues. The folded papers had numbers on them.

This is a scripture TJ had Larry read.

Good Luck!!!

Oh, I am pretty sure he would love to do a family night for your family.

Family History

2009-05-03T17:36:00.006-06:00

I started out so well at the first of the year. I need to get back on track and today is Larry's parents anniversary. So what a good day to get back on track.

May 3,1947 Larry's parents were married in Spanish Fork Utah.

Minnie Naomi Dallin Hancock was born August 29th, 1928 in Spanish Fork, Utah to James Selby and Mary Lucuil Nelson Dallin. She passed away April 27, 1991 in Provo, Utah. I remember Naomi as a lady who loved her children, she enjoyed crocheting and cooking. She took care of her brother Shirl who had polio.

Rolland D "Bill" Hancock was born April 30, 1923 in Payson, Utah and died July 3, 2001 in Provo, Utah. He worked at Utah Steel Plant in Orem. He loved to bowl and loved his recliner that sat in his home. He loved seeing his children succeed in their many adventures and he was always proud of them.

Larry mentions his parents once in awhile. I know he misses them and wishes they were here to see his own children and the great lives they are living. It is nice to have a faith in a life greater than the one we are experiencing here on earth. To know that we will see our loved ones again and sit down and talk and enjoy each others company is a blessing to our life.

A Day With Corbin

2009-04-30T15:42:00.004-06:00

Last week we had some really nice days. So I went up to Colby and Nisa's and had a picnic with Corbin.

He has a playground outside his home. He loves the slide and is very independent.

He doesn't love the slide as much as he loves my phone.

And, he doesn't love my phone as much as I love him!

Do You Really Think It Will Fit???

2009-04-27T21:18:00.004-06:00

Ya, me neither.....

The Many Faces Of Larry.....

2009-04-18T22:24:00.009-06:00

His vacation face.....

His Grandpa face.....

His, "Yes, I finally got a daughter" face.....

His church face.....(Always, Always put on a happy face!)

His work face.....

Easter Is Over And All I Can Say Is....

2009-04-14T22:53:00.002-06:00

"If ye are prepared ye shall not fear."

Another Ashley-ism

2009-04-08T09:31:00.003-06:00

One of Ashley's favorite things to do is watch American Idol. Ashley loves Allison. And I admit I do also. She is very unique. Last week Ashley asked me...."Mom, if I came out of your tummy would you let me dye my hair like Allison's?" It took a few minutes to absorb the questions and then twenty minutes to use extreme discipline not roll around on the floor laughing. So, how would you answer this girls question?

Random Pictures

2009-04-04T16:12:00.008-06:00

I have to post something, ANYTHING, to get my picture off everyones blog. So here are some random pictures. Those of you who have a picture update on your blog will understand this.

This is TJ and the two college boys who took him and Kelsey to the High School Prom.

Kelseys reaction to TJ's door approch to answering her.

TJ and Kelsey at the dance.

This is TJ getting ready for the Jordan High School Dance. Lindsea was here helping get him off.

I told TJ he would get to ride in a Limo that looked just like a School Bus. He wasn't to happy with my humor when he saw that it was a school bus.

The girls all went to get there hair and nails done. Monica was so proud of her toes she kept showing them to us.

After the dance the bus dropped them off at our house for cookies and ice cream.

TJ and Blair..

The next night we had Colby's Birthday Party.

Wow, Corbin your daddy is OLD!!

Nick sporting a new faux hawk.

Oh, its just cute Carter.

It was a very busy and fun weekend. At the end of the night someone said to me. "SHERRY, what is on your feet?"

The whole time I had two different slippers on. I was so tired I just left them like that the rest of the night.

You Asked For It Faye.....

2009-04-03T09:31:00.000-06:00

Okay Nick Your Wish Is My Desire....

2009-04-02T15:43:00.002-06:00

I Bit Into The Apple

2009-04-02T10:48:00.003-06:00

Our computer was dying and the fixer guy told me it was a lot cheeper to buy a new one.

So, I went home and made my plan. I decided to try a Mac this time. I still don't know how to work it yet, but last Saturday Lacey showed us how to use Photo Booth. I have not laughed this hard in a long time!!

The First Child.......Brings A Lot Of Firsts

2009-03-29T15:20:00.017-06:00

Twenty six years ago is when I first became a Mom.

And Larry first became a Dad.

The first time to get up in the middle of the night with a sick child and smile?

The first haircut

The first lesson on how to ride a bike..

And a horse.

The first time to sew pajama's..

And they love them so much they try sleeping sitting up!

The first time to teach animal safety.

Or create Halloween Costumes.

Or the first time to plan a Birthday Party.

Or send your child to the first day of school...ON A BUS!!!

And, yes, I did follow the bus all the way to the school...First Time!

The first time to get a look like this, thrown your way.

Or the first sweet school picture to purchase.

The first music lesson...

Or sports team to sign up for.

First school dance.

Eagle.

Graduation.

And, first time to send a child on a mission. You might as well cut my heart out and feed it to the dog!!!

The first time a child tells you he loves someone and wants to spend the rest of his life with her.

The first time I became a Grandma and saw my son become a Dad...for the first time.

The first time I get to watch all the firsts start all over again!

Happy Birthday Colby...I Love You...My First Child To Love.

The Coveted Crown???

2009-03-26T16:11:00.004-06:00

Yesterday, I got a call from the school informing me that TJ won Prom King....I didn't even know he was nominated. But I found myself with tears in my eyes all day because of the realization that the studentbody at Jordan High School had picked him. I just wanted to go down to the school and hug everyone of them.

This morning Larry, Ashley and I went down to the assembly where they crowned TJ king. They first had a great talent show and then they announced the winners.

They had two assembly's because the whole student body doesn't fit in the auditorium at once. So TJ got to experience this twice.

The queen was part of the assembly and dressed like Sharpay. She totally could have taken over Ashley Tisdale's place she was so good and funny.

Two stories. When I talked to TJ's cluster teacher about him winning and having to be at both assembly's she told me that when the ballots came around for the students to vote they made a big deal about TJ's name being on the ballot. They asked him if he was going to vote for himself and he refused to do that. He was going to vote for Ben Brockbank. Oh I am thinking who is his parents that would teach this cute kid to not indulge in one's self.

Well, that was short lived when he arrived home and announce he didn't get his other crown. I said what other crown. He said he won twice and he wanted two crowns.

Gone Away But Not Forgotten...

2009-03-23T17:47:00.009-06:00

Twenty years ago today Nate was born...So since I can't share this day with him I will take everyone down memory lane.

What is it about Osh Kosh that makes a kid look so cute!!!

The first soccer team he was on had mostly girls...So the coach, a girls dad, picked pink as the color. Nate didn't mind. He loved the team and all the girls.

To this day he still gets a little "twitterpatted" when he is around a cute girl.

This was Nate's High School Picture his Junior year. It was in the yearbook. I think he got his inspiration from this Guy... Whoever this guy is!!! To bad the brain wasn't part of that inspiration.

Nate loves to do everything with his friends.

From getting his Eagle.

To serving a mission.

He always found a way to have his friends around.

They grow up way too fast.

The one thing about Nate...He always is willing to hang with his Mommy...Life is Good

Happy Birthday Cutest Boy...I Love You

Tis The Season

2009-03-21T22:52:00.010-06:00

High School Junior Prom....Well, you know your really HOT if you are asked to another schools prom.

Well, guess who is HOT.

Yep, our own TJ. We found this poster on our front porch a couple of weeks ago.

So we did just that...We unscrambled the letters and found out who it was.

Then we ordered a tux and bought a flower.

Took a shower, brushed teeth, spiked hair and put on cologne.

Then she came...Beautiful Kelsey.

They were off before we knew it.

I know what you guys are all thinking...

"How can I be as HOT as TJ"

Well, it is all in the stance.

Lets check that out a little closer...

Yep, He's HOT!!!

HAVE YOU NOTICED!!!!

2009-03-16T10:53:00.006-06:00

We are out of the 600's. Nate's mission is going by so slow. It really does seem like he should be home by now and he has only been out five months. Well almost five months. Anyway, here are some pictures so far.

This is the cute guy who called on Valentines Day to wish me a Happy Valentines from Nate.

The mission president let the missionaries go to a Bulls game on New Years Day. Nate was on the jumbo tron with this sign.

Yummy Chicago Pizza....The best and biggest!

Nate wrote home and said all the people in Chicago keep saying they were all saved now that the Country has Obama!

Since blogging started after Colby and Jason went on their missions I thought I would put them into this as well.

Colby was called to the Oregon, Portland mission. But a few months later they made the Washington, Kennewick Mission. So Colby serve in the Kennewick mission. His first discussion was in my cousin Mark's home. What are the odds. This is a picture with his Mission President and wife at Colby's wedding.

Jason served in the Oklahoma, Tulsa mission. It has been a mothers blessing to have my boys so close. I tell everyone they are sent down around the corner. And it seems that close in comparison to others. It has been fun to have members call from the wards they are serving in. In all three missions this is the case. In Jason's mission however I have a cute lady who is not a member still call me once in awhile. What great blessings come from missionaries.

Back In The Saddle Again...

2009-03-13T13:53:00.003-06:00

Boy, its been a lot of years since I have sat a child in a "shopping car" How fun is this!

Although, they kind of freak me out because of the germs.

Stores however, have gotten so smart and have sani-wipes.
So after using half the container we were off.

We even did a couple of laps just for fun.

Another Ashley-Ism

2009-03-09T00:10:00.003-06:00

Saturday night Larry and I went to witness a sealing at the Temple. We took Ashley, TJ and Ashley's friend with us to do baptisms while we were at the sealing. We dropped them off at the baptism area and went into the temple to witness the sealing. When we were done we went back to get the kids and realized how busy they were. The temple worker told us it would probably be about an hour and a half before they would be done. So I went to talk with them and told them the situation and suggested that if they wanted to we could leave and come back another time. Ashley looked at me and said. "No Mom, you and Dad just leave and go get something to eat, like what you do on a date or your anniversary or something and then when you are all done you can come back and get us." When I was thirteen I would have never wanted to wait for anything for an hour and a half. I thought that was so cute and nice of her. So we went and had dinner. When we got back they were just finishing up and the temple worker told me they waited so patiently. I learn so much from Ashley. Thanks Ashley for a very unexpected date.

I didn't think to take a picture of the kids in front of the temple, but here is a picture of Ashley and I in front of the Hawaii Temple. Ashley was too young to participate in the temple on this trip (five years ago). So once again she waited patiently while the rest of us did work there. I love you Ashley.

Twenty-Four Years Ago Today!

2009-03-07T10:04:00.016-07:00

This cute little boy was born....

What is it with Moms and Little Boys...

They sure can steal you heart away fast...

I have a lot of people tell me I act a lot like him...I wonder why?

Before you know it they are all grown-up. Doing their own thing.

Graduating from High School...

Leaving on Missions...

Finding a beautiful girl...

To always be with...

And love....

Forever....

What is it about Moms and Little Boys...

They always show up when they need a change...
Thats what Moms love about Little Boys...

Happy Birthday Jason, I Love You. Mom

Siblings

2009-03-01T21:15:00.003-07:00

Yesterday Ashley's brother Casey was Baptized. What a great day it was. It has been fun watching these five children grow up. Ashley supports and love each one of them. We are proud of you Casey!

Mormon Messages

2009-03-01T10:37:00.002-07:00

Check This Out

I thought maybe the England Clan would want to see this if you haven't already.

This Blog Is For Jordan Gold

2009-02-28T10:30:00.003-07:00

So, I am at the mall and have to stop at the bathroom. I'm sitting there, doing my thing, and see this attached to the stall. I think this is what Jordan needs for Carson.

It even has a caution on it Jordan. "Always use restraint"

If your Target does not have one in the Mens restroom all I can say is PROTEST!!

HaHaHa Losing kids at the store has always been my specialty!

Had To Post Twilight.....And VTing.

2009-02-27T20:19:00.004-07:00

The Last Day In Hawaii.

2009-02-26T18:02:00.027-07:00

I need to finish my Hawaii trip. On the last day we went to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Last time we came to Oahu we took the kids to the Polynesian Cultural Center. I thought it would be fun to all wear Hawaiian shirts. I really thought everyone who went there would wear them. Boy, was I wrong, and my kids were so mad at me. But don't we look Hawaiian?

The following picture is just one goofy look I received from my family.

Then I saw something that made me laugh out loud. I could of made my whole family wear these.....

Bright pink knee highs.....I am looking like a better mom all the time :)

If the pink socks don't embarrass the kids, this next picture might. Touching your nose together twice means "Breath of Life" on the island of Aotearoa.

I know, I know, I kinda look creepy. But Larry seems to like it.

Just some pictures from the River Parade.

We, of course, saw lots of dancing.

Although, nothing compared to the dancing we saw with TJ.

And lots of pretty girls...

But not as pretty as our Ashley...

It was so relaxing and nice to be just with Larry. We enjoyed every part of the day.

Especially the banana ice cream on top of the watermelon ice cream. So, so good!

PS...Larry was sick on this trip and came home four pounds lighter. Me on the other hand.....I really didn't think that fruit ice cream could have THAT many calories.