A Thanksgiving to Remember - Play Ball!

Cason, Me, Colton (I thought I got rid of that double chin..GRRRR)

This year we did something a little different.

We didn't cook a big fancy dinner at home...we didn't sit around and eat pumpkin pie and watch football.

WAIT

FoOtBalL???? Did I just say we didn't watch football?

How silly of me....Yes we watched football, but it wasn't any ordinary football.

It was ... The Special Forces.

When I think of being an Aunt..I think of how lucky I am!! I have great nephews! I was so excited to go to Las Vegas to watch these champions of the San Tan Youth League...go take on teams from other states in a huge tournament in Vegas! This special team not only took championships in their own league (for the 2nd year might I add) but they took the championship in Vegas!!!! WOOT WOOT!

This was an amazingly fun Thanksgiving. We drove out on Wednesday...spent Thanksgiving Day watching a game (which they won)...then went to a church house where the families of all the players gathered for a nice Thanksgiving Dinner. It was pretty cool.

We stayed at Circus Circus (Yuck) and the kids had a blast there. Rooms sucked by the way.

Friday the boys played their 2nd game (which they again won)...which was their championship game.

I love watching Cason and Colton play football and think they are amazing nephews!

Thanks for inviting us to come watch and enjoy a great Thanksgiving Day/Weekend. I wasn't looking forward to Thanksgiving at home (with no Mom)....but this took our minds off of it and we had a blast.

Colton #42

Cason #59

Special Forces - Flygare Boys

Cason holding the ball for the kick

After the championship game

I left my heart....in San Francisco (not really)

WiNDy and CoLd.....BrRrRR...

I had the opportunity to go to San Francisco in early November for a business conference. What a different place. I can't say I LOVE San Francisco although there were things I loved about it.

I didn't go in but here is our Corporate Headquarters in San Fancisco...good old McKesson. Thanks for sending me to San Francisco.

Things I loved:

Seafood

Shopping

Cooler weather

Seafood

Shopping

Golden Gate Bridge

Seafood....oh...I mentioned that already? O.k. sorry

Alcatraz

The Fog

Things I didn't like:

Strange people

Expensive parking

Crazy, Crazy streets

The F Line (don't ask)

Walking...walking..walking..

Actually it was a fun trip. I went to a conference called Dreamforce. It is for a company called Salesforce. That was a neat conference and I got to listen to Colin Powell speak. AMaZiNG!!!! Loved him.

I stayed an extra two days and one of my bestest friends flew in and we went sightseeing for two days....We had quite the experience...got lost...almost missed our Alcatraz tour...walked and walked and walked (felt like an old primary song about the Pioneers).

LET ME OUT - You want my Ex...not me!

We loved Alcatraz..took a million pictures. We went to Pier 39 and spent way too much money but had amazing sea food.

We walked some more.

We got lost some more

I yelled at the GPS a few times.

I loved the Golden Gate Bridge when it was all foggy....beautiful.

We tried to see the redwoods but the fog was so thick and the roads were so windy I thought I was going to puke....got way car sick. So no redwoods.. Sad for me.

I am glad I got to go...glad that Kari was able to come with me, glad for the time spent with a dear friend. Looking forward to more adventures with her and my other great friends...

What's next?

Somewhere tropical....or...NorthEast....

My new friend!

This is my new friend, Rocky the Roadrunner. O.k....so maybe he isn't my friend but he comes to visit me a few times a week....o.k. so maybe he isn't coming to visit me, but he does visit my back wall....o.k. so it isn't my wall exactly but it's my Dad's....o.k. so maybe this isn't a Roadrunner at all and maybe you aren't even reading this blog. Who knows?

South Fork 2009 - water wonderful day

This is one of our favorite places to go when we are in Utah (summertime that is). We usually head up for a day in Provo Canyon at a park called South Fork. It was one of my moms favorite places to go and everyone makes a big day out of it with hamburgers and hot dogs, goodies, and some kind of "wet" event. It started off a few years ago with water balloons that ended up causing the older male cousins (older as in younger than me - sad I know) chasing each other with the water balloons and then turning on some of the uncles and younger cousins. What I did not expect was for them to turn on their favorite and eldest female cousin, but they did. I decided to fight back which was about the dumbest thing someone my size (at that time quite a bit larger) and being of the opposite sex (meaning weaker)could have done.

The next year I thought I'd be a bit smarter and I took a water blaster gun and had it hidden under a blanket and although I got a little revenge, it still bit me in the butt as once again the younger but stronger male cousins drenched me.

This year however there was enough family at the park and enough younger cousins that one would think they would have had plenty to pick on. They all took turns chasing the younger kids down, throwing them into the creek, and then they started turning on each other (mind you that most of these guys are adults and married). One by one they all went in. Luckily all of the older (adult) girls were left alone....o.k.....so it seemed that we were going to be left alone. Someone (I'm sure it was Aunt Deb) started chanting my name. What the heck? I wasn't finding it amusing at all. So when you view the slideshow below you will see all my strapling, young, handsome, sweet (scratch sweet)and wonderful cousins grabbing me and hauling me down to the creek. I must admit, I didn't go down without a fight. I twisted and kicked and twisted and kicked and...did I already say twisted and kicked? If you've seen my cousin Jeremy you will understand that it wouldn't matter how much I twisted or kicked, I was doomed. So in the creek I went. Dirty cousins. Why do I love them so much. Haven't a clue.

It was however a very fun day. I think the only ones that did not get taken to the creek were my dad, Aunt Jessie, Grandma Peel, Uncle Paul, and the two pregnant cousins, Chelle Belle and Sherri Lynn the second. I think I'll be pregnant next year. Do you think they'll believe me? Why not.

P.S. Aunt Deb got hers too! HA HA.

Return With Honor

So it has taken me awhile to post this blog mainly because I was waiting on pictures. Now that I've had them a couple of weeks I no longer have an excuse for my procrastination.

In one of my previous posts I shared how excited I was for my cousin Jory to come home from his mission in El Salvador...well now he's been home for a little over a month. It was one of the best days I've had in the last few years considering everything that has happened in the last two years.

I traveled to Utah on July 30th to help my Aunt Deb get everything finished for his return. Most everything had been done but we did a little bit of cooking to have meals ready for family throughout the week. Aunt Deb was a basket case (sorry if she reads this, but it's true). She was so excited and so exhausted that we're lucky she made it through the week.

August 4th was the big day and we were cleaning like crazy, decorating the outside of the house and front yard, and monitoring Jory's flight online. It was late getting into Miami from El Salvador but it wasn't a big deal because he had a long layover, but then his flight didn't leave Miami on time which put him into Dallas just a few minutes after his flight was supposed to leave for Salt Lake. We were on our way up to Salt Lake to pick up my dad and Bryten and then we were going to hang out at the airport and wait for the rest of the family to get up there for Jory's flight which was supposed to get in at 7:44. We found out that Jory did not make his flight which would now put him into Salt Lake at 11:15pm. Deb was in a panick, we had to call all the family and tell them not to come till later.

So once my dad and Bryten got in, we went and had dinner at Wingers and then went to Aunt Diana's to visit for awhile. We had a lot of family there at the airport and as you can see from the pictures we were very excited to hug that boy. How proud I am...and was of Jory and all that he accomplished and the example he set for not only the younger generation, but for all of us. I love this boy with all my heart and know how proud my mom is of him as well.

20 Years Has Come And Gone

Wow...where does time go? It just didn't seem real that my 20 year reunion was last weekend. You never think about that when you are graduating..."oh, I can't wait for our 20 year"...yah..random huh?

I had really debated going to my 20 year reunion after attending my 15 year reunion. There were some girls that I ended up having some issues with shortly after graduation and I always feel anxiety when I have been around them at reunions...plus, at the 15 year I was one of the only divorced classmates (at least that I knew of). It isn't all that much fun attending a class reunion with no spouse or date. It was probably just me and my insecurities but I didn't feel that I belonged and I didn't feel like anyone cared that I was there. I left that night and told myself, not again.

I changed my mind however this year. Those insecurities are just that and I realized that it is what you make it. So, I kind of volunteered to help out and was asked to do the reunion dvd. I got involved in the planning and helping do whatever I could. I contacted classmates and tried to get a lot of them that were thinking about not going for some of the same reasons I had been. There were several classmates now divorced, still holding grudges against people, feeling insecure, etc...I am so glad that I made the decision to go and be part of it. I had the BEST time at the picnic and the dinner. It was a lot of fun. I've gotten to know some of the people I didn't really know back then, and I felt good about myself! I think having a different attitude is what it is all about.

I was looking forward to seeing one of my best friends from my senior year, Gayla (Bigler) Smith. I had not seen her since the 15 year. She is still athletic, skinny, and always on the go.

Here we were 20 years ago with our good friend Melanie Chapple
and..here we are 20 years later.

I was also thrilled that a good friend, Maury Flake came from Utah. He was always a good friend, and such a neat guy! His wife was such a doll too!

Here we were 20 years ago....
Here we are now... (also Dee Nichols on the far left)

This is an amazing friend of mine. We worked hard to find classmates and Lilli is honestly the best salesperson, she can sell ice to an eskimo. I think half the people that showed up did so due to her hard work.

This is us 20 years ago... and now 20 years later (we are on opposite ends)

The reunion started off with a few issues, um...er...no power? Yah, that kind of put a damper on things but a couple of the guys went and got a generator so we would be able to play the dvd and at least have sound for their skit (which was absolutely hilarious by the way). We all ate dinner in the dark and the lights came on just as we were finishing eating. The rest of the evening was a lot of fun.

Here are a couple pictures of the guys (Scott Smith, Travis Caskey, Jason Lyman, Mark Wilson and Dustin Franco) during their skit.

Last but not least, here are some group pictures.

and it will seem like tomorrow when I head to my 30 year and look back and say again...where has the time gone?

2 Years ago...good memories, amazing family

I've been missing my Utah family a lot this week. Probaby because I'm getting antsy to head up there in a few weeks. As I mentioned in an earlier post, my cute little studly missionary cousin is returning from El Salvador on August 4th. I'm so excited to see him, along with the rest of the family. It got me thinking about July (2 years ago) when I went through the temple and Jory was leaving on his mission. It's hard to believe that amazing day happened 2 years ago this month. Most of my family was there. They are all amazing (even the ones that did not make it). It's easy to see why I love my family!

And...WOW...what a difference in the "then and now" of me. YIKEES.

Me and my baby girl. (wow has she changed in 2 years)

The Tucker Clan

Megan, Ryan, and Uncle Paul.

We're missing Aunt Sharlene and Cameron. Can't say enough good things about them.

This is my studly cousin Jeremy and his wife Michelle. She is beautiful. She reminds me of a brunette Carrie Underwood. She's sweet as can be and I'm so glad she married into the family.

There are not words to describe this girl...well maybe a few:

• nutty
• hilarious
• crazy
• fun
• did I say nutty? Oh, I did?

Bree is definitely a favorite among the younger cousins, she knows how to have a good time. Always fun when Bree's around. Love her to death.

Jen (aka Buffwoman) and her amazing husband Jeff-er-ey!

Jeff holding Will, and baby Granter Bean in the tummy.

I love this family. If you are looking to play games and listen to one of the most wittiest girls around...it's Jen. That girl comes up with the most random things to make you laugh. (More to come on Jeni later).

This is the studly beastmaster Elder Porgy (aka Jory Porter)

Love this kid and can't wait to see him.

He doesn't know I had surgery. I wonder if he'll notice I don't quite look like Jabba the Hut anymore.

Me and 3 of my favorite boys on this earth. The other favorite is in heaven (little Micah).

These are my favorite nephews...(ha ha and my only nephews).

Aunt Diana and Aunt Jessie (did I mention that I have amazing Aunts...all of them).

Aunt Debbie, Uncle Ron, Miranda, and again the studly Porjmeister. So greatful for Aunt Debbie who really pushed me in the right direction so that this day would be possible. Not sure what was going on with Debs, mine, and Ron's faces in this picture...hmmm.

This is one of my favorite pictures. It's my favorite because my mom is in it and because she is there with me at the temple, and because it's a 4 generation photo. Grandma Peel, Mom, Me, and my princess Bryten.

Mom, Me, and my sister DeAnn (What a great picture to have of the three of us).

This is just part of the Utah Family I am missing! Just looking at this right now makes me cry...I am truly blessed to have so many wonderful family members that were there for me that day. I love them all so much.

Another special picture...one of my dearest friends flew up with me to be there that day. Love ya Kari!

I feel much better looking at my post below...after looking at these photos.

Special times though

50 lb. update

The last two months have been very slow in my weight loss progression. Partly because I wasn't riding my bike due to my gall bladder pain, and now partly because it's too dang hot to get out and do anything. What was my excuse 2 weeks ago when the weather was nice...um...didn't have one. Regardless, I have finally made a slight nudge on the scale needle and have hit my 50lb. mark.......only 35 more to go. You Can Do IT.

A month of Re-Cap

O.k....so...it's been a month since I posted anything. ShAmE oN Me! Thank goodness a friend called me out on it...whew. Thanks Deborah.

On May 12th, I had my gall bladder removed...everyone was dying to know that right? I had a lot of pain for about a month, finally found out I had gall stones. Not fun...and a lot of pain. The upside? I can now play dot - to - dot on my tummy. Anyone up for a game? O.k...just kidding.

On May 23rd we remembered our sweet Mom, Grandma, Wife, Sister, Aunt, and Friend. (post below). What a great day it was. Not great because she was gone, but great in the sense that it was a special day to us...a day to remember and honor her. It was also my Aunt Debbie's birthday...yes...my mom passed away on her sisters birthday. It's one of those bitter sweet things. My Aunt feels that it is an honor to share that with her sweet sister.

Mom and Aunt Debbie

May 29th, Bryten and I flew to Georgia for a week of fun and work. I had to work so I decided that this time (not knowing if we will get another opportunity) I'd take Bryten a long. She has never been further East of Arizona so this was a brand new experience for her. We went to Six Flags over Georgia with some great friends, spent the day in Tennesee with great friends, ate dinner and spent time with great friends, went to the laser show at Stone Mountain with great friends, and there were still more great friends that we didn't get to spend time with....wow...GREAT to have great friends. We took lots of pictures and had a great time...it was glad to get back home though.

Me and Bryten in Tennessee

Bryten at the lookout tower at Ruby Falls (TN)

The Bowens...in Tennessee (Sarah, Madi, Cayla, Clay)

Magnolia in the Bowens front yard

Getting ready for the laser show at Stone Mountain

Clay is such a bad driver...he got car sick...not not really...someone else did it and Clay is pretending.

Riding Superman at Six Flags...I'm not really in pain...just laughing hysterically. Clay...not so sure if he is o.k.

Bryten taking picture of herself (common activity) on top of Stone Mountain

Ryan and Deborah White at Six Flags - more of the great friends we have in GA.

The following week Bryten left for girls camp at Camp LoMia....she had a lot of fun and made some good friends. She played Barney the purple dinosaur in her skit and colored her hair purple with pink polka dots. Can you say Goofball?


Last Monday we had Grandma Salladay move in for awhile. It has been an experience, but I'm sure one that someday we will look back on as a blessing.

I've been working every night putting together the memory dvd to played at my 20 year class reunion...HEY...who just called me old?? Dirty...that's not nice. I'm having a blast putting it together and hope that they like it. I would post it on here when I'm done but I think it's too big...and too long. We'll see.

That's a re-cap of the last month or so....


Now it's the class reunion in a few weeks and then....off to Utah for Elder Porj (that's Jory in family talk) to return from El Salvador...can't wait. I love that kid...um...now I guess he's a man...but he's a kid to me.