March...

Well, it's official!  Alec and Jackee are now Mr. and Mrs Bowler and Halle is officially in our family March 21, 2015!  YAY!  It was a great time and Jackee had it planned down to a T!  She's amazing!  We walked in the church building, and the cultural hall and it was not a cultural hall.  Jackee, Alec and friends/family had put up all the decorations, THAT Jackee and Alec MADE!  It was seriously amazing!  It was fun to meet all her family.  It was great to meet Nick's parents.  I can't even begin to imagine how hard it must have been for them, but they were amazing and supported Jackee and gave of themselves in that way.  They stayed the whole evening!  This is why I love Jackee.  I looked around the room at all these people that are in her life, that could easily hate each other...maybe they do?!?  I don't know.  But, what I do know, they were all willing to put aside any differences and be there for Jackee.  She has this amazing ability to gather people to get along.  Don't get me wrong...I am sure there are times that it's not perfectly this way (I mean...she is female and we as a female race do tend to cause a little drama even if we don't mean to!).  It was just amazing to witness and to see all those who love and support her and that they love and accept Alec into their lives as well.  

We got to Colorado and went straight to the church.  We had fun where we stayed because all the Bowlers that came, also stayed there.  The poor complex...Bowlers invaded!  I was so grateful that family would sacrifice their time and anything else that may have been going on in their lives to come.  I know not everyone was able to do that, but I am grateful for the ones that were able to.  That evening, we had a rehearsal.  Dallen mentioned that he was really glad that they were going over things because he had no idea what he was doing.  We had the rehearsal dinner...Mexican food...my favorite!  Jackee picked it out, so another reason I love her :).  The boys all went and hung out with Alec for his last night of "freedom" as a bachelor.  They accidentally forgot Dallen because he was helping my parents and Scott and I clean up the food mess, taking down tables and putting chairs away.  Where were the others?!?  It's ok.  They tried coming back to get him, but his cousin, Jeremy showed up, and he was really excited to see him and since he felt a little outcasted, he decided to just stay and hang out with Jeremy.  They didn't mind because they had a hotel room all to themselves.  And, what happened at Alec's stays at Alec's.  I don't know or want to know!  We were so excited, too, because Lexi got to come with Derrek.  Seriously, I am the luckiest woman in the world.  I get to have two amazing daughter-in-laws.  I am constantly in awe of them.  Anyway, Lexi got to come and she was brave and went with Jackee and her friends for the night.  She didn't know anyone!  I'm not sure I'd be that brave, but Derrek was with Alec, so she figured it would be good to get to know Jackee. 

Wedding day, we woke up and took our time getting ready.  Actually, Scott and I took a little trip to go get doughnuts at Coloradough.  It was worth the trip!  We did come back and share some :).  We then got ready for the wedding and headed off.  Here are some of the pictures...

After the wedding, we had pictures.  Jackee, again, amazing!  She had written out a list of pictures she wanted.  She had people pop in for the picture when it was their turn and then someone on deck to be next.  We were done in 1/2 hour!  I am sure she made the photographer's day!  Alec and Jackee then left to go take other pictures.  Here are a couple of my favorites from that session...

After they got back, we got ready for dinner.  She made most of the food.  She has a friend, Andrew, who does this for a living (he was the DJ) and helped set everything up while we were all out taking pictures.  She, seriously, thought of everything little detail!  We ate dinner.  It was fun because Halle was so tired and wanted me to stay with her while she fell asleep in the chapel.  It was worth skipping dinner :).  We then had some games that they played and then the dances started.  The song Alec chose for our dance was "That's What Mama's Do" by Jason Matthews.  I can never get through that song without tears...so yep, they came!  I couldn't believe all my hard work had come to this point.  I was so humbled that Alec recognized how much I loved him and all the years of me getting after him were because I wanted him to be the best man he could be.  It was a great moment for me.  I appreciated it so much. Here are some pictures from the dance part of the evening.  Her friend, Andrew, did an amazing job with the music.  He definitely is worth whatever he charges!  

I just have to point out, again, all the decorations Jackee and Alec made!

After they left, sad to say, the decorations came down fast!  We had so much help!  I don't think her friends have ever seen how Mormon's clean up...heck, the Bowlers do this every Thanksgiving!  It was fast and everyone knew what needed to be done and it was done.  I love that we all have taken our kids to clean the buildings and even they knew what was expected and what to do.  Seriously, I think her friends were in shock.  

We had fun, later that night, spending time with Derrek and Lexi and getting to talk about their wedding and plans.  I didn't want to take away from Jackee and Alec and so I waited to open that door until they were married.  Then while we were chatting, Alec and Jackee popped in!  That was fun!  They were telling us "behind the scene" stories of the wedding and we had some good laughs.  Then they were off.  

The next day, we got ready to head back home.  I was sad that it was ending so soon, but we had to get back.  We went to church and Jackee's grandma, RaeAnn went with us.  I really am glad she asked if she could come.  Of course!  She then came and ate lunch with us (our hotel rooms had kitchens and while we were at church, dinner was cooking). It was fun getting to know her and welcome her into our family, too!  Then we headed home.  

The next week was spring break for Dallen and Ashton.  Dallen got the opportunity to go to Havasupai (sp?).  He even paid the $90 to go.  He went with his friend, Bryce Brubaker, and a man that works at the Mortuary with Scott, Ezra.  Ezra was going as a favor to a friend and there were extra spots.  He didn't want to see those spots get wasted because it takes at least 6 months to a year to get the permit to go.  So, he asked if Dallen and Bryce wanted to go.  I am glad they did.  It's something they will always remember.  It was perfect for Dallen.  He loves that kind of stuff.  Here are a couple pictures he took...

Then we had General Conference.  I love General Conference.  I get so excited about it that I start making conference kits for people.  I made them for Charity and Emily and their companions on their mission and the ladies I visit teach.  I found out that the kit that I made for one of the ladies, her dog ate it.  I didn't put it up high enough on the porch.  She said they were able to save a few things.  Oh well...I tried.  I just wanted them to have a piece of my excitement...maybe they'll learn to love it like I do, if they already don't.  

This last weekend, Scott and I were able to go up to Salt Lake.  Lexi invited me to her dress fitting.  I am so grateful that both her and Jackee wanted me at their dress fittings.  I wouldn't get a chance any other time because I have all boys.  It's been fun dipping into the girly side of things.  I am glad I went because first dress/first store, she found the perfect dress.  She looks amazing.  It's very "Lexi" and I am excited for Derrek to be able to see her in it.  Beautiful!  We then had lunch all together.  It was fun getting to know her mom and sister-in-laws better.  It was a good time, for sure.  Scott went and saw a movie right by the dress shop, so he was entertained.  We had planned on dress shopping for the whole weekend, but it was done!  So, we went to hang out with the Berezays.  We had so much fun and love that we can be ourselves.  We haven't seen them for 7 years or so.  Too long!  Kim helped me brainstorm about the luncheon and she is amazing at that kind of stuff.  Copying from Pinterest can only get me so far!  Kim can see the rest.  I need to enlist Jackee too, because she's the same way.  She can see it all.  

Then we traveled down to St George.  It was such a relaxing Sunday.  We got to go eat with my Grandma Nyquist, who just had surgery to remove a blockage that cause several mini-strokes and if she didn't have it done, would most likely have a major stroke!  She was getting ready for church and we ate lunch with her before she went.  My Aunt Nancy showed up, also, and it was good seeing her, too.  We talked more wedding stuff with Derrek and Lexi.  The next day, we did more wedding stuff, I had to do a payroll, and we went to lunch at Cafe Rio (yum!) and saw one of my old friends, Crystal Smith.  She used to be my backyard neighbor and her son was friends with Derrek and Sadie was in Calvin's preschool class.  So, I've known her for several years.  It was fun catching up.  Then we headed home after lunch.  Dallen, Ashton, and Calvin made sure they kept the house in order...no pets died!  Speaking of pets, we had to do a quarantine with Angel during all of this because she bit the repair guy for our internet!  Golden retrievers aren't supposed to bite!  Usually, you can't get them to stop licking you!  It wasn't bad, thank goodness...she just nipped him, but it did draw blood. So, since she hasn't had recent rabies shots, we had to keep her away from Shep for 10 days.  That was HARD!  Angel was loving the attention from me and Shep was beginning to wonder!  Then when Scott and I got back from St George, I had to go get the dogs their shots and all that.  Now everything is back to normal!  Whew!  

Other things that are going on...my bookkeeping job is ending soon.  I was let go twice already, but they aren't quite ready for that, so they asked me to keep going.  The merger is taking more time than they thought.  Fine with me!  I am liking working from home.  I can get a lot done.  It's been a blessing, for sure.  I am grateful it is going as long as it is.  I still have the restaurant job.  I love that job.  It really is a happy job for me. I have applied for other jobs, but I keep feeling that maybe I just need to do the restaurant one for now and get through the summer.  But, maybe that's just me thinking there is no way I'm getting the other jobs.  It's definitely one of those things that is in the Lord's hands.  I can only do what I can do and go from there.  Either way, I know we will be taken care of and we are already very blessed.  We have been able to save and pay for wedding stuff without any credit cards or anything.  To me that's a miracle, but we are determined to let the Lord help us and not try and do it on our own (that's where the credit cards come in for us!).  We are blessed!

For Grandma :)

Yes, Grandma...August is a long time since I have given any updates.  I think it is because starting September, the changes kept coming and I couldn't keep up with them mentally or physically!  So, I will do a little re-cap between September and now (6 months!).  I can't believe it's been that long!

*Alec decided that he had served his mission as much as he could give to the Lord.  He was at peace with the decision and it is a decision that is his to make.  I am sure he did not do it lightly!  He came home a week before Derrek got home.

*Derrek got home September 19th.  It was so good to have all the boys back together again.  Calvin had been living in Phoenix and so, he was able to be there with us, too.  It was a really good day.

*We drove to St. George for Derrek's homecoming talk.  It was cool because the missionary that spoke with him when he left, also gave his homecoming talk.  Jackee and Halle surprised us and we got to meet them for the first time in person.

*Alec moved to Colorado to court Jackee Daniels.  She is a young lady who he met on his mission...at her baptism.  She has a 2-year old little girl.  Sassy and sweet wrapped up in one!  He wasn't her missionary, but he was able to be at the baptism.  I just remember him telling me "mom, there is something different about this girl".  He was right...she's awesome!

*Derrek decided to move to St. George.  He wasn't sure why, but felt that is where he needed to go.  He moved in with my parents and started to work for a landscaping company.  He signed up for school at Dixie State University, but really wanted to head up to Salt Lake for the U of U.  It wasn't working out.

*Alec asked Jackee to marry him!!!  We are so happy he did.  She makes him a better person and he is so amazing to watch with her little girl.  I have always known he'd be an amazing dad. She fits in perfect to our crazy family :)

*Alec and Jackee (and Halle) came down to visit us and we went down to the Phoenix Temple open house so Jackee could see what a temple looked like on the inside.  It is a beautiful temple and I love the simplicity and the pop of colors they used.  It was absolutely gorgeous.









*We got to spend Thanksgiving in Phoenix, but Derrek and Alec weren't able to come.  I guess it's that time in life where we have to start spreading out and sharing.  Maybe we'll start getting together on Labor Day and everyone else can have the "normal" holidays :).  I'll have to work on that!  Mike and Laura had Marcus sealed to them and Emily received her endowments.  It was a really great weekend.

*Christmas we were able to go up to St. George.  It was a nice escape.  It was easier for us to all go there than to try and get Derrek here.  We were able to spend time with him, my parents, my grandma, and friends that we could squeeze in to see.  We had a good time.  We did have some sad news.  Rod and Mary decided to get divorced and that was really sad for me and Scott.  They got married 2 years after we did, and they have been married 20 years.  But, I guess things change for people and they have both handled it pretty well.  I think Mary still knows we love her and we'll at least get to see her at all the family events that involve their kids.

*Calvin moved back home just before Christmas.  He was able to go to St. George with us, which was great because he hadn't seen my parents for over 2 years.  He was happy to see them.  He signed up to go to school at Northern Pioneer College here in Snowflake and was able to get his old job back at Sonic and is now a shift manager in training to be an assistant manager.  He is doing really well and happy.

*After Christmas...things started brewing for Lexi and Derrek.  By New Years...they were officially an item again!

*For New Years, Scott and I got to go to see Brian Regan in concert.  We were so happy to arrive in the Valley because there was a HUGE snow storm and getting from Snowflake to Phoenix is no small task when it snows.  We were stuck on the mountain for about 1/2 hour having to weave through cars and trucks that were not able to go any further.  They later shut down the highway due to it being so dangerous, so we were really glad we were able to get down there.  Kathie, Paul, John, Rebecca and Emily and her boyfriend, Sam went with us.  It was fun hanging out with all of them and having some good laughs.  Best New Years I've had in years!

*Scott was released as Young Men's president and is now Gospel Doctrine teacher.  He does good and loves it.  I am still a counselor in the Relief Society.  We love serving.

*I was able to travel to Rifle to go to Jackee's dress fitting.  I didn't know she was having a bridal shower later, so I feel bad that I wasn't able to make it to that.  It was fun meeting all her friends and family.  It was good to see Alec and Dallen came with me and he and Alec got to hang out.  It was a short trip, but really fun. Alec and Jackee decided it would be best to get married in Rifle on March 21st and we are excited to travel up there again.

*Just this last week, Scott got to travel to Indiana and learn more about caskets and that side of the business.  It was a good trip and grateful Jason wanted him to go.

*Ashton got to go to Universal Studios, Sony Pictures, and other places in Hollywood.  He is in the Film class at school and the teacher takes the Junior and Senior class every other year.  Ashton would have missed this year because he didn't take the beginning class last year, but because he was way ahead of everyone in the beginning class, his teacher let him re-arrange his schedule to do the beginning class as well as the advanced class so that he could "qualify" to go on this trip.  He really loves movies and filming and they got to see all the "behind the scenes" stuff that goes on to make the movies and TV shows that we love.  He had a lot of friends that went, too, and he had an amazing time.

*Also this week, Derrek officially asked Lexi to marry him...so a wedding in June!  We are so excited to have two lovely women join our family this year...actually three, if you count miss Halle :)  It has been amazing to watch the boys grow and we love who they have chosen to be with.  They are amazing and strong young women, who make Derrek and Alec the best versions of themselves.  What could a mom want more?!   We are loving this stage of life and so excited for the upcoming festivities!

I have had a change in my job and am now able to work from home.  It's been a weird adjustment and I am still not sure of all the details.  I'm just told to keep doing what I have been doing, just at home.  I am glad because I have really loved this job.  The lady I worked for sold her company (she retired) and I am still not sure of my job description with the new company, but we'll work it out one day at a time.  I am told they have a position for me, but I still haven't heard anything.  We are still in transition and so we'll see where this leads.  I am hoping I get to keep it and it works out.  Working from home would be amazing.  I know the Lord is aware of what we need and so I am not too worried.  I still work at the restaurant on Friday and Saturdays.  I love that job, too.  It is a lot of fun and I have learned lots and I am good at it :).  

I think that catches us up for now.  Hopefully I will be able to keep up on things more now that I am working from home.

End of Summer

I realized, once again, that I haven't posted things that have happened.  We had a REALLY fun reunion with the Bowler family at Jacob Lake.  I only had two kids there!  Calvin decided to not come with us because he was moving the next few days after we got back and he felt it would be too stressful for him...Here are some of the pictures from that...

Watching the herd of buffalo

The whole group!!!  Jennie and Wes and their 2 kids were the only family not represented.

 They took a day and went to the North Rim.  I didn't feel like going...been there a million times and just wanted to relax, so I got to snuggle with Marcus.  The rest of them got to see a herd of Buffalo.  Dallen LOVED this because we watch nature shows all the time and to see them live was a treat (especially for my animal loving son!).  There were plenty of other things...catching critters, playing with cousins, writing letters to missionaries (we have 4 out in the family!).  We had a movie night, made paracord bracelets.  That was fun!  Lots of games, food, some napping, showers, rain, and a great weekend.  

Megan, Zac, Ashton, Jeremy, Dallen, Paul

Dallen with Aunt Kathie

The "cool" 16 year olds (Emma escaped the picture!)

Movie night...

Dallen writing to the missionaries

Dallen and his buddy

Cami LOVED that Dallen and Ashton wanted to take a picture with her.

It really was a fun time and I'm glad we got to go.  It's always iffy because of the car or work or something else always comes up, but we were grateful we were able to go.

We got home and a couple days later, I ended up heading down to the Valley to move Calvin.  I literally had 24 hours to move him.  I got off work at 3 from my bookkeeping job, got Calvin and all his stuff, said goodbye to Scott, got to Heidi's to spend the night, ran to the mall to buy school clothes for Dallen because he was starting school in less than a week, woke up early the next morning, dropped off Calvin and his stuff and made it back to Taylor 5 minutes before I had to go to work at my other job!  Here are some pictures of that 24 hours :)

Calvin saying goodbye to his dad

Calvin moving his stuff in...

All moved in!

Dallen having a little fun on the drive home.  He and Alec used to do this...put pieces of chips on the end of their fingers and have the wind hold them there.  Entertainment for at least a good hour!

Calvin is doing good there.  He and his roommate are working out the kinks.  It's hard getting used to how others do things.  But, they are learning.  The first week was hard for him.  He didn't have a job and was super stressed because he literally used his last dollar to move into the apartment.  He had to put about $600 or more into his car right before the move and it about killed him!  But, he needed the car and we sacrificed going to St. George to be there for my parent's homecoming, so that we could help him get settled and a little money so that he could buy gas to go look for a job.  I don't think I have ever seen him hit the pavement so hard to look for a job!  He had a job within 5 days.  He is working at "Queen Creek Cafe".  He moved to San Tan Valley and I didn't realize how far south it was from Phoenix.  It took us an hour and a half to get to his apartment from Heidi's house!  That was hard because he was homesick the first week and had no gas money to go visit family.  He survived, though :).  Anyway, his job...he started out as prepping/dishwashing/grunt and within a week, they moved him up to a cook.  He was even training another new kid!  His days at Celebrations and Sonic have really helped him for this job.  Today, he told us that they are now training him as a bouncer!  What?!?  A bouncer?!  I have ALWAYS thought Calvin should do something in law enforcement or something like that.  We even tried to get him a job as a corrections officer at the jail just a 1/2 hour away.  Anyway, he can't do it on his own until he turns 19 because it's against the law for him to work in the bar area until he's 19, but he can train...that's legal.  He said last night he had to break up a Samoan guy and a much smaller guy and he was freaking out!  But, he did it and everything went well.  So, we'll see what happens with all that.  He really is doing good and he's happy.  I love that he calls and tells us.  

The next week, school started.  My parents got home from their mission the same week, also.  They got home on Tuesday, and school started Wednesday.  Actually, my parents got delayed in Rome and missed their flight in Paris, so they didn't get home until Wednesday, but they are home and off visiting grandbabies they haven't seen yet!  

Dallen and Ashton are in high school this year.  It is AWESOME having all my kids in one school again.  It hasn't happened since they were all in Elementary together (Dallen went to pre-school at that school, too!).  Plus, our high school has Fridays off and now all my kids have Fridays off!  If we wanted a 3-day weekend, we could take it!  Anyway, they are really liking their classes this year.  Ashton said his favorite is film and media class.  I could totally see Ashton liking that.  Dallen said he really likes having Seminary last.  He said "I just come home happy!".  I think he's the first of my children to EVER say something like that.  He is happy, though, and if it's because of seminary, then that is even better.  Here is a picture of their first day...

Dallen - Freshman, Ashton - Junior (August 6, 2014)

That's about all the news we have here.  Derrek and Alec are doing well on their missions.  Alec will be turning 20 next week!  I can't believe I'll have another in his 20's.  Those two have sure grown into amazing young men.  I love watching them and am grateful I get to be a part of their life.  Work is going good.  I have realized how to balance things.  I gave a lesson a few months ago in Relief Society and it was about visiting teaching.  There is a great talk from Sister Julie Beck that she gave at a Women's Conference I was able to go to and she gave the analogy of the rocks, pebbles, sand, water and if you don't put the right things as a priority, it will never fit, but if you put the rocks in (the important things, the must do), then the pebbles (the less important, but still need to be done), the sand (the "nice to do" things) and the water (everything left over to do), then you will find you can get it all done.  Anyway, I have a pile of rocks in a jar by my kitchen sink to remind me of this because I knew I get out of balance.  I was way out of balance since starting these two jobs.  I was feeling out of balance and just felt like I wasn't paying attention to the things that I feel should be a priority and I have reorganized myself to take care of those things first.  For me those things are going to the temple, doing my visiting teaching, visiting other sisters that I think of, church, scripture study, etc.  I have demanded time for those and all the other things seem to fall into place.  I have found time to exercise whereas before it was nearly impossible.  I have found time to bake and take things to others.  I have found time to hang out with my kids and be a little more present.  I have found time to go on dates with Scott.  We even found time to go help someone save his corn (story below).  All the while, I have been able to have all my hours at work and do all these things.  It's not all perfect, but I have definitely felt the wisdom from the words of Sister Beck and am grateful for that guidance.  

I just have to show this pretty picture of what we get to see daily here during July and August.  Along with it comes some nasty rain and wind if you are under it! As you can see...someone is getting it!  We had a HUGE storm come through our neighborhood and it was crazy!  A member of our ward planted a large garden this year and when that storm came through, it came so fast that the rain made mud which allowed the wind to blow over his corn.  I got a phone call from a sister asking to send out a text (that's my job in the RS) to all the sisters to see who could help save the corn. We had about an hour before it got dark (he didn't think he could save it and another member of our ward convinced him it could be saved).  It really sounded so funny to me, but I knew it needed to be done.  I love our ward because the minute the sisters got the message, there were 10 cars there!  Scott and I were on our way back from a movie and stopped and grabbed Dallen and went to save some corn (stood it back up and packed dirt/mud around it).  It was definitely a first!  It was fun.  My allergies did not like me, so I came home and took a couple benedryl and went to bed!  But, I would do it all over again :)