MTC

A little fuzzy but you get the idea.

They ask that a member of your family put your badge on, Doug had the honor.

Notice above the door. Missionaries go in one door and the family goes in another.

Well March 18th is here, our 35th wedding anniversary, and the greatest present ever. We are at the Missionary Training Center in Prove to drop off Elder Jaren Pitt. It was a very special day and Doug and I were so pleased that after a few tearful hugs he turned and walked out the missionary side and didn't look back. Thank you again to all who made the extra effort to share this experience with Jaren. It was kind of hit and miss with different schedules but we had a great week end and made lots of lasting memories. I have to say though that the highlight was the evening when the stake president came to our home and set Jaren apart as a missionary and he became Elder Pitt. He will learn so much and he is such a loving spirit that I know he will love and serve the people of Mississippi well.

Five Generations

On Saturday night we had the big dinner for everyone and even had some of doug's cousins from Brigham City. Of course I am the ditz that forgot to take pictures. Janelle did manage to get these of the five generations now living on my side. When Janelle was born there was also five generations. Each generation is about twenty years apart, give or take a few months. Grandma Gigi just celebrated her 92nd birthday.

Helping Jonas

Jonas timed his Eagle project so the family could help while they were here. These are a few shots of them passing out fliers. He is collecting towels, pillows, and blankets for a shelter in Salt Lake that helps the homeless. A wonderful organization that in this economy is in desperate need. Thanks for all the helpers!

East High

For Starlee's benefit the Isom's made a stop at East High to see the setting of High School Musical. I understand that it is quite the attraction these days and for awhile were even offering tours.

Temple Square

On Saturday the Isoms and the Kralings went to Temple Square, they got some great pictures. Can I also say, thank goodness for Dad's with strong arms and shoulders. The tulips weren't quite in bloom, but it was a lovely day and everyone seemed to enjoy it from all the smiles.

Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives

On the Food Network we had seen this Burger Bar shown and decided it would be fun to check it out. I did not realize that it did not have inside seating, so it was a little chilly waiting for the food. We then promptly drove home with our famous Buffalo burgers. Our neighbor's grandfather actually opened it and she told a great story in a talk about how he just didn't feel right about being open on Sunday's and so he closed for the sabbath. The miracle was that his business increased and is now on third generation ownership.

Draper Temple open house

After picking Jaleen up from the airport, and she changed into her skirt quite expertly in the car. We immediately headed to the Draper Temple open house. It was quite the wait to get on the bus, but it is a beautiful temple and I really liked sharing it with so much of my family. It was a beautiful day inside and out.

At least Garth was there to carry Ryden this time!

Finishing at Farmington Pond.

In the mine, which isn't to deep.

Heading out on the trail that is behind our house. This is actually an access to the Bonneville Shoreline trail which runs along the Wasatch. Jonas mentioned a mine that he knew about so they all headed out to investigate. They called and I picked up the girls from the pond, because it turned out to be further than Jonas had thought. I took a couple of the kids the next day for a shorter hike and then walked back on the street, we let Trevon lead the way, and he took the wrong side of the Y. I told Ethan it was OK when he questioned the direction because we could just go back another way.

Brady and "the" guns

In the toy closet I have cowboy guns, hats, etc. The guns are by far the biggest attraction for the boys and I need to invest in several sets. Here is Brady falling asleep with them on in Joanna's lap. It is also wonderful to see my girls being such great and caring mothers. I love you all.

The Mayan

Trevon and Ethan caught in the jaws of the serpent!

These were out front and the kids really had a good time climbing on them.

We also took a trip to Cabela's which is becoming a major attraction here on the Wasatch front. Personally the fudge is worth the drive.

After hitting Cabela's we went to a restaurant called the Mayan. We had ring side seats to the divers, ate some Mexican food and relaxed a little.

Starlee sat with me and after we had seen the divers and started to eat she asked me,

"Who came up with this anyway?"

I answered, "that Aunt Jocelyn thought that Jared and Jon would enjoy seeing it and asked her what she thought."

She said, "Oh yeah"

She loved the divers and the atmosphere. It is like a jungle and we walked over to look at the butterflies on a tree twice.

Jaren's farewell

Ryden with Uncle Jonas.

Douglas Eldon Pitt with soon to be Elder Jaren Douglas Pitt. (Doug is standing on his tiptoes, but then most of you already knew that.)

All together and it has only been ten months, we are on a roll. It was a housefull but Doug and I couldn't have been more pleased for Jaren to have the support of all his siblings. His talk went well and he was way relieved to have it over with. Doug got a call from the Bishop that morning and was also asked to speak for a few minutes because one speaker couldn't make it. Needless to say I and a few others cried too! But I have been telling Jaren for weeks when I cry they are tears of joy, absolute joy!

Jaren goes to the temple!

Well after all the traveling, we finally settled down to getting our missionary ready. With his recommend in hand we headed to the Bountiful temple and had a wonderful experience with Jaren. He sat in the Celestial room after and I asked him what he thought and he looked at me and said, it is very spiritual and I am glad the stake president told me not to focus on the details and just on how I feel. This is Jaren with his Dad just before we went in.

Brett's blessing

Sweet baby Brett Douglas

His big brother doing a great job!

The little Wilde family.

On Dec 29, 2008 Brett Douglas was blessed by his father, we were thrilled to be there and sure love this new little grandson. We are abundantly blessed with 9 grandson and 2 grandaughters.

Happy 2nd birthday Jared!

Jared aka Buzz Lightyear

They even found a Buzz pinata, who would of thought. He kept telling everyone, mumble mumble and beyond. I loved it!

We drove back to San Diego in time for Jared's second birthday party. He is such a cutie and loved having a party. Unfortunately this is the beginning of a very long week with almost everyone getting sick at some point.

Christmas '08

Christmas dinner with Grandma Gigi, Grandma and Grandpa Goodner.

Jaleen flew up and Jonathan came up from Provo.

What do you do for extra refrig space in the winter? Try the back porch!

We flew home in time for Christmas and had a great and relaxing time. We really appreciate the effort of Jaleen and Jonathan to be there, it made it an extra special day.