Grandchild #11

Announcing grandchild #11,

Brett Doouglas Wilde. We were all waiting, especially his mother, but he managed to hold on until after finals. He was born on December 19th, I had flown in the day before and Doug was already there so made it with time to spare. Jaleen got to go in for the birth and Doug and Monte got to babysit Brady during the delivery. Well, what do two granpas do with a two year old. They whip out their cell phones and start going through the songs and in Doug's case, elk calls. At least until the nurse came and told them to stop. Other than that it went picture perfect and all was well.

Mission Call

Well after all the months of dentist visits and getting his implant done he was finally able to put his papers in in November. Actually only three weeks after he could have. The day finally came and the envelope was in the mail, he was at school when the mail came and I happened to come home when the postlady pulled up. I met her at the mailbox and she looked at the pile of mail and saw the corner of his call and pulled it out and smiled saying she was sure we were looking for this. I called all the kids and made arrangements to call each of them on a different cell phone that evening at what seemed to be a good time. Of course they had changed the time of young mens and I didn't know it, so Jonas had to go late. At the appointed time we managed to all get on the phones and then we held them up to Jaren to read his call to the Mississippi Jackson Mission. He was thrilled and just excited to know where he was going. I had a picture that James a friend took, but who knows what happened to it. In all the confusion we only got one on his cell.

Hunting

Doug and Jonas went off into the hills several times hiking and looking for deer. But alas no such luck; it is OK we still have a freezer full from last year. They did have some awesome views and some great bonding. Not to mention getting in better shape. Although Doug thinks he needs a horse for this year.:)

Homecoming Dance

The whole group ready to head out the door to the dance.

Jonas' date, she is a doll and really fun.

James' sister Claire helped me to serve and clear dishes, she was thrilled to be a helper.

Enjoying dinner!

Panna Cota for dessert with fresh berries.

The menu from the Ironchef contest with the addition of grilled chicken and brocoli.

Stuffed caprese, this is way yummy!

The boys came a little early and about fell over when they saw the table. I promised them I would make them proud and they decided I did good.

A scavenger hunt for the day, with 10 challenges that had to be recorded by camera.

Jonas had his first semi-formal dance in Sep '08 for Homecoming. It was a boy ask girl one. The boys all got to together to plan it and still not kill the bank. They decided that they could cook dinner for them with a little help. For the day activity, which is a must for dances here, they had a scavenger hunt and had a great time. Their dinner turned out great as you can see and it was a great first experience.

Ironchef Competition

OK, I messed up, and I hope this works. Somehow I took the picture in video, but it is all I have. Our ward has held an Ironchef competition the past two years. The teachers quorum took the title when Jonas was there. Then they figured they needed to make sure someone else did this time, but Jonas and the priests came along and blew everyone out of the water. The secret ingredient was cheese, they served Fetticini alfredo, toasted parmesan garlic bread, caprese stuffed tomatoes, and a wonderful ricotta fritter. Needless to say I don't think another class had a chance. Jonas is already worked up for the next one.

Special treat for me!

My special friend Sheryl needed to come for a family sealing so I headed down to meet her while she waited for the couple to come out of the temple. It was so wonderful to see her! You know what the old Girl Scout songs says about old and new friends, one is silver and the other is gold. It is true, and yes I was a Girl Scout for a very long time, a long time ago. Anyway if you are headed this way, just holler and we will come to you, even for just a few minutes.

For Shelby

For a couple of weeks I had Shelby, Trevon, and Ethan for a visit while their parents were waiting to get into their new house. Some how I blitzed big time and didn't get any pictures. I think I was busy keeping them busy. :) Shelby helped me with this quilt while she was here for the Humanitarian Center and I was able to finish it after she left and had a clearer head to take a picture and show her the finished product. I love to sew with Shelby, she is an eager student and besides I just love her so. Thanks Shelby for your help!

Doug's BD

Doug was in San Diego for his birthday and so the kids got together for some pizza to celebrate. It is so hard to believe sometimes how old we are, but when you look at grown kids it kind of smacks you in the face. Now to just stay healthy to enjoy it!

EFY for Jonas

The cute little gal on the right is Morgan, she is actually in our ward and ended up in Jonas' group at EFY.

Jonas' Group

During July '08 Jonas headed off for Logan, Utah to Utah State campus for EFY. It is a funfilled week of spiritual workshops and spending quality time with youth that have the same standards. He always has a great time and as a parent it is one experience that the sacrifice financially is well worth the wonderful experiences and the kid you get back at the end of the week, albeit a tired one.

Scout Camp

Going for a swim at Scout Camp!

Garin is the third one in line and Uncle Jonas is leading the group.

Garin came up to go to Scout Camp and Jonas was a real nice uncle and went with him, he being 16 and all. Our scout master was delighted to have Garin go and I think really appreciative to have Jonas' help as well. They had a great time and I loved getting these pictures to have for the blog. July '08

The sweetest visitors

To start off July we were thrilled to have Haley and Heidi Bennion and a friend come for an overnight visit. I almost didn't recognize them at the airport they have grown up so much. They were delightful to have and I only have one complaint, and that is next time they should stay longer. We did get to have some fireworks with them since they are legal here for some holidays. They are special and beautiful inside and out. Thanks for the visit!

Jenna's visit with Weston

Jenna came for a visit with Weston in June '08 to have some immunization shots. He had really grown and was a real little smiley.

Green River High Adventure

Jaren and Jonas and all the Priest Quorum heading out for a white water high adventure with their very brave scout leaders.

They all had a great time and made wonderful memories.

Jaren and Jonas paddling along in June of '08. Jaren's last as a Young Man.

Jaren receives the Melchizedek Priesthood

Jaren being eighteen and worthy was ordained an Elder by his father to the Melchizedek priesthood. It was an awesome day and Doug gave him a wonderful blessing too. How grateful I am to have the priesthood to bless our family. June '08

Seminary Graduation

Jaren graduated from seminary in May '08 too! It is four years of attending a religion class each year and studying one of the standard works for each. Here in Utah the boys have enjoyed release time during school hours. All the older kids had early morning seminary at 6:30 am. Jaren did have that his freshman year and had a real appreciation for release time. They have been blessed to have great teachers and have enjoyed learning about the gospel more from them. He is number seven to graduate and eight is on the way!

Family Photo

Hey all eight together, doesn't happen to much anymore. They are always in our hearts though where ever they go.

Well since we realized that we all had made it to town at the same time, we gathered for a quick family photo. Jaren and Jonas just had to wear their white shirts because they didn't have any brown, but it still turned out pretty good. We are grateful to Haski for coming to take the photo. We also got one of Doug and I with all the grandkids, but to be honest I think a funny photo would have been all the parents trying to get the kids to look and smile for the camera. I just started laughing it was so funny! May '08

Ethan's Baptism

As soon as school was out we headed for San Diego to attend Ethan's big day. He was so handsome and we are so proud of our grandson and the fine young man that he is. We love him and are thrilled with his choice to be baptized. For their 8th birthday I make them a "comforter" to remind them of the gift of the Holy Ghost that they received at their confirmation. After the baptism we all got together at the church building for pizza and the cousins had a great time using up some of their energy from having been so reverent the whole time. I was very proud of all my grandchildren and it was a real thrill to have them all together.

Making Cards

Janelle and Garth's family came for Weston's blessing and while they were here we secretly made Mother's Day cards for Janelle. Well actually Garin used one I had already made, but he did sign it. Starlee had helped things along by cutting up some paper on the paper cutter and we had plenty of scraps to use. They all turned out really cute and it was fun to surprise their mom.

Temple cleaning

Doug and I had the assignment to clean in the Bountiful temple on an evening in May '08. It was a really cool experience. The supervisor explained how the standard is set by the first presidency that a temple is to be a one on a scale of one to five of clean. One being the cleanest. Doug and I were asked to dust in the offices of the temple, and I can tell you the dust rag came away almost as clean as it started. But it made me think if my body is a temple then that should be the standard for me to follow. We were glad to have had this opportunity.

Jaren's new job

Jaren started a new job working at Lagoon. It is the local amusement park and he operated some of the rides. He managed to work the whole season and received All Star Employee status and a great bonus. It turned out to be a great experience and he learned alot about himself and standing up for what is right.