Trip to Northern California. 1998

We took a trip to Northern California and spent an entire week with Mel and Carol Platt. It was awesome. They took such good care of us.

Tanner was so impressed by the beauty of the ocean. We couldn't keep him out of it.

Tanner started chasing the water and it chased him back. Emily wanted to do it too but she didn't want to get wet. So Mel ran for her. He is a good dad.

Emily and Tanner. Sweet kids. Tanner liked to tease her a little. But I think they had a great time together.

My Little Brother Matt!!

Heidi, Jarom and Matt

My little brother Matt is always doing what is right. I am so thankful for the example he has been to me and my family. Even from when he was a little guy I could tell he had a sweet spirit about him. We are ten years a part so I got to see him grow up. I remember when he was about 18 months old my aunt gave him some candy. Matt smiled and went to everyone in the room to share his candy with before he even took one. He is just a good kid.

What ever Matt does, he does his best. He puts his best foot forward and tries his best. He has always had good grades, good friends and a good sense of humor.

While he served his mission in Madagascar we always enjoyed his weekly emails. You could hear of his strength and humility and we watched him grow.

This last spring Matt graduated from Weber State University with a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. Matt invited family to the commencement exercise but didn't mention that he was graduating in the top 2% of his class. He didn't know it would be announced like that either. He is amazing. Love you bud.

Mom, Matt and Dad

Tag.....I am it....

Heidi tagged me. I hope I do this right.

Five things (under $10) I can't live without :

* Hugs and Kisses from Tom, Tanner and Spencer

* Red Box

* iTunes
* Hiking

* Board Games with the boys

Five favorite movies :

* Fever Pitch

* The Fugitive

* While You Were Sleeping

* Breakfast at Tiffany's

* As Good As It Gets

Five favorite kid names :

* Tanner

* Spencer

* Taylor

* Madison

* Emily

Five songs I could listen to over and over :

* Falling For The First Time - Barenaked Ladies

* Another Post Card - Barenaked Ladies

* Save The Last Dance For Me - Michael Buble

* Love Me Tender - David Archuleta

* Anxious - Housemartins

Five things that stay in my purse at all times :

* Sunglasses

* Loose Changes

* Reciepts

* Tylenol

Now I tag : Alyssa

Family Home Evening.....Draper Temple

For FHE tonight we went to the library (boys choice) and then stopped by the temple on our way home to get some pictures for my blog. It is coming along. It is supposed to be done by November of this year.

Help me out here. Tanner is a good looking kid, but he has decided to do his hair "faux hawk" style for the summer. Of course it is a house rule to have a part in his hair for Sunday. I just don't know when it is okay to bend a little or when it is okay to let him make choices with out interfering too much.

Spencer is hoping to grow into his teeth this summer. He has discovered the PS3 this summer. I am glad that I have something to motivate him to do his summer home work and chores with. But I wonder if I let it be introduced to early.

A view looking over the valley from the temple.

Our little sunshine......

Tanner-man took drama his last semester of 7th grade. At the end of the year he and his class performed in a play written by his drama teacher called "The Greatest Power". This play is based on the book. He did a great job. He was the sun. If you know Tanner, you know what a ham he is and how much he loves the spot light, so this was perfect for him. He did very well and was quite animated to boot.

Overwhelmingly Fun Week.......

Benjamin Van Dam

This last week has been so much fun for me. My mom has been visiting with us from Gallup, NM. We have had to share her with my sister and brothers families but always enjoy her visits.

Atalie (my bestfriend) also came up to visit. It was so fun to stay up late, share stories, giggle and just talk. We were also able to have a little get together at my home with De Jones and his son Indiana as well as Nathan and Tiffany Sorenson (and their girls Libby and Abby). It was so much fun to catch up and talk about old times. We had some great laughs. I think the greatest joy to me was to see how happy everyone is and that everyone still has a testimony (stronger now) of Christ. Nathan was able to share some incredible experiences about the power of the priesthood. I was able to feel some of the same joy that I believe the sons of Mosiah felt when they were reunited and felt joy as they knew their brethren were still strong in the faith. It is such a happy feeling.

I will add pictures later.

De Jones and Nathan Sorenson

It isn't really a visit with Justice (Atalie's son) with out a game of Risk and or Monopoly. Tom had fun playing with the boys. He talks a lot of smack (Tom that is).

They were up so late, I have no idea who even won. I do know that they had fun. I hope that we get to spend more time with Justice in the near future.

Little Sahara.....Scout Campout!!

This last weekend Tanner had a scout campout at Little Sahara. He forgot to take his signed permission slip. Tom and Spencer ran to the church to give the scout master the permission slip. He said, “Hey Spencer, would you like to come too?” Spencer said, “Yes!!!” Tom was shocked. Spencer said, “Please Dad…oh please Dad!!” Brother Oulerking said, “I have plenty of gear, and lots of food.” Tom agreed!!! I was a little upset. Come on this is my baby and he isn’t even a cub scout yet. I worried and worried all night long. The boys did not get home until 1PM the following afternoon.

Spencer did fine. The pictures prove it. However, we have agreed (Tom and I), that there will be no more scout campouts unless Tom goes with or until Spencer is 12.

Spencer is the first one in the photo and Tanner is the second one!! They had a blast. However, all their laundry were full of sand!! I am glad they had such a good time.

Look at Spencer's Smile. He can't wait to be a grown up (12 year old) scout!!