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!!

American Idol.....

For those of you that know me.........I have not been a big fan of reality TV. I think it is mostly because TV evolved without us while we lived in Taiwan. When we returned it seemed that every night was a new TV reality show with a different theme.....some bachelor trying to find love.....chefs trying to win praise from a mean chef.....some sort of dancing show that I could never figure out.....trying to be a director for Matt Damon and Ben Afleck....and the list goes on. I heard lots of stories about American Idol. I couldn't quite understand the rules of it and honestly, did not give it much time. My mom and sister were addicted. They called each other after the show and shared their opinions about each performance. I was again, let them enjoy what ever it was they were loving so much.

I don't know what happened to me this year. Maybe it was the long winter. It may be that I was flipping through channels and was shocked to hear some British guy sitting next to Paula Abdul just ripping on some poor sap that "thought" he could sing. That was all it took. I watched from half way through the first episode and have been glued since.

I think what has made it more fun for me is that now I feel like I have so much say in who wins (not really, but it feels that way). I watch each night and call in my votes.

David Archuleta (a Murray local) has been a pleasure to watch. We had David Archuleta day in Murray last Friday. It was a blast. The spirit that was in the air was much like what it was when the Olympics were here. You could feel the pride in the air. It was awesome. Yet, David seemed so humbled by the support he received from his home town.


Governor Huntsman proclaimed May 9th "David Archuleta Day". He thanked David for helping the economy (lots of T-shirt, button, mugs with "VOTE for DAVID" sales). David was given a huge basket from the Mayor of Murray and Granite School District. They said they couldn't give him a key to the city because he "owns" it. David continually seemed shocked and surprised by the mass support of fans he had.

Later that night he started off the Jazz vs. Laker game by leading them off in singing the Anthem.

I guess reality TV is not that bad. I really have enjoyed the contestants and judges. I think Simon is my favorite. He is usually right, I think.

Thanks for listening to my rambles....