Grandma Pond

My Grandma Pond passed away last week, and we held her funeral yesterday. Our little family traveled to Oregon to be with our family and to celebrate grandma's life. She was my mom's mom, and the last of my grandparents. I never lived close to her, and didn't know her as well as I would have liked, but I sure enjoyed her company when we were together. A few years ago she came to Utah and we took her to Payson Lakes for a day trip. She and I escaped and took a walk around the lake and just talked. She was a good listener and a thinker, with much wisdom to impart. I was always surprised at the things she noticed about me and my family, she observed everything and was generous with her compliments of me. I loved that about her. She will be missed, however she was old and frail, and ready to go, so it really was a celebration for her I'm sure.

She was a true lady, always dressed up, wearing heels and beautiful, classy jewelry. She dyed her hair to the very end. :) Would you believe this was her 90th b-day party?

4 generations, a priceless picture.

All of my siblings attended except for Allyson who wasn't able to make the trip. All of us grandkids sang "Nearer My God to Thee" at the funeral, it was an honor.

The 4 children: (L-R) My mom, her twin sister Carol, Uncle Vernon, and Uncle Bob. (arrived a little late)

This is my favorite cousin Kari. She and I have been very close friends forever, and I love her very much!

Boy talk

My pantry used to be so organized!! What happened? Next project I suppose:)

Taylor: "so whatdoya want for a snack?"

Joseph: "doya have a graham cracker? I sure love those!!"


Tay: "yup." He proceeds to climb the pantry and get some crackers, then leisurely swing from the pantry pole like a monkey.


Joseph: (thinkin' outloud, probably eyeing Taylors get-up) "I don't know what I want to be for Halloween. Maybe a ninja or a clone."


Tay: "Oh! Be a NINJA!!! Remember we're gonna to do stuff like flips and cartwheels and stuff?"


Joseph: "but a clone has a GUN!"


Tay, giving a knowing look and nod: "well, you could just borrow a gun from us if you want."


Joseph: "OK".


Off they went enjoying their graham crackers, only to further discuss cool weaponry and the like. I could just follow them around all day...natural antidepressants!!

October Conference

I sincerely hope when I get to the other side, and the time comes for me to account for how I taught my kids the gospel, that I'll get tons of mercy and at least a "well, you had good intentions anyway..sure liked that idea you had for conference, sorry it didn't work out..."

The week prior to General Conference we had a nice little family home evening on what conference is about, who speaks etc. Since we have some fairly new General Authorities (church leaders) that my kids aren't familiar with, I decided to print off bios on all the GA's and start reviewing the newest ones. Oh my plan was so wonderful and would have provided an extra sense of spiritual connection to conference I just know it!

However, it didn't quite go as planned. (So unlike us...yeah right!)

We did review the three newest ones in FHE, with the plan to add a couple more each night with our scripture study. Well guess what??? Did we even have scriptures last week? Oh, maybe one day...we fell apart!! I tried to tape more pics up on our fireplace, hoping the kids would at least look at them, however I don't even think they noticed. Maybe next time...

Ironically we really did have a good weekend together listening to and watching General Conference, so all is not lost I suppose. (Sigh)

The pics and bios of some of the General Authorities. The rest of them are in a pile on the mantel...

On Saturday we all worked out in the back yard, clearing out the garden. It's amazing how much we fit into that little truck!! Great stomping guys!


General Conference was blaring out from our CD player, hope the neighbors didn't mind...heck it's good for 'em right??

Parker went to his first Priesthood Session of General Conference with Karl! I was so proud, I could burst! When they came home we had lots of ice cream, and they told us about the meeting. Great day!!

Soccer Season

I didn't know how much I would enjoy watching soccer! I LOVED going to the boys' games and cheering them on. Connor's division was comprised of both 5th and 6th graders, but his particular team was 90% 5th graders. They started out losing most of their games, but as the season progressed, they caught fire, and by the end they took 4th in the tournament!!

Taylor's team was hilarious to watch! Every now and then, when Taylor heard us cheering (or saying something like..."run the other way bud..."), he'd stop dead in his tracks, turn to us, and give us a big "thumbs up"! Soon several of the other team members caught on to the thumbs up thing and it became really funny. Kids and parents thumbs upping each other through the games!

Such shy, reserved boys...;0

Connor made some awesome goals throughout the season, and really grew as a player.

Their coach was awesome! After losing their last game, he huddled them around and told them how awesome they each were, and how proud he was of their hard work and progress.

Next year boys!!

Taylor running up on the ball...go Tay!

He wore that medal for the next few days, and check out that big bag of skittles!! What a treat!

Indian Days of Summer

We've had some fun activities this past month. You know how it goes, just trying to get it all in before the snow flies...It's hard to believe September is almost over! Here are a few of the highlights of the last dog days of summer:

My Parents and I took Sean's kids, and Taylor to the Wasatch State Park pond to play and of course feed the ducks!

We had a wonderful picnic, waded in the water, played on the playground and just enjoyed the beautiful day. Of course we topped off our day with shakes at Granny's! YUMMY!

Taylor, Megan, Josh and Ashlyn all decided to wash Karl's truck. It really wasn't very warm, but they had fun getting wet anyway.

(Karl paid them each a dollar :)

Sean and Melissa visited us from the great state of Washington. While here, we took all the cousins to Highland Glen Park and enjoyed the ducks and water. (just missing Nathan's kids...:()

For some unknown reason Sunday really does bring out the best in our kids. They find all kinds of creative ways to play, and generally get along really well...what happens to the rest of the week?

(gotta love Karl asleep on the couch in the background...day of REST, right??)
TWISTER...it's a Classic!

First day of school! We started on August 20th, which seemed early, but the kids were ready, and truthfully so was I!!

Birthdays and MORE Birthdays!

September is a big b-day month for us. Well, actually Fall is, we have 6 of our 7 birthdays from Aug. 10th to Nov. 1st. Ashlyn gets the Winter all to herself :) Anyway, Parker and I have a birthday 2 days apart. I'm not so crazy about celebrating my birthdays anymore, so it's great to focus on Parker. As it just so happens, my boy is becoming a man, and turned 12yrs on the 18th! Today he received the Aaronic Priesthood! He is such an awesome kid, truly someone I learn much more from than I ever teach him, to be sure. Karl ordained him and gave him a beautiful blessing, he is so blessed to have a dad who honors his priesthood...we all are. Here are some highlights of our week.

Mom and Me in Park City...shopped all day for my birthday, got some awesome running shoes!
Parker with his friends! He had a night game birthday party!

Parker just received the Aaronic Priesthood! Wonderful!

The Deacon's quorum presidency came to welcome Parker into the Young Men's program. They were steller! They each took turns outlining the duties of a Deacon, and gave him a hearty welcome. I was SO IMPRESSED, and very touched!!

Would you believe he ate the WHOLE thing??

Parker begged us for a unicycle...get this, he wants to learn how to play the banjo, and ride his unicycle!

He practiced all weekend!!

August Rush

I don't know about the rest of you, but

August FLEW BY!

With all the school prep and responsibilities (I chair a committee at the school), and Connor's birthday to boot, we were swamped all month.

My sweet Connor turned 10 yrs. old.

I remember being 10. I remember looking out the window, waiting for my friends to show up for my party, hoping people would come. I vividly remember standing off to the side of the window, behind the curtain so no one would see me, then feeling great relief when cars started to pull up. Funny huh? Haven't thought of that for a while. It was great to be in double digits, but still be a kid. I was never in a hurry to grow up, still that way. We celebrated Connor by having a big party with his friends at our house, then celebrated again at Payson Lakes with G & G Baxter.

We LOVE Payson Lakes!

Powered doughnut birthday "cake"...perfect for a campfire celebration!

Connor's friend party...all a bunch of hams! :)

Grandma and Grandpa Baxter and grandkids.


One of those "pensive moment" pics. My Parker boy is sure growing up!

Did you know "Nessy" the Loch Ness Monster's sister resides at Payson Lakes? Yup, true story! (looks like she brought a friend...)

Parker and Connor spent much of their time jumping and somersaulting off the dock. There were several teenagers admiring their tricks, which only encouraged the boys! hmmm...

Connor and Taylor..they rowed all around...so fun!

These rafts look cute, but they proved to be hard to maneuver...

only turned in circles, it was really funny!