Ten Years Ago

This past weekend was a chance for us to go down memory lane. It was our 10 year anniversary of our engagement. December 12, 1998, was that memorable day. We were a young couple knowing very little about our future. Edie was getting ready for finals, and in the middle of the Elementary Education Program at BYU, with graduation within the next year. Dean was working various jobs, not knowing when or if a college degree would happen. What was certain though, was that we loved each other and had enough faith, to reassure us things would work out.

Now ten years later, We are back to where we started, but the roles have switched. Dean is now getting ready for finals and in the homestretch of the Information Systems Program at BYU, with graduation next year, and Edie is working "various jobs" as a mother. So much has happened with us over the years, and life takes it course. It seems very fitting to be in the position we are now in. We are still learning every day, knowing just a tiny bit more about our future. What is certain though, is that our love for each other is just as strong but deeper, and that our faith gives us the same reasurrance that things will work out when they need to. After all, that is what we have witnessed during this last decade.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

Today was the first major snowstorm we have had this season. Dean and Connor went to shovel the driveway, while I took Bryce out. This was Bryce's first time playing and walking in it, so it was fun to see what he would do. I think he thought it was great fun just to walk in it and stomp around. In fact he complained when it was time to go inside, even after he had a few face plants in the snow. Oh the endurance of children! We all had fun, and enjoyed our family snow day.

Smile and say "Snow"

Dean even got in the playfulness of it all





Ready, Set, Throw!


Snow walking and loving it




Red faced, but still smiling, ready for the next time

The Christmas Season

The Christmas season has officially started in our home. The tree is up, the music plays, and the mood is set. This time of year is so wonderful. Even in a world where there are unhappy times, remembering that our Savior was born, and lived a life of service and love for all of us, can make us feel truly happy and bring us peace. As we go about our daily lives, it is great to know that we can be reminded of Him every day by the lights and sounds associated with this time of year.

Thanksgiving Activities

We had a good Thanksgiving full of happy times with each other and being with extended family. The night before, we went to an open street mall called the Gateway, and just walked around to see what it was like since we had never been there before. We bought some yummy chocolate at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, and then decided to go into Clark Planetarium to see what was there. It was fun to see that there were a lot of hands on things that we could do for free.

Edie on Mars

The boys relaxing on the red planet

Dean and Connor watching the cool contraption where balls go up and down on tracks

Connor's moon walk

Dean giving the weather for Northwest Arkansas


We all had fun being with family and just hanging out during this special day.

Cousin bonding time

Swinging with Aunt Julie


You can just see the the mind working as Bryce wonders how this thing works


"I figured it out!"

Future Looks Bright

Our family has come along way these 9 in a half years. We have moved from Utah to Arizona and back to Utah again trying to wind our way through the maze of life. We feel that every point in our lives has strengthened us and put us where we are today. We know that our Father in Heaven has guided us and pointed us in the right direction. Once again, we have been directed to our next stage in life. On May 25th, 2009, Dean will start his career "dream job". Last week he accepted Wal-Mart's offer to work in their ISD (Information Systems Division) as a programmer/systems analyst in Northwest Arkansas. We are very excited to have this offer from a very stable company right now, and look forward to beginning this new chapter in our lives. As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, we are truly greatful for all of our blessings that the Lord has given us. We are greatful to all of our family and friends who have supported and loved us through all of these years!

Yes I Can

Connor is surprising us every day by what he has learned while going to kindergarten. There was one day he had a pencil and a paper and wrote the word, we, on it, and proceeded to tell us what it was. I think that might have been one of the first few times we have witnessed him writing and saying a word. Just this past Sunday, we were visiting Julie. On one of the walls there was a paper that had a saying on it. Without hesitation and without any guidance from us, he quickly said "That says, 'yes I can'". Needless to say we were all amazed at how smoothly he read that sentence. I know that he is learning a lot of things, both at home and at school, but when we actually hear from him what is going on and what he has been taught it brings a smile to our faces. Connor, YES YOU CAN!

He's Got the "Blues"

On Saturday November 8th, was a bitter sweet day. This marked the last home game of BYU' s football season, and marked the end of Dean's time working with the audio and visual side of things during the games. Dean was able to witness this record breaking season for the team, as they won all of their home games. He was even told by a fellow employee, that he was seen on TV for a quick moment in one of them He had a lot of fun interacting with and being apart of the game day excitement. For the rest of the games in the coming weeks, Dean lifts his hat and shouts, "Go Mighty Cougars!"

Halloween Festivities

We had a lot of fun this year for Halloween. Bryce (even though was not feeling good) loved all the commotion of the ward party, looked too darn cute in his costume, and never once tried to take it off during the fun evening. Connor took part in his Kindergarten parade, counted pumpkin seeds for a school assignment, had fun being Bob the Builder, and enjoyed the ward's trunk or treat. Edie had fun putting together costumes for herself and for Bryce, enjoyed carving the family pumpkin, loved the fact that she could eat any candy and not get sick (unlike last year when dealing with gallbladder issues), and loved sharing every bit of it with her three boys. Last, but not least, Dean enjoyed being with the family, putting together his costume, and had a laugh when he and Edie were picked for the doughnut eating contest at the ward party.

Connor (Bob the Builder) and a girl from his class (Ragady Anne) pose for a picture at school.

Picking pumpkin seeds to count. Connor did not really like how messy it became.

The carving process begins

The family Halloween pose. Bob the Builder, a cuddly bear, Sleeping Beauty, and a "priceless" costume.

Smile you two!

Dean's face says it all, "I can't believe I am doing this"

The finished product. A powdered doughnut face, "Priceless"

Edie is ready to go, but wondering how she got herself into this

The battle is over and Edie came away with the loss of her wig, but won the right to finish her doughnut in peace.

Let the trick or treating begin!

Give a toddler a balloon and he will be set for hours.

The happy Halloween couple

Mr. Jack-o-lantern seems to say "See you next year!"

San Antonio trip

The day finally arrived when Dean was able to have his two day get away to San Antonio, Texas. This was all due to getting a second callback with USAA. They flew him and other candidates from BYU, to Texas for an on site interview. Dean was thrilled to have this adventure and loved every minute of it.


Taking a look at the competition


Even though this trip was strictly business, Dean did find a little time to tour some of San Antonio's famous sites. The Alamo being one of them.


This is part of the famous river walk with cafe's and restaurants along the side.

Family Night Fun

This weeks FHE consisted of the four of us going to Thanksgiving Point's Scarecrow Festival. It was a fun way for us to be together and for the kids to have some nice old fashion entertainment.


Mommy and the boys going down, down, down

Look at that smile

Jump house fun

Daddy and the boys (Connor the line entertainer)

Keep peddling!

Pajama Party

Connor had a lot of fun last week in kindergarten when everyone got a chance to wear their PJ's. He also brought his pillow along with everyone else so he could join in on the class pillow fight. He was excited about it all morning before school and even got "dressed" into his night clothes first thing in the morning. There was even a point where I forgot what he was going to be doing that day in school, and told him he needed to change into school clothes. He proceeded to remind me what day it was. I had to smile at that one. Oh to be a kid again and to be able to wear PJ's all day! What fun!

Little Maestro

A little while ago we noticed that Bryce seemed to show a keen interest in Music. There have been times that music has been playing or seen on TV or at church, that Bryce will stop, watch, and listen to what is going on. Even last week at church, he was very wiggly and a little upset, but as soon as the choir started singing he stopped and started listening. He then, every once in awhile, will raise his hands up and start moving them around like he is conducting the music. I happen to catch a little bit of this in our car as we were listening to Saturday afternoon conference. It is pretty cute to see him do this.

The Colors of Fall

As a family we went up Provo Canyon to see the fall leaves. It was nice to enjoy the views of the city and witness Heavenly Father's beautiful creations. We felt peace and happiness as we were there together as a family.
Daddy and Son (the bigger ones of the group)

Mommy and Son (the smaller ones of the groups)

Dad and Son Bonding Time

Connor loves to pal around with his dad, and has so much fun doing so. One thing he truly enjoys is traveling to school periodically on the city bus with Dean. Connor's elementary school is right across the street from BYU, so it is very convenient for Dean to be able to either pick him up or drop him off. I am pretty sure that Connor will remember this special year in his life because it will be the only time that he and his dad will be going to school together. With their schools just right across the street, makes this time even more special!

Dean and Connor Explained!

We've discovered a perfect explanation for
Dean and Connor's expertise!
Please watch this short video and you too will realize
why they are the way they are!

School Days

The first day of school has come and gone, but the memories and thoughts still linger. It is hard to believe that Connor has started into kindergarten, and is on his way into the "real world" and not the sheltered one he has been experiencing his first 4 years of life. As parents, we hope that we have steered him in the right direction, so he will be able to be a success in his own life.
It has only been 3 weeks since he has taken this rite of passage, but he seems to be holding up just fine. He loves to go each and every day. Just last week he told me (Edie) that he wanted to be dropped off in front of the school because he could get to his class just fine without me. Good job Connor, we think you'll turn out just fine!













Connor and daddy doing what school boys should, reading and Googling?