Memorable MondayEngagement

I was informed that my brother is getting married. We are so excited to go to SLC for the wedding. I instantly remembered the time that Jim asked me to marry him. Jim and I dated on and off for 5 years, the last 6 months of that time more seriously. Jim and I talk often about the day he proposed and the events leading up to it. The story of our engagement is a simple one and we love to look back on those days we were engaged. I was lucky to have so many people planning my wedding reception, because all I did was hang out with Jim.

Chess Tournament

Josh participated in the "The September Swan Song Spetacular Chess Tournament" on Saturday. What a fancy name for a chess tournament. He won a few games and lost a few games, but had a great time. Josh didn't qualify for a trophy or a medal, but did earn a yellow ribbon for participating. Josh has learned that there are valuable lessons to learn when you don't win a game. He learns from his mistakes on each game to become a better chess player. Josh has become a great chess player and it's really hard to beat him in the game.

Off to see the Koala

While Josh was at his chess tournament, the girls each invited a friend to the zoo to see the Koala exhibit. The exhibit was open to members only this weekend, so I had to get a glimpse of these Koalas. The Koalas are on loan from San Diego until the end of March. The girls had a great time, even though it was a hot day. We saw lots of different animals besides the Koalas and we cooled off with snow cones, water, and hydration stations throughout the zoo.

Mesa High Band Night

Josh spent the afternoon and evening with the Mesa High Marching Band. After school, the Taylor Band students traveled to Mesa High for a group practice. The Brimhall and Mesa Jr. High bands went also. The Mesa High Band Booster provided dinner before the kids headed off to sit in the stands. During the first half of the game, the Mesa High Band played during the game, while the junior high kids soaked in the experience. It was a hot day, so the Band Boosters. parents of the marching band members, handed out water constantly. My sister was in charge of getting the water and she was busy keeping those kids hydrated. At half-time, the bands went onto the field. The Mesa High band marched out first and did a couple of numbers, and then the junior high bands joined them. It was amazing to watch Josh march on the field and see him perform. He played the bass clarinet this time, but will switch back to the clarinet when he plays next year in the marching band. This experience helped Josh and he still wants to play in the marching band.

Memorable Monday Ham Radio

Jim was able to use his ham radio with the Varsity Scouts this past weekend during their On-Target communication. It was a great opportunity for him and the scouts to see the ham radio in use. Jim got his ham radio license soon after we were married. My dad has had his license for many years and is always encouraging family members to get their license, and Jim took up the offer. Jim and my dad converse often on the ham radio when they travel long distances. My dad has a ham radio check in the net every Saturday and Jim participates once a quarter. Jim is often busy on Saturdays and sometimes forgets, but my dad is awesome and keeps in on the roster.

My dad has been very active with the ham radio and has made many friends and had some great experiences because he is a ham radio operator. My dad participated in the Olympic torch run and helped with the communication during that time. One day while traveling to Utah, my dad was chatting with some guys coming back from Utah. My sisters and I were so thrilled about this conversation and encouraged my dad to stop by the Glenn Canyon Dam to meet these guys. My dad was nice and took the time to meet these guys. I don't remember much of the conversation, but it was a memorable drive to Utah. I love that Jim and my dad use the ham radio and I hope that some other family members will continue that legacy of having owning a ham radio license.

Memorable MondayScoutmasters

I spent this last Saturday in Scout training - must if not all the training was specific to Scoutmasters. It was a very boring training, but I was reminded on how hard scoutmasters work.

*My dad was a scoutmaster several times. He was a scoutmaster while Jeff was in scouts. He was always encouraging Jeff, cousins, and other boys to earn their Eagle. He still encourages his grandkids to earn their Eagle.

*Jim was scoutmaster for several years. He worked really hard during those years and it was so fun to see Jim interact with the boys. It was during this time, that I learned about the scouting program.

*Josh had several scoutmasters and assistant scoutmasters that helped him succeed in scouts. They have taught Josh so much, more than just scouting skills. They have been such a great influence in his life and I really appreciate all their hard work on his behalf. So, thanks to all the YW/Scouts leaders that have helped Josh these past few years and those who will continue to help him in the future.

Emily in Dance

Emily is taking dance with some of her friends this year. They are taking a tap, ballet, and tumbling combo class with Ms. Wendy. She loves dance and going with her friends is icing on the cake. Her friends are Kate, Lily, Karina, and Abbey.

Memorable MondayPayne Family

Our High school friends, Jane and Judy, lost a nephew in a drowning accident this past week. Their brother Tommy lives in Queen Creek and we attended the viewing and the funeral. It was so sad to see a family deal with such a tradegy. There were touching moments of the funeral that I will remember for a long time. I was reminded of the Plan of Salvation as I heard Tommy talk about his little boy and the faith he has that he will see him again. It was good to see the Payne family again but I wish it was under better circumstances.


We were good friends with both Jane and Judy and here are some pics of us in younger years. Jane was in orchestra with me and Judy was in color guard with Lisa. We have been friends through ups and downs, especially for the Payne family.

Josh's Teacher Ordination

Josh was ordained a teacher today by his father. What a blessing it has been in Josh's life to hold the priesthood these past 2 years. He has learned so much and has done much service for the members of the ward. For the past 8 months, he has served as the Deacon's Quorum president and has shown great responsibility. What a great honor for Josh to be ordained by his father and to see his father use his priesthood and live a worthy life. I am so grateful to have the priesthood in my home.