Potato Bugs Anyone?

Abby and her cousin Jessica have a new hobby. Every time they play outside, they like to collect "Rolly Polly" bugs
Here's some from their collection.

Aren't they adorable?

3 1/2 Months

Lazy Sundays...

Mommy Preschool Update

This past week, we had preschool at our house. The theme this month is Rain Forests. On Tuesday, I got to teach Abby's class about monkeys and parrots. Today, I taught them about beetles and snakes. Here is a picture of Abby's class. From left to right:

Abby, Jackson, Katelyn, Jacob, Spencer, and Parker (Not pictured)
Today we made these cute snakes

Snakes say ssssssssss!

Even Bree got to make a snake!

I'm Learning. Slowly, But Surely

I'm loving my class "How To Finish Your Basement." Last night my instructor and my classmates met at my house. We framed one section of my basement. The section included a window, so I feel very lucky. We're meeting at my house again next Wednesday. Wahoo! ...Free labor.

Grandpa Nelson's Funeral

Bruce Richard Nelson

Bruce Richard Nelson

1929 ~ 2009

Bruce Richard Nelson, 80, died peacefully while surrounded by loved ones on Monday, September 14, 2009 in Provo, Utah. Bruce was born May 22, 1929, the only child of Allen Richard and Ruby Johnson Nelson. Bruce is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Earlene R Van Wagoner, 4 children, Allen Tommy, Salt Lake; Lyle Richard (Sherrie) American Fork; Lori (Jeffrey) Bennett, Alpine; Kari (Kurt) Schwendiman, Moscow, Idaho; 20 grandchildren. Bruce had a special relationship with each of his grandchildren. Each can tell of special times with Bruce and Earlene.Bruce was an active member of the LDS Church, and served a mission with his wife in Omaha, Nebraska. He retired from Geneva Steel after 38 years of service.The family wishes to express their love and gratitude to all who have shown love and compassion to Bruce during his years of battling illnesses. He loved you all and he felt his life was rich because you were "his friends."Funeral services will be held Friday, September 18, 2009 at 11 am in the Anderson & Sons Mortuary Chapel, 49 E 100 N, American Fork. Visitations will be Thursday evening from 6 to 8 pm and Friday 9:30 to 10:45 am at the mortuary. Burial, Alpine City Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent at andersonmortuary.com

We'll Miss You Grandpa!

My Grandpa passed away today.

I stopped to say "Goodbye."

As I told him that I loved him,

It was difficult not to cry.

Grandma shared some stories

About the good and bad times they'd had.

Then she leaned over and kissed his forhead and stated,

"I'm going to miss you Dad."

My father marveled at his hands,

"Look at them. Aren't they big and strong?"

I nodded and thought about all of the things Grandpa has done with them,

The list is very long.

Grandpa's health was so poor.

And yet, I never heard him complain.

I'm thankful that he was able to go,

Because I know he was in a lot of pain.

Grandpa we will miss you!

We will miss you more than you know.

We hope that we can live like you,

And endure til it's our time to go.

Fish Are Our Friends, Not Food!

A couple of days ago we bought some new fish for our tank
We bought a couple of these orange/blue fish.

One of these silvery spotted fish.

An algae eater and a mini catfish (Not pictured). My son Andrew asked if we were going to eat the catfish when it got bigger.
"These fish are our friends, not food" I replied.

We're happy with our new fish.

Going Back To School

Yes! You read the title correctly. I am going back to school and I am soooo excited. I received a pamplet in the mail a couple of days ago from UVU. There are several community classes close to my home, and surprisingly, they're not very expensive. The class I signed up for is titled "How To Finish Your Basement." I get to learn how to frame walls, hang doors, ceilings, sheetrock, and, finish a bathroom. -I can't wait. I love do-it-yourself projects. If any of you are interested in taking a class, here is the website: www.uvu.edu/ce/northvalley

Pink Eye Is No Fun!

Pink eye is no fun!

...Well it is pretty fun because you get to miss school (According to Andrew).

-Everyone except I got sick,

but no worries!

We've all begun antibiotic drops.

Abby's First Day Of Preschool!

Today was Abby's first day of preschool. I am doing a "Mommy" preschool this year with several woman from my ward. Abby had a wonderful first day. -She made a tiger out of a paper bag and she also painted an aligator. -So cute!

Labor Day

Crazy driver!

Beautiful mountains!

Labor day was nice. We went for another one of our "Rides." First, we drove over to Heber. All of us got a milk shake from Granny's. If you've never had a milk shake there before, it's right up there with Labeau's at Bear Lake. After the milk shake, we drove over to Midway. Some one told me a while back that there was a rode in Midway that you can take that will connect you to cascade springs. We went exploring and found it. What a beautiful place we live in! The wasatch mountains are amazing. Here are some pictures from our trip.

Sunday 9/6/09

Our sweet little baby Alyssa was blessed yesterday. Yes, it's official! Her name is Alyssa, (Not Margarette Ann ...as Aaron would say). -I just wanted to thank everyone that was able to come. We had a wonderful time visiting with all of you. Here are some pictures from the event.

Breelyn, Me, Alyssa, Abby, Brody, and Andrew shortly before the meeting
Breelyn, Aaron, Alyssa, Abby, Brody, and Andrew. Again, shortly before the meeting.

Our beautiful girl

Isn't she gorgeous!

All of the family

Alyssa with her cousin Emily

Andrew

Our melted desert!

Yummy leftovers

Andrew, my brother-in-law (Sam), Great Grandma Bullock, Grandpa Walker, and Grandma Walker


Here is a copy of an email written by my father-in-law (Kent Walker)

Dear Family,

Today my father gave me my beautiful name and a very special Father's blessing, then my Mother shared her wonderful Testimony to me.

Today was the second most wonderful day of my life---the first was my birth to my mother.

Today was extra special to me in another way too---I was dressed in a beautiful white dress that my Aunt Karie Jean made---I was held, hugged, kissed and smothered with love from so many, many family members; I know that my 'Heavenly Parents' sent me to all of you.

Today, 'I really am the baby sister' to my two big brother's Andrew and Brody---and too my two wonderful sister's, Abby and Breelyn---I know the 'four' of you will take good care of me---another reason I choose you to be my family here on earth.

I am so excited to meet all of my family---so we can begin to (as I get somewhat older) create treasured family memories together.

'Grandma Bullock and Grandma Argyle', having you share your day with me is one of those 'treasured family memories'---I love you!!!

Well, I need a diaper change and a nurse(ing) about now---

Alyssa.