14 Years...and counting!

This time, 14 years ago, Scott & I were being married in the Salt Lake Temple. If you ask Scott what he rememebrs about that day, he will tell you that he thought he was being "stood up" because I was late getting to the temple! What I remember, and for anyone that was there with us, was how COLD it was. Seriously Scott & I had blue lips in our pictures!! We laugh about it now, but we were freezing that day!

So here are 14 things I love about Scott...
1. i love when you laugh
2. how you can make me laugh
3. Graison
4. Baylee
5. my bike you got me for Christmas!
6. how you let me talk you into my crazy logic about a "SALE"
7. that we are now closer to my family than yours
8. that you love to cook
9. what a talented photographer you are
10. you hardly ever complain
11. i love your family
12. you make me try new things
13. you played board games with my family at Christmas
14. that we will be together for time & all eternity!!

What A Weekend!!!

December 13 Baylee had a Christmas Dance Recital, where she was in the Nutcracker. She was so excited, and of course did an awesome job! I absolutely love watching her dance.

So, during the recital I got a phone call from my mom saying that they were headed to our house. I was a little surprised, but always excited to see family, and my sister Joy was coming to our house for the first time. I kept getting phone calls, saying how terrible the roads were and they were having to drive very slow. What is usually a 4 hour drive took them about 7! I felt so bad that they were having such a horrible time, but blessed that they were making this trip to see me and my family.

When they finally get here, we are bringing bags in, and putting dinner in the oven...When there is a knock on the back door. I ask one of the kids to help Aunt Joy in (knowing she went out to get bags) and my mom says, Jana just go get it for her. So I open the door for Joy, only to find my other sister Jennifer and her 3 adorable boys!!!!!!! I wish I could have seen the look on my face. I was surprised and couldn't stop saying how shocked I was.



My sister Jennifer truly is amazing. She flew..ALL BY HERSELF...with 3 boys (ages 4, 3 and 18 months) into Vegas then had to rent a car and drive the 9 hours to our parents house. I don't know how she has any hair left!! I would have pulled mine out from the stress.

















It was a very quick visit, but I wouldn't have traded those precious hours for anything!! I am so blessed to have such an amazing family. Who would risk the icy road conditions just to surprise me. I loved getting to see 2 of my 3 sisters, and my nephews and spending time with them.

Thank you Jennifer for giving me an awesome Christmas present.
Thank you Joy and Tate for coming too, and being a part of the surprise!
Thank you Mom and Dad for coming and being a part of the visit.

I love you all. Thank you for being my family...and most important my best friends.

Date Night

Scott and I have not been out to dinner without kids since we have been to Boise. So with 2 other couples, we went to dinner and an impromptu movie (we didn't think to make reservations). We went to a nice restaurant called PF Chang's and just enjoyed the company of our friends. We had been talking about ways to enjoy the true meaning of Christmas, and trying to explain to our kids that they don't need to make long wish lists. One friend, Jodi, mentioned that in past they went and bought McDonald's gift cards then went and found homeless people. I was determined to come home and talk the kids about ways they think we could help people less fortunate than us.

As we were ordering dessert and the waiter was boxing up all our "leftovers", a homeless man walked by the window pushing his bicycle and a pull along loaded down with his belongings. The girls and I just look at each other and Cristin said, "Should we?" and we all knew what she meant. The boys didn't think we could catch up to him, but don't underestimate 3 girls trying to do a good deed! Indeed, 2 blocks and across the street later, we did catch up to this gentleman and offered him our food. He was very thankful, and we immediately felt so good for doing this for him. Honestly the leftovers probably would have sat in our fridge for days only to get thrown out.

I am so thankful for friends who are such a good example to me. I honestly would never have done anything like this before. Then in listening to the First Presidency's Devotional tonight, talking about helping those less fortunate just reemphasized this for me. I am going to try and set a good example for my kids.

The Forgotten Carols

I wanted to post this while I still had the impression and feelings from my experience tonight (and still wiping away tears, thanks for the heads up Jennifer). Let me first just say WOW! I am not even sure where to begin. Living in Missouri, we didn't have the chances to experience things like this because they tend to stay in the Utah & Idaho areas. So, a gift from my mom, was tickets for our family to go see The Forgotten Carols.

Let me add a side note, so you can follow my emotional journey...I have LOVED Michael McLean since I was in high school. I went to an EFY and fell in love with his music. Then The Collection CD's came out and I was hooked all over again.

Sitting in this beautiful theatre tonight, Scott and I and the kids were all talking and enjoying the Christmas music playing. As the lights dimmed and we all were eagerly watching...Imagine my surprise when I saw Michael McLean walk out on stage!! I DIDN'T KNOW HE WAS IN THE PLAY!! I was in tears from the beginning with Michael playing this little musical flute type instrument.

Throughout the whole evening, as I was listening to the message, (and still in awe that Michael McLean was in the same room as me), I couldn't help but feel this overwhelming calmness and a sense of blessing.

As the evening closed, and Michael was singing my forever favorite song, We Can Be Together Forever Someday, he invited the audience to join in the chorus. We sang it a few times, and then he asked for us to think of someone we loved that wasn't with us. Either in the military, or across the country, or in Heaven, my thoughts turned to my family. (more tears now) I am so truly blessed to have my husband, Graison & Baylee and the impact that moving has had for our family. We have come together, and rely on each other to be our support. It has brought us closer together. I then thought of my extended family...and for the wonderful parents that I have. For the examples they have been to me, and are to my children. I thought of my sisters & brother...who are daily reminders to me that I am never alone in this world no matter what happens. They are examples to me on how to be compassionate, how to serve others, how to be a wonderful mother, and friend.

As we were sitting in our seats and the house lights come up, I am looking at our program and notice....Michael McLean and cast will be in the lobby for autographs!!!! I know it was getting late, and there were literally thousands of people there I never thought that I would be able to stand in the line long enough to get the casts autographs. As we walked down the stairs I noticed there wasn't a very long line, so we decided to go for it!!! I will never forget meeting Michael McLean, and him talking to us like we were old friends. And an added bonus...we scored a picture!!! I love the way he is hugging Baylee!! What wonderful memories!!!

Family Pictures

Yes, my husband is a wonderful photographer, but it has been a few years since we have had our family pictures done. So, since we have moved, and this is our first holiday season here in the Boise area, we wanted to do our pictures and show off how beautiful it is here. Scott recruited a co-worker to come out and actually take the photos (with the promise of White Trash!!) and she did a great job.

Scott of course "tweaked" them as he calls it, to make us all look gorgeous! I absolutely love them , and I think they turned out great.

I am so blessed to have been married for almost 14 years, and to have 2 great kids (3 i you count Max!). I love being a mom, and I thank Heavenly Father every day for the many blessings in my life.

BATH TIME...FOR MAX

One of the things we are coming to love about the Meridian, ID area is that there are so many things to do. Places and things to do that you are like "Why didn't I think of that!" One of these is a place called U Do Doggie Spaw. You take your dog in, and wash & dry him and then you leave...and THEY clean up! So cool! So for our Family Night, we decided that this was what we were going to do. Max desperately needed a bath, and I refuse to let Scott bathe him in our shower!


So, Baylee was all up for helping, and Graison & I went to laugh and to "document" the evening! We ended up having a good time, and Max looks great! I forgot that he was supposed to be WHITE!

By the time we got home, I think Max was wore out! Not to mention Baylee & Scott. We weren't home for 10 minutes and Max was snoring louder than I have heard in a long time! We never let Max on the couch, and he can't get up there by himself anymore anyway, but he wanted to be cuddled and so Graison let him up on the couch...and it was back to snoring!

We have all come to the realization that Max is on borrowed time. We have had him for 10 years now, almost as long as we have had Baylee! We try to prepare ourselves, and just enjoy Max while he is still here. We have come a long way, and almost lost him a few times back in the summer. He has been a great addition to the family!

Baylee turns 11

Can you believe that Baylee is 11?? I sure wonder where time has gone. Her birthday was during the week, so we didn't really celebrate until her party on Saturday. She had a really fun "theme", as we sent out movie tickets and told everyone to wear their favorite PJ's. We popped popcorn, had candy and sodas, did I mention the CANDY!! Then with 12 tween girls we watched CAMP ROCK, and let me tell ya they girls sang louder than the movie!! We of course had a pillow fight, and then a dance contest (which i had to join in!!) I think it was a huge hit, and all the girls said they had a great time. Baylee has really made some good friends since she has been here.

HALLOWEEN

We celebrated our first Halloween here in Boise. It was a little weird, as this was the first year Scott & I didn't have to take anyone trick-or-treating! A little sad, but it was also kinda nice. Graison went to a friends house to set up a spook house and scare the trick-or-treaters that came to their house. (Didn't have anything to do with the fact that there were 6 girls hanging around!!) Baylee actually dressed up and went T-or-T with some friends across the street. By the time Baylee got home, we had yet to hear from Graison, so we decided to go over to the Drollinger's house and see what was going on. Needless to say, there were about 12-15 "young adults" hanging around. So the decision was made to order pizza, and we all hung out for a while. it was actually a lot of fun. Scott & I were excited that we were able to get to know a family in our ward, and that they had kids the same age as Graison & Baylee. We all enjoyed out first Halloween in Boise, and looking to many more!!

Weekend In Logan

I was lucky enough to be able to go down to my sister Kasey's house for a long weekend. We are all taking turns doing down to help her out, since having the C-section, she is unable to lift her twins, Gage & Taya. So, now that I live closer (YEAH) I was so excited to go down and stay with her. An added bonus was being able to go to the hospital and seeing my beautiful twin girl nieces, Haylee & Peyton. Even though I thought I was on an episode of ER, having to scrub down to go into the NICU, it was SO worth it. These little girls are absolutely adorable. I was thrilled just to get to see them, but we happened to get there at feeding time, and I was over the moon when I actually got to hold and feed Haylee. Talk about a treat! Again,I am so proud of Kasey, and the strength she has. She has to drive 45 minutes each way to the hospital where Haylee & Peyton are, and I know it is hard on her (not to mention gas prices). She is a wonderful mother, and I know my whole family agrees. She is truly a hero to our family.

Buddy Walk 2008

Last weekend, Scott was approached about taking pictures for the National Down Syndrome Society's Buddy Walk. It is a fundraiser, that lets kids with Down Syndrome get together and have a good time. Well, we all have a special place in our hearts with people with Down Syndrome since we have Uncle Robert back in Sikeston. So, when Scott came home and told us about it, we made him email the representatives and tell them that the rest of us wanted to help also. Which worked out, because Graison had a service project due for school. So, Scott strapped a camera to Graison, and it was their first time "working" together. They both did a great job, and Baylee & I had fun walking around helping with games. It was so cold this Saturday, so its a good thing the T-shirts they gave us were big enough to wear OVER our coats! We had a great time, and the kids there were so cute and fun-loving. It was a great day!

BABY GIRLS....

Well, my little sister, Kasey, just couldn't wait any longer to pop out her twin girls! So, on Monday October 13 Haylee & Peyton joined the Wardell family. As many of you know, Kasey and Cory have a set of twins that are 10 months old, Gage & Taya. Yes, pick your jaw back up...she has 2 sets of twins less than a year apart. I admire Kasey so much, and truly believe that she is an extremely special mother for Heavenly Father to bless her with all these babies. I know it will be overwhelming sometimes, but I have faith in Kasey, and I know she can handle it. I love her so much, and I am so glad and excited that I live closer now so that I can see her and her beautiful family more often!!

Winter Already???

Don't get me wrong, one of the perks to moving to Boise was the weather. We were so ready to get out of the months of 100 degree days in Sikeston. So this morning when we were checking the weather for school, and saw that the HIGH was 55!! There were mixed feelings. Baylee who wears flannels to bed year round was bummed cause she was going to freeze! The rest of us were ready, and excited. THEN...we saw that they are calling for rain/snow mix tonight and tomorow. We all got a little nervous then! It is only October!! This seriously limits Halloween costumes!

BABY SHOWER....

NO...NOT MINE!!! One of the perks to living in Boise, is being closer to a lot of my family. I was able to go to Kasey's baby shower..for her 2nd set of twins!! I had a great time, and I loved being able to be there with her and my other sister Joy. We tease Kasey alot about having 4 kids under a year old, I admire her strength and courage. I know she must be a special mother for Heavenly Father blessing her and knowing she is capable of handling all these beautiful babies! I definatley missed having Jennifer there with us. There always seems like a piece of "us" is missing when we get together and someone is not able to be there. But she was with us in spirit and we all knew it. Baylee is finally not the only granddaughter, and she loved being around Taya. We had a great weekend, and I was thrilled to be able to be there. I am so used to being the "sister that can't be there". It was great to be able to make up for lost times!!

DOES IT RAIN IN BOISE???

So, we have lived in Boise for about a month now, and it has not rained since we have been here! We watched as "home" (Sikeston) was hit by what was left of Ike, and couldn't believe how things are so different. Well, Scott left for Sikeston last night, and so the kids and I camped out in the living room. I knew we had a chance of rain, but I was shocked to actually hear thunder! So, around 3AM, it started ot rain!! And now, at 10:30AM it is STILL raining. I am loving it, cause I just love ot hear the thunder and rain hitting the house. But on the downside...why did it have to rain on a Saturday??

I HAVE A TEENAGER...

I know I am a few days late, but my oldest turned 13 on Sunday. Graison has been a complete joy to my life. He is the most soft-hearted and compassionate young man that I have ever seen. Yes, he fights and aggravaites his sister, but I know that is normal. Graison would do anything for anyone. He is always offering to help with dinner or to vaccuum for me. He won't admit it, but he will still sit on my lap and hug and kiss me goodnight. I could not ask for a better son.

WINCO....

OK, everyone knows that we just moved to the Boise/Meridian area. It is my sons birthday Sunday, so last night we decided to take him out to dinner. Then we decided to go ahead and go grocery shopping while we were out. I have heard all about this place called Winco. It just happened to be next to where we had dinner so we deicded to try it out. OH MY GOODNESS....it was the coolest place! Of course we had to go up and down every isle, and then my kids spot the COOLEST thing. This whole section of dispensers that had anything from candy to pasta, to dog treats to chocholate chips!! You know where you fill up the bag with as much or as little as you want. Anyway, I know it is stupid to be so excited about a grocery store, but if you realized the options I had to shop at before we moved you would understand!!!

UPDATE....

Well, it has been a long time since I have posted an update about our family. So much has changed in the past few months, I am not sure where to start! Here goes...Scott had a mid-life crisis and wanted to see if his photography work was as good as he thought it was. So he sent out resumes across the country, and waited to hear back from the studios. It didn't take long until he had almost every studio he sent a resume to call him. After long phone interviews, we decided on Boise, ID. But we still wanted to be sure, so we flew out in June to meet the studio owner, and to see how Scott would like working for someone else. It went great, and after a few days in Boise, we thought that our family would do great there. So, Scott left us and moved to Boise so he could begin working, and the kids and I were left in Sikeston to pack up our lives. After 5 weeks, it was time to say goodbye to a place we called home for the past 12 years. It was extremley sad (yes I know I admit it) to leave family and friends, but we were excited to start over and see what Boise had to offer us. SO...after the terrible 26 hour drive through 7 states, we arrived at our house in Meridian, ID. We have been here for almost a week, and we are down to only a few boxes still around. The kids went and registered for school, met their teachers, and Graison has already had a week of football practice! School starts Monday, and they are ready to meet new people. It is truly a whole different place here. Instead of having to drive 2 hours to a decent mall, we only have to drive 5 minutes!! The kids are loving all the choices of places to go out to dinner, and to get dessert. And I am loving having an actual grocery store!! NO MORE WALMART!! Anyway, I think this brings us up to date. I am going to TRY and be better at keeping this updated. Now that all of our family is away from us, it will be good for grandmas to be able to keep tabs on their grandkids!

My Sister...

Do you like my new blogspot?? Well I love it! And thanks to my sister, it actually looks like i know what I am doing! I am glad she felt sorry enough for me to offer to do a "make-over" on my site. I absolutley love that she is helping me. I take tons of pictures, and my kids are always on the go, but actually having time to sit and put them on the computer is too time consuming! With my 2 jobs now, I am so grateful for my sister's help! Just wanted her to know how much I love her and how much I appreciate all her work.

Ok, I totally have recommited to doing this on a regular basis. Finally one of my sisters has also started a blog, so hopefully we can keep each other on track. Just to recap a little...My family and I went to Utah & Idaho for Christmas. We had the time of our lives! My whole family was together, a first in about 10 years! My baby sister brought her (then) 10 day old twinners. It was such a memorable time being surrounded by my siblings and my parents, and all my nephews..and NEICE. I will cherish those memories forever.