Is Anyone Out There???

Hi, everyone! I keep coming to the family blog and no one has posted anything for about TWO months. I guess we're all busy but it's always nice to read what you're all busy doing so take a minute and share a story or picture. This is the only way we can keep up on some of you and what you are doing!

We've been busy, too! Rick and I went up to Seattle with Kent and Pat for a Washington vs BYU game which we barely won. Yes, the men always find a way to watch a good game. It was fun and we did some fun sightseeing at the same time.







Then, over UEA Rick and I visited Zion's National Park--I know...as a teacher I should have stayed and attended the convention but..... The park was just an amazing place with so much to see and do. We went on several hikes but the most impressive was "Angel's Landing." You all really must experience it then you'll know all about "Walter's Wiggles" too!

While we were there, we went over to Micah's to watch another "Big BYU Game." It wasn't so big because BYU lost! Kent was leaving the next morning to drive over to LosAngeles to pick up a truck. What? That's a major vacation for most of us!!! Anyway, he didn't return as early as expected so Rick and I went and visited with Pat and all the kids and their grandkids. This was the first time in the last year that all the grandchildren had been together--even Tonya was there with Brinley and Jayden. Pat had just taken them all to a pumpkin patch and everyone had their special pumpkin to carve into a jack-o-lantern. It was a little scary to see each child with a knife out on the patio but when we saw parents step in and special pumpkin carving knives in use, it helped. What fun they all had and never think that this set of kids don't have their own opinions as to what makes the scariest jack-o-lantern! Tonay really liked being there because she had so much help with Jayden. It was fun to see this growing family! Chelsea is planning on a mission in the near future so we'll all have to stay tuned!



















Sunday, Linsey and Ben came and joined us for Sunday dinner. They are staying in Centerville at his parents' home and looking for a job. He does have a couple of leads so we're all hoping and praying that something happens soon. Linsey says he's become a great guy to have hanging around most of the time!









Of course, Halloween was the perfect time for visiting with family members. Angie's neighborhood had a neighborhood party so we went and helped with the kids since Tom was working. Zac and Abbi were so excited and looked exactly like Indiana Jones and Cinderella! Then, on Halloween, I went to Grandma's and picked her up so she could join in with us for the evening. We met Jan and David (they were in town for his daughter's baptism), Chad's family, Jeremiah's family, Colton and Amy, and Scott's family for a "Trunk or Treat." It was so nice and warm and the kids were all so excited. We had a soccer goalie, a witch, a kitty, a clone, a purple fairy, Buzz Lightyear, the Cat in the Hat, Clark Kent, and Shelley's mom was a Scottish dancer. I went as a the luckiest grandma and Rick was a proud grandpa??????????????










The picture of Alex, Scott's little boy is just too precious. We were watching him and I shared a cookie from school with him....yum, yum, yum! He's not a very good eater unless it's sweets but I let him enjoy it with no guilt from Mom and Dad--that's what grandmas are for, right???

Today, we had Sunday dinner, as usual. We had a FHE about pirates--a story from The Friend. Angie had the kids go on a treasure hunt so here's a picture of our pirates! You can see how excited Lyle and Maddie were. Yeah, that really like the family things!

The Beecher Twins have landed...in Provo!

That's right...we are so excited that Brittany and Brooke are at BYU. This is especially exciting because they will be working at Courtyard in our kitchen. I told them Lindsay worked here years ago and they thought that was funny. In addition, Justin and I are happy to have them as "on call" babysitters occasionally for our kids! I'll have to post some photos of their first day of work. No need to worry mom and dad~I'll keep close tabs on these sweet girls for you!

Summertime 2008

What a great summer! I've meant to write but my computer crashed and I'm now back up. Life is so crazy when you don't have a computer--especially the internet! I feel like I'm finally able to communicate with the world again. Some of the summer highlights seemed to be....Grandkids....Grandkids.....Grandkids and, of course, other family members. We taught Haylee how to roller blade and others tried to skate. Many just enjoyed swinging and learning to hang from their knees. All the mom's and myself took the kids to the children's museum down at the Gateway for a fun-filled learning day on July 25th. It was fun but we learned one important lesson--never plan a big outing just after staying up late for fireworks the night before.

Then, on July 31st, we made the annual women's trek down to BYU for the Women's Football Clinic. We met Linsey and Katie there and had many hands-on lesson about the sport while all the men stayed home babysitting. (Chad and Shelley were out of town but we'll get her next year.) Of course, there's always one or two who think they can crash the party (Lynn and Ben). AND, Linsey won the prize for coming the farthest (Japan) and Ben made it on the BYU news station for trying to crash the party. It was fun and I think we rubbed shoulders with all the right players. We were all in such great shape that no one was sore the next day.....right!

On August 3rd we attended Mindy's baptism. It was a wonderful day and there has not been a better attended baptism ever! This shows Justin and Mindy's kindness to so many others. It was great fun going to their house and visiting with everyone and witnessing the blessing of Celeste's twins--Shawn and Jaxson. As we visited, we realized how many twins were there so we took a picture. We were all wishing we'd thought about it earlier so Kent could have been in the picture but I represented him well and Lori represented Lynette also. Did you know that Celeste's twins were born on April and Amy's birthday? Cool......

On August 23rd, Kent and I attended our 40th high school reunion. Now remember, we were so "advanced" that we started high school at about the same age as all of you were starting kindergarten!!! (Just in case you're thinking we must be REALLY old!) We met Kent and Pat at Tonya's house and saw little Jayden. He really looks great! He smiled and was a very happy little guy. Then, Rick picked up Brinley and she was not too happy about that but she managed to give us a little smile. They really are a cute little family! They are doing well and are preparing for another heart surgery soon. We'll have to stay in touch!

Well, give me credit for getting this posted. It might not look too well organized but I'm learning with every posting I make. I hope all of YOU keep it up, too!

Happy Birthday!

Today is Grandpa (Daddy) Vern Ruby Beecher's Birthday...

Happy Birthday!

Pistachio Cookies

Note: for those of you who requested the reciped for the pistachio cookies we had at our house on my baptism day, you can go to our family blog (jmhillfamily.blogspot.com) and I have posted it. It was a long one and I couldn't get it to copy, but it's there if you would like it. ENJOY!

What An Awesome Day!

There are no words that adequately describe the wonderful feeling I have had since Sunday! Thanks to all who helped to make it such a special occasion. I feel eternally grateful to become part of this wonderful Church, The Gospel, and the love of all of you!

The Spudman!

Derrin and I completed our very first Olympic Distance Triathlon! YEAH! It was a mile swim, 25 mile bike and a 6 mile run. Phew! I'm glad that's done!

Summer Fun with the Francoms

Where did June and July go? I count each day very carefully because I want my school break to be as long as possible but the days....weeks....months are just zipping by. In June, we were able to go to Angie's son's (Zac) kindergarten graduation. They were supposed to dress as the person they hoped to be someday--Batman was the only acceptable outfit! Then, Rick was in charge of his family's reunion so we all pitched in. Kurt made the big sign, Chad, Angie, Scott and Kurt's families directed the games--it was fun! The first week of July was spent up in Park City--we were mostly there for the fireworks on the 4th and the swimming. We were careful to keep the little ones in tubes after having a scare with Chad's Lia! Yes, Scott was the family clown but we swam and swam and then went back for more! Today, July 19th, was the Children's Parade that always falls on the Saturday before July 24th. Of course, grandparents are expected to go to take pictures of grandkids as they file by--Rick and Scott went with me and were not smiling at the thought of fighting traffic and crowds but I think they were both smiling by the end of the parade. Chad had to go to a temple sealing instead but his wife and kids were representing him well--working on the float as well as walking with it. Then, Melissa and Lillie came by with their stake's float. Afterwards, Shelley and I went to the city/county building where they had a big carnival for all the kids who participated. It was fun but very, very hot! We finally went to Wendy's for air conditioning and a bit of lunch. What a day! This summer, we've also had a couple of swimming parties in our back yard and sleep-overs with the grandkids. You know....I don't know how I'd have time to teach school because the days have been so busy! This is what life is all about and we're loving it! P.S. Kurt and Alanna announced tonight (it is now Sunday) that they are expecting a baby next spring!!! I'm so excited! That makes Scott and Melissa's baby in December #10 and Kurt and Alanna's baby #11! Life is GREAT!!!!!

Jan's Family

Jan's family: Colton, Amy, Whit, Mandy, Macin, Jan, Landon and Jeremiah













Family Reunion













Whitney and Maddie














Krista, Jeremiah, Macin, Whitney, Mandy, Jan, Landon, Colton and Amy











Whitney just before she left on the trek. Doesn't she look so happy??

























Red headed twin cousins













David , Kristen, Lauren, Jordan, Kevin and Erin

Grey Wolves

Tanner Francom attended a two week long summer school where he learned to do webpages, music, videos, etc on the Internet.

As a proud (geek) Father, I want to share it with everyone.

Here is Tanner's website about Grey Wolves:

http://www.graniteschools.org/bbasics/11/gwolf/gray_wolf/Welcome.html

My family and I do exist!

I love having fun with my grandsons, Landon 7 and Macin 3. One place we went was Hogle Zoo. Krista, Whitney, Landon, Macin, and I had a great time there.

Celeste,Kris and boy's

We have recently spent time with Celeste, Kris and Shaun and Jaxson. This time Cheyenne
Wy.had warmed up. Those boys are healthy and oh so precios as is each one. Every time being
with grandchildren is a trip to heaven.

Happy 4th of July!

Thanks to Grandma who spent a crazy Fourth of July holiday with us! Her day started at the parade in Provo. Coming from a Missourian, Provo has got to be one of the best places in the world to be on the 4th! After a ride up the Sundance lift, Grandma enjoyed a fun dinner and fireworks at Derrin and Nicole's home in Mapleton with Weldon & Gean and Justin & Mindy's family. We were so blessed to have spent this special time with her!

P.S. For those of you who do not know (this is Mindy...) I will be getting baptised as a Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Sunday, August 3rd at 12:30 at our Stake Center in Orem. I would love sharing this day with all of you and will be sending a little personal invite to you soon. We will be having lunch at our home following my baptism. It should be a special time as all 6 of the Hill Children families will be here from all over the country! Hope to see you there!