October Highlights

OCTOBER 2014

*  McKenna went to tryouts for the Mayhem softball team today.  She has been looking forward to this for quite some time.  She went to tryouts knowing there were only three spots that needed to be filled and there were only four girls that showed up to fill those positions.  Unfortunately, McKenna was not chosen to be one of the three girls picked to play.  The coach that picked the girls picked the other three girls based his decision on their age.  Each of the three players are one year younger than McKenna, so he said that it would be his preference to have those three girls on his team for the three years that they can play rather than McKenna for one or two years.  She called and I went and picked her up.  She fought tears the whole way home as she was pretty disapoointed that she did not make it.  Later tonight, she came in the back door from doing chores and said, "Mom, I have learned something new today."  I asked what she had learned, not expecting this grown up answer, but she replied to me and said, "sometimes you don't always get what you want, like I wanted SBO and I didn't get it.  Here I wanted Wendy in the Peter Pan play and I got it.  I wanted Diamond Drill Team Captain and I got it, and then today even though I wanted it, I didn't get it."  I would have to say that I am pretty proud of her and grown up ways about her.  I told her that things happen for a reason and maybe this is meant to be because there could possibly be a reason that she would have to pick between softball and drill team.  When I asked her what she would do if she did have to pick and she said she would chose Drill Team.  I am proud of what an outstanding girl she is turning into. (10.14)

*  Lottie was able to go to the pumpkin patch today with her preschool class.  She was so excited to come home and paint her pumpkins.  She scored and was able to bring home two pumpkins, one medium sized one and one tiny one. (10.14)

*  Trey is getting to be quite the reader.  I cannot believe his drive he has for reading.  Last year he was reading books that were worth only one or two Accelerated Reader points, but this year he is challenging himself to read books worth 6 to 10 points.  He comes home after school and dedicated a half hour to an hour just to reading.  If the nights are slow, he will sneak away into my bedroom or the piano room to read. 

*  Jeremy and I enjoyed a nice lunch date with Trey and Allyson.  Each year they hold a National School Lunch week, this weeks give the parents the opportunity to eat lunch with the elementary age school kids.  We went on Monday and ate chicken sandwiches, pears, beans, and chocolate milk.  This year, Allyson ate her food a lot better than Trey.  Trey was either not hungry or to busy talking. (10.12)

*  General Conference weekend turned into a work weekend.  The kids and I were busy painting and Jeremy spent all of Saturday and Sunday working on his continuing education for his electrical license.  On Sunday, we were able to watch a the majority of General Conference, amongst a lot of little interruptions.

*  Jeremy's deer hunt for his tag on the Thousand Lake started on the 18th and went through the 26th.  He was able to go the opening morning with Dillon and drove back home that night.  He got up the Sunday morning and went out alone.  On Thursday, we let Trey out of school and he went with his dad for the next few days.  Although they did see a few deer, they never were able to shoot.  Most importantly were the fun time and memories that they made.

*McKenna had several volleyball  games this month.  She has really put her mind to the game and has really improved her talent to the game.  She has came a long ways and has grown to love the game.

*  Trey was pretty excited about his 5th Grade Pet Show.  He had so much fun showing off our rabbit Whopper.  Ally was just as excited to go through the line with her class to point out our bunny.  Lottie was in heaven with all those animals, she just clinged onto Kort Sorensen's puppy.

*  McKenna participated in the school chorus concert.  It was pretty entertaining to see and hear the talents that the middle and high school students have in our little valley.

*  Had a wonderful Halloween.  All four kids loved dressing up to go trick or treating.  As a tradition, I served sloppy joe's for dinner and then took Trey, Kort, Allyson, Tyra, and Brexton Neal out and about trick or treating.  They loved every minute of it.  McKenna went with several of her friends trick or treating and had a lot of fun hanging with her friends.

*  Carved pumpkins early in the month this year.  It was such a fun and enjoyable afternoon.  The kids loved the fact that they were able to see their pumpkins out on the porch the entire month of October.

*  The kids had fun at the pumpkin patch.  It is always a fun tradition to take them to let each of them pick out their pumpkin for the year.

*  We had several LifeVantage meetings at out house this month.  Things are on the up and up with this new opportunity in our life.  Only hoping for continued success.

*  After weeks on end of practicing for the 5th Grade Play, Trey did a great job in tonight's performance.  He played the part of Pa, where he was able to sing songs and state lines that he had memorized. 

*  McKenna attended several Young Women activities this month.

*  The kids did not have school of the 16th and 17th this month because of UEA.  Allyson and Lottie were able to play at Cherish Hansen's house for those two days while I worked.  McKenna and Trey had the wonderful opportunity to go to the Hopi Reservation with Rod and JoAnn and several other families in our area.  Each of them loved this opportunity they had to serve others.

September Highlights

SEPTEMBER 2014

*  Trey was invited to Chelsi Helms bowling birthday party. He was excited to go Chelsi's party because they had the party at the Richfield bowling alley.  Trey scored the most boys out of all the boys that were there at the party.  He has always been good at bowling, especially the bowling game on the wii!  They played arcade games and ate pizza, he had a fun time.

*  Trey started back on the regular schedule of scouts this month.  He goes directly off the school bus to the stake center where the scout leaders meet them there and do activities there for them to pass off in their scout book.  With this schedule change, it would leave Ally coming home off the bus alone.  I am not ready for than

*  Tyra started junior preschool this month.  She has been excited to go to school just like McKenna, Trey and Ally. 

*  Jeremy and I advanced to Pro 1 in the LifeVantage business this month.  Pro 1 may not seem to exciting, but to us it means we are off to a great start in making this a go for our family!  Pro 10 here we come, we are off to a great start!  Okay, sorry before the months end, we did advance to Pro 2.  What awesome progress we are making!

*  McKenna's crazy schedule started the week of the 15th.  Her day started with play practice at 7:00 am, then a full day of school.  After school she walked to Diamonds dance class from 3:30 to 5, then Sr. Hip Hop from 5 to 5:45, then volleyball from 6 to 7:30.  Not all days are this crazy, luckily she is a good student and organized to be able to stay on top of everything to handle all of this!

*  Allyson missed a day of school this month with an upset stomach.  Mrs. Blackburn text me to check on her and after I told her that Ally was sick, she said that all Ally's friends are missing her today and wished she was there.  That definitely perked up a sick little girl.

*  The grass is coming great!  Jeremy even had to mow the piece out by the big rock to make it look better.  It is finally all coming together.

*  It's amazing how quick kids learn.  Lottie has only been to school probably a dozen times and already knows the Pledge of Allegiance.  It is so cute to watch her put her and on her heart and her other hand to her side and she recites the Pledge of Allegiance.  So stinkin' cute!

*  Allyson celebrated Johnny Appleseed Day on the 26th of this month.  Each student was to bring an apple to school that day plus all their math and reading activities involved this big celebration.  Allyson was pretty excited and loved all the fun that had at school.

*  It was our ward's primary program this month.  This is always one of my very favorite sacrament meetings.  Nothing makes me laugh more than to watch those little faces up on the stand.  It is always so entertaining.

*  Trey and Ally did not have school on the 18th and 19th of this month for Parent Teacher Conference.  I always love the opportunity I have to go and sit down with each of their teachers.  It is so fun to hear what good students they both are, not only academically but overall good kids.

*  Jeremy, McKenna, Trey, and I were able to attend the Ogden Temple Rededication meeting held broadcast at the Stake Center.  The program consisted of music and great speakers.  I loved that the kids were able to witness church leaders talk about temple and how important they are in our lives.  JoAnn, since just recently recovering from knee surgery was able to tend Ally and Lottie for us so we could go.

*  JoAnn, Jenna, Kallie, McKenna and I were able to attend the Tuachan's play "Wizard of Oz" in St. George.  It was such a fun weekend to spend with just us girls.  Jeremy stayed home to tend Trey and the two little girls.  The weather was nice, so fortunate enough, they spent the weekend outside.

*  The Okerlund Girls also had a girls trip that next weekend.  We left Friday afternoon and went to the Tuachan's "Little Mermaid" play.  All the girls loved it!  We got up Saturday, let the girls play in the water and then shopped the afternoon.  So much fun!

*  Dance started this month!  Ally is taking Mini Jazz with classes on Wednesdays and McKenna is taking Diamond Dance Competition team and Jazz.  She did change her mind after a few lessons and moved to hip hop.

*  As always, we labored on Labor Day.

January 2014

* January Highlights *

 

*  Trey went with Shea Anderson to the GVHS boys basketball game in Manti.  It wasn't until he got home that we found out he rode the team bus with the basketball team to get to the game.  Not only did he think it was cool to watch the Bulldogs win, but he thought it was cool to ride with the players to and from the game
*  McKenna performed with her Dazzlers competition dance team at half time at one of the girl's basketball games this month.  They did an awesome job!  I was stuck behind the video camera, so I didn't get the whole picture, but McKenna said her dance coach and several other people in the crowd were brought to tears by their awesome performance and the story their dance protrayed.  McKenna was so excited and proud of her dancing tonight.
*  This month has been cold with only a few hit and miss snow storms.  But on the 30th, the snow fell all day long.  We woke up to a white covered ground and it did not let up all day.  By the end of the night, we probably got an amazing 8 inches here in town.
*  Warm nights mean swimming suits for Allyson and Lottie.  These two have so much fun playing together, which the creativity between the two is endless.  They were playing house with Ally being the mom, before we knew it, she had them dressed in their swimming suits because she was going to take her kids swimming! 
*  McKenna spent one and half days home from school this month.  There have been a lot of flu like sicknesses going around and lucky enough for us, McKenna's illness was quite minor compared to other families.  And so far so good, no one else in the family has caught her bug!
*  Trey's Junior Jazz basketball team played some awesome games this month.  The championship game was played and Trey's team took 2nd place.  Even though they loss, those boys left the court with such good sportsmanship, made me pretty proud.  The team that ended taking first was a team that Trey's had played twice already in the season and had already beat them twice.  Goes to show you never know when it's your turn to lose.
*  Ally lost her first tooth.  She was excited and pretty upset all at the same time.  Excited to say she had finally had her tooth fall out but upset because we couldn't find where her tooth went too.  My guess is that she swallowed it, but if we say that out loud, she gets upset!  Lucky enough the tooth fairy still found her!
*  Lottie will only wear what she calls her 'roping shirt' everywhere we go.  We got her three western type girls shirts with a matching vest for her for Christmas.  Those shrits are all she wants to wear.  I bought her shirts for Christmas that she still hasn't worn because she is convinced she has to wear her ropings shirt!
*  Jeremy spent 12 days out of town working in Dallas and Las Vegas.  He is starting to love what he is doing and enjoying the experience of traveling.  We were all really excited to see him when we got home, sure do love our dad!
*  I had to teach the first Sunday of the month lesson in Relief Society.   My topic was Personal and Family goals.  I love how the spirit works, not only was it a topic that I wanted to learn and work on myself, but it is always so rewarding when there are sisters in the ward come and thank you personally for your lesson, because it was something they needed to hear.
*  As a family, we made a little road trip up north for the weekend.  We were able to watch the Utah Jazz play basketball at the Energy Solution Arena, stay in a hotel and then attend the baby blessing for our newest niece, Erin. 
*  Trey has been practicing his Utah History play for quite several months.  This month he was finally able to perform the real thing.  It was such a cute play and what a great way for kids to learn and remember their Utah history.
*  McKenna bought her first gun this month.  One afternoon when we were shopping at Cabella's, a pellet gun caught her attention.  She bought it with her own money and couldn't wait to get home to shoot pot guts.
*  McKenna and Trey had their piano practices still every Thursday, as well as dance and basketball practice.  Run Run Run is all I do!

December Highlights

 

~ December 2013 ~

*  The month of December always seems to be super crazy, yet super fun.  We hit all the parties and practices that we could.
*  Jeremy and I took the kids to Las Vegas this year for the NFR.  It was a fast but fun weekend.  Trey was able to meet his all time hero, Trevor Brazile and McKenna came home thinking Cody Teel is a pretty cute bull rider.  Ally and Lottie were good about going shopping and hitting the Cowboy Christmas'.
*  I celebrated my 37th birthday in Las Vegas.  We ate at Red Lobster and then Jeremy, McKenna, Trey, and I went to the rodeo.  Rod and JoAnn stayed back with the little girls.  They took them to Walmart to buy cupcakes and party blowers so they could surprise me when we got back to the room.
*  Jeremy drove us home Sunday night from Las Vegas, and then turned around and drove back down to work at the Christensen Arms booth at the Country Christmas at the Sands Hotel.  When we arrived, there was several men with security questioning the salesman that Jeremy was supposed to replace.  What happened was one of the employee with the Sands Hotel stole four of the Christensen Arms guns, by the end of the day, the lady over the show told Jeremy and Javelin to clean up the booth and head home, that they were not welcome at the Country Christmas show.  She was blaming the loss of the guns on Christensen Arms, not her own employee.  So, Jeremy ended up staying the night and going to the Rodeo with Rod, JoAnn and Dillon and then her turned around and drove back home on Tuesday morning.
*  Jeremy turned 40 this month.  I wanted to do something fun and exciting for him, but he had intentions of being in Vegas for work on the actual day of his birthday.  Needless to say, he ended up coming home kind of unexpectedly, so there wasn't anything planned.  Oh well, I worried that if I did surprise him, that it would be pay back when I turned 40, so maybe it worked out okay!
*  There was one full week in December that we had something every single night.  It started off with the Anderson Family Christmas party on Sunday.  Monday, we celebrated Trey's 10th birthday, Tuesday was Christmas Eve dinner at Rod and JoAnn's, Wednesday was Christmas, Thursday was the Okerlund Family Christmas party, Friday was the Dance Works Studio Christmas recital, Saturday was Trey's Little Britches Rodeo, and Sunday was the Donaldson Insurance Christmas party.  Needless to say, come Monday we were all pretty relieved to stay home, because on Tuesday, we had one more party to bring in the New Year!
*  The kids last day of school for 2013 was December 20th.  They had 10 fun filled days of Christmas vacation.
*  Trey and Allyson had their annual GVES Christmas Program.  Both of them have been singing their Christmas songs for weeks now, so it was fun to see them finally perform them.
*  McKenna had her YW in Excellence program this month.  She took photos and a display of things from her Hopi Reservation volunteer project. 
*  Ally danced twice at half time this month with her Dance Work tiny jazz class.
*  McKenna participated in the hoop shoot tryout at the GV Middle School.  She was ranked as one of the top in the school to move on to the next level.  She decided that rather than participating in the final round that allows the kids to move on to the region level, she would rather go to Vegas for the NFR.
*  I has a room mom and helped with Trey's class Christmas party.  It was fun to watch the kids play games, make a Christmas craft and eat snacks.  It was fun for me to go and be with Trey, not only for his Christmas party, but to take treats for the class to eat as part of his birthday celebration.
*  McKenna and Trey had their Christmas piano recital.  They both did a great job, which means all their hard work and time spent practicing has paid off!
*  Trey celebrated his 10th birthday this month.  I can't believe how fast the last 10 years have gone by.  He had a fun day, which started out with birthday pancakes, no school, family birthday party, and the opening of presents.  And to top it off, Marshall was able to sleep over so that made the day even better to hang out with him!
*  We went to the Gunnison 5th Ward Christmas party.  The kids all had their chance to sit on Santa's lap, we enjoyed a great dinner, and then watch the Christmas story put on by the primary kids.  Trey had the part of playing Samuel the Lamanite, while Ally and Lottie were part of the angels.  It was a cute program.
*  Trey had his first sleepover at Shea Anderson's house this month.
*  Jeremy and Trey made a trip to Wayne County to check on cows and fix fence.
*  McKenna went to Halle Bjergaarrd's birthday party.  These group of girls had so much fun sledding, going to the Frozen movie, and then ended with a sleepover.  Why they call it a sleepover over is beyond me, she said they stayed up most the night laughing and playing.
* Our elf on the shelf, Hiccup showed up and watched over us all month long.  It is always so fun for the kids to wake up and look to see what the crazy elf is up to each morning.
*  I love the month of December, it truly brings out the best in all of us.  I try to keep the kids focused on remembering the true meaning of Christmas.  I started the month out with a family home evening to where I wanted the kids to pick out one person in their grade to be extra special too this month.  They all had a someone picked out  and their goal was to say hi to them or even a simple smile, because it is the little things that mean the most.


*****MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS**********
I decided in January of this year to start a monthly highlight post.  A lot of what I write about may have already been its own separate post with pictures, but so many times there may be something that we do or feelings I want to share that I cannot portray in pictures.  Therefore I have decided to create this monthly highlight for me as a way to record our outings and activities.  Another reason that I have decided to do this monthly post is because for Christmas 2012, my Aunt Janet gave each of the Okerlund grandchildren, a typed copy of my Grandma Helen's  journal.  In her journal, she had just written the little things that she did each day, and oh how it made me feel good when she wrote little things about me.  Not very often did she mention me specifically by name, but to know what she did in the month that might have included me was so fun to read, so with that in mind, I want to dedicate this year of monthly highlight posts to her, my Grandma Helen Larsen Okerlund.  Also, this year I included a picture of each month of the 2013 calendar that Ally made for me for Christmas in preschool.  I thought it would be a fun topper for each month.

November 2013 Highlights



~ November 2013 ~

 

*  McKenna, Allyson, Tyra and I enjoyed the movie 'Arthur's Christmas' that was showing at the Casino Star Theatre.  This show was played as part of the holiday celebration that soon lead into the Light Parade down Gunnison's main street.

*  Jeremy and Trey spend the day building fence in Wayne County on the last day of the month.  Luckily enough they made it back in time that Trey could go see Santa with us girls.
*  We finally has Lottie going to nursery on a regular basis.  However, one Sunday after sacrament all she wanted for me to do was hold her.  I asked her what was wrong and she said, "Mom, I no go follow, follow me!"  I couldn't help but laugh and think that was the cutest thing ever.  Since she has been going to nursery, the leaders have said that Lottie loves music time.  She has come home singing follow follow me, so for to say she no go to follow follow me was pretty smart!
*  Trey started his Junior Jazz basketball practices.  He played several games this month and his team has won every game. 
*  Thanksgiving this year was held at our house with the Okerlund side of the family.  This was so much fun to have everyone over to enjoy good food and fun memories.
*  McKenna participated in play 'Annie' as part of the school play for the Gunnison Valley Middle School.  She was a servant, stage crew, and part of the company at Central Park.
*  I had to work at the PTA Halloween Carnival on November 1st.  Where I am in the PTA Presidency this year, we were all committed to work at the carnival.
*  Trey had a Little Britches Rodeo this month at the Blackhawk Arena in Salina.
*  We made several attempts to get our family pictures taken this month.  Finally when a Sunday afternoon came available, we met up with our photographer and was able to get a few family shots.  However, we couldn't have picked a colder day of the month,  because that wind was so cold that it was all we could do to take our coats off long enough for a quick shot.  Lottie absolutely refused to be let down because of the cold brisk weather.  (Note to self for next year . . . Remember to schedule family picture earlier in the fall, don't wait until its too cold outside, does not make for the best pictures!)
*  I am grateful that we had Thanksgiving at our house.  We spent the home month of November getting things like drawers and closets organized and the biggest excitement was getting base board finished in the kitchen, laundry room and main bath.  Crazy to think that having company at your house can be such a motivational tool!
*  McKenna and I went to the early morning youth session of Stake Conference.  Later on we met up with Trey and the three of us attended the General Session of Stake Conference.  Jeremy stayed home with the little girls.   One of hour of sacrament is hard enough for the little girls, let a lone two hours of Stake Conference.
*  Jeremy was approached by his boss, Jason Christenen, about moving from the maintenance team up to sales for Christensen Arms.  Needless to say, we have said lots of prayers and feel good about the decision that we have made.
*  All four kids have decided what they want for Christmas and typed their letters up to give to Santa.  We were lucky enough to see Santa and let the kids sit on his lap at the Gunnison Valley Christmas celebration.
*  Ally was so excited to have a sleepover at Grandma JoAnn's.  Eric and Jenna let Maddie stay over too, so the two of them had fun hanging with Grandma.  When they woke up, Grandma had stuff ready for them to put together ginger bread houses.  They spent several hours perfecting their houses and boy, did they turn out cute!
*  Tyra and Ally both got their hair cut this month.  Ally has been debating back and forth whether or not to cut it short or just have it trimmed.  She decided that she wanted to have it short because several little girls in her class have also cut their hair short.  It looks darling on her and it makes it so much nicer to do in the mornings.  I was worried that if we cut Lottie's hair that it would cut off her curls.  I was wrong because it almost made her hair look curlier.
*  Trey lost a tooth this month.  He was brave enough to let me yank on it to get it out.
*  I took 220 pictures this month!
 



~ October Highlights ~

 

~ October 2013 ~

*  Trey and McKenna went with Grandpa Rod, Grandma, JoAnn, and Darcy to pick apples at Lyman's house.
*  Jeremy and I went on a date to El Mexicano and a trip to Walmart.  The kids hung out at home watching The Croods and the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.
*  Now that Lottie has figured out the whole potty training thing, she now understands that when you get outside and get in trouble, she knows she can't run in the house to go.   However, she is now used to going in by the horses, so last night when she was helping her dad do chores, he needed to run in the house to get some medicine for the horses.  While in the house, she needed to go potty.  She told her dad that she needed to go potty by the horses.  We both tried to convince her to just go while in the house, but she refused!
*  McKenna went with JoAnn to do a service project on the Hopi Reservation in Arizona.  They left Thursday morning and returned back late Saturday night.  This was a great opportunity for McKenna to learn about the Hopi Indians and the true meaning of service.  This project entailed canning corn, chicken, apples, etc. for the Hopi  people to take and use in their own home.  McKenna was able to witness the beginning of a Hopi wedding, that by their tradition starts at sunrise and the bride-to-be leaves the grooms home early morning and walks to where the ceremony takes place.  She was able to see a flea market where she purchased some fun souvenirs that she brought home for all of us here.
*  Trey was able to participate in his first Little Britches Rodeo.  He team roped with Zane Taylor from Wayne County, did flag race, and break away.  For a first timer, he did a great job.
*  The elementary school had school pictures this month.  Trey and Ally each went to school ready for their picture to be taken and I took Lottie later on in the afternoon for her turn.  Lottie didn't skip a beat, she just sat right up there, smiled, and walked away as proud as she could be.  This years school pictures all turned out great!
*  McKenna had Red Ribbon this month.  This year they let the kids come to school with crazy hair day and nerd day.  These days are always so looked forward too for the kids.
*  This month, school was out on the 17th and 18th for UEA.  While McKenna was out of town with JoAnn, Trey stayed home alone on Thursday.  He does good hanging out alone, only until he sees a mouse in the laundry room.  He got all panicked and called me to rescue him, ya right.  Thank goodness Jeremy could come home on his lunch break to save the day!
*  With October brings fall, pumpkins, ghosts and goblins.  The first of the month, I took the kids for the traditional pumpkin patch trip.  We always go out to the Beck's Family Farm, where the kids have the chance to pick out their pumpkin for the season.  All four of them did really well this year, luckily they all picked one that they could back to the car on their own!
*  Jeremy and Trey spent two days pushing cows for the Hammonds.  This is always so fun for them to go and play real cowboys!
*  Trey was awarded his Bear in scouts.  He has worked hard to pass off all the requirements necessary to get this scouting award.  This same night, he had fun helping out with the fire fighter demonstration, since the pack meeting theme was on fire safety.
*  We had a great day of Trick or Treating.  All four kids were happy, healthy, and excited to get all dressed up.  McKenna was lucky enough to dress up for school, whereas, Trey and Ally had to wait  until they got off the bus before they got dressed up.  Lottie was able to dress up for day care, which worked out great for her because she was a cowgirl by day and Minnie Mouse by night!
*  McKenna went to the Stake Young Women's activity night.  She had so much fun at this program that the Stake put on with a Dr. Seuss theme.
*  Trey and Allyson both participated in our ward's primary program.  Both did a great job saying their lines and singing their songs.
*  Both Trey and Ally had field trips this month to the pumpkin patch.  When the kids go as a field trip, they actually get to go into the field and pick their own pumpkin.  Both kids came home pretty excited with their pumpkins, especially because they were able to decorate them at school.
*  We carved pumpkins and had so much fun doing so.  The kids spent several hours deciding what to carve and then patiently waiting for Jeremy to do all the carving.  Jeremy always gets the carvings going and then makes each kids clean out their own seeds.  Sure made for some fun pictures and fun memories.
*  Jeremy and I had a fun lunch date with Trey and Allyson this month at the elementary school.  I think Ally talked the whole entire time.  When Jeremy, Trey and I were done eating, Ally had hardly touched her food.  She just had so much to tell us and talk about that she wasn't too concerned about lunch.
*  The girls and I watched the Sunday session of General Conference.  We enjoyed just hanging out with each other while Jeremy and Trey were away pushing Hammond cows.
*  Jeremy has planned for months to attend the ACTRA final in Reno this month.  A couple days before he was supposed to go, he changed his mind and decided to stay home.  He decided that the money that he would have spent on those 10 days of roping could be used in better places right now, so he made the decision to stay home.
*  We all survived Thursday's this month.  Between two piano lessons, dance class for Ally and McKenna, and Trey's Jr. Jazz basketball practice, everyone seemed to get where they needed to be!
*  Christmas is October???  Well, McKenna and Trey started preparing the Christmas recital pieces this month in piano.  Trey started with Jingle Bells and McKenna had Silent Night, and within a couple of days, both of them had their pieces memorized.  So with plenty of time to work on another song, Hannah assigned both of them new pieces that were more difficult.  It has been so fun to hear them improve and learn so much!
*  I took 226 pictures this month!

September 2013 Highlights

 

 

 

~ September 2013 ~

*  Held 6 ACTRA ropings at our arena.  Lots of fun for everyone!
*  McKenna and I went with Jen and Emma Stewart, Heather and Kaylee Hill to the movie 'The Butler'.
*  Trey went on his field trip to Cove Fort and Delta to Delta.
*  McKenna had fun going to the Gunnison Valley High School Homecoming Parade and Football game with her friend Abby Jensen.
*  Trey and Ally had a Thursday and Friday off this month for Parent Teacher Conference.  For Thursday, Trey and Ally stayed home alone and played all day long.  On Friday, Tyra and Ally went to Cherish's house to play while Trey went to hang out with Grandma JoAnn.
*  Trey was able to watch the North Sevier Homecoming Parade and Football game with Marshall.  He loves to hang with his cousins!
*  Our entire family all labored on Labor Day!
*  Trey and McKenna started piano lessons this months from Hannah Neal.  Its is amazing how quick they are picking up on it!  Good refresher for McKenna, basics for Trey!
*  Marlo had fun hanging out with her friends on a Friday night making cute crafts for Halloween.
*  McKenna went to Provo with her friend Abby Jensen.  They had a blast shopping at the mall.  It made the trip when they were able to buy matching shoes for buy one get one half off, which made the shoes only $6 a pair.  The best part of their trip was the time at the Low's Jumping Center.  Here they played and jumped off platforms in a huge foam pit.
*  Jeremy spent a Sunday afternoon helping find cows for the Hammonds.
*  Jeremy, Rod, Dillon, and Trey roped at the ACTRA state finals in Salina.  Trey and John Roper roped 3 steers which gave them 10th place in the #4 roping.   They only paid out seven places, but to be 10th out of 80 teams is not too bad at all!
*  Trey took 2nd place in the ACTRA dummy roping.
*  McKenna went with the Young Women and Young Men in our ward to go do Baptisms for the Dead at the Manti Temple.  They first enjoyed a nice meal in the Temple cafeteria before doing the temple work. 
*  Ally started to bring home her word lists and book in bag the last week of September.  Between the three school kids, there is lots of homework to be done in one night!
*  There was a 9-11 Memorial go through town.  Trey was able to go to attend the memorial.
*  Dance started for Ally and McKenna. 
*  McKenna, Allyson, Tyra, and I drove to  Elsinore to attend the memorial service for my Great Aunt Ivadell Newberry.  It was fun to meet some of my mom's aunts and cousins that I had never met before.  Enjoyed a nice dinner at the park afterwards. 
*  Trey and Jeremy both roped at the Redmond Roping held at the Blackhawk.
*  The last week of September, we spent every night roping. Monday - Jeremy and Trey at the Blackhawk;  Tuesday - Jeremy and Trey roped ACTRA; Wednesday - Jeremy and Trey roped ACTRA; Thursday - Marlo did times at the State ACTRA; Friday, Saturday - Jeremy and Trey roped at State ACTRA.
*  The weather has started to get cold.  We decided to turn on the furnace to take that chill off the house!
*  There was a little bit of rain, which means lots of mud.  Can't wait for grass!
*  I took 116 pictures this month!

August 2013 Highlights

 

~ August 2013 ~

*  McKenna had to speak in church on 'What good have I done in the world today.'  She pretty well wrote her talk all by herself and did a great job presenting it in sacrament meeting.
*  Trey ended up with four stitches in his left index finger after trying to cut a watermelon.
*  Jeremy and I had the opportunity to go through an endowment session with Morgan and Jaden, in preparation for their temple marriage.
*  Tyra is getting closer and closer to being potty trained.  I can't wait for no more diapers!
*  Ally told me one morning as I went in to wake her up that if I wanted, I could give her spankings to wake her up, not hard ones but soft ones, and she said she would wake up!
*  Had a fun time at the Anderson Family Reunion.  We were able to send five days and four nights in our camper at the beautiful Thousand Lake Mountain.
*  Three nights in a row we had Darcy and Grandma Loraine over for a barbeque. 
*  Had a fun trip north with the kids doing a little bit of school shopping.
*  We all had so much fun at the Nephi Demolition Derby.
*  What a beautiful day it was for Morgan and Jaden to be married.  We loved spending the day with family as we celebrated their new life together.  We are excited to have Jaden in the family!
*  Wayne County Fair, what can I say other than this year was awesome.  Trey and Jeremy roped together and took 5th place.  Jeremy and Riles roped and won!
*  McKenna had 7th Grade registration.  We went to the middle school to pay for her registration fees and find her locker.  She was a little disappointed to find that this year she is going to be stuck with a bottom locker.
*  Jeremy and I took Trey, Ally, and Lottie to the Despicable Me 2 movie.  McKenna stayed home and had a late night with her friend, Taryn.
*  All three girls had to get shots to get current on their immunizations.  Lottie had 4, McKenna had 3, and Allyson had 2.  Not fun for a mom.
*  School started on the 19th.  Music to my ears!
*  McKenna had her school pictures taken this month.  She was excited that they turned out so cute!
*  We had three ACTRA ropings at out arena this month.
*  Jeremy worked really hard to get ready for more cement this year.  The last pour made it so we now have cement side walk and pad in the back yard.
*  We made our first and last trip to the Manti Pool for the year.  It ended up being a perfect time for the kids to play in the water.  It was a little overcast, so there weren't many very many people there playing.
*  As a family, we went to celebrate the birthdays of Kambree and Brynn.  They had pizza, ice cream, and birthday cake.  Kids love to hang out with their cousins.
*  Allyson was so excited to go to the kindergarten open house.  She loved having the chance to meet her teachers and see where her cubby was and where she needed to hang up her back pack.
*  Trey went with Marshall and Cannon to go camping with Grandpa Okerlund.  Those three boys had fun sleeping in a tent in the mountain together and going fishing with Grandpa.  I think Grandpa was pretty wore out when those three days were over.
*  McKenna and I work two nights in the concession stand at the Sanpete County Fair.  We did this to help out as a fundraiser for Dance Works. 
*Jeremy took me out on a date to El Mexicano.  Kids did good tending themselves at home.
*  Morgan and Jaden were married at the Manti Temple.  Such a wonderful ceremony and a fun day for friends and family.  The reception was set up in Justin and Tammy's backyard.  Even though it rained,  it didn't stop the crowds or the fun. 
*  I took 640 pictures this month!

July 2013 Highlights

~ July 2013 ~

*  This time of year is always so fun and memorable.  From swimming to barbeques, we all love this time of year!
*  Jeremy worked so hard to get the cement pad poured in the back of the house.  It will be so nice when it is all done.
*  Had a fun few days celebrating the 4th of July in Gunnison.  Good times, good food, and fun memories.
*  The girls have had fun watching the Justin Beiber movie and music videos.  Ally keeps asking, "Mom, why does Justin Bieber have to be so cute and so hot!"  Love it!
*  Jeremy and Trey went to the Casino Star Theatre to watch 'Lone Ranger'.
*  McKenna and I had fun throwing a Bridal Shower for Morgan.  The night was a huge success, despite the windy weather.
*  Jeremy and Trey roped at the Blackhawk, outdoor arena, as part of the Redmond Roping.
*  McKenna had a sleepover with Brynn.  This was a fun night for those two to get together and begin the preparations for the Bridal Shower.
*  McKenna went for three days and two nights to help Aunt Jenna.  She loved playing with those three cute kiddos.  Besides hanging out, Jenna took her and Maddie to the Despicable Me 2 movie and to the waterfalls outside of Payson.
*  I took the four kids to Torrey on a Saturday morning to see the Big Apple Days celebration.   The kids had so much fun watching the parade and catching all the candy.  Plus we enjoyed hanging out and eating lunch at the campground with Grandpa and Grandma Okerlund.  It was so much fun that they can't wait to go back next year!
*  McKenna went and did Baptism for the Dead with the Young Women / Young Men in our ward.  She loves participating in this spiritual experience.
*  Jeremy went with his scout group to Palisade's golf course.
*  We went as a family to the Ute Stampede.  We were spoiled this year because we had front row seats.
*  We took 389 pictures this month!

June 2013 Highlights

~ June 2013 ~

*  McKenna's nose surgery was on the 5th of this month.  As nervous was she was to get it done, she is excited to get it over with.
*  Trey attended Day Camp with his scout troop.  He had lots of fun riding the bike track, riding the zip lines, and making a car.  He was disappointed big time when they weren't able to swim because someone got sick at the pool.
*  I had to go help cook breakfast at the park for the Stake Singles.  I had to do this because I am in the Relief Society Presidency in the 5th Ward.
*  Ally, Trey, Lottie, and I went to Dairy Days at the GVHS. 
*  McKenna had a lot of visitors, treats, cards, and surprises after her surgery.
*  Father's Day was fun.  Gave us a good time to honor our Dad and Grandpas.
*  We went to Riley and Sloane Robinson's wedding.  It was a fun day to spend with family.
*  As a family, we fasted for moisture.  Amazing how the Lord works, within a few days of fasting, we had rain.
*  Trey got to meet a Utah Jazz player at the high school auditorium.  He had fun training and learning new skills.  To top it off, he was able to get his autograph.
*  McKenna, Ally, and I had a blast in Las Vegas as we went to the Justin Bieber concert at the MGM Grand.  It was fun to hang out with the Okerlund girls.
*  As a family, we were able to attend the wedding luncheon for Aaron and Carli Jensen's wedding day.  We then went on to Wayne County to hang out at their wedding reception.
*  McKenna was able to attend one day at Young Women's camp.  The 5th Ward girls went to Sally Neal's cabin up Fairview canyon.
*  Jeremy and Trey had the chance to rope several nights this month.
*  Lottie was able to hang out with Grandma JoAnn the Saturday while we were in Las Vegas.
*  We were able to get our container moved from where our gas leak house was to our back yard.
*  McKenna, Trey, Ally, and Lottie went swimming at the Gunnison City Swimming Pool.  Lottie went under and it scared me completely, I had to go in after her.
*  Ally and Lottie had fun at their swimming party at Cherish's house.
*  The night before McKenna's surgery, she got a huge goose egg on her forehead after her and Trey collided heads on the slip and slide.
*  McKenna was surprised when Morgan asked her to be a bridesmaid at her wedding.
*  Uncle Jason was the lucky one to take out McKenna's five stitches from her nose.
*  Jeremy started the process in building his hay barn across the street.
*  Kids had lots of fun playing on the slip-n-slide.  Luckily grandma has a nice lawn to set this up on since we didn't get grass this year!
* I took 215 photos this month!

May 2013 Highlights

~ May 2013 ~

*  From April 28 thru May 5, Jeremy was gone helping Scott Lund and Scott Gurney.  It was a full week of fun times, crazy times,  stressful nights, and a moment that the house about burned down.  I know this week I was truly watched over from someone up above.  First off, the first night we had to do the chores on our own, Trey told me specifically how important it was that the gates to Pedro's corral get secured good or else he will get out.  I watched Trey and he made sure the chain was wrapped around tightly, however, much to our surprise, we watered the bunny and the baby calves and turned around and Pedro had gotten loose.  We both dropped our buckets in pure shock that he was out and slowly creeped up on him to see if we could scare him back. Well we scared him alright, he ended up taking off running around the saddle shed and a small run around.  With a  prayer in my heart, totally panicked of what I was going to do or who I was going to call, Pedro ended up running right back to where he needed to be.  The rest of the week consisted of chasing kids back and forth to school, to baseball practice, to baseball games and so forth.  Trey ended up leaving that Friday morning to go and spend  the weekend with Jeremy.  On Saturday night, the girls and I decided to fix a pizza for supper.  I threw the pizza in the oven and then while it was cooking, I hurried and bathed the little girls.  When the timer went off, I came in and opened the oven door and the house completely filled up with smoke.  Somehow, a hot pad was sitting in the bottom of the oven.  It must have slipped in when I slip the pizza pan in the oven.  Why out kitchen was not in complete flames is beyond me.  The oven was turned to 450 degrees and set to cook the pizza for 8 minutes.  I could tell from the smell of the kitchen that something was hot, but when I opened the oven door, smoke filled the kitchen and that hot pad had a small flame and just beginning to glow into the point of flames.  That same night, I was in the process of writing my Relief Society for church on Sunday.  It was my turn to teach and so I had spent all week writing my lesson.  The whole week, my computer was giving me fits and kept shutting down on me.  So while writing my talk, I will constantly be saving my lesson.  Needless to say, Sunday night, after my talk was given and I was sitting at the computer to just hang out for bit, my computer completely crashed.  I truly feel blessed and watched over that this did not happen prior to my lesson.  I hate to see that happen to my computer, but at least I was able to get through my lesson before it went down.
*  I had my thyroid taken out on the 12th of this month.  It was a four and a half hour surgery.  It went well and I am thankful that I made the decision to have it removed.  I was really nervous about the surgery, thinking about someone making a four inch incision on my neck is pretty nerve racking.
*  Ally had her preschool graduation.  Such a cute program of skits and songs. Can't believe she will be old enough to go into kindergarten.
* Jeremy and Trey were off to the desert moving cows with the Lunds, so JoAnn and I met up with Jennalee, Maddie, Tripp and Krew to go to the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point. 
*  Trey and McKenna were so glad to be done with school.  Trey finished up the 3rd grade and McKenna finished 6th grade. 
*  Tyra and Allyson had their last day at Maria Holder's house for day care.  Maria has tended the little girls for 2 years and it was a sad day for us to think that she will no longer be caring for them at her home.
*  McKenna went to the Classic Fun Center for her 6th Grade Field Trip.
*  Trey went to Palisades for his 3rd Grade Field Trip.  They learned about water safety and how to geocache.
*  Tyra and Allyson started going to Cherish Hansen's house for day care.  Cherish will be our new babysitter and care for the girls while Jeremy and I are at work.
*  This month was crazy.
*  We took 497 pictures this month.

~ April 2013 ~

- April 2013 Highlights -

*  This month is the crazy month of dance for both McKenna and Ally.  Recital month means several trips a night back and forth to the high school. 

*  Trey starts baseball this month.  His first game, he was able to pitch two innings and did a great job.  

*  One of Ally's dances this year for the recital is the Daddy-Daughter dance.  Surprisingly, she refuses to dance with her dad, to the point that it has put her in tears!  When asked why she didn't want to, so says that she didn't want people to watch her on stage with her dad.

*  McKenna and I went to Shelese Stewart's house for a fun girls night.  Fun night of movies, treats, and girl talk.
*  Tyra has attempted to use the potty!  Hopefully this is a sign of hello panties, good-bye diapers!

*  McKenna celebrated her 12th Birthday. 

*  Trey so excited that he has caught both heels and dallied when roping.  

*  Ally has been so good about going to sleep on her own.  Took lots of bribery and convincing, but she has done it and it is amazing how fast she falls asleep.

*  Grandma JoAnn tended Tyra for us one of the nights of the dance recital, so we could go watch it without interruption.  The two of them were out of the back porch enjoying a nice spring evening.  Tyra found Grandma's broom and start to sweep.  Because Tyra was pre-occupied, JoAnn ran into the house to do something.  JoAnn came back outside to find much to her surprise, Tyra had completely stripped down, clothes and diaper, and she continued sweeping.  Once JoAnn tried to get her to put her clothes back on,  Tyra took off down to the horses, butt naked!
*  Trey has had baseball almost every weeknight this month.  Practices have been three nights whiles games where the other two.  Rainy weather made it so there were two nights freed up with no baseball.
*  McKenna received her Faith In God award in Primary.  She has worked hard over the last four years to accomplish the requirements to achieve this award.
*  Tyra celebrated her 2nd birthday!
*  Enjoyed two fun filled nights watching McKenna and Allyson in the Dance Works Studio Recital.
*  Had the Okerlund family over for a party celebrating Tyra, McKenna, Ally, and Laynee's birthdays.  The best part of the party was putting together our own original "Okerlund Family Harlem Shake".  We have watched it over and over and it makes us laugh every single time!
*  I have to say that April is a crazier month at our house even compared to December.
*  Jeremy was asked to go push cows on the desert near Green River for Scott Lund.  He left early Monday morning and did not return until late Sunday night.
*  McKenna had fun and such a spiritual experience doing baptisms for the dead as one of YW activities.  She even got to enjoy a nice supper, thanks to Grandpa Rod!
*  Trey smiled ear to ear when Scott Lund pulled up in his big rig to take him to push cows with Jeremy out on the desert.  What a fun experience for a little boy!
*  Jenna, JoAnn, and I spent a fun afternoon together shopping up north.  We went to a cute boutique and enjoyed lunch at Olive Garden.  We shopped at the TaiPan in the Orem mall before heading home.  What a fun day for all of us!
*  Jeremy and Trey was able to spend a Saturday out on the Henry Mountain looking for horns.  Eric, Rick, Kallie, and Grandpa Rod all went for the day.  Trey was excited when he found a great 3 point that everyone else seemed to pass up!
*  McKenna is officially in Young Women's.  So proud of her for the beautiful girl she is growing up to be!
*  We survived this crazy month!!  Lots of chasing, dancing, baseball, preschool, laughter, tears and smiles!  It's all worth it!
*  I took a total of _______ pictures this month!
 

~ March 2013 ~

~ March 2013 Highlights ~

*  McKenna, Ally, and I went to the North Sevier's Junior Prom.  It was so fun to see Brynn and how beautiful she looked in her Prom dress.
*  As a family, we stayed up late watching the Duck Dynasty marathon.
*  Surprised Grandpa Okerlund by setting up a dinner date at El Mexicano for his 66th Birthday.
*  We were all sadden of the passing away of James Childs, son of Paul and Carolyn Childs.  He was killed in an avalanche up Mayfield Canyon.
*  Jeremy was released from his calling as a Youth Sunday School teacher.  He is now set apart as the new Assistant Scoutmaster and Advisor in Young Men's.
*  Celebrated Grandma Jolayne's 63rd Birthday at Jason and Mary's house.
*  Announced that the Taylor / Okerlund girl's are all going to Las Vegas in June to attend the Justin Bieber concert at the MGM Grand.  Tears of joy!
*  Jeremy has been bottle feeding three bummer calves.  Sickness told hold and now he is only down to one.
*  I have had to conduct Relief Society this month.
*  We went to New Beginnings for McKenna.  What a fun way to welcome her to Young Women's.
*  Trey went to the Classic Fun Center as a reward for making it to the 100 Point Club for Accelerated Reader.
*  St. Patrick's Day, green breakfast, dinner, party, and time to hang out!
*  Tripp and Krew's 1st Birthday. They are getting so big!
*  McKenna had a dance competition in Richfield.  Her Drill Prep class took 1st Place!
*  McKenna performed her Jazz and Drill Prep dances at this years GVHS Spring show.
*  Laynee and Kambree came over for a cousin sleepover.  They had fun hanging out with Ally, McKenna, and Lottie.
*  Out for a walk with my girls, Lottie slowly stops and back tracks to something in the lawn.  We keep walking thinking she will catch up.  Finally realized something has caught her attention and we notice that she has picked up a feather to rub on her top lip!  What a funny little girl she is!
*  I went to a thyroid specialist in Provo.  Was so nice to spend the day with Jeremy and enjoy a nice lunch at Red Lobster!
*  March 31st was McKenna's last day in Primary.  As sad as it is to think that she isn't old enough to be in Primary any longer, I am proud of who she is turning out to be.
*  Had fun coloring our Easter eggs.  All four kids were so creative in their egg design.
*  Rented the movie 'HOP' from the local video shop.  What a great movie to watch to prepare for Easter.
*  Jeremy borrowed the skidster from the Robinson's for two weekends.  He was able to get the piles of dirt that has been piled up in the back yard, spread out and leveled throughout the entire yard.  Next step is sprinklers.
*  Had a fun Easter, with the Easter Bunny doing a treasure hunt, to hiding eggs at Grandma JoAnn's, to hiding our boiled eggs in our own backyard.  We also were able to go and see Grandpa and Grandma Okerlund on Easter Sunday in Salina.
*  We had fun tending Alyssa and Marshall while Tammy went to the temple.  McKenna and Trey had fun riding bikes and playing games with Marshall, while Ally and Tyra had fun playing and dancing with Alyssa.

~ February 2013 ~

- February 2013 Highlights -

*  Spent a week in California on one very fun and memorable family vacation!
*  Trey had no school on the 1st because he had Parent Teacher Conference.
*   Jeremy and I went to Parent Teacher Conference for Trey.  Mrs. Elise Bown gave a good report for Trey's leadership and academic skills.  So grateful he loves school and is just a good kid!
*  I had to teach the Relief Society lesson on the first Sunday.  We couldn't leave for Disneyland until it was over!
*  McKenna had no school on the 11th, lucky for her it was Parent Teacher Conference.
*  I got sick and missed work on the 22nd.  Haven't done that in a long long time.
*  President's Day gave everyone but dad a day off!  Fun just hanging out with nothing planned.
*  Had Grandpa and Grandma Okerlund, Grandpa and Grandma Taylor, and Great Grandma Loraine over for dinner to celebrate Allyson's birthday.  So lucky to have family close and what a fun way for Ally to celebrate!
*  Allyson's 5th Birthday was on the 25th.  It was fun celebrating the day with her and watching her glow with excitement.
*  Valentine's Day was simple, yet fun.  Had a nice dinner with the family who I love so much!
*  Took Allyson to the dentist in Spanish Fork for her first cavity.  Not a fun experience, especially for Mom!
*  McKenna was invited to Young Women's week night activity.  She can hardly wait to turn 12!
*  We had fun watching the GVHS boys play basketball at the State Tournament.  Thanks to technology, we were able to watch their games all from my laptop.  Friday's game with a buzzer beater was fun to watch over and over!
*  Both McKenna and Trey had spring pictures taken at school!
*  Little Lottie loves to be outside with her Dad.  Likes to help feed the baby calves.

~ January 2013 ~

- January 2013 Highlights -

*  The first Sunday of the month, it is our ward's turn to go to church at 9:00 am.  We are attending church at the Centerfield chapel.

*  McKenna saw a dermatologist for her infection in the cyst on her nose.  The dermatologist didn't want to touch it and advised us to take her to a Ear, Nose, & Throat doctor.  The ENT doctor put her on a prescription to see if the swelling and redness would go away before further testing is done.

*  Tyra no longer has her bottle, she is now using her sippy cup.

*  Trey is playing basketball games every Saturday with practices on Tuesday.  He loves it and is so good at it.  Lucky for him, he has his dad as his coach.

*  Allyson was able to perform her jazz dance at the High School basketball game.  She is so cute and quite the little performer!

*  McKenna was able to perform her jazz and drill prep dances at two different half time for the boys basketball games.  I love to watch her dance, what a natural!

*  We went to Jason and Mary's house to celebrate Porter's 14th birthday.

*  Marshall came to our house for a sleep over since the kids didn't have school on the 20th.  Too much of the Finding Bigfoot gave Trey's nightmares for days!

*  We took our turn as a family to go and help clean the Centerfield church.

*  We went to watch the GVHS boys basketball team play North Sevier.  We were able to watch Trevor play for the Wolves.  Gunnison did loose by 4, but it was a fun game to watch!
*  Family movie night consisted of Ice Age:  Continental Drift & Diary of a Wimpy Kid:  Dog Days.  Both great movies and had us all laughing all night long.

*  Spent a lot of nights hanging out as a family, love them all so much!