IN A NUTSHELL..

Warning. This post is totally messed up. Sometimes the Mac is hard to figure out for me. I got sick of it, and just published "as is". sorry.
Was the buggy parade getting buggy? It was for me! I'm glad to move on.

O.K., a very big nutshell. But, I do need to sum up our summer in Park City. On our way to Utah, traveling through Vegas, I got a call from my mom letting me know that my BFF's house was in the process of burning down. They have a very successful photography business that they had moved into the basement of their home; a perfect place for it with the beautiful scenery and surroundings. Everything was gone. The neighbors saved their hard drives, so the customers pictures were saved, but everything else-gone. Not only that, but Tiff was driving home from St. George and hearing about it on the phone.












Just a month or so prior to their house and business burning down, the little girl they were trying to adopt, and they raised for 9 months since birth, was given back to the birth mother due to a sperm donor father demanding parental rights. It was heartbreaking.


In their studio, a huge picture of my family was hanging in the entry. I imagined a vivid image of my family, wearing white, burning. starting at the corners, and moving in. I thought about how Satan is so determined to destroy families. Even my beautiful family. It really opened my eyes.

Tiff is amazing. I have been so impressed by her and Clark's reactions to all of this. Positive. Humbled (not that they needed it), and awesome. The weekend after their home burned down, Clark was called to be in the bishopbric. Ouch! Of course, he accepted and works on all of these things diligently. I know they will be so blessed. I love you Tiff!













Bulldogs, bulldogs, bulldogs. This was quite an experience having them with us. It was a bit chaotic. Keeping the condo smelling sweet was my main goal. With them having to have their bathroom in a sod-filled tub on the patio, and keep their hair cleaned up, was hard! And, to keep them from barking was a bit of a trial. Who knows if we'll get away with it next year.

The kids took most of these dog pictures. We have way, way, way too many dog pictures. It's all the kids photograph.

I had to bring this up, 'cause it was a bit shocking for us all. Z went through puberty, and man was it wacky. Gross, smelly, bladder infection included, -wacky. And, no, I did not know Z's vajay jay would look like this!










A real girly girl.



















Lauren was so fun this summer. She took a gymnastics class and did sooo well. I never realized I have a gymnast on my hands. She can go all the way down in the splits, and do a back bend. This little girl does non-stop cartwheels. She's awesome!










Austin turned twelve on August 14th. He's growing up too fast! It really hit me when he passed the sacrament for the 1st time. I'm so proud of him. He went to a "big air" class in park City, and learned aireil skills and trampoline tricks. He loved it, and was determined to land his flips. He did great.


Boondocks! We have to go there at least once. It's fun to see the kids cut loose.




















Crazy Ty. My mom had a luau and Ty took it to the next level. He is so much fun. And Funny! He turned 4 this summer, and all of a sudden He and Austin are fighting like cat and dog. I'm glad to be out of the condo and back to AZ for that reason. It's all better now. He also took gymnastics, and did great.
















Concerts, concerts concerts! I've decided it's my thing. I love the feeling I get when I go. We went to Dave Matthews twice, Jason Mraz, The Fray, and American Idol. We are going to Rob Thomas and Jason Mraz in a couple weeks. I love these more than any other date!






Hangin' at the park. Of course is a big part of our summer. It's so beautiful there! We have so much fun in the 75 degree weather.















Greg's fireworks show!!! Oh what a show he had on the 4th of July. Another one was attempted on the 24th. Friends and family were gathered to witness the "GREG SHOW". It was cut short (thank goodness) by the fire marshal. Of course we didn't have a single legal firework on hand. The wind was also blowing, so I actually was glad. I don't want to be blamed for a house fire! The kids made the best of it and played a little red rover. Greg talked himself out of the $500 mandatory fine.







































Of course, hiking in Park City is always fun. The scenery this summer was insane. So green, and so many flowers. Thanks, Flints, for showing us the trails.
Cousins, cousins, cousins. My kids love their cousins and love playing with them all day- then doing sleepovers.

































Maddi had a fun summer too. She also did tumbling and had a great time. She has also just grown up way too much this year. I think what Maddi enjoys most is the one-on ones she was able to have with her grandmas. I have the best mom, and the best mother in law ever. My kids love them. They all got to spend quality personal time with their grandparents. I know it meant a lot to all of them.
































The Dinosaur museum is always fun. We went with my cute friend Michelle and her 3 girls. My sister Mindy and Campbell went too. The best part was spending time with all of them.

Of course Lagoon. The highlight was when Greg won this red dog for Collin, after Collin kissed his coin and told Greg to win him something. 1st try, he won the big one.


Last, but not least, I visited my Grandma Campbell, who had just recently broke her hip. She had been heavily medicated, but I got to see the woman I knew and loved for a short time. I feel for her. She is almost completely blind now, and is unable to be the independent woman she is used to being. I love her and was grateful to spend this time with her.


Safe to say, another summer for the record books. We are so grateful to be able to live here every summer and enjoy family. I have grown closer to friends that I probably wouldn't have otherwise. I am so thankful for the friendships that I have there.

Now I can finally move on with my blog!

A "BUGGY" PARADE

This year, for the Draper Days parade, The Salt Lake Preventive branch participated. I was trying to catch up on missed sleep, so I was missing. Ty was up all night with me, so he's missing too. Austin, Madeline, and Lauren along with Greg and Kevin and Campbell, were there to help. It was a fun, and tiring morning for them.
Brandon and Brienne did a great job (as usual) with the arranging and decorating. Brandon has been an awesome manager, and Brienne is one of the most creative people ever!

All of the kids handed out candy and Preventive stuff. They did a great job.

Way to go team! I slept well, thank you.

THIS....IS AMERICAN IDOL 2009

For Mother's Day this year-a gift to look forward to, Greg and I took our moms to see the American Idol concert. Austin and Maddi were lucky enough to go too! We had so much fun. I thought Austin might be a bit embarrassed of me (a crazy lady who loves music), but he seemed to be cool with it. I attempted to make my first movie of the concert. Seriously, I had fun doing it, but Greg said it's weird. Just grin and bear it. Sorry, my sense of humor is a little off. (DEFINITELY PAUSE THE PLAYLIST before viewing!!!!!)


Maddi is my little diva. She was so fun. She screamed like crazy, clapped her hands, and danced. She's going to be my new concert buddy.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

PLAYIN' AT THE GATEWAY

Make a Smilebox slideshow

I'M PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!

We spent the 4th at Greg's sisters' house. They have the greatest yard I've seen! The kids and Greg (of course) had a great time lighting the fireworks. We always love to get together with the Hunt family and have a fun time with them! (Thanks Jen and Jason for letting us light all of the illegals at your house.)

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY TY!

TODAY WE HAD OUR ANNUAL BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR TY AT OUR FAVORITE PARK IN PARK CITY. IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL. HE TURNED THE BIG 4! WE, AT THE LAST MINUTE DECIDED TO GET HIM THIS JOHN DEER TRUCK. AT FIRST HE WAS IN TOTAL SHOCK AND ACTED LIKE HE DIDN'T WANT IT. YEAH RIGHT. HE DID LOVE IT, AND KNEW EXACTLY HOW TO DO IT. LAUREN WAS ESPECIALLY FOND OF IT. SHE DROVE IT WAY MORE THAN TY DID. I MUST SAY, I AM SO IMPRESSED WITH THOSE WHO MADE THE EFFORT TO COME. KRISTIN (MY BEAUTIFUL SISTER), AND HER HUSBAND, AARON DROVE WITH THEIR 2 KIDS, 1HR. AND 45 MIN. TO GET THERE. ON A PRECIOUS SATURDAY , EVEN! JARED AND LISA DROVE ALMOST AS LONG WITH THEIR NEWBORN BABY. GREG'S MOM FLEW IN FROM ST. GEORGE IN ORDER TO BE THERE. I AM SO THANKFUL FOR FAMILY. YOU ARE ALL SO AWESOME TO TAKE TIME TO COME. MAYBE NEXT YEAR WE SHOULD PLAN A BIRTHDAY HIKE, OR A CAMPING TRIP, OR OLYMPIC PARK, OR SOMETHING. I'LL LET YOU ALL CAST YOUR VOTES. ANYWAY, THANKS SO MUCH FOR COMING!

Kristin, My mom and me. I wish Mindy could have made it! I thought I had taken more pictures. I must have been chasing around my dopey dogs. This place is like Disneyland to them.

FATHERS DAY TRIBUTE

I guess because Father's Day has been on my mind, It has also been on my mind what an important role being a father is to their daughters. Sons too, but since I'm a daughter, and I've spoken to other women, and girls, I'll speak for us. Whether girls are aware of it as children or not, or whether dads are aware of it, they have a significant impact on their daughters. We look to them for love, acceptance, an example, encouragement, and safety. Dads, in not so many words will let us know what they expect of us, and if they approve.

I've been looking forward to this post so I can express to my dad how much I love and appreciate him. (Wasn't he a great looking guy?) He means so much to me, and I love and respect him very much. My dad has always
been good example to me. Even though we sometimes have a hard time expressing it, I have always known that he loves me, and thinks I'm a good person. (thinks) jk. I try. He has definitely taught me by example. He has always tried to live what he has taught. He has also taught me a lot about the importance of living within our means.
This past year we had the opportunity to really grow closer and express our feelings toward one another. It was a priceless experience, and one that I feel everyone should have with their fathers. Sometimes I worry about his health, and tease him about his 10pm ice cream indulgences. I guess what comes around, goes around. ha ha. Love you dad. Happy Fathers Day!!!**********************************************************************************************

Where do I begin with Greg? Well, I'll just tell it like it is. You'll never meet a dad that loves his kids as much as Greg. He is such a fun dad. He's always the one jumping in the ocean or the pool with them. He loves "getting into it with them", and doesn't mind getting a little dirty. (As long as he can change immediately afterward.) He is CONSTANTLY bringing candy home to the kids. A couple of weeks ago, I was talking to Madeline about how it seemed like Ty was a little celebrity. She perked up and said, "I think dad is a celebrity." I know my girls (and boys) look up to him so much. They are proud of him, and have a great time with him, and miss him when he's not around. He definitely pulls through where I lack. Thank you, Greg for being such an exceptional dad, and a great provider.
hey dad, this is Austin. i just want you to know that you are the best dad i could ever ask for. Even though you are sometimes a little crazy, and weird you make a great dad. have a great fathers day and thanks for all the cool stuff that you do for us. ***** this is Maddi. my dad is very silly & funny with a titch of weird in him. he's very childish but that's just the way i like it.he is awesome,sweet,cool, and millions of other adjectives I'll always love him no matter what. dad, i love you so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so much.i love you more than anything or anyone besides our family. i love you whether you like it or not but i know you like it. dad once more, i love you . happy fathers day.love Maddi*****(this is from Ty) Thank you dad. I love you. Wock on. Happy Fathers Day, dad.*****(this is from Lauren just like she wrote it) I love u dad I love u so mash I hop u hav a nis fothrs day I love u so mosh I love u wen u tuc me in and i lic magen clubs I hop u had a nis fothrs day.
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Who could ask for a better father-in-law than Richard? He has always been the best grandpa ever. He exemplifies hard work and service. He has even taken it upon himself to start his own Preventive branch in St. George, UT. Wow. I don't think too many Grandpas out there are starting their own businesses, and doing much of the work themselves. And trust me, It's work. Thanks for teaching Greg much of what it means to be a great dad and husband. Happy Fathers Day, Richard! Love, Heather. (In this picture, Ty is holding a dollar bill given to him by grandpa to spend in the shop they're in. Cute stuff.
******My dad is a modern day hero. He had my back recently when I almost got into a brawl with a biker short wearing hard guy. I can't think of a better guy to have on my side. I'm proud that he's my newest business partner and I'm especially thankful that he's my dad. He's always worked hard for the family and has been a fine example of fatherhood.
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The next 2 fathers are Rosalie's dad, (Grandpa Mark Turner)top
and My mom's dad, (Grandpa Evan Chesley). bottom
Both of these great men are not only good father's and grandfathers, and great grandfathers, but I respect them very much for both serving our country during World War 2. Not only did Mark serve, but was part of some very important battles, (Bulge and Normandy) he was shot 3 times and other men died all around him. He endured cold temperatures, that he still feels the effects of today. We are so glad he made it home safely to his wife and family. He is the father to 5 beautiful girls. We love him very much. He now enjoys entertaining the ladies (kind of like he is in this picture), in the assisted living place that he now lives in.

Grandpa Chesley is also honored, as he went through some other dreadful experiences while serving in the war. He endured being a P.O.W. for 2 years, which I can't imagine what this may have been like. He won't share very much, but I know he surely has suffered because of this memory and others he had while serving.
He has always enjoyed camping and the outdoors. Grandpa has traveled all over, and enjoyed this very much. He is the father of 7 children. His daughter that passed away from M.S. is remembered, as 2 of her daughters are showing him some love! kinda funny.
*******************************************************************************************My Grandpa Campbell, who passed away about 11 years ago, I miss very much. He was such a cute Grandpa. He was so funny, and such a great person. He was very dedicated to the church and his family. (And his BYU sports teams.) I'll post a picture as soon as I get one. I know my grandma has missed him very much. He is the father of 4 boys and 1 girl. I have so many good memories of him. His hobby; pigeon racing, was really cool. He had plaques and trophy's all over his house. Whenever I went to visit, he was usually in the backyard testing out a pigeon, or racing some. He also had quite a few young ladies that liked him (probably not as much as he said, he was like 80 and they were 16-18.) Love you, Grandpa.

Greg's Grandpa Hunt died from heart complications days before Greg was born. Russel M. Nelson was his surgeon. Greg had a chance to thank him when he ran into him at the airport, and Brother Nelson remembered him and the family well. Greg likes to think that while he was born, and when his grandpa died, that they talked and slapped high fives in Heaven. From what we know, he was truly a good man. If we ask too many questions about him, Richard gets choked up. We know he gave away full size candy bars at Halloween, and that he loved his grand kids. He was a good singer and song writer. He played the guitar. He ran a gas station in Southern Utah for many, many years.(I inherited his crooked bar stool that he sat on). He looked like Popeye because of his big forearms. He is the father of 2 boys, and 1 girl. *******************************************************************************************
If appropriate, I don't see why I wouldn't honor my Heavenly Father as well. I am so thankful for the knowledge I have of Him. He has given me everything I have. He is always there for me, and I know He loves me, and wants what is best for me. He sent his only begotten Son to die for me. I'm glad that He has an eternal understanding of why everything is the way it is, so I need to trust in Him, serve Him, and have faith in Him and his plan. ***********

BEAUTIFUL PARK CITY, UT

We never grow tired of visiting Park City. I honestly believe it's one of the most beautiful places in the world. I feel fortunate to be part of it every year. We have such a great time! We look forward to enjoying it this year.

EBAY LOVES GREG PART 3 (THE CAR)

I hesitated to post part 3 in this odd story, but knew that I would want to refer to it later(this is like my public journal), and also get your take. It's complicated yet simple, Funny yet sad, Heart felt yet Heart breaking. Yes, this is yet another chapter in the EBay saga. So, when the arrival of dolls slowed down, and the excitement of the Harley faded, late at night I saw Greg searching EBay for old cars. On dates he would spot different models that he thought were suitable to his taste. "You know what I'm kinda getting in to now, Heather? Old cars." "NO", I replied. "you don't know anything about cars. If it broke down, you wouldn't know how to fix it. We have a miniature 2 car garage that the 2 vehicles we now own, don't fit in. (4 if you count the motorcycles). You bought a new truck this year, and a motorcycle, no more, PLEASE. If anything, we would replace the van. But, I think we should wait 'til the kids are a bit less destructive to even do that." I depart. Fingers in my ears, singing a calming song to relieve the anxiety. The conversation is over.

Greg leaves town shortly thereafter. He is gone for a few days, so I was missing him. I talked to him on the phone and he tells me that he has a big surprise for me. I hang up wondering...."what could it be? He acts like he did something really nice for me." I forget about it, thinking he probably just said it. The next day, he was almost home, and told me he was bringing me home a surprise. "Could it possibly be? Could he have bought us a new family car to travel to Utah in?(We had already discussed what kind we wanted when the time came.) Oh, that would be exciting, but, I don't think we should yet...." I can't deny that I let my imagination get away. The thought of a new car was really cool. The minivan is great, but the kids are out of car seats now, and I could stop being a minivan mom. (I'm proud to be one anyway). I hear him come home. He comes in and says "come outside. I have a surprise for you." I walk outside, and what do I see? A 1969 light blue Cadillac sedan. Shock. "I bought you a car!" "You bought ME a car? You bought YOU a car!" "No, really it's for you. It's a girl car." "No you didn't. You bought YOU a car. Don't say you bought ME a car." A tear streams down my face. (day before my period) In my disappointment, I told him that he used me as an excuse to buy himself something HE wanted so I couldn't say "no" 'cause it's a gift, and that it was selfish. "It says CRUELAA on the licence plate, and it matches the Vespa." ......The thing is, he was looking for a car for himself, he happened on to this one that was in great shape, has only 70,000 miles, (same as the van!) and a a desperate seller with a good price. "I could just give it to Heather", he thought. And then he got excited. Thinking I would get excited. If the previous conversations and 'stuff' hadn't taken place, I would have. This car is totally my style. I love stuff like this. I never wanted it for me, but I do think they're great. To me, it seemed like such an unnecessary thing to buy at this time. He had some pretty roses on the front seat that he tossed on the sidewalk. The fight was a pretty good one. We are actually laughing about it now, but it surely wasn't funny at the time. After pondering it for a few weeks, I actually think he can see how I feel. maybe?....anyway... now we're trying to decide if we should sell it for a profit, or pimp it and store it in his warehouse until we have more space. (not much fun when it's not there for you to drive around.) Anyway, feel very free to express your take on this fine story. We are both very open to see other's views. Livin' and learnin' the best we can. Usually people seem to take Greg's side. Seriously though, does anyone see my side? Everyone?....Truth is, we're on the same side, so we just want further constructive criticism.

(YOU'VE GOTTA ADMIT, I'D LOOK CUTE IN IT)
I actually am going out on a little girls night in Cruelaa with my girl, Kelly. She's my best friend here. I truly love her. (Funny thing is, her and Greg are best buddies too.) We're really looking forward to it! We need to get it in since we were sited yesterday for having a car parked on the side of our house. We have 14 days to remove it, or we'll be fined.***

update: It's looking like I want to keep it. The more I drive it, the cuter, and cuter it is. I'm glad Greg is fun and crazy enough to balance me out. (am I really that dull?) He just needs to learn a thing or 2 about timing. (on our girls night he actually called me and asked me in the middle of dinner if I was cool with him buying some old fashioned Honda scooter on ebay for $700 just to "ride around in when he didn't feel like taking the Harley". On our very rare girls night. While we happened to be talking about how husbands need to be there for there wives emotionally. uhhhh, hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GREG!

Today Greg turns 36 yrs. old. I hope he has a wonderful, awesome, birthday. His wife and kids love him and have missed him while he's been at scout camp. We can't wait to CELEBRATE! In other words, have some good, old fashioned, family fun. I think that's what Greg wants. No Stress. "Turn off the phone, shut the blinds". WE LOVE YOU. HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

EBAY LOVES GREG PART 2 (THE BIKE)

THE SAGA CONTINUES....

This dreamy boy (refer to part 1) always had a vision of himself owning a Harley Davidson. If you haven't heard our Harley story yet, here is a brief rundown. I finally broke down and told him "Go ahead. Just drive on Sunday afternoons only, and I get a Vespa". Am I a brat? He got me the Vespa. Cute, cute. On the way to get the Harley, we got into an accident. Some kid pulled out right in front of us, and we t-boned him going 50 mph. Ty was 6 weeks old. I wasn't wearing a seat belt. We both went to the er fortunate to be fine. (Airbags are awesome!) This was a sign from above that a Harley was not in the cards. The fun was gone, the desire was gone. We moved on. He drove the Vespa more than me. Oh how vulnerable we are when others can just choose to pull out in our path, no matter how careful we are.



Well, 3 1/2 years later, the Harley itch re-emerges. He finds his Harley on EBay. It's a 1997 with 11 miles. "It's just going to sit in my office among my dolls for me to look at." Is it still in his office? Try the garage. It's got 700 miles already, and he's part of a nationwide motorcycle gang 'The Temple Riders'. Huh. We even went on a date with me driving the Vespa and him on the Harley. It was fun, but, I won't be driving among traffic very often. TOO VULNERABLE! Maybe when I don't have 4 kids waiting for me at home. Think Greg's itch has now been scratched? Na. He has it, wants to sell it, and get a different one. Oh, just be happy with this one! It's awesome, right? Kind of how he used to really want me until a better girl comes along? More itch's to come.

to be continued......