Merry Christmas

We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.
We are glad to know all of you.
Thanks for all you do for us.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATHAN

I can't believe my Christmas baby is already FOURTEEN. Where did the time go? I remember talking to my mom when he was born about when he would be 16, it seemed forever away.

He was born at 7:22am in Cedar City. I got to the hospital at about 7:20. He weighed 7lbs 8oz. I got his name from "The Work and the Glory" books. He was my life saver.

I took him home to Kanosh on Christmas Eve. The nurses put him in a giant stocking. My best Christmas present ever.

Ride With the Beaumont's? ...If You Dare.

Bryan loves the show "Gilligan's Island". We have had the first season on DVD for a year or so. I bought him the second and third for his birthday. (I gave them to him early.) He was so excited to have the whole series. He watched them almost non-stop the first few days. The kids and I like watching them too. "Good, clean, family fun".

Natalie wanted to see the Mesquite desert so we ask Bryan to take us on a four wheeling ride on the Friday after thanksgiving. He took us on a trail that I had never been on and I let Natalie drive my wheeler. We would get to a rough spot on the trail and being on Alex's wheeler I would panic. I kept telling Bryan I didn't like the trail. Bryan kept saying, "this is the last one". I think it was the last rough spot we came to that when bruised and frustrated I got off the bike and pouted. Bryan drove my bike through the spot and I walked. I was getting back on the bike when he said it again. Natalie and I rolled our eyes and laughed and I said to Bryan, "I'm putting 'this is the last one' on your headstone."

When we finally got to the top of the mountain Bryan noticed that my bike was smoking and leaking gas. We had no choice but to head for home. He decided to ride Alex's. I was assigned to ride Nathan's. Perfect, a new bike to get used to.

I told Bryan to just hurry and get as close to home as possible before it broke down completely. Natalie and I would head for home but more at our leisure. On a much easier trail. Bryan did race ahead, Natalie and I would catch-up, he would get the bike running again. Then we'd start over. At last I could tell we were getting close to home. We were going to make it. Or so I thought until Nate's bike died for no apparent reason. I got it to start again right away. I drove maybe 200yds and it died again. It took me a little longer but I got it started again. This time I got maybe a mile down the rode. Natalie and I tried and tried but no luck. We gave up and called Bryan. It was possible for Bryan to be home by then but I was afraid that he was still driving and would not be able to hear his phone. Of course he heard it, he was broke down again. He had HAD it by then. He didn't know what to do now.

He called back and ask Natalie to drive the green bike to where he was then she could stay with his bike. Then he drove the green one back to me to try to get mine started. No luck. I began to be worried about Natalie being alone. There can be strange people on that road. Another riding group stopped to ask if we needed help. We told them we were not out of options. They said they would check on us on their way home. I was embarrassed by our old broken down wheelers. Thirty minutes, three shoe laces, a bungee cord, and Bryan's patience later I ask him to please call someone to come and get us or at least bring us a tow strap. (We usually carry one.) As politely as he could muster up he told me to shush and let him think. I was quiet for two seconds as it came to me I asked, "Bryan are you wearing your belt?" He smiled as he felt his waist and answered,"Yes, I am, I knew that, why didn't I think of that?" I couldn't resist making some comment about how he shouldn't shush me, sometimes I have good ideas.

We were finally on our way. Bryan driving the green one towing me on mine. I kept my eyes on the belt the whole two miles making sure it didn't break, like everything else we tried. (There's a whole other story there.) Just before we went over a hill where we could see Natalie, a car, full of odd looking guys, passed us. It gave me an uneasy feeling. I was glad to see Natalie safe where Bryan had left her. The belt broke just as we got to her.

Once Bryan had us two girls together to wait and he could ride the green bike he headed for home to get the truck. While we were waiting I ask Natalie if she had been nervous while she was alone. She said just once just before you got here. We compared descriptions, it was the same car that had creeped me out. She said it had passed her then stopped and acted like it was going to turn around. But then another truck appeared and the car took off again.
I asked her if she had noticed that while Bryan was getting ready to leave the car had passed us again. The closer it got to sunset the more wierdos we saw. We were glad Bryan got back with the truck pretty quickly. Finally we were home. Very worn out but home.

As I was cleaning up and thinking of our adventure, I noticed we had been gone for four hours. What should have been a one hour trip had turned into a four hour tour. Bryan had been singing a catchy tune all day. I had an idea. I shared it with Natalie. The plot began. We did a lot of sneaking around on Saturday. Bryan knew we were up to something every time he caught us giggling. A few minutes before he left for work we sang him a song. Natalie did most of the work. She is so clever.

A SONG FOR BRYAN

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale,
A tale of a four wheeler trip.
That stared at this desert trail,
Aboard three quads so hip.

The leader was a mighty man,
the quads seemed ready and sure.
Three people set out that day for
a two hour tour, a two hour tour.

The trail started getting rough,
The girls were nervous and tossed.
But there were words "this is the last",
And no we are not lost. And no we are not lost.

The quads took smooth on the very edge of an old rock so white.
With Natalie, and Bryan too. The leader and his wife.
No toilet paper, the water and camera,
Here on the trails of white.

Now sit right back and I'll finish this tale.
A tale of a four wheeler trip.
That started on this desert trail
Aboard three quads so hip.

They got to the top of the Canyon Grand.
No further could they go.
The wheeling trip then became
a four hour tour, a four hour tour.

Another quad started giving out
And Julie was left behind.
If not for the thought of a belt,
Bryan would still be out of his mind,
Would still be out of his mind!

The quads were gathered in on a truck of a frustrated Bryan.
With broken laces, a bungee too,
the two four tracks, and the green,
the sis-in-law, the leader, and fraidy cat.
Back in the House of Bryan
-----
I had to sneak a DVD so we could learn the real song.
We sang it so many times. It took us days to get it out of our heads. Thank you for helping me Natalie.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Enjoy visiting Family and Friends.
Eat lots of turkey and pie.
Travel in safety.

7 years/3 months

I had a hard week last week and as the weekend approached I realized what the date was -- the 22nd. Seven years since mom's passing and 3 months since Keith's. I stumbled through my Y.W. lesson on Sunday. Trying to teach the girls that there are blessings with trials. I wanted to say that I'm still waiting to see the blessings or feel like I've grown in some way from loosing my brother. How can there be any? Anyway, what I wanted to say was that today I visited my sister Natalie's blog. She paid a beautiful tribute to both mom and Keith. She has a way with words. She was able to what I couldn't - I couldn't organize my thoughts at least not a beautifully as she did. She is awesome. I don't think she would mind me inviting others to read her words. Please click on her link. I hope she doesn't mind me borrowing her feelings as they feel so much like mine. I love you Nat. Can't wait to give you a hug.

Janet Evans!

How did you find me? I am so glad you did. I have been meaning to write you a letter and give you my blog address. Sorry I never got around to it. I tried to click on your name to go to your blog and leave a message but it wouldn't let me. How are you? I can't wait to catch up with you.
Love Julie

Four Wheeling with Ward Friends

Pictures for Joanna

...more classic Alex. He made this chocolate milk mixer from his erector set. Yes, it really works. The missionaries insisted on having a glass. Alex dressed for nerd day at school.

This picture is for Carly

Alex "liking" his pumpkin mess.

Natalie
HAPPY B-DAY!!!
Have a GREAT Day.
Love Ya.

General Conference 2008

We once again had a wonderful time attending General Conference. It's our new family tradition. We went to the Saturday afternoon session. Always so many good things we learn at conf. We were so glad that Stephanie was able to travel with us.

Lagoon 2008 (Gen. Conf. wknd.)

Football Season!!!

Nathan lives for football!

I Love #85

GO BULLDOGS

This was Nathan's third year playing. As an eighth grader it was also his last in that league. Of course, he hopes to play as a freshman next year.

As a family we love to go to his games and watch him play.

He likes to watch his Indy. Colts.

As if the story wasn't long enough.....

.....Nate says I forgot to tell how he found Alex.

(I felt bad--Alex had wanted to sleep on the floor in the family room. I told him he would sleep better in his bed. You know, where its nice and hot on the top bunk with no ceiling fan. I can't remember if the paramedics said his fever was 104 or 106. But if he had been in the family room would anyone have heard him?)

Nathan says he was barely awake when he felt the whole bed shaking. At first he thought Alex was just playing like they sometimes do. (I would have thought it was an earthquake.) For a second he planned to just go back to sleep, then he realized what time it was and that things were not right. He could hear Alex gurgling. He jumped out of bed. As soon as he looked at Alex he recognized what was happening and he ran for me. (I guess he does pay attention at scouts, lol. Plus he used to have a friend that sometimes had seizures.)

Alex says he remembers not being able to move his legs. (I think he confused it with not being able to hold his legs still) He was afraid of falling off his bed so he was trying to hang on to the mattress next to the wall. He doesn't remember not being able to wake up or me calling his name. He remembers waking up and wondering why there were so many people in his room. He says I scared him when I told him what happened. Alex had never had a seizure before. Bryan's uncle, he's a doc. asst., says it not so much how high the fever but more how fast the fever increases.

I was glad they had just cleaned their room. I took the chance to point out that that's why they should always have a clean room. They have forgotten that already. Every night I tell them that I'm surprised they don't trip in the dark.

My Most Scary Mom Moment

(SORRY--this turned out way longer than I planned. I'm all about details.)

My friend has a saying for moments like this: "It took a page off my [life's]calender."

Nathan and Alex share a bunk bed. Alex sleeps on the top bunk. At about 3:30 in the morning on Tuesday, Sept. 16 Nathan came running in to my room. Turning on every light on his way, hollering, "MOM, MOM". I was in a half a wake state and remember hearing him coming and recognizing the panic in his voice. I hoped that it was only that he had had a nightmare but, feared(denied knowing) it was more than that. I thought he was going to say that he thought someone was trying to break in (but the dogs weren't barking), or that the house was on fire. I heard the panic but thought it would be something I could remedy. But I didn't want to wake up to deal with whatever it was. I hadn't been sleeping well and it seemed I had just fallen asleep. I had all those thoughts in about two seconds as I answered him. My, "What" was a little annoyed. I was not prepared for his announcement. "Alex is having a seizure."

I knew instantly that it was from the fever he had gone to bed with. But it still shocked be awake sending a chill down my back. What a foreign thing for Nate to say. It couldn't be true. I tried to remind myself that I try to live by the faith that I won't be asked to endure more than I can handle. I felt I had already been pushed to my limit with Keith's death just over three weeks old. I felt this was it! I couldn't handle it. I didn't know how. I didn't want to. I just wanted to ignore it and go back to bed and hide, indefinitely. All these thoughts as I ran to their bedroom.

By the time I got to Alex he was pretty much lying still. One leg was still twitching a little. His eyes rolled back. My mind froze I didn't know what to do. All I could do was call his name over and over again. He would open his eyes each time but then they would roll again. If he would have woken up I wouldn't have been so panicked. As it was, I asked Nate to call 911. He seemed to stay calm through it all. While we waited we kept trying to wake Alex, lock the pets in my room, get dressed a little more, open the door wide, turn on every light. I wanted the ambulance to find us quickly. I hesitated to leave the door wide open in the middle of the night but figured sirens were coming any minute. I would be safe. I would have help. Someone else could deal with my dilemma. Brylie woke up from all the commotion.

It seemed like it took the paramedics too long to get there. I was in tears, still trying to wake Alex and calling 911 back to see where they were. Then they were there reassuring me that it was just brought on by his fever. They asked to take him to the hospital. I agreed, woke up Stephanie, and called Bryan at work. Bryan and Nate at the same time suggested a priesthood blessing. Nathan called a member of the bishopric. Alex was still not awake. The paramedics brought the stretcher in and began to get Alex ready for transport. Finally, as we were getting ready to lift him down from his bed, he started to wake up. He kept looking at all the faces. I tried to get him to focus on me so he wouldn't be scared wondering what was happening. He didn't want to go to the hospital. He asked if he really had to. I told him they wanted to take him there and give him medicine. They helped him down and walked him to the stretcher. As they were strapping him in he asked, "So does this mean I don't have to go to school today?" We all had a good laugh at that. I said, "Yes, you can stay home."

By the time I grabbed my wallet and got to the door Brother Sleppy was there. White shirt and tie! At 4:00 in the morning?! It made me smile and appreciate him all the more. He said Bishop was on his way. Alex got his Priesthood blessing in the ambulance and then we were on our way. Nate in the front and me in the back with Alex. Stephanie followed with Brylie. Bryan's mom met us there.

At the hospital, they gave him Tylenol and an I.V. to make sure he was hydrated. I couldn't believe how fast it seemed Bryan got there. Alex true to form was nervous. He was tired but afraid to go back to sleep. Afraid he would have another seizure.

We were home by 5:45. Steph went to school but my three stayed home and I worked. Alex finally slept. Bryan teased me that I overreacted and that I shouldn't have called 911. I just told him he would have done the same thing if he would have seen Alex like that. I admitted that I wouldn't have called if Alex had woken up right away. I knew his seizure was from his fever but it was so unnerving to not have him respond to me. I know that other of you mothers have gone through much, much worse with your babies. I don't know how you did it. I gained a new understanding of what it must have been like for you. I admire you all the more.

(Alex had been sick for a couple of days and Bryan had given him a fever reducer when he left for work at 10:00p.m. Alex missed that whole week of school.

Once again, I was so grateful to have Stephanie there to help. She moved in with us just hours before we heard about Keith's death. She had already helped out more than could be asked of her. If she hadn't been there that morning, Nathan might have had to stay home with Brylie, which would have been hard for him. Or I would have had to drive them, leaving Alex alone in the ambulance.

Nate felt very protective of Alex that morning. It was hard for him to not be allowed in the ER to see him. Now when they get in a disagreement Nate says, "Hey, you have to be nice to me/you owe me I woke Mom up for you." Funny.)

It doesn't seem like that big of trial now. Don't think that means I'm asking for anymore. I still feel on overload.

Thanks Aunt Lisa

Thursday Sept. 4

Lisa wondered for a few days as to what to do with Keith's truck. She suggested, and it was agreed up on by the whole family, that the best thing would be to give the truck to Nathan. We surprised him with it on the way home from the funeral. We stopped at Lisa's and she was outside cleaning out Keith's stuff from the truck. We helped her and visited for a minute. Then Lisa handed the keys to Nathan. He took them from her. (He later said that he thought she just wanted him to hold them for a minute.) She said, "Its yours." He said, "Really, are you serious?" "Wow!" "Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you" Then he was speechless for a minute as it all sank in. He teared up. It was a neat moment.

Can you just see/feel the excitement from that smile?

He was so honored.

Since Nate won't be 16 for another two years and Bryan was driving our truck and trailer, I got to drive Keith's/Nate's truck to Mesquite. Before leaving, Bryan asked me if I could handle it. I replied by asking, "Physically or emotionally?" He said, "Both" I just sighed and tried not to cry.

It was so fun to watch Nathan on the way home. It was touching to see him understand how special this gift was. He wanted to know all about how it was decided. It meant a lot to him that everyone thought he deserved to have Keith's truck. I did just fine driving, too. Physically-easy/ emotionally-bearable. I just didn't allow myself to dwell on the fact that I was driving Keith's truck.

When we got home, Nathan spent all evening in the truck. Turning it on, playing with all the buttons, just sitting there, with a huge grin. Bryan helped him back it out of the drive way. At 10:00, I finally made him come in the house. Then he spent another half hour looking at a magazine that sells gadgets to fix the truck. He wants to leave it Keith's but also personalize it. So now it has S.U.U. and Bulldog stickers on the window.

Keith's Funeral

Wednesday September 3, 2008

My brothers, Nathan, and Lisa's brothers

Lisa and Landon

My siblings: Neil, Chris, Lisa, Lorin

Joanna, Natalie, me at mom's headstone.

Keith

The funeral went very well. Lisa planned it beautifully. Aside from the occasion it was nice to see everyone. It meant alot that everyone would be there for us and Keith. Funerals are always quite healing. I never before realized how your emotions can cause such physical pain. Those first couple of days were awful. My poor kids still talk about having to watch me scream on the floor right after Joanna called me. We've all gone through most of the stages of greiving. Once in awhile I still deal with anger about it, but for the most part I'm glad to say we are all doing much better.

First Day of School

Monday, Aug. 25

Nathan didn't see how any of us were able to smile after just losing Keith. He didn't want to. He said his first day was ok until half way through his spanish class when he remembered why he wanted to learn how to speak spanish. Keith loved to stay practiced. Nate so wanted to share that with him.

Alex -my cry every morning, begging me to not make him go for most of elementary child- couldn't wait for school to start. He was so excited to be headed off to middle school.


Brylie was a bit nervous to begin the 4th grade. I think it was more being the only one at the elementary school. She quickly adjusted.

Don't any of you FaiNt.....

..... I'm finally updating our blog.
I'm sorry its been so long. I'm a bit embarrassed too. I've decided to just pick up from where I ended.

Please visit Link

In lieu of flowers please donate to the
Keith Shumway Memorial Fund at any
Wells Fargo Bank you can call 800-869-3557.
Or to the Keith Shumway Memorial Account
at any Mouuntain America Credit Union.
Thank You!

I have added a link in my list named "The Shumway Family"
Keith touched many lives.

We never know when our lives could be changed forever. Always let your loved ones know how much you care for them. Never waste any minutes.

Returned with Honor

Keith Martin Shumway
Born May 17, 1982
The youngest child of Doyle and Denna.
Life cut short Aug. 22, 2008

I remember clearly the day that Keith was born. I was nearly 11 and being the oldest I got to stay home from school to take care of Natalie and Chris while mom and dad went to the hospital. We got the phone call that the baby had been born and that everything was ok. I was devastated that I had another brother. I cried, I had wanted a baby sister so badly. But as soon as I saw him I loved him. I loved to help mom take care of him.

Dad says that he's sure Keith was a typical child and got into mischief. But he never remembers a time when Keith did something really wrong, or ever needed much reprimanding. Keith was always good, always made the right choices, was always in the right place and the right time. Our whole family was always very glad to claim him as our baby brother. He was always a good example to us. He was the baby but we looked up to him.

Keith loved primary and was excited when he was able to be baptized. He quickly became involved with scouting and went on to earn his Eagle. He had several funny stories from scout camps.

He worked hard in school and always had good grades. In high school he enjoyed cross country and track. Many summer nights throughout the years were spent playing softball with the Kanosh boys. He graduated from Millard High School in 2000. He began his studies at Southern Utah University.

On June 20, 2001 Keith entered the M.T.C. He was called to serve in the Mexico Veracruz Mission. He immediately loved the people in Veracruz. Heavenly Father richly blessed him with many wonderful, testimony building experiences. Even when our sweet mother passed away on Thanksgiving day in 2001, Keith was able to see how he was blessed. And never doubted staying in the mission field. I loved to hear him talk of his mission. He returned home on June 25, 2003.

That fall he picked up his studies at S.U.U. He served as Elder's Quorum President in his college ward. I think that is when he met the love of his life. They didn't start dating until Oct. 2004. In May of 05 they decided to get married and were soon engaged. Keith and Lisa were married in The Salt Lake L.D.S Temple on Aug. 19, 2005.

They made their home in Cedar City were they both continued their education. Keith served in the bishopric in a college ward. Lisa graduated from S.U.U. in May 06.

Last fall he and Lisa were so excited to announce that they were expecting their first child. Keith spent most of his life with a huge smile but I had never seen him so happy. Keith graduated from S.U.U. May 3, 2008.

On May 12, 2008 Landon Austin joined their little family. I don't know how but Keith's smile got even bigger. I enjoyed watching Keith at the July 24th celebration carrying Landon around to show everyone. That was the last day I saw him.

On Monday, July 28 he began working for Dr. Ellsworth. When he called me on Aug. 14 he told me how much he was liking his new job. He was trying to get into Medical School he had always wanted to be a surgeon. But was thinking of specializing in Dermatology. He found it very fascinating. I'm glad that I ended the phone call with "I Love You".

On Friday the 22nd. he traveled to Moab, Ut. with Dr. Ellsworth and staff. Dr. Ellsworth had a new clinic there. They were all on a plane on their way home. The twin engine went down with 1o passengers on board. My sister Joanna called me at 9:50 p.m. I was so glad that Bryan was still home. I have never felt such emotional and physical pain.

Keith loved to serve others. It never mattered where, who or what. He was always looking for someone to help. He died doing just that.

He loved his precious Lisa and their son so very much. We will all continue to pray for her.

Keith left behind his wife, Lisa and son, Landon. Father, Doyle (Janice), sisters, Julie (Bryan) and Joanna (George) brothers, Lorin (Janice) and Neil (Kim) sister, Natalie and brother, Chris (Corissa). Five Shumway nephews and seven Shumway nieces. Lisa's parents and siblings and nieces and nephews. (I'm sorry I don't know names or numbers.) Many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by oldest brother, Matthew. Mother, Denna. Grandma and Grandpa Perkins and Grandma and Grandpa Shumway.

Janice also made a nice tribute on their blog. Please feel free to visit it. (Lorin and Janice) Or visit the Shumway Family link.

A Keith Shumway Memorial Fund has been set up at Wells Fargo 800-869-3557 or Keith Shumway Memorial Account at Mountain America Credit Union. Thank You.

My Baby Brother Keith

Keith and Lisa - Southern Utah University Graduation May 3, 2008
My Brylie with Keith and Lisa's Landon Austin - born May 12, 2008

Shumway Girls

I finally got to fly. On Saturday, I flew from Vegas to SLC. I loved it. I met my sisters and sisters in law in Park City. We had fun shopping all day. And of course, whenever we get together we have to eat at Olive Garden. Hopefully Lisa will be able to join us next year. On Sunday, I went to church with Natatlie and Joanna, then flew home. When I was walking off the plane in Vegas I came face to face with Marie Osmond. She was coming out of first class. I smiled and said "hi" then left her alone. She walked behind me for a little ways in the airport. ------ Thanks Bryan and kids for letting me go for girls day.

Congratulations!!!

George and Joanna
Nine Years

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEGAN!

Welcome Stephanie

It's official. Begining Aug. 11 we will be the proud new parents of a speed texting, dating, teenage daughter. Bryan and I just got back from signing temporary gaurdianship papers.

Pioneer Day-Shumway Family Reunion

Our family traveled to Kanosh for the 24th. We had tire trouble on the trailer on the way there. It was late evening so every thing was closed. But Heavenly Father always takes care of us. Bryan's brother Tim came to our rescue again. A couple of years ago we had battery trouble in the truck and Tim spent a couple of hours helping us that night. I don't know if its bad luck to stop in Cedar on our way to Kanosh or if Heavenly Father knows that's where we can get help. (Bryan checks everything before we leave and everything is fine.) Tim ended up loaning us 3 tires off of his trailer.

The next day we had fun at the parade and park. Its wonderful to have a day to think about our heritage. We love being in Kanosh and seeing everyone. My brother, Chris and his wife and daughter live in the house there. Also visiting were my sister, Joanna and family, brother Keith and family, sister Natalie, and Kim and kids (Neil was fishing in Alaska-lucky). We missed having Lorin and his family there but they were having a fun day with Janice's family. We have to share some times. We missed my dad too.

Friday Bryan went and bought some new tires in Fillmore. That night there was a bit of rain and wind but we survived. Joanna and Natalie got the worst of it in their tents.

Saturday we had fun with more visiting, relaxing and eating. As you can see I was quite busy in July and I had burned off a few pounds. Kanosh was the end of that, we ate and ate and ate. August is a new month, right?

Bryan waited until Sunday to put the new tires on the trailer so he could do it as we packed up. He thought it would be easier that way. Lesson learned - avoid changing tires on Sunday. The ground we had parked the trailer on was very soft. When Bryan tried to jack the trailer up there was sinking instead. The trailer rocked and swayed and fell off the blocks and stabalizers and bent them. The tongue and one front corner ended up 3 inches in the dirt. The kids and I doubted Bryan's problem solving skills. I thought we would have to wait until after church for help and more jacks. Bryan just kept saying, "trust me, I know what I'm doing". It took him about a half hour but he inched the trailer up little by little 'til he could get it hooked up to the truck. I've never been more glad to finally have a tire back on. Bryan rocks!

Chris took some time to show us some things from his mission and tell us some stories. It was nice for me to get to hear them again. But I mostly appreciated that my kids got to hear them. I loved seeing my boys get excited to serve their missions. It still seems so far in the future but time goes so fast these days. I can't believe that Nathan is already talking about driving and Alex will soon be a deacon. Brylie will always be our baby girl. Bryan is quick to remind her that she can't date until she's 30. She just laughs at him. She used to say she was taking her dad to prom. Shoulda got that in writing!

Now I'm glad to be home and not have too much planned for august. Maybe a girls day for me. And getting the kids ready for school. Oh, and getting the house/Brylie's room ready for Stephanie to move in with us. She is my friends daughter, they moved to Las Vegas last year but Steph wants to go to school here for her senior year. She and her sister lived with us for a few weeks last year. We were glad to have them. Its scary to responsible for someone else's teen age daughter.

Girls Camp

We came home from camping with Bryan's family on Sunday. I had Monday and Tuesday to get ready to go with the young women on Wednesday morning. We went to a church owned campgroung at Kolob. I was grateful to have Bishop Whittaker help drive us up there. I enjoy getting to work with the girls in our ward. They are all such good girls. I didn't have any problems. The theme for camp was "Be Steadfast and Immovable-Like a Rock". Our ward and our sister ward were the amethyst.
We got to shoot 22s, bow and arrows, jump off a horse trailer to go down the zip line, and slide down a home made slip and slide made out of old bill board tarps. Its nice to pretend to be young enough to do all those things. I was also a little proud of my target paper, I got all 10 shots in the rings, a few were even close to the center. Not bad for not shooting a gun in about 20 years. There were also several spiritual events; devotionals, firesides and of course testimony time on friday night. Again we were blessed to have the bishop join us for our testimony night. Hearing the girls bear their testimonies is always the pay off for all the hard work. I felt very rich to be a part of it. The girls are some of my favorite "gems". We also had fun being silly afterwards.
I love being the camp director. I also get to teach the girls on sundays. There are only 12 girls in our ward so we stay together for class. I know we all hear this alot but I truely feel I learn the most. Those girls are amazing. I hope they don't get too tired of me. I'm thankful to the YW presidency for teaching on fast sundays and when I have to be gone. I feel quite blessed to be where I am.

Bryan's Family Reunion

On July 10 we went to Panguitch Lake. The weather was nice and cool. We got some rain but most of us enjoyed it. Thanks to Bryan's mom, VeeAnn and step-dad, Ned for their work on planning this trip and cooking yummy food. Bryan's sister, Tara and family were there and brother, Casey and his family. Thank you uncle Tim for bringing Nathan up the mtn. after scout camp. The kids had fun playing with their cousins and fishing with uncle Tim. I had fun relaxing and letting Bryan do most of the work. Again, I should have at least taken some pictures. I was trying to save up my energy for girl's camp. Is that possible?

Landon Austin

On July 6, 2008 we went to Cedar City for the blessing of Keith and Lisa's baby boy. We enjoy getting together with family for those special days. We had a good visit with everyone. I usually take lots of pictures but lately I have neglected to take any. I will have to get back in the habit.

The next day Nathan left for scout camp. He went to Maple Dell (up Payson canyon). He loved it. He passed off some merit badges. Saw a bear --aaahhhh. And gained a bigger excitment for scouting. He is now working on his music merit badge.

Look who's finally learned to blog.

I have been looking at other family's blogs.
What a fun way to stay in touch with others.
My sister-in-fam, Janice Shumway has inspired me to start a blog for my family. She has done such a nice job with hers. She is so wonderful, I hope I can be like her when I grow up. Love you Janice.
Julie