Testing? Testing?

HEY? Is anyone still looking at this Blog?? I really want to either start a new one or SOMETHING!!

4th year rotations

we finally have the 4th year rotations done and picked. we will be here in OR from May june, and july. Then St George for August September and October, then Luke AFB by Phoenix AZ, then Salt Lake for the last few months. should be good.

Is anybody out there?

Well, I know it's been a while since I posted, but I was really hoping to hear from you all. I am glad to see Steve is still busy as ever. Good luck with the garden by the way. I haven't eve got mine in yet. Every time I have a chance to plant it has rained. I think we have the wrong weather here. NOT that I'm complaining mind you. It's nice that I haven't eve had to uncover to swamp cooler yet. Still, if I don't get the stuff I have planted soon it is likely to die.
Just a heads up for everyone, Megan is an official driver! Let me just tell you how weird it has been to let her get in a vehicle and leave all by herself! At the same time thinking to myself how nice it is I don't have to drive all over town for her stuff now, and no more waiting outside her work till 1 am for her to get off. Whew! It is nice in that aspect. She is working at a new movie theatre just up the road in Syracuse, so she is only about 5 minutes from work, which is good for her because she has to pay for most of her own gas and she is driving g the suburban,or "The Beastie" as she calls it.

Ford is doing summer gym over at the school again, and as last year he is really enjoying it. So it gets him a credit he needs while freeing up space in his schedule next year, gets him out of the house and out with other kids for several hours a day and gets him the exercise he needs to keep from turning into a vegetable.
You would not believe how tall he has gotten! It is almost scary! I know that passing me up in height is not a phenomenal feat, however he has almost caught up with Megan, and she is 5'7" and 16 and he is still 14! WOW at least for me WOW!

I have been going and working with Chet again already this summer. We even left the kids alone for the first time ever, for three days. Megan had the hardest time because she is use to coming home and talking my leg off, and I wasn't there for a few days but over all they did great!

I miss you all and wish I had the time and money to just go out visiting. So just know that I would if I could. Hope to hear from you all soon. Love Jana & Fam

Gardening

We actually planted our very first garden today! We have a little 6 X 5 raised garden at our rental.
So lets hope Dad's green thumb genes come down the genetic tube. Also Katie graduated from Preschool last week. It was really cute. They sang a bunch of songs and then received diplomas from their teachers.
Hope you all are doing well.

Caffeine Free

So just a heads up from the rainy northwest. We are going to be down to help mom and dad pack up from the 3rd of May to the 10th of may. It worked out perfectly because I have a week break between finals and the start of the next semester and they need help cleaning out the garage and getting things packed even if they can't get moved in. So we'll be there THIS SATURDAY!!! WHAOO!!! we are really excited to see the sun for longer than 5 minute sporradic bursts through the rain. I am almost finished with finals, and I have to say this has been the BEST finals week ever!! I have even had time to sit back and breath a little. It is so nice not to have to worry about any of the classes and not to have more than one test a day.
Finally as for the title, whether you may believe it or not, I have been caffeine free now for over a week! and that includes going through finals.

Icky sicky

Ok, so I want to know where the icky sicky that has landed at my house came from this time!
Last time I got it from Megan, this time I got it from Ford. I must be getting old too, because I can't fight the stuff off like I use to be able to do.
I don't even have the energy to fight with my kids about school. That has got to say something.
I am very excited for school to get out. We only have a few more weeks to go then it is SWEET summer.
It is almost time for Megan to get her license. Let me tell you, I don't know how people with lots of kids can afford to have them drive. It will double our car insurance! Crazy! Just a heads up for those of you that will be catching up before you know it. I hope to be getting down to help Mom & Dad move before too long. So the sooner I know when works best for them then I will make my plans.
Well, I love you all, hope there is no sicky stuff where you are. Love You Tons Jana & Fam

april bliss

I love Spring!. The quail have returned, there is water in our creek and the world is a good place to be. We just spent a lovely weekend with Mom and Dad. They are the best hosts, and then some. I got a couple of snapshots of Dad irrigating. It was like my girlies farewell to the water in the ditch. Things sure have a way of changing quickly, don't they?
So, just now I was sitting here typing away and Gilli started shrieking because there was a spider on her. She stood up and pointed at her pants -- she managed to squish the poor little creepy crawly right on her jeans. I guess shrieking is allowed if you can solve your problem at the same time. It still made me jump and run. Funny little girl! and since she made me lose my train of thought, I will end here.
Hope everyone is happy and well.
Until next time! :)

Time just keeps ticking!

Hi ever body,
I can't even believe how fast time is flying by! For me and my kids there are only 33 more days of school left! CRAZY, I tell you! We had one of the many concerts left tonight for Megan. It was choir, and over all it was pretty good, just really long. Megan has decided that even though she want to sing for the rest of forever, if she stays at her current high school, she will not take choir again next year. Neither of us like her choir teacher. It's sad that a bad teacher, can make my daughter want to not take a class she never wanted to give up. But what do you do.
She is thinking about going out to Ogden next year to a charter school, but she hasn't decided yet. i think it would be the better thing for her, but I won't force her to go, it has to be her choice! If I have learned anything this year is I can beg, plead, and try to force, but if she doesn't want to do it..... she just won't. So there is no sense sending her out there if she really doesn't want to go. It would be sending her out there to fail, and I don't want to do that. Especially when she is doing so well at that where she is now. Can you hear the sarcasm dripping from my voice?
Really over all, aside from school challenges, things here are going pretty good. Sorry I have written a book, I really didn't intend to. One of the reasons I got on tonight, is to send out a special Happy Birthday to Brielle.
So Here it is HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIE!!!! From the Parkers We love you and hope all is doing well.
Hope to hear from you all before to much longer. I am getting lonely on this FAMILY blog. Love you all Jana & Fam.

I am a horrible person!

Ok it has been a bit since my last post, because I am feeling like a horrible person. It was not long before Jennifers birthday and I thought "I should say happy birthday" but myself said, No I will call her thats better anyway. Well, Jenny's b-day came and all day I thought I needed to call, and all day time slipped away faster and faster. Anyway, to make a very long time seem shorter, I didn't get the call made and have spent the rest of the days feeling horrible! So this is me saying "Jenny I am so sorry I missed your birthday!" You were thought of though, even though that doesn't make it any better. I feel really bad. We love you guys and miss you hope everything is good. Love Jana and Family

Excuses

Sorry it's been a while since my last post, but I have a laundry list of excuses. We have a sickie at our house again. I think its gotta be Katie going to preschool and bringing stuff home with her, because he has been sick a lot lately. Anyway I have my big preclinical exam checkout monday afternoon which I have to pass if I want to get into clinic and start seeing patients this summer. So I have been practicing for that as well as trying to keep up with the mountain of coursework they seem bent on cramming down our throats. Jenn and the kids have been taking turns being sick most of the winter, so they have had a very long one. Other than that, we had spring break last week, so I got to go golfing and we celebrated Jenn's birthday. Thanks for you who remembered. It meant a lot to her. Oh and ryan celebrated his 1 year birthday on the eighth. So thats about it from here.

welcome april!

I know today is supposed to be a practical joke day, so maybe all you silent ones could trick us with a surprise post?? :)
We've had sick kiddos at our house. i think there is improvement in sight (here's hoping!) Anyway, Gilli was miserable and needing some relief, but she was doing the whole "pull the covers over your head, and clamp your mouth shut to avoid medicine" thing. Well, being the good parent that I am, I thought that maybe sweetening the deal with a little treat might be in order. (Who hasn't been too weary to fight the inevitable?) So I said, "Sweetie take your medicine and you can have a treat." She deliberated for a second and then shook her head again. My reply, "Would you like a pickle?" Gilli, "YEAH!!!!" Mouth opened wide and one small gag later, when the medicine was gone, we went into the kitchen to celebrate good medicine taking with two dill pickle spears. Who bribes a kid with pickles and actually has it work? I think my kiddo might be stranger than yours.
Have a happy Tuesday!
:)

trying this once again

Hey Everyone,

I am going to try this again, only this time I am keeping the water far away from my computer.
About a week ago, I had a good bunch of stuff typed up for my latest entry on the blog, when I picked up my bottle of water to take a drink, only to have the lid fall off, and I dropped the water all over my computer! Can you say cuss words!!!! Of course, everyone knows water and computers don't mix! The screen immediately went black. I thought for sure it was a lost cause, but I shut it off and set it by the heater for 3 days to let it dry out. On Wednesday I turned on the computer, and the Lord had truly answered my prayers, and it came to life and has worked without and problems since! I really think the Lord knew that might have been one thing too many. Or he just felt like I needed a little extra love that day. Whatever it was I am truly grateful.

The only down side to it is that I can't even remotely remember what it was that I was feverishly typing away at.
I'm pretty sure it was something to do with Megan and Ford but I can't think what it would be.

So, I will just say that we are all doing well. Ford tried out for and made the highest choir at the Jr High. He will be in the Madrigals next year. It is a really big deal to the kids in choir and therefore He is very excited!
Megan got two of her grades up before the end of term. So things are on the whole looking up.
Tractor season is upon us and we are grateful for the work. I am a little stressed about money, but in all honesty who isn't?
Things are good but I am praying that they will get better. Love you all and miss you. wish we had more time and money to be able to make the rounds and go see everyone. For those of you out of state need to know that I don't see Mindy or Christi much more than I see you. we might as well all be in different states. Between life keeping us busy and the lack of funds to go anywhere. So just know that I love and miss you all! I am so grateful to have such an amazing family to belong to! I am inspired by you, you make me want t o try harder to be a better person so that I might be able to spend the eternities with you all. Love Jana
P.S. Sorry so sappy but this is what is on my brain.

happy everything

so Dave & Jennah, hope your anniversary was wonderful. somehow my last week didn't happen well, so sorry! Anyway, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! I'm glad you're not sick of each other.
i hope your Easter was wonderful! ours was lovely, although we missed Grandma & Grandpa. it will take some adjusting to not spend easter in St. george, but we didn't miss the exra traffic or time in the car. obviously, like everything else in life, there are trade offs.
my girlies are enjoying their sugar buzz, the house is a mess and there is great hope in the world.
happy spring.
nana -- my email address is my first and last name@yahoo.com
hope that helps :)

Springtime in Cottonwood Heights

I don't remember ever being so excited for Spring to actually arrive as I am this year. This weekend we actually got about 5 inches of snow. Most of it has melted again, but it looks like we are getting another storm tomorrow with possible snow. Utah and Spring work together in weird and mysterious ways.
St. Patrick's Day was fun at our house. We made pistachio pudding (gotta have a green treat) and watched Riverdance. So here is your trivia for the day. The shamrock is commonly associated with St. Patrick's Day because according to tradition, Patrick used the shamrock to teach the concept of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost as three separate beings with one purpose to the pagan Irish. Kind of cool huh?
On a more current topic, Gilli continually makes me giggle and teaches me at the same time. Yesterday was our Bishop's birthday and she made a "book" for him. She told this very elaborate story of how our family went to live with the Bishop (because our house burned down). Her invisible friends and cousins made an appearance and she bought the Bishop a tambourine and some new "Bishop shoes". The story was delightful and giggle worthy at several points, but then I started thinking about what a good Bishop we have that my five year old would want to live with their family, and the thing is, she knows that if we needed a place to go, the Bishop would be there for our family. Kind of amazing how intuitive kiddos are.
Madi is growing too fast, she has taken to taping rubber bracelets to her ears so she can wear hoop earrings and the makeup kit is playing a far too predominate role in her life right now. It makes me sad to see what a hurry she is in to grow up. She just won't listen when I tell her to slow down, either.
So, this is a crazy long post! Sorry, but there you go.
If you all want to e-mail birthdays to me, I will happily compile a master list and mail it to you via snail mail. I think I have everybody, but it would be good to double check. my email is just my whole name @ yahoo.com remember "el" NOT "le".
Love you all Family of mine!

sickness

I just wanted to tell David and his family I am surely glad they are over their sickness at thier house. But, did you have to send it to mine? We have been so sick here since Friday. I don't remember a time when I have stayed home for 2 days in a row! But I still don't have the slightest desire to go anywhere! My hair is a statement of how terrible I feel, it is standing on end and I don't even have the energy to get it wet to make it lay down flat. Oh well, this too shall pass right. I just hope it passes quickly. Love you all. Jana

Email Change

Hey Guys

Our email has changed to jendave6@q.com

We'll send out an email as well.

Out of curiosity, is anyone watching American Idol this year? If so, what do you think so far?

Dave

Hello

Its fun to hear how everyone is doing. Happy belated birthday to all the birthdays I've missed. I am determined to do better. You guys remember our birthdays so well, its time I followed suit. However, to do so I need to know when the birthdays are and I seem to have misplaced that info. So, will you all send me the birthdays for you and yours please?

We're doing well here. Finally getting over sickness in our house. The kids are enjoying Home School for the most part. The kids learned the bones in the body a couple of weeks ago. When I was wrestling with Jesse, he got bumped in the jaw and he said, " Oh my zygomatic bone." Jennah is enjoying it, though she struggles sometimes with the little ones.

Eryn is hitting the toddler stage with tremendous enthusiasm. Several days ago when I got home from work, Jennah told me that Eryn had hit every cupboard in the kitchen before 9:00 in the morning. She's busy to say the least. Her latest gig is to empty dresser drawers. On Monday, when I got home from work, I went upstairs and was greeted by a pile of clothes stretching from Kylee and Paige's room to Brielles room. Oh, and Eryn is quite proud of her mess making ability too.

We love you guys.
Dave

FYI

theres a couple of new pictures on our blog. We will put more up soon, but our computer died, so we have to get the hard drive put in the new one we got.

Hi all! A happy birthday, again to Madi a few weeks ag0, & a huge happy 16th to Miss Megan this week! Life is just going by much too fast! We wish we could see all of you more often! However, I'm awfully glad I live in not-too-sunny St. George! We've had non-stop rain the past few weeks and it's been cloudy and even misty fog some mornings. It's so unusual I've really quite enjoyed it! We drove up to Gunlock Res. this last week and it's up some, but the most impressive thing about it is that it's almost covered in debris and dead trees and limbs that have washed down with all the rain and run-off, and the snow hasn't even begun to melt yet, and there's lots of that this year. It could prove disastrous again if it gets warm too fast now! We'll have to watch that! We are really hoping for a warmer week-end this next one as we'll be on the move to No. Utah for birthday shopping, baptism and taxes all combined. We're really looking forward to seeing half of you and hope you are all well. We love you and are so well-pleased with you all! Mom

Creepin'

Well, Im not sure if any of you are aware. Time has been creepin' up on me so fast you almost can't even believe it! My sweet Megan will be 16 as of one week from today! I really can harldy believe she has been around that long already! Man SHE is really getting old! Not me of course, I am still the same as ever! HAHA!
Really though, Time has a way of playing cruel jokes on you when you think you have been paying attention and everything. It seems like she was just little, and now she will be old enough to Date! The driving part she won't be able to do on her OWN, till May because as always she procrastinated the getting of the driving permit way later than she should have. She is driving though and doing quite a good job about it also I might add. (Albeit, the occassional tailgating at stop lights that drives her Mom batty!)
Anyway, everyone (except Mom & Dad, cause they've been there already) I just thought I would give yo a heads up and tell you to get ready! It comes so much faster than I ever thought possible! WOW what a ride!
Love you all, take care and oh ya, we are having cake for Megan this Sat. the 23rd at 7 for anyone that wants to come partake! Love to see you there, and will miss those of you that can't be here. Love ya Jana

White Coat ceremony

I just wanted to post this well in advance, just in case. Assuming I pass this semester, I will be starting to do rounds in clinic. They have a white coat ceremony on May 12th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Obviously its here at the University campus. There are not tickets for the event, and there is a very light snack/meal at the end. So if you can make it, you're more than welcome. We could even manage a couple of rooms for privacy if any cared to attend. Now all I have to do is pass this semester.
Take care

Happy Birthday!

I just wanted to tell Madi, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Thats really all I have
I haven't posted for a while cause my computer got a virus. It has been one sick computer. I am not sure it is completely better yet, but it is better than it was, thats for sure. In the process of trying to fix it though, I lost all of my "favorites" So I wasn't sure if I would be able to find the blog again ever. Today though I got searching on google and found blog spot, yeah!!!! Now here is my first post in a while. I do need to post more pix of the ice monster in our back yard, it is indeed the biggest yet! it is now taller than our house.
Well, enough for now, I have to ponder on the bucket list. Love you all Jana

Sharing a giggle

So Hello February! Cold and snowy here at our house.

I thought you might like to join me in my giggle today. Gilli and Madi are taking swimming lesssons. Chris and Gilli were gathering the suits up and Gilli said:
"Daddy, this is MY bathing suit. When it has two pieces, it is called a zucchini. This is MY ZUCCHINI."

Happy zucchini's family! Love you :)

Quick Update

Just to let you know what's been going on in our little corner of the world. Our kids and we have been having fun trading sicknesses for the last 2-3 weeks. One of us gets better and then the germs make the rounds again. Ryan also had the added pleasure of having all four front teeth come in all at once. He's feeling better now that they have cut through, but he was not a happy boy for a long time there. Jenn has a paper route that she has been doing once a week, then picked up another one, and is now going to drop the first one because its during the week, and the new one is on Saturday morning. School has been running now for about 3 weeks and tests are starting up this week. We had a good Christmas and didn't do much other than Jenni's Mom and sister came up for a week and we had a little overnight excursion into Vancouver British Columbia. That was interesting. It felt a little like being back in Europe. But other that that, there's not a lot to tell. Just studying for me and trying to get the different procedures down, and Jenn has her things to do on top of taking care of 2 very cute kids. So that's us in a nutshell for now. and the reason its a nutshell is, what better housing for two nuts?

Bucket list #3. I think I've got to have more than 3 things, but will try to limit myself: I want to see Scotland & the UK hard thing is to hind a time when it's warm there! I want to do a Church history tour and stay long enough to do some family history, and then I want to go to Vermont and Massachusetts again to do the same thing there.
I have a chance to take one on one painting lessons from an renowned painter/educator, so I'm thrilled about that one!
I want to have all of you and your families here at the same time for more than a day or two, and have a house big enough that we all fit with room to play and enjoy each other! I also want to go to Oregon, also when it's warm, and spend some time there before Steve & Jenni come back.
Right now, that's more than enough!
I've been reflecting on my memories of Prs. Hinkley, and I remember as a small child when he came to Brigham City to speak at Stake Conference. I knew then he was special! It's been hard to know he's gone. It's made me miss Dad all over again, as to me they were of such an age and cut from the same cloth! I'll really miss him. I know the Church is in the Lord's hands, so I have no concerns, just miss him, but am happy for him as well.
I love you all so much and it's fun just to read your posts and see your photos! I feel so blessed to be your Mom and love you all! It's my bed time, so good night to all of you!
Love ya lots! Mom

Bucket List

Its an interesting thing to sit and think about some things I would really like to do. I think, at the moment, I would love to go to Prague in the Czeck Republic. I would also like to see Jerusalem. Jennah also loves the idea of a Caribbean Cruise (really any cruise would count) for several days. I'm pretty close to that one, we reserved a spot for a cruise that we'll probably be taking some time next Spring. It won't be quite as long as Jennah would like, but it still counts. By the way, we're trying to think of what we're going to do with all the kids for 7 days. Any ideas? Its a good thing we've got a year or so to think that through.

Jesse played basketball again today and they got their first victory. Talk about an excited and happy group of 9-10 year olds.

By the way, Jennah got me a small digital picture frame for my work office. Thanks for the idea Jan.

Brielle has a case of pink eye right now, so you all better cancel your plans to come visit this weekend. How about a rain check. Anyway, it seems to be clearing up quickly and hopefully it will be an isolated case.

You better all be on your best behavior when we come to visit next or Caleb will send you to time-out. Lately, when Jennah or I scold him or if someone does something he isn't happy about he's been trying to send people to time-out. The other day, I lightly tapped his bottom to get him to sit down at dinner and he promptly said something like, "Mommy, Dad go time-out on the steps." The steps are the place for time-out at the moment. Needless to say, we're all trembling with fear of Caleb's wrath now.

Love you all

Dave and Co.

our windows

so we got to have Mindy spend the night Sunday. don't you love long weekends? anyway, Mindy got to discover that being inside our house when it snows is like being inside of a snow globe.it is so beautiful! we got about 14 inches on monday. the snow piled by the driveway is officially taller than the mailbox. ahhhhhh! winter in Utah. So glad that the storm hit on a holiday so that we didn't have to trek anywhere.
Jana thanks for photos of the ice thing. So cool. I hope you make one every year, even if we don't ever seem to make it to your house, just knowing that Chet is playing with water when it is cold somehow makes the world that much more as is should be.
FYI -- Madi is getting baptized March 1st at 10:00am. All of you are invited, of course, but the thing is, how can she be old enough? Time has a way of racing past, doesn't it?
So, on that note, I have been thinking about the new movie "The Bucket List" and thought that it would be interesting to know three things that each of you would like to do before you "kick the bucket". These need to be actual activities, not character improvements -- so no weight loss goals.
My three for today -- visit the UK, take a photography class, and finish my scrapbooks. I think I'd better get busy!
Have a wonderful day. Looking forward to hearing from you -- (please?!?)

The Ice Thing

Well, here is the ice thing for this year. It is totally different because we had to put it in the back yard this year because of the trees getting so big and taking over the front yard. Chet is a regular monkey cimbing like it is no big deal. Makes me nervous so I stay inside and don't watch most of the time. It is really cool though. We made it on top of the mountain, so that it would be easier for people to see from a distance. Next year we don't know what we will do, because there will be a dentist office right next door and there won't be much of a way for people to see it. I think we wil do it anyway, just for us, cause it is fun to watch it grow.
Hope you like the pictures. I miss you all and would love to hear from you and find out how everone is doing. (hint hint)

Wish we had had more time!

Hi everybody!
Thanks for wishing me a happy birthday! It was nice to know I was thought of!
We got to go down to St George for the week end,which was great! That is actually what I asked for for my birthday. The only thing is I wish we could have had more time! The time always goes so stinking fast when you are having a good time! Alas, we had to come home because Megan has to go drive for drivers ed tomorrow and tuesday! She was technically suppose to drive on Saturday but they are going reschedule that day for her since we weren't here.
Anyway, it was a very nice day! Thanks Mom & Dad for havin us and for feeding us! Hope we can be back down soon! Love you all. Thanks again for thinking about me 2day. Love ya Jana

Hi all!

Hi all!

It has been a while since I posted, and I apolagize for that. It was good to see you all at Christmas time.
We all (my family) so enjoyed visiting St George! It was nice to visit with Mom & Dad. We also got to visit with April and her family for a little while. I wish we could get paid to NOT work so that we could just spend all of our time going from place to place just visiting everyone!
I had surgery on my wrist just before Christmas, it made Christmas a little slower for me but I am on the mend now. I am even back to work now. :)
Megan and Ford are still fighting to get grades up before the end of term. Wish them luck, and if anyone has any advice on how to help them< I am all ears, cause what I have tried is for sure not working! All I am doing now is just making sure they are getting to school and then we sit around the table at night and PRETEND to do homework! Not much ever seems to get done, but we are still trying! Ford can accomplish anything when he finally decides to just do it, but a lot of times it's takes a long time to get to that point.
I love my kids tons, but feel like I am failing them and I don't know what to do about it. So like I said if anyone has any ideas........ come on lets have it...... I'm waiting....... well ok I know where to look for the answers, so I will be back.
I guess thats all for tonight I am really ready for bed I am tired. Love to you all.
Steve, missed seeing you and your fam, congrats on passing again. Give all of your a squeeze from us.

Happy New Year

Well everyone, it was marvelous to see you. We'll catch you next time Steve. Jesse especially missed seeing you Steve. He told us he didn't want to miss seeing any Aunts, Uncles, or cousins. We had an enjoyable, though long, trip. Fortunately, the deer decided to stay out of my way on this trip and the roads were very good except on the trip home where we hit about an hour delay around Vail due to icy roads. Thank you all for your hospitality, love and friendship. One of these days I'll get that teleporter built so we can all see each other more often. Until then, we'll keep in touch and keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.

Love

Dave, Jennah and Crew