Christmas 2007

Lucy cried from the other room but was too much help opening presents so she got to be involved only from her bed. Richard wanted to make a big breakfast but the kids ate candy and soda and did not want to eat breakfast. I just wanted to go back to bed since I had to go to work. Richard ended up watching the Simpson's movie and I napped. I went to work and the kids played in the snow and Richard continued to work on his movies for the "Fish Lake Film Festival".

All I wanted was to clean my room.............

Saturday morning Justin and Lindsay dropped off their little dog to have us watch while they spent time with Lindsay's family. We had to do some picking up as she put everything from toys to wrappers in her mouth. She then tried to open a present under the tree. I had borrowed a puppy pen from my friend. Lucy only got to be free for about 45 minutes after her drop off. We set her up in the kitchen, we were all in and out doing our normal things. She was fine until she was alone. Richard got ready for work and the girls were playing and KayLee kicked Kenna in the knee where she had a HUGE wart. The wart was knocked off and bleeding down both sides of Kenna's knee. Once she saw the blood Kenna got sick. She was about to faint. I had to cut off the wart and wrap her leg to get the bleeding to stop. (Kenna had put on her Christmas list to have her wart burned off) Well we saved a trip to the Dr. Richard left and Lucy needed to go outside. Kenna put her on her leash and KayLee went out to brake up Shadow's water. KayLee let Shadow off her leash but she was so excited about Lucy that she jumped the fence and came running to see this new dog. She is pretty frisky and pounced Lucy. Lucy started crying in her beagle bark and Kenna started screaming. I was in the house and thought maybe Lucy had been hit by a car or something. She looked fine so we thought maybe she was just scared. I got Kenzie and Kenna in the house and went to help KayLee catch Shadow. When we got back into the house Lucy had vomited on the floor. The kids informed me that they could not clean it up. So I did. I noticed spots of blood in the puke. So I had KayLee who was holding Lucy fill around and see if she was hurt anywhere. KayLee stuck her finger into a cut. Now my helper was useless. She was going to faint. I got a look and found that Lucy had a small cut in her skin on her belly. I called a vet and told them I had a dog that needed stitches. He informed me that I would need to pay a $75 fee just to show up, then $50 for a diagnostic fee and then a fee for what every was done. Oh yeah, it had to be paid up front. I informed the Vet that we would not be coming. I jumped in the car and ran to the store to buy Super Glue. I glued the dog back together! Now I am playing Vet without an assistant! Now it was time to take KayLee to work. I got Kenna, Kenzie and I something to eat. I walk into the house and my just filled 44 oz. drink fell onto the floor. Now I had to get the carpet cleaner out and clean up soda and dog barf. Finally things calmed down enough that I got to clean my room.(Richard's Christmas present) I was barley finished when he walked in at 10.

Pre-Christmas Suprise!

On 12-18-07 Tres and Brett got an early Christmas present. Whitni decided to come into the world 6 weeks and 2 days before she was expected. She was born in St. George and spent 1 week and 2 days in the N.I.C.U. She was born at 5 lbs. 1 oz. She was released from the N.I.C.U. yesterday and was released from the hospital today. Yeah!! Big sister Mardi is so excited about "her new baby".

Recipe For A Super Fantastic Holiday Season from the kitchen of KayLee Hepworth

Combine the following ingredients:

1 Cup of waiting to open presents
2 Tbs. of drawing names for presents
1/4 Cup of going to Salt Lake Temple to see the lights
2 quarts of candy canes from years ago (WARNING: don't eat them they are gross)

Slowly mix together:

A beautiful Festival of Trees
3/4 Cup of teasing my sisters about what color snow they ate
2 tsp. of drawing pictures on the windows (CATION: don't let the adults catch you)

(If wanted) sweeten the memories of going ice fishing with my family

(If wanted) spice it up with a lil' bit of opening 1 present on Christmas Eve (new p.j.s)

NOW ADD:
Shaking the presents
Pictures with Santa
Chocolate covered pretzels
And a small pinch of Christmas parties

Let cool for 5 to 6 minutes

This is good for all the fun Decembers to come.

Christmas with the Jenkins

I am not sure how it got to be so late in the month but I will now try to update the happenings thus far. On 12-15-07 we made the trip up to Cache Valley to have Christmas with my family. Kortny, Tyler and baby Taylie all came along. We had the party at Lauri's house as Mom has no room at hers with her new furniture. Steph and Chad let Kort and Tyler sleep over at their house with them. It was fun to have everyone together. It has been many years since we have all been in attendance. It is also fun to have babies in the family again. This Grandparent thing is great!! Now I know how people feel when they say "It is good to see them come, and better to see them leave". We watched Taylie so the kids could go to the movie. She was as good as can be but it was nice when her mom took her back and we could go to bed knowing we could sleep through the night without interruptions.

Only 7 days............

I still have a few more days in order to be equal with Tres. Anyway I have also been tagged but I have no one to tag. Well here it goes, 6 known facts about me;

*I have broken my back 2 times. Once when I was six, I fell out of a tree. Then when I was sixteen I had a painting accident with a ladder and broke it again. I guess you could say I am a walking miracle.

*My family is my life. I don't worry about friends because they are my friends. Richard is my best friend in the whole world. My kids are all a close second. I have the best parents and sisters as well as in-laws (parents, brother and sisters included) not everyone can say that!

*I have spent more New Years at Fish Lake than I have anywhere else. I am glad that this is a family tradition and hope to continue it for many years to come. (My husband won't stand for change)

*I have a wonderful step-daughter and the cutest grand daughter!! Not too many 35 year olds can say they are a grandma. I love it!!! You should see the reactions I get when I tell someone that I am a grandma. Baby Taylie has brought so much joy into everyone's live and she is such a good baby.

*I miss going to church! You don't know you miss it until you stop going. I work every other weekend so I can only attend when I am off. Then if we go somewhere, it happens when I have a weekend off. I was embarrassed to find out in October that this year in relief society Pres. Kimball was the theme. Had it really been a year since I attended? Any way I am trying harder to make it to church as it is such a blessing in our lives. I do have a testimony that this is the only true church and that Jesus Christ died for our sins. I tell my kids that if they will keep the commandments they will live a happy life. God wanted each of us to be happy so he gave us the commandments. The times I have been down on life it has been because I was not doing things like I should have.

*I love the elderly. I have spent 13 years caring for the elderly. My wonderful grandparents took me to the nursing home with them when I was young for sacrament meeting quite often. I have always felt very comfortable around the elderly. In high school I took the CNA course and became a Certified Nurses Aide. I did that for 10 years. I then spent the next 3 as a Licensed Practical Nurse in a nursing home. I am a lot more comfortable caring for some one older than I am some one my own age. I can't tell you how many time I have been looked in the eye and told, "Don’t ever get old, it's hell". I can agree, my 35 year old body doesn't recover like it did when it was 18

Thanks Tres!!!

For those that don't know, Brett's wife gave me a homework assignment. She tagged (challenged, forced) me into listing 6 little known facts about me.
I will participate as far as the list goes but I wont pass this misery on to anyone else.

Here you go:

1. We will start with the obvious, I hate to SHAVE, enough said.
2. I have over 30 fishing poles, My fishing equipment is worth more than my vehicles.
3. I watch Greys Anatomy on Wednesday nights (Thanx Kim)
4. There is not much more important than watching a Jazz game. While two of my children were being born a Jazz game was on in the background (or foreground depending on your point of view).
5. Probably one of the more embarrassing facts that many probably already know but I'm still going to use, is: I am a BYU alumni
6. I've read the complete Harry Potter series and liked it, ugh.

Nothing to glamorous, and yes pretty painful putting some of that on "paper" but probably nothing to suprising.

P.S. One more just for Justin. I voted for Bill Clinton THREE times!!!!

Richard

Santaquin Light Parade

Tonight was the light parade and the kids dance group was in it. Richard had to work at the Santaqueen so I was alone. I have never been to a parade all alone before. As you can see it is hard to take pictures of a light parade but you get the general picture. It was 30 degrees!!! Then KayLee had to rush over to the Santaqueen to work, Kenzie and Kenna came home and drank hot chocolate.

What I Would Miss By KayLee Hepworth

What I would miss if it were gone.

I would miss hearing the crickets chirp.

Seeing my Mom laugh,
Smelling a small puppy's breath,
Tasting my Grandma's homemade fudge.

I would miss the feeling of a pool on a hot summer day.

The feeling of happy parents,
Hearing the thunder as it rumbles in the sky,
Seeing my Dad try to snowboard.

I would miss smelling brownies almost done.

Tasting greasy salty brown-n-crispy fries,
The feeling of a slimy fish,
The feeling of no sisters bugging me.

What I would miss if it was gone.
I am glad its not!

Opportunity

You have probably noticed, no pictures.
No proof.
No evidence.
Every now and then you get the opportunity to do something that you have always wanted to do but were afraid of getting caught.

Something embarrassing, demeaning, or maybe even illegal.
Could land you in the state mental institution.
Family and friends would never let you live down.
Your mother could never find out.

I could go on and on but I hope by now you are getting the picture. Have you thought of something you want to do? I have, I just hope someday I get that opportunity!!
Richard

Politicians

In 1877 the U.S. Fish Commission began rearing carp shipped from Europe, and soon began shipping this "valuable" fish all over the country. The carp is now the most abundant freshwater fish species, in terms of biomass, in the United States, but perception of its value has changed.

With the recent elections and the numerous phone calls, signage and propaganda I was faced with it got me thinking (usually a dangerous thing). At one time carp were viewed as the save all for fisheries in the United States (much like politicians view themselves) hopefully someday our view of politicians will change much like it has for the common carp.

Halloween

Well I wanted to be the first to post on Halloween, but Tres and Lindsay already beat me. I tried to post pictures but I guess too many people are doing the same thing and it came back as error. I wanted to make sugar cookies after Kenzie got home from school but she convinced me I needed to lay down by her. Oh well things still go on even though not as planned. Richard had to work at the Santaquin tonight so I took the kids trick-or-treating to a few houses and then we went to the city park for the Trunk-or-treat or as the kids at my work call it Trick or trunk. KayLee took the other two around and I passed out the candy. I had 2 bags of cheap candy with 250 pieces each. It lasted about 20 minutes. I still had more candy then the others around me. We then went to Santaquin to grab a burger and shake from dad. He asked KayLee to come back and help so when I brought her home to change her clothes she took her bag of goods with her. I asked her why and she said, "there is no way I am leaving home my candy I had to work for, (more like beg for) with Kenna, Kenzie and You!!" That is ok, I am sure Richard made her pay DADDY Taxes. I will try to post the pictures later. Oh yah, we had NO trick-or-treaters come to the door. Go figure.

making crafts
Jared
Taylie and Kortny
KayLee, Kenna and Olivia
Kenzie and Kenna getting ready to go outside

Strawberry

This is the 3rd time in the past 4 years we have gone up to Strawberry Res. in the fall. This year 2 of my sisters and their families along with Tyler, Kort and Taylie were able to come too. It was a little crowded but that made it all the more fun. Richard, Chad, Jared and Tyler were the only ones to brave the cold and make it to the water. They went out 3 different times Saturday. Chad thought we were all crazy for going fishing where you aren't able to keep most of what you catch but after the first trip out he was a fan. It snowed that day so in-between storms the guys came in and ate, watched movies and helped the kids make crafts. Kim cooked and cleaned up most of the time. Steph asked if she could help but was informed that we were on vacation and that Kim doesn't cook and clean like that at home. (since it is always more fun to play house at someone else's house) Lauri is a worrier and got nervous every time it started to snow, but it usually wasn't more than 10 minutes and the guys were back to the cabin. She also had to have the blinds open to watch Kenna and Kenzie as they ventured out to play. This made it nice for me so I didn't even worry one bit. Olivia made it fun as well, once she warmed up to us she jabbered away. If she caught your eye she would give you a sweet little "HI". Taylie was fascinated watching Olivia crawl around. Both babies were very good and fun to have on the trip.

Getting Old

Recent events in my life have made me realize I'm getting OLD. No, I'm not talking about having a granddaughter, getting gray hair or gaining a little weight. This weekend while sitting in a hot tub watching a ball game, all I could think of was, wouldn't it be great if I had a pot of chilly. Now in my younger days, I would have had more exciting things on my mind. Not, "A pot of chilly." So, when I got home I started looking at some old pictures and decided I'm not the only one!

To make me feel a little better I decided to put together a little slide show containing pictures of the family showing just some of the changes. Although, they don't necessarily show mental changes, you'll get the picture.

Enjoy,
Richard

Paradise

Kim told me it wasn't fair that she was the only one posting and I should "get my but off the couch and post something instead of just smarting off on everyone else's blog," so here it goes.

As I was reading my latest book "Websters New World Dictionary" I came across a word on page 433. The word "Paradise" was followed with a definition that I felt was very inadequate or maybe just not what my view of "paradise" is or should be. So, yep you guessed it, your going to get my version.

PARADISE: Now when I think of paradise I mean Paradise, not the banal Heaven of the saints. When I think of "paradise" I mean not only apple trees and golden women but also stoneflies and tarantulas and rockrollers, rattlesnakes and moose, snow storms, volcanic rock, and windstorms, mayflies and Coke, willow trees, cottonwoods, birch, thistle, thorn bushes and flash floods, running water, and yes disease and death and the rotting of the flesh of salmon. I think of Fishing!

"It is the constant--or inconstant--change, the infinite
variety in fly-fishing that binds us fast. It is impossible to grow
weary of a sport that is never the same
on any two days of the year."

Theodore Gordon (1914)

First Snow

We had a bunch of Thunder and each time Kenzie and Kook would come running to my room. I was trying to take it easy as it is my break day between 2 sets of 40. Needless to say I didn't get much rest. Then KayLee came and announced that we had a big branch in the driveway. (Good thing it didn't hit my car) Also she informed us it was snowing. Richard helped KayLee move the branch and I move my car. Richard left for Santaqeen and the girl’s drug out all of their snow clothes and put them on. By the time they made it outside the snow was nearly gone. They still managed to make a snow person. If you look closely it happens to be a "snow woman".

APO

Kenzie has been learning to sound out words in school. She came to Richard this morning and announced, Hey Dad, I know how to spell "apple", APO!! He had to chuckle and told her that was close but apple was spelled a p p l e. Maybe she has listened to the Jeff Foxworthy cd too much!!!

Stuart's big day

The morning started off at 5:30 am. I borrowed a van from a friend and we all piled in leaving the house at 6:30. We made it to Manti about 7:40. Kortny, Tyler and Taylie along with KayLee stayed in Kari and Jaron’s motel room while we were at the Temple. Baby Camdyn stayed with them. Then we took Kenna, Kenzie, Garrett and Mardi to my dear friend Jill’s’ moms house where she had come to watch the kids for me. The Manti temple is beautiful!! As we walked in Stuart sat as content as could be waiting near the dressing room for his bride. He was all grins. Linda’s 3 sisters were able to attend along with Grandma and Grandpa Hardy. There is such a beautiful peaceful feeling inside the temple. There were nearly 50 people in the sealing room. Many of us had to stand behind the chairs. I am grateful to have been in attendance. I went and picked up all the kids and brought them to the temple grounds so we could all be in the pictures. Next we headed to Richfield for the luncheon. It was very nice; the room got a little warm as there were nearly 100 people in attendance. Then it was off to Stuarts to get ready for the reception. They had it in his back yard. It was very beautiful. It was nice to see extended family and people we knew from when we lived in Richfield. We ended up leaving for home around 8:45 but it felt more like midnight. Everyone was tired from the eventful day.

A sad day

It was a sad day for Kim, KayLee, Kenna and Kenzie yesterday. The kids found Penny (the chicken) dead. Richard says she was just a chicken but we felt different. She was our pet. I am posting a picture from Nov of last year in her memory.

Blogging

I am trying to stay on top of things and keep things up to date then I look on my blog and my last post was on 8-16-07. Where has the time gone? Well we took a short over nighter trip up to Strawberry Res. the weekend before school started. I did not have a fishing license so I just planned on reading my book and catching some rays. Well RAYS is what I caught. I now 3 weeks later still have very nice flip flop lines on my feet and mid thigh lines from where I pulled up my shorts. I did finally quit peeling though. The kids each caught their fill of fish yet that wasn't enough for their dad. It finally was the wind that make Richard get off the lake. 5 hours of direct sunlight was too much for me and my white legs. The next weekend the girls and I headed to Cedar City for a bridal shower for Shannon who will be married to Uncle Stuart this Saturday. It was fun to be with just the "girls". Richard, Stuart and Brett all headed off the the Boulders for some hunting........ No one got anything so I think it was just an excuse to go play. The following Friday we once again headed down to Cedar. This time for Kari and Jaron's sealing to each other and to Camdyn. We all traveled down to the St. George Temple and back to Cedar City for a nice lunch at the Discovery Park on Saturday. Then next day we loaded up again and drove back down to Hurrican for the baby blessing. It was a lot of driving but Kari and Jaron did just as much back and forth as the rest of us if not more. I was very nice to be with the family. This past week we stayed home. I picked up some extra shifts at work so I still feel as if we are on the go. Yesterday I was off and played "the MOM". I made zucchini bread, zucchini casserole, a chicken and rice casserole, bathed 2 of the 3 kiddies, then read to them for 45 minutes. Boy was I tired. Now I am at work so I feel kind of like it is a break. Tomorrow Kortny, Tyler and Taylie are coming up for a visit. We are all excited. Saturday will be spent down with Shannon and Stuart first in Manti for the wedding and then to Monroe for the reception that evening. It is exciting to think that now all of the Hepworth children will all be in the temple with their spouses and parents. I am glad that Families are Forever!!!