J.J. & Zac get sealed!

This weekend J.J. and Zac were sealed in the Portland Oregon Temple. Early on Saturday morning the kids and I headed over to Tricia's house to help get things together and let the kids play with their cousins. It was a wonderful weekend!! We left for Eugene after the sealing/luncheon and spent time together at Mom and Dad's. We had a lot of fun.

Zac taking pictures of J.J. and I in the bathroom getting her hair done.

J.J. looking beautiful and waiting patiently as I curl all around her hair.

Mom doing last minute alterations on the dress she made J.J..

Tricia and Cammy putting together flower arrangements for the tables.

I liked this picture because it showed a back view of J.J.'s hair.

A side view!

When Matt & I got married the weather was a little drizzly, so we stayed in the (my mind just went blank, I can't remember what it is called. I want to call it an arboretum and that is wrong.) Anyway, while we waited for J.J., we had someone take our picture to duplicate our wedding pose.

J.J. and Zac just coming out to meet everyone.

All of us girls goofing around.

Matt, Tricia and Jill.

A happy father.

Two sisters trying to communicate on their cell phones. I loved this picture.

Alex just seeing J.J. and Zac after they were sealed!

A happy family.

Walking to take pictures.

Cousins Katelyn and Hayden.

We wanted a family picture at the temple. As I was gathering the children, Madalyn said, "why do we always take family pictures?" I got a good laugh out of that one.

J.J. eating the yummy food that was made for us at Tricia's house.

Mom made 2 delicious cakes for the luncheon. J.J. is cutting slices of the lemon one. Oh, they were heavenly.

On Monday, we all went bowling and had a great time. This is Ashlee and Tricia bowling a strike!!!!

Paige and Alex hoping that Paige's ball doesn't go in the gutter.

Go Beth go!

Zac bowling a strike.

Aunt Jill with Gannon.

After we bowled we all went to Abby's and ate pizza. Growing up, our high school would go to Abby's after athletic events. There is a lot of nostalgia here. I love the pizza from this place.

The kids all running to the doors to get in and eat yummy pizza.

2nd generation.

1st generation Abby goers!! Ashlee, Jill, Tricia, Jennifer and Matthew.

Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Valentines Day

Matt is 1 year older!

Today is a great day! Matt is turning 38. The kids and I woke up at 6 am to eat breakfast with him before he took off to work. Tonight, we will be going out to a restaurant that serves Chinese food (his favorite).

Not long ago, my brother in law did a blog for my sister in law on her birthday that had everyone who read the blog wish her a happy birthday and tell what makes her great. Today, I would love for all of you that read my blog to go and post a comment on why you love or like Matt and what you think makes him the great person that he is.

In this post, I have put pictures that represent why I love Matt!

Matt is very witty! He makes me laugh on a regular basis. His humor is a breathe of fresh air.


Matt loves his family very much. He loves his brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, Mom, Dad, cousins, aunts and uncles. He understands the important family unit.

Matt loves me. He has always made me feel very loved. He thinks that I am beautiful and he inspires me to take care of myself for me and for him.

Matt loves his children. If he could, he would have many many children. They are everything to him. He is a wonderful father.

Matt will sit and play games with the kids when he is home. He makes up games and he participates in games they make up. He always brings enjoyment to the games we are playing.

Matt is romantic at unexpected moments. He has been surprising me since high school.

Matt loves to drive.

He loves to take family trips and see new places.

Matt is cautious, but he will give an adventure one shot. He loves to have fun and take the chance.

Matt is righteous. He walks the walk and talks the talk. He is a kind, loving, giving and a patient man. He does the right things towards others. He is good through and through.

He loves to ski with his kids. He enjoys being up in the snow with the kids when he has time.

He is oh so HANDSOME. Need I say more.

He is smart.

Matt can figure things out on the computer that baffle me. He is very detailed and oh so smart!!!

He loves to play football and oh yes, he loves to watch the DUCKS!

Matt is sensitive to others. He cuddles our kids and tells them that he loves them. The kids come to him at night and give him hugs and kisses. Even if he gets frustrated with the kids, he always reassures them that he still loves them. He not only tells them that he loves them, he shows it with his actions.

Matt loves the beach. He loves sand, water and the smell of ocean air.

Matt works very very hard for our family.

He never stops giving us his all. He is a very hard worker.

Matt is determined.

He stays focused on what has to be done in order to be prepared for an event. He gives life his all. We love you very much honey. Happy 38th birthday!

Start up your engines!

Last week the boys had their pinewood derby. They love love love their derby. Matt and the boys had worked for days on getting their cars ready. Hayden wanted to have a police car and Carter wanted a dragster. They sanded, painted and gloried in their cars. On the big night, we celebrated Carter's birthday too. This was Carter's last pinewood derby and so he wanted to go out with a big bang. He did a great job and had a very fun time.

Signing up for the pinewood derby.

Carter and Hayden racing each other.

Carter's dragster.

Hayden's police car.

Tricia and the girls came over to view their first pinewood derby. Mom and Dad did too.

They had a wonderful time (I hope!!).

Smile!!

All of the cars ready to race.

The boys with their wonderful dad.

Carter received his Webelos badge and Hayden received his Wolf badge and arrow points. This is their Cubmaster, Lorraine in the picture.

Matt and I giving a cheer for our 2 boys getting their awards.

Setting his car on the track.

Hayden's police car.

Yeah, Mom!!!

Carter and his buddy Ethan.

Hannah, Carter, Madalyn and Taylor.

Carter's car on the far side.

The boys had a great evening. Way to go Carter and Hayden!!