spring break fun

We wanted to do something fun for the kids during spring break, so we decided to go check out Logan's new Celebration Center.

Jessica's boyfriend Cale works there, and had given her some tokens for us to use, so we decided to go when he was working and see what they had to offer

It was our lucky day, because the valley channel was there filming a segment for TV, so one of the other employees, Jason (Cales good friend) was able to invite his family so there would be someone there to film (because with the temp being 39 degrees, there weren't a lot of people willing to ride those outdoor rides!) and we were able to tag along, so we got to ride all the rides out there for free!


We used our tokens from Cale for bumper cars and rock climbing, but the mini golfing and sonic boom, sling, swing, and skycoaster were all free.

I figured out what it would have cost if we had paid for everything seperately, and it would have been over $200! Score! We love it when we have connections, even if they are coincidental.


We had a great three hours having fun together, but it took us about that long to thaw out once we got home!

my second home

A place where I spend a lot of time during the week is the Sports Academy and Racquet Club- or SARC. We became members of the club about 9-10 years ago when Mike picked up their retirement plan and we could do a "trade"-- his services for our yearly family fee. I think at the start, it was about even, but now he ends up getting paid about $700 a year after they've deducted our $1160 a year family membership dues. If we were to just pay that money out of pocket, I'm not sure I would think it was worth it- cause I'm the only one in the family getting my moneys worth!

The boys like to go swimming in the summer and play basketball off and on throughout the year. Jessica only uses it when she goes to pilates with me in the summer. Kylee was attending very regularly until her schedule changed at USU and she couldn't go with me in the mornings. Mike plays racquetball once or twice a week during his slower times at work- which is only about 4 out of 12 months! During the cold months when I can't run, walk or bike outside, I'm there 6 days a week either running on the treadmill, doing the elliptical machine, going to a step aerobics, toning, or pilates class.
I love that it's only 2 1/2 miles from our house. I also love that it has been recently remodeled and so much nicer now. I love the SARC!!!

ready for spring

Who is more ready for spring than the residents of northern Utah???

We had a winter that just wouldn't quit! We had snowstorm after snowstorm. It actually was fun for awhile, but imagining it all having to melt was a little overwhelming.

Surprisingly, it went pretty quickly except for areas that get no sun. We're almost in the middle of April now, and we haven't had any spring to speak of. I am usually running/walking outside for several weeks by now, but have only gone once this year.

Luckily it's supposed to finally warm up this weekend. Too bad it didn't happen anytime during our spring break.

Carols birthday & a visit from Emma

Carol's birthday was today, so I organized a little lunch at Hamilton's in her honor. We had a nice time eating and visiting.

On Monday, I went to Ogden to attend Sara's body attack class at Golds gym. What a great workout, and what a cute instructor! I brought Emma back with me to play for a few days since the kids are out of school for spring break.

Jessica and Cam took her to the zoo one day, Cam took her to Lundstrom park, and the rest of the time she just entertained us all with her cute ways.

me? skin cancer?

I thought I'd give you all the story of my experience with basal cell carcinoma. For several months, I had noticed a tiny growth on the side of my nose that kept scabbing over, then would grow back. When I went for my annual physical in Feb. '07, Dr. Noorda noticed it and said I should have it check out by a dermatologist. Well, time went by, and six months later, I finally went in. He told me before even taking a biopsy that it was probably basal cell- the most treatable form of skin cancer, but that I needed to have it removed. Yes, I was a little self conscious.
The next picture shows what it looked like after the bandages came off which was an improvement to me at the time, but looks pretty scary now. The Dr. had said it would take six months to completely heal, and that's what it's been. He gave me several options, and sadly to save about $700, I opted to have him do the surgery. Looking back, I would definately spend the extra money and go to a plastic surgeon. Water under the bridge. So, he did the surgery, and I had to go around looking like picture #1 for 48 hours. Sadly, I had to go out in public to a wedding reception, Logan high schools homecoming football game, and both boys football games. I got many questions about what had happened- which was better than just strange looks.
The last picture I just took. I wouldn't say it is completely healed (looks even better with makeup on) but I am happy it has finally gotten to be hardly noticable at all. Now that summer approaching, I plan to change my lifestyle and stay out of the sun a little more than usual and wear sunscreen more often.

conference weekend

I love conference weekend! It's so great to have a break from the normal routine. This conference for the first time ever, Mike kept two of his allotted tickets for us to attend the Saturday morning session. It was so
awesome to be there in person for the solemn assembly. The talks and music were so much more powerful being there in person. As we were deciding where to sit in our designated area, who should we see but Clair and Marilyn Griffin. So we sat by them and enjoyed chatting with them before conference began.

Kylee and Brody joined us for the morning session and the annual putting up of the trampoline afterwards. Can I just say how weird it is still to have a puppy (who isn't so small anymore) in my house and yard. But because we love the Hatch's and want them to keep coming over, I allow it :)

For the past 9 or 10 years, we've had a fun tradition of enjoying a picnic downstairs in the family room during the afternoon session of conference. We usually have most of the same items, but sometimes add different things.



This year the menu was: potato skins, crackers and beef dip, fresh fruit and dip, pigs in a blanket,
nachos, cheese and pickles, soft pretzels (made lovingly by jessica) and of course cookies. We set it all up on the ping-pong table and then munch throughout the session. It's so fun!

I was touched by so many of the talks, especially Elder Ballards talk on mothers, Pres. Uchtdorf and Pres. Monson's closing remarks. What were your favorites?

What I'm known for

I can't believe I'm starting a blog!!! This is a big stretch for me, but it seems like I have more free time than ever before, so I thought this would be a good, productive way to occupy my time- and a fun way to interact with family and friends. Now to decide what to post first. I decided to go with something that I've been known for for over 14 years: The Queen Of Cookies. When we lived in Mesa, we had a neighbor named Cathy Wellington. We went to a party at her house one night, and I tasted the best chocolate chip cookies I had ever eaten. I asked her for the recipe, which she willingly gave me. I started making them, and when friends would ask where I got the recipe, and I told them from Cathy, they complained that when they had asked her for it, she had declined giving it saying it was a secret family recipe. So I felt quite honored that she would share it with me. The recipe took on an even greater significance 5 years later when Cathy and her unborn child were killed in an automobile accident. I have given out this recipe countless times, and baked these cookies hundreds of time. I almost always have some in my freezer for passerby to help themselves to. So for those of you who don't have the recipe, here it is:
Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup butter
cream just until blended
2 eggs
1 t vanilla
mix
1 sm box instant vanilla pudding
3 c flour
1 t soda
1 t salt
1 t baking powder
Add semi sweet cc's and vanilla chips OR peanut butter chips
Bake 350 for 11-12 minutes.
I like them best cooked on a baking stone. I always double the recipe and always keep them in the freezer so they'll stay fresh. Also, when doubling them, I usually use 1 cup butter and 1 cup margarine.

Let me hear how they turn out if you've never baked them before.