Teton Springs 2010...

This year instead of going to AZ where everyone in my family normally meet up, we all met in Teton Springs from July 11 to 17th. Lori and Len have a place there, and we thought it would be fun if we all met there. Lori & Len's family, Heather & Clemente's family, Our family, Melissa, and my Mom. The only two we were missing was Melissa's daughter, Nicole, and my son, Rocky. We missed them both. It was a great time. We went to Yellowstone Park, Jackson Hole, swam at the clubhouse, fished, golfed, played tennis, went to the gym, and visited and laughed late every night.. What a blast we had, and the kids all had fun. I'm glad my family is so close and that all the kids get to grow up extremely close with all of their cousins. Thanks everyone for a memoriable week!!!! xoxo

Chad's Graduation!!!

Alta High School Class of 2010.....

Wow!! I can't believe my boy has graduated from high school! The fact that I have two boys graduated from high school just blows my mind. During Chad's ceremony today, it brought a tear to my eyes, just thinking back on how fast the last 19 years of his life have flown by. Just seems like yesterday he was a innocent little boy playing with legos and hotwheels. Now, he has his whole life ahead of him and he has so much to look forward to. He's a smart young man, kind hearted, and has alot to offer to the world. He has a goal of entering into the military, so is very shortly here taking the tests required to get that started.

We're very proud of Chad and the fact that through his high school years he's been on the honor roll each semester with an awesome grade point average. He's been responsible with a job that he's had for the past two years through high school. We feel he has a great foundation for his future. Chad we love you immensely and are SO VERY PROUD OF YOU!

Chad and his cousin Colten

Taylor's Piano Recital...

Taylor had a piano recital in May. It was the last recital with her teacher Judy. Judy is not going to be teaching anymore, so it was a bit sad. Taylor did really good. I know she could be REALLY good at piano, but she doesn't love to practice (sounds like me when I was a kid)....

She's more interested in playing tennis and sports than piano, but we were very proud of her.. I hope she keeps her love of piano, because it is a beautiful gift.

Taylor also was in the same piano class as her friends, Maya and Grace...

Sisters Weekend...

My sister, Lori and I flew to Virginia February 17th - 21st to hang out with our other two sisters, Heather and Melissa for a long weekend. It was really good to see my sisters. We had had this trip planned for quite a few weeks, and it just so happened that Russ had to fly to Minnesota to spend some of the last few days of his dad's life by his side, along with his sisters. He took Maddie and Taylor with him. Thank you Russ for your huge heart, not only for loving your father unconditionally and being there for him through all of this and showing a great example to your children, but for having a huge heart in allowing me to still have my sisters weekend and my much needed time off. I hesitated on going on my trip, with his father in this condition, but Russ insisted I not cancel my trip, and took the girls with him. He went through a hard time while he was there seeing his father in his last few days, and because of that, I hurt for him. I still managed to have fun with my sisters, but my thoughts were constantly with my girls and Russ, and between constant phone calls and texting, I'm glad I could still be a support to him during this time. I have awesome and understanding sisters, who knew that week was hard for me being away from my family. But we did have a fun time just spending time together. I'm very happy for the relationship I have with my sisters, I realize that not everyone has that situation, but I cherish my sisters...

We'll miss you Norm...

Norman Ray Wilkes

Sept. 16, 1939 - Feb. 22, 2010

After a battle with cancer over the past 3 months or so, Russ's dad, Norm Wilkes, passed away last night. Norm was a great guy. Very funny with a great sense of humor. I only spent a little bit of time with him over the 15 years that I've been a part of Russ's life, but the one thing I do know, he loved his three children and his grandchildren greatly. He had a soft place in his heart for all of the grandkids -- he loved playing with them, and dancing with them. He didnt get the name "Stormin' Norman" from nowhere. That described him to the T.

I'm really glad that he had his last few days in this world with the people he loved the most around him. His wife Joanne, and his three kids, Russ, Lisa, and Karen -- I'm happy they all were able to spend this special time with him before he left this world. They were able to express to him their love, and he also was still able to communicate enough to tell each of his kids how much he loved them. I know that's something they'll always have to hold on to.

He will be greatly missed. We love you Norm! This is not 'good-bye', for I'm comforted to know because of my beliefs, that we will all see each other again really soon. He is in a great place right now, and without any pain. Until tomorrow Norm..... XOXO

Delta Airlines

After years of being out of the airline industry, I've decided to enter it again. I started my 5 weeks of training on Oct. 12th, and this week just finished my 2 additional weeks of OTJ training, and now an official employee of Delta Airlines. Even though this industry is not about making a good income, I really decided that I really missed all the benefits. We really have missed the airline benefits since we moved to Utah and left the airline industry after a combined 17 years of working at America West Airlines when we lived in Arizona. For that, we are excited, to be able to take the kids all around the world, and fly to visit family and friends whenever we want to... For that, we are excited.
Hope to see you all soon!

girl ask boy dance...

Chad was invited to a girl's choice dance last night by his friend, Kayla, who goes to Jordan High School, and they had so much fun. I can't believe he's a senior in high school and going to graduate this year. He's such a great kid and I just love him so much.