In Memory of James Napolean Dean

(Jacob, my nephew, & Jimmy)

This is the Carlson family dog. He passed away last night, Thursday December 4th. Just shy of his 14th birthday, which would have been on Sunday December 7th. My family loved him so much. We have such great memories of him. I know this sounds so sappy because some people think he is just a dog but, like one of my co-workers said, he was part of my childhood. I feel so bad for my parents mostly because right now their are no kids living in the house and he was the only one who didn't leave. Mom & Dad we love you and want you to know that our thoughts & prayers are with you and the rest of the Carlson Family. I just feel so helpless being so far away that I can't be there to help you through this difficult time. Jimmy will always be remembered. I am actually looking forward to Christmas when we can gather as a family for the first time since 2005 and reminisce on the most wonderful dog any family could ask for. I love you Carlson Family and can't wait to see you in about 15 days. (That's for you Ben;-)

Remember When?

Here are the rules. 1. As a comment on my blog, leave a memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you know me a little or a lot, anything you remember! If we're only blogging friends or if you're a blog hopper who happens upon my blog regularly...leave me a comment. There must be reason you keep stopping by! Say something! If you don't have a blog or don't know how to sign in, sign up for an account! You won't regret it! 2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog (if you have one) and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty fun to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll be sure to write one about you... either on your blog, in my comment box, or I will email you back!

My new sweet baby - Sarah McCall Joyner!

What do you think about my little new baby Sarah McCall Joyner?
MakeMeBabies.com - What will your baby look like?

My new sweet baby - Spencer Tommie Joyner!

I found this website on a friends blog and I was curious to see what our little boy would look like. Honestly I was a little freaked out for a min. But I will love him/her no matter what they look like. I do have to admit I love his curly hair. And the name, I just came up with it on spare of the moment, except for the middle name. That is Nick's grandpa's name. What do you think about my little new baby Spencer Tommie Joyner? MakeMeBabies.com - What will your baby look like?

Crafts!

So I have been working on some baby girl burp clothes and blanket. I finished the burp clothes a couple of weeks ago and am now working on the blanket. I made it bigger than I expected. I just have to crochet around it one more time but it might be awhile till I finish it because I am trying to teach myself a new pattern to make it look more girly. But I will post the blanket when I am done with it.

The other craft that I made was from Halloween. It actually didn't take me very long to make it and thanks to Ben Franklin Crafts for giving me the idea. And it cost less than $10 to make. I think I am going to make one for Christmas that says JOY.

It's been a while. . .

Wow time just gets by us way too fast.

On Oct. 1-5 my parents came up and visited us. Even though we saw them the week before I was nice to have some company come see us. Here are some pics of what we did.

On Thurs Oct 2, we took a drive to Deer Lodge, MT and took a tour of the Prison & car museum. Both were a lot of fun, especially when Nick scared my Mom when in a dark scary part of the jail. LOL! Love you Mom.

DAVE was here! My mom never told me that!

My Dream Car! Probably the closest I'll ever get to owning a Shelby GT 500.

When I saw this car it reminded me of Travis. Hope you like it!

Friday the 3rd, we hiked Mount Helena! I was pretty hard but I felt like I accomplished something! Plus I got to cross off something that I wanted to do while we are in Montana.

The following week, Oct 9-11, Nick was at League Meetings in Idaho Falls. It was pretty lonely. I don't know how some people could have their spouses on long business trips. I wouldn't be able to handle it. That weekend it also snowed a lot on Saturday night. Nick almost got stranded in IF for an extra day because I15 was closed because of bad roads. Luckily they opened them and he was home by 4. Unfortunately he brought home a cold with him and now I have been trying to fight it for a week and a half.

Hope all is well with everyone and sorry that this is a little long. But I hope you enjoy!

Dedicated to Cami

This is for my "little" sister Cami. My dad made these videos and wanted to show them to a her "bona fide suitor"! Hope you like them Isaac!!! And you are more than welcome to leave comments and I will pass them along to my dad. LOL!

The following for bona fide suitors only!

Don't worry Cami we still love you!!

I Forgot!

One of the coolest things that happened to me after the General RS broadcast is that I ran into a old friend that I haven't seen in over three years! I met her when I was a nanny in NY and we were in the same ward. She ended up moving to SLC and I drove with her when she moved there. How cool is that?!

Utah

Man we had so much fun in Utah! Here is some of the things that we did! (Word of warning this is a little lengthy)

Wednesday: Did a little shopping in Ogden. Then went to my mom's school and got to help make a science experiment. The kids made a gue made out of water, borax & elmer's glue. We had yummy Maddox for dinner. My Mom, Dad, Nick & I walked down to a nursing home to visit a family friend. I was nice to get to know her a little better.

Thursday: Went to the Salt Lake temple and did a live session. It was very interesting but well worth it. My sister, Jessica, made us yummy tostadas for lunch. Then Jenny, Jessica, Jacob, Nick and I went to Sugarhouse stores and did a little shopping. Jenny found some really cute shorts for Nick for only $10 @ Old Navy. Jenny & Jessica found a really cute outfit for me that only cost $10. I love bargain shopping especially with my sisters! Later that night I hung out with my older brother Dave & his wife Ashley. I was glad I got to see them especially when they are so busy. Watched the season preimere of ER. Yes I cried when Dr. Pratt died. Very sad.

Friday: Went to the Salt Lake distribution center. Met up with my younger brother, Ben, and younger sister, Cami, and her boyfriend Isaac. We went out to lunch to Brick Oven in Provo. Yummy! (pics to come from Cami) Went mini golfing. That was a lot of fun. . . just ask Cami! j/k. Did a little window shopping in Riverwoods. Later we went to dinner with Nick's Aunt Marlene & cousin James. It was a very yummy Italian restraunt. And the dessert was to die for. Went to Jenny & Brett's house and played games with Jenny, Brett, Ben, Cami, Isaac & Nick. It was a lot of fun to hang out with my siblings.

Saturday: Went to Salt Lake, yet again. My Mom & sisters went out to dinner at the Nauvoo Cafe in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. It was very yummy. Then we were able to go to the General Relief Society Broadcast. It was so wonderful to be in the same room as the prophet. It was a little emotional but well worth it! I really liked Sister Beck's talk and how she said we need to tie ourselves to the Relief Society and they will be come your Mother. That really hit me because since I have lived at college I have always been sort of far from my mom and I really believe that the RS has helped me through a lot since I have lived on my own. After the conference we went back to Jessica's house and had brownies and ice cream. My mom and I stopped by my Grandma & Grandpa Anderson's house for a short visit. And on the way home we stopped by Krispy Kreme & got some doughnuts!!

Sunday: We went to my parents Sacrament mtg @ 1. After words we packed up and hit the road.

We loved being around family but unfortunately we knew that we needed to get back home and back to reality. But only for three days! My parents are making their annual pilgrimage tomorrow to see us! So they will be here Thurs-Sunday! Can't wait to see them, even though it's only been 3 days!

September!

Man I can't believe that it is almost October! I'm excited for October means fall is here, the leaves are falling and crunching beneath my feet. I love that sound. Also my parents are coming up to visit! They visit about once a year in October over school break! But this year it is only going to be my parents and no sibilings (darn it! I love hanging out with my sibilings!). I think we are going to have a lot of fun! Also this week Nick and I are going to go see our families in Utah!!! Nick told me that he really needed to get away from work for more than a weekend and it works out perfectly because at my work it won't be as busy this week because one of the doctors is out of town!! So I will probably be post some pics from our little adventure to Utah!

Update!!!

Well baseball season is finally over!!! WooooHoooo!!! I can actually kiss my husband goodnight again!! It's a little more relaxing and not as stressful. This weekend through next Wednesday we are doing a "nanny" job for some friends of ours. They have three girls that range in age 16-9. So needless to say that we have got our work cut out for us. For those of you who don't know, Nick and I are trying to start our family. We have been having some hard times but know that the Lord has His hand in all things. I had some tests done recently. All went well. Hopefully it will give us some answers and comfort at this time. Thanks to all friends and family that have kept us in your thoughts and prayers. It helps more than you can know!

Wedding...Part 2

Here are some pics from Travis & Dora's wedding in Rexburg, ID. Thanks SueAnn for emailing them to me.

Travis & Dora. The happy couple.

Four of the Seven Joyner Boys. Jason, Nick, Tomas & Travis.

Pic of the new addition to the family. Notice I'm not that short!!! (I was wearing heels)

Wedding

This past weekend we went to Rexburg, Idaho to Travis' wedding, Nick's younger brother. Unfortunately I left my temple recommend in Mt. I didn't even realize it until we pulled up to the temple. I heard the ceremony and the words of wisdom were wonderful. We were able to hang out and spend time with half of his family from Friday to early Sunday morning. A little sleep deprieved but it was worth it.

Olympics

Man I love the olympics, especially the gymnastics!!! I was able to watch the last competition last night. Shawn Johnson & Nastia Luiken both did amazing. Inside I was screaming the Shawn would win gold. And I guess they heard me all the way in Beijing. SHE WON!!! I actually started to cry. She received, I believe, 2-3 silver medals and this was her last opportunity to win gold and she did it. Way to go Shawn!!!

I do feel really bad for Lolo Jones. She ran the hurdles last night and was doing incredible until the ninth hurdle. Her heel caught on it and she lost the race coming in 7th I believe. A US runner, Don ?, still won gold but a part of me still felt really bad for Lolo.

Thankful

Man am I thankful for wonderful friends especially my sisters. They always call at the right time when I need to talk to someone. Yesterday I was a little depressed, for multiple reasons, and Jessica, my sister, called and even though I didn't feel like talking she helped me feel so much better by just venting a little. Thanks Jess!! Then when I was getting ready for bed and trying to fall asleep I started crying just of the stresses that I have been having lately and Nick let me just talk it out and tried to make me feel better. Man I am so blessed! Thanks to all my friends for being there when I have needed it. You guys are awesome.

Happy Birthday Honey!!

To my wonderful husband, Happy Birthday! He has always been there for me especially when I need him to comfort me or make me laugh. He is really good at making me laugh. I love how he loves to serve those around him. I am so glad that I married him. He will be the one that I wake up to & see every day for the rest of my life. The only one that I go to bed with. He is my best friend. Happy Birthday Nick!

Happy Anniversary!

Here are some pics of our anniversary trip to Spokane. Enjoy!

The Imax theatre that we saw The Dark Night in. It was awesome and that is the only thing that Nick really wanted to do for our anniversary while we were there.

On the gondala ride.

The view from the gondala ride. It was only the two of us and it was pretty romantic!

On the tour train of Riverfront park.

View of the world fair of '74 from Canada Island.

We started off the day of our anniversary by going to the Spokane Temple. It was awesome. We actually spent about 4 hours there. It was so worth it especially because we live pretty far away from one.

I convinced Nick to get a pic by the Gonzaga University sign. . . even though it wasn't a BYU sign.

Nick enjoying his yummy bannana shake!

Our anniversary lunch. It was at a cute little diner called Wolffy's. Very yummy! Sweet kisses from my handsome husband. This is our anniversary dinner @ Red Robin. Anniversary dinner @ Red Robin!

UTAH!!!

Man I had a lot of fun in Utah!!! I got down there on Friday night. Went to the Ogden Temple on Saturday with Ben, Jenny, Brett, Mom, Dad, Grandma & Grandpa Anderson, Kristine, Dale, & Amy to do sealings for our ancestors. It was pretty cool.

Saturday night we had a girls night out @ Jenny's house. Had a really good dinner, played games & laughed a lot.

Sunday & Monday we got ready for the Anderson reunion. Tuesday my mom and I drove up together to Snowbird to welcome all of the relatives to the reunion.

Here are some of the pictures from the reunion.

Ben, Cami & Jenny swimming at the condo @ Snowbird!

Friday we spent all day outside with all the relatives. Here is my cousin Nathan jumping on the bungie @ Snowbird! Man he has gotten so big!

Uncle Nick

My sister, Jessica, and her husband, Ivan, came and visited us over Memorial Day weekend. We got to spend lots of time with my nephew, Jacob. He has so much hair that he has a little mowhawk. It's so cute. At the time he was 3 months old. Nick is so cute with Jacob. I caught them asleep on the couch, that's what the following pic is of.

I Did It!!!

Well I finally did it!!! I got my own blog with the advice/encouragement from other friends who have one and love it. But I'm already warning you that I might forget I have it. But I will try to write or post once a week. Nick and I have been married for almost three years!! Crazy how fast the time flies. He works for a minor league baseball team and I work at a cancer center. Both of our jobs are very demanding but very rewarding as well. We are currently looking for a new job so if any of you hear anything let us know. We are looking for something for Nick on the collegate level. Sorry this isn't a lot but I do need to go do some Father's Day shopping for a certain someone if you know what I mean.