The Stars At Night Are Big And Bright...Deep In The Heart Of Texas!

Last weekend I spent in Dallas, Texas at the Lighting Market. Picture this, three grand sized shopping malls all filled with lights! It is quite a scene. I went for work to check out all the new and great things in the lighting world for 2008. It is a really good experience. We learn a lot and get a chance to meet vendors and do business face to face. This world of technology is so wonderful in so many ways, but that good old person to person, eyeball to eyeball is what is still important. My parents and my sister Abby and I all went. There are some very exciting things in the lighting world. I sound like I really like my job don't I!

Since I was in Dallas, and the huge shopping malls full of lights aren't very conducive to toting around a baby, Jackson stayed at home with Dad. Rob started his new job so he wasn't able to take any time off...so Jack had a bunch of play-dates! It was so nice to leave him and not worry. I know Jack was so happy exploring new places and people. Thank you again...all of you who watched Jack.

I thought the first time away (overnight) from Jackson would be so hard, but it wasn't that bad. Okay, so you think about him all the time and wonder what he's doing and if he's being a good boy, but isn't that just normal mom stuff? Having family and friends near by is the best!

I just have to share one of my favorite parts about going to Dallas...I really love the lights and seeing all the new stuff. There is also a little shopping place that you can get great jewelry and perfume and "girly" stuff which is a blast, but my favorite part is seeing my friend Sarah Tuckett Combs. We grew up together here in SLC and then she moved to Texas. One summer she came and spent a couple weeks with us and we went to EFY together, then she went to school at BYU before getting married. Anyhow, she is one amazing woman. I have always thought so. I haven't been good at keeping in touch at all, but it was so nice to go out to dinner and get caught-up. Anyhow, Sarah, beautiful mother-of-four, thank you for being such a great example and a true friend! Until next time!

Weekend in Jackson Hole

That red swiss army hat is Jeremy's head in the very back of the car.

Dad packing up the skis with Mom.

Abby and I outside the condo.

I just got back from spending the weekend up at my parents condo in Jackson Hole,WY. We had such a relaxing time. Jack and I went up with my parents, Abby and Jeremy. Rob had to stay and work as well as Abby's husband Rich. We drove up Thursday and then Jeremy followed by driving up Friday after his classes.



We spent time snowshoeing, skiing, eating and taking naps. There was so much snow up there...a true winter wonderland.



The most exciting event of the vacation was getting a call from Jeremy saying that he had rolled the Exterra right outside of Afton, WY. He was just fine, but the car was quite damaged. Anyhow, we made a few trips back and forth from Jackson to Afton. We are so glad that Jeremy is alright. We were joking that he must have 9 lives like a cat...I think he has used up at least 4. We love Uncle Bear and are so blessed to have him in our family.



You are probably wondering why I would have called that exciting...well it actually turned pretty comical getting home. Picture this, 6 people (one of them is a baby and you know how much stuff babies have) 5 sets of snowshoes, 5 sets of skies, poles, boots and one extremely large snowboard. Now, you know that skit that they do at the circus with all the clowns in the car, well that is exactly how we felt driving home from Jackson Hole. Without my mom's EXTREME PACKING SKILLS we would have never made it. The pictures just don't do justice. What a trip that we will always remember!

New Years News

This New Year's Eve and Christmas break was wonderful. New Year's we had a couple friends over and used some of our Christmas presents to do some Dutch Oven cooking. Rob and Barrett took care of the cooking...thank goodness because it was so cold that night. We hung out and played games. I really love hanging out with wonderful people and eating good food. This break has been so nice. Rob took of the week to be home. We just hung out and played a lot with Jackson.

Rob started his new job today. He is still working for the same company ATK, but is now at the Clearfield, UT office. He is over a different type of program than what he was doing before. We are so glad that he will be closer to home. No more two-hour commutes to work...I think he is now down to a 15-20 min. drive. Jackson and I will definitely come and meet him for lunch now.

Here's to a great year in 2008!

Rob and Jack playing the piano over the Christmas break.
Barrett Morley and Brayten McGee New Year's Eve...that dutch oven cake was delicious!
Jack and Tommy.
Way to go Jack, you ate it all!

Kelli and Ted Holt New Year's Eve.
Steph and Tommy McGee.
Luke and Becca Morley.