Ashley taught her 5 yr. old son (our grandson) Hewitt how to text message and skype. Yes the boy is somewhat of a GENIUS or Academic PHENOM. Seriously he is.

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Everyday J and I get quite a few text messages from him.

I never thought I would treasure a text message, but both J and I find ourselves waiting very impatiently every day for these little gems to come in.

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Neither one of us want to delete any of these messages.

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As you can see J has quite a "puffed" up image of himself, but Hewitt doesn't hesitate to bring him down to size.

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What a sweet reminder that we have someone in Oklahoma that misses us and loves us too.
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Flashback Friday...An Angel Among Us.

As you might have noticed I like to post pictures....Have you noticed?

I post photos about anything and everything.

I never leave home without my wonderful camera, {the Nikon D50 outfit}

I love my camera almost as much as the pictures I photograph with my camera.

I love to post photos in every blog post.

I think photos tell the story far better than any words ever could.

I love to photograph the BEAUTIFUL things in my life that I truly love.

When I look over my blog posts and see old photographs it always brings a smile to my face and sometimes a tear to my eye.

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DISCLAIMER: most of the photos in this particular post are not ones that I have taken.

My daughter Ashley called me the other day and asked me to send her some of the photos I had of her son Hewitt. As I was going through them I ran across so many of her, the memories just came flooding back, so I decided to do a post dedicated entirely to Ashley.

Besides, I MISS her IMMENSELY.

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A daughter is a miracle that never ceases to be miraculous...full of beauty and forever beautiful...loving and caring and truly amazing.

When I think of how my life has been affected by this BEAUTIFUL soul I am

OVERWHELMED

When she was born, almost instantly she became a Daddy's girl. I loved watching the 2 of them together. I had never seen that side of J. She truly changed his heart.

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Certain is it that there is no kind of affection so purely angelic as of a father to a daughter. In love to our wives there is desire; to our sons, ambition; but to our daughters there is something which there are no words to express.

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Daddy's little girl {For Sure}

*Varsity Cheerleading Team Captain

*Utah State Champion {Individual cheerleader}

*6th. place at Nationals {Individual cheerleader}

*Award winning choreographer

What can I say...She's simply AMAZING!

Is it obvious that I am proud?

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Ashley always had the BEST friends, we loved all of them both male and female.

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I guess she hasn't always done exactly as we wanted lol.

We were a little dismayed when she opted to accept a dance scholarship to Utah.

THE ULTIMATE BETRAYAL

How could we let our daughter attend that school. Well it didn't take long for us to get on board. Help with tuition? That thrilled us no matter what color she would be wearing. And an opportunity to watch her dance yet again. We just wished she didn't have to wear so much RED....

I remember the day we dropped her off at school, it was one of the hardest days of my life. I had thought about it for the weeks prior to her leaving and felt like I could handle it, but I was not prepared at all for what was ahead of me.

J and I helped her unload her stuff, as we were carrying boxes up to her dorm room I could feel myself losing it. Trying to hide the tears and the anguish of leaving my last child was extremely hard.

We unloaded the last box and took a little walk around campus and now it was time to say "GOODBYE" to our baby I gave her a hug desperately trying to hold in my emotions, and Then J had his turn to say his goodbye's. I watched him put his great big arms around her and give one of those hugs that she loves so much, he was holding on tight, as if he never wanted to let go. And then in "Good Old Ashley" fashion she said "I love you Daddy," Our confidant little girl was ready to start her new life.

J finally "reluctantly" let go of her and we were on our way.

I swear that was the longest walk back to the truck we have ever taken. Not a word was exchanged by either of us. We climbed into the truck and sat there for a moment no words were spoken, no words were needed, we looked at each other and then it happened. We both started to cry.

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She's all grown up and still a "Daddy's" girl, but she has made enough room in that big heart of hers for me as well.

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The big wedding day.

I always wondered if Ashley would find a man good enough for J to approve of.

The answer~~~~Yep!

Brandon loves her for who she is and I think he understands what an amazing women he has.

{Jordan is missing from this photograph, he was serving his mission in the

San Fernando, California Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints, during this time}

Nope full time missionaries don't get to come home for sister's weddings.

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I love it when Ashley comes to visit, there is never a DULL moment.

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In 2003 I hired Ashley to be my Varsity cheer coach and choreographer at Orem High School, {Wow! did we ever make the perfect coaching team.} She choreographed the most AWESOME routines. Such a talented girl.

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She became much more than just an a assistant to me, she became my best friend, and she was much more than just a coach to our girls.

They all loved and adored her so much.

Every single one of them past and present came to her wedding and bridal shower and so did their parents.

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On our way home from cheerleading nationals.

Our little OHS squad from Orem, Utah took first place in the large varsity non-build division, with a routine choreographed by our own Ashley.

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Our beautiful daughter in the role as "Mother"

When I look at the kind of mother she has become I hope that she learned some of that from me.

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Mothers and daughters are closest, when daughters become mothers.

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I took this picture of Ashley and Brandon's family, it's one of my favorites ever. I think it truly captures this beautiful little family.

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When she lived here in Orem she would bring her boys over everyday. J and I loved those times just hanging out with Ashley and her boys. It broke our hearts when she and Brandon left for Texas in April. We have both been counting the days until they return in September.

This has been the LONGEST summer we have ever had.

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It's not hard to see from the pictures that Ashley is a GORGEOUS girl, but her outside beauty is only a fraction compared to her inner beauty.

It blows my mind to watch the kindness and compassion she exhibits everyday. Everyone that knows Ashley loves her, she has a way of making you feel that you are the most important person in the world. When people tell me that she and I are so much alike, I am so flattered to be compared to such an incredible human being. {I think what they might be referring to is our love of talking} no one has ever accused either one of us of not having enough to say.

Here's a quote that Ashley loves.

"Live your life so that those who know you but don't know Christ, will want to know Christ because they know you"

Yeah, it fits our Ashley.

Some day I want to be like my Daughter~~~~

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The Very Long Blog Post....For Lack of a Better Name.

It looks like J got something started!

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!!

He finally trimmed the tree back....

YAHOO!

you can actually see the street sign now.

This simple act started a snowball effect.

Kevin and Karen decided they hated their tree and got the bug to tear it out.

The Wilson's live right next door to us and their tree actually gave us a little shade on the basket ball court, but oh well no more cherries falling on the driveway. BTW This project kept J and Kevin busy for the whole evening. Give a man a chain saw and he's happy!

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On Saturday we took the whole family to Timpanogos park in Provo canyon. We had a SPECTACULAR time. The only down side to this was J fell off the wagon, Maybe I should say he jumped off the wagon head first. Oh well Monday is just around the corner.

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As you can see the kids love to play with the "BIG" Frisbee and so does J.

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The kids always have such a great time together, they sure do love to hang out "ON" J He's so much fun! They love getting "roughed" up by him.

Some men never grow up.

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After our day at the park, the Wilson's invited us over for a swim, and of course we accepted the invitation. I think we spend more time in their pool than they do.

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On Sunday we celebrated "Angel" Andi's birthday. J made her the cutest Doll cake. I went to my office to prepare my lesson for Sunday and when I came back J was sitting at the kitchen table putting the finishing touches on the cake.

ISN'T IT SO ADORABLE!

What an amazing Pops {Grandpa} J is. Andi loved the cake.

Chalk another up for the "Orem" cake boss.

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More of our WONDERFUL Sunday afternoon.

I just hate it when the weekend comes to a close.

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Oh the joys of having Grand kids in our home for the weekend.

Every morning Mack and Andi would wake us up at the crack of dawn with a little knock at our door. Mack's not much of a morning person so he really enjoyed this time alone just laying around with J and the feeling was mutual.

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And if you are wondering , our bed is NOT a king size. The room just won't allow it, We have 3 king size beds in our guest rooms and we suffer with a queen because the master bedroom dimensions are just not right for a bed of that size. I really don't mind it but J HATES it. oh well at least the room looks proportioned right and that is really all the matters.

Just in case you were wondering...

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Reagan's Court of Honor

J presenting Reagan Wilkinson with his Eagle Scout award.
Just one of the honors of his calling as the Priest Quorum Advisor, and Varsity Scout Coach.

My Precious Little Hewitt.

This is a video of our sweet little Hewitt. (Ashley's Little boy at age 3) This is a MUST see, It's amazing. Please pause my music on the right hand sidebar. And enjoy! It will brighten your day.

Priesthood Power.

The other morning the phone awoke J and I at 2:00 a.m.

So many things go through your head when the phone rings at that time of morning, you know it must be something serious.

When J answered the phone he heard the familiar tone of Jordan's voice on the other end of the line.

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Jordan's baby girl had been very sick for the past few days. The Dr. had told them to keep her hydrated and watch her close through out the night. she had a very bad night and was in need of a priesthood blessing.

J didn't skip a beat, he promptly got out of bed put his clothes on and reached for the oil.

When we arrived at Jordan's home we were greeted by a very tired and worried young mother. Linsey had been up all night with McCartney and was exhausted. As we made our way into the family room we saw Jordan sitting on the sofa holding a very sick little McCartney in his arms.

She looked so calm and safe in the arms of a very loving father.

And my heart took a picture.

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{Jordan, the day he became a father.}

There's just something about a very loving, gentle father taking care of his child that warms my heart so.

J anointed McCartney and then Jordan gave her a beautiful blessing. As I was sitting there witnessing this amazing display of a Father and Son exercising their priesthood, I was so overwhelmed by the spirit in the room. And thoughts of gratitude filled my heart. I am so thankful to the Lord for blessing our family so immensely with wonderful young men that understand and honor the power of the Priesthood.

As J and I were driving home, J mentioned to me what an honor and a blessing it was to be asked to share in this sacred ordinance. and how important it is to always be worthy and ready to step in when it is needed. I am so thankful to have a wonderful husband, 3 Sons and a son in law that use the priesthood to bless the lives of their families. I was so grateful that Jordan didn't hesitate to act and to involve J.

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It really shouldn't

surprise me to see my sons become such AMAZING fathers, after-all they had a very wonderful example set for them by the greatest father of all.

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Jay holding baby Jordan.

Hello Monday!

Dear Monday,
Please be good to us!

After a FANTASTIC weekend, My biggest hope for the up-coming week is......

Please be good.

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I noticed that J is going gray

It just adds to his SEXINESS....

My latest discovery~~~~J and I will never outgrow the trampoline.

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I have resigned myself to the fact that I am NEVER going to get the

"Orem City Beautification Award" {SIGH}

J and I spent quite a bit of time this past weekend in the neighborhoods of our fair city and there were quite a few sightings of the coveted award in different yards, some were even in the yards of our good friends.

I guess my yard is just to sterile, and lacking of color.

However my little GNOME has done a great job of bringing goodness and peace to our surroundings I guess that's enough until next summer.

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For now~~~~~

Peace Out and Chill, Cause I'm sure Gunna.

(Gunna: Utah Slang for going to)

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The Worth of a Smile!

It's been a little over 2 years, since I walked into the office of

This was one of the BEST decisions I have made in my adult life. I had an overbite that was quite obvious to me and it drove me crazy. I hated my smile and would avoid smiling as much as possible. (That's no way to live your life.)

However this was the least of my oral problems...

It was impossible for me to bite all the way through anything, since my upper and lower teeth didn't touch. I would bite through a ham & cheese sandwich and get bread but no meat.

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Before the braces 03/2008

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My bite was so far out of alignment, my upper jaw was extremely narrow and my lower jaw was extremely wide. It's really not hard to imagine the difficulties that would arise in my life due to such a weird circumstance.

Every time I would go to the dentist, he would always look at my mouth in such awe, and ask me when I was going to get it fixed. (I was a little afraid, mostly of the oral surgery)

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Present Day 07/2010

If you look at my upper jaw you can see how much wider it is now. Than in the "before" picture

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2 1/2 years of braces have brought my upper and lower jaw enough into alignment that I can actually touch top and bottom teeth for the first time ever in my life. Woo Hoo!!!

WHAT A RELIEF!!!!

Well on my last visit, Dr. Trapnell told me it was time to move into the next phase of my treatment.

The dreaded day has finally arrived.
The visit to Dr. Michael Harris at Utah Surgical Arts

For the final phase.....

The oral surgery. I have no idea what he is going to do to me and I would really rather not think about it until I ABSOLUTELY have to. That whole process sure FREAKS me out.

Oh well at least then I will have a beautiful smile and a NORMAL jaw.
I can see a HUGE difference, and does everyone else.

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Aw SNAP! it must be hereditary look who else needs Dr's. Fairbanks and Trapnell.

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One day our son Jayson noticed that both Mack and Andi would bite with their side teeth instead of the front teeth, because the front teeth won't bite through anything. (I know that feeling all too well) they have the same problem with the upper and lower jaw bones... I felt so bad about passing this awful trait on to them, but that is not where it stopped. Ashley informed me shortly after that her little Linford would also be needing the treatment. Yep same problem. And they probably won't be the only Little ones in this family that will need this.

I feel ya!

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One consolation, if the problem is corrected as a child there is no need for the surgery.

An INCREDIBLE day in God's Country

The BEAUTIFUL Sundance Resort.

If there's one thing Robert Redford has done right it's this place.

We had the most amazing day!

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Nothing better than spending Saturday in these majestic mountains with my all-time Favorite guy.

Overlooking the empty ski slopes where I first learned to ski.

It looks so much further without snow.

I LOVE Utah in the SUMMER!!

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WOW! That's a LONG way down!

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See the sign labeled the "easiest way down" Yep that's the way I always go, this winter I have committed to J that I will HONESTLY take some time and improve my skiing skills. I think he would like to ski with me and ACTUALLY have it be some kind of challenge. He's kind of competitive that way.

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I have been all over the world, and I must admit that I have never found another place to be as AWESOME as our own Utah mountains.

When we took our trip to Europe I expected to be BLOWN away by the Swiss Alps, and I will admit it was amazing there but...........Utah is better...

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Below.....The beauty of Sundance in the summertime.

Like I always say

"Never go anywhere without your camera."

I have the Nikon D50 outfit...I LOVE it.

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A view from the top of our BEAUTIFUL, BREATHTAKING Utah mountains.

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Robert Redford's SPREAD!

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What A Day!

I just realized last night that I really HATE movie theater popcorn.

It's Nasty, and what is that stuff they put on it?

I know they call it butter but I am certain that it is not butter.

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We attended another beautiful up-lifting sacrament/testimony meeting today.

When it was over, I was making my way into Sunday school class when the dreaded "AURA" hit me, I knew I was down for the count. This one came on fast and I knew it was going to be a WHOPPER!

{In the back of my mind I'm wondering if it could have any connection the the popcorn I ate last night.}

J drove me home ASAP since by now my vision was pretty much gone.

BIG PROBLEM.......

No COKE in the house since J and I swore it off about 5 months ago.

What to do?

Take my meds and of course send J to the store as fast as he could go for the biggest Coke he could find.. Yes this is truly pulling the "Ox out of the mire" I know what you're thinking, how could something that is so bad for you, be so good~~~~

I don't know it just is and it along with my medication seem to do the best for me.

So~~~~~

This is what J came back with.
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And.....I drank it all....All 64 Oz's of it. WHEW! No trip to the emergency room.

When is this HORRIFIC burden that I have dealt with my whole life going to go away?

What lesson am I supposed to learn here?

I swear I have learned it....I have learned it.

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Ever heard of a COASTER!!!!!!

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Here's the CULPRIT!

DANG! J use a freakin COASTER!!!

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I don't know why I added this picture to this post.

Maybe it's because these little dogs (Jordan's) are so darn cute, they are all brothers.

Shih tzu's are absolutely the CUTEST dogs ever....And what darling personalities. I have never met one I didn't love.

Herman, Mack, and Wendel

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