December

We had a lot of fun at Thanksgiving. We got to go to the ranch & spend it with Grandma & Grandpa and Mark & Charlene's family. We got about 4 inches of snow that made it fun for the kids to ride 4-wheelers & sled. They even got to build a snowman. Kasey got to ride the horse for a whole minute before it stepped in a hole & bucked her off. She bruised a couple of ribs and her hip, but is mending. We are all glad we got to get out of town for a while.









Mark took some of the kids up the mountain to start fires. They really enjoyed that. Kurtis boasted that he got to start 4. Now that is a fire!





We are excited for this month and all that is happening. We got to go watch the Flash basketball game for Family Home Evening. Tonight we are going to "The Forgotten Carols". There is something going on every night for the next two weeks. Then Devin will be on his way to Chicago and Justin will leave for the MTC. Maybe life will slow down a little before Christmas...I hope!

They made it

Kasey & Kurtis both made it into the musical. They are jungle people, we have yet to see just what that is! They are excited & have already begun rehearals.

For those that don't know, Justin will be speaking in church on December 14. You are welcome to come, but remember, it's not a farewell anymore. We won't be having a big "to-do" before or after, maybe refreshments after. Let us know if you plan on coming. He enters the MTC on the 17th.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We are excited for Thanksgiving and having a few days off from school and work. It will be a nice break. Just a few updates to keep you up on the coming's & goings...

Kasey & Kurtis tried out for the school musical, "Suessical the Musical". We will find out if they made it on Friday. If they did, they will be very busy with rehearsals until the end of February.

We are now less than a month away from putting Justin in the MTC. Doesn't seem like it's that close, but it is.

We wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving. We are truly thankful for so many things, family and friends being at the top of the list. May the Lord's blessings be on each of you and your families.

Football comes to an end...

I must update you on Devin's football game last Friday. They played Cottonwood who is undefeated this year. The score was 31-8 (Cottonwood) in the 4th quarter. Orem made a come back & the score was 31-24. On their drive to score, the ball was intercepted on the 5 yard line with 30 seconds to go. What a heart breaker! Devin said he was crying for joy then crying that they lost. Lots of emotion in such a short amount of time. So, football season is over at our house. Now, on to the next sport. Devin says he might give rugby a try. He will be throwing javelin again in the spring.

Slideshow

I have been figuring out how to do this slideshow thing...ugh! If you click on the pictures, it should take you to the google slideshow page where you can view the album or slideshow in a bigger format. Hope it works.

October Flew!

It seems I was just counting the days 'til the end of the month with my preschool classes and we had more than 20. Now we only have 4! Holy cow the days flew by quickly!!!

Devin got a high ankle sprain just over a month ago while at football practice. He couldn't play football all month. That was a REAL bummer for him, but he was good about it. He said there was nothing he could do about it, so no use getting upset. He went to physical therapy to try to get back sooner than not. I guess it helped because he got to play last Friday, the final season game of the year. He did well, and the team played the best they had all year. They played Mountain View and held them 32-0. Now they have their first play off game on Friday at Cottonwood. It will be a tough game. Cottonwood is undefeated this year. If they lose they are done. Here's hoping they win! Devin would love to be able to play more.

We are fast approaching Justin's departure for the MTC. He picked up his suits the other day and wore one Sunday. He looked like a missionary (all but the tag and a haircut). One of his friends just got his call to Tahiti and another is leaving the MTC for Mongolia this week. He is excited to be going to California. He went through the temple on the 10th of this month. It was neat to be there with him, Grandpa & Grandma Spencer, Grandpa & Grandma Hammer, Aunt Tina & Uncle Rick, and a few friends. What an awesome experience!

Kurtis went on a campout this last weekend with the Scouts. They went down by Price and got to go rock climbing and to a dinosaur quarry where they saw lots of fossils. He had lots of fun. He is growing up quickly (lenghth-wise) He's almost as tall as Kasey & is just a bean pole. Don't know how he does it for all the food he puts in him.

We are looking forward to Halloween. Kasey will be busy decorating the front yard. It looked cool last year and will be even better this year.

If anyone is interested, you can check out my preschool blog in my links. Not many kids, but lots of work. We have fun.

MISSION CALL!!!!!

Justin received his mission call yesterday (Thursday) afternoon. He had to go to work so he waited until last night to open it with the family. He was VERY anxious, needless to say. He waited for Grandma & Grandpa Hammer to get here then we got ready to open it. He was just sliding his finger under the flap when mom remembered the camera...just about killed him off with anticipation! But he was good for me & let me take a couple of pictures.

He is going to the Roseville, California mission, English speaking. He will report to the MTC December 17. He has a brand new mission President who is actually from the Salt Lake area. Elder L. Tom Perry's son was the former mission President.

Justin's mission is about 150 miles from end to end, we figure. It is a pretty area from Central to Northern California. The climate will be nice. Rain and possibly snow in the winter depending on where he is.

If you can't tell from the picture, Justin is EXCITED to say the least. He says his call feels right. He is anxious to get going and teach the gospel. We are so proud of him and his accomplishments & are happy that he has chosen to serve the Lord for the next 2 years. I have a feeling the next 3 months will go by super fast.

Eagle Scout

With all the other events happening in our lives, I forgot to mention that Justin OFFICIALLY received his Eagle Scout award August 21. His dad did a nice presentation & he is now a recognized Eagle. Here he is sitting in the "nest".

And Where did the Summer Go?

Here it is September and you have all probably quit looking at our blog because I haven't changed it since April. Well, SURPRISE!!! I have updated you on the months missed. Maybe you'll understand why I haven't gotten to this until now!

September brings changes in the weather that I love. I am so excited to see the fall colors and feel the crisp, cool air. Preschool started this month & so far it is going well. I'm exhausted by the end of the week & find myself catching a nap every day for a few minutes. But it's fun & I like it. I have 3 in my 4 year old session & 2 in my 3 year old session. Mason is my helper with the 3 year olds. He sure enjoys it.

We had our Stake Conference this last week. It was a regional conference broadcast from the Marriott Center. Pres. Ucktdorf was the presiding General Authority. It was fun to hear him speak. Scott has been busy with his calling. It is challenging for him, but I think he enjoys it.

We are awaiting a mission call that may be here next week. Justin got a feeling that he was going to Argentina...we'll see if his feelings are correct. He will be 19 on the 15th and Kasey will be 15 on the 16th. They sure do grow up fast.

Justin started working for Timp Rental in American Fork. He is still working for the Music School to pay off his tour, too. He is busy. I think it's good for him!

Devin's football team has done well. They lost their opening game against Viewmont, but won against Snow Canyon and Timpanogos. They are playing Tooele tonight there. He gets to play a lot this year. Forgive me for not remembering his position. I have a hard time with that! I do know he's #85!! He auditioned for the Super Band last week & we just found out he made it. He plays trombone.

Kasey is collecting insects for her science class. She isn't too excited about pinning them, but will get it done. She has a science project she will be starting soon too. Baby sitting is top on her list & she is busy two or three nights a week with that. She is taking a sewing class this year & has really enjoyed it. She has a lot of talents that she doesn't know about. She is in the Wind Symphony this year (the top band in the school) playing her clarinet.

Kurtis is finding out what life is like in Junior High. He likes it, but needs to be more responsible with his homework. It's a little more difficult than he expected. He is practicing & doing well on the trumpet. He likes mutual and is continuing his work in getting his merit badges. He will be participating in the Merit Badge Pow Wow at BYU in November.

Kadin enjoys 3rd grade. He really enjoys Cub Scouts and is doing well with his requirements to get his wolf. He is reading Harry Potter & Eldest. I hope he gets through them!

Mason LOVES preschool. He likes being part of it every day, but mom is having a hard time because he likes to answer all the questions in the 3 year old class. I keep telling him he needs to let them answer so they can learn. Too funny. He made a poster about him and showed it to the class. Our theme is "All About Me" this month. He likes to wiggle & jiggle, thread beads, color, and be my helper.

Diane is just about keeping up with everything, but not quite. Life is very busy and hectic, but it is good. We are blessed in many ways. Here's hoping you are all well & happy. Thanks for your patience with me & this blog. I am trying to get one going for preschool too, we'll see if I can keep up!

School starts in 3 weeks!

Whew! With Girls Camp out of the way Diane has some breathing room...NOT!!! Preschool is right around the corner and there's a lot to do. The house passed inspection & I am licensed. WOO HOO!

Justin had his wisdom teeth out on the 4th of August. He didn't feel too well for a while & swelled up a bit. Glad it's done.

Devin left for Football Unity Camp in Lava, ID and was gone from the 4th-9th. While he was gone, Apollo got out & went on a walk. We were really afraid Devin would come home and not have a dog anymore. He was found by Animal Control and retrieved from the pound (after paying too much). We pulled into the driveway just as Devin was going out to look for him. Apollo was glad to be home, and Devin was glad he was home too.

Football 3-a-days started the second week of August. They were actually changed to 2-a-days because the field wasn't done yet. Orem High is undergoing a huge change over the next two years (being torn down & rebuilt) & part of it was getting a new field. It will be nice when it's all in & completed.

Grandpa Spencer had his surgery on the 13th and went back home on the 17th. Glad all went well.

Scott had an unexpected event. He was called to 2nd Counselor in the Bishopric and was sustained and set apart on the 17th. He was overwhelmed and excited with many other emotions rolled all in one. He will do great.

School started August 18...HOORAY!!!!! The kids enjoy their classes and teachers for the most part. Kadin is in 3rd grade. Kasey is excited to start Seminary. Kurtis is excited to be in Junior High. Devin is excited to be a Senior. Justin is excited he isn't going to school! Mason can't wait for preschool to start in September. He is ready to help mom get everything set up.

July ALREADY????

Justin left with the Crescent Super Band for Europe July 2nd and was gone until July 15th. He had a blast! They flew to New York & played at a Jazz Club there. They got to watch the 4th of July fireworks over Roosevelt Island. Then off to Europe. They were in Switzerland, France, and Italy. Everywhere they played they got standing ovations. They got to go to the Leaning Tower of Piza, saw the David statue, and many, many more amazing sites. I still can't believe he was actually there. I see the pictures he took & think..."WOW! He was actually there & got to see this in person!" What an amazing opportunity.

Diane continued to be sick & in bed. Just for fun, she decided to have a colonoscopy (Dr.'s orders). This didn't have anything to do with being sick. Just a precautionary procedure. All is well.

Scott flew to California the second week of July for work. He had to check out the apartments, etc. in a few of the areas. He had some free time & got to see some sites. He drove across the Golden Gate bridge, actually found a road named Hammer road, went to the Air Force museum, and drove down Lombard Street to name a few.

Kasey decided she wanted to get her hair cut before camp. Needless to say, she got 10 inches taken off and is going to donate it to Locks of Love. She looks so much different. It took a while to get used to it. She loves having shorter hair. It actually makes her look older (shhhhh! don't tell anyone!!!!)

Diane went to the Dr. & found out all the sickness she had had the last two weeks had developed into a sinus infection. Got some antibiotics to take care of it & actually started feeling better.

The Priests & Teachers went on their Super Activity to Capitol Reef July 23-26. Scott went with them. They had a lot of fun.

Girls Camp was July 28-August 1. It turned out to be ok. Planning fell into place & we had a lot of fun. The girls were amazing & the family survived with both mom & Kasey gone.






Kasey on the giant swing...

Graduation is over...now the FUN begins?

The day after Graduation, Justin headed to Salt Lake for the Best of State Awards. He played in the Super Band. The Super Band won some awards there for their oustanding performances.

Diane started the process of getting the house inspected for Preschool. There weren't a lot of repairs/additions she needed to do which was nice & surprising.

Devin & Kasey participated in their Stake Youth Conference & Justin headed to Telluride, CO for the Telluride Jazz Festival. He had a lot of fun & saw some interesting people there. And, once again, they had an amazing performance.

All this happened the first week of June!

The second week of June, Devin started football practice/training and Kurtis started beginning summer band. Kurtis is going to play the trumpet. Mason turned 4 June 10 and Justin was ordained an Elder June 11.

The third week of June started out with Jam Camp in Park City for Justin & Devin. They were there all week. Diane was busy with Girls Camp...trying to get things going and ready.

The fourth week of June was Kurtis' Scout Camp at Camp Maple Dell. He was excited to go since it was his first one. He really enjoyed the experience and actually completed 3 merit badges there. Of course, they weren't required for Eagle. Oh well, guess you need to have fun too!

With everything going on, Diane decided (haha) to get sick. This was not a fun time...in bed with no energy to do ANYTHING.

Graduation

Justin finally hit the graduation milepost. He was excited to finally be done with school. It is different having one graduated. Next year we'll have two!

Busy Lives!

Here it is already April. The year is moving quickly. School will be out for the summer in less than 2 months. We are looking forward to Spring Break. We hope your families are busy and enjoying the spring time.

Scott is busy with work. He has spent a lot of overtime hours trying to get everything done. He was just called to be the Young Men's Secretary in our ward. He's excited to be able to work with the youth again.

Diane keeps busy with family. She tends kids once a week and has decided to start a preschool in the fall. She was recently called to be the Camp Director for the Young Women.

Justin is looking forward to graduation. He is busy with school and life in general. He has a lot to look forward to this summer including submitting his mission papers. He will be touring Europe for 2 weeks in July with the Crescent Super Band.

Devin has been involved with track and field this spring. He was asked to throw the javelin. He quite likes that. He will be starting spring football practice soon and hopefully will have a lot of lawns to mow this summer. Justin is training him to take over the car detailing when he leaves.

Kasey is the premier babysitter in the neighborhood. She enjoys tending the kids. She is doing very well in school and is looking forward to summer. She has enjoyed clothes shopping the last couple of weeks and has bought herself a couple of cute outfits.

Kurtis just keeps growing. He keeps getting taller. He is really enjoying Scouts and is looking forward to receiving the Aaaronic Priesthood in July. He will be going on the week long Scout camp to Maple Dell the end of June.

Kadin is enjoying Cub Scouts. He has his first Pine Wood Derby the end of April. He is anxious to get his car made. He is excelling at his reading and is on the 5th Harry Potter book!

Mason is Mason. He likes playing with the kids mom tends and loves it when someone will sit and read him a book. He likes to cut papers into tiny pieces and draw on just about anything...walls, doors, table, and oh yes, paper too! He is our little lefty.

This gets you caught up a bit on our family. We hope all is well with each of you. Happy Spring!

Prom Time

Prom has come and gone again this year. I am slow at putting pictures up. Life is busy! This was Justin's 3rd Prom and Devin's 1st. They had a lot of fun.

Happy St. Patrick's Day to Everyone!

I WON!!!

There was a drawing at Harmon's for a Razor Pocket Mod electric scooter the first of the month. We all put our names in, but knew we wouldn't win. We NEVER win ANYTHING! Well, Diane won! The kids have had fun riding it around, but we don't have anywhere to keep it, so I am trying to sell it. Kasey wants to keep it. She says we never have anything fun and if we do we just get rid of it. Oh well. She will be happy if it doesn't sell.

Kadin's Baptism

Saturday, March 8, was a busy day for all of us. Among the activities that day, and most important of all, Kadin was baptized. We are so proud of him and his choice to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Thanks to all who came to support him and to those of you who couldn't come, but supported him in your thoughts.

We Have a Rooster!

Most of you probably know that Devin got a Chocolate Lab last summer. Well, he LOOKS like a chocolate lab & SOUNDS like a chocolate lab, but he THINKS he is a rooster. He likes to wake us up at sunrise & climbs over the "gate" Devin constructed to keep him in the back yard. He "roosts" there, on top of the grill & watches everyone go by. We put a box and some boards on top thinking it would discourage him from climbing up, but NO!!!! Guess what Scott saw when he came home for lunch today....

8 IS GREAT!

Kadin has celebrated a mile stone this month. He turned 8 on February 8, 2008. What a lot of 8's! He will be baptized March 8 between 11:00 and 11:45, we aren't sure on the time yet. Friends & family are invited...hope to see you there!



I gave Kadin a Birthday party this year. He had 3 friends over & they had fun. He got to decorate his own cake...yes, he got two cakes this year.

Cougar Blue

Justin was busy getting his application ready and submitted to BYU last month. He auditioned and tested the last part of January and did AWESOME!!!! He found out earlier this month that he was accepted to the BYU School of Music. HOORRAYYYY!!!!!!We are waiting for news on scholarships now. He will defer his enrollment until after his mission so it will still be a couple of years before he goes, but we are so excited for him and his accomplishments. Way to go JUSTIN!

All-State Jazz Band St. George, UT February 2, 2008

Here is a link to some You Tube files of Justin playing in the band. He has a solo in the song "A Night in Tunisia". Hope it works! I tried posting the videos here, but too many weird ones downloaded with them.

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=8EE71395655BB072

Just copy & paste!

Getting on the Train...

OK...guess it's time I climbed aboard too. I have enjoyed looking at your blogs so much I decided I better get going on one too. Hope you enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed yours. We have had a busy year already. Some of the events are listed, others will be coming. This can be kind of fun once you get the hang of it!!!

Preference

The picture says it all...

Superband with Jeff Coffin, 2 time Grammy Award winner in Jazz Music

Justin has a solo in "Unparliamentary Language" part 1. He really enjoys playing with the Superband. It is the top Jazz Band for this age group in the world. They will be playing at the Telluride Jazz Celebration in Telluride, Colorado the first weekend in June then they will be touring in Europe with Jeff Coffin for two weeks in July. (The clarinet soloist in "Sing Sang Sung" is Justin's saxophone teacher.)

I am having troubles with the video links...too many weird videos downloading with them...so here's the link to these videos too. Copy & paste!

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=1A98923F57C3380E

Yes, we have a sled run too! Scott built it a few weeks ago then Diane added to it the other day.

Kurtis enjoying the sled run the first day it was built. He should have had his coat on... Kasey decided to take a turn...Mason & Kurtis were holding the sled so she could get on.
Mason REALLY had fun going down!

It's Snow Time...

This was the first good snow of the year in January. We have gotten more since then.
Sure makes the world pretty with a blanket of snow.
What a snowman! Apollo enjoying the snow too. This was from our snowstorm last Sunday. Shorts & boots/tennis shoes? What a combo!
Kadin saying hi before his run down the slide.
Kasey HAD to take Ramzi down. At least they made it to the bottom without falling off.