Noah Turns 19 !

Though this is being posted a bit late, we wish Noah a Happy Birthday!
It was a fun birthday for us all.
Noah is easy to please and always picks yummy stuff for his dinner and dessert.
He wanted pizza and layer bar cookies.

In the first picture, Noah is holding his birthday presents.
He was able to add the final season of
Star Trek Next Generation to his collection.
He received a silly present of a web shooter, from Cubby, to add to his Spider-man collection.
Add a mini MP3 player and some candy and he's a happy 19 year old.


In this other picture, Noah is displaying his "Duty To God" award that he received a few weeks ago.
This award is a special one through our church and is worked on over a 6 year period of time.
It is a neat medallion and we're very proud of Noah for earning it.
Good job Noah!!!

Wow, Two in One Day!

It's been 16 years now since Steve started writing his letters.

For anyone who doesn't know, Steve started writing letters of appreciation, admiration and thanks 16 years ago.

In this picture, Steve is holding one of the three-ring binders he uses to put copies of the letters he writes and any responses he gets. Though he doesn't write letters to get responses, and one of the "rules" of writing his letters is to never ask for anything, he does get some neat ones.

Steve has two binders for each year. It may be hard to have the shelf space for them all, but they are fun to look through. He writes to all sorts of people. Anyone from Nobel Prize winners, to authors, actors, journalist, national leaders (of all nations), old teachers and leaders, family and friends etc.

We all like being acknowledged for the good things we do and to be appreciated for our talents. I am personally very proud of my husband who is one of the few I know of that actually do this. :)

Another Proud Parent Moment!

I know you have all been waiting, and I'm sorry it has taken so long to get this post up, but here it is.

Our blossoming artist, Cubby, had her "anime" drawing from art class chosen to be displayed at the district wide school art show at the mall.

Here she is, with her work of art at the art fair.

Cubby has her sites set on becoming a cartoonist. She is off to a great start. She has a fun style and is refining it all the time.

We're real proud of our little artist. She is in good company as you know, being the latest in a line of talented artists in our family!

It could just be us, be Steve and I couldn't help but think that Cubby's was the best in the display for her school.

Stories By Cubby

Here are two stories by Cubby that she wanted to share with you all. She had fun writing them for her English class. Enjoy!
#1- Zuzu, the Chunkiest Pug in the West!
Ancient western legend has it there once lived the most terrible and fearsome heavy weight champion pug to ever bound across the desert. Dog breeders say that she was the largest pure bred pug ever recorded in history. An Archaeologist dug up an old journal in a ghost town several years ago. One entry mentions a "monster" standing two stories high and three stories wide and she cast a shadow at least the size of two full grown pine trees. The author wrote that the creature ripped the ceiling off the local grocery store and bar and ate and drank all available provisions. A descendant of a town raided by the hideous animal recalled stories told to her as a child:
The monsters footsteps could be felt 200 miles away from it. It would raid towns and eat anything available to it and then retreat to its cave to sleep it all off. After about three hours, the creature struck again. It probably raided at least five times a day. In this way, the monster only grew larger and larger.
This terrible creature from the twenty-seventh dimension created fear and panic in it's time. It's name was Zuzu Pickles, said to have acidic saliva and such a weight that she created craters where ever she stepped. Every time she laid down, a piece of California broke off because of the intensity of the quake.
The main reason people fear her is that she had a reputation of sitting on people when they made her mad and if she was really mad she would sometimes eat them. There was one guy who tried to stand up to her and he called her name behind her, and when she turned around she (accidental) stepped on him, so he's buzzard food now. Yep, she's one tough cookie. Some people say she can catch a bullet in between her rolls of fat.
Now, one day there came into town another pug, and this pugs name was Kricket. Kricket had also made a name for herself as the most annoying monster on earth. She was half Zuzu's size, but very powerful and quick. Kricket made an excellent rival for Zuzu. Legend has it that they had a battle right there in the hot scorching desert, but it was a draw. So they rescheduled to go at it again next Thursday. Every time it ended in a draw. Two years later they came together once more for a finale rematch. Kricket flew directly to the giant's throat for the kill. Zuzu didn't even flinch, she just stood her ground and looked dead ahead at her attacker and let out a fearsome roar. "ROOAAR!" and the power of her voice pushed the little bug away from her and onto her stomach. Immediately, Zuzu pounced and sat on top of Kricket crippling her permanently. After a lot of surgery, Kricket left for the east never to return again.
After many years, Zuzu finally found love in her life*. She settled down and got married with an adopted pet turtle. There has always been some speculation about what happened to her after that, but she was never heard from again. And the towns people rejoiced.
*Some people say she fell in love with a 200 karat gold bone.
______________________________________________________________
#2- The Sleepless Dead
It's always rough when you move to a new town, but it's sometimes harder to move to a new one. I had lived in Jacksonville before, but that was eight years ago, when my parents were still married. I lived in Florida when I was nine, but then my dad became unemployed and he could only find work in Boston, Massachusetts, so we moved.
Problems kept coming and my parents became more and more stressed. One night they got into a humongous fight. They screamed and yelled at each other, things were broken. A few quiet and tense days passed before my mom came into my room to tell me the news. My mother somehow got full custody of me. My mother yearned for the life she had before. So I packed my things and we moved back to Jacksonville, leaving my father in Boston.
I loved Kristen when I lived here before, but she never knew me. I was too shy to introduce myself, I get nervous. I also hyperventilate a lot, I didn't want to risk humiliating myself. When I came here to Jacksonville again, I used it as an opportunity. At first, she didn’t like me very much at all and thought I was some big loser or something, but she eventually warmed up to me after a while. We were going steady and were head-over- heels in love.
My name’s Alan Hett. I was seventeen then. I attended Alden Road High School. I was madly in love with Kristen Close, the prettiest girl in school.
*****
I had a bad night a year ago when it all happened. I had nightmares that educed a night of tossing and turning. When I finally got some good, still sleep, it only lasted for about fifteen minutes before my mother came in to get me up. I got to school late. As I walked to class, it felt like doomsday. Mr. Fulka wasn’t known for his kindness and I was weary of his reaction to someone coming in late. With a pang of guilt and a pause of hesitation, I stepped into the room.
Instead of being greeted by Mr. Fulka’s barking lecture about how we won World War 2, I was instantly plummeted into a classroom overhung with an atmosphere of terror and utter sadness. The TV was on and as I glanced over the sea of students, half expecting them all to be furiously writing notes, found a classroom in shock, transfixed on the TV. I don’t think any one of them even noticed I had come in.
I made my way to my seat. Had a light blown out? It seemed darker than usual in the little classroom. As I sat down on my cold, hard seat that suddenly seemed to be forbidding like I was disrespecting something by doing so, I looked harder at the students. Some had their hands over their mouths; some just had their mouths wide open, pure horror painted blatantly in their eyes. Some girls had tears streaming down their cheeks. Silent tears. It was then I noticed how silent it was through the entire classroom. The only sound was coming from the television set. The silence consumed all emotion, all happiness…all hope. Achill ran down my spine.
Finally I tore my eyes away from the class to look at the TV. My heart skipped, my mind blanked. The channel was on NBC. On the screen, buildings were burning, smoking. Was this a tape of nine-eleven? No, no it couldn’t be. There was a caption on the bottom of the screen that read “Thailand”. A scream of bloody-murder rang out from the eerie mist of smoke.
the screen changed to somewhere in Brazil. Suddenly I wasn't sure if this was real or not. What was this? A new thicker fog was looming over the doomed city. Even though it was hard to see through all the treacherous smoke, it was easy to make out the ominous figure of a… well, it looked to be human, but it walked slow in the midst of all the panic and mayhem.
A hand shot out in front of the camera. Something was just not right about this. Not at all. The hand was grey and sickened. Maybe it was just the lighting. But as the hand came closer towards the lens of the camera and a scream that obviously came from the cameraman, red stains became visible. Yellow ooze pulsed out of a part in the skin that seemed to be deteriorating. The hand closed around the lens and then… static.
It switched to a speechless, shocked newswoman. She stumbled on her first few words.
"The sudden outbreak of these supposed 'zombies'…"
Did she just say "zombies"? Was I dreaming? I shifted in my seat. It sure seemed real.
"…Entire world. We are not quite sure how any of this started," she said, her voice cracking, "But the armed forces are-"
Just then the power blew-out. Everyone in the class rose in panic. Girls were screaming, boys were shouting-I was shouting. Then a blood-curdling scream ripped through the air. This time it wasn't from a TV set, it was in the school. It was coming from downstairs. Other screams soon joined it. Sounds of glass shattering echoed eerily up the stairs and into the classroom.
I heard pounding. I could only hope and pray that it was only a scary bug and everyone was wigging out about it, even though I knew it wasn't true.
"Children! Line-up at the door," Mr. Fulka's voice rang out. "We're going to library." His voice felt strong and sure, and through that voice, a glimmer of hope streamed in through all the commotion. He said as everybody eagerly and hurriedly pushed and shoved to get in the front of the line, "We'll see what we can do from there. It's a little more protected. Everyone stay here, I'll go check to see if it's safe to go."
Watching him walk out that door it was like watching safety leave from our presence. All the sudden, full-steam terror seeped through my armor. I couldn't control it any longer, I dropped to the floor. I drew in a few quick, sharp breaths before everything went black.
I woke up in the library five minutes later. About six other classroom were there too, and more kept coming, little by little. I was feeling claustrophobic, even though I knew I wasn't. I was told to find out all I could about zombies. Well, there are only so many reference books with "Z" to use or other informational books about zombies, so it was hard to find a zombie book not being used. They said that each person was to read all that the book had about zombies. I guess they thought that we should at least know about what was going to kill us.
As I waited, I observed my surroundings. I started to wonder if I had missed something. People were in a hurry to do this lame research stuff. I also wondered how long it would take for the monsters to break in through that door. They should have already broke in by now. The entire time I sat there I just felt something was missing. I just couldn't think of it. Someone tapped me on the shoulder, pulling me from my deep state of thought.
"Allan?" They said. I whipped my head around. It was Mr. Holavka, my English teacher from last year. He was one of my favorite teachers. I was glad he made it here. He continued, "Have you already done your researching?"
"Not yet, why?" I replied.
"Well, we've been having kids go over to Ms. Jol's art room once they're done to get some supplies. But I think you ought to do your research before you go outside."
"Isn't it dangerous to go outside?" I asked.
"As long as your upstairs, it's safe. The zombies are desperate, but it seems their joints are too stiff to be capable of climbing stairs. Plus their too stupid and greedy to work together or anything else." He paused, hesitating. "It seems that things have taken a turn for the worst." He sighed. "I better go check up on other people. When your done, come and tell me, okay?"
I was left alone again to wait silently for an available book. I still couldn't think of that something that was bothering me earlier. It felt like it was very vital that it was there, yet it wasn't and I couldn't for the life of me figure out what it was.
A girl tapped me on the knee. She looked at me with big hazel eyes from behind shoulder-length, black hair touched with blonde streaks that dangled gently over her round face. Freckles decorated her button nose. "Do you need a book? I'm done, so you can use it now," She spoke softly.
"Thanks." I said. She smiled lightly at me, handed me the book, and walked away. Something about that smile triggered something.
I lept to my feet. That's what was bothering me. I got up and practically ran to the nearest adult, whom I didn't know the name of, hauling the book along with me.
"Have you seen Kristen Close come in?" I asked urgently.
He said he hadn't. I asked about four other adults and students before I started hyperventilating. Each breath of air I took felt like another stab in the heart. People had stopped entering the library ten minutes ago. At least people who weren’t just returning. I would have passed out again if it hadn't been for someone handing me a paper bag to breath in, and even then it came pretty close. I just had to keep telling myself that she may have been able to escape. Maybe she's just hiding somewhere up here, afraid to come out. I had to find her.
They didn't let me go out of library before I knew what I was stepping into. I almost put the book to good use… on their heads. Furiously, I went to sit and read about the stupid zombies. You could hardly call it reading. Every moment I didn’t spend trying to find Kristen was another needle dug into my heart, another moment she could die.
I learned that zombies are strong, but their pretty easy to… should I say… puncture. All you have to really do is hit them on the head real hard with a club or any other type of sturdy tool or weapon. That's all I needed. I shut the book.
Mr. Holavka was happy to escort me to Ms. Jol's class along with Colton Prass from my band class and the biggest snob in the school, Courtney Larce. Of course, I saw the zombies and yes, they are really nasty looking. We all picked out a "weapon". I picked out a hammer.
By this time I had figured out the plan by myself easily. We planned to attack. Of course we couldn't just live upstairs forever. There were only so many little bags of chips from the librarian lady and so many sack lunches from miscellaneous students to exist off of for all of the survivors to live on for so long.
On our way back, Mr. Holavka told us how to properly wield our weapons. As I feigned hitting a zombie in head, a bright color caught my attention from the crowd of zombies downstairs. I looked closer.
It felt like someone just hit me with a brick. I was so hurt, I didn't even feel any pain. I didn't even start breathing hard this time, I just collapsed.
I awoke in the dim lit room of the library. The only lights came from the window and a few randomly placed emergency candles. Something tickled my face. I flinched away from it. I rubbed my eyes. I couldn't see very clearly, but it wasn't due to the lack of light.
"You sure do pass-out a lot, don't cha'?" a girls voice rang out. It sounded right next to me. The thing tickling my face was her hair. I waved it off me. "Wendy Gerts. You better get crackin'. They're preparing for the big fight right now." I sat up. My head hurt instantly. I groaned and laid back down. "What? You fall down too many times?"
I was too angry to talk to anyone right now. I pushed her out of the way and, slowly, sat up. As I walked away, I heard her mutter something behind me, but I didn't care. I needed to kick some serious zombie butt. Mr. Fulka gave a big fancy speech before we went, but I didn't pay attention to any of it. I just wanted to get it on with it. I wanted revenge.
When we walked out of that door that day, we walked out as warriors. the next time we would return through these doors, we would return as heroes.
*****
I will not tell any of the details of the fight, neither will I tell you how many I killed. What I will tell you is that everyone I killed, I did for Kristen. I am still haunted by images of that day in my dreams. Some things, no matter how hard you try, you can never forget. We who witnessed it, wish we hadn't.
Cremation is required by law now, so this will never happen again. All the remains were burned to ensure safety. It will take several years yet to come to completely rebuild what we once had.
The little black-haired girls name is Lumina Rose Jackson. Well, Hett now.
This world was given a clean slate that day. It will never forget all that it went through. History will be remembered. Children will learn of how it used to be….
We're going to start again.

Steve's Birthday!

As you can see, in these fun, but somewhat rare pictures, Steve had a good birthday! The kids had a great time capturing these pictures of their dad smiling and laughing.
He picked steaks for his birthday dinner. So, with some fresh steamed asparagus and mashed potatoes, we all had a great meal. Then for his birthday dessert, he chose strawberry shortcake. They all enjoyed it!
Add some presents and the movie, "Bedtime Stories" and we all had a fun time.
In this first picture, Steve opens a cool present from Ty and Cami. It's a leather bound edition of "The Constitution of the United States" With related documents. It is very special and something he will treasure, as well as have to hide from Tori, who was practically drooling and a bit green with envy.
With some candy and a gift certificate for Amazon.com, he was pretty set.
Zuzu checked all the presents and pronounced the the candy the best one and was willing to help Steve eat it.

With some fun things from his mom and a call from Jenn, the evening was complete.

Cubby's First Dance

After a month and a half of Cotillion classes at church, they had a very nice dinner and dance to have a chance to use the things they had learned.

So, all dressed up, with a cute "do" and all, she looked wonderful.

It seemed strange to have Cubby going off to a dance and then we realized that she is only a few months away from turning 14. Our little girl is growing up.

It was fun doing her hair and I think it turned out pretty good. It's not so easy to work with so much hair.

Trippin'

Our second trip to UT since moving in August. It was hard to leave Steve and Cubby behind, but Steve couldn't take the days off and Cubby stayed home and took care of him. She cooked dinners and goodies and took good care of Steve and the pooches.

Anyway, we arrived at Ty and Cami's and they fed us a yummy dinner. They made Tori's favorite, "Cami Casserole".

We were having such a good time visiting, it was hard to leave and get Noah and Tori to the Prom. Thanks to being able to call Ty on the cell phone, we were able to find it. The Prom was held in a new place this year, up in Alpine.

We spent our nights at Grandma Kenworthy's. It was great to see her and to visit.

The next morning, Noah went out to the van to get something, only to discover that the right rear tire was flat in a major way. Although I could have gone out and helped, it was pretty awesome to know that I could call on JennAdam to help out.

So, to make a rather long story short, Noah and Adam did a great job, a friend from our old ward who has a tire store put on two new rear tires, and we were back in business.

Though it changed some of our plans, it ended up being kind of good too. Because they were so willing to help, we were able to have a longer visit with JennAdam than I would have thought. It was wonderful!!!

As planned, Jenn, Adam and I went to Adam's favorite restaurant, The Red Robin. I had never been there before, and I loved it.

Sadly, I was so busy having fun, I didn't take very many pictures.

I made this "Mickey" for JennAdam's 1st year Anniversary.
It took me so long to finish it, that I was late in getting it to them. They seemed to like it, and I was happy.

Tori took a picture of me playing

with Mulder, Ty and Cami's hedgehog.

He kept licking my feet and trying to

climb up the leg of my pants.

It tickled so much it was

hard to stand still.

It was a ton of fun playing with him.

He's adorable!

Here's Noah. He helped drive home. It was nice to relax for a bit. What a guy!

Senior Prom

Our pretty girl goes to her senior prom!
We drove off to UT so Tori could go to her senior prom with her fellow students at Liahona Prep. Academy.
Noah, who graduated from Liahona last year, went with us and accompanied Tori to the Prom.
When we got to UT, we went to Ty and Cami's house and Tori and Noah got all fancied up.
Tori searched all over for just the right dress. She found this vintage dress in a small show in Longmont. It was a wonderful find and we all thought she looked beautiful!






























Ty helped Noah out with a nice tie, matching pocket square and cuff links.

How did we get so lucky to have such good looking kids?!!

They had a nice evening. Very cool!!!

Snow, and Stuff

Not long before we left for Utah, we had the biggest snow storm since we arrived in Colorado. It even closed the school for two days. Cubby was delighted. It made her Spring break 2 days longer.

Snow and more snow! Kricket loves playing in it, but Zuzu tends to think it's just an invitation of her space. We would open the door, she would stand there looking at it, reach her paw out and touch it and then look at us like, 'ummmm, you need to remove this cold white stuff. It's in my way'. The next day, after the top layer of snow had hardened, Kricket would walk on top of it and then it would crack and she would fall in. It was pretty fun to watch.

This is a view of the park from our bedroom window. It was coming down so hard I couldn't even see the walkway or the bridge, much less the street.

Zuzu says,"Hi! I'm just chillin with my peeps"

Awe! Here is our Cubby.

You might not be able to tell from this picture that Cubby is a great help to me when I have a lot of packaging to do, but she is. She just happens to also like wrapping herself up with the end of the label er tape.

She's sitting by some of the boxes she helped me package. Cubby, you're awesome!!!