South Carolina

Last weekend we took a great trip to South Carolina with Voice Male and all the wives. John Luthy lives there and they did a couple of shows on Saturday night. It was so nice to "escape" life for a few days and enjoy good times! Thank you to Grandma and Grandpa McAllister (and Lori) for taking the older kids, and to Michelle and Dave for taking Kate. Here are a few pictures from our trip.

The beach was cold, but the water was quite warm! This is at Isle of Palms.

My cute honey!


Keslers, Luthys, Huffs, McAllisters and Mike (Jill was taking the picture)


A view of the beach homes- see the bright colors!

This is a very cool suspension bridge that was up in the clouds.

The Luthys beautiful home in Camden.

Here we are at Fort Sumter- I think.

There were beautiful trees with all sorts of vegetation growing on them.

These houses are so old and beautiful- we thought this one looks like the Haunted House at Disneyland.

Richard, the human cannon ball.

Voice Male sang at the Childrens Hospital in Charleston.

Enjoying the dinner cruise, despite the look on the Willsons faces.

I'm so glad I have a husband who likes to dance! We had fun dancing on the cruise- and I didn't even get sick! The other dance highlight was Mike Bearden dancing to "Play that Funky Music White Boy". Boy, is he funky- and hilarious. I don't know of any other guy that can pull off that kind of movement and do the splits and not end up with serious pain.

Phil and Heidi- our dinner buddies.

This is the boat we took on the cruise.

Another cool view of the bridge and a cannon and some random guy.

We had a lot of fun- thank you Voice Male! My only regret is that I did not purchase skinny jeans and boots. Maybe that will have to be my Christmas present to myself! Now where and when is our next trip?

Special Pictures

All photos courtesy of Heather Pearce Photography.

Please leave me a comment if you cannot view these photos.

Missing Mom....

I still can't believe she's gone. She's been gone for a week now and it still seems like she's just gone on vacation and she'll be back soon. My sister Heather and sister-in-law Michelle and I had the honor of dressing Mom and doing her make-up. She looked absolutely beautiful when we were done with her. She just looked like she was sleeping and looked as if she could open her eyes at any moment. The kids didn't see her until Saturday before the funeral. The kids handled it all very well, and I really didn't think Kate would know what was going on. But I took her to the casket anyway and showed her Grandma. Kate immediately lunged forward and reached out her arms, just like she would when Grandma was alive- she wanted her to hold her. When Grandma didn't respond, Kate gently and tenderly put her head on my shoulder. Then she did the same to Richard. She looked at Grandma again and reached out and then rubbed her chest- the sign for "please". It was so precious. Richard and I were bawling. She probably knows more than I ever thought she could. This picture is so special. I love my Dad and siblings so much and as my brother said in his talk, it was truly an honor to sing with them and be with them that entire week. We strengthened eachother and I am so grateful for the love we share. David and I spoke at the funeral, along with 2 of her dear friends. The grandkids sang "Families Can Be Together Forever" and children and spouses sang "Be Still My Soul". It was indeed a beautiful day. Mom, we miss you more than words can express.

A bitter sweet day

Our Father in Heaven responding to our fasting and prayers allowed the release of one of his most perfect spirits from her mortal shell. We will feel and see her love and influence on us for the rest of our lives.

Viewing will be held Friday October 9th from 6:00-8:00 pm and Saturday morning October 1oth from 11:00 -12:15 pm.

Funeral services 12:30pm

9894 S. 2700 W. (Note- Changed address from first post)

South Jordan, Utah

Sweet Emma Jae turns 5!

So cake decorating is not one of my talents. At least it tasted good!

Dinner at Chili's where Emma ate two favorite dishes- mac 'n cheese and mashed potatoes and gravy. I love Kates smile in this picture- she's so funny!
Happy birthday to our little girl who is so grown up! We love Emma so much and she is such a joy to be around. I genuinely enjoy hanging out with her...she is my special girl and my special friend! Sometimes I have to remind myself that she is only 5 because she acts so much older all the time. We are so glad she is a part of our family and she had a fun and happy birthday! (The pictures are out of order but my computer is frustrating me today. Oh well.)

She is really into this Littlest Pet Shop stuff and had her eye on this set from Costco for weeks! She also got a new bike (Kid to Kid- love it!) a few weeks ago as an early present!

Emma chose to get her ears pierced instead of a party this year. She was so excited, not one bit nervous and didn't shed a tear. She was SO happy! Her friend Sydney came with us and got her ears pierced too!

I love the look on her face- she was so pleased!

Timpanogos

Yesterday we hiked up to Timpanogos cave! We figured the kids could handle it and since we live so close we ought to take advantage of such a neat place to see! I forgot how steep it is! A mile and a half straight up a mountain is a lot longer than on flat ground! The boys did great and Emma only needed a couple of piggy back rides. I think the kids were expecting more of a "Dragonland" cave with shiny crystals and jewels everywhere, but we all loved seeing the inside of the caves and while we were inside we could hear some loud rumbling. It was thunder! When we got out of the cave it was about 6:00 pm and it was raining and blowing and there were LOTS of lightning bolts and LOUD thunder. It was a bit scary, but we hurried down as fast as we could and it was a fun adventure!

A late Happy Birthday

It was my moms birthday on Tuesday, Sept. 15. She turned 54 years old. Every moment we get to spend with her is a gift and she is such a blessing to us all.