Saililng at Sand Hollow May 28, 2011

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Our Cousin Jonba and his friends came down from Provo to celebrate being out of school for the summer. We got the old Sailboat fixed up and took it out to Sand Hollow for an eventful day of sailing on the lake. We met some fellow sailors and joined Hobie Fleet 941 St. George Yacht Club! The day ended with a large scale rescue of Jonba and friend trying to swim from the rocks to the shore and the Suttner kids who capsized in our canoes that we let them borrow. We had to get the Coast Gaurd rangers, a kayaker, a swimmer without a life jacket that we thought had drowned trying to help, a jet skiier, a speed boat that had opened its plugs and started taking on water and almost went down, Dan and Andrew in a canoe that flipped over twice and me screaming from the dock for people to help! The wind came up suddenly and the waves turned to white caps and yes, after 1 1/2 hours we finally got everyone off the water safely! Always respect the water!
After fishing all of the Suttner family and friends out of the water we loaded them up and the crazy kids talked their mom into dropping them off to float the raging Virgin River. They lost two of our canoes in the river and nearly drowned a few kids but once again they all survived! We hope a few lessons were learned today.

MHS Graduation May 26, 2011

Another year has come and gone at Millcreek High School. I've been teaching 15 wonderful years. For our annual end of the year program the teachers dressed up as Elvis's and rocked out to some old Elvis songs. My solo was Jailhouse rock so I'm dressed in a black leather jacket. It was a hoot as usual. I think that the students enjoy it as much as we do. Stacy stole the show as Las Vegas Elvis in this white jumpsuit. Fun, fun, fun!

I had a great Teacher Advisory group this year and they represented so well. My graduates were Ian, Stephen, Lilo, Jesse, Vanessa and Austin. Vanessa was selected at Student of the Year and Ian was selected to give one of the speeches and shared a bit from Dr. Seuss' "Oh the Places you'll Go". I read that book to all of my students on the last day of school. It is a classic. I helped the kids put out a nice yearbook and had a headache for a week at the end of the year. I work extremely hard but to see these kids on Graduation Night makes it all worth it.

Andrew Junior Awards May 2011

Andrew successfully participated in the St. George Leadership Academy this year. A graduation dinner and awards presentation was held at the Washington Rec Center conference room. Andrew missed one day of school each month to participate in learning more about how our community is run.

He also was also recognized at Desert Hills High School awards night. He received an award for being chosen to attend Boys State and for an Academic letter as a Junior student. Congrats Andrew!

Steve and Danielle Visit for Wedding May 20, 2011

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Steve, Danielle and Alexa came to St. George for Steve's brother, Sean's marriage to Cari Sue Green. We are so happy that Sean from Orem, found a St. George girl. That means we get to see the Jackson family more often. We enjoyed the wedding festivities with them and Shelly got to tend five little Jackson cousins during the ceremony. We also got to play at the park, go rappelling, go to church together and mostly just enjoy sweet Alexa and her parents. She is nearly two years old and so much fun. Love her so much! One more year of dental school in Portland, OR.

Mother's Day Phone Call from Elder Flake

We loved our Mother's Day phone call from Dawson serving in San Jose, CA.
He is doing great! Seven more months to go.... But who's counting! Me....We have a tradition on Mother's day that the children wash my feet and rub them with lotion and paint my nails. In reflecting on the life of Jesus Christ, taking care of and bathing someones feet is the highest service you can perform. It really means a lot to me. This year Andrew was the only one home so he got to perform the service. He did a great job but I didn't make him paint my toes! I love my children and am so proud of them. I enjoyed speaking to all of them today, even though three of them was via the computer! I usually get breakfast in bed on my birthday and Mother's Day but they were both on Sunday and Dan had early morning meetings. But I did get breakfast though and was treated nicely.

Mom's 50th Birthday-- Yikes!! May 15, 2011

Mindy made me a yummy Apple Fritter Dessert for my birthday!

With Mothers Day and my Birthday just one week apart, we celebrated all week long. Dan and I went out to eat at 25 Main and went to the movie, Thor in 3-D. Then onother day we went up to Zion park and ate at Oscars and went for a hike along the river walk. The water is sure running fast and high. Zion is our favorite place for a quick getaway!

So I am 50 years old! Never thought that this day would come. Inspired by my niece, Jen, who did 29 new things on her 29th birthday, I am going to try and do 50 New Things in my 50th year to try and help me keep young.... I've got two done already: I hiked to the top of Angels Landing in Zion and I led the singing in Sacrament meeting for the first time. I'm open for any fun suggestions you may have except sky diving!

Iron Man Volunteering May 7, 2011

Dan, Shelly and Andrew joined our ward to volunteer for the Iron man Triathlon held in St. George. This is the second year it has been held. Dan and Andrew were able to volunteer last year but I was out of town. It was a very warm day and we had the 4:00 pm -12:00 am shift. The athletes were amazing. They swim, bike and then run a full marathon. It was fun to see the locals who participated.

The volunteers had a great time dancing to the music, cheering on the runners and offering them food and drink and encouragement. It was a very worthwhile activity plus we were able to earn money to help the girls pay for camp.

Heather and Spencer Tie the Knot May 6, 2011

My niece, Heather Berger married Spencer Slater on May 6 in the Mtn. Timpanogas Temple. We were so happy to be able to attend. Shelly drove up to Logan two weeks earlier to attend a family bridal shower and watch the kids have an Easter Egg Hunt. It is always fun to participate in a Datwyer get together. The food is always yummy and it is great to catch up with family.

The wedding reception dinner was held at a beautiful country club and everything was fabulous. Heather, Jen, and Julie all looked so beautiful. It was a wonderful event. We are so happy that Spencer and Heather found each other.