Bruce, Wendy & Kids

Weddings, Babies and More!!!

2010-07-30T09:04:00.001-07:00

Okay....so it's been more than a year since I posted anything worth reading and a lot has happened in our lives. Most of you already know everything...but, how about some extra details that I didn't put on facebook? Let's see, where to begin.....ahhh, its just too much! Facebook is so much easier!

How about bullet form?

* Austin joined the Army Reserves
* Ashley came home from her mission
* Sarah started High School
* Craig and Katie had a beautiful baby girl, Emma Lee Tyler
*Ashley went back to BYU-Idaho
* Austin got married to Jessica Lynn Liebziet
* Austin and Jessica had a baby...yesterday...Cole Austin Tyler
* We're moving in two weeks
* Christian's watch A LOT of television....so sad!!!
* Bruce and I are in school (and it sucks during the summer!!)

Okay so for those extra details that I didn't put on facebook....too much to write! I'd be here forever. Just know that I am in love with my grandchildren! I absolutely adore Emma Lee and really look forward to my Thursday evenings with her while Katie teaches Yoga! She is so fun! I'm anxious to get to know little Cole and discover what his personality will be. Hopefully he won't be quite as stubborn as his father!!! Christian is still a little apprehensive about the whole newborn baby thing, but he got over it pretty quick with Emma and is really attached to her. He loves to make her laugh. Last time Emma was here, we took her to the pool and Christian pretended to do some synchronized swimming for her....really funny!!! Emma just laughed at him! So fun!

New Post!!!

2010-07-22T06:15:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd post something new for all of you to enjoy. Then I decided not to!

More info for Ashley

2009-04-09T07:30:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! Ashley is in Santiago now. In her last letter, she said that she was serving in a very poor area and that her companion is Columbian. She didn't say whether or not her companion speaks any English! I've got more to share, but I don't have a lot of time right now. If you'd like to write to her, you can do so through www.dearelder.com It's free. On the left side of the page you can choose Pouch Mail (free) and then you fill in your return address and choose the mission that she's serving in which is Chile Santiago North. If you write to her NLT 12 noon on Thursday (Utah time) then it'll go out on Tuesday and she'll get it on Wednesday. You can always email her too, but she can't print out your letter, so pouch mail is always a good choice!

Email from Ashley!

2009-02-05T10:32:00.000-08:00

I am here at the MTC on my first P-day! Writing my first email to my wonderful family! I hope everyone is doing well. I am learning so much here. I just wanted to let you know that I am doing well and that I don't have much time on the computer, so tell the kids I love them and that they should be good to you you because you do so much for them. I want to share with you my testimony with the very little espanol I have. Yo se que Cristo vive, y que su Evangelio es verdadero, y que El Libro DeMormon es verdadero y testifica de Jesucristo. Yo se que tiene un profeta en latierra hoy, y que Dios contesta nuestros oraciones. En el nombre de Jesucristo amen. Just a little something! I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Love,Hermana Tyler

You can send her an email at ashleytyler@myldsmail.net

Please write to Ashley!!

2009-01-29T06:39:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! Ashley got off safely to the MTC and despite a delayed flight, arrived on time.
I got to talk to her right before she entered and quickly realized that it would be the last time I'd hear her voice until Mother's Day....now THAT made me cry!! Anyway, I know she'd appreciate letters, cards, drawings from the kids, etc. So here's her address while she's at the MTC:

Sister Ashley Nicole Tyler
Chile Santiago North Mission
Provo Missionary Training Center
2005 N 900 E Box #289-0330
Provo, UT 84604

She will get a box number, but I don't have it yet. There's no need to wait though. I'm sure they can find her!!

Love you!
Wendy

Full-time Missionary!

2009-01-25T20:25:00.000-08:00

This was by far one of the best Sabbath's I've ever enjoyed. It was a beautiful day, we were on time for church, the speakers were wonderful, the lessons in Gospel Doctrine & Relief Society were excellent, my children were all home for dinner, Grandma Lewis spent the day with us, we played Apples to Apples after dinner, and we had an awesome dessert (Brownie S'mores - yum!). But the icing on the cake was going over to President Wright's home this evening so that Ashley could be set apart as a full time missionary. Roxi and Bruce met us there. President Wright took Ashley and had her sit in the front of the room while he sat with us and talked to her about the service that she'd be rendering for the Lord. The Spirit was so strong. I didn't think it could be any stronger. I was wrong. When Pres. Wright was through speaking, he asked for Bruce (father) to stand with him to set Ashley apart. The blessing he pronounced on Ashley was powerful and I knew that it wasn't just our little family there in the room. Grandma Lewis said that she felt very strongly that were she to open her eyes, she would see the Savior standing there. Ashley will be a great missionary for the Lord. She is prepared. She is not afraid. She is willing to work hard. She knows who she is. She knows that she is supposed to go. She has a testimony.....it is her own. There have been several times in the last few months that I have been in awe of the depth of her knowledge of the Savior. She knows Him. She will help the people of Chile to come to know Him too. She leaves at oh dark thirty on Wednesday morning. So soon, yet I know for her not soon enough. Godspeed, Ashley.

Bruce says it's not fat....it's undefined muscle!!

2009-01-17T11:16:00.000-08:00

So, yesterday I went up to Fitness Together (Craig's a personal trainer there) and I had Craig take all my measurements and put a program together for me to lose weight. Yes, it was just as embarrassing as you can imagine having my totally fit and healthy son find out just how totally unfit and overweight his mother is!! Anyway, I'm not going to post the results of the initial test right now, but suffice it to say that it was a BIG wake up call!! Even though I was completely depressed about the results, Bruce immediately told me that it's not as bad as all that.....it's not fat, just undefined muscle!! Isn't he sweet?! I have my work cut out for me, but with Craig pushing me to my limits and Bruce there for moral support, I'm looking forward to the work. Also, there will be no "before" pictures posted. I wouldn't want anyone to throw up!!!

Christian got blogged!

2008-12-22T07:42:00.001-08:00

Two weeks ago we had some old friends we knew in Germany come for a visit. It was a lot of fun to get reacquainted with them and make some new memories. One of the new memories involved taking them to our ward Christmas party. It was about as memorable an event as can be expected of your typical Christmas dinner with the ward family, but there was at least one thing that gave it a little something more. http://jake.roeckerfam.com/?p=512 Gotta love it!!

Santa, PLEASE give them a lump of coal!!!

2008-12-15T05:44:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the longest day and unfortunately it's only going to get worse on the Santa set. My asst. manager tried to commit suicide on Saturday night and her daughter knew nothing about it until she was at work and understandably had a huge meltdown on the set. Austin and I left church early to take over. Now, for those of you unfamiliar with what the line for Santa is like, let me enlighten you. People start lining up about 30 minutes before we open and the line is usually about 1 1/2 to 2 hours longs. We only have one Santa that works all day with a couple of hour long breaks. How do we take care of Santa? We close the line early once we judge how long it takes from a certain point. If a customer is in line prior to us closing it, they get seen. If not, we have to turn them away or tell them to line up for the next session. That makes for ANGRY customers who seem to not care whether Santa ever gets a break. He's an old man, not a magical elf!! So, yesterday, we had the grandmother from *&*&%$ bring her grandson at 5:45pm. We still had a 25 minute line to get through prior to Santa getting a break before we began Pet Night @ 7pm. She created a HUGE scene. I called security for back up. Security was a woos (sp) and after talking to her for about 10 minutes, gave in instead of backing me. I might have gotten past that but the grandmother from *&^%$$ proceeded to tell everyone else that came up to the rope that they should insist as well. Security gave in second time. I told security that I didn't need their help anymore. No one else got past! We tried really hard to take a bad picture for the grandmother from %$*@*^, but unfortunately, her grandson was really cute and took a great picture on the 1st try.....dang it! Pet night started on time with a million dogs and two cats. It lasted past the 9pm close. I'm beat. Santa's beat. I'd like to know if a customer put my asst. manager over the edge...maybe I can blame her attempted suicide on the grandmother from #$%^@!!! Sorry for the rant.....

Texting & Driving do NOT Mix!!!

2008-12-05T20:10:00.000-08:00

Teenagers (and some adults) really need to get a clue... texting while driving is beyond stupid. Don't worry, Ashley and I are okay, but as you can see by the pictures our car didn't fare so well. According to the insurance adjuster, it's a total loss. Any advice on what kind of car to purchase next???

I imagine the teenage boy driving the truck that plowed into us won't be driving for a while. Poor kid just got his license to drive and BAM....his truck didn't look too good either. As for the lady that I was pushed into...minor bumper damage to her explorer.

Things to be grateful for: that no one was seriously injured, insurance, friendly police officers, apologetic fathers (the kid's dad was sooo nice), awesome EQ pres who stopped to help and took Ashley and me home, cell phones (not to text while driving, but to call 911 in an emergency!), undamaged Christmas presents that were in the trunk, awesome neighbors who checked on the kids.....this is the short list in addition to the many, many things I'm always grateful for!!

Cub Scout Beginnings!

2008-12-01T16:28:00.000-08:00

Christian is officially a Bobcat and on his way to earning his Bear in cubscouts. This was taken at Pack meeting a couple of weeks ago. I got to paint his face with different colors that represented different qualities that a cubscout has. He only got to put a little line of white down my nose. I don't remember what it signified, just that he thought it was great to put paint on my face!!

Traitors!

2008-11-28T18:32:00.000-08:00

Ashley and I are traitors of the worst kind. As you all know, we work with Santa taking pictures of terrified toddlers, but tonight we couldn't resist visiting with a famous Santa from a competing mall. He was very jolly and even gave us our picture as a Christmas gift from from him. Ho Ho Ho!!! Merry Christmas! But please, shhh....don't tell anyone!

You may be wondering how it is that Ashley and I could sneak away to see Santa without Christian. Well it's really no surprise...Christian is at the ripe old age of eight and has no interest in seeing Santa - not that he doesn't believe or anything, he's just too cool now to be seen on Santa's knee! Besides, Bruce, Christian and Austin are camping with the Hopewell sons and grandkids...can you say "BBBRRRR"? That leaves me and my girls with a weekend free to shop, shop, shop!

Sister Ashley Nicole Tyler, you have been called to serve.....

2008-11-17T20:57:00.000-08:00

in the

CHILE, SANTIAGO NORTH MISSION!!!!!!!

Missionary papers are in!!!

2008-10-14T17:10:00.000-07:00

Ashley's papers have been submitted to the bishop! All that's left are the interviews. My guess is that we'll know in about 3 weeks where the Lord will have her serve.

I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints!

2008-10-14T16:45:00.000-07:00

Christian was baptized and confirmed on Saturday, October 11, 2008 by his dad! I am so thankful that Bruce honors his priesthood and has been worthy to baptized each of our five children. In the past, I sometimes wondered if children at the age of 8 can really make a decision of such magnitude, but I have a testimony that they understand enough and that they feel the spirit. They really do make a choice...it is not just a "right of passage." It has been really special to talk with Christian about the decision he made. He knows that it was right...not just because of what we said, but because he felt it.

Oh Yeah....I'm it!!

2008-10-06T19:55:00.000-07:00

I am: a daughter, sister, mother, wife, friend, confidante
I think: deep thoughts (lol)
I have: great kids and a wonderful husband
I dislike: housework
I miss: army life
I fear: lack of job security
I feel: content
I hear: Sarah Palin...no wait...Tina Fey...no wait....Sarah...no, Tina
I smell: Homemade oatmeal raisin cookies...yum
I crave: craving satisfied with the above answer!
I cry: easily....I've even been known to tear up at a commercial
I usually: get up early
I search: the internet way too much
I wonder: when Craig and Katie will make me a grandma
I regret: using my credit cards when I shouldn't have
I wish: I was a size 8 again!
I love: chocolate (that's where the size 8 went!)
I care: about other people feelings
I always: procrastinate
I worry: about my kids all the time
I am not: very creative
I remember: every detail of all my children's births except Craigs...they put me out for that one!
I believe: Jesus Christ is my Savior
I sing: silly songs that I make up when I'm in the shower
I don't always: make dinner...we have a lot of "fend for yourself" nights
I write: in my journal.....yearly at least!
I win: some
I lose: a lot
I listen: to country music and talk radio
I don't understand: how television works!!
I can usually be found: at the computer
I need: hugs from my children
I forget: why I went upstairs!
I am happy: when my family is together
I tag: Jessica, Jeni, Elisa, Diane & Chrissy

It's Great to be 8!

2008-09-30T15:07:00.000-07:00

Christian has reached the ripe old age of 8 years. We had a very small yet very LOUD party for him yesterday after school. Who knew five boys could make so much noise. I was thrilled when they all went home!

For those of you who didn't already know this, Christian has been in a band since summer....he plays guitar. He is the best guitarist EVER according to the other band members. So, can you guess what he wanted for his birthday? A Gee Tar! Now I've got to find someone to teach him how to really play and not just pretend. He is awfully cute when he's strummin' away! Man, I wish we'd kept your guitar, Jake!!!

Also, everyone please mark your calendars. Christian's baptism is on Saturday, October 11 @ 4pm @ the stake center. We'd love to see you all there to share this special day with us.

Editing wedding photos is hard work!!

2008-07-31T22:55:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of Sylvia & Lee after they were sealed a few days ago. Since the Angel Moroni had been cut off the picture, we tried our hand at painting him in. We had so much fun, we added a few touches to the picture!

I've been tagged!

2008-07-15T06:47:00.000-07:00

What are you listening to right now? Morning quiet before everyone's awake.
Guilty Pleasure: Ben & Jerry's Phish Food
Favorite Food: Anything Tex-Mex
Habit I want to break: Just broke it...no soda/caffeine for 10 days straight!!
Habit I want to keep: It's kinda silly, but I've gotten hooked on Little House reruns every morning - so much so that I even record them if I'm going to be gone!!
Married or Single? Happily Married for almost 23 years
Are you Happy? Very much so!
Biggest Pet Peeve: Not being able to get through to a "Live Person" on the phone without pressing 1, then 3, then 2, then 9, then all of a sudden the automated system says "good-bye" and I have to start all over again!!! UGH!
Chocolate, Vanilla, or neither: Definately chocolate!
Dream Vacation: There's castle in Germany called Dornröschenschloss Sababurg that offers a 2 night stay. The guidebook says: The castle is said to be the setting of the Sleeping Beauty legend. You'll almost start to believe the tale when you see the Italianate turrets of the castle. The park is said to be the oldest zoological garden in the world. The wilderness of ancient oak and beech trees, along with the tall ferns, adds to the fairy-tale atmosphere of the area. In the castle courtyard, where sweet-smelling briar roses still bloom, you half expect to see the prince coming to awaken Sleeping Beauty. You have a candlelit 5 course dinner in the castle, go on a private tour of the castle and gardens, sleep in a beautiful suite, have breakfast in bed.....it is my fantasy "short" vacation for me and Bruce!!
Worst Vacation Idea: 5000 mile road trip with the kids and no husband (last summer!!)
Favorite Book: Too hard to choose....DaVinci Code, Harry Potter Series, anything by John Grisham...
Favorite Music: Country
Person You Admire That’s Not a Relative: Juliette Holdaway. If you're interested in why, just ask!
People you tag: Chrissy, Roxi, Jeni, Jessie, Elisa, Diane

Caffeine withdrawl migraines...ugh!

2008-07-10T16:11:00.000-07:00

Okay. I'm addicted to Dr. Pepper. Well, actually I'm addicted to the caffeine in Dr. Pepper. Dr. Pepper is just my fix of choice. There should be a 10 step program for caffeine addicts...Cafanon would be a good name. So, why did I decide to quit? Good question. Saturday night I was over at Ira's and I happened to get on the scale in their bathroom and discovered that I had gained 8 lbs since Craig and Katie's wedding. 8 pounds Monday morning I was watching the Today show and there was a woman on who weighed over 500 lbs. That's past tense because she doesn't weigh that much today. Anyway, she decided to just eliminate one thing each month to help her lose weight. The first to go was soda. She lost 40 lbs in one month. Pretty impressive. Since it was still early morning and I hadn't had a chance to go to my favorite watering hole for a Route 44, I decided that there was no time like the present. So no Dr. Pepper. I did great. Sunday...no DP, Monday...no DP, Tuesday.....frickin' migraine that wouldn't go away!! Wednesday....the worst migraine I've ever experienced. Finally Bruce made me take some Excedrin Migraine (it has caffeine in it..ugh). Then Craig and Bruce gave me a blessing. Anyway, I'm so angry that I've let this happen to my body that I don't have ANY desire for the best drink on Planet Earth. Okay, maybe just a little!! But I am committed. I gave up DP to lose weight, but the upside is that I'm detoxing from the overload of caffeine in my body. So here's a challenge for all you DP addicts that read this blog....and you know who you are....how about joining with me and we'll create our own little CAFANON and maybe lose a few pounds in the process. By the way, today's been a good day...no headache so far! DAY 5! WAHOO!

Woman vs The Public Restroom

2008-06-27T12:28:00.000-07:00

I just had to share this email with all of you! But since I no longer have anyone's email address due to a Windows Live Mail malfunction, I decided to post it on the blog!

When you have to visit a public bathroom, you usually find a line of women, so you smile politely and take your place. Once it's your turn, you check for feet under the stall doors. Every stall is occupied. Finally, a door opens and you dash in, nearly knocking down the woman leaving the stall. You get in to find the door won't latch. It doesn'tmatter, the wait has been so long you are about to wet your pants! The dispenser for the modern "seat covers" (invented by someone's Mom, no doubt) is handy, but empty. You would hang your purse on the door hook, if there was one, but there isn't - so you carefully, but quickly drape it around your neck, (Mom would turn over in her grave if you put it onthe FLOOR! ), yank down your pants, and assume " The Stance."In this position your aging, toneless thigh muscles begin to shake. You'd love to sit down, but you certainly hadn't taken time to wipe the seat or lay toilet paper on it, so you hold "The Stance."To take your mind off your trembling thighs, you reach for what you discover to be the empty toilet paper dispenser. In your mind, you can hear your mother's voice saying, "Honey, if you had tried to clean the seat, you would have KNOWN there was no toilet paper!" Your thighs shake more. You remember the tiny tissue that you blew your nose on yesterday - the one that's still in your purse. (Oh yeah, the purse around your neck, that now, you have to hold up trying not to strangle yourself at the same time). That would have to do. You crumple it in the puffiest way possible. It's still smaller than your thumbnail. Someone pushes your door open because the latch doesn't work. The door hits your purse, which is hanging around your neck in front of your chest, and you and your purse topple backward against the tank of the toilet. "Occupied!" you scream, as you reach for the door, dropping your precious, tiny, crumpled tissue in a puddle on the floor, lose your footing altogether, and slide down directly onto the TOILET SEAT .. It is wet of course. You bolt up, knowing all too well that it's too late. Your bare bottom has made contact with every imaginable germ and life form on the uncovered seat because YOU never laid down toilet paper - not that there was any, even if you had taken time to try. You know that your mother would be utterly appalled if she knew, because, you're certain her bare bottom never touched a public toilet seat because, frankly, dear, "You just don't KNOW what kind of diseases you could get."By this time, the automatic sensor on the back of the toilet is so confused that it flushes, propelling a stream of water like a fire hose against the inside of the bowl that sprays a fine mist of water that covers your butt and runs down your legs and into your shoes. The flush somehow sucks everything down with such force that you grab onto the empty toilet paper dispenser for fear of being dragged in too. At this point, you give up. You're soaked by the spewing water and the wet toilet seat. You're exhausted. You try to wipe with a gum wrapper you found in your pocket and then slink out inconspicuously to the sinks. You can't figure out how to operate the faucets with the automatic sensors, so you wipe your hands with spit and a dry papertowel and walk past the line of women still waiting. You are no longer able to smile politely to them. A kind soul at the very end of the line points out a piece of toilet paper trailing from your shoe. (Where was that when you NEEDED it??) You yank the paper from your shoe, plunk it in the woman's hand and tell her warmly, "Here, you just might need this." As you exit, you spot your hubby, who has long since entered, used, and left the men's restroom. Annoyed, he asks, "What took you so long, and why is your purse hanging around your neck?" This is dedicated to women everywhere who deal with public restrooms (rest??? you've GOT to be kidding!!). It finally explains to the men what really does take us so long. It also answers their other commonly asked questions about why women go to the restroom in pairs. It's so the other gal can hold the door, hang onto your purse and hand you Kleenex under the door! This HAD to be written by a woman! No one else could describe it so accurately!

Happy 4 th of July

A few pics from Allen High School's Class of 2008!

2008-06-16T20:11:00.001-07:00

They made it! (Man, Jordan's tall!)

Christian at his happiest moment!

Now we can all take a break until Sarah's graduation in 2013!!

Wish her luck!!

2008-06-06T20:56:00.000-07:00

Sarah is really excited to audition for an upcoming kids show. As most of you know, she's pretty much an extrovert and is always happiest in the limelight! She heard about the auditions and immediately grabbed the phone, dialed the number and handed it over begging me to sign her up. I did. Tomorrow we'll drive into Dallas for a 2:30 audition. If things go well, she'll be invited back for a 2nd one. If not....we'll chalk it up to a neat experience. Jeni took these pics of Sarah for us to take. Isn't she pretty?!
Oh, I didn't forget to blog about Austin graduating....I'm just waiting on the pics to post! Thanks to all of you who suffered through the 2 1/2 hour graduation ceremony especially since the majority of you could have left after "H"!!! We love you. Congratulations, Austin and Jordan! Pics coming soon.

No Matter Where He Is.....

2008-05-14T07:08:00.000-07:00

Austin had his senior pics taken a few days ago by Jeni :) and this was one that I thought spoke to all parents of teenagers! I think I may have to follow him around with a camera and catch some other random times/places that he texts. I'm thinking that maybe if I texted him I'd learn a lot more about him than what I know now! Jeni took a lot of great pics of Austin...now we just have to choose which one to put in the graduation announcements! How about a vote? I'll put a few of my favorites on the blog and you let me know which one you like the best.

Picture #1Picture #2

Picture #3

Birthdays, birthdays, & more birthdays!

2008-04-25T20:46:00.000-07:00

April seems to be the happenin' month for our family (and the Hopewell's and the Bjorn's!). Austin turned the big 18 on the 20th, Bruce turns a bigger number tomorrow and Craig will be 22 on Monday! Wow...I have three adult children...isn't that wild?! So let's see....three birthdays in my family and a wedding anniversary; a birthday for L. Bruce on Tuesday; a birthday and an anniversary for Jessica & Svend. HAPPY BIRTHDAY/ANNIVERSARY TO ALL OF YOU!

Exciting news for the calendar: Austin will graduate on June 3 @ 7pm @ the University of North Texas in Denton Super Pit Coliseum. WOW!

Presenting Mr. & Mrs. Craig Tyler!

2008-04-13T20:38:00.000-07:00

My heart is full!

2008-04-10T21:42:00.000-07:00

Craig took out his own endowment today. Just saying the words brings me to tears of gratitude and joy. When he finally entered the Celestial room, I couldn't keep the tears at bay. They just flowed! I am grateful to the Lord for answering our prayers.

He especially answered them today as we seemed to literally be in a fight with the adversary to get to the temple. Here's a list of a few of the things he threw in our path: no power due to Tornados during the night, Craig's clothes were in the washer (again a no power situation); we went over to Grandma's to get ready and Craig brought the wrong shirt - it was Austin's that required cuff links!) remember how I remedied that at Austin's homecoming...well paper brads work wonders!; an accident on 635 caused us to have to reroute to get around it; Darlene (Katie's mom) forgot her temple recommend IN JAPAN!; Roxi & Grandma got there at 5 minutes to session time....believe it or not we all kept a smile on our faces and got through it. Then, as soon as we got out of the temple, we got a frantic phone message from Ashley that her delayed plane in Idaho caused her to miss her connection to Dallas in Salt Lake. The closest they could get her to Dallas today was to fly her into Austin. She's still not here. My friend, Sylvia, went to pick her up and they'll be pulling back into town around 2am! She missed the Horlacher/Tyler dinner tonight, but at least she'll be here before the wedding.

In spite of that, I find myself in awe at how much we've been blessed. I know that Heavenly Father hears our prayers and answers them. I know he doesn't always let things work out the way we think they should and yet He knows what we can handle and what will help us grow spiritually. I think we have to take a step back sometimes and recognize the hand of the Lord in our lives and also recognize the influence that Satan can have on us if we let our guard down. I'm so grateful to have been in the temple with my son today. I'm thrilled that tomorrow he's going to be sealed to Katie. It's all so overwhelming and wonderful!!

Senior Prom 2008 - An Evening in Paris (they wish!)

2008-04-06T13:17:00.000-07:00

So, last night was Austin's senior prom. His date is a friend of Katie's that came into town a couple of days ago for the wedding. She didn't have a dress, so we went on a quest for the most modest and inexpensive formal we could find just 5 hours before prom. Meanwhile, Austin was washing the car, and anxiously waiting to find out what color the dress would be so that he could get a corsage for Kayleen. Well, we found a dress at Ross...it would do and the price was right. We rushed home so that Kayleen could get ready. It was already after 5pm and dinner reservations were for 7. Austin, of course, could be ready in 15 minutes. Girls, however, take A LOT longer!! I'm sure Austin thought it was worth the wait, though, because Kayleen looked gorgeous!

They went to Macaroni Grill for dinner and apparently got to color while they waited for their meal!! Can you tell which work of art is Austin's?

These were taken after "after-prom" at about 3:45am. They were supposed to stay until 5am and then go to breakfast, but they didn't have enough energy! I hear Jordan made it until 8am before he crashed!

Bridal Shower Fun!

2008-04-06T12:47:00.000-07:00

My future daughter-in-law

Thanks to Roxi & Jeni we had a wonderful bridal shower for Katie. Even though we were few in number, it was a lot of fun and Katie was thrilled with all the great stuff she received for her pantry!! There were a few things I would've liked to add to my own (like all the cookie and brownie mixes)! My V.T. took a ton of pictures at the shower, but the one above is my favorite....doesn't Katie have GREAT fashion sense?!

Happy Easter!!

2008-03-22T19:52:00.000-07:00

Everyone but Ashley! :(

I'm so excited that tomorrow is Easter. "Why," you ask? Because that means that the Easter Bunny is making his rounds and not sitting on the bench having his picture taken at Willowbend! It was a blessing to have the job, but I am thrilled that it's over!!!

Only 19 days until Craig and Katie are married! It really is exciting. Everything is falling into place....bridesmaids dresses and shoes have arrived, Katie and I are going to pick up her wedding dress from the seamstress Tuesday night, Bridal shower is on Thursday @ Roxi's, and Nancy's been working on the centerpieces for the reception. What's the groom up to? Craig's sitting back watching March Madness - typical male!!!

Fun stuff!

Put it in pen....but make it an erasable one!!

2008-01-31T22:06:00.000-08:00

April 11, 2008 @ 11 am in the Dallas, Texas Temple. Reception @ 6pm @ The Surrey House in McKinney.

Never write on your calendar in pen!

2008-01-10T13:25:00.000-08:00

Okay, so the date isn't April 12. We think it'll be March 14. Use a pencil and write it in lightly! I'll keep you all posted.:)

Mark your calendars!!

2008-01-02T10:23:00.001-08:00

A more formal announcement will arrive by mail, but the date has been set.....April 12, 2008, Craig and Katie will be sealed in the Dallas, Texas temple. April is a busy month, huh?! Let's see: birthdays for Bruce, Jr., Bruce Tyler, Craig, Austin and I think an anniversary for Jessie & Svend....did I leave anyone out?

Craig & Katie sittin' in a tree....

2008-01-01T08:29:00.000-08:00

Well, it's official....Craig and Katie are engaged! We are so excited to welcome Miss Katie Horlacher into our family and are subjecting her to as much Tyler, Lewis (she's living with Grandma!), Hopewell weirdness as possible so that there are no surprises down the road!! She hasn't tried to hop a plane back to Japan yet, so there's hope!!

My job managing the Santa set has finally ended....woohoo! I was soooo happy to drive home last night knowing that I don't have to set foot in Willowbend mall again until March (that's when the Easter bunny comes!!)

Bruce is officially retired as of TODAY!!!! I know, it seems like he's been retired since he's been here! His new job/career begins tomorrow. We are both anxious to see whether Racetrac will be a good fit for him. He'll be enrolling in classes as well, so he'll be one busy man!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Christmas with the WHOLE clan!!

2007-12-27T16:06:00.000-08:00

It was a wonderful Christmas! For the first time in almost 7 years our entire family (Hopewell's, Lewis's and Tyler's) were together again. Our house is a little small for such a big group, but it was great to have everyone at our home for a change!

Another exciting piece of news....Katie's here!! Craig went to pick her up from the airport and they're at Grandma's right now. As soon as they get here, I'll put a picture up for everyone!

Can you believe this kid is a COLLEGE GRADUATE!!!

2007-12-22T23:02:00.000-08:00

Found this pic of Craig and just had to share!

"Stars were gleaming, Shepherds dreaming and the night was dark and chill"

2007-12-09T06:39:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! Last night we had our ward Christmas party and of course the primary children put on a live nativity. Christian was an amazing shepherd.

Here's a short video for your amusement....well, it was amusing to us anway!!

I'll probably steal Jeni's thunder, but Ryley and Maddie were in the nativity too and Ryley had us all laughing because during the last song he couldn't see the audience due to a much larger child standing in front of him. He kept trying to push the kid out of his way to no avail. He was so frustrated and you could just see the tears and the anger!! The kid never did move! Poor Ryley!

Can you tell which kid is the one who caused his distress???

Gratitude and then some!

2007-12-02T05:58:00.000-08:00

After reading all of your blogs, I felt like I needed to join in too. So here's my Top Ten list of things for which I'm most grateful:
10. Sleeping in on Sunday mornings (Allen 4th starts at 1pm) because it's the only day I have off from the Santa Set.
9. That the Allen Eagles made it to the playoffs and that HS Football is over for the year!
8. My job with Santa! I get to work with Roxi, Big Bruce, Jordan, Ashley, Austin, Todd and sometimes my own husband. I am blessed!
7. Unemployment. How can that be? Well, if Bruce was working full time, there wouldn't be anyone here for Christian when he gets home from school. What a great blessing! It also makes us appreciate Army life even more than before!
6. Our country. The last 22 years were a wonderful adventure and I'm so thankful that Bruce was able to serve in the army and that we got to see first hand the sacrifices that so many troops make so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we have here.
5. Extended Family: My mom! The entire Hopewell Clan. Ira, Nancy & Todd
4. My Children! Craig - smart, funny, stubborn as a bull, but really going places (like to the temple!) and strengthening his testimony along the way. Ashley - what will I do without her when she heads back to Rexburg? She's always been the stalwart in our family setting an example to be followed and obviously knowing exactly what she wants! Austin - makes me laugh, strong willed and sometimes (often) annoying!! He keeps us on our knees and blesses our lives! Sarah - already grown up at 12 and making us all crazy! Her singing in the shower, and around the house is truly music to our ears (maybe not to Austin's though!) Christian - smart, silly, and what a stinker! He always reminds us to have Family Home Evening and to make it fun! Wants to be just like his brothers....scary, huh!!
3. A husband who plays the role of "Stay at Home Dad" to perfection making housework, homework, & cooking seem so easy! I love him with all my heart and am so thankful that he doesn't just put up with me, but loves me no matter what!!
2. The Gospel. It seems cliche, but it must be said: The gospel, the way it's taught and all of the programs of the chuch are the same no matter where in the world you go. It is true! Without the restoration of the gospel, we wouldn't have the priesthood to bless our lives and I've personally needed the comfort a priesthood blessing brings in just the last week. I'm thankful that the men in our family honor their priesthood!
1. The Savior. Just knowing that He knows me and understands everything that I've ever gone through and that I'm going though....that's all I need. You know how it feels when you talk to a close friend about a problem and they totally get it because they've gone through something similar? Well, that's how it is with Christ. He is that friend that gets it because He felt it. He suffered through it all in the Garden of Gethsemane. He knows. I am so thankful for Him. I truly "stand all amazed..."

Halloween

2007-11-04T18:03:00.000-08:00

So, Halloween was fairly uneventful except for the egging we got after we turned out the lights! Luckily it was only one egg...but I must note that it's Sunday night and it's still on the window! EEWWW! Anyway, Christian surprised us this year. He didn't want to go trick-or-treating! He finally consented to going to about 10 houses and then he was done! At about 8pm we convinced him that he just had to go to Ira & Nancy's and then to Roxi & Bruce's...you'd have thought we were punishing him! Jeni thought he must not be feeling well! Here are a few picures to amuse you. Christian carving up a Jack-o-lantern alone...and then with some help from Grandma....

Then we tried to take a picture in the darkest room in the house...the bathroom....but the flash made it just as bright as the rest of the house. So instead of a creepy picture of a glowing jack-o-lantern, we got a pumking on the bathroom counter....weird, I know!

and Sarah looking soooo.........there just aren't words to describe!!

Saturday! Homecoming and a Halloween Party

2007-10-28T07:24:00.000-07:00

It was quite a day yesterday. We began our Saturday by getting up at 5:30am to put out signs for our garage sale and get things set out. The bargain shoppers began arriving right on schedule at 7 and we had a pretty steady stream until around noon. Roxi and Bruce showed up at 1pm with a box of Halloween stuff that Bruce wanted to put in our sale. Turns out he had just purchased it at another yard sale and thought he'd try and turn a profit!!! No such luck....we closed early! Our grand total for the morning was a whoppin' $150 which was promptly spent by Austin to buy a black shirt and white tie for the Homecoming dance and dinner out for he and Melinda. Around 4:30 pm things got really hectic: 1. We almost forgot to pick up Austin's suit from the cleaners. 2. We discovered that Austin had purchased a shirt that required cufflinks and we don't own cufflinks! 3. Sarah didn't know what she was going to wear to the ward Halloween party. 4. The stew that I was supposed to make wasn't going to be ready in time. 5. Ashley gets off work at 4:30 and had to be picked up. 6. Sarah decided she wanted to go as a dead princess and needed a tiara. 7. We discovered Bruce hadn't taken Austin's suit pants to the cleaners....instead he took a pair of his own pants that were accidentally hanging in Austin's closet with Austin's jacket. 8. Bruce hadn't showered or shaved yet......we were running out of time!!

We had an hour and a half to get everything done! Sooo....I discovered that paper brads work well as cuff links, and Austin decided to wear Bruce's pants (a little big but still looked great!),

a toy tiara from CVS would have to suffice for Sarah, I turned up the heat on the stew, prayed it wouldn't scald and sent Bruce to get cleaned up. We were only a half hour late to the party, but that was okay since everyone was still eating when we got there. It was a fun night. Austin looked fabulous. Sarah looked like a princess with a bloody nose,

and Christian just looked like the coolest Captain Jack Sparrow!! Did I mention that we had to borrow Roxi's car to get our family to the Halloween party since Austin's Talon is in the shop. He got to drive the coolest minivan to Homecoming...nothin' says "sexy" like a minivan!!

I haven't heard the details of Austin's evening yet...I turned in early and of course he's still sleeping! All I know for sure is that Melinda forgot her school ID and they had to drive back to McKinney (20 minutes each way) to pick it up so they could get into the dance. Bummer!

Garage Sale in the morning!

2007-10-26T22:22:00.001-07:00

How's that for a post, Big Bruce?

What do the Jonas Bros. & food poisoning have in common?

2007-10-09T15:40:00.000-07:00

The State Fair of Texas!!
Sarah & I had a lot of fun being soaked by fire hoses while listening to the Jonas Brother's with 10,000+ preteens yesterday at the fair. She was thrilled to see the cutie on the left....I think it's Nick, but I'm not really sure! She was so cute...she spent extra time on her hair only to end up totally wet from head to toe! She was a good sport about it though and just laughed!

When we got home, I was sick from the Texas sized chicken fried steak served up at the fair....it was good, but what a mistake!! I'm still suffering the effects of that choice...I knew I should've gotten a corn dog!!

Look Who's 7!!

2007-09-29T21:28:00.001-07:00

2007-09-29T20:45:00.000-07:00

Christian turned 7 today! He had a great time with all of his friends this afternoon, and got a lot of great new toys to clutter up his room! After the kids left, I took a 4 hour nap....can you say, "exhaustion"?

Tyler kids!

2007-09-27T06:16:00.001-07:00

Austin's 1st Car!

2007-09-26T18:35:00.000-07:00

Here it is! A '93 Eagle Talon. It's a bit of a project, but Bruce & Austin are excited to work on it together!

A Car for Austin!

2007-09-22T20:52:00.000-07:00

So, Bruce and Austin have spent the past three days shopping for Austin's 1st car. Let's just say that the pictures posted on craigslist don't tell the whole story! I'll put a few of them in the blog so you can get an idea of what Austin's looking for! Anyway, they've been around Allen, Plano, McKinney, Garland, Carrolton and as Ira tells it...all the way out to the "Middle of Othian!" otherwise known as Midlothian! So far there's only one prospect and that one's still a project! Any advice?

At the Airport

2007-09-17T13:16:00.000-07:00

I'm so glad when Daddy comes home...
Glad as I can be....
Clap my hands and shout for joy....
Pat his cheeks & give him what?
Baby Noah....isn't he cute?!

Family

family

and more family!

Home at Last!

2007-09-17T12:15:00.000-07:00

Finally! It was a LLLOOOONNNNGGGG 4 1/2 months, but it's over now and there won't be any more deployments or field exercises or TDY's!!! For the next week, I'm going to be completely selfish and keep him all to myself, but I'll share with the kids when they get home from school.

Most of the family greeted Bruce by waving small American flags as he came off the plane. He wasn't expecting to see such a large welcoming party, but he was thrilled be home and surrounded by the family. Then it was on to our new home for cake and ice cream with Ira, Nancy & Mom and the entire Hopewell clan sans the Bjorns & Jordan who were definately missed! If only Craig could've been here, it would've been perfect!

WooHoo!!

2007-09-15T06:29:00.000-07:00

One more day til Bruce gets here! Feel the excitement??!! Ira's been busy at my house doing a lot of "honey do" stuff for me...I think he has an ulterior motive though. He's discovered the joys of running and working out and he figures the less Bruce has to do when he gets here, the more time he'll have to hit the gym with Ira!! Yesterday though was a comedy of errors for Ira. He offered to install a couple of shower heads for me in the upstairs bathrooms. He misunderstood which shower head went to which bathroom and ended up installing the head for the master in Austin's shower, knocking down the shower curtain and caddy and sending the condiments (his word for shampoo & conditioner) flying. Then he called me and found out he'd gone through all that only to have to uninstall it and reinstall it upstairs. After that, he installed Ashley's shower head and tightened it just one twist too many, cracking the whole head!! So, on to Target to get a replacement. I just wish I'd been home to witness the humor!!

Ashley turned 20 yesterday...no longer a teenager! We both got our hair done by a stylist extraordinaire...Nancy! After 4 hours at the salon, we both left feeling completely beautiful! I only wish I could figure out where to get my own personal "Nancy" to do my hair everyday!

School Days

2007-09-13T07:05:00.000-07:00

It's been another hectic morning getting up at the crack of dawn to take Austin to seminary, me to the gym, making lunches, finishing homework (yes, I still do homework....isn't that what all moms do?), taking Ashley to work and getting the kids to school on time. I'm tired and just want to go back to bed! Can't do that though....only three more days until Bruce gets home and there's still so much to do! I'll get it done and then when Bruce gets here he can take over all the taxiing for a while.

On a side note though, my six year old makes me laugh! Yesterday, Aunt Roxi asked Christian what his favorite thing about school was. His first response was "lunch!" Second response, "leaving!" He told me not long ago in a very mature voice, "Mom, school is not my thing!" LOL Gotta love him!

Where oh where is the plumber?

2007-09-11T14:41:00.000-07:00

So, a general handyman came today...not a plumber! Before he came, I only had a little problem. Now I have a kitchen sink full of water that won't drain! Apparently there is a really big clog somewhere under the house! Has the realtor gotten a plumber over here yet? NOPE!

Settling in...finally!

2007-09-11T09:25:00.000-07:00

Well, we're finally moved in and enjoying being in our own place again after 4 months of homelessness! And I'm about unpacked...I only have to finish unpacking boxes in the kitchen, dining room, game room, Austin's room, Sarah's room, my room and the garage! No really it's not that much and hopefully it'll all be done before the weekend. Bruce comes home from Japan on Sunday...finally! We have missed him so much and I have a huge "honey-do" list for him! The first thing on the list is GET A JOB! You all know that he jokes about being a Walmart greeter, but I just don't think that'll bring home the bacon...maybe Spam, but definately not bacon! Well, I have tons to write about, but no time right now...the plumber's on his way to figure out the drain problem in the kitchen. So far in the three weeks that we've lived here, the washing machine has overflowed twice and the dishwasher three times! Oh joy!