Happy Snake!!!

I am very happy to announce the Snake is happily back in her cage. Safe and sound.

Smokin'!!!!

Kelly got a smoker for Christmas. He has been so excited to try it out. We waited to have our Christmas dinner till today, and he has smoked 4 chickens. (hey we have 7 kids). We are having all the fixin's mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls, corn and green beans, and pie for dessert. It smells so incredible at our house right now. He also got a turkey fryer and we will be having a turkey for New Year's.

****Still No Snake****

The snake has not been found.

Body Worlds

Saturday, Chelsea, Tylen, Chase, Keaton and I went to see the Body Worlds exhibit in Salt Lake City. We saw every system of the body, it is amazing what is packed inside us. They had healthy organs and then organs that were damaged or diseased. Very cool. I highly reccommend this exhibit. It is only going to be here until January 11th.

SNAKE ON THE LOOSE

This is an old picture of Kelly with Keaton's pet snake, Jewels. She is a little bigger now. Keaton has had Jewels since before Kelly and I got married, so at least 6 or 7 years. Well, it finally happened!!! Someone left the top off the snake cage last night. Now we have a snake on the loose in our house. I am a bit nervous to say the least, and don't want anyone to leave the house till she is found.

SNOW

I don't know about anywhere else in Utah, but in Heber we thought we'd wake up in OZ. Christmas day the wind blew, and blew, and blew, and blew (get the picture). It blew in circles and all directions. We had huge drifts, notice the picture of the cars... that is our driveway with Chelsea and Tylen's cars back there. Luckily we have a plow so they could get out. The front of the house was plastered with snow and we have huge drifts in the back yard, that are now becoming great snow caves. Today, the day after Christmas, was beautiful. We moved snow and plowed and the kids played it was so fun.

more christmas pics.

Merry Christmas!

Kelly Opening his Smoker and Turkey Fryer. I think I got the Best Present Ever. Kelly is soooo good to me. I have been begging and begging for Wicked Tickets, Well I got them. Notice the theatre, It's the Orpheum in San Francisco!!! I have to wait till March, but that's ok, he has a whole trip planned, 5 days in San Francisco, I cant wait!!

Electricity

In the 5th grade, Caroline has been studying electricity in science. Their big project at the end of the unit was to create a house and light it up with christmas lights, using batteries. They had to have a switch to turn it off and on. And then they had to write a real estate ad about their house. You can't see the lights in the pictures, but here is Caroline and Kelly working on the lighting and battery system.

DARE

Our last child to graduate from the DARE program, Caroline. The program was the best one I have been to. Ms. Utah 2007 came and talked, she was awesome. She had a younger brother who died because of an overdose.

HAPPY 17TH BIRTHDAY CHASE

Chase turned 17 on Dec 12. We celebrated a few days later because he spent the weekend at a wrestling tournament.

First Snow and the Rhino

This past summer, Kelly and I bought a Yamaha Rhino. Our whole purpose was to buy a plow for it so we didn't lose our driveway like we did last year in the snow. Well, we had a ton of fun with it, we took it to Moab, and many times up to Cascade Springs through Snake Creek. Well, a few months ago we went back up to Plaza Cycle and bought our plow and had it installed. We parked it in the garage in anticipation of the snow. The snow finally came.....

Cambrie's moment of fame

Cambrie goes to school in Logan, after our christmas party(which was in Logan) we took all the kids to the mall to look around for a bit. Cambrie was able to show us her ornament she made it is made from a disc like an album. The tree in the picture is covered with ornaments that all the kids at the schools made out of recycled things. It was really neat. We don't get to see what Cambrie does a lot so it was fun for her to share that with all of us. We also ran into a girl from our Ward here in Heber who is going to Utah State.

Earl Family Christmas..Musical Chairs

Yesterday, December 6th, was the Earl Family Christmas Party. It was tons of fun as always. We had good food, bingo, guessing games, a pinata and as always a No Holds Barred Musical Chairs. Kelly made it to the final 4, but alas did not win.

Another tradition that Kelly and his siblings remember is that Grandma Earl always read the Littlest Angel on Christmas Eve. So Kristie had Grandma read to all the kids and adults who wanted to listen. It was so silent, the kids were listening so intently.
We love our Family and love being able to spend time with them at the holidays!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

WE WANT TO WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING! EAT TURKEY AND TAKE A NAP! THAT'S WHAT WE PLAN TO DO.
WE ARE THANKFUL FOR ALL OUR FRIENDS.
THANKFUL FOR OUR FAMILY.
THANKFUL FOR OUR JOBS.
THANKFUL FOR OUR HOME.
THANKFUL FOR OUR HEALTH.
THANKFUL FOR THE GOSPEL.
THANKFUL FOR THE ABILITY TO PLOW OUR DRIVEWAY IF IT SNOWS.
THANKFUL FOR OUR WONDERFUL KIDS.
THANKFUL FOR THE ABILITY TO FIX THINGS WHEN THEY BREAK.
THANKFUL FOR OUR DREAMS.
THANKFUL FOR GOOD FOOD.
THANKFUL THAT KRISTIE AND DUANE HAVE INVITED US FOR THANKSGIVING DINNER.
THANKFUL FOR THE PRIESTHOOD IN OUR HOME.
THANKFUL FOR OUR FREEDOM.

Those pesky gallbladders..........

Today, November 2, 2008, Kelly had a Laproscopic Cholesystectomy or Lap Chole for short. That is the removal of the gallbladder. For a long time Kelly has had these episodes where he will start to bloat, then he will start to burp rotten egg smell and then he will have diarrhea and vomitting. He is usually miserable, as those who have been on recent motorcycle trips have witnessed. Well, he has had colonoscopies, endoscopies, and other tests. The Dr. has diagnosed him with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for which he takes medications. Well, he has continued to have these episodes as explained before. Since I had my gallbladder out in March, and all the people I meet at the hospital that have theirs out. I have thought about all the symptoms people have. We decided to question the Doctor about it and he thought it might be something to check out. So about 2 weeks ago he had a HydaScan. They inject dye and a radio active medicine into you and when it hits the gallbladder it should make the gallbladder do it's thing. Well, when it hit, Kelly's symptoms were reproduced which is a sign of a bad gallbladder. Well, our Doctor sent the info over to Dr Burton, the surgeon here, and he called us yesterday and said he could do the surgery today. Kelly said, Yes!! let's do it. So, to round this story off, Kelly had a Lap Chole today. He has 4 small incisions one just under the breastbone, two on the side, and one right inside the belly button. He did great, and the Dr said that he had a diseased gallbladder and hopefully this will solve his symptoms. That is the excitement of the day.

Pink Floyd......

On Thursday the 20th, Kelly and I headed to Salt Lake to the E Center to see the Australian Pink Floyd. Kelly's friend, Terry (better known by some as Tex), gave Kelly 2 tickets for an early birthday gift. We had a blast. They sounded just like Pink Floyd, in fact they are approved by some of the members of Pink Floyd and have played for them at various events. They did The Wall in its entirety. Kelly is a HUGE Pink Floyd fan, I enjoy some of it. This was especially fun as the Wall came out when I was in Jr. High School. I remember going to the movies in Las Vegas, and they would have the picture of the wall on the screen and playing...."We Don't Need No Education....." Thanks, Tex...We has so much fun!

Read on...

So here are some pictures below that go with the Rambling commentary on what has been going on with us. This just scrapes the surface, but we'll try to keep more current.
Alisha

Chase on the Field
Both boys lettered this year in Football
Tylen and Mom at Senior night. They recognized all the senior players

Chase and Mallory Utley
Preference 2008

Tylen and Chase
After the game

The Kids
October 19, 2008

Catching Up.......

Well, my blog is turning out to be alot like my journal......."Dear Journal, it has been a while since I've written, so I'll try to catch up." So, now I'll share my random thoughts and try to fill in some news of the Earl/Nielsons in Heber. I'll add some pictures later to go along with some of my thoughts.
Football is over. I think Wasatch may have been last place, or close to. But that was ok, the boys had a great time playing and they both Lettered in football. It was Tylen's last year and he really enjoyed it. He was a member of the Fat Boy Possee. That was started several years ago by some of the boys and has been tradition. The Possee have T-shirts made and they get together to eat every week, which is a big feat to feed all those big Linemen. Some members of the Wasatch Boosters feed them. Incredible!
Now Wrestling has begun. I actually enjoy watching the wrestling. Tylen has chosen not to wrestle this year, and just work on finishing school and working. Chase will wrestle and is hoping for a varsity spot. Keaton and Cameron both are wrestling in the Jr High league which means duals and tournaments every weekend through January. My Favorite it when they go to the state championships in Richfield. Granted there isn't a ton to do in Richfield, but the tournament is enjoyable because we sit for 2 days and don't have to do anything but watch for the boys to wrestle. It is a time to get caught up on books, visit, and relax. I think we might pull our 5th wheel down to stay this year as fuel prices seem to be coming down. Caroline usually goes with us and we don't see her for 2 days because she hangs out with her good friend Bridgett. Fun Times!!
Chase was asked to Preference. That is a girls choice formal dance here. He was asked by a long time buddy, Mallory Utley. They have been friends since kindergarten I think. There were 9 couples in their group. The group went up to a cabin at Sundance on Saturday morning and went hiking and I think they played some games. They came home and got ready, and went to the Mountain House Grill in Midway. They sat upstairs where the TV's are because they were all pretty interested in the big Rivalry Game, Uof U/BYU. After dinner they went to one of the girls houses for dessert and finished the game then went to the dance. Chase said they had a good time. He looked very nice all dressed up. (if only i could get him to cut his hair.)
Caroline had surgery on November 21. She had renal reflux. She has a double ureter system from her kidney to her bladder and one of those ureters allowed urine to go back up into her kidney from her bladder. We found out about this when she was 4. Chase had the same problem. they both had ear infections chronically from birth, therefore they were constantly on antibiotics. When we finally had tubes placed in their ears, and quit the antibiotics, they both developed kidney infections. Caroline had her testing again when she turned 10. They had hoped she would outgrow the problem, unfortunately it got worse. The Dr. suggested we consider fixing it before puberty as girls can have problems with UTIs. We figured this was a good time since all our deductibles and family out of pocket expenses have been met this year. So, Friday morning they took her to surgery and fixed it. They reimplanted the ureter so it would not allow the reflux. She has a two inch incision on her bikini line. Wow, she is a trooper. When they called me in to recovery, she was already sipping an apple juice and talking very well. They then transfered her to a post-op room where she drank down a slushy drink with no problems. She went in for surgery at 10:30 and we were home by 3. She wanted Taco Time for her first meal so that's what she had. Saturday she seemed to be feeling really well, so we went to see Twilight. Well, Sunday it all slammed her, and she said she had bad pain in her back right where the kidney is. So, she stayed in bed most of the day. And today, she stayed home from school and took it easy. She wants to go to school tomorrow though to have a thanksgiving party. So, i'll send her and she can call me if she needs to.
I think we are going to be planning a surgery for Kelly to have his galbladder out. He has had some problems and had it tested and it proved to be bad. the Dr. said if a surgeon looks at the results, they would be in parameters to have it out. So we are just waiting to get it scheduled. Kelly has been very busy teaching scuba. He has had 2 classes going and should be done in the next week or so.
We are looking forward to Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas!!
Now i'll try to add some pictures in another post to go along with all these thoughts. And I'll try to blog more often.

Marathon Anniversary Celebration!!!

October 11, 2008! What a day! This is our 5th anniversary, wow the time has flown. Here is how we celebrated. Last weekend we headed to Las Vegas, one of our favorite places to go together. We had a pretty nice room at the Stratosphere. We got there Thursday evening and checked in and headed to our favorite restaurant on the strip, Jimmy Buffett's Margarativille. That place is so fun and great food! Friday the 3rd we headed to Cashman Field to check out Las Vegas Bike Fest. We spent about 3 hours walking through the exhibits and had the most incredible Hot Dogs I have ever had. We enjoy checking out the Artistry in Iron exhibit and voting on our favorite bike. Saturday we walked the Strip, we parked at the MGM, wandered there, saw the lions. We spent the day walking, and walking, and walking, and walking (get the idea?) We walked the Miracle Mile Shops at the Planet Hollywood Hotel, we walked to the Paris and the Venetian and Palazo (it felt like we walked to Paris) by the end of the day it was all we could do to walk back to the Excalibur where we had dinner reservations at the tournament of King's. What a Blast!! We ate game hens, with our hands and cheered on our King, the King of Hungary. He didn't win though. Sunday Morning we headed home, after eating at Macayos, my favorite mexican restaurant from my childhood days. We also made a quick stop at Red Rock Harley Davidson.
Thursday the 9th, Cam, Caroline and I headed down to Provo and Spanish Fork. We bought Kelly a Harley Jacket he has been looking at and we went to his work and decorated his desk with balloons and confetti and notes for a Happy Anniversary. (I forgot my camera that day) He was so surprised Friday morning when he walked in and everyone wished him a Happy Anniversary.
Saturday, we spent the day together driving around Salt Lake and provo test driving cars. We had a ball. We are looking for a nice car for Kelly, he has always driven the junk and needs a nicer car. He surprised me by taking me to the Roof for dinner, he had made reservations earlier in the week. It was beautiful, we were right across from the temple looking down and it was snowing. I have never been to the Roof, what a great surprise. We are so happy to celebrate 5 years and are looking forward to 10, 20, 30...........

Tylen's Homecoming Date

Last Weekend (20th) was Wasatch High's Homecoming. Tylen asked Rachel Reese. She is a cutie. The boys in the group put on a pasta bar, they said it was very good. They went to the dance and took pictures. Danced for a while and went to a friends to watch the Incredibles. He had a great time.

Great Chicken

Kelly cooked dinner last night. I love it when he does that, it is always soooo goood!!! He made up a recipe for chicken. He took chicken breasts and butterflied them. in the center he put a couple of slices of deli ham, a slice (thick) of cream cheese, and some green peppers. He rolled them up and basted them on the grill with italian dressing. Oh my gosh they were good. We had seasoned roasted potatoes and salad with the chicken. It was great! I think Kelly should cook every night!

Apricots

Did you know that peeling apricots will turn your fingers, nails and everything you touch orange? I didn't either. We have a neighbor with two big apricot trees that were just overflowing. They told us to come on down and get some. I had the kids get two big boxes. Unfortunately, my timing was off and I had to waste quite a few, but I did get 11 1 cup containers of apricot freezer jam out of them. It was pretty easy, but I don't know if it is any good yet, haven't tried it. we will have to have bread and jam tonight and see. I really want to do strawberrys next year, they are too expensive now. I have gotten the preserving bug.

Crawdads, dillybeans and dirtbikes

Well, obviously it has been a while since I've blogged. so here is a short recap of some of our fun.
I got a receipe for Dilly Beans from friend at work. She brings them in and it is a good thing we are all in a back office, because we smell of dill and garlic after eating them. I discovered that Kelly has a hidden talent, he loves canning. He was right in the kitchen with me all night. This was my first experience ever canning. I have lots of plans to do more, but not enough time to make my plans a reality. We sent the kids to bed and got started around 10 we went to bed at 1am. The Beans turned out great, thanks Kellie (Knowles) for the Dill. I'll bring you some beans. After we eat the beans and carrotts we cut up cucumbers from our garden and put them in the leftover juice in the fridge for a quick pickle.

Kelly is the assistant Blazer Scout leader, they took their boys up to Strawberry to catch crawdad's. I know, the picture is of Caroline. Caroline and I went along to help, watch and eat. The boys had a blast, they made their own traps and caught a ton of crawdads. Then we de-tailed them (all of the boys probably went home and told their parents about pulling out the "poop shoots") and cooked them right in the parking lot at the marina, we had garlic butter and cocktail suace. I was surprised that all the boys tried them and they all seemed to like them. I guess it is just my kids that are picky. All the boys kept their traps they had made. It was a great activity.

A little over 5 years ago, when Kelly and I were dating, he came to visit and we went and bought him a dirtbike. He had wanted an old Honda XR for years. Well we found one on KSL and went to see it. He kept that bike in my garage and finally moved here to be able to ride it. He has ridden it a couple of times in Moab. One time there he did and endo off a rock and ended up having surgery to repair a Slap Tear in his shoulder. Well, the bike was burning oil and needed a general rebuild, so a friend from work offered to do that for him as he wanted to start a business doing that anyway. Well, a year and a half later, Kelly got his bike back. He was so excited, but had forgotten just how big of a bike it it. It is an XR 600 for you who know what that might mean, and now it is about a 630. Kelly will have to explain all that technical stuff. The bike will pick up the front tire almost on it's own while accelerating and Kelly is practicing riding Wheelies up and down our driveway. Good thing we have accident insurance.

Chelsea is enjoying Rexburg. We miss her tons.

hey hey it's monday

Alisha has been doing a great job at keeping everyone up to date on what is happening in the Earl World, so now I need to contribute my 2 cents worth. First of all, I work for an aerospace company in Spanish fork, Utah as a manufacturing engineer. I have been here for 5 years. I am the engineer over the Apache team. We manufacture parts for the Apache Helicopter and recently it has been my position to correlate information and data to Boeing. It sure was tough for me to step out of my comfort zone! I feel that I have done an adequate job though and I feel better now about what I do. Now that Chelsea is gone the house is more quiet,,, and more clean!! She had a tendency to leave stuff around making sure we knew that she lived there. now that she is gone, I find that there is a hole where she should be. I miss her. Over the weekend I patched a leak in the roof. It had been dripping down the chimney in the front room. I found that some shingles had been blown off in one of the wind storms that show up in Heber. I was able to reshingle the roof and then tarred all around the chimney again. While I was up there I decided that all the sattelite dishes and the tv antenna had to come down. We don't watch any tv and when we do it won't be with all that apparatus so with the kids help we took it all down and patched the roof where it had all been. It looks alot cleaner. That afternoon we drove down to Spanish Fork and picked up My Honda XR 600 from a buddy that had been rebuilding the motor. it was finally done. We got home fed the kids and at 9:30 we started canning. Alisha has a recipe called Dilly Beans that she aquired from a friend and we had fun! I won't go into any more detail on that though. she has pictures she will be posting later about it.

the workday is done and it's time for me to go. So maybe it wasn't 2 cents worth but I hope you felt it was worth it to read it.

Kelly

Hurricane Chelsea

Hurricane Chelsea struck the Earl household this week. Leaving in her path empty hearts, and a messy bedroom and bathroom to clean. (see pictures) Today, Chelsea left for college. Wow, I can still remember when I left Vegas for BYU, I think it was just a few weeks ago. Did I cry? YES!!! It is amazing the flood of emotions that come over you. I feel like 18 years isn't enough time to teach everything that they need to know, yet on the other hand, it is time to get out of the house. I am going to miss her a ton. Thank goodness for email and texting these days, we can keep in touch up to the minute. I know that Kelly has expressed his sadness in that he only had 5 years with her. He feels a little cheated. I guess it is time to start learning her own lessons and figure out who she is.