Saturday is a Special Day

The Earl home, Tremonton, Utah

Cameron weedeating at the Earl's

Kelly working on the lawnmower at his parent's

Kelly and his parents, Tremonton

Caroline vacuuming grandma and grandpa Earl's car.


Last Saturday we went to Tremonton to help Kelly's mom and dad in the yard. Grandpa is not doing so well, beginning alzeheimer's. and Mom has been told she can't stress her heart, no more lifting. It is a sad thing as the yard is mom's pride and joy. We had a great time.

Caroline Clogging 2009

Caroline has been clogging for 3 years now. This is her picture from this year. She just competed in the Western Nationals at Lagoon. It is always a fun weekend. Can't believe how she is growing up.

"Alishaology"

Let others know a little more about yourself, re-post this as your namefollowed by "ology".

***********FOODOLOGY***************
What is your salad dressing of choice?Blue Cheese
What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? Outback Steakhouse
What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? Pizza
What are your pizza toppings of choice? Pepperoni and cheese
What do you like to put on your toast? Depends, sourdough toast with just butter. Wheat toast with peanut butter, or butter with cinnamon and sugar

***********TECHNOLOGY***************
How many televisions are in your house? 3
What color is your cell phone? a dark red

***************BIOLOGY******************
Are you right-handed or left-handed? right
Have you ever had anything removed from your body? galbladder
What was the last heavy item you lifted? chelsea's boxes moving home from school
Have you ever been knocked unconscious?* No

************BULLCRAPOLOGY**************
If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? Nope, I would worry to much.

If you could change your name, what would you change it to? Fredrika Whilemina

Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?...I don't think so.

************DUMBOLOGY******************
How many pairs of flip flops do you own? one
Last time you had a run-in with the cops? never had a run in, but have had tickets years ago.
Last person you talked to? Kelly
Last person you hugged?Kelly
**************FAVORITOLOGY****************
Season? Harley riding season
Holiday?*Christmas
Day of the week?Saturday
Month?December
***********CURRENTOLOGY*****************
Missing someone? nope, I got my family
Mood? content
What are you listening to? the kids playing
Watching? nothing
Worrying about? Kelly (he's sick)

***************RANDOMOLOGY*****************
First place you went this morning?haven't left the house yet, we're sick
What's the last movie you saw? X-Men Origins
Do you smile often? Yes
Sleeping Alone Tonight? nope

***************OTHER-OLOGY*****************
Do you always answer your phone? not always, especially if it rings at work.
Its four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it? i have never gotten a txt at 4 am,
If you could change your eye color what would it be? I wouldn't change them, I get compliments on my eyes.
What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? diet coke with fresh lime
Do you own a digital camera? yes I LOVE it
Do you have a pet fish? No, well, Cam does.
Favorite Christmas song(s) Baby It's Cold Outside (not really christmas but that's when they play it)
What's on your wish list for your birthday? Tickets to another musical, makeup, whatever....
Can you do push ups?a few
Can you do a chin up? probably not
Does the future make you more nervous or excited? right now, kind of nervous
Do you have any saved texts? not right now.
Ever been in a car wreck? yes, 15 minutes before school would have been out, i was 16.
Do you have an accent? I don't think so.
What is the last song to make you cry?
Plans tonight? It's sunday night, probably just sitting around and getting ready for work tomorrow.
Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? Yes
Name 3 things you bought yesterday. I bought one set of floaties, haha for muscles at primary :)
Have you ever been given roses?*Yes!
Current worry? raising kids
Current hate right now? Kelly's x-wife,
Met someone who changed your life? Yes, everyone you meet changes your life in some way
How will you bring in the New Year?probably at a party with Kelly's brother's and sister.
What song represents you? It really depends on my mood.
Name three people who might complete this? ??? Not sure!!
Would you go back in time if you were given the chance? yes
Do you have any tattoos/piercings? Just my ears, and I had two in each ear in high school, they've since closed up.
Will you be in a relationship 4 months from now? Yes,
Would you be a pirate? aarrrrggggg!
What songs do you sing in the shower? Usually what I've been listening to.
Ever had someone sing to you? Yes, Kelly sings to me all the time. Mostly funny made up stuff.
When did you last cry? Last night
Are you afraid of being alone? No
Do you like to cuddle? cuddling is my favorite
Have you held hands with anyone today? nope
Who was the last person you took a picture of? Jill in Cali I think
What kind of music did you listen to in elementary school? Whatever was on the radio in the 70-80's
Do you believe in staying close with your ex? I don't have one, I'm thankful and I wish Kelly's could stay as far away as possible. Unfortunately when there are kids involved, no choice.
Are most of the friends in your life new or old? new
Do you like pulpy orange juice? Yes! The more pulp the better
What is something your friends make fun of you for?
I tag anyone who thinks this looks like fun because it is!!

Chase's Bi-lateral Bunionectomy

The patient recovering looks tough.
Getting into the doctors office.
Standing on the xray machine. Dr. Taylor.
Chase's foot, cute nails chase..... (4 days post op)
(The right foot)

April 6th was the start of Spring Break for the kids in Wasatch. Unfortunately for Chase, it was spent at home with his feet up. Chase has been having trouble with big calouses on his toes. Well, turns out it is because he has 70 year old feet on his 17 year old body. He had major bunions. So he elected to have them fixed. And not just one at a time like the Doctor suggested, he wanted them both done so he can be completely healed to start football in the summer. Two bones of his foot were cut and moved and pinned to straighten out his big toe. He was in surgery for 4 hours on the 6th. He spent the first 3 days with his feet up to prevent swelling, and with ice packs on them. In order to get to the bathroom, his brothers devised a plan. Tie a rope to a skate board, Chase would scoot himself onto the board and his brothers would pull him down the hall to the bathroom. It was actually pretty funny. On Thursday Chase had to go to the dr. for a wound check. the doc wanted to do some xrays to check the placement of the screws. While trying to step up onto the xray box, Chase stubbed his right toe. I thought he would pass out, it was very painful. He is now going stir crazy, but will miss a few more days of school, as he still can not put much pressure on his feet. I always dream of days where I can lay around and put my feet up, watch movies.......When forced though, it is not so fun. Oh, and yes, his toenails are painted. A girl came over to check on him and painted them while she was here. Cute!!

xtra prom pictures

Chase and Mom Dancing
Caroline and her big brother! Isn't that the cutest picture???

Wasatch Junior Prom, 2009 Chase and Maloree

Chase and Maloree ready for Prom
Chase and Mal, Rowdy and Bailey, Joe and Moriah
Chase ready to pick up his date.
The couple ready to be announced and Promenade, Mal tripped up the stairs. I'm surprised they could stop laughing.
Waiting to Promenade
Chase kept stepping on Mal's dress during the Promenade
Promenading

Chase went to his Junior prom in March. Jr Prom is a big deal here, not sure about anywhere else, but the whole town show up at the High School to watch the Juniors Promenade. The kids spend 2 weeks learning a dance in the mornings. He complained for weeks before going, but ended up having a really fun time. He went with his good friend Maloree Utley. The boys cooked breakfast for the girls and then took them to Park City, to the Color Me Mine. Then that night they went to the Zermatt for dinner and to the Promenade and Dance. After the promenade the kids dance with their parents, boys with moms and girls with Dad's. Chase even danced with Caroline, it was sweet (i'll post those pics separately)

The Rest of the Story....

Scoma's resturant in Sosulito.
Going to WICKED! It was Awesome!!!
Kelly at Alcatraz. They say "Break the rules, go to prison. Break the prison rules, go to Alcatraz." What a cool place!

locking up the bikes to go eat at Scoma's
Stopping on the Golden Gate Bridge (note the sign above me)
Getting ready to ride the bridge (see it in the distance) It was an 8 mile trip across the bridge to Sosulito, then we rode a Ferry back to SF.
Kelly's only place he said he cared about going, He wanted a Harley shirt from San Francisco.
Standing in front of some of the Chocolate making equipment at Girardelli. We had ice cream sundaes twice while in SF with melted Ghirardelli chocolate on them. mmmm good!
The trip was a blast, Thank you so much Kelly for this incredible gift.

San Francisco

I am writing this quick note from San Francisco. We arrived yesterday, Wed. March 11. After we figured out how to get out of the airport on the BART system, we got to the Union Park area. We walked up about 6 or so blocks to our hotel where we are staying. Jody, Kelly's brother got us a room at the WorldMark by Wyndham. It is great, just perfect for us. We couldn't check in because we were so early, but they held our luggage for us and we headed over to Chinatown. We went in a few little shops and then found a Sushi bar, we had lunch and then walked to Union Park and through some of the shops there. When I vacation, I look for certain souviners from each place. I always get an apron, a charm, a spoon and magnet. So, my first purchase in SanFrancisco was a charm of a trolley car. We got passes for the week on the MUNI that is the transportation systems here. We rode a trolley car down to Fisherman's Wharf. The first thing in that area we did is go to the famous Ghiaredlli square. We had ice cream there. Then we walked way down the wharf, and took in all the sights and stores. Went to the Boudin Bread bakery and watched them make sourdough bread. I got my apron on the Wharf, it is an Alcatraz black and white stripped one. We bought tickets to go to Alcatraz on Saturday. We found a Harley store, which is Kelly's favorite place to get souviners. He got 2 t-shirst that Say SanFrancisco on them. We headed back on the trolley to our place and crashed early. We had been up since 4 utah time to get out of there. I ran across the street to a little market and got some drinks and we ordered a pizza to our room. It was good.
Today we hung around our room, being lazy till about 10:30. It was nice. We decided that we'd head back to the Wharf today. First we stopped at Lombard street. It is a vey famous, and the most winding street. We walked down it, and at the bottom Kelly started talking to a guy taking care of the gardens. He happened to be a resident of Lombard street and he was very informative and gave us some history. It was cool. We walked back up, Huff and Puff. And headed back to the Wharf. We went to eat at some little place. There is a little side street that had a million little places with crab, lobster, shrimp, etc. We ducked into this little restaurant, Nick's Lighthouse. I had Shrimp and crab cocktail, and Crab chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. Kelly had Blue Point oysters on the half shell and lobster bisque. It was delicious. Then we walked to Pier 39 and watched the sea lions, they are famous there. We walked all the shops on the pier and bought a big bag of assorted candy. We went to the Bay Aquarium, that was pretty cool. Then we caught a cable car down to the financial district. I grew up in a city, Las Vegas, but that is nothing like this city. It was incredible the buildings and the people. On just about every corner there are street musicians, and beggars and all sorts of crazies. But they don't really bother you, they just do their thing. We took a trolly back to the union park area. We did some more wandering through Virgin records, the Ferrari store, the Apple store. Then we saw a movie. We were talking on the trolley about finding a good steak tonight and the trolley operator recommended a place called John's grill. So we headed there for dinner. Come to find out it is famous, well in literary circles so to speak. It is where Sam Spade eats often. He is a character from the story, The Maltese Falcon. Very good steak!! Happily stuffed, we headed back up the hill on the trolley to Bush street where we walk one block and are back at our hotel. Tomorrow we want to rent a bike and we plan on riding across the Golden Gate bridge, they say it is pretty level, takes about 3 hours total. We will ride across the bridge and into Sosulito (sp?) and then take a ferry back to the Wharf. A friend of ours did it a week or so ago and said it was incredible. Good thing I've been going to the gym. Tomorrow night we go see Wicked, which is the real purpose of this trip. I am so excited!! I will post pictures later as I am too lazy to get the camera out and try to upload them right now. This has been so much fun so far. Thank you Kelly for this wonderful Christmas present.

Celine Dion - Salt Lake City

Tucano's @ the Gateway
Celine Dion

Sunday night was so much fun!!! A friend, Jill, invited me to go with her to see Celine Dion. She had the tickets for a while. It was awesome. Kelly and I saw her in Vegas a couple of years ago and that was a great show. This was a very good concert. Celine likes to talk to her audience. She apologized for the cancellation last November. She is a very pretty lady. We went to dinner at Tucanos at the Gateway Center. I had a great time, I hope Jill did too!! Thanks Jill!!!!

Saturday Fun

Today was a very fun Saturday. This morning, Kelly had to go fix Chelsea's car. It seems to have a problem every weekend when she comes home. At least it is when she comes home and not up in Logan. (that's not the fun part.) I spent some time cleaning out my car, scrubbing floor mats, washing and armor alling (is that a word?) the dash. (that's not really the fun part either) But is was funny because at the car wash, I backed up toward the wall and soaked my butt with one of the other wands in the wash bay, the guy behind me was probably laughing his head off. When I got home, Kelly and I started the fun. We headed down to Provo and to PF Changs for lunch. That was a surprise to me, but it was very good. Kelly said that is his new favortie. We just had some of their lunch bowls, but our favorites are usually, lettuce wraps, shrimp and candied walnuts, lemon scallops, and hot fish. mmmmmmmmmmmm. After PF Changs we headed to Sandy and the South Towne Expo center to the annual RV Expo. We are dreaming of a new 5th wheel, we are now thinking that a toy hauler would be the way to go so we can take the Harley places and have our own place to stay. Also, it would be nice to take it like down to AZ in the winter so we can still ride. Now keep in mind this is a dream. We have been looking for years, we just love to go to the expo and see all the fun stuff. Some of those motor homes are incredible with nicer furnishings than my house, they cost as much if not more. When we finally got tired, we decided to head back down to provo. Kelly took me to the mall to try on some clothes. I didn't find anything i really wanted, but it was fun. Chelsea and Caroline met us and we all had some pizza from Sbarro. Caroline had a hot dog from Iceberg. The girls went to see a movie and Kelly and I walked around a bit more. Kelly stopped me at the mineral makeup kiosk and asked the girl to tell me about it, so she gave me kind of a makeover. I didn't have my camera so the pictures above will just have to represent all this fun. I really like that mineral makeup. We drove around today with the top down on Kelly's 350Z, it was so nice out, in fact he got a little sun. We can't wait for spring. I have started planning my garden already. I want to be ready to go when the ground is ready. I had so much fun last year with the garden. Thanks Kelly for the great day!!

Random Rambling....

I hate to post without pictures, it's boring (I know Andrea). But I decided that this blog was more for us to have as a history as much as people to see what is going on. So, if you want to read on go ahead, if not I understand.
This week, as every week, has been busy. We had Chelsea home for the Weekend. We like it when she comes home. We really miss her during the week. We wish she could find a good job in Logan so she could have a weekend life in college, but we do enjoy her coming home. Kelly, Chelsea and I met our friend Tex monday for lunch in Provo at the Chinese Buffet, mmmm it was good. Then Chelsea headed back on up to Logan.
Tylen and Chase pretty much have been working. They have a lot of work to make up since wrestling took so much of their time. The have bills to pay. Tylen is getting ready to graduate in a few months. I can't believe it. We talk a bit about his plans. He wants to be a dentist. His plans are to stay home and start general classes at UVU and continue to work at Smith's then go on his mission. After that he will decide where to go. It won't be long and we will have a few missionaries out. (I hope Chelsea goes someday.)
Chase has been miserable sick for almost 2 weeks now. I'm not one to run the kids to the doctor for every little sniffle, but when it goes on for so long and they don't seem to get better, I take them. Chase has a sinus infection, so we got him on antibiotics today, he will feel better soon. I hope he is not like his dad and grandpa who had lots of sinus problems and surgery. Chase also asked Mallory Utley to Prom. Junior prom is a big deal here and I told him I don't care if he goes to any other dances, but he has to go to his Jr. prom. He put his name in a bag of ice and put on her porch with a note that said, "It would be cool if you would go to Prom with me." Well a few nights later, at 10:30 our doorbell rang. Now we have to step back and explain that Chase is trying to grow a "STACHE" (mustache). Sorry Chase you just are not hairy enough. Well, Mallory's note said, "Chase we will definately look "sharp" at prom" and it had a razor taped to it with a can of shaving cream and a p.s. that said" the stache has to go" We laughed so hard. People are giving Chase a pretty hard time about the stache, in fact at work a guy told him another week or so and they would deport him. 17 year old boys trying to grow facial hair is just awkward.
Keaton has been babysitting again for Rusty, she is a Respiratory Therapist that I met at the hospital here and she is a single mom with 3 kids. She now works at Primary Children's and Keaton will go over on a Friday and stay over night with the kids. They love him and he does such a great job. And for someone not quite old enough to work, he is making good money. In fact over the summer he bought a dirt bike with his money. Way to go Keat. Keaton is also, how should I say, In very much like with a girl. They both have parents who don't want them to do the boyfriend/girlfriend thing, but they seem to do alot together. What do you do?
Cameron has decided to continue wrestling. I want to be supportive, but I'm having a hard time with the time commitment for it. It will really help him improve though, so what do you do? We have great coaches here and it is good for him. I hope he is successful.
Caroline has been busy practicing clogging and playing. She had decided that she needs to go downstairs and practice for at least 30 minutes every day. I'm proud of her, that's how you get better. She has set a goal to try out for the Jr. All American team this year at nationals. I am glad that the kids have goals.
Kelly and I have just been busy working as usual. Kelly has taught a lot of scuba lately, and continues to do that. We can't wait for Harley weather. We have a few trips planned. SanFrancisco (not on the harley) in March, Canada in June. and a few others. We will also be going to the piaute trail with the rhino for some trail riding and camping and hopefully to moab.
The weather has been warmer but snowy. Last year at this time, it was bitter cold. We are thankful for the snow and the moisture it brings. I can't wait to plant my garden again. I want to try some new things.

Sunday Night is Homemade Pizza Night!

It is kind of Tradition (and Kelly and I just were talking about making it totally tradition) that Sunday night we make homemade pizza. Tonight Cam and Caroline got in the act. We usually make 4 pizzas, one supreme with lot's of stuff on it, 2 pepperoni and one Hawaiian or whatever we have. We want to try a bbq chicken one or a garlic alfredo chicken type one. Chase has told us that he could eat pizza everyday for the rest of his life he loves it so much. We also like to have some kind of dessert on Sundays. Tonight Chelsea is making sugar cookies, CAN'T WAIT! Now what's for dinner tomorrow????????

Jr High Wrestling State Finals

Last weekend, Kelly, Keaton, Cameron, Caroline and I headed to Richfield for the Jr. High State Championships. Some of my pics aren't so good. The boys didn't win either, but we had a good time. It is fun hanging out with the kids. We spent two days at the Sevier Valley Event Center. Friday night we went back to our motel with the kids and ordered pizza and watched tv. It was relaxing and fun. Saturday back to the event center for more wrestling. The boys all sat together down close to the floor. It is tradition at Wasatch for all the wrestlers to bleach their hair for state. The jr and senior high boys do it. You can kind of see it in some of the pics. Caroline loves this weekend because she and her friend Bridgette Sweat hang out and play the whole time. Cameron has decided to keep going with wrestling in freestyle so that he can keep practicing and improve for next year. I say, go for it!!

Tylen Jon Earl

Tylen is going to be graduating soon, so I thought I would blog about him a little bit. I have been trying to do this for a while, but have had difficulties uploading pics. So here goes. A few weeks ago they had senior night for Wrestling. We, Kelly and I, got to go down on the mats with Him as they honored each boy and then showed a really cool video. It was a sentimental night for all, as this is the last year for the current Wasatch High School. It was the last night that the seniors would wrestle at wasatch and all the wrestlers for that matter. The boys all wore old wrestling singlets from years past. It was neat. Tylen is working to finish up his eagle project before he turns 18. (gotta hurry Ty, running out of time.) He has worked at Smith's for almost 2years now. He is looking forward to a mission. Tylen plans on living at home after graduation and going to UVU while he continues to work.
I am thankful for Tylen's laid back personality. It takes a lot to bug Ty. He is a good big brother and big help when we need him.
Tylen likes to fish, hunt and camp (although we haven't done a lot of any of those things this year). He had his first girlfriend, and unfortunately they have broken up. But that was a good experience for him. This past summer he spent some time golfing, he has gotten his own clubs and loves to go. I have watched Ty go from cute chubby kid, to Handsome, grown up young man. I am proud of him and his standards. He is a very good kid who honors his priesthood.
We like to call him, Tylenol, the painkiller. We love you Tylen!!

CAMERON TANNER NIELSON

January 15, is Cameron's birthday. I thought I'd give him a little tribute. Always impatient, from the beginning Cam was born 8 weeks early. He was due March 7th and came January 15th. He was described by the doctors as a vigorous infant. It was his mother that had the problems. I had pre-eclampsyia. My kidneys quit working and my blood pressure was above text book highs. It was necessary to deliver early. So I had an emergency C-section after a week of bed rest in the hospital. Cameron's dad was in LA at the time so Grandma Nielson was there with us. It was very scary. Thank goodness Barry's company flew him home, but he didn't get there till the next morning. Cameron weighed 3 pounds he was very tiny. You can see how small in the picture of his dad holding him. After 3 weeks in the NICU at Utah Valley, he got to come home. He has been healthy and full of life ever since. The top picture is Cameron's blessing picture, he was 3 months old in that pic, gives you an idea of how small he was. He is still a bit short, but we hope he gets a growth spurt and sprouts up. The second picture is of Barry holding cameron in the NICU, next is Cam's 3rd birthday, 5th birthday and 13th Birthday. Cameron loves the outdoors. (in fact while I write this he is at a campout somewhere in wolf creek) He loves football, wrestling, baseball. He is a very helpful child and wants to be right in the mix helping with whatever we need. Cameron is also very loving, he is a hugger. He is my only boy who opens doors for me, when we get in the car, there is Cam opening my door. He loves scouts and aspires to get his Eagle. We love You Cam, Happy Birthday.