And the winner is....

The Ogden City School District Math Olympiad was on Thursday and Savannah was chosen to attend as one of the top third graders in her school. She did the egg drop where she second place, and the math quiz game where she got third!! As you can probably guess she was very excited when she got home and had to show everyone her medals. We are very proud of her, and we're glad that the school year is ending on such a good note.

Wednesday she will go and tryout for the AYSO all-star soccer team, so we may have more exciting news mid week.

Weekend Exhaustion

This weekend was very exhausting in many different ways. Saturday was Savannah's last soccer game for the spring season, and we threw a pizza party afterwards. I ended up coaching the game because Dallas had to work, and I don't mind saying that I never want to do that again! Saturday evening we had our ward picnic and sports night. The food was good and it gave us a chance to get to know a few more people. I played water volleyball and ended up getting wet, but not too wet. Mackenzie spent the day at Lagoon with her friends and didn't get home until about eleven. Dallas and I were so ready for bed, but she just wanted to stay up and talk. Sunday we drove to Rupert, Idaho for my grandmother's funeral. We had a big lunch with all of the family and then attended the viewing. My aunt put together a lovely DVD about her life, which was only interupted a few times by DJ saying loudly, "Look! That's Grandma! She over there. She's dead now!" At least my family has a sense of humor and those around us who could hear him just smiled quietly. Monday was the funeral, after which we had another family meal and then got on the road again so that we could make it home in time for Dallas to run one of his recruits into SLC. The picture above is from Grandpa's funeral in February. It is my grandma, Savannah, Mackenzie, and my cousins Bethany, and Valerie. Below is the obituary for my Grandma Hernandez as it was published in the South Idaho Press.

Dominga Arenivas Hernandez
Rupert—Dominga Arenivas Hernandez, age 75, was a loving wife, mother, sister, and friend. She passed away peacefully May 15, 2008, awaiting the loving arms of her deceased husband of 88 days in Boise.Dominga was born May 14, 1933 in Pecos, Texas to Bernabe and Juliana Arenivas in Saragosa, Texas. She attended schools in Texas, and later met her husband, Everardo Ramos and their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple. She obtained work with Ore-Ida Foods, where she retired of 30 years and made many long time friends.
Dominga was extremely devoted to her family. Her family was the outmost importance and strived in teaching good principles of hard work, education, church service, and a testimony of Jesus Christ were instilled in the hearts of her family. She was a longstanding, active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held various church callings serving as a Nursery Leader which she loved and cherished those children, a visiting teacher, and her passionate calling as a missionary with her loving husband serving in the Texas McAllen Mission. This was one of the highlights of their church service, serving together and making new friends.Her love for cooking was evident to all who knew her and her family. She was famous to all for her beans and tortillas. She was asked by many to open a restaurant, but her example was shared to many and her family. Her family was her prized possession, and it was evident with the photos displayed in her home. Her many friends were also of highest esteem.She will be greatly missed by her children that loved her so much, but her children know that Mom and Dad are together again smiling down upon them.She is survived by her children, Victor (Maria Elena) Rivera of Durango, Mexico, Eloisa (Robert) Dills of Englewood, Tenn.; Jose (Shannon) Hernandez of Smithfield, Utah; Hilda (Charles) Wilson of Meridian; Esteban (Gloria) Hernandez of Burley; David (Juli) Hernandez of Meridian; Margarita (Daniel) Jensen of Heyburn; Yolanda (Curtis) Tyrrell of Riverton, Utah; and Abel (Lisa) Hernandez of Jerome; Sister, Manuela Gonzales, Pecos, Texas; 45 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.She is preceded in death by her parents, Barnabe and Juliana Arenivas, husband, Everardo Ramos Hernandez, son Everardo Hernandez Jr., daughter in law Holly Badger Hernandez, grandson Benjamin Hernandez, a great granddaughter Riley Ann Jones and her brothers, Porfirio Arenivas, Hilario Perez, Ismael Gonzales.The funeral services will be held on Monday, May 19, 2008 at 11 a.m. at the Rupert 7th Ward Building, 324 E 18t Street. A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Sunday, May 18, 2008, at the Hansen Mortuary in Rupert. Burial will follow at the Rupert Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the LDS Church Perpetual Education Fund.
Copyright © 2008 South Idaho Press

Mother's Day

I imagined this Mother's Day to be a peaceful day ending in a nice dinner with my mom and step dad and Martha and Dennis. The kids would be so helpful, and Dallas would be doting on me all day. And then I woke up from my dream. In reality after church was over I got to deal with a nine year old who was pouting because she didn't get a candy bar like all the mom's, a twelve year old who wanted to talk about going to Lagoon this weekend, trying to make sure the house was ready for company, and my loving husband having to go into work. DJ and Ramos tore off their clothes and refused to get dressed again, and my stepbrother sliced his finger so badly that he had to have three layers of stitches! So mom came without Geoff, and he came after making sure Geoffy was okay and safe at home with his mom. It still turned out to be a nice evening, if a bit hectic. Dallas made dinner before he left, and it was delicious. When everyone had arrived we enjoyed our meal and then played a game and watched a movie. It just goes to show that a chaotic Mother's Day is better than a dream Mother's Day anytime. At least that is what I will keep telling myself.

Some Older Pics

My mother-in-law gave me some copies of pictures from last year and earlier this year. Some are of Bill and Neena's wedding, some of Savannah's first soccer game this year. Hers turned out much better than mine, so I thought I would post them. The kids in the pics from the wedding are Bill and Neena's four kids- Zachary, Bradley, Jonathon, and Kylie Jo.

The Wedding

My cousin Josh's wedding was on Friday and I was actually able to go. They were married in the Bountiful Temple, which is beautiful. I went by myself because Dallas had to work, but it was still nice to be in the temple and to spend a little time away from the world and with family.I am so glad to be able to spend time with this side of my family now. We didn't see a whole lot of each other growing up and it is nice to get to know one another as adults. Dallas was able to attend the reception that evening, and was able to meet many members of my family for the first time. The girls got to hang out with their cousin Bethany, and ended the evening mad at me because we couldn't take her home with us. The boys were just happy that there was food and ate until they couldn't eat anymore. I took some pictures, but my camera just isn't as clear as I would like in some instances. Maybe if I hint around enough Dallas will get me one for Mother's day or our anniversary. By hinting I mean I will take him to the store and tell him "This is the one you are buying me." It was a great day, and I am glad I took the time to attend.

Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous, so we spent the afternoon outside in the backyard. The boys played while I watched them and read a little bit. I tried to get some video, but DJ tends to get a little camera shy when I am recording, so it didn't last too long. It is so much fun to watch now that they actually interact with eachother. They like to run races around the yard, and we turn it into an obstacle course for them. They have to run and then go up the ramp, down the slide, and then hit the tennis ball. They could do that for hours.

Vannah's Duet

Savannah

Last night was Savannah's choir performance for all of the parents. They all sounded wonderful, and I was actually very impressed with some of the songs they performed. Vannah had a duet in one of the songs and she did very well, even though she was very nervous.I was very proud of her!!

Tag...I'm it

My friend Jenni tagged me, so here it goes.

10 years ago...
I was pregnant with Savannah. We lived in Tyler, and were struggling to make ends meet. I was serving in the primary as secretary and really enjoying it.


5 years ago...
We had moved to Colorado Springs and Dallas was in Iraq for his first tour over there. I was getting to know the women around me and also serving in primary as secretary. There seems to be a pattern arising.


5 months ago...
We were finally settling into our house here in Ogden and gearing up for the holidays.Mackenzie turned 12 and I was trying to come to terms with only having a year left before she turns into a teenager.


5 things on my to-do list today...

1. Clean my kitchen
2. Teach my preschool gymnastics classes
3. Go to Savannah's choir performance
4. Take my brother to school
5. Make sure Kenzie gets a ride to Mutual


5 snacks I enjoy...

1.Godiva Chocolates
2.Soft pretzels
3.Scones with honey butter
4.Twizzlers
5.Krispy Kremes


5 Things I would do if suddenly I was a billionaire...

1.Buy a house with a huge kitchen
2.Buy a vehicle that would fit everyone comfortably
3.Pay for college for all the kids
4.Pay off student loans
5.Go on a very long vacation with my husband and no children!


5 of my bad habits...

1.putting off doing the dishes
2.never making my bed
3.biting my nails
4.procrastination in laundry
5.getting distracted by a good book when I should be doing other things


5 places I have lived...

1.Fredericksburg, TX
2.Ogden, UT
3.Colorado Springs, CO
4.Idaho Falls, ID
5.Gillette, WY


5 jobs I have had...

1.Ice cream scooper
2.Hotel receptionist
3.Customer service at ShopKo
4.Para educator
5.Day care provider


5 Things people don't know about me...

1.I have a huge amount of grey hair that my sister helps me hide
2.I talk to myself on a regular basis
3.I have fertility issues. My last to children were from chlomid.
4.I am terrified of driving in bad weather
5.I love doing math


5 people to tag...

1.Clara
2.Marianne
3.Mackenzie
4.Tabby
5.Irene

Savannah

These are pictures from Savannah's choir perfomance at the district music festival. I couldn't get any really good ones of her because the director was standing right in front of her, but this is what I was able to get.

Dallas' Birthday

Well, yesterday Dallas turned 32. We had a really nice quiet day. Dallas coached Savannah's soccer game in the morning(which they won), and then we headed home without the girls and Dallas played video games most of the daywhile I played with the boys and read a new book. The girls spent the day with Martha and Dennis, and we all met back at our house for a birthday dinner and some cake. Dallas would not wait for me to take picture before he blew out the candles, but I did get some of him opening his presents and of the kids being goofy.

Today has been peaceful, which is very rare around here. Dallas and I both spoke in sacrament meeting, and I think we both did pretty well. The spirit was in abundance that is for sure. Then I had choir practice while Dallas went to a correlation meeting, and then we came home. The boys are downstairs watching t.v. with Savannah, Mackenzie is at a bishop's youth meeting, Dallas is playing his XBox 360, and I am trying to catch up on correspondance and my reading. I love days like this and can't wait until next Sunday for my next peaceful day.

The craziness of the Jones house

Okay, so I haven't been really good about keeping up with my blog lately, but I have a really good excuse. They are named DJ and Ramos. Having two two year olds in one house is a very big adventure. We have had chocolate syrup all over the floor, butter in hair, a whole bottle of shampoo used as bubble bath, a dresser pulled down, cereal bowls full of cereal and milk thrown across the room, and the usual toys everywhere. Needless to say by the time I have gotten all the kids in bed I am somewhat zombie-like.In other news, Savannah is enjoying being in soccer again. I am not as impressed with the soccer program here as I was with the one in Colorado, but we will see what happens. As long as she is having fun, that is really all that matters.Mackenzie went to her first stake dance last night. They usually aren't allowed to attend until they are 14, but they were doing a special square dance because of Trek this year and decided to invite the younger ones too. She felt special because she had learned alot of the dances in fifth grade, so alot of people (boys!!) wanted to dance with her since she knew what she was doing.

Dallas' birthday is Saturday. We are just having a quiet dinner at home with cake and presents afterward. He is not the big party person. He would rather be playing video games.Both of us were asked to speak on our missionary experiences this Sunday during Sacrament. It will be our first time to speak in the new ward, and I think we are both a little nervous. It is one thing to speak in front of a bunch of close friends and quite another to speak in front of people you hardly know.

I am slowly getting my schedule figured out. I still have to fit in my gym time, but I absolutely refuse to get up at 4 A.M. so that I can go run on the treadmill and then lift weights! Hopefully I can find an hour during the normal daytime hours. Wish me luck!

So far in April

Okay, so I have been amiss lately in keeping up with my blog, but the past few weeks have been crazy. Two weekends ago I was able to attend Young Women's Conference with Mackenzie. We took a bus with the rest of our stake and fought the crowds in downtown Salt Lake, but it was well worth it. The speakers were wonderful, and they addressed some of the issues Mackenzie and I had been having.(such as why she can't were a two piece bathing suit) The following week my brother and his son moved in with us, so we had to rearrange bedrooms and move furniture. The house still hasn't recovered completely, but I hope to have it finished tomorrow. He is living with us while he is finishing school, and then until he can make enough to support himself and Ramos. So I now have two two year old boys to watch during the day, and they seem to enjoy getting into everything. Soccer season started on Saturday and Savannah's team did okay. We have about three girls who have never played before, so it took a little while for everyone to get into the swing of things. Dallas made it through coaching his first game and felt pretty good about it afterward. Savannah has a choir concert tomorrow night and is singing a solo during one of the songs. She is also testing for gifted and talented on Thursday and Friday. Mackenzie is going to the temple to do baptisms before school on Wednesday and Dallas just called and told me he has to fly to Washington tomorrow and will be gone for two days. So if you all don't hear from me, know that it is probably because I have gone crazy and they have put me in a padded room somewhere.

The kids' Easter egg hunt

Easter

DJ has an ear infection, so we only went to sacrament today, but it was still nice to go and remember what today is really all about. when we got home we gave the kids their baskets and then did the egg hunt. Even though DJ isn't feeling well he still got into finding the eggs. We are going to have a nice quiet dinner tonight with Martha and Dennis, and then hopefully DJ will sleep tonight and we can get some rest after our busy week. Tomorrow will be a visit to the doctor and cleaning the house up after all of the partying going on this weekend. I hope everyone is having as nice of an Easter as we are.

The birthday card the kids got me!

I laughed so hard when I opened this card!!

We have had alot of fun this week. Dallas and the girls were both off for spring break so we were able to spend some quality time together. We made a trip to the local aquarium, went fishing, did some shopping, and hung out at home. Friday was my birthday, but we didn't have my party until yesterday. Dallas did all of the decorations and cooking, and my family and Martha and Dennis came over. It was so much fun to have everyone together just having a good time.

Autumn stayed a little later than everyone else so that she could put highlights in Kenzie's hair. It is so nice to have someone close by that can do those types of things. Otherwise I would hardly ever get my hair done. Well, now it is back to school and work for everyone,but it was a great week, so we will be thankful for that.

Not much here

I absolutely love having a two year old. He is always making me see things in a different light, and he keeps me active. The down side is that he has taken a liking to my camera and now I don't know where he has put it. Not cool! In other news, this week is spring break. We have lots of things planned like fishing, possibly camping, visiting the zoo and children's museum, and of course celebrating the birth of ME! I will be turning 30 this week, if you can believe it. I told Dallas that I was going to tell everyone that I was 25, but he said no because then he would look like a dirty old man. He can be sooo picky!Anyway, I will try to find my camera so that I can get some pics of our eventful week and post them next weekend. These pictures are from our trip to the zoo in February. Kenzie took them on her camera.

The weekend

We had a very nice weekend. Dallas had to work on Saturday, but that gave the girls and I a chance to get the den cleaned and ready for my brother to come and stay for a while. When he did get home we went out to the garden and started getting the soil ready for plants. The weather has been beautiful for the past few days, and I am definitely feeling a bit of spring fever.Mackenzie wants to take on the flower beds herself, and I have half a mind to let her. Savannah doesn't mind the gardening so much but would much rather be skateboarding or playing some sort of sport.Both girls have been taking tennis lessons and are really enjoying them. It will give them something else to do this summer when there is no school and they start to drive me nutty. Mackenzie gave her first talk in sacrament yesterday. She was soooo nervous, but she did a phenomenal job!(not that I am biased or anything) Martha and Dennis came to church with us to see her speak and then we all had lunch together after my choir practice. The rest of Sunday was spent just hanging out together as a family. Dallas has been working such crazy hours that it was a nice change. He will be out of town this weekend for training, but then he has a week of leave which coincides with the girls' Spring Break. I also got to talk to Irene and Erika on Sunday. I do miss our little get togethers and hanging out with them, but we are all going to try to get together sometime in the next few months. Erika refuses to come up while there is any chance of there being snow. I really can't blame her after our accident last year. Well, DJ wants me to do laundry, which means he wants me to go downstairs with him, so this is all for now.

Riley Ann

Riley's birthday was this past Thursday, so I thought I would put a couple of pictures up in remembrance of her. These are pictures that the hospital took of her.The little bear fits right into the palm of my hand, so you can imagine how little she was, only four pounds. We visited her grave sight on Thursday, but it wasn't really a sad day. We miss her terribly, but are reminded that we are sealed for time and all eternity and that she will always be our daughter. Dallas and I finally went and ordered the headstone for the grave. That took more out of me than going and visiting her, which I think is a little odd. I guess to each their own. The kids are doing well. Spring Break is in two weeks and then the countdown to summer vacation begins! Part of me can't wait for school to be over, but the other part of me wants time to go by as slowly as possible because these girls are just growing up so quickly! Mackenzie and I will be going to the Young Women's General conference at the end of this month, and then hopefully we will be able to get tickets for the whole family for one session of general conference in April. The girls are finally old enough to attend, and I think seeing the prophet in person will be a neat experience for them. Anyway, I am off to clean house and run errands! TTFN!

This past weekend we traveled to Rupert, ID for my Grandpa Hernandez's funeral. While we will all miss him very much, it was a wonderful chance to celebrate his life and his family. Everyone was there, and I loved seeing them all. The girls got to know some of their cousins and aunts and uncles a little better, and my grandmother was able to see D.J. for the first time. Mackenzie and Savannah were amazed at all of their relatives and can't wait to visit with them all again!

Dinosaurs!!!

On President's Day we took the kids to the local dinosaur park and museum. It was still too cold to go outside, but the kids had alot of fun looking at all of the bones and dino's that were inside. D.J. kept walking around saying,"That's amazing!!" It is definitly a place we will go to again.

This is Savannah in her cowgirl outfit. She is hoping to do the mutton bust at the rodeo this weekend, and had to have an outfit for it. We will find out later tonight or tomorrow if she will be able to participate.