Apron With A Spoon

2012-02-07T10:52:00.001-08:00

Always something to keep in mind...

Seminary Centennial Broadcast

2012-02-03T23:01:00.000-08:00

We went with JaKelle to the broadcast to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the beginning of the Seminary program and listen to President Boyd K Packer speak to the youth. He spoke about so many wonderful things, but at the end what he said touched me, because I remember being that age and remembering those feelings and I know many youth including my daughter are wondering what is ahead of them. These are the words he counseled to them...

Some of you are floundering about and struggling to find what you will do. It does not really matter what you choose to do for a living. What matters is what you will.bYou have the guidelines to know that. Remember the Spirit is always with you to teach you.

Not many years will pass until you are married and have children, a marriage that should be sealed in the temple. Our prayer is that you will find yourself, in due time, safely settled in a family ward or branch. You will find that you will learn more from your children than ever they will learn from you.

Go Forward with Hope and Faith

So near is God to m

Do not fear the future. Do not fear what is ahead. Go forward with hope and faith. Remember that supernal gift of the Holy Ghost. Learn to be taught by it. Learn to seek it. Learn to live by it. Learn to pray always in the name of Jesus Christ. The Spirit of the Lord will attend you, and you will be blessed.

The poet wrote

So nigh is grandeur to our dust,

So near is God to man,

When Duty whispers low, Thou must,

The youth replies, I can.

I bear my testimony to you—a witness that came to me in my youth. And you are no different from anyone else than I am. You have as much right to that testimony and witness as anyone. It will come to you if you earn it. I invoke the blessings of the Lord upon you—the blessings of that witness to be in your life, to guide you as you make a happy future—in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Congrats Kell

2012-02-03T22:23:00.000-08:00

My little girl has her drivers license, its always mixed emotions for me when my kids get there license, I love the idea of taking them everywhere, I know they get there safe and get home safe, I like the time we have together and being able to talk when we are in the car. It's just another one of those steps of her getting older thats so hard for me.

Congrats Kell, Im very proud of you!

Josh 24th Birthday!

2012-02-03T21:49:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Josh's birthday at Joe's Crab Shack, some had the crab pot, lobster pot and crawfish pot, I played it safe and had steak and shrimp. They embarrassed Josh by putting on a crab suit and singing the crab song to him, he was a good sport and did the part well. We are so blessed to have Josh, he's such a caring person with a big heart and a smile that is very contagious, and very glad he married his beautiful wife Amy who we love very much! Thanks for bringing so much joy into our family!!

Amy & Josh

Lynn eating crawfish

Josh Lobster Pot

Kell & Me

Josh being sung to

Jesse crab pot

I love being with all my kids, so grateful for my family

Sprinkle Cupcakes

2012-02-03T21:42:00.000-08:00

I was able to go along with Lynn and the youth to the snow this past weekend. We stayed in the Byrd's House Resort Bed and Breakfast in Pinetop, which was beautiful. They were so kind to let us stay there and made us a wonderful dinner and breakfast.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T08:37:00.000-08:00

Jimmy Stewart - NATIVITY SCENE - Mr. Krueger's Christmas

2011-12-05T19:58:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite Christmas movies to watch is Mr. Krueger's Christmas, this is my favorite scene as he speaks to the baby Jesus, a reminder of what is really important this time of year. Im so thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ and know that I can always count on him to be there for me.

Wyoming Cabin Trip

2011-11-20T19:48:00.000-08:00

I look forward every October to our sister trip to the cabin in Star Valley Wyoming, this year was quieter than usual, it was just Bonnie and I and although we missed everyone else we had a great time. We were there over Halloween so of course we watched scary movies and of course it scared us so bad we didn't sleep very well at night. It was so fun just to lounge around and talk, watch movies, and watch all the deer that were outside our cabin. We took a trip up to Jackson Hole and did some shopping, its was so cold and windy but loved it anyway. We had lunch at one of my favorite places Sweetwater, they have great salads.

I loved driving down to Afton and eating at Rocky Mountain Seafood, they have the best fish and chips and Clam Chowder. We found a cute new store there and Bonnie bought some cute boots for her granddaughter. Thanks Bonnie for taking time off work and your busy schedule and spending the weekend together. Love ya.

On our way home we ran into these sheep, Ive never seen so many in my life.

Deer outside the cabin.

Dancin' In The Streets

2011-11-16T15:46:00.000-08:00

The Lobby is all decorated and the theme is "Dancin in the Streets" Kell has been working really hard for her Euporea Dance Concert, it will be held Thursday & Friday November 17 & 18 in the Mesa High Auditorium. She has choreographed a dance they will be performing and Im so excited to see her hard work performed. Good Luck Kell Bell and all the Jackrabbit Dancers!!

I Love My Quilt

2011-11-11T20:04:00.000-08:00

This is my sister-in-law Carrie, and this is the beautiful quilt that she made me. After Josh's wedding we had a birthday dinner at her house for Sherry and JaKelle, she surprised me with this present to open, it wasn't even my birthday. I love quilts and have always loved the ones she does so I was so excited when she did this for me, you should all be jealous because it is beautiful!!! Someday I am going to learn how to quilt, one of the many goals I have.

I Love you Carrie.

Josh & Amy Wedding Day

2011-11-07T09:53:00.000-08:00

Josh & Amy were married October 14, 2011 in the Mesa Arizona Temple, we had a good friend of ours President Gunnell who did the sealing, he did such a beautiful job and we are so grateful he was able to do this for them. The day was perfect, Josh and Amy were so excited, you could say very giddy. It was one of the high temperature days here in Arizona but it cooled down to be a beautiful night for the reception. We held it in our backyard and the Millers did a beautiful job decorating and with the help of our good friends the Cliffords who spent hours putting up the lights and building a platform for us to stand on, it looked beautiful. Im so happy for these two, we love having Amy as our newest member of the family. Im so thankful for my family who shared this wonderful day with us and for our friends, it was so good to see those we haven't seen for awhile. We had many helping hands that helped us outside and in the kitchen, Im so lucky to have such good friends, we couldn't of done it without them. I posted lots of pictures but there were so many that meant so much to me.

Congratulations Amy & Josh

Mr. & Mrs. Westergard

picture with the parents

picture with parent and grandparents

I Love the Temple

Mom & Dad Westergard

Josh's buds

Jared & Lexi - love you two

Westergard Family

Mother/Daughter

Daddy/Daughter

My beautiful daughter and daughter-in-laws, Im very lucky.

My beautiful kids

I don't know what Lynn is doing

My brother -in- law and sister- in- law - I love these two a lot.

Kenzee, Jesse and my mother-in-law (did I mention Jesse had surgery the day before the wedding? he was a little out of it the wedding day)

Lynn, Dad, Richard

My Sister Bonnie who I couldn't of made it without her, love you sis, Jared, Jesse

Kenzee holding Bayleigh, JaKelle holding Brookelyn, love you girls

beautiful Kell

cake cutting time

Love this

Best Father-in-law ever.

Bayleigh

Sisters - Love you Bonnie

Food Break

Yummy tortillas

Cute Couple

proud parents

Carrie and her granddaughters

Lexi and Jared looking good

Bonnie and Mom

blowing bubbles

and they are off

Wedding Dinner

2011-10-26T08:38:00.000-07:00

We had Josh & Amy's wedding dinner at the Mesa Country Club the night before the wedding, it was so fun to be with friends and family and get to know the Miller side a little more. We had Amy and Josh play the newlywed game, with Lynn being the game hostess (is that what you call it?). It was a great night and the food was amazing!!

Josh & Amy

Jared, Kenzee, Jesse (poor Jesse had surgery on this finger that day and was on pain killers)

everyone was tapping their glasses, so they had to kiss!

trying to guess what each other would say

Lucky Kell got to sit at the head table with us parents and the kids.

Grandma & Grandpa Westergard

Richard & Carrie

My Sister Bonnie who came from Utah to help me.

Karen and Kenzee so glad they came!

Candace and Lexi

Kell Bell

Jason & Candace

Lexi and Jared

Ben, Kevin and Josh

It was fun to get different pictures of Josh & Amy and put them on the tables, I love this one.

I ordered Hershey Kisses with the kids names on them to put on the tables, they turned out so cute, I loved them.

Mesa High Homecoming Dance "2011"

2011-10-23T20:05:00.001-07:00

JaKelle attended the Mesa High Homecoming Dance with her friend Mason, she did a really good job trying to pin his boutonniere on, she almost has it mastered. These times in their life are so fun, I love sharing these special occasions with her and seeing what a beautiful young women she has become, she brings so much joy to my life.

Woods Cross High Class of "81" 30 year Reunion

2011-10-22T23:17:00.001-07:00

Lynn and I went back to our home town of Woods Cross to my 30 year reunion, its hard to believe its been 30 years since I graduated. It was held at the Eaglewood Golf Course Clubhouse in Bountiful, they had a really nice dinner, fun program, not a lot were there but it was so good to see those that were and catch up. Can't wait till our 35, I think now that were older we need them every 5 years.

The gang 30 years later

2011-10-22T22:36:00.000-07:00

My sister in law Carrie and her girls Candace and Chelsie gave Amy such a beautiful bridal shower, Im so grateful to her for opening up her home and doing this for her. The food was amazing, she had these beautiful cupcakes and they were as good as they looked. I was able to meet some of Amy's family and see some old friends I haven't seen for awhile. We all had a great time watching her open her gifts, visiting and of course eating good food. Thank You Carrie for the wonderful shower. Love you.

I loved these cupcakes holders, I think everyone needs these, I am looking!!

These were such beautiful cupcakes and delicious too.

The table setting looking so beautiful in the colors of her wedding.

Cute JaKelle

Cute Bayleigh

Candace and Brookelyn

JaKelles 17 birthday

2011-10-22T22:13:00.001-07:00

A few words about my blogging, I am so far behind on everything that has been going on so I thought I better catch up, it is not going to be in any order but need to do this for my journal. We celebrated JaKelle's 17th birthday, can't believe she is getting so big, she wanted dinner at BJ's so she could have their red velvet pizookie, I also bought her a red velvet cake from her favorite "Nothing Bundt Cakes. She received lots of nice gifts from her family but she was pretty excited when she opened tickets to see Taylor Swift.

Dinner at BJ's

Red Velvet Cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes

Birthday Girl

Lexi and Jared

Amy and Josh

Kell opening her present (tickets to see Taylor Swift)

Cant believe she is 17

2011-09-14T14:31:00.000-07:00

Thinking of my sister Pam today, its been 7 years since we lost her to Leukemia. I love you Pam, till we meet again!!

2011-09-07T13:01:00.000-07:00

Missing my sister Michelle today, its been 21 years since she passed away, not a day goes by I don't think about her. This is the poem I read at her funeral

Love you Sis!!

"I'll lend you for a while a child of mine," He said.
"For you to love the while she lives and mourn for when she's dead.
It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three,
But will you, till I call her back, take care of her for me?
She'll bring her charms to gladden you, and should her stay be brief,
You'll have her lovely memories as solace for your grief."

"I cannot promise she will stay; since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn.
I've looked the wide world over in My search for teachers true
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes I have chosen you.
Now will you give her all your love, not think the labor vain,
Nor hate Me when I come to call to take her back again?"

"I fancied that I heard them say, "Dear Lord, Thy will be done!
For all the joy Thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we run.
We'll shelter her with tenderness, we'll love her while we may,
And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay;
But should the angels call for her much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand!"

S. Lincoln Haacke Reunion

2011-08-01T20:49:00.000-07:00

One thing I look forward to when I go home to Utah is getting together with my family, living in another state I don't get to see them very often. With my parents gone and two of my sisters I feel it so important that we keep close to each other, I know that it is what makes them happy and is important to them. My dad would always tell us sisters, "make sure everyone stays close when we are gone." Thank you Bonnie for always arranging our get togethers when I come, this year we had dinner at the park, and had some good visits and got caught up with whats going on in our families. I love you all Haacke Family.

Sisters (Me, Carol, Bonnie)

Haacke Family

(Sisters) My Nieces Audra and Ashlee

Cousins (they are so beautiful)

Ashlee, Stefan, Keith, Sara, Kell, Audra, Amber Mike Sean (I love them)

Ashlee, Stef, Sara, Keith, Kirk, Audra, Kell, Amber, Tracy, Mike, Sean

Megan

JaKelle and Kate

Brek he is such a handsome little guy!

Tracy, Mike, Sean, Ashlee, Carol

Great grand-kids

My Niece Ashlee

My Nephew Keith, his wife Sara and their two kids Kate and Megan

Pictures of JaKelle in Star Valley

2011-07-23T07:39:00.000-07:00

There are these pretty yellow flowers all around Star Valley (Lynn calls them weeds) the day we went to Jackson Hole, JaKelle was looking pretty cute so I decided to stop and take some pictures of her in these yellow flowers and by this barn that I love that is close to our cabin. I think they turned out pretty good, she looks beautiful.

Summer Fun!!

2011-07-23T07:06:00.000-07:00

So the summer is almost over and I realize I haven't blogged anything since Fathers Day. We have had a busy summer and have loved being with my family and getting out of the Arizona heat. I can't believe it is almost over and school is about to begin. Here are a few things the Westergards have been up to.

View of Ocean from Condo

Kell and I at the fire pit making s'mores

Had fun taking pictures of Kell doing her dance leaps.

Jared and Lexi in front of the Newport Temple

Jared and Josh enjoying the beach

Kell outside the Condo

My Family in front of the Newport Temple

Kell

Newport Temple

This is what Lynn likes to do on his vacation.

Getting a Sprinkles cupcake

Dinner at Rusty Pelican

Jesse got a little to sunburned.

Fathers Day

2011-06-21T19:06:00.000-07:00

We had a great Fathers Day on Sunday, Lynn was able to do some relaxing and watch the US Open, eat fajitas with chips and salsa and his favorite chocolate chip cookies with milk. He received some pretty awesome gifts from the kids too. Were thankful for such a wonderful Dad!!

Kell and her Dad

Jesse, Lynn, Josh, Kell

Lynn wearing his chocolate metal

Keyboard for his Ipad

Lynn got him some new Vans

He looks very spiffy in them

bucket full of fun stuff

"My Fathers Faith"

2011-06-19T10:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Fathers Day!

I'm grateful to my husband for the wonderful father he is...

For my father-in-law I love him so...

For my Dad who taught me so much in life, I love him and miss him so much!

I'm grateful for my Heavenly Father, I know he knows me and loves me and I could not get through each day without him.

Quebec/Montreal Trip

2011-06-08T19:36:00.000-07:00

Lynn had a BKR Conference in Quebec City and since this is where he served his mission we were so excited for this trip. So Lynn decided to spend two weeks and go to some of the places where he served. I think I fell in love with Quebec City, we stayed in the old part and it was very European like and the food was amazing. We especially fell in love with the bread, I don't think I have ever seen Lynn eat more bread than me, we just couldn't get enough, then there were all the French pastries, its a good thing we did alot of walking. The part I loved most was watching Lynn relive his mission, and finding old places where he use to live and visiting the little bagel store where he and his companion use to stop and get a bakers dozen and have them eaten by the time he got home. I loved listening to him speak french again and trying to understand it. We had so many wonderful experiences but the best was just being with each other for two weeks. I have a bunch of pictures so this could be a long post. Enjoy!

Shops in Old Town Quebec City

Having dinner at Le Lapin Saute

this was such a cute place to eat, I just thought the rabbits were cut decoration, I didn't know they were part of the menu.

In the background you can see the Funicular Railway, its a way for traveling from Upper Town to Lower Town without having to tackle the steep stairs.

View of our Hotel

pictures of some old cannons

Shopping in Quebec City

View of the Shops

View of the St. Lawrence River

View of the wall around the city

Water Fall outside the Parliament

this house is one of the oldest homes around, we ate there cause they had Lynn's favorite item on the menu, Tourtiere Quebecoise (Quebec Meat Pie) it was really good.

this is the little apartment that Lynn lived in on his mission in Chicoutimi.

trail to Croix de Ste-Anne (the cross of St. Anne) in Chicoutimi

Lynn would come here to Croix de Ste-Anne on his p-days.

this is at the Croix de Ste-Anne (the cross of St. Anne)

this is the boat we went in to go whale watching, spent 3 hours out there, I thought I was going to freeze.

we tried to get a good picture of the whales but they were to fast.

this was a water fall we saw while out whale watching.

Pretty view from our Hotel window.

Our Hotel Chateau Frontenac

This was a very windy day

Lynn outside our hotel.

This is an old bobsled displayed in the Hotel.

I spotted this church on our drive, thought it was pretty.

Montmorency Falls, it plunges earthward 84 metres, 30 metres more than the Niagara Falls.

These were beds at the Sugar Shack where they make Maple Syrup.

Lynn at our dinner at the Sugar Shack.

Dinner at the La Cabane a Sucre Millette Inc (Sugar Shack) this is where they tap the maple trees, hang there buckets so they can make their maple syrup. These fiddlers entertained us during dinner.

This was the meal we ate at the Sugar Shack, the most interesting food Ive ever eaten.

This was at the Sugar Shack, they would poor the maple syrup over ice and you roll it up with a stick and you have taffy on a stick.

loved this mural on the building

Hotel Chateau Frontenac where we stayed, it is the most famous place in Quebec City.

taking a walk down on the pier.

These are part of the 316 stairs that we climbed.

Eating at one of the many wonderful restaurants.

Restaurant we ate at, soo good.

This is Santol, the hotel dog, he greets guests at the door and you can even borrow him and take him for a walk. I loved him.

This is at the train station.

Clock in the train station, we took the train from Quebec to Montreal.

Notre Dame Cathedral in Montreal (Celine Dion was married here)

Inside Notre Dame Cathedral, it was pretty amazing, very beautiful.

This was at the top of a hill where another Cathedral was.

This is a manger scene made out of chocolate, yummm

This is a Cathedral made out of candy.

This was the metro, I feared for my life getting on and off this thing.

Metro Station

Lynn loving that they have a Temple now

It was a crazy rainy day.

LDS Temple in Montreal

Beautiful flowers on the Temple grounds.

This is one of the places Lynn lived while on his mission.

We went to the Mission Home, the traffic was so bad that by the time we got there it was closed :(

This was the Mission President's home when Lynn served here 30 years ago, he knocked on the door hoping that they still were there but nobody was home.

A display of French pastries

This bread was my enemy, it was the best Ive ever had, major carb withdrawals when we left.

We hiked to the top of Mt. Royal, Montreal City in the background.

Mt. Royal

Looking over Montreal at Mt. Royal.

Cross at Mt. Royal.

Old Town Montreal

Dinner our last night in Montreal

Happy Birthday Mom!

2011-06-07T12:56:00.000-07:00

Today is my Mom's birthday, she would be 84, I sure miss being able to pick up the phone and talk to her, she was always a great listener. Love and miss you Mom!!

Mesa High Prom 2011

2011-05-16T14:46:00.000-07:00

JaKelle went to the prom with her friend Jason, she was very excited to go so we set out to find the perfect dress. We finally found the perfect one and the color was so beautiful on her. We had a good friend of ours, Jessica, do her hair, she did an amazing job and even put some tinsel in that made it extra pretty. Before he picked her up her dad was giving her a hard time about how he needed to get the shot gun out and clean it, he carried it around for awhile just to make her die of embarrassment. Thats what us parents are for, right??? We love you Kell Bell.

Happy 22nd Birthday!

2011-05-16T12:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to our #3 Son Jesse!

Were so lucky to have Jesse in our family, he has such a big heart and a concern for others. This is Jesse's first birthday home since his mission, I love having him in our home, he has great spirit and always makes us smile. Happy Birthday Jesse! Love You!

Euporea Dance Concert 2011

2011-05-14T20:16:00.000-07:00

Last week was the Mesa High Euporea Dance Concert, JaKelle was in 8 of the dances, she practiced very hard and did such a wonderful job. She has been working on getting her aerial and she nailed it, it was beautiful. Im so very proud of her she is such a beautiful dancer and love watching her. Here are some pictures of the different dances she was in. The last dance she did was the Senior Dance, she was asked by one of the Senior's to be in it with her, I will try to post the video we have.

Kell and Domonique (her very dear friend)

Kell's fans

Senior Dance (I loved this one)

Kell doing her aerial

Jared's ASU Graduation

2011-05-14T19:46:00.000-07:00

We went to Jared's ASU Graduation on Thursday, he got his degree of Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. We are very proud of him and all of his accomplishments. Congratulations Jared!!

Happy 50th!!

2011-04-28T08:34:00.000-07:00

Happy 50th Birthday to my husband Lynn!!!

Love Ya!!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T08:58:00.000-07:00

He is risen! He is risen!

Tell it out with joyful voice

He has burst his three days prison

Let the whole wide earth rejoice

Death is conquered, man is free

Crist has on the victory

195 Dresses

2011-04-17T12:57:00.000-07:00

What a great 10 hour project for this young woman to do, its a great help to a lot of girls out there who are trying to find a modest and not expensive dress.

Consider The Lilies

2011-04-14T09:23:00.000-07:00

This is one of favorite songs to listen to at Easter time, not only because I love the Easter Lily but because it expresses how our Savior is always there for us. He will forgive our sins and will heal us from the adverse effects of them, we just need to turn to him and trust him. He will comport us when we are in pain and are suffering. One of my favorite verses says...

Consider the sweet, tender children

Who must suffer on this earth.

The pains of all of them He carried

From the day of His birth.

Shirley Temple - Early Bird

2011-04-07T21:25:00.000-07:00

I use to love to watch Shirley Temple, I would always wish I could be her. Watching the Target commercial reminded me of this song she use to sing and how my Dad would always get us girls up early and always say "The early bird catches the worm". I love when these great memories come back to me.

Birthday Fun!!

2011-04-05T21:17:00.000-07:00

Every once in awhile I am lucky enough to have my birthday fall on Conference weekend and when I'm real lucky Easter also. When I got engaged it was all three, my Birthday, Conference and Easter. This years birthday was a very inspiration and relaxing day, my family was the best, showering me with flowers, cards and wonderful gifts. My daughter-in-law Lexi came over and helped make dinner and they all pitched in and did the dishes, I think that was the best part, is not having to do the dishes.

Lynn bought me a delicious cake, decorated very pretty, except for the two candles he stuck on there reminding me how old I turned. He pretty much spoiled me by giving me a beautiful watch, I love love love it. Jared and Lexi gave me some beautiful flowers and a nice card, Josh and Jesse gave me some new head phones, a pasta basked, and a I-tunes gift card, JaKelle gave me a Soda Stream Fizz Sparkling Water Maker, it's very cool, we made root beer the other night. My sister sent me some beautiful flowers and my mother in law gave me an apron and a cute cook to hang it on.

It's a tradition to go to our favorite restaurant when its our birthday, we went to Texas Road House Monday night and it didn't disappoint me, it was very yummy. I'm so very lucky to have such wonderful kids and husband who are so good to me I love them very much!!

flowers from Jared & Lexi and my sis Bonnie

Kell set a special plate for me at the dinner table.

Family Dinner

love my watch Lynn gave me.

present from Josh and Jesse

Sparkling water/soda maker JaKelle gave me.

Dinner at Texas Road House.

Mesa High MORP Dance...

2011-04-02T19:54:00.000-07:00

Under The Big Top was the theme of this years Mesa High's Morp Dance. JaKelle went with Sam Heywood and was in a group with 12 of her friends. Three of the girls made tutus and matching shirts. She had a fun time at the dance and a fun day activity at Tempe Town Lake in the boats.

Kell and her Dad

Cute Kell, thank you Aunt Bonnie for helping us make the tutu.

Group picture

Cheer Banquet 2011

2011-04-02T18:54:00.000-07:00

Cheer has come to an end for JaKelle, we went to her cheer banquet at "Old Spaghetti Factory" (my favorite) we had a really nice dinner and the girls looked so nice all dressed in their best. The coach gave the girls their awards and we said goodbye to the Seniors. It's been a fun year being able to watch Kell cheer and dance, she choose not to try out again and concentrate more on her dancing, and it was a very emotional night for her having to say goodbye to the girls, there were many tears shed. She became very close to some of them and will miss associating each day with them. We wish her the best in her dancing. Love you Kell Bell, we are very proud of you.

Awards

Coaches opening their present from the girls

Coach Brown, JaKelle, Coach Cantrell

Kell, Ashlee, Dominique

Kell and Michelle

Marina, Kell

Victoria, Kell, Heather

Britney, Kell

Marisa, Kell

Funny Face Picture

Group picture

Singing school song "Carry On"

Utah Trip - Spring Break

2011-04-02T14:31:00.000-07:00

Kell and I went up to Utah for her Spring Break, we stayed with my sister Bonnie, Lynn usually can never get away this time of year, but he has a client in Salt Lake so he came a day later and took Kell and I to Temple Square. We ate at The Roof with a beautiful view of the Temple, they had a wonderful buffet and about 21 different desserts to choose from. We walked over to the visitors center and then was given a tour of the Conference Center, I loved being with my husband and daughter and tell her stories of when her dad and I were married in the SLC Temple.

The rest of the week, Kell and I did lots of shopping, went to lunch with Lynn's mom, sister, Kell and Kenzee at the Brick Oven in Layton, it was very good. Bonnie and I went to a movie, made Kell a tutu for her dance and talked talked talked. Keith and Sara and their cute kids came over for dinner, they have the cutest girls I love to sit and watch them.

I loved having lunch with my sisters, to catch up with each other and hear whats going on in their lives. Im so grateful for family, I wish I lived closer to them, I miss them so much. Thanks Bonnie and Jim for letting me come stay with you, you always treat us so good.

Lynn, Me, Kell

Making rolls for Lynn's family

Salt Lake Temple at night.

Eating at The Roof Restaurant

View of the Temple from the The Roof

Visitors Center

Happy Lovers Day!!

2011-02-14T06:46:00.000-08:00

I Love Valentines Day, I always looked forward to getting that special valentine at school, you know the one you would want the cute boy in your class to drop into your box that you had decorated so pretty!! I always looked forward to getting a special card from my dad and his box of chocolates. Now I look forward to spending it with my Valentine I have had for 28 years. I will always remember the first time he told me he loved me, it was in French so I had know idea what it meant. He wrote Je t' aime on my hand and I didn't wash it off till I found out what it said. Here are a few pictures of my valentine.

Happy Valentines Day!!

At our ward campout, just before we got engaged!

Honeymoon at the Cabin.

Wedding Day

Love You Dad!

2011-02-12T07:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my Dad, he was the best Dad anyone could ever have. He taught me so much and was such a great example to me, I miss him so very much. Love You Dad!!

WX High School Class of 1981

2011-02-08T11:59:00.000-08:00

When we sold my parents home, I brought home things that I had left from when I lived there. I went threw them the other day and found some slides my Dad had taken and marked on the box Jana's Graduation 1981, I never saw pictures from my graduation cause most of the pictures my Dad took were on slides. So I ran them down to Walgreens and waala they made prints and a cd for me. There were not a whole lot of pictures but he managed to get some of my closest dear friends, ones I haven't talk to since high school.

So Im posting these mainly since I treat this blog as my diary and hope to someday make a book out of it. Our graduating class was only I think about 45o so we had it in the gym, plus they had just started the new auditorium that year so we never got to see it (you can see the construction in some of the pictures). This May it will be 30 years since my graduation, Im looking forward to our reunion and hopefully will see some of my close friends in these pictures.

I don't think I wanted my picture taken. What I would of given for a hair straightener back then.

Becky

Me and Karie, crying, we were pretty much inseparable

Dena

Lorry, Lisa, Becky, Me

Becky, Me

Lorry

Lisa

WX Gym

Class of 1981

Becky, Me

doing the walk to get my diploma

Age-Activated Attention Deficit Disorder

2011-02-07T09:09:00.000-08:00

As I get closer to the BIG @# (I can't even type it) I feel my mind is all over the place, I think I have Age-Activated Attention Deficit Disorder, glad Im not the only one.

Mesa High "Lil Bunnies"

2011-02-01T06:10:00.000-08:00

Mesa High Spiritline had the "Lil Bunnies" clinic last week, my niece brought her cute daughter, they learned a dance the week before and then came to perform at the half time basketball game. Bayleigh did so good, she looked adorable, and was so fun to watch her with JaKelle. Go Mesa 'Lil Bunnies.

Happy Birthday Josh

2011-01-27T21:20:00.000-08:00

Today is my #2 son's 23 birthday (this make me feel so old). We are very lucky to have Josh in our family, he has a contagious smile that always lights up our home. I feel very lucky to be his Mom and am very proud of him and the good choices he makes in his life.

HAPPY

BIRTHDAY

JOSH

We love you!!

What's the real meaning of success?

2011-01-24T15:21:00.000-08:00

"To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people and the

affection of children;

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure

the betrayal of false friends;

To find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy

child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life has breathed easier because

you have lived;

This is to have succeeded."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Westergard Reunion 2011

2011-01-23T20:50:00.000-08:00

We had our first Wayne & Sherry Westergard reunion here in Arizona, it turned out to be perfect weather, the first week to be in the 70's, so we heated up the pool for those cold Utahns, I think they had more fun bragging to their friends that they were swimming and in 70 degree weather than anything. We went back and forth from my house to Carrie's house for meals and activities, we had a special luncheon for Sherry with just the ladies while the men were at my house, we had a bowling night, went to see the Dutton's perform, they now have a show here in Mesa. We went to the Temple Saturday morning, what a special time for me to be in with my kids and husband and his family, that was probably my favorite activity. We had a special family night and everyone wrote down two things that they thought nobody new about them, had a good lesson and played some fun minute to win it games. We ended by going to see JaKelle cheer at ASU on Monday night, I know that meant a lot to her. We also managed to also fit in shopping a couple of times. This is the first time in about 6 years that we have all been together, we had lots of laughs and even tears. Hope we can continue these reunions, its so important to keep family together.

the four kids with their spouses and mom & dad

Lynn & Jana Westergard family

Allen & Sylvia Westergard family

Todd & Karin Smith family

Richard & Carrie Westergard family

cousins

two cute cousins Josh & Kaitlin

more cute cousins

Bill and Alisa

Sylvia and Allen

playing games

Devin

Lynn stacking ding dongs

Kell

Lexi

Balloon game

cookie eating game

Memories of my Home

2011-01-02T19:23:00.000-08:00

This is a painting that my sister got for Christmas from her husband. It's the house that we grew up in, as I sit and look at it, so many memories come back of us six girls growing up there. I picture myself pulling up in the driveway and opening the door where my Dad would be sitting at the kitchen table either eating or doing the bills, and my Mom would be putting on her makeup or checking her blood sugar, we would sit there and talk and watch out the window Dad would always say he needed to cut down the bush in front, Mom wouldn't let him touch it. I remember the apples trees all around our house and how I couldn't wait until October when they were ripe and Dad would sit down with us with a bowl of apples and peel them for us. I look at the window of my bedroom that I couldn't wait to have when my sisters all left, it was the coldest room in the house but it was upstairs and I loved it. When my Dad died and we had to move my Mom out, selling it was one of the hardest things to do. When I go home to Utah I like to take a run and go by to see my house, I sometimes wish I could stop and tell the family that is living there now how special this house is to me, and even though they bought and live in it, it will always be my house.

There is a song by Miranda Lambert called "The House that Build Me" the words explain how I feel about my house.

I know they say you can’t go home again

I just had to come back one last time

Ma’am I know you don’t know me from Adam

But these handprints on the front steps are mine

Up those stairs in that little back bedroom

Is where I did my homework and I learned to play guitar

I bet you didn’t know under that live oak

My favorite dog is buried in the yard

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it

This brokenness inside me might start healing

Out here it’s like I’m someone else

I thought that maybe I could find myself

If I could walk around I swear I’ll leave

Won’t take nothing but a memory

From the house that built me

Mama cut out pictures of houses for years

From Better Homes and Gardens magazine

Plans were drawn and concrete poured

Nail by nail and board by board

Daddy gave life to mama’s dream

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it

This brokenness inside me might start healing

Out here it’s like I’m someone else

I thought that maybe I could find myself

If I could walk around in I swear I’ll leave

Won’t take nothing but a memory

From the house that built me

You leave home and you move on and you do the best you can

I got lost in this old world and forgot who I am

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it

This brokenness inside me might start healing

Out here it’s like I’m someone else

I thought that maybe I could find myself

If I walk around I swear I’ll leave

Won’t take nothing but a memory

From the house that built me

Christmas "2010"

2010-12-30T06:57:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve we went to Richard & Carrie's house and had a wonderful dinner of pulled pork, grilled halibut, fried bass and ribs. Chelsie had lots of fun games from minute to win it that we played and ended with the famous balloon antler game we always do. Each year we play the present game, as the story of Twas the Night Before Christmas was read as we pass the presents, we always find some way to end up with the one we want.

Christmas morning we had our traditional breakfast quiche and cinnamon rolls, and then opened our gifts. I was very blessed this year with many beautiful gifts, but most of all I was blessed to have my whole family together, the greatest gift of all.

Christmas 2010

This is Bayleigh and Brookelyn's jumper in their grandmas basement

Cute Brookelyn

Christmas dinner

my cute kids

the girls with their rudolph noses

Candace unwrapping chocolate with gloves

playing games

we had vaseline on our noses and had to put the cotton in the cup

Balloon game

Chris got to wear the antlers as we sang to win the game.

present game

Lindblom family

Westergard Family

Bayleigh and Brooklyn in their new PJ's

Christmas morning

Opening presents

Kell Bell

JJ found his comfortable spot to watch.

Jesse got his Mac

and I got my cute slippers!!!

Haacke Family Christmas Party

2010-12-28T03:39:00.000-08:00

For many Christmas now I haven't been home to attend the Haacke family Christmas party, this was something that was very important to my Mom and Dad. Each Christmas Eve we would always get together and have dinner and exchange gifts and end with my Dad reading from the scriptures while my Mom dressed up the kids to act out the nativity story in Luke 2. With my parents and two of my sisters gone, they keep the tradition of the Haacke family party each year, I miss and love them all, and I know Mom, Dad and my sisters are very proud of them.

Las Vegas with the Mesa Cheer

2010-12-27T09:32:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to go to Vegas with the Mesa Cheer Squad and be a chaperone for the American Cheer Dance Competition, we stayed at the MGM Grand where they also performed at the Convention Center there. I was so proud of them, they were up against some pretty hard competition from some very competitive groups. But they went in and did our school proud, the cheer took 2nd place and missed 1st by 1.8 points, our Pom took 3rd place. It was fun being with such a great group of girls, they made it easy to be their mom for the weekend, but most of all I loved being with my Kell, it was a fun getaway. Of course we found time to go walking around Vegas and do some shopping and lots of eating. Even though it was rainy and cold we had a great time. Here are a lot of pictures of our trip, I took videos of them competing but I can't get them to download.

Michelle, Kell, Ashlee, Dominique

Jelly bean sculpture in the New York New York Hotel.

Polar Bear made of flowers in the Bellagio Gardens

Worlds largest chocolate fountain in the Bellagio

Kell and I shopping

Cute Kell

Kell eating her favorite chocolate crepe.

M&M World

Lions in the MGM Grand

Chocolate Shop, the Santa is pure chocolate.

Bellagio Hotel Gardens

Our Group at the Bellagio

Cheer Squad

Dominique, Ashlee, JaKelle

DJ in the store H&M at Caesars Palace

H & M in Caesars Palace, this place was huge.

getting ready to perform

They perfected all of their stunts.

Go Mesa

Awards

Good Job Girls - 2nd Place

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2010-12-24T21:23:00.000-08:00

I love this version of The First Noel, I'm so thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ and for how blessed I am to have the Gospel in my life. Im so grateful at this Christmas time to have my whole family together, I couldn't ask for anything more for Christmas. Merry Christmas Everyone!

2010-12-21T05:20:00.000-08:00

by Greg Olsen

THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS
By the magical light of a small Christmas candle
A little old man tries to carefully handle
The small porcelain manger which serves as a bed
For the wee Baby Jesus to lay down His head.
In wonder he brings the manger up to his view,
Smiles at the baby and whispers, “I love you!
I love you for bringing this season of joy,
I love you for growing to a man from a boy;
For being our light and leading the way,
For being the spirit which makes Christmas Day!
You’ve been my mentor, my model, my hero and guide,
Please continue to help me and stay by my side.
I’ve tried to follow your teachings and give as you gave,
Reminding all to be kind and that it’s wise to behave.
Help me to serve others and bring them your light,
Especially the children, please bless them tonight!
Some have so very little, scarce food for their table,
You know how it feels - you were born in a stable!
Bless all their mothers and fathers with a knowledge that’s sure,
The best gift they can give is their love, strong and pure.
That’s the Spirit of Christmas when all’s said and done,
God’s gift of love, that came as His Son!”
Then back to His mother the child is returned
The Nativity glows as the candle is burned.
In a wink the little old man slips quietly away
Some say he goes up the chimney and climbs in a sleigh.
Whatever the case, His mission is clear -
Give unto others, bringing love and good cheer.
He flies into the night and bids us adieu
Doing for others what Jesus would do!
Greg Olsen - 2009

Real Meaning of Christmas

2010-12-16T07:24:00.000-08:00

This touched my heart, wouldn't it be great if we could all show love towards one another!

Yummies for the Tummy

2010-12-11T19:48:00.000-08:00

Every year at this time, there are just a few things that we have to have at our house for treats, they are seasonal so you have to grab them while you can.

White Chocolate Covered Oreo's

Peppermint Ice Cream, especially good on top of a brownie drizzled with homemade hot fudge.

Hot Cocoa Ice Cream, this is a must for Kell.

Chex Mix Muddy Buddies AKA Puppy Chow, this is something new I found at Sam's Club, loved that fact that I didn't have to make it.

Temple Lights

2010-12-07T18:23:00.000-08:00

For Family Night we went and had dinner at the newly opened Old Spaghetti Factory, I wasn't disappointed, the perfect place for someone who loves spaghetti as much as I do. It brought back memories of when I use to go to the one at Trolley Square in Salt Lake and always wanted to sit in the train but never could get a table. Afterwards we went to the Mesa Temple lights, they were beautiful as always, I love the spirit that I feel when I am there. We were to late to hear any of the concerts going on but had some great visits with the awesome missionaries. I love my family and am so grateful to know that we can be together forever!

Old Spaghetti Factory (only picture I took)

Wise Men Still Seek Him

A cute group of people!!

Love the lights in the palm trees

Star the Wise Men were following

Away in a Manger no crib for His bed.

Shepard's

Love this view of the Temple

Beautiful Lights

I Love to see the Temple, I'm going there someday.

My Beautiful Kids, so grateful were all together, I love them so much.

Christmas Story being told in Spanish. My boys liked this.

Mary and Joseph

Loved the lights in this orange tree.

Me and Lynn

Beautiful girl!!

Loved this view.

I Need A Silent Night - Amy Grant

2010-12-02T10:47:00.000-08:00

My goal this year is to focus more on the real meaning of Christmas, being with all my family, first time in 3 1/2 years we have all been together, playing more games, singing more Christmas carols, baking, and remember my Savior, the real reason we celebrate Christmas. It's the small and simple things like these that memories are made of and that bring us closer to each other! I love this song by Amy Grant, she explains it perfectly!!!

Five Years

2010-11-29T07:26:00.000-08:00

Its hard to believe its been five years since I lost my Mom, sometimes I wish I could just pick up the phone and give her a call, she was always such a good listener and always had the right thing to say without ever judging or criticizing. Love and miss you Mom!

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-27T12:22:00.000-08:00

This year we had Thanksgiving dinner at our home, with Lynn's brother's family (we missed you Chris). It was a wonderful day, a little cooler than usual so we moved it inside, Carrie made her wonderful pies and orange rolls with a awesome crab salad. I bought a fresh turkey this year and it tasted really good, so much better than those frozen ones. Chelsie planned some fun games, pin the hat on the turkey, Thanksgiving bingo and we did a craft making turkey leg hats, we stuffed ourselves then sat around and visited. Im so thankful for family, for those who live close to us and those who live far away, I miss you and love you all.

Euporea Dance Concert

2010-11-22T07:51:00.000-08:00

JaKelle performed in her first Mesa High Dance Concert Thursday and Friday night, she has been practicing many hours for this and did an amazing job. I always love to watch her dance, she never misses a beat, I'm so very proud of her and for the hard work she put into her performance.

JaKelle and her friend Dominique

JaKelle and her friend Mallory

JaKelle and her sis-in-law Lexi

thankful for special memories...

2010-11-16T19:17:00.000-08:00

This video brings back a lot of memories for me, when my kids were little one of their favorite videos to pull out for Christmas was the Disney's Very Merry Christmas Sing-A-Long. Just before Thanksgiving they would beg to watch it, it also brings back special memories of my sister Michelle, she would always call me and ask if I got out my Christmas sing-a-long yet, she loved to play it for her daughters. So when I listen to this it brings up many emotions for me, ones of my kids being little and listening to them sing the words that came up on the TV and special memories of my sister Michelle, thought I would share with you something that means so much to me.

thankful I found these cookies.....

2010-11-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

Or maybe a mistake for someone like me who hasn't had sugar for awhile. I usually don't like any kind of cookie but homemade but these are one of the best cookies I've ever tasted. They have several different kinds but my favorite is the Chockie Bickie, a blend of two rich chocolates. So if your ever in AJ's you need to pick some of these yummy evil cookies up or go here.

chockie bickie (a blend of two rich chocolates)

peanut buttahs (chunky peanut goodness)

with love...annie v (white chocolate and a burst of almond)

scotchies (classic butterscotch)

I'm Thankful for Temples!

2010-11-12T10:26:00.000-08:00

A groundbreaking ceremony for the Gilbert Arizona Temple will be held on Saturday, November 13, 2010, at 11:30 a.m. Elder Claudio R. M. Costa of the Presidency of the Seventy will preside at the ceremony. The temple is located on the southeast corner of Greenfield Road and Pecos Road in Gilbert.

The joint announcement of the Gila Valley Arizona Temple and Gilbert Arizona Temple on April 26, 2008, was the first temple announcement made by President Thomas S. Monson after he became president of the Church in February 2008.

The Gilbert Arizona Temple will become Arizona’s fourth operating temple. A fifth temple, the Phoenix Arizona Temple, was announced on May 24, 2008, and is still in the planning stages.

The Game of Things

2010-11-11T13:05:00.000-08:00

After our family dinner on Sunday, Lexi and Jared brought over a game they wanted us to play, I've never heard of it, but it was a good one. It's called "Things" You draw a topic card and read it out loud, then the players write down their own responses, then the reader tries to figure out who said what! One of the questions was, "Name something you would like to wake up to in the morning" Lynn wrote the answer "Jason Beavers" Um dear, that would be Justin Bieber, no one had a hard time guessing who wrote it. Thanks Lynn for giving us a good laugh!!

Thanksgiving Daily

2010-11-11T10:23:00.000-08:00

We should learn how to live in Thanksgiving daily. I'm so thankful I have the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life and for a true prophet President Monson who leads and guides us. Im thankful for my family, for my children who bring me joy each and every single day. For my husband who is my best friend, who provides for our family and carries the big load he does in his church responsibilities. I'm thankful for great friends, who are always there for me, hopefully I can be better in giving thanks each day and realize how blessed I am.

2010-11-10T19:09:00.000-08:00

Mesa Cheer did an amazing job at their 1st Competition on Saturday!! Cheer took 3rd and Pom took 5th. Good Job JaKelle!! I took a few pictures, mostly videos but couldn't get them to upload.

Pom Group

"Follow the Son"

2010-11-06T20:29:00.000-07:00

We had our Young Women Evening of Excellence on Wednesday, our theme was......

"Follow the Son"

Sunflowers always follow the sun,

From early morning, 'till the day is done,

They follow across the sky until night

eargerly soaking in the warth of its light.

Like this loyal flower we too can be

Fed by His light spiritually,

As we follow His son, Jesus Christ

Becoming like Him as we soak in His light.

In most any soil their seeds will grow

With plenty of water and sunshine galour,

Small buds soon appear, then the protecting leave

And thick stocks to support the head full of seeds.

We too can grow where we are sown,

By studying the scriptures and learning of home,

Our parents, teachers and leaders protect us

As our testimony grows stronger of our brother Jesus.

When the sunflower crown forms, it's a royal gold

The blessings of it's growth are beginning to show,

The seeds you share; love, kindness and testimony too

Will help others see the Golden Crown in you.

So follow the Son, open your heart to His light,

Seek Him first thing each morning and last one at night,

Follow Him through the heat of each day,

Live your life to become like Him - It's the only way.

The Young Women did an excellent job on their projects that they did, the piano solo that Ashlee did was beautiful, wish I could play the piano like her. I wish I would of taken more pictures but I did manage to get a few. It was also a Recognition Night for Kassandra, she received her YW Medallion, she sang a solo and did an amazing job, she has such a beautiful voice, these girls are so talented and are truly the BEST around. Im so grateful for the Young Women program and to see how it turns these beautiful girls into beautiful women, inside and out.

JaKelle made recipe books of our favorite family recipes.

and she made my moms famous fudge, she would be so proud of her.

projects

more projects

Calli, caught her by surprise.

more projects

Kassandra receiving her medallion.

pumpkin candle handout we gave the girls

Pumpkin Poem

2010-11-05T11:52:00.000-07:00

I am thankful for...

by Nancie J. Carmody

...the mess to clean up after a party: because it means I have been surrounded by friends.
...the taxes I pay: because it means that I'm employed.
...the clothes that fit a little too snug: because it means I have enough to eat.
...my shadow who watches me work: because it means I am out in the sunshine.
...the spot I find at the far end of the parking lot: because it means I am capable of walking.
...all the complaining I hear about our government: because it means we have freedom of speech.
...that lady behind me in church who sings off key: because it means that I can hear.
...lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and gutters that need fixing: because it means I have a home.
...my huge heating bill: because it means that I am warm.
...weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day: because it means that I have been productive.
...the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours: because it means that I am alive.

Owl's - My New Obsession!

2010-11-04T11:38:00.000-07:00

Soon to be part of our family, isn't he cute.

Mesa High Homecoming Dance 2010

2010-11-04T07:55:00.001-07:00

JaKelle attended her first Mesa High Dance, she looked as beautiful as ever and had a great time. It was fun being able to go find a dress, getting her hair done and all that stuff us girls like to do. She had me pin the boutonniere on him and I stuck him pretty good, poor guy. I got a few pictures but hope to get some more from her date.

Kell, loved her dress

Jeremy and JaKelle

Love this one of her and her Dad.

Off to the dance.