Power of Infulence

Just a happy little story here -
As I entered the 7th grade, you know how important it is to choose your friends wisely! Well, Kristi will always be counted as my "Best Friend" - As mentioned in a previous post - We met Helicia in 7th grade and fast became a BFF trio!
Although there are many people that I count as friends then and now - I have always had a soft spot in my heart for my friend and "Big Brother" Trevor Wilson...

Althought he would disagree - he was "IT" in JR High and HS... Somehow, through a 7th grade PE class he became one of the most Powerful Influences in my young life.
I was "known", because I had lived in the same town since before Kindergarten, but not "popular". Well when the popular girls were chasing Trevor - lol, and snotty to me, we decided to trick them! Because we had the same last name, and Trevor was actually older than me, he became my "Big Brother". You should have seen the girls after the word got out... Haha
I never quite figured out why none of our other friends who had know both of us for years never said anything - but I didn't care either!
Trevor fulfilled his title to perfection - he protected me, and made sure I was OK. One time - I forgot my PE shorts... another girl, Dawn I believe, let me use a pair of her "short shorts" Yikes! Trevor imediately pulled off his sweats and gave them to me.
As time ticked on - I found that I wanted to be a good example, I wanted to be worthy of being his little sister. I didn't want to be an embarrasment to him...
He was strong, and good! I admired him for these qualities -

10 years after graduation from HS - at our HS reunion, I met his wife and 2 of his kids...We began the Christmas card trade - you know wives are better at that than guys are! Anyway, over the years We have kept in contact this way. Well in February, Barb, Trevors wife called and was coming to town. Her sister was moving to PHX and they wanted to stop by and get some info. We had a nice visit and I let them continue their house hunt with the promise of a future visit when the whole family was in town. March 24 they were back - Trev, Barb, and kids (even 2 nephews) They came for dinner we visited and man do I wish they were closer geographicly! We would have too much fun hanging out! But they are on their way to UT. He will open a new HS in SLC, as Athletic Director. This will be the 1st of 15 yrs he has not been both AD and Head FB coach...
It's hard to adequately put into words - but hopefully you get the drift - I thought the world of him, still do :-) Anyway - here's our picture - sheesh I'm getting old!


23 years after graduation... Still my big brother - Thanks for coming guys!

A proud Mom!

This little girl - is Personality PLUS!

Olivia was "doing homework" one day and came to show me my name... one word! GENIUS! (this was March 14)

On my birthday, Olivia was drawing, she loves to draw her family, but this day she chose herself as her subject...This is her Self Portrait! - Again - GENIUS!

Big Deal... So I'm 40!

Well - As you can see I look the same - feel the same - and AM the same! Who ever thinks some "Magic fairy" is gonna show up on your 40th birthday with A Magic Eraser and make you look young and shiney again is gonna have a shock.
Lucky I knew better... just hoping!
Well Dean and the kids Made dinner for me and my birthday cake,I believe I got the corner piece!They even against better judgement bought me the Twilight DVD, lol! So all in all a grest day! - 40...Bring it on!

Wildlife Zoo

Olivia's Preschool went to the Wildlife Zoo which is right here in town... We had a great time! There was so much to see and we felt like we were running through the Zoo to try to see everything... UGH -
We rode the carousel, and saw many different kinds animals. I think our favorites were the Zebras, Rhino and the Giraffe. The Aquarium was pretty good too. We got to pet Sting Rays, which are slimy... :-)


Can you believe we got to feed the Giraffes? Ummm, I wish the person who told me to "Just hold out your hand" would have elaborated a bit more... The long old Slimy tongue came out and wrapped around my hand All I could think was "Ew! Gross! The germs are crawling all over me!" I felt like Melman from Madigascar, lol. We washed ASAP - lol Zach just poored his onto the tongue before it could slime him too! Ha ha


The Rhino was HUGE! Sorry you cant see him... Those dang cute kids just keep getting in the way of my camera!


We ended the day with the Aquarium and watching the Flamingos. Looks pretty relaxing...But we were so tired!
Definately a full day trip next time! Thank you Ms Jamie for letting us go!

Visiting Teaching Cartoon

Here is a funny for your week! I HAVE NEVER DONE THIS!!! But I wonder if it has been done - Shame on you!

Friends Forever!

When I started 7th Grade at Ballou Jr High School in Puyallup WA - Sitting next to me in band class was "A new girl" - Kristi and I quickly added her to our "Dynamic Duo" - and we were then what my mom called "The Three Musketeers" - Always together, inseparable - Through-out High School!

Bridesmaids at my wedding - Though distance was quickly placed between us - Still love these girls just like I did way back then!
Kristi's Wedding 1991

Helicia's Wedding 1995

Last week I got a call from Helicia - She and Will were coming to Phoenix for a convention! YES! Well they came over for dinner tonight and we enjoyed visiting with each other, just like HS was yesterday - It has been 11 yrs since Helicia and I have seen each other! What a great night! Thank you Helicia and Will for taking the time to get together!

Ummm, I don't remember being shorter than you Helicia! What happened?

Milestone for Dowlin

Today was a very Awesome day! This weekend was our Stake Conference at Church. We had Elder Collister from the 1st Quorum of Seventy here - he was Awesome! We had 3 chances to hear him speak, he certainly has a way to capture your attention! We feel very blessed to meet him. (He is actually the Grandson of LeGrand Richards)
For those friends who don't speak LDS Lingo (LOL)
Stake Conference is a Church service with joint congregations from the area...Elder Callister is a leader from SLC, UT.
OK, now that we are on the same page - ;-)

Sunday evening - Dowlin was ordained by Dean to an Elder in the Melchizedek Priesthood. Dowlin has had the Aaronic Priesthood since he was 12 years old, however the Melchizedek Priesthood is a higher Priesthood, Actually the same Priesthood Jesus Christ holds. Being an Elder holds much more responsibilities, and is the Priesthood he will hold throughout many years - As an Elder, he can become a Missionary, after his 19th birthday, He can bless others, and also when the time is right - marry in the Temple. We are very proud of Dowlin and his decision to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood, for being responsible, clean and worthy!
Dean's parents were here with us and it made the ordination a bit more special - as Dad was the one who ordained Dean so many years ago before he left on his mission to England.

We are so blessed! Times are tough all over- But where the things that matter... Our cup runneth over!

February Finale

Well, February has been our best month in AZ so far, and I'm sure after reading the previous posts you can see why! We have so enjoyed visits from so many!

On Wed the 25th I actually snuck in a quick visit from Trevor Wilson's wife, Barb, and her sister, Christina. They were house hunting as Christina's family will be moving to PHX mid March! So it was nice to visit with them, and I look forward to seeing Trevor again - (I haven't seen him since our 10 year reunion)

AND - Wednesday Dad and Mom Taylor also arrived! After 18 months out of the country - it ws so good to see them again. "So good" actually doesn't even cover it - it was the best! You know how as an adult sometimes you wish you were little again and you could just have your blanket and everything would be better? Well that's kinda how it felt to see and hug them again - they are the blanket, lol.

We had a good time visiting and enjoyed seeing their "quick" video of Africa, and look forward to seeing more sometime soon. we visited and just enjoyed being in their presence! We are so grateful for them and their willingness to be Missionaries for the Church. they are truly amazing people - we are fortunate to have them for parents!

Amanda - Great job on the "While you were away" book! Too bad we couldn't all have a copy!