Holiday Fun

Our Annual Photo with the Big Guy!  Love having "Believers" still in the house!
Ashley and her friends primping before the Winter Formal Dance.  They had a group of 10 couples.  The Udall family hosted them for Dinner, The Jarvis family hosted them after the dance for treats and games, and the Stahle family hosted them the previous evening for a movie and treats.  Thanks to you all.  I think the kids had a great weekend.  
The Dinner
Ashley and Meagan were both nominated for Winter Formal Princess.  Ash for Jr. Class and Megs for Soph. Class.  This is both of them before the big night.  Neither of them won, but it was a great honor to be nominated.  (At least thats what Mom thinks!)
Our ward family Christmas party.  Fun night for all.  This is the Primary Chorus singing "Picture a Christmas."  

Happy 17th Birthday Ashley

I will post some fun pictures of Ashley later.  I am having trouble uploading them tonight, and I am too frustrated to figure this out.  Any way, Ashley turned 17 on Saturday.  She is just getting too old for her mom.  Time flies.  

Happy 10th Birthday Max!

Happy Birthday Max.  My handsome 10 year old.  He is such a funny kid.  He has always acted about 4 or 5 years older than he really is.  His teachers have always loved Max, because he is the only one who will laugh at their jokes.  He is also a friend to everyone.  He is talented in so many ways.  He has recently picked up the guitar.  He is really good at it and even though his sisters complain, because he plays it nonstop, they are all jealous of his skills.  He is good at anything he tries, and what makes us crazy is he doesn't even try.  Just think if he actually worked at things - what he could do.   He loves playing the Wii, and can master any game we get.  He is so easy going.  He loves to just chill.  He does have a one track mind, meaning when he gets something in his mind, he won't let up until he gets it!  He will follow me around all day until I give in or go nuts.   He keeps us laughing with his impressions, voices, freakish faces, and other crazy talents he has. I am so glad to have the honor of being his Mom!  We love you Max!!!
Cheese

Flag football
Max and Zack - Family Pictures
Coloring Easter Eggs
Waiting in line for a photo with Santa
Max and Zack at the Golden Gate Bridge - San Francisco
Max and Shaylee - 1st Day of Kindergarten 2004
Max and his first and only buzz cut - Mom is not a fan!!!
Handsome little devil - October 2008
1st day of 4th grade - August 2008

Fall Fun

Meagan and her friends Brenda and Reagan all dressed up for "Camo Day" during Spirit Week.
Ashley and her date Jake Thompson - Homecoming Dance.
Our good friend Eric Udall got his mission call to South Korea.  Good luck Eric Jean!!!
A little pumpkin carving.
Our Stake had Dance Festival.  Here are my 3 "Dancers"  in their costumes.  Aren't they beautiful!

Family Photos

Our family photo shoot.  There are lots more, these are just a few of my favorites.  Thanks Jamie!!! You did a great job.  Everyone cooperated except my oldest son.  Thanks Max, for adding so much joy to our family:) We can always count on you!

Zack's Big Day!

Steve and Zack on the Big Day ~ Sept. 27th, 2008.  Zack has looked forward to this day for so long.  
Max and Zack on Zack's Baptism Day.
Max and Zack on Max's Baptism Day almost 2 years ago.  They have both grown so much!  
The whole family on the special day.  Such a neat feeling to have all 5 baptized!  Can't wait for the next big events in all of their lives.
Zack and some of his best buds.  Jake Payne, on the left, got baptized Saturday as well.  Then there is Conner Payne, Zack, Seth Peterson (cousin), and Travis Clayton.  Future Missionaries!!

Happy 8th Birthday Zack!

Well, the long awaited day is finally here. Zack is 8 today. He has been looking forward to this day for so long. Being the youngest child, Zack has a very different outlook on life. He has always wanted to be "Bigger than his body gives him credit for!" He could do things at 2 years old that most 6 year olds were just learning to do. Like ride a scooter or bike, throw a spiral, or eat more than you thought was possible for a boy his size! He has always loved sports - most especially football. He loves anything to do with the sport. He would rather watch the NFL Channel or ESPN before he would watch a cartoon. He will watch any football game on, even if he doesn't know who is playing. He had his first practice for flag football this Wednesday. Steve is his coach and was talking to some parents and waiting for a few more boys to arrive, when he looked behind him and saw Zack leading the boys in stretches. He than said Zack had them all running up the hills and back down to the bottom.  He then looked and Zack had them all in a circle talking to them. Steve didn't ask him to do anything, Zack just took the initiative to start practice. What a guy! He cracks us up on a daily basis. He is a softy with a sensitive side too. He asked me the other day which shampoo in our shower that Steve uses. I told him which bottle and he said," I want to do everything just like Dad, because when I grow up I want to be just like him!" It has been such a honor being his Mom. He always tells me how much he loves me and I always tell him "I love him more!" His response to that is "I don't think it's possible!" I love you Zack - Happy 8th Birthday.

Name Thing!!!

Thanks Becky for this fun blog.  I laughed out loud and decided to add it to my blog.  

1. Your Real Name

Julie Ann Shepherd

2. Your Gangsta Name (first 3 letters of real name plus izzle)

Julizzle

3. Your Detective Name (favorite color and animal)

Red Bear

4. Your Soap Opera Name (middle name & current street)

Ann Holmes

5. Your Star Wars Name (first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letter of your first name, first 3 letters of mom's maiden name)

SheJuDil

6. Your Super Hero Name (2nd Favorite color and favorite drink)

Black Milk

7. Your Witness Protection Name (mother's middle name and father's middle name)

Ann Leroy

8. Your Goth Name (black & the name of one of your pets)

Black Sparkey

I know, who has time on their hands to do silly things like this.  I found a few minutes and did it.  It made me laugh, so it was worth it.  Now you go and do it!

Happy 15th Birthday Meagan!

I am a day late, sorry Megs, but Happy 15th! We had an awesome day yesterday. For a Sunday birthday, I think Meagan had a great day. She asked that we let her sleep in, instead of the usual get up as early as possible and open presents, which is our family's tradition. So after a breakfast brunch around 10:30, she opened her gifts and then we goofed around and went to church at 1:30. We than had a wonderful dinner and we had family and friends come over for cake and ice cream. We all shared something about Meagan that we loved, and unanimously everyone loved Meagan's contagious smile and peace-making abilities!

My memories of her birth were wonderful. Although the delivery was a bit flawed,(my cervix ripped! Ouch !!) She came out smiling and hasn't quit since. She would make us laugh so hard as a toddler and she had the cutest high-pitched voice. Once she learned to talk, she never stopped either. She loved playing house and babies. She loved to re-tell the stories we would read to her. She still will tell me everything that happens in her day, (well almost everything!) She is a great friend and sister. It is evident by the numerous kids who either called, texted, or stopped by yesterday to wish her a happy birthday. We are so proud of the beautiful young woman you have become.  I love you so much Megs!  Love Mom!