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!

Go Devils!

We had the opportunity to go to the ASU Scrimmage/Meet The Players Night.

Zack was in heaven the whole time and kept saying to me," I can't believe I am actually going to get to go down on the ASU field." (That is where they met the players after the game.) The boys met Keelan Johnson (former Mesa High Jackrabbit who now is a Sun Devil).  Steve was out of town, so all the kids and I went, with a few friends tagging along. We had a really fun time. Can't wait for the real season to start! Go Devils!!

August Happenings

Well, here goes another school year. Ashley is a Junior at Mesa High, Meagan is a Sophomore at Mesa High, Emily is an 8th Grader at Taylor Jr. High, Max is a 4th Grader and Zack is a 2nd Grader at Franklin Elementary


Our trip to Utah for the LDSBA Convention was a huge success. Our products were the hit of the show and will soon be for sale in bookstores all over the country and even one in England! We had a ton of fun, as you can see from the pictures, we met lots of neat people from all over the world, and enjoyed staying with the Wilson and McCleary families!  Thanks guys!

My Guitar Heros

Max and Zack are taking guitar lessons, and I absolutely love hearing them play.  They have learned a few basic chords and they make up songs and it is so fun to listen to them.  Steve wants to be able to play, but he just pretends he knows what he is doing.  

Entertaining Themselves

So Mom has to run into the store and leaves the kids in the car.  They said they had a good time and didn't fight or anything.  I was gone maybe 5 minutes.   This is what happened while I was gone.  They had their own photo shoot.  

Lake Powell 2008

Steve and The Harmony Park Priest Quorum had their super activity at Lake Powell this year.  Here are a few shots of the crazy boys.  Yes they did shave a few heads, but I think overall they had the time of their lives.