A Couple Words About Liana

In looking back at all the post I have put on the blog I realized I don't really have anything about Liana. Part of that is her fault because she told me from the beginning that if we were going to have a family blog it would be up to me. So with out her views and thoughts it is hard to know what she is thinking and feeling about these different things.

I know that different family members get on occasionally to look so let me catch you up with Liana. Liana first of all is the best wife and mother that any family could ever want. She is extremely active an involved with all the kids. Piano lessons, soccer games and practices, riding bikes with kids to school, primary chorister (Four years now, I think), getting up 6 days a week at 4:30 am to work out (Her only free time of the day), helping kids with homework, taking kids to the pool and reservoir, cooking and house chores, helping out with her parents cafe, supporting me with football, many more things not listed, and on top of all this work 40 + hours a week from home. At times I wonder where she gets her energy and wonder how she does it. The amazing thing with Liana is that there is never a word of complaint and if anyone asks for or needs help she is the first one to step up. Liana is truly an amazing person.

Liana has been involved is a soccer league for the past few years but decided not to do it this year. Not because she didn't want to but because of a lack of time. At times we all wonder how she does what she does.

I think she knows but I want her to know how much I love and admire her. I know the kids do because they don't ever leave her alone and know that she is the one to go to for any problem. Their mom always make it feel better and right. Liana is truly an amazing person who I and we (our family) are eternally grateful for.

Grandma Beth Celebrates Her 80th Birthday

On August 23rd Grandma Beth turned 80 years old. We got together with all the family on Sunday. It was a surprise party and I never really found out if Grandma was really surprised or not. Our family had a good time and we are grateful that we can still celebrate birthday's with our grandparent's and great-grandparent's. Liana and I are thankful that our kids have such a good relationship with Grandma and Grandpa Johnson. There are many people who never knew their great-grandparent's and our children not only know theirs but have years of memories with them. Thank you grandma and grandpa for all you do. We love you, and by the way Happy Birthday Grandma Beth.

Todd's First Football Game Doesn't go so Well.

On Friday August 22nd we played Alta High School. Alta is the defending 5A state champs. I really thought we had a good game plan put together and that we would give them a game. With the final score 42-6 I guess that's what I get for thinking. Even though the team didn't play well I am happy with the play of the o-line. We had mistakes but the boys played hard. We only gave up 1 sack and for the most part our QB had time to throw. Our run game did well. We had over 360 yard total offense. We were in the red zone 5 time and only came away with 1 touchdown. To many penalties and turnovers. We have a lot to work on but that's what its all about, improving each game. We have a tuff task in front of us with Timpview, defending 4A state champs, but I'm optimistic. I think if we execute and limit our mistakes we will win.

Elle plays First Soccer Game.

On Saturday August 23rd Elle played in her soccer clubs first game. They played a team from Lehi. This was the girls first game on the fall season. We lost 2-1 but the girls played well. We had several opportunities to score but we just unable to do it. Elle played goalie and defender. She did extremely well and showed great athleticism. We know where she gets that, from Liana, even though I would like to take credit. We are looking forward to a fun and active season.

First Days of School for Kids.

Last week was the first day of school for Elle, Bradyn, and Katie. Bradyn and Katie will stay at East Meadows while Elle will attend Spanish Fork Junior High with her loving father. Elle is now in the 7th grade and will be taking some fun classes. She has her core classes like English, Pre-Algebra, Science, and History. She will also take Spanish, Speech and Drama, Women's Choir, and Orchistra. She is excited and doing well. She is back together with her friend Alysa Snell who moved from our neighborhood a year ago. They have had a good time together thus far.

Bradyn will be entering the 3rd grade. his teacher is Mrs. Penrod. Bradyn is very excited and loves school. Katie will now be in the 1st grade with Mrs. McQuivey. Katie is excited that she can now attend school for the entire day. Also the fact that she can take a school lunch doesn't hurt. Both Bradyn and Katie get up an our early just to get ready for school. Liana and I tell them to sleep in but the excitement of it all is to much for now.

Nick will be attending pre-school again this year. If you look in the May portion of this blog you will see his pre-school programs. Nick will attend morning pre-school with Mrs. Hales and Mrs. Newitt, Mondays and Wednesday's. Tuesdays and Thursdays will be at East Meadows Elementary.

Elle's Schedule for the Fall Season

In between all the summer trips and activities Elle has been practicing with her soccer team, the Salem Shooters. They have worked hard and are excited for the upcoming fall season. Elle’s coach sent out an email to everyone with the soccer schedule. I’ve copied the email to this blog.

The email reads;

The soccer schedule is finally final - Our home games will actually be in Payson since that is the only place we could get on a field. Home field is called Orchard Hills. On the schedule all of our home games our in Payson at Orchard Hills which is the new ball parks. I do not have an exact address and it may have a different name - but apprently their are two parks with that name so this park is known as Orchard Hills (go figure). The new ball parks (Orchard Hills) is near the new swimming pool and the High School. So if you head east on Main Street - the field should eventually show up on the north side. Maybe just go a little earlier to the first game.

Sat. Aug. 23rd -1030 a.m. @ home - vs - Alpine
Tue. Aug. 26th - 5:30 p.m. @ home - vs- Lehi
Thur. Aug. 28th - 5:30 p.m. @ Orem Complex - vs - Lindon
Tue. Sept. 9th - 5:30 p.m. @ Cedar Hills - vs- Cedar Hills
Thur. Sept. 11th - 5:30 p.m. @ Healey Park - vs - Alpine
Tue. Sept. 16th - 7 p.m. @ Lehi Jr. High - vs- Lehi
Thur. Sept. 18th - 5:30 @ home -vs - Lindon
Thur. Sept. 25th - 5:30 @ home -v- Cedar Hills
Sat. Sept. 27th - 2 p.m. @ home - vs - Alpine
Tue. Sept. 30th - 5:30 @ home -vs- Lehi

When Liana and I get more information about addresses of soccer fields we will post them on the blog.

Nick spends part of the night at the Emergency Room

Tuesday night Liana and I both got home and Elle told us that Nick was having a hard time breathing. He was a sleep in our bed so we listened to him while he was sleeping. He was struggling to breathe and his breaths were very raspy. Nick has had problems like this before, however it is usually in cold weather. He woke up and we gave him some medicine that we have been given before. He started to say he needed to throw up and eventually did. Because of his breathing and throwing up he became up set which only made the problem worse. We decided to take him over to the emergency room at 11:00 p.m. When we got there they took him back; long story short they gave him a breathing treatment. In the past we have been told it was croup and have been given medicine for him to take. The doctor this time told us that it appears that Nick has asthma and after everything we were sent home with an inhaler that he can use when this happens. It is always a frightening experience when he has difficulty breathing and this time was no different. We were able to make it home by 3:00 in the morning and to bed by 3:30. Liana and I were both up a couple of hours later, Liana for work and me for football. Nick still doesn't sound good but we at least know what we are dealing with.

Katie Spends Day with Age and Grandma Val

For the last two months Katie has been waiting to go out with just Age and Grandma Val. With such busy Summer schedules for everyone it has been hard to get together. Well that finally changed on Monday, Aug.11th. Katie spent the day with them. In her words it was, "The best day ever." There is no doubt in my mind that Katie had a wonderful day. For Katie however there have been a lot of best day ever's this Summer. Last week in Park City after school clothes shopping she made the comment of best day ever. How would it be to have an outlook on life that as long as your with those you love and oh yea, being spoiled rotten it is the best day ever. There were many activities Monday. I think errands were run, lunch at Brick Oven, and shoe's at Payless. To top the night off everyone went to a late show in the park and watched Hair Spray. It was a day that she has been looking forward to and one she won't ever forget.

Grandma Fern's Viewing and Furneral

Early Wednesday Morning Grandma Fern (Harold's Mother) passed away. We are all saddened and will miss her, but are happy that she has been able to move on with loved one's who have already passed. Sunday the 10th we were able to attend her viewing and memorial service. The service was nice and it was fun to hear all of the wonderful memories that each family member has of Grandma Fern. Liana and I have tried to take these moments, Grandma Fern and Aunt Lois, and continue to teach our kids about the Plan of Salvation and how death is a part of that plan. As sad as we are at the passing of family members and loved ones we are grateful for the mercy our Heavenly Father shows to us. We are grateful to know that if we live worthily and obtain necessary gospel ordinances we can one day be reunited with family who have passed on before us. We also know we will live with one another again, forever. This knowledge of the Plan of Salvation has been very comforting to our family in these times of sorrow.

Family Spends August 4th and 5th in Park City

On Monday and Tuesday I had a conference with my school up in Park City. Even though it was a quick two days we decided to take the entire family to park City. We had a great time. Liana and the kids spent time over at the outlet stores doing their school shopping. Now that they have new clothes they are excited to get back in school. I think the high light of the trip was the swimming pool. I am convinced that we could travel five minutes from home and as long as there was a swimming pool the kids would be content. They love the water and actually all four kids are pretty good swimmers. Nick has gained confidence and will jump in the water by himself and swim by himself, with any flotation help. Liana and I ate dinner at the Grub Steakhouse. It was expensive but the prime rib was incredible. Another high point in the trip was the stop at Granny's in Heber. we bought a couple of different shakes to eat with our meals. We all enjoyed the food,

Katie Celebrates 7th Birthday!

Today was Katie's 7th birthday. She woke up early and has make every minute count. Katie started off the day by getting breakfast at McDonald's with Dad and spending a couple of hours with him at work. Katie spent the day getting ready for her birthday party with her friends and cousins. The birthday party was a hit. Liana had games planned along with otter pops and ice cream and cake, we went to Grandma and Grandpa Munn's cafe for dinner. Grandma and Grandpa Johnson went with us. We had a great time with them. It gave us a chance to celebrate both Grandpa Johnson's and Katie's birthdays. We finished off the day by visiting with Grandma and Grandpa Jackson along with Jeff and Martha. Katie received everything Hanna Montana and a monkey she build at Build a Bear. At the end of the day she told me, "This has been the best day ever." Only if everyday could be like a birthday.