Great Grandma Perry's 86th Birthday

On May 13th this year our Great Grandma Perry, Jennifer's grandma, turned 86 years old. That following Saturday, her daughters and daughters-in-law threw a surprise party for her. All of her children were there, most of her grandkids, and many great-grand kids. Also some of her siblings, other family members, and friends.

She had no idea we were even getting together for a party. She was really surprised when she walked into the church building and saw all of us. I think that Janice and Mindi told Grandma they were taking her to lunch. I don't know what the excuse was of going to the Church, but they got her there.

It was a nice little reunion. Each of her kids spoke about her for a few minutes. I loved hearing them tell about their memories of their mother.

We love you Grandma Perry.

Grandma is wondering why they are coming to the church. I think she sees some balloons.

Now she realizes this is a birthday party.

The birthday party is for her and look at the people here and the beautiful decorations.

She is overwhelmed that we would all come together for her.


She is a wonderful lady.

I called her earlier in the week on her birthday. I didn't put her birthday card in the mail but planned to give it to her at her party. I told her it would be late and she would probably get it on Saturday. "Jenny, is this what you meant when you said I would get your card on Saturday?"

Some beautiful flowers from a beautiful daughter.

The church was decorated really cute with balloons, flowers, and table decorations.


Grandpa Jeppson enjoying visiting.

One of Grandma Jeppson's table creations. With the amazing cupcakes.

Aunt Bev gathered pictures from all the families, of the kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids.

Rubie loves the olives from the lunch.


Eric and Rubie loved the lunch but also met lots of new kids to play with.

What is it about water in the gutter?

These kids love to play in the water in the gutter.

Joining the National Guard

In May, Scott joined the National Guard. Wow, what a big decision this was. We thought about, researched it, prayed and fasted about it, talked to various people, and finally decided to go through with it. We didn't tell our families until he had signed. We received so many mixed reactions. Some people really thought it was a great thing to do, and others have responded with "Why in the world would you go and do a thing like that!!?"

We have a lot of peace about this decision. I guess the biggest reasons are for the educational benefits. Scott will be able to get his masters degree now. It brings us a little extra income for each weekend that he spends at drill. And for Scott there are lots of benefits. He has been to 3 drill weekends now. He continues to improve in his physical abilities. And so far still likes it.

The biggest draw back for me is that he will have to go to Basic Training and AIT. It will be a 4 1/2 month period. (That is a long time!) It will be difficult being a single parent during that time but I will rely on friends and babysitters to help out. He is scheduled to go in September but is trying to get the date pushed back to January.




I am super proud of you. I know this will not always be easy, but you will receive great rewards and joy from your efforts here.

Neglect

Dear Blog,

It is true I have been neglecting you. I am so sorry. I don't exactly how it has happened. Some of the things that have kept me from you: adding swimming to my workout routine, biking season, summer, fulfilling the virtue value Book of Mormon reading challenge by youth conference, girls camp prep, summer, girls camp prep, Eric not taking many naps, summer, girls camp, speaking in Church about girls camp. Well, I am determined to catch up on all of the entries/posts I should have made over the last few months. I have at least 13 posts to get caught up with life. So for those of you who follow our blog, I'm sorry I am not consistent, but you will have lots to see and read over the next few weeks.

Family Pictures in the Blossoms

Our good friend Carly Pendleton took these beautiful pictures of our family. We went early on a Saturday morning to some beautiful orchards and fruit stand near our home. You can check out Carly's work at www.carlypendleton.com

Thanks Carly! You did a great job with Eric and Rubie. These are the first pictures we have had done where there are actually pictures of them without thumbs in their mouths, stuffed toys in their faces, and smiles on their faces. It helps that they know you so well. Thank you for your time and efforts!!

34, 97, 2, 1

34 is how old I became on Saturday May 1st. 97 is the minutes it took me to run the Provo City Half Marathon. 2 is the hours I napped after the race. And 1 is the sushi dinner I was treated to that evening.


For my 34th birthday I competed in the Provo City Half Marathon. What a run. We had rain, snow, sleet, and hail, that completed with a downpour. All of the runners were so cold and wet. At mile 11 I happened to see an angel. Carlee Tulett came out on her bike to cheer me on. Just when I needed her most she was there to tell me that someone knew I was running in the cold and wet and cared how I was doing. She is awesome and I'm so glad she is my friend. Scott and the kids missed seeing me come across the finish line by 6 minutes. Oh well. I finished as the 6th overall woman and 3rd in my age category. I was hoping to do the race in 95 minutes, but I'm happy with 97.

The race was so exhausting that I came home, showered, and went right to bed. I really must have exerted myself because I'm not a nap person. But after that I felt much better. My calves and abs were sore, with a bit of a queezy stomach.


Later in the evening our wonderful Sister-in-law, Tai, came to take care of Eric and Rubie so that Scott and I could go out for the evening. We met up with Scott's brother and his wife and some friends and had a yummy sushi dinner. Even though my stomach wasn't quite settled, I still enjoyed the sushi.

Birthdays for me have always been a time when I feel great blessings. I am so blessed to have good health and the ability to enjoy my body. I am so grateful for such great friends and family members that give of themselves to me and my little family. Heavenly Father always lets me know that he loves me through other people. Thanks for giving.