I love this time of year!!

Summa time:) Swimming, camping, eating dutch oven and family. We had a family reunion this last weekend. Mucho fun!! I love the mountains. East Canyon is GORGEOUS this time of year.

BBQ chicken...perfect!

Peach cobbler...yum:)

Rocks, who doesn't love rocks

Croys 1st time swimming at a pool.

Brooklyn

Calvin

Croy
Life is great!!

Not a call I wanted to get yesterday :(

Jessica Ann Walker 1974 ~ 2010 Our beloved Jessica came into the world on July 6, 1974 to Jeri Ruth Hatch and David Dennis Maynard in the Cottonwood LDS Hospital in Murray, Utah. One of four children, Jessica is the hub around which her family and those close to her revolve. She grew up in South Jordan on the same street her parents still live and one of her favorite pastimes is reminiscing about her wonderful adventures as a child. Her early learning years were spent at Monte Vista Elementary where her children attend now. Jessica also attended Bingham High School and often described those years through her favorite extra-curricular activities: drill team, volleyball, and basketball. The Minorettes went on to perform at State during her attendance and she loved to talk about that experience. She loves to dance. In a tribute to her passion for dance, she received two college scholarships after she graduated. She is moved by all of the performing arts and loves to watch plays, ballets, and concerts. She was vibrant and full of life and hope. Jessica can best be described through her relationships with her family. She loves her brother and sisters and has always been a staunch supporter in their lives. Jessica would love to visit her sister Jozet and ride four-wheelers or give her nephews and nieces advice about dating or school while at a family reunion. She looks up to her brother, Joshua, and loves his cooking and often bragged about his multiple talents. She also looks up to her sister Jennifer and how strong she was raising a family by herself and being so self-sufficient. Her parents have always occupied a special place in her life. Her father taught her the gospel and instilled in her the scaffolding for her testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ. Her mother was confident, example, comforter, and has been her closest ally through the trials of her life. When she was young, Jess loved to watch her mom sew. Although Jessica was healthy and vibrant in her early years, her body was stricken with almost constant pain since her 28th year. She endured many surgery's and hospital visits. She eventually hated going to the hospital. Even through all of this, Jess found time to serve her fellow man. She would drop off the kids at school and spend the rest of the day helping feed, clothe, and care for her sick father. Jess's greatest impact in life was in her own home. She married David Aaron Walker on August 12, 1995 in the South Jordan Temple. They have two children, Madeline age 11 and Luke age 8. Her absolute favorite thing to do is spend time together as a family. She loves to make good family memories. She is the most loyal, loving, and kind person one could know. She never judges harshly and always stands up for the weak. Her spirit is innocent and meek. She has always honored the Priesthood. She kept a temple recommend. And she loves her husband like the "Savior loved the gospel and gave his life for it". She was careful in her friendships because of her ability to trust others so easily and so often made close acquaintances but rarely let outsiders into her inner circle. Those who know her well understood the trials that she went through were some of the most difficult one can be called upon to endure in this life. She bore much of it silently or in secret with her husband and had the rare talent of finding humor in everything in life. Jessica was called home on July 4, 2010. For all of us it was much too soon. Her warm touch and her soft words, her bright smile and her enthusiasm were unique. We will miss her so much. From loving family and friends, from an adoring husband and children we say "We love you!" We will honor you always and anxiously await our reunion as an eternal family in the resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 9 at 11 a.m. in the Western Springs 3rd Ward, 12830 So. 4570 W. in Riverton where friends may call Thursday from 6-8 p.m. and Friday one hour prior to services.

B.O.O.T. Camp

This is the only time I got my camera out for girls camp. Even though I have no proof, it was a blast. Great weather, great people and even a few animals.


I had mucho fun getting to know the girls on a more relaxed level as well as the most amazing group of leaders I am fortunate to work with. Thanks for all your help in making it a great week.

Guess what's under my bed...

Calvin came in the other day with a stick in his hand. He asked me to put it under my bed. When I asked him why he replied, "That's where I put all my sticks!" Nice...

Baby Zoe

Meet Zoe Nona...my chocolate neice:)

She is delish!! She has milk chocolate skin with deep dark chocolate eyes. She is absolutely adorable.

My youngest sister has always known that she was going to adopt due to a congenital heart defect. She has been the best aunt to all the grandkids and it's her turn to get to be the mommy.

Dobie (aka Sandra) has always loved kids and kids love her. She has studied child development her whole life. She is the one I call when I have a question or need advice. I love her muchly and I am so happy for her.

I had the chance to baby-sit the Zoester last Thursday. She is an angel baby. She is sugar and spice and everything nice. Thank you, Dobie, for letting me play with her for the day.

Update...

Calvin, Calvin, Calvin...he is doing SO much better. We decided to up his dose on the Intuniv. It has taken a few weeks for him to adjust to it and he is thriving on it. He is sweeter, happier, healthier and he still gets to be himself.
I asked him how he has been feeling lately. He happily said "Great!!" I asked how he felt when he was on the other meds and he said "not good" so I probed a bit more. He said that he didn't feel like himself. He didn't like feeling different. I wouldn't like that either.

He really and truly is a more mellow guy too. He seems more at ease with everything that he does, decisions he makes and even leaving the house.

Even though I get so frustrated with him I feel a much stronger bond with him. We've had to work so hard at understanding each other. I've had to learn to let him make choices, right and wrong. He's had to accept the consequences that has come with each one and so have I. I've had to learn to step back, take time to listen and give him a chance.
He is so kind and tender hearted. He's quick to tell me he loves me. I love him more than he'll ever know and I am so grateful for what I've learned from him.

Guess who's walking....

I can't believe how fast time is zippin on by. Seriously, this last year has gone by so fast and I've enjoyed every minute with this little man. He is so much fun!!

He is talking a lot now. He jibbers-jabbers all the time. He loves to tell you stories. One of my favorites, of course, is "mee mee". Yep, mommy:)

He is so cautious. He doesn't climb at all. He'll sit on his toddler bed (not very high) and wait for me to pick him up. He doesn't even try to get down. I'm spoiled I know and I'll be in trouble when he gets brave enough to get down himself.

I love him dearly!!