Sjoberg

2011-11-27T12:42:00.012-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

2011-11-10T12:52:00.000-07:00

DAD,

TODAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY, AND I'M OVERWHELMED WITH MY LOSS. I DIDN'T EXPECT THIS...AT ALL. MOM WAS SO STRONG TODAY...YOU WOULD BE PROUD OF HER...I AM. SHE BAKED YOUR FAVORITE CAKE...SHE PLAYED YOUR FAVORITE SONG...WE VISITED YOUR GRAVE...AND SHE SMILED THROUGH THE TEARS, WHEN ALL I WANTED TO DO WAS CRAWL INTO BED AND CRY THE DAY AWAY. SHE SAID YOU WERE EVERYWHERE...AND I'M GLAD. I HOPE YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU...AND HOW MUCH I MISS YOU.

2011-10-31T15:12:00.000-06:00

It's a CAR.

2011-10-12T20:49:00.000-06:00

Yup...she did it. She saved and saved...and then she bought...a car. And yes...I'm one of those moms...I have a panic attack every time she leaves the driveway...every time. Thanks Danny for the find...I think.

UTAH v. ARIZONA

2011-10-10T14:58:00.000-06:00

2011-09-29T11:42:00.000-06:00

Rawrrr.

2011-09-26T21:40:00.000-06:00

Food and Fun

Really BAD Karaoke.

Another year...another exciting school carnival. Only two more to go.

The Fair.

2011-09-19T22:24:00.002-06:00

Hangin' Out.

2011-09-15T22:07:00.001-06:00

Lucky Me.

The End of Summer.

2011-09-13T10:00:00.003-06:00

It's that time of year again. School has begun...and every morning I send these guys off to THREE different schools.

High School. Junior High. Elementary.

Superstar.

2011-09-12T14:15:00.001-06:00

We attended Kayla's summer play this year....and LOVED IT! She did an awesome job and we can't wait for next year.

Going Digital.

2011-09-06T13:58:00.000-06:00

I might be hooked.

This guy...

2011-08-26T19:30:00.010-06:00

turned 12 at Scout Camp this year.

Pink toenails...

2011-08-25T20:09:00.000-06:00

painted by my 9 year old....PRICELESS.

For Julie.

2011-07-23T12:20:00.000-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Random.

2011-07-20T17:32:00.000-06:00

I've been going through pictures on memory sticks and saving them to discs. It's taking forever. I'm a picture-a-holic. (Note to self: Don't get behind again.) I ran into these shots. Eric and I took Jackson to Memory Grove for a walk....and of course some shots. This place is beautiful. I'm finding that I'm a fan of black and whites.....maybe because I've always been inspired by Ansel Adams.

Reunion.

2011-07-18T14:09:00.000-06:00

I've always loved getting together with my family. They mean so much to me....now more than ever. Way too soon I've learned just how short life is....and how fast things change. I hope for many more days like this....this was a good day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2011-07-15T12:14:00.000-06:00

Happy Number 12 Tanner! I miss you...but hope you're having a great time at Scout Camp...I have a huge hug and millions of kisses waiting....so be ready. It's been a long week with my quiet man in the middle away...thank goodness your sister got a job...and the Olsens like Jackson....but seriously, I hope tomorrow comes fast!

Even More.

2011-07-08T15:00:00.000-06:00

More.

2011-06-16T13:51:00.000-06:00

Congratulations!

2011-06-13T12:14:00.001-06:00

Kasey + Tabitha
6-11-2011

Pinewood Derby.

2011-05-27T15:18:00.000-06:00

Jackson placed 4th this year...and he's totally happy with that. He's more interested in the design of the car. And we were so excited to see his buddy Wes take second!

The Balloon Stampede.....sort of.

2011-05-19T13:16:00.001-06:00

Payden.

Julie.

Feisty Kaitlyn. Mom. Dad.

Morgan. Meghan.

What I miss the most.

Back in September we attended The Balloon Stampdede on Antelope Island. We saw FOUR balloons, they never took flight, and during the balloon glow, all FOUR managed to light up for about half a second. Dad and I stood out in the field....waiting for this moment....all FOUR to light up at the same time. Dad caught it....I didn't. We were both so proud of him. We swore never to return....but I'm glad Mom suggested one more try....

The Tulip Festival...at Thanksgiving Point.

2011-05-02T14:53:00.001-06:00

Mother Nature managed to squeeze in a nice sunny warm day last week, and Eric and I managed to make it to the Tulip Festival. We thought the kids wouldn't be interested....turns out we were wrong. So..I guess we'll take them next year...and listen to their endless complaints about why we never do anything fun.

A day at the Zoo.

2011-04-15T13:37:00.002-06:00

It was Spring Break last week..and we managed a trip to the Zoo in what turned out to be one of the TWO nice days the weather had to offer that week. We missed the polar bears and penguins...as pretty much half the zoo is under construction and won't be done until 2012, so much had changed since I had been there last....I think they're making some really great improvements....can't wait to go back.

moments that teach.

2011-03-02T16:46:00.001-07:00

I got lucky and caught this moment. In the middle of a busy morning, getting ready for my Dad's funeral...Jackson says "Who's gonna tie my tie for me?" Since I don't know how to tie a tie....I said "Ask Tanner if he'll show you." Now...at my house...asking one of our kids to help another....doesn't always go very well....but, today....it moved me to tears. I always wonder how I'm doing as a parent....this moment felt like a pat on the back.

Toddlers & Tiaras with Tom Hanks

2011-03-01T12:07:00.002-07:00

Yup...little obsessed with youtube right now....I need laughs....lots of laughs...and this is HILARIOUS!

Oscars 2011 : Florence Welch With A.R. Rahman

2011-02-28T13:57:00.002-07:00

POWERFUL.

I hope she records the full version.

I'd buy it.

Time flies....

2011-02-24T14:20:00.000-07:00

Where's time going? Way too fast, that's where. Seems like just yesterday he was born....and now he's walking!

Dad.

2011-02-14T10:45:00.001-07:00

Time, is going by, so much faster than I

And I'm starting to regret not spending all of it with you.

2011-02-05T14:31:00.000-07:00

Why...hello sun.

2011-01-08T15:07:00.000-07:00

Isn't Utah simply *cough* beautiful *cough* this time of year.

Temple Square.

2010-12-17T14:50:00.002-07:00

Food...Hot Chocolate...Lights.....PERFECT.

FREEZING.....not so much.

Catching up...in no particular order.

2010-12-02T11:23:00.000-07:00

raingutter regata.

first day of school.

Another year older.

Bloomington.

backyard campout.

scout camp.

Gardner Village.

Visiting with Kayden.

Antelope Balloon Days.

Back to School Night.

Spencer's Homecoming.

dogsitting.

Conference Drive.

Bieber Fever...and this applies to Kaitlyn only.

Speed Week.

Kayden turns one...over two months ago.

2010-10-26T11:38:00.000-06:00

I'm waaay behind....I know. It's been a crazy summer...and this week I'm dogsitting...but yes Meg....I'm workin' hard. Stay tuned.

Creative Writing.

2010-10-26T11:00:00.000-06:00

Prejudice.

Just because I'm quiet
doesn't mean I'm rude
doesn't mean I think I'm better than you
and doesn't mean I don't like people
Just because I'm quiet
doesn't mean I don't want to meet you
doesn't mean I'm psycho
and doesn't mean I'm stupid
Just because I'm quiet
doesn't mean I hate everyone
doesn't mean I want to be left alone
And doesn't mean I'm a loser
Just because I'm quiet
Why do you assume I'm stuck up?
Why do you think I'm weird?
Why do you think your better than me?
Just because I'm quiet.

Kaitlyn.

I am.

I am shy and quiet
I wonder if people know I have a voice
I hear everyone talking
I hear everyone laughing together
I want to be a part of that
I am shy and quiet

I pretend that someday I won't be so shy
I feel that I can speak out more if I try
I worry that I will chicken out
I cry because I am so shy
I am shy and quiet

I understand that I need to be more outgoing
I say that I know I need to put myself out there
I dream that I will talk to other people
I try to be more outspoken
I hope to be more confident
I am shy and quiet

Kaitlyn.

Kaitlyn is taking a creative writing class this year...I'm learning some things. We truly are our own worst enemy.

p.s. She writes other stuff too. =)

Savior of the World.

2010-10-16T15:38:00.000-06:00

This summer Kaitlyn participated in the "Savior of the World" production for youth conference. I was touched by the play in ways words cannot describe. These kids worked hard for months. In watching the ending of this play, I was overwhelmed by the emotions these kids displayed in understanding our Savior...His sacrifices...and His love for us. Afterward as Kaitlyn and I hugged and cried...I was again overwhelmed with emotions at the gift my Savior had given me in sending Kaitlyn to us. She shared her testimony in Sacrament meeting by herself at the age of three....and she wept while watching the Joseph Smith story. I'd like to take credit for all this...but I'm pretty sure she's the one teaching me. It's been a tough summer for her and yet she has remained strong. At the close of this production one cast member said it best, "This play sends boys on missions...and girls to the temple." I quite agree.

Our Angel.

Payden...the Pumpkin.

2010-10-16T14:08:00.000-06:00

Waving for Grandma.

Yup...I caught a smile ;)

He HATES grass...so we went back to the bucket...

Where he decided to watch the cars....and NOT touch the grass.

He clapped for BYU...Obviously he needs more time with Aunt Wendy....

I LOVE this face.

Lucky Grandma.

The Signs of Fall...

2010-10-16T13:08:00.000-06:00

The Signs of Fall

The signs of Fall are: your parents think it is too cold to go out and play, when you go outside you require a jacket. When you go outside and you accidentally touch metal and you jerk away because it is so cold, you shiver and get goosebumps. All you can do when you are forced to be inside because of rain is watch it wash away your time outside with your friends, flooding the happy summer memories with the wet freezing cold. Really the only time you can be outside is to rake up the leaves, knowing that Mother Nature is sitting in her cozy warm house eating popcorn and laughing at you. Fall is not the best time of year, well at least not for me, we all hope that Mother Nature takes pity on us and shows us mercy. I know that I hate this horrible transition from summer to winter, and I hope you do too.

Tanner

I guess he hates fall.

Lagoon.

2010-07-10T15:40:00.000-06:00

The Ferris Wheel.

Sadly...this is one of the scariest rides at Lagoon for me...heights...*shivers*. Turns out...we all hated this ride...so no more acting brave for the kids. yay.

We found our house....from the top of The Ferris Wheel.

The boys on Colassis.

We had a great day...see ya next year Lagoon.

a RARE moment.

2010-06-14T17:28:00.000-06:00

We don't usually see Jackson sitting still.

Pizza Boy.

2010-06-14T17:22:00.001-06:00

One of Tanner's projects this year before school let out...you know...in the last two weeks of school the teachers decided to throw in HUGE class projects...yay. He had to do a demonstration in front of the class. He chose to do a duct tape wallet. I was impressed...he did well. And....interestingly enough...he LIKES to be front and center....he DOES NOT get this from me. Anyway...another kid in his class demonstrated homemade pizza....so...Tanner insisted on doing this for us. He enjoyed cooking...and we enjoyed the pizza. (I'm totally trying to ignore his hair.)

Brothers.

2010-06-14T16:45:00.000-06:00

Do you feel the love? These guys were on a break from wrestling...yup...we watch til someone cries. Our hope was they would eventually stop...no such luck.We have a new winner every minute. *sidenote* Tanner's hair...it's my nemesis this summer. I told him he could grow it out this summer and we would see how it looked. Bad move. So far...it's killing me. New Deal. If he does not fix it everyday...I get to buzz it. I'm pretty sure I'll be breaking out the trimmer any day now.

He's gone....again.

2010-06-04T16:54:00.000-06:00

It was sooo good to have him home. We miss you Kasey.

Memorial 2010.

2010-06-04T16:18:00.001-06:00

This Memorial Day was different. It was Eric's idea to visit family graves we don't normally visit...but think about often. First we visited family graves in Lehi City Cemetery. I found this place extremely patriotic...and peaceful. Next stop was Larkin Sunset Gardens. Although they had a bagpiper....and the view is amazing, I was less than thrilled to be handed a pencil and a survey to fill out....during a time I'd hoped to use for remembering. Yup..it was different this year...mostly unexpected. We enjoyed hangin' as a family...our kids continue to bring us so much joy.

Seriously...this kid is serious.

2010-06-01T15:26:00.000-06:00

My nephew and his cute family.We'll have to work on Payden's smile.

Rockets Fans.

2010-06-01T14:54:00.000-06:00

I took these pictures of my niece and her cute little family. Soon they will be leaving for Texas...and we will miss them TONS.

He's back.

2010-05-20T16:13:00.002-06:00

Welcome Home Kasey.

Water Balloons.

2010-05-18T17:01:00.003-06:00

After nap time.

2010-05-14T15:33:00.000-06:00

Nap time.

2010-05-14T15:28:00.000-06:00

Playing inside.

2010-05-14T15:22:00.000-06:00

An outing.

2010-05-14T15:15:00.001-06:00

I was going stir crazy at home, so I decided to spend yesterday watching Julie weed, and hanging with Payden. Today, I miss this little monkey like crazy.

15.

2010-05-14T14:43:00.003-06:00

This year we celebrated Kaitlyn's Birthday at Tepanyaki. I can't believe she's 15 and driving. This year she wanted a flip, but everywhere we went, the salesperson did not recommend one. So we got her a better version of the flip. I guess I better watch out now, although I'm still hanging onto editing rights. We had a good time at dinner (Jackson only had a fit until other people were seated at our table....phew) and enjoyed watching the chef play with our food.

I finally got OFF the fence.

2010-05-07T14:14:00.001-06:00

Yup...I've been on it for 5 years. I've spent so much of my life analyzing things...over and over and over. I'm pretty sure it's the Libra in me. I'm indecisive. I want someone to always make decisions for me...yes...you should do that..or no...don't do that. Life's not that easy. Two weeks ago I made a HUGE decision. I walked into my doctor's office ready for a Hysterectomy. My doctor went through the different options open to me before taking this big step...but I knew in my heart...I was done. I told him I just didn't feel good. And I didn't. During my hospital stay I was on the floor with all the new mommies...Oh great I thought....what did I do...this is a sign...a very bad one. But you know what? Everytime a baby cried...a stupid grin passed over my face. When the nurse who was helping me was called away to feed a newborn...with special new mommy instructions on how to feed him....I giggled. The truth is...I didn't want another baby....I didn't want to start my family over again. I'm happy with the family Eric and I have created. I just wasted time. I'm working on the new me...and looking forward to being an awesome grandma. I'll practice with Julie and Kris' little ones. I'm 3 days post-op and I feel GREAT! (unless it's the percocet.) Thanks for all the phone calls...the visits...the goodie baskets....but most of all...for sharing in my life.

We really miss these guys . . .

2010-04-26T17:33:00.001-06:00

Really. I have this Disney Cruise hoodie....I love it...so I wear it...ALOT. And it never fails...I'm always asked...How was your cruise? Oh, it was the best I say. Before you know it I've become this Disney spokesperson...begging them to just take the trip already. So...I was thinking....Disney owes me.

Looking back.

2010-04-26T17:23:00.000-06:00

I look at these pictures and I think...he still loves the outdoors...and...look at the size of that head! What I wouldn't give to reach back in time...if only for a moment.

Warning: Proud Mom =)

2010-04-26T17:12:00.000-06:00

Tanner earned his "ARROW OF LIGHT" 3 months early.

OUCH!

2010-04-26T17:09:00.000-06:00

How did this happen? Oh right, the basketball standard fell on Tami's windshield. Tuesday's just keep gettin' better...don't they?

Easter.

2010-04-26T17:01:00.000-06:00

We especially enjoyed Easter this year...with it being Conference and all....this means...Jackson could eat all the candy he wanted...and we didn't have to watch him bounce off the walls of the church. We also enjoyed Creme Brulee French Toast...and Easter flowers.

Coloring Eggs.

2010-04-26T16:50:00.000-06:00

The kids still really enjoy this...and weeks of egg salad sandwiches as well.

Pinewood Derby.

2010-04-26T16:37:00.002-06:00

Yup...it's Pinewood Derby time again (last month) and this year Tanner wasn't in it to win it. He wanted to step aside and allow someone else to be the winner this year...so he decided to make a jeep...and it actually did quite well. Jackon was in it to win it...and didn't...but had a good time anyway. My favorite picture...Eric's mugshot.

The Roof.

2010-04-23T17:09:00.001-06:00

We enjoyed a night out with friends and a beautiful view.

Not so old . . . but good.

2010-04-23T15:31:00.000-06:00

Yarn.

2010-04-14T09:11:00.000-06:00

Learning.

2010-04-13T17:23:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday D....

2010-04-12T18:17:00.000-06:00

Whatever works.....right?

2010-04-04T21:12:00.001-06:00

It's always a challenge for me to get my boys to watch conference. However...today I was in for a surprise. As we watched the last session..Jackson behaved...AND...sang all the songs. Now..as a Mom...I'm bursting with pride...thinking "I cracked the code" Nope...Kaitlyn and Eric did. They told him that if he watched and sang all the songs....he only had to watch TWO hours of conference...instead of THREE. Could I be more proud?

Blessings.

2010-04-01T18:39:00.001-06:00

Yay me! I'm done editing....and I loved every minute of re-living this day...and these moments.

The joy of carseats...personally...I don't miss them.

2010-03-19T15:06:00.000-06:00

A few weeks back Julie and I spent the afternoon with Payden at the bookstore. He wasn't thrilled to be put in the car seat....those faces he pulled nearly broke my heart. Yup...a carseat is a necessary evil...and he fell asleep on the ride home..all was good.

Wordless Wednesday.

2010-03-17T15:08:00.000-06:00

He bakes too.

2010-03-12T16:37:00.001-07:00

Extra Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookies.

Extra Minty Chocolate Mint Cookies.

Eric and I aren't real sure about Tanner's newest obsession...or being his tasters. However...like any good parent we eat with a smile and two enthusiastic thumbs up....and a napkin close by.

The importance of measuring ingredients.

2010-03-12T16:24:00.000-07:00

Attempt #1

Attempt #2

The kid loves to bake...well...he loves to eat. Today we learned why we measure ingredients...and what exactly Baking Powder does. We cleaned the oven too.

Wordless Wednesday.

2010-03-10T11:56:00.001-07:00

A Forever Family . . .

2010-03-08T13:37:00.002-07:00

I've spent two days reliving this moment...and trying to figure out how to put it into words. I'll start with my heart is FULL. As Eric and I waited to be taken to the sealing room...I had a lot of time to reflect on all the happenings...that brought us to this moment. I was at peace. Once we were seated in the sealing room facing Josh and Mandy's parents...I wondered...Do they know I'm here with complete humility...that my love for Josh and Mandy and Kayden is bigger than myself? Do they know my tears are tears of JOY? Both moms each walked over to talk with me.

"Are you....."

"Yes...I am"

We share tears...and they tell me they will take good care of him...and I say "I know."

The sealing was beautiful...the blessing was perfect. For some moments there just aren't words...Josh said it best...It's two really great families getting together....I agree.

Baby Shower.

2010-02-24T16:39:00.007-07:00

Valentines.

2010-02-24T15:50:00.002-07:00

This year we enjoyed a Valentines dinner with the kids...and of course...FRUIT FLOWERS.

Blue & Gold Banquet.

2010-02-24T14:37:00.008-07:00

We had a BLAST at the Blue & Gold Banquet this year. Thanks to all the leaders who make Scouts so much fun!

I Heart Faces Photography Contest

2010-02-23T17:49:00.003-07:00

I entered this photo for my mom. I think she is pretty amazing at taking pictures...
In the future she may not let me have her password....
-Kaitlyn

Wordless Wednesday . . .

2010-02-10T15:58:00.001-07:00

Tuesday's.....with family.

2010-02-02T11:02:00.008-07:00

I love Tuesdays. And I love spending time with my family. And I love taking pictures of moments spent with my family. I plan to take more....lots more. And I hope my sisters don't hate me for putting these pictures of them on my blog...I think they're beautiful....and it only matters what I think...of course. =)

Homework?!?

2010-01-21T12:52:00.003-07:00

Specifically...GEOMETRY. I'm sure it would probably get done faster...if she wasn't texting at the same time. Yeah...I'll fix that.

Wordless Wednesday.

2010-01-20T11:30:00.001-07:00

Mom and baby.

2010-01-18T17:15:00.003-07:00

Nursery.

2010-01-18T16:48:00.005-07:00

Payden hung out in the nursery with his Dad...before getting his bath.

More Payden.

2010-01-18T16:32:00.006-07:00

I am amazed at how much this little guy has changed. In these pictures he reminds me of the little baby in Ice Age...but now...he looks completely different.

Sharing.

2010-01-18T16:18:00.005-07:00

Delivery.

2010-01-18T15:55:00.006-07:00

Payden Tyler Randall

December 14, 2009

Labor.

2010-01-18T14:47:00.004-07:00

On December 14th Maggie goes into labor...and I once again have the privilege of being a part of another birth. I again was amazed at the family support...and Jeff...the best labor coach I've seen.

Almost done.

2010-01-15T13:59:00.005-07:00

I haven't forgotten...I'm just slow.

Wordless Wednesday . . .

2009-12-30T21:05:00.003-07:00

Christmas Pajamas . . .

2009-12-24T11:36:00.007-07:00

This year I took the pajama pictures of the kids...another huge learning experience. Yes...indoor shots are way different than outdoor shots. Having the right equipment is a must...and the "subjects" didn't take me seriously (see last picture).

Amy's Wedding . . .

2009-12-22T17:06:00.014-07:00

My first wedding...sort of. I was back up photographer to Dad...and Julie was the "poser" she did a great job too. I had fun and I'm learning TONS. Congratulations to Amy and Kevin!

Payden.

2009-12-18T15:21:00.001-07:00

Today I learned . . .

2009-12-18T14:15:00.003-07:00

this is a brain freeze.

Frosty. . . sort of.

2009-12-18T13:44:00.009-07:00

Our first snowman of the season. Eric arrived for the finishing touches...but sadly...the snowman is longer with us. I couldn't take Ginger barking at the intruder in the backyard. We'll build the next one on the side of the house...Frosty should be safe there.

Baptism...

2009-12-17T10:43:00.014-07:00

Jackson was baptized on December 5th. We enjoyed family...friends...and food. The HUGE snow storm...not so much. Congrats Jackson!

The Party.

2009-12-09T14:39:00.007-07:00

Jackson celebrated his 8th birthday with a movie...pizza...cake...and friends. As you can tell from the last picture...Jackson was a handful...he blew out the candle before I could take the picture...and he insisted on calling me Wendy throughout the party...I can hardly wait for next year.

My Plan.

2009-11-20T15:39:00.002-07:00

I had one of those "it seemed like a good idea at the time" moments. I would take Jackson's baptism photos...in the snow...while it's snowing....oh the symbolism....right? Well...like most of my ideas...I'm not sure what I think. Here's a peek. And yeah...we pretty much froze...but conquer I must.

Almost 8.

2009-11-20T15:14:00.002-07:00

I've been working on Jackson's baptism....and I ran across this photo....he still melts my heart....and we're pretty sure he's agreed to be baptized.