Pack Family

Darla's 50th

2010-06-22T18:26:00.016-04:00

Yep! It is official. I turned 50 in February. Imagine that. Half a century. Oh well, it was one of the funnest and most memorable birthday's ever. It started a couple days early.
Thursday night Feb 4th. David and I went to Columbus to the Temple. I wanted to take some soup to my cute neice Steph and her husband B. So, I reminded David to go to Steph's as we were leaving, (because sometimes we are flaky and just drive on home). He did. I got out, rang the door bell and walla!!! there was Brandon.... Steph.... Tylana???.....Moana....?? Lisa???.... Mom and Dad...??? Peni...???
My mind might have believed Peni, since she is Stephs mom, however, I couldn't grasp seeing Tylana, are you kidding, in Ohio, then Lisa and Mo, Mom and Dad, am I dreaming, pinch me. I was stunned beyond belief. It was the most surprising thing I have experienced. I can not believe they pulled it off and not even Micah told me about it. Micah told me earlier in the week that he thought I was going to have fun on my birthday. I figured Tori, David and Becky were planning a surprise YW party. I had no idea my family would be here for the party. It was absolutely amazing.

......

Are they here yet???

Silly string is ready.

She's here.

Come in already!!!

Pinch me.

Sleep over.

Covered Bridge.

Potty break.

Amish!

The whole gang.

Dopplegangers.

Dopplegangers 2.

Pappa making delicious pancakes for breakfast.

Kirtland

Kirtland

Johnson Farm.
There is a wonderful memory behind every picture. Thank you to the best family in the world. Thank you also for the wonderful letters you wrote for my wonderful book.
It will be a treasure forever.
Love you all,
Darla
P.S. 50 is fabulous!

Christmas in Ohio 2009

2010-03-15T22:04:00.008-04:00

Nelson Family Christmas 2009

2010-03-15T14:56:00.016-04:00

Welcome to the Nelson family Christmas Party! This year was a little different. Usually we have our Christmas Party the weekend after Thanksgiving. We load up the tractor and head for the hills. Kurt usually finds a place and makes an ice skating pond and we cut our Christmas trees, eat chili, drink hot chocolate, and have the time of our lives. Then we go back to Grandma and Grandpa's and have the greatest Christmas party you have ever seen. Santa comes and gives a bag of goodies to all the kids and then we dance and party and play games the rest of the night. It is a memorable tradition that we hope continues through out the ages. This year however, Dave H was in Iraq and Packs of course were in Ohio for Thanksgiving. So fortunately for us, they postponed the party until December 26th. Here are some, ok a lot, of pictures of the Nelson family party!
So fun to see each other and just visit, mingle and catch up.

Our newest member of the family this year Tazen

Our cute momma and pappa. They started this whole thing. They are great.

The brothers
The Sista's and the momma

The cousin exchange. Right, left, I mean left, right.

The winner of the most disgusting gift. Kira opened a blood eel or some horrible looking thing. Thanks Talina.

Tierani showed us pictures of her trip to Romania to work in the orphanage.
Mindy lip synced to Daysha's song. She was most entertaining and I really liked her heart beat. She always puts on a good show.
Then of course we ended with the polka. It has become a family tradition.

I love our family traditions. I hope we have many more years of them. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Pack Family Christmas 2009

2010-03-15T13:25:00.003-04:00

Christmas day at the Packs was spent with Hailey and her friend entertaining us,Playing lots of fun games,

Being beautiful,and handsome,

and just enjoying being together.

It was a wonderful day. Thanks everyone!

Merry Christmas

2010-03-15T12:00:00.011-04:00

We had a wonderful dinner Christmas Eve at Tylana and Tyson's home. Here are a few pictures of some of the adorable people in attendance.

The cousins got together for a pose. Tucker and Wyatt were watching to learn how for next year.

The big boys had a wild marshmallow fight. I cannot even imagine where Tylana will find marshmallows this year. What a sport she is for having this go on in her house.

Of course Christmas morning we had to get our traditional picture on the stairs. So exciting to see what Santa brought.

The girls posing with their cute new hats!
Tierani made me this stunningly beautiful quilt.
More fun toys.

Thanks everyone for a wonderful Christmas. Love to you all

Christmas Eve 2009

2010-03-15T11:58:00.002-04:00

Christmas Eve brought a pleasant surprise. Kody and Christine invited David and I to their home to meet Elder Pearl. Elder Pearl is from Durbin South Africa. He is the last person Kody baptized on his mission in 2002. It was such an honor to be able to meet him in person. He was called on a Mission to SLC, and Kody was blessed to be able to meet up with him on a few occasions. It has been a wonderful testimony of missionary work. What a blessing for Kody to actually be able to see some of the fruits of his labors already in action. As Elder Pearl was leaving he gave Kody a present to open after he left for Christmas. Inside were some pictures of his family, Kody was also able to baptize his brother while in South Africa, a South African Flag, and his missionary badge. I know Kody will cherish these the rest of his life. I am thankful for such an awesome experience.

Kyson

2010-03-15T11:55:00.001-04:00

We celebrated Kyson's 26th Birthday December 23rd. My oh my where has all the time gone.

Where has all the time gone.

2010-03-15T07:50:00.010-04:00

I can hardly believe I waited so long to write a post. Life just seems to be running away. I got a new little camera for Christmas so it would be easier for me to take pictures everywhere I go and blog. So for starters, here are some pre Christmas pictures. The bowling gang. It was really fun even though I of course did not win one game... Maybe next year.

This is the first picture I took with my new camera as soon as I opened it.

Happy Halloween

2009-11-01T14:00:00.003-05:00

David and I started the day at Stephanie and Brandon's. We went to Columbus Friday night to work in the Temple laundry Saturday morning. It is always so much fun to see Steph and she always has cute things she is working on. After David and I were done working in the Temple, we went to Steph's and B dug up a bulb from their beautiful large pink lilly and gave it to me. Yeah!!! They smell soooo good and I am really excited for next summer. (wish we could skip Jan - March in the frosty OH) Anyways, Brandon and Steph show us the funnest games and they always become our favorite. Our latest craze is Aquire! So much fun. The best description I have heard is "Monopoly on steroids." The best is when I beat David. However, my luck wasn't so good. David came in first and gloated all the way home. (In fact he is still gloating) As we speak he just came in to make sure I let everyone know he won. Brandon is really hard to beat. (Steph and I like to team up and try to help each other, secretly of course)

When we arrived home, we ate mummys (hot dogs wrapped in biscuits) and veggies. Just quick enough for everyone to get off trick or treating. David and Callie even joined in the fun.

Tori enjoyed her last few hours as a 17 year old and now today, she is an adult.

Happy Birthday Tori! We love you.

It's been a while.

2009-10-09T08:35:00.007-04:00

Wow it has been 2 months since I last posted anything. How time flies.

These are hydrangeas from our garden. I love hydrangeas. They take me back to my child hood. I had a very wonderful childhood. My family has always been close and therefore, I have always had a best friend. When I was 9 years old, our family moved to New Zealand. There were beautiful bushes of hydrangeas everywhere. My favorite were blue with a hint of purple. My sister and I and used to pick them and pretend they were our bride bouquets. Those were very happy years. When I see hydrangeas they always take me back to that simple, beautiful part of my life.

This past weekend Tori and I went to Lexington Virginia to go to VMI's homecoming. It was absolutely beautiful. We also visited SVU, walked around the quaint campus which we really liked, then we went to the church nearby and attended the first session of conference before heading back to Ohio.

Delightful Day.

2009-08-08T19:25:00.004-04:00

We had a delightful day today. It started in Columbus. Our youth had a temple trip. It is always nice to be in the quiet, beautiful, peaceful temple. Anyways, on the ride home from Columbus Micah was VERY bored! So first thing we did was play tic tac toe. That of course was very boring after about 3 games. We are both tooooo good at it. The only other thing I could think of was to start a story. I just happened to have a notebook in the car from our adventures to Utah. So I started a story like this " Once there was a delightful....." Well Micah was supposed to finish the sentence and start another one. This was his."...pig. He went to the restroom and then....."" Well of course if a 9 year old boy is telling a story it is not going to end up being about a princess who lived happily ever after. So I tried to keep it out of the toilet, so to speak. I finished the sentence with..."he washed up. He suddenly felt....", Micah then added, ..."an eyeball crawling on him and it said...". Well the story went on and believe me I had to think quite hard to keep it going. It is facinating to say the least. I am thinking of starting "the PACKed family travel adventures" I am sure it will be entertaining to say the least.
The best part of the day was this afternoon when Evan aka "Evan from heaven" was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Evan is one of the best young men I have ever met. We have been honored to have him in our home to listen to missionary discussions, and to just hang out once in a while. He has a wonderful family. His mom Monna is one of those people you meet and you instantly fall in love with her and want her to be your friend because she is so happy and upbeat and adorable. They are so wonderful.
Elder Wayment and Elder Smith moved into our ward the day Evan started the discussions. They are also wonderful and feel like family. They teach the gospel so well. It is amazing to me that these young boys are so well read with their scriptures and the gospel and everything. I am so happy that our sons have this opportunity, and that Aaron is having this opportunity now. We all love Evan and can't wait to take him to Utah and meet all of our family. Thanks Tori for being an example so that he wanted to know more and so that we all could benefit from this wonderful experience.

Family Camp 2009

2009-07-26T11:06:00.025-04:00

Welcome to Nelson Family Camp 2009!

We had a great time. Our camp this year was at Granite Hot Spprings, by Jackson Hole Wyoming. Brad and his friend Dave from Logan were our white water guides. We spent most of one day at Lunch Counter waiting patiently for our turn to raft and watching the others go through the rapids. Some went cliff jumping, others jumped to help a few that got caught in the current and pulled to the other side. We won't mention any names, but Talina and Brook were happy that Hawaiian Dave was home from Iraq.

Ceologists at work...

Kyson and Wyatt with their cute hats...

Mom and Mindy did sincronized swimming...

Kyson took out the bathing beauties...

Taylor teased Peni and it was hillarious...

Mindy stopped a tree from squishing everyone...good job Mighty Mindy.

Mindy slipped on a slick log by the falls and hurt her shin.... her pride....

her bottom....

but don't worry her big sister (me) came to the rescue...

We went on a great hike...

In the wilderness...

Ate great food...

made wonderful creations...

camped for the first time....

Had fun with cousins...

Lost a couple rafters......grab your oar's Chancey and Tate.....

Floated the mighty river by the camp...

Found some forget-me-nots...

Thanks for an unforgettable, wonderful week. Love you all.

Mormon Disneyland

2009-07-11T20:59:00.008-04:00

This is the group from Tallmadge ward that attended Youth conference. We went to Palmyra NY. Our first stop was in Fayette at the Peter Whitmer farm.

From the Peter Whitmore farm we went to a Girls Camp at Seneca Lake. It was awesome. This the barn from the Lake. Seneca Lakes is one of the finger lakes. This is Tori with Ashley from our ward and Kristen from the stake.

This is Olivia at the edge of the lake wading.

From the Lake we went to the Hill Cumorah. We went early and had a delicious chicken dinner. From there we were able to have a fireside with the producer of the Pageant. It was really interesting and sounds like such a great opportunity for people to work at the Hill Cumorah Pageant. Then we visited with all kinds of people from the Book of Mormon. It was like Mormon Disney Land. This is a picture of some of the Youth with Mormon and his son Moroni. They were great.

Here are some of us girls with Mormon and Moroni. I told them to all marry men like them.

Here they are, father and son heros from the BOM.

Caleb hitting on some cute little lamanite and nephite girls.

Tori, Ashlee, and Kristen found some hot Lamanite and Nephites.

Olivia with Mormon

Mormon even agreed to put on a gun show with some of the boys. Caleb said he was pulled over for carrying concealed weapons.

David and Olivia with a wicked priest.

Olivia and David with Lehi.

Kristen, Ashlee and Tori in their bunks at our cabin.

Katie and Olivia in a bunk.

Caleb and Aaron Johnson at the back of the Smith cabin.

A group of our adorable Youth at the back of the Smith home.

Tori and Ashlee with the Palmyra Temple in the back ground.

We had a wonderful trip. The youth were so fun and good and I don't think we could have asked for anything better. The weather was perfect for the Pageant. It rained on us while we were in the Sacred Grove and we didn't get to stay there as long as we would have liked, but we got a good taste of Palmyra and hopefully every one was able to feel some of the wonderful spirit that is there.

Garden Update

2009-07-09T10:12:00.003-04:00

I thought I would give you a little update of the garden. This is the tomato, pepper, basil etc. (Notice the hydrangea has blossoms. )

These are the squash, cucumbers, cantaloupe etc. (excuse the weeds around the edge. The gardner has been out to lunch or something.)

This is the patch by the back porch. It had peas, beets, cabbage and some herbs. It got a little carried away. We did get some nice salad out of it in the beggining.

As far as I know everything is legal and we are looking forward to a bumber crop. (some of it at least.)

David is 51!

2009-07-06T14:29:00.008-04:00

Happy Birthday David 51 years young today!!!!!

aka hotty boy

I believe that 51 is going down the other side of the hill for most people. However, David doesn't even have any grey hair. (How lucky is that.) I met David about 3 1/2 years ago. Our sisters lined us up on a blind date. (blind dates actually work out once in a while) One day after we had been dating a few months, Davids mom was looking through her recipe box. She ran across this recipe that David had sent her from his mission (Adelaide Australia, the same one our son Kyson went to). She said it was his favorite recipe. David has not had any since he returned from Australia 30 years ago. I decided to make it for his 51st birthday!!!!!!!! I called Mom Pack and no answer. I decided to check out the internet to see if I could find it. Spotted Dick. Yes that is the name. Well come to find out it must be a pretty popular dessert amongst the Brits. I found many recipes. Most were not that easy for me to read and figure out. However, I finally found one that was a little more Americanized and actually had a video of them making it. (My lucky day). It actually tasted delicious, considering the middle wasn't quite cooked all the way. I have never steam cooked anything except vegetables, (steaming a cake for 2 hours was quite interesting) next time it should be perfect. So heres to you David, the most handsome, wonderful man in the world. Love you and Happy Birthday.

I have a request for the recipe:

(I bought a box of vanilla pudding from the store and added some lemon zest instead of making the custard sauce. It was just too much for me to make another thing I had no idea about. It tasted great!)

Spotted Dick (British raisin pudding cake)
9 tablespoons (1 stick plus 1 tablespoon) unsalted butter
1 1/4 cups plus of sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups self-rising flour or (2 ¾ C flour, 2 Tbls baking powder and ½ tsp salt)(I used pancake mix)
3 tablespoons whole milk
1 cup golden raisins
Special equipment: large ceramic heatproof bowl or 8 (8-ounce) ramekins, parchment paper
Preparation
Butter bowl, then dust with flour, knocking out excess.
Fill large, shallow, wide saucepan with 1 inch water. Add flat steamer or equally sized cookie cutters to create steaming platform just above water level.
In bowl of stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat together butter and 1 1/4 cups sugar until pale and fluffy, 4 to 5 minutes. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down sides of bowl periodically. Beat in vanilla.
Sift flour into medium bowl. Gradually beat flour into egg mixture just until combined. Add 3 tablespoons milk and beat until smooth, about 30 seconds. Add raisins and beat just until combined.
Transfer batter to prepared bowl, smoothing top. Top bowl with parchment paper. Secure edges all around. ( I also covered the bowl with a layer of foil) Over moderately high heat, bring water in steamer to boil. Transfer bowl to steamer, cover pan tightly, lower heat to moderate, and steam, adding more boiling water to pan if necessary, until pudding is set, about 2 hours for bowl, 1 hour for ramekins. ( mine needed a little more time)
Meanwhile, make custard sauce: Transfer pudding bowl(s) to rack and cool 5 minutes. Run paring knife around inside rim of bowl and invert pudding(s) onto plate(s). Serve warm with custard sauce.
Custard Sauce from Scratch
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups whole milk
6 large egg yolks
1/3 cup sugar
Preparation
Bring milk just to a boil in a 3-quart heavy saucepan and remove from heat. Whisk together yolks, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a bowl and add hot milk in a slow stream, whisking. Pour custard into pan and cook over moderately low heat, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened and a thermometer registers 170°F. Pour through a fine sieve into a pitcher and serve warm.

Enjoy!

Church sites with my fam

2009-06-30T11:29:00.002-04:00

Mom and Dad Nelson, Peni, Steph, Tate, and Tierani came to visit us in the Ohio. We had a great time going to church sites. These are a few of the pictures. I will try to get more later.

Aaron set apart and ready to go.

2009-06-22T23:49:00.006-04:00

Aaron was set apart Monday June 22, 2009 for the California, Anaheim, Spanish speaking mission.

We love you Aaron.

3 in 1 Sunday

2009-06-22T07:04:00.004-04:00

Happy Birthday Tierani

Happy Fathers Day David

Happy Mission Aaron

Sunday was a very busy, wonderful day.

It was so fun to wake up Sunday morning and Have Tierani here for breakfast in bed on her 19th birthday.

I have really missed her and it was a treat for me to be able to fix her breakfast in bed.
For lunch we came home from church and sang Happy Birthday and ate Strawberry cake. It was divine! I didn't have any complaints about lunch.

Happy Birthday Princess Tierani.

It was so fun to spend the day with you. We love you.

I took a picture of Aaron and David together, however, it did not appear on my camera. So here is a picture from the temple. David and Aaron both spoke in Sacrament meeting today. David said he thought they would give a guy a break since it was fathers day and he wondered if it was because he didn't have enough kids.

David gave a wonderful talk on the Savior.

Happy Fathers Day David. You are a wonderful pappa and we love you.

Aaron talked on missionary work. He did a great job. He is going to be a wonderful missionary. California is blessed to have him.

Aaron told a very fun story of his life long companion Ryan. When they were young. Old enough that they both had scriptures, they decided to convert everyone on bus 25 from row 18 back. If you get the chance you should have him tell you the story. It is great.

Congrats Aaron thanks for being such a great example to us all.

We love you.

Happy Birthday Micah.

2009-06-02T23:59:00.004-04:00

Micah turned 9 today. YEAH.

He is very happy to be able to watch transformers tonight.

Happy Birthday Micah we love you.

Prom 2009

2009-06-02T23:36:00.004-04:00

Tori went to Prom with Evan Frankovitz. He is a wonderful young man.

The theme this year was "A Night at the Oscars". As you can see by the picture Evan thought the tickets would be better if they went through the washing machine.

A fun evening. You're such a beautiful princess Tori.

Callie's Graduation

2009-05-11T07:59:00.005-04:00

Callie Graduated top of her class Saturday May 9, 2009, from dental hygiene school.

Callie's classic dimples.

Aaron and Callie.

Congrats on a job well done Callie!

Modest Prom

2009-04-18T23:05:00.006-04:00

Our Stake has a modest prom every year with 3 or 4 other stakes. They come from Kirtland, Pittsburg, Cleveland, and I'm not sure where. Anyways, it was alot of fun. Here are some of the pics of it.

This is Tori and her best friend Kristen from the stake. She is so fun and they have alot of fun together. She lives in Canton. They have fun together every time we have a stake activity.

Tori and this kid won a dance competition. He was really a good dancer and Tori followed along real well.

This is Tori, Suzettes friend?, and Suzette a cute girl from the ward.

Tori and her friend Wes from the Stake. He is really alot taller than her. He squatted for the picture.

Our cute Stake president and his wife. President Center. His wife is soooooo fun.

My friend Kirsten from the ward and her husband Kurt.

Tori and her friend Chad from the Stake.

Suzette.

Kody and Tessa. Kody is in our ward. He is an amazing musician and he is going to BYU this summer. We will really miss him. He plays the piano very well. Kirsten and Kurt are his parents.

Well that's all for now folks. Hope you have a wonderful sleep.

Later,

Darla

Aaron received his mission call

2009-04-06T10:39:00.003-04:00

Aaron's mission call came Saturday morning and we were all shocked. (espesially Aaron. It was just sent in on March 25) We weren't expecting it until next week.
Aaron decided he needed to brush his teeth before he opened it. (we were all excited about that) He brushed his teeth and then he decided that maybe he should get cleaned up first. (he was going with the missionaries between conference sessions) Then he decided maybe he wanted to open it by himself first. So, he brushed his teeth, went in a room by himself for awhile (seemed like forever), then he came out and said he was going to clean up and would open it for the rest of us at 1:00. We were all so antsy I am sure we have no idea what was said in morning conference.

Here is Aaron all cleaned up to read his call to those of us who were waiting on pins and needles. (especially his dad)

When the awaited time came, there were about 5 or 6 phones with people on them and Aaron opened and read it.

Everyone wanted to talk to Aaron, (I am sure he had no idea who he was talking to and on what phone who was on.) this is only about half of the phones he was handed at one time.

He finished reading the rest of the letter and it was absolutely beautiful. We look forward to him being able to serve in the California, Anaheim, Spanish speaking mission. He reports to the MTC, June 24.

What a happy proud pappa.

Good job Aaron!

WE LOVE YOU!!!

PS. I have no idea how to turn the pictures the right way. I'd love some help if any one knows.

Gardening

2009-04-02T07:55:00.004-04:00

Thank you David for the post yesterday. I love to be outdoors. I try every year to have a garden. Last year I had everything graphed out on paper where I was going to plant it. I had my starts growing, (the same kind of thing I do every year) however, I was fortunate to be able to go to Utah to paint with Lisa and prepare for Talisha and Marks wedding. It was fun. (The garden suffered miserably) The tomatoes and basil were delicious, thanks to the Ohio moisture. they survived.
This year I actually started and transplanted (how amazing is that, my first transplant)my tomotoes. I am really excited for May so the cute little puppies can go outside in the garden. (everyone will be happy to not have that grow light on and plants in the kitchen)
Saturday David, (the wonderful) made me some boxes so I could actually have a square foot garden this year! I am so excited. I have been reading and making notes and I even charted out where to plant the plants.(again) Yesterday we moved the boxes to their place of residency in the yard (it was tricky trying to find places we could get the most sun here in OH) This weekend David is going to help me put the dirt in them (I can hardly wait) Then walla! hopefully in a few weeks I will be taking pictures of some gorgeous plants in them.
I can hardly wait for the harvest and the home made pizza!

These are the adorable little transplants growing to be put into the garden in another month. YEAH!

These are the two small boxes David made. We are in the process of leveling them and preparing them for the fill.

This is the large box. If you notice that beautiful morning sun peeking through. (It is always such a delight) Also, the hydrangea plant, (my favorite since I was a little girl in New Zealand) I am really happy we have that.

It's a beautiful day in Ohio, so I must go for now. I need my vitamin D. So I will send you more later.

Much love,

Darla

PS. I forgot to tell you that David (Bro Pack) and I went to the Presidents ball this weekend. (they have it every year here. the stake has a dinner and a dance at the galaxy.) We danced the night away. (at least a couple hours)

2009-04-01T17:07:00.002-04:00

Darla has us into square-foot gardening. I should say it's more like square-yard gardening. I have only seen her this happy since her last paint-job!! Anyway, we plan on having cantalope and other big stuff dangling from vines and 6 feet off the ground. Plenty of veggy's for the whole-wheat pizza's. And trust me, try our pizzas and you'll be a regular kind of guy/gal!

I am in love all over again!

2009-03-16T15:07:00.005-04:00

Beautiful Mommy Tori

Proud Pappa Kyson

Here is our adorable little Wyatt. We are so excited he is here healthy and happy. (At least the rest of us are happy) I think he is just content to be with his mommy and daddy.

These are the cutest little cousins ever and I am sure they are going to have lots of fun!

Sweet dreams

All snuggled up ready to go home and sleep in his own bed. YEAH!

Aren't they all cute as can be.

Congratulations Tori and Kyson for a job well done. I can hardly wait to snuggle with him, smell him and kiss his cute adorable cheeks. Nothing quite so wonderful as a new baby.

Lazy days of winter

2009-03-09T10:05:00.002-04:00

Well another great weekend. Friends from the ward came over Friday with their families. We played hot dice (of course, what else) We wanted to have a wii bowling tournament however, the kids took ownership of the wii. (my arm was probably thankful, no sore muscle this week)
Saturday was a cozy rainy day. It was actually in the high 50's and i know there was sun on the otherside of those clouds somewhere. (i have actually seen the sun in an airplane on the other side of the clouds in ohio) Sunday i was able to get up and be to my 7am meeting in spite of the time change. Bro. Pack and Olivia missed church and were both home feeling like someone kicked them in the stomach.
After church I went home and fixed din din. Then the most amazing thing happened. I went to work on the computer and i printed some things for YW. I felt sleepy (because i was up before the sun was even on the other side of the clouds.) I crawled in my bed at 2:22pm. The next thing i knew someone brought me the phone and it was 7pm. It was so awesome. I slept the whole day away.
Ty called and cute little Tayler decided that med she was taking wasn't working with her system and now she has hives all over. Love you Tay hope you feel better soon.
We were having amazing lightening storms so I went in Tori's room and we watched the show out of her bedroom window. Soon the family came in and we had prayers and then it was almost time to go back to bed. (I love these lazy days of winter)
I hope you all had a wonderful, relaxing weekend.
later, dar

Hi everyone!

2009-03-01T21:08:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone. I just thought I would write a little something. I have had such a great weekend. It started Saturday morning with the opportunity to go to an early stake meeting. (isn't it always a ball to get up early on Saturday.) Actually, I quite enjoyed it.
some of my favorite quotes from the meeting.

Virtue and modesty go hand in hand. "Happiness" Joseph Smith taught, "is the object and design of our existence and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it, and this path is virtue..............

The Temple is the reason for everything we do in the church.

Teach clearly: be accepting but NEVER dilute to be accepted.

I also found this quote on the internet that I love.
Make up your mind to be happy-even when you don’t have money, even when you don’t have a clear complexion, even when you don’t have the Nobel Prize. Some of the happiest people I know have none of these things the world insists are necessary for satisfaction and joy. Why are they happy? I suppose it is because they don’t listen very well. Or they listen too well-to the things their hearts tell them. They glory in the beauty of the earth. They glory in the rivers and the canyons and the call of the meadowlark. They glory in the love of their families, the stumbling steps of a toddler, the wise and tender smile of the elderly. They glory in honest labor. They glory in the scriptures. They glory in the presence of the Holy Ghost. One thing I know for certain: the time we have here goes by far too quickly. Don’t waste any more time sitting on the bench watching life pass you by.
Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Lessons Learned in the Journey of Life.” Ensign, May 2001, 35.

Then later last night I went on a date with my adorable, hot, husband. (I am sure he is thrilled to be reading this) We went to Pink Panther 2. Nothing like Steve Martin and his hamburger or legs flangling (not sure if this is a word) to give you a good laugh.

Today, I was able to get up again and go to church meetings.(ok to get up early on Sunday)
My favorite part was in YW when Beckie (the teacher) taught about prayer and she askes some of the youth to tell of experiences they have had in answers to prayers. My sweet Tori was one and told about moving to OH and how hard it was and about her sister showing her a scripture in answer to her prayer that she found and it said "go to the Ohio". It wasn't the answer she wanted but she knew everything would be ok and that she would be going to Ohio. I am so thankful for every time in my life I have the opportunity to know that my family is comforted or helped or just to know that they go to the right source for help.

Later today I had the fortune to turn on the TV and hear John Denver. What an awesome entertainer. I really enjoyed it.

Now I think I will retire so that I can get up in the morning and pry my bootie out of bed and go out in the frigid OH weather and walk. It would be so nice to get in some sort of shape besides lumpy, bumpy.....

Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite, if they do pick up a shoe and knock them black and blue. Love you

Baby Tucker and Draper Temple Open House

2009-02-13T00:07:00.004-05:00

Some cute pictures of the kids

Today Talisha, Tierani, Tylynn, Tayler and I went to the Draper Temple open house. It is absolutely beautiful. One of the most beautiful bride rooms I have ever seen. If you get the chance to go I would suggest you take the time.

More fun

2009-01-28T13:31:00.001-05:00

Big sisters love.

Aren't they sweet.

I am in love.

2009-01-28T09:01:00.001-05:00

Our newest grandbaby Tucker. Thanks for the pictures Kody and Christine.

The cutest grandbabies ever

2008-12-30T13:05:00.004-05:00

Aren't these the cutest little girls. Christine took their pictures and even though they were being little stinkers they are adorable. Thought you would like to see how cute our grand daughters are.

Christmas 2008

2008-12-30T12:37:00.002-05:00

This is a sample of our Christmas in Ohio. From sitting on the stairs to hanging out to bowling. It was a fun Christmas.

2008-12-29T19:33:00.004-05:00

We were so excited this year to be able to spend Thanksgiving in Utah with Davids family. It was the first time in twenty some years he was able to be home. We really enjoyed it. It was also so fun this year to take David home to my family for our annual Thanksgiving/Christmas party. We always joke that if you take a boyfriend or girlfriend home to this it will either make or break the relationship. David didn't get that choice. Luckily he loved it and had a great time with everyone. One of the highlights this year was Kyson and Tyson bringing grandpas tractor back home to him all shiny and new. It is a 1939 tractor that my grandpa has had ever since my dad was born. It was a wonderful treat for all of us. We took lots of pictures and here are a few to share.

Is there a Santa Claus?

2008-12-10T11:53:00.001-05:00

I love this video. It is short but it is so nice to see this time of the year. I hope you all enjoy it. Merry Christmas
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1287042996/bclid232321226/bctid320419928

2008-12-06T09:28:00.001-05:00

This is a fun Christmas video I think you will like. Love to you all. http://www.joytoeveryone.com/

Congratulations Heather.

2008-12-02T23:26:00.000-05:00

Heather was MVP for Deseret News. Good job.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705267470,00.html

Tori 17!!!!!!!

2008-11-04T14:51:00.002-05:00

Can you believe my baby is 17?

Breakfast in bed.

Halloween

2008-11-04T14:20:00.005-05:00

Levi, Micah, Tori

Levi

Jordan, Micah, Callie

Micah's school parade

Olivia, Maritza, Micah, Adam

Tori, Emily, Suzette, Monique

Tori

Jordan

Micah

Olivia

Olivia, Tori, Micah, Jordan, Caleb, Levi

Cute Halloween pictures.

YM YW activity

2008-10-21T13:54:00.004-04:00

Caleb and Levi and some other kids in our ward
Caleb in the back ready to go canoeing. When they returned Caleb hopped out and the others went in.
Levi and Olivia

Playing with the tug of war rope.
David and Darla
Tori and her friend Kristen from our stake.
Cute YW from Tallmadge ward. YEAH!!!
Olivia and Kaylynn

We had a stake YMYW activity at Pres Centers farm. It was so fun and such a nice day. He and his wife live in Jewett OH. Thought you might enjoy some of the kids pics.

One more good one on family.

2008-10-16T14:05:00.001-04:00

Everything we do makes a difference. Be aware of what is out there. Love to you all.

FWD: What happens in California....doesn't stay in California. It spreads and becomes the law of the land.... Send this on!
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1815825713

Are you ready to vote!

2008-10-16T13:58:00.001-04:00

I thought this was a very nice video to watch about voting. Pray about this election and make a responsible vote. Love you all.
http://www.catholicvote.com/

Power On

2008-09-17T09:59:00.001-04:00

Just to let you all know. We didn't have to break out the dutch ovens. The power came back on late Monday night. We only had to play games one night by candle light. Luckily Monday morning there was hot water in the water heater so we had nice warm showers, but you should have seen my make up. I quess I need light.

No Power

2008-09-15T14:28:00.003-04:00

Well hello everyone. Last night we recieved a little gift from Hurrricane Ike. We had huge winds and our power went out somewhere around 7pm. We played games around a candle and then it came back on momentarily. Unfortunately it went back out and we still do not have any. I called the phone # to find out about the outage and they have a recording saying it should all be back on by Friday. So, since today is Monday, it could be a very long week.
The roof blew off of the school Micah went to last year.
Here is a clip from the news. "In Hudson, winds blew off a roof on Evamere Elementary School. District Superintendent Steven Farnsworth said the roof blew right over the top of the gymnasium and came down in front of the building. No one was injured and officials report no damage to the inside of the building."

Some summer 2008

2008-09-07T21:19:00.021-04:00

I thought I would start to add some summer pictures to the blog. I will add more later. Tylynn and Tayler by Great Grandpa Nelson's garage.

Swimming at Hannemann's Pool

Moose under Grandma and Granpa Nelson's tree in the back yard.

Addie enjoying Grandma's Hops

More Pictures of the pool.

Just hanging out

Sunday

2008-09-07T13:43:00.006-04:00

I hope you are all having a fabulous Sunday. In sunday school today we were studying Helaman 1-5, comparing it to the latter days. (of which we are all a part of) I couldn't help thinking of the upcoming election. It brought to mind a BYU devotional I heard some time ago by President Benson. I don't remember exactly what it is about. I just know it was about different types of government and their counterfeits. I thought it might be something you would be interested in reading. This is the link. I will be reading it as well. http://http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=3d7f615b01a6b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1
One of my favorite scriptures was also in the lesson today. Here it is.
Helaman 5:12 And now, my sons(Family), remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.
You are all my heroes! I love you all and hope you have a wonderful Sabbath.

Grandbaby #3

2008-09-05T14:59:00.002-04:00

We are excited to hear that it looks like grandbaby #3 is going to be a baby boy!!! Amazing as that is. We will be anxiously awaiting for the cute little guy in February (around my birthday). Sounds like a party to me.

Off to a good start !

2008-09-04T12:04:00.008-04:00

Darla has us all off to a good start this school year. With Tori leaving for seminary early in the mornings we all get up at 5:30 a.m. Darla has an assortment of treats ready for the kids to pick from as long as they are at breakfast and reading a chapter of scripture with the family at 6:00am. So if you snooze, you lose! It works quite well! Hey, it got me out of bed !! It is a good way to start the day and it gets us all together for a few minutes. We've found a similar tactic to get everyone up for Church on Sunday mornings and it works every time. If you want that secret, let us know.

Talisha and Marks Wedding

2008-08-25T16:02:00.004-04:00

Talisha and Mark were married August 15, 2008 in th Mt Timpanogos Temple. It was a wonderful week. We couldn't have asked for better weather. It was beautiful.
We had a family bbq at the Fiedlers home the Wednesday night before. It was so nice to get to know Marks family. They are wonderful and the food was delicious.
Thursday night we went through the Salt Lake Temple with Talisha and Mark. It was so nice and peaceful. What an amazing temple. It is so remarkable that the pioneers could build something so beautiful and so detailed with the limited resources they had. Talisha was so beautiful. My little princess.
Friday was the wedding. Grandpa Garrett sealed them. It was one of the best ceremonies. He is so sweet and such a big part of our family. I am so thankful Talisha and Mark asked him to marry them. It was so tender to be there and feel the sweet spirit that was there.
I was fortunate to be Talishas escort, so I had the opportunity to follow them around and watch them get their pictures. They are so beautiful and handsome. What a sharp couple.
The reception was absolutely terrific. They were stunning, the food was delicious, the flowers were gorgeous, the house was amazing and the weather was perfect. Not to say anything about all the wonderful people that came. We had the greatest people help and I have to say it was a wonderful day.

Pack Family

2008-03-17T10:40:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone. We thought we would join the fun of blogging. Our family joined forces on December 26, 2006. Today, March 17, 2008, we have a combined total of 22.
Kody and Christine live in Salt Lake. Kody is going to Med school at the UofU. Christine works at the UofU hospital. It has been nice for them to work so closely together.
Andrew is living in Draper and attending the UofU also.
Tylana, Tyson, Tylynn and Tayler live in Lehi and Tyson works for Coca Cola. Tylynn and Tayler keep Tylana very busy. They are the cutest little girls ever.
Callie is going to Lakeland in Kirtland. She is getting her dental hygenist degree. She worked on me, Darla, and does a fabulous job.
Kyson and Tori are in Murray. Kyson works for Coca Cola and attends school. Tori is teaching 3rd grade. Her students are very lucky to have her.
Jordan is living in California enjoying the sun. We are jealous. She is taking a photography class in school and working.
Caitlin is attending BYU Idaho. She is working towards a teaching degree.
Talisha is in SLC working for Barco.
Aaron is a Senior at Hudson High hoping to go west for college next year.
Tierani is a Senior at Lone Peak High. Going to UVU next year
Tori is a sophmore at Hudson High.
Caleb and Olivia, our twins, are 7th graders
Levi is in 6th grade.
Micah is busy in 2nd grade.
David and I stay busy with work and family and church.