Hyrum & Jenna Music Video

Our "Garden of Eden"

Hi family!

Ammon, Noah, and I are loving it up in northern Idaho right now. It is breathtakingly beautiful with all the green rolling hills, flowers, and pine trees. Even though we did have a blizzard last week (we woke up to snow!), it's warming up and Noah and I go on jogs every morning.

Ammon is doing great, as always. I think he is starting to realize why dentists don't work on Fridays, and with the stories he comes home with, I don't know how much longer he'll be doing that! There was a lady who worked here for 15 years or so, and has worked as an assistant her whole life for general dentists and oral surgeons, who said that she's never seen a general dentist do the kind of crazy stuff the dentists here do. I guess the people would just rather have Ammon try to fix their teeth rather than drive to see (and pay to see) an oral surgeon. And with the logging accidents, the bad oral hygiene care, and the low incomes, Ammon has had a fun first year in dentistry! He loves it though, and loves the people he works on (mostly!). One thing is for sure, the people sure love him and are so appreciative of the good work he does. I am so grateful he loves his job and is a good provider, and I'm grateful, also, that he tries his best at all times and does the best work he possibly can. I love that about Ammon.

Ammon took Noah on his first father's and son's campout last weekend and had a blast...until about 10:30! Noah was having so much fun camping, he wasn't about to sleep...no way! Ammon said everytime he saw a flashlight through the tent or heard someone outside, he would get so excited, stand up in his bed, and say "oooh, oooh, oooh!" pointing and trying to get Ammon to take him out and investigate. So, because of the sleeping issue and the fact that it was pretty cold, Ammon called me to come pick them up at about 10:30 (Ammon's truck wouldn't start). We figure next year will be easier.

Noah and I have fun at home every day and I'm enjoying being his mom. He is such a cute boy...and he is ALL boy! Some days Ammon and I just start laughing at the things he does...from running around in circles to get dizzy, to biting everything in sight, to the look he gives us when he knows he's in trouble. He is one fun little kid. Noah and I had a fun experience the other day. We were sitting on the front porch, just playing around blowing bubbles, when I heard what sounded like someone running with really loud, slapping steps. As they got closer, it sounded more like a horse, so I looked down the street where the sound was coming from and around the corner a moose came running toward us! He just ran right down the street in front of our house and up the hill opposite us. We didn't even say anything - I think we were both in shock that this huge moose had just come running up in front of us! Lukily he didn't come on our sidewalk or we would've been toast. This is why we sure love it up here - beautiful country and pheasants and moose galore! We're wishing the whole family wanted to re-locate and come up here - but don't worry, even though we love it, we don't love it that much to stay away forever.

We just can't wait to see all of you next week! We are so excited for you Hyrum and Jenna! We love you and we'll see you soon!

Love,
Ammon, Nat, and Noah

The Almost Married Bachelor - Part 2

I mentioned in my previous posting that I would include a letter I wrote about Jenna for her Bridal Shower. So here it is...

For as long as I can remember I dreamed of falling in love. I know this probably sounds weird coming from someone of the male gender, however when you have eight older brothers and sisters, you see them go through it and naturally desire the same. I always thought it would be a one time thing though. Like “bam,” you’re suddenly in love “There you go, that’s what you waited for.” And maybe in some cases that is how it goes. I however, consider myself lucky, because instead of a one time event, I have been able to fall in love with Jenna again and again, over and over, every single day.

One of the first things I fell in love with was the wrinkles on her nose when she smiles. Then I fell in love with her eyes. From then on I continued to fall in love with her sense of humor, her silliness, her spontaneity, and her little jigs she does when she gets excited. I fell in love with her desire to help others, the way she treated others, and the way others viewed her. I have fallen in love with her straight hair, her curly hair, and even when it gets greasy and she baby powders it. I have fallen in love with her kisses, her hugs, the way she likes to nibble on my ears and the little hand squeezes that are so subtle I think I only recognize them because I am anxiously waiting for them. I have fallen in love with the fact that she loves chocolate, the fact that she loves her family, and the fact that she loves kids. (Not in that particular order of course) I fell hard when I saw her play Nintendo and whip me in Donkey Kong, and even harder when she came to the door on our first date ready to dance the night away. I have fallen in love with her spirituality, her good nature, and because she fulfills to a “T” the standard my friends and I set out to find; she being “virtuous, lovely, of good report, and praiseworthy” and yes I sought after those things. I definitely fell hard for her little strut when she walks, and also her cute butt (I probably should say that but you all know it is true), then who could forget her “better than perfect vision,” or her sense of style and being able to pull off even purple shoes. In all honesty I believe it would be harder to not fall in love with Jenna, she is one of a kind and the one that I choose.

Tonight I was able to again see Jenna better than I ever have and fall soooo in love, I wonder if I will ever recover. I fell completely and entirely in love with Jenna’s ability to LOVE. She has a love for people so great and so extending, it makes me feel like the most honored man in the world to claim some of that love for myself. I imagine that these comments are no surprise to everyone listening to this letter. Though I shouldn’t gamble, we are in Vegas right… so I’d be willing to bet anything, that all you friends and family have witnessed, been the recipient of, or shared in Jenna’s love, maybe even when you didn’t deserve it. Since I am the one talking, or writing I guess I would like to be the voice, or the words in telling you Honey that we love you.

I am not sure if this was the type of letter that Rachel had in mind. It seems a lot more like a speech. But whatever it is I hope that it conveys a little bit of how I feel about Jenna. But now that I’m done, I would ask that you “Get back to the cute cards, the fruit plates, the small talk, and lingerie,” because boys aren’t supposed to be allowed at these types of events.

HLJ,

ME

The Almost Married Bachelor

Well family sorry I have been such a slacker in this blogging thing. It hasn't been out of lack of desire but rather time. But I am repenting. Just to let you all know I will continue to contact you all via email with little bits of info about wedding stuff. I would just post it here but am afraid not everyone has jumped on the "blog train."
For Jenna's bridal shower, her friend asked me to write a letter. It turned into more of a speech but I figured I would post the unabridged version on my blog. I am going to wait til tomorrow to do it so that there is no chance she reads it prior to the shower but if you are reading this and do not see the posting, come back for more fun and adventures and you can read what I wrote.
I just want to say thanks for all the effort that everyone is putting into the wedding. I also will give you all a thanks for the things you will do in the next week and a half. I love you all alot and hope this wedding stuff will be as fun for you all as it will be for me.
Congrats to Ardi and Aaron on the newest member of the family. That makes 28 you all know so maybe Jenna and I can help out with some of the upcoming numbers:) Thanks for everything.

Elder Pitt

Latest letter...June 9, 2008

Dear Family,
Well, it has been exactly 5 months since I entered the MTC, can you believe it? I sure can't. Time is flying by which just gives me more motivation to give it my all every day.
So...I got the big wedding invite. It was pretty crazy to see but it's pretty exciting as well. I hope all the preparations are coming along well. Mom, Mary, Hyrum, Isaac, thanks for the e-mails. This week seemed to crawl by so it was good to hear from you all. I am certainly glad to hear that everyone is still alive. Isaac, that was way too close. Take care of yourself cause I want to come home and still have my little bro. I'm so grateful to Heavenly Father though, that you made it out alright.
So I guess I'll get on to the big news. My comp's name is Elder Oborn. He is tall and has red hair. Probably the best word to describe him is eccentric. He is the senior companion cause he has only 3 months left. I was a little worried at first, but I've grown to love him. Mostly because he is a really good missionary. He is obedient and he does things very thoroughly. Like our planning sessions are awesome. He is good at keeping the lessons focused and he is direct in extending in invitations and getting people to talk. He also is the opposite of a procrastinator. If something needs doing, why wait? He also likes to cook and keep a clean apartment so we did a lot of cleaning today. But I was happy about that.
So far as far as the work goes, we are really focusing on trying to keep close contact with people and help them progress. Instead of tracting for hours at a time we find productive things to do to help our investigators. It has been good. There is one man, Dennis, who Elder Estrada and I taught twice but then he dropped us because he was really busy. Well we got in contact with him and we taught him this week and he came to church. He really understands things well and wants to do what is right so hopefully things continue to go well with him.
Lyndsay is starting to show more interest and is starting to pray more. She has a lot of changes to make but I think that she is willing if we just keep her feeling the spirit.
Things are good. Thanks to all the nieces and nephews, I loved the poster. Congrats Ard. Mom, just keep sending the meds, it's working out well. I love you all.
Love,
Elder Pitt
P.S. Be grateful for the dry heat. It is extremely humid out here now.

Mary's Musings

Well, I've decided that we should make it a family goal that for the next month, heck, let's make it two, for no one from this family to visit a hospital, ER, instacare, orthopedic office, or anything of the sort. I have an exception with my brain therapy because that is not scary nor unplanned. However, anything else is off limits. Whaddya say? I think that is a very worthy family goal. Perhaps unattainable in light of the last few months, but let's aim for it anyway.
That being said, I am grateful that so far everything has turned out alright. All's well that end's well...at least that's what they say. Aaron, as soon as things calm down a bit, I would love to see a few more pics of that new baby. I am sad I don't get to see Caleb in person yet, but I'm grateful for technology and pictures.
Other than that, not much to add to the blog from this end. I have my 10-year high school reunion in a month...are you kidding me?! Haven't decided yet if I'm going to go. Have any of you gone to yours and did you like it? Let me know...
That's all for now. It's easy to update the blog so if anything exciting happens, I'll let you know. Wait, actually, I think I'll stick to the plan and try my best to keep things UNexciting.
Love you,
Mary

Ryan and Jen's Report

Dear Family,

Thought I would take the time to update our goings on here in American Fork.  

May was a full and fun month for us.  We had dance recital at the beginning of the month.  It was a lot of work and fun!  Rebekah did an amazing job in her dance and I sure had fun dancing myself.  Thank you to all of you who came to watch the recital.  It's sure fun to share our talents with family.  We've also been busy fixing up our yard and putting in a vegetable garden.  We sure took on a bigger project than we thought it was, but we are so thankful for it.  It it so amazing to watch tiny seeds turn into plants and then onto yummy produce.  I big GIANT THANKS to Papa Pitt for all is help with our yard projects.  We would be lost without you.

As far as the kids go. . .  

 Lydia is working on her first loose tooth and is super excited for it to come out.  Joshua continues to be a great boy always willing to play with Sarah, be a peace maker with his friends or just ask us deep questions about anything from mad cow disease to economics.  

Sarah just celebrated her birthday last Friday and had quite the day.  (Thank you Mary for helping me out and making her a princess cake, she loved it!)  She got all kinds of fun princess things and is enjoying them all.   She continues to love all things frilly and fancy, and has the attitude to go with it.  She keeps us on our toes and we love her to pieces.  

Matthias (a.k.a baby ty) thinks he's older than he really is.  He loves to walk around the room with us holding his hands, and can stand on his own when he is feeling brave.  He hates being on his hands and knees or his tummy.  We have mixed feelings about him walking, we want it to happen but we know that will mean more baby proofing, and it just feels wrong for this little body to be on two feet (he's only 9 months--early for our kids).  Anyway as much as he demands major attention (must be held basically all day so he doesn't get left out) he is so much fun to have around and he keeps things real.

Rebekah is quite to girl.  It's been fun to work on our friendship.  She is a lot of fun and is always willing to help with things around the house and with the kids.  I look forward to her becoming of babysitting age :)

I had a conversation with Joshua the other day that really touched my soul.  We were driving somewhere and Joshua said to me, "mom, I brought my happy rocks".  I asked him why he had brought them and how they worked.  He took the rocks out of his pocket and said "see, this rock.  On the outside it's just a normal ugly rock," then he flipped the rock around and said "but when you look at the inside it's all pretty and sparkly."  He then went on to say that the rocks help him to remember when things aren't going the way he wants or he is having a bad day that he can be happy on the inside.  What a lesson I had that day!  We've had some experiences of late which have really taught me that life is what you make of it.  It's up to each of us to find the happy inside when it feels like everything else is going wrong.  I am so thankful for moments like this where I get to learn from children and remember all the good in this life.

We are so thankful that those who have had health issues are doing better and we feel so blessed to be a part of this amazing family.  We are especially excited for Hyrum and Jenna.  What a great time of year to get married!  

We Love You, 

Ryan, Jen and Family

Elder Pitt

Dear Family, May 26, 08 Why Hello! The library was closed for Memorial Day so I didn't get any e-mail letter this week if there were any. But that is ok I guess. I don't have much time today because I spent much of today making a tape for Hyrum and the wedding dinner. It is pretty cool so be excited. I am sending it in a package, if you could forward it to Hyrum that would be great. This week was a good one. We had zone conference and I actually gave a little talk about the converting power of the spirit. Mom, I used a quote from one of your letters, it was great. And I went on an exchange with the district leader and that was really great. Mom, I took your advice and let James borrow some Mormon Tab. choir CD's and I think it has been good. We actually had some good success this week. I think we might finally be coming out of the slump. It has helped me be really happy this week. I promise to write a longer one next week, but know that I am doing well, and that I have been learning a lot this week. God's hand has really been evident. I am grateful for you all and love you tons. Love, Elder Pitt

Dearest Family.
It was good to finally read all you letters today. It sounds like things have been pretty crazy back home but I'm glad that everything is working out alright. I'm especially glad that Heavenly Father was watching out for you, dad. I would like to see you again in this life so take care of yourself. Same goes for everyone. Isaac, I'm sorry about the soccer game. That certainly is too bad, but keep your head up and learn from every experience. Mom, Mary, Hyrum, Miriam, thanks for your e-mails over the past weeks. They are always appreciated. Tell Grandpa hello for me. Tell Ardi good luck with the whole birthing process. (We thought that was a funny way to say it.) I hope all goes well. Alright, well like I mentioned in the short e-mail (it was very short. Two lines) Elder Estrada is getting transferred tomorrow. It is definitely a bitter-sweet experience. I really have learned so much from him...how to enjoy each day, how to frequently bear testimony, how to love studying the mysteries of God, and how to always be looking for opportunities to serve, to name a few. But on the other side, there has been some challenges. So it is a time of mixed feelings. The past couple weeks have been really pretty good though. We kinda felt like one of us might go so we have been working especially hard and visiting lots of people we have talked to over the past 2 transfers trying to get them re-excited. We have definitely seen some miracles. One lady we meet was actually reading the Book of Mormon. She had found a loose copy in the Post Office and decided to take it home to read. One other lady we had contacted her awhile ago, but because she was undergoing surgery we didn't try to set up a return appt. Well we got referred to her this week by a member so we decided to go back. She had just started feeling healthy and was looking to go back to church but didn't want to go to her old church because of some things that went on there. So she allowed us to set up a time to come back and teach her. It was seriously perfect timing for us to show up there. It has been so fun to see God's hand working miracles here and preparing people. Hopefully these two ladies will progress. I am learning a lot as far as the gospel goes. And I'm loving the mission more and more. I love you all. Love, Elder Pitt

From Our Patriarch & Matriarch

Dear Family, As so many things have happened this last while in most of our families to have us reflect on the eternal meaning of things and how fleeting mortality can be, I hope we all become renewed to 1: keep the Lord's commandments first and completely, 2: pray with your family often. Never think there you can only pray at a certain time but know that any time, if needed is a good time. 3: don't take life for granted. Make each day count and love those Kodak moments of the heart. 4: stop, Look and Listen. Stop and think, get rid of the confusion of life and just stop for a minute; Look at everything around you, look and be grateful. Listen--to the Holy Ghost and with our hearts, not just our ears. Give those kids a hug and let's all, do our best in our families. Everyone needs to pray for Caleb that his blood will be okay so he can go home to a family that loves him. Pray for Ardi because as some of you know it is hard to know someone for nine months then have to leave them in someone else's care, especially a hospital.Thanks for everyone's help the past few weeks, recovery, wedding, etc. You really are the best family.

Love Mom and Dad

The Johnson Clan

Just a few words for the Month of May,
So you know all we’ve done in work and in play

Soccer now finished we love such a break,
Registration is hear, Marshall’s age we must fake (So Tanner and Marshall can be coached by Travis)

We’ve learned a few things about allergies and such
For Marshall to react it doesn’t take much

We are hearing more music from Tanner’s guitar
With Kymble’s new found love of Twinkle Twinkle little star

Our ballerina performed her dance to a tee
And now Miriam’s dance prep video is our most watched DVD

Our money now spent on the house down below
Our basement and backyard, oh wo, wo, wo

Of course we can not forget that very special day
To praise our mom for all she does and helps us on our way.

A trip to Tennessee cause the baby was on its way
But with lots of walks and castor oil baby decided to stay (Welcome baby Caleb – Marshall is so glad to have a cousin named after him – Ha, Ha, Ha)

One more month and now its gone, our thanks we give to you
For miracles shared, your love and prayers we bid you all adieu

The Ketchers

Caleb was born June 4th, at 1:11 pm. He is 7 lbs. 12 oz. and both Mom and baby did very well. Ardith makes delivery look so easy, it is amazing. As many of you might have known, Caleb had to stay in the hospital an extra couple of days just to be observed. Some of the Rh antibodies in Ardith's blood got into Caleb's blood and were destroying some of his blood cells. He wasn't in any danger, but did need to be watched closely in case it did develop into something more. The kids were very excited to finally have him home. It was weird to be without him. He is adorable, and very well tempered. The kids just can't hold, kiss, and hug him enough. I've been able to get about 2 weeks off from school, with vacation time and how I got lucky with the starting time on my next rotation. It will be nice to play with the whole family a little while before things get hectic again. Thanks for all the phone calls. We'll be in touch. We love you. The Ketcher 6

By the way, if you click on our name, it will take you to our family webpage. Thanks.

Hi Family!

Wow, we just walked in the door from being up in Powder Mountain with my family for a few days and found out the great news that our sweet Ardith Ann just had Caleb....yippeeeee! We are so grateful and happy he is finally here. Now we've got to figure out when we are really going to meet him in person. Then we opened our mail and it was so fun to see Hyrum and Jenna's wedding announcement. It is so classy and we love the photo! What a cute couple.

So, it's fun to have life slow down a little bit with summer here. It's fun to have the big kids home now and see more of them and plan out our days together. I'm seeing some fun park days ahead. The news here is that Rachel tried out and made the Rush soccer State team again this year, which she is pleased about. The competition was a little bit stiffer this year in the tryouts and many more came out for them. Spencer is thrilled to be done with school and has moved on to the weebelos scout group. He and Rachel are taking a little Archery camp this summer at the park. He and Rachel made up a new sport on the tramp called the "tramp stamp" which they took the wheels off of an old skateboard and duct taped around the whole thing so it's smooth and then duct taped some of my old flip flops to the top. The idea is that you slide your feet in and jump on the tramp whipping the board around and doing skateboard moves. Pretty cool huh. Melissa is our little teacher with Brigham and Nathan and Lauren....she loves to have "preschool" time with them and do little projects with them. Her favorite by far though is "princess time" with Lauren where she finds everything pink and puts it on a pink blanket and puts Lauren in the middle of it and caters to her every whim. Hunter and McKay are enjoying more free time together and especially are liking slam dunking the basketball while the hoop is back by the tramp. Brig and Nate find mud in any situation and can have the most fun ever with a little dirt and a little water which equals many baths. Lauren I think is the only baby who can first say "walk" before she does it completely on her own. She continues to bring us joy and laughter. This past month we had the opportunity to go on a little family pioneer trek for a day with some of my family and some friends. It was such a great reminder of what our ancestors did for us and what we can be grateful for. Our boys were espeically good at being the brakes coming down the hill as they dug their feet in from behind the handcart and "skied" down the mountain. We are so grateful for each of you and the good people you are. We are surely blessed.

Love, Jerem and Catherine

The Brown Family

Well the month of May has been a busy one. First of all as most of you know we had our little dance recital. Kennahdy, Kate and Meggie did such a wonderful job. It was a lot of fun. Teaching has been fun for me, just to have something else to do and concentrate on besides mommy stuff. We will be starting up again in the fall. Jack still has his cast on, but we are counting down the days. He had his little preschool program and finished up his year too. He was so cute singing all his little songs and reciting things. He got to sit by his little girlfriend, he was in Heaven. I guess the latest news around here is that we got a kitten. I know I hate animals, but when your sweetest daughter wants one, I guess I gave in. The kids have named him Tiger and are having so much fun with him. I really glad that its becoming summer I love the warm weather and playing outside all day. Jordan is looking forward to his Birthday date Ive set up for him. Big 27, I know we are still so young but I feel like we are old. Anyway the good wife I am, I set up a tee time for the both of us, my present to him is not getting frusterated before the 4th hole. Then we are going to dinner then staying at the Anniversary inn. It should be a fun night. I hope everyone id enjoying school being out , and Im really glad we are blogging its good.
Love the Browns