2010

So it was a very strange year for the Vern Houst family.... we had good and we had bad! We lost both fathers this year. Hank passed in February and my dad (Keith) passed in August. We had some family affirmations that took place. Every family has to go through these things in order to grow together and learn to love and respect each other. I am truly grateful for the Atonement and the power of forgiveness. Vern and I actually got to go on a mini vacation (but big) for the first time ever. I can't tell you how fun that was. We went to New York and experienced some fabulous bonding moments together. Thanks to Jeff for providing us a place to stay and directions for a fabulous time.

We also had two beautiful new grandsons added to the family.... and a fabulous new son in law. We are loving having Stu in the family. He fits right in with my list of perfect sons in law. And oh how we love Koston and Jack. I was blessed to get to go to Kentucky for a few days in July to bond with Riley a little and then again in August when Koston was born. That was a fabulous 10 days of bonding. I had so much fun. Then Jack was born and Alex and Jon are so nice to let me come and do plenty of bonding with him. I love babies!!!! In October Vern, Taylor, and I went back to Kentucky for Koston's blessing and it was a marvelous time. Then Jack was blessed in November over Thanksgiving while Chelsea and Stu were here.

Grandma moved in with us in November. We have really enjoyed having her with us. (Way better than in an apartment next door to the recent Bountiful Murder!!!!!) I think she enjoyed being here for Christmas... I hate to think about her spending it alone.... I'm glad she didn't have to.

Christmas was a little wierd! Both Cassie/Scott family and Chelsea/Stu families were with the in-laws for Christmas this year. It really made for a quiet Christmas at our place. I think I'll just focus on being grateful the ones that were here!!!! Alex/Jon/Jack along with Katie and Taylor helped us keep the "joy". Thanks!

I love you and all... here's hoping for a fabulous 2011 with more good then bad!!!!

I did it!

Well, I finally got around to changing the background on my blog. Yay me....

Memorial day was yesterday. Chelsea and Stuart surprised us by coming from Rexburg. It was great to see them. Alex and Jon came over as well. We played Rock Band for awhile and then we did some "skype" with Cassie, Scott and Riley. It was so awesome. Katie wasn't here and we missed her. I really enjoy it when my whole family gets together. We like to play together. And it really leaves a hole when one is missing. Anyway, on the skype I actually got to hear Riley call me "mama" that is short for grandma. :) I was so excited. I sure love that little girl. She is awesome. And I can't wait until my two baby boys are here.
Katie was on a choir trip. After we did the skype, we went to the park and played 500 and then we played kick ball. We kept saying how we wished Katie were here. It was pretty scary to see Vern coming around third base right at me as I tried to stop him from making it home. I can't believe Vern and I even tried. Sometimes we forget that we just can't move like we use to. After playing games in the park (oh and climbing a few trees to get the balls down - well Taylor and Jon and Stuart climbed the trees. I just stood below and prayed. :( ) We went to a movie. It was a great day. I missed those who weren't here. Cherished the time I got to speak with them. Gave thanks for modern technology. And sighed a great breath of "oh how I love my family....." I look forward to the coming weekend. Katie is just about to graduate on the 4th of June and we will do it all again. :) Yay Katie and Yay family.....

Can't Change the background

So, it's obvious that I'm having problems with the blog lately. I can't change the background from my laptop unless I upgrade my browser..... And well, truthfully, since it is a work laptop, I'm not allowed to do that. So, we just have to deal with Halloween until I can get to Vern's laptop. Hopefully that will be soon!!!! Either that, he needs to learn how to change the backgrounds when he makes a post. :)

As our family grows

It is funny standing back watching our family grow in the last 4 months we have added a new son in law

Chelsea married a young man from Minnesota for those of you who don't know his name is Stuart the Boydstons where married Jan 2 2010 in the Salt lake Temple. they currently living and going to school at BYU Idaho in Rexburg.

In January Jon and Alex announced that they are bringing a new addition in to our lives. the baby will be here in September. We could not be any happier and know they will be the best of parents.

Sherrie and I took Taylor and some furniture to Chelsea and Stuart for their new appartment and while we were there final figured out Cassies criptic message that she and Scott are having their second baby and it will be a boy and is due in late August.

As I sit here and survey my life I am so glad that hevenly father has seen fit to bless us with such wonderful things .

July - September 2009

So, it has been a very long time since I did any blogging. I'm trying to remember what all happened the past 3 months. It's all a blur....

July:

Katie went to Europe! She had a fabulous time.

Riley had her 1st Birthday which I totally had to miss. Dang I miss that family.

Alex had her 23rd Birthday. She has grown into such a beautiful young woman.

Chelsea came home from school for her long break..(she brought Stuart with her)

August:

Katie started rehearsal for West Side Story

This was not a good month. For those of you that don't know, my brother Lee was hit by a drunk driver and has gone to live with our Father in Heaven. You know I've lost grandparents, uncles, aunts, friends...but this is really tough. Even though we didn't see each other often, I really miss my brother. I miss knowing he was there. Lee had such a beautiful contagious smile and it will be missed.

I now have a new cause. I've always supported MADD, but now I spread the word to everyone. Do NOT drink and drive. There is no excuse.

Grandma and Grandpa moved to a nicer apartment. No stairs! Chelsea & Katie helped Grandma clean. Vern helped them move. I think they'll love the new place. I know I do for them.

Chelsea and Stuart got engaged...we couldn't say anything for a while cause she didn't have a ring. But it's official now. The big day is January 2. I know, I know...I keep telling them "no more winter weddings"!!!!! But they never listen to me. :)

Vern and I did celebrate 26 years of marriage this year. It was just a quiet evening alone. which is more and more common for us these days. And everyone said we'd never make it to 10 years. We show'd them!

September

Granpa Lloyd's Birthday was the 1st Danny's was the 5th we had a combined birthday for them

Bob, Kay, Grant came down from Boise. It was really fun seeing them. I hope that we can all stay close. I hate the guilt for not staying closer to Lee and his family. I hope they all know I love them!

Through it All, we took a fabulous trip to Moab. It was really fun. Dave Storrs had his big Jeep there and we got to do some mountain climbing. I think Taylor liked it...but I think it scared her some too!!!

We went to Arches while there. That is an amazing place. Nature is sooooo amazing. We even got a picture of a Stone structure that was giving us the finger...

June

Yes, Chelsea finally made it home for her Birthday on June 4th.

Can you believe how much she and Katie look alike????

Chelsea took Katie home with her for a week. The next week Alex, Taylor and I made a day trip to get Katie. Alex had a wedding to go to. So it all worked out nice. It was fun spending some time with my girls that day. There was a couple of hours where Taylor and I were on our own. We went to Barns and Noble and read books, built puzzles, and played "find" games in those cool search books. It was a great time. I think every Mom should do that once in a while.

Then we all went to dinner and a Movie (Night at the Museum 2 - It is hilarious) after Chelsea was out of school and Alex was done with wedding things.

We got home late that night. There was a huge Lightening Storm in Bountiful. We watched the lightening all the way from Tremonton to home. It covered the entire sky and was coming about every two seconds. It was awesome!

Katie just got back from camp! I think she had fun. She did a little cliff diving and butt flopped in the water. It rained Friday night and she slipped in the mud. No major accidents! We are happy.

I forgot some very important updates for May. (See I told you it was all a blur!)

Katie and Taylor both had a recital for voice. It was awesome. We took Michael to that one. I think he really enjoyed himself.

they also had piano recitals in May. (I think)...some time since my last blog anyway.

Finally in May Katie auditioned for West Side Story. She auditioned for Maria. She was the best and should have gotten the part. Instead, she got the "understudy" to Maria. I think that drama teacher does not like our family. :) Well, we aren't political enough anyway. They never do understudies. It is always double casted. So, I'm not sure what the deal is this time.

She did get the part of Consuelo and does have a solo song. We are excited about that. But, we are also hoping that she will get a chance to play Maria in a couple of shows. It's only fair if she has to learn the part, that she should get to be on stage that way. (Can you tell I'm a Mom!)

This week, Katie prepares for Europe....she is so excited.

May 2009

May was a crazy month!

May 1, Scott and Cassie graduated from UVU. It was very exciting and we are all very proud of them.

Riley was so proud of her Mommy and Daddy.

May 10 was Mother's day! Everyone was here for that "except" Chelsea. That was kind of strange. It's crazy how much I miss my kids. They grow up so fast and then they become adults and have their own lives. But I am loving every minute of being a spectator in the lives of these BEAUTIFUL and AMAZING young women that they have become.

May 16th was Chelsea's birthday! She wasn't here for that either. So, Taylor and I recorded a song on my new phone that I got for Mothers day and sent it to her. (Chelsea has to come home to get her Birthday present. :-) )

We helped Cassie and Scott pack up their house on the 16th. Katie and Taylor watched Riley and were a great help. They also got to clean base boards, wash walls, wash windows, pack boxes......

It was great fun!

On May 18th, Scott's Dad (Jerry), Scott, Vern and I got up early and started the long drive to Kentucky...

Vern drove the Penske truck the entire way. My job...was to keep Vern awake!

We made it!... It is beautiful there. I'm sure Cassie, Scott, and Riley are going to be just fine there.

Vern and I flew home the next Saturday.

During the next couple of weeks, Katie had concerts, Taylor had 4th grade programs, Memorial Day, and the last day of school happened. There was so much happening, it is all a blur now.

All I remember is that we had fun, and we had sad days, and we had happy days... and we have much to be grateful for.