Bottoms Family

2011-02-24T21:14:00.002-07:00

Reagan has enjoyed dancing with her dance team this year! She is so cute. She is hoping and wishing to dance at Stadium of Fire for July 4th! Mom and Dad are deliberating that one :)

Reflections of Christ

2011-01-29T21:11:00.000-07:00

Seth's Wedding - June 12, 2010

2010-09-08T12:48:00.001-06:00

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Senior Year

2010-09-07T22:27:00.000-06:00

Another free photo slideshow by Smilebox

September 2010

2010-09-01T00:23:00.002-06:00

Done blogging? Yeah, right, not. But I'm going to start fresh, by blogging. We can all change… right? Anyhow, friends and family I am sorry for the hiatus. I admire those of you who are dedicated to creating adorable, witty blogs. Apparently I am not creative or witty only insanely busy. I often think life will slow down but that never seems to happen. So here is a brief update.

Seth & Heather were married on June 12, 2010 in the Mesa Arizona Temple. They are expecting their first baby. Please don’t call me Grandma that would be my Mother.

Alex graduated from High School. Crazy, I know! I am free of grade checking stress! We did have a great time this past year watching football and rugby. For the first time in 8 years I will have no High School sports. We will miss it. Alex submitted his mission papers and should be off to a new adventure soon. We will update you as to the details of the celebratory Alex leaving party!

Johnny is in 5th grade and in his last year at elementary school. My little guy is 11! So hard to believe how fast they grow up. He was lucky enough to need glasses this summer. He is the first of my kids to inherit the curse. Johnny will be following in his brothers’ footsteps with flag football and rugby this fall. He has made it through a year and half of piano lessons too! Yeah!

Reagan is still my spunky, crazy, energetic, beautiful girl. I’m amazed she is in 2nd grade. She recently joined a performing dance company. Watching dance performances is something I’ve always wanted to partake in. Somehow the boys were not interested in it . Hopefully, she will stay in it for awhile. Reagan is enthusiastic about the coming soccer season. She is quite the little athlete.

I took a part-time job in the Library at Snow Canyon Middle School. It is certainly low key compared to my former life. John is still working and hiding here in our small corner of the world.

That does it for the brief synopsis of my wonderful family! Pictures forthcoming!

Seth Returns

2009-09-14T19:54:00.004-06:00

Seth returned home from his mission in Merida Mexico on June 15th! We were all so happy to see him. It is great to have him home again.

The Graduate

2009-09-14T19:34:00.003-06:00

The Thinker

2009-08-11T23:21:00.002-06:00

The End of School

2009-08-11T19:51:00.002-06:00

Oh where to begin? We have not updated anything in a very long time. You would think one would be less busy as the children get older. Not so! Church responsibilities have kept us more than busy. R.S. responsibilities… yikes! Eventually, I will learn to juggle it all. Well first of all, Alex did his homework and finished his junior year. He is now officially a senior. When he graduates we will invite you all to the celebratory event! Reagan graduated from Kindergarten which makes me both happy and sad. Johnny is just the same sweet, steady boy ready for 4th grade.

Cub Scouts

2009-04-13T01:15:00.002-06:00

On Thursday Johnny earned his Cub Scout Bear award! Good job!

Choir

2009-04-13T00:40:00.004-06:00

Johnny’s choir performed at a wonderful 10 school concert in the beautiful setting of Tuachan amphitheater. They were the best choir there. I don’t have the DVD yet but this is one of the rehearsals.

Easter

2009-04-13T00:18:00.003-06:00

We had a great Easter week! In typical Santa Clara style, it was a week of various festivities. Our neighbor, Melissa organized a nice egg hunt for the little ones in on our street. Reagan’s class also had an egg hunt. Then Saturday we went to the City egg hunt in freezing cold rain. You can tell by the look on Johnny and Reagan’s face that they were looking for the sunshine! Easter day turned out to be beautiful and sunny. Perfect for the celebration!

Yuma, AZ

2009-04-12T23:49:00.002-06:00

We had a wonderful time at Grandma Priscilla’s in Yuma. We were able to visit with 8 of my 9 siblings. It was great! All of my Mom’s siblings minus one were also there. And we can’t forget Granny who is great at 85! It was a blast. Here are some pictures of Johnny and Reagan with their cousins!

My Little Sis - Soon to be ASU Student

2009-04-12T23:46:00.001-06:00

I had to post this because she is adorable.

Arizona

2009-04-12T23:25:00.002-06:00

Because we spent Spring Break working, we took the kids out of school and headed to Arizona for 8 glorious days! I love the restaurants and shopping there! We had a limited amount of time for that but did have time to visit many family members and friends. First, it was off to see Grandma Shirley, Bob and the puppies! The kids loved it. We had a great visit with friends Jennifer, Chris and Donna! We met my Mom, Melissa and Tim for dinner on Mill Avenue. Melissa has a scholarship to ASU. Way to go Melissa. Lots of fun!

After that we made the journey to Yuma to visit with the rest of our family. Along the way we had a flat tire at mp 106 on I-8. Luckily, the wee ones were hours ahead of us with Grandma Pricsilla. Alex decided to kick back and snack while John labored with an inappropriate jack. We finally made it to Yuma much later than anticipated. Because it was 4/1, my Dad thought it was an April Fool’s joke. He called to tell us how good dinner was and that we should hurry. I had to snap a picture of the incident for him.

Spring Break

2009-04-12T23:08:00.003-06:00

I wanted to go to California for Spring Break with the rest of the world. John convinced me we had work to do here at home. So we decided to clean out the garage and organize the mass quantities of food etc. It turned out to be a wise decision! I wish I would have taken a "before" picture. We have a 3 car garage. Before the cleaning we had space for one car. The remainder of it was filled with stuff we never unpacked when we moved into the house over a year ago. Here is the "after" picture. I love organization.

Junior Prom 2009

2009-02-16T22:17:00.002-07:00

Alex and Shelbi had a great time at Junior Prom. They had a fun day date followed by the Hawaiian dinner at our house. They then developed sore feet from all the dancing. It is so nice they can actually go to the school prom and have a great time. In Mesa it gets so nasty the good kids end up leaving! One girl was asked to go home and change because of her dress. That would never happen in AZ.

Utah Style

2009-02-04T21:26:00.002-07:00

Here in Utah I have been introduced to the proper way teenagers ask one another to special events, i.e., Prom. When I was a teenager, 25 years ago, your friend would find out who liked you or would accept an invitation then you called and asked them on a date. Oh no… not here! First, Alex apparently trashed some poor girl’s room (Shelby) and somewhere in the mess left a piece of paper inviting her to Junior Prom. Then Shelby and company must answer Alex and in turn trash his room and leave a “yes” sign. Ask me how many pounds of confetti/junk where scattered about the floor. The answer to that would be a whole shopvac full equal to an hour of vacuuming. All in all I guess it was a successful invite and acceptance. The “big” event is next Saturday. I’ll post pictures then. This will be Alex’s first tuxedo appearance. Should prove to be interesting!

Alex has guts to do this on stage!

2009-01-21T09:04:00.003-07:00

Pinewood Derby

2009-01-14T16:01:00.003-07:00

Pinewood Derby

2009-01-14T12:50:00.003-07:00

Finally..... Johnny had one of the fastest cars this year. He even won a prize. His is the yellow car with the flames.

New Year's Eve

2009-01-01T08:20:00.003-07:00

The kids enjoyed lighting their "sparklers" while ringing in the new year.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-21T22:11:00.002-07:00

Snow Day!

2008-12-21T22:06:00.003-07:00

It started snowing on Reagan's birthday. It snowed and snowed all night long. School was canceled on the 18th. Imagine that in St. George! It was crazy. The kids loved it. It did melt fast!

Reagan is 6!!!

2008-12-21T22:00:00.001-07:00

Love the view!

2008-12-14T21:52:00.004-07:00

Winter is here!

2008-12-14T21:44:00.003-07:00

This week we went to Salt Lake for my cousin's wedding. On the way home it started snowing. Luckily, it cleared enough for us to get home safely. Reagan's dance recital was supposed to be outside the same night here in St. George. It actually snowed and we were moved in doors. We were able to go to Temple Square Friday night. It was very cold and beautiful. I'd like to say we are back in sunny St. George.... but it is supposed to be cold this week with a chance of snow. Yes, I know the date is wrong. I forgot to reset the date on the camera when I changed the batteries.

Seth

2008-12-09T11:59:00.001-07:00

In honor of Seth, I thought I would post an email he sent me about his Mission.

A list of some of the things I (Seth) have learned being an LDS Missionary serving in the Merida Mexico Mission:

1.) How to speak fluent Spanish….
2.) and Mayan.
3.) How to eat everything with tortillas.
4.) How to run away from drunk Mayan people.
5.) Beliefs of other religions.
6.) All the scriptures in the Bible to debate people with….
7.) But never use them.
8.) Learn to eat a lot of chicken….
9.) and pork…
10.) and beans…
11.) and rice.
12.) What it feels like to have salmonella.
13.) How to live without hot water…
14.) and air conditioning.
15.) How to travel on a Mexican bus.
16.) To pray that you don’t die on that bus.
17.) How to travel in a Mexican van.
18.) To pray that you don’t die on that van.
19.) How to buy food in a market.
20.) How to be rejected all day.
21.) Walk and walk and walk.
22.) What it means to be a Catholic Mexican.
23.) How to not drink Coke.
24.) How to sleep in a hammock.
25.) Know the Book of Mormon is true.
26.) Know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the Church of God.
27.) Know when people accept this message their lives change for good, forever.

More photos

2008-12-02T13:55:00.001-07:00

Our friend, Robyn, was kind enough to take family pictures for us. She did a great job! The last time we took pictures was about 6 years ago. These are much better! We'll have to do it again next year when Seth returns.

Family Photos

2008-12-02T13:52:00.003-07:00

Thanksgiving

2008-12-02T08:33:00.004-07:00

We had a great time in Phoenix for Thanksgiving. Thank you Sarah & Brigette for letting us invade your homes.

Four Generations of Women

2008-12-02T08:30:00.005-07:00

Reagan with Grandma and Great Grandma "Granny". I'm taking the picture otherwise there would be four of us.

Wetlands Park

2008-12-02T08:18:00.004-07:00

In Yuma, we spent the afternoon at this great park with our cousins. It is called Wetlands Park. There is a monument nearby for the Mormon Battalion. The park was built in cooperation with area LDS members.

On the way to Grandma's!

2008-12-02T08:06:00.004-07:00

Kindergarten Pilgrim Feast

2008-11-20T19:23:00.005-07:00

Today was a busy day at school. Johnny and I went to see Beauty and the Beast with his class at the High School. We saw Alex at lunch there. Johnny was proud to show his friends his big brother. After the play, I went to watch Reagan dress as a pilgrim for her Kindergarten Feast.

Halloween

2008-10-31T22:41:00.008-06:00

Happy Halloween! The Dolces and company put on a great block party. After lots of trick or treating Reagan fell asleep with a stomach ache! Round one at school Reagan was a black cat. Round two at night she became Barbie Mariposa. Johnny was a Ninja and Alex the Joker. Lots of fun! Alex is still out with friends.

Lastest News

2008-10-31T20:23:00.009-06:00

Life goes by so fast with all of the many activities. Recently, Alex went to the homecoming dance with Hailey. Johnny is in the school choir. They performed at Swiss Days. Reagan and I went on her field trip to "the farm". She was hiding in the corn with her favorite friend Jake. And of course, one picture of her because she is so dang cute!

Losing My Dancer

2008-09-08T00:04:00.005-06:00

I waited so long for my little girl. I had visions of dance and cheer, etc. Then it happened. Saturday was her first soccer game. She was a demon. She was actually good, competitive and a natural. I realize when she is old enough my little girl dreams will go away in the form of an athlete.

Scout Camp

2008-09-08T00:00:00.002-06:00

Johnny had a blast at Cub Scout Day camp! So did Reagan. John was working once again so she had to go. Archery was Johnny's favorite. He learned it is harder than it looks.

Family Reunion

2008-09-07T23:51:00.004-06:00

My youngest brother, Tim, came home from his Mission. We had an awesome family gathering over the Labor Day weekend. Our family is the best. This is my immediate family!

Timmy is jumping up in order to not look so small compared to Alex!

Football Season

2008-09-07T23:46:00.003-06:00

Alex has won both of his games. He was awesome as usual. This is the JV team! The varsity team seems to like losing. Alex plays both. I use play losely. The Varsity coach has him dress out but not play. At least he looks nice standing there honoring Seth's #56! I feel like half of my life has been in a stadium.

So Reagan went to cheer camp at the High School and was able to perform at half time. She says the Warriors are her favorite.

School Has Begun

2008-09-07T23:30:00.003-06:00

The fall season is officially on! All our spare time has disappeared! Football, soccer, dance, scouts, school..... need I say more???? It is crazy! I don't know how I ever had time for a career! Reagan started kindergarten. She is so cute! Alex is playing football and Johnny signed up for the school choir. This is a first in our family.

Blossom!

2008-08-04T14:04:00.002-06:00

John says he doesn't like her but...... Hours of entertainment with Blossom chasing the toy helicopter.... around and around and around and well you get the picture!

Pioneer Days!

2008-07-25T20:41:00.005-06:00

This summer we discovered Pioneer Days. It is an actual "State" holiday in Utah. Reagan's dance group was in a parade and later performed. We had a great time! Unfortunately, it is not an "Arizona" holiday so John was at work.

A Warrior!

2008-07-12T12:21:00.004-06:00

Alex is officially a Snow Canyon Warrior! His equipment was brand new! Hopefully it will cut down on the smell!

Summer Fun

2008-07-06T22:46:00.003-06:00

The summer is flying by!!! I can't believe we are 6 wks from school.

These photos are from some of our activities! First Grandma, Grandpa, Melissa, Brigette and Jack came to visit. It was so much fun. Alex went to Youth Conference and EFY. He is cool as usual! We have been so busy we haven't had much pool time. We'll have to make up for it this month. John and I even got away to Park City without the kids. It was beautiful. We decided we need a cabin there to escape to in July!

2008-05-20T16:32:00.007-06:00

Finally, the last week of school! Reagan had preschool graduation on Friday. She was so excited. She loved her little performance at graduation. She can't wait to go to school with Johnny. Unfortunately, they have half day kindergarten in Utah. One more year before everyone is in school! Alex and Johnny finish this week. I love summer! It gives me a break from homework (Alex).

We talked to Seth on Mother's Day. He is doing well and loves Mexico. It was great to talk to him.

Johnny playing baseball. He can actually hit the ball. Yeah! Reagan loves going to the games so she can find friends. I like the picture of her and some boys trying to break into the snack bar. Imagine that!

2008-05-07T14:48:00.000-06:00

This is our first blog page! The rest of my family has one so now I have one to! Our family moved to Santa Clara, Utah in October of 2007. John took a job transfer here so we could have a less hectic lifestyle. Santa Clara is a small town next to St. George, Utah. John actually still works in Arizona. We love it here. It is beautiful and quiet. The highest speed limit in Santa Clara is 30mph. It is definitely the small town life. Seth, my oldest, is on a Mission in Merida, Mexico. Alex is 16, a sophomore, and loves driving and dating! Johnny is 8 and in 2nd grade. Reagan is 5 and starts kindergarten in the fall. (YEAH) The best part about Santa Clara is I have no job for the first time ever! It is so fun being home. I miss the friends at work but not the rest!

2007-12-12T12:29:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71IM0YVK5OY