In the Meadow

I have been off work now since the 19th of December and we have really enjoyed our holiday time off to celebrate the life and birth of the Savior and to be with and enjoy family and friends. My City Christmas party was the evening of the 19th and it finished about 8:30pm. We quickly cleaned up, picked up Kevin and headed to Provo to Andrea's wedding. We got their about 1:00 am and had to be in Jordan River about 10:30 at the temple for Andrea's wedding. We stayed with Cody and Amanda and they were great as usual. We got to see all the family and finish Christmas shopping. Andrea & Thad are an awesome couple and a good match. It was fun to see them so happy together. This is Stacey waiting for the wedding at the Temple. We also took the opportunity to get a pick of all my siblings and Mom & Dad Webb at the reception. I wish I would have taken a lot more pictures.
















We drove home on Saturday, Haven came home with us. Lant came home on his own and Shad headed up to Ogden with Brooke. Cody and Amanda took off to Washington on the 23rd. The weather broke that one day and they were able to make it. Shad stayed up in Ogden for a few days and came home Monday with Brooke who stayed with us till Christmas Eve. She got a ride to Provo with our neighbor so she could be home for Christmas. We built the big snowman Tuesday after it snowed most of Monday night. It is 12 feet tall - we had to measure.

The usual traditions of the holidays were all enjoyed. We dipped chocolates, and went caroling and ate soooo much food, Grandma Webb made ham and turkey and all the fixings - No out of town visitors at Grandma's this year - first time in a long time. We had a little program conducted by Grandpa Webb, my Dad and I sang a duet, Star Bright - I got emotional and could barely sing - I was thinking of my Grandparents singing the song when I was a kid. Its is really a pretty song. Grandma Webb told the story of Skats and we sang lots of Christmas songs. Grandpa read from the Bible the Christmas story and we ended with family prayer. It snowed most the night Christmas even and we woke up to a really white Christmas. We now have two feet on the ground. The kids all got spoiled of course - so did we.

We have enjoyed lots of games, movies and visiting. I am getting better at all teh Wii games. We are getting a little bit stir crazy with so much time off at home. I have set my goals for the new year and we made our budget for 2009. Just the usual stuff getting ready for a new year. Shad and Haven went back to Provo yesterday, Lant is still around. Stacey and I celebrated our anniversary with dinner out yesterday. I will never take for granted the wonderful wife I married. She is everything to me. I love her so much, 26 years together now - I can't imagine eternity without her, I am glad I don't have to.

I am off till January 5th so we have a few more days to play - we are looking at different road trip options now. It was so good to see so much family this past week. It was good to hear from so many friends. We think of you all often.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

Well we woke up this morning early because Stacey had Ward Council at 7:00am, and I just can't sleep when she is gone, and we had snow as hoped - just not as much as hoped - only an inch or snow on the ground. Still there was enough to need to clean the walks - so I fired up the fire wheeler (I put the snow plow on yesterday) and went to it - it was a little cold & neighbors may not have appreciated that I was out so early on a sleep in day - still it needed done.

As you can see in the picture it is half melted now any way - nice sunny sabbath - the roof is melted all the walks pretty much dry and we expect it will mostly be gone by the end of the day.

The week was normal with the average mix of church, work, and family - the exception was I took Friday off again and got a few things done around the house. Stacey and I then caught a session at the Temple and then came home and watched Dark Night. Saturday was spent getting ready for the new year and stuff around the house again. We look very festive I must say - we must of brought in 15 boxes of Christmas decorations from the attic and all the stuff in them is now hanging on the walls or tree - of course every where else on shelves, tables, cabinets you can imagine. We are excited for the kids to come home - of course we will miss Cody and Amanda - since they are going to Washington this year - well they do every year at this time - just sometimes later then earlier. Christmas only 10 days away -

I sing in the Messiah tonight - no solo's this year thank goodness - that is too stressful. We head up to Andrea's wedding on Thursday and look forward to seeing the Webb side of the family - I think all my brothers and sisters will be there.

We love the season and celebrate with you the birth and life of the savior. We think of family and friends and are thankful for our association with you and the blessing you are in our lives.

Food, Family, Fun, & News

Our Thanksgiving week was filled with food, family and fun as usual and we all laughed and over ate, but the greatest part of the week was the "NEWS". Yup after three months of secrets and prayers, Amanda and Cody let us announce to the family that they were 12 weeks pregnant with twins. So with family gathered and with emotion and tears they let me tell the family the good news. We are excited to be grandparents and are anxious to get the babies here to earth and in our arms. So happy for Cody and Amanda. They have been living right and count the twins as a blessing from our Heavenly Father. For more go to their blog @: http://www.webbnet.blogspot.com

Cody, Amanda and Haven all came down on Tuesday night so we had them here for an extra day. Lant came down with friends on Wednesday and got here early afternoon. We had to share Shad this holiday with his girlfriend Brooke and her family. They went up to Ogden Wednesday and Thursday and down to Blanding on Friday. We enjoyed being together, playing games and doing the normal family traditions. We had formal dinner with Johnsons but ate everywhere we went. Most of the Johnson clan was here including Sheldon who recently moved back to Blanding, even Shawn came up from Las Vegas. Grandma Webb had 18 pies, eight of which were pumpkin, my favorite. Stacey made a turkey, dressing, rolls and pies also and Amanda made her families sweet potatoes topped with marshmellos - also very yummy. We had so much food.

Shad & Brooke stopped in Monticello no their way down Friday to join the family in the traditional Christmas Tree hunt - it snowed on Thursday making the mountain beautiful. We had a fire, donuts, hot chocolate and fun playing in the snow. It didn't take to long to find our trees this year - so all had a chance to play around a lot.

We all went back to Grandma Webb's for chili and cinnamon rolls, of course Stacey had fixed both to help feed the big crowds. Valynne & Lamar, Patrice & Richard and their families were here along with the locals, Kevin & Lori, Kevin & Roxanne - five of my siblings were here and all together. We were missing Corrine, Cindy, & Brett and their families.

Friday night we made our traditional cookie train, it turned out to be fun and we enjoyed laughing and visiting. I burned Haven with hot sugar on her hand - thats twice now. I doubt I will ever live these burns down - she has scares to remind her.

Saturday was a hang out day - didn't do a lot - kind of cold - Mid morning Stacey had arranged for us to get family pictures, so we did - I expect we will be sharing those when we get them. I was responsible for the Golden Greenball that night so I spent most of the morning decorating. It was a family dance so most of the family came. Lant got roped into doing the Charleston that night with a group of young adults. He learned quickly and did a good job.

Everyone left Sunday and we ended up following them up North Thursday. The early part of the week was spent getting ready for the Ward Christmas Party Stacey was in charge of. So we got to see everyone again but Shad who had taken off for St George with Brooke and her family.
Cody & Amanda fixed supper for us on Thursday. Amanda is a good home maker. We appreciate their hospitality when we are in town. Stacey and I had head colds so we did not stay with them for fear we would get them sick. We did spend the weekend Christmas shopping in preparation for the holidays. We took all the family out to eat on Friday and got to meet Amy, a girl that Lant is dating. That was fun. She seemed comfortable around the family and is very cute. I can see why Lant is attracted to her. Only time will tell.
We finally made it home last night about 9:00 pm. We got things put away and prepared for the Sabbath. Another few weeks passed quickly again. Life is full - we are happy.

Down in the Valley - Valley so Low

We enjoyed another busy week - I ended up taking Friday off because I had to work Saturday. We had a city leadership retreat and dignitary tour down in Monument Valley - I had to give a state of the city address to those in attendance and give my take on the effects of the current economic crisis on the City of Blanding. I sometimes wish I had a crystal ball and could see the future - sometimes I am glad I can't. The day was really pretty - Stacey stayed home and did the weekly house work. I told her it was payback for last week when she left me to go shopping with her sisters.
















I can't imagine living out in the middle of nowhere without any modern conveniences - regardless of how pretty the views are. It made me appreciate what I have.

I did make it back to watch the BYU/UTAH game - now I wish that I hadn't - it was painful to watch the team self destruct with 6 turnovers. Their defense just out played us. So I lost my lunch bets and will be buying lunch this week. Time to eat humble pie - I should learn not to be so mouthy.

Stacey dragged me to the movie again on Friday - "Twilight" - I whispered to her throughout the movie asking questions - that was helpful - it sure seemed to me that Bella fell in love fast with little relationship experiences to base that love on - she was ready to die for a guy she never even kissed. I did not like that part - overall it was entertaining.

Monday we worked on ornaments for each family in the Ward. Stacey is giving them out as part of the Ward party she is in charge of. She is so creative - the Ward party is on December 3rd. We enjoyed the temple again Tuesday and I was a veil worker and brought Stacey through - I like when that happens - it reminds me of our wedding day and bringing her through the veil that day. We always enjoy sitting in the celestial room together talking about our kids.

Haven's birthday was on Friday - yup 19 years old - my little girl growing up - I told Stacey I expect that by May 2010 all our kids will be married. Better be saving up for weddings - Haven says she will need at least $10,000. Oh boy - here we go!!

Looking forward to the week and everyone showing up for Thanksgiving. I enjoy this time a year when we get to spend time with family.

Life is good - we are striving to follow the Lord's plan of happiness.

A Short Work Week

This week was Veterans Day on Tuesday and so I took Monday off to make it a long weekend and a short work week. I have so much use it or lose it time at work I am taking every Friday off between now and the end of the year with two full weeks off at Christmas time. My year is almost over as far as work goes. It seems like this year has gone fast all around and I am getting old. Cody will be 25 in January - whoa - when did that happen - Haven will be 19 this week - that means this is my last year of teenagers since she will be 20 in 2009. (That was off on a bit of a tangent. )

I had City Council on Tuesday night and we went to the Temple on Wednesday and I taught Scout District Roundtable on Thursday Night. Stacey and I went to the movie High School Musical Three on Friday. (I think I was one of three guys in the audience) The days were just filled with work. That's a quick glimpse of the week.

Saturday we got up to clean the Stake Center and just before leaving Liz called Stacey to say they wanted to do a girls day to Farmington, so after gaining my blessing with her innocent pleading and sparkling eyes, I knew I was alone for the day.

It turned out good in the end - knowing I would be tied up the next two weekends I decided to put up Christmas lights. It seems a little early but I like to turn them on Thanksgiving weekend. The day was beautiful and warm. Of course I had to do the usual household weekend cleaning on my own - I will get as much mileage as I can out of Stacey for that. I do not have anything to complain about really - she is a wonderful wife who likes to spoil her husband (I think she does it mostly to get her daily back and feet rubs).

Grandpa Webb could not get the BYU game as normal so I got score updates as I could. Glad to see them get the win after a slow start. Next Saturday I hope to get back for the UofU game. I have to work - a special tour with dignitaries in Monument Valley.

Haven had decided a few weeks back to tryout for a professional dance team there in Utah Valley for the Utah Valley Thunder Arena Football team. There were 53 girls try out and they were taking 15. She called last night and was excited to report she made it. It won't take a ton of time since they only have 7 home games - it will be fun to go watch her perform. The season starts in March.

Thats it for this week - not too exciting - we are looking forward to the holidays and more family around and more time to enjoy them.

A Visit Up North and A Visit From Lant

Lant is home this weekend. We followed after him yesterday when we completed a little Christmas shopping with Shad and Haven. Lant is home for Cami Hurst’s mission fairwell talk. He came down with Mandy Flavel and two other friends to support Cami.

Stacey got up early and made him a big pancake, eggs & bacon breakfast. Then she put in a roast, potatoes and carrots for dinner, so she could make sure he was full before he heads for home.

We got to see all the children this week. We took off Thursday and drove to Salt Lake. We got there just after the TCU – UofU football game got going – we drove past the stadium and saw the crowd all decked out in black for their “blackout” night. They didn’t shutout TCU but did win them in the end. If BYU can beat Utah in two weeks it won’t matter either way. I had meetings all day Friday and Stacey did her own thing – all I can say is there was not a lot of room in the car when she picked me up. (We are going to have to stop going up north so much it is costing me a fortune.)

Friday we drove down and stayed with Cody & Amanda. All the family went to dinner at Café Rio – All the younger kids had social plans again – so we went back with Cody & Amanda and watched “Get Smart” and had popcorn and M&M’s. We stopped at Dairy Queen for ice cream – I always eat too much when I travel and don’t exercise enough – I will have to make up for it this week. It is so fun to visit with Cody & Amanda – we relive our early married days as we see them building their lives together – they are further ahead of us at their young age and we are proud of them.

Shad headed up to Salt Lake to take Brooke to the Body Worlds Exhibit and then was going with her to Ogden to meet her parents. All part of the dating process in a search for an eternal companion. We watch with interest as our children date.

I have my Stake YM meetings today, choir and Messiah practice. Sundays always seem to keep us engaged in the Lords work. We do have time to read and an occasional nap. We will visit Grandma and Grandpa Johnson and Webb before the day is out.

We are living the gospel and finding happiness in the process. We love and cherish our family and our time together. We enjoy the simple things in life.

Halloween has Come & Past

The week went quick again ending in a trip to Provo. Stacey gets stir crazy and wanted to go support the volleyball team at State. Sounded like a good excuse to me - even though we really did not need one. We plan on traveling up North the next two weekends anyway. I have meetings in Salt Lake next Friday and Nate Einerson and the Broncos will be playing in State Football championship the next weekend we hope. Of course we stayed with Cody and Amanda. They are always gracious and happy to let us stay and visit. Friday was a good day for the Volleyball team and they won both matches putting them into the Semi-Finals on Saturday morning. We took everyone out to dinner at Brick Oven on Friday night and got to meet Brooke, a girl that Shad is dating. She was confident, cute and fun. I can see why Shad is attracted to her. She is from Odgen and is a sophmore at BYU. Of course we forgot to take pictures at dinner - I need to get better at using my phone camera at least.

After dinner we enjoyed carving pumpkins, making caramel apples, cooking pumpkin seeds - Amanda was prepared with all the fixins - I am sure it will be on their blog - so you will have to go to their blog to check out more pics. I was proud of my scary pumpkin - of course Mom helped but I claim it since I did most of the cutting. Cody's pumpkin is Peter Peter Pumpkin eater - he ate too much and threw most of it up -

The girls lost their semi-final match on Saturday and ended up wining the last game to finish 3rd - Lant, Haven, Shad & Brooke all came and watched volleyball. It is fun to be part of the social scene - it is a chance to see friends and family who come to support the Broncos.

Lant kept us up to speed with the progress of the BYU game as we traveled - and we could get 1160 AM on occasion - it was a finger nail biter, but they pulled it out. Go Cougars. We listened to two audio books traveling - it makes the time pass quickly and we enjoy them. The first was "Lost & Found" by Clair Poulson and the other "Playing for Pizza" - by John Grisham. We liked "Lost and Found" the best. Clair is an LDS writer and always ties the church into the story somehow. They are kind of cheesie sometimes though.

We loved seeing all our children and hearing how life is going. Haven, Lant, & Shad are all doing good in their college classes. Haven will transfer to BYU in January. Lant is not dating anyone seriously - though is anxiously engaged in dating. Haven gets a lot of attention and is avoiding dating too much - she has already had to give the "just friends" talk on occasion. Haven says to quit praying for her to find her eternal companion because she is not ready. None of them seem in a hurry to get married.

We got home Saturday about 10:30 pm and set our clocks back to 9:30 pm and went to bed. (After Stacey played with the littles for 30 minutes - she spoils those dogs)

Today is fast Sunday and we are still fasting. I visited the Priests Quorum in 6th for Priesthood as part of my Stake Calling and enjoy being with the youth. I bore my testimony today and testified of the Lord's hand in our lives and of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Stacey and I have been reading in Preach My Gospel together and were reminded that even though this is a wonderful church with wonderful programs we should remember and testify it is Jesus Christ's gospel and Kingdom of God on the Earth. I know this is true.

We pray for all of you. Have a great week.

Happy Halloween!

We just got back from our Sunday visits to Grandma's. Grandma Webb had her usual Halloween sugar cookies. We all love them, and we love Grandma too.

The week was pretty uneventful. The weather was nice and it felt like late summer. We did all the yard work and are winterized. We still aren't ready for it to snow though. We are still enjoying the warm weather.

Wednesday we had a Bi-Stake Youth Square dance. I enjoy working with the youth. We enjoyed watching the BYU game Saturday - I didn't get to see the finish because we went to Shay Lyman and Jamica Redd's wedding. Shay - for you who don't know is David and Ramona's son. Lant was gracious enough to text me regular updates and I had to control my emotions during the ceremony as UNLV came down in the final seconds and threatened to score. Always glad to see the win.

Shay and Jamica seemed so happy - they make a good couple.

Today Mom went to church by herself because I had to go to Bluff with my Stake calling. No Aaronic Priesthood showed up today so they had me teach the young women combined. The small branches struggle. Today was also home teaching day, it is always good to get home teaching done.

Not a real exciting week- we are happy!! Always love to hear from you. Have a Happy Halloween!!

Webbs - Crawl on In!

Fall is in the air and of course Stacey has all her Fall & Halloween decorations out. She is already thinking of Thanksgiving & Christmas and of course Christmas shopping. Haven was home this weekend. She had Fall break and out of the blue said she was coming home. So she hopped in her car and by herself drove home. She didn't even get lost. My little princess in becoming so independent. It was good to have her home and spoil her.

She made it just in time for the last home game. The Broncos beat South Seiver 39-7 and ended the regular season 9-0. If they keep it up we plan to go up to Provo to State. Speaking of that we plan on going up Halloween weekend to watch the Volleyball @ State and then the first weekend in November for meetings in Salt Lake. Haven enjoyed watching Volleyball and missed being in on the action.
This week is the deer hunt and none of the family has a license - so we won't be hitting the hills looking for Bambi. I have a friend from Missouri that has a license who might come down with a friend. If he does I will take them out on Monday.

We took the garden out this week, part of it ended up on the front porch for decorations. Stacey loves this time of year. All the pumpkins are from the garden. None very big but good for decorations. Not sure when we will carve them this year.

We picked all the apples also and they are soooo good - we sent a bunch up with Haven back to the kids in Utah Valley. We tilled the garden spot and around all the fruit trees, and winterized everything in preparation for the first snow. Not sure we are ready for winter but ready or not here it comes.

Stacey and Haven took off to Cortez yesterday on a Mother / Daughter Day and after finishing taking out all the dead and frozen flowers I went Golfing. The course was still really pretty set against the changing colors on the mountain.

Thursday was Ward Temple night and we enjoyed being at the temple. We made it home and I headed over to Grandpa and Grandma Webb's to catch the last half of the BYU game. Tears rolled down our cheeks as we watched the Cougars get trounced. It was really painful. The only thing that made it bearable was Grandma had all the food out. Chips and Dip, Candy, Nuts, Popcorn, Banana Bread, etc... So I cried and made myself sick eating all that junk. I am still recovering from that devastating blow!!!




Haven just texted and is in Price - almost back safe and sound. Stacey got up really early so she could spoil the kids and send up fresh rolls. They are all getting together for dinner today. She is in her favorite afternoon spot, napping with the dogs. She is soooo cute. I am having a hard time letting her sleep in peace.

Tonight is our Stake Standards night I am in charge of but first we will have cake and ice cream with Grandpa and Grandma Webb since they are having their birthdays - 72 years young and still going strong.

We are happy and healthy and often thinking of family and friends. We would love to spoil anybody who wants to visit - just head to Blanding and Crawl on In!!

Work, work, work for the Lord the Pay isn't Much but the Retirement Benefits Are Out of This Word

This week started out busy and ended slow.
Monday evening we had the Johnson crew up for dinner, because my brother Sheldon and his son were here. Sheldon has retired and is moving back to Blanding after living in Las Vegas for many years. We had a big sign and a cake that said "Welcome back". It was fun to see Shawn again, he looks the same.
Tuesday I went to enrichment night, a "Back to School Night" we had journalism class were we learned about blogging. We had Home Ec. were we learned about canning. We then had school lunch, then on to seminary, after that we had PE were we learned about weight lifting. It was fun.
Wednesday was spent getting ready for the scripture carnival, I was in charge so the entire day I was getting decorations up etc. That night we dressed up as a scripture character (thus explaining the picture) and went to the carnival. We had booths such as Jonah and the Whale fish pond or pin the nose on the Nephite and other fun stuff. Chris did scripture Bingo for me, which was a hit. After the carnival we took it all down and I was sooo glad to have it done--Now to think about the Ward Christmas Dinner! Yeah!!
Thursday Chris had Round Table for the scouting program and I just chilled at home.
Friday we took out the garden all morning. The weather had changed and it was pretty cold the wind blew all weekend. In the afternoon went to the volleyball games, we went to the "C" game also because Lindsey Christensen is on the team and Dad is her Home teacher. So we sat there and talked with everyone about our children, I love to talk about my kids.(I miss them) The varsity team lost to Richfield, but we still enjoyed it. Of course Chris has a buddy in Richfield whose daughter plays on their team so he talked to him for awhile. Saturday we got up and went to the temple, then came home and rattled around the house all day alone with no children to tell what to do or to laugh or cry with. After many hours of that we decided to watch the BYU game. BYU won yeah!! Then we watched a movie.
Today we went to church and had Parker and Bronsen behind us (Ginger my niece's kids) they are fun little boys I love it when they sit by us cause they say funny things and it makes me laugh.
This week is fall break for some of our kids, don't know if they will be coming down but it would be fun if they did-HINT I think it is going to warm up again maybe take the wave runners out? A friend we knew when we lived in St Louis may also be coming to go deer hunting.
When the cold came this weekend it got me thinking of Christmas, I love it--Christmas, not the cold!

High on a Mountain Top

You all know we love the mountains - Stacey and I took an extra day off and stole Mom & Dad Webb's camp trailer and headed up to Reunion Ridge. We enjoyed hiking, eating and just relaxing. We did not see any elk - but plenty of deer around - everything is still as beautiful as ever. We are planning one more camp and elk calling to Cody's Corral - if weather is right most likely next weekend. It is a three day weekend for me - the changing leaves are beautiful.

Home for Homecoming

We are excited to have Haven home for Homecoming at San Juan - they could not leave Stacey alone and called and aksed her to do an alumni skit as part of the Friday assembly. Her and Lisa Rarrick were old ladies invited back for the event and they reminisced of the old times - as they did they walked down memory lane and the evolution of the dances at the high school and had several samples demonstrated by alumni from that time period - twist, sock hoping, break dancing, discoing, and etc. It ended with Haven's Hip Hop - Stacey and Lisa were so funny and ended twisting, breaking, and poping a hip as they tried to dance again as old ladies - it was fun!


Haven was glad to be home too - she said stuff like - I just love how Blanding smells, I just love Blanding water, I just love Grandma's homemade Salsa. I just love these Hamburgers - she had garden squash and tomatoes and peaches and cream for breakfast - we promise to spoil all who come to visit, including the fresh Blanding Air and good water.

Your always welcome!

On the Web Again - Just can't wait to get on the Web Again!

Well we're doin it - Time to get on the band wagon. Need to keep ourselves on the cutting edge - (really just trying to keep up with our kids) It has been fun to see family posts and share each others feelings and lives.

The picture is our latest that we took this summer just after Lant got home from his mission. The first picture in over 6 years with the boys all on missions.

We are getting use to being alone in the house - we don't even have to shut the bathroom door if we don't want to or even wear pajamas around the house. We have several people that feel comfortable just coming in - (we like that) so we still have to be careful - so if your coming over and just walking in - well make some noise.

We have already made several trips up north and enjoyed getting together with the kids. Cody & Amanda are so gracious to let us stay there and even have all the family over to play, visit and eat. I think that their neighbors think we live there.

Haven is home this weekend for Homecoming - her and Stacey are in the alumni skit in the morning. We are taking the wave runners out tomorrow - the last real warm day we can expect for a while. We always drove over the mountain conference weekend and enjoy the fall colors. We love the changing seasons. We are happy & healthy.