Allie's journal entry from school

Let me know if you cannot read this. I thought it was so funny. I love the tear-jerker beginning coupled with the joke at the end- which was a true story.

Kid History Sightings!

This story might only be interesting/cool to Jenny and the boys, but here it is. As some of you know, Thad and I are on an indoor soccer team. Tonight, we had a game. As we're standing there waiting for the team who had just finished their game to come out of the "dugout" we noticed some familiar faces! ALL of the guys from the "Kid History" videos were on the team right before us! I nearly shouted out "RANDY!!", or "I'll take 2 completos!!" Thad had to hold me back from rushing up to them an asking for autographs! Anyway, cool story of the week?

What the...

I went out this morning and saw this in my driveway... I have no idea how Jango got there or how long he had been in the car. Near as Jen and I can figure, he snuck in when she got home from an errand 40 minutes earlier and was quietly devouring a burrito Hailey had left on the back seat.

The funniest part was when I opened the passenger door, Jango politely moved over to the driver's seat. "Oh, you're going to sit there this time? Okay, I'll drive." Nice.

Dear Family,
We took a little trip to Mesa to see our Hailey baptised. It was wonderful and Hailey you were radiant and I know Heavenly Father knows you were baptised and now are in his fold.
We retured home and to our surprise a secret pegnancy has taken place. I suppose it happed at night but we didn't know it. It was kept secret and we couldn't see signs of it comeing , no large belly did we notice. We hope it's not an unwanted event but who can tell. We have taken care not to spread the secret until now. You know some things are personnal. However, we do not know who the Dad is. We hope we will know soon. We hope he is a fine unstanding citzen that can provide for his family.
The secret is out now. We have a new baby fish! He is tiny and cute. His job now is to not make any adult mad and eat him. I guess that's what happens when the kids get out of hand.
So, I didn't eat any of you and you turned out fine. Hope to hear from you all.
Love Mom

Tonight like several nights before have been emotional and long. This journey to the "other side' has been going on for awhile now and when Mom was in the hospital I thought it was at an end. It sure looked and felt like it and I started grieving then. Then we brought her home and she rallied and we could talk and she was a littler slower but almost her same self. I can't think of a better gift than to have a loved one approach death and then get a repreave and have them back for awhile. You appreciate and devote your time to them.
Monday, Mom fell. Hit her head. It was going to be sore but she didn't need stitches. Then Tuesday morning she fell again. It was hard for her to get up. I had to have your Dad help me. She is sliding into that next curve of her journey.
Tonight I was in the TV room, reading, and she sat up in bed and said,what? I went in to her. "What's wrong Mom. Someone called my name", she said. " Was it Dad", (your grandpa) no, it was a women's voice, it was as clear as can be". She has two sisters and her Mom, grandma Price, on the other side. Well, I guess they are trying to encourage you, I guess." " Yes, I guess they are waiting".
I bent over and said, Mom, I love you and I will miss you,I said.She put her arm around me and told me she loved me and I don't know what I would do without you".
I treasure these momments. Of course we are ready because she is tired of her afflicitons. But, you don't always get to have this time.
I had a friend tell me I wouldn't regret this time. It has been 4 years and not easy. I missed being with my kids sometimes and taking off. But, I will never get a chance to tell my mom I will miss her and I love her for a long time.
I hope by sharing this that you hold each other a little closer and remember all the family that you have. We miss our Lucy and can't wait for this time to hold her again. It hurts doesn't it.
So, to all of you, I love you and I miss you tonight. Each phone call and post is a reward to me.
Good night, Love Mom

Book idea

Since many of us (all us girls it seems) have read "The Help" and liked it, here is another book I thought sounded interesting. Especially for us! And I know Vic has lots of good books to recommend too! Shall we do a little book club together?

How do I invite Thad to view the blogs?

He can get onto the main page, but if he tries to click on anyone else's blog its says he has to be invited. So do you all need to invite him? His email is thad.paget@gmail.com

Do You See What I See?

Ten Years Ago

Ten years ago today, I woke up to a large rumbling that shook our windows. I turned on the TV to find that an airplane had hit the World Trade Center. I looked out the windows and could clearly see the plume of smoke coming from Tower 1. Jack was still asleep and our apartment was quiet. The Today Show speculated it was a small two-person airplane. I saw the explosion from the second impact and then everyone knew America was under attack. I watched both towers fall, holding Jack in my arms. Jack pointed and said, "Smoke."

The wave of dust flooded into Brooklyn and made it hard to breathe all day. Papers from the destroyed office buildings also drifted across the river. Before they fell, our neighbor, Mike Whiting, and I used binoculars to watch the towers. I could see into the massive black hole on the side of the tower, surrounded by flames. I watched the firemen who lived next door from us and welcomed us so generously to their family Christmas party, leave to do their duty. Thankfully, they all returned home. Our ward's Elders Quorum President called me and we started a calling tree to try and locate members of the ward, especially those we knew worked in that area. After several hours, everyone was accounted for, although several walked home across the Brooklyn Bridge amidst the mass of soot-covered zombies who were in Lower Manhattan and had no other way home than to walk.


Jenny and Grant were in Utah for her Grandma's funeral. I didn't want her flying with two small children (weird, considering she's done that since on more than one occasion), so I kept Jack and stayed home from work... on that one day. I hated knowing I couldn't be there with my coworkers and friends in lower Manhattan, five blocks from the WTC. I later saw the landing gear from the first impact, which passed through Tower One and landed right in front of my office building.


Thanks to Grandma Jackson, I was spared being at work on Rector St on 9/11. Who can know what would have happened to me otherwise? One of my coworkers was killed by falling debris. I suppose that could have been me... Others later told me they thought they were going to die when the Towers fell and they were covered by that massive dust cloud. Nevertheless, a large part of me is extremely resentful that I was not there. Oh, I was there, but not really there. Just as I was home on the day my Lieutenant was shot and killed on a traffic stop, and my teammates chased him down and shot his legs out from under him while he and his driver hid behind their truck and fired on the officers.

I have a real need/desire/want to be there when these momentous and horrible events occur. I want to be on the tip of that spear, part of the force that takes action and saves lives. I've spent countless hours training and drilling for when violence occurs, to be able to save my own life and those of innocents. To be able to confront evil when I encounter it. But, for some reason, the Lord has kept me out of these rare and violent events. I've seen my own share of violence and horrific events, but I was kept out of specific ones. I do feel resentment and, at the same time, gratitude for His intervention. It was during these weeks alone with Jack that I first started thinking about being a police officer.

So, where am I going with all this? I don't know... Jenny encouraged me to blog about my experience on that day. I have a lot of conflicted emotions. It's hard to watch the videos on TV and the computer about it all. I am grateful the Lord has kept and preserved me. I am grateful to be where I am today.

I remember it all so clearly... and yet wish my view had been several miles closer.

remember

Mom and I were talking about 9/11. My kids schools won't let me bring in the newspapers we have from that week in NY. I want my kids to know this part of history. (after all, my kid's school shouldn't get in the way of their education) We were talking about what we experienced. There are so many things I remember but I have a bit of tunnel vision for that day. I would love to hear all of your memories. Some of us were together but we all still have different memories from it. If you are up to sharing, I would love to hear your thoughts.

Conversation with Grandma Hope:

"I know it hard to have me here and be a burden. I know you have others things to do. "
I said, "Mom, don't worry, you may be my ticket to heaven."
Then she said," yes, and you my have been mine ".
No matter how hard things can get in a family, or how uninteresting people can be sometimes, we are each others ticket. This I believe.
Love Mom

Happy Birthday Wendy!

Home girl, you are da-bomb! Happy Birfday!
I have held on to this picture for months for just the right occasion, and ta-da here it is, your Special Day! Wendy rescued me while doing costumes for Peter Pan and Wendy (very fitting, I know!). The day before the show opened, we found out that Capt. Hooks wig was too huge for the 14yr old actor. So back in the dressing room, she wore the wig while I gave it a trim and then stitched it to his hat. A wardrobe malfunction would be the worst thing to happen in a play, who cares if they forget their lines!
So off topic...
Wendy, you is the best and would do anything for anyone if they aksed;) you! I hope you had a fabulous birthday and feel better. Being Nurse to a bunch of snot nosed kids is bound to get you sick sooner or later but nothing can keep you down for long! We all love you!

Happy Birthday!

Birthdays! Cake! Sugar ! wheeeeeee!

Kristyn and Wendy, Happy birthday ladies! Love you both. I called / am calling you individually, but also wanted to leave a posting, here. You're da bomb! (yeah, got nothing snappy or witty to say, just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you).

Happy Birthday Kristyn!

Here is a picture of some of us gals wishing you a great day! Don't they look happy for you. Smiling because of how lucky they feel to know you and thinking, "she could have been in this picture but she was so busy being a super Mom that she didn't have time to sit down!" And we're all wishing we could have partied with you on your birthday. It must have been off the hook because some of us are still trying to get a hold of you to say "Hey, your awesome! Have a Happy Birthday!"

Happy Birthday Jason!

Here is the only picture of Jason we took during the whole trip! Not Jason?!? OK. But he could have a similar profile... and he is really tall... and I know he is Joy's rock to lean on when she needs him... and I believe he could weather any storm and still stand firm!
We actually took this picture on the way to the wedding in a place called "The Valley of the Gods" (See another close fit!)
Jason we hope you had a great birthday and actually got to celebrate it with Joy (as in the same town and all). Maybe Joy even made one of her signature cakes and you went crazy and had a soda too! We're all glad your a part of our family.

Happy Birthday!

Wedding Pics

Hi family!

We are here. I am locked out of my email which has made things very difficult (our callings and such) . We have had a house guest staying with us the last couple of weeks. It has been a very sad situation and so a lot of things have been put on hold while work through some things. I have thought about Jenny and Chris being foster parents and how I really do not feel that "call". The thought occurred to me that not just foster children need a safe home to go to sometimes.

So maybe... this week... we will return to a normal schedule.

Oh and did I mention that Jason has gone out of town 5 times in the last 2 months and that he will be leaving again soon. :(

What's on your bottom

Joy was here last week. Miss them so much. They were such good kids for Grandpa and Grandma. Course I gave them as much sugar as they wanted(did I say that).
Anyway, we were off to a park or something. The kids were in back all straped in. Grandpa couldn't go, so I sat in front. Joy was putting Rachel into her car seat.
There was a toy rocket on the front passager seat. I slid it to the floor and sat down.
Westley said," Grandma, you have something on your bum". "What! I said. Is it a spider?" No he shook his head." You have something on your bum". "What is it, did i get it off."? I brushed my backside thinking it was crawling on me." Was is food or are my pants stained? "" No, he said, you have something on your bum".
"What is it Westley?"
"My rocket' he said.
"Oh, I have your rocket on my bum". He shook his head yes.
'Well," begining to laugh," its on the floor"." Grandma didn't sit on it. Its ok,"
I guess he thought if I sat on his rocket it was going to stick there.
Lucky for me I haven't had any rockets stick to my bum lately. But you never know.
Grandma

Happy Father's Day!

Grandpa, Vic, Sam, Chris, Jason, Pete, Paul, Thad and to all of the great Dads I know; Happy Father's Day! I could write about your hard work, sacrifice, playing with children when you don't really want to and when you do, senses of humor, protective nature, priesthood holding worthiness, good traits and examples. But if the women in your life are doing their jobs, you already know this so my words are just a reminder of your awesomeness.

Strut around and enjoy your day! You deserve it.

We love you

Dear family, thank you so much for posting birthday wishes and photos of our sweet Lucy.  And for remembering her yesterday and on so many other days.  It means more than we can say.  We still struggle to know how best to celebrate, honor and remember our sweet girl, especially when sometimes we don't feel like celebrating.  I [Vic] cried a lot yesterday but in the end had a nice day.  Molly did a marvelous job of making it a special day.  We had hot dogs [Lucy's favorite] and a cake.  Peter made us light the candles and sing Happy Birthday 4 or 5 times.  He likes to blow them out.  We took care of a few things around the house, played, watched the mama and baby moose that have been living in our back yard, visited Nancy [who is recovering well from her surgery], and didn't get done a lot of other things on our "to do lists" but we enjoyed the day together as a family.  Summer seems to have finally arrived in Park City.  Our  back yard is beautiful with the stream running full and then some, the trees waving in the mountain breezes and bird singing loudly that it is wonderful to be alive [including at 5am when I am not quite ready to wake up].  I guess that is it for now.  We love you.  Thank you for loving us.  And thank you for loving Lucy.

Happy Birthday Lucy

What Special Shape cake would you want for your birthday today?

Happy BirthdayLucy!

Happy Birthday Lucy! We love you!

Happy birthday Lucy doll

(photos taken January 12, 2007)

I love how Lucy is smiling in all three, and Thacks is crying in all three. :) She was working the camera and charming everyone there.

And she had enough hair for pigtails already?! Amazing.

Happy 5th birthday little one. Miss you princess.

http://www.npr.org/2011/05/19/136142322/book-of-mormon-creators-on-their-broadway-smash

I told Mom I would send her the link the Fresh Air (liberal left) radio show and interview with the creators of the Broadway hit "Book of Mormon". It is edited differently than what I heard on the radio. They left out some of the song clips and some other things. Make no mistake, the broadway show is crude, crass rude and they are making fun of Mormons. BUT.... well, listen the radio clip (when you click on the link above it will you take you to the NPR page and you click on "Listen" to hear the show).

There is no such thing as negative press... right???

Happy Birthday Vic

Happy Birthday Uncle! Did you know it snowed yesterday? Did you know it snowed on Paul's birthday too? Weird (and what does that have to do with wishing you a happy birthday? I don't know). Just wanted you too know that we love you soooo much! We are thinking about you and Molly and Lucy and praying for you every day- right now especially.

Wishing you happiness, peace and hope for your birthday.

Honeymoon Pics

And We're Back

Honeymoon over. We both had a real good time. I assume all of you know where we went? On a cruise! I didnt find out what we were doing or where we were going til we got off the plane it Miami, and a Carnival Cruise employee was waiting to pick us up. It stopped in Grand Cayman, Roatan (an island off the coast of Honduras), Belize, and Cozumel (an island off mexico). We did a lot of swimming, but none of the other fun shore excursions. They were way to expensive. We got a lot of sun, and ate way too much. We didn't take very many pictures, but I'll post some when I next get a chance. Did everyone get home safely and have a fun time? I saw a few of the pics on this blog and on Wendy's. I have only seen this picture from our photographer, but hopefully we'll get the rest back soon and get them posted.
Last night we opened up presents with Thads parents and Mom and Dad. We got a lot of good stuff, and a few things to return. So now it's time to set up house. Thanks everyone for coming, and for helping at the reception. Love ya!

Ahh- wedded bliss!

Little Rachel was so cute in her dress! She kept smiling but I couldn't seem to catch it on camera! All the girls wore pink! It was great!

Our last look of the new bride and groom! Jack and Grant got to help decorate the car- they did a good job! Peggy and Thad are on a cruise to the western carribean- Casumel! They will be home sunday?
These three monkeys were having a great time watching all the chaos. And making chaos.

"Who, Me?" Yes you! Who else got married today! Cut the cake already!

Married! Our first look at the couple as they left the temple! You can't see in these pictures-(but as most of us know) the trees had so many blossoms! And the petals were falling so soft and pretty! I was awe-struck! What a gorgeous day!!! And a gorgeous bride! You're cute too, Thad!

Thadeus the NEW Uncle!!!

Every Monday in Allie's class they get 2 min. to talk about whatever they want (for several weeks she talked about how she was allergic to chocolate- not all chocolate, just hot chocolate. Not sure where that came from but I guess it made the kids laugh so she kept it up- week after week). This past Monday though, Allie talked about her NEW uncle who is so cool and wonderful! According to her teacher she went on and on about about how great he was. The teacher asked why he is so great and she said something like "Well, he married my aunt".

Enough said. :o) If Aunt Peggy chose him, he has GOT to be AWESOME!!! Because, as we all know, Aunt Peggy is pretty AWESOME herself.

WELCOME Uncle Thad!!!

From the Bice Girl

This is a blog to all my in-laws. It is a blog to say thank you for loving me. After the wedding and all the weekend festivities, I had an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for all of you. Lately, I have been overwhelmed and amazed as I look back (and as I look presently) on those in my life who chose to not "turn away" from our pain when Lucy died. It is not an easy thing to face, and the repercussions of that loss and the on-going pain mean complicated emotions and behavior for me. So I wanted to thank you for being patient and kind with me. Thank you for loving and supporting me and Vic. It is no secret that I get overwhelmed when the entire family gets together. After seven years of marriage I am still trying to adjust. And since becoming a mother, going through such a huge trauma, and trying to re-adjust and learn who I am again, I know I can whine and complain about my lack of sleep and other areas of my life. In truth, I know I am very blessed and am so grateful you are my family. I know Vic loves and needs each of you. He keeps so much locked up inside in order to put on his armor everyday and go fight for our family. So thank you for being a light in his life as well, especially when I am unable to give him light myself sometimes.

I had such a great time at the wedding dinner, going on a run with Kristyn, hosting some of you at our home, walking around Temple Square, and gorging myself in the chocolate and cheese fountains. (They should make life-size fountains of that stuff in public parks...). Peggy was beyond beautiful, and Peter had the time of his life with all the cousins.

Sassy and different as my background may be, I still love you all.

Happy Birthday Paul!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

You are a guy who could save the galaxy if you weren't too busy with other projects.

Family, Hope your having a great week. Vanita has come up with an idea to help me with Grandma. She suggested that we write our memories down and tell them to her now, not at the funeral. Grandma has a hard time remembering the good in her life. On those down day I could read a letter to her and be able to let her see the better side. Its hard being old. What you think now stays with you- so family make your thoughts good. As you know, we all struggle with this. Our thoughts dictate what we do don't they and actually how we become who we are. Anyway, if you could think of things I would appreciate it. Love Mom

Happy Birthday Peter!

Happy Birthday Peter! We are glad to know you and your parents. Hope you had a great party. You are big stuff to all of us. We love you!

Congratulations Vic and Molly!

We are thrilled the concert turned out so well! Way to go! I guess Peggy didn't end up clogging (she told me she was helping out that night. When I asked her what she was going to do, she said taking tickets or something but if things got slow she would probably get up on stage and clog. Guess she didn't have to).

Seriously we are so so happy for you and proud of you and Vic and Lucy and Peter!

Now tell me, who was it really who commented about the concert that you had quoted on your blog? :)

12:20, not 12:40

The Actual Wedding is at 12:20pm. Just FYI

Yea for Molly Jenkins!

Molly we loved your too short interview! Minus the name whoops, did they do right by you? Hopefully your concert will sell out with all those conservative listeners. We would go if we could and wish you the best of luck on stage. We're lucky just to say we know you!

Didn't want to post this on MY blog, but...

The other day Thacks tooted.

It reaked.

I told him, "Thacks, you REALLY need to hold in your toots. That is totally disgusting." To which he answered, "But mom, if I do that, then my hand stinks sooo bad!"

Do you love that story?! I think it's my favorite Thacker moment yet.

And maybe we get too much of a kick out of potty humor.

Bridal Shower Outakes

Got to love Molly! She found out the colors that were being used in the decorations for the shower, then she went out and bought a matching outfit (so cute) and then she would NOT stop dancing around with the decorations in hand.
You'll notice Peter trying to get in on the dancing action. Not that kind of a party Peter! ;)

And then there is Vic. Caught red handed making out with a pot of melted chocolate.
Thad's mom and 2 of his sisters:

Girls Weekend

It sure was fun to be in Utah and see most of the fam! Paul and Kristyn- you were the only ones missing! As fun as it was, its sure nice to be back in my warm AZ with my honey!

Family Dinner and Hotel Deal

Dear Family,
We are having the family dinner at 6pm the night before the wedding (the 6th) at the Lion House. Nieces and Nephews are invited as well.
The Plaza Hotel right across the street from Temple Square is giving us a deal because of it, where we can get rooms for $65 a night. SO maybe instead of Staying at the Western Inn in SF that night, you can all stay closer to the actual wedding location.
(MOM and DAD, I will leave that up to you to book for everyone. Call Thad's Mom to get the info on how to do it)

Will Everyone Be Here the Eveing of May 6th?

We're thinking of having the family dinner the night before instead of the day of, so will everyone be here the evening before?

Happy Valentines Day!

Wendy sent me a message on facebook, which reminded me of the way you celebrate valentines day. In Holand it isn't a big thing. Kids may send each other cards, and the restaurant are packed, but other than that...

In senior year, I loved how we were called out of class to pick up balloons that Lee had sent us!

I loved that friends would give little valentines to each other!

Years later I appreciate the things that Lodewijk does for me every day (and that I try to do for him too), so I don't really need a special day anymore.

But back then it made me feel special and that's important in a teenagers life.

So to celebrate Valentines whith you, I'm posting a picture of Via del Amore! made in Tuscany this year!

Happy valentines day!

Love! Always!

Wendy, I found it!

Here's the pic! I found it finally. That was so cool to see you graduate after working so hard! Well done lady.

BYUtv Documentary

Hi family,

I'm sure most of you have seen the documentary that BYU produced about Lucy and our website. I think they did an amazing job. Like Vic said, it DOES feel good to be helping someone else. It is the cure for what ails me! We are currently working on paying for 4 or 5 different headstones for children and almost have all the money we need to do so.

Since the documentary "aired" (online...it is still yet to be shown on actual television ) we saw an increase in traffic AND donations, which is so, so wonderful.

I'm writing in the hopes that you will share the video link on your facebook pages, blogs, word of mouth, etc. It is so nice to have our story and our cause so concisely put together and I hope more donations will be coming in due to greater exposure.

No pressure. I won't be disappointed if you don't post it anywhere, but I have found that every little bit helps and leads to more and more people knowing about our foundation.

Love you much!
Molly

Here is the link to the video:

http://byutv.org/watch/2151-311

Once the video starts playing, you can scroll over the screen and the option to get the embedding code will appear. Copy and paste the code into your blog.

Temple Attendance

We just went to our Stake Conference. It was very good. They talked about hearing the Holy Ghost and how envolved he can be if we ask. Remined that we some time have to waite years for answers according to our understanding.
One thing I really was glad to hear-Pres. of the Provo Temple- that the temple ordiances were accepted by most of everyone. Very few were not accepting. So I was glad to know it was worth it.
We met Thad parents last week . They are nice people and yes, young. Peggy will have a great time in this new position . Thad is the oldest and Peggy is of course the youngest. So they get the best of both worlds.
Hope all is well. Love MOm

Temple Attendance

Lest we forget

Gingerbread Contest 2009 (with no actual gingerbread). I don't think Sam ever got to see these. 2009 was a great creative year.


Sam and Peggy- Indian Jones and Temple of (if I eat anymore candy you are gonna have to roll me out of here) Doom

Jason and Joy- Ponca Jackson Directing Traffic after the HORRIFIC accident in Zion's National park (please don't bleed on my upholstery)
Paul and Kristyn- Oceanside Living
Wendy- I'll Be Home (in the Orient) For Christmas
Jenny and Chris - Brooklyn Bridge (of bounteous jelly beans)
Vic and Molly- Hotair Balloons (and a lense that wouldn't get it all in). That is so Albuquerque.

Anyone remember who won? Oh, oh yea.