The Shaw Family

Grandma's trip to Pittsburgh

2011-12-07T20:31:00.001-08:00

I will never forget my trip to Pittsburgh. I had such a nice time playing grandmother. Thank you Devin and Nicole for letting me be a part of your family for a while.
Isn't he darling? He looks like a little man.
2 of my favorite people in the world. I was so happy that I could make friends so fast. Brynlee was a delight to read and play with.
I don't know why the first bath is so memorable, but it is. I just love how mad they get.

Halloween

2011-12-07T20:06:00.000-08:00

I love fall! I just wish it would last longer.
Braiden was desperate for an idea and answered a girl for Sadies with his pumpkin.
Caleb did his pumpkin free hand. That's pretty good.
Ella joined us for trunk or treating this year. Neither of us felt like dressing up this year but we had a great time with the 4 wards event.

It's a girl

2011-08-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the world. She is as soft and calm as she looks. Everything about her is delicate and dainty. She even moves in slow motion. I think she looks a lot like Tyler in a feminine way. She was 7 lb. 10 oz. and 21 inch long.

More summer Fun

2011-08-13T10:39:00.000-07:00

Nicole and Devin came for a few weeks this month. It's so fun to have them in our home. It makes our family full and complete. We celebrated Brynlee's birthday a little late. She didn't seem to mind. I don't think she liked us singing happy birthday.
Braiden found a girl friend.
Tiffany had this idea that she wanted to share a pregnancy sympathy activity as part of FHE. We had all the men wear a basketball, weight vest, and a snow coat to see what it's like to be big, heavy and hot. We had them do everyday tasks. Some had more fun than others.

EFR at Red Fish Lake in Idaho

2011-08-13T09:48:00.000-07:00

We started this year's EFR off at our home with games and brownie sundays to include Braiden in the fun. He wasn't able to go to Red Fish Lake with everyone because he went with Kelly to Las Vegas's basketball tournament. It was a sad choice but at least he had this night.
One of my favorite activities at EFR was going on our adult bike ride. I asked John if this was biking riding or if I was mountain biking. He said definitely mountain biking. I was proud of myself, especially going down hill. I know Kelly says this a lot but it's all about equipment. The bike I had was great.
We had a riotous time of playing night games. I couldn't help but play the numbers game with them.
Caleb really got into the game Man Overboard.
A dirty game of Man Overboard. It was so dusty and they didn't even mind.
A wicked game of Poisonous Stump. The chair will never be the same.
Then they tried to wash off before the fireside and really only made mud. The water was freezing but that didn't stop some of them, namely Caleb, from swimming.

2011-08-13T09:36:00.000-07:00

Our 4th of July was a little weak with the fireworks but not with the company and fun. Somebody came through with big ones at the last minute. Caleb and his friends tie ribbon on the end of firecrackers so they can see to catch them on the way down.

Caleb's Summer Fun

2011-08-13T09:21:00.000-07:00

Tyler is so good to Caleb. We're grateful he is still young at heart. Tyler and Tiffany need a boy now.
This summer Caleb rented a bike to keep him busy and outside. It was perfect. Spencer, next door, came over to ride in the pasture everyday for a while. You can only go around and around for so long and then they wanted to go in the foothills. That made it a little more difficult.

I'm glad this was just for the summer. It's a little to "boy" for me.

Tiffany's Shower

2011-08-13T08:49:00.000-07:00

The 4 musteteers are missing Lisa in this pictures.
Think Pink! This is Tiffany's shower. I just loved all of the sweet baby girls clothes. They make them so cute these days. Everyone was so good to Tiffany. Thanks all.

Halloween

2010-10-31T20:29:00.001-07:00

It was sure fun to have Nicole and Brynlee home for the week. We miss the pitter-patter of her little feet. We miss Nicole too. The bumble bee costume was worn by all of the kids. She could have been the cutest. I can't understand why she liked Kelly better than me. Maybe she was missing her daddy. We missed have you Devin!
Can you see Calebs basketball number 11 behind the nike sign? He won the family pumpkin constest.
Ok this is one bad ninja. I think the gangster is rubbing off.

Jameson's Farewell

2010-10-31T20:12:00.000-07:00

I didn't think the MTC was sad. It was so exciting. Kelly and I wanted to go join him.
What great cousins! (I think that is Gunner in the back.)
Jameson had a few friends over to say goodbye. I think this was the saddest part. It's hard to breaking up this great group of friends. We sure appreciate how close they have been through out high school.

Ray Family Reunion

2010-08-05T07:23:00.000-07:00

The reunion was Dad's 90th birthday party. I hope he felt loved. It was great to be with everyone. There were 240 attending but it didn't feel like that many because the camp site was go big.
The best part were the visits.
This game turned into a back rub.

Jameon goes to college

2010-08-04T21:55:00.000-07:00

It was fun to all be apart of the drop off. I'm glad Tiffany could go with us to show him around. She gave all of us a tour and pointed out his classes. The place was a ghost town. No one is there for summer school. He is adjusting well and says he has friends. :)
He loved his shopping trip. Mom tried to keep her mouth shut and just watch what he put in the cart. I just put back the second box of Raman.

He was just fine until we walked away and then he gave us the "don't leave" look. He is hold the poster size family picture we gave him. He better have it up in his room. :)

Grandpa and Grandma

2010-08-04T21:44:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun getting know Brynlee. She smiled and waved hello to everyone. She was perfect in every way. I don't think Nicole and Devin know how good she is. It might take another child to find that our.

US History Trip

2010-08-04T21:11:00.000-07:00

We look pretty ragged. This is Gettysburg, our last stop, and we look like we are worn out. Gettysburg was one of our favorites. The battle fields have a reverence about them. This is the new visitor center that we all loved. Jameson wore his beloved star fanny pack the whole trip. People didn't know how to take him. This picture caught Brynlee with her scowl. She only did that the first day we were there and then she warmed up to us just fine.
We all loved Washington DC. What a beautiful city with so much to see and so little time to see it. Can you tell we ran through a down pour to get to the Lincoln Monument? It was bigger than I remembered as a child. That doesn't happen very often.
This was Jameson's and Braiden's favorite part of the trip. The tour guide couldn't believe this was their first time on a Segway. They were naturals. He could believe it was Nicole's first time though. Caleb, Brynlee, and I stayed home and watched a DVD. We'll do it next time when Caleb is 16.
Nice photography Nicole!

This was our first stop, Philadelphia. It was full of history but I'm afraid we will remember it for it's heat. It was 100 degrees and 100 humidity. Don't worry, we watched "National Treasure" the night before we left.

Eagle Fun Days

2010-06-13T14:35:00.001-07:00

We attended another successful Eagle Fun Days. Everyone got wet that wanted to except Kelly. Caleb and Jameson got way into it. Braiden said he couldn't get wet because he had to work. I don't knnow what excuse Tyler had. I forgot to ask. Here are the dry folks enjoying the dry portion.
...And then it broke loose. The Kerrs bring garbage cans every year to fill. Smart!

Poor Caleb only had a cup. We have got to invest in some better guns.
Dad remain dry so Jameson had to fix that.

Jameson's Mission Call

2010-06-13T08:19:00.000-07:00

We thought you would all enjoy watching Jameson open his mission call. It was great fun. The whole family was there and Devin and Nicole were on a video skype with us so they could watch it happen.

Jameson was really good about waiting two days for Dad to get back from church academies. He carried his call around waiting and waiting until he was home. Great experience and great mission call.

High School Graduation

2010-06-03T14:41:00.000-07:00

I sure was a fun night. Right after the graduation, Kelly and I went over to BSU's student center to chaperone the all night party. Well we were there till 2:30 and Jamo was home by 4:30. We missed the hypnotist and door prizes. Jameson came home with $125 from games. They sure go all out. They had this blowing booth that blew money around him. Jamo snagged a $50 dollar bill there. Believe it or not the kids love musical chairs. They counldn't touch the chairs with their hands and the winner got $25. It was an all out sprawl. They also played a scavenger hunt game called quest. Of course there was a room full of blow ups also. It was fun to watch it all.

Seminary Graduation

2010-06-03T14:31:00.000-07:00

I love seminary graduation. The DVD show at the end is my favorite. After seminary graduation we had an open house here for the kids and parents. Dan Thompson made a DVD show with a variety of high school activities. I decided to do this for the boys instead of the mother/daughter parties I did for the girls.

Mother's Day

2010-06-03T14:15:00.000-07:00

I had to get my camera out on Mother's Day and take some pictures with my boys. They were so good to me that day and made my day playing beautiful music at our Mother's Day recital.

Fill out mission papers

2010-06-03T14:09:00.000-07:00

Here is Jameson with the bishop. Bishop Dunn had just brought over the mission packet and all of the information that goes with that. His papers are in now and we are waiting for his call in 2 weeks. We have 2 maps up in the dining room of the world and US. Everyone that comes over gets to make their prediction.

Prom

2010-04-12T21:04:00.000-07:00

I have no idea what they are doing. How do you like Jameson in a hat? You never see him in a hat. He only had it on for about 30 min. I wish I had a picture of Jameson and Courtney together but I don't. I'll have to ask around.
Here are the darling girls. Courtney is in the peach. They look pretty good for only have 30 minutes to get ready. They were having so much fun on the 4 wheelers that they got back at 5:00.
This was Jameson's day date. They took 4 wheelers up in the foothills for a picnic. He said it was crazy fun. (They look a little too cozy to me. Maybe that was why it was crazy fun.)

Jump on it

2010-04-12T20:58:00.000-07:00

This isn't a very good picture but it shows how much fun they were having at Jump On It. The boys were wild. I had to close me eyes some of the time. We met a couple of families from Eagle there. It's a perfect place to wiggle before watching conference.

Conference Outing

2010-04-12T20:24:00.000-07:00

It doesn't look like it, but it is about 7 degrees with the wind blowing wild. Look at Kelly's hair blow. It was such a nice Saturday morning session of conference though. I loved going with the boys and hearing what they got out of it.

2010-03-30T15:10:00.000-07:00

I can't forget to mention Braiden's Court of Honor. Jordan Thompson and Micheal Labrador received their eagles at the same time. There were 2 high lights that night. One was the DVD show that Dan Thompson put together for each of the boys. It;s always so nice to see them grow up before your eyes. The other was the tribute I got to give of Braiden. I loved reminicing about his qualities and reading his funny quote jar.

2010-03-30T14:58:00.000-07:00

I look happier than Norene hugging cosmo. It was really her idea. Last week end Tiffany, Tyler, and I went to Legacy (cousin's conference) in Utah. To get our wiggles out Norene took me to a Men's Volleyball game. It was so fun.

Jameson's Activities

2010-02-14T20:23:00.001-08:00

Jameson sang the national anthem at his game. He started out real nervous and then he relaxed a little. Everyone in the audience was in shock that he was really singing it especially his coaches. He did a great job though he was winded from warming up.

Jameson went to Sweetheat's dance with Megan Leiftson. They sure were a cute couple.

Braiden's Activities

2010-02-14T19:57:00.001-08:00

Braiden's team is going to districts this week. They only lost to 1 team (twice). We'll see what happens.

Braiden and I took a trip to Emmett on Friday to get his license. He's a free man now. Why Emmett? Because we were in and out in 15 minutes which included the test and picture.

No one came in the whole time we were there. What a cute town Tiffany and Tyler live in. We even met the Sheriff and listened to a man explain how a piece of machinery was taken off his property in broad day light.

Calebs Activities

2010-02-14T19:38:00.000-08:00

Caleb and his friends Travis Lindsay and Grant Reeves are the ball boys for Eagle's varsity team. They have a lot fun throwing the water bottles over heads during the time outs. They are like a bartender's show. I don't know why I would know what that looks like but I've got an imagination. The players have been so good to them. They have had a great experience.

Caleb had a little help from Jameson and Tyler on this one. It's our dunking snowman that happened to be built right in the middle of our sidewalk. I wasn't outside supervising.

2010-02-14T17:58:00.000-08:00

I'm going waayyy back to Halloween because it has been to long since I've blogged. I promise I'll do better. Kelly looks real happy here doesn't he? This really was his idea this year. I'm not talking the blame on this one. Can you figure out what we were? We were snow blowers! Stupid I know but it was so easy and we loved the looks when people got it.

I love this picture of me and Brynlee because it reminds me of squeezin and lovin her cheeks and because is makes me look tan in December. Brynlee has the perfect "peaches and cream" complexion. "I miss you Brynlee!"

EFR

2009-08-06T09:57:00.001-07:00

Braiden and Jameson went to California this year for "Especially for Rays". They loved it. There were 35 teenagers and 10 adult (who I heard didn't act like adult). They stayed in an overcrowded beach house but loved being right next to the ocean. They had surfing lessons that didn't work too well. Jameson swears he was up for 1 second. The theme was Moroni's Title of Liberty: Love of Country, Family, God. They went to the Reagan Museum the first day and talked about their Love of Country. They second day was the 24th of July and they talked about their Love for Family. The 3rd day was Sunday and they talked about their Love for God. It turned about really nice. Mostly the kids had a lot of time just to talk and catch up. For the 24th Delwyn took them to the stake center and taught them all the "Virginia Reel" and "Cotton Eyed Joe Polka" dances. Then the whole stake showed up and the teens taught the state the dances. Delwyn said it was a great dance. On the way home they went to 6 Flags. I wish Kelly and I could have gone this year but we'll have to make it next year.

Jr. Miss Escorting

2009-05-27T20:54:00.000-07:00

Jameson, Jancen, Nate, and Tanner were our escorts for Jr. Miss this year. They did a great job. Danielle Viehweg won 2nd runner up. Jameson sang The Greatest Story Ever Told as part of the Jr. Mister spoof during the intermission.

Jr. Miss Escort

2009-05-27T20:35:00.000-07:00

Jameson is acting frozen after being asked a self expression question. They hiked their shorts up and did some sweet physical fitness/High School Musical moves. It was so funny listening to the audience laugh.

Easter Egg Hunt and BBQ

2009-04-15T20:56:00.000-07:00

Caleb, Brennan, and Natalie decided to hunt Easter eggs on the 4 wheeler. I think everyone has just about grown out of our traditional hunt.

These boys thought they were too old to hunt for candy but they weren't too old to eat it out of the little kids baskets. They are trying to look innocent. This is a rare moment for Michelle and I to stand still and let someone take our picture together. I like this picture of her.

Jameson's Prom

2009-04-15T20:39:00.000-07:00

Tiffany wanted to go with Jameson to prom. She didn't think anyone would know she was in college. Jameson wanted to accessorize with Tiffany's glasses but we wouldn't let him.

Here's the group. I guess I should have said "1,2,3 smile". Gunner's date was a Dwarf. She was so cute. Jameson went with Kortney White. They looked so nice. My little boy is all grown up.

Sister Cruisers

2009-03-25T22:01:00.000-07:00

I hope it looks like we had a great time in Mexico. We were still working on our tans. Mom and Dad were troupers. I'm sure this wasn't their "Cup of Tea" but they enjoyed being with their children. They got off the boat 2 times for bus tours.

Food Food and more Food

2009-03-25T21:54:00.000-07:00

I have never eaten so well! I didn't eat a lot. I just ate well. I had 10 different kinds of fish, es cargo, FRUIT, and a chocolate buffet. This was my favorite restaurant. It took 2 and a half hours to eat every night.

The Cruisers

2009-03-25T21:49:00.000-07:00

We were definitely a mob everywhere we went but it was hard to get lost. Kelly wasn't sure this was a good thing.

Mazatlan

2009-03-25T21:43:00.000-07:00

The waves weren't enormous in Mazatlan but Kelly looked good. He even found a surf board and made a go of it. He didn't quite get on his feet though.

2009-03-25T21:36:00.000-07:00

Birthday Party Invitations

2009-03-25T21:27:00.000-07:00

Norene and Judene put invitations on the doors up and down our hall inviting who knows who to a birthday party. I was so relieved when only family showed up. Anybody else would have expected booze on St. Patrick's Day.

Mexico Cruiise

2009-03-25T21:10:00.000-07:00

This is Cabo. We loved Cabo for it's snorkeling. To the left of the picture is Lovers Island. We took a "glass bottom boat" (fiberglass) to the island and saw the most beautiful huge fish. After I stopped hyperventilating, this was my favorite activity of the cruise. I think I was just cold.:)

Braiden's Birthday

2008-09-14T21:26:00.001-07:00

All Braiden wanted for his birthday was golf clubs. Kelly is going to have to brush up on his game to stay ahead of the boys now.

First Day of Schoool

2008-09-14T20:50:00.001-07:00

Caleb and his buddy Spencer are off to their first day of school as the oldest at school. It's hard to believe he will go to middle school next year.

Ray Reunion in Pine AZ

2008-09-14T18:13:00.001-07:00

The Ray reunion (or convention as Kelly calls it) was a hit this year. Thank you to the Spiels for the fun time. With nicer sleeping accommodations this year, Kelly realized he could now anticipate many more wonderful Ray reunions. I realize I grew up in a wonderful situation. Pine was beautiful. Thank you Mom & Dad. It looks like Devin & Nicole didn't wait around for this picture to be taken.

Eagle Fun Days

2008-07-15T16:23:00.000-07:00

According to Nicole, the water parade of fire trucks in Eagle is "the largest water fight in the world". It was fun seeing Devin run for cover like a girl. Then Kelly made him come back and take it like a man.

Braiden is using Tiffany as a shield or maybe he doesn't think she is wet enough.

Don't ask how much it took to bribe Jamo to do this. He sang "No Air" with shalese Kofoed.

Island Park

2008-07-15T15:32:00.000-07:00

He kept leaving me in the dust literally.

They about tipped the boat 5 times.

We had a great time at Island Park with the Gneitings. For Father's Day, Devin and Nicole gave Kelly a weekend at his family's cabin. All of the Gneitings joined us the last day. The only problem was it was bad fishing that week. It was just too cold. The boys tried to out fished Kelly with this weak excuse of a fish. Kelly said his was way bigger but of course it was catch-and-release so we will never know.

We miss you Tiffany

2008-04-19T16:02:00.000-07:00

Tiffany, we are missing you! We had a great time with you here this semester. The boys loved being with their sister. Thanks for making memories with them. -Mom

Braiden's Eagle Project

2008-04-19T15:53:00.000-07:00

Braiden needs a little attention for the great job he did on his Eagle Project. He organized people (mostly good looking young woment) to crochet scarves for the Special Olympics. It was a great project for Braiden but he is glad it's over. He ended up with 164 scarves in 2 months!

Jamo's Basketball Season

2008-04-17T15:49:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of Jameson's great basketball moments. Now that it's over, we miss going to his games.

Nicole & Devin's graduation

2008-04-16T14:17:00.000-07:00

You don't know what old is until you have gone to your own child's college graduation! I'm so proud of both Nicole and Devin.