19 Years!

The Pugh Crew was officially established 19 years ago August 3, 1990! Since that time, I can say that things have only gotten better. Marrige isn't just living "happpily ever after," it is counting your blessings even when times are hard. It is learning to value what truly matters in life and not seeking for personal gratification. Here is an excerpt from a newspaper article I clipped back in 1990 (article in the Utah County Journal by Janene W. Baadsgaard)
"After a few years of marriage and more than a few children, I've found love had a way of showing its head at the more common and unexpected times. I used to love my husband for the way he looked in his basketball uniform (me too!), Now I love him for the way he looks in his striped flannel pajamas, after he's been up with the sick baby all night. I used to admire my husband's latest intellectual reciting of his vast store of knowledge. But now I admire him most when he's on all fours, acting like a goon to get our baby to laugh, attentively listening to our preschooler tell knock-knock jokes without punch lines, helping our tenagers with algebra, or reading bedtime stories on the loveseat. I used to think the greatest show of romantic love was a passionate Hollywood kiss and embrace with expressions as "OH my darling, I can't live another moment without you". Now I feel the greatest expressions of love sound more like "Don't worry about the car, honey. We have insurance." OR, "I'll take care of the kids. Why don't you get out and do whatever you want for a day?" OR "Would you like a foot rub". I used to admire my husband's courage to travel to exotic places. Now I admire his courage to stay home, get up every morning and face the work world,only to come home to sticky kitchen chairs, a teenager with a learner's permit, last-minute peanut butter and jam dinners, and after-dinner children who explode with "Daddy, do this" energy."

This sums it up for family life. Here's to another 19 of learning, laughing, loving, and sharing!

Jack's son in Jackson!

We got up close and personal with a herd of buffalo on our way to the falls in Yellowstone.


We were priveledged to spend some time with Whitney's dad (Jack) and his step-mom in Jackson, WY this weekend. We did a quick tour of Yellowstone & Teton Nat'l Parks, went swimming, enjoyed the motorcycles, and took in nature as much as time allowed. The weather was fabulous and the company even better. Jack had come down on Pioneer Day (the 24th) because Weslie had asked if he would allow Whit to ride his motorcycle in the parade our town has each year to celebrate Pioneer Day. The motorcycle has a side car which makes it even more fun, especially for parades. (Whitney surprised every one by wearing a gorilla costume)


NOW - A word about motorcycles . . . I was able to ride in the side car a few times traveling from Hoback Junct. to Jackson and back. Although the side car is "nice", I really prefer to ride behind the driver. When we were first married, Whitney owned a small street bike. We rode it occassionally. I have also been able to ride a few times through Logan Canyon. During these brief excursions, I have observed a few things. Those who own a motorcycle are in a realm that only other motorcyclists appreciate. They even have a language of their own as they pass each other on the highway. The feel of the road so close, the breeze in your face, the exhiliration of speed, the sunshine on your body, need I go on?? I was reflecting back to my growing up years when my family spent time on our boat. It is something that only other boaters would appreciate. The experience speaks for itself and must be lived to be fully appreciated. It makes me realize just how many experiences are out there awaiting my attention. I can read about them but experiencing them adds a dimension that cannot be imitated. I'm grateful for these opportunities as they cause me to reflect more fully on those things that make life rich and meaningful.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

I guess given how fast time has gone, I better get with it on living life to its fullest! My challenge is for you all to do the same!

Moving Days!

This entry needs no picture - the title will conjure pictures for every reader, I'm sure. After a week of packing people and helping repair, paint, load, fix, babysit, etc... I'm grateful that we are NOT moving. I helped a good friend and Whitney's sister this week as well as spending one day moving my classroom stuff around. It was a work out but well worth it. My heart goes out to those who are moving and my heart prays that we will be blessed to stay where we are for a very LONG time! Age does seem to affect energy (NOT FAIR - anyone agree??!). I used to think I was invincible, I'd be young forever. Rude Awakening - This doesn't exist except in fairytales. Those of you who are much older than I are laughing and saying, "Just wait!". I know and I won't complain.

We did have some good friends come visit, The Marshalls. It was good to see them! I'm sad to say, I forgot to pull out my camera!! They will just have to visit again! Other than that, not much new to report to you from bloggerville but just hoping that all of you are enjoying your summer. It goes by WAY TOO FAST!! I sure enjoy having the kids around even if schedules are non-existent, the cubboards constantly being emptied, and the house in a disarray.

PS - GO SEE HARRY POTTER!! With all my teens, we couldn't wait until the crowds ebbed. We had an absolutely wonderful time!!

Independence Day '09

I'm a sentimental person and that's why this blog is so fun. I was able to pause and reflect on just how lucky we are to be a part of this wonderful country. There are many books out there that reveal the world in all its colors and I sure have more respect for the red, white, and blue colors we live under. Consider this, how many people are in the world today? AND how many live in the US and have the freedom to worship how they desire, choose what they want to do for a living, and how they want to live? You do the math, we are so blessed!

We were able to celebrate the 4th with Whitney's family, the "all-American" way with a barbeque, home-made ice cream, a parade, and fireworks!

No Title - Just the Facts . . .

I seem to have lost my precious spare time, can anyone lone me some?? I guess as long as it isn't my mind that's missing, we're in a good place. Here are the facts of the preceding weeks of which I was unable to blog...

Fact 1: Kaylee started on her CNA certification (Certified Nurses Assistant). She will be going to school most of the summer but is really enjoying her classes and labs. She works part-time cleaning houses but was able to attend youth conference last week for half of the day each day.

Fact 2: Kendall finally completed Driver's Ed and is working on getting in those driving hours since he is already 16. He spent a week at Band Camp, Priesthood in Action Camp, a week of youth conference (EFY at USU), and a week in Moab along with Whitney biking for high adventure scouting.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Fact 3: Shannon is working for a neighbor (almost everyday) weeding, watering, and whatever else that needs to be done. She also completed several weeks of volleyball camp.

Fact 4: Weslie is in science camp and loves it and has had several softball practices and games.

Fact 5: Fact 3 & 4 show that I am often without a sitter for my two little angels. Braden often reads to Landon to pass the time (a requirement for time on the computer). Landon is still in speech twice a week during the entire summer. He loves it!

Fact 6: We repaired our suburban after reviewing the cold hard facts about transportation for a family of 8. There are many good minivans out there but they hardly have the room to haul us and all our gear.

Fact 7: We have gotten rid of the big pile of dirt FINALLY (NOT!!) There's still about a half a garden's worth left. I'm putting a sign on it tomorrow (Free dirt!) Whitney wants his parking space back or I'll be forced to reside in the dirt. (Just Kidding - I hope!)

Fact 8: I haven't been able to get into my classroom at school yet due to the lack of a key and my partner teacher having surgery BUT . . . I'm really working hard on my curriculum.

Fact 9: We spent this last week with family again as Brett & Alana visited with their family and we went up to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House along with all the rest of my family.
(MAJOR fun!!!)

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Fact 10: We are wishing all of you the best summer ever and would love to see you soon, but if not --- We love you all the same.

Peaks and Valleys

Hello my loyal blog subjects! Tis SUMMER! We started our summer with "Peaks and Valleys". This is the title to a book written by Spencer Johnson, MD. He tells a story of how a young man finds happiness in life. Just like the rhythm of our heart on an electrocardiogram, our lives follow an up and down pattern. Our happiness is largely determined on how we both view and handle the ups and downs. I'm so glad that my father and brother shared this book with me. I happened to read it on the day we were heading home from Grand Junction, CO after we had surprised my dad for his 65th Birthday. We were on such a high "peak" as we were with most of our family for this event. We enjoyed good food, activities, and laughter together, what a totally "UP" time! The valley followed as the engine on our suburban blew coming up a canyon out of Price, UT (240 miles from LOGAN!!). How ironic that our "valley" hit as we were trying to climb a peak! Luckily, Kerri was behind us and was able to help us get assistance then Mark came and they transported us back to Logan. We laughed as we thought of all of our blessings and how the situation could've been worse (not to mention the looks we got from cars passing by as we waited a couple of hours for Mark). I'm grateful for eternal perspective. It surely doesn't make the down times in my life easier but when I look at what I can learn from it and not take it personal, it makes life very rich and full. Besides, you all should think of your memories . . . most people remember the events where something went wrong over the times where everything went perfectly right.



We are now searching for a vehicle to replace our suburban (after two engines and transmission work - we've had it with suburbans!) Any suggestions out there?? Whit wants a motorcycle but Remember we have to seat 8!!

Whew!

OK - Busy week, I feel like a broken record. Because so many of you are my family, I will give you a quick "run-down" since this is the main way we keep in touch (sad but realistic).



Kaylee went to senior ball with a really nice young man. Those from WY will LOVE the "duds" he's wearing. I didn't get a picture of his cowboy boots but they were very fancy (they even had hair!). No - he's not from WY, he's from here - UTAH!


Braden had Kindergarten graduation. I will surely miss my half-day with him next year. It has been so fun to help with his class and have him home for part of the day!
Weslie Presented her UTAH program which the 4th grade does every year. I just love the state song. (Landon must also as he keeps humming the tune.)



Weslie and Shannon had their spring piano recitals. I didn't post the video as I didn't get a good recording but both did an excellent job. (I hope they keep it up and don't quit like their mother did!!!)

The kids had their last day of school today!! So they are out floating the canal while I type. Hooray - - - SUMMER!!! We still need to make cookies and watch a movie tonight to celebrate (Tradition).

Last weekend (Friday night) we took some roasting sticks and went up Green Canyon to enjoy a cook out with a few ward friends. Braden accidentally fell into the fire and burned one arm. We took him to the ER thinking it looked pretty bad, they sent us up to the burn center at U of U in SLC, UT. We are watching the burn closely this week to determine if more needs to be done. We are hopeful all will go well. I take him back up to U of U tomorrow (Kendall's 16th B-Day!!!) SHHHHHHH - the neighbor girl and several other kids from Marching Band are throwing him a surprise party. I'll post more on that later...

I have some news - I will be teaching half-day next year with a great teacher at Weslie's Elementary school (Greenville Elem: Grades 3-5). I will be teaching 4th grade - I'm so excited!! I was able to go and meet my future students today. Now the fun of developing my curriculum and organizing my classroom begins. Any pointers???

Check out Greenville at http://www.ccsdut.org/Greenville


Now for a final note -- Just had to post a picture of our new pet (the kids wish!). Actually, I just had to post this picture to make you all laugh. Laughing burns calories so make sure you take time to engage in this EVERY DAY!!