well-child checkups

I took Chase and Ryan to the pediatrician last week and just had to take this photograph of the two of them. They sat there giggling and playing, waiting for the doctor to come in the room for their checkup. They did great with the dr., answering her questions and letting her do her examination.

I just wanted to capture this moment in time because they grow up so fast.

When the nurse came in after the doctor left well, that's another story. Two shots for each of them (flu vaccine for each since the office had run out of the flu inhalant plus another) plus we visited the lab upstairs so Chase could get some blood drawn (good thing I brought along my strong muscles that day).

Going to the temple

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit on Wednesday to the Mesa/Gilbert area on Wednesday. It was lovely to spend the afternoon with my sweet friend Wendi, catching up with each other on the "busyness" of these lives we lead, enjoying dinner at Pei Wei and attending a very lovely session at the Mesa temple with each other.



"perfect"

this makes me smile!

This is a picture of my dad's toolbox. My dad retired a few years ago and now his toolbox resides in his garage but I'm sure it still seems a lot of action as my dad is a very talented 'fix-it man' as my kids would say.
I love that his tool box shows such a fun part of his personality. This is a toolbox that does not belong to a dull person!
So looking forward to my parents visit in February.

science fair projects

James has been helping the boys with their science fair projects. In our school district it is required that students complete a science fair project in grades 4 - 8. That equals out to five projects per child x 5 children = 25 projects. I'm thinking by the time Ryan is doing science fair he may just have to recycle some of the ideas his siblings did!
This year Reid is discovering about the different textures of surfaces his remote control car can travel:


Chase is finding out about the different types of 'scoopers' for scooping ice cream: a wooden spoon, a metal scoop, a plastic scoop:


Chase is also enjoying the rewards of eating the ice cream that needed to be scooped!

Next up is completing the science fair display board with all their findings.

Reid receives the priesthood

Reid received the Aaronic priesthood on Sunday, January 17! Standing in the circle was his dad, Bishop Boerup, Brother Eddington, Brother Wienzinger and Brother Elzey. He was invited by the bishop during sacrament meeting to share his testimony or his favorite article of faith. He chose the First Article of Faith. He seems to be excited to be a deacon. It is so fun to have him come with Austin, Molly and I to Sunday Evening Discussions and mutual! He is looking forward to his first camping trip a week from Friday - they are going to go on a night hike. It is an especially fun time because two other boys from the ward are joining the deacons quorum soon.

"Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never to taken again from the earth, until the sons of Levi do offer again any offering unto the Lord in righteousness."
Doc. & Cov. 13

Reid's birthday party, Chase's soccer tournament

Reid celebrated his 12th birthday with a party Saturday night. Five friends helped him celebrate with guitar hero and other Wii games. The view from the kitchen was of this a lot of the night:

They also played some interactive games. James prepared some strips of paper with prompts on them - each drew a paper and then could choose if they wanted to act it out or draw it on the white board while the other guests guessed...

Reid chose not to have a birthday cake but wanted Costco brownie bites instead. We all enjoyed yummy brownies with ice cream, whipped cream, hot fudge and nuts. Happy Birthday Reid!

Chase's soccer team competed in the Ft. Lowell soccer shootout - a HUGE three day soccer tournament here in Tucson - this past weekend! His team lost both games on Saturday (we chose not to participate on Sunday) but had tons of fun playing good soccer as the teams were all evenly matched.


Chase is still enjoying soccer (whew!).

Gubler family picture - Christmas 2009

We still did not have a family picture to send out with our Christmas greetings the week before Christmas and we were going to Utah to celebrate the holiday so we asked our friend Joanne if she would take a quick photograph of our family after church. What a great sport she is (dealing with all of us squinting into the sun!). Here we are at the new Rita Ranch bus stop of all places!







Now let me show you what was happening 'behind the scenes"!







Are you sure you are ready? If you have teenagers you are sure to understand...








Does this show how much she really loves me, lol...

Can't you just hear that teenage voice, "MOMMMMMMMMMMM, no more pictures..."








And then I am left all alone... What's a mother to do?








We got a good portion of cards mailed out but I was amazed how many mailing addresses I do NOT have. Some of my most favorite people I did not send a card too since they have moved (or they live in my same town!) and I have not added them to my address book. I need to do better about that...

On January 6, 2010, Edna Claire Nielson Gubler passed from this life due to a bout of pneumonia just a few weeks shy of her 88th birthday. She was born to Peter and Edna Snow Nielson on January 26, 1922, in Richfield, Utah, the last of eight children. When Edna was six years old, the family moved to Springville, Utah.
In school, Edna played the snare, bass, and kettle drums in band, was in pep club, school plays and operettas, was on the school newspaper and yearbook staffs, and was student body secretary. She graduated from Springville High School and seminary in 1940.
The summer after high school, she contracted typhoid fever which set her back two years for starting college. Edna worked to put herself through college at Brigham Young University primarily by working as a telephone operator. She was at the switchboard the day Pearl Harbor was bombed, and the switchboard was jammed with calls.
In 1947, Edna graduated from BYU with a degree in Physical Education (dance) with a minor in English. She initially taught PE but moved on to teaching English and Social Studies. She worked one year at Farrer Jr. High in Provo. The second year she taught in Duchesne. Then she taught at Dixon Jr. High in Provo for nine years.
While living in Springville, Edna worked in the Mutual Improvement Association doing the music and the road shows for eighteen years. Edna directed the ward choir and was chorister. In the early 1950's, Edna met her future husband Ovando Gubler at choir practice. She was 36 and he was 58 when they were married in June 1958, in the St. George Temple-- a first marriage for both of them-- and they made their home in LaVerkin, Utah. They had three children: Patty, James, and Claire.
She was the Primary chorister for a dozen years. She lead the stake choir and Zion Park Stake Singing Mothers. Edna was always active in ward choir. She was Relief Society President, Stake Activity Chairman, among other church callings. Edna was involved in the community Fine Arts program. She was the conductor of Sweet Adelines, an acapella barbershop group.
Edna was a funny, loving, talented, energetic individual, doing many good deeds all her life and being involved in a great many things. She is known locally for her yummy Halloween donuts. In her later years, she enjoyed sharing cookies with others. She was dearly loved by many people.
Edna lived the last two years at Beehive Home in Hurricane, had good friends there, and received excellent care. The family wishes to thank Applegate Hospice.
Edna is survived by her daughters Patty (Bryan) Bracken of LaVerkin, UT; and Claire (Terry) Sullivan of Hurricane, UT; and her son James (Cori) Gubler of Tucson, A; her sisters-in-law Lucille Nielson of Daniel, UT; Ardella Heiner and Genevieve Gubler of LaVerkin, UT; and Ella Gubler of Bountiful, UT.
She is survived by grandchildren: Leslie & Dayden Payne, Jason (Shany) Millett; Clarissa (Drew) Ferguson, Taylor and William Sullivan, Austin, Molly, Reid, Chase, and Ryan Gubler, and Tyler, Lindsay and Jacob Bracken.
She was preceded in death by her husband Ovando; parents Peter and Edna Nielson; brothers: Reid and Lloyd Neilson, sisters: Mae Nielson, Loya Lewis, Bernice Duncan, Geraldine Atkinson, and Elaine Green (and all of her siblings spouses except Lucile). She was also preceded in death by her husbands brothers: Winfred, Horatio, Tell, Clark, and Donworth Gubler and her husband's sisters: Rosalba Fuller, Ruth Nielson, LaVell Turner and Josephine and Ozana Gubler (and all of her husband's siblings' spouses except Genevieve and Ella).
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 9, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the LaVerkin LDS Stake Center, 481 N. Main St., LaVerkin, Utah. Visitations will be held Friday, January 8th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Metcalf Hurricane Valley Mortuary, 140 N. Main St., Hurricane, Utah and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Stake Center, prior to services. Interment will be at the LaVerkin City Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Hurricane Valley Mortuary, 435-635-9922. Please see our website at www.metcalfmortuary.com for condolences and full obituary and funeral listings.

In remembrance of Edna Nielson Gubler

Friday evening (6-8 p.m.) was the viewing, here's a photo of Metcalf Mortuary. I thought it such a beautiful building, all lite up at night, shining beautifully in honor of Edna. There were many (I heard well over a 100) that showed up to speak with the family and pay their respects.

Saturday another viewing was held (9 - 10:30 a.m.) prior to the family prayer (10:30 a.m.) and the funeral services at 11 a.m. Our niece Clarissa took a family photograph for us.

The funeral was an absolutely amazing, tear-filled experience. Patty, Claire and James all gave wonderful talks as their own personal tributes to their mother. Lindsey's piano performance was filled with the Spirit and Molly's performance of " My Father was also wonderful.
The family at the gravesite:

Arriving at the cemetery:

Me and some of my sweet nephews, as well as a couple of my own boys:

The casket bearers:
Terry S, Bryan B., Jason M., Drew F., Austin G., Tyler B.


James with his sisters, Claire and Patty:

Our family:

It was a real treat to sit and visit with these fine folks following the luncheon. Nielson cousins:


We stopped and visited the grave site before we left town Sunday morning. I know Edna loved the flowers.
Ovando and Edna, together again.


Reid turned 12 on Friday and was a great sport that his birthday was not really celebrated (we'll have a party later this week) so we bought him this little cake from the local grocery store. Patty's family came over so we could all sing to him and have him open his birthday cards. He will receive the priesthood on a future Sunday. We love you Reid and are proud of the young man you have become. Happy Birthday!

James' mother, Edna, passed away during the early morning hours on Wednesday. We spent the day talking with the kids about her death (and about the blessings of the plan of salvation), packing our van, calling the schools to tell them the kids would not be in attendance on Thursday or Friday, rescheduling appointments...all while in kind of a walking trance of action. It is hard to believe someone you love so very much has passed from this life.
Thursday we loaded into the van bright and early and arrived in La Verkin to a lovely dinner brought in by the local ward Relief Society!
This morning we went with Molly to the church so she could practice a song (O My Father) she will sing at the funeral tomorrow. Our niece, Lindsey, will play the piano. All of the grandchildren will sing I Am A Child of God together...
Tonight was the viewing. Austin, Molly and Reid all wanted to go and say good-bye to their grandmother with me. Chase and Ryan decided to stay at Grandma's house. While in line at the viewing there were many with such wonderful things to say about Edna (and also about James. Many mentioned how much Reid looked just like his dad!). She truly was (and is!) an extraordinary woman!
Tomorrow is the funeral. James, as well as his sisters, are scheduled to speak. My prayers are with them as they prepare their words on this remarkable woman and her life.

Christmas 2009

We enjoyed a wonderful nine days in Utah. It was so nice to be there for Christmas!

We did not leave home until 12:30 p.m. and so therefore did not arrive in Utah until 11:30 at night. It was a long drive and that made for a long day. Imagine our delight to arrive to Edna's home and see this:

a beautifully fully decorated lit up Christmas tree!!! AND it was a live tree! I continued to take deep breathes just to enjoy the wonderful scent of a live tree. Thanks Patty and Bryan (and decorator Jacob!)
James's other sister Claire had been in the home that day also and vacuumed for our arrival and put the cutest Christmas towels out in the bathrooms - everything felt so warm and welcoming.
Your efforts are so appreciated!

The next day we did some simple little Christmas crafts. I brought along this little 'tree' - I bought it years ago and had never used it but when we 'fluffed' it out it was more like a bush than a tree, lol... Regardless it was still fun to decorate with miniature ornaments.
We were given this gingerbread house making kit by a member of our ward. Reid, Chase and Ryan took over and did the entire thing by themselves.


Here's a picture for my mom and dad of the kids with the gifts you gave them! Thank you so very much Nana and Papa! We can't wait to see you!!!

Ryan asks for a gun set and a sword set for Christmas - they are favorites each and every year:

Reid loved his 'super gamer' Christmas ornament

Chase received a month membership to Club Penguin online.

Molly with her Cienega t-shirt

Austin smiling - wow! "It's a Christmas miracle" lol...

I received a glass head for Christmas. The kids think it's creepy but I think it adds an element of fun to life!

For Christmas I gave James tickets to see Prairie Home Companion live in January and this contraption that stretches out your back. I'm not sure how it will work on his bad back but everyone had a fun time playing on it.

The day before our departure we took a picture of Grandma Gubler with the grandkids:

And a group picture of us all together:

There were many tender moments going to visit with Edna each day. I am thankful to have these pictures.
Following our visit with Grandma we went to the Sullivan's home and enjoyed a meal together since we were headed home the next morning. The kids all miss their cousins already!