Mom and Dad

I wanted to be the last to write this time so I could read everyones updates and thank everyone for doing this blog. It has been so much fun to read about what is going on in your lives and to see all of the pictures. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this. It means alot to dad and I. This past month has been great because we were able to send time with 6 of the grandchildren, and look forward to December when we can visit the other 5. While Kim was in Italy, Warren and the girls were here for dad's birthday.

Dad's birthday with the girls

Even though Dad and Warren were at Priesthood, the girls had to have the traditional movie, popcorn and spicy drink. I went to Colorado Springs to babysit while Warren worked. This is Monday night when Kim sent pictures from Italy.

Towards the end of the month, Dad had to go to Houston to visit a new store that was opening and of course, I had to go. I went on Wednesday the 22 and dad arrived on the 24, so I was able to spend alot of time with Jill and the kids. Jadyn and I were able to go shopping and to the castle (temple) and had great conversation about everything. I really didn't need to say too much because Jadyn did really well on her own. JJ loves to play video games and Jadyn and Jaxson love to watch.
As Jill mentioned, we all went to a Pumpkin Patch. The weather was beautiful, about 85, so we were all a little hot, so the kids shared an icee.

I really tried to end, at the end of all the pictures, but for some reason I couldn't, so I will end in the middle. We had a great time with Jill's family. We look forward to November and December so we can see all of our children and the grandchildren.

The Lovely Month of November

Well October was a fun month. I can't even remember everything I did. I went to High School 3 with some friends and thought it was cute. This is so sad. I try to remember stuff to say but I can't think of anything. Halloween was fun. I was Smurfette and my friends were other 80 cartoon characters - can you recognize them? They are Strawberry Shortcake, Pippylongstocking, and Rainbow bright. We actually won two awards. One was best retro costume at the ward activity and then at the stake activity we one the cutest award. Then on Saturday we had a masquerade murder mystery. It was fun - we were all mystical creatures. I was the one and only Siren because I sang a song. I also finished the Christmas Program the the ward Choir. We are going to sing it on the 14th of December. Here is a copy of it:

I. Prophesying of the Messiah –
A. Quote - During this Christmas season, as we ponder on the birth of the Christ child, we also focus on receiving and giving gifts. The Christmas story is filled with the giving of Gifts. Before the coming of the Savior, prophets hoped for and prophesied of the Messiah’s birth. They gave to ancient Israel the Gift of Hope. Isaiah said, “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)” “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)” (1:00)
B. Song - O Come O Come Emmanuel – choir (3:00)

II. The night arrives
A. Quote - “On the eve of His birth, the voice of the Lord came unto Nephi, saying, ‘Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets.’”(Monson What is Christmas? Dec. 1998 Ensign) The long awaited night had come. The star shown in the East announcing the birth of the Messiah giving the world a gift – the Gift of a Sign. (:45)
B. Song – Star Bright – Duet between a Man and a Woman (4:00)

III. The Stable –
A. Quote – “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed…And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger. (Luke 2: 1-7)” The world had received the precious Gift of a Child. (:45)
B. Song – Away in A Manger – Violin and Piano ( about 5:00 – hopefully less)

IV. The Shepherds –
A. Quote – The beautiful Gift of a Message was given to the shepherds on that special night in Bethlehem. “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them…And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord…Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men…And [the shepherds] came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger…And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child (Luke 2:8-17)” (1:00)
B. Song – While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks by Night (2:30)

V. The Wise Men –
A. Quote – “Behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him…[and] lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:1-11)” (:45)
B. Song - We Three Kings – Men’s Group (about 4:00)

VI. Mary’s Feelings
A. Quote – The Mother of the Christ child also received a gift – The Gift of a testimony for “Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19)” (:15)
B. Song- Still, Still, Still – Women Group – (about 3:00)

VII. The Future Sacrifice of the Lord –
A. Quote – “For God so loved the world, that he gave [the gift of] his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)” (:15)
B. Song - What Child is This – Women Duet (4:00)

VIII. The full Nativity –
A. Quote – “With the birth of the babe in Bethlehem, there emerged a great endowment—a power stronger than weapons, a wealth more lasting than the coins of Caesar. This child was to become the King of kings and Lord of lords, the promised Messiah—Jesus Christ the Son of God. Since that time, the spirit of giving gift has been present in the mind of each Christian as he or she commemorates the Christmas season. Our Heavenly Father gave to us His Son, Jesus Christ. That precious Son gave to us His life, the Atonement, and victory over the grave. What will you and I give for Christmas this year? Let us in our lives give to our Lord and Savior the gift of gratitude by living His teachings and following in His footsteps. It was said of Him that He “went about doing good.” As we do likewise, the Christmas spirit will be ours. (“In Search of the Christmas Spirit,” En.ign, Dec 1987, and “What Is Christmas?” Ensign, Dec 1998, 2)”(1:00)

B. Song - The Nativity Song – Choir (3:30)

So that is my program. I am so excited for it. I can't wait for Christmas. Well I really ca't think of anything else to share. Except for the cutest thing that happened to me. I got a note from a boy I know which was saying he wanted to ask me out so if I could send him a signal that would be great. I thought it was so cute. I sent him a note that just said signal with a smiley face. I hope he calls. Anyways. Love Mollie

Time Flies

This year is going by slow in many regards and way to fast in others. I can't believe that here we are in November. WOW!!!

Grandma and Grandpa paid a visit to us and the kids loved it. JJ and Jadyn would not let grandpa and grandma breath. Grandma took Jadyn to the "castle" (the Houston Temple) and let her run around outside. We went to a pumpkin patch and the kids got to ride a train through the christmas trees and JJ and Jadyn went on many little slides over and over again.

Halloween was great and the kids had a blast.

JJ (our little ghost) told me the morning of Halloween that he "needed" to be a pumpkin. Mom spent a couple of hours looking for a pumpkin costume, but to no avail. We finally talked him into being a ghost and he loved it. He figured out that he could hold the candy basket through the sheet instead of always lifting the sheet. Our smart little boy. He is doing great in school and we had a meeting with the teachers and some administration on Friday and they told me he is doing great and is the little hottie in the class. When he walks in the room the little girls come up to him and want to help him with everything from cutting to coloring. The teachers have to fight the girls off so that they can get JJ to do his own work before the girls do it for him. He is doing better and better every week.

Jadyn (our Snow White Princess) tells me every few minutes, "I need candy, I need candy, I need candy." I think she got the Trick or Treat thing. She was not happy when we told her it was time to go home. She also thought that she needed to go into everyone's house that night. She loves to spin and spin and spin and spin all day. She has run into the wall, fallen on to furniture, tackled her brothers and gets up, cries a little and continues to spin. She is tough and doesn't learn fast. Her favorite movie this month is "Spookly the Square Pumpkin" everyday she has to watch it. She is also wanting to learn how to cut, I think I have a lefty on my hands (just for you Great-Grandpa Mortensen and Grandma Nielsen) She insists on using her left hand to cut.

Jaxson (our Pumpkin) hated Josh and I for putting that horrible, horrible costume on him. He thought we were the most awful parents in the world. He kicked screamed and cried, but he finally stopped. He figured out the whole trick or treat thing way to fast. It only took a couple of cars at the trunk or treat for him to figure out what he was to do. He went from car to car as fast as his little legs would take him reaching his little hands into the endless buckets of candy. He grab as many pieces as he could get. We had to keep telling him only one, but most people found it to be so cute they didn't care how much he took. He had the time of his life.

Dad and the kids going over the the nights winnings - I have no idea who is going to eat all that candy :)

The McVey's of West Jordan

Hello family! How are you all? We had a good October. We went to my sister’s house on a Saturday in October for a party and spook alley. The kids love the time they spent with their cousins and had an even greater time in the “spook alley”. Tyler lasted about two seconds because it was too scary for him which was not very scary at all. We had a wonderful dinner in a pumpkin and lots of goodies.

For Halloween we had a neighborhood trunk or treat at the local park. The kids loved walking around and seeing what everyone was dressed up like and the candy was a nice addition to the event. Later in the evening we stopped by to trick or treat at Grandpa Turley’s house. He was very excited to have them over.
The kids decided they did not get enough candy from the trunk or treat so dad had to take them around the neighborhood to completely fill their buckets. Madison counted 56 pieces of candy which I’m sure she will share with her parents. J

Madison has been a little busy beaver with school and writing papers it seems. She enjoys school and the time away from the other kids to do her own thing. She is also doing an after school art program which she loves.

Madison as Super Girl

Abby is also busy with school, gymnastics, and piano. She has developed into our little muscle girl from being in gymnastics 4 hours a week. She loves to tease her brothers and sister and we have no idea where she gets it from. J/K

Abby as a Fairy

Robbie and Tyler love to wrestle with their dad and most often get the best of him.

They are both excited for Christmas and spending more time with Dad.

Hello all! Hope everyone had a happy Halloween! Ours was somewhat uneventful. We decided that spending time together at home, waiting for kids to show up, would be nice to finish off a busy week. Unfortunately, with student areas like this, no kids showed up and we ended up eating most of the candy ourselves. Luckily, we only bought a small bag.

Pi'ikea has been working to make a dent in the many stacks of paperwork that keep piling up at her job. She has been giving about five massages every Saturday and is loving it! She has volunteered to give massages at charity runs as well as the hospital, and looks forward to more volunteer experiences. School is going well for her so far and she's received all A's in her first quarter.

John has made the team and is going to Hawaii for his construction competition! He found out that he was the alternate for the team about two weeks ago. Earlier this week, one of the guys on the team couldn't put in the time, so now John is officially on the team! He is anxious and excited to start! He's halfway through the semester and still going strong.

Hope all is well with y'all and we can't wait to come home in December!

Bone's Bunch

Hello Everyone-

I can't believe Halloween is over and it is on to Thanksgiving and Christmas. CRAZY!! The weather has been absolutly beautiful here. Today it was 78 degrees. Halloween was in the low 70s. It was the warmest Halloween in 12 years. We had a fun Halloween with pumpkin pancakes in the morning, and Monster Pizza for dinner.

(3 eyed monster )

The girls got tons of candy at the Highschool and Trunk or Treat. The month has been pretty crazy and busy with me going to Italy (which was fantastic and one of the best experiences I have ever had), Warren going to Moab, Halloween, and other family craziness. Before I run down the list of what has been going on, I wanted everyone to know how grateful I am for you and how much of love everyone. I am so grateful for this church and for continuing inspiration/revelation from our Lord. I know our prayers our answered and I am so grateful for this comfort. Anyways, here is the rundown.

Kaylee-
Kaylee loves Halloween. The other day she said, "I love Halloween because for one day you get to be someone else." She dressed as Gabriella from HighSchool Musical which by the way she loved watching HighSchool Musical 3. She has been talking about it non stop and is constantly singing the songs. She is doing very well in school, especially PE, art, and reading. It has been so fun for me to see her reading on her own. At night, she has been reading "Where the SideWalk Ends." She laughs and laughs at the silly poems. I am absolutely shocked about the PE addition to the favorite list. She used to hate games, but she has been doing pretty well with the games and as she says, "Is the fastest in her class." Kaylee told us the other day that she might want to try basketball again. Warren took her to the Y this week and worked with her on the court. She had alot of fun, so we will see if this lasts very long.



Kaylee was not to sure about the stuff in the pumpkin. She did not like to touch it!

Nicole-

Nicole is doing great and is talking, talking, talking. Sometimes her words all run together, but when I tell her to slow down or try again - she looks at me, smiles, and tries to articulate her words. We will be started a new therapy for her in the next couple of weeks called "Theraputic Listening" and see if this helps with her langauge and motor/fine skills. She absolutely loves school. Her teacher told me that she is one of the only kids in the class that pays special attention to the children with severe special needs. She loves everyone and tries to be everyone's friend. She was Troy from Highschool Musical. She loves Troy and sleeps in her costume almost every night. She is busy learning her ABCs and trying so hard to remember them.

Nicole loved getting her hands dirty. She was a BIG help!

Taylor-
Taylor's newest words are "Scary" (whenver she sees pumpkins or witch's), "Itch (Witch), and "oen ease" (open please.) I think she has the Johnson Candy Gene. She loves candy, especially chocolate. Her favorite things to do are dance and anything to do with "Melmo" (Elmo). For Halloween, she was Elmo and I have to say, she was the cutest Elmo I have ever seen. She wanted to wear her costume all the time and it is now pretty sticky and dirty from all of her suckers. She is my little buddy during the day and I love having her around to get into stuff, make a mess, write all over everything, type on the computer when I am trying to, and pounding on the piano keys when I am playing. She loves to be involved with everything.

Taylor loved to dance to "Thriller" at the Highschool Safe Night.

Taylor got to color her pumpkin because she was pretty fascinated with the knife.

Warren-

Warren has absolutely loved this weather and trying to take advantage of the warmth. He has been motorcycling alot and working in the yard. At our ward trunk or treat, Warren and 2 other men drove up on their dirt bikes with all of their gear and the kids screamed, and screamed. The children loved it!! He went on his semiannual boys Moab trip a couple of weeks ago and had a great time. He always come home reenergized and anxious to tell me all about it. He also comes home anxious to buy new toys. While I was gone for a week, he was Mr. Mom and did a fantastic job. The house was clean, the children were happy, and there was food in the house. Way to go Warren.

Me-
Well, Italy was AWESOME. We flew into Venice, went to Florence, Cinque Terri, and Rome. My absolute favorites were Florence, Cinque Terri (5 cities on the ocean), and the Colliseum. The food was great and the art work/churches were unbelievable. There is so much to say, I don't even know where to start. In a couple of weeks, I will update my blog - so check it out. Here are some pictures to tell the story.

I ordered crab meat assuming it would be out of the shell, but no such luck. It was very slippery and slimy as I tried to broke open the shell.

Cinque Terri

The pigeons in Venice attacked - and it freaked me OUT!

The Coliseum

I hope everyone has a wonderful November and eat alot for Thanksgiving.
Kim, Warren, Kaylee, Nicole, and Taylor