Andrew's dance recital

Andrew's first dance recital was so much fun! I was so proud of him and the other four year olds. There was a really bad snow storm that night, so it took us almost half an our to get into Gunnison for the recital but I am so glad we went. This part of being a parent is so much fun!

Happy 8th birthday Joshua!

I can't believe it has been eight years since Joshua came into our family. Today was Joshua's eighth birthday, and what a birthday it was! We spent all week designing and planning and shopping for the cake, not to mention the two days of actually baking and putting it together. After church we spent time in his new wolf cub scout book and finished up his bobcat rank. Grandpa Jaussi came down and had dinner with us, and then the Barlows came over for cake, ice cream, and presents. What a fun day! Joshua was thrilled to get his own set of scriptures along with a cool camo case. He also got some really neat toys and a book light so he can read in the night when mom and dad have told him to go to bed.

Joshua wanted a kung fu cake so we decided the easiest design would be a yin yang symbol One half was a chocolate mint chip cake with mint frosting, and the other was a white cake with chocolate frosting. The dragon I sculpted out of marshmallow fondant.

Joshua, I am so glad to have you for a son. You are a sweet and genuine boy. Thank you for giving me sweet hugs and kisses, and always wanting to share your news and adventures with me. You are such a good brother and a great helper. I love your sweet smile and your quick laugh. Happy birthday!

Joshua's school Christmas program

The inevitable cut

Last week two people mentioned our little girl to Mike. No, they were not talking about Caitlin. Both were referencing Joshua. That pretty much convinced us that it was time to cut the hair. So, Saturday we found a shop open in Ephraim and had all that beautiful golden hair buzzed off. Joshua picked the style out of a book and went back to the chair all by himself. He thinks he looks really good, and loves his missionary cut. I hardly recognize my little man-- I keep doing a double take!

HAPPY EGGNOG DAY EVERYONE!!!

If you have forgotten, eggnog day is our self proclaimed holiday. Every first Monday in December is dedicated to the unhealthy enjoyment of this festive beverage!

Thanksgiving 2010

Well, I have a whole month of random pictures to post, with no apparent rhyme or reason. So enjoy this disjointed joy ride! (say that 5 times fast...)

The boys love to read at night before bedtime. Joshua has been reading like this, with his feet, for a couple of years now. One night we just thought it was so cute we decided to snap a picture!

Andrea and her clan of darling daughters came for a visit during November. Andrea and I worked on out gingerbread house, and the kids had a fabulous time playing almost completely unsupervised! Emma, Alli, and Kyra feel more like cousins than mere friends. How we love them!

She's a vision in yellow, right?!

We thought we had 12 foot ceilings... so mike hiked and searched and found us a 12 foot tree! I guess we should have measured first because it turns out our ceilings are only 9 foot 8. Easy fix, we just chopped off the bottom three feet and are good to go. Definitely our biggest tree ever. We had a tricky time decorating the top foot!

4 boys, a bucket of dinosaurs, a motorized train, and a whole lot of Christmas enthusiasm. These are our next door neighbors that are the same ages as Josh and Drew. They have so much fun together!

This one speaks all for itself!!

Thanksgiving is upon us and you know what that means......yep! Gingerbread! What's that you say? You were expecting me to say turkey? Oh no. Every year at this time my friend Andrea and I go a little nutsy with a gingerbread project to enter into the Downtown Gingerbread Walk in Logan. For full details and pictures feel free to visit our blog. http://gingerbreaddelirium.blogspot.com

Halloween 2010

This year we borrowed Halloween costumes from our next door neighbors. It was so nice not to worry about making costumes or coming up with money for them! I'm a fan of costume swaping. Joshua was a knight -- doesn't his hair work perfectly? Andrew was a skeleton, and Caitlin was just her cute little self with some festive additions. Mayfield had a trunk-or-treat, which was fun. But no one in this town actually trick-or-treats. It was strange not to go door to door with the kids. They were a little dissapointed about it, but they still got their fair share of candy, which in the end is what it is all about!

Camp Chair Cinema

With our recent move to this beautiful little town we have come upon a couple of logistical problems. One, our new home has no room for our home theater; and two, Mayfield has no theater at all. Our solution: set up our theater for the town of Mayfield! We have spent the last month installing our theater components in Mayfield town hall. the mayor allowed us to use a room in the basement that is just perfect. We made sound treatments, curtains, light blockers, and component shelving. We have been having so much fun! The theater is called Camp Chair Cinema because everyone has to bring their own seating. Admission is $1, which will hopefully cover all the operating costs and repairs.

The grand opening is this coming weekend, with a double showing of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." I sure hope people will come! :)



This is the entrance - through the concessions lobby area. That is a suggestions/movie request board.

A shot of the theater area through the dividing curtain. It seats around 25 people.

This is the concessions area. And in the back right corner is the component cabinet.

We made the ruffly sound curtains with dowels and fabric, super cheap. The window is covered by a pressboard covered with batting and fabric. Very simple, and effective.

The black tape designates the center isle. We thought it would be a good idea to have a way for people to get in and out. The doors in the theater area are always closed and locked. That way you have to exit and enter via the concessions stand! *evil laugh...ha ha ha!!

Looking back from the screen into the lobby area. The curtains were difficult to make, and didn't turn out as well as I had hoped, but now I have experience for next time.

Some reasons to love Joshua

He's super cute with those luscious brunette locks

He has one of the smartest brains this side of the Mississippi.

Caitlin loves him best.

He's a fabulous helper whenever Mom asks.

He can do wicked cool scooter tricks.

He loves to do right - he just doesn't get how to lie or sneak.

I'm so glad we have Joshua in our family.

Good Grief

This has been such a long and exhausting two weeks. I've learned things about myself, and my family that I never knew. I've been north and south again and again with a cranky newborn and a sick 4 year old. I've learned new technology on my computer and dredged up photos that no one has looked at in decades. I reconnected with some siblings, and felt a rift with others. I watched my husband's family deal with their grief and loss over an aunt while feeling guilty because my tears were not for her. I've gained a fresh perspective on my state of being. l love my home, my family, my own identity.

I will always miss James. I've struggled with the thought that maybe I didn't love him as much as my other family members did, because I just never could let it all go and "cry it out." But in quiet moments - when no one is expecting anything of me - I see clearly how much I looked up to my biggest brother. I always thought he was the most impressive mind, the quickest witt, and the most dashing countenance. I loved him. I loved him without him ever really knowing how much. We used to play a mind game - everytime I saw him I would throw my arms around him and tell him I loved him. I knew it made him uncomfortable and I liked to watch him squirm. He would almost always answer with some avoidance, "okay" or "sounds good." But there were a few times, I remember them because they shocked me, when he actually answered with "I love you too."

I will always be grateful for that simple memory. We were not close in age, physical proximity, personality, hobbies, etc. But I loved and idolized James, and I hold to the fact that he loved me too. I'll say it one more time: "James, I love you!"

And with that, I want to quote a bit from a Dr. Suess book that has been stuck in my head. It answers the very profound question, "What now?"

All Alone!

Whether you like it or not,

Alone will be something

you'll be quite a lot.

But on you will go

though the weather be foul.

On you will go

though your enemies prowl.

On you will go

though the Hakken-Kraks howl.

Onward up many

a frightening creek,

though your arms may get sore

and your sneakers may leak.

On and on you will hike.

And I know you'll hike far

and face up to your problems

whatever they are.

So, on we go everyone... knowing better now how much love and pain affects each one of us. So make your love count for all it is worth.

My Brother

James Lenard Jaussi passed away September 30, 2010. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah September 9, 1969. He is survived by his father Clair John Jaussi, his mother Carolyn Shipley Jaussi, his sisters Heather Jaussi (Bruce), and Laura Jaussi (Barlow) and his brothers Jonathan Lyle Jaussi and Joseph Clair Jaussi. He is also survived by his grandmothers, Donna Shipley Peterson and Marilyn Jaussi. He is a graduate of Timpview High School. He served a 2 year LDS mission in the Nashville, Tennessee mission. He is also a graduate of Utah Valley University and William and Mary College of Law. We loved him dearly and we shall miss him sorely.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, October 6, 2010 at 11:00 am at the Provo Peak 7th Ward, 200 North 500 East, Provo, Utah. Friends may call on Tuesday, from 6:00 until 8:00 pm October 5, 2010 at Berg Mortuary of Provo, 185 East Center Street, Provo, Utah and Wednesday morning from 10:00 to 10:45 am at the church. Graveside Service and burial will be held at the Preston, Idaho Cemetery 1451 North 800 East, Preston, Idaho, following the services.

door knob hole

Andrew and the 100 year old house had a fight yesterday...I think the house won.

Mayfield Fishing

I caught this buet at 'Twin Lake'. The name is somewhat deceiving because there is actually only one lake, and the lake itself is quite small (I'm told there is a land bridge in the middle of the lake when it is low that gives rise to the 'Twin Lake' name). This is actually the closest fishing hole to our house (15 minutes) and is not known for stellar fishing. I have been several times and have caught a lot of fish ranging from 10" to 12". Last night I wasn't getting anything until this guy hit about 30 feet from the shore. He gave a great fight, jumping several times before I landed him. Final tally was a 2 lb 16" Rainbow. I've talked to several people today that say they have rarely seen a fish that big caught at Twin, and certainly not from the shore with a spinner. Again, this is from one of the worst fishing spots in Mayfield-- I love it!!

Caitlin smiles

Caitlin favored us with her first smiles about a week ago. Since then I've been trying to capture them on video but only succeeded today. What a great reward for the first two months of parenting!

Isn't he cute?!

Random snapshots sometimes come close to capturing just how uniquely adorable Andrew really is.

A good old truck

Mike and I both appreciate the virtues of a good truck. Unfortunately, along with leaving Canyon landscaping, we also had to leave behind the company truck. We had both gotten very used to the convenience of always having it, so when we came here one of our first priorities was to find a good old truck for our family. It didn't take long. We bought an 93 ford f-150 from our neighbor around the corner for a good price, and promptly planned a camping trip up Mayfield canyon. After getting lost a few times we found our way to Deep Lake. The truck got us there and back no problem, even with all our gear and Dad B and Daniel riding in the back. Now, if only the cigarette lighter worked we would have been in business because we all forgot matches and ended up eating cold hotdogs and smores. But we had a great time nonetheless, and are so glad to have a good truck for all our adventures.

First day of school!

Here we are with a new home, a new school, and a new teacher in the family! Monday was the first day of school for Joshua and for Michael. Joshua is in second grade this year and he is thrilled that he gets to ride the bus since he's never been able to do that before. His elementary is brand new and he already loves his teacher. He is so good at making new friends and adjusting to new situations. Michael taught hsi first day of middle school the same day. It seems to be going well - he loves it but admits that this first year is going to be ALOT of work and a huge challenge. As for Andrew, he has one more year till kindergarten. He tried to go to school with Joshua on the first day. He put his shoes on, grabbed his lunch box, and was all the way out in the street before I caught him. He spent the first half of the day crying for Joshua and Dad. It may be a long year for him!

Caitlin's Blessing

With the move going on at the same time, I completely neglected to take pictures of Caitlin on her blessing day. I'm sure I will always regret that slightly. However I did manage to snap one shot when we got home. Uncle Jon was just gazing at the baby while she slept in the carseat and I thougth it was so special. I love my brother and I love that he loves children so much.
Caitlin wore the same dress that my sister Heather and I were both blessed in. The boys were both blessed in Michael's blessing outfit, so it has become something of a family tradition. I used a silk flower from my wedding veil in Caitlins hair to complete the ensemble. She was beautiful and the blessing was beautiful. It was our very last week in the Hyrum 12th ward, and I thougth it fitting to have Caitlin blessed there.

You are about to receive a virtual tour of Mayfield, Utah. Now that we have lived here for an entire week, I feel as though I know the place well enough to offer some small descriptions. I hope you enjoy this snapshot into one of the most well preserved country living towns I’ve ever had the privilege to explore.

The post office: Due to the fact that Mayfield doesn’t provide home delivery service for mail, everyone in town visits the post office on a daily basis to retrieve and send mail, and to socialize. The post office is the hub of town for day to day chit chat, and catching up on the latest news. On my first visit I learned all about the most recent haystack fire, on my second I got details on an upcoming wedding. If there’s something going on, you’ll find out about it at the post office.

Town hall: Next door to the post office is Mayfield town hall. A beautiful and modern building, my only experience here so far involved the end of summer reading program. All the young families in town gathered on Wednesday night to watch their children perform little skits from stories they had read over the summer. We met several families that are a lot like us. Once again, everyone was very friendly and excited to get to know us. The town hall is not large, just big enough to hold maybe 100 people. Apparently there is a basement about the same size because a little idea has been floating around the community that the Barlow’s should set up their theater down there. The nearest movie theater is in Gunnison, 7 miles away, and it is under renovation. Wouldn’t it be neat to have a mini theater right in Mayfield town hall?

The cemetery: Just a few blocks west of our house on our road is the cemetery. We took a little drive around the place Thursday evening to have a look. Sorensons, Petersons, Michelsons, Olsons, Nelsons, Christiansens, etc. Most of Sanpete was settled by Scandinavian pioneers, and it seems Mayfield is no exception. I wonder if it would be a scandal to have a Barlow buried there. Maybe we could change the name to Barlowson. There are also several Whitlocks, which I found out yesterday are related to my grandpa Gene. What a small Scandinavian world.

The order: When Mayfield was settled, a small portion of the community continued practicing the united order. They were the folks on the north end of town, and so to this day the north side is called “the order”. I met a young mother at story time on Wednesday and when I asked her where she lived, she simply said “I live in the order.” My neighbor had to clarify where that was and why it’s called that. It is a fun bit of history that has been preserved. Some names just stick.

Mayfield estates…aka Stonehenge: What do you know, there is a new part of town. It has been hard for new people to move into Mayfield because people hold on to their land here. But over the last few years a subdivision called Mayfield estates has opened up on the north side of town. Beautiful, large, modern homes are going up there, and they seem almost out of place. I’m glad though, because if we decide we like it here guess where we will be building. Some people like to refer to the area as “Stonehenge” due to the boulder work at the entrance of the subdivision. The landscape does leave something to be desired – maybe Mike can do something about that.
Cobble heaven: The canyon road leading east from town travels through a beautiful area of farms and fields referred to as cobble heaven. Heaven seems like an appropriate description of the area. It is so serene and lovely.

Frog hollow: The West side of town is called Frog hollow. Rae Lou Olsen told me that before they put in the irrigation canal there were streams and ponds all over around there that spawned frogs. All the adults in the area have fond memories of catching frogs around there when they were kids. Maybe there are still some frog ponds around – I know my boys would just love that.

The merc: As you roll into town, the first public building you come to is a little market with a single gas pump called “the merc”. I think the name has officially changed to 16 mile market, or something like that, but everyone still calls it the merc. I haven’t actually been in there yet, but according to a neighbor it used to have a café inside that was “really hopping”. My neighbor Holly especially liked their scones. But, alas, the café is closed down now and it is just a little market.

Mayfield Manor: On the block south of the post office and town hall is a large building that as far as I can tell is sitting vacant. It used to be a rest home, but the place was so run down and gross that now it seems to be nothing. I wonder if someone will try to renovate it, if it will be torn down, or if it will just be left to sit for who knows how long.

The park: Mayfield has one of the most beautiful parks I’ve seen in Utah. It’s obvious that the community really takes pride in the green beauty there. The place has beautiful old shade trees as well as lots of young trees. Mike loves that they are planning for the future. The play equipment is fairly new, and the local Lions club just installed a fabulous toy train with bell and all. Everyone in town is proud of the work the Lions club has done at the park. There is an amphitheater and two covered pavilions as well as baseball and basketball areas. Mayfield has a lovely public park.

The Whitlock house: Last but not least, I introduce you to the Whitlock house. This is where we live. I think it’s the cutest house in town. We are renting it from Dale Whitlock, who says it has been in his family since it was built in the 1900s. Several people say they remember playing here when they were children. The place has a lot of history. It also has a lot of quirks. We call it “the rabbit hole” because it reminds us of Alice in Wonderland. Everywhere you turn there is something a little odd. But all that just gives it character.

That concludes my little tour of Mayfield, Utah. I hope you enjoyed seeing a snapshot of what we are now surrounded by on a daily basis. If you ever feel inclined to come and visit, please do! Everyone will be so glad you came.