The Deru Couple

First Train Ride

2012-02-06T13:47:00.000-08:00

Landon had a meeting in SLC for a leadership conference he is in charge of for next summer. Landon also loves public transportation, with that said; we made a family trip out of it. We took the FrontRunner from Ogden to SLC. While Landon had his meeting I did a little shopping around the Gateway, we had lunch and then headed back home. Emma was really good the whole time.

Emmas Blessing Day

2012-01-10T18:13:00.000-08:00

Sunday Jan. 8th 2012. Emma had her blessing day and it was such a nice day. We had so much support and many family members come. Her dad gave her a beautiful blessing and was accompanied by all her uncles and grandpas. Emma is such a happy baby. Just look at that adorable smile. I just kiss her to pieces all day long.

Emma's First Christmas

2012-01-09T11:12:00.001-08:00

This was Emma's first Christmas and we spent it with Landon's family (we do every other year). It really was a lot of fun. Christmas eve we went to Mnt. Green, made treats, played games and had a fun day. The weather was nice so we took Emma outside for a while.

This was the morning of Christmas. Emma slept well the night before so while everyone opened their presents I held Emma, she eventually fell asleep but let me just hold her.

Later that day her cousins Olivia and Gracie came over to see what Grandma gave them. Landon's brother also called home from New Jersey. He is such a great missionary.

I didn't think she liked her new bumbo chair at first. Can you see the Binky in midair? Emma got some cute clothes, books, movies and her chair. We tried it out the next day and it looks like she enjoyed it much better.

Happy New Year

2012-01-09T10:55:00.001-08:00

Landon and I had a happy start to a happy new year. We had our neighbors come over to have some fun. Lots of laughs, good food, sparkling cider and more.

Puzzles?.....Yes, it sounds like a bunch of old people getting together huh. Well these boys had fun with it and did that puzzle in 2 hours while us girls sat around talked about our adorable husbands.
Nothing beats a New Year Kiss!
Landon and I also spent time with his family the night before at a cabin in Bear Lake. Sorry no pictures. It was a beautiful view to wake up to. The sun coming over the mountain and the lake a pretty blue.

What A Little Doll

2012-01-02T20:41:00.001-08:00

Emma is growing so fast. She is so much fun and has an adorable personality.

My Best Friends

2011-12-22T22:27:00.001-08:00

I am so blessed to have so many great people in my life. Landon is my very best friend. He can always make me laugh and I appreciate everything he does for me and Emma.

Kristin is also another best friend. She is so dear to me. I have known her my entire life. Our parents have been best friends since their college years. Kristin has always been there for me. Primary, Young Woman's, Piano, High School, Logan and so on.

There are 3 other couples where I live and they are so much fun. Boltons, Fosters, and Quists. We love getting together to stay up late and laugh. We had a Christmas Dinner and made tree's out of brownies.

Nursing school best friends! I could not have gotten through Nursing School with out these cute girls. We all helped each other along the way. We have had a lot of laughs and crying, but more laughs. I'm going to miss not seeing them everyday.

Of course! My sisters are also my best friends. They always have been and always will be. I will move away, graduate from school, meet new people, but when I am 60 years old my sisters will still be there for me.

There are many other people that I am friends with but need pictures. All of my sister-in-laws: Emily, Amanda and Laura....you are my best friends too. Growing up my mom and dad were my parents. Now that they have raised me and I am out of the house they are becoming my best friends. I just want to thank everyone for always being there for Landon and I. We couldn't ask to be surrounded by better people. Love you All!

Emma is One Month Old

2011-11-19T19:44:00.001-08:00

Emma turned One month old on the 17th. She is such a little doll. I just love having a little baby in the house. She brings such a peaceful feeling into our home. (Yes, even all hours of the night). Emma really is a good baby. She doesn't cry a whole lot and she loves, loves, LOVES to be snuggled. Emma also enjoys taking showers with either mom or dad. She has only had a few baths because, for the most part, we wait until she has a blow out and then in the shower she goes. I think she likes having the water splash all over her, and then loves to be snuggled in a warm blanket from the dryer.

Poor little scratch. I have to keep her hands covered. That is her first little scratch.
Emma met her cousin Cody for the first time. Cody started to smile and then play with the back of her head. I don't think she liked having her hair grabbed :)....it's ok Cody. We still love you.
This picture is of Landon. You can see where Emma got her dark hair, skin, hair line and long tongue from. Landon has always kept his tongue out like that, he still does it when he is in deep concentration. Emma already keeps her tongue out like that. She is only 2.5 weeks in that picture she seems older.

Emma has been a little smiler. You can't tell me it is just gas, I don't buy that. She really is a happy baby and has smiled from the beginning. Everyday she smiles more and more.

Licorice Incentive

2011-11-16T12:34:00.000-08:00

Landon has always taken his church callings serious, he goes above and beyond to do his work. He is the young men 1st councilor in our ward and the boys love him. On Sundays Landon brings the long licorice rope and chops pieces off if the boys: don't have their scriptures, white shirt, tie, shined shoes, were not in mutual the week before, or if they were late. It really is helping, the boys are on time if not early and look nicer at church. One boy got licorice chopped off for not having church shoes on. He told Landon he didn't have any. The next week Landon gave him his pair of church shoes and told him they meant a lot to him because he wore them on his mission. Landon told him to take good care of them and if he didn't Landon would take them back.
Another time, Landon gave a boy in the ward 2 of his ties. This boy is not a member and is starting to come with his mom. He needed a tie and so Landon gave him a few.
That's just a few nice thing of many that Landon as done to help someone in our ward. I can't get that mad at him when he is late coming home because it is usually him helping someone in need.

I love you Landon.

Emma!

2011-10-28T14:30:00.000-07:00

My sister Ruby was so sweet to come visit me and Emma. She lives near Provo with 5 kids, one of which is still a new baby. I can barely handle this one baby. How does she do it??? Anyway, she brought her camera and shot a bunch of pictures just having fun and finding what ever we could around my house. I think they turned out pretty cute. Thanks Ruby.

Emma's Arrival and First Week Here

2011-10-24T14:07:00.000-07:00

October 17th, 2011. 11:09 pm. 7 lb 3 0z, 20" Emma Deru Arrived. She came one week early. She knew it was time to come because this is the birthday of her Grandma Griffiths, Great Grandma Biddulph and Great Great Grandma Jolly.

Bonnie came to visit me in the hospital. I ended up letting her stay in the room for the delivery. I think she really enjoyed that. It was fun having her here. My niece Olivia picked out that bear.

This was my fan club. Both sets of parents, and Bonnie. And of course Landon.

It was so neat to be able to hold Emma for the first time. It is hard to see in this picture, but both grandmas are behind Landon watching us. They are wonderful moms and I hope to be a mom just like both of them. The delivery was better than I could imagine. I was in labor 7 hours, the epidural was great, I could still move my legs but was not in any pain. I only pushed for 20 minutes and then Emma came without any problems.

This was Emma's first day home. She has already changed and looks different since then.
She is constantly smiling. People say newborn babies don't really smile, that it is just gas. I think that is crazy talk. She really is smiling because she is happy, I just know it.

My sister-in-law Amanda brought her girls over to meet their cousin. They are so cute together. Emma has lots of cousins that already love her.

Emma loves to snuggle. She slept on her dad for 5 hours. Probably the longest she has ever slept at one time. Her poor little left arm is bruised, it is already starting to fade a way. She also
had jaundice and had to sleep in that bed for 2 nights at home. Those first couple nights where hard. She was waking up every hour to eat for 5 minutes at a time. On top of that, I had to try and keep the portable wand on her so she could get better. She already does look a lot better.

I love you Emma!

Before Emma Arrived.

2011-10-06T21:04:00.000-07:00

Here I am at 37 weeks. Landon and I went to Park City for conference weekend with his family, it was a lot of fun and really relaxing.

Landon was sad to sell his scooter. It was nice to have for the summer but he knew it was time to get rid of it.
Landon's mom and and my mom put on a family baby shower for me. It was so nice of them. I have so many cute girl things for Emma. My brother-in-law Alec made that metal sign for "Emma" before he left on his mission.

This is me (of course :), at the hospital for my last clinical for school. A nurse I work with just had to take a picture of me :). Best of all, I don't ever have to wear those W.S.U. scrubs anymore. Now all I have left is school on Thursdays, graduation in Dec. and my big test sometime in January. Then I will be a Registered Nurse. I have been working as a Licensed Practical Nurse and I love it.

Some of Lifes Changes

2011-08-21T20:22:00.000-07:00

Landon and I have had a great summer, we have done a lot, and a few things have changed. Landon and I used to be cub-scout leaders together and recently he was released and put in as the 1st Counselor of the Young Mens. Instead of just one night a week together it is 2 separate nights, with camp-outs on weekends, 50 mile hike and preparing lessons. No, I'm not complaining, it is just busier than before. I am proud of him, the boys in our ward really need someone like him and he is doing a great job. As for me, I have to entertain the 8 year old boys without him :).

Another change... We worked at the hospital together as C.N.A's, I moved up my position to an L.P.N (Licensed Practical Nurse), I love it and enjoy working as a nurse, I definietly learn a lot everyday. Landon just quit the hospital, so we will no longer be working together. I knew this day would come, that we wouldn't be working together anymore. I am kinda sad about it, we met through work and I have enjoyed every bit of it. As for his new job. He is an Athletic Trainer and on Saturdays he deals with the injuries at Little League games, during the week he goes to local High School sport games, rehab clinic at WSU, teaches a power metric workout class to athletes, will help out at triathlons, marathons and events that need athletic trainers and goes wherever he is needed.

That is me as baby! Cute huh... The chair I am sitting in is nearly 25 years old or so. I don't know why, but I love that chair, it is comfortable and I have used it my whole life, even took it with me when I got married. Unfortunately I have no room for it and it I have to get rid of it, although still in great condition. The picture underneath is a rocking chair my father-in-law made for my mother-in-law, she rocked all 5 of her children in it, it is also around 25 years old or so. I feel very lucky to have it in my home, it means a lot to have an antique that belongs to Landons family and knowing that when he was a baby he was rocked in that chair. I know I will get a lot of use out of it, and am grateful to have it.

before

This is just for fun... A nurse I work with gave me that changing table and I fixed it up. I think it looks really cute. I painted it, modge-podged fabric on the shelves and made the little changing pad cover. I can't wait to put things in the baskets.

after

My Turn To Announce...

2011-07-02T21:52:00.000-07:00

Two sisters, a sister-in-law and a best friend with babies. Well it's my turn. Most people know that I am expecting, but to make it official I am due October 24th. Landon and I are having a baby GIRL! We are so excited, we have waited enough time for a baby to come and she will be here in 16wks; I am 24 wks along now. This pregnancy has been great, I have not been sick once (except when I ate candy for dinner:). I have many great examples of good parents all around me and I am so happy to be having a baby with my other sisters. This little girl will have so many fun cousins to play with.

23 Wks

New Family Members

2011-07-02T21:36:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law Amanda delivered a beautiful little girl in May.
Olivia Jane Deru
Arrived May 17, 2011
6 lbs. 13 oz. 20 inches long

My sister Bonnie delivered the most perfect little boy in April.
Cody Clark Hoellein was born April 27, 2011 at 7:51 pm
7 lbs 10 oz
19 inches

It is always so fun to have new family members, especially precious little babies, my sister Ruby is due in a week and I will have another nephew. Both baby blessings were so special, it's great to have so many priesthood holders in our family.

Welcome Home Elderu Deru

2011-07-02T21:30:00.001-07:00

Landon's brother Braydon returned home from his mission last month and is doing awesome. He was such a great missionary and it's great to have him home. Braydon has a wonderful personality and is so easy to get along with. Welcome Home!

If I'm Not In School I Am.......

2011-04-26T17:55:00.000-07:00

Moving.... Moved from a small basement to a bigger and better place. My brother Beau helped move my piano and did a great job at it.

Spending time with my family... Ruby, Ellie, Me, Beau, and Bonnie... Those are all my siblings.
Going to baptisms... My Niece Shari turned 8 years old and is a doll.
I am a proud Aunt of (above) Julie, Abby, Chad, Shari, and Olivia, (Below) Gracie. My sister Ruby is expecting #5 baby boy in July. Bonnie is expecting #2 baby boy Tomorrow. And Amanda (sister-in-law) is expecting #2 baby girl in May. So I will go from 6 Nieces and nephew to 9. How exciting!!!

If I am not in school I am also Cleaning, (Landon took the picture with out me knowing).

Most importantly, Spending time with Landon. We went skiing a while back and had a blast.

More about School????

2011-04-26T17:35:00.001-07:00

I know I have posted a lot about school lately, but hey, that is my life right now. I am just proud to say I have completed my first year of nursing school and graduated from the Practical Nursing Program, all I have left to do is take my boards and then I will be working as a Practical Nurse (Pay Raise :).

Landon has been so helpful and supportive of me going to school. I couldn't be doing this without him.

It is also important to have friends at school you can study with and have fun with. These are just a few of the girls I hang out with.

These are some more girls. And below is a picture of my whole class (38 Students). What a fun group.

ZUMBA!!!! What a fun workout. Gotta increase those endorphins.
Glitter Toes Party! Don't know how much studying we actually got in at these random "Study Groups", but I passed, and my toes were cute.

Congratulations Landon

2011-02-28T18:44:00.000-08:00

Today Landon received an e-mail notifying him that he passed his boards. He is now a certified Athletic Trainer. That is a 4 year degree that he did in 2 years. Many many clinical hours and class work was put into it. He made friends and really had a fun time with it. Now, if you are ever playing a sports game, fall and get hurt Landon might be the one to run out onto the field to assess you :)
Landon has been super busy with school and work. He is in the process of getting ready to take the MCATS and apply for medical school. We are at the very beginning of our journey, who knows where school will take us. As long as I am with Landon, I will move wherever. Excited? Yes. Nervous? Yes. I'm just glad I am married to Landon. He is such a hard worker.

Happy Holidays

2010-12-30T17:43:00.001-08:00

These last few weeks have been great. Landon and I have been able to catch up on our sleep and family time. There is nothing like the holidays being able to spend time with family, eat good food and just have a good time.
This is the first Christmas in 10 years that all my sisters and brother were able to be together. It was so much fun to have their kids and all my siblings under the same roof for Christmas night.
One of my favorite things this year was to walk in the family room Christmas morning to find my niece and nephew ooing and awwhing about what Santa brought them. It was so fun to watch all the little kids open their presents, some of the little ones weren't so sure what was theirs and what wasn't :)

We Are Still Alive

2010-11-13T13:05:00.000-08:00

I apologise I haven't posted anything for a while, even though I did warn you that would happen. I don't have much to say, but to give you a quick update. Landon will be done with the Athletic Training Program next month, take more classes and then take the M-Cat test in a year or so. This semester has flown by for me, in a month I will have a 3 week break and I will put up pictures then. I have enjoyed the nursing program thus far. Landon and I are both Cub Scout leaders, over the wolfs (8yrs old), and they are a fun group. To give you a peak into our busy lives with one car here is how our last two days have been.........5:00 am landon drives me to clinicals, a friend takes me home, landon takes the bus to his clinicals, we ride our bikes to weber state and to church meetings, he drives me to work at 5:00 am. I stit at the hospital for two hours waiting for him (typing this) I finally get the car. midnight I pick landon up from work.... there haven't been to many days that we have to play games like that. Landon has been so great to use the bus system. Honestly I wouldn't have it any other way right now, life is great and we are so happy. We work weekends and don't see our family as much, but someday it will all pay off (I hope so anyway). So until my next break we are still in school and working. ;) Thanks everyone for supporting us and helping us out. Especially our parents! Thanks for sending us home with left over food and helping with laundry.

Back To School

2010-08-29T13:36:00.000-07:00

I always remember my mom having to take our pictures on the first day of school. That is me going into kindergarten in 1993. Not much has changed, I still have blond hair and wear pink. Now it is 2010 and that was my first day of Nursing School..... I survived the first week. Yes my calender is full of classes, labs, clinicals, school and homework. It is a fun class, I already made new friends. I probably won't get around to doing much blogging while I am in school. It is a busy time for Landon and I, I am just glad we both have supportive families who are always willing to help in anyway. We had a heck of a summer, did tons of fun stuff, now it is time to settle down and focus on school. Maybe someday I will be taking care of you in the hospital, you would want to know that I did good in school, huh. Just think,,,,, in December 2011 I will be completely finished, and then I can play with my sisters again :)

More Summer Fun

2010-08-02T16:44:00.001-07:00

I'm not sure where to even begin... Yes this has been a very fun summer, considering Landon is in school full time and I am working full time. We didn't want the summer to go by and not have done anything fun.
The boys first 4-wheeling trip did not end with smiles and laughs. They went again on Saturday and had a lot more fun this time, and did not result in upset wives.
We have gone swimming several times this summer and have had a lot of fun in the sun. Those are my nieces and sister Bonnie.

Landon and I took a weekend and went to Yellowstone, it was so pretty there and we saw a lot of wild life. We drove all around the park and went on a walk around this waterfall.
We have had a couple family reunions as well. Nothing like sleeping outside under the stars and laughing with my siblings.
The summer is about over, but I'm not about to stop having fun. I just love being with my family, that is where I find the most joy. I don't know how siblings, in-laws, parents and children cant get a grasp on things and have fun with each other.

Happy 4th of July

2010-07-06T10:53:00.000-07:00

What a Party!!! Every 4th of July the Biddulph side throws a party at Landon's Aunts house. It wouldn't be a pool party if Landon doesn't strut himself around the poolside and diving board with his speedo on... Of course I wouldn't post that picture up on my blog :).... But this is close enough.
We celebrated with each family making a different homemade ice-cream. It was sure yummy!
My mother in law showed up with out her swim suit :( ...... It doesn't matter to some people. Her brother Glen gave her about 30 seconds to clean out her pockets and then chucked her in!!! But don't worry, Landon and Mike wouldn't let him get away with that :)
So many kids had wrinkly feet and sunburnt faces :)....
We ended with fireworks in the street.

First Camp Out of the Year

2010-06-23T08:37:00.000-07:00

Landon and I thought it would be fun to go camping . A couple weeks ago we packed our car and drove up to the uintah's. The higher and higher we kept driving the more and more snow there was on the ground. We finally turned around and found a nice little place to pitch our tent. Just as we got it up it started raining. We brought foil dinners so we tried to get a fire going. W barely had a fire enough to cook our dinners. By this point it was snowing, yes Snowing!... We headed for the car to eat our dinner, then made our smores. When we were full we decided to go in the tent and hopefully get warm.... That didn't work it was freezing cold, snowing, 7pm and we werent tired. We knew we could be home in no time and go to bed in a nice warm bed, so we threw it all together in the snow and chucked it in the car and drove home.
Oh and we wanted to go fishing but the lakes were half frozen still..... It's JUNE :(

This is for Bonnie

2010-06-22T22:27:00.000-07:00

Ok, I am really embarrassed to put these pictures up. I know my sister Bonnie loves them and laughs every time she sees them. I was at a friends birthday party in elementary school and we did before and after shots of ourselves from a makeover.... Don't ask what that thing is behind my head :) I don't remember what we were doing with it.

My Sisters

2010-06-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

Ok, so i'm only doing this so I am not the odd one out. All 3 of my sisters posted about this, so it's my turn. A couple weeks ago Bonnie and I went to Springville to see Ruby, Ellie and the kids. It was seriously so much fun. We laughed so hard the entire time. Ruby and I had nearly the same swimsuit. So did the two little girls.

Thanks Ruby for feeding us lunch and for the fun time.

St. Thomas

2010-06-09T17:27:00.000-07:00

My brother-in-law Alec graduated from High School, for his senior trip the entire family was invited. We spent a week in St. Thomas, an island in the Caribbean.
On Sunday we went to church on Church Hill, it was a hill with many different churches. During Sacrament and Relief Society you could hear the other church bands.
The weather was perfect all week. The water was so fun to play in.

Before we left, I got scuba certified. This was after a ship wreck that we dove. We also went snorkeling everyday. We saw sea turtles, sea urchants (don't touch them), and many pretty fish.
The entire island was so gorgeous.
This is a sail boat that we actually sailed ourselves. We were in a race with 2 other boats and we won 1st place.

Thanks Scott and Teresa for a wonderful time in Paradise.

Shopping Sisters

2010-05-20T10:52:00.000-07:00

My Aunt Julie came down to visit her son in Provo, while she was down an Uncle had passed away. When she was over we went shopping to find her a dress do wear. We were having so much fun and laughing. The lady at Dillard's asked if we were going somewhere fun. My Aunt just replied "A Funeral"... The Neilson funerals are actually quit fun. My mom and her sister got to see all their cousins.
After getting my Aunt a dress, Bonnie and I found these cutest headbands, we were going crazy over them. My mom whipped out her wallet and told us that we had been good girls today. Thanks mom for the headbands.

Family Home Evening

2010-04-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

Every third Sunday my family gets together at my moms house for dinner and a small lesson. In April we had 3 birthdays. Abby, Ellie, and Jared.Landon and I had the lesson this month. We talked about Temples and how all of us were married in the Temples. We had everyone bring there wedding pictures. The highlight of the night was to see the kids reaction to my parents wedding pictures.
After we sang the primary song "I Love to See the Temple", Shari played us her piano song, and did a great job.

I'm Going to be a Nurse

2010-04-22T10:06:00.000-07:00

Last week I received my Acceptance Letter in the Nursing Program. I got in to the two that I applied for. I will be going to Davis Applied Technology Center in Kaysville. The Program starts in the fall and is a year and 4 months, then I will be an R.N.

All About Landon

2010-04-21T16:06:00.000-07:00

Landon has worked so hard at school. Not only is he in school full time, but he works, does 175 hrs of clinicals, research projects, helps out family and friends with either moving or their classes, church work, spends time with me, and so much more. This research project that has been time consuming, fun, and good for his resume; I thinks it has payed off. He took athletes and tested their spit before games. He used different techniques to see if the cortisol level (tests for stress) would decrease. He would have them listen to relaxing activities on an i-pod. (don't know if I explained it all right, but you get the point.) He was able to go to Colorado with several others in his program. He went to an Athletic Trainers Conference, workshops, and was able to present his project there. Most of the other students had to pay their way. Landon was involved with so many clubs and organizations that he was able to have his all payed for.

This is him in the lab doing all the work with the spit he collected and is testing it.

At the airport Landon got interviewed with the news about paying for luggage. He was on the news for about a 45 seconds.

These are some other friends in the program he went with.

Doesn't he look so sharp! This is his poster he made.

He went to a ROCKIES game.

and Golfing.

Even a cat convention :)

Before he left he bought me flowers for Easter :)

Bountiful Basket

2010-02-24T15:04:00.001-08:00

Bountiful Basket a website that you go to and everyother Tuesday you sign up, the following Saturday you pick it up. You take a basket to one of the sites throughout Utah, Arizona, and Idaho. The first time there is an additional fee, but after that its 16.50. You get so much more than you would at the store for your money. This time I got, oranges, apples, pears, tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, grapefruit, romain lettuce, celery and yams. Each time you go you get something different, you don't pick and choose you just get a whole bunch of stuff. I like it because I got stuff I normally wouldn't just buy and if you don't think its worth your money, you at least have fruits and veggies around to eat. If you want to give it a try go here. I think I will do this more often. My potatoes needed to be replaced. Landon called this my pet potatoe. I kept it to see how big I could get it, and finally just tossed it out.

Thank You Hoelleins

2010-02-24T14:58:00.000-08:00

This weekend was so much fun. Landon and I went to my sister Bonnies in Logan, they made us dinner and we watched a movie, and played with Olivia. Joel is working on fixing up their house room by room, so we were able to see there new bathroom and the progress they are making on Olivias room. On Sunday Landon and I watched Olivia in Sacrament while Joel and Bonnie talked, they did a really good job and Olivia was on her best behavior :)

We took this picture with the camera on timer mode.

Shower Revamp

2010-02-24T14:46:00.000-08:00

I never thought Landons butt was big enough to break through tile, but apparantly so.

Thank goodness we were able to still use the shower for a few days before it got fixed.

Our landlords son was pretty quick about fixing the problem. The shower is 40 years old, and the tile was placed on sheet rock. Needless to say, it became a problem.

Thanks to my parents we were able to still shower while our place was a mess. Everything in my house was dusty and gross, but the outcome is a lot better. And thank goodness for renting, I didn't have to pay for this to be done.

My Valentine!

2010-02-24T14:36:00.001-08:00

Saturday before Valentines day Landon and I went to the Institute Dance. It sounds lame, but it really was fun. Javiers catered the food, there was dancing, and we were with some fun people. Best of all, we didn't have to spend any money. Ally (Landons kissing cousin:) and Jake were there. We had a lot of fun dancing like there was no tomorrow.

On Sunday after church Landon and I both had to work. We treated ourselves by eating down in the Cafeteria, we only do that everyonce in a while. When we came home after work, Landon stayed up with me and watched the movie "27 Dresses" that he bought for me.

What A Sweet Guy

2010-02-13T14:55:00.000-08:00

The day after the Super Bowl Landon was at school, in class after the students passed off an assignment they were all leaving to go get free meals at "Dennys". Well he had passed off his assignment and people were starting to leave. Just as he was about to leave he saw a girl who transfered in from the U. She looked lost and had no idea what was going on. Landon stayed and taught her the stuff she didn't know. Because of that he wasn't able to go get a free meal with everyone else, but he did make someones day better. Landon is always so sweet like that, he is always willing to stay and help at work, and school, and even at home.

Annual Tubing Tradition

2010-01-30T09:55:00.001-08:00

Ok so this is the second year that my family has gone tubing together. We went to Romer Park and had a ball. There are always to many pictures to choose from. If you want to see more go to Ruby's blog here.

Landon totally biffed it once and got a huge ice burn (if thats what you call it) on his elbows.
Dad was so nice to bring his cooking stove and we had chili and hot dogs along with hot cocoa.

My nieces and nephew had a blast going up and down the hill.

And of course... The boys are always a little wreckless. But they all made it out alive.

The Franke Life

2010-01-10T18:09:00.000-08:00

How it would be to be a kid again? I would love it. I went to my sisters Ruby home over the break. Her kids had a good christmas. They got some really fun toys.
My favorite were the bill-a-bowl(?)... You can do all sort of things with them.
Thanks Ruby for letting us play with you 4 adorable kids and their toys.

I took more video than pictures, this is my other sister Ellie.

Bean Auction and More Fun...

2010-01-10T17:41:00.001-08:00

For the Biddulph party we went bowling and had a Nativity Scene put on by Landon's little cousins. It was so cute to see these little rascals going from crazy kids to little angles and wise men.
Ally is Landons cousin, she and Jake have been a lot of fun to hang out with. We went to breakfast the other day and then swung over to see there new house they are building.
Bean Auction?? Ok, this is such a great tradition that we started last year and just had to try it out with the other side of the family, instead of trading gifts.... This is how you play, for every person that will be included you bring 3 items per person. Give these random gifts, unwrapped, to whose in charge. These gifts stay covered up and no one knows whats all there. Everyone is then given 35 beans, this is your money. The items will then be brought out one at a time. You then begin bidding on what you want.

This was the one wrapped gag gift, I think he payed like 10 beans for it.

A few gift that were auctioned off were.... Kid toys, clothes, tools, beach blanket, movies and everything for every age. The key is to look all year long so you can find things on sale and at a good price.

Christmas Vacation

2010-01-10T17:29:00.000-08:00

Landon and I had a great Christmas Vacation. He got a some really fun stuff this year. We couldn't have had as much fun as we did if it wasn't for family. One of my favorite things is a good Christmas Breakfast. In the past I would have more of a pastry like the kind Wimmers would make for us. But this year this is what we got.

On Christmas eve we went Caroling to the neighbors and friends of Landon's parents in Mnt. Green. It was a lot of fun, the only other time I had done that was for the youth activities.

Griffiths Family Christmas Party

2009-12-15T18:16:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a fun party. Instead of all trying to get together on Christmas we got together for my dads 52nd birthday and for our family Christmas Party. On Thanksgiving we drew names so when we got together, instead of waiting till Christmas, we opened them up.

Landon sang "Grandma Got Ran Over By A Reindeer"........classic

I had played O Holy Night, a few hours earlier in church, so I played it again for my family.This is the first time I have heard Shari play the piano. She did a great job.

Ruby started taking violin lessons about 6 months ago, and has become really good at it.Jared sang the cutest version that I have ever heard of "Winter Wonderland"

Even Chaddy sang a christmas song as he jammed on the piano.
For my dads birthday he got a new cowboy hat. He has had this other one for years and wore it to many scout trips. It was time for a new one.

This was the day before, a pre-party. Our street never gets plowed so the boys decided to have fun while they could.

Ellie and Jared Mecham

2009-12-15T18:05:00.000-08:00

November 13, 2009 Ellie and Jared were sealed in the Ogden Temple for time and all eternity. It was such a fun day. It was really neat to see all five siblings with our spouses sitting by each other in the temple.

Jared made the cutest song for my wedding when I got married. He sang that at his wedding along with another way cute song he came up with for he and Ellie.It didn't take Jared long to get that guarder off, with his mouth :)

Ellie and Jared are so cute together. Their kids will be adorable.

Everything Happens For a Reason

2009-12-08T19:59:00.000-08:00

This isn't the easiest thing to write about, but here it goes. Landon and I went into the doctors for the 12 week appointment, he was doing the ultra sound to find out that there was no heart beat. The baby was measuring at 10 weeks. It was definitely something that I was not expecting. It was difficult to hear, though, my Doctor was really nice about the whole thing and made sure I knew I had done nothing wrong. I know several girls that this has happened to lately. Landon told me that maybe the 2nd coming is almost here so all these spirits need bodies. I know I can't see the whole plan, but I do know everything will be ok. I have good family and friend support and we have been dealing with it pretty well, although it still is not an easy thing to have happen.

Big News

2009-11-29T16:33:00.000-08:00

We are having a baby!!! Thats right, Landon and I are due to have our first baby June 16, 2010. We are so excited, I love having a June birthday, so that will be a perfect time of year to have a baby. So far everything has gone well, I am about 12 weeks and so far I have not gotten sick once. I do get tired and hungery, but no sickness. (Landon says I get grumpy, but I disagree:). Landon would like a boy, but I think if we had a girl he would just go crazy over her. As long as this little one is healthy we will be happy. Wish us the best of luck.

Apple Dumplings

2009-10-20T11:14:00.000-07:00

I found this recipe for Apple Dumplings on KSL and they turned out pretty good. The one bad thing about working all the time, is my food goes from the oven to a tupperware and then reheated in the microwave at work. It's rare when I can eat something right out of the oven.

Ingredients:

6 small apples (3 inches in diameter)
Sugar
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Butter
Pie crust
Vanilla sauce (recipe below)

Method:

Place pastry dough on a lightly floured surface. Roll until dough is 1/8 inch thick. Cut dough into six 6-inch squares. (One square for each apple)

Core and peel each apple. Place one apple in the center of a square of pastry dough. Pour sugar into the hollowed out core. Sprinkle generously with cinnamon and nutmeg. Place a pat of butter on the top.

Bring corners of pastry dough to the top center of the apple. Pinch the dough together at the seams, enveloping your apple inside the dough. You can use a little water to moisten the edges of your pastry dough, if needed. Repeat process for each apple. Place apple dumplings in a baking dish. Bake at 375 degrees for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serve warm with a generous portion of vanilla sauce poured over the top. Tastes great with vanilla ice cream, or even in a bowl with a little milk poured over the top. Delicious!

Vanilla Sauce

Ingredients:

1 c. brown sugar
½ c. butter
¼ c. evaporated milk
1 t. vanilla
1 pinch salt
1 pinch nutmeg

Method:

Combine ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring until thickened.

All Caught Up

2009-10-14T15:57:00.001-07:00

Ok, the summer is far over and the fall semester has begun. I'm warning you, there are a ton of pictures in the next several posts. Landon and I had a fun, full, filled summer. Both familys were great to us, they let us do our laundry at their houses and would send us home with food from their gardens as well as feed us meals while we would visit. We couldn't ask for better familys.

Olivia Hoellein

2009-10-14T15:50:00.001-07:00

Olivia was born July 16, 2009. Exactly 22 years after Landon. She is such a little doll and takes after her mom. Bonnie and Joel are way cute parents.

Bonnie and Joel bought their first home in Logan a few weeks before Olivia was born.

I'm not sure what is wrong with my dad, but he looks creepy in this picture.

This is a lot better picture of my dad, where he isn't trying to sneak in the picture. How precious, Daddy Daughter.

What an adorable little Family.

Who Would Have Guessed?

2009-10-14T15:36:00.001-07:00

Landon went on his mission to Finland. His favorite companion was Elder Jared Mecham. Jared came home to have hip surgery and is now going to school at B.Y.U.

Looks like they had a lot of fun on their missions. Jared can rip a phone book in half. I am not lying.

Well, needless to say, He began dating my little sister and they are getting married November 13Th.

They are such a cute couple.

Fun and Games

2009-10-14T15:31:00.000-07:00

Dad and Landon have enjoyed playing tennis with eachother. After trying to playing with me, he found someone who can actually hit the ball back :)

Landon was playing with Abby and pretending the dog was a horse (Don't worry no one was hurt)

She was so cute with her Cow Boy boots on.

Every time Landon and I have ever gone bowling (ok so only 2 times) I WIN.

One night Landon and I went bowling up at W.S.U and then rented a movie, It was a fun date.

Wake Boarding

2009-10-14T15:10:00.000-07:00

Landon didn't want to spend every Saturday morning studying, so we would wake up at about 6 am so that we could hit some good water.

Here is father Scott sporting off his Jack Sparrow Hat. He was so nice to take us boating all Summer.

Mother Theresa also enjoyed coming to get some wind through her hair. She would bring along the blankets and treats.

This is Landon.

Alec was pretty good at jumping the wakes

Laura is getting good as well.

These pictures are embarrassing. Don't think I saved the best for last, because I didn't. It was horrible. Landon had to get into the water with me to help. You can see how awkward my body looks as I try to keep my body up. I am going to stick with the tube and ski's. (No pics of skiing, but I can do that no problem).

Affordable Summer Fun

2009-10-14T15:05:00.000-07:00

During our one week break of school, Landon and I took a hike up Waterfall Canyon.

On the back of this Frosted Flakes box was a list of Affordable summer fun activities. At the end of the summer I was reading it and realized I had done everything on it. I cant read it and don't remember what it says. But I do know that I had a fun summer.

Car Show and Birthday

2009-10-14T14:56:00.000-07:00

My Grandma Griffiths lives in South Jordan, her room looks over the S. Jordan Temple. Her birthday happened to be the same day as the car show.

Landon and I met up with Rubys family, cousins, Aunts, and Uncles.

There were way cool looking car. This one is Landons dream car. There were also clowns, snowies, food, music and entertainment.

This is my Grandma Griffiths.

Biddulph Reunion

2009-10-14T14:31:00.001-07:00

Landons maternal side of the family the Biddulphs get together often for some family fun. This summer for the reunion we went camping. Landon is the 2nd to oldest of the cousins, so there were lots of little one running around and lots of fun. The family bought this blue spruce tree and had premision to plant it. So now if we ever go back up to that same place we can see its growth and know that that is Our family tree.

The dentist of the family has to take a shower everyday :) So you can see in the back ground the shower that Uncle Dustin put together.

Landon, his brother Mike and uncles played a mean game of Horse Shoes.

Rafting the river is one of my favorite things to do.

All the girls went 4-wheeling one of the days. When we got back this is what we all looked like. Dirt all over our faces. Can anyone tell that they are sisters?

The 3 young married couples were in charge of cooking breakfast one morning(father Scott helped :). So we made Mountain Mans Breakfast in the dutch oven. It was so good.

At night Landon would play his guitar while everyone sang along.Aden and Marshall are the 2 new additions to the family.

Catalina Island

2009-09-14T21:51:00.000-07:00

Alec, my brother-in-law worked at Camp Cherry Valley in California over the summer. Landon's dad took the family out to see him. We came the night before scouts left and before some more came. We were able to sing scout songs and see a flag be retired. It reminded me of when I used to go to scout camps when my dad was the Scout Master.

When we finally got to California we stayed at Long Beach. We went out to the Bubba Gump restaurant. It was all about Forest Gump. We even got 3 free sundays because there were 3 birthdays within a few days.

This is the bridge that overlooks our hotel. There was such a pretty light house that would change colors. After we ate dinner we walked around in the dark along the harbor.This is Alec. He has been here all summer having fun working on the water front. He does the swim checks that everyone needs to do in order to go in the water. He also teaches the sail boats.See how the whole family got our swim checks. For those of you who haven't been to a scout camp, you place your name on what you will be doing in the water, and you have to have a swim buddy. Laura and I decided to go on the canoe (don't laugh at how white my skin is compared to hers :)We were able to do a little snorkeling and look at all the neat creatures in the water.

After a night at the hotel this was our sleeping arrangement's. We ALL slept in this big tent, we were told by Alec that it stays hot at night so we didn't bring very many blankets. The first night no one got sleep because we all froze. We prepared a little better for the next night. We also had the first aid teaching kits in our tent. One morning Scott (Dad) pulled out this dummy and placed it next to Laura. It was pretty funny.
Thanks again to Landons parents for what a great time, and for Alec for letting us come eat camp food and enjoy seeing him in California.

Babies Babies and More Babies

2009-09-14T21:37:00.001-07:00

Wow, Talk about all these new little precious babies coming into the world. My sister Bonnie had Olivia on Landons birthday July 16th. Landons Aunt Hillary and Becki both had little boys, Marshall and Aden. And my friend Kristin had Madison in August. And I just found out that my sister-in-law Amanda is going to have her second.
This is the baby shower we had for my sister Bonnie. It was fun to see all the older ladies from my home ward come.

The shower we had for Landons 2 cousins was full of games for all they little girls. I played the games as well I guess that means I am still considered a little girl.

Our Own Melting Pot

2009-09-14T21:31:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my sister-in-law Emily we were able to "go" to the Melting Pot for free. She has always wanted to go but it is so expensive so we made our own fondue party and had a lot of fun. Bonnie made a really yummy cheese and bread for an appetizer.

Emily made homemade chicken nuggets with a good dipping sauce.

Emily and I also made chocolate and Carmel for the dessert and dipped lots of good fruit.

6 Month Anniversary

2009-09-14T21:20:00.001-07:00

June 13th.... Landon and I celebrated our 6 Month Anniversary. Really, we just had free tickets to the Layton Talent Show at the Ed Kenley Amphitheater. We walked around and watched the wild life before it started. Then we stayed at his parents house for the night because they were out of town. It always feels like a vacation when you don't sleep at your own house.

Grandpa Virgil A. Neilson

2009-09-14T20:54:00.000-07:00

I was glad to have visited my grandpa one last time over memorial weekend. June 23, 2009 my grandpa passed away at 82 years old.

Grandpa worked on a farm most all his life. He was always working hard.

Here are 2 of my grandpas brothers. To see a rootbeer in their hands was not unusual.
Here are 7 of the 8 kids. Steve is the oldest and he passed away when he was born.

This is the creak that my mom, her sisters, and cousins would always plan on growing up. It's where their grandparents lived. And now one of her cousins live here.
Sometimes you just want to stay a kid forever.

Off to Test Drive A Car

2009-09-12T11:17:00.000-07:00

I was just about to get on to do a big update of my summer.... It will have to wait a few more days,Landon would like to go test drive cars for fun before we have to go to work. No worries, I will be back with pictures of our summer.

Date with the Schneiders

2009-06-02T08:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was so fun, I went to the dentist and got 3 fillings, my face felt huge and way numb (that wasn't the fun part). Landon's cousin Allie and her husband Jake Schneider decided to get together for some fun. Jake's family owns the golf course in Riverdale and so after a great meal Allie put together, we went fishing in the streams and ponds along the golf course. I caught one and Landon caught several, we placed the fish into another pond that needed them. It was fun to ride the golf carts around in the overcast weather. It started to rain and lightening so we decided it was time to leave :)....I wanted to take pictures but my camera was being goofy. I enjoyed fishing from a golf course, not many people can say they have done that.

Memorial Weekend

2009-05-26T12:22:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day has always been a fun day for our family. It's one of those lost traditions where not a lot of people actually drive hours to go visit cemeteries. Well this year, my moms side the Neilsons, decided to get together and visit my grandpa who isn't doing real well. We met at his house to see him and then drove to Parker, ID to visit my Grandmas and others graves. Parker cemetery is always cold and windy, no matter what the weather is every where else, so I called it I knew it was going to rain, but luckily it cleared up. It doesn't take a lot to entertain our family....a little picnic at the cemetery or reading campfire stories in the hotel, and just playing with each other outside. It was a fun weekend. The Neislon side is a big family. My grandparents had 7 of 8 living kids with 43 grandkids. 43 is lot of cousins to play with.

Elder Braydon Deru

2009-05-26T10:36:00.000-07:00

Landons Brother, Braydon left for the Brazil M.T.C on Tues. May 19. He is going to the Joao Pessoa, Brazil Mission and is way excited to learn Portages and spread the gospel to those who live in Brazil. His "last supper" was at Olive Garden right before we went to the air port. His mom says it's a lot easier to say good byes at the airport rather than the M.T.C.

All the Deru Siblings from youngest to oldest.

This is all of us, including Braydons Girl Friend Courtney.

Happy Mothers Day

2009-05-16T11:29:00.000-07:00

For every mothers and fathers day it has been a tradition that all the kids wake up and go say hi and give them our presents in their bed. I thought this was something that every family did, apparently not. Even though we are now all grown up, we still do it. I think its a lot of fun, this year my mom woke up before us but we still all piled in on her bed to say Happy Mothers Day.

Camp Fire with Jared

2009-05-16T11:23:00.000-07:00

After Jareds surgery he went back to N. Ogden to recover at his grandparents for a couple weeks. He is doing much better. We decided to go over and give him a little company. It was so much fun, we roasted hot dogs and smores outside with his grandpa while he told us the good ol' fashion stories of the war.

Visiting Jared in the Hospital

2009-05-16T11:15:00.001-07:00

Landons old missionary Companion is Jared. He is now dating my sister Ellie. He had hip surgery in Salt Lake, so Ellie, Landon and I decided to make it an adventure and take the new FrontRunner and Trax up to the University Hospital. We finally made it up there to see that he got through the surgery just fine, he was tired and sore but it was good to see him, and that all went well.
I think I like this new way of transportation, it was a lot of fun as you can tell by the pictures.

How Do We Do It?

2009-04-16T12:33:00.000-07:00

The other day at work a girl asked Landon if one of us work full time. Neither of us do, we both work part time. So she asked him,"how do you make things work if you are both working part time and going to school"....It's easy, Landon and I don't eat out a lot, we are not in debt and don't plan on it, our one car is payed for and we walk everywhere. We make a new budget each month, and we are even able to put money in savings each month. Landon and I have been blessed financially. Thanks to both our parents for teaching us the importance of money.

Happy Easter

2009-04-13T11:22:00.000-07:00

The Easter Bunny has always visited me and I couldn't go a year with out him. So I went and bought me my own dress, I wanted it to be a suprise for Landon but he found it. So instead of sneaking him a present, we just went and bought him a spedo because thats what he wanted (he wears it under his swim suit :)
On Easter we went to Sprinville for the baby blessing of my niece "Julie". It was a lot of fun. Ruby and Kevins kids are so fun. The guys played ping pong and the Ladies chatted. After, Landon and I spent the evening with the Deru's.

Happy St. Patricks Day

2009-03-20T15:54:00.000-07:00

On St. Patricks day Landon and I had a green dinner with his family. His mom made everything green and even had irish music playing in the background. Both Landon and his sister forgot to wear green. Also, thats the best picture I could get of Mother Teresa (she didn't want me to take it :)

What a Hard Worker

2009-03-20T15:51:00.000-07:00

Landon always makes me laugh. He is also such a hard worker, so much that he would shovel snow in shorts and pink girl boots without being asked. Last week when it was spring break we stayed the night at my moms and didn't know it would be snowing the next day.

Final Result

2009-03-20T15:48:00.001-07:00

This isn't the greatest picture. But his hair is cut and he is now cleaned shaved (with a nick in his chin:) It was sure fun to go and visit with him. He is such a great grandpa.

Grandpas Saddle

2009-03-20T15:26:00.000-07:00

Everytime we visit my grandpas we like to sit on the saddle he has in his basement. It is a real horse saddle and he really used it for his horses. It is now in the basement where everyone can sit on it and pretend they are on a horse.

Grandpas Home

2009-03-20T15:15:00.001-07:00

When we got to my Grandpas in Idaho Falls we were hungry, so naturally we ate lunch. I think he enjoyed that pop, treats and chicken sandwiches.

One of my favorit things to do is sit around and listen to the adults visit. Especially my grandpa, he always had way fun stories to hear.

When we got there we decided he needed a bit of cleaning up. I started to shave him but then had Joel help me finish. Those wrinkly necks are hard.

He only cut him once :)

Bonnie also gave him a needed hair cut, and did a good job.

Just a little sproosing up and he looked a ton better.

Road Trip To Grandpas

2009-03-20T14:52:00.000-07:00

My grandpa (on my moms side)had a mini stroke a few weeks ago. So we decided to go up and visit him. When I say "we" it started out just my mom and Uncle David, then Ellie and I hear and wanted to come, before I knew it Bonnie wanted to come. Best part is, we found out my Aunt Julie was in Idaho at the time so we picked her up as well. I love road trips, I think it is so fun be in the car with some of best friends. Thats where a lot of my memories come from, driving hours on end with the family.

This is my mom and her brother David and sister Julie

We think we are pretty funny people.

My sister Bonnie is having a baby Girl. We are so excited

Time to Tickle the Ivory

2009-03-20T14:41:00.000-07:00

My mom has always given my siblings and me the choice of having a reception for a wedding or not. If we don't have one then she will take the money and buy us a piano instead. Landon wanted some kind of a party, so we still technically had a reception but it wasn't like way formal; either way, I got both. Over spring break we decided to just go out a buy a piano. I knew exactly what one I wanted. It is so beautiful, my mom was able to talk the seller down. So we got it at a decent price. I was also worried it wouldn't fit down the stairs to my basement apt., it barely made it, I couldn't watch though. Thanks Mom and Dad for the wonderful wedding gift, and for all the years of piano lessons. Landon and I love it.

Thanks Papa Deru

2009-03-20T14:36:00.000-07:00

Landon and I had spring break last week. It was such a great break, we also had 4 days off in a row from work. We just relaxed and enjoyed our time. Landons dad gave us a coupon for 2 free meals at the Marriott Hotel. So we got a $55 meal for free plus left overs.

Aunt Julie and Baby Julie

2009-02-23T11:11:00.000-08:00

On January 11 my sister Ruby had a baby girl and named her after me. Julie Franke. She is such a cute little baby. It's fun to have some body in the family named after you. It was so much fun to see her for the first time. She is such a doll.

I stole this picture from Ruby also.

Saturday Night Date

2009-02-23T11:06:00.001-08:00

My sister Ruby has this same picture on her blog, and I stole it. Saturday was so fun. All my siblings came down, as well as one of Ellie's friend Jared. My parents watched the little kids so that we could all go on a date. There are 5 kids, so that made 10 of us. They are all so much fun when we get together.

Saunakirja

2009-02-15T16:16:00.000-08:00

When Landon was on his mission in Finland he had this book called a "Saunakirja" it basically translates to "Sauna Book". The missionaries had some kind of a book like this so that when they had visitors come to their place or had other missionaries come visit they could sign their book. Its like a guest book and the guests can write why they where there. Landon had a lot of left over pages and so we have decided to use it for us as well. It sits by our front door and when we have visitors, friends, and family come over to hang out, say hi, or what ever we can have them sign our book and write a little something in it. So if you want to be in this famous "Finnish" book, then you have to come by our place and say hi (treats are always welcome as well :)

Happy Valentines Day

2009-02-15T15:34:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day this year was a lot of fun. Landon and I woke up and made biscuits and gravy. We had his brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Amanda and their girl Gracie came over as well as Landons friend Jared. They all came over and we had such a fun time eating breakfast and talking. Later we played the game Yahtzee. That morning Landon had to run to the store to buy a few food items, while he was there he bought me Flowers, oh how sweet :) what he didn't realize is that we didn't have a vase and so we had to use the blender for our vase. The flowers are even prettier. Thanks Landon. Oh and Landon blew up some balloons we had and was making laugh really hard when he was acting like an older lady.
Later on that day Landon and I had to work, which was fine, I didn't mind it. We were making money and we where together. For dinner Jared and Ellie cooked chicken and brought it to us during out break, it was nice of them.

For those of you who where not at my Wedding Luncheon, my brother-in-law Kevin read the poem that Landon wrote to me while he was on his mission. Well, I didn't think about posting this until I saw Kevin posted the poem he wrote for Ruby. I don't like competition, I just think they are both really good poems.
So here is the poem Landon wrote for me 2 years ago for Valentines Day.

Julie's Poem
I needed a job, so I looked around.
I had my C.N.A, but no job could be found.
Finally in the paper, I saw an add.
"I'll apply there, it's not too bad"
One of a million applications was mine,
but by some miracle I made it on time.
My greedy thoughts began to show,
"I'll wipe some butts and make some dough."
But there was something different here, what could it be?
The residents, the food, or because it's so friendly?
I discovered the feeling and began to pursue.
It wasn't the food, that feeling was you!
A twelve - to - one ration with girls is high;
but of them all, only one caught my eye.
Julie's amazing, smart, funny, and grand!
I devised a plan just to hold your hand.
As our friendship grew, and now I look back;
It's like I found a needle in a hay-stack.
Four wheeling, the temple, and staying up late,
working was like getting payed to date!
We then stepped it up and began to give hugs,
unless we had something all over our scrubs.
Kisses came next, and oh what a thrill!
Each time I recall them, my spine gets a CHILL!
But finally the time came for us to depart; :(
but don't worry baby, you've still got my heart. :)
Half way across the world to serve,
the Lord that I love, and help his children return.
I feel near to you, though so far away;
with each letter of Love, and a prayer every day.
Julie I love You, and want you to know;
though this poem is real long, I hope it will show...
That you are my Princess and you're priceless to me.
Have a reat Valentines Day, I love you SWEETIE!
Love always and Forever, Landon Deru

More on "Sunny Dog"

2009-02-11T17:15:00.000-08:00

I found more pictures of Sunny I wanted to add. And my dad says that Sunny is just like on of us (the Griffiths).....Blond and pretty!!!

A Tribute for Sunny Dog

2009-02-11T13:55:00.001-08:00

Four years ago today "Sunny" our family dog passed away. She was such a good dog. My uncle Marks dog had a litter of puppies and gave Sunny to us. I even remember driving up to Idaho to get her. She was around for about 13 years and served the Griffiths family many great memories and happy times, as well as some sad times. One time I accidentally slammed her wagging tale in the door and made it bleed, then one time she was jumping on me and I couldn't get up, a neighbor saved my life (or so I thought). Sunny would let us sit on her back as she would run (only when we were real small). She would also be very good to baby's, if a baby had candy or food Sunny would not even think about taking it, if you where older she wouldn't care. She was a lot of fun to play with and have as our family pet. These are pictures of her and when we gave a funeral for her. She was just like one of us.

Those puppies belonged to Sunny.

We did the same thing we did at my Grandpas funeral. Each person got a chance to lay dirt down, and as we lay the dirt down we say one of the most memorable experiences where.

New Ward....New Calling

2009-02-11T13:45:00.000-08:00

Now that Landon and I are married we attend Weber State University's Married Student Ward. A few things about it that are fun is, first, that my dad is in the bishopric, and everyone in the ward is going through the same thing. Most everyone is pretty much living in a basement apt., have been married less than a year and are poor. I just received a new calling a few weeks ago to serve on the Relief Society's cooking committee. I am way happy about that (Landon is too), hopefully I will be able to improve my cooking skills and share them with others.
Here are a few pictures of some things I have made. My mom helped me make pies to take to my in-laws.

Looks like fun.......Jealous???...It was a blast

2009-01-04T16:36:00.001-08:00

We also rented a cherry red Mustang...We thought we were pretty cool driving around.

On one of the beaches Landon and I found coconuts and really wanted to bring them home but forgot we cant bring agriculture things on the airplane. So we attempted to open them up on the ship....No luck,,,dang those things are hard to bust open.

More Honeymoon Pics

2009-01-04T16:32:00.000-08:00

I can only put so many picturs on a post?? Here are more pictures :)

Honeymooners

2009-01-04T16:27:00.000-08:00

For the honeymoon, Landon and I went on a cruise to the Bahamas then over to Universal Studios. It was so much fun, we ate a ton of food and did a lot of fun things. It was perfect weather, shorts, flip-flops, and tee-shirts. Now its back to the cold snow.

More Wedding Pictures

2009-01-04T16:11:00.000-08:00

There were so many pictures to choose from so I just put some in this slideshow thing. When I did this it cut off the tops of some of our heads. Oh well, please take time to look at them, they are really cute. It was such a fun day.

My Snowy Wedding Day

2009-01-04T15:40:00.001-08:00

My wedding day was so great. It was a blizzard, it snowed all day, but so so pretty. Landon and I had so many family members and friends come see us. We had to take most all pictures inside because it was so snowy.

Basement Dwellers

2009-01-04T15:25:00.000-08:00

My parents always talk about when they were first married how they were "trailer trash"....well im not trailer trash but I am a "basement dweller" :)...Landon and I found this way cute, small basment of an older ladys home for rent. It is a ten minute walk to school and is in a nice neighborhood. Best part is it is a way good price. Before we got married Landons mom Teresa and my mom came over to help us clean it up so we could move in. I will post pictures of the place when its all put together.

Thanks Ellie

2008-12-02T12:26:00.000-08:00

Landon and I have been really busy lately and are trying to find time to accomplish all that we need to do. Landons hair was getting a bit raggedy and needed a nice clean cut before the wedding. Ellie was nice enough to stay up and wait until he got off work at 11:30 at night to do his hair. He now looks real sharp :) Thanks Ellie, I sure owe you.

Bountiful Temple

2008-11-20T11:34:00.000-08:00

Landon and I are getting sealed in the Bountiful Temple. On December 9th is when I go through for the first time. I am way excited. When I was in primary I loved to sing the song "I love to see the Temple" And now my turn is just about here. So I thought I would just post a picture or two of the Bountiful Temple.

I'm Still Alive

2008-11-17T19:02:00.001-08:00

It has been a while since I have posted anything. With work, school, wedding plans, and being with Landon I have been short on time. Everything is going great. When I get the pictures I will post the Wedding Showers I had. It is so fun to get a whole lot of new things, now I just need a place to put everything. I'm getting way excited to be married to my best friend in the whole wide world. Landon is always so sweet to me. He is honestly the "perfect man".

Snow Bird

2008-10-26T21:05:00.000-07:00

Last week Landons family invited me to go to Snow Bird with them. We where almost to Park City when his dad realized that he forgot the coupons for the hotel stay. So father Deru dropped us all off at the outlets to go shopping while he drove back to Morgan to get the coupons. When we all got settled in Snow Bird we went swimming and played games in the hotel. I shared a room with Landons little sister Laura. She is so fun to play with. Laura is 12 years old and loves soccer, shopping, and having fun. The next morning when we woke up Laura and I danced to some music and entertained ourselves until the boys and everyone else woke up. Later on we did the Alpine slide, and Zip-line. After having such a fun weekend with the Derus I helped them do yard work at their home.

Biddulph F.H.E

2008-10-26T20:43:00.000-07:00

Landons mom, Theresa, is the neatest lady. She is the oldest of 8 children, and both parents have passed away. On the Biddulphs side all the cousins are still way young. Landon is the second born grandchild and we will be the 3rd couple to get married. The Biddulphs get together once a month to have F.H.E, or in other words "Play games". Saturday we got together to play football, boys vrs. girls...The girls defeated the guys for sure. Then while the guys played real football the rest of us decided to play red rover. It was so fun to be with them and get to know them a little more.

How Do I Look?

2008-10-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

I think it would have been fun to grow up in the olden days. They had some pretty awesome styles. Maybe some day my children will think the same way about me. This is what I would look like in the year 1962

This is year 1984. I think I am pretty good looking with these neat hair styles.

This is way fun to do. Go to www.yearbookyourself.com....I've got some good laughs from doing this.

I'm Getting Married

2008-10-21T11:55:00.001-07:00

Landon and I are getting married on December 13th in the Bountiful Temple. We are so excited to be sealed for time and all eternity. We had originally planned to get married in March, but soon after he returned from his mission we decided to push it up sooner. My mom is happy about the whole thing. She says, its a proven fact that once you are married and settled down you study harder and do better in school. It's a short engagment but i'm glad we are getting it over with in one semester rather than two. So hopefully next semester we can both buckle down and concentrate on our school work. Plans are coming along great, Landon is really helpful and we are actually having a lot of fun trying to plan our Wedding Day :) :)

Piano Lineage

2008-10-09T09:56:00.001-07:00

I stole this post from my sister Ruby, and sister-in-law emily...Its the same for all of us. I just think it is way neat that only 9 people down the line of piano teaching until Beethoven.

Griffiths (myself)
Carroll (my teacher)
Taylor (taught my teacher)
Watanabe (taught Taylor)
Fleisher (taught Watanabe)
Schnabel (so on...you get it)
Leschetizky
Liszt
Czerny
Beethoven
Haydn

So much for doing Home Work

2008-09-30T21:14:00.001-07:00

Landon and I don't seem to find time to do homework....ok maybe a little and thats for our chemistry class ;) We always tend to find other things to do....Like go out to eat with my parents, or play the guitar. So we might not do to well in our school work this semester but we sure are having a blast.

He Got the Job

2008-09-30T21:02:00.000-07:00

Ok, so Landon has been home for almost 6 weeks and hasn't found a job. He applied to a few places, one being Mckay-Dee hospital. The only way to apply to the hospital is on-line, and the only position available just so happened to be on the same unit that I work on. Well Landon had an interview with my boss Justin last week and it went really well. Today I was visiting with Justin at work and he was asking me how things were going with my boyfriend. He then asked me what his name was. So I just blurted it all out and told him that he actually interviewed Landon. I didn't know if that would make or break it. Justin thought it was totally cool, and told me that he actually got the job and not to tell Landon until H.R. calls him....but knowing me, I already told him to be expecting a phone call :)I am happy for a few reasons 1) Landon will start ranking in the bucks so that we can go out on a real date lol...and 2)We get to work together...I am so excited to be able to work with him again.

Having fun with Landon

2008-09-20T09:39:00.001-07:00

Last night Landon and I went on such a fun date. We went to the D.I and bought roller skates. Than we went to the dinasour park in Ogden and skated around the river, after our feet got sore we rolled up our pants and played in the river skipping rocks. After, we went to Olive Garden with the gift card that I gave him for his birthday while he was on his mission. I knew he wasn't going to have a lot of money when he got home and I wanted to go on a date, so I figure that was a good idea and it was.

Last week I went with Landon to his family party. Both of his extended familys are way fun. Also, Landons favorite treat is Wendys Frosties, so we just had to go get one.

Landon is a very hard worker. One day when I was at work he came over and washed all the windows in my house. How nice is that of him.

When all the power went out one night, we all sat around listening to my dad read stories from our familys favorite camp books.

Landons Mission Report

2008-09-20T09:33:00.000-07:00

Landon gave his mission report on August 30th. I was glad that all my family wanted to come hear him speak. He did such a good job, and he gave his testimony in Finish. Which is an amazing language if any of you have ever heard it. He lives in Mountain Green up in Morgan County. The one picture of me and my siblings on the steps is in Landons backyard. It is such a pretty place, I love going up there.