A great big dose of southern hospitality...

.....is what we encountered at the store yesterday...(actually, I've been quite blown away by it wherever I have gone.) Everyone makes eye contact, smiles and usually they strike up a conversation and if you know me, you know it doesn't take much to get me to converse. I've got friends at the pool, friends down the walk-way and even at the mall we had a couple of women want to hold the baby....and we let them. I hope that's o.k. Max turns heads....he certainly is a southern charmer. Most people were shocked that we were out in public with such a little baby and some of them scolded Traci for being out so soon and not being home in bed but that's not her way. She's a natural and has done really well. She's starting to wonder a bit what it will be like to be left alone with her three but she'll be fine.....cutest little mom ever. Her boys are lucky to have her.
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This woman was behind the counter and walked with her arms open toward us and reached out for Max.

This one approached us as we were walking in and she was walking out and just started talking then asked if she could hold him.

Lisetta (right) is Traci's neighbor and her mother, Umparro (center) is visiting from Columbia and they invited me to spend Sunday afternoon with them at Ayr Mount. We had a wonderful visit and walked around the lake then I practiced my new knitting technique that Umparro has convinced me will be lots faster once I learn it. I'm not believing it yet....

This is the sweater that she knitted for Max....so cute. I love these ladies. Lisetta has been an awesome friend to Traci

I haven't even talked about my buddy, Linsay that I talk to at the pool every day. I'll see if I can get a picture of her before I head outta here. I'm lovin' it here (except not the humidity and the bugs).

The eyes have it....

...for sure and I've fallen in love again with this little set of big brown eyes as I've been here this week following Jakey around in his quiet mischief. He's surely a charmer and a lover and as I caught him giving Scotty a big hug at McDonald's today, I could only take a picture with my mind and hope I get another chance to see these two little guys embraced in a spontaneous brotherly hug. He put this sack over his head and walked around like a little super-hero. Once I put the eye holes in, he didn't want it any more....but he sneaks in and checks out my little Lego Guy Light any chance he gets. It's been such a delight to get to know these two little guys again and watch them interact with their little brother, Max...reminding me ever-so-much of when I brought Mason home to two big brothers. When I get home, I'll post a picture of my three sons next to Traci's three little sons. What a trip she has ahead of her. I've enjoyed this ride for these few days I've been here and look forward to watching the journey.

Nothin' could be fina than to be in Carolina...

....and welcoming my new little grandson, Max Daniel Staheli into the world.

He's got his own welcoming committee in his two big brothers, Scotty and Jakey....

Here he is this morning, 4 days old...

Oh, the joys of social networking....

.....and through Facebook we've learned that Jeff and Erika had a little baby girl, weighing in at a whopping 9.1 lbs. Traci's Max came in at 8 lbs. 2 oz. and Nikki's Lux, a whoppin' 4 lbs. 7 oz. and doing fine. Will spend a little time in NICU but all looks good. Whew....always good to get that done. Welcome to the world, little ones. I'm outta here in a couple of hours. NC here I come!!!!!

Lot's happening today...

.....as it looks like my mom's getting possibly 3 new great grand kids. I'll keep you posted; and it's my brother's birthday. This was a picture from our trip to Salt Lake many, many years ago but a very memorable one in our family and my first time to visit the "This is the Place Monument". I'm sure I was a very caring big sister....not so much now. I hardly see the guy but I love him just the same and he's a good family man and loves golf. One of my favorite memories with my brother is when he tried to teach me to play golf. A combination of my ineptness and his impatience....well, let's just say I never did take up the game but I'd like another chance one of these days. He is a father to five and grandfather to 3, almost four as Jandee is about to deliver (I think next week) along with some other cousins in the hospital today. Our best wishes and prayers go out to Erika and Jeff, Traci and Russ, and Nikki and Jarrett on this day.

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A shout out to my brother Bruce. You can now find him driving the shuttles in Zion and it's a blast to be on his bus. He does a great job. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRO.....

Sometimes you just don't have the right name....

......which was the case with me last night. Let me back up to last week when I was taking the kids in the car and started singing "The Name Game"....a favorite song from the 60's that I often sing to the kids, using their names. George and Maycee is fine...but McKay, Emily and me....well, just too many syllables....try it..."Jillyn, Jillyn, Bo-billyn....so awkward. Emily is the same but we could shorten hers to Em, and McKay, we could shorten to Mac. Anyhoo....last night at ACAPPELLASTOCK....I got chosen, yep, you guessed it; to sing my name to "The Name Game"....and I WAS PREPARED....My name became JILL....oh, so much easier. Well, I'm here to tell ya that I about had a heart attack over it but it was sooooo fun. God made so many talented people and I got to see a gazillion of them this past weekend but He also made some extremely "appreciative patrons"....and I, for sure, am one of the most appreciative. I loved every minute of it and with my brief moment in the spotlight, I was mighty glad to turn it back over to the talented ones.

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We started out Friday night with "Dancing Under the Stars" at the Orem Scera Shell Theater, a show emceed by my favorite "Dancing With the Stars" professional, Louis Van Amstell, (click HERE to learn more about him).

I was thrilled to say the least to finally see him in person. Also, Zach Wilson was there. He used to be engaged to Julianne Hough (click HERE to see pics of him and Julianne in '07) but is now married to one of Ashley Delgrosso's sisters. I became a fan of his when he was on "Dance Wars". He was on "Team Bruno" and won it in '07. There were many other celebs from our favorite "dance shows".... and it was an amazing show. (Zach is in the lower left picture in the collage, if you are interested.)

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Saturday morning, Lauri and I went to the Provo Farmer's Market where I ran into my friend Stefinee Esplin Pinnegar. We had a nice chat, bought some tomales, had a little chips and salsa. Then, of course, it was time to head north to A Cappellastock, the "main course" of the week-end. This is my 6th year to attend and every year seems to be better than the last. It is at the Ogden Amphetheater and this year was emceed by Nathan Osmond, of Osmond Second Generation fame. I thought he was awesome. He's in the midst of a country western career, and where some of us in our group don't really appreciate that genre of music, I actually do and I really enjoyed what he brought to the whole show. Also, my friend Shannon Stapley Allen always comes through with my front row seats. I'm just sayin', if you want to get on board here, I'm happy to count you in next year. Get it on your calendar, August 20. I count down to this event more than Christmas. I appreciate James and Lauri for joining me as the A Cappellastock "groupies" so I don't have to go it alone. It's great to have "appreciative" company to share it with.

Now, I head to work tomorrow, court on Tuesday (taking care of my stolen Marverik card) and to North Carolina on Wed. as Traci is having her baby. Why am I telling you all this....because I'm narscissitic, I guess. I got to thinking as I was driving home about life....and all the "bad" things in the world, sickness, death, depression....and I am grateful that there are "fun" things still left to do to help us be happy and love life. I feel that people were given amazing talents.....and I'm grateful that times are still good enough that they can share them and we can appreciate them. It's been a great week-end. Lot's to look forward to. I do keep a prayer in my heart for my friends and loved ones that are suffering one way or another. One of my favorite quotes to end this post: "The optimist tells you the glass is "half full"; the pessimist tells you the glass is "half empty" but the engineer will tell you it's twice the size it needs to be". May we all strive to see good, be good and do good. Peace out.....and have a great week. I'm going to.

The time has come....

.....for ACAPPELLASTOCK (click to see this year's groups)...and I'm pretty much pumped to head out tomorrow to join Lauri and James, my true groupies as we head up to Ogden for an evening of theeeee most in..cred...i....ble entertainment everrrrr! Need I say more!!!

Speaking of parades......

Lauri was in one.....with a few of the neighborhood girls. Cute, huh?

...oh, and speaking of Lauri, it's her birthday tomorrow and I just need you to know that "she must've been a beautiful baby...

....'cause, baby, look at her now.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Lauri. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Aug. 18, 1983 was a pretty special day in the Wells household. A baby girl after 4 boys. Nothin' but pink, baby.....but now it's orange....and orange you glad you found James (or he found you or you found each other). It's good for this mom to see you so happy.

On this special occasion, there's one thing I want you to remember......

...so "get fancy" and have a rip-roaring good time. Celebrate big....you deserve it. Acapellastock, 4 more days!!!! See you real soon.

The world loves a parade...

....or at least I do and so did Walt Disney. I never could get any of my family to watch parades with me at Disneyland but they are still one of my favorite events and ever since I could remember, my mom took us to parades and I took my kids to parades. Now granted, our small-town parades are not anywhere to the quality of the Disney parades but they don't have to be. They are our smalltown parades with our people and our community on parade, and it's really fun to feel a part of that community pride. It was a "fair" day yesterday as I started out the day biking up to Tabernacle Street for the Washington County Parade.

It was really a pretty good parade and the kids liked getting the candy.

I liked this politician that came behind the horses and scooped the poop. It says: "Stop the manure in D. C....elect Mike Lee".)

We all liked the guys in the little cars. I'm sure my kids have all been in a parade before. Kyle marched with Dixie Middle School band, maybe Spencer did the same, I'm not sure. Lauri was in with some of the little neighbor girls dressed in their dance outfits at one time. I remember Spencer was in one of the Washington County parades with Dixie High Student Council on roller blades, I think. Anyhoo, I was in a parade once....and maybe this is why I love parades. Here I am with Charles Pitchforth, probably a Lion's Club float or something. I thought I was pretty cute. I've been in a few since; marched with the Jetettes and Rebelettes when we would really "march" the whole parade route in those dastardly boots. I guess that's enough about parades.

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I then headed to Pine Valley, just for a breath of fresh air. It sure is beautiful up there this time of year. Kyle and the kids came up and seem to always enjoy their activities in the mountains....you know, like sliding down the stairs, etc. etc. etc. Matty's not a real big fan of mowing the lawn but Kyle eventually got it done. Did I mention how beautiful it is up there? You ought to come up and see for yourself.

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I came home and met Cherrie Miller at Del Taco for one of her famous "senior citizen coupon dinners" (2 soft tacos and a drink for a buck. I need to hang out with her more often and learn a thing or three) Then we headed to the county fair to mix and mingle with the rest of the beautiful people of our county. Yep....it was a pretty "fair" day. Hope you had a great week-end. Later.....

You're never bored....

.....if you like to read (or knit) and have a good book (or a project) going. As I've mentioned before, I haven't always liked to read but I do now. I'm not an "avid" reader, in fact, quite a "picky" reader but if I find something I like, there's nothing better than being anxious to get "back to my book". I'm in a book club that meets once a month and I've really enjoyed meeting with a few girls in my area that really love to read and share what they have been reading with us. It has opened me up to some new possibilities and we don't always adore the same kinds of things but it helps us broaden our horizons as to what is out there for us to enjoy. We met last night in Pine Valley at Leslie Jennings' beautiful home and discussed a book I haven't read but actually would like to about the Hole in the Rock experience in Eastern Utah entitled "The Undaunted" by Gerald Lund. We had a good discussion about that and other things in our lives but I always come away enlightened on one thing or another.

I'm always amazed when I truly love a book and it's always good to know that someone else loves it too. I remember the day that my sister called me and told me about "Some Wildflower in my Heart" and wanted me to read it because it had pretty much blown her away and she didn't really understand her reaction to it so I read it too and it did the same to me. It is so far my, pretty much, all-time favorite book (I've read it about 6 times and listened to it a couple of times as well) and I feel like the characters are my friends. I've learned a lot of lessons from it and I think that's what I like in a book, whether fiction or non...I like to learn something. I've come to love memoirs...and I'm attracted to "first-time" authors as well just because I like to see what they have to say. I would love to hear from any of you that may be reading something that you love. I'm always open for new ideas as to what to read.

Sometimes it's good to stay home...

....because (1) I don't spend money and (2) I get a few things done which is the case today. I was busy yesterday getting ready for Nikki's baby shower. I made the cupcakes and they turned out pretty cute on my little 3 tiered serving tray.....and I had to get out (and dust off) my quilting frames that I haven't used for a gazillion years because part of the activity was to make her a quilt but no one wanted to work on it so I did it myself and I was able to finish it up today, along with a receiving blanket and burp rag to go with it. So there....as I'm waiting for my garbage disposal repairman, I did use my time wisely to get a few things done and I still need to finish reading "Eat, Pray, Love" so I can go to the movie on Friday. Enjoying the book immensely....just very interested to see how they made it into a movie. So, there you have it, kids....I'm not just sitting around watching t.v. and eating Bon Bons. I'm getting a few things done while watching t.v. and eating....(I wish I had some Bon Bons ) crackers. School started here today. It will be good to hear from everyone how it went. I think my Kentucky kids start on the 17th. Aw...I love this time of year but I think I already told you that. Maybe that's why I'm all of a sudden having this burst of energy.

You know it's a good day....

....if there's something to blog about. Blogging has been really good for me 'cause I tend to look for the "bloggables" as I go through my day and it's a good thing for anyone that happens by that I don't blog about everything I think about but I try to find the "good" and blogging has become a really good "life" tool for me in that respect in what could be a very lonely and depressing life (and sometimes it is but mostly it isn't). I saw a BYUTV commercial that shows someone giving a person a camera and telling them to find something good and take a picture of it. That's what I really like to do and today I found some really cute people that I kidnapped and took with me to Zion to see "Dispicable Me" on the IMAX screen in 3D. It was so totally awesome...I can't describe it and it was fun to be with 3 of my favorite little people. Thanks, George, Emily and Maycee for letting me steal you away from your friends for one last hurrah before school starts.

Pretty dang cute kids....even if I do say so myself!

I love, love, love 3D.................

Over 35 years of eating cake....

....and as I'm enjoying a leisurely Sunday evening at my mom's I'm thinkin' .."this has got to be the longest running tradition in our family." It's fun to watch a new generation of cousins get to know each other and eat cake.

She makes us a cake every week, bless her heart, so you do the math....that's a lot of cakes and she did it long before I started taking my family there for that delectable delicacy. We all have our favorites.... mine is this one that we had tonight. What's yours? She has to work harder at it now than in the past and I just realized that I don't show my appreciation as much as I should...so this is to my mom....a grand lady and a welcoming grandma to my kids and grand kids. It's gotta be hard on her to watch us all tear it up on Sunday nights but she wants us to keep coming or she wouldn't keep making the cakes, right? I sat out on the porch for the longest time this evening waiting for the rain and the kids, chatting with my mom. It's been raining on and off for the past 4 days and that's "big" for St. George. There has been a bit of flooding and for those who have been hit hard, I'm sad....it has been me before, but.... "when we pray for rain we have to be prepared for a little mud" and the rain has been a welcome relief.

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I got a few shots of the temple tonight on my way home...hoping to show the beautiful sky in the background.

I'm grateful on this Sunday night for my mom..... for the simple pleasures in life and for my many blessings, one of them being having this beautiful building in view from my neighborhood.

I just realized....

.....it's my favorite time of year!!! Back to school and even though I don't have school-age children, there's something about getting back to a "structure" that excites me. I was at the mall today and noticed it was abuzz with shoppers, young shoppers picking out their school clothes and I remember how exciting it was to both get new clothes when I was young and how my kids loved picking out new things for this big event. I remember having a fashion show up at my mom's one of the Sunday nights where the kids would all bring their clothes and model them for all of us. I don't know if it's that big of a deal any more but I was just thinking about it today. Also, this time of year I would be thick into making tons of tomatoe soup. I'm realizing I'm passing up my window of opportunity here pretty soon. I better get on it. This summer has just passed too quickly and though it's still hot, the weather man says it's going to cool down soon....and that will be nice. Yep....I love Fall, sitting by my fire (that's a ways away yet), knowing the children are all back where they belong (in school) and all is well. I love the smells of Fall as well, tomatoe soup cooking, the crispness in the air and the memories of the kids running in from their first day of school to report, grab a snack, change their clothes then run off to play. Good times.

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The recent passing of Mr. Petty at age 95 actually is what got me to thinking about back to school. He was always there for the kids and they loved him. He was a good man and this was in his obituary...."...one of his favorite jobs after retiring was being a crossing guard at 700 South. He enjoyed the school children and they enjoyed him". Click HERE to read the full obituary. It's good to remember these good people that were a part of our lives. He was someone the kids could count on each day. Hopefully, we can all be there for the children in some small way as we help them along in their lives.

So I like to take pictures....

.....and out of the hundreds that I took, I chose just a few and I'm not going to do a travel log right now but I am here to report that we have returned from a wonderful vacation.....of which I was privileged to be invited to go by Kyle and JoEllen.....to help with the kids of course, but also, I'm sure because it's just great to have me along...(right Evan?.... as he's constantly telling me my elbow is in his way and he can't color very good and Emily is sqwooshed in the corner of the back seat trying to get comfortable). I admit it was tight in the van....but hey, we did great, or at least I did. I loved every minute of it and I'm going to start my blog off with just a bit of an observation I made on the way home as I had time to sit and ponder the happenings of the last five days with my family. It was fun to watch them as they spent about the whole 5 days trying to figure out what souvenirs to buy. I have to tell you a bit about my very favorite one, and one that I wish I would have purchased for myself and may still try to find it because it is absolutely the most awesome little gadget ever invented. It's Evan's LegoLand head lamp and it was so cool because he could use it in the car, in the dark, on the way home. I kept waiting for him to get bored with it so I could borrow it so I could read my book and when he finished, I gently said...."...do you think Grandma could use it for a while?" He did let me and I read with it for a minute (it was wonderful and perfect) and after about 5 minutes he wanted it back. He didn't use it himself, he just wanted it back and of course I had to give it to him (I tried coaxing a few more minutes out of him but it just wasn't going to happen and I didn't blame him. I don't think I'd let anyone borrow that precious little purchase either) so I just put my book away and he put his headlight away and now I'm trying to find me one on the internet. If anyone goes to LegoLand anytime soon, please please get me one. (Wait....I just found it online). Click HERE if you want one too. I drew the analogy as it applies to my testimony.....that "I can't live on borrowed light"....I must get my own little light. (I'm doing better at reading my scriptures, I'm just sayin'.) I digress. Back to the vacation.

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No travel log....just a few pictures. We got to JoEllen's brother Brad and Ashley's house in Fullerton (oh so close to Disneyland).....the kids swam.....Kyle dropped me and Matty off at Disneyland! Ya....for real. AWESOME.....Billy Hill twice, (look how close we are to Billy. My first time in the side booth),shows, parades, fritters, fireworks.....o.k. this vacation is going well. They headed to an Angel's game. Um....who had the most fun? Here's a few pics of the fun we had....I'm tired and I'm outta here but I'm sure there'll be more later.

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These pics are way out of order. I'll have to work on that later. I'm tired. Sea World had this great ride that I hadn't been on before. I loved it.....George got so wet!!!!

Interesting choice of concession at Sea World....he ate the whole thing?

Here's my dream car....NOT....but I thought it was cute.

Sesame Street has a new little play place at Sea World. New to me anyway. It's been a while since I've been there.

I really enjoyed watching the kids play in the ocean. I do love the ocean....still a bit afraid of it but I do love watching it and listening to the waves.

The new Mormon Battalion Historical Site was amazing. We really enjoyed the tour and displays there and enjoyed some leisure time after church on Sunday. We met my neice Allison and her new husband Chris and joined them at Sacrament Meeting then headed out to the Museum. I highly recommend it to anyone traveling to San Diego.

I'm just enjoying the balmy weather, the view and my grand kids on the porch at the Museum.

Evan had his 4th birthday on Saturday and we celebrated at LegoLand.

Kyle and George on the Samurai at LegoLand. Crazy.....

A great way to cool off in the heat of the afternoon at LegoLand.

More LegoLand craziness.....

A stop at Seaport Village isn't complete without a trip to the Hat Shop.

Our last day and a leisurely stop at Seaport Village and a ferry ride across to Coronado.

It was a beautiful day for a boat ride and you know how I love the front row....

For me, a lot of the fun of a vacation is to see and try new things, meeting new people and imagining myself living in such exotic places....but when it comes right down to it, there's no place like home. Thanks, Kyle for inviting me along and for getting us all home safely.