Idaho Penningtons

Happy Birthday Steve!

2012-02-06T11:09:00.000-08:00

“I am satisfied that happiness in marriage is not so much a matter of romance as it is an anxious concern for the comfort and well-being of one’s companion. Any man who will make his wife’s comfort his first concern will stay in love with her throughout their lives and through the eternity yet to come” From Gordon B. Hinckley

He's the greatest husband & father! It is hard to really celebrate his birthday because he is soooooo busy! He had a ward conference, interviews, got called into the ER multiple times and it was the super bowl! We managed to have his Birthday dinner of Hamburgers and some Keylime pie and mudslide ice-cream about 6:00 just in time to watch the end of the Super Bowl with him:) Get ready family....... Next year Darren and Steve turn 50! Laurel and I are thinking a trip or cruise to New Zealand might need to be in the plans! Or Disney just announced a 12 day cruise in Europe!

Sister's Trip

2012-02-06T11:00:00.000-08:00

This year our sister's trip was to Disneyland and we all signed up and ran a 5K at 10:30pm - Crazy time for a 5K. It was a fast and fun weekend! I love my Sister's and Sister-in-laws! My Mom was a trooper. A few years ago she was diagnosed with Parkinsons and it has really slowed her down. We talked her into letting us push her in the wheel chair and boy did she have a 5K WILD RIDE! Shannon, Mindy and I took turns pushing her and we only ran into one person. oops! There were over 4000 people running this 5K. It was like a Cattle Drive so it was hard to run with a wheelchair and maneuver around people. But we did our best! HAHAHA I think my mom kept her eyes closed most of the run! My sister Shannon is sooooo competitive she almost didn't let our poor little mom take a bathroom stop half way because it would wreck our time! HAHAHAHA We teased her the rest of the weekend for that one! We did great ended up about 38 min with a bathroom stop and pushing a wheel chair! My mom said she felt like she had been on a motorcycle ride! :) She was a good sport! We spent the next day playing at Disney and California Adventure & stayed up late talking! It was a Great Weekend and I miss everyone! I think we should do it once a month!:)

Here we are before the race

DISNEYLAND with NO kids! Who knew it would be So fun!

my mom crossing the finish line

A quick beach trip - it's part of being a Johnson - You LOVE the Ocean!

Dirty Bear trying to eat my food!

Sweet P.

2012-01-13T14:16:00.000-08:00

This last birthday wasn't one to really blog about. We were traveling home from Utah and I was SOOOOOOO sick. Not fun, not fun at all. I was laying across seats in the airport, making sure I was always close to a bathroom. Finally made it home just in time to take a bath and GO TO BED. I didn't get out of bed for 2 days. But there is a story I couldn't forget about my sweet little Grace P.
She has a hard time being the little one because she always wants to do GRAND gestures for people but doesn't always have the resources or abilities to accomplish them. So on my birthday she was already feeling so sad because no one reminded her it was my birthday or took her shopping for a present AND I was sick. So when we finally got home I probably wouldn't appreciate her making me a cake. But she found a way to make my Birthday VERY special.
During our layover in Phoenix, while I was laying again on the airport seats waiting to board our flight, I gave Grace and Savannah some money to get some food. Grace came back without food but a little package wrapped in a paper sack and card. She had spent her money in the gift shop:) She bought me a little souvenir from Arizona! HAHAHA I love that kid! She keeps telling me she is sorry for not getting me anything good! That little desert snowglobe is probably one of my most treasured possesions:)

New Year.......New Life

2012-01-12T12:01:00.000-08:00

My little sister Mindy got married this last weekend to Trevor Ashdown. He became a husband and father to my sister's three children. The kids LOVE him. I am sure it will be an adjustment for him, but he seems up for the task. The day did not start out so great. Her 6 year old son was throwing up and the lights we had put up the night before were falling down AND she forgot the ring. HAHAHA But she was pretty calm through all of it! Everything turned out Beautiful. I love seeing my sisters happy! It was so great to see so much family!

My sister's new family

Cute cousins

I LOVE my grandchildren!!!!

I love my sisters! This time one sister left on a honeymoon and another left to NYC so my baby sister shannon and I just stayed up really late EVERY night just laughing and she got me hooked up on Instagram! HAHA

request a DO OVER.......

2012-01-04T10:30:00.000-08:00

I LOVED this Christmas Holiday! Could we please do it again! All my kids and grandkids were home and we had the BEST time! We ate tons of food, played lots of games (new favorite is Balderdash), shopped, worked (Steve took David to work a few days), Basketball, dartgun fights, movies and just really enjoyed each other.

Grace waited for Lauren to make the gingerbread house because Lauren LOVES to do everything that is associated with the Holidays!

They wanted to help David feel at home so they dedicated the gingerbread house in his honor. GOOF BALLS!

Addison and Weston love playing the piano

Addison loves to help Grandma do EVERYTHING!

Jackie with the help of Grace made us a 7 course Italian dinner for Christmas - they had to start a few days ahead making all the preparations

Home made pasta! YUM I don't have pictures of the dinner but it was DELICIOUS!

Annual Christmas Eve Movie goers! Movies this year were Chipmunks and Sherlock

Christmas Eve at the Mosmans was again Fabulous! I love the punch but this year Kim also made Cotton Candy ...... I think my new favorite!

Yep - they are still very much in love and goofy! And WE LOVED having them home!

Christmas Eve Jammies! Some of our Christmas Eve traditions are to write down in card what our present to Jesus will be for the year and put it on the tree. We use the same card and add the year and what you will give. It is always fun to look at back at what you have given in years past. We also read the Christmas Story out of the Scriptures. This year Instead of reading out of the Scriptures, Steve had each of us take part of the Nativity and see what we could learn about each person and share it. It was really insightful to hear all that everyone had learned.

Lauren can not miss out on family traditions, so since David is such a good sport, they slept with the other kids on Christmas eve!

The Cute Schwartz family on Christmas morning!

David and Lauren gave Grace a GIANT bear. Addison and Grace love to snuggle on that ENORMOUS animal!

BEST part of Christmas!

New Years Eve we had a Just Dance Tournament but I can't remember who the winner was because there was a little bit of controversy and I don't think our bracket was very good, HAHAHA

I barely made it to the gym because I just wanted to stay home every morning and love these little cuties!

Had to document the many early morning basketball practices both Sav and Derek had during the holiday!

and last but not least DEREK GOT HIS BRACES OFF! YAH!! He was so happy he even let me take a picture!

Officially graduated to the BLUES!

2011-12-22T18:27:00.000-08:00

After 16 years on the bunny hill we finally graduated to the blue runs (intermediate for you non-skiers). Grace has been doing a blue or two each day but this trip was totally blue! Can I get a WHA WHA! We skied all together as a family for the whole morning! It was beautiful! It was a great way to start our Christmas Vacation! Lauren and David flew in on Monday and joined our ski trip! It is so good to have everyone home! Jackie and Justin and the babies come tomorrow!

1st time all of us at the top of the Mt. Schwietzer

Isn't this Beautiful!

Grace skiing down the back side

Steve and Savvy

Lauren decided to try skiing again after boarding for the lasts 5 years. She did great!

Christmas at Schwietzer Mt.

Giving Thanks

2011-12-01T20:35:00.000-08:00

We just had the best weekend! The grandchildren were here. We had a great dinner. We even watched some Bear Basketball. We missed Lauren and David they were in California with the Parkers:( But we get them for Christmas! YAH!

Addison had a Turkey outfit! So Cute!

Grace got out Addison's Christmas present early and she loved pushing Weston around! HA

She is sooo funny! Weston LOVED it!

Watching Uncle Derek's basketball game

Savannah playing some hoops!

Yep - The whole family is #11 this year

High scorer for the game - 19 points

Truancy at its Finest

2011-11-20T20:00:00.000-08:00

Our Elementary School does a race called the Turkey Trot right before the Thanksgiving break - if you have been reading our blog long you can go back to each year in November and get the results. They put a child from each grade and they race around the playground to a crowd of cheering students and parents and they each get a number of how they finished for their grade and take it back to their team. They add it all up and Viola..... You have a winner and everyone on the team gets a free turkey. Well most of my kids LOVED it. They use to not make everyone be on a team. If you didn't want to you could just watch but it is no longer a choice! So Grace did NOT want to participate and so she skipped school. Lucky duck - on the day she gets to skip school is the first REAL snow fall and she and her friend stayed home and played all day in it! Like Lauren said "Lucky little Snow Duck!" HAHA
They actually are called the McDonald Elementary Ducks!

and then there was one ........

2011-10-28T13:48:00.000-07:00

It seems I have always lived in a house FULL of people. I am #3 in a family of a million and left that chaos to marry Steve - we filled up our house with chaos and I am starting to realize I may not have chaos for very much longer. When my kids were little and people would tell me I will miss those days of chaos, I was very skeptical. But I think they are right! I think I love chaos! OK - the reason for all this deep reflection is because this week on Family Night we carved pumpkins. YEP you guessed it, only one child showed up:( So Grace and Steve carved pumpkins. I remember being extremely stressed when we found out (surprise!) I was pregnant with Grace. Who knew she would save me from a premature empty nest! Derek also turned 18. He had a great birthday and now as he said "he can legally buy cigarettes!" What a goof ball! He loves to tease me! One year from now and he will be on a mission! AHHHHHH! It seems life is in Fast forward - except Thanksgiving is taking forever to get here! (that's when I get to see my grandchildren again!) Also ........ I know a lot of information today........ Grace was in the Monster Mash at McDonald School. My LAST CHILD to participate before she moves on to the middle school next year!

Thank goodness for good ol' DAD!

Grace smiling like a pumpkin - Don't ya just love that little face!

Only picture I could sneak of the 18 year old! HA

My cute little twister game

Grace and her friends getting ready for the Monster mash- Mckenna was a lamp, Ashley was a peacock and Rachel was the cookie monster.

Monster Mash

Seeing the girls;)

2011-10-13T10:53:00.001-07:00

The kids had fall break last week so we headed to Utah to see everyone! Savannah had to stay home because she had volleyball and missed a few games because she just spent the weekend before out there helping David and Lauren enjoy their wedding present she gave them - Taylor Swift tickets- yes she also got herself one. Ha.
We had a GREAT time seeing everyone! I miss everyone! So an update on everyone....
Jackie and Justin are just doing great! Justin just passed his check ride to be a commercial pilot! Yay! Now he is working on his CFI so he can teach! He is working really hard and will graduate this year and then teach flying so he can get hours. After he gets 1000 hours in he will apply to the airlines!;). Jackie is the BEST mom! The kids are just thriving. She is busy with play groups and doctor appointments! She also introduce Grace to the cricut- which now she is obsessed with having one!
Lauren and David are also doing great! They have really hard schedules this semester. But they have almost every class together!;) Lauren LOVES living with her study partner! They live in the upstairs of a cute little one bedroom house and have it fixed up really cute! Their living room has a big long cardboard table and two office chairs where they study. ;) Good thing lauren married a good student! Derek and his friend Dane stayed with the newlyweds and ESPN was the only channel they watched and David commented how great it was to get to watch so much ESPN (he loves it and apparently with Lauren in the house he doesn't get to watch as much as he use to!) The boys later were talking about how crazy that would be to love someone so much you wouldn't watch ESPN! Hahaha We also got to see all my sisters! I love those girls! They are the best!

At David and Lauren's House Grace has her own plate and cup that no one else can use but her! HA So at midnight the night before we leave she HAS to make Brownies so she can eat on it! HAHAHA this is her eating a brownie and milk at midnight! what a goof ball!

How Lauren and Grace feel about leaving each other!

Went to a Haunted house and ended up sitting next to the Chainsaw Massacre guy! AHHHHH!

sleep over with cousins!

Jackie and Grace working with the Cricut

Derek, Dane & David playing at jump on it

jump on it

Right before going into the Haunted house!

Taylor Swift concert with the newlyweds!

Washington D.C.

2011-10-09T20:29:00.000-07:00

The Vandals football team (University of Idaho) were playing in Virginia this last weekend so I tagged along with Steve and we spent a day in Washington D.C. We tagged along with an Assistant to Senator Risch's office and toured the Capital building, saw a few monuments and walked through a few of the Smithsonian Museums. It was a great day. Sometimes I get so frustrated with politics but it was really inspiring. Our country has always compromised to get the work the done! Here's to hoping they can continue to get the work done.

#14 - Bringing the HEAT!

2011-09-27T19:53:00.000-07:00

After taking a year or so off Savannah decided to try out for the Freshman Volleyball team. She of course made it. (don't let her sweet little personality fool you....... she is competitive!) She is doing GREAT! She is fun to watch and cheer for! She has a great serve, an awesome hit and is great at playing the net! GO BEARS!!!

Day of Service

2011-09-24T12:17:00.000-07:00

Today was our day of service throughout our stake and instead of doing a big project together, we were all asked to find our own service to provide in our communities. Our family helped out with the Alzheimer's walk to raise money for research and find a cure. We woke up bright and early and helped put up signs and banners before the walk started and then walked the 3 miles to help support the cause.

Alzheimer’s is the only cause of death among the top 10 in America without a way to prevent, cure, or even slow its progression.
Deaths from Alzheimer’s increased 66 percent between 2000 and 2008, while deaths from other major diseases, including the number one cause of death (heart disease), decreased.

Grace with one of the signs.

We put signs all along the path that had info on alzheimers

Walking the walk

A little confession........

2011-09-19T13:56:00.000-07:00

I have never been a fair/carnival lover. In fact my children can tell you many stories of driving by a carnival or a fair and really wanting to go and me telling them, "We weren't invited". Okay, Okay, I know that's not very nice. (This is also not my confession.) Well my beautiful lie all came to an end one year when Jackie was, I believe in 4th grade, and found out from a friend, that ANYONE could go you didn't have to be invited. I just don't like all the spinning around rides, dirt, dirty people, wasting money and gross animals. So every year my neighbor and I fight over who has to take the little girls. This year was my year, but lucky for me I have a Fair Lover in my family!!!! My Son-in-Law Justin!!!! YAH for Justin! He took the girls to the fair! So the greatest part about that is, he brought my Grandchildren with him. So here is the confession........ We met Justin and the girls for dinner at the fair and guess what I found out I have been missing ALL THESE YEARS OF NOT GOING TO THE FAIR??????? SHAVED ICE! For those of you who don't know this- I LOVE SHAVED ICE! It is like eating PERFECTION! Now Shaved ice is not to be confused with Snow cones - Those I don't like. Okay the real confession is I went to the fair 4 times to get it! HAHAHA actually I dropped off Savannah & Jackie and made them buy it for me and then picked them up 4 times. I CAN'T WAIT for the fair to come back! HA

The perfect Son-in Law taking my daughter to the Fair!

Mackenzie and Grace enjoying the wonderful - spinning rides at the fair.

PURE PERFECTION!

Savvy lovin' on Weston

Addison's new favorite toy at Grandma's house. She pounds and Weston dances to the music she is making! SOOOOO cute!

Pennington Peru Trip

2011-09-15T20:08:00.000-07:00

Our Stake is having a day of service on September 24th and each family is suppose to find their own service. I wish we could take a trip back to Peru. It was so intense and rewarding. I think it changed us all. So I will find us something to do -I have ben thinking probably not as life changing - until I came across this quote by Mother Teresa "We can do no great things, only small things with great love." I also heard this great story of a woman who for her 34th birthday went and did 34 acts of kindness. My attitude has changed and although our trip to Peru was a great way to give service, what ever service we give here in our community will be just as needed.

Goodbye Summer ........

2011-09-07T14:19:00.000-07:00

We spent our last weekend of the summer at the lake over Labor Day. This summer went by way to quickly! It was a great summer just not a lot of time spent at the lake! Even with out an abundance of time spent we did accomplish some great things: Grace can now dive off the diving board, Derek beamed with pride when his sisters -Lauren with some fabulous grabs & Savannah caught some great air on the wakeboard, David learned to surf the North Idaho way and I even made it out of the wake on the wakeboard. We missed our annual Johnson Family Reunion and Jackie, Justin and the grandkids never made it up this year. Next year we have big plans on spending every moment possible up there! And introducing our Grandchildren to the LakeHouse! We heard Steve talk about putting up the Trampoline next year! YAH! But with the Labor Day clean up comes the change of seasons. On to Football, Volleyball, Basketball and don't forget our favorite past time up here in the north SKI SEASON!!!!

It looks so lonely when we put everything away!

Okay 3 things.......

2011-08-31T21:09:00.000-07:00

1. Usually I am the parent yelling YAHOO on this the first day of school. Today I was sad. Why? I'm not really sure. Could be....... my baby started her last year at the elementary school. Could be ...... I have another senior who just as I am starting to like him again he will leave me and probably go to Utah by everyone else in this family who has left me.

2. I finally went to the Doctor about my foot (yes my husband) and he gave me a little thing to put in my shoe and it really worked! YAH for Doctors! I ran 3 miles today and barely even felt my foot. The rest of me did not fair as well..... I haven't run in a month! It will be good to get back to the gym.

3. I miss my married girls! Come home! Christmas is really too far away before I have my whole family together again!

Grace and Mackenzie ready for school

The group heading off to school

Freshmen!!

He seriously won't let me take any pictures! What a goof! Off to his Senior year! I love Savvy! She'll take a picture anytime!!! HAHAHA

Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability

2011-08-27T21:46:00.000-07:00

Well summer is coming to a close and since I use this blog as a family history I need to catch up on all of the many fabulous things we did besides the wedding in the last month.

Wedding week - We spent some time with cousins at Huntington Beach

We sure love the ocean

Wedding week- we also spent a day with cousins at Disneyland

My cute little Grand children and their first time to Disneyland!

all the Johnson Cousins went to the temple and did baptisms

Grandpa and his Granddaughters

Grandpa and his Grandsons

Wedding week - Also went to the San Diego Zoo

Aunt Jera at the Zoo

Sav took some friends up to lake

Lake time with the Newlyweds

David Surfing

This is how Grace keeps herself entertains herself while everyone surfs & wakeboards....... We call it Monkey girl.

Grace skiing

Derek working the slalom

Grace & Mackenzie

tubing - Lauren looks a little nervous! Derek does that to her.

My two favorite people! This summer was good for seeing my grandbabies!

Derek brought his buddy Dane and his little brother Jake up to the lake for the week. They played about 1 million games of monopoly along with plenty of water sports.

bit·ter·sweet (btr-swt): adj. Producing mixture of pain and pleasure

2011-08-24T16:59:00.000-07:00

Raising children is bittersweet. We want our children to find someone wonderful to share their life and eternity with. But when they do what they have been taught it really tugs at your heart. Today we watched Lauren and David drive off to their new life together. We were both happy and sad. We know they will be successful together. You can't be around them very long and not feel the love they have for each other and see how much fun they make everything. We will miss them. Our family is continually changing. Derek was sitting on the dock today and started saying that this time next year he could be waiting for a mission call! WAIT! WHAT? Where does the time go!

Wedding Video

2011-08-21T09:35:00.000-07:00

This is so GREAT! Can't wait to get the whole Movie!

http://vimeo.com/27951460

Other things ........ not related to the wedding

2011-08-18T14:42:00.000-07:00

Grace turned 10!!!! We celebrated by going out to lunch at wingers and she got a new bike! My camera battery was of course dead so we didn't get any pictures! It's sad when your the baby of the family! She even got a phone call from Lauren & David on their honeymoon! Things I love about Grace .......
She is always smiling.
She is always doing cartwheels.
She has 1 million friends.
She loves her animals.
She is the best sister.
She loves to cook.
and she is the GREATEST KID!

In other news ........ Savannah made the Freshman Volleyball Team! Which is pretty great since she didn't even play last year and missed the entire summer when they were all practicing! She is very athletic and tall! GO BEARS!

The Biggest news in the family is that Derek at the very last moment .......(Sunday night before 2 a days started) Decided not to play Football! (okay I know I shouldn't be so excited!) He is just going to get ready for Basketball which he loves! If you remember - last year he did not play even after a lot of pressure from his team and coaches. So all year they have been talking him into it- he even went to team camp with them this summer. He was not looking forward to it at all but he didn't want to let his friends and coaches down. But he really doesn't want to play and he doesn't want to get hurt before Basketball starts. Now He is so happy and ready to go spend next week up at the lake! His buddies and his coaches and many school mates are not so happy about that.

Families are Forever

2011-08-16T13:39:00.000-07:00

What a great day! We feel very fortunate to have been able to witness our 2nd daughter get sealed in the temple for Time and all Eternity. I remember when Lauren was born holding her and looking at her and just hoping her life would be filled with happiness and success. Saturday when I saw her kneeling across the alter from her true love - That memory came back to me! She was a very happy bride! I tell my children all the time the Key to happiness - is to only worry about things that have eternal consequences and with everything else just do your best and let it go. She must have been listening!
We are excited to officially welcome David into our family! It was great to meet so many family and friends who know him so well and told us what a great man our daughter married!
We had over 75 family members there to help us celebrate! To be surrounded by so many loved ones who took the effort to come from all over was so fun! WE LOVE OUR FAMILIES! Below are just some of the snapshots from the day! Can't wait to get the Professional ones!

Addison Clapping for the newlyweds

They love her!

Ivy

some of the Johnson Cousins

some of the flower girls

I love these goof balls!

Some of the Penningtons

It was a beautiful Day

Mother and Father of the Bride

Family Photo

they love their brother!

Jackie and Weston

They were getting tired

Have some cake David!

1st Dance

Coke bottle vases that said Mr. and Mrs. Parker

One of the tables before the reception started

Lauren and some of her flower girls

Her BFF from BYU gave a toast with Sparkling cider

David's BFF giving a toast

charlee and grace toasting

What a great day!

North to ALASKA

2011-08-07T07:16:00.000-07:00

Wedding week starts today! We leave for California (driving of course we estimate about 22 hours) in a few hours so I of course can't sleep so I decided to catch you up on our trip to Alaska. We took a 7 day Disney Cruise through the inside passage. The weather was pretty good for us. Don't get me wrong it was cold (they have icebergs in their ocean for heavens sake!) but we never had rain and we even had sunshine. I decided it was best just to tell it by pictures.

When we arrived in Vancouver my resourceful brother found out that a limo was cheaper than 2 taxis - so our trip started out in a limo. (I think he is just use to SO CAL and all those celebrities and he secretly wishes he WAS mickey mouse!)

We stayed at this great hotel right where the Disney boat docks.

Cutest Grandparents on the ship!

First order of Business on the ship is to PARTY. So David Got called up to represent the rest of us! we were so proud!

Some of the group - behind them is actually a bridge we just went under leaving Vancouver.

These were our professional videographers we took along!

Grace trying out the Mickey Slide

Although it was cold outside the pool was a warm 88 degrees and one of the perks of an Alaskan cruise ...... No one goes swimming! So we always had plenty of room in the pools! We're not afraid of a little cold weather! HA

I found this handsome devil on the ship!

The scenery was beautiful.

The lovebirds - just always kissing! hahaha Lauren had to force David to take a kissing picture!

One of the perks of a Disney Cruise is you get to have Breakfast with the Big guy!

Haley and Grace just hanging out

Glacier day was COLD! But we got so close and the scenery was incredible!

Yes those are iceburgs just floating in the ocean

Grandma keeping everyone warm on Glacier day!

Grandpa LOVED this cruise

The color didn't turn out well on this photo but the water is light GREEN and yes that is how big the iceburgs are that is a BIG boat next to it.

The glacier was unbelievable. Photos do not do it justice. But that is a HUGE boat next to it. And yes we did see part of the glacier break off and fall into the ocean and cause a HUGE wave for that boat.

In Skagway the 4 of us took a helicopter tour and saw some glaciers up close. I was a little nervous because the wind was really blowing that day and I have been in Steve's little plane in wind and it is quite bumpy but we didn't feel anything in the Helicopter.

Taking off

Later that day we took the kids on a 7 mile hike - wasn't our intention but we ended up really enjoying the Alaska wild that day! HA

Derek of course fell in the water right before this - that is what all the cheering is about!

Hiking is NOT Savannah's Favorite. Quote "What happened to doing fun stuff for our shore excursions." hahaha

Good thing the next day in Juneau we only did fun stuff for her birthday! We walked right by this Nissan. Some of you may not know but Savannah was born in a SUV just like this. What a crazy thing to find it on her birthday. So we of course had to take a picture.

In Juneau we also went panning for Gold. Derek was more interested in throwing boulders into the river. But the good news is I did get his gold!

Steve finding me some Gold!

If you squint you can see it!

There is so much you have to use an eye dropper to get it! HA

I was a natural!

Here is Grandpa Celebrating Savannahs Birthday! 15 years old - where does the time go!

Lots of Singing and cheering for SAV P

Ketchikan was our last stop

We watched a logger show of course we knew my dad could have done all that stuff and probably better!

Me and my cute Dad

Derek and Diana. I made him continually tell me who his favorite sibling was the entire trip. You'll never guess the answer. ME - because I was the only who went to the FROZEN NORTH. ha No actually we couldn't have had better weather and don't tell him but I really had fun!

Oh don't be deceived by their angelic faces -These two are a hoot! They just love each other and cause so much trouble! Actually I think the one in the white shirt is the team leader!

Someone always has to put on a show! This time it was Lauren while we were all waiting for a Movie to start!

This is one of our Waiters - Rodrigo who put up with all the chanting and cheering and brought 1 million smoothies to our table every night!

Well he had to know it was coming........ You don't take your sister on an ALASKAN cruise for your 50th birthday and not have a surprise celebration! We all wore black and commemorated the death of his Youth!

The whole crew! The kids gave you're so old toasts - some of my favorites were "You're so old when you were young rainbows were black and white!" or "You're so old your birth certificate says EXPIRED" . We went around the table a few times and everyone got to toast uncle Derek! It was GREAT fun! My siblings all sent toasts also- so through out the dinner I would read one of theirs! It was a great way to celebrate such a great big brother!

We of course had to sneak in a few days at the lake before we leave for the wedding. Here is Savannah getting some air.

Derek had never been so proud of his sisters - they were just catching air right and left! Here is Lauren bringing a tear to her brothers eye.

Of course he couldn't be shown up!

And no lake trip would be complete with out some tubing!

or hanging out watching stupid You-tubes like the new favorite BABY MONKEY

As busy as I claim to be, I still have the greatest job in the world!

2011-07-17T13:36:00.000-07:00

We started out the week celebrating Grace's birthday. I know, I know her birthday isn't for a month. We will be just getting home from the wedding and getting ready for the reception and I didn't want her to feel like we had to hurry and get her birthday overwith - so we celebrated a month early and took some friends up to the lake for a sleepover!

regardless of how cold the water STILL is - they went swimming

They were so much fun!

We saw Cars 2 in 3D

I have done so much travel planning for the kids this summer. Kids are coming and going every week! This week as the travel agent I should be fired. Lauren was suppose to fly to Utah to meet David and look for apartments and have the final fitting for her Wedding Dress. Well........ I took her to the wrong airport to fly out (in my defense we have 3 airports we can fly out of) and needless to say she missed her flight and it was the last one out for the night from any airport within100 miles. NOT GOOD! So her Dad came to the rescue AGAIN! He flew her the next morning and all worked out well. Glad to report that - Laurens Dress is finished and on its way with David to California, David and Lauren have a place to live and the best news of all was WE GOT TO SEE THE BABIES!!!! Since we had to fly Lauren out to Utah we all tagged along and visited with Jackie & Justin for a day! YAH! Okay I know what your thinking.......I would think that too........ but really it was all an accident that worked out in my benefit! ha

sleeping the flight away

Grandpa and Addison doing some light reading

OK she is the funniest - she would keep closing her eyes like the flash was hurting her eyes! HAHAHA There was no flash!

Weston LOVES to stand up!

Weston loving his daddy and Savannah sneaking in the picture! She has also been gone for 2 weeks. The first week at EFY and this last week she was at Jackie and Justins - we were so glad to see her! We miss her!

Derek has been out at my Brother Darren's in South Carolina. They have had a GREAT time. WAIT is that my son smiling in a picture......... is my brother the child whisperer?

Nope I guess not! HAHA

4th of July ...... At least it didn't Snow!

2011-07-05T22:19:00.000-07:00

This has got to be the coldest start to summer we have had in a long time! The sun was shining all weekend and I think the temp may have hit a high 80 degrees! Needless to say the water is still only in the low 60's. Still too cold for me! We had a great time up at the lake! Some did swim a little, we did some surfing, wakeboarding, kayaking and lots of eating! I did beat everyone but Steve in Ping Pong. I know surprised everyone! HA Steve also finished up his IFR rating (pilot talk for flying with instruments.) It was great to just sit around and do nothing but play! I know, I know we only have a little over a month until the wedding! That is why I had to come home! HAHA
All we needed to make it the perfect weekend, would have been Jackie & Justin and the babies!

Savannah on the Sea doo

Goofballs messing around

Derek got a sunburn and had to spend some time in the shade! No one believed me that you could get a sunburn even if it wasn't hot! ha

She even caught this!

making a Grace pyramid

We got a smaller surfboard that you can do tricks with....... just give him a few days and he will have some to show!

Doing a little Kayaking

Gotta love the flag girl!

David catching some air

These two play an intense game of Ping Pong. Right after Derek beat Steve I beat Derek! HAHA He was not happy about that.

Watching Fireworks right off our Deck

Neighbors on both sides had great shows!

It all started with a KISS

2011-06-29T15:24:00.000-07:00

We have been blessed through out our lives to have the greatest of friends! Two of my friends (Ricki & Sarah) threw a Bridal shower for Lauren last night and it was a full house with so many of our friends! It was so fun! David even skyped in for a game where Lauren was asked questions and David had to guess what she would answer. It was really fun because not very many of our friends have met David. He was a great sport! Lauren got soooo many LOVELY gifts from soooo many LOVELY friends! She just had the greatest time!

Filled up the house!

Skyping in for the party! I love technology!

Favorite gift of the night! Poptarts and Chocolate milk so David won't starve to death! HAHAHA

Our Adopted Grandma Carma! We were so happy she could make it!

Lauren and some of her girlfriends!

Bring on the Sunscreen.......finally

2011-06-26T07:51:00.000-07:00

Okay.....could be a little premature. The high today was 70 (sad we were soooo hot!), water temp was 58 (did not feel good!) But we put the boat in and opened up the lakehouse! Woot! Woot! Savannah, Grace and Steve all braved the elements and did a little swimming. The term swimming used loosely with water temp so low, hypothermia symptoms come on quickly. HA Northern Idaho has had the LONGEST winter! So even 70 seemed so lovely! But we are hoping by putting in the boat and putting on the swimming suits that summer will now come!

view from the front deck


1st time out in the boat for the year - Yes that is Grace with a blanket, but you do what you have to do to start summer. Lauren sporting a lovely Swim Sweatshirt (sad there could actually be a market for that here in Northern Idaho! ha)

MVP

2011-06-21T22:14:00.000-07:00

Derek's Varsity Basketball team played in a tournament this last weekend in Boise. It is a great tournament because they see a lot of the teams that they will face at State this coming year. The Boys did Great! They took 2nd place and Derek got the MVP award. He played great! Scored ALOT! It is really fun to watch these boys. They have been playing basketball together since 4th grade. They are working hard this summer and besides taking over the NBA they want to win State this year.

The boys have been riding in the Team bus (15 passenger van) for many years! Pam (the driver) is a saint to always drive the boys to the tournaments! They are getting so big there isn't much room like there use to be.

A little back heavy! HAHAHA

Grace swimming in the pool

Sav and Kennedy enjoying the sun in between games.

4th grade

Crazy how fast time flies!

Through the eyes of a mother

2011-06-12T19:55:00.000-07:00

Mother's see their children not as they are but what they will become.

Lauren went to the temple this weekend to receive her endowments. It was so wonderful! Jackie drove up on Wednesday to be here for her little sisters big day which is really great because when she comes she brings the two peanuts with her! David and his parents made the long trip north to join us in the temple also!
While I was sitting in the temple in the middle of my girls a song kept running through my head ......

Am I teaching my daughter of Esther and Ruth.
That there is beauty in virtue and comfort in truth.
like Heleman's warriors will her victory be
through the things that she learned at her mother's knee.

The months and the Years slip so quickly away.
She's becoming right now what she'll be someday.
Today she's a child but tomorrow she's grown.
Will she know how to lead a child of her own.

So quickly, so quickly they grow then there gone
does she have courage and vision to see
for their failures and triumphs so often depend
on the faith that they learned at their mother's knee.

I was so touched and so pleased to have two of my children in the temple with me. What a wonderful thing to know they are living their lives in such a way that they are worthy to be in the temple. What great examples they are to their siblings and cousins! We are so lucky that our daughters have chosen such good men to spend their lives with. Men that will take them to the temple and just really adore our daughters. Steve even said he kinda felt sorry for Savannah and Grace because it will be really hard to find someone that will measure up to the two son in laws we have.

My two girls

I am so excited for these kids!

The greatest thing about Jackie are these little cute guys she brings with her!

Weston hanging out with his mama

The cat LOVES addison!

She really does love the cat! It is always attacking her!

A new blogger in the family

2011-06-03T23:36:00.000-07:00

The soon to be Parker family started their own blog. Be sure to check out the tab "her side" She tells her story of how Prince charming came to her rescue. (but in smart chemistry talk) You will really enjoy it!

http://www.2parkers1happylife.blogspot.com

www.2parkers1happylife.blogspot.com

Memorial Day Weekend

2011-05-31T16:31:00.000-07:00

Before the weekend started Grace had her Spring Show at the Gym and did GREAT!
At the last minute we decided to go to Oregon for the holiday. We were able to see Steve's great Aunt Marie who is not doing very well since she broke her hip. She is in her 90's and they don't think she will last very much longer so we decided to go and see her. We also got to visit with Grandma Green (Steve's Grandma), Steve's brother Don and their family, his brother Mike and his family, Steve's mom and dad and my dad. It was a great visit and we even ended up with a new family member. My nephews found an abandon kitten at Grandma Greens house and so Grace begged and pleaded her Daddy (he really can't say no to his daughters) and we have a new kitten that came home with us. For the first 2 hours of the trip she cried and cried and clawed and clawed but then she settled down and bonded with Grace for the next 8. THANK GOODNESS! We were all about to go nuts! Derek calls her Jimmer but I think her name will be Bella (that's what the rest of us call her). She follows me around everywhere crying unless I hold her ......... When is summer vacation????

Floor Routine - Just wait for her to be in the Olympics!

dismount off the bars

Look at that air!

4 blues and a red. That's my girl!

Playing games with the cousins

Playing something- not sure what but it was very loud!

LOVE these girls! Jeavoni just got back from Italy where she was a exchange student and is now hoping to get accepted to a design school over there! We loved looking at all her pictures!! Savannah is hoping she gets accepted so she can go and visit!

Grandma Pat and Grandpa Jerry

Grandpa Johnson

Grandpa explaining his new contraption

Yep- His own version of the Bio -dome. Actually I think it is more of a Hyro-dome. My favorite was when he went to turn it on to show how it worked and told everyone to stand back because he wasn't sure what was going to happen! HAHAHA I love my dad!

our newest member of the family - Bella or Jimmer depending on who you ask

Bella rode home with us from Grandma and Grandpa's 10 hours! Good thing she likes Grace!

What a GREAT weekend!

2011-05-23T10:08:00.000-07:00

We just had the GREATEST weekend! All the kids were here! Jackie, Justin and the babies came into town and we introduced David to Northern Idaho. Jackie had her 5 year cancer check and all is clear! I LOVE THOSE WORDS! The Dr. was even impressed with her new lung capacity........ she has been working out! (such a good girl!) We went to see Wicked on Saturday and then just had a fabulous Sunday. David left on Sunday night ...... Yes, now Lauren is grumpy. The babies left this morning.........Yes, now I'm grumpy. HA We loved having everyone!

The weekend started with Lauren giving Derek a Haircut........ No Lauren has never given a haircut before. I guess boys don't care about small things like experience.

Surprisingly it turned out well...... except for the small shaved part behind his ear where the clippers got away from her. OOPS! We just kept telling him no one really looks there anyway. HA

One of our old Neighbors Jesse (Miller) Olsen came and stayed with us while her husband was taking the MCAT and brought her cute baby Oliver. It was fun to catch up with their family and hear how well everyone is doing!

Grace was in the Ward Talent show and did an Excellent Job!

Wicked was such a GREAT show! We really enjoyed it!

Grace was the greatest and gave her ticket to David so Lauren wouldn't have to choose between spending time with David and seeing the show! David was a great sport and just tagged along on Girl day!

The problem was ....... We never fed the poor boy!

We LOVE these little cuties!

He really hates pictures! HA He is always smiling until you take out a camera!

Aunt Grace is a Favorite!

I had to take this picture....... I have never seen this little girl asleep while someone is holding her. She is always too busy! Grandpa has the magic touch!

The tassle's worth the hassle!

2011-05-13T23:00:00.000-07:00

23 years ago Steve Graduated from BYU and we were off to Portland Oregon to start medical school. Jackie was just a few months old. Now our baby is a graduate herself with babies of her own! I just blinked and now I am wondering how this happened so fast! We are so proud of her what an incredible accomplishment. She has earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism. It was a great weekend to celebrate her and all her hard work! Way to go JACK!!!

33 years ago BYU

last week at Utah State

What a Great Day!

Her dad was so proud!

Once a Vandal always a Vandal!

What an exciting weekend! Graduation and an Engagement! Here is a closer picture of the sparkly ring!

David was getting a lot of positive reinforcement for getting such a sparkly surprise!

Prince Charming . . . . .

2011-05-07T22:01:00.000-07:00

Dr. Seuss once said "We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and we call it love" what a wise man that Seuss.

Lauren has found her Prince Charming who is just as goofy as she is. It is a perfect match! Prince Charming proposed on Friday, May 5th at Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon. She was sooooo happy. He is the cutest! He hid the ring in a truffle and also had some friends hiding in the trees to video tape and take pictures. Prince Charmings name is David Parker. He is from Southern California. He is also a premed student at BYU. He served a mission in Montana. He loves basketball (BYU and the Lakers), and he snowboards. So he will fit in nicely with the boys in our family. One of the best things about David is - Lauren will always and forever be Laur P. He is so sweet to our daughter and you can tell he loves her. But the best thing of all is how much our daughter LOVES him. We couldn't be more excited for the two of them. They are planning to be married in the San Diego Temple on August 13th. It will be a GREAT day.

We LOVE it when they visit!

2011-05-02T18:45:00.000-07:00

Jackie, Justin and the babies came to visit this week. We love having them. The babies are growing soooo much. They are so responsive. They laugh, talk, smile and Addison even said DaDa while they were here. I hate it when they go home! It won't be long before we see them again. Jackie is walking at graduation this weekend so we are headed to Logan on Thursday.

Addison LOVED my flash!

Weston is like all the other boys in the family not so excited about pictures!

She is the funniest girl.... as soon as she see's that weston has his binky she has to take it! HAHHA

Lovin' Aunt Savy

Grace and Addi reading books

Relaxing out on the deck in the sun that we only get once a week!

Jackie taught Grace and Sav to make Grandma Greens homemade bread! YUM!

Daddy Daughter Pinewood Derby

2011-04-28T18:09:00.000-07:00

A wiseman once said "A father carries pictures where his money use to be." Never truer than in the Pennington Household with 4 expensive daughters. So here are a few more pictures I am sure will end up in Steven Pennington's Wallet.
Steve and Grace went to the Daddy Daughter Pinewood Derby this week and won 3rd place. It sounded like a great night. They were handed a kit and were given 30 minutes to create a car. Their car did great! She sure loves doing stuff with her dad! Steve will be so sad when the Daddy Daughter Dates end. He really looks forward to them.

Way to Represent Team Pennington

Of course the car was blue.... Grace loves the color Blue.

Easter 2011

2011-04-24T20:15:00.000-07:00

The sun finally decided to shine here in the NORTH! YAH! We hit a high of 50 and thought we might die of heat stroke! It was a nice change from the cold rain and snow we had this last week. We had stake conference this morning and Steve is feeling Liberated this afternoon. It was a great conference!
We finished the day with our friends the Monsons and a lovely dinner and Easter egg hunt and then a family movie of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Great day! Great Company! But we missed our kids that are in Logan and California (Lauren is at David's). I am so grateful for all the Savior has done for me and what a great day to reflect on his life and the love he has for his children.

YES - That is Derek my son in a picture and only mildly naughty!

My cute girls

Hunting eggs. The grass was so wet it kinda looked like the Easter Bunny just threw the eggs around the yard.

All the egg hunters - Caia, Grace, Payton & Elyse - We are so glad they come over so Grace has company hunting for eggs.

Mom P & Dad P

Enjoying their weekend in California - I told them to take an Easter picture but they didn't obey - I guess I'll have to tell Aunt Shannon - she'll take care of that problem. haha

SKYPE - You're never far from the ones you love

2011-04-19T19:47:00.000-07:00

I once read an article "Why first borns want to rule the world and last borns want to change it". This was when my children were very young and I did not understand it completely until last night.

As the children get older and older they want to do less and less of the old traditions. Not all, just things like carving pumpkins and coloring easter eggs. That is all but Grace, who of course is only 9 and still loves to do all those things. She is having a very different "Family" experience than Jackie. With that said ...... She knew no one was very excited to color eggs. So she texted the one person who she KNEW would come through for her and of course that is LAUREN. (who loves all things that have to do with family traditions, family time or family anything.) They made a plan to skype while we were coloring easter eggs. So when the time came for family night and coloring the easter eggs out came the computer and before you even knew it was happening there was Lauren and David right in our kitchen. I love technology! Who said technology was tearing the family apart. Not ours! We could have been a commercial for the church....... Family, isn't it about time.

Look at her having a good tiime!


Moscow and Provo -Distance means so little when technology is around

Showing the masterpiece

1 mother + 1 daughter = 2 best friends

2011-04-17T16:15:00.000-07:00

Time really flies doesn't it! I have really been reflective lately. I don't know if it is because:

Jackie just sewed her first easter dress for her daughter,
Lauren is not coming home until after Spring semester
Derek is about to start his last year at home
Savannah just painted her room and it no longer looks like Lauren's room
Grace is finishing 4th grade and that was the grade Jackie started here at McDonald School

It just seems like life is on Fast Forward!!! SLOW DOWN! Below is Case in Point!

some weeks

2011-04-10T19:14:00.000-07:00

I am the Primary Chorister and have been for a few years and it is my favorite calling of all time. Yes surprisingly I love it even more than YW. We have so much fun, the kids are the greatest and make me laugh everyweek. If you ever want to feel the spirit during church, just go to primary. These children really are Saturday's Warriors! I taught this song to the primary today and I LOVE IT! We talked about what poison does to your body and compared that to sin to your soul. Then talked about the atonement and what an incredible sacrifice the Savior gave to us. I thought it might be a little intense for the Jr. Primary but they were so sweet and at the end one of the little guys in the 5 year old class said "Jesus really loves us huh." YES! YES he does!

Our Little Einstein

2011-03-29T20:20:00.000-07:00

Grace and her friend Mckenna entered the Science fair this year and got a blue ribbon. They did a project on which flavor of gum lasts the longest. Their results were Trident Vitality with a time of 5:10. Steve and I loved looking at all the projects. Steve's favorite was "Will my dog drink more water after a long walk" project. Shockingly the results were YES! HA My favorite was a project by 2 boys "Will you make a higher percentage of your basketball shots with One eye open or Two eyes open." You will never guess how that one turned out! HA I love kids! Grace's project got very high marks. The judges LOVED their use of gum wrappers all over their poster. Good Job Einstein!

Grace and Mckenna in front of their project

The snow has finally melted and the weather is above 32 degrees! YAH! That means it is springtime in Idaho. So we played some basketball in the driveway for Family Night. We are all a little competitive but luckily no one got hurt and no one left crying. That must mean everyone is growing up. (or Lauren is gone! ha) Sometimes I am sad at how small my family, living at home, has become. Derek will be a senior next year and then we will be down to 2 kids at home. :( The only good thing about everyone growing up is they get married and have children! I LOVE having grandbabies!

Grace starting off a game of bump

funny how the game of bump always ended up with Steve against Derek

Sav making a shot while playing Horse - which ended up being Pig because it was lasting sooosooo long!

A Picture is worth a Thousand words . . . . .

2011-03-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

Oops . . I meant a thousand pictures.
The girls and I spent our spring break out in Utah visiting LAUREN (I had to put her name in all caps so she could see it. She says she never makes the blog) and of course my sisters. We were lucky enough to talk Jackie into bringing the babies to meet some of their Great Grandparents. My mom and Papa Joe also made the trip out, even though they had to travel through a snow storm to do it. So we made a party of it. It always goes so fast and I am always so sad to leave everyone. We had such a great time. We met Lauren's boyfriend David (Yep, she has narrowed it down to one boy), Mindy's boyfriend Trevor, went to jump on it, provo beach resort, movies, ate out, swam in the hotel pool and loved on the babies. It was a great week! We missed our boys but they were busy at the NCAA Basketball tournament in Denver. This is their 5th year going to the 2nd & 3rd rounds. From what I was told you can never see enough basketball. BYU was there and won their way to the Sweet Sixteen which was the highlight of their trip.

NCAA Tournament

This is what you do on the off day - Watch more Basketball in your hotel room.

Papa Joe and the little squirts

Grandma Marlene playing bingo with all the kids

They LOVE bingo. Grandma gets the greatest prizes

Jack and the cute little grandchildren- They are the best little guys! We drug them all over!

Ivy loved the babies! HA

We are a family of Goof balls!


Lauren and David (can you tell - she is smitten)

Lauren and Addison

Shae, Sav and Sarah Livin it up at Jump on it!

Tricks from Boston, Grace and Charlee

Boston and Sav P. lookin' good and havin' a good time!

Grand Kids

2011-03-08T17:46:00.000-08:00

Jackie and Justin are having their spring break this week and we LOVE having them home! They of course bring the babies. We love these little guys. They are doing so well. They laugh, giggle and talk and even roll over now. They are right on track for their adjusted age. AMAZING! they are both almost 12lbs and sleep all night. They are little miracles and love watching them grow up!

They are getting so big!

Weston

Addison

Idaho State Basketball Tournament

2011-03-05T17:20:00.000-08:00

We had a great time in Boise this weekend for the 4A State Basketball Tournament. Derek and his team ended up playing for 3rd and lost in double overtime 49-51. Yes it was a very stressful game. Jackie and the babies came to help Cheer on the bears and that was so fun! We love having those grandbabies around. They are so good! Steve and I even found time to get to the temple. Savannah and Grace got to go shopping and swimming so it was a win for everyone! We are already looking forward to next year - we have 5 juniors who will be returning and have a lot of experience and we are planning on winning the state title! GO BEARS!

We love these little guys! They are laughing and talking so much!

Dressed and Ready for the Game! Jackie is so cute she had something black and red for them to wear to all 3 games!

Derek Stealing the ball

3 point shot!

It's kinda sad that the season is over! He has been playing with these seniors for a few years now and they are the nicest bunch of kids! We will miss them!

Groundhog=Liar

2011-03-01T07:40:00.000-08:00

Dear Mr. Groundhog,
Do you know where liars go?
Love,
Mom P

Okay I love the snow but enough is enough! We have been pounded with snow for 2 weeks EVERYDAY! And we have only been able to ski - Once! Hopefully when we get back from the State playoffs (that is if we can get there!) We can enjoy the snow the way it was meant to be enjoyed - At a ski resort! And YES those are my christmas lights - I need the snow to melt before I can take them down!

Rehab

2011-02-27T13:25:00.000-08:00

We had another patient this week at the Pennington Rehab hospital. My sister Shannon came to have Steve take her neuroma out of her foot. (Yes same surgery I had last year- apparently a genetic defect!ha) She brought her daughter Ivy that is 2. We had so much fun! I know it wasn't so fun for Shannon but I loved having my sister here! I hate being so far away from my sisters. She did great and is on her way home. She is the cutest - she always gets so sad to leave me. From the time she was just a little girl I use to have to kiss all her stuffed animals every time I left her - Now I just have to kiss her baby! Soon she will be back to running 1/2 marathons and skiing all day! But now we are sad with no little one to play with! Good thing I get to see my grandbabies this week! YAH

If you look close shannon has a black eye - She fainted the day after surgery while she was walking and hit her eye on a toy when she hit the floor! So sad! She covered it well with makeup!

Saying goodbye to Aunt Shannon and Ivy

seriously love this kid!

Ivy is so funny! She loved our cat. But Banjo did not love her so much. One time when we were walking by banjo - Ivy said "Don't pinch Banjo - she will bite you!" HA Banjo was always trying to hide from Ivy!

ON TO STATE!

2011-02-25T12:27:00.000-08:00

We finally were able to play our championship game to see who in our district would go to state. It had been cancelled due to the blizzard that hit us for 3 days! They played GREAT! We killed them 55-35! So now we are going to Boise for the State playoffs next week! GO BEARS!

The team with the Trophy

All The juniors on the team - they have been playing together since 4th grade!

cutting down the net

Talent Show and Skiing

2011-02-21T15:21:00.000-08:00

Grace was in the McDonald Elementary School Talent Show. She did a gymnastics routine and dance with her friend Ashley. They did great. The kids were out of school on Friday so we took our neighbors Mckenzie and Paige - up skiing. It was a great day and we spent the night and had fun in the pool and watching movies! Steve and Derek had to stay home Derek basketball team is in the District tournament for State right now. He plays again on Tuesday and hopefully are then on our way to STATE. (hopefully my next post is of them cutting down the net)

Grace and Ashley before the show

Doing some gymnastics

Savannah and Paige

Grace, Mckenzie and Ashley - They love to jump in the snow and then jump in the pool

Great Day for Skiing!

Grace and Mckenzie - so cute they just skied and rode the lift together all afternoon

Paige and Savannah - a bunch of goof balls

Warning: a litte sappy.

2011-02-10T13:22:00.000-08:00

So maybe my kids aren't perfect but my husband comes pretty close! He had a birthday this last week and turned 48. I have always felt like Heavenly Father picked me up and put me right where I needed to be so I could marry such an amazing person. He is probably the busiest person you will ever meet. He is the Stake President, Orthopedic Surgeon, Vandal Team doctor, husband and father. He never complains, he just does what needs to be done. He asked me once what job I hated the most out of all the things I do. I told him I hated mowing the lawn. That was about 4 years ago and I have not mowed the lawn since. We never fight . . . he always gives me my way. He keeps us laughing and even laughing at ourselves. He loves to watch his kids play sports, loves to fly his plane, LOVES the lake house, loves it when his older girls who are gone call to talk to him (unless they talk about affairs of the heart!) and he LOVES his grand babies. Things he doesn't like are brocoli, laziness, drivethru's and packing. Happy Birthday Dad P.! We love you!

Confession

2011-02-09T11:58:00.000-08:00

I mostly blog because I think it is a great way to preserve family history. (okay I do like the comments!) So obviously you blog the good things and say great things about your family so I will understand if this comes as a total shock to most of you! . . . . .My children are not perfect. There I said it. With that being said I decided to blog about the thing that BUGS me the most. It has always been a struggle with my children from Jackie all the way down to Grace P. THEY ARE PIGS! Yep, its true. I have tried many different ways for over 24 years to counteract this horrible behavior but to no avail. Some day I will publish my list. You would think that by Grace I would have come up with some great way to teach your children, but sadly no it continues to plague me. So lately I have decided not to do ANY laundry that is not in a laundry basket. Doesn't seem that hard - there is a basket in every room, in every bathroom, or even heaven forbid, walk 5 steps and put it in the laundry room baskets. So needless to say the laundry has really piled up in their bathrooms and bedrooms until recently they all complained they had no clean clothes. Well I said put it in a laundry basket and it will get done. Still no compliance. So I continued to only do the laundry that was put in the proper place. So today I noticed that someone had put all the dirty clothes from the bathroom in the laundry - close but not in a basket. I almost picked it up and started doing it but stopped and decided I will walk over it and not do any laundry that is not put in a basket. We will see how long this lasts! Good thing is we have no company coming for a while.

Children aren't they precious

Who knew they had so many clothes - I think they are wearing dirty clothes to school!

This is only one side of the room the other side is just as bad!

The little Girls

2011-02-04T20:45:00.000-08:00

The little girls have been very busy. Savannah has been playing basketball for the Junior High. She had 12 points in the last game. She LOVES basketball and she is fun to watch. Grace has been asked to join the League team at our Gym. So she is very excited about that. She will now go twice a week. She just had a mini meet and did really well! She LOVES gymnastics! Other than that we went skiing with some friends last weekend and hope to go next weekend. We try not to talk about it too much because Derek gets sad. If the Bears go to State he has about another month of Basketball before he can go snowboarding.

Savannah going up for a shot

doing a little defense

Dismount

Floor rountine

Grace and her buddies

Basketball, Babies and Hawaii

2011-01-26T16:53:00.000-08:00

Derek and Savannah are in the Thick of basketball season here in Moscow. So below are a few pictures of Derek and some of his biggest fans. I will get some pics of Savannah soon. Jackie came and babysit the kids while Steve and I went to Kaua'i for a medical meeting. It was so fabulous - but we didn't take many pictures so you get to see the 4 I took! HA I guess its more fun to take pics of the kids!

Go BEARS!! Jackie made them shirts to wear to their first Bear Basketball game! Derek is #11 so they shared his number!

I believe this is called a foul! They didn't call it but the shot was good!

A great Break away!

Steve getting into Vacation Mode!

We biked along the beach! It was so nice!

Part of our bike ride

It was so beautiful!! I LOVE Hawaii!

FANS

2011-01-05T13:05:00.000-08:00

Derek had a game during the Christmas Break and so the girls thought they would surprise him with t-shirts! They were really cute! Derek even got a chuckle out of it and so did his team. Its hard not to notice so many cute girls!
Vacation is over and everyone is gone and I am back to a quiet house during the day! I miss everyone and now I have to do stuff like laundry and cleaning! Savannah and Grace really miss their big sisters when they leave, we have such a good time with everyone. We also had Shae (my sister Mindy's daughter) for the week after christmas and that was really fun. Well off to the new year 2011 - My New years resolution is to download all Video onto a hard drive so I can make some more family movies.

Doing a little Defense

Derek is of course # 11

Addison and Weston on my Bed! I miss those little guys!

Jackie is going to have some good arm strength carrying these two around!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-26T20:02:00.000-08:00

We had a lovely christmas. It was so fabulous to have all the kids home! The Babies are so sweet we love having them with us. We started Christmas eve going to the movies with our neighbors and then Dinner at their house I believe this is year 15 of Christmas Eve with the Mosmans! We had lots of punch (my favorite!), yummy lentil soup (and yes Jennie I had extra for you!) followed by a fabulous pecan and pear green salad and artichoke chicken! It was Delicious! Everyone was woke up this year at 6:00am by Addison and Weston! We had a great day opening presents, watching movies, playing games and staying in our PJS all day! We had a delicious Christmas dinner of Prime Rib (Thanks to Cory for the Fab recipe!) and funeral potatoes and then no Pennington meal would be complete with out Grandma Pats "Pink Salad"! It was a great day and now we still have a whole week off before school starts! Derek is back to basketball this week 2 practices a day and Steve is back to work - but for the rest of us we will probably do a little shopping and maybe see a movie or two!

Christmas Eve with the Mosmans

Jackie and Weston

Christmas Eve PJ's

Playing a little bit of COSMIC BALL - I had to move all presents they were getting a little rough!

Weston got some Aviators from Santa

Addison loves Christmas!

Addison fit inside Grace's new American Girl Doll Camper! HA

Playing a little bit of Just Dance 2

It's True!

2010-12-23T17:16:00.000-08:00

They say Utah has the Greatest Snow on earth and we are now BELIEVERS!!! We had FEET of powder to ski in! We have stories of snow up to your waist! It was the greatest! It was a great way to start our Christmas Vacation! We were so lucky Shannon and Cory brought there family up to ski with us which was really nice! We sure love Cousins! Even Jackie and Justin and the Babies came up for a night but Jackie said the babies were to young to start skiing! Maybe next year! HA

The whole crew on our way out to ski

Derek LOVED all the powder

Shannon, Lauren and Savannah

The kids love to play in the snow and then jump in the Hot tub

This is what happens after you Ski hard for 7 hours! He seriously fell asleep at 6:30

Uncle Steve finally made friends with Ivy - She even said he was on Santa's Nice list! HA

And He Makes the Paper!

2010-12-17T08:41:00.000-08:00

We have a big rivalry with the town that is 8 miles from us called Pullman and Derek's Varsity Team played them last night. Pullman has been undefeated and the paper has been VERY positive in their write ups and they have had an easy schedule! We have not had the greatest start to our season BUT we have played VERY hard teams and lost by only a few points but the paper has not been so favorable to us in their write ups. It was a big night! Derek got to start and did GREAT! We Won 41-38 and this mornings paper was very favorable towards us and Derek was mentioned in the paper! WOOT WOOT! Since you probably can't read it I will quote the Daily News-
Bears forced 16 turnovers while its offense only turned it over six times. Moscow did that with starting point guard Lane Brooks on the bench with an injury.
Filling in the majority of the time for Brooks was Derek Pennington. "Derek really controlled the tempo," Coach Donaldson said. "We only had six turnovers and we were averaging close to 17 a game. So we took care of the ball and that's key." He also hit four clutch free throws in the final seconds of the game and defensively he kept Drake from getting hot late.

Way to go Derek! He was pretty happy when he got home last night! He had a great game and now we can quite hearing how GREAT Pullman is! HA

I was so caught up in the game I didn't take any pictures - but here is a great one of him playing Defense.

GO BEARS!

2010-12-08T17:51:00.000-08:00

And so another season begins! We love Bear Basketball! Both Savannah and Derek are #11 - it is a favorite in our family - Steve was also #11. The only draw back to basketball season is it's the same season as skiing! So that limits our ski season. GO BEARS!

1st 3 pointer of the season - and it was good!

Grandchildren Spoiled Here!!!

2010-11-28T17:58:00.000-08:00

If I had known how wonderful it would be to have grandchildren, I'd have had them first!
We loved having our grandbabies here this week! Jackie and Justin came last sunday and are leaving tomorrow! We will really miss them. The babies are doing so well. They are off all moniters and eating and sleeping well. We talked Jackie and Justin into letting Grandma have our first Sleepover! Jackie and Justin are staying over at Justin's parents this week and so we stole the babies for a night and they got to sleep in! Thank goodness I could take a nap the next day!
We had a great thanksgiving. Steve's mom and dad and sister and of course Lauren braved the weather and came. We blessed the babies on Wednesday and had a wonderful thanksgiving on Thursday. Went to a couple movies and did a little shopping. It was fun to have all our kids home! We sure miss them when they are gone! Grace did not leave Laurens side the entire weekend. I heard Savannah and Lauren laughing late into everynight! It was great to have her home! Now we only have to wait 3 more weeks to see her again!

Derek was not going to be part of this sister lovefest! HA

We attempted family pictures! They were very entertaining!

One of the thousand family pictures we took to try and get a good one!

Grace and Weston - They are so attentive and love to smile and talk to you!

Aunt Jera, Grace and Weston

Always plenty of babies to hold!

Grandpa with Weston

Addison loved her new dress I made for her!

Addison and Weston before their blessings

Elder Gavarrett

2010-11-07T18:24:00.000-08:00

This weekend was our Stake Conference and one great perk of being the Stake Presidents family is we get to host the visiting General Authority. Elder Eduardo Gavarrett came this weekend and he brought such a great spirit with him. He was a lot of fun and continually teased Derek and I about having to talk in Stake Conference. Come to find out he wasn't teasing and we both got to have a turn at the pulpit! We don't have to do that usually Steve knows he will be in trouble if he calls on us! AHAHAHA Elder Gavarrett wasn't afraid of us I guess! HA It was a fabulous stake conference and a wonderful weekend. The church really is true and we are so blessed to have it in our lives.

Halloween

2010-11-02T10:20:00.000-07:00

Since Halloween was on a sunday we did the ward Trunk or Treat on Saturday. It was fun and Grace got enough candy to be satified and then she handed out candy on Sunday. Steve and Savannah were in Hawaii with the Vandals and had a great time! Derek went to a party with his friends they were Bacon and Eggs.

My little gypsie and her friend the Mad Hatter

Our Carved pumpkins! (Yep that's Derek's pumpkin!)

Savannah and Derek were working on it together - they aren't so good at team work so it ended up this lovely piece of art! (I think Derek is done with the carving tradition!)HA

Grace and her cute pumpkin - which she did by herself!!

Derek and Savannah trying to workout a compromise with the pumpkin! It didn't end well! HA

Kids Marathon

2010-10-30T11:09:00.000-07:00

One of the schools sponsored a kids marathon. They run a 1.5 mile fun run in October and another end with another one in April. In between the races they have pedometers to keep track of their running and they are suppose to run 26.2 miles. I guess the pedometers are really sensitive so they may run a few marathons in that time frame! HA

Grace and her running buddies - Ashley & McKenna

Starting line! It was seriously cold this morning! But no Snow that is a plus!

running the course!


FINISH LINE!! She did it in about 20 minutes! WOO HOO

Another runner in the Family!

The boy turns 17

2010-10-27T14:18:00.000-07:00

Derek had his 17th birthday yesterday and as one of his birthday wishes - was to not have any pictures taken! HA So I will just use old pictures and do a little blog tribute to my only son. Derek is full of life. He is the biggest tease not only to his sisters but also to me! He seriously makes me shake my head or laugh at everything he does. He is so funny. In the back of his truck you will find many interesting items. When I asked him why he had an axe and a bat he told me sometimes you just need to chop stuff or hit stuff. I decided not to ask any other questions. He LOVES basketball and does very well. He went to State with the Moscow High School team last year and hopes to repeat that again this year. He has had the same 5 friends since kindergarten and everyday for lunch they all show up with him for lunch! They are a great bunch of boys! He loves to wakeboard, snowboard, surf and tube. He landed a few backflips with the wakeboard last summer. He loves his family and especially his Cousins! When you get the cousins together it can get really crazy and he is usually the ring leader. He is a great kid and we love him!

SPA DAY

2010-10-23T20:34:00.000-07:00

We had a Mother / Daughter Activity Days today. It was a spa day. It was really fun! We did pedicures, manicures and facials. It is always fun to spend time with my youngest goof ball! Although I did get 3 calls from Savannah while I was gone! At least she missed me or should I say my Taxi service! HA It won't belong until she can drive herself! YAH!


starting with the parafin for our manicures

She's finally a REAL GIRL!

2010-10-20T13:58:00.000-07:00

My cute little Savannah just got cuter! No more Braces! YEAH!!! When we were driving home and she was looking in the mirror she said "I finally look like a real girl!" HA I love this kid!

The orthodontist office sang her a "Braces Off song" and gave her balloons and a cake made out of all the candy she shouldn't have been eating.

Grandpa Johnson turns 75

2010-10-19T13:46:00.000-07:00

An ordinary man - he says he's nothing more than just an ordinary man. There are many who would have to disagree with him! We all love him dearly. He is our hero! He still works as hard as a 20 year old, his little house on the hill is becoming a fortress complete with a beautiful garden, orchard and chickens. He will do anything for anybody all you have to do is ask! As soon as he sees you his eyes light up and you can see by the look on his face that he really loves you! He loves the gospel and is a great example of worthiness! His daughters love him, His sons want to be like him and his grandchildren adore him! We love you Dad!

Grace and Grandpa put 75 candles on the cake

After they were all lit we thought it might catch the house on fire! HA

Grandbabies are home!!

2010-10-09T16:57:00.000-07:00

Grace with the little peanuts

After a long 104 days in the NICU our little grandbabies made it home this week! Grace, Savannah and I went to Utah to help out for a few days! They are doing great! It was so fun to love them! Grace has been so excited to finally see the little peanuts! They are hooked up to oxygen still and have lots of monitors hooked to them but they have only gone off a few times! YAH! They came home at 5 1/2 lbs and are eating every 3 hours. That makes for long nights for Jackie and Justin. They go to the Pediatrician on Monday- it will be good to see if they have gained weight since they came home!


Weston is always so alert!

Here I am the GRANDMA!

Grace is so good with the little guys! She will be the best babysitter!

Addison loves her aunt Savannah

Grace feeding Weston

The boys watching some football!

It is so cute - They LOVE their mom!

Grandma and Weston

Jackie and I were having fun dressing them in cute little outfits and taking pictures!

Apple Picking

2010-10-04T07:21:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since we made apple sauce. I have noticed my youngest 2 girls live a different life than my oldest two girls. The youngest 2 have never been involved in canning anything. With the oldest two we canned all the time. So inbetween conference sessions we went out to the apple orchard and picked some apples to make apple sauce. They also had a cider press at the orchard so we made some cider too. It was fun! We have so far made apple crisp, fruit roll up (with the dehydrater) and dried apples. Tonight for family night we are making apple sauce! When Derek was little he loved picking apples now that he is a teenager he wasn't so interested in picking apples or making the apple sauce - I believe his exact words were " I will not participate in our family becoming amish" - side note - he has eaten everything made out of the apples! HAGrace picking the apples - It was a beautiful day!

3 buckets and box - that will keep us busy for awhile

Making Cider - it was a lot of work!

Grandpa Green

2010-09-27T10:48:00.000-07:00

October 4, 1914 - September 22, 2010

We went to Grants Pass this last weekend to celebrate the life of Steve's Grandpa Green- 96 years old. The service was so lovely and we had a beautiful day. It was so great to see so many cousins we hadn't seen in a while! Grandpa always had a little twinkle in his eye and always had a smile and a hug for you. He was such a kind man who lived his life with integrity and hard work. He loved animals and would often nurse them back to health when he found them hurt. He has lived in the same house forever! He built it for grandma and we have had many family picnics and Easter egg hunts there. He loved to rebuild cars and had many old cars that he restored and acres of car parts he collected. We will miss him.Steve and his Grandma Green

One of the old cars out on his property

Balloons were let off at the cemetary - One of the little girls said " What is Heavenly Father going to do with all those balloons! " HA cute!

It was good to see Steve's family!

1st day of School 2010

2010-09-05T21:12:00.001-07:00

We got home from California on Monday and started school on Wednesday. It was a busy Tuesday getting school supplies, schedules and school picnics! But we made it and everyone seemed to survive the first week of school!

Baby update - Addison and Weston continue to grow and progress. They are about 3 1/2 pounds each and Addison looks just like Jackie as a baby. Weston looks just like his daddy. We are hoping they come home before the month is out if all goes well and we will get to love on them in October.Grace and Mackenzie - on her way to 4th Grade

Derek is so excited for his Junior year! HA

Savannah - 8th grade - I love this girl!

Talk about a PARTY!

2010-09-05T20:49:00.000-07:00

My brother Derek really knows how to throw a party! He had one son coming home from his mission and one son leaving on his mission so he invited us all to DISNEYLAND! WOO HOO! We played at Disneyland for a few days and spent a day at the beach and then sunday had a big family BBQ after the homecoming/farwell! It was so great to hear from my two nephews - I am so proud of them what great examples they are to my kids! This has been the summer of cousins and we loved it! Jackie and Justin got to get away for a day and spend it with all of us at Disneyland and we made the most of that day - 16 hours - we were there from beginning to end! It was a great week!

Garrett and Taylor! WE LOVE THESE BOYS!

Two of my sisters and my cute little mom

They are really going to miss each other! Goof balls!

Here is the whole crew!

The pool at the house we rented - this is Cade and Grace

Grandma and Grandpa Johnson came to Disneyland - Grandpa even went on the rollercoasters!

Soaked after the Water show!

In line at SPACE MOUNTAIN!

I was making Grace go on California Screaming - I don't usually do this but she had decided the day before that she was going to go on it and in my defense she went on Tower of Terror - TWICE! Which is much scarier than screaming. After she was done she loved it and we had to go on it 5 times! My sister Shannon was so proud! She is so hard core! She makes her kids go on everything whether they cry or not! The funniest was later that day she was talking to Olivia (my sister Shannons 5 year old) and told her "Olivia, one day your mom is going to make you go on something that you think is so scary and you are going to be so scared and cry but after your done you are going to love it and want to go on it a lot." She didn't know we were listening and we laughed so hard! She is so cute to impart her great wisdom to her little cousin! HA

California Screaming

Taylor caught a sand crab

He is teaching Grace how to catch them - I believe cade, grace and Hailey caught about 50 of them and made a crab city out of sand

It was such a great day!

Garrett and Taylor Week

2010-09-05T20:26:00.001-07:00

Garrett (one of our favorite cousins who just got home from his mission) and Taylor (one of our other favorite cousins who is leaving on a mission) came and spent a week at the lake house. It was so fun! I love these boys! We ate, watched movies, swam, wakeboarded, surfed, skiied and tubed. We did our best to help Garrett get back into the real world. It was so great to hear about his mission and all that he learned. We love returned missionaries! They have such a great spirit about them.Garrett, Taylor, Lauren and Derek so happy to be together!

Lauren always ready for a picture

They love each other

The flamingo - Lets see Uncle Darren top that one!

Taylor wakeboarding one last time before he leaves for 2 years

I love this picture with the sun setting in the background!

Steve skiing - showing us how its done!

Derek decided to pick up waterskiing this summer - he is a natural at everything!

Grace turns 9

2010-09-05T20:09:00.000-07:00

Grace had a great birthday! She woke everyone up early before Steve left for work and opened all her presents and then had a birthday party with her friends. They had a home made theater complete with a concession stand (Thanks Savannah and Miley!) It was a great day for a great kid! She is such a fun child and so easy to get along with! We love you Gracie, short G, Mervyn, nancy, Grape or whatever it is we call you!Bright and early! It is so fun to still have someone who is SO excited for her birthday!

She got Heeleys - they are tennis shoes with wheels and she is pretty good with those things!

Grace and her friends at her birthday!

Spokane to Sandpoint Relay Race

2010-08-16T13:47:00.000-07:00

Well Lauren and I ran in a 185 mile relay this last weekend from Spokane to Sandpoint. We were on a team of 12 people and each person ran 3 legs that equaled a half marathon or more. We were asked last minute and so only had about 2 weeks to prepare. I had been running and biking all summer but Lauren had just been working. So our training was pretty limited! Laurens legs were 7.8 mile which she ran in 72 minutes, a 4 mile and a 3 mile which ended up being at 3:00 in the morning! CRAZY! I ran a 6 mile, 2.5 mile and a 5.3 mile. We were pretty happy with our times - we ran 10 minute miles at our slowest! Which is pretty good for me - my short run was actually a 9 1/2 min mile which is really fast for this old woman! It was a unique race where your team ran through silverwood (local theme park) and rode the rollercoaster together as part of the race. But the race was crazy and dangerous. Our first leg a women got hit by a car crossing a 4 lane highway and was taken to the hospital for a broken leg and bruised hip and then our last leg two people got hit by a drunk driver only about 30 minutes behind us and were life flighted to the hospital and one died. The other is in critical condition! CRAZY! So the race was shut down! We ended up finishing all our legs but the second van on our team didn't get to finish theirs so we all just went home! It was dissappointing and shocking all at the same time! You didn't know how to feel! We are not too sore today and are thinking of running a real 1/2 marathon where you show up to run - run the race and then go home - no more middle of the night stuff for me! I am too old for that! We are keeping those poor families who were affected by the accidents in our thoughts and prayers!

Lauren and I running - she was giving me water

riding the rollercoaster with our team