Loving Life

Wow, how time flys!


This weekend Reagan and I celebrated our 27th wedding anniversary! I really can't believe that that much time has past. Alot of things have happened and changed in the past 27 years...some good, some bad, mostly just life. You know the little things you take for granted, like hugs and kisses every day, from your spouse and your kids, potty training, first day of school, high school graduations, your kids weddings, grand kids....life!! those wonderful moments that make life worth living, giving meaning to why we are here. I will admit that I am a different person than I was 27 years ago...an improved me I hope. My heart is full with the love I have for Reagan and the life we have together. I truly am looking forward to another 27 + years with my wonderful husband.
Reagan took me to San Diego for the night. We stayed at a nice hotel, walked to Seaport Village for dinner. Slept late, wandered through Sea World hand in hand, sharing popcorn, and just enjoyed each others company. No kids, no work, no church..just us. It was WONERFUL! I truly enjoyed myself and am more convinced that I have the most wonderful husband on the planet! It was a rejuvinating weekend and I look forward to more just like it. Alot more!

I love you Reagan.

A world of turmoil

OK,
so I am not the sharpest tool in the shed, but could someone please tell me, in spite of signing an executive order, stating that the US will be on the moon again by -whenever it is-why the US is spending millions of dollars on a lunar rover, and testing it out in the Arizona desert, or why we must continue to pour millions of more dollars on a probe of Mars, when in reality our nation is suffering from a major economic crisis, where-in the fed government is spending billions of dollars they don't have(tax payer moneys) to bail out greedy federal and non federal programs. Couldn't the money spent on NASA for the above mentioned projects ( and many others unmentioned) be better spent on helping us out of this crisis and getting our nation back on it's feet and "up and running" again? Help businesses grow and create jobs and economic growth, help Americans be proud to live in a nation that supports the citizens. I do not in any way mean to be little the space program....not in the least...we, as human beings, have greatly benefited from their programs and ingenuity, we have made great strides in not only the scientific arena and the technological arena, but many other arenas as well. Breakthroughs that have significantly improved human life for billions of people around the world. But can you explain how testing a lunar vehicle helps the everyday people of the USA here and know. I am sure that an executive order could be amended, or rescinded or that a new order could be written, so that government , if they really wanted to,could reevaluate their priorities. What real good will a lunar vehicle be if we fail as a nation. It will be useless because it wont be used! Unused knowledge is perhaps worse than no knowledge at all.
I know some of you reading this may totally disagree with me, and that is OK because you will have a different perspective on this....that is what i am in hopes of...i hope someone will at least try to help me see this in a whole new light! I hope i am being blinded by my lack of understanding...otherwise I may just be overcome by despair and disappointment in not only our country, but in all mankind. I want to see the big picture so i can see the good that i have faith is there. I trust that though i don't understand, the Lord God of this world does. I trust in His words, that He know the intents of our hearts, He sees our good works, and He alone is, ultimately, in charge. Truth and righteousness will, in the end, prevail! But as in times past, and as predicted by ancient prophets, we as a people of this free nation have the responsibility to protect those rights, privileges and freedoms, which are granted us through His grace, only in obedience to his commands! He will have us choose for ourselves life and liberty, or death and captivity, He will not force us to choose freedom, He will not force us to choose one way or the other. It is up to us to take what He has given us and use it, and if the voice of the people chooses to forsake what is good wo unto us as a nation!
That said, I am most grateful for the opportunity to express the musings of my heart, and the blessings of the gospel in my life and the lives of those i love, and know that God fearing people around the world can and will make a difference!
I hope some of these ramblings have made some sense, I know that it has helped just to express my confusion.

Tag--I'm it!

Ok, I am it. Here goes......
Rules : Each person answers questions about their sweethearts. At the end of the Post, the person then tags 4 people and post their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment letting them know they have been tagged.
*What is your husbands name? Reagan Alan Dahl
*How long have you been married? Almost 27 years
*How long did you date? Well that depends on who you ask and what one considers dating? does mail correspondence count? We met over Christmas break, wrote letters and talked on the phone until April,Spent almost all the time we could together after the Winter term and got married in Nov. You decide!
*How old is he? 46
*Who eats sweets? both of us
*Who said I love you first? I would have to say I did
*Who is taller? Reagan is, by a whole 12"
*Who can sing best? Definitely me.
*Who is smarter? In what?
*Who does laundry? I do.
*Who pays bills? I write the checks and pay the bills with his hard earned money!
*Who sleeps on the right side? I guess that depends on which way you are looking at the bed, if from the foot then it would be me.
*Who mows the lawn? He does...and it is a BIG job, though i have been known to mow a lawn or two.
*Who cooks dinner? I do ..that is unless he isn't home for dinner ..then most times he cooks himself something.
*Who drives? Most of the time I am in the drivers seat....but he does a great job of back seat driving!!
*Who is first to admit they are wrong? Reagan is never wrong!!!
*Who kissed who first? I don't remember for sure..i think it was a mutual kiss.
*Who asked who out first? I guess one would say I did as I asked for a ride to the stake New Years Eve dance, and we left together and went to his friends house to ring in the New Year---Thus it all began!!!
*Who wears the pants? If you mean who has the final say...I do if the kids ask Reagan and He does if the kids ask me....you understand. We work together and in the end it turns out right.

I would tag someone but don't know who has been tagged and my list of those with blogs is almost non-existent! but it might be you!
Tag your it...
Haley Riddle

Birthday Mania

I am still feeling out of my league at this blogging stuff. Even Kaycie and Haylee have their own blogs..though i don't have any idea how to find them as i am not 'cool' enough to be in on them! They both seem really excited to have their own space to create.

School has started and it is really hard to believe how fast they grow.... and then they're gone. We took Josh up to BYU the end of August and got him moved in. Josh and Amanda have decided to start life together on December 20th. They will be married in our back yard and if I am correct Reagan will have the privilege of performing that union. We are in hopes that Amanda's family will participate in the event. Next June they plan to be sealed together in the temple- San Diego i think. Like I mentioned, they grow so very fast...the older I become the faster time flys by!

We have had our share of birthdays this month and, I must say, I really enjoy celebrating life and family! Chuck started us off at the beginning of the month--Shawna threw a party -- just family, after YM/YW with one of her famous birthday cakes... she is really good at coming up with just the right cake for whom ever she is baking for. As usual she was able to put together a good party from what I consider nothing... such talent!!

Much to my dismay I was next up for a birthday...I will not disclose my age-but as I told Jake's girlfriend, Ivet, I am 29 again!!! though I really must find another acceptable age to be, as Shawna will be 29 this year ( for real!). Shawna made me my favorite cake...carrot(homemade not boxed) mmm good. It really isn't that bad to be 40 something I don't really feel that old most of the time.. I just wonder what I have to show for my 40 something years on this earth, and will it be acceptable to our Lord and Savior.. am I fulfillling my divine potential? am I the person I covenanted to be in the pre-existance?.......

Next was a much more exciting birthday! Matt turned 3 on the 23rd. Grammy and grandpa Guyman drove down( a long long drive- and then a long long drive home again only a few days later--what wonderful people!) I wouldn't have wanted to miss this party either. Matt loves trains and it is wonerful for him that grandpa Guyman works for the railroad!! this year the theme of the day was ...you guessed it trains.. Thomas the train to be exact. He was blessed with Thomas DVD's, several of them, 3 train track sets, 2 of which were Thomas the train sets, complete with carrying cases and a remote control. Boy was he in heaven.! Leave it to me to be out of the loop this year. We got him a big Tonka truck --a car transporter big rig, complete with a few cars on board. Luckily for me he still LOVES cars and trucks so he was excited to load up the cars along with some of his train cars onto the ramps and off they went! Shawna made a really cute figure 8 race car/train track cake. (she has pictures) It was sooo good too!

Ivet's birthday(17) was on the 25th, Shawna made her a cake like the one she made Chuck as Ivet requested, she really liked Chuck's. Ivet and a couple of her friends came over here for cake, icecream and presents, after Jake had taken her out to eat. It got really loud really fast as all the kids were laughing, running, playing and talking louder and louder to be heard over the others!!!! I wouldn't have traded these parties for ...well not even to be 29 again. I am happy with life and family!

On top of all these birthdays Steve's(Reagan's brother) birthday was the same day as Chucks. happy belated birthday Steve. Leigh's (Denise's sister) birthday was the 11th and Lonnie( Denise's cousin) shares my birthday on the 18th. This list does not include several nieces and nephews who' s birthdays are in Sept as well.----Happy birthday to all of us!!!

Amanda is -I hope - feeling like family. She called me today and told me that her wedding dress was in --I think she was a bit disappointed that the lady put a zipper in the back instead of the buttons that were on the sample. Amanda really wanted those buttons. Maybe we can get my friend Joan to add the buttons!! Amanda is working at the YMCA as a lifeguard and part time at Applebee's...well she is supposed to be on the schedule this week. She is also taking classes at AWC. Ashley hooked us up with a jeweler and Amanda was able to find an affordable wedding ring for Josh as well as a wedding band that he made to match her engagement ring at a killer deal!!

Josh is working at Domino's in Orem and has met up with aunts, uncles, and cousins in the area. He is finding school at BYU a bit more demanding than AWC but seems to have it under control.
He hopes to be able to sell his housing contract for the winter semester and find married student housing to move into in January.

We hope familiy and friends will be able to come to the wedding. We love family and friends!
Reagan is working towards his goal of moving out of Yuma, the first step is to sell his Domino's franchise...which should happen in the next couple of weeks. He is also moving forward with his new venture in San Diego! Haylee is playing softball at school and LOVES to play catcher! She had never stepped foot on a baseball diamond before this season, neither had any of the other girls on the team(but one)They have really improved...They will be playing in a season end round robin tournament next week! Kaycie is really enjoying being the keyboardist(??) for the school Jazz band....Is an avid student and loves to learn. We went to a music store while we were in Utah...she was in Heaven!!! She found over $100 worth of piano music she wanted. We teased her with a few of the books and will hold the rest for her birthday and Christmas...She doesn't mind as she has more music than she can learn between now and then...yet she would love to crack open the other books now as well!

Jake has purchased a Harley Davidson motorcyle(much to my dismay) He doesn't even know how to ride a motorcycle! I suggested reselling it for a profit and getting something else! He is going to school andworking @ Quiznos and has just been hired out at the Yuma Proving grounds(where Ashley and Ron work) with ECIII. Once he gets the 13 page information sheet filled out it will take them about a week to do a back ground check on him and get him started. He will be working nights and going to school during the day. The hours may not be great but the pay is and hopefully this will lead to a more permanent job out there.

Ashley and Ron still work and work. We are glad that Ashley put in a good word for Jake with her supervisor..though he didn't do the hiring this time around...I don't think it hurt to have Jakes name known.

Enjoy life...stop and take time to smell the roses!! You will be glad you did.
Until next time....

What's Happening with us!

Jake made it !!!!!!

He graduated from High School,Seminary and only needs to have his

Eagle Scout Court of Honor!

Where to begin??? Our Summer vacation to Hawaii was a much needed break. We took Josh, Jake, Ivet(Jake's girlfriend), Kaycie and Haylee. The weather was nice and ocean very inviting. Unfortunately Reagan got a real bad ear infection about 1/2 way thru the vactaion and was out ofthe water for about 4-5 days. He was not able to go scuba diving, which is the biggest reason we vacation in Hawaii. He went out on a snorkle cruise to Molokini, but stayed on deck and read a book! He enjoys just being on the water! We did have a couple of really nice days snorkling, cliff jumping and body surfing before his ear hurt so bad he went to the urgent care!

We went to San Diego for the 4th of July with Chuck & Shawna and Chucks family. They were out for Damon's Blessing. We made it to both Sea World and the zoo as well as the beach and really enjoyed our view of the fireworks from our current favorite spot at the marina next to Sea World.




Kaycie went to girls camp the week of July 21st and had a wonderful time. Reagan went up on Wednesday and spent the night and I went with him. The camp was wonderful! The theme was Rising Generation-Defenders of Freedom.- The stake did an outstanding job of presenting firesides and such to explain and teach the importance of the freedoms we enjoy living in America and the responsibilities we have to keep this nation free!!

Yes, Tomorrow Haylee will be 12 years old I am still trying to figure out where the last 12 years have gone! I am not even sure what - if anything- I have accomplished in 12 years. I do know i have a few more wrinkles and grey hairs! She is excited about leaving primary and joining the rest of the girls her age in Young Women.

Joshua has been working at Quiznos since he got home and after our vacation also started working at the pool as a lifeguard. He has serious girlfriend, Amanda, who was taking the missionary discussions before our trip to Hawaii and was baptized the day we got home. Unfortunately for her, her family has pretty much disowned her and she has moved out and is looking for a place to stay. She also works at the pool and will be going to AWC this fall ----Josh is going up to BYU in 2 weeks and they are not looking forward to the separation!

Jake is working more and saving money for a car. He went out today and bought his books for school and just about had a heart attack when he got to the register! He received a scholarship from the Choralairs and it only covered about 1/2 the cost of books. He is now depressed that his bank account has dropped and it will be that much longer before he will have enough for a car. We may have a line on a used one for him that a member of the ward is selling...we will have to take a look at it and see before we decide! Jake will also have to get used to NOT sleeping all day. That is what he likes best about summer break! We took this picture at the zoo and think we will post it on his bedroom door!

Those kids that will be attending school here in Yuma will start on the 18th. Josh can move into his housing on the 23rd, and school starts after labor Day. We MAY take the girls up with us on the 20th-24th and hit Lagoon before their summer hours end. If the girls come they will still have the wonderful opportunity to attend the first couple of days of school and get all their schedules worked out before we go. I will insist that they get their homework assignments to work on on the way!

It is really hard for me to come to terms to the fact that of our 6 children 3 are gone from the nest and that Jake is basically just a tenant using a room to crash in. Not to mention that the younger 2 are in jr High! It really makes me stop and think about how really short life is and the wonders of what can transpire during our short life times. I am overwhelmed again at the awesome responsibility we have as parents and that though our influence is great it gradually disapates the older our children get. I have a greater respect and appreciation for my own parents and wonder how they were able to cope with their children growing up and going out on their own. It is a real challenge for me to let go and hope that all I have taught them will help them--I am afraid for them going out in this crazy evil world-- But i know that I have done my best and I pray it was good enough.

I watch Shawna and their children and somtimes I smile to think that it wasn't really that long ago that I had my hands full with little ones so smart and eager to learn. I am surprised that I lived through it and know I don't want to go back.






I am very blessed to have all of our family living so close. I really enjoy having all of them around. I love being able to see thegrandkids everyday, if I want to. I love it when the phone rings and Alaina is on the other end asking me if she and Matt can come up and see me, or if I want to meet them for lunch, or if we can go swimming together. Then Matt will get on the phone and ask me too. I love being able to snuggle with Damon-if I can get him before someone else does.

I am very intimidated by Shawna and her creative insticts! Her blog is AMAZING! She comes up with the neatest activities for the kids, fun ideas for birthdays from the presents she gives to the cakes she makes! She made the coolest cake for Reagan's birthday- a snorkler! (I would have loved to post a picture unfortunately Shawna was unaware that her camera did not have a memory card inserted) She made cute little ladybug invitations for Haylee's birthday and is making ladybug cupcakes for the party! She blows me away with her ability to find time to post the most awesome blogspot, fulfill her church responsibilities, be a caring mother and wife, and get all of her work done for Dominos!


Ashley keeps in touch at least once a week- She and Ron work all of the time, it seems. At least ri

ght now they are working on the same test so they can spend some time together. I seems that a good amount of the time they are on opposite schedules and see each other in passing -as one gets up and the other goes to bed. I would imagine it is frustrating for them as well. They have been working on exercising together and Ashley has lost about 2 pant sizes and is excited about that. All of us (i think) can appreciate her enthusiasm. I understand that Ron is losing as well and at a faster pace than Ashley! I haven't seen him but Ashley says he is looking good also!

They wanted to have a BBQ with us last Saturday but we were in San Diego at a Padres game and stayed over night at a camp ground in Chula Vista. Hopefully we will be able to get together on Saturday for Haylee's birthday--as of right now they are not working - but that can change in at any time .

As for me I realize how greatful I am for my wonderful husband and how much I truly love and appreciate him. I am more in love with him today than I was 27 years ago! I can't imagine what my life would be like with out him by my side. I know it sounds cliche but he Completes me. He is definitely "my better half"

Life is Wonderful

Hello, I know it has been awhile. We had a good time in Europe--Well I did. Reagan was sick most of the time, so he enjoyed himself just as much as he expected he would.

Josh had 2 wonderful years serving the Lord! He had several growing experiences and speaks French better than the average Frenchman.

We spent our first day with Josh in Geneva, we all really like it there. It was a beautiful day-we toured part of Lake Geneva, and walked through the city. The weather was unseasonably warm - for which we were all grateful.

Next we headed to Valance where we hiked up to these ruins. There has been a structure here since 400AD. We met some very wonderful members in Valance, and experienced our first taste of REAL French cuisine. Most of the meal was very good---but some of it was -let's just say-not to our liking.

St Etienne was the next stop, where we had dinner with a very nice family who took us to this castle(1) and we saw this one (2) on the way. We had the wrong timetable for our train to Lyon, where we had to catch the night train to Venice..so the Husband drove us to Lyon!
2

We then headed to Venice, Italy. WOW!! Now, even Reagan agrees that it is a place he would like to visit again. Due to the fact that we were unfamiliar with the area, and train schedules etc., we spent 2 days here. It was very enjoyable. It was just like I imagined it to be. We took a nice gondola tour of the city. Our gondolier, Fransisco, was very knowledgeable, and talked us through the whole tour.

(1)

It was then on to Gay Paris! I thought it was big and dirty but the sites were great. Especially the Louver!(1) we spent the whole day there and only say one little section. The Eiffel tower was magnificent as well ,and Notre Dame was interesting.

We did not make it to London as planned, but did go to the temple in Bern. It was very nice. It was bitterly cold and Reagan got food poisoning, I had it the day before and was still not feeling great. The temple was warm and inviting and the Temple President and his wife -Pres. & Sis. Hancock- are from Arizona and asked what Yuma was like these days. They were the only English speaking members there! but the Spirit relays everything.

We spent our last real day out around Lake Geneva at Chateau de Chillon. It is very old (1200-1300's if I remember right) And still very much in tact. It was like walking back in time. I think this was my second favorite site!

We had a memorable trip home (to say the least)due to rerouting by British Airways to avoid Heathrow--(do not fly Air India--nuff said!!)

All in all it was an once in a lifetime experience that I am grateful to have had.

Josh has fit back into civilian life quite easily and quickly -- he already has a girlfriend. He will be attending BYU(provo) in the Fall! He is working alot and hopefully saving money.

We are very glad to have him home for the time being! We are truly blessed.

Time is Flying By!

Well, 2007 has come and gone and 2008 is already set to fly by. I haven't been diligent in keeping up on this site, but family has requested that i do so.
The big news is that Josh will be returning home from his mission in Switzerland/France in Feb. His release date is Feb 6th, 2008. Reagan and I will be going over to pick him up and tour Europe for 2 weeks. It should be exciting!! We will return home on Wed Feb 20th. Joshua's "homecoming" will be Sunday Feb 24th at 1pm mst(Utah time). here in Yuma. Any one who is interested in coming is invited..the more the merrier when it comes to family. Just let me know before we leave if you need names of hotels in the area! There is a Microtel out here in the foothills really close- there was supposed to be a comfort inn but it hasn't been completed yet. There are a TON of nice new hotels just off the freeway in town.
Jake Has finished up his Eagle Scout project and now we are waiting for him to finish the paperwork. He has just one class at the college this semester and 2 classes at the high school. He is working at Quiznos and spends all of his free time with his girl friend Ivet.
Haylee is taking a break from swim and is playing basketball. Kaycie is running track!
Reagan just opened a Domino's in San Luis AZ in Dec. and we are opening a Quiznos Sub around the corner from our house here in the foothills on Friday!! CHuck has been SUPER busy in getting the store built and ready to open.
Shawna is pregnant and due in June. Alaina will be turning 4 on Saturday. Ashley and Ron work out at the Yuma Proving grounds, doing tests for the military. Currently They are working 10-12 hour days 7 days a week, on a priority test that will be sent to Iraq as soon as the testing is complete...they were told to plan on a month straight!
I hope this finds all of you happy and well. Keep in touch . I love reading your blogs
Au Reviour ( i really have no idea how to spell it) until we return from Eruope!