Welcome to Earth

They are a little early but as of May 22nd, Berkley and Bennett are finally here. They came out looking like aliens and weighing around five pounds each. Berkley was a little less than 5 and Bennett was a little more. They are healthy and growing too fast.


As far as being new parents we have no idea what we are doing. We make up reasons why they are crying or being fussy but honestly, we are just guessing. These kids are in for a long ride of us pretending we know stuff.


Luckily we kind of like them and for some reason don't mind being thrown up and peed on constantly. Deidre had their pictures taken by her friend at work (thanks Jaime you're awesome) and did great. For every picture we have one of Deidre and I doing the same pose in the same outfits.





I should put pictures of them crying and pooping because that's what they do most of the day. It has been a lot harder than I thought it would be taking care of them and I highly underestimated the work it takes for two. So far it's been worth it though.

And Twins

We found out a couple of moths ago that Deidre is pregnant. The first thing we did was listen to every song with the word "baby" on our iPod and then rocked out in the kitchen. After hearing too many Brittany Spears songs we realized we needed a way for me to keep the news a secret. Luckily, I had thought of this years ago and decided to fake announce baby news at every family get-together. I might have even started in high school, just to scare mom and dad. So if some of you still don't believe us its understandable. After wanting and trying for a kid for what was maybe the hardest time in our lives we can truthfully say Deidre is pregnant. With twins.



There are a couple of reasons I know Deidre is pregnant. First, she stepped on the scale in our bathroom last night and it literally broke. We thought it might just need new batteries but nope,the best fat joke ever happened and I witnessed it firsthand. My life is complete. Second, our car smells like barf and she has thrown up at Souplantation, Arctic circle, and in and out. Article circle is understandable but not in and out or souplatation. The main reason I know she's pregnant is because she had her 18 week doctors appointment yesterday and both babies had good strong heartbeats.



They did an ultrasound and have told us that we are having a boy and a girl. While it is still early and we will find out for sure next wednesday on the sex, we know they are not identical. I was hoping to put them in commercials but I haven't seen any with fraternal twins. Dang you double mint gum advertisers.



As for other news I am no longer the undefeated girls basketball coach at pine view high. Mom and jason came and saw me lose our first sophomore game. I'm sorry they drove all the way to come see that. As you can kinda tell from the picture, the girls appreciated all the support they could get. Not a lot of people come to those games. Weird. I love coaching and start my student teaching on Tuesday. I feel lucky to have our family of four on its way and thankful to everyone who has helped us. Parenting,teaching,and coaching advice is welcomed.

Nerd Alert

Guess who got glasses! He walked around Costco saying, "can you read that sign, it's so clear now." He feels like he has finally been given the gift of sight. I think they're pretty cute...and a little nerdy.

Graduation

We did it. Deidre and I graduated together this last month and I couldn't have done it without her. She even let me wear her honors ropes for the picture. I asked her not to wear hers because it looks like she's showing off but she said she had an extra one from last year so we compromised. My parents came and gave lots of support. Spending time with them for two days was awesome.


Before the ceremony i did a little interview for ksl news. The news lady came up to Deidre and I and asked if we could answer a couple questions about graduation. Immediately I started doing this... Ow now brown cow
She started with Deidre and asked her something about if it was a big year for dixie. For all of our marriage I have known Deidre has had a secret dream to become famous. I was excited because this was her big chance. Well I think the pressure got to her because all that came out was "yeah". Then there was an awkward silence and everyone looked at each other. I think we were all waiting to see if anything else was coming after the yeah, but there wasn't. Something more profound or anything relating to graduation, but no. She froze! With her chance now gone, she turned into the most supportive (almost creepy) looking wife I have ever seen. I made something up and said the first thing that came to mind. I wanted to end it by either saying "Im Ron Burgundy?" Or "You stay classy San Diego" but i was a little nervous too. Here's the interview:
Ksl
If she only looked at me like that all the time.
President Monson was the keynote speaker at graduation. He talked about attitude, integrity, and service. It was really good and I liked what he said about having the right attitude if we want to succeed. Him speaking was the main reason we decided to walk this year.


For real, I don't think I would have ever gotten through school without Deidre. I would still be living in Callies basement hanging out with Jordan and Kailey all day working at tgi Fridays. She typed most of my papers with me while I read what I wanted to say in them even when she just wanted to be in bed. I'm lucky I married well. For graduation I surprised her with tickets to see Jerry Seinfeld in Vegas this weekend. She has always wanted to see him live so happy graduation to us.

Drugs

I had a second grader ask me today if it is true that if you listen to lady gaga you will end up doing drugs on the street. Deidre says it was probably a legitimate concern but I think it was just a very good observation.
Last week we had family come stay with us and we went to Vegas and walked the strip. We should have asked the three homeless bums if lady gaga's music played any part in their life choices. They seemed pretty busy though not showering and yelling at people.
Music had however influenced Spandy Andy, the 20 something 80's street entertainer and dance machine, who was right out side of the Bellagio. We all decided we have never seen a happier person in spandex.



It was a lot of fun to have Austin, Jena, and Trina come stay with us. They lasted a whole week of living with the boring couple with no kids. We played tennis, watched movies, and lost "25" dollars in mesquite. Austin and Jena you guys are awesome and I couldn't have a better mother in law. Anyone else who wants to come see us there will be gifts and treats waiting in your private room in the west wing of your low income housing getaway.

Update

Welp, I have been substitute teaching a lot more while waiting to get into the secondary education program and it has probably been the most fun I have ever had at a job. Maybe once we have kids of our own it won't be as fun but for now this is jawesome. I seem to have a hard time keeping them under control and I've never really been good at calming kids down before so I guess this is good practice.   
My favorite subject to teach has been magic. The fourth graders fall for my disappearing scarf trick every time. Thank you dad. For the second and third graders I think I have changed lives by introducing silent speed ball to them and playing heads up seven up all the time. Math smath, heads down thumbs up that's my motto.




High school kids are a little more boring. They seem to have bladder problems and constantly say they have to go to the bathroom. Then they come back 15 minutes later with Cheetos and a drink. Mmm? Although three of them did say they like my eyes, apparently they are "dreamy". Deidre gets jealous. One student said I looked like Edward from eclipse, so now instead of orange I guess I sparkle. I've never got so many compliments in all my life. I don't know what to do. Callie Ryan Carrie and Jessie all got best eyes in high school but if I keep going at this rate I will be best eyes for a substitute.

To those of you we told that we were moving to Idaho, we lied. We probably got too excited but then things didn't work out. As for now were staying in St. George but we are still thankful for the friends and family who almost made it happen. We had a good Christmas in California; I got to see Blake Griffin live at the staples center, and spend time with the family.     












These were our seats above the score board. I think Blake Griffin could dunk it from here if he wanted. Go clippers boo lakers


Jessie and chris blessed their new baby. Miss you Jess already 





I got to take lily to feed the ducks. She kinda looks like the girl on despicable me.






I'm not sure why, but when ever we visit any brother or sister their kid has a tooth fall out. This time it was Jason. 






Over Christmas we also lost our friends Megan and Andrew to those things he's holding in his hands. They picked money over us and moved to salt lake. They said they are no longer low income and they couldn't be our friends.






These aren't the best camera phone pictures but we went to laguna beach and watched the sun go down.





  
These are our neighbors Cami and Jon making mouse cookies at Christmas. Every year jon tries to one up me in Christmas lights, so that's his new snow flake light projector on his garage. He got in trouble for buying that one. Jon and I have been coaching his daughters second grade basketball team for the last seven weeks and we found out saturday we came in first place. Coaches of the year.     








For Christmas this year I got new teeth no more spaces and Deidre got a trip to Boston, New York, and new hampshire. We got them in October but counted them for Christmas.  















It's been a good couple of months since then and we have our next trip to go to San Francisco and see Ryan Annalyn and the boys next Saturday. Ryan called and said he would help us get out there if we came. I've never gotten a valentines day gift from him before but what a romantic new tradition! Were excited.
This is a long post I know but we can't forget the highlight of the year. Tyson came home from his mission in brazil and deidre stopped crying at nights.








Logan you have a tough act to follow after this guy. Were both really glad your home tyson and wish you luck up at school. Good luck with the ladies and we love you. I owe you a valentines day gift.  

The meaning of...

So, Jacob taught 5th grade today and said all the kids asked him to eat lunch with them. He opted to eat lunch alone in the quiet classroom, then go play football with them at recess. I found the funniest note written to Jacob by an admiring student (I mean who didn't have a sub crush?). The note read:

The meaning of JACOB

J - jawesome
A - amazing
C - cool
O - orange
B - best sub

From: Olivia J.

Apparently some of the letters are tough to think of adjectives for. Like, orange...what? But my personal favorite...jawesome. Look that up in the dictionary and there will be a picture of Jacob, courtesy of Olivia!

Photos

So, Jacob mentioned we went to conference last weekend. We had a great time and I just wanted to give a shout out to the Ashton's and the Jorgensen's for being so kind! I'm sure they don't read this, but thanks anyway! We had fun being part of your families!

Here we are in the conference center. This is right before Music and the Spoken Word. AKA...Jacob's nap.


Jacob and Andrew wore matching ties...on purpose. Cute.


Jacob and I on temple square.


Jacob also mentioned he has been substitute teaching. I made him pose for a picture yesterday before he left. He's a pretty cute sub, don't you think?

Tickets to Boston

Two posts in one night, I had to one up Deidre since she's starting to post more. That and I'm trying to stay awake. I'm still working nights on Fridays and substitute teaching when ever I can between classes. I taught Jr. high today and after teaching first graders last time, I think I'll stick with the older kids. First grade is rough. I almost retired.

We have some things coming up that have been pretty exciting for us. First, we bought tickets to fly to Boston and see Jessie and Chris next Wednesday. Were going for a week and going to Boston, New York, and Lake Winnipesaukee. Jessie just had her baby so we get to see our niece and then relax. We can't wait. In Boston Deidre has tickets to go see Wicked and we both have never been to New York so we are spending a couple days down there to look around. We will post pictures and this time no photo shopping.

Second, Deidre got her ticket to fly home in November when Tyson gets back from his mission. This has been two years in the making and hopefully the end of many tears shed by my wife. It will be interesting to see how she reacts when Logan goes. Logan, I will cry for you if she doesn't and guarantee you either the same or one more care package than I sent Tyson. (I sent him zero, my bad).

Last, were trying to get the Murris down for thanksgiving. Were hoping you guys come and I think you all would pay good money to see Deidre cook a turkey. She will do great and I'd promise you all a ride on my motorcycle. Jena I won't set you up this time I swear and Austin, I will set you up this time. (I know a cocktail waitress from mesquite who is really nice!)

That's what's new with us so whelp, see ya later.

Elder Packer

I am at work and have been reading about all that has been going on in Salt Lake City this last week. Last Sunday we went to general conference with Megan and Andrew and got to hear some great talks. One that has been a big issue here in Utah has been by president Boyd K Packer and his talk on over coming unnatural and impure temptations.

Seeing protesters and news stations bombard temple square demanding apologies and demeaning apostles has been tough to watch. I'd almost rather be forced to watch a full episode of glee or see Kobe Bryant become the starting shooting guard for the Utah jazz.

This blogs mostly for me but I'm so glad we have leaders from the lord to stand up for what is right and fight against Satan. Moroni 9:6. I admire them and am amazed at their strength. When an 86 year old man can be helped up to a podium and testify against gay marriage, this can not be easy. While he changed his statements on the lds.org website from what he originally said, the point that we can all overcome our temptations was still there. Using excuses to avoid change will not work and while nothing he said regarding gay and lesbian behavior is new, his directness was.

I believe we all have things in our life that we need to repent of and I know I have felt overwhelmed at my imperfections. This talk gave hope that we are not doomed and there is a way out of sin and addiction. It has also made me think twice about my trips to mesquite and the 2$ craps tables. Goodbye friendly foreign blackjack dealer and immodestly dressed cocktail waitress. My new bi-monthly income and secondhand free smoke filled lungs thank you.

Be Prepared for the Chance of a Lifetime

On september 18, me, Jena, and my mom met in salt lake for a girls weekend, and it was epic! We first went shopping which was highly unproductive and disappointing. Then I attempted to drive down town only to find out that it was the 'Dew Tour' in the Energy Solutions Arena. It literally took me 5 minutes to realize that was a bad idea and 40 minutes to get out of there! Once I made it to the hotel we got all dolled up for dinner. We walked to a nearby Italian restaurant. Once we entered we quickly felt out of place. This place was fancy. The average meal was $25-30 (which was way over the budget). The waiter dished up our sizzling meal right in front of us and there was one guy dedicated to keeping our water glasses full. Luckily, the menu offered half portions, so that's what we ordered. We all laughed when we got the bill and it was $38 for all of us. Hahaha. However, the best part was when the water boy came to the table and cleaned off all the crumbs in front of me! So embarrassing.

Once dinner was over we walked to the Capital Theater to see "The Lion King"! it was spectacular! Only thing that would have made it better is JTT himself!


Jacob believes that the people chanting during Circle of Life are saying "hemoglobin aphen hemoglobin" so that was running through my head the whole first scene. I tried to explain to him what hemoglobin is, but he doesn't believe me. He swears it's of African origin.

Walking home at 11 o'clock was a little scary. Jena acted tough, but I was openly nervous. We passed several pubs, one with a mostly naked guy dancing on the balcony. Mom opted to walk down the other street. The only time I really felt safe was in front of the liquor store and that's just because there were 4 policemen outside! We tried to go to McDonalds, but the lobby was closed, so we drove from our neighboring hotel to the drive through. It was entertaining teaching mom how to go through a double lane drive through. She didn't catch on very quickly! Ha ha ha.

Sunday we went to temple square to watch music and the spoken word. I heart the Mormon tabernacle choir. And the orchestra was there which made it that much better. My favorite song was "Over the Rainbow" from wizard of oz. It blew Katherine McPhee's version out of the water! Amazing. At the end Lloyd announced that President Monson had been there for the taping. So cool.

Jena was too cool for pictures, so she was the photographer!


Overall, I had a great time and LOVED the production of Lion King. It was also great to spend time with my mom and sister. Love them.

Labor Day

We went to Sand Hallow with some friends on Labor Day to have a BBQ! (yes, we do have friends...shocking I know.) We had a lot of fun.


Jacob and the kids swam, the rest of us opted to stay dry due to the "swimmers itch is active" sign.

Andrew and Megan


Jacob and I


This is my favorite picture! Jackson just kicking back soaking in the sun! What a funny kid!


So you may be shocked that I updated so soon. The truth is I sat down to do my homework and have successfully found a dozen other things to do instead. Homework blows.

Bear Lake

A few weeks ago we went to Bear Lake with the Rasmussens. We first stopped in Park City to go shopping and take a picture by this sign.



Jacob also found this shirt that fit perfectly but was the wrong color!


Pedro and Nicole were down from Chicago so they joined us to go boating. It was so good to see them!


It was pretty cold this year, but that didn't stop us. We wake boarded and rode the water weenie, except for me I didn't because the water weenie is totally overrated. And Jacob likes to knock people off...not cool.








Saturday night we went to Pickleville playhouse and saw "Bandito rides again". (which didn't sense cuz he never rode nothing in the first place so how can he ride agggainnn?)

On Sunday Ryan, Annalyn, and the boys came. We went four wheeling and jet skiing with them. And Annalyn swore she wasn't good at tennis but I think that was all part of her strategy. She's pretty much pro. Over all we had great time!

Lee made his famous pancakes.


When we got home Jacob talked Jason into letting him buzz his head. They were both super excited about it. Sorry Carrie!


Next year we hope to have better attendance. Moving to the east coast and having a baby isn't a good enough excuse (Callie and Jessie)!