Coolest Dad

1/2 My Life

This is a couple of days late, but on Sunday, February 1, 2009, I have officially been associated with my husband 1/2 my life. We met Friday, February 1, 1991 at his singles ward dance (sort of like the movie he was in) when I was 18 years old. You guessed it, I'm now 36 (hard to admit) and it's February 1st again so by my calculations I've been priviledged to know him 1/2 a lifetime (so far). As Dell would say, "Not long enough!" And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Dell has been a huge blessing in my life (& the lives of many others, too). He has never stopped "dating" me (ie. movies, dinner out, trips together all over the world), often compliments me, loves the Lord and our family as much as he loves me and shows it in his actions and example, works hard & has always provided for our needs and often our wants, plays hard and keeps me feeling young, is super smart and creative, he's the best dad on the planet to our four kids, etc, etc, etc. No question I'm a better person for the time we've spent together. I love him eternally & plan to be with him forever (thanks to our Savior, Jesus Christ). Let the next 18+ years together begin!! (:

Disneyworld's Goofy's Race & Half Challenge

I (Teresa) flew to Disneyworld with my sister Maren, brother Tom, and sister-in-law Teresa Steele (and her friend Jennifer) a couple of weeks ago. We had trained for a few months for the 39.3 miles we planned to run in the Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge. We ran a half marathon (13.1 miles) on Saturday January 10th and a full marathon (26.2 miles) on Sunday January 11th. We've previously run 1/2 marathons and full marathons individually so we felt the next big challenge was to run them back to back (I know, glutten for punishment). And on top of that, we visited all four parks there, riding the rides as many times as possible (some 4 times each). Needless to say, we put in a lot of miles!! It was probably the most exhausting vacation I've ever been on. And I left the kids and husband at home, LOL! I'm not complaining, though. It was all well worth it and we had a wonderful time. I don't know if we'll ever be goofy enough to run it again (not to mention it was our most expensive race) but it was definitely worth doing once. Reaching such a big goal together and spending the week together was really fantastic. As adults, you don't get to hang out with your siblings much and just play. That's one thing I enjoy the most about running races with my family and friends--all the bonding we get to do together. I sure I couldn't have run as well as I did in any of my races without the support we give to each other during training and actually completing the races, etc. I'd love to run some more races with my family and friends. So who's ready for the next race? (email me)

I just want to say to all my family and friends (especially Dell & my kids) I love you all! Thanks to Dell and the kids for supporting me in my personal quests and for holding down the fort at home while I'm gone. What a great way to accomplish my new year's resolution for 2009! (Wow, that was faster than usual, LOL!)

Christmas 2008 in Wisconsin

We traveled to Wisconsin (a long drive) in our Toyota truck with the six of us for Christmas and New Years. Dell's mom Jeannie and stepdad Michael live there in Tomah. We really enjoyed eating together (Jeannie fed us well), tubing at the local ski resort (small compared to Utah), singing Christmas carols, opening gifts, attending church in the next town (boy are we spoiled with church one street over), and staying up until midnight to ring in the new year (well, 11pm in Utah), etc. I'm sure we were extremely busy and noisy and wore out Jeannie and Michael, but everyone seemed to have a great time!

Dell's Sister Heather's Youtube Debut

The Forgotten Carols

I was thrilled when Brooklyn asked if we could see "The Forgotten Carols" (by Michael McLean) as the second play she needed to attend for her 9th grade drama class. I had seen the play a few years ago with Dell, my parents, & my friend Kim. Ever since then I've always wanted to take my kids when they were older and could really grasp the important messages portrayed in this beautiful musical. I purchased the DVD last Christmas (the 15th anniversary addition) and watched it with my family. Out of all my kids, Brooklyn seemed to enjoyed it the most. I even found a book with the sheet music for a bargain and Brooklyn learned to play the "music box" song on the piano. She loves to play it year round. Still, it isn't quite the same as watching it live on stage and really getting into the spirit of this wonderful show. So the two of us treated ourselves to an early birthday present (we both have birthdays this month) and went together (well, I paid, of course).

It was as fantastic as I remembered and Brooklyn and I both shed tears during the performance (it's a medical condition called lacrimocystopexy--our bladder is attached to our eyes, LOL). We stayed after and now have the autographs of the cast, including Michael & Lynne McLean, shown in the pictures with Brooklyn and I. Of course, the best part is the spirit of the Holy Ghost testifying of the truth of their message about the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. From the very beginning of the play and beyond the end, the spirit was so strong. It was so powerful it is hard to describe the joy and peace and love that is felt unless you experience it for yourself. My heart overflows with gratitude for the opportunity to share this special experience with my daughter tonight.

Merry Christmas! I Believe!

May 2008 Update!

Dell is still cutting ads for Money Train and his SUPERDELL for Governor campaign, as well as trying to organize the help he's been offered with his campaign, and do radio spots on talk radio, etc. He can probably give you a better idea than I can of all the things he's been doing. So far he seems very positive about the support he's getting. He also loves flying a ton over Utah Lake now that we live so close.

I've been called as the new cub den leader for the 8 year olds. I was supposed to be the assistant, but now the main leader is leaving town for three months and so I'm scrambling to learn what I'm doing without much training. Thankfully, the wife of the scout master has been helping me out some as well as my mom (she helped my 5 brothers and has been a scout leader herself--and so has my dad). I'm in charge of approx. 9 boys (depending on how many show up). :) What an adventure it is all turning out to be. The timing is great since I'll be able to be a better help to Jordan next year when he becomes a scout.

The kids are doing excellent. We went to Lagoon a couple of Saturdays ago as a family and had a great time. Eric and Teresa and their boys joined us as well as some of my family. Troy had his 3-year-old preschool graduation at Miss Tami's (my brother's wife) Thursday. He'll be continuing preschool with my friend Nisha next year (and in June for the summer program) since she lives much closer. Jordan is finishing 1st grade and will attend a summer reading program at his school 5 days a week in June. Savannah is so excited to go to middle school (7th grade) with Brooklyn next year. Savannah went to Lagoon yesterday for a second time this year (and it's only May) as part of her D.A.R.E. graduation. Her friend Stephanie and her family took her with them. And of course, Brooklyn will begin high school credits next year in 9th grade as well as Seminary. She recently bought a skateboard and loves trying to learn how to ride it. I just hope she doesn't injure herself especially since we don't have health insurance until July. She still loves to dye her hair red, partially since it annoys her dad so much, and mostly because she gets more compliments and attention. Our new school district gets out for the summer May 30th, but returns to school Aug. 18th. The kids are excited to get out earlier than some of their friends but don't look forward to returning a week sooner in August. Oh well, you win some and you lose some! :)