ROSS

This past week we suffered a great loss,in that our Father and Grandfather Ross Nicholes passed away.

It has been a sad time for our family, but we rejoice in the new found freedoms and joy that we know Ross must be experiencing.

Here are a few of our favorite memories....

Ross was an excellent chef. His potatoes and gravy were legendary. I am not sure anyone can make them as yummy as Ross. When asked for a recipe  he never had any measurements or ideas on how he made it...he would answer with something like..."cook the potatoes, then use some butter, milk, salt and mash 'em up." Just another reason he was so amazing.

Ross was a wonderful Grandparent. He came to as many birthdays, ball games, band performances, choir performances, as he could. He always played card games with the kids. Toward the end when his strength was waning he watched "Alf" with the kids when he could. They loved him for his unconditional love for them, and his sense of humor. He shared his love of tractors and the great outdoors, and of course sheep.

Ross was a wonderful Father-in-Law. I have two favorite memories. One sad another happy. At one point several years ago, Bartley was in the hospital and he was very ill. The doctors did not know if he would make it. The doctors and nurses were standing around working on Bartley. His parents and I were there. Finally Ross turned to me and said, "You need to leave, you don't need to see Bartley like this." I told him I wasn't leaving. He said "I will stay, but you are leaving, you don't want me to make you." I loved him for protecting me, that way. The other memory was just a few years ago at Christmas. We had opened presents. We were just sitting around visiting. The next thing I know Ross had a ribbon set perfectly on top of his head. He was just so funny, and it was such a perfect representation of his fun, playful, humorous side.

 Ross was an awesome father. Bartley has lots of good memories, one of his favorites is when he was about 9 years old. Ross came to him and asked him if he wanted to go to a "late" show. It was a school night and Bartley remembers how cool it was to be with his dad and go to see the "Electric Horseman". He loves going to a late night movie even now.  Ross worked hard and was a good provider. Bartley never felt as though he "went without", birthdays and Christmases were always full of magic and excitement.  Just recently at our anniversary, Bartley took my gift over to wrap, (it was a set of pots and pans) Ross stated clearly, "that's not an anniversary gift, you are going to be in trouble." (Bartley was not in trouble, I told him that was what I wanted) Bartley loved him for trying to save him from a sure fate of trouble.

We know that Families Can be Together Forever....so until we meet again Ross. We love you!

Prom 2010

Rock-n-Roll

At some point during Christmas break in my living room there appeared a total rock-star! Abbey appeared on stage, she was decked out and ready to groove....

It was quite a show, complete with costume changes, some major guitar moves, and the vacuum microphone.  I love her creativity and her willingness to share her talent! Thanks ABBEY!

My Ashley....

A few months ago, Ashley and I had a conversation it went something like this...

Ashley: " Mom, you know what would make all my dreams come true?"

Me: "Tell me." (ummm, a million dollars, a trip to Hawaii, a new car, etc.)

Ashley: " A plastic shower cap."

Me: " A shower cap....the plastic old lady kind..?"

Ashley: *sigh* "Wouldn't that be just so legit?" (legit=cool, groovy, etc.)

Me: "I'll see what I can do."

Fast forward a few weeks. I went to Big Lots for something else, but came across a pink shower cap for $1. I thought, what the heck, this will make all of Ashley's dreams come true. I of course bought it, and brought it home to her. She LOVED it !

Ashley: " Mom do you know what this means?"

Me: " Of course I do, all your dreams have come true!"

Ashley: "Well that too, but now I can take a shower and not get my hair wet! That is so AWESOME!"

She tried it on right away.. and cleaned her ears. I LOVE being a MOM!

 Thanks Ashley...

Cruise 2010

In February Bartley and I had a once in a lifetime opportunity to go on a cruise to Mexico! We have not been on a vacation together alone, in FIVE years. We had a blast and can't wait to go again!

First, a little background. Our wonderful friends David and Amy Powell invited us to go with them. David and I grew up in the same ward, and since junior high we have been friends. We have lots of fun memories, my favoirte is our entire Sunday School class (I think there were 12 or so of us) went to his house during Sunday School time, (long story, we scared off  MANY teachers) and ate doughnuts on a regular basis.*gasp!* The jury is still out if our parents knew... David and I both went to Snow College, and since I had a car and he didn't, we spent many weekends driving back and forth together. One last note about David, his mom was one of my beloved Young Women leaders, and she made me promise that I would take good care of him while he was away from home.(I did..keep reading) Amy is my room-mate from Snow College. We had never met before then, but quickly realized we are "kindred spirits" and became life long friends. I of course made sure that they both met, and as they say.... the rest is history. David's room-mate happened to be Bartley, and we all have lived happily after.

We drove down to LA together, and laughed and talked the whole way. Thanks, Dave for all the driving! It was awe inspiring to finally get to the port and see the HUGE ship we were about to board.

Soon we were off! There are so many things to do and see... The ship had a miniature golf course at the back, on the top deck. Bart and I headed there for some fun! It was a little cold and windy, but we had a blast despite the weather!

Our first stop was Cabo San Lucas. Looked beautiful and quaint, but we happened to be lucky enough to be there during a rainy day. Apparently, it only rains on average three days a year. Bart and I took a tender and went to see what there is to see. We had fun walking in the rain...it wasn't cold just wet. The streets were flooded. We picked up some fun stuff for the kids and just enjoyed each other's company.

On our way we walked past an open air restaurant, (almost completely empty) and saw this little boat.

I jumped a little when we walked up to it and saw these.....

This was clear in my mind as the waiter cracked open the lobster tail at dinner the last night of the cruise....

This was our first sunset...breathtaking. Dave and Amy had a room with a balcony. Our room was conveniently right across the hall. They were very gracious and shared often their luxury. I highly recommend going on a cruse with friends who will share their balcony. All the benefits of the great view, with out the cost!

The next day the ship docked in Mazatlan. Bart and I tried to find an excursion that we both wanted to do, and could afford, but we just came up with nothing.  The port is in an industrial and kind of scary area, with armed army soldiers everywhere. We decided walking around and finding an adventure may turn into a nightmare....so we stayed on the ship. It was fabulous! Most of the passengers got off the ship, the  weather was fabulous, and so we took advantage of the peace and quiet and laid up on the deck, reading books, napping, and taking advantage of the yummy tropical(non-alcoholic) drinks available. AAAAHHH! it was fabulous.  The above picture was my view from my lounge chair.

This picture is just another view from my "perch" on the deck. Notice how empty all the chairs were! This was my favorite day! No worries, no demands, just me a good book and my best friend right there with me! It doesn't get any better!

Every night when we returned from dinner there was another "towel" animal sitting or hanging on our bed. This one was my favorite.  Just another reason a cruise is so much fun!

This was our sunset leaving Mazatlan. MY FAVORITE!

The next day we arrived in Puerto Vallarta. We decided to go to a resort with a private beach. We traveled by bus to this resort, it was goregous! Green and well landscaped, with beautiful architecture.

The one downside was the rain! It poured for a few hours. We used the rain for an excuse and ate lunch while we hoped it would clear up some. I think I may want to come back to this resort someday. It was well cared for and beautiful as you can see!

After it cleared up, it tried to get warm but never really succeeded. We did wade out into the ocean a little...Happy 20th Anniversary!  The resort day was Bartley's gift to me for our anniversary. Thanks, honey it was great!

Our last Mexican sunset.....

The four of us after dinner....

Once again a special thank you to Dave and Aim, you guys are the best! Thanks  for the comfortable friendship we share, we love you both!

We really enjoyed ourselves, and we are already figuring out where to go next.

Christmas 2009

I know I am a little late, but for some reason our Christmas pictures were in a file marked "Summer/Fall 2009". Who would have thought that the Christmas pictures would be there...???

We had a lot of fun Christmas morning. The kids woke the parents up at 6:00AM sharp. They were full of excitement. Everyone but Lindsey. Santa had only left what looked like 2 presents for Lindsey. She and the other kids decided she must have been a bad girl. (It was kind of sad) As we opened our gifts, Lindsey found that Santa has a sense of humor. She had many presents to open because Santa gave her an Ipod in some nesting boxes. She opened one after another until she finally opened the last one that had her Ipod. Nathan was really excited to receive a BYU football jersey. Ashley was VERY happy with her keyboard.(so is her MOM!-Ashley can practice in her room with headphones-so happy!) Abbey was so sweet this year only asking for a present for our dog. She lucked out though, 'cause Santa brought her a Ninetendo DS. Maggey was the most satisfied. She said she knew what she had received before she opened the box for her American Girl doll. She just sighed a sigh of statisfaction after she opened all the American Girl suff that came along with her doll.

Hope you all had as much fun as we did!

2009-A Year in Pictures

Happy Holidays-Family Update

Last year we posted our annual Christmas letter on our blog....and we had so many positive comments that we are doing it again this year.

2009 was a year full of new challenges for our family. We have truly been blessed, and as we look back we see that we have much to be grateful for this year.

ABBEY- is in 3rd grade. She loves school and is a good student. She played soccer for the first time this year and loved it! She turned eight and was baptized this year. She is a sweetheart, always willing to help and always the peacemaker.
MAGGEY-turned 10 on her birthday. She was so excited to reach double digits. She is her teacher's number one helper, and she just passed off all of her times tables 1-12, and her division facts 1-12. Quite an accomplishment since she is only the 3rd kid in her teacher's carreer (10 years or so) to do so. She too played soccer and loved it. She is very responsible, and usually is the first to do her chores, and most of the time without any reminders!
NATHAN-has changed the most in the last year. He has grown about 4 feet since last year (ok so maybe not quite that much, but it sure seems like it!) His great happiness this year is that he is taller than; one mom, both grandma's, two aunts and three sisters. He has left behind elementary school and is now attending junior high. He says, "I wish I had enjoyed more of my childhood while I was in elementary.." His favorite activity right now is a toss up between baseball, eating, BYU football and of course eating.
ASHLEY- is busy working on all of her musical talents. She started taking piano lessons again this year after a two year break. She has decided that practicing actually pays off! (YEA!) She is also in the top choir at the junior high and has an amazing alto voice. She is involved with an "extra " choir which practices only during student's free time. They sang recently at a Christmas concert and they stole the show! She is very responsible and helpful to those around her. We are constantly getting compliments about what a wonderful person she is. We agree!
LINDSEY-has had a big year this year as well. She has been to several school dances, and is quite happy to be part of the dating scene. She has her drivers license, and is enjoying the new freedom and responsibility. She runs errands for her mom all the time, picking up kids, running to the store... her mom LOVES it! This year as most of you know Lindsey was involved in a serious bus accident that took her teacher's life. (see previous posts) It has been a time of growth and reflection for her as well as our entire family. She continues to love marching band and is already looking forward to next season.
JEN-remains busy taking care of a busy family. It seems like our kids are growing up so fast now that I feel like I am missing it! When they were all little I wished that they were bigger, older more responsible, but now that they are bigger, older,and more responsible I am thinking, wait slow down, there is no rush.... They are my biggest blessing and my greatest joy! I have learned this year to treasure every moment and to always say "I love you". You just never know when your life can be turned upside down and inside out. I am still working as the Manager at Maple Village Apartments and still love my calling as Young Women President.
BARTLEY- is doing well. After three hospitalizations this year, he has been give as clean of a bill of health he can get. He is busy with his 5th grade class and his second job doing Customer Support from home for Tax Hawk. He is always chasing after the kids with me. He is a great dad, taking time with each kid on an individual basis. He continues to love his calling in the Bishopric. This year he decided (with my approval, sort of) to get the kids a dog. YEP, that's right a dog. His name is "Cooper". He's a beagle and a great dog. I'm not sure who is enjoying the dog more Bart or the kids??

As we look forward to 2010 we look forward to the blessings and challenges that lie ahead for our family. We have faith and confidence that the Lord will continue to bless us.

Love from our family to yours,

Bartley, Jen, Lindsey,Ashley, Nathan, Maggey and Abbey......and Cooper

AF MARCHING BAND

Just a short update......American Fork Marching Band won the Utah State Championship on Friday, then went on to win the Western Regional Competition on Saturday! Way to GO!!! We are proud as parents of Lindsey for all the hard work that has gone into this show, (they started in April). These kids have been through a lot of emotion in the last 4 weeks, and they truly triumphed at these last 2 competitions.

One other reason for this post.....the band needs YOUR help. They have been invited to attend the Bands of America Grand National Competition in Indainapolis for the national championship. They may have a chance to place, right now they are ranked 10th in the nation:)!They need to raise $250,000 in the next few days......the smallest donations will help a lot. So to all of our family and friends, please see what you can do!

Lindsey's Miracle

Last Saturday, October 10, 2009 the American Fork Marching Band was traveling home from a competition in Pocatello, Idaho, where they had just won first place. They were traveling in a caravan of 4 buses. They assign buses according to your instrument, Lindsey and the other "woodwinds" were assigned to bus #2.

After traveling for approx 20 min or so, bus #2 bus driver passed out due to some kind of medical problem. Lindsey's teacher Heather Christensen, jumped from her seat, grabbed the wheel and tried to steer the bus. The bus rolled on to it's side and landed at the side of the road. Heather was thrown from the bus, and was killed instantly.

Lindsey and all her friends were tossed about inside the bus. According to Lindsey instruments, backpacks, ipods, cell phone, and other misc. objects were flying all around. All the windows in the bus shattered, sending shards of glass flying too. After the dust settled, the kids, who were now all on top of each other in a massive dog pile, started to try and find their way out of the bus. They had to climb out the top hatch on the roof. Lindsey had dirt in her mouth, nose and ears.

Lindsey was not seriously injured, in fact she had no major injuries, just bumps and bruises in totally random places, that as a mother, you just don't want to know what caused them. In fact I told Lindsey not to think about it, because those are questions you don't really want to have the answer to.

We received a phone call approximately 7:20pm from Lindsey's friend Emily who was on another bus. (The crash occurred at 7:15 or so). Lindsey was not able to call us until about 8:00 or so. This was the worst time for Bartley and I. Every parents worst nightmare.Not knowing if Lindsey was alive, or dead, or what injuries she had sustained. We immediately knelt down and prayed. There was nothing else we could do. The relief of hearing her voice, was so great, I don't think I will ever feel that way again. She reported that she was physically okay, but would be on her way to the local hospital to get checked out as a precaution. This time our prayer was one of gratitude, of thanks.

It was a VERY long night. We joined many, many, members of the "Band Fam" and members of the community who went to the high school to wait for the band to arrive. Most of the band came home at 12:30am or so. It was a moving sight to seeing hundreds maybe thousands of people standing on the grass waiting for these teenagers to return from this fateful night. The crowd applauded as these kids arrived in the parking lot. Somber, saddened, horrified faces, kids from our neighborhood piled off the bus in a chilling silence.

Lindsey's bus did not arrive until 3:30am or so. We waited what seemed like eternity, mostly alone at the high school with about, 25 other parents for our kids. Lindsey was one of the first kids off, and as we wrapped our arms around her, nothing , nothing, nothing can ever compare to the love, and relief that we felt. The smell of her dirty hair, the taste of her salty tears on her cheeks I kissed, I will never forget.

As time has passed we have realized the miracles that the Lord has provided. Heather was not scheduled to be on the bus, but chose to go with them, "I am not leaving my kids". The County Sheriff told Mr. Miller (the Band Director) that he has seen many crashes in that area over the years, and he was sure that there was help for these kids from the other side of the veil. Lindsey says that she felt arms around her as she climbed out of the bus. The kids had prayed together before the competition, and asked that they would travel safely. Most of the kids walked away with little or no physical injury.

The band went on to their next competition on Tuesday, despite the grief that overcame them. They marched in honor of Heather, adding a special tribute to her. They won first place, capturing all the awards possible. They were beautiful, amazing, and awe inspiring. Some limping, some sitting or standing, but they performed anyway. Heather's kids overcame the grief and pain, and taught myself and everyone watching that we can overcome, anything is possible.

Lindsey stood guard at Heather's casket, played prelude at the funeral, played as Heather's casket exited the building, and then played at the graveside. I have never been so proud of my daughter as I was at those moments. The love and respect she has for Heather showed in her true professionalism as she performed with tears streaming down her cheeks.

I am speechless at the miracles we have witnessed this week. It is humbling to know that we are worthy of such blessings. I am so thankful for the Plan of Happiness. I am thankful for my temple covenants, my sealing to Bartley that makes us a forever family.

Thank you to all of our family and friends who have done so much to support us this week. It is comforting to know that you are there when we need you.

For anyone who wants to you can view the news stories at www.ksl.com. Search for American Fork Marching Band.

You can also view video of the competitions at www.youtube.com. Once again search for American Fork Marching Band.

Hansen Family Reunion

This last weekend we were able to have a Hansen Family Reunion. Everyone except my brother-in-law Dan was able to attend.(We MISSED you Dan!) It was good to get together and spend time with everyone. Here are a few highlights.....

Swimming in Grandma and Grandpa's pool was number one on all the kids list....they jumped in first thing!

After dinner and swimming was over it was on to the "Circle Game". Those of you who are Murdock's will recognize the blindfolds, searching for surprises, etc. Those of you who are not Murdock's will have to ask us about it.....it is FUN! Check out Abbey's loot!

We had an outdoor movie, which was fun until it rained.....

We slept out in the backyard at my parents house, we were supposed to "sleep under the stars", but due to the rain, we slept in tents instead. The kids thought this was the BEST!

We also played "Tennis Racket Baseball" which was a blast! It was fun to get out and just play with everyone.

We had a pre-reunion "Girl Day" on Thursday. SO MUCH FUN! All of the girls went shopping and out to lunch. Thanks Ashley for the babysitting! I had to throw in the picture of Ruth and Julie wearing the same shirts.......

What my parents have been telling me my whole life.....is TRUE! My brothers and sisters are my friends (SURPRISE!). I am so lucky to have such great siblings, I would be lost without them. Thanks for all you do for me and my family, I love you all!

The Burning Suit

We had a momentous occasion at the end of April. Bartley was finally able to get a new suit.=) The kids and I have been looking forward to this for YEARS now. Yeah Bartley!

While he was getting fitted for his new suit, he asked me what we were going to do with his old suit now that he had a new one. I told him "burn it." (I have HATED it for years) He laughed, but I am not sure he truly believed me.

The Monday after he picked up his suit, we went to Grandma JaNae's and used her fire pit, to BURN the suit! Bartley saw how serious I was when I doused the suit in lighter fluid. =)

Here are a few pic's of the BIG occasion....
The last moments in the suit.....
The "smoking" jacket....
The actual burning of the suit.

The kids and I applauded when the flames totally engulfed the suit. Bartley seemed a little sad, but only a little. He has worn the suit for so long, he has lots of memories....Maggey and Abbey were blessed, Grandma and Grandpa B's funerals, called to the Bishopbric, ordained a High Priest. Lot's of weddings, nieces, nephews, sister in law's, brother in law's.....a lot.(I think he has had it for over 9 years....)It was good to say goodbye, we did sing a few bars of "Taps". Thanks to Ross and JaNae for the use of their fire pit for our little memorial service.

The kids have mentioned that this was one of the best Family Home Evening Activities we have ever had.=)

Pictures of the new suit....soon to follow.

Abbey 's Birthday and Baptism

We celebrated Abbey's 8th Birthday on May 17. Abbey opened presents 1st thing in the morning. She got a new outfit, some legos (girl kind, purple and pink, just like she asked) and a few other things. As is tradition in the Nicholes family, she will get to go out to dinner with JUST mom and dad and then go and pick out her very own scriptures. It's Great to be 8!

Looking back at the last 8 years.....we can't imagine what it would be like around here with out Abbey. Her smiles, her laughter, her determination, have brought us joy and happiness beyond measure. We love you Abbey!

Abbey has been preparing since Maggey was baptized in December 2007. Last fall she called Grandma Mary to ask if she would make a baptism dress for her. She was sooooo excited to wear her special dress.
I am sorry to report that my camera ran out of batteries....so we don't have a picture of just Abbey and her beautiful dress. Grandma worked really hard, and Abbey has been so thrilled, we can't get her to wear anything else to church.:)

June 6, 2009 was a special day for our family. Abbey was Baptized and Confirmed by her dad, and Nathan was ordained a Deacon, by his dad. Lots of tears from MOM!



It was awesome to see the priesthood in action. What a blessing to have a worthy priesthood holder who can bless the lives of our children. Words just seem too small to express that joy.

Thanks to all our friends and family members who supported Nathan and Abbey.

Abbey and the Bike Wreck

On Monday night, Abbey decided to go for a bike ride. She rode from our driveway, to the next door neighbors driveway. According to her, her seat turned and she was thrown over the handle bars and onto her chin. OUCH! When she came into the house, I could tell by her cries that she was hurt, not just a bandaid and I am better hurt, but the real kind of hurt. Anyhow, her chin swelled up so fast it was about 4 times the size in less than 20 min. We ended up taking her to our good friends house (he's our pediatrician). He checked her out for about 20min or so, and thought she would be ok. After lots and lots of Ibuprofen, and what seems like millions of ice packs, here's the proof that she was in PAIN! She is not in as much pain now, and seems to be back to normal, including riding her bike, AFTER Dad tightened the seat, and tested it several times himself.