3January2010
Posted by stephyc under: Uncategorized.
While helping my Mom write my Grandpa’s obituary I realized just how horrible newspapers are at bleeding money from mourning families. I can come on here and write all the information about my Grandpa and it doesn’t cost me anything extra. However, if you want any amount of lines you have to pay nearly $5 extra each line over 11. Well, when you have a large family that’s not a possibility! We were joking about writing….
Long time resident Harry Lee Hoover died peacefully at his home on Dec. 31, 2009. For more details go to www.ourincrediblejourney.com/Great-Papa
First of all it would save resources and additionally no one reads the paper any more. So when it comes to your loved ones you have to decide exactly how much money am I willing to spend to let the world know how much I loved you!
2January2010
Posted by stephyc under: Uncategorized.
On Dec. 31, 2009 my grandpa Harry Lee Hoover passed from this life and into the next a little after 2 pm. I love you Grandpa! I am so saddened by your passing, yet I’m so glad that you have gone to a place where you can be with your parents, brothers, sisters, son, grandsons and other family members. I will miss your sweet smile and the relationship you had with me and my daughters!
I honestly don’t have the words right now to explain how much he means to me so I am reposting the post I wrote on his birthday in Sept.
http://ourincrediblejourney.com/2009/09/24/happy-87th-birthday-grandpa/
*Update…*He has 18 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way….
26December2009
Posted by stephyc under: Uncategorized.

From our home to yours....
On Christmas morning I awoke to rustling in the living room. I was able to figure out quickly that Nikki was awake and checking her stocking, what was under the Christmas tree, and to see who was awake. I continued pretending to sleep so I didn’t have to get out of my nice warm, cozy bed. Soon afterward Jason woke up and Nikki caught on to him being awake quickly. She quickly gave Daddy a rundown list of things under the tree and that the stockings were completely full. I reminded her not to wake her sister.
About an hour later Lizzi woke up and it was all over, but the tearing open of each present! Jason got out the video camera and we each took turns opening presents. The girls had a blast opening presents and watching everyone else open their presents too. I think this is the first year this has happened. Before they wanted to open all of their presents as fast as they could. This year was a sit and enjoy each others gifts with them.
After all of the gifts were opened I started making a couple things for our family get together. We had it at our home this year. Jason BBQed Rib Eye for us all to enjoy! Everyone started arriving around 12:30. Emily and her family arrived first so she could get the rolls cooking. Soon after Jason’s Mom came with her green beans. Kevin and his family arrived bringing apple pie with them.
I forgot to start the potatoes for mashed potatoes, but we were able to get everything ready on time. Emily also made gravy for the dinner. Everything turned out wonderfully!!!
After dinner we made a call to Grammy to let her know that we were opening the presents from her, Papa, and Great-Papa. We are so lucky to have a video phone because they were able to see the kids open each of the presents!
The guys were playing Risk, but the girls chose to play a game 80’s Scene It. The funniest thing was the guys were trying to answer our questions from the dining room. What a fun game, but I really don’t remember that much about the 80’s. I never have been good with celebrity names and add to that many of the movies I haven’t seen since I was a kid. Michele won the game, by a long shot! Good game Michele and Emily.

All in all what a wonderful day to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Fun times with the family…who could ask for more? Not I!
We hope your was as great as ours. I will post a small video clip later…Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!!!
22December2009
Posted by stephyc under: Uncategorized.
Once again I didn’t forget the birthday I just didn’t post a blog. Since I’m playing catch up tonight….here goes nothing!
Happy Birthday to my sweet little Lizzi!!!

We are so lucky to have wonderful family members and friends who took the time to help us celebrate Lizzi’s special day! I know it’s hard at this time of the year, but you help us make her day special each and every year! Thank you for coming to the party and bring such wonderful gifts for Lizzi to enjoy!!!
On Thursday, December 17th, 2009 We had a birthday party for Lizzi….

Thank you for the easel and art supplies Jeff and family!

Getting ready to sing Happy Birthday to Lizzi!

Lizzi’s theme was butterflies. We were able to find butterfly wall stickers to hang all over the house. Lizzi got new clothes for her birthday from Jaylee, Auntie Em, and Uncle Brady. Thank you for the butterfly clothes!
Uncle Eric’s family gave Lizzi a Cooties game.
Uncle Kevin’s family gave Lizzi a Jewelry making kit.
JonJon and Lisa gave Lizzi a Bratz doll set.
Grandma gave Lizzi a doodle pad, colored pencils, and stickers.
Lizzi loves them all and has been busy trying each of them out! Thank you for the wonderful gifts!!!
22December2009
Posted by stephyc under: Uncategorized.
On Wednesday Dec. 9th We got a Christmas card in the mail from my sister’s family. I hung it up with all my other Christmas cards. When I talked to my sister on the phone she asked me what I thought of their card. I told her it was cute. She replied, “That’s all you have to say?” I was confused so I said yes. She asked me if I read it….Upon closer inspection, I found there was more to her card then just a Christmas greeting.

This makes two for this next year. Emily and Brady are due at the end of July. Keith and Mandy are due at the beginning of January! I will be an Aunt for two more kiddos this year. I’m so excited for these new additions to our family!!!
22December2009
Posted by stephyc under: Uncategorized.
A few of the other things we did this month that we don’t have pictures of.
Dec. 1st was my youngest sister Emily’s birthday.
Dec. 2nd We had the Gordon’s over for dinner.
Dec. 3rd my nephew played a basketball game here in Cottonwood. (He lives in Prescott.) Afterward everyone came over for BBQ and cake.
Dec. 4th was date night…
Dec. 5th we painted our Christmas ornaments for our family members gifts.
Dec. 6th we had Panda Express for dinner.
Dec. 7th we had a wild storm blow through town. Bringing with it rain, wind, and on the mountains snow.
Dec. 8th Relief Society Christmas dinner and social. I played a Shepard in the live Nativity.
Dec. 9th Watched an amazing sunrise with my Hubby. Found out a secret. Plus heard about my Uncle’s passing.
Dec. 10th Arrived in Turlock, California. Watched the kids play on the quads and tractors. Visited with my cousins.
Dec. 11th Sorted through pictures of my Uncle Rick. Joined in a family meeting about final arrangements. Made Dinner for a crowd.
Dec. 12th Had a family dinner at the ranch! Plus visited with Michele, Suzy, and Mike!
Dec. 13th Headed back home to Cottonwood. Arrived in time to attend the fireside.
Dec. 14th Went to work. Went to DQ with the Gordon’s!
Dec. 15th Got a nice little post from a friend. A picture of my brother Brian and his baseball team. The Reynold’s Family came over for dinner.
Dec. 16th Finished getting Christmas presents ready for teachers, friends, and students.
Dec. 17th Celebrated Lizzi’s 7th Birthday with friends and family.
Dec. 18th Date Night!!! We rang the bell for the Salvation Army. Afterward we went to a couple’s activity at the church. Dodge Ball, Basketball, and more games….
Dec. 19th Quiet night at home with the girls. Jason went to a movie with the guys!
Dec. 20th Pulled Lizzi’s second tooth out….Finally!
Dec. 21st Happy Birthday Lizzi!!! By special request from the birthday girl herself we rang the bell again!
Dec. 22nd Busy making lots of goodies! Rice Crispy Treats, 7 Layer Cookies, and Fudge.
More to come…….
22December2009
Posted by stephyc under: Uncategorized.
I got my Christmas tree up and decorated before Thanksgiving this year. I really like that I was able to relax and enjoy their beauty. I’m even thinking of keeping them up until my Dad comes out in February. I love the Christmas season.

Looking in from outside you can see our Christmas Tree and Nativity.

Something we need defined everyday! What does it mean to be good? My girls are working on learning the meaning of the word good.

One of the first things you will see at my home is a Merry Christmas sign and the Nativity. I love having several Nativities in my home and one day would like them from all over the world.
At this Christmas season I wish all my Family and Friends a very Merry Christmas. May you be safe and blessed in the coming year!
22December2009
Posted by stephyc under: Uncategorized.
On Dec. 9th, 2009 my Uncle Rick had a massive heart attack and passed from this life into the next. It came as a shock to each member of the family. My two older brothers and my youngest sister and I jumped in the car and headed out to Northern California that night. After driving 12 hours with 7 people in the car including a 2 year old we arrived at my Grandpa’s house.
While I was there I got to scan some pictures of my Dad and Uncle as little boys….



While laughter and tears is the best medicine…I hope to not have another family member die again for a while.
Here is the post to my Uncle Rick’s obituary…
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/modestobee/obituary.aspx?n=rick-hoover&pid=137352325
22December2009
Posted by stephyc under: Uncategorized.
I’m so bad I didn’t post a Happy Birthday to my dear sister Emily! A very belated Birthday wish on my blog to you Em!!!
Just so you know I didn’t forget her birthday completely! How about the surprise at Red Robin???

11November2009
Posted by stephyc under: Uncategorized.
On this day some 37 years ago…My older brother Kevin was born.
Happy Birthday Kevin!!!
I hope you have a wonderful birthday!!!

Being the joker that he is he took the teddy bear from Lizzi and started hugging it. Lizzi burst out laughing at him. Too cute!