Once there was a SNOWMAN

Never said he was pretty... in fact... kind of a little scary!

I woke up to this...

What in the world is that all about? I live in St. George to avoid this type of weather. The worst part was that the roads were not too clear this morning because we are unprepared for this type of weather. I was a slippin' and a slidin' all the way to work... NOT TOO FUN! The kids hurried and built a snowman before it all melted. Luckily, Grant took a picture of it with his DS. When I got home, the eyes had fallen out. I had Garrett put the eyes back in so I could take a picture. As he was putting the eyes in, the snowman lost his head. This was the picture I got...

All I can say is, I am glad that this snow isn't sticking around!

CRABBY New Year

I began the New Year CRABBY! Maybe I was up too late ringing in 2011. Or maybe it was Russ' cell phone waking me up before I was ready to begin my day, and not being able to fall back to sleep. Then, I was given a one hour notice that I needed to attend a baptism and I hadn't even showered yet. At the baptism, I was put on the spot and asked to speak with NO previous warning. To put just a little more CRAB in my crabbiness... we were taking pictures of all the grandkids. I just dread pictures. The part I hate the most is coordinating clothes. I had FINALLY figured out what each of my kids were going to wear when I found out the colors had been slightly changed. Shouldn't have been that big of a deal, but when you are me and have stressed about the clothes for three days, only to have it change last minute... I was ORNERY. Sorry to mom, Russ, my children, and anyone else I was short with. I was able find some new outfits for Grant and Gracie to fit the color scheme, get them washed and MOSTLY dry before we had to leave.

Well, family pictures are always a crazy experience and this was NO exception. First of all, it is FREEZING in St. George. The kids were complaining the second we got out of the car. Little Kaleigh turned purple the instant we took her out of her blanket. Needless to say, I had spent several hours getting my kids ready for this group picture (re-planning wardrobes, then washing and ironing clothes, and trimming and curling hair)... and I kid you not... we took pictures for less than 2 minutes. We had four cameras snapping pictures as fast as we could. Kids were looking in all directions, not sure which camera to look at. But we did manage to get this...


I thought it turned out pretty good considering the SUB-ZERO temperatures! It was amazing that any of them smiled.

Russ and I then had our kids jump in the car for a few minutes and we cranked up the heater. When our kids were all toasty and warm, we threw them out into the cold one more time to get a few more shots. We were able to get a few really good pictures...

I feel BAD for being so crabby... especially when it turned out to be a great day. I need to express all of the positive experiences I had.

First of all, the baptism was a really nice. An aunt of one of the kids getting baptized gave a great talk. She compared our lives to golf balls. She said that surface of golf balls were originally perfectly smooth. But, it was soon discovered that when then the balls got dinged up and dented, they actually went further. The manufacturers then began producing golf balls with dents already in them. Our lives on earth are full of trials that ding us up a bit, but it is important to remember that those dings will actually help us go further.

Second, we got to spend some time today with our cousins. The kids really get along quite well and like to be around each other. It is always fun to just hang out with people who love you.

Third, we got some great new pictures of our kids. I just love my children. Each of them bring such different talents, personalities, and characteristics into our family. I am grateful for each of them and love each of them so much. I am excited to have these new pictures developed and hung in my home.

Finally, I was so grateful for Russ today. He came with me to the baptism- just to be supportive of my calling. It made it so much better to have him with me. Then, he came with me to shoot the pictures. I have NO idea how to work our camera. All of the pictures I took with our other camera were blown-out. I was thankful he was willing to come along and be the photographer. He is getting really good as a photographer... now if we could learn Photoshop.

Anyway, Happy New Year. Hopefully, I will be a little less CRABBY and a little more GRATEFUL in the remaining days of 2011.

The Hyde-lights of 2010

Gracie- decided thumb sucking was "embarrassing and gross", started gymnastics, was deaf for 6 months, had her ears pierced, started 2nd grade, learned to swim, read lots and lots of books, traveled out of the country for the first time, cheered and danced at her first football game, found many new friends, still loved being girly, never stopped TALKING since last Christmas.

Grant- sang his first solo, ran the ball in football, was picked for the 2010 All-Star baseball team, still had braces, started 5th grade, discovered his love for the (virgin) Miami Vice in Mexico, began roping at school, owned a cowboy hat (what?!), was amazing on a rip stick, was still the smallest kid on every team he played on, learned that girls are cute (oh no), used the phrase "I'm kind of a big deal" whenever we complimented him (we thank his cousin Reese for that one), was still the proud owner of his hamster- Ginger, never stopped SMILING since last Christmas.

Garrett- was drafted onto a tournament baseball team, developed a love for boogie boarding in Mexico, had his first set of stitches, began 7th grade, finally hit 90 lbs, was chosen for PAC (Principal's Advisory Council), got his first interception playing corner in football, played in an All-Star football tournament in Las Vegas, got his first zit, earned his hunter safety certification, was chosen to represent his school in the math competitions this year, received the priesthood, earned his Life scout award, never stopped EATING since last Christmas.

Kori- started falling apart this year, was hanging out with all of the senior citizens in town, finished all of her classes for her Master's Degree (except her thesis), still worked as an exercise physiologist at the hospital in Cardiac Rehab, still served in the Primary Presidency (4 years now), still worked as the medical volunteer coordinator for the Huntsman World Senior Games, still hated to cook and clean, never stopped DOING LAUNDRY since last Christmas.

Russ- got four new stamps in his passport (Guatemala, Canada, and two from Mexico), caught his first sailfish... 100+ lbs, attended a bamboo rod builders conference, took the family to Puerta Vallarta, played basketball every week, still worked for Alsco, was still a partner with Castaway Films, still served in the Young Men's Presidency and as Scout Master, went on a camp-out every month, coached Grant's football team, began reloading bullets, never stopped DREAMING OF HIS NEXT ADVENTURES since last Christmas.

Turkey Talk

We celebrated a very non-traditional Thanksgiving this year. Garrett was participating in a football tournament in Las Vegas. He and Russ drove down to Vegas Wednesday night for weigh-ins. They stayed the night at Jill's. Grant, Gracie, and I got up Thanksgiving morning and got dressed in our warmest clothes (it was only 17 degrees here during the night). We went over to Nana and Papa's and loaded up their car with as many blankets and jackets as we could find. The five of us then drove to Vegas. When we got there we grabbed a quick bite to eat at Carl's Jr. Then we went over to Garrett's game. They were just starting as we got seated. Garrett's team did great. They won easily 35-0. Garrett had a fantastic game. He stripped the ball from his opponent which his team recovered and converted into their second touchdown of the game. In the 4th quarter he had an interception. They were up by so much in the 4th quarter, that the coaches started letting all of the boys carry the ball. Garrett got a direct snap and ran the ball. I don't think he has ever done anything like that! It was a very fun game.

After Garrett's game, we all went to Claim Jumper for Thanksgiving dinner. There was so much food at the table, and we have enough left-overs for turkey sandwiches for a couple of days. It was great not to have to cook all day, or clean up after.

Poor mom and dad celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary with us in Vegas. I am not sure that was best anniversay celebration, but we were sure happy to have them with us. Congratulations to them on 44 years! That is quite an accomplishment. I feel very lucky to come from parents who are so unselfish, giving, loving, and kind to one another (as long as they are not driving in the car) Hahahaha. Happy Anniversary to you both!

Months of Memories...

It seems we have been in a tsunami for the past few months. I feel as though we are just coming up for air before we get pounded again. I have had such a surge of emotions... anger and elation, frustration and peace, sadness and happiness, disappointment and joy, etc. Where to begin?

Football, football, football, and more football. This is what has been consuming our lives for the past three months. This has been the greatest cause of most of the above mentioned emotions. I love sports. I love that my children participate in sports. I love the growth that comes from competition. But what I do not love is the POLITICS involved in sports, and here in St. George those politics begin in the 3rd grade. We have been dealing with it for 5 years now, since Garrett was in 3rd grade, but it doesn't seem to get any easier. That is all I am going to say about that...
Anyway, we have had football practices and games 5-6 days/week for the past three months. Garrett practiced T,W, and F with games on Saturday. Grant practiced T,W, and Th with games on Saturday. We went to the Hurricane High School games on Friday nights, and some Dixie State College games on Saturdays as well.

Garrett's team only lost one game during the football season this year. Garrett played corner this year and did a great job. His highlights of the season were 1. an interception against Virgin Valley in Mesquite 2. stripping the ball from Desert Hills in the semi-finals which we recovered and 3. some great solo tackles all season (see photo below)
They made it to the championship game where they led most of the game. Then the darn Pine View Panthers, who we have lost to for the past three years, beat us in the end by one point. Garrett's face in this picture says it all.Grant's team struggled this year. Three-fourths of the boys on his team had never played football before. Although they never won a game, they were very close on most. The last three games they played went into over-time in fact. They somehow still went to the play-offs... we haven't quite figured that one out yet. Grant had a blast. He was able to play both offense and defense. His highlights this year were 1. receiving 3 kick-offs 2. actually running the ball on offense in a couple of games and 3. having his dad as an assistant coach.

This year Russ was on the field at all of the Hurricane High football games, snapping pictures. He loves to be right in the middle of all the action. He got to know some of the players, talked strategy with all of the other side-line fans, got the inside scoop from the coaches themselves, and loved feeling a part of the team. Our Tiger's season was a carbon copy of Garrett's season. The tigers lost one game in the regular season, then lost to Juan Diego in the state championship for the 3rd season in a row. It was very disappointing after such a great season.This is the newest addition to our family... Meet Maurice (or Reese)Reese is Russ' oldest sister's son. He was offered a scholarship to play football for Dixie State College here in St. George. He is #82 and plays tight end. He lived with us for a few weeks before he could get into his dorm room. Now, he comes over for dinner, games, and to do his laundry every Sunday. Russ and I have also enjoyed taking him out to lunch on Tuesdays. If there is food involved, Reese is there. I thought Garrett ate a lot. Let me just say, we no longer have left overs. This kid can eat! We love him and are so grateful to have him as part of our family. We miss him on the days he is not with us. We were able to go to a few of Reese's home football games this year. He actually played quite a bit as a TRUE FRESHMAN. Anyway, there will probably more posts with Reese. This is a picture of Grant in Reese's jersey. Reese is 6'4" and about 225 lbs. I think Grant hit 60 lbs this year...

Somehow in the football mix, Garrett, Grant, and Russ are able to be involved in scouts. Garrett will be eligible for his Life scout advancement the first week of December. He works so hard on his scouting merit badges in his free time. He and Russ go on a campout once each month with the rest of the troop. It is very time consuming, but Garrett is very self motivated and gets his assignments accomplished with little encouragement from us. Grant is working hard on his Weblos rank. He will finish up by April and then become a Boy Scout and start working on his merit badges... thank heaven we only have 2 boys!
Grant is participating in the school choir, Sunset Express, again this year. He is so darling to watch. He loves to perform and puts on quite a show. You should see him "Turkey Talk". I am trying to learn how to compress my video files so I can post a video of him shaking his feathers. He is positioned front and center on stage and is not one bit frightened of the audience... in fact I think the bigger the crowd, the bigger ham he is.

We had one weekend off of football and so we headed out of town, up to the Lund's. We had a great time visiting and not having a schedule. Russ was able to go fishing on the Provo, and the kids and I were able to play with Kaci and her kids. On Saturday night we went to Cornbelly's at Thanksgiving Point. It was over-priced, but we got some cute and some really funny pictures.

Here are just a few of the hundred pictures I took that night...

Going to Cornbelly's did get us in the spirit of Halloween. Halloween became a last minute ordeal. The night before the Halloween parade at school, Grant decided he wanted to be something scary, and Gracie changed her mind (for the 40th time) and decided she wanted to be a witch. I said we would go look at Walgreens for costumes. If we could find something, great... if not, too bad. Well we found a scary costume and a witch costume, just my luck. Grant's was $19.99 and Gracie's was $14.99. It was more than I wanted to pay, but what can I say for last minute (honestly 1 minute before Grant had to be to football practice). Well when I got up to the register, they rang up at 50% off... FANTASTIC! Then the cashier scanned a $5 off coupon for each costume. I ended up only paying $10 for two costumes and a bag of candy. It was the best Halloween EVER! I took Garrett back later and let him get one too.

On the day of the school parade, I helped with Gracie's class Halloween party. It was very fun. The kids decorated cookies, made an art project, and played several games. It made for a long day, but we had a good time.

Needless to say, we have had a crazy few months. To show you just how exhausted everyone has been, I have snapped a few pictures in the last couple of weeks of my family members at the end of the day. I don't think they even know where their beds are anymore. If they stop moving for just one minute, this is the result...

Well, sweet dreams. Here's to the upcoming holidays, the start of basketball and baseball, and beginning gymnastics!

Football Party!!!... by Russ

This weekend was a virtual football party for the Hyde's! Grant started the day with his playoff game at 9:00 am playing Desert Hills. Well they lost and the season is over. Grant got to carry the ball and his SportsCenter moment came as he ran over his tackler. Grant jumped up with a huge smile on his face giving "high fives" and chest bumping. If only I could have caught it on film. It's been alot of fun this year coaching Grant and his teammates! It's a great feeling to watch the boys improve each week even though this season has had alot of setbacks. This picture is of Grant later that night at Garrett's game.

Following Grant's game we traveled up to Cedar City for a tailgate party with Jill's family, Ken and Stacy (Connie's daughter), Grandpa and Grandma Hyde along with Tina and her children...

and to watch Dixie State College play Southern Utah University. Well the tailgate party was fun and the game...well not so much. Blow out!!!! It was 42-0 at half time. Maurice is #82 and as a freshman he doesn't get a lot of playing time but he looks good when he is in!!!

Go Big Lou

Little Lou came home from school with a flyer a couple of weeks ago. She had it in her hand and said, "Mom, there is a cheer clinic next week on Wednesday and Thursday". She handed me the flyer to look over. I asked her if she would like to participate in the clinic and she said yes. She would perform at halftime during the Snow Canyon High School football game. I thought this might be a problem, because we attend the Hurricane High football games. I checked the HHS football schedule and it just so happened that night they were playing against Snow Canyon. I was very excited that there would be NO conflict other than Gracie being dressed in Snow Canyon attire (sorry, Uncle Chris). We told Russ that Gracie was going to attend the cheer clinic and he began teasing her, asking if she was going to wear her Tigers shirt on the field. You could see she was very troubled. "But dad, I can't wear a Tigers shirt to cheer for Snow Canyon". She was very worried that Russ was going to make her wear Hurricane Tigers shirt. She went to the two days of practice at the high school where the SCHS cheerleaders taught them a dance and a cheer. She had a few girls that she knew in her group. On Friday night we did her hair. She had to wear it pulled back with a ribbon.

She was so excited... and nervous. Just as we were leaving she ran in her room to grab her red t-shirt to wear under her Snow Canyon cheer shirt. We told her that Russ was just kidding and that she didn't really need to wear her Tiger colors.

Little Lou did a great job. The dance they learned was pretty complex for only having 2 days to learn it. She was cute to watch and we especially loved her high kicks at the end of each cheer.

Way to go Gracie! You R-O-C-K Rock!