Spring is in the air!

Winter is almost over! I can feel the seasons starting to change and it makes me so happy. I can't wait for the sun to shine the weather to warm up and to start our garden. I have been so out of it this past few months, winter does that to me all I want to do is snuggle at home and read a good book.

Ben and I have not been up to much the past few months just trekking along. Ben is looking forward to his Alaska heli-skking trip in a couple of weeks and I am looking forward to 7 days in Hawaii with my family.

I will post pictures of our adventures in the near future

Happy Spring everyone

I had to share this picture this is my newest nephew Casey or Little Little. He is the most precious little boy and is loved so much. This was taken in the fall after his baptism he has already changed so much

Call Me Dead Eye!

I shot my first DEER! I can hardly believe it. I have been trying to get one for 5 years and last week I finally did. I think Ben was more proud and excited than I was. I stalked up on it and hit it with one shot at 330 yards (like I said before dead eye). I have to say I am pretty proud of myself, I along with Ben and our good friend Bart had to pack it out uphill under the full moon.

Overall, I have to say the best thing about this whole experience is that I was with Ben doing something we enjoy together. I can now officially say I am his hunting buddy.

Packing out the deer

Fall

I Love this time of Year the leaves changing all around, and the weather is perfect. I have a lot of fun things going on this fall and I can't wait to share them with everyone.

I wanted to post some pictures of the last few weeks of summer but for some reason I can't get them to upload I will have to have Ben help me and post later.

I hope you are all enjoying this fall weather.

Grandma

It has been forever since I posted anything I guess because I couldn’t find words for how I have been feeling. On July 11, 2011 our family suffered a huge loss, and although she was very sick it was hard to let her go. I am so thankful that I was able to spend her last hours sitting next to her surrounded by loving family. As sad as I am I know she is in a better place free from all of her pain.

Grandma, I will miss sitting around the table drinking coffee and chatting about everything and anything.

Love you G-ma

Gwendolyn Ann Green Oakden

“Hug ‘Em All”

Loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend passed away on July 11, 2011 surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on December 8, 1938 in Tooele, Utah to Bush Lawrence Green and Ruth Thomas Edwards. She married William C. (Bill) Oakden, Jr. on March 8, 1959 and was blessed with three loving children. Her children, grandchildren and great -grandchildren were her pride and joy and she loved them with all her heart. Gwen was adored by all that knew her and always had an ear to listen, she was a confidante to many and always made you feel special. Her laugh was contagious and her smile could light up a room. Our Mom left behind loved ones that will miss her dearly, her husband Bill, her son William C “Bill” (Suz) Oakden III, Vickie Oakden and Becky (Casey) Valdez; her grandchildren Casey (Annie) Valdez IV, Brittney (Ben) Jones, Brandy (Tyler) Raleigh, Corey (Kelly) Sweat and Leslie Sweat; eight great-grandchildren Brooklyn, Paige, Olivia, Jayson, Tianna, Christian, Wyatt and Casey V that is on his way; nieces; nephews; brothers Clifford Green and Vern Green; sisters Ruth Atkinson and Jo Hayes; and many friends who she considered family (including her blue-eyed daughter Laurie Mace) and special friend Jeanine Casper.

Mom will be reunited with her mom, dad, sister Gail Green, brother Tommy Green, and grandson, Billy.

Our Summer So Far!

The Jones house has had a fun filled summer so far and we are just getting started! I love summer the smell of fresh flowers fills the air, swimming and hanging out on the patio. I feel like it was a long time coming, but now that it is here we are in full swing.

Ben and I decided that I would quit my job and stay home and help Ben with his job. He has been really busy at work and it has been nice that I can get the little things done for him so he can focus on the important things with his job. I love being “retired” and I am able to spend some great quality time with my family.

Here are some pictures of our latest adventures.

Bow & Arrow

My Cute Mom and Me

Some of my favorite girls

My Sis

Brandy Double fisting it

A day at the pool

Brooklyn Ray (First time taking the boat out)

Paige, Tyler, Olivia & Brandy

It is hard to tell in this picture, but while Olivia was on the tube she feel asleep. Paige is our little dare devil she kept telling Grandpa to go faster and do turns.

MOM

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

See this women she is the best lady in the world. She would do anything for anyone and is always there for me. Mom thanks for all that you do for me I don't know where I would be if your were not in my life. I hope to one day share with my daughter the bond that you and I share

Love you Mom

Finally a post!

Sorry people I have really slacked these past few months on blogging. I have been really busy working and trying to put the house in order. I promise I will blog more this year.

2011 has been full of fun days so far. Ben has been traveling a lot for work, but was able to take a break and ski Mount Baker a couple of weeks ago with a few friends. I had the pleasure of Watching Olivia for the weekend. We had a great time relaxing, learning to use the stairs and bonding with Aunt Britt. I love being an aunt and am excited for August when Casey and Annie will welcome baby #3.

Here are a few photos from the last couple of months.

Arizona Football game with Mom & Dad

Elk Wintering in our back yard Bow and Arrow not very happy about this, But it is very cool to see everyday.

Merry Christmas

Brooklyn Ray

Olivia

Paige

Ben Snowboarding at Mount Baker

As I mentioned earlier I will try and post more often :)

Who Grows Big Pumpkins?

The Jones family does. We planted Giant Pumpkin Seeds this past spring and we really did end up with giant pumpkins. My pumpkin weighted in at 150 lbs and Ben's at 140 lbs I was so excited when I ended up with the biggest. Ben is determined to beat me next year. Sorry babe not going to happen.

Summer Fun!

These past two weeks we have had some summer fun. Last weekend we went to Lagoon for Chevron day and this weekend we had Brooklyn and Paige up for the Wasatch Fair days. Wells Fargo had the stage coach in the parade, so Paige and Brooklyn were able to ride in the parade. We had so much fun having a slumber party with the girls. As Brooklyn put as I was driving them home this afternoon "Why must all Fun Things Come to an End"

Thanks Brooklyn and Paige for coming up and spending the night with Uncle Ben and Aunt Brittney.

On our way to Lagoon! The sun was in her eyes

First Ride The kid Swings

Fun With Grandpa

Wells Fargo Stage Coach

On the Tilt a Whirl at the fair

Meet Arrow!

We got a new Puppy that is full of energy! We already love him so much and are adjusting to having a new member of the family. Welcome to family Arrow!

Here he is trying to be like his Brother

Snuggling with his Donut Chew Toy

William C. Oakden (Little Bill)

WILLIAM C. OAKDEN IV

William C. Oakden IV "Billy" Our precious son, grandson, nephew, brother, fiancé, father and friend tragically passed away on July 9, 2010. He is now in the arms of our Savior. He was born on February 21, 1980 to Kelly Oney and William C. (Bill) Oakden III in Salt Lake City, Utah. He enjoyed camping, fishing, all sports and being with his family and friends. His world revolved around playing with his son, Christian and teaching him to play sports. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his father Bill (Suz) Oakden; four year old son William Christian Oakden V; fiancé Celena Roll; sister Leslie Sweat; brother Corey Sweat; grandparents Bill and Gwen Oakden and Carolyn and Julian Dicks; uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Preceded in death by his mother Kelly Oney and grandmother, Lilly Hofhines. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, July 14th from 7:00 until 9:00 at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake. His ashes will be inurned later at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Salt Lake City. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made for his son in the name of William Christian Oakden V, at any Wells Fargo Bank location. Online condolances may be offered to the family at www.starksfuneral.com

This week has been a hard week! My cousin Billy died on July 9th. These past few days as our family has gathered I look around and thank the lord that we have family to love and hold on to during this hard time. Life is so short and we often forget to tell the ones we love that we love them. I think about growing up and how much we loved to get together with the cousins running around being kids. I loved those days and I know Billy did as well.

Billy, I know you are in a better place, free from pain. I love you and will always remember you.

As Annie posted on her facebook page

“Love is stronger than death even though it can't stop death from happening, but no matter how hard death tries it can't separate people from love. It can't take away our memories either. In the end, life is stronger than death.” -Unknown

Olivia Michelle Raleigh

Olivia Michelle was finally born April 12, 2010. I say finally because it felt like I had been waiting for her for so long. What an amazing experience it was to be there the day you were born. My love for you is so strong, probably because we share the same name :0

I LOVE YOU OMR

Bonding with Aunt Brittney

So Beautiful!

The Dirty 30!

Happy 30th Birthday to the best husband. I hope you have a wonderful day.

Were Back!

Ben and I have officially moved back to Utah. Washington was a wonderful place to live, but Utah is where our hearts have always been. I am so grateful Ben works for a company that cares about our quality of life and happiness. We are now looking for a house and hope to be settled soon.

Snowshoeing in Heber

Welcome to the World Hudson Warner

On November 11 my beautiful Nephew Hudson was born. I have not meet him yet, but I already love him so much.

Ben is so excited to have a nephew, he has already loaded up on the camo and is planning his first hunting trip.

Here is a picture I received when he was a few days old

Guess What...

We are Moving back to Utah! We are so excited to be back close to all of our friends and family.

More details to come

Loves

The Big 50

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my dad who is turning the big 50. I hope your day is filled with lots of fun and laughter. I wish I could be with you today to celebrate.

California

This past weekend Ben and I were able to take a little trip to California for a friends wedding. We flew in a couple of days early and stayed in Monterey. On Saturday we went to the Monterey bay aquarium, if you are ever up there I highly recommend it we had such a great time seeing all the fish and wildlife. Sunday we drove down the coast to Cambria, on our way there we had noticed on a lot of the shores were seals. We thought it would be cool to stop and get a picture of all the seals, as we walked up we saw that they were elephant seals. After talking to a man from the friends of elephant seals foundation seeing them is a rare event. They only come to shore twice a year once in the winter to mate with the females and in July to shed the rest of the time they are out in the ocean.

The wedding in Cambria was beautiful the bride and groom looked amazing. We are so happy for Gabby and Brandon to start their lives together.