And he's a Republican!

What is this world coming too? I always thought Republicans did no wrong, huh. . . Well I'm sorry this was a day late but after eating supper last night I promptly threw up everything. I will not make Baked Chicken Supreme Surpise for a long time. Otherwise we are all okay. We woke up to 2 more inches of snow this morning with the temperature not getting above 35 degrees. Geez, will spring never come? I'll bet it's still cold in Arizona too. We leave for Hawaii on Thursday morning! We can't wait to show off our farmer tans to the world, woo hoo! Jason and Sara are coming out to take care of Cashie bones. I'm pretty sure they have cell phone towers in Hawaii so please call us if you need us. Wait, let me rethink that, call us only when you absolutely have too! I don't want to take my cell phone to the beach! Well for those of you who didn't know, dad got a promotion, so to speak, last week. He is now the new principal of Hibbard school and his duties in the district are going to be increased. Is he going to get a raise? Who knows, Scott didn't ask. Would someone please tell him that to talk about salary is okay! He thinks it's beneath him! Call him please? My little housecleaning business is growing by leaps and bounds. I still have an add in the newspaper but I am getting repeaters now, so I am very excited. I haven't been to one house yet that hasn't overpaid me! I am getting dishpan hands, though. One lady is even going to give me a key to her home, so I can just let myself in while they are gone. Isn't that crazy? Of course, she wants the family to be gone when the peasant lady comes to clean. I can live with that. Grandpa Shirley is rallying a little. He wan't eating hardly anything so I suggested some Ensure and he really likes that. Grandma Shirley is doing well and says hi to everyone. Grandpa Kinghorn has not driven through any doors lately, so life is good. Karen Kinghorn just had her third child. They named him Mathew, so there is like over forty grandchildren now. I don't know how you'd keep up! The temple has been wonderful though. I find myself going about twice a month. Even though it's not that much further to Idaho Falls, this temple is just more cozy. Well that is about all. Oh, Blake was made a high priest on Sunday, no he's not being called into a bishopric, however that is probably coming!!! Ashleigh lost her job last Monday and is pretty discouraged about it. She had no warning at all, which was pretty crummy if you ask me. Jeffie has been batching it while she is in California. Brett just got back from Virginia. He went to a school sponsored conference on print making. I think. I haven't heard from Brandon & Anna so I'll assume they are okay. Jason and Sara are doing well, slaving along to finish the semester soon. We love you all and want you to keep in touch! I love all the blogs on everyone's site, keep them coming. Be good, ya'll and we'll think fondly of you in Hawaii!!! Love, Ma & Pa Shirley

Blake's new Easter dress

I thought it was kind of strange that Blake would send me a picture of his new Easter dress, but I guess he was proud of it. He told me most of his wardrobe has become 'too constricting,' so Jenna bought him something that would better accommodate his 'carriage.' He also wanted to rub in the fact that he was leading our NCAA tournament bracket, although Ash passed him last night, so he's no longer #1. However, in terms of men's fashion, he'll always be #1.

All Things Presidential

As you can see, dad was able to do some traveling last week with the school district and saw some amazing sights. He loved the things he was able to see, but said there was so much more that they didn't have time for. He left last Sunday and returned home Wed night, so only 4 days wasn't enough time. He had a great time though.

We've had a great week. The snow has started to melt and I see actual grass out the back windows! However the forecast calls for rain/snow for the next 3 days. blah. . . Easter was nice, we had my dad out and Jase and Sarah stopped by a little later to give us comfort and cheer. Jenna actually did some prosletyzing with her neighbors in giving them Easter baskets with goodies and the last Ensign about Christ. What a thoughty thing to do.

Jeff said Ashleigh was the recipient of some great gifts, however poor Jeff did not get a Pitstop Pete so his Easter could have been better! Just kidding! I don't know what Brett and Tara did but they are doing fine as well. Brandon said Granty got lots of chocolate and couldn't seem to wind down. They tried to put him down for a nap and he just kept yelling out "I want chocolate!" Whatta ya do? Sarah got an IPOD, how lucky is she?

I have had several calls on my house cleaning business and actually have an appointment to help an old lady on Tuesday. All right! It's not very glamorous work but it pays more than nursing! My dad and I also have an appointment to visit with the bank tomorrow to see if I qualify for a loan for this property I'm looking at. We'll see.

Hawaii is coming up soon and then I'm flying to Phoenix on April 14 for a real estate conference. I am also staying a few extra days with Jenna. Did you hear that, Jen? Roll out the red carpet! Grandpa Shirley got home from the hospital on Saturday after his surgery. He is having a rough time, so keep him in your prayers. Grandma is actually letting me help her with her house cleaning and I am happy to do this for them. I owe them a lot, they are such good people.

Well that is all for now, we love you all and appreciate it when you call. Keep in touch! Have a great week! Love, Ma and Pa Shirley

Scoresbys fall on hard times

While talking to Jenna today, my heart was full of deepfelt sorrow and concern for not only her, but for her poor little family and her out-of-work, lazy husband. It seems as though things aren't as rosy as they once were in the Scoresby household. Bills have gone unpaid, the cupboards have been emptied, and her once healthy family has struggled to make ends meet. It's sad, really. Blake had such promise as not only a father, but as a provider. However, it seems as if he's only been concerned about putting food on his own plate. I really thought he would find a way to be successful, but things just haven't worked out. Jenna's remained optimistic and close to her family amidst her tremendous struggles, both physical and financial. It's really a shame how far they've fallen and it's time we reach out to them in this desperate hour. If you can spare $20, $10, or even $5, it would really help them out. They are in dire need of any extra clothing, money, food, or any medicine we can give them. I gave her a blanket over the Christmas holiday, and she broke into tears, saying, "At least one of the kids will be able to sleep under something besides a burlap sack, for a change." I really hope things improve for them, so please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Spring? What spring?

Did I hear that spring is coming? Where exactly is it coming to? Certainly not here as you can see by the photos. We even got 3 more inches Thursday and Friday. We have a little patch of bare ground by the pine trees and that is where Stella goes to poop so she doesn't get a cold wee bum. Yes Brett and Tara are also up and have been enjoying the snow also. We are going to go get a pedicure tomorrow, (not Brett) (well he is invited)(but probably won't come)(unless he has something to tell us) We just all had supper and Jason and Sara came out. They have been very sick this past week from the same crap dad and I had, so now we'll all be immune.

Dad has flown the coop and gone to Washington D.C for some training. He won't have a lot of time to sightsee but I'll bet there are some mighty good tubs there. He will be home on Wednesday. Brett & Tara came up for spring break and were able to go see Jared on Saturday night. He says hey to everyone. Brandon just completed his spring break and reported he had a great, relaxing week, seeing the zoo with Grant and also going to see his soccer game.

Jeff & Ashleigh are doing okay I guess. Didn't get a report this weekend, hopefully they are doing fine. Although I don't think the Jazz have been doing fine. Jenna & Blake are enjoying 80 degree weather. Jenna said the economy is still a bust there in Phoenix with Wright Engineering being not very busy, so we need to pray for at upturn soon. I don't know either with gas going up so high this week. We were $3.05 on Friday and $3.18 on Saturday. Brandon said it's $3.45 there so everything is just going crazy. The cannery sent out a little note to all the wards around here saying they were out of wheat and when they did get their shipment it will be triple the price. Everybody get some storage in, especially flour, shortening and oils, if the prices haven't come up in your area yet.

Just so you know, I have put in a bid on a rental property in Idaho Falls, who knows if it will come about, but it's worth a try. It will pay for itself and a little bit more, so that will be my job for a little while. Structurally it's okay but cosmetically it needs a facelift, so we'll see. I'm very excited. Okay, that is about all, Cash sends his love as usual, also Brett, Tara and Stella say hey. We love you all and have a great week! Keep us informed at to what ya'll are up to! Love, Ma Kettle

A Look Back...

I was going through all our digital photos on our computer and happened upon these gems, courtesy of Brandon and Anna. They have mad photog skillz. Jenna and I wish we could take pictures like this. These were taken a couple years ago when we were still in Vegas when Brandon, Anna, and Brett came for a visit.

In heaven...again

Now that my emotional high is over (sniff, sniff), I thought I'd post some pictures of the big day. My excitement began a week before, when the Jazz P.R. rep called and told me we had won the Jazz reading contest and would be receiving a player (they wouldn't tell me who). So, preparations began in my class, making banners and logos to welcome whoever was going to come. The pessimist in me kept thinking, I bet they send someone the kids have never heard of and they'll all be dissappointed. But Ash reassured me that the kids would be happy no matter what, so that eased my nervousness. I barely slept a wink the night before the assembly, feeling like I was a 6 year old again, the night before Christmas.

The day arrived and I must have been bouncing off the walls before the assembly, because one of my students said, "Mr. Shirley, you need to calm down." That was great, getting behavior advice from a 6th grader. I received a call from the Jazz at about 12, asking for directions to the school, and they informed me that Paul Millsap was coming. Brandon, Jenna, and Blake, and all the other smart aleks are probably saying right now, "Who's that?" Although I had others that I would have liked to see besides him, it turned out great! I introduced myself to him and he was happy to sign autographs for a few of the teachers and take a few photos with us. He was very personable and the kids loved him. Rumor has it we were supposed to receive Kirilenko but he got injured the night before and couldn't make it, but we were satisfied nonetheless. We gave him a rousing introduction, complete with a spotlight and me doing my best Dan Roberts (the Jazz anouncer) impression. He then read a couple of books to the kids and answered a few of their questions, and ended with a slam dunk! I even got on the news! (The parents at my school are probably wondering why I'm on t.v. all the time, and if I ever get any teaching done, but that's another story). Anyway, it was a great day for everyone, from the teachers, students, and parents involved and to all those who helped out with the reading program. I'm already making plans for next year (and yes, we WILL win again!) And maybe I'll dunk next year! (ya right).