Elder Chase Paxman Returns with Honor

On August 13, 2013, Chase returned home from his mission to Kennewick, Washington.  We were all so excited.  Cashaye, Miguel, Zack, Tanner and Juan made posters for him, and Jostllyn took pictures and Carson took video.  It was such a great day.  I couldn't believe the day had finally arrived. After we picked him up from the airport and went met with the Stake President, we had an open house at my condo.  It was so fun having him home again.  It was both touching and heartbreaking to watch him meet with the Stake President. He cried when he had to remove his name tag.  He seemed a little out of place that evening and didn't even feel ready to take off his suit until he went to bed.  The next few days that we were together he still seemed to be uncomfortable.  He gave his homecoming talk on Sunday, and again we had an open house at my condo.  Sadly, Dave, Tanner, Zack and I had to get back home so that the kids could get into school.  A few days later, Chase went to Salt Lake to start school again at the University of Utah.  It was so hard for me to leave him just as I got him back home.  It is hard having your kids grow up. 

Zack Makes Me Laugh . . .

Very funny story about Zack . . .

Zack, Tanner and Dave went to McDonalds for lunch yesterday.  Zack asked Dave, "Did you watch that movie, "Circumcise Me"?
Dave asked Zack, "What are you talking about??"
Zack said, "You know, that movie about the guy who ate at McDonald's every day, and got really fat. We watched it at school."

Dave asked, "You watched Circumcise Me at school?"
"Yeah!," Zack answered.
Trying not to laugh TOO hard, Dave asked, "Are you sure you don't mean, "Super-Size Me?"
"Yeah, that's it!!" Zack said.

He cracks me up!  When Dave told me about this, we were all sitting at the dinner table eating our Sunday dinner (lunch).  I started laughing like crazy and asked him if he knew what circumcision was.  He said no.  So, I educated him.  Then he realized how funny he really was.  Hilarious!!!! 

More Tannerisms . . . .

Another funny Tanner story told by his dad, Dave.

The other day I got home from work and found that Tanner was sitting in front of the television, watching one of his cartoon shows. Zack was at a friend’s house, and Chantel was at a church meeting. I headed upstairs to change clothes, and saw a couple of full Wal-Mart bags sitting on one of the steps. I noticed that they both had children’s clothing in them…a couple of little girls dresses, a couple of tops, etc. I couldn’t think of anyone in our extended family who was small enough to fit the clothes, so I thought they must be for a family friend or someone that Chantel knew. But I decided to ask Tanner if he knew anything about the clothes.

I said, “Tanner, do you know who these clothes are for?” Tanner responded, “I don’t know.” But then, just a second later, he said, “Oh yeah!—Mom bought those clothes for when me and Zack have children.” I was quite surprised by that response—it didn’t sound quite right. So I said, “Really? For when you guys have kids??”  Tanner started following me upstairs, and the conversation continued in my bedroom.

“Yeah. Except, I’m not going to have any kids. I’m not going to get married. I’m going to stay here and live with you and mom,” Tanner said. “You are?” I asked. 

“Yeah, I don’t want to get married. I just want to stay here,” Tanner said.

“That sounds kinda sad,” I responded. “Don’t you want to grow up, get married, and have kids of your own?”

“Naaah,” Tanner said. “I’m going to have a girl friend. But then I’m going to break up with her in two years.”

“That’s REALLY sad,” I answered. “That doesn’t sound like a very nice thing to do to a girlfriend.”

“Well, then, I just won’t have a girlfriend. I just really want to stay here with you and mom. I don’t want to have kids.”

“What are you going to do with the clothes that mom bought for when you have children?” I asked.

“Zack can have them.”

He cracks me up.  I had actually told him that I bought those clothes on sale for babies that will be born in the future (meaning my friend's children and my grandchildren) 

Picture Day!

It is sooooo difficult getting pictuers of these boys, but Jostlyn was able to get some really great shots that show their personalities.  We even got a few with Seth - too bad they don't like him much ;-)  Thanks, Jostlyn with Roz Photography for all of your patience - they were not very cooperative, but they sure are cute.  

Pictures of Juan Ochoa, Zack Markel and Tanner Markel and a couple with Cabo and me in it and some with Seth and Ciera

Back to School 2013

Zack and Tanner start school.  Zack is in 8th grade at Rolla Jr. High, and Tanner is in 5th grade at Rolla Middle School

Southern Utah Vacation

We all went to St. George so that I could meet with some clients and most importantly to welcome Chase home from his mission.  The kids loved swimming in my pool at my condo and spending time with Ciera and Seth.  

We went to 25 Main to eat yummy cupcakes and listen to Ciera's friend, Ashlee Woolsey sing.  Fun night!

Ciera, Zack, Tanner, Juan and I went on an amazing hike in Kanarraville.  Most of the hike was through water that was ankle deep most of the time and sometimes to our knees.  Perfect hike for a hot day.

Seth's cousin, Caelynn came with us to Fiesta Fun for a late birthday celebration for Tanner

Rock Band Fun!

Analese came to swim in my pool

Fun at Town Square with Ciera, Seth, Cashaye, Miguel, Analese, Juan, Zack and Tanner

Tanner preferred playing soccer with his newly found friends

Zack's Birth Mom, Krystal came to swim at our house

We celebrated Cashaye's 22nd Birthday at my condo

Dinner at George's with one of my best friends - Romelle Smith

Juan, Zack and Tanner are so happy to have Chase home from his mission