Big Brother Is Watching!

When I was young...he terrorized me,
When I was a teenager...he teased me,
When I was in my 20's... he tolerated me,
And now that I'm in my 50's... I find he teaches me.

These are just a few of the things I've learned from my big brother Bob!

- I've learned that his impish grin can still charm my mother.
- I've learned that hiding behind that impish grin is a very tender heart.
- I've learned that sports can bring out both the BEST and the WORST in him.
- I've learned that the quickest way to elevate his blood pressure is to mention another wedding.
- I've learned that time has improved his temperament, but not his singing.
- I've learned that even after 56 years he still loves to tease his sisters.
- I've learned that his hair isn't thinning... his mind is expanding!
- I've learned that his daughters melt his heart.
- I've learned that his family is his greatest source of joy and pride.
- I've learned that he is as good to my children as he is his own.
- Through watching him I've learned that grandchildren really are one of life's greatest gifts.
- I've learned that because he never had a brother, God gave him Allen.
- I've learned that no one feels like a stranger when they're around him.
- I've learned that he has earned the respect of his family, his friends and his fellow businessmen.
- I've learned that he shows great courage, even when he feels afraid.
- I've learned that we could always lean on him, even if he felt it might cause him to fall.
- I've learned that he has done more missionary work through his example, than any full time missionary could.
- I've learned that as he grows older, he reminds me more and more of my father.
- I've learned I'm lucky to call him my brother!

Thanks Big Brother for always watching out for me!

The "Fab Five"...and me!

Although our latest trip to California was a difficult one, it was also the first time in a very long time that we were able to have our complete family there...and that was the best! So here I am with my "fab five" boys! First stop..."Hof's Hut." It just wouldn't be a real vacation without stopping at "Hofs!" Thanks to Steele, Bryan even got "mickey mouse" pancakes, just like he did when he was little!





Here we are at Hofs, but unfortunately we're missing Chelsea, she had school and work obligations. Luckily she was able to fly in later that day, making all of us happier, especially Nick.

Another place that is always a MUST, is Bob and Barb's for a BBQ and swim! You can see why it is always a high priority! We always have so much fun there, and as you can tell there is never a shortage of things to do.

The kids played an exciting game of "round robin" ping pong, then spent a little time relaxing in the hot tub.














Of course you can't have a BBQ without ice cream Sundaes! Here's the birthday girl with her daughters...sorry Barb (I think picture on your camera was better!)











Kori, Dana and Lori smile for a picture. (Aren't they gorgeous?)












If there's a party, Nick will always be the entertainment! Luckily, Joshua finally warmed up to Nick and decided that "he's not scary!"

How grateful I am for my family! From my wonderful parents down to all their beautiful grandchildren! Whether related by blood or by marriage, they are ALL such a blessing in my life and it is truly a piece of heaven on earth to be able to spend time them all!

Returned With Honor

Mom and Dad, Christmas 2006
















VCC flag at half-mast in honor of dad


On the morning of September 6, 2007, my father Jonathan Lamont Davis "returned with honor" to his Heavenly Home. As sad as we all were to loose him, I know there were countless others on the other side who were jubilant to see him. No one fought harder than dad to stay with his beloved wife, family and friends. Because of his courageous fight and the blessings of The Lord, we had my dad for six extra years...each day was a gift. If you were lucky enough to know dad...you loved him. His humble demeanor and contagious sense of humor would set everyone at ease and make them feel "at home" in a matter of seconds. He lived his life with complete honor and earned the respect of his family, his friends, his church and his business associates. He was a great example of how all men should conduct their lives, yet few men do.
Losing my dad leaves a huge hole in my heart, but I have come to realize that I don't have look far to see a part of him in each of his children and grandchildren.

• I see his gentle nature and his tender ways in my sister Sue.
• I see his keen business sense, his leadership skills and his humor in my brother Bob.
• I see his love for family and his unwavering devotion in my mother Alene
• I see his honor and integrity in Jeff.
• I see his kindness and insight in Kristin.
• I see his creativity and his love for life in Nicole.
• I see his "love of the game" and perseverance in Brett.
• I see his uncompromising work ethic and desire to succeed in John.
• I see his beautiful smiling face and his love of dancing in Lori.
• I see his generous nature and his charismatic personality in Brad.
• I see his infectious laughter and his endless charm in Dana.
  
• I see his calm nature and his endurance to the end in Bryan.
• I see his quiet courage and his humility in Blake.
• I see his strong hands and his ability to see the humor in all things in Nick.
• I see his desire to put others first and to "do things right" in Sean.

Presentation of the flag to my mother


Dad lived the last six years with only one third of his heart functioning. This really doesn't surprise me...he was the only one with a heart BIG ENOUGH to do it. I love you Big Daddy!

A Day With Dalton

My niece Kristin, her husband DJ and their 2 year old son Dalton recently moved to Utah. (Not only did they move to Utah...they moved right here to Bountiful! ) So I feel really lucky when I get to spend a day with Dalton. He is so cute and certainly keeps me hoppin'! Here are some of Dalton's favorite things to do when he comes to "Nance's" house.



Sometimes we swim...











Sometimes we dance...















Other times we watch movies



And we ALWAYS have to play CARS! (Isn't it great to be able to have an excuse to play again!)

We love our days with Dalton!

Happy Birthday Nick!

Can you guess who's birthday it is?



DOH!!! It' Nicks! He turned 22.
We had a party...and look who came? Chelsea came...


Newly engaged couple...Jon and Lauri.

Grandma Larson and Aunt Karen joined the party.















Big Brother Blake came!

Little Brother Sean was already here!

Monte Carlo came bearing gifts!

But we missed Bry and Bre, who celebrated in New York.

Luckily, Homer could make it, and he was the life of the party!
Happy Birthday Nick! You're a BIG BOY now!

Happily Ever After

The big day arrived...after 4 1/2 year of dating, Nick and Chelsea were married on May 17, 2007 in the Salt Lake Temple. It was a perfect day! In the last 6 weeks, I've made four different attempts to write about this special day and none of those attempts seemed to really capture the day. Then...inspired (again) by BreAnna's blog, I decided "a picture really is worth a thousand words!" So I hope you don't mind my sharing some pictures of that very special day.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Life's Lessons

It's true...raising four boys has certainly taught me a thing or two...some have been valuable lessons, and others have just been lessons in patience and endurance. But undoubtedly, my most valuable lessons were learned from my parents. They have been amazing parents and great examples to everyone who's lucky enough to know them.

From my dad...
- I've learned that a "clean ship" really is a "happy ship!"
- I've learned that you never really take a wrong route in life, it's just a more scenic route.
- I've learned that the "captain" doesn't necessarily go down with the ship, sometimes he goes down instead of the ship!
- I've learned that the captain's hat can stay a-float longer than the captain can.
- I've learned that Navy Pilots are superior to Air Force Pilots.
- I've learned that my parents generation really is the greatest generation!
- I've learned that the best naps are usually taken under a newspaper.
- I've learned that my dad's high blood pressure probably started with Steve Roah and Walt Webster!
- I've learned that I can't go anywhere where someone doesn't KNOW and LOVE Monte!
- I've learned that a "car dealer" really can be honest AND have integrity.
- I've learned that a dad really does have a soft spot for his girls!
- I've learned that in the worst of circumstances, you can still keep your sense of humor
- I've learned that love really does grow, especially after 60 years!
- I've learned that being raised by four sisters makes you a fabulous father and husband.

From my mother...

- I've learned that no one will fight harder for you than your mother.

- I've learned that you can be both "little" and "MIGHTY!"
- I've learned that I would rather be obedient than face the wrath of my mother.
- I've learned that when you get that look...you KNOW you're in trouble.

- I've learned that if you say you're going to do something, you'd better DO IT!

- I've learned that Bob could get away with things that Sue and I couldn't even THINK about.

- I've learned that even though being a mother can be a "thankless" job, it's still is the BEST job!
- I've learned that mom's influence on me is carried on through my children.
- I've learned that family always comes first.
- I've learned that when I am hurt, the only person that hurts more is mom.
- I've learned that if you have to be in the hospital...you want Alene in your corner!
- I've learned that I wouldn't be who I am if not for the love, support and example of my mom.
- I've learned that love is more than flowers and romance, it is also devotion and hard work.
- I've learned that I wouldn't have accomplished the things I did without a little shove from mom.
- I've learned that when you're young you think you never want to be like your mom, but then you realize you can ONLY HOPE to be half of who she is.

Thanks mom and dad...I love you more than words can say!