Speirs Spot 2012

It's the End of the World As We Know It

2010-10-05T15:18:00.000-07:00

I started my scheduled Parent-Teacher Conferences today at 1:30 pm. It is now 4:10 pm and not one person has showed up for their conference. 6 no shows. This has never happened to me in 29 years of teaching. I cannot believe things have gotten this bad for education. If kids don't care, and parents don't care, what am I doing here?

Game Day

2010-09-18T19:27:00.000-07:00

Saturday mornings are always the same at the Speirs home. Andrea gets up about 9:30 am. Lynn has been up since 7 planning for his favorite day of the week. Mowing the lawn and planning for the football game make him the happiest. We need to hang the flag, posters, foam U, and find the high 5 hand. Next is clean the tv room and plan for game day treats (we usually have to go to the store twice, once before the game, once after the game). Choose the shirts we will wear (we have a plethura) then stake out where we need to sit on the couch before the family shows up. Life is good. Go Utes!

Shower at Grandma Sondra's

2010-09-18T19:09:00.000-07:00

There was a big family shower for Nikki and Dani at the Galbraiths in Sandy waiting for the first baby girls in the Galbraith family. It was so pretty and the food was great. It was very fun getting together with all the Firths, Speirs, Galbraiths, and Lambs.

Wedding Days in August

2010-09-15T13:46:00.000-07:00

On August 10th this year we welcomed the newest member to our blossoming family. Jessica Casperson of the Willard Bay Caspersons, decided she would be the newest Mrs. Speirs in our clan. Jess is beautiful, kind, intelligent, and willing to be patient with our Kenny (she calls him Kennedy). They were sealed in the Logan Temple on an amazing Tuesday morning and made Kenny the happiest man on the planet. They are living in Logan as they attend Utah State. We have quickly learned to love Jessica and her cute family and look forward to many future family gatherings. We have officially decided the Caspersons are us in cowboy boots.

By Ourselves

2010-09-14T01:05:00.000-07:00

Since September 4, 2010 Lynn and I have been alone for the first time in our married lives. Imagine no dance lessons, scout activities, or ball practices to be to. PTA meetings, sharing my car, and carpooling are all a thing of the past. Lynn and I can be together all we want to on 2 Mondays a month, every other Thursday, Friday nights and some Saturdays! That seems like a lot of time now, but what will we do when he is released as bishop and we get to be together all of the time? While on vacation we practiced doing what we want by going to the Mt. Timpanogos Temple and driving through American Fork Canyon which was beautiful.

Here We Go Again!

2010-09-14T00:51:00.000-07:00

Long ago I kept up on my blog and then my life became a little crazy so I have a year to catch up on! I couldn't sleep and so decided to try and make amends with my family and friends. Everything in the past year seems a blur, but if you will be patient with me, I will try to get back in the saddle and update everyone.
Last week we tried (and almost succeeded) to take a vacation to Park City. All the kids and their families came up at one time or another and boy did we eat well. The rule is always "a carmel apple a day from Rocky Mountain Chocolate."

Carly Graduates, Get's Her Ring, and Celebrates

2009-05-27T14:41:00.000-07:00

On May 8, Carly graduated from The University of Utah with a BS in Public Relations. Jordan gave her a gorgeous ring and we celebrated at a party in our yard to introduce Jordan's family to the Firth masses. It was an amazing day

Smelling the Tulips

2009-05-27T14:33:00.000-07:00

I love having my grand kids at our house. It is a lot of work but I would do twice as much to share the fun with them. My mom taught Easton how to smell the tulips and he sure is funny. After being with my grand kids all weekend I got sick on Monday and it has been a doosey. I am just praying none of them get it.

Together Forever

2009-04-01T22:02:00.000-07:00

We had the awesome opportunity to attend the sealing of Zach and Tai Lyle in the Logan Temple. The greatest moment of all was when Baby Sarah was brought in and she squealed in delight. We are so grateful to have had the chance to be there to witness this wonderful day.

Welcome Baby Eva!

2009-03-29T14:33:00.000-07:00

While we were madly speeding through Nephi when Baby Eva was born. At 3:08 pm in the McKay Dee Hospital in Ogden, Utah , Eva Jean Larsen made her entrance. She was 6 lbs. 14 ozs. and 19 1/2 inches long. Her head full of black hair shocked everyone. Anders is still withholding judgement over whether he will let her stay. The rest of the family is thrilled by their new little princess.

Las Vegas Trip

2009-03-29T14:21:00.000-07:00

Melissa and baby were in a holding pattern, so we decided to take our scheduled trip to Las Vegas. We were going to see the new Grand Chateau Marriott and Makinzee Love in the Donnie and Marie Show. The Show was at the Flamingo, just a block away from the Marriott. We brought Jordan and Carly with us and appreiciated the peace away from the usual casinos. Makinzee was fabulous. Definitely the best performer. The show was very fun to watch. When we got back to the hotel, Melissa called to say they would start her the next day so our trip was cut short.

Congratulations! The Date is Set.

2009-03-25T14:07:00.000-07:00

Carly and Jordan have decided they were meant to be together forever. We are glad they finally came to the same decision that everyone around them has been thinking for months. Carly is 23 and has graduated in Public Relations from the University of Utah. She currently teaches dancing at two studios. Jordan Scott Checketts served on a mission in Kiev, Ukraine. He is currently a Junior at Utah State University studying marketing. They have been friends since junior high. They will be married in the newly dedicated Draper Temple August 13, 2009. Kenny will return from his mission in New York on August 5th and so will be able to be with us to celebrate. The couple will be moving to Logan so Jordan can finish his last year of school. We are so happy to welcome our newest son-in-law. He seems to fit right in with the other goofballs we call family.

Disney On Ice

2009-03-25T13:56:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, March 14, 2009 we took our grandsons and their parents to see Disney on Ice. Lynn was so excited he bought our boys Peter Pan swords (we all have the bruises to prove it.) It was a memorable day for all of us. Thank goodness we are all kids at heart.

Gracia Jones

2009-03-25T13:45:00.001-07:00

It has been a while since I have taken time to catch up. I will start with talking about my stake women's conference we had in February. We were priviledged to have Gracia Jones talk to us about her family history. She is a direct descendant of Joseph and Emma Smith. Her calling in life is to bring the gospel to other decendants. She has such an amazing understanding of our Prophet and his amazing wife. My testimony of Joseph and Emma has grown and developed since listening to her stories. My sisters, daughters, nieces, and mother sang with me for the closing song. We sang "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" and dedicated our performance to the memory of Emma.

All the Kings Horses

2009-01-28T20:00:00.000-08:00

Well, I fell. Sunday night after leaving Mom and Dad's house, I got out of the car and made it 3 feet before my back and feet met snowy concrete. It took me about an hour to stop crying. I didn't feel like crying but the tears kept coming. I did throw up but then slept all night. The next morning I was so dizzy that I stayed home from school. I have some great friends who step in for me when I need lesson plans and a sub last minute. I slept all day, watched a movie with Lynn and slept all night. I am at school today because my students had to take a test only the instructor can give from the state. My back and neck really ache but my head seems all right. (at least the same as it was before, to all you smart aleks) Sorry if you called and I couldn't make it to the phone. I do feel better and I am glad I don't have a photo of the accident to share with you.

Oh the Weather Outside

2009-01-05T16:36:00.000-08:00

Carly's friend Jordan brought over a winter hat from the Ukraine. He purchased it on his mission. We teased him about his fashion statement, but I just came in from shoveling snow and I am suddenly wondering if I could get one on ebay. Anders was a little afraid of the hat because it looks alive.
We had a great holiday this year. I got exactly what I wanted... The Utes to take it to Alabama and Wicked tickets. 2009 looks to be a busy year but it will be filled with many blessings and I am ready to take it on. My nephew, Britton, leaves for his mission on Wednesday. Melissa's baby is due in April, and my sister's, Amy and Cherilyn, will also be having little ones in the summer. Kenny will be back home in August, ready to start back to school.

2008-12-29T09:32:00.000-08:00

Christmas was a little different for us this year. Our married kids were at the inlaws and Carly was the only one with us. It was a little lonely, but we still had our traditional pajama photo. Kenny called at about 9:15 am and we really enjoyed talking to him. We were able to conference call Melissa and Billy so we could all speak to him. He only has 7 months left.

The Festival of the Trees

2008-12-07T19:15:00.000-08:00

We had the opportunity to go to the Festival of the Trees to see Carly's dance students perform. The boys loved the beautiful trees displayed and were actually pretty good. Ryder was thrilled to see Santa and as you can see the look of terror on Anders' face lets you know his feelings. This was Anders first time to sit on Santa's lap without freaking out and screaming uncontrolably. Ryder asked for "Hungry, Hungry Hippos," and "SpeedRacer." Anders seemed to ask for something but in a voice only dogs can hear. It is so fun to be with our boys and they love to be together.

Easton's Illness

2008-12-07T19:04:00.000-08:00

On Thursday morning we had a real scare over our sweet little Easton. Billy called us early in the morning to tell us that Easton's fever had spiked and he went into convulsions. Billy and Nikki had quite a few tense hours waiting in the emergency room. He had numerous tests in the hospital emergency room including a spinal tap. Everything seemed fine except his high fever and large number of white blood cells. Billy and Lynn gave him a blessing and he had a couple of days of intravenous antibiotics and he is his beautiful, happy self. We are so grateful for the blessings of the priesthood in our lives.

2008-12-03T17:47:00.000-08:00

It is that time of year and Lynn just offered to go buy the tree without even saying one word about the house burning down. I'm not sure I'm prepared to win that easily. We got the Griswold tree from our favorite place in front of Kings.

Santa is a Utah Man, Sir!

2008-12-03T17:39:00.000-08:00

Saturday we went shopping at the Gateway Mall in Salt Lake City. Anders wouldn't sit on Santa's lap but he was willing to be the Santa. He is a great shopping buddy while Kenny is on his mission.

Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl

2008-12-01T07:24:00.000-08:00

I asked Lynn to take pictures for Thanksgiving as we were going out to play our annual family football game. This is the only one on the camera. It is a great one of Nikki and our awesome baby, Easton. I guess I can't complain. It was a beautiful day, and fairly warm. We had most of the family present, except Kenny who is on his mission. I have been asked by quite a few friends and neighbors how the game went. It has been a wonderful tradition started many years ago by Dave and Maria, my brother-in-law and sister. It was a great way to start our fun Thanksgiving Day.

New Family Pictures

2008-11-15T18:20:00.000-08:00

On the day of Amy and PJ's sealing we got together for our family pictures taken by Amy Larsen, Melissa and Christian's sister-in-law. It was a wonderful day and we are glad to have these to help us remember being together.

Now I Get It

2008-10-24T12:45:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted for a few days because I was too sick. Everyday by lunch time I was nauseated and had to go home. Last night I happened to check my medicines and realized I was taking too much at the wrong time. I feel really good today. I now want to thank my girls for broadcasting our fantastic High School Musical dance routine. I have had many people compliment us for our skills. We are dedicating our performance to our grandsons who are High School Musical fans for life.

High School Musical 49

2008-10-18T13:13:00.001-07:00

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Getting Well Soon

2008-10-12T19:32:00.000-07:00

After looking him over twice, Dr. Doty asked Russ when he wanted to go home on Friday. He is such a great patient why would they want him to leave so early? He was able to come home Saturday and you will never believe how quickly he started healing almost before our eyes. He walks around without help. He keeps his oxygen by his side but doesn't need it nearly as often as we expected. His kidney function is at 100% and he has started eating very well (thanks to his awesome ward who have him fixed up for the week). It is such a blessing to see him bounce back so quickly. We are so grateful for the time we get to be with him.

Making the Move

2008-10-09T10:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Russ Speirs surprised all by being ready to leave ICU long before expected, or maybe the nurses were tired of him singing his silly country western songs. He is now residing in Room 408 and being poked, prodded, and pumped continually. The still have him on serious pain medication so he tends to be loopy but that's not much different from normal. Those of us who haven't been able to visit him yet miss him dearly and wish him a quick and painless recovery.

Everyone Wants a Turn

2008-10-07T16:25:00.000-07:00

If you were worried that we didn't have enough pain, despair, and agony, then you haven't heard that Lynn's dad had heart valve and bypass surgery today. He has had a rough 2 years trying to keep up his energy and his well known sense of humor. We are so happy that he is getting a chance to get back to doing the things he loves. He is in ICU at the Murray IHC hospital and will be there for 2 more days and after a few more days of hospital rest he should be able to come home on Sunday. The doctor was very pleased with the results of surgery. Russ can see visitors for 10 or 15 minute intervals but not between 6-8 am or pm. Lynn says right now Russ is covered with tubes, but it takes a lot to keep him tied down to the bed.

Serving in New York

2008-09-28T19:40:00.000-07:00

Our Missionary

2008-09-28T19:26:00.000-07:00

Sundays are the day I write to Kenny so I am always a bit homesick for him on that day. He is currently assigned to Little Neck, and is very pleased with the work in that area. He recently sent us some pictures so I can share them with you. He has done really well since his kidney stone procedure. We have developed a real love for the people in the New York, New York South Mission.

Park City

2008-09-27T11:11:00.000-07:00

It has been a long week but we were able to spend some of it at our timeshare at Mountain Side Resort in Park City. Christian was really stressed trying to do everything for school as well as care for Melissa and Anders which is already a full time job. We talked him into letting us take them for the week and I think he did much better. We also had Billy, Nikki and the boys so we all took turns helping Melissa and babysitting. Melissa is doing much better but cannot lift anything, or climb stairs, or drive. We are so grateful that she and the baby are healing so well. We have been blessed having Melissa and Christian so close to us.

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A Surprise from Melissa

2008-09-25T08:52:00.000-07:00

Last Friday Melissa had to be taken to the hospital for emergency surgery. We thought she had kidney stones but were shocked to find out her ovary had to be removed because it was the size of a small football! She and the baby seem to be fine but she will be very restricted in her activities during the rest of this pregnancy. On Tuesday she decided she needed to get out of Christian's hair so he could continue his schooling, and we took Anders and Melissa to Park City where she has to stay down but can be close to the fun. Anders even seems to understand that his mommy can't hold him for a while and he likes to sleep with Grandma and Grandpa. We are so grateful for all the help we have had with babysitting, food, substituting, and other things during this time. We are also thankful for the concern and prayers in our behalf. Here is the now famous picture of the ovary that almost ate Melissa.

Family Ties

2008-09-17T14:07:00.000-07:00

My kids often complain that our family is so close we all know when someone in the clan sneezes. Granted we are all little cramped at times but sometimes we realize that we wouldn't want it any other way. Last weekend as we were preparing for my sister to be sealed in the temple, we found out that Michelle, my brother John's wife, had had a seizure at home. She was luckily found by some friends who rushed her to the hospital. The doctors have determined that she has an oligodendroglioma tumor the size of an orange on her left frontal lobe of her brain. We have come together as a family to support John and Michelle at this time. They are in our thoughts and prayers and we want them to know how much we love them. If you would like to know more about Michelle and news of her health, my mom is keeping up an informational blog in their honor. Thank you to all for your concern. http://firthfacts.blogspot.com/

Lunch With the Girls

2008-09-17T14:06:00.000-07:00

For many years I have gone to lunch with my friends every Wednesday while I am off track. Today was my pick and we ate at MacCools Pub. I started going with them because my former visiting teaching companion, Virgie Maughan asked me to attend. We are joined by Shirley, Jeanette, Annabelle, and Caroline. We also have a friend named Jan who is usually with us but today she is under the weather. The best part of lunch is the gossip and the laughter. I will miss my friends now that I have to go back to work.

Guess who is 23!

2008-09-17T13:47:00.000-07:00

Well our dancing queen is 23 years old on September 16th. Carly's friends, big and little, decorated her car during dance lessons last night at the Jazz Dancer studio. She wants everyone to know that she considers this to be her birthday week and she will be accepting gifts throughout. We are so proud of her and are so happy she has moved home for this semester. She and Melissa have always been the sunshine in our home.

Can You Believe It?

2008-09-16T16:51:00.000-07:00

This is truly a sight for sore eyes! I think some thought it would never happen but I always had faith. Amy and PJ Harrigan were sealed in the Bountiful Temple Saturday, September 13, 2008. It was attended by Kathryn and Ralph Firth, Kirk and Laurel Bitton, Dave and Maria Odle, Brady and Cherilyn Bird, Lynn and Andrea Speirs, Billy and Nikki Speirs, Christian and Melissa Larsen, Dave and Nancy George, Bobby and Linda Moon, Elwin and Ileen Roberts, Donna Hamilton, Bob and Peggy Odle, Russell and Barbara Speirs, and some friends of PJ that I don't know their names but I am glad they came. Amy told all that we never again needed to add her name to the prayer roll. She was finally going to give some payback. We will treasure this day forever and are thrilled to share our joy with you.

The Fairfield Ward Pioneers

2008-09-08T14:07:00.000-07:00

Trek 2008

2008-09-08T13:37:00.000-07:00

Bright and early on July 31, 2008 we left our stake center, clean and pretty smelling in our new pioneer clothes. My mom dropped us off but when she realized that I didn't have my sunglasses she ran home and got them for me. It is good to have a mom who loves you. Lynn and the kids from our ward rode on the bus while I drove with Jennifer Olsen, our YW president in the service vehicle, I've had my share of school buses. We had some terrific experiences and a great family. We love
our Ma and Pa, Mary and Logan Hammer. We really appreciate all the things they did for us (because we are old and feeble). We do have a list of things we will do differently if we have to go again. Our knees are not what they used to be. My favorite thing spiritual experience happened one night just as we had settled down to bed. We were so tired we could not even talk. We heard the sweet melody of "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" played on a violin in the dark. Tears came to my eyes
as the tune switched to "Come, Come Ye Saints." What a blessing it was to be with people I loved and wanted to see make it to the end of the trail. The trip was hard and I felt like crying every minute, but I will never regret having this chance to feel like my ancestors coming across the plains. I know they chose to come because they had a testimony of the Book of Mormon. I to have that testimony and I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for the gospel. I love the youth of our stake and our
ward who shared this experience with us. I don't even mind how stinky we all were when we got back. I think Lynn looked good as a cowboy.

Starting Something New

2008-08-14T15:26:00.000-07:00

It has occurred to me that Lynn and I never take pictures of ourselves. Even our on our honeymoon we didn't take any together. We have to start recording ourselves whether we like it or not. I have really loved reading my children's blogs and it has given me a desire to connect with them. So onward and upward, I begin my quest to keep up to date with all of our loved ones.

Twenty-five Years and Going Strong

2008-04-22T10:49:00.000-07:00

Lynn and I have been married for 25 years on March 31, 2008. I thought the time would have gone by much slower, but in a blink of an eye, we have been married longer than we were single. We have 4 beautiful children; Billy, Melissa, Carly, and Kenny. We have 3 amazing grandsons; Ryder, Anders, and Easton. Lynn is a managing editor for Ingenix, a subsidiary of UHC and I have been teaching elementary school for 26 years.