Snow Anyone?

If Utah has the greatest snow on earth we sure got a bunch of it last week. Spencer and my dad decided if you get a mountain of snow why not build a mountain in your backyard. Here is Spencer working hard on his creation.

This is my dad lending a hand to the igloo construction. Spencer and my dad actually slept in the igloo overnight in temperatures around 10 degrees (apparently this is for fun).

Ta Da!! A little snow, a couple of shovels, and some hard work and look what you can get. Who doesn't need an igloo in their backyard?

Kaylyn's Engaged

Introducing Jonathan Buck (aka Johnnie, my nickname for him) and his soon to be new bride Kaylyn Sheffield. Jon proposed this week to Kaylyn at the place they met-- The Layton High Football Field. After all of the romantic gestures they ended up going back inside because after all it is only a balmy 17 at nights right now. I just love weddings and now we can look forward to one in May.

So here is the ring! The engagement is official. The light on this shot is a little too bright, but I think you can see the little diamonds on the side better. Just as an FYI the center stone is round and has six prongs rather than the traditional four.
So I am not up to par with Jamie on the photography ladder, but I wanted to show the ring of in a couple of ways.
Well Best Wishes to the new happy couple and I will keep you posted on the upcoming wedding festivities.

The Sheffield Family Songs

Every New Year's Day my dad's side of the family has a reunion. There is always good food, fun, and company, however there is one part of the event that leaves my family shuttering. It is a tradition that has existed as long as I can remember . . . It is the family songs. I thought I would enclose the lyrics to both just so you can have a taste of the blessed event.

The first is the "Sheffield Family" Tune: "Solomon Levi" with Words by James Francis Sheffield and Dagmar Sheffield.

1. We are some loyal members of the Sheffield family, We're here today to say hello to you, and you to me, To sisters, brothers, uncles, aunts, and cousins by the score; To eat, to drink, to laugh and play --how could one ask for more?

CHORUS The Sheffield clan, sir, the Sheffield clan are we The Sheffield clan, sir, and proud indeed to be.

2. We have a line of ancestry, came from that British Isle Where first that family tree took root and grew and grew the while; Some branches green grew over the wall, and on across the sea, To fertile soil Promised Land - there sprang up you and me.

3. Grandparents heard a gospel preached, unpopular and new, Thought "Mormon" was the common name, it sounded fine and true, Unlike the way that they'd been taught, its principles were clear, It is satisfied their questioning minds and gave them naught to fear.

4. With children six they joined the Church, made plans to leave Homeland, Dear England, old and critic friend, to join that Mormon band. They sent their son, the eldest one, to go and pave a way To meet the saints in Utah State, where they could go and stay.

5. By land and sea they traveled far, to reach America, That freedom land and home of brave, a land of liberty. Like pioneers, they journeyed on to Kaysville and Brigham town; Their courage high and faith increased, their happiness profound!

6. They met the saints and President Snow, who gave a helping hand To find a home and work to do 'longside that Mormon band. United Order was the plan by which they were to live, So on to work with shoes and nails, their best efforts to give.

7. The children soon established homes, as each one chose a mate; So that is how their family grew, distinguised and sedate. There's Heber, Will, Ellen and Frank, Sarah and brother Jim; That number multiplied so fast --filled house to the brim!

8. Our story could go on and on, but we'll just say adieu Until another day like this, again we'll sing to you.

So that's the first song and really it is not so much that we have a song, but the lyrics of the song are quite interesting coupled with the fact that some of the words don't fit into the rhythm of the song.

Up next is the second song that comes from an old version of the hymn book.
1. Verdant spring and rosy summer, Golden autumn, all are past; O'er the face of nature frowning, Lonely winter comes as last; Yet she brings us many pleasures, Many scenes of festive cheer; Now with joy our hearts are glowing,

While we hail the bright new year, While we hail the bright new year.

2. Sliding, skating, laughing, shouting, Down the rugged hill we go; Hark! the sleigh-bells gally pealing O'er the white and downy snow! Can we think the winter dreary, When such merry tones we hear? Now the cup of pleasure sparkles,

While we hail the bright new year, While we hail the bright new year.

3. Tho' the forest shades are silent, And the birds have flown away, We can warble sweetest music, We can sing as light as they. Happy season, happy greeting! Friends and kindred far and near, Take our best and kindest wishes,

While we hail the bright new year, While with hail the bright new year.

So this song is special because as you say the last line "While we hail . . . " you have to stand up like it is a cheer. Here is the picture depicting the event. Unfortunately, it doesn't show the whole room, but it is hilarious.
I just have to mention that I didn't tell Matt about this tradition until a couple of days before. No sense telling him about the weird family traditions to soon. Happy New Year everyone!!!

Sheffield Family Christmas

At the Sheffield side of the family we all draw names and open presents in order from youngest to oldest. Spencer really enjoys being third in line to open his present. He got some great DVDs.
Here is Melissa looking ever photogenic. She loves gift cards! Devin looks pretty happy about something too.

Here is a group shot starting from left to right--Kaylyn, John (her special friend), my mom, Cheryl & Neil (they are engaged), and Lacie with her golden earnings.

Is Amber good at the reactions or what? You would think she had never seen baby lotion before, or maybe it is just a precious commodity.
Rustin is excitedly opening his presents with a little help from mom and dad. I think he loves the book.

Here is Matt opening his present from Grandma Sheffield. It has been a long standing tradition for her to give items of clothing and in particular socks. Matt was the lucky recipient of not only socks, but a blank video tape for all of those future Smallville episodes.

Last, but not least Grandma Sheffield opening her presents. We really appreciate Grandma Sheffield having lots of events in her home so we can all get together. We also really appreciate the cinnamon rolls :). Well that's it for the Christmas posting. Here comes the new year.

The Christmas Photo Montage

Happy Christmas everyone! Nothing says Christmas morning like a nine year old with his new guitar. Never mind the new skateboard ramp in the background. I thought for Christmas I would post a massive amount of pictures because I took so many. This time I beat out Matt in recording the happy events of the day. I will have to follow up with another post because there are just too many to do in one sitting.
Melissa has a perfect pose for the camera. I think the happiness must be bursting out of her because she got the new "Sliver" cell phone.
Devin tries to escape the camera, but alas my trigger finger is much to quick.
Why is Matt in the corner? I think he wants to hide from the pictures just like Devin. That's unfortunate because my camera sees all.
My dad loves to document everything with the new video camera. I can't decide if he really likes to record everything or he just likes to play with the video camera.
What a classic Kodak moment. Here is Kaylyn with her new iron. College teaches you a lot of things like how many clothes you have that need to be ironed.
It's a good thing Devin has sisters. We taught him to shop for at least some clothes to wear out on the town. Now he has an official date shirt. Lookin' good Dev.
Good morning crazy hair. For those of you who don't remember what I look like in the morning here is just a little reminder. Matt has some pretty awesome hair al la Flock of Seagulls but the picture doesn't do it justice.

At my house we have to wait and go into to see our presents all together (Santa doesn't wrap his presents). We have to get in order from youngest to oldest. Spencer is here waiting for everyone to get in line so we can go in.
My parents with their presents from Santa. My mom loves the Gilmore Girls and my dad thinks that he is a gangster with his new beanie. This isn't just any beanie it wicks away the moisture. Is it me or is it a little strange to have head moisture.
Spencer received a guitar that plugs into the computer and you can play songs. Here is my dad trying to figure it out. At least there is no assembly required.
Spencer loves building and he got quite the collection of Legos. Who knew that there was a monster pack of Sponge Bob Legos?

Melissa looks very chipper for staying up so late on Christmas Eve.
Devin opening his Incubus cd.
Kaylyn loves gift cards, you can tell by the big cheesy grin. She definitely has the Sheffield mouth.
Here is Matt actually smiling for the camera with a game we got from Kaylyn. It is one of my favorite pictures of the day. Doesn't he look happy?
This is my mom displaying her gift from her sister. It is the family study guide for the New Testament.
My dad opening up a present.
Michelle and I exchanged some fun gifts this year. She got me a subscription to a food magazine with lots of easy recipes (for the kitchen impaired like me). I got her a lamp that you can plug your Ipod into. I think I might be turning into a gadget geek.
James and his mom (Michelle's sister) on Christmas morning 2006. I think this shot was a little unexpected.

Here is James Pope staring curiously at Matt taking his picture. Apparently he hasn't yet grasped the concept of smile for the camera or Matt is much to intriguing. Anyway, he is still cute as a button. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Our First Christmas Tree

This is our first tree together as couple. Sorry to all those real tree devotees, but we had to go with the artifical tree. I also wanted to give a special thanks to Deena (my co-worker) who downsized her tree and gave us her old one for us to enjoy. It looks fabulous in the living room/office/dining room.
This picture is brought to you by my little brother Spencer (maybe he is a budding photographer at the age of nine). Everyone just imagine that we sent you this photo with a Christmas card because it isn't going to happen this year. Both of us do want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and hopes that you will feel the true spirit of the season with your families!

USU--Devin's How Old?

So a couple of weeks ago we had the chance to go and visit Devin up at Utah State University. Let me just say Logan is the frozen tundra and there is a reason that I did not go to school there.

Aside from the bitter cold we had a great time. We got to meet Devin's girlfriend and reminisce about our college days and living in the crowded dorms. We especially enjoyed Devin's stories about the kitchen fires that occur on a regular basis. (They have kitchens on each level of this building like DT). Suffice it to say the fire department knows their way around his building.

Devin is doing great and enjoying being on a full ride scholarship. He is thinking about majoring in education. We are excited for him to have the college experience!






Here's another shot of Devin and his girlfriend Kaari. I know this looks almost exactly like the other one, but if you look closely the lighting is slightly different and changes the quality of the picture. J/K :)









Last but not least, here are Matt and I in Devin's dorm room. We have to squish together because we barely fit in that space. All I can say is at least the walls aren't cinder blocks.