The West Side Story

2012-02-01T11:53:00.000-08:00

Susan gave me this box at Christmas. The box had a bulb, compact disc of dirt, and a green plastic pot. I followed the directions and it went...From this...

to this in less than a month.

2011-12-07T14:11:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I last updated this Blog. So much has happened in the last few months. On November 19, Dave and I separated. I moved into an apartment on my own in Placentia, CA. So far, it's been a LOT less stressful. It's only 10 minutes from work instead of 60 to 120 minutes each way from Corona. It seems to me that Dave and I have gotten along better in the last few weeks than we have in a very long time. Maybe we are just 2 people that can't live in the same house? We'll have to wait and see how things go. In the meantime, I'm still playing softball a couple of nights a week and working 5 days a week. That has kept me pretty busy! I plan to go to Utah and spend Christmas with my family and I'm really excited about that! So here's wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!!!

Doyle Lewis reunion

2011-09-06T16:09:00.000-07:00

We had such a great time at the reunion in Oxford! It was really great to see all those that came. Miss all of you who didn't make it.

How cute is this... Dallas and Cheetos face Raiden!

Emilee and Raiden at Downata

ssshhh...Shasta's sleeping.

I'm a big boy 'cause I got a wristband. Like my Sponge Bob Square Pants swim suit? Pretty cool huh!

Em & Raiden on the scooter

My Favorite!!!

2011-07-26T16:27:00.001-07:00

Birthdays

2011-07-26T16:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Bridget and Lucy!!! I can't believe how time flies!!

Mourning

2011-07-12T12:15:00.000-07:00

Today we mourn the loss of Stanley J Baker, husband of Connie, step-father to Dave, Carren, Debbie, and Julia West. Stan passed away July 11 about 12:00 p.m. from a heart attack. He will be greatly missed!!

2011-05-10T15:15:00.000-07:00

As the sign says, "Welcome to Avalon". I took this from the Ferry we arrived on.

First close-up view of Catalina Island/Avalon Bay

Last views of Long Beach from the ferry.

Passing the Queen Mary on our way out of Long Beach

The Queen Mary and a Carnival Cruise Ship in the Long Beach harbor.

Leaving the dock of the Catalina Express ferry building. The beginning of our 'Island Adventure'. We left on Sunday, May 1st and returned on Tuesday May 3rd. My first trip to the Island and this is my birthday present from Dave.

2011-05-10T15:06:00.000-07:00

Avalon Bay from the Ferry coming into the island. It's actually May 1st.

Dave and I from on the mountain above Avalon Bay May 2nd

Above Avalon Bay May 2nd.

2011-05-10T15:00:00.001-07:00

Cool Golf Carts

2011-05-10T14:18:00.000-07:00

First leg of the 'hike' up to the place we stayed.

Second leg of that 'hike'.

Third leg of the 'hike'.

The place we stayed. Catalina Beach House.

2011-05-10T14:14:00.000-07:00

Escanso Beach Country Club - deserted on a Monday. Very busy on weekends.

2011-05-10T14:10:00.000-07:00

Escanso Beach - my favorite place to just hang out. Waited here while Dave was snorkeling in front of the "Casino" theatre.

Just above Escanso Beach, leaving the Zip-Line Eco Tour office.

2011-05-10T14:05:00.000-07:00

Dave in front of the "Casino" Theatre

Avalon Bay harbor. The "Casino" theatre at the right.

2011-05-10T14:02:00.000-07:00

The yellow submarine, that wasn't really a submarine, but you could go down inside it and see the marine life through windows underwater.

Catalina Island May 2011

2011-05-10T14:00:00.000-07:00

The base of the 'Zip-Line Eco Tour' above Escanso Beach. We really wanted to try this, but apparently you have to make reservations a couple of months in advance. Maybe next time!!

2011-01-06T16:07:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve 2010 with the Pavones, at their house. Always fun!!!

2011-01-06T16:05:00.000-08:00

Raiden in Great Grandma Lewis' hat. The apartment was too dark, but I think you can still see Raiden running back and forth.

2011-01-06T15:59:00.000-08:00

Great Grandma Lewis made the hat for him. He wasn't all that happy about us making him wear it until after this picture was taken. Then, I video taped him running back and forth between Kaylissa and I with the hat on.

Raiden loves his toast in the morning!!

2011-01-06T15:55:00.000-08:00

McCade, Hayden, and Riley December 2010

2011-01-06T15:53:00.000-08:00

Dant and Kaylissa December 2010

2011-01-06T15:51:00.000-08:00

Raiden with the I-Pod.
Only a year old and he can scroll, select, and play.
He's too smart.

Is he just the cutest or what?

Grandmas visit with Raiden, Dant & Kaylissa

2011-01-06T15:46:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE WEST HOUSE 2010

2011-01-06T15:43:00.000-08:00

Jessica & Emilee at the Nutcracker.

Julie, Ken, Jared & Brittney, Emilee, Jessica, Dave, (not pictured) Carren, Steve, and I all went to see the Nutcracker on Christmas Eve at UCIrvine. Warren & MayBelle purchased the tickets but were unable to make it because of illness. It was the first ballet I've ever been to.

2011-01-06T15:36:00.000-08:00

We went with our friends the Pavones to see candy canes made by hand. The place is called Logan's Candies in Ontario, CA.

Raiden turned "1" on October 15th 2010

2010-10-26T16:59:00.000-07:00

The sun was a little too bright for him.

Always into everything now that he can walk.

Not a big fan of getting his hands in the cake so one of his Aunts had to do it for him.

I was lucky enough to be able to drive up to St George for Raiden's 1st birthday. They had a family party at the park. It turned out really nice and fun.

2010-09-17T12:36:00.000-07:00

2010-06-18T12:21:00.000-07:00

Towards the end of the day on Sunday, we were all resting after our hikes. Dylan was eating chips and for some reason, his chair kind of folded up on him and tipped sideways. He did manage to save the chips though.

This was the second hike I went on. It was a much easier hike for me. I went with Andy, Steve, Chris, Abby, and little Graciella. I was able to keep up with them better than I would have if I had gone with Dave and the Pavones again. They went on the same hike as the day before, but farther.

Dave called this the 'Hotel Pavone'. Their tent is bigger than it looks here. I think it's either 3 or 4 rooms. It slept 3 kids and 3 adults. Jennifer was whittling something for her boyfriend. She actually did a pretty darn good job on it.

2010-06-18T12:18:00.001-07:00

2010-06-18T12:17:00.000-07:00

Dave wanted everyone's attention so he posed on this stump until we could all catch up to him. I didn't realize how skinny his legs are. They are just like the Lewis Legs!

2010-06-18T12:14:00.000-07:00

Bob took this picture so that I could be in it. I was trying to hide behind Emilee so that the camera wouldn't get my fat body. I can't believe that I have put on so much weight in the last few years.

2010-06-18T12:12:00.000-07:00

Our little hiking group. We took a lot of pictures. From left to right; Ashlin, Julie, Dylan, Jennifer, Dave, Emilee, and Bob.

2010-06-18T12:10:00.000-07:00

We went on our first hike Saturday. It was so beautiful!! I think Bob got the front view picture while I got the rear view.

2010-06-18T12:07:00.000-07:00

Raiden 5/19/2010, at 7 months. He looks like the happiest baby. He just gets cuter all the time. Dant took this photo with his cell phone and sent it to me around Mother's Day.

2010-05-06T16:11:00.000-07:00

We had to move AGAIN. We were in this place the longest though. Almost 3 years. This was the 4th time since we got married in 2003. This is what happens when you need to rent....
Our new address is 2241 Indigo Hills Drive, sounds nice huh? It's a condo and I do really like it so far. Haven't really unpacked yet though. Get to start on that tonight.

2010-05-06T16:07:00.000-07:00

A wonderful birthday cake from a vendor @ Jade. It's from a Chinese bakery and sooooooooo goooooood!!!

2010-05-06T16:05:00.000-07:00

Raiden - Easter @ Reitano's.

Isn't he just the cutest little guy ever???

2010-01-26T11:45:00.000-08:00

Raiden. I got to stay with Dant, Kaylissa, and Raiden for a couple of days after Christmas.

2010-01-26T11:39:00.000-08:00

Dave, Jessica (Lace), Emilee, and Valeri. Our family Christmas photo on Christmas morning 2009.

2010-01-26T11:36:00.000-08:00

Dave with his Dad, Warren, and MayBelle. Christmas Eve 2009

2009-12-17T15:51:00.000-08:00

Raiden's first time in his crib.Daddy & Raiden on the computer

They're probably watching TV or a video.

Raiden looks like he's getting strong.

SOOO CUTE!!!

I just want to reach out and hold him...!!!

2009-11-02T12:44:00.001-08:00

He really doesn't look like he wants to be in that pumpkin....

2009-11-02T12:43:00.005-08:00

Raiden - yawning or crying??

2009-11-02T12:43:00.003-08:00

Raiden as a Giraff

2009-11-02T12:42:00.001-08:00

Kaylissa, Dant, and Raiden Halloween 2009

2009-11-02T12:41:00.003-08:00

Daddy and Raiden Sleeping

2009-11-02T12:41:00.001-08:00

Daddy and Raiden

2009-11-02T12:40:00.001-08:00

Raiden

2009-10-22T16:09:00.000-07:00

Raiden

Jeffrey Hemming

October 15, 2009

Mommy Kaylissa and

Daddy Dant

2009-10-22T16:05:00.000-07:00

Can you tell which one is Dant and which one is Raiden? They really look alike to me.

2009-10-21T12:21:00.000-07:00

Raiden Jeffrey Hemming, born October 15, 2009 at 11:52 p.m. in St George, Utah. He weighed 8 lbs. 7 oz., and was 20 1/2 inches long.

In this picture, he is 2 days old. He was born with low blood sugar and had to be in the NICU with an IV stuck in his head until about Sunday 10/18. He was having a hard time nursing at first, but hopefully, that has all changed.

Raiden has his Dad's nose and ears, and they look a lot alike in their baby pictures.

2009-09-11T16:23:00.000-07:00

2009-08-28T13:09:00.000-07:00

Mandi & Ryan's Peyton Susan Phillip Terry Randy Opal......JD..........Terry...........Tamara...Frank....Gloria............Kaleena....Raylene...Bret Little Bear Bottoms in Wellsville........Landon coming from the Sherwood Hills Clubhouse. McCade Jenson beautiful scenery Dave after teeing off McCade Jenson our youngest golfer this year...........................Jennifer Jenson, didn't know she knew how to golf??? The golfers, Dave West, Gloria Landvatter Talent Show....what a talented family we have!!!

Jordan Paige as the "Fortune Teller" Chloe & cotton candy...fishing

What did you catch Chloe? What'cha got there Audrey? Trying again?

2009-07-02T16:10:00.000-07:00

This was last year on the 4th of July. Do you think he'll finish the job this year? Who knows?

Jessica's HS Graduation June 2009

2009-07-02T15:54:00.000-07:00

The only way to tell it's Jessica is she's holding her bright yellow shoes.

She finally put them on. I'm sure they were extremely uncomfortable.

This is Jessica being announced and walking up to the stand.

Jessica and Emilee

Jessica and Dad

Jessica and Mom

Had to take more than one because they both wouldn't look at me.

Jessica sings with the choir and they sang a couple of songs before the graduation ceremony started.

2009-06-22T17:35:00.000-07:00

Dant and Kaylissa are having a BOY!! They are naming him Raiden. He's about 1 lb 1 oz and healthy.....Yea!!!

2009-05-01T17:00:00.000-07:00

I celebrated another birthday on 4/30. These are some pictures of my birthday surprise at work.

Left to Right; Maria, Darlene, Sara, Susie, Tim

Javier is the one on the far right in this picture.

What a GREAT bunch!!

2009-03-25T18:19:00.001-07:00

I'm going to be a grandma!!!!!

2009-03-12T18:06:00.000-07:00

This was Taylor Penrod and Lauren LeDuc's wedding dinner & reception Feb.27,2009.

2009-03-12T17:52:00.001-07:00

2009-03-12T15:36:00.000-07:00

Update on our 'doings'; Dave still isn't working. Dave's Dad is still in the hospital, but getting better all the time. I still have my job, at least for the time being. Jessica is still scheduled to graduation from High School on June 12. She's been accepted to BYU, Idaho, to start January 2010. Emilee's the same as always, but TALLER. I think she may get to be as tall as me. Dant and Kaylissa are doing well. Kaylissa is having a baby sometime around the end of October so I'm extemely excited to be a Grandma!! Dave's still a Deacon's Quorum advisor. I'm still the Relief Society Secretary. Our landlord asked yesterday if we wanted to purchase the house we're in on a "short sale". Since Dave isn't working, there's no way for us to qualify for a loan. It may mean that she sells it out from under us and we'll have to move, AGAIN! Dave's sister Carren came down from Oregon and stayed a couple of weekends with us. It was great to have her around! Dave's nephew, Taylor, was married on the 27th of February. I'll attach some pictures from their wedding dinner and reception. That's all that's new for now... keep you posted.

2009-02-10T15:53:00.000-08:00

A little update on Dave's Dad. Warren is in the hospital and has been there for over 2 weeks now. At first, he was admitted because he had a collapsed lung. He has Emphesema and an Intestinal Blockage as well. They did some surgery last Wednesday to alleviate a little of the problem, but they have to wait until he's stronger to really take care of the blockage. He has a hole in his lung the size of a quarter and there is fluid in and around his lungs. Sunday night, he pulled his Colostomy bag off and has developed an infection from it. He is very disoriented and confused a lot of the time. They have had to restrain his arms to keep him from pulling anything else off. Dave and his sisters have been spending a lot of time visiting him. Maybelle has been a real trooper through all of this.

2009-02-10T15:40:00.000-08:00

Dave lost his job Jan 13th. The country is in a recession and it's affecting all of us in some way or another. We've elected the first "black" President, but we've yet to see any real changes. The President of the church is Thomas S Monson, President Hinckley having passed away a little over a year ago. In March, Dave will turn 53. In April, I'll be 47. In April, Jessica will be 18. In June, Emilee will be 14. The time has flown by. I don't know where it's all gone. I look in the mirror and I don't recognize myself. I'm getting older. Dant is 25 and Kaylissa just turned 21. They are making their home in St George where she is working for her family business and Dant is going to college full time. Jessica is working towards getting into BYU, Provo, next fall. She auditioned for their Music, Dance, and Theatre program on the 31st of January. Keep your fingers crossed that she gets in. Thank you friends and family for reading my blogs! I'll try to keep it updated a little more often.

2009-02-10T15:00:00.000-08:00

This was our BIG news for 2009. Dant and Kaylissa Reitano got married in St George on January 3rd, at her parents house.

Kaylissa's Mom made the cake, as well as the

dinner, and all the pictures and decorations.

This was sooooo cute!!!

You go girl!!

SOOOOO FUNNY!!

Dant, I wish your mom

wasn't so fat!!!

I'd never danced with Dant before this....

My big boy/man!

I think these two are definitely in love!!!!!!

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

Can you believe this? In the end of August, Dave was going to Catalina Island with the scouts and decided to shave his head. There was something else about some bumps/moles on his head that the doctor wanted to burn off, but I didn't see them. Anyway, Dave thought he could protect his head from the sun better if he could just rub the sunscreen all over his head instead of just where he had some bald spots. He asked me to do it, but I said no! I really thought he was kidding until I saw him going over his head with the clippers. I almost cried. I really don't like him this bald. Since it's grown in a little, I'm getting more used to it.

2008-09-05T12:51:00.000-07:00

Dave's Dad, Warren and his wife Maybelle. Dave's Mom, Connie and her husband Stan Baker. Dave's family reunion in July 2008, Preston, ID. There's Stan, Connie, Valeri, Dave, Debbie, Ryan, Carren, Julie, and Ken. Oh, and Muffin, Debbie's dog.

2008-09-05T12:48:00.000-07:00

Also in July, my company had an Annual Picnic. I helped with a lot of it. It was a ton of work. I was glad when it was over.

They gave away some great prizes. I won the laptop computer. YEAH!!!!!

I had been thinking about buying one for a while now. Now I don't have to.

2008-09-05T12:41:00.000-07:00

This past July, Jessica and Emilee were involved in a Multi-Stake Southern California Youth Dance Festival. They had a lot of fun, but it was also a lot of work. Jessica was chosen as one of 7 singers to perform at this dance festival. She's the one in the blue dress. It was all very good and fun to see.