Joyce Schasteen

Over the past 2 weeks we have been busy moving in our new house guest. Joyce Schasteen, my only relative in Bakersfield has moved into our house, and we are so glad to have her here! We affectionately call Joyce our aunt, but in reality, her grandfather Thomas Henry Wilson Jr., is is my great great grandfather.


Her dog Bobby is Max's new playmate. They have been pretty much inseparable since his arrival. They love to play tug-o-war in the backyard. I don't think that Max will ever loose, because he has about 60 pounds on Bobby, but don't tell Bobby he can't win!

Jami is substitute teaching in the Bakersfield City and Standard School Districts this year. She is teaching Kindergarten through 6th grade and really enjoys it. She passed the C-Best test this summer after Jessi went away to school. Jami travels to Utah every month in hopes of spending some time with Jess. The money she earns through teaching comes in handy for her travel expenses. We enjoy going to the gym in the early mornings together for a spin cycling class. Jami also enjoys attending a step class while I run the treadmill. On Friday, Jami had the opportunity to attend the Fresno temple with her friend, Crystal and had a great time. On Saturdays we enjoy our weekly 5 mile trek through the foothills with Max.

Jami's Trip to Utah for Halloween

Jami made her monthly visit to Utah this week to see Jessica, and to spend some time with the rest of the family.

Jami loves being "Gran", and getting to spend time with Will. She got to baby sit while Aly went on the show KSL Studio 5 to collect the grand prize in the Pier 49 Pizza recipe contest for her Teriyaki Chicken Pizza! Be sure to check out studio5.ksl.com or Spencer and Aly's blog to find her recipe. Way to go Aly!!!

Jessica is doing very well at school, and was allowed to spend some time off campus with Spencer, Aly, and Will!

One of Jessica's highlights for the week was when her "Papa" came to visit her at her school and take a tour and then go out to dinner at Chuck-a-Rama in Provo.

Halloween marked the one year anniversary of when Jami's mother embarked on her mission in heaven. Some of the family members were able to go to the cemetery to pay tribute to her with flowers and black and orange balloons. Mom loved to celebrate the holidays, Halloween being one of her favorites. Afterwards, Jami went to the Jordan River Temple with her Dad, 4 of her sisters, and brother-in-law. It was a wonderful experience for them and a great way to remember Mom! That evening was spent at Dad's favorite restaurant...Chuck A Rama! We miss you Mom!