Happy Fall, Ya All

This is my little September friend.  Of course, I am a lover of all things blue and so he was in my sights the minute he landed.  Evvie and I were pretty quiet as we went back and forth for the camera and to get a good shot.  And he (or she) was very patient with us.  Love God's creature's, great and small.

I came home one day after a temple trip on the bus and had the most exciting message on my answering machine.  I won a flat screen t.v. from a drawing at Chuck-a-Rama in Logan!!  Imagine that!!  I returned their call to make sure it wasn't a hoax and it really was true.  So, a few days later, Brad and I returned to Logan, ate a bite (at Chuck-a-Rama) and collected my prize.  Works great in the bedroom and if our 30 yr. old t.v. gives out on us, we can use it in the living room.  I was so excited!!

 Bradey's first deer

 Grandpa Wayne and Kenzie petting the goat.

Kenzie playing "Twinkle, Twinkle"

October 11th would have been Kay's 81st birthday.  We took Wayne to the cemetary to leave a small bouquet of flowers and toured around the valley a little as he talked about the past and who used to be where.  Just trying to help him pass some time on a difficult day.

Bradey was able to shoot his own deer this year and he got one!!  He was so excited, so we just HAD to head on over to take a look.  Wayne rode over with us and I'm afraid we freaked some of the family out because we didn't get permission, but oh well.  Wayne had never been to see Teauna's place and all of her animals in Weston, so it was good that he would go.  Teauna fed us all some apple pie with caramel sauce, Kenzie played her violin, and we had a good afternoon.

 EldaMae and Roberta Price (her sister-in-law)

 EldaMae blowing out her candles.

EldaMae and Wayne

We helped EldaMae celebrate her 75th birthday on October 27th.  I originally made a Waldorf Astoria cake, but it was yucky so I quickly made the good old standby, oatmeal.  We sang happy birthday, lit candles, and served cake and ice cream to the residents.  The nursing home provided the ice cream and plates and forks.  EldaMae had a lot of visitors the day before and on her birthday to help her celebrate.  She is so blessed to have so many who care so greatly about her.

Dane, Brook, Evvie, and Cole

Halloween was pretty quiet.  We had a fair amount of trick-or-treaters and a couple of special visitors.  Brook brought the kids by and they were dressed pretty darn cute and ready to get out there and get some candy.  Brenna wasn't feeling well, so she stayed at home and handed out candy there.  Brook made sure they stopped by Wayne's and he was so excited they stopped in.  He called me right after they left to let me know they had been there.  Shelia, Angie and Claire stopped in at our house, as well.  Claire got quite a kick out of the laughing monkey.  So did Shelia.  I think I might just give her the darn thing; although it does make a person smile.

First snow of the season

Okay, so the weather man got it right.  Bummer.  Not happy about it and sure it won't stay, but not ready for the white stuff.  It started snowing Thursday night, Nov. 3rd and this is what we woke up to Friday morning.  It is beautiful, but love Fall so much more!!  I'm glad Bradey and Kenzie helped me get the yard work done the weekend before, so we were ready for this change.

Well, caught up once again until the next photo op.  A busy week this week, so the camera will be with me and ready to snap.  I am grateful for my many blessings as we do enjoy so very many.  Thank you, Heavenly Father, for each and every one.

 

Summer is Gone

Wow!!  Where does time go?  How can one be so busy that life just speeds on by?  And how on earth did I ever accomplish anything when I was working full time?  This has been a wonderful summer of activity, but nothing real earth shattering and no long trips -- just a few day ones.  Maybe someday the economy will turn around and allow us to go further than an hour or two away.  But until then, we will enjoy what we are blessed with right here in our own backyard.

I know I've said it before, but it is worth repeating, "I love sweater weather!"  And we are finally back in that season for which I am very grateful.  But there has been a lot of things that have led up to it and that it what this is all about.  So here it goes . . .

Cole turned eight years old on the 29th of June and was baptized on July 2nd by his father (our son) Shawn.  It's so fun to see these little milestones in the grandchildren's lives.  Shawn and Brook had a little dinner after the baptism and we enjoyed the evening very much.  Teauna and her family were at the baptism but couldn't stay to eat so Cole had a very nice support group from both sides.  A nice day.

I was involved in the Relay for Life again this year.  A little more than in the past and so was part of raising money for our team.  We put together a cookbook that we sold and had our own "mini" relay that included a walk, baked food sale, yard sale, and other fundraising activities.  We had a great turn-out and raised the money we needed to walk in the big event in Pocatello.

I was in charge of the baked food sale and this was our little shop.

Then there was the "big event".  Both Brad and I walked as survivors this year.  Kind of strange to be both of us, but there were quite a few other couples that were sharing the same honor.  It seems that cancer is just popping up everywhere.  Missed that Treena wasn't able to be there walking with us.  This time we were walking for her.  And it would turn out that not much later she would pass away and no more walks make.  Miss our talks.  Well, anyway, the walk was fun, but the night got awful cold and windy so we headed home about 5 am and went to bed for a while to sleep and get warm.  We almost made it the whole time and will be better prepared next year.

 Love the support of the family.

Teauna, Brad, Kathy, Kenz, Bradey, Mike

 Brad and Kathy hand prints on a quilt that bid way higher than our budget.

 Getting our survivor medals together.

 Kathy, Tea, and Brad

 The team walking a lap together.

 The luminaries lining the track as we made a lap in total silence.

 Unlike last year, we have made it to the camp site quite a few times this summer.  Bradey and Kenzie like to join us and we always have such a great time.  They made some Indian costumes and decorated with beads and bodies decorated with mud.  Camping is such an adventure!!

 We installed a new fire ring down by the creek.

 Playing in the ice cold water on a hot day.

 Lounging in chest waders. Make any sense??

Bradey in all his glory!!

We took a day trip to the fish hatchery at Grace.  No one was around, just us and we were able to feed the fish with a bucket of food they left for us to use.  We went to Grace and ate a nice lunch and stopped at an ice cave and took a peek inside.  It was a nice day and an informative one.

 Checking out the fish and wishing for a pole.

 Feeding the fish not in the runways.

Not prepared for an ice cave adventure -- no flashlight or coats.

My summer has been busy with my small little garden.  Brad raised it up for me in the spring and I planted and it has produced very well.  I have been able to share produce with a lot of friends and neighbors.  I just love fresh, vine-ripened tomatoes.  Especially the yellow ones.  So, so yummy!!  We have had peas, beans, cabbage, corn, carrots, beets, swiss chard, lettuce, zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, and radish.  And my herb garden is flourishing as well.  I have dill, chives, lemon-thyme, thyme, mint, basil, lavender, rosemary, parsley, sage, and oregano.  I may be missing a few, but my mind just went blank.  It is so much fun to just take the scissors out and snip fresh herbs when I need them.  Love it!!

Now here is some yummy stuff!!

And, probably the most important event that took place this summer was the passing of Kay, my mother-in-law.  She was 80 years old and her heart valves were just all worn out.  We knew it was coming, but even then it is a shock and a sadness that must be worked through.  Wayne is dealing with it in his own way and we all worry about him.  His devotion to her has been his whole life these last few years.  Now he is so lonely and lost.  I am grateful for the Gospel and my beliefs.  It brings so much peace to know that Kay is fine, out of pain, and busy with those she loves who have gone before her. 

Well, I suppose this is about all the news I can cover in one post.  I should be better at keeping them done, then it wouldn't take hours to create one.  So, until next time . . .  love ya lots!!!

Family, Family, Family

Dane is spending the day with me today and he just went down for a little nap.  I don't feel real comfortable straying too far away while he sleeps so thought it might be a good time to do a little updating on my blog.  Quite a bit of activity this last month with much to follow in the next couple.

Mike, Teauna, and Kenzie came over and helped me paint the shed.  I started it a couple of years ago and then never got it finished.  After taking a good look at it, I was afraid we might lose the siding if we didn't get it painted so I got some paint from Shelia at buy one get one free and we were ready to roll.  Literally.  We were done by 2 p.m.  Brad and Bradey were off working so they missed out on the fun.  Don't think they cared.  I was so grateful for the help and so happy to get it done.

 Kenzie

Mike making good use of G. Jennie's walker

Mother's Day was a nice day.  We skipped church; ours is the 1-4 block.  We went to Teauna's and she and Shawn and families gave me the most wonderful gifts.  An immersion blender and then a total surprise of a great picture frame with all the grand kids.  They had all met in Weston Canyon earlier to do pictures, all on the sly.  Even the kids are good at keeping secrets.  We then went into Chuck a Rama for dinner.  It was packed!!!  But, YUMMY!!  And neither mother had to do any cooking.

Cute, cute pictures in a wonderful frame.  Happy Mother's Day, Grandma Kathy.

Pam called and suggested that we (Wayne and I) celebrate our birthdays together this year.  Everyone brought their own meat to grill and a side dish to share.  The weather was a little overcast, but not too cold and not too hot.  We were able to be outside and Kay even sat outside for a while.  Jess dropped in to say hello to his little sister.  And all my grandchildren were there so I got the opportunity to take a picture with them and their great grandparents.  I'm not so sure anyone else even had a camera.  It was a nice day and I loved that I was able to capture it.  Thanks, Pam, for gathering us all together once again. 

 Wayne in a frame . . .

 Kay, Wayne, and Kathy

 Amy and Dane

 Jess Daniels

Grandchildren with Great Grandparents

I had a quick little follow-up doctor appointment in Ogden, so Kenzie and Teauna went with me and we called it our Girls Day Out.  I decided to take them to lunch at Rainbow Gardens in Ogden Canyon.  They had never been there and experienced the huge gift shop that goes on and on and on.  We enjoyed a couple of hours there and did not come away empty handed.  It was a fun day.  We even found time to drop in on a friend of Teauna's who was in the hospital and visit for a minute.  Then it was homeward bound.  Doesn't take much to wear this bunch out.  It was a nice relaxing day spent with those I love so dearly.

Well, I think I'm caught up with the pictures I have downloaded from my camera.  So, now I must get busy taking some more.  And, Dane is letting me know (by smell) that he needs some attention.  Off I go to do diaper duty and will be back here another time.  Have a great day!!



Springtime Get-togethers

We all gathered for a small cookout and little egg hunt the day before Easter.  The weather was actually pretty nice and we were able to enjoy ourselves outside.  Of course, we do live in Idaho, so jackets are a staple and can be taken off and then put back on in a play by play situation.  Especially this year.  The older kids paired up (girls vs. boys) for the Easter egg hunt and had to follow clues to find the eggs.  When each egg was found, they returned them to me (the bank) for their special prize of a whole dollar.  Actually, the dollar each was cheaper than filling eggs with candy!!  Little Dane got his dollar just for being so darned cute!!  Annette and Verlin joined us for lunch and the hunt and we enjoyed each other's company.  It was a good day.

Makenzie and Brenna  

Cole and Bradey discussing a clue's meaning 

Evvie got the easy job of collecting visible eggs. 

The Chef and big brother, Verlin 

Yum!!

Yum! Yum! 

Wearing off the Yum, yum!!! With a game of football.

Memorial Day weekend is upon us once again.  Last year Brad and I took a little road trip to Burley and around, but this year with gas prices so high we are staying much closer to home.  I hope G Grandpa, G Grandma, and little Sarah will forgive us for not making the trip.  It was something that Mom and I started many years ago when we made the trip to Burley and found their grave sites.  Mom ordered headstones to replace the little teeny markers and we drove and decorated most every year since then.  Mom had a huge sense of responsibility for her ancestors and she was loyal in story, genealogy, and temple work.  But this year Teauna, Kenzie, and I made the trip to McCammon and left three pretty mums to brighten up the final resting place of two wonderful people.  Brad and I did decorating earlier in the day at the Malad Cemetary and the Samaria Cemetary and then he had a little bit of work to do so Teauna took over and we headed to McCammon.  It was a good day, even if a little chilly.  The rest of the weekend's forecast isn't too sunny!!

I am grateful for a great heritage.  For strong, independant, and faithful people.  They are part of who I am and I am so blessed to be part of such a great family.  And I hope that I leave the same legacy for those who come after me.  I do love my family so very much.  So, so very much.

Kenzie at Mom and Dad's gravesite decorated with pretty mums.

 

A Year Has Quickly Passed

A year ago yesterday, April 14th, 2010, my mom left this earth to join her husband and other family members in Heaven.  I had prayed and prayed that she would go before me and another prayer was answered.  She passed away peacefully at about 11:35 p.m.  I miss and think about her every day.  Robert remembered the day and called and visited with me.  He was upset and we talked about how fortunate and blessed we were to be raised by the parents that we had.  I stayed busy making "Mormon Muffins" and honey butter and preparing a presentation for 6th Ward RS on family history and genealogy.  I bet Mom was just a smiling down on me during that one.  How many years she tried to get me interested in that!!  I took the muffins and butter to Downata this morning in memory of Mom and her love of that wonderful warm water.  I am sure that if there is anything about this earth life that she misses in Heaven, it is water aerobics at Downata.  So we remembered her this morning with a muffin or two.  So here are a few pictures to enjoy.  Love you, Mom!!

Mom and me making our yearly trip to the cemetary to decorate Dad's grave in 2009.

 Enjoying the 2009 July 4th parade in front of the nursing home in Malad.

 Patty and Sandy with Mom about a month before her death.

 All of us crowding around trying to get a good picture.

Kathy, Sandy, Patty, Mom, Teauna, Kenzie, Bradey, Mike

 A visit by Peter and his family following conference.

Robert, Peter, Jonathon, Lyndsey, Jo, Ethan and Mom

Mom and Flat Stanley on the day she left us.

What I wouldn't give to hold her hand just one more time!!

 Practicing the flag ceremony for Mom's service.

Brad, Evvie, Bradey, Makenzie, Cole, Brenna, Shawn

 Beautiful bouqets we delivered to the grave site after the service.

 Mom's urn that I painted.  She loved it and said she couldn't have done better herself.

 We gave up waiting for warm weather and buried her urn of ashes in rain and snow.

Br-r-r-r-r-r!!

I had a new headstone made and installed with both names and correct information.

Turned out very nice.

Small gathering for the burial.

Robert, Kathy, Brad, Bradey, Shawn, Teauna, Makenzie, Cole

It was so cold, but I wanted her to be there for Memorial Day and it was just around the corner.

Brad dedicated the grave and President Gunter presided.

I am grateful for eternity.  And for memories and photographs of so many years of good life lived.  We are indeed so very blessed.