Looking At the Expensive Dog Door

So Whats UP?

2012-01-27T20:14:00.001-07:00

Well, this week has gone really fast, which is a good thing.

My favorite Bishop was released and he has been super busy preparing for a trial that start next Wednesday. He was in court 3 mornings this week and had to leave way early and then work late. I guess it is a good thing so he wouldn't be missing the Bishop job.

For my big birthday I wanted a family picture. I think it turned out great and I finally got it ordered this week. Look at the cute Schofield family. I am super happy with the picture and I think Cetrone Studio did a great job. We were done from start to finish in 27 minutes.

Sunday the 22nd was Grandpa's 87th birthday.

Happy Birthday Percy!

Dawn and Wimp flew up from AZ just in time for a ham birthday dinner.

Christmas time Aaron had his remote helicopters here and Gpa was having fun flying them so we got him his very own for the big day.

Way back in October I ordered these beautiful comfortable red leather chairs from Crate and Barrel, which just arrived. Just 2 weeks ago I ordered this awesome table and it is finally all put together. I love it and the table can be huge.

Ash introduced me to homemade color crayons.

I think they turned out darling

now I am all set for Valentines Day for my Primary class, which I love.

This is some of the fabric that my friends gave me for my birthday.

I have been working on a table runner.

cool huh? thanks friends

Pile of 2 1/2" by 45 DARLING "Hoot" by Mo Mo jelly roll.

I am making this jelly roll quilt.

I am excited to get back to it,

maybe next weeks update will

have the finished project.

ps
Bad dog Stella ate my new Bose ear buds. I showed her I didn't talk to her for a whole day and night but wanted to kick her butt.
pss
I bought Dane his own ipad so he can have all the latest church apps for Sunday,
(keep him entertained) and because he is cute.
psss
I am working on my last years blog book
It keeps crashing grrrr
At this rate it is going to take me all year do the edits

Released

2012-01-22T19:10:00.000-07:00

Today Dane was released of being the Bishop of the Alkali Creek Ward. It was bitter sweet. He has loved this calling. It has been the fasted 5 years of our lives. As we walked this morning we recalled taking this same walk and Dane saying "are they really going to call me to be the Bishop?" and now he has completed this assignment.

It has been a wonderful calling for both of us. We have been so impressed with the reverence that our ward members have had for the office of Bishop.

We are grateful for all of their support as well as the support that our family have has given him. Thank you!

We are grateful for the prayers that have been offered in his behalf.

Thank you!

Dane has loved the kids. He loved going to Girls Camp and getting to be part of the Trec. He loves basketball and one of his last calling he called himself to be the boys basketball coach, I think so he can be with the boys.

I know that some of his last thought of the day were for our Ward members as he had a great concern and love for all of them. We have enjoyed getting to visit all of the new people as they move into our ward.

Dane doesn't really complain and I think I only heard one complaint from him and that was about a Saturday meeting, once. The only thing that I think he didn't like about his calling was saying good bye to dear friends at funerals. He has loved this calling and the Ward members.

Thanks Darlin for the great job.

ps you will be fine

FaceBook post

5 years and done. Dane was released today as Bishop. Good job Darlin.

· January 22 at 7:31pm near Billings

Jessica Smith Hein, Hilary Davis Wood, Ruth Dye and 28 others like this.
- Mari Aldinger Fritz I bet he wears a very brightly colored shirt to church next week!!! Thanks Dane for all your service, dedication and good work. We'll miss you!
  January 22 at 7:36pm ·
- Cortnee N Steve Gertsch Sad day:(. He really is the BEST Bishop and has the coolest wife ever.... You two are simply the BEST!!!
  January 22 at 7:39pm ·
- Rebecca Hall Despain I bet you are glad to have him back!
  January 22 at 7:39pm ·
- Erin Bennion Amato So what is Dane going to do with all of his new-found free time?
  January 22 at 7:44pm ·
- Annmaree Coombs Chaffin so exciting, i am so happy for you guys!!
  January 22 at 7:59pm ·
- Colett Ostler Yarro I showed my dad this picture and he said he could tell that you have been released because your halo is gone.
  January 22 at 8:13pm ·
- Kaycee Maureen McKee Who was put in as the new one?
  January 22 at 8:28pm ·
- Daniel Thomas Sacrament Meeting will never be funny again :(
  January 22 at 8:58pm · ·
- Paul Havig Seriously, is that a lavender tie? I wish we could have stayed in Billings if nothing else to be witnesses to Dane's tenure as bishop. Now you can come and go to Rocky Point with us.
  January 22 at 9:02pm · ·
- Laura Lyman Debenham Spencer's favorite bishop ever!
  January 22 at 10:11pm ·
- Anita Lee Allred Rawlinson Congrats, Jody & Dane! Enjoy some well-deserved time together!!!
  January 22 at 10:43pm ·
- Daniel Thomas You did a great job bishop!
  January 22 at 11:17pm ·
- Eva Davis Thanks for taking such great care of my mom, especially after my dad passed. You two are an amazing team.
  January 22 at 11:32pm ·
- Jody Chisum Schofield Thanks for all your kind remarks. It was a great experience for us both. I think Dane will miss being with the kids the most. Maybe because he is a kid at heart. Thanks for loving him
  January 22 at 11:40pm ·
- Diane Titensor I was so glad that he was our bishop while there. I needed a good laugh every once in awhile and he always seemed to fill that niche!! The transition isn't always smooth sailin" so plan a trip somewhere and take the edge off:)) Thanks for all the help while we were in Billings, even this last go round. Boy you never know when you'll need a notary:)
  January 23 at 5:54am ·
- Sarah Cannon Roe He was the best and his sense of humor from the pulpit will be missed GREATLY! Thanks for all the time and service you both gave to the ward! We love you guys!
  January 23 at 6:25am · ·
- Cindy Mayes Ellis I was sitting in the foyer listening and both of your testimonies were very moving....now you are onto another adventure! Like sitting together in Sacrament
  January 23 at 8:28am
- Willie Rahlf The World will never be the same.
  January 23 at 8:29am ·
- Rosalie Hein Thank you for all the service the two of you have done the past 5 years.
  January 23 at 12:30pm ·
- Keith Christie Now maybe Jody's turn to be Bishop?
  January 23 at 1:09pm ·
- Myrna Smith Hammer Way to go, Schofields! You both did a great job! Now to find out who the new bishopric is. I haven't heard a peep!
  January 23 at 4:05pm ·
- Paige Vincent Chesnut I feel jipped (sp?) that we moved in so near the end of his time. I wish we could have enjoyed it longer ;-)
  January 23 at 5:54pm ·
Write a comment...

HAPPY 39TH

2012-01-18T06:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary Darlin!

I have the best life!

I am happy!

I love you!

ps thank you

Great Friends

2012-01-15T20:22:00.003-07:00

Friday the 13th wasn't my birthday.

My girl friends had invited me to lunch to celebrate my birthday from December 26th. I told only my friend Kim that I was going to be old this year. I'm not sure she told my other girl friends but she planned a day full of surprises for me.

* When we went out at 6:30 am to walk our dogs we had been "heart attacked," with a "Happy Birthday" sign. Pretty cute huh?

* About 8 AM my friend Sarah dropped off 2 giant cinnamon rolls with a little sign that said "Happy Birthday- we love you- from your friends"

* At 10 my friend Teresa showed up with a bouquet of balloons.

* Noon Delicious lunch at "Julianos" with Kim, Julie, Sarah, Teresa, and Courtney. They brought me wonderful cute fabric for a quilt and a table runner from my favorite fabric store.

* Tulips from Julie
* Caramel chocolate apple from Jeannie

* Celebration not over yet- That evening Kim was throwing a birthday party, at the Church for her son Aaron who was turning 16 and we went over for cake. When we walked in all the kids about 30 of them sang Happy Birthday to me.

Wow what a day!

What great friends I have.

Thank You

You girls are the Best!

A New Year

2012-01-10T20:50:00.003-07:00

A while back I read an article called Three Great Reasons to Be Grateful

Reason #1: Being Grateful Makes You Happier and Healthier

Reason #2: Being Grateful Helps You See More Blessings

Reason #3: There Are Sad Consequences of Ingratitude

Great blessings are promised to those who are grateful. The Lord said, “He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more” (D&C 78:19)

The article suggests that you take a Gratitude Challenge. Write a list of 100 things that you are thankful for. It was really easy and only took a few minutes when you broke it all down.

Go... try it!

I took this picture this morning. I took a picture of the full moon. It just looked like a white spot on a black piece of paper, hope you got to see it, it was beautiful

Write 10 living people u r grateful for. Dane, the kids and grandkids, extended family and friends
Write 10 people who have died u r grateful for. Jesus, Joseph Smith, President Hinkley my Mother, my Dad, Vince, my Grandma Chisum, Uncle Mark, Aunt Coye, Aunt Margaret
Write 10 physical abilities u r grateful for.walk, see, swim, hearing, healthy body, taste, good teeth, sleep, feet are better, strong
Write 10 material possessions u r grateful for. house, car, lawn mower, bike, ipad, clothes, jewelry, good bed, uggs, tv
Write 10 things about nature u r grateful for.clouds, sun, grass, ocean, mountains, sandy beach, snow, trees, sunset, animals
Write 10 things about today u r grateful for. good health, Mexican food, full moon, beautiful sunrise, warm clothes, cute new vans, friends, family, strong body, warm home
Write 10 places on earth u r grateful for. USA, Billings, Temples, my home, Hawaii, Greece. Africa, Scotland, Prague, Paris
Write 10 modern-day inventions u r grateful for. airplanes, zippers, computers, Skype, medicine, TV, air conditioning, ipad, gas fireplace, cars
Write 10 foods u r grateful for. Mexican food, diet Dr. Pepper, Ice cream, beef, oranges, candy, pumpkin, pasta, peanut butter cookies, donuts
Write 10 things about the gospel u r grateful for. Temple covenants, eternal families, modern day prophets, scriptures, sisterhood, chance to serve, since of belonging, primary, priesthood, guidelines for living.
I need to add a few things that I am thankful for: cashmere, hot chocolate, laughing, traveling, good books, love, peace, etc etc

Christmas Letter

2011-12-31T21:43:00.000-07:00

My Favorites of 2011

2011-12-31T20:41:00.000-07:00

dang it i have 2 of the same picture

Winter Fun

2011-12-30T21:35:00.004-07:00

Hard to believe that it is December 30th and 60 + degrees

We played outside, rode bikes, skate boarded, ran around the block and enjoyed the warm weather. I am scared to see what the weather will bring tomorrow, probably snow.

Kade got this fun little marble run.

After figuring out bad directions Ethan got the fun going.

Ashley and the kids left this evening and Ethan and Natalie and the kids leave first thing in the morning.

We feel the dog depression starting to set in.

We don't like it.

Stay Come back

One GREAT Christmas

2011-12-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

Look who we caught in our living roomSanta was very good to Ethan, Peyton, Drew and Alex

Crewe was so happy with his video game

E loved his new shoes

Drew loves Legos

Dayne was so happy with the puppy

Kade was one happy skate board boy

Alex loves lacrosse shorts and looks so cool

Addison loved her ipod as well as the tooth fairy pillow

Pretty Christmas girls

Off to church with the Grandkids

Sad Uncle Rich that Ethan has passed him up

Grandpa learning to fly from the master

Ethan being so sweet playing on the computer with the girls

50 dregree Christmas afternoon football

Kade, Peyton and Drew having a little Skateboard fun

Addison and Dayne having a trip to Cut Loose for nails,
shampoo and trim

Birthday pinata filled with $1.00 bills...it was a fun surprise

Kade and Crewe taking a book break
I love that they love to read.

It was a wonderful Christmas with lots of fun family togetherness.
It has been 2 years since all 16 of us have been together.
Life is good.
Our family is wonderful.
I love them all.
I am the happiest Grandma having all the 8 grandbabies here.

thanks for coming kids
come back soon

Happy Birthday Ethan

2011-12-26T05:00:00.002-07:00

(fair warning this is a long post) "You say it's your BirthdayIt's my birthday too--yeah
They say it's your birthday
We're gonna have a goodtimeI'm glad it's your birthday
Happy Birthday to you"

the Beatles
Happy Birthday Beef we love you tons!

Wow I am feeling 60 today! Here are 60 things about me

1. Today is my Birthday 2. I am married to my soul mate
3. I LOVE Christmas4. My best Birthday present ever was Ethan5. My best friend ever is this guy
6. Pumpkin pie is my favorite
7. I wish I was still able to run
8. White chocolate is better than dark chocolate9. Judy Hoblit Hundrup is my oldest best friend
10. I love to travel 11. I am CRAZY about these kids
12. Some call me Fuji
13. I like to take pictures
14. I love and really like my kids
15. I love my ipad
16. I have 3 pairs of vans
17. I was born in West Virginia and I have never been back
18. I graduated from Anchorage West High in 197019. I loved going to South Africa
20. I like to ski21. Ashley is my favorite girl
22. I love to swim
23. I am a little bit crazy..no unfinished projects
24. I am a freak about my floors 25. I love my new bike
26. I have 2 sisters and 1 brother27. I love my crazy dogs
28. I really like jewelry 29. My favorite golfing partner 30. I miss my Mother
31. I'm not a very good typist32. Kippi Clark is my next longest BFF
33. My grandkids make my heart happy
34. El B is my favorite place to eat
35. I'm glad we live in Montana where we have 4 beautiful seasons
36. I think the video of Justin Timberlake "All the Single Ladies" is funny
37. Dane makes me laugh every day38. I like that Aaron still want to share his latest interests with me in detail
39. I really like the kids my kids married
40. I like that we go to San Diego almost every year
41. I love hooker shoes
42. I just can't eat a "Cinnabon" to high in the good bad stuff
43. I don't want to move I could never leave my sewing room, I LOVE it.
44. Someday I want a golden-doodle45. My favorite animal is a giraffe
46. I am a cougar...fan
47. I like to Quilt
48. I really like Porsches49. I could go to Hawaii every year
50. NO Camping for me
51. I like to read
52. I love the Book of Mormon and try to read everyday
53. My favorite dessert is ice cream
54. I want to leave Christmas lights up all year
55. I wish I didn't have to sleep, never enough hours in the day
56. I love the sun
57. I like clouds58. It makes me happy to think about how happy the little girls were with Bell
59. I have hiked on the Great Wall of China60.I am the happiest person ever- I love my life.

1. the jody gets her nails done once a week.
2. makes a delicious pistachio cake. She thinks the cake is a summer cake.
3. Has 3 kids.
4. In the fourth grade she lived in California for a year.
5. Jody has been on 5 cruises.
6. She has traveled all over. Including, Germany, Africa, China, France, to name a few.
7. My mom loves little kids. Teaching in the Primary is her favorite church job.
8. Has 8 grandkids.
9. Jody is an amazing at organizing and completing any project.
10. She loves Dr. Pepper 10. Seriously.
11.Jody has been to Paris 11 times.
12. On November 12th, she already has a pile of wrapped Christmas gifts.
13. My mom can touch her nose with her tongue.
14. Her favorite flavor of ice cream is coconut.
15. The jody loves Holiday movies.
16. When she was 16 she flew to Germany to see her boyfriend.
17. She does NOT know how to say the word Atlanta (or Nintendo)
18. Was baptized at the age of 18.
19. Jody doesn't really like pizza.
20. Jody also doesn't like ceasar salad.
21. Was 21 when she got married.
22. Became a Mom at age 22
23 Has been a temple worker every Wednesday for many years
24. In Mexico, the jody orders shrimp soup. Then she eats all the shrimp out of it and none of the soup.
25. Vacuums daily
26. Her birthday is the 26th of December
27. Jody will not eat cheesecake.
28. On her 28th birthday she had a baby boy!
29 My mom loves to use the phrase, "Hooker Shoes".
30 Jody loves to talk about the weather.
31.Jody loves Baskin Robbins 31 Flavors.
32. Her youngest son is 32 TODAY!
33.My mom loves freckles
34. She has lived in Billings 34 years.
35. She loves the book, "The Red Tent".
36. Pumpkin pie for breakfast is totally ok in the book of jody.
37. Mom thinks a perfect dinner consists of rice and beans with warm tortillas.
38. She calls corvettes, "Greeser Cars"
39. Her house is a magical place to spend Christmas
40. Jody hates the color Pink. In fact, if she is ever in an emergency situation that is our code word for help. "I am wearing a pink shirt." If she ever says this, call the cops.
41. Mom loves to shop in Wal*Mart but only in the south.
42 Jody plays Bunco the first Tuesday of every month
43. Jody quit wearing a watch over 15 years ago. When she returned from Hawaii she decided that she wanted to remember the lack of time from the island.
44. When Mom sets her mind to something, she gets it DONE!
45. She just told me that it was 45 degrees out. Perfect for hanging Christmas lights.
46. Mom hates the laugh track in sitcoms.
47. jody was 47 when she became a grandma
48. Mom is a great listener!
49. The Jody thinks all babies should wear undershirts and socks.
50. Onions hate jody and she hates onions.
51. She loves Anne of Green Gables.
52. She never sings to the radio. NEVER.
53. Jody loves to play a game of Marbles.
54. The Jody loves Collections. She thinks every child should collect something.
55. She collects Santas at Christmas time.
56. My mom always has a bag of M&M's in the house.
57. the Jody loves peanut butter cookies. But they need to be soft.
58. Exercise has always been important. When we were little she got up super early to get her run it before the chaos of the day set in.
59 . Mom has always had a testimony. She has shown us through her dedication to her church callings, her support of our Dad as the Bishop, her thoughtful prayers and her scriptures study.
60. Mom is an amazing Mother. She is kind, thoughtful and generous. We love you!

thanks Ash putting this all together

The Gang is All Here

2011-12-25T00:00:00.003-07:00

I am the happiest Mom ever. It has been 2 years since we all have been together and 10 years since we have all been together in Montana. It has been so fun and Dane and I have loved every minute.

Merry Christmas ...especially to me.

Thanks kids for coming and bringing all of your babies.

Fun with the Cousins

2011-12-23T20:14:00.009-07:00

It was freezing this morning but the park was calling

Let's dance

A little bowling fun with the Mom being the big time winner

Some dog love

4 Brothers and their parents Arrived

2011-12-21T22:24:00.006-07:00

Aaron, Dr. Nat and the boys braved a very long drive through a blizzard but they arrived safely in Montana ready for fun

A little freeze tag in the freezing weather and helicopter flying

and a fun dance party
shake it baby!

California Kids Have Arrived

2011-12-20T21:49:00.003-07:00

Let the fun begin

A little bit of snow made this Ca girl happy

Crewe- " No fair - Grandma you are so lucky to get to live where it snows"

Busted

2011-12-13T11:26:00.004-07:00

this sweet dog was taking such a nice nap

and looking so cute
we walked out of the room he must of lost his mind
OFF
bad dog!

ok Christmas can come now

2011-12-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

I know it is only the 5th of December but I am ready for ChristmasI love the feeling of Christmas the very most

the tree is up

the stockings are hung and the gifts are wrapped

the Christmas quilts are on the beds

the nativities are perfectly placedall the decorations are up

So family come on!

Happy Birthday Dr. Nat

2011-12-05T05:30:00.001-07:00

"You've had a Birthday, shout Hoo-ray!
We want to sing to you today
One year older and wiser to.
Happy Birthday to you!"

Hope you have a great day.
We love you

Merry Chritmas

2011-12-04T18:36:00.003-07:00

At the First Presidency Christmas devotional they shared a video
Life of Jesus Christ
What a wonderful gift they have made possible for all of us and to share.
Enjoy

Happy Birthday Natalie

2011-11-27T05:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Happy Birthday Natalie Dear
Happy Days will come to you all year
If I had one wish than it would be
A Happy Happy Birthday to you from me!

Have a great day.
We love you!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T05:30:00.000-07:00

We are thankful for our family!

Love you all tons!

"Dad We Want To See Your New Car"

2011-11-20T18:41:00.011-07:00

The boys called wanting the Dad and wanting to see his new car.

So with a promise of a BYU basketball game and a football game
we were off.

The 911 is a junior snow cat.
As always snow packed roads in Island Park.
But only for about 30 miles so it was ok to slow down.
But basically the little car did a great job."The Ethans" Aren't they cute?
E got his braces off about a month ago and now he really is a heart breaker.
He even let Tiger take him to jr high in the Boxter with his bomber hat on!
Cute BYU basketball fansgot to love the Cougar tails!!
The Cougars were winners this weekend so we had happy fans.Found these designer donuts. Cost lots of dough :)))

Lots of good eats, fun times, the new Twilight movie for me, Cougar football in the cold for the boys, a little shopping, an Alex basketball game
and just loving being together.

thanks for the fun weekend!
Time to go home and the roads were good.

ps Ethan and Natalie and the kids sure were cute
having the 911 be a family car

Before-After- After After:(

2011-11-14T20:09:00.008-07:00

Saturday I worked for several hours and pretty much got all the leaves picked up. I used the blower and got them out of every little corner. I mulched up several piles of leaves. I rode the lawn mower up and down the back yard forever.

I raked and mowed the front yard.

Oh I was tired but a happy Fuji.

Then the wind started to blow and blow.

They all came back 10 fold.

Those suckers are everywhere.

It is depressing.

Leaf carpet.

Time to do it all again. grrrrI pulled a Tom Sawyer
and
thanks Darlin for the help:)
also got him to get the leaves out of the gutters and hang the Christmas lights

After many more hours I think we might just have them licked.

Our First Snow of the Winter

2011-11-07T16:01:00.003-07:00

Saturday after I finished mowing my lawn and just in time,
it started snowing.
I started raking leaves when it was still dark and had to wear a miners lamp

I know, crazy.

It is so beautiful.
The weatherman predicted 1 inch and it snowed all day and we got 5 inches.
It is now gone off the streets but at 32 degrees we still have lots in our yards.
Along with tons of leaves.
The crazy trees are trying desperately to hang on to their leaves.
Don't they know I am slightly obsessive about getting them all raked up.

The beautiful snow has brought me to the Christmas spirit.
I can hardly wait.
All the kids are coming and bringing the grandbabies to us.
The Cheesesteak sent me two Christmas albums.
One is Mindy Gledhill "Winter Moon"
and I love it.
(Don't tell Dane but I have been listening to them both in my car.)

To top it all off I went to Gainans today and everything is Christmas.
It makes my heart beat fast.
I think they have fairy dust in the air.
Everything was beautiful and I wanted it all,
even though I have a tons of Christmas.

So now I am off to shop.

2011-11-04T16:56:00.004-06:00

My best friend Kippi Clark has been visiting this week from Colorado. They moved to Billings many years ago from Colorado. After I think 18 years in Billings, Colorado and a job called them back, so sad. They have been gone from Billings now 10 years. It has been so fun having her here. Just like old times. We can chat and watch TV even though Dane doesn't think we can. We have shopped, ate out, visited, and played. It is the best having a built in exercise partner too.

And she is my personal Mary Kay consultant.
She is going to keep me looking young.

We went out to Acton to visit our friend Julie Brown for lunch.
l to r; Kim Lyon, Julie Brown, Kippi Clark, Jeannie Griffin and me
It only took us 30 minutes but it is way out in the middle of know where.
A beautiful huge house with a gorgeous view.

I think Kippi and Lenny should move back.

Test Run

2011-10-29T21:37:00.007-06:00

Dane had business in Helena and with beautiful fall colors we made a speed run to Helena,
and I do mean a speed run. I was enjoying the nice ride in the extra comfortable new car and then Dane put the pedal to the medal "just to see how it handles." It "handled" flying down the road. (143) We made it to Helena is 3 hours instead of the usual 4.

We took the back roads by famous places like Two Dot and Martinsdale. We visited the Montana museum and found Danes mantrafractional currency
the numismatist loved seeing this
Can you guess what this is?
It makes pleats for bonnets and collars
I want one for my next bonnet
This Charles Russel is called "Keeoma"
but we like to call it
"client waiting for a call from her attorney"
or something like that
we used to have this picture in the office

We had a nice time in Helena and
took the freeway home in the right amount of time.

Porsche # 5

2011-10-20T14:21:00.005-06:00

911 Porsche Carrera 4

Danes new car finally arrived from Texas and
he is so happy. It is a 2006 and all wheel drive.
Hopefully it will be a snow cat with its huge tires.A very cool car for

a cool and very handsome man.

Capture the Moment

2011-10-16T17:59:00.008-06:00

This weekend we went with our friends the Lyons
to the Yellowstone Art Museum
to see the Pulitzer Prize photography exhibit.

1945 Pulitzer Prize Winner

Joe Rosethal
One of many photos

It was very interesting.

The photos were very moving, heartbreaking, and
mostly a very sad commentary on our history.
All the photos elicited great emotion
and that is why they won the Pulitzer prize.

I want someone to do an exhibit that elicits good, warm, happy feelings. Life is good and I choose to see it that way.

A Little More CA Fun

2011-10-12T19:25:00.004-06:00

We love pedicures.
The girls went for the Halloween look.
Ash and Nat had a very fancy spider web while I love polka dots.

The boys called for the park
after patiently waiting for us and our nails.

We also got to visit the Delta.

It was very fun, even got to fish.go Uncle Beef!!
Isn't he cute?

We all loved the boat ride.

Thanks for the fun weekend
we loved it all

Crewe's Baptism

2011-10-11T20:42:00.006-06:00

Crewe's baptism was Saturday October 8, 2011
We are proud of him and the good choice that he has made.

Ashley and Rich invited several of their non member friends. One family is Jewish and were very interested in the Baptism. Dayne told the 12 year old that "if you want to know anything about the Holy Ghost I can tell you all about him."

So happy that Ethan, Natalie, Kade and Addison got to come too.
After the baptism we all went back to the Palmers for donuts and milk.
All but 3 donuts of the 5 dozen were consumed, mighty tastey.

cute babies

Happy Birthday Buck

2011-10-10T20:06:00.008-06:00

Dane got a cruiser for his birthday. It has been so fun to have a bike partner. We have been biking on the trail down by the river. Now that he has a pedometer we can see just how far we ride. (thanks Ethan and Nat) I tell you these bikes are the best, so comfortable and so easy to ride. I love my bike.

The delicious Birthday cakes.
Red velvet bunt and all kinds of good little ones.

Kade got cut out of the picture by Tiger...sorry

It was so fun to be in California celebrating Danes birthday.

Ashley hosted a very fun day.
Ethan, Natalie, Kade and Addison got to come to Livermore too.
The kids were so excited that it was Tigers birthday.
Dane and Ethan started off the day golfing in the vineyard at "Wente"
We all played a very fun miniature golf course
with the cute kids chanting "Tiger Tiger" and 'birthday boy birthday boy".
Then laser tag.
It was fun running around with laser guns, vests
and with Dayne shooting you and then saying "it's me Dayne"

"those kids that you saw they weren't really vampires..it was us" dayne

Happy Happy Birthday Darlin
we all love you

Aloha, Aloha, Aloha!

2011-09-27T17:41:00.018-06:00

You've got to love Hawaii!! Ash, Rich, Crewe and Dayne meet us on the Big Island for a week in paradise.

We ate like kings for the price of kings

Snorkeled every day which was like being in your dentist aquarium.Dayne got a boogie board with a glass window so she too saw all the fish

We swam with sea turtles which Crewe got up close and personal withSince it was off season we got to enjoyed wonderful hotels with not many people Enjoyed the volcano even those it was 53 degrees...quick back to the beach and 85Dane, Rich and I got to scuba dive- Rich dove with huge manta rays one night

Took a very bumpy ride across the lava flows to a private beach where they were harvesting coconuts Got to love macadamia nuts, chocolate covered, ice cream, pancakes you name it we had it. Did you know that not even the weight of your car will crush their shell?

We went to the other side of the island to see this "wonderful" water falls that wasn't anything like the picture

Thanks for the great trip Darlin !
So I am ready to go back anytime
who wants to go?

Billings Random Photos

2011-09-12T08:00:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite streets over by Pioneer Park. Barry Bonds cat in front of the Yellowstone Art Museum.

Ferdinand the horse is still inside.

The lime tree will be getting more limes.

It is busy growing 2 now.

My beautiful nemesis are back

Goose/geese family by the Yellowstone

If a place is empty for very long it gets the dozing.

Guess what, this isn't going to be a casino, or a bank and it already was a car lot... drum roll another Brewer Dentist Office

off Main by Albertsons where the Perfect Cup was

the swimming pool off Aronson at the end of Bazaar Exchange

if the neighbors will quit complaining

my bike riding partner on the trail down by the Yellowstone

Geocache that we found.

We bought a real nice GPS that makes it so much fun

can you say Christmas present?

Dane had his car detailed and look how nice the wheels look

While Dane was gone this past weekend this was one of my late night projects

the end

ps I am still waiting for bike fenders and the cool decals

While Buck is Gone

2011-09-09T20:16:00.000-06:00

Not really I just think this sign is funny.

Dane is gone for the weekend.
He and the boys have gone to the BYU Texas game. I hope they win.
This year Rich couldn't make it and Uncle Stew came from Michigan.
Only a handful of times have I been home by myself for the entire weekend.

Ashley thought I was sending up code pink when I was home for lunch.
Actually I didn't even have lunch. Ha After dropping Dane off at the airport I went to the gym then came home and mowed the lawns. So I actually didn't even get cleaned up until 11:30 which is usually the time I leave the house and go meet Dane. Stopped for a diet DP, a quick stop at the office to make copies for my Primary class, Ganains for 2 more dinner plates, glass store, 4 Winds Quilting, Church Book Store, and then Alberstons. Finally home by 4:30 which is past the time I usually turn into a pumpkin. For years I needed to be home by 3:00 to meet the kids from school and I am almost always home still at 3.

While Dane was having excellent Tex Mex for dinner I was having peach ice cream of which he would never eat. Then for dinner I had a delicious broccoli salad, tomatoes and corn on the cob, not a Dane dinner.

Went for a fun bike ride on the running trail and now I'm watching a crumby chick flick and I plan on staying up late.

Hopefully the pups will let ME sleep a little later in the AM.

I think I will be fine while Dane is off having fun.
Thanks girls for checking on me.

Wow 65 years together!

2011-09-03T08:00:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to
Don and Nita!

September 1st

Aren't they a cute couple?

Cruisin'

2011-09-01T17:32:00.007-06:00

I have been eying a Cruiser all summer long. After riding Ashley's Cuiser in CA, then Natalie's in Ut and

checking out the Dr.'s 3 speed Cruiser
I new that I needed one.
They are so comfortable to ride,
fat butted seat, light weight,
handle bars that you don't have to be hunched over
and they come in cool colors.

Since we have lots of hills around here
I went with the 3 speed, Electra Townie.
Came with free service and a tune for a year too.
Up the hill was easy with the Fat Frank tires.

The summer heat went away about 3:00 yesterday with a huge rain storm
and left us with 60 degree fall weather.
Still perfect for bike riding.

I think the orange is cool.
Next a wicker basket and a cool bell.
I think she needs a name.
ps
Dane and the dogs even love my bike!

Oh new dishes

2011-08-30T19:53:00.004-06:00

rI have had my eye on these dishes all summer.
I just love the bright colors.
I couldn't resist any longer.I haven't decided if I will mix them up

or use all of one color.
They are from Waschtersbach Germany
where we bought Christmas dishes.

cool huh?

Happy Birthday to you Kade!

2011-08-28T05:30:00.000-06:00

1st tooth lost2 hand big slugger

3 steps from the Ca waves

All 4 fun

5 hugs from Tiger

6th time around he's sick

Happy Birthday to our favorite 7 year old!
Love you tons!
Tiger and Grandma

Happy Birthday to our favorite 2nd Grader

2011-08-26T05:30:00.002-06:00

Happy Happy 8th Birthday Crewe!

C is for the cutie that you are. R is for great Reader that you have become. E is for the Excellent brother that you are to Dayne. W is for the Winner that you worked hard to become. E is for your excellent sense of humor.

Love you tons have a great day!
Tiger and Grandma

We are farmers

2011-08-23T18:25:00.006-06:00

For Mother's Day Dane bought me a lime tree. I moved the tree outside during the day and inside when the wind would blow
and it slept inside until it was at least 55 at night.
While inside I would turn the pot around

at least once a day so all sides could have perfect light. It came with one little lime about the size of a nickel. We have 2 growing now.
It seems to love the hot weather, good thing because today it was 100.

I have babied it, transferred it to a cool pot and feed it lots of miracle grow.So today we harvested our first lime.

It took 3 months to get this size.It is very fragrant and mighty tastie.
Wonderful in the diet Pepsi.
So it looks like we should have a couple more in October

More MT fun

2011-08-18T22:21:00.000-06:00

Crewe took tennis lesson from my friend Kims son, Aaron. After the end of first lesson he told us that he wasn't sure he was going to like tennis, but he loved it. Aaron was such a good teacher, so positive and encouraging. He had fun games and ideas. We were very impressed and it was fun to see how much Crewe improved in just a week. Dane came several times and played so Cps favorite game was "beat Tiger"

Had fun time at Geyser Park on the little cars. Tiger and Dayne came into the pit stop at mach 8 and just in time Dane found the brake, a little scarey.

Aaron's sister Mandy was Dayne's tennis teacher.
Dayne mostly chased balls
but once she got Rich to play jump rope tennis was only a thought.Nothing like the Montana Fair.

Dane, Rich and the kids went for lunch and 2 hours of fun.
Rich was mostly impressed that the parking was free.We did a little geocaching
some successful and some of the caches still hiding from us.
We found one close to the house
that was a tiny magnetic key box stuck between the street sign
and another camouflage 35 mm film case in a tree
but we couldn't find a big one.

We have loved having the Palmers
We need more company!

We all miss you!

2011-08-17T22:12:00.006-06:00

Our company went home today and we are all sad
the dogs have been looking for the kids
they have loved all of the attention
"The Royal Dog Petter"

Dayne thought Crewe was so clever that he could pet both dogs at the same time

Once upon a time Stella would run from Dayne

Once upon a time Dayne cried when the dogs got close to her

I think the love is mutual

More fun in Mt

2011-08-14T18:46:00.000-06:00

Crewe and Dayne photo shootsprinkle park funFin barks- Dayne screems tennis lessons and trampoline funlunch at the parkwe love company!

FYI

2011-08-07T20:46:00.011-06:00

****
I read lots of blogs. Some are family and friends, some are about DIY, sewing, church, cooking, strangers that I don't know but have interesting things to say, some are a waste of time and some are really good. I am envious of those that can really write interesting things and those that seem to do everything the way I wished I could. But my blog is a replacement for a journal, a photo journal, a travel journal and some thoughts. My blog is for me that at the end of the year I publish into a beautiful hard cover book and some day somebody might look at .

CA Visitors

Crewe, Dayne and Ashley are here for their summer visit
It is so fun to have them.Happy grandparents Dane loves to have car wash helpers We all love hammock time

Finnley LOVES all the dog pets As always Mt provides a good summer storm even with tornado sirens, false alarm- just a little hail

"Tiger help me ride this bike"

dog swimming in the Yellowstone
We have gone swimming, out to eat, have had 2 baby sitters, the Smurf movie while Dane and Ash went to the Harry Pottery movie, shopped, CP glued to Wizard 101- thank you "the brothers", crafts, reading, games, Ash has worked, nails and hair cuts. Next week, more work for Ash, more going out to eat, tennis lessons for CP, movie, sewing and more swimming.

I love having company!!

Weekend fun in Utah

2011-07-31T20:36:00.001-06:00

With Addison's invitation to the Sundance production of The Sound of Music we jumped on the plane and arrived in SLC and started having fun.

Day 1
lunch at ZTejas- oh the delicious chili rellenos
Church History museumthe original manuscript of the Book of Mormon the kids really enjoyed the children's interactive area
Back to the airport to pick up Alex from visiting his TX cousinsthen to his basketball game see # 34
and then dinner 5 Guys - great burgers Nite bike riding with Kade and Addison,
grocery shopping at 9:30 at night with, we stopped counting at 45 kids-
why aren't they in bed?

2011-07-31T20:32:00.004-06:00

Day 2

up early with a donut run to Day light donuts

then to the air field I love to watch the little planes.
The "Warthog" is really fast and it was hard to get its picture.

Grocery shopping at the nicest and cleanest Walmart I have ever be in.
Dane, Aaron, E and Alex went to the 10 AM movie Cowboys & Aliens
I guess that is who goes to the movies at 10 AM.
We put a put a dent in Gymboree and Nordstrom shoes,
then lunch and we girls took all the kids swimming. I wish I got some pictures swimming as I think they are all turning into fish. Even Addison jumped off the diving board and swam like a mermaid to the side.
Dane, Aaron and Ethan went golfing at beautiful Hobble Creek.
It was a hard decision for me to either golf or swim. To make a perfect day complete we went to the production of The Sound of Music- EXCELLENT and so beautiful up in the mountains.
(thanks for the pictures Natalie)We ended up having to sit on the grass but it was delightful out. We even got to sing along with some of the songs. It was very fun.

Day 3
More airplane flying, this time at the sod farmAaron is so happy and he is teaching Drew to fly too.
Provo bakery- soooo good, Provo farmers market, BYU bookstore, bought 2 Jimmer shirts for 2 little girls in the ward that are huge fans, they were so excited.
Slab Pizza for lunch, Kade and Alex got haircuts next door while we waited for lunch- very convenient
Ethan needed a new suit so Dane and I went with him. Dane told the salesman that he was going on a mission :) then that he was getting married :) We just discovered GEO Caching and it was very fun. The kids really enjoyed the treasure hunt. The one we liked best was a locked box which you had to solve a series of clues to get the combination for the box. I want to do more.
Dane and the boys went golfing at the Cedar Hills course while we girls checked out the fabric store and then the Natalies had their nails done.
E is the best babysitter and the kids were happy to stay with him. McD's for the kids and we went to a cute little place close by.
Played the fun game Ticket to Ride while the kids watched a movie.
That's it- a great time and so fun to see those darling grandkids.
thanks for having us!
time to rest

thunder=shoes

2011-07-27T15:12:00.003-06:00

You might be thinking????

A: Pile'O shoes
B: How do you get in your closet?
C: Clean up that mess
D: Cute flip flops
E: Stella heard thunder

If you thought "E: Stella heard thunder" You are right.
Stella girl can hear thunder from miles away
when she does she likes to hide in our closet.
But first she must move all the shoes,
then hide under either Danes pants or my tops.
Last night I woke to not thunder but her digging in my closet.
Dang dog I mean poor dog,
she is scared
but can't she be scared some where else?

(last nights thunder brought her under my side of the closet
she even got slippers from way in the back)

Warm CA Sun Part 3

2011-07-13T19:21:00.010-06:00

Each day we headed to the pool by 10 am for swim team practice

then lunch
then back to pool for swim lessons. Crewe is in a stroke perfection class.
He thinks his teacher is bossy since she stops and corrects his stroke often. :) We went to see the new cars movie, we all liked it,
hit Target twice,
In & Out, which I love,
the Mall, didn't even buy new shoes,
Cheese Cake Factory, Farmers Market
we bought wonderful plums and peaches,Barnes and Noble for new books- which the boy has read like 10 books
already this summer, he is his mothers son.
He is reading My Weird School Days a bike ride which Dayne loved and Cp didn't
and swam some more.
It was a great time,
thanks for having me
love you tons!

Warm CA Sun part 2

2011-07-12T22:09:00.000-06:00

The Swim Meet

at a beautiful country clubwe arrived at 7:30AM to loud music and lots of kids
Crewe swims with the Roanwood Sharks, about 200 kids start out the morning with a fun cheer

The boy swims 5 races so lots of time in between for friends and play

Crewe is really a good back stroker

with some great times each week he is getting faster. They are making him into a fly man.
Last year when I came to watch him fly I thought I was going to have to jump in the water and save him. This year it looks like a real stroke and is doing great.The breaststroke man
It was a very fun day. I loved it.
Loud music in between races a bbq, very festive.
It reminds me of my racing days, my stroke was the fly.
Oh it makes me want to swim swim swim. So after the meet we re grouped then went to their pool,
swam, ordered Mexican food ate at the pool
then swam some more until bed time.
I think I would like to be a fish.

Warm CA Sun

2011-07-11T14:05:00.009-06:00

"Hey Tiger, I'm kissing your woman!"When Ethan was a little boy he used to play this "kiss your woman" with Dane. He would kiss me and Dane would act like he was going to get him. Now CP plays and I love it.

first stop
Gilroy Gardens
which is an amusement park for families with tons of trees in a beautiful setting.
Mostly little kids rides, drive cars, merry go roundsFerris wheel and these fun swings which Ash and I didhot air balloon ride, fish swimming and then these cool 50s and model T cars, Since Gilroy is the garlic capitol of the world, which it did not smell
a garlic ride and an artichoke ride
It was beautiful, no crowds, good price lots to see and do
we all gave it a thumbs up

Pioneer Trek

2011-06-26T16:41:00.017-06:00

After a year long of talk and anxiety the Trek is over

and I will have to say it was very enjoyable!Devil's Gate
The pioneers were so brave and faithful. The Church sponsored 10 handcart treks to Utah. The most wells know and documented were the 4th and 5th the Willie and Martin Companies. In all 10 companies 3000 started their trek with about 250 deaths en route of which about 217 were from these 2 companies. The Saints were new converts, many non English speaking were unduly late sailing from England in 1856. With the lateness of sailing and subsequent delays in Iowa City and Florence they began their trek to Zion late in the season. The emigrants didn't know the country or the climate but they were following the Prophets voice to come to Zion. The 2 groups of 500 were strong and faithful and set out for Salt Lake City with their handcarts on August 18th. With a late start and early winter they encountered much tragedy. The emigrants were already exhausted they got a 4 x 4" bag of flour as their food ration a day

malnourished, and lacked warm clothing and bedding. In nine days of miserable travel, 56 people died. Many heart wrenching stories are told. The companies were overwhelmed by early snow and ran out completely out of food. They camped at Martins Cove which is now dedicated as sacared ground.
A rescue team eventually came but after much loss. They were in such bad shape that rescue leaders emptied out their wagon and used then to carry the handcart survivors. In was November and -11 when they were finally found. The rescue party left men from their party to watch over the unloaded belongings. They left a few crackers and 75 skinny cows which they were suppose to eat only as a last resort. The men butchered the remaining cattle and they survived 6 weeks on the boiled cow hides and were able to return to Salt Lake City in the spring.

So the Stake after many many hours of preparation took 300 youth and leaders to Martins Cove to give them a pioneer experience and appreciation for the Mormon pioneers. Our camp site was 6 miles from the main gate and staging area out on the prairie. After the kids were assigned their families they took their hand carts and walked out on the original trail to the camp site and set up their camps. Marriott at Martins Cove
comes with a cooler of diet Pepsi, diet Coke and diet DP
(we were popular) single bed size cots with beautiful views we were mostly cooks but did get to be pioneers too!
The 2nd day we hiked about 5 miles and enjoyed Martins Cove but the kids ended up doing 15 miles while we were back at camp preparing their meals. The food was divine, the pioneer clothing was hot, the weather was perfect with thunderstorms and bright sun and one less rattle snake and lots of dirt. We worked hard, the kids enjoyed their time, the company was great and the spirit was strong. A good time was had by all, even me!

These Are Not MyTrek Shoes

2011-06-22T05:00:00.002-06:00

We are off to be pioneers and trek around Martins Cove.
I have been obsessing about this trek for a year now. On the plus side we don't have to be Ma's and Pa's, we are the cooks. We won't be pulling a hand cart or marching around in the hot sun/pouring rain but we do have to camp and wear the dorky bonnet, skirt and puffy shirt and not shower etc. Dane is refusing to wear the puffy shirt and is going to wear his denim shirt with PORSCHE on the pocket. How is that for a pioneer outfit? We are going with a POSITIVE attitude, diet Dr. Pepper AND it will be FUN. How is that for a mantra?Sweet Ashley treated me to a pedicure for the trek so I could remember that I do live in this century.
Thank you darling!
You are the best and you think of just everything.

Let me tell you about my cute flip flops. When I was in Mexico with our friend Vicki she had a pair of grey flip flops like these and she sang their praises. She got them at a boutique in Mesa after seeing them in Nordstrom for many $$$. So when we got back to Mesa we went over and around and around and to the special selling boutique. I'm not sure how much they were at Nordstrom but by the time I picked out the crystal embellishment I wanted and waited 3 weeks they were $58.00!!!! Dang and they are just rubber flip flops but they are cute;)

So happy trekking to us. We will return and report.

Happy Happy Birthday Peyton

2011-06-21T06:00:00.001-06:00

Oh Peyton you are 6! Happy Birthday sweet boy! We love you tons! Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday dear Peyton.
Happy Birthday to you!

Fathers

2011-06-19T05:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Fathers Day Darlin!I love you for lots for reasons but today because

You are a great Father!
You are the best Tiger!
You love Me
You love the Cougars
You love Basketball
You love Coins
You love your Porsche
You love the Pups
You love being the Bishop

Happy Fathers Day Grandpa
the straw artist
his latest medium and
Happy Fathers Day
to these great Fathers
aren't they cute?
Aaron, Ethan and Rich
thanks for the grandkids!!!!

The Finner

2011-06-13T21:24:00.004-06:00

Our dog Finnley has so much personality.

When Dane comes home from work he jumps around and barks which is very annoying. But then he remembers it is dinner time. Just in case Dane doesn't understand that it is dinner time he stares really hard at his bowl sending him the message to feed him.
Today I caught him on camera, he's pretty cute.

Porsche Rally

2011-06-11T16:15:00.008-06:00

We decided to join the Porsche club

first event of the summer was the Porsche Rally
way to the left Midnight blue 2001 Boxter with grey interior guy from WY, yellow Boxter, 92 Red 911,white 944, identical red 911, 03 Turbo Black Carrera, silver 911 Carerra , our Boxter, different color blue older Boxter with black interiorThe youngest member was 4 month old Annabelle
who had on a Porsche pit crew baby suit.
She was darling and as you can see they just got their 911 Turbo from Livermore.

We started out from from Billings with beautiful weather. And then these clouds started chasing us then over and around the back way to Bridger

on to the chief Joseph highway in WY to Sun Light Basin

The plan was to keep going and go over the Beartooth pass and drop down the switch backs into Red Lodge. Lots of open spaces and curves to put the cars through their paces.
Dane loved it and the people were all so nice. We ran into a storm at Sun Light Basin, it poured with a little hail and you know Porsche owners they don't like bad weather on their cars so we back tracked back to Red Lodge and then home. It was very fun.

3rd Annual Beat the Bishop Memorial Day Run

2011-05-31T10:57:00.007-06:00

Montana is beautiful this time of the year, everything is green.
One would think that we live in Seattle but we don't.
It can't seem to quit raining.

The Beat the Bishop race was held in the rain with 44 degrees and still 40 people came. A few more came after the race started and they still went out and ran.Silly missionary taunting the BishopThe little kids just love that they beat the Bishop, they are so cute.

Dane makes sure that they all beat him. We had a professional clock with rain drops.
This was somebody's finish time.

It was pretty fun for me. I was in charge of taking a few pictures and then driving the course and making sure we didn't have anyone get lost. Last year we had an idiot get lost therefor freaking out mother, lots of phone calls, police and then we found him just walking along.

The best part is all those that beat the Bishop he will buy them lunch. The Bishop waits for all to cross the finish line so they can have lunch.
This year Godfathers Pizza, pretty tasty and they gave us a good deal.
Fun was had by all.

Lost pictures found

2011-05-25T21:02:00.009-06:00

Good thing we like to swim.

It has been raining for days. I have been told that we get 15 inches of rain a year and we are now at 10 inches, yesterday alone 3 inches.
I think we need to build an ark.
So I have been trying to take a picture of it pouring.
When I downloaded the pictures from my camera I found these cute pictures.
I knew these pictures were taken
but I was beginning to think that I took them with Nat's camera.
Oh I love these babies!

I miss them!
I left on Mother's Day evening for Mexico while they were still in Montana,
not a good idea.

Aren't they cute?
Happy Birthday to Addison

cute picture of
Great Grandparents Donald and Daisy
(because Donald talks like a duck)

with Kade and Addison

ps gas is $3.74 this doesn't make me happy

A Few Toughts

2011-05-20T23:07:00.000-06:00

I was reading the conference addition of the Ensign and enjoying Elder Quenton L. Cook of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles talk entitled LDS Women are Incredible! On my ipad it shows the footnotes and references right by the paragraph. Elder Cook states "In the church the role of women in the home is highly respected" with a footnote of see Emily Matchar Why I can't stop reading Mormon housewife blogs. The author is obsessed with 4 LDS womens blogs and reads them faithfully. She has learned lots about LDS women and how great we are. A while back the Church asked us to use the internet for good and sharing our beliefs. So I want to say to you bloggers GOOD JOB and keep up the good work.

My favorite quote from conference is
"Desires dictate our priorities,
priorities shape our choices
and choices determine our actions"
Elder Dallin H. Oaks Desire

Don't you just love this picture of Jesus?

The artist is a gifted 12-years-old artist named Akiane Kramarik

She had heavenly help in painting this picture of Jesus at the age of 8!

I want it!

Happy 5th Birthday Addison

2011-05-18T05:30:00.002-06:00

Sweet sweet Addison

tiny baby Addison just a few days old

Blessing Day @ 2 months

happy happy kids

Happy Happy Birthday Addison Dear
Happy days will come to you all year
If we had one wish then it would be
A happy Happy Birthday to you from me!
We love you tons!!

Mexico Fun

2011-05-15T21:39:00.000-06:00

I am home from another fun trip to Mexico. I left on Mother's Day evening with Ethan, Natalie and kids still visiting which made me sad to leave them but Mexico was calling. My BFF Kippi Clark flew into Phoenix

Aunt Dawn, her friend Vicki Riggs and I picked her up
and we took off for Rocky Point, Mexico. A mere 4 hour drive thru the desert
we were in Mexico eating guacamole at Ramon's . We stayed up late, ate M & M's and ice cream right before dinner, didn't wear makeup and wore pj's just because we could. We played on the beach, ate shrimp, swam, washed our hair in an outdoor shower, walked way out to the water when the tide was out, rode the rhino, ate some more shrimp, made a beach bag, read, watched TV, chatted, laughed, had a senorita come and do pedicures. A little excitement came with a electrical fire in the closet, good thing Dawns helper man came by just in time.It was so fun to be together.
Kippi and I have been friends for 28 years
and we can pick right up where we last left off.
I miss her now that she is in Colorado.When we got back to Phoenix it was a little bit hot.
Not sure how people live on the face of the sun
but they do have good shopping and great eats!

Thanks Aunt Dawn for having us!
Love you,

2011-05-08T09:09:00.000-06:00

Happy Mothers Day to all the Mothers that we love!

Mothers Day church was wonderful!

Ethan, Natalie, Kade and Addison came with us.
During the sacrament Kade was a little wiggly.
Natalie said to him that he needed to be thinking of Jesus.
Kade reply was "is all I can think about is Star Wars micro machines."

I have these folders that kids can look at and take the velcro characters off and on. One of the folders is "Putting on the armor of God" On one side has a Nephite dressed with a shield, breast plate and a sword.
The other side is a Missionary with his Book of Mormon and a Bible.
Kade was playing with this file and he looked at Ethan
" you got to take a sword on your mission."