I Started Out As A Child

The Grandkids' Favorite Toy...

2012-02-01T06:44:00.001-07:00

...may be one they should now avoid!

Keiti's got talent!

(A little cleaning with a Clorox wipe and it's good as new)

Daily Journey

2012-01-28T07:11:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of the year, I joined a group of people on a journey.

The journey involves reading the Standard Works in a year. For those who are members of the LDS church, the Standard Works include; The Bible, (New and Old Testament), the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price. There are 2468 pages in all, which averages to about 7 pages of scripture reading a day. Easy, peasy, right?

I must admit, I have NEVER read the Old Testament word for word. I've read some scriptures here and there but have never delved in to it as I am now. It's refreshing and an eye opener!

Emily Freeman, an author and frequent speaker at Time Out for Women, has made this journey her brain child.
She has a "Journal/blog" "Daily Closer to Christ" where she writes her insights of the passages of scripture that we read that day.
Her thoughts are poignant. Her pictures are beautiful.
She likens the scriptures to us; you and me.
She helps shed light on those things that may be confusing. (Let's face it, much of the Old Testament can be confusing)

I would like to share part of her first journal entry that she wrote to invite us to join her.

She tells of seeing a hopscotch, drawn with chalk, on a street by her home. Usually a hopscotch has 10 spaces. This one had 110! The words, written in chalk, at the beginning of the "course" reads, "For those 10 and under. Enter If You Dare!"

These are Emily's words:

"As the enthusiasm of the designer captured my imagination I couldn’t hold back the happy giggle. She had spent the good part of an afternoon setting up a challenging course. I wondered how many of her friends dared join her adventure…and how many finished?

In the spirit of this enthusiastic hopscotch designer I am about to invite you on a journey. I have spent the good part of a month exploring this idea, and I should probably warn you ––this isn’t your average journey.

The masthead for this adventure reads:

FOR THE WILLING ADVENTURER…

Enter if you are weary and in need of a rest
Enter if you are looking for hope, or peace
Enter if you seek answers to questions of the heart
Enter if you shoulder a burden heavier than you can bear on your own
Enter if you long for the companionship of the Lord

"Maybe sometime during the next few weeks you might decide that this adventure is for you. If so, perhaps you could spend some time thinking about just what your heart needs from this journey. What would you like to gain from this experience? You might consider reading Elder Bednar’s talk, A Reservoir of Living Water, as you prepare. As always, this is an open ended invitation, which means you can invite anyone you want to join us on this journey.

Already I feel my heart preparing for the New Year. I feel the reaching, the yearning for growth, the desire for 2012 to be a different year than 2011 was. I ponder opening my heart wider to allow Him more room for molding me, shaping me, leading me. What better way to be led than through His word daily? What better way to be molded and shaped than by learning from those He has molded and shaped before. Holy words on gilded pages. This year my soul longs to know more of those words.

Will you join us?"

It's not too late to join. You can jump right in with both feet. After all, we've been reading for only 28 days! You haven't missed much, only the creation of the world, Adam and Eve, Joseph being sold into Egypt, the plagues, the Israelites leaving Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and the building of the tabernacle. But you already know those stories, You can go on Emily's blog and read her insight and then continue on the journey with us. Click here for a reading schedule.

It's a good way to start a new year.

Simple Treasures Are The Best and Story@Home Giveaway!! Winner!

2012-01-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

Many years ago, when I was feeling like I could conquer the world, I announced that I was going to make a history book of my Grandpa and Grandma Hansen's family.

Mae and Arthur Hansen

I contacted all 10 of their children (my uncles and aunts) and 60+ cousins and asked them to submit a family history and a recent family photo. Reality hit about two months in to the project when only a third of the family had submitted histories and I was already overwhelmed with the daunting task. Although the history book was a futile attempt, I acquired a great treasure from my 95 year old Grandmother. She sent to me her life history, hand-written on notebook paper and "bound" with two pieces of brown yarn. That was so much like Grandma!

How I love these 10 pages filled with snippets of her life and presented in her own special way.

We all have stories to tell. How do you present your story? No matter how you tell your stories, someone is going to want to hear them.

I'm so excited for the Story@Home that is being held March 9th and 10th. This conference will be filled with workshops, performances, and presenters that will help us explore ways to use the power of story in our home! It all takes place in beautiful Salt Lake City.

This conference is sponsored by Cherish Bound and Family Search. It will be the "In" place to be this March. You'll be Informed, Inspired, Intrigued and Involved!

Grab a friend, a sister, a mother, a daughter and come, participate and enjoy!

For more information go here.

Now for the exciting part! I have a full conference ticket to give away to one lucky reader! If you aren't able to go, perhaps you know of someone who would love to attend and you could be totally awesome and gift this ticket to them!

To enter this giveaway, just leave a comment. Giveaway is now closed.

The Winner is Natalie!!!

For extra entries:

"Like" the Story@Home Facebook page

Tweet or blog about this giveaway and Story@Home.

Send me some Peanut M&Ms!

Giveaway will end Monday, January 23, at Midnight.

If you want more chances to win a ticket, go to Camille's blog. She's giving away a Full Conference Ticket too!

Good luck and hope to see you there!

A Little of This and A Little of That!

2012-01-12T22:19:00.001-07:00

HAPPY 85th BIRTHDAY, DAD!

We celebrated my Dad's 85th birthday last Saturday. He and Mom are both going strong and are still great examples to all of us. My brother, Gerald, and his wife, Cherrie, were there. My sis wasn't able to make it but we still had fun! Just in case you're wondering, NO, I am not my Mother's sister!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AD!

Two days later, Miss Ad had her 7th birthday. Since they moved far, far, away, I wasn't able to be there to ...er...help with the cake! This was taken BEFORE the cake was sliced. I think there was an earthquake in the kingdom!

STILL TRYING TO HEAL!

Do you remember the blister on my husband's foot after our 15 mile walk in September? Well, instead of healing, it just became a nice deep hole in the bottom of his foot. He finally went to a wound clinic and has had a couple different treatments to get it to heal. The latest is this fashionable boot. We're hoping this will do the trick. He's anxious to get back on the basketball court. Then we'll have more injuries!

THE BIG AND THE SMALL!

You ought to know that I couldn't do a post without including my latest babies! They're two weeks old now and absolutely adorable! Grady, on the right, was 11 lbs 7 oz when he was born. Langston, on the left, was 7 lbs 14 oz. Can you see the difference 4 lbs and an inch makes in a newborn? I bet by the time they're a year old, they'll be the same size.

Babies do NOT like being undressed. Just ask Langston!

(Makes me want to swaddle both of them and rock in the rocking chair.)

I have a 4 day weekend! Woo Hoo!

Proper Terminology

2012-01-05T19:05:00.000-07:00

I have thought of doing this post for the past several months but didn't want to risk offending anyone. After my daughter told me the story of Keiti, I decided to combine both stories.
Experts have said that when we talk to our children about "delicate" subjects, we need to use the proper terminology. We've had 2 beautiful baby boys born this past week. Both boys were circumcised. Each time a diaper is changed, Vaseline is put on a gauze and placed over the circumcision to prevent sticking and promote healing.
Four-year-old Keiti watched Mom change baby brother's diaper.

Mom asked Keiti to get the Vaseline and gauze. Keiti asked why and Mom told her it was to put on his penis. Keiti looked confused and asked, "What is a penis?" Mom told her it was what they call his "potty". Keiti furrowed her brow then said, with a smile, "That's such a cute name for it!"

Hang on while we go back in time over 30 years. My 80 year old grandfather went to his doctor. The doctor, during examination, asked my Grandpa a question about his penis. Without missing a beat, Grandpa looked the doc in the eye and said, "Doctor, I'm just a common, ordinary man, you DON'T have to use your medical words with me!"

Now we know WHY it's important to use the proper terminology.

A Great Way to End a Christmas Break

2011-12-30T06:12:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful Christmas filled with family, friends, music, fun and surprises. Even though we looked forward to all the festivities that come with the season, we were anticipating the arrival of some very special people.

Wednesday, December 28th, Grady Conway arrived in all his glory. Weighing in at 11 lbs 7 oz, and measuring 22 1/2 inches, he captured our hearts and put us in awe. Can you believe he was induced a week earlier than his due date?

Mr. Cy is so excited to finally get a brother.

Welcome to the world and to the family, sweet Grady.

Not wanting to be left behind for long, twelve hours later, Langston Tuiasoa was born. He weighs 7 lbs 14 oz and is 21 1/2 inches long. He too was born a week before his due date. I have a feeling he'll be called "Link" since that's what his brother and sister have been calling him for the past 5 months.

As you can see, he's in good hands with his 4-year-old sister, Keiti.

Look at that sweet boy! Welcome Baby Link!

I'm in Grandma Heaven!

Music and Christmas

2011-12-23T14:07:00.000-07:00

I love Christmas music, especially the songs about Jesus, shepherds, wise men, and silent and holy nights. I admit that when the Christmas music is played on the radio stations in November, I listen to that station. There's something magical, emotional and nostalgic that comes from music.

I found an old hymn book that was used many years ago while my children and I were taking piano lessons. Our teacher was an octogenarian named Dott Lowder. She was tiny, single, talented and very patient. We loved her. She deserves a post all to herself so I'll save that for later. This book is a real treasure. She always fingered the songs we played. She felt that we needed to learn the hymns well enough to play for church and she liked to add a little something extra to make them more elaborate. You'll notice on Silent Night she has written G G. Those are the "chimes" and they need to be played with a light staccato.

You'll impress those listening unless you lose your place after playing the "chimes". Believe me, I know. You'll also want to be sure the song is written in the same key or your chimes will sound awful! Believe me, I know.

Music can calm a troubled heart and a fussy baby. The Corbanator knows how to entertain Baby Neil with his own rendition of Jingle Bells.

Take a lesson from Corban; if you forget the words, be sure to back up and sing faster to get over the part where you made a blunder, then end with a flourish. Your audience will love it!

Enjoy some Christmas music today and if you decide to play Silent Night for your family, be sure to add the chimes. (You're welcome for the music lesson)

These Things Make Me Smile!

2011-12-19T19:51:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of things that have made me smile this week. Some were taken by me, some were sent to me.

Andy, Miss Em and Mr. Cy at the Mo Tab Christmas Concert. Em and Cy were SO good to sit through the whole concert even though it was WAY past their bedtime. (It was past mine too)

Newlyweds, Jeanette and Julio decorated their apartment for Christmas. One day they may have a REAL fireplace for hanging stockings.

The sentiment on Baby Neil's shirt is so true! Who wouldn't want to kiss those adorable little cheeks?

This picture was taken shortly after Kels discovered that Keiti's make up is REAL!!

If I had my Christmas shopping and wrapping done, I'd really be smiling. Hope you're more ready than me! Have a good week!

Wedding, Friends, and a Recipe

2011-12-15T22:18:00.000-07:00

My last post was about my new Smart Phone. Just FYI, an hour after I posted, my new "Smart" phone broke! The touch screen didn't allow touching. I've been a little reluctant to post about things I like, or brag about new things I have or people in my life. Who knows what will happen within the hour?

Hopefully, that was just a quirk because I'm posting again!

Lots have happened and I can make this post a super duper long one or make it a condensed version.

As you know, Camille got married in November...on a cold, cold, day!

A few weeks later, she had an open house in Rexburg, on a cold, cold, day! I've decided my camera doesn't like the cold because it didn't work. I couldn't get one single picture of the happenings that evening. However, I felt some warmth when I met 2 of my favorite blogging buddies. I also pilfered these photos from their blogs. I admit it.

I met Kimmie for the first time that night. She is friendly, warm, generous, and an all around good person. I love that lady. Her husband, Tracy, and their son, Ethan also came. What a pleasure to meet all of them. Ethan is a great kid! He had me smiling the whole time we talked. You should go to Kimmie's blog to get a recipe for the cinnamon almonds she gave me. You'll also find a plethora of other recipes, food storage ideas, and all kinds of fun on her blog.

Tauna and her husband and granddaughter came to the open house. I've met Tauna before and couldn't wait to see her again! She brought me huckleberry and apple syrups! We had a good visit, when I wasn't chasing grandkids! It's wonderful how we can bond with our blogging friends and feel like we've known them forever! I hope to be able to see more of these ladies since I will be visiting their city more often.

Just another example of how close we can become to people we meet online. My daughter, Jill, is expecting a baby this month. She was given a baby shower by a group of people who follower her on Twitter.

The woman who had it at her home had never met Jill before!

(She's obviously a good artist!)

Here is a recipe for a pasta salad that we served at Camille's reception. It makes a TON and it's so good and pretty! I've made it a couple of times since the reception and taken it to parties. I've had several people ask for the recipe but you get it without even asking! It's perfect for Christmas eating because of the red and green ingredients.

Pasta Salad

1 12 oz. pkg bow tie pasta

1 12 oz. bag of multi-colored pasta

1 cup grapes cut in half /or craisins

1 1/2 cups chopped celery

4 green onions, chopped

1 can drained pineapple tidbits

1 cup cashews

3 cooked chicken breasts, cubed

1 cup mayonnaise

1 bottle Kraft coleslaw dressing

In a LARGE pot, cook both bags of pasta until just tender. While pasta is cooking, cut up grapes, celery, onions and cooked, cooled chicken.. Place in a LARGE bowl. (Did I mention this recipe makes a ton?) Drain the pineapple and add to the other ingredients in the bowl. Drain pasta through a colander and run cold water over the pasta. Place well-drained pasta in the LARGE bowl with the other ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayo and coleslaw dressing. Pour over ingredients in the bowl. With a LARGE spoon, stir until everything is coated and delicious looking!

The last few times I made this recipe, I didn't put in the chicken. Be prepared to feed an army or have lots of leftovers.

One more thing.

I get to go to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert Friday night! (Try saying that 3 times fast)

Nathan Gunn and Jane Seymour will be performing!

I'm very excited!

How Smart is Your Phone?

2011-12-03T08:37:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we changed from T-Mobile to Verizon because our daughter, Jeanette, works for Verizon and could get us a smokin' deal on the service. She talked me in to getting a Smart Phone with the data plan.

Last week I had to deliver some things to a near-by city. I had the address and figured I knew where it was. After driving around for 15 minutes in a futile attempt to find the street, I remembered my phone and called the number to the place and asked how to get there. The woman who answered asked where I was, then told me where to go (you know what I mean). None of her directions got me to my destination. It was getting dark and I knew I'd be in big trouble if I didn't find it soon. I was beginning to think I needed some divine intervention and then it occurred to me that my Smart phone could help me find it! Duh!! I checked it out on map quest and found the place!

Welcome to the 21st Century, Connie!

I discovered the voice feature on my phone and have been using it to type texts and emails. However, the texts don't always match what I say. For instance, I snapped a picture of the beautiful flowers in the back of my car that we were transporting to Rexburg for Camille's wedding openhouse. I sent it to Andy with the message, "Can we fit these AND all the cupcakes in the truck?" It came out "1015 at cupcakes in the truck?"

The next text was with a picture of everything packed in the back of the truck. I said, "Everything's tucked in nicely!" It typed, "Everything text in my sleep!"

Sent an email to a woman in our ward to see if she got her visitng teaching done. I said, "You able to see your ladies this month?" It typed, "We able to see your dating this month?"

Maybe I should take the gum out of my mouth before speaking.

"Before You Came Old!"

2011-11-25T18:11:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, Joan, Lorie, and I visited an elementary school where there was a special education unit. The three of us worked in the transitional kindergarten class at another school and several of our former students were in this special ed class. I approached the desk of a boy who was busy coloring.

I squatted down so I was eye level with him and said, "Hi Tanner!" He looked at me then broke in to a smile and said, "I know you! You used to be my teacher before you came old!"

Is there a fine line that defines the time between being young and "coming" old?

Perhaps it's when you decide that coloring your hair is a real pain and you allow the new color (or lack there of) to display itself in all its glory.

Maybe it's when the sales clerk thinks you're your mother's sister!

Is it determined by how many or how old your grandchildren are?

Could the defining line be when you're given a senior discount at a restaurant without being asked?

While standing in a long line to vote and someone comes up and offers you a chair, does that mean you're old?

Maybe it's being in the bottom half of the half-marathon finishers.

I can't be old when, inside, I feel like I'm 20. In my opinion, old is ALWAYS 10 years away.

Please excuse me while I get my dose of Geritol.

Thanksgiving Daily

2011-11-22T20:01:00.001-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm grateful for all of you!

Wedding Potpourri

2011-11-14T20:45:00.001-07:00

11/12/11 was the day of wedded bliss for Camille and Jason.

I took pictures with my own cheap camera and was very disappointed because most of them were blurry. I'm sure the reason for the blur at the temple is because it was SO DANG COLD!! I was chilled to the bone.

Here are the newly weds leaving the Draper Temple.

This picture would have been nice of the professional photographer hadn't been in the way! Sheesh!

By the time the picture with the siblings was taken, only 3 were left for the picture. :(

Don't you LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Jordan's jacket? He "borrowed" it from his Grandma Langston and refused to remove it for the pictures.

Here are the newlyweds with my parents.

Wedding lunch at Rodizio's Grill.

Here are the early arrivers to the luncheon (those who were on time).

Jake, Jordan, Chelsey, Julio, Jeanette, Nicole and Dan. Notice Jordan's still wearing the jacket! P.S. Have you heard of "No Shave November" or growing out your No-Vem-Beard? I hadn't either but as you can see, every one of the male species in this picture has facial hair.

Friends (Bob and Jane), Cherrie (my sister-in-law), Candice and Andy (my eldest).

Jason's family.

Jason's uncles and aunts.

Notice Caitlyn and Adalyn's food. Fruit and cheese for C8, grapes for Ad. No meat sweats for them. What a waste.

However, with some engineering help from Grandpa, C8 had her own super duper straw that could reach across the table to steal some of Mom's root-beer. Nobody's drink was safe!

Reception at Noah's.

These beautiful cupcakes were the focal point of the buffet table. If you know Camille, you know that she's a cupcake connoisseur.

There was other food: pasta salad, meat balls, rolls, and cookies.

This beautiful wedding cake and the cupcakes were made by Ryley from "That's My Cake"

Not only was the cake beautiful...

...it was delicious! Just ask Jason!

I think Jeanette and Julio felt like they were still the center of attention even though it has been 3 months since they tied the knot.

After downloading the pictures, I discovered that the grandkids had confiscated my camera

during the evening.

A little pose here and a little pose there.

Dancing with the cousins. How fun is that?

Congratulations to this beautiful family!

We love you and wish you the best!

Count Down!

2011-11-09T18:45:00.000-07:00

Just a few more days until Camille gets married! Here's a small sampling of what we're preparing for the special day.

I think I need to defrost my freezer. Oh well, that will have to wait!

Some things are more important.

Will be back soon.

15 Mile Rescue Walk

2011-10-30T22:01:00.000-06:00

So...last month Andy and I joined our daughter, Candice, and her husband, Andy (the younger), and a small group of people and went for a little stroll. OK, it wasn't so little. It ended up being 15 miles which is shorter than the original plan of 17 miles!

This walk was in remembrance of Francis Webster.

If you are familiar with the Martin Handcart story, you know of the hardships this group of people went through in their trek from Iowa to the Salt Lake Valley. They pulled all their possessions in a handcart through blistering heat, deep sand and rocks and because of an early winter, they trudged through deep snow and freezing winds, with little to eat. If you'd like to read more about Francis and the handcart company you can go here.

I wondered why this walk was supposed to be 17 miles. This is why: Along the trek to the Salt Lake Valley, James Bleak, a member of the handcart company, became very ill. He couldn't walk and decided he would stay behind. Francis persuaded James to get on his handcart and he pulled him 17 miles. Can you imagine pulling the weight of all your possessions plus a full grown man through the conditions previously mentioned? The pioneers truly had a lot of faith and stamina to do what they did.

During our 15 mile walk, we stopped at a few places to rest, have water and granola bars, and to listen to a spiritual thought given by David Butler, a seminary teacher. We went to "This is the Place" Heritage Park and pulled handcarts for 2 measly miles. In our handcart was our lunch. That's all, just lunch. It was still tiring.

(Andy the younger and I pulling the cart. Andy, the Elder, in the background. Do you like his walking stick? Candice, who was 6 months pregnant, chose to take pictures instead of "driving" the cart. )

Our trek ended at the Salt Lake Tabernacle. It was an inspiring event to start off the General Conference week.

We had a good time visiting, laughing, and enjoying the beautiful Fall weather. We gained an appreciation of the pioneers and could feel muscles that we hadn't felt for a while.
During the last mile, Andy (my hubs) said that his right foot felt achy. That was the only time he complained about it.

We took TRAX and the bus back to where we parked the car to start our walk. It was early evening by the time we arrived home.
Andy took off his shoe and we both gasped to see his right sock soaked in blood! I couldn't imagine what had happened to his foot. I wasn't sure if I even wanted to look at it.

If you get squeamish about blood, bare feet or blisters, you may want to look away now. You have a choice. I didn't.

Don't you think it's weird that he couldn't feel that blister forming? We cut the bunched up skin off of the blister. We have affectionately named this his "Pioneer" foot. It's still in the process of healing even after 5 weeks and a penicillin shot for infection. And no, he doesn't have diabetes.

It makes us appreciate what the pioneers went through even more.

(OK, how's that for a gross Halloween picture?)

I Love That Sound!

2011-10-22T17:07:00.002-06:00

It's Fall Break!

I took a break from work and blogging. It's been a good break from both and I've been busy.

Remember this little angel?

(Neil Franklin)

I got to love on him while helping his Mom, Rachael, bottle applesauce. After taking a batch of jars out of the canner, the lids made the "ping" sound. Both Rachael and I said, at the same time, "I love that sound!"
I bottled chicken today. As I took the jars of "science project" looking chicken out of the canner, I heard the ping.

To no one in particular I said, "I love that sound!" I wonder how many times I have said that over the past 40 years!

Are there sounds you love to hear?

Here We Go Again!

2011-10-10T21:31:00.001-06:00

This title could have two meanings.

Our beautiful daughter, Camille, got engaged Saturday.

They're getting married in one month! Yes, you heard me right! One month!

After cooking, sewing, decorating and crafting for Jeanette's reception all summer, I'm happy to say that this reception will be catered and decorated by professionals! I just need to show up! (If only that was really true!) Wish us luck!

Congratulations to Camille and Jason.

Without Training Wheels

2011-09-27T07:00:00.001-06:00

It's a Sunday evening. Mother and daughter visit the church parking lot for another lesson in bike riding without training wheels.

"Mom, I'm scared! Hang on to me!"

"I'll hold on at first, then I'm going to let go when I know you don't need me; but I'll stay close in case you start to fall."

"Promise?"

"I promise!"

Success!

Wedding - Revisited

2011-09-25T22:34:00.000-06:00

Here are a few pictures of Jeanette and Julio's wedding that were taken by our "professional" photographer.

Outside the temple door.

Our family - already outdated since Rachael and Dave had their baby boy who is no longer nameless. They named him Neil Franklin

The decorated tables. Sorry, Jeanette, it still looks like a church cultural hall.

The table decoration is a painted pot, holding branches that are spray painted white. The flowers are hot glued on the branches. Pictures of Jeanette and Julio are hung with the yellow ribbon. Luminaries with battery operated candles are on the table. Not sure if I should tell you this or not, but I will. By the end of the reception, every picture and every candle, including the candles outside in the lanterns on the shepherd's hooks, were ~~stolen~~ missing!

I love all the candid shots.

Our own beautiful Miss Kazzy, greeting Jeanette.

Jeanette's surprised to see Valerie and her daughter, Emily.

A hug for Brooklyn, her cousin's daughter.

Not sure who she's hugging here, but at least she's being careful with her glass of water.

Ahh, being nice with the cake feeding.

Everybody Dance Now!

Their first dance.

Love this picture of Jeanette and her Dad!

During the Mother/Son dance, Jordan and I really cut a rug!

My Mom and Dad watching the dancing. My sister, Nancy, and her daughter, Julie, standing next to them.

These darlings had a great time dancing the night away!

Jeanette, we love you!!

May I introduce to you..

2011-09-20T18:43:00.002-06:00

..my newest grandson.

Rachael went from this...

...to this...in just a few hours!

I picked up The Corbanator and Izzy while their Mom was in labor and took them to Chick-Fil-a for chicken nuggets because "that's the place that has real chicken! They just cut the chicken in to fun shapes!" (according to Corb) Dave (the proud father) kept me up to date by texting the progress of dilation. I got 3 texts. One read "5", a half hour later the text read "9". Fifteen minutes later the text read, "It's over. It's a boy. all natural."

Dad, Izzy and The Corbanator.

This nameless boy is 9lbs 4oz and 22 inches long. His face is bruised but he's healthy and beautiful!

Rachael's mother (Grandma Nina).

Corb looks ready to take over in case Grandma doesn't know what she's doing.

I can't wait to hold this little guy again...

...without Dave holding his head! (I've done this before!)

Welcome to our family, sweet boy!

Two Halves Make A...

2011-09-12T19:29:00.000-06:00

...very sore old woman!

On Saturday, 9-10-11, I ran my second half marathon in 3 weeks.

I still had a sore knee from the Hobble Creek marathon so I wore a brace on my left knee and a band on the right. With that much support, I was ready to run!

(I like to be at the back of the lineup to race, especially if I'm wearing a timing chip. That way, I don't have a bunch of people passing me.)

Before mile 4, I was doing pretty darn good, if I do say so myself. By mile 5, I realized the knee brace and silly band didn't do anything for these sore, old, knees. They were ON FIRE! And I'm not talking about speed. They caused So. Much. Pain!

Several times throughout the race I wondered if I was going to be able to finish - but I did! In fact, a half block from the finish line, the man in the picture below, ran along side of me and said, "Let's get across!" For some reason, that was enough to motivate me to pour it on. How nice of the man to let the old lady cross the line first!

I didn't come in last! My time was 2:33:27.

I got third place in my age group...out of 3! Not superb, but that's OK. I finished!

Right after the race, we went to a family reunion in West Haven. I iced my knees during the hour and a half drive. On the way back, we stopped at the Burger Bar in Roy to have some delicious shakes.

A raspberry fresh lime shake is just the treat to soothe the fire knees!

I'm taking a week off from running to make sure I heal.

God Bless America

2011-09-11T10:30:00.000-06:00

It has been 10 years since the 9-11 attack.

I haven't adequate words to describe the feelings that come while remembering,

or by viewing images of that day.

Our nation has changed.

May God continue to bless this great, promised land.

My heart is full.

Comments Off

Rocket Man(s)

2011-09-06T21:41:00.000-06:00

Ahhh, the joy of Labor Day weekend. The weather was perfect, the family arrived, hamburgers were juicy and the company was enjoyable. Could it get any better?

How about a rousing rocket launch?

Dan brought his homemade rocket launcher and we had a rocket making/launching contest.

Soda bottles, heavy foam, glue guns and a bunch of odds and ends were used to create the perfect rocket.

Dave is showing the lovely "left-over hotdog" rocket made by Jake. The two pencils protruding from the nose shows style and weaponry.

This is the Cherry-7-up rocket made by Dave. Inside the nose of the rocket are hot dog buns. He thought this rocket would feed the seagulls...as if they need any more to eat! They better watch out though, the plastic fork dart could prove to be dangerous!

This Sprite/water bottle rocket was created by Dan. The celery in the top turned in to a relish after a few launches. It could double as a food processor.

Here's Dan and Andy getting the "food processor" ready to launch. I think it would be a great infomercial!

The following videos are a sampling of how it's done. The camera person (me) couldn't track it very well. They shot so high and fast that it was next to impossible to keep up.

(That's my story and I'm sticking with it)

This video shows Jason launching his confetti rocket. It's hard to see but the confetti floated down beautifully after the launch.

This video shows Jake's hotdog rocket. We found the hotdogs but the rocket, with the #2 pencils, appropriately landed on the school.

We had a lot of fun! Since we didn't break any windows and no one reported us to the police, we may just do it again!

Lights, Camera, Action!

2011-09-03T23:17:00.000-06:00

Saturday was a day of Sports for a couple of my grands.

Here's Mr Cy, he's in 1st grade and plays tackle football.

You can tell he has the eye of the tiger or is it the kitten! He's not very aggressive right now but he's learning.

Of course, when there's a game, I like to take the camera to get some pics of the action. Just look at that handsome boy ready to rumble!

Miss Em had a volleyball game on the same day. She's got her serve down and made several points for her team.

I made sure I snapped some action shots throughout the game.

Here's Kels. She doesn't play sports but she really wanted some attention in front of the camera. She kept asking me to take her picture as she posed in silly ways.

She would ask to see the picture after it was taken.

Then would change her pose to something even sillier.

She's workin' it!

I'm sure I missed lots of Em's game but couldn't resist giving this four-year-old some attention.

Yeah, this is where the action is!

Farmer's Market at Thanksgiving Point

2011-08-29T17:09:00.002-06:00

Being with my grandchildren makes me happy.

I like it when my kids invite me to go places with them and their children. On Friday I was tending Keiti and Troy. My daughter, Camille invited us to go to the Farmer's Market with her and her children. My daughter, Candice and her kids were there too.

Thanksgiving Point is a great place. This water contraption was definitely a fun place for all the kids to play.

When the levers are pulled, the water shoots up and out, soaking those who dare to get near it or those who are unsuspectingly walking by. The kids couldn't get enough of the fun!

It's a good thing it was a warm day because they were soaked!

We got 2 lemonades that were shared between 7 children and 3 adults. Yes, we all used the same straw! It's a good thing no one was sick (that we know of). The kids reminded me of little birds as they gathered around the lemonade with mouths open to have a drink.

Large ice cream cones were 50 cents. Who needs teeth when you're eating ice cream? Certainly not Ad.

For some reason, it was funny to smear ice cream on the face! Notice Kelsey's scraped nose. Shortly after arriving at Thanksgiving Point she did a face plant. There was so much blood we thought she had knocked out her teeth but you can see by her big smile that she still has 'em! (Yeah, we drew a lot of attention to ourselves while there)

You're probably wondering about the Farmer's Market. By the time we finished smearing ice cream, sharing the same straw and getting everyone wet, the vendors had taken down their booths. FYI, there were some beautiful fruits and vegetables there. Some vendors sold jewelry, signs, pillow cases and snow cones. The Farmer's Market is every Friday from 3 - 7. If you're in the area you should stop by. Tell them Connie sent you. On second thought, keep that on the down low, you may be asked to leave!

My First Half Marathon!

2011-08-20T19:35:00.001-06:00

Today I ran my FIRST half marathon!

My daughter, Candice, and I got up early and drove to Mapleton Park where we loaded on buses that took us to the starting line. I was concerned about Candice. She is 5 months pregnant. She had decided she'd do a run/walk to get to the finish line.

(Candice at mile 11)

The bus dropped us off an hour before the race started. We stretched, walked, drank water, visited the port-a-potties and listened to instructions. Then the gun went off and the race began. I like that time when we're all trying to get to the start line. That's the only time I'm shoulder to shoulder with those who run 7 minute miles!

Most of the time we were running downhill. I found out that downhill running is hard on these old knees! By the time I got to mile 6, I was feeling it, especially in my left knee. It wasn't just stiff and tight, it was painful! I kept praying it would hold up for me and it did.
By the time we were running down main street heading to the finish line. I was limp running. You know how that is; push off hard with the right foot and a quick step with the left. I'm sure those who were on the side lines watching will try that form of running next time they're in a race. It was quite impressive!

(I was trying to be brave - I'm brave to post this picture)

I crossed the finish line at 2 hours 26 minutes and some seconds.

Candice was a little bit longer. She has decided she'd rather be towards the back of the pack, that way when she crosses the finish line, all the cheering is for her only!

I heard a joke about the guy who ran his first marathon. He said, "Today I ran 2 marathons, my first AND my last!" I have never run a full marathon but I think I could do another half...once my knee feels better.

When I picked up the packet at "The Runner's Corner" I heard a woman explain to another runner that the reason there's no shirt in the packet is because it is ONLY for finishers and we'd get it at the end of the race! I asked the person who gave me the packet if she could show me the finisher's shirt to see if it was worth finishing or not. She didn't.

What do you think? Should I wear it to church?

Wedding Highlights

2011-08-17T20:31:00.001-06:00

Finally!
Believe me when I say that Julio wasn't the only one jumping for joy!

The wedding and reception were fun and wonderful but I'm so glad it's over!

Here are a few pictures taken during the reception with my camera. I sure hope the professional photographer captured more!

Jeanette and Julio's first dance.

Jeanette with her Dad during their dance.

Miss Em and her Dad during the same dance. It was opened up for all Dads and their daughters.

Keiti, Kels and C8 getting ready to do their own dancing.

They know how to get down and they had so much fun!

The cutting of the wedding cake...er...cupcake.

The feeding of the wedding cake. In case you are wondering, they were nice to each other. Cake went only in the mouth.

Scrambling for the bouquet. It broke in half so that made two single ladies happy!

If any of you follow Tauna's blog, you'll recognize this fun photo board that she made for her son's wedding. She actually loaned it to us! Thanks Tauna, you're the best! It was so fun to see how people posed behind the board.

Here's Dan & Nicole with a sideways shot.

Not sure who this is but she's working it.

Candice and Andy

This couple was married a week ago.

Julio's parents and the newlyweds.

Congratulations Jeanette and Julio!

May you look forward to an eternity of wedded bliss!

Tangled!

2011-08-11T17:38:00.000-06:00

This is Kelsey. She just turned 4! Most 4-year-old girls love princesses and lots of birthday parties have princess themes but not many have an actual princess show up to the festival!

This is Rapunzel. She came to Kelsey's birthday party!

She talked to the little girls and the boys about her life in the tower.

She played a hide and seek game with her lizard, Pascal. A child would hide Pascal and another would find him. All would sing the song she sang in the movie to get her hair to glow and as the finder got closer to the hiding spot, the group would sing louder. The kids couldn't get enough of the game.

She posed for pictures with the guests. C8's hair is the same color as Rapunzel's.

Here's the Corbanator learning how to "smoulder"!

Miss Em, Kelsey and Baby Aly get to hold Rapunzel's hair. It is heavy, after all!

Here's the whole group! Mr. Cy, on the left; being choked by baby Aly, knew the answers to all Rapunzel's questions about the movie. I think Cy needs to play a little more football!

Kelsey gives her party a big thumbs up!

It was a fun break from all the wedding planning.

Thank you, Rapunzel!

Happy Birthday, Kelsey!

Count Down!

2011-08-08T13:33:00.001-06:00

Wow! It has been a while since my last post. In case you were wondering what I've been doing, I'll share tidbits of my past week and the week to come.

Between these little honeys that are being made in to jam and are still dropping on the ground...

...baking "gourmet" cookies for the reception....

...sewing table cloths and a dress for me that looks horrible!! ( I will be shopping for a dress this week)...

...helping my one-armed honey make back drops (painting, stringing lights and wrapping with fabric is my job)...

...training for the Hobble Creek half marathon...

(google image, it really isn't me)

...and watching my favorite episodes of this...(is there such a thing?)

...there's no time for blogging!

The wedding is Saturday. Did I mention there will be dancing at the reception? Hopefully I'll be able to relax and enjoy watching "Julio's uncles" dance.

I don't think we'll be serving the kind of refreshments these guys are accustomed to.

Getting There!

2011-07-30T12:18:00.001-06:00

Just two short weeks

until these two get married.

We're moving along

but not sure it's fast enough.

We got Grandpa in on backdrop building. (Notice the plastic bag on Andy's cast)

I hope this convoluted group of items ends up being something beautiful!

We still have table runners, back drops, center pieces, and refreshments to make.

This is supposed to be fun, right?

The Best Birthday Gifts Aren't Always Gifts!

2011-07-26T15:10:00.001-06:00

Today is the Hubs birthday.

Happy Birthday, Andy!

Up until this morning, he's been wearing this cumbersome, over the elbow, colorful cast.

Today, he got this shorter, sleeker, more stylish cast. He can actually rotate and straighten his arm! Even better, the color matches Jeanette's wedding colors! What a great birthday gift!

Today is my birthday also.

I just finished the 7th dress for the wedding! Woo Hoo!

I think I'll take a nap. Today's a good day!

'Tis The Season

2011-07-22T15:19:00.001-06:00

Oh, No!

Here we go again!

Billions of them! They're up for grabs!

Who's the Biggest Jerk?

2011-07-20T08:39:00.002-06:00

Have you ever done something that made you want to crawl in to a hole and never come out? This happened to me on Saturday.

(Google image)

It was the day for Bountiful Baskets, a co-op where you pay $15.00 and get random vegetables and fruits. My time to pick up my goods was 8:00 a.m. The next group was at 8:15 a.m. I was running late and was concerned that I'd have to forfeit my basket if not on time. (Those are the rules) As I pulled up to the site, I noticed a large group of people all standing in lines that puddled together towards the back. I grabbed my basket and headed to what looked like the end of the line. Some other people came behind me and questioned which line they should be in. Someone said that there were signs further up that determined the line to be in according to your time and last name. I got out of line and went closer to the front to see. I found the sign that had the right information and went to the back of that line.

I stood for about 15 seconds when I heard a man say to me. "So you think you can just cut in line?"
I looked at him, wondering if I knew him since he was about the same age as my sons, and thought he was teasing. I said, "Yeah, is that OK?"
"So you think you can just go where ever you want!" He said, a little more forceful.
You would think by then I'd realize that he was serious, but he was standing in the other line so why would he be so upset? I continued with my joking, ha-ha voice and said, "I usually do!"
He stared at me and with venom in his voice said, "How do you think everyone ELSE feels about this!"
OK, now I finally caught on. I didn't know this guy, he wasn't teasing, I obviously was standing where I shouldn't have been and I must have sounded like a real jerk! I told him that I thought I was in the 8:00 line and he said, "Yeah, so are WE!"
Remember how I said the end of the line puddled together? Well, I ended up in the middle of that puddle instead of at the end. I apologized for the misunderstanding and the indescribable stress I must have caused that poor guy and quickly moved to the end of the line, which was where I was standing in the first place!

Maybe I should wear a sign that says, "I'm really not this obnoxious, I'm just confused!"

For the Birds

2011-07-18T18:40:00.000-06:00

My last two posts have been about houses so I'll even it up by doing one more.

I tended 8 of my 10 grandchildren the other day. I knew I needed a project to keep them busy and happy and to keep me sane.

(Just doing a project with 8 kids under the age of 9 that involves acrylic paint, shows that I never was sane!)

I picked up some wooden bird houses at JoAnn's for $1.00.

Newspapers were spread out on the patio and the kids painted how ever and what ever they wanted. You can tell by C8's face that the paint wasn't just on the bird houses!

2-year-old T-Roy had his house painted in no time at all. He enjoyed mixing all the paint together on the plate and letting me know that he was making chocolate milk.

Baby Aly loved the project. She didn't do any painting but she did what ever she pleased. Notice the cereal in her right hand. Where did she get that?

Kels and Keiti show off the project.

Some flowers, feathers and pom poms added just the right amount of pizzazz that any bird would enjoy.

Have you done some fun projects or activities with your children?

Have a Heart

2011-07-15T18:41:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, on the news, my Aunt and Uncle were spotlighted as ones who were the recipients of a wheelchair accessible home at a significantly reduced cost built by the Have a Heart foundation. Aunt Margie and Uncle George were selected by the foundation after Aunt Margie wrote a letter explaining their circumstances. Below is a portion of the letter.

"We are very impressed that you are offering a wheelchair-accessible home at a discounted cost to a deserving buyer. May I tell you our story? At age 70, my husband George amazingly survived a massive hemorrhagic stroke on December 1, 2006. It left him completely paralyzed on the left side without the use of his left leg, hand and arm. He suffers daily with pain in the affected side, and everything he tries to do is a struggle. Yet he remains positive and often expresses gratitude for the blessings of life. A completely accessible home would make life so much easier for him and also for me as his care giver."

They have been living in Nauvoo, Illinois for the past several years. Since his stroke, they have been wanting to return to Utah where they could be closer to family, but ongoing medical expenses have put a severe financial strain on them making it hard to find accessible housing that they could afford. We feel that there were many miracles along the way to make this happen.
We're excited to have them back home.

"Up" House

2011-07-12T15:13:00.000-06:00

When I saw the movie "Up" I was fascinated by the story line, the computerized images, and the characters. It was the perfect blend of heart and humor. It's a move I could watch over and over. I'm sure you're wondering why I'm blogging about this now. It's old news, right? Well, it's been brought back to life in Herriman, Utah.

(google images)

Bangerter Construction built this house and it's included in the Parade of Homes. Adam Bangerter and his brothers wanted to replicate the "Up" house because it's iconic and plays an important part in the movie. In an interview Adam said, "It illustrates what home ownership really is, and it’s not an investment. It’s part of the American dream to have a

house to care for, to improve and to make part of your family."

(google images)

This real life house looks exactly like the movie house, right down to the mail box and hose reel. Starting the end of July, there will be balloons attached to the chimney.

(Taken with my cell phone)

It's a fun sight to see and a good representation of life, love, sacrifice and family.

Gimmee a Break!

2011-07-06T22:39:00.000-06:00

Not THAT kind of break!

The Hubs likes to play basketball 3 times a week with guys half his age and younger. Who says basketball is a non-contact sport? He wants me to believe his arm was caught in the hoop when he went up for a slam-dunk!

(Do you love the fireplace shot?)

What some guys won't do to get out of honey-do projects. Who's going to build the wedding backdrop now? (Sigh)

Poor Andy!

Triple The Fun!

2011-07-06T10:25:00.000-06:00

July 5th. Birthday to three!

For 11 years, Jake, my youngest, was the only one in our family with that birthday. Nine years ago, Miss Em decided that Jake needed a birthday buddy. Not to be left out, four years ago, Keiti joined the ranks.

A triple birthday = Lots of celebrating!

The cakes were SPIT-tacular!

Actually the cakes were not good! I've decided NEVER to buy Western Family brand cakes again!

Instead of rising, the cake just bubbled over the sides. Burned cake does not smell good!

Here are 7 of the 10 grandkids on the trampoline. It's all fun and games until someone gets their front teeth knocked out!

Poor Ad.

Thank goodness they were baby teeth and the swollen lip is back to normal this morning.

It's time to enforce the trampoline rules once again!

What better way to end a triple celebration than with snaps and aerial fireworks!

Happy Birthday to Jake, Em and Keiti!

Happy Independence Day

2011-07-03T22:57:00.000-06:00

Enjoy your day and your freedom.

Easy Livin'

2011-06-28T14:51:00.001-06:00

Gershwin wrote a song that was sung in the opera, "Porgy and Bess". The words are:

"Summertime and the Livin' is Easy"

I don't know about you but Summertime isn't always easy livin'. Between gardening, mowing lawns, teaching summer school, planning a wedding, sewing 7 dresses, training for a half marathon and the myriad of activities that accompany summer, I hardly have time to blog! :) But I love it!

Here are a few activities that took place over the weekend.

Some of the grandkids were in the Lehi Days Parade on Friday and Saturday. Since this picture was taken with my phone, it's hard to see the details, but you get the idea.

Ad is playing T Ball this year...

...and so is the Corbanator.

A sprinkler under Grandma's trampoline makes for a fun activity for Em, Cy and Kels...

...especially when the temperature is over 90.

Here are my new shoes. They're called Altra - Zero Drop. Notice how much lower the heel is compared to most brands of running shoes. The heel and toe are the same distance off the ground which means less heel strike and allows the foot to land soft and natural, similar to barefoot.

The toe is round to allow more room. If you remember the shape of my foot, you know I need more room in the toe. I'm supposed to alternate between this shoe and my old shoe for the first few weeks so my foot and body will get used to the difference. I went for a 3 mile run yesterday and shaved 2 minutes off last week's time. Was it the shoe or was it all in my head? Not sure but I'll take it!

If you're familiar with this shoe, let me know your thoughts. Oh yeah, I also signed up for a running class.

Summer just keeps getting better!

Dancing For Gum

2011-06-23T07:41:00.001-06:00

What lengths would you go to for a stick of gum? These 3 princesses danced through 4 songs to get a stick of "spicy" gum! Pay no attention to the bantering between sisters.

WHY?

2011-06-20T10:35:00.001-06:00

Saturday I ran my FIRST 10 miler! After the run I decided that knee caps, hips and the little toe on my right foot are over-rated! Who needs 'em anyway? It's a good thing I'm slow. I can't imagine how many more things would be hurting or gone if I ran fast! I'm sure if my neighbors look out their window while I'm going past their house, they would wonder why I'm running in place! Every marathon training book or article I read indicates it's good to throw away your watch. Don't time yourself while training, just get out and go at a comfortable pace. For some reason, I have to set the stopwatch on my phone, place it on the piano, then begin my run.

I must enjoy beating myself up physically AND mentally! After my 10 mile run I asked myself, "Why?" Why am I doing this to myself? I must admit I do feel a sense of accomplishment at the end but would I feel the same sense of accomplishment if I forgot about the running and just took a ceramic class?

Speaking of ceramics...it's my high school reunion this weekend. When the letter to "save the date" came in the mail, I said to myself, "Hmmm, these 30 years have gone by fast!" At that moment I realized it wasn't 30...it was 40!! GAAAHHHHH! I don't want to party with a bunch of OLD people!

The last time we met was at our 20th reunion. I got a prize for being the "most changed" because I was 8 1/2 months pregnant! I wonder how I'll be different than everyone else this time? Will I be the only woman who has stopped coloring her hair? Do I really want to go?
High school reunions and running...WHY?

"Old" Friends

2011-06-17T11:26:00.001-06:00

I spent a wonderful afternoon with Ann and Janet. We have been friends since grade school and have been through a lot together! Even though we don't live close to each other, we try to get together once a year for lunch and to get caught up on each other's life! Denise, our other friend, is MIA. Denise, we missed you!!

I just saw someone take a picture of our mailbox. We were told that the missionaries in the area like to have their picture taken by it. So I decided to take a picture and post it here. Do you want to open the box to see if the sword goes all the way through? Most people do. (It doesn't) Sometimes I actually get something good in this mailbox!

Hope all of you have a great weekend.

I want this in my back yard!

2011-06-13T09:37:00.000-06:00

We have a new park in town. On Friday, K8-E and T-Roy spent the night with us. We went to the park and had tons of fun at the splash pad.

It didn't matter that we had no swimsuits or towels.

They didn't mind that it was getting late...

and cooler...

...they LOVED it!

Since that outing turned out so well, we went again the next day with C8 and Ad!

We were a little more prepared with swim suits.

The weather was hot and the water inviting!

Mom got involved in the fun by helping C8 "jump" over the fountains.

Yes, this would be a fun activity in the back yard!

Happy Birthday - Twice!

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

Thirty six years ago today, two little girls came in to this world. They were the first two of eight to call me Mom.

I've been thinking about that day and going through pictures of their life. Bear with me as I reminisce.

I asked my doctor several different times during the early exams if he thought I was having twins because I was getting so big. He told me that he could only hear one heart beat so not to worry. At 7 1/2 months, he finally sent me in for an x-ray - yes, you heard me right, an x-ray - to verify my suspicion.

The x-ray showed two babies, one head down, the other feet down. Other than my regular checkups, that was the last time anything was done to check on the status of the babies.

The last two weeks I was put on partial bed rest and took phenobarbitol because of toxemia.
The morning of the 9th, I had a doctor appointment. My mother took me because I wasn't supposed to drive because of the drug I was taking. Besides, we didn't have a tilt steering wheel on the old Chevy and I had a hard time fitting in the driver's seat.

When I got to the office, I was having labor pains. The doc checked me and said, "Yes, you are in labor and you're dilated to a 3 so...go on home and when the pains are 4 minutes apart get to the hospital! WHAT? Being naive and trusting my doctor, I went home. My mother was wringing her hands and telling me I needed to get to the hospital but I insisted I was OK.

At 1:00 in the afternoon, Mom called Andy at work and told him to come and take me to the hospital. Andy finished typing up a report, cleaned up his desk and then came home. By the time he got home, I was having pains pretty steady and my water broke. We got in the car and sped the 15 miles to the hospital.

By the time I got to the hospital, I was dilated to a 9 and Candice's foot was already out! Yikes! Both babies were delivered breech. Candice was born first. She weighted 7 lbs 4 oz. Camille came 7 minutes later at 7 lbs 14 oz. It was quite the day!

Today was a good day. We took C & C to lunch at Macaroni Grill.

Both Candice and Camille are strong, talented, beautiful women. They're good mothers and fabulous daughters. I'll end with a video of a Happy Birthday song sung in Italian at the restaurant.

Happy Birthday Candice and Camille! We love you!

Video of Mass Destruction

2011-06-09T11:39:00.000-06:00

I came across this video of the tsunami in Japan. I know this happened two months ago but the devastation is still affecting the residents of Japan and even around the world. It was shot from higher ground at a high school but toward the end you can hear the panic in the people's voices as the water and debris get closer to them. While watching it, I was in awe and horrified at the same time. I found myself yelling at the people to run! Don't look back! Just keep going! Very emotional scene.

What Was She Thinking?

2011-06-04T22:14:00.001-06:00

Miss Em called her mother from school on Monday to let her know she wasn't feeling well. Her Mom, Candice, buckled one-year-old Aly and three-year-old Kels in car seats and drove to the school to retrieve sick Em. As they pulled in to the driveway and hit the garage door opener, Em asked if she could just get out and run in to the house to lie down because she didn't feel well. Candice consented and watched while Em ran in the garage and threw-up on the floor. Candice opened her door and told Em to, "Get in the house!" (There's a bathroom right off the garage) Em launched again in the same spot and Candice ran to help her get in to the bathroom. After a few more times of emptying the contents of her stomach, Em felt better and Mom helped her lie down on the couch then hurried out to the garage to rescue Aly and Kels from car seats. What she saw next was shocking and unexpected. Kels had gotten out of the car. She was jumping in the puddle of vomit as though it were a spring puddle. With her back to Candice, she used her arms to propel herself up and lifted her knees high before splashing down in the thick muck.

(Google Image)

Candice yelled, "What are you doing!" Kels turned slowly around. With chunks between her toes and with her legs covered in the splatter, she viewed the fruits of her labor on the walls, freezer, the family's shoes, and anything else in the garage within reach of the splash. She saw the shocked look on her Mother's face. She gave her Mom a bewildered look and said, "I. Don't. Know!"

I won't be posting a recipe with this post.

Slow and Steady...

2011-05-31T13:00:00.000-06:00

This is my new motto since I've been training for the half marathon.

I'm NOT a fast runner. I believe Tauna calls it a slog (slow jog). I figure as long as I'm out moving, I'm doing OK. I just finished week 3 of training and ran 7.4 miles yesterday. I think my mind is telling my body to go slowly to conserve energy for the miles ahead. I'm down with that but wish I could step it up for a 5K! Oh well, at least I'm not standing still.

I want to share the new additions to my kitchen. These salt and pepper grinders are awesome! They have a magnet on the back (the side without eyes) and they hang on the back of my stove for easy access. With just one hand I can have my scrambled eggs covered in black or white or both! Target has them for $9.99 each but these were purchased in Park City at the Outlet Mall for half that.

One more thing to share. This triple berry salsa recipe, taken from the Taste of Home Healthy Cooking magazine, is delicious! The picture was taken the day after I made it so the berries look a little...limp. But it's still good!

Triple Berry Salsa

1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries

3/4 cup chopped fresh strawberries

3/4 cup fresh raspberries

1 medium tomato, chopped

1 small sweet yellow pepper, chopped

1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro

1 jalapeño, seeded and minced

2 green onions, chopped

1 Tbsp. cider vinegar

1 T olive oil

2 tsp. lime juice

2 tsp. orange juice

1 tsp honey

1/4 tsp salt

In a large bowl combine the first 9 ingredients. Whisk the remaining ingredients. Drizzle over salsa; toss to coat. Chill. Serve with tortilla chips.

Perfect for the summer barbecues ahead.

Just keep moving!

Love Letter

2011-05-27T15:10:00.001-06:00

I got this letter in the mail from 6-year-old Corbanator. It's always a treat to get love notes from my grandkids. I'm not sure what kind of pet Corb has in mind.

Evidently he doesn't consider Henry Graycat, the GQ model...

...or computer whiz, a pet!

Today is the first day of summer vacation!

Henry has the right idea.

Between the Storms

2011-05-21T21:43:00.000-06:00

We've seen more rain than sun the past few weeks. Today was a beautiful, sunny day! The weatherman says that we will have rain for the next 3 days so today we took advantage of the good weather.

I started out with a 6 mile run. I need to train for the half-marathon. It was the perfect morning to be out running.

We did yard work. I love all the textures and color on the side of the house.

We had a gymnastics extravaganza with Kels (on the left) C8 (next to Kels) and K8E on the right in the red skirt. (Don't mind my blurry picture.) Why do chubby tummies look so cute on 3-year-olds? They were so fun to watch on the balance beam, the bar and doing summersaults and cart wheels on the mat.

In the mail I got a box filled with these delicious peanut clusters from Maggie at "Just Between You and Me". I won her giveaway! Thanks, Maggie!

Last night, my daughter, Jill, and I got a pedicure, manicure and facial! What a way to end a long, busy week! It was warm enough today to go barefoot outside. Is it inappropriate to post a picture of my feet since they look like Fred Flintstone's feet?

Yes, it's been a beautiful day between the storms. I'll take it!

I hope your day has been just as nice!

Soccer Full Circle

2011-05-14T22:21:00.003-06:00

After spending years sitting out in the cold, snow, rain or blistering sun; watching my children either chase the soccer ball around the field or stare off in to space, I'm back at it again! Only this time I don't have to take anyone to practice!

Mr. Cy has the eye of the tiger!

Miss Em is ready for anything that comes her way!

3-year-old C8 thinks soccer...

...is...

...boring!

Soccer hasn't changed over the past 20 years!

What a way to spend a Saturday.

As a side note: I signed up to run a half-marathon in August. I know that for many of you this is a piece of cake but it's going to be hard work for me!

Now that I've told you, I can't back out! Yikes!

Like Mother - Like Sister?

2011-05-07T21:29:00.000-06:00

When I was growing up, people would say that I look like my mother.

That was OK because my Mom has always been a beautiful lady, inside and out!

Shortly after Andy and I were married, we moved to a new neighborhood. A woman came up to me at church and asked if I knew (she said my mother's name). I told her that the person whose name she mentioned is my mother. She said that she used to work with my mom 30 years before and I looked just like her.

My mom is now 88 years old!. (Don't tell her I told you) That's more than 30 years older than me. She's reasonably healthy and looks good for her age.

My Dad had to have an angiogram on Thursday. I went to the hospital with my parents. Mom and I went to the gift shop to buy some gum. While paying for the gum, the woman working there, looked at both of us and said, "I KNOW that you two are sisters!"

I was speechless. No one has ever accused me of being my mother's sister! Mom said, "No we're mother and daughter. The woman looked a little sheepish. Then my Mom said, "Guess which one is the Mother!" I immediately left before the woman had time to answer.

Maybe it's time to go back to coloring my hair. Perhaps then people will mistake me for Jill's sister! (In my dreams)

Happy Mother's Day to all of you!

A very special Mother's Day to my own dear Mom/sister!

Utah's Finest

2011-05-06T22:11:00.001-06:00

Jeanette graduated from the University of Utah today!

We met before graduation for a little food and fun. Notice what's on her left hand. She got that little number 2 weeks ago.

I tried to do a close up but it doesn't work when both the camera person and the model are moving. Oh well, you get the picture.

The weather was beautiful! Perfect for outdoor pictures.

Here's Jeanette with her Dad...

...her fiance...

...and with Baby Aly, who had enough of the whole graduation scene.

Way to go Jeanette. We're proud of you! Now go out and change the world...or at least get your wedding planned!!

Graduation, a Race and Flowers

2011-05-01T22:29:00.001-06:00

Graduation Day!

Jill graduated from UVU on Friday. She really IS smart even though she's holding her diploma upside down.

With her last name of Kaufusi, you know there will be lots and lots of flowers! I think she had more flowers placed around her neck than they had at Buckingham Palace earlier that morning!

Here she is with her Dad. Yes, even her parents got lei-ed! It really was fun to see all her husband's family there with the leis. Fun tradition!

She accomplished a lot during the past 4 years. Not only did she go to school and maintain a great GPA, but she is a fantastic mom and wife.

Way to go, Jill! We're proud of you!

On Saturday there was a half-marathon/5K race at Thanksgiving Point. Candice ran the half marathon. (Great job, Candice!) Camille and I didn't leave our comfort zone. We trotted along in the 5K race. The Point boasted of their beautiful tulips that we'd be able to see. The 5K group didn't get to see many tulips but what we did see were covered in snow! It was cold but ended up being a great day for a race.

Camille, Me and Candice after the race.

It's great to be old...I came in 3rd in my age group and got a trophy! (Now, if I can just remember where I put it.)

Hoping for some Spring weather this week.

A Sense of...Style?

2011-04-28T21:03:00.001-06:00

Jacob came in to the house while I was cleaning the kitchen. I noticed his shoes and asked if they were new.

"No," he said, "I don't wear them often, I feel goofy in 'em!" At that point I looked up and noticed his other clothes. I couldn't talk because I was laughing so hard.

What do you think? Is it the shoes or the cut-offs from 7th grade and the Saver's Christmas shirt? BTW - he had been playing baseball with a group of friends. He had actually worn this "outfit" in public! He must feel comfortable enough to sport his own style. (I know of a pair of cut-offs that are NOT going to make their way back to his room)

Jumping for Easter Joy and Eclairs

2011-04-25T20:10:00.000-06:00

Now that Spring is here (if you believe that, I have a Sony Walkman to sell you), our favorite activity with the grandkids is jumping on the trampoline. We had all the kiddos over on Saturday for a barbecue and a wet Easter egg hunt!

The beginning of the hunt.

It was a success. I'm sure we'll be discovering un-found eggs for the next few weeks.

I went to the Taste of Home cooking school last week. One of the recipes featured was this one for eclairs. It's super simple and delicious!

Pastry

1 cup water

1/2 cup butter, cubed

1 cup flour

1/2 tsp. salt

4 eggs

Filling

2 1/2 cups cold milk

1 package (5.1 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Frosting

2 ounces semisweet chocolate or 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 Tablespoons butter

1 1/4 cups powdered sugar

2 to 3 Tablespoons hot water

♥In a large saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil.

Add flour and salt all at once and stir until a smooth ball forms. Remove from heat. Let stand for 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until mixture is smooth and shiny.

♥Using a tablespoon or a gallon size zip-lock bag with the corner cut...

...form dough into 4 inch x 1 1/2 inch strips on a greased baking sheet.

Bake at 400 degrees for 35 minutes or until puffed and golden. Remove to a wire rack. Split eclairs open. Cool

♥In a large bowl, beat milk and pudding mix according to package directions. In another bowl, whip cream until soft peaks form. Beat in sugar and vanilla, fold into pudding. Fill eclairs.

♥For frosting, in a microwave, melt chocolate and butter; stir until smooth. Stir in sugar and enough hot water to achieve a smooth consistency. Cool slightly. Frost eclairs. Store in refrigerator.

Enjoy! Have a napkin handy.

Easter Message

2011-04-23T22:33:00.002-06:00

I removed the video because it came on as soon as the blog was opened and I wasn't sure how to fix it.

Oh sweet, the joy this sentence gives. I know that my Redeemer lives!

Happy Easter!

Road Trip Revisited

2011-04-20T22:29:00.001-06:00

We're back from our road trip to Nauvoo and surrounding areas. Actually we've been back for a while but it has taken me this long to post pictures. Even though I have some clever and funny things to say, I'll just get on with the slide show. It won't take long, I'll choose just a few of the hundreds taken:

Nebraska landscape. Notice how I inserted myself in to the picture? Hitchcock would be proud!

Winter Quarters Temple in Iowa.

Got to Nauvoo late Sunday night and checked in to our old and cozy hotel. This isn't our hotel, it's just an old cabin but I thought I'd try to trick you.

This is our hotel room. How quaint is this? The hotel was built in 1840 as a residence. It seemed like not much had changed since it was first built! Luckily indoor plumbing was added to the building.

I thought the ice dispenser was fun.

The Magnolia trees were beautiful!

This is a sampling of the beautiful bronze statues in the Monument to Women Memorial Garden that's just outside the Visitor's Center.

In the Family Living Center, we were taught how to make candles, ash bread, pottery, barrels, and rope. Andy's helping to make the rope here.

Notice that no one else is in the building? We timed our trip perfectly. Not too many people were there and we had many of the sites to ourselves!

Here's a typical bed that uses rope to support the straw tick. The rope would loosen after several nights, so it needed to be tightened. This is where the term "sleep tight" comes from.

This Bee Box is in Wilford Woodruff's home. This is a device to help lead you to find a beehive. Children would take half of this box, go out and catch a bee, return home and attach the rest of the box filled with flour, coat the bee in flour, and release the bee. The flour slowed down the bee and it was easy to follow it to its hive.

This is one of the missionaries making a miniature horseshoe in the blacksmith shop.

The Nauvoo Temple is a beacon on the hill. It's beautiful inside and out.

On the temple grounds is this statue of Joseph and Hyrum Smith on their way to Carthage.

This is the room in the Carthage Jail where Joseph and Hyrum were martyred by the mob.

This is the upstairs dungeon where Willard Richard placed John Taylor, who had been shot, to protect him from the mob.

The Carthage Jail was a very spiritual place.

We left Nauvoo and traveled through Missouri to see Liberty Jail and the Visitors Center in Independence. Our final place to visit was Adam-Ondi-Ahman. What a beautiful place. I was told that there's nothing here but a plaque...but there's more.

And it's not just Andy.

Taking this trip has helped me appreciate the spirit of the early Saints. Their faith, dedication, obedience, commitment and strength is truly inspirational.

Are you still here? You can wake up now. Thanks for visiting.

Technical Difficulties!!

2011-04-14T00:05:00.001-06:00

I'm here in beautiful Nauvoo basking in the spirit and events of the city. I was hoping to bore you with the hundreds of pictures I've taken along the way but, this blog has been a frustration. If you have checked my blog during the past 4 days, you may have noticed that photo bucket was having a Hay Day - or is it Hey Day - with my blog! It's all strange and this is the first time I've been able to sign on. However, I can't even insert pictures...you can thank me later.

I hope to get this up and running soon AND coming to visit all of you! In the meantime, Andy and I are enjoying our road trip!