Grandma Dor's Place

Dogs n Kisses and Poop On A Stick

2011-10-10T14:39:00.000-07:00

Jenna and the kids came home with me last week and when I came home from work on Tuesday all of the kids had been out in the rain and were a little muddy. I asked how Gunnar got so muddy and Jenna said he fell in the mud. When I asked why he fell she said because Bailey was chasing everyone with dog poop on a stick. So you have Bailey...a princess and a tom boy rolled into one. Brinley would look at me smack her little lips and hunt Sadie down for a kiss. I won't swear she never kissed her on the butt, just hope not. It was a good week for the kids. They played hard all day long and fell into bed exhausted every night. Brinley is such a cutie - she wanted to sit at the bar in the barstools like the big kids and then would demand something to eat or drink while she was there, generally not wanting what you wanted to give her. Jenna said she thought Brinley gained five pounds last week.

Weston came up on Friday. Their original plan was to camp out over the weekend but the weather on Friday made them think otherwise. They took the kids fishing on Saturday morning - Bailey is the only one that caught a fish.

We blessed Ryker on Sunday and it was an amazing day. I wasn't prepared for the spirit that I felt on Sunday. His grandpa Clarence gave him a nice blessing and was assisted by Weston, Matt Hatch, Dwight Geisler, and Wade Allred. Grandma Mary bore her testimony for the first time in many many years. It was a special day for my kids and her kids.

We went to Tad and Chelsea's for lunch and it was nice. Matt cooked Lasagna and I made a salad. There were 18 (maybe more) kids ranging in age from 3 months to 16 years there. At one time all of them were out on the trampoline at once except Amy, Tristan and Ryker.

Jenna baby sat one morning for Tad and Chelsea then I baby sat on Friday Morning and Saturday morning. Cache had a good time playing with the kids. Ryker is getting to be such a cutie...he's filling out and has such a sweet smile. He seems startled when he laughs out loud, like "who did that?"...

I told Linda at work last week that the best part of being a mother was being a grandmother. I feel such a responsibility for not being a very good mother for my kids and so truly blessed for the opportunity to be a grandmother and get to know these little spirits that have blessed my life. I truly love them so much it hurts.

Here's the little cutie - he turned 3 months old on Friday. Where does the time go?

I am supposed to be cleaning house and getting ready for the week, but instead I am blogging...um guess I better get going or I will regret it after while!

I Am Blessed

2011-07-24T10:33:00.019-07:00

Don't know if I worked too hard or what but I didn't sleep good last night and woke up late this morning and ended up ditching church. So here I sit updating my blog like that is really important but if I count this as journaling does that kind of keep the Sabbath day? (Somebody tell me yes)I am not the first to say it and it really is a strange phenomenon but the Wallow Fire kicked my butt and I feel like I have lost a whole month somewhere. I am so far behind that I will never catch up.

Speaking of the Wallow Fire, it has been one of the most emotional times of my life. The mountains that I have grown up on and raised my kids on will never be the same in my lifetime, my kids lifetime and probably my grandkids lifetime. I am truly saddened and heart broken by this realization. I am humbled and grateful with Heavenly Father's answer to prayers that no serious injuries happened; no "only homes" were burned (they were all second homes and as bad as that is, no one is homeless); our towns were protected as much as they could be with the winds and conditions firefighters were dealing with; and I add my loud THANK YOU to all of the fire personnel who put their very lives on the line to protect us. My neice Kresta and nephew Tim were on the lines and some of the things they reported brought me to tears more than once. I was truly afraid for their safety more than once. I am grateful to Jenna and Weston for opening their home to my band of gypsies...90 year old Uncle Leo "Son"; 88 year old Uncle Richard; 87 year old Aunt Virginia; 78 year old Dad; 74 year old Mom; me, Troy, Maggie, Kamryn and Trentin and three dogs. One of Jenna's neighbors said it looked like a nursing home...we had oxygen machines; walkers, canes, and old people everywhere. None of them could hear worth a damn and they would have the tv cranked up past 50 (how they managed that I don't know) and then try to talk to each other. I'm sure that any neighbors out for a walk thought that there was a family feud going on inside. I know I said "talk" but they were really yelling just to be heard over the tv. That was an experience for the journal.We got back home and nothing seems normal...gardening, yard work, you name it is all behind. Most of us are doing deep cleaning (not that we wanted to) and then the 4th of July came. Because the forest is closed it was different...you couldn't go for a drive or go fishing or anything.

We still managed to have a good time...Jenna and Weston bought a new Polaris Ranger and it is one sweet ride. It has a jammin' stereo system and most every trip to town was in ranger. They also brought their air up splash pool and the kids were in the water all weekend long. They had a great time. They rode with me in the parade and then we went to Nola's for a cookout. Jenna and Weston had to leave on the 4th and I was sad.

On the 6th, Chelsea was induced and Rose and I got to be there. It was a short night and long day...1 1/2 hours of sleep and Ryker Damar Allred arrived at 8:02 a.m. on Thursday, July 7, 2012. He weighed 7 pounds 2 ounces and was 21 inches long. He has lots of dark hair and is a beautiful baby. I had the honor of being in the room when he was born and saw my Tad when he saw his son. It still makes me weep with absolute joy to have been able to witness this truly spiritual moment.

I am humbled and grateful for Jenna, Tad and Maggie. I made so many mistakes as their mother and I hope that they know that I love them beyond words. I am grateful for Weston, Troy and Chelsea and the good people they are. I am humbled and grateful for Gunnar, Kamryn, Bailey, Trentin, Cache, Brinley and Ryker. They are my heart and soul. I am thankful for Loriel and Adam. Loriel has accomplished so much and she's done it on her own. I am blessed!

Catch Up

2011-05-26T15:51:00.012-07:00

I'm a bad blogger. No one blogs anymore so I don't get on very often to see what's going on in the world around me and I miss that. I guess I was a blog stalker...but it was nice to know what was going on with family and friends. Now you read snippets on Facebook - the new way to keep in touch but I miss blogging.
Today is Kamryn's 5th birthday and as fun as it is, it is still kind of sad to me that she is growing up that fast; she and Gunnar will start Kindergarten this fall and that really causes discomfort. I want them to grow but I want them to stay small...
Kamryn was such a cling on when she was younger; it was Maggie, Troy or me and that was it. She found Ed and her life opened up some, but this is my favorite part (I'm still her favorite). She will play and watch tv and whatever but when it is time for bed, she comes and looks for me (Heart heart). She has been going to pre school and is starting to blossom some, not quite so shy and unsure of herself (that feels good) and did well in school.

Troy took Kamryn and Trentin to Sea World this morning. I wish I could have gone just to see how they react. They are at Jenna's right now playing on the water slides and then off to San Diego in the morning. I might head toward Buckhorn if Jenna and Weston don't come up. Tad has to work and who knows where Maggie will be.

Kamryn is sweet and tries to be brave and is a good big sister to Trentin. She has a sweet voice and a bubbly laugh. She has the memory of an elephant...she loves to read the Book of Mormon stories or watch the Book of Mormon video; loves to go to Primary and loves to go swimming. She loves to snuggle and is kind and compasionate but has a little snippy attitude once in a while too. She says, look "ahind" you mo mo; or we are doing this "wifrout" (without) Trentin... she absolutely loves Gunnar; she is intriqued by Brinley and has loved watching her change from a baby being mobil; She likes to play with Bailey (princess girls all the way). She is loving and knows that Weston loves her. She has known that forever and tells me he does. I was there when she was born and it was truly a blessing... who knew how many changes would come into her life and she handles most of them with courage. I am amazed with not only Kamryn but all of my precious grandkids. They truly make my life worth living. I am blessed beyond measure.

"Punzel"

2011-04-15T07:52:00.002-07:00

While in the valley for 2 1/2 weeks with foot surgery we watched "Tangled" more than once :o) and it is so fun to watch the kids watch that movie. Bailey now belts and I mean BELTS "mother knows best"...while we were at Down East Basics she and Jenna were in the dressing room and all of a sudden the whole store is in smiles when they hear her rendition of "mother knows best". The smiles get bigger when she crawls under the door of the dressing room and they actually see this little toot. A comment during the week..."mom when we get our next baby and if it's a girl we can name her "Punzel"...Jenna said "yah, that would be a good name." A later conversation was from Gunnar who said that if they get another baby and it's a boy, his name could be "Flynn Rider"...there ya go. No problem naming another baby, the kids have given it a lot of thought and have come up with two acceptable names. (By the way, Jenna is not pregnant, this was the kids view of life). Bailey was such a good little nurse when I got home from surgery. Weston had taken CNA courses and his (what the heck are those things called that listen to your heart?) anyway those things are there and Bailey plays with them. Jenna told her that she needed Bailey to help take care of MoMo Sadie when she got home and I guess she found the "heart" things and was ready to take charge. I'm sad Jenna didn't get a picture. On Saturday I had packed and was headed home when Ed called and said the weather is nasty, stay another day. Jenna, Bailey and I had gone back to Down East Basics to exchange something and pick up the girls their wedding outfits for Dustin's (Weston's brother) wedding. Michelle and Dustin's colors are purple and green and Jenna found a couple of cute matching purple dresses for Bailey and Brinley. Bailey left the house that morning in purple leggings and her "Punzel" dress (She now has all of the Disney princess dresses but one and wears them ALL of the time). People everywhere were smiling at her and little girls were telling their moms "look...she has a Tangled dress on". Bailey was impressive! One mother of a little girl told Jenna that she would give anything if her little girl would dress like that...her little girl is into trucks. You know, I don't think I would have ever been the mom to let my little girl leave the house in a princess dress and I am so PROUD of the mother that Jenna is. Bailey was happy and she made others happy in her outfit and that was fun to see. Gunnar is doing so well in school. Can't believe he and Kamryn will be in Kindergarten this fall. Where did the time go? Gunnar is so smart and he loves to tease. He is kind and compasionate and I love my little buddy. I love it that Gunnar LOVES me! Brinley is changing EVERY DAY! While I was there she went from army crawing to all fours, to slumping over when she sat to straight sitting and then to pulling up and standing up. She was also exposed to forbidden things like real people food (THANK YOU MoMo Sadie) and LOVED it. If she saw me hobble through with food or drink she was hot on my trail. She is a good, happy baby. I think she's gonna be a talker like Bailey. Brinley is always making noise. Weston made a wonderful Sunday dinner on Conference Sunday. Jenna made homemade rolls, cinnamon rolls and an apple pie... none of which lasted too long. Towards the end of the cinnamon rolls, Jenna and I were having one one evening and out of the blue here comes Bailey to have a bite. There is not a thing that is eaten in that house that she doesn't have a bite and it is so funny. Jenna was a good nurse to me THANK YOU and THANK YOU, Weston for putting up with me. He is such a hard worker for their little family. I missed Kamryn and Trentin. Why can't all of the grandkids live close? The kids truly love each other and that is good to hear and see. Kamryn and Trentin spent the night with me when I got home Sunday. It felt good to have them with me and for the first time in a long time, they didn't crowd me out of a king bed to go to another bed. They were concerned and caring about my foot...Kamryn is caring and sweet in that way. Trentin is sweet and laid back. I love his "right, Mo Mo Sadie, right"? when he says something and wants to confirm it is right. I am truly blessed with wonderful children, and 6 1/2 of the truly cutest and most amazing grandkids on the planet. Tad considers little Cache as his own and I do too. While he is Dusty and Rose's grandson, I couldn't treat him as if he weren't mine, too. He is excited for his baby brother to get here and we are too! "Mother knows best"....

MoMo Sadie

2011-04-03T14:30:00.002-07:00

When Gunnar was just starting to talk, they were coming up to my house and Jenna said something about going to see Grandma. Gunnar said to her "Mo Mo Sadie"...Jenna said what, he said see Mo Mo Sadie. He knew he was coming to my house and he knew Sadie, and somehow he put me with her and from that time I have been Mo Mo Sadie to the grandkids. Kamryn would call me "amma" ocassionally but most they all call me Mo Mo Sadie. If Bailey is mad, she just calls me Sadie. While they were in Eagar, Bailey and I took Kamryn to Maggie and when we got back to my house Sadie was out at the front fence. Bailey looks at her, looks at me and said, "hey, look there are two Sadies..." I said, "two Sadies?" Yes, she said, looking at Sadie, "a little Sadie" and looking at me, "a big Sadie". I told Jenna the kids will be surprised when I die to hear that my name isn't Sadie - Jenna said I need to legally change my name. Don't think I'll go that far, I LOVE being MoMo Sadie to these little chiggers. They ALL make my heart :o) Love to all from Mo Mo Sadie, Mom, Dorlene, Sis or Dor...don't care what you call me, just CALL me!

I Togot...

2011-04-03T01:09:00.002-07:00

When Jenna and the kids were up we went through my Easter/spring decorations and Bailey had a ball. There were bunnies, and baskets and eggs and she was to the bottom of the box before you could say jack sprat...I have (had) a bunny that Susie Adams made years ago and when Bailey saw her she asked if I wanted her to take the bunny home with her and she would take good care of it. Who could resist and I had already decided I wanted her to have it. I had a couple of dresses that went with the bunny and when they left they forgot the dresses. When I came down last week for my dr. appt. I brought the dresses and when Bailey saw them she said "did you bring the bunny dresses because I togot them? Yes, sweetheart I brought them because you togot them and Bailey you are the funnest little thing ever! I love her quirky personality. Wait till we decorate for Easter. it will be fun all over again. I just didn't want to t0get Bailey and "togot"...her words, her world and they work!

Birthday Season is Over!

2011-03-21T11:02:00.002-07:00

As of Saturday, birthday season is over until May! We start in August and go through March with one or two or even three a month. We have April off and then Kamryn's birthday will be in May. In March we celebrated Trentin's 3rd Birthday, Loriel's 32nd and my dad's 78th. Woo hoo!

And a Good Time Was Had by All

2011-03-14T19:38:00.002-07:00

Jenna and the kids got here on Thursday at about noon. So excited for them to be here. We are planning on canning chicken and beans and scrapping and, and...big dreams for two crazy women with five kids five, four, two three year olds, and a seven month old. We are constantly feeding, bathing, refereeing. When bed time rolls around were dead. We talk every day about maybe watching a movie (ha ha). They have been to the park, to Troy's, to the park, to the park for Trentin's birthday party, to play, around the block and that was all before noon today. This afternoon we went to my mom and dads and they ran and played hard there, too. Gunnar was mad this evening when he reminded his mom that we haven't been to the park like she promised. Oh, did I say that Weston, David and Troy came up from the Valley to work on Saturday and we've been doing dinner for them every night, too. Holy Hannah!!

Saturday was Trentin's birthday party and we started out at the park. Nice all day until we get there and the dang wind came up so then we moved the party back to my house and grilled the hotdogs and burgers there. He had a fun day and was so excited about his birthday presents. He got a gun (his favorite), a blue razor scooter, a spider man car, a motorcycle, a race car and his mom and dad got him a batman cave (everyone's favorite). The kids have played non-stop twenty four/seven.

They make me tired and they make me laugh. I LOVE being Mo Mo Sadie to this bunch. What a blessing!

He's 3

2011-03-09T11:12:00.006-07:00

Trentin turned three yesterday. He has been so excited to have a birthday since he was in the valley to celebrate Bailey and Gunnar's birthdays. He had an idea that birthday means presents and insisted that Santa would be bringing them and FUN! Finally it was two weeks then a week then two days before his birthday. On two days before I said , "guess who's having a birthday in two days?" - he got a grouchy look and tone and told me his birthday would be in "two weeks!!!" arguing only made him madder :o( On Monday I said, you have a birthday tomorrow and he seemed pretty excited. On Tuesday when I sang "happy birthday to you....and had the line you belong in a zoo" he smiled.

Trentin is so sweet. He is super shy and pretty laid back. If he's in the mood, he will terrorize Kamryn until there are tears (usually ends up with both of them in tears). He loves ANIMALS. I watch him talk to Ali and I've caught him more than once petting and talking to her and then giving her a kiss, yes a kiss and yes, on the lips! He calls himself Trentin dooey and it melts my heart when he says his prayers and blesses Trentin dooey. He loves his mama and his daddy and Kamryn. He loves his Aunt Jenna and Uncle Weston. He's an outside kid and is pretty stubborn about potty training. He's so close and yet so far. He is dead-serious when he is telling you something. He gets his feelings hurt and he is stubborn about admitting he did something he shouldn't. He is cuddly and he tickles me when he says something and then quickly adds, "right, Mo Mo Sadie, right?" He was doing good in Nursery then he missed a few times and now I can't get him to stay. He comes to my class or stays at home with his dad. He is smart, he is kind, he is shy, he is loving, he is a joy and a blessing. I am once again humbled at the blessing of being a grandmother and on his special day, his grandma, his "Mo Mo Sadie" - I don't know where the time went but he was born, one, two and now three. I close my eyes and he's grown.

Bailey again :o)

2011-03-04T12:36:00.002-07:00

Talking to Jenna Thursday morning she said that on Wednesday evening she and Chelsea went for pedicures and took Bailey with them. The time that Jenna and I took Bailey and Kamryn with us Bailey WOULD NOT let them close to her to even polish her nails. This time, however, while waiting in the chair next to Jenna, Bailey demanded they put water in her chair, too. Well this spunky 3 year old just had her first mani/pedi spa time with her mother. (Jenna was not so happy about the $20 price tag for this particular mommy/daughter date). Bailey got her nails painted purple (her favorite color) and as she left, told the girls that she would see them tomorrow. I asked Jenna today if they have been back for their "touch up" and she quickly told me "NO"... she said that Bailey has a chip in her polish and wants to go see "the girls" again.

You NEVER know what Bailey Boo will say or do and that makes my heart :o)

Love you Bailey.

3

2011-02-20T18:40:00.008-07:00

She's three. Bailey is the quirkiest, funniest, most adorable little thing ever. You never know what she's going to say or going to do, just be prepared and enjoy the ride. Some of the stuff she comes up with absolutely makes me laugh so hard. This morning she had her mother making "old milk" for breakfast. Translated, Jenna was actually making oatmeal. She loves ice cream, princesses, the color purple the color pink, her brother and her baby sister. Her daddio is the man in her life and she LOVES food. Her blue eyes and blond hair are gonna cause some trouble down the way. Right now Weston is pretty laid back, but I see some changes coming when she gets a little older :o) I LOVE how she has started liking me. She wasn't willing to share her princess power bed with me for awhile but now she's ok with it. She gets mad and just calls me Sadie. She has melt downs that leave you speachless. She owns the rights to "drama queen". She's a girly girl and a tomboy when she has to be but mostly a girly girl. She LOVES dress up and bling. She's bossy and in charge. She painted my toenails once and was quite bossy about where to put my feet and what I was to be doing or not while she was at work. Love her and love her personality because she truly makes me laugh.

5

2011-02-20T17:44:00.018-07:00

He's five. I told him on this birthday that the day he was born I fell in love. I truly did. I had no idea you could love a grandbaby this much and when the next one came it happened all over again. I love Gunnar. He has been my buddy since he was big enough to know me. He named me Mo Mo Sadie. He loves to have me sleep with him in his room. He is sweet and kind and bright and I could go on forever. This is his last year of being totally protected. Once he starts kindergarten his world will grow some more and I personally am worried I might not stay on his favorite list and that bothers me. I am selfish and readily admit it. I LOVE it when Gunnar is excited to see me. I LOVE it that I created the "ice cream and french fries" from In & Out as our place to go. I LOVE it that he loves his family and he loves his cousins. I LOVE it that he LOVES others. I LOVE it that I have been blessed to be his grandmother. His BLUE eyes bring you in and hold you. His heart is soft and big and he is a tease and he is a pleaser and a trickster. He is Gunnar - he is LOVE.

Uncle Bobby

2010-12-27T20:13:00.003-07:00

My mom's older brother, Bobby Gilliam passed away early Christmas morning. He had been diagnosed with cancer early summer and not too long ago the drs told him there was nothing else they could do for him. He spent the remaining time getting ready to leave. His family became his care-takers and they did a wonderful job.

I spent some wonderful hours with him recently and I know that he was ready to go. As bittersweet as it was to lose him on Christmas, it was comforting to know that he had a wonderful reunion on the other side Christmas morning. I envy him getting to be with Grandma and Grandpa again. I MISS them so much. There absolutely were no two better people in this world than Grandma and Grandpa Gilliam.

My mom was heartbroken and my tears were for her. Her brothers teased and played with her but every one of them treated her like their own princess. They protected and adored their sister and she loved her brothers. Mom and Uncle Dennis are the last two of her family and the sad realization is that their time here is short.

I will miss my Uncle Bobby and his sense of humor. He was a good man and I love him. I am blessed with good people on both sides of my family. I am thankful for my ancestors - oh what a blessing they are!

Christmas Here and Gone

2010-12-27T19:49:00.002-07:00

I don't know how it happened but all of a sudden Christmas was coming, got here and is gone. I was in a bah humbug mood for a while then I made myself get ready and then it was fun with Kamryn and Trentin. It was priceless to see their little faces on Christmas morning as they opened their gifts. Santa left Kamryn her doll house - that's all she wanted and she was thrilled. Trentin got every "big huck" (truck) they make, I think and he was beyond thrilled. The simple joy of getting something they asked for made it real for them. We went to Nola's for Christmas dinner and it was yummy. Too much food but oh how we enjoyed it. Jenna and Weston stay home for Christmas and may come for New Year's but who knows. Tad and Chelsea had Christmas with the Peterson's and celebrated Cache's 2nd birthday with the Geislers and Aylors. They had a busy day and then Tad had to leave and go back for work on Sunday.

I am blessed with a good family and wonderful friends. They made my Christmas. I was teary eyed more than once this holiday season. On Christmas Eve I went to town and the luminarias were up and down Main Street in both Springerville and Eagar. I LOVE this service.

The kids and I went out to eat on Thursday and then went to look at Christmas lights. Trentin loved "baby Cheesus" and everytime we saw the holy family he always pointed out baby cheesus. We talked about why we celebrate Christmas and hopefully that will be ingrained in them as they grow up.

I have loved looking out my kitchen window every night to see the star on Flat Top. I will be sad when it isn't lit anymore. It is one of the things I look forward to every year.

Hoping for a Happy New Year - it's coming soon!

We Are Family...

2010-11-08T15:19:00.004-07:00

I know I used this pictue before, but there is a reason I am using it again.

Tad gave me permission to do this...on Saturday he and Chelsea were at the house when I got off work. We were chatting in the kitchen when he said, "we've got something to tell you..." they are getting married! I cried. I have prayed for many years for him to find someone to share his life with and to have a family with and it is happening. I can't believe how HAPPY he is. It has been a long while since I've seen him this happy. He truly loves Chelsea and Cache. He will make a good husband and father. I am grateful he wants to help her raise this precious little boy. They are making plans and Jenna our wedding planner went into power mode. It is fun to make plans and envision their future together.

All I know is that Heavenly Father answers EVERY prayer. Sometimes the answer is NO, sometimes the answer comes right away and in this case it has been a long time coming but it is answered and I for one am GRATEFUL.

Hoping that something wonderful happened for each of you today.

A Lot Of Living

2010-10-29T09:39:00.006-07:00

It has been awhile since I posted. Life has been so crazy. Working part time, jamboree, grandkids, family, etc. It has been one of the most stunning falls that I can remember. The leaves turned while I was in the valley when Brinley was blessed. She is an absolute doll. Tad, Chelsea and Cache came down . It was fun to have a house full. Troy and Trentin went home Sunday after we ate; Kamryn stayed with me the whole week.

We had the kids most of the weekend so we took them on a ride Friday and took pictures it was almost too late to get any pictures of color - it's amazing how quickly they go from beautiful to gone.

The kids had fun skipping stones across the Lake with Ed - mostly just loved playing in the water.

Tomorrow is Trunk or Treat - Kamryn is really excited. It will be fun to see the kids in their costumes.

It is getting late in the day and I want to play so I better get my house work done!

Ok...I'll Eat Cake

2010-08-23T06:33:00.008-07:00

Jenna and Weston came up for the weekend and the kids absolutely had a ball. Our weather is PERFECT and the kids played outside from daylight till dark. My dad's garden is starting to come off so we had a big dinner on Saturday night with grilled chicken and veggies from the garden. I made texas sheet cake for desert and the kids seemed to like it. On Sunday morning Jenna got up and had a sliver of the cake and was eating it when Bailey asked her what she was eating and Jenna told her cake. I walked into the kitchen just as Bailey was pushing a chair up to the table saying "ok...I'll eat cake" Jenna and I both laughed. It was like the ONLY choice of food for the day was cake and if she had to she would eat it. She is such a quirky little thing she truly makes me laugh all of the time.
Jenna said that Bailey told her that her baby was crying and Jenna said maybe it needed to burp and Bailey came back with "no, she hasn't chewed on me yet." (This is what she thought Brinley does to Jenna when she is nursing - chewing on her)

Kamryn was soooo excited when I told her Gunnar was coming. She truly loves him and she really loves Weston. They played and played. Once in a while they would get cross ways, I think there's just a bit of competition going on.

Weston took Gunnar and Bailey fishing at Nelson's and at first it was a slow fish day but then after about 20 minutes, Weston said the fish started hitting. Gunnar caught 10 and Bailey caught 1, Weston 0. Gunnar told his dad "you aren't a very good fisherman are you dad?" They did catch and release because usually the fish at Nelson's taste "mossy". The kids didn't mind, they had a lot of fun catching them.

Brinley is so new we mostly stayed at home so the kids didn't get to go to the park this time. Jenna's kids love the Eagar park, I think mostly because of the weather and it is a really nice park with lots of activity centers for the kids.

When they left yesterday evening I was sad. I miss all of the activity going on and my house gets so quiet when I'm there alone.

Tomorrow is the primaries - don't forget to VOTE!

Brinley Lyn

2010-08-19T18:08:00.002-07:00

Made her entrance at 7:59 a.m. Wednesday, August 4th. Weighing 6 pounds, 9 ounces and 20 inches long - perfect in every way. I had the opportunity to drive down that afternoon and spend a week with Jenna and family. I am so blessed to be a grandmother once again. Gunnar and Bailey were starting to dote on her as I left and I knew she was in good hands (if they can just keep their mother away from that sleeping baby) :o) Seems they enjoy holding her while she sleeps. Poor Brinley is so loved she doesn't know what to do.

Lessons Learned

2010-08-03T11:40:00.002-07:00

Kamryn and I have been reading in the Book of Mormon Reader and I was trying to explain the words "wicked" and "righteous" and I used words like "obedient" explaining Heavenly Father is happy when we are obedient...when we do what our mother and father asks, when we help our little brother, etc. Pretty soon she said, "and Heavenly Father would be really happy if you would share your coke with me". How do you argue with that? She took the concepts, figured them out and made them work in her little world. She LOVES reading the Book of Mormon reader and loves going to Primary. Sr. Finch is always so prepared and the little ones love her. I'm gonna have a coke and I'm not gonna share :o)

Blogging vs. Facebook

2010-07-25T16:31:00.005-07:00

I've noticed over the past year that no one blogs anymore. Everyone is doing Facebook. I enjoyed reading the happenings in friends and families lives and somehow Facebook seems "fake" in many ways. Random posts about weird things in many cases makes me wonder. Going private for many is strange to me when you read some of the stuff they post on Facebook...and the games, holy moly how do these people function? I mean they are on the computer 24/7. I barely check Facebook or blogs anymore and I am inundated with a million requests for stuff from apples to zebras.
Oh well, I will continue to blog as it may turn out to be my life's journal when I am done.

Worked my butt off Saturday trying to catch up on three weeks of yard work - with the summer rains, I'll be behind again on Monday. I am so grateful for the rains, though - I have loved the summer. I always appreciate the beauties that surround me.

Just a short time until Jenna has her baby and I am so excited to be a grandma again. I can't believe it is almost time for this new little one to make her appearance. I don't know how Jenna is gonna do it - raise her from a distance. I have a feeling that Bailey will like her until she realizes that the new baby is a permanent fixture :o) - Bailey tickles me - I LOVE her quirky personality. Gunnar is quiet and reserved and I LOVE that he is kind. Kamryn is a talker and is starting to blossom and loving meeting and talking to people. I LOVE that she is HAPPY and Trentin is a sweet, quiet little guy. I LOVE that he is SWEET.

Jenna and Weston are doing well - he is such a hard worker and good husband and father. So GLAD he picked her! Tad is loving the mines again and is happy in Morenci. Just need to find him a wife so he can start a family...any ideas?
Troy and Maggie have had some struggles and hopefully can overcome them. I worry to death about Maggie and she doesn't seem to get it. She will be the death of me and I thought that was all behind me when she got married. Guess it shows, you truly never get a break from the worries of your family.

Hoping all is well with everyone. Much love and have a happy week.

I told all four of them to "smile" and this is what I got. Sadie's expression says it all!

Raining Cats and Dogs

2010-07-22T10:13:00.005-07:00

I went to pick up Kamryn and Trentin on Sunday night after work and it had come a turd floater in town. As I went in the house I said, "it's raining cats and dogs outside", never giving that statement another thought. As Troy and I were loading the kids into my car, Kamryn asked Troy, "where's the cats and dogs it rained?" we laughed and he said, "I guess they melted". Little stinks hear everything and are so funny.

I had a late work schedule on Tuesday so I brought Kamryn and Trentin to play in the ditch. They had a ball. Had a quick lunch and off to work again. I miss my summer. I am enjoying the rains, everything is so pretty now and the rain makes the world fresh and clean. LOVE IT!

I Love 7 Gypsies

2010-07-16T08:05:00.003-07:00

One of my FAVORITE scrapbooking companies is 7 Gypsies. They have the COOLEST stuff on the planet.

31 And Counting

2010-07-03T22:23:00.004-07:00

2:32 a.m. July 3, 1979 I became a mother for the first time. A long awaited event to end in hurt beyond imagination. A life experience where I knew for sure that the plan of salvation was true, that my Heavenly Father was aware of my needs and that everything would be alright. My little sweetheart, perfect in every way, I missed her more than words could say. That life experience helped Don become a good father. When Jenna was born, he held her to get to know her, he was cheated of that chance with Damara. So today, I celebrated Damara's birthday. I am still the one that misses her, would love to have had the opportunity to watch her grow and become an adult as my other kids have done. I know I will have that opportunity still, depending on my worthiness and some days it doesn't look so good.

This morning I was out early weed eating when Kamryn pops out in her pajamas and looks at the mail box and said "grandma, I'm going to check your e-mail, ok?" - I chuckled because I know more than once she has asked me "what are you doing grandma?" only to hear, "I'm checking my e-mails".

Rode in the parade with the ATV club once again and gosh there was huge crowds up and down main street all the way to the Springerville Circle K. The most awesome float of all was the Abraham Lincoln by the Eagar 3rd Ward. He stood and he sat all under the direction of Dale Goodman and Steve Hamblin. Breathtaking, in a word!

After the parade we went for our annual cook out at mom's and dad's. Lynns family was there except Tim who was working. Met Jay's wife, Lynea (sp) beautiful girl from Mexico and she and Jay are HAPPY!

Had a cookout at my house for supper and then we waited for the fireworks to start. Kamryn and Trentin thought they were pretty cool. Sadie on the other hand, was just about to have a melt down. Freak dog! The final display was absolutely awesome, and I didn't get a picture of it. Want a good camera so I can mess with settings and get some good shots.

I have tried to explain to Kamryn we are celebrating America's birthday. Not quite there yet, but if we keep discussing it, maybe one day it will stick. I talked to her about Aunt Damara, she has heard of death, and in some ways she is worried about it and others curious about it. She thinks only old people die and sometimes worries when I tell her I am getting old that I am going to die. I reassure her that I won't any time soon. Oh these little people and the things they worry about.

Jenna and Weston camped with his family for the 4th. Didn't get to see them and was disappointed that I didn't. I know the kids had a ball camping and playing with Matthew and Lauren.

Tad had to work and only has the 4th off so he didn't come home. I haven't seen him in a while and I miss him.

Loriel had to work, too. Haven't seen her since October at Ralph's funeral. Time flies and life is so demanding sometimes.

I hope all had a good 4th. I did. Many moments to reflect on my blessings and am grateful for each and every one of them and of you!

Out of the Mouths of Babes

2010-06-14T18:53:00.005-07:00

The grandkids are always saying something that makes you wonder just where did that come from and makes you realize their perspective of this crazy world they live in.

With the plane crash on Friday, the whole town was a buzz with the news and total disbelief of what just happened. I personally got weepy when I sat on the porch at Safeway and watched fire engines from three neighboring communities come to our rescue. How blessed we are that in times of trial, it doesn't matter who you are or what you need, it is taken care of.

On Saturday night I was waiting for the news to come on and Kamryn was just about ready to wind down and go to sleep when the anchor man gave the little blurb of "up date on the plane crash in Eagar" news starting at 10:00. Kamryn looks up, sees the pictures, listens to his comments, looks at me and says, "just how did he know all of that?" She lives across the street from the auditorium so she knew the pictures, she heard about the crash and on Saturday we still couldn't get past their driveway to see the damage, but she was well aware of what was happening. I think I realized that she didn't quite understand how tv works, that news could be about here, too. Maybe she thought the guy in the tv lived there or who knows what she thought, but her comments tickled me and made me laugh.

On Sunday Trentin was saying "high school", trying to tell me about the school by his house. Big news for little guys.

My heart goes out to the families of the family that died in the crash and I am so grateful that as bad as it is, I realize how much worse it could have been. Makes us all think. Hoping all is well.

She's Four Going On Fourteen...

2010-05-30T17:37:00.008-07:00

Wednesday was Kamryn's birthday - I can't believe she is four. All of a sudden she and Gunnar are not "toddlers" any more - they are kids and it makes me sad. In a short while they will be in school. I was there when Kamryn was born - saw her mommy and daddy cry when they first saw her. I've been there for a lot in her little life and have enjoyed every minute (almost).She has blossomed and changed so much over the past year. She wanted a princess cake and her birthday party theme was princess and she loved it. She even got a crown and she wore it all evening.

Jenna, Weston and the kids were up last weekend for Emily's baby shower. It was so much fun to have them here and Kamryn could hardly wait for Gunnar to get here. She truly LOVES him and she spent a lot of time here with him. Gunnar and Bailey are growing so fast, too.

Mo Mo Sadie loves these little ones with all of her heart.

Spring Has Sprung (Maybe)

2010-04-10T18:14:00.002-07:00

Went to the Valley for Easter. It was fun to spend time down there in the nice weather. Helped Jenna paint Gunnar's room and get him moved into it. He is excited to get a "ladder" bed (bunk) but Jenna doesn't want him to have one. I say he gets one just because.

Bailey and Gunnar are two funny little toots. They are constantly on the go and Bailey is quite quirky. Quite the dresser too, and she does it all by herself. Black and Orange flowered skirt, purple and pink flowered leggings, a pink t shirt, yellow cinderella high heels, and a pink bling purse. Weston had to take her into the bank in that outfit and I think he might have been a little embarrased. While Jenna and I were sorting piles of baby clothes in her room, she puts on a pink bomber style winter hat and a pink pair of mittens and adds to the outfit along with some necklaces or whatever. You NEVER know what she will wear. She said "mo mo sadie do you want to see my owie?" and I said "yes". Off comes the underwear then the flowered skirt and I'm looking at Weston and said "she's making me a little nervous, where is that owie?" we watch in amazement as she sits on the kitchen floor and shows me the scratch on her KNEE. Weston said, "she stripped for that?"

Quite the talker, too...as we were coming out of Lowe's on Monday morning with paint, Jenna is telling Bailey something and Bailey says very matter of factly "yeah right" - I just about busted a gut. WHERE did she hear that?

Gunnar is quite competitive (we didn't realize that) and on Easter morning while they are doing their first Easter egg hunt and starting to realize that it is kind of fun you can see him wanting to get more than Bailey. They hunt for eggs three or four times and the last time we go into the living room and I'm sitting on the little couch watching everybody. No one is paying attention (he thinks) and while they are all looking at something else, Gunnar reaches in Bailey's basket and takes an egg. The look on his face was unforgetable and I just started cracking up. Jenna and Weston literally thought I was cracking up and then I quietly told them what just happened. If I hadn't seen it, no one would have ever known, it was so sly, so smooth and so sneaky and he did it with a smile!

I'm loving watching these kids grow up. The new baby (girl) will be here in August and we are excited. Trentin and Kamryn had Easter in Eagar and I was sad they didn't get to go to the Valley but they can't always go when I go :o( Kamryn got the pink jump rope she was asking for so she thought the Easter bunny is an alright guy.

There are so many things to be doing (house work, painting, yard work, scrapping) that I feel somewhat overwhelmed and end up doing nothing.

We spent Saturday evening at Laurie's with she and Lauren while the guys went to Priesthood meeting. On Sunday we went over for Easter dinner. Neal and Laurie are so good to Jenna and I love them for that. She is truly blessed to be a part of their family.

We taped Conference since it's really hard to concentrate on the talks when you have toddlers running around so I'll be glad to watch it in the evenings. Gunnar is getting to where he will talk more on the phone but he doesn't hold a candle toKamryn...she will talk your leg OFF. Sorry to anyone that calls my house and she answers.

Mostly meanderings about the weekend, there were just a couple of cute, priceless moments that I will cherish just because I was there when they happened. My family is my life and I hope they know that.

I Think She Broke My Freakin' Nose...

2010-03-31T18:50:00.002-07:00

Well last month Kamryn gave me a black eye. The night before last she was sleeping with me, plopped her head backwards and hit my nose dead on. Before I can sit up blood is GUSHING from both nostrils. I can't breathe and I hit the bathroom on a dead run. Blood is running everywhere, I get the water on in the sink and after a few minutes I finally get the bleeding to slow then stop. I look in the mirror and I have a cut on the outside of my nose (bridge) and I swear I thought my nose looked crooked. I still can't breathe out the right nostril and Kamryn is nowhere to be found. I think when I yelled SHIT< SHIT...she hid out. It hurt like a son-of-a gun and yes, I was pretty vocal about the hurt. I clean up all of the blood and start a load of towels and bath rugs and find Kamryn hiding in the floor of my room. We crawl into bed and she is careful to stay away from me and falls asleep. Before I fall asleep, I think, "how am I gonna explain another black eye from the same kid?" Hopefully it won't turn black but who knows. Kamryn tells her mother this morning, "you're gonna be so happy... I didn't hurt your mother last night". Ok...Elder abuse is alive and well here in my house. Hopefully not in yours.

Damned wind is blowing and I am just about half cranky - others are in full swing. I'm holding back some till tomorrow when the snow flies AGAIN. Typical Round Valley Spring. Sunshine, wind, snow, calm and that's just in fifteen minutes!

Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail

2010-03-26T08:14:00.002-07:00

I can't believe that next weekend will be Easter. Where is the time going? My life has been so crazy since January. I'm hardly ever home and I miss being home. I'm more comfortable being a "barista" because the drinks don't freak me out quite so much. At first I wasn't sure I had what it took to work at Starbucks.

The kids are all busy with their lives. Loriel is in school in Tucson, Adam works in California. Weston and Jenna are raising their little family in Gilbert and he works so hard to provide for his family. I am so proud of him. Tad is living and working in Morenci - the mine is getting ready to crank up the 1st of April. He was home last weekend to get his mine stuff, his fishing gear and his golf clubs. I guess he's prepared for anything.

Troy got a job with MM Sundt in St. Johns and they are back in their house. He too, works hard to provide for his family and I am proud of him.

I love being a grandma and love to see and hear what the kids are up to. They absolutely melt my heart. Being "grandma", "momo sadie" or "mamaw" is the thrill of my life.

I have the day off and I should be accomplishing stuff but the *#&$( wind is blowing (you know the Round Valley springs) and I just want to sit in my chair and watch a good movie and you know what? That's just what I might do!

Black Eye

2010-03-07T13:48:00.003-07:00

Well the other day Kamryn wanted me to lay down by her and watch a movie. She got up for something then when she laid back down she just plopped her head back and hit me on the brow bone...OUCH! I saw white lights and got a huge knot. In a few days the knot went down and left this colorful reminder of our little bump. I'm sure a few people have wondered what happened, but none have asked.

I'm doing the Census making Job #4. I work part-time at Starbucks, Census, helping with the newspaper for the Jamboree and Elections. I should really be rolling in the dough LOL, but alas I think all I'm doing is getting too pooped to pop.

Bailey had her 2nd birthday in January during the big storm so I didn't venture out. Maggie and I took the kids and went down for Gunnar's birthday in February. The kids had a ball playing together. The weather was perfect and they played outside from morning till dark.

I am getting a new car soon, so I will be making the trip again and I can hardly wait. Miss those babies.

Other than being tired, I really don't have a clue what is happening around town - hope all is well. Love Mo Mo Sadie

Birthday Season Begins

2010-02-09T21:05:00.003-07:00

Officially birthday season begins on January 2nd with MY birthday. Then we move on to the 17th for Weston, the 22nd for Bailey and fast forward into February with Tad's on the 4th and Gunnar's on the 11th. Moving right along - Trentin has a birthday on March 8th, Loriel on March 14th, my dad on March 19th and then we take a little break until May for Kamryn on the 26th and Grandma Mary on the 28th.

We take June off - Ed has a birthday on July 25th, Jenna's new baby will have an August birthday, September 18th is Maggie's birthday; Grandma Doris is October 16th - Don is November 1, Troy is December 3 and Jenna is December 9.

Scattered in there is Valentine's Day, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day and anniversaries. Basically there is something going on every month of the year. Some months are like "oh crap..."
But I do have to say I have it easier than Velda...all of her's are March, April and May, except for Cord who showed up in August.

Getting excited about going to the Valley this weekend to have a combined birthday party for Bailey and Gunnar. Her birthday was during the big storm and I was working so I didn't get to go to the Valley. I'm excited that Maggie and the kids will be going too - Gunnar and Kamryn really love each other and they will be fun to watch.

Hope this week is good for all.

And They're Back!

2010-02-01T10:35:00.002-07:00

Maggie called last week and said that Troy might be laid off as the job was starting to wind down. Last hired, he would be one of the first to be let go. If he made it through the lay off that week he definitely would be let go on the 9th of February. On Thursday Maggie called with the news that Troy was laid off and could work through Saturday and then they would head home. As sad as I was for them to be laid off, I was so excited to know they would be home soon. Sunday at 5:45 p.m. they walked through the door and I was so excited to see them. Kamryn was first through the door and the rest is history. Trentin changed the most in the three months they were gone - he has gotten a little taller, seems more like a toddler and less like a baby. He will be 2 in March.

We had an early birthday party for Tad (his birthday will be Thursday and he will be in Morenci) so that was fun. He grilled steak and shrimp while we made baked potatoes, broccoli (my kids have always loved broccoli) and a salad. I went all out and let Safeway do the cake :o(

Tad, his boss Brian and his mine boss, Gary left this morning to go back to Morenci. I've watched over the years and he makes good friends.

Troy is looking for work, hope he finds something soon and that they can stay home. Maggie is cleaning up their house so that they can move back in and I am playing grandma today with Kamryn and Trentin. Our agenda includes (in no particular order) bath, shower, making cookies, making punch, tea party, naps, lunch, snacks, hugs and kisses and naps and resting and...I'm looking forward to the day.

Changes

2010-01-29T11:01:00.005-07:00

Well on the 6th of January I applied on-line to work part-time at Starbucks in Safeway; on the 8th of January I tested with the Census to be a Census worker. On the 11th I interviewed at Starbucks; the 13th I went in for training and the rest is history. I am now a "barista" at Starbucks (20 hours a week) and so intimidated I can't stand it. Doesn't anyone just drink coffee? What the heck is a Caramel Machiato? What's a Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Latte? These and other questions just about did me in. I really wasn't sure I would be able to learn but alas, it is coming slowly but surely. I didn't just wake up one morning and say "I'm bored...I guess I'll look for work". I got notice from the State of Arizona that because I turned 55 on the 2nd of January and my combined years of service with the School District, they were transitioning me from disability to retirement. I'm thinking why? Made a phone call and got the rest of the story...no pay check until March while they get their system updated (or whatever) so I HAD to find work and in this economy it's a crap shoot. I have pursued every avenue available to me - I even thought I might end up as the roller skating car hop at Sonic :o( I'm also thinking I could go to work for the State Retirement System - I KNOW I could figure out a way to speed things up down there - after all I am NOT new to the system and WHAT does it take to switch from disability to retirement - come on, I've been with you guys for 30 years now - I'm not a new comer.

Some mornings I am up at 4 and to work at 5 to sell coffee - other days I am mid-day and still others I am 12:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. LONG hours on my feet, no breaks, no food and once-in-awhile samples of drinks so that when I get home I am one tired poopsy.

Tad went to Morenci for an interview on the 19th and I called him and told him to not come home...I had a combined total of 13 inches of snow at my house last week and then it snowed again this week. I like the snow, I know we need the moisture, but...

Troy was laid off yesterday and will work through Saturday and then they are on their way home. I'm sorry the lay off came so soon but the selfish part of me is so excited that they are coming home that I can't stand it.

The neighbor dogs are outside the fence driving Sadie and Allie nuts and I'm about ready to load the shotgun with rock salt and let Sparky and Jackass (not their real names) have something to yip about. Then I'm gonna knock the poop out of Sadie and Allie for barking and carrying on with them.

Did I tell you that Jenna is expecting? August 17 and we are so excited. She wants a girl to be close to Bailey and Weston wants a boy. Doesn't matter - it's gonna have to live with me because I can tell you know that Bailey WILL NOT LIKE IT! Weston took Gunnar Javalina hunting and left Bailey at home and she was mad ALL DAY long and let him know about it when he got home.

Oh...Weston had a birthday on the 17th and Bailey turned 2 on the 22nd. I didn't get to go to the Valley for her birthday. I hope to go in February so maybe we can celebrate both Bailey and Gunnar's birtdays. He turns 4 on the 11th of February. I can't believe how fast they grow up. Trentin will be 2 in March and Kamryn will be 4 in May...yikes!

Anything else? Gosh...this month has flown and so much going on but we are doing well. Tad got a new truck (used and no payments) and is looking forward to his move to Morenci. Life moves forward - life is good. Hope all of you are well.

Starting Out With a BANG!

2010-01-10T12:23:00.009-07:00

So after a calm, uneventful scrap-filled New Year's Day I was thinking...not too bad. A rather quiet birthday on the 2nd (now I qualify for Senior Discounts?) again, thinking not too bad. I went to eat with Tad and Robert on Sunday (yes, I broke the Sabbath and my fast) then on to church. As each person bore their testimony, I reflected on my own testimony and on my many blessings. Got home from church, noted that Tad's bag was no longer by the front door (did he really put it up like I asked?)picked up my cell phone, dialed Tad and no answer, then went out the back door while it was still light and warm (yah, like there has been any warmth for the last month), got a load of wood in, watered the dogs, went back in took my Church clothes off and went into the bathroom. The phone rings. I don't get out in time and it rings again, I answer to hear Janessa say that Tad has hit a tree and they (George & Lacey) are bringing him to the ER. I asked in shock, what happened, she didn't know. They didn't have phone coverage, I was at church and her job was to let me know what was going on. I hurriedly change clothes and get ready to meet them at the hospital. I hear my answering machine beeping take a minute to see what it is and it is Janessa telling me that I need to call her as soon as I get this message.

I drove to the hospital and they aren't in with Tad so I sat in the parking lot. I thought about calling Jenna and Maggie but I didn't know what to tell them. My phone rings, it is Lacey saying that Tad doesn't want to go to the ER - I told her he has no choice. My phone rings and it is Jenna and I tell her what I know. Hang up and my phone rings and it is Maggie and I tell her what I know. I am thinking that what are the odds that both girls would call within seconds of each other while I am waiting for them to bring Tad in.

They arrive, I get out and George and Lacey get out. Tad gets out, he is bloody and not able to stand and I can tell he isn't doing well. He is adamant that he isn't going in there and I told him that it was not his decision to make. We get him in the ER - I sign him in and the nurse (Kelly Crowther...?) takes him in and asks us to wait. I then try to find out what happened and here's what George told me. Tad decided to go to Morenci (George nor I knew this) hit some ice, slipped off the road and was stuck. Had cell phone coverage and called for George to come and help him. Knowing that I was in church, Roberta was out of town, George called Lacey (his daughter-in-law) to go with him in case they needed the help. In the meantime, someone comes along and pulls Tad out and Tad then decides to turn around and go back home. He said that he was driving too fast, he wanted to get to the top of Turkey Burn/Campbell Blue and let George know he was out and coming back and that George didn't need to come. Tad hit an icy spot on a bad curve and went off the right side of the road. Tad told George his truck was bad. A couple that lives in Alpine was coming up the trail and picked Tad up and was heading toward Alpine. Tad was in and out of it but came in again to see George and asked the people to flash George. George loaded Tad in his truck and started home with him. Officer Hererra from the Town of Springerville shows up and he is allowed in. Tad is angry and tells the nurse to get him out of there. They finally tell me I can go in and Tad is throwing up. They have pigtails for iv in his left arm, his head is bleeding. He continues to throw up for a long time and finally he is through. They put the iv stuff (don't know what it was) in and Tad is laying back, saying that his chest hurts. He tells me that he 1) crawled out the passenger side window 2) was ejected and watched his truck roll down the cliff 3) doesn't have any idea how he got his coat because he didn't have it on in the truck. They are wanting to take him for a cat scan and for xrays. The policeman is waiting to talk to Tad. We shuffle in and out and the best we can figure is that Tad was going too fast, maybe looked down at his cell phone, looked up and it was too late and hit the ice and over he went.

Deputy Dayson Merrill from Apache County shows up and said that DPS will investigate. Chad and Robert show up. Chad calls other friends and Officer Taylor and his wife come down. Jolene, Cheyenne and Austin come in from the ranch. Many people are concerned for Tad. Somewhere after nine or so they have the xrays done, the cat scan done, etc. and they tell us that Tad has a concusion (that is why he is throwing up and can't recall some things) and that after observation he will go home.

It's 11:00 and I am in a daze. Tad and I are talking, he feels like crap and we go to bed. I wake up on Monday morning and the realization of the last day sets heavy on my heart and mind. We call the insurance company, the towing company, George and head to Alpine to get the stuff out of Tad's truck. We round the curve to Alpine Garage and my breath caught when we saw this... not even recognizable as Tad's truck. Tad walked down to the office to give Rex his insurance info and George and I just looked at the truck in disbelief. The two guys that towed it in told us that they spent an hour looking for bodies in the snow, there was no way that anyone survived this wreck. Zack, the young kid that went up and down the mountain with Tad's belongings in the cold and snow crawled in the truck and handed us things we could see that Tad wanted. His cell phone, wallet, ipod, gun, etc. They were all there, unbelievable. On the way home we had to pull over for Tad to throw up. The realization of what he survived was starting to set in. He didn't even recognize his own truck at first. He is blessed and I have tried to counsel with him of that knowledge and what responsibility that he has. A long week in front of him, he will be ok. He walked away with thisrequiring 4 staples. He has no serious internal injuries, just lots of hurts and shortness of breath. He still has a hard time with some memory things (my gosh, is he gonna be on the short bus?) He is lucky, he is alive, he is a blessing and I'm gonna kill him for taking ten years off my life. Rex told me when I went back Monday afternoon to get Tad's keys and some other stuff in the truck that it was the second worst accident he has seen in twenty three years.

We take it a day at a time - you know one step forward, two steps back...

Jenna and Weston were here for the weekend and it was so much fun to have them here. Bailey Boo is getting to be so much fun - she has kind of taken a liking to me and I love that. Gunnar told his mother that Mo Mo Sadie is wild...(what does he mean?)

Bailey had several tea parties for Teddy Ruxpin, baby, Elmo and herself. They wanted to "eat"chips, cereal with, fruit snacks, water... she was so cute and would give everyone something to eat then go around the table and eat what she wanted out of their plates (marshmallows out of the cereal for example :o) Ali was grateful for messy babies because every once-in-awile something would hit the floor. She has learned that with Bailey and Trentin there is always a strong possibility of something hitting the floor. With Trentin it was on purpose, a bite for him, a bite for Ali.

At night time, Bailey's babies had to go to bed with her too. I LOVE being a grandma to these babies. They make my heart smile.

Troy and Maggie have only been gone two months and it seems like forever. Kamryn, Trentin and I can talk on the phone now and I don't cry the whole way through. By the time I get used to them being gone, they will be home (I hope).

I'm alone again at the end of the weekend when the kids have been here and it is sooooo quiet. I miss all of them and wish they lived closer. I wish for all of you a good week with love and laughter.

The Last Day of 2009

2009-12-31T15:02:00.002-07:00

Today is New Year's Eve - the last day of 2009. What a year! Everyone has been hit by the economic crunch in one way or another but have still been blessed.

Jenna and Weston moved into a new home last December and have been slowly painting and making it theirs. Gunnar turned 3 and Bailey turned 1. In a short while they will be having birthdays - Jenna's is in December; Weston and Bailey's are in January and Gunnar's is in February. They are expecting baby no. three in August.

Tad has been guiding mostly in New Mexico. He does all kinds of stuff to make a living, he's quite handy that way. He hopes to get on in the mines this coming year. He really liked his job down in Morenci.

Troy and Maggie moved to Gillette, Wyoming in November for a temporary job. I know that you have to do what you have to do to make a living, but I cried for days when they took Kamryn and Trentin so far away. I still miss them like crazy. Kamryn turned 3 in May and Trentin turned 1 in March. Troy had a birthday in December and it was he and Maggie's anniversary in December, too. Maggie's birthday was in September. I can hardly wait for them to get closer to home.

Loriel moved back to Tucson because it was so expensive to go to school in California. Adam is working out there so they go back and forth when they can. She does so well in school and is doing it all on her own.

I love being mo mo sadie to Gunnar and Kamryn; sadie to Bailey and mamaw to Trentin. Don't care what they call me, just love them so much it makes my heart hurt.

I had a good Christmas in the Valley with Weston and Jenna. It was fun to see the kids have Christmas - I've never done that before. I hated to have to come back home to an empty house - but somebody has to do it.

I hope for my family and friends a Happy New Year full of prosperity and peace and the blessings that only our Father in Heaven can give. Thank you for being you and being in my life.

Brrr...Baby's It's Cold Outside

2009-12-06T17:45:00.004-07:00

Man the weather is something else...we're expecting the temperatures to drop even more through Tuesday and they even say we could get some snow. Friday night it was 12 degrees when Velda and I were coming home from Show Low. That morning everybody reported temperatures in town ranging from -6 to -2 below. Tad who NEVER gets cold even moved to the couch in front of the fire. He had the junk that was going around a couple of weeks ago, must have weakend him.

I've been trying to get ready for Christmas. I don't want Christmas this year. I want ALL of my babies home for Christmas, ALL of them. They will all spend Christmas either at home, in the badlands of Wyoming or hunting something. Ed offered to have me go to the Valley for Christmas. He said he would watch the dogs for me. Depends on how the month goes. I would like to spend Christmas with the grandkids. When I went out to get wood in I looked up and saw the star on Flat Top. I am so glad that the youth in our stake make the sacrifice to carry gas up the hill every night in December for us to have that glorious star! I loved that star when I was growing up and even more now.

Kamryn told me the other day, "Gramma, I come your house, THIS ISN'T FUN!" Made me laugh and cry at the same time. No it isn't fun sweetheart, but this will be good for all of us. How come that that doesn't kill us makes us stronger in so many ways?

I've been reflecting on the last year and it has been a really hard year for my family in many ways. The economy has affected all of the kids in different ways. Loriel was forced to come back to Arizona for school - it was just too expensive in California. Weston's work has been slow, but he is a hard worker. Tad still guides and fills in which gets him by, but that's about it and Troy and Maggie had to leave town for work. I hope that we each learn something from this, put it to use and are better prepared for the future.

I am grateful for all that I have. Grateful for the blessing of being a wife, mother and grandmother. Grateful for my health and the abilities that I still have. Grateful for this country, grateful for those who serve. I am grateful for the gospel and for our living Prophet and for those who serve with him. I am grateful to live in a small town, grateful for dear friends and family.

I hope that this holiday season brings blessings to each of you. Love to all.

Gratitude

2009-11-29T18:03:00.003-07:00

Yesterday I went to the service for Cody Geisler, my third cousin on the Rogers side. His death is such a sad tragedy but his service was quite nice and was well-attended. I lost it and wept when the police escort left the auditorium parking lot with Chuck (Cody's dad) following them in his big truck and Cody's casket on the low boy. Hearing his air horn and knowing how hard this must be for a daddy to have to do, I just cried. My heart breaks for Dustie and for Chuck. I am so sad for Chelsea and for baby Cache. They have some long hard days ahead of them and the sad fact that his baby who isn't quite a year old won't remember his daddy. When we got to the Rogers Family Cemetary in Nutrioso, there were a lot of people there, too and the snow started coming in and it was cold and yet there was a good feeling around. I stood there looking at my dear family members who have lost loved ones that are buried there. My cousin Charlene had a still-born baby that is there. Sherry's son Shawn McCall is there. My baby, Damara is there. Homer's boys Kaelsy and Steven are there and now Cody. Sherry said, there are too many young ones here and I agreed. Don is there next to Damara; my Grandpa Rogers' brother Albert is there; my Grandma and Grandpa Rogers and Uncle Jimmy are there. My two Aunts, Lela and Marie are there. And time will bring other loved ones there and it made me sad. Of the blessings of the day, I was able to express my gratitude for the Gospel in my life and the hope that it gives me. I am grateful for the Plan of Salvation - the plan of happiness. I gained my testimony of it when I lost Damara. It became so real to me. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that we will see our loved ones again. We will be with them again. I am grateful for dear friends and family. To see my cousins yesterday (most of the uncles weren't at the graveside) made me realize just how much I love each one of them. To see good people I have known many years made me grateful to live in a small town. The Geislers are good people. Hank said that it is an honor to have a Geisler in the Rogers Family Cemetary. I agree. They are now family. I am grateful that many people have been so kind to Dustie and Chuck and their families.

I am blessed to live in this land of freedom and choice. I am blessed to have the restored Gospel in my life. I am blessed to be a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a sister, an aunt, a cousin, a neice, a granddaughter and hopefully a friend. To all of you - I am grateful for the piece of my heart you hold.

We Gather Together To Ask The Lord's Blessings...

2009-11-26T15:30:00.002-07:00

On our dear family and friends on this Thanksgiving Day. Ed, Tad and I went to Nola's to eat today. It is so different not having all of the kids around. Had a wonderful meal, ate waaaaay too much and am blessed.

Jenna and Weston were coming up last night but their truck broke down and they had to literally limp back home and got there at 1:30 this morning. I was disappointed they couldn't make it up here but am thankful they got home safely.

Tad spent the morning meeting with his hunters and target practising as he will guide an elk hunt tomorrow. He had a good time scouting with Gunnar Hubbard this morning.

Maggie and Troy are having Thanksgiving with Kris and Leighann (sp). It will be different for Maggie too, her first time of not having Thanksgiving with some of her family. I miss them, miss the babies. When I talk to Kamryn, we usually both cry. She wants me to fly in an airplane to see her.

Tomorrow is black Friday for shoppers. Red Friday for those of us with no $$ - so what's new? I don't even have a clue what to do for everyone for Christmas and today I'm not even worried about it.

I hope that everyone has a nice Thanksgiving. I am thankful for all that I have and it is nice to kick back and think about my many blessings.

Love to all.

Ripped My Heart Right Out...

2009-11-17T21:50:00.002-07:00

Troy got the call he's been waiting for yesterday...a job. Yes, that's great. But they want him to work in Gillette, Wyoming on Thursday morning. He says yes and then begins the process of packing up their house, their clothes and their kids and heading out for Wyoming today. He's so grateful and excited for his job and while it may last as long as 4 months, that means that they took my two babies and left for Wyoming (ten million freakin' miles away for 4 MONTHS) and all I can do is cry. When I passed them coming from my house today, I turned around and followed them to the Short Stop and leaned in the back seat. Kamryn said, "grandma, we're going on a trip" and I said "I know" and broke into tears. It wasn't long before my little sweetheart was fighting tears and then crying with me. Trentin didn't know what was going on and came over and loved on me too. Man, they just ripped my heart right out. I will miss them because I see them just about every day, some days three or four times a day and now nothing for 4 Freakin' months. I will be calling but I won't be holding.

Last night Kamryn cornered Tad when he came in and started chatting and followed him down the hall. I could hear her talking his leg off and then it got quiet and I went to see what was going on and they were laying in bed watching tv. Checking back a little later, they were snuggled up in bed, both sound asleep and I wanted to cry because I knew she didn't have a clue what was gonna be happening to her little world. Sweet memories of the two of them.

I know this is a good thing, it will be good for Troy and Maggie to be away from here and be on their own together. It is hard to make a living here and in these hard times, you have to do what you have to do to make a living. I get that - I don't get the taking the kids so damned far away from home.

This post is about Kamryn and Trentin and my love for them and how much I'm gonna miss them. This may seem like I have two favorites, which I DO NOT. It's just that I've never gone more than a few days not seeing them and for a mo mo sadie this is something I've never experienced...not having any grandkids in town and this is gonna be a killer.

I'll miss Maggie popping in - I'll miss Troy. I wish them well. I love all of them, but tonight I know that I won't see them tomorrow or the next day...and I am sad.

I love being a grandma. I love talking to Jenna on the phone and having her tell Gunnar (who WON'T talk on the phone) and Bailey Boo that mo mo sadie loves them and then hearing their response. I see them sometimes every month, most times every other month. I love them and love keeping up with their lives. I have a new experience, watching Kamryn and Trentin grow long-distance.

Babies...all four of you, mo mo sadie loves you with all of her heart. I love you "a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck".

Holy Crap It's Almost Thankgsiving

2009-11-16T18:15:00.004-07:00

Where in the heck did August,

September

and October go?

It is now the middle of November - Thanksgiving is NEXT week, I can't believe it. It has been a busy time for me for some reason and I am so far behind that I might never get caught up.

I finally tackled (with Troy and Maggie's help) the garage, the woodpile and the little bedroom. The garage and the woodpile are great. The little bedroom will be great once I get everything put in its place. Kamryn thinks it is neat to have her own room at grandma's, complete with a tv.

Troy and Maggie are leaving in the morning for Wyoming. He has a temporary job there and they are all going. I am so sad. I don't know what I will do not being able to see Kamryn and Trentin, especially during the holidays. I know they need the work and I know it will be good for them, but being selfish, I can't stand it that they are taking the kids away from here.

I've had a housefull for the last three weeks. Velda and Tristan have been staying with me and I think they are almost settled in their rental. Ed and Tad came and went and Grandma Mary was here, too. It's amazing how you can make sleeping arrangements work in a little house when you need to. I just wish my rooms were a little bigger to make it more comfortable for everyone, but you know what, we were all fine and we had what we need.

The cold for the last couple of days hasn't been too fun. I for one, have enjoyed our awesome fall. I dread the cold coming and staying. I hope we get the snow we need for a great spring and summer.

Hope all is well with all of you - Happy Thanksgiving to all.

PS...Kamryn followed me into the laundry room the other day and said, "grandma, what's that smell? I turned to look at her and asked "what smell" and I caught her saying "the one that smells like a skump". I cracked up. If I hadn't been looking at her I would have thought she was saying "skunk" but she was saying "skump". Trentin calls me mahmaw - oh I'm gonna miss these babies.

Happy 57

2009-11-02T08:02:00.002-07:00

Yesterday would have been Don's 57th birthday. I thought about him all day long and how much we miss him and how much he is missing out on. He would have been the best grandpa ever - I would have come in as a distant second as a favorite if he were still here. It's been a long thirteen years in some ways and overnight in others. The twists and turns of life have been interesting, challenging, heartbreaking, joyful, wonderful, educational...I'm sorry he wasn't here to share the journey with us.

I've posted many times about him, so this will be short - I just wanted to say happy birthday, we love you, we miss you.

First Snow

2009-10-29T13:49:00.009-07:00

Woke up to a beautiful morning yesterday. Fresh fallen snow made everything look magical. I put Ali and Sadie out - Sadie has always loved the snow. This was Ali's first snow and she loved it. Made me enjoy the snow even more watching a dang dog learn about the world around her. It was cold all day long - hated to go out. Hated to have to go get wood in. That's the one thing about winter I don't like. Having to build fires. I wish there was an affordable alternative. By the time spring comes I am so SICK of the ashes, wood, dust mess from fires. Although there is absolutely nothing better than sitting in your easy chair feeling the warmth of the fire and watching a movie or reading a book. I guess I'm nuts.

Bottom line...I'm in awe of the beauties that surround me. I am in awe of the grandkids exploring and discovering their world. I am even in awe of a dog exploring her world. Maybe I have too much time on my hands. Love to all.

Primary Program

2009-10-25T14:25:00.008-07:00

Today was our ward's Primary Program. I got settled in and when all of the kids got up on the stand I almost cried. I grew to love those kids when I worked in the Primary and to see them today sing all of the songs we worked on all year and to do their little speaking parts just made my heart miss them so much. They sang so LOUD - thanks to Brother Smith. He has done an amazing job with the kids. It was truly a fun thing to watch and enjoy. I am grateful for the opportunity that I had to work with them and with the teachers and Amie, Jodi and Mia.

Some of the primary kids at my last primary activity. They had sundaes...

Went on a quad ride on Saturday. Todd and Carmen organized a "night" ride - we took part of the Hank Sharp ride and others and rode to Alpine, ate at Bear Wallow and came back home. It was dark when we left Alpine and we made some good time getting home - just about 2 1/2 hours. It wasn't too cold and I had a good time with some good people. We put on our cold gear in the Bear Wallow parking lot - I felt like the little kid on A Christmas Story - you know the one that couldn't move...well that's how I felt with my clothes and cold gear on. I stayed warm, had a good time and that's all that mattered.

This weekend will be Halloween. It will be fun to see the neices and nephews in their costumes. You never know what to plan on for Trick-or-Treat - some years they eat you out of house and home and others you only see a handful. Basha's is doing the hot dogs and hot chocolate in their parking lot and the church parking lot will be trunk or treat. Sonic is doing 50 cent corn dogs that night, too.

Fall is here, and I didn't get out on the mountain to see the fall leaves. Yesterday, most of the leaves were off the trees. I then focused on the possible Christmas trees and if you could get in to get some of them in December, WOW!

I am always amazed and grateful for the beauties that surround me. I love the mountain, love the seasons. I appreciate the desert beauty. I am in awe of the ocean. I know that these creations are only a small part of what Heavenly Father created for us. I am grateful that I am wise enough at this point to appreciate them and love them and to recognize the blessing of them.

Have a great week. Love to all.

Home Alone

2009-10-18T18:05:00.013-07:00

I got an email on the 28th of September from Sabina (Adams) O'Hara entitled "News"... I opened it at 6:44 p.m. and she had sent it at 6:42 p.m. - in it she tells me that Roland Adams had died that morning - apparent suicide and I just broke down and cried. I called each of my kids and told them and they were all sad and shocked. They know the pain of suicide and when Tad came in he asked me if I had talked to Sabina yet and I told him no - I just couldn't.

At about 6:30 a.m. on the 29th I got a call from Cindy Sanchez and she told me that Ralph had just passed away - such sadness and again I cried. Ralph bravely fought ALS - Lou Gerigh's disease for over 5 years. Cindy took care of his every need to the very end. She asked me to call Ed and Loriel. Ed was quiet - I know even though you think you are prepared - you aren't prepared for it to finally end.

Roland and Don were quite good friends - when our kids were little, we did a lot of things and had a lot of fun with Roland and Sabina. Amber was three years older than Amity and Jenna - but they all played well together. After Roland and Sabina's divorce, I remained friends with Sabina; Don with Roland. Mine and Roland's relationship became a little uncomfortable for him so I didn't see him much. I have to say that I appreciate so much his support of my three kids when they each married. As hard as it might have been for him, he still came to each of their receptions. Sabina and I call each other once-in-awhile; we send Christmas cards back and forth and always news of events for our kids.

Ralph and Ed were best friends since 3rd grade in Safford. Ralph was a down to earth kind of guy who had the biggest heart ever. He became Loriel's "Uncle Ralph", helping Ed raise her off and on until she was grown. Ralph was Ed's best man at our wedding 12 years ago - I met he and Cindy just before we got married and Cindy and I became friends.

On Saturday the 3rd of October, Ed and I drove to the Valley for Ralph's memorial service. I'm so glad we went - both trucks gave us trouble so we weren't sure we were gonna make it. His family and friends paid a wonderful tribute to Ralph. Tad, Maggie and I went to Roland's memorial service in Greer on the 10th of October. We visited with Sabina and the girls and with Sabina's sister Lisa and her husband Stan. The people of Greer gave a very nice memorial for Roland - each of the three kids spoke and Amity gave her thoughts on her life with and without her dad. I applaud her for being honest and saying what many needed to hear.

I've reflected on these two men and the impact they had on each of my husbands. Seems kind of strange that Don's good friend and Ed's best friend died a day apart. Through Roland and Ralph I've learned some good things and appreciate what they did for Don and Ed and for our kids.

I went to the Valley on the 11th for my dr. appt. he says I'm doing well. As it gets colder I will slow down and kind of "hole up" for the winter. The new "biomedics" that are advertized on tv sure do look wonderful and from what my dr. tells me, they are. Just cost $1500 and up every 4 to 6 weeks. IF you have fantastic insurance, that might be the way to go. But for me...no way.

I hauled some craft stuff down to Jenna and she spent Monday and part of Tuesday doing them. She painted her ghost candle holders and they were so cute. Maybe Maggie will get hers painted one of these days. Jenna's magnet board looks nice too - we did a fall layout and a couple of calendar pages today and she was pleased with them.

I came home on Wednesday - Gunnar rode with me to Show Low. I followed Jenna and Bailey up the mountain. We stopped in Show Low because Bailey was SCREAMING - I put her in the car seat in the front of my truck and she chattered all the way to Eagar. We've had a busy few days - the park; playing with Kamryn and Trentin; canning beets; Grandma Doris' birthday; baking cookies, playing; sleeping; eating; playing; camping out in the living room; - my living room looked like a bomb went off and it looked that way for days. Amanda came over to watch a movie with Jenna on Friday night - she might have been shocked to see a tent set up in the living room and every toy the kids had in the middle of the floor. The kids had fun and that's all that matters.

Ed left at 1:00; Jenna and the kids left at about 3:30; Tad has been gone since Wednesday morning guiding in New Mexico and Maggie and her kids are at home. I'm home alone and the quiet is way toooo quiet.

These four grandkids are the best thing that has happened to me. I love each of their personalities. Gunnar is quiet and laid back; Kamryn is talkitive and fiesty; Bailey is talkitive and spunky; Trentin is quiet and sweet. Put them all together and you have somebody doing something every second of every day. I LOVE them.

I haven't had time to blog stalk - hope all is well for all of my friends and family. I love all of you.

Not as an afterthought - just so far behind in blogging I forgot...My mom celebrated her 72nd birthday on Thursday. Nola, Tanya, Sarah, Jenna, Maggie and I took mom to lunch at Booga's. It was fun to get together - that night Mom, Dad, Lynn, Laura, Larry, Nola, Ronnie, Kaylinn, Ed and I went to dinner at Safire. Mom had a big day celebrating. I love my mother - she will do anything for anybody. She is "grandma Dora" to Kamryn - grandma to everybody else. Love you mom.

Nola

2009-10-05T19:56:00.007-07:00

My sister is 50... can you believe it? I can still remember when she was born. I don't remember much about her being a baby, just the day she was born. I remember being about 9 in this picture and she would have been about 4. I still remember the dresses mama made us - Easter was a BIG dressy day for little girls. I got new shoes and socks and gloves...do they even make gloves anymore? Nola's dress was just like mine but she got a FULL slip and her skirt stuck out more than mine. She had naturally curly blonde hair...mom liked to play with Toni home perms so I got a perm whenever the mood struck her :o( My little sister was cute and everybody loved her. I can't remember life without her. As we grew up, she was lots braver than I was and got into more trouble. She loved to eat peanut butter and her favorite meal of all time was french fries. She became a picky eater and I don't know how, because we ate everything at home. Now she won't touch an onion, peas, carrots, etc. She's a great cook and a good mother and grandmother. She's the best sister ever, has the BIGGEST heart and will do anything for anybody at any time. This was taken in 1973 - just before Don got home from his mission. Those were the days when I was thin. Nola was always the prettiest of the two of us. I think I might have been jealous. She had tons of friends and was a good friend. A crappy room-mate for me though. She was a pack rat and collected rocks and had them in egg cartons under her bed. I would get mad at her messes and finally moved out to the den because we didn't use it anyway. Went to work and when I got home that night, she and mom had moved Nola into the den with me! Got a call from her a few years back when she told me she and the girls were going to Vegas to see "George" Strait. I said cool...she said, you're going too. We did - had an absolute ball. She and the girls were up 24/7 - I had to take a break and get some sleep. We went to Krispy Kreme and sat on the floor of the casino and had donuts and milk. Nola always has a laugh - she enjoys life. Her life hasn't been easy, she has had to work TOO hard for too long. She is still kind and generous and loving. I am honored to be her sister. There was a song out in the 60's "Norman" - it was her favorite song and she called herself Norman. Another song, "Just Walk on By" had a line "wait on the corner" - she always sung LOUD - "wait in the cellar". That's her point of reference. There weren't any corner's in Nutrioso, but we dang sure had a cellar. After moving to town - we (Lynn, Nola and I) went to a movie one night and on the way home stopped at Burt's liquors for one of the "roasted" chickens and took it home and ate it. After we finished it off, Nola said, "well, we just raped a chicken"...we just about choked. That's Nola. You never know what she's gonna say or do, just be prepared for anything. I love you!

My Baby Is 25

2009-09-27T14:54:00.010-07:00

Do I feel old? Not EVERY day, but some. I'm in deep (#%U with Maggie. I left town at 6:00 a.m. on the 18th and spent the weekend at Sprucedale. I didn't take my cell phone and didn't get her called on her BIRTHDAY :o( and she was MAD. In my defense, she won't answer her phone before 10:00 a.m. so how could I call her and wish her a happy birthday? Any hooo...I did remember her birthday, and thought about her through out the day.
Her hospital birth announcement picture. A nice, healthy baby with red hair and blue eyes. Her dad had chosen "Andrea Elizabeth" as her name but when she got here, he said it doesn't fit. We were waiting on the nurses to clean her up and bring her to us in the recovery room and I started naming names...when I got to "Maggie" - Don said "that's it". Maggie didn't get a middle name (I don't have one either) but we always called her Maggie Mae - even thought of officially adding "Mae", just never did. Known as "Mags", "Baggie Maggie", "Margaret" "Magpie"...the list goes on and on. I've always said her song is "Maggie May" by Rod Stewart.

Born at 11:02 p.m. on Tuesday, September 18, 1984. (She shares being born on Tuesday with her sisters, Damara and Jenna.) My fourth and final child, she was different from the get go. Because she would be our last, Don finally agreed to come into the delivery room with her. He sat at my head and kept his head down on the pillow most of the time (he wasn't into blood and guts). Don and I had high risk pregnancies and I wasn't supposed to get pregnant with her but we did and she was my healthiest baby. She had B+ blood, different from Don, Damara, Jenna and Tad who all had A+. A fiesty attitude from day one, nothing has changed. She was a joy as a baby and I am so glad that we had the blessing of being her parents. Maggie has challenged me in more ways than I can tell but through this, she is my most compasionate kid. She is at ease with old people, I guess due to Mimi. A beauty at 5 months - red hair and gorgeous, big, blue eyes.An adorable three year old. I think Kamryn looks an awful lot like her mama.

Third grade - 8 years old. A joy to be around (most of the time)

She has had some real challenges in her life due to the choices she made and has overcome much. I am proud of her and the good mother she is. I am proud of her house-keeping. Her house is usually always neat and tidy (kid messes don't count because they never go away).

She is non-judgmental, but she does like a good fight, even if she has to start it or keep the (*#$

stirring. I am always after her for that, but I don't know if that will ever change.

Her wedding announcement pictures. Maggie has turned into a beautiful young woman and I am so honored to be her mother. We lock horns quite a bit, but she doesn't hold a grudge. She has so many good qualities - I hope she uses them to make life good for her family and herself. She is tall and thin and in many ways, reminds me of her dad.

I LOVE her beautiful red hair and blue eyes. She has Don's eyes and I see it more and more, the older she gets. I LOVE you, Maggie and hope that you know I do even when we butt heads. Happy birthday - Mom

Catching Up

2009-09-26T16:07:00.003-07:00

I left town on Sunday and spent the week with Jenna and the kids in the Valley. We canned peaches and pears...left the applesauce for her to do or she's bringing the apples with her next weekend. Had a great time and hated to come home. Troy brought Kamryn down on Monday when he took Shannon and Saul to the airport so she spent the week with us too. The kids had a great time together. Kamryn loves "Uncle Weston" and always has. He took us out to Peter Piper Pizza on Wednesday night for pizza and games and the kids had a ball. They were too pooped to pop when we got them home.

I got home at about 5:00 yesterday evening, just in time to make it to Nola's for her "No Surprise" 50th birthday party. The girls had made red and green enchiladas, beans, salsa, guacamole and Lynda (Larry's sister) brought a really yummy squash caserole. Even though I just started my second round of HCG diet, I ate a spoonful of each and still lost weight!

This morning, Mom, dad and I finished the last of the corn. 35 more bags in the freezer. I picked Maggie up at noon and we went to the Stake Relief Society Christmas in September...missed lunch, which I understand is good, because there wasn't anything that I could eat there. We went to sonic and I had the grilled chicken salad sans everything but the lettuce and chicken. Not too bad and now I have to get back in the meal preparation mode so that the diet is easy to do.

I got a couple of signs for the girls to do and a couple of the ghost candle holders for them, too. They will have fun doing them.

Tad just got back into town from a hunt and will be going again. He likes to guide, I've always said he "lives to kill"...

Ed will be home next weekend - maybe on the motor cycle. Said his truck is leaking anti freeze and doesn't know why or how much $$. If it isn't one thing it dang sure is something else.

I am so far behind that it doesn't matter anymore. I have to start one day at a time, and before I die, I won't be caught up, but at least I will be one day closer. I missed the "fall" freeze so I was loving looking at the Escudilla yesterday coming into town. I have to get out on the mountain to see some color before it's gone. Amazing how quickly things change.

Have a good weekend and good week.

Pre Jamboree Ride

2009-09-16T19:36:00.009-07:00

Before the Jamboree started, Ed, Todd, Kamryn and I went for a short ride. I haven't been out for awhile and I loved it. Kamryn had the best time...I thought that she would probably ride with Ed because when he is around she does everything with Ed. When she saw that I was riding my "nn nn", she wanted to ride with Grandma :o) - she talked about the "jungle" and then I explained we were in the forest like in Bambi and then she wanted to look for a daddy deer. Never saw one, but she saw a squirrel cross the trail and climb a tree and she thought that was awesome. We stopped for a break and she had to ride on Ed's shoulders.We rode from my house up Water Canyon Road to Milligan Valley Road down the Maxwell Trail and through Sipes Ranch and across Picnic Hill and into the Rodeo Grounds. Kamryn got tired just before we got to Sipes Ranch and I could tell she was about to fall asleep and we got Ed's army coat out and made her comfy and sure enough before we got through the ranch she was out and just out of the ranch we saw this nice little buck still in velvet. She missed seeing the daddy deer :o( We had a great time and the mountain is beautiful right now. When we got to the Rodeo Grounds she was still sleeping......Grandma in her "doo rag" kind of sloppy looking, but who cares, I had a great time!...Kamryn modeling the "doo rag". I am so glad that we can get out on the mountain once-in-awhile. Sure does alot for my outlook to see the beauties that surround me. I'm glad the kids like riding the "nn nn's" too, great family activity!

Post Script

2009-08-31T14:46:00.002-07:00

I guess I forgot to tell you who the new Primary Presidency is - Amy Smith; Jodi Brown 1st Counselor and Becky Crosy, 2nd Counselor. They will be great and they have a really great new Chorister...Kyle Smith. He is a hoot and the kids LOVE him! Yesterday they got to cut his tie off at the knot if they sang loud enough and by cracky - it is gone. Talk about a visual lesson - Kamryn is still talking about it!

Released

2009-08-30T15:09:00.002-07:00

We were released from the Primary Presidency today. It was a day of mixed emotions. I have truly enjoyed serving in the Primary and LOVE the children. Some of them really tug at my heartstrings and I will be sad to not be with them every week. On the other hand, I'm surprised they kept me this long. When Bishop Talbot and Br. Haws showed up at my house in January I told them they had the wrong person...I cuss like a sailor. I only cussed once after a Scout activity - I had all of the boys in my truck and they were buckled in (thank goodness) and had just dropped a couple off and we were on 2nd Street heading west to Main street when the chick in the green car with pink hub caps pulled in front of me heading to the Library. (Must have had a first-come, first-serve something or other, because she was hell-bent to get there). I was at the turn, a white van with a mom and her children were coming out of the library and the nut cut right in front of me...come on, how hard is it to not see my red truck? I slammed on my brakes, put my arm out to restrain any air-borne kids and said "SHIT!"..."Sister Maloy!" comes from the back seat. The nut goes to the library - the lady in the white van looks at her, looks at me and throws up her hands, I am about to have a heart attack. I hate the responsibilty of hauling anyone's kids, I am always worried that something could happen and I would never forgive myself if something did. If I hadn't slammed, and I mean slammed on my brakes, I would have pushed the green car into the white van. Ditz...don't know who she is, but man, when I see her now, I give her a wide berth.

Anyway, pretty good for 8 months. The children have won my heart, especially the Jr. Primary. Those little kids are awesome and loving and smart and everyone of them are CHILDREN of GOD.

Kamryn and I went to Elyse and Marian's baptism yesterday evening. It was so nice. Tammy's four girls sang "Love At Home" (an Allred family favorite) accompanied on the violin by Nate Walter (Emily's husband). Touching and spirtual. Emily spoke on Baptism, Ryan baptized the girls and Tristan spoke on the Holy Ghost and Steve confirmed them. Nate then blessed Hallie so that the girls' ordinances are up to date. I was honored that Tammy asked me to say the closing prayer. I do love my neices and nephews and always am honored when they include me in their family things. Kamryn loved going to Steve & Velda's afterward for the bbq. She and Trentin played hard. She is proud of herself, she is no longer scared of Steve. "Belda" is becoming someone she is comfortable to be around and she loves playing with "my friends"...the girls. The girls are so loving, they hug everyone and you can tell that Tammy and Brando are wonderful parents.

I am grateful for the blessings of the gospel, the blessings of family, the blessings of friends.

Have a good day and a great week.

Last of the Kennedys

2009-08-29T10:29:00.002-07:00

This week the news that Ted Kennedy passed away brought to mind the Kennedy era in which I grew up. I remember being quite young when John Kennedy was elected president - don't recall the process, just that he was the president of the United States. I remember pictures of his young family, Jackie who was considered beautiful for her time and a classy dresser - her suits and dresses and her hats. I think everyone has seen the pictures of Caroline dressed in her little wool coat and John Jr. dressed in shorts. The times of dressing like that are gone for most people, maybe the people with money still dress their children like that.

I remember watching television and hearing President Kennedy's "ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country" speech. He is quoted from time-to-time. I remember hearing at school that President Kennedy had been assisinated and seeing for the rest of my life those pictures of the motorcade and the pictures of his wife and children. The conspiracy stories live and who knows what the real truth is. That is one of the questions I want to ask on the other side...and not that it's any of my business, but "did O.J. do it?"

A few laters, Robert F. Kennedy, who was running for president was assasinated and then you would see Ted emerging as a senator who made a name for himself through his many years of service. Sometimes the things we heard were not always as a public official should act - his extra marital affairs and the "we'll cross that bridge when we get to it, Mary Jo"...

We heard the stories of extra marital affairs of the President - we watched the family go through many struggles and probably thought they should have been above them. Bribery, accusations of murder, my goodness - their stories could make for a sit on the egde of you chair mini series.

I felt a real sense of sadness when John Jr. died and the horrible wait for the family as they searched the sea to find the bodies of his wife, sister-in-law and himself.

I have watched Caroline serve quietly and watched Maria serve quite publicly. The Kennedys have been known for service and for championing the under dog. They have a lasting legacy, be it good or be it tainted by the actions of some.

I guess we are all pretty much like them - we just don't live our lives in the public eye as they do. We too will have a lasting legacy and it will be known by the choices we made. Hopefully ours, too, will speak of service and hopefully lots of goodness.

I just got out of my truck and heard Ted Kennedy Jr. as he spoke of his father and heard his voice crack with the pain of losing a loved-one and it just made me think.

Today will be a good day...Elyse and Marian are getting baptized this evening. Tammy's girls are so sweet and I am honored that they have asked me to give the closing prayer. Hugs from those girls, ahhhh there's nothing better.

Tad is golfing with Larry and Duane. Ed is in Buckhorn. The kids are running through the house and playing and I'm just thankful for this day. Thankful for each of you. Thankful I hear the neighbor's lawn mower, thankful for the BEAUTIES that surround me.

Have a good day and love to all.

August 24, 1996

2009-08-24T22:15:00.003-07:00

Thirteen years ago today our lives changed, never to be the same. Don's death has affected each of us in ways that we can't even describe. There are times I am so angry, no, mad as hell at him for checking out. He left us at the most critical time of the kids' lives. Jenna was 15 going on 16; Tad was 13 going on 14 and Maggie was 11 going on 12. I always thought the first few years were the most critical in a child's life and they are for learning and gaining the sense of who they are and where they fit in the world. But a teenager needs both parents, even though they don't think so. I know there were times after Don died that my kids wished that it had been me instead of him, heck, so did I. We balanced each other...he was the easy going, wise one. I was the mean, fly off the handle one. I bet the kids can count on one hand the number of spankings they got from their dad.

I get mad when they have trouble and need to talk to their dad. They have no one. Tad has a couple of good friends he will talk to but mostly not. Jenna, I think, talks to Weston. Maggie, I'm not sure about at all. With the recent trouble in Maggie's life, I think she had no one and that's part of her problem.

I get mad when a new grandbaby is born and Don isn't there to be grandpa...he would have been a wonderful grandpa.

I miss him so very much, and I always will. We started dating in High School and married after he got home from his mission. I thought we had it all. We struggled to have babies and he loved Jenna, Tad and Maggie so much. I always felt like I was the one who missed Damara - I carried her for 9 months then she died four days after she was born. He never got to be a daddy to her, so he was a good daddy to the other three.

I learned that you really never have it all. Satan is waiting for us to make one wrong choice and he's in. Unfortunately Don made some bad choices at the end of his life that ultimately took his life and it makes me so sad and sometimes mad. No matter what the choices he made, Don was a good person. He was kind and thoughtful and generous and fun and loved his little family.

I hope that before this life is over, I won't be mad any more. I hope that the sadness I feel for my kids will be replaced by the sweet hope of expectation.

In a short while we will be teaching the grandbabies about their Grandpa...the one that they never got to know here on this earth. They, too, will look forward to the time to see him, because he truly is somone to look forward to seeing again.

Hard as it is at times, it is a good life. Don wanted his kids to have a good life and to do better than he did. I hope that they know this and mostly, I hope they know that their dad loves them. I can promise them without reservation that he loves them and that wanting something better for them was part of the last choice he made here.

Our song was "Baby, I Love You" by Andy Kim...makes me miss him all over again. But hey, I love listenting to the oldies, you know our make out music of the 60's and 70's such fun times and such good memories.

Yes, Don, I love you and I miss you and know that you love and miss us too.

It's Raining, It's Pouring...

2009-08-23T15:50:00.005-07:00

WOW! The 2nd best day of summer. Yesterday was the best day because that was the first true rain we've had ALL summer, and yes, we're keeping track. Today it came, as Don used to say, "a turd floater" and float it did. We had a little hail and lots of water and I am so excited. If it would do this every day for a week or two, we would be in great shape. I am so thankful for answered prayers.

Another Sunday and we're off to the start of another week. I spent the first half of Primary in Nursery with Kamryn and again I am thankful for good nursery leaders. We spent the second half in Sharing Time for the Senior Primary. The kids are so good and Brother Smith is great with them. He is really getting their interest for music time. Kamryn LOVED it - maybe she'll make a better Sunbeam than she does in nursery.

I just growled at Trentin and made him cry. He noticed Sadie's "bum" because her tail curls up over her backend and he was trying to touch it. I growled "YUCK" and made him cry and now he is in the bathroom hiding from me. (Oh yah...try playing in the toilet) I think he thinks "I'll show you YUCK!" Dang little toot is ALWAYS into something. He is so sweet and we get along pretty dang good. I think Bailey is the one that has to warm up to me before she's ok with the nutty lady that shows up from time to time.

I miss Jenna, Weston, Gunnar and Bailey. Why do they have to live so far away? Gunnar won't talk on the phone so I'm limited in conversation to face-to-face. Bailey Boo will talk once in a while. Kamryn will talk you leg off and Trentin grabs the phone and runs.

I am so blessed and I know that I am and I am so THANFUL to a LOVING, Father in Heaven that knows me, knows the desires of my heart, knows my limitations, knows my abilities and knows what I need. The Gospel is central to my whole being and I am thankful to know Him and know that he LOVES me!

YUCK...now Trentin stinks. Guess it's time for Grandma to quit playing on the "pooter" and get back to work. Have a great week and love to all.

Life Gets Hard Sometimes...

2009-08-16T14:45:00.003-07:00

and I don't know why it has to. Troy and Maggie have been having some problems that got pretty serious so I have the kids until they get things straightened out. While the ideal place for them is with their mother and daddy, this is not the time for them to be there. They are adjusting and I am adjusting. I love my grandbabies so much it makes my heart hurt and to think that there is anything amiss in their little lives just about does me in. I am so proud of my girls and the good mothers they are. They are both patient and kind and truly love their children.

I took Kamryn to church with me today because I had sharing time and I couldn't do it with both she and Trentin. Trentin stayed with his mama and daddy and when I went to pick him up he came willingly and I saw the hurt in Maggie's eyes and face. She is so worried that they won't want to come back home, but they will when they feel that it is back the way it should be. Kamryn went to Nursery for the first time ever and I thank Luke and April for being so patient with her. She tried so very hard to not cry, and didn't. She just clung to April everytime she had to take a child to the restroom.

In my calling in the Primary Presidency, I am over Nursery, Sunbeams and Scouts. I do want the Nursery People (Walkers and Eagars) to know I THANK them for what they do. The TWO most important callings in the whole ward are 1) Nursery and 2) Sunbeams. If children don't get that sense of security and stability in Nursery and then Sunbeams, they really struggle. My Sunbeam teachers are Jane Finch and Megan Hamblin. Once again, THANK YOU for being there every week.

I am thankful for my Scout people - Linda Eagar, Becky Crosby, Kathy Koin and Whitney LeSueur. I know absolutely zilch about scouting and thank goodness we have people willing to make it good for the boys. They are cute little guys and a couple of them really tug at my heartstrings. They have good Scout leaders and good Primary teachers to help them through.

We have a new Chorister in Primary, Brother Kyle Smith and the kids LOVE him! He has always wanted to be the Primary Chorister and by cracky we called him and he teaches the children so much about the gospel while teaching them their songs. Today he did a train whistle "toot, toot" followed by the "shhhhhhh" and had the kids totally quiet. They were so in to doing what he asked them to do and it was so much fun to watch. I had sharing time that bombed, because of my lack of spirit and almost lack of preparation. The thing I have found this week, is that you don't have two minutes to call your own. While I apologize for the bomb in Sharing Time, the most important calling I had this week, being Grandma to Kamryn and Trentin was never half-done. My rationalization is that I don't always bomb in Primary, but this week Kamryn and Trentin's needs over-rode every other thing I did or didn't do.

Yesterday I was in charge of our Primary Activity Day. We have had an Article of Faith challenge going since May. We challenged the Sunbeams to learn 3 Articles of Faith; the 5 - 8 year olds to learn 6 Articles of Faith and the 8 and Up to learn all 13. Little Skyler Willis, one of our cute Sunbeams has learned 2 and almost has his 3rd. He will have it by next week and I will still give him his award. He has earned it! Emily Willis and Daniel Pena both learned 6 Articles of Faith and then we had Makenli Haws, Janelle Pena, DJ Bigelow, Caleb Willis, Katie Bigelow, Chanelle Pena and Lauren Willis learn all 13! Leaders meeting the challenge were Amie Bigelow, Jodi Brown, Suzanne Willis, Becky Crosby, Denise Harris, and Stephen Pena. The reward...
an Ice Cream Sundae Party. Every person got a bowl with one scoop of ice cream. If you learned two articles of faith you got to put two more toppings on your ice cream and the kids had a ball. Lauren Willis got six scoops of ice cream and 7 toppings! I gave candy bars with Big 3 for the Sunbeams; Big 6 for the younger children and Big 13 for older children and leaders. The kids had a lot of fun. Today I took candy bars to all of the children to reward them for their efforts. I am so proud of them and have learned so much from them. I have loved being in Primary for the past 8 months. How did I do? 7...lack of effort on my part.

Life does get hard and we all have to have accountability for choices we make or don't make. Sometimes they bite us in the butt and sometimes we barely get by. I hope that I make a conscious effort to make better choices, because every choice I make affects someone else.

I love all of you and hope that you all have a good week.

August 9, 1956

2009-08-09T18:44:00.007-07:00

Well, wasn't my little world turned upside down on that day 53 years ago? That's when Lynn was born. Now I'm guessing I wasn't the happy camper that everyone thought that I should be - come on, the world DID revolve around me and all of a sudden I have to share with a baby. Everybody knows babies get ALL the attention - WHAT were they thinking, bringing him home? We were 19 months apart and really did get along pretty good until he was home for about 2 hours. Then HE became the MEANEST little *#%! on earth. I ALWAYS played trucks with him. I ALWAYS played at the creek with the boys. When it was time to play dolls... that little (#*$ would hang them in trees, pull their heads off - you name it. The boys ALWAYS cheated - I got one or two strikes and I was out - they got however many they wanted. Needless to say, I got tough and I got mean. I could take care of myself, thanks in a big way to Lynn.

We used to get in some pretty mean fights and I could hit with the best of them. I wasn't much of a screamer or pincher, just down right knock his block off. When we were still quite little, he pestered me until I could not take another second, hit him in the head with a pop can (they used to have the rims on them like vegetable cans and had to be opened with the "church key" can openers) and lucky me, I cut his head open and we had to go to town for stitches. I didn't get in trouble, I didn't deserve to get in trouble. I will always remember going to town for stitches.

That kid probably got a spanking a day for the first five years of his life and I say he never got one he didn't deserve and probably didn't get as many as he needed. He tested my mom's patience to no end. The warning of "don't go to the creek" was NEVER heeded - thus a spanking with a willow or a flyswatter, or a belt or her hand. Man it didn't take me long to figure out NO meant NO. The warning of "don't run off" was NEVER heeded - thus a spanking. My mom got to be a pretty good shot with rocks - Lynn thought he could out run her when he was in trouble so he wouldn't get a spanking - she nailed him with a rock. He says he was abused.

We got closer when we were getting in/out of High School. When we were all first married, we used to go bowling or to pizza or the movies or out on the mountain all of the time. Then one day kids started coming along and it was harder to go and do.

I've always known if I really needed something, all I had to do was call. Lynn has had some rough times over the past ten years and this spring he was almost killed in an ATV wreck. That really shook me up - the thought of losing my brother was too real and too close. I do LOVE Lynn. He is a grouch and has a soft heart. He has a witty sense of humor. He sometimes has a lot of patience and other times explodes like a bomb. He loves animals and has quite a zoo going down in Morenci. He is a hard worker and a hard player. He learned something that my dad never learned - how to play. He has spent countless hours hunting and fishing and wood hauling with his family. He spent countless hours involved with Little League when his kids were little.

He loves his kids and his family. I hope he had a Happy Birthday, Love you.

Skunked!

2009-08-05T07:37:00.006-07:00

I'm working on some ATV trail stuff last night, trying to finish so I can go to bed. Sadie is insistent she needs out, so I let her out. I am just finishing my work when I smell skunk. I open the back door and it is STRONG...I call for Sadie and I can tell by the way she is snorting and sniffing she's got a snoot full. DAMNED DOG...I make her come in and start the bath and she starts freaking out because she HATES baths. Chasing her through the house and calling her a *%#$&( brings Tad out of his room. I just about have her cornered when she sees Tad's door open and guess who jumps up on his bed? Cussing a little louder now and threatening her life, I finally get her in the tub and we start washing skunk off. During the chase, I kicked her butt once and grabbed a plastic clothes hanger and gave her a couple of whacks. Sadie is MAD at me but endures the bath. At about midnight I crawl into bed thinking I'm too old for this crap.

This morning Sadie looks at me and walks off. I talk to her and she ignores me. She plays with Ali all around me but totally gives me the cold shoulder. She still has a very faint skunk smell around her mouth so I'm thinking vanilla mouth wash for her. When I'm done with that she's really gonna be pissed.

My dilemma for the day...do I set a trap or do I just get the 22 out and take this little stinker out? He's been in the neighborhood for the past month and frankly, I'm ready for him to be somewhere else, like skunk heaven. (IF there is a skunk heaven). Besides I don't want him thinking this is a nice neighborhood, let's move the family in...

I noticed Tad skipped his early morning shower this morning (probably because I didn't scrub the bathroom at midnight) and maybe he's worried he'll smell like a skunk AFTER his shower, oh who knows.

I rode to Curves with Darlene this morning and she didn't mention "skunk" odor...maybe I didn't get any on me when I wrestled Sadie down and I mean physically wrestled her down. I smelled skunk at the front fence this morning, I'm hoping that means the skunk was outside the fence and not in the yard. Maybe I'll go out tonight and see if he's on the street and do a hit and run...

Got to get off my butt and scrub the bathroom, now doesn't that sound like fun when it's gonna be another hot one here today?

Hope you all have a good day.

Home Again

2009-07-31T10:03:00.002-07:00

After spending 8 days in the Valley I am home again. Glad to be here in some ways and sad to leave Jenna and the kids. Gunnar was so sad when Jenna told him I had to go home yesterday. I felt so bad. He wanted to come home with Mo Mo Sadie. I wish that he could have.

From the looks of things, it's been hot and DRY! My yard looks like the gypsies have moved in. I bet Brother Stroud is thinking "what's up across the street?" I know when you look at his yard and then across the street to my yard it's like the grass is greener on the other side of the street.

Kamryn was glad to see her grandma yesterday. I was glad to see her, too. She stayed and played and then we went to get a drink at Sonic. I love being a grandma, it truly is one of the greatest blessings of my life. I always felt/feel so inadequate as a mother and want more than anything to be a good grandma that my grandkids love to be around.

When I saw Trentin yesterday evening he was so cute...that kid has the BIGGEST sweetest smiles ever, he just melts your heart.

Bailey boo is a treasure. She doesn't take crap from ANYONE...and has the quirkiest personality ever. Jenna and Weston are gonna have their hands full with that one and I'm gonna love it.

I have FOUR of the most amazing grandkids ever. I know every Grandma feels that way. I am in total awe of them and their personalities and their spirits. They absolutely and positively make my heart hurt with LOVE.

On a really grand note...I have lost 23.8 pounds and LOVE it! Maintenance is so enlightening and I am learning so much about my body. Hope everyone else doin HCG is enjoying the journey.

I have lots to do today, but I was thinking about my kids and grandkids and here I sit on my butt at the computer.

Hope THEY all have a good day. Hope YOU all have a good day. Love to all.

Family Blessings

2009-07-26T13:38:00.002-07:00

The blessing of having a family is one that I am so grateful for. I'm in the valley until Wednesday and then I will go back home. Jenna and the kids may go with me and if they do we are going camping next weekend. She is excited to take the kids camping, I am excited they are going to be on the mountain where the kids can get outside and play.

Went to Shelbi's baptism yesterday and it was nice. Went out to Jennifer and Nate's for a cookout afterwards. It was good to see the Nicolls and Velda's families. The kids had a good time swimming and playing in the water. Gunnar and Bailey were two pooped poopsies...Gunnar fell asleep on the way home and didn't wake up until almost 7:00 this a.m.

I stayed home from church and put Bailey down for her nap. She was a little grouchy so we thought maybe a nap for her was better than a grouch at church. I baked cookies and I've never
baked cookies at low altitude before. They are a little puffy but taste good. I would have to adjust to low altitude in order to function well down here.

Hope everyone is well and having a good weekend. Love to all.

...Melts My Heart

2009-07-23T13:59:00.002-07:00

Gunnar melts my heart when he woke up this morning and realized he was sleeping with Mo Mo Sadie, looks over at me and gives me a HUGE smile.

Bailey melts my heart when I was sitting on the couch watching Secret Agent Oso with Gunnar and she crowds in as close as she can get and sits by me. When she realizes I am watching her every move and reach down to rub her little back, she watches my every move.

Gunnar melts my heart when we are laying in bed playing with the dinosaurs and I am the sharp tooth and he is Little Foot and he makes an earth shake and sharp tooth falls into the earth shake and he laughs.

Bailey melts my heart when she tells me to sit down on the couch so she can sit on my lap and run her hand down my shirt and feel for my garments.

Gunnar melts my heart when he tells me about playing at Kamryn's house and that she has a swide and he helped Trentin swing so very high. He loves his cousins.

Bailey melts my heart when she watches my every move and interacts with this crazy lady that Gunnar seems to be crazy about and she isn't exactly sure why.

I'm here to baby sit - Jenna started a new job today and she didn't have anyone to baby sit so 4 hours later, here's Mo Mo Sadie to the rescue! Didn't have this trip planned but hey, I'm glad I could come and help out. Really glad to spend the time with Gunnar and Bailey. It is too bad they live 4 hours away, but I really appreciate every minute I get to spend with them.

I wish that I could have brought Kamryn and Trentin...they would all have fun together. Sure is a lot of work to have all of them together, but they all love each other and that is the most important thing.

LOVE is the most IMPORTANT thing we have to give...love to all of you.

Sunday Again

2009-07-19T07:30:00.002-07:00

Where does time go? Last week is a blur and I don't know why. Went to Olive Rothlisberger's funeral on Wednesday...she is Daddy's first cousin. Her mother was my Grandpa Rogers' only sister. Grandpa (Floyd) was the oldest then Noble, Leona, Albert and Tom. From the Rogers family I am related to Noble's posterity (Hazel Donaldson); Leona's (Leona Looker Rogers); Albert's (Farrah Jaramillo) and Tom's (Merrilea McBride). "What a tangled web we weave when we first practice to conceive..." I read that quote once and it makes sense.

We had Primary Activity Day on Friday...a big birthday party for everybody. Jodi planned water games and the kids had a ball. They ate cupcakes and ice cream until they couldn't hold any more and played water balloon toss and relays until they were pooped. It was fun and the kids kind of grow on ya.

Tad and I went to the movie and dinner with Kaylinn & Ronnie on Friday night. We went to see "The Proposal" cute chick flick but Tad and Ronnie enjoyed it too.

I'm on maintenance on my diet and trying to manage 2 pounds. I lost 19.4 pounds through the protocol and down to 21. The 19.4 to 21 is the pounds I am trying to manage. One day it drops the next it crawls up...interesting but I am learning a lot.

April is in Missouri and I am going to have Nursery today. Not sure this is the calling for me, but who knows. I love the Sunbeams in my primary and Janie and Megan do such a good job with them.

Went on a quad ride yesterday - Slaughter Circle. Hank and I rode from my house to Big Lake and then the actual ride. Went to PS lookout; PS Ranch and back to Big Lake and home. My carburetor is sticking and I was leaking gas so we bailed a little early to get me back home. The mountain close to the res is gorgeous. WE NEED RAIN! The roads are being beat to death by cars and the dust is horrible. There were campsites under every tree on the mountain - I want to go camping.

I've been so trashy here at home...my yard is dry and the grass needs to be mowed. Maybe tomorrow...

A Day of Memories

2009-07-12T17:48:00.004-07:00

On Thursday, Darlene and I went to the graveside service of Bobbie Ashcroft Bowdoin. Although we didn't know her well, we knew some of her family quite well. As we were driving to the cemetary, Darlene told me that Darwin Slade had passed away on Wednesday. I thought of Darwin's family and of yet another family, the family of Tracy Miles Pulsipher who was mourning Tracy's death.

Darwin Slade was my 7th grade teacher at the Springerville Elementary School and he called me "Blondie". I know that every year he had a "blondie" but for that year, I was "Blondie". I remember memorizing the preamble to the Constitution with Mr. Slade's encouragement. I remember his patience with the kids that needed extra attention. I remember, too, him teaching Math. I think now, Math was probably an easy subject for him and he tried to help us learn little secrets of math. Math wasn't my best subject but he never made me feel dumb when I didn't get it the first time through. His daughter, Paula, and I went to school from 5th grade all the way through High School. We were good friends and always visited when we ran into each other. Paula has done quite well - she is the Paula Kraemer from Creating Keepsakes - VP of Events. Darwin and Ethel were scrapbooking their lives and the lives of their children. His service on Saturday was so good. Elder W. Douglas Shumway of the 2nd Quorum of the 70 (my former Bishop) spoke and his talk was so good. I felt so very blessed yesterday as I recalled with fondness the association of both these good men.

Earlier on Saturday, Darlene and I attended the funeral service for Tracy Pulsipher. Although I didn't know her well, I have known her mother, Patty since I was in 5th grade. When I worked for the schools, Patty was the custodian at the Primary School and then later at the Intermediate School. Tracy who died suddenly, left five children, ranging in age from 10 to 20, and her husband, David. Her father died a few years back and I thought of Patty now losing her only child, her best friend and I was so sad. Amy Smith spoke at Tracy's funeral and she gave one of the most uplifting, touching talks I have heard in a long while and when I spoke with Tracy's Aunt Patsy today, she said she just couldn't believe how nice the service was.

I thought a lot yesterday and last evening of the messages of hope, of comfort and the promise of peace that comes to us in these hard times. I KNOW that the comforter, spoken of in the scriptures, the Holy Ghost, is with these families healing hearts and spirits as nothing else can.

Today I had a message to call Cindy Sanchez. Cindy is married to Ed's best friend, Ralph Sanchez. Ralph and Ed grew up together in Safford and 5 years ago Ralph was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gherig's disease). Cindy tells me that the end is near for Ralph and it broke my heart.

We had a birthday party this evening for Mickey Holliday. She would have been 87 today and Darlene was a little sad. Linda suggested yesterday that we do a birthday party in her honor and it was good. Linda, Jennie, Whitney & Austin Himes were there along with Darlene, Kristi and I. Good times with good friends.

Today was a day of memories, a day of sadness and a day of joy. We can have hope and we can have peace through the tough times. I have and I do KNOW that our Heavenly Father is always near and that HE knows each of us individually and HE cares about us and what is going on in our lives.

I hope that each of you have a good week. Remember that I love you and am thankful for the part you play in my life.

The Fourth and Other Things

2009-07-09T12:53:00.014-07:00

My last post was about my Damara who would have turned 30. I have always watched Jennifer (sorry I told your age) and Jay (Jaybird) and wondered about how things might have been different but I am at peace. Velda and I had four babies together...Jennifer & Damara; Jenna & Emily; Tad & Michael and Cord & Maggie. Lynn & I had two together; Damara & Jay and Maggie & Keith. Nola and I had Sarah & Jenna together and Valerie & Maggie. Wade & Nancy got up to speed with Stuart & Maggie the same year. Boy we were busy little mamas and daddies back then. Bottom line, our kids have cousins the same age on one or both sides of the family. Pretty cool.

Well, I had a funderful 4th. Jenna and the kids came home with me after my dr. appt on Wednesday and we had a lot of fun. We took the kids to the park on Thursday morning and they LOVED it! Gunnar loves Mo Mo Sadie's little kid park. We took Kamryn and Trentin with us and it was a zoo with all four kids but so much fun for them. Jenna and I had a brain fart and decided to take them to Short Stop for a corn dog and drink and eat in the store. Well, that was too much distraction and they hardly ate a thing and just about drove Jenna and I over the edge.

Thursday afternoon, Jenna and I sat up tables and decorations for Ronnie & Kaylin's wedding. Yes they finally married after six or seven years. I hope they have a happy marriage. We were a little disappointed they didn't use Jenna's wedding planning services but after the rain came down we were equally as glad we didn't have a ton to clean up.

Jenna's class held their 10 year reunion on Friday night and she was so excited to go and see her old friends. Some she hasn't seen since graduation and when she and Weston got home Friday night she was so glad she went. She and Weston and Nate and Emily went on a night quad ride. I think she had a good weekend. We took the kids back to the park on Friday morning and Gunnar said again he loved Mo Mo Sadie's park. After the park we brought them home and let them race boats down the ditch. That was so fun and all four kids were soaked from head to toe but still wanting to play in the water the next stop was the bathtub...

Saturday morning I rode in the parade with the ATV Club. Holy Crap! I have never seen so many people in Eagar. There were so many people and little kids that the parade was single file until the Eagar Laundromat - I brought candy for the kids to throw but with the huge crowds, we didn't have enough. That was too bad. In Springerville there was still a ton of people but not nearly as many and certainly not as many kids. The parade was awesome from all reports!

We went to mom and dad's for a bbq after the parade. It was fun to eat and chill out. The kids were all hot and tired so it didn't take long before we were all heading places to put kids down for naps. Kamryn and Gunnar spent most of the weekend naked...playing in the water in my back yard they would shuck their clothes in a heart beat. The jumped on the trampoline and played in the water until they were exhausted.

Jenna and Weston left on Sunday evening. It was late and all of a sudden it was so quiet in my house. I love every crazy minute they are here and then the sudden silence is always so sad. I love my grand babies and hope they love coming to Mo mo's. Thanks, Jenna for baking and decorating cookies with Gunnar and Kamryn. They had a ball and the critics raved about the good cookies :o)

I have posted random pictures - they tell the story of love...for each other, for a good time, for their Aunts and Uncles and for Tad's jack russell puppy, Ali - short for aligator. Gunnar loved her. So here's the story of our fourth in pictures. Hope you all had a good one. Love you all.

Thirty Years Ago Today...

2009-07-03T16:44:00.005-07:00

Thirty years ago today Damara Kristine Allred was born. Weighing in at 5# 9 oz. she was perfect in every way. Lots of dark hair and her dad's eyebrows. (She would have hated them growing up) Our first baby after waiting a five years, two and 1/2 months - I was thrilled to finally be a mother.

On the morning of the 4th, they brought her in after a fresh bath and she had the standard issue hospital long sleeve t shirt and a diaper on. She had a curl in her hair and she smelled like heaven. She was so alert. As I was dressing her to take her home, I noticed she got stiff, and groaned a little, maybe like her little belly was hurting. We took her home and while everyone was out celebrating the 4th I was in awe of this little angel. She got stiff and groaned a couple more times and I told my mom there was something wrong and insisted we take her back to the hospital. I will never forget knowing as we drove back up to the hospital that I would never take her home again. Dr. Erhart was called in and she was having what they called a seizure...he was going to do a spinal tap to check for meningitis. He called Good Sam neo-natal unit and was advised to fly her out. A plane was ordered and it seemed like my world was coming to an end. It seemed like forever for the plane to get here and then when it did, we had to wait for the ambulance to come in from Alpine with a heart attack victim. The flight nurse and pilot were talking with the dr. and everyone else but me, they determined that Don would fly with her. The pilot looked over and asked who I was and when they told him the mother, he said that I would fly up front with him. When we got the go to get Damara on the ambulance to fly her out, it was getting late enough that people were lining up to watch the fireworks. As we flew that night, we could see fireworks all over the state. I didn't know what was going on in the back and it seemed like a long flight. Don said that they had to change the oxygen once before we landed and they only had enough to get her to the hospital. The ambulance ride in the valley was one heck of a ride. People were not pulling over to give the ambulance the right of way and the driver was using his loud speaker to get their attention. Needless to say by the time we got to the hospital I was more than a little stressed. Damara ran out of oxygen in the elevator at St. Joseph's on the way up to the nicu. They kept her going and then she was whisked off by a team of dr. and nurses. At 11:30 or so, a dr. came out and said that she was stable and that we needed to go somewhere and get some rest. They said that based on inital observations her chances were at least 50/50. Don said he felt lucky. I still remembered knowing that I would not be taking her home.

The morning of the 5th, Farrell and Mary took us to breakfast before we went to the hospital. I couldn't eat a bite, I just wanted to be at the hospital. When we got there my mom and dad were robed and in with her. The nurse took Don and I in, robed us up and then scrubbed us from the neck down. She said that we would not be able to hold her, but that we could talk to her and we could stroke her body. The second before I was allowed in I broke down and cried my broken heart out but somehow pulled it together to go and be with her. When I said her name, she started looking for me and the nurse said she knows you are here. I stroked her little body and talked to her for the 15 minutes we were allowed and then we went to find a motel close to the hospital. The next two days were full of ups and downs. There would be some good news followed by another set back. The drs. told us that they had seen 12 cases like hers in the past year and there was a 50% mortality rate. Not good odds. For the life of me I could never recall them telling us exactly what it was that she had. Cause of death on her death certificate states Group B Beta Strep. On the morning of the 7th, we woke up and Don said he felt like it was a good day. He called the hospital and they told him that Damara had just passed away. I never quite understood his optimism, but I certainly didn't try to dash it. I just knew what I knew and I have always been thankful for the very strong messages that I got through out that time, I knew for a certainty that Heavenly Father knew what would be happening and that he would bless us to get through it.

Thirty years later, I still know that Heavenly Father allowed us the blessing of having our perfect little spirit here for only four short days. I hope to have the blessing of raising her in the eternities. I love her, I am thankful for the things I learned in those short days. That is when I finally knew that I have a testimony of my Heavenly Father and of his son Jesus Christ and that we are never alone, never forgotten. I know that they mourn when we mourn and laugh when we laugh.

My regret...I never got a picture of her. I will never forget what she looked like, and I will never forget her sounds or her smell. If I close my eyes and think about it, it all comes back. The hurt has gone and in its place a sweet feeling of gratitude for those four short days.

It's Here..It's Here...Summer's Finally Here!

2009-06-22T21:22:00.004-07:00

After all of the griping and complaining about the d($*ed wind, this afternoon was a true June summer day and if I could (physically) I'd turn a cartwheel. I am so excited. You'd think I'm a farmer or something the way the weather has affected me this past month. Back to the cartwheel, I never could turn one of those things, my legs were too darned long...

Yesterday was Father's Day and I had sharing time in Primary. The kids were wound up a little tight but thank goodness it's over for another month. Last night we had dinner at Nola's. They fixed red and green enchiladas, beans, spanish rice and guacamole. I LOVE all of those but I am on a diet and I DIDN'T cheat! I am determined to make 15 pounds in three weeks. I am so close I couldn't blow it so when I am on maintenance, I will once again have a REASONABLE amount of the things I love. I have never done Phase 3 of any diet, EVER...and I am DETERMINED to make it this time.

My dad, Robert Hank Rogers, was born on March 19, 1933. The fifth of six boys and the sixth of seven children born to Floyd and Zola Rogers. Raised in Nutrioso, daddy grew up knowing how to work. His dad died when he was 14, much too young to lose his dad. Daddy is very talented - he can play just about any kind of musical instrument, all by ear. He can't read a note. Left handed, he played the guitar right handed like the rest of us. He is a talented wood worker. He built the first home that he and mama lived in in Nutrioso. After we moved to town, he added a new living room, dining room and kitchen onto the little house we lived in. Daddy worked hard every day of his life. He has a beautiful little garden (did I say little...) it's a big garden and his pride and joy. He loves knowing that the grandkids are so excited to have some of his fresh vegetables and this year planted five extra rows of corn for those that want it.

Daddy always has a project of some kind going. He has worked this spring and summer irrigating for Wink Crigler. He's getting crippled up with arthritis, losing most of the sight in one eye due to a torn cataract that can't be corrected, and after all of the years using air wrenches, his hearing is going too. The other day he was getting ready to set the water up at Uncle Rennie's when he stumbled onto a couple of rattlesnakes. Dad said he could hear them but didn't see them for a minute...worries me because of his impaired vision.

Daddy is close to Uncle Richard - they talk on the phone EVERY day. Uncle Leo will be 89 in July and I had the horrible thought the other day that one of these days my uncles will be gone and it made me sad. They are getting up in years and it is inevitible.

I love my dad and I love visiting with him. I love working with him. He has lots of wisdom to share, hopefully I have the wisdom to listen to him. I love you dad.

Hate the Wind... but I've lost 11 pounds (not wind related)

2009-06-14T14:01:00.005-07:00

We are now starting our third week of wind here and I am getting pi*$ed! Look how dry my grass is getting ... and you can't water when the wind is blowing so hard - it ends up in Concho or somewhere else anywhere but where you want it. I'm TIRED of the wind, TIRED of the cold. I WANT June, you know those beautiful days that slowly warm to hot to bring the monsoons on?...yah, those.

On another note, Hank, Debbie and I started the HCG diet on Thursday the 4th. Thursday and Friday were the "load" days and Saturday we started the 500 calorie diet. I am EXCITED to say that as of this morning I've lost 11 pounds! It isn't the easiest thing to do, I mean have you ever seen me without a coke in my hand? But it is soooo worth it! Hopefully really soon you will notice that you are seeing less of me :o)

We had a good church today...speakers were all good speaking on Forgiveness. That's something I need to work on once in a while. Most of the time it is easy for me, other times it isn't. Doesn't matter what it is, we are commanded to forgive 70x7...Linda reminded us that it is Flag Day today, I had forgotten especially since the scouts didn't put flags up this morning.

Darlene's mother Mickey Holliday passed away on Thursday and her funeral is in the morning. Darlene has been such a sweet friend and I am so sorry for her loss. We took her mother to Taylor the Monday before Memorial Day so she could put flowers on her family's graves. Who knew that in less than a month we would be going back for Mickey to be placed there with her family. I've "known" the Hollidays forever. My Grandpa Gilliam and Uncles Ray, Bobby and Dennis all cut logs for Ira Holliday back in the day when logging was big business here. Now the mill is running again and I am thrilled when I hear the machinery working across the way. Somebody has a job and once in a while I get a whiff of new saw dust and it takes me back to my childhood.

Hope all is well with everyone. Have a good week and pray that the wind quits blowing before Mo Mo Sadie goes postal!

Dang Wind

2009-06-09T10:10:00.003-07:00

What happened to summer? I have a complaint to lodge...in May we had those awesome rains that have been followed by WIND. Ugh! My grass was so green and pretty and now I can't keep enough water on it. Every day the wind blows and blows and blows and now everything is dead dry again.

This week due to the wind, I guess I'll just keep working inside and let the outside go. Please tell me the wind is gonna stop and we will have our beautiful June days again.

Not much going on here, just grumpy because of the wind. Hope all is well with everyone - love ya.

June Is Here

2009-06-02T11:06:00.007-07:00

The last part of May was amazing. It rained almost every day and my yard is looking pretty dang good and the best part of all...I didn't have to give the Town of Eagar an arm and a leg to get it looking so good. THANK YOU, Heavenly Father!

Ed was here for the weekend and we were pretty busy doing a lot of nothing. Did get my yard work done before he got home and we got the rest of the stuff out of Brother Stroud's garage and now I'm going to tackle cleaning out my garage, deep cleaning my house, start a diet, finish painting the inside of the house, day dream about all of the projects I would do if I had two nickels to rub together :o)

Kamryn at the Tea Party at Velda's - she had a ball!

Trentin out in Velda's yard.

Gunnar and Maddie at Grandma Mary's going to Minnesota for the summer party.

Bailey at Grandma Mary's going to Minnesota for the summer party.

Now I know I'm a typical grandma, but honestly aren't these four of the cutest kids? I LOVE each of them "a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck". Love Mo Mo Sadie :o)

(Thanks, Caroline for the pics)

Yesterday Troy and Maggie drove to Buckhorn to look at a car that was for sale...I rode with them and it was a quick trip, too quick for Trentin who screamed most of the way home. What a beautiful sound of a baby sleeping...

I've dug a flower bed on the south side of my house and have to finish the west side and get my perenials in there. I'm trying to get perenials in most of the flower beds so that they are pretty much maintenance free. I LOVE flowers and gardening. I dug out my grow tires and am planting tomatoes this afternoon.

I'm on a roll and it feels good. I took a quick break and now I'm playing on the computer - not real productive but slowly but surely I'm getting things done around here.

Hope everyone is ok - love to all.

The Party

2009-05-27T07:44:00.011-07:00

Maggie had a birthday party for Kamryn last night. She made green chili chicken enchiladas and had Sarah do a Scooby Do cake. I had an ATV meeting at 6:00 and we finished up at about 6:35 and I raced to Maggie's to be there for the fun.

Kamryn yelled out the door while I was trying to get in the gate "it's my birthday, mo mo sadie" and I said "what?" "it's my birthday, mo mo sadie"..."are you sure?" "yes" Her mama was just pulling the enchiladas out of the oven and we were all starving. Kamryn insisted she was having cake for dinner and did! Trentin had some, too. He had blue icing from the top of his head to the tips of his toes. While Uncle Tad, Aunt Kara, mo mo Sadie, mama and daddy all ate enchiladas, Kamryn and Trentin enjoyed their dinner of cake (mostly icing). Try as we might, we couldn't get them to eat anything else. Troy said that was ok, it was probably better than McDonalds that they somtimes have :o)

Kamryn got a couple of baby dolls, a sleeping bag, a batman car, some money from Grandpa Buzzy and clothes and pajamas from mo mo sadie and Ed. She made out like a bandit and was fun to watch her open the presents. Instead of blowing out, she was sucking in for blowing out the candle, took her a minute to get the job done. She had a gread day and it was fun watching her and knowing for that time, it was all about her.

Baby Mine

2009-05-26T09:51:00.005-07:00

Today is Kamryn's 3rd birthday. It doesn't seem possible that she has been here that long. I had the privilege and honor of watching her be born and seeing Troy and Maggie both cry with great love as they looked at this tiny, perfect little baby.

I have had the privilege and honor of being her "amma" for 2 1/2 years and "mo mo Sadie" for the last few months.

First Birthday....2nd Birthday

I have watched her grow, and learn and have been in awe of this special spirit that has wrapped her tiny fist around my heart. She is a talker and loves to talk on the phone. She is witty and smart and a girly girl and a tom boy and a sassy little thing. She loves her mother and her daddy and her brother, Trentin, sometimes known as "Robin". She is into Batman, Robin, Scooby Do, and Land Before Time.

She loves to be read to. Not one story book but EVERY story book. She loves to sing "Jesus Wants Me For A Sunbeam" and belts it out loud. She loves to go shopping with Ed - his cart always has some unexpected extras in it. She loves to jump on the trampoline.

She loves to spend the night - and she loves her family. When we say prayers, we mention everyone and the dogs, too. She is a good eater and likes to go for treats to Sonic, "Gairy Keen" or "Gonalds."

She has the most beautiful blue eyes and the wildest hair. Her head is sensitive like Maggie's so she hates to have the tangles taken out. She loves water - doesn't matter that she just got out of the tub or shower, if you are in, she's in! (That one worries Uncle Tad). He locks the bathroom door and she used to get down on her belly and peek under the door - someone was running water and she wasn't in it. She's eaten her share of dog food and drank out of the dog water bucket and probably all kind of stuff we don't want to know (toilet??)

She is sweet and I am so glad I am her grandma - her "mo mo sadie". Happy Birthday, sweetheart!

I'm A Winner?

2009-05-26T09:39:00.002-07:00

Several months ago I was on 2 Peas and there was this message board post from a lady about a snake...as I read it I was rolling on the floor and I wondered could this person be real. Before I knew it she had a blog and had some of the funniest stories I have ever read. I responded to her blog and told her she made my day. Once in a while we blog stalk each other and most recently she posted about her dear sister having cancer. Reading that post was sad and I responded once again to offer encouragement to Ava Jo.

Yesterday her post was about ecostore products and I responded and today on my blog I have a note that I am a winner! WOW! I'm never a winner so this is fun. Shot of my email to
Ava Jo quickly, cause if you snooze, you lose.

If you ever have a minute, click the Ava Jo link on my blog and read her older posts - she is a hoot and lifts you with her insane stories "tales from the funny farm".

Thanks Ava Jo and I hope this is a good day for you.

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T11:18:00.004-07:00

Today is Memorial Day. I think of being little and living in Nutrioso and my Grandma Rogers cutting lilacs and iris and putting them in a jar or vase and us taking them across the road to Grandpa's grave. Taking care of the graves on Memorial Day was a big thing in both families as I grew up. We were taught that you don't walk on the graves, that you are respectful of the graves. You pulled weeds and took all faded flowers off the grave and then put on new fresh flowers to honor your loved ones.

The Rogers family has our own cemetary next to Uncle Richard's place in Nutrioso that was started in 1947 when Grandpa Rogers died when daddy was a boy of 14 years. The next person buried there was Grandpa's younger brother, Albert who died just a few days after I was born in 1955. It is there that my Uncle Jimmy was buried when I was 9; Charlene & Steve's still-born baby was buried there when I was still in high school and then in 1979 I buried my own Damara there. Don and I made her head stone from a sand stone rock we found "across the hill" close to the Nutrioso saw mill. He was so proud of that headstone and it looked nice. It is starting to wear some now, and one day I will have to buy a real head stone to put there. Tad wants her sand stone head stone left there until there is nothing left. In 1981 my Aunt Lela was next to be buried there, then in 1984 my Grandma. In 1989 Shawn McCall, Don in 1996, then in 2002 Aunt Marie and most recently, Kaelsy and Steven in 2005. Our family cemetary is a little spot of sacred ground that holds the earthly remains and pieces of our hearts forever more. I love the view to the north east - first the green fields and then Escudilla.
This is where one day, I will be buried, too.

Down below (north of) Nutrioso, out on a flat little spot across Nutrioso Creek is the Nutrioso Cemetary. That is where my great grandma (1907) and great grandpa (1942) Sharp are buried, some Sharp cousins, some Hamblin and Mangum relatives. That is where in 1952, mama's 17 year old brother, Ralph, was buried. In 1964, "Papa", my great grandfather Stover was buried there and in 1977 Donnie & Ginger's Daniel Gilliam was buried there. My Uncle Ray died in 1984 and then Grandpa in 1998 and Grandma in 1998 and Aunt Elaine in 2006.

It may seem odd, that I have dates but this is what I was taught growing up, we knew our family members. We called uncles and aunts "uncle" or "aunt". I had the blessing of growing up with my Grandma Rogers, my Grandma and Grandpa Gilliam, my great grandmother "Nary" Stover and of knowing briefly, my great grandma Sarah Gilliam and great grandpa "Papa" Stover. Family was and is important to my relatives on both sides. We wept with those the wept and we mourned with those that mourned. I remember when Damara passed away, my hard working uncles and aunts all coming to her graveside service, offering love and peace and security to a young mother who just lost her first born baby girl. I remember those same uncles and aunts coming to Don's funeral and/or graveside service and again offering a grieving little family love, peace and security. I in turn have made an effort to give back what I have been given.

Those two sacred pieces of ground are and will always be a part of who I am. I miss my family members that I knew. I anxiously await the time to meet those I did not.

I hope that after I am gone, my kids will continue to take care of the graves, not just "ours" but of all of their ancestors. I hope they teach and tell their children about the good, honest, hard-working men and women that rest there. I hope they loving tell their children about their grandpa Don, and instill in them the desire to get to know about the four short days of their Aunt Damara's life. I want the grandkids to remember being young and taking flowers to the graves.

Today, mama and I went and put flowers on the graves. It rained, it hailed and then it let up long enough for us to jump and run to the graves. I didn't get to spend the time there I wanted and needed because of the rain, but I am so glad we went. Listening to mama as we drove, she misses her mama and daddy. She loved her brother, Ralph and misses him. She misses Uncle Ray and Aunt Elaine. She is proud of Papa's veteran service during World War 1; a bright new flag was placed at his headstone and waved freely in the breeze. She is happy that the people that bought Grandpa and Grandma's place in Eagar love it and are keeping it up. She said it didn't seem possible that Damara has been gone almost 30 years and Don almost 13 years.

Today I love my mama and my daddy and am so glad that they taught me well in my youth. I am thankful today for the opportunity to visit the graves of family members and think of them. I am grateful today for men and women throughout the world that have made the ultimate sacrifice of their own lives in helping to give others what we have here in America - freedom. Freedom is not free and hopefully I remember this often.

Hope all is well for all of you. Love to all.

Is Norma Still Alive?

2009-05-24T16:05:00.007-07:00

On Saturday morning, I drove home from Buckhorn after spending a couple of days down there with Ed. I had just gotten home when Velda and Caroline drive up to make arrangements for a quad ride. I showered while they got their stuff together and then Velda, Tristan, Grandma Mary, Caroline, Maddie and I went on a ride. We went up the Saffell Canyon trail to the top and had a little lunch and Caroline took lots of pictures (hopefully she will send some). While we were there resting and visiting, Dale Goodman's name came up and Mary asked, "is Norma still alive?" Velda answered yes and in a few minutes she asked again, "is Norma still alive?" We all laughed when Velda said "that's twice mom". After a while as this was now a joke, when Mary asked for a third time, "is Norma still alive?" I answered as I looked at my watch, "she was 10 minutes ago." We all busted a gut and had a great time. Tristan had the IMPORTANT job of driving Grandma Mary and I must say that he did a great job. Dang Caroline brought only ONE diet coke and Grandma was ready to fight her for it. Now when I recognized she (Caroline) has a Canon Digital Rebel camera, I said "s*>%" and was ready to fight her for the camera. Is is terrible, really, to long for someone else's camera?
The forest smelled like heaven. We beat/missed the rain so that our ride was perfect! When we got back to my house, I took Caroline and Maddie down to see Larry Nicoll's new colt and then over to see his sheep. Maddie was thrilled and most especially when I pulled some grass and she fed a horse the grass. We went to Maggie's and Maddie and Kamryn played for a short while then we took Kamryn and Trentin to Velda's to play with Tammy's girls and the kids had a ball.

Steve grilled burgers for all of us and then built a fire in the fire pit so the kids could roast marshmallows and make s'mores. Those kids played and had such a good time so that when Grandma Mary and Caroline were getting ready to go back to the Valley Kamryn and Trentin were so tired they didn't fuss about me taking them to my house and putting them in the tub.
They were tired little toots.

Grandma just called and said she had the best time. She constantly reminds us that she is 77 years old but for an "old grandma" she did great. She wasn't sore, a little hoarse for some reason but still enjoying the memories of yesterday. As she hung up, she asked once more, "Is Norma still alive?" Laughing once more with Grandma Mary.

The phone rings and it's Tad. "What are you doing?" I ask. "Branding calves"...he said. "Where?" (last I saw him he had is bag and fishing pole and headed to Roosevelt to fish). "At Shaylynn's." "Harris?" I ask. "No...our cousin." "Oh...Shayla's?" "Yah." "What are you doing there?" "Branding calves..her ranch is by Joe's (Jay and Tad's friend) close to Punkin Center. Somehow they ended up helping brand calves in their flip flops. Now I would pay good money to see that! The thing that kind of choked me up was this...Tad said "Mom, I knew her without knowing her. I recognized her as family." Shayla walked up to Tad and he said, "you're my cousin - Tommy Long's sister and Shirley's daughter." She said, "you're Don's son." They haven't seen each other in close to 20 years and they knew each other. I told him that THAT was cool! Tad has been blessed to get to see a lot in this world; do a lot. He has had some real close calls and some spiritual things that make my skin tingle and yet he is out in the middle of no where and runs into family. His connections this last little bit has been on the Allred side of the family, Uncle Stan's family in particular; first with Val last month and Shirley's daughter, Shayla today. The thing I recognized both times is that it meant ALOT to Tad, I could hear it in his voice just a few minutes ago and I saw and heard it when Val was here.

I called Grandma Mary and told her this little story and she was touched as I was. She thanked me for sharing this story with her. Family is Forever is not just a motto - it is EVERYTHING!

And yes, Mary, Norma is still alive!

Whew! The Weekend is Over

2009-05-17T14:43:00.004-07:00

Ed got home Thursday night and I had been working like a maniac in the yard so we got Subway Thursday night. I worked in the yard all day again on Friday so we went to Safire for Fish Fry night (pretty good, by the way) and Saturday morning we went to breakfast with Todd and Carmen. I had the kids Thursday a.m., Thursday p.m. and Kamryn spent the night Friday night. Saturday morning I was beat. I had the kids until Saturday evening and then I had to go to the grocery store before we could eat. Ed kept teasing that I was hinting I wanted to go out again, which I wasn't. I just hadn't had a minute to get to the store. We are grilling steak and he's getting ready to go back to Buckhorn. When he leaves I'm gonna sit on my tired b*t# and do nothing. I think I'm getting old fast, and I don't know why.

We were supposed to go on a quad ride on Saturday but when I went out to start my quad on Friday, I found that somebody's granddaughter had turned the key on (two weeks ago) and the battery had literally died. No amount of jumping or charging could get it going again, so $75 bucks later I can be on the trail again. The lawn mower needed a new battery and Ed was afraid to tell me that the battery for it was only $24 (he told me it was real expensive last summer so EVERY week, I jump started the dang thing). He changed the oil in both our trucks, we just didn't get to everything we planned on because of little people but I guess some of it can wait.

The kids won't be little for very long and the definitely won't want to hang around old people in a few years so we better enjoy them while we can.

I had sharing time today and thank goodness it is over for another month. I traded with Jodi as she is out of town this weekend and I had planned on being out of town next weekend until I realized that next weekend is Memorial Day Weekend and the ATV club has volunteered to help with the pit bbq. Saw Jennifer at church today. Her boys are getting so big and are the cutest little guys ever. I don't know how she keeps up.

On Wednesday, I had Kamryn and I took her to Sonic for an apple slush. We were almost to my house and she grabs her throat and said, "mo mo sadie, my throat hurts". I quickly thought that maybe it tasted funny or something and asked, "what's wrong with it?" - her reply..."it's hungry". Later on her cute little denim shorts were falling off her skinny little butt and she looks at her backside and said "what's going on in my shorts?" hmmm...don't know what's going on in there kiddo, except that your shorts are too big. You never know what that kid is going to say, and Jenna says that Bailey boo is going to be a talker, too. Gunnar is kind of quiet but if he has something to tell you, he will talk your leg off. Trentin just grunts and you know what he wants.

Trentin is the silent type, I guess. (He gets it from his mo mo sadie)

Have a good week all, and know that I think of you often.

Mom

2009-05-10T21:03:00.004-07:00

I hate Mother's Day! Of course when you are younger, you always serve in Primary and the first class I taught was the 5 year olds. I loved those kids and still do. Well after getting married and not having a baby by the second Mother's Day, I hated going to church, you know all of those sweet little kids singing "Mother I Love You"... it took almost 5 years before we had Damara and then she passed away at four days. I was devistated and then we were married almost 7 years when Jenna was born...boom, boom, boom four babies in a little less than 5 years. Raising Jenna, Tad and Maggie was a joy, and I was so busy with them I didn't realize I hate Mother's Day. Now that I'm older, I can shout out loud, I hate Mother's Day. Who in the hell had the idea to celebrate mothers? I LOVE my mother. I just feel so bad that I don't measure up. My mother is kind and patient. My mother is a good shot (ask Lynn...she can chuck a rock and nail you when she needs to) and with Lynn there was more than one time he needed it. My mother never thought twice about warming up your behind if you needed it (I am pleased to say it didn't take me near as long to figure things out and stay out of trouble as it did my brother, Lynn) That kid must have gotten a spanking a day :o( and he never got one he didn't deserve and probably didn't get as many as he should have. Any way, back to mom. She has been there for me for everything I've ever needed. She used to sew all of my clothes, give me the Toni home permanents (before "Annie" made kinky cute) and is a super cook. My mother has worked hard with my dad for 56 years and I can call her for something and if it's in her power to do it, it is done. Nola is like that too. Why aren't I?

I failed in so many things as a mother that having a whole day to celebrate my failures isn't a fun thing to do. So today, I went to church, had a ball in Primary, came home and listened to Tad play the guitar, rocked out with Nickelback and then went to Nola's for dinner. Had a great time and celebrated my mother. I love her for all she has done for me. As I get older and she is aging and getting frail in some ways, I see my great grandmother and grandmother in her and it tugs at my heart strings. I know one of these days my mother will be gone and that will be one of the saddest days of my life. For now, I can call her, drop in and visit her, take her for a coke or just know she's there. I am so grateful for my mom. I am grateful for my family and for my kids. They are the joy of my life and I hope that they know that my failures and screw ups weren't intentional, just me trying to do the best that I could with what I had.

Hope all of you had a good day.

Busy Spring Days and Dog Poop

2009-05-06T07:13:00.002-07:00

I love the spring in RV...except windy days (so how many AREN'T)? Those few and far between perfect days when you are dying to get outside and work in the yard and KNOW better because the next wind storm undoes everything it took you three days to do. Anyhooooo knowing better and still doing it, I've been working out in the yard this week. I hate to admit I'm so out of shape that by the end of the first day I was feeling some unused muscles that were screaming "YOU IDIOT", the end of the second day found me in a bad mood (because of the out of shape, hurting, and frustration at being out of shape and hurting vicious circle) and my body was going into survival mode. It hurt to sit on the potty, it hurt to bend over and pick up the kids toys and it hurt to have Kamryn ride on my back. Do you know how lame it sounds with "grandma hurts today" on a NICE day? I got the front flower bed back under control (I let it hair over for winter to cut down on winter kill), watered the rose bushes that are sprouting out nicely after their fall pruning and started in the back yard. How in the hell does one dog poop so much? After it starts getting really cold, I don't pick up dog poop until early spring so needless to say, I had a LOT to pick up. I find that is the job NOBODY ever offers to help with, not that anybody offers to help with anything else, either, but they wouldn't do that one with a big reward at the end, my reward is having Sadie as my buddy, I guess. Hopefull by the end of the day the back yard will be in great shape and I can start watering. I HATE having to pay so much to even keep the yard alive, not lush, just alive. I'm one of those that starts praying for the monsoons in March...never too early to start.

Hope everyone else is enjoying the beauties that surround them wherever they are. I'm loving seeing all of the trees in town leafing out...my grape hyacinths were so pretty this spring, and now I have touches of green in my lawn and the best part of all is at about 5:30 or 6:00 a.m. I can hear all of the birds singing. I hear activity at the mill and I am grateful that there are people with jobs. I am grateful that in spite of the economic down turn, my kids have still found ways to survive. I am grateful that I have each of you in my life.

Have a good day at work, at play, or whatever. I love you!

Reflections

2009-04-23T09:36:00.003-07:00

Last month I got a call from Tad asking me "guess who just called me?"...my answer of I don't know brought the reply "Mike Macdowell". Boy did that bring a rush of good and sad memories. Mike and Pennie were our next door neighbors at 26- for almost eight years. During that time, Pennie's kids, Holly and Aaron became Jenna and Tad's best friends as they were all just about the same age. The kids were always together at Mike & Pennie's or our house or playing in the neighborhood. Times changed, we sold our house and moved into the BMS building where Don wanted to start a plumbing retail store to go along with his plumbing repair business. A hard move for all of us, giving up our big house to move into the upstairs of the store. The kids managed but it wasn't the same. In a short time Don would be dead and our lives forever changed. Mike and Pennie divorced and Mike moved to the Valley and then to Oklahoma. He has since remarried and has a three year old daughter, Maddie. Mike came to dinner while Jenna and Weston were up so he got to see all three kids and all four grandkids. He said in a way they felt like his grandkids. It didn't matter what was going on, if they were going somewhere or we were going somewhere or doing something, we always had all of the kids and that was so cool. Tad said if he needed his butt kicked, Mike would do it just like he would for Aaron. All of the kids knew they were loved. Mike was a good neighbor and is a good man and it was good to see him. Mike has always kept in touch with Tad and I keep in touch with Pennie and both Tad and I keep in touch with Aaron. Lots of good times and some really hard, sad times for all of us.

Saturday I got an email from Val Allred, Don's cousin. He was in the valley and heading back home to Colorado and decided to come through Springerville and wanted to know if it would be possible to get together. I emailed him back and the phone rang immediately, Val confirming he would be here on Sunday. Val was a couple of years older than Don but they were close and cared a great deal for each other. I called Tad and told him about the email and call and he made arrangements for Val at a local RV park for Sunday and Monday night. On Sunday afternoon Val and Nancy came when they got into town to visit and to see Ed. Val and Ed went to school together in Safford and lived in the same neighborhood. A small world! Val and Ed visited about old times and old friends. Ed left and went back to Buchhorn and we set a date to meet again on Monday to visit again. Val and Nancy wanted to see Velda and Wade on this visit too and drive around before heading to Santa Fe on Tuesday.

We went to dinner on Monday night and it was good to just visit with Val. A retired Glendale firefighter/paramedic who was cross-trained as S.W.A.T. he had many interesting and funny stories. Val has the Allred sense of humor and it was just good to be around he and Nancy. Val and Tad traded hunting and fishing stories, ending with the story of Val's Grandpa and Tad's Great Grandpa Milt Allred's 30/30 rifle, that belonged to Calvert Allred (Milt's father) that was made in 1910. Val owns the gun and then turned to Tad and said that when he dies, he wants Tad to have the gun. It was so touching and Tad had tears. Now the point of telling this story is that I recognize the blessings of family. I appreciate the stories of old and I want my children to feel the same and it is so important that we write our memories and stories for the generations to come.

I want for my kids to tell their kids of the good people that and memories that have helped shape their lives. I am thankful for all of my family and for my many friends. You all help shape my life and help me have a desire to be a better person. You lift me when I am down and for that I am thankful. Have a great day and know that I love you.

Traffic School, Feeding Ducks & Mud Mania

2009-04-10T08:32:00.016-07:00

I had to go to the Valley to see my arthritis Dr. on Saturday and while I've kind of been holding my own, Dr. Fairfax would like to see me in better shape because it is still quite active (so would I) but the new wonder drugs called "biomedics" cost up to thousands (NOT a typo) each month. Of course I don't have insurance coverage for that so he would like for me to go back on a trial drug and see how I do. I'm thinking about it...down side is I have to travel back and forth at least once a month and that gets expensive.

Maggie and the kids drove down with me and we spent several days with Jenna and had lots of fun. Jenna spent Saturday in defensive driving school (she supposedly didn't signal a turn in Globe and an off-duty cop said she almost caused a wreck and the STATE was going to suspend her license unless she went to traffic school) any hooo that was a bummer day for her.

On Monday Gunnar had his first swimming lesson so I went and watched it while Maggie and the kids went to Grandma Mary's then Jenna and I met her there. Gunnar did real well for most of the lesson and then he got a little scared and cried a little. He tried to be so brave, and he did everything his instructor asked him to do. We spent time at Grandma's and then went home. I had all four kids in car seats in Jenna's jeep and they all fell asleep on the way to Jenna's. Talk about a job getting four kids out of car seats without waking them up...Gunnar & Bailey, Bailey & Trentin,

Kamryn in the 3rd seat back...the girls went to the mall and to the grocery store because I was making my special chicken strips and Maggie was making Troy's favorite mashed potatoes.

Tuesday Jenna needed to pack up the last of her office to be through with work so I went and helped her for a while. As I was heading out the door on Tuesday morning, I see Gunnar with his pants dropped to his ankles, peeing on Jenna's new hibiscus plant yelling, "Jenna, I helping you"... I had my camera in my purse but missed the peeing part, this is what I caught and I said, "Gunnar, what are you doing?" He said "helping it grow..." (does it matter if it isn't water out of the hose?) At the office, Gunnar and Bailey played while Jenna and I boxed the last of the office up. Here's Bailey boo...

borrowing the line from Runaway Bride..."don't know where she's going, but she'll get there by 10:00 a.m tomorrow." It was fun watching Bailey figure out how to get into the box without falling in.

After lunch at Jack in the Box, we headed to Freestone Park to feed the ducks and ALL of the kids loved it. Jenna and Maggie were nervous with so many kids running loose around that mucky water, THANKFULLY no one fell in. I think it would have been paper, hammer, scissors to see who had to go.

After the park, the kids were hot and wanted to play in the water so Jenna turned the sprinkler on under Gunnar's trampoline. She doesn't have grass in her back yard yet so it was a MUD PUDDLE! and the kids LOVED it. It was hard to leave on Wednesday morning. Gunnar asked me to stay and it melted my heart. When we got to Show Low we let Kamryn and Trentin out to stretch and the wind was blowing a hundred miles an hour...Kamryn said "what's the wind?" as it blew her pony tails out of control. My thoughts were more along the lines of "damed wind."

Had a great time but now it's time to pick up the pieces at home. Sadie missed me and hopped around like a kangaroo. I always post a picture of Sadie on the blog, the grandkids like to look for "Sadie Sue." I guess "mo mo Sadie" stuck, even Kamryn calls me Mo Mo Sadie now. Hope all is well with all of you. Have a Happy Easter and a good spring.

Has It Really Been That Long?

2009-03-22T12:39:00.004-07:00

One day last week I had an email from Merr..."whatcha doing on Friday the 2oth? It is time for the 18th Annual Track Meet. Merr and I have worked them from the beginning - both of us missing only twice each. Both of mine were due to my dr. appt. in the Valley and once those dang things are scheduled, you don't mess with that. Anyway, I had an 8:30 meeting with Hank and Debbie on ATV stuff and needed to be at the dome by 9:00. My meeting running over a little, I called Merr who is stuck at the DO handing out payroll and she called Wes and asked him to pick up our paperwork. The first flight of 4 on the boys' discus was just ending when I got there and Amanda (Wes's wife) was manning the paperwork. Wes was measuring and shagging discs back to the participants. I started helping with the 2nd flight and I have to say that I am so impressed every year with the kids that come from everywhere to participate. We have seen just about everything in track uniform, hair styles, and jewelry but the kids are ALWAYS polite and fun to be around. The first year, Tot Workman was getting a little nervous when we would offer encouragement to the kids - heck it didn't matter to us who was who or where they went to school. If there was a good throw we cheered them on...if they just scratched or tanked completely, we cheered them on. 17 years later we still cheer them on. We've seen our meet records set and in a couple of places, seen them broken. We still remember with fondness, Brian
Bell from St. Johns, Miguel Hernandez from Bisbee and Rachelle Noble from Show Low - only to mention a few. It was a great day - NICE weather for a change and the best part is chit chatting with Merr. I've been blessed with the BEST friends and family that anyone could ask for. Each person has a special place in my heart for special reasons.

Friday night I rode to the Valley with Troy and Maggie. Here it is Sunday afternoon and I am sitting on Jenna's couch while she's at church...guess who isn't going home? I am so thankful to spend time with the kids and grandkids. Yesterday I sat on the couch and sang "Jesus Wants Me For A Sunbeam" a dozen times with Gunnar and Kamryn. (This is Kamryn's favorite song and she really belts it out) Before we ended, I had all four grandkids crawling all over me and I LOVED every minute of it. Jenna and Weston are going up next weekend - I will take a refrigerator home and she will bring her piano back. I am glad she will have it in her home and will continue taking lessons. I remember fighting with her at the end to get her to practice but then sports became her love and piano took a distant second. Five or six years ago she yelled at me about letting her quit piano because now that she is grown up she realizes the importance of the piano...oh life is a great teacher, isn't it?

I will help her paint Bailey's room this week and get the curtains hung in there. Jenna is just about finished closing out her job and will be jobless by the end of the month. There is good and bad in that. The good is that there will be less stress about working and balancing everything...the bad is there will be more stress with less money. Sometimes you just can't win.

Troy is working for Zachary at the SRP Plant in St. Johns and it is good to see him so busy and doing well again. He has been blessed to have work until a couple of months ago when it started slowing down and ended with his employer. It was tough but they hung in there and hopefully he will get a permanent job at the plant and won't have to move around.

Tad just finished his first full 8 on and started his first full 6 off with SES. He tested well and was offered a permanent position with SES at the Springerville Plant. It is less money than the mine but he has the opportunity to test for other positions and right now a job is a job.

I am grateful for the kids and that for now they are doing well. Tad is at Roosevelt fishing this weekend with Lynn (who is doing much better) and Jay. I can hardly wait for a fish fry!

Bailey just cried out in her sleep so I got her and rocked her for a minute or two. She immediately runs her hand down your shirt to fish for garments. That's her security, to feel garments. I am in awe of these for babies and their unique personalities. Gunnar and Kamryn play so well together now. They LOVE each other and enjoy each other and I am so glad that they have learned this from their mothers. Bailey and Trentin play around each other but not with each other yet. That will come in time.

I didn't plan on staying down when I came down with Troy and Maggie...I will have to wash undies every other day...and boy will I be tired of the same three shirts...

Happy Happy Birthday, Trentin Dear...

2009-03-08T16:25:00.009-07:00

I can't believe it. Trentin is one today. Where in the heck did the last year go? I spent the night at Troy & Maggie's the night before he was born so that Kamryn could sleep in her own bed and we woke up the next morning waiting for news. Velda called me that morning and we rode to Show Low together after Trentin was born to see him. Kamryn was such a pill then - she would NOT go to anyone but her mother, her daddy, Ed or me and that was it. Velda tried so hard to be of help with Kamryn but she wouldn't let her.

3 Months 6 Months 9 Months

In many ways, Trentin has been the easiest of the four babies. He has the sweetest disposition and always has a smile for everyone. He is a good eater, a good sleeper and an extra sweet cuddler. At about 6 months he reminded me of Don's baby pictures but Trentin has a little rounder face. Talk about round - he is getting to be a chunky monkey :o) He wants to do anything that Kamryn does and last Sunday he started walking. If he's in a hurry he crawls, but it is so darned cute to see him walk. I love to watch these babies growing up. Gunnar and Kamryn's personalities are a little stronger now and they will talk your leg off. It will be interesting to see what Bailey and Trentin do. It will be fun to watch them play together now that they are both walking. Hope their mama(s) have good running shoes to keep up.

This blog is about Trentin but I have to add this story...Kamryn is into Batman - the cartoon and the Dark Knight movie. She LOVES Batman "holy twisted metal, Batman". She says the joker is not nice... yesterday she was playing in my living room and she was Batman when all of a sudden she grabs Trentin and said "Come on, Robin"... we all cracked up. The point being, I think Trentin will always be Kamryn's little side kick through good or bad. Hopefully, more good.

Yes, sweetheart, Grandma loves you with all of her heart. I am so pleased to be your Grandma and I love to watch you learn and grow. Happy birthday to one very sweet One Year old! Enjoy your cake, and eat it too.

Counting Our Blessings

2009-03-07T10:53:00.004-07:00

I got a call from Keith at about 4:30 p.m. on Saturday the 28th asking if I had heard about his mom and dad to which I replied no...what's happening? He then told me that they had rolled their atv down a cliff on Eagle Creek and were both being flown by helicopter to Tucson. He was on his way from the Valley to Tucson and said that he would call me as soon as he got there. This was the first of many calls back and forth that night to help us decide whether or not that we needed to get to Tucson. Keith said that as soon as he knew anything he would let me know and so we waited and not too patiently to hear something. Keith said that first responders from Morenci were concerned with Laura having a broken pelvis, broken leg, broken ankle, plus cuts and scrapes. Lynn had internal injuries as he was bleeding from his mouth and Keith said that the first responders were quite concerned about Lynn. After his call, I called daddy and we discussed whether or not we needed to leave and I told him that as soon as Keith got to Tucson and we had an idea of what was going on we would make that decision. Daddy was having trouble with his leg and feet and said he didn't think he could travel, I told him that if they were bad enough that we needed to go, he would damn well be in the car. I'm sorry I snapped at him but I was so concerned about Lynn that our personal troubles were the last thing we needed to be thinking about. After I hung up with dad I sat and cried and prayed that Heavenly Father would watch over them and help us make the best decision. Many calls back and forth and finally about 9:30 that night Keith told me he was leaving the hospital to get Hunter settled in for the night. Both Lynn and Laura were stable and were both in trauma rooms. I asked if their injuries were life threatening and he said he didn't know but thought that we could wait until morning to make the trip if necessary and if anything at all changed he would call me. My dad called at about 8:00 a.m. Sunday and said that Jay told him that they were supposed to meet with the drs. at 9:00 or so for a status report. I went on to Church and after I got home I called and dad told me that Laura was doing ok but they were quite concerned about Lynn. He had some broken ribs and he wasn't breathing deep enough and they were trying to keep him from getting pneumonia. I called Keith Sunday afternoon and he told me that yes, they had finally been able to get Lynn and Laura priesthood blessings Saturday night. Ronnie had been trying to get them set up, I talked with Hank and he made a couple of calls and when I went to bed Saturday night I wasn't sure it was going to happen that night. Prayers were said, gratitude expressed that Lynn and Laura were alive and pleading with Heavenly Father to bless them to recover... I talked to Keith Sunday evening and he told me that Laura had just been released from the hospital but that she would stay that night with Lynn. As a family, we were trying to make arrangements for all of us to get down to see Lynn when he could have visitors so we decided to go down on Tuesday morning.

My mom, dad, Ronnie, Nola and I made the trip to Tucson Tuesday to spend the day with Lynn and I am happy to report a slow but steady recovery.

On Saturday afternoon Lynn and Laura, Jay, Tim & Kresta were riding their quads down to the pump station on Eagle Creek near Morenci. When they were on the last deep curve near the bottom, a couple of trucks were coming out at a pretty good clip so Lynn slowed way down and pulled to the right to allow them to pass. While still moving slowly, his rt front tire got into the soft shoulder and it just kind of pulled them right over the edge. Lynn said he knew he couldn't let them tumble sideways, so he tried to "ride it out" and did for a ways before they hit a huge boulder and then he lost control and they bounced on, off, with, without the quad and finally came to an abrupt landing some 150 feet down. Thankfully the rocks they landed in kept them from going the other 150 feet to the bottom.

Laura's injuries: two cracked ribs, two cracked vertabrae, lots of owiees, bruising and broken glasses. Her legs were pretty scratched up and at the scene she said she couldn't feel her legs and there was concern about broken back, etc.
Laura was released from the hospital on Sunday night but stayed with Lynn.

Lynn's injuries: seven fully detached ribs, a large cut under his rt. eye, three fingers that he thinks are broken (they sure are swollen) and a possible broken rt. elbow. He too has cactus rash all up and down his body. He was moved from icu Monday night and is doing better. Due to the extreme pain, he wasn't breathing properly and they were concerned with him getting pneumonia. Until he is able to take meds orally, pee/poop, get up/down he will remain in the hospital. After yesterday I'm thinking another three or four days at least.

I'm the oldest of the four and you know, it does something to me when one of my brothers or sister is in need. Telling him I loved him yesterday as we were leaving, I fought tears. (But I did tell him I WON'T ride with him again :o)

I have to say that I know that much of their recovery is due to their kids being with them when they wrecked and were able to get them medical help. Both were taken by helicopter from Morenci to University Medical Center in Tucson. AND absolutely and positively I KNOW that the priesthood blessings they both received on Saturday night made the difference. Your prayers, and the prayers of many others have made a difference and I want to thank each of you for your love and concern.

I called Lynn at about 5:00 p.m. yesterday to check on him and he told me that he had just been released from the hospital and would be going to Jay's until Sunday then Jay would drive he and Laura back to Morenci and pick his truck up. (The radiator had a leak in it as he was trying to get from Morenci to Tucson last Saturday) They are concerned still with his breathing, it will be a long healing period as he ended up breaking 10 of 11 ribs on his right side. His blood pressure shot off the charts and they aren't sure why, stress? They want him to stay close until they can determine the cause. Mom and Dad think he was released too soon.

We have volunteered to take turns going to Morenci to help out as needed - glad to be able to do that for him. Kresta told me Saturday night that if no one had been there with them when they wrecked that no one would have found them. I think that with what we know now, we probably would have lost Lynn and I couldn't stand that.

So today I am counting my blessings once again and my heart is full.

Quite Simply...You Are the Love of My Life

2009-02-18T15:06:00.005-07:00

3rd Birthday 2nd Birthday

1st Birthday 6 Months Old

Gunnar Neal Farnes...YOU are the LOVE of MY life. Baby boy how you have grown from that tiny new infant into one funny character. From the moment I first held you I loved you in a way that I could never imagine. You are the first of my grandchildren - the first great grandson on the Allred side of the family. The first grand child on the Farnes/Young side of the family. You will always be the oldest cousin, the first to do everything - the path that the others will follow. I KNOW your mama and daddy will teach you to always to the right thing and we saw that you are obedient at an early age. On the day of your first birthday, we had you in your high chair and then I noticed that once everybody was standing around the table you folded your arms and bowed your head. I was in awe! You have done so many things that have tickled me, made me cry, made me laugh and ALWAYS, ALWAYS love YOU!

I was able to spend your third birthday with you and on Tuesday night the 3rd, you came and sat by me on the couch and wrapped your arms in mine and said, "mo mo Sadie...I don't want you to leave." We weren't even talking about me leaving and it made my heart hurt with love for you once more. We have become very close and I am so THANKFUL for the honor and privilege of being your grandma...your "mo mo Sadie".

The phases of your interests tickle me...you've gone from Elmo to Cars to Incredibles and now you are into "dinosuares" and for your birthday you got two more dinosaurs and a v smile.

You like to watch the Land Before Time, Cailou, Sid the Science Kid...and you are getting to be quite the talker (kind of like your Uncle Tad) did I mention that you are so darned smart? It doesn't take long for you master just about anything. Before I left town on Valenines day you were up and making homemade Valentines for everyone.

Happy 26th

2009-02-04T10:21:00.006-07:00

Tad turned 26 at 7:22 a.m. and I'm remembering how thrilled we were to have a baby boy. Now we had one of each and what ever happened next would be icing on the cake. Tad had some struggles at birth and was whisked off to intensive care where he spent the first four days of his life. He was and is a joy. Easy as a baby, keep him fed, keep him dry and he was good to go. (here he is at 4 1/2 mos.) He was always early to bed, early to rise. Jenna adored him when he was born and he in turn adored Maggie when she was born. The only boy, sandwiched between the girls, he got along pretty good with both of them. He was and is all boy...blood and guts from the time I can remember. I still see his little hands itching to "help" with whatever was going on. One day a puppy of the kids' got hit by a car and when Don was digging a hole to bury the dog, Tad was just about to explode, wanting to dig the hole himself and get the dog ready to bury. His dad told him that when he was potty trained and no accidents that he would take him horseback down in the Blue Wilderness Area. Sure enough just about the time he turned three they were gone. Don was so proud of Tad...he said Tad only cried once when the horse went under a low branch and caught Tad off guard and knocked him off the saddle. Don said that he had taken grown men down on the Blue that cried more than Tad did! Hunting, bull-*#it*ng, sense of humor, laid back, all are a part of Tad. Today I am grateful for the blessing of being his mother. I love you kid.

Ok, girls, I love you, too. The music on my playlist was chosen because of the love I have for my kids and grandkids, except the Baby I Love You - that was mine and Don's song. Jumped at the chance to add it.

It's been a while since I blogged. We had so much hit at Christmas time, losing Doug. I think his family is starting to pick up the pieces. Erica Boyce, who ran around with Maggie died on the 6th of January as did Dennis Barney (Ed's cousin's husband). Erica is a relative through the Stover side of the family and it was sad to hear of her death. I missed celebrating my birthday on the 2nd due to getting ready for Doug's funeral. Jenna and the kids and I went to lunch at Serano's so that was fun. I went to lunch before my birthday with Darlene and Jane because I was going to be out of town, and when I got back Janie brought a homemade lemon meringue pie and candle. Got to celebrate for a week - not too bad.

On January 17th Bonnie Udall, Marcella Walker, Niki (Udall) and Alisha Walker and I all went to Scrapfest at Scrapbooks, Etc. It was a 12 hour day of scrapping and I got so much done - although not everything I thought I would. I haven't scrapped regularly for months and it was such a good feeling getting some of my pictures on pages and into albums. This morning as I pulled out Tad's box I got a sudden rush of "oh my gosh...I am so far behind" and all I wanted to do was scrap. Weston celebrated his Birthday on the 17th - I missed out on the celebration, but I hope it was a happy day. Bailey Boo celebrated her first birthday on the 22nd but I couldn't go for her birthday so I get to celebrate her birthday and Gunnar's next week when he turns 3.

Jenna says that Bailey Boo is walking except for when she has to be somewhere fast, then she gets down and crawls. I've missed seeing that so I am excited for this weekend when Jenna and the kids come up - yesterday when I asked Kamryn who was coming to Grandma's house she said "Gunny" - her eyes were huge and sparkled with excitement. She LOVES Gunny.

Kamryn spent a couple of hours playing yesterday - we went to Sonic for a coke and I got her an order of tater tots and let her sit in the front seat of the truck while we sat and ate at the "drive in" and she acted so big. When I think of these four precious babies that have been sent to our family my heart physically hurts with love for them. I am in awe of their spirits, their intelligence, and now their personalities. Ed and Kamryn are crazy about each other. He told me the other day that my grandkids were the best thing that have happened to us. I in turn said that I felt like that the one thing I did right in my life was my kids and now these babies. I made lots of mistakes with my kids due to ignorance, due to circumstances, but never with intent. I hope that in time they know this for themselves that I do love each of them the same, entirely differently and absolutely with every fiber of my being!

Aw shucks...I got mushy. Everybody knows that I'm hard as nails.

I was called to be the 2nd Counselor in the Primary Presidency in my ward. I think I met the Bishop and Br. Haws at the door with "holy crap" thinking the "other" - and when they asked me to accept the calling I told them point blank that a mistake has been made and that I cuss like a sailor. They didn't back off so I accepted thinking it won't be long before I'm released, probably when some sweet little guy goes home with a "Bleep" word! I'm over Nursery, Sunbeams and SCOUTS! Are you kidding, Scouts? Here's what I know about Scouting ( )! After reflecting on Friday and as I got ready for bed with my prayers I realized that the new calling was an answer to prayer about getting my life back in order and about learning to be more patient and kind and loving. I KNOW that Heavenly Father DOES have a sense of humor and probably was chuckling when he saw me squirm with my thoughts and emotions. Is this gonna affect my travel - yes to some degree but I already figured I'll come and go during the week only staying for weekends when necessary. I WILL do my best and I am thankful for my testimony and knowledge of the gospel. Ok go ahead and laugh :o)

I'm not getting my housework done so I better quit and accomplish something of worth today - like cleaning those two toilets and tubs and vacuum and mop and....and....the list is long and the day is short.

Haven't blog stalked for a while, hope all is well for everyone. Thanks for the good you are in my life.

Remembering Dougie

2008-12-28T12:10:00.009-07:00

I really didn't have the "Christmas Spirit" the whole season so on the 24th I woke up and made my mind up that today would be the day and started working toward that goal. I got a call from Jenna at about 10:30 a.m. and she was on her way to Grandma Mary's. There was something with Doug and she said "mom they think he's dead"...my heart stopped and I couldn't believe what she was telling me. From that point on that day there certainly was no thought of Christmas. Our family was reeling with the news that Grandma Mary found Doug dead at between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. on the morning of the 24th. I called Velda and she was devistated and it broke my heart to hear her sob at the loss of her little brother, Dougie. Calls made back and forth throughout the day confirmed that indeed, Doug had passed away sometime between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. on the morning of the 24th. His body was taken for autopsy to confirm cause of death (we're thinking heart attack) and as of yesterday (Saturday) the autopsy was complete but coroner's report won't be ready for 45 days or so. His wife, Caroline, said that his wishes were to be cremated and she is honoring his wish. Details at this point is that there will be a family viewing on Wednesday or Thursday, cremation on Friday, and graveside services in Thatcher on Saturday or Sunday. My point for writing this is to sort out my emotions, to share my love for Doug.

When Don and I started dating back in 1969, Dougie was 6 years old and the cutest little kid ever... dark hair, dark eyes and all the personality that the cherished baby of the family has. His personality was fun and he loved to laugh. By the time that Don and I got married in 1974 he was almost 12 years old and still fun as ever. He stayed with us a lot when Farrell and Mary went out of town on buying trips or on vacations during the school year. One time in particular, Don and I were living in our little trailer over on Voigt Street and Doug was staying with us. The movie, "What's Up Doc?" starring Barbra Streisand and Ryan O'Neil came on the tv and Doug and I were watching it. It was a funny movie and that dang kid got to laughing so hard he would fart and the more he would fart, the more he would laugh. I laughed so hard I thought that I would pee my pants. Doug had so many good friends growing up, Scott Hamblin, Kelly Udall, Tony Eagar, Trenton Lund, just to name a few. Doug worked for Don plumbing once-in-awhile, too. He was terrified of Elwin Browning and one day they (Don & Kelly LeSueur) and (Elwin & Doug) were racing to see who could get x amount of plumbing done by noon. The losers had to buy lunch. Going along at a pretty good clip but losing slightly, Elwin yelled something at Doug and Doug said he looked up to see Elwin running at him on the floor joists then suddenly, Elwin fell and hit the ground. Doug just knew that was the ONLY thing that saved his life that day. When I told Elwin of Doug's death this morning he said that Doug had to have a testimony of prayer because why else would Elwin have fallen that day?

Doug will be missed and his loss mourned by all of us. He leaves behind his two boys, Josh 22, Justin 21 and the darling of his life, Maddie (4). We (my kids - know what it's like to lose your dad) and I know what his wife, Caroline is going through at the loss of her husband. It won't be easy for them, but I have a testimony that families can be forever. Heavenly Father knows their needs and will comfort them as only He can. We love all of them and are so very sad. I expressed to Mary that no mother should lose one child, let alone two. She is stronger than she thinks and is going to be needed by Doug's family. Caroline's parents are both gone and Mary is all she has. Priesthood blessings have been given and comfort felt.

I just want all of you to know that I love you. I love Doug and my heart breaks for his family. I love Mary and am thankful for the strength she has been to my family. We can get through this as a family with all the love and support that we have for each other.

Ok...It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas (again)

2008-12-17T19:12:00.003-07:00

So there has been this BIG storm forecast for the last few days and we are supposed to be getting one of the biggest snow storms in years. So far it has spit a little. Wasn't the wind on Friday and Saturday something else? Those people living in the tornado states don't have much on us. So many trees in town blew over. I'm worried about the two big spruce trees in my yard and am thinking of having them taken out before they take my house or somebody elses out :o(

Kamryn is spending the night and so far I've only threatened to beat her with a stick a dozen times. Must be the terrible twos...actually she is pretty good most of the time but once-in-awhile she gives me a run for my money. We played chase with Sadie until Sadie got tired of us and went outside and now I am blog stalking because she wanted to see the pictures of the "owiee" on Whitney and Cord's blog. She and Gunnar are obsessed with the pictures of his welts from paint ball.

I am so far from being ready for Christmas it isn't funny. We decided to work on food supply and not spend money on foo foo this year as a family so it is different. Having a hard time deciding what to get for the grandkids. Don't have the money to buy everything I want so narrowing down to what I can afford and what is available is proving to be interesting.

Kamryn helped me decorate my little tree yesterday afternoon. She enjoyed playing with the "balls" - I bought some shatterproof plastic ones so that the grand kids could enjoy the tree and so far she thinks it is pretty.

Gunnar got a puppy and has started calling her "Sadie Sue" (that's what I call Sadie) and I guess it's gonna stick. Puppy might drive them over the edge - guess it cries non-stop 24/7. Just glad it isn't me.

Bailey wants to walk but isn't quite brave enough to take more than a step. Trentin is getting pretty brave and might beat her.

Tad is working on some remodels and last week had to work on some roofs (snow and all) and this week he says he gets to work inside.

Have to get some inspiration, energy, motivation or something...any ideas?

It's A Full Moon

2008-12-12T18:43:00.000-07:00

The full moon Friday night will be the biggest one of the year as Earth's natural satellite reaches its closest point to our planet.
Earth, the moon and the sun are all bound together by gravity, which keeps us going around the sun and keeps the moon going around us as it goes through phases. The moon makes a trip around Earth every 29.5 days. But the orbit is not a perfect circle.
The moon's average distance from us is about 238,855 miles (384,400 km). Friday night it will be just 221,560 miles (356,567 km) away. It will be 14 percent bigger in our sky and 30 percent brighter than some other full moons during the year, according to NASA.
Tides will be higher Friday night, too. Earth's oceans are pulled by the gravity of the moon and the sun. So when the moon is closer, tides are pulled higher. Scientists call these perigean tides, because the moon's closest point to Earth is called perigee. The farthest point on the lunar orbit is called apogee.
Some other strange lunar facts:
The moon is moving away as you read this, by about 1.6 inches (4 centimeters) a year. Eventually it'll be torn apart as an expanding sun pushes the moon back toward Earth for a wrenching close encounter.
There is no proof the full moon makes people crazy.
Beaches are more polluted during full moon, owing to the higher tides.
The moon will rise Friday evening right around sunset, no matter where you are. That's because of the celestial mechanics that produce a full moon: The moon and the sun are on opposite sides of the Earth, so that sunlight hits the full face of the moon and bounces back to our eyes.
At moonrise, the moon will appear even larger than it will later in the night when it's higher in the sky. This is an illusion that scientists can't fully explain. Some think it has to do with our perception of things on the horizon vs. stuff overhead.
Try this trick, though: Using a pencil eraser or similar object held at arm's length, gauge the size of the moon when it's near the horizon and again later when it's higher up and seems smaller. You'll see that when compared to a fixed object, the moon will be the same size in both cases.
You can see all this on each night surrounding the full moon, too, because the moon will be nearly full, rising earlier Thursday night and later Saturday night.
Interestingly, because of the mechanics of all this, the moon is never truly 100 percent full. For that to happen, all three objects have to be in a perfect line, and when that rare circumstance occurs, there is a total eclipse of the moon.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

2008-11-28T14:02:00.003-07:00

It's the day after Thanksgiving and the skies are cloudy and when I came home from feeding Maggie's dogs a while ago you could see snow on the trees on the mountain. Looked like they had been dusted with powdered sugar. Saw the first Christmas tree of the season, too and called Jenna. If she wasn't in the middle of trying to move her tree would have already been up. She LOVES Christmas.

Yesterday was a good day. We all cooked and took dinner to mom and dads. Had so much food and it was great. I enjoy getting together with family and friends and enjoying each other. I reflected last night on my many blessings and made me even more grateful to be able to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Today Tad is guiding and elk hunt. Ed is at work and I'm not getting too much done. Troy & Maggie are in the valley. They spent Thanksgiving with Grandma Mary. I'm glad they were able to go.

I have a dr. appt on Monday so I am going down on Sunday. I will stay a few days and see if I can help Jenna with her move. I am so far behind on Christmas this year (so what's new?)

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Love all of you.

Tag...I'm It?

2008-11-25T18:11:00.006-07:00

Thanks Ginger for tagging me. Now I am doing some serious and some not so serious reflecting...
Eight things I am passionate about - 1) my kids because they have turned out to be pretty darned awesome in spite of me; 2) my grand kids because they are little butterflies coming out of the cocoon and they are amazing to watch. 3) My family, close and extended because they are all a part of me. 4) My friends who inspire, lift and are truly the best ever. 5) I am passionate about scrapbooking the lives of my little can of assorted nuts and I am the BIGGEST nut of all; 6) my testimony of the restored gospel and of my loving Savior, Jesus Christ and my Heavenly Father - they LIVE! 7) my love of this great country I was blessed to be born in and 8) a good laugh.

Eight words or phrases I use the most - 1) what :o( with a grouchy tone 2) bull &@#& 3) holy moly 4) oh quit it (when one of the babies are whining) 5) what are you doing here? (when the babies come through the front door? 6) I LOVE YOU 7) Do you know that Grandma loves you?
8) Sadie Sue...time for night night.

Eight things I want to do before I die...1) finish getting my little bedroom ready for the grand babies; 2) just for one day have everything completely clean, in it's place, organized and wonder what it feels like to be bored 3) finish painting the inside and outside of my house; 4) do some traveling 5) take my mom and dad on a way fun trip somewhere 6) volunteer in a pediatric nic unit 7) figure this life out and 8) go on a really awesome trip/adventure with my kids and grandkids and create the most amazing memories for all of us.

Eight things I need right now 1) to get dinner going 2) to get the little bedroom cleaned up before company arrives tomorrow night 3) extra money to do some extras on my house 4) PATIENCE 5) my sense of humor back 6) to have lost all the extra weight that I carry around 7) to be a bette wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend 8) 8 extra hours.

Eight places to visit: 1) Ireland doesn't it sound wonderful? 2) New Zealand 3) Church History Sites 4) American History Sites 5) New York City ( I can't imagine a city so large) 6) Danny & Kris in Idaho 7) the beach with the kids this summer and 8) maybe Hawaii

Eight TV Shows I watch 1) Cold Case 2) Without a Trace 3) 2 1/2 Men 4) Law & Order SVU 5) Criminal Minds 6) Frazier reruns 7) Law & Order Criminal Intent 8) Sesame Street

Eight Picture in my 8th Folder:Kamryn eating spaghetti. How time has flown!

Eight people I tag: Jenna, Jennifer, Emily, Maggie, Velda, Sariah, Katie, Colleen

Life is Uncertain At Best

2008-11-20T19:36:00.006-07:00

I spent a week in the valley with Jenna and the babies and then they came home with me for the weekend. Weston had to check on a cabin in Overgaard on Friday so he had to work for a while and then we played. While I was in the Valley, I ticked Gunnar off. On Sunday night he was tired so I went up to lay down with him when he went to sleep but just before 8:00 he got a new burst of energy and started playing. I went back downstairs and asked Jenna if she was watching the tv and she said no so I turned to Cold Case and then went to do something. Gunnar was right behind me and put Mulan on the dvd player and I said I thought you were going to bed and he said "watch Mulan". I asked him if he could watch it after mo mo watched her show and he said no. Jenna took Bailey upstairs to put her down and Gunnar followed so I switched back to Cold Case. Along comes Gunnar and says "watch Mulan". I pause Cold Case and offer him some ice cream and he eats it and while he eats it I watch Cold Case. I'm sitting on the couch and he gives me this look as he walks past me to the stairs and I said "where you going, bud?" he says "I talk to my mom" and up he goes. Pretty soon Jenna is coming downstairs and asks me if I pushed the "bumpuns" = buttons on the tv? I said yes, why? She said Gunnar came up and told her "mo mo is mean, she pushed the bumpuns on Mulan" Jenna asks him if he wants her to get me and he says yes. Little toot never indicated he was ticked. We both laughed at his thought process. He didn't care if he was downstairs or not...he turned Mulan on and wanted it playing just in case he did come back.

Gunnar and Kamryn played the best they have ever done. They are finally starting to enjoy playing with someone their own age.They played chase, jumped on the trampoline, played in the water, played with the toys and just had a great time.

Bailey and Trentin are just starting to size each other up...Bailey is such a drama queen - she just cracks me up. She and Trentin kind of played around each other, they basically are too busy exploring this big world to play too long.

Trentin's favorite fishing hole (toilet) gets closed as fast as we find him there. Seems if you miss him for half a second you know where to look. If he hears you coming he stretches as far as he can stretch and swishes as fast as he can.

While I was in the valley heard the news of the little 8 year who is believed to have shot and killed his dad and a boarder in the home. I absolutely cannot believe the details of this heart breaking story. What saddness there can be in this world.

Monday was a rough day. Troy will be out of work before long, the house they are building is just about finished and his boss doesn't have anything else lined up and they did a big lay off at the mine on Monday. Tad was one of the 406 layed off. Times are hard and looks like they could be getting harder. I hate for my kids and grandkids to have to go through these things. Tad said that he felt that things happen for a reason - he had a better attitude than I thought he might. Maggie has been having terrible headaches and with everything else on Monday I thought that I would like to sit in a corner and cry. I normally don't let things get me too down, but for some reason all of it together was light a HUGE pile of crap all at once.

Tuesday was enrichment and I was asked to do my class on cooking with pumpkin. I did pumpkin soup, dinner in a pumpkin, pumpkin rolls and pumpkin pie squares. My kitchen is too small for very many so we did it at Sister Reece's house and traveling I didn't have everything I am used to using. I did the dinner in a pumpkin using a pumpkin out of dad's garden. The rind was really thick so it didn't cook as quick as it should have. We kind of had the pumpkin class in courses. Sorry, sisters.

We are going to the valley this weekend. Troy's favorite football team the Giants will be in the valley to play the Cardinals and they bought tickets in March when he found out they would be coming to Phoenix. I am going as the baby sitter so that Troy and Maggie can go to the game. They are excited. It will be fun to let the kids play together again.

Tad killed a nice little coues deer on Tuesday and came home this morning. Tonight he grilled the backstrap on the grill with potatoes and onions and I fixed frozen corn. It was a yummy meal. The kid is a pretty good cook. We will cut his deer up when I get back from the valley.

Thinking ahead to Thanksgiving, I can hardly wait. It is my FAVORITE holiday of the year. You get together with family and friends and enjoy a wonderful meal and each other WITHOUT the pressure of gifts, and worrying if you bought the right gifts or not. We are doing Thanksgiving at Mom & Dads and as usual anyone and everyone is invited. That's how we like it best!

Happy Birthday

2008-11-03T07:51:00.008-07:00

Saturday would have been Don's 56 th birthday. I think about those numbers sometimes and remember that he always said he would never live to be an old man. 56 is not old and I wish so much that he could have been here to see our kids grow up and become the good people they are and most especially to be Grandpa to these four amazing grandbabies. I am nostalgic, mad as hell, happy, sad, heart-broken and never to be the same because of him. Yes, life did go on. But not the life I had planned because he was supposed to be a part of it. When I think that he has been gone twelve years and he left us during the most critical time of our kids' lives - their teen years, I cry for my own babies who miss their dad. He was a GOOD dad. Don LOVES his three kids so much and I still remember him teasing and playing with them. Don was good to me. Yes, he teased and played with me, too. I think teasing was a big part of who he was. Boy did I make some mistakes trying to raise them - yes, Don, too. The best part of all of this is that we did have him in our lives for 15, 13 and 11 years and for me 27 years.

The best part of our lives is happening right now. Our three kids are grown, doing well and we are being blessed with grandbabies. Don would have been a good Grandpa. I'm sorry that they will miss out on being teased and played with. I do my best to play with them, I never was much of a tease...you see I took life way to serious. That's just who I am.

I've been watching "Snow Wipe", "Seeping Booty" and "Winnie Pooh" with Kamryn. I chuckle when she sometimes acts out what is happening on the movie. She has an alter ego "tam tam", who must be the devil on her shoulder. Sometimes tam tam does things that kam kam wouldn't and so there is a struggle and the angel, kam kam wins out. Gunnar has finally started talking to me on the phone and my heart melts. To hear him tell me I Love You Mo Mo Sadie...ah that is what life is all about. Gun Gun as Kamryn calls him, is so sweet. A little reserved like his mo mo sadie and so darned smart. He has been "dowee" = do it for so long that Jenna calls him Gunnar dowee. Kamryn has always loved talking on the phone and when Maggie called the other night she was calling her mother "my honey". I'm going to the valley this weekend and Gunnar told me last night that I would be in his room (where else?) The only thing I usually have an 8:00 bedtime - he makes me go when he goes. Bailey Boo is growing up so fast. I can't believe she is 9 months old. Jenna will call me one morning with the news that she is walking and I will be sad. Maybe one day she will not be such a mama's girl and I can do more with her. Right now, it is Jenna all the way for her. Trentin is the easiest going of the four. He will go to anyone and has a BIG smile for everyone. He is almost 8 months old and is crawing and pulling himself up to everything. He will be walking before we know it.

Halloween came and went. Kamryn and Maggie were sick on Friday but Troy took Trentin and Kamryn to the 3rd Ward party on Garth Drive and then Maggie came with them when they came up here. Kamryn was a monkey and Trentin was a banana. I'd pay good money to get a decent picture of Kamryn. She goes out of her way to look the other way, move or be a jackass when the camera is out. Jenna's blog has pictures of Gunnar and Bailey dressed as a fisherman and a baby fairy.

-117 and counting

2008-10-15T18:37:00.002-07:00

Went to Nola's on Sunday night for Ethan's (#11) and Tanya's (#31) birthday celebration(s). First, how in the heck did my neices and nephews grow up so darned fast? I have fun memories of each of them. Then, how did Sarah have a 12 year old and an 11 year old? It was fun once again to go and be with the family, especially all of the boys. They are all so cute and have such fun personalities. Larry finished his dinner and went to the living room and I being the last to leave, sat on the couch and visited with he and Nola for awhile. He has lost 117 pounds and still losing more. He is the OLD Larry and it is absolutely amazing to watch the transformation, almost like a butterfly coming out of the cocoon. His sweatshirt jacket went from a 6XL to a 2XL and he is so PROUD - he beams! I noticed he had on some new jeans and mentioned it and he was quick to tell me that he has gone down 10 waist sizes and the new pants now have a fist size gap in them, too! I am so proud of Larry and his accomplishments.

Maggie (no babies) and I spent the weekend in the valley with Jenna and Weston and the kids. Had a good time, but Maggie was ready to come home on Sunday. I was too, it was cold at home and I hated for Troy to have to take care of Sadie while I was out of town and have to drag the kids out into the weather. I did, however, enjoy Gunnar and Bailey Boo. He is my buddy and I enjoy sharing a room with him. He tried to get me back to bed on Sunday morning so I couldn't leave and he told "Mangie" I love you when we left. Bailey Boo took a liking to Maggie so we baby sat on Saturday night so that Jenna and Weston could go to dinner with friends.

On Tuesday, Debbie and I made 100 jars of raspberry plum jam. It took all day long but the work was worth it. Today I spent the day at mom and dads and we put up 18 more jars of chili sauce, 10 jars of spaghetti sauce and 8 jars of salsa. Next...pickled beets.

I love this time of year, but boy is it hard work. My dad grows the best gardens...his corn this year was to die for. We enjoyed the bounty of his hard work.

Tomorrow I take Zip to the vet. If it isn't one thing it's another. And most importantly of all, it is my mom's birthday. I love my mom beyond words. She has always been there for me and I have learned so much from her and her mother and her mother...yes, I was blessed to KNOW my grandmother and great grandmother on the Stover side; my great grandmother on the Gilliam side; my grandmother on the Roger's side. We have a five generation picture of Jenna, me, mom, Grandma Gilliam and Nary (my great grandmother). What a treasure! My grand daughters have four generations of girls...them, moms, me and my mom! I LOVE YOU, MOM! I need to get some better photos of my mom and dad...just realized that :o(

Tonight I am too pooped to pop, but it is a good tired. I can hardly wait to crawl into bed under my down comforter.

Happy Birthday To You...

2008-09-29T14:48:00.002-07:00

With all of the extended family and my own kids and grandkids we now have at least one birthday a month. Last night I went to Nola's to celebrate Jordan and Kevin's #3 birthday. They are so darned cute. My boys (Zack, Bryan and the twins) came tumbling out of Nola's when they saw me drive up. After hugging Zack and Bryan the twins both holding up three fingers told me that it was their birthday. I asked how old they were, "forty?"..."no, two" said one and the other said, "no, four" both still holding up three fingers. Last Sunday night we celebrated Trey's, Bryan's & Nola's birthday at her house. Trey is twelve. I can't believe he is that old. Bryan is 6 and next year we celebrate the big 5 0 for Nola. A year of planning. I am so lucky to have a sister. My sister has the biggest heart in the world and will do anything for anybody. Me, I have to have "things" done, first. Not Nola - I wish I were more like her. Mom and I want to take her to lunch - road trip over the mountain.

I told you all about Larry having gastric by pass surgery. As of this date he has lost 107 pounds and I am so PROUD of you Larry! What an inspiration. He doesn't cheat and you can't believe the change in Larry. He's like the old Larry - we have a date in three months for pizza and bowling. We used to do that before we all had too many kids to leave the house.

I went to 3rd Ward on Sunday to watch Dustin and Ethan in their primary program and to see Trey receive the priesthood. They are such good boys - and such hard workers. Jake and Sarah are good parents. Ethan is in a walker because he still has a cast on his lower leg. He is recovering nicely from his atv wreck. Saw Merr at church - she is the primary president in the 3rd ward - it is good to take a minute and visit with the people that make a difference in my life!

This morning Maggie and I went to Max Saunders' funeral. He used to run around with Maggie - the thing I remember most about Max was his infectious laugh. That was mentioned over and over in his funeral, his love of life and love of people. I feel so bad for Vada and her family, losing Max. With our eternal perspective, it is but for a short time.

Tad went back to work in Morenci this morning. Another change in his life, but one he was looking forward to. He told me he was ready to get on with his life so I hope all is well. I will miss seeing him once in a while. Even though he lived here, I hardly ever saw him. He worked 24/7 or was hunting or playing at the lake.

A lot of info for a blog, but I have many thoughts and feelings today. I am so lucky to be where I am and doing what I am at this time in my life. Better get busy taking more pictures...SMILE, you're on Dorlene's camera!

Playing Catch Up

2008-09-18T14:18:00.010-07:00

Where does the time go? Just yesterday it was August and summer was here in full swing and today fall is definitely on it's way. My virginia creeper (yah, the one that Gunnar taste-tested) is turning colors and my rose bushes are in full bloom again. Go figure...one month ago today, I took this picture of a double rainbow it was gorgeous - just in the wrong location to get a great shot... and right out my back door, I just heard thunder. I hope it rains alot because my grass sure could use it.

Jenna and Weston came up on the 6th for a wedding reception in St. Johns and on Sunday we had pit bbq beef , coleslaw and corn. Gunnar loves corn on the cob and thank goodness, "papa"(my dad) had a few ears that were ready. I get the biggest kick out of watching him eat corn. It was fun to have all of the babies together. Gunnar and Kamryn get along pretty good most of the time. When he gets that "look" in his eye, that little toot is going to pester, tease, or something come hell or high water.

Tad has Alvin and the Chipmunks movie in his room so I took it to my room where Gunnar and I slept and put it on for him. It quickly became his new favorite. While watching it one afternoon here is what we found Gunnar sound asleep sitting on my hope chest at the end of the bed. Before they could move him, I had to take the pictures :o)

I took Jenna and the babies home on Wednesday and stayed until Monday. A mini vacation that I enjoyed, mostly because I was with my kids. We didn't do much, although on Saturday, Jenna and I went for manicures and pedicures. I'm old and this was my first for either one and gosh, a girl could really get spoiled. It felt so nice and my hands looked so nice.

It was so good to play with Gunnar and Bailey (when she will let me). I'm afraid we have another "mama's baby" with Bailey boo... Maggie says she can feel Jenna's pain. Kamryn was a mama's baby and Trentin will go to anyone. Gunnar is a little more reserved but doesn't go into hysterics the second Jenna is out of sight.

I got back into town Monday afternoon and have been trying to catch up from the last couple of months of non-stop go. I missed my little house and Sadie missed me. Gunnar still calls me mo mo Sadie and I love it.

While in the valley I stay in Gunnar's room with him. We make a pallet on the floor for him but before too long we are sharing a twin bed. I spoil him so when it's time for a nap or for bed, I lay down with him and we watch "Chipmunks" cause, guess what mo mo bought for Gunnar? His very own copy! He soon realized that once he was asleep that mo mo, being the shifty character she is, slips out of the room and goes down stairs to talk to mama, so he got to where he would make me lay down against the wall and would try to wrap his arms around mine so he would know when I left. I still chuckle when I think of how hard he worked to keep me from escaping.

When I got home, Kamryn wanted to see her amma - so she spent the night on Tuesday night. She is spending the night tonight - Troy is taking Maggie out for her birthday. Ed will be home and they will have a ball.

I am so blessed to have the privilege of being a wife, mother and grandmother. These are blessings I do not take forgranted. I love my kids and my grandbabies so much it makes my heart hurt. I cry every time Jenna and her kids leave here or I have to leave them behind. I miss Kamryn and Trentin when I am there and miss Gunnar and Bailey when I am here. What's a mo mo to do?

By the way...my baby (Maggie) is 24 today! Happy birthday. I love you and am so proud of the person you have become! Love you, Mom

Feeling Neglected

2008-08-31T13:01:00.002-07:00

Maggie was talking to Jenna the other day and they asked when I was going to be through with the Jamboree. They were feeling neglected and wanted to know where their mother is. Other than my kids, church, and scrapping this is the thing I do for me. I try to jump through hoops when my kids need something. I try to fulfill my church callings. I scrapbook to keep a history for my kids and the jamboree my one selfish "me" thing.

Anybody else noticed that our weather has a definite "fall" feeling to it this past week? I do love our falls here but my favorite is summer. The sun rises early and sets late. I feel better when it is warmer and seem to have more energy.

Did take a couple of hours on Friday and scrapped with Bonnie and Terry. I got Trentin's newborn album done and from that point on the other albums I do of the kids and grandkids will be theirs probably when I die. That's their inheritance -

The Jamboree starts on Tuesday but I will be working the Eagar Precinct Primary Election. I have been doing that for 12 years and do enjoy working the elections. I have learned a lot and it feels good to serve in that capacity. Pay isn't anything for the hours put in so it is service. I have a good crew I like to work with. Again, I have made some new friends in this capacity, too. My circle of friends grew after I took my leave of absence from work. With work, my family, church, and any service every minute of every day was taken. Now that I have a little more time, I enjoy my lunch dates with the girls from work, birthday lunches with my circle of friends and just visiting when I see people around town.

There are so many positive things about living in a small town, a few negatives...like limited shopping, but I couldn't imagine raising my kids anywhere else. I am sad that there aren't more work opportunities here for some of our kids that have to live in the valley to make a living. But, that does make coming home special.

I haven't had time to even blog stock hope all of you are well. Miss checking in on you and seeing what is going on in your lives. I do care - have a good weekend.

This Life Has Been Temporarily Interrupted...

2008-08-20T08:19:00.007-07:00

Oh yah...JAMBOREE time! I know, I know...some of my family and friends think I am nuts. I love riding my quad and have met some really nice people and made new friendships through the ATV Club. This is crunch time and for the next three weeks it will be a zoo around here, but I love it. You had to be there in 2004 when Ed won the first quad we raffled off. He gave it to me and the rest is history. You had to be there in 2007 when Weston won the quad... they way I screamed and jumped up and down you would have thought that I won it. Hank even said to me, they didn't call your name...I said, he's my son-in-law! This year we are raffling off another polaris like the one Weston won.

We went for a ride up by Oscar Schultz' grave on the mountain Saturday and it was beautiful. The grass is about a foot tall and the wild flowers are breath taking. There has been lots of rain and there is water running in some of the little streams. 80+ miles and we might go again this weekend.

On Saturday during the jamboree they run an obstacle course that is really fun to watch. Lots of competition and good fun. Want a week chock full of fun? Join us!

One Popular Blog...

2008-08-05T18:13:00.003-07:00

Cord & Whitney's blog has a picture of Cord with welts and it is one blog that Gunnar and Kamryn are obsessed with. They want to see the "owiee". I think I have created a monster. I started looking at blogs one day for entertainment for Gunnar and he is hooked. Kamryn is too. I always take pictures and I always put them on a slide show on my computer. Those two will sit on my lap and look at pictures for hours. Gunnar's "girlfriend", Taylor Swuft (no that's not a typo, that's how he says it) had a video showing her toes - he was obsessed with her toes. I guess his new favorite song is by Sugarland. Everytime you get in the car with him the first thing you hear is "one, two, three like a bird I sing..." by Tim McGraw. Both Gunnar and Kamryn like music. Kamryn loves to dance. Gunnar is more into listening than dancing.

It is amazing how smart those two little toots are. They know their family and then most of their extended family members through pictures. See...my hobby of photograph/scrapbooking will pay off in the end. Who knows, maybe they will be photographers. Anyway, they will grow up knowing family and friends through pictures and memories.

Lessons Learned (from a 2 Year Old)

2008-08-03T12:48:00.012-07:00

Well, here are a couple of things that I have learned with Gunnar this past weekend. 1) Sadie will NOT die of thirst in three days without water no matter what Mo Mo Sadie tells me...

2) I will NOT eat berries off of Mo Mo's Virginia Creeper vine and tell my mama "popples" = apples (and yes they are yucky), because you wind up in the Emergency Room and you become POPULAR right away...

Dang kid runs the water hose 24/7 while he is here and empties Sadie's water bucket within minutes of me filling it. At least for the most part he is past the part where he puts the dry dog food in the water and makes it look like floating poop. I can't stay ahead of him so that Sadie has water and sometimes food. But that's ok, I guess. Sadie loves to play chase with Gunnar and Kamryn and for the most part stays out of their way. Jenna says he's going to be a fireman when he grows up and he will be able to save lots of lives and it is because of all of the training he had at Mo Mo Sadie's house when he was little.

Now for the ER story...I was out early Friday morning with the weed eater getting the last of my weeds knocked down when Jenna comes and asks me what kind of berries are on the bush. I'm thinking "berries...bush..." then she asks me again and I finally realize she is talking about the Virginia Creeper that grows up my chimney. She told me that Gunnar ate a berry. I told her to look it up on the internet... and it says "Highly toxic and can be fatal to humans"...I run through the shower while she calls Poison Control who tells her to get him to the ER. On the way down the road I call ahead to the ER and tell them we are bringing in a 2 year old and that Poison Control said to get him to the ER. We get there in 2 minutes and they are online researching the Virginia Creeper. I had no clue that dang thing could be poisonous, of course until Friday, I'd never had anyone go out and eat the berries either. Misti Eagar was the RN who was online and said that they might have some good news for us. Not ALL Virginia Creepers are toxic and I looked at one that looks identical to mine and it isn't supposed to be.

Once they started working with Gunnar (who up to this point is completely normal) he starts having a fit and wants to go home, wants to go find "Pamryn", etc. They check is temp, his blood pressure and then want to draw blood. His mama leaves the room in tears and I am left to help make him into a human burrito with one arm out and hold him down. It was so hard - I wanted to cry, but I needed to keep calm for him. Then they put a urine collection contraption on him because they needed to make sure his urine was clear, not cloudy and no crystals. (Question...why do when you want someone to pee they won't and when you don't want them to, they will?) Finally, after about 2 hours we found pee in the baggie and they had to send it to the lab before we could be released. We finally were released at 12:30 and Gunnar and his mama were a little worse for wear. We went and collected Bailey who had been rescued by Aunt Maggie and went to lunch at Booga's. Gunnar who has a history of not eating, scarfed down his cheese crisp. I have NEVER seen him eat that much.

His daddy was a nervous wreck in the valley until we were able to report an "all clear". Needless to say, our Friday was NOTHING like we thought it might be.

Jenna has been making tutu's for Bailey for dress up. Yes, I know she is only 6 months old, but she does look cute in them. Jenna brought some tulle for Maggie to make a tutu for Kamryn and it turned out cute, too.

Weston and his two brothers, Max and Spencer came up Friday night and camped on Terry Flat. Jenna and I went out Saturday night and took chicken to bbq. Max and Spencer had made this huge bonfire for Gunnarwho really just wanted to put a stick in the fire and go home. The bonfire was awesome...but Gunnar wanted to go home. I guess he was a little unsure being out at night like that.

This morning I made biscuits and gravy for everyone and then Weston and Jenna loaded up and went home. It was a busy weekend, a traumatic weekend and I am sad to see them go. The good news is I am going down the end of this week for my dr. appt. so I will spend time with those two babies again.

On a really traumatic note...Sarah's son Ethan was riding his quad and had a serious wreck. They flew him out on Friday night and he had surgery this a.m. he broke the (femor??) above his knee, two bones below his knee, tore up both ankles, and has a cracked pelvis. He was given a priesthood blessing and with all of the trauma to his body, he has NO internal injuries, no head injuries, just what I mentioned above plus scrapes and bruises. He has a couple of hard days ahead of him and when he can get up and get around on his own, he will be released. When we think of how serious it is and how much worse it could have been, we KNOW that he was blessed.

Hotter Than the Hubs of Hell

2008-07-18T16:25:00.005-07:00

They're finally here...those hot, muggy days that come with the summer rains. On rain days the weather is perfect. On the days building up to rain you sweat gallons of water (how come I'm not shrinking???) feel sluggish, and get meaner than hell (so what's new?) Must be the full moon, the heat and my even-tempered personality - boy I have a short fuse. Wish I could use the rage for energy :o(

Kamryn and I were watching Bambi (for the millionth time) and she heard "thumber" = thunder and said, "I keered" = I'm scared. When we were in the valley at Jenna's the electricity went out and both girls freaked and so Gunnar and Kamryn both say "I'm scared" now.

Every body on my block is mowing yesterday and today in anticipation of Saturday's promised rains. I got most of my yard work done yesterday - when I came in the house I was as red as my truck. I over-heated and it took forever to cool down. I got a lot done though - just forgot to drink (and I'm gonna start on the hard stuff) enough.

I have these two kamakazi black birds that live in my back yard. They had babies and one fell out of the nest and Sadie got it so now every time Sadie is out in the yard, they dive bomb her and are making this awful scolding sound. After three months of the noise I'm tired of them and am thinking bb gun...Sadie is tired of getting hit from all sides when they attack her. Today, while my fuse was lit, I threw Sadie's water bucket at one of them and broke her bucket - now wasn't the smart thing to do? Sadie will be mad when she realizes what I did and the dang bird is still scolding and dive bombing...birds 1 Dorlene 0...

I always tell Sadie, "those birds will poke your eyes out" so now Kamryn says "birds poke eye" or "birds eye" - she isn't really sure what is going on, just repeating what she hears...which brings me to my little repeat. For any of you that know me, you know I throw a few swear words in every once-in-awhile...one day I said son of a (%*#) and guess who says the "b" word. Her mama is ready to kill me and I tell her to ignore her because when you react she is sure to say it again. Any other ideas? (No, getting me to quit now isn't one of the ideas)

Well, Trentin is crying again and I better see what has made him mad this time.

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-11T20:52:00.006-07:00

I've always loved the 4th of July. When I was little, everybody dressed "western" and it was the thing to get new riders (before the days of Rockies) and moccasins (before the fad of boots) and the parade was HUGE! Then our family would load up and go camping somewhere. When my kids were little, the parade was still a big deal and Jenna said she remembers her dad taking her to Allred's to buy rockies and boots. Now days we wear flip flops, shorts and get comfy. My how times change. They didn't always have fireworks, but once they started having them here, it was a fun thing to watch from our balcony at 26- and eat cherries and watermelons and spit the seeds. This year we had to drive to Lyman but it was ok - they were pretty good, but never as good as when my kids were little.

I think the coolest part of the whole 4th this year was the fly over by the Army helicopters. I got so choked up I couldn't talk for a few minutes. I AM so GRATEFUL for every man and woman who so willingly serves.

Since I've joined the "grey wave" a group of "mature" atv riders...(I know that is stretching it), I ride my quad in the parade and don't see much of it anymore. Normally I have one or two of my nephews on with me, but this year I picked Kamryn up in front of Java Blues and let her ride. It was too hot for her to ride the whole parade. It was a good day. After the parade we went to my mom and dads for our cook out and then home to rest up before the fireworks. Jenna and Weston were here and I went with them and met their friend, Brett Overson and his fiance at the lake and watched the fireworks together.

Jenna makes her dad's banana ice cream and we did that Saturday night and the kids all watched UFC...now that's a phenomenon I'm not in to, but the kids are. I had my "rap crap" on and Jenna thinks I'm missing a few brain cells. I like all kinds of music and there's some of the stuff that is cool :o)

Tad spent the weekend at Roosevelt with Troy & Suzanna & Jay skiing and playing in the water.

Maggie and I drove to the Valley Sunday afternoon when Jenna and Weston left and stayed until Thursday a.m. It was fun, but Trenton is NOT a traveler. We were ALL glad to get out of the car last night.

Tonight I am blog stalking, checking up on everyone...love to all - it is fun to see what you are up to.

Yum Yum

2008-06-18T08:45:00.003-07:00

On Saturday Troy & Maggie asked me to baby sit so they could go to Show Low to a movie. They ended up just shopping around and eating bocci balls from La Venti and then coming back home. Anyway when they got home, Maggie asked Kamryn what she had for lunch and she looked up at her mama and said dog food. That's probably not too far off from what she had. (I fixed her lunch but she didn't eat much, I think she was already full :-) Dang kid, I caught her down on her hands and knees drinking out of Sadie's water dish the other day, and we've caught her chomping on dog food since she was a baby. Yesterday while we were visiting out on Maggie's front porch , she was drinking out of the bird bath! Maggie grabbed her by the arm and was dragging her away from the bird bath and Kamryn kept saying "arm, arm"...I was chuckling and Maggie was telling me it's not funny. It WAS funny...Kamryn being raised around the dogs, thinks she is one. Sadie huffs and puffs when people drive up or go by and once in a while you hear Kamryn huffing and puffing, too.

Maggie's dogs howl when they hear a siren and every once in a while you hear Kamryn howl when she hears the siren. What is she gonna teach poor little Trentin? How will he know what is normal? Will we have to buy Kamryn a flea collar? (and tell her it's a necklace), will we have to buy her a leash? Oh who knows...all I know is that you NEVER know what she is gonna do next and that makes my heart smile. I LOVE the things these babies do...Gunnar likes to strip naked and wreak havoc. Their mothers are in for the run of their life and I love every minute of it!

Blessings

2008-06-12T07:57:00.008-07:00

Troy blessed Trentin on June 1st. I know he was nervous, but he did such a good job. Weston assisted and I felt so blessed to know that my girls have married men who honor the priesthood they hold. Troy wasn't a member when Kamryn was born and didn't get to participate in her blessing so this was a really special day for us to see how far he has come. I am so proud of Troy!

The few days before and that weekend were busy, too. Troy's dad came through from Louisiana on his way back home to Washington state. It was nice to meet Kris and LeAnn. Troy & Maggie had a big cookout on Friday night and then a big bonfire in their pasture. Tad, Jenna & Weston were all there so it was good to see our families being together.

On Saturday we went up to Slade lake on the quads and had a picnic. There was a big herd of elk under the damn that everyone got to see. Gunnar wanted to see them again.

I went to Youth Conference on Saturday night. The Amity Ward chose the Rogers Family Cemetary as their clean up project and did a dvd to honor the Floyd & Zola Rogers Family. It was cool to see what each of the ward's had done as their clean up projects.

Skipping ahead...I set a goal that I would tackle one room a week and deep clean until my house was completely done. This week I started with washing windows inside and out and then hit my bedroom. I was tired of the wallpaper and started ripping it down. HARD WORK - if anyone says wallpaper to me again...thanks to Maggie we got most of it down by Wednesday night.While we were busy doing this, Kamryn was busy doing this..."wimming" in Sadie's dog water dish and this...
playing in the sprinkler buck naked. She is a hoot and you never know what she's gonna do next.

I am finishing the wallpaper removal project today so I can paint. YEA!

Tad came home the other day and was telling me that he was at Short Stop filling up and this lady in this car drove through, stopped and looked at him, drove around and came back again. She did this about three times and he and Chris (his helper) were wondering what was wrong with the lady. On the fourth time through she got out of her car and said that he looked just like Don standing there and she just couldn't believe what she was seeing.

With every wedding, every new baby, every blessing and most recently the Allred Family Reunion, Don is in our thoughts so much. He is missed, he is loved.

I like to check in on friends and family through their blogs. I found this story about a snake on 2 Peas and the crazy lady started a blog. She is one of the funniest people ever. I have her blog "Ava Jo" if you want to read some of her adventures. She is my age, maybe that is why I think she is so funny.

Family Reunion

2008-06-01T20:20:00.004-07:00

I didn't get a lot of pictures taken at the family reunion. Everybody went to the lake on Saturday except Velda and I. From the pictures I have seen, that was one fun activity! We had a great time and THANK YOU, Velda for planning and dragging. I know it is a lot of hard work, but it was definitely worth it. The Saturday cook out at Nate & Jen's house was a lot of fun and the kids loved playing on the GIANT water slide. Heck if I wasn't so old and fat, I might have gotten in on that one, but I'm afraid I would have looked like a beached whale :-(

Sunday was great, too. Sunday morning we kind of kicked back and then on Sunday afternoon most of us met at the Temple to view the Joseph Smith film. Mike & Ashley were so great to take photos and they are awesome! The prime rib dinner was wonderful! - Velda got a dang good scald on cooking prime rib. Even though it was delicious, we still missed Brando & Tammy.

The guys did a four hole scramble golf game on Sunday evening and the rumor was that Dal, Steve, Weston & Tad won.

I had to laugh as Tad and Weston reported their "walk" back to grandma's. She lives down "Ashton". They said (hunting terms) they were off one "ridge" and found themselves coming down "Gayridge" to Grandma's. They said they looked at each other and asked if they should hold hands and skip - I would have paid good money to see that.

Coming home on Monday, Tad and I talked about the good time we had and he was glad that he went, and I am glad that he stayed. He did have a good time, we all did. Now everyone is saving their nickels to go on the cruise. (Did someone say sea sick?)