The Behinder I Get...

Well here it is March, 2016 where in the heck did the last 7 months go?  Well, let's see.  I did Jamboree #12 in September and as it turns out that will be the last one.  I am disappointed to see it go but the club members have changed over the years and they want to do more social stuff and less jamboree.  I started cooking for Van a few days after the jamboree was over and cooked all the way through December.  I enjoyed my time at Josh Ranch this year - didn't have to go to Datil - worked a little less but that was good too.

I went to Thatcher for Cade's first birthday in October - I guess he's going to be the last grand baby.  In a way I am sad but in another I look forward to them growing up and doing more things than baby things.  Cade is such a cutie - built like a tank.  Maggie said food is his friend.  Troy and Maggie are doing well in Thatcher and I am so grateful for her ward for the way they took she and the kids in and have made them feel so much at home.

Jenna, Weston and the kids and I all went to Troy & Maggie's for Thanksgiving because Troy had to work.  On Friday morning we got up and drove to my house for the rest of the weekend so Jenna and Weston could get their tree and play in the snow.  We had a good time - found enough snow on the 249 road that the kids could tube a little.  It was freezing cold and then home.  We had a good time and the kids loved playing in the snow.

I was invited to Jenna's and Maggie's for Christmas but chose to stay home.  I spent the day with Mom and Dad and went to Nola's for Christmas dinner.  Mom has dementia and is having harder times remembering and interacting in conversations.  It breaks my heart and I want to spend more time around them.  Maggie and the kids came up the day after Christmas and Tad & Troy came home just before New Years when they got off.

The kids threw a birthday party for me here at the house.  We had good food spent with the kids and Jolene & Jay.  Tad had the kids use the crank ice cream maker out in the cold and made homemade ice cream for my birthday.  Stormy had never eaten homemade ice cream.  The kids were amazed!  I remember that we had both an electric and a crank freezer but always made our kids use the crank one.  They all remember that and so that is a good family memory.

Birthday season begins January 2nd through March 8th with Dorlene, Weston, Stormy, Bailey, Tad, Presley, Bubba, Gunnar, Tanner, Callie & Trentin having birthdays.  We skip April, have Kamryn in May, skip June, Ryker and Tatum are in July, Brinley in  August, Maggie in September, Cade in October, skip November except for remembering Don and have Troy, Jenna, Kolby and Cache in December.  Whew...blow out the candles on that one!

In October Maggie said she was taking temple prep classes and would be going through the temple by the end of the year.   I about choked, dusted my lazy butt off and got ready to go to the tempe too.  Her stake president said he wanted her to wait a little but signed her recommend in January and she and Troy went through the temple on Saturday, February 27, 2016.  They each received their own endowments but were not sealed together because they haven't been remarried for a year.  They can be sealed in September and have the kids sealed to them.

Bailey was baptized on Saturday, February 13, 2016, and I spoke on baptism.  She is a sweet little girl and it was a nice baptism.  Trenton can be baptized in March but they will have to schedule for when Troy is off.

I am headed to Gilbert on Friday for Callie's 2nd birthday.  She is a Bailey mini me.  Presley is a Jenna mini me.

I have been so blessed and I am so grateful for each and every little one of those kids. Each has a separate and distinct personality that amazes me.  I am sad Don didn't stick around for this - the best part of life.  I'm glad I get to be here and hope to be here for a long time!

Summertime

Well summer came and now it's almost over and I am so sad.  I have truly enjoyed summer.  It started out with a bang.  We went to Jenna and Weston's for their last pool party in the old house for Kamryn's birthday.   Jenna and Weston bought a new larger home in their neighborhood so I went down for Memorial Day and stayed and help them move in.  Their new home is very nice - HUGE - bigger than anything I have ever even though of living in.  It will be extra nice when they get their pool in this winter.

The following weekend Jenna and the kids came up and then Maggie came up a couple of days later. All of the kids were here and we got Ryker a time or two but we never had all of them awake and in the same place at the same time so I never got a new picture of all of the grandkids.  Their most favorite thing to do is play in the ditch.  They had a ball from the time they got here until they left.

 The kids are racing sticks down the ditch... pretty serious business.

 Whose stick is in first place?  May be too close to call.

 Tanner loves shoes, ANYBODY's shoes.  The color the size it doesn't matter - it's shoes and it's the key to freedom for him.

 The pictures of Tanner and Callie are my favorite of the summer... the big kids were at the ditch and after Tanner found a pair of shoes, he and Callie escaped and headed to the ditch.  I was right behind them with my camera.

Weston came up for the weekend and they went camping.  Maggie and I went out a couple of times to eat - the kids were in heaven being let loose in the woods.   Tad got the kids' quad running so we could take it out to camp...they rode the wheels off of it.  That was the best $250 I ever spent.

 Jenna, Weston and Callie going for a ride on Momo's nnn.  All of the kids love to ride the quads.

 Weston set up a 3-D archery target for Gunnar and Trentin.  They shot a million arrows.  Well maybe I do exaggerate a bit,  but they certainly enjoyed the great outdoors.

 Cade is such a sweet little guy.  He was loving the outdoors like the big kids.

The week was over much too fast and then there was quiet at my house.  It gets out of control when everyone is here and then all of a sudden total quiet.  I miss the kids when they leave.  Every one of them makes me smile or laugh all of the time.

The 4th was different - none of my kids were around.  I had  cookout at my house after the parade - Mom and Dad, Lynn, Laura, Karyn Murphy, Jay, Lenia, Camila, Sophia, Tim, Alia, Blaine, Stormy, Tatum and Bubba came.  It was fun and then when everyone left - total silence again.  Uncle Leonard was the parade Grand Marshall - he's the oldest living World War 2 Veteran in Round Valley.  That was quite an honor for him.

I had an emergency text from Jenna - could I baby sit from the 22nd to the 29th of July - they had the chance to go to Hawaii.  Of course I was more than willing and they had a great time.  I am amazed at the hours of work it takes everyday for these moms.  The big kids had started school so it was just Presley and Callie and me during the day.  It gave me a chance to catch up on housework, laundry, etc.  When the kids get home from school and did I mention that I carpooled every other day, the crazy starts all over again.  Friends coming and going, music lessons, primary visits, woo at the end of the day I was exhausted.

I just got back from 5 days at Maggie's house.  Her kids started school today.  Tanner and Cade are a handful and she doesn't have any spare time either.  There's someone wanting something every minute of every day.  It was nice to be down there.  We did some decorating, some crafting and just hung out.

Cade is the sweetest little tank.  He's only 2 pounds lighter than Tanner.  He looks like Kamryn and Trentin.

Trentin at Lynn's - out in the barn with the chickens.  The kids enjoyed all of his animals.

Tanner loves farm animals.  He had never been up that close to all of them and was a little intimidated but he loved them.

Lynn's watch dog geese.  They honk and  raise hell when a stranger is around.

Kamryn at Lynn's - she enjoyed all of the animals, too.

Some of the goats - he has 8 or 9 of them.  They are all pets.


I will be busy from now until mid September with the Jamboree.  I am the coordinator and every year it gets a little easier.  I have met some real nice people over the years and count many of them as my friends.

Today has been a busy day - I had Cache and Ryker overnight and all day while Chelsea took her niece to the airport.  I thoroughly enjoyed both of them.  They had open house at school today and I met both of their teachers.  Ryker is so smart and friendly he will do well.  Cache is very quiet and will struggle until he warms up to the kids and teacher.

Jumping on the trampoline.  All of the kids love it.

They are good friends most of the time.  They had fun jumping together.

This little monkey loves to laugh.  I love to have him around.  He is my buddy.

We have had beautiful summer rains starting the 4th of July and it is absolutely beautiful here right now.  I am in awe of the beauties that surround me.  I am grateful that I am an earth person - my soul is tied to the earth.  Fall will come soon and then winter.  I love our late spring, summer and early fall here.  There is nothing more beautiful than this area 9 months out of the year.

 

Life is good.  I have enjoyed the summer, my kids and my grandkids.  They truly make my life worth living. 

She Said Yes...

Tad and Stormy were married on Saturday, May 16th at the Cow Springs Ranch in New Mexico.  The weather was a bit on the cool side and the wind was blowing some but all in all it was a beautiful day.   They had a nice wedding with immediate family and close friends.  Ryker was the ring bearer and Tatum was the flower girl.






Tad's groomsmen were Jay Houston (best man), Gunner Hubbard and Gary McKinney.

Stormy's bridesmaids were Jolene Houston (maid of honor), Brittany Icenhour and Cami Bustamante (Stormy's sisters).
















I got three new step grandkids that day, Colby who is 16; Bubba who is 13 and Tatum who is one day younger than Ryker.  They had a nice reception with good food and a dance.  The dollar dance netted them a little cash for their honeymoon in Mexico with Jay.  They stayed in a cabana on the beach and Jay stayed in his motorhome on the beach.  They swam and fished and had a great time.

Look at the camera?  Never...what are the odds?

I have had a busy spring.  Birthday season started out with a bang and we have partied since January.  Kamryn's birthday was May 26 and it is the last one until July.

Everyone has been so busy.  The kids are all out of school now - Gunnar will go into 4th grade; Kamryn will be in 3rd grade; Bailey and Trentin will be in 2nd grade; Brinley will be in kindergarten; Presley and Ryker will be in preschool.

Tanner is finally growing some and is a cute little toot.  Cade is crawling and it won't be long until he is walking.  Callie is a little mocking bird - she hums all of the time.  The kids are the joy of my life and I am so blessed to have all of them in my life.

Typical...easily distracted little toots!

Jenna and Maggie are coming next week and this place will be rocking and rolling with 10 grandkids here.  Let the good times roll!

Last day at the beach - Spring Break 2015

There are some blogs I like to look at - I can't believe how talented people are.  I always want to do what they have done.  My problem is no money, no time.  I try to stay busy and pretty much am successful - probably the only thing I am successful at.  I enjoy spending time with my family and friends - Bonnie has been a good friend to me.  We enjoy scrapping and just visiting.  I am so happy that my kids are happy and doing well.  They are good parents and I am especially happy about that.  My one regret is the parent I was or was not.

Spring's On Its Way...( I Hope)

Well its the 2nd day of March and I have spring fever and it's trying to snow outside.  I have been on the road since the end of January when I went down for Bailey's birthday and was there 2 1/2 weeks.  Mary was released from the Care Center and it's too long a story to tell here, Jenna and I ended up taking care of her at Jenna's house.  She is doing better but she won't get up and move around and by now she should be back to almost normal.  I am worried that her muscles will atrophy as she just sits and lets the care nurses take care of her every need.

Bailey invited Kamryn and Lauren to go with her on a horseback ride for her birthday followed by evening swimming.  It was a fun weekend.  I am so glad Troy and Maggie came down and let Kamryn share the day with Bailey.  I can't believe Bailey is 7.  She loves school and crafts and has a little spunk.  As a mother it might drive me crazy, but she won't let anyone push her around.

I stayed to take Mary to two dr. appointments and then it was Presley's 3rd birthday.  She had a Minnie Mouse birthday party that was really cute.  Neil, Laurie and Lauren came so she had a special evening.  Presley is full of life and such a fun little monkey.  She is my buddy and I really enjoy her.  I had to come home so I missed Gunnar's birthday on the 11th.  Gunnar turned 9 on the 11th - can you believe it?  He's 9... he is so smart and such a good little boy.  I felt bad, but I had been gone for 2 1/2 weeks.

I went to Thatcher on the 19th of February for Tanner's 2nd birthday and stayed for a week.  Tanner is a cute little guy.  He didn't feel good starting Sunday, Maggie found out later he had strep throat.  He doesn't talk much, but boy is he busy.  He is a full time kid.  I just barely got home and it's time to go again for Trentin's birthday.  I am going to miss Callie's birthday this year.  I told Jenna and Maggie that they are going to have to combine Trentin and Callie's birthday because I can't be in 2 places at one time.

After Trentin's birthday, it will be Dad's birthday and then I have a break until May, HOORAY!

The kids are doing well in school and I couldn't be more proud of them.  They are smart, funny, fun, sweet, and I love every minute of them.

Ryker is home!  He spent the night with me on Wednesday and I loved having him.  I am so glad Chelsea is back.  Chelsea is pregnant and due in May and she says she will be here until then.

Tad is getting married in May and just started his new job with Empire today.  I hope it goes good for him.  He really loves Stormy and she seems crazy about him, too.

Little Cade is such a chunk...Maggie's chubbiest baby.  He is a good baby.  He is 4 1/2 months old - growing every day!  Callie is walking and will be 1 in a few days.  The last year has flown by and I am so grateful for every minute of every day with my family and friends.

I am going to California with Jenna and Weston during spring break - the kids are excited.  I went a couple of years ago and it was fun.  I know Brinley and Presley will love the princesses and the little kid areas.

I need to blog more often.  One day I need to print my blog stuff.  Life is busy and I love it.

The Golden Years

Time marches on and I am seeing Mary, my Dad and my Mom all starting to age, to get frail and become "little old people".  It breaks my heart because I know the time with them is so very short and I am not ready to let them go.

Mary had a fall last week and was taken by ambulance to the hospital where she was treated for a gash on her arm and her back is very sore.  They were concerned about a possible fracture.  She has been moved to a care center until she can get around on her own a little more.  Velda has been trying to get her into a "home" for over a year.  Mary doesn't want to go.  I know she is lonely there in the Valley, but I have seen so many people go downhill so fast once they have to leave their home and give up their independence, I don't want that for her.  Mary says she is "ready to go"...we're not - she will be 84 in May.

My dad has failing eye sight and arthritis is crippling his hands.  I know this is so frustrating for him. He used his hands every day of his life to make a living, to garden, to hunt, to fish, to woodcraft.  His failing eye sight has limited his ability to see clearly the tape measure, to read and do the things he has always done.  A couple of years ago he made some rocking horses and some of the grandkids got them for their own kids.  He made some little oak jewelry boxes for each of the granddaughters.  I hope they treasure them.  Time will come when he can't do that anymore.  He told me the other day he isn't planting a big garden this year.  He can't do it on his own.  We all say we will help but we don't come through when he needs it.  Daddy will be 82 in March.

My mom is has either dementia or Alzheimers and neither one is pleasant.  Her memory is failing her and I have seen a marked difference in the past year.  There are times she has a look of fear on her face when she doesn't know where she is or if we leave her sight.  I take her with me to Josh Ranch to get her out and to give Dad a break.  After spending the day talking about the same things, answering the same questions, having her express her gratitude for being able to go, I laugh and I cry.  It breaks my heart that she's leaving us.

We took her to the dr. yesterday with bowel problems and Dr. Hamblin asked before he even started the exam, "what do you want to do?"... if there were tumors or cancer what would we want to do?  Mom said I want to do nothing.  There were no obvious tumors or cancer or blockage according to the X-ray, so three doses of Miralax later she finally had two good bowel movements and that part was feeling better.  When asked what we could do about the memory loss, his answer was "sometime's it's best to let nature take it's course."  He said he could give her something to see if it would slow it some, but her body is frail.  Frailty is a bigger killer than any other disease."  Mama will be 78 this October.

The golden years haven't been what any of us envisioned for Mary, Dad or Mom.  Health issues, losing a spouse, financial worries, family problems and issues.  That's just not what they thought they would be facing at this age.

I don't feel any older, somewhere my body/mind thinks I am 40ish...I turned 60 on the 2nd of January and I feel blessed to be as healthy as I am.  I have lost two classmates in the past couple of years and for some of us the time is shorter than for others.  I hope and pray that I can be here till I turn 90 - but only if I'm healthy enough to not be burden to my kids.

The golden years have lost their shine but I am grateful for every single year I have.

Fall Back...

Well this fall has been busy again.  I did the jamboree, half-assed the trophy elk contest, cooked for Van, spent a day or two at home and here it is Thanksgiving week.  Tad started working in Morenci in September but found out Saturday that Corfab lost their contract with the mine so he will be out of a job December 31.  He has some options, none of which he is thrilled about, but he does have some options.  He has Ryker for three weeks; he had him last week, I have him this week and Tad has him again next week.  Ryker is such a special little guy.  Right this second he his hanging around my neck.  I am going to Maggie's for Thanksgiving.  I really should stay home and get ready for Christmas.  I am excited about Christmas so I want it to be fun.

The kids are all growing and doing so well; Gunnar is smart and loves 3rd grade - his favorite subjects are math and science.  Kamryn is blooming in 2nd grade - she even tried out for a singing part in a school play, I hope she gets it.  Bailey loves anything about school and is doing really well.  Trenton is a good student and is a sports nut.  Trenton and Bailey are both in 1st grade.

Chelsea lives in California so our time with Cache is zero again.  He is in kindergarten this year and I am so happy she didn't try to home school him.  Cache will turn 6 in December.  Brinkley turned 4 in August with the most fun Frozen party ever.  All of the girls loved it.  Ryker turned 3 in July with a Turbo party here and then we partied again in Safford.  Presley turned 2 in February and is as tall as Brinley.  Those two little girls are a hand full.  Callie is almost 9 months old and wants to be on the move - I expect her to start walking soon.

Cade Alan Lewis was born on Monday, October 13th.  He was due Halloween and I really wanted him to be born on Don's birthday but he had other plans and showed up early.  Tanner has had some adjusting to do and isn't sure they should keep the baby.  He was the baby and wasn't ready to give that place up.  Cade reminds me of Trentin and Ryker.  He is a sweet little guy.  Jenna and I drove to Thatcher to surprise Maggie the weekend before Cade turned 2 weeks old.  I didn't get to go when he was born because I was cooking.  I cried off and on all day long because I felt so bad about missing his birthday.  Tad left work and went and stayed at the hospital with Maggie until Troy could get back from Phoenix and then went and stayed with the kids all night and left at 4:00 so he could get back to work.

I have been cooking since September - not as many hunts this year and will do one in December to help me through Christmas.  I am grateful for the work opportunities and grateful I was taught to work hard.

I have started working for Weston as scheduler for estimating.  It is a good job I can do from just about anywhere.  I appreciate all of the help and support I get from my kids.

I love Thanksgiving - the one holiday where nothing is expected but good food and good company.  I am truly grateful for all of my many blessings and know that it is only through my Heavenly Father that these blessings come.

35, and Yes, I'm Still Counting

The number 35 in itself doesn't make me think of old, young, or whatever.  But it is a significant number today.  Thirty five years ago today Damara died.  I remember being absolutely heartbroken when Don called the hospital and asked how she did during the night.  I remember wanting to curl up in a ball and die, too. We waited so long to have her.  She was here such a short time.  In their efforts to "protect and help"  our parents took over and there are so many things I regret that I didn't get to do.  I didn't get to hold her all the way home.  I didn't get to go to the mortuary and make arrangements, I got to go when they said I could go to the viewing.  I got to mindlessly do things, eat this, go there, stay here, etc. I know our parents thought they were helping and they did, but I didn't get to have my time with her.  I look at her tiny dress she wore home from the hospital, I see her little mask she wore at St. Joseph's Hospital and if I shut my eyes and think really hard, I can hear her groans, I can still smell her.  She had a sweet smell.  I miss my Grandma Gillliam. She called a lot and asked how I was.  She always knew when it was a bad day.  I miss her.  I love her.

Today I celebrate little Ryker's 3rd birthday and recall being there when he was born and the pure love that Tad has for him.  My heart breaks that Tad and Chelsea are not together raising Ryker and Cache and I don't understand why Tad has had so much sadness in his life.  The one true joy in his life is Ryker.  That kids lights up the room no matter where he is.  He is loved and cherished.

Sad, happy, joy, heartbreak, hope, discouragement...yep, I've felt it all today.  Today is a good day.  Today is a part of my eternity.  One day soon I will see my sweet baby and hold her again and have my time with her.  Until then I still count.

Goose Bumps

Jenna, Maggie and Troy and all of the kids but Gunnar were here last week.  The kids had their scrapbooks out looking at them and then they pulled Maggie and Jenna's books out.  Presley who turned 2 in February, opened Jenna's book to a page with Don and Jenna and said "that's my Grandpa."  I looked at Jenna and then she said "what?"  Presley said "that's my Grandpa."

 I know she has never seen that picture before or would remember it.  The last time they were here was in November; Pres couldn't talk that good and we didn't have all of the albums out.  She knew what she knew and there's no explaining it.  Ryker was on my mind two or three times Sunday.  On Monday I was sweeping near the front door when he was on my mind again.  My cell phone rang, it was Tad and he said "Ryker will be here this afternoon."  There's no explaining it.  Callie lays on the floor or looks over your shoulder and smiles big.  Who does she see?  She sees someone she loves and knows.  I think the veil is thinner than we think and it gives me goosebumps.  I know that I have had thoughts or feelings about someone/something and then I see them or something happens.  I'm not psychotic, telepathic or anything else.  I just think there are things we know that we can't explain and it's o.k.  Sometimes they bring goosebumps and tears, sometimes smiles or sadness.  Mostly I know I don't know anything and that's o.k.

Time...

Time has a way of getting away from me.  It seems I'm busy all of the time and before I know it, another week, another month has slipped away.  Already since January we have celebrated my birthday, Weston's birthday, Bailey's birthday, Tad's birthday, Presley's birthday, Gunnar's birthday and Gunnar's baptism.  Mom and Dad celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in February, then we celebrated Tanner's first birthday. In March we had the arrival of Callie then the next day celebrated Trentin's birthday, Dad's birthday, spring break, and wow the year is one fourth over and we've been busy every single month.  We don't have any April birthdays, but Don and I would have been married 40 years the 25th of April...40 years wow!  Mom, Dad and I went to the Gilliam/Stover Family reunion in Nutrioso in April.  It was a lot of fun and it was good to see my remaining aunts and uncles.  Mom and Uncle Dennis are the only two Gilliams left.  Alvin, Carolyn, Sandie, George, Eddie, Van, Lawna and Cheryl are still left on the Stover side along with a whole bunch of kids. 
Easter was quiet this year.  Tad was in Nebraska working, Maggie and Troy stayed in Thatcher and Jenna and Weston stayed in Gilbert.  I had Mom and Dad over for dinner, it was quiet but nice.
I hate Mother's Day, I always have and I always will.  To me it is the day to reflect on my failures and shortcomings.  There are no do-overs, no taking it back, it is what it is and I hate it.  Tad got Ryker on the 18th of May for 2 weeks and it has been fun to have him.  Chelsea is in California with Robin and she has pulled Cache back out of Tad's life so we have the boys separated for two weeks which I think is bull s*#$;.  Ryker loves his dad and Tad is crazy about Ryker.  Ryker was pretty upset they other day when he was watching a dvd movie and it froze..."argh...Sadie got her finger prints on the dvd!"  I said what?  "Sadie got her finger prints on the dvd."  I was about to pull the movie out when it started again, "that's ok...it's working."  Poor Sadie just doesn't understand the rules about finger prints on dvds.  We went to Thatcher on Friday for the weekend.  First we went to Kamryn's ball game...the kids mostly played at the park.  It was fun to watch Kamryn, she's a pretty good ball player.                   
We were supposed to go on the reservation to fish but due to fires, the reservation was closed so we went fishing at a private pond in Pima.  The boys had a good time throwing rocks in the pond.  Fish weren't biting...Gunnar caught the only fish a small blue gill that wouldn't have fed everyone so we threw it back. 





The kids played, played, played and played.  We had 11 kids from 8 years to 2 months at Maggie's.  On Sunday we celebrated Kamryn's 8th birthday.  I can't believe she's eight.  She and Gunnar have grown up so much this past year.  I can see the wisdom in waiting until they are eight to be baptized...they understand so much more, they get it.  Kamryn will be baptized in July so we will all be back then. 

We have a few weeks off then we celebrate Ryker's birthday in July.  There were a bunch of really tired kids from the weekend, and Ryker will be visiting cousins, uncles, aunts and grandparents before he leaves on Monday.  I will be sad to know he's going back to a travel trailer but can't change that.  I'm headed to the valley this weekend for Callie's blessing. 

These kids are what life is all about!

Welcome little one...

At 12:03 a.m. on March 7, 2014 I sat up in bed and had the thought "Jenna is going to call in a bit...she's on her way to the hospital."  There was a 2:32 time too... well 2:32 came and went but at 5:43 a.m. I get the call "we're on the way to the hospital."  I jumped up, showered, loaded up and was on my way by 6:30 a.m.  I got a text right around 7:00 that she is here...Callie Young Farnes is here.  I got to the valley right around 10:00 and went straight to the hospital and saw our newest little angel.  She is beautiful.  Short darkish hair, long hands and to me she looks like Brinley. 

Best of all, she was born on her great, great, great grandmother, Cordellia Melissa Morris Stover's birthday.  "Nary" as she was known was my great grandmother and I know to this day I was a favorite.  She was an only girl, my grandma, Geneva was an only girl, my mom, Doris was an only girl, and I was Doris' oldest daughter.  I was thrilled Callie was born on that day.  She shares that day with my Nary who always called me "sister".  She was kind, loving, hard working, talented, and a wonderful cook.  I miss her even now, 30 years after her death.  I have felt her presence and know she is on the other side pulling for me.  Callie, you have so many people on both sides of the veil that love you.  I for one am thrilled you waited until March to make your entrance and on such a special day!  Trentin's birthday is on the 8th and Grandpa Gilliam's birthday is on the 9th.  She didn't make her March 22nd due date - none of Jenna's babies have made their due date.  She is loved by her big brother Gunnar and her big sisters, Bailey, Brinley and Presley.  She is number nine and won't be the last.  I am blessed and grateful she is here safe and sound.

Coming From Behind...again.

The end of 2013 was unusual for me...I was cooking at Elk Camps.  Who knew?


It started out with my 58th birthday - holy heck...that's close to 60.  I'm in a good place in my life.  I am single, I am happy and I love my kids and grand kids.  I have good friends and family that I like to play with.  Life really is good.


Weston had a birthday on the 17th of January followed on the 22nd by Bailey who turned 5.  She is into "crap" projects, coloring, etc.  She tickles me with her love of food, ice cream in particular.  She will stay up all night if she has to to get some ice cream.  She loved pre-school and loves learning.  I picked her up at school on crazy hair day...her hair was pink and so cute.  Her daddy sent her flowers to her pre-school on her birthday and that little girl was in heaven!


February 4 was Presley's 1st and Tad's 30th birthdays.  Seems to be a pretty popular day... Clancey McBride, Gage Wiltbank, Tad and Presley to name a few share that birthday.  Presley is such a Jenna "mini me" that I can't believe it.  She's a cute little toot.  As the year progressed she is quite the mess maker with her big sister, Brinley.  They empty every toy and put on every princess dress in the house. 


A week later on the 11th Gunnar turned 7 with a bounce house party with school friends and neighborhood friends.  He had such a good time and it was fun to see him with friends from school.  he loves school - he gets to play boy things and rough house that he can't do at home with the girls.  He is such a good big brother and Presley LOVES her brother!  Gunnar loves to wrestle and play baseball and electronic games.  His mama monitors the electronics like crazy.  We got to go to Las Vegas in December to watch Gunnar wrestle.  He brought home a 3rd place trophy out of a million wrestlers - we were so proud of him.  February 9th was mom and dad's 60th anniversary.  60 years, can you imagine? 


Tanner decided that March was too long to wait and showed up 4 weeks early.  He was such a tiny peanut.  Sandy red hair - he is a good baby and Kamryn and Trentin love their little brother.  He is such a blessing to their family.  Tanner is still a tiny peanut - and has the biggest smile ever.


March brought Trentin's 5th birthday - we celebrated with Pizza and bowling in Show Low - it was a fun day.  Cold but fun.  Trentin does well in Head Start and will do well in Kindergarten.  He is a sports NUT!  Trentin wrestled too and it was fun to go watch him.  He and Gunnar both wrestled in St. Johns and both brought home 1st place ribbons!  Woot!  Woot!  I got to go to Disneyland and Sea World with Jenna's family in March for Spring Break.  It was so fun.  The older kids loved the beach the little ones liked the sand but not the water.  Sea World was awesome...so relaxed for everyone - I think that was my favorite.  Jenna and the kids came up for a week during their Spring Break - the kids all have a ball playing together.  Daddy turned 80 on March 19th... I still remember when he was 33 - funny I remember that year but not any other milestone years. 


April...can we catch our breath?  Not a single birthday!  Hooray!  I'm not even sure what happened in April anymore.  Guess it's good we stay busy every month with birthdays.


May brought the end of a good school year for Gunnar and Kamryn.  Kamryn turned 7 on May 26th - she is such a quiet little girl sometimes.  She also can be a poop like her mother, too.  She's a little feisty.  She does well in school now that Troy and Maggie have settled down.  She really struggled when they were apart and messed up.  Kids suffer the consequences of our choices.


June warms up so that we are so anxious for the summer rains.  Jenna and the kids came up and spent a week and the kids had a ball.  They were up and out of the house early and not back in until after dark.  They played in the ditch, flashlight tag, trampoline, park, Maggie's house, up and down the street...they all had so much fun and freedom that I think they truly had a great week here.  Tim got married on the 1st of June in Tucson.  Tad, Brianne and I took mom and dad and stayed at Jays.  It was a nice wedding and mom and dad enjoyed their little trip.  In June the Yarnell fire took the lives of 19 firefighters and was such a tragedy.  I was so selfishly happy that none of my nieces and nephews were fighting that one.  Bood Hall was the incident commander and took that really hard.


Ryker turned 2 on July 7th - that is Trace's (Emily's little boy's birthday, too) He is such a smart little guy and like his dad will talk to a rock.  He talks all of the time.  Dr. Wilson said his communication skills were exceptional for his age!  He loves his daddy and Tad loves his boy. 


Tad and Brianne got a house together on Poverty Flat road - their relationship is pretty rocky at best.  She claims to be pregnant and due on my birthday with a girl.  By July we aren't seeing a baby bump.  I heard that she was drinking at Tim's wedding in Tucson in June...  They had a nice bbq at their house on the 4th - then we all went to the fireworks.  Kresta spent the night with me.  She and other firefighters walked in the parade to honor Yarnell Hotshots and local firefighter Michael Pena who died in a car wreck the end of June, too.  That was too touching, I cried when they walked by.


Jenna and Weston went to California for a Young reunion for the 4th of July so the 4th was different for us.  Jenna's kids started school the middle of July!  That's still SUMMER...she hates that part of living in the valley.  Gunnar is in 2nd grade and Bailey is in Kindergarten at Riggs Elementary.  They both like school...Bailey in particular.  She LOVES learning.


Brinley turned 3 on August 4th - She shares that day with Sarah.  I missed her birthday.  Weston was going to Alaska so they did it early.  Jenna and the kids came up for Valerie's wedding on August 10th and then I went back with them for a week while Weston was gone.  Jenna has her hands full, that's for sure.  Brinley is such a little mess...I love her!  She loves makeup, dress up, dance, ballerina, mermaids, princesses, anything frilly and girly.  She is my "drinking buddy"...she loves to share my pop with me.  I was busy with the ATV Jamboree and Trophy Elk Contests at the same time.  I am crazy and I over do and get burned out.  I have to figure a way to cut back...


The 10th annual ATV Jamboree was held in September.  Tad called and asked if I would be interested in cooking at Elk Camp at Josh Ranch again in September...the hunt started on Friday after the jamboree was over so basically I was home for three days and gone again for 13 days.  It was a lot of work but fun.  I enjoy the hunters and they seem to enjoy my food... a win win for me.  As it turned out I cooked in September, October, November and December...I left home in September and was home two or three days an gone again until January 14th...  I felt like a stranger in my own home.
Maggie turned 29 in September.  Where has the time gone? 


My mom turned 76 October 16th.  She is getting forgetful - tells the same story or asks the same question many times in a short period of time.  It makes me sad.  Daddy is her world.  I hope and pray that they go together.  One will be lost without the other.


In November I went to Datil to cook - Tad and I were never in the same camp until December - that was for 2 nights...we passed each other like two ships in the night.  I was blessed to be able to pay my bills and buy my pellets for the winter.  Can't ask for more than that. 
Don would have been 61 November 1st - I still get mad at him for missing the best part of life.  He truly would have loved all of these grandkids...and they would have loved him.  We all miss him  all of the time.  Tanner has been sick a lot and the Dr. did some tests that came back inconclusive and they are sending him the Phoenix Children's hospital blood disorders/cancer unit.  We are all concerned for him and pray that it is nothing.  He is still a little peanut.  Smart as a whip and a good baby, just small. 


December 3rd was Troy's 35th birthday; Jenna turned 33 on the 9th and then we had Christmas...we all went to Vegas the 1st weekend in December for Gunnar and Trentin to wrestle.  They did ok...6th place but not their best.  It was still fun to go watch them.  Tad, Kamryn, Maggie, Tanner and I were all sick for Christmas.  I got the bug about noon on Christmas day and the next day was horrible.  Vomiting, diarrhea, yuck...for three days.  The kids got me an Ipad for Christmas.  I was so shocked but am so happy with it.  Cache turned 5 on the 26th.  Chelsea and the boys spent Christmas day with us before she went to Las Vegas.  It was good to have them here.   Maggie and Troy moved to Thatcher during Christmas break and I went to Datil to cook on New Year's Eve.  Really a different New Years for me.  I was out there on my birthday, too.  I turned 59...do you know how close to 60 that is? 


Cache had an incident at school where he was spurring another little boy and Chelsea called Tad to talk to him.  It was determined and decided that Cache can call Tad what ever he wants, it's his choice.  He chose "dad"...Tad was so happy.  Another incident at school caused Chelsea to visit with a therapist who told her that she and the boys were "blessed to have Tad" and that they were blessed that Cache chose him to be his dad.  One step forward...


Life is good.  I have been blessed way  beyond my worthiness.  I am so grateful for my own kids, their spouses and extended families and my sweet grand kids.  Jenna is bringing us up to 10 in March with another little girl.  We are blessed!

Datil Just About Do It...

I started cooking for Van Hale's Trophy Outfitters last September when they needed a fill in cook at the Josh Ranch for an Arizona Elk Hunt.  Tad called and wanted to know if I would consider it.  Being me, I couldn't say no, but you have to know I was as nervous as a cat.  I can cook, but for total strangers?  What do they eat?  Marsha Ziegler who is the Head Cook told me to make up a menu for the week, go to the store and cook.  Tad's hunters were a father and son from the Valley - Bruce and Rex Neely.  Brad Hale's hunter was Ron Smith, a dr. from North Carolina and his wife, Jill who came along for the trip.  It was quite enjoyable and they all complimented the food and when all was said and done, I got $600 in tips!  Now that was a blessing in itself, bought my pellets for the winter.  Fast forward to August 2013 - I get a call that they need a cook for Josh Ranch for two hunts, one in September and one in October - both small hunts...well again I can't say no.  I had two hunts back to back in September and two hunts back to back in October.  It was a lot of hard work but fun.  I thought about my great grandmother, Nary, who was a lumber camp cook for many years.  She fed lots of hungry men three meals a day without the luxuries I cook with.  I had a nice new kitchen to cook in with a six burner gas cook top, double ovens, two refrigerators, a warming drawer, two dishwashers and a microwave; all things she never even dreamed of.  There were times when I thought of her I felt her "Sister, you can do it."  Nary always called me "sister" and I loved her so much and I KNEW she loved me.  Well, Tad said that Van told him the hunters were very complimentary so that was good, huh?  I got a call on the 10th of November...they needed me to cook in Datil.  Datil?  are you sure?  Well on Thursday I came out and cooked for Shane Sass, Jeremy Walker and their hunters, Chris Curtain and his son, Grant.  Jeremy and Chris are hunting on the AZ/NM border and staying here in Datil a 90 minute drive!  Shane and Grant are basically hunting on the other side of Hwy 12 - a 5 minute drive.  Day one, nothing.  Day two, nothing.  Day three - Grant has a kill!  Yay!  He's a nice 5 by 6 and Grant is very happy.  I'm cooking chicken fried steak for his celebration dinner along with Tad's blueberry cobbler.  Sounds like a winner.  Shane has loved my cooking, don't know if that goes back to him being at my house 24/7 as a kid or if it's like Tad says.."you name the day and we can tell you what we're having to eat".

Tad says I might even cook in December - I don't mind AFTER after my Vegas trip.  Gunnar has been invited back to Vegas for wrestling and I'm going.  Last year was priceless.  When he won his final match, his coaches, Jerry and Scott were jumping up and down and "high fiving" each other.  That is a sight I will never forget.  Last year I got to cook for Tad and his hunters at Josh Ranch - this year he's in Datil when I'm at Josh or home when I'm in Datil.  He has Ryker today.  I guess Ryker had a melt down when he thought he was going to my house and Tad went to Larry & Nola's instead.  They had to call me so Ryker could talk to me.  I love that little toot. 

Jenna called and said she finally got her car back - I guess when Brinley saw it she said "Yes! Our black car! can we watch a movie?"  Well the suburban is white and that is Brinley.  I love her kooky personality.  I love that she has to have her make up on before she leaves the house.  I love that she is obsessed by mermaids - she is one, you know.  I LOVE being MOMO SADIE to 9 of the cutest little people on the planet.  Life is good and I am blessed.

Finally Fall

The summer was beautiful and wetter than I have seen it in years.  We had almost 24 inches of rain from July 4th through the end of September. I was so grateful for the help with my new lawn.  It looked great!  Summer was busy and ended with me being busy 24/7 getting ready for the 10th annual ATV Jamboree.  I looked forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones.  I was humbled and honored by being selected as the Bill Stinson Volunteer of the year.  I didn't expect that and truly was surprised.  Rick Carey, Kevin Kness & Bev Parker were here for the first time in two years.  I was happy to see old friends. 

Van asked if I would be interested in cooking for Elk Camp the 13th through the 27th...I did it.  It was hard work but I earned thirteen hundred dollars to catch up on.  I was worried about being able to buy my pellets for the winter but the Lord does provide.  I am blessed in spite of myself and I do recognize Heavenly Father's hand in all things.

Jenna called a few weeks ago...she is expecting baby number 5.  She found out on the 28th that they are having another little girl.  Poor little Gunnar took the news kind of hard, he really wanted a baby brother.  Maggie also called a few weeks ago and she is pregnant with baby number 4.  Tanner is going to be a big brother and he is such a peanut.  Both girls are pregnant together for the third time and due probably within 6 weeks of each other.  I am excited that we have two new babies coming.  I feel so blessed to be a mother and grandmother.

Tad and Brianne split up and I can't say that I'm sorry.  I am sorry for the emotional hell she put him through and the games.  I truly believe she is borderline nuts and certainly puts new meaning in the word "crazy".  After faking a pregnancy that we all doubted for over 5 months she conveniently miscarried during the jamboree but never told Tad or me.  She couldn't tell either one of us because we would know for sure there was never a pregnancy.  Cuckoo...

Conference weekend is such a special time.  I enjoy listening to conference and pondering the talks.  I always hear something that was directed to me.  Again, Heavenly Father knows me and what I need.

Gunnar and Trentin both participated in a wrestling tournament in Queen Creek a couple of weeks ago and both took first place.  I was so proud of them.  I saw Gunnar's video first and broke down and cried as I watched him totally dominate and win - then I watched Trentin's video and broke down again.  These two boys worked so hard and did such and awesome job.  I am so proud of them and love them beyond measure.

Jenna and the kids came up last Monday.  It was a horrible trip from the word go for her... the kids didn't feel good, the car broke down in Show Low, the kids got sick, and it kept getting worse day after day.  She finally loaded up and went home Friday morning at 4:00...I felt so bad for her. 

I am trying to finish up on the Trophy Elk Contest and then I'm going to the valley for a couple of days to visit - hopefully everyone will be well.  Yep it's been a busy summer and fall so far...

Prayers Answered

It is so dry in our State and during the Granite Mountain Fire Tragedy the news said that the last time there was "normal" rain and snow in the State was 1992 so that means we are in year 21 of a drought.  When we went to Tucson for Tim's wedding I was so surprised when the Gila River was bone dry as was every other creek, wash or pond that we saw.  When Tad was moving in June I had to take some diesel to him just across the New Mexico State line and and thought that there wasn't a hint of green grass anywhere except on the highway where any moisture at all will run to the edge of the pavement.  We got a rain on the 30th of June and everyone just new our monsoons would start the 4th of July.  They did to some degree...it rained a little a couple of days.  It was announced in church that there would be a community pray for rain day on the 10th at 10:00 a.m.  the rain came and it rained hard.  Prayers answered.  The next day the rain came and it rained hard and fast.  Prayers answered.  It has been pretty much raining everyday and last night it rained just about all night long.  There are puddles of water in my driveway and in Stephen's driveway across the street. It's still cloudy and looks like it could rain some more.

Early morning clouds

The puddles in the driveway

Prayers answered.  I am so grateful to know that Heavenly Father does hear and answer prayers. He knows our needs, our wants, our desires and blesses us with our needs and forgives us for our wants and desires.  I look out and see my new green grass and am so grateful for the prayers answered.

Front lawn 7/162013

Front lawn 5/26/2013

Side Yard 7/16/2013

Side Yard 5/26/2013

Side Yard 5/26/2013

Back Yard 7/16/2013

 I am grateful for the beauties that surround me, each and every one.  I love the smell of the air up here, I love the sound of cars going to and from work. I love the smell and sounds from the sawmill across the road. I love hearing the doves cooing in the front trees.  I love watching the birds fight for seed in the feeders.  I love where I live and I love the summers here.  I wouldn't trade them for anywhere else in the world.