It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

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?

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

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

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

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...

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

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 foundGunnar 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