Good Memories, Love, Family & Friends

No pictures this time, I think my husband has passed around our pictures enough. I can't tell you how great it was to spend time with family and friends. It was such an uplifting weekend.
The Conference was so great, we cried and laughed. There were things there that made me think my relationship with my Father in Heaven. It reminded me that I have someone near that will always love me no matter what. I came home with a larger Testimony, that I hope will last a long time.
Now for my family, I saw each of the girls that were there step up and it reminded me of how great they are. I don't know how I ended up with this group as my children, but I am so thankful for them and the things they teach me.
It was not all serious, not with my family. They were totally fun to be around. We bought jewelry and Harlean and Tonya ended up seeing a lady in a thong, hay what else can you ask for.
It was a great weekend and for sure I want to do it again. Thanks to Joddy for all the work she went through and Tina for helping us get a room.

Last color before Winter and cold

This is our last color before white sets in. Our drive over Nebo loop was beautiful. This year the colors were bright as you can see. The fall is the perfect time of year for me, not to hot, not to cold. I guess you can't have everything. It was a nice day trip and Al and I enjoyed the beauty of the mountains.

Rocks In Our Heads

Our heads hurt along with our feet, backs, hands and even our sit down place. Sometimes we are so hot that we can't stand it and sometimes when the wind blows (which is most of the time) we were cold. We were bent over for hours looking for Topaz crystals, which we can only find if we see the sparkle from them. If the sun is not in the right place, no sparkle. Why in the would do we do things like this? Well I'll tell you, we have fun. We are out side looking at the beatiful world that our Heavenly Father created. We are with the one we love and nothing can get better than that. On top of that we can bring home treasures. Alot of people don't think rocks are so great, but we love them. They all look different, some not so pretty and other really pretty. Look at the rock I am sitting on, it is not so pretty, but inside this rock are little sparkles of Topaz. There is a whole mountain that sparkles when the sun is in the right place. The rocks are not so pretty, but inside are really pretty things. I guess it is like us, some times we shine and at other times we are just a not so pretty person, inside that is. What could be better than that seeing all this in just one day..

Rock Hunting Fun

No pictures on this one. We took out last trip of the year ( I hope). Al and I went to Wyoming to see Glenna and of course to look for rocks. Boy did find rocks. It was a lot of fun. We even stayed on the freeway for 1 1/2 hour. A truck bruned up, so we sat there. It was a good time to visit with Glenna. We went hiking in the hills and found all kinds of things. We did see some wild horses, but not as many as I would have liked. Last time we went we saw a herd of them and they were beautiful. We brought home some rocks to put in Al's little desert garden in the front yard. It might not have been a grand trip, but we had a lot of fun. We spent time together and saw some of out family. What else could you ask for.

Isn't she cuite

This is our newest family member. She is really tiny and such a good baby. She is healthy and we are thankful for that....

Don't faint

Well it is a long time since I wrote in the blog. I have wanted to put pictures in, but we bought a new computer and have not got it totally set up. We love it, but due to our non fuctional brains we haven't got everthing where it belongs. On top of that we are not sure what we are doing! It is coming along, now we don't have to wait twenty min. for something to come on the screen.
We have had a busy summer. I don't know where it has gone but it has gone. Most of the summer we have spent with family, that was a plus for us. We have been to a wedding, and engagement party and an open house.
Carly's wedding went really nice. As I sat in the Temple, watching her and Jeff kneeling across the alter it really came to me how important the Temple is. It was amazing to know that we are linked as a family and will be that way for Eternity. One thing I can say about the wedding was that for sure it was hot. I don't really like hot, but we survived, enjoying our time with everyone. Tonya and her family were able to come. It was nice seeing them, even though we were so busy that it was hard to get a min. to ourselves.
The next thing that happened was a party. It was supposed to be for Bre's boyfriends, but it ended up being a engagement party. It was a total suprise to Bre. They will be getting married in April. It seems our family is growing.
Carly and Jeff held a open house in Kaysville. They both lived there so alot of people came. It was a layed back affair, which made it really nice. We were able to visit with alot of people we hadn't seen for a while. It was fun and I hope a tail end to all these big events.
We spent this weekend in Bear Lake. We went to Tori's house. We had a beautiful day at the lake, notice I said day. Every time we come it rains, so at least this time we had one day that was a fun in the sun day. We did have fun and as always enjoyed our family.

Life is running by

No pictures this time, I am lucky to just write a note. Tomorrow we are off to St. George for Carly's wedding. It is hot, hot , hot and I am not sure I want to be in the oven of St. George (108) on Sunday. We just got back Sat. from visiting with Tori and Russ. It seems like that is all we have been doing. Last winter I thought this was going to be a slow summber, not so. Number one I never thought I would be the RS President. Alden was called on a service mission and does the Temple once a week. I guess it keeps us young. The one thing about this wedding is a lot of the family will be there and it is always nice to be with the ones we love. I'll post some pictures when I get back (if I survive the heat).

The End of an Era!

Uncle Warren (Colonel) died on June 18, 2009. He was the last of my father's siblings. It seems like a whole time in my life has closed down. I still have the memories, but no one to talk about them that remember. We made a trip to his early birthday (95th) in Febuary, they said he wouldn't last until March when his real birthday was. As I talked to him then, he said he was going to make it to his birthday, he made it past. His family told us that in the end he was seeing and talking to his father and my dad Everett. I know there was a grand old party on the other side when they all got together. I think of all the years I enjoyed these group of people and I am thankful that I had that time.. Sometimes I think we are so into life that we miss the real thing. I hope when I go, that someone will be able to say, we spent time with her and have a lot of good memories to hold in our hearts. The people, friends, and family are what life is all about, it is so important to love each other and always be thankful we are together.

Cold Bear Lake Birthday

Haylee wanted to go to Bear Lake for her bithday, no problem, except spring did not come this year, so it rained. We were game for anything, no hesitation. We headed up to Tori's house and all cramed into her small home. AJ, her family, Amanda, her son, a friend of AJ's Brandy, Haylee and Us. We were sleeping all over. On Sat. morning the was a spot where we thought it would be good to take off and head to the Lake. As you can see from the picture, it was not the best, but we had fun. Of course the kids thought it was great. The adults were a little cold, some of them cold or not braved the cold to go into the water. It was a fun time with all the family that was there. We are thankful for Tori for putting up with us. Love us or not I am sure she was glad to see us go. We are so thankful to be able to do all these fun things with our family.

This is what it is all about......

This is why we made our trip to California. E was baptized on the 23 of May. This is the 4th grandchild that we have had baptized in the last year. What fun it is to see them all grow up and make the choice to follow the Savior. E was so grown up, he greeted every one as they came in. He also thanked each person for coming. At the end he stood up on his own and announced that we would be opening the doors and putting cookies out. It was really something. No one knew he was going to do it for sure. I can't believe he is 8. He was just a little baby and now he is a young man. His Grandpa and Grandma are so proud of him. I am sure he will be perfect, for a few days, and then he will get on with life.

California Trip

Here we are at the beach in California. Haylee, Shireen, Dorie & Al took off on a Wed. and headed for California. I don't know about any one else, but the beach was one of the things on the top of my lists to do. Of course seeing our family was the first. The beach is special to me, a time when I can let every thing go and just lay back. It seems my problems aren't as big when I get back. Now, Shireen just had fun. It was the first time that she remembered being on the beach, she was impressed. She could not get over how big it was. I think She has my lust for picking things up. She had a bucket full of all kinds of treasures. We all had a lot of fun and really enjoyed the family time.

Update on Al's Thumb

No picture of this. Haylee has one on her phone, but I didn't even look. We went to the doctors today, he took a pair of plyers and pulled the pin out of Dad's thumb. It was terrible! I watched all the other stuff they did, but for some reason that was just bad. The worst part came after when the doctor told him that he should not put a dressing on it. He also told him that he needed to be careful because he could tear the ligament. Before he did alot because it was protected and now he is really limited. He is driving us nuts. I wanted to call Tori to see if she could baby sit him. Oh well I am sure we will all live through the whole thing.

The ride on the Heber Creeper

We had a great Wednsday. We were able to go on the Heber Creeper with Shireen and her school. Tori and Ayden came along with us also. Of course after a good warm day the day before, the wind was blowing and we about froze to death. In the middle of the ride Ayden had to go to the potty, well there was no bathrooms, I provided the water bottle and he aimed in the right direction. Every one was happy except Tori, she was mad because we didn't get a picture. You can't win them all. We all had fun at the Heber Park, where we went to eat lunch. Grandma and Grandpa had the most fun of all being with family!!!!

Marcus

This is Macus. He is drooling all over Haylee.

He smiles all the time and loves to talk.

Our Life for two weeks

Well there are no pictures this time. Dad loaded the pictures into the computer and they are gone forever. I will never know what he does with them. The last two weeks have been full of people. Tasha came in to pick up Breland, they stayed with us. It was nice visiting with them. Breland told Tasha that it would only take a little while to clean her apartment, well after an all night work - a - thon it was finally done. I had to laugh because Sheri came in a few days later and she had the same experience. We had Tori's kids last weekend. It was fun, but made both of us old people tired. I think it was boring for them, it rained the whole time they were here. We always love our grandkids coming to see us. We rest alot when they leave. We went to the doctor for Dad's thumb. The stitches are now out. It is all still wrapped up with a pin that goes down the middle, that will stay that way for a few more weeks. He goes back on the 5th of May. Spring is here for one day and then it rains and snows the next. On the spring days we have planted peas, they are coming up and I can't wait. I love peas! When I pick them they never get in the house. Our back yard needs a lot of work, with Dad only using one hand and me so busy with Relief Society it is not getting done as fast. Maybe if spring settles in for the long term then I can get out and do something. Right now we are waiting for Carly and Jeff to come here to spend the night, also Leo will be here late, he has to take a test in Salt Lake early in the morning. Like I started out people, people, and more people. Sheri and her whole family will be coming in sometime in June to put Derrick in the Mission home. I guess that Cindy and her family will be coming sometime to put Jared in the Mission home also. We may have some rest but in the fall it will start over again. It is really nice to see every one so much. Every time Harlean's grandkids come I call her and brag. I know it's mean, but hey it's fun. Well better log off. Maybe I will locate the picktures next time.

OOPS I MISSED THE WOOD

This is what this week has been about. One week ago Friday Al wasn't as careful as he could have been, guess what, he sliced his thumb. No only did he slice his thumb, but he cut the legament. All I can say is I am glad he still has a thumb. We have spent a lot of time in the doctors and all day Tues. in the hospital where they put him back together. Every thing is going just fine except for one thing, he is having a hard time not doing the things he can't do. He is not used to being layed up in any way. He will get the stitches out nex week, but the pin that they put in to hold his thumb straight will stay in for awhile. We will survive and get through this.

OUR LITTLE MOMENTS

Onece again no pictures! We did download them on the computer, but they are lost. I've looked and I am sure they took off. So here is our moments for the last couple of weeks.
On March 19th we picked up Ayden, Tori's little one and brought him home with us. This was the first time he has been away from home alone. We were concerned that his 4 year old mind would decide that he needed to go home early. Well by the time we went to Chucky Cheeses, McDonalds (2 times), Thanksgiving point, the Bean museum (where he petted a large spider) and did several different sports he decided to stay. We all had a good time.
On March 22nd Al and Haylee took Ayden home and I went to church, where the whole presidency of the Young Women were released. It was a sad day, a lot of tears and sad goodbys. I love working with the youth but every time I get released it takes a bit of my heart.
March 23rd We rested in the morning and in the evening Sheri, Brain and their family came in. Dereck was going through the Temple. That was on a Monday and on Wed. we all loaded in their big van and headed down to Salt Lake. I have not been to the Salt Lake Temple for a few years and I forgot how beautiful it was. It was such a nice evening. The spirit was so strong. We all went home with a stronger testimony and lighter hearts.
March 28th Al and I decided to take a day off. It was one of the nice days so we went out in the desert and roamed. It was a nice break and we enjoyed the sunshine, which has not been around very much.
March 29th Al and I were called into the Bishops office after church today and my new calling is the Relief Society pres. I am still in shock. The Young Womens leaders had decided that we were all going to sit on the back row of the Relief Society room and make faces at the presidency, just so we wouldn't get to grown up after being with the youth for so long. I guess I won't be doing that. I never thought I would be put in, I thought I was to old and some younger gal would take that job. Well even old people are not forgotten. I won't be taking over for 2 or 3 weeks. I hope the Lord knows what he is doing, because I sure don't.

FAMILY IS A GREAT THING

No pictures this time. Haylee showed them in her blog. We had a fun week last week. Sue and Bit Johanson came in from Florida (wish I was there). Bit had to try out for a program at USU. We had a real nice visit with them, finding out interesting things that we did not know. Sat. night we got all the neices and nepherws, Carley, her boyfriend Jeff, Haylee and Al and I and went to the brick oven. It was really fun. Some of them got together and told the server that it was Al's birthday. They also had a guy that was there make a balloon hat. It was funny. I think Carley told them it was his birthday, she also told them that he would deny it. Al said he is picked on. After it was over Sue, Bit, Haylee, Carley, Jeff and Al and I had a decussion about the church. Haylee and Carley both bore their Testimonies to Bit, who was having just a few doubts about some things. In the end it was all about getting your own Testimony. If you don't have that you are not going to be able to progress like you should. There were some interesting things said.
A day or so later I just had to call Harlean and tell her that I was having a lot of fun with her grandkids. No matter what you have or what you do, family is so important. They are the real treasures here on earth. I love it....

FAST TRIP TO COLORADO

Well, our Colorado trip in March turned out to be in February. We were going down in March to celebrate Uncle Warren Shepherd's 95th birthday. His health started to get worse so all the people in Denver decided to have it in February. Thanks to Sheri and Brain Johanson we had a place to stay. As you can see on the right, it was pretty nice. Before we left we ended up with Dereck, Camey and Camey's boyfriend. Oh and one more thing Camey's snowboard. There was a three day holiday so it was just the right time for the college kids to get a ride with us. On top of all of that, Dereck got a lot of his things done for his mission, passport, dental. We had a really nice visit with their family. Brain was even there so it was perfect.

As you can see at the top left Uncle Wareen is not as spry as he used to be. I do have to say, although he has mellowed out, you can still see that look in his eyes. When I see that look, I always wonder what trouble he is going to get into. The party turned out really nice. A lot of people turned out. It was nice visiting with all of them. We don't keep in touch much and that is sad.

We also got out to see the people in Broomfield. The family has put Aunt Lucille in a Senior Living center. She could not live a lone anymore. Grandma's house is falling down. We had a good visit with my cousins Bill and Kathy.

Well time goes on and each of us get older, but it is sad to see all the people that you love from the past go on to the next life. Thank goodness we were able to see Uncle Warren before he passes away. It is always better to see them before than after.

OLD AGE IS HARD TO TAKE

Thank you all so much for the new ipod. I love it, just as soon as I learn how to use it. I am getting better. Boy I am finally a senior. What can I say, am I happy about that? I don't know how I feel. Sometimes old age has it's perks and sometimes not. My body sags and my eyes aren't so good, but some one said to me yesterday "my mind and spirit" are good. What more can you ask for. I don't really feel older inside. I like all the things I liked when I was younger, but when I look in the mirror I see someone different. Maybe mirrors aren't a good thing. I do get a discount at the movies and thats a good thing. As I look back on my life I have come a long way and am proud of what I have done. I've come long way baby! It is nice to look back and see my life so far. It has been exciting, hard, and with many different roads. I guess it's not to bad being older, look at my fine family and the joy they bring into my life. There are many seasons in a life and right now I am enjoying the season I am in.......Thank you all for being you and making my life exciting and great!!

HOW CAN HE BE 8!!!!!

Isn't she beautful. Shireen was baptized on Sat Jan. 31, 2009. It was a perfect day. Families from both sides were there. Of course all of us thought she was really pretty in her white dress. We all might have been a little biased because we think all our grandkids are the best. I am so thankful that she decided to take this step in her life. I know that it is the right step. I also know that Heavenly Father will be with her for the rest of her life as long as she lives right. All I can say the older she gets the older we get and sometmes that is not good. We love our whole family and are very thankful for them. It's great to be a grandparent.....

JUST A LITTLE COLD!!!!!

This is where we spent out Saturday. It is beautiful, but really cold. I think from now on I will do summers at Tori's and winters at St. George. Just look at the tree, all it is ice. Ice cubes are not for me......

BORING WEEK "THANK GOODNESS"

No pictures this time. Our week has been boring and that is a good thing. Haylee and I still have a sore chest and I am turning yellow instead of black and purple. All I can say is boring is good! Our snow is melting because of a high pressure, and our air is bad. This is the time we all need to go into the mountains where the sun is shinning and the air is clear. We are waiting for the insurance to get it together and give Haylee some money. It will be nice to get another car to run around in. Sunday I have to give a lesson in Young Womens. Did you know that sun flowers follow the sun, by night the are facing the sun when it goes down. Any way the lesson is on keeping your eye on Jesus and you won't go wrong. I got the girls some sunflower seeds, do you know how hard it is to find sunflower seeds in the middle of winter. I told you it was a boring week. Next week will have a little more action, I am going to Tori's for a couple of days. getting my hair cut and we are scrapbooking.

2009 IN WITH A BANG!!!!!!!!

Haylee and I were ready to go. We had our money, ourselves and the car. We were off to shop at the sale at Body and Bath Works. This is really a big event, so off we went. We arrived at Center St. and University Ave and the next thing we knew we were kissing the sign. Some kid was going to fast and run the red light and we happened to be in the right place at the wrong time. So now we had the money, ourselves and no car. We came out alright, sore necks and chests. I have a beautiful, colorful chest. We are very thankful that we came out walking, talking and no broken bones. Did we ever get to shop, we sure did the next day. Both of us walked
slow but we did it. I hope this is no indication of how the year of 2009
is going to be.