tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75009940875902478832024-03-13T17:15:02.913-07:00EgglestonSaul, Tana, Ariel and JustinTanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744475400173491527noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500994087590247883.post-68566287739844897432010-05-03T10:53:00.000-07:002010-05-03T11:42:15.541-07:00TRUST JESUS...PRESS FORWARD IN CHRIST<div align="justify">Sometimes I don't have the best attitude. It is something that I know and that I am working on. I am the Primary President in my ward, a calling that I love. But sometimes I don't want to go to all of the meetings that come with that calling. This last week we had our Stake Leadership Meeting. I got the invites in the mail a couple of weeks earlier. I carried them in my bag to give to my counselors, but forgot. Then I went to lunch on Tues. with my friend, Paula, who is also Primary Pres. in her ward. She asked me if I was gonna be there on Thurs...I drew a blank and asked her what was on Thurs. She <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">chastised</span> me and told me I had better be there. But that week had been crazy, and that day was even crazier! Dad had knee surgery a few days earlier and had a little infection and was needing more pain <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">meds</span>. I got his antibiotic OK, but because his pain <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">meds</span> were narcotics, I had to get a whole new prescript. Of course his Dr. is in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Show Low</span> and was out of the office. I finally got the call to go pick up the prescription and headed to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Walmart</span> to get it filled. They told me it would be 1 1/2 hrs. I didn't really have money to shop, so I just browsed and waited patiently...not! When it was time I waited in the long line to pick it up only to be told it would be another hour before it would be ready. Looking at the time, I wasn't sure I was gonna make it back in time for my meeting...but I had a good excuse! Dad needed his pain pills. I was doing service. But I just kept getting this feeling that I needed to get there. After waiting for another hour I had to fight with them to give them to me...with it being narcotics I needed a note from <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">somebody</span> saying it was OK for me to get them?!?! They finally gave them to me and I headed home. Got there just in time to throw on a dress and give Justin instructions on how to finish the dinner I had started earlier (yes, I was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">at least</span> on the ball that much). I ran to the meeting and sat down with 2 minutes to spare. My mind was still racing from the days events...I still had to get the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">meds</span> to dad after the meeting, I wonder if Justin did dinner right, did I put on a slip? The meeting started and Pres. Whipple was the first to speak. His talk was on Reverence, based on talks from Elders Packer and Oaks. It was just what I needed. I felt the spirit so strong. He quoted Elder Holland saying, "Reverence always <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">precedes</span> Revelation." And he talked on how it is more than just being quiet, it is an attitude. Another quote was, "How many of us don't get the revelation that we need because of the lack of reverence in our meetings?" As I listened my mind stopped racing, I felt the spirit, and I learned so much. We had a special number and another talk, which were very good and uplifting. Then Pres. Robbi Hancock talked. She told a story about a little family that was facing a challenge and the Mother was having a hard time. Her little girl came in with some roughly cut up papers, crumpled and scribbled on. She showed them to the mom and asked her if she knew what they were? The mother replied that she didn't and the little girl told her, "these are the scriptures and they tell us to TRUST JESUS!" How simple but how strong. I am so thankful for Pres. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Whipple's</span> talk on reverence to help me receive revelation. My heart still aches for Ariel, and I still just seem to slide <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">thru</span> the days. The longer it goes the harder it is to keep the faith. And I just needed to be reminded to TRUST JESUS! And to remain steadfast in Christ. It is only <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">thru</span> him that any of us will make it back to our Heavenly Father. He has paid the price for us already. We just have to turn our hearts to him and remain faithful. A few other notes I wrote from that night are: None of us can survive in the world today, much less what it's going to become without personal revelation; We can teach a great lesson, but unless it is received with the Holy Ghost, it won't really be learned; As I have loved you, love one another; We have to be spiritually strong to survive the world around us; Anchor in the scriptures and feast on the word of Christ; The scriptures are a means to the end; Personalize the scriptures and liken them unto us; Scriptures are like letters from home, they help remind you who you are. I needed to hear all of this so much. I am so grateful that I made it to that meeting, and that I was able to reverence my heart and my mind enough that I could receive my personal revelation. And like the question asked earlier, "how many of us don't get the revelation that we need because of the lack of reverence in our meetings?" </div>Tanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744475400173491527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500994087590247883.post-35164001984063743492010-05-03T10:05:00.000-07:002010-05-03T10:41:17.582-07:00I LOVE SPRING<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/S98KajjtnLI/AAAAAAAAASQ/UupkGeqSRXU/s1600/IMG_3211+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467099923988978866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 192px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/S98KajjtnLI/AAAAAAAAASQ/UupkGeqSRXU/s320/IMG_3211+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify">OK, I am terrible about blogging lately. I don't know why because I think about it all the time and it is pretty therapeutic. But I just don't take the time to sit down and write like I should.</div><br /><div align="justify">Lately I have been thinking about how beautiful the days are getting...the sun is up earlier and going down later; even though we have had that nasty wind and still getting a little snow, it is starting to warm up and feel like spring. But something that makes me really happy is that my tulips are blooming! I love tulips. I had planted hundreds of them in my yard in Utah. I looked forward to them blooming every spring. When I start to see their leaves shooting up from the cold, barren dirt it means that spring is coming. I LOVE SPRING!!! I like all of the seasons, the summer sun, the fall colors, the winter snow and holidays...but Spring is my favorite. When winter cold seems to linger on and it seems that everything is dead and drab, then you start to see little sprigs of green poking thru the ground and you know that the earth is about to come alive again. All the baby animals start to be born, the sun starts to shine more and it makes you feel hope and happiness. I love flowers, all flowers...but since tulips are some of the first to come up and bloom, I love them most! They just make me smile. So this last fall I planted over 100 in my flower beds. Who knew that this winter was going to be especially long and hard and that I would need them so much this spring. Everytime I drove away from or back to my house, I would just smile at the long row of tulips in my front flower bed. I was slow getting out and getting pictures and the wind has taken it's tole on them. But they made me smile and cheered my heart. Now that they are starting to fade and die back, my other flowers are starting to shoot up and hopefully it won't be long until they start to bloom also! </div>Tanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744475400173491527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500994087590247883.post-91660978802434946472010-03-05T10:31:00.000-08:002010-03-05T11:21:41.723-08:00<div align="center"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#660000;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><em>Life</em></strong> is not about waiting for the storm to pass</span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:180%;color:#660000;">but learning to <strong><em>Dance</em></strong> in the rain</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><strong></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;">I saw this quote today and it kinda hit home. As I posted earlier, our little family has had a few storm clouds hanging over us the last few months. Some mornings it has been hard just to get out of bed and face the day. The phone rings and I don't want to answer it, and I don't even want to go to the store or talk to anyone. I have been caught up in my own pain and don't really want to face the world. But that's not what life is about. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;">I have been caught up in what has been going on with Ariel and my own pain, and haven't really paid much attention to Justin and how he is handling all this. A few weeks ago he had a little melt down and kinda gave me a wake-up call. Something he said to me really hit hard and gave me a little jolt. He said, "there isn't any love in our house anymore. We don't read the scriptures, we don't say family prayers or have family home evening. We need to start doing those things again and it will help us thru this." That is when I realized that I had to get up and get going with life again. It was true. It was hard to do those "family" things when part of our family was missing. It was hard to call everyone together and have an empty spot. But we still have to go on, and we have to pull together...even more now than ever.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;">When the clouds roll in, the thunder starts and the rains fall...we tend to hole up in our house and hide from the storm. But sometimes the storms move in to stay for a while and we can't just hide away forever. God gives us trials to strengthen us. He knows how much we can handle and sometimes we are pushed to the limit. But he is always there...we just have to reach out to him and use him as our umbrella. We have to count on him for strength to make it thru. God is there and willing to help us, but he expects us to do all we can to help ourselves. I was praying, more than I ever have. But it was a little self-absorbed. I am so thankful to Justin for waking me up and setting me straight. The storm is still here...the tears still pour down every day. But I realize, I can't wait for the storm to pass, I need to learn to get up and dance in the rain.</span></div>Tanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744475400173491527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500994087590247883.post-67362396715524558092010-01-15T12:27:00.001-08:002010-01-15T12:50:24.381-08:00<div align="justify">I know I haven't posted for a while. Life has had a few bumps for us and I guess I didn't know how or what to write about. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">You hold your babies when they are little, you look at them and you have all kinds of dreams for them and you can picture just how it is all gonna work out. But then they start to grow up, gain independance, and start making choices for themselves. The hardest thing to realize is that they have their free agency, a God given right; and you just pray that you have taught them and loved them enough to help them make the right choices. But no matter how hard you pray or how much you love them, sometimes they are gonna make choices that don't really fit in for what you have planned for them. Then all you can do is get on your knees and pray that they will find out for themselves the path that will lead them to happiness. That somehow, someday, something that you taught them will spark and that they will realize the need for the gospel truths in their lives. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">I will admit that the last few months have been the most humbling, gut wrenching, look deep into your soul, bring you to your knees moments that I have ever faced in my life. It is hard not to wonder why, what didn't I do, what did I miss, what should I have done differently? Everyone tells me that it's not my fault and that I can't blame myself. But it's just hard not to wonder why she is making the choices she is and what I should have done to prevent it. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">I know there is a lot of things I could have and should have done differently. But dwelling on the past isn't gonna get us anywhere. Now I just have to continue to get on my knees and pray with everything I have that things will work out. I have no where to turn, but to God, to help us all thru this. I can only love her, more now than ever, and hope that she will see it. We can only continue to pick up the pieces and to press forward, steadfast in Christ, with hope that this will all work out in the end. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Ariel, I love you!</div>Tanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744475400173491527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500994087590247883.post-35903326988840088432009-10-23T15:51:00.000-07:002009-10-23T16:41:25.924-07:00THE MOST AMAZING FAMILY AND FRIENDS!<div align="justify">I just had an amazing experience the other day and thought that I would share. It's not that what happened was amazing, it was how things worked that was amazing! </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Saul has been working up in Salt Lake for over a month now. He was up there for 2 weeks, came home for a week and has been back up there for almost 3 weeks now. We really miss him and can't wait for him to be home. And since he has been up there, the kids and I have had a bout with the flu. The kids bounced in a few days, but I was in bed for a week straight. I was going so stir crazy and thinking of everything that I needed to get done...garden cleaned up, dead flowers cut, spring bulbs planted, canning apples, canning potatoes, finishing my tomatoes...! It was really hard for me to be down in bed and to be missing Saul also. I finally got feeling better on Tuesday, so I got Justin to go up and help pick apples at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Nellie's</span> so I could start canning them. Derrik Palmer and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Dillon</span> also helped, and we got them all picked in pretty good time. Then Justin & I took mom and went to see "WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE", then went for pizza and ice cream. I was loving feeling better. The next morning I woke up at 5:00 am with a sore throat, so I got up to get some Tylenol cold or something to help it. I was thinking..."you have got to be kidding me, I was feeling better!" I couldn't find any <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">meds</span> in the closet where I usually keep them, so I thought I would look in the drawer of my night stand next to my bed. As I opened the drawer, I kinda <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">pivoted</span> and went to set on the edge of my bed. As I did, I felt and heard the loudest POP in my lower back. I just fell to the floor and blacked out in pain! I just laid on the floor, not knowing what to do...the pain was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">soooo</span> bad. After several minutes of laying there crying, I somehow managed to pull myself onto my bed. I could not use my legs at all without sharp pain radiating through my body! It was too early to call anyone for help, so I just laid there and cried for about an hour. I figured I would use my cell phone to call my home phone to wake Justin up at 6:30. (Ariel is also gone to Indiana on an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">FFA</span> trip) Justin woke up himself at 6:15, so I hollered out to him to come help me. I was crying and still couldn't hardly even move...he was pretty freaked out. As I laid there I thought about who I could call to come give me a blessing...with Saul gone, I would have to call someone. I knew that David had to be to work about 7:00. Mom & Dad were going to leave about 7:00 to go to a funeral in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Ramah</span>, NM. I didn't know for sure what Dennis was doing, but I figured he was my best bet. I called him, sobbing, and he said he would be over in a few minutes. Well, he called my dad, who came on over to help give me a blessing. I felt bad because I knew he would be late for the funeral, if he would make it at all. But they came and comforted and gave me a priesthood blessing. Dennis is the one that gave the blessing, and I was hoping that he would say..."arise and walk, you are healed." But it just doesn't quite work that way...not that it can't, it just usually doesn't. :) He told me that I needed to rest for a few more days and to be patient, and I needed to ask others to help with what I needed. It was a nice blessing and even though it didn't say just what I wanted to hear, I knew it was what I needed to hear. Well, Justin went off to school, Mom & Dad still headed for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Ramah</span>, and Dennis left for work. Dennis said to call Audrey and she could take me to the Dr. or get me whatever I need. That is one of my biggest weaknesses...to ask for help...I hate it. I called Saul, who freaked out, not being able to be here to help me. Then, I got a phone call from my dear friend, Carol Palmer. She had called me several times while I was sick earlier, and we had talked quite a lot the day before. I figured that since she thought I was feeling better from the flu, she wouldn't call me. But she called and said..."I just had a feeling that I needed to call and check up on you." Amazing! I started crying again and told her what happened. She said that she was just going to call the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">chiropractor</span> to see if she could get in and she would just see if I could get in also. So, she came and picked me up and off we went...and what a pair we were. Her with her neck pain, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">pneumonia</span>, and arthritis, and me with my back...we hobbled in together. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">At least</span> by then the pain had dulled a little and I was able to walk on my own. I got back home, went back to bed and just cried some more. It seemed like everybody...friends and family started calling me. None of them knew what had happened...they were just calling to see how I was doing. And as I cried to each one of them, I felt so comforted. Even though I was in a lot of pain and was not happy at all about my situation, I truly felt the spirit close to me that day and knew that my Heavenly Father was watching over me! And I was feeling so grateful for the great family and friends that I have! I am thankful that with Saul gone, I knew that I had several options of who I could call to help me...even though I hate doing so. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">And yes, somehow my parents still made it to the funeral on time. That made me feel better also.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div>Tanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744475400173491527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500994087590247883.post-42318576505940653892009-10-10T10:07:00.000-07:002009-10-10T14:28:02.003-07:00SLOW DOWN...BE GLAD OF LIFE<div align="justify">When I was younger I loved summer...and it seemed to last forever. I have some great childhood memories of camping, riding horses, playing werewolf, swimming in Taylor dam, and spending hours catching crawdads and criss-crossing in the old cement irrigation ditch. I spent all day out playing with my neighborhood friends. It was such the 'Mayberry' life! But it seems that life has gotten so crazy. I told my sister that this summer has been so crazy and she replied, "summer is always crazy for everyone". I'm sure she is right. But this summer was by far the busiest for me...we had something big going on every weekend, and somethings even during the week. And now fall has hit and I AM NOT ready for it. But...ready or not, it is here. I was thinking about all that we had going on and thought I would give a little run down of what<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/StDLu1ZaFYI/AAAAAAAAAPM/gj4ru8iz-T0/s1600-h/IMG_3066+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391032759430550914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 265px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 173px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/StDLu1ZaFYI/AAAAAAAAAPM/gj4ru8iz-T0/s200/IMG_3066+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a> we did. We started working in our yard in the Spring. I was bound and determined that we were going to plant grass this year. But before that could happen we had to haul in a bunch of rocks to build a retaining wall. So we got the kids to help and we hauled...and hauled...and hauled a bunch of rocks. Then we got some dirt hauled in (which we got a smokin' deal on) to help build up and level out for the grass. I am really happy with the way it has turned out, and I love my Flowers, we just still have more to do...next year!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/StDYQe3BMAI/AAAAAAAAAP8/3oet_Dt5f-g/s1600-h/IMG_1722+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391046531635818498" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 160px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/StDYQe3BMAI/AAAAAAAAAP8/3oet_Dt5f-g/s320/IMG_1722+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div align="justify">We also worked hard to get our garden in. I am always wanting to make it bigger and Saul is always wanting to keep it smaller...that's because he does most of the weeding. After hauling new soil and a bunch of manure, Dad came and helped us get it all ready to start planting. I think this was one of the biggest and best gardens we have grown yet. It was also a lot of work...but that's what it's all about. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/StDstY1sefI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/3jvKwYuwVwQ/s1600-h/IMG_1673+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391069018468415986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/StDstY1sefI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/3jvKwYuwVwQ/s320/IMG_1673+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We had our Ben Lewis family reunion at Sharp Springs this year. Almost all of us made it and we had a great time. Good food, campfire songs, great visiting, and fun games! I love that about my family. There is a lot of us, and I know that we can sometimes be intimidating to some. But we love each other and we have a lot of fun when we get together. Our kids are close and seem to have so much fun with the cousins. That's what life is really all about...FAMILY. My parents have been such good examples and have instilled that in us all. I don't know what I would do without my family. When life gets rough, it is my sisters that I call to cry to. When something wonderful happens...it is the same. I call my brothers for help and they come running. (OK, yes I am crying just writing this). I LOVE my nieces and nephews and enjoy all of them. I am so proud and thankful that I have a big family and would not trade it<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/StDZ68-MqYI/AAAAAAAAAQM/8Lky1lCzdUo/s1600-h/IMG_3002+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391048360785127810" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/StDZ68-MqYI/AAAAAAAAAQM/8Lky1lCzdUo/s320/IMG_3002+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a> for anything. </div><div align="justify">As I said earlier, I really enjoy my nieces and nephews. After the family reunion, some of the girls came to stay with me. We watched movies, talked about the Jonas Brothers, played games, talked about the Jonas Brothers, giggled, talked about the Jonas Brothers, ate, Jonas Bro's, slept, Jonas Bro's...oh, and did I mention, we talked about the Jonas Brothers! It was really a lot of fun though. They got along so well and just hung out. One day Ariel got them all dolled up and had a big photo shoot with them. I wish I could post all of their pics on here, they were really fun. She pulled out her hats and jackets and they had a ball. They are all such cute, fun girls.</div><div align="justify">In the middle of everything, we had church softball. I would go and help coach the YW and then stay and play with the women. I love softball. I used to play much better and could get around the bases a little easier, but I still love playing. At first our YW didn't want to play. But with a little coaxing, bribing, threatening and a wee bit of force, we got them to play. They weren't all stars, but I am really proud of them for participating and giving it a try. And even though they didn't want to play, I think that they really did have a good time. At first there was a lot of grumbling and complaining, but in the end there were a lot of cheers and giggles. They found out that they can catch and throw a ball, get a hit and make it on base. I think that a lot of time we are afraid to try something new for fear that we can't do well at it. But it is good to try and learn new things. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/StDW0lyH_MI/AAAAAAAAAPs/6Nc45s3fE7w/s1600-h/IMG_2599+copy+a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391044952946375874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/StDW0lyH_MI/AAAAAAAAAPs/6Nc45s3fE7w/s200/IMG_2599+copy+a.jpg" border="0" /></a> I was really proud of them.<br />You can't have summer in Taylor without celebrating the 4th of July. It is the celebration that beats all celebrations! You cannot participate without having your heart stirred, pride swell and give thanks to be an American. I remember as a little girl, 4th of July was right there next to <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391047034994323058" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 141px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 237px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/StDYtyBCbnI/AAAAAAAAAQE/2skiIx7vgPU/s320/IMG_2603+copy+a.jpg" border="0" />Christmas. I talked to a few friends who expressed that they didn't see what was so great about getting up early and following the band...I couldn't believe it. Lighting the anvil and listening to the band is the most awesome thing. But maybe it comes from the traditions of growing up here...listening to my Grandpa Rogers announce on the PA system from the ambulance, riding in the back of Shumway's truck and ringing the bell along with the sirens and horns after the anvil went off, and yes...I even played with the band a few times. Seeing Uncle Lenn up there still leading the band...all of his kids and grandkids, the Coles, and all the other longtime friends just starts the day off for me. Then the Patriotic Program, BBQ and Rodeo just tops it off. I am proud to have grown up here in Taylor, for my heritage and to live in the Good Ole' USA!<br />We had Girls Camp at Roosevelt Lake this year. I had never been there and it was quite pretty. Our biggest mistake was that we went in July! It was so hot! We all just laid there and sweated all night long. The water was so warm that it felt like bath water. Sister Terra Hensley brought her dad's boat for one of the days and the girls got to tube and wake board...they had a lot of fun. And even though it was hot, at least we had the water to play in. We had a few sunburns, but mostly it was just a good time.<br />I got back from girl's camp and headed to Ramah for a Lewis Reunion. Justin had gone earlier with Mom & Dad and they stayed out at Uncle Evan's cabin. It is a neat little cabin and he built himself, with the help of his kids. But they cut, stripped, and formed the logs to fit into place. It is very rustic and peaceful place to go. This was the first time Saul had been there and he loved it! After a visit to the cabin we headed into town for the Samuel E. Lewis reunion. It was fun to see a lot of my cousins and to visit with them. We also made a trip out to the old family ranch...a lot of memories there!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/StDg5mzab9I/AAAAAAAAAQU/4SVZoPWiQcM/s1600-h/IMG_1706+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391056034235838418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 285px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 207px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/StDg5mzab9I/AAAAAAAAAQU/4SVZoPWiQcM/s320/IMG_1706+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/StDhBFHWNEI/AAAAAAAAAQc/pJWzAYR4OJ4/s1600-h/IMG_1714+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391056162631595074" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 167px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/StDhBFHWNEI/AAAAAAAAAQc/pJWzAYR4OJ4/s320/IMG_1714+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="justify">One thing that my kids look forward to every summer is going to Lake Powell with Aunt Megan and Aunt Karlie, and anyone else that wants to join in. We just camp down on the beach and spend all day in the water. I didn't get to stay long, but I took the kids and stayed a couple of days. The kids stayed the whole time and had a great time. They love the water, boat, wave runners, wake board, cliff jumping, and camping on the beach. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/StDjw4gPjQI/AAAAAAAAAQs/mf48b3IvxZQ/s1600-h/IMG_1751+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391059182903332098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/StDjw4gPjQI/AAAAAAAAAQs/mf48b3IvxZQ/s200/IMG_1751+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />One of the best, most special events of the summer was MY SISTER SUE'S WEDDING!!! We are all so happy for her! She met a great guy that treats her so good. For years now she has teased and made fun of us for doting on our hubbies and being foolishly in love. It has been so funny to see her the same way. Ivy did a fabulous job making her dress and decorating for it. It is going to be a big adjustment for all of the nieces and nephews to not have their Aunt Sue at their every beck-and-call. But we are truly happy for her. Salim is so good to her and he has a great little boy. His name is Salim, but with his dad being Salim they have called him Su Su. That is a little difficult now that his new mom's name is Sue. We still call him Su Su, and he just fits right in with all the little boys in the family. We are glad to have them both and we are so happy for Sue.</div><div align="justify">School started way to early this year. I feel that every year they steal more and more of my time with my kids. When the kids were younger, we were all ready for school to start when the time came. But they keep moving the date up and I just was not ready to send them yet this year. Ariel is a Senior and Justin a Sophomore. They are getting so big...where did the time go. </div><div align="justify">With summer coming to an end and fall coming soon it means one thing...the garden is ready to harvest. I also knew that Dad's corn would soon be ready to pick and I would need to help him sell it. So I started my canning and trying to harvest what I could before things got really crazy. I was thrilled with all that I got from my garden and it was fun to share with the neighbors. I was spoiled growing up with all of the fresh veggies from the garden and still enjoy it. This year I bottled beets, green beans, salsa, peppers, peaches, and grape jelly. I have froze corn and peach jam. My shelves are filling up and it is a good feeling of accomplishment. I bottled not only for myself, but for mom also. Since she can't do it herself, I have tried to help her out...just a little pay back for all she did for us over the years.</div><div align="justify">Of course the corn got ripe and ready to pick and I spent 3 weeks helping dad sell it. It was a slower than usual year, but we still did alright. We got ready for the sweet corn festival...it's always a crazy day. This year we decided (with the help of Salim) to try grilling it also. It actually went well and we sold a lot of both kinds. Of course the slow economy played a part, but we still did well. And it is always fun to be there working together with the family. But I will admit that it was much harder this year. Just with trying to keep up with my family and gardening AND selling corn, I wasn't sure I was gonna make it. But we just do what we gotta do, right!</div><br /><p align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391072924520068642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 242px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 169px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/StDwQwA-tiI/AAAAAAAAARs/uOMjBYXQ65g/s320/IMG_1814+copy.jpg" border="0" />OK, I am tired now...no wait, we still have the fair! Both kids had show steers that they raised for 4-H this year. They a<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/StDtz8rkm3I/AAAAAAAAARk/A6RF65itXhM/s1600-h/IMG_1817+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391070230680476530" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 246px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 181px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/StDtz8rkm3I/AAAAAAAAARk/A6RF65itXhM/s320/IMG_1817+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a>re always a lot of work, but also a lot of fun. It is always fun to watch them grow...the steers too. Looking back over the years, it is amazing at how much my kids have learned and grown through their 4-H experiences. This year we didn't have th<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/StDtTyOgMoI/AAAAAAAAARM/aWpuqJI8PpM/s1600-h/IMG_1808+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391069678118384258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 242px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 174px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/StDtTyOgMoI/AAAAAAAAARM/aWpuqJI8PpM/s320/IMG_1808+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a>e best calves, but my kids worked them and did real well with them. They did so much better to go take care of them and work them without nagging from mom. And when we got to the fair, they were proud of what they h<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/StDs6qGlKSI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/xth8OCUA9Xk/s1600-h/IMG_3045+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391069246440941858" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 260px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 187px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/StDs6qGlKSI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/xth8OCUA9Xk/s320/IMG_3045+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a>ad. I didn't have to do near as much to help them...they did most of it <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391069498083431026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 154px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 246px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/StDtJTi00nI/AAAAAAAAARE/Kvlti2Elrzc/s320/IMG_3056+copy.jpg" border="0" />themselves. Of course I'm not saying that I didn't stress and worry still...that's just my job. We borrowed dad's trailer again and just stayed down there for the whole fair. It was a lot of fun and I think that the kids enjoyed it also. Not only did Ariel have a steer this year, she also raised a heifer and tried a hand at horse 4-H. She ended up not riding as much as she wanted to at the fair...it just was a lot with the steer and heifer and all. But she learned a lot from her weekly rides. And she enjoyed showing her little heifer also. It's always a lot of work, but like I said earlier, it is fun to see the kids grow and progress along with their animals. They didn't win any big awards, but they are still winners in my book. And I felt that they did the best that they could with the animals that they had. As I said earlier, we knew going into it that we didn't have winning quality animals. And as my mom says...you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear! And they did get blue ribbons all the way around. Good job kids!</p><p align="justify">Well, fall is here and I have got most of my canning done. I still have a few potatoes and carrots to get in bottles and a little dehydrating that I want to get done. But things are slowing down and I am starting to relax a little now. I know it won't be for long though...but that's just the way life is. And as I set here and wrote this blog and posted pics, it was fun to reflect back on the past several months of all that we got to do. It reminds me of a saying that my sister, Megan, has on her wall..."be glad of life because it gives you the chance to <em>LOVE</em>, and to <em>PLAY</em>, and to look at the <em>STARS</em>. </p>Tanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744475400173491527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500994087590247883.post-12948514095003333062009-06-29T13:59:00.000-07:002009-06-29T15:08:20.323-07:00PATIENT, KIND, GENTLE, SMART, GENEROUS, STRONG, HARD WORKER, HUMBLE and a little bit of a TEASE!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/Skks-gT7qII/AAAAAAAAAO0/AzI8pz5afOE/s1600-h/IMG_0244.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352859084443592834" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 236px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 169px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/Skks-gT7qII/AAAAAAAAAO0/AzI8pz5afOE/s200/IMG_0244.JPG" border="0" /></a> I wanted to write a Father's Day blog, but I am a little late- life has been crazy lately. But I finally found a few minutes, and even though it is a little late, here it goes.<br /><br /><div align="justify">All growing up I was pretty much a daddy's girl. I did a lot of cooking, cleaning and sewing; but I also did a lot of stuff outside with my dad also. I loved going out and helping him do chores. I grew up helping feed and take care of the animals, hauling hay, irrigating, fixing fence, riding horses, and all of that fun stuff. I don't really know that the actual <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">chores</span> were fun, but I LOVED spending time with my dad. And when I was with him I always felt like I was the most special person in the world. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">One of my favorite things about being with him was listening to his stories. Whether it was about hunting or fishing, when he was growing up, or about different ones in his family, they were always so fun and interesting. He is a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">genealogy</span> buff and knows some amazing stories about his ancestors. He comes from a long line of pioneers with great faith, and I have often found strength in some of the stories he has told me. I have always taken pride in my ancestors and the heritage that I have. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">My dad is one of the hardest workers I know. He has always worked long hard hours to provide for his 11 kids. We were never rich with money, but we were so rich in other ways. He would work overtime at work, then come home and have to irrigate or cut hay. Often he would work all day and then travel several hours to watch one of the kids play ball. He would do anything for any of us...and still does. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">He went to 1 year at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">BYU</span>, but then his parents needed his help on their ranch in NM, so he quit and went home to help. Even though he didn't get a 'formal' education, he is still one of the smartest people I know. He has an incredible engineering mind and often amazes us at what he comes up with. If you look around his house most people see a bunch of junk. I will admit that I was embarrassed by it when I was growing up. I remember numerous times while he was at work my mom would get all of us kids to help her 'clean up the place'. We would load up the truck with 'junk' and just be about to haul it off when dad would get home and be so mad at us for hauling off all his stuff. You know the saying..."one man's junk is another man's treasure"...this truly applies here. I know that all of us kids just didn't understand why he hung on to so many old cars and pieces of equipment. He just always told us that 'one day he might need it'. Honestly, I never really believed him. But since he has retired and has had more time, he has used quite a bit of his 'junk'. He is now doing some of what he loves most...farming. He has built a sprayer for his corn out of his junk...hydraulics and everything. He will bend, cut and weld and make different equipment out of his piles of metal. It truly is amazing some of the things he has come up with. The hardest part is that he has a hard time getting around and just can't do the things that he wants to do very easy.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Justin has been working on the farm with dad the last few summers. It is hard work and my dad can work him into the ground. But I have gone over there and seen some of the things that he is having Justin help him with, and I am so thankful. Not only is Justin <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">learning</span> the value of hard work, but some of the mechanics and other things that he is learning will be so valuable to him. I know that Justin has a great admiration and respect for his Grandpa and they get a kick out of each other. Justin often tells me of some of the stories that Grandpa has told him that day and it reminds me of the times that I worked with him and the stories that he told me. I don't know if Justin really understands how lucky he is to have this time with his Grandpa, but I feel quite confident that one day he will look back and realize it. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Ariel also feels a special connection with him and loves being around him. He has helped her with her passion...horses and animals. Another strong point of dad's is his way with animals. We grew up with horses, cows and all kinds of farm animals. Not only did he have a calming way with them, he knew how to take care of them and doctor them as well. He could have easily been a vet. I know while growing up the vet was only in town a couple days a week. Dad would often get calls at all hours to go help someone doctor their animals. Ariel has that same way with animals and wants to be a vet. She could (and sometimes does) spend hours talking to him about the animals and what they need and how to care for them. She loves her horse and 4-H animals and he has been one of her strongest supporters. She has helped him brand, pull calves, give shots, and doctor many of the animals. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">I don't think that it is just my kids that feel a special connection with their grandpa. He has a way of making each one of his <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">grand kids</span> feel like they are the most important and that he loves them most. His quiet, gentle way has calmed many of them down when their parents couldn't. He loves to play and tease with them and they just love going back for more.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Since I have moved back I have learned to love and appreciate my parents more than ever. I still love going over and helping him around the farm. I have got to help him irrigate, fix fence, work the fields, and other chores around the farm. And still he tells me stories...some that I have never heard before. I know that whatever I need I can ask him and he will help me however he can. I am still calling him for gardening tips and other info. all the time. And he still makes me feel like I am the most special person in the world. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><br /> </div>Tanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744475400173491527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500994087590247883.post-72007476004672072762009-06-09T08:30:00.000-07:002009-06-09T11:13:45.406-07:00AAAHHHH MAN!<div align="justify">I'm not really sure where to start this story. I guess I will start with Saul's trail camera. I have blogged before about Saul going out and setting up his trail camera to see where all the big deer and elk are. He goes out several months before the hunt and sets up a salt lick <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">in front</span> of his camera. Then he goes back in and gets out the flash card to see just what all came in. So last year he went out to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">retrieve</span> the card and see what all is coming in. First thing he saw were some 'REALLY BIG' deer tracks. He was so excited and couldn't wait to get back to see the buck that left them. Well, when he got back and we put it into my card reader on my computer, it came up with an 'ERROR' reading on it. TOTAL BUMMER!! He has just been sick about it and wants a new camera and just can't believe that he didn't get a picture of this monster!!! (Can you feel the sarcasm? I don't mean to, I really do care about all his hunting adventures) So, for the last year I have listened to all the whining and moaning about this camera. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Well about a month ago my computer crashed. I took it in to the Hensley boys at Computer Technologies. They were awesome and got my computer all lined out...and it wasn't easy. They even came to my house and helped work out a few last minute bugs...not that they didn't fix it, I was just trying to get everything loaded back on and didn't know what I was doing. If any of you have computer problems, I highly recommend these guys- they did awesome. Anyway, when they were here Saul brought out his card and camera and told them his troubling story. Being hunting <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">enthusiasts</span> themselves, they were all to eager to take the card and see what they could do with it. Nate had the card for several weeks trying to retrieve the pictures. He ended up having to take the card apart and I don't know what he did after that...I didn't know you could take them apart. Anyway, somehow he got some pictures off of it. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">So now here's the fun part of the story. The other morning Nate showed up at my door, big smile on his face, wanting to talk to Saul. Saul had already left for work, but after seeing the smile on his face I knew what he was here about. I asked him if he got some pictures off the card. He told me to just tell Saul to call him. But I could tell it was something good. He then told me not to tell Saul, but that he was able to get the pictures and that there were some good ones. So, I called Saul and told him that Nate had stopped by. He got all excited and said, "he must of got some good pictures off of my card." Since I had told Nate I wouldn't tell him (and wanting to have a little fun myself), I told him that when I asked Nate if he got pictures he just said to have Saul call him (it wasn't a lie, that is what happened). Saul just got sad and said, "oh, that doesn't sound like he got much off of it then." I will admit, I hung up giggling. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Later that night I ran into Nate and Brandon at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">YW</span> softball games. They asked me why Saul hadn't called. I told them how my conversation went and they just laughed. Then they told me about these huge bucks and the bears and elk that they got pictures of. They told me how that whole day they just set and watched the mini-videos and looked at the pictures that they got from the card. When Saul got home I asked him if he had called Nate. He just got this sad face and said that he just had such hopes of him getting a big picture and that he just wasn't that excited to call and find out that Nate couldn't retrieve anything. I just laughed and told him that Nate had got some pictures off it and he needed to call him. I didn't tell him any details about the pics, just that Nate had got some. One of the conditions that Nate set was that if he got the pics of a big buck, Saul had to tell him where it is. Now if you know anything about the hunting code...this is a big deal! Saul called David to ask him what he should do if Nate still wanted to know where it is. It is my families old hunting grounds...that old family secret! David told him to tell Nate that they wouldn't tell him just where it is, but that they would take him in there with them. Not sure what the difference is there, but I guess there is one. All that night Saul tossed and turned and just couldn't sleep. I woke up about 2:30 am to a big sigh from him and asked him why he wasn't sleeping. He said he was just to excited about the pictures to sleep. First thing in the morning David called asking if he had seen the pics yet and said that he just couldn't wait either. That day Nate brought over the disc with the pics and we watched them. Here's the '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">AAAHHHH</span> MAN' part. The pics of the bucks they were all excited about were some that we had already seen before. They were good pics and we got excited about them the first time we saw them too. But it wasn't the 'BIG' buck. There were some new pics that they got off of it...some of elk, a bear that climbed up and was licking the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">camera</span> (yes, licking), and some of Saul looking at the huge tracks left by the big buck. But no new big bucks. Are you starting to get the same feeling I am...it's kinda like the big fish that got away!? Now we have the mystery ghost buck...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">lol</span>. Well, Saul is still wanting a new camera and is planning another trip in to set it all up again. The deer permits are in and now we just have to wait and see who gets drawn. No, I didn't put in this year. I prefer to stay home and scrap all the pictures and excitement that they have. Hard to believe, I know. The excitement of finding this big buck still looms in our house. I am just wondering...what wall is he gonna want to hang it on when he gets it? </div>Tanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744475400173491527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500994087590247883.post-65491591443385232792009-06-07T10:26:00.000-07:002009-06-07T11:37:10.678-07:00I'VE BEEN TAGGED- thanks Becki*8 things I did yesterday-<br />-watered my flowers<br />-watered my garden<br />-helped Saul cut down a tree<br />-picked up rocks to finish our yard<br />-got hamburgers from Trappers to feed our crew<br />-went with David to help weigh 4-H steers<br />-helped Justin feed the animals<br />-applied Cool Aloe I.C.E. to my sunburn<br /><br />*8 things I look forward to-<br />-grass in my yard- we are getting hydroseed sprayed tomorrow<br />-my garden to grow big and start producing- I love seeing what will grow<br />-my flowers to take hold and start blooming- they make me happy<br />-my family reunion- I can't wait to see my family, we always have a great time together<br />-my trip to Utah with Nellie- it's always fun to be with her & I want to see my family & friends up there<br />-4th of July- I love the feeling of patiotism in our small town...following the band, the patiotic program, the rodeo...they all bring back such memories and emotions<br />-the county fair- to have it done and over with and not have any steers to feed and worry about<br />-getting my scrapbook room done- Saul has promised to make me some shelves and a desk like my sister Megan's to make my room more organized<br /><br />*8 things I wish I could do-<br />-be better at sports- I love watching them and wish I was more talented<br />-be better at decorating- wish I knew how to put things together better<br />-play the piano- I LOVE piano music and envy those that play well<br />-be a better mom- I need to listen more and be more understanding of my kids<br />-have a cabin in the mountains- it would be great to have a place to get away from everything<br />-speak Japanese- I wish I could have learned it better on my mission...it was tough!<br />-speak Spanish- there have been so many times when I wanted to comunicate with a Mexican and didn't know how.<br />-be more optomistic and positive- sometimes I get caught up in the doom and gloom<br /><br />*8 shows I watch on TV<br />-Big Bang Theory<br />-Survivor<br />-The Biggest Looser<br />-American Idol<br />-Regis & Kelly<br />-News<br />-Law & Order<br />-basketball/football/college softball/horse racing- I can get pretty riled up<br /><br />*8 people I tag<br />Sheridan Tenney<br />Shaunalee Porter<br />Angela Nunez<br />Terry Reed<br />Nancy Wall<br />Rayna Coor<br />Julie Hensley<br />Kalli HamiltonTanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744475400173491527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500994087590247883.post-88329879800103855712009-05-17T14:20:00.000-07:002009-05-17T15:20:44.813-07:00A whole lot of LOVE, CHARITY, FAITH, DETERMINATION and a GOOD SENSE OF HUMOR<div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336907632802356162" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 175px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/ShCBN0RBW8I/AAAAAAAAAOk/NSTakIabdhA/s200/IMG_0265.JPG" border="0" />With Mother's Day here, it has made me think about how much I love and appreciate my Mom. After we got back home from spending most of the day there, I thought about what a wonderful person she is. While growing up, I wasn't really that close with my mom. I always loved and respected her, we just weren't really close. My dad says that we are to much alike to get along. And it's not really that we didn't get along, we just didn't see things the same way. I have always called her for recipes and asked her for advice and instructions, we just didn't always see things eye to eye. But things have changed a lot in the last year. Since she had her stroke, I have seen things from a different perspective. They say that when you serve someone you learn to love them and get a better understanding of them. This is so true. Soon after she had her stroke, we all realized how much it had affected her. At first she couldn't talk (her words were slurred and hard to understand), she couldn't walk, she couldn't hardly even feed herself. After we got her back home and we were having to take in meals and help her, I wasn't sure she was going to recover. She was in a wheelchair and unable to do much by herself. At the 6 month point, I took her to the Doctor and he said that she was pretty much where she was going to be. We were still taking in meals, she was still hard to understand, she could barely use a walker, and still couldn't do much for herself. But you don't raise 11 kids and not learn how to hang in and press on. It has been 1 yr. and 5 mo.'s since her stroke. She cooks their meals, does laundry, washes dishes, can walk from room to room on her own...but can jet around with her walker, and can talk pretty plain. But what I am the most impressed with her for is that she is continuing to write her life story. Several years ago she started writing it. For Christmas we got a notebook and a segment. Then for the next several years she has given us more segments to add to it. But with her stroke, we didn't think we would get any more. Someone suggested she talk into a recorder and someone else type it, but with her slurred <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">speech</span> we couldn't understand it. But since she has gotten a little better, she started playing games on the computer. One day I told her that she should try to write more on her life story. She said that it would take her forever to do it, since she still has the tremors and doesn't have much use at all of her right hand, and some paralysis in her left hand from her first stroke. I laughingly told her that all she really had was time now and that she could just work on it what she could. Honestly, I didn't really expect her to...it would be so frustrating for me. But for Christmas she asked me to order them a new computer to them, from them. Since she got the new computer, she has worked on her life story nearly every day. She does get frustrated. Sometimes I go over and she is all upset because she had typed a couple of paragraphs and then didn't get them saved and lost them. (I know a couple of paragraphs doesn't sound like much, but for her it truly is HUGE!) Sometimes I can go in and find them, but not always. Sometimes I have to sit down and fix the errors and clean it up for her, but I am amazed at how good she does. As I fix it I get to read what she has written and I am thrilled to be getting some of it in writing. I know that she still gets so frustrated at having to depend on Dad and I so much. She still can't drive, work in the garden...which she always loved to do, or even write her name. Dad and I tease her sometimes and she is so good to take it. I know that my going over and doing things has helped her. But I know that I am the one that is really receiving the better part of it! I love my mom and have so much respect for her. Some of the things I remember the most about her is:</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">*Her homemade bread- she made 11 loaves at a time and didn't have any kind of machine to help- amazing!</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">*She is an amazing cook- she has spices and knows how to use them!</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">*She has a good sense of humor and can laugh at herself- when she had her first stroke and her left arm had paralysis, she named her arm 'Pickled Pete'. She still laughs when she spills things or can't grab what she is reaching for. Ariel goes over and cuts and paints her toe nails for her. It can be tricky with her foot swaying back and forth...you have to get in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">rhythm</span> to not get nail polish all over. She will just set and laugh at Ariel trying to keep up with her foot. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">*She has always had a strong testimony of the gospel- her faith is unmatched. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">*She has a testimony of prayer and we have all benefited from it numerous times. If she ever has a problem, she will turn to the Lord for help. It may not turn out just how she wants it to, but she is in tune enough to accept it. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">*Her love and loyalty of family- with having 11 kids, you know it wasn't always easy. But she has instilled in all of us a strong sense of love for family. For having such a large family we do pretty good to all get together and stay close. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Mom, I love and admire you. </div><div align="justify"></div>Tanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744475400173491527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500994087590247883.post-21082684938538013992009-04-19T14:49:00.000-07:002009-04-19T15:49:34.946-07:00ANYONE UP FOR A GAME OF SETTLERS?<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/Seup7Tro_gI/AAAAAAAAAOc/nSHB7iS3uFg/s1600-h/IMG_2871+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326537820656434690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/Seup7Tro_gI/AAAAAAAAAOc/nSHB7iS3uFg/s200/IMG_2871+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a> As long as Saul and I have been married, Saul has never been interested in playing board or card games. He never played them growing up and he just hasn't ever wanted to since...until about a month ago when<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SeupaIYI4uI/AAAAAAAAAOU/IGZjFxvNst8/s1600-h/IMG_2872+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326537250686165730" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SeupaIYI4uI/AAAAAAAAAOU/IGZjFxvNst8/s200/IMG_2872+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a> David and Cher asked us to play Settlers of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Catan</span> with them when we were at mom's. <div><div align="justify">I was introduced to this game a couple of years ago at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">YW's</span>. We had a combined activity with the boys at the Mosley's. Some of the leaders...who were all <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">pros</span> at the game...started playing it. I had never seen it before but got talked into filling in for one of the leaders. I ended up playing with Bro. Mosley, Bishop <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Muder</span>, and Bro. Troy Goodwin. Even though I ended up losing, I still thought it was fun. But since it took us until after 11:00 to finish it and I didn't have my phone with me, Saul couldn't get a hold of me and didn't know why I was so late on a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">YW's</span> night. He was in a panic and didn't find the joy that I had in me learning to play a new game...and justifiably so. I found the game online and have asked him several times if he wanted to play...it was a no. I played it several times with others, but couldn't ever talk Saul into playing with me. So I was pretty surprised when Dave & Cher got him to play with them. Since that night, Saul has been obsessed with the game. Several nights a week he will get out the game and want us to play as a family.</div><div align="justify">Since we didn't have a TV growing up, we played a lot of games and had a lot of fun. But since we have gotten older...things have changed. There are some in my family that are pretty <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">competitive</span> and there have been some pretty intense games where things have been said such as...Why would you play that?!!...What are you thinking?!!..(and my favorite and the most often repeated) you would be shot if you played that in Vegas!!! Playing a game in my family is not for the timid or faint of heart...<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">in fact</span>, very few of the in-laws, and even some of the siblings, will even dare attempt it... most of them will clear the room when we pull out a game. After all is said and done, we all still love each other. I love to play and am often one that can handle it, but sometimes I am pretty surprised, and ashamed at the way some act in a game. </div><div align="justify">So since Saul's new love of this game, I have seen a different side of him and my kids. I guess in playing games with my family I have learned to lose and not be mad, don't take it personal when someone attacks me...it is just part of the game, and my family still loves me and I am still of worth...even if I lose. The first night we played at home it got pretty intense. When I made a move against Saul...he didn't take it so well. It didn't get clear out of control, but was heading in that direction. I finally had to lean over the game and tell everyone to...CHILL OUT! EVEN WHEN THE GAME IS DONE AND OVER WE WILL STILL BE FAMILY AND WE WILL STILL LOVE EACH OTHER! IF WE ARE JUST GOING TO FIGHT AND HAVE CONTENTION, WE ARE PUTTING IT AWAY! At first they all wanted to hit me for blocking the game...then they all just sat there all pouty...then they all started laughing. Since then things have been better...there have still been some squabbles and some tense moments...but they have been better sports about it all. But one thing we are all learning is that no matter who wins or loses, we are still family and we still love each other, we are all still of value! At first I wasn't sure that I wanted to have game nights, but I think that my family is learning some valuable lessons of life. And things are 'settling' down...no pun intended! (hehehe)</div><br /><div align="justify">So...anyone up for a game of Settlers?!!</div></div>Tanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744475400173491527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500994087590247883.post-59715891604089444642009-04-06T19:04:00.000-07:002009-04-09T09:57:50.007-07:00White Water Rafting<p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwsZAbpV0hrMHkMWfJvQLrDWe_wMYunbuc5Yn4aY7etONITKUzLVhOLQLuh34fDb69I3iNjBdYQgb4LJ-woaA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p align="justify">A couple of weeks ago Billy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ervin</span> came by to bring Justin some stuff for their scout hike. Saul was home and Billy asked him what he was doing that Saturday. Saul finally was going to have a Saturday off and Billy invited him to go white water rafting on the Salt River. Saul was so excited. He had been rafting on the Snake River when he was a scout, but hadn't gone since. I have been telling him that we need to take the kids and raft the Grand Canyon. Anyway, Saul told him he wanted to go. The next day, Billy called and asked if Justin could go also. So that Saturday morning, Saul and Justin got up early and headed out. They were both so excited to get to go. They got down there, unloaded and headed out on the river. Some of those that were with them were; Billy, Gary <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kirkman</span>, Tyler and Jordan Mills, Ben <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lunt</span>, and David ?. The river was pretty high and they were having a blast. Then they got to a big rock that they were trying to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">maneuver</span> around...but didn't make it. They slammed into it, which sent the raft straight up into the air, tipping them all out! Saul was on the high side and was sent flying over the others' heads. It slammed him about 10 feet down into a big rock...luckily it was on his back and not his head. Although, even through his life vest he got a big bruise. It churned him down and around several times on the bottom of the river until he finally kicked off a big rock and got to the top. He got to the raft and started looking for Justin. He decided he would find him better if he was in the raft, so he pulled himself in. After being swirled on the bottom of the river for a while himself, Justin finally came up...under the raft...which still held him down so he couldn't get any air. He did some quick thinking and rolled onto his back, putting his arms out to his side and his legs together in front of him. He hit a rock which slowed him down enough to let the raft go on over him. He actually came up behind Saul just as Saul was getting into the raft. Saul didn't see him for a minute, but finally found him and pulled him in. The rest of them got back into the raft also, and thank heavens, they were all <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">OK</span>. A few days later Saul woke up in the middle of the night in terrible pain. The next day he went in to see Dr. Ballard (Chiropractor) and found out that he had shoved a rib up under the other ribs. He has been in quite a bit of pain since, but I think he is getting better. Dr. Ballard asked him if he would go again and he said..."heck yeah, I will just wear a helmet next time!" We both agree that if that was his head that had hit the rock, things may not have turned out so well. I am <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">grateful</span> that they made it home safe...I will worry should they go again.</p><p align="justify"></p>Tanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744475400173491527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500994087590247883.post-49929806248814674752009-03-13T15:42:00.000-07:002009-03-13T16:22:00.869-07:00Lessons we learn on the farm<div align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SbrhoP-2UzI/AAAAAAAAANc/8fIyIzfSRXM/s1600-h/IMG_1579+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312806792038077234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 252px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 165px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SbrhoP-2UzI/AAAAAAAAANc/8fIyIzfSRXM/s320/IMG_1579+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a> The one thing I loved about growing up on a farm is seeing the new baby animals being born in the spring. I remember lots of times running out to the barn before school to see the new calf or colt born in the night. After a long winter, it was starting to warm up, the sun would shine, and new life was all around me. It was and still is my favorite time of the year. </div><div align="justify">About a week ago Dad called and asked if Saul was still around and said that he needed his help to pull a calf. Saul ran over and luckily all turned out well...the mom and baby were both OK. </div><div align="justify">Justin was over at Dad's helping him move some things to get ready for the new irrigation pipes to be put in. He was working right next to the pen with the calf, ever so often reaching in and petting him. After several hours of working, Dad came out to do chores. He was going to open up the cow's pen to let her and the calf out for water, so Justin offered to do it for him. He jumped in and then turned t<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SbrqMQ1PtLI/AAAAAAAAANs/Yiw_pRaXucc/s1600-h/IMG_1577+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312816206834545842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SbrqMQ1PtLI/AAAAAAAAANs/Yiw_pRaXucc/s200/IMG_1577+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a>o talk to Dad...just then the cow started to charge. Dad saw her coming at him and yelled at him...Justin turned around just as she hit him. She hit him several more times before he could catch his balance and scramble out of the pen. One lesson we all learned farely early in life when growing up on the farm is that you are always leary of a new mother...whether it was a cow, horse, hen or other! We were on the run numerous times from different animals that thought we were getting to close. The cow hadn't shown any previous signs of being mean... Dad and others had been in there nume<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/Sbrn2uJi3hI/AAAAAAAAANk/JrFkFrOXfyc/s1600-h/IMG_1578+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312813637723938322" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/Sbrn2uJi3hI/AAAAAAAAANk/JrFkFrOXfyc/s200/IMG_1578+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a>rous times since she had her calf and she had been fine. Justin called me laughing and told me about, saying it hurt a little but he was ok. I laughed and thought back on a few of my experiences. Later when I was over at Dad's, he asked how Justin was and told me the story...only showing quite a bit of concern. He said that the cow really got Justin pretty good and that he would probably be pretty sore. I found that a little interesting...usually it was Dad that was laughing while we were crying over things like that. It made me a little more concerned for Justin, but when I asked him again if he was ok, he just started laughing again and assured me he was fine. He was a little sore and bruised the next few days, but it doing good now. I think he will have a little more respect for the animals when there is a baby involved...chalk it up to another lesson learned on the farm!</div>Tanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744475400173491527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500994087590247883.post-19068652201106807792009-02-05T09:28:00.000-08:002009-02-05T09:50:50.175-08:00My Sob Story<div align="justify">Ok, so here is my sob story. I got the cold/flu crud that has been going around clear back in Oct. I thought I got over it, but a couple of weeks later I got it again. It has been going that way for months now. I know that all of my family and friends were starting to think that it was all in my head (and actually it was!). So on the Wednesday before we went to Utah, I started feeling sick again! I was so mad. All day I tried to get ready to go, but just couldn't get things done. My throat hurt, my nose was plugged and my ears hurt. On the way up to Utah Ariel drove to Moab for me, then I drove the rest of the way. The whole time up there my throat was all groggy, and I just didn't feel well. I got to see the family and some of Megan's friends at the baptism. But I just didn't feel up to calling and visiting with any of my friends. It was such a bummer. Then on the way home I felt so rotten. Ariel drove from Price to Chinle for me- I don't know what I would have done without her. With all of the altitude changes I thought my head was going to explode!! So when I got back I decided it was time to go in and see what was going on. I went in to Wayne Hardy and found out that I have double major ear infections and a major sinus infection. He thinks I probably had it since Oct. when I was first sick, and just never got over it. So he sent me out with some antibiotics to go home and go to bed for several days to get over it. I don't know why I put off going in for so long. I never really had a fever, so I just didn't think I had an infection. I guess I did have a low grade fever, just not high enough to really worry me. Hopefully I will just get over it now- I am tired of being sick!! So I'm done whining now- I'm going back to bed.</div>Tanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744475400173491527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500994087590247883.post-71718921639774159892009-02-03T20:19:00.000-08:002009-02-03T20:34:05.237-08:00SUPERBOWL<div align="justify">We watched the superbowl while we were in Ogden. I knew it would be interesting with Lonny such a Steelers fan. But there were several of us cheering for the Cardinals also- my kids & I, Benda & Barry, and Darrin (Jessica was cheering for the Steelers). Because the kids and I were sick, we didn't go to church with Meg & Lonny. So while they were gone Justin decided to round up all of their Steelers gear- jerseys, jackets, blankets, cups, chairs, pillows (Lonny's been a fan for a long time!)- and hide them. He got the Lego's and made a cardinal head and set it on top of the TV, made a sign saying- no Steelers' fans allowed- and put up all red. They got home just before kick off and went to hurry and change into their steelers' clothes- no where! They started looking for their chairs and cups- no where! All of a sudden they started realizing just what was going on. After a little bit of wrestling, Justin gave in and told them where he hid it all. It was pretty clever and funny. The friends started showing up, the food was do<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SYkZzU7k2dI/AAAAAAAAANU/qlFqFuKA1UE/s1600-h/IMG_1535+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298794806160710098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 301px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 215px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SYkZzU7k2dI/AAAAAAAAANU/qlFqFuKA1UE/s320/IMG_1535+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a>ne, and the party started! It was such a good game. Even though we lost, I am glad that we atleast gave them such a good game. I was worried at first, but I thought the Cardinals pulled through well. And I could think of worse teams to lose to- like the Patriots or Giants. We will look forward to next year! And yes, Lonny and I still love each other.</div>Tanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744475400173491527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500994087590247883.post-89738127439679156422009-02-03T20:09:00.000-08:002009-02-03T20:18:34.433-08:00Congratulations Cameron<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SYkWei1oLQI/AAAAAAAAANE/rjiL_QPgWBw/s1600-h/IMG_1530+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298791150581722370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 296px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SYkWei1oLQI/AAAAAAAAANE/rjiL_QPgWBw/s320/IMG_1530+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="justify">We went to Utah this last weekend for Cameron's baptism. It was really fun to see the Gould family. When we lived in Ogden, it was like our families were one. We did so much together a<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SYkW1WB9CAI/AAAAAAAAANM/Du7ipmAPDNU/s1600-h/IMG_1526+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298791542280751106" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 179px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 277px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SYkW1WB9CAI/AAAAAAAAANM/Du7ipmAPDNU/s320/IMG_1526+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a>nd called each other several times a day. We celebrated every holiday together and had so much fun. We just felt that we needed to be there for Cameron's baptism. It is hard to believe that he is already 8. We are really proud of him for chosing to be baptized. Good job Cameron. We love you and are proud of you!</div></div>Tanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744475400173491527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500994087590247883.post-57542203061058831422009-01-20T20:21:00.000-08:002009-01-20T20:30:09.840-08:00GO CARDINALS!!<div align="justify">Can you believe it?! Who thought that they could make it to the Super Bowl? I am way excited! It has been so fun watching them in the playoffs, beating the odds. I can't wait to see how they do against the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Steelers</span>. My kids are a little worried though, we will be watching the Super Bowl in Utah at Megan's. We are going up for Cameron's baptism on the 31st- yeah Cam-my-man! The thing is- Lonny is a huge <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Steelers</span> fan and has loved them ever since I have known him. My kids are worried that he and I are gonna get to each other, and we probably will. But we can both handle it. I will have Sherry, his step mom, there to help me cheer them on. GO CARDS!</div>Tanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744475400173491527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500994087590247883.post-58659040371743661972009-01-10T08:48:00.000-08:002009-01-14T09:03:57.152-08:00HAPPY NEW YEARS!<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Even though we didn't have a lot of family here for Christmas, we ended up having a pretty good crowd for New Years.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff0000;">Benda & Barry</span>, <span style="font-family:georgia;color:#ff9900;">Karlie & her kids</span>, <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#3366ff;">Amy & Glen and all of their family</span>, <span style="color:#c0c0c0;">and those of us that live here in town all gathered at Mom's to bring in the</span> <span style="color:#330099;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">NEW YEAR!</span> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">We had a big potluck with each couple bringing a treat- we had some</span> <span style="color:#990000;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">good food</span>.</span> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">We played games and just had a lot of fun. It was really good to see everyone- that is always the best part of the holidays. I was glad that Amy's family picked mom's to meet since they live all over. Toni & Thomas came and brought cute little Derrik from </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc6600;">Oklahoma</span><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">,</span> <span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Darrin & Jessica came from</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc6600;">Utah</span><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">, Chelsea & Matt flew over from</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc6600;">Hawaii</span><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">, and Jerome came from</span> <span style="color:#cc6600;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Thatcher</span><span style="color:#000000;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Glen's parents also joined us from Mexico. For New Year's I made ham, cheese potatoes, and the Whetten Family's famous chili cheese. I'm not really sure why I was the one that made it since I am not a Whetten and there were a bunch of them there, but Glen's mom gave me the recipe so I made it. It was pretty good for my first try- it at least all got eaten. We also had Amy's famous orange rolls, David made a great salad and Dennis & Audrey brought the veggies. It was another yummy dinner. But even better, it was great company. I love my family! </span></span><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">I am not sure </span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SWjZ2rEMekI/AAAAAAAAAM8/jJ3SCXMTzs8/s1600-h/IMG_2826+copy.jpg"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289717295643130434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 263px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 178px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SWjZ2rEMekI/AAAAAAAAAM8/jJ3SCXMTzs8/s320/IMG_2826+copy.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">why I didn't take more pictures of everyone. After they all left it dawned on me that I didn't even take any. But I did get one of Toni & Thomas when they stopped by the house to tell us good bye. I am glad that Thomas liked us; he is a city boy and wasn't sure if he was gonna like the country. But he and Saul became really good friends and had a lot of fun coyote calling and going shooting. And that little Derrik is so dang cute! I hope they all come back soon. </span></span></div>Tanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744475400173491527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500994087590247883.post-23725499590779305842009-01-06T06:57:00.000-08:002009-01-06T07:16:44.483-08:00OOOPS!<div align="justify"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SWN1IfKyXxI/AAAAAAAAAMk/5lFKcbYVhMs/s1600-h/IMG_1519+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288199176129240850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SWN1IfKyXxI/AAAAAAAAAMk/5lFKcbYVhMs/s320/IMG_1519+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a> I guess when you get teenage drivers you gotta expect a few dents and dings, right? Ariel had her first little fender-bender on Christmas day. She & Justin had gone to do their chores at Uncle David's and I had asked her to stop by the house to grab some things that I needed at Grandma's. As she backed out of the garage she lost track of the Nissan parked in the driveway (it was kind of hidden behind a big truck Saul had driven home from work). It was a pretty good ding and of course it is on our only car that we only have liability on. The 4-Runner didn't even get a scratch- I guess we can count that as a blessing. She called and told me and wanted me to talk to her dad and calm him down before she got there to face him. He did remain surprisingly calm. Live & Learn and chalk this up to one of life's experiences Ariel. We still love you!</div>Tanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744475400173491527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500994087590247883.post-9347926788775085682008-12-29T08:57:00.000-08:002008-12-29T09:52:05.774-08:00THE ONLY THING MISSING WAS THE SNOW!<div align="justify">With the kid<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SVkKMNHj7UI/AAAAAAAAAME/t5eHmrM907A/s1600-h/IMG_1509+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285266842492071234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SVkKMNHj7UI/AAAAAAAAAME/t5eHmrM907A/s320/IMG_1509+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a>s getting older, I kind of expected Christmas to start loosing some of it's excitement. With all of my brothers and sisters coming and going at different times throughout the holidays, I have been pretty exhausted trying to keep on top of things. My mom has been stressing about just what she is going to do with everyone; I think it is more that she feels helpless in seeing that everything is taken care of. She has waited on us all for so many years and it is hard for her not to be able to do much now. I told her to just set back and enjoy everyone and let us take care of things. So along with getting my house decorated, neighbor & VT/HT goodies delivered, shopping done, and presents wrapped- I also had all of that to do for her. But with the help of my kids and Saul, we buckled down and got things done. Sue came the Monday before Christmas and also helped a lot. We had fun and after a few late night trips to WalMart, we finished just in time. </div><div align="justify">What is Christmas without a few traditions? In our family, since Karlie's birthday is on Christmas day, we have a little party Christmas Eve for her. Even though she isn't always around, we still have a Christmas Eve party. The usual menu is- finger sandwhiches (cheese & pimento on one half and chicken salad on the other), chips & dip, cheese ball & crackers, veggies & dip, and a virgin mint julep punch. I love it all and it is just Christmas to me. But after 18 years of marriage, I still haven't convinced Saul and the kids that it is good stuff! I make it every year whether we are in Taylor or not. They like it all but the sandwiches- which is actually my favorite. Maybe I will have to start offering another option. Anyway, Benda & Barry made it just in time for the 'party' and we ate up.</div><div align="justify">Another tradition is going to look at Christmas lights on Christmas Eve. We did it growing up, singing carols at the top of our lungs. So it is something I have done with my own kids. But with my kids getting older and not having any little ones there this year, I wasn't sure we would go. But as it started getting later, Justin announced that it was now time to go look at the lights so that he could get to bed before midnight. I must admit I was a little surprised. But we all headed out, singing car<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SVkKoGYGjyI/AAAAAAAAAMM/zTk5Qj-WrwM/s1600-h/IMG_1512+copy.jpg"></a>ols and oohing and awing. It didn't seem like there were as many this year, but we <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SVkLf_I7kfI/AAAAAAAAAMU/wnD-UwuvUQE/s1600-h/IMG_1516+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285268281848730098" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 171px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 261px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SVkLf_I7kfI/AAAAAAAAAMU/wnD-UwuvUQE/s320/IMG_1516+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a>still found some pretty ones. </div><div align="justify">We got in bed just around midnight and got up to Justin knocking on our door at 7:00 to open presents. The excitement and Christmas spirit was still there and Santa was a hit with the gifts he left. It was a lit<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SVkMAIvv5aI/AAAAAAAAAMc/33tnQJPAoyg/s1600-h/IMG_1512+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285268834183275938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 167px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SVkMAIvv5aI/AAAAAAAAAMc/33tnQJPAoyg/s320/IMG_1512+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a>tle smaller this year- not quite as many gifts under the tree, but now that they are older they are more expensive. I must admit, it isn't nearly as fun buying ipods and electronics as it was buying dolls and trucks. </div><div align="justify">Another tradition is Christmas breakfast. Growing up we would have breakfast with all of my Rogers cousins, rotating whose house it was at. But after that got to big and they stopped doing it, we just do it with our family. The menu is always ham, hashbrowns, eggs, biscuits, OJ and hot chocolate. YUM! David and Dennis both joined us and brought all their little kids- there's the dolls and trucks that were missing! We all just hung out, the kids played with their toys, and we all enjoyed the excitement. Later that day we had a turkey feast with all of the fixin's. </div><div align="justify">It was another great Christmas. The only thing missing was the snow! </div>Tanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744475400173491527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500994087590247883.post-16105130333499431662008-12-10T08:32:00.000-08:002008-12-11T10:56:00.074-08:00WILEY COYOTE<div align="justify">It's the most wonderful time of the year for Saul- but I'm not talking about the holidays. I am talking about hunting and trapping season. It starts getting cold and Saul starts getting excited. Yesterday morning we woke up to a little bit of snow- maybe an inch or so. But Saul called it a snow day and didn't go to work. Instead he took my 4-Runner and went out looking for critter tracks in the snow. Ariel had seen a bobcat cross the road infront of her on her way home from work the night before, so Saul went to see if he could find it. He parked the car on Pinedale road and went out walking looking for tracks. He soon came upon some fresh coyote tracks and decided to follow them. He followed them out and around, up hills and down. He kept following them and where did they lead? Right up to the 4-Runner that he had parked and left. Had he <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFM7Aa3PrI/AAAAAAAAAJM/K6kPjGoh10c/s1600-h/IMG_1895+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278584814863597234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFM7Aa3PrI/AAAAAAAAAJM/K6kPjGoh10c/s320/IMG_1895+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a>stayed there he could have shot it when it came in. I laughed really hard when he told me the story. That sneaky little dog! :)</div><div align="justify">Of course all I need is for Saul to catch more critters. I got tired of him hanging them all over my house, so I told him that he can hang what he wants to in my bedroom, but the rest of the house is off limits. All his guy friends come over and think I am the coolest for letting him decorate our bedroom. My girl friends all think I am nuts! I guess I'm probably a little of both. But I just gotta find a way to win our argument over where he is gonna hang his moose when he gets it back from the taxidermist ;)</div>Tanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744475400173491527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500994087590247883.post-68972433062480459372008-12-05T10:16:00.000-08:002008-12-11T10:56:29.316-08:00DECK THE HALLS<div align="justify">For our firs<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFKVN7MjZI/AAAAAAAAAIs/_8BAeidPtpo/s1600-h/IMG_2812+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278581966630587794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 187px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 279px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFKVN7MjZI/AAAAAAAAAIs/_8BAeidPtpo/s320/IMG_2812+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a>t 15 years we trudged out in the forest to find a Christmas tree. But a couple of years ago I decided I was ready to go fake. Saul and Justin still haven't forgiven me. Every year I still hear how it isn't fair and that it just isn't right to have a fake tree. They almost start to make me feel guilty- but then not. I have loved putting up my tree right after Thanksgiving- not having to worry about watering it, the needles dropping off, and pine sap dripping all over my floor. And the ornaments actually stay on and don't sag down the branches. I keep telling them they are welcome to cut a real one and put it up outside- I would even help them decorate it! <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFKnVdbmuI/AAAAAAAAAI0/L7tfWmOLmUg/s1600-h/IMG_2804+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278582277890874082" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 246px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 158px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFKnVdbmuI/AAAAAAAAAI0/L7tfWmOLmUg/s320/IMG_2804+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a> We have a routine when it comes to putting up the tree. Ariel puts it togeth<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFLid9AFTI/AAAAAAAAAJE/R834nMBp4zY/s1600-h/IMG_2806+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278583293783053618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 243px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 154px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFLid9AFTI/AAAAAAAAAJE/R834nMBp4zY/s320/IMG_2806+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a>er and does a great job. Saul, Ariel and Justin put on the lights. Saul puts the star on top, and Ariel & Justin hang the rest of the decorations on. Me- I get to set back, hand out the ornaments, and tell them where to put things. It works great and we have a fun time! Don't ask me why, but for the last 10 years or so we have done different color schemes each year. My favorite is the red and gold. Justin said that he misses the strung popcorn, red beads, and the ornaments that don't have to match and doesn't look like we brought in an interior designer to decorate- perhaps that will be next year. But for this year we have Saul's favorite- the silver and blue. And though we still have some decorating and lots of baking and shopping to do, we are off to a great start for the Christmas season. Even though it gets crazy and I always feel like I am missing someone or something, it is still my favorite time of the year. So crank the music and enjoy- I wish you all a very merry one!</div>Tanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744475400173491527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500994087590247883.post-17514098847667021372008-12-01T07:39:00.000-08:002008-12-11T10:57:44.840-08:00FOOD-FUN-FAMILY= THANKSGIVING!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFPNJVFZUI/AAAAAAAAAJc/fQmOookljHA/s1600-h/IMG_2800+copy.jpg"></a><div align="justify"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFO3IKbO7I/AAAAAAAAAJU/oVUBmAvgpi8/s1600-h/IMG_2799+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278586947245915058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFO3IKbO7I/AAAAAAAAAJU/oVUBmAvgpi8/s320/IMG_2799+copy.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="justify"></a>Thanksgiving was a pretty quiet day for us this year. We were planning on going to Mesa to eat with my family at Ivy's. But then Ariel informed us that she had to work. We didn't think we could leave her h<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFPhYDDF2I/AAAAAAAAAJk/rcx7TgDzuzg/s1600-h/IMG_2800+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278587673064445794" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFPhYDDF2I/AAAAAAAAAJk/rcx7TgDzuzg/s320/IMG_2800+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a>ere on her own, so we decided to stay here and have dinner with just us. It was the first time ever that we didn't eat Thanksgiving dinner with other family. Ariel got up and headed to work early, Saul slept in most of the morning, I got up early to get dinner ready, dodging <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">nerf</span> bullets from a terribly bored Justin who couldn't wait for his sister to get home and keep him entertained- and neither could I! We watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade on TV, followed by the dog show and football. We all ate in our lounge clothes and just hung out afterward. I must admit that it was a pretty relaxing day, even with having to cook all of the dinner myself. And I must admit, the food was pretty good. But it also seemed empty without other family around.<br />-Friday morning Saul and Justin headed out early to go elk hunting with Sean and Brett Cutler, Ariel went to work, and I headed to Mesa to hang out with Karlie, Ivy, Megan, and Sue. Dave and Cher left Rachel down there to hang out with her girl cousins, so she rode home with me that night. I was glad to get to see some of the family for a little while <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">at least</span>.</p>Tanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744475400173491527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500994087590247883.post-39504613610337653412008-11-16T19:27:00.000-08:002008-12-11T11:07:08.216-08:00Total Craziness!<div align="justify">The last two weeks have been total craziness for us. Saul left to go deer hunting on the 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span>. He hiked in the day before the rest of the group so he could help clear the trail for the horses. There were 10 of them total that went in. It wasn't real successful, Saul got a shot off at one, but didn't hit it. The others came back out on Sat., but Saul was still sick with the flu and just didn't feel like hiking out. They offered him a horse, but he just didn't feel like making the effort. So they left him in there to hike out by himself the next morning. I know Dad and David both were really worried about him. Saul made it out <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">OK</span> and had just called to tell me he was <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFQZphB1TI/AAAAAAAAAJs/JJ2ByvH00Ko/s1600-h/IMG_1501.JPG"></a>in Alpine and on his way when Dad called and said that he was going to go back down there to pack him out. We were all relieved to know that Saul was out and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">OK</span>. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFTZdJbE7I/AAAAAAAAAKM/LloQcqie7yA/s1600-h/IMG_1498+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278591935040918450" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 235px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 161px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFTZdJbE7I/AAAAAAAAAKM/LloQcqie7yA/s320/IMG_1498+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div align="justify">***Ariel's birthday was on Wed. She is the big 17 now! We had her dinner and cake just in time for them to all head to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">YM</span>/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">YW</span>. It is hard to believe that she is already 17. She is such a good kid.<br />***One thing I love about our little community is that when someone is in trouble we all pull together to help. Thursday night they had a big fund raising dinner for my cousin, Jason Willis, to earn money to help pay medical bills. He is having heart problems and needed a valve replacement. He had that surgery before, but it didn't work. It worked much better this time and they are hopeful. They made Navajo tacos and had a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">raffle</span>. There will be a volleyball tournament this next weekend also. Karlie came from Tucson and it was fun to go with her. There was a lot of other family there also.</div><div align="justify"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFUPZf0jII/AAAAAAAAAKc/ZWuKC_lGzsk/s1600-h/IMG_2788+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278592861774056578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 144px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 229px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFUPZf0jII/AAAAAAAAAKc/ZWuKC_lGzsk/s320/IMG_2788+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a>***Friday night was the Winter Formal dance for Ariel. Of course she took Sheldon. The couple that they were going to double with bailed on them last minute and they couldn't find anyone else, so they didn't really do anything big. Since we make them double date then they were thinking about taking Justin with them, but they ended up just eating at a small pasta place here in town. I feel bad for them. But they really enjoyed the dance.<br />***On Sat. we went to help haul wood w<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFYCq0aVTI/AAAAAAAAAK8/F9ZJ9Y-R-nI/s1600-h/IMG_1492+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278597041132033330" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 155px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFYCq0aVTI/AAAAAAAAAK8/F9ZJ9Y-R-nI/s320/IMG_1492+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a>ith Dave and Dad. Mom had a hair <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">appointment</span> for 3:30 so she wasn't wanting to go. We all <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">guilted</span> her into it and I promised her I would bring her back early for it. Saul and Justin wanted to stay and go calling afterward, so Karlie to<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFVjuNqVhI/AAAAAAAAAKs/8wLqQlE11Ts/s1600-h/IMG_1494+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278594310444045842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 191px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFVjuNqVhI/AAAAAAAAAKs/8wLqQlE11Ts/s320/IMG_1494+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a>ok her truck so we could bring Mom back. On the way out we got a flat tire on her truck, so I thought we had it out of the way and there wouldn't be anymore problems. Well, we got dad's truck loaded, then stopped to fry hamburgers for lunch. About 1:00 we decided we should head out to have time to get her back. Since the road was pretty bad Karlie asked David to drive her truck just down the hill for her. Mom <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFV-8HpDWI/AAAAAAAAAK0/aFOYoFJLOP8/s1600-h/IMG_1477+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278594778033360226" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 145px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 224px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFV-8HpDWI/AAAAAAAAAK0/aFOYoFJLOP8/s320/IMG_1477+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a>was in the truck with him and Karlie and I were walking behind. David ran over a stick which broke off and punctured the sidewall of the tire. Karlie and I heard a 'pop' and then <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">SSS</span>! We just looked at each other and said "NO WAY!" Since she had got a flat on the way in she didn't have another spare. I ran and got Saul who had gone back to cutting. We figured out that our spare for the 4-Runner fit. But being on the hill, the truck kept slipping off<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFcsq5BC0I/AAAAAAAAALE/sHbkGNTLCTY/s1600-h/IMG_0289.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278602160752364354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 154px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 206px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFcsq5BC0I/AAAAAAAAALE/sHbkGNTLCTY/s320/IMG_0289.JPG" border="0" /></a> the jack and we had a hard time getting it changed. We finally sent dad in with Mom in his truck full of wood. Needless to say, she didn't make it to her hair appointment- I feel terrible. We finished loading <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Dave's</span> truck and headed in. With three different sized tires on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Karlie's</span> truck and a small load of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">wood</span>, we took it slow coming home. We decided to sto<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFesuGDykI/AAAAAAAAALM/QFtDqJcRY_Y/s1600-h/IMG_0259.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278604360635632194" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 155px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFesuGDykI/AAAAAAAAALM/QFtDqJcRY_Y/s320/IMG_0259.JPG" border="0" /></a>p in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Heber</span> to check the tires. We got out and first thing we heard was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">SSS</span>! NO WAY! We had got another flat tire. I couldn't even believe it- 3 flat tires on one little trip. There was no tire shop open so we left her truck at a friends house and piled into the truck with Dave. After we got home we found another spare (Dennis had one that fit) and Dave took her back to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Heber</span> and got her truck home. She is still here waiting for a tire shop to open in the morning to get 3 new tires. That was an expensive trip for wood, especially <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFjTsQScrI/AAAAAAAAALU/3a98PzOKEDU/s1600-h/IMG_1495+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278609428203074226" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 159px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 206px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFjTsQScrI/AAAAAAAAALU/3a98PzOKEDU/s320/IMG_1495+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a>when she is from Tucson and doesn't even need it.<br />***Saul and Justin headed out calling after we left with the wood. They made a couple of stands, but didn't get anything. On their way home Saul stopped and put Justin <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">in front</span> of the 4-Runner with a shotgun and then played his '<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Johnny</span> Stewart' call out the window. Justin ended up shooting at 3 fox, killing 1. They both had a blast (no pun intended) and Justin was thrilled to get a fox.</div>Tanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744475400173491527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500994087590247883.post-57177188677515770292008-11-01T15:25:00.000-07:002008-12-11T11:46:25.708-08:00IN LOVING MEMORY- Verna Josephine Stoffers Eggleston<div align="justify"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFmTVzIi4I/AAAAAAAAALc/rOaxwXmtMfw/s1600-h/IMG_1443+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278612720710093698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFmTVzIi4I/AAAAAAAAALc/rOaxwXmtMfw/s320/IMG_1443+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a> We got a call that Saul's Grandma was not doing very well and was not expected to live mu<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFnEzoMG4I/AAAAAAAAALk/MKkddH5CviY/s1600-h/IMG_1228+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278613570530843522" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 276px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 184px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xR51hdLUBVA/SUFnEzoMG4I/AAAAAAAAALk/MKkddH5CviY/s320/IMG_1228+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a>ch longer. It was not a very fun week, calling every day to get an update, just waiting for the not-so-good news. We got the call on Tues., Oct. 20th that she had passed. We headed up to Ogden for the funeral which was on Fri., Oct. 24th. Saul got to speak, which he did a wonderful job. It was nice to see a lot of family and friends, just not under those circumstances. Saul is having a pretty hard time with it since he was so close to his Grandma. She was more of a mother to him.<br /><div align="justify">After getting home from Utah early Sunday morning, we slept a few hours and then Saul and I packed up to go hunting for my white tail hunt. We went and picked up James, our friend and neighbor who had the same hunt, and headed out. When we got down there, we decided to try to hunt before setting up camp. We set James at a water hole and Saul and I went to another spot. Nothing. James saw a couple deer, but wasn't sure if they were mule deer or white tail. The next morning we all sat at the water hole- nothing. We hunted hard for the next few days, but still nothing. Saul built another blind around the water hole, hoping that we might have some luck there. It was such a good blind that several guys would stop to glass right next to him and didn't even see him (he was close enough to reach out and grab them). We named it the 'invisible' instead of the blind. We set there a couple more times, but still nothing. My sister text me and said that Meatloaf was gonna be playing at the state fair. With no luck hunting, I was ready to go to the concert. Saul was sick and not doing well. James was discouraged and ready to go also. We headed for home Wed. with nothing. Thurs. morning I found out that Meatloaf was sick and cancelled. Saul decided he was feeling better. Sean called and said that he wanted to go help us find one. So we called James and headed back down there. We all felt good about going back, thinking that everyone else had moved out and things would have quited down. James and I got set up in the 'invisible', and were just getting our hopes up that something would come in when we heard a huge <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ruckus</span>. It was the forest service cutting down trees to take samples to see how dry the forest was. They blew any chance we had. Saul went and talked to them and told them we were still trying to hunt there. After another 45 min. they finally left, but we still went back home empty handed. </div><br /></div>Tanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744475400173491527noreply@blogger.com1