LIFE IS GOOD!

Mid January

2012-01-15T17:23:00.000-08:00

Each year when December comes around I look forward to getting all the friends and family news letter and photos. Its my once a year that I can see how everyone is doing. Love the orginality of some of the letters. Then there is me I say I am going to get a picture of Scott and I and do a recap of our year. When I start thinking of what exciting adventures I had. I can't remember them all and when I did them. So this year I have a plan. Just keep up on this blog.

My daughter Tiffany is my inspiration. I can't believe how she keeps up with her personal blog, her babes and kids blog and go to school with two active boys. This format seems so much easier to go back and check then writing in a journal. I still write in a journal. The goal is not so much daily but at least weekly. Here it is half way through January and I can say I have done good so far on some of the things I want to work on this year. But that is always how it goes. I just hope I can say that in March.

Last weekend we drove over to Jackson with Geoff & Cheryl. Since we have had no snow and the skiing is not good. We walked around had lunch at Billy's and then drove out to the elk refugee. We then drove on up to Jackson Lake and stopped a lot looking at the tetons. It was fun just to watch Geoff pointing out areas and naming peaks. Scott knows his peaks pretty good also. I guess I have never stood back and really looked at them from a distance on the Jackson side. We wish he had our bincoulars. I could see areas where I have hiked. I am just hoping I still have a few years left in me to hike. Geoff wants so much to go backpacking with us this summer. So we just need to get in shape. They left on Sunday to go back to Moscow.

This last week has been pretty quiet, waiting for it to snow.

NEW YEAR 2012

2012-01-02T21:42:00.000-08:00

Another year has finished and the years seem to fly by. Spent a wonderful Christmas with 5 of my 6 children. Totally missed Jeralee and her daughters. Times like this I wish we all lived closer. But totally enjoy every minute I have with family. I realize that there will be a time when my children's families will have grown and they will opt to stay at home.

I am looking forward to a new year and to see what exciting things and adventures I will have.

New Years Eve was our third year spending it with Geoff and Cheryl, they have been here since the 17th and will head back to Moscow this next weekend. Dinner and a movie home by 10:30 and I wasn't feeling the greatest went to bed 10 min to midnight. Ok that was a first for me, must be the old age settling in. The last three days have been really laid back putting away Christmas decorations and cleaning. How did I collect so much stuff. I am thinking more and more that less is better. The weather has been so spring like. I really would like some good snow so I can go skiing.

Summer 2011

2011-10-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

The older I get the faster time seems to fly. Scott has told me to slow down you move to fast. Mostly because when I am trying to get things done I make big mistakes. I like driving my Tahoe but I have to be careful as it is big. It just barely fits in the garage and when I back out I go slow to make sure I don't bump the mirrors. There I was in a hurry and caught the passengers side mirror. It popped the mirror out an broke the little plastic that holds it in, $200. Then two weeks later I left the back hatch up, with the garage door open and got busy and then had to hurry to a hair appointment. Yep you guessed it. The garage just needed to be a few inches taller and then it wouldn't of tore off the back emblem and put two small dents. $1,000 for that repair.

In April I did another half marathon, Thanksgiving Point. Didn't realize it was a timed marathon and had to be done in 3 1/2 hours a 16 min. mile. It had snowed that morning so it was cool. It was around Thanksgiving Point and the golf course, up and down. Avry, Lia and Tiffany also did it. I did a 15 min mile. They had give aways and I won a night at the hampton $50 to the restaurant and $20 to Pollo Loco. Not bad for coming in towards the very end. I am still walking and have taken up Zumba. You would probably laugh just to see how bad I am, but I do get a good work out.

Made a trip over to Oregon in June to spend some time with Jeralee and girls, took a day trip out to the coast. Beautiful sunny day sitting on the beach, hiked up to Hacita Head Lighthouse and had the last tour of the day. Finished the day with clam chowder. Helped her with some yard work and watched a two day swim meet. The last day we sat huddled under an umbrella in the rain. We did get some RZR riding, but not as much as we would like. We did get to do 3 new trails, Continental Divide, Spring Mountain & Stoddard Creek. Found that we need to be careful when we go by ourselves.

Lewis Reunion at Lava Hot Spring, Family Reunion at Bear Lake with boating, beach, hiking, cave exploring, raspberry shakes, crafts, games, and lots of food. Hoogle Zoo, flat tire, Gardner Village, Hawaiian Birthday Party, Quilting Garden Party, Office Party, winning at AIA Golf Tournament, golfing at Huntsman Springs. Drive with Scott for work up to Havre, Butte, Deer Lodge, Great Falls, Corvalis, Montana. Tearfully moving Geoff and Cheryl up to Moscow, Idaho for both to get their Masters. But on the other hand excited for the new experiences they will have. A new flagstone path and House concert. To round off the summer Sun Valley, drive up to Stanley and golfing. Now to keep this up at least on a monthly basis.

My kids

2011-04-02T07:12:00.000-07:00

Grrrrrrrrrr! This is the third time that I have started this post. This is one of the many reasons why I do not update my blog. An hour later and things to do. I am so handicapped with technology, if it wasn't for my kids and Scott I would still be in the dark ages. I finally figured it out that I was in Edit Html instead of compose and I couldn't get it to do a copy paste. I always check my kids blogs through mine and think I need to update. Here it is April 2 and it has been since September. Yesterday was the first day that it really looked like Spring was coming, sunny, 65 and warm. Scott and I got in the yard last night for an hour to start the lawn cleaning. Today is overcast and in the 40's and 60% chance of rain.

4 of my 6 kids are in school. Jeralee is doing prerequisites for Nursing, Clint is working on his Bachelors of Music, Tiffany is in her second semester of Ultra Sound. Geoff is graduating next Saturday from BYUI with his Bachelors in Construction Management and his wife Cheryl with her Bachelors in Music Education. They both got accepted in to the masters program at University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho and will be heading up their in August. Jason and Avry have been busy working on their houses and work. Avry moved into her new home last fall and I am always excited to see what Jason has done on his home.

My kids have given me some of my greatest joys. I have always thought that their success is my success. I am truly grateful for the technology that we have so I can keep in touch. I would love to hear their voices but realize how busy they are. So thank goodness for facebook and their blogs and an occasional text.

Where Did Summer Go?

2010-09-12T21:52:00.000-07:00

First of all thanks Tiffany for the new facelift on my blog. I really have good intentions and want to upload pictures but as you all know it takes time. I keep putting off as I see all the cool things my daughters are doing but alas the time is flying so here is a quick overview of the last several months.

I feel like Dick and Jane. See mom go, go mom go. For some reason I am constantly going. I have to say I am glad I still can go. I hit 61 in August did some first. Half marathon in June in Provo with 4 of my children. 13.2 miles at a 13 min pace. Not bad. In August I did the bike portion of the Rexburg Rush sprint. My friend Gay didn't have a biker for her team and so she asked me. I said I had to see if I could do it as it is 14.2 miles starting at Rainbow lake going up past the temple up pole line road and on top of the farm lands then down to the old High School. It took me 3 tries before I could go up the one steep area with out getting off my bike. I use my comfy bike with the big tires. I did it in 1 hour and 10 min. There was only 5teams and we came in last. Our runner was Lana Wise and so Gay called us "Wise Choice" Which I put on the back on my t shirt Wise Choice?

Did very little golf once a week 9 holes with friends. But did do go RZR riding alot. Went to Mackay for two days with our group and was the leader, alot of pressure being in charge hoping everyone is having a good time. Have seen some new country as well, Stinking Creek, 8 mile, Copper Basin, Stuart Coral, Crooked Creek, Fall Creek. I really wanted to play some tennis after taking lessons in the spring.

Big highlight was going to northern Calf and Oregon Coast. Jeralee rented a Beach House in Lincoln City and all of our family was there. Had a good time, Geoff and Cheryl drove with us and we went to Mt. Lasson, Mt. Shasta, Redwoods and came up the coast of Oregon before we got there. We also made it to the Lewis Reunion in Farmington.

Where has mom gone?

2010-09-07T20:30:00.000-07:00

So I'm up revamping mom's blog to maybe give her inspiration to blog. You see, blogger gives me updates on the side of when people blog, and it's been almost 3 months for mom. I think she's due. Mom, are you out there?

Year about half over!

2010-06-15T21:00:00.000-07:00

The older I get the faster the years fly by.   I can't believe its the middle of June.   Life has been extremely good to me and loving every minute.   Its times like this that I reflect on all the good things going on in my life.   Skiing this winter was wonderful as usual, didn't get alot of those fabulous powder days, but the days I did go were filled with lots of fun times with family and friends. The night up to Brighton with Avry's family and Jason was beautiful with it snowing all night. The ride down the mountain was something else. The ski bus was so much fun and so many memories.

Bowling ended with my team in last place the first half and 2nd the second half. Go figure! My teammate Alison had the highest game for the year 239. My highest was a 224 but had lots of barely 100's
I have even got some quilts finished will have to take pictures. My friend Jamie has definately got me outside of my box and am taking a sampler quilt class the first Tuesday of every month.   Last month I about quit as I was struggling with the Dresden Plate block. My friend Claudia is now President of our quilt guild "Behind the Seams".   So you can imagine how I can't say no to friends and especially people I really like.   So I am doing hospitallity.   It will be fun as Claudia is one organized on the ball person. Hoping to spend some time with Maeli this summer doing some quilts with her.
In April went to St.George with 8 other couples RZR riding had a fabulous time riding to the rim of the Grand Canyon, fording the Virgin River and climbing the Hurrican Sand Dunes. We have already gone to Skull Canyon and up to Palisades. We sure have fun with our Wild Hog friends and enjoying the back country.March found us in Palm Springs golfing, haven't done to much here as the weather has not been very cooperative.   Wednesday mornings will find me at JH with friends this summer.
I worked alot at the office as we were without a secretary and then training her. I had several 40 hour weeks.   Working at the temple weekly has brought a nice balance to my life. It is so nice to walk through those doors and put the world behind and focus on the eternal things.

Marathon

2010-06-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

I ran a half marathon in Provo with 4 of my children on Saturday June 12, 2010. Clint signed up for the full marathon and then Tiffany said that sounded fun and signed up for the half marathon then Avry, me and Jason. We had 12 weeks to train. Tiffany found a training schedule for 12 weeks on the internet. Then we were all off training, posting on face book of our progress. I bought a garmin Forerunner 405 to help me pace myself. When starting I thought I can walk a 15 mile if I can do this in 3 hours and 15 min that will be good. My granddaughters had a 5K Fund raiser for their elementary school. On May 24 we all went and ran in it. Of course Jason came in first of our family with a 7 min mile, then Clint, Tiffany, Avry and myself. I started out with Avry and I kept telling her we were running to fast. She just pulled away. I wound up doing just barely over a 12 min mile. Learned a lot not to follow the crowd and set my own pace. A good practise run Two weeks before the race I did a 13.21 miles in 3 hours and 6 min. A 14.07 pace. Avry had set her goal to be under 3 hours and said mom you can do this. I had been training in cold, windy and sometimes wet weather bundled up. Looking forward to not being bundled up so much and warmer weather. We had to get up at 3 am to catch the bus to ride up to Provo Canyon. It was in the 40's with a light drizzle. After standing around for an hour we were off. Avry and I were together to begin but I kept bumping elbows, so I sprinted a little to get ahead and kept waiting for Avry to pass me. The second mile was up hill and that wasn't to bad the going down hill was a breeze and mile three was my best mile, a 11:26 mile.

Really grateful that the weather was cool. You kind of run with the same people going back and forth who is ahead. Around mile 9 I heard Avry call my name and she said she had to go to the bathroom. I kept on going my time getting a little slower and then mile 12 I felt my body really starting to slow down and then the over pass. You got to be kidding I have to go up that. Well I walked it. Coming down the over pass Jason came to encourage me on. I started bawling as I was exhausted, no sprinting into the finish line.

Well I did it in 2 hours 50 min. A 13 min. mile pace. Not bad for a 60 year old.

Google It!

2010-03-30T18:09:00.000-07:00

I couldn't believe how many drafts I had clear back from 2008. I decided most of them was old news and started deleting them. This one I started in March. With most of them I was going to add pictures. I admire my girls and how well they keep up with their blogs Tiffany and Jeralee both have two now. I am so glad they do as its my main connection to what is going on in their lives.

I just love google. I have used it for everything! From a word I didn't know the meaning, to refreshing my memory on a how to do, to finding an item to buy. to learning something new. You name it I have probably googled it. I probably use it on a daily basis.

A few weeks ago we were headed home on a Saturday from working in the temple, when Geoff called. He wondered if I knew how to make California Rolls as Cheryl and he liked them and figured it would be alot cheaper to make them. So I said come on down and we will figure it out. He read me the receipe and we decided who would buy what. So we stopped at Broulims on our way home. I already had an avocado and cucumber. Found crab meat, seaweed paper, but couldn't find sushi rice. Picked up wasabi sauce, pickled ginger and found a roll mat and spoon which said for making California Rolls.

At home I started cooking rice then went to google to see how to make them. Nice video and then googled Shushi rice. Found out shushi rice is how you fix rice not a special kind of rice. OOPS! Well I will use the rice anyway. It was ok but very sticky. (Shushi rice you rinse the rice till it is clear then cook it, then you mix it with salt sugar and vineger. It sure made it taste better, mixing the sauce with the rice.

We will have to try it again.

New Year Junk Removal

2010-01-11T21:04:00.000-08:00

There is something about the beginning of the new year. First trying to get your brain to write 2010 instead 2009. Realizing your not getting any younger. This last year I turned 60 in August and celebrated my 40 wedding anniversary in December. Those are some pretty big numbers. The years are zooming by.

With the new year its time to clean out the house and de junk. Each new year is a deciding factor of what stuff you haven't used in a long time and whether you will use it in the future. From clothing, to craft items, to general household items. I remember when I was first married and Scott said if you haven't used it in 3 months get rid of it. Well you can't do that with alot of seasonal things.

A few years ago I gave Avry all my tole painting, paints and cabinet that Scott had made me. Most of the paints were dried out and needed to be thrown out. Haven't missed them either. So this week I gave all my sucker molds and chocolate molds to my niece. I couldn't even begin to tell you the last time I used either one. Now do I get rid of the stamps? I did lend them out to the Merrie Miss for an activity this last year. How about the scrap booking stuff. I find it easier to put the pictures in albums and now I have all the recent ones on the computer.

I am even to the point I think about what my kids will think when I am dead and gone and they are going through everything and they are saying "Why on Earth did MOM keep this". As I remember going through Grandma's stuff after she died there really wasn't anything that I wanted really bad. I took very little of her stuff and I am finding I am slowly getting rid of some of it. I have officially given all of her yarn away now except 3 skeins I have kept to tie quilts with.

Well back to going through things and seeing what else I can get rid of.

What happened in Oct, Nov, Dec?

2009-12-30T06:54:00.000-08:00

I kept thinking of things to blog about, but then decided who really cares? So the months have slipped by. Now I am trying to remember what has gone on in my life. So here I am back will make a quick over view of the last 3 months. Of course I have to have the calendar to refer back to so I can throw it away in a day. I can honestly say the older you get the faster the days, weeks, months and years go.

SEPTEMBER: we started out with our annual AIA golf Tournment at Rigby then to Utah for Sam's baptism. Bowling started on the 10th, which I thought was too early. I wish it was like skiing 10 weeks. A trip to Buhl to golf with the Latin's. Then on to Sun Valley for 4 days. Took the RZR over Trail Creek Pass which I freaked out and made Scott drive over 100 miles up to Challis over to Stanley and back to SV. We did have a nice ride around the Mackey mines. The next day we went up to Boulder City. It was only a 6 mile ride but most of it was up the creek bed, beautiful country and lots of mining artifacts. Home for a few days and then drove the green pickup over to Oregon as Joe and Jeralee bought it. Yes Scott got a newer one, 4 wheel drive and loaded with options. I flew back to Idaho Falls. We also got called to work in the temple as temple workers and started the first week in October.

OCTOBER: Bowling every Thursday morning then to the Temple by 4 pm. Took the new Scouts on a hike along the river. Went with 3 other couples to St. George to go RZR riding. Had some awesome rides, Huricane Sand Dunes, Mesquite, and then to Elephant Rock by the Coral Pink Sand Dunes. Had a good time. On the 23rd went to Eagle Mountain, Utah for Halloween and Jason's birthday. Had a good time with all the kids, got chicken noodle spilled in the back of the Tahoe going around the corner. Can laugh about that for years to come. Went to BYUI Halloween concert to see Cheryl play and then Halloween night we went with 4 other couples out to the desert RZR riding, bon fire, tin foil dinners and tell ghost stories. Lots of fun. I had a spark fly up and hit me in the forhead. Have a little scar now.

NOVEMBER: Just bowling and Temple on Thursday. Of course I work at the office usally about 10 hours a week. Thanksgiving found us in Syracuse with Avry, Geoff & Jason. Tiffany was up to Idaho. We did the black friday and got a good start on Christmas. Avry had us all help wrap her gifts. I took Sam & Sav to see "New Moon". We played lots of games, ate lots of food waiting for Clints family to fly in on Sunday night. We all met him at the airport. We helped Clint get settled and then headed home Monday afternoon.

Maeli in the midst of our Black Friday purchases

DECEMBER: We were saddened when our niece Brook's little baby boy died shortly after birth on the 4th. Spents days decorating for Christmas and fighting with lights to work. Headed to SV on the 13th after Church. Skied on Monday and Tuesday on mostly man made snow. Came home on Wednesday, Friday we had office party at Stockman's then back to our house for dessert and storage gift exchange. Sam and Savanna came on the 20th, Tiffany and family the 21, Avry, Justin, Clint on the 23, Lia, mom and girls, Jason & Mark on the 24th. Maeli and Kaden the 25th. Then sprinkle Geoff and Cheryl popping in through out the week. Plus almost all of us got the flu at one time or another. Not very much snow, Scott did hook up sleds to the RZR and pull the kids around the yard. They started leaving on Christmas and by Saturday afternoon our house was quiet once again.

My good husband cleaning light fixtures.

I got three grandchildren's Christmas lap quilts done but didn't get Justin's levi quilt done. Will finish that up in a few weeks.

Charlise's

Savanna's

Samatha's

Win $50 and help Tiffany

2009-09-22T21:16:00.000-07:00

Tiffany has this awesome website for over a year doing product review. Mostly things to do with kids, but I have found there is alot of things of interest to everyone. She gives tips also and tells you what you can save on. She is trying to win a washer and dryer and need people to comment on her website and when you do you get put into possibly win a $50 gift certificate to Amazon. Go to www.babesandkidsreview and look for the help me win.

Dirt and more Dirt

2009-08-30T18:39:00.000-07:00

Oh what fun we are having with our new RZR. Your just never to old to try new things. We are just like kids come home from playing, covered in dirt. There is a group from Rigby that started ATV riding side by side last year. Almost every Saturday during the summer & fall someone picks a place to go. Phone calls our made and who ever can go shows up at a designated place and were off. I understand sometimes you never know who is going to show up. Definately a new way to meet new people and explore the back country. So far its been people we have known.

Our 2nd trip out was last Monday we went with two other couples who are seasoned ATV riders. One has a RZR like ours and the other has a Rhino. We left at 3:30 and went to a place going toward Salmon called Skull Canyon. A new place for us to explore. We hit the trail around 5:30 in the evening and since we were the NEWBIES or RZR Virgins they put us in the middle.

We started up the canyon which had rock cliffs and then up through the trees. Our first stop was looking down on an old mining area

Scott checking the gps.

We got above the tree line and the view was fabulous. Because it was open you could see the trail and I thought we are going where. It looked steep from the distance but when you started up it wasn't as steep as I thought. But there was some steep places I was white knuckling the handle bar in front of me. We went up a rocky wash and was amazed how well we did. Just following the leader. I don't think we would of tried it on our own.

We are headed where? Oh, over there.

We had just come up this hill, you can't see the trail, but there is one.

At the top. To the east we could see Mud Lake.

We drove down half way and watched the sunset. Heard an elk bugeling. We went up around a mining area and into the trees and made a camp fire, roasted hot dogs,marshmallows and visited. Headed down the rest of the way in the dark and got home around midnight.

Our third trip was on Saturday. There was 5 of us and we went up to Alpine, Wyoming to the Greys River area. Another new place we have never been. WOW! sums it up. The country was gorgeous. We drove down the main road which follows the Greys River and took side canyons to explore. Our first was called Cabin creek

Our group, 4 RZR and a Rhino. The Flinstones

Cabin Creek

We would try different trails, one we had to back up and turn around as the road was washed out and it was on a steep hillside. Another ended in this open area, decided to see if we could reach the trail below us. Went a ways and decided we had better go back up and find the trail. You are suppose to stay on the trails.

Barstow Lake

This was an interesting trail. We went through some narrow trees, water, over a narrow bridge and had to back up alot. We had to hike up the last 1/2 mile to see the lake.

Having lunch, Gay Rofle brings her little table.

Two in our group had to leave. The rest of us went for a few more hours. Went up McDougal Pass and Blind Bowl. We have a soft top and I would tell Scott to look and he couldn't see. So we took the top off and that was nice.

McDougal Falls

On our way back to the vehicles we got into some rain. Stopped in Alpine on our way home for hamburgers. It was definately a very excellent day.

Our New Buggy

2009-08-16T19:07:00.000-07:00

You take a big deep breath and before you know it all the pressures have past.

We had our fast trip to Oregon and wish we could of spent more time with Jeralee and family. Miss Idaho Falls went really well. Our trip to Detroit started out with a very bumpy airplane ride. The Green family were very gracious and the open house for Geoff and Cheryl was very nice. We did get to see a few things. We went to Henry Ford plant and saw how Truck F150 were made. The area remind me alot of Ohio. Scott wanted to have his picture taken in front of Auburn Hills Palace home of the Piston's.

I turned 60 on my way back home. That sounds really old. But I don't feel older except for the few aches and pains. I know I want to keep going like the engerize bunny. So how do I do that? How about getting a new toy!

We bought this Polaris RZR three weeks ago and haven't been able to get out and use it. One reason all of the above things that were going on and second our trailer was 4" to short for it to go in. Sold our trailer and they had to special order a new one. It was suppose to get here on Friday but won't be here till next Friday. So we put it on the snowmobile trailer and headed up to Big Springs. We drove up to Two Top. It sure looks different in the summer then winter. Then down into West for lunch and we missed seeing the President. Then back up over two top as we didn't have a map and some of the trail is different then the snowmobile trails. There was one place I didn't think we were going to make it up, but we did.

It was cold and glad I took extra clothing. One thing is you get very dirty. But we had a ball. Oh the things we do to stay young!

Summer Time and the Livin is not easy

2009-07-19T19:26:00.000-07:00

Summer heat has finally arrived and here it is the middle of July already. Summer always seems to fly by. This summer is no different from any other, we seem to keep it filled with so many things. So the livin isn't easy. I don't want to hurry my summer away but when you get involved in a few things its like you can't wait till its over. Mainly right now Miss IF which is on August 6. I only need to go to Oregon on the 1st of August for my granddaughter Charlise's baptism (sad that we will miss the Lewis reunion in Logan) and then hurry back. Then on August 7 we fly to Detroit for an open house for Geoff and Cheryl.

I was think how nice it would be just to have everything done and just lay around. But my kids would tell you that is not my nature. Well I found out how it was just to lay around on Saturday. I had this headache that wouldn't go away and a queasy stomach all day. (Wonder if it was what Tiffany and boys had) I think I like feeling good and being busy. I did make it to my Quilt Guild Garden party at 10 but all afternoon I laid on the bed. Got up enough to go to a reception with Scott. He was hungry so we went to Perkins where I ordered mash potatoes and chicken soup and only ate the broth. It was like that all night long. This morning I felt better made it to church and since we are out by noon we had lunch and then went up to yellowstone for a ride. It was free to get into the park. Nice ride a lot of people up there watched Old Faithful go off and then headed home.

This last Tuesday I drove down to Tiffany's to help her get ready for her Cause Party. I got there during rush hour and had stand still traffic. Yuk! Tiffany and family got home just before I got there. We had dinner and then Tiffany and I ran to Walmart to get some things. Her boys had been sick the two nights before and so I had started helping her clean her house. We had plans to do something on Wednesday but that changed as she got sick in the night and most of the morning. She felt better in the evening and we headed to Jason's for a get together with Avry' family also. He has made a nice patio and furniture. I stayed with him Wednesday night and got up and walked/jogged liberty park. Then went and picked up Savanna at Avry's work. It was her birthday and she spent the day with Tiffany and I. We did some shopping for the cause party and then went home to get ready. It turned out really good. Check Tiffany's blog at www.babesandkidsreview.com. It will explain it better. Stayed till noon on Friday helping her with a few more things then headed back to IDAHO.

AHHHHHHHHHHH! There is no place like HOME!

More upgrades at 4082 E. 200 N.

2009-07-12T20:23:00.000-07:00

Living in the same place for over 35 years has seen alot of changes. I don't think there is one thing in this house that we haven't changed. First of all Scott has been wanting to take over my garden for years. I gave in a few years ago and let him build a shed in the back half. This summer he wanted the other half put in cement so he could park our pickup and Tahoe, so he wasn't playing musical vehicle every time he needed one or the other.

Because I like to garden, he knew he had to come up with a new garden spot. He made me a garden box for mothers day. He will make me another one next year. I am experimenting with it this year. I absolutely love it. It is easy to weed and will probably produce better. It gets more sun then where it was before. If only it won't hail anymore and strip the plants down.

Our next project was the outside of the house. We replace the last 5 original windows, sided, rock work, pulled the entry out 8 feet. Here is what it looked like before. We pulled out trees and shrubs in the process

The new look

Scott is still designing a railing between the posts and we still have to get a new door. Eventually we will probably put a paver path out to the circle drive. The big equipment tore up my yard and we had to level and repair sprinkler system and resod. Notice our bedroom window is bigger. He still has to do the inside trim work. The siding is steel. The problem with not doing everything at once is product changes. We had to paint the bay window as it was a different color and the fascia on the roof was tough to match. But it all came out pretty good.

East side of house. Notice no shrubs.

Back of house.

I guess we are going to be here for awhile longer. This last Thursday I was ready to sell it tho. Scott had gone to Bozeman to check on a project and rode his bike up there and stayed the night. I took the irrigation water at 6 pm and then headed to my Miss IF meeting at 7:00. I got home at 10 and noticed the water was clear up by the pine trees. I thought oh no the neighbors didn't take the water. So I dashed into the house got on my rubber shoes and my head lamp and went out back to check.

No he had taken the water. So I went along the property line and out by the utility pole the water was coming over alot from the neighbors ditch. I thought oh I can't have this doing this all night. (Afraid if I left it running it would get into the well and follow the line into the basement of the house, been there done that. Alot easier to fix the water leak then to clean up water in my basement.) Scott had put some sod we had taken out in the remodel in the borrow pit across the road in front of our house. So I got a shovel and a bucket and proceeded across the road to find it. As I started picking up a piece of sod a water snake slithered out from under it and I screamed. I managed to pull it together and get some sod and back to the gaps. Well its behind my rose bush that has gone wild, there are over grown trees and the barb wire fence. If it wasn't the rose bush, then it was the barb wire fence that got my leg. (Oh I had knee length shorts on.) I realized it was going to take a lot of sod to stop it. So back again across the road only to scream again because of another snake. I was cussing Scott by that time why wasn't he home to help me. The next trip I poked with the shovel and stood way back. After half an hour and 5 buckets of sod, I got it stopped up. Went in and called Scott at 11 pm to get some sympathy. He picked up his phone where I said I am ready to move.

I have done the irrigating for the past 35 years as it falls at a time when Scott is working. I use to have the neighbors on both side whose wives would NOT do it. I wound up sometime doing it for them. Scott knows I am keeper in that respect.

Next day better and yeah I will stay here a little longer.

4th of July 2009

2009-07-05T21:56:00.000-07:00

We had a busy and fun 4th of July. Friday we had off for the holiday. We worked around the house till 2:30 and the went golfing intending to play 18 holes. Rigby is the only course I know that allows 5 some. It was slow and then a storm came in after the 7th hole. We picked up and decided to quit. Cheryl and Geoff had come down. The evening I went to my friend Carol Stevens reception and dragged dad a long. Ran into alot of people we knew and hadn't seen in a long time. The week before her sister in law Kathy Stevens had a bridal get together at the Sandpiper. They had made these hats out of wrapping paper and had us wear them. Cute idea.

Bride front and center

We got home around 9 and Avry, Justin, Sam and Sav had arrived. Avry wanted Justin to see what real fireworks were like. She said on MSN IF's was rated #3 in the nation. Girls excited to see us and wanted to sleep in the Yoga Room (exercise room, renamed it when they were here for Geoff's wedding. We went out in the circle and watched Rigby's fireworks and then retired to the deck where we watch the kids fireworks and roasted marshmallows. Avry will have to post those pictures.

Up bright and early and headed to IF at 6:30 am to decorate our boat for Miss IF.

Decorating boat

I then walked most of the parade route and met up with Avry and family. Didn't have my camera. So Avry will post pictures of us at the parade. Probably the first time I stayed till the very end. We called Dad and he rode his motorcycle and met us at Iggy's for lunch. Kaden rode home with him.

Lunch at Iggy's

Dad took Kaden golfing and the rest of us headed up to Heise to either rock climb or sit and watch. Avry and I watched while, Geoff, Cheryl and Justin took turns. Sav and Same had a ball exploring.

Cheryl climbing! What a good wife to indulge in her husband's Passion

Justin waiting for his turn, Avry being her goofy self.

We headed down to the river to stake out a place to watch the fireworks. Geoff and Cheryl had a special invite with her aunt and uncle to have dinner at the Shilo and listen to a concert and watch the fireworks. We wound up at Civitan Park in the place we usually watch it. Headed down to Memorial and found some food to eat. Hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, italian soda's, doughnuts and funnel cake. Picked up some kettle corn and headed back to wait for fireworks. Kaden had to much junk food and got sick. Of course Avry and I didn't bring our purses and had to bag for Tylenol and plastic bag from people around us. He did recover to watch the fireworks. Traffic slow and didn't get home till almost midnight.

Waiting patiently for the fireworks to start.

One sick boy

The wait was well rewarded and yes Justin did agree they were the best he has ever seen.

Sunday afternoon we cooked hamburgers and then sent everyone on their way home. It was a nice fun weekend and the only thing that would of made it better was having all the kids here. Maybe next year.

New Daughter in Law

2009-07-01T20:41:00.000-07:00

On June 19 our youngest son Geoff married Cheryl Green from Shelby, Michigan (near Detroit) in the Rexburg LDS Temple. The sun was shinning in the morning and glad we had the reception scheduled inside the church instead of in the yard as it was cloudy and cooler in the evening.

I didn't take very many pictures and didn't get pictures of the grand kids all together. Hoping maybe Scott, or one of my kids got pictures. I got a few in the parking lot and video taped some at the temple. Cheryl is a gem and is majoring in music education and plays the flute. She was in our BYUI 7th ward for 4 semesters. So we feel fortunate to have taken one of the college kids home to be in our family.

I had the reception catered and my girls said that is the best thing I could of done. We served over 250 people. We had a steady line all night long and didn't get to sit down till the very end. I did the luncheon at the church also and did that myself since I was splurging on the reception. They are so cute together. They honeymooned at Big Sky, Montana where they got in some rock climbing. They found a small government subsidize apartment in Rexburg. We have an open house in Michigan the 8th of August.

We had all of our kids here for the wedding except Clint and family as they are still in Germany. We really missed them. Tiffany got here on a Monday, Jeralee Tuesday, Avry Wednesday and Jason Thursday. They all left on Sunday except Jeralee who left on her birthday on the next Tuesday. It was nice to have them all here. We did a shower on Wednesday at 1 for Cheryl then she went through the temple that evening at 6.

Saturday everyone went swimming and then pizza afterwards.

It is now very quiet around here and Scott and I realize its just the two of us. Starting the next phaze of our life. EMPTY NESTERS

Faith

2009-05-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

Well its been a while. I can give lots of reasons but I won't. Today in RS Brenda Yost gave a lesson on faith from several of Oct.08 conference addresses. It really got me thinking about several things. Of course she had some funny things.

One of the things she said is writing down our spiritual experiences so we can go back and draw upon during rough times. I made the comment how important it was as my daughter Avry wanted so bad to read Grandma Nielson's journals. Nick sent her some copies of them and she said she was disappointed as it was just day to day activities. You know, wash dishes, cleaned house, went to store, so and so stopped by. She wanted to know really how she felt about things. I guess my kids will find in my few journals the same thing. I have been one who doesn't want people to read after I am gone about all the bad and how my life REALLY was. But you know it most likely gives a false sense that life was peachy and I had no trials.

I need to take a few pages from my daughter Jeralee who writes it as it is. Her ups and downs her frustrations, hates, passions, loves you name it. She seems to turn around and find the humor or write it in a humorous way that we all crave for more. Or my son Geoff who writes such deep insights you have to read it over and over and try to figure out what he is getting at and then all of sudden it comes to you and you say WOW.

Ok back to the topic of Faith. She was funny as she said she was in New York in the fall last year and it was so beautiful. Of course which I totally agree and then she says think about coming into the SL Valley and the view sage brush and desert. She said I don't know if I would of had that kind of faith. But she quoted that the fire of their faith burned in their soul. Do we have that kind of faith. Faith is a choice when we have faith it leads to prayer which leads to revelation which leads to faith and the cycle continues as our faith grows.

Interesting faith and fear cannot co exist. Faith overcomes fear, then faith goes into hope which overcomes despair which equals action. So when you think about it we have faith in alot of things on a daily basis. When we can't find something we have faith we can find it then we have hope and then we start looking and thinking and soon we find it.

Hmmmmmmmmmm so where I am going with this. Just to let everyone know I have a strong faith in the church and family. My children amaze me and I have the strong faith that they will succeed in anything that they put their minds to. They all have proved it to me so many times.

So what do you do when you are home all day?

2009-03-11T20:21:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday March 7, 2009 I stayed home all day. I did not get in my car and go anywhere. I ventured out side once to put the stickers on the Tahoe. To be honest I don't remember how long it has been since I stayed home all day.

So what did I do all day? I cleaned places that hadn't been cleaned for a while. I worked on Jason's quilt. Laundry, dishes, vaccum,ironing, read you name it I probably did it. If anyone really knows me, they know that I get side track really easy.

I will start cleaning the kitchen then go put something away in the office only to stop at the computer to check blogs, email, etc. Then notice some papers needing to be filed in the cabinet downstairs. Once those are put away. I remember the clothes need to be taken out of the dryer. I put them in a basket then start another load of clothes. I then fold towels and put them away only to see how bad the toilet and floor is in the one bathroom. I go into the kitchen to get some cleaning things when I realized I have not finished loading the dishwasher. I finish that and start wiping up the counters when I notice all the dirty dish towels and rags and then head downstairs where I notice stuff on the TV that needs to be put away.

Anyway you are getting the idea. By the end of the day I look around and realize I did accomplish alot and wish for 4 more days like that. It is just nice to have one of those productive days.

Red Shirt Friday

2009-03-08T23:40:00.000-07:00

Have you ever read something and then you try to figure out where you had read it and can't find it? This last week I read something very profound on Red Shirt Friday. I thought it was an email that someone had sent me. But I couldn't find it. I finally decided it was in some magazine I read while I was at Red Mountain Spa. I can't even remember exactly what it said but I remember how I felt.

Clint and Lia sent Scott and I red shirts with I support our troops on it for Christmas. I didn't think much of it and thought maybe it was some promotion think they had going. It has layed nicely folded in my closet the last two months until this last Friday when I wore it for the first time proudly. I attempted to take a self portrait after 24 tries, this is the best I could do.

I copied this off the internet of the explanation for Red Shirt Friday.

Red Shirt Friday is a symbol of unity of support for our solders who have given their lives and their freedoms so we might enjoy ours.

Red Shirt Friday is not just to give thanks to the thousands that have died for us. It is also for the millions that have served our country, our serving our country now, and to the millions that have supported our brave military.

It is for the loved ones that have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice for our benefit. Mothers, wives, brothers, sisters, children, and relatives.

It is for the friends neighbors, communities, organizations, states and our nation that suffer from our loss.

It is for all of the ones that are serving now and have served.

It is for our P.O.W.s and M.I.A.s.

Here is my son Clint and beautiful wife and daughters Nadia and Bianca last year when Clint had a two week leave from Iraq.

I am proud of my son for all that he does in protecting our country. He returned from a 15 month deployment in Iraq last November. I can't even imagine everything he has been through serving in Iraq. I know he had a friend killed, he has been shot at and had to shoot at others. Right now he is working hard on being promoted to an NCO. He has passed his board of review and working on getting enough points through correspondence classes to receive this promotion.

He has struggled with a lot of things in his life. His mother being one of them. When I had my accident as soon as he found out he called me from Germany to see how I was doing and express his love for me. I have watched him in the last several years over come a lot of things and have seen the growth in him getting out of his comfort zone and trying to do what is right.

So to Clint I love you and Thank you for the sacrifice of defending our country and being who you are.

Tag I am It!

2009-02-17T18:22:00.000-08:00

Avry tagged me
What people I would of tagged have been tagged. So I thought I would just answer the questions.

8 Favorite TV Shows

1. Today Show
2. The Biggest Loser
3. Weather Channel
4. Golf Channel
5. Extreme Make Over
6. The Bachelor
7. Dancing with the Stars
8. CNN

8 Things I did Yesterday

1. Skied
2. Went to Bed at 9:30 pm
3. Drove to Big Sky
4. Had dinner in West Yellowstone
5. Got lots of sun on my face
6. Ate way to much
7. Spent the day with my future daughter in law
8. Up at 5:30 am

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To

1. My sons wedding in June
2. Spa Retreat in St. George
3. A week in Palm Springs
4. Spending time with my children
5. Lots more of skiing
6. Golfing this summer
7. Hiking
8. Summer (working out in the yard)

8 Favorite Restaurants

1. Jakers
2. Olive Garden
3. Johnny Carino
4. Sizzler
5. California Pizza Kitchen
6. Red Lobster
7. Sandpiper
8. PF Changs

8 Things on My Wish List

1. More understanding of the gospel
2. Travel anywhere especially England
3. Less wrinkles
4. To be 30 lbs lighter
5. A New House
6. A better economy.
7. Mission
8. Someone to clean my house

Oh What Do You Do In The Winter Time?

2009-02-09T20:17:00.000-08:00

When all the world is white!
Buy a new car

Of course we had to stay with another SUV. We like the way they ride on trips and our last one really protected me. It a 2007 silver Chevy Tahoe. I haven't even driven it yet.

Remodel the Family Room

Well, Scott did all the remodeling. I did very little. He even arranged the furniture different. Notice our new basement windows. It really makes it warmer. Now to do the other half of the room.

Enjoy a winter sunset

This is Scott on the top of Kelly right at sunset. It was so pretty.

Ski

This is at Kelly Canyon. We have gone night skiing the last three Saturdays and of course I ski every Thursday at Targhee with about 30 ladies I ride up on a bus. This last Wednesday they were closed because of water problem. I was already at Claudia's "Blue Heron Inn" www.idahoblueheron.com. when I got the call. There are four of us that ride up to Rexburg to catch the bus. Claudia, Jamie, Carol and myself. We were deciding what to do since we had a free day. Claudia had two guests and invited us over to the Inn where her husband and her made us a gourmet breakfast. We then went and got our cross country skis. Claudia couldn't find her boots. So Jamie, Carol and I went up to Teton Lakes in Rexburg. They groom a trail around the golf course. It was fun. I had gone Cross Country Skiing with Jamie and her hubby and friend up the dry bed last Friday. I had bought some new CC skis and they are nice. I have been around my yard a few times also. After skiing we went back to Claudia's where we had a salad for lunch and then spent the rest of the afternoon hand quilting on a Quilt Guild Quilt. Then Quilt Guild that night.

Quilt

This is Jamie in the loft of the Blue Heron Inn. I have really enjoyed just going over there and enjoying the serenity, the view, friends and quilting.

Sewing

This is a quilt top I just finished called "Cherry Pie" it will have pink minky on the back. I have Jason's quilt done and at the quilters. I have decided to keep my quilt frame and learn how to use it. I am working on another top called "Road Block".

Birthday's

Tiffany February 6, Rowan January 17, Lia February 6, Marshall January 7. Went to Red Lobster

Avry January 24

Double dating with your son and his girlfriend

We have been to the movie and dinner, Saturday night skiing, pizza at Heise and Sunday dinner at our house. We have enjoyed having Geoff close and know some day this to will end. Its been fun to get to know Cheryl and how much teasing she takes from Geoff. They really are cute together. Ahhhhhhh young love.

Of Course hanging out with my hubby

I don't have pictures of Thursday morning bowling, BYUI FHE and activites, snow mobiling, Cheryl's concert. She is an amazing flutest. So as you can see winter can be as busy as summer. Every monday I hurry home from the office and within in two hours I have ground wheat and made 6 loaves of wheat bread and made brownies for the FHE group that comes that evening. Can't decide if I will miss that when dad is released.

Blessings and Protection from Above

2009-01-25T17:37:00.001-08:00

In the midst of our life we have incredible experiences that lets us know our Heavenly Father loves us and is constantly watching over us.

I was headed down on Thursday to go skiing with Jason on Friday and then Saturday was Avry's birthday and Tiffany's birthday is on the 6th of February. I was taking the girls shopping and lunch. I was then going to stay with Tiffany and go to church and watch her boys for an hour on Monday while she went for a job interview. Then head back to Idaho so I could get back to have a FHE group come to our home from the college

Thursday morning I bowled. Jenny Huskinson who was on our team a year and half ago got back from her mission from Uganda. It was so nice to see her and hear of some of her experiences. We are glad she could be back on our team, even tho we will miss Bonnie Peterson I had to do payroll at the office so hurried down to IF right after bowling as I wanted to leave at 3 so I wasn't driving very much in the dark. I started on my SUDA report and it ended up taking me longer to do it and didn't get away till 4:30. I was going to try and get to Ogden and stop at Joann’s before they closed and find some floss for a friend.

I had my Yukon loaded with the rest of Tiffany and Marshall's stuff that was stored at our house. It was mostly, things from their childhood, school, college, and mission. Six 18 gallon plastic totes, a couple of boxes, misc things. The roads were clear and I was making pretty good time. The forecast had said 30% rain and 50% in the evening. It started raining around Marsh Valley and the temperature was about 35. It was raining on the Malad pass but I slowed down some. I stopped in Malad and filled my car with gas, the ground was wet but not icy. I was hungry so I went in to get a hamburger. There was one girl that they were filling her order and 3 other people doing I don't know what. After waiting for 5 minutes I decided I couldn't wait any longer and needed to get going to make Joann's Fabric before they close.
As I entered the freeway I checked the time 6:33 and temperature 34. I called Scott and was talking on my bluetooth to see how he golfed as he was in LV. It was really raining and I was watching the temperature and thought if it drops to freezing the roads could be bad. I had passed the exit to Plymouth and had slowed down to 65 and noticed the temperature at 32. I had just passed the Plymouth exit and made note that there were a few cars way a head of me and I could see cars a ways behind. It was about then that I told Scott I am slipping I don’t know what exactly happened next if I tried to turn the wheel or touched the brake or what but I started spinning. I thought just let it go and it will stop and what ever direction I am going I will get it turned around. The next thing I knew my headlights shined on the snow on the side of the road which was about a foot deep. My car started up the side of the snow and started rolling. I know I rolled at least twice. When I stopped I was upright and facing east aways from the road. I didn't know it was east at the time. I was disorientated and thought I had rolled across the middle and the north bound lane. The policeman had to keep telling me I was on the south bound side. My car still running the wipers still going, light on. I sat there for a few minutes looking straight ahead and thinking I am OK. I know my head hit the roof. I turned the overhead lights on and tried to find my phone. I found my phone and called 411 and thought what am I doing that's not the right number. I then tried 911 but kept hitting a letter. I finally got it right and told them what had happened and where I was. She said they had been notified and help was on the way. I called Scott to let him know I was OK. He had called the Box Elder police and they said their had been multiple accidents. He then said he called the hospital and they said they were told their were multiple accidents and they were getting ready for it. I then called Jason.

You can't tell that the roof was caved in

A guy and his boy stopped and he said he was a retired firefighter and I couldn't’t get out of my car I rolled the window down and he asked if I was OK. Just a little in shock but I seemed to be OK. I crawled over to see if I could get out the passenger side. The snow was very icy and it was still raining. They asked if I had warm clothing. I found my ski coat but could only find one of my snow boots. It was then I notice the windows on both back side and the window in the back was out. The guys son started picking up things and handing them to me and I was putting them in some bag. When the police came he told them to go ahead. He asked if I was OK and said their were 5 accidents in the last few minutes between the two exits and that it had frozen suddenly. He asked for my insurance and registration. As I handed him my registration. An ambulance came. They made me come and sit in the ambulance and check me out. I was OK, they said they had 5 calls and got a 6Th while I was there. Another ambulance came by while I was inside. They gave me a bandage for a tiny glass cut on my finger and said since I was OK they were going on to check on another one. They walked me back to my car as the policeman was getting out of his car to hand me the paperwork. A truck went by and he said theirs the salt truck finally. He told me the wrecker had been called and what the guys name was and apologized that he couldn't stay with me as he had to go check on another accident. He told me to sit in my car. As I sat waiting for the wrecker I looked to the south and could see cars stopped and a police car and then farther down another police car. I looked to the north and I could see two police cars quite a distance apart.

Another car stopped to see if I was OK, I told him the police and ambulance had already been here and I was just waiting for the wrecker. I noticed a wrecker go by and thought maybe he didn't see me. So I waited who knows how long. The wrecker finally got there and he said he didn't see me and headed to the other one and it was a white SUV also, but they had not called it in. He had to go to the next exit and turn around and find me. He pulled my car on to the flat bed and picked up what stuff we could see. There had been a small box with Marshall's missionary letters and it was all over the side of the road and wet. I was so cold by now and my hair was drenched I took my scarf off around my neck and put it on my head. My ski coat was completely soaked through along with my pants. I sat in his truck while he finished picking up things. Jason and Avry had decided she was closer and since she had a Tahoe would come and get me and clean out my car. The policeman told me to tell her to come to the Riverside Exit but since she was aways a way the wrecker guy told me to have her come to Tremonton and meet at Denny's. Tremonton he said was only 5 miles away we had to wait for Avry for a few minutes and then she followed us over to their storage area. He got the car off the bed and Avry, Kaden and I started cleaning out my car. It was still raining but only 34 degrees at Tremonton and not icy. Things were a mess and lots of tiny glass in everything. Two of the tubs were completely broken. Avry was being funny as usual.

We got to her house and Justin and Kaden started hauling things in. We spread all the letters all over the floor to dry. I couldn't sleep so I spent most of the night drying the letters and rotating them.

Avry's family Room

Avry's living Room

Friday I went and got 4 new tubs for Tiffany and started the process of sorting and repacking and calling her and telling her what I had to throw out. Scott flew in at 1 and we decided to take the girls for birthday dinner at Red Lobster and head for home in the morning.

Sorting stuff from broken tubs in Avry's family room

I have thought and analyzed this episode in my life the last several days. There was no promptings like I have had in past experiences. I know my Heavenly Father could of prevented this from happening, but I also know that things happen for a reason. We may not know or understand for sometime. I know that I was protected. I had my seat belt on, I was alone, I was in the Yukon and not my smaller car and there were no other cars involved. What is more amazing is that I have no bruises, cuts and its been 3 days and I haven't developed any internal symptoms. It is interesting that I was never scared. It seemed more like a ride at an amusement park.

It has affected each of my children. From a call from Clint in Germany after reading about me on Geoff's facebook. He said he had a sense he had to talk to someone that day. To Tiffany sobbing on the phone apologizing for every mean thing she has said or did to me. To Geoff knowing he had told me he loved me just half an hour before to Avry being ok till she saw my car and me. From Jason's sincere love of checking up on me that night and the next day and would drive all the way to just give me a hug to Jeralee's wonderful humor of looking for a stunt driver for the next James Bond movie. She had me laughing so hard. And of course Scott for trying hard to find out how bad it was. I am so ever blessed for the family I have.

Happy New Year/2008 In Review

2009-01-03T22:03:00.000-08:00

New Years Eve was spent with our Party Group at Meng's. Besides us and Meng's there was Anderson, Peterson, Furniss and Purser we had dinner and at 10 pm we were all yawning so we pulled out the domino's and played till midnight. Had some cold duck and headed for home and in bed by 12:30 am. Where are the days we stayed up half the night playing chardes. Guess that is what happens when you are pushing 60.

New Years Day we headed up to Targhee to do some skiing. The top was a blizzard slowly made our way over to Cheif Joseph and skied Blackfoot lift till about 11:30 went in to have an early lunch and then over to Scajawea. It got very crowded and found out both Dreamcatcher and Blackfoot lifts were closed. The snow wasn't to bad, the top was blowing and windy but once in the trees it was good. Scott's legs gave out, so Geoff and I skied. He took me through some trees not to bad. I was surprised at how I didn't get tired for my first time out. Excited for Wednesday ladies day to start this week.

Just a quick review of 2008

January found me skiing on Wednesday and bowling on Thursday. Scott went golfing in Mesquite while I went to Las Vegas with 5 other friends to the Miss American pageant in January.
February found us sking, bowling, and snowmobling. All the kids were home and we had a family picture. Clint had two weeks from Iraq and Lia and girls came from Germany. It had been 4 years since we had all been togehter.
March still sking and bowling. I still go to a quilt guild once a month along with still working part time at Scotts office. Did loose two new sets of ski poles (left them at the ski hill and no one turned them in)
April We headed to Palm Springs for a week of golfing and Scott got a new motorcyle for his birthday. Tiffany and Marshall and boys lived with us for 4 months.
May our willow tree got a major trimming from broken branches from an early snowstorm last year. Grandma Nielson passed away on May 24.
Summer Months found Scott traveling clear up to Cut Bank Montana down to Reno Nevada on projects. I went on a few trips with him. First time up to Gardnier Montana, North entrance of Yellowstone Park had a nice trip through the park. Did some hiking with friends. Went to Miss Idaho in June and Miss Idaho Falls won again. July had a family reunion in Draper and Snowbird Utah. We had a barbeque in Jason's backyard which made him get busy to finish his patio. Earlier in the day Jeralee and family, Avry, Tiffany and kids was spent at the children's museum and then playing in the fountains at the Gateway
August hiked Table Rock with friends. My brother brought my sister Laura up for a week took her to Targhee and Jackson. Picked up my sister Cheryl and we went to SLC and visited our kids and spent some time on temple Square. Was extremely busy with Miss Idaho Falls, not only taking care of the money and secretarial duties I wound up putting the program together. Went to Bend Oregon and did some golfing then on over to Eugene to visit Jeralee and family and see and do a little work on their new home. I got my first new leather coat in Jackson so I would look cool on Scott's motorcyle which I am getting more courage to ride with him
September we got a new riding lawn mower and it is a zero radius turning and I haven't learned to use it. Maybe I won't learn as I like Scott doing all the mowing now. Went for a few days to Sun Valley, rode our bikes and golfed. I also learned about belaying and mountain climbing with Geoff and have a few new scars to show.
October we went to Hawaii for almost two weeks for an AIA convention. We went to Oahu and the big island, did golfing, snorkling on a boat and a dinner cruise and rented a jeep.
November we went to St. George and did some golfing before Thanksgiving and then had Thanksgiving at Avry's. We got a new snowblower in anticipation of snow.
December we finally got new windows put in the basement. Sun Valley for a few days no snow so read the Twilight books. Finally finished the top of Jason's quilt after two years and almost have my stockings done. First year with no kids on Christmas Eve, but rented a cabin and had a fun time in Island Park. Then moved Tiffany from Lehi to Eagle Mountain, spent a day with Grandchildren.
On top of that Scott was Bishop of the BYUI 7th ward. Besides the ward activies we had a FHE group in every monday night during school and I made homemade bread each week and sent it home with the kids. All and all it was a pretty good year. Looking forward to 2009 and lots of exciting new things.

Christmas 2008 Memories

2009-01-02T18:22:00.000-08:00

This was definately a different Christmas but still memories were made. I have to start clear back with Thanksgiving at Avry's in Syracuse, Utah. Avry and Jason have had this fun thing with Candy canes for several years. Two years ago Jason gave her a box of 368 green striped candy canes. Avry decided to give them back and with my help we decided to go all out and decorate his house with Candy Canes. I had been buying and finding anything with candy cane on them, from ribbon, to material, placemats, ornaments, window clings, magnet, rug, you name it. We were hoping we could get Jason to go on a trip or go somewhere for the day. Well that didn't happen so after thanksgiving we went to his house with him there and decorated it for him. I had red and white lights (which he said it looked like a Barbie tree from the street) and set to work. We hide all 368 candy canes in his house. I am sure he has found 95% of them.

Jason's tree

We celebrated our 39th wedding Anniversary on the 19th by going to Mountain River Ranch for a sleigh ride, dinner and entertainment. (It was really our office Party) Christmas Eve found us doing nothing, so we opened our gifts to each other. The funny thing is we both had bought each other a new paper shredder. We had bought the exact same thing. Scott bought his at Staples an I bought mine at Office Max. Of course we took one back. Scott did get me a new digetal video recorder. He had copied all our old 8 mm tapes on to CD and said he didn't realize that I had take most of the video's.

Christmas morning we puttered around packing things to go to Island Park where we had rented a cabin for 3 nights. Geoff and Jason got here around 11 am. Geoff had been in Germany for the last two weeks visiting Clint and family. Tiffany and Marshall got here about 3. Marshall had to go back to Utah to work. Tiffany and boys rode with us in the Yukon and Geoff and Jason took the pickup filled with food, clothes, gear, and all our presents. We headed to Island Park in a blizzard. Tried to get gas in two places and they were empty. Found gas in Ashton. We drove very slow and got up to Island Park at about 7 pm. Blowing, snowing and dark we attempted to try and find the cabin.

It was only 1/4 mile from the main highway. We left the pickup at the Subway and drove up Huckleberry Lane. We stopped at one cabin to ask where it was at and they said it was right next door. The drive hadn't been plowed out. Jason and I waded in waist deep snow to the porch. Scott drove up the lane to an intersection and was able to turn around and go back down to the Subway where he unhitched the trailer and unloaded the snowmachines and then we unloaded everything in the pickup into the Yukon. (Pickup has only rear wheel drive). We proceeded to get all 4 machines stuck because of the 3 feet of soft snow. I was busy still in my sweats shoveling a path from the cabin to the road. Jason, Geoff and Scott worked at getting the machines unstuck and making a path to the cabin. I was getting cold so I went in and watched the boys while Tiffany went out to help. By 10:30 pm they had everything hauled in and shoveled a place for the yukon. Avry was coming from Logan and they had a white out and turned back and stayed with Justin's family that night. Marshall even made it all the way to Lehi in the snow storm. It only took him 6 hours.

Friday morning it was a beautiful sunny day. A guy came and plowed us out and said he didn't know anyone was coming till Sunday. The cabin belongs to some people we know and I had reserved it through them and not their central reservations center. Avry and family got up Friday late afternoon. Marshall got their late evening. Tiffany, Geoff, Jason, & Scott went for a ride. Said they would be gone a few hours. Well four hours later I started panicking as the snow is so soft and if they got off the trail they would get stuck (we have old machines) no one took their phones. About 6 Tiffany shows up, cold and miserable. They had wound up in West Yellowstone and then dad had run out of gas. Excitement for the night. We had dinner and then opened gifts.

Snowmachine

Snow Cave

Hot tubbing

sledding. Jason and I did some cross country skiing also.

Snow Ball Fights

Games, Visiting and watching home movies

And Plenty of FOOD!

Sunday morning we headed home in a freezing rain. Had to stop twice to clean the windshield off. Said good bye to everyone except Tiffany and boys. We truly missed Clint and Jeralee's family.

Monday morning Tiffany and I were on the road at 7:30 am picked up Maeli and Kaden in Syracuse and got into Lehi at 12:30. We spent all day moveing the Snedakers to their new townhome in Eagle Mountain (10 miles away). Avry and family helped, Marshall's cusins helped and Jason and Mark came up in the evening to help. I stayed with Jason Monday night and Avry dropped off Maeli and Kaden in the morning to spend the day with me. We went to Body Worlds 3. That was a fascinating exhibit on the human body. Had lunch at California Pizza Kitchen with Jason and then went to the movies and saw "Bed Time Stories". Met Avry at the car wash in Layton and then headed home to Idaho.

Silent Night

2008-12-21T21:37:00.001-08:00

I was looking out at my backyard this evening with the light snow falling and it seemed so calm and peacful. It made me think that is how our life is right now very silent and especially in the evening. Today we went to church came home had dinner and we both our on our laptop then I wander to go read and then Scott goes down stairs to rummage through the channels on the TV.

Life is very quiet here at the Nielson's. Yesterday it got down to -9. We stayed in all day cleaning, and working on projects. Checking every so often to see what the other one was doing. We decided to go get something to eat around 6:30 and all our favorite spots had a 30 to 40 min wait. Wound up at the Firehouse Grill and then over to Best Buy, looking at a laptop to maybe get for me at office, to a TV to replace in the exercise room, to a new cell phone. I won't let on which one we walked out of the store with. It seems every year we go shopping one day and pick out something for each other or something that the whole family would enjoy.

3 days before Christmas and the gifts are all wrapped, treats for neighbors and friends are ready. No I didn't do any baking, I bought see's candy through the office. I just need to get some groceries for the cabin. Make the crepes and some bread and thats it. Christmas eve we have about decided to go to a movie and out to eat.

Friday we celebrated our 39th Anniversary. I didn't remember it till noon and called Scott and reminded him. We had an office party at Mountain River Ranch. It was cold for a sleigh ride but was dressed warm. Last weekend we had two more nights at our timeshare so we went to Sun Valley. There was no snow until the day we left and the ski hill was all manmade and only a few runs opened. We decided not to spend the money so didn't ski. Walked around town, ate out saw the movie "Austrailia" and hung out at the condo. Scott did work and I started the "Twilight Series". Yep I liked the movie so I borrowed my nieces books. This is why I don't read as I will stay up all night to read. I started them on Friday and read the first three books by Tuesday at 6 am. I am going slower in the last book and am half way through.

I am looking forward to Christmas Day and 4 out of 6 kids will be here and were going up to a cabin in Island Park till Sunday. So snowmobiling, cross country skiing, sled riding, playing games and eating lots of food with the kids should fill my cup up for a few weeks.

Trying desperately to get into the spirit

2008-12-05T11:12:00.000-08:00

Usually I am one who is so excited about Christmas. But this year I am struggling. I am not sure if its my age, no snow or maybe because no kids will be here. Oh let me rephrase that, 2/3 of my children will be here sometime on Christmas day. I have always made a big deal about Christmas Eve. So this will be the first year that we won't be doing anything. No basket, no last minute gift buying, no running treats to neighbors, no candy or cookie making, no hoagies, no movie. I knew that this tradition would come to end, but maybe I wasn't ready for it.

We did rent a cabin in Island Park for 3 nights from Thursday till Sunday morning. We will snowmobile, cross country ski, eat, play games and just enjoy each others company. I had to do something to keep them coming. I know they will all say move to Utah. I don't think so, I love Idaho.

So the debate was why decorate? I think maybe so my neighbors won't think I am scrouge. Oh yes we have Geoff still at home but he is leaving on the 9th till the 25th to visit Clint and besides he has other interests. Geoff did get the lights on the roof up before Thanksgiving. I did put a few things up outside, but haven't even pluged in the tree and snowman. The reindeers are not up and haven't decided if they are going to get put up. This is the first year the cheerleaders didn't come selling a fresh wreath.

Yesterday I thought I need to get in the spirit no matter what. So I put on Christmas music, lit Christmas candles to get the aroma and started wrapping gifts. Ok that got me to thinking how much harder it is to decide what to give. Money is sure easy but as my son in law Justin says thats no fun. I was thinking on how I have given everyone Christmas ornaments for years now, even the grandchildren. Do they really like what I choose and do they feel obligated to put it on their trees. Then I really got thinking about the grandchildren and their future spouses and maybe they want a theme tree or don't want to put those old ornaments on (if they even still have them). So I am going to throw it out to my kids and see if that tradition can be broken. I always buy them after Christmas for the next year at 75% off.

I am a sucker for those after Christmas sales on Christmas items. Save them all year and then forgot what I had bought. I have so much wrapping paper that I am good for at least 3 more years. I notice that I don't think about what paper I have and buy ribbon that doesn't even go with the paper that I have. Then there was paper I was using that was so cheap that it kept tearing. I then realized it was some of Grandma's that we found in her house. Sorry Jeralee, you might just have to rewrap. Growing up we would save the paper and ribbon and used it the next year if it didn't tear. So here I am skrimping and I think what for. So I threw out the cheap paper. This year I am not saving any ribbon. My kids can tell you how careful I am to save the ribbon.

So if this is the year for change I thought how can I do my trees different with what I have. Yes I put both of them up. The one downstairs I put in a different location. The one upstairs I put ivy, pinecones and red berries on it. Downstairs who knows what I am going to do.

We are getting rid of all of our old VCR tapes except the disney movies. Just in case we have a grandchild come and visit us. I know we still have a VCR to the big screen. We don't watch them and I have alot of CD's and their only taking up space. I hope no one will be offended if I get rid of something you gave me in the past. I just hope you all are not hanging on to things I gave you that you don't like. I can assure you if I haven't forgotten that I gave it to you I really don't care.

My Baby is 22

2008-11-19T21:19:00.000-08:00

On November 10 my youngest son Geoff turned 22. He can tell you that there is some good and bad being the youngest of 6 kids. Good is that you get spoiled. Bad no family living close to celebrate your birthday except mom and dad. Its been 3 years since Geoff has been home for a birthday. Well his birthday landed on a Monday and what better thing to do for FHE then to have a birthday party.

We had a FHE group come in and I made cupcakes and had hats, favors and a goodie bag for all 21 of them. We played a game and had a good time.

Can you pick out the girl Geoff is interested in?

Gratitude

2008-11-15T21:50:00.000-08:00

This goes along with my last blog. Avry had a list of 20 things she was grateful for and tagged anyone who reads her blog to do it also. I thought hers was awesome and so it hard when you want to copy alot of hers. But here goes.

1. Christ and Heavenly Father

2. Prayers

3. Scott

4. Heated mattress pad and car seat

5. Blogs of my kids

6. Idaho Sunset and Sunrise

7. Walking anywhere

8. Laughter

9. Travel to new places

10. Smiling at everyone

11. Being a MOM

12. Debt Free

13. 3 roses

14. Holidays

15. A son out of Iraq

16. Learning new things

17. Family & Friends

18. Eating whatever I want

19. Serving Others

20. Home with a hot tub on cold winter nights.

Thankful

2008-11-14T17:32:00.000-08:00

Love this time of year as we head into the holidays. With Thanksgiving in less then two weeks I am so thankful for so many things. First I have to say THANKS to Tiffany for updating the look of my blog. She said it was easy, but I know it would take some time for me to figure it out. It makes me more excited for the Holidays. I started boobing when I noticed the picture of all of us and she had put "Family is Everything". It is so true, my favorite saying to the kids when they were growing up is friends may come and go but family will always be there. I am eternal grateful for each one of my children and what they continually teach me. I just wish they lived closer. Wait, I still have Geoff when he is not running up to Rexburg to see a certain girl.

I have been trying to catch up on the conference talks in the November Ensign. This morning I read the one by David Bednar on "Pray Always". It was interesting that he said to just pray and thank HF and not ask for anything. So I tried it with my morning prayers and do you know how hard that is. I kept wanting to ask him to bless someone. I read two other talks also that were good. Jeffrey R. Holland "The Ministry of Angels" and he testified of both heavenly and mortal angels that minister to each one of us. The other one was by Joseph B. Wirthlin "Come What May and Love it" I had to laugh at this whatever comes our way in life we need to love it. I was thinking of my children who have had some things come their way and how much they are trying to LOVE IT. Just reading these made my day at home fantastic.

Veterans Day

2008-11-12T06:57:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Veterans Day and I was touched by several things. It was raining and so I didn't go to the HS track and walk but instead walked on the treadmill. When I exercise at home I wait till at least 8 so I can watch part of the today show. They had a segment on mothers who had lost sons in the Iraq/Afghanistan war in the last year and were buried at Arlington National Cemetery. It was so touching to learn of the hopes and dreams of these men through their moms eyes and how they met at the cemetery.

There are over 300,000 soldiers buried there. Go here for some interesting facts about Arlington.

Of course I was crying by the end and thinking of my own son who has been a solider in Iraq and has only one more day before he is reunited with his wife Lia and two girls Nadia and Bianca. How I wish I could be their to see that reunion and to know he is out of harms way.

Then on Jay Leno last night he had John McCain on. He was so funny and very gracious about his defeat and so supportive of Obama. He said no one wants to see a sore looser and that he had this incredible journey of seeing places and meeting people he would of never known. He is looking forward to going back to the senate and working for this country. The audience was mostly made up of military people and the last thing Jay asked he was what he would want to say to these people and veterans. He told the story which I have heard before of when he was in the prison camp. I have copied the full story that he gave last night.
Sen. John McCain: "Just about every day, but especially on Veterans Day, I think of a guy I was in prison with a long time ago. For a few years we were in Hanoi and prison camps in North Vietnam. They kept us in solitary confinement, two or three to a cell.

"They finally moved us into large cells, 20 or 25 prisoners in each cell. The guy that moved in with me was a guy named Mike Christian. Mike was from a small town near Selma, Ala.

"Very poor family. Enlisted in the Navy at age 17. Later became an A6 bombardier/navigator. Was shot down and captured.

"He loved this country. I moved in the same room with him. The uniform we wore in prison was blue, like, short-sleeved shirt, like, pajama trousers, and shoes -- sandals that were cut out of automobile tires.

"I recommend them highly. One pair lasted me five and a half years.

(Laughter.)

"Part of this change in treatment, they let us have some packages from home in which were small items -- some of us -- like a handkerchief or a scarf. He took his blue shirt, fashioned himself a bamboo needle, got a piece of white cloth, piece of red cloth, and sewed the American flag on the inside of his shirt.

"Every evening before we would have our bowl of soup, we would put his flag -- his shirt -- on the wall of the cell and pledge our allegiance to the country.

"It was an important part of our day.

"One day the Vietnamese came, searched the cell, found his shirt, removed it, came back that night -- and I'm telling it fast -- opened the door of the cell, called for him to come out, closed the door of the cell, and beat him very badly for a couple hours.

"Then they threw him back into the cell. The cell in which we slept had a concrete slab, light bulbs in all four corners, naked light bulbs. We cleaned Mike up as well as we could.

"I went over to lie down on the concrete and go to sleep. And I happened to look over in the corner of the cell, and underneath the lightbulb, with a piece of white cloth and a piece of red cloth and his bamboo needle, was Mike, with his eyes almost shut from the beating that he had received, sewing another American flag.

"He wasn't doing that for us. He was doing it for his country. He wasn't doing it for himself. He was doing it for his country and our ability to pledge our allegiance to our flag and country.

"I'll never forget Mike Christian."

Of course I was crying and realizing how blessed I am to live in this country and how I take my freedom for granted sometimes. I am grateful to all who serve and have served in the military to protect our freedom.

House Cleaning

2008-10-29T20:58:00.000-07:00

I started out saying I had been home all day and then I realized that is not right. I drove to the high school and walked at 6:30 am and then this evening I walked down to Tamera's and got a costume for bowling tommorrow. My team wanted to do something really easy. So we are all going as graduates of Teton Lanes. Just a graduation gown with a sign on our backs. I am even using my 1967 tassle.

I had a girl from the college come and work for 4 hours cleaning out my cupboards in the kitchen. I was definately in the cleaning mood. I am good to help other people clean and dejunk but when it comes to my home I struggle deciding what to get rid of. I started thinking about my kids and the fun they will have going through everything and thinking why did she keep this.

I went through my receipe books and sent a few to DI as I never use them. I have one I don't like but it was a gift. So how long do you keep something you don't like but it was given to you as a gift and especially from a memeber of you family? It is interesting how many diet books I had. Fit or Fat System, Protein Power, The Carbohydrate addict's, Fat Burning Food, Body for Life. I tried to call my daughter to see which ones she would recommend to toss. Glancing through the Carbohydrate Adict's I had hylighted a lot. There were 11 things that said within two hours after eating a full meal do you have these signs. Well I thought in Hawaii I had almost all of them for reactive hypoglycemia.

My bedroom I had an extra curling iron I don't remember where I got it and haven't used for who knows how long. So into the DI box. Why do I save things that I have replaced.

Here it is Saturday a nice day. Continued the cleaning. Got all of Geoff's stuff out of boxes and organized it in his room. Have a huge box for DI. It feels so good to have empty spaces. It fact it is so nice to have some days at home to clean. Dad gave his shelves and bench on the west wall to Mark Cook. He is making a smaller one. He said when they took it over he had forgotten how much stuff we have given them. We are glad they can use it.

It Happened in Sun Valley

2008-09-25T18:51:00.000-07:00

I still love Sun Valley in the Fall. We have been coming over for over 30 years. The leaves are just barely starting to turn. Dad and I were thinking when we went to the SV golf course for the first time and saw it cost $27 a piece, we wondered if we could ever aford to golf it. Monday we paid $135 a piece. It still is one of our favorite courses. They have a new club house it is east of the old one and they have added a nine hole course accross the street where the gun club was. It goes up the hill. Chuck and Sue Hunter and Bonnie and Mike Peterson had come over Sunday night and stayed at the lodge. The guys golfed together and the girls followed. We had dinner at Smokey Mountain Pizza and then Bonnie and Mike headed for home and Chuck and Sue stayed over at our condo.

This time of year is quiet. We take our bikes over and rode about 17 miles toward Hailey on Tuesday. I did pretty good always the last, but I didn't get off my bike going up any incline. Dad left on Wednesday and so I walked around town looking at all the shops and gasping at the prices of things. $50 for bubble bath. Nordstrom is looking better in prices. I saw small quilted cosmetic bags for $24. I could make them (I know I need to make the time). Maybe I could become a Vera Wang and have Tiffany market them for me. (Time again). I did wander into the Gold Mine (for those of you who don't remember its the thrift store). I did buy a Mary Higgins Clark and read it last night and today.

I brought over unfinished projects to work on as I knew Scott had to go back to IF on Wednesday and Thursday. I finished an apron, about finished Maeli's hanging quilt and cut material for Jason's quilt. I also went for an 8 mile bike ride and then this evening dad and I rode our bikes up to Sun Valley. They have a new outdoor amphitheater. They give free concerts in the summer. Go on line to see it. Tommorrow we are going to ride up to Stanley and do some hiking in the Sawtooths. I bought a book on easy hikes. Its been a while since we have been up that way. Saturday we may head to Twin Falls and go golfing as it is cheaper and then head home.

Table Rock

2008-09-16T19:35:00.000-07:00

How many of you have hiked Table Rock? What are your memories? I hiked it for the fourth time in my life on August 27. The first time I hiked it with Mary Jones and two of her friends. We went up the face came down Huckleberry Canyon. Half an hour into the hike I started getting sick. I sat down and put my head between my knees and tried to clear my head. I started feeling better and decided to keep going. I finally figured it was the cigarette smoke from Mary's friend that was making me sick. How can you hike and smoke at the same time? Every time she would light up I would get way ahead of her. I out hiked her in the end.

The second time was with Scott and the kids. We went up the face and came down Huckleberry also. Geoff was only 3 years old and he walked all of it except half an hour on his dads shoulder. People would stop and were amazed and how well he was doing. It was on this hike that we knew we could take Geoff back packing.

The third time was with Geoff, Tiffany, Jed, Jorelle and myself. We went up the face and back down the Canyon. If you go the face up and down its 9 miles. If you go the canyon its 12 miles round trip. The excitement on this hike is Geoff had his dads fanny pack and of course it was too big for him, so he hung on his shoulder. Just as we got out of the trees on the ridge, we walk over to the edge to look into the canyon. The fanny pack slides off his shoulder and goes over the edge. Geoff wants to go down and get it as it is on a ledge. It had his jacket and half our lunch. I told Geoff that there is only about $30 worth of stuff and it wasn't worth the attempt to get it if he couldn't get back up. Knowing that Geoff is a climber now maybe he could climb down and see if he can find it. Ha Ha!

Ok this about my latest trip up to Table Rock. I met with 3 friends at the Teton church, Allison, Cammi, and Cindy. We started hiking about 8:20 am. Cammi said it was better to go up Huckleberry then the face. What I know now to cut an extra mile off, I would go up the face. As we started up we were moving at a fast pace and I thought oh no is this going to be like another Lower Palisades Lake hike with the college kids. I was thinking how am I going to do this at this pace and within in 10 minutes Allison had to stop as her heart was racing. Whew! Thanks Allison. She had to stop every 10 to 15 minutes. Her heart was on her left side and you could see it beating and put your hand on it. It was weird, she said she had scoliosis when she was a child and had surgergy and her rib cage never grew and so most of her organs are scrunched. There is nothing flat about this hike it is all up hill. Reminded me of the Inca Trail. Cindy said her husband who hikes all over the world said if you can hike Table Rock twice in a summer you can hike anything. Well before long Cindy and Cammi left Allison and I in the dust. The mountain goats got way ahead of us. As we started up the switch back my ankle was giving me some trouble so I stopped and wrapped it. Allison said she was grateful for me being in the front as I would take a few steps and then stop. I am slow going up but I get there. It was cool and windy and once on the ridge it got colder.

We should of stopped at the trees and ate but we got past the rock shale and met Cammi and Cindy coming down. We stopped and ate and they said it was cold on top and they would wait in the trees for us. Well I have been to the top several times and this was Allison's first time and it was up to her. It had taken us 5 1/2 hours to get to that point and I knew it would probably take us another hour. She said it was ok and we basically didn't want them to wait for us. So we headed down and this picture was taken on the way down. Before we knew it they were ahead of us again. It took us 3 1/2 hours to get down and they beat us down by half an hour. Allison didn't have any problems going down. It was all I could do to keep up with her long legs.

I was trying out my new camel pack and love it. Allison will probaly never hike it again. I was glad I did it and who knows when I will do it again. There was an older couple who said they had hiked the grand 30 years ago. I wanted to see it as Geoff had just climbed it the week before and it is the closest I will ever get to it.

Allison is on my bowling team and she is the director for our ski bus. I help her with decisions and raffle on the ski bus.

36 Bobbypins & 6 Elastics

2008-07-19T20:52:00.000-07:00

Your all thinking where is this blog title going. I was thinking how often does everyone pull their bed away from the wall to vacuum and clean. I am lucky if it happens twice a year. I try to reach the vacuum hose clear under but it just doesn't do the trick like pulling the bed completely out. And when you do what surprises do you find. Besides lots of dust bunnies, there may be a stray sock, shoes you wonder what happen to, magazines, a book you forgot you were reading, things you forgot you were storing. Like the primary quilt the kidsin our ward did for Scott when he was Bishop. I looked and looked and several months later cleaning the queen room I pulled the the bed out and their it was in one of those vacuum bags with all the air sucked out. Or you can find yourself the proud owner of 36 bobbypins and 6 elastics that I found under the bed Tiffany and Marshall was using while staying with us. I couldn't believe how many there were so I counted them. So Tiffany you don't have to buy anymore bobbypins or elastics when you can't find any. Just pull your bed out.

Warm Fuzzy's

2008-07-10T21:54:00.000-07:00

I had gone to Utah to spend a day with the grandkids. As I was driving back this morning I was trying to return calls. For some reason I don't hear my phone ring or I have forgotten that it is on silent. I am thinking is my hearing going? Tiffany made me feel better as she said the rings are not very loud on the blackberry's. Geoff calls me and ask if I had listen to the message he had sent. Of course I hadn't noticed that I had missed a call from him and said no. So he proceeds to say I have done something and maybe I should butter you up. Well of course my mind starts working over time and the first thing I think of. He isn't moving home. Duh! where did that come from. I said just tell me.

His friend Daniel from Russia sent his books that he didn't think he was going to get. So he decided to call and thank him. Well, he assumed that it would only be
$.50 a minute and he would only talk a few minutes. This where your thinking why should he be telling me. Well, he is on my cell phone plan so we share minutes and I pay the bill. He proceeds to tell me that he called to check and see how much it would be. He said he wound up talking over 30 minutes and it was $1.60 a minute. You can do the math. He says I owe you big and will do yard work. Found out he had come down the night before and helped mow the lawn with dad. I thank him for telling me and not waiting till I got the bill and said "what the ". I assured him I would be delighted for him to do yard work. I am still behind.

As I was driving along I was just thinking about the situation and being really greatful for him telling me and then I thought I haven't told him I loved him. I then thought how much I love Scott and each of my children. So I text messaged each one of them (except Clint, because he is in Iraq so consider this your text) in between Tremonton and Malad. What made me feel really good is that I got instant replies. Definately a warm fuzzy moment. The only thing I can figure is that they must have their phones right there and look at them when ever it rings or I just got plain lucky.

Wear it out, Make it do or Do without

2008-06-29T21:31:00.000-07:00

Forgot I had started this post on June 29, 2008 So I decided to finish it.

Ok this has been my philosphy since I was a young girl and we grew up on welfare. Its interesting that you carry this mind set for years even when you finally Don't have to wear it out and you Don't have to make it do or Don't have to do without.

It is getting easier to get rid of things even if I have had them only a few months. Recently I have been going to the DI on a weekly bases with different things to donate. I have even gone to getting receipts and keeping track to see if I donate more then the $500 allowed on your tax return. Recently my nieces had a garage sale so I looked for more stuff to get rid of. All the effort netted me a whopping $21. Ok to me that wasn't worth it. I didn't have any big ticket items but my friend had 3 bed sets brand new and just dropped them off for me to sell. They all sold and she made $140. I give alot of things away to different family members or nieces. One mans junk is another mans treasure as the saying goes.

This last Tuesday we moved Tiffany and family to Lehi, Utah a 2 month stay with us turned into a 4 month. I think they were as happy to get into their own place as I was to get my home back. It is plain hard to move back in with your parents and try to please them. All in all they did really good. Tiffany and I didn't get on each others nerves as I thought we would. They really watched and took very good care of Chandler. My only regret is that I never could get Chandler to warm up to me. Maybe it will be better being a long distance Grandma instead of a live in.

Well back to what I was writing about. It was interesting to go through my refergerator and see what was really in their and instead of throwing out I started combing several duplicates. Heavens don't want to waste anything. So what do I do with a perfectly good package of toufu. Tiffany's family loves the chinese hot sour soup. Hmmm I not especially fond of it. Tiffany said to look up receipes with toufu in it. I don't think so. So it sits in the refrigerator till it expires or hey wait till Tiffany comes up for the 4th and send it home with her. (Note I did throw a few weeks later. I just threw out the left over buttermilk that Marshall uses for his famous pancakes today) The freezer was just as interesting with things I didn't know I had. 3 packages of chicken breasts or tenders opened. Fed that to the college kids for FHE.

But I am getting better at throwing things out. I need Justin who throws out the left overs.

Reflection

2008-06-05T21:21:00.000-07:00

Time definately flies by for me. There just isn't enough time in a day for me to get everything done I need to do and want to do. Even starting at 5:30 am. Here it is 10:30 pm and stopped to check everyone's blog. I didn't exercise today. I started on thank you notes this morning, laundry and cleaning up. Then off to work at 9:30 am. Worked till 5 finally got all my invoices done and caught up until the next time in 3 weeks. Did go to the chiropractor. Got home ate left overs and then went and mowed the back pasture, trimmed and started mowing the ditch bank. I was greatful for Marshall to mow around the house today. Came in cleaned kitchen, laundry did some sewing and general cleaning.

It has been an experience to sit and watch my mother in law die. From the time the hospice nurse told me her body was shutting down until she passed away was 6 days. In that time I felt I needed to be by her side. It was hard for me to focus on anything for very long. My children said it would teach me to slow down. For that week I did slow down and put everything on hold. But I am back to running fast again. You ask why am I that way. My parents were not busy people but my Grandparents were. So maybe I got it from them. Who knows. We each have our own little personalities and quirks.

Forgetfulness

2008-05-17T06:06:00.000-07:00

As I drive in my silver sporty Maxima, oh wait a minute maybe it was dads green ford pickup as I was getting flowers for my yard this last week and drove it two days. There is something about driving a truck or the Yukon that you feel elevated in stature. Or maybe its I feel a little safer in bigger vehicles, love my yukon for road trips.Ok where was I going with this. Oh yeah forgetfulness. As I am driving I have so many thoughts and ideas come into my mind of what I could write or what would be worthy or unique to me for this blog. But alas when I get home and think about it, I have forgotten. I guess I was thinking of a discussion I had with one of my children this last week and they were telling me something and I acted surprised and they said "MOM I TOLD YOU IN JANUARY WITH DAD". Ok, at that point my brain try's to rewind the video of my life and think ok where was I. I try to search my memory, and then I think I start to vaguely remember. My children will say that I don't listen, but I think I listen I think I just forget. There dad will attest to that. It seems lately I will ask a question and he will say "Its the same answer when you asked last time" Ok, so I forgot tell me again. It absolutely makes me feel good when someone younger then me forgets something.I guess I have to attribute it to that this life of mine is going by so fast and there is so much I want to see, do and say. One thing (of many) that drives Scott up a wall is not completing my sentences. My brain goes faster then my mouth and everyone has to complete in their mind what I am trying to say. Except Scott always stops me and makes me think and go slower. My friends look at me like what are you trying to say. When they get that deer in the headlight look I know that I am not making any sense to them. So back up. I did this in a meeting for Miss IF and I felt really stupid everyone was so confused as it didn't make sense. So my advice to my self SLOW DOWN and think. I even try after someone has told me something that they told me before I go over it in my mind several times to see if the computer chip in my mind will keep it there. Oh what can I say, its the AGE. NOT, thats just me. Maybe I can google memor losss and find something to take. Ah ha, another blog what interesting things I have googles.

Change

2008-05-09T18:58:00.000-07:00

Change happens all the time. Do you know where this picture was taken.

May 9 our beloved willow tree went under major surgery and like all surgeries now a day it was expensive. $575, but it was needed and even tho Geoff tried to tackle it when we were in Palm Springs it would of been bad if he had fallen. Especially since he was doing a SS lesson on Jacob 5 today in Sunday School on the olive tree and comparing it to our willow tree and how he was reaching out to saw a limb. A big truck with a bucket and 4 workers worked on it for about 2 hours. We still wanted some shade so they didn't top it. This tree has been through a lot. It started from a branch from Grandma and Grandpa Nielson's willow tree in Ririe (which is no longer there). We put it in a bucket of water till it rooted. It has been hit by lighting, split by a micro burst, last fall an early snow took down some big branches. Its been home to several birds, squirrls and our Owl Albert. It has had a swing, ropes grown into it, tree house, ladders, and platforms and aphids. It is the messiest tree around but has provided shade for our deck for the last several years. It would get a hair cut at least 3 times during the year. The tree house has to be torn down as it is not safe. I am sure each one of the kids could tell stories about that tree. It was raining when they were trimming it. Almost like it was crying "Why are you doing this to me" and yes it turned into snow. I would never recommend anyone to plant a weeping willow as they are a very messy tree.

I am a BLOGGER now!

2008-05-07T10:58:00.000-07:00

I finally decided to hop on the band wagon. I thought if I was going to do this I needed to do it while Tiffany was still living with me and help me set this up. Yes I know I could of done it myself. It would of taken a few hours and maybe days and maybe weeks. But hey that is why I had six children.

I have had so many thoughts and funny things that I have wanted to share with my family and if you don't write them down they are soon forgotten and also my son in Iraq said he wanted to read a blog of mine. So here I am Clint. And So Many Thanks for Tiffany's help. I know I need to enjoy her while she is here as it won't be too long before they will be living far away. Here are good reason for having them living with us.

1. Tiffany cooks most of the evening meals and buys most of the groceries
2. Marshall has racked up most of the lawn and mowed it for the first time plus trimming shrubs
3. Living in the basement they heard the water running from our broken water line to the refrigerator. If they had not heard it we would of woke up 5 hours later to a worse disaster then what it was.
4. Have someone to talk to besides your spouse.
5. Watching the cute things your grandkids do.
6. Learning from them to be more laid back.

On that last note I have to tell you the experience we had last night. Tiffany had to go do mock interviews up to Rexburg at 7. She had planned to have hamburgers and store boughten potatoe salad for dinner. I told her at 6 I would go do it. I had the hamburgers done and got Chandler up to the counter top with his hamburger and potatoe salad and opened the refrigerator and proceed to pull out the condiments for the hamburger. I had to move the new gallon orange juice and put it on the counter next to Chandler. Got everything out and put it by the stove and turned around just in time to see Chandler pushing the gallon to the edge of the counter. I lunged forward to try and catch it and yep didn't make it. Splattered half of it all over the floor and walls and it was the kind with lots of pulp. I am thinking oh there's $2.50 down the drain. Tiffany comes in and very calmly says thats ok don't worry about it. I take Chandler into the dinning room to finish his dinner while I try to clean up. Tiffany has told me several times you need to sit with him in the dinning room. I am trying to clean up the orange juice and I go into check on Chandler. Now remember its be maybe 2 minutes. He has taken most of his potatoe salad and flipped with his spoon all around the room. So I sit down with him till his dad comes in and sits with him so I can finish cleaning up the orange juice and potato salad. I guess if I didn't have these fun episodes with Chandler I think my life would be totally boring.