Sunday, November 28, 2010

Almost There....

Christmas cards are made..
Letter is written and printed on cards...
Mailing labels are made and on envelopes...
Cards are ready to mail Dec. 1st...
Gift tags are made and....
on wrapped packages...
Finish wrapping gifts...
Meet Mom and Dad in Orem on Dec 11th to
send gifts to Colorado when they go see Danielle...
Only one gift left to purchase....
Mail two packages....
Make candy and baked goodies...
Set up the Christmas tree (waiting for Evan to come)...
Evan needs to set up the Christmas village...
Sit back and wait for the jolly big man to come.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving...

Today I have been thinking of the many things that have blessed my life and the things that are most and dear to my heart.
I have a wonderful husband that supports my brillant ideas and dreams.  He is always there to pick up the pieces after me and is my soul mate.
Wonderful children have blessed my life and brought so much joy and happiness to me.  They are my best friends and I can confide in them when problems or joys arise in life.  They are true to what they have been taught and each is unique in their own little ways.
The crowning jewels in life for me are my grandchildren.  I love each one to pieces and could hold their hands for ever.  What wonderful hugs and kisses they give to me.  Life's joy is spelled - Grandchildren.  I would not like to be without those precious gifts from heaven.
My heritage is precious to me.  Life was given to me by fantastic parents.  They taught me righteously and gave me understanding of the worth of a soul.  My brothers and sisters are precious in my sight and there is not a day goes by that I am not influenced by them.
We have been blessed with a wonderful home that is warm and secure.  Joy and laughter abound within these walls and memories are formed daily. It's walls could tell tons of stories over the 102 years of its existance.
Who could not be thankful for neighbors that are near and dear.  Our neighborhood is the best and it is a joy just spending time talking and getting to know each one.  We have the best children that live next to us.  There are about 20 little ones that congregate on our front lawn during the summer eating the most delicious popcicles.
We live in a country where freedoms are enjoyed and we are able to worship our God as we desire.  Our freedoms are here because of those selfless men and women that so proudly serve their country.  Two very special people in my life are doing such right now.  My son and grandson both are active duty in the Air Force and proudly display patriotism each and every day.  Thanks Derek and Rich for your serving and helping to keep our land free.
My list of thankfullness could go on and on.  I could not end without being thankful to my Father in Heaven for His love and guidance that He gives me each and every day.  I am so thankful for the gospel and the teachings that direct me in all my thoughts and actions.  I have been blessed with spiritual knowledge and know that the Lord is my constant companion.
This has been a great day to review my life and the blessings that have been given to me.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Ride Um Buckaroos.....

I just love the new rocking horses that have been made on our back 40!!!  What little boy or girl would not fall madly in love with these little fellers.  LOVE, LOVE THEM!!!



Doncha love them!!!

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Happy Birthday Tony...

Thanks for all the fun that you have brought into our family.  Thanks for taking care of our daughter and grandchildren and for being one of the best dad's in the entire world (my children's dad is the #1).  We really appreciate your kindness that you show toward us and for your love and concern.
Above all, thanks for just being you!!!!
Happy Birthday!!!

Saturday, November 20, 2010

The Real Birthday Party

Last night Miss Evan had her friends over for her birthday party.  She had 18 little friends come over for "an almost sleepover".  They all came with their pillow, sleeping bag, slippers and dressed in their pajamas.  What a fun time they had.  Miss Nicole and Grandma were there to help Mommy with all these little boys and girls.
First we played musical pillows.  We put all the pillows in a circle and then marched around the circle on the pillows and when the music stopped we had to sit really fast on the pillow we were standing on.  If you didn't have a pillow, you were out.  We had lots of fun playing this game. 
Next we had a pillow fight.  Evan and Andrew were first to go.....
Yeap!!! Evan was the winner.
Maddie had a fun time doing the pillow fight also.
While we were having our pillow fight and playing musical pillows, Mommy was busy fixing sausage, eggs and pancakes for all to eat.  Lots of boys and girls ate many pancakes and eggs and wanted more.
After eating every one got to make a Build A Bear to take home.  It was lots of fun.  Mommy helped stuff all the animals. Grandma stitched them up after everyone kissed the heart and placed it inside their animal.  Miss Nicole helped dress them and get the birth certificates filled out. 
Then it was time to open presents and have cake and ice cream. 
Everyone is waiting .... 
for Evan to blow out the candle.
What a fun time we had with all her friends!!!!

Monday, November 15, 2010

Pantyhose creeper...

Have you ever encountered an adventure with a pair of pantyhose? Well today was my day. 
First of all I tried on three outfits this morning before finding something that I felt comfortable in.  I wanted to wear a suit that required the wearing of the "dreaded pantyhose" instead of the knee highs that I normally wear when getting dressed for church. 
10:50 am ...So far so good...  No runs, they are on the legs straight, no twists and they felt secure.  I felt like a million dollars with my legs showing beneath the just below the knee hem line of my beautiful skirt.  This was a different attire for me as I normally only wear long dresses.  Off to church we go.
10:55 am...pull into the church parking lot, get out of the van and walk toward the church doors.  Open the door and walk into the hallway leading to the foyer when all of a sudden I felt something different around my butt cheeks.  Those d*** pantyhose decided that they didn't want to be around my waist and thought that the butt cheeks would be a better place to ride.
What was I going to do...the meeting was going to start in five minutes and I did not have time to run home, change and get back for Sacrament.  I quickly grabbed one side of my skirt, making sure the pantyhose was in my grasp and hurried into the chapel and sat down.  Good, now I don't have to move until it is time to leave.  One hour and ten minutes before I had to worry how I was going to make it to the car.
12:10 pm....closing prayer...please no one stop me in my mad dash to the car..get up, bow my head, grab my skirt/pantyhose and start up the isle to leave...make it to the foyer....where is Dick...hurry up dear husband my pantyhose are starting to get lower...stopped by my hometeacher...oh no,  please don't talk to long or try to shake my hand....finally Dick shows up and down the hall I head...out the door I go lickety split and make it almost to the car when those d*** pantyhose went right to my knees.  By this time I am laughing so hard I can hardly see. I jumped into the car and split a gut laughing at the scene in my mind of me being attached by pantyhose.
Dick got to the car and found me laughing hysterically.  He said, "I thought you wanted to stay for Sunday School but you left in such a hurry I could not catch up with you." 
I told him I had lost my pantyhose and did not know where the restroom was to fix myself and thought it might be best to just go home to  fix my problem.  Then he started to laugh.
When I got home and took off the pantyhose, there was not a bit of elastic in the waist.  They must have been very old and worn out.
Tonight the Bishop and his wife dropped by to see us.  Low and behold, I had already gotten ready for bed so had to get dressed before I could go into the living room to visit.  When they left, Dick, in his wittiness, asked me why I didn't tell them why I left so fast after Sacrament.  I am sure that they would not have liked me to share with them my caper with my pantyhose.
Beware of those dreaded pantyhose.  They are out to only embarrass you in your weakest moment.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Time for Organization....

HELP ME HANNAH!!!!!
Every time I have to look for a picture to use, this is what I end up with.
Pictures are everywhere at my house and they are not even together in
picture envelopes. 
What a mess I have and the picture organizing fairy just seems to fly right
past my house and refuses to help me with my problem.
Someday soon, someday soon that little fairy will come to my rescue.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

The Birthday Girl and Her Gifts......

The birthday girl and her brother
1st gift was from Gramps....shoes she left at his house....

hat and accessories from Grandma....

DS case and accessories from Gramps and Grams...

Strawberry Shortcake toys from Mom and Dad...

Polly Pocket from Aunt Leslie, Uncle Tony, Maddie & Cam...

Ken and outfit from Canyon...


Barbie, Legos & Strawberry Shortcake from Nana, Papa Chick,
Aunt Jessie, Uncle Tommy, Jordan & Alex...

Pillow from Aunt Danielle, Uncle Tony, Rich, Meghan,
Tiffeni and Cody....

Lemon cake, white frosting, crooked candles and being sung
Happy Birthday to.....

She blew out all her candles. 
Happy Birthday, baby girl!!!
We love you.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Evan is 5.....

Our little Evan girl is growing up!!!! She is having her 5th birthday on November 9th.  Evan has always been a very special baby and we waited and waited for her to come from heaven to be with our family.  I am sure glad that Heaven Father sent her to us as she brings so much joy and happiness to our family. 
Evan is a quick learner and remembers all that you teach her.  She loves to help Grandma in the kitchen and she makes the most delicious cookies and bread. 
Some of her favorite things to do are:
1.  Watch cartoons on Grandma's bed
2.  Be the Princess of the Day at Grandma's house
3.  Play with Mallory and Allie at Grandma's house
4. She loves to go camping in Grandpa's camp trailer with us
5.  She loves to come to Grandma and Grandpa's place to be spoiled
Yep!!! these are some of the things that Evan likes the best.
Happy Birthday, sweet Evan!! 
Hope that your day is just as special as you are.
Grandma and Grandpa loves you very much.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Dress for a Princess

This dress was made for my little Princess girl Tiffeni. 
She asked me a very long time ago (almost two years) to make a dress for
her and even picked out the fabric and pattern.
The jacket and hair accessory really compliments the dress
and will be so fun for her to wear.  She will look adorable
when she wears this dress to her dances or to church.
I have had to re-evaluate my life the past few weeks since General Conference.  The Saturday morning talk, Of Things That Matter Most, (go HERE) given by Dietier F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency, has really caused me to think about what matters most in my life. 
The past few years have been filled with stress, total consumption of my time and a feeling of having to delay what matters the most to me, which is my family. I hate having to put my family on the back burner and hoping that time will soon allow me to spend quality time with them. 
When I got to Colorado this last week, I told Tiffeni that I had something for her.  Her eyes got real bright and her smile was as broad as the sky and she said "you brought my dress".  In total embarrassment, I had to tell her no I did not bring her dress.  The look of disappointment tore deep into my heart that I had not put what matters most in my life first.  I had brought her a stupid purple crocheted hat, not the dress that she so dearly wanted. I could hardly wait to get home and get this dress made for her.  I worked hard for two days making sure that every seam was perfect and that this was one of my most perfect creations. The dress turned out as I had invisioned it to be.
This experience has taught me a valuable lesson and one that will not be forgotten anytime soon.  What matters most is FAMILY and keeping your word.  When you say that you will do something for them, you must take TIME and follow through. Tiffeni reminded me that I had promised to make her a dress and she has waited patiently for it.  She has never reminded me once in the last 22 months about not following through with a promise. 
Tiffeni, I love you dearly and you are one of my most special jewels.  You bring joy to my heart and a ray of sunshine to my soul.  Heavenly Father knew what He was doing when He sent you to our family.  You are what matters most in life.  You are truly a gift from Heavenly Father to me.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Hot Bread!!!!

Nothing is sweeter than fresh bread out of the oven.  I have been grinding my own wheat and have finally found the perfect recipe.  My sister in law, Marsha, sent me the recipe yesterday and YES it is the best ever bread in the entire world.  I had a hard time stopping at two slices of bread when it came out of the oven and am looking forward to dinner for more bread. 
I LOVE BREAD!!!!
Nothing is better than bread.  I could live on just bread (my body is a true example of the love of bread).
Thanks Marsha for sharing your recipe with me.

Fun Trip..

We took a few days and traveled to see our loved ones that live far away.  We left on Friday, October 29th and traveled to La Sal to visit with Mom and Dad.  While we were there I was able to finish Mom's life history for the book that is being made of Grandma Harvey's family.  It was real cold and windy so I never left the house on Saturday.  Since I had been fighting a cold for two weeks, I thought it best not to get out in the cold. 
As we were about to leave for church on Sunday, Kendall called and said that he was coming over to visit us before we left, so we did not make it to church and stayed home so we could see him.  We got away just before noon on Sunday and drove to Danielle's in Colorado.
When we got to her house, our Miss Meghan was there (I did not get a picture of her, shucks!!) and Richard had come from Hawaii to spend some time with his family.  Our little Tiffer Bug was anxiously waiting by the side of the road to guide us to their house with her FAT dog.  Cody was out back helping his Dad dig potatoes for Meg to take back with her. It was so good to get to the Rasmussen house and be with them for a few days.  We had lots of fun times with them and seen some gorgeous country on our little ride up the mountain.
This is way high on the mountain looking down at Cedaredge.
There are over 100 man made lakes on the mesa and in one area the water had started to freeze over.  The temp was 31 where we turned around.  Ever so COLD!!
Tiffeni and Gramps...

Rich and Gramps....
Cody and Gramps....
My beautiful toe nails painted by Tiffeni...
After a hard day of adventures, the best time is napping with the puppies!!!!
Thanks for a great time!!!  We enjoyed our time with you!!!