Carol and Bruce

Christmas 2010

2012-01-22T18:13:00.000-08:00

First stop, Cinnabon. This became a family tradition when the kids were little and we would go to Valley River Center for family home evening and see Santa, look at the decorations and sometimes buy our $5.00 gift. Actually it was $3.00 back in the day.

Michael's fabulous $5.00 gift from Dad.

Cierra and Michael brought Harlan for a visit on Christmas Eve which was so special for us. They came by last year too and we hope they make it a tradition. Harlan was so happy and we just loved spending time with them.

Love this picture of beautiful Jenni and her baby bump... coming right along. It was so fun to feel the baby moving all around and see how are excited they are for the arrival of their very first baby.

We were able to celebrate Marc's 34th birthday by going out to dinner with them and watching the boys while they went out on a date. Cameron's first Christmas!

Isn't she beautiful??? We were doubly blessed that Steph and Jaron also came home for Christmas and brought Evelyn to meet the neighborhood. We LOVE her!

Last minute photo before Darren, Jill and family left for home. I am disappointed that I didn't get one before Marc and Connie left and also Brad and Kristy.

Battleship was the game of choice this year, Joseph loved playing grandpa, Michael, Jenni and Kellen.

SURPRISE! Baby shower for Jenni...so much fun!

This old race track is still a favorite with the kids. I remember when Nick and Ben used to play with it and Justin literally played with it all day. CUTE!

More cuteness. These are my Duck fans in their matching pj's.

Kellen and Caleb love to play Clue and Jenni and Michael love to play with Kellen and Caleb so clue it is.Love this picture of Connie and Cameron all smiles. He is the happiest little guy and he was very sick at the time but you would never know it.

As you can see it was a wonderful Christmas, I wish I had written close to the fact but the memories come flooding back as I review these few of my favorite photos. It was wonderful to have family around us and we loved being in contact with those who couldn't be here and sharing gifts, cards and warm wishes.

So Grateful

2011-11-29T16:19:00.001-08:00

We were very grateful to be able to spend Thanksgiving with Emily and Steve in Las Vegas this year. Michael and Jennifer were there too and we had a most wonderful time. It took all of us to prepare the meal which was a lot of fun. We gave dad the job of peeling the apples for the pie and he was very good at it, he said it comes from peeling so many potatoes on KP duty in the army.

Em making her delicious pie crusts, we made several batches since we had A LOT of pie, pumpkin, apple, blueberry, cherry and pumpkin cheesecake, all delicious.

We called for help from Michael every time we needed a can opened. Carly never strayed far from Michael, he is great with the kids and they love him.

Easton and I making the crust for the cheese cake.

Here is the whole gang at Nick and Christy's home on Thanksgiving, they were the perfect hosts and we love being with them and their adorable daughters, Regan and Alice. You can't see Jenni's tummy but there are three pregnant bellies right in a row there, it was pretty cute. Christy is due very soon and worked so hard that day taking good care of us and wouldn't let us do any of the work, she is amazing and we appreciated it so much. The weather was beautiful all week and Emily took us on a great hike, and to the Cactus Gardens all decorated with Christmas lights and our favorite spot, the Ballagio. Everyone else in town wanted to see the conservatory and light show too, it took us a half hour to get from the parking lot to the street, we enjoyed the time visiting but others weren't as happy, there was a lot of loud horn honking and shouting going on. We went shopping at midnight on Black Friday, the girls are busy here figuring out our plan of action. We were in and out of Kohls in a half hour but not so lucky at Target, we put our items back and left as the line was all around the store. We had great luck at the outlet mall later in the day.There was a lot of time for games, resting, reading stories and just visiting.

My favorite part of the trip was seeing these two cute pregnant girls and feeling their babies moving all around. So fun and exciting!! A BIG thanks to Em and Steve for inviting us!

I love this time of year and Thanksgiving, I always feel we have so much to be thankful for and that I could never properly express my gratitude. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday, can't wait to hear all about it.

CALIFORNIA

2011-11-16T17:34:00.000-08:00

We had a great time on our annual visit to Melanie's house over Veteran's weekend. One of the highlights was our visit to the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento, it was excellent and really fun for Dad to point out all his expertise to the kids, they had been there before and enjoyed showing us around.

We went to Hobby Lobby, a huge craft store that had just opened in Roseville and that place is amazing, lots of good deals on Christmas decor and anything you could possibly need for your crafting pleasure. The girls in the group LOVED it and Dad was a good sport. We went out to eat to some yummy places and this is Joshie entertaining himself outside of Red Robin as it was a long wait, everyone went to all the places we went all week end because of it being Veteran's Day and people had the day off.

We now have a second generation Cinemark employee, Bethany was hired recently and is enjoying making money, driving herself to work and school, so grown up! Luckily she only had to work one shift while we were there.

We took the kids swimming at the motel, took our walk to the railroad tracks to try out Nick's new remote control vehicle, went to church, had a Duck party, played games and just had a wonderful visit.

I was glad that Dad went along this time and the drive was really beautiful with Fall leaves, snow, California sunshine and yes, Oregon rain. I did miss my train ride experience but only a little tiny bit. Thanks Sorensens - we love you and had a great time!

Catching up with Grand kids

2011-10-26T20:11:00.000-07:00

We have been really blessed this year when it comes to spending time with our family. It is never enough but looking back and considering the distance between us and the busy lives, it's been great. I went to Las Vegas to be with Easton on his 5th birthday which I can not even believe he could be five. I gave Bruce ample opportunity to come along and he declined and has complained ever since that he didn't go since he missed these adorable faces.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EASTON! We love you.

We have been to a couple of Marc's football games and the bonus is spending time with Connie and the boys. Kellen is a ball boy and it is so adorable to see this little tiny guy running out in the middle of all those huge football players to give them the football. Caleb is usually tired after a long day and falls asleep right on the bleacher. This is Cameron all snuggled in with GG, his great grandma who drives from Junction City to EVERY game. She is amazing. GO TIGERS! They are undefeated!It was truly amazing the Harlan was well enough to make a visit to our house, what a blessing to see him out of the hospital and doing so well. We just loved having them and I wish I had a picture of the whole group. Darian was very excited to hear Mitchells had a trampoline after being cooped up in the house and attending a wedding so we let her get some wiggles out. She is adorable and I was grateful for the chance to get to know her a little better.

Our last picture of Seth was his 8th grade picture, it was time for a change! He has grown into quite the handsome young man.

Here is baby Harlan at 9 months old on his first visit to our house. So adorable! We hope he comes back real soon. He was a little tired from the trip and the wedding but was rolling over and being happy for us.

Next was our annual visit to another Tigers game and the pumpkin patch with Marc and Darren's families. The weather man said rain but just like last year we were spared and it was warm at the game and beautiful the next day for the kids to pick out their pumpkins. They love being together and made every minute count, besides the football game, the boys had a slumber party, went to Kellen and Caleb's football and soccer games, out to lunch and the pumpkin patch all in 24 hours.

This was Erica's first time at the pumpkin patch, isn't she adorable?

The whole gang at the corn maze.

Just look at this adorable smiley, three month old baby Cameron. He is so CUTE!

Thanks Connie and Marc for a very fun time. We love you!

From there we drove on to Seattle for a fun filled three days with Darren, Jill and their family.

We love to visit their ward with Bishop Jolley and Erica loved me this trip and let me hold her all through the meeting. Dad and Darren worked in the yard and house all day on Monday and I had a great time with Jill and the kids playing outside and at the park.

Erica is loving learning to feed herself. She loves her dolls and lets her brothers give her hard hugs and is patient with them, she walks really well and is full of smiles and cutenes.

Time to try on the Halloween costumes, aren't they just adorable. Love these boys!

Happy Halloween!! I am loving these beautiful fall days.

Blogging is exhausting and my show is on.

Since my last blog...

2011-10-26T19:18:00.000-07:00

I turned the big 60, along with LeAnn and Warner, and thought this milestone should be recorded on the blog. I wasn't looking forward to it but have since changed my attitude and realized that I am grateful for my many years and look forward to all the good things that are yet to come. Jennifer made sure Warner and I had our own favorite cakes, tomato soup cake for Warner and carrot cake for me. She made waffles for breakfast, we had a picnic for lunch and Dad took us all out to Kabuki's for dinner

We had a super fun 60's party at Mitchells with friends, everyone dressed up, we listened to all the great music from that era and played 60's trivia.

Cameron is one month already

2011-08-21T16:30:00.001-07:00

I got to spend all last week with these three cute boys, we had a very fun time together. Cam was being so cute right before I snapped this picture and just decided to cry instead.

Caleb loves to hold his baby brother and is so tender with him.

This is his favorite spot for his afternoon nap, all snuggled up in the cozy green chair. My favorite seat too, Cam. He looks so long in this picture and is growing like a weed.

One month old already! He tries to hold his head up and is awake more looking around all the time.

We were happy to be able to be at his baptism last Sunday at Trinity Lutheran Church along with Jenni and Michael and Connie's family. Love you Cameron! I'm having with drawls.

August Already

2011-08-11T14:18:00.000-07:00

Marc and Connie made it possible for a few of us to get together at Black Butte and it was so much fun! What a fantastic place for families, swimming, biking, hiking, walking, relaxing, fishing and more. I'd love to share all my favorite photos but it would take forever so here are a few. The top one is all my little helpers, we planned an anniversary party for their parents since they were all married within a month from each other. They were adorable and really kept the secret

It was amazing to me that Connie was willing to do this after just giving birth to Cameron but we tried hard to make it so she could rest a lot. Still she was on the move with us all the time.

The bike races were hilarious! Kellen and Caleb are pros and Justin, Joseph and Easton just learning but they took turns and helped each other.

AWH, here is a chance for me to brag about the skirt I made Carly for her birthday, I love it! It was so fun to make and doesn't she look adorable in it? It got me in the mood to do more sewing.

Erica wasn't sure about any of us and stuck pretty close to her mom but by the end of the week she had warmed up, she is just the cutest. She learned to crawl this week and is almost walking as well.

Baby Cameron never wanted for someone to hold and love him, we were lined up for that job.

These boys are so cute together, this is in the awesome loft room where they all had a bunk bed. We had to pay them to go to sleep each night!

Swimming happened every day with several pools to choose from.

Nature hike first thing in the morning.

Melanie and her family came to visit for a few days and we had such a fun time with them.

Feeding the ducks and fishing.

Miniature golfing

Joshie joined the ranks of the little boy cousins this year and he fits right in. As you can see August has been GREAT so far and I hope the rest of the month will be just as good. We are grateful that we finally got Summer weather and that the garden is finally doing well. Cucumbers, tomatoes, green peppers, onions, zucchini, potatoes all from the garden last night for dinner. YUM!

Have I mentioned how much we love having Jenni and Michael living here this Summer? Our time is coming to an end but I don't like to think about it yet.

Our Precious Cameron

2011-07-23T21:47:00.000-07:00

Meet the newest member of our family, Cameron Marcus Jolley. We are so thrilled and love him so much already. He was born Tuesday, July 19 in Portland, Or. He weighed 9 lbs and was 21 inches long. Connie kept telling us he felt so big but we were all guessing around 8lbs, he joins the ranks of the other big Jolley babies, we like them that way! He is so beautiful and we loved being there and able to hold him hours after he was born.

His brothers are so proud and were just so cute with him, it's going to be fun to watch them together. Three sons, what a blessing!I'm sad that I didn't even get a picture of the whole family. I hope someone did. It was a great joy to be there with them this week. Welcome to the family Cameron, we love you!

Babies are amazing, I marvel at the miracle.

Fun Summer days

2011-07-10T17:18:00.001-07:00

We were able to go to a super fun baby shower for our precious great grandson, Harlan. This is his beautiful mom, Cierra and super proud auntie Darian. Tina did a wonderful job, lots of people came and it was really fun. Harlan has considerable health problems and we continue to pray for him every day.
Here is dad using his super Bob the Builder skills to install a shelf in Marc and Connie's new home. We had a fun time with them on moving day and love their beautiful new home.
We are so blessed to have Michael and Jenni living with us this Summer, it's the best! They have lots of fun ideas of things to do and we just enjoy every minute. This is Father's Day and Dad loved his annual hanging basket they gave him.

This was our last day picnic with the day care kids. Court and Everett were in town so it was great to have them join us. I miss all these kids already, love, love, love them!

One of the first things Jenni and I did together was make strawberry jam from the berries in the freezer so we could make room for the new ones. Too bad we were having so much fun I forgot to go get the new ones, luckily they have a plan for people like me and I was able to go way out of my way and retrive them the next day before they were donated elsewhere.

We have also been sewing, cooking, eating treats, exercising, watching Veronica Mars, eating more treats, scrapbooking, talking, sitting out, we have driven to Portland many times and are just having such good times. Michael goes to work and we play, he loves his job thouogh and is good to join right in when he gets home.

This next picture was actually Memorial Day but it works for the 4th too, right? We celebrated both with style.

Hope you are all having a great Summer!

Moving Day

2011-06-28T09:50:00.000-07:00

Marc and Connie have a beautiful new home in Tigard and we had such a fun time helping with the move. They were very organized and it all went well. It's sad to see them leave their home of the last eight years that we have grown to love but we know they will make this house just as welcoming and we will love it too. There is so much more room for the boys to play outside, that was the real draw for the move. They are still close to Kellen's school and Tigard High School and it's easy to get to so you can all look forward to a visit.

Happy May Day! Here's what we have been up to.

2011-05-01T17:46:00.000-07:00

We took a super fun and super quick trip to visit Melanie's family over Easter, this is Grandpa hanging curtains for Bethany's 16th, YES, I said 16th birthday. How in the world can that be??

Does this look delicious or what? This is the beginning of Andy's fabulous meal for frineds and family after Joshie was sealed to them in the Sacramento temple. The three different salsas were to die for as well as the pork, beef and all that went along with it, so delicious!

Bethany taking Auntie Em for a spin around the block.

Bethany had an egg hunt for all the kids after lunch.

Ben holding Joshie, the star of the day, and newest member of the family and our 20th grandchild. He was sealed to Melanie and Andy in the Sacramento Temple Saturday, April 23.
What a blessing! He is adorable and we are so happy for them and so glad we could be there along with Darren, Emily, many from the Sorensen family and many more from their ward family to celebrate. CONGRATULATIONS!

Of course, I left my camera in the room and didn't have it at the temple but check Em's blog for more good photos of the day.

Happy 70th!!

Bruce wanted a quiet birthday this year, he wanted to sneak this one in since it's a rather big number and just hear from his kids and family and eat cake and ice cream so that is what we did. He doesn't seem 70 and for some reason that doesn't seem so old to me any more:) He is active and healthy and liking retirement and I'm so grateful for him. This is just one example of his handy work. LOVE THEM!!!

The Morris' grandchildren brought us a may basket today. It was so sweet but I thought, really, they have grandchildren old enough to do that? It seems like our kids were just making May baskets for Mrs. Morris, those were fun times. I love May, the tulips and rhodys are out and best of all, it is light when LeAnn and I walk at 5:45!! YES!

Hope you enjoy May.

2011 in a nut shell

2011-04-19T10:08:00.000-07:00

I'm so far behind, I almost want to give up but i'ts been a fun four months so I thought I'd just give a quick up date. We spend four days a week with this adorable cuties and I love them dearly. Who wouldn't, look at those faces.

What a great surprise to hear that Andy and Bella were coming for a quick visit. We made the most of our short time. It was adorable that she wanted to buy a gift for her mom for Valentines day rather than for herself.

We started the year off with Caleb's fun birthday party which I don't have a photo of here but Jill and the boys came down for that and we all went bowling and then had a fun party for Caleb.

This a Caleb and Kellen showing their creativity and putting all their animals and toys in the spots they think they would live. We have been able to visit them several times this year since we are serving in the Portland Temple. Last week we were able to go to Kellens baseball game and that was so fun.

This is baby Harlan, our great grandson. He spent two months in the hospital and is now home and doing great, he is up to 9 lbs. Can't wait to visit him again and see his progress.

It was a very happy St. Patrick's Day. We got to have Joseph and Justin visit us for a few days and then we met up with Jill at the airport and were able to spend a couple hours with her and Erica. She changes so fast and is such a little doll, look at those eyes!

Joseph wanted to make no bake cookies so we did but he soon lost interest and Justin and I got to finish and eat them all. They were yummy

Our little gold pro, he beat all of us and was pretty pleased with himself. Love that smile!

SPRING BREAK !! I have always loved Spring Break and the time to spend with my kids. We always went to visit one of their sisters, Tina or Melanie, when they were younger and I still

have to go somewhere for Spring Break. This year Dad went along, since he has not excuse:), and we went to Utah to visit Grandma. Just so happened that Jason had planned a trip to visit Grandma too so we were lucky enough to spend time with him, Megan and Kevin. SO GREAT! Emily, Carly, Easton, Jenni and Michael were all there as well and we all had a wonderful visit.

Grandma is her amazing self at 93.

On to Vegas for a great with with Emily and Steve. We never run out of fun things to do there. This time they took us to see the drive over bridge at Hoover Day, which was amazing, and we went on a train ride, hung curtains, went to church and ate yummy food to name just a few things.

Carly know whats good!

Our little engineer.

Grandpa trying his best to win Carly over, she wasn't quite sure.

Off to the Beach! The fun never ends around here. Janet, Ila and Val came to OREGON! It's a miracle! We all went to Maygan and Matthew's beautiful wedding and then spend a few days at the beach together. It was wonderful to see then and have them spend time with us in Oregon. I think they liked it here...who wouldn't.

The boys at the wedding, they are always glad to see each other and were so cute and patient all evening.

Love this picture and wish I had one of Darren and Jill, they were there too but not seated at our table. We all had a fun time together.

Matthew and Maygan Shannon, the wedding was beautiful and so was Maygan.

Well, that is what we have been doing so far this year, it's all been so great and we count our blessings daily and hope the next four months are as much fun. I'ts Spring so I am very happy, the tulips are beautiful right now, I should have added a picture of them.

HAPPY EASTER!!

Finally posting some Christmas pictures.

2011-01-17T15:19:00.000-08:00

Joseph helping grandpa with a Scrabble game.

Four Little Duck Fans.

I loved our tree so much this year, we got it up much earlier than we have in the past since we usually wait for Jennifer to get home but sad to say she and Michael went to TX this year. I know, I know we have to share. There were lots of great gatherings to attend and we enjoyed them all very much and tried to make the season bright even though it was just the two of us for the first time ever. Very different in deed!

We did end up having lots of visitors and that was the most wonderful part of the holiday season for us. This is Cierra and Michael, Michelle and Grant Coppedge.

Brad and Kristy, Marc and Connie, Kellen and Caleb all arrived Christmas Day.

We had Christmas morning again the day after with Kellen and Caleb, Marc and Connie, so fun! Later that day Darren and Jill, Joseph, Justin and baby Erica arrived. Yeah!It is always so amazing to me how quickly babies change, we just saw Erica a month ago but she is totally different already. We had such fun with her, she is a very good baby and a joy to have around.

The big winner! You have to understand, it is so exciting when someone beats Dad and Darren.

That was it in a nut shell, it came and went so fast but we love Christmas and the joy it brings.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Couldn't resist.

2010-12-23T11:47:00.001-08:00

I had to share this photo of Emily at age 19months showing that she regarded Santa in about the same manner as Carly does this year. She is not about to go of Melanie. LOVE IT! I remember it as if it were yesterday, Dad was standing next to them in his red and white stripped pants. It took place in the nursery room at Market Street Chapel.

Erica's blessing day

2010-12-02T14:01:00.000-08:00

Here is Erica all dressed up for her blessing day. She didn't know what all the fuss was about but she loved all the attention and by the look on her face, I think she loves her daddy. She was so tired after the day, she slept the whole night for the first time ever.

I love these two photos!

Aunt Connie finally got to meet Erica. Jill's whole family were there for Thanksgiving and the blessing so there were lots of cousins to play with, they had a great time.

We all had a great time and many thanks to Darren and Jill.

Annual ride on Amtrak to CA

2010-11-17T14:22:00.000-08:00

I didn't really ride the freight train but took this picture of a UP train when the kids and I went to play along the tracks, don't tell their parents. It was a cool place but I don't really like them hanging out there without grandma but I'm pretty sure they do. My Amtrak experience was pretty good this year, the train was on time both ways which is a miracle in itself. I slept well and the people I met were quite normal, sorry no funny stories. I sat by a very liberal woman from CA who had, accidentally, one child and that was enough and I listened to her all evening. She didn't ask me one question and I was afraid to tell her we had 8 children on purpose. I liked her stories though and she didn't snore or cough so she was great. On the way home they gave me another sleeper car free, I'm not sure why, I think it's Dad's pass but it was WONDERFUL! You would have laughed if you could have seen me trying to put the seats down to make my bed, couldn't read the instructions, some cute young guy finally came to my aid. I always love the ride home, the mountains had snow and Autumn leaves, I read and napped and had a wonderful day.

I've never seen any one put their hair up in rags but isn't she adorable? The before photo: AFTER! Love those curls! Love this girl and spending time with her.

In and Out for lunch after a fun movie.

I'm so glad we haven't outgrown the $ Store game, it's a favorite.

The weather was fantastic and I LOVE these trees, the streets were lined with them as well as Autumn leaves. Ben, Bella and Joshie on our walk to the tracks.

Holy smokes, what is this boy doing?? Scared me to death when I looked out the window and he and Bella were both shooting BB guns in the back yard. They know how to be careful and all was well.

Thanks Melanie and Andy for a wonderful few days, I feel so comfortable at your house and loving visiting and catching up and eating all your yummy food, thanks to Andy and Beth, I can say brussel sprouts are delicious. Love you!

Halloween Fun went on and on

2010-11-06T17:41:00.001-07:00

It all started with a weekend trip to visit Marc and Connie to go to a Tigard game. It was so much fun to spend time with them and watch Kellen and Caleb play soccer. Darren, Joseph and Justin drove down from Seattle to meet us and we had such a great time.

The game was awesome and Tigard won, of course. Kellen was a ball boy and that was fun to watch this little guy running out with the ball and water that weighed more than he does.
Joseph had a great time playing on the side lines with him.

The next day was beautiful and we took our annual trek to their really super fun

pumpkin patch. Aren't they adorable?

Joseph just lost his tooth before this picture was taken.

After that trip dad and I tood the day care kids to the pumpkin patch and then had a littlel party with them. They were all adorable this year.

Next the young single adult had a fun pumpkin carving FHE and then a dance on Friday. The fun never ends around here!

We were so lucky to have Jenni and Michael visit for a few days and she was such a good sport and accompanied us to all our various activities and was here for Spooky Dinner with the Mitchells. Who knew we would be able to see so much family and have such a great October? This Fall has been beautiful here in Oregon and we feel very blessed.

Meeting our new baby, Erica Ruth Jolley.

2010-10-17T17:40:00.000-07:00

I could hardly wait to see Erica in person and was able to take a nice relaxing train ride to Seattle and spend a few days with her and her family, it was amazing. She is so precious and adorable and so much fun to sit and admire and snuggle hour after hour, which is pretty much what I did.

She still has her days and nights mixed up so Jill isn't getting much rest but other than that she is very calm and content and just a joy to her family. Her brothers are totally loving having a sister, the first thing Justin said when he saw me was, "Grandma, we have a new baby sister and she is sooooo cute!"

I did manage to tear myself away long enough to go to Joseph's soccer game on Saturday which was a very rainy day but it was a blast watching the little kids run around the field. Justin came prepared with his boots and took full advantage of them playing in the puddles. That was the only bad weather day we had while I was there the other days were beautiful.

Joseph and friends waiting for the game to begin. Cool dudes!

We made cookies, did some shopping, went to church, played games and just had a great time together. I loved having the job of driving Joseph to school every morning, he is in 1st grade already and just looked like such a big boy going off all by himself to the play ground for a few minutes before school started. I know it will feel like a blink of the eye and Erica will be in first grade since I remember visiting Bethany as a new born as if it were last week and she just informed me today that she will be taking drivers ed starting Monday. They grow up too fast!!

Shouldn't Jenni just be learning to drive?

It's so true that time flies when you are having fun and my visit came to an end but I am so grateful for those days and being able to bond with Erica, I miss her and I love her to pieces!! Thanks Darren and Jill, Joseph and Justin for having me.

Erica Ruth Jolley at age 2 weeks.

Horseshoe Bend Fix

2010-09-17T10:47:00.001-07:00

Wow, I'm having trouble getting these photos to move where I want them and no time to fix it.
Take notice Jenni and Steph of Whitehorse Falls, your favorite to play in. They have a lot more water going in to it now and they built this new observation deck.

Lemolo Falls, our newest discovery.

We knew we were taking a big chance going to Horseshoe the last week of August and thought it would be really crowded but instead it had rained that day and everyone moved out, we had the place to ourselves. The rain stopped as soon as we got there but we know better than to go without the fashionable blue tarps, just in case. It never rained again and got warmer every day.

Bruce in his favorite spot, he fished early mornings and evenings and we went on outings, played games, read and had a great time during the day.

Warming up after standing in the river for hours, I never did understand that. He caught some nice fish but it's catch and release there so we only broke the law once and ate one for breakfast. Yummy!

About Lemolo Falls (first photo) I can't believe we have never heard of it after 24 years. I don't know if it was that we hiked right after lunch or if I'm that out of shape but it was a long way in and out, you'll see from my face in the next picture that I was exhausted, Bruce just looks as though he went on a nice stroll, grrrrrrrrrr. I'm sure that sign lies! Plus, we had been hearing about bears and cougars and I was a little freaked out the whole time, we saw one other couple on the trail.

We both admitted being concerned about going without any family and we missed you all so much but we had a wonderful time and there was a memory around every corner and we had such fun talking about them, too many to mention but they are the best!

Who says it's never nice on the Oregon Coast?

2010-09-08T19:47:00.000-07:00

Two great days, photos in no particular order.

Take #150

Sorry Em, I had to include this one...we were trying so hard to get the kids to smile, she was exhaused.

You have to go to Mo's, right? It was so delicious!

I wish you could see that Carly's sweatshirt has whales on it, so cute!

They never tired of this activity.

This is when we weren't watching Carly and she fell and hurt her head on a pointed rock, sorry sweetie but you have to get the photo.
SUPER GREAT TIME!

Super fun birthday week

2010-09-07T19:40:00.000-07:00

We were so lucky to have Emily and the kids visit for a week this month because of her class reunion. She was busy with the reunion for a couple days so that gave us time to play with the kids, it was great. To make it even more fun, Jill, Joseph and Justin came down from Seattle for a few days. Here are a few favorite photos. Carly is really enjoying her piece of Grandpa's corn on the cob. It was slow coming this year but finally made it and was delicious. I can't say as much for the tomatoes though, they still aren't ripe except for the hanging plant tomatoes, they did great.

After a fun afternoon at SPLASH, we had a picnic with the Mitchells. Warner and I exchanged our gifts and they were great, as always. It was a very fun evening but the boys were exhausted and Easton got a sliver in his foot so it was bed time. Another fun thing about the week was the great weather and we were able to sit out every night and visit with Em and Jill while we watched for the plane.

Here is Joseph having a good time at BOUNCE, they ran and played for an hour and had so much fun. Jill, Em and I were anxious to leave as it smelled in there:)

The kids had such fun together, jumping on the tramp, watching movies, riding bikes, picking blueberries and most of all playing with Grandpa's train.

I love this picture of Em and Jill, look at her adorable baby tummy! Thanks girls for making my birthday extra special.

I almost forgot this picture of Carly, Em was at her reunion and we were watching the kids, it got real quiet so Dad went looking for her and found her IN the suitcase. Cutie Pie!

I'm grateful for another birthday and all the love shown by my family and friends. Life is so great!

HOT Topics

2010-08-04T19:30:00.000-07:00

Our Summer vacation to celebrate retirement with those who couldn't attend our Oregon parties.
HOT Spot #1 UTAH !! Warning this blog is long, it should be three or four separate ones but there wasn't time on vacation to blog so here we go, stay with me if you can. We thought the weather was hot while visiting Jenni and Michael in Provo but looking back it was marvelous weather there and we should have appreciated it more even though we were sweating when we were walking at 7:00 am. This is a picture of their new home, a four plex and they live on the top right. It's adorable and they love it and we loved helping them get it whipped into shape.

Yes, finally the shelves are up! Several attempts have been made but Bruce the Builder was the one to succeed. Jenni was soooo happy.

Most of our down time was spent playing scrabble, they are sitting next to each other playing scrabble on line, silly huh? Fun though. We had a great time with them, Michael worked a lot put popped in and out and met us for meals and I failed to get even one photo of him.

Anne brought Ben and Bella down from SLC for the evening one night and we had a rip roaring game of Yahtzee and Grandpa took us out for ice cream. The days flew by and it was time to say good by and you know how I feel about that! It was such a joy to spend time with them and see them working and playing hard and loving their life in Provo.

On down the freeway to Beaver, my beloved home town. I do so love it there and had a wonderful time with my sisters, their families and mother. It is never long enough for me, I think it would make a wonderful retirement home. Emily and the kids like it there as well and joined us for a few days which was such a treat. Easton loves to be able to play outside in the yard, go for walks and play with Great Grandma's REALLY old toys.

Is this cute or what? We did a lot of sitting out in Beaver, the sky at night is amazing there.

We took a little trip to Cove Fort which was really interesting and fun for all, a must see if you are ever in the area.

This is Ponderosa Park and I had to get a picture of them on the rock because I used to sit on that rock and eat my watermelon after our many picnics as a kid. Lots of memories of this place.

HOTTER spot #2 (weather wise I mean:) Las Vegas

Celebrating Carly's first birthday in air conditioning at the Bellagio, it is such an amazing place and we never tire of visiting. She is such a living doll and she liked us, I was worried about that.

Here she is at the children's museum the next day, love this picture because it shows her cute little teeth. Em drove all over town determined to find Pawn Stars for Dad which she eventually did, we went in but they are to famous to come to work now days so everyone there was disappointed but it was fun for him. We love hanging out with Em and Steve and the kids and it was such a special treat to be there for Carly's birthday.

HOTTER spot #3 California - On the road again. It was great having a few days to rest and visit with family in between our hours in the car. The trip to Yosemite was very interesting, miles of desolation and miles of beauty I guess is the best way I can describe it. We loved it there! We spent the night in a cute little town, June Lake, and drove through the park the next day. It would be fun to spend more time there some day, not in July though, too many people.

These two pictures are out of order but they are Ben at horse camp here in Eugene, which Ben is crazy about, and Bella showing just how much she enjoys going to horse camp. We brought them home from California with us to spend a few days and we had a great time.

FUN days with the Sorensens in California. Nick is as tall as Grandpa now!

They have NINE puppies!

California State Fair, it was so HOT! I talked Grandpa into going on the tilt a whirl with Ben and I felt terrible because it made him pretty sick but other than that we all had such a fun day.

Yep, he rang the bell and won a toy. He is one strong boy. We went swimming, played games, ate great food and just enjoyed being together and soon it was time to move on one more time.

HOTTEST spot #4 Springfield MO

It's been too long since we visited Jason in Missouri so we took this opportunity to celebrate with them too and it was so fun. They were all there to meet us at midnight at the airport and we spent five fun filled days with them. This is Jason's new office at Missouri State.

A fun picnic and swim at a state park, Megan and Kevin are off in the lake, those two love to be in the water. Jason and Lu have a pool in their complex so we took advantage of that several times.

Super Saturday fun with Andrea and Megan at the church. We went to lots of yummy restaurants and tried to get into Lambert's Cafe but it was a two hour wait, maybe next time.

Adorable family photo and yes, Sammy is a member of the family.

Andrea has a friend who owns a house on the lake and let us spend the night there on our way to Branson, it was a beautiful home and spectacular view!

Toy Museum in Branson, I loved this place, it was filled with wall to wall toys, old and new. I found a toy coke machine that I played with as a kid and my Bonnie Braids doll. FUN! We had a very fun but hot day in Branson and the highlight was the Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner attraction, it was amazing! So much delicious food and great entertainment.

Jason and Lu cooked a delicious breakfast just before it was time to leave.

Central High School's most adorable cheer leader. We hope she has a wonderful freshman year.

Well, thats it in a nutshell, there are a lot more pictures and lots more to say but mostly I just want to say what a great trip we had visiting people we love. Thanks to everyone for having us and for taking SUCH GOOD care of us. We love you and are so blessed to have such a wonderful family.

So far so good

2010-07-02T15:42:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows by now that Brucie retired in June after 48 1/2 years with the railroad. He planned for several months and felt it was time and the he was ready for the change. I on the other hand, was in denial. I didn't take him seriously for a long time and then when I could see it coming closer and that it was really going to happen I began to panic at the thought of change in our lives. What would I do with him around the house all day? Would he be happy not working at the job that he has truly loved since long before I met him? Can we afford this? What will we do about insurance? On and on I went with my skepticism while he seemed positive and happy.

It's been a month already and so far so good, we have pretty much celebrated all month with family and friends and he has worked hard in the yard and hardly bothered me at all!! As a matter of fact, I have really enjoyed having him around!

Here are a few highlights.

Mt. Hood train ride with the family was so much fun.

Party with friends, check out this exceptional gift from Ken Splinter. If you haven't seen the video Warner made for the occasion, check it out on his blog

Kellen, Joseph, Justin along with Caleb (not in the photo) were so excited and hung their heads out the window watching the train go most of the way and never took their hats off. So Cute!

We're off soon to celebrate with the rest of the family who couldn't be here. PARTY ON!!

Who wouldn't like retirement if this is how it's going to be? We'll see.

OKAY, OOPS!!!!

2010-05-14T19:48:00.000-07:00

These recipes were supposed to be on the Dinner on Janus Court Blog, I don't know how I did that but I'm not typing them again :)

A couple new recipes I've tried

2010-05-14T19:32:00.000-07:00

I got this recipe from the Schwan Man and tried it tonight and we liked it. You have probably made some variation of it many times. It looks like the one in the picture on the blog.

Mexican Chicken Salad

Prep time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6

1 - 2.8oz fried onions (optional)
4 cups romaine lettuce, rinsed and torn
2 cups corn
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 bunch green onions
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 - 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
3 cups diced chicken breast meat
1/4 cup red onion, chopped
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)
3/4 cup ranch dressing
3/4 cup BBQ sauce

1. Mix ranch dressing and BBQ sauce. Set aside

2. Mix prepared corn and chicken with all remaining ingredients except Fried Onions

3. Pour prepared ranch and BBQ dressing over salad mixture and toss.

4. Top with French fried onions before serving.

I've wanted a plain white scratch cake recipe for a long time and found this one in my mother's recipes that I'm supposed to be typing for everyone. I was very happy with it especially the next day.

Plain Cake
3 cups sifted flour
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup shortening
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
vanilla (It didn't say how much, I used 2 tsp)
Sift flour first then put flour, sugar, salt, baking powder in the sifter and sift into a bowl.
Add the milk, eggs shortening and vanilla. Mix all together and bake in moderate oven. I'm assuming that means about 350 degrees.

Highlights from Seattle

2010-05-08T17:42:00.000-07:00

Justin and I had a fun time playing outside while Joseph was at school, we went on a walk, played baseball, had a picnic and wrote notes to Mom and Dad with sidewalk chalk which the rain washed away before they got to see them.

Joseph in front of his school. He is in kindergarten and it was so fun to see his classroom and meet his teacher. His favorite subject right now is PE, which he informed me is short for physical education.

One of our walks around the block. Justin keeps right up on his scooter but likes to make a lot of stops to look at bugs, pet the bunny (made of porcelain) and pick up trash. So cute! Joseph was quite patient about it though.

Joseph taking flowers to his teacher on teacher appreciation day.

Darren needed to make a business trip to NYC and it was my good fortune to be ask to watch the boys while he and Jill made the trip. I enjoyed the drive last Saturday, the traffic wasn't as bad as I had expected and I listened to a story on CD that LeAnn let me borrow so that made it fun.

Joseph and Justin were so good and easy to care for, we had a great time together and Jill had made great notes to help me get where I needed to be with them, school, church, etc. so we had things to keep us busy. They have such huge imaginations, it was fun to watch and listen to the things they came up with. Joseph and I played school while Justin took naps, we went to the library, McDonalds, played games, cars, baseball and read lots of stories.

It was quite a shock Saturday evening when I turned on the TV after the boys were in bed and saw the story about the failed car bomb in Time Square. Jill had just sent a photo of her standing in that spot a few hours earlier so I was a little stressed when they didn't answer my text. They were there to see it all happen but were tucked in bed safe in sound by the time I heard about it. Thankfully it failed!

I love those boys!

Bruce is good to support my little jaunts and I appreciate that so much and love to get home to him especially this time since it was our 34th anniversary which is unbelievable to me.

April has been good!

2010-04-18T17:51:00.000-07:00

As usual, my pictures aren't moving where I want them to so I'll just be happy with this. Bruce had a good birthday and loved hearing from all his friends and family. It is a big birthday month for us with seven family members celebrating and we loved talking to all of them. Happy birthday, Dad, Jason, Bethany, Connie, Jill, Kevin, and Melanie. We love you! We had a great time in Roseburg with Brad watching Shayanna participate in the Miss Douglas County Outstanding Teen Pageant. She was the youngest of 18 contestants and we were so proud of her. She choreographed her own dance for her talent and it was amazing!

The question she was asked was, "who is your hero and why." She answered, "I'd have to say my hero is my MOM because she has been through a lot in her young life and has worked hard to over come those trials." I loved that.

I've enjoyed the tulips so much, these purple ones are my favorite and look so great next to the lilacs but I have to remind myself to go out in the back yard to see them.

The red ones are amazing again this year.

These cream colored ones were a surprise for me from Bruce this year and I love them so much and appreciate all his hard work to make the yard beautiful for me to enjoy.

Can't wait to see what is next, life is good on Janus Court.

Spring Break

2010-03-31T18:34:00.000-07:00

Speed scrabble after Michael's great lesson for FHE

Grandma Williams loves Wendys food so we had a picnic in her room. Marc hasn't been to Beaver since he was ten so it was fun for him to be there and take Connie and the kids to meet his family. Marc, Emily, Carly, Jennifer, Valerie, Andrea and Camrie.
Cute bunny ears Valerie:)

I always look forward to visiting family during Spring Break and this year it felt like a good time to visit my mom in Beaver, Utah. I was lucky and other people in my family had the same idea so I got to see them too, which was so great!

I spent three days with Jenni and Michael and that was so fun for me to see what goes on in their lives there in Provo. They spoiled me rotten to say the least! I went to church with them and was amazed at their ward, I have never seen so many young married couples in one place in my life, since then the ward has been split. I got to see the office where Jenni works and meet the Doctor and other people she spends her day with, no wonder she LOVES her job, they were all so nice and it's fun to hear them express how much they appreciate her. Darren happened to be in town on business so we met him twice, once with Jill's family for a delicious dinner and once on campus. I hadn't seen him since Thanksgiving so that was a treat.

I spent three days in Beaver with my mom, my sister and her family and I just love them all to pieces and enjoyed every minute of it. Marc, Connie, Kellen and Caleb were visiting Emily and Steve in Las Vegas for Spring Break so they all drove to Beaver for a day which made Jenni and I very happy.

The weather went from sunny, no jacket, on Sunday to snow on Friday and everything in between but I enjoyed it all including a snow ball fight with Kellen, Easton and Caleb and was grateful for the chance to see my mom, age 92, doing so well and to be with my family. Thanks to all for making it such a wonderful week, I am so grateful.

Springtime in the Northwest!!

2010-03-17T19:39:00.000-07:00

I love how this picture makes it look like these are our daffodils but I must give credit where credit is due, they are Warner and LeAnn's. But I LOVE them.

These are only two of the bushes LeAnn and I pass every morning on our walk, which is in the pitch dark again thanks to day light savings time but hey, it's still light out now and it's 7:30 pm so I'm not complaining. It gets better and better from now until the end of May. I feel like a huge burden has been lifted. Spring...a tender mercy!!

Quick recap of a wonderful week

2010-03-02T13:04:00.000-08:00

Warner and LeAnn came over and took some adorable photos of the kids, just look at those faces. Caleb didn't feel well but he tried to be happy.

The reason for the whole visit was the wedding of Em's life long friend, Colleen Millegan to Jason

Hiebenthal. Isn't she beautiful? We were blessed with two sunny days so the boys could play outside.

The kids loved playing with their cousins and got along really well.

We made good use of the Mitchell's tramp

I love this picture of Carly showing her teeth and she does this little pose all the time between crawling and sitting. She makes some really cute faces wrinkling up her nose at you if she doesn't really know you, she adjusted to all of us quickly though and is a very happy baby at 7 months.

It was so great to spend time getting to know her. She looks a lot like Emily did in this particular picture.

We sure appreciated everyone making the trip, Jill for driving all that way alone with the boys and I was amazed at how Emily got through security at the airport with two kids, backpacks, a stroller, car seat, etc and Marc and family coming down for the day on Saturday. Such fun and just the winter break we needed.

ZHU ZHU and ZOO Pets

2010-02-22T11:28:00.000-08:00

Do you know about ZHU ZHU pets? I didn't until Kylie and Karmen brought theirs to share last week. I guess they were all the rage at Christmas time but I didn't hear about them and I think they are adorable, for rodents that is. I decided to get one for Kellen and Caleb since we were going to visit and they were a big hit. Kellen got right to work making a cage for his out of a shoe box, putting toy food in and a water dish and Caleb copied everything Kellen did and they slept right by their bed. It was great fun, their names are Brian and Alex.

We had a great day at the Portland Zoo and at Kellen's basket ball game, he was the MVP for sure. All the animals were out enjoying the sunshine and the elephants but on a great show. The baby's name is Sam and the boys love going back to see how much he has grown from time to time. We love you guys and thanks so much for the fun visit.

Steve, I hope you can forgive me but I think Easton, Joseph and Justin really need a ZHU ZHU pet.

love those blogs

2010-01-17T20:23:00.000-08:00

I just have to say how much I love having time to check blogs, e mails and face book and that there is such a thing. I know there are a lot of other really important things I need to be doing but I just feel better when I check in on the blogs. I wish they would have been around when our children were little so I could have been able to post photos to share with my parents who were so far away. We had the occasional phone call (and by the way, long distance was expensive then) and a family letter that eventually made it around to all my brothers and sisters homes to keep us updated, that was about it.

It brought me tons of joy just now to see the smiling faces of our children and grandchildren as well as all the great photos and news from friends and family. Keep posting because I love it!!

Another wonderful Christmas!

2010-01-02T19:20:00.000-08:00

Caleb with his new guitar...adorable.

Beautiful Carly Ranee came for a short but very sweet visit.

Jenni trying out my gift from Bruce, a Cricket! I'm so excited.Michael LOVED his new bananagram game, we also played a lot of Scrabble, Scrabble Slam, and other games.

Kellen and Caleb were so much fun to watch and play with. We went to the Chipmunk movie and they were glued to it the entire time.

Jenni makes the best gingerbread cookies and Michael was very creative in his designs, I especially liked the prison mate outfit.

It feels like December goes by quicker than any other month. First you are consumed with preparing for Christmas and then the actual Holidays just fly by, it feels like it didn't really happen. We had a wonderful time and are so grateful for the time with family and friends. We loved the concerts, food, parties and all the activities that make December so special. We loved being in contact with all our family and friends, thank you all so much for the gifts, phone calls, cards and your love.

Emily was a good sport and went with us to the Ugly Sweater party, I think Dad should have won.

Zoo Lights at the Portland Zoo, thanks to Connie and Marc! Freezing cold but awesome.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Thanksgiving

2009-12-09T14:34:00.000-08:00

I know it is almost Christmas but I wanted to say what a great Thanksgiving we had and how grateful I am for that as well as all our many blessings. It was Mitchell's turn to host this year and wouldn't you know it there were only five Mitchells and twenty Jolleys but they were brave and has us all over and it was beautiful and delicious. We missed all who weren't there so much but wondered what we would do if we were lucky enough to have everyone at once. We would have to use both houses, I guess.

Such adorable helpers. Taryn built this great fort for the boys to play in and Kellen loved pulling carrots.

Wii had fun

2009-11-30T09:59:00.001-08:00

Go Mel!!

Bella in training to make homemade tortillas

Blogger has not been working well for me but I will try again. I had a short but great visit with the Sorensens. The train ride was uneventful compared to other years, it was really full so I wasn't able to stretch out at all or get any of my perks but the people I sat by were great and I did sleep so that was good. The trip from Klamath Falls to Oakridge on the way home was absolutely gorgeous with freshly fallen snow all over the trees and mountains, I just sat back and marveled at it all the way.

We enjoyed playing Rock Band on the Wii and lots of board games, Melanie, Bethany and I went to see New Moon and loved it. Bethany is crazy, to say it mildly, about Jacob and I am still an Edward fan. Mel and Andy cooked up a storm and all the food was delicious, sorry Em and Jen, I was thinking about you as we were eating home make tortillas.

Thanks so much for having me guys, next time I need to sleep longer at your house than I do on the train though:) I have more pictures I wanted to share but I'm giving up on getting it to work.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-30T17:51:00.000-07:00

Spooky Dinner is alive and well in the hearts of Jolleys and Mitchells everywhere.

It was fun to share it this year with the Young Single Adults. Don't you love Julie's cake? We all enjoyed slimy slivers, eye balls, witches brew, monster mash and other such delicious treats.

Hope everyone has a grand time, we will be watching the Duck game and opening the door for our spooks.

Grandkids

2009-10-18T17:20:00.000-07:00

I admit being envious of people who have grandchildren near by and I often wonder if they know how lucky they are. It just don't think it's fair and I can work myself up to being really ticked about it sometimes. Thankfully because of special occasions we have been able to see most of the kids the last couple months which we are totally grateful for but the time is short and off they go again until who knows when. Poor me! I just need to be grateful for the great times we have when we are together, here are a few pictures from recent times.

Jenni and Michael's wedding provided a great opportunity for the family to gather, August 15th.

Darren was called as Bishop in West Seattle so we were able to visit them for that special occasion in late September.

Next was baby Carly's blessing day in Nampa, Idaho. Her cousin was also being blessed and another cousin being baptised so we all met there instead of Vegas.

We love to go to at least one of Marc's football games in the fall and luckily Darren and Jill picked the same game. These boys LOVE each other and have so much fun together. Uncle Marc provided Joseph with his very own helmet. It was so fun to lay in bed and listen to them read books and whisper in the next room.

The past couple years we've been able to go to the pumpkin patch with Kellen and Caleb so we couldn't miss out on that even though it was pouring rain when we left home. You should have seen their faces when we turned the corner and all those pumpkins came into view! The sun came out and we had a great time.We are actually a little tired but always looking forward to our next adventure with the family.

Suffice it to say, It was a WONDERFUL Summer!

2009-09-01T18:29:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I blogged so I could be here all night talking about what a great time we have had this Summer but most of you know all about it.
We had so much fun helping Jennifer and Michael prepare for their wedding and reception, and it was great having them here with us for three weeks.

I timed it just right for my flight to Vegas to meet baby Carly, I was only there about 24 hours when she arrived healthy and beautiful as can be. I was with them about two weeks and had so much fun playing with Easton and bonding with Carly. Em and Steve are awesome parents and words can't describe what a joy it was to be able to help out during that time.

I took a little side trip to Beaver and was able to spend time with mom, my sisters and their families. It happened to be the 24th of July which is always so fun in Beaver, the best parade ever. I also attended my 40th class reunion and that was a real blast from the past, how wonderful to see the faces of my dear classmates again.
Yea for the class of 69!! We looked pretty darn good.

As soon as I returned it was time for the Leonard JOLLEY reunion at the coast and that was so fun. They really know how to have a good time and it was so good to see them. Bruce has a wonderful family and I love them all, we had Jennifer and Michael, Tina, Scott and their family and Marc and Connie and their family with us.

Jennifer and Michael were married August 15th and that brought our whole family together along with our wonderful friends. We are so happy for them and will love to hear all about their new life together in Provo, UT. We were able to spend time with all of our grandchildren and that doesn't happen often enough. MANY THANKS to all who were there in support of Jenni and Michael. It was wonderful!!! We had a super fun trip to Dallas Texas for the open house and loved meeting Michael's family and friends and seeing all the sights there, it's a beautiful city.

So much for the dry boat

2009-07-11T21:35:00.000-07:00

We did it again and it was really fun but we are looking at each other now and asking what were we thinking? Dad can't do anything half way so he gets in there are starts water fights and plays hard and I actually had to work hard and row and help this year so we are both EXHAUSTED! We were on the river 5 1/2 hours not to mention the six hours in the car.

I don' t have many photos because until the last minute I was going to be driving the lunches down river to meet them and didn't get a water camera, hat or other much needed items but I survived. We were the so called "dry boat" and if that means not getting into a lot of fights, it was true but we did take on a lot of water and got totally soaked working our way through the rapids without tipping over, (that was my ultimate goal) thanks to our captain, President Bay.

It was a beautiful day and we just couldn't stop saying how grateful we are for where we are blessed to live.

June was great while it lasted

2009-07-01T20:42:00.000-07:00

I just have a few minutes before it's time to sit out but I wanted to post a few pictures. I love Summer and dearly treasure every day. June went way too quickly.

We had a fun few days with Kellen and Caleb, they were a little leery about staying three and a half days without Mom and Dad but did just fine. I made a quick trip to WA with Marc and Connie to see Jill and the boys for a few hours and it was so fun to spend time with them and see how the boys love to be together. They all change so much in just a few months, it is incredible.

Other than that, I was quilting and doing wedding prep both of which were lots of fun.

I love taking my time getting ready for the day and having a relaxing breakfast (outside even) with Dad, watching a little of the Today Show and doing what I want.
The tramp was a big hit, Kellen loved the sprinkler and we had a water fight.

I realize now that Enchanted Forrest can be a little scary for children this young but they were good sports. Why did they have to make all those nursery rhymes so frightening?

Aren't they just the cuttest?

Quilt #1 finished and sent off for our new granddaughter due to arrive any time!!!

HAPPY 4th of JULY!!!

Okay Bethy, here you go

2009-06-15T16:07:00.001-07:00

Bethany has been after me to update and I tell her that there isn't much to say. The last month has been pretty much wedding, wedding and more wedding. I'm not complaining mind you, it has been a lot of fun and we've accomplished quite a bit already, good thing since the wedding is two months from today. Oh, my! I had forgotten how many details there are but of the great things about it is that the whole family may be here for the special occasion. We sure hope so.

I have been working on two quilts and that is always fun for me, I'll post the pictures later when they are finished. Friday was my last day of work for the Summer and that is always a little traumatic, as much as I need a break and look forward to it, I love those kids and will miss them. Hopefully Bruce will still want to come home for breakfast now that Karmen isn't here to eat with him. Today I slept in a whole hour and didn't walk until 7:00, then shopped until I dropped and now I'm on the computer without feeling guilty and the dishes are still in the sink. Super great day!

We got to spend Memorial Day with these two cutie pies.

All my girls and next Fall this adorable little guy will join the mix, meet Jacey's little brother, Jalen Avery Smith.

Bruce is loving the nice days and his garden is growing, he wants you to know that the corn will be knee high by the 4th of July. He is busy doing his part of wedding prep, painting the back of the house and the clown bench, Yeah! Planting flowers and keeping the yard up.

Have a great Summer, I'm looking forward to reading lots of great posts about it.

Dancing Queen

2009-05-09T18:08:00.000-07:00

We went to Roseburg last night for Shayanna's annual dance recital and had a super fun time. She was amazing, as always. She is an assistant teacher now and choreographed and taught a dance to the younger girls which was adorable. She is almost 13, I can't even believe it.

Brad and Kristy were there so that was an added bonus. We went out for ice cream after the show and had a good visit with them. They are having fun working on their new home, Brad's workout room is painted with a huge Dallas Cowboy star on the wall.

Thirteen is such a wonderful age:) We love you Shay, Congrats on another great year of dance.

It was fun to see Bobbie and Dontea as well, they are doing great and send their love. Dontea is 16 and driving his own car. He is SO VERY HANDSOME! Wish I would have taken a picture of him for you.

Jennifer's Graduation & Stephanie's wedding

2009-04-20T14:35:00.000-07:00

Super great memories of the past two weeks!
I love this photo Emily took of Jennifer just after she received her diploma from BYUI April 10th. We are so proud of her and were so happy to be there with her for graduation and to celebrate all her hard work, it has been a wonderful experience for her. Congratulations Jenni!!!! We love you.
Emily and Easton made the long trek to Rexburg with us and he was such a good little traveler and was patient during graduation. President Clark and Elder Neil Anderson were the speakers.
Bruce has a way of making the trip more fun with rest stops in unusual places. The first stop was Hoodoo and then Riley which I don't have a photo of because it was freezing cold and I wouldn't get out of the car but he ate his candy bar on the bench in the cold wind.
Here we are at Massacre Rock, you haven't lived until you have visited this place, also cold and windy. Below we are at the natural spring water fountain, it's tradition to stop there for a rest, Easton was just about to fall asleep and against Emily's better judgement we stopped anyway. Notice her adorable pregnant tummy:)

Easton talked about going to the park all the way from Burley to Onterio so we found one and had a good time. It was Bruce's birthday so we celebrated that and Easter in our Motel in Onterio.
Jennifer's roommates, Lindsay, Brooke, and Anessa joined her for Stephanie's wedding along with returned missionary Michael Woodmansee. Welcome Home Michael!!

We were all honored to be with Stephanie and Jarom on their wedding day and it was beautiful in every way from start to finish. We love you and wish you happiness ever after.

Darren, Jill, Joseph and Justin were here for the wedding and it was great spending time with them and having the three little boys together. We missed the rest of our family who all tried hard to make it but couldn't.
After a trip to Saturday market they are headed back to Rexburg, Seattle and Las Vegas. We are left with our memories which we treasure.

THANKS FOR COMING!!

Spring Break and other fun days

2009-04-01T16:01:00.000-07:00

I told you March is great, even though it is still cold outside, I smiled every time I looked at the daffodils, every time I realized it was 7:00 pm and still light outside and having time off for Spring Break.

I had a very relaxing three days at home doing things like going to the store when ever I wanted all by myself, watching a few movies and doing a little cleaning but I am conditioned to being gone for Spring Break so I was anxious to get on the move. Bruce started a project in the bathroom which is coming along nicely and that kept him busy while I was gone.

Thursday I took the commuter train from Eugene to Seattle which is an improvement on the coastal starlight FOR SURE ( the guy sitting behind me said, "for sure" a million times all the way to Tacoma.) Annoying!!! It was fun to sit and read my book and not have to deal with traffic. Bruce drove up on Saturday and we came home together on Sunday, I talked on the phone and let him deal with traffic. It was so fun to spend time with Darren, Jill, Joseph and Justin. Those boys are so fun and cute, you'll see from the photos below, it's hard to leave them.

Sunday was a special day as Bruce had the priviledge of ordaining Darren a High Priest and he was sustained and set apart as 2nd counselor in their bishopric.

I got to play legos with both sets of grandsons this month. They mostly want to build towers.

It was so fun to go with Joseph to swimming lessons and pre school. He liked the hot tub better than the actual pool and his pre school is adorable, I truly would love to hand out there. I had a flash back of when I took Bethany to her pre school which feels like yesterday and she will be 14 in ten days. Scary thought!

Earlier in the month we got to spend a night with Marc, Connie, Kellen and Caleb. Kellen played his little heart out at his soccer game which they won 4-0, Dad was the only one keeping score.

We were blessed to be with Stephanie and Andrew when the went to the temple together on March 7th. He is leaving next week for his mission to Hungry and she will marry Jarom Lance on April 17.

"Sugar and spice and all that's nice; that's what little girls are made of."

Yes!! It's March!

2009-03-01T16:46:00.000-08:00

I was so happy when I woke up this morning and realized it was March! I am not a winter fan or a cold weather fan at all. I wouldn't have made a very good pioneer as Bruce loves to point out to me, he loves all seasons and is happy rain or shine, I envy that. It's not that I am unhappy really, I have a great life and feel very blessed, everything just looks and feels better to me in the Spring. I bet I'm not alone in this. What is your favorite season?

February had some real fun days and here are a few photos.

Marc, Connie, Kellen and Caleb were here for Valentine's Day. Grandma Ruecker was also in town and we took the boys to Build a Bear. Check out their finished product. SO cute!! You can't see that Kellen's bear had roller skates, that was all he really cared about.

The girls were adorable at our party and Kellen and Caleb joined right in the fun.HAPPY SPRING!!

First adventure of the new year

2009-01-28T13:20:00.000-08:00

We were excited about attending Isabella's baptism and Nick's ordination to the Priesthood this month and I wanted to visit my mother who has been very ill recently so I just combined the two and was gone for nine days. It was a little long and Bruce said I can only go for three days from now on but I enjoyed it so much and was able to visit with a lot of family and amazingly enough the weather was good the whole way. There was snow on the ground in Beaver and it was very cold but it didn't snow while I was driving so that was all I cared about. Sacramento and Las Vegas were beautiful and warm. A huge thanks to Em and Steve for letting me borrow their car the whole week!

It was good to spend time with my mom and see for myself how she is doing and also see her new home, the Long Term Care facility. Any ideas on a better name for that place would be appreciated. I hope she will be able to gain strength again and enjoy her days there.

I think Bella liked her comforter I made for her, isn't she adorable in her new glasses?
The whole gang. Bella was the only one being baptized that day since she waited for Nick to be ordained but the room was filled with family and friends. Grandpa Bob made her adorable dress and jacket. I love spending time with Beth and Britt, they are best friends as well as cousins. I just can't believe they are going to be 14 and that means Stake Dances!! They always manage to get us in the swimming pool at the motel.The guys; John, Andy, Wayne, Grandpa Bob, Nick and Grandpa Brucie. I'm excited that next time I visit I will get to see Nick passing the Sacrament. We were so proud of Nick and Bella and so glad we could be there to share in the occasion.I told Ila she was going to make the blog so maybe she will actually read it this time. They are so much fun to spend time with and they took such good care of me, I slept and ate at their house for five days. We stayed up until after midnight every night visiting and slept in every morning, it was great. They make retirement look inviting.Added bonus! I love that the Las Vegas airport is pretty close to Beaver, it makes for extra chances to see Em, Steve and Easton. It was a short visit but very fun.Well, it was a great time and I'm so glad I got to go. I appreciate the day care parents being understand and I'm glad to be home with the girls and Brucie, he was lonesome and running out of food.

Finally I'm blogging Christmas. I loved every minute!

2009-01-06T19:48:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season we sure did and I have a hard time letting go. You put so much effort into it, you have such a great time with family and friends, some of us get a vacation from work and then it's over just like that. Our family is all gone and I finally took the tree down, that makes me feel sad, I put all my grandson's favorite toys away and that made me sad so I decided to leave a few winter decorations up for awhile and that perked me right up.

It's quiet here now and even though I wasn't ready to start those early morning walks, I need to get rid of those extra calories and I was glad to see my little girls come back on Monday morning. Bruce is working all manor of crazy hours the past couple weeks so I haven't even seen much of him.

The big news here is that we got a new bed! Yep, after 26 1/2 years we thought it was time, it did dip in the middle pretty bad and we could feel the springs coming through so we went shopping and just as I thought would happen, we bought the first bed we saw so Bruce could get home in time for the Oregon game. I can be a good thing that he shops that way, if it were up to me, we would still have several stores to check out and then it would take a long time for me to choose. We got lucky though, it's very comfortable and we think we are going to love it, the only draw back is that you have to have a step ladder to get in it. It wasn't that high in the store, what's the deal with that?

Happy January to all and Happy Birthday to: Megan, Nicholas, Michael, Caleb and Kellen!!!

Bella gets baptized on January 17 and Nicholas will be ordained a deacon on the 18th. They are growing up so fast!!

I'm so slow that a lot of our pictures have been posted but here are a few favorites:

1. Cookies for Santa

2. We actually have snow

3. The favorite toy

4. One of many SERIOUS scrabble games

State Champs!!

2008-12-10T13:32:00.001-08:00

I just want to take a quick minute and say how fun it was to watch the Skyhawks claim the Oregon 6A Football title. It was a beautiful evening at Reser Stadium in Corvallis so we were grateful for that as rain had been in the forcast. We were very proud of Marc and happy for his team, they were awesome. Way to go Coach and Happy Birthday! I bet your family will be glad to have you home more.

I am glad for many things

2008-12-03T13:39:00.001-08:00

We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, ours was just great, I love it so much! We had the same group as last year and it was so good to spend time with them. Jenni was here for a week from Rexburg, Brad and Kristy came from Roseburg and Darren, Jill, Joseph and Justin from Seattle. That's a lot of traveling and we really appreciated all of them for doing that. Warner, LeAnn, Joe, and Andrew were here, (we missed you Stephanie) and we had a new friend from the YSA Branch, Jenny Laederich who adds spice to any gathering:) We love her.
Fourteen of us so that is a good group.

No one reminded me not to make too many pies and so, like last year, I am finishing them. Hey, that reminds me, I wrote about that last year, it's my blogging anniversary! One year ago I started with Thanksgiving.

We are grateful for our many blessing, including all of you.Jill and I took the boys on a nice walk to the park to get the wiggles out before the Duck game. They seemed to know it was important and played quietly during the whole game. Dad looked forward to watching it with Darren and got called out, of course.

Jen had a lot of fun with the boys except for when we went to feed the ducks, she was a little wimpy. That nutria was really ugly though and all those birds swooping down on us and pooping on her pants didn't help.

Dad and Darren traveled to Portland to watch Marc's team win over Beaverton in the semi finals( they are in the championship game this Saturday, Congrats to Marc) , Jenni and I went to see Twilight and loved it, some serious Christmas shopping was accomplished, and lots special time with family and friends.

All Aboard

2008-11-12T21:29:00.000-08:00

This time of year comes around and I just can't resist getting on the train and going to see the Sorensen's in California. I am always leery about my train rides because you never know how it is going to turn out, Emily and Jennifer can attest to that fact. One morning I woke up and expected to be in Sacramento and we were stuck in the Mountains not even to Klamath Falls yet! This time all went well, better than well, excellent! We left on time and arrived on time at both ends and on the way home I had my own sleeper car, it was deluxe indeed. They wait on you and you have a private parlor car to eat in away from the coach travelers. I don't know if I can go back to being a coach traveler. I'll have to.

The time with Mel's family was wonderful, we packed as much as we could in the time we had. Saturday after they practiced for the Primary program, Andy drove us to Reno to go shopping at Cabala's and we all loved that. Sunday I was able to see the kids do their parts in the Primary program and they were great, Ben and Mel played a duet on the piano, Nick and Bella both did a great job on their talks. Nick and I went on a nice walk together while Bethany took her very long Sunday afternoon nap. That evening we celebrated Joshua's (their little Foster boy) first birthday, he loved the chocolate cup cake while eating it but later...not so much. He's a cutie and they all love him.

Monday we went to the park, played our annual $ Store game, went to see HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3 ( Jenni, we agree with you all the way!!!) ate lots of good food and played games right up to time to get on the train and head home.

Thanks for having me, I loved being there!

Ya gotta love Rexburg

2008-10-14T20:22:00.000-07:00

I've been looking forward to Mother's weekend for months and now it's over but it was all I had hoped for and more. As Jenni was driving Em and I around town, I was thinking how much I love it there and asking myself why, (it was miserably cold at the moment). Here are a few reasons I came up with:

1. It has been home to four of our children off and on for 20 years now. Unreal!

2. Darren met Jill there.

3. Emily met Steve there.

4. Jenni met Michael there.

5. They have all gained an excellent education and grown into exceptional adults.

6. They all strengthened testimony.

7. They have met lasting friends.

8. Dad and I have had some amazing times visiting them there including; Mother's weekends, graduations, moving them in and out numerous times.

9. It has a friendly, small town goodness about it.

On the other hand, some things I don't like about Rexburg :

1. Freezing cold weather Fall, Winter, Spring.

2. It's in the middle of nowhere!

3. It's expensive to get there and back no matter how you travel.

4. It has taken my kids too far from home.

I enjoyed my time with Jennifer and Emily so much and we were able to hang out with Steph which was so great. We met a lot Jen's friends, her room mates, and her boss, Brother Tippetts, they were all awesome, I swear she knows everyone there. The temple is just so beautiful and I was grateful to be able to go with Emily. We went to one of the seminars which was excellent but mostly did our own thing and that involved a lot of eating. Em had her favorite spots she wanted to visit and Jenni and Steph have their favorites so we had to hurry to fit them all in. I think I'd have to say the pumpkin shake was my favorite, I don't know, it was all delicious.

Thanks to all who made this possible, especially Jen for inviting us. I'm worried about that being my last Mother's weekend. Bethany could you arrange to go to BYUI and invite me?

WE LOVE REXBURG!

It was a beautiful day for a flight into Portland and I took this photo of Mt. Hood. Cool huh?

Up and coming

2008-09-24T07:58:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share these adorable pictures, a couple you have seen on other blogs but aren't they so cute? What about basketball though? I thought with the five little boys we were going to have our own basketball team.

Go Team!!

Keeping us young

2008-09-24T07:42:00.000-07:00

YSA'S know how to have a good time and we tag along and enjoy the ride. Saturday we went to the coast and helped with the Oregon Beach Clean Up. It was a beautiful day to walk along the beach even though we didn't find all that much trash to pick up. We had delicious food, a water slide down the sand dunes at Honeyman State Park and the most fun of all was building our own boat out of cardboard. Dad was on the winning team and he was very proud and excited.

I really love Sunday

2008-09-14T18:26:00.000-07:00

I remember when I couldn't say that I really loved Sunday, it didn't really seem like a day of rest when the children were little and I was trying to keep them quiet in church while Bruce sat on the stand. When we got home, they were starving and I couldn't get dinner on the table fast enough then we all fell asleep. Those were good and happy times and I remember them fondly but one thing I like about my life now is that I can actually listen in church.

Today the talks were all about adversity, what it is and why we have it and what we can learn from it, etc. They were all excellent talks and I guess I needed to hear them. I love the gospel so much and am so grateful for the help it gives me.

I had more to say on the subject of Sunday and why I love it but Dad woke from his little nap, he's been up since 4:00, and wants to sit outside so I can't miss out on that.

Today was an especially fun Sunday as our nephew, Clay and his wife Shirley, spent the week end with us and went to church with me. Shirley is studying to be a surgical tech had a conference in Eugene and we were happy for the chance to have them visit us. Clay watched the Duck game with Dad and helped me on the computer while Shirley was gone yesterday then we went out to pizza. Sad to say the Papas Pizza isn't as good as it used to be :(

I hope you have a great Sunday! I'm going to sit out while the sitting is good.

Happy Birthday to me!

2008-08-27T15:49:00.000-07:00

Bruce complains that we are never home for my birthday so he could make the day nice for me the way he would like to, I looked back in my journal and sure enough it's true we are either camping, visiting in Beaver, driving a child to or from Rexburg, etc. It doesn't bother me though, in fact it makes things a little more exciting this way.

This year was super great as we went to Beaver and celebrated with my mom and family there, then on to Las Vegas and celebrated with Em, Steve and Easton, then home where Jenni had fixed my favorite taco dinner and fruit pizza. I spent the rest of the day on the phone with my children and grand children which was the best. I love birthdays and being remembered even at 57! (I actually thought I was 57 most of last year so it is like getting a bonus year:)

Thanks to all for making my day great!! I love you. Most of you know that Warner's birthday is the same day as mine so we finished out the day by sharing our desserts and gifts over there.Check out this awesome apron LeAnn made me out of a table cloth. I love it!

There are so many delicious ice cream places in Las Vegas, I think we still have a couple to try. This one is all low fat frozen yogart with tons of topping choices.

We ate a lot, tons, and visited a lot and just had a great, relaxing time with family. Dad spent any spare time doing chores around the house for Grandma and watching the olympics.

The is a lot of beautiful scenery between Las Vegas and Southern Utah that I had forgotten about, it's been awhile since I made this drive. It made me want to visit so many other places again... Bryce Canyon, Zions, The Grand Canyon, Lake Mead and Hoover Dam. Guess we will just have to go back next year about August 24th. It did my heart good to go back to my home town, I love BEAVER!!

Joyous July part two

2008-08-07T17:15:00.001-07:00

Shayanna wasn't able to attend the reunion because of Dontea's baseball tournament in Portland but she and a friend spent the night with us the week end before and we had a great time at the mall and Amazon pool. Isn't she just so pretty?
I love Summer so much if for no other reason than sitting out waiting for "the plane" with Mitchell's and who ever else will join us. This night it happened to be Steph's boy friend. He thought we were a little strange but we like him anyway.
The day after the family reunion it was off to girls camp for a fun filled week with the girls from our stake and all my old buddies. Here we are building our kitchen, sorry I don't have a picture of the finished product because it was awesome. I love the spirit there, I slept well every night and just had so much fun.

Jenni is home with us for seven weeks and that just tops it all off. I feel really blessed as I recount the past month. Hope you are having a great Summer too!!

Joyous July!

2008-08-07T16:28:00.000-07:00

First off, proof of the rafting trip I told you about earlier. This is Dad starting a water fight the minute he got in the boat. He is the one in the hat with the bucket!!
Beautiful scenery all the way.
Of course the picture of me is on the calm part of the trip.

Next up: Jolley Reunion

What a joy it was to spend time with our family at Horseshoe Bend campground, a place so dear to our hearts. It flew by and the days were filled from start to finish with all the things we love about spending time there. I was a little bummed when I realized I didn't play even one hand of 500, (as I remember it, I did beat Bethany in a game of phase 10, right Beth?) and I only got one ice cream snickers and visit to Dry Creek Store and that was on our way out of town the last day. I stayed busy spending time with the kids and what fun that was, they are too adorable for words. Thanks to all for supporting us in this. We love you!!!

#1. I think Jill was resting when we let Justin play in the dirt:)

#2. Getting ready for our hike

#3. I love this photo, Kellen was so tired he could hardly keep his eyes open but was determined to have a smore before bed.

#4. Last day photo

#5. We aren't used to catching this many huge fish, thanks Brad and Kristy!

Facing fear

2008-07-13T17:01:00.000-07:00

I wish I had a photo to prove this and hopefully will have soon but we floated down the Rogue River yesterday with the young single adults and I am just so happy and proud that I actually did it that I had to blog.

I am not comfortable in the water and am afraid of it. I did take swimming lessons as a child but wasn't good at it and remember all too well those belly flops. I've always wanted to float down the river though. With a lot, really a lot, of coaxing, I decided this was my chance.

I was blessed with an experienced guide and went in the so called "dry" boat and that was a good thing. Bruce on the other hand, took a bucket and was involved in and instigated full blown water fights the entire day.

The scenery was gorgeous and I had so much fun! Because of the skills of my guide, the rapids were a blast instead of frightening and I felt very safe. Rafts did overturn and people were thrown out so I learned that I wouldn't go down the river with just any one. This was the perfect river for my first experience, I'm so glad I went.

We love visitors!

2008-06-17T18:04:00.000-07:00

We were so glad to have Marc, Connie, Kellen and Caleb visit us on Father's Day! Melanie noticed right off when she called that the house wasn't dead quiet like it was on Mother's Day. I'm not complaining about Mother's Day, it was great, just quiet. I don't see Connie or I in any of the pictures, no surprise there, but we were there and we had a good time visiting and watching the boys play, aren't they just adorable. Thanks to all of you who remembered Dad, he loves you and it meant so much to him.I could hardly believe that I got to spend time with my sister, Janet, today! She called last night and ask me to meet her in Florence so I drove over and we spent four hours together in Old Town and The Sea Lion Caves and just had a great time, it was the best weather I have seen there in a long time, beautiful and warm. She is on the end of a vacation with her friends Karen and JB Jones, they went on a cruise to Alaska. WOW! Lucky! I may have to get brave and do that some day. Ila and Val went and now Warner and LeAnn are going in the fall. I love her and we always have fun together, it is just few and far between that we get to spent time together so what a blessing. It's going to be hard to top my first two days of my Summer vacation. Yesterday was just so nice to be able to go to the store at 10:00 in the morning.

Sweetness in Seattle

2008-06-05T20:45:00.000-07:00

We hadn't seen Darren, Jill, Justin and Joseph since Christmas and that is just too long so we took a couple days off and went for a visit. Justin and Joseph have changed a lot in that time and it was so much fun to spend time with them again. The boys are so incredibly adorable and fun to play with. Justin is on the move at all times learning to walk and Joseph is such a good big brother, he just had his 4th birthday, loves to play outside and with his buddies on play days and is learning to read. He was a big help to Grandpa, Bruce the builder, when he helped Darren fix their gate and Grandpa helped him plant his very own tomato plant.We were able to go to their Stake Conference with them and Elder Ballard was their visiting General Authority so that was a plus. We had lots of delicious food thanks to Jill and enjoyed getting caught up. Darren was able to meet us for lunch and come home early on Monday and cook hamburgers and smores for us. Delicious!

Jill took us on the Water Taxi, to the pier where Darren joined us for lunch and then we had a great time shopping at the market. I think the only thing we really bought was ice cream but it was fun to look and smell all those huge fish! The water taxi was my favorite.

The time went by to fast, and we came home Tuesday morning after a wonderful time. Thanks Guys!

Recent fun times

2008-05-10T16:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Spring! I think it is finally here and we are loving Dad's tulips, it feels like they are this great reward for the long winter. He is happy to be able to enjoy his passion of gardening and has planted, corn, onions, carrots as well as lots of pretty flowers. Today he plans to plant the tomatoes but right now he has the freezer torn apart, it hasn't been working right as of late. I'm grateful he is so handy.Speaking of passions, I need a new one so if you have any ideas send them my way. I thought it would be the piano but it isn't. I love learning to play and am so glad I am doing it but I don't feel passionate about it like I thought I would. I still love to scrapbook but soon we will need to build on a new room just to keep them in. I feel passionate about my grandchildren and really need them to live closer so I can take them places and buy them things and spoil them more.

Here are a few photos of some fun days.

We were able to visit Marc, Connie, Kellen and Caleb and go to one of Kellen's soccer games. Marc was the coach and he was so great with all those little kids, it was just a blast to watch. There were maybe three who actually played the game, one of those being Kellen. He was exhausted from chasing the ball and making, seriously, all the goals. The little girls just walked around holding hands and singing Christmas Carols. So fun! They are building a room on to their house and it was so fun to spend time there. Thanks guys!

Jenni and I took her new car on it's first road trip to Boise and stopped to visit Em, Steve and Easton who were visiting Steve's parents so that was a treat to spend time with them even though it was only 24 hours.

The day care kids have been pretty fun lately and we just celebrated Emma's 4th birthday. I love her and will miss her next Fall as she is going off to pre school as will my other cute 4 year old girls. I am counting the days until my Summer break but I really do love these girls.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!! Be careful what you wish for though, I always wanted peace and quiet on Mother's day when all the kids were little and now that I have that, I'm not so sure it's all it's cracked up to be. I am really so grateful to be a mother and grandmother!!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

2008-04-15T20:12:00.000-07:00

We thought it was time to visit Las Vegas and went for another quick visit to see Emily, Steve and Easton and had a fantastic time. Jenni surprised Dad and arrived Friday for his birthday, since we haven't seen her since Christmas it was wonderful to spend time with her even though it was too short to even get caught up.

Dad thinks Em should be a taxi driver, she can really get around the streets of Vegas and took us to all our favorite places. We love the Ballegio and could never see the water show too many times, it is amazing and I love it! We went on an awesome hike at Red Rock and the weather was to die for. I guess they had a nice week end in Eugene but we missed it and it has been raining ever since.

We took Dad to see Elvis, which was amazing, went to the park, had delicious meals and played with Easton. He is growing so fast and saying a lot of words and it was just so fun to spend time with them. Thanks, Em and Steve! It's back to reality now but little get aways like this sure give me a lift.

Easter/Spring Break

2008-04-04T07:11:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful day for a baptism! Dad and I were so happy to be spending Easter with Tina, Scott and family and it was such a privilege for him to baptize Scott, Tamara and Taryn. We loved seeing their new home, which is awesome, playing with the girls, and sharing a delicious meal with them. It was an added bonus that Cierra was able to come from New Mexico.

The next day, I drove to Marysville, CA and spend Spring break with Melanie, Andy and the kids. I had such a great time being with them and we were busy every minute. Because of snow in the mountains, I decided to stay longer than planned and got to go on a little trip with them to Moneray and Santa Curz. We went to the warf, aquarium and boardwalk and just had such a grand time. There were seven kids and three adults in the van and very few problems, not bad huh? I was happy to finally meet their foster children; Jayden, Alexis and Geovanni. They are adorable. I actually enjoyed my drive both down and back so remind me of that next time I am hesitant to do it.

Dad was busy while I was gone and had carpet installed in the bedroom, started putting in the molding, fixed the light in my sewing room and much more. I think I should go away more often.

Oh, ye of little faith

2008-03-12T10:41:00.000-07:00

Bruce has a vision and I am a little skeptical. I should trust him, I know, because he has always done such a good job with the yard and flowers. I loved it the way it was though, stay tuned to see what happens.

Cowboys are alive and well!

2008-03-09T17:45:00.000-07:00

Dad was a big hit at the Hoe Down at Camp Alpine last night, he always loves to get into character and fit right in with the kids. It was mighty cold even though they had a raging fire burning, it mainly just roasted out the performers. I was really amazed at the talent from the branches as well as the Cowboy poetry and singing by Van and Kathy Criddle. Another great activity, they do have a good time and we try to keep up. We left before the square dancing so we could make sure we got an extra hour of sleep since we had to turn our clocks forward and I'm glad we did since today they all said they didn't leave Camp Alpine until midnight! If I really try, I can remember having that kind of energy way back in the day.

It is a quiet Sunday as Dad has been working all day trying to find a problem that has been bothering them all week. I am catching up on things I love to do when I don't have time so it's good in that way.

I added the photo of the daffodils for Bella as she wrote the most adorable letter asking if they had bloomed yet. It just made my day! It seems like we don't have as many this year but they are beautiful and I love them. We do have a bunch of tulips coming up and yesterday dad removed the tacky fence so you can actually see them. I will pray the kids don't step on them now!!!

Dad is home and ready to eat so that's it for now. Have a great week. Birthday time has officially started. Can you even believe that Jennifer is 21? Next week is Brad's birthday, then Dontea and on to all those in April, May and we even have a June now with Justin.

2008-02-27T08:47:00.000-08:00

Hello,
It's been a long time since I have blogged. I am pretty boring these days so there isn't a lot to say. The day care kids have all been sick this month and are just now feeling better. I am so glad it is getting warmer and we can go outside for a few minutes each day. Bruce and I started a project fixing up one of the extra bedrooms so that will be fun AND the daffodills are getting ready to bloom so that makes me very happy.

I was tagged by Le Ann so here are my answers to her questions.

What were you doing 10 years ago?
Enjoying all the things my kids were doing. Jenni was in the 5th grade and Emily turned 16 and was playing softball. Darren received his mission call to Mexico City. Marc and Connie started coaching softball. I was walking every morning, serving in the Stake Young Women, and doing day care. Those were the days of Dariano, Marcus, Emily Ota and Alex. Good Times!

5 things on my to-do list today:--Practice the piano, read my book club book, post this to my blog, (that is a hard job for me), take care of five little girls, work on a scrapbook for Bethany.

"Things I would do if I was suddenly a billionaire: Give to the poor. Put money away for our retirement, if we ever have one, so we won't have to live with Darren. Put money away for my grand kid's education.

3 of my bad habits:---Procrastination, over eating, and I say a certain bad word when I get frustrated.

Places I've Lived:-Beaver, Utah - Logan, Utah - Carson City, NV - Reno, Nevada, Eugene & Springfield, Oregon

Jobs I've had:- Wife and Mother, Secretary at Marist High School, Waitress at Sambo's in Reno, motel maid in Carson City, Child Care Provider.

Things most people don't know about me: I take piano lessons, -
I tag...Emily and Jill

Ups and Downs

2008-01-20T21:27:00.000-08:00

Em tells me I need to update my blog so I guess I'll give it a whirl.

January has never been my month. I usually don't feel well since I have to be the one to clean up all the sweets left over from Christmas and since I was raised in the day of, " we don't waste food" what else can I do. The let down from the holidays probably plays a part in the way I feel too and I hate to be cold. Some people, like those living in Rexburg, Idaho, would probably argue with me about it even being cold here but I am cold. It gets better, Tuesday I have the wonderful opportunity of having a colonoscopy, I've had a partial one before and believe me it was not fun! I hear the full meal deal is much less painful. Today was day one of prep by drinking lots of water, tomorrow is total liquids and the concoction they give you to keep you close to home is the nice way of putting it:) I'm sure it will all be fine and I'm not concerned. I have the next two days off and will scrapbook to keep my mind off it.

Now for the UP part! I have been blessed with good reason to love January! We have four grandchildren with January birthdays and it just brings such joy to think of them and talk to them and even see Nick, Kellen and Caleb. Megan turned 12 on January 11th. She called us since she was going to Branson on her birthday and it was so great to visit with her. I can't even believe she is in Young Women. What a beautiful, thoughtful girls she is and I love her. Then there is Nick, he turned 11 on January 15th. That happened to be the day his mom, Melanie, wanted to drive to Oregon for Brittney's funeral so being the helpful boy he is, he postponed his birthday party and accompanied Melanie on the 16 hour round trip to the funeral. Just what an eleven year old boy wants to do but he never complained. It was so fun to see them for that short time and I love him for doing that. Along with having Darren and Tina there, it was a bright spot in an otherwise very sad time.

Yesterday we went to Portland to see Kellen and Caleb for their birthdays. Caleb is one already, walking and a real happy little boy. Kellen is four, so smart and fun to be around. One of my favorite things in the world is to talk on the phone to him. He says, "Hi" in the cuttest way ever like he is really happy to hear from you. Caleb wasn't sure what all the fuss was about and he wasn't that interested in his cake but did pick away at it a little at a time. I'm having trouble with my camera card so the photo of Kellen won't show up, darn. Just imagine his cute face:)

Vicki Coffin shared a poem that she had received which reminds us how blessed we are and how grateful we should be compared to a lot of people in this world and that really helped put things in perspective for me. I am very grateful!! Enjoy the rest of January, I plan to.

Happy New Year

2008-01-04T16:40:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I can't believe it is 2008 and hope it will be a great one. We can't complain about last year that's for sure. Christmas was so great and I always hate to see it end. We have Jennifer for the week end and then it is really over.
It was wonderful having family here and talking to those who weren't and just watching the little boys play was so fun and being able to kiss their little faces whenever I wanted, that's the life for me. I loved taking Kellen and Joseph to the movie and the library. Thankfully Jennifer went with me to take them to see Reptile Man. That was scary and they were so brave and even touched snakes! I loved holding and rocking Justin, Caleb and Easton and spending time with all their parents. I love shopping with Jenni and hanging out with her and all the help she gives me. I love watching Em and Jen learning dances and doing crafts. I could go on and on but let me just say, it was all great! Thanks for coming! We love you!

It is blowing up a storm here tonight so Bruce will be working on the railroad and Jen and I will probably go see a movie that he wouldn't like.

I haven't got all my photos on the computer yet but here are a few that I love.

Getting Ready for Christmas

2007-12-14T14:51:00.000-08:00

Well, like the rest of you, all I have been doing this month is shopping and getting ready for Christmas. I feel like I am really behind for some reason and hope it gets done. We don't even have a tree yet, the kids keep asking every day when we are going to put up a tree and they all tell me they have had theirs for weeks. Oh well, this way Jenni can help us decorate it.

I wanted to show you my cute doll quilts before I wrap them. I had a good time making them from scraps for the little girls and they love to play dolls. I have to make something on the sewing machine or it doesn't seem like Christmas to me.

Merry Christmas to those I won't see. I love you all!

Pumpkin Pie!!

2007-11-28T13:13:00.000-08:00

Every year I tell myself not to make so much pumpkin pie and then when the time rolls around again I just can't help myself. One last piece to go! I think I will have eaten an enitire pie by myself. Dad is busy trying to finish off the raisin pie, no surprise there. He thinks Warner does a great job of making a good one but I tried it this year and it just isn't for me. Thankfully Warner makes it so I don't have to:) We will finsih off the turkey soup tonight and take a break until next month this time. Maybe not with all the Christmas parties coming up. Oh, well, tis the Season.

fun pics

2007-11-25T17:58:00.000-08:00

Trying this out again!

2007-11-25T17:41:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'm having a hard time but I am going to try again.

We had a great holiday and hope you all did too. It was so great to have Jenni home for a week and we just got back from taking her and Steph to the airport. We had a good visit with Marc, Connie, Kellen and Caleb on the way. Thanksgiving day was wonderful with the Mitchells, Brad and Kristy, Darren, Jill, Joseph, Justin and Jenni and we missed all the rest of you guys.
Love to all,
Carol