Hunt for Allyson & Dean Wood family

2011-11-02T08:51:00.000-06:00

Published in the November 2011 issue of the LDS Friend Magazine

are the cutest kids around. They had just moved to Nevada.

2011-09-30T22:48:00.002-06:00

What a fun year it has been with all of the groups working together better. The cheerleaders and Tri-Dels did a pom routine together. The band looks and sounds great in their new band uniforms. The community/military come together to do the flags. It's just a very impressive opening to the ballgames. It is classy!

Another thing that I watched, although it has been a few weeks back was when the team had to enter on a specific spot because of repairs being made to the track. The cheerleaders lined up; the Tri-Dels lined up, and the band lined up to welcome the team in. Stansbury came out first and our kids welcomed them onto the field, clapping making them feel welcome. It was just a really nice scene to watch. The kids from Delta were full of class. I was tickled with their actions.

We Love Clogging!

2011-06-30T12:35:00.002-06:00

The girls had another really fun year with clogging. Their teachers are awesome and, even as Candi is going to be next year, wants to continue clogging with her group of friends and teacher.

Aunt Vanola

2011-02-14T09:44:00.003-07:00

Aunt Vanola passed away last week on Saturday morning. We knew she was struggling and that she might be getting ready to go "home". However, who knows about that lady. I have received that same call many times and she has pulled through.

Before the call always left me very sad. Her son and daughter in law was away on a mission and I knew how much she wanted to be here when they returned. Well, Royden and Diane returned just three weeks ago. She had been there to greet them at the airport and had a couple of weeks to visit and then took a drastic turn for the worse. She is an elect lady and I will miss her but would never want to hold her back. It's time for her to be reunited with her husband, parents and baby son.

I remember visiting with my Dad a few years ago. We were visiting about Vanola and Lester. Dad really loved them both and shared his tender feelings with me. They are really just to sacred to me to share here, but needless to say, I'll bet he will try to be one of the first to greet her in her new home.

However, he may just have to wait in line. There are many who she knows on the other side because she has taken their names to the temple. I have over 12,000 ordinances done by her, her sisters and their families and that is just since 1994. She has been working at family history most of her life - long before I was there to witness her great efforts.

Vanola, I doubt anyone who knows you - even slightly - will wonder where you are at. I would never presume to know where most people are going to end up in the next life because we really just don't know their hearts fully. You however, have left no doubt. You will continue in the next life being an elect lady.

Ear Muff Headbands

2011-01-10T11:46:00.021-07:00

I have had some fun crocheting a couple of headbands this past week. I was asked for the instructions, which of course I do not have. This is my best effort to recreate.

Flower:
Begin: Chain 4. Slip stitch to join, making a ring.
Row 1: Chain 3 +1. *Double crochet, chain one* five times. Slip stitch in 3rd of chain three at beginning. This will make six spots to add petals.
Row 2: Chain 1. (This just gets you to the height you need.) Single crochet in first hole. Half double crochet (which means start to make a double, but pull the thread through all three instead of making it into two steps.) Double crochet. Half double. Single. And in each spot following: *1 sc, 1 hdc, 1dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc*. Join in top of first single when finished with that row.
Row 3: Pull the thread loop through to the back at the bottom of the last row. Take hook out and work from the wrong side. I usually chain 3 and slip stich between pedals but it is important that it not be too tight. If you need 4 chains do that. You also don't want it to be so loose that the chain line shows above the previous rows pedals. When finished slip stitch to the beginning chains and pull the loop between the pedals and the chains, but working on the "right" side.
Row 4: Making another pedal: Chain one to get the height we need. then in each of the following chain links (behind the first row of pedals,) crochet: 1 sc, 1 hdc, 3 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc. Join.
Row 5: Make another chain link behind the pedals. This time it will take 4 or 5 chains to make it long enough.
Row 6: Making another pedal: ch 1. *1 sc, 1 hdc, 2 dc, 1 tr, 2 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc* in each chain link.

This should be large enough for the headband if you are using regular yarn. If the flower has too large of a blank center for you, just add a little ditty in the center:
Center Ditty (optional): chain 4. Join. 3 popcorn stitches with only the finishing chain at the end, but no others to seperate them. We want it tight. Popcorn stich instructions. Pull thread up high and loose. Wrap, pull thread up through x3. Pull a thread through all of the loops on the hook. chain one to finish the look off. (Making 3 and join at the top). I just used a needle to attach the two since it was the easiest. I also did it while attaching the flower to the headband.

Headband
I like it made with a tight stitch so I opted for the afghan stitch. To make the afghan stitch you will begin with eight chain stitches. Turn. Pull a thread up through each of the 8 chains, but leave them all on the hook until the end. Then you will take them off two at a time. Wrap, pull through 2. This will end up spacing them all nicely except the first two stitches. You will have to actually separate those first two that you pulled through (which works out to be the last stitches in the row in my brain). Here we go.

Start by chaining 11. I use one to turn on.
Row 1: skip the closest chain to the hook and bring a loop up onto the hook in each of the other 10 stitches. At the end grap the thread and pull through two loops at a time. Now, after the first two loops it will actually look more like pulling it through a chain and a loop each time.
Row 2. Chain 1. repeat row 1.
Row 3. Chain 1. Afghan stitch three stitches. Wrap the thread around the hook twice. Afghan stitch three more stitches. Afghan stitch them off the hook, making the loops into stitches that are not secured to the bottom - Making a start of a button hole.
Row 4. repeat row 2.
Row 5. Increase by one stitch in this row. Chain one. Make another stitch where the chains came from. It's a slick place to add a stitch to your row.
Row 6, 7, 8: repeat row 1, (but you will have one extra stitch on your hook than row one)
Row 9: repeat row 5. and so on

Keep increasing every few rows until you reach 30 stitches. This width is perfect for teenagers. I made one that went up to 40 stitches and it was much too thick. It looked like a spoiler on a car top. Silly. I just folded it over and used it anyway, and it too, was a big hit.

Decreasing:
In theory you would do the same number of rows and then decrease by one stitch. However, I found I had to decrease at least one row early. Just fold it in half and when one side is thinner, make the other side match. I think that decreasing at the end of the row was much less noticeable. I actually went through the last two stitches together (or the previous row) and made one loop, or one stitch.

I think 19" works pretty well for teenagers, and 17-18 for smaller people. It needs to be a bit tight. I think the head I measured was actually 21 inches, and I took two inches off to make it pull tightly/nicely.

Have fun!
Note: really any stitch will work. If you want to single crochet the entire thing that would be fine. Double would work also, but it would be a bit airy. Triple, I don't think I would like much. I liked the tight weave. Just keep it about 19" long (around the head) and about 3" thick at the crown and it should be fine. No rules!

Cruisin' Family

2010-12-22T11:51:00.002-07:00

Just before we got off the ship. We had a great time.

Snow Hut

2010-12-21T22:01:00.002-07:00

With such a great snow storm, Taylor and Nikki decided to build an igloo. They tried to make it in the front yard, away from the sun, but it was too muddy so they built it on the back lawn.

The bricks of the hut were made with the laundry bucket and stacked on top of each other. Then the snow mortar was added.

Dean is posing so you can tell that you can stand up inside. However, I don't know how you get in; just bending over didn't work for me. I would still have to crawl.

Let It Snow!

2010-12-21T10:29:00.003-07:00

We have been really dry this year. While all around us people were getting snow we just got a skiff. This morning I watched the news and thought we might get a couple of inches, and thought that was being generous. 9 inches! And perfect snow for a fort, but alas, I am off to work and can't afford pneumonia again this year. It really is a beautiful sight.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-02T14:31:00.006-07:00

I have been working on a blog for two of my aunts. They have been very generous in helping me with my genealogical efforts. I hope they and their families will enjoy them.

hunt2proveit4jewell.blogspot.com

hunt2proveit4vanola.blogspot.com

hunt2proveit.blogspot.com

Happy Halloween

2010-11-18T22:39:00.000-07:00

Kim and family were here for the holiday.

Some Things Never Change

2010-11-15T12:30:00.004-07:00

Taylor and Chandra

2010-10-29T09:40:00.002-06:00

First time I met her I knew I had better get busy. When Taylor said he had taken her on a "second date" I was sure. Turns out I am right.

Wedding planned for
December 28th 2010.

They have worked like little tornadoes and actually gotten enough done it is as if they had a 4 month engagement.

Have Miracles Really Ceased?

2010-10-25T10:25:00.000-06:00

I'm afraid I would have to stand up on this one and say "Absolutely not!" I have witnessed miracles all through my life but just this week I was again reminded.

I saw my nephew this past weekend. He was hurt very badly over 15 years ago. He lost the lower half of his face, including teeth, taste, nose, sight, chin and jaws. Today he has been reconstructed - but that isn't the miracle I speak of. Yes, he has lost his sight and when it happened we thought for sure he would want out of this world but at that time he was given a Priesthood blessing that he would see better than he has ever seen. No, his eyes still don't work, but he does in fact see better than he ever has in his life. He has become a lawyer with the sweetest wife and cutest boys you will ever find. He is a joy to be around and we stand in amazement at the miracles that have taken place in his life.

Another nephew was also in a terrible accident. He has become a quadriplegic through the events of that day. His son really wanted his dad to baptize him. Did the child forget that his dad was in a wheelchair with very little strength or movement? Well, I will forever regret that I didn't hear about it before hand so I could go and witness this my brother carry his paralyzed son into the font, place him in a wheelchair where his eight year old met him in the water. Placing his dad's hands just so, I think so that he could keep hold on his dad's hands, the prayer was said and holding tightly to his father he buried himself into the water until the small lifting movement told him he could come back out. That he had totally been covered and baptized. Not only was the baptism act a miracle but the fact that my nephew wanted to baptize his son would be considered a miracle by those who may have known him a few years ago. Yes, full forgiveness is also a miracle.

On Friday last, I received a call informing me that my brother had been hit on his motorcycle, flying 38 feet in the air, landing in the oncoming traffic lane of an interstate detour without a helmet. Funeral should be planned for sometimes this week, but instead he sits at home, with a broken hip, couple of ribs and two toes. He has a couple of scratches on his foot and a deep gash on his hand. Come on! 38 feet with no helmet into oncoming traffic lane and he looks better than I do.

We experience them every day - we just need to recognize them. I am so grateful to have witnessed and been reminded this week of these four miracles and I must go on record stating, "No, miracles have not ceased."

Chandra, You Up For Another Challenge?

2010-09-30T19:25:00.003-06:00

Turn the volume down first. Taylor's pretty excited.

Where Does the Time Go ..... ?

2010-09-09T19:43:00.002-06:00

I am sitting at the Family History Center waiting for someone to come in but no one does. It's a bit of a bummer.

I usually bring so much stuff with me that it doesn't really make any difference to me, but tonight even Dean went home. I'm all alone .... and lonely.

Then, to my surprise I get a text from Taylor. Pointing out that I'm missing a bunch of stuff by not getting on facebook once in a while. So I spent the next little while visiting with him and one of his new friends from Snow. Sounds like college is treating him well.

Kim and family came for part of the weekend. We enjoyed their visit and then went to Lemerado days. Did they miss spell that on the program. If your town is named Leamington, wouldn't you spell it Leamerado Days?

Mike is buying a new house. That will make three houses that we haven't seen, although I saw Blaines three times before he moved in.

This week is Stake Conference so we won't be traveling this week but maybe in the next couple we can make the rounds. We are planning on spending General Conference unpacking Mike and Zub. I will probably take Ben, and his cousins, and go to a park for a while. Is Chucky Cheese considered a park? :) I could park there.

The Rest of the Story ....

2010-07-29T11:17:00.005-06:00

At cousin camp Kelly started telling us a story and I just started giggling. Who would have ever known there was more to the story than what we saw?

At one of our early cousin camps we took Erin and Kristin to one of the local rodeos. Someone next to us told us we better watch close because the night before a bull had jumped the fence and it was the next bull up. Well, just as he said, the white bull came right over to our side, and without missing a beat, jumped the fence. It scared Erin so badly she fell right between the bleachers down to the ground - where the bull was. He didn't even stop to look at her and we got her back up and all was safe. It terrified all of us for a few moments. Over the years we have recalled the events of that rodeo and smiled.

When Kelly was talking to me at Cousin Camp, he mentioned that Dad had owned a bull at one time that was a knot-head. They couldn't keep it penned and finally in frustration, sold it to a local stock man for the rodeo circuits. He continued to jump the fences at the rodeo and so only lasted a year or two because they couldn't control him at all. I am thinking they are one and the same. How funny is that?!

Letter to Mom

2010-07-29T11:14:00.002-06:00

We had a good 24th. I sent the kids up in Taylor's car on Friday and they stayed with Mike. Kim and her family stayed with Blaine. I went up early on the 24th and went directly to the parade. The kids kept me informed about what was happening at the announcers stand, and I came in from Liberty Park. I walked almost half the way before I
found the Delta band and then walked on the side taking pictures the whole way back. They did really well.

I was mostly worried about the kids getting too hot. Dressed in those long pants, black, no less. But they had a couple of parents walking around and spraying them with squirt bottles, and even giving them a squirt in their mouths to help quench the thirst. They did really well. I don't think any of them suffered from anything more than sore
feet and being hot.

We then went to Mike's and fixed a picnic. We went to a neighborhood park and had a "baby doll" birthday party for Alexis. She was really excited for everything but then Taylor called her over to see that her baby dolls were trying to eat all of the cake. Taylor had taken icing and mashed it in their faces. MaKayla was about in tears seeing that.
I actually had to cram my keys down their mouths, with a rag wrapped over them, to get all of the icing out of all of the cracks in their mouths and noses. That didn't go over well. We visited until about 8 that evening and then I came home leaving the kids.

On Sunday, Taylor drove the girls over to Kim's house to help her for a week. Nikki is in charge of keeping the kids happy and out of Kim's hair. Candice is in charge of Iceman - whenever he cries Nikki calls for Candi to come and get him. Taylor and Kim have spent most of their time working on the walls. They are in the process of painting the walls today.

But even that has given them a few fits. The white walls painted easily but the tan walls are keeping the paint from sticking. Nikki said the paint just falls off them. I guess they will have to sand them to get the primer to stick. She doesn't really know why that happened.

Tom, Dean's cousin, moved in with us about 6 weeks ago. We don't really see him much because he works all day and then spends the evenings looking for a place for his family to move in to. Things are pretty tight around here - very few homes available and they want more money than they are asking for per foot than Salt Lake. He is hoping
to rent a place for a while, and planning on getting his family here by about the 22nd. It has been nice having him here. Nikki loves the fact that he likes to play card games and she can finally get someone to play with her more often than she can get me to.

Happy 3 Cutie!

2010-07-29T10:59:00.007-06:00

Allie held off her birthday party until Grandma could come and celebrate with her. We met after the 24th "Days of 47" Parade and had a little picnic for the family and a bunch of baby dolls. Jo-Jo is starting to show a little scare-hair but the rest were decked out in their usual cute outfits. We had a tea party size lunch for the babies and Mom had to help blow out the candles on Allie's mini cakes. Grandma gave her our present - a pioneer doll and a back bag for the three oldest kids. We had a fun day. It was delightful to see Allie figure out how to make the back pack into a sling for her new dolly.

"I Should Have...."

2010-07-29T09:46:00.005-06:00

Going through the house, doing my usual chores, I noticed that the dog beds needed to be washed. I gathered all of the blankets and pillows we have laid out for them to make their sleep nice and comfortable, and after shaking out the sand they collect, got them ready to go into the washing machine.

While inspecting them I noticed the large pillow had a small hole in it. I quickly remembered it was there last time I washed it and I meant to fix it but hadn't gotten around to it. I grabbed a pin, folded the edge over a couple of times and tossed it into the wash. I would mend it clean rather than while it was dirty.

About an hour later I found my washing machine full of little pieces of stuffing. Almost every last piece of cotton fluff had come out of the pillow and was mixed amongst and clinging to the rest of the blankets and dog pads. I spent the next 50 minutes restuffing the pillow and scolding myself.

Why, when I saw the problem did I ignore it? Why didn't I take a needle and fix the hole with just a couple of stitches and be done with it? Mom's old saying "A stitch in time saves nine" ran through my head over and over.

This week I have spent a few hours going through the Conference talks in the May Ensign. I have pulled out what seemed to me to be the main "warning" or "wisdom" in each talk. The compiled list reminds me there are "holes" in my life. Nothing terribly big, just little holes that appear small most of the time. But under pressure, will those little holes cause great problems? Will those little things I ignore cause me to lose what I treasure and hold dear?

Sometimes it is necessary to step up and do the "dirty job", to fix it now before it gets worse. I challenge each of you sisters to look for holes in your own lives and mend them as they become apparent to you. I, too, will be looking a little closer, and redoubling my efforts in many areas, as I return to my washing machine to finish retrieving all of the cotton, now lodged in the little holes of the bin. The pillow was a good reminder.

Cousin Camp 2010

2010-07-14T11:28:00.004-06:00

We started "Cousin Camp" years ago with my older children and had lots and lots of fun. We invited all of the cousins (above 5) to come and stay for about 3-4 days. We have brought it back again for Candi and Nikki. We invited all cousins and cousins once removed in that age group. All girls helped cook and clean up afterwards.

Schedule:

Monday, July 5, 2010

Make Hot Dog Roasters

Necklaces with Becky

Roast Hot Dogs

Tuesday, July 5, 2010

Sew Capri Sun Bags

Bread Clay Jewelry

Smores

Go to the Rez

Movies

Wednesday, July 6, 2010

Sew Levi Jean purses

Jello-cheesecakes

Pool and Shuffleboard

Family Memorial Weekend

2010-07-14T10:54:00.005-06:00

Kim's three oldest children came and stayed for a week. Josh and Kim dropped them off on their way to Elko, Nevada. We had all kinds of fun planned for the week.

I missed not taking the opportunity to visit a cemetery on memorial weekend a few years ago, and so we went on a little road trip. I realized the kids had just been in the van for 16 hours and it was tough to turn right around and get back in, but they were troopers.

We visited Hamblin, Enterprise, Hebron, and Santa Clara Cemeteries. I brought 3 egg boxes (larger than orange boxes) of my old wedding flowers and let the kids decorate the family graves. Wow.

They really went all out. Many of the flowers were single, but they took those single stems and made a carpet of color across the grave. When we left Hamblin, especially, you couldn't mistake which graves were our family.

Sewing Camp 2010

2010-06-20T14:36:00.001-06:00

Once again the girls went to sewing camp this year. I helped with the 3rd year girls, but ended up having to work so I was not as much help as I would have liked. I didn't do any sewing this year. The girls both did all of their projects 100% on their own.

I got out my wedding sewing machine and kissed it good-bye [in thought]. Then tossed it and another machine in the dumpster. I immediately got online and ordered 3 new machines to replace those 2 with. Love that new math.

They made: fabric beach balls, pj pants, purses, bath wrap, bath hood, chalk board, pillowcase, slice of cake pin cushion, rag flip flops, humanitarian dresses, funky scarf they did not finish. Another fun year.

Boondocks

2010-06-19T14:42:00.000-06:00

For the company party we went to Boondocks this year. We had a fun time and I showed everyone what a real score was - none of this low stuff for me!

Then we ran up to SL to deliver some stuff to Kim and Josh. We met them at Planetarium and watched a video about some pirates in space.

We enjoyed the day together as a family.

Camping with G&G

2010-06-14T14:00:00.000-06:00

Friday, May 28, 2010

Supper and Swimming

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Leave for Enterprise, Hike Walmart, Watch GGpa Ivin video

Go to Hebron, Enterprise

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Church, go to Hamblin and Santa Clara

Stay at GGma Edna's

Monday, May 31, 2010

Swimming Party for Colton

Go to Leeds to see GG&G Wood

Tuesday-Friday

Swim and play

Make & Launce Rockets

Catch Toads

Softball Season

2010-05-23T11:07:00.003-06:00

Nikki made it all the way through the softball season without breaking anything! Can't beat that!

She didn't enjoy the season as much this year, because she didn't have all of her friends on her team, but she learned a lot and was an asset to the team. She got to where she could hit the ball almost every time and brought in a bunch of runs during the season.

Clogging Competitions

2010-05-21T10:13:00.024-06:00

We had a bunch of dance competitions this year. I have to tell you I just love Jill Carroll's choreography. I am so glad Candi is in her group.Both girls are having fun, and Nikki especially likes that she has some time to play with friends after each lesson.This is Candi's second year and Nikki's third.

We went to Thanksgiving Point, and Lagoon with the clogging groups. Candi's group took 1st place over all.

Nikki's group got a 1st and 2nd place in their division.

Family and Friends

2010-05-20T08:42:00.002-06:00

Just a little more information ....

When I was up at the NGS conference I discovered a college in Toronto, Canada that offers an online genealogical certificate. It is different than a professional test like I am doing this year. It is an actual college that will give a degree/certificate.

Just like with Dean's professional engineer license, or Mikes Journeyman license - if they do not pay the required amount each year, the license can be taken away. That is how the AG accreditation works. I only have to take the test once, but have to keep paying for the ability to use AG after my name.

This college in Toronto - very Catholic - is more like me going to Dixie and getting my business certificate 1, 2 or 4 year certificates. This will be a 2 year certificate.

The selling point on this college [for me] was that I can email them and tell them that the grandkids are coming for two weeks and I don't have time to work on school. They will push the deadline back for me without any problems. The only requirement is that I let them know before the ending date. Not to serious.

Anyway, when I was in Salt Lake attending the conference I really wanted more. I am getting a bit bored of the smaller conferences because they focus on beginners so strongly and have only a few of the more advanced classes. I have attended a few of those 3 times. Conferences are great but you can get overload and you don't retain as much as you should or could. I think this is the perfect answer for me.

I have only started the first course, and it isn't difficult although the handouts they have copied are awful. I have to go online and find my own records to view because my eyes can't read their teeny, grainy handouts. In this course that has been no problem. It appears it will take me about 4-7 days to finish one course. I have planned on signing up for two at a time through the basic courses.

Another selling point is that I can take 12 courses in German. I will start mixing those in as soon as I get this AG test over with. I officially became a professional genealogist on April 30, 2010. After a few more months I can send in the papers to take the AG test. I have asked that St. Michael's College in the University of Toronto send me all of the binders for classes so that I can work ahead and do the work on there courses which I will turn in when I get to that course, but will be able to use the information for the test. I think it is win/win.

Crazy Easter Bunny !!!!

2010-05-14T14:33:00.001-06:00

The crazy Easter Bunny hid Nikki's box/basket in the oven and when Madelyn got up to fix breakfast she preheated the oven. Stinky!!! Taylor was kind enough to share before he woke up so Nikki still had some treats.

We discovered that the ducks bleed chocolate.

Time Passes Quickly

2010-05-14T13:18:00.002-06:00

I can't believe that so much time has gone by and I haven't blogged a thing. I have been keeping myself absolutely swamped the past few months trying to become a Professional Genealogist. So, okay. I'm a Professional Genealogist. But I am having so much fun that I have actually signed up (now) to go to school (which is supposed to get you ready to go Professional). When did I ever do anything in the correct order?

I am going to school online at St. Michael's, University of Toronto, Canada. I start the first week of June and should finish in about two years. The reason I finally decided to go ahead and sign up was this school is willing to work with me. If I have a family "thing" come up, I just email them and push back my "due" date. As long as I talk to them, they said they will be willing to work with me.

That gives me great comfort. I just never have been able to say "Yes, I will go to school (for me - never planning on getting a job to repay the school costs) and that if something comes up where my family needs me I will just tell them I can't help." With this school I can simply tell them I can't work on school for a certain amount of time, and start up again when I can. Big deal for a Mom that likes being able to help her kids and grandkids out when they need me to.

I am really excited about this and have had a hard time waiting to start. I pushed the start date back a month so that I could get the house clean. Not working out very well so far. :(

Just thinkin' about food!

2010-05-06T09:13:00.005-06:00

Cafe' Rio Style Salad

5-6 lb. pork roast

21 oz. Dr. Petter (not diet)

1 c. brown sugar

3/4 c. white sugar

1 clove garlic, minced

7 oz. can chipotle chilies in adobo sauce

6-8 oz red taco sauce (hot is great)

1 t. dry mustard

1 t. cumin

1/4 t. cayenne pepper

Slow cook roast in a crock-pot, half covered with water for 12 hours (low setting). After about 10-12 hours, drain the pork. Mix remaining ingredients in a metal bowl until sugars are dissolved. If you like less "kick" you can remove a few of the chilies. Add mixture to the roast and continue cooking on low for another 4 hours.

Once it is cooked take roast out and shred. Add back into sauce for an additional 2 hours.\

Serve over salad greens.

Dressing:

1 pkg. ranch dressing mix

3 tomatillos, outer papery skin removed, and chopped

1 c. mayo

1 c. buttermilk

1 c cilantro, rough chopped

3 cloves garlic

1/8 t. cayenne pepper

2 t. green Tabasco sauce

juice from 1 lime.

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Refrigerate in air-tight container.

Nut Case

2010-04-08T09:03:00.003-06:00

Okay, at the risk of sounding like a total, and I mean TOTAL nut case here goes.

This week, in looking over my records, I have one whole generation where it appears the records have been linked as a family because they are living in the same town. SCARY!

I am trying my hardest to sort them out, document and put them in the correct family. The records are so scarce that I am beginning to understand why they may have been grouped because of location. I went to bed a few weeks ago with the prayer that if they were going to be sorted out, He was going to have to send angels.

Last week a lady contacted me asking me questions about one of the descendants in that family. She sent me proof that he has a grandson of Benjamin Jr and then has followed with tons of newspaper articles from that time period. Made me wonder just a bit.

Today I just got off the phone with someone that asked me about an Ohio Depue. Chris N. comes down the line a bunch and has a contact. He said he would call Margaret and tell her he found me.

Two minutes after hanging up from him I get a call and the caller ID said "Campbell". I didn't even say hello, I just picked up and said "Man, that was fast". I talked to Margaret about her Depue connection for about 1 hour and had to hang up to go to work.

Do you think (if angels had wings) you could hear the rustling sound? Wow, I think I am getting help.

Getting Caught Up

2010-03-24T21:52:00.003-06:00

I noticed I hadn't posted for almost a month. Nothing exciting to write about but just the usual.

I've been working hard on reading 1500-1700 handwriting, making binders to help me in my research and attending classes for genealogy. I have a class in Salt Lake/Provo every month for genealogy and will be attending the UGA Conference the end of April for my birthday.

Relief Society is a little less stressful now that we are fully staffed. I am also the music coordinator but struggling a bit to get musical numbers for each week, since we don't know the themes very far in advance. They have now given me the themes so I can start working on that.

Not much else is going on. Candi is playing volleyball and we go to games every Thursday.

Just Us!

2010-02-23T17:07:00.003-07:00

Guats Up

2010-02-11T10:48:00.001-07:00

Guat’s Up? by Dean
A two year goal, we saved our dollars
Then packed our bags for Guatemala!
We soon flew off to claim our boy
On a jumbo jet, the real McCoy
Leaving cold and snow and ice
We found ourselves in paradise
First meeting with the President
Who is hoping we don’t set precedent
The city’s noisy, smoggy too
And traffic’s like a monkey zoo!
Driving like a loco hombre
First hit the gas; then you pray
Signal with your hand and horn
Dad was slow, but soon reborn!
The malls are modern; steep in price.
The Aquarium was especially Nais.
The city driving hurt Dad’s tummy
But the seafood there was really yummy
Leaving the city far behind
Up the mountains; made the climb
Mountain roads wind up and down
With tumulos in every town
The higher up those mounts you go
The smaller the Mayan people grow.
The people there were fun to meet
The men hard working, the women sweet
With round brown faces, four feet high
Their eyes are guarded; tired; shy.
Mostly black eyes; never blue
But we saw fair-skinned green eyes too!
Mountain driving was a blast
Honk the horn then blindly pass
Tourismo Gizmos everywhere
Would pass without a bit of care
Women’s skirts were bright and flashy
The roads pristine, the cities trashy
The men worked hard with their machete
Their packs piled high with sticks already
We saw poor caballos passing by
Seldom standing 14 hands high
And cattle trucks with their heavy load
Hauled 50 people down the road
The countless dogs resembled jackals
Unknown birds, but mostly gackles.
A scary ferry across the rio
One false move, you’re wet and frio
Laughing, smiling, singing songs
As though our trip could not go wrong
We blew a tire down near Semuc;
The roughest road we ever took
We prayed the doughnut tire would last
Then noticed we were out of gas
Cable walkways above the jungle
One false step would be a bungle
Howlers screamed out in the briars
Like prehistoric high school choirs
Tuktuk taxis zoomed around
Like cucarachas on the ground
Ancient temples in Petén
A glimpse of people way back when
Monkeys lept from tree to tree
We strained our necks so we could see
No pisotes, jaguars or green-plumed birds
But lots of gringos, how absurd!
Hotter than hell’s santuary
And it was only January!
Soaked our feet in cool water
And prayed it wouldn’t get much hotter
Darling members fed us well
Our bellies full; we all slept well
We did Candi’s homework on the way
"ar" verbs burned half a day
Cool cat tourists incognito
Learned a new word; "We’re perdido!"
Vocanos grande guard a lake
Natives scramble for tourists sake
Mom goes shopping, we’re out of cash
Checked her deoderant; found her stash
Boat rides on the lake; Azul
Nikki Anne thought that was cool!
Paintings, textiles, carvings, more
Harassed and mauled in every store
One saw the game all out of skew
5 dollars for 1, how ‘bout 20 for 2?
Beggar shadows tugged our sleeve
But one quetzale made them leave.
Candi found a stone of black
It shocked her good; she jumped back
Antiqua isn’t quaint at all!
The streets are lined with old brick walls
The beauty there was found within
Inside each square the fun begins
Even Micky Dee’s was quite a sight
Fountains, gardens, food; just right!
Tired travelers board a plane
Greatful to be home again!

Back to Regular Life

2010-02-03T14:18:00.004-07:00

What a fun trip we had going to Guatemala and picking up Taylor. We returned home on Sunday, close to midnight, and came home Monday. We stopped off at a couple of stores to get some shopping done so that Taylor would have something to wear. He left all of his clothes in Guatemala and has nothing to wear. All of the clothes he left in Delta are too large for him now.

We made it home Monday evening about 6:00 pm and met the Stake President, Roger Kilpack at the Delta 2nd Branch building. They visited for a while and then we were invited in to join them. Taylor mentioned that he had been in Guatemala as a missionary longer than anyone else in the history of Guatemala North Mission. He went for the MTC and then stayed 2 weeks longer. All in all he had seen the calendar change in Guatemala 26 times.

Dean mentioned that the ward knew how much he had struggled in the beginning and wondered if he might address that. Possibly explain what helped him make it through etc. President Kilpack said his two examples earlier would fit perfectly. They were the stories about his two companions that had real health issues. One had his foot run over and they had to cut some of his toes off. The other had yellow fever and spent a great deal of time in the hospital also.

What made all the difference with these two elders is the amount of faith they had. Elder Madsen insisted that he stay in the mission. He spent a good deal of time in the mission home but he fulfilled a great mission and made a difference to the people of Guatemala and to himself. Elder Martinez chose to go home. He had no intentions of staying once he became sick. Taylor said that he lacked the faith - rather it was him that had the faith and told him he needed to stay. In the end he went home.

It has been great to have Taylor home. He has not changed much as far as personality. He is still fun-loving and needs to enjoy life but he is much more mature, organized and willing to do what needs to be done. It is so amazing to send out boys and bring a wonderful young man home with you two years later.

Yes, I was there too

2010-01-30T18:54:00.003-07:00

Self-snapshot.

Swollen ankles and bad knees, but I held up until Saturday when most were ready to rest anyway. Once again the knee died before the feet. Guess it's time to try to rebuild cartilage again.

Dad, can we go climb the ... Volcanos?

2010-01-30T18:09:00.006-07:00

NO, but at least we understand Mike now after all these years.

Middle of the Busy Roads

2010-01-30T18:06:00.003-07:00

Yes, there are people walking right down the middle of the road, in and out of traffic. Not a big deal once you get used to it.

There are often 2 lanes of traffic with either three cars abreast as one merges or 2 cars and 2 motorcycles mixed with people trying to get on the chicken buses or to cross the street.

Another Great Day

2010-01-29T21:38:00.010-07:00

We spent the day in Antigua but really didn't have much of a plan. However, we fell right into a great day.

We started by moving the car by 8 am and going out looking at the town to get our bearings. We were then going to breakfast but happened on our Jade factory.

Raphael was our tour guide and he was suggested to us because, although he is not LDS, he has studied our Book of Mormon history and infomed us of things we would be interested in. Most archeologiest believe that the capitol (Guatemala City) is the Ancient city of Nephi and that Lake Atitlan is the Waters of Mormon. The jury is still out on that one.

One note of interest is that archeologists have identified a glyph that means "it came to pass". We picked up a couple of these little pendants for interest sake. They are made of black jade that is mined in Guatemala.

Kim had us looking out for the Tree of Life souveniers. Sorry, this one of jade cost $375. Your souvenier is the picture.

Candice in particular seemed fascinated with the jade jewelry factory. They have a small mayan museum there and had a large block of black jade for you to heft. I suppose they want to demonstrate how dense this mineral is.
Anyway, when Candice hefted it, she experienced what she described as an electric shock from the stone. Rafael, our guide wasn't surprised at all. He said it is rare but it happens. Weird stuff.

We visited some old Catholic ruins that were interesting.

Nik was tired today so Dean took her back to the room to rest. Dean got some much needed rest (he's pretty sick) and Nik got to watch TV. The rest of us walked around Antigua.

Antigua really is not the quaint fun little town that it was billed to be. It is layed out in a tight grid of very narrow cobblestone streets flanked with bleak crumbling walls that serve as the facade for the buildings. An inadequate three-foot sidewalk is all that separates the front of the buildings from the street. The secret to this town is that behind the sparse inornate doors, you often find wonderful cafes, restaurants, shops etc. centered around lavish gardens with benches and fountains, etc. Who would have thought? This town reminds me of the French Qurater of New Orleans without the ornate wrought-iron french architecture and veranda's. It also has that artsy, no makeup, granola feel like Salsalido. Ever wonder where the true hippies went? They are in Antigua Guatemala laying low!

We capped off our day by attending a lecture by some guy from U of Texas who talked about the Mayan calendar. It was in spanish but Taylor did a great job of translating.

Day on Lake Atitlan and drive to Antigua

2010-01-28T20:50:00.007-07:00

We were met at the Hostel at 8 am by the headhunter for the trip across the lake. He took us down to meet our guide and we were off.

We were given a choice of four stops and as long as we needed on the trip. We wanted to be back in the car by 3 pm. We opted to stop at the hot water springs, San Antonia Palono', Santiago Atitlan, and back to Panajachel.

We have already shopped ourselves out so we didn't want to spend much time at the little villages. We got out, looked around a bit and moved on. The exception to this was at San Antonia where the women asked to dress Candi in their native costume. They did this, of course, to sell us the outfit, but it was fun for us no matter.They were disappointed at the small scarf we bought before leaving. They also showed us how they weave all of their fabric.

We wanted to see another one but they didn't want us to take pictures of them weaving so we had to settle for this one taken with our camera that takes shots from the back.

These people are true artisans. To watch how quickly they work, and the difficulty level is no easy. One lady said it was typical to spend at least 3 hours, night and morning, working on their handicrafts to sell. I bought a piano scarf size for $5. That works out to be pretty cheap labor.

We went back to the hostel, where we had left the car for saftey, and went to the market street to buy the weights. I don't really know when I learned about the weights they use in the western highlands of Guatemala, but I knew I had to look for them. Carlos has been looking for us for a year. Yesterday we happened upon two vendors that were selling them. My guess is that the lady was pretty excited by the time we left with our bag full of weights. Souvenier mission accomplished.

The only other item I felt like we needed was a couple of notebook covers, which we quickly bought and headed back east to Antigua.

Antigua was the old capitol of Guatemala and we held out really high hopes for it. However, we didn't find the quaint town we had hoped for. There are many ruins but they all seem Spanish and it just doesn't have the Book of Mormon feel I have had elsewhere. We ordered in pizza and watched a movie on TV. (The whole time wondering why the cainted this ceiling like this)

This has been our worst room yet. I thought it was funny that we stayed in the smallest, dingiest room for the evening but it gave Dean a chance to heal.

Jan 27th 2010

2010-01-28T20:35:00.004-07:00

What a wild day. We got up early and headed for Panajachel which is on the shores of Lake Atitlan. We missed the turnoff and went out of our way by about 1.5 hours. Once we made it there, we found that the motel I had booked had no car parking and we would have to leave the car 4-5 blocks away.

Taylor found us a great little place in the Moon book we had been using and we were set. Dean has really been struggling with a head cold so he went to bed and we went shopping on foot. We found the weights only to discover than none of our credit/debit cards worked and we didn't dare spend our cash just in case we were stranted.

We woke Dean and went to find the big bank in town and find internet to get in touch with the banks. His card went right through and we paid off the visa just to be safe. Guess we can go back and get our weights tomorrow. We are going on a sailing trip tomorrow, stopping for my weights and then we will head to Antique.

Note: The weights we are talking about have been used for years but are currently only used in a couple of towns near Atitlan. See Alma 11. The largest is twice the capacity of the next in volumn and weight. Ours are brass.

Day in the Capitol

2010-01-28T20:32:00.004-07:00

We spent a chilly night in our little hostel. It turned out to be just right for us. We signed up for a cheaper room which meant we might have to share the dorm room with others but I thought we would gamble. It turned out we had 12 beds for the 5 of us. Tonight we will each steal a blanket from a vacant bed to put on top of our beds and we should sleep better.

We got up early and went to the Guatemala temple. I stayed outside with the girls. They would have been safe but I worried about Nikki getting nervous. They got bored but we just hung out and updated the blog. Finally I asked about the Family History Center. We had to wait almost an hour before we could get in.

We ate at the temple cafeteria which was very nice. Carlos joined us. He was a cook for Taylor in La Leyenda and they became great friends. He was a real blessing to us as we travelled in and out of traffic, here and there on little streets and ended up in the big market downtown. Talk about fun. We had a great time. He took off looking for my juicers while we looked at things we may want to buy. Once we got our best gringo price he went and purchased them, many for a much better price. We then went to the relief map which was fun to see.

The relief map was built in 1904 and gave us an idea of the layout of the land. They say that if you look at the relief map and then google earth you will find it to be very, very correct.

We dropped Carlos off at the bus station and went back to the hostel to rest. We ordered 2 for 1 pizza from Dominos and played on the computer. We could get used to this "play all day" lifestyle.

FHC at Temple Grounds in Guatemala.

2010-01-26T09:00:00.004-07:00

Holy Cow! Dean and Taylor went on an endowment session at the temple and I stayed out with the girls. I located the family history center and waited for it to open. I am sometimes late when I go to the center so I gave them an extra 5 minutes to open and we got out of the car and headed down.

They only have two computers, which didn't surprise me much but there were 15 people waiting in line. I counted! Back to the car we went but not without tripping over my bottom lip a couple of times. In the past 6 months we may have had 2 people come in on our shift in Delta and I thought I could just walk in and have instant use of the computers. Not so!

Day of Travel

2010-01-25T22:44:00.006-07:00

We planned for a very long day in the car today - 8 hours. We travelled all the way from San Benito back to the capitol. We were running behind the scheduled plan but too early to go right to Evelyn's for supper so we stopped off to see a couple of families that Taylor had baptized.
We found a place to park the car, but it was still a long way down a very steep slope which we would have to walk. I opted to stay in the car and let the rest of the family go. It was dark enough I just moved to the drivers seat and put on Dean's hat. I was sure I looked tough enought to pass for a guy waiting in the car.

I watched a group of children push their bikes up the steep hill and then ride it down, going at least 100 mph. :) After a while I noticed a lady watching me, and I could feel her how nervous she could be. Shortly her husband joined her peering out the door. I was sure I was making them more nervous than I wanted then and finally rolled down my window and said "Hola". The father relaxed and went back inside and the mother came over to visit. We spent a half hour talking and forcing me to use my Spanish. I think I did well with the exception of telling her that I had "Mal Pee-es" trying to tell her that I had stayed behind because of my bad feet. She looked at me with questioning eyes and I knew I had said the wrong word but didn't know how to say it. Oh well.

We went to Evelyn's to eat. We felt so at ease there and thoroughly enjoyed our evening with them. Her mom is a very beautiful lady as well as kind and sweet. No wonder Taylor loved going to her house. He spent a great deal of time there, yet never lived in their home as did other missionaries. She likes to sew and showed me some of her hand machine embroidery. She does a beautiful job.

We went back to the hostel to sleep. We went from one end of the capitol to the other.

I went through all of our luggage one more time to make sure that I hadn't missed my homemade computer bag. We do not have it. I stressed over it all day but the motel said they did not find it. We are out $50, a flash drive, some pens and the bag itself. Not to fun, but could have been much worse.

Dean has a cold and needs the lights off.

Shopping tomorrow as well as attending the temple and seeing a huge model of the landscape and layout of Guatemala.

District Meeting in San Benita

2010-01-24T22:26:00.001-07:00

Today was most definately a "Pay Day". We attended the district meeting (equivalent to stake conferences and wards for branches) The little building was filled passed capacity with primary chairs in all the aisles, the stage clear full, men standing on the back wall and extra chairs in every spot possible. I didn't even try to pay attention and read the Liahona we had brought with us as well as conference talks. The choir sang beautifully and I have never heard anything, and I do mean anything, as awful as the congregational singing. The piano was so quiet that everyone sang in their own key and silly me, singing the alto part which moves, stood out like a sore thumb.

I got lots of nods to say hello during the meeting and then when it was over there were so many people that came up to greet us. I'll bet there were 5 ladies/men that came up to us and rambled off for 3-4 minutes and we could only hear something like " ... mi gusto ..... amor su hijo ...... grand missionario ..... gracias ..... muy felis ..... muy dificil .... " to which I smiled and said "Graw-see-us". Others spoke slowly enough I could actually tell most of what they were saying, and then there were another 4 or 5 that I hadn't the slightest idea what they were saying except that they clutched at their hearts and left me feeling like they were saying we were welcome there and they loved having Taylor serve in their area.

The men would come up and slap him on the back and then punch his arm. The children would shake hands, in a special "secret club" way and then they would relax their hand in his and hee he popped their knuckles. I thought it hurt but they obviously knew what was coming - silly kids. During the meeting he stuck one boy in the ear with a pen. The boy turned to his sister with daggers in his eyes - she pointed to Taylor and he looked at me to confirm. I shook my head "yes" and he turned around to Taylor with shock then a great big "You're back smile". Needless to say Taylor was well loved here and obviously hasn't changed a lick.

We went to Amalia's again to eat, this time for lunch. She cooked many of Taylor's meals and the best food we have had here has been in homes rather than restaurants. It saved us money and we gives her an income. That has worked out really well.

We spent the evening with the McBrides and Torres. Sister McBride cooked a delicious meal for us and we also did a couple of batches of laundry to get us through. The Torres' were late coming because of meetings that went late and then left early to prepare for Zone Conference the next day. We stayed until the whites were dry and headed back to the motel feeling like the entire day was perfect.

Tikal Today - we're dead tired

2010-01-23T20:49:00.006-07:00

Wow what a day!

After a short drive, about and hour, we arrived at Tikal. All along the way we passed signs warning of jaguars, snakes, monkeys, deer, coatimuundi (long nose racoon) etc. After parking we loaded our backpacks for a day of hiking.

I really don't know what to say. It was breathe taking. Well worth the trip. It was so much easier that the hike the day before for me - everything was more level or normal stairs.

We didn't see much wildlife but enjoyed the monkeys in the trees while we rested. Another favorite was seeing the ant parade as they cut pieces of leaves and then paraded them all the way down the tree trunk across the trail and into a hole. There were probably 6 rows of ants getting the job done.

At the end of the day we were very tired but Taylor had made reservations with a member to eat at her house. He ate with her ever time he came to San Benito. It was they best - and biggest meal we have had so far. It was fun to eat with her. She was a joker and very kind.

What can I say - it was a perfect day.

Climbing Temple V at Tikal

2010-01-23T08:24:00.000-07:00

After climbing the trails of Semuc Champey with its steps that are at least 1.5-2.0 times higher than usual, I was terrified of Tikal. But alas, the trails in Tikal are easily walked, with a few minor slopes I had to navigate backwards. You do not climb the face of the temple. They have stairs to climb and most are like normal steps in a home - although they are made of wood planks.

I Spy .... Something ...... GREEN & Ixpanpajul

2010-01-22T17:32:00.005-07:00

We got up a bit later than the kids but I had packed everything well the night before, so we got dressed and headed out. We drove for maybe 5 hours today and I don't know the cartoon the kids were referring to (I guess it is brother bear) but, we spied nothing but green trees, and green trees and green. It was very beautiful. We left the jungle and drove into the Peten area. It is much flatter, which we were glad for after a solid hour of ups and downs and arounds.

We went to Taylor's last house. It was very nice and it was delightful to visit with Elder Turek and tried a bite of sugar cane. We stopped by the monkey house and visited with Pacha a while. Then we headed off to one of the National Parks: Ixpanpajul - a must see!

It took no time at all to realize I was terribly out of shape as climbing the stairs was pretty taxing on me. I quickly got my fan out of my bag (something I pack with me all the time now since my heat panic attack on the train from Bulgaria). I watered down my front, my back and my face and taking it slower than the rest of the family we made it through the trail. It is a must see.

The path has groomed paths lined with rocks and there are rocks and roots all through the path but I watched each step closely so as to not hurt my fragile feet. The stairs are higher than normal stairs much of the way and once I found a walking stick it was much easier. My dreaded tradition of my face turning bright red happened immediately and I kept the fan going full speed at all times.

The climb down was much easier than the climb up, but I relied on my walking sticks on the high stairs. I loved the bridges, long bridges between mountain peaks. They were a bit scary for Nikki but I found if I walked in the middle it didn't sway too much.

Taylor reserved us a motel La Palacia Maya in San Benito. It is beautiful and we are looking forward to staying there for three nights.

Fun at the Mall w/5

2010-01-21T23:05:00.000-07:00

Malls here don't appear to be extremely different that US malls. I think we have been to the Guatemalan mall as many times as we have been to a US mall in the past year.

Cheap (er) Tourista

2010-01-21T20:16:00.005-07:00

Dean has been driving us around Guatemala. We rented a Hyundai Tucson and he has learned how to drive just as crazy as the rest of the drivers around here. We have learned:

Alto = proceed; sometimes with caution, sometimes quickly and most times it's just more of a guideline.

Yellow lines = means there is two way traffic so when you pass (which will happen every few minutes) do so with care. The rule is try to save at least 1 second before the oncoming car meets you.

Drive with your horn - to say go ahead, my turn, watch out, and thankyou. It also means the driver behind you saw the green light and had enough time to push the horn his hand is resting on before you accelerated.

He's doing a great job.

Jungle Girl at Semuc Champey

2010-01-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

The hike through Champey was delightful. There are skywalks from one hill-top to another, maybe about 500 meters long. The hike is very strenuous for someone that has not exercised their stair muscles for years but it is still worth the hike. It was beautiful, although the swinging skywalk made Nikki a bit nervous.

Candi's favorite, and Taylors' was trying to play Tarzan from a vine hanging on the path.

Semuc Champey

2010-01-21T19:53:00.005-07:00

We got up early and hit the road by 7:30. Stopped by the missionaries, including E Ireland, who had boiled some water for our oatmeal. We got some change, water and were on the road.

It took about 3.5 hours to get to the waterfalls but it was beautiful. The pavement roads were great but the dirt roads were worse than a trip to Callao. We tried to go around a truck that was blocking 3/4 of the road and hit a jagged rock, punchering the white wall of the tire. After changing it to a donut we were off and enjoyed the waterfall.

We cancelled the longer hike since we had to buy a new tire back in Coban'. It took a while to find a tire store with new tires and they needed cash so we went around and around until we got that little job taken care of.

Supper was at Dominos pizza - not very Guatemalan but tasty never the less.

We learned how to get internet, turn on the hot water and planned for an early departure tomorrow where we will go hiking on a skywalk between a couple of mountain peaks.

Everything is going well (even the tire thing could have been worse. I never believed the donut would be able to make it on that sharp rock road) and we are enjoying the trip.

We have seen many Mayan people; the ladies and girls in their hand woven skirts and pretty lacey shells. We will stop in the next few days and look at some handiwork up close.

Driving through the Country

2010-01-21T08:04:00.000-07:00

On our way up north we happened upon a festival at a Catholic church. They were trying to raise money and so if we gave them a bit they were happy to have their picture taken with us. It was a fun find.

Taylor ask what they were celebrating but they said they didn't know. They just do this a couple of times a year.

We gave each of the seven children a coin when they came to meet us on the street. We should have saved them because they wouldn't let us take a video without giving more donations and they had given all of their coins away on the street before entering the festival. Live and learn.

Off to Salama'

2010-01-20T19:39:00.002-07:00

We drove the first part of the day and stopped out of Salama' at one of Taylor's converts house. We visited with him for a while and then Taylor pulled out his laser and we let the chickens and cat chase it. One chicken would jump in the air and run everytime it got close to him. The children loved it. One child was 10 and one 14. The father was amazed at the difference in the size of our children and his. All giggled for a bit about it.

We next stopped in town and visited three sisters. One was the primary president, wife of a counselor in the branch presidency. The other two were very sweet. The were kind about how much good Taylor had done in the area.

We tried to visit others in a different town but they were not at home so we took pictures of the school he painted and went to visit another family back in the main town. They were very kind, and loved Taylor. His picture was hanging in their front room. I felt badly staying so long because the wife and daughter had YW going on in the back room and they were torn as to where to be.

We went to eat at a nice little restaurant just across the street from the chapel. We had some great hamburgers and some over-cooked potato wedges. Every place we have eaten has been very nice, and very clean.

The YW family told us about an evening of fellowshipping being held at the church. We went there hoping to only stay 15 minutes and then get on the road. They had moved it to a home so we loaded up two Elders, E Wixom and Taylor, and went to a home. It was very large; much like a patio with a garden type sink and a TV with a couch in the corner.

The people there were very gracious. Everyone just seemed to love Taylor. He had served here for 7 months and truly loved the people. Again the laser came out. We left as soon as we had pictures with everyone in the dark.

We ended up at Don Victoria in Coban'. Candi and Nikki were a bit nervous because we are in separate rooms and it isn't as nice as Howard Johnson's in the capitol; but it is a nice enough place - clean and pleasant. We went to bed at 9 worn out from a fun, fun day for Taylor and enjoyable for the rest of us.

The Neis Aquariam

2010-01-20T06:39:00.004-07:00

Candice has been so very excited to eat at the first and only aquariam in Guatemala. One of Taylors good friends, Evelyn, from Esparanza came with us. She brought friend of hers from work, Anna. It was fun to visit with them.

Guatemala Cuidad

2010-01-20T06:11:00.005-07:00

Photos taken from the Mission Home.

The glass towers is the Mission Office building (four towers but you can't see the office tower)

Picking Up Taylor

2010-01-19T10:30:00.000-07:00

We arrived at 11:00 pm on Monday and Tuesday Morning at 9:00 we were a the mission office picking up Elder Taylor Wood.

We have 2 weeks of traveling around his areas and fun sites. It was great to see him and he looks good. As soon as Candi saw him she cuffed him aside the head and said "You left me for two whole years". That came even before the hugs.

Guatemala Cuidid Norte Mission Home

2010-01-19T10:25:00.000-07:00

The mission has a home and and office. Both are in very nice buildings in a great part of town. The mission office is in a mirror building and the home is just a couple of blocks south, easily walking distance.

Sixteen elders left on Monday and about 32 came in on Tuesday. The were being trained when we got there and so we didn't visit much. We went to the mission home to get the recommend book to take back. Both are wonderful places.

Arriving unexpectedly, we lounged a while waiting for Hma Torres.

Traveling To Guatemala

2010-01-18T12:30:00.002-07:00

We spent the day evening with Mike, Zub, Ben and Blaine after Tylers farewell. We played a mean game of "Bang" while Zub waited on us; cleaning up after supper (a great Mexican Chowder) and making beds for us. Mike and his deputy Nikki killed us. We went to bed a bit late, knowing we could sleep in a bit.

We got up early enough to do a bit of shopping and then Mike took us to the airport, and we were off. The problem that we discovered later was that I forgot to give him my winter coat, and didn't get a picture taken at the airport.

We had two flights: one to Houston and the next to Guatemala cuidad. We enjoyed seeing the lights of Mexican cities and the Guatemala had lots of town lights also. The city was beautiful as we flew in. The boy in the seat in front of us, much like Taylor at age 10, was jumping up and down - so excited to be back in his home country.

We cleared customs at about 11:00 pm and headed outside the airport hoping our shuttle was there waiting for us. We had arrived well after the time Hertz had closed. Off to the left around the corner was a man with a sign "Howard Johnsons" and Allyson Wood. That was comforting. He helped load us up and took us to the Hotel. Pretty steep price for thinking you can get a good deal $115 per nightm but we felt safe and it was a beautiful hotel.

Taylor called us at 7 am the morning of the 19th. We told him we would be there to pick him up at about 9. Everyone felt like we should get a taxi driver to help us get to the mission office but I felt terribly comfortable and like we didn't need him. At the rental car office we asked again how to get there. He told us we were looking in the wrong area and that a different spot was where we needed to be. He had a helper go with us to make sure we got there safe. The helper, extremely quiet and not pushy enough to be giving directions, took us exactly the way we had planned on going in.

All in all it has been pretty slick.

Family with Hma Torres

2010-01-15T10:15:00.001-07:00

Big Things in Little Delta

2010-01-14T10:44:00.004-07:00

Living in a small community gives

a bit of a false sense of security. We have known for years that there is an underlying drug business doing rather well here but I had never seen it.

Last week a police officer was shot to death just above her vest. She died with her flashlight still in her hand, which leaves me to believe she died instantly.

I have never seen anything remotely like the procession for her funeral. Lacey Keel and Dan Johnson, as well as others, arranged to have the two older schools released and they lined the streets with flags, on both sides. I am sure there were over 800 cop cars, most having more than one cop inside as well as hundreds of motorcyclesv that came to support.

It was a touching day to be a part of. I didn't know Josie Fox but she had a wonderful display of support from the community, state and the police from all over.

That's Disgusting

2010-01-09T22:18:00.005-07:00

Did you ever hear the one that says a dogs saliva has antibiotic properties and it will kill bacteria. Well, this proves that is wrong and our bathroom stinks soooo badly. We have 8 petri dishes in there, and the temperature is cranked up to 90 degrees. It is really terribly putrid in there. We should wrap it up in there tomorrow evening - if we can last that long.

This science fair project is really, really disgusting.

Safford Temple Coming Along Nicely

2010-01-09T19:49:00.004-07:00

I'll bet no one is more excited than anyone to have a temple close by. As soon as it is dedicated they will cut 6 hours off their trip each month and the kids can even stay with a friend sometimes while Mom and Dad go.

They were pretty excited to show us.

Happy New Birthday K,

2009-12-31T19:33:00.000-07:00

We spent the week after Christmas in Morenci with the grandkids. We had all kinds of fun.

We started by planning a party, then making mini-wands, rice-krispie cake, decorations, games etc. The kids loved having the aunts there to spend time with them and help with all the preparations for the party. We left before the party, but heard it went well.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-25T21:54:00.001-07:00

Mike, Zub and Ben headed to Dixie to spend Christmas. Blaine and Jo came to Delta to spend the day with us but had to leave before we called Taylor. I felt badly that they couldn't stay long enough to talk to him, I don't think they have been able to be here for any of the calls. We did do a funky MSN/cellphone call from Logan to Morenci one holiday.

We had a good Christmas. We were able to visit with Taylor for over and hour and then Kim called him and talked for another. Taylor has missed the Sant family

Cute Ben

2009-12-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

Our two oldest boys moved out of Logan to the warmer climate of Hill Air Force Base.

Blaine was lucky enough to have in-laws living close by so they moved to Farmington. Mike and Zub moved their stuff to Delta and then stayed here for a few days and went to Dixie to spend Christmas, Zub's birthday and the New Year. They should be coming back to Delta this week.

While Mike's family was here in Delta they needed to run back up north and look for an apartment but it threated to be stormy so Mike and I ganged up on Zub to say that Grandma was simply going to have to watch little Ben so she and Mike could both go. This is the longest time Zub has left him and it was terribly hard for her but really fun for Grandma.

He is just like Mike was. He likes to be held and not just sitting in a rocking chair being bored. He wants to move and see new things. We had a great day getting to know him.

The Sants

2009-12-22T22:36:00.000-07:00

Josh, Kimberly, Colton, MaKayla, Alexis, and Little Ike

Christmas for the Kids

2009-12-20T17:18:00.002-07:00

Not very exciting, but I thought it would be nice to have a towel set. I know that kids gets lots of towels for their wedding, but not a full set, so that is what I made for the oldest four this year. Candi and Nikki got hand towels and dish towels as well as dish rags to put under their beds for 10 years.

Christmas Eve Dec 19th

2009-12-19T21:35:00.000-07:00

This year we had our annual Christmas Eve at the Care Center a bit early. Burrs were going to be out of town and we met there on the 19th instead. It was wonderful to have Mike's family with us.

We started out with a bit of piano and quickly moved to clogging; followed

by the Wood band, and the Burr string group. We finished off with the traditional nativity.

We have gone from the early years with

"Frankincense and Puff" (the year the wise man wouldn't put down the cat) to a really reverent scene. It was another fun year of our tradition.

We headed home to get little Ben to bed, but the Burrs stopped at the park for a quick photo.

The Boys Toys

2009-12-10T18:40:00.001-07:00

Jesus is the Reason

2009-12-08T13:24:00.003-07:00

We decided to make a 4x4" tile for the sisters in our ward. This is what we ended up with.

Dean wrote the ditty this morning and we will hand them out starting tomorrow.

I hope the sisters will enjoy them. The entire Presidency peeled and put the together at our individual homes. It was a fun project.

Nikki's Friends Party

2009-12-05T19:26:00.000-07:00

Nikki's good friend invited her to her birthday party and Nikki was so excited. We spent the morning making her gift.

So, what are the chances that only two girls were invited and both girls gave her a towel with her name on it. Go figure.

Sick and Wrong!

2009-12-03T19:47:00.002-07:00

Kim asked me to help her out with her white elephant gift for the Human Resources Christmas Party. How'd I do? ... and yes, you can embroider on toilet paper.

Like Ike's Blessing Suit

2009-11-28T22:41:00.004-07:00

When I was just a girl I dreamed of my mother making my wedding dress so I could cut it up and make my children's blessing outfits. She thought I was nuts and had no intentions of going to all that work so I destroy it a few years later.

I mentioned this to Kim when she was just about the age I thought of doing that and when it came time to actually go shopping for a dress for her special day, we shopped with the idea of making the dress, adding extra fabric and cutting it into lots of smaller pieces.

I made Colton's suit, MaKayla's slip, Alexis' quilt blocks and then Ike's Tux. What a crazy idea, but the best use I have yet seen of a wedding dress. Each will have a piece of the day their parents were sealed and linked to the special day they were named and welcomed into their family.

Call from Guatemala

2009-11-24T21:35:00.003-07:00

Sister McBride called tonight. What a wonderful surprise! She was so kind to call and tell us a bit about Taylor.

"Elder Wood" is one of my favorites. He is such an amazing man." Taylor spoke of the McBrides in the very early part of his mission. I will have to go back and look and his entries but he really liked them. Now I know why. They lived only 1/2 a block away from him and he would stop by about 3 times a week for a snack and a visit. She continued to explain how Taylor is in the middle of the jungle. It is terribly, terribly hot. She was sure she would never be able to handle the heat - it so extreme.

She lives in a cute little cabin. The living area, kitchen and the dining area are about the size of her bathroom and home. No cupboards and no where to put anything. Taylor, and other missionaries, live in a cement block room with two desks, two beds and they have no place to put anything either. "This isn't Mexico". What she meant is Mexico is pretty upscale to Guatemala.

This country is very, very poor.

"Anyone that makes it through two years here deserves a medal". It is one of the hardest missions, if not THE hardest. "Your son has been wonderful. He never, never complains. He teases with us and, well, he is just one of my favorite. We will really, really miss him when he goes.

**Suggestion: Bring twin sheets with us, since most of the Latino Elders do not have sheets. They just didn't have enough money to buy any.

Day 1

2009-11-21T09:57:00.004-07:00

I guess it's time to fess up. I'm an addict. Nothing new. Everyone who knows me would be fairly quick to admit that, yes, she is an addict. All through my life I have had an addictive type personality whether it be tole-painting, crocheting, family history, photography or something else. I get started, and then become obsessed and eventually kick the habit from finding something else to be addicted to.

I'll bet that it has been the last 20-25 years that I have been a drug addict. What, a Mormon women in good standing in the church a drug addict. Yes. I have even confessed it to my bishop each time I have gone in for my recommend. "Do you obey the Word of Wisdom?" to which I immediately respond "No." The first time I respond this way, the Bishop is shocked and doesn't quite no how to handle it. Then the second year he is shocked but seems to quickly remember. After that he expects that answer. "No, is my reply. I don't drink tea or coffee but I overeat, love chocolate intimately and get no exercise; and if I drink a pop it is going to be Mountain Dew." He acts a bit relieved and signs my recommend, but I am questioning whether he should have.

Well, a few weeks ago Kim told me she had listened to a lady lecturing about health in some form or another and she had described me perfectly. "Mom, you have to get this book - Potatoes not Prozac. It's you Mom - it's you." So I ordered the book, plus another by the same author and started to read.

At first I was a bit amazed at how closely it described me, then I was appalled, totally and utterly. Someone had been secretly spying on me for my entire adult like and then had the nerve to write a book about me. Needless to say, she was right. It was me, though they never gave me credit in the book. Is there a possibility that someone else may be just like me? Needless to say, I am tossing everything else out the window and planning to follow this religiously.

Interesting enough, it goes hand in hand with everything I believe and have known to be true, but just have trouble implementing. Dr. Kathleen DesMaison likens it to a stool. I've done really well for extended times but I am just working on fixing one of the three legs - which doesn't really help. You have to work on all three legs, getting them all working properly or that stool is going to tip over.

I'll keep you posted on how my recovery from sugar addiction goes.

Little Girl Bead Socks

2009-11-17T18:20:00.004-07:00

Sister Merrill made Kim the cutest little socks with tri-beads crocheted on. The girls seem to love them so I decided to give it a try.

I looked closely at Sister Merrill's pair. She used baby yarn and crocheted 3 chains, added a bead, chain three and single crochet onto the cuff.

I couldn't get my beads on the baby yarn so I went with knit-crocheen. The only beads I had were round. I ended up threading on over 15 inches of beads for each sock and then chained 8 before adding the bead, chaining 8 to get back and single crochet on the cuff.

I think they turned out cute. I embroidered a little violet on the outside and spent the whole day shaking them each time I saw them. They ARE fun.

Surprise! and Merry Christmas girls.

Sports Update for Taylor

2009-11-02T10:42:00.003-07:00

Taylor, I realize that you would like me to be more literate in the sports department and be able to give you more info on the games being played here - so here goes.

We went to watch Delta girls play volleyball. We sat right above our team and had a great view of everything. They were great seats however, we couldn't see the scoreboard since it was right under us. We lost that game. Then we moved so we could see the scoreboard, but couldn't see the game as well. Why is it that they make the floor for the volleyball court a bright yellow - so bright you can't tell whether the ball even goes over the net. We lost that game too. Third game we did better. Maren Cook was the only one that played that I knew. I kept watching for Sadie Willoughby but they didn't put her in. We lost game three and headed home. It was held at UVSC so we dropped off Devon's peach boxes before eating and driving back. I think Delta took 3rd or 4th in State.

Halloween trunk or treat happened, but Nikki went with a friend and Candi, Dad and I all held down the fort at home. We had two groups come trick or treating this year but Ladd, our home teacher, brought us more treats than we gave away so we have a months supply at least.

Sunday I was crocheting so I did a sports marathon so I could tell you about the games. The first game was not memorable and I can't even tell you who played. But I enjoyed the Brett Farve game. I was really disappointed when they booed him. For heaven sakes, he gave them all he had for 16 years and you have to admit he is great. Besides, he is the only name in football I could tell you. He plays for the blue team now, and that's tough to root for the blue team when you are used to rooting for the green and gold. Anyway, blue killed them for the longest time. Then something happened. I can't tell you what because I was crocheting, but the green team had 7 more points on the scoreboard. Then, while trying to figure out what happened, green intercepted and ran it in for a touchdown. That was a little nerve wracking. Then before my next row was crocheted, they had the ball back and were running towards the goal line again. They scored again, though I can't remember if they kicked it or ran it to get the points.

I watched the rest of the game a little more closely but I had "power" so once the play was done I pushed forward and the it moved me to where the next play was just beginning. You can get to the final score more quickly, but it doesn't leave time for the brain to digest what happened. In the end Farve won and best of all, people in the stands held up signs saying "Welcome home, We Love You". Now that was worth the 2 hours I put into almost watching the game.

In the World Series, the red team just can't seem to get it done but it was nice not to have to force your self to root for blue. Although, I did feel a bit like a traitor because my early childhood years were dotted with NY Yankie logos all over Devon's room. I can't think of the boys bedroom in the old house (before I turned 7) without seeing those logos. Guess Yankies are still good, because they could win it all tonight in Philly.

Well, that's all the sports update I have for you today.

Love ya, work hard. Enjoy your new companion and your new/old area.

Mom

Which One?

2009-10-30T12:21:00.006-06:00

just a little tougher than for girls because you can't add all those frills.

(Crystal Shurtz is having a baby boy and did a pickup truck errand for me today, so I gave her the little pom-pom booties as a thank you.)

Temple Choir SHINES

2009-10-26T09:31:00.005-06:00

Yesterday we had a special stake meeting in the Priesthood room of the Manti Temple. In early January, our stake issued a challenge to each of us to find one ancestor and take them to the temple. This meeting was meant to be at the end of the year, but had to be moved up a bit since Pres. Harless is being released next Sunday.

Dean and I were asked to spearhead the choir for this meeting. What a wonderful, fun experience we thought that would be. I was lucky enough to direct them. Each week I was amazed at the talent in our stake. The choir was coming along so amazingly.

It has always been a goal of mine to make it through one musical experience perfectly. I always have to really mess up at least once or twice and the rest goes pretty well. I keep trying to break that nasty little habit and just do it perfectly, but alas, it never seems to work out for me.

True to form, I had my two special moments yesterday. I cut one measure out - yes, all four beats, and in another spot took a measure out. Terribly aware of what I had done, I kept going. That's when the real miracle happened. The choir and the accompanist followed me perfectly! Can you say "they didn't skip a beat" when it was actually four? So even though I cannot say I reached my goal, I can say with great conviction - I had the best seat in the house as I saw perfection.

Announcing our Newest

2009-10-15T12:44:00.001-06:00

Kim's babe Little Ike. What a little cutie.

Burrow Done

2009-09-28T18:50:00.008-06:00

We finished the burrow this weekend. Moved in two bookcases and Dad's des

k upstairs. The fridge

is stuck in the hole and it is stocked with sugery pop's so Mom can't have any. We still have to get the train track set

up and the mouse hole

(of course anyone with a memory would call it the right name - the Harry Potter mouse that lost his finger and looks like th

e real guy that p

lays him. The door needs to be painted and hung and then it will be complete. We are having internet troubles down there but we will get t

o that eventually too. Never a lack of things to accomplish in a day.

Dad took the girls

today and headed over to Fillmore. It is rumored that Moroni did some rock

writing over there. Now, that may be something I just made up, but that is what I

heard Dad say when I was eves dropping. They took the jeep, the GPS, camera and water bottles and headed out an hour ago. I couldn't go because I have to work today at the copy shop.

I am still playing at home with my embroidery machine. Having much too much fun and not getting the house cleaned and fall jobs done - but I haven't really started many of the summer jobs either so at least they will have good company all not getting done together.

The schools have taken something like 6-8 days extra off this year for cutbacks. Today was one of them. That is why they are out of school.

2009-09-13T19:07:00.002-06:00

I guess transfers are tomorrow so Taylor is wanting me to write tonight. So here goes.

We just got back from blessing little B. Rhoads. He is huge to me. I just got back from holding Isaac and last time I held Ben he was the same size as Isaac so when I saw him at 3.5 months I was shocked. Totally shocked. He was in 3-6 month clothes. (He isn't really huge at all, but my perspective was so off)

He is a darling little guy. He looks a bunch like Zubby's dad. When he smiles I see a bit of Michael and he has a great chin. He was perfect during the blessing. Didn't make a peep. Michael did a great job. Makes a Mom proud.

It was great to have all of Zubby's family there. I counted and we were like 8 there & 7 gone. Kim and fam make a good chunck of our family. They were there in Spirit though as well as T. We were tickled that Blaine and Jo were able to make it down. Gma Hunt and Gma and pa Wood both made it. It was really a nice day.

We came back home right after the blessing, which only gave me .45 minutes to get ready for choir. I didn't quite get ready, but I'll be totally ready by next week. They are sounding great. This is a fun job. I could do this every day.

Not much else happening. The burrow looks great. We will put the floor in this week as well as the molding and then it is furniture time.

Funny sight. Blaine and Jo were given a recliner by Gma Hunt. They put it in the back of the bug. They were even able to shut the back but when you realized what they had in there you couldn't help be be impressed.

Sounds like you are hanging in there Taylor. Good for you. You have to expect some harder times as the President trusts you more and puts you in tougher situations. We know, as does he, that you can handle it. Keep it up. You'll be great.

Temple Choir Music

2009-09-13T16:02:00.013-06:00

Dean and I have been putting together a choir for a special meeting in the temple on Sunday, Oct 25th. This is the music we have come up with.

Prelude:
.............I Am a Child of God/I Believe in Christ

.............Jesus The Very Thought of Thee SSA +
............ Abide with Me! (S sing tenor)
.............Sweet is the Work TBB

.............Beautiful Savior

.............Where Can I Turn for Peace/Be Still My Soul

.............I Need Thee Every Hour

Opening Hymn: "We Love Thy House, O God" Hymn 247

Special Number: "I Stand All Amazed" by Stake Temple Choir

Special Number: "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" by Stake Temple Choir

Closing Hymn: "Lead Me Into Life Eternal" - Hymn #45

It's been a bit of a challenge to get the music together. Thank heavens for Sally Deford. She is an amazing talent and so willing to share. She is one of my heros. My one regret with this choir is that we were only able to use her hymn arrangements and not her "To Those Who Came Before Us" which was perfect for the theme. It has been hard being obedient on this one but we have stuck strictly with the approved for temple worship list.

Letter to Lance

2009-09-13T15:48:00.003-06:00

Power and MANUAL (wheelchairs)! That is wonderful news. Bowling sounds fun - really fun. Fishing sounds terrible. Of course, that's a personal opinion.

Orlas Olger, a good old boy from Enterprise (probably 85 when he took me fishing) was the best fisherman I ever knew. He said he could teach anyone to fish. So Mom and I met him up at the Enterprise reservoir one day. He showed me how to bait the hook, what I should use and where to throw the line. He put his line in the water and while I was putting on the hook and baiting it he pulled out two fish.

I cast perfectly. This wasn't the first time I had fished. I just couldn't ever catch anything. He always brought his limit home and I was so very excited to be with him. I threw my line in, nice cast if I say so myself. I waited and waited. He threw in his line and continued to pull out fish. We pulled my line in to see if I had lost my bait. Nope. It was still there. He had his limit in the matter of about three hours and he finally turned to me and said "You stink!"

He wasn't being mean. He was just informing me that I must have a smell about me that the fish hate, and can really smell me strongly. I have never gone back so as far as I'm concered you can catch my limit as well as yours.

Love my AZ Kids

2009-09-12T20:54:00.000-06:00

Kim put together this collage just before I left Arizona when little Ike was born. What a fun, fun time we had. It was so fun to get to see the kids and spend some one on one time with them.

Good Progress

2009-09-07T10:04:00.008-06:00

Dad and the girls have been working almost every day on the basement since it flooded. He took off all the wet wallboard and soaked insulation, sprayed the mildew and then went to town. He put in some extra outlets, a cubby for the fridge and replaced the wallboard and insultation. He textured it differently, repaired the spots from moving the water heater out and today they painted. We are hoping to get to the floor this afternoon.

The "Burrow" isn't quite pumpkin orange but we came close. It's like a peach yogurt. Anyway, today we will also smear stain all across the walls to make it look like a burrow. It is looking really nice.

But before we pat ourselves on the back too much, we remember that we have to fix under all of the stairs next. Bummer.

The "Kids"

2009-08-29T17:00:00.002-06:00

"I've seen that chin somewhere before ..."

Isaac has Arrived

2009-08-29T16:06:00.000-06:00

I just got a call from Joshua that said little Isaac has arrived. Weighing in at just over 7 pounds (? 7.5 ?) and all are doing well.

Kim went in this morning at about 10 and didn't really feel much pain until about 3. She had the baby about 45 minutes later. Both she and baby are doing well.

I guess we will not be going to see him as the hospital has a few cases of possible swine flu and will not allow any children in the hospital (without being admitted). Kim is expected to be back home tomorrow.

Kids are all doing fine. We painted the windows announcing that the new baby has arrived. The kids were excited about that. Then they moved on to painting the sidewalk and what appeared to be lambs blood on the posts near the front door. That's when we decided it was time to call it a day.

They have been very good and we have gotten along just fine. However, I think Kim needs a "Taxi Driver's License" as all I seem to get done in a day is driving kids back and forth to school. :)

Waiting for Isaac

2009-08-29T16:04:00.006-06:00

Grandma's can't show up empty handed so I spent a couple of extra hours shopping for just the right treat to bring. Along the way I found these window markers. We spent an entire afternoon painting the windows but that didn't seem like quite enough. They moved on to painting the sidewalk. What harm could there be in that right? Afterall, it's just poster paint and will wash away easily. We got carried away painting feet, and then arms and when we were done all three children had paint on their beautiful clothes. I spent all evening trying to get it out. I will try one more time to get out the final stain. We had our masterpiece down well before Isaac made his entrance into the world.

Note to self: Water based, doesn't mean you can get stains out without a great deal of sweat.

Grandma is the new Bus Driver

2009-08-29T15:57:00.003-06:00

At 9:00 we run Colton to the bus stop, or all the way to school if he forgets his backpack. At 1:30 it is MaKayla's turn. Then at 3:30 we pick them both up. Every time we get in the van Alexis falls asleep just in time for me to wake her up so we can check in or check out on the Pre-school roster.

We have driven around Morenci to see the town on each "run". This gives her just a few more minutes to rest because once I wake her up, there is not going back to sleep.

Time to Swing

2009-08-29T15:51:00.004-06:00

For a change of scenery we went out back and played on the swing. Alexis especially likes swinging and even when I went into the house to get the meatballs to put in the solar oven, Alexis waited patiently for me to get back.

Suggestion for improvement: Put the swing set on wheels and continually move into the shade as the sun moves. Arizona is fairly hot for Grandma's.

Generational Meatballs

2009-08-29T15:23:00.005-06:00

"Where did you learn how to make these meatballs, Gramma?" asked MaKayla as we were rolling them into balls for supper.

I explained that I had made them with my Grandma, with my Mom, with her Mom, and now with her. Isn't it fun to share this fun little tradition through the generations? I thought so.

It took a little coaching to get the girls to help. The thoughts of mixing with hands instead of a spoon just grossed them out but they came around when it was time to roll them into balls.

Extra bonus: They finally wore the aprons I made for them.

Dad's Quilt Made 13

2009-08-25T19:37:00.000-06:00

Dean asked me to marry him and I told him I couldn't marry him because I haven't got my 13 quilt goal reached yet. Well, he quickly set to work. He found his nicest shirt in his closet and donated it to the quilt. Dorothy and Grandma did most of the work but I think he helped a bit. He designed it and was so tickled with the way it turned out.

We have used the quilt until the back side is simply thread bare. We decided it was time to take a picture (which I was so amazed I couldn't find one from earlier) and give it a nice little funeral before giving it to the dogs.

What a fun memory for both of us, and I just thought you children should know the story behind the 13th quilt.

Ode to Puppers

2009-08-25T14:11:00.010-06:00

Puppers

Timid tiny tremulous toy,
Plenteously peppered parti boy,

We shed a tear at your demise.
No pretension otherwise.

You came, reluctant, scared, unsure.
You gained our trust as we did yours.

Precious partner, loyal friend,
You shadowed us to the very end!

On padded feet your pathway trod,
So long old friend, Go with God!
(Dad)

Peein' pup you marked my floor,
My bedskirt - and plenty more.

I tripped o'er you most every day
But now, alas, you've gone away.

And as you go we bid adieu
Yes, it is strange but we'll miss you.
(Mom)

Puppers puppers you little dog
Too much space did you always clog

You ate too much and slept a ton
Your a skitzafrenic wasn´t that fun

You were so ugly so mean and dumb
I remember that time you bit my thumb

I saw you once do a naughty thing
Like get with FeFe, That´s my King!

You always freaked with the color blue
But thats Okay it´s just what you do

Your dead of course but i don´t mind
I will be comming home soon, just give me time

I´m glad your dead but nothing new
This on´s for puppers, So here´s to you

(Elder Taylor Wood
Copyright 2009)

Things One Should Do

2009-08-18T21:57:00.008-06:00

Jo has a list of things she should do on her blog. Thought it would be fun to see how I do on her list, because it seems my lists never get done. I actually am doing better on her list than mine. Small ones I have no intention of ever doing.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii Visit land of Book of Mormon - Guatemala
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty (or as much as you can nowadays)
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping - when I was 7 at the ranch

27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice (Saw one but Blaine couldn't go with me
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise - Dec 2010
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language - but I suck!!
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing Repelling
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris well, not the top.
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie (on a special interview on TV)
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies - Does flag duty for YM count?
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle (scooter :)
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit- Close enough
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

School Days

2009-08-18T21:50:00.005-06:00

Tomorrow school starts again. Both girls are in middle school this year even though we had hoped Nikki would wait one more year. The district is trying to save money and consolidate so up she must go.

They have been really excited and can't wait to get back to school. Keep in mind that Nikki has spent the last three summers in a cast, and you can't blame her. Summers are just not that fun for her. Candice has worked at the copy shop with me/for me most of the summer. They are growing up and becoming such capable, wonderful young ladies.

My goal was to finish the BofM again before school starts but we are only part way into Mormon, so maybe next week we will have it finished and start over again. All of the jobs I had planned for the summer are still waiting, but I'm not going anywhere so I guess that is okay.

I am not teaching my little girls singing group this year. I will miss it terribly, but my voice just hasn't been the same since I got pnemonia a couple of years ago. I need to slow down and that is one thing that can be cut back. I'm sure I will fill the time quite easily.

Well, it's almost 10 so off to bed we go. No more sleeping in - summer is over.

Watching With Awe

2009-07-30T16:43:00.005-06:00

I spent July 22nd in the hospital with my brother Kelly on his birthday. We sat together in the waiting room visiting, reflecting and just spending time together. As the day went on my two other brothers also came to visit and I watched the visits with tears in my eyes.

First the tears were there for Kelly as our family faced the news that his son was just shy of being a quadrapalegic (according to the doctors). Then tears of empathy fell as I watched them visit. It was just 16 years earlier we sat with Devon while his son lay in the intensive care unit fighting for his life. And finally tears of joy fell. It was during the earlier trial that we learned how much God loves each of us, how God helps us through our times of need, and gives us wonderful things from awful experiences.

Then Fenton came in (brother #3). He didn't talk much but we visited a little. He was just there to show his support. He lives just 15 minutes from the hospital and he and his wife willingly open their doors to guests throughout the long weeks of hospital visits. What would we do without family that is so willing to help?

Then it dawned on me - we had become a well-oiled machine. When Dad was in the hospital for six weeks we "got it down." I would go visit at about 8 in the morning and then right at lunch time Devon would come visit. As soon as work was over, about 5:30, Fenton would stop by for a while. On weekends Kelly and Madelyn would come up from Dixie. Without planning, the visitors stopped in to offer support, and now they were doing the same - only this time it was for Kelly and his son Lance.

I really hadn't realized just how much we had grown over the past 16 years. The feeling in the room was even different. Before there was panic at such a terrible thing happening, and this time there is faith and trust.

Elder Jeffery R. Holland gave Robert a blessing after his accident and promised "You will see better than you ever have." That blessing got us through some tough times waiting for his eyes to heal and when they did not we watched Rob. He DID see better than he ever had. No, not which his physical eyes but with his entire spirit. He "gets" it. Lance will do the same. He already has a testimony of God and His love for each of us. He, too, will get through this terrible ordeal by trusting in his Father in Heaven.

Now we wait, hoping to help ease their burden, but with full faith in the Lord and His plan for we have been down this road before and we recognize his plan in each small step we take.

AZ Grandkids for 3 weeks

2009-07-29T07:24:00.004-06:00

It was delightful to have Kim and kids come and spend a good deal of time with us. We were able to get to know Alexis and spend time with them all.

Alexis is a little cutie. It took her a while to warm up to me. I'm not a typical soft-spoken grandma. Colton and I got along fine from the very beginning, but Makayla never seemed to have any use for me. This trip MaKayla started letting me say "Your gorgeous" to her and not protesting. Alexis warmed up after 2 days and she would even come running to me at times. However, when she wanted her mom no one else could fill in.

Kim seemed to be able to relax a little bit and catch up on a few projects. The girls helped a great deal with the kids and everyone got along pretty well.

We didn't get all the fun we had planned squeezed in but we enjoyed our time together.

Little Ben

2009-07-29T07:11:00.001-06:00

We missed seeing Mike & Zub at the reunion. Little Ben is growing so quickly. He looks a great deal like his mom. Wish we were closer to them.