One Moment At A Time

Happy Birthday Miss H

2012-02-13T02:36:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that a year ago we were celebrating the birth of Hazel.

February 9, 2011

and a year later we have our fun and full of energy little Princess.

Kira and Sergio went all out to make her 1st birthday amazing!

A house full of friends

and her best friend, Miss C

When she finally got to try her cake

(yes that is Celes helping her try it out)

she was all over it!

Can we say Birthday Girl on a sugar buzz??

It was allot of fun!

Before the birthday guest left they each were able to take home

a "cute as a button" cupcake.

Happy 1st Birthday Miss H!

We love you so very much.

Itsey

2012-02-11T02:24:00.000-07:00

I posted this on facebook a week ago.

I have drove an entire tank of gas out of my car looking for her and I believe I have talk to more complete strangers asking if they had seen her.

I got a phone call tonight that she had been found!

One of our neighbors about a half a mile from our home had Itsey.

He asked to speak to Kirk...

I could tell by watching Kirk's face that I was not going to like what he said when got off the phone.

Our neighbor had got home to see Itsey laying in his yard, but she was not OK.

She was dead.

He said that he could not see any marks on her as to why she had died and he had put her in a box so that nothing would bother her.

Kirk left right then to go get her.

She is setting in my entryway righ now...I guess you could say, lying in state until tomorrow when it is light enough that we can bury her.

Yea, it sucks...

I am going to miss you Itsey Bits, thanks for being my buddy.

I will try to watch over Reku.

I AM BACK!!!!

2012-02-11T01:39:00.001-07:00

Oh how I have missed my little computer.

The hard drive in my friend crashed the end of October...

YEA, that long ago!!!

I was so excited on Tuesday when my friendly UPS man

showed up with my computer!!

BLOG WORLD WATCH OUT

I HAVE A WHOLE LOT OF

BLOGGING TO CATCH UP!

and

I HAVE MISSED YOU!

The Pecans

2012-01-23T23:52:00.000-07:00

While we were in Arizona, Kira asked my sister, 'Lene if she would take some pictures of Miss H.

'Lene knew a place not far from where she lived that would have some green in the grass and a beautiful rock wall for a background.

We ended up getting to 'Lene's house later in the day than we had planned on.

So, when it was time to start taking Miss H's pictures...

Well, she really wasn't in the mood just to set around.

and heck, Ham was there...how could you not just want to squeeze him, and Miss H was going to hug on him as much as he would let her.

While 'Lene & Kira were busy ~~chasing~~ taking pictures of Miss H.

I found a childhood memory.

The Pecan Trees.

As I have mentioned I grew up in Arizona.

We had pecan trees around our home.

I can remember my dad climbing up in the trees and shaking them

until he had most of the nuts on the ground.

Our job was to gather the nuts from off the ground and put them in bags.

I want to say they were gunny sacks.

But, everything is bigger when you are a kid.

As I walked around I found myself gathering the pecans,

squeezing two of the pecans together and cracking them open to get the meat out.

AMAZING...

ALMOST as amazing as the pictures that 'Lene was able to capture

while I was crawling around taking pictures of the nuts!

Dang she is cute!

Good job 'Lene and I LOVED the location.

A Few Days Away From Home

2012-01-23T22:47:00.002-07:00

My nephew McKay is getting ready to go on an LDS Mission to Richmond,Virgina.

Kirk asked if I thought I could handle the trip.

I was excited to go on a trip that did not include a clinic or hospital visit.

My parents were married in the Mesa Arizona LDS Temple so it has a special place in my heart.

I grew up in Mesa, I always loved it when we could drive by and see the temple.

It was neat when we walked out the temple it was just getting dark. I loved the temple glowing in the lights.

Our last night in AZ my dad came over to my brothers to play cards.

between hands I was able to get a 4 generation picture.

Pretty Neat Hu?

myself, my daughter, Kira

my father,Willie and my granddaughter, Miss H.

Priceless picture if you ask me.

What NO POSTS

2012-01-05T01:37:00.001-07:00

My laptop's hard drive crashed about a month ago...YES the one I got last year for Christmas...GGRRRR....
My other computer is to slow to down load anything to blogger and I still can not figure out how to use kira's notebook...so even if I have not visited your blogs or posted for a very long time will you still be my friend?
Hopefully I will be back to the blogging world very soon, because I really miss you.

Whoa...I Think I Missed December?

2012-01-03T23:36:00.001-07:00

I know that December came...I remember celebrating Derek's 23rd Birthday.

Even if I can not find the pictures of the terrible cake I made for him.

I know December came because I found out that neither of my little granddaughters like Santa.

I know that we had a great time playing Christmas bingo, eating and watching fireworks for Christmas Eve.

I know that I loved seeing our sweet grand babies in their matching dresses that Ali had made for them.

I know that by Christmas Day I no longer cared that the two little ones had removed all the decorations from the bottom of the tree. I was just happy that I was getting to watch them enjoy the "balls".

I know that I loved having all my kids home early Christmas morning even if they were up all night making doughnuts.

I know that seeing someone so tiny in awe of all the "things" under the tree wasn't as fun

as playing with a manger and baby Jesus.

I know that I loved watching my sweet little granddaughters opening their gifts and enjoying each other.

and I know that it was wonderful to spend Christmas day going to church with my family and being surrounded by the music and spirit of Christmas.

2011-11-28T23:31:00.000-07:00

I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful.

We had a very enjoyable day

with family and good friends.

We had so much fun celebrating Miss H's first Thanksgiving.

Josh, Ali and Miss C spent Thanksgiving with Ali's family this year.

It sounds like they had a wonderful day also.

BUT...

I think my family's favorite part of Thanksgiving is the day after

(or in this case a few days later)

when we have "turkey rolls"

some people call them taquitos, but not our family.

So, how do you make turkey rolls? Let me show you.

First Corn Tortillas

lightly fry the tortillas so that they are soft, set them aside until you are ready to start adding the turkey.

Shred the turkey and season...I use Italian seasoning, garlic and a little salsa.

Place the turkey on the tortilla and roll it tight secure it with a toothpick.

Deep fry until the shell is golden brown.

Let the turkey rolls drain and cool a little.

We like to eat them with guacamole, sour cream and salsa,

add homemade chips and there you have it.

Our favorite turkey meal.

What do you do with your left over turkey or do you have something different for your Thanksgiving meal.

Why 11.11.11 Is Important

2011-11-11T13:26:00.000-07:00

Thank A Vet!

It is Veteran's Day

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-09T22:36:00.000-07:00

Miss H

9 Months Old

Fall View Of The River

2011-11-07T23:49:00.000-07:00

I love the summer view of "our" river.

but each Fall for a few weeks the river drops.

This time is used to check the dam that is just down river for any problems.

It gives us a different view of the river and the river bank too.

When it goes down Kirk gets busy working on putting the rocks back up on the bank that get washed out from the boats and this year the HIGH water that we had all Spring and most of the Summer.

The water didn't go down as far as it usually does.

So, that meant that ~~you~~ Kirk was going to have to work on it every chance he had

because it would not be staying down for very long.

and the few days it was down it was cold...yes, that is ice, the river was already starting to show signs of freezing!

Bless Kirk's heart, last year he had Sergio able to help because he wasn't working yet,

and years before he had sons living at home, this year he was on his own.

The river was down for less than a week so he wasn't able to get as much done as he wanted to.

What do you think of the low river view?

My first thought is WOW, I forget how deep the water is during the summer and

many I miss my summer river.

My Mom's Apple Pancake Recipe

2011-11-07T22:51:00.000-07:00

My family loves my mom's Apple Pancakes recipe.

I am not sure where my mom got this recipe or if it was one she just put together...I really don't care, because after you eat these you will never want "plain" pancakes again especially when you see how easy this.

Geneva's Apple Pancakes

2 Cups Bisquick ( I use what ever pancake mix is on sale)

1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon

1 & 1/3 Cups Milk

1 Cup of grated apples

( I use my kitchen-aid's grater, but a hand grater works wonderful {peels are also o.k.} )

1 egg

Mix all the items together. Your batter should be quite thin.

Cook as you would any other pancakes

Apple Syrup

1 Cup Sugar

2 Tablespoons Cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg

2 Cups Apple Juice or Cider

2 Tablespoon Lemon Juice

Bring the above items to a boil

add a 1/2 Cube BUTTER

bring to a simmer until butter is melted.

Remove from heat*

Serve over Apple Pancakes

with SOUR CREAM...don't turn your nose up until you try it.

* I like to let my syrup cool so it thickens a little.

As a side note, if you are serving more than 4 people then be sure to double this recipe.

Last night feeding two 19 year old young men (missionaries) and 4 other adults

I 3X's the recipe. I had just a couple of pancakes left over.

Enjoy!

And let me know what you think.

No Trick or Treaters

2011-10-31T22:17:00.000-06:00

I know that it is crazy...but I miss not having trick or treaters.

Each year we have between 0 and 5 kids stop by.

This year was a BIG ZERO...

We always have really good treats because of so few visitors.

This year...HALLOWEEN CUPCAKES.

I am just glad I got to hang out with my 2 favorite little

treats.

my little Miss C as a ladybug.

and Miss H as the "cutest" witch.

So, darn cute!

Somedays You Just Need To Laugh

2011-10-31T02:11:00.000-06:00

So, I was reading some of my past posts and boy did I get a good laugh from a few of them.

http://onemomentatatime-niece.blogspot.com/2009/04/childrens-bible-in-nutshell.html

http://onemomentatatime-niece.blogspot.com/2008/09/sorrybut-i-had-to-post-this.html

http://onemomentatatime-niece.blogspot.com/search/label/hot%20flash%20humor

I know I have a sick sense of humor...please don't judge....

hehehheheeee

Happy Birthday "E"

2011-10-28T11:03:00.000-06:00

My favorite nephew whose name starts with "E" is having his 12th birthday today.

I am sure for his parents they are thinking HOW can he already be 12. Because I know I can not believe it!

"E" is an exceptional young man. His mind thinks in ways that I can not even explain...brilliant is an understatement.

But, with all the brains he has common sense.

He has a sense of humor that is contagious.

He has such a big heart.

He is always very polite.

and he has Celiac Disease.

A year ago when they were here for summer vacation, poor "E" could not hardly eat anything without becoming sick, and the weight loss that he was having was so scary.

When my sister returned home to Arizona she took "E" to get checked out.

When the tests came back they diagnosed him with Celiac.

I had never heard of it.

But, I do know this...

NO wheat flour or modified wheat flour.

When they came to visit last month, Lene went to buy some of the products that would be used to prepare meals that "E" would be able to eat.

I about had a heart attack when I saw what they charge for "Gluten Free" Products.

'Lene walked out of the store with a small bag of groceries and I had a cart full of groceries I think my total was only $10.00 more!!! That is crazy!!!

I was glad they had treats that "E" could have because I knew the rest of us would have some.

AND we found CREAM OF MUSHROOM Soup, do you know how many things you make with cream of_ soup???

Progresso Soup's are gluten free which is really cool.

and guess what else is Gluten Free

Yep, Good ol' Potatoes!

and I know how to cook with potatoes!

I even made homemade gluten free Potato Soup.

I am sure my sister 'Lene will make a wonderful meal and birthday cake for "E"

and it will all be gluten free.

What Makes You Cry?

2011-10-26T13:50:00.000-06:00

I have to admit I would cry at just about anything.

Do you remember the old Folger's Coffee commercials...

yea, I was the one BAWLING in private or a room full of people.

Now, for some reason unknown to me I seldom have a tear in my eye.

Onions can get a tear but that is about it.

Until this:

I am a total fan of Gene Simmons's Family Jewels TV Show.

I have no idea why. I have never been a KISS fan.

I had never heard of Shannon Tweed (maybe because I am not a follower of Hefner's Playboy Bunnies).

Gene and Shannon have been living together for 20+ years, they have 2 children.

Yet, have never married...I don't get that...talk about doing things backwards.

Again, another reason I do not know why I like this show.

ANYWAY...

Last week when they televised their wedding

I cried!

Crazy I know

Now that I have said it, maybe I can quit obsessing on WHY this is what got the tears flowing.

CRAZY!!!!

I admit I did cry in 17 Miracles...great movie about the Wille Handcart Company.

First Freeze

2011-10-18T11:57:00.001-06:00

I always have mixed emotions when this morning comes.

The first freeze arrived this morning.

Leaving all of the garden's plants drooping and done for the season.

With just a little life left, I know the canning season is over for what ever did not get picked.

I will miss my full pumpkin patch and the fruits on all the different garden plants.

I am grateful for all the tomatoes that we were able to can this year.

The Salsa Verde from the Tomatillo plants, Zucchini Bread and Cookies from our very abundant plants, and Spaghetti Squash wow we had some easy and yummy dinners from this great squash.

I will also miss the onions, bell peppers, jalapenos and fresh tomatoes for salads and sandwiches and fresh salsa (pico de gallo).

Who Does She Look Like?

2011-10-12T18:16:00.000-06:00

When Miss H was new born I would say,"She must look allot like Sergio's family because I can only see a little bit of Kira in her.

and the older she got the more she looked like "Hazel"

You could see her papa and mama in her.

When they got home from Argentina in August, I could not bel1ieve how much she had changed.

and I kept thinking to myself...wow I know who she looks like...

Yep, she looks like her grandpa kirk!

Thank goodness, I know Kirk's sisters are very pretty.

Already 8 Months Old

2011-10-12T15:42:00.000-06:00

I am not sure how Miss H turned 8 months old without me getting a post in

BUT I DID!

Oct 9, 2011

WOW...

She is going to be a year old before we know it.

Happy Anniversary

2011-10-10T04:12:00.000-06:00

Kira & Sergio

2 years ago

became Mr & Mrs. Rivadeneira

May many more wonderful and exciting years be in your future.

Love you lots,

~MOM

Today Is A Holiday?

2011-10-10T03:46:00.000-06:00

A U.S. national holiday since 1937, Columbus Day commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the New World on October 12, 1492. The Italian-born explorer had set sail two months earlier, backed by the Spanish monarchs King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. He intended to chart a western sea route to China, India and the fabled gold and spice islands of Asia; instead, he landed in the Bahamas, becoming the first European to explore the Americas since the Vikings set up colonies in Greenland and Newfoundland during the 10th century.
Later that month, Columbus sighted Cuba and believed it was mainland China; in December the expedition found Hispaniola, which he though might be Japan. There, he established Spain's first colony in the Americas with 39 of his men. In March 1493, the explorer returned to Spain in triumph, bearing gold, spices and "Indian" captives. He crossed the Atlantic several more times before his death in 1506; by his third journey, he realized that he hadn't reached Asia but instead had stumbled upon a continent previously unknown to Europeans. (http://www.history.com/topics/columbus-day)

Ok...BLAH BLAH BLAH

None of that answered my question...

There is a book out called "The Seven Miracles That Saved America" by Ted & Chris Stewart. YES, it comes on CD or I would not be telling you about it, anyway back to my book on CD:

The first of the seven events is on Christopher Columbus, who "against all odds" discovered the New World — when it could very well have been found by the Chinese.

("http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700009550/Saving-America-Utah-authors-examine-7-miracles-in-history-of-the-US.html?pg=1)

And after hearing all the poor young boy went through it is no wonder he thought he had found India!

Ok Got That...

So, tell me again why Columbus Day is a national holiday??

I have tried to think of a reason and I could only come up with these three:

Government & Bank workers can have an extra day off

(you know it is not a real holiday if teachers and children are having to go to school)

So little kidlets can make fun Columbus day crafts at school like...

http://crafts.kaboose.com/egg-cup-ships.html

So stores can "say" they are having sales

any other ideas???

and REALLY

how can it be a holiday if we don't have some special food that we eat that day.

I guess we could have potato "boats" with Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria toppings.

yea, I better just stick to something simple like...

what did Columbus eat while floating on a Ocean for 2+ months

any ideas???

Where I Have Been

2011-10-08T17:43:00.000-06:00

I have been a bit busy for the past week, but a very good kind of busy.

My sister, 'Lene and her family of "Chaos" have came to spend their fall break with us.

So, between canning and grand babies, we have been trying to do some fun things like our regular trip to the Oregon Trail Ruts.

Grandma's Toy Box

2011-10-01T18:04:00.000-06:00

While driving all around Utah on Wednesday, I had to make a stop at IKEA.

I found this great box.

I really needed a toy box for my "Grandma's Toys". The toys were starting to take over my front room.

I had a bunch of vinyl letters from another project I had done so I started to stick them on my blank box.

along with a couple of important words...hum...Celes and Hazel

and my favorite phrase in the world

"I am a Child of God"

I like how it turned out.

Wordless Wednesday... A day late

2011-09-29T19:00:00.000-06:00

I did take the pictures on Wednesday, does that count?

While hanging out in Utah waiting for test results I went for a drive

up Parley's Canyon.

As I came around one of the bends I stated to notice little changes.

and oh my how beautiful the colors.

I wish the pictures could give just a little justice.

Tomatoes Ready For Home Canning

2011-09-26T14:35:00.001-06:00

Just a couple of weeks ago I was wondering if we would get any tomatoes off of our vines this year.

I was talking to my sister in law, Pennie, and she told me to cut back the tops of the plants so that the energy goes to the fruits and not the blossoms still trying to grow.

I did it and what a difference it has made to my plants.

I am getting tomatoes...enough that I am starting to can!

I have said it before and I will say it again,

I love this web site...

PickYourOwn.org

http://www.pickyourown.org/canning_tomatoes.htm

It will show you how to can tomatoes

blanch

peel and chop

the way I have always done tomatoes until last year.

This is when I made my best canning investments ever...

no more blanching or peeling...

it does it all.

clean tomatoes go in

turn the handle

out come the peels and seeds and all that is left is the juice.

I bring my tomato juice to a light boil adding a couple of small cans of tomato paste and let it cook down until it is the thickness I like.

I add salt and place in the jars.

I hot water bath for 30 mins. (pints)

(If I do not add paste I will put a little lemon juice)

I am doing the tomatoes as they ripen, so they are small batches.

and it goes so fast that I can get a batch done while Celes takes her nap :o)

You Are Not Forgotten

2011-09-25T15:46:00.000-06:00

"Sisters, wherever you are, whatever the circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you, with an infinite love."
—President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

September 24, 2011

LDS General Relief Society Meeting

picture from Sayda

Our New Roof

2011-09-21T00:44:00.001-06:00

We had a beautiful tile roof... 20 years ago...

We have debated for a couple of years of if we were going to replace the tiles, put down an asphalt roof or a metal roof.

But, the time had came to quit talking and get the project done.

With a LOT of help from FAMILY and FRIENDS

the tiles came off.

Kirk

David and Josh

(note the color of the tree in the background)

Don and Kirk

Sergio and Josh

After the tile was off and new boards, insulation and tar paper was placed down,

we had to wait for our metal to arrive ( we had problems with our order)

and when it arrived we were grateful because a storm was to arrive in the next day.

It rained off and on in the morning...and then the storm moved away from our home.

(Kira and I went to town and it POURED on us.

I was sick to think that Kirk and Sergio were not being able to roof in all that rain and the damage that was being done to the material that was down.)

When we arrived at the house, there was very little sign of any rain falling on them. Kirk said it had sprinkled for about a minute and that was it.

Again with help from family and friends... and Kirk and Sergio spending 2 days none stop...

The roof was done...

Well, almost...we are still missing the metal trim,

but if it rains I don't have to worry about it raining inside the house too.

So, it looks like a metal roof, defiantly not an old world tile roof, but it is nice.

And the tiles...

We might sell them, but I think we will use them along the river to help with holding our bank in place.

It will be interesting to see how much of our river bank is gone after having flood level waters most of the Spring. The river will drop during the winter and will show us what work will need to be done.

What do you think?

Do you like metal roofs?

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-21T00:01:00.001-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-14T20:10:00.000-06:00

Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups

2011-09-11T18:28:00.000-06:00

I like this blog that I have just found...

She had this yummy recipe,

Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups

6 single servings

How Yummy do these look!?

So, I looked at her recipe and off to work I went...

I cooked my noodles first (woops...not what she said to do)

I mixed my Alfredo Sauce up...

my recipe is a little ...No A LOT more fattening than hers.

My Alfredo Sauce has

2 blocks of cream cheese

1 cube of butter

1 qt of 1/2 & 1/2

flour

Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and garlic powder.

I boiled a package of bones skinless chicken breast (Smith's had them on sale for $ 1.99 lb.) with chopped onions, celery, seasonings until the chicken was nice and tender. (This makes a wonderful chicken broth to store in the fridge.)

After the chicken cooled I cut it into small pieces.

I started by putting some of my alfredo sauce in my pan, kind of like when you make enchiladas.

adding a spoonful of chicken.

Rolling the noodles nice and tight, with the seam on the bottom.

I started having family members coming in doing the "how much longer look",

so I combined most of my alfredo sauce to my chicken.

I still kept sauce in my pan to roll the chicken and noodles in.

With the remaining alfredo I pored on the top of my filled dish and topped with cheese.

Serving 16 chicken alfredo lasagna rolls.

Mine may not look as pretty as the "artsy-fartsy mama's.

But, boy they tasted good.

Good enough that the dish was empty when dinner was over.

Thanks, artsy-fartsy mama for a wonderful dinner idea.

10 Years Later...Lest We Forget

2011-09-11T14:18:00.000-06:00

I went to write my thoughts for the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 and looked at my past posts and well...they pretty much said everything I was going to say.

http://onemomentatatime-niece.blogspot.com/2010/09/lest-we-forget.html

http://onemomentatatime-niece.blogspot.com/2009/09/911.html

I have really enjoyed the ...

If the story of the United States has a theme so far in the 21st century, it is surely one of resilience. To hail that spirit on the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001, TIME revisited the people who led us, moved us and inspired us, from the morning of the attacks through the tumultuous decade that followed. These astonishing testimonies — from 40 men and women including George W. Bush, Tom Brokaw, General David Petraeus, Valerie Plame Wilson, Black Hawk helicopter pilot Tammy Duckworth, and the heroic first responders of Ground Zero — define what it means to meet adversity, and then overcome it.

They have been showing on CNN.

Finding A Favorite Post

2011-09-06T16:27:00.000-06:00

Have you ever seen a blog tutorial and just love it...

and decide it is something you want to do...

I did...I even thought I had book marked it...

I didn't...

I have spent the past week ~~panicky searching,~~ LOOKING, ~~throwing fits,~~ for THIS post.

I was so excited when I found my elusive post.

Here is why...

My counters are from the late 60's early 70's.

they are ugly and stained, and they are did I say UGLY

so when I saw

Creative Kristi's counters and how she painted them with Folk Art Brand tole paint, and for under $30.00!!!

I want to try it.

I will start with a little corner and see if I can do it, but I think I can.

I will let you know IF I do it and will post pictures too.

Are You Resting Today?

2011-09-05T14:25:00.000-06:00

I think this stamp is so cool.
It is the perfect picture for The Family: A Proclamation to the World

A street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations", followed by a festival for the workers and their families.

This became the pattern for Labor Day celebrations.(1)

So,, that is the history of Labor Day.

But, here is my real question...

Do you wear white shoes after Labor Day???

Traditionally, Labor Day is celebrated by most Americans as the symbolic end of the summer.

In high society, and with most REAL Southern Ladies, Labor Day is (or was) considered the last day of the year when it is fashionable for women to wear white. (1 a)

"Can I wear White Shoes / Linen / Sandals / Straw Handbags / Seersucker / Other Warm-Weather Clothing before Memorial Day or after Labor Day?"

The Etiquette Grrls say,

"Nope. Unless you want to look like a Fashion Victim, that is."

We'll make an exception for Brides and Nurses on the White Shoes, and for Monks on the Sandals, but in all other cases, the answer is a firm no.( 1 b)

"But what if it's 90 degrees out?"

Obviously, the EGs don't think you should Suffer Heat Stroke wearing a Black Cashmere Overcoat in Winter just because you live in a Warm Climate, but we think you can be cool and seasonally-appropriate at the same time. If it's October and terribly hot, how about a little sleeveless shift dress in lightweight cotton, in a autumn-y color like brown?(2)

And then you get this answer from about.com.

I'm not sure where or when this "rule" started, but it's day has passed. I can assure you, it's just a historical version of fashion etiquette, and not an actual law. I know this for a fact, because I've done it, and I have lived to tell the tale. Having said that, it is definitely more difficult to find white shoes during cold months. (3)

I remember always being told not to wear white shoes after Labor Day

as a girl.

The truth is I do not own a pair of white shoes.

I don't like how they make my feet look big.

So, do you wear white shoes...what about after Labor Day?

(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_Day

(2) http://www.etiquettegrrls.com/pages/FAQ.html

(3) http://shoes.about.com/od/shoe_tips_advice/qt/white_labor_day.htm

Fall Decor

2011-09-03T23:07:00.004-06:00

I realised my entry way still had my July decorations up..

Really, what happen to August? I totally missed.

So, this is my fall wall and table.

I still need to get frames for my art projects.

I found this cute pumpkin and the little fall leaf salt and pepper shakers at Real Deals

I change out my scrapbook paper in my wall frame ~~each month~~ when I redo my entry way.

Usually, the paper has the month's name on it. This time I changed it up with a seasonal paper and a couple of embellishments.

Silk flowers from Michael's

and a few little details ...

I wanted to do this cool crayon art project that I had seen in the world of blogs.

I think they are really neat.

The instructions for this one is found at "whatever"

I wanted to do mine with fall colors... and when I started I liked it...

but I wanted mine to look more "fallish" so I took the crayons off and started blending my colors.

I love it.

I must be looking forward to fall...

even though I am not ready to admit summer is over.

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Featured on

Sept. 13, 2011

Signs of Fall

2011-08-30T01:24:00.000-06:00

Each April we see our first Broad tail Hummingbirds and it is my sign that winter is pretty much over.

BUT... by mid- August the hummingbirds start buzzing the feeder, and as much as I don't want to admit it,

I know ... Fall is just around the corner.

The little birds are wanting to get fattened up for their long migration to

Mexico and as far south at Argentina.

I make the "juice" a little thicker so it helps them get the weight on.

I love watching these amazing little birds.

As I was taking pictures of these little guys, I said to Kirk, "at least I haven't see a "flock" of geese yet..."

I barely got the sentence out of my mouth and...you guessed it.

a HUGE honking "V" flying above the river.

I could not believe what was in the sky...

the geese are arriving.

Where did summer go???

Peach Pie

2011-08-28T15:24:00.004-06:00

On our way home from Utah last week we knew we would be stopping in Perry or Brigham City for two things.

One to eat at MADDOX'S and the other was to stop at the many fresh fruit stands along Hwy 89.

I knew that I did not want to can peaches this year, but I wanted fresh Utah peaches to eat.

Even though I was eating my fair share of these perfect fruits

they were becoming soft faster than I could eat them.

Solution:

Fresh Peach Pie

If you follow my blog you know I rarely follow recipes.

so... I will tell you what I did with my Utah peaches.

I peeled and sliced my fruit.

adding about:

1/2 cup of granulated sugar

and close to a 1/4 cup of flour (to help thicken the juices)

some cinnamon, nutmeg and a touch of ginger.

Softly mixing everything together

and adding it to the bottom pie crust.

I have an amazing pie crust recipe

but today I went easy with the refrigerated ~~Pillsbury~~

Kroger's pie crust in a box.

I roll out the top crust a little more ~ just because I like my top crust a little thinner.

I use an egg white wash and sprinkle the top of my pie with

granulated sugar, this makes the best sweet top to your pie.

I baked it for 30 mins at 350* and then another 10 mins or so at 400*

Just to get the "sugar top" that I want.

and WALA...

Fresh Peach Pie

Add a little whipped cream.

Sweet with the wonderful little punch of tartness from the fresh peaches.

YUMMY!

****UPDATE****

When I tasted my pie I kept thinking something is missing...

and then I knew what I forgot...

BUTTER...

I usually add about a tablespoon of chopped butter and place it over the fruit.

I do this with apples too.

How Does She Do That?

2011-08-27T14:56:00.000-06:00

The bigger Miss Celes gets the harder it is for me to get her to hold still to do her hair.

Her Grandma Keri has been watching her while I have been sick.

When Josh came over the other night...my first thought was who is that BIG girl in his arms and second...

HOW DID KERI GET HER TO HOLD STILL LONG ENOUGH TO DO HER HAIR LIKE THAT?

I came home with a few new toys and so I couldn't get her to come stand still to take a picture

UNLESS it was to eat some of my spaghetti and baguette.

Got to love a baby with a full tummy and smiley food covered face.

I AM HOME!

2011-08-27T00:19:00.001-06:00

I am home!

I came home with a PICC line and now have been taught so I am able to do my IV antibiotics for the CMV at home 2 times a day.

It has really been nice not to have to drive to the hospital everyday.

Love modern medicine.

After not being home for 11 of the past 14 days

and leaving my house in total control of 2 "guys"

I came home to ...

well, a house that looked like 2 guys with very little time had been the only ones home

and two little dogs that were in the house ALONE way to long.

OK...it wasn't as bad as this hoarder's house...

but after not feeling well for a long time I though ...

"Oh Heaven Help Me"

Yesterday, I took it pretty easy.

Actually, I spoiled myself...

Pedicure, Eye Brows tamed and a much needed haircut.

Today, I have felt so darn good...best in a very long time.

I spent the morning trying to save a few of my plants that were somewhat still alive.

I cleaned my carpet and organized the pantry closet.

Tomorrow...another day of cleaning...

not just because of the two very busy guys

BUT,

because

I can!

I Spy...

2011-08-22T15:59:00.000-06:00

Look around...

what do you spy?

Yea, the effects of CMV are still hanging on... I will be here for a few more days.

2011-08-17T22:16:00.000-06:00

A year ago I was hanging out at the Cassia Co. Parade with little Miss C.

http://onemomentatatime-niece.blogspot.com/2010/08/cassia-county-parade-100-years.html

Today Miss C went to the parade with her "Nanna" Bame.

I was looking forward to watching the parade with them....

Instead, I am back in the hospital.

It is the same stuff that had me here last week. It just is not getting better.

My heart on the other hand is doing GREAT!!!

I was glad Kirk could bring me down to SLC.

I can't wait for him to come back in a few days.

Some Normalcy

2011-08-16T20:39:00.000-06:00

I have not been feeling well enough to watch Celes for a couple of weeks.

But, with a need for some normalcy, I was hoping I could keep Miss C for a day.

It was awesome...she was so good and took a nap so I could lay down too.

I did realize how clean my house had been and that it really has been WAY to quiet.

I will not get to watch Miss C for the next few days because I have to go back to Utah.

It is hard to not be able to lift her or hold her for a long time, because of the lack of muscle mass, but soon...very soon we will be back to playing and having a house full of laughter.

Oh Yea!

I am ready to be normal again and have things back to normal.

180 days

2011-08-11T20:22:00.000-06:00

Hazel is 6 months old!

Hard to believe how she has grown in just 6 short months.

Flight Aware

2011-08-10T16:21:00.000-06:00

Have you heard of ...

http://flightaware.com/

I LOVE THIS SITE
You can track any flight in the world in real time!
I was able to see where Kira was while she was in the air from SLC, Utah to Altanta
and then on to Beunos Aries.
It is really pretty cool!
They left SLC at 2:00 pm (MST) on Tuesday the 9th

and arrived in B.A. at 8:00am today Wednesday the 10th.

I know they were planning on boarding the bus at 4:00pm for the 15 hour ride to Tucuman.

No... I can't track the bus ride :O)

Kira said Miss H slept the intire flight to Argentina.

I hope she is as good on the bus ride.

I am so excited for Sergio's family to meet their newest member.

I know her abuela (grandma), abuelo (grandpa) and tia (aunt) can hardly wait!

Miss H is going to be one loved on little girl!

Pretty Darn Quiet

2011-08-10T15:04:00.000-06:00

It is WONDERFUL to be home

BUT

My house seems to be a freaky kind of quiet.

Where I am still not feeling a 100% Miss C is spending this week with one of her other Grandmas.

I miss her so much,

but am so grateful that she has a large family who loves her and take good care of her

while her mommy is at work.

Kira, Sergio and Miss H left for Argentina yesterday.

It was horrible not being able to go to the airport to see them off, but they did stop by the hospital to say bye before they left.

I just wish I had the energy to get some things done today

but a little at a time...right.

Squash! I Don't Want No Stinking Squash!

2011-08-08T15:40:00.000-06:00

Hazel has really never had a problem eating food from a spoon.

Kira had only been feeding her only veggies.

Miss H hasn't seemed to mind to much though she is not a fan of peas and as late

she is getting a little tired of squash.

I could not stop laughing the other night when Kira was trying to feed her

and she kept putting her toes in her mouth.

Yea, I think it is time to let her try bananas and apples.

Cytomegalovirus

2011-08-07T20:51:00.000-06:00

Cytomegalovirus (say: si-toe-meg-ah-low-vi-russ), or CMV, is a very common virus. People are usually infected by the time they are 2 years old or during their teenage years and carry the virus for life (usually in a dormant or inactive state). The majority of adults carry the virus by the time they are 40 years of age. Many people are infected with CMV and don't even know it because the virus rarely causes symptoms and usually does not cause long-term problems.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000663.htm

I had never heard of this "virus" but now that I have "felt" its effects, I do not think I will forget it.

Mine came in the form of ~
CMV - gastroenteritis/colitis (need I say more???)

I had mentioned I haven't been feeling well for several weeks and this stupid "flu" was kicking my butt, after loosing 10 lbs and not being able to eat for almost 2 weeks not only was my family doctor getting worried but so was my transplant team.

Thursday night after a SHORT phone conversation with Dr. R, I was in Murray the next morning being admitted to the hospital with extreme dehydration and some scary "flu" that had to be figured out.

Once they found the active CMV virus in my blood they were able to start treating me.

I am still learning that I have an immunocompromised system, and if I get just a little sick I HAVE to contact the doctor.

So...today I had my first meal in 2 weeks that included a fork!!!

Life is looking up!

Happy Birthday Sunshine!

2011-08-06T20:25:00.000-06:00

Thanks for spending your special day with me.

I can't believe you are 25 years old!

You are as beautiful as ever.

I am proud to be your mother and grateful to be your friend.

Something Is Wrong With These Pictures...

2011-07-31T11:19:00.000-06:00

This has been my view of George and Lorie's home.

Though I am not one of those neighbors who is over all the time or calls ever day.

I always knew they were around and they were o.k. with me being this type of a neighbor.

This week in the middle of my bout with the flu and being down in bed or at the hospital

something ~~terrible~~ sad happen. I knew that it was coming but not like this.

What is wrong with this picture? Their big black lab isn't laying under the tree.

and it's Sunday morning...most Sunday mornings you could hear George's lawn mower

cruising around the yard. George's yard always looks so well groomed.

The river is like glass...where is Lorie? She is usually enjoying the view with her fishing pole in hand.

Over the years we have had several different neighbors, each bringing something different to the lane.

But, George and Lorie they brought a glow to our lane. They shared an unconditional love with everyone. They both have a great love of God and it was evident in all they did.

A couple of months ago a "FOR SALE" sign was on their dock...But, it was gone about a week later.

My thought was it must have floated down the river and they just set it there until someone claimed it.

A week or so later Kirk came home and said, "George and Lorie sold their home". I just looked at him thinking yea...what ever...they love this home.

It wasn't until the 4th of July that I asked about Kirk's silly comment.

Yes, it had sold and they would be gone by the end of the month...

and here we are...

without the most amazing neighbors anyone could ask for.

So, you who live across the country who now have them as neighbors

you LUCK, LUCKY PEOPLE!

But,

I never got to say good-bye...

maybe it's the easiest way...

but, boy I miss that feeling of knowing they are right there.

Miss you.

Happy Birthday Dad

2011-07-25T16:39:00.000-06:00

Today my dad is 70 years old.

picture is aprox 8 yrs old

Happy Birthday!

I do love you.

Not MIA just

2011-07-25T16:35:00.000-06:00

For the past couple of weeks I have been fighting a serious sinus infection...
and then to top it off I now have the flu.

Hopefully I have learned that as a transplant recipient "a LITTLE sick" is a LOT sick for me.
I have never been one to just run to the doctor...that is something I will have to get over.
I promise as soon as I feel up to setting very long I will be back to blogging...

Happy Anniversary, to the amazing man in my life

2011-07-17T21:30:00.005-06:00

30 years ago

Kirk and I stood in front of Bishop L. Hinckley, at my home in Spokane, Washington.

It may not have been

in the "right place" or

the right time ( do NOT plan your wedding or reception the same night as a BIG ball game)

BUT IT

most certainly was the right person.

Kirk planned a stunning honeymoon in Glacier National Park and Waterton Park in Alberta, Canada.

Our first night we stayed in a one room cabin with a HUGE feather bed, a sink and a shower.

the views were beyond amazing.

I still can not believe I took this picture with a Polaroid Instant Camera.

While in Canada we went on a moon light cruise

that took us across the US and Canada borders and around the Upper Waterton Lake.

US/Canadian Border is in the middle of this valley.

10 years later

we went back to where we had gone on our honeymoon.

This time with a little more money in our bank accounts we stayed in some of the castles that are in

Glacier National Park and in Waterton Park, Canada.

We stayed at Glacier Park Lodge

There are no words to describe the lobby to this hotel.

The pillars are trees that are so large I could not began to reach my arms around.

It makes me sad that the pictures of this trip I have not been able to find for years.

We stayed in the Prince of Wales Hotel

what a beautiful hotel.

Kirk and I stayed in a tiny (maids quarter) but we had an amazing view of the forest and lake.

We woke to a beautiful morning fog lifting ...AMAZING...

for our

20th Anniversary

We went on a cruise with our family.

The food was amazing, true...

I learned a very important thing: I am not a cruise person.

BUT, two of my favorite parts were being with my family

and "there's the boat"...

See the bridge in the background of this pic? It is still the best laugh that we as a family share...

We crossed the bridge several times before we could get on to the road that would take us to the dock of the cruise ship.

Maybe someday we will try another cruise.

On this cruise we also went with Josh's demo team, I am glad we did not miss it and the kids LOVED it.

I can guaranteed if I ever do go on another cruise it will not be a baja Mexico cruise

EVER..can't say that one enough.

I bet you can not wait to hear where we spent our

30th Anniversary

You will notice that there are not any pictures...

It is because I spent the past 2 days in bed!

And are you ready to hear where that was...

.......DRUM ROLL.......

part of it at home and the other part

in the E.R with a 102+* temp.

They ran a HIGH POWERED anti-biotic through my IV,

tons of fluids, due to extreme dehydration, and let me go home with another anti-biotic for

a sever sinus infection.

I must be doing a little better because I have been able to stay awake long enough to do this blog,

and my fever has broke. (my heart blood work test came back great)

My heart hurts for poor Kirk.

He had a wonderful Southern Idaho road trip planned.

Taking the back roads and seeing sight that I have wanted to see for 30 years.

Hopefully, I can make it up to him at the 40th.

Happy Anniversary Sweetheart,

and YES I would do it all again.

thanks to google images for several of my pics

This Is JULIE...and she IS AMAZING

2011-07-15T21:36:00.000-06:00

stolen from Hessesmadhouse

Julie is one of my blogging buddies. She has been invited to go to Japan to help with the tsunami clean-up that is still in progress. I think she is pretty amazing. One of her first thoughts was, how do I come up with the money for a plane ticket and all the costs of this type of a trip?

How easy would it have been to just ASK people to GIVE her the money, I mean it is for a good cause right?

But, this just goes to show what kind of women Julie is...she has started putting a cookbook together and all the proceeds go to the expenses of her trip.

I love it! Talk about being a giver and not a taker.

If you would like to order one of her cookbooks go to her blog she has a pay pal account set up just for this.

http://hessesmadhouse.blogspot.com/2011/07/would-you-buy-cookbook.html

Besides, who doesn't love a good cookbook?

Thank You and the Winner Is:

2011-07-14T14:35:00.000-06:00

Thank you for each of you who commented on my Blogoversary post.

Those of you who posted please

email me your address

janiece_b@hotmail.com

Happy BLOGoversary!!!

2011-07-13T02:35:00.000-06:00

It all started HERE

I can not believe I have been Blogging for 4 years!

So, I believe I need to have a giveaway.

I am not one of those cool bloggers who have tons of sponsor's who donate all kinds of things to give a way,

but I do have a creative mind (when it is working)

and I am quite sure I can think of something to send :o)

So, tell me your favorite post on

One Moment At A Time

the winner will be named July 14, 2011.

I am so excited....

Letter To My Donor's Family

2011-07-13T02:17:00.000-06:00

I could hardly wait for the day when I could write my donor's family and hopefully find a way to express my gratitude to them. It took me about 2 weeks to finally get the words on paper to say a little about how I felt...

I have debated sharing it here, but this where I keep important things that are happening in my life...and writing this letter was very important.

I then had to send my copy of the letter to my transplant social worker, who had to approve it (notice no last names, state names...ect...there are LOTS of rules to writing this letter) and then forward it to the Intermountain Transplant Coordinator who also has to approve the letter. It then goes to the donor's transplant coordinator and then is mailed to the donor family...WHEW...just to say thanks.

My donor's family has the choice if I get to know anything about my hero.

being the control freak I am, this has been very difficult for me, because of yet, I have not heard from them.

Yesterday, while I was in Utah for my latest heart biopsy, I was setting and visiting with my brother, Ro...

He asked if I had heard anything about my donor and I told him, "No, and it is starting to drive me crazy".

He just looked at me and said, "Maybe you are not suppose to know, and you shouldn't worry about it any more".

Just matter of fact like...

I was just walking back to my car to start my 3 hour drive home and at that moment I thought, He is right...it shouldn't matter, the fact is that a family somewhere has read my letter and they know that their loved one's heart is beating strong and that may be enough for them to move forward.

My selfish thoughts of who was this person should not be a weight but a peace that they have shared a part of themselves with me...without knowing ANYTHING about me.

Life is good and I am grateful.

If you want to read my 3 page letter here it is..

May 14, 2011

To my hero’s family and friends,

I have anticipated writing this letter for the past year and all the things I wanted to say to you, and now that I can, I cannot find the words to express my gratitude to you and the feelings I have for my donor and their family. How do you say thank you enough? How do you say I am sorry for your loss? How do you say you are always on my mind? How do you say your loved one is my hero?

There are so many things I would love to know about my donor. If they were a boy or girl, how old they were, what they liked to do, even what happen that I now am the benefactor of their heart? These are thoughts that I have had each day for the past year. There are so many things I want to tell you about the past 6 years but more importantly this last year.

My name is Janiece, I am a 49 year old, daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. I enjoy being with my family, cooking, baking, taking pictures, researching history and gardening. I love being around water, be it a quiet lake or a rushing river and I believe in miracles.

I had a heart attack in April of 2005. It was caused by blood clots in my heart that caused extensive damage. It was a short time later that I was referred to the cardiology team that I see now and that manage all of my transplant visits.

Towards the end of 2009 I knew that my heart was “getting tired”. I no longer had the energy to even do the simplest of things such as grocery shopping, taking care of my home, going out with friends or even taking a shower.

In February 2010, I was told that I would need to be added to the heart transplant list. Because of where I live this would mean that I would have to relocate closer to my cardiology/transplant team. I have a wonderful extended family and left my home and husband to live with my brother and his family in another state. As you can imagine this was a difficult choice to make, but after many long talks with my husband, children and my extended family we all knew that even as difficult as it was I would someday get to come back home.

On May 13, 2010 around 7:00pm, I received the phone call we had been waiting for. As I listened to the voice on the phone, I could only just stand there with the phone to my ear as I heard, “Janiece, do you understand what I said to you? “We have a heart for you”. My daughter and her husband had just arrived from Argentina two weeks before to be closer to me; she quickly called my husband and sons and told them to start the drive to us. As I packed my bags and started to get ready to leave for the hospital the most unbelievable feeling came across me, here we were all excited with tears running down our faces, and I could not stop thinking of you… undoubtedly having tears running down your faces too, but not with the feelings we were having. I said a quiet prayer for you for comfort and of gratitude for the choice you had made.

My husband and sons arrived about 3 hours later. We had a nice visit but because my heart rate had become very erratic they kept me somewhat sedated.

On May 14, 2010, I receive my hero’s heart. I do not remember going into surgery.

Waking up from receiving this amazing heart the thing I remember most was that it “ROCKED” my body. Really, it was beating so strong that I was rocking in the bed to its beat! When the transplant team came into visit after I was awake they said, “It was a perfect fit”. I was in surgery for only 4 hours and 45 minutes. My recovery went really well. On May 18, 2010 I walked 2 miles around the ICCU!! I couldn’t believe it, only a week before I could barely walk around the house. The other thing that I noticed was the color I had in my face and lips. I joked that I was going to have to buy a different foundation because I would look like I had a clown face.

I was released from the hospital 10 days after the transplant. I went back to my brother’s home for another month to recover and become stronger.

On June 21, 2010 I became a grandma. My son, Josh and his wife Ali had a baby girl. I couldn’t believe that I was a grandma, and that I would get to live to see her grow up.

The first part of July I was able to rent an apartment where my daughter and son in law stayed with me. This gave me the independence to take care of myself and it felt good to know that I could. I loved being out and doing things. We went on hikes, shopped all the things that I had not done for such a long time.

In September I was able to move home. Oh how I had missed my husband, family, friends and home. I could not take it in enough. I would love on my little granddaughter and tell her about my amazing heart and because of someone very special I would get to play with her all the time. At this time our youngest son, Derek moved back home from Arizona. When we visited about him leaving his job and things there and what were his thoughts, he just said, “Mom, I just want to be closer to you and the family right now.” I will admit I was excited to have my children close by again.

As each holiday came around I thought of you. I talk to my heart a lot. I would ask, “So what do you like to do for the holidays? I hope you like turkey because we will be eating turkey. Hey, we are going to the mountains to get a Christmas tree, It will be lots of fun and a good work out for both of us! New Year’s Eve…was really a night of refection for me…almost melancholy with such gratitude for the past year.

February 9, 2011 my 2^nd granddaughter arrived to my daughter Kira and her husband, Sergio. Again, my heart was full to know I would get to watch this sweet baby grow up.

A year later, and we are doing really well. I make trips a couple of times a month to the transplant team for appointments and biopsy’s. My rejection levels have been good. I love the days that they do the echo of this amazing heart. When I used to watch the echoes of my old heart I would wonder if it would even be able to make a full beat it was so slow (yes that was with the pacemaker helping it!) But, I can’t stop smiling as this heart just beats all over the place. It is strong and I love watching it.

Plans for the summer, yes I have plans. My son Josh will receive the title of Master in Taekwondo which I will be able to travel with my family to see him receive. I watch and play with my oldest granddaughter during the week and marvel at all she has learned in one year. My daughter Kira, her husband and baby have moved back to the states. I enjoy snuggle on their sweet little girl every day. My youngest, Derek stayed home went back to school. My husband and I are happy and loving being together; we now talk of the future, what we want to plant in our garden and where we would like to celebrate our 30^th wedding anniversary this year.

I know none of this would be possible without the sacrifice that your family has had to go through. Again, I am not very good at writing my feelings, but I hope you can feel my gratitude and love for this remarkable gift. I promise that I am going to live my life to the fullest that there will never be a question if I took for granite the opportunity to have my hero’s amazing heart.

With Sincere Gratitude,

Janiece

Hanging Out In Seattle

2011-07-11T02:20:00.001-06:00

After Josh had received his "Master's" title at the tournament Kirk, Kira, Sergio and Miss H and I took a drive back into Seattle to see some of the sights we had missed the day before.

Like the Space Needle....funny it was only about 4 blocks from where we had been the day before, yet we never looked for it.

A gentleman made a flower bracelet for Kira...Miss H LOVED it ...and was used for much entertainment for the next week. (Thank you Mr. Balloon Man)

We parked the car and road the Monorail to the mall.

Grandpa had so much fun "showing" everything to Miss H.

and let's not forget the view

It was really strange, but Miss C really didn't want much to do with me on this trip

(couldn't be that she had her momma to love on her and daddy close by)

so she stayed at the tournament with her parents, Derek and that went with us to Seattle.

I wish this video was turned the correct direction... but this little guy was so entertaining.

Life is good...and I must still be simply entertained...

Aunt or Tia

2011-07-07T01:30:00.000-06:00

My granddaughters are pretty lucky to have 'Lene as their Aunt or Tia.

the most beautiful sister ever

Last week I get a text message asking what size the girl's are.

and a couple of days later these cute outfits arrived in the mail.

I was glad she "couldn't resist"

because I think they both look so darn cute in the little dresses.

Miss C is growing up and it is so cute...she is getting where she wants to give "loves"

I am so excited to watch these two girls grow up together.

Miss H will see Miss C when she gets here in the morning and her little face just lights up.

and

"C" has been saying "Haz-elle" for at least a month.

I can see two cousins being as close as sisters.

and so darn cute!

4th of July

2011-07-07T01:05:00.000-06:00

I hope you had a wonderful 4th of July.

Mine was fantastic!

Our day started with Kirk and ALL the boys being up VERY early

putting a turkey, pork roast and beef roast in the fire pit to cook for the day.

Kira, Miss H and I left for Rupert for the parade.

Sergio had to work but the parade route went by where he works so he was able to watch it with us.

I have said it before and I will say it again,

I LOVE a parade and my favorite part is the color guard.

I love the American Flag, it truly makes me happy.

I like small town parade especially, that you hardly will ever see a hat on a real man,

or someone without their hand on the heart;

a sign that they have been taught respect not only for our flag but being an American

and importantly not afraid of those who might "tease" them.

It was so fun to watch Miss H at her first parade.

and of coarse she looked so darn cute!

At 4pm the meat came out of the pit

and the family and friends started showing up with tons of food.

and we ate and visited and laughed!

even Miss H was enjoying herself..

Josh, Ali and Miss C had been out of town and arrived in time to be with us for the fireworks.

Miss C loved her sparkler.

and could hardly wait for the fireworks to begin.

and when I say fireworks I mean FIREWORKS!

I do not want to know how many dollars went up into the air, but I will say...

THANK YOU MONTE AND KIRK...best show I have seen in FOREVER!are you ready for some of the sites we enjoyed...

One Bad Mother-in-Law

I have to tell you about this firework...As the guys were "staging" the fireworks (yes, they had them in order of how they were going to be lit off...Sergio walks over to me carrying this "Box" he says, " I do not understand what this firework's name means..." with a smirk on his face...HAHAHA....

and my favorite...

STARS AND STRIPES!

how many stripes are on the flag?

An hour or so later...

it was time to clean up and again the fire pit was put to work.

It was a GREAT 4th of July!

High School Grounds

2011-07-06T02:13:00.000-06:00

While walking around the high school in Lynwood, Washington I was in awe of the green plants and what was growing and so beautifully...

This pretty plant is a dandelion!!! REALLY... if they looked this pretty in my yard, Weed B Gone would no longer be around.

and what kind of tree or plant this is I do not know...but I loved it.

I could not get over how the leaves on the plant took the shape of a flower.

and really...STRAWBERRIES!!!! Tons of little strawberry plants growing in the planters of the parking lot.

just wanted to share things that made me go awe...

Cool Trivial

2011-06-29T00:01:00.001-06:00

This year, July has 5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays and 5 Sundays.

July

The same thing will happen again in 2022, 2028, and 2033.
Kind of cool trivia hu?

Master Josh Burgess

2011-06-26T01:00:00.001-06:00

Today was AWESOME!!!

and I am so glad I was there.

After ALL the intro to the start of the HTF National Tournament were done and with all those that would compete and observe, Josh was called to stand before the HTF Masters.

There he recited the oath of a Master

( I wish I had the words)

Josh was welcomed into an elite group of men and women,

as a

Master of Taekwondo

and a place at the tale of HTF Masters.

It was a dream being completed, years of work, dedication and desire

led to this day.

Joining Josh in a photo are

8th degree black belt, Grand Master Jack Pierce

7th degree black belt, Senior Master Jay Hartwell.

and

the most special

Miss C with her daddy.

Josh, Congrats! You are amazing!

It's 3am

2011-06-24T23:50:00.000-06:00

If all the family is together at 3 am and AWAKE

what do you do...

Why not

get in your cars and drive...

a LONG TIME

and then you all hang out...

watching the fish mongers

being amazed at all the fresh fish and flowers

shaking your head at all the things that were for sale and prices that only ~~really stupid~~ tourist would pay.

no we did not purchase anything...

But, OH WE ENJOYED THE VIEWS

the places and the smells.

and the views

in Seattle and on the drive.

I wish my pictures through the Snoqalmie Forest had turned out

because it was so beautiful with so many flowers and GREEN...

and reminded me why it was so hard to leave the state of Washington almost 30 years ago.

Flat Stanley

2011-06-22T01:29:00.000-06:00

Have you ever heard of Flat Stanley?

Flat Stanley is a 1964 children's book written by Jeff Brown (1926 – December 3, 2003) and illustrated by Tomi Ungerer. It is the first in a series of books featuring Stanley Lambchop, a completely flat boy.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I had never heard of the book, but several years ago I received my 1st flat Stanley in the mail. Wikipedia refer to it as "The Flat Stanley Project.

Come to find out Flat Stanley even has his own web site!

I actually enjoy taking Flat Stanley around our little farming community to take pictures and then send them back to the "student" .

EXCEPT the Flat Stanley (Flat Heleman) that arrived last month.

I took this little paper guy that had been sent to me ALL OVER THE PLACE and when it came time to make copies of the pictures I had taken my computer had "hid" my pictures in tons of different files.

I felt like I had been sent WALDO...get it..."Where's Waldo"...OK maybe not that funny...

Well, when it comes time to send the pictures back to this nice little girl who had named her guy,"BOB" back in the mail...I think I found 3 total pictures.

I was just sick...Well, a few days ago I decided I was going to find my little Flat Waldo...

I found some of the pics and thought I would share them with you.

Because darn it....I took some really cool picture!

For instants, in the letter that arrived with "Bob" said he liked Nachos

So, heck yea...I took him to the BEST nachos around.

Taco Bandito in Burley! (they don't have a web page or I would link it)

to the Oregon Trail Ruts

Shoshone Falls

We even had a new colt arrive the same day that "Bob" did.

and the ghost town of Milner, Idaho

The "door" you see... is the door to the bank vault that was in the town of Milner.

You can also see the walls that had fallen down.

It is the only part of the town that remains.

anyway...enjoy the pictures!

Oh and there are still a lot more pics with Flat "Bob" that I have not been able to find YET.

Miss C is 1 YEAR OLD!

2011-06-21T02:44:00.001-06:00

One year ago today, I snuck home from Utah to see this little sweetheart born.

To stand next to Josh as his daughter was born is a memory I hope to never forget.

It was amazing to think that Kirk and I were grandparents!

It was such a special day for us as a family.

even though Miss C was getting to look like a fly for a night she was as beautiful as she could be to me.

Her GREAT aunt 'lene was able to be here when she arrived!

1 week later, she had started to change...

Oh my how she has changed yet stayed so much the same...

Derek had to wait for about a month before he was able to see his first niece.

I just love how she liked to hang out.

She got her first female cousin when she was 6 1/2 months old.

Miss Celes has grown up in just a few short months.

On Saturday, (18th) Celes had HER first Birthday party.

Her momma made a cute bathtub cake, because well Celes LOVES playing in the bathtub.

She had fun opening ALL of her gifts.

And blowing out her birthday candle.

and eating her own piece of cake

Happy Birthday Miss C, your "Gram"ma loves you very much.

hum...does she look like someone else I love very much?

...maybe just a little

Happy Birthday Miss C.

We are looking forward to each of many birthday we get to celebrate with you.