Hebner Habitat Happenings

Just keep swimming

2012-01-16T19:30:00.000-08:00

Last night when I went to bed I was feeling so trapped. No matter where I went, what I did, how I moved, I felt contained. It was a terrible feeling. I put my hands on my head and gave it shake. GO AWAY! i said, my thoughts were strangling me. I finally fell asleep after pleading in my prayers for a simple answer to this negative thought process. In my dreams I saw a maze. A huge block wall maze. It looked just like the one that was used on "Wizards of Waverly Place" a Disney show I watch from time to time because I love the characters. Anyways, on the show Alex just used a spell and walked through the walls and found her way out. My thought, well, I can't wave a wand and walk out of this maze. Then I said out loud, why not? I'm in my head The maze is not real. No more walls. Than I was trapped in a large cardboard box, I thought again, there is no cardboard box. The walls fell away. Than there was a prison cell, this one came from a memory of visiting Alcatraz. I didn't go for that one either. No more bars. Soon nothing held me. I could go and do whatever I wanted without boundries. I do not know why I am struggling with my thoughts so much these days. I did go to the doctor and she adjusted my meds so I am doing better. I just try to picture Dorie the little blue fish and I tell myself, "just keep swimming, swimming, swimming, just keep swimming!"

2012-01-16T19:28:00.000-08:00

New Solutions

2012-01-03T16:45:00.000-08:00

REGRET (ri gret) to feel sorry about an event, one's acts, etc.

mourn, bewail, lament, cry over, rue, grieve, have compunctions about, feel conscience-stricken, concern, worry, self accusation, disappointment, dissatisfaction, uneasiness, discomfort, annoyance

cry over spilled milk--kick oneself--looking in the rear-view mirror--spiritual distrubance

Garrett asked me the other day to do something for him...stop being negative about everything. So I thought it over and decided he is right. I'm so negative because I am so bitter about my own actions.
This year the only thing I am going to change is the unhealthy way I beat up on myself. Regrets are and always have been on the forefront of my mind. I have decided that if I can just push them aside (really, I would rather squash them, send them through a high speed blender, than wash them down the drain) many of my so called "problems" will disappear. Wish me luck and if any of you can spare the time, pray for my success.

Christmas with Garrett

2011-12-29T22:12:00.000-08:00

Garrett is now the proud owner of a XBox and Kinect I have only played once but I can see why so many people enjoy this game system. It's FUN! Now if I can only move a bit faster...
Gary got a camera that takes pictures of wildlife...motion activated. he can set it up and leave it for a few days and than go back and check out whether there is any wildlife action. He thinks it's cool.

It was a great Christmas.

Counting down to Christmas

2011-12-11T12:09:00.001-08:00

A few years ago I purchased a advent calendar garland from one of those fund raising brochures the children pass around in the grade school. I had forgotten I had had it. I opened a container in my decoration storage and viola, a garland with red velvet pockets with the numbers one through twenty four in gold on each. I thought it would be fun to put a dollar bill in each one and hang it above the mirror in the bathroom for Garrett. He goes to the store everyday to buy a soda for himself and I decided it would be a great daily gift for him. Why the bathroom? In years past I have always decorated each room in the house. So this was a splash of Christmas spirit in the powder room. Garrett did not even notice it for the first few days and we didn't point it out to him either. We wanted to see how long it would be before he finally mentioned it. I generally decorate the day after Thanksgiving so this garland was hanging up for several days. December 1st was approaching and still Garrett has not said anything. FINALLY, one afternoon when I returned from work he says to me, "Mom, what is with the red pockets and the money?" I said, "Oh my goodness Garrett that has been hanging there for almost a week, you are just now seeing it? "No, he says, I've been wondering about it, but you guys haven't said anything so I thought I would ask. Besides, he says, it hangs up above my head and I had to look up to see it. Remember, I'm a shorty."

Canell's Soda Cabinet

2011-11-17T15:58:00.000-08:00

Some families have cookie jars. Some have a treat drawer. And still others have a soda cabinet.
When I was a child and visited my grandma Nulliner, she always had cookies in the cookie jar. We would walk in, give hugs and go straight for the jar. If our visit lasted for more than an hour of two, my grandfather would walk us over to Westdale Mall (a medium size strip mall) and we would go to the Thrifty Drug store and get an ice cream, but i'm getting off track because that's different even though it's kind of the same....now where was I, oh yes...the cookie jar. When my children visited their grand parents, my parents the Nulliners, they would walk into the house, give hugs and head right for the family room refrigerator . Grandpa Nulliner always had these little juice jars waiting for them filled with tampico orange drink. Before we would leave, Granny Buns would take them to the kitchen where she had a drawer full of dum dum suckers and they would not leave til they got one. I'm pretty sure most families have a similar tradition. As for Gary's dad, grandpa Hebner, there was always plenty of Kraft Cheese Slices. Now his mother, Grandma Canell was a soda drinker and a believer in having a year supply of everything, soda included. She always had a cabinet filled with soda, canned and bottled. The ritual was the same, walk into the house, give hugs and head for the soda.

I tell this story because Gary's mother passed away a few years ago and Papa now lives alone. Up until just recently he maintained the soda cabinet. But when we made out last visit we witnessed something new. The soda cabinet has been taken over by the cat. Yes, the CAT. See for yourself.

What once held shelves of pepsi, dr. pepper, mountain dew, sprite, rootbeer, diet coke, has now become a cat food storage facilty. Too bad, so sad! There does remain a bit of soda, but just a little bit...a little tiny bit

All good things come to an end. There is no need to visit this cabinet anymore. Farewell
Thanks for the memories

p.s. papa built himself a garage for his truck...looks nice doesn't it.

You can say this or you can say that

2011-11-10T08:17:00.000-08:00

Redunkulous
Superflipindiculous
Gonga

Isn't language fun. I just read my daughter's Kerri blog and she described her experience living in two opposite weather locations by just using single words. I think that is so cool. It was an usual and pleasant way for her to share. WORDS...they have so much power. Earlier I was watching a t.v. program and the invented word 'redunkulous' was used to describe an experience. In this instance it was used when the people playing Survivor South Pacific was rewarded with a table of pastries. 'Superflinindiculous' another invention was used to describe the uniqueness of a dance crew's talent. A 'gonga' deal means you got something really expensive for very little money. This colorful
use of word combinations is fascinating to me. I often hear one and wish I had written it down along with it's meaning so i can use it myself, but i more than often do not follow through. If you are a language purist this is annoying and testify boldly that the english language is being slaughtered. I for one feel it is creative and fun and I'm grateful for others who can think of it... Fantabulous...Mucho Many...I know there are many more even ones I use regularly but for the life of me i can't think of them right now. If you have any of these fun combinations, share them with me. I want to make a list to include in my personal history. and include the meaning if you would please.

Have a Glori-a-gous Day.

Fluff vs. Stuff

2011-11-08T15:12:00.000-08:00

One of the things I have noticed about people in general is that they are either a 'Fluff' or a 'Stuff' person. There are times when I have come across someone who is equally both. I call them "Fluff n Stuff." (that would be me) I suppose I should explain. These categories are applied to gift giving and receiving; birthdays in particular. I mention this because I just recently was on the receiving end.

Gifts in our home fall under these two categories. Gary is the one who came up with them. He is a Stuff not Fluff receiver. When one of us (immediate family members) gives him a gift there is no need to give any attention to fluffiness. Fluffiness means fancy packaging. Just give me the "Stuff" is his request. I like to get stuff, but I like the fluffiness...ribbons, cute paper, unique containers. I think the fluff makes it more desirable. Sometimes if you get a rotten gift...well let me rephrase that because no gift is 'rotten'...it is after all the thought that counts, if the gift is not quite your cup of tea and it is given in a lovely, eye catching package that in itself makes getting it FUN. But in Gary's opinion it's the gift itself that is fun and if you eliminate the fluff you have lots more money to spend on the stuff. So this has become the Hebner Family gift giving philosophy. It is not uncommon to receive a gift wrapped in a t-shirt, a towel, or store's plastic bag.

It is true, gift wrap and cards are costly and you can sometimes upgrade a gift if you go with a newspaper or brown paper bag cover-up. I still like to make the gift look special. It's the one thing my mother-in-law and I did agree upon. I enjoy unique cover-ups. For me it is part of the gift-giving fun but in these tough economic times I have to admit it can easily be eliminated. So I share below a photo of my birthday gift this year. Gary at least put it in a nice store clothing box and for a bit of color he added some skittles atop the package. I really liked my gift and the fact that he made the effort to 'fluff' it up meant so much. What was nice about this fluff was that I got a sweet treat as well. Happy Birthday to me!

Fluff, Stuff or Fluff n Stuff, which are you?

feel the music? than do something about it!

2011-11-06T01:34:00.000-07:00

After Halloween Krystal shared some footage of her friends dancing to a video game. She said we would be doing the same when she comes home for Thanksgiving. It should be a lot of fun. In the past I have encouraged our family to do some type of dance together, video it, and share with others so we can all get a good laugh and make some memories. We have some pretty funny videos. Last year we did not make a video...so very sad. I'm looking forward to our dancing antics this year. The reason I mention this 'tradition; is because I was watching one of my favorite movies "Grind". It's an oldie but a goodie. In it is a dance scene . It's just one of the many parts of this movie I enjoy. Anywho, after watching it I thought I would track down some of my other favorite dance scenes in movies of the past. I've downloaded some, there are only a few of them. There are too many to show. I hope you take the time to watch and "feel the music". Maybe this will get the fam ready for our dance adventure this Thanksgiving. Funny, of all the dancing in these clips i didn't see a single person doing the 'cyclone'...i wonder why?

Grind (2003)

2011-11-06T01:25:00.001-07:00

Hitch Wedding Dance Scene - End of Movie

2011-11-06T01:25:00.000-07:00

Napoleon Dynamite Dance Scene

2011-11-06T01:24:00.001-07:00

Thriller - 13 Going on 30

2011-11-06T01:24:00.000-07:00

Men in black dance

2011-11-06T01:23:00.000-07:00

Oh what do you do when a Tornado hits? or What I dreamed last night

2011-11-01T09:45:00.000-07:00

Last night I experienced the most awesome dream. Yes EXPERIENCED. We as a family, and I mean all the family, we were traveling somewhere in one of those 15 passangers vans, The Hebners, The Howards, The Calls and the Balls, and The Listers...for some reason the Listers are always with us, hmmm, wonder why? (if you are wondering who the Listers are that would be my sister's fam Marsha, Kevin, Jessica and Brooke) DISCLAIMER: that makes more than 15 but hey, it's a dream, so 19 people including 6 cars seats can fit comfortably into a fan.
Anywho, we are traveling down a very straight two lane highway with large field on either side and were visiting about whatever families talk about on long road trips and something lays on the front windshield. It doesn't hit the window it just gently lands on it and slides slowly across from the middle to the driver's side.
No one notices except me of course because it's my dream.
Again something lands and I see that it is a humongous nut, you know the metal kind that go with bolts. it is the size of my hand. Something that would be used to put together a large piece of machinery. It just glides across the window and falls off. Than I noticed there were other things floating in the air ahead of us. There were branches, two-by-fours, bushes, and fish. Yep, fish a Rainbow trout to be exact. They were coming at us at a very fast rate and when they reached the van they would not slam into us but gently lay on the windshield, glide over to the side and fall off, just like the nut. I panic and say very loud, hey you guys here comes a tornado. They all laugh. I say again, really, look at all the stuff flying through the air. I point and say, See, there's a rainbow trout...know how people have found frogs uimped in their yards after a tornado. Well there must be a lake somewhere nearby becaue look at all the fish! Now that I have everyone's attention and they are now getting a bit nervous I see the clouds whirling ahead of us miles down the road and I yell "LOOK! THE TORNADO IS RIGHT THERE! There it is beginning to form ito a funnel and we go approaching it, rapidly, because we are traveling at 75 miles an hour.

Garrett is the driver and he immediately says WE NEED TO SAY A PRAYER. Everyone bows their head, even garrett, and he's driving and I begin praying out loud, but I don't bow my head, I keep watching what is going on around us. As I say, Dear Heavenly Father Please protect our family and vehicle from this oncoming tornado....just at that moment everything pauses and goes into very s l o w m o ti o n. Others take over praying at this point and I sit and watch as the fish slowly fly by our van in a swimming motion no less,

and the trees that are uprooted gently glide by and the air is swirly around and I can see it like it is a vibration. It moves towards us and as we drive through it, (mind you Garrett is still in prayer mode, how we are in control of the vehicle puzzles me, but than again , it is a dream) we can feel a very strong vibration as it passes through us much like trublance on an airplane and then it the vibration stops and it is very quiet. I turn aroundin my seat to look out the back window and I can see the tornado continue on behind us tearing up the fields and road as it travels. I shake Garrett so he can pull over and stop and everyone opens their eyes whipping their heads back and forth to survey the damage which to all ou surprise there is none.. Matter of fact Rylee is sound asleep in her car seat. We are completely unharmed. There is not a thing out of place and the grand children can't wait to get out to go see what the tornado leaves behind and there is not even a scratch on the van. It's amazing to us that all the area just around us is untouched. Everything ahead of us and behind us is in a mess! We are all standing together in awe and the silence is broken by Brad saying, "WOW, that was close!." Garrett says, "it's a good thing I said we should say a prayer!" Lili wants to know if we can do it again. Rylee is still sleeping she doesn't even know what just happened. Jessica, Brooke, Nate and Krystal are immediately on their cell phones texting all their friends and taking pictures to document the event. Kim and Kerri are out in the field with Lili, Nate, Mason, Kaci and Forrest looking at all the trout flopping around on the ground, Brad and Bruce are analyzing the whole situation, Garrett is getting into the ice chest because he needs a soda to calm him down and Gary completes it all by saying, "WHO'S HUNGRY? LET'S EAT!"
and that ends it all...the whole family is now getting out the food packed in ice chests and containers preparing to eat a together right in the middle of the devastion just caused by a tornado that has carved it's way across the landscape,and we are all together unharmed, safe and sound thanking the Lord for our blessings. AMEN!

Moral of the story, as Garrett suggested... We Need To Say our Prayers.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-30T10:31:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year, Fall is here...

2011-10-24T16:00:00.000-07:00

Just sharing...

Lots of new posts

2011-10-23T00:04:00.001-07:00

I've fallen behind in posting...so there are several to view today.

New seasonal items

2011-10-23T00:03:00.000-07:00

I've added two new items to my Halloween decor. Witchie boots and a stuffed black cat. The Relief Society had some freebie items one Sunday and I picked up a string of lights in Halloween colors. I've never put up lights for Halloween before. I lit up the cyprus tree at the front door and put some white lights in my ceramic jack-o-lantern. This year Woody will only wear a hat, it's been a bit too warm to dress up....

Marsha and Me

2011-10-22T23:43:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago we made a visit to the LIsters. Gary and I have not been to the temple for a long time and we decided to take the whole weekend and visit family too. Marsha and i just happen to wear a similar color and recently both had our hair colored. So I wanted it documented.
We finally got to see the "new" member of the Lister family, Jessica's new car... BONUS

Marsha and Verda new hair color

Brooke offered to model for us

the inside

the outside

National Service Day 2012

2011-10-22T23:27:00.000-07:00

Each year my ward participates in the National Service Day. This year we painted a house. I refused to believe that we could paint the whole house in one day. I was certain we would be spending the three weekends working on this home. Well, we not only did it in one day, we did it in less than 4 hours. I'm a believer. Young and old scrapped, taped and painted and we only had one mishap...a bee sting. It's amazing what can be done when people come together to help others.

Halloween with the Howards

2011-10-22T23:19:00.000-07:00

Just want to share the pictures Kim sent me of my darling grandchildren getting ready to celebrate Halloween...

Nate AKA Optimus Prime

Mason AKA Bumblebee

Lilian AKA Rapunsel

"The Best Fest" Arizona is gonna be !00

2011-10-22T23:09:00.000-07:00

Arizona will be 100 next year. The state is sponsoring events all over the state until February 2012. The kick-off celebration was held in downtown Prescott. Prescott was the first capital of Arizona. All kind of things were going on during this three day fun fest. i only had my telephone to take pictures because this was the same weekend Gary was in Alaska. There were a lot of displays ' that were set up to showcase the state. I especially enjoyed the 'old west" town that was set up on "Whiskey Row." There were people dressed in periond appropriate clothing teaching how to make a horse shoes, pan for gold, telling the story of the people who lived here at the time of statehood. . There is a charity group here in Prescott that dedicate themselves to re-enacting the old west. They dress in the coolest clothes and do shows. The one I watched while I was there was the "shoot out at the OK Corral" which is a true story that happened in the Tombstone area in Tucson, Arizona. The Indiana village had on-going demonstrations everything from grinding corn to building hogans made from the brush gathered from desert. They showed how they made pottery, weaved baskets, carved bows and arrows, really cool painting and carving the way it was done back then with the tools they used in the late 1800's. I tease Gary when we watch hunting videos and see all the new fan-dangled equipment hunters use today to bag their game. I say to him....hmmm, i wonder how the Indians hunted all those years without out all this special stuff. It's a wonder they were able to keep themselves alive. And they hunted for the whole tribe, that was their meat for the season. They didn't just hunt for the trophy and bragging rights. I felt like a little kid on a school field trip while I went from one demo to the other. i learned a lot and have a new appreciation for the people who founded this state. If the BEST FEST comes to your area, you really should go check it out.

Conferemce Weekend

2011-10-02T03:59:00.000-07:00

I always look forward to Conference. Today I wrote down some phrases and key words that will help me to remember what was shared in the Saturday Sessions. I'll be using them to quiz my class on Monday to see if they really listened or not. Some of them are as follows:

The right thing to do at the right time Jose L. Alonzo (service)

Young crow, Old crow IF Boyd K Packer (message to the youth)

You Matter To HIM Dieter F. Uchtodorf (self worth)

It's better to Look Up Carl B. Cook

The Joy of Forgiveness D. Todd Christofferson (repentance)

Speak up about the Church L. Tom Perry

Of course I will mostly refer to talks given on Sunday. I have come to learn that most members do not watch all four sessions. That's really too bad. I know the talks are recorded and we can listen to them at a later time, but I feel you miss something special when you don't hear them as they are presented on the given day. And if you only read the Ensign you miss all the inflections in the person's voice. For example, today President Monson spoke briefly in the morning session and his greeting was so cute and his smile radiated. You don't see or hear that when you read the magazine. Sometimes a speaker will tell a joke and it's impromptu. those are little gems of personality are not included in the magazine version.

I know people are very busy these days and there is only so much time to get everything done that is required of us. I'm grateful I have generally been able to take the time to listen to all of conference. I like the Relief Society meeting the week prior. I have never listened to conference and not received an answer to my prayers. I know the leaders of the church are inspired and thank goodness for their valiant service. I appreciate all they do for us.

Sewing therapy

2011-09-24T00:10:00.000-07:00

It's Friday afternoon and I'm FREEEEE! I get to spend time with my sewing machine. I didn't realize how much time I spent sewing until I got a job and can't do it except on Saturdays. It is Halloween costume season and I have one more to make. Rylee needs a basketball costume. I wish I had taken pictures of the other kids costumes. They were so much fun to make. Oh well, hopefully we will get pictures as they wear them when they go 'trick or treating'.

Gary is home, Thank goodness. He came home sick, but he is home. He had a great time and below are a few of the pictures that were taken while he was in Alaska. Many thanks to the Call Family for showing him a good time and for having such adorable children. Oh and thank you Heavenly Father for providing a grizzly bear for all to see. It truly was a wonderful gift and an experience that will never be forgotten.

Gary goes to visit the Calls in Alaska

2011-09-16T20:58:00.000-07:00

It's another Friday evening and I am sitting here all alone. Reminds me of the days when I was a teenager and I didn't have a date for the weekend, which was most of the time. Gary is in Alaska visiting Kerri and meeting Forrest for the first time. He called today to fill me in on the weekend plans. They get to go to Denali tomorrow. I'm so glad he gets this opportunity. I hope someday I will get to go sight seeing. My trips usually consists of homemaking things cause I'm the Mom. Which is all good. At least I'm needed once in a while. But it would be nice to travel for fun. Maybe when I grow up.

Thank goodness for Seminary. I get to do something I absolutely enjoy. Now that I have a job I can afford to buy fun treats for the kids on game day and not feel guilty about it. It's great to learn so much about the Old Testament.

I really don't think anyone reads this blog anymore. But I need to keep track of my daily life so I will continue to make notes each week. I'm feeling a bit lonely so I don't want to write anymore today because it will just sound negative. This is suppose to be my Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy time, a time to reflect on everything that is so wonderful in my life. I did, however, have alot of fun sewing costumes for Kaci and Forrest. This year Kaci wanted to be a Butterfly. Forrest will be by her side as a caterpillar. I have a blast conjuring up costumes for my grand children. Right now I am preparing to make a dress for Lilan, She will be Repunzel (Tangled version) this year. Nate and Mason requested Optimus Prime and BumbleBee...those costumes will be purchased this year...my skills are limited when it comes to Transformers. So much fun...And with that I will close....til next time.

sunshine lollipops

2011-08-29T15:48:00.000-07:00

I was on my way to pick up Gary from work last Tuesday afternoon and I saw this most amazing rainbow.

There is a look out at Watson Lake and I pulled over to take a photo. All I had with me that day was my cell phone and I tried to get as much of it as I could. It was a complete arch and it was so brillant that there were two of them. Many other people had the same idea as I because cars were pulling over two and three at a time to take in this beautiful scene. This is one of those times when you just take the time to enjoy nature and all it's beauty. Wish I had one of those fancy cameras....my phone just did not capture this magnificent beauty.

Looks like I can drive right to the rainbow

The Dells/Watson Lake Look Out, Prescott Arizona

Spending time with the Fam

2011-08-28T17:54:00.000-07:00

The weekend The Balls headed home to Idaho they stopped by for a visit. The Listers also came up for the day. Gary got out the old pink bow for entertainment.. The Prize was a 10 dollar bill pinned to the target. Whoever could hit it, won it. Needless to say, it took about an hour but someone did capture the booty. Uncle Kevin was triumphant. Below are just a few pix of the contestants. It was a fun way to pass the time.

First, G.G. had to get reacquainted with Rylee and we had dinner. Beef roast, corn on the cob, rolls, salad, grape and orange crush, fresh fruit.

Now that every one has food in them and Rylee and GG have spent some time together it's Family Activity Time. Gary set up the target, posted a 10 dollar bill and competition began.

Some instructions had to be given for safety purposes.

We had a wonderful time together. Uncle Kevin enjoyed himself. We ended our visit with a game of "Guess what I'm thinking" which is always a crowd pleaser. As the Listers were leaving we caught a glimpse of Jessi 's attempt to dress up the Honda. Poor baby she has to drive her father's car.

Now that school is in session we won't see much of each for a while. It was sure nice to spend some quality time with the FAM!

Look alikes...not really

2011-08-19T21:16:00.000-07:00

I came to work one morning and Jenna was wearing the same top as I. We were both wearing light colored bottoms as well. What are the odds of such a thing happening, especially with our age difference. Should we become Walmart models for the young and skinny and the old and fat? Ha! Ha!

showing their true colors!

2011-08-19T21:00:00.000-07:00

The honeymoon is over in Seminary. The kids are now brave enough to test my patience. Good thing they waited until Friday so I have a couple of days to forget I am disappointed in them. They don't care of course, but it causes a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach when I witness behavior unbecoming of Latter Day Youth. But they are only kids. So by Monday I will have forgotten and all will be well. These kids are wonderful and we do have some fun in class, so I can't complain. Any suggestions for hushing the chattie-cathies that are determined to sit in the back of the classroom challenging my authority. I'm up for something creative. Onward Christian Soldiers...

Back to school

2011-08-13T00:08:00.000-07:00

Seminary is in full swing and I have been getting use to my new job and teaching early morning. The students in my class are delightful. 16 different personalities. So far they have been pleasant and getting to class on time, but we will see how long that lasts. I plan on soaking up the"honeymoon" period as long as I can.

I am also enjoying my job. The lady who is training me is a hoot. I laugh everyday, which makes the time I spend there enjoyable. I'm re-learning how to multi-task. I can not believe how lazy I have become in my thinking process since I stopped working at the school. The stress level is also minimal since I am not in charge and just do what I'm assigned...I'm technically the lunch relief for Jenna who is the full-time employee.

What do I do for four hours a day? The company is A & E Reprographics. It's a copy center for large format items such as floor plans. Our main customers are architects, builders, plumbers, electrician, landscapers, etc. I scan the prints and make copies. We also do copy work for Attorneys. If it's on a piece of paper we copy it. They also do computer design for all sorts of projects; business cards, banners, signs, photos on canvas, enhancing old photos, etc. I have already learned so much about the Photo Shop and Adobe Illustrator programs. There is so much to learn. Today I was sure my brain was going to explode. It's amazing how invigorating it is learn new things. I hope to be able to save enough money so we can visit our children in Alaska, Hawaii and Idaho more often than once a year. It would be nice to buy a home, but that's just a dream right now...you know what they say, when you dream, dream BIG. Who knows, it could happen!

Rylee's first 4th of July

2011-07-05T19:35:00.000-07:00

Smile and Laugh

2011-07-01T11:30:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning with this little poem in my thoughts so I wrote it down and perhaps I'll do something with it...

smile some

laugh some

enjoy some giggles and grins

smile some

laugh some

it's the best medicine.

I do not know why that came to me, but I've been cheerful all morning.

I Love You More than....

2011-06-28T16:22:00.000-07:00

My honey, Mr. Love Bucket, is on this new kick. Everyday he tells me that he loves me more than something. For instance. The first day this started he said, "I Love You More than...my guns" now I don't know what you think about this statement, but for Gary, that is a gi-normous load of LOVE. What came next, oh yes, " I Love You More than...food~" that's another big one. Ummm, here is another good one...I-L-Y-M than...buttered popcorn with peanut m&ms!" Oh there have been many others including a BIG GLUP, and WATCHING MOVIES, It is so cute to hear these affirmations of his love for me. And to answer the question on everyone's mind, No, he hasn't said he loves me more than HUNTING. But maybe he is saving that for a special day. giggle, giggle. I sure do love that man of mine. How could I not, I mean he loves me more than all his other favorites, it can't get better than that, can it?

this was taken at Krystal's wedding reception one year ago...June 26, 2010

G.G.Meets Rylee

2011-06-22T12:07:00.000-07:00

Krystal and Bruce are spending the summer in Phoenix so Bruce can work with his dad (jobs are far and few between in Rexburg). So what that means is we got a visit from Rylee. G.G. got to meet Rylee. Rylee is currently loosing all her 'birth' hair and so you will see quite a resemblance to her grandfather in the pictures below. G.G. also went shopping and Rylee now has a new addition to her wardrobe. Even though I just saw this family two weeks ago, I was so happy to be with them again. If you live in the Phoenix area and want to see my adorable grand daughter, give Krystal a call. They plan to be here until August.

One happy grand dad!

up close and personal. can you tell what physical feature they share?

Gary first saw these cute little socks when we visited Madison (Misty's little girl) and he had to have some for Rylee. Plus G.G. thought she should have cool, comfortable, cotton dress for church. He gets so much enjoyment shopping for the grand children.

A Father's Love

2011-06-21T10:10:00.000-07:00

I went looking for my men and found them taking a snooze. I had to take this photo, the words to a song came to mind as I was photographing these two sleepy heads....Let me tell you a secret about a Father's.love...fathers don't just love their children every now and then, it's a love without end, amen.

Cub Scout Boot Camp---day two

2011-06-17T17:30:00.000-07:00

These past two days have been a lot of fun. The activities planned for the scouts have been amazing and the staff gets fed the best lunches. Yum, yum, yummy. Only one day left....

Name of our station assignment

squad #10 was made up of the scouts in our ward

code names... Mama Bear Susnshine

squad leader with visual aide

a solider preparing for under cover work

special ops soldier ready for mission assignment

Cub Scout Boot Camp

2011-06-16T17:07:00.000-07:00

Cub Scout Day camp began today. Little boys are too much fun! Today I saw Elaine Couch who is a family friend. Her Cub Scout den attended our "Special Ops" class. She is my daughter Kim's husband's sister's mother-in-law. So she literally is a friend IN the family. Here in the Prescott Area we often run into relatives of Nate because this is where his family resides. We attend the same ward as Nate's sister Destiny's husbands brother, Randy Barnette. For fun we always introduce ourselves as "family" when we really are not the ones related to them. It's just fun to mess with everyone. It's easier than explaining how we know each other.

Elaine Couch with Special Ops trainer Sgt.Mama Bear

Memories of the house on Keim

2011-06-15T19:52:00.000-07:00

Today I found an old SD card and opened it to see what might be on it. I found pictures of the home we lived in at 4544 W. Keim Drive, Glendale, Arizona. It must of the been the day we moved out because the house is totally empty. Oh what memories came into my heart when I saw these pictures. Isn't it remarkable how the mind works. I could hear, smell, see all the different things we did as a family living in that home. We moved into this house in August 1995 (on Kerri's birthday) and we moved out December 2006 (when Kerri graduated from BYU-Hawaii and she announced she was pregnant with Kaci).

Home again, home again, jiggity jig

2011-06-15T13:11:00.000-07:00

I came home to pretty flowers and a bowl full of treats just for me. My hubbie said he missed me while I was gone and that for the entire day I was not allowed to venture any further than an arm's length from him. He kept pretty close tabs on me. This morning as he left for work and said, only for the 700th timel Did I tell you I missed you? It's wonderful to be loved by that man of mine. I love you my Honey!

Mesa Falls with BJ's family

2011-06-11T21:05:00.000-07:00

Today BJ's older sister Liz came for a visit. We had a light lunch out on the lawn and then we made our way up north about 30 minutes to Mesa Falls. It was National Get Outdoors Day, so we visited the Falls for free.
You will see Liz, John, Olivia, Neeve, Caleb, Danny, Matt, Camille, Krystal, BJ, and Rylee, Verda and her bear friend. We hiked to the Falls and visited the Mammal exhibit inside the Lodge.There were pelts from different animals native to the area on display and you were encourage to touch them. Mink, fox, skunk, beaver, wolf, etc. I favored the fox, Liz liked the mink better. There were other exhibits outdoors as well, like the bear you will see in the pictures. A beautiful place to visit. The falls are 175 tall 200 feet wide. This was Rylee's first visit to a National Park and her first trip with her Aunt, Uncles and cousins. It was a grand day.

No it wasn't raining, this is Mom keeping the sun out of Rylee's eyes.

Matthew and his soon to be bride Camille. What a cute couple.

And to finish the day, dinner at Pizza Pie Cafe. YUM

A walk in the garden

2011-06-10T22:32:00.000-07:00

Today was a beautiful day. Since I have been here it has either rained or the wind has blown furiously which also means it has been COLD. Today was calm, sunny and warm. So I took a stroll through the garden on campus. When BJ and Krystal said there was a garden, I did not think it would be so big and glorious. There were trees, grass, flowers, all sorts of pathways, ponds, and waterfalls. I saw a mother with her daughter having a picnic. A photographer with a little girl in her baptism dress taking outdoor photos. Families strolling up and down the many paths that wind through the area. Students tucked away in little nooks studying or laying on a blanket on the many grassy areas available. It is such a pretty and peaceful place. Of course it is located at the highest point of the campus, which meant I had to take a bit of an up-hill hike, but it was so worth it. Here are just a few of the many pictures I took today.

This is the entrance to the garden area

I think this tree looks like something you would see in a fairy tale forest.

This looks like a little cottage, but really it is a porch, Patty's Porch.

You walk through the doorway and it takes you to a secluded garden area.

This area was dedicated for horticulture students to plant a vegetable garden.

There is also an apple orchard

This is where you can purchase apples for 50 cents a pound.

The many faces of Rylee

2011-06-09T16:54:00.000-07:00

Newborns are so much fun. They change everyday. Here are a few pictures of Rylee over the past week.

Soccer one chilly evening

2011-06-05T16:21:00.000-07:00

Just UP the hill from Krystal's is a sport complex. It includes soccer fields, baseball fields, rope climbing obstacle field. It's all brand new. We walked over the other night to watch a soccer game. I lasted only 30 minutes because it was so chilly. And just like anywhere else you go on this campus, it was up hill. You can see all across the valley from the soccer field where we were watching the game.

This path goes from University Village UP to the sports complex...you can take this path over to the Temple which is just on the other side...higher on the hill, of course.

From this spot during the day you can see several church steeples dot the landscape.

The soccer fields have artificial turf. very nice.

The complex is between University Village, a church building and the Temple.

this may look nice and cozy, but i'm telling you, it was COLD that night. brrrrr.

Rylee relaxes...what a life

2011-06-04T09:11:00.001-07:00

Rylee likes to sleep on the love sack. I have to admit it's my favorite place also. This sack is so soft and comfy. I sleep on it instead of the bed. I will have to have one of these when I get home. I'm thnking I want to replace my recliner with one of these babies. This comfy spot is large enough for mom, dad and baby to sleep together.

Rylee's room

2011-06-04T09:11:00.000-07:00

I thought I would do some embroidery to keep myself busy while I was hanging out with Rylee and her parents. I decided to make this birth announcement to hang in the baby's room. I know, it is not your typical baby girl motif. I wanted to do something different.

Krystal likes giraffes. Here are a few of Rylee's very own giraffes given to her as a gift. She also has several outfits, socks, balnkets, tote bags in a giraffe pattern.

And our old family friend, Geoffry, keeps watch over things.

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood...

2011-06-03T12:21:00.000-07:00

We went for a walk to the park and had lunch. The parks here in Rexburg are beautiful. Pine trees, green grass, blooming trees with gorgeous pink and while flowers that smell so yummie. This park is just across the street from the complex where Krystal lives. There is a walking path all the way around, lots of green, green grass and there is an exercise area and a putting green. It's part of the college. There's a great view of the valley from the top of the park. Krystal showed me where they also sled and snowboard during the winter. When I saw the nice incline I thought of how much fun it would be to roll down the grassy hill like I use to do with my sisters when I was a little girl.

The Balls relaxing in the sunshine. It's been really windy, wet and cold and this was the first day we could all get outside and enjoy the sun,

I gathered these pine cones to make a wreath. Of course I stuffed them in a bag and brought them home with me. These cones are different than the ones I collect in Arizona. They are soft and pliable, not stiff and pokey. And they have the most wonderful pine fragrance. mmmmm

at the top of the hill...

walking path circles the park....yes it goes up, up, up...as does every other path in this area.

grandma verdi, Mama Krystal, baby Rylee.

my very own fish

2011-05-30T22:00:00.000-07:00

I don't know if any of you have noticed, but I have a fish tank in my blog. Each time I log on I can feed my fish by clicking on the mouse. I taught my grand daughter Lili how to feed them and while I was visiting her we would feed the fish each day. I've always wanted an aquarium, I enjoy watching fish putter around in the water. However, I am not interested in taking care of a big glass case full of water or having to find someone to take care of it if I go away for awhile. So blog fish are just perfect for me. Whenever you visit, take a few seconds to feed the fish.

Rylee takes a bath at home

2011-05-29T13:40:00.000-07:00

Rylee goes to chruch

2011-05-29T12:39:00.000-07:00

all dressed and ready to go

..and we're off

First appearance at church

relaxing with mama afterwards.

More of Rylee

2011-05-26T16:21:00.000-07:00

Kerri said there were not enough pictures of the baby. So Here are a few more I have taken...

She is still a bit yellow so she needs to be under a special light .

She is resting comfortably on a great big siesta sack carefully tucked into the cove under the stair case... Her bed is under the stairs just like Harry Potter.

Glow little glow worm, glimmer, glimmer...

ahhh, life is good!

Rylee Aden Balls her first day

2011-05-24T07:21:00.000-07:00

Welcome, Welcome Rylee Girl. She's here, she's here! After much waiting and anticipation she is here.
She had a bit of a problem making her entrance. She needed the doctor to actually suck her out with a manual vaccum. But she is a beautiful precious sight. 8lbs. 6 oz. May 23rd, 2011 2:52 P.M. in Rexburg, Madison County, Idaho.

Mom and Rylee meet.

This was such a tender moment. You can't see the tears but Mom and Dad are weeping with JOY!

Daddy comforts his daughter for the first time.

Momma keeping Rylee warm while she waits for the nurse to bathe her.

Grandma Verdi and Rylee just after her first bathing session.

all together now! Mom and Dad, Uncle Matthew, Uncle Danny and soon to be Aunt Camille.

Jack and Jill went up the hill...

2011-05-19T12:43:00.000-07:00

Anywhere worth going to on campus is UP hill. Whew! it's a good thing I have my shape-up tennie shoes, otherwise my calves would be in dire straights. But as we all know what goes up must come down, so it is here also. Up, up, up and more ups, then down, down, down keep going down. Endurance is the name of the game. I do not know how Krystal does it everyday.

What is nice about looking up is you can see the Temple from anywhere in the area. It sits on a hill and it is beautiful. You can see it across campus as pictured in the center of the photo below.

Food, we just love FOOD

2011-05-19T12:32:00.000-07:00

One of the good things about visiting my girls is I get to go out to eat. I don't do that much at home, it really costs too much. You can cook so much more food than you can purchased prepared at a restaurant. But I enjoy going out to eat with my girls and their families. Since I have been here we have eaten at Panda Express, Big Judd's and 5 Buck pizza. I forgot my camera when we went to Big Judd's. This place is known for the 1 lb. hamburger. It's so yummy. We shared one between the three of us. Below is a photo of The Big Foot pizza. It is 20 inches and 5 lbs. of yumminess.

Each of these places had a "Wall of Honor" if you were able to eat the item by yourself in the prescribed amount of time your picture was posted on the wall.

BYU-Idaho

2011-05-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

While visiting with Krys and Bruce I have the opportunity to spend time on campus with them. The last time I was in a university gym was over 30 years ago. These buildings have changed drastically since then. When I first entered the gym I was so impressed with the way it was designed to accomodate so many different sports. Krystal informed me that all university gyms are alike. Hmmm, it's pretty cool what is offered for the students use.So I took pictures. This will not be anything new to those of you who attend college but Gary and I have not seen this before, so the pictures below are for his benenfit.

The day I took this picture the gym was set up for volley ball, tennis, and basketball. The white and blue you see across the floor are large curtians that can roll up and down to make the playing area larger or smaller. This court is partioned off from the volley ball and tennis courts.

Above the gym floor is a track that encircles the building for joggers, runner or walkers. There are four lanes marked and a clock/ timer positioned at the beginning of the track. This gym is not only used by the students and faculty, it is also open to the community. You just have to wear a school issued t-shirt.

All around the gym upstairs are large windows which look out onto the campus. Very nice to be able to look outdoors while you are exercising indoors. Espeically on a chilly day like this one. (44 degrees)

A rose by any other name is still a Rose

2011-05-17T11:36:00.000-07:00

I have always been fond of nick names. The cute ones, not the mean ones. Our whole married life Gary has always called me "Babe". It use to drive his mother crazy. She use to scold him and say, you do know that she has a name? I simple stated that I loved it and it was special to me. It still bugged her. She was the type of woman who wanted her own identity and nick names took that from her, I guess. But what I thought was funny, one day as I was visiting Bob and Polly for an extended time, Bob called her Blue Eyes and she responded without a hitch. "Hmmm, what's the difference between Blue Eyes and Babe,?"I asked. She said the words babe, doll, sweetie, good lookin' put women in a bad light. We are people, not objects for their pleasure. Why is it okay for Papa to call you Blue Eyes? She said that is a term of endearment, "he loves my blue eyes; it's a fact, I have blue eyes. You on the other hand are a woman, not a baby or a doll."

Oh well, I like it when Gary calls me "Babe". To me I am more to him than just the women who shares his residence. I bring this up because I noticed that Bruce calls Krystal "Miss". It 's adorable. Nate and Brad do not call Kim and Kerri by any pet names that I can recall. I only remember Nate mentioning that his wife's name is Kim and only her family call her Kimi. Well, I suppose since her Father and I named her we can call her whatever we want. She is Kimi, Kerri is Kerri Berri, and Krystal is Krysie. These names where given to them by their older brother, Garrett as each girl came along. We have used these names ever since. I have never heard either of them complain.

As for my nick names growing up, we don't need to go there, but I never was offended just thought I was loved. While visiting Kim this last time, Lili told me she had 14 nicknames. We listed all her names on the board whenever we heard a different one. It was so heartwarming to me that she was proud of all her nick names. Too cute. The ones I can remember were: sweet pea, princess honu, miss lillikins, booger butt,
pretty girl, lovekins, little mama....and there were more. I guess it depends on your personality whether or not you like nick names/pet names. If I give a nick name to someone, it comes from my heart and I hope that is how they precieve it.

Idaho

2011-05-16T14:03:00.000-07:00

I'm here in Rexburg, Idaho waiting for my 6th grand child to make an entrance. Krystal is trying her best to be patient but when your due date comes and goes and still no baby it has to be very frustrating. As soon as something happens I'll record it, but until then I have to sit and wait just like mom and dad to be.

making a list, checking it twice

2011-05-07T16:19:00.000-07:00

A Ver-dah! moment

I forget to do things so I have to make a check list. This is not new to me. I have been this way all my life. I carry a notebook and pencil everywhere I go. When my daughters were growing up they taught me to make my list on the bathroom mirror with a erasable marker. This works wonders especially when I am going on a trip. No last minute "I forgots" because I always have to use the bathroom before I leave and voile! there's the list.
Oh by the way, I shared this tip with the ladies at a luncheon one day and they have all since put this into practice It really is a life saver. You are welcome to use this technique yourself. I'm grateful to my girls for their ingenuity.

ANYWHO...getting to the point...Today I participated in a community clean-up project and when I got home a nice cool shower was all I wanted. The usual occurred. There was water, soap, shampoo, lather and the squeegee. The squeegee is an important step in taking a shower in our home. You must wipe the water from the walls and doors so to make the maids job easier. I am the maid and yes, it is an essential part of the plan! I had just put down the squeegee went to squeeze out the excess water in my hair and realized by the sound of bubbles in my ears I had neglected to go through the rinse cycle. I still have shampoo in my hair and soap bubbling on my body parts...you know those unseen places you have to double check. I am so mad at myself at this point, not only do I have to turn the water back on and remove all the bubbles, I have to squeegee AGAIN!. BAAHHHH. As I finish once again and I am drying off, I look at the mirror and think to myself, oh my gosh, am I going to have to write the steps to a successful shower iside the shower door? Pitiful, just pitiful...

NBA playoffs commercial: .4 seconds left

2011-05-03T16:12:00.000-07:00

I have been enjoying the NBA playoffs. There are three commercials with a talking basketball. This one is my favorite. Who am I rooting for? Right now, the Mavericks, The Thunder, The Heat, The Bulls.

Mason the explorer

2011-04-29T12:16:00.000-07:00

My daughter sent this picture of my grandson Mason (number 4). This child is a true explorer. He can go and do anything. There are no boundaries as far as he is concerned. While I was visiting last month, if I was ever left alone with him, I took him with me wherever I went, to the bedroom, the bathroom, whatever, because this is exactly what I experienced when I left him alone. I did not take the time to document it, I'm so glad she did.

This is what Dad tells us about the picture...

Nathan S. Howard The amazing part is that he pre planed the stool on the counter. He took it before he got the chair and shoved it up on the counter top, then pulled the chair with the booster seat over to get to the counter, once the bottom shelve is empty he then slides the stool over to get to the other two shelves, the kid's a genius, I can't even plan that far ahead.

9 hours ago ·

When I got back to Arizona I found this cartoon and immediately thought of him. It's funny that Kim sent this photo just the other day. Now I can combine the two. I wonder if there is a playpen big enough for the whole apartment. Wouldn't that be a blessing! Kids are fun! especially my grandchildren. I'm so glad their parents are on top of things.

a thought to cheer you

2011-04-21T14:37:00.000-07:00

I wish I was a glow worm
   A glow worm's never glum
   'Cus how can you be grumpy
   When the sun shines out your bum!

There are times when I am cleaning out boxes that I come across a poem or quote I have found in my travels and have jotted it down on a napkin or a piece torn paper. This little ditty is one of them.I found it tucked into a folder which was among a pile of old business folders that I was discarding.

If this is not corny enough for you, I also found a list of jokes I use to send to the Missionaries when I would write to them. I suggested the jokes be use when they taught little children. There was only one Elder who said he actually used them to help break the ice in homes with children. Yes, I'm going to list them below.

Q. Why did the cookie go to the doctor?
A. Because it was feeling crummy.

Q. What did the stamp say to the letter?
A. Stick with me and we will go places.

Q. Why is #6 afraid of #7 ?
A. Because 7 8 9. *seven ate nine

Q. What do you call cheese that you don't own?
A. Nacho Cheese

Q. What do you get when you cross a centipede with a parrot?
A. A walkie talkie

Q. Which side of a bird has the most feathers?
A. The outside

Q. What do you call a Hippi's wife?
A. Mississippi

Q. What do you call a fly with no wings?
A. A walk

Q. What do you call a pig that knows karate?
A. A Porkchop

Q. What did the scarf say to the hat?
A. You go on a head and I'll just hang around.

Q. What do you call a broken bomerang?
A. A stick

There are lots more, but these are my favorites. Kids jokes always make me smile. Hope these did the same for you.

Eye spy with my little eye...

2011-04-20T22:19:00.000-07:00

While I was visiting Kim I killed my phone. When I returned home Gary bought me a new one. Usually I just get the free phone. I don't need it to be fancy just make and receive calls. This time Gary choose one with a keyboard and it's Bright Blue. He got a matching phone only in Black. The sales woman told him to get me a different color so we didn't pick up each other's phone. Which is a very good idea. When I got home with my new bright blue (,that's what I named her, Bright Blue) Garrett saw it and said, Gee Mom, is that phone bright enough. Now I know why Dad got the blue one, you never know where you phone is, you can see that one from anywhere in the house! And he is right.

Tormentors or Dementors?

2011-04-17T21:48:00.000-07:00

Today in Gospel Doctrine we discussed the parable of the servant (Matthew 18) who was forgiven his debt but did not do likewise to the person who owed him. When the Lord found out about his unwillingness to forgive the Lord had him cast into prison and delivered him to the tormentors.

Sister Dugan's comment was, "he delivered him to the tormentors, oooh, that sounds soooo creepy.
Sister Cornwall followed with, "I know what you mean, it sounds like Harry Potter!"
Bishop Clifford immediately corrects her by saying, " you mean DEMENTORS, right? pause.....oh man, I can't believe I just said that out loud."

the whole room erupted with laughter

Just a few moments with Kim and her children

2011-04-16T21:34:00.000-07:00

Laie Point

Pali Look out

Kimberly's Graduation BYU-Hawaii

Until further notice....

2011-03-04T22:58:00.000-08:00

I'm taking a break from blogging for a while. Don't know how long it will take for me to get back into it again.

GONNA BE A BEAR

2011-02-28T14:51:00.000-08:00

My mother sent this to me. It's an oldie, but a very much goodie. Since my daughters refer to me as Mama Bear this is right up my alley. I hope all your mama bears out there enjoy this.

I don't think it could get much better than this!

Have I told you lately that I love you

2011-02-21T18:26:00.000-08:00

I heard this song today and I thought of my wonderful children. I love these women and men so very much. They truly make me a proud and happy mama. To Garrett, Kimberly, Nate, Kerri, Brad, Krystal and Bruce. You are my sunshine. To Lili, Nate, Mason, Kaci, Forrest and Ballette, you are my bright shining stars. Together we make a happy family, forever and ever. I love you all very tenderly. This song tells just what I feel in my heart and know in my mind.

A day at the Temple

2011-02-19T16:54:00.000-08:00

I have a new friend. Her name is Marianne Johnson. She is a sister in my ward. We met last year when I congratulated her on her new calling as Mia Maid Advisor. I offered to be a helping hand anytime she thought she might get over-whelmed. She took me up on my offer and we put together a fun Christmas Craft evening at her home. Gary was then assigned to be their Home Teacher and since the brother who is his companion isn't always able to go when Gary can, I get to go with him on the visit. These people are wonderful. They work in the baptistry on Fridays. Most of the time they spend two of three days in Phoenix when they go down to the Temple but this week they were only going for the day so they invited me to go along. They gave me plenty of notice so I was able to get some names together for baptism. It took me their entire shift to do the baptisms and initiatory work. I don't think I have ever gone to the temple without running into someone I know. This time it was not any different. I saw Pres. Jim Turley and his wife Peggy and Gwen Evans. Gas is up to $3.00 a gallon so we don't go down to the valley because it just costs too much. So I don't go to the Temple as often. But now I can go with the Johnson when the do a one day trip. We are really looking forward to the new temple being built in North Phoenix.

The joke was on me...

2011-02-16T16:56:00.000-08:00

I left my classroom this morning to help a student locate her Ensign (we read a talk from the Conference Issue once a week) leaving behind the other 9 students half asleep. When I returned to the room this is what I found. BAHHH! My students Misappeared. They were hiding from me in another classroom. After about 5 minutes of me pouting they returned teasing me with giggles. I'm just glad they came back and I didn't have to teach to an empty room. I really like the kids in my class, even if they did get over on me this time. I'm grateful we are comfortable enough with each other that we can have some fun.

A ladies luncheon for Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T13:48:00.000-08:00

I was invited to a luncheon for Valentine's Day. One of the women in my ward invited several of us to gather, eat and visit. It was so enjoyable. I haven't done something like this in a very long time. When we left our hostess gave each one of us a potted Purple Pansy to adorn our window sill. She is such a doll. The food was great and so was the company and conversation. Isn't it great how girl talk can make your day.

Month of Love---Pride and Prejudice

2011-02-14T07:20:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day

Our final video for the month of love. I hope you enjoyed watching.

Month of Love--The Little Mermaid - Kiss the Girl

2011-02-13T16:59:00.000-08:00

Month of Love---King of Queens Pole Dance

2011-02-12T17:23:00.000-08:00

Every wife should have her own pole for just this reason.

MONTH OF LOVE--Sharing dance moves/Confessions of a Shopaholic

2011-02-10T07:48:00.000-08:00

First dates are always a good time to share your knowledge.

Month of Love--Can you feel the love tonight

2011-02-08T06:26:00.000-08:00

Month of Love---For the birds

2011-02-06T09:08:00.000-08:00

LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF...

The Month of Love---The Cosby Show - Happy Anniversary

2011-02-06T08:48:00.000-08:00

This is a classic!

Moth of Love--The Andy Griffith Show (S5E01) - Opie Loves Helen(3/3)

2011-02-05T08:12:00.000-08:00

You need some time to watch this. It's an episode from the Andy Griffith Show. This is just adorable. For all you girls out there it is well worth your time...for the guys, I'm not sure you will appreciate it.

Month of Love---Say a Little Prayer for You - My Best Friend's Wedding

2011-02-04T10:44:00.000-08:00

Gotta love this! How about those dancing lobsters

Month of Love ---Victor Borge Phonetic Pronunciation

2011-02-03T06:46:00.000-08:00

This story is told in a very humorous manner. I hope you get as much pleasure from it as I do.

Month of Love---No life without wife

2011-02-02T03:40:00.000-08:00

There will be only a few of you who will appreciate this clip. I think it's so funny! We would watch this movie with the Young Women and then they would practice singing and dancing to this song. It was corny but we had a great time. We even changed the words and used this as a skit for girl's camp....no life without light...does anyone remember that year?

month of love That's How You Know

2011-02-01T12:15:00.000-08:00

I just love this ... my guy always tells me he loves me and has done some wonderful things to show it also...ENJOY!

I

Hitch Dance lesson

2011-01-31T13:52:00.000-08:00

The Month of Love is here. I thought I would share some of my favorite love stories from the movies and t.v. Check each day I'll be sharing something new...

saturday night hockey game

2011-01-30T09:09:00.000-08:00

What do you do on a Saturday night in Prescott Valley? If you're lucky someone will give you tickets to the Sun Dogs game. Before the game started this little car was slipping and sliding all over the ice rink. Very comical.

Gary thought he looked younger with his hood on. What do you think?

Our seats were right on the ice. You could hear all the bodies collide. We were even fortunate enough to witness a fight right in front of where we were sitting. Of course I didn't have my camera on at the time.

This is the first and foremost reason for Garrett to go the the game. He loves the Nachos.

We sat right next to the penalty box. This is where the bad boys go for time out!

Garrett is a Coyote fan and hopes to one day go to one of their games. He loves to watch hockey.
It's fun to people watch at these games. I love the giant screen and being able to watch all the kids and older people dance and be goofy when the camera is focused on them.

It was fun for me to spend an evening out with my favorite guys.

We had a special little visitor

2011-01-25T14:22:00.000-08:00

Mila is my great niece. She lives in Denver, Colorado. My sister Lisa, Oma is what Mila calls her, came for a visit this week and brought her grand daughter Mila along. She was a delight. And it was great to see Aunt Lisa too. Mila with her dark hair and eyes resembles me more than my own grand children...blonde and blue eyes. We all enjoyed the time we spent with Lisa and Mila. Great memories. Thanks Courtnae for such a darling litte one.

Meet the newest member of the family...

2011-01-22T13:48:00.000-08:00

GLISTEN

Every so often Gary sells a car to a customer who does not want to trade in their old car and offers to sell it for cheap. The last time this occurred Gary purchased the car and Krystal benefited. This time he bought the car for us to use. Now the three of us can travel together without having to squish into Blanca (the little white truck). Glisten is automatic so Garrett can drive her too. She's 8 years old, but still has a lot of life left in her.

Self explanatory

2011-01-20T08:23:00.000-08:00

Gary bought himself this t-shirt. For all of you who know him so well, it's self explanatory. Nuff said!

Building spirituality one lego at a time

2011-01-16T01:21:00.000-08:00

Early morning seminary is tuff this time of year. It's cold (always in the 20's) and dark, very dark you can still see all the stars in the sky, and of course it's early, 6 a.m. So I try to think of fun things to do to keep up morale, help us stay awake and keep our interest. Scirpture Mastery the lego way. This is acutally a preschool activity, but we had fun, all of us. Never underestimate a GOOD preschool activity.

I have to share this. Teaching at this time in the morning is not always a positive experience. Everyone is sleepy and many times grumpy. Because of this the teenagers often do not respond to lessons I have spend hours preparing. So I get discouraged. I come home and say to myself, "Verda, why do you spend so much time creating lessons that are up-beat and interactive. the kids don't care one way or the other. They just want to pass the time quickly and move on to the rest of their day. Stop making such a effort. Just hit the basics, they won't know the difference!"
Than I come into the room the next day determined to keep trying and this is what I see when I turn on the lights. Our class meets in the Relief Society Room and Mutual is also held there in the evening. Someone the night before thought of me and left this message. Kind of made up for all the frustration the day before. Yup! The Church is True.

T-shirts for Christmas

2011-01-06T13:53:00.000-08:00

This year Garrett wanted to give personalized gifts to the Listers. So he designed a t-shirt for each of them.

He sat down and drew his GOT JACKED? logo and we took it to a Logo Company in Prescott to have the t-shirts printed. Front and...

nick name on the back

Uncle Kevin's shirt was different. He always tells aunt marsha "No chirpin, Marge!" and once he told Garrett that he should have a shirt made. "How funny would that be?" he said. Garrett made a mental note and asked if we could make this shirt for Uncle Kevin because he said he wanted one.

They all wore thier shirts on Christmas Day. Gary and I felt left out...and Garrett had a good laugh. Oh, and Aunt Karen did not think Kevin's shirt was funny at all. She thought it should say no chirpin, Kevin, but we said Marsha should have a shirt that says, Stop your Barkin, Kevin. with a funny little bug eyed dog on the back Karen agreed. Any how, the shirts were a big hit and all was good.

I still have this problem

2011-01-05T15:14:00.000-08:00

When I visited Kim and the kids this year we planned a night that we all could stay up and watch movies as late as we wanted. Mason was the first to fall asleep. Lili was next, although she did make it til midnight. Nate, however, was a die hard. He refused to go to sleep. He would play games with his cars just so he would not sit still, because when he sat still, his eyes would begin to close. We watched three movies back to back. He finally gave up, lying in the same postion you see in this cartoon. It was 2 a.m.
that was a fun evening for me. I don't think I'll ever forget it. When I saw this cartoon, I had to save it in memory of my late night grand son.

Baby it's COLD outside

2011-01-01T15:48:00.000-08:00

After being indoors for the last couple of days it was nice to get outside for a while. The air was crisp and the snow was soft and glistening in the sunshine. A glorius day. Thank goodness for my old snow stuff. They still work.

But I have to say I'm jealous of Kim and her family, running around on the beach while I'm sitting here drinking hot chocolate wrapped up in a snuggli

And I might be a but cold but my hair and eyelashes are not frozen. Of course I don't know if I would brave minus 2 degree weather. But Kerri and Brad like adventure no matter the weather.

life is GOOD!

It's snowing Yahoo!

2010-12-30T08:45:00.000-08:00

To those of you who live in snow country, this doesn't mean much. But for all of us here in North West Arizona it is welcomed. Nice, very nice

a few holiday memories

2010-12-27T21:08:00.000-08:00

This year we did something different. We went to the Christmas parade downtown Prescott instead of the Courthouse Lighting. The Prescott Resort hosts a gingerbread house display so we made a visit. We are looking for new holiday traditions. With all the girls living far, far away we have to find something to do. Funny how we depend on the children to entertain us. Even our Christmas Eve celebration was different because Granny was in the hospital. We did make a visit to her room but if you know anything about our family being quiet is something we can do but not for long. So The Listers, Gary, Garrett and I went to (of all places) McDonalds for dinner. Then we went home with the Listers and spent christmas Morning with them and Aunt Karen, Uncle Chris, Dillon and Eva. We stopped by to see Misty and her baby for literally 2 mintues and made our way back up the hill to have dinner with PAPA. He fed us his beloved Speghetti with meat balls and sweet Italtian sausage. YUMMMERS! Papa now has his train set up in the family room and he utilized the many Christmas villages that have been in storage since Grandma Canell pased away to decorate the track. Being out numbered by the guys, basketball and football dominated the remainder of the day.

Blog Challenge #7 What role does color play in your everyday life?

2010-12-23T14:46:00.000-08:00

"Red, and yellow, and pink and green, purple and orange and blue. I can sing a rainbow, sing a rainbow, sing a rainbow tune....
Listen with your eyes and sing everything you see, I can sing a rainbow, sing a rainbow, sing along with me."

Our family learned this song when Kerri attended Preschool. It expresses how wonderful color is in our lives. I must have color. I like it everywhere. Every wall would be a different color if it were not for my husband. White walls are his choice. It depends on the the time of the year which colors are my favorite. I love red and green all the time, but of course Christmas makes them shine. Crystal Blue and white in the winter. Purple and Green are my favorites in the spring. Red, White and Blue in the summer and Orange, brown, red and green in the fall. For many years Blue was my absolute fav. But as I have grown so has my appreciation for colors.
I'm one of those people who when given a basket full of handouts and asked to please "take one" I poke around to find a certain color. Usually red, green or blue. I'm drawn to book covers with these colors. Clothing also. Even food selection will at times be determined by the color. Cake frosting, jello flavor, candy bar wrappers. I usually will not address an envelope unless I add some dab of color, a sticker, a doodle, multi color words. I never tire of a beautiful sunrise or sunset. The sky is so pretty especially after a rain. Nor do I ever tire of green trees. Spring time is the best when blooms are everywhere. I am so grateful for Color.

Blog Challenge #6 What is your conversion story?

2010-12-23T14:21:00.000-08:00

I BELONG TO THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS

I joined the church when I was 18. My father was a member but was not active. When he remarried my step-mother mentioned that she had read the Book of Mormon when the Home Teachers were visitng one evening. From there the missionaries were invited to our home. This was not an easy job for them. My parents were not willing to give up their coffee and cigarettes. My sister Marsha wanted to attend the Catholic church and I just basically ignored the whole thing. It took a couple of years to get us to change our minds. First the whole family took the lessons. No one got baptized. Then some how the lessons were taught again and this time one of them made an impression on me. So I started paying attention and from there I was hooked. I began reading the Book of Mormon, the Young Adult group in the ward were very friendly and fellowshipped me and there was a guy that caught my eye. I was baptized in March 1977. I was sealed to my father and step-mother one year later. Gary returned from his mission in '79, we dated off and on that year and were married in March 1980 in the Mesa Temple. My father, step-mother and I were the only active members in my family. Gary, his mother and step-father were the only active members in his family. 30 years later adding four of our own chldren, our membership in the church has grown. All three girls have married in the temple and our 5 grandchildren are born in the covenant with one more to arrive in May.

If you would of asked me what I wanted to do with my life prior to my baptism it would not have included a husband and chldren. I would not have dreamed it would have turned out the way it did. I am so glad I made the decision to change my heart and mind and join the church. It has made all the difference.

Blog challenge #5 What is your favorite Adult christmas memory?

2010-12-23T13:50:00.000-08:00

HUNTING FOR CHRISTMAS TREASURE

What's great about being an adult for Christmas is that you are in the drivers seat. One year Gary and I had the thought that Christmas was getting a bit boring for our teenagers so we wanted to do something different for them. We chose a treasure hunt. The kids woke up to a big message giving them instructions for their morning. Garrett was designated as the driver and the girls read the clues and navigated. The clues were distributed all over the neighborhood. Here were four teenagers drivng all over the place, jumping in and out of the car wearing matching sweats all trying to decypher the clues. It took them about an hour to play this game, but they had a blast. Gary and I would hide in the dark and watch them at each location where they would go to find a clue. Of course their gifts were at home all along, hanging in great big santa sacks off the clothesline in the back yard. But it was great morning. So much fun! To this day they will each tell you that Christmas was one they will never forget. We won't either. We look forward to doing the same activity for our grandchildren when they are teenagers.

Blog Journal Challenge #4

2010-12-03T18:03:00.000-08:00

what is your favoirte Christmas movie and why?

I have many that I love to watch each year however the top three are in order

I have watched these three movies for as long as I can remember and I love them. Of course, since the Home Alone movies came out they have to be watched as well. I can not resist little Kevin and his antics with the bad guys. But if I want Christmas spirit, it is these three. The music and dancing in White Christmas is wonderful and the service that is performed for an old man that is respected and loved. The conversion of the mother and daughter in Miracle on 34th street is so sweet and I am always encouraged by Mr. Scrooges desire to repent and change his life. These are very special messages to me.If you haven't watched these old classics in a while, you should. It warms the heart and your eye balls get a flushing out as well.

Journal Jar Blog Challenge #3

2010-12-03T17:45:00.000-08:00

What is your favoirtie holiday traditon?

I look forward every year to all the lights. When I was a kid my dad would always take us out about the city looking for the bestest light displays. He seemd to know just where to go. One neighborhood was lit up every year. We loved this eveing and would drive around for hours. To this day i still look forward to seeing the homes in the neighborhood all lighted. I remember when we were asked to conserve energy one year and so many families opted to not put up lights. Christmas lights just haven't been the same since, however, I really appreciate the die hards. The ones who make it a point to cover every inch of their yards with beautiful colors that illuminate the night. This year Gary decided we need new lights so we purchased the new LEDs. They are so pretty. We are fortunate here in Prescott Valley to have the Valley of Lights. A beautiful drive through a park with multiple lighted displays. We even drive through lighted tunnels. It try to go as often as I can. I always feel like a little kid sitting in the back seat of my fatther's car ooohing ang ahhing at all the pretty lights. It's the best part of the season.

Journal Jar Blog Challenge #2

2010-11-21T09:31:00.000-08:00

This is an interesting question for me. I do not have a favorite day. Well, I look forward to Sunday but I wouldn't say it's my favorite. I suppose what ever day I have something new or fun planned would be my favorite for that particular week, but hmmm, no, I do not have a favorite. I do have a favorite week song that we use to sing in preschool. "There are seven days of the week, and I can name them all...Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday is the last day, and I can name them all." I am curious to read what my fellow blog challenge buddies have to say.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas Read By Ja Rule

2010-11-13T20:49:00.000-08:00