All I want for Christmas is YOU!

It's beginning to look alot like christmas. I decorated just a bit for the holidays. I was going to put up just the little pine trees, but Gary began to pout. So I dug out the "Charlie Brown" tree and he was happy. The only ornaments I have left are the hand-made one given to us by various family members and friends. It's a bit pitaful but fun! Yes, the lighted garland is up also. Gary says it's not Christmas without the garland. Here are a few pictures of us goofing around in front of the trees. Our house is the only one on the block with lights outside. We are a becon in the night.

Bride and Groom

Two brooms were hanging out in a closet and after a while they got to know each other so well they decided to get married.
One broom of course was the Bridge Broom the other one the Groom Broom
The Bride Broom looked very beautiful in her white dress.
The Groom Broom was Handsome and Sauve in his tuxedo; the wedding was lovely! After the wedding and the wedding dinner the Bride Broom leaned over to the Groom Broom and said,
"I think I am going to have a little whisk broom."
"IMPOSSIBLE!", said the Groom Broom

Are you ready for this?


"WE HAVEN'T EVEN SWEPT TOGETHER!"

Laugh...it is the best cure for a bad day.

Vote for Marriage Man & Woman

If you are living in Arizona Vote "Yes" on Prop 102. Marriage between a man and woman preserves our way of life. The Lord set it up that way for a reason.

It's Autum Time, the leaves are falling down

As you can see the tree pictured in my last post has gone bare. Gary came home the other evening and said, "Well Fall is over, the leaves are just about all gone." I just giggled. I told him, sweetheart, Fall is has just begun. That's what happens this time of year, the leaves FALL!
Oh yeah, he says, that's probably why it's called Fall. There is a beautiful multi-colored blanket of leaves right outside the front door. Today I gathered them together and gave Woody a leaf bath. Then I threw Woody on the pile...ha, ha, ha Wood... Pile... I'm so funny!

The fall season is here and all around is beautiful color. I tried to photograph the full moon the other evening. It looked like the perfect Halloween Moon. The tree pictured here greets us with these pretty leaves every morning.

Scirpture Pictures

I have started something new. I have created a "Pondering the Scriptures" scrapbook. When I read my scriptures I jot down passages that jump out at me or that have special meaning to me that day and I combine it with a picture or embleshiment. This has become my activity on Sunday while Gary is at work and helps me to keep the Sabboth Day Holy. Here is just one of my entries starring my adorable grandchildren; Nate the younger and Silly Lili.

Silly LIli, Nate the Younger and Kaci Bear books

I am thankful I can clap my hands, can you do it?
from "I am thankful I can..."


Since my grand children have moved "Far, Far Away" I have decided to make books for them
featuring their family members here in Arizona. Currently there are three new books in publication. Here you can see a sampling of the pictures used for these projects. These books are part of a series I started last summer...'people I know'. I combine photos I have taken of scenery or objects with photos of cousins, grand parents, aunts and uncles so my grand children to see their family members often even though they are far away. I have a lot of fun making these books. The next three books will be coming out mid-November. So kids, keep a look out for the mail!

Brooke is looking for Tinker Bell, can you help her find her?

from "I can find it!

The three books are entitled. "I am thankful I can..", "I can find it!", and "How do we love you?"

This is my witches corner. It features my newly acquired hat for the season. If my grand children were here this is where they would have to go for time-out for being "witchy" or in mortal language, naughty. So little ones behaive or you will be banished to the Witches Corner.

The Halloween Gang is all here

It's time for Halloween. I always look forward to this time of the year. The air gets a lot cooler and I get to decorate with pumkins, ghosts and ghules. This year I will dress Woody the Bear on our front porch as a modern witch with a boutique hat, found at Walmart for a gonga deal!
The only goblins missing are my darling grand children. Halloween will not be the same without them. BOO HOO

Mirror Mirror on the Wall...

Just recently my three daughters have all made the comment, "Mom, I'm turning into you!" This statement was always said when they recounted a decision they made , an item they pulled together from odds and ends, or this one, finding a treasure next to a dumpster. So I made them a rare and functional Halloween Costume that they can cherish their whole lives.
A beautifully crafted apron, made from left over fabric of about 10 years, decorated with words of wisdom and sent with tender loving care. The wisdom I shared?

Mirror, Mirror on the wall
I've become my mother
after all.

Gary and I wanted to buy poofy wigs for them to wear also then they could really look like me for Halloween, but those darn wigs are so costly. Wouldn't that be a hoot! I thought it was cute and was a great joke to pull on my girls, but when I went to the post office to mail them off, the lady at the register admired it and wanted one for herself. You never know what someone will like. I hope my girls get a chuckle when they see their aprons, I had so much fun making them.

Shopping with Gary at Walmart is the Pits!

It's Friday and we hit Walmart to do our bi-weekly grocery shopping. Why Walmart? Well, the store is suppose to price match the ads from the other stores. This use to be pretty convenient for us, just grab the ads and go to Walmart. But 'times they are a changin'. Now they are being extra picky on what they will or will not price match. So what's my problem? Well....
1. I actually made a shopping list this time and what is even more amazing, I remembered to bring it with me.
2. Gary is an 'up and down every single isle' shopper. I am not. However, this time I decided to use his method and remarkably enough I was able to find everything on my list (which is a feat in itself if you have even shopped Walmart, especiallly here in Prescott when the shelves seem to always be depleated!)
3. Gary goes to get in line, I run to pick up the last two items meet him at the register and what
do I find? He is arguing with the cashier about the ads and the items he has selected. Next,
you've got it, the argument with the manager. Memories of my mother arguing with the manager when we shopped with her as children came rushing into my mind. NOOOOO!. Stop it! I whisper to him. He refuses and the manager refuses to honor the price-match so what do you think happens next? Yep! Gary walks out of the store leaving behind all my groceries in the cart. BUMMER! I will never get that shopping experience back again.
4. The next day I go to make me a peanut butter and jam sandwich which I am so excited to eat because I found this absolutely yummmy looking apricot jam the night before and as I am looking through each cabinet for this jam it dawns on me that we don't have it because it was left in the cart at Walmart when Gary walked out!. Arrrrrggh. I did the same thing again this afternoon when I went to make my mashed red potatotes and peas...no sour cream...it was also in the cart.
5. Gary is not allowed to grocery shop at Walmart ever again. It is simply toooo traumatic for me.

Always be flexible

A man was not feeling well. He was experiencing dizziness and seeing white spots. After a visit to the doctor he was told that he had a rare disease and approximately 6 months to live. He immediately quit his job so he could spend quality time with his family and do some traveling. One day he purchased a sports car and as he was driving down the street he notices a well-known Men's clothing store and he decided to stop in and have a nice suite made for himself. As the tailor began measuring the man, pants, coat, shirt, he came to the neck and said, okay, 16 1/2 shirt. The man was upset and said, I do not wear a 16 1/2, I wear a 15. The tailor measured again, sure enough it said 16 1/2. The man said very sternly, you will make me a size 15. I have always worn a 15 and I'm not going to change now. The tailor said, Fine, but if you wear a size 15 shirt you will get dizzy and start to see white spots!

Magnolia Girls

Well it seems I had two requests to be a part of our new fantastic, super duper, club. Welcome ladies. You will not be sorry. I am currently lookin for a logo for our fun club. If you have any ideas just let me know. It should probably incorporate the magnolia some how. What does a Magnolia look like?

Bra sizes

ever wonder what the letters represent in your bra size?

A almost boobs
B barely boobs
C can't complain
D DANG!
DD DOUBLE DANG!
E enormous
F Fake!
G get a reduction
H Help I can't get up!

Magnolia Girls Unite

MAGNOLIA GIRLS UNITE
Winter*Summer*Spring *Fall We can do it all!


Are you the type of person that loves to sit around with friends
and laugh til you wet yourself?
Is Semi-homemade more your style?
OR is homemade your passion?
Would you like to learn What NOT to wear?
Are you married to the greatest guy in the world?
OR are you currently single looking for Mr. Right and could use some pointers?
Boobs—too big, too small, don’t care?
Sassafras—in good condition?
Do you sing off key and dance like a monkey?

Well, this club is for you. Whether the above questions apply to you or not, we want you for our sister.
Come and join our hot new club. We talk, laugh, sing and listen. Magnolia Girls come in all shapes and sizes.

President: Lynda Call (just because she likes the attention)

Glamour Technician: Hayley Call (because she is totally talented and makes you look great!)

Project Chairman: Verda Hebner (because she enjoys searching for new things to do)

Interested in joining our club? You can contact us by sharing a comment on this blog. Just say, Make me a Magnolia and you are in! No previous experience is required.

Just visiting with new friends

September 12, 2008

I just returned from a trip to Salt Lake City, actually the name of the town is Murray, Utah. How did this trip become possible? Well, I was visiting Papa Canell one Sunday and in Relief Society one of the sister’s asked if there was anyone who would be willing to be her travel companion. She wanted to attend a reunion held in Brigham City. At the time Krystal was living in Ogden and I thought it would be a grand adventure to visit her so I volunteered. In the mean time, Krystal returned to the Valley of the Sun and I was on the hook to make this trip.
I called Kerri’s in-laws, Bryan and Lynda Call to ask if I might be able to spend a week with them and they were willing to take me into their home.

Lynda had an unfortunate accident on a hike the week previous to my arrival and she really couldn’t too much with a broken foot. We spent most of the week napping, eating, and laughing. Haley was stuck babysitting us two old ladies, (which are her words, not mine) but she managed to make the most of it. We did watch a movie together, Steel Magnolias, and it became our point of reference for the entire week. I decided to form a new girl’s club and call it The Magnolia Girls Unite. Our motto: … Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall… We can do it all!

Lynda and I had our hair cut and styled and we now have a whole new look thanks to our resident hair stylist Hayley. She had to work long and hard but she was able to transform us.


Bryan spoiled us by preparing yummy meals and snacks throughout the week. One evening he made homemade grape juice and whipped up delicious grape smoothies. YUMMERS! He was very good to us. His garden supplied us with fresh, ripe tomatoes and green peppers so we could make salsa.

The Calls have the most darling grandchildren. Abby, Anna, Megan, Mayley and Hunter. (Forgive my spelling if it is off) On Sunday morning I heard the front door open with a bang. I than heard the most adorable voice yell out,
“ Grandpa, I’m here!” Grandpa replied, “Who are you?” (A) “I’m Anna.” (G) “Do I know an Anna?” (A) “Yes you do and you love me too!” After that greeting all that could be heard from my room in the basement were giggles and laughter and little feet running here and there. I really missed my own grand children at that moment.

Besides eating and laughing we did find energy to do a sewing project and Lynda shared family photos and memories of her life. I especially enjoyed hearing Bryan and Lynda’s “Love Story”. The highlight of the week was Hayley turning in her mission papers. Our conversations seem to always go back to her mission. I can’t wait to hear where she will be called to serve.

The week ended, Sharon picked me up and took me home. I had a glorious week thanks to the Call Family. Will I ever take a trip like that again?
... hmmm, that would be a “No, Bob”. I missed my hubbie way too much. However I now have some happy memories and wonderful new friends. It’s nice to be back.

Give me a few days...

Hello ! Soon I will have some new info for you to view. Don't forget me...check back in a few days. Just to wet your whistle....

1. I just returned from Utah where I had a FAB time with the Call family.
2. I have made a new 'old lady' friend who makes me laugh and sing (the singing part is literal)
3. I came home to a special surprise.
4. I have a new look.
5. I am the member of a new and fascinating girl's club...The Magnolia Girls

So stay tuned there's lots to come....

Fun blonde joke

Two sisters, one blonde and one brunette, inherit the family ranch.
Unfortunately, after just a few years, they are in financial trouble.
In order to keep the bank from repossessing the ranch, they need to purchase a bull so that they can breed their own stock.Upon leaving, the brunette tells her sister, 'When I get there, if I decide to buy the bull, I'll contact you to drive out after me and haul it home.'The brunette arrives at the man's ranch, inspects the bull, and decides she wants to buy it. The man tells her that he will sell it for $599, no less.
After paying him, she drives to the nearest town to send her sister a telegram to tell her the news. She walks into the telegraph office, and says,
'I want to send a telegram to my sister telling her that I've bought a bull for our ranch. I need her to hitch the trailer to our pickup truck and drive out here so we can haul it home.'The telegraph operator explains that he'll be glad to help her, then adds, it will cost 99 cents a word.
Well, after paying for the bull, the brunette realizes that she'll only be able to send her sister one word.After a few minutes of thinking, she nods and says, 'I want you to send her the word 'comfortable.''The operator shakes his head. 'How is she ever going to know that you want her to hitch the trailer to your pickup truck and drive out here to haul that bull back to your ranch if you send her just the word 'comfortable?''The brunette explains, 'My sister's blonde. The word is big. She'll read it very slowly.... 'com-for-da-bul.''

pictures tell everything

You will notice the t.v. atena hanging from the ceiling. This was the only way we could get any decent reception for the televison. Thank goodness the satelite guy came to the rescue and we can now view movies and programs with clarity. Also pictured are my step-sisters and their cousin Mag. My step-mother Betty had quaduple by-pass surgery done last week. All her valves in her heart were blocked. The surgery was a success and she is now at home resting. These three women were very worried, but all is well now.

Overnight adventures at Maw Verdi's

Lili and Nate came for an overnighter and we did all kinds of fun activities. Nate found himself in the mirror, Lili learned how to use the spray bottle to create new hair fashions and Krys was invited to the comfort corner to read books and cuddle.

In the Summer time when the weather is hot...

For Father's Day we were invited to the lake with Nate's Family. Pictured

here is the bum line-up and the faces that go with them. This is a beautiful spot for fun in the sun. Thanks to Nate's family for turning us on to this great place.

Didn't see that one coming...

Hello Everyone! So sorry I have not been on line for a while. We do not currently have the internet in our home, however Krystal has turned me on to the Public Library and I can now at least keep my blog up to date. No pictures!

I have been keeping busy re-visiting some old hobbies...calligraphy and needle work. I even got out the tole paint this week and did a few projects. Also Lili has two new princess dresses to wear when she comes over to play.

My first month in our new home has been interesting. I met my neighbor one night and the next morning we were dailing 911 because her husband died. YUP! I was thankful I was a visiting teacher and had the know-how to handle the situation. I would rather have gotten to know her better at a bar-b-que. I still have pictures of this dead man in my head and it's not so good, but oh well, what do you do? She needed someone to help her and I was the one available.
Just the night before I had prayed that I could be of service to someone...this was how my prayer was answered. Didn't see that one coming...

Our new home is cozy and comfortable and I love being able to sit outside under the trees and enjoy playing with my grandchildren. We are very happy!

Itty, bitty living space

As of Tuesday Gary and I will have a new residence. How exciting! We will still be in Prescott Valley. We have chosen a darling little duplex closer to town. Thankfully over the past 4 months I have been down sizing so we should be able to fit into the new home. 900 sq. ft will be tiny in the beginning, but we are confident that it will be comfortable. Hey, it's just the two of us. It has a nice back yard with a good size porch and large shade trees. And the best thing of all, the rent is cheap, cheap! We will be attending another new Ward. But I have never been in a Ward that I didn't just love, so no worries there.

Because of the move I do not know when we will have internet service again. So if you need to contact us, call Gary's cell. I lost my phone. Or call Krystal, she is staying with us until she leaves for school in August.

Wish us luck as we venture off to a new home.

...let your soul delight itself in fatness...

-- Isaiah 55:2--
"Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which statisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness."

...let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly...D&C 121:45

I attended a Relief Society conference this weekend and the Stake President's wife spoke to us. She shared this experience...

When she was attending BYU one of her professors gave the class an assignment on positive thinking. He asked who in the class would like to become a more 'creative' person. Many hands went up. He told them to tell a stranger that "I am a very creative person!" Do that twice a day for one week. When they returned and reported, all of them now felt that they were creative people. Than he suggested for the next assignment that they help a struggling student by telling them that they were excellent students in whatever subject they had difficulty. Such as "You are very good math student." Do that for a week and see what happens. In each case reported the students they praised in this specific way improved in the subject they were previously failing. The next assignment was much more personal. How many of you would like to date more? Remember, this is BYU. Many hands went up. He suggested that each person decide who they wanted to date, greet that person and simply think in their mind, "You want to date me!" Sister Campbell was too timid to try this for herself, however she shared the information with her roommates. One was willing to give it a try. She approached the young man, thought to herself, "You want to date me!" and low and behold and invitation was made. She was estatic. One of the other girls gave it a try. Only she used different words. She thought to herself, "Jeff, you will not rest until you ask me out." Nothing happened than two days later Jeff asked her out. He didn't seem to be himself. When she asked why he was acting so odd his reply was, "Oh it's nothing, I just haven't been able to sleep the last two nights.
Two roommates got what they wanted. So Sister Campbell had to give it a try, when she saw who is now her husband at work the next day she used the thought process and he asked her out. Later when she admitted what she did, he told her she had cheated, but was glad she did.

I wonder how many times we have used this process ourselves and didn't even know what we were doing. Her point was how powerful our thoughts are and how much more powerful they would be if they were virtuous, at all times, in all things, in all places. Think how we can lift and minister to others by simply having virtuous thoughts.

Changing negative behavior/THE HAWTHORNE EFFECT

The "Hawthorne Effect" is a term used to describe the tendency of subjects in experiments to increase sought-after behavior or decrease negative behavior, simply beacause they are being studied. It was first observed among the meploes at the Hawthorned Plant who were being studied by researchers from Harvard Business School. The researchers were studying worker productivitiy. But they encountered a problem. When the researchers gave attention to the employees, the workers' productivity didn't remain static, it increased. This change in productivity was produced simply by an awareness that they were being studeied, and it skewed the study.

Obviously, the Hawthorne Effect drives researchers crazy, but for those who wish to change behavior it is quite encouraging. It means that all I have to do to increase the frequency of a desired behavior or decrease the frequency of a negative behavior is to notice it! Just my awareness of it will change the results...

For instance, if a mother is concerned about how often she speacks in habitualy negative language to her children, she can decide to count all the negative statements she makes. Without any apparent self-discipline, as she becomes aware of how many times a day she responds to child negatively, she will instinctively improve. Being aware enough to count and report our experiences is a dynamic and positive process.

[One method of doing this is to] fill one pocket with pennies at the beginning of the day. Each time [a mother] responds with positive language to her children rather than negative language, she takes one penny and transfers it to the other pocket. At the end of the day, she writes down the number of pennies in the second pocket. I have done this to self-monitor all sorts of behaviors, and the Hawthorne Effect always holds true. As I continue to count and record, the positive behaviors increase and the negative behaviors decrease.

(Virginia Pearce, A Heart Like His, pg. 88-91)

The Hokey Pokey

With all the sadness and trauma going on in the world at the moment, it is worth reflecting on the death of a very important person, which almost went unnoticed last week.

Larry LaPrise, the man that wrote "The Hokey Pokey" died peacefully at the age of 93.

The most traumatic part for his family was getting him into the coffin. They put his left leg in.

And then the trouble started.

"Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused."

The giraffe test/ an oldie but goodie

How do you put a girafffe into a refrigerator?

Stop and think about it and decide on your answer before you scroll down.

The correct answer is: Open the refrigerator, put in the giraffe, and close the door. This question tests whether you tend to do simple things in an overly complicated way.

2. How do you put an elephant into a refrigerator?

Did you say, open the refrigerator, put in the elephant, and close the refrigertaor door?

WRONG ANSWER

Correct Answer: Open the refrigerator, take out the giraffe, put in the elephant and close the door. This tests your ability to think through the repercussions of the previous actions.

3. The Lion King is hosting an animal conference. All the animals attend...except for one. Which animal does not attend?

Correct Answer: The Elephant. The elephant is in the refrigerator. You just put him in there. This tests your memory. Okay, even if you did not answer the questions correctly, you still have one more chance.

4. There is a river you must cross but it is used by crocodiles, and you do not have a boat. How do you mange it?

Correct Answer: You jump into the river and swim across. Have you not been paying attention? All the crocodiles are attending the Animal Conference. This tests whether you learn quickly from your mistakes.

According to Anderson Consulting Worldwide, around 90% of the Professionals they tested got all questions wrong. But many preschoolers got several correct answers. Anderson Consulting says this conclusively disproves that most professionals have the brains of a four-year-old.

Why we love kids (nudity)

A mother was drving with her three young children one warm summer evening when a woman in the convertible ahead of them stood up and waved. She was stark naked! As she was reeling from the shock, she heard her 5-year-old shout from the back seat,"Mom, That lady isn't wearing her seat belt!"

Candy bar quiz!

How well do you know the name of candy bars? Try to decipher the name from each clue. The answers are at the bottom. No Cheating!

1. Not laughing out loud
2.A famous swashbuckling trio
3. Red Planet
4. Galaxy
5. Can't hold onto anything
6. Favorite Day for working people
7. Pleasantly plump
8. Sweet sign of affection
9.Supermain's other identitiy
10. Feline
11. Most women look for this man
12. Round flotation device
13. Dry cow
14. Famous New York street
15. Children of the cane
16.Indian burial grounds
17. Alot of money
18. Nut happiness

So how did you do?




Snickers, 3 Musketeers, Mars, Milky Way, Butterfinger, Pay Day, Chunky, Kisses, Clark, Kit Kat, Mr. Goodbar or Big Hunk, Life savers, Milk Dud, 5th Avenue, Sugar Babies, Mounds, 1000,000 dollar, Almond Joy

sights along the way

This weekend Gary and I went for a hike. The Peavine Hike along Watson Lake in Prescott. These are a few of the things we saw along the way. The firemen were doing some exercises...one of which was a game to see which team could get a keg to move along a high wire while shooting at it with a fire hose. While looking for a spot to sit and eat lunch I came across the tiniest flowers I have ever seen. These little yellow beauties were smaller than the grass growing around them. Amazing. lunch consisted of fried chicken, macaroni salad and jello. Gary was even willing to eat out of the same container as I did so as to save space in his backpack. To those of you who know Gary you know he will not eat out of a community bowl. To say I was surprised is an understatement. It was a gorgeous day for a hike.

Boys will be boys....YUCK!

Last night I had prepared a wonderful, tasty meal for my dear sweet hubbie. Well, he wasn't so sweet by the end of the meal. The BRAT! I carefully grilled two scrumptious pork chops, made a pretty tossed salad and yummy, yummy cornbread. We sat and ate and talked about his day. I was recounting what the brethren had said in conference. Consequently, he finished his meal before I did, which is usual, I eat slower than he does. He said he was full, however, he kept taking food off my plate. Generally, I don't mind, but the meal was soooo yummy, which for those of you who have experienced my cooking know that yummy is very rare... So I told him to eat more salad. It was a pretty salad. The kind with bright green spinach leaves, bright orange carrots, red ripe tomatoes, crispy celery and onions. Delightful. So he took my suggestion, went to the pantry to get some sun flower seeds for a tasty addition. As he begins to chow down he decides to say out loud how the sun flower seeds look like ticks all over his salad. I am doing my best to ignore him...but he continues...so to act as though this is not bothering me in any way, I reached over and filled my fork with some of his salad; including the sun flower seeds. As I begin to munch and looking un-affected by his comments he mentions how the seeds feel so plump in his mouth and how it's better that they are crunchy otherwise when he bit down on them they would burst with blood. You guessed it, I immediatly spit out what was in my mouth. GROSS!!! Boys are such a pain. Girls, tell me, what is it again that we see in them...why do want to spend time with them.. He ruined a perfectly good meal and with my cooking skills, who knows when I will ever get that back again...

A hood, a cape and two sisters

Here we are in the year 1964 sporting new outfits made for us for one of the holidays...Don't we look smashing? I am the only one wearing the whole outfit, cape, hood and skirt. I do not know what Marsha and Lisa were thinking. Maybe I should be wondering what I was thinking?. Fun, fun memories. This was taken in our Grandparents (Nulliner) backyard.

Look at our fashionable hair cuts. I remember wearing my cape often. I like capes. Funny, I don't even own one today. Fun, fun memories.

Picture this too...

Picure this...

This is my model in the photography class I took at church for Enrichment. Isn't she a cutie. We had so much fun learning how to use our cameras. The ladies in my ward are super great! I will be practicing so I can be ready for the kids when they come for a visit. Lots and lots of fun!

I had a dream....

I had a dream about my Grandpa Nulliner. We use to live in his house years ago. That's where this dream took place. The kids, who were still little, were playing in my bedroom and broke the glass in the window which in that tiny house was literally an arm's reach from the side of my bed. As Gary was working on patching it with some plastic to keep things safe, my grandpa pop his head in and took over repairing the glass. He was young man in my dream...not the old, frail, mentally ill person I last saw before he died. After repairing the window he spent the day with us...Nate and Yurie were there and he gave them a run for their money. My children did not know my grandpa nulliner. Garrett spent time with him when he was just a toddler, but grandpa died before Kim was born. As the dream progressed, we all visited with him and then he said he had to go...which was okay at that moment I was just glad my kids got to meet him and spend some time with him...as I was slowly waking up I breifly saw his face...the one I remember as a child and very tenderly he said, Verda, I love you.....and he was gone instantly. I could feel the tears well up in my eyes as I awakened and soon i was weeping because I could still feel him saying he loved me. It was but a few second and I was sobbing. I did not realize how much I miss my grandpa. It has been a very long time since I have seen him or heard his voice.
Last month about this same time, I was missing my grandchildren. I was thinking about baby nate and how I miss his sweet little face. Sometimes he would look up at me with a crooked little grin, those blue eyes and tossled white hair. Suddenly I could see my grandpa Moreno....same crooked smile, same blue eyes, same tossled white hair. Again the tears and the weeping and the sobbing. Poor Gary, he has had to endure all of this. I hadn't seen my grandpa Moreno since his funeral...lying in his casket looking very peaceful. I remember walking by and stopping to look at him and I didn't think but I bent over and kissed him on the check and it startled me that he was sooooo cold. Grandpa was always very hot. He worked outside, driving a tractor on a farm. I never felt his face that it was warmed by the sun. You can imagine how shocking this experience was for me. I was about 14. I pulled back with a jerk and began crying uncontrollably. That was not my grandpa...where was he? To see him in baby nate was very comforting that day.

I do not know much about my grandfathers, very, very, little. However, what I do know is that they both loved me and would tell me often. This is all I think I ever need to know about them. I find it odd that it's my grandfathers I relate to, not my grandmothers. Although my grandmothers were loving and caring and taught me many good life skills, I miss my grandpas....It was reallly wonderful to see them if only for a brief moment. I know I will see them again in Paradise. Thanks Grandpa for coming to visit....I love you too.

Making an impression

Butt Prints in the Sand

One night I had a wondrous dream
One set of footprints there were seen
The footprints of my precious Lord
But mine were not along the shore.

But then some strangers' prints appreared
And I asked the Lord, "What have we here?"
Those prints are large & round & neat
But Lord, they are too big for feet!

"My child, He said in somber tones,
For miles I carried you alone
I challenged you to walk in faith
But you refused and made me wait.

You disobeyed, you did not grow
The walk of faith you would not know
So I got tired, I got fed up
And there I dropped you
On your butt!"

Because in life there comes a time
When one must fight & one must clib.
When one must rise and take a stand
Or leave their butt prints in the sand!

Go Phoenix Suns!!!

Last Saturday Gary and his friend at work, Kenny, went to the basketball game in Phoenix. Suns vs. Rockets. Kenny was so excited when I took this picture. He was like a little kid at Christmas time. If you look closer yo can see him holding their tickets. Their seats were located on the front row behind the press on center court. I waited up till Gary got home that night because I wanted to hear all about it. Aunt Sandi and Uncle George were there also. They had seats in a suite upstairs. It was fun for them to share this experience. They got autographs, took pictures, and ate yummie food, not to mention the great game. Suns won!

I bought a new shower curtain. I usually get a certain brand, but this time this cute little stripe model caught my eye. So I took a chance. Ooops! Always stick to what you know when buying a shower curtain. Oh my goodness. I took it out of the package and was affraid I was going to rip it putting on the rings. It is made of what is equivilant to plastic tissue paper. When Gary saw it he was delighted to see the bright stripes but was concerned that I had veered away from my usual. When he touched it he asked "Why!" I told him my thought process and he laughed. "I wonder how long it will last? It should make it til we move, don't you think?" I said, "No! We will be lucky if it lasts a week." We just have to handle it carefullly. This shower curtain is so cheap it doesn't even have the magnet weights at the bottom so it flies all around when you turn on the water and the air starts moving. I found the perfect word to describe this action...

VINYLOCITY: The strange atomospheric force that makes the shower curtain blow towards you while trying to shower.

It's Spring again the birds are telling me...

Today I am sitting on the back porch enjoying the sun. It is a beautiful day. The sky is clear, the sun is warm and the breeze is sweet and cool. I want to share another treasure I found...

HOW TO STAY LEVEL, MAINTAIN EQUILIBRIUM, KEEP BALANCED

Some Suggestions:

Put first things first (Suggested order)

1. God 2. Yourself 3. Spouse 4. Family 5. Church 6. Life's work

Laugh as much as possible

A good hearty laugh, according to medical authorities, is one of the best health (physcial, mental, and emotional) treatments available. Laughter eases tension, releases pent up energy, and provides exercise for little used facial and chest muscles.

A deep breath gives you 500 cubic centimeters of air. A deep laugh feeds more than 3,000 cubic centimeters of oxygen to body tissues with one guffaw. Every 60 seconds of hearty laughter exposes the entire body to an extra dash of oxygen.

With meals, laughter aids digestion by forcing the liver to produce more bile.

Gathering for lunch with a group of funny people obscures worrisome headlines, blurs budget concerns, and cancels out the need for a 100 yard dash.

Live in the present

Let the past go, especially if it echoes with mistakes or regrets.

Don't project or anticipate the future, except for a positive plan.

Consider today a 'present,' a gift.

Seize the moment, make NOW a brilliant success.

(Focus on the task at hand as if it is the only thing you have to do.)

"To affect the quality of the day is the highest of arts." Thoreau

Know your limits and accept them

Say no when have to.

If your life feels like a balanacing act, you're probably out of balance.

Fix it. Cut down on the number of spinning plates.

Don't be motivated or driven by guilt. If you feel quilty, take action.

Bottom line "see that all things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a woman/man should run faster than she/he has strength." Mosiah 4:27

"To every things there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

A Day to Celebrate Green

Today is St. Patrick's Day and the only thing I know about this holiday is everyone wears green. Green is my favorite color. I watched a news program this morning explaining this day and it seems all the things we do to celebrate here in america are american made. They don't do things like eat corn beef and cabbage or have wild drunken parties. They go to church and eat sheppard's pie and short bread cookies hmmmm. Short bread cookies are really easy to make....1 cup butter, 1/2 cup sugar and 2 cups of flour; mix and bake. It's funny how we americans always look for reasons to celebrate so we can party. Wearing green is still a favorite of mine. For those of you who did not receive an e-mail message from me on St. Patrick's Day here is an old Galick blessing I found among all my treasures.
May those that love us
love us,
And those that don't love us
May God turn their hearts
And if he doesn't turn their hearts
May he turn their ankles
So we may know them by their limping.

That's Entertainment

Lately Gary and I have been watching a lot of movies and even some new television programs. Gary likes to go to the movies when he has Monday night off, which is twice a month. We hit the theater about 3:00 than have an early dinner and make it home by 6:00. These are the gems we have watched lately: TH E BUCKET LIST---this movie was hillarious. Gary wanted to stay and watch it again. It was about two men with 6 months to live, but they live their last days in style. We can't wait to buy this one, it will be a must for our video collection. JUMPER--hmmm, the kids really liked this one but I didn't. There are people who have the ability to jump from one place to another anywhere in the world instantaneously. It's a fascinating concept . The special effects and cinematography was great. FOOL's GOLD--really cute. predictable story but the location was beautiful it was filmed in Austaralia and the water is so pretty. We really liked all the characters. It was funny and interesting. Treasure hunting is so fascinating to me. All the knowledge you need and the research ability. I think it's cool! Ed IN REAL LIFE--about a widower raising his three daughters. They go to their family reunion and he meets a woman who turns out to be his brother's girlfriend. It really touches real feelings and emotions. It's a quiet movie but well done. We rented it and I think I will watch it again. NO RESERVATIONS--another quiet movie...real emotions and done well. A female chef who lives to cook and run the kitchen in a prestigious restaurant inherits her neice after a fatal car accident. She takes time off to gather herself after her sister's death and when she comes back to the restaurant another chef (Nick) is in her space. The story is about what Nick teaches her about living life and including her niece Zoe. THE BEE MOVIE--wild and bright, funny. I think little kids would like it because it is so colorful and teaches about the circle of life in a different way.
As for television there is a new show NEW AMSTERDAM--about a guy who can not die seaching for the one woman who he will unite his soul for ever. He is a homocide detective and he uses all the things he has learned and experienced for hundreds of years to help him solve the cases. So far we have seen that he has been a doctor, lawyer,prominent artist...there has only been three shows. I don't usually watch t.v. programs but this one fascinates me. The man he lives with is 65 years old and is his son and this guy looks only 35. So far it has been a good show, but you know what happens everytime I find a show I like, it turns smutty after a season or two. AMERICAN IDOL--I can't help it. I love to watch and listen to these young men and women sing. These kids have a lot of talent. I don't much care for the judges comments, but I like the show. SURVEYOR--Gary is a big fan of this show and this season is different. I only like to watch the challenges, the rest of the show is just drama and I'm not up for that. DON"T FORGET THE LYRICS---this game show is so fun to watch. I get a kick out of the contestants. It's amazing how well people know the songs we hear on the radio. Wayne Brady is the host and he is fun. THE PRICE IS RIGHT--there's a million dollar show on friday nights and Drew Carey is the host.

From one place to another

We are all very happy that Kim and Nate's house sold. Because of the timing of the offer and sale, Gary and I did not have the opportunity to live in the Howard Household. But all is well, or it was. Just a few days ago we received a letter in the mail stating that the home we now are renting is scheduled for auction in May. I just unpacked all the boxes in the garage and it seems I will have to re-pack them. However, May is still a few months away and I have decided to just live my life and not worry about packing again. They have to give us 30 day notice whenever the house changes ownership so until we hear something, I'm not packing. Although, I have become quite good at it and am very proud of the fact that I have been able to discard all my precious junk. It actually feels good to be free of all those items. As you can see from the pictures I now have my own work room. Garrett tells us he will not be coming home so I can have the spare room for my own use. I am so excited! I have been organizing and planning for weeks. There is still much to do, but it is so nice to have a place to create. I Love it.

"A Happy Homemaker Is as a Happy Homemaker Does"

What is wonderful about cleaning out boxes in the garage is that you come across some gems in the process. I have found so many items that I put away with the intent to "do something" with them in the future. Well, the future has come and now I can't remember just what it is I was going to "do" with these things.
I must confess 80% of the things I thought I just had to have are no more, they have found their way to another world, but I have kept a few things and one of them I want to share with you today.

HOMEMAKERS RULES FOR HAPPINESS

1. A place for everything and everything in its place,

will keep you ahead of life's hectic pace.

2. Do dishes, beds and floors the first thing each day
then you'll have more time for projects and play.

3. Clear as you go. Stop and think each job through.
Find the best way to make less work for you.

4. Dovetail your work. Combine 2 jobs in one.
Quicken your step and you'll soon be done.

5. Pick things up each night and put them away,
gives you a headstart the following day.

6. Leave your home in order when you go to bed each night, and you will awaken to a calm and peaceful sight.

Like I said, I have no idea what I was planning to do with this bit of wisdom, but I'm sharing it nonetheless.

Happy Homemaking!

Keepin Fit

Santa brought me a friend for Christmas. A happy, go lucky mountain bike. Isn't she a beauty! I just love her. We go out for a ride about three times a week if the weather permits. As you can see, I need to bundle up a bit to enjoy our ride together. I have not as yet given her a name. Nothing I conjure up in my mind strikes me as good enough for such a fine companion. If anyone out there can think of a name fitting for this faithful work out buddy, I would appreciate any suggestions you may have to offer. Gary will be getting one to match so we can hit the trails on his days off. Right now the trails are a bit too muddy with all the wet weather we have been experiencing, but we can still cruz the neighborhood together. Oh and by the way, my thighs and bottom are starting to reflect my efforts. I'm not saying I look like a model or anything, I'm just firmer where I once sagged...which I feel is noteworthy.

Getting Back to Normal

The weather has been white, wet and cold. One evening I picked Gary up from work, we hit the local In-N-Out Burger for some yummie cheese burgers and fries, listening to the radio enjoying one of our fav. country songs, on c0mes an irratating noise which interrupts our listening pleasure with a thunder storm warning---nickel size hail was on it's way. We made a mad dash for home and luckily the hail got there before we did. I didn't want Hebbie to get all dented with hail. All was well! We made ourselves comfy, ate our yummie burgers and watched the female contestants on American Idol. Remembering that it was trash day on the morrow, I made a quick trip outdoors to put the trash can on the curb. To my surprise what was just wet and cold earlier had in just two hours turned into winter white fluff. I couldn't even see Hebbie, she was completely covered. I ran in to get Gary and suggested we make use of all the snow. Since we no longer have grandchildren living near by, I had the idea that we try to make our own. Pictured is our attempt. I must say that Kim and Kerri do a much better job, and that I should probably live it to them in the future.
But Snowbuddy Hebner is the best we could do with what we had to work with. As you can see, I am in my p.j's. we were creating this little one at 10:00 p.m. just prior to bedtime. Snowbuddy actually survived for two whole days before the rain came and washed it away. More snow is on its way and we hope to re-create our little friend once again. As for now, Woody is sporting the high fashion outfit. For those of you who are not familiar with Woody, he is the handsome little bear who greets you at the Hebner Habitat entry.

TEMPORARILY OUT OF CIRCULATION

Sorry, but I will not be updating this blog until I am feeling better.

Verda