Home from Hawaii

Family fun at sharks cove.  This is a great place to snorkel.  So much fun!

Grandma Verdi Avatar style

Spending time on the beach with my grand babies.  I already miss the ocean....but not the sand!


more pictures of our fun together later...

Flying in an airplane hight above the clouds....

On Thursday, April 22, 2010  I will be heading towards the Hawaiin Islands.  I will be visiting the Howards until May 22.  If you need to get a hold of me, please just call.  I'll have my phone.

I hope to return with a nice tan and a few less pounds.  Wish me luck!

the more we get together...

Just a few photos from Krystal's birthday party, the first one with her soon to be new family.  Bruce's family invited us to their home where we ate yum yum yummy food.  Michelle (Bruce's sister) made Krys the most awesome swiss chocolate cake with whip cream icing, filled and decorated with fresh strawberries. 
The Balls Family are all blessed with beautiful singing voices.  They sang the prettiest Happy Birthday To You we have ever heard, completely harmonized.  Then we demonstrated just how UN-talented we are by singing our pitiful version of the song.  They were very polite, the only comment made was "Oh My!"  We had a wonderful time celebrating with Krystal and Bruce.  The cute little blonde boy in the candle blowing out picture is Sam. (krystals other boyfriend)

Name change coming soon

Krystal reminded me that when she and Bruce tie the knot the HCH crew will no longer be.  She's right.  So I decided on a new family logo, or whatever it is I do.  The new name will be as follows:
HEBNER have HOWARD CALL the BALLS.  I understand it is a bit long, but it does include  all our names.  The change will be in effect June 26th.  Just so you know~

Krystal is still a Pistol at 22 years

A new baby girl

hip hip hooray!
a new little rose
is on her way...

Misty and Chris found out today that they are having a sweet little girl and she is already 11 inches long.  Misty's baby shower is planned for Sunday, June 13 so all the Hebner girls can come.  Isn't that great! 
Congratulations Misty and Chris

Sew Sweet

No I didn't spell the title wrong.  I want to talk about sewing.  I am very blessed with the ability to sew.  I'm not the best mind you, I just get by, but I enjoy it so much.  I'm grateful my dad insisted that I learn to sew.  It has been a blessing many times over.  Lately I have been sewing for Krystal's wedding.  I didn't get to do that for the other two girls, I was working full time back then and in the Young Women's Presidency so I couldn't fit sewing into my schedule.  I have enjoyed making dresses and skirts for all the girls.  I just hope they like them and that Krystal will be pleased  I would hate it if she were disappointed. Here is a list of the  things I have made with my sewing machine in the past.

1.  little girls panties
2.  swim suites
3.  a fur coat for Kimi
4.  halloween costumes
5.  repaired the trampline mat
6.  levi quilt for Gary
7.  dresses for Easter, Christmas, Church, Baptism & Blessings
8.  camoflage pants for Gary
9.  aprons
10 pot holders
11 prom dress
12 bride's maid dresses
13 curtains
14 recovered a couch

These are just a few of my projects. And I keep finding more.   Yes, Sewing is So Sweet!

It's Spring Again, the birds are telling me...

I looked out my window and what did I see,  POPCORN popping on an apricot tree...
Literally I look out my kitchen window and blossoms are popping right before my eyes.  I love this time of year.  All the trees in the neighborhood are in full bloom.  Pink and white puffy flowers.  Of course Gary and I are sneezing all the time, but looking at all the beauty makes it worth all the trouble.  This time of year we pretty much can not survive without  allergy tablets.  It has been very windy also, which keeps me indoors most of the time. Too much stuff flying around.  I know everyone everywhere gets to look at pretty flowers drurng the spring, but I just have to take a picture of this sight every year. 

It's a beautful day in the neighborhood!

This is so very much pretty!

I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

                   Church Headquarters, Salt Lake City, Utah  Temple Square   September 2009

The last time I visited Lynda Call we visited the Conference Center.  As you can see from this lovely picture

we had a wonderful time together.  The reason I post these pictures is because one of the two best weekends starts Satuday, April 3.  CONFERENCE WEEKEND.  Yippee Yahoo!  I love to watch conference and hear all the leaders speak to us.  When the two of us were walking around looking at the flowers after dinner, Lynda stopped in front of the Church Headquarters Building and began singing:

I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

I know who I am.

I know God's plan.

 I'll follow him in faith.

I believe in the Savior Jesus Christ,

I'll honor his name.

I'll do what is right;

I'll follow his light

His truth I will proclaim.

Now each time I hear this song sung in primary or see a picture of Temple Square and this building  I think of Lynda singing and it makes my heart sing.  Thanks Lynda for your example. 

I too am  proud to be a member of Christ's true church .

backyard visitor

The water company sent a visitor to our yard.  This big bad maching dug a giant hole.  I thought my grandson Nate would like to see what grandma had in her backyard.  It stayed the night and I wanted to get in the driver seat and take a picture, but with my luck something would of gone wrong.

keeping busy

I have recently signed up to do Indexing for Family Search. One of my felllow "humanitarian" volunteers is doing this for his Eagle Project. It has been a little bit challenging because reading the handwritting of the preparers of the census reports back in 1910 can be frustrating. I just got started and only have submitted 100 names. The project goes through the end of April. We have been encouraged to continue on after that date, I think I will. It gives me something to do when I can't sleep at night, or get bored with my regular activities. My piano lessons are coming along. I can now play 5 hymns. Yahoo! My teacher tells me it will become much more challenging starting with my next lesson. Bring it on!

Going to the Edge...

Our Bishop, Sergio Montes shared this message with us in Ward Conference. I think it teaches a very good lesson. I'm curious who you picture yourself as in this story. Gary identified with the parent. I thought of myself as the child. Let me know what ya think?

GOING TO THE EDGE OF THE LIGHT

A wise dad was working on a project in the farmhouse with his son. A tool was needed to complete the task. The tool was out in the barn some 100 yards from the back door. It was late at night and very, very dark outside. The dad said, “Son, we just can’t complete our task if we don’t have that tool. It is out in the barn. I need you to go and fetch it for me.” “Sure, Dad,” came the enthusiastic reply from the anxious, eager to please young son. He skipped off to the back door. The dad heard the screen door open and slam shut. Almost immediately he heard the screen door open and slam shut again. The young son was at his father’s side. “Dad, it is dark out there. I mean it is really dark out there. I can’t see a thing.”

Obviously the boy was frightened by the dark and the task at hand seemed impossible. The wise father said, “Son, come with me to the back porch. I think I can help.” The door opened again and they both stepped out into the dark. The dad said, “Look, I’ll turn on the porch light. Look there. That’s better. How far can you see now, son?” “Wow, Dad, I can see all the way to the gate.” “That is wonderful, my boy. You run on out to the gate.”

The young boy ran out to the gate. When he was there he suddenly stopped. Looked around and said, “It sure is dark out here. I can’t see anything. I’m coming back, Dad.”

“No, No, Son, don’t do that. I can see you just fine. You are okay. Look out toward the barn. How far can you see?” “Wow, Dad, I can make out the big tree in the driveway. It sure is dark out here.”

“Well then, my boy, walk on out to the big tree.” “Okay, Dad. Boy it sure is dark out here. Dad, I’m at the big tree. It’s dark and I can’t see anything.”

“Well, how far can you see?” “I can see the watering trough. Wow, it is dark out here.” “Then walk to the watering trough.” “Okay, Dad.”

“I’m here, Dad. I am at the watering trough. It is so dark, I can’t see anything.” “Son, look toward the barn. What do you see?” “I can’t see it, Dad. I don’t like this. It’s dark and I am scared.” “Well, son, what can you see?” “I can see the water tower.” “Then walk to the water tower. You are doing fine.”

“Hey Dad, I am at the water tower. Hey dad, I can see the barn!!” The wise father heard the running of a little boy’s feet, he heard the barn door swing open and saw a light come on near the work bench. “I got the tool, Dad.” “That’s great, son. Turn out the light, secure the barn door and come on home.”

The young boy reluctantly turned out the barn light, went to the huge door, closed it, secured it, and turned to begin what he was sure would be a fearful journey back to the farmhouse. However, something was different. As he turned, towards home and faced the light, he could see the water tower, the watering trough, the big tree, the gate, and his Dad standing at the door. His dad’s light lighted the whole yard, yet it was still pitch dark outside. He tightened his grip on the tool and raced for home, past the tower, the trough, the tree, through the gate, up the steps, and into the outstretched arms of his waiting father.

Questions to ponder/discuss:

· Could the father have gone and got the tool himself? Why did he send his son?

· Could the son see the objective from the beginning? Were there intermediate steps along the way?

· Did the dad give reassurance along the way?

· When the boy finally saw his objective, what was he able to do on his own?

· Was it difficult for the boy to shut off the light in the barn? In his inexperience, could he have known that his trip back would be different from his walk into the dark?

Humanitarian Habitat

(this is one of the 'crazy' quilts)

On Wednesday's I spend my mornings at the stake center working with other members on the Stake Humanitarian Project.  Bro. & Sis. Nelson are the missionaries in charge.  What do we do?  Well, several different projects are on-going.  I have been made the "bootie" consultant.  The first day I attended Sis. Nelson handed me a bag full of fleece cut outs and said, here verda this is your baby.  So I played with all the pieces and figured out how to put together the most darling little booties for toddlers.  This is what I do.  Another person is in charge of the book bag assembly.  One other lady works on dolls with matching clothes and hair, and of course the beloved quilts.  I think there are usually about 10 people there each week.  Sometimes more, depending.  I have made new friends and these people are entertaining to say the least.  We listen to 60's CD's, eat donuts, bagels and bananas, and work, work work.  Every time a project is completed we stand in the front of the room and so off our work.  Everyone cheers and we go back to work. I usually complete about 10 pair of booties in a morning, the quilters always finish at least two full size quilts, and this week all the dollies got dresses and panties. Next week all the book bags should be completed ready to be filled.  It feels good to do these projects.  As Brother Nelson says each week when we are applauding the completion of another quilt..."If you were someone all bruised and sad and was given this quilt, it would make your day. You would feel loved."  I believe he is right. 

Tater and Me

Bestest Friends Tater and Verda

                                                   Don't I look cute in my little red sweater?

this is my new friend Tater. She is a Shet- shu (?) pickenses mix.  She lives next door with Barb. Each day when I go out the front door she waits for me to walk past her window and she greets me.  Other people would say she was just barking at me, I know better.  She's really saying, Hey there Verda, How ya doing today?  I go over to the window to talk to her and I'm sure the neighbors wonder what I am doing talking to a window, waving my arms and making kissing sounds.  I don't even care, I like it that someone is excited to see me.

Beached whales or Phun with PhotoShop

We thought anyone who has time to read our blog should be entertained from time to time....LOL!
we've got to be the cutest whales you have ever seen:)

The adventures of two guys and a girl

Is it possible to have wait in line to use the bathroom at 2 a.m.? The answer is YES.  I'm awakened one night by what sounds like a waterfall.  It' Gary, he's in the bathroom taking care of business.  It's so loud it wakes me up.  Now I have the urge to go to the bathroom, (running water does that to me) and I try to ignore the feeling, the bed is so warm and I'm very comfortable.  But I keep hearing the water run, Gary has a bladder the size of a waterbed.  So I  pull myelf out of bed.  Just as I get to the door, here comes Garrett barreling out of his room headed for, Yep, the bathroom. He must react to running water the same as I do.  He gets to the bathroom ahead of me, sees his dad standing there and waits for his turn.  I realize I won't win this fight, so I go sit on the edge of my bed.  Gary returns to bed and goes right back to sleep.  Garrett also sounds like a waterfall, my bladder begins screaming and I ask myself, why do guys make so much noise when they pee?  And I start thinking about the whole process and I answer my own question . Garrett finally finishes returns to his room  and I get my turn. I have to put the seat down of course and finally, RELIEF!  Except now I am wide awake.  I try to go back to sleep but fail.  So I resort to rocking myself back to sleep in the recliner.  I get my blanket and neck pillow and start rocking.  This  usually works, 8 out of 10 times and I find myself drifting off to sleep.  I can hear Gary snoring like a chain saw and decided to sleep on the couch.  I get myself all comfy and off to dream land I go. Next thing I know, The televison is turned on.  Gary can't sleep and neither can Garrett, Garrett saw me sleeping on the couch so he gets on the computer in his room, when Gary gets up he sees me sleeping on the couch so he goes to use the computer which he finds Garrett using, so he has to come back to the living room.  The sound of the televison wakes me up.  I get up and mumble in a mean tone, "I'm going to get my own place so I can sleep at night!"  I go back to my bed, toss and turn, trying to  ignore the sound of the television becasue Gary is deaf and has to have the sound up so high it vibrates the walls and with some luck get back to sleep.  I wake the next day and it's 11:00.  Bummer! The whole morning is gone!   Gary's gone to work, and Garrett is sound asleep.  Because I slept in so late I probably won't be able to sleep tonight ARRRRGH here I go again.

Sharing a few scrapbook pages...

You will need to click on the picture above to read what I have journaled.  I have been working on my scrapbooking skills.

These are just a few of the new items in our home. 

This is the newest member of our family.  Anyone with an idea for a name just let us know.

Two guys...1 girl

Me and my boys...I couldn't sleep last night and the thought went through my mind I should do a blog listing all the avantages of being the only girl in the house.  My mind went blank.  When I asked Gary this morning what he thought...his mind with blank also.  Hmmm, there has to be some benefit. 

A few things did come to mind... #1... I can take off my jewelry  it remains in the same spot til I want it again.  No one is borrowing my earrings, necklaces and braclets.  This was not always the case with three daughters in the house.  #2 ... My make-up stays in the same place.  Since my girls have moved away, I have been able to keep the same eye shadow and lipstick now for at least 4 years! this also applies to any and all my personals...hair stuff, femine products, etc. #3... No one borrows my socks, tights, shoes, etc.  When I wash them  and put them away they stay there til I want them again.  #4  I do not have to go grocery shopping.  the guys like to do this and they always bring home yummy treats just for me.  #5... the best one of all.  No one uses my craft room. If I don't finish a project I can leave it out and the next day pick up where I left off.  Nothing is moved or missing.  I love my girls, but they always used my crafts tools and I was lucky if I could ever find anything. 

So being the only girl right now has it's perks.

But it also has it poops.

#1...I am the only one that does the dishes. #2...I'm the only one who cleans the bathroom   #4 I'm the only one who does the ironing and mending. #5 I always have to put the lid down on the toilet.  #6  The dinner table conversation in almost always about sports.  #7 When we watch a t.v. program it is always pointed out how many 'hot' girls were seen.  #8  Action movies come first.  Sports and commentary are rated at the top also.

Being the only girl can get a little lonesome at times.  This is when a good visiting teacher is important.  Do not get me wrong, I love my boys. But I have come to realize I need 'girl time'  and I have found a remedy.  this is what I've done...

1.  I always do my visiting teaching.  I get to talk with 5 different women each month .  I also go to Enrichment activities.  Even though most of the women are just young mothers, I get a boost being around them. 

2.  I started taking piano lessons.  Sister James is great and she has the most wonderful sense of humor.  She teaches me other things too, like knitting for example. 

3.  Family History.  I go to the Stake Library and the women there are so delightful and helpful and just plain fun. I also participate in the Stake Humanitarian Project each Wednesday and I get to sew and learn skills for other sisters.

4.  Reading.  I have found that I really like to read.  So I choose titles that I think may be uplifting to women.

5.  I go next door and spend time with my neighbor Barbara.  She has the cutest little dog, Tater, and we just enjoy each others company.

There is probably lots more so say on the matter....but I think this is enough. 

 

Who colored the sky?

Today this is what I saw when I looked out my kitchen window this afternoon.  OOOO, pretty!

Angels we have heard on high....

For many months now I have been in the market for wind chimes.  It blows so much here that I wanted to make use of the wind.  What better occupation than to make music?  Chimes are not cheap.  Yes, I know you can go to any dollar store and pick up chimes.  But I wanted a set that made beautiful music.  Something that cheered me when they tickled my ears.  Everytime I go into any store or outdoor craft fair I go directly to the chimes.  The only ones I have found that sound any good are very expensive.  So I saved my money and decided the next time I come across a sweet sounding set I would bite the bullet and just buy them... 
I didn't have to do that.  Yeah, Yahoo!  This is when having a stack of boxes in your garage is worth it.  I was rummaging through some of my treasures and lo and behold I found a set of chimes.  My mother sent them to me years ago and I never put them up because we were in the process of moving.  This is just a simple set, but the sound they make is glorious.  I just Love It. The glass or whatever the material is these little angels are made of make the most lovely music.  It really does tickle my ears and makes me smile each day when they greet me with their song. 

Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing over the plains.... my chimes give this song a new meaning.

These Boots are Made for Walkin'

These boots are made for walkin'

and that's just what they'll do

one of the days these boots

are gonna walk all over you....

-nancy sinatra

These are the words from a popular 60's song that we listened to on the radio when we were kids.   I know it all too well.  The reason I share this is because my son Garrett recently pointed out that I have a lot of boots.

I really was not aware of this fact.  I love boots.  But growing up in Phoenix, Arizona you really don't need to wear boots.  It's just too warm.  Of course, many people do.  I just didn't wear them much.  But since I have moved to Prescott Valley, I can wear boots all the time.  I also noticed that I prefer suede.  Even my slippers are little boots.  

While visiting Kim she was given these cool brown suede boots and I snatched them from her.  Who wears suede boots in Hawaii?  She can have them back when she returns to the mainland, but for now they are mine and I love 'em!  I've been wearing these boots to church on Sunday, only problem with that is you really should be selective on what you wear with this type of foot apparel.  Thank goodness I live in this little town where we don't make a stink about fashion.  But I will have to make a few adjustments in my wardrobe.  It just gives me a good reason to sew.

Do the boot scootin' boogie!

Something to share

Happy New Year!

Gary and I had a wonderful holiday season.  We had the opportunity to visit Kim and her family in Hawaii.  The weather was beautiful and the company was delightful.  The first day we watched a surfing competition.  The waves were incredible and so were the surfers and all the other scenery male and female was interesting to say the least.

We camped on the beach one night in this little grass hut with Kim and the grand children.  The next morning we played on the beach, Nate with his Tonka Truck

Lili with her boogie board.

Gary fulfilled a life long dream

He jumped from a plane at 14.000 ft, drifted through a cloud, saw whales in the ocean and landed

safely on the ground. 

We visited the Buddha Temple and rang the gong to ensure happiness.  Baby Mason did his impersonation of the Buddha.

We relaxed in the calm water at Lanika Beach

These people are pointing at giant sea turtles in the water.

Visited the Honolulu Zoo where we compared the size of

an orangatangs hand to Lili and G.G.

But mostly, we enjoyed spending time with Kim, Nate and the three grand kids. 

We  miss our sweet babies.

The older I get, the better I used to be...

I've decided to take a break from blogging and Facebook. Thanks to all of you who meander in this direction once in a while to read what is going on in my life. I'm going to shut down for a season.

Be good, be happy and be a good example. Someone out there depends on your example to keep going each day.

Peace and Joy to all!

Headed to the Valley of the Sun

Garrett will be having surgery on Wednesday morning...it's his nose. The operation will hopefully correct his sinuses so he can breath with ease. Please keep him in your prayers. Also my step-brother Bobby Allen is having difficulties with an infected incision which is on the back of his neck. He is in a lot of pain and needs your prayers also.

One more bit of sad news. I received a message from Brady Lish that his brother passed away yesterday, it was very sudden. He is requesting prayers for his family.

I will be in Phoenix for the week to help Garrett. I will have my phone and yes, I will keep it with me at all times in case anyone needs to reach me.

Take me out to the ballgame...

Go Diamond Backs this is how far away the lower section was from my seat above.

Gary, Garrett and Kenney went down to the lower level for a while to get closer to the action.

This was the view from my seat way up high.

Aunt Sandi gave us tickets to go to the baseball game. We had a great evening. Lots to see and do and the game was good, even though our team lost, it was a lot of fun. Thanks to the Lyons for an evening out together.

Relaxing on the 4th

The Lister's, Garrett and Granny came to visit for the weekend. For Friday night's activity we learned how to make "bread on a stick". A few weeks ago I went to Cub Scout Day Camp and assisted a leader teaching the boys how to make bread on a stick.

Recipe: Refrigerator rolls, buttter, sugar and cinnamon.

Take two rolls, kneed them together, roll the dough into a rope, wrap around a stick and bake over a very hot fire. When the dough is nice a toasty brown , using a stick of butter rub all over the hot bread, cover it completely, sprinkle on sugar and cinnamon, quickly pull ioff the stick securing your hand around the bottom of the dough and push upward.

YUM YUM taste like a donut or cinnamon roll. Great Fun!

After the parade and activities downtown we stopped off at Del Taco for lunch and got home just in time for the rain storm. It rained so much we actually had a pool in the backyard. When the rain ended and the movie was over we ate hamburgers and headed down to the church to find us a spot to watch the fireworks. What a nice way to celebrate the 4th

Downtown Prescott 4th of July Celebration

Just a few pictures of the Nate's family on the 4th. Parade, Boot Race (Payton came in 4th, her dad Dale, 2nd) and meeting Jameson Barnette for the first time. He is adorable.