My Invincible Summer

2011-03-29T20:10:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe I have not posted to my blog since last September! Shame on me. I have, however, been enjoying some other wonderful blogs. In fact if I allowed myself the luxury, I could spend the day surfing other blogs. A new favorite is Slim Paley. She always makes such simple everyday things seem fascinating...that is a true gift. I also love the photos she posts. If you want to take a peak, click here. Do check out her "View from the Window" post. Oh how I would love to live in her home in Santa Barbara, lucky lady!

Speaking of the view from the window, the February frost here was the worst in 40 years! Boy did it raise havoc with my beautiful plants and flowers. I finally got up the nerve and energy to take the clippers to them and shave off all the dead stuff leaving very little behind. It will probably take a year before some of them are back to where they once were. Oh how it breaks my heart to see them that way, especially when I compare them to the photos I took last year when they were in full array.

There is one really fun ray of hope though...the wisteria I have been nursing along for two years without even one bud is bursting with color! Go figure? I love wisteria and so I am really trilled to see it in bloom. I guess that is my consolation for losing all the others. In any event the weather is gorgeous again with warm sunny days and cool evenings. So life is good and I mean really, who could ask for more than that?:)

What a Summer! Part 2

2010-09-23T09:40:00.001-07:00

As previously mentioned I have so many pictures in my portfolio that I decided to make this a two part er...so here are a few more of my summer photos.

Again, thanks to all you wonderful family members and friends who keep in touch with us. It really means a lot especially being so far from our kids! For those of you who are not aware...I have started a new Enchanted blog for my company with design tips, etc...you can access it at www.enchantedesign.blogspot.com Thanks! Matti for spending so much time helping me get this set up. I am so pleased with the results! And a special thanks to Jen and her friends for that great picture they took of the "Twilight" walk in Oregon. Just like I pictured that place in the book;-) Please check it out when you have time and I would love to receive any comments and/or questions you might have. Also just another reminder for all of you who are getting email updates on this blog to click on the blue print at the bottom that says My Invincible Summer and it will open up to my actual blog with all our family pictures...etc.

Speaking of which, I am excited to say that we have added a new sweet little face under Miah's Team. We welcomed grand child number 18 to our family yesterday at 11:20 AM. Great job Rachel and Miah and a special welcome to our little Kaylee Ann;-)!!! She is a definite keeper:-)

The summer has begun to wind down and today is the first official day of fall, but the weather has stayed really warm here. In fact it has been record setting! It was such a pleasant surprise to wake up to cooler temperatures this morning so I started my morning walk routine again. The grass and flowers were so gorgeous! Tom and I actually got out one morning last week and walked almost 5 miles, but then it got hot again. So, hopefully I will be able to get back in shape now. As you can tell by the pictures I definitely enjoy my "treats" this summer. I have found that just swimming each day is not as beneficial for the elderly sags, if you know what I mean. Things definitely get more challenging after 65! Right now I am trying to walk and swim each day until it gets too cool for the swimming.

The last two "tropical" monsoon months have caused the plants and trees around here to go crazy. So Tom, bless him, braved the heat a few days ago and cut back some of the vigorous growth around here. I think he was enjoying it a bit too much and got a little tooooo carried away on the Mesquite tree though...LOL. I was teasing him because his "favorite" shorts are so baggy since he lost the 40 pounds. You know how guys are about their favorites...so what can a poor woman do? Anyway to reward him for his efforts we topped off the morning with my infamous whole wheat waffles by the pool.

Well, I have included some more pictures for you, but they may not be in any particular order because I am not that adept as yet at formatting my blog...

Missing you and looking forward to my trip to SLC in November. Hope to see all my wonderful SLC family and friends then! ...And, of course, snuggle with my sweet newest little grand daughter!!!

What a summer! Part 1

2010-09-10T08:10:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess summer is officially over and I had better update my blog! Wow, it has been packed full of visitors, visiting and busy activities...in fact, I have so many pictures and memories that I guess I will make it a two part er;-)

It started with a fun visit from Jen and friends, then, Amy, Centry and grand kids, including one great (who braved the hottest time of the year here) and I was able to top it off with a visit to see Matti, Jon and their two little ones in Hawaii. In addition there were sprinklings of visits from good friends. For those who could not make it to see the old folks we are hopeful that maybe we can get together very soon:) In the interim we have appreciated all the Skyping, IMs, texts, photos, calls and letters to keep in touch. So many fun moments to record in our memory book. Thanks you guys for making it so special!

In honor of Grandma Ruth's 96th birthday this month, I thought it would be the perfect time to show our appreciation for our kids. Dad and I are so very grateful for our wonderful family.

Here are a few of the many highlights to relive again the past few months...

I did it!

2010-06-11T20:17:00.000-07:00

Well, it was probably the most taxing thing my old brain has tackled in a long long time, but after several weeks of class and MANY hours of study, I am very pleased to report that I have passed my health renewal exam. This means I am officially a certified health renewist! I must admit I was ready to quit several times and the thought of a four hour exam looming ahead just about did me in...but I hung in there---thanks to some encouragement from my friends and family;-) I must admit I have renewed (no pun intended) admiration for all the students out there when it comes to studies and exams!

For the first month or so (until I improve my speed), I will be giving complimentary renewals to any of you who would be interested, so give me a call to schedule a time. Just a heads up that once I improve my timing, I will be charging for this service so you may want to get in on this deal while you can;-) Hoping to hear from you...

Keep on keeping on...

2010-06-02T16:20:00.000-07:00

Just so I don't lose momentum I am sending off a short post.

Today I am back down to earth and finally hitting the books again and studying hard for my Renewal exams next week. Took the day off yesterday to "play" for a while. Spent it with Tom just hanging out, walking the mall and dinner at his favorite place, Olive Garden;-) Unfortunately, we ate way more than we walked but really had a fun time!

I have got to get back to my regular morning walk routine tomorrow! Hope you will help to keep me honest about that;-)

This and That...V

2010-05-31T17:19:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I missed a couple of days but I am going to call it a V for victory anyway, because this exercise has worked to get me back to a regular schedule blogging again! Thanks, Julie for inspiring me!

As for missing...I really do have a good excuse as my good friend Gayane flew down to spend a few days with me and we have had a blast with shopping (mostly window), lunches out, walks, swims, etc., etc...Thanks Gayane for a wonderful weekend;-)

This being Memorial Day, I want to remember all the wonderful young men and women who serve daily in our armed forces and all the veterans who served so faithfully in the past. We are so proud of you and all that you have done on behalf of our country. I especially want to mention my brother-in-law, Jim, who is served in Vietnam. Thanks hardly seems adequate Jim for all you went through and continue to go through due to exposure to Agent Orange while you were there. I know there are many others who are dealing with similar side effects from this tragedy. We honor you and I am so proud to have you as my brother-in-law.

The View

2010-05-28T21:38:00.000-07:00

I am off to dreamland and have really had a full day but I could not close my eyes without a very short post.

Tonight as I was driving home from Bahama Bucks with a friend visiting from Utah, we were taken in by the full moon on the desert backdrop. It was such an inspiring view. I am so thankful to be here in Arizona;-) It has definitely been a stretch for me to be so far from my kiddos, but every day here has been a blessing in some way or another...what a beautiful place to live!

2010-05-27T16:24:00.000-07:00

U is for Undervalued

"Be pretty if you are; Be witty if you can; Be cheerful if it kills you."

I found this quote on line the other day and really liked it. There was no mention of an author so I guess we can chalk it up to another one by 'anonymous';-) Having a good disposition and general cheerfulness is often undervalued. Who does not enjoy being around a cheerful, upbeat person? Anyway, it reminded me of how important it is to smile or even laugh even at ourselves. From what "they" say, it takes fewer muscles and sure makes the world around us a much more pleasant and agreeable place!

I found myself in the middle of some unpleasant banter the other day between two other people. Standing there and watching the tempers the stress level rise, I just had to step back and try my best to remain calm and objective. As I watched from that point of view, it totally reminded me of two second graders going at it. It seemed that each one was wanting to prove they were right even though there wasn't anything to benefit from any of it other than some silly and lame bragging rights. Seeing this just made me smile...and ask, why, why, why do we do this to ourselves? Let's face it we all have our moments! Even though I was not at all involved in any of it, I too was feeling the stress in the air!

My husband has a favorite saying..."step back and take a deep breath", meaning don't let your emotions run away with you. So, I agree, "be cheerful if it kills you"...and you will probably live a much longer, healthier and happier life, and who doesn't want that?

T for Training...

2010-05-26T21:57:00.000-07:00

I have spent the past few 12 hour days in the second phase of a grueling training session to learn the art of "renewing" the body. In other words we learn how to help empower the body to heal itself naturally through certain "signals". It is a natural health care renewal system similar to Reflexology, but with updated and improved methods. It is called SureFooted Health Renewal and wow...it is a very intense course. I am determined to learn this stuff and get certified! Will be taking my finals in two more weeks with a lot of review and studying in the meantime.

I must admit that learning new things at my age (especially all the medical terms) has been quite a challenge for my brain:/ but hopefully that's a good thing!!! Wish me luck...any volunteers out there for me to practice on???;-)

S is for Sea...

2010-05-25T23:43:00.000-07:00

"My soul is full of longing
For the secret of the sea,
And the heart of the great ocean
Sends a thrilling pulse through me."
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Oh how I love the sea...it is eternally connected to my soul:)

R for Rest

2010-05-23T23:27:00.000-07:00

I generally like to rest on the Sabbath, but today was definitely not that kind of day. After spending the morning getting ready for a house guest, I attended the dedication service for the new Gila Valley Temple. It was so moving to see such long time faithful people get their much deserved and anticipated temple. When they did the traditional hosanna shout followed by the stirring "The Spirit of God" hymn I knew I had reach a spiritual high for the day...what a wonderful experience!

Following that, my friend, Claudia, arrived from Salt Lake City for a few days and, of course, we stayed up way too late visiting about things:/ So here I am trying to remain faithful to my blogging commitment. I am definitely ready for some much needed rrrrest!

Q for Quail

2010-05-23T03:18:00.000-07:00

I mentioned several days ago that I discovered another nest in the back yard. This time it was a large nest in the potted palm. As it was well hidden under cascading petunias, I was never able to get a close enough look at it to see the mama bird. Well today as I was reading a book by the pool, I looked up in time to see not only the mama, but at least 15 little babes toddling along behind. Yes indeed it was a family of quail and daddy was watching from the wall up above.

I am including some pictures of their nest and their walk, but you will have to look closely to see the babies hiding in the bushes. What a sweet family they make. Don't you just love nature:-)?

Pistachios and Feng Shui

2010-05-21T11:10:00.000-07:00

Well, I believe I am on the letter P and that works for me because I have been chomping down pistachios like there is no tomorrow this morning! How does one stop once one starts? I am sitting here waiting for a repairman for my ice maker and reading a wonderful book entitled "Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui" by Karen Kingston. Matti mentioned it to me a while back and said it has helped her so much in organizing her little 400 sq. ft. home in Hawaii. Anyway, I picked it up from my local library and started reading it and... low and behold, I think I ate half the bucket of nuts! I especially love the peppered ones from Costco:) Unfortunately, they haunt me when they are in my cupboard so I try to resist them most of the time.

That brings me to the Feng Shui book and Matti you are so right! I would like to highly recommend it to everyone I know...but especially the clutter-aholics out there. I consider myself to be pretty organized and actually cleared out a lot of stuff when I moved here, but after reading this book I know there is more work for me to do! It truly was so freeing to clean out many of my long hoarded "treasures" last year, but according to Ms. Kingston, "You are connected to everything you own by fine strands of energy. When your home is filled with things that you love or use well it becomes an incredible source of support and nourishment for you. Clutter, on the other hand, drags your energy down, and the longer you keep it, the more it will affect you. When you get rid of everything that has no real meaning or significance for you, you literally feel lighter in body, mind and spirit." She goes on to say that this can become a major culprit in depression, overeating and poor health. (Do you suppose that includes pistachios:) She describes those "strands of energy" as a tangled bowl of spaghetti when we allow the clutter to build up in our homes. She says this sort of "build up" in our home is literally clogging up our progression and our ability to move on in life. She also explains why we keep clutter and how to stay clutter free. That's certainly going to be my goal! Anyway it is an easy read and a fascinating one as well, so you may want to check it out;-)

By the way, does anyone know a cure for pistachio-aholics???

Oooops I skipped a day...

2010-05-20T14:16:00.000-07:00

I just realized yesterday went right by me and I did not post on my blog...So I guess I will have to make it up on another day. My letter today is "O" for optimism...as in lifting our fragile inner spirits.

This morning I taught a class on interior design to some gals and as it is my passion, I had a really fun time doing it. I sure hope they enjoyed themselves as well. In any event, as I was talking about creating illusions and dreamscapes with the use of lines, color, shape and form it occurred to me that we sometimes do the same with ourselves. I believe sometimes we create "outer shells" around ourselves in the hope that we don't get "discovered". Let's face it, every day we are bombarded with media blips telling us who we should be, what we should look like, where we should be seen, etc., etc. The real test comes when we go home at the end of the day and look at the woman in the mirror. Do you really love and appreciate that one staring back at you? I know I am sometimes very hard on her and do not always give her the benefit of the doubt but instead continually deflate her with self destructive talk and unnecessary comparisons.

In this day of smoke and mirrors and cosmetic "lifts"...are we losing out on knowing and appreciating the beautiful Heavenly spirit living within our bodily shells? Our Heavenly Father sent us here as a beloved daughter to learn and grow so we can return to Him even stronger and more polished than when we left. Returning home with a damaged spirit should not be an option, especially if we are the one most responsible for its condition. I hereby resolve to do all I can to uplift that woman in the mirror. I promise to give her a little more slack, more positive strokes and uplifting thoughts to help her be the best she can possibly be;-)

Nests

2010-05-18T19:27:00.000-07:00

About a month ago I commented on a dove that had built a nest in a wire basket on my back patio. Well after her two little young ones hatched and flew off on their own, low and behold along comes another and uses the nest for her eggs! Maybe this is common in the dove world I am not sure but it surprised me to look up at the nest and see another mama sitting there so patiently.

Well we now have two more babies that have hatched and they are equally as cute as the first ones. Mother nature continually amazes me!

In addition to the doves, I have discovered a larger nest in the large potted palm tree by the pool. The pot has been overflowing with cascades of petunias so I was about to trim them back when low and behold I was attacked by a large black bird flying up into my face. What a surprise that was!

Anyway, I guess the birds have decided to turn the back yard into a birdie nursery...and, truthfully I am loving every moment of it;-)

Mmmmmmmmmm....

2010-05-17T09:22:00.000-07:00

M is the letter for my post today....and I am going to talk about monkeys;-) Not the cute ones with the long tails that swing from vine to vine at the zoo. No I mean the ones that have strangleholds around our necks that we carry on our backs!

It is a concept I learn many years ago in a time-management class and it has stayed with me through the years. We all do it from time to time and we all have them sooner or later. Some of us are real champs at it...or is that chimp chumps! They are those things on our "to-do" list that never quite get done...but, hopefully "one of these daze"! Well I am deciding today to get rid of all those irritating "monkeys" that do nothing but continually cause me stress. Things like that pile of mailers that might have a good coupon to clip if I just had time to go though it, or that fabric I bought several years ago waiting to be used in a craft project, that dress in my closet that needs altering and is probably out of date now anyway, or that file in my desk drawer marked "miscellaneous", that old thrift store find that needs some paint and updating (but not sure where I would put it if I did fix it), all those recipes I clipped and will "someday" organize, and I know there are several more...ugh! Enough already!!! It's a wonder I can even stand up straight with all those monkeys clamoring for position...

Anyway...this gal will be walking taller the next time you see her..."look mom, no more monkeys"!:)

Love the Youth of our Church

2010-05-16T14:27:00.000-07:00

This was our monthly fast Sunday and so that meant sharing personal testimonies at church today. I love testimony meetings, in fact, that was the very first LDS meeting I ever attended. There is something special about hearing a person share the deep and tender feelings of their heart. I believe that it is a true bonding experience and really helps to bring us closer together. It was especially good today because our young men and women just returned from a trip to the new Gila Temple open house and shared some of their spiritual experiences with us. It was so great to hear these young people stand up one by one and boldly proclaim their love of the Savior and their testimony of the divinity of temple work with all of us. I am always amazed at the strength of their convictions...it is awesome! I sometimes wonder who is leading and who is following;-)

Isn't it wonderful to know that our future is in the hands of such powerful spirits as these...

Kudos to you...

2010-05-16T02:08:00.000-07:00

Good grief...I cannot believe it, but it is 2:00 AM and I cannot sleep so here I am blogging...I missed my Saturday post so guess I will catch up on it now.

I am on the letter "K" and that is another tuff one for me. How about kudos? Kudos to my faithful and wonderful friends who continually stand by me no matter what. You know who you are; the one who overlooks those times when I am not at my best, yet finds ways to love me anyway? The one who reads my sometimes uninspiring blogs, yet sends little notes of encouragement, invites me to sit with them in Relief Society, waves to me when I am out on my walks, remembers my special days, calls me up for a lunch date. The one who leaves me an occasional note on my Facebook page, calls to check up on me when you notice I missed a church meeting, sends me reminders for book club, shares a recipe, or even better yet, brings me a sample of a new recipe:) and so many other sweet and thoughtful things...you make such a difference in my day and my life.

I hope I am that kind of friend to you too...and thanks so much for being there for me!

Jump Rope Rhymes

2010-05-14T19:32:00.000-07:00

Well today is the letter J. My daughter Jen reminded me that her name starts with a J...and she also told me that her first graders would remind me not to use "F" words:)

Sorry, Jen, for my "F" words and also will have to do a post on another day for Jen. As I understand the challenge these are supposed to be random things about me and so I will stick with just that...

J has been hard for me, so I googled "J" words and got a lot of them including joyful, jowl and JPEG! In fact, the more I looked the more I realized that there are a lot of things that start with J that I am not particularly fond of...jello, jerky, jogging to name a few. Then I remembered something from my childhood that I loved...jump rope!

I would spend hours after school and at recess jumping rope with my girlfriends. I knew so many jump rope rhymes like "Policeman, policeman, do your duty. Along comes (insert name) the American beauty...."; Down in the valley where the green grass grows..."; "Fortune-teller, fortune-teller, please tell me, what will the name of my husband be? A, B, C..."; "I took a trip around the world, and this is where I went..."; and my all time favorite, "Rich man, poor man, beggar man, thief, doctor lawyer, merchant, chief..." In fact, I think this one was a variation of the Fortune-teller one.

Can anyone tell me if any of these rhymes are still used? Also would love to have you share some you might remember;)

I think I may run out and buy a jump rope...

My "F" Words

2010-05-13T12:32:00.000-07:00

In case you are wondering...the above photo is a baby picture of me...

My sister reminded me yesterday that I still have not written something for "F"...she suggested "fabulous" or "fruits of my labor". These are both great suggestions...thanks, Sis!

Actually when I think of FABULOUS...many things come to mind. Things such as my religion and my Savior, my kids, grand kids and family, Arizona sunshine, great friends, Mexican food (thanks to all the wonderful Hispanics who live here, and yes, like my state, I am an advocate of legal immigration;), Charming Charlies (my favorite accessories store), spending time at the ocean/Hawaii (they just seem to go together), swimming pool, dark chocolate, morning walks, lunch out with girlfriends, the smell of a new baby, good books, hiking in the mountains...wow, the list could just go on and on!

FRUITS OF MY LABOR, now this one is much more challenging. I have had 66 years to work on these so they should be really good, right? Actually, I would describe myself as a slow starter, thinking back on all the "sidetracks" I took along the way. But thanks to a wonderful Savior, who doesn't give up on us and who loves and understands me better than I understand myself, I managed to get back on the path. Without a doubt, the best "fruits" are byproducts of my 48 year marriage to a sweet husband;-) Namely, my kids, grand kids and great grands. My many wonderful friendships that have developed over the years...you know who you are:), the "me" I have come to know and accept (including my many flaws), and probably my work, more like a passion in interior design.

Well, that's enough introspection for today...I'm getting a headache!!! Tomorrow is "J";-)

I for Imagination

2010-05-12T09:25:00.001-07:00

On my morning walk, I was thinking how wonderful our imagination is. With it, we can tap into our memories and travel back in time or visualize new places we may want to visit. We can create new things and see the world in a much better light.

In graphology there is a thing that our subconscious does when we write certain words or phrases that shows up as "traveling"...meaning we actually allow our thoughts to leave our present situation. In other words our imagination seems to take over and, believe it or not, it shows up in our handwriting. It think that is amazing. Our body and mind stores up so much more than we realize and "communicates" things to us in so many ways. We have only tapped the surface of its wonder.

Anyway, I am so thankful for my imagination and to think I work in a profession where I actually get paid to use it;-) No wonder I am so passionate about my work!

Happy traveling...

H is for HOA

2010-05-11T09:24:00.000-07:00

This one was a no-brain-er for me after this morning's walk! The flowers and trees are getting their summer colors and it was amazing. I actually took my usual morning walk, got home and went out again for one more walk with my camera so I could always remember how blessed I am to live in such a beautiful place. I also hoped you might enjoy seeing the pictures as well.

One really interesting thing...while I was out for over an hour doing this, (other than the gardeners) I only passed one other person! I felt as though I had my own private Garden of Eden;-)

I know we all have our "moments" with HOAs, especially when it comes time to pay the bill or trying to get approvals on things, but watching the workmen out there this morning mowing and trimming and digging...I was really thankful that I did not have to worry about all that and just enjoy the results it brings;-) Kudos to our HOA...at least that is how I am feeling about them today!

And, for all my friends and kids who live "far, far, away" as my grandson Caide puts it...how about coming down for a visit to enjoy some of this with me???

Graphology

2010-05-10T22:50:00.000-07:00

I'm skipping F for now and jumping over to G for Graphology...after all it is my blog so I make the rules...

In a nutshell it means personality profiling through handwriting analysis. I met my first graphologist this weekend and I am hooked! It is so fascinating to learn what is hidden in the way you cross your "t"s, slant your letters, shape your "s"s etc., etc... I was also privileged to sit in on a session with some other family members. Very revealing;-)

I think I have found a new profession! Anybody want to show me their handwriting???

A Different Kind of Mother's Day

2010-05-10T22:45:00.000-07:00

Wow...what a fun "packed" Mother's Day! It was so fun to have friends come visit from Utah and they in turn invited some of their friends from Mesa to join us...we had a houseful! Anyway, the day flew by much too quickly and the highlight was all the phone calls, texts, cards, gifts and skyping with my kids;-) Thanks to all who made it so special!

The Letter E

2010-05-09T00:32:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a long day and I want to get off to dreamland so this one will be short...

Escape...this random fact about me probably won't be much of a surprise to many, but my idea of escaping when I need to just have some "me" time is a good old Doris Day movie coupled with some good creamy Dove type dark chocolate. Now that is a perfect afternoon away from it all! Yes, indeed;-)

My Delightful Morning Walk!

2010-05-07T16:10:00.001-07:00

Ok...I think I am on the letter D. The first word that came to me today was delightful. That is precisely how I would describe my walk early this morning. My walking partner, Lorie and her little dog, Corky were not able to keep me company today so it gave me some extra time to ponder and marvel at the beauty surrounding me.

The most "delightful" part was walking under all the flower covered trees along the way. The gentle breeze teased the colorful petals into sprinkling them down upon my head as I walked under the branches and made me feel very special. It was such an uplifting experience and something that will be staying with me for a long time;-)

For those of you who have chosen to take the May "challenge"...I hope you are enjoying this as much as I am!

My Delightful Morning Walk!

2010-05-07T16:10:00.000-07:00

Keeping Up with the Challenge

2010-05-06T09:26:00.000-07:00

Well, it is another day and I think I am on the letter C...

Color comes to mind and it's a natural because it is also something I love! This morning on my walk I noticed all the beautiful flowers as well as the flowing bushes and trees. My favorite is the Jacaranda tree with its beautiful purple display and lucky for me, there happens to be one two doors away at the back of our circle. Unfortunately, as gorgeous as they are, Jacarandas do not stay in bloom for very long, but while they are, WOW;-)

I am also very pleased that my gardenia bush has finally flowered. This is a first for it since I planted it over a year ago. I am learning that as with most worthwhile things, patience is paramount!

Well, that's it for C...now I have to start thinking of a D...??? This is really fun and I keep hoping some of you might try it too;-)

2010-05-05T17:22:00.001-07:00

Since I am already behind...I will also do a B;-)

B...birth. I am a small town girl who grew up in Michigan. The thumb of Michigan to be more precise. I spent many of my summers with some of my cousins in the early years on my Aunt Ila's farm. I am so sad that my children/grandchildren will never have the opportunity to drive a tractor or attend a little one room country schoolhouse.

I remember the smells of fresh baked breads and homemade soups in my aunt's country kitchen for the work hands during harvesting time. Also, riding on my cousin's horse and running through the fields and hiding in the straw stacks. I wish every child could have this opportunity....thanks Aunt Ila where ever you are in the great beyond. Thanks for some of my most treasured memories;-)

2010-05-05T17:04:00.000-07:00

Ok...I'm already behind on my friend Julie's challenge to blog a "month of me". Julie thinks, and I agree that blogging is losing out to Facebook and we need to get back to the blog thing. So, I am inviting all my family bloggers to accept Julies's challenge. She's so right, it is a fun way to keep in touch and you can't share this much on Facebook! Even if it is just a sentence or two, write something about your day or yourself. One friend is going through the alphabet and I like that idea as well...

A...appetite. Today we had a church potluck luncheon after a morning at the temple to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. It was really fun and I picked up some new recipes for homemade salsa;-) I love Mexican food!

I must admit I sometimes get "stuck" on Cafe Rio, which is always a favorite, and am trying to branch out more. After all I am in Arizona! This week Micah and I discovered a new place, Macayo's which is located on a waterway. It was so nice to sit outside on their covered patio and watch the fish (big ones) swimming by along with a mamma duck with her little ones. I wish I had some pictures, but I didn't take my camera:( I will definitely be going back and will get some pictures next visit.

Anyway, appetite to me means Mexican food...now I will have to play catch up for the three days I am behind on the challenge!

To my kids...

2010-05-03T16:25:00.000-07:00

My friend Julie has challenged us to be more faithful posting on our blogs...so I am trying to do just that! Thanks Julie for the "push"...

We just had stake conference this past weekend and as with our recent world conference, we have been reminded again of the importance of being good examples to our children. I am so blessed to have great kids and maybe I should take this opportunity to let them know how very much I appreciate each one of them and the love they show to me almost daily.

I don't know that I can take alot of credit for any of it, but amazingly you all turned out fantastic;-) So, in case I have not said it recently, I love you with all my heart and am so proud of each of you. Thank you too for all the beautiful grandchildren you have blessed me with and I am looking forward to even more! In case there is any question at all...this is what life is really all about and although the other accomplishments along the way are wonderful as well...nothing can even come close to the importance of family and our children in our lives. It's not that we have not had challenges along the way, but even though it may sometimes seem like the hardest thing we will ever do, it will also be the most important. This I know with all my heart...

Thanks guys, you're awesome!!!

Weekend Comings and Goings...

2010-04-19T16:10:00.000-07:00

It has been established that there are two baby doves...they are growing fast and are now in and out of their nest on a regular basis. I have felt so privileged to be a part of this little family over the past few weeks. They seem perfectly content and not at all fearful of our comings and goings so perhaps mother dove will choose to come back next year. I sure hope so;-)

It was fun to have Jen and her friend, Kandace visiting with us for the weekend as well. I guess you have to be a lot younger than me to make a six hour drive here and back again to St. George, Utah for just the weekend. Anyway, I am sure glad she decided to come for a quick visit with her family and we really enjoyed her company...Thanks sweetie!

Just a reminder that we will be looking forward to your visit this way too! Remember July and August are mercilessly hot!!! But then, there is always the pool:-)

The Dove Family

2010-04-15T15:51:00.001-07:00

Can't quite determine what is going on with the doves...but I did discover the other day that there are two parents taking turns on the nest. I am loving this little family and now I see more than one in the nest at a time, but not sure how many. Any guesses?

HAPPY 47TH ANNIVERSARY SWEETHEART!:)

2010-04-13T19:29:00.000-07:00

I am so blessed to have a husband that makes me laugh, that I can truly say is my best friend, a man I want to grow old with, and never live without. I know he will always be there to pick me up when I am feeling down. He is my world, and he is the man that I am so thankful for every night...

We have a new house guest...

2010-03-31T11:26:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe, but March is almost gone and the March breezes are definitely blowing today. I hope that means April will come in like a lamb. My biggest concern is our new little "house guest", a dove. She has apparently decided she likes my wire basket so much that is on top of my cabinet on my patio that she has built a nest in it. I recall that little basket has been known to fly off if the winds get too strong, so what to do? To make matters worse, there is a larger straw basket right beside it that could go flying on top of her and her nest! If I climb up there and try to adjust or remove things it will probably scare her off:/

I discovered her yesterday when I was dusting and vacuuming the furniture on my patio and when I climbed on a chair to reach the top of the cabinet, there she was staring back at me. She didn't move! I know I must have frightened her, but she held her ground so stoically that I thought she must be dead, but no, she was just sitting there quietly and faithfully...protecting that nest. Mothers are the same whether human or animal I guess. Anyway she certainly impressed me.

I had a wonderful trip to Dallas this month and am including some pictures of Mike, Lisa and their family. It was spring break for the kids and we had a super time together including a redo for Connor and Charles's room! They have outgrown the cute "jungle" look and so we decided to go more "high tech". Both Connor (Mr. piano) and Charles (Mr. electric guitar and a super tech guru) are good musicians and wanted something that reflected that. It was a great family project and from what I hear they are still putting up the finishing touches. We also made some fun side trips as well that you can see from the photos. I tried to keep up on my one hour walks each day and they even joined me a time or two including along the railroad tracks! Thanks again you guys...it was really great and I truly appreciated the tickets!

My next trip should be to SLC...so if anyone hears of some good airfares let me know, but will probably just fly to Vegas and ride with Jen the rest of the way on one of her trips;-)

Well, that's all for now...miss everyone! Thanks for keeping in touch it means a lot!

IS IT MARCH ALREADY???

2010-03-11T20:05:00.000-08:00

OK...I am bad, bad, so bad about blogging. I apologize for the long delay since my last one and a lot has happened since then so I have no good excuse! We also have some very exciting news to share...Miah and Rachel will be adding grandchild number 18 to our family in late September. We are so excited about the new addition and hope Rachel will regain her "sea legs" soon;-)

February was a blur and I don't know where the time goes. Tom and I had a fun mini getaway in Tucson and we finished off the month with a wonderful visit from his sister Sandi from Independence, Mo. and brother Larry from the Baltimore area. My daughter, Amy, came down from Salt Lake City to join us too! Jen was planning to do the same but her ride from St. George fell through and she was really bummed. I think she ended up going to Vegas with some friends though, so we can't feel too sorry for her;-)

Naturally we had to make a visit to Angel Sweet for gelato and make a few other favorite stops along the way. We also got in some fun shopping and I had a great time trying on hats at the Mesa Swap Meet, which luck for me, is just down the road. The Sunday before everyone left, two of Tom's dad's sisters came for dinner. Ruthie, who lives in Sun City about an hour away from us and her older sister, Bea who is visiting her from Michigan. It was a wonderful day of catching up on family news, stories and old memories.

The weather has been unusually cold...in the low 60s which is about ten degrees below normal for this time of year in Mesa. I am constantly listening to the weather reports for better news and beginning tomorrow it is shooting back up to the 70s! I am really excited for that. I must say though, my blue hibiscus has been budding like crazy and is absolutely beautiful!

I am also excited for a trip to Dallas to see Mike, Lisa and the 6 Cs on Saturday. It is their spring break and so we will have a fun filled week together. Wow, I can't believe it has been a year since we were last there.

As for books, I have recently finished two good ones...Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls and The House At Sugar Beach by Helene Cooper. Theses are both great reading. I am currently reading The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown which is also a page turner.

Well, that brings me up to date until I return from Dallas a week from this Saturday with more pictures to share. Have a great spring break and wishing you some warmer weather as well.

Where does the time go???

2010-01-31T17:16:00.001-08:00

Ok...Obviously I did something wrong so I will just make this a continuation of my last post...LOL I am including a few more pictures of our January time together with the kids along with that picture I promised of my blue hibiscus! I will get the hang of this blogging stuff yet;-)

Btw...I could not resist the picture of our little Tex enjoying his Tony Roma ribs!!! And of course, no trip to Mesa is complete without a visit to Angel Sweet for their fantastic creamy gelato...

2010-01-31T16:24:00.000-08:00

TIME FOR ANOTHER POST...

Christmas is over and it has been a very fun filled and busy January! Matti, Jon and the kiddos arrived the first week of the month and filled our quiet little home with alot of energy and laughter. Here are a few pictures of the events. Jen showed up around the middle of the month to celebrate the Christmas we miss together this year. Jon left after the first week, but fortunately Matti and the little ones, Eden (2) and Tex (10 months) stayed on. One of Matti's best friends, Stephanie even showed up for a few days from the Dallas area. Sadly for me they returned to their island home last Thursday and all was quiet again. Thanks you guys for all the wonderful memories...

I am still enjoying our Mesa retreat and was thrilled to see that the blue hibiscus I planted last May has FINALLY bloomed! I will include a picture;-)

Looking ahead, we are thrilled about a visit from Tom's sister, Sandi and brother, Larry toward the end of February. Your rooms are ready when you are and excitement builds with each day!

I am pleased to say I have started working on a New Year's resolution (I generally don't even bother making them!) But, this year I hope to get all my old family album pictures scanned onto my computer in hopes that "one or more" of my children will pick up the ball and help me work on our family history...are you paying attention kids? The only real downside to it all is realizing how YOUNG I once looked! Wow where do the years go?

Also have been reading some good books while re cooperating from a nasty "bug" I picked up. About two thirds of the way through "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett and recently finished "The Good Thief" and a real favorite "Lantern in Her Hand" for this month's book club. I can recommend all three to anyone who is looking for a good read.

Watching a beautiful orange sunset off of my back patio as I type this...something you can almost always count on in Mesa;-) Hope you will come and enjoy it with me sometime soon!

Thanks Matti for helping me add some new music to my blog! Love and miss you guys:(

2009-12-28T09:17:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know it's winter...but...

You may think I have totally lost it and perhaps I have, but isn't there something wonderful about the August wallpaper I have for my laptop?

Just to convince you I am aware it is winter and the Christmas season I am including some snapshots I have taken around my house. We may not have snow in Arizona (thank goodness!!!) but we definitely have the Christmas spirit! They literally plaster the homes in lights here. When I am out walking in the mornings most places just appear simply decorated, but at night it is a cross between Vegas and Disneyland;-) Some of the families really get into the lights and how fun it is to see! Our home is one of the simpler ones, but we are loving it just the same;-)

I have always believed Christmas should be "magical" and so my tree reflects those feelings. I have included a few pictures of my elf/fairy tree just to let some of you know how much I appreciate your additions from the past. Each one is special to me;-)

Hoping you have a wonder New Year ahead. Thanks to each of you for making our 2009 so filled with loving and cherished memories!

2009-12-14T18:32:00.000-08:00

Time to catch up...

I have been so busy lately living life that I have not taken time to share any of it with you. My children are starting to get concerned so I guess I had better do an update;-)

Thanksgiving came and went so quickly. Jen came home to join us and we were able to get the tree decorated. I must admit it was wonderful to have our dinner beside the swimming pool and enjoy the flowers in the back yard.

We also took time to tour the beautiful Christmas lights around the Mesa Temple. Gorgeous! Amy and I got to see all the many workers and heavy equipment putting them in place when she was here a few weeks earlier. This is definitely my way of enjoying the winter season!

Shortly after our Thanksgiving celebration it was time for another trip to St. George to work on the Vista Charter School project. I was also able to catch two of Jen's ballet performances. A tribute to the LDS Prophets and Nutcracker which was gorgeous. Jen did a terrific job in both. I was only sorry I was not able to get some pictures of the Nutcracker costuming...but because they are copy protected, no photography is allowed. One of her best friends Laura Taylor flew in for her performance as well. I will include some pictures. The tallest gal in the picture is Jen's roommate Caroline, a real sweetheart and the young man Jen's friend Paul Cochran. We all went out to celebrate at Chile's after the Nutcracker. It was actually snowing when we left the theater which just seemed to be a fitting addition to a beautiful evening:-)

My last day in St. George I was greeted with an icy snow storm. That was definitely enough to do me for the year. OK, so call me a wimp;-)

It was a week of hard work and fun and it is nice to be back to my Arizona sunshine!

St. George

2009-11-24T12:36:00.000-08:00

Still Has the Charm!

No matter how much I love Mesa, I have to admit that I still hold a permanent place in my heart for St. George, Utah. The vistas and red rock cliffs are magical!

I had a few free hours Thursday afternoon and went on a downtown walking tour. I thought perhaps those of you who feel the way I do about this beautiful little city would appreciate the review and for those of you who have never been there...you are missing out on something very special. Here are a few of my favoite places like the St. George Temple, Bear Paw restaurant and one of the best little inspirational shops, Urban Renewal Consignments. It was also fun to spend some time with Jen. I have included a picture of her with a few of her ballet students at Vista.

I hope you enjoy the walk down memory lane as well as the beautiful fall colors. What a special way of remembering our blessings this Thanksgiving season:-)

Vista

2009-11-24T11:27:00.000-08:00

Vista Visit....

Thought you might like a sneak preview of the new Vista Charter School that I am working on as a design consultant;-) Right now it is only K-6, but as you can see by the artist rendering, they will soon be adding the middle school. Although it is not an easy project...it is certainly a fun challenge! It will be a "paperless" school rich in technology, music, dance and theater. Teaching our children a new way to "apply, analyze and create".

The photo above is of me with my "boss" Steve Goodman who is the Principal of Vista and one of the major "brains" behind the unique concept of this school. We are having breakfast with Jen (who teaches ballet at Vista) at one of my all time favorite places...The Bear Paw. If you have ever had one of their breakfasts you know what I mean!

As you can see it is located in one of the most beautiful spots in St. George (Ivin's really) near Tuacahn Amphitheater and Split Rock on Snow Canyon Road. Wow the pictures just don't do justice to the real thing! Lucky kids;-)

The following YouTube video was produced by Jordon, Utah School District and was one of the inspirations for Vista. I thought you might enjoy seeing the future we plan for our kids in St. George and hopefully many more Vistas to come. You may want to mute the music on my blog before watching the video.

Still going strong...

2009-11-01T21:36:00.000-08:00

I could not help but laugh when I read a recent comment on Facebook from one of Micah's friends...he said, "it's nice to see you are still active"! Well, I too, am thankful that I have been blessed to be;-) In fact, I am rather proud of my most recent project...a dry creek in my front yard.

It was one of those "ideas" that wakes you in the middle of the night. I have seen this sort of thing in other neighbor's yards and decided I could do one too! Well, you know me...once I get an idea in my head away I go....

Micah DID offer to help, although as you can see he mostly provided the entertainment;-)

Here are a few pictures to prove that, yes, I am STILL active...still going strong;-) Although, I must admit, the next morning I was feeling the pain! But after all was said and done, I think it was all worth it.

2009-10-31T11:50:00.000-07:00

Boo! THE SPOOKS ARE GATHERING! LOOK OUT!!!

Happy Halloween and hope you are having a wonderful day!

I have been starting mine lately with a morning walk now that the water in the pool is just too chilly. So each morning I try to get up and out just as the sun is coming up. Believe it or not, it has really been inspiring for my whole day!

The weather has been a little cool lately, but this morning was beautiful and as I walked along I found myself clicking pictures with my cell phone so as not to forget the magic of the moment. Fortunately we have walkways that go throughout our neighborhood. I thought you might like me to share my pictures with you. You will notice that some of the pictures are of homes I passed. They really have the Halloween spirit as you can see! So fun to see what families do for the kids (and probably themselves too). Now I really want to go back to see them tonight:-) Maybe it will inspire me to do more next year!

I loved the way the sunbeams were playing games with the tree branches as I walked along, so enjoy the views...I feel so lucky to be able to start my day this way;-) Come take a walk with me!

Happy haunting!!!

This 'n That...

2009-10-12T12:08:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I am inspired again! Thanks to everyone for your comments...it helps keep me going;-) btw for those of you who respond via email, I hope you remember that if you click on the blue lettering "My Invincible Summer" at the bottom of the page it will open up to my actual blog so you can get the full effect with music, wallpaper, etc., etc....not to mention you see pictures of all my cute grandkids and can click on older posts at the bottom to catch up on those.

Well, I have another new book to recommend that I am so into that I am having trouble getting back to The Poisonwood Bible...and that is saying alot! So, I contacted my local library and found out that The Poisonwood Bible is indeed on CD and so now I am listening to The Poisonwood Bible when I run my errands in my car and reading Blink by Malcolm Gladwell when I have a free moment at home. This is usually just before I drift off at night. My book club ladies described it as "life changing". I am only on the second chapter, but will let you know. It is about the power of thinking without thinking...in other words how we process information in our brain in the "blink" of an eye. I understand his first book The Tipping Point is also really good, which is described as "little things can make a big difference". I will probably look for that one next. This one, like Poisonwood Bible, I found at Savers for $1.99--don't you just love a bargain! Anyway, if you have ever wondered why some things just don't "feel" right and you can't put words to it...Blink is the book for you.

Continuing on about new fun things I have discovered...my friend, Debbie, was cleaning her tile floors when I visited her the other day and going on about her new floor steam cleaner. Ok, so I was sold and stopped at Costco and picked one up for me (a pre-Christmas present or so described by Tom--ya right!). Anyway, it is the new little Shark steam floor cleaner they are featuring and I love it as much as Debbie said I would! If you have alot of tile floors to clean and it gets as "gritty" as mine seems to (desert dust, I guess), wow, does it get it clean! I cannot tell you how many times I have gone over my floors with a mop; and tried so many cleaners but to no avail still had a film.

Debbie said she was on her third go round with the steamer and is still picking up some black on the floor mit. I have only gone over it once and was amazed at how much it picked up! Now I plan to do a second run later today. I think this could be one of those "addictive" things if I am not careful! Oh yes, and it costs $99 and worth every penny...it also has two other size "mops" for smaller areas. You only use plain old water, so no chemicals:-) It will also "fluff" up carpets.

Anyway, I have included some pictures of Blink and the Shark mop. I have also thrown in a few pictures I took around the house today to get in the spirit of the season here...60s in the morning and about mid-80s by 4 pm with tons of sunshine. Perfect for me!

That's all for now. Hoping you will all keep in touch! It is so great to hear from you...

2009-10-08T11:17:00.000-07:00

Amy tells me it is ok to talk about myself on a blog because that is what they are about! I like that! So...for all you book lovers out there this is for you. My girls all tell me they don't have time to read which is certainly understandable:-)

Anyway here are a few I have read recently if interested and I am currently reading, The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. I also read The Bean Trees by her which is shorter but I like this one better. Poisonwood Bible is the story of the wife of a Baptist preacher and his four daughters (who are very real in their antics). They are called on a mission to the Congo. It takes place in the late 50s when the Congo was struggling for their independence and is pretty fascinating reading--described as a "dance between the dark comedy of human failing and the breathtaking possibilities of human hope."

I just finished The Marriage Bureau for Rich People, takes place in modern India (pretty cute) and Pavilion of Women by Pearl S. Buck, which I have recommended to my book club for November. I started Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth, which I loved except for the rather explicit sex scenes...so gave up on it about a third of the way through...really good story, but be warned!

If you have some new ones to add to my list...I am always looking for good stuff to read. As for explicit sexual ones...my imagination works just fine without it thank you--maybe even better:-) Give me romance anytime!!!

Let's Make Lemonade!

2009-10-08T08:20:00.000-07:00

I have plenty of things on my list today...but I did promise myself that I would do better at keeping up my blog so here goes...

Micah started his new job on Monday and so we knew we needed to get some extra "chores" done around here before he was "too busy" with school and work to get to them. It has been great having him home to help out with the yard, pool, etc. because he is really good at it. Unfortunately, we have ignored the Mesquite tree out front for too long and it's branches were almost touching the ground again. I knew it was something that needed attention and right away...so true to form, he took care of it! Thanks, Micah! It looks great again:-)

Yesterday we were finally able to put in the lemon, orange and grapefruit trees. It is really exciting for me to look out the window and see my new little lemon tree loaded with lemons! We are hoping to have fresh squeezed orange and ruby red grapefruit juice by February! Just in case anyone is thinking about heading this way...hint, hint...

By the way, the reason my lawn looks so sad it that they skin them back this time of year (it looked really pretty until they did) to broadcast rye seed for the winter lawns...it will be a gorgeous kelly green (hopefully) in a couple of weeks! I just threw in the picture of my orange hibiscus as added incentive to you:-)

Anyway, here are some pictures just to "wet your whistle" as they say:-)

Life in General

2009-09-22T00:10:00.001-07:00

Just realized how long it has been since my last posting...I need to start doing better!

I keep reading all the cute blogs my girls write and feel like I should be posting something really cute and creative like they do. I guess when the kids grow up and move out it becomes a lot harder to find interesting things to talk about because I become the focal point...and I am discovering that I am not really all that interesting. I fill my days with books, swimming, organizing, cleaning, cooking, attending the temple and other things I love. Maybe I just need to take more pictures of my clean kitchen floor, books I have read, trips to Costco, etc. I am still working on my landscaping and have lost a few more plants--two hibiscus and another bird-of-paradise, but have no pictures of my dead plants either... Makes me sad to lose those birds. But the weather is cooling so hopefully I will soon be having more success. In any event, I am not ready to give up on my dream of a "tropical" oasis in my back yard.

Still loving it here in Arizona...but do miss my kids, grandkids and good friends. I have been to two baby showers in the past two weeks and am making some new friends...but most of them are under 30! Definitely a different neighborhood and ward than my previous one in Salt Lake City. It is strange to be one of the oldest in the crowd, but guess it had to happen sooner or later...The good news is I am hoping that hanging out with all these young moms and moms-to-be will keep me "young at heart":-) Everyone has been great about making me feel welcome. This is a very friendly area...and we have decided it must be due to all the great sunshine we have.

Actually, to sum this up and boring or not, I am thinking life is really pretty good when we want to make it that way:-)

What a fun packed weekend:-)

2009-08-19T08:16:00.000-07:00

WOW! You certainly packed alot into one weekend! From the long trip from Utah, to the flying rock that left a big dent in the windshield, to the exciting arrival...at last! You came and you brought an exciting and fun time to a lonely grandma, grandpa and uncle Micah.

We played in the pool (both night and day), we grilled, we played in the pool again, we shopped, we played video games, and we played in the pool some more:-) They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so here are a few to tell the story...what great memories right up to and including the fully loaded family van headed back for home. Thanks, you guys, it was wonderful! Love you lots!!!

She is Starting Her New Life...

2009-08-04T14:02:00.001-07:00

Micah and I helped Jennie load up her "new" car for another big adventure yesterday morning. After a somewhat eventful trip (she took a wrong turn in Vegas) she arrived safely at her new destination last night. What a relief to get the phone call that all was well. I thought I would share a few farewell photos taken by brother Micah. Please excuse my pajamas and messy hair--its for any of you who accuse me of looking too "put together";-)

As parents you know that it is always hard to have them leave the nest...with Jen it has been a recurring theme. First, when she went off right after high school graduation to apprentice with Colorado Ballet, again after college graduation when she accepted her first "real" job in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, then again when she left on her mission to Chile.

Yesterday she said her goodbyes once more as she left to begin her latest chapter as ballet teacher/Jr. director for the new VISTA Charter School, K-6, in the St. George, Utah area. One would think it would get easier with each farewell, but it doesn't. There are still the "knots" in the stomach as you watch her drive off, concern that she will be "watched over", the normal worries about her safety, and the hardest thing of all...walking past that empty room...

Aloha, Jen, we send you our love and very best wishes for your new adventure...rock on! But we here know the Abbey won't be the same without your special sparkle, limitless energy and sunny smile.

We will miss you kiddo! Come back often.

Just checking in...

2009-08-02T07:30:00.001-07:00

Love this picture taken at Mike and Lisa's last winter. Lisa is a master poster maker and we love and appreciate all she does for us.

Wow, hard to believe how time flies! Summer is almost gone and school will soon be starting. Is there anyone else who might want to make a quick trip before then? Addie maybe? (no pressure:-) We are still hoping Amy, Centry and Caide can come too.

Jen will be leaving for St. George and her new teaching job at Vista Charter School on Monday--sure will miss having her around but I know she is excited about trying her wings in a new location!

Happy Birthday to Rachel! Hope it was great. You are such an asset to our crazy family!

I stole this quote from my daughter, Matti's blog and I absolutely love it! She truly IS this kind of Mom and I really want to be this kind of Mom too:-)

“I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I want to be there with grass stains on my shoes from mowing Sister Schenk's lawn. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbor's children. I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed some one's garden. I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived."~Marjorie Hinckley

Isn't that just perfect? Thanks Matti!

Thanks everybody for keeping in touch...Love and miss you all...

Empty House

2009-07-17T20:20:00.000-07:00

Wow--the days went way too fast! It is hard to believe that Matti and her two little ones, Tex, 4 months and Eden 2, were here since June 18th. The days and weeks seemed to fly by and there were still so many things on our list that didn't get done.

The same was true for Miah, Rachel and their kids, Chance 7 and Deja 10...and now, the house seem so quiet and empty.

Today when I was backing out of my driveway there was a baby binky on the ground (apparently dropped when Matti loaded everyone up for the airport yesterday morning). Just seeing it made me tearful. Isn't is something how little things can bring on such big emotions?

I spent most of yesterday wiping off little fingerprints and spills and now my house is spic and span--but the sweet sounds of childhood are also gone.

I read something the other day that I really liked. "Don't cry tears of sadness when they are gone; cry tears of joy for all the wonderful memories"...thanks everyone for tears of joy. Please come back soon!

Its HOT, HOT, HOT in Arizona...

2009-07-09T20:00:00.000-07:00

Greetings from the sunny state of Arizona. I must say, I still love it here, but they aren't kidding when they say it is hot! We average between 115 and 120 daily now with it cooling down to the low 80s in the evening.

Caide Emerson (Amy and Centry's littlest) just turned three...Happy Birthday Caide! He got a new bright yellow bike and was he ever excited when he called to tell me!

Carly (Mike and Lisa's oldest daughter) just got her first pair of skinny jeans and, as you can see looks darling in them along with her new "birthday" extensions.

Matti and her two little ones, Eden (age 2) and Texton (3 mos.) paid us a surprise visit and have been here for a few weeks. Can you imagine traveling 5 hours on a plane with two little ones in tow? What an amazing Mom! Was grandpa ever surprised to find little Eden ringing his doorbell:-)

Miah, Rachel, Deja and Chance were here previous to that. We truly enjoyed their company and showing them around Mesa. It has been so fun having them all here to keep me company:-) Of course, Jen and Micah are here as well so we have had a full house! How can one grandma be so lucky!!!

We are loving the pool and I can't imagine living here without one. We swim most every day and I am so fortunate to have Micah for my pool boy...he is really getting the upkeep schedule refined. Thanks Micah!

I am including a few pictures of the past month just to update this blog. I am hoping you will be the next one on my doorstep.

Our Treck

2009-06-17T19:29:00.000-07:00

In some ways it doesn't seem possible it has been a whole year since we lost our grandson, Treck unexpectedly to a seizure...but then in other ways it has been like a lifetime without him.

Treck, we want you to know how much you are missed by our family...you have left a big hole in our hearts.

May the angels be your constant companions and may your happiness be without bounds. Until we can be together again...

We love you!

It has been awhile...

2009-06-03T12:48:00.000-07:00

Wow, time is flying by and we will be on our way tomorrow to pick up Jen in Salt Lake City! No need to tell anyone how excited we are to see her and all our Utah kids!

We have been very busy putting in the landscaping and yesterday the final hole was dug and plant planted...we hope! What a job!!! Between that and getting Jen's room ready for her return, I have really had to stretch.

Anyway my yard no longer looks like a desert with two lonely cactus in the front yard. I now have a whole cluster of hibiscus and canna lillies:-) Clusters of golds, deep reds and ORANGE, of course! It finally has my stamp on it and it is wonderful to sit here in my little office and look out on color! btw, I did save the biggest cactus and put him in a big pot right at my front door. It didn't seem right to destroy him when he had hung in there for so long while the house sat empty waiting for a new owner to put a little water on him.

The back has a tropical feel with actual grass, birds of paradise, more hibiscus and canna lillies (red this time) and splotches of purples and deep pinks in bougainvillea and some other plants I still don't know the names of:-) Oh yes, and of course a few cute pygmy palms:-) I hope you will get to come for a visit and see it for yourself--I will include some pictures for you as an enticement:-)

We will be heading out tomorrow for Utah and plan to be there until next Wednesday. I hope to get to see as many of my friends as I can. I have heard from a couple of you who will be out of town and so I am sorry to miss you this time.

Don't forget to check out Jen's blog (http://jen-in-chile.blogspot.com/) and maybe leave her a note in the comments section. She will be arriving in SLC this coming Saturday at 11:20 American Airlines from Dallas. She will be sharing her testimony at our Brighton Point Ward the following day at the 11:00 service.

Thanks to all of you who have been so great about keeping in touch, via my blog, facebook and emails. It means alot to me:-) I hope you are having a wonderful summer!

Congratulations to Matti for signing up to run in the Honolulu Marathon in December. That is awesome! You go girl:-)

I am looking forward to having three of my grandkids (Addie, Deja and Chance) visit me in June along with Miah and Rachel. Yipes I better get back to work! I understand they are excited and so am I!

Signing off for now...pictures to follow shortly...

Can't believe I am still coughing...

2009-05-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

Well I still have that dry hacky cough but am not letting it slow me down! Although I really miss family and friends alot, I have truly enjoyed the wonderful sunny days of Arizona! Wow, it is beautiful here...109 degree temperatures and all. Actually, it is cooler at night and doesn't really reach the 100s until later in the afternoon. I am learning to run my errands in the mornings and stick close to the pool in the afternoons whenever possible. One dip and I am refreshed and ready to go again!

Tom and I have been working on the yard and landscaping which still needs alot of help:-( The two lonely cactus at my front door really don't seem very welcoming...Jeri Cannon would tell me "bad Feng Shui" I know, and she would be right!!! But I am working on it Jeri:-)

My plans included some citrus trees, but I have been told that I cannot plant them until after August. So, for now I will have to live with the cactus, one messy mesquite tree, a few red yuccas, one lonely (and rather ugly) queen palm, two cute dwarf palms and LOTS of crushed granite:-) I am hoping to put in a few flowering plants for some color...you know how I love color!

As of now the plans are for us to be in SLC on June 5th to meet Jen who is arriving on Saturday, June 6th at 11:20 AM, American Airlines from Dallas/Fort Worth. If you are not aware, we have set up a Welcome Home Missionary Blog for her at this address: http://jen-in-chile.blogspot.com/ Feel free to check it out including some pictures of her on her Mission.

If you have a picture or comment you would like us to include follow the instructions on the blog.

We will be returning to Arizona on Tuesday, June 9th so it will be a short trip--hope I get to see you while I am there. Jen will be sharing her testimony on Sunday, June 7th and we plan to be there too. Missing you so very much and would love to get in a visit if possible.

Thanks for all the emails, phone calls and notes--it means alot to me. Hoping to see you soon!

Cough, cough, cough...

2009-04-25T20:30:00.000-07:00

Hope this finds everyone well. It was hard to leave Matti's little family behind:-( Apparently Eden looked for me for over an hour after I left and "little Tex" had some sort of crying fit--Matti said Eden was convinced that I was hiding somewhere even though I had kissed her goodbye and said I had to leave to check on Grandpa. To add to that, more downpours plus all the power went out which finally got fixed Friday (broken breaker box). Wow, Matti you have really been tested! You are an terrific mom and I am very proud of you. Hang in there! Thanks again for all the great memories:-)

I made it back to Arizona a little after midnight. Tom informed me that we would be going home to an empty frig unless we stopped at Wal-Mart on the way, which we did. Once home I got my second "wind" and spent the next few hours reorganizing some of my cabinets and closets. Before I knew it, the sun was coming up! The weather has been a bit warm but gorgeous---I don't mind the heat:-)

Anyway, no pictures as I have been down with a "flu bug" ever since I got home. Believe me, I am a pitiful sight:-) So much for that tan I worked so hard on...

I want to thank Tom and Micah for all the unpacking of boxes I left behind, moving furniture, hanging stuff, cleaning out and organizing the garage and on and on! You did an AMAZING job! Thanks guys for all the love.

Will try to get more posted early next week...

Still in Paradise...

2009-04-20T18:19:00.000-07:00

Well, I am still in Hauula for one more day before I return to the mainland on Wednesday. It has been great to spend some time with my Hawaii kids and have some bonding time with Eden and "little Tex". Matti and Jon have been terrific--even giving me their bedroom! Anyway, I am sure they will enjoy having their little beach house and privacy back for awhile.

It was a beautiful weekend, but last night, throughout the night and today it has been raining by the bucketfuls:-) We are so thankful that we headed for the beach Friday and Saturday!

On Saturday we headed for a new place (to me) called Alligator Pond. A really pretty park/beach with a long stretch of coral resembling an alligator. The long reef creates beautiful sandy, crystal clear tide pools to play in--perfect for kids (and the big ones too). And did I mention that there was a Monk Seal sleeping right in the middle of the pond--So COOL!!! Eden had soooo much fun!

For more pictures click on the bottom of your updates on the words My Invincible Summer and then click on the words A Wiggle Worm (or on Matti's picture) when you get to my blog, or just peak in on Matti's blogspot directly at http://123parkers.blogspot.com/ She has some really cute/funny pictures and comments...

Must admit, I am getting anxious to get back to Arizona to see what Tom has been doing to "fix up" my new place...sweet, but scary too--if you know what I mean. lol

This will probably be my last blog from the islands--hope you enjoyed the "tour" of North Shore Oahu. Even in the rain it is so beautiful--gorgeous ocean waves, green lush rain forest jungle; steamy and sultry like an old Bogie movie. Think I will go find a copy of "Casablanca" ...here's lookin' at you kid:-)

Thanks for the love...

2009-04-18T10:32:00.000-07:00

We are so very thankful for our wonderful family and friends who continue to stand by us and believe in us! We truly appreciate your much needed messages of support.

It is sad to think that a man who has continually stood for integrity can be so badly treated by our so called "justice" system and news media. But unfortunately this happens more often than one may think. Twisted facts and sensationalism still seem to be the way of the world.

The Lord knows our hearts and the truth in all things. We will continue the fight for justice, but are well aware of the "uphill" battle we face...

We appreciate your prayers as you will continue to be in ours.

Waimea Bay...Still #1!

2009-04-15T19:45:00.000-07:00

It is said Waimea Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world...well you will get no argument from me. It has been my favorite for a long time and today was no exception to that!!! Wow, it is truly so beautiful both in views, the miles of sand, crystal blue waters, not to mention the big beautiful rolling waves to play in:-)

This was definitely a great birthday morning! I have not had a chance to go to Waimea this trip so it was on the top of my birthday wish list. It started out looking overcast and rainy but Matti and I were not discouraged and, you guessed it, by the time we got to Waimea it was perfect:-)

Thanks to you for the wonderful birthday wishes...the only thing that would have made it better would be if you could have been here to share it with me...for now I will share some pictures with you...

2009-04-14T01:26:00.001-07:00

TODAY IS OUR DAY!!! Happy Anniversary Sweetheart!
See you soon...

Now this is Sun Bathing!

2009-04-14T00:53:00.000-07:00

Couldn't resist sharing these photos of our day at the beach...

The sun was shining and the beach directly across the highway from Matti's house was calling to us; so over we went. Eden brought her new Easter sand pail, but didn't bring her bathing suit. Well, that didn't stop her! Fortunately we had the place to ourselves and she had a blast:-) Don't you wish you could be that uninhibited!!! Oh to be young again...

My New Theme Song

2009-04-13T22:09:00.000-07:00

For those of you who know how much I LOVE gummy bears...Here is my new theme song!
(You will want to pause my other music before clicking play below. To do this, click the pause button on the right half of the screen)

Still in the islands...

2009-04-11T11:31:00.000-07:00

I am still here in Hauula, but my sweet husband is back in Arizona trying to pull the house together (with my sweet Micah's help:) for my return.. why would anyone want to take on that job??? What a sweetheart! I will be returning back to Arizona on the 22nd.

This coming week marks our 46th wedding anniversary. WOW how time flies...

Anyway, I just want him to know how much I appreciate and love him. What alot of crazy memories and "journeys" we have to share. Here's to you babe!!! Thanks for making life so worthwhile...could not have been nearly as fun and exciting without you...I LOVE YOU:-)

Some time to myself...

2009-04-09T00:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I decided to sneak off on my own for a bit (with Matti's encouragement) and check out a couple of beaches just a mile or so down the road from Matti and Jon's cute little beach house. Can you believe sunshine and a whole ocean almost to myself? There were only a few others out including a cute little old fisherman wearing a sanpan hat, just down the way. I wanted to get a picture of him but it didn't turn out:-( It was rejuvenating(ly) wonderful. We all need a morning break like this once in awhile:-) It was so gorgeous that I just had to share it with you...

Fun in [some] sun

2009-04-09T00:22:00.001-07:00

We love the beach at Turtle Bay and, yes, there really was some sun...Matti, the babe and I relished every moment there...while Eden played adventurer (a natural for her). By the way, the top photo is what you get when you ask Eden to smile for the camera...

We cannot believe how quickly Texton is growing and changing...he is doing great! He seems to be pretty laid back and adapting well to the Hawaiian life style.

One of the things I love about the North Shore is the "country" feeling--especially all the wild chickens and absolutely gorgeous roosters roaming everywhere...here is a mom and her chicks enjoying their lunch right next to a shopping area in Haleiwa where we stopped for some shopping and lunch of our own:-)

No trip to the North Shore is complete without a stop over for a delicious and famous Matsumoto shave ice in Haleiwa. Eden and I savored every mouthful, although I think she got the best of it! Between the crazy tradewinds and humidity, I have given up on any sort of hairdo as you can clearly see:-)

I have to laugh...

2009-04-06T09:04:00.000-07:00

If you have noticed the "time" noted for my postings you probably think I stay up half the night working on my blog. Although it is true that I wait until things quiet down before working on it, my laptop is still set at Arizona time so it is actually three hours earlier here in Hawaii.

It seemed a little strange listing to Conference at 6 AM and being finished by noon. It does get one up and going early though and what a great start to any day. Hope you enjoyed the talks and stories as much as I did. I have lots to ponder and work on for the next six months!

Missing all my friends and family in Utah and hoping you are well. Would love to hear from you. Oh yes, this reminds me...For the computer-challenged, like me...You can click on the "COMMENTS" notation at the bottom of each of my postings to leave me messages. It makes me feel lonesome when it says "0 Comments":-)

This is NOT the Hawaii I know and love!!!

2009-04-06T02:10:00.000-07:00

Where oh where is the sun??? Thought we would take a drive to the East end of the island (Hawaii Kai), near my old house today and guess what? Oh well, sending "sunny" wishes your way anyway...

Congratulations to Carly!

2009-04-05T02:03:00.000-07:00

As you can probably tell, I am proud of all my beautiful grand and great-grand children. However it seems appropriate to single out Carly this week for winning 3rd place in a (Texas) state competition. Carly's teacher entered her for the design/construction of her gorgeous party dress...which I happen to know Carly designed and made all by herself with only "cheering" support from her mom and family. Carly is wearing the dress in her picture on this blog...a terrific job! CONGRATULATIONS CARLY...you go girl! We anticipate that you will have your own label someday:-)

A great BIG sister

2009-04-05T01:40:00.000-07:00

2009-04-03T00:06:00.000-07:00

RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY!!!

2009-04-02T23:35:00.000-07:00

Well, I thought I should send out a note to all who tell me they are "jealous" I am in Hawaii. I am really enjoying my time here with Matti and her sweet family, but as for the weather well, they say a picture is worth a thousand words so here is one to view.

So far we have experienced about three weeks of overcast skies and rain, except on Sunday, of course, when we are at church. Today we actually saw some blue in the sky and, you guessed it, sunshine. This was more than I could handle so I donned a bathing suit and headed for a nearby beach. Except for the wind which was considerable, it was really very pretty--for about 45 minutes, that is...All of a sudden these dark clouds seem to appear out of nowhere and down came torrents of rain! I was soaked to the skin by the time I made it back to Matti's house!

I really was pleased to note, however, that I seem to have the beginnings of a tan line! It was a much needed 45 minutes and very much appreciated.

I am sending sunshine your way even though it is only in my imagination:-) Of course, Tom has informed me that it has been blue skies and sunshine every day since I left Mesa!! Go figure...

I AM ON A ROLL!!!

2009-03-31T00:03:00.000-07:00

Wowzer, this is really starting to take shape. Hope you like my new look...I want to thank Matti for all her help getting this set up. If you click on some of the pictures of our kids it will bring up additional information or their actual blogs--more to come.

You may want to check back again in a few days because this is definitely a work in progress, but I think it is really taking on a life of its own! I hope you enjoy the journey and will send me your blog sites so I can keep up with all my family and friends!!! It is really fun...LOVE THIS NEW TECHNOLOGY!!!

A day at the Beach with Eden

2009-03-25T02:32:00.000-07:00

Aloha from Hauula!

2009-03-25T02:08:00.001-07:00

Little Tex has arrived!! Just in time to celebrate his Mom's birthday.

2009-03-17T04:48:00.000-07:00

The first POD arrived on Wednesday March 4, 2009 about 4:30, just as the painters finished spray painting about 35 cabinet doors and drawer fronts in the driveway -- that they laid flat on two extensions ladders stretched out between paint buckets to speed up the drying process on a sunny day.

It was quite a sight to see as the painters watched the Podzilla bring the first POD off the truck into the driveway. The first POD to arrive was the last POD we loaded six months ago back in September. Our thanks to all who took us into your homes while we lived out of duffel bags and plastic egg crates. ;- )

The painters from Blue Sky Painting, did a great job and I definitely recommend them !!! It was a delight to work with them and the owners of the company.

2009-03-15T21:13:00.000-07:00

We had our first dinner guests today -- Joe & Carol Townsend from Denver -- on their way back from a friend's wedding in Yuma, AZ with a stopover in Mesa. We hope you will be next at our door on your way to anywhere.

Reminder -- you can click on any photo in the blog and it will open a larger photo version. Then click on the "back" key to go back to the blog page. At least I think that's how it works.

This is the "almost finished" living room that adjoins the dining room -- at the entrance. Still waiting on shutters for the windows. Do you remember the carousel table from the old barn. The monkey table is also in this room. The chandelier is fun piece that I found on line.

This is the dining "room" ... not quite as cozy as it was at the old barn ... but still filled with the same warm memories of our many gatherings with family and friends.

Now this is a transformation "after photo" of the kitchen and great room. The distressed black pub table with six stools is a fun find from Craigslist. Can you believe the before and after transformation - with display shelves above the cabinets ... finally an open and bright kitchen with a cathedral ceiling ...

Remember that old pine wood wall unit in several pieces on the floor of the family room -- this is the finished product without books (so far) but with the TV, and birdcages and ferns on the top display shelf - and table games stored in the cabinet, lower left.

Still waiting for window shutters to arrive in two weeks. Late last night we stopped long enough to watch our first movie on the new set up -- a favorite entitled "Seems Like Old Times" with Chevy Chase -- thanks to Micah who connected components and shows me how to make it work. It is a user friendly system - as long as the user is Micah. ;- )

This is the "Hall of Fame" photo gallery that used to be in the upstairs hallway of the old barn in SLC. Now it is just off the kitchen -- where I pass it many times a day.

Next is a "before" photo of Tom with his trusty hammer -- tearing out the old closet to make way for Closetmaid organizers from Home Depot -- that he put together over three days.

While Tom de-constructed the closet -- Micah washed his car. ;- )

Can you believe -- after all three PODS were finally emptied and 50 boxes of "essentials" were unpacked and put away -- with 50 more still in the garage -- Micah still found room for his car in the garage to keep the desert dust off of it during the night. Notice Micah in the car -- talking with Kait on his cell phone !!!

This is Nathan Speakman, our master plumber and new father of firstborn son born this past weekend. Nathan is giving the "thumbs up" sign -- that the "pot filler" is installed and working fine. Notice the "pot filler" really is filling the pot -- the scrub pail -- on the floor. ;- )

Reminder -- you can click on any photo on the blog -- and it will open a larger photo.

True master carpenters at work -- Ray Moyers and his son who did the finish carpentry on the wall unit and installed crown molding on the kitchen cabinets. They are a great team. Ray is the father in law of Denyce (Dever) ...

I threatened Tom not to include this photo -- of me ironing the sofa -- but then I thought -- hey, its my life story, and this is what I do -- I iron sofa slip covers ... on the sofa in the sunshine, in my pink PJ's and slippers ... my "uniform for the day."

This is what things really looked like for about a week after the PODS arrived ... while we unpacked and put things in their places. Noticed the laptop on the pub table -- which was our communications center -- and work bench for that week. Notice the Frosted Mini Wheats on the counter top. It was Tom's night to cook supper. ;- )

Sunset over the pool ... red sky at night, sailors delight.

Home Sweet Home about a few days later. Can you see any progress in unpacking the boxes? Also, notice the bag of taco chips on top of the box on the kitchen bar. It was Micah's turn to fix supper. ;- )

This is Micah -- in his "uniform for the day" -- opening the lock on the last POD. Wow, what a three day whirlwind, moving it out of the PODS and into the house and garage ... with lots of boxes still in Jennie's room waiting to be unpacked -- while I play grandma in Hawaii visiting Matti and Jon, and baby Eden -- now age 2 -- and their newest baby boy Parker -- a charmer with big blue eyes !!!

These two "huskies" from ABLE Movers -- were life savers. They arrived in the nick of time to help unload the PODs and do the heavy lifting when we were exhausted from three weeks of hard work renovating and getting the house ready for furniture to arrive. The mover behind the grandfather clock pulling the dolly is from Logan Utah -- moved to Phoenix 9 years ago.

Notice the smiles -- as we opened the first POD in Mesa six months after we packed it in SLC last September. WOW what a journey ... thanks to family and friends who took us in, lifted our spirits, set a place for us at your dinner table -- and a room for our air mattress. ;- )

The cabinet painters re-did all the cabinets doors - sanded them down and re-painted -- using ladders stretched between paint cans in the drive. It was a meticulous all day project and the cabinets look great. The painters finished just as the first POD was being delivered ... perfect timing.

The first POD to be unloaded was the last one we loaded in SLC. That is Jennie's bike from Jackson Hole on the left.

This is the PodZilla used to "walk" the POD from the truck to the garage door for unloading. Sure was an easier "walk" than at the old barn in SLC between the huge pine trees.

Just catching up....

2009-03-03T09:06:00.000-08:00

Saturday February 21, 2009 with Wendy, my realtor, who gave me the key to the Abbey house in Mesa attached to a bowl of Arizona fruit. This makes it official ... Thanks to all who made this day possible.

Look close and you will see the key on the right of the fruit basket -- with the letter "K" on it ...

Woodhaven Family Trust - on Abbey Circle in Mesa. There is a special place here waiting just for y ou in the Arizona sunshine.

First stop was my rock in the sun at the pool in the back yard of the Abbey house ...

Deliveries started coming in short order -- from my email purchases. This 18 wheeler brought the new lighting fixtures for the entry, the dining area -- and sconces for the hallways.

My lights were the last load on the truck, with a fun truck driver from Illinois ...

For the first week of renovations, everything was encased in plastic for the painters ... what a mess, but what a sunny bright transformation a little change of color makes.

This is me with Steve (on the left) my painting contractor with Blue Sky Painting, and Jose, the last holdout of the four painters who worked on the interior -- and stayed to finish the cabinets ... They did very nice work as you will see in the photos.

Who is that masked man?

Oh yah -- he is the 5th painter. San Miguel Wood.

This is the garage during the week of painting the interior -- before the PODS arrived. This was our living quarters -- and our clothes are in the white plastics bins -- that we brought with us from Rob's in the Budget Truck. The PODS came two weeks later. The old washer and dryer came with the house ... and went to a good home down the street ...

One of the "before photos" of the laundry room and the clean up that was required ... in every room.

You must come for a visit and enjoy our new Jacuzzi. In fact, we have two new Jacuzzis -- latest models -- one in each bathroom !!!

This is Nathan the plumber -- installing one of our new Jacuzzis. Nathan is going to be a new daddy any day now -- firstborn son is due today !!!

These are the old style Jacuzzis that we put out to make a good impression with the neighbors -- along with a sign that said -- you must come and enjoy our new Jacuzzis. ;- )

Micah installed new garage lights

The HOA rules say the lights can only be "one candle power" -- Does anyone know what that means?

Dad rolling up the old smelly carpet ... what a relief to get it out of the house

Notice he is wearing his new Christmas PJ bottoms which has become his daily uniform:-)

Out with the old

. . . . and in with the new carpet --

However, even though it is another day Dad is STILL wearing his favorite Christmas PJ bottoms!!!

Look Ma, no hands. Dad is standing on the knee kicker to keep the long handle stretcher bar from slipping while Craig, the carpet layer is stretching the other end to meet up with the tile entry. How would they have ever managed without dad. ;- )

Inspector Bon at the door of MBR checking to be sure the surround sound wires are properly inserted in the pad and taped down before the carpet is stretched. You will notice that Micah is in his Christmas PJ's as his "uniform of the day," too. Like Father, like Son.

Craig the carpet guy is a master at his trade and did a great job, on time and under budget -- a nice combo.

Before the carpet was installed, all the walls, ceiling, cabinets and doors were freshly painted. You can also get a glimpse of the new wall color in
this photo.

The other big thing you see is the crown piece for the huge wall unit I found on Craigslist (love 'em) for the entertainment center

As for the trash - the painters went through miles and miles of plastic film and paper taping to protect floors and windows from the overspray. The end result is good--but what a mess it creates to get there ... Paint spray like grit on everything.

The photo to the right is of our master bedroom--notice the lovely carpet complete with motor oil stains. We are certain it was used as a parking lot for Harleys.

Also, I am enthralled with the lovely light fixture in the MBR complete with extra wires dangling.

This is a before photo - before the painters arrived, and after our plumber (Nathan, soon to be a first time father) installed a gas line for the dryer and range, and a water line for the pot filler - which is different from a Jacuzzi -- in case you wondered. Notice the new white plaster above the cabinets to the left. That's the dry wall repair done by our friend, James Dever - on his 10 foot ladder he let us borrow in exchange for lemon custard at Nielsens. Yum. ;- ) Grandpa Tom drives a hard bargain -- with lemon custard.

Photo on the left is for all of you who "loved" the tile work on the island ... sorry guys it is now gone. Dan and I replaced it with white bead board and matching trim. Also the cabinets are now white. What a transformation. The walls are now a much lighter cream color. Even the painters couldn't get over how much brighter and bigger the rooms felt!

Anyway, the old, dirty, smelly carpet is now gone - smokers smell and all and the walls freshly painted. Window shutters are on order - should arrive at the end of March - and a bedroom ceiling fan is yet to be selected.

The guy in the photo is Dan our neighbor's brother who just moved here from California. He has become a permanent fixture at the Abbey house. He is a certified HVAC and electrician, but does other handyman stuff too--what a great guy to have next door! Today he is installing ceiling fans and my built-in ironing board.

Below is another picture of the kitchen with the walls and cabinets painted -- unfortunately I have had to ask the painters to come back tomorrow and redo the cabinets : ( Don't you hate to tell people the job they did is not satisfactory? Fortunately they were really nice about it because I have a three year warranty with them. Thank goodness for that!

This is a hint of the transformation of the kitchen. Still have to choose the hardware for the cabinets and add the crown to the top. Carpenter comes today to install crown molding on the kitchen cabinets. He will also be finishing off the crown piece on the TV wall unit. Dad and Micah put it together the other night like a big interlocking puzzle ... see photos below.

I think they did a great job. We will still have to add the hardware and lower doors, but it should work very well with our tv and library.

The first POD arrives late today, and the last two PODs will be delivered tomorrow - so it is "crunch time" to get projects done.

Still have to find a sofa for this area so am continuing my quest on Craigslist.

I have ordered a 70 inch ceiling fan with dark cherry blades for this great room - that should arrive on Friday ... the entry and dining room lights arrived yesterday and Dan will be back in the attic adding support to the joists for the junction boxes that hold the lights and fan.

Speaking of Craigslist, I also found this black pub table with six bar stools for the breakfast area. I sold my favorite old black round table to the buyers of the barn. Can't tell you how great it was to have chairs to sit on at last! It took Tom two trips to downtown Phoenix to make it fit into the old Chrysler -- after dismantling the table legs and one of the chairs. It's the perfect table for game night. Can't wait for you to be sitting around it !!!

This is a long view of the new changes to the great room, which now looks cavernous-- Dan installed 6 new ceiling can lights which made things go from night to day!!!

Dan also cooks up a mean batch of BBQ buffalo wings in his spare time.

Micah installed two tropical style fans on the covered patio area near the pool. He did a great job - even with dad's help. ;- )

Poolside with Micah -- also in his new Christmas PJ's from Rachel and Miah. Like father, like son. Micah is taking his morning siesta before the pool guys come to replace the pool light and clean away the stains with a muratic acid wash.

The pool was acid washed yesterday and looks beautiful! We hope to have it up and running later today ... the neighborhood kids were splashing in theirs the other night and Micah and I were getting anxious!!! Can you believe it -- 85 degrees in February.

Look closely and you can see the dirty scum that came off the side walls -- yuck! No worries--it will be sparkling clean when you arrive!!!

Jason and Danny did the pool work - another find on craigslist. ;- ) Their company is called Green to Crystal Clear Pools -- with a web site that shows some great before and after restoration jobs. This afternoon Jason will give us a "how to course" in pool maintenance and get the salt water system up and running ... a taste of the ocean in the back yard.

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP NOW :-)

I miss you lots and hope to see you soon !!!

I can hardly believe it. I finally have "my rock in the desert" -- with a palm tree, a pool, and a taste of the ocean in my back yard.

Mahalo for helping make this happen !!!

Still figuring this out:/

2009-01-31T04:37:00.000-08:00

Wow...this is all so new to me but this is a new year, so time to stretch my wings. I have been so very busy house hunting, that I feel life is passsing me by in so many other ways. If you feel you have been "neglected" by me, I am sorry to say you are not alone. I am hoping to get some of my life back soon and hopefully feel a bit more settled.

Living this "gypsy" life is really not all that it is cracked up to be, although living out of a suitcase for four months has taught me how to simplify things and get by with alot less! I am really feeling the need to get my nest back though and look forward to the day when I can wake up in the same bed every morning.

Being constantly on the move also makes it very hard to keep a schedule as well as a good diet. I feel my body and mind are paying a price for this, and I really feel my general health and well being have started a downhill slide:( Time to get on an exercise regime, etc...

Anyway, if it sounds like I am complaining, I am not. I have had so many blessings and fun adventures along the way and lots of caring blessings from family and friends. Thanks to all who have taken the time to send good wishes, taken us in, etc., etc. I will be forever grateful to each of you for your kindnesses.

Ok, enough for now...signing off.

Fun With Addie

2008-08-13T15:20:00.000-07:00

This is my first day with my new blog, and I'm feeling very cool!
Thanks to a very sweet granddaughter, I am creating this blog. I hope I will be able to keep it up to date so it will be benificial to my friends and family. It may take me awhile to get the hang of this, but at least I've started. :) I will try to keep it up, at least each week, if not each day.