Making Family History

We went to have pictures of the whole family today. What chaos! Jon, Sarah and I were the first to arrive so we started with some of just Jon & I then added Sarah in.

Next were a couple of shots of just Sarah then we thought it would be fun to have one of Aunt Sassy with all the nieces and nephews. That was pretty funny! Garrett and Tati just didn't want to be in that picture. Well, Tati didn't, Garrett want pound all over the doggie pile and then check out the cool little stool off to the side. Lincoln had just had enough of those big old rowdy kids! Finally, the photographer told Mariah to grab Garrett, Brianna to grab Tati, shove them into the right areas and jump out of the way. She got the shot kind of . . . Tati immediately turned and was on her way back out. I'm not sure what Garrett was doing. There was a really cute one of Arianna and Gabriel with Aunt Sassy. They were pretty good . . .well Gabriel was . . . Arianna is quite the little poser! It was so cute, she loves to have her picture taken. She came up with one darling picture after another, just smiling the whole time. Gabriel hung in there pretty well, especially for a little boy!

All in all, we had a pretty good time and was pretty proud of all the grown up guys. You know how they feel about all this sort of thing, and everyone of them were very good sports. A wonderful gift for the women in their lives! I am having the CD emailed to me so that I can have all the shots taken. I will share some when I get it.

Ever Wonder What is Going On in the Southern Hemisphere?

Do you ever think about what is going on in the southern hemisphere while we are melting through the summer? Take a gander at this article from: Daily News---University of Cape Town

Ice Cube: Dr Joanna Thirsk braves a cool -25° C at the South African National Antarctica Expedition (SANAE) base in Antarctica. A UCT alumna, Thirsk is the team doctor at the base and the only woman among the group.

A humongous storm with winds of a round 200km/hr, the first sighting of the aurora australis and a winter solstice celebration are some of the highlights reported by UCT alumna Dr Joanna Thirsk from the South African National Antarctic Expedition base in Antarctica.

Thirsk is the team doctor, responsible for the welfare of the 48^th winter-over group at the base.

“Lately the weather has been worsening so going out is a but rarer, although we still have to shovel snow and ice our biggest storm yet, 90-plus knot winds - that’s nearly 200km/hr!

By noon today, I predict a whole bunch of envy on my part!

Some Busy, Wonderful Days

It was so nice to have Jon back home after he spent ten days at a wildfire. He got home exhausted!

It isn't unusual for a person to work 14 -16 hours a day at an "incident". When you are sleeping in class rooms, back of cars, or tents, placed on rough ground with people walking around all night, generators running sometimes, not that far away from you and lights burning all night for safety, it just isn't very restful! Gabriel wanted to spend the night . . . HA! Papa was all mine for the weekend!

He did get to come over for a while on Saturday and play. My guess is that Papa loved forts when he was a little boy. He often builds with the boys. This two story version one was just right . . .

at least for Gabriel! Wonder why Papa got sent to the basement . . . and the "patio".

Tuesday night's over nighter with Gabriel included his first fresh cherries, with the pits still in them. If I was a nice grandma, I would find the pitter, where ever it is hiding and use it on those little buggers, wouldn't I? A little popcorn was called for just before bedtime. The little camping bed on Nanny's floor just didn't get the job done this time. So up to Nanny's bed it was. Not a big deal, if you like waking up feeling like you've been kicked by a mule, over and over! One very big plump pillow fixed that problem.

Early the next morning, we had to check on the little mama bird who has been raising her third, yes third, batch of babies this year! This is a first. Though this has been going on for years, right there on our patio . . . in the same nest . . . on our old shelves, it is the first time that we have had a three batches of babies to watch grow up in one year!

Going . . . . going . . . . . gone! We'll all miss her and her families.

Last night was Garrett's turn for an overnighter. he didn't want to sleep in the little camping bed either. though he doesn't kick like a little mule like his brother, Nanny still didn't get the best sleep.

Finally, this morning, Garrett was ready to get ready to go shopping with me to get the hardware for hanging the AC units up in the back room's windows. We can take just so much of the oppressive humidity . . listen to me, yeah I know it can be worse. I have had way too many vacations back in the OK and TX area during monsoon, I know this isn't that but I am getting a little older all the

time!

Notice the ground fault outlet behind Garrett? Jon can always tell if the grand kids, even the girls, have been visiting, with no questions asked. That switch protects both bathrooms and when they come, they just can not resist those cute little buttons. The other bathroom's outlet is always turned off. Papa has to run the

length of the house to shave ;-) This morning was my turn trying to use my water pick!

Sentimental Schlurp . . .

This morning I woke up and was lounging around in bed thinking that "if I was a good wife, I would be up making a gourmet breakfast." Instead I just snuggled up to Jon, listened to all the birds singing and chirping away in the neighbor's trees and dozed back off. It was just too pleasant reliving the summer mornings on the farm when I was a little girl. I loved going out on the little porch and listening to all the birds up in the elm trees while the sun came up.

When Jon got up, I was a little disappointed but then found another one of life's little pleasures. When I reached over I could still feel the warmth where he had been laying. I snuggled up to his pillow and was able to catch the slightest little essence of Jon. It was pleasant listening to him putter around and get his day going. Don't worry, he got a nice breakfast, sitting in the family room . . . the table is covered with mending and pouches full of food, and empty waiting to be filled . . . oh, and 14 quarts of GORGEOUS bing cherries.

As finances have tightened up, I have been so thankful for these little things that give so much pleasure. They cost nothing, take no effort on our part and there is nothing to be controversial about. Just visiting through the morning, attacking the latest invasion of ants, together. Getting him ready to go on down to the institute for his meetings, humming a song, for a change, not. (If you don't know me well, I am always humming, seldom singing, can't remember the words (sigh).)

Then I realized that I was humming the tune to "Thee I Love" , from the Friendly Persuasion, one of my favorite movies. I had to giggle because that movie is a lot like Jon and I. He is so much like the Gary Cooper character. Kind of funny, has his little boyish traits he's never quite given up and has been gently persuading me throughout most of our marriage, but don't threaten his family! I tend to be uptight like the Dorothy McGuire character , but no where near as straight laced as she is, often much to Jon's distress.

Life is good, maybe not always easy, but it is my life and I am thankful for it!

A Sad Moment . . . again.

Today I was listening to the news about the pilot who died in flight from Brussels to Newark. Gabriel was playing on the couch and stopped to listen for a moment and then asked me, "why do airplanes have propellers?" After thinking for a moment or two, I decided to suggest he ask Papa because, "he knows a whole bunch about airplanes." For those of you who don't know us so well, Jon finished his pilot's license between our first two dates, which were a month apart.

I explained that Papa used to come fly to where I lived and then fly us to a far a way place to have lunch and then we would fly some more (different route) to see other places from the sky. He thought that I was talking about flying in a plane like when they flew up to Utah for Uncle Saul's wedding. I told him that Papa knew how to "drive" the plane, that should curl Jon's hair a bit!

As we were talking I had such a big ole' sadness come over me. Jon had worked for years to complete his pilot's license. He started when living in Morenci working for Phelps Dodge. He had to drive down to Safford to get the flying lessons and rent a plane. Moving down to the Mesa area made it easier, once he got hired by Scottsdale Police Dept. and he had a regular income again. During this time he also bought his first home so it was a slow process.

Since we left there in June of 1979, it has been almost impossible for him to fly. Either it was out of our budget or there was nothing to fly, that I would trust . . . . hey! I knew how much I needed him and was pretty scared that I would be left without him . . . something that selfish old me just doesn't ever want to think about!

Anyway, he never dreamed that once he got the license, he would hardly ever get to use it. We have both been disappointed, I love flying with him. He has been so unselfish and put his family first. He's had to live with so many financial set backs with moves and wage freezes that went on for years longer than they were supposed to. Through it all, he has fed his love from an "arm chair" and indulged in other interests that were more affordable. . . . boy do I miss him. . . Hurry home Sweet Thang!

A

Something I Have Been Thinking About . . .

This story came to me in an email this morning. I appreciated it since I have been trying to work on being more consistent in many facets of my life. Enjoy! TWO WOLVES One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.. "One is Evil - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. "The other is Good - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith." The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?" The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

Sacrament Meting in an Ant Hill . . . with a Smorgasbord

Today, I went to church in the home ward. It is so different than attending down at the University . . . especially when you are sitting with the kids and grand kids! Those little boys just never run out of energy and I had to be covered with bumps and bruises by the time I got out of there. It is pretty wonderful to have them smile and come over to snuggle on my lap when I get there. I had quite a stroll down memory lane.

They aren't allowed to take out their sippy cups or any snacks until after the boys sit down (sacrament is over) Mariah's diaper bag is just a full of magic ;-) Gabriel saw a little boy sitting in front of us and immediately decided that he needed snacks, too. Soy free, of course. Pretty sweet for a little boy who hasn't always had an easy time with sharing. When the crackers ran out he bit into the middle of his fruit leather and tore it through and shared that as well. The look on his face was so funny. He was pretty proud of fixing the little problem on his own. Of course, the sponge puzzle and sticker book need to be shared too! This evening when I was over there for dinner, I asked Mariah who the little boy was. She laughed and said that she had no idea!

Inspite of it all, I was able to enjoy some good messages and a peaceful, happy spirit. I'm glad that I haven't lost the ability to do that in the middle of an anthill!

We missed Rob and his family for dinner today. Tati has been under the weather this week. Evidently, she was also in the mood for sharing. Rob and Brianna are sick now. Hope you two get well soon!

Nanny Has a New Hobby . . . . Kind of

I really have had a lot of fun with the "Bountiful Basket" orders. It's almost like Christmas twice a month. I'm not going to photograph the orders from now on, just the stuff that feeds my new hobby. It's called, "now that have this, what the heqq do I do with it?"

Side note: today the basket filled a box that was 22" long, 13" high and 13" deep, with the sides bulging.

If I had ever tasted mango before this month, it was once 25 years ago in Hawaii. Oh, and in that canned tropical fruit cocktail, from Costco. So off tho the internet I went and have had a ball.

When we got a couple of humongous cucumbers a while back, I made cucumber salad dressing and gave the other one to Sarah. Yes, I had those from time to time, but they go slimy in salads that aren't eaten pretty fast and the only other way I had them growing up was in watered cider vinegar (gourmet for my mom).

So, the point is, I have been having a ball looking up recipes on the internet and figuring out how to make sure that NOTHING goes to waste. The picture is of the "pickling cucumbers" that were in the box today. They are huge! Even in spears, they would not make decent pickles. I have found some really yummy salads that I am going to make and will keep evaluations on the other blog. I am going to be lazy and put the recipes I'm going to try on my other blog. If you want to see them, click HERE.

By the way, today's box was covering the whole top of my stove today. Mariah went and picked them up while I went to the cannery. Zounds! If I really lived on this, I would be losing weight instead of what I am doing =-{

If I offended you . . . . .

This morning I got up, wished I could be every where that I needed or wanted to be and put this shirt on. I don't know if it was prophetic, wishful thinking, self fulfilling or what , but it was the right one to wear! All kinds of annoying things happened all day and then my daughter called. . . .

As we were talking about this and that (I have no idea what) she mentioned that I had put something a little "political" on my blog . . . . there was the tiniest bit of a tone in her voice. What . . I don't have a brain . . . I can't have an opinion . . . ? Well, if you know me, that put a burr under my saddle! I am married to Jon after all! ( I blame him, it's all his fault, before he came into my life, I voted for the cutest one)

If it offended anyone, sorry, I guess you will just have to accept that I am a many faceted person. I love fun, I love to horse around, I love practical jokes, OK mainly pulling them on others . . . I love all kinds of people and associating with them, I love being around many opinions and the discussions they can stimulate, I love the freedom to express my opinions. I admire and appreciate those who can express what I would like to say, and find myself inadequate. I receive emails on a daily basis that are militant, just as radical as the radicals are, hair raising and threaten to burst my lovely little bubble.

I also love to have those sweet spiritual moments that allow me to be fed by His love, that help me get through one day and get on to the next. I love the gospel in which I was raised that has help me live a life of true joy and lasting happiness. I thank a kind, loving Heavenly Father who allowed me to come to earth to a family who could give me the opportunities to grow up in the church that has taught me to think of others, serve others, find a helpmate who would not only support me in this lifestyle, but encourage me and serve by my side. At the same time, I have been exposed to many other cultures, religions, groups and circumstances that I could have chosen to follow. These experiences strengthened my resolve to take the path my parents showed me through their examples.

He also blessed me to live in a land of freedom, where I have been able to make my own choices, exercise my own God given free agency according to my own conscience, and live with the consequences of those same choices. I have often thought of those who situations don't allow them to worship openly and freely, whose life's choices are determined by others. I can only try to imagine what that must be like and thank heavens, I don't know what it is really like.

Now that I have spouted off, please pardon me, love me anyway and remember it's Jon's fault, he is the one who taught me to think . . . . and boy does it bug him when I don't agree with him . . . but then, I am all his fault!

Yes, he does check this blog quite often. Mainly to see if he needs to post a disclaimer, he says . . . and edit it . . . of course . . . he says little, but it is fun to watch him and look into his eyes to see what is going on in that lovely soul of his. Can you tell that I am missing him right now?

Is this getting to be a habit? Not to worry. My sister-in-law just sent this to me. I feel it is well put and wish I was this knowledgeable and skilled in expressing my beliefs.

I love my country, I know it is a promised land and it is up to us to protect it. I have always had this love, but after having several room mates in college from other countries, I feel even more strongly about it. To hear Congressman Randy Forbes speech on whether or not we consider ourselves to be a Judeo-Christian nation click HERE.

Funny Video Link!!

I have little regard for so many of the politicians. This video shows why and is the one that I laughed so hard at the yesterday. Click HERE

I snoped it and it is a satirical bit from Australia . . . but I found it way too believable . . I've seen too many that are not that different from what I have seen on news, etc.

Aphid War Update

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2009

Aphid War Update

I did the soapy water spray on my collards and broccoli plants that had picked up a few too many residents. I sprayed all over the place until the leaves were dripping. then I sprayed all over the ground underneath in case some had dropped there. Everyday I treated the leaves the same and found significantly fewer by the third day. Now, I check them every two or three days. In fact, today while I was taking pictures, I checked and found a few. . . . out came the soapy water!

The broccoli showed very little damage and the collard greens had some damage on a few leaves, but look at them now!

I have planted some marigold flowers amongst the plants to try to help with the garden pests. I have also plants some other flowers that are supposed to attract butterflies and humming birds. I hope they will bring in more of those nice critters than bees ;-)

1. Collard greens, ready for picking a little snack. 2. Two of the broccoli plants. 3. My crazy little anaheim peppers in the crazy little tub. These seem to be the happiest little plants in my little garden!

Judging from the color in some of the leaves, I need to do a little fertilizing!

Liz shared a great website with me that has tons of good guidelines on it . . . . Check it out HERE! I am treating my squash plants with the calcium to see if I can get some of my many little squash to last long enough to ripen and pick! I am going ahead treating the zucchini plant at the same time, just in case. I have also swiped the zucchini back from my daughter,( can you believe it) and planted it next to the big plant I already have growing. I hope it will have more little boy blooms to "court" my little girl blooms. Growing it in a pot wasn't working very well. Hopefully, I have not waited too long and it will revive in the ground

Good laughs to start your day - - -

FOX news was just talking about the tax the environmentalists wanting to attach to all the cows for having the nerve to pass gas. They seem to think this will take care of the problem . . . what , expensive cows don't pass gas?? The next thing I knew they were talking to a congressman who told them that around there it is know as the "Fart Tax". Sounds good to me. (He had the funniest little grin on his face when he said it)

A few minutes later I opened up an email with this video. I apologize, I can't figure out how to put it on my blog so here is the link to see it. Click HERE (I'm working on this, it didn't work)

Isn't it amazing just how seriously these yahoos take themselves, and we wonder why there are so many ridiculous things going on around us, look who is leading us?!?!?

Then I opened up another email with this story from Texas A&M:

There is an annual contest at Texas A&M University calling for the most appropriate definition of a contemporary term:

This year's term was "Political Correctness."

The winner wrote:

"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end."

Ya gotta love Texans, they usually say it like it is . . . . bless their hearts . . . !!

HELP!! HELP!!

Can anyone tell me why the bloom end of my squash is rotting? The bush is finally blooming like crazy and even pollinating, but this is happening. YIKES! Any suggestions?

I am also fighting the wilt all over my tomatoes. There have never been tomatoes in these beds before and I am getting frustrated. I live in the hotter regions of AZ. so if anyone has a suggested, I would love to hear from you!

If yhou want to see the results of my first attempt using the "Wonder Box" click HERE

Wonder box cooker step-by-step pictures

I just posted the pictures on my food blog if you would like to see them!!

Dinner tomorrow will be cooked in it, I will share the results with you, good or bad . . . . click HERE

I have put a small pork roast with mushrooms, potatoes and carrots in the wonder box. Results will be on the other blog tonight!

Everything is so different when the girl invasion is on.

1. First we need to get the hair all in place . . . I believe the "Belle" look was called for and accomplished. 2. Don't forget the spray! 3. Then we will hold court with his highness, the BABY. That is where Arianna always seems to be. She loves to entertain babies and is getting quite good at it. There goes Tatianna, making a quick get-a-way after her hair appointment ;-} No ringlets today!

1. Last week we celebrated Brianna and Gabriel's graduations. She has earned her Master's and Gabriel made it out of preschool. Some how, we didn't get the cake made and so we had it this week. That would be the graduation cake, on the day that we celebrated Brianna's birthday. We have a rule in our family that your birthday isn't done until you have your cake/special birthday dessert. So maybe we can have that on Monday when they come over again! 2. Some how, fire seems to be part of all of our celebrations. Should I be worried?

I do love living near the kids and grand kids. I know it is a blessing that I may not always enjoy, so I soak it up as much as I can, while I can!

My Day . . . A-A-R-R-G-G-GH !!

Yes, I am much older.  I am MUCH bigger . . . . and right now I am NOT grinning like this, but at least the *&@#&*?! paint sprayer is cleaned out . . . I think . . . I hope.  (guess I better clarify, this isn't a pic of the boys, it's just kind of what I looked like today.  I would have put in a picture of myself, but no one was here to take it )

Judging from the looks I got while shopping at Home Depot and the giggle that I got from Teresa when I had to rush over to get a haircut, I looked almost this bad.  It got much worse before I accidentally got some of it washed off, getting soaked.

FYI . . . when you add air pressure to an airless sprayer you can make a really great cannon  . . .  and a few "OOPS! . . . my bad's?" 

******

I just looked in the mirror to get something out of my eye.  I'm covered with white specks!   No wonder I was getting funny looks.  LOL  I don't know why I was surprised, I've been looking through a mess on my glasses all day.  My mom hated my freckles, I wonder if she likes the white specks better ;-}

"Nanny, can I help you in the garden?" ;-)

1.  "Can I help you in the garden?" . .  yes . . . . OK, what can I water?  . . . . we need to plant the flowers first . . . . OK, but what can I water?  . . . h-h-m-m-m . . . should I be suspicious?  2.  "Gabriel, keep the water away from the phone and radio."  "OK", and one guess where he went straight to.  Just what did he think I said . . . anyway?  3.  "I'll wash your van Nanny!"  (Interpretation:  some of the dirt on your van is loose Nanny, I'll make sure it is plastered on real good!)

1.  It's all in the details!   2.  Make sure everything is left nice a tidy, using water of course.  3.  Last of all, clean the diggers, forget the hose, use the sink . . . make sure Nanny knows that I was here!

Do I dare have him help me can the rest of the granny smith apples and make the apple butter?  . . . . or just let him stay glued to the boob tube?

Nanny's Little Helper . . . right into the grave, I think!

Gabriel said that he would like to help make breakfast so that we could help Papa "get on the road".  When I saw my toasted muffin, I had to wonder if the little guy thinks he has a big inheritance coming or something!  He used about half a cube on two english muffins and two slices of bread  . . .  but it was good mind you!