Home on the Range

SAVE IT!!!

2012-02-21T19:46:00.010-08:00

We are entertaining guests for the next six days, so today we made a trip to Costco

Seven days is too long not to freeze Meat

Usually I use gallon size ziplock Bags....

But not today!

Last November when we were in Arizona, Charles and Jenny and family gave us a

FoodSaver

Until today it had not been Used

As we hauled groceries into the laundry room, I spied the box of the FoodSaver

Unpacking the little machine, I was afraid it would be too complicated to operate at

6:00 in the evening with dogs to feed and dinner to prepare.

However, I was mistaken. With a little help from Chuck we quickly deciphered the instructions and in less than 30 minutes had a pile of vacuum packed meat.

It was so FUN!!!

Can't wait for fishing Season

No more fish frozen in Water!

Scallops

One night I am grilling shrimp and scallops with orange-scented Quinoa on my indoor Grill

Ever heard of Quinoa? Me neither.

Looks a lot like Pilaf

Saw it on Everyday Italian with Giada

Are you impressed??

Thank you Charles Ellis Family!

NEW CHILDREN'S PLAYROOM

2012-02-20T19:25:00.000-08:00

Treadmill has been folded away and bicycle has been pushed into a Corner

These boxes contain trains, planes, and Tracks

Over the weekend I noticed that we had many Disney VHS cassettes in our Cupboard.

So.....I trotted myself down to Desert Industries in Provo and purchased a TV/VHS combo for $15. Yes, I said $15. I paid $3.00 for a Rewinder. They work perfectly.

New Ikea easel with white board on the back and a chalk board on the Front.

Roll of paper hangs in Back.

Girls' Side

Dishes, play food, baby bed, princess dress up clothes, etc., etc., etc.

Our little granddaughters LOVE princess Figurines

Is there anything better than sitting for a spell and watching children Play?

Purchased this little slide at Ikea

Duplo blocks and a box of baby toys are under the Slide

While our grandchildren were here for Christmas, it was obvious that our toy supply needed a complete makeover. Sooooo......there is nothing I like better than to fill a need. We have three little friends ( 7 year old boy, 5 old girl, and 12 mon. old baby boy) coming to ski this week, so I am anxious for them to try out our new playroom.

Steven and Aly's children will be up next, but we'll have to wait until summer for the rest of our little flock.

Do I hear you saying, "But, what about the exercise room?" We'll see.....................................

NEXT YEAR AT THE GARDEN!!!!!

2012-02-16T19:18:00.000-08:00

Now that our children are grown and married and with children of their own, we spend a significant portion of each day interacting with our dogs. They bring us a tremendous amount of pleasure. Each afternoon they are taken for a run behind Chuck's 4 wheeler and play a serious game of fetch in the mountains behind our home.

On Tuesday we loaded Cody and Annie into the truck and took them up the Lake Creek Road for a couple of hours of fun. They love these trips and so do we. Annie stands on the side of the truck the whole way, but Cody stills remembers his attempted leap to freedom and keeps all four feet on the bed of the truck.

Cody and Annie at attention as Chuck prepares the boomers and gets the treats ready.

Ready for Madison Square Gardens

I expect a call from the Westminster Kennel Club any day now.

Chuck gives final Instructions

Westminster would not be impressed with these antics. Chuck is a great Teaser

Boomer thrown and the chase is On

Cody loves to run and leap through the Snow

He frequently attempts to take Annie's Boomer

Annie is a frisky Girl

They enjoy these playful Exchanges

Until another Day

Home

VALENTINE'S DAY.......................2012

2012-02-14T14:25:00.000-08:00

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

TO EACH AND EVERYONE WHO READS MY BLOG

VALENTINE'S DAY is my favorite holiday of the year. Compared to Valentine's Day, my birthday and Christmas are of no consequence. This holiday requires little money, but it does insist upon thought and expressing those thoughts to the ones you love. A handmade card that says "I LOVE YOU" is every bit as welcome as Hallmark's finest.

I have enjoyed these beautiful roses since last Friday. But, that is a story for another day.

As you can see, the roses in the first pic are over-exposed. My pics for this session were either too bright or too dark. It is a quandary.

2012-02-06T16:32:00.001-08:00

FINALLY!!!!

2012-02-06T16:23:00.001-08:00

Today we visited the Apple Store and purchased an IPad

It is a thing of beauty.....Thin and Sleek!!!!

ANOTHER HOME ON THE RANGE.....IN IDAHO

2012-02-04T19:15:00.000-08:00

Catherine, Taylor, Lindsay, and David

Catherine and her family have built a new home outside of Idaho Falls and about five miles from their potato and barley farm. It was completed in time for Christmas 2011. On a trip to Yellowstone last summer, we stopped by to see the progress. The home is large and lovely. You will notice that it has 360 views of the wild west as far as the eye can see. We are anxious for a return trip to see the final product.

Jacob and Taylor

A construction site is a playground for Children

Samuel

New Living/Family Room

There is another family/playroom Downstairs

Master Bedroom

There are three bedrooms upstairs and three bedrooms Downstairs

Taylor and Jacob

These boys are great friends and Playmates

Mom and Samuel

Catherine is a patient and loving Mother

Taylor Below in the Front Yard

The house faces the diagonal on the Property

Check out that View

WINTER BLOOMS

2012-01-27T09:23:00.001-08:00

Right after Thanksgiving, I purchased two large blooming poinsettia plants from Costco. One wilted and died several weeks ago. Yesterday, after tiring of the reminder of Christmas past, I cut the remaining flowers from the plant and put them into water. After the stems were cut, it was necessary to burn the end of the stem to open the water passages to the plant. When cut, the plant secretes a white liquid which gums up the water delivery system. Burning the stem opens these passages. These flowers, actually leaves, will last for several more weeks.

The poinsettia plant is a native of Mexico and was brought to this country by the US Ambassador to Mexico, Joel Robert Poinsett in 1826.

Beautiful!

2nd stem of amaryllis blooms

Pasadena

There are still no leaves on this amaryllis plant. It has been interesting to observe it progress through its life cycle. It sits on our island and receives a quarter turn each day to keep it nice and straight. It wants to turn its head to the sun.

I had a similar lily in my yard in California. Each spring it sent up numerous stems of pink flowers. No leaves appeared until the flowers had all died and then the leaves appeared and lasted until they died back in the fall. The common name for this bulb was Naked Lady.

WHO READS THIS STUFF?

2012-01-22T19:57:00.000-08:00

McKay Today Magazine BYU Magazine

Fall 2011 Winter 2012

One of the pleasures of retirement is having the time to read for enjoyment.... books, magazines, newspapers, and online. Though our local library is small, it certainly serves me well. Those who know me, know that I subscribe to over 15 magzines a month...everything from Vogue, to Smithsonian, National Geographic, Time, English Gardens, Better Homes and Gardens and Architectural Digest to name a few. Each of these is read cover to cover and back again each month. Toward the middle of the month, I am anxious for the mail to come and eager for a new magazine to peruse.

Four times a year I am sorely disappointed when I shuffle through the mail hoping for Veranda or Southern Living and instead come across BYU Magazine or McKay Today. Why are we receiving these magazines? We certainly have not subscribed to them. Chuck does send a small donation each year and he did graduate from the Y. I attended BYU for 3 years.... But, Why? They are promptly tossed into a basket until the next time we clean out the clutter and file them into the "round file".

Today, I was desperate. Football on all day. SL Tribune read.....magazines read.... I was desperate and started looking for something in the baskets. BYU Magazine caught my eye.....boring!!!!! But, I gave it a shot and being thumbing through the pages....History of the King James version of the Bible, History of Cosmo the Cougar ( I actually skimmed this one), BYU grads serving in the Foreign Service, and thennnnnnn, it caught my eye......Vive la Blog.

Seems Gabrielle Stanley Blair a BYU grad "while on Twitter learned that Time magazine had named her website one of the best of the year." Her blog designmom.com is about parenting and design. This family of six children relocated to France for a year.

Their house hunt was aired on House Hunters International (I actually think I saw the episode). The pictures, text, and links are fabulous!!!!!!!! Bored?.....it will provide hours of entertainment and ideas. Their French farmhouse is called Cressonniere and dates from the 1600s. Calling all Francophiles!!!

In a coming post, I will share some valuable info gleaned from McKay Today magazine. This mag, actually more of an ed. journal, from McKay School of Education is actually very informative for teachers and parents of young children.

WET AND BEAUTIFUL.....JANUARY 21, 2012

2012-01-21T14:46:00.000-08:00

Snowed for about four hours today covering everything with wet slushy snow. The temperature today is a warm 32 degrees. When it stopped, Chuck and I worked for two hours ploughing and shoveling....too wet for the snow blower. The dogs raced and chased each other and we enjoyed being out and doing something physical and productive. It is beautiful, but not as magical as it was the first couple of years we were here.

Saw a lone bald eagle wheeling above the hills west of our property today. It is obviously back searching out a safe place to lay eggs and raise young eaglets in the spring. Don't know if they return to the same nest and just repair it or if they build a new one. In the next weeks we will see five to seven adult eagles flying all at once near our home. Fascinating Creatures!

SPRING CLEANING...JANUARY 18, 2012

2012-01-18T13:00:00.000-08:00

Carpet cleaners came yesterday and cleaned the rugs and carpets in our entire house.

Furniture was moved in every room, so when it was time to replace the furniture, I decided to make a change.

Chuck was not too happy about having to move the couch over and under and back again. But, I think he is happy with the new look.

I love Change!

Inside or out, I am always looking for a new vision.

And....I love the new arrangement! How about you?

Do you love these little red birds? Judy and I bought these little votives at Tai Pan when she was here in December. I only purchased 6, but the next time I am in Salt Lake, I am going to buy at least 6 more. In fact, I am hoping they come in other colors....blue, yellow, green, purple...fabulous!!!!!!

The temperature in Heber today is in the mid thirties. Yesterday, it was 18 degrees. Bits of left over snow from a week ago, but basically no snow in Northern Utah. The resorts are making snow, but not enough to make skiers happy. The weatherman says, snow is on its way...4 storms in a row. Steven called this morning to ask if we were prepared.....gas for the snowblower?.....remember to push the snow wayyyyy beyond the edge of the driveway with the plow! But,,,,,,,so far, nothing....2:20 pm. The wind has blown hard all day....dogs have been in with windows down. The weather is a BIG DEAL in Utah. We are ready!!!! Say turned. Carl, book your flight. The skiing should be out of this world. However, the weatherman says, that avalanche conditions will be EXTREME!!!!!! Icy base with new fluffy snow on top. You can be sure that the skiers will up at the crack of dawn tomorrow to ski the powder.

THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE

2012-01-15T16:21:00.001-08:00

Spent the weekend with Steven and Aly and their adorable children. Took my camera to lunch to document the ocassion, but it was dead. Total Blank.....

Dead battery....again. I need a new one.

I never tire of boasting about my children, and I am sure that you look forward to these posts as much as I do. So, enjoy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PEYTON

2012-01-09T08:44:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Peyton

Today you are 4 Years Old

You have beautiful blue eyes and soft curly Hair

You are kind and sweet to your brother and Sisters

Brooklyn loves you and wishes you a Happy Birthday, Too

You are playful and always have a smile on your Face

Cousins, sisters, and Best Friends Forever

Emily loves to kiss you and wish you Happy Birthday

Your Family

Brooklyn, Peyton, Logan, Emily

Poppy and I love You and wish you a Happy Birthday

Your mother and daddy are glad that you are their Daughter

and both wish you a Happy Birthday

Peyton is one of four children in her family. She loves her little brother and treats him with kindness and gentleness. She wants him to be happy and consoles him when is sad or angry.

Peyton and Brooklyn share a room and enjoy playing together both inside and outside of their home. They jump on the trampoline in the back yard and ride their new purple bicycles in their front yard and to the park. Emily is a wonderful big sister who helps and plays with all the children in her family.

Peyton goes to pre-school four days a week. She is learning to listen to her teacher and classmates and to play nicely with all of the members of her class. She is learning to count and to recognize letters and numbers. Her cousin Paige is in her class at school. It is always nice to have a special friend to play with on the playground.

Peyton, Poppy and I love you and wish you a Happy, Happy Birthday!

CHRISTMAS ODDS AND ENDS

2012-01-08T17:36:00.000-08:00

Jennifer and Aly were always on hand to help with Dinner

.....and so was Karen. Alisa was taking pictures because I was too involved to record the action.

Logan and Brooklyn are in wonder watching this perpetual motion machine.

They are outside of the toy shop after lunch at the Grand Hotel in SLC

Brooklyn, Peyton, Logan, and Emily Rees

Children of Jennifer and Craig

Aubrey, Summer, and Macy

Came to Heber for a couple of days the week before Christmas to bake and make a gingerbread house.

Aubrey coloring at the bar as she waits for breakfast.

Macy also waits patiently.

Aubrey, Summer and Macy decorating cut-out sugar cookies.

CHRISTMAS FLOWER SHOW

2012-01-04T18:05:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEARS 2012

In full bloom on New Years Day

Paperwhites started their bloom Christmas Week

There are few things that are more interesting than watching things grow .....be they children, animals or plants. These paperwhites have grown 28 inches in 37 days. Though these bulbs require daily attention, they are well worth the effort. I have cut the spent blooms, but the plants are still lovely.

Planting the week after Thanksgiving was perfect for the paperwhites, but the week before Thanksgiving would have been better for amaryllis Christmas blooms.

In the last couple of days, a leaf has appeared at the base of the stem of the amaryllis. Who knows what surprises are in store for me in the coming weeks.

SNOW FUN.......WHERE??????

2012-01-03T19:13:00.000-08:00

While the parents and big kids skied at Snowbird, the little ones searched for snow at the lower elevations for a few hours of sledding.

After finding a slight incline, Poppy instructed his little ones on how to maneuver their sleds and saucers.

Paige had been looking for snow all week. We have No snow on our property.

It was 52 degrees today in Heber.

Peyton and Jennifer

Jennifer and Logan

Blake

Hayden was a killer on the slope. He'll definitely be ready for Snowbird next year. He already skis when he is at home in Idaho.

Paige loved the slippery slope.

Logan toddled around like a little "wibble wobble."

Peyton didn't get the saucer she wanted.

Alisa and her boys. Brendon was skiing with Steven and Craig, and Nicole was skiing with Aly.

Jennifer and her little ones. Emily was skiing with Craig.

Brooklyn was very adventurous on the snow for such a little lady.

Our Daughters

How we enjoy spending time with our family!!!

GIFTS, GIFTS AND MORE GIFTS

2012-01-02T16:27:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

Nicole

Blake

Emily

Logan

Peyton and Hayden

Brooklyn

Steven

Hayden

Aubrey

Brendon

Summer

Paige

Macy

Parker

Hayden

All the Kids

How nice it was to have most of our children and their families in our home for the holidays.

Charles and Jenny and their children traveled to Florida to celebrate Christmas with Jenny's family and I understand had a grand time....saw "the dolphin" without a tail up close, went to the beach, and enjoyed family. We missed them!

NEIGHBOR NICETIES

2011-12-13T20:10:00.000-08:00

In the next two weeks little tokens of friendship, kindness, and affection will appear on our doorstep. This little elf was our first token. His cap was wrapped around a bottle of 7UP and is now hanging on my back door. He gives a little jingle every time we open the door. We again are giving Chex Mix in a Mason Jar. I had no time for this "nonsense" when we lived in California, but I have learned to enjoy the giving and the receiving.

Christmas Prep 2011

2011-12-12T20:02:00.001-08:00

Front door Wreath

Tree cut over a month Ago

Still Fresh

Wreath on front of Great Room Fireplace

12-6-11

12-13-11

12-6-11

12-13-11

Cookies for the Church Christmas Party Tonight

The forecast is for snow on Thursday. Though our property is brown, it is cold, the sun shines brilliantly most days, and the roads are dry. Not a bad way to spend a winter day.

CHRISTMAS TABLE DECORATIONS

2011-12-09T10:40:00.000-08:00

Paperwhites

Paperwhites, white amaryllis, white roses, and Christmas greens and twigs will be used in my Christmas center Pieces

Bulbs are being Forced

Tricked into thinking it is time to Bloom

Planted November 29, in pebbles and Water

Maintain water level to the bottom of the Bulb

Placed in a dark space under powder room Sink

Brought into the light after seven Days

Amaryllis

Planted in potting soil and followed the above Directions

This bulb will produce a red and white Flower

Named Pasadena

Fingers crossed for a Christmas Bloom

Thank you Linda and John

Entertaining a different evening after Christmas

Centerpieces similar to the above Arrangement

All of these flowers are Reproductions (Silk)

Although extremely high End

This arrangement probably costs between $300 and $400

Saw them at a shop in Jackson Hole this Summer

I will use red silk amaryllis and fresh red Roses

Red amaryllis at IKEA run about $3.00 Each

One amaryllis bulb runs between $12 and $15

Forcing bulbs is a great way to have fresh flowers growing in your home throughout the winter. Space plantings 3-4 weeks apart to maintain a steady supply of fresh flowers. Narcissus, especially paperwhites, have an extremely STRONG scent, so beware. I often have to remove them from a room for a while. I will force pots of tulips in potting soil in the same manner beginning the end of January. A bag of 90 tulip and hyacinth bulbs at Costco costs less than $20. A huge bargain. The 17 narcissus bulbs above cost $15. The bigger the bulb, the bigger the flowers. Small bulbs are hardly worth the effort. Beware: Do not let bulbs dry out or allow the water level to fall below the base of the bulb; too high and they will rot. Happy Winter Gardening!

THANKSGIVING PART II

2011-12-02T16:15:00.000-08:00

Sunny Arizona

Heber: snow, cold, -30 degree Weather

Peyton

A happy little Girl

Chuck and his Boys played Golf

Aly and Jenny shopped Black Friday

Jennifer entertained us with Style

We always enjoy Charles and Jenny's Family

Karen

We loved spending time with Karen's Family

Brooklyn and Aubrey at Lunch

Paige loves her Daddy

Emily coming down the Waterslide at the Pool

So did Aubrey

Ditto Skyler

Macy playing Croquet

We had lunch Together

Jack

Taking care of Business at Lunch

Jenny helped Jack with his Game

Volleyball for all after Lunch

Charlie, Craig, Emily, and Steven

Steven had a strong Team of Players

Jack has a great Swing

Parker and Charlie enjoyed tossing the football Around

Charlie, keep your eye on the Ball

Beautiful Macy

...and Aubrey

Paige and Peyton

Best Friends Forever

..and Cousins

Cousins sharing a Cookie

Summer (13) and Parker(14)

Teenagers

Chuck and Paige

We love visiting our Arizona children and Grandchildren

With the exception of Charles' Family and Karen's Family, all of our children will travel to Utah in the days after Christmas for more food, fun in the snow, and more gifts. We are looking forward to sharing those days with the Carl and Judy Brenner family. They have rented a beautiful home in Midway, Utah and will ski on the "Greatest Snow on Earth" for a week. Charles, Jenny, Skyler, Charlie, and Jack will travel to Florida to spend the holidays with Jenny's Family. Karen, Roy and Paige will celebrate in Phoenix and then travel to San Antonio, Texas to check out the real estate. Roy will begin his PA studies there next summer.

Wishing each of you a Happy Thanksgiving Each Day of the Year!!!

THANKSGIVING 2011.....ARIZONA PART I

2011-12-01T13:18:00.000-08:00

Jennifer and Craig hosted us for Thanksgiving Dinner

Jennifer's table was Beautiful

Karen made the mashed potatoes and Dressing

Jennifer and Craig planned and orchestrated the Event

Craig made the Sweet Potatoes

and helped Jennifer with the Rolls

3 Turkeys/ Gravy

Brined, roasted, and Smoked

Fresh cranberry Sauce

Mashed potatoes and Stuffing

Green beans and Fruit Salad

Rolls

Alyson made the Appetizers

and Cranberry Sauce

Baked Brie with Apples

Spinach Dip

Macy and Steven*

Jack was a big Eater

So were Parker, Skyler, Summer, Peyton and Brooklyn

Smoked Turkey

Highly Recommend

Jenny made four Desserts

Pumpkin, apple, pecan, and an amazing Crack Pie

and.....they Ate

Macy and Aubrey

Chuck and I spent Thanksgiving Week in Arizona with our Arizona families. We were entertained royally. Tuesday Night....Karen entertained all of us with White Chili, Green Salads, Rolls and an Almond Texas Sheet Cake....delicious all. Wednesday Night Charles and Jenny entertained with Beef Tenderloin, Scalloped Potatoes, Gr. Beans, Field Greens with pomegranate seeds, rolls, and Pumpkin Souffle....amazing. Thursday...Thanksgiving. Friday, Chuck and the boys played golf and went to the ASU Football game and I had dinner at Joe's....Fabulous Fried Shrimp....with Roy, Karen and Paige. Saturday fun and games with Paige...swimming with Charlie, Skyler and Jack....last visit with Brooklyn, Peyton, Logan, and Parents. And....out for chicken and cornbread with C. Ellis family. Home on Sunday....10 1/2 hours. As you can see, we more or less, ate our way through the week.

Alisa joined Joey's family for Thanksgiving. We missed her family.

* Why blue????????

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY

2011-11-28T13:15:00.001-08:00

November 21, 2011

Happy Birthday Mary

There is no time like the old times when you and I were Young.

Oliver Wendell Holmes

Though we are older in body, we are still young in spirit.

I hope that you had a Happy Birthday and an even happier Thanksgiving.

Let's "do lunch" soon.

I love you,

Rebecca

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOGAN

2011-11-20T15:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Logan

Today you are 2 years Old

You are a beautiful little Boy

Your big blue eyes just Sparkle

You are full of Life

And you lead your parents a "Merry Chase"

You like to eat....especially corn on the Cob

You like to swim with your Daddy

...and sit by the pool with your Mom

You are a Happy Little Boy

Poppy and I love you and enjoy watching you get bigger and bigger every time we see You

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOGAN

VETERAN'S DAY........11-11-11

2011-11-11T14:42:00.000-08:00

LET EVERY NATION KNOW, WHETHER IT WISHES US WELL OR ILL, THAT WE SHALL PAY ANY PRICE, BEAR ANY BURDEN, MEET ANY HARDSHIP, SUPPORT ANY FRIEND, OPPOSE ANY FOE, TO ASSURE THE SURVIVAL AND SUCCESS OF LIBERTY.

JOHN F. KENNEDY

Father Dennis Edward O'Brian, USMC is quoted as saying:

It is the soldier not the reporter, Who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has give us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the organizer, Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier, Who salutes the flag, Who serves beneath the flag, And whose coffin is draped by the flag, Who allows the protestor to burn the flag.

It is with sincerity that I recognize and honor all the men and women who have served our country and the cause of liberty on my behalf, on the behalf of my family and on the behalf of all American citizens.

Thank you Roy for your continued service to our Country.

CHRISTMAS TREES....ALREADY?

2011-11-10T18:34:00.000-08:00

Uintah National Forest

Every year Utah sells Christmas tree tags to enable residents to cut a tree from the forest.

Each tag costs $10. 2000 tags were up for sale for our area last weekend. Friday morning at 6:30, 1000 tags were sold by 8:30 am. We forgot and slept through. Saturday morning, I was determined to get a tag, so at 7:00 I drove over to Midway in the dark and cold and snow and received a wrist bracelet. This allowed me to return before noon, pay the $10 and receive my permit. Chuck returned with me at 10:00, purchased one for himself and we received tags for two trees. Though it may seem early to cut a tree, if you don't get your tree before Thanksgiving, the snow will be too deep and the roads closed in the higher elevations where the trees grow.

Wednesday was cold, low 30s, but sunny, so we loaded saws, tarps, gloves, coats, scarves, and sunglasses into the truck. We traveled east on the road below our house and climbed into the mountains. Snow covered the road and became deeper as we climbed higher. We did not pass a single car or truck all afternoon and the trees near the road were not to our liking. 10 miles up the road, we turned around and started back, but not before pulling to the side and hiking several hundred yards off the road and into the forest. We eventually found two trees that were acceptable to us, loaded them into the truck and headed home.

Chuck attached the permit to one of the Trees

Two trees loaded into the back of the Truck

Chuck spotted these two moose on the trip back to the House

This moose was somewhat smaller and had thick hair on his Body

Four of about 10 deer crossing a frozen Pond

Sunset as we descended the Mountains

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUMMER.....THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2011

2011-11-09T17:00:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Summer

Today you are 13 years Old

You are a BEAUTIFUL Teenager!!!

Your self confidence allows you to poke fun at Yourself

Great Halloween Costume

Summer is a member of the Math Club at her Middle School

She is an excellent student and excels in all Subjects

Super Soccer Player

Summer had a terrific Soccer Season

She was one of the top scorers on her Team

She plays hard and runs Fast

Summer is a Super Sister

When she visits us, she helps Macy and Aubrey with their clothes and Hair

She includes them in everything she Does

She is sweet and kind to them and they love and respect Her

Summer is our oldest Granddaughter

She is an example to her sisters and brother and to all of her 20+ Cousins

We are proud of the all that she is Accomplishing

Happy Birthday Summer

Poppy and I love, love, love You

We hope you are having a Lovely Day!!!

PREPARING FOR SPRING IN THE FALL

2011-11-02T16:40:00.000-07:00

Back of our property looking to the East

Preparing pots for Burial

Because deer love the taste of tulips, I will plant these pots with bulbs and bury them in my raised beds. In the spring I will rake away the mulch and remove the pots when there is about 2 inches of growth above the soil line. The pots will be placed in the greenhouse until buds start to form. Then they will be placed in the house, on the back deck and on the front porch. The colors are shades of purple and lavender.

Gift of Spring Bulbs

...and tulips from Costco

Bulbs planted close Together

Tulips and Muscari

Covered with dirt and Watered

Buried in the ground and covered with Mulch

I planted 4 large pots and 2 smaller ones. The costco bulbs have been potted and buried in another location in the garden.

3 peony roots planted among Barberry and wine colored Daylilies

I have transplanted rose bushes to more appropriate locations and tomorrow I will dig up and separate many of my bearded iris. I transplanted the two large hydrangea from my front porch after frost turned the remaining flowers brown and wilted all the leaves. I have my fingers crossed that they will survive. They were magnificent from June unto the 15th of October. I could not bear to move them from the porch and plant them in the yard, so my reluctance has probably cost me their life. Winter is coming....it was 18 degrees this morning and snow was on the ground. It did not melt in many areas of the yard during the day.

Though the yard is predominately shades of brown, there is hope under the ground and within the roots of the trees and shrubs that soften the edges of our property.

Thank you Linda and John for the bulbs. I anxiously await the arrival of the surprise that lies within each one of them.

SHARON AND DUANE

2011-11-01T15:00:00.001-07:00

Sharon and Duane Z.

Sharon and Duane come to Utah from their home in Virginia a couple of times a year. We enjoy having a meal with them while they are here and catching up with them and the lives of their children. Several weeks ago, we drove into Salt Lake and had breakfast with them. We were talking so fast and furious that we hardly noticed what we are eating. A catch up: Little Duane is still affiliated with the Greenbrier and his daughter Hampton is graduating from high school this year. Melinda has 4 children and lives near Sharon and Duane. Brooke is still working with girls in Burma and has established a group similar to the Girl Scouts. Darren and his new wife are expecting a baby. His twins with Amy live with him and his wife near Washington, DC. Lindsay is still living in Oregon, has three children and teaches part time.

Sharon and Duane stay actively involved with their family, community and church.

For those not familiar with the Zs, we lived down the street from them for over twenty years. Duane was our Bishop for a number of years and had a huge influence on our family. Sharon taught me everything I know about flower arranging and has been a loving friend and a positive influence on everyone in our family. We love this family and look forward to our visits together.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN.....2011

2011-10-31T18:15:00.000-07:00

Held our 4th Annual Children's Halloween Party last Night

Cody and Annie contributed the antlers and deer leg to the Decor

Turned our garage into party Central

Chuck puts on the final Touches

Aly looking her beautiful Self

Summer, a cute Nerd

Aly and Steven

Grace.....Raised from the Dead

Parker and Bailey

Aubrey? Where is Thing 2?

Summer and Dad

Great to have Christian and Jennifer at the Party

Alyson helps Macy the Cat In The Hat with her Costume

Halloween is all about Kids!!!!!

Hope you are having a great One!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HAYDEN

2011-10-29T08:34:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Hayden

Today you are 7 years and you are in the first Grade

Hayden is a Great Athlete

He enjoys playing all Sports

Hayden is kind to his brothers and Sister

And, he is respectful to his parents and Teachers

He likes to ride his bike and Scooter

Hayden likes to go to School

He is learning to read and write Stories

He is a super math student....He takes after his mom and Grandfather

Baseball is his Game

His knows all the rules and is a great Hitter

Hayden is a fast Runner

He also excels at football and played on a team this Fall

Basketball and soccer are also sports that Hayden enjoys playing and plays Well

Hayden is learning to Ski

He enjoys skiing with his family in the Wintertime

Hayden, Poppy and I love you and wish you a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! We look forward to seeing you at Christmas and watching you come down the mountain on your skis.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KAREN *

2011-10-28T17:27:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Karen is beautiful, intelligent, and Funny

She is a terrific mother to her daughter Paige

She is a Teacher

Only Wife and Mother are greater callings than Teacher

Great Photographer!

Great Subject!

She loves her Poppy....

...and her Mom

And....we love her. We are proud that Karen is our daughter. Roy has been activated for the last 10 months and will be until next summer. He is able to return home several weekends a month much to Paige's delight. Karen has accepted this responsibility with enthusiasm and with a smile on her face. She and Roy are a good team and are loving Parents to Paige.

Happy Happy Birthday Karen......We are happy that Roy is home this weekend to celebrate your Birthday.

* We have two birthday's on Saturday, October 29, 2011.....Karen's and Hayden's.

Hayden is Alisa's fourth child. His blog will be posted tomorrow at 12:01 PM.

SALT LAKE CITY.....CROSSROADS TO THE WEST

2011-10-23T18:10:00.000-07:00

Macy and Aubrey enjoyed a ride on Trax into downtown Salt Lake.

Train took us right to Temple Square. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Office Building and the Assembly Hall are in the the background.

Aubrey

Macy

Mormon Temple

Joseph Smith Building

Previously The Hotel Utah

The Lion House

A Restaurant on Temple Square

State Street passes under this Eagle

and continues on up to the Utah State Capitol

The long ride Home

Macy said, "The train ride was quite an Adventure"

Salt Lake City is truly a crossroad to the west. Continue on Highway 80 west thru SLC and you will travel through Reno, Sacramento and on to San Francisco. Travel east on Highway 80 and it will pass through Chicago, Cleveland, and into New York City. Take Hwy 15 to the south and travel on to Los Angeles and San Diego. Travel north on Hwy 15 through Helena and Great Falls, Montana and on into Canada where it becomes Hwy 4. Take the exit off Hwy 15 to Hwy 90 at Butte, Montana and it continues on thru Missoula, Spokane and down into Seattle, Washington. All points west are accessible from Salt Lake City. Traders, travels, and gold seekers considered SLC a convenient stop on their way to the riches of the West.

The Mormons settled the Salt Lake Valley in the mid 1800s after being driven from their homes in Nauvoo, Illinois in mid-winter. Brigham Young said, "This is the Right Place," when viewing the Salt Lake Valley from the mouth of Immigration Canyon. This Canyon is just east of the present day University of Utah campus. He is often quoted as saying, "The is the Place."

Through their faith and hard work the Mormon pioneers built one of the most beautiful cities in the United States within the shadow of the majestic Wasatch Mountain Range.

SPRINGVILLE PUMPKIN PATCH

2011-10-21T18:19:00.001-07:00

Steven and Alyson's children are spending time with us while their parents are running in a 24 hour Ragnar in Las Vegas. We have ferried children to soccer practice, football practice and games. We have shopped for crafts and today we drove down to Springville to pick pumpkins in a pumpkin patch.

Pumpkins were available in the field or already picked and waiting for you to make a Selection

Summer wanted to pick her own and was able to find a big one.

We are having our fourth annual Halloween Party on the 30th, so the girls helped pick out perfect pumpkins for all the children who will attend the party. They each chose one for themselves and I chose a number of pumpkins to decorate my home. The flat one on top is one of the ones I chose.

Macy enjoyed the petting zoo. There were donkeys, a kangaroo, a llama, a gigantic pig (sow), sheep, and baby goats.

Everyone was surprised that Summer had been able to find such a perfect pumpkin in such a "picked over" field of pumpkins.

All the girls enjoyed the two mazes made of large bales of hay. One maze was over their head, but one was for little ones who could see their parents at all times. Even the big maze had bales of hay so the children could stand on them and see over the walls. There was also a large area filled with kernels of corn and surrounded by bales of hay. It was like being in a big sand box.

Aubrey posed against a sky of blue.

We all enjoyed the day.

Chuck and Parker took the boat out this morning and caught one rainbow and three cutthroat trout. The cutthroat had to be release because they were not 23 inches long. Parker has a big game tomorrow and we will all be there to support him. Summer travels with her soccer team to Logan. Steven and Alyson will be running through the night with their team. One of Steven's legs is 10 miles uphill. He will run a total of 22 miles over the 24 hour period. They are a busy athletic family.

VOCABULARY STUDY GROUP.........MERRY OLE ENGLAND

2011-10-18T16:55:00.000-07:00

Anglophile of the Highest Order

There are few things that I do not admire about England and the English. I adore their countryside, their gardens, and their country homes. I never tire of reading about the decoration of their homes and landscape. Their literature excites me and has been a guiding force in my life. Favorites authors are Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters, William Wordsworth, and Beatrix Potter. I am fascinated by the English monarchy and English History. And then,... there is their language....so genteel... so delightful to the ear. One could say that we speak the same language, but that is not entirely true. For the last two years I have subscribed to two English magazine.....The English Home and The English Garden. When one arrives in my mailbox, I know that I am in for a delicious treat. These magazine are meant to be read numerous times and each time one learns a new idea or truth. Infrequently, I come across a word that I do not know and cannot figure out from the context of the sentence or paragraph.

Sometimes there is a word that I am unable to pronounce, but because I have figured out its meaning the pronunciation is of little consequence. And, finally I learn about something with which I am completely unfamiliar. All three situations occured in a recent magazine.

1. bespoke- custom made- as in " The designs are worked in panels as to create a bespoke mural that in no way is short of a work of art."

2. chinoiserie- sheen-wah-zuh-ree (French...meaning Chinese-esque) Overall scene of a romantized China...often printed on fabric and wallpaper, sometimes on vases, and dishes. Subjects might be a complete scene of a royal wedding, or an arrangement of flowers, butterflies, trees, and mountains. English exploration of the Eastern world influenced these designs. I knew what chinoiserie meant, but now that beautiful word rolls right off my tongue. I am also somewhat of a francophile.

3. An Aga- a cooking oven which looks like our stoves, but has no top burners....usually 4 chambers with lids on the tops of the stove. It is turned on 100% of the time. Food is moved from chamber to chamber as more or less heat is needed. These stoves can cost up to $18,000. They are manufactured in bright colors....red, blue, green, goldenrod, black and gray. From my reading, they appear to be the Viking or Wolf of the English World.

My vocabulary study group may become a re-occurring blog as I encounter vocabulary that I think may or may not be of interest to you.

The flower arrangement at the top of my blog was created by Jennifer Ursitti Ellis for our 4th of July celebration with Chuck's family. It included hydrangea and delphinium from my garden and white roses and pink poenies from Costco. It was approximately 3 feet tall and was magnificent. Jenny, thank you for sharing your talent. XO

I LOVE THIS QUICHE......AND SO WILL YOU

2011-10-16T16:29:00.000-07:00

Saturday Morning Holiday Brunch

Ham, Mushroom and Red Bell Pepper Quiche

Fruit and Muffins

The Women's Organization at our church served brunch on Saturday morning and instructed us in the making of numerous Holiday Arts and Crafts....everything from beautiful wreaths, to decorated and painted pumpkins for Halloween. There was also a turkey stuffing demonstration. They stuffed the cavity of a turkey with onions, lemons, and rosemary stems. Then they lifting the skin from the breast and stuffed that space with truffle butter.....sounds delicious. We will be in Arizona for Thanksgiving. Perhaps I will convince Jennifer to let me try this turkey technique.

I wasn't really interested in making crafts for my home, but it was fun to listen to and watch these young women talking about their lives and the things they were doing, on very little money, to make their house a home. I will relay many of these ideas on to my daughters and daughter-in-laws.

Ham, Mushroom and Red Bell Pepper Quiche

1/2 c. milk

4 eggs, beaten

1/2 tsp. dry mustard

1/4 tsp salt and pepper

1 c. cubed ham

1 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

1 T. chopped onion

1/2 c. chopped mushrooms

2 T. chopped red pepper

1 frozen pie crust thawed

Saute ham, onion, mushrooms and bell pepper until the onion is translucent.

Combine the sauted ingred. w/ the cheese and pour all into the thawed pie shells

Mix together the milk, eggs, mustard, and salt and pepper and pour

this mixture over the sauted ingredents.

Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until an insert knife comes

out clean

Cool for five minutes before serving

This quiche is easy to make and delicious to eat. I made two of them for the brunch....started prep at 6:45 and delivered them to the church at 8:30.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MACY

2011-10-13T13:16:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Macy

Today Macy is 7 years old and is in the first Grade

October 15, 2011

She enjoys being Outdoors

She can ride a bike, ski, jump on the trampoline, run fast, and she is learning to Swim

Macy is a rock climber and an expert catcher of Lizards

She is a Super Student

Reading and math are easy and fun for Her

Being a good friend is important to her and she is eager to include others in her Play

She is taking a tumbling Class

Macy, Poppy and I love to take you fishing on our Boat

You are a good "fishergirl" and you are helpful when something needs to be done...like steering the Boat

Everybody in your family loves You

...and Poppy and I love you Too

Macy you are a beautiful little Girl

Your big blue eyes are always Happy

We love to see your pretty blond hair flying in the Breeze

Poppy and I wish you a Happy Happy Birthday!!!!*

*Poppy and I have a present for you. We will bring it on Sunday.....and it is NOT clothes. Can you guess what it is?

OLD FAITHFUL

2011-10-11T20:07:00.000-07:00

Old Faithful

Largest Geyser in Yellowstone National Park

Goes off approximately every 45 Minutes

24 hours a Day

Every day thousands of people come from all over the world to Watch

Old Faithful Inn

This beautiful inn has been reinforced with an interior steel beam structure that has been camouflaged within large Logs

The posts and beams are all visible within the great room Lobby

Old Faithful is a short walk away from the Inn

Flags flying from the ridge pole of Old Faithful Inn

Montana

Big Sky Country

Heading west into Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park

Leaving Idaho Falls, we missed Hwy 20 leading to the west entrance of Yellowstone and instead found ourselves 40 miles out of our way on Hwy 15. Checking the map it became apparent that there were no paved roads connecting the two highways and that we would have to backtrack to Idaho Falls. Taking a second look at the map, we noticed a dirt and gravel road which would intersect with Hwy 20 some 75 miles to the east. After taking a vote among the four of us, we headed east. The first 20 miles we did not see another car and we reminded each other of those who had taken such a road at their peril. This mistake proved to be an exciting and beautiful adventure.....beautiful scenery, amazing wildlife, brilliantly colored autumn leaves, mountains, lakes, and streams. It culminated at Henry's Lake in Montana and onto Hwy 15 and Yellowstone.

EARTH, WIND, WATER AND FIRE... YELLOWSTONE ........PART IV

2011-10-10T19:06:00.000-07:00

Geyser Basin

Yellowstone Lake

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Yellowstone River

I am in awe of nature. It has been said that there is no place on earth like Yellowstone National Park. I have no reason to not believe that this is true.

ANIMALS OF YELLOWSTONE PARK AND SOUTHERN MONTANA....PART III

2011-10-10T12:37:00.001-07:00

Mountain Blue Bird

Elk on the lawns of Yellowstone Headquarters in Mammoth

Canadian Geese diving for Food

Yellowstone River

Yellowstone Post Office in Mammoth

Young Bison so close to the car that I could have opened my door and touched Him

Park rules.....keep 25 feet Away

More people injured by bison in the park than Bears

Red Rock Lake...Montana

Bull Bison

Herd of Bison on shoreline of Yellowstone Lake

More Elk at Mammoth

Pronghorn

Idaho-Montana Border

North Americans often refer to this animal as an Antelope

Western antelope are much smaller Animals

Merganser??????

A fellow photographer told me that these birds were Mergansers, but pictures of the Merganser look nothing like these birds. This bird has a red tuff on its head, a thick neck, feathers are shades of brown and cream, has a pointed beak like a loon, and a pointed tail. I need an Audubon Field Guide

Yellowstone River

Red Rock Lake

Montana

When traveling anywhere in the west, sighting one or more cars pulled to the side of the road usually signals an animal sighting. While driving Hwy 16 to Mammoth, we came upon cars parked on both sides of the road and everywhere else that was parkable. 50+ people, many with binoculars, tripods with cameras and tripods with gigantic scopes were lined up along a ridge over looking a river basin vista. They informed us that back wolves were walking around 2 1/2-3 miles in the distance. Everyone appeared to have them in their scope. People were very generous with their spotting scopes and Chuck saw one through a Swarovski scope. I looked diligently, but was never able to see anything but sagebrush that looked like a wolf. There were two park rangers there to maintain order.

Much to our chagrin, we saw no bears. There have been numerous stories of bear killings this summer, so perhaps they have had their fill of human flesh. So much for pictures of the Yellowstone of old with bears crawling all over the cars of tourists and people taking pictures of them up close.

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS...YELLOWSTONE PART II

2011-10-09T19:55:00.000-07:00

The above pictures are of the White Mountain Hot Spring Terraces at Mammoth in Yellowstone National Park. They are perhaps even more iconic than the famous Old Faithful Geyser. People have visited these terraces via stagecoach since before 1871 when the Hayden Survey was done of Yellowstone. Mammoth is at the very top the park and at the border of Wyoming and Montana. The park offices and park officials are housed in this part of the park.

The terraces in the pictures are actually pools of hot water combined with dissolved calcium and bicarbonate. The carbon dioxide escapes as a gas and the carbonate combines with calcium to precipitate as travertine. (As on my bathroom floor???? Info from google)

See Part I Yellowstone below Judy's BD

2011-10-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUDY

2011-10-07T10:52:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Judy

"A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be Lost"

Carl and Judy

They have six children and 13 Grandchildren and live in Texas

We visit with each other as often as Possible

Judy and I share many of the same interest. Our father was a great gardener. We both worked with him in the garden, so gardening comes naturally to us. We both enjoy flowers and flower arranging. Judy is now a librarian, but we both taught elementary school for many years. We have both dedicated our lives to our children and grandchildren. We both enjoy cooking and sharing a meal with our family and friends. We like to set a beautiful table and are constantly searching for ways to make our homes more beautiful. Our shared history, common values and interests makes our time together effortless and fun. I feel blessed to have Judy as my sister.

Friday, October 7, 2011*

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUDY

*Is it October 7 or 8? I have always thought that it was the 8th, however Jennifer reported that you were receiving birthday greetings today. Sooooooooooooooo let's get this cleared up once and for all.

YELLOWSTONE AND GRAND TETON ADVENTURE.....Part I

2011-10-06T17:02:00.001-07:00

Teton Mountain Range

John and Linda, long time friends from San Diego, shared this adventure with Us

South of Yellowstone National Park

Crossed the Continental Divide several times on our trip to Yellowstone

Teton Mountains

Bull Moose outside Teton National Park

Cow Moose

We weren't the only ones Watching

Returned Monday from three days in eastern Idaho and western Wyoming. The fall colors were magnificent and the buffalo, moose, deer, elk, ducks, geese, and blue birds were everywhere. A lone wolf was spotted in Yellowstone and Chuck is certain that he was able to see it through binoculars, but my old eyes were unable to detect any movement or shape. We had lunch in Jackson Hole and shopped for several hours before returning to Utah and home.

The United States is a beautiful country. We are all blessed by the foresight of President Theodore Roosevelt and the members of Congress at that time who declared that these areas be preserved for all the people of the United States as National Parks.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ALISA........SEPTEMBER 30, 2011

2011-10-06T10:30:00.001-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALISA

You are first and foremost a wife and Mother

Your love for your family is an example to all who know You

The members of your family appreciate the sacrifices you make for Them

You are attentive to the physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of your Family

Your sense of fun is appreciated by those around You

Alisa is a busy mother these days. She has secured a teaching position for the 2011-2012 school year and will be teaching three math classes....6th grade math, and 7th and 8th grade pre-algebra. This new schedule will be a challenge for her, but we are confident that with the help of her family she will soon be in the groove.

Alisa, Poppy and I love and appreciate you. You tenacity, intelligence, and sense of humor have carried you to the place you are today. We are proud of your many accomplishments.

We Love You,

Mom and Poppy

FALL 2011

2011-10-03T21:07:00.001-07:00

Fall is beautiful in the canyons behind our Home

AUTUMN IN THE WASATCH BACK

2011-09-27T21:45:00.000-07:00

These pictures were taken less than 1/4 of a mile from our home. Those who have 4 wheeled behind our home have driven right passed them. This is a beautiful time of the year in the Wasatch Mountains. The daytime is sunny and cool and the nights are crisp.

HOLE IN ONE VERIFIED BY SALT LAKE TRIBUNE

2011-09-20T18:40:00.000-07:00

He's a golf Star

If you read it in the Tribune it must be True

Congratulations!

FOURTH GRADE

2011-09-19T21:06:00.001-07:00

Aubrey

4th Grade

The Ellis family is a family of teachers. Chuck's dad was a college professor, his mother taught 4th grade for over 30 years, Chuck taught 4th grade for 20+ years and I taught 4th grade for over 25 years. Fourth graders are generally 9 years old. They know how to read, write a paragraph, know addition and subtraction, multiplication and division. They have a sense of humor and in general have great admiration for their teacher. California geography and history is taught in fourth grade and we are all great admirers of this curriculum. With the exception of Texas, it has the most fascinating history of all the 50 states. For many other reasons, we believe that fourth grade is the ideal grade to teach.

When I watch Aubrey going about her daily life, it makes me miss teaching fourth grader.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Addendum:

I have three daughters who are all teachers. Karen has taught Kdg., math in Middle School, and numerous elementary grades. She was a reading resource teacher for a number of years and is now a reading resource supervisor. Karen is also teaching education classes for the University of Phoenix and for Grand Canyon University online. Just typing all of this responsibility impresses me. I'm going to have to give her more respect. Jennifer taught 4th grade in Arizona for two years before becoming a full time mother. Her teaching day now has no beginning and no end. It pays nothing monetarily, but is eternally rewarding. Alisa has taught Middle School keyboarding and is in the process of applying for a teaching position for the fall. She is highly qualified in math, science, and social science, so if you have any contacts in the Boise area, put in a good word for her. And by the way, all five of our children spent one year as a 4th grade student. They were shining stars and all were the teacher's pet. In addition, all of our children married men and women who also had completed the fourth grade. We are proud of each one of them.

.......and my mother was a nursery school teacher for over 20 years......and my sisters were both teachers.....and one sister is an elementary school librarian. Have I missed anyone?????

SATURDAY SOCCER FOR SUMMER

2011-09-17T20:07:00.000-07:00

Summer #14

Plays Forward

She's a Gladiator

After Scoring a Goal for her Team

Summer's Supporters

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JENNY

2011-09-16T08:26:00.005-07:00

Happy Birthday Jenny

Chuck and I love You

We appreciate the loving mother and wife that you are to our grandchildren and Son

You are known far and wide for your culinary Expertise

WE LOVE YOUR FOOD!

You and Charles are the heart of your Family

Your children are blessed to have you as their Mother

You are Beautiful in many Ways

Chuck and I appreciate that you welcome us into your home and share your family with us so generously. We enjoy your happy spirit and willingness to help in any situation. Thank you for all you do for our family.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

We love You,

Chuck and Rebecca

HOLE IN ONE

2011-09-13T18:53:00.001-07:00

Chuck made a 135 yard hole in one on the 14th green at Old Mill Golf Course in Salt Lake City today. His friend Don called his feat into the SL Tribune and it should be noted in the paper tomorrow. Another player took this shot and e-mailed it to him this evening.

WATCHING THE CLOUDS ROLL BY.......

2011-09-13T17:24:00.001-07:00

STRAWBERRY RESERVOIR

Cutthroat Trout

Anyway you look at it, it was a big Fish

Doing a little Cleanup

Just the two of Us

FISHING WITH THE BARNES FAMILY

2011-09-12T20:14:00.001-07:00

THE BARNES FAMILY

Don and Margaret Ann

Youngest son Mike and wife Allison

Children Kate, Will, and Malia

That's a big Fish

Ali and Malia

Kate and Mom

Nice Fish!

Nice to have Grandma around to hold your fish for the Camera

Don

Margaret

Will

Mike is the brother of Jared (I think I've heard that phrase before.) You know how it is with siblings. As soon as they hear that one has gotten something the others haven't...well you know. So, on Saturday, we tried to make it even. These two darling children were good little fisherman. We haven't been as successful as we were earlier in the summer, but they each caught a fish and so did their Dad. Grandma and Grandpa came alone to lend their support and to enjoy watching the action. Don and Margaret have three other sons, soooooooooooo......we'll probably be hearing from Mckay who lives in Colorado, Ryan who lives in SLC, and Brad who lives in St. George in the coming weeks. However, if they don't hurry, they'll have to wait until next summer. Fall is definitely in the air.

SATURDAY GAME DAY...........AND REMEMBERING 9-11

2011-09-11T17:25:00.001-07:00

Parker #21*

Team: Alta

Black and White

Identify on the field by one white and one black Shoe

Plays wide receiver on offense and a cornerback on Defense

Game day is also a chance to catch up with other members of the Family

It is soccer season for Summer and her first year in Junior High

Aubrey practiced her splits during down Times

Macy watches from her perch at the top of the Hill

Aubrey practices this amazing Walk Over

Sister Support

They discuss local, state and national sports Action

Parker is a fast Runner

Note the Shoes

Everybody loves a Football Player

Steven and Parker share after the Game

Ellis Hangout

It was a hot day, so the canopy was Welcomed

Alta Won!!!!!

We are all proud of our Boy

* First time Chuck and I had seen Parker without his braces. He's a handsome kid!

_____________________________________________________________________

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2011

WE REMEMBER ALL THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIFE ON 9-11

WE HONOR THOSE FIREFIGHTERS AND POLICE WHO SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES IN THE SERVICE OF THEIR FELLOW MEN AND WOMEN

WE APPRECIATE THOSE MEN AND WOMEN IN THE MILITARY WHO PUT THEIR LIFE ON THE LINE EVERYDAY TO SAFEGUARD OUR WAY OF LIFE

WE ARE AWARE THAT FREEDOM IS NOT FREE AND THAT MANY SACRIFICE EVERY DAY....POLICE, FIREMEN, MEDICAL PERSONNEL AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS...SO THAT WE MIGHT SPEND A SATURDAY MORNING ENJOYING A FAMILY ACTIVITY IN PEACE AND SAFETY

THREE BEAUTIFUL SISTERS

2011-09-10T07:02:00.000-07:00

Macy, Summer, and Aubrey

Aubrey

Macy and Aubrey

These three girls spent Saturday afternoon and two overnights with us over Labor Day Weekend. It is always such fun to listen to the lives of little girls. We went to the Swiss Days Festival in Midway on Saturday afternoon. This festival is one big shopping and eating fest. Over 100,000 people attended over the two days it was open. Venders came from all over the country to sell their wares. These girls were in heaven. Their big purchase of the day was feathers braided into their hair....green for Summer, pink for Aubrey, and blue for Macy. Macy wanted a brown and yellow striped, but Summer put the kibosh on that. I kind of liked the stripe. They also bought a package of Tats for Toes. The name is misleading as they were stick-ons for their fingernails in bright colors with geometric shapes. So cute. Macy spent most of her money on a tiny white bear which she absolutely had to have. I gave each a set amount of money and turned them loose. It was hard not to give advice. A large bag of kettle corn was the final purchase of the day. They munched and laughed all the way home.

Our church didn't start until 1:00 on Sunday, so they spent the morning hunting for lizards among the rocks. One turned its head back and bit Summer while she was holding it. At the appointed hour they dressed themselves and did their own hair. Summer supervised and helped and even used the flatiron without burning herself or the house down. It is hard to imagine these beautiful girls rummaging for lizards, but they are multi-talented. We love spending time with our beautiful granddaughters.

LABOR DAY WITH THE STEVEN AND ALYSON ELLIS FAMILY

2011-09-07T12:40:00.000-07:00

Relaxing from their Labors

Alyson and her Girls

Steven and his Boy

Aubrey is a serious Fisherlady

Wow! A big fish for a little Girl

First fish caught of the Day

Parker is a patient Fisherman

Summer using the Charles III method for displaying your fish for the Camera

Beautiful September Morning

Great day to be together on the Water

Zacky is a perfect boat Dog

With eight people on board, he was never under Foot

We enjoy sharing our boat with our friends and Family

We had a great Labor Day weekend with Steven and Aly's family...Saturday morning football game with Parker, Saturday afternoon with Summer, Aubrey, and Macy at the Swiss Days Festival in Midway. Church on Sunday...dinner with everyone and fishing on Monday. Life is Good! More pictures in the coming days.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY.....AUGUST 20 & 21

2011-09-07T10:59:00.000-07:00

Chuck and I celebrated our birthdays while on our trip to Arizona in August

Charles and Jenny invited all over for dinner in their beautiful Home

They prepared T-Bone and Porterhouse Steaks, Oven Roasted Potatoes

Watermelon Cubes, Green Salad, and hot Bread

Jenny made her famous individual Chocolate Cakes with a soft Center served with

Ice Cream

FABULOUS!!!!!

Thank you Charles and Jenny for your kindness and generosity to our family.

Beautiful Green Gladiolas

C&J Living Room

As usual, our visit to Arizona was wonderful. We loved interacting with our children and their wives, husbands, and children. Though it was hot, hot, hot, we swam, played golf, ate, watched dance practice, took children to their first day of school, babysat for back to school night, and girl's weekend, sewed, and throughly enjoyed being together. Thank you one and all for rearranging your schedule to spend as much time as possible with us during our 10 day stay. We love each of you and are looking forward to your visit at Christmas.

GREAT FATHERS

2011-09-02T19:38:00.001-07:00

Charles

Father of 3

Poppy

Father of 5

Grandfather of 16

Charles

Not too cool for a turn on the water Slide

Always a good Listener

Father and Daughter

Charlie, Charles and Skyler

We missed Jack

He still takes an afternoon Nap

See Ya!

We all love this Man!

LAST BLOOMS OF SUMMER

2011-09-01T20:07:00.001-07:00

Hydrangea survived the Winter

I'll plant two more bushes at the end of summer and hope for the Best

Hollyhock

Daylilies and Petunia

All basically Weeds

Came up from seeds from last Year

Same as Above

Petunia's mixed with blanket flower and Thistles

Our summer garden is pretty Drab

Winter lasted until the middle of June this year and we basically had no spring. It seems as though summer has flown by. We are feeling the crisp mornings of autumn, however, by mid-day, the temp has risen to the low 90 degrees. Soooo, within two or three weeks, we will enjoy the delights of fall in the Wasatch.

WE LOVE OUR ARIZONA GRANDSONS

2011-08-30T19:14:00.000-07:00

Logan

21 Months

Charlie

2nd Grade 7 Years Old

Charlie will continue to play golf, baseball, and lacrosse this Fall

Fine Swimmer

Jack

3 Years Old

Attends Pre-School

All of our Grandsons love the Water

Logan always has a smile on his Face

Full of Life

These boys love to eat...

...regardless of the Size

Brothers!

ARIZONA ANGEL

2011-08-29T14:49:00.000-07:00

Skyler

8 years old and in the Third Grade

Tried out for the dance team two groups ahead of the team she was on Last Year

A position was offered and accepted by Skyler

A truly gifted Dancer

Focused and Determined

Attends two hour classes three days a Week

Chuck and I watched the last thirty minutes of Skyler's Saturday morning class. For one so young, it was amazing to watch her perform.

PRECIOUS PAIGE

2011-08-28T19:58:00.000-07:00

Paige

Little Swimmer

A vision in Yellow

The Thinker

Mother and Child

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

2011-08-27T20:03:00.001-07:00

Brooklyn with her new backpack and lunch Box

First day of all day Kindergarten

Peyton and Brooklyn

Sisters

Peyton loves to wear pigtails to School

Paige with her new Backpack

Two Moms

Two Daughters

Paige and Peyton attend the same school and are in the same pre-school Class

They are both three years Old

Cousins