Monday, June 20, 2011

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRENDON


Happy Birthday Brendon
Today you are 13 Years Old



You are the interested in all Sports
You play football, baseball, and golf
You ski and you are an avid sports Fan
You support BYU and the Arizona Diamondbacks
You also support the Denver Broncos



Good pitching Form



You look great on Skis



You enjoy playing golf with your father and Friends
Poppy enjoys playing with You



You are an excellent student and are always willing to help your mother when she asks. You are a hard worker and have earned money this summer doing yard work for people in your neighborhood. You are motivated to do your best.


Your family loves you and you love Them
Poppy and I also love you and enjoy spending time with You
We wish you a happy happy Birthday*


*Yes, I do know that your birthday was yesterday, June 19, but I got hung up with Father's Day and didn't get your blog up. Please, forgive me. Hopefully, Father's Day and your birthday will not coincide next year. I hope you had a great day.

We love you,
Poppy and Marmie

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Happy Father's Day, Poppy!

Memories and Reasons We Love You

Some of my best memories growing up involved being with Pops in the outdoors. Fishing trips to Alaska, hunting trips to Utah, Idaho, and Mexico and family trips to Pine Valley are a few of the places that created these memories. While the hunting and fishing were fun, the greatest part was being together. (Steven)


Poppy is the kind of teacher that I strive to be like everyday. He was that

teacher that played basketball with his students at recess. He was that coach

that pulled you aside and pitched 100 extra balls to you after practice. He

always gave 100% of himself to his students and players and 150% of himself to

his children. I now can appreciate the one-on-one attention he gave me while

doing math homework in the living room with 10 pieces of lined paper and a

sharpened #2 pencil!! (Karen)


A father's greatest legacy is the impact he has on his children. Pop's, unquestionably you have had the greatest impact on my development as a professional, a husband and most importantly a father. Your diligent efforts to instill in me a sense of honesty, integrity and hard work are the same traits that I regularly attempt to teach my children. (Charles)


My greatest memories of Poppy include morning drives to Poly. He was always asking about my classes, giving advice, and enjoying the time we spent together. At the beginning of every school year, he would say the same thing, “Do your very best, be honest, and try hard. I will never be disappointed in you if you remember those things. I love you and I am so proud of you.” He believed in me and supported me through many difficult academic years at Poly. (Jennifer)


When I was about 10 years old, I asked Poppy if he would come to Sacrament Meeting. We had Sacrament last and I came into the chapel excited to sit with Poppy. When I got there, he wasn't there and I was a disappointed. About half way through the meeting, Poppy came and sat next to me. He was hot and a bit sweaty! Apparently, the car wouldn't start when he got ready to leave so he rode Steven or Charles' bike about 5 miles in the summer heat. It says a lot about the kind of father Poppy was because he never wanted to disappoint us. (Alisa)


Just as memorable was the crystal clear fall day that we played Pebble Beach together. A perfect afternoon walking the fairways along the spectacular Monterey Peninsula is a memory that I recall often. This round of golf and the hundreds of others that we have played together are some of my greatest joys. I love you Pops.

(Charles)


Nobody loves nature more that Poppy. His father taught him to appreciate the

beauty that surrounds us and he has in turn taught that to us. I was always

amazed that he could drive our jeep in a straight line even with his head

turned, looking for deer "just beyond the thicket"!! Our vacations growing up

taught us to appreciate nature and enjoy it with those you love! (Karen)


When I was little, I never tired of hearing the story of the night I was born. Poppy already had 2 boys and was hoping for a girl. When I arrived, he said that he drove down Colorado Blvd with the top down on the little sports car yelling, "I've got a girl!!!" From that day until now, I have always felt that I held a special place in Poppy's heart and that he would do anything for me! (Alisa)


The summer afternoon, seven years ago, at the Pine Valley Chapel that you eloquently blessed Charlie was particularly memorable and emotional. Though unconventional, for you to officiate that important family event in a place that meant so much to your father made it all the more special. (Charles)


Pop’s passion for athletics has been contagious. I always appreciated the countless hours he spent teaching, coaching, and just watching all of us play sports. One of my favorite days ever was when we took the 7am boat from Maui to Lanai to play 36 holes of golf. After we finished the final round, we boarded the boat back to Maui and sat together on the top deck as the sun set and talked about the day. I love that he continues to show interest in all the grandkids and their many sports and activities. (Steven)


I was lucky enough to spend three years at home with mom and poppy all to myself. Poppy and I took full advantage of that with our yearly trips to Panguich. What a dream to spend an entire week with Poppy all to myself. Driving, eating out, fishing, and laughing. We even set out a day to rent some waverunners and explore Lake Powell just the two of us. I remember that day with great fondness. Memories of quality time were not just included in that one week though, they were frequent throughout the year, including Islands, Basketball and Softball games, Baskin Robbins, Wheel of Fortune episodes, and the dreaded math help. (Jennifer)


Happy Father’s Day Poppy. We love you!


Love,

Charles, Steven, Alisa, Karen, and Jennifer


HAPPY FATHER'S DAY 2011


POPPY

A father teaches his sons how to be a man, how to be a husband, and how to be a responsible member of society. A father teaches his daughters what to look for in a man and how they should expect to be treated as a woman and a wife. This man's children have learned their lessons well, not so much by what he said, but by his example and how he lives his life.
They are fortunate to call this man their father.

Happy Father's Day to all the Fathers in my Life

Saturday, June 18, 2011

SENSATIONAL SUNDAY.....FAMILY, HOME AND FOOD


Sarah and Sterling and two of their four Children

Parker and Rebecca
and their dog Indy



Their beautiful Home



Jordan
Daughter #1
Jordan plays the piano Beautifully
She plays for church and youth activities and played Moonlight Sonata for our Listening Pleasure


Madison and Rebecca
Daughters #2 and #3

Madison plays the piano beautifully. She has a lovely voice and sings in her high school Choir
Rebecca's voice has a country sound. She sang American Honey for our Pleasure
She sings with confidence and has great stage Presence


Rebecca is always ready for her close Up



Sarah and Sterling entertained us on Sunday Evening



Delicious Food
Shish-kabobs with beef, pepper, squash and Onion


Watermelon Cubes and Risotto made with sun dried Tomatoes


Famous family Salad
Romaine, artichoke hearts and hearts of Palm
Black and green olives, avocado, and Feta Cheese
Artichoke Salad Dressing





Coconut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
FABULOUS! *


Sterling

Even Indy begged for a Slice



This is a home filled with Love
We were privileged to join this family for great food, conversation, and Entertainment
I thoroughly enjoyed watching the children share their Talents

Thank you Sarah and Sterling for sharing your home and family with Us.
We love you, Aunt Rebecca


* About the food and decorations.... Sarah is a busy wife, mother, teacher and student, but she amazingly finds time to be a crafter, a gourmet cook, a knitter, semi professional photographer, etc. etc. etc. She is a blogger and a reader of other's blogs....Pioneer Woman is one of the blogs she follows and has encouraged me to follow. I love it, will read it, but will probably not cook any of the pioneer lady's recipes........but Sarah does....even on school nights.
She is super woman!!!!!!!

Friday, June 17, 2011

SAN SABA, TEXAS AND THE RANCH



Raymond and my cousin Paula


Being fattened up for Slaughter
Paula prepared lunch for us and the beef was mighty Tasty



Prize Bull




I think Mary would have liked to roll back the clock and saddle Up







Ranch Buildings and Corrals



When Raymond first bought this ranch it encompassed 10,000 Acres. Today it is somewhat less. He raises black angus cattle for market and grows thousands of acres of wheat which is planted by a giant combine and harvested by the same machine. This attachment is used for spraying weeds, I think.




Giant Combine



Sarah and Judy



The ranch House



Paula standing in front of her Home

She and Raymond enjoy their life on a working ranch and raised four children here. Life on a ranch in Texas is hot, dry, and dusty. But, Raymond and Paula thoroughly enjoy the life they live here.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

CARL AND JUDY'S TEXAS COUNTRY HOME


Judy

Houston is hot and damp and congested. Those that can, get out of town on the weekend and holidays. It is also nice to have a place of retreat when Hurricane Ike or Katrina is headed your way. Before the country home, Carl and Judy boarded up the windows and hunkered down. Now at the first warning of bad weather, they hop into their car and head for the Lampasas.

Judy has decorated this home as tastefully as her Houston home...air conditioning, central heating, fireplace, master suite and three other guest rooms. The beds are elegant and confortable. Their home is located in Lampasas, Texas which is northwest of Austin in the central hill country ...beautiful. Our mother grew up in this area and often visited Lampasas as a child.

We ate out breakfast, lunch and dinner....no prep....no dishes. The last morning, however, Judy prepared biscuits, eggs, and bacon....just like mother used to make.

One of the true delights of our three day trip to central Texas, was the company of Sarah, Judy's oldest daughter. I still can't figure out why she was willing to accompany three "old sisters" on a road trip. She is working on her doctorate at Texas AM, so perhaps we were part of her research.


Sarah and Judy

A beautiful mother/daughter Relationship



Constructed of white limestone which is native to this Area



Outback Storage
Riding lawnmower, gardening equipment, etc




Front Yard

I mowed the property on the riding lawn mower before we left.
It was a bit scary in places and Judy had to save me Twice



Boxwood Hedge

If you look carefully, you'll see where an armadillo has dug around the Roots



Sarah and her two "old" Aunts



Judy's Garden
Potatoes and Squash and ??
Rose bushes in front of fence. The Armadillos had completely uprooted one of the Bushes



Carl, Judy's Husband

When we visit in Carl's home, he is right there to carry in our bags, make us a coke, inquire about our children, and show a genuine interest in the events of our life. For 9 days, we came and went and each time we returned, it was to a cheerful face which was anxious to hear about our trip. Carl, thank you for sharing Judy with us. We love both of you and are looking forward to your visit west in July.




Wednesday, June 15, 2011

JENNIFER.....ANOTHER GRACIOUS HOSTESS



Jennifer

Judy and Carl's #2 Daughter
Fun and Funny
Mother of two adorable Children



Sophia

Beautiful, kind and quick to express Appreciation
Has a beautiful voice and enjoys Singing and Acting



Bobby

Athletic, full of life and Happiness
Excels in all Sports



Jennifer and her daughter Sophia



We were entertained in Jennifer's home on the first Monday evening of our stay. Her home is beautiful and is located within blocks of her mother's home. She served us in her lovely red dining room. The table and chairs had once belonged to our mother over 50 years ago. We enjoyed this special evening with her family. She served a delicious Mexican menu, but the highlight of the meal were these amazing cupcakes. Each one was different which made it difficult to choose. They were moist and topped with mountains of yummy frosting.






Bobby




Sophia

These two are on a swim team and competed on the Saturday morning that we were in Houston. They did themselves and their mother proud. They swam in a number of events where they showed off their great swimming form. Sophia swam the second leg in her team relay and was able to swim the length of the pool without taking a breath. She has beautiful form and lovely strokes. We also enjoyed watching Bobby swim. He took first place in the butterfly and first place in the 4 man relay. Bobby swam the anchor. When he was up, his team was a half length behind and it seemed like a sure defeat. But.......he turned it on, and passed the kid in the lead to take first place for his team.

Thank you Jenny for a lovely evening. Your gracious hospitality was appreciated. We love your Family!