Day at the Zoo

Last Saturday Ashley & I took the kids to the zoo. We had a great time enjoying the nice weather. I like to see the cousins play together, even though it is not often. Warren and I feel very blessed to have the children, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, and grandchildren that we do. Of course I think they are the cutest kids in the whole world!!!!!

Changes to the landscape

We have been wanting for quite awhile to get a fence in for the cows to wander a bit more. Luckily circumstances have made it possible this year. It ended up a bit larger than expected but we do really like it. Now if we can keep the little cows from getting out under the fence we will be in good shape!

Spring!

Today was a beautiful day and a great day to get some things done which I haven't had time in quite awhile because of school. I washed windows inside and out, washed the deck off in hope of a new barbecue grill, and did laundry. I had some confrontation with an ugly spider but in the end I won--a dust buster comes in handy! I know I am going to enjoy this summer!

Coming out of hibernation!

Sometimes winter seems so long...especially when going to school. This last semester I took Professional Seminar. It was only a 2 credit class but for some reason I had a hard time keeping up with all the papers and assignments. How grateful I am that it is finished! I found it interesting that even in the required book for the class it stated, "You know, you don't have to do this!" Just like Satan leaning over my shoulder--tempting me to quit. But I'm hanging in there--taking the summer off to find my counters and floors and then I will begin again in September--only three more classes to go!!!! Our kids and families are doing great which always make us proud. We have a new little one on it's way --due in September. I'm so happy to be able to enjoy so many blessings in my life.

Eternal Life

I would love to tell you about my dad. He passed away on November 6th of this year and has left a void in my life. I really loved this man and I wish I could tell him. Not that I didn't and not that he didn't know. He did. The last time I talked to him he thanked me for a small, little thing that I did...I wish I could thank him for the large, never-ending things he did. He inspired me to be the best I could be, to take whatever life deals me with courage and faith, and to remember how blessed I am.

A few of memories of growing up.....

Sitting on his lap in the rocking chair when I had a bad dream

Planting tomatoes and cucumbers each year, filling the holes full of water before the tomatoes went in the dirt

Picking peaches and cherries

Weeding the roses

Doing the Saturday house cleaning when Mom was at work

Eating "Kippered Snacks" sandwiches or cucumber sandwiches after the Saturday work was done

Riding with my Mom into Salt Lake City late at night to pick up my Dad from working late

Eating at the special Chinese resturant in Salt Lake City. Dad always had American food and Mom and I had Chinese

Going to the grocery store on Saturdays to get ham and cheese sandwiches made fresh for 10 cents each

Making and bottling homemade rootbeer and then having it explode in the shed

Searching in the car for me when I didn't come home from a basketball game...boy, was he mad!

He was never a "talker" --probably because he probably missed alot of the conversation because he was almost deaf when I was growing up and later in life --completely deaf. I remember trying to tell him that there was an ambulance behind us using full siren. Growing up the youngest child and only girl, I was able to go with my parents alot after my brothers were doing their "own thing".

My Dad was dedicated to his church calling wihich he held for 31 years!!!! Can you imagine having the exact same church calling for 31 years? He was the ward financial clerk and when everything went to computers---he learned the programs so he could continue with his calling.

I am thankful for my father and the dedication he had to everything and everyone he loved. He might of been small in stature but he is a giant in my eyes!

"Brrrr-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r

It is so cold outside today! I have had a cold now for about 1 1/2 weeks. I wish I were in Hawaii--or somewhere it was warm. The wind is blowing and blowing. Warren and I voted today. Luckily the polls were not busy when we got there. I need some Nyquil or something.

Grandchildren are such a blessing!

We are so blessed to have our kids doing so well. We are very proud of them and their accomplishments!! Here are pictures of our wonderful grandchildren.

Ryker 26 months

Carter 11 months

Helen 16 months

It doesn't get any better than this!

Traveling sea to sea

I have been so busy this last month. Warren and I went to Nebraska to buy some more Dexter cows. We ended up bringing 5 back. Three of those were ours.

That gives a total of 5 now. Our herd now includes: Simon our bull,

Miseltoe and Holly Berry. We added Ruby and Lesie. We had alot of fun.

It is good to get away for the daily schedule and problems.

After that I flew to Boston for computer program training for the hospital. I was there about 6 days. There was about 2 weeks of being home and then it was back to Boston for more training. Whew! I got to see alot of historical sites while in Boston. I love big cities. After driving in Boston for 2 different I got pretty good in weaving in and out of the heavy traffic. Boston drivers do not care whether you have a signal on to change lanes or not. It is every man (or woman) for himself. I went to Concord and to the site for the "shot that was heard around the world" and searched through old, old cemeteries. I went to Plymouth and saw the Mayflower. I was home for about 6 hours and then it was off again on another plane......

Warren, I, and another couple flew to Seattle and boarded the Norwegian Pearl for a cruise to Alaska. This was in celebration of our 30 year anniversary. We had a wonderful time. The weather was somewhat cool and drizzly. We saw lots of whales--and a method that they feed--called bubble feeding. It was great. Glaciers are very beautiful. Their blue color was amazing. Wish that they weren't breaking off (calving) so much. I can see the worry that some day they may be gone. It was wonderful to spend 8 days without work with Warren.

Here is some pictures of our Alaskan adventure:

End of a perfect anniversary!