tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10543066920485397022024-03-14T11:49:38.356-07:00Life in the ShoehouseBonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17739373431512629431noreply@blogger.comBlogger97125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1054306692048539702.post-13653840231501886332011-10-23T22:01:00.000-07:002011-10-23T22:01:53.579-07:00TOFWA few years ago in Las Vegas I discovered a program called Time Out For Women. It's based on the principle that when our kids need a break and a chance to regroup we put them on "time out", but do we ever give ourselves a "time out" to regroup. It is a weekend away from your usual routine and an opportunity to laugh, cry, be uplifted and encouraged. Since then I have tried to attend whenever the program comes to the city I am living in or near. This year the closest event was in Reno. When I received the flyer I dismissed it at first because I would have to travel and pay hotel fees as well as registration fees but after a few months of the ups and downs of life (and I admit over those months it seemed like the downs outnumbered the ups) I started thinking seriously about going. Thankfully I have a wonderful considerate husband who recognized my need for a "time out". I think he was more than ready to put me on time out if I didn't go on my own! So on October 14th & 15th Katie, Andrea and I headed for Reno to take our "time out". The theme of this years event was Choose to Become. We had a wonderful weekend with inspired talks on learning to believe in ourselves, getting out of our own way, trusting Heavenly Father. There was great music, lots of laughter and a few tears. We learned a lot about ourselves and what we want and need to do to Become the women Heavenly Father would have us be. They challenged us to choose one thing we can do to Become closer to who it is we want to be and not to leave what we had learned in the convention center parking lot. On our way home Katie, Andrea, and I talked about what we personally took away from the program and what we want to accomplish in our lives. We set some daily goals that will help us reach our larger goals and agreed to return and report to each other on how we are doing. I am so grateful to have attended this event right after General Conference. Having the two weekends so close together helped to increase the power of the messages to me that Heavenly Father knows and loves me. I am thankful for Katie and Andrea's company that weekend, for the support they gave me to follow through on what I want to accomplish. While my kids are now old enough that they no longer need to be put on time out I hope I never miss an opportunity to put myself at Time Out. Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08356185310111754552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1054306692048539702.post-81293231001752688922011-10-23T21:34:00.000-07:002011-10-23T21:34:27.270-07:00Fun with the Great PumpkinGreg and Carinna came up for a visit in mid-October so we decided to go have some fun. Dixon CA has one of the worldest largest corn mazes. Since it's only an hour from us we decided to give it a try. Upon entering the maze Ty informed us that he would be our GPS for the trip through the maze. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqiO0kxHNjGRAhd1TNGktFPrqbZTRC4-1Vt3BaNmSw878b2khQfimVI0uuDizTsUbMm9mZIMwNdUN039f6_4mPM4_r9pBdK75aik_GpvbKylhEvA4EZ5lL-P9cJi2LF3sXZUa50vBmFq6/s1600/Pumpkin+patch+001a.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqiO0kxHNjGRAhd1TNGktFPrqbZTRC4-1Vt3BaNmSw878b2khQfimVI0uuDizTsUbMm9mZIMwNdUN039f6_4mPM4_r9pBdK75aik_GpvbKylhEvA4EZ5lL-P9cJi2LF3sXZUa50vBmFq6/s320/Pumpkin+patch+001a.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Greg, Carinna, our GPS system (other wise known as Tyler) and I somewhere in the first half of the maze.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDfSKLJfXGP9nlhx2IX2JDE0oc2OuO7HarV2LSXw2EEoNbSi7UMUmtrtlcp0zA9qiY7NxZhTqoeQrmLfsU1VU-DwLGf3V24uSeKNG7FOxvzyngOesWbdWsq_tKVXi9aJEi4BX1KGW9T8X/s1600/Pumpkin+patch+003a.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDfSKLJfXGP9nlhx2IX2JDE0oc2OuO7HarV2LSXw2EEoNbSi7UMUmtrtlcp0zA9qiY7NxZhTqoeQrmLfsU1VU-DwLGf3V24uSeKNG7FOxvzyngOesWbdWsq_tKVXi9aJEi4BX1KGW9T8X/s320/Pumpkin+patch+003a.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>GPS guiding Greg<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zI59ZiVIdKA1rw4kP7bWxxfzupAhNLiTotfolOF_m2uFG6rfOugxswOYe_-bBDEPGIgIS8EM54WHNA4sBXSH5jGZX1dBlFtAKIqxkz0nClzK1H1qDvSbwH1-DXfi3Dgj18tHvO0Gupm2/s1600/Pumpkin+patch+004a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zI59ZiVIdKA1rw4kP7bWxxfzupAhNLiTotfolOF_m2uFG6rfOugxswOYe_-bBDEPGIgIS8EM54WHNA4sBXSH5jGZX1dBlFtAKIqxkz0nClzK1H1qDvSbwH1-DXfi3Dgj18tHvO0Gupm2/s320/Pumpkin+patch+004a.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We caught up with Brian and hit the half way point where a nice employee offered to take our picture on the center bridge<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWoO3a4VdN1kq5DoxtclTayTojU8jksc0JnQKSOBnfoL9cdOvaz4Uw9EO3ER0-vd0tU_dkwmJQa6_jO8Iap5thh14ER3fnGmw8VViGHg9qTqmY3nUwy9FqxEg-5cf06PYejW-GuaLyETgB/s1600/Pumpkin+patch+007a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWoO3a4VdN1kq5DoxtclTayTojU8jksc0JnQKSOBnfoL9cdOvaz4Uw9EO3ER0-vd0tU_dkwmJQa6_jO8Iap5thh14ER3fnGmw8VViGHg9qTqmY3nUwy9FqxEg-5cf06PYejW-GuaLyETgB/s320/Pumpkin+patch+007a.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Having navigated the maze successfully in 45 minutes our GPS needed a break. What better place to relax than in a giant corn bath?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcj5O2-kJg2gD-nCVOT2FuUkSRnvYCMm5_KtKAjB72Ero65Qwb17MnwKeezqIetdmao7YWMXGO5erTYYZZpr4n2mv1CRYDz5GZU5754QUv-QJVNCitNqHYOi4ZL4STWXhtbbIHdUeVZ2Qp/s1600/Pumpkin+patch+015a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcj5O2-kJg2gD-nCVOT2FuUkSRnvYCMm5_KtKAjB72Ero65Qwb17MnwKeezqIetdmao7YWMXGO5erTYYZZpr4n2mv1CRYDz5GZU5754QUv-QJVNCitNqHYOi4ZL4STWXhtbbIHdUeVZ2Qp/s320/Pumpkin+patch+015a.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Jaxon was a little less enthusiastic about the corn bath than GPS<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGyVrDkTfmBDRQGinLyRi1Q85dNMuVsUkuOGhrQizlCzfYpVcztvOiKnzuPDHQpF-IwyxwV_kmyvIIFDuy6owAW6xxCL1Oc4n7GYPNpVJwpockrvWsyFOmWtnRMA29eVYvy3wkb-ercDid/s1600/Pumpkin+patch+029a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGyVrDkTfmBDRQGinLyRi1Q85dNMuVsUkuOGhrQizlCzfYpVcztvOiKnzuPDHQpF-IwyxwV_kmyvIIFDuy6owAW6xxCL1Oc4n7GYPNpVJwpockrvWsyFOmWtnRMA29eVYvy3wkb-ercDid/s320/Pumpkin+patch+029a.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The corn maze is in the same location as Cool Patch Pumpkins so of course we had to explore the pumpkin patch. GPS took mommy for a tour on the pedal car in search of the Great Pumpkin.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzolSSg6N2mZHvW0ZFWFOQXfb3PPvOZYHDmujh5vZKwMYVt8zWk-v_W9oCFZithQq-ktQxediyQFwJNIaJZ9PyR7Vu0BrVqhZ19bEEGMVrYguKRekSa-VHxyiGI36rw9gUEEt70EctlRb/s1600/Pumpkin+patch+042a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzolSSg6N2mZHvW0ZFWFOQXfb3PPvOZYHDmujh5vZKwMYVt8zWk-v_W9oCFZithQq-ktQxediyQFwJNIaJZ9PyR7Vu0BrVqhZ19bEEGMVrYguKRekSa-VHxyiGI36rw9gUEEt70EctlRb/s320/Pumpkin+patch+042a.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Not finding the Great Pumpkin with mommy GPS heads out again with daddy, Jaxon and uncle Greg <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHCYnVLKZE3Uc2WRE2NU923-WJSNhWKUndh6_luYmKb-L_BfmwIPdwz__7-LyzaoKhJXTfY-5lAS9GZ1kefVuFAt6wpyAdIaKZPHEMYjpkIBjr_6JqRrajtLDoBaDHw7WLDiwN7eth6CB/s1600/Pumpkin+patch+054a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHCYnVLKZE3Uc2WRE2NU923-WJSNhWKUndh6_luYmKb-L_BfmwIPdwz__7-LyzaoKhJXTfY-5lAS9GZ1kefVuFAt6wpyAdIaKZPHEMYjpkIBjr_6JqRrajtLDoBaDHw7WLDiwN7eth6CB/s320/Pumpkin+patch+054a.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Unable to find the great pumpkin GPS trys again with Riley and Kevin. Will the third time be the charm?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYQtqeEdfiXmA0sWWprbXlcVAxqiy6XW66T3_dQRvoQ8oke1PxuvHX6RLIKq4l7CU401jeYTLIMtyNjI84BCRerpEGMGHBLCX7yNkQ-kZC6cIes_sY-z9AoweFLMZVK82Feu5qf1NQPAO/s1600/Pumpkin+patch+057a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYQtqeEdfiXmA0sWWprbXlcVAxqiy6XW66T3_dQRvoQ8oke1PxuvHX6RLIKq4l7CU401jeYTLIMtyNjI84BCRerpEGMGHBLCX7yNkQ-kZC6cIes_sY-z9AoweFLMZVK82Feu5qf1NQPAO/s320/Pumpkin+patch+057a.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
Success at last! Riley finds her "great pumpkin"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNY7Rz42jy5j3ddVRFzLpyup0vyOCxHaOHUeouxy7BlSXg8wa_v3OW2v5X6g5dlpihP27t-KDWKhG-RacQM3G4EBlF_b91_CHq3YhSoCQEKyVxHjiKScfpJX5NGu6TrWvzgUeo2c-ET8oh/s1600/Pumpkin+patch+060a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNY7Rz42jy5j3ddVRFzLpyup0vyOCxHaOHUeouxy7BlSXg8wa_v3OW2v5X6g5dlpihP27t-KDWKhG-RacQM3G4EBlF_b91_CHq3YhSoCQEKyVxHjiKScfpJX5NGu6TrWvzgUeo2c-ET8oh/s320/Pumpkin+patch+060a.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>While GPS was busy taking eveyone out looking for the great pumpkin Joe and Katie were busy collecting pumpkins to carve. Two full wagons later our bank account said that's enough!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsHyxsJRWQl1xxeN02p8Xiu57Ou2DStSr0CySTtD-gEqOWd-CSmCu30zBzJmmCVKKE7gtlWu6rIo3axJrgkreD_wWSPnDIqKt1rusnNsHtGbVi5lh_6hDIDrnhNC0rJ3VUYH4-BLIubQS/s1600/Pumpkin+patch+063a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsHyxsJRWQl1xxeN02p8Xiu57Ou2DStSr0CySTtD-gEqOWd-CSmCu30zBzJmmCVKKE7gtlWu6rIo3axJrgkreD_wWSPnDIqKt1rusnNsHtGbVi5lh_6hDIDrnhNC0rJ3VUYH4-BLIubQS/s320/Pumpkin+patch+063a.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>After a long day of navigating corn mazes and searching for pumpkins Joe and I took a break with what appears to be the Sunkist Orange mascot (although I think it was supposed to be a pumpkin) before heading home. Lots of fun memories!Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08356185310111754552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1054306692048539702.post-2137158341466054702011-10-09T14:56:00.000-07:002011-10-09T15:04:33.873-07:00Craigslist strikes again!While I was in Arroyo Grande with Greg, Joe found an ad on Craigslist for free sod. All you had to do was rent a sod cutter and go remove it from the yard it was in and put it in your yard. Sounds easy right? NOT! I missed all the fun as Joe, Riley, Kevin, Kaitlin, our friend Virol, our neighbors son Tyler, and Brian worked all day Monday cutting it, rolling it, transporting it, and laying it. It actually took Tuesday and part of Wednesday to get it all in place but we LOVE our new yard. Thanks, Craigslist!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpI6JK_KJ_PAlFHupVrMOwjWCcLRe4FVKb996Zgx-UGj2jSsu300uwP4QZ6c5J4Nb6bQRty0tmjj0W8249ZpqqX7rYjN-33Rta8HXo0OCk4UUj7o3NYIJTUiArE3NuFeLRepLN2y7TrN1w/s1600/August+2011+015.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpI6JK_KJ_PAlFHupVrMOwjWCcLRe4FVKb996Zgx-UGj2jSsu300uwP4QZ6c5J4Nb6bQRty0tmjj0W8249ZpqqX7rYjN-33Rta8HXo0OCk4UUj7o3NYIJTUiArE3NuFeLRepLN2y7TrN1w/s320/August+2011+015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySrIspx497cYHiSLiKz4GYIoqoJIjbRldkzdbJqgNnS1-lgt8VsPl7PbomptaYs7qZmzOA5JK8OSaf0RUqoHq3ZE5sbmTycN5RUvIzJI4GcP6f6s15ozOGSi1-Qpx3aNimUOgUtBqEh6s/s1600/August+2011+014.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySrIspx497cYHiSLiKz4GYIoqoJIjbRldkzdbJqgNnS1-lgt8VsPl7PbomptaYs7qZmzOA5JK8OSaf0RUqoHq3ZE5sbmTycN5RUvIzJI4GcP6f6s15ozOGSi1-Qpx3aNimUOgUtBqEh6s/s320/August+2011+014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08356185310111754552noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1054306692048539702.post-9784665874310149462011-10-09T14:50:00.000-07:002011-10-09T14:50:10.494-07:00Before and AfterRiley decided to cut her hair. Here are the before and after shots.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJgnV7YDU5EBuTZhXDAlTB_vEihVws7Oz7KOeQGVmqrX0VBbClYJspacrQR5dMBkOn0koIpNX9XlWOWryMLgiCD-btqVE-tBk1gR96FHLsd6yuYRbzcg328WGIsTH2APNKCAi-zhLqvn-/s1600/002_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJgnV7YDU5EBuTZhXDAlTB_vEihVws7Oz7KOeQGVmqrX0VBbClYJspacrQR5dMBkOn0koIpNX9XlWOWryMLgiCD-btqVE-tBk1gR96FHLsd6yuYRbzcg328WGIsTH2APNKCAi-zhLqvn-/s320/002_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi900WPBHQg6V_5yq_p1a2hbB4K5GQF5nwcfki3Kh0YB4VpdfuB7biweykaZXLH59JYu58EjHhdeqclAVwVxzAGIpKbuWRDYvPmF_72DFbkfquST-PA-fWPwrmfiBelnhQSgz8xHUOPqxY4/s1600/phone+pics+2+036a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi900WPBHQg6V_5yq_p1a2hbB4K5GQF5nwcfki3Kh0YB4VpdfuB7biweykaZXLH59JYu58EjHhdeqclAVwVxzAGIpKbuWRDYvPmF_72DFbkfquST-PA-fWPwrmfiBelnhQSgz8xHUOPqxY4/s320/phone+pics+2+036a.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08356185310111754552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1054306692048539702.post-72934469672212553302011-09-14T17:07:00.000-07:002011-09-14T17:07:00.999-07:00Playing catch up yet again<div><div><div>It's been a busy few months. In April our 6th grandson was born - Jaxon Walker Butler son of Brian and Katie and little brother to Tyler. We love having two little guys in the house. On the 20th Joe and I celebrated our 32nd anniversary by attending the temple and going out to dinner.<br />
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At the beginning of May we headed down to Disneyland to spend a few days with Andrea, Todd and their boys. We had a blast with them. We took Ty with us so he could spend some time with Avery and Kaeden. They had such fun playing and riding rides together. Of course Papa spoiled all of them and we came home with a stash of pirate gear. At the end of May Kaitlin graduated from seminary. Nine down one to go. By the time Kevin graduates from seminary in 2013 we will have had a child in seminary for 19 year straight.<br />
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In June Joe had surgery on his left knee to fix a torn minicus. Then we headed to Las Vegas to help Andrea and Todd move into a new home. That was lots of fun! We got to babysit the boys and I got to decide where everything went in the kitchen as Andrea had to work.<br />
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July brought one of our greatest blessings as Amanda was sealed to Brian Carson in the San Diego Temple. We had the entire family together so of course we took new family pictures (when I say "we" I really mean Katie took new pictures for us) which is no easy feat since there are now 24 of us total. Todd pointed out that in 10 years our family has literally doubled in size. Kevin turned 16 and Kaitlin turned 18 while we were in San Diego. They are growing up too ffast! Shortly after coming home from San Diego Joe had a second surgery on his right knee as it had not healed well from the first one in October of last year. I was asked to do an interview for an online website called The Mormon Women Project. It was way outside of my comfort zone but with Joe's encouragement I did the interview and it is now posted at <a href="http://www.mormonwomen.com/">www.mormonwomen.com</a>. </div><div></div><div><br />
At the beginning of August I went to Arroyo Grande to be with Greg and Carinna as Greg was having a cervical fusion to repair a ruptured disc in his neck. A year ago I was in Denver with Amanda while she had her lower back fused. I hope there are no more August fusions in my future! I returned home in time for Joe to return to work in mid- August. After two days back he bent over to pick up his shoes and pinched a nerve in his back which led toanother 3 weeks off work. Talk about a long vacation! He was off work the entire summer (maybe he should have been a teacher!) Kaitlin started college at the end of August and Riley came home from college for a few months. </div><div>September brought the beginning of Kevin's junior year of high school and my birthday. Joe took me to lunch and then we went to the temple. When we arrived home I had a houseful of unexpected guests as Katie, Brian, Joe, Riley, Kaitlin, Kevin and Tyler had planned a surprise party for me. It was so much fun!</div><div></div><div>Brian, Katie, Tyler, and Jaxon left for Alaska. They will be gone for 10 days spending time with Katie's family and touring Denali National Park. We can't wait to see all of Katie's fabulous pictures when they return! Joe was finally cleared to go back to work today leaving the house very quiet and giving me the chance to catch up on my blog! </div></div></div>Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08356185310111754552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1054306692048539702.post-69218044716842655082011-03-31T14:36:00.000-07:002011-03-31T14:40:32.619-07:00More uses for duct tapeOn Tuesday I had surgery to fix two pinched nerves and a problem with the tendon in my right arm. Everything went well and I am recovering nicely. I cannot straighten my arm yet so everyday Joe or Brian help me to stretch it out and try to straighten it a little more. Since I cannot hold it straight for any length of time Brian has offered to duct tape it down to my leg for me. Thanks Bri!Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08356185310111754552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1054306692048539702.post-37836024772151641652011-03-21T11:52:00.001-07:002011-03-21T12:10:50.295-07:00All in a days workJoe built a lookout tower in the tree for the kids to play in awhile ago but Tyler wanted a fort, so Brian decided to build one in the backyard which would attach to the lookout tower. The result? A castle of course!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7MAWn3JCc-aQxAKHcpfSbc_wRsKYf273X6BxvmebaytF-fTeJoNLw7moHcqcVYLZskIL7E24J-3yArgwNh1UVcHxU_J_Nvge1Y3Pd-jUqI3D1Wtyf63FGC6w1D4taBN3HSRqbfYhwmBL/s1600/Ty%2527s+fort+003a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586609749437362674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7MAWn3JCc-aQxAKHcpfSbc_wRsKYf273X6BxvmebaytF-fTeJoNLw7moHcqcVYLZskIL7E24J-3yArgwNh1UVcHxU_J_Nvge1Y3Pd-jUqI3D1Wtyf63FGC6w1D4taBN3HSRqbfYhwmBL/s320/Ty%2527s+fort+003a.JPG" /></a><br />Brian, Ty & Kevin hard at work. Although she doesn't appear in the pictures Kaitlin was hard at work on the other side of the building.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2-6nLebzNAwxoyFMTx-J0EDy_s30y7rnCMC4WAbwNi0H6bCjb4Jt7pbB_fennv8hwFDTO87JAXas73e9taNy4ndxFGMawHuxoxn6R0fwX95SDwKS-pgZa250hmtgkBYS52FRZGuJzSik/s1600/Ty%2527s+fort+007a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586609744165945986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2-6nLebzNAwxoyFMTx-J0EDy_s30y7rnCMC4WAbwNi0H6bCjb4Jt7pbB_fennv8hwFDTO87JAXas73e9taNy4ndxFGMawHuxoxn6R0fwX95SDwKS-pgZa250hmtgkBYS52FRZGuJzSik/s320/Ty%2527s+fort+007a.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHuynv5AxABiAfOUIKEBMZQPeEd-bjjVrdo9ttloGZcHnaU7lRGiGQG3dL-OoYOE-_GO-UpjYXSDE56pqb6-xSVUzbbJi-D_6K4TlVSZmWeGfiuBwLJ72vDAk3onGKFH44XC4_x2vYqWCN/s1600/Ty%2527s+fort+010a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586609733931887250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHuynv5AxABiAfOUIKEBMZQPeEd-bjjVrdo9ttloGZcHnaU7lRGiGQG3dL-OoYOE-_GO-UpjYXSDE56pqb6-xSVUzbbJi-D_6K4TlVSZmWeGfiuBwLJ72vDAk3onGKFH44XC4_x2vYqWCN/s320/Ty%2527s+fort+010a.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-ravqzRHpBlWrOn38tja8PlkYreOMjJP0H2pbsU5z_f0thjf-2xIq9y4eF_AqYF9-5doSXQONZaIR8_E0uBwk-mRJlfyF8qoM7IL0CoKJFMwYcqngl3EaTbwpA0KDyjjnSyIHA1kyAX4/s1600/Ty%2527s+fort+016a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586609731733968098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-ravqzRHpBlWrOn38tja8PlkYreOMjJP0H2pbsU5z_f0thjf-2xIq9y4eF_AqYF9-5doSXQONZaIR8_E0uBwk-mRJlfyF8qoM7IL0CoKJFMwYcqngl3EaTbwpA0KDyjjnSyIHA1kyAX4/s320/Ty%2527s+fort+016a.JPG" /></a><br />Ty trying to hide inside<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaszl1xirFedH1VH9bRqLqoQ2qudExsLmvGjYml8zvxEjsMZpla5X5tbj-xG3S66vHrS-d0Hz4gMpTkG_J5aeE3-d7kVR7UHPd2zSLvP3CyfG147Dc8Ru2BnObDwyMdGgJC3Wl7lzQPhmv/s1600/Craigslist+finds+018a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586608865648851522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaszl1xirFedH1VH9bRqLqoQ2qudExsLmvGjYml8zvxEjsMZpla5X5tbj-xG3S66vHrS-d0Hz4gMpTkG_J5aeE3-d7kVR7UHPd2zSLvP3CyfG147Dc8Ru2BnObDwyMdGgJC3Wl7lzQPhmv/s320/Craigslist+finds+018a.JPG" /></a><br />The ladder to the second story<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-SlyWlxJgbj8spmgaHbJrgrgVsLm0hXxKi-To8Xh_nG0wWzFzWwZjGtTNBp6iyXqtWK5G0SZ8mE6GYARf4DyBQV1sV6mnra6xcLxl4RZqU2h8p2FufRSaNQ5R8nEAAB5k8fFxPA4y_O1/s1600/Craigslist+finds+006a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586608864741162626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-SlyWlxJgbj8spmgaHbJrgrgVsLm0hXxKi-To8Xh_nG0wWzFzWwZjGtTNBp6iyXqtWK5G0SZ8mE6GYARf4DyBQV1sV6mnra6xcLxl4RZqU2h8p2FufRSaNQ5R8nEAAB5k8fFxPA4y_O1/s320/Craigslist+finds+006a.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JNHSICDhUFt8r5cnAeA5SnI_Oy3ilj-PFG_loJiWAGRk7X_NWS5zDlqu5oI-CLEVhDOG8UAKtJuCueMmfMOsaEDC7Zllgh38H8_G6iHReNQYU8V00puQYkqccoeUYtyjBa2tv_v9DM_w/s1600/Craigslist+finds+010a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586608858937375426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JNHSICDhUFt8r5cnAeA5SnI_Oy3ilj-PFG_loJiWAGRk7X_NWS5zDlqu5oI-CLEVhDOG8UAKtJuCueMmfMOsaEDC7Zllgh38H8_G6iHReNQYU8V00puQYkqccoeUYtyjBa2tv_v9DM_w/s320/Craigslist+finds+010a.JPG" /></a><br />Ty wanted trees outside the door and flower boxes on the windows. Katie and I will make him a flag to fly on top but we have not been able to convince them that it needs flower curtains on the windows. Papa and daddy are trying to figure out how to make the drawbridge go up and down without electricity. So far they have not found a way to make it feasible for a 3 year old to manage by himself. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08356185310111754552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1054306692048539702.post-64285855126393736352011-03-21T11:33:00.000-07:002011-03-21T11:51:10.626-07:00More Craigslist FindsHere are a couple of the free items that Joe has found for us on Craigslist.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpd1xvsDrwxwV-BcY_MapXxAk-cqSacUO_hAbw_GhlSLDgNDK2bjEhssg4hTfbGHq5ZpJ5OTRD6KuzXoh_cFF9FF6glkvSqqAcKuUXMKheuMX-TeZDs8gzeLtul7aMa2HePmesEPt6KU_9/s1600/Craigslist+finds+002a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586604066295178914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpd1xvsDrwxwV-BcY_MapXxAk-cqSacUO_hAbw_GhlSLDgNDK2bjEhssg4hTfbGHq5ZpJ5OTRD6KuzXoh_cFF9FF6glkvSqqAcKuUXMKheuMX-TeZDs8gzeLtul7aMa2HePmesEPt6KU_9/s320/Craigslist+finds+002a.JPG" /></a><br />8 person hot tub. We had to completely reside it but it was worth it.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8KMMk_pcluUEsQYFmsg-A1pSrItnB_bvtR7jmJedw3X-alXebuSwHgdHJEstJd273dnPN8TAwwouJp8I2Nc2lzgjVuwhZXAL87c6sIa88JtCwCx6FLrg6H3vZfU-SD8aOUqtmwLMdbXy/s1600/Craigslist+finds+013a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586604072136418594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8KMMk_pcluUEsQYFmsg-A1pSrItnB_bvtR7jmJedw3X-alXebuSwHgdHJEstJd273dnPN8TAwwouJp8I2Nc2lzgjVuwhZXAL87c6sIa88JtCwCx6FLrg6H3vZfU-SD8aOUqtmwLMdbXy/s320/Craigslist+finds+013a.JPG" /></a><br />Redwood gazebo. Brian & Joe had to completely disassemble this at the previous owners home and then reassemble it in our backyard. Lots of fun but since it was free they were okay with it.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGd_pKBaqz-XjYSZGCq-XU-yzFYpb_iJ9lqExKvIclQULtwubnh4orUWo4P0MHr12d032Qqag6uLtWpEQkhz8NJYxH0OmgYM0Tk7mC9J5_zYKEd4qxnFj1i17ZQe6KVFlJteXuGpsGdHQ/s1600/Craigslist+finds+017a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586604072231586818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGd_pKBaqz-XjYSZGCq-XU-yzFYpb_iJ9lqExKvIclQULtwubnh4orUWo4P0MHr12d032Qqag6uLtWpEQkhz8NJYxH0OmgYM0Tk7mC9J5_zYKEd4qxnFj1i17ZQe6KVFlJteXuGpsGdHQ/s320/Craigslist+finds+017a.JPG" /></a><br />Joe brought home this concrete culvert from work and turned it into a firepit. Slowly but surely we are getting the yard done. Now if only someone would give away some sod!Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08356185310111754552noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1054306692048539702.post-28037050161685569302011-03-20T21:56:00.000-07:002011-03-20T22:01:28.975-07:00About timeAfter four years and three months of dating Brian Carson finally proposed to Amanda. We are thrilled! They will be sealed in the San Diego Temple this summer. The year is off to such a great start! New furniture, new paint, new carpet, a new son-in-law, a new grandbaby, I mean really - what more could anyone ask?Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08356185310111754552noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1054306692048539702.post-57079585198674300542011-03-20T21:19:00.000-07:002011-03-20T21:55:15.064-07:00More paintOne of the changes in the living room was new carpet. The carpet that came with the house was poor quality and was pretty worn even though we've only been here for 4 years. Along with the living room we decided to replace the carpet on the stairs, in the loft and upstairs hallways. Brian & Katie also replaced the carpet in their bedroom & Tylers room. We've been wanting to repaint the upstairs for several years now but had been putting it off. There's nothing like replacing the carpet to motivate the painting. So we once again began the discussions of what color to use. Fortunately for us Brian & Katie had bought more paint than they needed for their room & Tylers room so we used the left over paint and redid the entire loft and upstairs halls. The carpet arrived at the end of February and was installed right away. It was quite an adventure having the guys here all day installing carpet and Tyler thinking that he was one of them and should be allowed to help. One of the installers had his nose pierced and Tyler asked him why he had a staple through his nose. The guy replyed that "It seemed like a good idea at the time" to which Tyler responded that he should be more careful with the staple gun and that he (Tyler) could use a staple gun without getting a staple in his nose. We all had a good laugh. Thankfully the guy was a good sport and did not get upset. The walls are much lighter than they were before and I love the contrast between the light walls and the dark carpet. It is so nice to walk on soft floors! It is amazing to me how much difference there is now between the old and new carpet. With all the changes and rearranging of things we have teased Katie about spreading her "nesting" to the rest of us. She is only 4 weeks from delivery and while I really love the changes in the house I do hope we are done for awhile.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUigjO7bNjUrSWpK8mWNGp2jbi3Kb6ydvAUIrQtyP87-kkxaRi3FpYSqFpdKN4qZb4OiToH_p3TIQKlxBPGSsuIutMf3i_8a4vOpsR-KIY19zkOyD7Kkvleg83LUVDwugmAqFvFDC0XYBN/s1600/Loft+008a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586389313342535666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUigjO7bNjUrSWpK8mWNGp2jbi3Kb6ydvAUIrQtyP87-kkxaRi3FpYSqFpdKN4qZb4OiToH_p3TIQKlxBPGSsuIutMf3i_8a4vOpsR-KIY19zkOyD7Kkvleg83LUVDwugmAqFvFDC0XYBN/s320/Loft+008a.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKenjkAwzmd6XIV9_Av8QcbEFfdokHdLSbOWUiaYor-EzIjycaw0BQrVbmJmYjJJmK7Ire_w_Y_6C9jbMYIjB55bbm9tyIJyVv_XrxFHSv-vqyI_zsZNJTafLFR3N0-A2yPeVQRM-I7Lrd/s1600/Loft+006a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586389307345465506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKenjkAwzmd6XIV9_Av8QcbEFfdokHdLSbOWUiaYor-EzIjycaw0BQrVbmJmYjJJmK7Ire_w_Y_6C9jbMYIjB55bbm9tyIJyVv_XrxFHSv-vqyI_zsZNJTafLFR3N0-A2yPeVQRM-I7Lrd/s320/Loft+006a.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNji5StiJZIatGZ87hDP97JNH8msfeh716lPC0NEAXOL3oA1d0MT3lM4KempnpmCI4RlMDJPiMGbWzVvqipVTc-ZZk-OFx38cDlCJADauJXOIWWKB_dnsQVwmiisusQjhDjKFCwCvbmqX/s1600/Loft+002a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586389303220881154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNji5StiJZIatGZ87hDP97JNH8msfeh716lPC0NEAXOL3oA1d0MT3lM4KempnpmCI4RlMDJPiMGbWzVvqipVTc-ZZk-OFx38cDlCJADauJXOIWWKB_dnsQVwmiisusQjhDjKFCwCvbmqX/s320/Loft+002a.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWSEld4IWfO5p5GWuhZ6A-jdksqoo9oMruEwwWNwVUR1R2ZqgzDqljz0wtHl8XrYwn2pkzyii4YaYA7QUDJqlY2Hb_38K3zJG5TXrJ5_P9E7zhl8baYJ0msRWROqVEojiptUmx8upkRhk/s1600/Loft+001a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586389303330232706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWSEld4IWfO5p5GWuhZ6A-jdksqoo9oMruEwwWNwVUR1R2ZqgzDqljz0wtHl8XrYwn2pkzyii4YaYA7QUDJqlY2Hb_38K3zJG5TXrJ5_P9E7zhl8baYJ0msRWROqVEojiptUmx8upkRhk/s320/Loft+001a.JPG" /></a>Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08356185310111754552noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1054306692048539702.post-81259638954802392011-03-20T19:37:00.000-07:002011-03-20T21:19:13.302-07:00My how time flies!!Ok so I knew I had not posted for awhile but over 3 months - that was a shock to see! As always life is never dull in the Shoehouse. Christmas came and went with lots of joy and love, was that really 3 months ago? January brought many changes in our home. First off I have to say that Joe has an addiction to Craigslist that I just cannot understand. I guess it's the thrill of finding a bargain - or better yet a freebie. Despite my forbidding this behavior (like I can forbid him anything!) he continues to search the list daily. I did ask if he was going to search the list would he at least look for things we really need instead of just finding things for fun. We ended up getting a new set of sofa's for our living room which was really nice. We moved the old living room set to the family room - much to Tyler's dismay - and I finally got rid of my mismatched couches in the family room. The first morning Tyler came down and saw the living room furniture in the family room he cried "I want the old ones back! I can't play on these." The fun began when we realized the new sofa's did not match the wall color or the drapes in the living room which set off a chain reaction of events resulting in an entirely new room. Katie knew that one of the ladies at church was getting a degree in interior design & suggested we call her. We bartered her design services for Katie's photograhs of the finished product for her portfolio. So after Amie's first visit we spent several days - or maybe it was weeks - trying to agree on a new wall color. After having sample cards taped to the wall for several days we narrowed it down to four and bought sample sizes of each one. After painting them on the wall we scrapped them all and started over. I lost count of how many colors we actually looked at but we finally found one that we could agree on and the work began. Removing all the furniture, cleaning walls, taping baseboards & crown moulding, windows, etc. While we were busy painting Amie was busy trying to find accessories and drapes to match the new furniture. It was a great agreement. I destest shopping and Amie loves it. So she did all the shopping and brought everything over. All I had to do was choose what I liked and she returned the rest. With her help and gudiance we have a room that we absolutely love and thanks to Katie, Amie will have another set of photo's for her portfolio. Here's the finished product photographed by Joe on our little camera since Katie's are not done yet.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QGbXaVEhjzr-H5cMDCTJz58V0FkXJ9DT5VS0cRG1LTND2M7KyqG7QcFWOMa5nabQw50tHQgqIi5849DCkfo5qgQrhOTrUnQVTLgvoh-HCitBbpTy4Qpl-mI6daEV4-jK_9W3cLWU47xp/s1600/New+living+room+002a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586374366517245090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QGbXaVEhjzr-H5cMDCTJz58V0FkXJ9DT5VS0cRG1LTND2M7KyqG7QcFWOMa5nabQw50tHQgqIi5849DCkfo5qgQrhOTrUnQVTLgvoh-HCitBbpTy4Qpl-mI6daEV4-jK_9W3cLWU47xp/s320/New+living+room+002a.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvjUB06oW50VkgzK-RLaO6LKYsvwXhzH98uxYdCLhunx4Ozzspk4lWYGa8YBrM-Q5KW3ynw0HAx-l7SQf0niIa51vJ72wlMrX2NcfVu0ZPYL0oK-tGBaDOvKko_1Mr8yVRgtOwXTkBIsi/s1600/New+living+room+001a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586374362716254562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvjUB06oW50VkgzK-RLaO6LKYsvwXhzH98uxYdCLhunx4Ozzspk4lWYGa8YBrM-Q5KW3ynw0HAx-l7SQf0niIa51vJ72wlMrX2NcfVu0ZPYL0oK-tGBaDOvKko_1Mr8yVRgtOwXTkBIsi/s320/New+living+room+001a.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkeF6kyhTr9OuGS2_DJjuDUbM5nMAvesPC3_UyFsOF4a7QSZq0hxk27ZAGWtpFcaonaZY5cdUR7lWPN88OGAL6_M0bmUTzvBgFNMH-sYXad8DEyxj7a5tLwHnZuvvqzPimYyQfvdDvTqYp/s1600/New+living+room+003a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586374371804531074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkeF6kyhTr9OuGS2_DJjuDUbM5nMAvesPC3_UyFsOF4a7QSZq0hxk27ZAGWtpFcaonaZY5cdUR7lWPN88OGAL6_M0bmUTzvBgFNMH-sYXad8DEyxj7a5tLwHnZuvvqzPimYyQfvdDvTqYp/s320/New+living+room+003a.JPG" /></a> </div><div> </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VBWiRCWcDSqJOvyREcGk2iBpMG9_sxM7FAiY3USxvE6F02T6xPrgNkUzeOy3x5U9v1VwNZyK8ywKtrTw57RY6sxULKutPhcCVSFL2XNx35QsC2Dscv-6TdCAhRHpEfyz5gH7C7K5vt6y/s1600/New+living+room+005a.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586374143758960546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VBWiRCWcDSqJOvyREcGk2iBpMG9_sxM7FAiY3USxvE6F02T6xPrgNkUzeOy3x5U9v1VwNZyK8ywKtrTw57RY6sxULKutPhcCVSFL2XNx35QsC2Dscv-6TdCAhRHpEfyz5gH7C7K5vt6y/s320/New+living+room+005a.JPG" /></a> </div></div>Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08356185310111754552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1054306692048539702.post-21120876445755035762010-12-14T12:24:00.001-08:002010-12-14T12:37:52.541-08:00FHE FunThe City of Folsom opens a temporary ice rink during the holidays so we decided to go have some fun for family home evening.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1khON9STHs9xzPKwbzhUSjrdd9hQMgs6De-L0H47OCsZmYVoK1nRT6mfaAPJM7n_eBPR3fWHnod_JHONZBVFeHoh8igmDcSTLmJ0MzslEZtXOQAiD1jHcI2oEn_G7c2rhz7xb9qhxOzqk/s1600/December+13+2010+001a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 305px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550637187213645074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1khON9STHs9xzPKwbzhUSjrdd9hQMgs6De-L0H47OCsZmYVoK1nRT6mfaAPJM7n_eBPR3fWHnod_JHONZBVFeHoh8igmDcSTLmJ0MzslEZtXOQAiD1jHcI2oEn_G7c2rhz7xb9qhxOzqk/s320/December+13+2010+001a.JPG" /></a><br />Tyler all ready to get started<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDu7exukZTHF-f1Tl2VqwBUMDAy6nncVXb1udN5uC-97N6SOPKCiTOM1zZw8gjYikRc8ONHsNjCgCgj_XK_F_eodQUTzhZHODqdgkeejtB0lxIEAvVXYc2lce5ftNEGqHQDaGilI4HVia/s1600/December+13+2010+004a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 291px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550637082770928850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDu7exukZTHF-f1Tl2VqwBUMDAy6nncVXb1udN5uC-97N6SOPKCiTOM1zZw8gjYikRc8ONHsNjCgCgj_XK_F_eodQUTzhZHODqdgkeejtB0lxIEAvVXYc2lce5ftNEGqHQDaGilI4HVia/s320/December+13+2010+004a.JPG" /></a><br />Gran & daddy helping out<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pKY3g7Hsu6gkpxjF_bHVm-1SijG2MstNYDqnveRVQReZ8ogJcvnematUEdS9eObt6aML7iFkYij6JPu87sE-rHUxwwZJudjg33T339kBDv0ih9pGjFYYFP0DCOrJdGE-V_yAxTfDk1nF/s1600/December+13+2010+006a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550637071864688738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pKY3g7Hsu6gkpxjF_bHVm-1SijG2MstNYDqnveRVQReZ8ogJcvnematUEdS9eObt6aML7iFkYij6JPu87sE-rHUxwwZJudjg33T339kBDv0ih9pGjFYYFP0DCOrJdGE-V_yAxTfDk1nF/s320/December+13+2010+006a.JPG" /></a><br />On my own! They had these tubs that little kids could use to balance themselves while they learned to move on their skates. Tyler had a lot of fun with them.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jFayuTRomRLdgiVzWUCwmITaptdB9kU5_tuiBKSG_sMYpJbVV6GyRBCWoo20H6vw6yx9yoD245ISf39Twn4JJWS86z2LJZwwul1gan3PZcQ9lClDsN7w4LXAIH-lfAT1CJ3wsfq-y69R/s1600/December+13+2010+013a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550637065801172786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jFayuTRomRLdgiVzWUCwmITaptdB9kU5_tuiBKSG_sMYpJbVV6GyRBCWoo20H6vw6yx9yoD245ISf39Twn4JJWS86z2LJZwwul1gan3PZcQ9lClDsN7w4LXAIH-lfAT1CJ3wsfq-y69R/s320/December+13+2010+013a.JPG" /></a><br />Daddy helping Ty do some smooth moves<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsivOTUoxm8AzUSTDgZbITQ3mEXcTRYi_74E263ZeusValaEzUBYL4cM4fY0T3LluBOws4pbRBQF9WRCPnrHO1uRdAwVfvSPwmWHM3JRKwFDoznonNhAxsXeNekyGgeMDvapyp60AFme_/s1600/December+13+2010+018a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550637054208940578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsivOTUoxm8AzUSTDgZbITQ3mEXcTRYi_74E263ZeusValaEzUBYL4cM4fY0T3LluBOws4pbRBQF9WRCPnrHO1uRdAwVfvSPwmWHM3JRKwFDoznonNhAxsXeNekyGgeMDvapyp60AFme_/s320/December+13+2010+018a.JPG" /></a><br />Kelly & Kaitlin helping me stay upright<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3wxdV-mdsOipxK5Psq_mPOS_FqfzqMzfOflDGJazGuTdkvBsJpukCoaRUx6Ghq702fVQdQl4wiryMTUdAixEKMIU_RPiouuevn2u7paW0bhH6gycyQqj4DIya_zgi7Q4kcwaZaMlBvFY/s1600/December+13+2010+019a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550637046947412002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3wxdV-mdsOipxK5Psq_mPOS_FqfzqMzfOflDGJazGuTdkvBsJpukCoaRUx6Ghq702fVQdQl4wiryMTUdAixEKMIU_RPiouuevn2u7paW0bhH6gycyQqj4DIya_zgi7Q4kcwaZaMlBvFY/s320/December+13+2010+019a.JPG" /></a><br />Kevin, Kelly, me & Kaitlin</div><div> </div><div>We had a lot of fun despite a few falls. My elbow is nice and black where I landed on it. Brian & Chad say Kevin fell first and pulled me down with him which sounds good to me. Kevin fell several times as he is fearless in his efforts to show off his skills. Joe's back was out so he was sidelined with Amanda who is still recovering from her surgery and Katie who is 5 months pregnant. They made a great cheering section for the rest of us. </div></div></div></div>Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17739373431512629431noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1054306692048539702.post-79910798910571838732010-12-01T15:26:00.000-08:002010-12-01T15:45:15.351-08:00Long drive but so worth it!A week after arriving home from Denver we packed up the car and headed out on the road. We went to Salt Lake first to spend some time with my family. My parents anniversary was on November 1st. It was their 55th wedding anniversary and the 35th anniversary of our family sealing in the Salt Lake Temple. My dad asked if we could all meet in Salt Lake and go to the temple together as an anniversary gift to my mom. What a wonderful day!!! Four of my six siblings were able to make it. We had a really wonderful time being in the temple together and then got to catch up a bit with each other over lunch before we headed south to Las Vegas. Once in Vegas we got to meet our newest grandson Deklan. Carinna and Kelly could not make it but Brian, Katie, Tyler, Amanda, Andrea, Todd, Avery, Kaeden, Deklan, Greg, Brittney, Derek, Alex, Nick, Logan, Riley, Kaitlin and Kevin were all there. It was great! We were able to participate in Deklan's blessing and then go to the Las Vegas temple to do sealings. It really was an amazing week as I was in the temple on Wednesday with my parents and siblings and then in the temple Saturday with my kids. Truly a blessing and a chance to really feel the sealing power in a personal way.Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17739373431512629431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1054306692048539702.post-51087657648231445582010-12-01T14:31:00.001-08:002010-12-01T15:11:42.503-08:00Almost all my boysAt the beginning of November we went to Las Vegas for Deklan's blessing and a mini family reunion. Here are some of my favorite family members. The title says "almost" because Brian & Katie's new little boy won't be here til April, & I consider Brian,Greg,Todd,Derek & Nick my boys as well but they are not pictured.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69hOsZ2N4kCi1TnTTb4pDFgS6o7b0yhY8hbbOE14JfdPY6tQXoDF_NzQdLe4MPB3-d_YPRCX1BhECvIiWT_fi3FBumYEOLoMWBqOp8aVEtCggbyT4c1NYIszun19kN3Hgusu8_uDEFLZz/s1600/Vegas+Nov+2010+128a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545851685132045634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69hOsZ2N4kCi1TnTTb4pDFgS6o7b0yhY8hbbOE14JfdPY6tQXoDF_NzQdLe4MPB3-d_YPRCX1BhECvIiWT_fi3FBumYEOLoMWBqOp8aVEtCggbyT4c1NYIszun19kN3Hgusu8_uDEFLZz/s320/Vegas+Nov+2010+128a.JPG" /></a><br />Avery, Deklan, Kaeden, Logan, Tyler<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKrxORcFT_XdOLAszBbUX8FmVbmm7HeQjB_WjUwG0YjpRWdfCLmqkOuxyOIIqgybIj3KLtp051y5EbfVErlmtzCXlD-f3fbDr2Gf2FSLVm4yuvNhLXSpLqsarqXF3fqfFsk0q_g24nQC_/s1600/Vegas+Nov+2010+132a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545851677217020418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKrxORcFT_XdOLAszBbUX8FmVbmm7HeQjB_WjUwG0YjpRWdfCLmqkOuxyOIIqgybIj3KLtp051y5EbfVErlmtzCXlD-f3fbDr2Gf2FSLVm4yuvNhLXSpLqsarqXF3fqfFsk0q_g24nQC_/s320/Vegas+Nov+2010+132a.JPG" /></a><br />Avery, Deklan, Kaeden, Logan, Tyler<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qISA9TToKGp-bUdLhYw5XNn_pfBmbVV7tg6u52Nxxu3ELa25TzQ5ri5DeLCWbHCyKkOQ55VSb2TWK8u-_kctwEailETo12J45ZoqW7_5o1Ad7FdotFnNPtxXaLr-TmEo-nJTwk2ocyX-/s1600/Vegas+Nov+2010+124a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545851155942527586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qISA9TToKGp-bUdLhYw5XNn_pfBmbVV7tg6u52Nxxu3ELa25TzQ5ri5DeLCWbHCyKkOQ55VSb2TWK8u-_kctwEailETo12J45ZoqW7_5o1Ad7FdotFnNPtxXaLr-TmEo-nJTwk2ocyX-/s320/Vegas+Nov+2010+124a.JPG" /></a><br />Avery & Tyler<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1PYj4AoCLW3hGgt2TM57JFtij0fRSUqruG-IoSCXU-7HOgVkb52ppUxXqVOkv-zUXloqWqXMYMCPXgYDyvJdXrQ4OlZDidUfbtvD1zhDkQXgLADR7MLPk-jJOqS8X1GXLJ4DhaLsmZTA/s1600/Vegas+Nov+2010+123a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545851147507721954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1PYj4AoCLW3hGgt2TM57JFtij0fRSUqruG-IoSCXU-7HOgVkb52ppUxXqVOkv-zUXloqWqXMYMCPXgYDyvJdXrQ4OlZDidUfbtvD1zhDkQXgLADR7MLPk-jJOqS8X1GXLJ4DhaLsmZTA/s320/Vegas+Nov+2010+123a.JPG" /></a><br />Avery, Tyler, & Kaeden<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDA2ib6FeOQbPvqMSxSPfHBGYleEImEgC78ueP19qcqUuRVzHE2Gtr-EIMoyGX7Zjd4cV7Myql0cOE8AEPOy2AQcec1UjYWRlfGTYE_lk-IsXXlk1nuRwqTikAe_vLfJJcvqfKe1JgNuV1/s1600/Vegas+Nov+2010+122a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545851141289047122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDA2ib6FeOQbPvqMSxSPfHBGYleEImEgC78ueP19qcqUuRVzHE2Gtr-EIMoyGX7Zjd4cV7Myql0cOE8AEPOy2AQcec1UjYWRlfGTYE_lk-IsXXlk1nuRwqTikAe_vLfJJcvqfKe1JgNuV1/s320/Vegas+Nov+2010+122a.JPG" /></a><br />Ty is used to having his picture taken but Avery isn't and wasn't being too cooperative so Ty was "helping" him to get back in place.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFACp0p5_hreVEbLMt0PgYQJmxRX8scNwXqvoFkq4pqF2wD76KcdIeg2SW_kLlWtd6mBcbmZS87rVaAzOPfQhvp4mcAWd0Ku0vCWhrPeKvJ8qD1c7My_oDhVS0SkDF8D0AQ75C77H8Tcx/s1600/Vegas+Nov+2010+119a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545851130717136514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFACp0p5_hreVEbLMt0PgYQJmxRX8scNwXqvoFkq4pqF2wD76KcdIeg2SW_kLlWtd6mBcbmZS87rVaAzOPfQhvp4mcAWd0Ku0vCWhrPeKvJ8qD1c7My_oDhVS0SkDF8D0AQ75C77H8Tcx/s320/Vegas+Nov+2010+119a.JPG" /></a> </div><div>The final outcome. Tyler, Avery & Kaeden</div></div></div></div></div>Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17739373431512629431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1054306692048539702.post-91310603262823908682010-12-01T14:25:00.001-08:002010-12-01T14:25:55.779-08:00Make it 6!Brian and Katie have announced that they are expecting a BOY! In April we will have grandson number 6! I am very excited.Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17739373431512629431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1054306692048539702.post-59833413485055706272010-10-27T11:44:00.000-07:002010-10-27T12:10:16.230-07:00Deklan James Garyson<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcOWP3ZxBWviYELYYv90Bh8aGUmPH5CzEJTlbNd-ljtJM-WrwfpPGmNhTGSBCy5aRreV0HxXeRG5guohdwsO8GOygecut1l2mpeHCppOE1y6K03GX4dGxKVKE9hLIcUqZi1TMp1gXyksI/s1600/IMG_0044.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 238px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532799160114447186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcOWP3ZxBWviYELYYv90Bh8aGUmPH5CzEJTlbNd-ljtJM-WrwfpPGmNhTGSBCy5aRreV0HxXeRG5guohdwsO8GOygecut1l2mpeHCppOE1y6K03GX4dGxKVKE9hLIcUqZi1TMp1gXyksI/s320/IMG_0044.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rVTUA22KLLLnC3btZRD7RWo2WegCSDzv6KXsSBXyrQETEFREjawkTJ1FYErx4gFU3YRTHw2SZtZWLVSNnREdrnHfG1ke2lc9Bxxoy8xQx-kG5JLlL8cdbnExmzihF6gnmB35F5hLUZXm/s1600/IMG_0045.PNG"><img style="WIDTH: 238px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532799133611742402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rVTUA22KLLLnC3btZRD7RWo2WegCSDzv6KXsSBXyrQETEFREjawkTJ1FYErx4gFU3YRTHw2SZtZWLVSNnREdrnHfG1ke2lc9Bxxoy8xQx-kG5JLlL8cdbnExmzihF6gnmB35F5hLUZXm/s320/IMG_0045.PNG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-K-Dq2Zvi9vSQXnALhgs7mHCKfweUaBBqJdpMfpUAye6AuijIplRID1f9sKELAJ-FYRPUD_gdK9MUC0yhLioTt6QURFhVFeJxClT8M3nTrPp2OhDM-cdsVL2Dcm1DtDi1JZ4Vh5tMons8/s1600/IMG_0027.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 238px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532799119894436354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-K-Dq2Zvi9vSQXnALhgs7mHCKfweUaBBqJdpMfpUAye6AuijIplRID1f9sKELAJ-FYRPUD_gdK9MUC0yhLioTt6QURFhVFeJxClT8M3nTrPp2OhDM-cdsVL2Dcm1DtDi1JZ4Vh5tMons8/s320/IMG_0027.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjas4PK5BWQss9Q9t_SsaP-MIup5czWE17thIC-OQnEjC4yuoQlbmsYTBjRV7fJ04R9cKYMWgDa15PJRc8qIeN8NJBFBaC-_HotfQHdqQXKNY9_HC2oZaJOcdJXo-6YD7oQa9ZG6liffGx/s1600/IMG_0021.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 238px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532799107542095586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjas4PK5BWQss9Q9t_SsaP-MIup5czWE17thIC-OQnEjC4yuoQlbmsYTBjRV7fJ04R9cKYMWgDa15PJRc8qIeN8NJBFBaC-_HotfQHdqQXKNY9_HC2oZaJOcdJXo-6YD7oQa9ZG6liffGx/s320/IMG_0021.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLa28zlMatZJ7imXMQiVquIGx9YXdBF2llXnExYlJCboIoj_5XFVMu15DKIv6nSeSggJPoEZ-MsxPtnOVc7su_TQiI0TZfkWwmha-VFojeqTn0LaDmPHP8t0mWh3WNhT7JHvl2WS0xJCMd/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532799094680553874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLa28zlMatZJ7imXMQiVquIGx9YXdBF2llXnExYlJCboIoj_5XFVMu15DKIv6nSeSggJPoEZ-MsxPtnOVc7su_TQiI0TZfkWwmha-VFojeqTn0LaDmPHP8t0mWh3WNhT7JHvl2WS0xJCMd/s320/IMG_0015.JPG" /></a>Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17739373431512629431noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1054306692048539702.post-35406042197687111072010-10-27T11:38:00.000-07:002010-10-27T12:14:42.138-07:00Grandson #5!Deklan James Garyson grandson number 5 arrived at 7:59 am on Wednesday October 27, 2010, weighing 7lbs 5oz 20 inches long. Mom and baby are doing geat. Big brothers Avery and Kaeden are very excited that baby "duckling" is finally out of mommies belly.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTgcCJtTVjBZBOfTwSF9Y2_t_fuAH4eFhyphenhyphenyS2dj3USKjsA0IEd1Q6t7pMtqG_znG8PNrtpF0bfypbKbAxGIKi5kqEHch-vq1ld6ZKOujdXwXlzcp35VFGOhJKa7T9tLiCpsJooXrO4g4w/s1600/IMG_0051.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 238px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532797911464286386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTgcCJtTVjBZBOfTwSF9Y2_t_fuAH4eFhyphenhyphenyS2dj3USKjsA0IEd1Q6t7pMtqG_znG8PNrtpF0bfypbKbAxGIKi5kqEHch-vq1ld6ZKOujdXwXlzcp35VFGOhJKa7T9tLiCpsJooXrO4g4w/s320/IMG_0051.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2sS17rP3gt_CQQQXigLrH5EhdsKHmacGGTqeQlIxpAXUOYEYcOkASb64VU2rCQ_oPRw7f3EGs4gaHI67lZHt4hZD6CKEzCdhqQVGDg7Au22DCneHn0zLLxHbpoiEt1jhrERV2cp5CAZ9/s1600/IMG_0018.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 238px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532797892753572626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2sS17rP3gt_CQQQXigLrH5EhdsKHmacGGTqeQlIxpAXUOYEYcOkASb64VU2rCQ_oPRw7f3EGs4gaHI67lZHt4hZD6CKEzCdhqQVGDg7Au22DCneHn0zLLxHbpoiEt1jhrERV2cp5CAZ9/s320/IMG_0018.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGX4HysFFZVULjY5yn9DFqzU3WJqs_Rq7JCcG5CXVh9ru1DPC7Ph5MZ9lHF9bpkOALSPINMrd7Zcjtr1gnxLFLcB7hpfS4okZWYyi7zzo5AtNTqy_BDoFqsfnFczMbCMYFhyphenhyphenFOuyt2LqSK/s1600/IMG_0063.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 238px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532797869284933042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGX4HysFFZVULjY5yn9DFqzU3WJqs_Rq7JCcG5CXVh9ru1DPC7Ph5MZ9lHF9bpkOALSPINMrd7Zcjtr1gnxLFLcB7hpfS4okZWYyi7zzo5AtNTqy_BDoFqsfnFczMbCMYFhyphenhyphenFOuyt2LqSK/s320/IMG_0063.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcrP6xkh7ngbJWtdyAYKRCzLDgaRjv6uV48yAhyphenhyphen_KQvKRhkAY7HUwYGRO-y95iICsHn4K7UHaOzVoESzpAKDqUqpJ3PtGV0gV-vfszctpTOIFmdWZxuzJH7F2emAkHb38wDf7e4EmeAVJ/s1600/IMG_0022.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 238px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532797856453153186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcrP6xkh7ngbJWtdyAYKRCzLDgaRjv6uV48yAhyphenhyphen_KQvKRhkAY7HUwYGRO-y95iICsHn4K7UHaOzVoESzpAKDqUqpJ3PtGV0gV-vfszctpTOIFmdWZxuzJH7F2emAkHb38wDf7e4EmeAVJ/s320/IMG_0022.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmvF4GvFBfMSWeWZzNXR5gdFN8OKE2513TQcvknYmaOyNmKyJgOAmaJofD-xqi2MsXIDB082lKYAffJ4elGJzdtI_7MEJ57i196qz8nT64kF5AoktawqK3c1ao3GW4AM-3d2__XFzEDmB/s1600/IMG_0012.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532797845596972178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmvF4GvFBfMSWeWZzNXR5gdFN8OKE2513TQcvknYmaOyNmKyJgOAmaJofD-xqi2MsXIDB082lKYAffJ4elGJzdtI_7MEJ57i196qz8nT64kF5AoktawqK3c1ao3GW4AM-3d2__XFzEDmB/s320/IMG_0012.JPG" /></a>Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17739373431512629431noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1054306692048539702.post-37532235405487765272010-10-18T12:09:00.000-07:002010-10-18T12:36:26.265-07:00Sunday JoyWe have been attending church in Amanda's ward which is a young single adult ward. Yesterday was my last chance to be there. Two young men gave talks. One of them is an avid snowboarder and related his talk to snowboarding. He talked about the need to master the fundamentals of snowboarding prior to trying anything advanced. The four basic fundamentals for snowboarding are:<br /><br />1. Maintaining balance and control<br />2. Pivoting and changing direction<br />3. Maintaining pressure<br />4. Following through<br /><br />He then related each of these fundamentals to life and to the gospel. He talked about the importance of finding balance in our lives. He talked about knowing when we need to change direction to get to where we want to be, about peer pressure and being careful that we don't allow others to pressure us to lower our standards or give up our goals, and about following through on our plans and goals. As we master the fundamentals everything else will come. It was a really great talk. The next young man talked about being raised in the church but never really taking it seriously and eventually quitting all together. He spoke about his journey back and the difficulty of the return path. He said that he realized one day that attending church was a privilege not a burden, and how that realization changed everything in his life. What a powerful message! I loved this meeting and these talks. I am grateful to have been here long enough to hear them.Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17739373431512629431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1054306692048539702.post-3920862667726902132010-10-10T15:07:00.000-07:002010-10-10T15:58:48.805-07:00Lessons from ColoradoYou know how you have some experiences over and over until you learn what you are supposed to learn from them? As we prepare to travel at the end of the month I wonder if I have learned all I needed to learn here in Colorado. I am starting into week seven and I find myself looking over the last six weeks and on to the next two wondering if I have taken advantage of all that was available during this time. The solitude of the first week while she was in the hospital and sleeping most of the day. The escape from the alarm clock that rules my daily life. The lack of a schedule or any structure to the day. Losing track of what day it was. These are not the normal descriptions of my life. The first month was a quiet one as Amanda worked on regaining strength and balance. We read scriptures together, watched way too much TV together, ate together, walked together, went to appointments together, worked on crafts together, and did lots of talking and sharing together. I am grateful for the closeness of our relationship. We have been together almost 24 hours a day since August 29th and have gotten along amazingly well. What will it feel like to let other people into our space? Life here has been very insulated with few visitors and few intrusions from the outside world. A sanctuary from the stresses of my usual routine. What will it feel like to leave this sanctuary and be back around lots of people? What will it feel like to send her back here without me a few weeks later? Perhaps Kevin being here is a prepatory step back into the real world that awaits me in California. Can I hang onto the internal peace that has been with me in the quiet of Colorado?Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17739373431512629431noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1054306692048539702.post-9288417369423073282010-09-18T18:47:00.000-07:002010-09-18T19:23:49.540-07:00Garden of the GodsWe had a visit from Teresa and Mike this week which was wonderful. Teresa & I don't get to see each other near enough so to have them here for three days was great. On Thursday Amanda was doing well so we decided to take a trip down to Garden of the Gods which is a State Historic Site in Colorado Springs. It consists of natural rock formations that are absolutely stunning as well as plants and animals. It was donated to the City of Colorado Springs with the stipulation that it remain free and open to the public forever. We called ahead to make sure they had a wheelchair for Amanda and off we went. Even though they only have one handicap accessible trail it was enough. What a beautiful place!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygi1tUGf8pTwn3hOMGRW0t1stRUMQNziZ_cBuc0cq40jRqsGSq0Gs9axA25oB9NH21DGrq93WWK1r5qljd3b7wivva0v02fwo2_-08f-vJ2RwKqnk4F8BMei6A1fR-bbrxgAVnmV4AaTB/s1600/Garden+of+the+Gods+038a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518438329535599042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygi1tUGf8pTwn3hOMGRW0t1stRUMQNziZ_cBuc0cq40jRqsGSq0Gs9axA25oB9NH21DGrq93WWK1r5qljd3b7wivva0v02fwo2_-08f-vJ2RwKqnk4F8BMei6A1fR-bbrxgAVnmV4AaTB/s320/Garden+of+the+Gods+038a.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mz_JsH5iVNlwzpRqZpdhdOb2r2XWOB-eVHwqnghwc2ZpOMXtQbbE668XnKdIfdzwQ5PD2oJBU-zaPR2O5AOKgxxONDUqJ0vekAcKvc4bpLXosmN8AHZQ_LwLPsKXCu-yCCg5kyeo4pw9/s1600/Garden+of+the+Gods+032a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518438322413687714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mz_JsH5iVNlwzpRqZpdhdOb2r2XWOB-eVHwqnghwc2ZpOMXtQbbE668XnKdIfdzwQ5PD2oJBU-zaPR2O5AOKgxxONDUqJ0vekAcKvc4bpLXosmN8AHZQ_LwLPsKXCu-yCCg5kyeo4pw9/s320/Garden+of+the+Gods+032a.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jz8Lmusi358eXm5VEr2vv_VcT-xv5DyrTaGtK3PaAKfw7kgJNPk26lvQTEJE21IbocLVfHIJJPhmU39LSzexeKm3LyGWpLEy0OQ9YBGoItbFnxiMB0TjcWqO5lnoFbJWlB52s8gaPw5m/s1600/Garden+of+the+Gods+008a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518438319662747618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jz8Lmusi358eXm5VEr2vv_VcT-xv5DyrTaGtK3PaAKfw7kgJNPk26lvQTEJE21IbocLVfHIJJPhmU39LSzexeKm3LyGWpLEy0OQ9YBGoItbFnxiMB0TjcWqO5lnoFbJWlB52s8gaPw5m/s320/Garden+of+the+Gods+008a.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIWTlMLf5ZK7Co5O32Abzc4pY3BfPwVkOBKEcBvKSgueCpToAG1mk_J58ZI2bkp6zvOwKxNID4tIc5JsQAkHmLRRZq6ZOccoa2BbdaMFmKVuUpyHwPddxYXmu9CSo2xmAAV2MUGsbLDip/s1600/Garden+of+the+Gods+002a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518438314708603874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIWTlMLf5ZK7Co5O32Abzc4pY3BfPwVkOBKEcBvKSgueCpToAG1mk_J58ZI2bkp6zvOwKxNID4tIc5JsQAkHmLRRZq6ZOccoa2BbdaMFmKVuUpyHwPddxYXmu9CSo2xmAAV2MUGsbLDip/s320/Garden+of+the+Gods+002a.JPG" /></a> </div></div></div></div>Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17739373431512629431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1054306692048539702.post-41153338413287002762010-09-07T13:01:00.000-07:002010-09-07T13:13:59.271-07:00Lfie in DenverI have been in Denver with Amanda for just over a week now. She is one week post surgery and doing well. She is making good progress and keeping a positive attitude. Greg asked me what we do here all day since she is unable to move around much or travel even a short distance. I have become a handywoman hanging pictures and changing shower heads. A physical therapist helping her get up, down and walk the hall several times a day. An arts and crafts helper as she finds projects to work on that will keep her busy but don't wear her out. A personal assistant running errands, fixing meals, doing laundry and all the other things that it takes to run her home while she is down. Yesterday she was able to dress herself including putting on her own socks and shoes. This may seem like a small thing to the rest of us but one week post back surgery it was huge! I am enjoying spending this time with her. She has a great outlook about all of this and finds something to laugh about everyday. I am thankful for all of those back at home who are taking care of home, family, and seminary while I am gone. My life is truly blessed!Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17739373431512629431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1054306692048539702.post-58472695023942395892010-09-07T12:22:00.000-07:002010-09-07T13:00:37.990-07:00Logan Nicholas BalmforthBorn August 15, 2010 6lbs 13oz 19-3/4 in. Logan was about a week and a half old when these pictures were taken.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Ykltaw2tuFfH56Nd5zrfxCKXRdr2OeSJXqO256i8E9oz4XLZRw5Q3JFA_aVj1YGWCBJp5oRTduKZpUpvFWqIn40n5JMePaiAXjIcJhFNDrgygHSHkqzUAvNoYtqYXiaKBcdfR0oaf69O/s1600/Idaho+etc+046a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514258568097506018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Ykltaw2tuFfH56Nd5zrfxCKXRdr2OeSJXqO256i8E9oz4XLZRw5Q3JFA_aVj1YGWCBJp5oRTduKZpUpvFWqIn40n5JMePaiAXjIcJhFNDrgygHSHkqzUAvNoYtqYXiaKBcdfR0oaf69O/s320/Idaho+etc+046a.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGfKzaCEQdUX45A3CSkiK-fmPcFWEzwjP1hefDtr6SCitxImzl-OhWk8j2wCaa3f8yOyLaA_m9ti5X67m2Q03C29ZyjAKTcysJ9VaMKSxME2mY0fPF04pdtcPg-jyKM8DZJb8bvPdTgiD/s1600/Idaho+etc+049a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514258570761367202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGfKzaCEQdUX45A3CSkiK-fmPcFWEzwjP1hefDtr6SCitxImzl-OhWk8j2wCaa3f8yOyLaA_m9ti5X67m2Q03C29ZyjAKTcysJ9VaMKSxME2mY0fPF04pdtcPg-jyKM8DZJb8bvPdTgiD/s320/Idaho+etc+049a.JPG" /></a><br />Snuggling with Papa<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYthH24q_IEO531fCHXZmirK8QmLCM4-7k6czDpoNsFNIi5n2h4YYMAZrpSlm0iRNVSXKsw5p-RyCvLfgrYk-bynRw_oh1qPta5-4BqoHcQdjCmYd146pwPSOS-04oDUSXyPEqntEL6RkL/s1600/Idaho+etc+058a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514258575589865874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYthH24q_IEO531fCHXZmirK8QmLCM4-7k6czDpoNsFNIi5n2h4YYMAZrpSlm0iRNVSXKsw5p-RyCvLfgrYk-bynRw_oh1qPta5-4BqoHcQdjCmYd146pwPSOS-04oDUSXyPEqntEL6RkL/s320/Idaho+etc+058a.JPG" /></a><br />Proud daddy<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoojk5zkTl9e1Jc6lGKLTh3mwc_cE9MH5x-l-pwBtDyodPye-OhCkhrCm_tKPAo6zEu5TmZ5mRGiUpafZWVzG2S6OEQ6Ob0NkC_RBDteymFV99VW3IvbmndiGGF5xGwffjc97ZYXy4_T3s/s1600/Idaho+etc+060ab.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 317px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514258585708856002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoojk5zkTl9e1Jc6lGKLTh3mwc_cE9MH5x-l-pwBtDyodPye-OhCkhrCm_tKPAo6zEu5TmZ5mRGiUpafZWVzG2S6OEQ6Ob0NkC_RBDteymFV99VW3IvbmndiGGF5xGwffjc97ZYXy4_T3s/s320/Idaho+etc+060ab.JPG" /></a><br />I love the contrast between Nick's hand and Logan's. </div><div>It shows just how tiny he is. How much safer could he feel </div><div>than all wrapped up in daddy's arms?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY39uuTV-8VH-__ZUj9QGvV8dOUzf0P6ZqciQGiLdB5L7u-oUrJiKAMRhb4LRV-c4-7SoDWEccMgYQUKPOeRePv4NkoUJYh-9JH-7g15DmNBIlv9b5qezkVxTrI_s1ujmBr2ht5VMEoz6E/s1600/Idaho+etc+064a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514258587717250866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY39uuTV-8VH-__ZUj9QGvV8dOUzf0P6ZqciQGiLdB5L7u-oUrJiKAMRhb4LRV-c4-7SoDWEccMgYQUKPOeRePv4NkoUJYh-9JH-7g15DmNBIlv9b5qezkVxTrI_s1ujmBr2ht5VMEoz6E/s320/Idaho+etc+064a.JPG" /></a><br />Mom, Dad & Logan on blessing day<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguy_6mLdRCtQdbLjM3Jcok9yHN2LBmBsUnTwb9VlhJKBh5HZ4kZinl2mXgIpebRIyjSQ8PUwj4SMgXdy0_LoE7C4zobsCSE4JmtHEDxFufx71QbBWeaZFNL7wIuT0v7N3m9MWDJCg0BEIS/s1600/Idaho+etc+071a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514258711188740050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguy_6mLdRCtQdbLjM3Jcok9yHN2LBmBsUnTwb9VlhJKBh5HZ4kZinl2mXgIpebRIyjSQ8PUwj4SMgXdy0_LoE7C4zobsCSE4JmtHEDxFufx71QbBWeaZFNL7wIuT0v7N3m9MWDJCg0BEIS/s320/Idaho+etc+071a.JPG" /></a><br />We had to find an extra small blessing outfit and it </div><div>was still huge. Kaitlin, Riley and Kevin made this blanket for him.</div><div></div><div>We are grateful to have another grandson arrive safely and ever so grateful that we could be there for his blessing.</div>Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17739373431512629431noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1054306692048539702.post-29479379900760526402010-09-07T12:09:00.000-07:002010-09-07T12:21:46.902-07:00Soccer TyTyler starts soccer this month so mom & dad got him all outfitted and we headed off to the park for some pre-season practice.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CwdAp0TQ_MxwiZzDhGSMmP2tHrfV6ldi1MhpegUomtingPP2KqyHcWf-U2S5MweRdcbHIl9eugzdMtXyltQbujhLEZbbVdn2NoRCZgY-TzXWvFcUQagBfaBKh35p03O0phgjv4O-0Hvj/s1600/Idaho+etc+040a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514253368583288274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CwdAp0TQ_MxwiZzDhGSMmP2tHrfV6ldi1MhpegUomtingPP2KqyHcWf-U2S5MweRdcbHIl9eugzdMtXyltQbujhLEZbbVdn2NoRCZgY-TzXWvFcUQagBfaBKh35p03O0phgjv4O-0Hvj/s320/Idaho+etc+040a.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqOpyhi89qQAe2ktha2NsCsCJenzmrDMd7NsAekvBRP9fAzw1P3RHWW5Kx3hyTmkXW_KodRq2TYFRIVIauUCEpSW9yfEI7Q6wF4JNCji1m4GGyetAsVjAUyq5sEHtjlKwdMcT1dsk7_Ao8/s1600/Idaho+etc+039a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514253366588675842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqOpyhi89qQAe2ktha2NsCsCJenzmrDMd7NsAekvBRP9fAzw1P3RHWW5Kx3hyTmkXW_KodRq2TYFRIVIauUCEpSW9yfEI7Q6wF4JNCji1m4GGyetAsVjAUyq5sEHtjlKwdMcT1dsk7_Ao8/s320/Idaho+etc+039a.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwNuezvqEUul2EA-4e-nfeXbo_s7DFwImhBUu-Gs9cqZwGRbRkwu2sWQn1fQANV3FYot9AskbFPDrRvvj1_QL8VSJlzr8l8-CTvwCxUbEU19zeB6688AaNQ5gohRQevfzMUsEtpFIkmKj/s1600/Idaho+etc+038a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514253363437240002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwNuezvqEUul2EA-4e-nfeXbo_s7DFwImhBUu-Gs9cqZwGRbRkwu2sWQn1fQANV3FYot9AskbFPDrRvvj1_QL8VSJlzr8l8-CTvwCxUbEU19zeB6688AaNQ5gohRQevfzMUsEtpFIkmKj/s320/Idaho+etc+038a.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKSwSuo0xfGs4Hc8dFlRaJu_mdCOgWvR13sM7hr3IDQ45xZSHbQpW0zuoSIXF1XA_GQxJtOQMBHLl8UYDyY1aIOy5FhyXD5MOVXtFwyr9zxZsBATp7qK-9tCggGQDlqSYzBnlrejBd8CB/s1600/Idaho+etc+037a.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514253351738241426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKSwSuo0xfGs4Hc8dFlRaJu_mdCOgWvR13sM7hr3IDQ45xZSHbQpW0zuoSIXF1XA_GQxJtOQMBHLl8UYDyY1aIOy5FhyXD5MOVXtFwyr9zxZsBATp7qK-9tCggGQDlqSYzBnlrejBd8CB/s320/Idaho+etc+037a.JPG" /></a> </div></div>Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17739373431512629431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1054306692048539702.post-22763816069446460452010-08-18T16:47:00.000-07:002010-08-21T16:24:53.007-07:00I have not been very consistent with this blog and I didn't think anyone really read it anyway but talking to my mom the other day she said she checks it all the time to see what's up so I promised her that I would do better at updating it. So here you go mom:<br /><br />Logan Nicholas Balmforth made his debut on Sunday at 1:44am weighing 6lbs 13oz & 20" long. Alex is doing well. Logan has had a few struggles as he arrived 3 weeks early but he was able to go home on Friday and so far all is well. We are heading up to meet him next week.<br /><br />Week two of seminary just ended and I almost have all of the kids names down. I still mix up a couple of the guys who look alike to me and there are a few kids who I just cannot remember yet but considering we have 120 students I think I'm doing pretty well. However I will be gone for the next few weeks visiting Alex, Nick & Logan in Idaho for a few days and then it's off to Denver to stay with Amanda while she recovers from back surgery so I will probably have to start over when I get back.<br /><br />Joe tore his left miniscus a few months ago and thought it had healed. He went on a 50 mile backpacking trip with Kevin's scout troop and while trying to be careful of his left knee he managed to tear both the medial and the lateral miniscus in his right knee. He is probably going to need have surgery to repair both knees. He meets with the orthopedic dr on the 30th and we will see if he can wait until I return from Colorado to have it fixed or if Brian & Katie are going to get to play nursemaid for him.<br /><br />I am still having problems with my right arm. It turns out that constant stress is not good for you! I carry stress in my neck so my muscles are tight which is now affecting the tendons and nerves in my right shoulder, elbow and fingers. Wednesday at physical therapy they were working on my shoulder. He told me to relax my arm and I replied "It is relaxed." He assured me that it was not relaxed and that I needed to do "spaghetti arms" like they do on the Wiggles show. I have never seen the Wiggles but it appears that I have forgotten what it feels like to be relaxed.<br /><br />Tyler asked me the other day if he could have a cow. A few years ago that would have meant he was asking if he could have a temper tantrum but he was really asking if he could have a live cow to keep in the backyard. He also said that he would build a small pen for it to potty in so that it wouldn't get all over the yard. Isn't he thoughtful?Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17739373431512629431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1054306692048539702.post-39410128316518036712010-08-07T15:42:00.000-07:002010-08-07T15:58:48.421-07:00So long to summer and sleeping inWhat ever happened to summer including June, July AND August? School starts on Monday for the kids in our school district, which means seminary starts as well. While I'm excited to see the kids and be back in the swing of things I am not looking forward to the alarm going off at 4:30 - yes 4:30am. We have five seminary classess at our building. Two of them meet at 6am and three meet at 7am. Being the seminary principle means that I can choose when I am there and what time I arrive. In the past I have gotten to the building about 6:40, in time to say good-bye to the early kids and hello to the later ones, but for the last several days I have felt impressed that I need to start being there in time for the 6am classes. This was not good news as I am NOT a morning person, however I have found that if I am faithful and follow the promptings I receive, good things happen. So every monring I'll be heading to the building about 5:40am which seems so insane to me. I don't think anyone should be up and out that early in the morning - it's not normal!Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17739373431512629431noreply@blogger.com1