Carolyn's Blog-Not Sure What I'm Doing!!!!

We had a little accident !

2010-10-19T21:41:00.001-07:00

My Cute little car met with a drunk driver on Saturday night. We are just grateful that no one was hurt. He hit 3 cars and a few mailboxes. The police arrived to tell us about it and it turned out to be a good friend who was at the door. Our Son in Law had been his trainer, and Bill had sold him a house last year. It was good to have some one we knew deliver the news. We had the car towed to the shop to see if it is repairable or not, meanwhile we have a bright red loaner. My mom said no one can miss us now it is so bright. Maybe this will turn out to be a good thing for us....I can get a new car. We will have to wait and see. He did have good insurance - in fact from the same company as we have ours. So our agent said he will take care of us. We shall see what comes of all this. Stay tuned.

Cheerleaders who Really Rock

2010-10-19T21:24:00.000-07:00

Meet 3 of the Cutest little cheerleaders you will ever meet -Merrek, Emma, and Tawny. These are 3 of my granddaughters who will be performing with the Coombs cheerleaders that another Grandaughter (Marly)is a member of. They will be performing on Friday night at the Combs High School Football game. They will also be joined by another Granddaughter Katie. We look forward to watching the entertainment.

My Little Boy

2010-10-19T21:07:00.000-07:00

This is my son, who was given an award for being an outstanding Detention Officer in the medical Ward that he works in. I am so proud of him. I hear lots of people who have nothing good to say about the men and women who work in the Jails in our country. But he is just one of many who are proud to work and serve others for the public good. He works in the Mental Ward. Their moto is "Where all here, because your not all there." Sherrif Joe was not on hand to help hand out the awards, but that was ok, he was there the last time.

My Special Friend

2010-10-02T18:54:00.000-07:00

Did you ever have one of those days - months or even years where you felt like nothing was going right for you? How did you get out of it...besides drugs. Well see this little cheerleader. Minnie. She was given to be by a very special friend. You know the kind that has always been there for you and your family. The friend who is really more family than some of your family. We have been in each others lives for over 25 years. Sometimes we can go for weeks and never talk, but when we do it's like we have never been apart. The kind of friend who will drop everything for you and come running when you need her. I have been blessed with such a friend. We have gone through good times and bad times, births and deaths, babies and miscarriages, money and no money, sickness and health, you name it we have probably cried and laughed on each shoulders over just about everything. And still she continues to love me for who I am. I have talked to lots of people who have no one in their life like her. I am so fortunate to have her in mine. Thanks Dear for loving me and accepting me. She gave me this set of Micky and Minnie one year for Christmas. I'm sure she had no idea what it would turn into for me. I keep Minnie out where I can see her and she always brings a smile to my face. Thank you, my friend, for always being there for me. I know that I get alot more out of our relationship than you can imagine. I just wish everyone had a special friend like you. I love you.

SPECIAL 40TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER FOR US

2010-09-26T20:39:00.000-07:00

To bring my blog up to date has been a goal of mine all summer. But we have been without the Internet at home. Until now.....now we have a handy little gadget that we can plug into the computer and get the Internet any time we want...anywhere. I feel like I have been given a new lease on life - at lease as the Internet goes.

This is our "SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY" dinner that we had in the hospital cafeteria, with wonderful food brought in from several different restaurants. The food was good - It was quiet - I had allmy kids around me and we were not in a tiny little hospital room. What more could I have asked for - besides a healthy husband. You can't have it all. He's home with me now and doing well. Sometimes reality gets in the way of dreams and fun. Thank you to all my children for the support that we were given. I don't know how I could have faced it with out all your support. I love you all.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO US.

2010-07-11T16:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary to my favorite Husband. We had an anniversary dinner at the hospital cafeteria last night with all our adult children minus Donny and Deanna. Not exactly how we wanted to celebrate, but the company was first rate.

CHANGES

2010-07-02T12:44:00.000-07:00

Sometimes life gives you changes to help you grow. My dad always told me that if it didn't kill you, you would grow from change and adversity. Quite frankly....I am tired of growing. I'm not complaining... Just want to put that out there for everyone to know.
So just to recap and bring my blog up to date. Here Goes.

Over a year ago we moved from our home of 26 years. Into a rental home that we loved. Of course we got all settled and we were informed that the owners were going to short sell it, and we would have to move. My hope was that at least we could get Brittany's wedding over with the first of April. Sure enough my wish was granted. Our baby was married in the Arizona Temple to Brady Garrett on April 9,2010. It was so neat to be able to go with her to the Temple and for the first time have all my children in there with us.

We got our 30 day notice the first of April, just before the wedding. So we got the wedding over with and then we started packing. Again. And getting rid of more stuff. We could not find an appropriate place to rent, so we moved in with my Mom (bless her). We have been looking but the prices have gone so high, they are almost out of reach.

It may have been a good thing for us that we have not moved out, as Bill is currently in the hospital just having under gone emergency surgery for a perferated bowel. It was kind of a relief to finally find out what has been bothering him for several weeks. He has tried to work through everything and not felt really good for a while. He is now out of ICU and in a room on the Renal Floor. He is not in any pain from the bowel problem, but is now suffering from a flair up of GOUT in his right knee. They have removed the tube from his stomach, and he removed the main line that was in his neck. The night nurse said he was very repentant and he didn't know what he was doing at the time, but he bled like a stuck pig everywhere until she finally got it under control. All he could do was lay there and tell her how sorry he was. When I got in this morning he was sitting up in a chair and said he had been since 6 am. When I inquired if he would like to get back into bed I got the GRUMPY answer of "HELL NO," it took me to long to get here to want to go back. OK....all I did was ask. Then I made the mistake of asking him if he would like something for pain and was informed that they had nothing that they could give him for the pain. The next time the nurse came in I asked her about it, and was informed that she was giving him morphine every 2 to 2-1/2 hours. She said we are keeping him comfortable.

He is progressing well and making good progress. Thank you all for all your good thought and prayers. For me the nice thing is that they have free internet at the hospital, since we don't have it at my Moms. If you call that a good thing.

I am very grateful to our Bishop Tenny who came on Wednesday and helped him renue his Temple Recommend and then took it back to get it signed for him. He has worried about it, but never felt really well enough to go out to get it done in the past few weeks. It relieved some of his anxiety.

Again thank you to all who have called and inquired to me or to a member of our family. We appreciate it and know that you prayers are heard.

There is lots more to tell about what has gone on in the las 6 months, but this will have to do for now.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL

2010-01-02T13:14:00.000-08:00

We celebrated the new year at the Johnson's house again. I came to stay for the weekend with Stacy and spoil that new grandson Derek, who arrived on the 26th of December. Stacy and Ben and the older kids were at a party that Vance's band was playing at. Ben chaperoned the party and Stacy went over to hear the band play at 11. I was home with baby Derek and Anny their 18mo. old and the neighbors 7 year old, Dodge. Anny was playing in her cupboard, I was folding clothes, Bill was up in bed, and Dodge was trying his hardest to stay awake when the clock struck 12. Big Whop!!

We hope the new year finds everyone HEALTHY AND HAPPY. Last year was full of change for us in so many ways, but we realize that we have grown and done things that were hard for us at the time, but we are still alive and kicking. Bill is doing well, so far, and is holding his own, which we are very grateful for.

We have been very blessed to have so many friends and family around who love and care for us. We know that each day is a blessing in our life, and we are so grateful for the many blessings which we enjoy.

So I've Been A Little Busy The Last Little While....

2009-11-02T19:17:00.000-08:00

Brittany started Nursing School in October...Yea...and moved into a apartment closer to work and school...not so fun for us...cuz it is very lonely around here without her around. So she organized our Annual Girls Night out before she started school. We turned it into a "Surprise" baby shower for Susan and Candice. Susan had her beautiful baby girl...Samantha...on Conference Sunday, so that Scott her husband would be here. He is being deployed again to the middle east. We surprised her but someone let Candice in on the surprise...Oh Well. We were to pick up 2-5foot subs for the dinner, but when we went to pick them up they thought they were for the next night. So they hurried and fixed up some foot longs and cut them in thirds and placed them on a platter. We were only 30 minutes late to the party.

We had food, presents for the babies and moms, Dancing contests, pedicures, music, and lots of talking...that you never get enough of.

Well here it is November and were getting ready for "COOL" weather. Why are our highs still in the 90's? Someone once told me that when you get older life gets simpler. I am still waiting and hoping that someday everything will settle down but it doesn't look like that will happen anytime soon. So lets get caught up

Even Jason and Annie got a little playing time in, during the football game

Here's our cute cheerleaders Merrek, Katy, and Tawny.Here

Here our story changes to Grandpa /Dad /Bill entering the hospital...again. This time for more of the same story about his kidneys shutting down again, and his body collecting to much water inside that the kidneys were working to hard to function and so they began to shut down. After 4 days they finally changed some of his medications and they seem to be helping.

We were thinking that all was well, except the cardiologist informed him that one of the leads on his defibrillator was coming out, and it needed to be fixed right away so it doesn't start shocking him out of the blue. Aren't we grateful for Doctors and Nurses who are there to help.

In between Hospital visits for Bill, Candice and Matt went in and had Baby Ellee Delivered by a scheduled C-section. She is beautiful. Looks so much like Candice did as a baby, but has the Angle Chin. I was so glad that I could stay with them and help out, although I sometimes felt like i didn't do much. We are so glad she is here and mom is doing much better.
Of Course Tristan has stepped in and taken his role as a big brother seriously, he loves to hold her and kiss her and inspect her hands and feet.

So after all this had died down, we had to but Bill back into the hospital to have a lead from his defibrillator changed out. They could not remove the wire so they just put in another one. He came out of Surgery and made quite a spectacle of him self with the nurses, even ate a good dinner about 9 pm and then said he was tired and fell asleep. The next day he had no memory of anything that he had said or eaten the entire night. It was a real eye opener for Brittany who had never seen him behave in quite that manner.

Last but not least we went out to Queen Creek for the ward Trunk -r -Treat and got to see all our grandchildren and their friends in costume and enjoy the Chile cook off. Saturday we went and visited with my mom who was babysitting for Ellee, while they went to their ward carnival. Candice and Matt came over and brought Tristan for a few minutes. After mom's we wnt to the Rudds and visited with them and their kids for a while. We enjoy being around all of them. Can't believe the Chelsea is getting married, and Michael will be leavin on a mission in February. Guess other people kids grow up also.

It has been a very trying time in so many ways and we are so grateful for the many many friends and family members that we have had around us at all times. Their faith and prayers in our behalf have certainly been a big help in our life. We love you all.

Next Sunday I give my lesson in Relief Society and then we go out to QC for Tylers Blessing. Guess our activities are gaining on us again.

GRANDMA IS HOME FROM QUEEN CREEK

2009-08-27T21:15:00.000-07:00

FROM THIS

TO THIS

IN ONE WEEK

This is the newest addition to the Jensen Family - isn't he a cutie. He is a good baby, although he is having a hard time learning how to eat enough at one feeding without having to have a nap in the middle of his meal. Everything works on him, especially when he gets his diaper changed. He has already learned to sleep well, especially during the day, and not so well at night. He has the ability to sleep while all around him is utter chaos. He is so lucky to have 5 older siblings who for now can't seem to get enough of holding him and patting his head. He is well loved.

They have another new addition to their family also. A new 12 passenger van, so that they have a car that the entire family will fit in. So after being a one car family for so many years, they are back to the 2 car routine. Congratulations to all of them. I spent a week with them and they are all learning to adapt to a new baby in the family. I had a great time and enjoyed my time with them. Life is good ....and being a GRANDMA is especially sweet when you have children and grandchildren as sweet as all mine.

OUR NEWEST GRANDSON IS HERE!!

2009-08-18T21:49:00.001-07:00

OK....So I lied about updating....I've been busy.

But I did want to announce that Allison and Joe Jensen are the proud parents of a 7 lb 4Oz little boy who will be known as TYLER DON JENSEN. He arrived on Tuesday August 18,2009, at 1:47pm. He is 2 and 1/2 weeks early. He is a cutie pie, who looks just like a Jensen boy. Of course I would love to post a picture of him but my camera is on the fritz, Brittany doesn't have one, and Joe and Allison took off so fast they forgot to take there's. Stacy saved the day and brought her's so as soon as she posts some I will get them here.

Please keep Tyler and his parents in your prayers...as he is experiencing some problems with his lungs and his breathing. He looks good just is 2 weeks early and his lungs are not able to keep themselves inflated. So for right now he is in the PICU at Banner Gateway, getting the help that he needs and seems to be doing fine. Mother is resting well and dad....after coming off work at 4am he didn't get to sleep till after 8 tonight...he was very sound when we returned from the nursery at 8:30. Hopefully they will get a good night sleep and feel better in then morning.

Small update....I have not vanished.

2009-06-15T13:58:00.000-07:00

Hello all.....I know it has been a long time since I wrote anything but you know....sometimes life gets in the way. I have been busy working full time, and some of it is till 8-9 at night. By the time I get home, fix something (usually not a full meal) and straiten things up it is time for bed, or at least time to "go" to bed. So I hope to get some in depth coverage soon. Yesterday we got home from our Whetten Family Camp out, and we got a message from my sister-in-law in Nevada that our other Sister-in-Law was coming to stay for a week for a wedding. She was coming here with a Brother-in-Law and Niece who went up for a funeral for our 18 year old Niece. See I told you Life gets in the way! So I took the day off today. But I shall post soon.

A BIG shout out to my wonderful family for making our family comport an outstanding success. It was so fum to sit and watch the interaction between all my children, spouses, and grandchildren for 4 days with only minimal discord between some of the little ones. THANK YOU. I love you all so much.

FIELD TRIP WITH MERREK AND TAWNY

2009-04-17T22:29:00.000-07:00

Today was a fun day for all....the girls....Merrek and Tawny got to take their first bus ride from their grade school to the Superstition Farm Dairy that is my neighbor. I was excited because I pass the dairy everyday and have wondered what it was like. So now we all know a little more about what goes on down the street from Grandma's house.

The kids were divided up into 4 groups and had different areas to visit. The most popular was the petting area, and the feeding area. They got to feed the goats and the horses, then they got to hold a chicken and pet a rooster and a rabbit. Next we went to the horse area where the;y learned how to groom a horse and put a saddle on it. They got to see the horse's teeth up close and then feed him bites of carrots. We learned you have to hold your hand like a pancake (very flat) so he doesn't think that your fingers are carrots.

Merrek and the chicken

Tawny and the other chicken

Then we had lunch all together under the shade. On of the most popular attractions was the j-johns, and the hand washing area.

My favorite Kindergarteners on the tractor.

After lunch we all got to sample the ice cream that only hours before was milk from their very own cows. It was a very fun day and also very educational for everyone. I'm sure the adults learned much more that the kids did.

Isn't it fun to live near a farn.....reminds me of 30 years ago when their was a dairy next to Mountain View. (Except for the FLIES.)

RANDOM CATCHING UP WITH THINGS

2009-04-16T22:00:00.000-07:00

Who Knew Merrek would blossom into a Basketball Player. I am so proud of her! It has take a lot of self confidence for her to get out on the court and do what she has learned.....and is still learning.....To get out and be in front of lots of people and do something new is a GREAT accomplishment for her....and I never once saw her cry......Hurray for Merrek!

Isn't she cute..... Notice the wet chin and mouth. Who knew that she had a double ear infection and was coming down with Pink Eye at the same time. She acts a lot like her Uncle Donny, who had lots of them while he was young and never complained about them until we discovered he couldn't hear out of one of his ears. Then they went in and put tubes in his ears and pulled all the old fluid out that had congealed in his ear that had made him very hard of hearing. Within months his hearing was back to normal. Can't say what causes his problems now. Any way, Anny is now on her Third round of treatment, If this doesn't work and keep her well, her next step is the E.N.T. DR. But, even sick she is such a sweet little girl you wouldn't know anything was wrong......Except in the middle of the night when she decides she wants to get up and eat.

Yesterday we went to a Diamondback Baseball Game. It is always fun to go with my kids and grandkids and yesterday was no exception. The only thing that would have made it better is if we had won, and if it had not been so cold and windy. Merrek got so cold that we ended up buying her a new Diamondback Sweatshirt so that she didn't freeze to death and turn into a popsicle. Thanks Donny, for inviting me.

I'M OK...I CAN DO THIS.....MAYBE

2009-04-14T22:58:00.000-07:00

Well the next day was fine, but it was the one after that that almost did me in. I have never had as sore muscles in my stomach as I have had lately...but it's getting better, at least I can get up off the floor and out of a chair without feeling lots of pain.

Work It... Work It....Work It...

2009-04-11T00:12:00.000-07:00

OK ....So Brittany signed us up for a trial membership at a gym. We went tonight...Yes, here she was with her mother, at the gym, on Friday night. We will have to see how soon I will go back, after I get up in the morning. It does open at 4 AM and doesn't close till 11. How bad can it be? We shall see.

Todays Grandpa's Birthday!

2009-03-27T11:08:00.000-07:00

A PROUD GRANDPA...THE BEST JOB.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE MAN I LOVE! I hope it is a good day even though you have to work all day. It is so much fun to work with my hubby and get to spend time with him doing what he loves to do....TALK TO PEOPLE....and ....SELL REAL ESTATE.

A big shout out to Brody also....HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU ALSO. Your growing up way to fast. Hope you are feeling good today.

WE'VE MOVED AND IT"S OK

2009-03-26T13:36:00.000-07:00

This is our new home. It has take me a long time to get settled and I am still not all done. It has been a real struggle to try and condense 28 YEARS of stuff from a 3 story 5 bedroom home to a 3 bedroom one story, but things are going slowly but smoothly. Yes it can be done!!!! But if it had not been for my family and friends, it would never have come together. My kids came over for about two weeks and helped pack boxes and boxes, and took loads and loads to the DI.

Then the morning of the big move, we had about 25 men show up with 5 trucks and trailers. Within 1 and 1/2 hours the entire house was empty and they were on their way to the new home. By noon it was all done. Well.... it was all put into the house and garage. So we are still finding things that are in boxes, and still trying to decide where to put things. You would be suprised at all the stuff that we have gotten rid of.....My Mother-In-Law would be proud. I am proud of myself.... and so thankful to all my kids and all of our friend who helped with packing, cleaning, unpacking, food, and emotional support. It has been an emotional journey, but we have truly found that HOME IS WHERE YOU LIVE, AND NOT THE HOUSE YOU LIVE IN.

As President Smith said "You have alot of friends who love you, or they are just excited to see you leave." All I can say in AMEN and THANK YOU.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO US!!

2009-02-14T19:41:00.000-08:00

Someone came to our house under cover of darkness and left this for us.......Thank You. We don't know who it was but Brittany does and she is not telling...at least yet. She came home while they were setting it up. It's fun to know someone is thinking of you and thinks your special.

Life's Paths

2009-02-13T19:38:00.000-08:00

Rachel Nunes wrote this in her newsletter this month, and I find it very interesting to contemplate for my life right now.

Often when one path closes, it is only making room for something better—a brighter, wider path perhaps. Or perhaps it becomes a smaller trail that leads to a mountain you never would have climbed before, where the view is more incredible than you ever dreamed. All we can do is keep pushing forward to see where the road takes us.

I can't wait to see where my path is going to end up!

The Hostage Has Been Released

2009-01-30T20:29:00.000-08:00

Jason Storm Whetten

I'm Home......After spending 10 days being held hostage out in Queen Creek taking care of the Whetten Family, I have finally made it home. What a 10 days it was. I had so much fun helping take care of Merrek, Emma, and Baby Jason. He is a doll and all boy. Deanna has had a rough time after her Epidural from Hell.....she is getting a little better now it will just take time for the nerves in her back to calm down and stop causing her pain. We feel lucky that there was no permanent damage done. Everyone is doing much better now.

We went on picnic's, went to the hospital, attended Katy's Baptism, did dishes, cleaned, walked Merrek to school, did dishes, laundry, played outside on our bikes, took naps, at least some of us did, went to a jewelry party, watched movies, read books, cleaned up after kids, changed diapers, etc, etc. etc. You get the point.

I feel privileged to have been in the delivery room for Jason's birth, and then to take care of the girls till mom and dad got home. It was fun to be in their home with the whole family around and to help out for a few days. It will always be a special memory for me, to be held hostage at the Whetten Home.

Donny & Jason/Father & Son

Katy's Baptism with Vance

Donny the Daddy

Picnic at the Park with the Jensens

Emma and Nash ....my drink steeler.

Emma and the Sunflower Seed Accident

See.... I said some of us napped...at 5:00

He found his thumb.....but he still likes the pacifier.

The Forgotten Carols

2008-12-23T21:31:00.000-08:00

Monday night we were treated to the stage production of The Forgotten Carols at the Orpheum Theater in Phoenix, by the Rudd Family. The Rudds have been our friends and neighbor for over 25 years. We couldn't have asked for better neighbors or friends. All our children, ours and theirs, have had a second family living next door. Who can forget the twins....Whit and Brit, (sometimes referred to as Frick and Frack) living next door to each other. We are so grateful to have such good friends that we know that we can always count on when we need them....even in the middle of the night, when Chelsey needed help, or when we heard Staci screaming HELP, as she impalled her leg on the top of the Wrought Iron Fence around their pool.We were grateful that we were here to help. Each family member will always hold a special part in our lives. I can't imagine what life would have been like...If we hadn't had each others through the good times and the bad times that we have shared together. They have all grown up and become responsibe adults. Ijust hope we can keep the friendship moving forward as we all move on with our lives, where ever we may be led to go. Thank you for chosing us as your friends. We truly can say that we love you and hop that we will have many more chances to make many more memories, as life goes along.. A Verry Merry Christmas and a Happy New year to all our family and friends Enjoy what you have right noe, because you never know when it could all be taken away from you all too fast. Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year.

SHE DID IT

2008-12-23T20:36:00.000-08:00

A big shout out to Brittany for graduating from ASU. On Friday December 19, 2008, my baby graduated from Arizona State University. We are so proud of her. Now if she can just figure out what she wants to be when she grows up.....As of now her plans are to go back to school and get her nursing degree.

Sorry...I Have Been Busy Taking it Easy.

2008-12-22T22:14:00.000-08:00

I have had more that a few people tell me I need to update my blog.....and I have one thing to say about that.....I KNOW!! But I have been so busy taking it easy, I haven't had time.

So let me bring you up to date. On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, I had a tumor removed from my Thyroid Gland. It's in the neck. I came home on Thanksgiving Day in time for Turkey dinner at my mom's. Thanks to all my family for all the support that they have given me these past few weeks. A BIG Thank You to Brittany. She insisted on staying with me all night at the hospital that night. I tried to talk her out of it, but she wanted to. I am very grateful that she was there. It's kind of nice to have your own private duty nurse with you at you beck and call. She was there to get me what ever I needed, and see to my every wish all night Long. Even the nurses on duty were glad she was there. Brittany...Thank You...You can stay with me any time. The Hospital Scottsdale-Osborn is top rate hospital and I can find nothing bad to say about my stay. If it had to happen...they made it as pleasant an experience as you can get. Thanks also to my family who stayed during the 4 1/2 hour surgery, I was glad that you were there.

We are still waiting for the final report to come back from the pathology department at the Mayo Clinic, but we are hopeful that they will come back negative for more cancer. But we will deal with what ever happens in the future.

Would You Let Your Little Ones Came to Him?

2008-11-02T13:02:00.000-08:00

Don't they look like they are trying to get away from Grandpa, except for Anny, she could care less who is holding her!

He has finally found his calling, scaring little defenseless children and asking them if he could suck their BLOOD, in exchange for some CANDY. In any other setting it could have been seen as a little on the "PERVERTISH SIDE". Most of the children just looked at him for a moment and moved in for the candy. He only brought one little girl to tears.

What does an Eagle Scout look like?

2008-10-29T18:10:00.001-07:00

From This to This in Eight Short Years.

Our oldest Grandson received his Eagle Scout award last Sunday night. Congratulations!!! We are so proud of Vance and the great young man that he is becoming. He is such a good example for all his family and friends to look up to. Can't believe that in 3 short years he will be on a mission. Vance we are so proud of you. And it goes without saying that he didn't do it all by himself. So Congratulations to Ben and Stacy and all those scout leaders who put up with him all those years, and stuck with it till it was done. Well Done!

IT'S OFFICIAL

2008-10-07T18:50:00.000-07:00

How do you like the new look on Dad's car? He say's he won't use it all the time, but some days it will be of great value. I think that he has earned it. Now if we can only get his lights fixed.

Waitin' On A Woman......

2008-10-04T18:50:00.000-07:00

WHAT A GUY
I was in a car yesterday, waiting in a drive through line and I heard the "NEATEST" Song. You all have probably heard it before, but I hadn't. It is called Waitin' On A Women" by Brad Paisleyand I have to dedicate the song to my husband. Not that we are ever REALLY late, but he is always ready to go places before I am. I think that this is something that happens in everyones life. I have always appreciated that my husband would go shopping with me, and even hold my purse. There have been many times that I would find him sitting in the front of the store, waiting for me. Reminds me of when we would make my dad go to the store with us, and after he had done a few laps around the store for exercise we would find him in the front sitting and talking to whom ever was sitting beside him, usually another man. I have been very fortunate to have shared the last 40 years with this man, even though we don't have very much in common. The end of the song took a tug at my heart when it talks about him dying and going first, cuz she won't be ready. But he says, I'll take a chair, and wait for her, and be there when she's ready. How lucky can a girl get? I LOVE THAT MAN

BILL IS HOME AND FEELING FINE!!

2008-09-26T09:36:00.000-07:00

Well here he is not to bad looking for all he has been through. He came home on Wednesday afternoon feeling tired. A generator outside his window kept him up during the night. He went to bed at 7:30 and slept good until 7 am. He is back to work and even had a closing the next day. If that is what it takes for a closing, maybe I'll see how often I can arrange for him to go to the hospital.JK. He is feeling good and we feel like it is helping his circulation in his legs, cuz last night he even had ankle bones that we could see, and it has been a long time since we have seen those bones sticking out.

I am happy to announce that our telephones, that have been out of service since last Saturday, are now working again and so does our answering machine. So feel free to call.

2008-09-02T08:30:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Kristin for finding this quote I love it....

"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he's been robbed. The fact is that most putts don't drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is like an old time rail journey...delays, side tracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride."

Gordon B. Hinckley

Hope everyone had a good Labor day weekend. Ours has been fast and full of family. We were sad to say good bye to our sweet sister-in-law, Carol Tyler Whetten, but know that she is so happy where she is and free of a failing body. On the other hand we love the wonderful reunions that come with funerals. It was so good to see all of Carol and Lloyds children and their children. It was good to have Arlene, Darrell, Kathy and JoRene here with us for a few days. We enjoyed catching up and Darrell was a good sport...he went with Bill to show houses on Saturday, and then went Home Teaching with him on Sunday. Next time he comes I will reward him with ice cream. So fum to be with family.

I went to a friends mothers funeral on Friday. What a contrast. It was a wonderful funeral. I came away feeling like I really knew her mom, who I had never met, but there was only the 2 daughters and my friends husband there as family, and a few friends. The Paster who was in charge and talked at the service had never even met Barbara. There was no feeling of Hope or Happiness. Makes my appreciate my beliefs so much more, and that there is life after we leave this earth.

I better get busy and get something done. Hope everyone has a good week. Next weekend will be full also, with the blessing of Anny Johnson, and the ordination of Drew as a Deacon....More family food and fun.

Love to All.

Memories of Me

2008-07-21T21:12:00.000-07:00

Here are the directions:
1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty cool (and funny) to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. :) If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments

How Lucky Can One Grandma Get!!!

2008-07-05T19:52:00.000-07:00

Meet Tristan Lee Angle, Anny Pixley Johnson, and Cole Joseph Jensen. I have been busy the first 6 mo of this year with daughters having kids for us all to love. Everyone it doing fine. They are all growing and keeping their parents busy. We will be having another baby in January when Donny and Deanna welcome another one into their family. Can't wait.....according to the Chinese Calendar it is a boy, but we will have to wait and see on that one.

HOW STUPID CAN SOME PEOPLE BE!!

2008-06-18T08:37:00.000-07:00

I witnessed a first while I was driving home yesterday. I came up beside this big pickup truck that was stopped at a light. The driver had a book in his hand. I thought he is reading at the red light. But NOOOOOOO. We all took off at the light on Gilbert and the Freeway and I watched him until I turned off on Brown and he was reading the book the entire way. I just had to share.....How STUPID CAN SOME PEOPLE BE!!! I tried to get his attention to tell him to put down his book and DRIVE.....But he never noticed anything around him.

Lets all try to set a better example in everything we do, to make this world a safer place.

Not Much Goin On Here!!

2008-06-05T13:11:00.000-07:00

Ok....so it has been awhile since I last signed on. Things are settling down though. In the last 3 weeks we have kept busy.... but everything seems to be calming down for a minute. We had our 25th Annual Bill Johnsons Dinner for everyone to celebrate the last day of school. We have celebrated Merrek, Allison, Tawny and Brittany's Birthdays, well Brittany really got cheated out of a big celebration, but we did bake her a cake and have dinner at Angles with Dad and Grams. Bill has been in the hospital, but is now home (or should I say at my Mom's home) recovering. We only have had one visit to Urgent Care for him since then. Our daughter, Candice, had an emergency C-Section on the 27th of May, but mother and baby "Tristan Lee Angle" are doing well. Allison and Joe had baby Cole in dad's hospital for some out patient tests to see why his belly-button won't heal...He is after all 4 months old. But it looks like that is taking care of itself and will not require anything more. Yea!! The days that I was off I am paying for now at work but I know that someday I will get caught up.

We have survived yet another mini-crisis in our life and all are doing well. I am so grateful for my wonderful family and the way they have pitched in for everything that needed to get done. I Love My Family. We are truly blessed when it comes to our children, their spouses, grandchildren, moms, and brothers and sisters, and special Neighbors. A special thanks to Shelly for the Soup and Strawberries, they were just what I ordered....literally. Thanks to all who have served us in the last 3 weeks. You will never know how much you all mean to all of us.

I FINISHED IT.....THOUGH NOT ON TIME!

2008-05-13T13:59:00.000-07:00

Well I thought I would read the last chapter in the Book of Mormon during church on Sunday for Mothers Day. I did but today I discovered the challenge finished on Saturday. Oh Well so much for being on time.

Thanks to all my family for making Mother's Day special. Dinner was enjoyed by all and it was fun to have everyone come and visit. Thanks for the pj's, they are wonderful, and the CD's I am really enjoying. I keep thinking that I will bring my flowers to work so I can enjoy them all day, but I keep forgetting to bring them.

I LOVE MY FAMILY

Just Putting This Out There.....

2008-04-28T16:29:00.001-07:00

In our Relief Society Board Meeting on Sunday morning, we came up with a great plan to go along with our next Enrichment Night. Our lesson on Sunday was Dallen Oaks talk: Good, Better and Best, from October Conference, with a challenge to make better use of all of our time.

We have asked anyone who wants to to accept the challenge of going on a Media Fast, to do it for ONE Week. May 10-17, and see what that does for your family. So no TV, No Talk Radio, No Computers, except for work or Homework. You may listen to good music. We also asked the sisters to try and have a sit down dinner each night with the entire family also.

There are a few who have accepted the challenge and I know for our family it will be difficult. We may have to break it to watch some baseball games together as a family. So there it's out there for all to partake of. Lets all at least consider it and see what happens.

Cancer Walk

2008-04-13T21:25:00.000-07:00

We are a happy family

This is Dad walking on the Track....

This is Dad DREAMING of years gone by!

Dad and Tawny before walking, Were not sure what Stacy is thinking about.

Darcy the ring leader of the fire builders....will she ever grow up.

We were privileged to participate in the East Valley Cancer Walk on Saturday April 12, out at Red Mountain High School in East Mesa. Ben and Stacy's Football team the "Hornets" are the driving force behind the event for us. It is a very emotional and exciting program. The Walk starts at noon, and their is someone on the track at all times walking until 9:00 Sunday morning. Thank you for letting us be a part of your group, and Ben I hope you got enough food to last you through the night.

They have the survivors recognized as well as those who are walking to help raise money. Last year we didn't stay for the candlelight Ceremony, but this year we did. With all the Luminaries around the track and everyone in the stadium carrying a candle, it was a very moving ceremony. Lots of tears we shed by all. During the lighting ceremony they light the survivors candles first and then they turn around and light someone else's who in turn lights someone else's. As we were lighting the candles for others, I noticed Marly coming through the crowd and several people tried to light her candle, she would tell them no, I want my grandma to light my candle. Thanks Marly you made me feel special.

We had to quit the walk early and sit down for a while, so we made our own Campfire of sorts, till we started to set the grass on fire, and decided that that wasn't to good an idea in the middle of the field.

As we were walking to our car after the ceremony, Bill told me that until 2 years ago when Stacy and Ben started this with their group and asked him to come and join in the survivor walk, he had never really thought of himself as a Cancer Survivor.

It was fun to be there with all our kids who made it out to the Stadium, we so enjoy being with our kids and it doesn't really matter where we are or what we are doing, it is just fun to be together.

Esse: We Really Do Love Him

2008-04-02T13:44:00.000-07:00

Well Yesterday when I found out that Esse, Donny and Deanna's dog was lost for a while, like Deanna found out, I also felt really bad. I will never forgive him and what he did all over my front room, while they lived here, but I did feel bad knowing that he was lost. So now he is back home. Just shows you that your kids always come back home, again and again.

Easter Pageant

2008-03-20T12:48:00.000-07:00

It's Easter Pageant Week at the Arizona Temple. They are celebrating the 70Th Anniversary of the pageant. How privileged are we to be able to go each year. It always brings back many happy memories of the first Easter Program that I was a part of. In 1967, the Easter Pageant consisted of a Choir on risers, with a small stage in front of us where they had different scenes enacted, in tableau's, while the choir sang. The audience was seated on folding chairs around the reflecting pool. It started at 5:30 in the morning, and was called the Easter Sunrise Service. MY HOW THINGS HAVE CHANGED!!!

Last night we were able to attend with all my children and their children, (except Allison and her family, because of the new baby). We met up with Scott and Susan and their family and her mom and younger sister, and.......a family they had invited to view the pageant. Way to go Scott and Susan!!! Matt's Mom, Elma even braved the cold to attend.

We had the usual pageant dinner, pizza and pop, and lots of snacks. Brittany related to me some of her memories of when she was 4 years old and what she remembers about being in the Pageant. Not much sacred stuff there.

But last nights memory will be from Tawny. She was sitting on my lap when the 10 virgins came out to dance. I told her maybe when she gets older she could be in that dance. She turned and looked at me and said, "No Grandma, I dance HIP-HOP." So much for her chance as a dancer.

She also had a conversation with Brittany that went something like this. " I came to the pageant so I could see what Jesus really looked like." Then Brittany broke it to her that that was not the real Jesus, only an actor playing Jesus, just like on Christmas Eve when the kids dress up to portray Mary and Jesus. She replied "like when I was an angel, only I was the only angel dressed up in Yellow." Yes that's right Tawny, you are our favorite Yellow angel. It was quite a revelation to her that this was not the Real Jesus, as she had been expecting.

What Are You Missing?

2008-03-13T09:59:00.000-07:00

"We live in the marvelous age of the information highway. The amount of information sent by e-mail, fax, cellular phones, and other means is phenomenal. In fact, there is a glut of messages. The volume is so vast that it is easy to miss a vital message. Serious consequences result whenever we miss important messages, especially if these messages are from God." James E. Faust

OK....So after my last blog this ones really for Me, and those of you who know who you are.

Sometimes Our Prayers Don't get past the ceiling!

2008-03-12T12:27:00.000-07:00

Ok....Sometimes our prayers get a little out of control. That's the way that it has been forever at our Home. Most of them are good, you know reverent ,respectful, then there are those, where you are just grateful that Heavenly Father has a wonderful sense of humor, cuz you can only laugh. To make a long story short, and maybe it is one of those that you just had to be there to enjoy.

Dad and I, Melissa and Brittany, were all sitting on our bed,late one night, when dad says,lets have prayer, Will you girls join us. So we all crowded around the bench at the foot of the bed. Bill calls on Melissa to pray. I am kneeling down,and I feel myself drift off for a minute. Meanwhile Melissa is going about the business of saying a very nice prayer. After the Amen is said, Bill sits upon the bench. I am still kneeling down. I Could hear them still talking,and someone asked me a question, to which I raised up and started talking about nothing that they had asked me. So they all started to LAUGH at ME. We quickly cleared out the room and I was dead to the world in a short time. That was one good night.

The next night,the girls were in the room again, and again it was time for prayer. This time Dad asks Brittany to pray. Now Brittany is at one end of the bench, I am at the other, and Bill and Melissa are in between. The room is quiet, Brittany starts, I am being very reverent and I go to place my head on top of my hand, I realized that would not be such a good thing,so I let out a small muffled laugh, Melissa hears me so she starts, We were able to get control very quickly, and didn't have a problem after that. Meanwhile Bill has decided he can't look at either of us, so he refrains, cuz he knows that he would start if he looked up. During all this time I actually am listening to what Brittany is saying, and realize that something is wrong with her, her usually excellent quality of prayer, had been replaced with a quick get it over with and lets be done. After the last Amen, Brittany said I had to get it over with because I knew you guys were down there laughing, and I knew I was going to start. So I hope that we are not the only family that has some problems while we pray, or we are in for it when we finally get to the other side, and have to pay for all our non reverent attitudes.

This wouldn't have seemed so bad, but, I had just been exercising on my ball laying on my back. Lost my balance and while trying desperately to hold on to something to catch my fall, rolled over and landed on my back hitting my toes on the wall under the window, jamming my right thumb on the floor in Front of me. After I stopped falling and was laying there.It was very quiet in the room. Finally someone said"Are you OK." To which I replied, "Yes, I think so," Then they all started to laugh, and laugh,and laugh. I am glad that as their mother I can give them such happiness.

We had just been to a funeral for a dear friend Ann Rogers. All her 5 children spoke and gave remembrances of their mom. She was even accused of forgetting some of the many bad things that her kids had done, and wondering why her grand kids are now following in their parents footsteps. Makes me wonder what all my children will say about me at my funeral. I may be happy that I won't have to be there.

Now that I have gone on and on, And I'm sure your wondering why you are reading this, I am sitting here thinking WHY AM I WRITING THIS.

When all is said and done I want any and all who read this to know for certain, that I love my children and their spouses, and all my beautiful grand kids, and of course I love my husband, and he loves me, or at least puts up with me. I know he could probably have done better, but they got me, and I sure hope they know how much I love them. Even if they have to laugh, I'm glad I give them such enjoyment.

MY BANNER IS CLEAR

2008-03-02T12:01:00.000-08:00

My Banner Is Clear

The inspiring commitment of a young African pastor from Zimbabwe

I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power, my die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of Jesus. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, am uplifted by prayer, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my Guide is reliable, and my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, preached up for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me-my banner will be clear.

This was included in a talk given at our Adult Session on Conference last night. It struck a chord with me and I hope it does with you.

A Few of My Favorite Things!

2008-02-14T19:40:00.000-08:00

Mr Luke Jensen

Grandpa Whetten Mr Cole Jensen

These are a few of my favorite things. I have to confess I am having a problem getting all the pictures on this site that I wanted to, they appear and then they are gone. I started this on Valentines Day. and then got frustrated cuz they wouldn't work. I also had pictures of My Mom and Cole and a cute one of Emma. Oh well I guess that I will have to keep practicing.

My Eternal Valentine

INTRODUCING LUCKY #13

2008-02-08T11:43:00.000-08:00

This is Cole Joseph Jensen He arrived on Thursday Feb.7 at 11:44 He weighed 8lb 5 Oz and was 21.5 inches long. We are so glad he got here safely, he had to come on his terms, and only his terms, so watch out mom and dad you may have another strong willed child on your hands.

SMALL THOUGHT FROM A SMALL MIND

2008-02-02T09:06:00.000-08:00

As I was coming out of the Temple the other night, It always occurs to me how much we take for granted in this world. This is a thought that I have about lots of things in this life. Have you ever walked by a flower and really looked at it. How does it grow from a seed to know that it will be purple on the inside and trimmed in blue. How does it know how to take on the shape that it does.

I understand erosion that caused the formation of the Grand Canyon, but can you imagine how much force that had to take and how many years it took. But seeds are a different matter entirely. And I won't even venture to start thinking about the miracle of a Baby being created.
I know these things happen, but how do you create such a miracle. How does anyone not see that there must be a Master Planner behind all of these creations, a force of such power, that we can not comprehend it. How can people not believe that there is a God who is in controll of all things.

Just something to think about. Not anything really important in the grand scheme of things in the world of today, just small thoughts from a small mind.....MINE.

MAUI MUGGINGS

2008-01-25T12:00:00.000-08:00

Well we finally made it home. After our plane got cancelled in Los Angeles, it only took us an additional 8 hours to get home. Let me just tell you that everyone needs to see a whale out in the ocean at least once in their life. I'd have to say that was the highlight of our trip for me. I could see them from our balcony at our Hotel room also. There is nothing like seeing these hugh animals jump up and manage to be as graceful as they are.

Our trip was wonderful. Thanks to all who had a part in making it possible. It was just what we needed. I LOVE MY FAMILY!!

HERE WE ARE IN MAUI

2008-01-11T19:42:00.000-08:00

This is the first time we have had a chance to get on the internet. We flew into Maui today, and have made it into our condo....we over look the ocean. It is georgeous. The weather has been beautiful, it gets up to maybe 80. We sat on the beach last night and watached the waves come in, it was very relaxing and soon you were off to dream land. So we went up and called it a night. This morning we went down and had a briefing on what is available on the island while we enjoyed all the fresh fruit we could handle during our continental breakfast. So much to do and so little time to do it in. Today we are going to go to Hana. The wonderful road to Hana, can't wait to see how much it has changed in 20 years.

On the island of Kauai, we were able to take the Helicopter ride around all the island and see the wettest spot spot in the world It was so cool, we went right in and came back out sideways. It is such a beautiful world. I haven't seen any cactus at all. We saw all the places that Jurassic Park was filmed, 6 days and 7 Nights, and the wonderful South Pacific. It is hard to imagine all the movies that have been filmed over here. Stacy and Deanna, I am sorry to tell you that the Hotel where Blue Hawaii was filmed is now in ruins and has never been renovated after the last huricane. Stacy and Ben we never found the Sushi Place that you told us about. Oh well. Anyway, we have seen just about everything that you can see by car and Helicopter. We even were late getting to the airport to get to Maui.

Well it's time to be on our way to Hana, so Aloha for now, and Thanks to everyone who made tis trip possible.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2008-01-06T21:41:00.002-08:00

Well another new year is here. A time to start over and begin again like a blank page waiting to be written on. Sometime's in life it is way to easy to just throw up our hands and say "THAT'S IT , LIFE IS JUST TO HARD ,AND I DON'T WANT TO TRY ANYMORE." So I guess my goal for this coming year is just to take it a day at a time. Cut it up into bite sized pieces, that will be easy to swallow. surely I can do that, one day at a time, or even one hour at a time. We have so much to look forward to in the coming year. Starting with three new babies that will be born into our family this year. We are off to a good start. My brother for Christmas is redoing the ceiling in our family room, and patching all the holes in my walls, that is such a great gift. I am so glad to be getting that done. I also got a new kitchen faucet, and the taps fixed so that they do not leak. I won't have to make sure that the faucet is not over a cup or a bowl so I won't have to listen to the steady DRIP..DRIP..DRIP. Thank you so much Gary and NaDene. He is also helping replace the sump pump in our basement. Wouldn't you know that would go out during the holidays.

Tonight we had a big LUAU at Stacy's house. Why would she have a Luau you ask in January? Surprise.....we are going to HAWAII. A lot of things that have been happening over the past few weeks are now making alot of sense. My brother-in-law, and sister-in-law in conjunction with all my kids have been planning this trip for over 2 months. We my husband and I were the only ones who were not in on the planning, I must be getting pretty dense, to not have seen anything funny going on. Even my boss was in on it. They have really tried to think of everything, and I think they have. They even had made arrangements for replacements to do our shifts in the Temple. So Early Tuesday morning we will leave for Hawaii and be gone for 8 days. I was so stunned, all I could think of was I don't have any vacation time coming in my new job, but not to worry, they had taken care of that also. Sooo...come Tuesday morning we will be flying off to Hawaii.

A BIG.... THANK YOU.... AND I LOVE YOU.... to Tom and Gayle, Mike and Marge, and all my children, you are the best. I still can't believe that no one let the cat out of the bag, and they managed to keep it a secret all this time. I AM TRULY BLESSED.

Happy Holidays

2007-12-16T13:59:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I have added anything to my page, but life takes us in a lot of different ways, while we are waiting for life to happen. Profound Huh! This month of December has been filled with many memorable moments for us. First I started back to work Full-Time for the Real Estate Office again. I hurt my foot on the first of December and it is not getting better very fast. I haven't had a chance to see my grand kids in almost 3 weeks and I am going through withdrawls. So much so that at our ward Christmas Party on Saturday night, I kidnaped the Court's baby and wouldn't give her back till they had to leave. I told her it was so she could spend time with her 2 older kids, but it was really a selfish thing, Thats me super selfish, especially when it comes to babies. (I think I have finally found my passion in life....BABIES.)

I have to tell everyone about the really neat Enrichment we had for December. If that didn't get you off to a great start on the Holiday Season nothing will. We were all seated in the cultural hall about 2 feet apart, and blindfolded. The script that was set to music took us on Christ's journey from birth to death. As we sat there blindfolded and in the dark. Someone came around and set in our hands something that went along with the time that we were in. For instance, for his birth, you were given a little bundle of hay covered in flannel, then you got to feel a new born babies foot, a heavy cross was laid on your shoulder as he asked you if you would help him carry it, a nine inch spike, a crown of thorns, But perhaps the most amazing to me was when he came and took you hand, my hand was litterally enveloped by the most amazing soft, gently set of hands, and they just made you feel so loved and secure that you know he would take care of you. It was a very impressive evening. When it was over no one wanted to get up and move. It was such a glorious feeling.

On Saturday we went to the Spire Music Concert at Grady Gammage Auditorium in which Candice, Melissa and Brittany were part of the choir. It was neat to hear this wonderful choir backed up by a live orchestra. It was fun to hear the 2,5,9, group sing again also. We took my mom and were met there by Matt and his mom. They ended with the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah.

I am truly blessed this Holiday Season with many friends and Family around me. Especially since we, or rather Brittany, finally finished the Christmas Tree, and everything else has been but in it's place.

My wish is for everyone to enjoy this Holiday season and the reason we celebrate it.

SOMETIMES DAD GETS CONFUSED

2007-11-18T15:38:00.000-08:00

Friday night the phone rang at our house about 11:15. Ring, Ring, Bill answered the phone. It was Brittany on the other end asking him to do her a favor. He gets off the phone and I ask him "what did she want?" He replied, "She wants me to put the lamp from the piano outside behind the front bushes." I'm thinking "What in the world are they going to do with the piano lamp at this time of night. But he get up to do her bidding.

Around 12....We, normal people, have already gone to bed. Bill has dozed off (dead to the world according to him... as if that is hard for him to do), I am reading in bed by the light of my small lamp, the room is semi-dark, all is quiet. When suddenly the phone rings and Bill picks it up. It's Brittany on the other end asking Bill, "Dad? Did you forget to put it out front? Chris is out front and can't find it." Bill answers "yes, I put it right behind the bushes like you told me to." "You sure? It's not there, she replies." "You told me to get the lamp, which was on the piano, and put it behind the bushes!"

I can hear Brittany laughing hysterically on the other end and saying "No Dad! I told you to put my LONGBOARD THAT WAS BY THE PIANO, OUT FRONT BEHIND THE BUSHES! "At this point, I begin uncontrollably silent laughing Bill who apparently misunderstood what it was that he was to do. Nevertheless, Bill got up, went by the piano, where, who'd have known, was her longboard. He opened the door to find Chris standing at the front. Chris traded the lamp for the longboard and they went their separate ways.

So just a warning... even though dad is getting a complex...because everyone always calls and immediately asks to talk to mom, talk to him for a minute before you ask for me, and don't expect him to always be coherent late at night.

SOME OF MY FAVORITE LITTLE PEOPLE

2007-11-17T15:57:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen a cuter group of kids? And we have THREE more on the way!

I'VE BEEN TAGGED

2007-11-17T15:20:00.000-08:00

Four places I Worked:
1. Desert Schools Federal Credit Union-Teller
2. Montgomery Wards -Customer Service
3. Lou Coopeys Photography
4. Big Surf

Four Places I've lived:
1. Mesa
2. Tucson
3. Provo
4. Santa Ana, CA

Four Favorite TV Shows:
1. NCIS
2. The Unit
3. Dirty Jobs
4. Jag

Four Movies I Want To See:
1. Mr. Magoriums Wonderful Emporium
2. Enchanted
3. I don't get out much!!! But I saw these two advertised on TV.
4.

Four Favorite Foods:
1. Ice- soft crush
2. Dr. Pepper Berries and Cream
3. Nachos and Jalapenos
4. Shrimp

Four Wierd Things About Me, OK....Five:
1. I can't go to bed without a clean house
2. I have a silent laugh
3. If nachos don't have jalapenos, they are not worth eating
4. I still do ballet when I'm alone in my kitchen
5. I got fired from my first job as a married person because they found out I was pregnant!

Four Places I'd rather be:
1. San Diego
2. At the Lake
3. Kaysville UT
4. Queen Creek with my children and grand kids

Four People I'm tagging :
1. EVERYONE'S BEEN TAGGED (except Brittany who tagged herself)!!!

HOW CAN THIS BE.....BORING, DOMINANT, STUCK IN A RUT

2007-11-17T14:58:00.000-08:00

***You Are An ISFJ***
The Nurturer
You have a strong need to belong, and you very loyal.A good listener, you excel at helping others in practical ways.In your spare time, you enjoy engaging your senses through art, cooking, and music.You find it easy to be devoted to one person, who you do special things for.
In love, you express your emotions through actions.Taking care of someone is how you love them. And you do it well!
At work, you do well in a structured environment. You complete tasks well and on time.You would make a good interior designer, chef, or child psychologist.
How you see yourself: Competent, dependable, and detail oriented
When other people don't get you, they see you as: Boring, dominant, and stuck in a rut
What's Your Personality Type?http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyourpersonalitytypequiz/

Ice Hockey and the Homeless

2007-11-10T19:12:00.000-08:00

Ice Hockey and the Homeless don't always go together, but on Thursday night we had a night dedicated to the homeless, sponsered by the Destiny Haven Foundation. We went and collected jackets, new socks, and blankets donated by the attendees at the Hockey game. We came home with over 400 items. The girls sold hockey pucks to the fans, that were tossed out to the ice during the second intermission. the person who comes the closest to the Black dot in the center of the ice wins a prize. If you hit the black dot you win half of the money collected from the sales of the night and if no one hits it, it rolls over to the next night. Unfortunately no one hit it that night so it rolled over. It was worth over $1800.00 that night. We also get to see the last 2 quarters of the game. It was very interesting and had lots of fights. Someone said that these teams were arch rivals and had lots of bad blood between them. It was a long night, but we accomplished lots and met lots of very giving people, who thanked us for all our efforts.

Does this look like your car?

2007-11-10T18:54:00.000-08:00

Does this look like your car? This was my top priority at work on Wednesday. Get it cleaned out and washed . I know we can all relate to this, but some of us have it worse than others. The owner of this car will remain nameless, as she didn't like me taking pictures of the car. Sometimes the truth hurts!!!!

I've been trying to learn.....Why does it not work for me.

2007-11-03T13:45:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to learn more about how to do "stuff" on my blog, and after 2 days of failure I finally got a picture to download for me.

I want everyone to see Brittany's first pie crust. We had a mid-week on making pie crusts. It seem that everyone had the same idea as I did, to bring your older daughters to learn also. Which was exactly what Brittany accused me of. But no there was no conspiracy in it at all. Just a good time to learn a new skill and to do it together. I hope she had as good time as I did.

When we got home there were 2 bikes out in front of our house. We guessed that the missionaries were probably visiting, But No......It was better... it was CANDICE AND MATT. We are so glad that Candice is finally beginning to feel a little better, and feels like she can get out and about. I'm so lucky that I will be getting 2 new grand babies next year. Cuz we love them so much.

2007-10-27T00:32:00.000-07:00

It's after midnight, what am I doing ?

2007-10-27T00:07:00.000-07:00

High Priests are a lively bunch!!

Tonight we had a High Priest Ice Cream Social. There were about 40 of us there. Of course no one from the Bishopric showed up, WHATS THAT ALL ABOUT? I got the invitation at 5:30 when the Group Leader called to see if we had remembered, which we hadn't, actually I don't remember ever being told about it. but a personal invitation is always nice! We had Pumpkin Pie and ice cream. After eating, or while eating for some folks, we went around the room and everyone had to say something about themselves or their spouse. We found out alot of very interesting things about the people that we associate with each Sunday. Some of them had very interesting stories. I'm glad that we get to call all of these people not only Brothers and Sisters, but also Neighbors and Friends. What a great area we live in.

I discovered something interesting last night

2007-10-24T12:49:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what I am doing, so everyone be very patient with those of us who are techno challenged. Hopefully I will get better.
Any way I have a word of advice for people who burn pans and then try to clean them quickly. Did you know that when you put dish soap in a pan and bring it to a boil, that it bubbles up and over the pan! Did you also know that those bubbles are as hot as steam! Do not put your hand into the bubbles and try to get them out of the pan, or you end up with burns on your fingers. Just a handy little hint for future reference.
OK, not a very good start for a blog, but like I said I hope I'll get better. I have very good teachers.