Choosing, This Day

I revamped Mom and Dad's Blog

2009-08-08T14:14:00.001-07:00

Hey this is Jen!!! Mom and Dad were here visiting and I HAD to re-do their blog. I did let Mom pick out her own background but other than that I was in charge. Let them know what you think!!!

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY ZION!!!

2008-11-16T21:55:00.000-08:00

We just wanted to send a shout out to our #1, 1 year old. We can't believe he is one already, where does the time go? We love you buddy and wish we could be there to celebrate your big day.

2008-10-17T12:58:00.000-07:00

Is my face red!

2008-10-10T23:09:00.000-07:00

I am ashamed that I failed to wish a very wonderful Son a Happy Birthday.
Joshua David Hinze
Happy Happy Birthday
Hope this next year holds many more wonderful days for you.
We are grateful for you and all that you do for Chrissta and your family.
May you be blessed
Love Ya

Our "Eternal" calling

2008-09-27T21:38:00.000-07:00

Today is the 48th anniversary of our Eternal parental calling.
I have thought much for several weeks about this day so long ago.
We were as excited and proud of becoming parents as any one could be.
Although we were young, it was a wonderful experience.
I had little brothers and I had been babysitting since I was nine years old.
I felt very prepared to give birth and be a parent as did Daddy.
We had great faith that we would follow the counsel of the leaders of the church and the generation before us and for the most part we did.
We have always been prayerful and attempted to parent in an appropriate manner.
However, we have made many mistakes of which we are sorry and ask forgivness for.
Thanks to all of our children for the lessons they have taught us along the way.
I pray for all of our children and grandchildren, that they will be blessed in their journey as Eternal families.
May you have Joy and no regrets.
We Love you all
Mom and Dad

JUST FOR FUN

2008-09-11T19:55:00.001-07:00

IT IS GREAT TO BE "EIGHT"

2008-09-11T19:18:00.000-07:00

SEPTEMBER 11 2008;
TODAY IS THE EIGHTH BIRTHDAY OF MISS AMARA.
THIS IS A HUGE BIRTHDAY, SHE HAS MADE THE CHOICE TO BE BAPTIZED INTO THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS, THE KINGDOM OF GOD ON THE EARTH.
BOY ARE WE THRILLED AT HER DECISION.
WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND FOREVER.

2008-09-08T00:12:00.000-07:00

Jake and Janna's Reception

2008-09-08T00:06:00.000-07:00

A few random pictures of Jake and Janna's Reception.

2008-08-13T21:21:00.000-07:00

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANNIE

AUGUST 14 2008 Andrea Dawn

2008-08-13T20:50:00.000-07:00

" The sun will come out tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow there'll be sun. Tomorrow,tomorrow it's only a day away"
It is supposed to be 100 degrees here in our home town. Record breaking they say.
Well that is appropriate for a day of celebration for Annie's
Birthday.
She is going to an outdoor concert to hear Joe Shinkle and 99W
perform, some good old country music.
Daddy is kind of grounded to the house.
But we will all do our best to recognize this special day in her life.
We are grateful for the woman that she has become.
We wish her a Happy, Happy Birthday and hope you all do too!

Whew!!! Success

2008-08-12T17:42:00.000-07:00

Byron and Dad are both awake and conversing. Byron sent a text-message. {Thanks, Son}.
Dad had a little clam chowder a while ago. I'm guessing that Byron did not.
The biopsy for Dad won't be back for a few days.
He is very tired and has a considerable amount of pain. {Yay! Vicodin}
Will be some recovery time.
He won't be driving or lifting for a few weeks.
Also said he could not, ride horseback, ride a bicycle , Motor Cycle or riding lawn mower for 6 weeks.
DANG!!!
THANKS FOR ALL THE PRAYERS FROM ALL.
MUCH LOVE

2008-08-12T17:41:00.000-07:00

DAD AND BYRON

2008-08-11T18:37:00.000-07:00

Well tomorrow is the big day for these guys.
Both are having surgery, for very different things.
It did give our family another chance to "Fast and Pray" in their behalf.
Thanks to all of you for your prayers.
And just a little side note: Good job Natalie, 22 hours with out food or drink is a great accomplishment and I am sure your Uncle and Gramp appreciate your love for them.

A DAY AT THE OREGON COAST

2008-07-24T23:09:00.000-07:00

IS IT EVER REALLY WARM AT THE COAST?
NOT SO MUCH!
BUT WE DID HAVE A NICE DAY WITH HALL FAMILIES AND NATALIE.
HERE ARE SOME PHOTOS, IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER.

GOOD GRIEF GRANDMOTHER!!!

2008-07-24T22:25:00.000-07:00

July 24, 2008 10:30 P.M.
FINNIGAN JACK DEVERICKS You are awesome. We all Love you very much.
We are glad we got to talk to you today and wish you a Happy Birthday.
We hope you had fun at the park and ate a lot of cupcakes.
Grandma was just thinking about the day your Daddy and Mommy brought you home from the hospital and we were at your home waiting for you.
When your Daddy lifted you, in your car seat, out of the car. He had such an amazing smile on his face. And when we saw you, we knew why. He was a very proud Daddy. You were such a cute baby boy. Your Mommy and Brother and sister were happy too.
And just look at you now; with huge "blue" eyes and blond hair.
And already, you can skate board. What the heck?
We will see you in a couple of days, and you can do your skooter tricks again for us.
All our Love; Grampy, Gram, Aunties Lisa and Annie

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR "GREAT" TWO YEAR OLD!!!!

2008-07-24T22:14:00.000-07:00

Add On to 5 year old

2008-05-31T09:04:00.001-07:00

ANOTHER FIVE YEAR OLD IN OUR FAMILY!

2008-05-31T08:18:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY XANDER JOSHUA HINZE!
Boy five years have surely gone by fast.
When you were born Grandpa, Grandma, Aunties; Lisa, Annie and Jeni and friend Stephanie drove Grandma Anderson's motor home from Oregon to Texas. Just so we could be there for your blessing day.
How fun that was!
You were a very tiny, blond baby boy. SOOOOOOOOOO cute.
And look at you now! You still are SOOOOOOOOO cute. Only you are a "Big" five year old boy.
Sure hope you have a wonderful birthday, today.
It's gotten off to a good start, with breakfast in bed. {good Mommy}.
Wish we could be there. We love you.

Addition to Happy Birthday Phoenix

2008-05-30T09:16:00.001-07:00

Happy Happy Birthday to Phoenix

2008-05-30T08:01:00.000-07:00

Wow, Phoenix!!! Today you are turning "Three" years old. How amazing is that?
We remember the day you were born. Grandpa and Grandma came all the way from Oregon just to be there for that great occasion. Such a beautiful Baby you were and just look how big you have grown, and what a beautiful boy you are.
Have a great party at "Chuck-E-Cheese". Wish we could be there. Aunties, Lisa and Annie say; "Happy Birthday" to you as well.

Sully and his Soccor Buds

2008-05-22T13:12:00.000-07:00

Sully Happy Birthday

2008-05-22T13:08:00.001-07:00

SULLIVAN YOU ARE AWESOME!!!!!!!

2008-05-22T12:13:00.000-07:00

TODAY SULLIVAN HAS TURNED "5" YEARS OLD.
WOW! Has it been that long since the Grandmas and Grandpas and all of the Aunties helped your Mommie and Daddy take care of you before you were born?
We were all so very excited the day that you were born!
What a beautiful baby you were and what an amazing five year old you have become.
We miss you every day and Love you so much.
Hope you have a great day.

Reflection

2008-05-18T11:11:00.000-07:00

It was a "Sunday"; so many years ago when Mt. St Helens blew her top!
There are many memories of that date that some of our family members have.
It was a most frightful event that turned into a time of family togetherness, food storage meals, cleanup, Uncle Vor and Aunt Maggie, and Freddie (their pooch and Curtis and Peggy home for a visit.
We played games, baked bread and had Home made Chicken Noodle soup.
We were so well prepared, that when the Firemen came to assess our needs, we had none.
I think we did have them pick up an extra package of disposable diapers, just in case we had to be confined longer than a week.
I realize that we were very blessed, and I would like to think that it was as least partly because of "obedience".
Today is Sunday, May 18th 2008.
We are soon leaving for church, just as we did that day. And pray that History does not repeat itself on this day. However I cherish the testimony of Prayer that I was allowed to have strengthened that day. Adversity can truly be an amazing teacher.
Love You All

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MISS NATALIE NICOLE HINZE

2008-05-15T09:06:00.000-07:00

Miss Natalie is 12 years old today and an official "Young Woman".
We can hardly believe it, but we know it is true.
Grandpa, Grandma, Aunties Lisa and Andrea wish for you the best Birthday ever.
Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Love Ya

May 13, 2008

2008-05-13T08:12:00.001-07:00

Today is another Birthday for someone very special.
Happy Birthday to you; BRANDI BEAU {CLIFT} DEVERICKS.
WE LOVE YOU!!!
Hope you have a wonderful day.
All our Love Daddy, Mama, Lisa and Annie

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

2008-05-10T22:31:00.000-07:00

TO ALL OF THE MOTHERS IN MY LIFE.
MOTHER, DAUGHTERS, SISTER'S-IN-LAW,
COUSINS, FRIENDS WE LOVE YOU ALL.
HAVE A HAPPY DAY!!

Another Happy Birthday

2008-05-09T09:02:00.000-07:00

Hey you guys! Today is the Birthday of our very special Grandson; Benson David Hinze.
We want to wish him a very great day and many more to come.
Hey, "B" we love you with all our Hearts and miss being with you.
Have a piece of "cake" for us and have a lot of Fun.

Happy Birthday

2008-05-07T22:30:00.000-07:00

WHEW! I almost missed posting a
"VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO TARA".
The day is almost over and we were able
to give best wishes this morning via cell phone.
We Love you so much and miss you always.
Glad you had a good day!!!

Can you believe???

2008-04-19T21:41:00.000-07:00

It is April 19 2008 and we woke up to an inch of new snow this morning in our part of the "Banana Belt". What the .........?

Lisa's birthday 2008

2008-03-28T10:02:00.001-07:00

SNOW IN THE FORECAST/ON LISA'S BIRTHDAY!

2008-03-27T23:18:00.000-07:00

.

WE HAVE HAD SNOW FOR THE LAST TWO MORNINGS AND MORE IS EXPECTED FOR THIS MORNING.
I'M NOT SURE THAT WE HAVE EVER HAD SNOW FOR LISA'S BIRTHDAY.
IT USUALLY IS A LOVELY SPRING DAY WITH ALL OF THE TREES IN FULL BLOOM.
THEY ARE BLOOMING, BUT DON'T QUITE LOOK THE SAME WITHOUT THE "SUNSHINE"
AGAIN;
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LISA!

March 28, 2008

2008-03-27T23:03:00.000-07:00

TODAY is Lisa's Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday, to You, Happy Birthday, to You Happy Birthday, Dear Lisa.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TO YOU!!!!
WITH ALL OUR LOVE
DAD, MOM AND ANNIE

Family Easter Fun 2008

2008-03-22T21:35:00.003-07:00

Pictures taken at the 2008 Easter Fun at Uncle Sid and Aunt Karens. This in a yearly event where we have a great potluck and Gigantic Easter Egg Hunt. Fun is had by hiders and finders.

Aunt Karen gets everybody lined up and Uncle Sid counts 1-2-3-Go and the race is on.

Just about ready.
As you can see there are hundreds of eggs laying in the lawn for the Birth thru 5 children go to find there eggs.
Aunt Lisa getting ready to help Lexie and Lance find eggs with there Mother Carrie.
Sweet little Lexie
Here is Lance , looks a lot like Finn huh.

Dad (Grandpa) had his fun on Uncle Sid's new Ski Doo Snowmobile. Wow does this thing ever go fast.

Grandpa having a lot of fun.

Michael nad Steve cleaning up the Samari.

Sid Jr and Lisa coming in for a landing.

Steve had his Samari here and he and Lisa, Michael and Scott Michael went four wheeling and got stuck. They had to be rescued by Uncle Sid and the Gang.
Lisa got a bit muddy in her new jeans.
Michael on the new 4-tracker.
Sid Jr and Lisa getting ready for takeoff.
Steve cleaning up his pride and joy.

We had a wonderful day of good food, good conpany and good fun. Wish all of you could have been there. We love you.

Happy Easter

2008-03-21T19:27:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we will have our usual Easter "Saturday" at Uncle Sid and Aunt Karen's.
We surely appreciate all of the years that they have hosted so many friends and Family members. However we enjoy it so much more when our Children and Grandchildren are present to participate in the fun.
SURE WISH YOU WERE ALL HERE!!!
We know your lives are busy and you are very involved in good works. For that we are most grateful.
Sunday we will celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And how pleased we are that our Children and Grand children will be doing so as well.
What a wonderful blessing to have the knowledge that because of this great gift from our Heavenly Father and his Son, that we have the opportunity to repent of those things that we fall short in and "Come Unto Christ" and be perfected in him.
My testimony is strong. I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth by a living Prophet and that the church continues to be led by a living Prophet Thomas S. Monson.
I pray that you too may always have that conviction and work toward the gift of an Eternal Family.
HAPPY EASTER!

March 12th 2008

2008-03-12T08:38:00.000-07:00

A Very Happy Anniversary To Tara and Byron, hope you have a great day.

And a Very Happy Birthday to Eric.

We Love You All

Dad, Mom, Lisa & Annie

Mattie

2008-03-11T22:41:00.001-07:00

This is Doug Jr and Angie's daughter Mattie with her Great Aunt Cari. Just hanging with the girls.

Miss Calli & Cleo's Baby Shower March 1, 2008

2008-03-11T21:41:00.001-07:00

Here is a sweet three generation photo. Aunt Cari, Calli and Cleo, just hiding away there.

Miss Hope is also looking forward to becoming an "Auntie". Shauna helped Aunt Karen plan and prepare the shower. { She actually had some pretty cute Shower games}. For those of us who usually object to most of them.

Will try to identify those of us that were able to attend. From left to right.
top row Carol {Calli's Grandmother}, Lisa, Shauna, Angie, Hope {Auntie}
Shellie, Aunt Karen.
2nd row: Annie, Aunt Margo, Great Grandmother A, Calli and Cleo.3rd row: Lexie, Kerri , Calli's cousins { other side of the family} I can't remember their names, Aunt Cari (proud Grandmother and her friend from Philomath

Cousin Lisa, Great Aunt Margo {to Cleo} Great Grandmother A, Cousin Annie, Second Cousin Lexie.

This would be a "FOUR" generation shot.
Grandmother Cari, Mother Calli and baby Cleo and Great Grandmother Dorothy A.

It was nice to get together for a lovely brunch, with yummy food like only Aunt Cari and Aunt Karen can supply, in such a pleasant atmosphere.
Uncle Sid and Daddy (Barry) and Doug Jr. and Mattie were there as well.
We didn't so much get pictures of the gifts. But be assured, there were many. Including the dress and bonnett that she had been blessed in that was made by her Grandmother, Czri's Mom.

Winter in Oregon 2007-2008

2008-03-11T20:48:00.000-07:00

A photo from the drive in front of the house here. This was a quite a bit more snow than we have had in a long time.
Actually, it was really beautiful from the inside, looking out. There was ice under the snow.

We are still here!

2008-01-14T15:13:00.000-08:00

It has been forever since we have posted on our Blog.
Our family members are really good at it though and we do enjoy theirs so much.
I do not have a photo program on my mac. computer so I just haven't added anything.
Just want you to all know that we had a wonderful Christmas and New Year.
We loved having Byron and Tara Morgan, Phoenix and Zion.
Eric and Brandi Devericks, Amara, Sullivan and Finnigan.
Kevin and Jensine Hall {????}
Lisa and Andrea Clift and us Barry and Margo Clift here to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ in our home.
We were also very blessed to have Mark and Cari Gunter and Bryan and Amber McMullen spend New Years eve with us.
We are old, and nothing we do is very "exciting". {like long boarding, or swimming in very cold bodies of water, X-treme sports of any kind} But we do love our family and friends, and spending time with them. We play a heck of a game of rumikub if anyone is interested. By the way, if you don't mind losing, Kevin is the guy. We also had some fun with Scattegories. We don't play Texas-Hold-Um. But we did hold on to those Texans as long as we could.LOL
Hope we made some good memories, in spite of so many getting so sick.
We love you and will be posting pictures soon. {If I can just figure it out.}

Lisa and her car

2007-10-12T11:04:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time coming. Lisa has been driving a little "older" car for several years. She is now, proud to announce the purchase of her "dream car", a lovely Midnight Blue, 2006 Jeep Liberty. (with all the bells and whistles. Including leather upholstery)
Congratulations, Lisa. You are very deserving. Many happy hours of commuting.

Maybe this could be called, "Liberty Blue".

Check out that grill.

And rear mounted spare.

Looking good!

Maybe a little apprehensive (first car payments in years).

Annie is loving the new ride.

Malea's Adoption

2007-10-12T10:32:00.000-07:00

On October 5th we went to Vancouver, Washington for the adoption of our Great Neice, Malea to John and Shelly Linfesty and her brother Matthew. It was a wonderful day for all. We all went to dinner together at the Olive Garden afterward and had a great time.

Matthew with Micheal Gunter and Great Aunt Margo.

Baby Malea who is being adopted.

Malea and Cousin Kimberlin Dussenberry, Shauna's daughter.

Daddy John holding Malea, Mama Shelly and brother Matt.

>a

Family standing before the judge.

At the end of the court hearing, the judge allowed Matthew to rap the gavel on the desk, closing the case and finalizing the adoption. Next step is blessing her and being sealed in the temple next month.

Congratulations to the Linfesty Family

Mama's Baking Day

2007-10-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

The other day I mentioned to Mama that the guys at the car lot had said how they sure would love to have some of her Cinnamon Rolls. So she decided that that was a good day to bake some. Scott Short and his brother Jack would pay 25 dollors a dozen for them and James Baxter one of the salesmen just raves over them. Mama loving to serve others so she went to work and I do mean work, as most of you know. Here are some pictures to show you what she did.

After 10#s of Flour, 6 packages of yeast, some other ingredients and a lot of time and energy here is the first of two batches she made that day.

Now she adds the cinnamon and sugar on the soft buttered dough .

Have to make sure that the sugar is spread evenly as much as possible.

She then rolls and cuts the dough.

Each roll being placed in its own pan they sit and rise and then are baked and frosted.

Then they were delivered 55 rolls to South Commercial Auto, where there were some very pleased recipient's. They all had much praise for the rolls.

Visit from the Sweet Ones

2007-09-22T14:50:00.000-07:00

Wow, did we have fun last weekend. The Devericks Family came down because Eric's sister Tonya had her little girl. What a sweet thing she is. We had great fun with the kids. Sully, Amara and I played baseball for a while, we had lunch, and they jumped on the tramp and had a ball. When they wanted to jump on the tramp. we said they could and out the door they went and before we could clean the darn thing, well you will see the results. Finn was a real trooper too, and jumped on the tramp and had a fresh picked tamato from my tomato plants. Thanks for the great time kids. The next day we were invited to Dennis and Betty Mason's for a bar-b-que and had another wonderful day with wonderful people.

Finn, Amara and Sully getting cleaned up after Tramp experience.

Look at those big blue eyes.

Sully and Amara love the bubbles in the tub.

Sully and Finn playing the piano together Ha Ha. Caught them in a good moment.

Amara, Sully and Finn on the tramp. Note the knees of Amara's pants.
Oh grandma this is yummy, thanks.
Sully falling backwards on tramp.
Again, look at that beautiful smile.

Be careful Finn, its a long way to the ground.
Amara trying to wash the tramp. She is a hard worker and a great helper.
Finn trying his wings.
Amara doing a trick, Wow she is something, this one.

Yearly Hedge Trimming

2007-09-22T13:44:00.000-07:00

One of the beautiful things about this place was the beautiful hedges that ran down both sides of

the house and around the back yard. The only down side to them is that they need to be trimmed each year. It is a big job and takes about 20 to 25 hours of hard work. We have always worked on them as a family and it has been great fun, especially when the girls were home to help. Now it seems that we are blessed with a wonderful home teacher, Jeff Tietjen, who helps us and we are very thankful for him and all those who help. Here are some pictures we took on the day we started the project. We have a couple more days of work to get them all done, but we will get them done soon.

Jeff Tietjen, with muffs, Tyler Thackeray and Me

Tyler and Me picking up limbs.

Having a bit of lunch, Jeff, Tyler and Me

Once again Mama looking out for me.

Ben Thackeray on swing, Jeff and Tyler and my tummy.

Labor Day activities

2007-09-03T22:09:00.000-07:00

Dad, Mom, Lisa and Annie spent the day together having a really good time.
However, we did miss all of you.
First, after getting ready for the day, we watched the Mariners redeem themselves by breaking a nine game losing streak and beat N.Y. Yankees. Ichiro hit a homer on his 200th hit. That was cool. Hernandez pitched 7 innings with Green and Sherrill for the eighth and Putts closing. We "really love Mariners baseball, especially when they win.
We decided to be a little traditional today and go to the Oregon State fair.
Arrived there around two o clock and left at eight-thirty.
The weather was amazing.
We first went to the animal barn, anticipating their beginning to pack it all in for 2007. Love the goats, Llamas, Sow and Piglets, milking cows and some horses.
Went into the horse show and watched the "sled" pulling by the draft horses.
Had our usual "Brick" of curly fries and cold bottle of water.
Had fun reminising through the "rod" show. Boy if we still had the 40 Ford, the 55 Ford, 46 chev and 53 Chevy Pickup.
Oh, well.
Walked through the Jackman-Long building enjoying Woodworking, Quilts, Cakes, Place Settings etc.,etc.
Headed to the the demonstration building where there was the usual array of Waterless Cookware, Jewelry, Touch of Mink, Sewing Machines, floor mops, Steam Irons, Therapeutic Magnets, t-shirts, Croc-like shoes, temporary Tattoos, you get the drift!
Of coarse, walked the mid-way through the Picture booths, more Jewelery, and Where the games and rides collide with an amazing array of scantily clothed people. Many of which were covered with Tattoos.
I'm quite impressed however with the
majority of the Hispanic population. They and their children are clean and dressed very nicely. I also notice that they speak kindly to one another and aren't shouting at their children. I like that. Seems to me that alot of our caucasion families just put on their dirtiest and grubbiest outfits to hang at the fair. That is sad to me.
Went through the Garden area and it was really beautiful this year, with so many hanging flower baskets and beautiful Gardens. Strolled through the Artisan Village and loved the logs carved with a chain saw. Cute Bears, and Moose as well as beautiful Eagle carvings. Also watched a glass Blower.
Then we scouted out Kettle Corn for Annie, Funnell Cake for Lisa and Mom and Dad as well as Cotton Candy for Lisa.
Caught a couple of acts that we really enjoyed. A vocalist that sang country and an equadorian musical group, playing Flutes of various kinds as well as string instruments that looked like minature Guitars and a Violin. Saw a bit of a Guitarist just before exiting.
Stopped in Salem and had Kentucky Fried Chicken (I know, I know, Chrissta) but we love it.
The weather was so beautiful all day and the evening breeze so refreshing, it was hard to come in.
And Yay! One more year at the fair that daddy didn't have to use the scooters. He was a trooper!
Don't we have so much to be grateful for? We had the freedom to do exactly what we wanted to do, and the means by which to do it. We sure didn't have a fortune to spend, but enough.
There are so many things in this world that we may take for granted. Smiles are awesome, kind words are easy to give, babies and children are beautiful, in all colors and sizes and people are generally good and nice.
We love you all and are grateful for true principles, that help us to be more Christ-Like, so that we can truly be an Eternal Family.
We hope you all had fun Labor day activities.
Love Mom

Days after Walt's Funeral

2007-08-22T17:11:00.001-07:00

Family pictures after Walt's Funeral.

The passing of Walter M Anderson was a real loss for the family. He had been our Mom's companion for about 11 years and had treated her the way we feel she deserved to be treated, lovingly and kind and he will be missed. We had all of the Gunter children here and it was great to be together. His funeral was very well attended as he was a very respected member of his ward and loved by many.

The days after Walt's funeral were some wonderful times to remember. We were all together at differant times but had great memory making times.

L to R- Margo Dwight, Bob, Carrie, Mark and Barry
L to R- Bob, Barry, Kevin
L to R Sidney, Bob, Carrie, Mark, Barry and Amber
L to R Karen, Margo and Dwight

L to R Bob, Kevin, Amber, Sid and Dwight.

We all visited and had many great times together. Uncle Sid thought that it would be fun for the young folks to shoot skeet one day and here a few pictures of that event.
Margo and Sid

Jeni and Uncle Sid Shooting Skeet

Sid, Jeni and Kevin

Jeni and Kevin

Oh yes and there had to be a fire in the fire pit.

Billy, Kolt and Kevin

Quite a fire huh?

L to R Kolt, Billy, Jeni, Hope and Heather

Big fire again

And we ate: Wow did we eat.

Kimber, Lisa, Carol, Calli, Grandma Anderson and Uncle Bob

Bob, Dwight, Sherron,and Grandma Anderson

Allison, Rolley, Doug Jr., Elaine, and Kolene

Doug and Sid

Amber, Lisa, Kolene, Sid and BobMore of the family:

Maleah drinking from Drink Container

Grandma Anderson and Bob

Carol(Carrie's Mom) Carrie, Calli and Lis

Scott and Brian

Annie

Kolt learning to make gravey from Uncle Sid; It was very good.
Bob and Kolene
Elaine
Mark and Margo
Jeni, Margo and Carrie's Back

Calli and Billy
Doug Jr and Angie
Uncle Rolley
Uncle Doug

Uncle Mark and Aunt Carrie

A special thanks to Uncle Sid and Aunt Karen for hosting us for the whole week, we love you guys.

2007-08-22T16:58:00.000-07:00

Texas Trip

2007-08-22T16:02:00.000-07:00

Now that I notice everything is upside down so go to the bottom and work your way up.

Mom was busy the last few days of our stay. She primed and painted Tara's kitchen cabinets while and they looked beautiful. Sorry no pictures of that project. We returned home on the 30th of July. What a wonderful trip and visit we had.

A few more pix.

And yes there was swimming!!We went out to eat a lot of times and had some great food. We went to Gatti Land, a pizza place like Chuckie Cheese and had a great time. We went to Rudy's a great Bar B Que place, The Serloin Stockade, who have rools almost as good as Mom's and all the steak you can eat. Several times to Chick Filet and McDonalds and the best fried chicken came from Church's Chicken.

Grandma and Xander
Byron and Pheonix
Circus act
White Tiger
The second week we went to the circus. Byron, Tara, Grandma, Grandpa, Xander, Aunt Annie and Pheonix and we had a great time.

These are Josh and Chrissta's Children, Above Natalie 11
Benson 13
Madison 9
Xander 4

June 12, 2007 we boarded Southwest Airlines and headed to Austin Texas. We arrived in the late evening and were picked up by our Son in law Josh Hinze. We went to Tara and Byrons home and got settled in. We spent the first week at Josh and Chrissta's with their children while she was a girls camp.

Trip to Seattle

2007-06-05T13:59:00.000-07:00

Family baseball game.
Amara at bat. She is just great to play with. Notice the stance.
Grandma and Finn playing ball.

Sully the baseball playing kid. Boy can he hit the ball.

Amara and Sully watching the TV in the new van.
Grandma and Sully at Azteca Restaurant in Kirkland, Washington
Amara, Lisa, Finn, Brandi and Sully at dinner.
Brandi, Sully, Eric, Grandpa, Annie, Amara, Lisa and Finn at dinner.
Grandpa, Finn and Annie in the back yard watching the Family Base Ball Game.

We went to Seattle last week to spend time with our family and we had a great time. Here are some pictures of our great time. We were celebrating Sully's 4th birthday and life itself with some great kids.

New Star 2

2007-06-05T13:55:00.000-07:00

New Star

2007-06-05T13:23:00.000-07:00

Brandi called last night and said to watch for them as they had Diamond Club tickets for the Mariners Game. We watched and to our surprise we looked up at the screen as the commentator said " Look Dad at the ball I got" and who did we see but our Finnigan. I told Brandi that the advertising agents will be knocking down her door if they find out who he is. The picture is not great because we took a picture off the TV.

"7" Unusual things about me

2007-05-24T17:18:00.000-07:00

This is quite a challenge, as I beleive that most of you that will be seeing this already know how unusual your Mom is and none of this will come as a surprise.

1. I never learned to swim. My father was very afraid of water and did not let us get very near it. As a matter of fact I can still remember My dad, Alvin Gunter standing on the bank of the canal holding on to the rope that he had tied around my waste. I swam in a public pool only a few times as a child. (in the shallow end). My husband tried to teach me to swim after we were married but I always had an infant in my arms and by that time I had a major fear of water if my feet didn't touch bottom.

2. The first time that I drove in Seattle I had 7 children and a sick husband in a malfunctioning automobile. The "o" ring in the carburator was broken, and every time I stopped the car died. We were on our way from Lamont, Washington to Seaside Oregon for a family reunion. The car finally died outside of Ellensburg, Washington and Daddy had to hitch-hike back to town while we waited along side the road. Boy, where were the cell phones when I needed them? To make matters worse I had two teen-aged girls that were on a Watermelon-Popcorn diet. Need I say more? Do you find any thing unusual about that whole scenerio?

3. As yucky as this may sound, before I was 14 years old I had butchered, scalded, plucked, cleaned, cut-up and fried a chicken.
Wasn't so unusual those days.

4. I also have a phobia. That of "darkness". I am a great camper during day light hours, and I do fine at night if I can sit up with a flash light. I have no idea why. but in the total dark I feel very claustrophobic. I was blessed to go to girls camp as an adult leader because I slept in my van with a light on.( But I was an amazing camp cook! )My idea of camping however would be the Marriot, if you know what I mean.

5. At one time we owned a goat named Daisy. We bought her with the intentions of cutting our milk and cheese budget.
We did milk her for some time and I made Cheese from the milk. But when the children announced at the table that the milk and cheese tasted like Daisy smelled, that ended that. I was doing my hair in the bathroom one day and heard the door open. When I went to check who was there. There stood Daisy. I'm still not sure if the kids left the door open or if daisy had skills I wasn't aware of. Have you ever made cheese? It is quite a process.

6. When I was 60 years old I went to Sea World in San Antonio Texas with my Husband, children and grandchildren. Since I was 43 when my youngest child was born and she was turning 17. I told her if she wanted to ride the "Steeleel" roller coaster that I would ride it too. Oh my Gosh! It was huge and pretty scarey. But it was amazing what you could see from the top. We should have bought that picture at the end of the ride that the automatic camera takes as you decend. I also took my first Airplane trip a short while after that.

7. I beleive I am a pretty experienced Wedding Coordinator. I have planned, purchased, decorated, prepared food etc. etc. for at least 15 brides and their grooms. I have learned much and have had a great time doing so. Just give me colors, the desired flowers a small budget and let me go crazy. Then my family's love and support and hard work. We have created some awesome weddings and receptions.

Like I said, I don't know how unusual any of this is, except that most of my life experiences could be labled as unusual,by some. But to me it is just my life.
A High School drop-out and married at the age of 16. The mother of 10 children, I received my GED when I was 43 and expecting my 10th baby. I am still in Love with and married to my sweetheart of 47 years. The father of ALL of my children.
NOW, THAT IS UNUSUAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am a self-taught hair stylest.
I have nursed my husband to health more times than we each like to remember. Not to mention my children, with illness, surgeries and emotions. I have run an unpaid Taxi service for years, have been a tutor and mentor, I bake amazing Bread, Rolls and anything with dough. I am experienced cake decorator and consider myself to be a pretty good cook. Not so much gourmet, however.
I am a woman of Faith and devotion.
I consider myself a very educated woman but have no degrees to prove it.

Jay's pillows reappear

2007-05-11T21:52:00.000-07:00

For some reason these pictures disappeared off the original blog so here they are again.

Went to Walt and Grandma's House

2007-05-11T20:44:00.000-07:00

Uncle Sids new New Holland Tractor that he uses to mow his big lawn with. Hard duty Huh!

While there Mama, Lisa and Annie rode on Uncle Sids Merry-Go-Round. There were a lot of laughs and screams going on for a few moments but all had fun. Annie also swang on the tire swings.

We Went to Walt and Grandma''s on Tuesday and spent the afternoon and evening with them. Aunt Karen and Uncle Sid came over and we had a steak dinner and a good visit.

Bugged

2007-05-11T20:37:00.000-07:00

When we got home from my test on Monday we found this on the door and house. The little Richardson girls had bugged our house. They are sweet little girls and have put things on our door many times when Daddy has been sick.

Where are the Morgans?

2007-05-03T22:10:00.000-07:00

This grandmother is anxiously awaiting a blog from the Morgan Family. I know Tara is sick, sick, sick. How about the big guy?
How about it Son?
We are really enjoying daily experiences through the world of blog and wish you were included.
We love and miss you all.
Hope to have you joining our world of bloging real soon.
Love Mom

Pillow Jay Lene made when she was a Merrie Miss

2007-05-03T12:11:00.004-07:00

Thought you would like to see some of the art that she created when about 10 years old. Mama talked about it on her blog.

Lisa to the MTC

2007-05-03T12:02:00.000-07:00

As you all may know that Lisa went to Utah with the Thackeray family to take their son Slade to the MTC. She is his Aunt Lisa and he was very excited that she would go with them. She had a great time and took some pix while gone. Here are a few.

Dad and Mom off to the Temple

2007-04-29T22:21:00.000-07:00

We thought that we would show you by example that we do go to the temple in our finest duds and with our best attitudes. We leave ther house at 9:00 AM so we can be in our preperation meeting by 11:05 AM and it is a spiritual meetin each week. We love working at the Temple and love working together when we get the chance. We officiate the 4:30 PM Session every Wednesday together and really love it. It gets us home about 45 minutes later that we would get home if we left at 5:00 PM when our shift ends. Please go to the Temple as often as you possibly can, you learn more everytime you go. It is the Lords University.

Cemetery Work

2007-04-29T22:04:00.000-07:00

Here are the pictures that we took as we worked at the cemetery.

Are you There?

2007-04-29T21:41:00.000-07:00

Would welcome an occasinal comment, just so we know if you are there.
Love Mom

Annie's First Sewing Project

2007-04-26T17:24:00.000-07:00

This is Annie's first sewing project that she made at Hanna's house. Hanna is her good friend that she spends a let of time with. She made, as you can see John Deere pillow cases, on for her and one for Jeni. She is very proud of her work. She did do a great job.

Keeping busy

2007-04-26T16:17:00.000-07:00

Well, we seem to keep busy. We have opportunity to not only attend the temple on Wednesday, but last Saturday went up with 3 other couples and did iniatories. Got around 80 women names and probably as many male names.
Yesterday was special as Grandmother and Walt came to the 4:30 session. Daddy officiates and I am the first follower. That gave me the opportunity to assist Grandmother in every aspect of the session. It is pretty amazing when the spirit takes over how the memory is pricked.
I also taught my fourth Sunday lesson in Relief Society last week. That is always a busy day as I teach my Sunday School Class on the fourth week as well. However as most of my kids were gone for the day, Darla Scihopan, who also teaches the same Sunday School Class let me combine with her and that gave me a breather before Relief Society.
Tuesday Lisa, Annie and I went to the church and participated in our humanitarian day.We are making slippers, P.J.'s, blankets and wall hangings as well as baby nighties to be sent to church headquarters and then distributed to orphanages.
There are so many needs in the world.( Daddy worked on genealogy while we were gone.)
I watched American Idol two different nights and I was a basket case. The faces of those beautiful little children from Africa and around the U.S. are just haunting.
Daddy and I have talked and we believe if each of our families would only donate $5.00 a month to the humanitarian efforts along with our tithing and fast offering it would make an impact and we would be assured that it would all reach our intended destination.
We have so much to be grateful for and we are so thankful that our grandchildren are not among the broken and devastated families of the world. Thank you all.
Today Daddy, Annie and I went up to the cemetery to do a little care giving. The grass has just never grown very well on Joshua and Noah's grave and it looked pretty bad. The headstones had a lot of moss and discoloration on them as well.
So we cleaned the headstones (grandpa's too) Then we prepared the grave top to lay sod on it tomorrow. Had to dig down a couple of inches, rake and fertilize. It will look a lot nicer for Memorial Day.
This weekend is Stake Relief Society Conference.
The gospel is true and families are forever.
Love to All
Mom (Grandma)

Annie getting ready

2007-04-19T22:56:00.000-07:00

Annie

Annie preparing for FHE

2007-04-19T22:48:00.000-07:00

Andrea has been attending Family Home Evening at the stake center with the young adults since returning from Washington. She is just putting on the finishing touches.

2007-04-19T22:20:00.000-07:00

Today there is sunshine

2007-04-19T14:29:00.000-07:00

It is looking beautiful out there (maybe a little cool) but Sunshine.
Daddy and I attended the temple yesterday and as usual had a super day. I hope you all know that my half hour of time in the celestial room is in quite prayer for all of my children and grandchildren. I hope you feel that spirit of love within your families.
Each time there I am reminded of the reality of "Families are Forever".
I am also reminded everytime that I am there, that the day will come when " every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ".
How amazing will that be?
It is a troubled world that we live in, but our hope lies in our testimonies of the truth.
How grateful I am to be called to the work, and to have a testimony of it's divinity. To stand with your father in the capicity of officiating the most sacred of work.
The reality that We are loved by our Father in Heaven and have been entrusted with this responsibility is incredible.
Every week, we get to close out the world for 8 hours and concentrate on the things of eternity. How wonderful!
But to our Father, all is Eternal. Either eternal Joy or Eternal sadness.
My prayer today, is that the experiences of this life will indeed lead all of us closer to Eternal Joy.
Sometimes the daily routine can cloud the possibilities and cause us to stumble and wonder. But Truth is Truth, plain and simple.
And I am grateful for the rain, because it makes the Sun seem brighter.
I am so grateful to have been called to be your Mother and Grandmother. You have taught me many lessons.
I look forward to more.
I love that you are all "going about, doing good".
GO, TEAM!!!!!!!!!
Love Mom

Just a quick Hi.

2007-04-16T23:16:00.000-07:00

We are having quite a time getting the hang of this. Hope to get as proficient as the Devericks family are eventually.
Love Mom (grandma)

2007-04-16T23:05:00.000-07:00

Here are the pix of the front yard...And flowers that we will be planting.

Trying to figure it out

2007-04-16T18:51:00.000-07:00

Can't seem to get my pictures to come up. will try here.

Opening Day

2007-04-16T18:02:00.000-07:00

With our children spread out over the country and them having blogs we feel that we should attempt to keep up with the technology too. More to keep them all aware as to what Dad,Mom, Lisa and Annie are up too and what changes may be coming in their lives. Right now we are trying to get this place of ours up to par. We have cleaned down below some and have a lot more to do, but Tara it does look more like a Dallas place instead of Falls City. We have about 48 plants to set out when we get a dry, warm day to do it. They are growing in boxes now. The front yard looks very nice as we have weeded and trimmed.