Hello My Friends

Did you think I was done blogging? I'm not... just haven't made the time to get here but I have alittle time this morning. Christmas was great with all the kids home and we really had a great time. Over the Christmas holiday Brooke and Colton were sealed in the SL temple. That was a grand experience for us and them. They are happy together and doing very well with their little lives. We are so pleased with them. Kenzi is still working her job and happy and Ez is off to new adventures with his dad. That's another day, another story when theres more time. All good of course.
 I've been in Cali. taking care of my mother for the last 2 weeks. She fell right before Christmas and broke her hip. Had a replacement and now is home "rehabbing".  There was alot to do when I got here but we have things under control. It's weird to watch people around you, siblings... to see what their reactions are to situations. My dad has dymentia and uses a walker full time. He's quite the handful and requires constant attention and assistance. My mother is doing very well but alittle forgetful like using the walker to get across the room and then turn right around and start walking out of the room without it! It's a full time babysitting job sometimes. I feel blessed to be here and care for my parents. It's another phase of my life that I knew someday would be here and it's a reality check when your here. My dad has always been a very stern man, not really happy in his life though I think he thought he was and if it wasn't for his "happy pill" would be cruel with words. He's in a boyish stage and is sweet and kind. It's odd to see that behavior just because I have never experienced that with him. I've had moments that I just sit with him and hold his hand and cry to know that he is in this state of his life which I'm sure is frustrating for him as well. He sees my tears and is tender with me with alittle pat on my arm. Somewhat confused by my tears.  I've really never had experiences with him like that. He tells me that he loves me and is so glad I'm here. My mother is a real go getter and is very mad that she fell and has put everyone out. So she thinks. My sister has retired from her job recently and I'm in a place that with my  time that I can be here. We are all ok with the situation, she just needs to learn alittle more patienc. She's just frustrated and wants to go, go, go. She will be ready in about a month and then we probably won't be able to keep up with her! She's 83 this year and is just gettng started. Really good genes there so I'm not worried about getting to her age.
I've been to zumba once. A pretty good class, nothing like AnnaLee but got a good workout. I will be coming home for about 2 weeks and then back here for maybe 3.
Life is all about adventures and how we approach them is the key thing. The weather here has been 75 everyday and I have loved waking to a slight breeze and sunshine constantly. Since the beach is close by there is always alittle moisture in the air and it feels tropical always. I really love it here. I miss my friends and long for their conversations and friendships. I love you all.

A Few Trips

So I have been galavanting around the country lately. Went to Mexico the first of October which was the best time ever. The weather was extremely hot but thats OK. I've decided that I would much rather be hot than cold. Especially after the snow fall today... and freezing tempertures. Had a great visit with my parents and my sis. Laughed alot, crafted layed in the sun and got to learn quite a bit of the language there. It came to my advantage alot!
This last week Paul and I went to ND to visit Colt and Brooke. Paul set Colton apart as an Elder and we attened church in their little branch. Well it used to be a branch but in 9 months they have grown from 30 to 300 people. Crazy... Testimony meeting was inspirational. A steady line of people the whole time and we finished 15 min. late. The people are wonderful, humble and so thankful to be members. It was a great experience. The weather is turning alittle cold there but they're having a mild fall. Not too many trees there, alot of flat land. But it was fun to see places I've never been.

What's That Little Popping Sound?

Well... It's these lovely little ladies.

I found the most delish recipe for marinara sauce and it is stinkin' good. I have always wanted to can my own but never had attempted. This morning at 4am my little eyes bugged right open and I was done lying in that bed so up and at em. I did get done 4 loads of laundry before 7am. And in the meantime found a wonderful recipe and thought thats what I'm doing today. So I got a bucket of just picked tomatoes from my sweet friend Michelle and came right home and started in. One, 5 gallon small size tomatoes did all this. And I love that little popping sound. Sometimes it's as quick as you take the jar right out of the pot. Music to my ears. It was an all day project but with Lifetime movies to keep you entertained it went by quick. If I was to trade for this most delicious condiment, which can be used for pizza sauce or spaghetti it would be at least 4 doz. fresh eggs. Just saying to anyone who might want to barter... I also love going into my pantry and seeing these bad boys sitting there too. Pickled Beets and Bread and Butter Pickles. The best ever if I say so myself. Both of these bring back memories from my grandma canning and sending them home with us when we would visit her in Utah. She was a funny ole woman. Always wore a big house coat and smoked Virgina Slims menthol. She was something. Loved her I did.

It's been a good day. My feet hurt and I'm tired. And I love looking at my jars.

Kenzi's Trip

Kenzi is back from Peru and had a wonderful time. She has lots of stories and experiences that will last her a lifetime. A friend named Adam went with them on their journies and took most of their pictures so what I have is very few. She got bored with my camera right off the get go and Adam has more professional looking shots. So I'll share with you a few and when I get more I'll post.
This is Cam's dad, Steve, her traveling companion. They kept everything in their little safe in their hotel room.
The only shot of Kenzi in a picture. Standing in front of an old cool house. She loved the blue and the old wooden door.Laundry DayKenzi and Cam

These Muggy Hot Days

The last few days have reminded me of when we first moved to Rupert. 1993, Kenzi was 2, Colton was 3 and Ez 7. We actually moved on the 4th of July and I remember watching the fireworks going off as we pulled into town. The kids thought they were just for them! The weather then, all summer was very much like it has been, hot and muggy. Big thunder and lighting storms all summer long. Those big craklin' thunder bolts. They were pretty exciting.
As I lived in Rupert I remember going to any store trying to find flowers so I could plant in my pots and to my surprise there was not a flower to be found. I couldn't believe that everything was already gone AND they wouldn't be getting anymore. WHAT?! I had never heard of such a thing. It's only the end if July! Being from Cali. you bought flowers all year round and planted all year. That was the first of many dissappointments. Not just the fact that my husband had moved me to Hell... sorry if thats offensive, but I honestly felt that and we were living with his parents which I'm sure they were not happy about either. It took a few months until we bought a 2 bedroom little house in Rupert cleaned it up, remodeled and moved in. Finally alittle home. 3 kids in one bedroom. That was fun. :)
How things have changed... Kenzi is 20, Colton, 23 and Ez, 27. Everyone living on their own and happy. Our electric bill has actually gone from $300 down to $66. Last month to be exact. Now that's accomplishment! I'm estatic about that one!
We've been married 28 years and Paul's the Bish. for 1 year now. WOW thats crazy. The weather has brought back some long ago memories and tore at my heart strings.
Life is good.