It's A Wonderful Life

Billie Sue and Earl begat.....

2012-01-26T10:11:00.000-08:00

When you are reading the scriptures and it begins with "Abraham begat Issac...and Issac begat Jacob and Jacob begat Joseph..." and on and on, don't you begin to put connecting lines together and start to realize how we all tie together? It then becomes easy to see where and why our beliefs come from and who fell out of line in passing on traditions and beliefs. I think it is a very interesting study and helps us understand the social behavior of each of us (Earl would tell me I have listened to way too many Sociology and Psychology classes).

Going on - Henry and Fanny Jane begat David and David and Ethel began David and David and Louise began Billie Sue and Billie Sue and Earl begat Robert, Billie Jo, Olivia, Allen, Chelsea and Giselle. Billie Jo and Tim begat Ellie Jo, Tess, Mia and Evie; Olivia and Rick began Luke, Noah, Eli and Liv; Allen and Patrice begat Evan and Emmie; Chelsea begat Jack; and Noah and Giselle begat Rajko. Working hard, celebrating joyously, singing happily and sharing love are all family traditions passed on from one generation to another in our family.

In the home I was raised in, Christmas was such a wonderfully magic time. We made candy, Mom sewed continuously; she prepared a special candle-light Christmas Eve dinner and we shared a "family night" with each other where we would sing, dance, recite poetry or perform in any way we felt would be enjoyed by others. We carried this on in our family for as long as I can remember and even though Mom and Dad are gone and all we have left are the memories of these special times, we still continue to have a family party at Christmas which includes a great dinner, socializing and many times a program.

In our home, we celebrate the exact same way I did growing up. Christmas Eve is one of the most special nights of the entire year! We are lucky because all of our children live near and we are able to get together on this night. We have a wonderful candle-light dinner which everyone helps prepare; we have a "family night" where everyone shares their talents; we open Christmas jammies and we love and enjoy each other's company. This year, Chelsea planned a nativity which the children presented. It was wonderful!

I hope in the many histories that will be written years down the road when my grand-children marry and begat other children, the beliefs and traditions will continue on and on and forever. I thank my Father in Heaven daily for the many, many blessings that are mine because of the beliefs and traditions of those from my past.

Enjoy our Christmas pictures!

You just never know....

2012-01-11T09:44:00.000-08:00

It was Dec. 30th, Earl's birthday and our anniversary. My brother, DeLoy and his wife, Trudy, were home for the holidays. We were going to get together to celebrate! Since living in New Mexico, they have become specialists at making tamales, so we were having a huge Mexican Fiesta with our family and theirs. Around 5:15 pm, I was on the phone with my sister, Mary Lou, asking her if she and her husband, Al, wanted to come up and celebrate with us. She was telling me her grandkids had spent time at their house and Al had picked up the stomach flu from Amber. She said he was having some pretty severe stomach cramps. I advised her to get out the DigestZen. She laughed and said, "You know how he can't stand the smell of that stuff!" (It really is strong...smells like black licorice...strong black licorice!) I told her to forget the DigestZen and rub Peppermint on his stomach. She passed that word along to him and I could hear him tell her that the chicken she was cooking was making him nauseated and that he was NOT having Peppermint! She and I were laughing and then I thought I heard him say, "I think I'm gong to faint!" I asked her if that was what he said and she said, "Yes!" We laughed again and I told her she had better go tend him.
About a half an hour into the party, the phone rings and it's Mary Lou. She is crying and sounds very shaken up and says, "They have just taken Al in for emergency surgery!" We concluded the party and DeLoy and Trudy and Earl and I ran to Salt Lake to the hospital. We arrived just as the doctor came out of the surgery. He basically told them he had done everything he could but he could not guarantee that Al would make it through the night.
It has been 19 days since Al's first surgery. He has had an additional surgery, plus a tracheoctomy and last night when I visited him, he looked like an entirely different person than he has for the many, many previous days. On Sat., the 14th, he was beginning to return to us and Sunday he looked even better. I didn't go down on Martin Luther King Day, but when I went Tuesday, the 17th, he looked like himself. He tries to talk with his eyes and hand gestures. He will write what he wants if you can't figure out what he is saying otherwise. The area of concentration right now is getting him breathing completely on his own. They are thinking they will be moving to rehab rather quickly. He doesn't want to go to rehab...he wants to go home...I guess we will see!
Mary Lou has never left him. She has stayed night and day ever since he went in. She has managed to stay positive and encouraging, even through all the ups and downs. Al has had so many visitors. I am amazed at the number of people who come to the hospital. Laura has kept a record, as Al will probably never remember -- especially since they had him in an induced coma for the first week. He has many, many people who love and respect him.
We are so thankful for the faith of the family and friends and for the many prayers in Al's behalf. Priesthood blessings are miraculous and that power here on earth to act in Heavenly Father's name is one of those blessings I am overwhelmed with. This great power has definitely guided doctors, nurses, radiologists and many others who have been responsible for Al's life.
I love Al and Mary Lou. They have been a huge presence in my life. We are still praying constantly for them.
You just never know.......

For Unto Us A Child Is Born

2011-12-28T07:13:00.001-08:00

Once again, people from this great Valley combine their talents, time and love to present a wonderful Community Christmas Concert. Around 60 singers, 25 orchestra members, 7 actors, a narrator, 2 sound technicians with 4 - 5 helpers, a decorator, a flower man, a music composer, pianists, a writer, a director and many, many more combine forces to create a show that retells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The story is thousands of years old and we have each heard it countless times, yet when we hear it again, we love it more! For some reason, we remember better who we are and what kind of people we should be. We want to be kinder, more loving and feel more peace in our souls.

The choir sang so beautifully! Each song was sung with such tenderness and love. The orchestra never sounded better! Each year, the concert seems to be better. This year, actors were added who played the roles of Isaiah (Earl), Elisabeth (Joyce Ann Draper) and Zacharias (Sterling Draper), Mary (Holly Shuppy) and Joseph (Braxton Farmer), a shepherd (Taylor Larsen) and a wiseman (Jim Curtis). Oh my...each character was so believeable! I felt like I was really listening to one of Isaiah's prophecies! Zacharias was totally shocked and surprised at the news the Angel Gabriel had for him and Elisabath...kind and generous and thrilled to be the mother of the forerunner to the Messiah.

When Holly as Mary entered and greeted Elisabeth, I truly felt I had witnessed two dear friends exchanging their love and support for each other. Mary was so beautiful and obedient...such a pure vessell! Never had I understood the words of "Lo, How A Rose E're Blooming," better than I did that night. Then when Joseph spoke of his incredibly mixed emotions over the situation, I felt relief that the Gabriel would visit him and assure him that what he was doing was right. Joseph and Mary were perfect!

Once the couple arrived at the stable, the choir sang "Away in A Manger" with the utmost reverence. The harmonies of the clarinets and fluists were amazing and the strings were absolutely beautiful! I thought my heart would burst open when the shepherd boy told of his experience on the hillside and of the visit of the angels and his trip to the stable to visit the newborn king. Never have I ever witnessed such a believelable wiseman as Jim Curtis! The testimony he shared thc at the new baby was truly the King of the Jews was touching and bore straight into my heart.
The concluding song by the orchestra and choir was nothing short of amazing! "Oh, Come All Ye Faithful" never sounded better!
As I said previously, people in this community join their talents to produce this wonderful concert and it is for this very reason I love living here. When love, talent and generosity are combined, the end product is exactly what the Savior, Jesus Christ, came to this world to teach us!

We Gather Together....

2011-12-06T17:38:00.001-08:00

That wonderful time of year is here when we stop our daily tasks and prepare to express our thanks to our Father in Heaven, our family and our friends. Thanksgiving is a time when we pretty much put aside those daily tasks that take our time and attention away from the fact that we have so much to be thankful for.
Because Body Motion Dance Studio has moved to Kamas, we had Billie Jo and Tim's whole lower level for our celebration. How nice to be able to have a place big enough for all of us without having to move furniture. The table was beautifully set by Tim and Billie Jo and Olivia had made favor/name tags from leaves, containing thankful sentiments each person had expressed .
The turkeys were dressed handsomely for dinner...Tom, on the left was deep-fried for dinner; Tom, on the right, was smoked; and Tom (not shown) was roasted. We were so thankful to have each and appreciated their "tasteful" attendance!

Little Noah requested a drum stick and not too much of anything else. He actually did a pretty good job of eating his dinner!
Evan enjoyed his dinner and gladly showed his enthusiasm during picture time.

I am so thankful for my family. I have beautiful daughters who married smart, ambitious, kind husbands. I have great sons and one beautiful, smart, kind daughter-in-law. I have the cutest, smartest, most capable grandchildren, who love me and love their cousins. This is pure happiness! I am lucky enough to have all my children live within seven miles of me, so I am able to have the grandchildren close and able to see them often. For this, I am thankful.
Grandpa loves the grandchildren too. Every time he can, he gets them in his arms and hugs and kisses them and plays like a wild man and gets the kids all wild and crazy too. He's a free spirit and thinks the kids should have that same freedom!
Of course, there was Black Friday shopping beginning Thanksgiving night. The girls invited me to join them, but I stayed home and had a really good time doing on-line shopping. Somehow, staying home sitting in front of a roaring fire, enjoying the peace and quiet seemed lots more appealing than standing in lines and fighting over 600-thread count bed sheets.

The Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend is traditionally the day we get together to make our "slab candy." This year, Allen and Patrice hosted the event and we all had such a great time!

While it is fun learning how to "beat" the candy, the most fun is doing all the tasting.

There is always a discussion about the readiness of the candy to "break," and how much longer it needs to be worked.
My kids all worked and laughed together. The kitchen set up was perfect to have room for three slabs at the same time. We ended up with enough chocolate, white, and Boston creme to divide between all of us.
Even the goodness of the candy does not compare with the goodness of the life we enjoy here. I am truly thankful for the life and the lifestyle we have. I am thankful for our family and the goodness and happiness they bring to us. I am thankful to have been brought up in a home that was full of love and where my parents taught and lived the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am thankful for sisters and a brother and our friendships. I am thankful that no matter what ward I am in, there are so many good people. I am thankful for the upcoming Christmas season, and I am especially thankful for the reason for the season. I love my Savior and Redeemer. I am truly thankful we could gather together to thank our Father for all of our blessings!

"Every Old Crow...."

2011-10-31T21:15:00.000-07:00

We have so much to be thankful for...starting with our family. Earl's Mom used to say, "Every old crow thinks hers is the blackest..." I googled it, just to make sure I understood her correctly, and sure enough...I want to "crow" about my family, because to me -- they are the best! Earl and I are at the top (or the bottom--whichever way you want to look at it); then there's Rob; Billie Jo came next; then Olivia; followed by Allen; with a few years in between and then Chelsea; with a few more years before Giselle joined us. What a great family we thought we had! Earl and I just thought we had the cutest, smartest, best kids ever!

They, of course, each added additions to the family and we have Tim, Rick, Patrice, and Noah. Best spouses ever...(still crowing!).

We couldn't (and didn't want) to stop there! Then we added the best grandkids ever! First came Ellie Jo, then Luke, followed by Tess. We paused for awhile and then got Mia, Noah...short break...Jack...quick break...Evan, Eli... another short break...Rajko...long break...Emmie Sue, Evie, and Liv. They are ALL the smartest, cutest, best grandchildren ever! "Cah, cah!"

Giselle, Noah and Rajko live a mile up the road from us in Woodland. We love them so much!

Chelsea and Jack live about 10 miles north of us in Marion. We love them so much!

Allen, Patrice, Evan and Emmie live 7 miles to the north of us in Kamas. Oh, how we love them!

Olivia, Rick, Luke, Noah, Elijah and Liv live right next door to us! We love this little family!

Billie Jo, Tim, Ellie Jo, Tess, Mia and Evie live 2 miles north of us in Francis. We love this "Buti"ful family.

We think we are just about the luckiest old crows ever because, "ours are the blackest!" in our book! We have so much to be thankful for! "Cah, cah! Cah, cah!" boasted the old crow.

We are proud of our family of crows!

Ridin' for the Brand...

2011-10-23T07:21:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time...so it seems...since the baby calves started being born. After surviving a very long, cold spring, we brought them home from the church farm for branding, shots and being put out on pasture. They really did look like they needed some warm weather and good, green grass. After a summer of lush meadow grass up past their bellies and beautiful sunshine, they looked like an entirely new herd of cows. The babies had put on hundreds of pounds and had shiny, healthy coats. Friday was the big round-up. Allen took the day off and worked with Earl all day rounding up, giving shots, branding the young ones and getting them ready to ship.

The Averett's have created a very efficient set of corrals, so the cattle are taken up to the old McNeil area for all the separating and preparations. This is the process:

Enter down the chute to be loaded into the cattle trucks.
One of the best little cattle men around...Elijah with a stick for prodding...just in case.
Noah also knows just what to do to help Grandpa
Rick looks like a serious cattle man!
Here they come....they're nervous and confused and don't know quite where they are going.
They crowd in to the trailer simply because they don't know what else to do.
I think Tim has done this before, as he seems to know just what to do to get the cattle to load.

The next step is a trip to Wanship in the trailer where the cattle are unloaded and penned until the buyer has a chance to inspect each animal.

The door swings open, but the cattle are not sure what to do. Should they get out or what?

The cowboys are ready to herd and push the cattle where ever they need to go.
They exit the trailer and are pushed into a pen to wait for the buyer to come along and see if he likes what he sees.
It is a waiting game, not only for the cattle, but also the anxious seller!
#39 wonders if she likes this new game or not! I whisper to her to smile and stand up tall and try to look her very best!
What a beautiful animal and I might say, that crossed arrows brand look good.
Here he is...the guy who decides if your cattle are worth buying! He carries a giant fly-swatter looking tool to separate the cattle as he decides which one will go and which ones should stay.
I don't know if I am taking in enough oxygen at this point. The outcome of this man's decision really does decide if you make any money. This guy holds the power and nothing gets past him!
I felt like it was a giant beauty pageant and boy...does this guy have a good eye!
This is the cutest clerk ....and besides looking good, she bakes the best cookies ever! I am not sure if they are to soften the blow if your cattle don't get selected, or if it is to celebrate when they do, but whatever...the cookies are marvelous!

"MC NEIL!" The judge guy shouts. Earl walks up to him...he stuck out his hand to shake Earl's hand. The actual buyer...the guy with the $...then walks over and shakes Earl's hand as well. And this is the point when I could actually exhale and breathe again! Every single animal we sent was selected!

The deal is done as the gate clanks shut with our cattle...now theirs...on the other side and a year's work is going to the bank!

There is a time and season for everything....

2011-10-20T19:33:00.000-07:00

It has begun....the wrestling match between Jack Frost and Sunshine! Jack seems to be winning right now, but don't think ole' Sunny is going to let Jack win without a good run for his money! We know, inevitably, who will win, but for now, Jack begins his sneak attack along about sundown and tries to hold on through the morning hours. Sunshine comes out early each morning and very steadily, like the turtle, and keeps on trying to warm the earth back up. For right now, Jack and Sunny seem to get along ok, but I have a sneaking suspicion that it won't last long.

For now, the deep, luscious greens of summer have disappeared and the golden, oranges and an occasional red have replaced the green. Fall is a time given to us to prepare. We bottle fruit, we clean the house, we bake and we plan. No matter how much I hate to see summer leave us, currently, the scenes surrounding us are magnificent, no matter where you look as summer gracefully slides in to autumn!

It is yet another season...the season for two hearts to become one.. Justine and Laura have dated for quite some time. We all approved of him and waited for him to ask her the all-important question. When he asked her to marry him, the partying began! We had the "cousin shower" at Aunt Georgia's beautiful new house. We tied a quilt and ate dinner then sat down to the presents. When the first bow was tied into Laura's hair, I think Justin wondered if he should turn and run the other way.

Telling the "love story" is fun and exciting, but when we told Justine he had to kiss the bows out of Laura's hair, I had the feeling he wondered if he should get out while the getting was good! However...lots of presents and many,many bows later, I think Justin survived just fine!
Once Laura decorates and puts her mark on the house, Justin will really realize just what a great girl he is getting. Laura is kind and generous, bubblie and happy, beautiful and organized and head over heels for Justin! I think they will be a great couple!
And so, as the colors change, the air changes, and the sun gives in and changes position, allowing Jack to paint his fine colors, Laura and Justin's lives are about to change....for the better! They will both enrich and bless each others lives and will make the world a better, happier place by loving each other!

Super Heroes celebrate Jack's birthday...

2011-10-11T09:35:00.000-07:00

In the age of Super Heroes, we have 12 in our very own family! Their names are:

Ellie Jo
Luke
Tess
Mia
Noah
Jack
Evan
Elijah
Rajko
Emmie
Evie

Liv

All the super heroes gathered together to celebrate Jack's birthday! There was Pirate Evan, Pumpkin Eli, Strawberry Shortcake Emmie, Cowboy Jack Woody or Captain America, Wonder Woman Tess, Harry Luke Potter, Super Woman Mia, Super Man Rajko, Noah Darth Vader, and then Ellie -- who is a super hero without even trying, plus the two princesses --Evie and Liv! The super heroes ran obstacle courses, whacked the pinata, sprayed spider webs and ate a scrumptious dinner of soup in a pumpkin and Halloween glazed sandwiches before digging in to the pumpkin-hero cupcakes and the Iron Man Cake!

Jack's Grandma Pattie made him a Cowboy Woody outfit and all he needed was a little Jessie to go along with him...perhaps even a Buzz Lightyear...but maybe that's for another year!

Emmie as Strawberry Shortcake was as sweet as any little strawberry I've ever seen!
Pirate Evan was fearsome looking and was a pretty darned good swashbuckler!
Woops...did Noah Vader get a hold of Woody's gun....something is just not right...I thought Woody was in charge!

Well, the whole family had a really great time celebrating one of our favorite little hero's birthday. We all love Jack and are so glad he lives here and we can share in his birthday celebration. Chelsea threw a great party for him...and in doing so learned a great lesson about blenders!

Speaking of such...also....

Happy Birthday to our dear, hostess with the mostess, Super Hero herself--Chelsea! She got to work for her birthday! But again, in today's world...we are thankful she has a great job which enables her to provide for her little family. Chelsea is a beautiful, capable, independent, intelligent, witty, caring person. Happy Birthday, dear Chelsea! We all love you and are so glad you live where we can celebrate with you too!

Families are simply the best....

2011-10-03T22:44:00.001-07:00

I have blogged about how wonderful Brenn Hill was...
I have blogged about how wonderful the Woodland Chokecherry Festival was...
I have blogged about this and that and the other....
I need to blog about my family....they are simply the best!

I was raised in a large family and my family were my best friends. Oh, I had other friends...but my sisters were my BEST friends. Then we had the little brother, and he became part of the friendship the rest of us enjoyed. Families experience a lot of things...which sometimes makes it a challenge to remain "best friends," but through it all, my family are still some of my best friends. Let me begin...

In preparing for the Chokecherry Festival, I asked my daughters to help me. Giselle was in charge of the 5-K run and 1-K walk, which was fabulous! Olivia and Billie Jo arranged for all the vendors for the boutique, which was really fun! Chelsea helped me prepare and serve the dinner, which was amazing! It is nice to have such good daughters!

Noah and Giselle did all the formatting for my book and all the graphics for the ads for the Festival, as well as the design for the shirts this year. My children read my book and some dared to edit...but they ALL encouraaed me and helped me have the confidence in myself to actually see the project through to the end.

George and Judy Ann, and their family came to do the entertainment for the dinner. I think they were fantastic and deserve huge praise and adoration for what they did very willingly. Thank you!

Mary Lou and Al rented a car and drove to Moroni to pick up my meat. They helped take tickets at the concert, Mary Lou set up the quilt show and stayed with them all day, and then they took tickets for the dinner/show! Thank you for everything you did because you cared.

Jo and Bill do the trail ride each year. This year, Bill had to travel to go help a family member. Jo went ahead and did it all without him, plus taking tickets the night before. Thank you for staying home and being dedicated.

Vicki and Terry supported the effort and Vicki brought quilts for display for the quilt show and helped out there. She and Terry came to the boutique and dinner show. Thank you for caring.

Georgia made a flying trip to Evanston to pick up my books. Thank you so much for dropping your plans for the day to help me out!

Bonnie was in Utah helping her girls bottle fruit. She shut down the bottling process and she and the girls came to the Festival. Thank you for your support!

DeLoy and Trudy drove all the way home from New Mexico to be here to help with the Festival. Trudy stood and cooked all day in the concession stand and DeLoy went and picked up the Lion's train and then return it as well. Thank you, you two! That is over and above the call of duty! Beau Dee worked on the kids activities and arts and crafts project and her little one was sick throughout the day. Thanks, Beau.

Robert does whatever I ask him to do. He is good to carry tables or run messages back and forth....just a man of the hour. Allen and Patrice came to help celebrate, while Tim helped me in the kitchen and Rick and Noah helped the girls set up and take down the boutique.

Ellie, Luke and Tess all worked my chokecherry booth, selling my books and jellies for me. They were great little sales agents and represented me well!

Earl...there aren't words enough to thank Earl for all his help. He sees to it that my dreams come true by fulfilling all the deeds it takes to get the job done. Thank you, dear. You are you!

My family really is something! I love you all and appreciate your help and love! You are SIMPLY THE BEST!

Woodland Chokecherry Festival 2011

2011-09-26T13:22:00.000-07:00

Months and months of planning; weeks and weeks of working; and days and days of detailing and it was time for the Woodland Chokecherry Festival!

Friday night, September 23rd, found the celebration opening up at the SSHS Auditorium with Brenn Hill in concert. Brenn sang solid for nearly two hours, satiating every attendee's desire to hear his authentic lyrics and velvety baritone voice. Brenn brought along a very unusual drummer, Bart, who played a unique set of drums that could easily be packed on a horse. The sound the drum set produced was unbelievable and added depth to the guitar Brenn plays so well.
Following the concert, those in the audience went forward to the stage to visit with Brenn and get autographs. Brenn demonstrates a down-to-earth, friendly mannerism to everyone he meets, which makes attending one of his concerts an even better experience than was expected.
The evening concluded with those who attended wearing smiles, exhibiting their happiness for the experience of the evening's entertainment.

Saturday morning, before the sun even rose on Bench Creek, 5-K racers were lined up and ready to run! The gun sounded and they were off and running. Braxton Farmer won overall, with a time of 18._____. Phil Wohlford won his age category, for the second year in a row, with a time of _________. Trevor Rockhill won his age category. Sue Bishop won the women's side of the competition with a 20.____ run, followed by __________________.
Meanwhile, at the Woodland Fire Station, Boutique stations were popping up with items from Power Titanium to hand-sewn caps, soaps and lotions, pottery, fine candies, doll clothing, T-shirts, headbands and hats, to the always popular chokecherry jelly. This year, I wrote a historical-fiction book about a young couple's life in Woodland in the early days, entitled, Charity's Chokecherries, which I sold along with the jellies. Children were able to paint pumpkins, have their faces painted, make a craft, jump on the huge bouncer, or ride the train. Of course, there were scones with chokecherry jelly, hot dogs, nachos, Navajo tacos or whatever else one could desire.
While all these activities are going on at the Festival, there was a trail ride going on up on the mountain. Julie Woodard and JoDe Miles head up this part of the Festival. There is a game of chance along the trail with a break, where frosty homemade root beer is served in frosted mugs. At the end of the trail, lunch is served and lots of prizes and gifts awarded. Riders return to Woodland with their spurs jangling and smiles on their faces.
The evening concluded with a scrumptious turkey dinner and plenty of entertainment from Rochelle Flores, daughter of former Woodland residenet, Jolean (Gines) Terry, Jenica Adlard, and the George and Judy Ann Phillips (formerly Bisel) family from Nephi, Utah.
With the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer over, Woodland Chokecherry Festival is the perfect day to bask in the Indian Summer sun and visit with friends and neighbors or meet new ones. We remember fondly those who settled Woodland and the investment they made in order for us to enjoy the life we live each day in our beautiful Woodland Valley.

Meet my new baby!

2011-09-13T21:33:00.001-07:00

One always has secret ambitions locked away in the inner recesses of their mind. When I had my birthday this year, I realized I needed to get busy on some of the dreams I have tucked away. Kamas City asked me to produce a show for the 24th of July to celebrate the settlement of Kamas Valley for the Fiesta Days Celebration. I have always depended on Earl to write my shows, as he has an extraordinary capacity to give life to the words he writes. He was so busy this summer, I knew I could not ask him for help. I began to study and become knowledgeable on the topic of how Rhodes Valley was settled. I wrote the show and put it together. It actually turned out very well.
Later in the summer, I had an occasion that prompted me to decide it was time to follow through on one of my secret ambitions. I had always dreamed of writing...even though I did not really know if I was capable--I wanted to try it. In our Bisel family, we really study our genealogy and help our children come to know their ancestors through games we play or stories we tell or role playing. I love...and I mean love...my Grandma and Grandpa Bisel's story. I have always had such an emotional attachment to their lives. I spent many, many hours on Bench Creek this past summer, writing their story...as I imagined it based on the story I knew to be true. I feel like I have a new baby and I am taking it out for the first time, to show the rest of the world just how precious it is. Here is my new baby. The name that has been chosen is, Charity's Chokecherries. The book will be for sale at the Woodland Chokecherry Festival, Sept. 24th.
My children have all listened to various chapters as I was writing. They encouraged me and kept me going and then read it when it was finished. Earl has given me truthful opinions and input. I appreciate his honesty and thank him for his help. My sibblings have all been helpful in encouraging me. My good friend, Sue Shuppy, did the cover for me. She is a talented artist who knew just what the cover should be after reading the book. Noah and Giselle have done all the graphic work (everything I did not know how to do). I appreciate everyone's help in getting my new baby ready for delivery.
I could go on and on, because I have such love for the story, but I don't want to give anything away. Suffice it to say, I am proud to introduce you to.....

Isn't she beautiful! Thank you to everyone who helped me in any way. I love and appreciate you.

Fall is in the air...

2011-09-09T10:23:00.000-07:00

I feel it coming...it's in the breeze...
I haven't seen it in the trees...
Yet...
There's morning frost on the ground
And the rustle of the aspen has a fallish sound.

Fall is Coming!

It is time for the WOODLAND CHOKECHERRY FESTIVAL! We--Olivia, Giselle, Debbie and I--have all been working toward getting the word out. We passed out ads both in the 24th of July and the Labor Day parades. Ads will go on the TV and signs will go up. Friday, Sept. 23rd, we are having a Brenn Hill Concert at the high school. The tickets are only $12 each, which is unreal, because they are $22 each for his concert at Cowboy Poetry. I am so excited! I love Brenn Hill's music...I can relate to his lyrics so well! The Festival is on Saturday, Sept. 24th at the Woodland Fire Station. For more information and details, see www.chokecherry.org.

Tom and Bonnie came to Utah to visit their kids, so that was a good enough reason to get together for dinner. There was, of course, an abundance of food and fun!

Some of the family continued their celebration at the Francis Frontier Days rodeo, where DeLoy's bull, "Cache$$$" bucked off two cowboys. "Cache" is a bull out of one of Will Gines' rodeo bulls, who would not stay out of Earl's field full of beef cattle, therefore, "Cache" came in to being. DeLoy traded Earl a heifer for the rodeo bull for Cache to practice riding.
This picture does not do justice to the true beauty of this beautiful field of oats. This is one of Earl's fields just prior to cutting. The different, more green plants you see are peas, which will just add a little fiber to the cattle's diet. He has another 20 acres on the church farm and another 20+ on Bench Creek. When the wind blows a little and the oats move in the breeze, it really is pretty. Table Top Mountain in the background is a well-known landmark against the Wasatch Range.
When I left the house the other morning around 7:20 am, it felt quite damp and chilly. I didn't get very far down the road and I could see the mist. The sun streaming onto the hillside in the background, the mist on the ground, the old wooden fences and the golden weeds all joined together for a beautiful picture. I just had to stop and document what I saw.
I love fall! I am sad to see the end of summer, but fall always removes any apprehension I feel for the cooler weather. I feel it coming, so I might as well embrace it!

What a month!

2011-08-31T20:30:00.000-07:00

I know life is busy for everyone, but I honestly think we have jam packed more outings and activities into this month than I would ever have believed possible. August was a wonderful month, despite the busyness. I can't say I would have wanted it any other way!
First, Cole and Aimee were sealed on the Salt Lake Temple. The day was sweet and beautiful and then when Finn joined us in the sealing room...well, let me just say, it just doesn't get any better. What a beautiful little family!

Our cousins came to visit us! Anna Marie came from California, joined by her sister, Nancy, from Provo. Pam was in Utah from Idaho, for her family reunion, so we all got together up at Bench Creek. The day was perfect and we had a lovely lunch. We talked hard and fast and laughed till we almost cried. The day was really nice.
We decided we'd better take some pictures, just to document the day. I must say, we look a little like Dad's sisters here! We all still think of ourselves as girls! (Ah...hem...speaking of documenting!)

We got a little bit silly here, posing, but we sure had fun!

Chelsea and Jack hosted a "Back to School" party for the whole gang at their new house. Chelsea had packets of school supplies and all sorts of cute decorations and goodies for everyone! What a hostess!

We all enjoyed her patio and lots of really good food.

I think we all had a really good time just partying together. Thanks, Chels!
Last Sunday afternoon, Earl and Rob and I, joined the Butikofers and Gunnersons at Mill Hollow for some good dutch oven dinners. Evie and Liv enjoy each other and are not a bit shy at expressing it!

The kids decided to build a log cabin with logs that were laying around. They were pretty ambitious!
They all worked together on their project, and before very long....

They had a pretty decent little log house!

It was actually pretty cozy looking and they had fun with their creation.

This is the view I have had of my husband all summer. I see him walking away from me...on his way somewhere...with his dogs, of course. I really don't mind, in fact, I quite like it. I am happy for our life style even more happy we both love the same life.

Happy Birthday, dear Tess!

2011-08-03T15:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, dear Tess!

The minute this little girl was born, I thought she was beautiful! She had a dimple in her cheek, her skin was perfect, and she had a ton of hair. Her little face was round and cherubic and she just looked....well, gentle!

As Tess has grown, she continues to be even more beautiful and gentle. She has a gentle touch on the violin, is a sterling student, and an awesome dancer!

Tess is more than beautiful and smart and gentle and talented.! She is indescribable! Tess is a one-of-a-kind girl, whom I love with all my heart!

Tess is taking one of the biggest steps in her life...she will be baptized this Saturday morning. I am so proud of her and want her to know how much I love her! Happy Birthday, Tess!

I Was Raised a Country Girl...

2011-08-01T20:42:00.000-07:00

I was born in the country, I was raised in the sun,
Flowers were my pillow when the day's work was done.
Down in the city, shone the bright neon signs...
But I'm a country girl...and that just suits me fine!

Yep, hay season is at it's peak. We are a little later than usual because of the late spring and the continued rain...and it's still raining and interfering with the cutting and baling process, but it's all good! When you love the country life, it's all good!

Here are just a few pictures of the things I love about my country life...

Earl was having one of those days when he ran over a burried riser on the sprinkler line and split the $600 swather tire, so the cutting was shut down. I ran to Heber and got a tube and ran it to the Coop so they could tube the tire...unfortunately, the tube spreads the cut even bigger, so Earl says he will have to do a Grandpa Bisel mend of the tire. (Grandpa Bisel knew a way to fix nearly everything!) So...cutting of hay temporarily shut down.

The knife is not cutting the twine off in the big baler so the knotters can't work properly and the big bales only have 3 strands rather than four. (Even Chris Ottosen couldn't fix that one without ordering a part!) So, the baling is temporarily shut down.

The small bales needed delivered to some hay customers, but because of all the breakdowns, Earl had not been able to get the bale wagon up and running. So...that's when I turned in to Grandma Bisel and called in the kids for help!

Eli tuckered out while they were loading up the hay. He told me later he and the other boys were having "problems" and he got tired. A good nap while hauling hay always makes a little hay hauler feel better!

When we pulled in to Jack Johnson's, his wife LeAnn said, "How did you get two attorneys to haul hay?" I told her, "Well, it is going to be some pretty high-priced hay!" But really, that is the beauty of farm life...once the farm gets in your blood, it never leaves! Throwing 80-lb. bales of hay might be a bit relaxing for both Allen and Rick. Whatever the reason they are willing to do it, we are definitely appreciative! Thank you so much, to our good kids!

Here is the true reason I love the farm...look at Evan -- three years old and Luke 10-years old. They are really moving this big bale of hay! Team-work; belief in oneself; work ethic; exercise; are just a few of the benefits of this life! Thank you so much to our beautiful grandchildren who love to come along with their Dad's and work!

I remember standing on the top of a hay stack and singing at the top of my lungs when I was around Noah's age...sixish. The Spirit touched my soul even at that tender age, assuring me of the beauty of Heavenly Father's creations. I love that these boys have the same opportunity. Thanks to our Father, for all of our many blessings!

I love this scene! I love how my heart feels when I drive down this lane. I love that my brother and his wife, and my sisters and their husbands, and all of our children feel the same way. I love hearing the sound of the sprinklers on the ground, knowing the crops will grow and the cutting, baling and hauling will begin all over again!

Cuz, I'm a country girl,
And that just suits me fine!

The Three Princesses...

2011-07-29T22:25:00.001-07:00

Once upon a time, there were three little princesses...
Emmie, Evie and Liv.
Emmie was born as a "Christmas" child last December. She has the cutest little face and aways seems very happy. She wrinkles her nose when she smiles and really loves her Mommie and Daddy lots and lots and lots.
Evie was a "valentine" girl and has her whole family wrapped around her little finger. She is always happy too...that is when Mommie is holding her. As you can see above, Grandpa is holding her and she is not happy!
Liv was born to celebrate spring and bring new life into the surroundings! She looks like her Momma when she is asleep and like her Daddy when she is awake. She is happy and even tolerates all her brothers wanting to hold her and bounce her!
All three little girls have round faces and blonde hair. Emmie is a little strawberry blonde, and Evie's is total blonde and Liv's is very sandy blonde.
All three little girls are absolutely loved and adored by everyone! After five grandsons, three granddaughters were very welcome!
Maybe next year at Bear Lake will be more fun for the little bathing beauties!
As you can tell, I am pretty darned in love with these three little girls!
And they all three live happily with their Mommies and Daddys who love them to distraction!

Blessed, Honored Pioneer...

2011-07-25T09:39:00.000-07:00

It is the morning after a sacred, spiritual event for me. I am still afloat in the aftermath of a show I did for Kamas Valley Fiesta Days Celebration. The story of the settlement of this Valley is enough to bring one to tears when thinking about the tenacity of the settlers. The difficulty of early life while settling the prairie and the sacrifices made, which we are the benefactors of, is story enough.
There are so many unbelievably, talented individuals in this community who willingly gave their time to come and participate in the show. Craig Goodwin and Darrell Shannon took a song I wanted to use, but didn't have the written music, and found the cords and turned it in to a beautiful piece! Natalie Young and Marissa Wilde came on board very late in the game and unselfishly added a professional touch with their violin and bass. The group of ballroom dancers soon became youth at the Kamas Fort square dancing and having a wonderful social! Great job! Little Tess Butikofer and Luke Gunnerson acted as Sam Gines and Ellen Elizabeth Russell playing together as children, who noticed during their youth their attraction to each other -- played by Giselle and Noah Rasheta. They married and created a beautiful life together -- played by Doug and Betty Gines--all while Luke Gines sang a touching love song lamenting heartfelt emotions.
Kyle Mayo as Thomas Rhoades, Holly Shuppy as Ruth Pack, Sterling Draper as Cal McCormick, Josh Gerlach as John Pack, Matt Thompson as James Woolstenhulme, Uncle Marvin as Daniel Lewis, Sean Lambert as John Lambert, Ali Querry as Ann Gines, Kathy Gordon as Mary Jane Turnbow, Jim Gilgen as Alma Warr, Kevin Hoyt as John Hoyt, and Nathan Miles as John Turnbow, all gave great thespian performances.
I owe the musicians -- Rod Maxfield, Rick Gunnerson, Jace Cannon, Lisa and Bart Olsen, Jenica Adlard, Ellli and Tess Butikofer, and Luke Gunnerson -- all huge kudos for unbelievably beautiful performances! Amazing talents!
Ther were around thirty choir members who sang as well as any professional group, giving a stirring performance under the direction of Melanie Mitchell. Of course, Darlene Clegg never disappoints with her ability on the piano. Hoyt Atkinson made everyone project their sound perfect to the audience. Cindy Mitchell had everyone in perfect lighting to be seen just right on stage. There are always those who do work that no one ever sees and Jeff Lewis fits that category. He made special efforts to unlock and lock and have everything just right at the auditorium. Julie Woodard made the stage truly look like the Kamas Prairie!
It is good to take a moment and look back at the past so that we might be able to see where we are going in the future. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to research the history of Rhodes Valley and learn about those marvelous saints who gave so much! I am moved beyond tears at their labors and accomplishments, just as I am moved by the contributions of time and talents to make last night a memorable, stirring event! Thank you - to so many - but above all, to my Father in Heaven for creating this beautiful place and giving us life and the opportunity to partake of it all!

The Most Beautiful Place...

2011-07-10T19:26:00.000-07:00

I love - and I mean LOVE - the sound of the River! Sleeping with the window open in the summer is the BEST, as the sound of the River can lull you to sleep. This spring, the River has scared many people, but I had faith in the old dike the Provo River Water Association put along the north side of the River back in the '50's. I knew the River would flood on the south side, but it goes to the hillside--not any homes, so.....
The weather protected us, however, and with the cool spring...never any good warm weather...the snow melt in the mountains was slow and we experienced high water, but no flooding. In the lower church farm where Earl has the cows, the River had decided not to take a turn and just headed straight, taking quite a bit of pasture with it, but lucky for us, the neighbor came in with a trackhoe and built the banks up with rocks in three different locations. This is the view of the River from the hill coming straight from the Francis corner. Isn't Woodland the most beautiful place!

This is really interesting...as long as I can ever remember...the River has run right along side the road at Riley's Canyon. Dad and I used to drive up the canyon every night each spring looking at how high the River was. Earl came home one morning and told me the River was so dry at Riley's, he could walk across the rocks without getting his feet wet. This was unbelieveable, as in the spring, the water is so high and runs so fast that you can hear big boulders rolling if you listen. I couldn't believe Earl...so, I made him take me up to see. Yep, the old Provo River just decided to take a different route one morning and now there is no water in the regular location...just a trickle!
This tree with the sign is a marker Dad and I used to watch to see the level of the River. High water was the bottom of the sign, so that is about 4-5 feet of water in the River that is about 20 - 30 feet wide. Can you imagine how much water that is and how swift it is! Earl - the "water master," says it is about 4,000 cubic feet per second. Imagine there is no water there now and it took pasture land out to the south of the River site.
Eli is just a little accident prone, to say the least. Let's just say he has lots of brains and it takes a pretty good sized noggin to house all of his grey matter! He has had his face glued together right under his left eye from our dog (yes, we did have to put him up for adoption--the dog--that is), and had stitches in the back of his head, and now stitches in the left front of his head. Aunt Chelsea is removing them now. He was a good patient!
Aunt Olivia came home from work with water balloons for the kids, so the fun began! Filling the balloons and then tying them proved to be a challenge that kept the kids busy for a while, but team work makes the mission easier.
With everyone helping, the balloons are getting filled and the real fun is about to begin!
Meanwhile, the adults can visit a little and have our own fun. To our surprise, Earl showed up for a minute and sat down for a "break" to watch some of the fun
This is a picture of gambling. I know, you don't see a table or cards or dice or anything like that. What you are looking at is 45 mother cows with babies. The babies were all born between the end of Feb. and the first part of May. We lost 6 to snow storms, freezing, and sickness, but the remaining 37 just eat lush, green meadow grass and nurse their mom's all day. The gamble is two/three parts -- 1. Hoping and praying they will stay healthy and gain lots of weight for the rest of the summer 2. Hoping and praying the price of beef will be good in the fall; and 3. Hoping and praying that one of the little things will not escape the fence and get run over in the dark. This is a beautiful sight to any true farm girl (or guy) and farming is definitely a gamble!
Lastly, this picture does not do justice to the reality of the beauty of this place! This is Bench Creek. The place my grandfather bought as a young man and cleared with a horse-drawn plow as he walked behind . He had to first clear the sage brush and it took him several years. This property has been passed on to us kids from our loving parents. Earl now has the opportunity to farm this sacred piece of land. He plowed up 15 acres last year and another 5 this year. He uses a 4-bottom plow pulled by a 125 horsepower tractor with an enclosed cab. This sounds easy in comparison to what Grandpa Bisel had to do, however, even with modern equipment, it is still lots of work. It does give us an opportunity to think about the work and sacrifices that have been made for us and makes us realize how much work it took to tame this country. The pioneers were not afraid of work, floods, drought, wild animals, Indians or anything else that may have prevented them from accomplishing their goals. We owe so much to so many who have made life comfortable for us.
Kamas City asked me to put together a musical history for their annual Fiesta Day Celebration on the 24th of July. I have thoroughly enjoyed learning in-depth histories of those who first came to this Valley. Come and spend Sunday night, July 24th, with us in Kamas at the Middle School at 7:00 pm and learn for yourself, about the sacrifices that have been made for all of us!

What do you do in the summertime?

2011-07-06T15:25:00.000-07:00

I love my flowers. They are peace in my crazy, noisy world. Giselle asked me how I can stand to go out and pull weeds and do such boring work. Flowers are the prize for the work of weeding. Flowers are satisfaction, beauty and peace. These lupine have been moved all over... from my front yard to the side and now to the back. No matter where they bloom, they are beautiful!

My columbines like to relocate themselves. I did give these a little help from the front to the back. They jumped the flower bed in to to the driveway and I thought they deserved a more permanent place, so they got to move to the back of the house as well. They bloom wherever they are placed.

When I woke up the other morning, I rolled over in my bed and saw this. Earl's horse is a beautifully put together female American Quarter Horse (that no one can ride except Earl and the horse trainer). My Dad had little mininature ponies. I bought two of them from him and Earl was not very happy about it. He said I would never do anything with them. I haven't....as of yet....but maybe I will someday. For today, they just remind me of my Dad. The horse and the two ponies have become pretty good friends. They were all having an early morning nap and thoroughly enjoying the lush, green grass, the morning breeze and each other's company and I thought it was just cute!
Giselle went....oh, I don't know where she went....but she left Rajko with me. I was trying to work in my garden and he loves to throw rocks. I encouraged him to go throw the rocks in the driveway to avoid being hit in the head by his sailing rocks. Well, the short of a long story is that, while the cat's away...the mouse will play! Rajko began by throwing rocks in the mud puddles that had been created by the rain the night before. Soon, he was wading while throwing. Finally, he was just sitting right down in the puddle and truly having a good time. Any sensible grandma would have done the same as I did...let him play! I tried to get him in the bath before his Dad came home, but Noah actually caught us!
My little granddaughters are always the cutest, little Body Motion Dancers in the 4th of July Oakley parade. Tess and Ellie had both danced in Stadium of Fire on Saturday and got to see David Archuletta and Brad Paisely and the most spectacular fireworks ever! Ellie almost got past me before I could snap her picture.
Tess has turned in to such a grown up, long-legged beauty! She just has this deliciously natural tan skin and as the summer sun kisses it, she becomes golden!

Mia was rockin' it big time! She always obeys her teacher and does just what she is told to do.
Well, Noah was quite sad, although he really tried to be brave and tough about it....but his older brother got to go to Yellow Stone with the Gunnerson grandparents and he had to stay home. He came over while I was deadheading flowers. When he saw the lupine stalk, he asked if he could have it. He left temporarily, and when he came back, he had cut the stem and asked if I would wear the flower in my hair. How could I say no to such a galant young man!
Of course, every day we have to have "tramp time" with the sprinkler on underneath. The boys are on the tramp. they're off the tramp, they're on the tramp, etc., until they have worked up quite a thirst. Then they must go underneath the tramp for a drink from the sprinkler. I wonder if they even realize how much trust they have in me to kink the hose off so it is just the right drizzle to lean over and get a drink?
Even with the enclosure, "tramp time" tends to be a little dangerous! We still have boys bumping in to boys; boys falling head over heels and boys bawling for one reason or another. Grandma's famous saying, "Laughing leads to crying!"
After the boys think they are sufficiently frozen from running through the sprinkler, they have to have a dip in the old hot tub to be like Uncle Rob. Noah is actually the only one who gets in. Rajko, Jack and Eli all think it is too hot and pretty much spend their time just wading. Whatever, it makes for a pretty fun day.
Oh what do I do in the summertime...take a guess!

Those Lazy, Crazy Dayz of Summer...

2011-06-27T22:06:00.000-07:00

My family has a wonderful tradition of eating Sunday dinner together. There are times when things don't work out and we go our separate ways, but for the most part, we get together each Sunday after our meetings. It's pretty much...bring what you have... and we normally end up with delicious meals each week! It is pretty amazing. Both Olivia and Billie Jo have wonderful play rooms, so we take turns going to their homes so the adults can enjoy visiting and the kids can enjoy playing.
This past Sunday, we decided to go to Bench Creek and do "hobo" dinners and let the kids play wherever they wanted!

Rick gave the boys summer hair cuts and took away the cute little babyish looks they had. They are still pretty cute! Eli is trying to decide just what he is going to do next!
Tess, Mia (hiding behind her arm), Noah (in the background) and Jack and Luke are busily getting sticks ready so they can roast some marshmallows! Bella (the dog) is having a great Sunday afternoon nap.
The challenge to climb the old willow tree is always alive...no matter how many times you have climbed it previously. Luke has conquered again!
Evan is happy for now being able to climb up on the old rake. Once up there, however, it was a little more difficult getting down!
Ellie has passed the stage of really "playing," so she is happy to help others in their pursuit. She is a good little "care giver" to the younger cousins. Isn't she beautiful?
Luckily, my kids all enjoy being around each other. The three little girls, i.e., Liv, Evie and Emmie are all still very content to be in their parents' arms. I actually thought Rick was having fun, but from the looks of this picture, he is not enjoying our time together. I wonder if this was at the point he was going to tell me he would not square dance at my 24th show or after he told me and I just laughed at him!?
I know, that look of pure joy and contentment is pretty plain on both Earl and my face. There isn't too much better than those Lazy (for some of us), Crazy (for Earl--definitely), Daz of Summer...unless it is chillin' with the fam on a Sunday afternoon in paradise!

Remenbering...those we love.

2011-06-04T20:20:00.000-07:00

We always spent Memorial Day Weekend at the cemetery. When I was a little girl, our family cleaned the cemetery and got it ready for Memorial Day. Mom worked really hard and perhaps the older girls works kind of hard, but I think mostly the three little girls got to play a lot! By time the weekend came, however, the cemetery looked really nice. These days, there are grounds keepers and the work is all done for you and the cemetery looks amazing! Mom and Dad loved to spend time up at the cemetery visiting friends and relatives. It was always a great time to get reacquainted and visit with old friends and family.
Now we set an appointed time and everyone meets at the cemetery. We decorate and again, visit and reacquaint ourselves with old friends and neighbors. We have become our parents and taken over the mantle. The graves looks so beautiful and it really is nice to see people you haven't seen since the previous Memorial Dad and visit with them.
I think it is a wonderful thing to remember those we love and show that love and appreciation by placing flowers and re-establishing family ties with friends and family.
Our kids do the same thing we used to do...bring their little kids and tell them all about Grandpa and Grandma and help them place their remembrances. The grandkids do the same thing we used to do as kids...run from one end of the cemetery to the other and even up on the hill. Being free and having a wonderful family is a blessing in each of our lives.

There is such a peace at the Woodland Cemetery. The hill stands guard over the patrons and the sun, stars and moon take turns shining down and keeping watch. There is always a gentle breeze...sometimes stronger than others. The elk and deer visit ever so quietly and there is just a feeling of reverence and peace. The flags wave in the breeze on the graves of those who have fought to preserve our freedom and rights. I read this week in the Ensign..."We live to die and we die to live again...." What a beautiful concept!

Today, Sunday-June 5th- was the first time this spring that it was good enough weather to eat outside on the deck. We smoked a turkey and the kids and grandkids came and it was another wonderful day. After we ate, we decided to drive up the road and see how much snow there still is. This is at the top of Wolf Creek...elevation 9,450 feet...and there is still more than 5 feet of snow! It is solid packed too! It is hard to think we are just ten miles up the road and there is just a difference!

I think the "water master" has plenty of water this year!

Round up at the Crossed Arrows Corral....

2011-05-29T18:07:00.000-07:00

"Hey...what's goin' on around here? We're short a few hands, but the cowboy crew is eager to get busy!"

"Hey guys! Here come the critters!"

Our great friends, Mike and Jodi McNulty and Bishop Rod Maxfield, come every year to help round the cattle up. Mike stays through the whole operation to push the cattle in the shoot. He is priceless! He's got a group pushed in and now he's letting his horse have a rest.

Earl, Allen, Tim, Rick and Noah push the little calves up in the shoot so they can have their shots to protect their health and get their ear tags so you know who they belong to.

The little heifers love to flip their ears and show off their new earrings!

The little wranglers had a pretty good day of eating and talkin' cowboy talk!

It is imperative that cowboy wranglers learn to chew on grass as well as eat their lunch!

Our dear friend, Rod Maxfield, went home and got the ponies for the boys to ride. After all was said and done, the little wranglers got to ride horses and prepare themselves to be the future cowboys! That's what friendship and good neighbors are all about...helping you with your work and helping you enjoy a good life!
All good cowboys should be able to eat and wrangle at the same time, while sitting atop your pretty little Appaloosa pony!

Cowboy Luke loved riding this great little pony, which gives him practice to become a big cowboy like Mike and Bishop Rod.

Jack made up a song about cowboys that goes like this....
"Cowboys...cowboys....you are a special cowboy!"
So...it is only fitting he has the opportunity to become a cowboy!

Cowboy Evan gets his turn on the pony!

Eli and Evan spend time in the back of the pick-up just being boys and having a good time!

What could be better than being in the back of Grandpa's pick-up with a stick!I guess the only thing better is....getting a big thank-you kiss from your Dad when he is covered in mud and "stuff " to let you know he appreciates all the wranglin' you've done all day!

"Thank you," to everyone...sons, daughters, grandsons, granddaughters and neighbors...for helping us get our spring work done!

I Hope You Dance....

2011-05-23T21:06:00.000-07:00

I began dancing in my Mother's living room...yes...carpet and all, to my older sisters' music which we played on the little 45 record player. We had such good times! Then, Dee Winterton...yes...THE DEE WINTERTON, began coming home from the U of U and Ririe-Woodbury, on occasion and hand-picked a little group of kids from Woodland and taught us the "jitterbug." Our parents lovingly called us, "The Little Jitterbuggers." We performed at any and all places that would have us and we loved it! As that group dissolved, my permanent partner became Seth Winterton. He and I became partners when I was in the 2nd grade and we danced together until Seth was ready to leave high school.
I LOVE TO DANCE! I LOVE TO WATCH DANCE! I love every genre` of dance! One of my biggest regrets in life is that I did not continue to pursue dance as I went on to college. So, in a nutshell, in my mind I am a great dancer, but not so much in real life! Therefore.....one of my greatest dreams was..."I Hope You Dance!" for my children. I am one of the luckiest people ever, because my children all love to dance...and are very good at it. Two of my daughters have chosen dance as their profession and they are SUCCESSFUL at it!
Last Saturday was the crowning competition for Body Motion Dance Company. I spent the day at Lagoon watching Billie Jo and Giselle's teams compete. What a perfect day! No...I did not even step a foot away from the performance area and wander to the roller coaster...or any other ride. I WATCHED DANCE FROM 2:30 PM UNTIL 10:30 PM AND THOROUGHLY ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!
Here are some great pictures I got while watching...

Junior Comp Jazz, which Ellie Jo filled in as a sub. She is the first one on the L on the back row. Excellent group!
Elementary Ballroom Group - Little Miss Tiny 5-year-old Mia is on this team (only her tiny arms are visable in the back L), Tess (7) first girl on the L with arms raised, and Luke (8) blonde boy in the front with his back to us. These students are unbelieveably good! This is their Paso routine.
Middle School Ballroom Team 1 - Wonderful group who thoroughly loves dancing. Ellie Jo (11) is the girl in the front on the left.
Junior Comp Hip Hop Team - Again, Ellie Jo is on back right. This group can rock it!
Pre-Teen Comp Team - Awesome dancers--every one! Ellie Jo is center and second deep.
Senior Comp Hip-Hop - This team takes top honors every time they compete!
Pre-Teen Comp Lyrical - A very moving routine from these young dancers. Ellie Jo is 3rd from the right on the back row.
Senior Comp Jazz - This group is just unreal! They are so "in" to what they are doing and it really shows. I'm sure even in the picture you can see their strength and character.

Intermediate Comp Jazz - this routine was exciting enough to live up to it's name...Bullet Proof!
Combo Pre-Teen and Intermediate Comp Hip-Hop - Can you say "major attitude!" I think this group has taken "gold" at every single competition this year. Ellie Jo is the center one on the front.
See what I mean? Every position they take is just sheer entertainment!
Intermediate Comp Lyrical - How about that for a beautiful heel stretch?
Intermediate Comp Lyrical - This little group of dancers is able to convey a real message as they perform. So many different personalities make up the group and it is expressed beautifully as they perform.
Middle School Ballroom Team 2 - and wow! Are they ever!!!
This routine was actually a medley with samba, cha-cha and jive. You can see the boys are having as much fun as the girls! Impressive team!
Paige and Casey both give it their all...and they look great!
It is awards time and Body Motion is pulling in the awards right and left!
Warning: I AM GOING TO BRAG, SO IF YOU CAN'T HANDLE IT....STOP READING NOW!

Miss Billie Jo danced in high school, she danced for four years at Southern Utah University and graduated with a major in PE and a minor in Dance. She opened up Body Motion Dance Company the year after completing her BS. She taught PE at South Summit for ten years and coached the Drill Team for a dozen years. The Drill Team was not even a competitive team when we took over, but it soon became one. It was a long, hard pull...without a feeder program, but by about year ten and Body Motion dancers feeding in to the program -- Billie Jo was named the 2A Coach of the Year! She quit teaching and coaching at the high school after Mia was born and focused on Body Motion. The studio has expanded and become a program where dancers can learn true technical skills and fine tune their performance abilities.
Miss Giselle danced from the day she was born. She was trained by Billie Jo, danced on the high school team, danced on UVU's dance team, and then switched her training to focus on ballroom. She was on UVU's Ballroom Tour Team and competed at the British Open Championships in Blackpool, England, the most decorated competition in the world. She danced for the Wasatch Fever and also for the Vibe under Rick Robinson, where she performed professionally. She was UVU's first Ballroom graduate. She taught at Body Motion while she was in college and returned last summer to join Billie Jo. She has added the ballroom program to Body Motion's class offerings.
Together, these two girls run a very professional, intensive dance program and I am very proud of them!
Saturday night, Billie Jo received one of the two "Director of the Year" awards in the Dance America competition line. I am so proud of her...and Giselle! Dance America hosts teams from the Wasatch Front and all over Utah as well as from Idaho. The competition is tough and teams are really good. The students from Body Motion are well-trained, disciplined athletes/artists. Their teachers are some of the very best!
So, for me, I can live out my dream through my daughters and the students of Body Motion Dance. And....for everyone else... I Hope you Dance...and find beauty and happiness there!

What a Great Day!

2011-05-14T21:32:00.000-07:00

What a great day May 14th is! It is the day Noah Rasheta...and Nik Rasheta (Noah's twin brother)...were born to Lary and Tere Rasheta in Dallas, Texas! Noah grew up in Plano until he was thirteen years old, then Lary and Tere decided they wanted the boys to experience Tere's heritage. The family moved to Guadalajara, Mexico where Tere's family lives. Noah grew up with all the colorful, exciting, patient, kind, family-oriented influence Mexico could offer. I mention this, because this is a big part of what makes Noah who he is.
Noah moved back to Dallas just prior to leaving on his mission to the Ecuador Guayaquio Mission, which included the Galapagos Islands. After returning home from his mission, Noah relocated once again to Orem, Utah in order to attend school at Utah Valley State College. While attending school there, he was both a Standard and Latin dancer on the Ballroom Tour Team.
Fall of 2004, Giselle started school at UVSC, where she was a member of the Dance Team. In the Spring of 2005, Noah was Giselle's dance partner in the Dance Team's spring show. Giselle remembers the encounter going something like this....
"When Noah told me about himself and said he wanted to marry someone who spoke Spanish and could raise their children loving, speaking Spanish and appreciating his heritage, I said...'I am going to marry him!'"
The interesting part of this story is that Giselle ALWAYS said she was going to attend BYU. Late in the spring of her high school senior year, she changed her mind and announced she was going to go to UVSC. We all wondered the reason for her decision. Once she met Noah, we all KNEW why she was guided in her decision. Isn't it interesting how things work out in life....Giselle also ended up on the Ballroom Tour Team and was UVU's first graduate with a Ballroom Dance Degree.
Giselle always danced her life away in a fairy tale world where everything was happy and beautiful and exciting and kind. Noah is perfect for Giselle. He creates a happy, beautiful, exciting, kind and colorful world for Giselle. He is so creative...and he works diligently on bringing his creations to life. He is patient and kind and is a really cute Daddy to Rajko.
We are so thankful for Noah in our family! Now you can see why we feel like today is such a great day! Thank you to Lary and Tere for giving Noah life and for giving him the kind of life that has influenced who he is and what he does. Thank you, Noah, for being a part of our family and for giving Giselle such a beautiful life and son!

Happy Birthday, Noah....we love you!

Notice the Real Salt Lake Soccer jackets? The Real's Nick Rimando is the athlete who endorses and wears Noah's Power Titanium bracelets and necklaces. The merchandise sells at the Real Store at the stadium or online. For more info on these little miracle jobbers and to get your own, see www.powertitanium.com.

Springtime in the Rockies...

2011-05-11T18:42:00.000-07:00

When it's springtime in the Rockies......
I'll be coming home to you...
Little Sweetheart of the Rockies,
With your bonnie eyes of blue...

There are just a few things that tell one it is really getting spring.

The daffodils are always amazingly tough and poke their heads up once they decide it is spring...whether the sun has peeked out from a cloud for a minute or if there is 6 inches of new snow.

My kids call me the family "pyromaniac" because I LOVE spring burning. It is just such a clean-up statement to me. Now, I have been know to catch power poles on fire and burn the neighbor's fence posts, but the old, overgrown weeds are gone and soon the new, fresh green grass pokes it's head up. This year, I only singed my hair and accidentally gave myself yet another haircut on top on the one I just got.
Olivia didn't like me burning along our fence line...since the fire paid no attention to the barbed wire and went right over to her property. She got her hose out and put my fire out...if you can believe it! What a party pooper!

The petite, purple abretia really want to join the showie daffodils and are trying their best to bloom...come one sun...let's spread a little warmth around!

Soon, it will all come together...the farm girl, the ditch banks, the flowers, the birds, the croaking frogs, the new baby calves, the roaring River...Springtime!

Once again I'll say, "I love you!"
While the birds sings all the day...
Little Sweetheart of the Rockies,
Of the Rockies far away!

New Life.......

2011-05-06T19:02:00.000-07:00

Emma Liv Gunnerson arrived in our world on May 6, 2011 around 3 pm and weighed in at 8 pounds 14 ounces! She doesn't look exactly like any of her brothers....but you can tell she belongs in the family. She is definitely a beautiful, pink little bundle!

Olivia kept telling me the baby was big, but I would assure her she wasn't big enough to have a very big baby. Boy...was I wrong! Look at the rings around her wrists...and the double chin!

Little Miss Liv has lines on her arms and chunker legs!
I think Rick looks like he is overwhelmed with pride for his little princess!
The big brothers are all pretty pleased looking, as well. Ohhh, I'll bet Miss Liv will be well-protected with these big brothers in charge of her!

I think Miss Olivia looks pretty happy as well! There is nothing like new life to bring true joy and happiness to a family! Welcome to our world, little Miss Liv Gunnerson!

I Am At Peace...

2011-05-02T22:17:00.000-07:00

Today is the third anniversary of my Mother's passing. When Mom left us, I really mourned. I was happy for her that she did not have to suffer in pain in longer, but I missed her so much. My Dad was very sad, and it seemed like I cried constantly and thought of her so much. I felt her presence several times...it seems every day I missed her more. I decided this year I had to be better ... I needed to change things up a little, so today I spent the day at the temple and then just pondering while I walked around the temple grounds. Tonight, I came home and Earl went to Mom and Dad's with me. We took down the beautiful chandelier that Mom had worked so hard to buy. We loaded the recliner we bought for Dad in his last few months, and cleared the few final things out of the house. Earl held me in his arms and tried to soothe me while I cried... knowing I was walking out of the home where I had accumulated a lifetime of memories...the last four years very sacred ones. I laid the keys on the cupboard, locked the door and walked out.
I am ok...I will probably always shed tears when I think about the beautiful mother I have. I do know she is busy...busy teaching others about the gospel. I know her heavenly home is beautiful and probably has chandeliers in every room. I know she and Dad are hand in hand, visiting, teaching, sharing and caring...as they always did...and they are strong and healthy.

I Am At Peace...

Purples, pinks and yellows sway in the gentle spring breeze,
Clouds up in the blue sky, floating wher'er they please.
I step into the kingdom -- and enter at the gate,
I am bid to come forward...down the stairs and then walk straight.
The quiet calms my spirit -- I want to feel close to her,
As I dress and prepare for the work, emotions inside me stir.
As a child I watched her, with the iron in her hand,
Lovingly press sacred robes, carefully fold them -- and --
A look of joy and contentment, in her countenance I could see,
I could feel her eagerness to learn, as her blue eyes looked at me.
Off to serve and to worship, they would happily go,
As a child, the full extent of this act, I did not realize or know.
Like her...today...I serve, and as I am washed clean,
She is there with me, or so it really seems.
I am at peace -- I bow my head and fall down on bended knee,
And thank my Father not only for her, but also what my Savior has done for me!

Happy Birthday...Rick!

2011-04-27T20:22:00.000-07:00

Several years ago, Olivia and her cousin Joni, went on a double-date. When Olivia came home, she said that Joni had definitely gone out with the best guy. She said Joni's guy was good-looking, good-natured, had good-manners, and basically, just good, Good, GOOD! The next thing I knew, Olivia had a date with this "good" guy! ...and you know, "the rest of the story!" Yes, one of love stories where the "good guy" wins the girl!
Richard Joe Gunnerson was the "good guy," and he is now the husband of Olivia, father to Luke, Noah and Elijah...and in less than ten days, little princess Liv or Scarlet! He is a good husband, a good father, a good provider, a good priesthood holder, a good son, and just a darn "good guy!"
Rick always has pleasant mannerisms and a great smile. He is more than willing to lend a helping hand and while he's at it...not afraid to get his hands dirty. He is friendly without being oppressive or obnoxious; he is cooperative and fun to be around, and enjoys the country life and helping his father-in-law. I really can't say enough "good" stuff about Rick...because he is genuinely a really "good guy!"
Happy birthday, Rick! We love you and are happy you are part of our family.

The Reason...

2011-04-21T20:14:00.000-07:00

A song written by a dear friend...

I wonder that first Easter...were there yellow daffodils,

Did the sun shine down so brightly...did birds sings in the hills?
He rose that Easter morning, that we might live again...
He died because he loved us so...our brother and our friend!
-Trish Lindorff

Friday or Saturday prior to Easter, Mary, the sister of Lazarus, lovingly anointed the Savior's feet with oil and dried them with her hair. This anointing represented the anointing of a king...all kings of the Old Testament were anointed with precious oils.

The path for the Savior's triumphant entry on a donkey was strewn with palm fronds by those who loved Him and His teachings. One would normally think of a king riding a beautiful stallion, but kings of old always rode on donkeys as a symbol of humility.
Feeling hungry, the Savior saw a fig tree and wanted to eat the fruit. The tree had leaves but bore no fruit, as it was not the time for bearing fruit. The Savior cursed the fig tree and it withered and died. Not being the time to bear fruit symbolizes Israel and it not being the time to recognize the Savior. The Savior also was teaching a lesson to his disciples that the sea could be calmed or mountains could be moved if our faith is strong enough.
The Savior then went to the temple only to find it was not being used as a house of prayer and worship, but rather it was filled with money changers. He cleared the temple of the evil doers in order for it to be used for the purpose for which it was built. This occasion signifies that the priests and administrators did not have the priesthood which would allow them to be in charge of this sacred house of worship. They were usurpers of the of the proper authority in the holy temple of the Lord.
Judas Iscariot succumbed to the temptation of Satan and agreed to betray the Savior for 30 pieces of silver. As is always the case when any of us give in to sin...Judas was miserable and suffered greatly after the betrayal.
Christ and his disciples ate their last supper together in the upper chambers. Jesus washed the feet of each of the twelve and taught them how to serve one another. He blessed bread and wine and instituted the sacrament. The time approached for our Savior to face what he had come to this earth to do. Another woman anointed Jesus's head with oil...this anointing with spiknard, represented anointings that were done to prepare the bodies for burial.
Emotion, which caused even the Savior to ask to have the cup removed, and such passion--or suffering--and uncomprehensible love filled our Redeemer as He went to the Garden to suffer and atone for our sins...for the sins of the world. With a kiss on the cheek of Jesus from Judas in front of the soldiers, the task was complete...and the judgment began.
They dressed the Savior in a purple robe...mocking the royalty they thought he falsely proclaimed and crowned His head with plaited thorns. They scourged Him and made Him bear the cross which He would soon be nailed to as He made His way up the hill to Golgotha.
Even hanging on the cross and having suffered as He did, Christ asked our Father in Heaven to forgive the transgressors. His body was quickly taken down, as the Sabbath was fast approaching and He was laid in a borrowed tomb. Soldiers were placed to guard the tomb, lest His body would be taken by His faithful followers and they would claim He had risen. On the third day, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to visit the tomb and found it empty. They found the tomb empty! Saddened, thinking someone had taken their beloved Savior, they wept. Perhaps the most wonderful news for each of us was when the angel proclaimed, "Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is risen!" When Christ spoke Mary's name...she wept and understood!
HE IS RISEN!!! HE IS RISEN!!! Shout it out with joyful voice!
I too weep when I think of what the Savior has done for me. Words cannot express my love and appreciation to our dear Redeemer!I know He lives! I thank Him for what He did for me...for my family...for mankind. I stand all amazed at His love!

I Have a Family Here on Earth.....

2011-04-13T10:31:00.000-07:00

I have a family here on earth...
They are so good to me!
I want to spend my life with them through all eternity!

Meet my beautiful grandchildren...from left to right...Rajko-2-(Giselle's), Ellie Jo-11 1/2- (Billie Jo's), Emmie Sue-4 months- (Allen's), Noah-5 1/2-(Olivia's), Jack-31/2- (Chelsea's), Mia-nearly 6- (Billie Jo's), Evan-nearly 3- (Allen's), Elijah-nearly 3- (Olivia's), Tess 7 3/4- (Billie Jo's), Evie-6 weeks- (Billie Jo's), and Luke-9- (Olivia's).

I hope it is quite a while before our family is complete. We LOVE our little grandchildren and want more, More, MORE! At one point, when it seemed like we were at a standstill, Earl was offering money to our kids if they would get pregnant! He is a fun, loving, kind grandpa. I love the grandkids so much--they get sick of me kissing them and telling them how much I love them.

They are good to indulge me when I tell them I want pictures. We usually have Sunday dinners together...standing invitation. Last Sunday, I text everyone and asked them to have the grandkids ready for pictures--not anything fancy--I just needed a picture of all my beautiful little ones. We will have little Liv or Scarlet or Lydia sometime the first part of May, but I needed a picture to put in an Easter frame for now. Everyone was very cooperative and I think we got some cute pictures. In fact, after we had the group shot, they were all willing and eager to have little shots taken of what "they" wanted.

Rajko was more than willing to sit down and say, "Cheese!" He has to be just like all the other kids and do and say what they do and say. He runs and chases and acts just like the other kids...and thinks he is just as big as they are too!

Jack loves living in Woodland and being with all the cousins. Whether he is playing in the day with Rajko, or with the whole group on Sunday, he fits right in and becomes part of the group...like he has always been here! WE ARE SO THANKFUL HE IS HERE!
Evan and Emmie are such cute, loving siblings. Emmie is beginning to enjoy observing the cousins, especially Evan and the boys rough-necking and making all sorts of noises!
Mia and Noah are best friends. Because of birthdates, Mia was able to go to kindergarten and Noah was not. It has been difficult for Noah to see Mia move on without him. He REQUESTED this picture and wants her to be "his" BFF! Mia is so good-natured, she is willing to cooperate even if "it was so embarassing!"
Eli didn't care who was in the picture with him...he just wanted a picture! Don't you just love this little guy's smile? He always has a smile (even though his Mother says he is a bully!). I love his broad little shoulders and his willing nature. While he may look like a McNeil, I see his Dad...with his smile and pleasant nature and just the way he carries himself.
Mia, Ellie, Tess and Evie are the Buti"ful" sisters...according to Grandma...and I am right! I was worried for a while that they would be the only girls in the family, but with Emmie and soon Liv, Scarlet or Lydia...we are not letting the boys stay too far ahead!
Jack and Eli wanted their turn to have a picture with Miss Mia.
It is normal to say who you think a baby looks like. When Evie was born, I didn't think she looked like any of the girls or her Mom or her Dad. Six weeks later, I think she and Mia look a lot alike. They are both so cute!
Elli, Luke and Tess are the three "big" kids. I swear...this looks like one of those pictures out of the movie magazines with the beautiful stars!

Obviously, I love these kids and am proud of them. I won't even begin to tell how they play the piano, violin, guitar, dance, sing, win spelling bees, play basketball, farm, scout and achieve at each task handed to them. I've always heard the only thing better than being a parent is being a grandparent. I can't really say I completely agree with that philosophy, but I will say that grandparenting only builds upon the joys of parenting.

Families can be together...forever,
Through Heavenly Father's plan.
I always want to be with my own family...
And the Lord has shown me how I can -
The Lord has shown me how I can!

Our Grandson...Luke

2011-04-08T09:26:00.001-07:00

In looking at this picture of Luke, you most likely see a very handsome, competitive, strong, determined, smart young man. What you don't see is his sensitivity, spirituality, loving heart and obedient nature. Luke is all of the above and more!

Luke was our first little grandson. I think Grandpa Earl had visions of this little man hauling hay, irrigating, feeding cows, cutting hay and such. We both also envisioned a handsome, competitive, strong, determined, smart, sensitive, spiritual, loving, obedient young man. I'm pretty sure our dreams are being fulfilled.
Luke just had his 9th birthday on April 6th. I can hardly believe it has been nine years since we sat in the hospital waiting for him to join us. He looks like his Mom, yet has a look of his Grandpa Lee at certain times (I know...how can Olivia and Lee look alike?) He is quite the ladies' man at school and is a killer ballroom dancer! He also is a great basketball player and a Jazz fan! He's a good big brother to Noah and Eli. He really has a sense of rightness and wants to do what is right. Honestly, Luke is just a really good person.

Happy birthday, Luke! We love you so much and are so proud of you and what you are!

Coming Home.....

2011-04-03T17:34:00.000-07:00

Chelsea and Jack are home!
Our little girl is home and we couldn't be happier!

Chelsea waved good-bye to her old friends and made the trip north.....HOME. We are happy beyond belief to have her and Jack here and hope that soon it will feel like home to them too. Despite the snow and cold temperatures, our hearts are warm and we are hoping home will seem warm to them. There are still lots of decisions to make and things to settle, but I've heard it say that a change is as good as a rest!

Welcome home...Chelsea and Jack!

March Madness

2011-03-25T09:32:00.000-07:00

There is definitely madness in March! For me, there is a frenzy of madness...but it is GOOD madness!

First, my Dad's birthday is March 7th. What can a girl say about her Dad...I love him so much and appreciate the life he gave me, the example he set, the work he did, the gospel he taught, how he loved my Mother and the invaluable time I was able to spend with him.

Second, my little Rajko's birthday is the 10th. Rajko is such a pleasant, smart, handsome little guy. I love him so much and am happy he is my grandson. I am part of his life and what makes it so special is that he is beginning to be as in love with me as I am with him.

March 22nd is my Olivia's birthday. We had waited around two weeks longer than we thought for her birth, plus a whole night in the hospital waiting some more for Olivia to finally join our family. Olivia was absolutely worth the wait! She is beautiful, gentle, capable, a strong mother and a faithful daughter of God.

Allen's birthday is March 25th. I could not ask for a better son. Allen is a very fair person. He has such a sense or right or wrong. I can always depend on a very honest answer from him. He is a sensitive Daddy and reminds me in many ways of my own Dad. He is smart, handsome, hard-working and strong. I told him the events of his birth last night, but I do want him to know he IS worth it all!

So you see...March is full of madness because of the sheer joy and happiness we receive from those we love born in this month. I love each of these people so very much and am thankful for the relationship I have with each individual. I am happy for the opportunity to be a part of their life.

LET THE MARCH MADNESS CONTINUE!!!

From Baby Boy to Little Man Child.... and other Wonders of Life!

2011-03-20T19:29:00.000-07:00

It is a ritual...Grandpa and feeding time! The grandkids all LOVE to feed the cows with Grandpa. When Rick and Olivia were living here while they built their house, there were many times the kids got ready to go out and little Eli was still a baby. Grandpa would not let him go, because he was too little. He would stand at the door and cry and feel so bad. Eli is now listed among the "big boys" and gets to go with Grandpa.

The other day, Mia had an "overnighter" with Noah and was really looking forward to feeding with Grandpa. Olivia said she was awakened at 6:30 AM by Mia asking if it was time to feed with Grandpa. The hour finally approached around 4:00 PM that afternoon and all the kids got their outdoor clothes, boots and gloves and headed for the backhoe with Grandpa to feed the bulls.

As I came in the door, Rajko was standing at the front door crying, "Hampa...pockhoe...(boo hoo...boo hoo). Hampa...pockhoe (boo hoo...boo...hoo)!" Apparently Grandpa deemed that Rajko was not big enough to go with all the kids. Rajko's Mom was a little offended as well and said, "Rajko was uninvited to go feed the bulls by Grandpa!" The crying for Hampa and the pockhoe continued until Grandpa came in about thirty minutes later.

When I told Grandpa how bad Rajko felt, Grandpa said he could go tomorrow. I sternly informed Grandpa that he would cry until tomorrow and he should get ready and take Rajkie on a drive through the barnyard and out and back down the driveway.

Rajko has never allowed his Mother to put a winter hat on him, but as soon as "Hampa" said, "Come on Rajko...Grandpa will take you to the backhoe," the coat, gloves, boots AND hat went on!

With Grandpa and Rajko all bundled up, they first made the stop at the horses to pet and talk to Sassy Sue. Rajko quite liked that but still kept looking for the backhoe.

The walk to the backhoe could not have gone fast enough for Rajko. He was jabbering a mile a minute about "Hampa" and the "pockhoe."
Rajko was so excited and determined to get in the backhoe and take the wheel, he would hardly even look at the camera. He had no time to waste smiling for us!
Driving around the barnyard with the big ole' backhoe tires squishing the spring mud as you drive through it is about as exciting as any little...I mean big boy...could ask for.
The day a baby boy can go with Grandpa on the backhoe is the day he is no longer a baby, but rather a man-child! Congratulations, Rajko! There will be no more crying at the front door!

OTHER GREAT WONDERS!
I have had a really difficult time waiting for Billie Jo to post about our newest little grandbaby. She has finally posted and I have allowed an appropriate amount of time to pass for me to blog about it.
We have looked forward to this new little baby for a very long time! When the day came, I took the day off, as Billie Jo is always good enough to let me witness the birth. I was able to take Ellie, Tess and Mia to Salt Lake and as we were driving, of course, we were texting their Mother to keep informed about her progress (the girls...not me while driving!). Anyway, the girls were begging me to drive 125 mph to insure we did not miss the birth of their new baby. Watching these three girls so excited about their new sibling was such fun and an experience I will be eternally thankful to have experienced. When the baby finally arrived, the girls were waiting outside the door and heard the baby's cry.

Their excitement could hardly be contained and when the door opened, they were all standing wide-eyed with wonder. As they came into the room and saw their new baby, it was definitely one of the sweetest moments a grandma could ever have. What a beautiful day and what a beautiful new baby...Evie Fae...named after Tim's Grandma Eva and Billie Jo's Grandma Fae.

These are the special times....when within a matter of a couple of weeks, I am allowed to witness Heavenly Father's beautiful plan with a new life coming into our lives. Perhaps Evie spent the last few moments of her heavenly life with loved ones giving her encouraging words about her family here on this earth.
Special times are all about having the opportunity to be a part of a grandchild's life and seeing them progress each step.

To every thing there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven...

2011-02-27T19:48:00.000-08:00

For as long as I can remember, Grandma and Grandpa Bisel's house has always been there. Grandpa built the house when Dad was a young boy. My Dad built his family a house, which was across the driveway from Grandma and Grandpa's. We always called this house, "The Little House." I can recall living in "The Little House," but I cannot remember moving to Grandma and Grandpa's house. I do remember we lived there before I went to kindergarten. This house has always been filled with family, love, service, work and a family whose parents tried very hard to live and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many children were raised in this house. Many lessons were taught. Love and hard work were taught and lived. Our lives in this house were blissfully happy.
At the house today, the trees are taller, the fence has changed and the porch is covered in...but the memories live on.

You can see the barn in the background of where the family is playing. This is the barn where we taught that obedience is not only the first law of heaven, but also the law to a succesful family. We were taught to milk cows, feed calves, clean the barn and corral, catch and bridle horses, saddle horses, feed pigs, irrigate and be responsible. This is where we learned that hard work makes a person strong, organized, capable, cooperative and confident.

This is the barnyard where the calves used to be fed when I was a young girl. This later turned to the pony pen where Mom and Dad loved and played with their miniature ponies. We filled this area with sawdust to have a family rodeo for the last family reunion Dad would ever attend.
Many, many holidays were spent in laughter and good times within these walls in Mom and Dad's house. This was Halloween just a few days before Dad left us. For the last eighteen months, my siblings and I have spent cleaning Mom and Dad's home. These days have been enlightening to me...realizing that some of the things we work so hard to possess are just earthly possessions. Yet, these earthly possessions really do mean so much to each of us. As I look back over these many months of cleaning and making decisions, there have been some times I would say are sacred...sacred because we discovered things we thought we knew but have been driven home very hard about the kind of people our parents were. We have had to learn to share and be considerate of each other's feelings. These are lessons we thought we already knew... but we grew closer and more appreciative to our parents for teaching us those principles which we have needed to know to make this task less daunting.

Our goal was to be out of Mom and Dad's house by the end of February. We are not quite there...there will be one more day of dividing the picture albums and the old items we think are the greatest treasures. Funny...these great collectibles are not the diamonds, the turquoise, the paintings, the silver nor the furniture...they are an old dress, an apron, the root beer bottle capper, Dad's boots and hats, church books with expressions of love written to each other and their Riding Club jackets. We DO NOT have to divide the principles they taught us as we lived with them in this house. We DO have to live those principles we were taught...because Mom and Dad would not expect any less. This house was a wonderful place to be raised. Mom and Dad were wonderful people.
The time has come for another generation to "move" in to the Bisel House. This will be the third generation of Bisels--just as my Dad wanted. This time, it will be my brother and his wife, Trudy. I am please they want to live there and carry on. It will not be "my" home any longer, but I will always remember the home where I was raised and the things I was taught.

Today is a Special Day

2011-02-20T23:05:00.000-08:00

About fifteen or more years ago, Billie Jo met one Timothy Benjamin Butikofer. Little did we know then, he would become a permanent fixture in our lives...and a very nice fixture, I might add.
Billie Jo and Tim's romance is a fair tale. She had gone to four years of college, attending both SUU and BYU and just NEVER found the perfect mate for her. She was finished with school and living at home doing her student teaching, when she and Tim got together. I do believe it was love at first sight!
Tim is a really hard-working guy. He never stops! He is kind and generous. He is a good husband and an excellent father! He loves those little girls of his and has even been known to sit and let them put "pretend" make-up on him. He is proud of his family.

I predicted that Baby #4 would be born on his birthday and would be a boy. It is now 12:20 am, so I guess I was wrong. Baby #4 was NOT born on Tim's birthday and I don't know if it will even be a boy. What I do know--and I am NOT wrong--is that Tim will be the best father, the kindest Daddy, and a very loving, supportive husband not only to Baby #4 but to his whole family. That's just the kind of guy Tim is. I have seen him donate money to people he thought were in need. I have seen him supply people with new tires for their cars. I have seen him help his father-in-law with cattle and crops.

I have seen him work tirelessly in the gospel. I have seen him try to be an obedient priesthood bearer and son of our Father in Heaven. I have seen Tim try to be the best he can be and I love him for it.
Thanks for being a permanent fixture in our lives; for being my daughter's husband; for being my granddaughter's Daddy; and for being Baby #4's Daddy--no matter what Baby #4 is! Happy Birthday, dear Tim...you're not getting older...just better!

Let All My Life Be Filled With Music

2011-02-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

Sitting next to my Mom in church as a child was always a warm, satisfying experience. When she would open the song book and begin to sing, I thought her voice was so beautiful. I knew I wanted to be able to sing like her...and have it sound as wonderful as she sounded. Sometimes little experiences such as this are the beginning of a testimony...it is the Spirit speaking to our soul. Listening to my Mom sing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, with warmth, love and sincerity in her voice, touched my little soul and planted the love of both our dear Savior and of music deep in my heart.
Georgia and I used to spend endless hours together enveloped in our little "wonderland" lives. I must have been very young when we would climb the old brown, metal hay elevator to the top--of our world--and gaze over the beautiful green meadow where the cows were contentedly chewing their cud. We would sing at the top of our lungs, "This land is mine....God gave this land to me!" My little soul truly felt on fire at the emotion I felt...even as a child...at this moving musical experience.
Last December, I was immersed in preparation for our annual Stake Christmas Concert. Suffice it to say, I was busy! Jackman Music has a one-day-half-price sale in December and I knew I should order music for Stake Conference at this remarkable price. I began listening to their sample CD (In my spare time?), trying to find the perfect music for our choir. I felt like I was sinking in music. I asked Heavenly Father to help me with clarity in thinking and inspiration in music selection. In quiet solitude of twinkling Christmas lights and the warmth of a crackling fireplace, around 11:45 pm on the deadline date, I ordered songs I felt had a special message.
Fast forward to January 13th -- the Stake Presidency told me the theme for conference and asked for my submission of proposed music. The theme for the Saturday night meeting was, "Essential Priorities." The theme for the Sunday meeting was, "As I Have Loved You." Heavenly Father had placed thoughts and feelings in my heart in December... I submitted those songs to the Stake Presidency -- "Did You Think To Pray" and "I Stand All Amazed" for the Saturday meeting. I submit to you, "...how much of an essential priority are prayer and testimony in each of our lives? The songs I submitted for the Sunday meeting were, "God Love Us So He Sent His Son," and "As I Have Loved You." How much more love could be exhibited than God, our Father, sending His Son to this earth and then...Jesus Christ, the Son of God, coming to this earth and setting an example for us then willingly taking the pains of our sins upon himself and suffering the angst of those sins...then ultimately giving His life for you and for me, that we might have the opportunity for eternal life. There is no greater love!
Fast forward again to Feb. 12th - the State Wrestling tournament was in session and South Summit was going for the title! Just one year ago, South Summit was in the State Basketball Tournament playing for that title. The Stake Presidency canceled the Saturday night session of conference in order to allow people to attend the playoff game. Many, many people did...and South Summit did win the title. So...there were many this year wondering if the Saturday session would again be canceled so they could attend the State Wrestling tournament. No calls were received announcing a cancellation and the Saturday session of conference began. The speakers were seated, with the first talk on seeking our Father in Heaven's guidance through prayer. The second speaker was on how to receive inspiration and put it into action. The third speaker was Sister Kunz, whose husband had been killed in an accident in Las Vegas after he had run a marathon. Sister Kunz shared her testimony of how prayer had helped her through severe trials in her life and the comfort she has been blessed with. Then came our song, "Did You Think To Pray?" I was filled with the same enveloping sense of security I felt as a child and an overwhelming love to my Heavenly Father for His care. Our closing song, "I Stand All Amazed!" left me with that same warmth, love and sincerity I felt when I listened to my dear Mother so long ago. My soul was overwhelmed at the love offered to me by my Savior!
Sunday morning, the Men of the Choir sang "God Loved Us So He Sent His Son." As their sweet strains filled the air, my soul was on fire just as it was as a child standing on the warm, metal elevator with the sun piercing my skin and the spirit penetrating my heart and soul. The closing song, "As I Have Loved You," had a repeating round at the conclusion where the women began, "As I Have Loved You..." and the men came in, "As I Have Loved You..." As each phrase repeated itself, chills ran up and down my arms even though I felt so loved and warm inside. "By this shall men know...ye are my disciples...if ye have love one to another!"
Does Heavenly Father hear our prayers? A prayer uttered by me in December was answered. Heavenly Father obviously had a message that someone needed! I don't know who or where, but someone or many had been praying for guidance and assurance and this conference had a message that Heavenly Father knew we needed to hear!
President Henry B. Eyring said the angels were so filled with joy at the birth of our Savior that they burst forth in heavenly music to announce His arrival! Heavenly Father answered a prayer asking for guidance. Our choir was filled with joy and burst forth in heavenly music announcing and proclaiming a message Heavenly Father desired us to hear. May All My Life Be Filled with Music and the Spirit to accompany it.

HOW SWEET IT IS.....

2011-02-06T20:24:00.000-08:00

How sweet it is......
Look at the beauty of this place! Without a doubt, this is a beautiful sight. It is a beautiful sound--there is no sound! This is the BEST possible surrounding to spend a happy celebration with the people you LOVE the most! Celebrating a huge birthday with the people I love so dearly was very important to me. I planned ahead for this weekend, scheduling Rick's family cabin way up in the mountains. Emmie Sue was going to be blessed on Sunday, so Chelsea was coming home for that special occasion. I cached in on the timing and planned a "get-a-way" for my family to celebrate my birthday with me.

I love the mountains...they played a very important role in my youth. My Dad loved the mountains and my parents took us to the mountains a lot. My Dad's father and his father logged, so my Dad loved the mountains. My Dad drove a log truck in the mountains and we got to go with him many, many times. Dad and Morlin Van Tassell would pack the road above the church farm with the tractor and we would sled down the mountain trail. We loved going to the mountains to get Christmas trees when our kids were younger. There is a quiet peace in the mountains and it is very easy to feel the Spirit in the quiet solitude. What better way to celebrate my 60th birthday than to have my eternal family with me in the beauty of the mountains, where peace enters our souls and we are touched with the beauty of Heavenly Father's eternal plan.
Even heading to the outhouse is pleasant in this surrounding. One simply turns the heat lamp switch on as you leave the cabin and twenty steps later, when you open the door to the double-seater, it is warm!
Rick, Olivia, Luke, Noah, Eli, Earl and big Noah went up "forward party" to start the fire and warm the cabin. Earl just kept making trips in and out and picking people up at the Soapstone parking lot. The moonlight ride in to the cabin was indeed, pretty cool, and the warmth of the cabin was inviting on arrival. Goodwood's BBQ tasted DELICIOUS, once we all got transported in to the winter, wonder land.
Best friends, best cousins, best grandkids.
Best husband, best kids!
Best family for me!
There was one part that wasn't the best...poor little Tess was sick and started running a fever again, so Grandpa had to take Tess and her Mom and Allen, Evan, Patrice and Emmie Sue back out to the highway so they could all go home. We are sorry -- maybe next time.
Birthday cake was really good...especially since Noah had helped his Mom bake it. Thank you!
There is a special "kids" room at the cabin. We filled it wall to wall with our kids and they told story after story to each other once we put them to bed. We decided next time around, the adults will go in the special room and close the door and leave the kids out on the deck!
Breakfast was special, with the girls all in the kitchen together.
Grandpa always gets crazy with the grandkids, so I joined them for the fun of it!
Rasheta's are enjoying the snow!
Ellie, Luke and Noah brave the tubing hill. Ellie looks like a movie star!
Allen took everyone to the top of the hill where Rick helped them on the tube for the thrilling ride down!
Olivia and Eli having a great run! Eli was a pretty brave little guy--it was a BIG hill!
Mia and Noah do EVERYTHING together. They were not one bit scared...even the snow in their faces didn't bother them, but by the time they crashed and Mia went face first in to a foot of new powder, she wasn't so thrilled with tubing. Now, I must explain...this was AFTER she had been thrown off the tube behind the snowmobile and the next tube ran over her. She did not shed one tear, but after the second face-plant, it was more than her little heart could bear!

You have to enlarge this picture of Noah and Ellie to witness how the powder was spraying into their faces! Ellie is a daredevil and she has fun...no matter what!
The trip from the 67 degree weather in St. George to the Uinta's is a very "cool" one for Jack and Chelsea. We loved having them and I think they loved every minute with us too.
Noah continued coming down the hill, even after he and Mia's crash!
Once we all got back to the cabin, Ellie is making sure Mia is receiving the TLC she needs to heal the ice in the face and wounded spirit.
Jack and Eli are relaxing with Rajko's handy, dandy technology equipment.
All equipment runs better when Evan provides the "rrrrr" sound.
A good, hot bowl of Giselle Girl's chili (that is the sequel to Pioneer Woman), is just what is needed after playing outside.
The boys are learning the ins and outs of pool playing under Uncle Noah's tutelage.

The weekend concluded with the family attending the Spanish Branch with Allen and Patrice for Emmie Sue's blessing. Emmie was beautiful in an elegant, white dress made by her Grandma Shuppy. Allen gave her a wonderful blessing in Spanish (the sister missionary translated, so those of who don't speak Spanish could understand). A party to celebrate followed at Allen and Patrice's, with the best Super Bowl food ever! A wonderful conclusion to a really great weekend.
Well, we made it...to the beginning of our "Golden Years..." I guess. I don' t want to sound silly or vain, but ADMITTEDLY, I am not thrilled with the idea of being 60! IT SOUNDS OLD!!! (The English professor says multiple exclamation points are uncalled for and unacceptable...he says one is sufficient and any more lessens the point trying to be made. I think 60 definitely calls for more than ONE exclamation point! Even my sisters said they can't believe I am 60!!!) Anyway, if 60 means having the BEST family in the world (I do realize others have wonderful families too); the cutest grandkids (again, I realize others have cute grandkids); a life filled with the sweetest memories; and the knowldge of Heavenly Father's plan...then I am ok with being 60...sort of. I don't like the sounds or the idea of it, but I actually feel ok. The bad part comes when I look in the mirror and being honest with myself, have to admit...Happy 60th birthday, Billie Sue! However, how sweet it is...

O, Christmas is Here Again...this wondrous day of joy and gladness!

2010-12-26T17:21:00.000-08:00

I don't have to "dream" of a white Christmas, I am able to LIVE a white Christmas! Does this look like a picture of a winter wonderland? IT IS....and the best part is, that it is my backyard! How could Christmas get any better?

Christmas trees play such a significant part of the Christmas celebration for me...not just because everyone has a Christmas tree, but because my Mother used to spend an enormous amount of time making these very special Christmas trees for our Christmas Eve dinner. She would stand for hours in the kitchen, cutting up apples, celery and nuts and getting the jello to just the right consistency so they could be added...after which she set the jello in snow cone cups to be put on plates and have the "snow" dolloped on the top to look just like a tree, full of decorations and topped with freshly fallen snow!
My dear Chelsea, humored me, and stood making the "Christmas trees" for our dinner. I think it took her nearly as long to do the trees, as it did for Earl and me to fix dinner...but believe me, through the tears of joy and wonderful, warm memories that flooded over me, the trees made our Christmas very magical!

Every tree in my house signifies some important piece of my life. The small tree on the left has bales of hay and horses, while the big tree is full of bells...bells that ring and adorn Santa's outfit as he "Ho, Ho, Ho's;" bells that softly jingle on the horses collars and harnesses as they are walking or trotting "through the fields;" and the sound of the Santa who stands on the street corner ringing his bells to encourage our hearts to open up and help someone else!

The Christmas season could not possibly be complete without programs...watching my grandchildren is so enjoyable...and knowing my daughters are the creators and teachers is even better! Ellie is a great little ballroom dancer!
Mia warmly expresses her wishes of "Melekilikimaka," with the cutest smile and sincerity any little dancer could conjure up!
Don't even think for one minute that Rick wasn't busting his buttons when Luke was on that stage showing off his ballroom skills with Tess!
Tess makes everything she does look so effortless, enjoyable and pretty!
Have you ever seen so many pretty ballerinas?
Would Christmas even be Christmas without the Primary Christmas program? Tess is a beautiful, serious angel! I am so proud, again, to see my daughters putting forth the effort to continue on in traditions that have been in this Valley forever! Truly, children love to participate in these events and parents love to see their children perform!
The theme of this particular Primary program was losing ourselves in service to others, just as Christ served others.
Ellie and her friend are the oldest girls in Primary and therefore, they get to narrate the show! I cannot believe this was Ellie's LAST Primary program. Next year, she will be in Young Women's!
Noah truly does love to bake...just like Santa's Holly, Jolly Bakers. Why just this morning, he came over to my house to treat me with a raspberry muffin, out out of his oven!
Little Miss Mia puts her WHOLE effort into everything she does...even her holiday baking for others!
The Kamas Community Christmas Concert has become a tradition that is loved by all and helps set hearts and souls at peace for a perfect spirit, as we celebrate the birth of our dear Savior and King.
Being able to have Jack and Chelsea home for Christmas was a wonderful treat we enjoyed!

Evan loves his new little Christmas present, Emmie Sue. She is the cutest Christmas dollie!
Christmas just would not be Christmas without posing for Grandma's traditional Christmas picture! Eli is the happiest little guy and loves Grandpa and the "backhoe." Earl came home the other day to find him out in the barnyard...ready and waiting to help him feed! Evan loves to come to Grandpa's as well to work on the farm and he also loves to play with the cousins! Rajko gets in with the "big boys" and plays just like he is every bit as big as they are! Noah and Luke each received pocketknives from Grandpa, because they are big enough to know what to do with them and need them to work on the farm! Ellie Jo is the little mother of the rest of the cousins. She is responsible, but fun...mature but imaginative! Mia and Noah are really inseparable cousins...they were walking to my house from Olivia's in the dark the other night, with protective arms around each other and encouraging each other on. Tess is the beautiful girl who makes everything look easy. She is quiet and loving, talented yet strong! Jack loves to visit the farm and play with the cousins. When he comes, it is like he was never away...he just picks right up where he left off! Then there is our little Christmas gift...Emmie Sue. She is so very pretty and is letting us all know she is part of our family too!

Earl and I have to be the most blessed people ever...we have six beautiful children, who have the perfect husbands and wife for each of them. They in turn, have beautiful children...full of life and the love of our Father in Heaven. They all are faithful and consistent in honoring and celebrating, respecting and emulating our dear Savior. We were both blessed to be born into homes where our parents lived and taught us the Gospel of Jesus Christ, loved us and gave us wonderful lives. We both have siblings we love and enjoy spending time with and reliving old memories. We are blessed in so many others ways too numerous to mention here, but we are so thankful to a loving Heavenly Father for everything we have. We are expecting two more grandchildren...that we know of... and are looking forward to those little spirits joining our family! Christmas 2010 is definitely a "wondrous day of joy and gladness" for us!

2010-12-20T16:41:00.000-08:00

"I'll be Home for Christmas," presented by the Kamas Community Choir, was a beautiful night of sweet music, filled with the spirit of The One, whose birthday we celebrated!

Melanie Mitchell always touches the heartstrings with her expertise taste in decorating. This year she made the huge gymnasium a nostalgic winter wonderland of "home," that was warm and inviting and made one feel sentimental over all the memories of winter, home and Christmas one's mind could conjure up.

The choir was in excellent voice and spirit as they sang the theme song, I'll be Home for Christmas," followed by "White Christmas," "O Holy Night," "O Little Town of Bethlehem," "Silent Night," and "The Prayer." Darlene Clegg at the piano is the backbone of our choir! The orchestra, headed up by Brad Flinders, gave the concert a professional feel and made us all thankful for the many talented musicians this Valley has.

Local young, talented musicians enriched the atmosphere while entertaining those browsing the Creche/Nativities.
Of course, I am so proud of my grandchildren and thankful to their parents and teachers who help and encourage them to develop and enlarge the talents Heavenly Father has given them.

Perhaps one day, one of these little piano players will be the pianist for a Christmas concert in their ward or stake, sending praises of our Savior heavenward.
Trudy Bisel, with the help of Debbie Mollus (and all those throughout the stake who bring items), create a sacred experience for everyone with a creche/nativity display. Nativities from all over the world are displayed. They are so very interesting and different, depending on the country they came from, but the common thread of each different piece is the Baby, Mary and Joseph.

The music of Christmas always helps stir feelings within our souls of so many warm memories. Perhaps there are times when, even we ourselves, don't fully understand those stirrings within. These feelings may be memories, not only of our homes and loved ones on this earth, but also of memories of our homes on high and loved ones we knew there. What a beautiful gift of unmatched love our Heavenly Father has given us, by sending the Babe to the most humble circumstances of the stable--who was a king...our Savior and King! It is through Him, that it is possible for us to know that not only can we return to our earthly home and loved ones, but we can also return to our heavenly home to those we love and who love us!
What a blessing in my life to be able to associate with those in the choir, orchestra and wonderful Valley, who share their love of music and love of our Savior to present such a beautiful program! Merry Christmas, to one and all!

Happy Birthday....dear Emmie!

2010-12-05T21:35:00.000-08:00

December 5th has always been a really special day for me. It is the day of my Mother's birth! Today, December 5th, 2010, made it even more special! Little Emmie Sue McNeil rushed into this world with excitement and enthusiasm to make us all take notice!
Evan was born a month early, so Patrice has never experienced a "full-term" pregnancy. She has been ready to have her baby since the middle of November. Since Evan was born early and the labor wasn't tooooo long, Patrice chose to go to Park City for her prenatal care and the birth of this baby. GOOD DECISION....Patrice awakened this morning around 5:00 am. By the time she got back in bed, she decided she may have had a not-co-common pain and then her water broke! They called the hospital...then Sue came to tend Evan and Allen and Patrice got to the hospital by 5:45. They checked her and told her she was ready to deliver. Patrice asked for her epidural...which they never did tell her they weren't going to give...they just kept telling her they had a lot to do before the baby could be born. By 6:17 am, little Emmie Sue came rushing into this world, anxious and excited to meet her parents and family she had been told about.
I hurried and text all my sisters and brother to let them know the great news. This is what the text said, "Happy Birthday...Mom. Emmie Sue arrived this morning!" I immediately received a text back from Georgia that read, "Mom kissed her and sent her on her way!" Jo's text read, "Not coincidental!" Mary Lou called to let us know how happy she was for us! Olivia text and said she had read a book on the pre-existence and said that Mom had most likely been talking to Emmie Sue and reassuring her about coming to her family so she would be prepared to meet her parents and the rest of us.
I truly believe these things. Thank you, Allen and Patrice, for filling the measure of your creation and wanting to bring a beautiful, little spirit in to this world and love her and teach her the Gospel of our dear Savior. Thank you, Mom, for your influence and sharing and celebrating your birthday in such a special way! Thank you, Heavenly Father, for sending this little one and for sending our Savior who provided the way for us to live eternally with our families!
As I sat in the hospital and held Emmie, I thought of my Mother and what a truly beautiful person she is and of her influence... that still goes on and on. As I sat at the cemetery tonight in the quiet of thousands of stars twinkling, I was touched by the beauty of the Heavenly Father's whole plan and thankful...very thankful to know the plan and to hold a baby in my arms who had just left His presence!

Over the River and Through the Woods!

2010-12-01T19:50:00.000-08:00

The National Weather Service forecast storm warnings, school was closed for a "snow day," travelers were asked to stay off the highways, newsmen advised people everywhere in Utah to stay inside and bundle up!

Well, Thanksgiving Day turned out to be an absolutely beautiful day, with sunshine, warmth, tons of yummy food and the best company ever! Chelsea arrived Wednesday night (the day of the supposed "BIG" storm), Jack arrived Thanksgiving day, while Rob, Earl and myself were busily preparing! DeLoy, Trudy, Cade, Cache, BeauDee and little Dyllan came just in time to set more, more, MORE delicious food on for the Thanksgiving feast! We ate until we could not move...so we just sat and visited and visited--exchanging fun stories and tales to entertain each other.
Wacey, Addey and Reece joined us for dessert and then Olivia came over to begin planning for the SHOPPING!!!! Let the fun begin!!! Olivia, Chelsea and Allen left around 11:00 PM to find all the best bargains. I went right to bed with Jack and we slept very peacefully, dreaming of a very, merry Christmas!
Friday, Allen planned the annual family slab candy making event! He bought all the supplies and everyone converged just in time to begin beating the candy. Evan even took his turn...the rule is that while the beater works the candy, others present scrape the candy off the slab...to join the candy being worked...or to eat--whichever is your choice!
Eli also had to take a turn and got very serious about his candy-making abilities. We can never decide which is best--white, Boston creme or chocolate???? We just have to keep tasting to try and decide!
Jack could not let the two younger boys get anything over on him, so he took his turn as well. This candy making tradition began in the Bisel home when I was a child. My Mom went to Oakley to a woman's house to be taught....I think the woman may have been a Franson--a relative to my Aunt Inez through marriage. This truly is a family event and very enjoyable. The ole cliche, "many hands make work light," fits this situation. The candy making process does take two or three people to see it through and is definitely a "family" project, which is very enjoyable! Now, while this was going on - Jay lost his car keys up Mill Hollow, while his family was snowmobiling. Ben hitch hiked out and came to our house to call his Mom in Salt Lake. Mary Ann drove up, picked up Ben, drove on to Mill Hollow, where everyone was able to load in the car and come back to our house! What an unexpected--but very welcome--surprise! While they made the trip up to Mill Hollow, I threw a batch of Pioneer Woman chili together and we all warmed up with hot chili, football, LOTS of visiting and candy making! The day could not have been any better!
Saturday, Chelsea arranged for all of us to take the Polar Express to see if we could find the North Pole and perhaps visit Santa! The excitement on the boarding dock was evident with everyone's chatter!
We finally loaded the train to begin our journey. It really was an exciting journey!
The car was painted a warm yellow, with beautiful decor above the windows. No matter where we looked, everything pointed to CHRISTMAS and Santa!
I think the excitement made Noah very tired and the lull and sway of the train put him right to sleep!
As we neared the Soldier Hollow dock, we spied Santa's red suit outside out window and then...just as magical as the whole season is...he was in our car and "Ho, ho, ho..ing" down the aisles, asking what everyone wanted for Christmas and warning each child to be good!
Jack actually got a little philosophical with Santa and asked him if his elves were really watching him. Santa assured him they were and told him he had three assigned to watch him!
Evan was a little hesitant to sit on Santa's lap, but he did tell him what he wants!
I read a really cute story about a woman's nephew who asked her when Santa was going to die. The woman assured the little boy that Santa would never die! She was from a Scandinavian country, rich in folklore and tradition. Her mother passed away and the woman and her sister made a pact to carry on all the traditions their mother had taught them. The sister was responsible to make all the traditional Scandinavian food they had always enjoyed throughout the holidays and the woman was responsible to decorate and carry out the traditions their mother had always brought to life. As each woman worked meticulously to carry out every detail their mother had always taken care of, each was rewarded richly with the joy of seeing their own children believe in the magic of the season. The woman said, " I will always work to continue the traditions taught to me by a mother who believed in the magic of Christmas and desired her children to experience that joy. That is why I KNOW Santa will never die! "

To all people everywhere that I love so much, MERRY CHRISTMAS! May your Christmas season be filled with joy, love, service, the magic of the season...but most of all...the pure love of Christ, who like the mother in the story above, taught us all how to live eternally! May we all make a pact to carry on in His traditions that will make our lives rich and full of magic!

Protecting our Young......

2010-11-09T18:32:00.000-08:00

We have two dogs and they love the farm! BJ and Bella love to get in the back of the truck and go everywhere Earl goes....and bark at every one and every thing they see as they go. They will bark all the way to Bench Creek! They love to chase magpies. They love to chase deer. They love to wrestle. They love to chase cows. When they chase cows, it is pretty fun to watch. They know how to head the cattle and round them up, but if there is a baby calf whose heels just happen to get nipped...WATCH OUT!!! Those mother cows are all about protecting their babies and they will turn and chase the dogs and butt them and not relent until the dogs turn and run! WATCH OUT FOR A MOTHER PROTECTING HER BABY!
Well, suffice it to say that I feel exactly the same as one of those old mother cows protecting their babies. The funny thing is, sometimes the babies are nearly as big as the mother, but the baby is still the mother's responsibility and those mothers are really good at giving all the love and protection possible!
I went to the Cowboy Poetry Gathering last week and heard Hot Club of Cowtown , Bren Hill, Suzy Boggus, Sons of the San Joaquin and several really good poets. I even attended a writers workshop and had a wonderful weekend. I needed it. It was the day Dad passed away one year ago. When Suzy Boggus sang Red River Valley, that was it! I tried to bite back the tears, but there was no way that was going to happen. I sat and just sobbed. As I wiped tears away, I looked at the row in front of me and Mary Lou was in the same shape as me. In the darkness of the auditorium, I let it all out. The tears poured down like rains of the monsoon and I loved my Dad and thanked Heavenly Father for letting me be his daughter.
Just as I am trying to gain my composure, Hot Club of Cowboy comes onstage. The most positive, jazzie, western, blusie, song erupts and immediately I am the ole' mother cow protecting her baby! The song evokes such emotion in me, I am snorting through my nostrils and wanting to butt someone who is after my child! I feel like I am in a cold sweat and have tried to run interference. Time Changes Everything takes me through all the emotion of the last ten months that I have felt as a mother trying to protect her child. It helped....because...after going through the disappointment of my child's heartbreak, the song ends on a very positive note ... so I feel like the old cow who has turned the dogs away! This song is about the victory of rising above a broken heart and moving on. Perhaps this is all part of an old cow protecting her baby! Chelsea, this one's for you - Babe!

Time Changes Everything
There was a time when I thought of no other...
and we sang our own love's refrain,
Our hearts beat as one, as we had our fun...
but Time Changes Everything.
When you left me, my poor heart was broken...
our romance seemed all in vain.
The dark clouds are gone and there's blue skies again...
'cause Time Changes Everything.
You can change the name of an old song...
rearrange it and make it swing,
I thought nothing could stop me from lovin' you...
but Time Changes Everything!
So "good luck" to you, may God bless you...
I can't say I won't love again!
You've gone your way and now I'll go mine...
'cause Time Changes Everything!
You've gone your way and now I'll go mine...
'cause Time Changes Everything!

A Very Important Day.....

2010-11-01T09:58:00.000-07:00

The fall had been beautiful...warm, lazy days in the paradisical Cache Valley. Earl would take Rob to school every morning. I would walk to campus each afternoon to pick Rob up, making my day count double--that of picking up my child from school and also of getting proper exercise for the upcoming birth of our child.
Rob was five when Earl and I married and he had been the center of our universe for our first four years. We had gotten him accepted in the brand new Exceptional Child Center at Utah State University, to begin his schooling. We were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple the second year and also had Rob sealed to us as well. The third year we were able to complete the adoption, so he was ours in the "books" as well as in our Father in Heaven's records. The fourth years...we were expecting a new baby in our family!
I had worked at Utah State University in the old Education Building for Dr. James P. Shaver in the Bureau of Research Services. I loved my job and I loved working. I quit my job in order to stay home and have this new baby! I had made quilts, undershirts, nightgowns, crocheted baby blankets, knit sweaters and anything else an expectant mother could make -- back in those days -- in order to prepare for our new family member. The baby was due on October 10th....we waited...and waited...and waited...and waited. Each day I would walk to get Rob from school--hoping this would be the day the walk would kick in and help me with the delivery.
On October 27th, around 10:30-11:00 pm, no sooner had we gone to bed before I was awakened and we went to the hospital. In the very early morning of Oct. 28th, our little girl was born! The doctor said, "It's a girl! Her hand is first and she's reaching for money!!!" Our beautiful little Billie Jo was born-- wide-eyed and pink! We could not have been any happier or proud!
Fast forward two and a half decades....October 28th, we were waiting for the birth of our first grandchild! We knew Tim and Billie Jo had gone to the hospital for the birth. We received a call from Tim telling us if we would like to come down, we were certainly welcome to be there. We rushed to Salt Lake--Earl, me, Giselle and Chelsea--and arrived in time to get comfty and wait for the baby. What a beautiful, sacred event! Witnessing the birth of a grandchild is one of the most special experiences ever -- and to be present to greet our little Ellie Jo in to this world was an event that will always hold a very special place in my heart--just as Ellie Jo does!
The 17th birthday of one Miss Patrice Shuppy was causing quite the "situation" at our house! The actual shopping not only took up Allen's time and attention, but also his sisters. Even though I was not present for the birth of this child, the importance of the day of her birth is nonetheless as important as the births of either Billie Jo or Ellie Jo, and how happy we are to have one more beautiful girl to share this day. Patrice has taken her place in our family, and we love and appreciate her with all our hearts.
Billie Jo, Ellie Jo and Patrice each hold their own place in my heart. I love each of them so much and have special memories of each of them. One day with three times the reason to celebrate...a very important day!

2010-10-23T16:39:00.000-07:00

The bright yellow leaves of the aspen, the deep red leaves of the chokecherry trees, and the burnt orange of the oaks tell me it is time for the scarecrows to come to my house! I panicked, realizing I did not have any cornstalks to keep them company! I told Earl I needed the truck, so he disconnected it from the horse trailer and I was on my way!
I had not driven the truck for a very long time, and as I started my ascent up the hill, I noticed how much power that truck had. Whizzing past the other vehicles also climbing the hill was delightful, as I pretty much stayed in the passing lane and quickly became the leader of the pack. Keeping the ole' powerstroke at 60 mph was a task, as we got off the hill and hit Hwy. 40 going into town.
Day's Market was a real cache, as I was not only able to purchase the much needed cornstalks (don't worry--next year I will grow my own at $4.99 for three stalks!!!), but also the tickets to all the Cowboy Poetry events I had so carefully planned.
Again, it was difficult keeping the truck at 60 as I headed north out of town. The climb up the hill from the Heber side is especially steep and in a regular car, it is very difficult to keep speed up. About the time I peaked the top, I was right around 65mph without any effort. It is a retroactively scary thought to think of Mom and Dad motoring down the highway with their RV in tow, with that much power under the hood! I smiled as I thought about them and how much in love they were.
In that frame of mind, I looked in my rear-view mirror and saw my corn stalks flapping in the breeze, saw my Cowboy Poetry tickets laying on the seat and I am about as happy as any farm girl could be. I picked up my cell phone and text Allen, "I'm drivin' down the highway with ma' cornstalks flappin' in the breeze and ma' Cowboy Poetry tickets burnin' a hole in ma' pocket!" He text me back:
Quite a Mom who loves everything Country...
Horses, barns, and hayrides all fill her with glee...
Even her truck has a horseshoe tailgate...
Mention Cowboy Poetry and she won't be late!

What a life!

Here's my friends...just waiting for the horses to take them on a ride (yes, Earl, that is a hint)!
I found the cutest little boy ready to hop in and go wherever my friends are going!
Here's another handsome little one...coaxing the scarecrows to get going!
If I sit here and look like I'm ready to go, do you think Earl with join me? Couldn't ask for a better life....and if there is anyone (like grandchildren) who really want to go on a ride, I could probably hook the powerstroke on and away we can go!

One Man's Junk.....lead to Happy Trails

2010-10-12T12:42:00.000-07:00

I carefully wrote up the day's schedule, telling my sub about each class, who was enrolled in it, what their needs were, what the professor would do for the day and what to do with assignments, tests, or other information. I had Concurrent Enrollment Meetings which would detail what the current buzz is--this time, the buzz was all about whether sophomores in high school should be able to take concurrent enrollment.
After many hours of listening to several presenters, my meeting was over and finally time to go home. Upon leaving the building, I discovered the sun was shinning, the fall air was warm, and the day was very pleasant! I was in Heber and being the farm girl I am, my thoughts turned to "All That Stuff in the Barn." Pressing the unlock button on my keys, I jumped into a toasty car...which made me think of the wonderfully warm feelings I remembered from our own barn .
A feeling of familiarity flooded over me as I pulled up in front of the barn. I hoped to find as many treasures in this barn as I always had in my own barn in my childhood days. I remember tending calves, washing milkers and tanks, holding swishing tails for my sisters as they washed the cows down for milking, along with many other wonderful memories. Once the cows were grained and chewing contentedly, their bags washed and clean--awaiting the milker to be placed on them, sometimes in their relaxed comfort, their milk would come down and squirt out onto the floor. From some unknown hiding place, a barn cat would come silently running, eagerly licking up the warm, sweet treat. As soon as the milker was placed on the cow, the hose would jump with a surge of milk and be catapulted into the line. Immediately, the pump pushed the white gold through the line and into the bowl, where it hit, swirled, and was quickly sucked into the tank! In my mind, I can still hear the rhythm of the milkers and replay the twice daily process from start to end. My barn was as full of warm memories as the car had been when I entered.
Jumping out of the car, I ran eagerly inside to see the treasures. There were ghouls and ghosts for Halloween decorating delight; wonderfully rich colored wreaths hanging from stair banisters and mantles; a room to delight those of us who love the magic of Christmas; messages on blocks and tiles that would stir the emotions of a grinch; but I was particularly drawn to a deep, rich brown woven basket, filled with autumn leaves, berries, acorns and harvest goodies.
My hands touched the basket to feel if it was as rich and warm as it looked. I caressed each curve and let the leaves fall through my fingers. Checking the price tag, I decided to take a picture of the treasure with my phone and rethink the purchase. As I drove home, thoughts occupied my mind of how I could cut corners here and there in order to make the purchase a reality.
Working with my brother and sisters at my Mom and Dad's house filled up Saturday. With my brother home, we drew for treasured belongings and cried as we separated pictures from our past into piles. The grandchildren had been told they could go through the donation piles to see if they could find any treasures for themselves. As Giselle came, I got up and went to the hall and bedroom with her where everything had been placed. She was hunting for some small momento that could be placed in a drawer, so each time she opened it, she could think of Grandma and Grandpa. A star made from beads and crystals was just the treasure she was looking for and as I bent over to pick it up for her, I saw IT....a rich, brown woven basket! Quite possibly I had laid this same basket in the pile just a month earlier. On a different day, I had thought the basket was a give-away item--definitely not something I needed. My hands touched the basket to feel if it was as rich and warm as it looked. I caressed each curve and let the memories float through my mind. There was no tag... I could see the price had already been paid by my parents and was there waiting for me.
As Earl and I have traveled down the road of life, we have created many memories rich in experience and lessons. The road ahead is there for the making of many, many more. As we continue, I must remember not to lay aside or forget any of the treasures in my rich, warm basket. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for your investment in my future....for paying the price of the basket and for filling it with the warmth and riches of an incredible life. As they continue their life together, I hope they will leave more guidance and memories for each of us to treasure. Happy Trails to you....until we meet again!

It's Autumn Time...

2010-09-30T16:14:00.001-07:00

It's autumn time, it's autumn time! The days are long and warm...and the nights are coolish and the sun goes down much, much earlier. We actually have seen Grandpa a little bit now, because even his work is beginning to wind down...just like the leaves, the summer sun, and the length of the day. The oats on the Church Farm had not been cut on Sunday, but the hay in the field behind it had been, and was dry and yellow. The contrast was beautiful, so we hurried up for some time with nature and some fun pictures!

The kids had great fun playing on the wheel line and running through the oats. Isn't life the best?
The Buti's are having a good time running from one end of the field to the other. The freedom of the farm gets in your blood and it will always be there! You can take the kid out of the country, but you will never take the country out of the kid!
Jack and Rajko are having fun and entertaining each other!
Jack is the "big" older cousin who will always be there to take care of Rajko.
Noah just landed a new job at Allwest in Kamas as their Web Master. I think the Rasheta's are feeling as happy as the kids in the field!
Jack is having a great time exploring the country!
Isn't Chelsea beautiful! This year has been tough, and she has come through with shinning colors. Her spirit is as beautiful as she is!Evan loves farming -- whether it's in the backhoe, on the tractor, or climbing the wheel line.
The McNeil's are waiting excitedly for the arrival of "little girl we call Suzi." Evan will be such a good big brother!

What handsome boys those Gunner boys are! They enjoy giving this autumn season their all!
Have you ever seen such "Buti"ful girl! Not only are they beautiful, but they are talented, really good girls!
What a great family and growing up so fast. I think Ellie Jo and Tess will both be good babysitters for the new little Buti on it's way!
And here were are -- just the three of us in this Autumn season, living, loving and enjoying this time of our lives and all of our children and grandchildren. What a beautiful season!

Chokecherry preparations.....

2010-09-19T13:49:00.001-07:00

One week and counting until Woodland Chokecherry Festival! Crafters are busily preparing their wares for the Boutique; actors and musicians are polishing their acts; and I am making chokecherry jelly and syrup like crazy!
My latest creation has to do with a sauce for turkey...and YUMMMMM!

We have to take a short detour from chokecherries for one second....all summer Giselle and I have searched the ads for swings, playhouses and such for the grandkids. I kept saying I did not want one more wood product with it's upkeep, but.....one day while shopping we ran into a bargain we couldn't refuse and with many manhours from Rick and Allen and some supervising from Olivia and backup support from Giselle, here are a few pictures of our new swings! The end result is what I wanted--the grandkids having a great time--so I guess it doesn't even matter if there is upkeep, as long as they're having fun.

Of course, you knew Noah and Mia would be REALLY tricky! I remember the hours and hours Georgia, Bonnie and I would spend on our swings and all the fun creative games we could come up with. Oh...memories--and I guess that's what I was going for.
There is even a little snack table just the right size for those little Oreo snackers we have.
A small climbing wall is just the right size for the younger ones, even Evan, Eli and Rajko!
What are the "big kids" for if it isn't to teach Eli all sorts of fun tricks?
A week ago, the grandkids all came with me and we went clear through Woodland, handing out ads for the Festival...door to door. This week Ellie called and wanted to know what she could do to help me some more, so we loaded up and went chokecherry picking! Mia was sick and had to stay home, but had a sudden recovery after the rest of the kids were gone about 20 minutes!
They all actually worked hard and Billie Jo had a stroke when she arrived on the scene with Mia, to see that I was letting them stand on the hood of my car to reach the berries!
Prior to the use of the car for a ladder, Ellie was Eli's base support. You can easily see that Noah was very capable of getting to the top without Ellie or the car. Tess is using a pile of grass I put there this summer while cleaning up. Whatever the details....they were having fun!
The day was one of those Indian Summer days you hope just keeps going and going. Tess has found a pretty good branch.
Ellie is stretching to reach the big, full berries that are up high!
Noah has gone clear to the top...no reaching for him...just climbing and picking!
Eli shows off his pickings. Now home to juice them all out, so I can make that succulent jelly your mouth is waiting and watering for! See you on the 25th!

Woodland Chokecherry Fest.......

2010-08-26T18:40:00.000-07:00

Woodland Chokecherry Fest - Saturday, September 25th

It is time for the second annual Woodland Chokecherry Fest! Last year, several Woodlandites got together and hosted the Chokecherry Fest and by the time it was over, we all said, "This is something we will do for a long, long time to come! Last year, the day was as beautiful and charming as life in Woodland!
Sue and Orion Bishop were in charge of the 5 K run! The participants were few, but the run from Bench Creek--which was the original settling of Woodland--to the Woodland Fire Station was great! I believe Rick Gunnerson's brother was the winner of the run, and Rick's two boys ran too. This year, there will be the a 5 K run with a really cool shirt for those who pre-register and great prizes for the winners . For those who don't pre-register, there is a Woodland Chokecherry shirt (that's really cool too). There is also a 1 mile run/walk for kids with prizes! The 5-K will begin at 9:00 am and the kids walk/run will begin at 10:00 am. Call Giselle Rasheta for pre-registration - 435-513-0834.
Beau Dee Richards and Amanda Blazzard had a great booth at the Boutique full of LOTS of wonderful jewelry, gourmet caramel apples, Pampered Chef and other very fun items! I know Jennie Phillips is having an antique/collectibles booth this year--which promises to be wonderful! To participate in the boutique, call me...at 783-4602 (leave a message and I will call back).
Terri Baldwin had a good "time" selling her designer watches. I am hoping for some other really exciting vendors, maybe wrapping paper and "squeaker shoes."
The Fudge Fairy joined the Boutique with so many delectable, fine candies--no one left without a grin on their face (of course, they are guaranteed NOT to add inches on your waist)!
The Hawkins provided horse-drawn wagon rides for everyone and who better to be our lovely tour guide than Paula Beasley to share the history of Woodland with the passengers. The Hawkins are good enough to provide the wagon ride again and Paula will share more "historical" tidbits with you.
Artists were at work painting faces for the kids and did they ever look great!
The petting zoo hosted by Wendy and Becca Johnson was a huge hit!
Choosing a pumpkin and then decorating it provided lots of entertainment.
Elizabeth and Jann helped children create pioneer dolls to take home.
Monica Saxton kept everyone busy with activities! This year promises even bigger and better!
And what could be any better than great music by Rod , cowboy poetry, and....
great cooks--John Moon and Dana Dewey--, great company, and...good friends!
This year, there will be a musical/theater dinner show, with descendants from some of the first settlers participating. This will be a fantastic show! For dinner reservations, call me...again, 783-4602. So, mark your calendars now to make some new memories visiting old friends, sharing good times, and eating great food and enjoying great entertainment! There is a great new website at www.kamasconnect.com to check out for information about the Woodland Chokecherry Fest....Saturday September 25th.

Who will conquer...Man or Beast?

2010-08-20T20:57:00.000-07:00

Earl has worked his heart out all summer trying to farm all the leases he has. He gets up at 5:30 am and doesn't come home until 10:30 or 11:00 pm. It isn't actually that he has more to do than he can do -- it's just that so many things haven't worked the way they should. For instance...the water system on the upper church farm has been just one big headache after another. The minute Earl got the kinks worked out of the system, the beaver (plural) decided they should not give up the water they were accustomed to having as their home. Each time Earl gets the sprinklers set up, the beaver dam up the system and the sprinklers shut down. He got permits from the Department of Wildlife and hired boys to help him. He has spent an incredible amount of time tearing out the dams day after day. It is a never-ending story!
So, Earl came up with a plan to build a barrier so the beaver could not dam the water off. The kids all came to help and the men took off with the kids and told the girls to come later.

This is us...hunting for the guys and the kids...but we drove and drove and walked and walked and an hour into the hunt, we couldn't find anyone!
The search continued, but to no avail! We would have quit, but Giselle and Rajko had walked ahead of us and at that point, they were lost too. We kept yelling, "Ca-ca, ca-ca!" (and laughing), but no one seemed to hear us!
We thought Giselle went off the road and on to an obscure path...thus, we all took off too! Soon, we heard Giselle yelling for us, and the fence post pounding, so we sped us our journey through the jungle!
By the time we finally found the guys, they had torn out the beaver dam and were building a fence/ barrier to keep the beaver out.
We are sure hoping that with all this man power, work, time and expense....the plan works!
Tim has the power saw, removing trees.
Allen is yanking the tree out that Tim is sawing! That's what I call determination. Really, without the work of Tim, Rick, Noah, and Allen helping Earl...the task could have taken days--even weeks!
By this time, the air had cooled down and the kids were freezing because they were soaked!
Rajko was very curious and wanted the best view possible!
Giselle, Noah and Rajko are standing on top of the tank...waiting for it to fill now the beaver are fenced out!
Patrice and Evan are happy to have found Allen! Hiking through the jungle in flip flops is not exactly an easy task.
Olivia found Rick and she is plenty happy! It took lots of coaxing from Olivia to convince Eli that he did not have to pick up every rock on our hike.
Billie Jo couldn't have been happier to find Tim and the girls! Good thing she has good backing skills and can back down a very bad mountain road!
Whether the fence really keeps the beaver out or not, Earl and I are just really happy to have such great kids who will go to all lengths to help us out and help Earl accomplish his work. The time we spend together building a strong bond that will last us through the eternities is what we all want. We hope the bonds of love we build will be a good enough barrier to keep out the strong winds and elements that can try to blast through our fence. If we engineer our love, commitment and obedience wisely enough...there is no fierce wind or any wicked element that can stop the flow of eternal love we share.
Then we will continue to climb the path to eternal happiness...together! Thank you family!

The Sun Rises on Family Time at Bear Lake....

2010-08-13T22:44:00.000-07:00

As the sun rises at Bear Lake, it is OUR time of year again for a family vacation! Tim and Billie Jo have the boat and all the supplies to insure that everyone has a great time. The natural beauty of Bear Lake's blue, blue water and wonderful beaches insure there is plenty for everyone to do! I have loaded so many pictures, that I am not going to narrate each one -- just enjoy and know that not only did we spend time at the Lake, but we had kids' games, adults' games and plenty of food and good company. Suffice it to say, the water was great, the beach was great, the food was great and the company was the BEST!!! Thanks to all my great kids and their spouses and the best grandkids in all the world! Loved my family vacation with you!

Livin' and Lovin' the Good Life......

2010-07-22T19:11:00.000-07:00

This is a story of a dream -- a dream that Earl and I both had many years ago. We were newly married and so in love and had so many plans and dreams. We spent the first four years in college, working toward our dream. Then we changed lanes in the dream and went in the Army, but it was still our dream--we were still on Plan A! Three years into the dream, we both knew there was something missing. Something we both longed for and desperately wanted in our lives -- the farm! We had both been raised on dairy farms and knew about hard work. We knew about the family working together to get the work done and to look out for the best interest of the farm. We both were raised thinking when we got to ride to the field with our Dad and Mom, that it was fun! We didn't know our Dads were working their guts out to provide for us, but we did know that our Moms and Dads loved each other enough to share everything--even the work load--and that we loved being with them in the fresh air and getting dirt under our fingernails. This was our dream too! We wanted our kids raised like we were! We wanted our grandkids raised like we were! So here we are...livin' and lovin' the good life that the farm provides not only for us, but also for our kids...and their kids too! We're still on Plan A. Plan A is coming to this earth and trying to become more like our Savior by trying to live more like Him and working hard. The farm provides such a great opportunity for us to try to accomplish our dream--actually, there is no other plan for us!

There are nine little pair of boots here--and we hope there will be many more in the years to come. All feet that walk in these boots love Grandpa and the farm. They hear the sounds of his truck and run to meet him. They jump at the opportunity to feed with him or go to the field in the truck with Grandma and Grandpa. These are nine really good little farm kids.
Miss Tess has come to the farm a couple of times this summer about the time Grandpa comes home for breakfast. She has serenaded us on her violin and, of course, we love it! BJ loves it too and will howl along with her playing. Tess is beautiful and contemplative. The music she makes and shares is also beautiful!
Miss Ellie has turned into a pre-teen and plays the guitar quite like a country farm girl should. She actually writes lyrics and makes up the music as well. One day, she was practicing and was embarrassed because she said she had a silly song she had to play. I asked her to play it, and it was Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. I asked her to sing--which she did--and I took a second. Luke walked into the room and added a third, and her "silly song" turned into a beautiful harmonious tune for us to share!
Mr. Luke loves playing the guitar as well. He also plays the piano and can transpose any song into any key you wish to hear it in. As I said, he hears the harmony naturally and can put a third, a fifth or whatever harmony you want into a song. He is definitely talented!
Luke and Ellie Jo will always be friends. They love sharing and spending time together.
Here are another couple of good little friends. Jack is younger than Noah and Mia, but older than Evan and Eli. Which ever group he ends up in, he is very flexible and has fun. He is really cute when he is the "older" cousin. He takes pretty good care of Evan and Eli. He has been here spending a few days on the farm with us and learned pretty quickly that Grandpa is always "up in the field" working!
This tree is a very significant part of the farm. We have had so many family pictures taken under this tree. I think there is a picture of Mom and Dad sitting under this tree just about 3 or 4 years ago, still being the best sweethearts ever! I think farm life helps men and women stay in love, just because both husband and wife pretty well must work toward the same goal--therefore, it's a common goal.
Rajko is very happy to be a farm boy! When he saw this hat, he just had to have it and hasn't wanted to take it off ever since. Isn't that a cute little guy?
This little Eli is always a happy farm boy! He likes to wander over to Grandma and Grandpa's, especially if he hears Grandpa come home. Of course, it melts our hearts when he comes over smiling--all by himself!

Evan loves to be farm boy and loves to come out to the farm! If he can get on a backhoe or tractor, he is one happy boy!
Jack loves coming to spend time on the farm! He has a thousand questions about the way everything works and is pretty observant about all the happenings. He never forgets anything or lets one detail slip past him!
Now, this is really a true farm boy! There is never a day too cold, a chore too difficult, or a task he can't figure out. Noah loves the farm!
Mia reminds me of those old western musicals we used to see--she is the girl who wins everyone's heart! She is brave and dares tackle any job the farm requires.
Tess is absolute beauty at it's best! She is delicate, shy and quiet...on the surface! She is tough, outgoing and confident...on the inside--just what the farm needs!
Luke is growing up to be a very responsible young man. Working on a farm helps a boy become a man. My good friend, Deanne Knight, used to tell me, "The way to keep a boy's feet on the ground is to put some weight on his shoulders." Luke has broad shoulders!
Ellie Jo is quickly becoming a beautiful country girl! Being the oldest cousin, she is very responsible, but she is full of fun and will always make sure everyone is included and having a good time!
Together, these grandkids help fulfill Earl and my dream! We love each one so very much and are pleased they love the farm and are eager to come spend time with us. We love their parents and are glad they loved their farm life upbringing enough to continue the dream...and Plan A!
I love the rich texture of the old farm house in this picture! I love the history, romance, sacrifice and love this old house has seen. I love knowing that Grandma and Grandpa built this house with their own hands and all their children were born here, except Dad. I love that Grandpa cleared the land with a horse and plow, and that Dad cleared more with a tractor and plow, and that now myself and my children and their children can walk the soil and live and love the good farm life!

Celebrate.....our Freedom

2010-07-11T20:15:00.000-07:00

CELEBRATE!!!! What a great life we have here in this choice land! What wonderful opportunities we have as families to live close enough to visit and spend time with each other! We really do have so many freedoms in our lives and I am so thankful for that!
All of our children were home to celebrate the 4th of July with us. Earl and I were able to join the folks of Oakley, singing in their choir for the annual patriotic program and we enjoyed doing so. Some of our family were even able to attend and enjoy the show too.
Earl has had this dream of planting potatoes for our family--and our extended family. He wants us to learn to love working with the soil and learning to depend on it. It finally happened-even though we were a little slow-over the weekend while everyone was home. The project really was a great project that everyone enjoyed from oldest to youngest.
***Just a note, this post is divided in two parts--sheerly because of my inept abilities with technology. When you reach the first ending, don't comment there--continue on with the 2nd part and then comment at the end of that one. Please do comment. I love hearing from you and knowing you are connected to me through this medium.
Enjoy -- and know how much I love America and the blessings of living in a free country where I can make decisions an enjoy the results of those decisions!

What is the 4th of July without a parade? And what is a parade, the 4th of July and patriotism all about if we don't show our love of Country, the flag and those who have fought to preserve our freedom? Evan and Jack stand in awe and reverence as the flag passes by!
Jack was ecstatic to see Mater right in front of his eyes at the parade!
What would a parade be without Body Motion and all the beautiful little dancers? Madilyne (Sharee's little girl) is far left, visiting from Phoenix and joining Body Motion's Summer Dance Camp.
Rajko is enjoying some of the candy thrown in the parade -- as you can see, he has really enjoyed the sucker (and collected a whole bag of goodies)!
Allen, Patrice and Evan are all decked out in 4th of July attire!

Earl and I participated in the Oakley City Patriotic Program as members of the choir. It was fun and the program was great!
Jack and Noah are practicing the kazoos that Grandma and Grandpa used for the program.
Giselle, Patrice and Chelsea up at Bench Creek at the potato planting party!
Earl with the cultivator plowing the little trough for the potato planting!
Jack liked to eat the potatoes as much as plant them.
Noah working hard, doing his share.
Tess is a real trooper for Grandpa's plan.
It's off to work in the potato patch for Mia.
Ellie working hard getting just the right potato to drop in the ground.
Luke is fulfilling Grandpa's wishes and making him happy.
Ask Eli if he is having a good time...I think the answer is, "Ah huh!"
Evan gets right in the dirt to cover the potato he planted.
Our kids were all really good to get right in and make Earl happy with the potato project.
Even the dog joined in the project and had a good time. How beautiful is this place?