The G's

February-June G Happenings

2011-06-18T20:34:00.000-07:00

Spring has come and that means yard work!

We had Patsy here for 5 months. She was teaching at the high school. It was so much fun having her here. As usual, I wish my family was close by.

The first sign of spring. My only tulip!

We went to the Dixie State College cabin again. What a fun, relaxing time with all the neices and nephews!

Over Memorial Day weekend, Peggy and Bill came to visit. It was a fun filled weekend with lots of hiking and wind blowing.

Jake came to stay for a month before going on to Colorado for their golf season. He will be working in South West Colorado, between Telluride and Montrose at a high end course.

In June we went to Anaheim for an "As" game with our friends and their son, Jared. Then on to Disneyland for Todd's first time!!!

At the California Adventure Park...

We had a visitor prior to our California trip. This Bull Snake found its way into our yard. Boy, was it BIG.

And then, Sweet Tilly's baptism.

Busy G's

2011-02-06T16:35:00.000-08:00

OK, so the few members of my family who follow my effort to blog, this is for you.
Christmas is over. But, it was fun having the boys home for a few days. I miss the days when we all lived in Page and had Christmas Eve together--playing games, drive-by foodings, eating and loving family. It was quiet here.

Jake and Ty kept me laughing. The nerf fight was great.

Todd and I went skiing in January, during the MLK weekend. It was fun, but, boy was I tired after. Here Todd is lost in the fog...

We had to put Ryan down on the 31st of January. She was so sick. She could not walk very far or stand for very long. She had trouble breathing. It was hard to do. But, we buried her across the fairway from Bogey at the old golf course. She has a very nice spot. I even made a headstone for her. She will be missed.

WHAT ABOUT THE BIRTHDAY BOY????

I took this picture today, February 6th, as we walked around the old golf course. This is just across from where we buried Ryan. I had no idea we were this close to the canyon. It is beautiful.

This is the ruin the city let the old course become. It just makes me sick.

And of course, warming our buns by the fire. I love sitting outside, especially when we can build a fire. I have been collecting river rock so we can build a fire pit when this little fire pit gives out. I'm excited to see how it will turn out.

We have Patsy staying with us during the week. She landed a job at the high school teaching Culinary Arts. She has been a bit overwhelmed as she was thrown into the fire with no training. It is a temporary job, until the end of the year, but could become permanent if she wants to go through the whole certification process. So far, she has done a fantastic job. The Culinary teacher quit just after Christmas and left my department in a real bind. I have been doing double duty, so it is good to have Patsy here to help.

Todd is so busy at the elementary school, he is counting the days to retirement. He still has 5 years to go. He is so sick of screwed up 1st graders. If parents would just do their job! It is scary to see what has become of our country's children.

That is all folks!

Here & There

2010-12-05T13:34:00.000-08:00

At a wood cutting party.

Busy, busy, busy. That is all I can say.

PEGGY'S WEDDING. We are so happy she has found Bill. They are so cute together.

Peggy and Jill at Peggy's Wedding

Peggy and Bill

My wonderful Sisters.

More wood cutting pictures.

Love the lunberjack!

Life's a Ball and Balloon!!!

2010-11-07T17:23:00.000-08:00

No trip would be complete without the "R.D.'s" stop!!!

All the kids posing together! (Except Ryan)

Such fun at the annual balloon show! the house is too quiet now.

update?

2010-10-20T18:37:00.001-07:00

blah, blah, blah. There, I've updated my blog.

Powellapalooza!!!

2010-09-26T16:02:00.000-07:00

The Mighty Fisherman.

SUCH FUN.

WHAT A FUN WEEKEND WE ALL HAD!

Let's all do it again next year.

GETTING WARM!

Fun in the sun at Powellapalooza!

Waiting for the band...

Don't know who he is! Just interesting.

Bathing beauties!

2010-09-22T22:14:00.000-07:00

Can "old guys" play water football? Maybe.

WOW!!!!

2010-08-01T17:48:00.000-07:00

I can not believe all that has happened in just the past couple of days.
I noticed our house was feeling a bit warm the other night. Yep, our A/C decided to go out! We got lucky because the weather decided to cloud up and rain. The wind blew and our house keep comfortable! We all slept great through out the night with all the windows open.
I am so thankful that it did not go out during our awful heatwave a few weeks ago!
This picture is Todd and our friend Joel up on the roof waiting for the repairman. They were like a couple of guys looking under the hood of a car--
enough said!

Joel helped Todd fix our side yard fence. It wanted to fall down in the worse way. Now, it is sturdy and should last until we no longer live here!

Years ago, I had a cool little Honda Elite scooter. My mother hated that I had it! I had to sell it and was promised another, which never happened until...
Yep, my husband bought me a new one Friday. Now, I have a new ride to school. After almost getting run over by one of my students when I rode my bike to school, now I can scoot to school. Just got to find a stylish "ME" helmet to keep everyone happy.

Todd and I go back to work on Wednesday, August 4. It is time. We've had a lot of people come and go this summer and have enjoyed all the company. Just keep on coming, Please.

July

2010-07-25T17:23:00.000-07:00

Well, our summer break is almost over and we will be heading back to work on August 4th. It went by so fast. We spent a week in Minnesota with Todd's family. It is always a nice time, however this year it was hot and humid. The hot, I can handle. The humid, I can not! We were glad to get home to the hot Arizona weather and our own bed.
We got back from Tucson a few days ago. I went to the state CTE summer conference. I learned a couple of things, but all-in-all, I was not happy with the session I "needed" to go to. We are not big Tucson fans, so it was good to get home, again.
ALWAYS enjoy seeing Jake and Tyler and we were coming and going.
Daniel and Fiti have been with us for three weeks now. He is working security at the dam. He is working mostly the graveyard shift. It is good we can all sleep well knowing Daniel, being armed, is keeping the dam safe from terrorists. So far, he has killed a scorpion, fed a bob cat and just found the night vision goggles--now, he can play Jack Bauer on the dam.
They are waiting for an apartment to be available. It's hard to find rentals in Page.
Not much of a garden this year. I think the green thumb has died.

Busy Weekend

2010-06-21T16:50:00.000-07:00

What a fun, busy weekend we had. It was the annual all-nighter softball tournament. JP and all his friends from High School get together and try to re-live the good-old days. They did real well this year, even though Todd and I could not stay up for their last games on Friday and Saturday (2AM!). We had a great time visiting, playing/watching softball, going to the lake, eating, and visiting some more! Here are a few pictures of the weekend.

JP gets a hair cut.Jack gets a cut, too.

It was a beautiful day for the lake. Everyone came and had a good time.

Late night S'mores in Dana & Todd's backyard. Zaya loved them!

The Tooth Fairy made a surprize visit. Sage lost her tooth Friday night. She did not even cry! She was so excited to get her Tooth Fairy money.

We were so sad that Shelly had to leave so early. Ryan was sick and just could not shake it, so she went back home.

Our house is too quiet now. We are getting ready for our trip to Minnesota to see Todd's family. It has been so great to have so many family and friends come and go this past month. Keep it up!!! We miss seeing everyone and hope we can all get together again, soon.

Larry

2010-06-13T13:47:00.000-07:00

Larry the Lizard

For the past few years, this particular lizard and his/her friend have been living in our backyard. They like to crawl on our 8-foot wall. We are hoping they make themselves known when Jack, Ryan and maybe some of their cousins arrive this weekend for the all-night softball tournament.

June Ramblings...

2010-06-09T17:05:00.000-07:00

I've wanted to change this blog, but just can't seem to work up the energy.
We are 2 weeks out of school and it has taken that long to get into our "down time". We've been sleeping in until 8:30 every morning and NO ALARM CLOCKS ALLOWED!!! Last summer I installed thermal-type room darkening curtains in our room and it darkens our room nicely. Arizona does not go on day light saving so Mr. Sun shines in our room at 4:30 AM and the birds start their noise about 3:30 AM. So, with the room darkening curtains and a fan at top speed, we don't hear or see a thing!
This week decided to hoover around 102 degrees, talk about miserable! Not ready for summer heat yet.
We've hosted and will yet host lots of family so far. We had Paul and Deanne for one night at the end of May. Daniel and Fiti came over for the day, and then Daniel got a job here and has been training and staying with us.

Patsy and Tracy came this past weekend for her birthday. We went to Antelope Point and played in the water, played hours of Wii and had a great BBQ with birthday cake. It was so fun.

"What about the birthday girl?" Patsy, talking to our friend Joel on her big day!

Our friends, the Wardles, will arrive tomorrow for one night and come back for a few more next week. The annual All Nighter is coming up with JP and family coming and anyone else that wants to. Always a fun time. (If you like staying up all night playing softball or watching the old gang play. We last until about midnight.)

We are heading to Minnesota to visit Todd's family June 24th. Should be a nice time.
If anyone needs any lake time, come see us!

PHS Graduation Night!

2010-05-17T18:44:00.000-07:00

We had PHS graduation Saturday Night. Here are a few shots of some of my students. I'm going to miss them. It is funny how you can bond with them. I am lucky, I usually get great kids. Once in a while I will get a jerk in the mix. This year I had one and he graduated, and I am glad. No picture of him!

Rayleigh Jimmie Bri McWilliams

Shane Williams Ramon "Moonie" Littleman

Tyler, Kenny and Sarah (Kenny has a kilt on underneath his robe! I love it!)

We will be done for June and July on Friday. We need the break as we are both exhausted! No real travel plans in the works, motels and airlines are way out of our budget!!!

Spring has sprung...

2010-05-09T18:38:00.000-07:00

Spring has finally come and the backyard is looking good. Now, if the wind would stop blowing.
We have only two weeks of school left and our much needed break begins!
Come see us!

How I spent my Saturday.

2010-04-13T17:04:00.000-07:00

Me and John! My new BFF!

He hugged me and said, "Thanks". (For what, I don't know but, you are welcome!)

Our Spring Break

2010-03-28T18:20:00.000-07:00

We had a fun and relaxing spring break. We spent a couple of days in St. George visiting with family. Went to Brian Head for a beautiful day of skiing and spent time at home doing little things around the yard. Here are a few spring break pictures.

Jack and Ryan having a bath after playing hard!

Dewey and Jack having fun at Troy's BBQ! Great lunch!

Taking a break from skiing.

OK, so this might need a little explaining. I don't have the answer! I heard it was a Brian Head tradition to thow a bra into this tree. Next time!

The beginning of our new "east side patio"

And this picture is for Erin! This is the beginning of my new garden. I'm trying to go completely organic, so this year I decided I would try planting my own seeds instead of buying starter plants at the nursery. The corn is doing great, but the tomatoes are struggling. If they don't make it, off to the nursery I go and will buy starter tomatoes for my garden. Can't have a garden without them maters!

We enjoyed visiting with Patsy and Tracy. I forgot my camera when we were with them.

It is always fun to see my sisters. I miss them.

We love being around our family. Thanks everyone, you are the best.

Storm of the century...

2010-01-24T15:46:00.000-08:00

Hey, Family!! We've had a week of stormy weather and it was fun! We had some rain and mixed snow for a couple of days but got hit hard on Thursday night and Friday! School was cancelled so we had another 3-day weekend. Our TV signal went out a couple of times and Todd had to get up on the ladder to brush the snow off the dish. Those are the snow flakes, biggest ones I have ever seen. Today, it is cold and sunny. We were able to sit out in the sun most of the afternoon. All-in-all, it made for a nice, relaxing weekend. We hit the road running tomorrow! Back to work we go.

While we had such a stormy, snowy week, I was struck by how beautiful the geraniums are the bay window in the kitchen. I had to take out my new camera, and take a picture! This flower is growing in my breakfast nook! On the other side of the window, overlooking the patio, our yard is covered in snow. It made for a nice contrast.

2010

2010-01-09T17:33:00.000-08:00

Well, Christmas is over, everything has been packed and put away for next year, and we have seen another New Year's Eve come and go. It was a fun two weeks. Jake and Tyler came home which is ALWAYS great. After three failed attempts to go out of town to Christmas shop because of snow and sickness, we made due with Page offerings. I broke down and got Todd Ninetendo Wii. We've had a lot of fun bowling and playing baseball. Neither of us can quite get the baseball, but I manage to beat Todd at bowling! I rolled a 206 today~~~Todd had a 204.

Something about sitting while playing is not right! Wait until I get him Wii Fit!

Jake had to go back to Scottsdale the Saturday after Christmas, Tyler went back the Wednesday after. Todd and I went to St. George to ring in the new year with the family. It was a fun time. We were able to spend time with Jp, Shelly and boys and Jenny, Jon and family. Katie was in Texas with the Bowman's. Cricket and Tilly got IPod touch and we've had fun receiving text messages from them. Often we have to use some imagination to try to figure out what they are trying to say. Once Tilly wrote, "so". That's all, just "so".

We actually got to shop, go to a couple of movies, go out to dinner and ring in the new year (not so wide eyed) with Patsy and Tracy. We got them out of bed at 9 PM and had a fun visit. After our visit, we found a Del Taco open and had a little midnight snack in our motel and watched the fireworks. Then home to lonely Page and back to work.

School was difficult this week, the kids at Todd's school and at my school were really wound up. It was crazy.

I go to the neurologist this week for follow up and repeat tests. Hope this is IT! When it is all finally over with, I hope I don't have to see another Doctor or have any more test done for a really long time.

Weird being 2010! I remember when the movie came out-Space Odyssey. My brother Paul and I went to see it in SLC at some high tech theater. I don't remember where it was, but I remember being blown away by the movie. Well, HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Highlights

2009-12-22T17:25:00.000-08:00

Only two days until Christmas and I still have not gone shopping-and I don't really care. This is so not like me. I was thinking about this month's highlights and Christmas past. Here are some highlights sprinkled with some from Christmas past.

I survived both Girl's and Boy's NGS with a minimal amount of complaints. (Hey, the food is free!)
We had a snow day earlier in the month, only it did not snow! Go figure.
School is out for 2 wonderful weeks.
My leg is almost healed. There is, however, an apple-sized lump on the cut.
We woke to snow today and could not go shopping in St. George.
Tyler is home today and Jake will follow tomorrow.
I remember Grandma Johnson ho!ho!ho!hoing from the other side of the door when we would arrive in San Diego in the middle of the night. We would drive all night and listen to KNX radio.
I loved going to Grandma and Grandpa's house in San Diego anytime, but especially at Christmas.
How about Grandma DeWitt's marching band on Christmas Eve??! I so miss my family at Christmas time. Our Christmas Eve is so quiet. I hate it.
I loved the jingle of Santa's bells outside letting us know it was time to go to bed.
and most of all, I loved hearing either Grandpa Johnson or my dad read from Luke.

Add your Christmas memories! Merry Christmas everyone. We love you.

Crazy Month

2009-12-08T14:24:00.001-08:00

Where has the time gone? I can not believe it is almost Christmas and I am proud to say I have not begun my shopping, yet!! First time ever I don't have a clue AND I don't really care. Christmas is not about presents. It's about familTodd and I were treated to a night at Amangiri. A new Aman resort hidden in the middle of no where. It was so amazing. The food was fantastic. We were treated like royalty. The tour of the property was most impressive. We pretended to be rich and famous for 24 hours.

OUR ROOM. THE PATIO OUTSIDE OUR ROOM.

THE AMAZING SWIMMING POOL. DINING ROOM

We also pulled off our Ward Christmas Party Dinner. It was a huge undertaking and that is all I care to say about that! However, I do have to mention that when it was time to clean up, I had a little mishap, to say the least. I gathered 5 poinsettias in my arms from atop the piano. As I turned around to take them into the Chapel, some men had pulled out the folding chair cart and I plowed right into it, sending 5 poinsettias flying and me tripping and falling all over the place. Not a pretty sight. My pride was more hurt than my physical body--or so I thought. When I walked into the dimly lit, quiet Chapel I sat the 5 poinsettias on the organ, turned around and sat down on the first pew. I began to cry and cry and cry. I felt something on my left leg. I rolled up my pants and realized I was hurt more than I thought. Here is a sample of my "Christmas Party" accident. I'm seeing the Doc tomorrow for an unrelated item, but will have him take a look, just in case.

A bit bruised I'd say. My whole leg looks like

I have some dreaded disease!

I did not think the cut needed stitches.

It was deep the further down my leg it went.

FIVE YEARS AGO

2009-11-08T16:00:00.000-08:00

Mom died 5 years ago today. I always laughed at her when she would say, "My dad would have been 105 today..." Now, I find myself figuring the same things. How old she would have been when her birthday comes around. How many years has it been since she and dad got married. Things like that.

I was looking for something in my closet a few nights ago and came across the scrapbook I made when dad died and continued it when mom died. I looked at all the family group shots and different pictures. It made me sad and happy at the same time. I love my family and wish we all lived closer. But, that is life. I don't care how old or young you are when you parent(s) die, it changes you and your world. As Paul said at mom's funeral, '...the world will never be the same without her..."

We've enjoyed the wonderful fall weather here. No jackets needed, yet. We still have leaves on the trees and the grass is still green. My tomato plants are loaded, but they are no longer in the sunshine and that makes it difficult for them to ripen.

We spend our Saturday's and Sunday's in our back yard. We love what we have created there!

Today, Todd built a fire in our little fireplace on the patio, it was so cozy.

Pig Flu, Clorox and Lysol

2009-10-04T15:40:00.000-07:00

I had to laugh when I saw the cleaning supplies on Amy's blog. Since my "mystery illness" I've become somewhat of a germaphobe my self. But, it did not hit hard until last week when I spent over 4 hours in the ER with Todd. I thought for sure he had pneumonia! But, it was a good case of the flu--they did not mention the pig flu--so I'm guessing he had the flu-flu. He was off work for 3 days, and is still not feeling very good. So, I went to work and disinfected my whole house daily with MY cleaning arsenal. I do not want to get sick--my poor immune system is so compromised as it is. So, these products are a staple in my daily/bi-daily routine. I'm stopping short of eating the stuff! So far, I feel fine. Clorox, by the way, is the best! I don't care how disinfected my house smells, can't beat that Clorox clean. Am I the only one alive that actually likes the smell of Lysol?

Patsy and Tracy came for the weekend and we had a great time just hanging out, visiting and eating. We had lunch at Antelope Point on Saturday. They had never been there and the weather was fantastic. We sat outside on the marina and dined. It was so nice. Tracy did get a bit sunburned as did I.

She bought me a birthday cake and it was so good. The first one in forever I did not have to make myself! Thanks sis. Peggy sent the most beautiful floral arrangement with gigantic lilies. It is so pretty! It sucks to get another year older, but isn't 50, the new 30? or is it 40? Either way, I'll take it.

Sunday Reflections.

2009-09-20T16:18:00.000-07:00

I have absolutely nothing to say. Just wanted to change the post. And, since no one ever comments, who cares anyway???? No, not feeling sorry for my self, or being the martyr--just looking at it as it truly is.
I have tomatoes coming out of my ears, and if I can find a way to ship them to Erin and Mark, I will do it! So, look out, you may get a soggy package that is filled with "love and only the finest of ingredients". (Stole that one from Mary and Sue/MarySue Cookies--blast from the past.)
Happy to report that all vehicles are running great. I got my car back within 24 hours--Steven Wade delivered it right to the door step. They are great.
And, I ditched Church today-Primary programs are not my favorite thing then or now.

"And that ain't no bull..."

2009-09-13T14:25:00.000-07:00

Jacob was on his way back from Long Beach when his SUV's engine blew up outside St. George. It was towed to Findlay Hyundai in St. George. When Jake bought the SUV at Earnhardt in Tempe, he was told it was still under warranty. Findlay, said it was not. The warranty stays with the original owner! So, $3000 and ten days later, Jacob was on his way back to Scottsdale. Three days later, the engine blew up again! Neither Earnhardt nor Findlay want to take any responsibility. Findlay is willing to help him out with a settlement of $1000, which we have not seen yet and goes a short way toward paying for another $3000 down on the new car.
We were going to the Valley for my doctor's appt. last week, and we helped him get a brand new, fully warrantied car.
Before we left, my new Trail Blazer decided to be difficult and not start right away. We took it to Steven Wade Chevy in St. George to get it fixed. However, the day before we were to go to the Valley, it started to act up again. Long story short--my car is being towed to St. George today. It, I know, is still under warranty and will pay for repairs and the tow job. But, the question is, will it pay to have it brought back to me?

The Wedding

2009-08-30T17:42:00.000-07:00

OK, so it's been a while. We've been quite busy. We had a great time with friends and family at Daniel and Fiti's wedding a couple of weekends ago. Got to eat In and Out Burger--always a favorite. Loved seeing Amy, Wally, Mary, Pat, Tracy, Paul and DeAnne and all the Bowman's. Truly a fun reunion.

My favorite as always is seeing the (great) neices. Love those girls! Sage, Tilly, Asha, and Cricket as flower girls! They were so cute

With Jack

Sisters. Really, we were not gossiping!

The wedding party...

Then, we went back to the Valley for yet another doctor's appt. This was with new Doc in the neurologists office. She actually takes Saturday appts. which worked out so well for us. She basically took my history and then proceeded to change the meds the other doctors had me on. We shall see. I was headache free all last week, but this weekend I've had really bad ones. Oh well...

So we had to go back to school on August 5th. THAT IS WAY TOO SOON! It is still summer. Why, when we live in one of the hottest states in the union do we go back to school in the middle of summer? With all the budget cuts, you would think we would wait a few more weeks so the A/C's wouldn't have to work so hard. It was over 100 degrees yesterday and 115 in the valley! Crazy. But, noone askes me. I seem to have good classes/students this year. After last year's hell, anything would be better. My education classes are great. I have two and I have wonderful teacher cadets this year. It's my baby and I love teaching it. The culinary classes are fine, however I'd rather teach child development, peer counseling and have three education classes. Again, no one asks me.

Not Again!

2009-08-02T14:28:00.000-07:00

OK, so here it is Sunday afternoon and it is HOT HOT HOT outside. I know, not Phoenix hot, but it is 100 and the wind is blowing. The really bad news is, we have to go back to work this week. Todd starts tomorrow and I start on Wednesday. We will sit through (as Wally says) 4 days of butt numbing "professional development" crap. All a part of the game.
We were in Scottsdale this week with Tyler. I had a neuro appt. Turns out all the tests are normal! So, basically, once again THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH ME. I am thankful nothing showed up on the tests, but how can one be perfectly healthy one day and the next get slammed with some mystery illness? It is too hard to understand. The doctor wanted to know why going back to work would be a problem for me. HELLO! I have throbbing, pounding headaches, head pressure, and shaking like a leaf making my daily functioning miserable. I suppose this is not a problem since 4 specialists have said the same thing--all tests are normal.
He prescribed some meds for the head pressure/ache but they take 4-6 weeks to kick in. So, in the meantime, I guess I'll just go teach and pretend everything is normal, since it really is. He said I got sick and it is taking a long time for it to leave my body--some sort of virus or something. Whatever.
We got a chance to go to Peggy's for an afternoon visit on Wednesday. I got to hold Jill's baby. She is so pretty and such a good, sweet baby. And Peggy's business is being launched right now! She has done such a wonderful job getting everything ready and her new office is beautiful. I know she will be a wonderful counselor to her clients. See her at www.peggybarber.com

TOO DARN HOT!

2009-07-19T13:29:00.000-07:00

I went totally organic in my garden this year--well, what little garden I have, that is. Here is a picture of my tomatoes. I just need to brag. My dad used to be my garden advisor and now I just wing it, so I feel lucky when things begin to produce.

I think a couple of these are ready to be picked!

Gotta thank everyone for the phone calls and prayers. I was in PHX last Wednesday and had a brain angiogram and a spinal tap to rule out a bunch of things I don't want to think about. The spinal was not bad--the first shot hurt a bit, but I was gripping Tyler's fingers and he said I had a really strong grip! I go back on the 30th for the results and hopefully a game plan. I have to go back to work on the 5th of August and can not work in this condition! Sometimes my melon feels like there is a balloon in there ready to explode! But, of course, as all the other doctors have said so far, ANXIETY! Why do they do that? Just because you are a woman they say everything is anxiety. And just what do I have to be anxious/depressed about? Life is good, except for my head wants to split open 24/7...

106 degrees yesterday. That is insane. Our new A/C unit got a workout. No more hammock weather.

I want to congratulate all my nieces/nieces-in-law on becoming mamas this past month. I know Grandpa and Grandma DeWitt are looking down and smiling at the number of great grand kids they now have. Just wish all these cute kids could know Grandpa's gentle nature and Grandma's feistiness. I hope to see all of the new babies someday soon!

JFK

2009-07-03T15:59:00.000-07:00

Well, we made it back from Dallas. Our Hotel was a very nice place with absolutely no amenities. There were a couple of high end restaurants, but no pool, no entertainment and the work-out room was unbearably hot. It was just a beautiful old hotel and a place to sleep. We were in down town Dallas-West End district, just a couple of blocks from Dealey Plaza where President Kennedy was assassinated. We toured the museum on the 6th floor of the book depository where Oswald shot JFK. We walked behind the "picket fence". They have two "X"s on the road showing where the shots hit the president. It was very surreal and made me very sad/mad. Todd, being the history buff could not get enough. We walked there every evening. He even bought an Oswald DVD on his lunch break from the conference he was supposed to be attending!

If you enlarge this picture you can see the "X" on the road. That is where the 4th fatal shot hit the President. That is the one they say came from the picket fence on the grassy knoll.

The picket fence on the grassy knoll, just as it was in 1963! (Minus the graffiti)

The book depository where Oswald did his shooting.

Todd's video of the plaza.

Summer Madness

2009-06-25T15:43:00.000-07:00

Todd got home from Minnesota yesterday. I was so glad to have him home and he was glad to get home. His grandma's funeral went well and the reunion with his brothers and sister was nice. Wish I could have been there.

Over the weekend we had JP/Shelly, Jenny/Jon, Katie, Daniel/Fiti (sp?) and all the kids. It was so nice to have them all here at the same time.All the little girl cousins play and get along so well--most of the time. They are so cute and growing up so fast. Dewey and Jack just take it all in stride. Jack was quite taken with Todd's TV set-up on the back porch and was just as happy as can be to sit on the patio, eat his snack, and watch his shows. It would be so cool if we can get all the DeWitt brothers and sisters here for a reunion with all their kids and grandkids. How about it guys????

We can go look at the ghetto mess our house has become.

JP's dog, Lola, went NUTS when the sprinklers came on. It was so funny and all the kids were laughing so hard.
Just as everyone was getting ready to leave, we noticed our refrigerator had gone belly-up. So, I am literally camping in my own house with the ice chests. Lucky I have a freezer in the den, and a dorm refrigerator--which helps a little. I am waiting for True Value to call and say the new one is here.

I had an MRI and now need to see a neurologist. I will go to PHX on July 8th for the appointment. In the meantime, I'm trying to keep positive and pray they will find out what the heck is going on inside my head!

Todd is going to Dallas for a school counselor's conference on Sunday, I am going with him. It should be nice since the school is putting us up in a 5 star hotel. But, this place does not have a swimming pool. Isn't that why you stay at a motel/hotel, to lay by the pool and have some cute little guy serve you drinks?

Todd's Grandma

2009-06-17T11:53:00.000-07:00

It's been a while...
I've been released from the ENT and my sinuses are fine. I still have all the symptoms I had prior to the surgery! (pounding and tons of pressure in my head, shaking...more, and more...) So, today I'm having an MRI (FINALLY). It really bugs me that my "doctor" did not order this 7 months ago when I first presented him with this. He was concerned with blood pressure and anxiety (?). But, finally I hope to find out what is really going on in my head. I'm sick and tired of living in a place with the type of Health Care Providers we have in a small town. The nearest help is 2 hours away. Anyway, that is my big beef for the season.
Todd's grandma who turned 101 in January passed away Monday. So he will be flying out of Page on Sunday for the Monday funeral. It will be hard for the Glasenapp family because she was always such a big part of their lives. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. She NEVER complained about anything, except for the food in the care center where she resided for the past several years. I don't blame her for complaining about the food. It was truly horrible. She was always so pleasant to be around. She will be missed.

Mystery Illness Update

2009-05-29T10:27:00.000-07:00

Saturday afternoon, Tyler and his girlfriend Dionna came to spend the long weekend with us. It was nice to have them here and to cook dinner for us! We did not take any pictures with our camera, however. I love having my boys come home and hate to see them leave. But, work and life calls.

I got the stints taken out of my nostrils on Wednesday in Flagstaff. That was amazing how large they were. I had instant relief from congestion. I have since been feeling a bit better each day. We go back on Wednesday to take the packing out which will be a bit more intense. He will have to numb my nostrils and dig way up there to get them out, but that is when my sinuses will begin to really heal and hopefully work. I still have a lot of pressure and headaches and can only take Advil and apply ice. The doctor said that should go away after the packing is removed. I still have a few of the other "mystery" symptoms, but all in all, am feeling more like Dana every day with the exception of the fatigue. As most of you know, it is really hard for me to sit still and just rest.

We bought a new hammock for the back yard as our old one was unraveling. I spent all yesterday afternoon reading, napping and relaxing in it. I felt so much better when I finally got up.

Thank you everyone who has called and prayed. Keep it up. I want to be 100% sooner than later. Love you all.

Rain and Post-Surgery

2009-05-23T16:49:00.000-07:00

After almost 3 months without rain, the heavens opened up and poured down upon us Friday morning.. I lay in bed with the window open listening to it rain heavily for over an hour plus. It was amazing. (Reminded me of when I was a little girl and it rained that hard and the gutters could not handle it. The water began to rise up the front yard of our house on Navajo Dr. )
Anyway, there were road closures and mud all over town. It was exciting. Our lawn has never looked better! Todd's school was flooded. True Value said they almost ran out of mops and buckets. We've had way above average temperatures. We went from using the heater one week to the A/C the next! The rain has cooled everything off and I hope it stays that way for a while!
This picture is on Coppermine road just after the Haul road turn off-the road that goes to the ballfields. Highway 98, between Big Lake Trading Post and the NGS Plant was closed as well.

Well, as most of you know, I survived surgery. It has been difficult. I hate being in bed and this has knocked me a good one. Wednesday night after the surgery and full of drugs, I could not sleep. It was most miserable. I quit taking the pain meds and have done fine on Tylenol. Thursday, the expected congestion set in and I have to breathe through my mouth which is annoying and gross, not to mention the snoring. I can not blow my nose, either.
I was able to get up and move around the house this morning--cleaning up and I even put a pot of stew on. Todd took me for my first major outing-shopping at Safeway. By the time I got home, it was back to bed and the ice bags.

Now, I don't want to sound bitchy, BUT allow me please to get this off my chest. Many years ago the Stake split our wards and we were put in the Page 5th Ward. It has been an interesting experience. It is the old Page 2nd Ward with all the old timers. I really feel the only person in the Ward that cares about us is our home teacher, Wayne Gustaveson. He is wonderful and is the 2nd counselor in the Bishopric. He has given me several blessings since all this illness began. I know he cares and would do anything for Todd and me. But, the Relief Society could care less. They all knew I was having surgery and not one call, one loaf of bread or even a plate of cookies has appeared. Poor Todd has gone downtown for lunch and dinner take out every night and as most of you know, we don't have that many good places to eat in Page, AZ. Funny thing is, they don't hesitate to call me to take a meal or something into someone else. It just bugs. I remember the old days of Page, the house would be full of food from anyone and everyone when mom would get sick and we owned the KFC! People looked out for one another and comforted one another. I have a friend from the Episcopal Church ask if we needed meals brought in. Course, I told him, No, since I figured our RS would come through. OK, that said, I'll still go to Church, sit on the back row and be anonymous-fine with me.

Margie Re-Visited

2009-05-17T16:47:00.001-07:00

Todd and I always sit on the very back row in church--you know the one--it's the one at the very back of the Chapel back up against the divider between the Chapel and the gym. Sitting on the last row of pews on the left side of the Chapel was Sister Ann Jourdain and Rose/Verle Palmer. In the middle of the high council speaker, a little native child began to SCREAM at the top of his lungs. This went on for a long time and the parent did nothing to soothe or stop the screaming. We were getting quite irritated when all of sudden Ann Jourdain stood up, bent over two rows of pews and said something to the "care taker" of the screaming child. The "care taker" took the screaming child out! I laughed inside! When services were over, I told Sister Jourdain, "Thank you"! She looked at me, smiled and said, "your mother used to do that". I laughed and said, "she sure did".
I was always so embarrassed when my mom would quiet someone in Church but now I appreciate someone standing up for what is proper in Church etiquette and what is right! Thanks, Ann!
Two more days until my surgery, I'll be so glad when this is finally behind me. I'm so tired of feeling sick! Please keep your prayers coming this way.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-03T17:30:00.000-07:00

Well, we finally got a Saturday when the wind was not blowing
so we were able to hang the cute lights JP and Shelly gave us for
Christmas. I love them! They make the patio look so festive!

This peonie was the only bloom I got this year. When they bloom, it reminds me of MOM. This planter was hers and the flowers in it just come up naturally every year. She loved the peonies as they reminded her of Grandma. Now, every year I get to be reminded of both my Mom and Grandma--so appropriate around Mother's Day. I miss both of them very much. Seems the older I get, the more I miss my mommy! Happy Mother's Day to all my sisters, neices, and friends. I love you all!

Well, after 5 long months of HELL/Misery I will be having sinus surgery on May 20th. Who knew? Very long story short, after seeing our "Doctor" and three specialists it was discovered that my sinuses literally "blew up"! The Cardiologist and Endocrinologist I saw both feel this is what my "problem" has been all along. Hopefully, when it is over, I can get off the high blood pressure meds-they are truly aweful.

People have told me my ENT is the best. He told me I had a deviated septum as well--(maybe from a little baseball accident when I was a little girl, Wally????) So, I sort of get a nose job in the process--only my nose won't look any different.

All I ask is for relief and your prayers. The 20th is the soonest opening he had and it falls on our last week of school--finals week. So, I won't be there to see all my little darlings off to summer break. I hate making sub plans but this will be easy. For my final this year, I am giving a mandatory CTE survey. Once the survey is over, I'll leave a movie or game to play. Easy enough, but what do I care? Then I will have to go into work when I feel better to input and verify my grades. The ENT said I will be down a couple of days, but I have to go back once a week for three weeks to get stints and bandages removed, etc...OUCH! I told him to just give me DRUGS!

I LOVE MASSAGE THERAPY...

2009-04-08T11:07:00.000-07:00

We officially have 32 days of actual school left and I can not wait. It has been a difficult year for both of us and the time off will be welcomed!
I treated myself to a massage last week and saw a Chiropractor a few times this week, hoping for some relief. I have to say, the massage was well worth it and will be treating myself to one every two weeks for a while! I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone! It seems the bones in my neck are not working in concert with one another--thus the pounding and pain in my neck and head for the past 4 months! The story keeps on keeping on....
I had a cranial/sacral massage as well, that was very interesting. I slept for 1 1/2 hours after. I was trying to watch conference but kept drifting off. What better way to sleep than with conference playing in the back ground!!!

What a couple of weeks!!

2009-03-25T19:59:00.000-07:00

We had Todd's mom and dad with us for a couple of days over our spring break. It was their first time here in four years and things have changed. It was so much fun to have them here when we did not have to work. We played tourist and visited all the sites in town--well the couple of things to see (WalMart, the Museum, the lake). This picture is at the new marina, Antelope Point. I have to say, we had excellent weather for us and for the Minnesotans, they are making their way back today, and I heard on the weather that they are having ice storms!! Sounds like fun to me! And, that is why Todd came west.

These geese were at the docks at Antelope Point. I see the geese at the golf course all the time, but never at the lake. When we approached, they began to honk like crazy. It was pretty funny and very noisy. Yuba City isn't the only "home of the honkers"!!!

So, yesterday, Todd and I got home from work and began to get ready to go to the gym to work out. Just as we were leaving, we noticed the bathroom vanity lights getting brighter and brighter, then dim. I turned them off thinking the electric company was doing something. As we walked out of the house the surge protector on our new TV, DVD, Satelite dish popped and the wall was making all sorts of popping noises. Pretty scary. Todd unplugged the surge protector, it was black on the prongs. Then we heard a big popping noise coming from the bedroom--ran to the bedroom and the surge protector in there had exploded, smoke was everywhere. I thought maybe our house was possessed!! I ran next door to see if Tracy was having problems and she was having the same thing happening throughout her house, too. Luckily, her husband is a heating/ac guy and she had called him and told him what was happening. He told us to turn off the main disconnect to our electric box. As more neighbors assembled outside, we told everyone to turn off their electricity and FAST! We called the electric company and they said they were sending someone out to check it out. In the meantime, Tracy noticed the electric transformer located across the street between two houses was elevated on one side about 8 inches. Tracy said she had heard a crash, screeching breaks and laughing earlier in the morning. She looked out of the window and saw a pick up truck drive away, but did not know it had hit the transformer.

Meanwhile, the police arrived about the same time as our other next door neighbor's "nanny" (I really do use the term "nanny" loosely.). I tell her and her "boss" to get their electricity off. A few moments later the "nanny" confessed to hitting the transformer earlier in the day, but thought nothing of it. Now, I have to say, I know this "nanny" and she is NOT playing with a full deck--if you know what I mean.

Luckily, all the damage we sustained were two surge protectors and electrical outlets which Tracy's husband, John replaced f or us this morning. Tracy and John had very little damage as well. However, Steve Ward, across the street and down one has considerable damage to appliances and his home office computers. "Uncle Bob" Bingham, one more door down, lost 2 out of 3 TV's and is still looking for more damage.

Had Todd and I been 2 minutes quicker, we would have been at the gym and probably sustained considerable damage, if not an outright fire!

This is the transformer that had to be replaced.

We had the whole crew from the electric company on the job for 2 1/2 hours--there were 5 of them at one time--we are so thankful for their speedy service and good nature. All is well!!

What's old is new again!

2009-02-22T17:04:00.001-08:00

The "Old" MC D"s AND The "New" Mc D's

It did not seem that long ago that McDonald's came to Page, building just off the mesa. But, in no time, they built a brand new one next to WalMart (what a combination!) ON Highway 89, just off the South Access Road. In less than one week, the old building was completely torn down and hauled away. Just what do they do with all that used equipment and old arches?????

PHS Girls Basketball Team won their regional title and played their first round of the state playoffs here in Page on Friday afternoon. We played Douglas--they had to travel over 10 hours so we could beat them by almost 50 points!! Our Lady Devils are ready for the semi's on Wednesday in Glendale.

I am especially proud of two of the girls on the team-they are FRESHMEN that I teach and boy can they play ball! I have taught and currently teach most of the girls on the team. Go DEVILS!
We won't be making the trek to Glendale, as will most of the school. It just happens that the AIA planned the tournament on the same day we give our High Stakes State Test! (AIMS). Smart!
Is there NO communication at the Arizona Department of Education????

Jilly B's Tag

2009-02-02T16:41:00.001-08:00

Jenny tagged me once, and I did not know what that meant. Thanks to Jill, I just now found out what that means, AND she tagged me! If you don't already know, I minored in Psychology in College and ended up taking MANY self-evaluation Psych tests and I scored right down the middle of all of them. My point is, I'm just plain and boring!!!!
So, I will attempt Jill's tag:
10 things I love:
1. Jake
2. Tyler
3. Todd
4. JP, Shelly, Jack, Ryan, Jenny, Jon, Tilly, Cricket, Dewey, Katie, Asha, Sage,Zaya, etc. (All my family! Brothers/Sisters/neices/nephews, etc.....FAMILY
5. Pastrami Burgers
6. That I taught all the Barber kids the business!!!! and to eat creatively (PNut Butter-Pastrami Burgers? Come on Scott!!!!
7. My little comfy house.
8. My Trailblazer
9. My nightly bath
10. My bed

10 Things I hate:
1. NCLB
2. Lazy people
3. Unkept yards
4. Barking dogs
5. Cats
6. Cancer, high blood pressure, and any sickness
7. Having to actually buy KFC
8. Having to actually buy Pastrami Burgers
9. Kids who spit in the halls at school-for reals! happened right in front of me!
10. Boring Sacrament Meetings.

10 Random Thoughts:
1. I got robbed at gun point in So. Cal-Dang gangs.
2. I take a warm bath every night.
3. I still wish my college roommate happy birthday every year-going on 35 yrs. now.
4. I like to watch TV in my PJ's-just like Margie!
5. I can't see the dust on my furniture any more-just like Margie!
6. I HATE to cook dinner, even though I'm a Culinary Arts Teacher!
7. Todd and I got DISH for Christmas and love it! (I always hated TV before satellite)
8. I watch Bromance and The City. Brody is MUCH better looking than his dad ever was.
9. Grandma Rosalie (Zufelt)'thinks I'm her daughter and calls me on occasion! She always calls on April 21st to wish JP happy birthday-----
10. My mind just went blank---I'M ON DRUGS!!!!!

There you have it. So, I guess I'm supposed to tag someone but, most of you have already been tagged! So, let's try for Mark/Erin, Shelly/JP, Jenny/Jon!!!!!

Happy Birthday Mr.G!!!!

2009-02-01T16:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Todd!!! He looks pretty good for an old guy of 51!!!! Living in Page, and not being able to go out of town lately, he did not get showered with lovely gifts from his "I don't plan too far in advance" wife. But, I got him a cute carrot cake and some candy bars with the promise of a new sound system next trip to St. George!!! He is a wonderful husband and I am so lucky!! So HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR.G!!!

We made a quick trip to Phoenix earlier in the week so I could see a Cardiologist and get nuked. Turns out, nothing is wrong with my heart--big relief. He can not figure out why my blood pressure is way up. So, I am waiting for results from another specialist who ran many tests. Meantime, I am having HORRIBLE side effects from all the meds. Thankfully, the Cardiologist is having me slowly get off them, and see what happens and I've had some relief the past couple of days--thanks in part to my little pink friends (Xanax)! Just pray this will be all over soon!!!

As most of you know, our Chapel is closed and undergoing a year long reconstruction. Since we drive by it to get home, we watch as it is slowly looking more and more ghetto as they strip, rebuild and reroof. Here are a couple of pictures of the back of the Chapel

Holiday Fun!

2009-01-04T13:44:00.000-08:00

Well, Christmas has come and gone and here we are in a New Year-2009!

We had a lot of fun with the boys all home. Little did I know they were growing beards! Jake and Tyler had a pact with our good friend (semi-son) Phil that they would not shave until after Christmas. Boy, they all looked scruffy, but cute.

Christmas was great just hanging out and visiting. It threatened to snow every day Jake and Ty were here but it did not. It was plenty cold, though.

Christmas Day brought JP, Shelly, and boys. So, we really had a house full but, I loved it. It was the best. Jack is saying the funniest things, always wanting Todd to play. Todd spent an entire day watching cartoons with him! Todd is a new fan of Phineas and Ferb (???) he says, "it's really clever". I think he likes the music!

JP got in a bit of basketball the couple of nights he was here. Seems a tradition to play basketball or golf on holidays around here!

JP and Kevin just before Christmas Night basketball at the Stake Center!

Nothing like a little side-yard hoops! It was really cold that night, but who knew?

And then there was golf! Jake and Ty had a lot of golf time with dad.

It was a good time. Happy New Year!!

Our Snow Day

2008-12-22T16:41:00.000-08:00

Lake Powell National Golf Course in the snow.

This is just

down the street

from our house-It was beautiful.

Our "snow day" from school was a great gift! We relaxed, went out to lunch, and drove around to see all the snow we got. These are a few of the pictures Todd took. I love the Tower Butte picture just above. It was a beautiful sight, and only one block away.
We are supposed to get hit again with another snow storm tonight. (Lake Powell will surely fill up this summer.) Jacob and Tyler got here this afternoon and said it was a "white out" in Flagstaff this afternoon. So glad they got home safe.

Make up your mind!

2008-12-17T14:16:00.001-08:00

OK, so winter has really arrived in Page! Today, we woke up to the phone ringing at 5AM telling us school was on a Late Start schedule, meaning we don't start until 9:30. The roads out on the REZ were pretty bad and our busses were having trouble picking up the kids. Then, at 11:30, they announced that we were having a 1/2 day and school would be let out at 12:30, and that school was cancelled for tomorrow! Yeah!! However, they added that the teachers still had to stay today and come in tomorrow! BOO! Then, at 3:00 they announced that all staff could go home and did not have to come in tomorrow. At this point, I just wanted someone to make up their mind!!!
I guess this is supposed to be a BIG snow storm and we get a snow day!! First one in several years.
This is supposed to be the big boys basketball tournament weekend, and as of today, no one knows if any of the teams will show up. I will have to work if they go ahead with the tournament. Again, I wish someone would make up thier mind!!!
If the storm is really big, we'll go around and take some pictures. It is truly amazing and beautiful when the desert is snowed upon!

Winter has come!

2008-12-14T12:58:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, I am not great at updating this blog. It's just that we are very busy this time of year with school stuff and we are boring!

We spent a fun Thanksgiving with Jacob and Tyler hosting dinner for some of their friends. It was a nice time. We knew that as soon as Thanksgiving was over, Todd and I would be non-stop with school sports. Every year on the first and third weekend in December we have basketball tournaments. Todd and I both work these tournaments. He covers the games for the Flagstaff paper and I am in charge of the Hospitality Room. It makes it very difficult to celebrate our anniversary and get ready for Christmas. But, we managed to remember our anniversary last Sunday. We've been married 17 years!!! Todd went out early that morning to pick up my flowers--12 long-stemmed roses--and a man in line at the store said, "Were you out late last night?"(Implying Todd was in trouble with me.) The flowers were beautiful and I am so grateful to be married to such a thoughtful, wonderful guy!

A few years ago Page quit sponsoring the Parade of Lights with ARA on the lake. They brought the parade to town. So last night at 6 PM we went downtown to watch the parade.

I've never been able to watch it before--it's always been the same time as the BB Tournament. It was a real treat and a nice/festive touch. It wasn't very cold either. That is until---------

The weather in Page has been so warm and nice we forgot what it was like to be cold. After the Parade of Lights, we settled in to watch more of Season 3 of LOST (our new favorite show) and we heard the wind blowing real hard. We went out side and saw a winter wonderland. It was snowing quite hard and the temperature had dropped over 10 degrees in one hour.

You can see how large the snow flakes were. It was fun to see the snow, but oh, so cold. Today, it is very cold outside and like always, the snow has all melted. Maybe we can have a repeat performance on Christmas Eve! I can always hope.

Lake Powell Hot Air Balloons!

2008-11-04T12:54:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was the annual Lake Powell Balloon Regatta. It is such a fun event. We had over 40 hot air balloons in town. Saturday morning we woke up to balloons over our house. All we had to do was sit on our patio and they all came floating by. It is a great sight! One landed at the end of our street. Another brushed the trees of Mr. Macauch's house. These pictures are from around our yard.

I am still trying to figure out how to arrange pictures on this blog. Nothing I do seems to work, so you are stuck with the arrangement for now.
On Saturday night, Lake Powell Blvd. is blocked off and the hot air balloons land on the street--the Night Glow. It is an amazing sight and literally thousands of people are walking up and down the Blvd. looking at the balloons, visiting the many vendors and just having a good time.
(Todd did not bring the camera.)
I have been having trouble with a tooth for nearly three weeks. My dentist tried and tested everything to figure out what was wrong. Finally, he discovered a crack all the way through the tooth. So, I made an appointment to have a root canal. But, as luck would have it, my dentist is a hot air balloonist! Needless to say, he could not take care of my tooth last week because of the regatta. My appointment was for this Thursday, but my discomfort became unbearable and he ended up making room for me yesterday. I ran around and found people to cover my classes for me and ended up calling in sick today! What an ordeal. I was nearly upside down with my mouth open for almost 2 hours!! Now, I have to go in on Thursday for a crown prep. I will be glad when this is all over. It was fun seeing my dentist in his balloon, anyway. Glad I could help pay for it!!
The Hot Air Balloon Regatta is the first weekend in November every year. We'd love to have everyone come "home" for it next year! We could make it an annual Fall Family Event.

Jake went back to Scottsdale today. We are so proud of his accomplishments and proud of his performance at Q School. While it was disappointing to not make it to the second round, he went further than he has ever gone--truly something to be proud of. I loved having him home for the month, cooking, doing laundry, etc...Made me feel like a mom, again.
Just as Jacob left, Tyler came home so he could vote and get a little mom time!!!

Did I really do that?

2008-10-23T20:56:00.000-07:00

Jake and Kelsey at Antelope Canyon

Todd and I went to St. George Saturday to see the new baby!

What a cute little guy. I forgot how small babies are. Unfortunately, we could not stay long and could not see everyone--sorry Stanford's and Gibb's. The minute we got home, the phone rang. It was one of the counselors in the Relief Society saying how much she missed me at Church. (Yeah, right!!)

I said, "Thanks" and explained that we had just returned from seeing the new baby. She then told me it was alright, she managed to give my lesson, any way! How embarassing! With General Confererence being the first Sunday, I just assumed everything was pushed back a week. Boy, was I wrong. While on the phone, I looked at my schedule and very stupidly said "I don't give the lesson until the 19th!"

Oh, yeah, Sunday was the 19th!!!! Maybe I won't go back for awhile so they can forget how dumb I am! (I really did not want to give that lesson anyway!)

We've had so much fun having Jacob home for the past month. In case you have not heard, he is getting ready for Q SCHOOL!!!! He qualified in the pre-qualifier in September, and begins the different stages next Wednesday. If he makes the first two tournaments, he will get his Nationwide Card, if he makes all three tournaments, he will officially get his PGA touring card!!!

It is a very exciting time for him and us. His dad will be his caddy!

They leave this Sunday for northern California. Keep good thoughts going his way! More on that next week!

His girlfriend, Kelsey, came from Scottsdale for a short visit on Monday. They went to Antelope Canyon (Skinny Caves) for a tour and took these awesome pictures.

"Home Sweet Home"

2008-10-11T17:39:00.000-07:00

Todd and I were riding around town one day (yeah, we do that!) and he drove by 19/25 South Navajo Drive. It is just too weird to go by there and not have someone in the family living there.

Pastor Mannie has kept it up pretty well. He will invite me over sometimes, just to see the changes he and his family have made inside. He has made a few changes, but it is pretty much the way mom and dad had it.

It still looks familiar from this point-of-view. But...................................

YES, this is our old house. Can you believe it!!! I get sick whenever we drive by. It gets worse and worse all the time. I just don't have the same feeling I used to get when I drive by there. Our lives are so far removed from growing up in that house and to see it in this condition makes me so sad. In some ways I guess it is true, "you can't go home again".

Slow Going!

2008-10-07T18:46:00.000-07:00

I've spent hours trying to figure this blogging out! I guess I'm going to have to call one of you for help. I want it all to come so easy to me, but as computers go, THEY HATE ME!

So, I used chicken manure this year on the advice of good ole' Boston's True Value. Little did I know that chicken manure will cause tomato plants become the Tomato Plants from Hell! They have overgrown, and outgrown the cages and are now creeping along the ground toward the house. I'm afraid some morning I will wake up with tomato plants growing inside the house.

We are now getting a bunch of tomatoes. I have made pasta sauce and Tracy's salsa. Funny thing, our home teacher brought us tomatoes on Friday-Thanks Wayne Gustaveson! Then the Saturday, Reba Jones brought over a bag of tomatoes! I have tomatoes coming out of my ears. I thought Mormons only gave away zucchini!! I'd love some Z right now, anyone want to trade tomatoes for Z??? Dad would be proud.

2008-10-05T18:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I've decided to join everyone else in the family and start a blog. I don't know if I will have a lot of time to devote to this, but I'll give it a try. Don't look for anything too great at the beginning, I'm still trying to figure this new laptop out! Pictures??? Well, maybe sometime soon.

I just spent three days in Scottsdale with Tyler. We had a really good time. He took me to The Keg for my birthday dinner, boy was it GOOD!!! Best steak and prime rib ever. I went to a three day conference/training for the Teacher Cadet program I teach. It was actually a really good use of my time. I learned a lot. I have two more to go and I will be a state trainer for the program! I am not sure if that is a good thing or not, but will see.

This picture was taken a couple of weekends ago. We were eating at our local Mexican restaurant and Todd discovered that the chip he had just dipping in salsa was in the shape of our great state! We took this picture and the Daily Sun in Flagstaff ran it on the FRONT PAGE! He was hoping someone would offer us some $$$$ for it.