A Wonderful Christmas

We had a very nice christmas with lots of parties,fun, kids, food and lots of presents. It was really great. We started on the 19th and just kept going. For Christmas Eve we went to Tif's and ate and made gingerbread houses. This is one of our traditions. Malorie and I made our house together, but I didn't get a picture like a dummy. On Christmas morning, Malorie called at 8:00 and we were still in bed. She said hurry and get up Grandma because we can't open our presents until you come down. So John and I got up and hurried down to Tif's. We watched the kids open their presents and ate a cinnamon roll with them. Then, we went down to Trever's and seen what their kids got. They were all so excited, they could hardly contain themselves. Christmas is so fun! John and I went back home about 11:30 and got some stuff cooking for dinner and then we opened our presents. I was shocked. There was all these big presents from Santa. I must have been a good girl.
I got a table, a computer chair, a new stereo system for our bedroom,a new light for the room we were remodeling, perfume, a grill, makeup bag, foot spa stuff, a treasure chest, a massage, plane tickets to see Chrisper in the summer, calendar with grandkids on it, Tif's year history with lots of pictures. I was super spoiled. That afternoon, Tif and Trev's families came to eat and spend the rest of the day. We ate, played cards, watched movies and enjoyed one another. It was a great Christmas. The only problem is that John and I have been sick with sore throats, head congestion and coughs ever since. I sure hope we get over them soon. My throat is killing me today and I am at work. Not fun!

It's Almost Here

Well, the big day is just 3 days away. It is really hard to believe that it is that time of year again. We have already had a lot of fun times together and have celebrated some of the holiday. This past weekend was our big Orr party at the church. It was way nice with lots of food, fun and family. It was really well supported. They thought there was over 160 people, so that's fun. After the party, we went to the cemetary to sing to our family there. Not a lot of us went. My family, Vickie and Scott, and Melanie, Brenda and Marcy's kids. We wanted to do it while all of our kids were here. I felt bad that more didn't come, but there is always a lot going on. On Sunday we had ouf immediate family Christmas party. We were all there and it was really nice. I made my grandkids pillowcases with their names on them and then gave them new pillows and pajamas. I think they were a hit. Little Camri wouldn't put hers down. She wanted to sit on it , lay on it, read stories on it, you name it. It was a fun party and we loved having them all there. For Christmas John and I will get up by ourselves, eat breakfast, and then head down to watch Tif's family open their presents. We will just have a leisurely day. I plan on fixing dinner about 3:00 for Tif, Trev, and David's families. That way the kids can spend most of their day playing with their new toys. It is such a fun time of the year. I hope all of you have a Merry Christmas and remember about our Savior and the real reason for the season. We love you all!!!

A Nice Getaway

Tuesday afternoon I got off work at 3:00 and drove over to the AmericInn for an overnight stay with my Hubby. We got a fun theme room and just spent the night and next morning. When I got there John was still at work, so I just relaxed and went down to the pool and hot tub for about an hour. It was so nice. I was the only one there and I thoroughly enjoyed it. When he finally arrived we decided to get dinner from Applebees. He went and got it and we just stayed in and ate. We had a nice evening and they have a wonderful full fledged breakfast. Eggs, biscuits and gravy, french toast, waffles, bagels, muffins, juice, yogurt, bacon, cereals, fruit, just about anything that you could want. We checked out at 10:30 and went home. It was a fun little getaway. Every couple needs to do that once in awhile. I highly reccomend it.

Great Weekend and Fun News

Wow, we had a fun, busy weekend. It started with Heather and Koby coming on Wednesday night. It was so fun to have them stay for so long. They didn't go home until Monday. We miss having them here all the time. Anyway, we went to Trever's for Thanksgiving and had a great time. We ate lots and lots and then ate some more. Some had naps, some watched football, and then we searched the ads. We spent a lot of time planning our Black Friday activities. I went home and went to bed by 10:00. We got up at 2:30 and Tif picked us up by 3:00. We were at Kohl's by the 4:00 opening. I would get in line while the girls got the stuff. Then, I would go and get the car and meet them at the front door. It worked really well and we got everything they wanted. We had a fun day and ended it with lunch at Carinos. We were home by 2:00. Then to nap land for some. Later that night we went to go to the movie but it was sold out. So, we came back to our house and played games and ate ice cream. On Saturday night we went to the movie "Blind Side" and it was excellent. Sunday we were up bright and early for Taylie's blessing. There church was at 8:30 and we all made it on time. Rob did a beautiful blessing. Afterwards all the family came to my house for dinner, naps, games, and just hanging out. It was a good time for all. I even napped for an hour and it felt so good. Later that afternoon Heather and Koby left for their overnight stay at the Americinn and we watched Lizzie. What a little sweetheart. She was so good.
I dropped her off to Tif the next morning on my way to work. Heather picked her up at 11:00 and they headed home. It was a very fun time with all the kids and we also got some more exciting news on Sunday. David and Heather have a "bun" in the oven. That's how he put it. They are expecting July 16th. So, John and I will have 3 new grandbabies this next year. Christopher and Courtney-April 6th. Trever and Jaimie-May 27th. And David and Heather-July 16th. We are being so blessed with lots of new babies. I love it. I hope everyone had a super Thanksgiving. And now, on to Christmas. Yeah!!!!

A time to be Thankful

I am so blessed and so greatful for all that I have. I have a wonderful husband that will do anything for me and is so good and kind to me. He is the light of my world.

I have 6 wonderful kids that have always been the most important thing in my life. I love all of you so much and am so greatful to be your Mom.

I have 3 son-in-laws and 3 daughter-in-laws that mean the world to me. We are so thankful to have you in the family and for the good spouses that you are to my children.

I have 10 beautiful, smart, loving,full of life grandkids that I adore. They are so awesome and probably the best kids in the world.

I have super parents that I love with all of my heart and 10 brothers and sisters that are great also.

I was raised in a home with the gospel in my life and for that I am truly blessed.

I have good friends and neighbors.

I have a nice home with heat and running water and a home that can be filled with lots of family and laughter and its okay if its not spotless.

I have a car, a job, food on the table, and everything that I need.

I am THANKFUL!!!!! I hope you realize how much you have also and take time to reflect on all of it. Happy Turkey Day!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

I hope everyone has a very Happy Turkey Day!!
Don't stuff yourself too much so you will be ready to run on Black Friday!

A Few Updates

The bedroom is finished and looks really nice. All the Christmas decorations are up in the house. John still has to do the outside, but he says he is not doing too much this year. We shall see. He loves lights as much as I do. We are preparing for Thanksgiving. Jaimie and Trever are having it at their house this year. It will be way fun. We are already checking the ads for Black Friday and getting excited to hit the stores early. I don't have much to shop for, but I am going to go to have the experience and to help tend Taylie. Everyone is happy, healthy, and excited to share the holidays. I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and don't eat too much. Ha Ha!
Oh, also we are having an Open House at the Floral Shoppe this coming Friday and Saturday. The shop is looking really nice. We have painted, new carpet, tiled the floor and a ton of new merchandise. Come and see us even if only for the refreshments.

Winter Is Coming

These past five days I have had off from work. So, we decided to get a lot done at our house. John totally cleaned my formal living room from top to bottom on Saturday while I was playing at a Christmas party and shopping. We shampooed the carpets too. Then, the last 2 days I have been putting up my Christmas tree and decorating my house for Christmas. I won't turn any lights on yet, but I have to work alot the next 2 weeks and so I figured, let's get it done. I like to have it done by Thanksgiving and so it is! Yeah! Also, David helped John tear the old carpet out of his room and John painted the walls last night. He should finish all of it tonight or tomorrow. He is texturing the ceiling and painting the whole room. We are then having new carpet put in the first of next week. It will be so nice and Heather will get to be the first to sleep in there when they come for Thanksgiving. I said I feel like a new woman having all of this done, and I appreciate all the time and work that John is helping me with it. Thanks honey!
While all of you are busy getting your Christmas stuff up, I will be sitting listening to Christmas music, reading a Christmas story, or just enjoying a cold drink and watching it snow. Ha! Ha! Just kidding. Good luck with everything. Love you all!

Halloween Time

We woke up to snow today and the roads were super slick until you got to the Madison county line. They hardly had anything. It is almost Halloween time and John and I just got out our Fall and Halloween decorations to put up yesterday. They look pretty cute though and it makes for a festive Halloween. I really miss all the trick or treaters that we used to have. Now, we do Trunk or Treat at the church and it isn't near as fun I don't think. Oh well, I'm sure you people with little kids like it a lot better. But, for the older people they miss out on the fun. I remember how my Mom loved Halloween, and how she kept track of all the kids. She thought it was great. Any way, I hope you all have a Happy Halloween and try to stay warm this year. Until next time!

Little Taylie Grace has Arrived

We have a new little Granddaughter. Her name is Taylie Grace Call. She weighed in at 6 lbs. 10 oz. and was 19 inches long. She was born on October 17, 2009. She is beautiful just like all of my grandkids. She has a sweet little round face, lots of dark hair and looks a lot like her Mom. Her big sister, Camri just loves her. She has been so good to her and just wants to hold, hug and kiss her all the time. I am over here today just being the Grandma and it is so fun. We love this little family and are so glad they are part of ours. You did good guys!!!!

I am Alive and Well

It has been a long time since I have blogged. I think I was feeling sorry for myself because I had no job. But, I'm back-TOTALLY! I even have my job back, but with new owners. Hallelujah!!!!! My nephew, Dirk and Dena Richards bought the store and took over on October 1st. I started on the 2nd and I have been very busy and very happy. I am managing the shop and am so excited because they have new plans and are buying new inventory. It is going to be awesome. I will still work about 25-30 hours a week which is really nice for me. it was definately an answer to prayer.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAMRI

Yesterday was Camri's 2nd B-day. It is hard to believe how fast time flies and they grow up. Lindsay had a little party for her on Friday night because of the General Relief Society Meeting last night. Al of her Grandma's, Grandpa's and almost all her aunts, uncles and cousins were there. We missed you Bennett's. She had quite the party and she got so many fun things. I think she was a bit overwhelmed with what to play with. She was really cute and thanked everyone. Lindsay made her a pink flower cake. She kept wanting that or a car. Linds opted for the flower. It was fun and we wish her a very Happy 2nd B-day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIZZIE

We just got back from Heather and Koby's. It was their little girl Elizabeth's 1st birthday on Saturday. So, we went down to help celebrate it. It was really fun. Heather did a zoo theme for her party. In the afternoon we went to the Willow Park Zoo and then that evening we had pizza, salad, cake and ice cream. It was fun to watch Lizzie dig into her cake. She wasn't too interested in her presents though. She just wanted to crawl off and play with her cousins. She got lots of fun things and had a super busy day. Thanks for letting us spend the weekend with you. It was great.

Party Time

I haven't had much to blog about but I am still alive and well, I guess. I am still unemployed and have found out that my previous boss is not telling people that I do not work there but, just that I am not there on the day you call for me. Little sneaky huh! Oh well, water under the bridge.
We are heading to Utah in just a little bit to go down to Heather's for Elizabeth's b-day. She will be 1 year old tomorrow. So, we are going to party!!!! And, boy do I need to party and get away. It will be a much needed time away. So, get out the cake, balloons, party hats. Grandma is on her way!

Love these Hot Days

I haven't blogged for quite awhile so, I thought I'd write something. I still am unemployed and enjoying some time at home. I have been cleaning out some of the garden, drying the onions, picking tomatoes, going to do the corn tomorrow and just enjoying these beautiful hot days. It stills feels like summer but, I am sure that it will change shortly and we will feel the "FALL" in the air. I have rode with John at least once a week to West Yellowstone, Island Park, or Driggs and it has been nice to spend some time with him. Not everyone gets to ride with their husband for 10 to 12 hours a day and have something to talk about. It has been good for us. I see how hard he works and love him so much for being such a hard worker. Most people wouldn't do what he does and never complain. Thanks John for being such a wonderful husband and friend. Well, I hope you all enjoy the rest of the summer days and hopefully it will be a long while before the snow flies.

Yummy Chicken

Today, Tiffany and I ran over town and bought some boxes of chicken breasts. She got 80 lbs. and I got 40 lbs. I then came home and canned it all in bottles for the winter. It takes 70 minutes to do each batch and I ended up with 40 pints. It will be so yummy in the winter. You can just open a bottle and make sandwiches, enchiladas, whatever you want with the canned chicken. It will be awesome! We have canned pie filling and applesauce this last week also. Only things left are, corn, carrots, salsa, spaghetti sauce and maybe some peaches. I might just eat a whole box of peaches. I like them fresh better than canned. Anyway, until next time, have a great day.

No More A Florist

Well, it has been awhile since I last posted. I have been busy and not so busy. Last Tuesday I went into work at the Floral Shoppe and Sue, the owner was there. She wasn't supposed to work that day. I said, Do I have the wrong day? She started to cry and was very upset. She said, We are going to have to let you go! We can't pay you and there is no money in the bank. Needless to say I was in shock. She repeated herself a few times and said, I don't know how we will make it without you. We will go under because I can't run this shop. So, I said, What are you telling me then? She just kept saying, we can't pay you. There's no money. I gathered my thoughts and said, I need to call my husband. I called John and he said , It will be alright. You don't owe them anything. You are what has kept that shop going. He told me to go to Job Service and then enjoy my day. I left and when I came back, the new intern that works for free was there. We had a big funeral that day with a casketpiece, easels and other arrangements. She was about in tears. She didn't know how to do any of those things. I decided I would do the casketpiece because I knew the lady and didn't want it to look like crap. Then, I told Sue that she better really think about what she was doing and that I would be looking for another job. She just kept saying, you know I can't do this. I don't know how to do most of it. I then walked out and haven't been back. It has been hard. I have been a florist at that shop for almost 22 years. It was like being slapped in the face hard. I have been sad, angry, happy and relieved all in one. I don't think they will last long. A lot of people that know said they will not support them anymore and I definately do not have good feelings about the whole thing. John said, Maybe it is a blessing in disquise! So, we shall see. For now, I am spending more time with John, my family, and getting more done at home. It won't pay all the bills, but we will survive.

Canning Season is in the Air

It is that time of year when we start to put our garden produce in the freezer and in the jars. On Saturday, Lindsay and our new Heather came over and we made 6 batches of raspberry jam. I also did peas that day. Then, on Monday, Tiffany and Courtney came and picked the raspberries, while Heather and I went to Aunt Myrna's and washed all the potatoes to can. I had some beautiful spuds out of my garden. I was pretty excited. After we did the picking and washing, Court made jam, Tif froze berries, Heather, Lindsay, Jaimie, Courtney and I bottled 70 Quarts of potatoes. It was a very full day of being domestic. I finished processing the last batch about 8:00 last night. Everyone will now have spuds in their food storage. They are so nice to pull out and use in a hurry. Next on the list will be beans probably next week. Thanks girls for all the help!!!

24th of July and the "ORR" Reunion

It is so hard to believe that the 24th of July has been here and gone already. It was a very nice day. We went to the parade and enjoyed it very much. All the floats were nice and quite a variety of them. The theme was 100 years of History so there was a lot of different ones. It only lasted 1 hour and that was just right. After the parade we went over to Porter Park and had an "Orr" reunion. It has been years since we have had one of those. There was about 284 people there. I didn't know some of them but it was fun to see some of the others. This was the posterity from my Grandma and Grandpa Orr-Joseph and Caroline. And as far as the number of posterity they have it was amaxing. There are 1841 of us just from those 2. Wow!!!
Our family, my Dads we have over 350. Hard to believe.
After the reunion we took the grandkids to ride the carousel. They rode it twice and loved it. Then, John and I went home and had a nap under the fans where it was cooler. Later that night we took Tiff's kids and went to the rodeo and fireworks. It was a fun day! Now all the work begins with the garden produce and raspberries. It's that time of year. Hope everyone puts a lot away for winter. We can be just like the squirrels storing their nuts away. Ha Ha!

WEDDING BELLS

On Friday, July 17th, our last son, David was married. It was a very beautiful, hot, humid day. We all went to the temple by 12:30 and he was married to Heather Hathaway at 1:00. Pres. Christensen, the temple President married them. It was a very good day. There was about 65 people there to witness it. Afterwards we took pictures, then went to the luncheon. The reception was that night and it was decorated really pretty. We had a wonderful day. It was so neat to have all of our kids and their spouses in the temple together. That was a great payday! We are very happy for them and know that they will have a great life together.

I love my MAN!

Yesterday, July 13th was John and I's 35th wedding anniversary. We were both working and we hope to celebrate with somewhere fun in the next week or two. I just want everyone to know what an awesome guy I am married to. He is the most compassionate, giving, hard working, loving man ever. He has always been so good to me and to his kids. He would do anything for any of us. He works so hard and such long hours and never complains. Needless to say I am the one that complains. Sorry for that! I know Heavenly Father had a hand in giving me such a super man. John, I want you to know that I love you with all my heart and thank you for everything. Thanks for 35 great years. Here's to 35 more!!!

Weekend full of fun and wild weather.

On Friday and Saturday I had the Johnson kids and the Poulsen kids. We had 2 pretty fun filled days. We played outside a lot, swam in the kiddie pool, jumped on the tramp, ate snacks on the tramp, ate lots of popsicles, ran thru the sprinklers, mowed the lawn, watched movies, rode bikes, and just had a great time. They all got along really well. Tif and Brett went to Youth Conference overnight and Trever and Jaimie went on a date Saturday. Then, on Sunday we had some very wild weather. John had been outside in the yard when the wind started blowing really hard and there was some thunder and lightning. He had no more walked in the house when I heard this loud crashing sound and looked out the kitchen window just as some of our tree in the front yard came crashing down on the house. It hit way hard and bounced a few times and hit the ground. I yelled at John and he went outside to see. Sure enough a great big branch snapped. It also took his new shed that he hadn't got screwed into the cement and moved it a foot or two. It was pretty wild. It smashed the vent on the chimney and dented a couple of spots in the roof, but all in all we were pretty lucky. John could have been killed by it. He was just barely out there. Trever, David and Destry came afterwards while John was at the church doing bills and such and cleaned it all up. Thanks so much guys. We really appreciate it. I will post some pictures so come back and look. I forgot my camera and I am posting at work. Everyone have a good week.

Birthday and Temple

Well, Thursday the 9th was my b-day and I am definately getting older. I had to work for some of the day. Tif and Linds took me out to lunch and then that afternoon when I went home Jaimie's family had decorated the house and picked me 3 bunches of wildflowers. Tif's family came up and we had b-day cake and then that night we went to the temple with David's fiance Heather to take out her endowments. It was a neat experience and a good way to spend my b-day. It helped with my goal, huh Angie. Afterwards we all went out to Bajio and ate. It was a great day. Thanks everyone for the presents also.

Thanks-and 4th of July

Lindsay, Thanks for the post about my b-day. I really appreciate it and it is fun to have b-days!
Well, my 4th was great. I took Tif's kids to the ward breakfast and then we went over to see them come in from their race. We got there just as they finished. Good job you two! We then went to the parade. I don't know about the Rexburg parade. They need to do something different. Kind of BORING! We left before it was over and went to Craigos and ate. Then, I went home and had an hour nap. When I got up, John was trying to put up a shed in the back yard that he has been working on for a few weeks. I decide to go and see if I could be of any help. What was I thinking? He said sure and 6 hours later in the hot sun, rain and mosquitos before we quit, we had put the whole building up. All the walls, ceiling beams and door front. We only have the roof to finish and hook the doors on. He was pretty excited and so was I because now we can work on other things besides that building. Good job Hun!
We quit about 9:30. We hadn't eaten so we drove to Rexburg, picked up some McDonalds, and went on the Rexburg hill and ate and watched all the neighborhood fireworks. They were pretty good and there was a lot of them. We had a fun day!

Happy Birthday Mom!

This is Lindsay, Jana's blog manager! Just wanted everyone to know this wonderful lady is having a birthday. I am a few days ahead, but I wanted to wish my mom a HAPPY BIRTHDAY. She is an amazing woman and does so much for everyone. I hope that you have a great day and do something extra fun. Love ya mom!

A Beautiful, Fun Day

On Sunday, John and I decided we were going to go to West Yellowstone Park for the day. We hadn't done anything all spring and I really wanted to go and see the animals. We didn't get gone until about 11:00. By the time we got into the park, we didn't see a lot of animals. I think they were hiding out of the sun. But, what we did see was awesome. Right off the bat we seen a bald eagle in her nest and it was really cool. We went up around Norris and the Canyon of the Yellowstone. It was gorgeous and the day was perfect. When we got to Yellowstone Lake there was a ton of people along the road looking at something. We drove by and went and got a drink and looked at the hotel and lake. When we came back out they were still there, so we stopped and asked. My heck, it was a grizzly bear. I was so excited, I made John stop. We got out and joined the crowd. He was just sleeping when we got there, but before we left he woke up, did a sit up, rolled over, got up, scratched his armpit and stood up and took a dump. We were laughing our heads off but it was pretty neat. After that, we decide to go home by way of Jackson. It has been years since I have been that way and we actually came from Jackson into the park the last time. So, it was neat going the other way. We seen the Tetons in a whole other way. We drove up around Jenny Lake and I had never been that way. We stopped at Colter Bay and that looks like a fun place. It was a wonderful day and John and I just relaxed and took our time and stopped wherever we wanted. We didn't get home until 10:00 that night but it was a super day.

POULSEN REUNION #7

This past week-end we had our Poulsen family reunion. This is just our family of 23. Christopher and Courtney were in charge and we did a World Tour. Each family was in charge of a country and they did a skit, presentation, or whatever the first night. Then, on Saturday they made food from that country and did games. It was quite the experience. We learned a lot and ate a lot. There was so much food and a big variety. We were stuffed. We alao went to the Air show on Saturday. Then, Saturday night we went to the temple and on Sunday we ended with a Father's Day Dutch Oven Cookout at my house. The weather held out pretty good for everything. It was very fun and we all learned a lot and had a super time. John and I had Austria as our country and it was fun to learn things about it. That is where the Pez's were made and so I got all the grandkids a fun Pez like nascar drivers, princesses, and Tigger's from Winnie the Pooh. They were excited and loved them. Tif's family did Samoa and they had a fun skit and they taught us to do a Samoan Chant that was really fun. Heather and Koby were from Mexico and they did a pinata that the kids loved. Trever and Jaimie were from Costa Rica. They showed lots of stuff from there and then did a skit about ways to go to the bathroom. It was hilarious. Chrisper and Court were from Laos. They dressed in native clothing and sang and played music from there on a flute. It was cool. Lindsay and Rob were from Australia. They had music and a letter from Jaran. It was fun to have him be a part of our reunion. David and Heather were from the Phillipines. That's where her Grandma is from and they did a song and told us a lot about the country. We all enjoyed it very much. Thank you Court and Chrisper.

Rain Rain Go Away!

I don't know about any of you but I have had it with the rain. I am past being sick of no summer. If it doesn't let up pretty soon you will have to take me to the "nut house". I need sunshine!!!!!! And so does my garden. The rain has been nice for everything but now we need sun and more sun and more sun. The garden is up good, along with the weeds, but it is kind of at a standstill. We are to have our family reunion this week-end at Christopher's and I'm afraid we are still in for the rain. I hope it lets up for that.

TETON DAM MARATHON

It was a very beautiful morning today and a super day for a race. Today was the Teton Dam Marathon and we had family running in that race. So, John and I got up and went over to wish them well at the starting line at 7:30. Christopher and Courtney were running the Half Marathon, Liz ran the 5K and Brittany was running in a relay team for the Marathon. We watched Chrisper and Court take off and then we went and bought groceries. Great fun huh! We went back to the race about 9:20 at the finish line and thought we would be waiting for awhile. But, low and behold here they came at about 9:33. They ran the 13 miles in about 2 hours and 3 minutes. They did really good. I have a way cool picture of them coming across the line but John took my camera home with him and so I will have to post it later. Great job Chrisper and Court. This was their first race and I am so proud of them for making it in such great time. We are all proud of you.

GIRLS WEEK-END

This past Friday and Saturday me, and my daughters and daughter-in-laws went down to Time Out For Women in Pocatello. It was way fun. We got a Motel that Heather just kept raving about. We had a suite and the pool stayed open 24 hours. She was pretty excited. So was I. I really enjoy going to the pool. We checked in and then went to Texas Roadhouse to eat. Heather had never been there before and guess what happened. She had a fly in her salad. Crazy! She was getting all kinds of new experiences. After eating we went to Time Out. They do an Evening session and then an all day Saturday. Hilary Weeks, Jenny Jordan Frogley, Debbi and Brad Wilcox ,and Abe Mills were all there for the evening one. It was really good. I really enjoyed Brad Wilcox. He was very funny and said we need to laugh and be more happy. He said Happiness is the City in the State of Mind. I liked that. The music was awesome from both girls on both days. I think Hilary was my favorite though. After the night session, we went to Walmart and then back to the hotel where we soaked in the hot tub and did water aerobics in the pool until after midnight. It was really refreshing. We didn't go to bed until about 2:00 a.m.
The next morning we were up at 7:00, got ready, went to the full breakfast buffet, and then back to TOFW. It was raining and very cold in the Holt Arena. We had to get blankets to try and stay warm. The speakers were good again and the music by Hilary. My favorite speaker on this day was Emily Freeman. She told us that we need to make a difference, We need to give our all (Just Be there principle), Learn to be content, and have the Savior in our life. She said to turn to the Savior and he will give you miracles. It was a great talk and a great way to end the conference. I really enjoyed it and I hope all the girls liked it too. Thanks to all of the husbands for letting everyone go and for taking good care of the kids. I think you deserve a boys week-end or even a boys day out. We love you all! Thanks again.

A Fun Date

On Monday afternoon I was at work and John called. He wanted to know if I wanted to go to Island Park with him about 5:00. I was going to all the kids games, but decided I needed to spend time with my husband. So, we headed to Island Park to drop off a couple of toilets and then he took me to the Riverfront Restaurant at Last Chance. It was beautiful sitting right on the river and having our meal. The food was good, especially the coconut shrimp with hot orange marmalade. I really appreciated and enjoyed the date. It was fun to spend time alone with my hubby. We are going to do more of those nights.

Happy Anniversary

I just finished posting about John's Mom being here and forgot to post about it being my MOM and DAD'S anniversary today. They would have been married 76 years today. Hard to believe. My Dad would have been 99 years old and my Mom would have been 94 years old if they were still alive. It's hard to imagine them gone and I still miss them terribly. Those were good days growing up in my family. I love you MOM and DAD and pray that you are happy together again.

Grandma Grace

For the past 2 weeks, John's Mom has been staying with us while Peggy and Alan went on an Alaskan cruise. She left on Sunday to go and stay with Bob and Sheri for a couple of days. Peggy will be back on Wednesday and then they will go back to Washington. It was fun for the grandkids to see their Great Grandma and to have her stay. She didn't feel too well so she didn't want to do too much. She enjoyed sitting on the deck and the nice weather that we have been having. She liked to sleep in and stay up really late watching TV. One night she stayed up until 4:30 in the morning. I can't do that. I'm asleep during the news. It was nice to have her and I hope she enjoyed herself.

Waiting For The Food To Be Out

Memorial Day started out really strange. I woke up to the deepest ,wettest fog I have ever seen. I had to come over and do our flowers for the graves and it was pretty thick. It reminded me of a deep London fog that you see on shows. After I got home it started to clear and the sun came out. It turned out beautiful. We all got ready and went to the cemetary and decorated the graves. We then headed home for a picnic with lots of the family. John had the yard all set up with tables, chairs, games, and had started cooking all the meat. We got all the rest of the food out and a huge black cloud with thunder started rumbling above us. We kept thinking it would pass, but it started to rain. So, everyone grabbed food and headed for the house. We had food, and people all over my house, but it was okay. Just about the time everyone was finishing eating the sun came out and it cleared up and the rest of the day was super. We went back out and played and visited outside. The kids and grandkids planted three of my main flowerbeds and had them done in about a half hour. It would have taken me a few hours. They then went home to do some stuff at their houses. Later that evening they came back and we cooked hot dogs and made smores. It was a very fun day. Also, Heather and Koby came up for the weekend and we got to tend Lizzie on Saturday and Sunday while they went thru the Park and up to Red Lodge Montana. They had a great time and so did we. Lizzie is a little sweetheart. I will post some pictures on here as soon as I find my cord.

I am Still Here

Wow, It has been a long time since I have blogged or even checked the blogs. I have had 5 days off and been pretty busy all of those days. On Saturday, we, (Tiff, Jaimie, Diana and I went up to Island Park to hear Barbara Barrington Jones speak at an all day women's conference and it was wonderful. We laughed and laughed, cried and laughed some more. She was such a great speaker. That night our husbands came up for an evening program. It was awesome also. And, it was so beautiful in Island Park. Sunday, we went to Dylan Mace's homecoming and then to their dinner. It is great to have him home and he looks way good. He's still adjusting to the time change and just being home, but he is good. On Monday, I tended Camri for about 5 hours. We had a fun time. We even layed on the trampoline and just looked at the sky for about an hour. It was so relaxing and refreshing. The weather was perfect, a little breeze and about 85 degrees. Hard to believe in May. Then, we went and got our yard flowers. After that, I went to Bridger's game and then to Malorie's game. All in all, it was kind of a relaxing day. I didn't get home until 9:00. Over the weekend I also planted more garden. I only have my beans, cucumbers, corn and tomato plants left to plant and I will probably get those done before Memorial day. Some of the stuff is up and its kind of exciting. I always say that I'm not going to plant a garden and I always do. Then, when the stuff comes up I really do enjoy it, other than the weeding. This year, I am planting a larger one than usual, just in case. Well, I hope everyone is enjoying the great weather and that you have a fun Memorial Day weekend. Take care.

Survival of the Fittest. Ha Ha!

Mother's day has come and gone and I survived. We had a few busy days but nothing we couldn't handle. I prayed that I would be able to make it thru and I did. I even went home not dragging butt as bad as I thought I would. We had a pretty good Mothers Day at the shop. We ran out of flowers and had to turn people away so I guess that is good. I had a wonderful day on Sunday. Everyone except Heather, Koby and Lizzie came for dinner. All of the men did the meal and they did a great job. They cooked us steaks on the grill and had salads and deserts. We even ate outside. It was pretty nice other than the little breeze that still has a chill in the air. And, of course I was spoiled with gifts. My family is so good to me and I want them all to know how much I love them. Thanks for making my Mother's Day very special. Love you all.

Keep Trying

Well, I want you all to know that I went paragliding on Saturday. It was pretty awesome, and then I went skydiving. What a new experience that was. After that we went for a helicopter ride. I have never done that either and it was amazing. Now, I am ready to do just about anything. And, if you believe any of this you are crazy.
I didn't do anything new and fun. I wanted to do something so badly but didn't. Saturday John worked out in the yard. I did some housework and scrapped a little bit. In the afternoon we did go for a short ride and then that evening we went to a reception and out to eat. We just got a salad and sat on the street in our car and ate them while watching the traffic go by. Then, we went grocery shopping. Boy, we have really got to work on doing new and fun things. Thanks for your ideas. I will do better and try harder.
I do have some exciting news though. Yesterday, David got engaged. He asked Heather Hathaway from St. Anthony to marry him and they are getting married probably in July. So, wedding plans are on the way.

Time for some FUN!!!!!

I am just finishing up work for the day and decided to blog a minute. I realized that I need to do something fun once in a while. My weeks are all the same, work, fix meals, watch TV, eat, sleep, scrap, do a little yard work, eat, sleep, work at the flower shop, babysit, eat, sleep, watch TV. I really need to get a life!!! Tomorrow I am going to a wedding at the temple and then John and I need to do something fun. Any great ideas???? All I can think of is to go home and work on all the things we need to get done. We need to play some!!!!! We aren't oldie moldies that just sit around and do nothing. Anyway, I hope we aren't, but I'm beginning to feel that way. Well, here's to something fun. I'll let you know if we do anything different or exciting. Have a fun weekend.

Starting to Clean the Yard Pays Off

On Saturday, John, Tiffany and I went out and burned ditches and it was pretty fun. Across the road wouldn't burn as good as I had wished, but it did some. So, it looks better. I could be a piro and go along and throw matches in all the ditches that are yellow. You have to watch out for me. Ha Ha! We already have water in our ditch and we will probably mow tonight and then get the sprinklers on. I can't wait to hear the sprinklers going. I know I am weird but I love to listen and sit on the porch and watch the sprinklers. I love it when everything greens up and the yards look so nice. The weather has been so nice and I hope to get in the berry patch next. While I was burning on the canal bank I also found a ten dollar bill that had been there all winter. It was pretty dirty. Who ever said it didn't pay to burn the old grass!!!! We went and had ice cream with it afterwards. It was a great day.

A Wonderful Few Days

We have had some busy, fun filled days. Heather came up on Wednesday and stayed until Sunday. So that was fun having her here that long. On Thursday and Friday we scrapped at my house all day long and into the night both nights. There were different people there each day. One day Christopher cooked hot dogs on the grill for our lunch and then Trever cooked Hamburgers another night for our supper. We just scrapped and ate and the kids played and played and we all enjoyed the two days. On Saturday, we all went to Lindsay's and had an Easter egg hunt and then got lunch and picnicked in her yard. It was a beautiful day and I even got sunburned. The grandkids played in the yard and really had a great time. That night we went to the movie- Mall Cop. It was pretty funny. On Sunday, we all went to church and then Tiffany had us all come to her house for dinner. It was so nice and we all ate and ate. It really was a super fun few days. By Sunday night I was pretty tired but it was well worth it. I love it when the whole family gets together and everyone enjoys each other and has a great time. I hope all of you had a Happy Easter and that you have a great week ahead. Take care until next time. By the way, we did about 150 pages between 5 of us.