thelarsenfamilyexpeditions

We love the Assateague Beach

2010-06-21T22:51:00.000-07:00

Up on top

Abby loves the beach

Patrick and Tyler burying papa John in sand

playing in atlantic ocean
Patrick, Papa John, Tyler

Abby getting in on the fun

Patrick surfing the waves

Baby James loving the sand

We always love to go to the assateague beach near Ocean City, Maryland. We love to see the ponies roam free even on the beaches, They are the chincoteague ponies that swim across the bay each year the third thursday in July to be auctioned off and the ones that don't sell swim back for the next year. The beach is very nice, has nice bathrooms with showers and the atlantic ocean is great to swim in. The grandkids always love to bury Papa John in the sand and this year we got to take our great nephew Patrick who is like our grandson ever since he was born. He always has a special place in my heart. John was able to Bless him when he was a baby and I fly out in Oct. for his birthday alot. His mother Dawn lived with us for her teen years so she is like my Oldest daughter. I Love all my nieces as well. Was glad Wendy and the grandkids were able to make the trip. We had a lot of fun memories.

Spring time at our house

2010-05-21T05:06:00.000-07:00

Tyler with our new kittens
Skittles and Kittles

Abby and Stanley

Abby feeding Fritz

James helping papa
cut the grass

Abby smelling flowers

Vicky riding down little waterfalls
near cascade springs

John riding down waterfalls
at cascade springs

Never a dull minute at our house with our grandkids and the fun times we have enjoying our golden years. We are happy to have spring come and enjoy being outside with our family. We enjoy having Wendy,Gary and the kids live close by, I enjoy waiting for Tyler in the mornings he rides to school so I can get that great big hug and him saying hi grandma I am going to school (thinking he is so big to ride from his house to school by himself,) Abby is a joy as well she can always make me laugh at her and knowing her love for animals I am lucky to have good friends that have plenty close by. James is always so fun you never know what he will do next. So welcome spring and welcome number four grand child there is plenty of love for you here.

I had fun with Grandma and Papa John

2010-04-26T16:16:00.000-07:00

My Grandma's favorite team

Washington Redskins

so of course I am going to wear it with grandma

My Grandma and me watching Ducks

My swinging friend Zek

I love swingin

Let me swing all day grandma

No I love your exercise bottle more

Watching Papa John cut the trees

I am day dreaming of what I am going to do next

My week at Grandma and Papa John's house, I had a lot of fun and Grandma and Papa spoiled the beJeebees out of me so that is why I am having a fit getting back to my schedule. My mom,dad, Tyler and Abby got to go to Disney Land and I got to be spoiled by both sets of my grandparents for the week till I get big enough to enjoy the ride to Ca. and go on the roller coasters. I had my own Disney land where I got to do whatever I wanted too and boy did I eat it up. Late nights, lots of cuddling,lots of walks, parks, ducks and I had fun with my friend Zek at the main city park and the Dairy Keen where I ate tons of ice cream and played with the lego table and trains for hours. Sorry Mommy and Daddy but I just love to get Spoiled by my Grandparents and have all the attention on Me....

Spring Break

2010-04-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

Tyler and ducks
Abby feeding ducks
James watching
Grandma and James

Rub a dub

I had a lot of fun this week for Spring Break with the grandkids. I don't get to see Tyler too often due to being in school and it was a real treat. We went to see How to train your pet dragon which was my first 3d movie and enjoyed it very much, then to pet store to buy some feeder goldfish which each kid got a bag of ten so there would be equal time holding on ride home. I guess when James gets big enough the turtles will have 30 to eat. When we got the fish home I filled up the bathtub added some dechlorinator so they would not die and let them swim with the goldfish before feeding them to the turtles. They love this, you get lots of giggles. Then one day we went to ride the little four wheeler in church parking lot which has lots of wide open spaces in back. One day we went to Midway to play at the park with the ducks and stayed for quite a while. We enjoyed the sunshine,ducks,playground and indoor nature center. They all 3 are a lot of fun.

Spring said hello this week

2010-04-09T06:52:00.000-07:00

I was sitting, yes sitting out side yesterday watching Abby and James playing in the front yard and noticed we have some crocus that bloomed. I told Abby to smell them and when she bent down to smell them she said Grandma they have bugs in them. I bent down to smell with her and saw these tiny little bugs inside. Then we laughed and laughed and said we don't want no bugs on our nose. Just happy the little flowers were up. Grandkids and all kids are just so funny,sweet and innocent. Welcome Spring we are so ready for you.........

Easter Fun

2010-04-06T06:14:00.000-07:00

I had a lot of fun with my 3 crazy grandkids the past several days while Wendy, Gary and John paint Wendy's house. I got to do a lot of Eastery things with them. We went to Kangaroo zoo friday with Lisa,Lauren,Andrea,Sean and Taya. We had fun jumping on the jumpy things and then on Saturday we colored eggs and went to the local store for a easter egg hunt and the easter bunny. James got busy with his kind of coloring which was a big plastic pan of water in his high chair with lots of plastic colored eggs while Tyler and Abby colored the eggs. We are still eating eggs. I am thinking of chucking out the window of the car at things by now especially with several days of snow. I am sooo ready for spring and fishing. I started singing the raffi song of Mr. Sun, sun Mr. golden Sun please shine down on me.....On Easter Sunday we had an easter egg hunt and lots of eggs with 2 gold eggs that had a certificate for any toy they want at the toy store valued up to 20.00 John hid them in the pool table pockets. He had a hard time not having a lot of candy around this easter but grandma stayed away from the evil stuff as much as she could luckily Sunday night at Kandy's house he got his share when Heather chucked lots of different kinds at him for him making funny remarks at us when the chocolate was passed to the girls. You go Heather I never laughed so hard....Sorry Kandy if you still find chocolate eggs around but that was too funny.

Snow mobiling 2010

2010-03-24T06:33:00.000-07:00

Vicky on snow mobile

John at cascade springs in snow

John after going through fresh powder

We have had a lot of fun snowmobiling this past winter and spring. We have been out almost every weekend that John has been off. We have gone to Mirror lake or up to the wasatch Mt.s, Mirror lake is where we go most because there is a lot of big open areas and hills that are super fun. I liked the wasatch in the evenings, the moose come into cascade springs for their dinner, also night time is cool up there because we go so much all year long that we know all the trails. I am glad to be able to keep up with John (even when he thinks he is a kid) He gets suprised now when he turns around and I am right on his bumper....

Happy 7th Birthday Tyler

2010-03-14T22:05:00.000-07:00

I can' believe my first grandchild is seven now. Boy does time fly. I was not able to make his party which I was feeling horrible about but at least papa went over there and had some cake. I had a bell concert down in Ogden. These are some times that we had alone together when I took Tyler on a special day earlier in the week to my cub scouts and then bike riding where we had one on one. He is so fun and very thoughtful. I love the conversations with him. He being the first is very special to me. I love Abby and James very much as well but as all grandma's know that first one is kinda extra special. He spent the night several times even when he was a baby. He knows grandma through and through. I got to see him when he was a few hours old, the others I had to wait because I was always watching one or two. We got him some of his favorite toys and some cool shirts and pants as well. I am glad he knows he can talk to me about anything.

Happy Birthday Sweet Baby James

2010-03-07T18:12:00.001-08:00

James turned 1 last monday and we had fun celebrating his first birthday. He is so much fun, I enjoy him so much. You never know what to expect with his funny little personality. He loves to meow like a cat and lately we have been taking walks where he loves to ride in the old rickety thrift store bargain stroller where he sings, meows and talks all the way around the neighborhood, we are lucky to get him on sundays while Wendy teaches her primary, Papa is usually sleeping but wakes up fast to come out and play with James. He loves all the one on one attention with both of us. We look forward to sundays to have that special time with him. We love all three of our beautiful grandkids and their own special times they have with us. We feel very blessed to be part of their lives, I only had 1 grandma when I was growing up and remember the special times I had with her and sewing, playing canasta and baking with her. I think it is God's way of blessing us for getting older, that is what I call the golden years is playing with grandkids, they get to go home...........

Happy 5th Birthday Abby

2010-02-23T18:35:00.000-08:00

So happy with kitten

Shutting eyes waiting for suprise

Grandma's favorite pictures of Abby's fifth Birthday. We went to her birthday party this past Saturday and Monday for her real birthday, Grandma took her to lunch at Dairy King while mommy was in Salt Lake getting her a baby kitten which she adored.
I had Abby and James in dairy King when James decided he wanted Abby's drink which was sprite after the first taste I could not get that cup back from him no matter what. So he is enjoying the sprite and Abby was enjoying playing with the trains and eating her birthday lunch. When mommy got home and brought that kitten up and told Abby to shut her eyes she about jumped to the ceiling with joy. Abby loves I mean really loves animals, when we took her to the high school play the wizard of oz it was all we could do not to let her go run up on that stage and pet toto. We had to keep telling her that the show was going on and that there was hundreds of people watching and we could not let her run up and pet the dog. I laughed hard at that. Then another thing not related to animals that she did a couple of weeks ago was cut
her little friends pony tail off with scissors, which I could not stop laughing even knowing how horrified Wendy was. The little girl has a short hair style now but looks really cute with it. Kids do the darnest things and you can't help but laugh at their innocence. By the way when Wendy was about Abby's age she cut chunks out of her brother's hair and we had to get all his cut off.

Tyler loved the kitten as well

2010-02-23T18:28:00.000-08:00

James loving sprite

2010-02-23T18:27:00.000-08:00

Mexican Extreme Vacation

2010-02-08T19:19:00.001-08:00

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

We went on a cruise to the Mexican Riveria and went on this extreme excursion where you rode the mule up the mountain then ziplined and propeled down several areas of fun. I couldn't believe I was doing it. I am very glad I had been working out in gym for the last several months to have the stamina to endure. It was a lot of fun and beautiful. I can see why they called it extreme. You had to use your hands on zipline to stop not the zipline I was use to in Park City. That is a baby compared to these. Then when they told me to jump off the cliff and propel into the waterfall I thought I was going to stay on that platform for ever till the guide gave me a push and told me to keep my feet straight out and walk down the rocks. Never let legs not be stiff they said. I did one time and smashed into side of rock wall. John thought it was a great adventure as well. He said they would never allow something that extreme in the USA we relaxed in the hot tub that night then went swimming in ocean the next day. WE love to take the Cruises because they have so much entertainment and activities and lots of good food. They are also a cheaper way to explore a new country. Who knows what is next......

Happy Birthday Wendy

2010-01-19T13:13:00.001-08:00

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I don't coment enough on how blessed we were to get a daughter as sweet as ours. She is my best friend and loving daughter. She has been a joy ever since she was born. We always do things together even when she was growing up we would go shopping, to the movies,amusement parks, (she loves roller coasters) and lots of fun things. She learned how to ski,ice skate,play piano and bells, Baton, Black belt in karate,swim,girlscouts,play baseball, All the things I never got to do growing up because my parents worked all the time but taught us the principle of hard work as well as to Wendy and Jason. Now that she is grown and has 3 beautiful kids and a loving husband I am so proud of how good and kind she is to all. She is always helping people in her ward and the wards she was in. When we joined the church she would be the one to drive at 5:30 am to seminary and pick up all the kids along the way that needed a ride, She also stayed strong and was able to stay faithful in the church with a few bumps on the way but was able to get her young women medalion and be married in the temple. She did baton twirling and karate and recieved many trophies for them. She also swam in high school and was good at it except for the butterfly event which she looked like a broken frog.(lol) Come on now I have to be mom. Wendy is our firstborn she has a brother named Jason whom we love very much as well but he has had to learn the hard way how to live life. Those of us who are lucky to have children are very blessed and then when the grandchildren come are rewarded for all the hard work of raising kids.

Night time snow mobiling and who knows what you will find

2010-01-17T07:02:00.000-08:00

We love to go later in day so you come down from the mountains at night and the towns down below look like diamonds. Also scares the crap out of me because you don't know what is in the woods. Cougar moose bear elk(they are all there) but when John found an open field a weird bird that looked like a big dove with a spikey hair do, came out and hit him hard on his helmet he didn't know what it was at first and when he caught up to me. The bird was following him down the hill. We stopped to watch it for a few minutes and I gave it a granola bar. I felt like we were bonding with this strange bird it was night time and you don't see birds out at night. I wanted to take it home. Was a very strange thing to see. I felt sorry to leave it up in the mts at night in all the snow. Then he wanted to venture down this long route downhill in the DARK, I like a nut, went with him, partly cause I didnt want to be left up top for a while by myself and the slope was so steep my sled went sideways down it. Once we went down which was several miles it came out to golf course. I told him how in the heck was I going to get back up (noticing lots of animal tracks on way down) and he said I could wait down there for a while and he would go back up and then around to get the truck. Thinking I would be there for probably an hour in the cold dark, I decided to floor the machine and make it back up to the top with him behind me in case I fell off. After getting back on track I realized it was way cool and also that you should always stay on the right track....

Christmas Cottages

2009-12-05T16:07:00.000-08:00

Every year they have the cottages for the children. It is such a great thing to see how creative the gingerbread houses can be. They are made by families, churches, jails and local businesses. Some have lights inside that you can see the detail they have put inside them like christmas trees, fireplaces, animals, real like stuff which is really neat. Our Tyler and Abby each entered one to donate. I think maybe Santa's helpers put a bid in on them(shhh) They did a family home evening project and get to put a manger together with each service act they do. They were so cute when they were showing me their houses and very proud of them. All the proceeds go to help the children's justice center.

November memories

2009-12-01T08:18:00.001-08:00

November fishing
Ready to ride the train

We love Poppa John and glad he had a birthday

Our funny Poppa John

This has been an unbelievable fall this year. We have still been fishing and four wheeling Which by now we have lots of snow in the mountains. We celebrated John's birthday, Rode the polar express with Tyler and Abby, Grandma is busy with the Polar express and tons of bell rehersals to get ready for christmas. Had a great Thanksgiving with Connie and Richard, Our son-in-law Gary's parents which feel like our family so does his sisters and brother and their families, Our littlest grandson finally decided to crawl so he could catch up with big bro. and sis. Like to try to keep up with this blog which at times can be hard but it is like a journal of life that we are trying to do even though it passes by so quickly. Bring on Christmas, with all the train rides, bell concerts and fun............

GRATITUDE

2009-11-18T14:42:00.000-08:00

I am giving a talk this sunday on Gratitude. I have been thinking of all the things we have to be grateful for. The first thing that came to mind is my Heavenly father and then I thought about my husband that has been my best friend since I was 14. Then I thought about my daughter who I have always come to for advice or problems and could not ask for a more wonderful girl. She has always been a delight even through those teen years when they can be most challenging she has always been an inspiration to me. I don't think I have ever let her know how grateful I am for her. Then I think of my son (he has given me more chanllenges than anyone will ever know and has made me strong through all his learning of lessons)but has a very kind heart and you can't help but love him. The three beautiful nieces of mine that also feel like my kids and how proud I am of them and their little ones and families. Then I think of my son in law and my 3 beautiful grand kids who love me as much as I love them. My parents. I talk to my mom just about every day. Then I think of all the friends I have had in my life that are like angels in disguise not only back in Maryland but here as well. I truly adore my friends and family. The beauty of the sunrise, The night sky lit up with the beautiful stars and moon. The simple things are the ones you remember the most. My grandkids kisses, The ice that crystalizes on the evergreen trees. Seeing a baby smile, A rainbow, a flower bloom or an animal that you didn't expect to see. Heavenly father gave us all kinds of things to admire and for that and for you I am grateful.

Pay it forward

2009-11-03T23:42:00.000-08:00

Thanks Jenn. I love the Magnet board you made. Ok so I have always been told by a visit teacher who helped me so much in Maryland to pay it forward when she would either take me to the hospital or make tons of dinners or give presents from the heart and I told her how can I ever repay her for all her service and she said Honey just pay it forward and do something for some one else. I will always treasure her comments and help as well as all my other friends in Maryland to help me learn the true meaning of service when I was getting tons of it from being so sick and embarrassed to recieve all the dinners and rides (boy there was lots of rides to the hospital emergency room) My good friend who has been and still is relief society president for many years said you need to let the sisters do service and swallow your pride and let them help which is hard for anyone to do. So now when I go visit teaching with the relief society president out here in Utah to some single lonely sisters I am able to pay it forward alot. Also a dear friend who lives in Midway who is like a grandmother to me. I am happy to give her rides and help her
with lots of things. Service is a great thing and gives you a warm feeling when you are helping someone who needs a pay it forward. So here is the pay it forward that Jen was doing and now I am doing:

I'm participating in a Pay It Forward Exchange. Want to play? I will send a handmade gift to the first three people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this Pay It Forward Exchange. You will receive your gift within a month(hopefully) from leaving your comment-- Promise! When you receive your gift create a post on your blog and Pay It Forward. Apparently this has been going on for over a year. It sounded like fun so I am helping to keep it going!

Riding at Snake Creek

2009-10-10T21:11:00.001-07:00

Big Bull Moose near Deer Creek Camp ground

Some trails were pretty hard and rocky

Some were beautiful like cascade springs

We went four wheeling up at snake creek today and enjoyed the beautiful fall leaves and snow, yes there was snow up top. We first went to cascade springs, then back on the trail to silver lake resevoir for a late lunch then up to a bunch of different places. We ran into the biggest moose we have seen yet. He was very hugh which I thought was very cool until I realized the sun was starting to go down off the mountain and I didn't want to be stuck up there with those big guys in the woods. So I started going really fast back to our truck and trailer. It gets very cold when the sun goes down up high as well. We love to go in the fall. It is beautiful up in the mountains. We also saw a lot of deer.

Lake Powell

2009-10-02T20:57:00.000-07:00

Really big largemouth bass that John caught at Lake Powell
Swimming was great, water was nice and warm

John and I went on our four day trip to Lake Powell last week and had a lot of fun but were sad the stripers from last year were not biting. We had enough fish last year to fill the freezer with salmon and stripers all winter and spring. We have caught some fish but it has been a lot slower this year than last at Lake Powell and Flaming Gorge. I don't know if it is because the water levels are up so high or just need to study more on where the fish move each year. Which sounds funny. We did swim and enjoy the beauty of Lake Powell and John had caught the biggest large mouth bass he ever dreamed of. I caught a tiny little bluegill that was as big as a minnow. Deer Creek was way more awesome in fishing this year. Especially with the trout. Lake Powell is a fun place to go for the beauty of the red rock, The southwestern look and warm water. 2 nights we slept out on the boat and the sky and moon were awesome. I didn't like hearing the fish jumping the first night but the beauty of the night sky and no noise from the campground made you want to do it again. I can't believe I slept in the outside without a tent or shelter just lots of blankets and pillows and I didn't get sick with my lungs. I love Utah being able to breathe and do fun things I was never able to do in Maryland. The state is so unbelievably beautiful north to the south. Lots of fun outdoor stuff to do.

Piute Trail and Casto Canyon 4 Wheeling trip

2009-09-20T22:04:00.000-07:00

On top of mountain near Bryce Canyon called Casto Canyon
Beautiful Red Rock formations
View from top looking out

John and I went on this 4 wheeling trip last weekend to the piute trail and Casto Canyon near Bryce Canyon and the Canyon lands last weekend with our son in-law Gary's parents Connie and Richard. We rented a motel where you could park your 4 wheelers right in front of your room and ride through the town on them. We enjoyed seeing the canyons and then the mines on the piute trails. At the top of the piute trail you could also see mountain goats at different spots on the mountains.

Zip It

2009-08-24T19:50:00.000-07:00

Spanish Fork Resevoir Fishing Side
Spanish Fork Beach Side

Here I come zipping down the mountain

Being pulled to finish at bottom

Next time I won't brake so soon....

Andrea zipping down the mountain

Andrea close to the finish line....

Andrea and I did the zip line saturday at Spanish Fork Resevoir, which by the way is a beautiful place to go with your family for a day,beach on one side, fishing on the other, what could be better? Yep you guessed it. They had a zip line at the top which we watched a couple people go down and we were very curious and asked the cost thinking no way , it would cost too much, then it happened. The lady told us that they were having a special for the day for 5 dollars.

I have always wanted to do it and Andrea said she did too. So off we go to get our tickets and sign the waiver that they will not be reliabe if we basically crash,die, etc. The legal stuff. So after signing we were off to hike the trail. I felt like we were climbing Mt. Everest....Andrea said we can stop whenever you want, so (wheeze, wheeze, I kept getting closer to top) Andrea was doing great(maybe a little winded)but when we saw this big kid come up beside us half bent over from climbing and panting worse than me,We decided it was hard. There was no way I was going to walk back down now after getting to the top finally, The four young guys working the line got a good laugh on my part or should I say parts trying to put that harness on me, He said he would have to pull it up in certain parts that he didn't know if I would like and wanting the thing on good and tight and right I said honey you can touch whatever you want, He couldn't stop laughing at me, I didn't care at that point there was no way I was going to walk down that Mountain, then they asked Andrea who was busy putting on her harness if she was pregnant

cause you couldn't go down if you were, she said I should have seen my face waiting for her answer.lol, No she said and did a good job getting her own parts in that harness, then we were off. Andrea told me I had to go first so I wouldn't chicken out so I did,barely, by the way they said I was the oldest lady so far to ride that one and the oldest man was 65 I looked at them and asked how old do you think I am.....thinking I must look pretty bad after that climb, He said 55, I said no 51 he said your still the oldest woman. Gee thanks alot...Then up the platform and when your ready they said, they also reminded me where the brake was, I was thinking I didn't know you needed a brake, They said sit in a chair position and whenever your ready. Took me a couple minutes then screaming like a mad woman went zipping down the line with Andrea soon to follow. After the initial shock of doing it, I want to go again. It was very very fun.

Birthday fun

2009-08-09T22:00:00.000-07:00

John and I went 4 wheeling in Provo canyon to Springville Canyon

saw a lot of beautiful views and wild flowers, It was a great birthday.

Had fun with Grandkids and Wendy. Tyler's friends were

happy to join in on the fun as well. They loved the chocolate

cake till they found out it was a zuchini chocolate cake when they

were on their second piece we told them then they decided since

it had a veg. in it they didn't like it as much. They had funny faces

after finding out but the cake was very yummy. Thanks Wendy..

Thanks to Andrea and Taya also for coming up and going swimming. We had a lot of fun at Kamas indoor pool especially when it is cool outside. It was warm inside and the water was warm as well. but We don't take pictures of us in bathing suits...That is a big No-No but wish we would of had one of Taya. She loved the pool and had lots of fun as well. Thanks Sean for the yummy

sugar cookies and icing........

Deer Creek is one of our favorites

2009-07-20T21:22:00.000-07:00

We love to go to Deer Creek at least 2-3 times a week. Like to watch the skiers, tubes and later when it is more quiet the trout love to bite. It is such a beautiful relaxing lake with the beautiful views of Mt. Timpanogas. The water gets just right around late July for a swim. It is warm then and feels great on a hot day....

Great Bell Tour

2009-07-02T15:28:00.000-07:00

I love the Nauvoo temple, We all did a session together with our bell group

Our Swiss Belle group in front of Nauvoo Temple with our new bell outfits,

Wagon rides in Nauvoo to show you the buildings of Church history, The missionaries were so great in all the preformances we did as well as the shows they do. We would have devotionals and pie in the evening with some missionary couples from Midway,

Church of Christ we played at in Wisconsin

We played in the middle of the streets in Wisconsin during there Swiss festival

We traveled with our Handbells by train from Salt Lake City, Utah to Chicago, Ill. with a stop in
Nauvoo, This was a double decker train w/sleeping cars/dining cars/site seeing cars and passenger cars that had reclining chairs. It traveled up through the Colorado Mountains with lots of tunnels and the Colorado River.

Off to be a ding-a-ling

2009-06-19T14:53:00.000-07:00

Click on picture to enlarge and read....

We are off on a 9 day tour to Nauvoo and New Glarius, Wisconsin for a great bell tour. By the time I get back and off that dang train that takes forever I will have to let you know how it went. Then after 3 days rest it is time to ring in the 4th of
July in Midway. See Ya Later.............

Trip to Maryland

2009-06-18T21:55:00.000-07:00

My son Jason who I really miss alot

Tyler holding baby chick

Abby with baby chick ( she loves any animal)

Tyler riding the countryside.

Abby having fun with Patrick her cousin

Three crazy kids having fun on the farm

James and Julia

James says you want a turn

Fishing is great on Deer Creek

2009-06-01T20:19:00.001-07:00

Fishing has been great this year we caught

four of these in less than an hour before thunderstorms

came. As soon as we let lines out. We are giving them to

a guy at the temple that John works with. He likes them

whole with out any thing cut. Yuk....I just like to catch and

release.

Thomas the train came to town

2009-05-27T16:44:00.000-07:00

Thomas came chugging in
They had a petting zoo and I fell in love
with this camel

I took this picture for Tyler and Abby so

they could see their last name on a train

Thomas came to town memorial day weekend and I was able to work helping with story time and putting tattoos on kids, working imaginary station where the kids got to play. It was a

really neat thing to do helping with the families that came to bring their kids to Thomas.

Tulips with the redhatters

2009-05-20T15:29:00.000-07:00

Some of the Red hat club from Heber

Vicky,Lola,Janice,Carol, Penelope (Our queen)
The flowers were really pretty this year

lots of tulips in many colors

Jame's Blessing

2009-05-05T09:22:00.000-07:00

This was the same blessing outfit Tyler wore

but James filled it out much more.

Our little grandson James was blessed this past Sunday May 3, 2009, It was a special day and he looked like a little angel. The bishop commented how peaceful he was during his blessing. I love to watch the little newborn's faces it is like they are always looking at the angels or maybe the people they knew before they came here. Babies are truly a blessing from Heavenly father. Their sweet spirits can always make you feel close to heaven. No wonder Jesus wanted the children to come to him. I was very proud of Gary and the blessing he gave all 3 of my grandkids he always does a good job and is a very good kind loving Daddy. Wendy is always a good mom and I am proud of her as well. She can be very creative to plan all sorts of things for them. It is great to be Grandparents and watch them all grow.

Project Easter Egg Coloring

2009-04-10T15:18:00.000-07:00

This is fun
See my blue one

Clint is happy with his green egg

Artist Tyler at work

Look at all the colors

Baby James first easter coloring get use to it little brother

Abby can't wait to see the colors

Jenn helping Kade with his egg

Artist Abby at work

Artist Kade at work

Abby likes the colors

Easter is a fun time to get together and have fun coloring eggs and enjoying the childhood memories of the holidays. Wendy had her garage all set for the event had some fun friends, Jenn, Kade and Clint and we all had a good time coloring the eggs. Hope everyone has a wonderful Easter.

Jason's hairless cats

2009-03-29T21:51:00.000-07:00

My son Jason has two of these creatures. I think they look like gremlins

but he seems to really love them. I did see them in person and they are really friendly but when the dark grey one named tupoc tried to jump up to be petted I was afraid. I call them bat,rat, cats. I think they are called

sphynx, His vet. said she has to learn how to handle them.She doesn't get to many. What do you think?

Grandma's 3 treasures

2009-03-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

Tyler lost some front teeth

Abby lining up her dolls on stairs

Say cheese

Hi Grandma I am a good boy

I watched all of my 3 grand children for Wendy the other night and what they come up with is very funny. First Abby wants to hold Baby James a lot and I caught them in some cute poses. Then I go see what Tyler is playing on the computer and he shows me his lost teeth which looks very funny. Back to see what Abby is doing and she is lining up her baby dolls on the stairs, mean while James is sleeping on the couch. He is being a good baby for grandma's first time alone with him. Then it is off to bed. Abby pulls out 4 story books after I read them she tells me Mommy only reads 2 then Tyler wants his turn so he gets 4 just like Abby, meanwhile I am holding James and he starts to get hungry and Tyler says Grandma feed him you and mom have the same thing. Try to explain that one to a 6 yr.old. It is fun to have the grand kids so close and to hear what they will come up with next is my greatest treasure.

Still having fun in the snow

2009-03-07T22:11:00.000-08:00

I know everyone wants spring to come but what the heck you might as well enjoy what is given to you. John and I have been going snow mobiling up at Mirror Lake most of the weekends he gets off. I can't believe I go up the big hills that John does now. We go off the road and find big hills and long fields. Some times he goes off and I follow right behind till I find that I probably shouldn't have because there are some jumps that he does that I get scared then stuck. We usually go to the tops of the hills and look out at the beautiful over looks. We will remember the snow when it is hot this summer. Probably not because we will be jumping into a lake some where.

Sweet Baby James

2009-03-01T20:54:00.000-08:00

Wendy had her baby boy today March 1, He weighed in at 7pds 11oz He is a cutie, Abby and Tyler are so excited to have a new baby brother. Well at least Abby is. Tyler seemed to act like been there done that but finally got on Mom's bed and held baby brother. Abby didn't want to let him down. She is so excited and wants to be with him
all the time. One of the comments Tyler made at Grandma's house was (wait till you hear him cry at night Abby and you won't get no sleep cause thats what you did) which I had to laugh. You never know what the siblings are thinking. As far as Grandma and Grandpa we think he is a keeper. Wendy and Gary have a lot of pictures to share when she feels up to it. Every one will have to check her blog.

Hawaii Blues

2009-02-17T22:15:00.000-08:00

Lots of waves

Lets go snorkeling

Beautiful flowers

Lots of rainbows
hula girls
beaches
seals
Swimming pools
Palm trees

Aloha to all my family and friends, We just got back from a beautiful vacation on Maui to another snow storm. After wearing shorts and flip flops for the past 9 days
it is a real bummer. We had a wonderful time with our dear friends Kathy and John who
let us come with them to their time share in Maui that was on the beach. We watched the ocean and whales every morning we woke up. We went snorkeling with the beautiful fish and turtles. If anyone knows me they know I love turtles. I have 2 of my own. We
could hear the whales from the water we were snorkeling in if you held your breath. It was amazing. It was also amazing that I snorkeled in very deep water several times. We went on a boat that dropped us off to different snorkel places where we saw
tons of fish, turtles, spinner dolphins that really spin like barrels sideways,lots of whales. This one lady that was giving tours underwater to point out different things asked us if we wanted to see all kinds of sea life,when she asked if any one
wanted to see a shark is the time I turned around to find John and have him swim me back to the boat. He was just amazed that I would even do the snorkeling but since my
good friend Kathy was doing it, I didn't want to be a wimp. I will have to admit she
made me do things I would have never done if she wasn't there because I would have told John to go have a good time and I would sit on the beach or stay in the car.
We ate pineapple every morning.Delicious meals and shows at night, and yes the beautiful pool and hot tub under the palm trees and waterfalls in the evening. What a wonderful time we had. Ma halo John and Kathy which means thank you in Hawaiian

Draper Temple

2009-01-25T08:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we toured the walk through of the draper temple. It is a beautiful small temple that has really nice colors and beauty as all temples do. It was neat to go with John since he is an engineer at Mt. Timpanogas we got to go back and see the engineering rooms and how they work. The older kids that were in the lines seemed to
get a lot out of seeing the temple as parents explained all the rooms to them. It is
probably half the size of the Timp. Temple

Fun with Jason

2009-01-19T22:39:00.000-08:00

Rocket blasting off
Tyler running out of path
setting up rocket

Our son Jason came out last week and we had fun with him. He went shopping with Tyler and Abby, Snow mobiling, Ice fishing and we even had fun at Chuck E Cheese
Tyler had fun blasting off rockets in the church parking lot and our yard with his
uncle. We really miss him but he loves the east coast and his two sphynx cats.

Baby Kristoff went home

2008-12-15T21:23:00.000-08:00

Yes I am in my Mom's purse ready to go back to Maryland.

I will miss everyone in Utah but Maryland will be my home.

Abby really enjoyed holding baby Kristoff she will definetly be ready for her new baby brother....

It's beginning to look like Christmas...

2008-12-07T10:02:00.001-08:00

Tyler and Abby came over to stay with Grandma last night and wanted to
play Santa Claus so I cut some batting to make beards and grabbed some

red hats and I thought this was a very cute picture. They went around acting like Santa and asking what everyone wanted for Christmas. Even baby Kristoff got in his red hat.

2008-12-07T10:01:00.000-08:00

We have a new baby at our house

2008-11-19T23:16:00.000-08:00

We have a new baby named Kristoff and his new adopted parents staying with us for the
next couple weeks till the paper work is processed. They are some of our friends from
Md. that wanted a baby for a long time. They were temple workers back at the DC Temple and friends of ours. We are enjoying the new baby and watching his Mommy and
Daddy be first time parents which is such a blessing for them and us. I am definetly
ready for my new little grandbaby in March. I have been holding and feeding this
cute little one and am ready for Wendy's to come in March. Wendy was glad that I
am having this experience because I was a little shocked when she told me (excuse me, big time shocked) Newborns are so incredible you wonder how Heavenly father could create such a wonderful blessing for us.
For any who is interested in what he looks like. Here is his blog address:

http://www.kristoffalexander.com

You can choose....

2008-11-09T10:13:00.000-08:00

As I was getting my lesson ready for primary I listened to a talk from BYU week that talked about your attitude. You can choose to get the most out of
your teaching or you can be miserable. You can choose to get the most out of sacrament meetings or you can choose to not listen and be bored. You can choose if you want to be happy or you can choose to be sad. The choice is what you make it in anything. This really got to me since two weeks ago I broke my ankle in Md. Had a Dr. call in Md. to tell me that my immunities were shot and I had to have those terribly expensive shots,and another to tell me I had a large mass on the left kidney and what hospital did I prefer to go too. I felt overwhelmed for the past several weeks with too much from DOCTORS. So I choose to get better and enjoy life. I choose to try to do the things I can and I choose not to let all these things overwhelm me. So if you see me driving with my left foot and not causing an accident it is because I choose not to sit and be miserable. Yes I did feel sorry for myself the past days but as he said you are what you choose. So I am going to do what the
dr.s say, play all the christmas music for the handbells and be a reader on the polar express. Watch my beautiful grandchildren when needed and choose to be happy.
WHAT IS YOUR CHOICE DO YOU CHOOSE TO BE THE BEST..........

DO NOT RIDE FOUR WHEELERS DURING HUNTING SEASON

2008-10-19T10:49:00.000-07:00

John and I decided to go for a ride Saturday up in the Wasatch, Bad Idea unless you were wearing bright orange hunting gear. I wish I would have had a bright orange something so we would not get the look like you were invading the big hunters all in a row as we rode by them. They looked at us like get the heck out of here. When we got close to the bottom where we were parked. I saw tons of deer and yelled run for your lives. Some looked as if they knew what I was saying.We also saw some moose. Those deer are smart. Only the dumb ones get shot. They seem to know where to avoid.Sorry all you big hunters, but I am an animal lover and especially the deer.Deer meat is never going to get near me.....

I do understand if that is what guys like to do. Just give me a fishing pole.

Books,Books Books

2008-10-14T13:48:00.000-07:00

I am trying this amazon book business and I feel up to my neck in books, so if you have been wondering where I am, I am usually at the computer, listing, mailing,posting books I got inspired by my niece in Md. to give it a try. If you would like you can take a look at my online store.
www.amazon.com/shops/moosetraxbooks

Lake Powell

2008-09-24T21:44:00.000-07:00

The water was 77.1 and 240 deep

the red marks show how deep the fish are

and the circle fish are how many there are.

They also had big cat fish

John holding a few of the fish we caught behind him is the picture of the fish on the wall

We went to lake Powell last week and camped for 4 days at Glen Canyon
camp ground. They have the nicest camp ground except for showers. It is
very southwestern style.We are fishing fanatics so we spent a lot of days
fishing for the striped Bass. They are so much fun to catch. The yucky part is they like Anchovy fish which you cut in half and put on your hook.
They have this big stone wall near bullfrog marina called the Mokey Wall
and it is where we caught tons of fish and some cat fish too. The water temp. was 77 degrees. So many people were enjoying being in the water
except me because I looked at the fish finder and seen so many fish that
there was no way I was jumping in that water. I prefer the swimming pool where you can see what is under your feet.Any way on this big wall some
how there is this stone that is shaped like a fish and it is there that we caught all the fish. We had these guys that would pass us each day and see our string of fish out the back of the boat. The second day they begged us
to fish beside us so they could catch something. They were not having any
luck the past couple days so we let them and they caught some fish too....

four wheeling adventures

2008-08-20T22:09:00.000-07:00

our four wheelers, mine is the empty one

There goes John up another hill

views from top

Last Saturday we went four wheeling up cobblestone canyon, It has the
most gorgeous views of Utah and the lakes. We saw lots of deer and they
had these bulls that were way up high. John wants me to go first so I don't get so much dust and he stays behind with all the gear. If I ran into one
of those things charging me or if I ran into a bear I guess I'd have to high
tail it back to where he is to get the bear spray that he thinks will do some
thing. I think it would just make the bear mad and attack us. I know I am
going to run into something some time when he lets me lead like a mad
moose,bear or cougar and that will be the last straw and I will get me
a gun to carry like I want too. Problem is I need to learn how to shoot it.
I do enjoy the beautiful trails way up high in the mountains but would like to have my own protection especially when I look back and he is riding up
some big hill way far away doing dare devil stuff. Now I know where Wendy and Jason get there no fear attitude. They have a father who still
thinks he is a teenager.

Another trip to flaming gorge

2008-08-19T12:07:00.000-07:00

We went to flaming gorge again for my birthday week-end and really had a fun time fishing for those Kokanee Salmon. They are the funnest fish to catch and the hardest
to catch. I finally caught 2 big salmon and lost a couple. John caught 2 also and
lost a few. I also caught a lake trout that was a good size. We enjoyed camping and
swimming also. If you ever been to Wyoming you know that the wind can be pretty fierce. It tried it's hardest to blow our tent away again. Luckily we got off the
water before the wind storm came. Last year it almost sank us out in the water and
when we got back our tent had blown away and we had to look every where for it. It
ended up about 500 feet from our campsite. It had a double air mattress, 2 chairs
and other stuff that should have weighed it down as well as being staked down but
the Wyoming wind can really get ya. The water is so clear that John went snorkeling
and saw lots of fish. I am so scared to jump in thinking one of those big teeth salmon is going to have me for lunch that I finally found a raft that you can lay on
and get wet but not feel what's under you. Give me a swimming pool and I am fine.
The antelope roam all over the camp grounds. When I was going to the restroom I ran
smack into one large buck with big horns. It scared me as much as I scared it. The
Males have beautiful black triangle faces and big horns. They roam all around which
is quite interesting to watch.

Fun at Flaming Gorge

2008-07-14T16:40:00.000-07:00

John,Vicky and our son in law's parents Connie and Richard went camping at flaming gorge over the weekend. We had so much fun together catching fish, swimming and having camp fires each night. We really enjoy spending time with our good friends. All of us caught a Kokanee Salmon and many more. We had a lot of fish to bring home. They are a very good fish to eat. While we were there they had antelope and chipmunks all over the camp site which was fun to watch. On the way home we had all these sheep that would not budge out of the road. Utah has so many neat fish and animals as well as all the states. God bless the
USA......

Baltimore Inner harbor and Aquarium

2008-07-07T06:27:00.000-07:00

Dolphin and trainer saying Hi to everyone
dolphin under water
Stingray tank
Patrick in front of submarine
Dawn and Patrick
Vicky and Patrick
Patrick looking at fish
Big bird and Patrick

Dawn, Patrick and Vicky went to the inner harbor in Baltimore Maryland. The harbor is on the edges of the city and is a very pretty place to visit. They have lots of old ships and submarines that are there for people to tour as well as this really neat aquarium that even has a dolphin show. It has about 5 levels of fish,rain forests,sharks,children's touch tanks, frogs, birds,bats and a really cool 4-D movie that unfortunatly scared Patrick too death. He spent the whole time under my shirt. They have special effects like something comes out and pokes you in the back, water squirts out at you,When they show these mice and snakes they have something under your feet that feel like they are really there. The movie is a nature movie about the ocean and animals so they have special effects with each one. When they showed the whale blowing water out of its top they had hundreds of bubbles fill the room it
was the coolest movie Dawn and I ever saw but I don't think kids like it to much because you never know what will come out next. Dawn and I laughed our heads off while Patrick stayed under my shirt not looking at any of it........

Our favorite things about Maryland

2008-07-04T08:37:00.000-07:00

My Mom and Abby hit it off big time.
Tyler at park near Jason's condo.
Abby at park
John's mom and Tyler and Abby
Abby sitting in front of flowers at Great Grandma's
Our favorite food, cheasapeake crabs
this is what they look like before cooking
we use to catch bushels of them and cook them

A crab boat out on cheasapeake bay
Lots and Lots of Trees
My mom(granny) walking her dog Macy

with Tyler and Abby

We always enjoy going and visiting Maryland but it is so hard on my lungs that I am very blessed to live in Utah. We love visiting all our family and going to the beach and eating the Maryland blue crabs which turn red when they are cooked. (yummy) We miss the beautiful parks and mostly the cheasapeake bay and Atlantic Ocean. We love Utah and all the beauty it has too. We live in a beautiful country and love America. God Bless the USA..........

Fun at Assateague Island Maryland

2008-07-03T09:24:00.000-07:00

Ponies getting friendly with the people
Ponies near Ocean
Abby loving the beach
Burying Papa in the sand
running from the waves

We love this beach at the ocean in Maryland because of the ponies running wild on the beaches and the nature with many beautiful birds and lots of ocean. This is what
I miss most about Maryland besides my family and friends. we always went to the beach
every summer and enjoyed the ponies. Sometimes you have to whack them on their backside to get them away from your stuff. The lifeguards seem to do a pretty good job of getting them under control but I love having the ponies running wild on the beach. There was lots of waves to swim in and we all had lots of fun. This was Abby's
first time at the ocean and she loved every minute of it. Tyler loved planting his feet in the sand so the waves would not get him. The water was just right for swimming and we had a wonderful time. The grandkids enjoyed playing in the sand and covering Papa John up with sand. Only they can get away with pouring water down his back. As grandparents we had so much fun seeing the grandkids enjoy the ocean as much as we have through the years.........

Butterflies in Maryland

2008-07-03T07:25:00.001-07:00

Grandma Vicky,Tyler and Abby went to this beautiful butterfly place in Maryland to see the butterflies and beautiful flowers. We use to go alot when we lived there. They have butterflies from all over the country and show the kids how to treat them and handle them. So many fly on you and we all had them fly on us. Abby and Tyler laughed so hard when one flew on my nose. Tyler had them fly on his head and shirt. Abby had one go down her shirt which made her laugh and laugh. We had so much fun visiting the butterflies that I can't seem to appreciate them as much as when we are in Maryland and can have them land on you. The people who work there show the kids how they are started from caterpillar to cocoon to butterfly, then they show them how to be gentle with them and what kinds there are from all over. Tyler really liked the big blue ones, Abby loved them all as
well as Grandma did...........

Happy Father's day

2008-06-15T21:57:00.000-07:00

I wonder when Jesus comes back if it will look something like this
views from top of mountains

A deer in the forest

After church today John and I decided to go to Daniels Summit lodge and
eat dinner. We love their steak teriyaki salad w/ pineapple,cashews,
greens,yellow peppers and all kinds of veggies, It is our favorite.
We did the same for mother's day. Then John decided to get adventerous
and we drove up one of those back Mt. Roads that take you to who knows
where. The road was so skinny their was no way for two cars to pass or
to turn around so we kept following it up the Mt. to a beautiful place
on top that felt like you were in heaven. We do crazy things like that
all the time. We saw this deer in the woods. Then when we were coming
back. I decided to open the sun roof on the truck and stand out the roof
to see the pretty sights. It felt like you were flying. Way fun. I stood
on top of the seat and just kept my top half out and let the wind blow in
my hair. Did swallow a few bugs(yuck) but we had a wonderful time. In the
evening when we got back we did our usual walk around the neighborhood.
It is so nice to see your neighbors and stop and chat with them. Heber
is the best.....

Fishing with 5 crazy (girls) on deer creek

2008-06-11T07:36:00.000-07:00

We all caught a fish (Hooray)

We had so much fun with Mike Gardner and his buddies on Sat. I was so glad that they all caught a fish including John and I. I was reading a book called Mother Teresa and it was talking so much about girls

when one of the guys caught a fish I said (GOOD GIRL) which I didn't realize what I had said until it

came out. They laughed so hard and I was so embarrassed but thought it was funny too. So when each

one of the guys caught a fish I said good girl just to make them laugh. We had a blast. Thanks Mike

for bringing such fun guys and coming up and going fishing with us. We had a good time. Now

it is Sean and Andrea's turn. I have a special small lifejacket for Taya. I think she will like the water.

What celebrities would look like if they moved to Utah

2008-06-03T00:03:00.000-07:00

What Celebrities Would Look Like If They Moved to Utah
slide show of celebrities morphed to look like rural americans!
www.scribd.com/doc/2954351/What-Celebrities-Woul... - 88k

Click on the blue and watch how funny this is..............

Good fishing days

2008-06-01T22:39:00.000-07:00

Rainbow trout (my kind of fish)

These two are Walleye bass( I run when John catches these

because they look scary with big teeth)

John and I went fishing on Deer Creek, Friday and Saturday evening and had some good luck,

I always enjoy catching the rainbow trout, but when he catches one of these alligator looking

fish, I run and hide because they are scary looking, but he enjoys them so much. I actually caught

one Sat. night and got away from it before I dropped it in water for good. John liked eating them

on Sunday. I prefer something more appetizing myself. I like to catch them but let him clean and

eat them.

Taya's first birthday

2008-05-28T05:47:00.000-07:00

Andrea made her cute little cake

This was such a cute picture but a little blurry, still precious

Last saturday I had the opportunity to go to Provo and enjoy Taya's first birthday party. She is the daughter of Andrea and Sean (good friends from Maryland) We enjoyed watching her stick her little fingers in her own little birthday cake. She is such a cutie. I love all the Gardner family and their new little ones. Kathy and John have been our good friends from Md. for a long time. Kathy went with me as my Chaperone when I went to the temple for the first time. She is relief society president back in our md. home ward and does a great job. They are very lucky to have her. I wish we could have her out here as well as her whole family (lol)

Fun at Deer Creek Resevoir

2008-05-23T07:27:00.000-07:00

deer creek by day
sunset on deer creek

PaPa John and Abby fishing

Capt. Tyler at the wheel

Wendy enjoying boat ride

We took the family out for a boat ride Mon. for Family home evening.
Tyler and Abby had a lot of fun driving the boat. We also fished a little
and just enjoyed the beautiful mountains. On the videos of Tyler and
Abby driving the boat you will see Tyler being nervous but excited that
we let him drive all by himself. We let him drive longer than Abby because
she is one crazy driver. She took us in so many circles I thought I was going
to Throw Up but it was so funny seeing her so excited and laughing at the
same time. She loves the water.....

Our crazy boat driving grandkids

2008-05-23T07:25:00.000-07:00

Tyler and Abby driving our boat
Click on picture or blue writting to watch
video of Tyler and Abby driving boat....

I love Lake Powell

2008-05-19T07:10:00.000-07:00

This is one of our favorite places to go...Tons of fish as well as beauty

Fun at Lake Powell

2008-05-18T21:57:00.000-07:00

We caught so many we had to put them on a rope.
This is John holding some of the stripped bass

He said to hurry because they were so heavy

Dolphin Stress Test

2008-05-11T21:45:00.000-07:00

The picture posted here has 2 identical dolphins in it. It was used in a case study on stress levels at Loma Linda Medical Center.Look at both dolphins jumping out of the water. The dolphins are identical. A closely monitored, scientific study of a group revealed that in spite of the fact that the dolphins are identical, a person under stress would find differences in the two dolphins. The number of differences observed matches closely to the amount of stress the observer is experiencing.Look at the photograph and if you find more than one or two differences you may be experiencing stress.

I went to the Doctor on Thursday and she said I had had a heart attack and that I needed to go for a stress test on Tuesday to see if there are any blockages. My family knows this scares me to death since I just recently went out to see my mom who had suffered a heart attack and lost my dad to a heart attack when he was 59 yrs. old. My brother had to go through it to when he was 52. I guess it's my turn. I thought she was crazy when she did the ekg until she showed it to me. Now if I can get through the stress test ok I will be much better. It scares the bajeebees out of me. So if you see me walking alot lately around the neighborhood with John you'll know I am trying to get my heart strong.

Only in Utah

2008-05-08T20:50:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Tyler riding at the sand dunes

Snow Mobiling at Mirror Lake

We went snow mobiling last friday at Mirror lake. It was
a beautiful day and we found lots of meadows and hills to
ride in the snow. Then on Saturday we went to the Little
Sahara sand dunes where it was nice and warm. Utah is such
a neat state that in certain areas it can be cold while in
other areas it can be warm. We are planning a trip to Lake
Powell next week to catch some stripped bass and enjoy the
water and climate before it gets to hot there. We plan on
going camping with my son in law's parents. We enjoy taking
trips with them. We are good friends and have the grandkids
in common. Gary's family feels like my own family. We always
have a good time when we get together. Hope we catch a lot of
fish....

Triple Crown (dedicaded to my dad)

2008-05-01T07:26:00.001-07:00

This is the first part of the triple crown horse races it will be shown on
saturday May 3, 2008 ever since I was a little girl my family loved horse
racing. My dad knew how to pick a winner by the way the horse would prance,
have no sweat down his legs or the way they hold their heads. My friend Amanda
inspired me by her blog to make one for my memories and my family.
My dad died May 2, 1993 so this is a tribute to him also. We went all over
to the horse races in many states including florida to watch them run.
Every year the triple crown which is the top 3 horse races of the year starting
with the kentucky derby, then in my home state Maryland for the preakness and finally in New York for the belmont. My dad picked a lot of winners in the past years. My mom picks a lot now. I love the kentucky derby with the beautiful horses and the ladies donning their hats. It is just a part of spring to me.
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Gasoline Keeps going up and up

2008-04-29T21:37:00.000-07:00

The price of gas is getting to be crazy. They say it will reach
4.00 a gallon by this summer. This is outragous and should be
stopped. I think the oil companies want to make a killing on
all of us. Every year in May they seem to raise the price
of gasoline before memorial day to see how much they can get
from us. Come on pres. lets see what you can do to make us
remember you in a good way as you are on your way out.

Tulip festival at thanksgiving point

2008-04-24T16:29:00.000-07:00

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

We had a lot of fun tuesday going to the tulip festival with our good
friends from Maryland. Kathy and I have been friends for many years.
We have watched our kids grow up together. We have shared in being
grandparents. She has 6 kids which I adore everyone of them very much.
Now some of them have beautiful little ones which double the pleasure of
knowing them. Kathy came out for her son Mike's graduation from BYU. Way
to go Mike... Now find a wife and stay in Utah so I can be close to you.
Her youngest daughter Andrea (who is in pictures with her family) lives
here in Utah and I enjoy visiting her when I can. Her little daughter
Taya is a joy to watch grow. Kathy's other son Jeff is on a mission just
recently to Brazil. It is so much fun when friends come out to visit from
Maryland. Last week another good friend (Sharon) came out and we had
a lot of fun seeing each other. I have also had my friend Pat come and
visit back in fall as well as a lot of my family. We love to have the
company and really enjoy their visits.

Happy 32nd Honey (dedicated to the one I love)

2008-04-11T07:16:00.000-07:00

Still Crazy after all these years.

This was our wedding day back on April 17, 1976

Love you honey but you know me. I couldn't resist this one....

John and I have been married for 32 happy years. He is my soul mate.
My love for him grows stronger each and every day. We started out as
teen-agers. I was 17 and John was 19. My dad signed the papers for us
to be married. My uncle Moe married us at first assembly of God church
in Silver Spring, Md. We bought a house that we had been saving for since I
was 14 because we knew we would get married when we grew up. I had an
engagement ring on my finger when I was 16. John taught me how to drive.
We started dating when I was 14 and John was 16. We went to same Jr. High
and High school. Saw each other between classes (even skipped a few of those
classes, didn't we honey) been through good times and bad. Mostly good though.

Key to marriage: Love one another no matter what...............

Deal or No Deal

2008-04-09T20:14:00.000-07:00

I love this show. Have watched it ever
since it came on. Played online and even
a deal or no deal slot machine so I am
excited that they have a try-out in Salt
Lake on Saturday. I got the application
and filled it out and now I hope they
pick me.(LOL) It will be fun just to try
out for it any way. I called my mom and
asked her if she wanted to be in my circle
of people they let you have and she said she
would love to. She watches it too. I have
watched it several times with her and John
and I watch it every week. I would love the
chance to be on the show. Wish me luck......

Tribute to a great man - Charlton Heston

2008-04-06T11:17:00.000-07:00

Charlton Heston died at age 84, He was married to his wife Lydia for 64 years.
She was by his side when he died. I have enjoyed the movie the Ten Commandments
ever since I was a little girl. It was one of my favorites. Watched it every
spring when it usually comes on. He was an excellent actor......

My Mom

2008-04-02T15:40:00.000-07:00

This is my Mom taking her blood pressure to monitor it.

This is me and my mom after she got home from hospital

Trip to Maryland or should I say nightmare

2008-04-02T15:10:00.000-07:00

I went to my home I grew up at last tuesday March 25, 2008
unexpectedly because my mom suffered two heart attacks. I
was called the monday after Easter by my son Jason and he
told me. I thought he was playing an april fools joke early
on me because my mom just went in two weeks before to have
a physical and they told her she was fine and healthy. You
never know what suprises life gives you. I stayed in the hospital
with her all day and night as soon as I got there. She came through
it pretty good. She is a tough anry old bird. Doesn't like to listen
(does any one really) She had chest pains Easter night and thought it
was indigestion let it go till Monday just like my dad did. Before she
called 911 she put out her big trash cans for the trash man thinking she
was going to fall in grass and die right there because her chest was hurting
her so bad, then she made it inside and got her payroll taken care of so
her employees would get paid. Then she called her brother Elliott and sister
Laurie to tell them what was happening. She didn't want to call my son Jason
or her grand daughter Dawn because she knew they would freak out and they
would. My uncle Elliott and aunt Laurie said they ran every traffic light
and drove so fast they got there quick but my mom Knew she couldn't wait
any longer or she would have been dead. She rode to the hospital by herself
(which makes me feel guilty and sick that I don't live close to her any more)
She was very lucky. They put 2 stents in immediately and said she had a major
heart attack that blocked 99% of her main valve that they were able to open
with the stents. Said she had another heart attack some time in the past because
there was one artery that was blocked and they couldn't get it open but she would
be fine with the main one open if she takes care of herself and stops smoking and
the stress levels in her life and takes care of herself. My father had a heart
attack at 59 and I still miss him greatly so I wanted to be with her to let her
know I love her no matter how far away I am or what ever. She is a good mother
and loves us all.

Oh what a Beautiful Easter day

2008-03-23T21:51:00.000-07:00

Cascade springs where the water stays warm year round from natural hot springs.

We had a beautiful Easter Sunday. The sun was
shining beautiful on the mountains. We went to
church and had a spiritual time with the easter
talks that we heard and teaching my sunday school
class.

I recieved a beautiful easter story for kids from a dear friend
named Carol whom I taught primary in Md. with

It was about Jesus from birth to his ressurection with
beautiful pages. The children seemed to like it very much.

Then we went on a journey with a map starting at the doors
that lead outside. The first clue was the doors with a picture
of Jesus standing at the door and knocking. We read the scripture
then looked at our map for the next clue which led us outside to
the lamp post which had a picture of Jesus being the light of the
world. We then went over to the basketball hoops which overlook the
field with horses.The children looked up at the sun and then the picture was
the sun to represent the son of god with it's scripture. Next
was the map showing the direction of the pavillion where picnic tables
are. It had a picture of the sacrament to represent Jesus and the
last supper. On to the next stop which was a mountain of snow to represent
the tomb with a picture of the tomb with the stone rolled away and it's
scripture. Then the next stop was through the gates of the school with a
picture of entering through the gate with scripture then to the school doors
that had a picture of Jesus returning. Then the last stop was the highest place
which was the sliding board to represent He has risen and a Joyful time where
they found some easter treats and picture of Jesus second coming. Thank you to
my dear husband John for helping me by putting up the pictures and watching the
kids as we were outside. After church we went to Wendy's house for Easter dinner
and a fun time with the grandkids. My tradition ever since my kids were little
was to hide eggs with money and candy and two gold eggs that had the most money
in them. I would like an egg hunt like that myself. Last year Tyler found the
most money but this year Abby was in for the running. I guess we will be hitting
the toy store with their gold. The only thing that could have made it better was
to have my son Jason there too. He called and I could tell he missed his family
alot. We will have to get him to get out here for the holidays until he has a
family of his own. He as well as Wendy remembered the gold eggs and the easter
egg hunts from when they were little.

Happy Easter to Everyone

2008-03-21T07:20:00.000-07:00

Always remember what Jesus did for all of us.

The Wild White Rose
by Ellen H. Willis

Oh, that I might have my request, and that God would grant me the thing that I long for.—Job 6:8.

It was peeping through the brambles, that little wild white rose,
Where the hawthorn hedge was planted, my garden to enclose.
All beyond was fern and heather, on the breezy, open moor;
All within was sun and shelter, and the wealth of beauty's store.
But I did not heed the fragrance of flow'ret or of tree,
For my eyes were on that rosebud, and it grew too high for me.
In vain I strove to reach it through the tangled mass of green,
It only smiled and nodded behind its thorny screen.
Yet through that summer morning I lingered near the spot:
Oh, why do things seem sweeter if we possess them not?
My garden buds were blooming, but all that I could see
Was that little mocking wild rose, hanging just too high for me.

So in life's wider garden there are buds of promise, too,
Beyond our reach to gather, but not beyond our view;
And like the little charmer that tempted me astray,
They steal out half the brightness of many a summer's day.
Oh, hearts that fail with longing for some forbidden tree,
Look up and learn a lesson from my white rose and me.
'Tis wiser far to number the blessings at my feet,
Than ever to be sighing for just one bud more sweet.
My sunbeams and my shadows fall from a pierced Hand,
I can surely trust His wisdom since His heart I understand;
And maybe in the morning, when His blessed face I see,
He will tell me why my white rose grew just too high for me.

Easter Treats at Grandma's house

2008-03-20T22:46:00.000-07:00

Wendy brought Tyler and Abby over for some Easter fun at
Grandma's house on Thursday. We had a lot of fun making
chocolate easter candy and dying easter eggs.

Patrick,Tyler and Abby doing Breakdancing

2008-03-18T12:50:00.000-07:00

Don't send a lame eCard. Try JibJab Sendables!

Happy Birthday Tyler

2008-03-16T10:29:00.001-07:00

My Montage 3/16/08

Tyler's fifth birthday

2008-03-13T20:59:00.000-07:00

Tyler turned five today, March 13th, He had a transformer party with 10
of his little school friends.

I remember the day he was born and I saw the nurse cleaning him up. His eyes were so wide and he was looking every where as to say Welcome world here I am. He has been a delight to watch grow through the years.
He loves to come over and stay with me as much as he can. One day he asked: Grandma can I live here with you. I told him he would miss his mom,dad and sister Abby to which he replyed: I can visit them as much as I want too...

I think I spoil my Grandkids, Abby tells Mom and Dad to go home when they come
to pick her up too.... She wants to spend the night as much as Tyler does.
We are thankful to live close to them and can't believe Tyler is 5.......

Click on Picture of Tyler with his transformer head to view his video

Snow Mobiling at Mirror Lake, Utah

2008-03-08T08:01:00.001-08:00

A wolf we saw in the field. Click on Picture to see better

Spectacular Views

Vicky riding her own snow mobile for first time on the trip ( Look Ma, no hands )

I usually ride behind John but this trip I rode all day on my own

Spencer riding up steep hill

Ellen trying to ride up hill (Oh no, She fell off)

Waiting for Spencer to ride Ellen's snow mobile up steep hill

Some more beautiful views

Elevation was 10,759 feet

Our destination (Bear river lodge for our lunch)

No, that is his yellow shirt not his bum

New Version of Bonnie and Clyde

2008-03-08T07:29:00.000-08:00

When we went snow mobiling, the couples (Spencer,Ellen,Dave and Melissa) we went with wanted to stop and shoot with Spencer's new Machine gun

John (clyde) holding automatic machine gun, What every guy dreams of, right

Vicky(Bonnie) holding machine gun, Boy did it have a kick to it though............
Can't let the guys have all the fun.

Dave (Al Capone) holding machine gun ......

Patrick

2008-03-01T09:45:00.000-08:00

Patrick relaxing on a fishing trip

Camping at Deep Creek, Md

Just Chillin with my pet bird

This is my oldest grandson/nephew Patrick
whom I finally got pics from his Mom
(Thanks Dawn) I miss him dearly.
He has the curliest blonde hair and
beautiful big blue eyes. He lives in
Maryland on a big farm with lots of animals
that my dear sweet daughter/niece and her hubby have.
I have so much fun when I visit them. I wish
all my family could live close by.
They love to go fishing and hunting. Boy
would they love it here.

Banana Bread

2008-03-01T07:34:00.001-08:00

Here is a easy quick recipe that is really good.
Heat oven to 350 degrees
1/2 cup butter (melted)
1 1/4 cup sugar
2-3 ripe bananas
3 eggs
1 1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon of salt
3 tablespoons yogurt,buttermilk,cream or mayonnaise
(I used vanilla yogurt)
1 teaspoon vanilla
Optional: 1/2cup walnuts,crushed
I like it plain though.

Cream together butter and sugar. Mash the bananas and add to butter mixture
Beat in eggs. In seperate bowl mix together flour, baking soda and salt
Add to butter mixture. Add yogurt,cream,buttermilk or mayonnaise and vanilla
Add nuts if desired. Pour into greased loaf pan and bake at 350 for 1 hour.

B I N G O

2008-02-29T07:52:00.001-08:00

I LOVE BINGO

Yesterday I went with a dear sweet lady named June, to the senior's bingo at the senior center. I met her there for lunch and played bingo with her afterwards.
As my mother knows since I played with her all the time in Maryland. I Love Bingo...........

We had a fun time and the prizes were groceries, papertowels, toilet paper,
six packs of lemonade,etc....

A lot different then the prizes in Maryland (huh Mom)
We had fun and June won a few times. I ended up with a roll of
paper towels as the booby prize.
Those little old ladies are fun to be with. They made me laugh alot.
They said I could come again and play any time with them (probably because I didn't win) Any way June is such a sweet friend to have. I hope I can be like her when I
get older I have never seen such a spunky lady. She lives in Midway and plays in
my handbell choir. I also play bunco with her. She has a farm and a lot of chickens
which she gives me lots of eggs. I love you June..........

Abby's 3rd Birthday

2008-02-26T23:14:00.000-08:00

Click on red x to see Abby's video of her 3rd Birthday

Dear Sweet Abby's 3rd Birthday
We had such a fun party with her.
She was so happy as she usually is.
We had cake and ice cream and lots
of fun, fun, fun,

Going to the pet store

2008-02-25T07:51:00.000-08:00

These mice are really funny, They love to run,run,run. I hope they don't get out

We love to see the mice go round and round on their wheels. We laugh and laugh

Good thing Grandma doesn't have a pet snake or these mice would be history.

Grandma's turtles, this one is named Jack the other is Jill. She brought them
to Utah from Maryland. She has had them for over 10 years

Grandma needed some feeder fish for her turtles. She let us play with
them first. She let us get in her big tub and we got to play with them before the
turtles ate them. We watched as the turtles enjoyed their treat. Abby didn't like
the turtles eating her fish....

Grandchildren are our greatest Blessings

2008-02-24T08:45:00.000-08:00

We are so happy to live so close the the grandkids.
They truly our a joy to be with. Thank you Heavenly
father for giving all of us a blessing as we grow
older. being a grandparent is the Best.....

We watched the kids while Mommy worked and we all
had a lot of fun. We played twister and when Papa John
got home we begged him to take us to the indoor pool
at Kamas which is about twenty minutes from our home.
Being a big kid himself, not to mention his soft heart
for the grandkiddies said ok lets go....

We always have fun with Tyler and Abby, last week we went
to another one of their favorite places(chuck E. Cheese)
We always have a blast with our grandkids....

Activity Day Girl Valentine Surprise

2008-02-24T07:27:00.000-08:00

click on red x to take you to the video
I couldn't get the picture to come on...

On Wednesday we had our Activity Day with
the girls at Vicky's house. We gathered
together to have some treats and work on
a service project to give Bishop Lacey
a Valentine Heart Attack. The girls
really had a lot of fun doing this for
our new bishop. They blew up lots of
red balloons, decorated hearts with
their own sayings and made a candy gram.
Then we loaded everything in the car
and went to his house to decorate his
front door and lead a pathway of red
balloons to his dining room table where
we left the candy gram. I called a few
days in advance to let his wife know what
we wanted to do and she said he would be
delighted to be suprised since becoming
a new bishop is such a challenging job
and he would enjoy being appreciated by
the girls. Convienently they were not
home and their son Cameron let us in to
do our suprise........
Love You Bishop Lacey

LOOK AT THOSE VIEWS

2008-02-21T22:05:00.001-08:00

View from top of Mt.s

We went snow mobiling

2008-02-21T21:41:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday we went snow mobiling in the Wasatch Mountains
for our Valentine day expedition. It was a beautiful Sunny day
and we have been wanting to see all the snow on top of the Mountains.
I still can't believe John got me to do this......

We went bump,bumping along. I felt like the fat was flying off
along with my teeth, arms, legs and anything that was'nt holding
on... I thought if I fell off they would find me some time this
Spring because the snow was extremely deep.

Just as I started enjoying the beautiful views another snow mobiler
was coming the other direction on a thin narrow cliff at the top of
the mountain and as you guessed it we crashed into the snow with the
snow mobile on top of us. (boy was I sore) after getting that heavy thing
off of us we continued on and finished the trip. what an experience....
I'd do it again because we really did have fun. Oh I forgot to tell you the
matches I hid in my pocket in case we got lost on top of that Mountain
and I wanted to stay warm.........

Snow mobiling in the Wasatch Mountains

2008-02-21T21:27:00.000-08:00

Winter in the west

2008-02-21T13:39:00.000-08:00

BRING IT ON..............

Houses and road signs almost covered

2008-02-21T13:17:00.000-08:00

Quite a few of the houses in Midway, Utah were almost covered.
Midway is just about 5 miles away from our house.

Activity day bowling video

2008-02-21T11:42:00.000-08:00

click on the red x and the video will play for you. It is our bowling day video

Go Girls Go......Get a strike

2008-02-05T08:09:00.000-08:00

Activity day girls go bowling

Last Wednesday Jan. 30th was
our Activity day girls outing.
We took the girls to the Holiday
lanes and went bowling for one
of their activities. We bowled,
Played their favorite songs on
the jukebox, Ate fries and had
a lot of fun....
The girls are earning their faith
in god awards by excercising and
friendshipping with each other....

Our Next Activity is to give the
bishop a (heart attack valentine
special)

Views of Moab

2008-01-31T21:40:00.000-08:00

We saw some old Indian forts that only had single windows in them with lots of markings

They had many cliffs and ledges that had very big drop offs. This is John standing on one of

the ledges where at the bottom was many sandy caves and tunnels.

4 Wheeling in Moab

2008-01-31T17:56:00.000-08:00

We went 4 wheeling in Moab with our son in law Gary's
parents. Connie and Richard. We road all day for
3 days and saw many beautiful sites. We would
take lunch and leave around ten and got back when
it got dark. There was a lot of beautiful landscapes.
Some were where the western movies were filmed.
We saw lots of rock formations and cactus. We also
saw deer and birds. Some of the areas had rough
rock to ride through. We also road through streams
and rocky cliffs where you would see Mountain Climbers
on them. When we got back in the evening we would
go out to dinner then come back and relax in the
Hot Tub and heated pool. We did this in October
and the weather was around 65-70 degrees. We
plan on taking lots of these expeditions this year.

Live life to the Fullest

2008-01-31T17:15:00.000-08:00

Starting a blog is the most adventurous thing I have done this year. Last year was to move to Utah. Life in Utah has been quite an adventure getting use to feeling like we landed on a different planet. We have had a lot to get use to since we lived in Maryland all our lives. We have enjoyed quite a lot of expeditions like finally catching a lot of fish on the lakes . Four wheeling the mountains and camping out in lots of beautiful parks..

For those who know me I haven't been able to do any of the above for quite a long time do to being so sick the past ten years do to my lungs being so crappy in the maryland area. What a difference being in Utah has made. I have a great Lung Dr. I see alot in Park City and she too is amazed....

Maryland is a beautiful green state with lots of trees and also the chesapeake bay that I grew up on. Sure miss those blue crabs. Also miss my son, my mom and my sweet niece daughter and her little boy Patrick, also all my friends and a lot of family......

Utah is the most adventurous state I have ever seen....

There is so much out door activities to do all through the state all year.

It will be an expedition to explore it all..........