It's A Wonderful Life

Now We Wait...

2012-01-29T21:30:00.004-07:00

One of our favorite places in the world!

The last week of my life has been lived in a whirlwind! Now we take a step back, slow down, and wait. I am not sure I can! However this turns out, I want you all to know that I feel completely and utterly at peace. I have not felt such spiritual comfort and reassurance in a very long time. My heart is full of warmth and satisfaction for the blessings the Lord has given my family. This has not erased trials we may have been going through before last week, but it has taken away any worry or fear I may have. I know that I am loved by my Father in Heaven. I know that He has blessed me with an amazing man as my husband. (This sweet man who has not stopped crying all week). This has been a great experience for us and we have learned so much in the process.

Love to you all and many blessings too! I am thinking of Conner and Jerry tonight. May the Lord bless them and all who love them!

Stay tuned!

Butterflies!

2012-01-27T09:36:00.000-07:00

Today Dee and I have an appointment in this building in Salt Lake City.

We have butterflies in our tummies! I will tell you all about it tomorrow.

Please pray for my husband to have a calm heart and to be able to express himself clearly.

Some Pig!

2012-01-19T09:08:00.001-07:00

Desperate Times...

The big pig is a fixture in our kitchen. He holds our hopes and dreams for a future vacation in his cavernous belly. There's a lot of money in there. Sometimes your checking account gets low and you just don't feel like cooking. Sometimes the pig has to spill his guts, literally, to save Mom and make Dad happy. Thank you Porky, for your sacrifice.

Security Clearance

2012-01-14T11:35:00.000-07:00

I thought I was OK. I was handling it well. I told myself those very things all day last Tuesday. It was Sarah's last day with us before returning to Canada. I kept saying, "this is the last Christmas break where we will have to say goodbye for so long" or "this is the last time she will leave and go so far away to live (I hope!)". On her last weekend here she even drove with us on the 3 hour trip to take Rachel back to school. It was nice to spend the time with her alone in the car. On her last few days I took her shopping and running errands she wanted to get done before leaving the states. On Tuesday Dee took the morning off for a doctor's visit and the afternoon off so we could all go see a movie together. We chose "War Horse". It was a good movie, beautifully done, but very emotional. Dee went off to afternoon swim practice after giving Sarah a beautiful father's blessing and left me to the dreaded task of taking our girl to the airport. Nick and Brittany came with me so I wouldn't be alone, but as I drove north on I-15 I began to feel the gloom creeping in. I got behind a few frustrating drivers and the annoyance with them set me off.(Really, where else but in Utah would you find someone in the passing lane doing 60 mph?) The tears started rolling down my face in the dark. Nobody knew I was slowly falling apart.

By the time we parked and got to the Delta check-in desk my face and nose were all red and tear-stained. My kids were empathetic and worried about me but I assured them I would be fine.
I stepped back from the baggage check desk, not wanting to be so conspicuous, but could not stop my tears! While Sarah raised her hands in the air celebrating the fact that her suitcase was only 47 pounds, she had really worried about that 50 lb. limit, I moved further away. At that point I felt a hand on my shoulder and heard a kind voice say, "Would you like to go through Security and to the gate with her?" I turned to see the sweet face of another desk agent. She had seen my emotions and told me she had a soft heart for crying mothers. It really didn't register with me because my head was telling me that I could NOT go through security unless I was a passenger. "Oh no, I can't do that and I'll be OK. I just need to get it out of my system," I assured her." I apologized for being so emotional and explained that I only got to see Sarah twice a year and it was always hard to say goodbye. She told me that I could indeed go through security. They were not busy at all and she could print up a pass for all of us. I again said I would be fine but Brittany stepped up and said, "We'll take those passes. Mom, get your license out." Yes Ma'am! As Karen, the Delta agent checked whether or not we were on some terrorist watch-list she told us that she was a mother and understood my emotional state. She said that she had lost her oldest child and couldn't bear seeing mothers cry. Whenever possible, she said, she tried to do what she could to help.

Before we knew it we were going through TSA's security check. Sarah breezed through the metal detector while the rest of us got to go through the full body scan. There was nothing to it! It was like standing in a big circular shower stall. I really never thought twice about the fact that somewhere in the airport somebody was viewing an image of my bare behind or all of my fat rolls! Nick had to get a pat down because his cargo pants' zippers set of the alarms, but soon we were all four on our way to Sarah's gate. We spent the next hour with her eating pizza at S'barros' and visiting back at the gate. By the time the first class passengers were called to begin boarding I was feeling much better and not crying anymore! We kissed and hugged goodbye and bravely walked away, Britt and I only looking back once, catching Sarah doing the same thing! We all smiled and waved then marched bravely on.

I had Nick drive home as I was exhausted and am not seeing too well at night these days. I sat and thought about God's tender mercies and how He uses others to be His hands in loving and serving each of us. Thank you to Karen at Delta's baggage check desk at Salt Lake City International, for having a kind heart and acting on her instincts. Brittany sent an Email to Delta headquarters thanking them for Karen's compassion and her service to us. They responded the very next day and were glad to know one of their employees was doing her job with such high standards of customer care. They told Brittany they would forward the Email to SLC so they would know of our gratitude. Somehow I think Karen already knows.

Book Ends~

2012-01-07T17:14:00.000-07:00

I am happy to announce that we are all well from the stomach flu. For a week and a half someone in this house was miserable. Sarah and I were the last to come down with it and it hit poor Sarah quite hard. Happily we were all well for a visit from my little sis, Gena and her daughter Emily. Miss Em has taken a brave step and moved away from hearth and home to come to BYU! Parting was especially hard for her because this is the first time in nearly 20 years that she has ever lived away from her twin sister Allison. I am confident that in about a week, after she has settled into a new routine, the Emily will love living in Provo and being a Cougar!

Last week I was coming into the family room and I noticed my loving son giving his big sister Sarah a hug. Richard has grown quite a bit these last few months. Sarah is my tallest daughter at 5' 8" and has been dreading the day that her brother caught up with her. I made them stand back-to-back and couldn't believe the day had come.

Hard to believe!

Kind of makes me wish for these days...

1995-Richard learning to walk.

Time goes much to quickly. I often call Sarah and Richard my bookends. The oldest and the youngest, you know. We have so enjoyed Sarah's visit (other than the sick week) and will miss her very much when she heads back to Toronto on Tuesday.

Hope you are all recovering from the holidays and are well too!

Even the Dog is Sick...

2011-12-28T10:09:00.002-07:00

It all began on Christmas Eve. We all crammed into the minivan and rode through the Holiday Lights show at Thanksgiving Point. It was really fun, but one of us was not doing so well. Not long after we got home the men made a quick run to Walmart in Cedar Hills to grab some last minute items. The Master lost his dinner in the bushes outside of the store. (That lovely landscaping that the city of Cedar Hills insisted on to make their new big box store look a bit more ritzy...oops!) About an hour later Rachel became victim number two. She was violently ill all of Christmas Day, after the gifts were opened, which was a lovely time in spite of everything.

And then there were two. Sarah and I are the lone holdouts. Everyone else in the family, all 7 of them including Samwise, are sick, sick, sick. Poor Richard. What kind of mother grabs her cell phone to snap a shot of her adorable son feeling so poorly?

I do! You have to admit, his hair is awesome!

Poor Samwise has been stricken with the tummy troubles too. His ears are back, his tail is down. It's very sad! Sarah and I are having sympathy tummy aches. We are not really sick but neither of us wants to be sick so we are having tea and toast for breakfast, just in case! So...off to another day of cleaning bathrooms and making Jell-o. Hope you all are doing much better than we are!

P.S. My kids all got together and gave me an amazingly wonderful gift. I'll tell you all about it when I feel better.

P.S. again...Sarah and I made it through the day but she succumbed late this evening. I am it, the last one. The one who is cleaning and caring for everyone else, washing sheets and blankets, running to the store, washing my hands dozens of times a day, trying to stay well! What's that line from "The Farmer in the Dell"? Oh yes, the cheese stands alone!

Many Photos...The Dog is in Charge!

2011-12-22T10:21:00.001-07:00

Hi there everyone! It has been a long time since I visited Mom's blog, and since she is running around here saying she doesn't have time for everything I thought I would sneak on over to the computer and help her out. A few weeks ago the busy-ness started when she put this faux tree in the front room. When I say "faux" I mean no scent and not even a bird in there to bark at! She keeps mumbling something about how she wishes she had time to cover her yard sale chairs. Maybe I can help her with that in the New Year.


She wanted me to think she was taking a photo of the tree thing, but I knew she wanted me in there!

A few days later we woke up to this!! NO!! Not again! So much for laying in the warm grass and basking in the sunshine! Sigh.

I will tell you a secret...I get really sad when everyone leaves the house. The other day Mom put on her coat and shoes. I looked up at Mom with my awesome, sad brown eyes and got a ride around town out of it! I get really excited when I am in the car. She kept saying something about how she was going to regret this so I yelled a lot to make her happy! (And all of this before we even left the driveway!)

Another time Mom came home with photos of a happy trip to the grocery store. Macey's had carolers singing and it made Mom smile! She said something about it making her day. She found out they were all kids who actually work at the store too!

As for me, I get cheery by finding new and warm napping spots!

Sometimes the family goes out at night. They went to Richard's orchestra concert last week. Mom said the group sounded fantastic!

Last Saturday night everyone was really excited. The family were telling me that they were going to Salt Lake City to see the lights and eat dinner at the "Lion House". Why would they want to eat with a bunch of Lions? Those guys are slobs?! AND they are cats. YUCK!

Diana, Nick, & Dee leaving the parking garage on Main Street in Salt Lake City.

Peeking in through Brigham's window.

Anyway, Mom said they were meeting Dad's Young Single Adult ward at the Lion House for dinner. They stood in line and nearly froze to death before finding out that the wait was an hour long, even with their reservation! This was really bad news because the plan was to eat dinner at Brigham Young's old house and then go to the airport to pick up Sarah at 7:00. They didn't even vote...Sarah was far more important that any free, hot meal that included the famous Lion House rolls! (Well, if they had asked me...)

So, the family zoomed to the airport and soon enough they saw a lovely blonde coming down that escalator! There was also much cheering and excitement over the many soldiers coming home!

Sisters hugged, Mom and Dad cried, no luggage was lost this time, and they all went to eat at Pei Wei Chinese in Sandy. They brought home some yummy smelling chicken too!

Since then the world outside is even colder and I have found more warm places to hide. Seriously, you have to be creative!

Sometimes I help my family stay warm too!

Rachel is home from school too and she got a cute new haircut! I am glad I don't have to get haircuts. It's bad enough when they think they have to clip my claws!

This window seat thing that Nick made for Mom is really handy! I spend a lot of time on guard duty and it is in the perfect spot!

That's what has been going on around here lately. There's been cookie baking and lots of fires in the fireplace too. If Mom doesn't get back to the blog before Christmas she says for me to tell you all to have a wonderful Christmas and enjoy your families!

Now, excuse me while I curl up for another nap. I don't do that often enough!

Time Travel Tuesdays~I Believe!

2011-12-13T09:38:00.004-07:00

Once upon a December, a very long time ago...the world was frozen and white in many places, but in Marianne's desert world it was sunny and cool. Most days she wore her little red sweater when she played outside on the dairy and that was all she needed. She dreamed of snow, imagining what it would be like to build a snowman or throw a snowball. She only knew green winter grass and oranges on the trees. One of her favorite story books was "The Night Before Christmas". Marianne would pull it out and ask her mother to read it to her quite often. Her favorite pages were the ones where the brightly colored sugarplums danced over the sleeping children's heads, and where Santa's sleigh was soaring over a snowy house top, all bright and white in the moonlight. It was all so magical and she knew that if she was a very good girl that Santa Clause would come to her house too!

There was something that bothered Marianne however, and it was a very BIG something. How could Santa come to a house where there was no snow and no chimney? She asked Mommy over and over if Santa could find her if it wasn't really winter in Arizona. (It really was winter in Arizona but she didn't believe it!) How could the sleigh land on a roof where there was no snow? How could Santa get into the house and leave toys under the tree if there was no chimney? Marianne asked her big brothers and they had an answer right away. Since fireplaces made the house warm and the closet thing they had to a fireplace was the wall heater in the front room, Santa would "magic himself" right through those heater vents! She thought about that answer and decided it just wouldn't do. He would never fit no matter how magical he was!

One sunny afternoon Mommy and Marianne were in the little white kitchen making Christmas cookies. Mommy had tied one of her big aprons around Marianne up under the little girl's arms and had put her up on a chair so she could help cut out the creamy white dough. There were cookie cutters shaped like stars trees, and reindeer, but Marianne's favorite was the shape of Santa with a pack of toys on his back. As she pressed the cookie cutter into the dough, that Santa shape made her worry. Once again she asked the question, "How will he do it Mommy? How will Santa bring me my presents?"

Mommy decided to put the child's fears to rest once and for all. "It's very simple honey. There are lots of places where it is Christmas and it never snows. There are also lots of houses with no chimneys! Santa knows this. He will simply land on our back lawn and come in through the back door."

Will you leave the screen door unhooked?" Marianne knew that the hook was set in place every night. She was thinking of everything!

"Yes Dear. We will make sure Santa can get into our house". Mommy reassured her little girl.

The little house on the dairy was bustling with excitement on Christmas Eve a few days later. There were presents under the bushy Scotch pine that Daddy had cut up in the mountains. There were more being wrapped! The little kitchen was bursting with goodies like fudge, Granny Ellsworth's divinity with pecans pressed into each piece, and those pretty cookies with sprinkles on them. It was much too exciting to go to sleep and Marianne wondered why her brothers got to stay up a bit later than she did. Mommy put her to bed with a kiss on the forehead and one last reading of "The Night Before Christmas".

"Be sure to leave the screen door unhooked!" Marianne called as her mother closed the bedroom door. Then she snuggled into her quilt, rolled over, and looked out the bedroom window which was level with her bed. What was she looking at? The back yard! "Oh! I'll see him!" she thought. She stared and waited, and waited, and stared. Before long those pretty sugar plums were dancing around her head and the twinkly stars began to blur.

What was that? Jingle Bells?! Marianne lifted her head from the pillow at the sound. There on the back lawn, right before her eyes, was a beautiful sleigh pulled by reindeer gliding to a stop on the green winter grass. It's Santa! He came! she thought.

"Ho Ho Ho!!!" the jolly man called. He grabbed his sack full of toys and stepped out of the sleigh. As he did, he glanced at the window and smiled. Marianne ducked her head down quickly so she would not be caught awake when Santa came. When she looked back up Santa and his sleigh were gone. Just that fast! Did he find the door open? Would there be gifts from him under the tree? She could hardly keep from wiggling with excitement.

She must have finally fallen asleep because before she knew it she heard a bustling noise. It was Daddy coming in from the morning milking! "Ho ho ho!!" he called to the family. "Time for Christmas!" Marianne scrambled out of bed, through the kitchen, and into the living room. There under the tree was the most beautiful doll almost as tall as she was! She was dressed all in red and white and if you squeezed her arms together her lips puckered outward and she made a kissing sound! Marianne loved her right away! He did get inside. He did!

Author's note: I am guessing the year was ca. 1960-61 and I had just turned three or four. The events of that Christmas Eve were so real I have never doubted what I saw. It really happened. Really!

I wish I still had my Kissy doll! I miss her. Apparently some little girls didn't love their Kissy to death like I did mine. I found these photos online. Isn't she pretty?

Happy Birthday to Me!

2011-12-04T17:51:00.003-07:00

My birthday was two days after Thanksgiving last week but preparations for a big gift were already in place way before the actual day. For a very long time I have wished for a window seat to be built in the bump-out front window of our living room. It is the perfect spot for sitting under a quilt on a cold day and reading a good book! Those dreams almost came true about six years ago when a good neighbor offered to build one for me. Alas, the money had to be spent on some other silly thing like new brakes for the car or some such nonsense!

Enter my handy son-in-law, Nick. He will tell you it was really because he wanted to use his brand-new circular saw, but I know that deep inside he really likes me! He announced to me about two weeks before my birthday that he was going to build a window seat for me as my gift. I was so thrilled! The little House on the Corner is on her way to her Craftsman style transformation. (Oh yes, I have big plans!) Here are a few photos of the process. See what you think!

I thought he looked a bit uncomfortable, but really, he was having a great time!

Here is the seat all framed in.

I talked him into putting board and batten paneling on the front.

It is my fondest wish to have it go all around the room. (Maybe next birthday?)

He finished the paneling and put two lift-top doors in with piano hinges.Pretty nifty! My linen closet is heaving a big sigh in anticipation of my quilts going to live in the window seat!

He wouldn't even let me paint. He wanted to do it all by himself because it was my gift.

Here it is all finished. I love how the lighting was best for this picture. Kind of like a heavenly glow!

My mother bought the fabric for the cushions as her birthday gift to me. I am anxious to start sewing tomorrow!

It was so wonderful to have my mother here for nearly a month.

She is now basking in the warmth that is Arizona...sigh!

Monday is her 89th birthday so you Zonies down there had better treat her to lots of cake! (Does she look anywhere near 89? I think not!)

I love you Mom! Happy Birthday!!

We Are Thankful!

2011-11-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

It seems life is so hard these days for everyone. Hard economically, physically, difficult to avoid the harsh immorality that surrounds us. I have, however, felt this week that life could not be better! We are healthy and we love each other. We have food on our table and the Gospel of Jesus Christ to guide us. There are hard and everyday present trials we are going through, but I know that God loves us. His blessings and promises are sure!

This year Grandma came over the river and through the airport to see us! We are so glad she is here! We had Nick and Diana and the grandbirdies Evie and Augie. Chris and Christina Faria joined us for Thanksgiving day along with Christiana's brother Tim from Maryland by way of BYU Idaho. The house was full, the food was good, and I am happy.

"Blessings" rising! Yum!

Lots of pie too. Britt got a head start on her Christmas wrapping.

Technology was never far away. These sights amused me!

It never hurts to have a sense of humor when consuming mass quantities of pie!

The Grandbirdies were chirpy and happy (that they were not turkeys)!

We had Grandma Helen to serve up our pie.

By the end of the day the Little House on the Corner was half-way lit for Christmas too!

I hope your Thanksgiving Day was as lovely as ours. Blessings to you all!

Four More Years!!

2011-11-17T08:38:00.000-07:00

Normally that cry is for a candidate that the people wast to re-elect. Today I am pleased to ask for four more years and on into forever for my Diana and her sweetheart Nick. I cannot believe it has been four years but they have been fun and never dull with Nick around! He is currently working on a special project for me for my birthday next week. I can't wiat to show you all!

Four years ago today it was a lovely 73 degrees in American Fork, Utah. A beautiful day all around. I was so happy for my girl. happy that she had found someone she loved.

Hey Nick and Diana...Four more years to infinity and beyond!

Time Travel Tuesdays~Eat Like a Pilgrim!

2011-11-15T11:26:00.001-07:00

Today we travel back in time to last night. Lame? No! Pretend it is the year 1621 and you are attending the first Thanksgiving feast in Plymouth Colony. That's what we did last night! We were time travelers in the Show Barn at Thanksgiving Point as we attended "Eat Like a Pilgrim".

We entered the hall at 6:00 p.m. and saw this lovely sight, tables all set with real pewter plates, mugs, and goblets. "Pilgrims" escorted us to our seats and then invited us to walk about and see all that was there.

The Master met a nice Pilgrim lady who is actually a teacher with the Alpine School District and a historian as well. They had much to talk about as you can well imagine! She invited him to travel to Plymouth and Jamestown with her group in 2 years. (Not unless I get to go too!)

There were Pilgrim games to play and exhibits of artifacts to see.

Soon the dinner bell was rung and we all gathered. (The pilgrim boys here were having way too much fun!)

The men were instructed to wear their large muslin napkins in the proper way.

Men were considered more "active" eaters and therefore had to drape themselves, messy guys!

We were served a lovely salad of greens, cheat bread (basically sour dough), roasted turkey & pork, corn pudding, and stewed pumpkins and squash. I liked it all! We had only a knife and large spoon because that is what the Pilgrims ate with. Governor Brewster reminded us all that the Good Lord gave us all "10 good fingers with which to eat". Most of us could not bring ourselves to eat our meat with our fingers, and minus a fork we all got creative! Using the knife for the meat was fine as Richard demonstrates, but eating salad greens with a spoon was a challenge.

Our final course was dessert! We were served a yummy berry cobbler.

There was no whipped cream. Pilgrims thought cow's milk was unclean and preferred goat milk.

Some Moms might like a set of these in the backyard!

This is sweet Jupiter, the goat Brittany loves!

The lady in charge of the evening looking a bit harried. Kami can relate, we are sure!

As the dinner progressed we were roused form our seats for a tug of war between the English and the Natives. Nick helped the Englishmen take down Squanto's team! There was dancing. The Master and I were the head couple in our group. Whew! What a great what to burn off that cheat bread and cobbler!

There were also many Pilgrims placed into the stocks for various violations.

One poor man had a wife he could not control. She had things upon her legs that only a man should wear and her head was not properly covered. Shame! I do like the fact that HE got the punishment!

Big Changes at the Little House!

2011-11-07T14:17:00.001-07:00

The Master of the house loves all living things. He scoops up spiders and puts them outside rather than smashing their guts all over my floors. He lets the little volunteer tomatoes grow in the garden even if they are coming up in-the middle of his peppers (he learned that one from my Dad). If he went overboard and planted 20 flower seeds where only one should be, he turns his head away with a pained look as I commit herbicide by thinning out the seedlings as they are choking each other out (yeah, they don't like each other!). So when our two aspen trees came down with a fungus four years ago he hoped they would get over it, which they did off and on for the next three summers. This year, however, after they put on their spring green, the leaves all turned a sickly black-spotted brown and looked just awful. Master Dee finally admitted they had seen their last summer and it pained him greatly. Son-in-law Nick, Jack-of-all-trades and tool-guy extraordinaire was itching to borrow a chainsaw and get the job done. It happened last weekend. Dee stood back with a grim look on his face and Richard and Nick began the task. Soon, a mighty CRACK was heard through the neighborhood and the first tree fell with a sick thud in the Master's heart. It was followed by the second tree and the deed was done. It was for the best as the men soon discovered. Both trees not only had the fungus but were infested with bores.

I think having the two trees gone makes the Little House on the corner look bigger. Compare the photo in the right column of my blog to the one below.

I realize it may be hotter next summer but if I get my dream we shall one day have a deep, covered front porch to help with that!

The Little House also got a little facelift with a fresh coat of paint on the front door and stair railings that were chipped and rusty. They are now a shiny black, and the door went from "Beluga" black to "Fig Leaf" green. I love the fall wreath against the green. (I just noticed my little wreath is off center...argh! The perfectionist in me is bugged!)

We are all ready for winter, at least on the outside. I am so not ready for cold winds and snow and we have already had some! How are things at your little house?

Plenty of Orange Around Here!

2011-10-29T23:30:00.001-06:00

Last Monday, while Rachel was still here, we held our annual Jack-o-lantern carving night. Rachel had requested gingerbread cookies even though we usually make sugar cookies. What's an indulgent mother to do? Halloween gingerbread was really fun!

I found five fat pumpkins at Macey's just hours before. I got lucky. If I had arrived at the store any later in the afternoon I would have been out of luck. I could not believe how depleted the supply was until I realized it was Family Home Evening night in Utah County! I think everyone in the city was carving pumpkins, or at least buying them last Monday!

My kids always get creative. This year was no exception!

Below are Brittany's cute creation on the left, and one of Rachel's on the right.

In this photo Rachel's 2nd pumpkin is on the left. It's the Deathly hallows symbol from Harry Potter. I am annoyed that I cut half of it off because it kind of looks like a sailboat here! The one in the center is Richard's. They tell me it's the symbol from "The Red Lantern" in the comics.

Nick and Diana showed up a bit late but Nan came prepared for a unique experiment so Britt helped her.

Here are the finished products. Pretty, right?

Diana got the idea from my Country Living magazine.
She painted the pumpkins then used Mod Podge to apply wrapping paper. In the magazine they copied fabric and printed it out on paper. I love the toile on the cover. She liked the results and wants to do it again next year, having learned a few things the hard way on this trial!

So, are you all ready for the big night on Monday? I have never been a huge Halloween fan but enjoy watching the kids have fun. Hope you all don't eat too much candy!

Field Trip Time!

2011-10-24T22:52:00.000-06:00

Last week was Fall Break. In our house that means everyone is home including our teacher father. Fun! Rachel was even home from college so we took Friday afternoon to go up to the University of Utah (gasp!) and view one of her art pieces that has been in an art show at the Marriott Library. The piece was a book she made in her print making class last spring. It was her final project and I think it is amazing!

Here is my girlie and her book. It opens like an accordion which is very cool and she made the pretty end papers on the inside of each cover. The subject is "Dante's Inferno". I will let Rachel tell you how she made the prints...

Hey there, hi there, ho there folks! Please excuse my fake smile in the above picture. I acknowledge the fact I could have tried a little harder to look happy.

Mom asked me if I could take a minute and explain to you all how I created this book.

The images you see below on the white paper were printed with the zinc intaglio method. (Pronounced "In-tal-e-oh.")
Step 1: Draw out pictures. I used ballpoint pen.

Step 2: I took 3"x4" zinc plates and covered them in a substance called 'hard ground.' I honestly have no idea what hard ground is, but if any of you have ever played around with 'scratch boards' it's a little like that.

Step 3: I took the ballpoint pen drawings and placed them behind tracing paper and traced over them with pencil. When I was done with that, I placed the tracing paper (graphite side down) on top of the hard ground covered plates and ran them through a high powered press transferring the graphite onto the hard ground.

Step 4: I took a long, sharp etching needle and and followed my graphite lines over the hardground and scratched it away, revealing the zinc plate beneath.

Step 5: After I had scratched away all the pencil lines, I was left with a hard ground plate that had shiny silver lines of zinc showing. I took the plates and placed them in--duhn, duhn, duhnnn--an acid bath. (Not strong enough to eat my hands off, thank heavens, because I got it alll over my hands.) After letting it soak in the acid for...8-10 minutes I took it out, cleaned the hard ground off and I was left with a clean plate.

Step 6: I then scraped ink over the lines and ran them through the press again, at an even higher pressure, and that is how I got the final image. (Of course this was just the lines. The shaded areas were done with a different method entirely, but that's even harder to explain. So I won't bother.)

The words on the above page, and Dante's face on the page right before that were just printed off from a computer. Sorry to disappoint everyone...I might be awesome, but I'm not that awesome.
After all the above steps were repeated 9 times, and then printed 12 times each (For a total of 111 pieces of paper cut down to size and 111 times of running it through the press) I assembled 6 books by hand. I think I got a total of 5 hours of sleep that week.

If you have any other questions just Facebook me. I'm too lazy to type anymore.

Isn't she awesome, and funny? I agree!

For Sale

2011-10-18T18:03:00.000-06:00

Looking for a gift for the sweet lady in your life? Want to treat yourself to something pretty? Click on my link and see what I currently have for sale!Click here to go to... Miss Mari Creations

I have been working hard at getting the sewing room organized and I am ready to begin sewing again. If you don't see anything you like, or if an item disappears (sold!) just send me an Email at alittlebirdtoldmari@gmail.com and I will see what kind of custom order I can create for you!

I'd love it if you could spread the word. I'd love to make a little holiday cash! Thanks y'all!

Time Travel Tuesdays~Wigging Out in the 70's

2011-10-11T13:24:00.001-06:00

October weather is finally here. Utah is so weird. We are HOT, HOT, HOT one day and it snows the next. Mainly our days are cool, cloudy, and pleasant though! It's putting me in the mood for hot cocoa, and maybe some soup for dinner. I was working on some of Mom's photos the other day in a file labeled, "George and Helen's family 1970's". It full of old Kodachrome color faded pictures of chunky me and a lot of strange beehive hairstyles! There is a group of them that is labeled "October 11th 1970", which is very cool because today is October 11th! It was a Sunday afternoon and Mom was in the mood for picture taking. Please ignore awkward, 8th grade me and look instead at the glorious 70'ish style we are all sporting.

First we have the lady whose idea this photo shoot was...Helen Hamblin Ellsworth and her sweet husband George! I love this picture for a few reasons. First, Dad's hair is still in his trademark flat top. He wore it that way after his stint in the Army Air Corps in WWII up through about 1976. Also, no matter how far he got from those Army days he still stood at attention for pictures.

Shoulders back! Chest out! Suck in that gut!

Then there is Mom's hair...er, wig. That's right wigs were all the rage back then! He real hair was frosted this silvery color and usually stood about that tall anyway. It's just that sometimes a gal doesn't want to fix her own hair, right?

The next photo is of Dad with his then youngest grandchild, Eileen Black. She was a little dolly!

Knee socks were a big fad and I love hers, which are technically thigh socks on those short little legs, but who's going to get that picky?

Here we all are! The whole gang minus my brother Richard who was serving his mission in Australia, and camera shy bro-in-law Jay. That's me on the left holding Juan the chihuahua. Next is my lil' sis Georgena apparently bossing her nephew Edwin around because he is standing in front of his sister Jalyn. You can see Jalyn's VERY blonde wiglet sticking up. That's right. I said, "wiglet". It looked like a small fluffy dog and you hooked it into your real hair so you could have awesome height on your head. (We all had one.) Next is my big sis Sharon in a boat necked dress with a brooch on the side. What's that on her head? You guessed it! Her hands are on little Norman who never smiled for a picture until he was maybe 12 years old! Eileen, sporting those thigh socks is next to him, and behind her is my sister-in-law Renda. Big brother Dean comes last and he looks like he is about to tell someone off as well. Cute little Renda was expecting her first baby who turned out to be a very LARGE Tyler Dean Ellsworth...we are talking about 11 pounds or so? Wait! What's that on Renda's head??? That's right, a wig. Why? Because they were IN, and because she was a beauty school graduate who worked at

The Wig Shop on E. University Dr., and my mother went crazy with her discount!

Lastly, as if the previous photo wasn't enough to wet your "Pre-Brady Bunch" senses ...we moved to the sidewalk to pose in front of Dad's work truck. I am actually glad we have this picture because I loved that old truck. You see, we had moved "into town" from the dairy out on N. Recker and when I heard that rattling pick-up pull up in our carport I knew my Daddy was home! This is in front of our house at 323 N. Hunt Drive in Mesa. Why is there a cage on the back of Dad's truck? For hauling bawling little calves around on the farm, and for caging up a bunch of wig-crazy women when you couldn't take it any more!

P.S. Don't hate my hair. Mom made me do it. And yes, this is mid October in Mesa, Arizona. It was probably in the high 80's, thus, the thigh socks on the baby! We were chilly.

Is That Dog Smiling?

2011-10-04T09:15:00.000-06:00

Look closely.

I do believe he's smiling!

And those ears are flying in the wind!

Bye bye Cone of Shame!

Not One Stitch!!

2011-10-03T09:23:00.003-06:00

It has been exactly 8 days since I have sewn anything. Wow! I feel rested and ready to get started on some new projects. I'll be sewing some pretty pillows for Britt's new bedroom from some pretty blue and white toile. I'll show you pictures when I am done.

Today is a big day in this guy's life...

Poor Samwise had an infection on his under-side and wouldn't leave it alone. The vet gave him antibiotics, an anti-inflammatory, and...we hated to do it...

Oh no! The Cone of Shame!

Here he is on the ride home from the vet two weeks ago, so confused!

Fear not! He found ways to adapt! My Mom left her memory foam pillow here...it conforms to his neck making sleep much more comfy! (Don't tell Grandma!)

Yes. Gloom set in.

Sam even got Dee to let him sulk on his lap.

It was prescribed for one week. Last Monday was the day it was supposed to come off. I took him in, dreading the verdict because I knew it hadn't quite cleared up. We left feeling very blue. One more week in the cone. Sadness! The poor little guy has had to try to sleep in this thing, eat with it on, and be his normal energetic self. I think he is confused and depressed. Heck, I would be too!! I hope that by 2:45 today we can kick that cone to the backseat and enjoy a happy drive home with our heads out the window, ears flying in the wind. (Well, I'll be driving. Sam can let his ears fly!)

General Conference was wonderful! I felt inspired to be a better person, to be more diligent and faithful. I was thrilled to hear President Monson announce a new temple for Provo. They are saving the burnt out Provo Tabernacle! Last time I drove by, it looked like this...

It has been cleaned up since this awful night last December.

We in Utah Valley have been anxious to know the fate of that beautiful old building. Would it be salvageable or would they have to demolish it? Now we know!

Here is the artist's conception of what it will look like when the new temple is completed.

Now the speculation begins. What will it be called since we already have a temple in Provo? "Provo Temple South?" The Downtown Temple"? A thought just struck me. Is there any other city in the world that has two LDS temples in it? I don't think so!

Well, off to my day of cleaning, sewing pillows, and hopefully shedding shameful cones! Have a good one!

Time Travel Tuesdays~

2011-09-27T06:23:00.002-06:00

My Farmer's Market season is over. (big sigh of relief) I loved it, but I am ready for a rest. I will now get my new sewing room organized and sew things a bit more slowly. I am helping Miss Britt make some blue toile pillows for her bed and reupholster the stool for the new (old) vanity we found on Craig's List. She will be over today to begin sanding and getting it ready for a shabby chic paint job. I'll be sure to show you the before and after photos.

Now that I can slow down on the aprons and not crank them out like a maniac, I have been thinking about another sweet time I had with an apron and a little blondie girl. The year was 1981 and I was a senior student at Brigham Young University. I am glad that I finished my Education degree but the worst part about it was leaving my sweet little Sarah with a sitter while I was in classes. One day I walked home from campus south on 400 East in Provo to the sitter's house. As I got closer I could see that she was out on her front porch with her own child and the three little charges she took care of enjoying the lovely spring day. When Sarah looked up and saw me coming her face lit up and she called, "Momma!" At that exact moment the cute little boy standing next to her planted both hands into her lower back and shoved her off of the porch! I was horrified! How could anyone hurt my angel girl? I rushed forward, scooped up my baby (she was only 1 year old!) and took her home. My heart hurt for her. How quickly our happy lives can be turned upside down! I decided to make my girl happy the best way I knew how. I did the same things my own Momma would have done for me. We walked home to our little apartment, snuggled up on the couch, and read a book, most likely "The Little Red Hen" which was her favorite at the time. Then we went into the kitchen and made some yummy sugar cookies together.

Now THAT"S an apron!

The apron was a wedding gift. It came with a corn cob pot holder to match the corn cob pocket! I tied it up under her armpits just like my Mom did for me when we made cookies together. She had the best time and I think both of our hearts were healed from the rude injustice that had been inflicted upon us earlier. Cookies make everything better!

This same little girl is, as I type, winging her way home from Italy. She has spent her fourth summer in a row in Siena and Florence, with a brief layover in Scotland to visit a dear friend. I will be glad to hear from her after she lands in Toronto. I always feel better when she is back on North American soil. I still want to protect her from the meanies of the world!

I will be taking photos of the aprons I have left and posting them for sale on my blog. I'll let you know when I get that done. Hopefully later today!

Time Travel Tuesdays~

2011-09-20T08:50:00.000-06:00

I have had the most nostalgic feelings for my growing-up years lately. Maybe it's because my sweet mother was with me for three weeks after the surgery. She went home last Wednesday and I sure do miss her! We spent some time looking at old photos together and I got to ask her lots of questions about the good old days. It got me wondering about some of my old favorite things about my Mesa home.

One of those favorites was this sign way out on East Main Street. The Diving Lady at the Starlight Motel fascinated me. I would beg for Mom and Dad to drive by her at night so I could watch her perform her daring and perfect dive.

I love this black and white photo. Wasn't my childhood captured in black and white?? This is time lapsed. She only lights up one place at a time until she would completely disappear into the water with hardly a splash. Give her a 10!!

Here is the old Starlight during the day. I miss palm trees in my life...

Tragedy struck our Diving Lady in October of last year when a violent wind took her down, all 70 feet of her! Looks like the old pole just gave way. Word was that she was gone for good. There was no money to restore her. No!

From the East Valley Tribune:
"Portions of the nationally known Diving Lady neon sign of the Starlite Motel in east Mesa have been taken apart and she's on the "operating table" at Graham's Neon Electric Sign Specialists in Mesa so workers can see what's needed to fix her. The 78-foot tall neon sign, which features a bikini-clad lady in three stages of a springboard dive, needs to be completely rebuilt.
"We're figuring out how we're going to make her look pretty again," said Larry Graham, owner of Graham's Neon, who has brought two workers on board full-time to help restore the sign. Graham is donating $6,000 worth of labor toward the $65,000 restoration project."

Recently, the Diving Lady has made an appearance at a local mall to show her progress. Oh, how I wish I could see her up close!

I used to crane my neck in the car window to get the full effect. In a world where magic was pulling on a string to make your doll talk, things like this really impressed me! I am so happy she is getting a second chance at life! May she dive for many more generations!

MAGIC!

So Much TO Do...So What Am I To Do?

2011-09-12T09:02:00.000-06:00

Just go about your life as usual but if it hurts, STOP! That's the advice given to me Wednesday when my surgical wrap was removed. The last 5 days have been an experiment in just how much I can do. Opening a jar? No. Pressing the lever of our front door? No. Squeezing the manual can opener? Uh uh. Chopping vegetables with my big knife? Nope. Popping the lid
off of a can of no-stick spray or hair mousse? Ha ha. Crocheting little critters and toys for the next Farmer's Market? Dream on...

I tried to take it easy the first few days and gradually add things I could do. By Friday night I knew I had done too much. Even though doing dishes and folding laundry didn't hurt at the time, it all added up to one really sore hand at the end of the week. Today I have been what I feel is lazy, but guess what? My hand doesn't hurt. Sigh...

One thing I can do carefully is run my sewing machine. I owe so much love to Diana for finishing what I started before surgery. I cut out 6 aprons and sewed all of the hems on all of the ruffles. I also sewed the neck and waist ties and hemmed the apron bodies. Diana has come over several nights after work and gathered 18 ruffles and sewn them to the apron bodies! She has saved me hours of work and made it so that I can have a good inventory for the market this Friday. My task is to put the aprons together now. I have finished three.

My sweet 88 year old mother has diligently sat and crocheted for two weeks. She has upped my inventory of Jack-o-lanterns from zero to 6. I made a bunch of corny Candy Corn guys a month ago but I have only three ghosties and one witch, it will have to do. It will have to do! Thanks Momma for your love and help!

I think I can have four of these little Hootie Owls done

YIKES!!! I had better get busy!!

In other news...Britt moved out into a condo of her own just a week after my surgery I feel badly that I couldn't do anything to help her. She is very happy and anxious to get her bedroom decorated. It's a darling place, owned by a young couple who had great taste. She has two fun roommates and they are looking forward to fun times in their cute place!

Darling, Huh?!

The a-fore mentioned news means that at long last Miss Mari has her own sewing room!! It's a mess right now and I cannot do much about that, but I am excited to get it put together in the coming months. Now that I know I can be successful at the Farmer's Market I plan on sewing and creating all year long with that in mind.I will soon be ready to take custom orders as well. My hand just needs a bit more time.

Love to you all!

~The one-handed seamstress!

A Stitch in Mine!

2011-09-08T08:51:00.000-06:00

Exactly two weeks ago at this very hour I was in pre-surgery with my dear sister Gena. I was waiting to be wheeled back to the operating room for my carpal tunnel release surgery. Gena was such a love to come all of the way from Denver to be with me. It was the 3rd day of school and Dee was not able to get time off, Brittany had to work, and I just wanted someone there that I loved when I woke up. I love my visiting teachers but it isn't the same. (It's nice to know they would have done it for me though.)

I am happy to report that while it hasn't been easy, it looks as though the surgery was a great success. Since the doctor went in and cut the carpal tendon that was pinching my nerves I have not had one incident of tingling, pain, or numbness! It is so great to be able to get through a day without the pain or annoyance!

I have included a few pictures at the end of this post. Look if you want to. They are not that gruesome, just some stitches in my palm. Gena wrote a funny post about how I behaved while under the influence of drugs. It is really quite funny and I cannot be mad at her. Read it here.

My Mom has been with me these last two weeks and I get her or 6 more days too! She is nearly 89 years old and still as active and healthy as she can be. I haven't asked much of her, just help getting dressed the first few days, and the making of pretty great sandwiches for lunch each day. I have to reign her in to keep her from doing too much, actually! Those of you who know her can believe this for sure. She has been crocheting pumpkins for my next Farmer's Market while my hand is out of commission and has gotten five done! I have been able to run my sewing machine for the last few days and it has been nice to get going again. Diana has come over a few times and kept the aprons going for me so much so that I have five ready to go! THANK YOU to everyone who has helped me!

Here is my poor little hand all snuggly wrapped after surgery. Look at those little swollen fingers!

This wrap was finally removed yesterday, not a minute too soon! The itching was driving me crazy and it was starting to smell really bad!

Here is my hand once the four stitches were removed yesterday. There is some bruising but most of that blue is from the ink they used for drawing the incision line and...I had forgotten that they had me write "YES" with the pen before the surgery. They weren't taking any chances on cutting into the wrong hand! I laughed when I saw the writing still there. I was thinking "YES! That awful wrap is gone!"

Here I am all cleaned up and on the way home. Such a relief!

I'll be posting more photos soon of the new aprons I am completeing. After the Farmer's Market season is over I can start in on custom orders. I know a few of you have asked about it.

Thanks for hanging in there with me!

I Wish I Had Some Minions

2011-08-24T15:01:00.001-06:00

If I had my own minions today I would not be so tired. They could do all of the running around, house cleaning, etc...that I have been doing to get ready for my carpal tunnel surgery tomorrow. Instead, I have been on my own and I am running out of energy fast! It wouldn't be so bad if I hadn't been awake, I mean WIDE awake, since 2:30 this morning.

On the bright side, my sister Gena and my mother are zooming their way here from Denver today to help me out tomorrow and through the weekend. Mom will stay on for a few weeks. I am looking forward to some quiet days relaxing with my Mommy while everyone else is out of the house for the day!

So...I do have one minion. It is probably because I spend my evenings crocheting things like him that I am having this surgery tomorrow, but I just can't stop! Isn't he cute?! He is a special order for the sweetest little boy who comes to my booth at the Farmer's Market every time I am there. He is my biggest fan. I am glad I finished his minion before my hand is out of commission for a few weeks.

Oh! See that little link button on my blog, just to the left of Mr. Minion? That's what else I have been working on. There are no prices up yet as I will not be able to sew anything for awhile. I'll let you know when I am up and running. Check it out and tell me what you think!

I'll be keeping up with all of you...just not typing anything for awhile! See you soon!

Geysers and Sulphur Pots

2011-08-21T18:56:00.000-06:00

Do you like the smell of rotten eggs? Of course not! You would not be my friend if you did! I was not prepared for the smell of a great deal of the tourist sights in Yellowstone National Park. I knew about the geysers and the hot springs. The boiling mud pots and the steam rising off of the pools...I knew about it all, except for that smell!

I did NOT realize the Yellowstone sits on top of the world's largest volcanic caldera. No wonder it is so hot and active there! Duh! Did I not see "Dante's Peak", the corniest disaster movie since "Earthquake"? The two skinny dipping tourists jump into the hot spring for a rendezvous i the wideness, one of them says, "Ew! What's that smell?" Then suddenly the water starts to boil and they are deep-fried in a pool of acidic water. Well, not me mister! I stayed on the board walks that the nice Rangers built for us. There are signs everywhere telling you to say on the walkways and not to touch the water. The ground is unstable, stay off! I saw a few people who did not believe these signs would have anything to do with them. Kryptonians? Maybe!

Pretty big sign, and self-explanatory! My cute father-in-law missed this one and had to turn around with his little doggie.

Some of the pools are so blue because the silica in the sand is so white.

Prehistoric looking!

I minded! I did see a little boy stick his fingers in the water.

Let's see. Boiling...acid...what don't you get?

The Master and I are steaming hot!!

Boiling mud!

This is a video of the boiling mud. Pretty cool (in a "neat-o" kind of way)!

And here is the grand Geyser of them all..."Old Faithful"! I was like a little kid waiting to see this guy! I had heard about him my whole life. What I learned is that he teases his audience with steam and bursts of water for about 20 minutes before he blows his top! The crowd grew restless and the people waaay down on the end started the wave! It was so funny! I stood there watching this amazing American icon while hearing Japanese, Taiwanese, French, German, Korean, Norwegian, Aussies, and Brits. It was like being at Disney land, for Pete's sake!

I wanted to stay and see it again! It was so beautiful! But Old Faithful only goes off once every 90 minutes or so, and it was late in the afternoon. I hope we can go again someday. Even with the smell, it is a wonderful place. I can see why old Teddy loved it so much! (It only smells bad around the hot spots too, in case you were wondering!)

Beautiful Yellowstone!

2011-08-18T19:21:00.000-06:00

We are back from the wilderness! If you have never been to Yellowstone National Park, and I never had, you must go at least once. It is so beautiful and as untouched by man as it can be in a lot of areas. It was so wonderful to see the riverbanks and meadows unmarred by campgrounds and trails, trash and A.T.V. tracks.

We are at what was at one time the main entrance to the park just outside of Mammoth, Montana. Theodore Roosevelt dedicated it, so it is named the Roosevelt Gate.

He is one of Dee's favorites, "The Great One" to be sure!

Bully!

Bully, I say!

Richard and his cousin Conner by one of the hundreds of uprooted trees. Their roots are amazingly beautiful! They grow for awhile near the sulpher springs, then when they have absorbed enough of the silica they die.

We were so close to this elk we could have taken a few steps to touch her. Isn't she beautiful?

We saw this bald eagle on the way out of the park the first night. It gave me chills! Glorious!

We came upon this herd of bison the second morning. They were close to the road...or IN the road too. I could easily look out across that landscape and imagine it just as it was several hundred years ago.

Wildflowers were everywhere!

Conner, Richard, Bridger, & Dee looking out over the Yellowstone River. Yes, it's only a 1,000 foot drop. Lean over a bit more Bridger!

The Yellowstone River. Have I used the word "magnificent" yet?

Purple mountains' majesty. Sometimes there were no words.

I include this video so you can hear the unique sound of the buffalo. Just after Dee shot this video we high-tailed it for the safety of the car. The big bull kept coming and didn't sound too happy!

Next time...

Geysers and sulfur springs.

I hope you like the smell of rotten eggs!

No Photos...

2011-08-13T07:08:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was the second Farmer's Market at Thanksgiving Point. I am exhausted. I am also building up quite a savings account. I began with over 20 aprons. I now have 10. I am running out of inventory, fast! My Crocheted Critters and Produce Pals are nearly gone. What's a gal to do?

*I have exactly 10 days until my carpal tunnel release surgery.

*I leave tomorrow afternoon with Dee and Richard for a few days in and around Yellowstone where we will meet up with Dee's parents.

*That leaves six days of sewing until my right hand is out of commission for a few weeks.

Here's the plan:

1. Cut out as many apron pieces as I can.
2. Sew as many apron pieces as I can.
3. Leave the rest to Diana and maybe Gena and my mother if they want to help. (Did I mention they are coming to help me post-surgery?)
4. Crochet my little fingers off every evening. (OH! Just wait until you see the Halloween-y things I am making!)

The bottom line is that I have found the market for the aprons. They did dismally at the Bliss Boutique until I took special orders for Christmas (NOT doing that in December ever again).Ladies coming to the Bliss Boutique are looking for jewelry, amazing hand bags, and darling, trendy clothing. People coming to the Farmer's Market are looking for handmade, unique, and fun. I have had the best time meeting them!

I am creating a new blog to show what aprons I have available for immediate purchase and what ones I can make on custom orders. It may be another week before it is ready. Or maybe longer...

Farmer's Market

2011-08-07T19:30:00.000-06:00

I became a business woman on Friday. We set up my booth at the Thanksgiving Point Farmer's Market out on Water Tower Plaza that hot afternoon. Thankfully, it wasn't long until we were mostly in shade from the buildings. I wasn't too nervous about being there, only worried about whether anyone would buy anything. I didn't want all of the hard work my children had put into helping me to be for nothing. Who would want a silly little crocheted critter anyway? I know my aprons are good but I worried...

The "Produce Pals" were a big hit! They pulled the kids right into the booth and got their Moms looking around. The first sale I made was a credit card. Nick set me up with this great app for the I pad. It has a free card swiper so I could do the transactions on the wireless network. It all went so well except that I accidentally voided the sale after the cute lady left! It was a $28 apron too! I just sighed and chalked it up to my nerves and inexperience! It's OK because I sold a lot of aprons after that, and took a custom order for a party banner for Halloween. The sales far exceeded my expectations and I was so relieved! I am actually looking forward to next Friday. In the meantime I will be sewing my little heart out. If you need to find me I'll be upstairs at my machine.

Open For Business

2011-08-04T10:00:00.001-06:00

It started out so innocently...I made a few cute aprons for my girls for Christmas. I made some for their friends, and for some shower gifts. People started telling me how darling they were so I sold a few on Etsy, then a dozen or so at a local boutique. Now I have a daughter working at Thanksgiving Point and she has encouraged me to set up a booth at the Thanksgiving Point Farmer's Market. I will be there for the next two Fridays, and the first two Fridays in September. My room looks like a fabric store exploded but with lots of help from Dee, Nick, Diana, Rachel, and Brittany it's all coming together!

My creative juices started flowing a few months ago and I have made some really cute pennat/bunting flags for parties and special occasions. I have also crocheted myself into a carpel tunnel surgery later this month (really). Wish me luck!

The kids wanted to stage as "faux" set-up last night. (I think they are having fun!)

I have to run! I have more sewing to do to get ready for this thing. I have a few aprons to finish and some table cloths to make. I'll let you know if I survive!

About A Girl & A Horse

2011-07-31T19:59:00.002-06:00

More New Mexico Fun! The characters in this poem are real. Any likeness to anyone you may know was intentional.

There once was a girl

who went for a ride.

Her sis came along.

They rode side by side.

One horse got spooked.

The other one charged,

left its' rider behind

and headed for the yard.

She landed on her bum.

Cousin Tom came on the run.

"Help me up!

Can't sit still!

I'm on an ant hill!

Dorothy, the nurse,

from an AZ E.R.

Said, "Girl you are fine.

How lucky you are!"

"Don't tell my Mom!"

this cowgirl declared.

I don't want her worrying

or being too scared.

Later that night

sis slipped her some ice

for cooling her ouchie

it felt really nice.

To her mother she lied,

said she was just a bit sore.

But Wes the nurse knew

there had to be more.

He questioned her fully.

Her story was known.

Her mama did worry!

Had she broken a bone?

Now three weeks later

she hobbles around.

Her back needs adjusting.

From horses she is ground (-ed)!

Now she's too sore to jump,
or even to dance.
She's just a girl
with ants in her pants!!

I promised not to say which cowgirl it was. You must guess!

Time Travel Tuesdays~

2011-07-26T18:14:00.001-06:00

Pioneers and Present Day Saints

Me in the early 1060's at a Primary Pioneer Day celebration. Mesa Twelfth Ward, Mesa, AZ.

I am writing this on Monday, the 25th of July. It is a state holiday here in Utah. The actual date for Pioneer Day is July 24th, but that was a Sunday and we don't do parades on the Sabbath around here, no sir! We like parades and fireworks in this state and they tend to be rowdy, un-Sunday-like affairs, so all state employees get a Monday off and an extra day of Pioneer remembrance.

I grew up in Arizona, descending from pioneers who braved the sun and heat to help make the desert bloom. Before they helped build up Mesa they lived in Utah and were pioneers of the crossing the plains type! I thought it would be fun (and maybe a bit of a chore) to make a list of all of my personal ancestors who made their way west mostly on foot walking alongside wagons or pulling handcarts.

1. Edmund Lovell Ellsworth~ Member of the original Mormon party of 1847. He was the captain of the very first company of handcarts in 1856. He was one of many who crossed the plains several times in service to the Lord, bless their poor tired feet! He eventually settled in Showlow, Arizona.

2. Mary Ann Bates Ellsworth~ She joined the church in England as a young girl and came to America on the same ship that Edmund was on, returning to Utah from a mission to England.. She was a member of the first handcart company, pushing or pulling all the way to Utah. Mary Ann married Edmund in Oct. 1856. Their grandson George Franklin Ellsworth Jr. is my grandfather.

3. Jacob Vernon Hamblin~Came by wagon in 1850 after his wife abandoned him and his four little children. Met and married Rachel Judd along the way. He was asked to help colonize southern Utah and be a missionary and a liaison to native Americans in the area. For many of the natives, he was the first white man they had ever seen. He was called "Father Jacob" by many of them and gained their trust and confidence with his kind, peaceful approach to life. Later married Sarah Priscilla Leavitt. Jacob's son Don Carlos Hamblin is my grandfather.

4. Sarah Priscilla Leavitt Hamblin~Crossed the plains as a young girl of about 6 years of age. She later wrote of adventures with Native Americans and stampeding buffalo herds along the trail. She settled with Jacob in Santa Clara, Utah and became a nurse midwife.

5. Isaiah Hamblin~Traveled by wagon in 1859 with his son Jacob. His wife, Daphne, died along the way. He settled in Tooele, Utah. He was a War of 1812 veteran.

6. Daphne Haynes Hamblin~Came by wagon with her husband and her son's family. She was very ill and died near Council Bluffs, Iowa. She is buried somewhere along the trail there.

7. John Doyle Lee~Left his home in Illinois to Utah with the church. His farm and home were valued at $8,000 in 1847. All he got for it was $12.50 by those who moved into Nauvoo after the Mormons left and would offer no more than pitiful sums of money for the abandoned properties. He was sent to southern Utah to man a ferry across the Colorado River for those who were being sent into Arizona to colonize.

8. Agatha Ann Woolsey Lee~Came across the plains by wagon in 1847 with her five small children & her husband John D. Lee. A baby boy was born to her and died in 1846 as the family camped in Nebraska at Summer Quarters before the main trek began.

9. Jeremiah Leavitt~ Started by wagon, became ill and died at Bonaparte, Iowa in1846.

10. Sarah Studevant Leavitt~ After her husband died she kept on going with 6 children and several of her married children and their families. They had to wait a time because of illness and need of supplies. She arrived in the Salt Lake Valley August 3, 1850 and eventually settled in southern Utah. There is a beautiful statue of her in a park in Santa Clara, Utah.

11. John Wesley Clark~ Left his land holdings, cotton, and cattle in Anderson, Texas, traveled by steamer from Galveston up the Mississippi River to Iowa, then across the Great Plains by wagon in 1853 with his wife Evaline and 4 children. Eventually settled in eastern Arizona.

12. Evaline Brown Clark~Crossed by wagon with her husband and 4 children in 1853. She was pregnant when they began their journey and gave birth to twins near chimney Rock, Nebraska in a covered wagon. She deserves a gold medal for that one!

13. Lucinda Margaret Clark Lee~She was two years old when her family's journey began in 1853. She later married John Willard Lee and settled in eastern Arizona in a little town called Nutrioso. Their daughter Ida Lee Hamblin is my grandmother.

14. William Alexander Follet~Son of King Follett (Joseph Smith preached a famous sermon at his funeral).
He started his journey across the plains in June of 1852 by covered wagon with his wife and small son. They settled in Pima, Arizona. He was a member of the Mormon Battalion called to fight in the Mexican American War.

15. Nancy Mariah Fausett Follett~Crossed the plains at age 25 with her husband William and her 4 year old son. Their daughter Sarah Mariah is my great grand mother.

Fifteen! I am sure I missed someone but these are as many as I could find. I am honored to be descended from them all. These hardy, faithful souls crossed a span of 1300 miles because of what they believed to be true. They loved their God and wanted the freedom to worship him and live in peace. They were persecuted for their beliefs and left all they owned to start over again in a new place. How grateful I am for them!

Many of them sang this song as the put one foot in front of the other. I love to sing it in church today. It always gives me a lump in my throat and a warm, grateful feeling.

Come, come, ye Saints, no toil or labor fear;
But with joy wend your way.
Though hard to you this journey may appear,
Grace shall be as your day.
'Tis better far for us to strive
Our useless cares from us to drive;
Do this and joy your hearts will swell —
All is well! All is well!

Why should we mourn or think our lot is hard?
'Tis not so; all is right.
Why should we think to earn a great reward
If we now shun the fight?
Gird up your loins; fresh courage take.
Our God will never us forsake;
And soon we'll have this tale to tell —
All is well! All is well!

We'll find the place which God for us prepared,
Far away in the West.
Where none shall come to hurt or make afraid;
There the Saints will be blessed.
We'll make the air with music ring,
Shout praises to our God and King;
Above the rest these words we'll tell —
All is well! All is well!

And should we die before our journey's through,
Happy day! All is well!
We then are free from toil and sorrow, too;
With the just we shall dwell!
But if our lives are spared again
To see the Saints their rest obtain;
Oh, how we'll make this chorus swell —
All is well! All is well!

Bloomin' Bloomfield!

2011-07-22T10:03:00.002-06:00

Last week the kids and I took a seven hour trip to Uncle Dean & Aunt Renda's house in Bloomfield, New Mexico. Bloomfiled is a special place to us because it is where my parents retired to. We would visit every summer and the kids thought it was a heavenly place with Grandpa's big shady trees, orchard, and massive garden. You can play a lot of hide and seek amongst giant corn stalks and berry bushes.When my brother Dean retired he bought himself a little piece of heaven and is becoming that kind of grandpa himself! My mother and sister Gena came from Denver, Richard and Sherri came from Gilbert, AZ and we had a nice siblings reunion. Here are a few of the things we did to have fun.

There are always plenty of cards and Farkle.

No card game would be complete without the M&Ms, an Ellsworth staple.

With so many people and limited bathroom space, one has to be resourceful in putting on make-up!

Renda is the best grandma! She set up a Play Dough station in her kitchen. I wanted to play!

Here's The Lone Ranger and Tonto! Wait, that kid's too white to be Tonto. That's actually Cousin Tom & Richard riding Tonka and Pepper.

Sweet Emily on Tonka.

Emily also brought along a croquet game which the cousins took advantage of. They are pretty good!
Here is Brigham taking a swing.

Rachel shows her stuff.

May I say...the next generation of Ellsworth men are mighty handsome! This is Cody. He had just gotten back from football camp in Showlow. He's a Mesa High Jackrabbit but I won't hold that against him!

The good looking guy on the right is Ben. I love this kid's personality! He's so much fun!

Here is Abbie getting ready to blast Ben's ball out of the wicket.

Look at the view in that last photo. It is so lovely out there where Dean has his home. The kids had a great time and...I am out of time today. I have more pictures to share and a funny story about a girl and a horse. Catch you later!

Time Travel Tuesdays~Ninety Years Ago

2011-07-10T17:10:00.012-06:00

July 12, 1921

Imagine yourself in Mesa, Arizona in mid-July. (Not hard for some of you, I know!) Now, put yourself inside this hot, muggy bungalow home with no electricity, which means not even a fan to cool you. Imagine a 37 year old woman in labor for many hours about to give birth. My father, George Dean Ellsworth was born an unbelievable 90 years ago today to that sweet woman, Annie Dean Ellsworth and her husband George Franklin (Frank) Ellsworth. His father described him as "a fine, big, blonde boy".
When I was small and my mother was out running errands we would drive by the YMCA building on East 2nd St. and she would tell me, "that is where the house was, where you father was born."

I honor these women from the past who did without the comforts and medical technology we have today.

This is the Ellsworth home on E. 2nd St. and Mesa Drive. This is the side view. The front is in the following pictures. See the old concrete road?

I remember many of those still being around when I was small in the 60's.

The next photo is of my father at 6 months of age, being held by his mother Annie, beside his father Frank.

Lora, Ruth, and Dora are in front. Notice his cute little knit cap and my Grandmother's coat with a fur collar? January in Mesa can get a bit chilly!

This next picture I have always loved. Here are the girls with their baby dolls and their real baby in the wicker buggy behind them. I love this buggy and dearly wish it was still around! I would love to stand there and picture my big, strong, father tiny enough to fit in it!

This is my favorite photo of my Dad as a small child. I love the sweet look on his face, his very blonde hair, and the smooth baby skin that was untouched by years in the sun and hard work that lay ahead. Do you grand-kids recognize those hands? Even as a little guy he still had his big "Grandpa" hands!

SO...George grew up in the hot Arizona desert and was helpful in making it "bloom as the rose". He worked on, planted, and harvested much of the land that is now under asphalt and sub-divisions. He herded dairy cows on what was literally desert. He swam in dirt-sided canals, rode Old Bill the sway backed horse, out to the fields every morning, had family picnics in desert washes and thought it all was great fun. He and his buddies had plenty of mischief too. They swiped watermelons from the fields of a neighbor who actually knew they would be around and left some for "the boys". They had hay rides out on the desert and built great bonfires. They were good kids from good families, and they were always home in time for their chores. (According to them!) They spent their evenings gathered as families listening to radio shows or singing together. They went to bed with the sun and rose with it too. Life was simpler in so many ways, but harder in a lot of ways too. Just as I marvel at the women who gave birth in such humble circumstances, I give honor to those who went before us to pave the was, as it were, for us to live the good lives we have.

When you got tired you did the sensible thing. You took a good long nap on a sweet quilt that your mother had made. No video games turning boys into mindless mush heads!

It's hard for me to imagine my Dad as a 90 year old. He's been gone for 8 years now but I know he's out there, checking in on us all and shaking that big, gnarly finger at us when we mess up!

Happy Birthday Dad! I'll Love you FOREVER!

COINCIDENCE?

2011-07-08T09:38:00.000-06:00

Do you believe that things often mistaken for coincidence are actually much more? The most amazing thing happened to our family last week. Nick and Diana were nearly home from work when they saw a little dog walking in the road. It was a hot, hot day, he had no collar on, and he looked as if he were very lost. Diana opened her car door and called to the little guy. He came right to her and hopped into her arms. He was a small Jack Russell Terrier, all white with caramel colored ears and that same color of a spot around one eye. This was very endearing to Diana because he reminded her a lot of our dog Sam. He was hot, and thirsty and seemed very happy to be in a cool, air conditioned car. Diana sighed and told Nick, "If we had a little dog like this I would name him Scout."

After bringing him into their home and watching him drink nearly two bowls full of water they took him to our vet at Pet Smart's Banfield Hospital to have him scanned for a micro chip. The gal who did the scan praised them saying that hardly anyone ever does that, and so many pets are micro-chipped theses days that we should all remember to do this for a found animal. Sure enough, the scan showed a chip. He was registered with two Provo phone numbers in 2007 and his name was...

duh DUH DUHN...

Scout. ooo!

Scout came to our house so he could use the facilities in our backyard and cool off in the shade with Sam, who happened to welcome him surprising us all! Pet Smart called the micro chip company who, in turn, called the numbers listed. They got back to Nick saying that the first number was disconnected. Not good! They got through on the second number but had to leave a message. It began to look like we would have him overnight as it was already past 7:00 p.m. That was OK with me because he was a darling little dog and so well mannered. I worried that his owners may have been BYU students who had since moved from Provo and not updated the chip. How long had he been out in the heat wandering? All day? Several days? Diana bathed him and we rubbed some of Sam's cortisone cream on his tummy for the redness and sores he had. She cuddled him and brushed his fur. It was at this point that Nick began to worry about her getting too attached.

Diana: "We could keep him!"

Nick: "Diana! We don't have a yard. We both work all day. And besides, we aren't allowed to have a dog in our condo."

Diana: "But Mom and Dad have a back yard..."

Dee: "Oh no you don't! We don't need another dog!"

Brittany: "But Dad! He's so good! Look how he and Samwise get along!"

Dee: (marching up the stairs) "No, No, NO!

Dee was overheard the next day saying very softly..."come here little doggie! Cute little doggie! Wanna belly rub? Ooh, gooood boy!"

Little Scout did sleep over with us, which was fine. He curled right up with Brittany. I felt so badly for him. He seemed so lost and confused. I hoped that if Sam ever got away from us that someone would find him and be just as good to him. He is micro-chipped as well.

The next day I was at the dentist with Richard and Rachel when Nick called my phone. He had heard from the second number. It was the work # of the mother of the owner. She was so happy and relieved. Scout was a beloved pet and they had been looking for him for a whole day. She was actually crying, she was so relieved! His owners are a young couple who had just recently (like last week) moved to Lehi where Nick and Diana live. He had apparently found a spot under the fence where he could squeeze through. They were devastated. How could he ever find his way home in an unfamiliar neighborhood?

Nick gave her his number and mine as well. Soon, the owner called me. He was overjoyed! He called us heroes. (Nah. We're just dog people with kind hearts.) He was in Salt lake to pick up his wife from Girl's Camp and they would be over as soon as they could. I sent him a photo of Scout on my cell phone so they would be reassured he was fine.

He was chillin' on the sofa with the guys playing Mario Bro.s!

Isn't he cute?

As if the name wasn't coincidence enough...here's where it gets interesting.

Brittany texted me about an hour later and said, "Mom! Guess what? Scout is DaNene's dog! I mean, DaNene's daughter Lyndsey's dog!"

Woah! DaNene is the swim team manager. The team Dee and all of my kids have either coached for or swam for. Britt worked with DaNene for years and years at the front desk and has heard stories of Scout forever, even his globetrotting trips to New York City because DaNene couldn't live without seeing him!

It seems that Lyndsey, after being picked up by her husband (she had cried all the way home from camp thinking her Scout was lost for good) saw the picture mail I had sent to her husband's phone. She saw my last name. There are not that many Loose's out there ya know.

She called her mom and asked, "What's Dee's wife's name?"

DaNene told her "Marianne, why?"

"Because they are the ones who have Scout!"

DaNene called Brittany just crying and thanking her over and over. Lyndsey and her husband had just moved to Lehi a few days earlier. The new place has a dog door and Scout was enjoying his new freedom. They think some fireworks spooked him and he escaped under the gate.___ told us "My wife goes away to camp and I lose half of our family!" He had put up posters around the new neighborhood that morning and had slept on the sofa all night long in case Scout came back and scratched at the front door. (and here Scout was, sleeping with another woman!)

The family came and had a joyful reunion. He was overjoyed to see them! They said over and over how grateful they were. He was their baby for so many years while they tried to have a baby and couldn't. (They have recently been able to adopt two darling sisters!) He wasn't wearing his collar because his tags jingle at night. Lesson learned.

PLEASE micro-chip your pets. And PLEASE, if you ever find a lost animal, take it to be scanned for a chip. it's always free! As the girl at the vet said, hardly anyone ever does that. They just haul the poor animal off to the shelter. We would think of it because we are nuts for a cute little doggie.

Coincidence?

Brittany said that she thinks it was meant to be. I agree.

I just love a cute little J.R.T.!!

Don't Rain on My Parade!

2011-07-05T19:58:00.002-06:00

July Fourth was pretty fun at the little house on the corner. For days before, Nick had kept us entertained with amazing pyrotechnics in our driveway. Aerial fireworks are legal in Utah this year so nobody had to drive to Wyoming to get the high flying stuff. Not that we ever did...seriously! Then yesterday I arose early and made two little batches of vanilla ice cream while Dee got the barbecue preparations ready. We decided to eat mid-afternoon so we could get out to Electric Park in Lehi to enjoy the fireworks show. We hadn't been to a show in years but Brittany was in charge of this one and we wanted to support her and be together for the holiday. We got there early hoping to get a good parking place for a quick exit after the show. Brittany had saved us a sweet spot on a hill by putting our quilts down. I was a bit embarrassed by the huge traffic cones she used to keep the quilts from blowing away. We all felt like V.I.P.'s as she used her official golf cart to give us rides from the paring lot to our spot for the evening.

We settled in and everyone went to doing what they would have been doing at home...electronics! Argh!

Soon that was put to rest by Diana teaching us a new card game. There were also naps to be had, books to be read, & photos to be taken.

I made the black and white bag I carried my stuff in. I am proud of myself.

More video games, treats, and lovely views. Do any of you grandkids of Helen remember this quilt? Oh, and note Dee's straw. Red vines and Dr. Pepper are actually very good together!

It wasn't long before the clouds that had been threatening all day began to drizzle on our happy little group. It was just a sprinkling but went on long enough that we put up the umbrellas to keep dry. We laughed at the many Utahans that scattered and ran for cover as the drops intensified. Being former residents of Washington State we thought they were rather wimpy!

Below you see the progression of the weather throughout the afternoon.

The show was spectacular! We had so much fun "oo-ing and ahh-ing" with the crowd.

I am so impressed every time I watch my daughter do her job. She was made for this kind of thing. She handles the public with such respect and kindness. She deals with her vendors in a professional but caring way. She's awfully smart and pretty too!

Good job Miss Britt!

Time Travel Tuesdays~

2011-06-28T14:32:00.002-06:00

Uncle Fern. That's who I loved to visit when I was small. I also loved her husband, Aunt Smitty! It took me a lot of years to get the two straightened out, name-wise. Fern Hamblin Smith was born June 6, 1910, the 3rd oldest of my mother's 12 siblings. She and her husband Wilson Lyle Smith (Smitty) lived in Bloomfield, NM on a bluff overlooking the valley. When I was small I thought her house was on top of the world. Her children were mostly grown so when we visited on our summer trips she would shower me with attention. She had a little cast-iron stove she would let me play with, Dinah Shore paper dolls, and an original Mr. Potato Head set. This required you to provide your own potato and you pushed the face parts into it because they were on long, sharp toothpick-y plastic spears. So unsafe yet SO fun! On one visit she had no potatoes so I made Mrs. Applehead instead. I thought that was marvelous!
She had such a laugh and bright , twinkling eyes. She also had a twang-y New Mexican accent and my Dad loved to tease her about it. He would say, "Fern, how are those farty far harses doing down in the pasture?" She'd laugh and say "Oh Jarge! You quit a-teasin me!"

This is the front of the Smith's old cabin in the La Plata mountains of southwestern Colorado. So many fun times were had there and Fern was always in the middle of it. She could whip up a meal at the wood burning stove in a flash. She was always up for a hike, or a game of cards by kerosene lamplight! That's Uncle Fern on the right, me in the middle, and my cousin Dodie (Fern's daughter) on the left. Notice the old fishing creel? This was obviously in my "learning to go down the stairs" phase.

I found these photos of Fern while scanning Mom's pictures.

I love them!

I believe Mom told me this in downtown Farmington, NM. Love the old lettering in the store window.

Don't you love Fern's finger-waved hair? I also noticed her eye-liner and the way her eyebrows are shaped. These photos are circa. late 1920's to early 1930's. It was such a fun era for style.

These are my mother's brothers and sisters in the late 1970's. There were 10 of them left at that time.

They are Fern, Faye, Margaret, Klea, Blanche, Orland, Sylvia, Herman.
Front- Shirley & Helen (my Mom).

This is just how I remember Uncle Fern. She is on the far left holding the cup. She was always dressed stylishly and had big, big sunglasses. Doesn't she look a bit rascally? I miss her so much!

Father & Son

2011-06-24T10:08:00.002-06:00

Let's celebrate the men in my life! This was a good week for just that. Sunday was Father's Day. I thought of this man quite a bit, and missed him fiercely. No little girl could ask for a Daddy who loved her more.

I spent the day with this guy, who I love so much. He got a new calling on Father's Day too. He is the 1st counselor in the bishopric of our YSA Ward.

The kids set out a spread of his favorite things for Father's Day. See the stack of note cards? He takes notes on every Sacrament meeting he attends, and still writes a daily scripture card and message for Richard. That was a much appreciated gift! He is also a nut for outdoor pathway lights. Nick is spoiling him!

Then there is this guy, you know, the one who holds the Master Sword?

He turned 16 on Monday. Unreal!

When asked what flavor of cake he wanted he said, "surprise me Mom!

" SO...I baked him a Devil's Food cake in an Angel's Food cake pan.

Is this sending a mixed message?

I don't know!

Observe his technique as he opens his gifts. Don't you just love teenaged boys?

Another one of his many wacky faces. The kid has an endless supply!

Here he is laughing at the "perfect" card we found for him.

Wii love him!!

(Did you notice Britt's nick-name for him? It makes Dee so mad!)

I am also sending prayers and good wishes to my wonderful father-in-law Bob.

He took a nasty fall the other day while getting up too fast from doing push-ups. His face is battered and bruised and he broke his wrist! He sailed through surgery yesterday and now has a metal plate and pins in his wrist. That will add to the fun at airport security he has always had with his artificial hip!

I have always loved this photo of him showing Rachel and Richard how to do push-ups.

Just remember to get up slower next time Dad!

Happy Father's Day, Happy Birthday, and Get Well Soon guys!

I love you all!

The World's Best Ice Cream is in Santaquin?

2011-06-19T20:54:00.006-06:00

Two Saturdays ago Brittany arranged a family field trip. She mentioned that she had always wanted to go to this particular place because she had driven by it may times and was intrigued by the sign that says "World's Best Ice Cream". Where is this place? Somewhere in the big city? Not at all! It's the big red barn on the west side of I-15 near Santaquin, Utah. I have also passed this place many times as I have gone to pick Rachel up or drop her off at Snow College. It's a pretty red barn and it's sign makes a mighty big promise. So...we piled into my mini-van and took the 40 minute drive south.

It was a fun drive with only Dee and Rachel missing because of work. They missed out on Nick singing to us and playing the ABC game with Diana. They are really competitive!

Since I insisted on a group shot, this is what I got. Kids are smartys even when they are grown!

If you go into the giant refrigerated room to pick out yummy produce, you have better be fast.

It's SO COLD!!

Everywhere you turn there are yummy treats and fun things to buy.

Outside, there is a nice greenhouse...

...full of beautiful flowers and veggies to plant.

This is the view south. There is not much out there!

I loved their old-timey orchard.

I wanted to go wandering.

I found myself explaining how this old tiller worked. Please know that I was born w-a-a-y after it was used! I'm just a farm girl, I guess!

My father would have scratched his head at this use of garden tools but I thought it was really clever...and cute!

So...how was the ice cream, you ask?

YUMMY!!!

The portions were huge and the price was pretty reasonable. This family has quite a business from weary travelers stopping in. You know, folks on their way north from Las Vegas or St. George? I wonder how many silly people actually come 40 minutes just for an ice cream cone?

Well, I know of six.

June 16, 1979 ~ To Infinity & Beyond!

2011-06-16T11:03:00.004-06:00

Once upon a time, a boy fell in love with a girl. He loved her so much he wanted to be with forever and ever!

He took her to the Temple of the Lord and they became husband and wife for all Eternity.

Her family came and brought many little people of the kingdom.

His family joined in the celebration.

There was cake...

...and drink of the fruity punch variety.

The happy couple danced.

There was much
merry-making as well.

There was so much silliness that many photos were unusable.

After a toss of the flowers....

...they sped off to a honeymoon in the red rock country of Sedona.

After 32 years of joy and fun, tears and trial, and growing more and more in love with every passing year they have decided most definitely...

...dreams do come true!

Happy Through the Tears

2011-06-13T18:08:00.003-06:00

Today my sweet Sarah left to go back to Toronto for her final year of doctorate studies. We were blessed to have her here for nearly a month on this visit. I have loved every minute of it. I think we are all hurting today with the separation. My heart was full this morning as her father gave her a tender blessing from our Father in Heaven. It held many beautiful promises regarding her future. I was comforted and felt so grateful for the power of the Priesthood. After Dee left with Sarah for the airport I cried and cried. I was all alone in the house. Where was comfort to be found? I sat down and called my sister and my Mom immediately. It was good to hear familiar, tender voices cry with me and reassure me. I love my family so much. I guess that is why parting is so difficult! As I sat down to type this post I was joined by an intuitive friend who always knows when I need a little extra snuggle of warmth...

As I tried to make room for Sam, Richard grabbed the camera and snapped a few photos for me. Soon my friend had turned and curled up to the point that I had to back my chair up to give him room. I postponed the blogging and just let him sleep. He made me feel better!

I will miss seeing this smile for awhile but it's only one more year until she can move closer to us. In the meantime I am counting the days until Christmas (while thoroughly enjoying our summer sun...finally!).

A Day Late & a Dollar Short!

2011-06-08T12:44:00.000-06:00

Yes, that pretty much describes my life! I had forgotten how much of a taxi driver I become in the summertime. Time Travel Tuesday got away from me yesterday. So, here we go today...

After a cold and dreary spring we are basking in sunshine and warmth. It is so delightful! I saw a golden retriever today running through the sprinklers in his yard like a little kid. It was wonderful to see! With sun and water in mind, are YOU ready for swimsuit weather?

We travel back in time today to approximately 1962/3, Mesa, Arizona on a surely hotter than "H-E-double hockey sticks" day. I was visiting my Hamblin cousins Judy and Julie. Aunt Iona had us all dolled up as beach cuties!

Judy, me, & Julie Hamblin in front of their house on Wt. 8th St., just east of Westwood High School.

Look at Julie's cute, toothless grin!

I am loving my trendy swimsuit and the cone-shaped straw hats we are wearing.

I dare Gidget herself to look anymore darling on the beach!

Lots of Family Together Time

2011-06-04T16:43:00.002-06:00

We have had a jam-packed, busy week! It began last Monday at the Orem City Cemetery where Dee's grand-parents are buried. They are in the veterans section. "Pa" was the original Deward, a loving, kind man. "Ma" or Phebe was a spark of energy. She was so fun to be around!

Pa loved Sarah, his first great-grandchild, so dearly. Ma stayed with us until Brittany was nearly two. I know they would love this gang and the kind, good kids they are!
I like to think they were looking down and smiling.

This grave marker is west of Ma and Pa. It is always decorated with cones from the nearby evergreen tree. Every year..without fail! The design has gotten progressively more fancy as the years have gone by. It's probably a few of the grandkids of this couple who come every year.

It was very cold! The sun lasted until we walked to the car. Then it started to rain.

I heard Richard utter the same thing I was thinking as he looked at this stone just east of Ma and Pa.

He said, "This one always breaks my heart". Amen.

We like to walk over to the Veteran's Memorial. I always feel a warm spirit there.

We can never thank these brave men and women enough. Never!

Richard is kneeling by Ma's cross. Pa's is right in front of that one. Somehow, the cemetery got confused and counts Phebe as one of the veterans. We haven't corrected them.

We like to think she is rather proud to be among them!

The views are so beautiful from up on the hill!

You can see Utah Lake and Saratoga Springs from up there.

The snow on Memorial Day speaks for our freezing spring weather.

I must back up a few days now...Brittany's and Diana's birthdays were on the 25th and the 27th. B wasn't feeling good on her day and would not pose for photos so here are my efforts on her behalf, confetti cupcakes and the banner I sewed for the birthday celebrations.

Samwise is always happy to pose when cake is involved!

Here we have Diana with her blazing 24 candles!

Nick scored major hubby points by getting this gorgeous new handbag from Fossil.

I love both of these girls dearly! They have brought me so much joy. May their next year of life be full of happiness and good surprises!

I will have to post our adventures from today a few days from now. This is enough photos for one post. Stay tuned for Time Travel Tuesday and then for our adventures in amazing Santaquin, Utah!! Woo Hoo!

Life Is Like A Box of Chocolates~

2011-05-28T20:41:00.001-06:00

~You never know what you're going to get!

For the last week I have been the happiest mother ever! I got a late Mother's Day gift! It all started with Brittany's trip to visit her sister in Toronto. Sarah told me she had a gift for me that she would send home with Britt. She was sorry it would be late. Like most mothers (I hope), I don't expect a gift, just my children's love. That's all! When that Sunday came around and our usual afternoon Skype call came from Canada, instead of seeing my sweet Sarah all alone I got to see this...

Hooray! I was so happy to see these two sisters together! They are very close and have missed each other so much these last four years. Sarah had fun showing Britt all of her favorite places in Toronto. Fun shops, unique restaurants, the University, the Bata Shoe Museum, the play "Billy Elliot", and Niagara Falls.

Brittany gets a view of downtown Toronto. See the CN Tower?

Umm...Yum!!

Me: "Who is this statue of Brittany?" B: "Some Guy?"

Niagara Falls. Brrr!!!

Downtown Toronto after seeing "Billy Elliot".

At the end of Britt's 8 days she called me early in the morning on Skype. She was on the floor with her laptop in front of her while she packed. She just wanted to make sure someone would meet her at the airport when she got home. I watched as Sarah moved about behind her and I felt SO BAD! I hated to think of Sarah alone again. I mean, she has a great roommate and loves her church group, but it's hard to be away from family. I asked Sarah what she would do now, go back to work on her dissertation? She sighed and said "Yes. Sadly, there's a lot to be done!"

I prayed for her so she wouldn't feel too sad when Brittany left later that day.

I got a phone call from Britt late in the afternoon.. She was to land in Salt Lake at 7:00 pm after a plane change in Denver. Massive thunderstorms over Denver had caused her flight to circle for an hour and divert to Pueblo to refuel. Then the storm moved south and delayed them on the runway in Pueblo. To make a long story short...she ended up missing her connection to Salt Lake and spent the night in Denver with my sister Gena! So nice to have family in the town you get stranded in! I will be forever grateful to Gena for driving all the way from Arvada to Stapleton International to get my girl!

Brittany got a flight out the next day and it was arranged for Nick to meet her at the airport and bring her back to his and Diana's workplace in Draper. I would meet them there and bring Brittany home.

As I drove up in front of the Goal Zero building I saw Britt unloading things form Nick and Diana's car. I got out and gave her a big hug. It was so good to have her home. She told me to wait in my car because she had to run inside and use the restroom. Soon Nick came out the doors followed by Diana who was followed by Bri---wait! She was blonde, but it wasn't Britt! It was SARAH!!!!

I felt my heart skip. I could barely breathe!!

I grabbed my chest and put my head on the steering wheel just to get my bearings. I wasn't sure I had really seen her! (I later learned that all of Diana's co-workers were gathered at the windows to watch the big surprise. One of them told her, "this is better than Extreme Home Makeover!")

She yelled, "Happy Mother's Day!"

Brittany brought my present after all.

I got out of the car, hugged and held my girl, jumped up and down, and cried.

Then I had to drive home!

We had so much fun about an hour later taking Sarah to the Fitness Center to surprise her Dad. He had just finished swim practice so we sneaked her in the back way out by the pool.

Yeah, he cried too!

I realized that Brittany had not been alone during her long ordeal in Denver and Sarah had not been left alone and wasn't sad at all! Prayers are answered indeed. She even got to see Grandma Helen for the first time in two years! They stayed up late talking and the girls took a later flight out the next day so they could visit a bit longer.

Life is good. Some days it's great! Sometimes it's hard, but just hang in there because you never know what the day will bring!

Time Travel Tuesdays ~It Just Takes Some Time...

2011-05-24T09:49:00.001-06:00

Photoshop is amazing. Rachel taught me how to do the basics last summer as I embarked on my journey through roughly 140 years worth of family photos. I have scanned all of my mother's photos up through the 1960's and have now been able to touch up most of them. They are discolored with age, flecked with dirt and ink marks, bent, torn, and some are missing chunks! As I have tackled more challenging "fix-it" jobs I have learned even more about photo repair. I am not a pro by an means but I am pleased with most of the results. For example, I give you one of my most challenging jobs yet:

I love this picture of my Dad and me. We are just chillin' on our cool 50's sofa. Dad is most likely watching T.V. while I consume a little bag of Fritos. (So this is where my obsession with Fritos began!) The photo is discolored and has ink damage. Zooming in you can also see thousands of little white flecks that are probably caused by years of sliding around in a box of photos and losing some of the photo surface.

With one gliding "crop" click I can remove the white outer margins. One more click of the "auto color" button and...Ta Da!

You can see here the color restored pretty well. I have also taken literally hours with the spot healer brush and the clone stamp to get the white flecks out of the curtains. sofa, and out of my father and I. I have come down to tiny details now. I am not sure how I am going to fix Dad's socks. Maybe it doesn't matter that much? My lap is all spotty too. A few more hours clicking and maybe I'll be happy. It's not the best repair job, but it helps. Notice the sheet on the sofa? This was my Mom's answer to covering the whole thing with plastic! It kept the cushions clean but we were always having to tuck it back in. When company came you could just yank the whole thing off and you had a nice sofa underneath! Genius! Oh, and that shiny black thing on the arm of the sofa by Dad? Just give it a glance and what comes to your mind immediately? Remote controller? Cell phone? No, those were not around in 1959. What is it? I wish I knew!

My clicking hand goes all numb and tingly after a short time at the computer these days. I am re-visiting my osteopath, Dr. Valton King (who grew up in my Aunt Naomi's ward in Mesa) to get my neck adjusted. You should have heard it crunch yesterday!

And seriously, the Frito thing? My kids will tell you that I DO NOT buy Fritos, EVER! I cannot stop eating them! They may beg one Frito casserole out of me a year but I must gain five pounds munching on the salty little chips while I am putting the dish together!

Happy Tuesday everyone! I will still be sitting here just clicking away................

Just Put It in Your Backpack, Son...

2011-05-18T15:44:00.007-06:00

Yesterday Richard got his first pair of contact lenses. I was amazed at how quickly he was able to put them in his eyes and take them out as well. I thought that with his O.C.D. it might be a difficult thing for him. Nope! He did great! The lady at the office and his parents reminded him to take his case and solution to school with him in case he had any issues with the lenses.

Today-9:35 a.m.
I was just stepping into the shower when my cell phone rang.

Me: Hello?
Son: Mom, my contact lenses are making my eyes itchy.
Me: Itchy? Like Dry?
Son: Yeah. It's bugging me. Could you bring my case and solution stuff to me?
Me: (To myself, Arrrgh! You didn't put it in your backpack did you?) Where are you?
Son: In seminary, for about 40 more minutes.
Me: (I have plenty of time to shower first) OK, I'll hurry. Meet me at the office in the Seminary building, OK?
Son: OK. Bye. I love you! (My son ALWAYS tells me he loves me!)

Stepping back into the shower I realize my visiting teachers are coming over. Was it 10:30? Oh no, I think, This is not going to work. A quick phone call to Darlene my V.T. relieves me. It's 11:30. Good!

Twenty minutes later I am showered, dressed, and have minimal make-up on. I will do my hair after I get back from the school. I grab Richard's contact lens "stuff" and run down the stairs telling Rachel where I am headed. I am carrying an armful of dirty clothes and take them to the laundry room. I grab my purse from the coat hook and head out the door to the garage...wait! The spring on the garage door broke last Sunday. My car is trapped inside with no strong man at home to lift the beast of a door for me. I know! I'll borrow Brittany's car! She's in Toronto so luckily it's parked right out front. I turn and run up the four family room steps to the front door. Shoot! I left my shoes in the garage. I turn and run back through the living room, down the family room steps, into the garage and slip my shoes on. Repeating the journey through the house again I get to the front door and realize I don't have Britt's keys. I repeat the a fore mentioned path and grab the keys. Finally! I am out the front door. I turn to lock the dead bolt and remember the contact lens "stuff". It was in the bathroom this morning right?

I run up the stairs and hear the shower running. Rachel is now in the shower. No! I knock on the door and hear her yell.

Rachel: What?!
Me: I need Richard's lens solution and case. They are on the counter.
Rachel: No. They are downstairs! You had them in your hand when you came down awhile ago.
Me: Are you sure?
Rachel: Mom! Yes!
Me: (Did they take out my memory along with my uterus?)

Running down the stairs I spot the "stuff" on the desk. Back down four more steps. Back up to the front door. I am out again, at last! I turn to lock the dead bolt again and realize I have Britt's spare key in my hand. I fish for my keys in my purse, needing the house key. While doing so I drop Britt's keys and watch helplessly as it tumbles down a few cement steps and falls over the edge under a huge bush. Did I mention it was raining? I cannot fit behind the bush. Great. I run back inside, down the four steps to the family room and on into the laundry. I take my trusty bent-straight coat hanger of its hook behind the washer. Do you have one of those coat hangers to fish lost socks out from behind the washer?

I am on my way back up the steps when I remember the 2 knobs I bought yesterday at Hobby Lobby. They didn't fit the drawer I wanted them for so I needed to exchange them. I had plenty of time, right? I am looking all over the desk for the receipt when...

...my cell phone rings.
Me: Hello?
Dee: Hi Honey! Could you log onto my Facebook page for me and see if someone posted something inappropriate there?
Me: Wha-at?
Dee: Yeah. A couple of my students just came in my room with horrified looks on their faces and said, "Mr. Loose! You've got to get on Facebook right now! Someone put pictures on your wall that are scary and really horrible!" So, can you look for me? I can't log on here at school.
Me: (Really? I don't have time for this!) Sure Honey. Hang on! What's you password? Ok...hmm...wait! I know what is on your page! I saw it this morning on my page. It's my mother!
Dee: Your what? Your Mother??
Me: Yes. Gena posted some freaky photos of Mom. They were bored last night and painted her face.
Dee: You're kidding! Are you sure?
Me: Yes, I promise. Your page has not been hacked.
Dee: OK, if you're sure.
Me: I am. I gotta go! Bye!
I found the receipt and the knobs while reassuring my husband there was no pornography on his page.

I zoom out the door and pop my umbrella up only to find it won't open! It is tangled in the hanger. I wrestle the hanger loose, bend down in the rain and hook Brittany's spare key on the hanger. I get the front door locked and dash to the car. I drive to the high school just over the speed limit and find that I am late. It is 11:43 and kids are leaving the Seminary building for their next classes. Well, he should be right inside the door watching for me right? No.

I check my cell phone and redial the Seminary number Richard called me from.

Secretary: American Fork Seminary, may I help you?
Me: (Yes!! Yes you may!) Hello. I am looking for my son. He called me from your phone awhile back. He was having some trouble with his contacts. Do you see him in the lobby?
Sec.: Um...it's class change time so there are a lot of kids out there, but really, I don't know your son so how would I know which one was him?
Me: (Let's see, You could stick your head out of your window and call his name?) OK. I'll have to come in and find him then.

I find a parking spot about 25 yards away and run up to the building in the rain. No sign of Richard or anyone else for that matter!

Are you starting to pant and sweat with me? I was really getting annoyed right about then!

I run in the rain back to the car and drive over to the main building in front of the high school. Did I mention it was raining? Well, now it was pouring! I refuse to get in and out of this car again! He's coming out to me!
Thank goodness for cell phones. I called the school office and had them send him out to me. Brilliant! It only took 15 more minutes! I helped Richard put solution in his eyes and we sat there for a bit to make sure his eyes were alright.I handed him the box with the lens case and the sample sized bottle of solution and said, "put this in your backpack." (What a great idea! Where have I heard that before?)

After a "Thanks Mom, I love you!" (gets me every time with that one!) he left the car. I pull out onto the street and look at the clock in the car. It was 11:12. Good! I had time to get over to Hobby Lobby and exchange the knobs and make it home before the visiting teachers arrived.

I drive across town to Hobby Lobby and find a parking space right up front. Things are looking up! As I exit the car in the rain (forget the umbrella, don't have time!) my phone rings, again!

Me: Hello?
Rachel: Mom! Where ARE YOU? Do you know your visiting teacher will be here in ten minutes?
Me: Yes. I am at Hobby Lobby to exchange those knobs. It's only four minutes from home so I should be fine.
Rachel: Sounding not so convinced...OK Mom see ya!

I enter the store and decide to save time by going straight to the knob aisle and do the exchange and purchase of new knobs all in one transaction. I grab two of the cute knobs I saw yesterday. Their screws are long enough, they'll be great! Feeling smug at my speed I trot up front to find all three registers full and two people waiting in each line. I choose what looks like the shortest one, which usually ends up being a bad mistake. This time, however, I get right up to the register in good time. I pull the knobs and the receipt out of my purse, explain what I would like to do. The girl looks at the knobs and the receipt. She asks me if I would mind running back to get another one of the ones I want to exchange so she can get the number off of its tag. (I had pulled the tags off when trying to install them.) Mind? Me Mind? Heck no! I've got nothing but time!!!

As I retrieve a knob and run back to the front I notice that she has taken another customer, the one that was behind me in line. OK, I understand that. In the meantime I am watching another gal out of the corner of my eye. When I ran back to get another knob, she switched over to my line. When I got back, she switched to another line. The lady at the head of that line had been there since I had entered the store. She had some awful, long return thing going on. As my transaction ended she had switched back over to my line. She looked impatient. I thought, "you think YOU are having a rough morning?"

I zoomed home and arrived at 11:34, no sign of visiting teachers yet. Whew!! They arrive a few minutes later and we have an absolutely delightful visit. As always, they leave me feeling grateful and warmed by the spirit.

Now, let me tell you, I have been feeling mighty fine the last few days. I have been painting and cleaning carpets and sewing and getting so much done! I feel great! The morning I had today would have put me under about two weeks ago. I am SO GLAD to be feeling better! In fact, I feel better that I have in about a year or so. Could Super Mom be coming back? Stay tuned! Oh! Do you want to see the creepy thing that was on Facebook? Scroll down...

This is what happens when you live with Gena and she gets bored.

I think I am traumatized forever!

It's About Bloomin' Time!!

2011-05-13T20:10:00.000-06:00

It's been a long cold spring after a long cold winter. We have had so much snow and rain these last few months that our snow pack is way up over 160% of normal! Now the weather is warming beautifully but that is bad news for the flooding situation in our rivers and creeks. I am glad I live at the top of a hill!

The tulips and other plants are all about three weeks behind normal; but since they have bloomed, they have brought back hope and happiness to my heart. Last Saturday Dee and I had a lovely afternoon at the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point. Thanks Britt!

Behold...my joy after a grey, grey spring! ~

Brittany works in a beautiful place! Too bad she has to be in her office for much of the day!

"Little purple pansies touched with yell-ow gold!" (That was for you Mom!)

I want to know what this variety is called. I love their unique bloom!

This little guy was a perfect model. He hardly moved at all!

Isn't he the sweetest?

I do not know who weird turban guy is back there. Thanks for jumping in my photo dude!

I never met a tulip until I was 18 years old and found myself living in Idaho one spring. The tulips came up in our yard after my first winter of Idaho snow and dreariness. (Having grown up in Mesa, Arizona I thought I had died and gone to that other place!) The tulips were pale yellow with reds edges on each petal. I thought they looked magical! About three days later a wicked Idaho wind came and whipped them to death. I was devastated! Tulips have since become some of my favorites. It's truly sad that they only last a few weeks.

What's blooming in your yard?

Time Travel Tuesdays~

2011-05-10T08:41:00.002-06:00

Please forgive me if I get a little misty this morning...sniff!

As I type this post, Brittany is literally taking off and winging her way to Washington D.C. where she will connect and go on to visit her big sister Sarah in Toronto, Ontario, Canada! Sarah is beyond excited to have the first visit from a family member in the four years she has been going to school there. Brittany is a bit nervous in making her first-ever international flight and the first time she has flown alone. She text-ed me a little while ago, touched by some cute missionaries who were leaving for their missions in Ukraine today. They were calling home before they boarded. Then she text-ed me back to say they were on her flight. Yay! Extra blessings for that plane!

I am so grateful my girls all love each other. They are like normal sisters. They have had their arguments over the years, but when it comes right down to it, they are family...sisters forever! Sarah and Brittany have always been close. Sarah was born very patient and calm. This proved to be an advantage to her as her younger sister was born a very spunky, natural tease! Sarah forgave her when she witnessed Brittany toss her precious Cabbage Patch doll over the 2nd floor railing, and when she would grab fists full of Sarah's long golden hair and pull...falling backward! They grew to be roommates, confidants, fellow swimmers, lovers of the same music, and best friends.

The first time Sarah held Her new baby sister Brittany.

May 1983.

Always silly together!

Temple trip in Seattle. Young Women together. 1998.

Britt was the first one to get to Sarah when she came home from her mission.

I didn't mind at all. I treasure this photo! February 2004.

My two blondie girls!

I hope the coming week brings happiness and fun for these two sisters as Sarah shows Brittany the city she has called home for four years. I know they have both been counting the days for a very long time. I love the women they have become but they will be forever in my heart just like this...

Sam's News

2011-05-02T10:13:00.000-06:00

Hi Gang! It's me, Samwise!! It sure has been busy around here, but let me tell you...my girl is home from college...for the WHOLE SUMMER!

Happy Day!

I love her so much! Even when she makes rude faces behind my back. What's up with that?

Then she kisses me and tries to make up. I cannot help it. I always forgive her.

Mom is feeling a lot better after her long recovery.

She does not like pictures taken of her, ahem, beautiful face!

Britt watched a movie called "127 Hours" about a guy who got stuck in some rocks and had to cut his arm off. It was weird. She made funny faces...

...and lots of funny sounds...

...and cried a lot! She also muttered something about some "hot guy" named James Franco.

When she's not being all weird about movies we take lots of naps together.

There has been lots of ham around here lately! It makes me all drool-ish and everything!

I cannot tell you how much I LOVE HAM!!

Mom laughed the other day when she was making breakfast. She says there's a chicken at the Oakdell Farm who is laying double-yolked eggs. Is that a bad thing? I can eat that chicken for her if she wants!

That's it for now. Please excuse me while I enjoy my morning sunny place and

Rachel's excellent massage technique.

What are you still doing here? I have rays to catch! Go enjoy your day!

Easter Weekend~

2011-04-25T10:28:00.003-06:00

Things were bustling around here this weekend! The little house on the corner welcomed Miss Rachel home for the weekend. We were joined by Cousin Chris, and Nick and Diana too. Brittany worked all day Saturday at Easter Eggstreme out at Thanksgiving Point along with Rachel who did face painting. I miraculously regained my energy and was able to do everything I wanted to!

Here's the run-down on the Loose gang plus a few photos:

Sarah...in Toronto, working hard on her dissertation, made crescent rolls for Easter dinner with friends (she has Grandma E's recipe down!), church started late because the Ukrainian Orthodox Church worshipers next door to the LDS chapel had blocked the entrance to the parking lot. Has Napoleon Dynamite's twin brother in the Gospel Doctrine class she teaches.

Brittany...Exhausted after running crazy, huge egg hunt and all day event. It was either a smashing success or a frustration, depending on how you look at it. Based on past ticket sales they planned for 2500 people. 4300 people came!! Ticket sales huge, many kids without eggs, and grumpy parents.

Rachel...Painted faces of wiggly children for 6 hours in the cold outside with numb fingers! Back at Snow College today and ready for finals week. Sold her first piece of art at the art show! One week until summer break!

Richard...Valiantly mowed thick, wet grass with a lawn mower which has lost it's self-propelled power. Spent the weekend doing his Seminary homework which was hugging his parents and telling them he loved them!

Nick & Diana...Spent a week having fun with Nick's Oma & Opa. Took them to the Tulip Festival and the Carl Bloch exhibit at BYU. They are now working for the same company and enjoy driving to work together every day.

Chris Faria...Slept on our famous brown sectional that is more comfy than a bed. One week and 5 days from his wedding day!! (I cannot believe this!). Kind of lonely all weekend because his lovely Christina flew home to D.C. to get ready for the big day. Moved into their future home on Saturday and is setting up house.

Marianne...Stayed up late helping the Easter Bunny hide baskets. Annoyed with weight gain. Found her post-surgery energy. Made a lovely carrot cake!

Dee...Coached a swim meet on Saturday that took FOREVER, shopped with his wife for just the right ham. Is now the longest serving member of the Stake High Council. Says he feels old!

Sam...Helped clean the floor of dropped Easter candy and bits of ham. Went for a walk in the rain. Took lots of naps.

Coloring Eggs.

Happy eggs and tempting candy.

Peeps!!

Caught sketching.

Son-in-law Farkle-ing.

Cousins playing.

Lovely cake. Britt filled the hole with jelly beans because, "it's what Aunt Gena would do"!

The spring banner I made.

Did you know that Sam rhymes with HAM?!

First post surgery photo of me...looking tired, but I looked SO much worse a few weeks ago!

Love my Rachel!

Time Travel Tuesdays~Better Late Than Never!

2011-04-22T08:54:00.001-06:00

So, I've had a few bad days this week. Tuesday was one of them. I just don't know how I can feel so good one day and feel so bad the next! Oh well, I am resting and getting really restless!

On to Easter! I have so many photos of Easters past. These are some of my favorites...

Holy petticoats! That's a lot of tulle! This is Easter 1960 and I was 2 years old. I actually remember this dress. I did not like the scratchy netting at all! Imagine sitting on all of that with bare legs!

Those bangs on my head were a feat to cut. Mom Scotch taped them to my forehead

then cut along the straight edge of the tape!

This is at my Grandpa and Grandma Ellsworth's house on S. Nina Dr. in Mesa.

There is a lot of time travel cool stuff here! Just look at that T.V.! There are the nick-knacks that Grandma loved. That lamp is really cool! There's a bi-level end table, all the rage in the early 60's.
Are those sparkly threads in the sofa?

I am also loving the colors! Peacock blue and red. Kind of reminds me of some trends today.

Here's the whole gang that afternoon. My Aunt Lora's kids were there for a visit also. Notice the boys all comfy in their blue jeans? What's up with that? I am sure we were in between Sunday School and Sacrament meetings here. That was the "old days" when Sacrament was held in the evening. I love how Sharon and I match down to the purses, but she got neat-o red shoes!

Back Row: Dianne, Doug, & Marian Hunsaker, Marianne & Sharon Ellsworth.

Front Row: Dean & Richard Ellsworth.

Happy Easter everyone!

I won't be wearing petticoats!

Gaining Ground

2011-04-17T22:16:00.000-06:00

I am four weeks post-hysterectomy now. Wow. In some ways it feels like forever ago then I turn around and think, "where did the last month go?" I am feeling better every few days, gaining more energy, and I am able to do a bit more each week than I did during the last week. I still struggle a bit with weariness every afternoon, and my tummy is still sore. I hope this passes soon! The sun has been shining for us for a few days and I am ready to get out there and plant some flowers! Speaking of which...

...look what grew in our flower beds!

We get daffodils every spring, and that is exactly my point...SPRING! We have had so much snow and rain since my surgery that it was easy to lay around under a quilt and sleep. Now I am ready for warmer days and a healthier body!

This past week was spring break for my men. It was so nice to have Dee around every day to help me and take care of me. He spoils me and I love him! He and Richard had a lot of well deserved down time. They also got the yard mowed twice and did a lot of weeding and clean-up that I would normally do. (spoiled!)
Richard has had a gift card for the Clark Planetarium in Salt Lake City for awhile so I insisted one day that he and his Dad get out of the house and go have some fun. These are the picture mail I got on my phone from them about an hour later...

In case you are wondering, there are no little green men on Mars, just big Loose ones! They enjoyed the exhibits and saw a movie in the planetarium dome about black holes. It was shown in 3-D, 360 degrees in the round. Dee got a bit nauseous. I guess he wouldn't make a good astronaut. But then, if you went through a black hole you feel a bit queasy too!

Finally, with melting snow comes mud in the yard. Leave it to "my youngest" to find the mud and try to bring it inside! He did NOT enjoy his foot bath nor the whole body bath he got an hour later when he went right back out and rolled in the mud!! He never learns!

Happy Spring everyone!!

Stay out of the mud!

Time Travel Tuesdays~

2011-04-08T11:10:00.127-06:00

~The Old Violin~

There was great excitement in the little house on the dairy. Aunt Dora was coming for a visit! Mom had put Marianne to work getting everything ready for company. The end tables were dusted with way too much Pledge. (But didn't you need that much so you could write your name in it like the lady on T.V.?) The carpets had been vacuumed and the toys were put away. One item, however, had been left out conspicuously; the old violin. Aunt Dora had given a precious gift earlier that year. When she heard that Marianne wanted to learn to play the violin she most generously offered her own instrument to her young niece. Now she was coming to pay a visit and maybe she would want to hear Marianne play a song for her!

It was always fun when Aunt Dora came. She had such a jolly laugh and the bluest eyes. She was so kind and always seemed interested in everyone. Marianne was fascinated by her large silver and turquoise bracelets and baubles, and she always wore the prettiest dresses and skirts. At last she arrived and everyone settled in for a good visit. There was laughter and exclamations of astonishment at how much Dora's nephews and nieces had grown since the last time she had come. There were stories of adventures and travels, and reminiscence about the good old days when Dora and Marianne's father George were young children. After what seemed like forever to a little girl, Aunt Dora turned to Marianne and asked if she liked playing the violin.

"Oh yes!" she proclaimed, "Do you want to hear me play a song?"

Of course I do! That would be lovely!" Aunt Dora replied.

Feeling strangely nervous, something she had not felt ever before in music class, Marianne took the old violin out of it's black case with the deep purple velvet lining, tightened up the bow hairs, and stood before her audience. All present were entertained by a squeaky version of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star". Aunt Dora clapped her hands and then raised them in the air proclaiming,

"Oh! That was just beautiful! You are doing so well!"

Then Mom suggested that Dora play a song for Marianne. Dora offered up protests of being rusty and out of practice but Mom wouldn't take no for and answer.

"You play beautifully Dora. Everyone knows it. Please?!" Mom pleaded.

Aunt Dora put out her hands and took the precious instrument from her niece, put in under her chin, raised the bow and began to play a lovely melody. Marianne was so thrilled with the sound that came out of her violin. It was rich, vibrating, and floating across all of the strings. It made her heart swell!

"I want I to play like that someday" she wished.

After Auut Dora had left, Mom reminded Marianne what a great gift had been given to her. Aunt Dora loved that instrument but had sacrificed it to allow someone she loved the chance to learn. Marianne promised she would always take care of it and practice every day.

Many years later, Dad told Marianne the very interesting story of how the old violin became part of the family. It goes something like this...

~Aunt Dora's Violin ~

It was during the Great Depression, in Mesa, Arizona and Frank & Annie Ellsworth felt grateful. They didn't want for food although sometimes it was scarce and very basic. They were blessed to have a large lot on which they grew their own vegetables and fruit. They also had chickens and cattle so there were milk and eggs. What they didn't have a lot of was money and that was the stuff that bought the extras in life. People became great barterers and traders during those days. A clean fresh egg could be traded at a store in town for a piece of penny candy, the Ellsworth children had discovered. So it was with grown-ups too. They learned to trade. My Grandpa Ellsworth was no exception. It was decided that the Ellsworth children needed music in their lives but with no instruments, and no money to buy them how was this to be accomplished?

In downtown Mesa there was a pawn shop full of goods that desperate people had come to trade. Frank visited it one day to see what was available and to his great delight he found a beautiful piano. Annie would be thrilled to have her girls learn to play. The owner of the shop showed him other instruments that had been part of the same trade, a clarinet, and a violin. A conversation followed and a deal was made. Frank went home and told Annie of his find. There was great excitement in the house! In time, he returned to the pawn shop with several year-old heifer calves to trade for the instruments. In those hard times, having milk in your house was a luxury to some. Did the broker need those cows himself or would he trade them to others who were in need? It is quite certain that many people benefited from this trade. The pawn broker told my grandfather the story of the instruments.

One day a tired, worn looking man came into the shop. He was an immigrant from Germany and a musician. He had a family to feed and was making a heart-breaking decision. He wanted to trade his beloved instruments for some cash so he could buy food . He had brought them over from the old country perhaps hoping to make a living teaching lessons. They were certainly part of his soul and a dear reminder of home. His family was hungry though, and thses instruments were the only things of real worth he had to trade. The deal was made and he surely left the shop with a heavy heart.

My Aunts Ruth and Lora learned to play the piano beautifully. Lora blessed the lives of many by being the organist in the Alma Ward in Mesa for many years. What ever became of that piano? I wish I knew. My father learned to play the clarinet and was a member of the Mesa High School marching band. He even branched out and played the tuba as well! My mother still has his old MHS band hat. The clarinet disappeared in the mid 1970's during one of our moves. Believe me, it was a very old and well-used instrument! I wish we still had it. My Aunt Dora learned the violin. She was a natural and played so beautifully. My father remember evenings around the piano with Lora and Dora playing and the family singing along. The girls would also play solos and duets. "Claire de Lune" was one of his sister's specialties. He would have tears in his eyes as he told me of those sweet family times.

I found out a little more about the instrument a few years ago when I took it in for servicing. The technician took it apart to clean it and put the sound peg back in place. On the underside of the tail piece was a tag the said Czechoslovakia. He told me that while the label inside had disintegrated he believed the instrument was European and probably late 19th to early 20th century in origin. That matched up with the story from the pawn broker.

I think of that sad man in the pawn shop now and then. I wonder how long the money lasted. I think of the years and years of joy those instruments have given my family. I hope he was blessed with all that his family needed. I think of Aunt Dora and how she gave up a prized possession for me and I wished I had practiced harder. I have passed the violin on to my daughter Sarah who plays it very well. She loves it too. Now she can tell the story to her own family someday!

Emerging...

2011-04-03T09:41:00.000-06:00

I am alive! Just thought you might want to know. I am starting to feel better and I can get around a do a few things now. I even wore make-up for the first time on Friday. The nurse at my doctor's office was surprised. She said, "You are only two weeks out from your surgery and look at you! You should see how most of the women come in here at two weeks." Believe me, that would have been preferable...sweats, messy hair, no make-up...it's much less effort! I suppose I just have some pride (and I look really old with no make-up)!

In keeping with my feeling better physically, the weather has been absolutely gorgeous! We even had our windows open yesterday. It was a glorious 70 degrees! Not today.

Springtime in the Rockies is schizophrenic! Multiple personalities designed to bewilder this Arizona girl's heart! At least it will all be melted off by afternoon.

I think I'll curl up under my quilt and go back into "rest and recover" mode.

Animal House

2011-03-25T11:22:00.003-06:00

I have been alone each day now from morning until Richard gets home in the afternoon. I sleep a lot! Ah...but I am not truly alone.

Girl Scout cookies from cousin Lori in AZ! Note the little pink tongue poking out below.

My recovery buddy and I keep each other warm! He also appreciates the dinners brought over by my dear Relief Society sisters!

But he is not the only one in the house...

We are tending the little Grand-birdie, Evie! (Her "parents" had the nerve to go to sunny Florida with Nick's family) She is so sweet and has adjusted very well to our house. She sings all morning long and makes me smile. She also has Mr. Samwise quite baffled. He hears her but can't find her...usually...!

Here is the moment he figured out where that song was coming from the other day. I was down making my morning oatmeal with Craisins and almonds (yum!)

His is a bit miffed at me. I go all "Dog Whisperer" on him and back him away with calm assertiveness. He gets huffy and goes to nap in the laundry room for hours and hours. But rest assured, he is right back by my meal tray when it arrives!

Thanks for all of your good wishes! It is snowing outside and I am glum. What else can I do but go take a nap all by myself. My buddy is in the laundry again!

I'm Still Here!

2011-03-22T08:43:00.001-06:00

I am quickly checking in, mostly because I am bored out of my mind. I have had a good recovery so far with very little pain. That all changed last night. It was rough. I feel badly for my sweet husband who tried to comfort me but soon fell asleep out of sheer exhaustion. I think I'll call my doctor and get something stronger than Motrin, which is all I have needed thus far.

Yesterday I found this music video on Nienie's blog. It made me smile! I love Mindy's music! She is a Provo artist who writes most of her own songs. Her voice is very soothing. Check her out on YouTube. She has given many benefit concerts for the Nielson family since their plane crash. The two little girls running with her in the video are Stephanie's daughters, Claire and Jane. They are so cute! Their mother and brothers appear too. It reminds me that God is a God of miracles...every day! I can get through this little trial of pain and discomfort.

Enjoy the song! I am going to go back to sleep.

See You Soon!

2011-03-15T10:03:00.001-06:00

Thursday morning. EARLY. My girl parts will depart. As I left the doctor's office yesterday after my pre-surgical appointment I waded through a maze of pregnant women, toddlers, and anxious looking Dads. I thought I might feel sad that I was no longer in their stage of "full bloom". I was not. I was only feeling old, really old. To me, 53 is not old. I feel pretty young and with-it. But yesterday...

I'll check in on all of you while I am being a good girl and resting. I am not sure I will post anything for a week or two but I may just leave a comment if I can get my pain med drugged-up fingers to type on an Ipad!

Catch you on the flip side!

There's an Artist in the House!

2011-03-10T11:35:00.005-07:00

It's Spring Break time for Rachel. We have enjoyed having her around. It's always much noisier and we find ourselves laughing at strange things. A sure sign she is home would be her high-top comic style sneakers on the kitchen floor, grape juice stains on the counter, and this:

I know...Wow!
She is working on four separate pieces.
Each one is a portrait of one of the great masters. These two are Michelangelo and Raphael.

This one is a portrait of Donatello. Are you seeing a theme here?

The final piece in the series is of the Great One...Leonardo, the Master of them all! Mr. DaVinci has made Rachel very nervous. "He Has got to be perfect Mom!"

At the time these photos were taken, only the first two Masters were finished, just so you know, because artists are quite concerned that you do not look at their work when it is incomplete

and make judgements and all...

OK, did you get the theme? Not just four great masters. Something else is going on here.

Bonus points if you can tell me!

Next week the house will be quieter and tidier. I will miss my artist girl.

So will Samwise.
(P.S. When you are a white dog hanging out with an artist you can have a coat of many colors!
Check out his shoulders and tail end!)

Time Travel Tuesdays~

2011-03-08T08:24:00.001-07:00

Wanted ~Two Desperadoes

Has anyone seen Butch and Sundance here? They are pretty dangerous guys if you happen to be a tin can or a plastic "Fort Apache" character. (General Custer had a bee-bee in his heart!). They like to hang out in desert washes on their bellies so beware of the surprise attack!

I love my big brothers! Richard & Dean Ellsworth, early 1960's.

I Am a Grandma!

2011-03-07T08:49:00.001-07:00

Nick and Diana are proud parents...of a brand new baby bird! That's right. I have a grandbirdie! It's a girl and her name is Evie. She is the tiniest little parakeet I have personally met, a really real little baby bird!

Here she is checking out Richard's ear. Any wax in there?

She is so pretty! See her turquoise colored back?

While we were visiting, Diana had her try her first taste of apple. She took a little nibble, as you can see!

She quickly decided, however, that the apple slice make a better perch!

At last report Evie was growing and becoming more confident. Her parents are now teaching her to speak in Italian and German. Tri-lingual? That's my little grandbird!

While we are on the subject of pets...

Just look at that face! Mr. Samwise had his semi-annual trip to the vet last week. He weighed in at 15 pounds, down from nearly 19 last time! He must have been a bit chunky! I never noticed.

The vet is always a trying time for Sam. He gets very nervous. He has to be muzzled, held down, and constantly be reassured that we are not trying to kill him! He was pronounced healthy and sound, and by the smile on his face you can see he was very happy to be done!

I am so glad we don't have to do that very often!

Nesting?

2011-02-28T17:40:00.005-07:00

On long winter nights I like to pull out my yarn and crochet hooks. It keeps my hands and tired mind occupied while we wade through mindless television. I have grown tired of the usual hats, scarves, fingerless gloves, and afghans. I looked up free patterns on the Lion Brand Yarn website. What a treasure trove! I found an interesting new word:

Amigurumi (編みぐるみ?, lit. knitted stuffed toy) is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small stuffed animals and anthropomorphic creatures. The word is derived from a combination of the Japanese words ami, meaning crocheted or knitted, and nuigurumi, meaning stuffed doll.[1]  Amigurumi are typically animals, but can include artistic renderings or  inanimate objects endowed with anthropomorphic features.[2]

^{Ami-goo-roo-mee is how I say it. It is fun and fast. I can usually finish a project in one or two nights.}

^{Diana asked Brittany (as if I weren't right there in the room) "Why is Mom making all of these baby toys? Is she nesting?"}
^{She asked as if it would be wrong, whatever nesting means!}

^{I thought it over. I do not think a woman approaching a hysterectomy in 17 days is nesting. So there!}
^{She is just having a lot of fun!}

^{Dolly #1}

Dolly #2

Love Birds

Easter Egg Animals

Baby in a Froggy Suit

^{These are my first attempts.}
^{They are NOT perfect! Don't look too closely!}

^{What do you think? Could I sell these for a few dollars at a Farmer's Market booth this summer? I am working on some pretty new aprons for just that purpose. I might as well expand the product inventory a bit!}

What Do We Do?

2011-02-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

We Swim! Just keep swimming...just keep swimming...what do we do? We swim!...Tra-la-la-la-la-LA! Yes, the Loose's swim quite literally; but this post refers to our resilient pioneering spirit. That "stick-to-it", "be calm through anything" attitude.

I am a child of parents who lived through the depression. They taught me not to waste anything and to be grateful for what I have. If something isn't broken you don't need a new one! Well, well. I think I need a new kitchen faucet! Saturday night our five year old faucet started acting up. If you pulled up on the lever the water came on but then it wouldn't turn off unless you wiggled it around and found the right spot on the way down. By Sunday evening the water just did not turn on. Monday was President's Day and none of the plumbing supply stores were open. Surely a store as BIG as Home Depot or Lowe's would have the part we needed? Wrong. Tuesday Dee called all of the suppliers in the area. Nobody carries the part. We have to wait a week to 10 days for it to come in an order. Sheesh!

Our only alternative to a waterless kitchen for 10 days is to fork out big bucks on a new faucet. I am well into day 4 and growing weary of my "can-do" "pioneer woman" attitude. The photo below shows my kitchen water source.

We have been hauling water storage bottles up from the basement for hand washing and dish rinsing. My cute Visiting Teacher brought over the gallon of drinking water yesterday. I nearly kissed her! Water in old soda bottles (with a drop of chlorine in there because the experts say to do that) does NOT taste good! Our bathroom water is on the water softener system so it's not the most flavorful either. I am going to buy more drinking water for our storage after this. The rest can be for cleaning.

We decided last night to go ahead and buy a new faucet. The "decent ones are at least $100. The 5 year old one above was $150! It's pretty and that's about it. The sprayer broke a year into our ownership. The soap dispenser failed us not long after that. I can hear my Dad in my head saying, "They just don't make 'em like they used to, Sis!". Ain't THAT the truth!

Where Do You Blog?

2011-02-21T09:56:00.000-07:00

Nancy Little sent out an inquiry this past week..."Where do you blog?" In response to Nancy's request, I will show you where I sit and make all of my blog posts. I have shown this picture before, last summer when my men sanded and painted my garage sale desk. Oh, if only it looked this clean all of the time! And, as is typical, there is my laundry waiting to be folded up at the table. My desktop background is one of my favorite fabric prints, "Dandy Damask" by designer Michael Miller. It makes me happy! Sometimes I change it, sometimes I come downstairs and find that Brittany has put Joe Jonas there instead! It is a good spot. I get lots of natural light in the mornings from my french doors nearby. It's good to be near those doors for Samwise's needs too! That little guy goes in and out a lot and we have no doggy door so I can just roll over in my chair and let him out to use the facilities.

So...where do YOU blog?