George Washington Medal of Honor #2

Blake with Grandma and Grandpa. Grandpa is a World War II Veteran. All veterans were also recognized today.

The Governor was not able to attend. During this moment they are reading Blakes essay to the audience.

A special escort to the awards area.

Proud parent moment.

Waiting for the ceremony to begin. A great Kodak moment without all the fuss of other people around.

Today we celebrated with Blake. He entered a contest through the Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge. His essay was the best in the nation in the youth military category for the second year in a row. This organization is all about recognizing individuals and groups who promote freedom and their mission is to keep the spirit of freedom alive in all Americans. I highly recommend your support to this great organization. The American Spirit was truly alive and thriving today. Thanks to all who came and supported us. A special shout out to Gosha for becoming an American Citizen today also. We congratulate you. God Bless America!!!!!

THE REUNION AND THE STORY WITH LIMMIE

Back home ..... she loves to play with tennis balls

She just had to be on Fred's lap or under someone's feet all night.

A little blurry but Daddy is getting lot's of doggy kisses.

I'm home and never want to go to the cement house again. Cold and lonely.

Like I said she has to be on Fred. Poor K gets jumped on like she's another dog and Limmie is attracted to her. Funny but not funny.


SWEET REUNION STORY:

Fred and Limmie had been hanging out together for most of Friday afternoon. She had been tethered for some of the time due to her young age and not being fully trained to stay put. I believe Fred had taken her with him in and out of the house while he was fixing a bicycle. I get this part mixed up...he let go of her leash and had his back turned or he went in the house for a brief moment. Usually she would just go in the back or play in the trees. This time she took off. She hadn't been gone too long when Fred had gotten on his bike and went looking for her (time she left was at 4:00 pm.. we later learned that she had been picked up at 4 45 pm). No luck. As you may have read in an earlier post we were upset. IT has been a big learning experience and we have not done the best to be patient with her. However, not seeing her in the house or hearing her little feet cross the floor was very sad. She has become part of our lives and we missed her very much. Fred went door to door asking if people had seen her. WE even put a large sign in our big windows asking if people had seen our beagle. On Saturday, while at a wedding reception, our neighbors the Humes, who knew Limmie had mentioned that they had seen animal control in the area on Friday. Fred became very hopeful that she had been picked up by them. I was still a little skeptical that she had been stolen as we had had two golden retrievers that had been stolen a few years back. We called animal control and the sheriff's department but they were of no help and due to the holiday weekend we had to wait until today, Tuesday to check to see if she was there. Apparently the reunion between Dog and Man was very sweet. Fred paid the fees...not cheap but worth it and headed out the door, Miss Limmie was so determined to get out of the cement house she nearly pulled him all the way to the car. In the car she had to be next to him and he says she just kept kissing him. Meanwhile, Little K was sick and I went and picked her up at school. We couldn't reach Fred so as we got home we could see little doggy prints in the snow and I couldn't get the door opened fast enough. There she was in her kennel, acting scared. WE immediately got her out (Fred had gone back to work) and played with her for a while. WE've noticed that she has a cough, so if it doesn't get better we are going to take her to the vet. She's been pretty quiet and wants to be with Fred most of all. We are going to be more patient with her. I tutor a student and usually she howls when someone is over, but she didn't today. I started to play the piano and she joined in by howling and singing along. That was way funny. She is resting and I'm sure will be up to her old tricks in record time. One bad habit....she jumps on my leather couch and didn't before. Got to watch that!! So that's our story.

She's been found!!!

Lucky day!! We missed our Limmie but she has been found. Details later. She is wild and running around the house glad to be home.

Our dog is missing

Sad news for a Valentine Weekend. Limmie was in the garage with Fred and had her leash on. Fred let go of the leash for just a short time to finish some work. Usually she just goes and plays close by. When Fred noticed that she was gone he got on his bike and went looking all over for her. Our little neighbor boy even got on his bike to go looking. They couldn't find her anywhere. He walked up and down the secondary water canal. One of her favorite places to hide. He got up at four in the morning and looked again and there was no sign of her. We called the animal shelter and it is closed until Tuesday. Our neighbors that we have talked to haven't seen her. We think she may have been abducted. Needless to say even if she was a whiner and jumper, we miss her. We would love it if someone would return her. I have a huge sign in our front room window saying "Have you seen our beagle?" Our road has so many cars on it that I hope someone will see it. Not fun and hard lessons learned.

IN YOUR SENIOR YEAR DID YOU...
1. Did you date someone from your school? No
2. Did I marry someone from my high school? No, my honey lived three miles away and we never met until later.
3. Did you car pool to school? Are you kidding? I rode the bus!!
4. What kind of car did you have? My parents owned a big chev.
5. What kind of car do you have now? I share a jeep, VW, truck and Ford Mercury
6. Its Friday night...where you at? Well it's actually Thursday and I'm watching the Bonnie Hunt Show.
7. It is Friday night...where were you then? I was on a drill team at a sporting event or at work at a local restaurant.
8. What kind of job did you have in high school? I worked at Chuck a rama.
9.What kind of job do you have now? I work at a school
10. Were you a party animal? No, but I liked to be with friends and have fun when I could.
11. Were you considered a flirt? No, but I was considered a friend to all and kinda bossy.
12. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir? No, I did drill team and drama, child development and student government.
13. Were you a nerd? No just bossy and outgoing.

randomness from facebook to blog....some get to read it twice.

1. I was baptized and confirmed on my birthday.
2. when I was eleven I told my dad I didn't like his new hair topper. He was crushed.
3. I climbed Timp when I was 7,8 and 9. Back then it was an organized hike.
4. I am afraid of heights. I made my dad take me back the long way on that hike because I wouldn't go down the glacier. small trails really bother me.
5. I've only gambled once. I put in two silver dollars and won six. I do not like Las Vegas.
6. I rode 50 miles on my bike when I turned 50 in wind, rain and snow.
7. I married when I was 25, almost 26. I was 27 when I became a mom.
8. I had two siamese cats when I was little, named them both Sukee. They ran in the road. Sad.
9. I used to bleach my hair with lemons , sit in the sun and thought it was so cool.
10.I cut off the hair of my sister's favorite doll when I was six. She was not very happy with me.
11.I've only had one speeding ticket (when I was 18) and one warning.
12.I've been in two accidents. Both were my fault. I was so upset that the policeman took pity on me and never issued a ticket.
13.I've always wanted to be a mom.
14.I'm not a swimmer but I can water ski. Well I used to. I don't think I can get up on two skis anymore.It took me 12 tries to get up for the first time on Deer Creek Resevoir.
15.I don't know what my real hair color is. Probably dull grey.
16.I usually blog and not post notes on facebook.
17.I really want to be a photographer. Is it too late to learn?
18.I have G.A.D. Google it. That explains a lot about me.
19.I've never had a broken bone that I know about.
20.I know what it feels like to drop a marble rolling pin on your toes.
21.I love liver and onions.
22.I have been a match maker to four couples. Only one divorced.
23.I really am a happy person. She is just lost for a little bit.
24.I collect nativity sets. I have about 70 of them. Love IT.
25.The best thing about me is that I have the best family and extended family on both sides that anyone could ever ask for. No kidding. PS. I don't like the in=law word. I just belong to two great families.

NUMBER 4 and 4

Here is the fourth picture in my fourth album that is currently being stored on this computer. It is of lITTLE k. THIS PAST SUMMER PLAYING ON SOME KID FURNITURE IN NORTHERN uTAH.

One way to tether a dog

Well what do you do when you need to keep the dog close by and she won't obey your commands? Try the new thigh method. Guaranteed to be a quick tourniquet (sp?) if needed. This dog training has been very stressful and this was one method Derf decided to try as Miss Limmie likes to jump up on everyone. She chews everything, even with toys to distract her. Our biggest pet peeve? The yowling in the kennel. Send more tips our way or she may need to be adopted out!

Happy Birthday Josh

Ready set, oh wait, you've got to endure the annoying birthday song!!!

Josh how about an almost 21 year old smile? That's the best you have? Goofy Boy

Yes.....mats for my car. and tools...We gathered together Sunday evening to celebrate Josh's BD which is officially on Monday (today) and Mr. J is officially an adult. Derf made Cream Puffs which were quickly devoured by all, along with the soup. Little K made sure the cake was ready to go and was so efficient at it that while blowing out the match she also blew out all the candles on the cake. Good One (say that like Steve Martin would on the movie "Pink Panther") Happy Day Josh !!

Date night

We just enjoyed a fun date night with Nat,Clint, Duncan and Kallee. We went the the Philharmonic Orchestra concert at Weber State. This is a group of community members that perform about three or four times a year. Fred works with one of the violinists and I work with the husband of one of the violinists. My favorite part of the evening was the music composed by John Williams, Star Wars. IT was neat. Best part, our tickets were free. At one point, Fred had his eyes closed and finger over nose as if he were telling someone to be quiet. I asked him what he was doing and he comments that he was listening for the tuba. He played that instrument in band. I loved hearing the harp and french horns. I couldn't hear the piano at all and was disappointed. It was fun and afterwards some of us stopped over at the Pie for pizza. Fred was really wanting some last night. Just having one piece is like eating a whole meal. It was loaded with everything and tasted so yummy.

Black Eyed Blake

Rule #1 Don't tick off the expert

Rule #2 Don't show your super human strength on your first visit

Rule#3 Tell mom before you try out karate

Rule#4 Ice on, Ice off

Need I say more?

I "lifted" this idea for my post.....

I'm opting out of the "tags" at the moment and decided to "lift" this blog idea.

Five things I did today!! (this will be easy and short)

1. Did a Jillian Michaels workout (biggest loser trainer) and didn't end up in the hospital from it.
2. Actually stayed within my points budget for WW until 3:30. Whoopie...then I binged..Ouch.
3. Had a successful phonics lesson with kinder students and they paid attention for 15 minutes.
4. Got ready for work in 30 minutes and not 1 hour and I could look in the mirror and not cringe at the person looking back.
5. Made my bed, did a load of laundry and dishes after workout and BEFORE work. Including the refolding of towels. I have a thing about how towels should be folded and I believe that my family rebels about it on purpose just to tick me off. Hmmm...we can hold a family meeting over that!!!

Winter Ball...dancing fun

Little K and friend

Little K and Mr. M.

The flowers looked pretty but for only an hour.....bad luck this time around as they fell apart.

Friends that attended the dance at Mr. M's school. The boys all go to school there, the girls attend CHS and SHS.

Looking forward to a fun evening. Derf and I actually got to tag along for dinner. We ate at the Timbermine Restaurant. It was very good. We don't frequent that establishment very often. Mr. M's dad was also able to go. You may ask why would a bunch of teenagers want their parentals to come? Well....only because they had to have eight to reserve seating for the dinner.

A note about Little K's dress. It was baby yellow with pink accents on the bodice. The cost for the dress was forty dollars and the alterations; sleeves and insert to the neckline was #20.00. That was worth it to me to not have the headache of doing it myself. They had a good time in spite of Little K coming down with a cold. Probably due to the adventure the day before.

Bah Humbug to the Super Bowl

Sorry Fans but I just don't need the super bowl in my life. As a matter of fact I'm getting to the point that I don't like professional sports like football or basketball at all. I do love futbol or soccer and enjoy watching college teams play. I don't even mind SLC Real once in a while. However, the "big" guys are so overrated and overpaid in nearly every sport that there is. Whatever happened to just a fun competitive game? And......they all get paid too much money. In fact why don't they give some of their money away to deserving children for education and the like. You can call me a snob if you want. I would rather enjoy doing something else other than watching grown men act like they've never grown out of their high school glory days..........

Winter Time Fun

Part of the elk herd at Hardward Ranch. We just watched from a distance.

Yes 4=wheelers can do snow. If the trails are groomed.

Cowboy K and Derf. Swapping manly stories about deer and elk.

Part of our group for the day.

Mr. M and Little K.

Just a quick note about our snow adventure up Monte Cristo. We took our four-wheelers on a groomed trail over to Hardware Ranch. It was a 30 mile trip. It was picture perfect weather and we all had so much fun. Derf, Mom, Mr. M., Little K, friend Miss A and tall man C along with his parental, Cowboy K rode together. Tall Man and Cowboy K had snowmobiles and they took full advantage of being able to go off trail and play in the powder. We saw two other tricked out 4 wheelers that had changed out their tires for snow gear or whatever it's called. They sure kicked up a lot of snow and they looked like giant snow cats that were flying across the powdery snow. At first when I saw them it reminded me of the opening scene from National Treasure where they are headed out to look for the Carolina. So if you're bored, try a snow adventure it really is a lot of fun.

Great Quotes

We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.. Mother Teresa

You have achieved excellence as a leader when people will follow you anywhere, if only out of curiosity. Collin L. Powell

If you don't know where you're going, you'll end up somewhere else... Yogi Berra

If you have the courage to begin, you have the courage to succeed...David Viscott

You must learn from the mistakes of others. You can't possibly live long enough to make them all yourself. Sam Levinson

Experience is not what happens to a man. It's what a ma does with what happens to him. Aldous Huxley

You can get by on charm for about 15 minutes. After that, you'd better know something

The worst bankrupt person in the world is the person who has lost his enthusiasm HW Arnold

If everyone is moving forward together, then the success takes care of itself...unknown

If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Maya Angelou

Too often we underestimate the power of touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around..Buscagila

The most important trip you may take in life is meeting people half way. Henry Boyle

YOU DON'T GET HARMONY WHEN EVERYONE SINGS THE SAME NOTE D. FLOYD

Tomorrow is a mystery, Today is a gift, That is why it is called the present Eleanor Roosevelt

Procrastination is like a credit card: it's a lot of fun until you get the bill Christopher Parker

"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt." Abraham Lincoln

What news?

I am in a bloggers rut. No excuses. I just didn't feel like blogging. We are alive and still have all bodily functions and haven't frozen to death yet.

I am grateful for my blessings and to have a testimony. These basic beliefs help me to stay focused and moving toward eternity. There is so much negativity and uncertainty around us. I am grateful that the gospel is steadfast and unmovable...hmm where have I heard that before? I could focus on the fact that my job is probably going to get chopped at the end of the year or I could count my blessings that I have had a good run so far and live each day better than I did before. I am blessed to be surrounded by wonderful family and friends. I try to take a moment each day and laugh even though I've wanted to strangle a few folks. I have tried to find some humor in my day. These small acts help me as a person. I thank you for keeping your blogs updated. I enjoy them so much. Have a great January day. I'm ready to thaw out and have spring arrive. Take care......

k's class project

K is in interior design and just finished a class project. The inspiration for this room came from our 3 year old neighbor who just loves Cinderella. She's enjoyed the class and learned a lot from it. Mr. B has returned from CA on Monday and had a blast in Mickey Town and CA Adventure. He learned a lot at the debate tournament that he attended at Clairemont HS. He was also able to go to the beach, swim and hang with friends. It hard to believe that his Senior year is half over and Little K is right behind him in school. In a few years Fred and I could be empty nesters!! At times I would say, "I can't wait for the day to come" and now I want the kids to linger a little longer. Loud sigh......hold on to your little ones and enjoy each season of their life.

Kenzie's nose job

K had a run in with the dog kennel with a little help from her friend Mr. M. She was down on the floor talking to Limmie when Mr. M came from behind and jokingly tugged on her belt loop. This caused little K to jerk forward and upward and into the metal door located on the front of the dog cage. It doesn't look like much but women could compare this wound to cutting yourself or your skin off your shin while shaving. This nose job was the topic of many conversations.

On Sunday four wards in our stake became six. Half of our ward was affected. We have now been through 9 divisions in 21 years and haven't moved. I welcome the opportunity to finally get to know everyone in the ward. It has been difficult to put a name to a face with the constant influx of new families each month. Fred and I still work in the primary. He teaches the CTR 5 class and I'm doing Jr. Primary music. Last Sunday I was teaching the new song, I lived in Heaven. I had introduced the song last week and I wanted to polish up the first verse. I had to really be a step ahead of all the chatter. I would alternate who would sing what phrase and mix that up quite a bit with hardly any break in the music. I then stood at one end of the room and told the group that when I walked in front of their area that that would be their clue to start singing. This helped keep their eyes on me and worked pretty well. We then started to sing as many action songs as I could fit in. One of my favorites is to do Give said the little stream. This hint is for all of you primary choristers or will be's.......start by sitting down. On every word that begins with G, stand up and sit down. On every word that starts with S, clap your hands. You have two actions going at once. The little kids just try to follow the leader. When I left primary I was mentally and physically exhausted. I had my work out for the day....

It's going to be a great day and I hope you are blessed and remember to LAUGH TODAY!!!

The Old Dog

Fred brought this short story home today for me to read. It was my laugh for the day. Enjoy

The Old Dog

There was a lady who had an old dog. For the last two days the dog hadn't moved, so the lady thought the dog was dead, but to be sure she called the local vet. The vet told her he couldn't come today but he would come tomorrow. The lady said that was fine; she didn't think the dog was going anywhere.

The next day the vet came to the house with this ugly old cat in his arms. He looked the dog over and told the lady he also thought the dog was dead, but just to be sure he put the cat down right in front of the dog.

The cat slowly circled the dog in one direction, then stopped and circled the dog in the other direction. Nothing happened so the vet picked up the cat and told the lady the dog was dead and that the bill would be $835. The lady looked shocked and asked whatever for. The vet said $35 for the house call and $800 dollars for the cat scan.