Love the Family!!

We had such a fun photo shoot at the farm!!   Now I just wish that I knew how to use photoshop so I could edit some of my pictures. 

Navy

I'm at another crossroad in life.   This coming weekend, Sunday to be exact, the Navy recruiters will come at 5:00 and pick Blake up to head out for boot camp.  My feelings are way different today then they were when he left for the MTC.  I'm very grateful that he has desires to serve his country as that is what my father, father-in-law and brothers have done.  It is wonderful to live in America.  I'm very thankful for the sacrifices of many men and women who have, are, or will be serving in the Armed Forces.  But now it is my own child and my emotions are very mixed.   I will be honest and say that he and I are not on the best of terms as we could be.   We don't see eye to eye on many issues.  I'm not patient with him as I should be.  I've been hurt and disappointed with some of his choices and mine as well.   I can't change the past.  I can't live his life.  I don't know what to expect or feel at this point.  I know the family will support him.  I hope that his choice to join the Navy becomes a good experience for him and that he will find what he is looking for out of life. I hope and pray for his safety, that he will find peace, and most important I hope he will fully comprehend the higher power that governs all of us and will turn to him.  Much love.

Reunion

• When it's your spouses turn to plan a reunion put your daughter in charge
• Include lot's of activities for young and old.
• Bear Lake is a great place to gather and play
• Have the Carlson's beat Mansfields in two (2) games of beach volleyball
• Share lot's of laughter.
• Take plenty of sunscreen
• Plan to have many babies there to love and snuggle.
• Food, Food and more food
• and.....remember
• F - Fun is glue that holds you together
• A - Always remember to love
• M- Memories are priceless
• I- It is possible to get along
• L - Live in the moment
• Y- You are loved.

What is your definition of F A M I L Y?

Thanks for the wonderful memories of Carlson Reunion 2010 at Bear Lake.

pictures from cement 101

too much cement all at once...the heat was on...literally.

no worries dad, we can do it!!

tricky finishing touches!

getting right into the thick of it!! with a pick no less!!

clowning around....still smiling after all the stress almost finished!! The blob in the back was finished as well as could be. That was a big miscalculation~ HA HA The drinking fountain is now finished. We've used the fire pit a number of times. May not be perfect for anyone else but it works for us!!

Cement 101

Fred and I have lot's of good intentions like cutting down the dead wood out of the trees on the west, tearing down the old shed to make way for either a new one, garage or the big dream of a swimming pool, more four wheelers, fencing, and curbing. One of our good intentions was to pour a patio. We dreamed of this project nearly 10 years ago and actually had good intentions 5 years ago of completing this daunting task. Fred worked and cleared the grass, moved the sprinkler system and an old tree stump. Then this area sat and sat, it was weeded and tilled over the years. The summers came and went and so did the funds, time and energy. However, this summer we just decided to do it one way or the other. The forms went up, the holes were dug for the fire pit and outside drinking fountain. The pipes were put into place and the day finally came. Our children eagerly volunteered their services and had confidence that their father would guide their every step in this process. They pushed and pulled the cement into place. They learned how to use tools in ways they had never done before. Everything started out very well and then the heat set in and the work suddenly switched into high gear. No problem they could handle it all....until the unexpected extra amount of cement rolled off the truck. Where was it going to go? No problem Fred thought we will just put the small amount on some wood and haul it to the garden area and use it to make some curbing. The cement kept coming and coming. It seems that a slight miscalculation had occured and the pile kept getting higher and higher with no place to put it. What to do? Fred couldn't be in two places at once so he just gave out the orders. The kids did the rest and so did the sun. The cement was setting up faster than it could be finished properly. There are lumps and bumps, lines and inperfections. However, our children are so proud of their project that they don't care. We are not perfect so why should the cement be. Ha ha. We have a patio area to gather at and one lump of a service pad area for washing of vehicles as Josh put it. This week Fred finished his other dream. We now have an outdoor drinking fountain along with a spout to attach a hose to use at the service bay. One day we have the good intention of recapping the service bay area and making it look more presentable. For now it has more lumps, bumps and footprints. It has personality! A great memory for the summer.

(pictures to be added soon, for some reason they don't want to work today)

Annual Birthday Ride

This is how the derf man keeps in shape. Biking. He rode 60 + miles to celebrate his 56th birthday. We have the proof from the Garmin!! Well he rode a few more miles before he turned on the garmin. Just note the amount of calories burned and the time frame. He loves his bike and rides it back and forth to work, lunch and home each day. He is really dropping the pounds this summer. I should also mention that he does this year round, rain or snow...but not ice.

July Camping Fun

look closely at cuncan's forehead and you will see his new tan line...from his hat.

after a long ride up the mountain.

good looking feet...

The newlyweds first camping trip.

Horseshoe tournament

the fun continues...

the competition began

i think duncan was trying to chest butt derf man?

Yeah, ringer!!

His first ringer!!

More pictures of our camping trip.....

a first for the escape

camp

trying on the mosquito head net...

the only way to enjoy camp without the bugs!!

The cadillac

wanted to leave his mark on the"trophy" he was carving.

Silly boy

sporting a new hair do!!

another view of camp. So much gear!!

Annual Camping Trip July 2010

relaxing.

dirty faced boy

new wheels

muddy ride--biggest puddles

mud everywhere

Carving mania

Double horseshoe top

Caralines feet after mountain biking through the puddles

Muddy adventure

Shooting the pistols.

hair do of the day. Notice the dirty face.

Cheese~

Please don't take my picture

New fashion at camp this year.

Camp Cook...yummy philly steak and cheese

Our annual camping trip to the Uintahs. We camp near the Mill Creek Guard Station which we affectionately call the "NorthSlope" We enjoyed many 4-wheel rides, R-Ted jokes around the campfire, smores, dutch oven, MO-HO jokes and playing horseshoes. Carving is always a favorite event as well. Enjoy the pictures there will be many of them.

where did june go?

• summer vacation for me began June 11
• had good intentions of deep cleaning the house
• Nat kept G=PA from getting in the tractor bucket to get tree limbs
• went to Syracuse Fireworks by myself...blah blah blah
• rode to Hooper on bike
• slept in many days
• moved scrapbooking stuff upstairs
• VW in for repairs-- twice in one week
• In JULY bought newer vehicle. I'm just a little excited here. 08 ford escape limited...very low miles, looks and smells brand new.
• not in shape to do lirved tour with Fred. This is his annual birthday bike ride.
• World Cup!!
• July--Tour de France
• Little K graduated from high school
• realized I need to blog more often due to memory loss.
• Where does the time go?

Sunbeam highlights continued

Lesson: We are thankful for our nose and mouth. As the different aromas were being presented to each child to sniff the question was asked, "What do you smell?" Answer: Dead Kids

Where do they come up with this? If I had the talent for writing it out I would. Needless to say I would welcome your comments. LOL

advice for seminary graduates

Last evening our youngest graduated from seminary. Our Stake President is a hoot and so fun to listen to. Here is some advice that he shared.

• Smile more than you do. (Char's note, too many grumpy faces!)
• You'll be no bigger than the smallest thing you argue about. (So true,how many times do we get caught up on insignificant issues and they turn into a war of words? I'm guilty.)
• Have faith in the revelation that you have already received. Accept the answer. Maybe you just need to move on to different questions!!
• Enjoy the gospel. Keep it Simple.
• Be grateful for everything. Remember that nobody owes you anything
• Turn on the "light" in your life. Scriptures, Prayer, lighten your understanding. Have faith to follow the "greater light"
• The Secret to life is that there is no secret. Read John 15:10:11, add your name at the beginning and live the principle taught. Keep the commandments.

cravemyphotography

did you notice her name?

Here are a few pics from a recent photo shoot. The urban look is the trend these days. It is fun and different. I like different. Little K had a fun time.

inspired by Women in Motion

I wish I had pictures to post of the women that have inspired me most recently. I have been involved with a group of women who come from all walks of life, shapes and sizes. We teamed up together in January for the cause to get moving and our end goal was to walk in the Ogden half marathon, May 15 . I eagerly joined up with my friend, Vicky and as a added bonus I was able to share this experience with my daughter Nat. Nat was an intern last year for this program (Women in Motion, WIM ) and decided that because mom was involved you she would do it again for me! During the course of this adventure I was able to receive valuable instruction and tips for healthy living. I wasn't always able to attend all the weekly meetings but kept in touch and gradually started to MOVE! Although my journey was filled with ups and downs and a reoccuring injury I was able to participate and complete the marathon. I learned some valuable lessons yesterday. I am inspired by Donna who is much older than I and with the use of walking canes proudly finished the race, Nancy finished with bleeding blisters with two wonderful friends by her side. She was never left behind. Another sweet lady tried valiantly to finish but was unable to and was in extreme pain. My good friend suffered much and never complained but moved ahead and finished. Nat..you inspire me the most. I cannot tell you in words what yesterday meant to me. Without you I could not have done what I did. You were in so much pain but hardly said anything about it. You sacrificd your time this past semester, you allowed me to vent and talk, then gave me positive feedback, you shared your knowledge, you guided me and helped me so much. I learned so much just from your example. Finally I am grateful for the tender mercies of the Lord that were extended to me yesterday. I am very aware that even in this particular experience that the lord was with me every step of the way. I am glad that I heeded the counsel given and followed the guidelines to prepare. Thank YOU WIM and Nat...I LOVE YOU>