Tagged again!!

Oh, why did I read Joni's blog today..... woe is me.....

Now I have to think of all the hard things that she is asking.

Crazy 8 tag.

Eight TV shows I watch:

Frasier (reruns)
Everybody loves Raymond (reruns)
NCIS
Anything on the Food network
Today show in the mornings sometimes
Old movies on the AMC channel
Football if it is a really good game.
HGTV, makeover shows

OK Eight things I did yesterday.... ( I can't even remember this morning)
1. E-mailed Cammi
2. Went to the Bank
3. Drove to Nampa and found a house where one of our Tenants who is not paying us is staying (So we could serve her court papers today, thanks to Jim)
4. Brought a Bake at home Pizza home for dinner. (yummy)
5. Went on line to find a web site I have been wanting to see
6. Read my book before bed.
7. Laughed out loud while I was in bed.
8. Went over things we were grateful for, (Jeff and I)

Eight places I like to Eat.

1. Thai Pad House (it is really fun if you take mom along, she loves it there)
2. Sushi, most anywhere
3. Pizza, I can't remember the place but Leslie takes us there and they have a great lunch buffet.
4. Good Wood
5. Taco Time
6. Krispy Kream
7. Cafe Rio (thanks to Joni, Cammi, Channing and Nikki)
8. Good Chinese

Eight things I look forward to
1. Thanksgiving in St. George
2. My day off
3. Primary on Sunday ( you always leave happy and singing)
4. Getting home from work
5. Jeff rubbing my feet
6. My bed
7. Seeing my children
8. Seeing my grandchildren

Eight things on my wish list
1. That all my kids would come visit me every year
2. That all my children would recieve abundance
3. That we would have time to be with family
4. To travel, to Europe, Belize, China
5. To be thin ( I am wishing really hard)
6. To kiss Kelly's face, And Colleens
7. To hear LexiJo talk to me on the phone
8. To laugh every day.

I Tag..... Denton, Jim, Adrienne, Leslie, Aubrey, Sue, Kimber, Mike!!!

There, I am done.
7.

Quirks....

Kimber thinks I should reveal to the world all my quirks, ( acutally I think she asked for six). The thing is I am so old that they are just part of my life and I am not sure that I can pick them out. If you asked my kids they keep a very specific list.... But, OK, I will try.

1. When things are going tough I tend to stop communicating, I don't write or call ( or blog). There are some bad things that have come from that. I guess that is my way of hiding or some deep pyschological thing like that. (OK, there is one)

2. I love girlfriends. I love to talk, catch up, commiserate. I love to know that I have girlfriends.

3. I clean in spurts. I don't know if is my busy work schedule but sometimes I set the timer and just give myself 5 or 10 minutes a room to know that it is just a little better than it was before. That way I can go on and finish things on my list.

4. Oh yeah. I wake up with a list in my head. On some days I write it down and then I really do move faster to get things done.

5. Can't stop biting my nails. I know I need to stop but haven't figured out how to do it.

6. Ummm...... one more........ is this a quirk??? when I have a lot on my mind I like to sit down to the piano and just play..... It seem to clear my head. Some of my kids remember going to bed and listening to me play......

OK, there you go. I am sure some of these are not considered real quirks, check with my kids, the list is still alive.

Tag to Joni and Aubrey.... ( HE HE HE)

The cannery is closed

Yesterday I had a rare occurance where I was able to leave work by noon. It was time to put all the canning equipment away. The day before we had finished our last grape juice, ( and since I always count) there were over 200 quarts of grape juice now in our basement. Jeff sets up the gas camp stove outside and now it was time to put it all away. Several boxes of bottles went down stairs, frankly I was suprised that there were any left. All the bottles that were filled are stored on the shelves. I smiled at one point during the last few months when I said something about my kitchen. Jeff, without missing a beat said that we didn't have a kitchen anymore, it was a cannery!

So I tried to clean it all up. There are still a few things to put away. But after the work was fun for the day someone had to ask "what about the apples". Personally I think the apples can wait, we will eat on them while they are fresh, then maybe I'll can some more.

An exciting day

I can't let this day go by without marking it. Today I had two exciting phone calls. The first one was from a young man named Chase Bevans. He asked if he was talking to Cammi's mom and then asked if he could marry my daughter. I asked him if he promised to take good care of her for the rest of her life and he said, 'yes'. Then I made him promise again. (twice)

He assured me that he loved her and wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. I told her that if he gave Cammi opportunities to learn and grow that she would continue to do wonderful things with her life and be a great wife and mother some day.

Then while I was at work tonight, Cammi called. She wanted to let me know that she said 'yes'. I thought that was a good answer. There was a ring on her finger that she tried to describe to me but I can hardly wait to see it.

I will meet Cammi in SLC on thursday the 16th and we will shop for a wedding dress together.

Chase and Cammi are being married on a Beach in Hawaii with a couple of their close friends sometime in December. We hope to invite everyone to a summer reception up in Canada.

Maybe by this time next week I can post pictures of our day shopping for dresses.
It has been a good day.

In the Temple

Yesterday afternoon we spent a lovely afternoon in the temple. We arrived in time to join Heidi, Nona's daughter and her husband and son to be sealed in the temple. It was great to look around the room and see all Nona's children with their spouses. I thought to myself that she must have waited a very long time for this day to come. The sealing was beautiful and the instruction was very insightful as the sealer talked to us all about the Covenant that Hiedi and Rich were about to make. Then in came little red headed Isaiah. They had him kneel at th Alter and we all chuckled as all we could see peeking over the alter was a little set of eyes and a lot of red hair. I once had a sealer tell us that he had never seen a child act up in the sealing room and this was the same. He came right in, knelt down and then after they were sealed his father held him up to look in the mirrors and he had that 'amazing' look on his face that little children get. We all hugged, kissed, and then met Nona and her family at Nona's house. It was a great day. One that will never be forgotten.

Something to think about

Jeff and I just finished two days of Stake Conference. Last night on Saturday night we received such good information. Our Stake President and his counselors are such good teachers and the saturday night session (which is my favorite) turned into a teaching session with people in the congregation raising their hands and answering questions.

One of the things that stands out in my mind is what our Stake President said.

"We are intended to have peace and joy in troubled times."

How grateful I am to know the gospel and realize that all around us there may be turmoil but in our hearts and in our homes we are intended to have peace and joy.

Ten Principles he shared for financial stability, we all know but a great reminder.

1. Pay an honest tithing
2. Learn to manage money before it manages you
3. Learn self disipline and restraint
4. Use a budget, have a three month emergency fund
5. Teach your family the importance of learning and earning.
6. Teach children to make money decisions
7. Teach each family member how they contribute to the total family budget
8. Teach education as a continual process
9. Work toward home ownership, even in a modest home a family can find a safe place to worship
10. Involve yourself in appropriate insurance.

Don't forget food storage and BE WISE!!

Then our Stake President asked each of us to turn to someone next to us and share with them 'The greatest desire of your Heart". Well, when you say something like that you really get me choked up, so I turned to Jeff but I couldn't talk right away. I said" to have each of my children and their children with us in Eternity". Jeff said to have all our children in the Temple with us someday". Both great goals. But ones that only come about with righteous living, fasting and prayer.
Then the next question, "what would you do to obtain those blessings."

As I was listening I really didn't want to take notes, afraid I would miss something like you do when you are too busy writing everything down. Several years ago Elder Bednar came to Evanston and told us only to write down the things we were prompted to write and not the words he was saying. He taught us that the things the spirit whispers during these times when we are gathered to learn is what we should remember. So here it is....

I wonder all the time about the blessings that I have been given in my Patriarchal Blessing. Some of those blessings as I live righteously directly bless my children, so I have questioned at times why the blessings are not in place NOW..... ( I get impatient).. But then I remember that we are here for a lifetime. And I trust the Lord that those blessing will be mine.

Here is what the spirit gave me. " I do not doubt that I will return to my Savour. I live each day the best I can so that my children will receive the blessing that have been promised."

Suffice it to say that tears were very close to the surface through the evening.

Then another great truth was taught. Up on an overhead was placed a letter to all members that was distributed to the Church in 1999. One part of it said, 'Teach Preeminence.... of home and family". And of course I needed to know what that really meant.
Preeminence: "Above all else".
Teach that "above all else" our home and family are first.

Above all else...

In troubled times remember, Your covenant protects you and shelters you to protect you as you obtain the blessings that were promised.

To all who stopped to read today, this is just a little note to my family. I love you, pray for you and know you will be protected. Be Wise.....

Brents wedding, July 2008, I'm backtracking....

Brent is Jeff's oldest boy. First one to get married. We were excited to be there and try to make their day the very happiest ever.............

First day of our get together with Ashley's family. Rehearsal dinner in the backyard and wedding runthrough in the front yard. Brent and Ashley were truly meant to be together. They thought they were sneaky and didn't think anyone knew there was a run through out in the front while we were all eating in the back. There didn't seem to be any wedding jitters here. Although I believe there was a lot of advice.....

Left: Aunt Suzzette from Utah, Aunt Patsy from Parker ID, Brent, sister Andrea with Dave,

Grandpa and Grandma Larson. It was so nice to have them come all the way to Oregon for the wedding.

Scanning the crowd just before the 'ol ball and chain' gets attached...... Oh, I mean the wedding starts. Dave, Andrea, Grandpa in the background and Aunt Jody behind him.

Brent tried a couple of times to make a get away before the ceremony. But alas, his legs were too short and the fence too strong. Or maybe he just decided to stay. Could be love.

I believe Andrea had a little advice. Also a pretty new dress. Without even knowing she picked all the right colors.

Down the Isle comes daddy's little girl. I think it was hard on dad to give her up. Ashley never looked so good. What a great day!!!

And she made it. There was Brent waiting. The Bishop told him he could say 'yes, or I do'..... So in a very firm voice and with a smile on his face he said "YES, I DO!!".....

Love the little girl in the background. Presenting Mr. and Mrs. Brent Larson!

They looked pretty snazzy when you line them all up. Thanks to Ashleys mom for the great dresses. The guys didn't look too bad either.

And anyone find Andrea in the bouquet throwing crowd??? NO

Brent! What are you doing????

He seems to like this a lot, a lot , a lot, a lot.......

Beautiful cake. Look at the smiles on those faces.

Time for dad to move in and give a little pre wedding night advice. Now this is very serious.

But Brent said.....

"I've seen it all in the movies"... Ahhhhuuuuuggggggg.....

It was sure a great great day.

Oregon in July

Just back tracking a bit.... In July Jeff and I went camping at the Oregon Coast. We had a few days before heading into Beaverton (by Portland) to attend Brents wedding. Brent is Jeff's oldest son. We had our bikes and rode a few blocks into town everyday, relaxed, walked the beach and cooked outdoors. What more could you want. Don't know where this shot came from..... Watch out for larger camp lady.....

The evening were wonderful and the sunsets the best. Wish we never had to leave.

McCall at the turn of the season

Sorry no pics. But we just returned from two days in McCall, not nearly enough. Nona and Ed invited us to join them and the only time we could go was early monday until tuesday evening. We left early and met the Haddock gang at the pancake house. It was a small group, only 12. It gave us a chance to see everyone before they started home.

Julie and James and their kids were there and they looked Soooooo good. I miss having them around. Then Kathy and Nathan and Krista and Adam had to leave for home.

We stopped by to see Dave and Becky before they pulled out and picked Huckleberries for a couple of hours. Dave has a secret meadow, but I don't think he is going to tell.......

Then off to see Nona and Ed. Ed was kind enough to put the boat in the water and around the lake we went. Nona and I had blankets over us and once in a while the sun would peak out. We saw one brave skier and I think Ed counted up to 4 boats on the water. It was fun and brings back a lot of memories. We were trying to see if we could figure out where Tam and Ben would be from the water but we had to drive there today and Ed and I went down to the water to get our bearings. I think we could find it now.

Then in the evening the guys got into a football game, I started Eds book and Nona was crocheting. OK, we are not the most exciting group but what a nice break from all the work we have been doing.

After getting home today we realized that we don't even have a picture to share. We will be smarter next time.

Bread is baking now and then I will be off to bed....

Always busy

We have been blessed to have an abundance in our garden and yard this year. It has been keeping us busy to can and share what we have. No complaints here, just once in a while I get tired.

Work is going well. It is nice to work with good people.

I love to hear from my children and grandchildren. Just the other day Lexi Jo called me and I heard this little voice say "Grandma, I am very sad.... " the story was that she was trying to call
Adrienne and when Adrienne was busy and couldn't talk right then she was sad. Her smart father knew that grandma would talk to her. We had a nice visit and I think she felt better when we were done.

Following Amberly's example I will be more grateful:

• I am grateful for the abundance of our gardens and fruit trees and that we can share with our family and neighbors.
• I am grateful for the chance to be in the temple yesterday, to do a session and sealings.
• I am grateful for grandchildren and the parents who raise them. My children are great parents and have certainly improved on 'the last generation'.
• I am grateful to be healthy and able to do a work that I enjoy and am good at.

There is more.... there is always more.

more reunion

Fireside night, everyone gathered and Uncle Dave Hansen talked to us about our heritage and remembering all that our parents have given us.

More cousins, there were cousins everywhere!!!

Meal time meant that Jeff, Jim, Uncle David C. and Zach were into a very intense game of 'Hearts'.

Michelle with her redheaded baby. (or is Brinley really hers????)

Competition everywhere, see any olympic stars?

Aunt Debi and Uncle Dave. They don't want to admit it but as you get older you just sit in the the shade and hope the family comes to you. Of course Debi had a sack full of candy so she was always being visited by the kids.

Grandma Callister, happy surrounded by her family.

Hail, Hail, the Gangs all here.......... you know the rest.

more family reunion

Jim, the Mighty Volleyball player. He was always on the winning team, Or did the team win cause he was on it?

Grandma, Nona and Cathy. Gathering in the lodge for meals and games.

Jared is a daddy??? It is a good thing is wife is so cute, imagine if his daughter looked like him?

Uncle Ben, Happy and content to be near the mountains.

First Blog Entry, Family reunion

As I was looking through my pictures from the family reunion I caught this one of the lake where we swm with the Sawtooth mountains behind us. And wasn't Aunt Nancy brave to bring another floating island after the first one two years ago turned us all into a Taco by folding in half as we slowly drowned. This Blog stuff is new for me so I'll see if I can add a few more pictures.