Kathy Dares 2 Blog

HAWAI'I TRIP JANUARY 2012

2012-01-16T13:32:00.000-08:00

Last July, Jim and I planned a trip to Oahu on January 4, 2012 and return home on January 10. We had a wonderful Christmas and then the Friday before we were to leave for Hawaii, we both starting coming down with colds--bad colds!! I was sick, Sat., Sun., Mon. and on Tues. morning, we decided it would probably be best to NOT go on our trip the next day. But as the day went on...I started to feel better. Jim felt better, too and said: "I just watched "Hawaii 5-0" and I really want to go to Hawaii, so if you feel good enough, let's go tomorrow." I did and we went! Not a much better place to go to finish getting well than Hawaii. We both felt good the whole time we were gone and we both had a great time. So glad we didn't cancel!!! We stayed at the Hawaiian Hilton Village in the Hilton Grand Waikikian Suites. They were condo's and we were on the 29th floor. It was so nice and comfortable. Loved it!!

January 5, was Jim's birthday. We went up to go to the Temple and to the Polynesian Cultural Center. The temple was closed for its 2 wk. maintenance, so we did some other things on the North Shore and stopped on the way back at the Dole Pineapple Plantation. Yummy Pineapple ice cream there!!!! We also ate at a little shop and they gave us free cake even though they didn't know it was Jim's birthday.

Berkeley's Baptism

2011-08-29T15:33:00.000-07:00

We just got back from Austin. Berkeley was baptized Sat. We had a wonderful visit with Sam and his family. Here's some pictures.

Young Women

2011-08-19T18:32:00.000-07:00

Well, I was released from the Young Women organization on August 7th.

I have mixed emotions about this. I'm going to miss the sweet young women and the young women leaders that I've been working with. I am not going to miss Mutual on Wednesday nights (when I have been getting up at 4 am to work in the temple on Thursday and Friday mornings).

Here's a picture of the YW when they came by the house to give me a "Thank You" cake Wed. night. They are such a great group of sweet girls. Love them all!!

Trip to San Diego April 8, 2011

2011-05-18T16:00:00.000-07:00

Cheryl went with me to San Diego for my friend's (Martha Dooley Hazar) daughter's wedding. About 60 miles out of San Diego it started to snow and it snowed for 20 miles. What?? That's crazy, I know, but it's true.

Snowplow

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T13:28:00.000-07:00

Thirteen years ago today Dad passed away. I miss him and always will...until we meet again on the other side. He was always so good to me and I felt like he would do anything for me. I know realistically, he MAY not have really been able to do that, but I don't think there's much he wouldn't have been willing to do. I miss that twinkle in his eye and his cute sense of humor. He was a strong and sturdy man and I liked that, too. I'm sure he and Mom are enjoying each other right now. I miss them both.

Dad and Mom snuggling on Mother's Day 1979. He always got her flowers!!

Coveralls!! (Dad always did like those). I think he looks very "John Wayne-ish" in this picture in Hawaii at Hickam Field. (He was there between 1939 and early 1942).

Birthday Lunch @ Tia Rosa's

2011-02-08T15:09:00.000-08:00

Tim, Cheryl and I met for lunch at Tia Rosa's today to celebrate our birthdays. Cheryl's was on Jan. 30 and Tim's was on Feb. 3 and mine is coming up on March 3. Linda could have come, too. Her birthday is Feb. 18 but she's sort of far away. And if Patty wasn't at work she could have come, too. Her birthday was Jan. 2. Wow, we had a lot of birthdays close together growing up. Five of the 7 kids in our family growing up had their birthdays in a 2 month span.

EMILY

2011-02-06T15:20:00.000-08:00

Chad and Meagen and Emily were in town for the weekend. They came over for dinner and we got to enjoy Emily being busy and cute.

When they first got here, Emi didn't smile. But within about 2 minutes that all changed!! She was very entertaining to say the least. I need more energy to keep up with her, though. So does Meagen!

TV Appearance

2011-01-21T16:11:00.000-08:00

Right before we left for our quick trip to Idaho, I was outside the Temple in the car waiting for Jim to finish his shift when a local TV van drove up.

Out got a certain newsman and a camera man. I heard them talking and then walking and then the newsman spotted me in the car. He walked over and asked me what I thought about a certain "Mormon hate group" (aka Concerned Christians) sending out 1000 DVD's to people who live near where they are building the new Gilbert Temple. I laughed and said, "Well, I think it's sort of silly" and then went on to say quite a bit more and had a nice little chat with the camera man and newsman. (The only thing they put on the news was that first statement--made me look "sort of silly".)

I also asked if I could take their picture since I let them take mine and they said I could. Found out the non-LDS camera man (who looks like a BYU grad) is married to a Mormon. And that "the newsman" who grew up in SLC but isn't active in the church has a well known grandfather (or maybe it was great-grandfather): Marvin J. Ashton.

Funny weekend, last weekend. Maybe even W-E-I-R-D.

Emily

2011-01-18T10:26:00.000-08:00

I just saw these pictures of Emily and thought they were so cute that I'd post them. They were taken at Christmas as she opened her presents and hugged the baby cabbage patch doll we got her and ate. I miss that little cutie.

Idaho in January??

2011-01-18T10:01:00.000-08:00

This will shock a couple of you. Jim and I drove up to Rexburg, Idaho this past weekend.

Yes, I know!! Why didn't I tell anyone we were going? Why didn't I call Linda while I was there? What the heck?

Here's why--it was a short, unplanned trip. We went up to help Alex with something but didn't decide to go until the last minute. We left Friday right after the temple and drove to Richfield, UT. Then we went up to Rexburg on Sat. (after stopping in Provo to pick up a few things Alex had left there) and got to Rexburg at about noon. We visited with Alex for a couple of hours and then headed back to spend the night in SLC. Then we drove home on Sunday with a stop in Vegas for Jim to run into the Knife Show (which he had plans to go to the day before but missed) and buy some knife stuff while I ate lunch. Crazy, I know!!

I didn't call Linda, because I was only there for such a short time and my new phone is hard to hear on, so I'll just call her from home. Maybe right now!! We didn't stop to see our lots. We didn't call Chad Stanger. We just saw Alex and d-r-o-v-e and talked and believe it or not, we stayed on our diets (except for diet coke!) I just love it when Jim and I do crazy things.

One funny side-note, I called Cheryl (to return her call to Jim) when we were driving past Happy Valley Rd. but didn't mention that we were on our way to Idaho or that we were driving by Happy Valley Road. Didn't want her to tell us we were crazy--ya know?

We actually had a pretty good time with each other especially considering how far we drove in such a short time and the weather wasn't the best (especially up in Idaho) and we were tired. Here's some pictures.

Christmas Gift

2010-12-23T12:32:00.000-08:00

Sam and Jenn sent this Christmas Gift to our house by FedEx and we opened it early (sort of accidently). We were so glad we did because now we get to look at it every day since we hung it in our entryway. Isn't it amazing that they can make a blanket from a picture like that and it turns out so great. We love it! (And the kids on it, too, of course.) It says "Christmas 2010" at the bottom.

The Third Annual Steele Family Christmas Party

2010-12-21T12:39:00.000-08:00

I really meant to say the 3rd Annual Steele Family Christmas "Get-Together" not Party, since we always hold it on the Sunday before Christmas. Oh, what fun, we always manage to have together. So I have a few pictures but they don't really do the par...I mean get-together, justice. But here they are, you all know who you are, right?

Christmas Letter 2010

2010-12-11T12:04:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2010

and

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011

Well another year has come and g-o-n-e! We’re still in Queen Creek. It is starting to feel more and more like home--I guess after a year and a half, it should. Our ward is great--lots of good people. I am still the YW President, which to me is sort of a joke. Especially, Girls Camp!! JIM is the Stake YM secretary. We both started working as ordinance workers in the Mesa Temple in September. We love it so much. It’s challenging and rewarding in more ways than I can explain. We keep saying, “This is the best church job we’ve ever had.” We work the first shift on Thurs. and Friday. The blessings of the Temple are so amazing. We’re just so grateful to be able to do this.

SAM and JENN are still in Austin, Texas. They have added a new little guy to their family: GIDEON CLAUDE ADAIR born Feb. 10, 2010. BERKELEY (7) and ATTICUS (5) are doing great in school and are busy and cute and we miss them!! We feel bad that we hardly even know little Gideon. Jenn still works for the Univ. of Texas and Sam is still an attorney. He and a partner started their own firm.

CHAD and MEAGEN live in Mesa. Little EMILY is a year old now and cute as a button. She is trying to walk and loves to get into everything. It’s been fun having her close by, HOWEVER, Chad and Meagen are moving to Denver after Christmas. I’m going to miss them so much (esp. little Emily). Oh, I’ll miss all of them!!!

TOM left in April to sell security systems in Savanna, Georgia. He came back to Queen Creek in September and is living with us right now. He sort of takes over 2 rooms - bedroom and office at the other end of the house. Some days, I hardly even see him.

ALEX got home from his mission to Brazil in February. He went up to Provo for Summer School and also got a job working at APX. He continued to work there Fall semester and is getting ready to go up to Rexburg for Winter Semester in January. Br-r-r-r-!! It’s cold up there!!! I think he’ll be shocked by how cold it is.

The pictures above: Jim and; Kathy @ Molly Butler’s in Greer.

Emily's First Birthday! Happy Girl!!

Meeting Alex at the airport when he came home from Brazil. Tom, Alex, me, Jim, Chad, Meagen and Emily.

Berkeley and Atticus

We hope 2011 will be full of lots of good things for each of you.

We’ll be thinking of you and praying for you. May the Lord bless you.

Love,

Jim and Kathy

The Steele Family Reunion

2010-08-25T11:58:00.000-07:00

We had the Steele Family Reunion at the Iona Park again this year. (August 14, 2010) It was really lots of fun. Food, chatting, getting to know relatives you don't know and catching up with ones you never see except at the reunion.

Chad Stanger's family was in charge and did a great job. Our family is in charge next year and we could see how much work it was, but we are looking forward to it anyway. Sadly, it's getting to the point that everyone is talking about not having the Reunions anymore. This is a family tradition that goes back many years so I hope it doesn't stop.

Chad Stanger busy taking care of details.
THANKS CHAD!

Doesn't Maurine look great--she never changes!

We used to go to the Brunt Family Reunion, too, but the Steele's aren't really invited to that one anymore (so sad). I haven't been to one of those since the year I was married (August 1974).

Family is so important. It's important to stay connected even if it's just once a year. It makes me sad that the older generations are almost gone now and I've become the older generation. It also makes me happy that some of the older generation are still around and were at the reunion!! It's somehow comforting to me.

Dad's cousin, Glen Clark. One of the older generation that I love to talk to.

Keith Steele and his daughter.

Jim and Alex and Keith

Linda, Patty, Jim and Alex

Mary Perry, Gail and Ron Clark, Ev and Alan Perry

Bye, bye Alex and Jim. Going home early, are you?

Uncle George

2010-08-22T11:49:00.000-07:00

We went to the Steele Family Reunion in Iona, Idaho last week. While we were there my sisters and cousins went to visit our Dad's only living sibling, Uncle George. He is 91 yrs. old and still very sharp and sweet just our Dad was. He said several things that just sounded like Dad. Like when we asked him how the care center was that he lives in, he said: "Oh, they take pretty good care of me." That's just like what Dad would have said. He was very appreciative that we would come visit him and the nice thing is that he'll probably remember it for a while, too. He has back trouble that makes it very hard for him to get around. It was good to visit with him.

Cousin Mary, Patty, Me, Pam, Uncle George and Linda kneeling.

Me, Uncle George in background, Patty and cousin Pam.

Thinking of Dad

2010-08-09T16:07:00.000-07:00

I was doing a little family history today and ran across this article out of the Idaho Falls Post Register way back when??? Anyway, I scanned it into my computer and then decided to do a blog on it today.

Mom would have loved to have this computer and figured out how to do scans and posts and all. She was way ahead of me when it comes to this stuff, so I'm sure she'd be way ahead now if she had had the chance to continue on in this life (without that stupid dementia!!)

And for anyone who wonders about the economy today. I remember that Mom and Dad went with George and Tress and I think another couple to Yellowstone on this trip that's talked about in the article. But when they got there, they didn't have enough money to pay the park fee so had to turn around and go home. About the only thing they owned was the new car Dad bought when he got home from the war. And it was a real luxury and he was really proud of it.

Thought you might enjoy reading this. I've seen it before but don't remember really sitting and reading it. So here it is:

Memorial Day 2010

2010-07-19T10:14:00.000-07:00

On Memorial Day we went to the Mesa Cemetery to put flowers on Mom and Dad's grave. We also put a flag there since Dad was a POW during WWII and was at Hickam Field when Pearl Harbor was bombed and was a pilot in the Air Force. Certainly he deserved a flag!!!!!

Sam & me.

It was also Sam's Birthday today!!!

It looks like it says ISRAEL or something, but it says STEELE!!

Kristie, Patty and Jim.

The Long Road Home

2010-07-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

I haven't written a post for a long time! I didn't even read a post for a long time!! We went on a long road trip.

We went to St. George, then to Provo (and saw Alex), then to Idaho Falls for a few days. Then to Boise, then to Vancouver, WA, then to Bellingham, WA, then to Vancouver, BC, then took the ferry to Victoria, then took the ferry to St. Angeles, WA and stayed in Seaside, WA, then to Medford, Oregon, then to Jackson, CA (to see Aunt Brownie), then to Santa Cruz, CA (to see Sam & Jenn and our grandkids). THEN HOME!

About 4 hours after we left Santa Cruz, we called Chad to see if he and Meagen and Emily were going home from their week at the beach in Oxnard, CA. Yep, they were already on the road. We calculated and figured we would both be on the I-10 at about the same time. So we met near Indio at the "In & Out Burger" for lunch. We got there about 8 minutes after they did.

It was really a great trip. When we got to BC, was when I started to feel ready to be home but of course we had a long way to go before we would get home!! And there wasn't any short cuts at that point. But there were the grandkids to look forward to seeing and that helped!! We even got to see little Emily, too!

We put about 4400 miles on our car and were gone just over 2 weeks. We really enjoyed ourselves and saw lots of beautiful places I'd never been to before (Washington, Oregon and British Columbia).

Oops!!

2010-06-04T08:38:00.000-07:00

OK Since I know only a few people read my blog, I'll post this. I was feeling a little blue this morning. You know the gig--gained 20 lbs. and now an extra 3 just put me over the top. Yuck!! I was feeling it. I took a shower, got dressed and was just about to go to Bashas to get bananas (for my Isalean Shake--to start losing weight, right?) when I (thank goodness) looked down.

I absolutely cracked up!! Made me laugh hard- and I was here all by myself, too. And suddenly I felt happy again. I also went in and changed my clothes. I need a full length mirror, that's for sure!!

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-09T19:19:00.000-07:00

Just a couple of pictures of the flowers Chad and Meagen and Emi brought to me today for Mothers' Day. Thanks!! We had dinner and Kristie and Patty came over too. Alex cleaned his room (spic and span) for me for Mother's Day and Tom called to wish me a Happy Mother's Day also. Earlier in the day, Sam and Jenn and the kids called as they were driving home from the beach, where they had spent a few days enjoying the sand and sun and water. Jim treated me to so many things on Friday, Saturday and today that I'm not even going to attempt to name them all. He was so sweet to me. Thanks to every one for being so nice. I love you all. Who needs a corsage when you get so much more!!!

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T00:22:00.000-07:00

I was just thinking about Mom and thought I'd post this picture of her. She probably wouldn't think it was a very good picture of herself, but I love it. It was taken on Mother's Day 1979. So mom was 59 years old and Dad was my age. It's just so Mom and Dad to me! Notice the twinkle in both Dad's and Mom's eyes. And notice that Dad got Mom a corsage. I love that!! No one ever gets me a corsage and I would love it!! None of my guys know I'd love that and they don't read my blog, so they'll probably never know. Heaven forbid that I should say it out loud: "I want a corsage." Just doesn't sound right.

I really miss Mom. She was a remarkable woman and the best mom ever. Happy Mother's Day!!

Michelle Moyer singing "Mama's Song" (Carrie Underwood cover)

2010-04-28T10:56:00.000-07:00

Thomas/Steele Family Reunion 2010

2010-04-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

We had the first ever William John Thomas and Orinda Ann Karren Family Reunion (shortened to the Thomas/ Steele Family Reunion) yesterday, April 10, 2010. My mother, Maxine and my Uncle Jack were the only two children of William and Orinda who had children. So my family (Maxine & Kay's 7 children) and my uncles family (Ada & Jack had 10 children) all got together yesterday at my sister, Cheryl's home. (It's a little 5 acre ranch.) We plan to meet every other year now.

We had a great turn-out and it was so fun to reconnect with my cousins and their children and their childrens' children. From my family only my brother Bob was not able to be there. And from Uncle Jack's family only Helen and Steve weren't there. Steve passed away just recently but his wife, Mary and their daughters (Valerie and Sarah) and their kids were there.

Me, Tim, Kristie, Linda, Cheryl, and Patty

David, John, Mary, Carol, Margaret, Martha, and Richard (Chuck showed up after the picture) and Mary Thomas had already left when the picture was taken.

We had a fun program with my brother Tim as the emcee plus he sang and played the guitar also. Multi-talented!! He did a great job. And then we had some absolutely beautiful songs sung by my sister Linda Winter, my cousin, Martha's daughter, Michelle Moyer and Martha's son Justin Moyer. I'm not kidding they all were so outstanding. It was just so fun for us in the audience.

Tim

Michelle

The only bad part of the program was me, I can't sing! But I tried to teach or re-teach the song "Horsey Horsey" to everyone because Aunt Ada had taught it to us when we were kids and I had taught it to my little grandson, Atticus. And I always thought it was a fun little song and it made me think of when we were growing up (we lived just a few blocks away from my cousins). And I'm not even going to mention my "senior moment" when I announced that we were going to sing Happy Birthday to my great-nephew, Logan, and couldn't remember his last name. I have an explanation for that--but it's pretty lame (brain freeze). I DO know his name, believe me!!

So for the most part, besides the program and family meeting, we ate snacks and talked and laughed and caught up on things in each others lives. Anyone who wanted to was invited to ride on the hay wagon or ride horses. And the kids played some games.

Thanks Cheryl (and Ed) for hosting the reunion!!

We hope to get a family book done before the next reunion. We also hope to organize and coordinate our family history. I brought a couple of posters showing info and pictures of our grandparents

(William & Orinda) and also of their 5 children (Ralph, Nonie, Leland, Jack, and Maxine).

It was really fun and I'm so glad everyone took the time and made the effort to come (some traveled many, many hours to be there). I think we had about 150 people and maybe in 2012 we'll have even more!! PLAN ON IT EVERYONE!!

Happy Easter & Happy Anniversary

2010-04-04T18:05:00.000-07:00

Today was Easter Sunday and General Conference and Chad & Meagen's 2nd Anniversary. Lots of good things! We watched Conference and had turkey for dinner. It was fun and delicious. This is the first time ever that I didn't buy Easter candy. Crazy!

And this needs no explanation, except "Easter Bunny Cute!"

My Friend Kelly

2010-03-26T19:16:00.000-07:00

This is my friend Kelly at a bridal shower for her daughter. I'm proud of Kelly for the hard work she's doing in her life right now and for being a sweet, loving grandma to her cute little granddaughter. I can't remember her granddaughter's name but I think it's Hailey. Where's my mind???

This is Kelly' daughter, Cassie (on the right) and Kelly's granddaughter. Also in the picture is Cassie's cousin with her daughter whose name is Berklie, which I thought was quite a coincidence.

BIT OF HEAVEN

2010-03-01T11:43:00.000-08:00

Just a small bit of heaven--our little grandson Gideon looks likes he's dreaming of heaven, doesn't it?

Linda's New Blog = THE STEELE FAMILY'S NEW BLOG!!

2010-02-19T13:53:00.000-08:00

Mom & Dad on their wedding day, October 9, 1943. I'm going to be adding this to the blog Linda started for our family: The Story of a Family (The Kay B. Steele and Maxine R. Thomas Steele Family). So all you kids in our family can get lots of family info or even add info by emailing Linda or me or Cheryl. The blog address is http://steelethomasfamilystory.blogspot.com/. ENJOY and wish us luck!!

Visiting The Grandkids in TX

2010-02-17T17:05:00.000-08:00

This is how you go bowling at your own house. Very clever don't you think?
"Yes, I am very clever! This is one of my best ideas, ever!! Wanna bowl grandma?"
We went for a little walk at the part and Berks posed nicely for Grandma.
Not to be out done, Atticus also posed. I definitely don't click the camera at the right time--sort of missed the smile on both of them. Just a little too soon! Oh, well. I love those kiddo's.

Baby Gideon

2010-02-15T12:26:00.001-08:00

Gideon Claude Adair was born Wed. February 10, 2010 at 5:35 am and weighed 9 lbs. 12 0z. He was 22 1/2 inches long and he's as cute as can be.

ALEX COMES HOME 2/10/2010

2010-02-15T12:13:00.000-08:00

Here he comes. Straight from Brazil by way of Austin where he got to see his new nephew (Gideon) this morning about 4 hours after he was born (Feb. 10, 2010 @ 5:35 am).

Elder Adair on the plane flying home. He had a great mission and loved Brazil and is happy to be home again.
Tom, Alex, Dad, Mom, Chad (holding baby Emily) and Meagen.

ICE SKATING

2010-02-01T17:35:00.000-08:00

So the Laurels and Priests had a really fun night last week. They went Ice Skating. Lots of the kids already knew how to skate but some didn't. No matter-- they all got out there and the ones who didn't know how, gave it a try and did pretty good (after a while). What fun!!! I chose to watch--this time! (although I do know how to ice skate from my youth) since Jim forbade me in case I fell and broke something and couldn't go to Texas to babysit ANYDAY NOW. I thought about it pretty seriously though. And it looked like so much fun!! Maybe next time!

AND THE RAIN CAME DOWN (some more!)

2010-01-22T14:02:00.000-08:00

It rained a lot yesterday and last night...

And it blew a lot yesterday and last night....this is the big tree right next to our house (it's part of the retention basin but practically touches our house). I love this tree. I see it outside my shower window every morning. Dang!!

AND THE RAIN CAME DOWN

2010-01-21T07:39:00.000-08:00

YESTERDAY, after the big rain we had in the night. Clear sky, no problem, right? (There's usually no water in the retention basin. Kids playing ball and running around is the usual!)

TODAY with the rain clouds rolling in. I wonder how much this retention basin holds? But I'm not worried, really I'm not. Really I'm not. Really...did I say that already?

We are supposed to get a huge rain and wind storm today and tomorrow. Now I don't want you to think I'm worried about it, I'm not, exactly. I'm just thinking...new house, new surroundings (retention basin), new weather at this new house. Hope there's no big surprises waiting for us in the next two days. Oh, I'm sure we'll be fine--don't worry for us, but we are surrounded by a little lake since the rain we had the night before last. And it wasn't the BIG storm that's still on it's way!! Wish us luck!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! 2010

2009-12-31T21:55:00.000-08:00

OK...this year brought a few changes:

Jenn and Tom both graduated from ASU in May.

We moved to a new house, a new town, a new ward and neighborhood.

Sam and Jenn and Berkeley and Atticus moved to California and then to Texas.

I had a hysterectomy on November 10.

Chad and Meagen had a baby girl (Emily) born on the same day in the same hospital. Surprise!

I was called to be the Young Women's President in our ward. How old am I? Never mind.

I quit exercising when we moved in April and I gained a few pounds. Quite a few. Which I do without much effort at all. Hardly any effort!! Actually, NO EFFORT. Easy as pie. Umm, that sounds good. NO, NO PIE!!

You can guess what's on my New Year's Resolution list: lose weight. Nothing "new" about that! It's on my list every year, EVERY year! Including 2010. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Family Christmas Party, Part II 2009

2009-12-26T05:39:00.001-08:00

The program was a hit, really fun!

Patty was so much help (along with Kristie). She made peanut butter balls and everything else you see here. Thanks Patty and Kristie! And thanks to everyone else who brought good things to eat and fun talents to share! And to everyone for just showing up--it's not a party without all of you being there! "Thanks for the memories..."

Gracie sang "I Ain't Gettin' Nuttin' For Christmas" and she did such a great job!! Believe me, she's getting somethin' for Christmas FOR SURE!

Smile, Tara! "Thank You!" Then there's Kristie, some unknown person (is that Aaron, maybe) and Tim in the background.

Linda, Aaron (for sure), Brianne (I think), Ed, Cheryl and Colton. And Chad and Erin Marie in the background.

Well, hopefully everyone had a good time and hopefully we can do this again next year, and the next year and the next year, etc. It's just so good to get together with our immediate family and enjoy each other and catch up on what's going on in everyone's lives and share each other's talents. Thanks to everyone of you!!!!!!!!! I love you all!

Family Christmas Party 2009

2009-12-26T05:20:00.000-08:00

Jeff (sometimes erroneously referred to as Mark) and Lindsay and Amy.

Steve and Erin and baby Parker. Jim enjoying himself behind them. And Amy, Rowan and Heidi in the background.

The program audience. Some more attentive than others.

The eats. Colton, Krista (Patty and Heidi in the back talking) and Erin and Steve.

Baby Emily and Great Aunt Linda.

I would have added more pictures but for some reason it wouldn't let me! So I'll add a few more on the next blog, which will be Family Christmas Party, Part II 2009. Ho! Ho! Ho!

Tiny Babies at Christmas

2009-12-18T07:53:00.001-08:00

Does this look familiar to anyone? Mom and Dad had so many little grandbabies this Christmas (1977). Chad was about the size and age of little Emily here. Check out those hairdos and the clothes. Oh, the 70's, weren't they great!! My eyes are expressing my "I give up" thoughts at that moment because I couldn't get Chad to stop crying for the picture.

I guess I should have named this Post: "Christmas Jammies are Cute on Baby Emily." This is Patty holding little crunched up Emi. She's 5 weeks old now. I got out that family picture above to show Chad what he looked like at 5 weeks old. It was really pretty funny, because we were trying to get the picture done and he just couldn't stop crying. Remember that?? He was so tiny, I had almost forgotten how tiny he was. Maybe he was only 5 days old. My memory is a little foggy (remind you of anyone?).

Aren't those just the cutest little jammies on such a cutie pie!

"Oh. I'm so relaxed in my warm, cuddly, Christmas Jammies."

THANKSGIVING 2009

2009-12-11T11:53:00.000-08:00

This is for you and me, Cheryl. Ten people at Thanksgiving among other things.

FOOD, FUN & LAUGHTER COMING UP!!!

2009-12-04T17:21:00.000-08:00

So here's a few pictures from last year's Family Christmas Party. Ready to have some more fun? OK Or as Alex would say, "Alrighty, then"! Let's do it!

QUEEN CREEK PERKS

2009-11-23T15:46:00.001-08:00

Queen Creek is a great little town. I learned today that there are approximately 24,000 people in QC. This weekend I discovered a couple of novel little perks about my new "home town." As you can see on the crosswalk signal on the corner by our house, there is an extra button. It's up higher on the pole for people sitting up on their horses. Yeah, I'm serious, see the picture over the button?

Then there's this little perk:
I saw two people on horses coming into the parking lot at the Circle K that is just two miles from our house (about 1/2 mile from Tim & Heidi's). They moseyed right over to the HITCHING POST on the north end of the parking lot. I love it! All you horse lovers should consider making a move to this end of the valley. It doesn't get much better than this!!!
I may have to go out and buy myself a new mode of transportation! Unfortunately we don't have horse property, we're just in a normal neighborhood, and I don't think I could keep a horse in my garage! Dang!

Baby Emily

2009-11-16T12:21:00.001-08:00

Emily Grace Adair was born Tuesday, November 10, 2009. Congratulations to Chad and Meagen!! She's a baby doll. They are such sweet parents. And I'm a lucky grandma. It's sort of funny that I had my surgery at the same hospital on the same morning that Emily was born. What a coincidence (since she was almost a month early) that she came on that day! Thanks for the hospital visit, Emily.
One eye open, trying to see who is holding her. "Is that you Grandma??" This was taken on Sat., she was 4 days old. Cute, cute, cute.
Grandma holding such a tiny bundle of joy!! Isn't she sweet!!! Little Emily--4 days old.

Polar Express 2008

2009-11-09T07:35:00.000-08:00

Last year at this time, we went on the Polar Express with Sam and Jenn and the kids. It was great fun and the kids loved it. Well, they loved everything except finding out that they couldn't get off the train at the North Pole. That was a huge disappointment that was really hard to explain to them. Really hard. But we still had a great time, in spite of that awkward moment of realization for them.

We won't be going to the North Pole this year, but they are coming for Thanksgiving and that will be fun. I'm going into the hospital tomorrow to have surgery, but I will hopefully be feeling better by the time they come to visit. I'm not keen on surgery (not on me, anyway) but sometimes you "gotta do what you gotta do". So I'm doin' it. Wish me luck.

Berkeley, Jenn and Atticus

Me, Atticus, Berkeley and Papa

Jim and I

Gone but Not Forgotten

2009-11-05T13:53:00.000-08:00

Last year while we were in St. George, we took the time to visit some old friends from Mesa, Pat and Pam Sheneman. They were our neighbors when we lived at 3810 E. Covina. We hadn't seen them in years, but stopped by their house and then went to lunch with Pat and their high school age son.

Sadly, we learned this week that Pat died suddenly of a brain aneurism and his funeral is tomorrow. They have older married children and grandchildren and also 2 younger kids. A high school boy and a little girl who is about 8 if I remember right. Pat was a vivacious, happy guy and he will sorely missed.

Here Jim is with Pat and their son (the one in high school); I think they're laughing at me.

Here is Pat and Pam. Pam is always cheerful and upbeat just like in this picture. And so was Pat. They've been married since right after high school and thankfully, their marriage is eternal. My heart goes out to Pam and their family.

I Love to See The Temple

2009-10-27T08:30:00.001-07:00

Diane and I went to the Salt Lake Temple on Thursday and it was wonderful. Then afterward we went to the Joseph Smith Building and had lunch upstairs in the Garden Room. While we were sitting there, I noticed the reflection of the JSB in the windows across the street and took this picture. Can you see it? Down town SLC has lots of tall building now and lots of building going on.
Here we are with the Temple in the background. It's so beautiful. I was so happy to go back to the SL Temple and do a session in the temple I was married in...over 35 years ago.
In case you think a pro took this, let me just tell you: I took this one and the one below. You thought they were postcards, didn't you?
Isn't it a magnificent structure--no wonder it took 40 years for the pioneers to build it. Also, Snowbird is up the Little Cottonwood Canyon, where the pioneers went to get the granite they used to build the temple. It's just so amazing to me.

The Things You See

2009-10-26T17:32:00.000-07:00

So this is the scenery we saw on our way up to Snowbird. The colors were beautiful.
And I looked out the window of our 8th floor condo and saw 3 moose. A daddy, mommy & baby. I was so surprised and called Diane over to see and when she looked she also saw a bobcat run through the woods. Crazy, beautiful place!!!
Publish Post The mom and baby already left and finally, away walked the daddy. It was fun watching them.

Homeward Bound Today

2009-10-17T05:12:00.001-07:00

It's time for me to go get packed and leave Utah today. I've had a nice, relaxing time (even with the trip home to my cousin, Steve's funeral.) The mountains of Utah are just amazingly beautiful. We went to the Salt Lake Temple and to Orem to visit Linda Howard and to Gardner's Village and to the Tabernacle Choir Broadcast and a few other things in SLC. I have to thank Diane for inviting me AND Jim for encouraging me to go. Thanks to both of you!

This is Diane and I at Gardner's Village. It was so cute with lots of fun shops and lots of little kids dressed in Halloween costumes.

This is me enjoying the hot tub on the balcony of our 8th floor condo. It took me all week to finally get in. It was nice, I should have gotten in sooner.

This is the view outside our condo window. The weather has been beautiful the last few days. The snow we had the first morning here is mostly gone. But the next few weeks should bring lots of snow. They get an average of about 500 inches; last year and the year before they had more like 900 inches. That's a lot of SNOW! GOOD BYE SNOWBIRD. GOOD BYE CLIFF LODGE.

SNOWBIRD

2009-10-11T12:47:00.000-07:00

So I mentioned that I was off to Utah on Saturday. I am up in the mountains at the Snowbird Resort. I'm here with my friend (and once upon a time roommate from many, many years ago) Diane. It is gorgeous and to our surprise, it SNOWED this morning.

We still decided to go into Salt Lake City and go to the Tabernacle Choir live broadcast from Temple Square. It was well worth it!! It was so beautiful. The spirit was so strong and the music so FANTASTIC! I loved it!!!!! I looked for Libby Nielson in the orchestra but never was quite sure if I saw her. But I think I did.

I'll keep you all posted on what we do and where we go and how we relax and enjoy ourselves in the beautiful mountains of Utah.

BABY SHOWER for Meagen and "Emily"

2009-10-11T12:13:00.000-07:00

She's coming soon.

Meagen below with some cute things for the baby.

Me and Patty and Kristie.

Chad and Meagen have picked a name for their baby--Emily Grace Adair. I love the name Emily.

Jim's grandmother's name was Grace Emily Chadwick and then when she married it was Grace Emily Chadwick Ashenden. Sound familiar?

Also, my grandmother's name was Violet Grace Brunt Steele. So I think it's nice that they used the name Grace.

There was a baby shower for Meagen on Sat. I could only go for an hour because I was going to the airport to go to Utah, but it was cute and her sisters did a great job. Allison's home is beautiful.

Meagen has been sick for the last week, but hopefully she's over it. It's hard to be a kindergarten teacher and not catch colds and flu from the kids. It's even worse when you're pregnant!!

Love you Meagen!!!

New RV Garage is finished.

2009-10-04T15:27:00.000-07:00

I bottled a few more jars of peaches and some of pears also.

And here's the new store room to put the bottled fruit in. Yeah!!

Here's the new RV garage and store room & shop (all finished).

A closer look at the RV garage. We're so happy with it!!

I told you I'd give you a look at the finished garage (Alex) so there it is. "Isn't it lovely!!" (to the music of Stevie Wonder--is-n't she love-ly?)

2009-09-23T13:09:00.000-07:00

I have this little sign hanging in my kitchen. I thought it was so cute. But I suppose there's way too much truth to it, since I'm always struggling with my weight.

But I liked it so I bought it and I hung it and now I sort of live by it (way more than I should).

I really need to give up cookies and candy, but alas, it's hard once you're hooked!!

CANNING PEACHES 2009

2009-09-22T07:46:00.000-07:00

OK There's a price we pay for everything,...right?

And you know how Stephanie Nielson is always saying "don't burn yourself" in her CuisineNie Blog? Well, I was canning peaches yesterday and about the 20th time I checked the pot, STEAM BURN!

I put aloe vera on it and it instantly felt better (well, mostly felt better).

So here's the peaches. I can't remember the last time I canned anything. I usually just make freezer jam. And I still have more peaches! (But no more jars YET.)

I look pretty happy about it all. 'Cause I am. (except the burn part)

I estimate that it probably cost me about $10 per jar so far. Hopefully, I'll do some more canning and bring the price down over time. The question here is: Will I live long enough to make it "cost friendly"? Probably not.

One more look at the burn. Ouch! (That's actually the most color I've seen on my body in a long time! No sunshine for me--I've already had skin cancer.)

2009-09-18T07:01:00.000-07:00

I don't know how to put on more than one picture (yet) so I'm putting this one on a separate post.

It shows the color better than the other one. I have one more that shows the color really good too.

Texas Sage

2009-09-15T16:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I came out and saw the Texas Sage blooming like crazy.

It is so beautiful. And such a wonderful surprise since at our last 2 houses we had it and it never looked like this. We trimmed it and shaped it and it just never bloomed.

So, thank you Texas Sage for blooming at our new house. You're so gorgeous!

Calamari Anyone?

2009-09-13T12:24:00.001-07:00

Jim, Sam, Chad and Tom went fishing in Alaska in August. Tom caught this octopus. Lovely isn't it?

I guess when octopi get angry and upset they turn red (sound like anyone you know?).

It turned whitish again as soon as they killed it.

Anyway, they ended up eating it for dinner and said it really tasted great. None for me, thanks! (I know, I'm a wimp.)

What Am I Doing?

2009-08-04T09:36:00.000-07:00

So I have a website that I've been doing blogs on for the past year. But I decided to start one on blogspot (so I'd be like everyone else in my family). I'm just a follower! My other blog's are on mobile me and it's harder to get to (I think?). Anyway, it's different. So here I am.

I guess I'll see how this goes and if I dare to keep going with this one.

To start with: Sam and Jenn and the kids left yesterday for their new home in Texas. They've been gone for 2 months, living in California at the beach (how bad is that?). But now it's on to Texas to become longhorns!! I'm going to miss them.