John and Sondra Ward Family

Lesa and Max!

2011-03-26T15:33:00.001-07:00

Lesa stayed an extra day after the WWWW so we got to focus a little more on both her and Max. Wow, is he fun. Thanks to Mom, Dad and four big sisters who take such good care of him, he is extremely good natured and has a great smile. Fun to photograph!

Max in March 2011

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Just Checking . . .

2011-03-26T15:22:00.001-07:00

I’m hoping this program will not get to me today and will try to post a decent blog with all the pictures I enjoy sharing.

A few of the finished projects and some of the laughter and fun with the ladies at the Bernina retreat.

It really was enjoyable and I’m looking forward to it again next year.

Now THAT was easy. How come it seemed so difficult yesterday?

Computers r "Elderly prejiduced"

2011-03-23T11:14:00.000-07:00

These are the beautiful ladies who came to the retreat at our house. We had so much fun and really accomplished LOTS. I'll show you in the following pictures

Really! I am so frustrated trying to change a few things on this darn blog.

I'll just write my blog, finally and stew about all the changes I WANT to make.

I HATE THIS PROGRAM!!!!!! Ok, I quit, unfinished and furious...

Thanksgiving – November 2010

2010-12-05T01:05:00.001-08:00

Family and friends give so much meaning to life. Our Thanksgiving seemed quiet compared to years past. We drove to Poway and spent a few days with Spencer and Amy.

The Turkey was cooked perfectly and the rest of the menu was superb. It was fun to play games with them and do some fun crafts with the children. We decorated a ginger bread house and started a paper machei (sp?) snowman. How DO you spell that? I’ll get those pictures asap . . .

The beginnings of our “snowman’, partially obscured by its genius creator, the beautiful and talented Kaitlyn Joelle Ward.

As promised, we helped with some of the Christmas decorating. Well, John helped Spencer with the outside lights (including pounding in the nails so it will be easier next year and after …) While I continued to play and watch Samantha discover the tree skirt “fit” her perfectly and made a fine dancing skirt.

When we were loading the car, getting ready to come home, I was surprise attacked by this little imp secluded in the trunk of the car. Life is never dull around these grand children.

Bobby’s Team Wins!

2010-12-02T07:34:00.001-08:00

At the long awaited volleyball tournament, this weekend, Whoa, OLD post-forgot to publish) :) it was no surprise that our own Bob Ward and his team mate won the whole thing. They were the grand prize winners of a gift certificate to Golden Corral! Wow! I bet the children are thrilled.

Bob’s team were almost unbeaten and would have completely swept the tournament . . . except for one little thing. Did I say little? Well, I should have said younger. Bob’s team was beaten only by his younger brother. Mark. Oops! What does that mean? Are the younger ones taking over in this family or was it just a fluke? Stay tuned for the next exciting episode of “youth versus experience” in the Ward family sports drama.

Giving Thanks

2010-11-21T23:42:00.000-08:00

Family - sorry I forgot to post this at the approproate time (AGES AGO) but here it is now. I wrote it shortly after thankggiving last year. :/ What a great time of year. It's finally cooling off a little here and we've even had some rain, which I love. Spencer and Amy came with their family late Friday night and stayed the weekend. Amy, Kaitlyn and Samantha even went to church with us before visiting their old ward in Stanton.

I have been feeling better than good. Miraculous is the word. The energy level has risen immensely and I'm able to get back to some of the things I love doing. Two weeks ago I even went to St. George for a sewing retreat at Dave's Bernina. That was a great experience to stay with Tamra Cox and just sew our little hearts out. We even sewed on Sunday after church and listened to beautiful music.

I'm having fun finishing old projects that are turning out well. I'm calling it "Art Therapy". It works great for me. I'd forgotten what a lift creative efforts are for me. It's even more fun when I can give it away to someone who will treasure and take good care of it.

TREVOR WARD – the Missionary

2010-10-03T21:57:00.001-07:00

It’s true; He’s a full fledged, set apart missionary, entered the MTC Wed. 30 of September 2010.

He is SUCH a great looking missionary. And bears powerful testimony of the Gospel. Following are pictures of some of the festivities after his farewell.

Trevor with brothers and cousins (all of them future missionaries).

Festivities included lunch at his Aunt Wendy’s and then his setting apart with the Bishop and Stake President on Monday night. Wow, that was a great outpouring of the spirit! Connor predicted it by passing around the tissue. We just needed lots more than expected.

Michael and Julies’ family with their Bishop on the left and Stake President on the right.

I feel exquisitely blessed to have been part of such a great occasion. He will probably depart for Nicaragua November 30.

The Mark & Sara Ward Family

2010-09-29T08:50:00.001-07:00

Mark and Sara looked (and acted) like honeymooners the whole time. I loved it, but I’m a romantic. They were much more cooperative about getting their picture taken than those active, very excited children.

And Grandpa was worst of all. You’d think I would be used to him being ‘one of the kids’ when he’s with them.

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We had our very own ‘show’ just as we were leaving the nature center.

Riding BACKWARDS was exciting!

It was a delightful visit I especially enjoyed playing speed scrabble. Emma is very good at it … and Mark was a cheater :)

It’s JOHN Who Got Dirty – Not Me

2010-09-02T20:49:00.001-07:00

I forgot to clarify the headline for the last entry. John got really filthy working in the yard.

Down and Dirty in Poway

2010-09-02T20:43:00.001-07:00

We just returned from two nights with Spencer and Amy’s family. John really worked hard in their yard again. It is such a huge yard, and could be a real paradise if they had the time and $$ to put into it. It’s already pretty nice as is with the pool and patio and all the play places for the children. I think that yard could be a full time job for a gardener and still use some extra time. It is just SO big.

Every time we go down there, the house looks better and better with all the painting and repairs shaping up nicely and the furnishings put in the right place and the unpacking getting done. It makes me tired just to think of trying to move. I’m so glad we have no plans to do any such thing!

S’happen’n?

2010-08-31T01:09:00.001-07:00

It’s been a while. But we’ve been busy – and just plain fatigued too. You guys wear us out! Our travels have taken us to visit some of you – again. And of course you’ve visited with us as well. I have proof as follows:

These kids really LOVE the water.

Savannah & friends had a little beauty parlor too. Isn’t he cute?

Savannah’s tennis team (above). Savannah had quite the trip(s) coming down with her family first, and then right back with her tennis team. I must have been under the weather … no pictures of their cute family.

Texas was nice, but HOT. It was fun to see Dan & Lindsay all settled in their new (air conditioned, thank goodness) house.

Trevor was a good sport when the girls decided to include him in their dress up play.

I didn’t take any other pictures of Amy or Michael’s family or the Kogers while they were here. But I did get Max.

…sleeping in my arms – what joy.

… doing his “baby power” stretch

Yes. those are grandpa’s feet!

… and these are the rascals, caught in the act.

Joel, after his fishing in Alaska trip. He loved it.

And then to Park City. The “shoe tree”

What do ya think?? Is he in the right place?

Or is it better this way? He was a good sport too.

Max loved my cover-up.

I think Max liked Park City as well as the rest of his family.

We stayed with Mark and Sara both coming and going to Utah. They are such gracious Hosts/Hostesses. I think Gabe actually enjoys sharing his room. He’s sure sweet about it.

It was great vacationing, but quite exhausting. Now it’s quite lovely to be home. We share our home with so many groups that we’re always either getting ready for or cleaning up afterwards, so there’s no time to be lonely. Joel condescends to play a few games with us. Speed Scrabble seems to be the favorite right now.

(I hope) We’ve rested enough that we’re going down to visit with Spencer and Amy later today. That’s what’s been happening with us.

Beauty Parlor

2010-08-18T08:29:00.000-07:00

The girl cousins have started a tradition at grandma and grandpa's house. They call it the Beauty Parlor. The recipe for beauty parlor is as follows:

a brush

a comb

as many hair ties and bows as you can find

water

hairspray and/or gel (unless your mom catches you)

1 unsuspecting adult who thinks he is getting a head rub

Here are the results of said recipe:

And the beauty pageant winner is . . .

Memorial Day W/Bobby & John & Families

2010-06-10T17:37:00.001-07:00

We went to the UVU campus to watch Quintin and Bobby play volleyball; and also enjoy the excellent company of Julie’s parents and sister Kirsten, along with Zachary and Braxton. FUN!

Isn’t he Handsome!

Julie’s mom brought lots of goodies that we all enjoyed – along with her advice and expertise regarding kinesiology. It inspired me to look into that for myself.

The first thing I did when we arrived at John & Rachel’s was fall off their porch. How mortifying! And it really damaged my pride. (no physical injury until … ) Later, Rachel and I went shopping and it was when we were unloading and taking things into the house that I stubbed my toe really hard on their uneven driveway. It hurt sooooooooo much and for soooooooooo long. And only showed a little blood underneath my toenail for all that pain. Later, a bruise that covered half my toe showed up. It is finally improved enough now that I can walk normally without pain.

So I didn’t get any pictures at their house. Both Johns worked hard in the yard while we were shopping. I should have at least got before and after pictures of that. Not to mention 4 adorable, loving grandchildren.

A Sunday Afternoon

2010-06-06T19:24:00.001-07:00

A delicious Sunday dinner at Karl and Karla’s, along with great conversation and even better … family! Sometimes, goofy – always FUN.

(I think the men were envious of the beautiful flower bows all the girls and women got).

Goal Setting

2010-06-06T19:13:00.001-07:00

I understand the concept of new year’s resolutions and how discouraging they can be. I’ve been there often. But, when I was YW president (probably the third time) I finally got it.

Goal setting is best for me when stated as a positive affirmation such as, “I am becoming more prayerful and fervent in my talks with Heavenly Father.”

O. K. that’s step one … step 2 is not to procrastinate… yeah, yeah, yeah. I hear yah.

I began this post sometime in January.

Max Lindsay’s First Week

2010-06-06T18:20:00.001-07:00

He had difficulty staying awake for photo ops …

His first bath …

With all his sleeping, you’d hardly expect his poor parents to be sleep deprived …

A Family of Ballerinas

2010-06-01T17:51:00.001-07:00

He loves me, he loves me not …

Giselle’s mother’s solo

Their ballet teacher delivered dvds with all these pictures and a copy of their performance. Fun!

Presenting . . . Max Lindsay Koger!

2010-05-28T04:58:00.001-07:00

I can hardly believe I’m really here, And with minutes to spare. I arrived just before Kevin and Lesa left for the hospital. The night was way too filled with excited anticipation to get much sleep.

Lesa had tested positive for strep, which made it imperative that she have four hours of intravenous antibiotic before the baby delivered and that was precisely the amount of time it took for Max to come into this world. He weighed in at a hefty 9 pounds 6 ounces and was 21 inches long with plenty of dark brown hair.

From what I’ve been able to see so far, his features are pleasantly handsome and he sleeps with a serene expression on his beautiful mug. Of course he can make quite a variety of facial expressions as well. My favorite so far is when he clamps his toothless gums together, giving him the look of a little old man, But he has displayed quite an array of very hilarious expressions in his sleep to keep us all entertained; and of course his four big sisters (or little mothers) are in tune with nearly everything he does. He does not lack for motherly attention. In fact, I’m finding it difficult too find a time for my turn to hold the little guy.

One other cute thing about him is his ‘baby condor squeal’ (as Kevin has called it) that he seems to use most of the time to express his displeasure. It’s pretty cute and effectively draws the attention he desires.

Can you just FEEL the barely contained excitement at the coming prospect of finally seeing their long-awaited baby brother?

And finally getting their own turns to hold and admire him up close . . . it was really difficult to await turns patiently . . .

even for me! and I wanted to hog him much longer.

Well, now we have him home and it isn’t any easier to get your turn holding him. He has FIVE mothers, all willing to fill any need, even anticipating them. Of course he’s the most handsome baby brother EVER! No arguments at this house.

Apologies

2010-05-08T18:31:00.001-07:00

Sorry about that. Karl was trying to post an old movie he made in High School with Greg Blake. It’s pretty funny, but we couldn’t get it to work.

Superman Rules!

2010-05-06T20:23:00.001-07:00

2010-03-26T17:16:00.000-07:00

Well, here is the fixer-upper we are buying. This picture makes it look nicer than it is. It is truly ugly but we got a decent price and there is a lot of room for guests! Dad has spent 3 days trying to figure out the watering system and the mystery of the backyard which currently has several trails, whoop-dee-doos, and berms for dirt bikes. I'm taking votes as to whether we should keep the dirt mounds or clear them for a volleyball court . . . . Dad voted to keep them. The rest of you can add your vote in the comments section.

Come visit!

xoxo,

Amy

2010-03-04T00:09:00.000-08:00

It's really impossible to realize we have been married 47 years. What an amazing life we've had. There is no way I could have predicted such joy. So many children, and all the incredible grand children. Way back when I was dating, I remember feeling sorry for 'old married people', who didn't look like they were having any fun, and definitely looked OLD.

It's funny how perspective changes with age and some wisdom. John is lying here next to me (snoring away). He said he "couldn't go to sleep" so was hoping for my magical, sleep inducing, back scratches. He actually fell asleep just being here with me at the laptop. How I love that man! How blessed I feel to have been together all these years. We have so many treasured memories. We're both thinking along the same line: preserving some of those moments. He is hoping to start putting together some DVDs from all our family pictures and movies. I just want to get some more scrap booking done along with journal keeping, in the form of all the journals I've already finished, plus the notes with my scrap books and now, the blog. Thank you, again, Mark and Sara.

This past month or so, have been spent keeping up with the house, reorganizing my bedroom office and closet; and most recently, the kitchen and all the scrap book supplies. I'm nearly finished with that and will finally tackle the game room next. Yes, Spencer, I will find the pool table. Then I'm really hoping to get back to some sewing and embroidery. Our scrapbook "walls" in the hallways need my attention as well. You know, I thought of something I could use help with: all of our family scrapbooks that are "before the archival" quality need to be redone. How I would love it if any of you wanted to help with those.

Bobby is coming this week. I'm so excited to have him help me with my new laptop so I can really organize all my photos and include more of them on this blog. Joel and John gave me a blessing today. I have had a growing concern for a walnut sized lump in my throat that Dr. Bitter thought was just a clogged salivary gland. My dentist ruled that out and sent me to the oral surgeon, who is in turn sending me to a neck/throat surgeon. With each new referral, my concern has grown, hoping the final referral would NOT be to an oncoligist! It will be all right.

Creative Efforts and Sad Stories

2010-02-17T11:03:00.000-08:00

I taught a class of ladies how to make the boxes Julie taught us to make at WWWW. It was fun and now they want another to learn how to make the cards as well. See what you've started, Julie?

If you are in the market for craft ribbon, try the $1 spot at Target. They also have pretty tissue paper that I use to stuff (lightly) in the handmade boxes to hide the gift inside. I also figured out that by weaving the ribbon loosely through the four corners, there is room for larger gift items.

I am enjoying blogging more every week. Honestly, Sara and Mark, I had NO IDEA what I was missing. Thank you, again! There's a whole wonderful world of people out there, much like me, who enjoy home, family, and have creative talents to share, as well as poignant stories.

The best part for both John and me is the ones in the family who also blog. We get a little peek into your lives that compensates (just a little) for the fact that none of you live close anymore, and we are very much deprived of our BEAUTIFUL, WONDERFUL, ADORABLE, PRECIOUS grand children! Now is that a sad story, or what?

I found this site sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com through one of the other family blogs and she had the cutest flowers for hair bows (or whatever) made out of zippers. They look amazingly simple and are adorable.

Letter of the law

2010-02-16T11:41:00.001-08:00

"As soon as you put your dishes in the dishwasher, you can have cookies." Sammie took us at our word . . .

Cold February, Warm Hearts

2010-02-12T22:59:00.000-08:00

All Right!

Sara gave us "instructions for changing your blog background in six easy steps" and it worked! So you may see more changes there than blog postings. This is really fun.

I'm in San Diego this week spending time with Amy and family. We've had fun and will extend it even further when they come up to see us this Sunday.

I am so tired tonight, but had to see if I could change that background again. John is in the Poppy Fields but we're both headed home tomorrow. I bet Joel misses us.

I’m a goner for sure. Internet Shopping, yikes!

2010-01-25T14:31:00.001-08:00

OK Most of you family bloggers know that I follow your posts regularly, and enjoy all of them immensely But there are not enough of them! I love reading about what’s happening in your lives and especially your thoughts on various things.

Well, Rachel has to be the most consistent, so of course I really “hone in” on what she has to say. I love it, Rachel. I also enjoy checking other blogs you suggest that you follow, and looking into the books you read.

The only problem is this: I am trying VERY hard to control my shopping addiction by only shopping for things we absolutely need, and going to the store as few times as possible. You see, for me, going into a store is like taking an alcoholic into a bar! I’m totally serious here, so don’t laugh – well maybe just a little giggle.

Some of the sites Rachel visits are really great and I have thus far resisted; but not today. Oh those ribbon bows on http://preciousaccessories-sunnie.blogspot.com are so sweet. I have fallen into the trap and hope to forget that address soon. As soon as I get my bows, that is.

Stake Conference weekend

2010-01-17T23:28:00.000-08:00

It's been a beautiful weekend. Our stake conference, and Saturday, usually my favorite session, was good, and made me think more about some changes I want to make (to myself). But Sunday was wonderful. It was a regional broadcast with talks by Pres. Uchdorf and Elder Holland; Bishop Edgley and Sister Matsumori. They were exceptional talks, or maybe I was just in the right frame of mind. Either way, tears came and came some more. I really need to make some changes and am starting NOW.
We are so blessed to have the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives - and a knowledge of His atoning sacrifice for us. How grateful I am for repentance and a patient, loving Heavenly Father. I still have time to get things right.

I LOVE MY FAMILY!

2010-01-14T18:50:00.000-08:00

I just went back to review all the blogging I've done ... and realized I'd forgotten to read all those nice comments from some of you. Thanks for reading what I have to say and enjoying all my pictures. They are my favorite part.

Now I just wish I knew how to print each posting so we could have a hard copy for our journal. Thanks again, Sara and Mark. I'm having loads of fun.

John and I went to the temple today to do sealings. I love listening to all the beautiful promises made to us, and hearing them over and over again. And I thoroughly love kneeling across the altar from my beloved husband of forty seven years (this March). That's a long time to hang out with the same person. We are more in love than ever and being treated like royalty by one another.

When John was doing a sealing with someone else, the sealer told the woman to hold on tight to John because, "..he's a keeper..." and I agree. And to each of you, thanks for being part of this amazing family. I love you! sjpw

The “After Christmas” Fun

2010-01-12T18:57:00.001-08:00

Oh, what joy! After Christmas was as much fun as before and on Christmas day itself. Let me show you why":

Yes, Eric really IS up-side-down. What a handsome guy! But I think Johnathon was bored and Spence seems to have had too much to drink.

Seems like a lot of “working” going on with all the computer gurus. But they DID stop to have some fun once in a while.

These are the “babes”. Every one of them, especially Miss Chocolate Mug.

A few more babes + Spencer, trying to be the Grinch.

More babes and a few sleepyheads. Aren’t they adorable?

The “Queen Mother” in her new pjs.

Dinnertime! We had some great meals (Great Cooks!) These cuties look almost edible too . . . even Spencer.

Check out the cute profile on #1 grandson.

The good “eaters” and one real good “worker”. Check out the gorgeous necklace Julie’s wearing.

Just where did all these “goofies” come from??? Spaghetti mugs and all.

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These are just a few of the reasons we had so much fun. Hope you enjoy the pictures as much as we enjoyed our after Christmas family time.

2010-01-08T14:11:00.000-08:00

How could I forget the iconic photo showing a talent passing from on generation to another!?! Lindsay doing Grandpa's bird calls! There were flocks of geese and ducks and a couple of hawks and then the big white bird which I thought was a heron but read somewhere in the nature center that it is some breed of egret.

2010-01-08T13:57:00.000-08:00

After the nature center, we went to the park and played tag. I was so impressed with how well Parker, Tayleigh, and Eden did! They were not dismayed to be playing with so many older players -- as skilled as we are! They didn't go for the easy Sammie tag or each other, either. They wanted the BIG fish! Grandpa or Uncle Spencer. That's why I have no pictures of the game. They would've tagged me! We also threw the football a little bit, pushed kids on the swings, and climbed the jungle gym. Lindsay June took these photos. Parker did NOT want to pose for pictures. He still wanted to run around and play.

Another GREAT afternoon spent with cousins and Grandpa as our guide to fun!

Now we just need to get some good shots of mom killing me at her new game, "Cities and Knights of Catan" and the menagerie will be complete. Thanks everyone for chronicling our time together!

2010-01-08T13:38:00.000-08:00

I love that my kids have so much fun with their cousins. I am grateful to mom and dad for unselfishly opening their home to several of us at a time so we can strengthen those relationships. It must be tempting for them to try and schedule us one at a time . . . . Here are some fun memories we created over Christmas.

Grandpa took us walking through the El Dorado Nature Center (successful only the second time we attempted it). The kids had fun showing off their strange talents on the outdoor stage. We had fun looking for all the animals and plants posted on the trailside. Parker got really

excited about the snake but we never found it. Just turtles!

I caught Spencer working on his day off. He quickly posed for the picture then went back to missing all the beauty of nature. At least his body was there!

Happy Wintertime! 2010

2010-01-07T17:31:00.001-08:00

Just a few reasons I love this time of year:

Family! We have felt the great joy and love of each of our children and their spouses, most of all - our beautiful, wonderful, magnificent, grand children.

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The family pictures are just “pictures of pictures” so not good reproductions, but you get the idea.

Karl’s very unexpected and useful gift to John is a very nice trailer to attach to his quad for hauling things around in the “Poppy Fields”. He (John) immediately got everyone involved loading it into the motor home for his next trip up there. He’s pretty excited about it.

Allow me to share just WHY these grand children are so special to us.

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Watching them with their gingerbread houses in Utah – how creative they can be. Can’t you just feel that satisfaction for a job well done?

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They were pretty creative in California as well. Wow, they made some amazing decorations…with a little help, as you can see.

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Aren’t they beautiful?! And FUN as well. It brings me so much joy to see them having fun. I LOVE these children! (All 34+ of them). The + is for Kevin and Lesa’s little one due in May. I kinda like their parents too. :)

That is why they are all so special to us. They are FUN and fun loving. creative, intelligent, caring, noisy, messy, beautiful, interesting, and they love us as well. So what’s not to love about them?

I love the weather changes. It becomes cooler and even crisp in the evenings and the trees change colors and leaves fall. We might even get a good rainstorm to add to the cozy feeling of our home with all its fall or Christmas decorations
And then there are all the beautiful decorations.

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Some people go to great lengths in their lighting and decorating. I feel like a little kid. Even when I walked into a Target store and saw all the huge snowflakes, I wanted to express my delight.

Karla and I found the above decorations in the new Family History bldg in SLC. They decorated the gargantuan tree with church history paraphernalia.

I love it when perfect strangers wish me “Merry Christmas” which seems more and more NOT politically correct.
I enjoy seeing all the small acts of kindness that seem more prevalent.
I love the Christmas Spirit, which I believe, is the spirit of Christ; a tiny spark within all mankind.
I love seeing the delight when someone opens a gift they are excited about.
I love giving gifts - especially to children, and watching their faces, seeing the happiness a gift brings them.
I love my family and appreciate them even more at this time of year. One, because they make the huge effort to visit and spend time with us; and two, because I know what a big sacrifice that is to travel in poor weather, with small children and lots of traffic. We are richly blessed!

Those are just a few of the things I love about this time of year.

There are only a few things I don’t like, such as: Feeling torn about to whom I will express affection first with so many loved ones around, and only one me: an insecure me at that. Worrying about loved ones feelings, and wanting each one to know they are my favorite – or at the least, very much loved, honored, respected, and cherished. I have prayed diligently to be able to cut out all the excess worry, shopping, fretting about who to give what, etc. It’s made the difference being able to focus more on what’s really important about Christmas; My God and family being on top of the list.

This is the time of year I begin to ponder and pray about my standing with my Heavenly Father and my Savior, and what improvements, changes, or goals need to be set for the coming year. John and I are both doing this and praying together about it as well.

pictures

2010-01-07T09:23:00.001-08:00

Because it’s easier to share them this way than emailing them…

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We can’t all be California girls

2010-01-07T08:15:00.001-08:00

I posted this on my blog earlier but thought I’d share it here too.I think in my heart I will always be a California girl. Even if I never live there again. When someone asks “Where are you from?” I’ll invariably answer, “Well, originally from Southern California.” Perhaps I have too much salt water in my pores, but nowhere else truly feels like home. Texas has definitely started to grow on me though. I occasionally slip into my lazy southern drawl and who can live here and not help but become a Dallas Cowboys fan (without suffering pain of death)! It shocks me that none of my children were born in California. It helps that my parents still live in the same house I lived in all of my childhood. The same green linoleum lines the guest bathroom, the dark wood-paneled den, the carpeted “office” where I hold dear memories of rocking in the lay-z-boy with my Dad listening to Beethoven. Most of the rest of the house has been updated (I kind of miss the green shag carpet), but going to my parent’s house still feels like going home to me.

As mentioned in a previous post I utilized questionable sanity when deciding to attempt a week’s vacation with my children without my eternal companion. He complained of loneliness but I know for a fact that he saw multiple movies, slept in daily and watched every sporting match available through our measly digital antennae signal. We did get to talk everyday and I was surprised at first that it was Dan who usually called and often kept the conversation going with questions and comments. You have to know him to understand, but Dan’s phone etiquette is passable at best. I realized after not long a common theme at the end of each call. “So where’s my present?” I had started a 12 days of Christmas gift giving before leaving and hid (pretty darn well) most of his gifts. He had to call each day to find out where the next one was. It was fun and good incentive to get him to call.

So apart from a couple crummy flights (which I’ve blocked from my memory now but you can see previous posts to know what I’m referring to) and maybe a day or two of crummy children. Oh, did I say crummy!?! I meant to say crabby! Anywho, it was a fun trip and good opportunity to see family.

Caleb and Abby were both entranced by the singing tree in the front yard. It sang “Jingle Bells” so loud I wanted to deck it’s halls a couple times!The kids get along well with their cousins and there was only one time that Parker came to ask me to play with him. Apparently all the girls were playing dress-up.When Grandpa is available he always makes the best horsey!We spent one lazy afternoon roaming around El Dorado park watching the ducks and other wildlife. Grandpa found some fishing line and rigged up a pole for Parker to fish with. I’m not sure that fish could even live in the murky water of that tepid pond, but he gave it a great effort, even offering up a prayer for fishing help before we left. Caleb and Seth were bosom buddies. My older sister who somehow still looks 20 and her 16 year-old husband.Some cute cousins. The Grandpa we adore. Charlie’s Angels!?!For family night the kids acted out the nativity as Uncle Spencer read from the scriptures. The boys, if you can’t tell, were the kings complete with gifts for the infant Jesus. And we had some angelic little beauties.

Christmas in California

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We had a great time in California for Christmas. We chased ducks.

We dressed up. Even the boys.

We swam. Well, a little bit. The water was pretty chilly.

And despite the one and a half trips to the urgent care, the 4 colds, 1 flu and a double ear infection, we had a pretty good time!

Christmas is FUN (another ‘delayed’ post) sorry. I thought this was posted already

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And I can hardly wait. Lindsay arrived on Friday evening, John and Rachel on Saturday, and Amy and Spencer this evening (Sunday). That means we can start making gingerbread houses and decorating cookies, and wrapping gifts, and stuffing stockings and all the FUN stuff.

Rachel has been cooking some awesome meals and all the cousins are having such a good time together. Amy brought “Cities and Knights” and proceeded to whip me soundly, again. One of these days, I will be victorious more that twice in a row. But I need to practice more first.

The fun stuff has begun and I want to be right in the middle of it all. I love my family! Parker, Emma, and Tayleigh helped me clean up the magnets this afternoon and did an incredible job organizing all of them! I am impressed.

It’s FREEZING up here!

2009-12-18T21:41:00.001-08:00

Sorry this post is late. Just a few glitches, that’s all.

In fact, it’s way below freezing. The last time I looked at the weather in the middle of the night, the temperature was at zero. According to my calculations, (which were pretty fuzzy in the middle of the night), 32 is freezing, so 0 degrees is 32 BELOW freezing. Glad I have a toasty down comforter.

I could NOT go to sleep last night and have now slept half the day. What a waste of good Utah time. While I was not sleeping last night, I was able to check e mail, and work on Christmas cards…just one for each of our children’s families with their gift from us. I’ve checked on John, who is feeling a little better today than yesterday.

Emily was baptized this morning at a very special ceremony where she was the star. Her whole family sang together while Sarah accompanied them on the flute. It was beautiful and I had no idea Sarah was that good already. I LOVE flute music and would love to hear her even more.

After the baptism, Lesa & Kevin had a little brunch that was delightful; then Karl & Karla had the whole family over on Sunday for a delicious dinner.

You can see by the pictures who did most of the work. And who had fun playing.

And there were those who had to study … good job, Leah.

It was a fun evening and we topped it off looking at Christmas lights on the way home.

I’ve done two really stupid things lately and the second one is so painful, I can’t remember the first. Karl took me Christmas shopping – just for me and that alone made me feel quite special that he would take time to spend with me. We had an enjoyable time talking and laughing and found exactly the game I’ve been wanting for months: Settlers of Catan! My next goal is to talk SOMEONE in to playing it with me.

Anyway, about the stupid thing, as Karl and I finished shopping and headed out to his car, I hit an icy spot and before I knew it was flat on my bum. How embarrassing! of course someone besides he and I witnessed and tried to help me up. When asked if I was all right, I told them it was mostly a very bruised ego, which is quite true. I never even saw it coming because the parking lot didn’t look icy at all. So, I’m feeling pretty dumb now and hoping I never remember the “other dumb thing” since I’ve had enough humiliation for one day.

Taking stock of the injuries: mental/emotional – incalulatable; physical, bruised, throbbing, bloody knee (first point of impact) with quite a good sized goose egg. Not the greatest ending for such a lovely day. but I’ll be fine tomorrow.

Hmm.. not as “fine” as I’d hoped for, but surviving ok. I remember the other stupid thing I did and will chalk that one up to fatigue. One night when I had difficulty getting to sleep, I decided to just get up and work on making those cute little boxes Julie M. taught us to make at WWWW. Lesa is planning to give them to each sister in the ward R.S. with little chocolates inside for her birthday, along with a personal visit. What a lovely idea. Only 103 boxes. That’s not too bad. Ok, back to ‘stupid’. I was cutting cardstock down to the right size, and then scoring it for the folds. Lesa’s scoring blade is too sharp and was actually cutting, or tearing the paper, which in turn would weaken the box. I removed the blade and ran it over my index finger to check . . . and cut a slice all the way across, causing immediate and profuse bleeding; well, enough that I couldn’t work with paper without smearing it. A bandage really hampered my ability to make the precise folds, so I quit box making and decided to go back to bed and play “text twist” until falling asleep. Have you ever tried to use your mouse pad with a bandage? It doesn’t recognize the bandage. So much for games.

WWWW and Eliza’s birthday party

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I LOVE this blog. Even if no one ever reads it. I will have this record to keep and look back on. Thanks again Sara and Mark.

This is the “goofy” picture but Lesa, Rachel and Julie E. look pretty solemn. I have lots of fond memories of our third annual WWWW in Park City. It was fun. And Julie M. really started something with the card and box making. I still haven’t quit . . . a hundred or so items later. Each one totally different from the others. Our first WWWW in Salt Lake City was cool, and Lake Arrowhead was nice for the second but I think I like them more all the time. Gee, I hope you feel the same.

Either before or after Park City, some time when we were in Utah, we got to help celebrate Eliza’s birthday and that was fun.

I wasn’t going to publish this so large but don’t you just love Kevin’s new look?

Of course I didn’t get pictures of everyone who was there. It was hard not to totally focus on Eric, with his adorable antics. But at least I got the birthday girl and a few cousins!

Oh! This is fun. More Reunion Pics

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Now isn’t that a beautiful bunch of people?! There are so many more but it’s hard to choose. It was a fun time, even if we did nearly have to call the fire department about John’s cake with 75 candles! Good grief, he is OLD. But still pretty cute. And he’s getting to be an expert with Text Twist. We enjoy playing that together.

Today, we need to pack for the cold snowy weather in Utah so we can make it to Emily’s baptism. I look forward to seeing all of my Utah families while we’re there. Wow! I’m a blessed grandmother.

A Rare Rainy California Day

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It’s rained most of the night and a good solid rain today. Enough for the fire victims to worry about mud slides. It seems so cozy inside with the Christmas lights on and the overcast sky outside. A fresh, hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookie day. I love it and we certainly need it. I want to learn how to insert pictures and will do that today if it kills me.

Somehow, this post got “lost” in cyber space (I go there a lot so I found it easily). I WAS going to take a “rainy day” picture to insert but it would have been lousy with NO GRAND CHILD to include. I love all of you even if you have taken our grandchildren so far out of reach!

…more Christmas with Sara and Mark

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This has been a delightful day! First of all, Sara, Mark and family came to our ward and I had one of the most fun Sacrament Meetings for a while. I LOVE EMMA, and GABRIEL and ABIGAIL! They are so adorable and fun. Mark and Sara were fun too. I can already tell December will be memorable, mostly because it will be written down here for me to remember and read again. Sara and Mark created this blog for us and tried to teach us how to use it in a quick lesson. But we can depend and their further help too. And maybe some of you will have suggestions for us. What a nice gift! And, they taught us how to post a comment on your blogs as well. Now if we can just REMEMBER.

We got a nice early start with Kevin and Lesa the day after Thanksgiving. The whole family pitched in with the decorating and it went quite well. The girls really seemed to enjoy it and that made it more fun for us too.

The Mark Ward family just drove off heading for St. George and it’s way too quiet here. I miss them already.

Joel is doing the “12 Days of Appreciation” for over 300 staff at the school he’s teaching. He’s a maniac, but we already knew that. I love my family! mom/sjpw

Fun at the Ward’s

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It is always fun to stay at Grandma and Grandpa’s. We did lots of fun things. One highlight was going to feed the ducks at Hartwell Park.

Gabe smiled the best he could so he could get back to chasing pigeons.

Grandpa brought plenty of food.

Despite efforts, no one was able to catch a bird in their hands.

Grandpa and Sara got a good laugh watching a panic-stricken Mark keep Abigail from falling in the water.

Grandpa helped Abigail to walk on the balance beam for the first time.

He helped Mark too.

And we had California Pizza Kitchen as an early celebration of Sara’s Birthday.

Merry Christmas

2009-11-30T14:55:00.001-08:00