A Lil BRIT different

SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION

2012-02-03T21:14:00.000-07:00

I am sure you've heard of the theory of SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION.

Six degrees of separation refers to the idea that everyone is on average approximately six steps away, by way of introduction, from any other person on Earth, so that a chain of, "a friend of a friend" statements can be made, on average, to connect any two people in six steps or fewer

Well, I have met someone who is only 5 degrees away

from me but she is not a "friend" she is a relative.

"Roseann" (1) who by the way is very sweet

is married to Roy Twining- my cousin(2),

who's father Donny(3)

is brother to Robert(4)

my(5) father.

I hope I didn't confuse you.

I lived most of my life not knowing

that Roy or Roseann (and their family) ever existed.

What a shame.

But we know each other now and I owe it to some very kind people, my love for genealogy,

love for family, and the use of the internet.

So now my reason for telling you all this.

Roseann has been telling me about a photo album

that contains some family photo's- very old photo's.

I have been drooling....... (you know me)

she so very graciously tried to

share some pictures with me on Facebook

but instead.

she decided to SEND ME THE ALBUMS!

The tears begin to flow....

my dad and Nicky

Uncle Donny

General Nathan Twining

When I saw this letter, the tears began to flow.

This is a letter my Dad wrote to Roy.

It was simply wonderful just to see his handwriting.

Now, please excuse me.....

for the next few days

as I absorb all the information and pictures

and get to know my Dad and his family a little bit better.

Roseann.......

you will never know....

what this means to me.

thank you!

THE "WHO KNEW" ADVENTURE OF TILE......

2012-01-31T20:20:00.013-07:00

Who knew..... installing tile would be such a detailed adventure

Who knew..... the best part of installing tile would be choosing

the one that would be the perfect in your kitchen?

Who knew..... laying out the floor pattern was so complicated?

(it's a little like quilting- making it all fit together)

Who knew..... tile CEMENT can reek havoc on a females delicate hands?

Who knew..... there are so many colors for that little

1/8th inch line of invisible grout?

Who knew..... that 1/8th inch invisible grout would make such an impact on the look?

(we tested 3 different colors)

Who knew..... grouting tile was so messy?

Who knew..... a grown man would lay down on the job just

to get the little space under the cabinets?

Who knew..... a sponge and water could clean up so much mess?

Who knew..... washing the kitchen floor four times in a row

would still leave itty bitty pieces of grit?

but most importantly.....

Who knew..... your knees, neck, and back, and shoulders

COULD HURT SO MUCH?

Who knew ??? ..... well, not me.

but if YOU knew.....

then you must have had your own tile Adventure!

Why didn't YOU tell ME?
(to Klete: Who knew.... I would love this tile!!!!!
Thanks for helping me with the decision )

HE HAD A GREAT FALL?!

2012-01-30T07:18:00.000-07:00

hum....... Do you see any similarities?

I just don't think Newt can

put all the pieces back together again.

ONCE STARTED DOES THE REMODEL BALL EVER STOP BOUNCING?

2012-01-27T21:37:00.000-07:00

Many of you know I am in the middle of a

kitchen/dining room/familyroom/hallway remodel.

ah yes, it keeps getting larger and larger

sigh..........

If you've been through a remodel,

you must know that as you remove the old,

you really begin to REMOVE THE OLD!

( and it feels quite good)

GW will has been busting at the seems from the two dressers,

one large desk, some chairs,

numerous truck loads, and three car loads of "STUFF"

coming out of my house into their storehouse.

whew........ I AM THANKFUL!!!

In the midst of all the ruckus, I've also had to move my home office

which has brought me to another dilemma.

How shall I decorate my office?

( ♪♫ yes I am a little giddy ♪♫)

I'm a shabby chic kinda gal,

and this is my inspiration.

Those two dogs are British Vintage Stafforshire Dogs that belonged to my Mom.

Sometimes I think I like the clean, straight line,

more modern look......

but my heart brings me back to that

old shabby chic look every time.

So I think I'll go with my heart....

what do you think??

The number to call is 555-4444

2012-01-25T14:54:00.012-07:00

All this talk.....

It's all a little upsetting!

okay, okay, I'll give you a topic......

Did you watch the State of the Union Address??

----"go ahead, talk amongst yourselves as I am all verklempt"-----

I ask you... now...

Does Mr. Obama really have a clue??

Where have all the children gone????

2012-01-24T07:51:00.000-07:00

With the large array of sharp knives, drills, blades,

wet paint, freshly laid tile,

and other construction what nots...

laying around my house,

its been hard for these little kiddo's

to come to Nanny's house to visit.

I miss them. : (

PEELIING BACK THE LAYERS

2012-01-18T13:02:00.000-07:00

So... are we really down to this.....

YES!! the floor.

TOP layer was this:

Color "RASPBERRY" a cool color in the 80's.

I'm a little embarrassed to say this was the current layer of the floor.

Quoting Koltn: I cant believe the carpet is gone...That's what the Rogers home was known for!

Thankfully yes....

the carpet was removed by the jack of all trades, the hubs and son.

HEAVE HO!

(hint- cutting the carpet down into smaller pieces makes it easier to carry and throw.

Underneath was this:

The 1979 Earth-tone linoleum tile. (I had forgotten about it)

The raging thing back in the day of the construction of this house.

As a newly married couple trying to save money-

we opted for the "chipper" tile than carpet.

(say it like Steve Martin in Father of the Bride-chipper chicken)

Many a rug was laid down on top of this, many a boom swept, and mop cleaned, juices spilled, sliding in the socks, pirouettes turned, and kids race car driven on this tile..

It does bring back a few fond memories.

But it MUST go......

This can really be a pain (in the back-if you catch my drift)

but underneath the linoleum we found this

BLACK TAR!

Wow have we come a long way since then. No tar being used today- but for that matter

no linoleum tile being used today either!

So how do you remove the tar? Well that is a conundrum.

We've had many suggestions...

but the one that seems to be working is....

THE WORLDS LARGEST RAZOR BLADES!

and it ain't no easy task removing this stuff!

(I just keep thinking of the beautiful updated

kitchen/dining room to come and it keeps me going)

Both John and I have spent many hours on the floor painstakingly removing this ugly stuff

When this chore is done... this will be going down.

You'll have to wait to see how it looks : P

POP~POP~POPCORN!

2012-01-16T15:26:00.002-07:00

I LOVE POPCORN.
There is POPCORN popping on the apricot trees

and there is the "orville" kind

I used to indulge (on the orville kind) at least once or twice a week.

Love the smell,

love the taste,

love the toppings.

But...

this kind of POPCORN

ceiling POPCORN -I can live without!

and will do just that!

For those who are still living in the 70's or early 80's and want to know how to get rid of that ugly dust collecting popcorn ceiling. It is really quite easy.

you will need this

(a yard spayer for bugs or weeds, be sure it is clean)

and this (a dry wall trial)

and this - a sturdy ladder

Now my son said he has removed plenty of

POPCORN ceilings and he has used this

(everyday water hose)

but somehow, bringing a hose into my house and spraying my ceiling seemed a little nerve wrecking.

Technique:
WARNING- this is easy but VERY MESSY! It gets everywhere!

Cover your clothing, wear glasses and a hat if you want to.
Cover the floor with some kind of tarp or plastic that you will throw away when done.
Fill the sprayer with warm water and spray the entire ceiling. Coat it well
Leave the water to soak for about 15 minutes.
Climb the ladder and use the drywall trial to scrap the ceiling.
If its hard to scrape you haven't used enough water or haven't waited long enough. (It will come as easy as spreading butter- literally)
The popcorn will drop onto the tarp in massive wet amounts.

Be sure not to "gouge" the ceiling with the sharp corners of the trial.

Wa-la! Your done.

It took me about 45 minutes to do a 15X20 room.

THINGS THAT GO BUMP ((in the night))

2012-01-11T23:23:00.003-07:00

oh my heavenly stars....

yep i was seeing them.

was with my girlies-sorting out baby car seats

when i ran around the back of the car and

BUMP-I mean major bump-

ran right into the slowly declining rear door of the car

OUCH

I never knew tears would just roll down your cheeks

without actually crying.
--nor did I know a bump on the head could make you nauseous--

Then.....

came home to help the hubs with the "remodel"

imagine me bent over with a shop vac

sucking up the dust as my husband

grind-ed the kitchen concrete floor

and BAM-BUMP

ran my already bumped head into a 2X4

OUCH- DOUBLE OUCH!

Then...

finding my way through the darkness of the garage

blindly feeling my way to the

[[unbeknownst to me]]

HALF raised garage door

BAM-BUMP BUMP BONG -

I ran into the half opened garage door hitting my head

IN THE EXACT SAME SPOT.

{{{{{TRIPLE OUCH}}}}}

SOMEONE CALL THE WAAAAAA-MULANCE!

In this case- the third time is NOT a charm!

so yes...

in the ROGERS household,

things DO go BUMP in the night.

This all happening a week ago,

I still have an "egg" on the top of my head!

So if you see me with a sorta tossed hair style-

smile

and have pity on me......

because a brush is just to harsh on that bump!

KATE- HOW DOES SHE COMPARE to other royals at the BIG THREE-O?

2012-01-07T19:01:00.006-07:00

In my opinion- QUITE WELL - thank you!!

Check out 30 things you might not have known about the woman who captured William's heart.

:: Catherine Elizabeth Middleton was born to parents Michael and Carole Middleton at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading on January 9 1982.

:: Kate was christened at the parish church of St Andrew's Bradfield in Berkshire on June 20 1982.

:: At the age of 13, she went to the £15,000-a-year Marlborough College in Wiltshire.

:: During her time there she represented the college at tennis, hockey and netball.

:: The royal became captain of the college's hockey team and played in the first pair at tennis.

:: Kate is a keen photographer and took pictures for her parent's mail order business Party Pieces.

:: Amman, the capital of the Middle East country Jordan, was home to Kate and her family for a few years in the mid 1980s when she was a young child.

:: The duchess has completed her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.

:: Hobbies the royal likes to indulge in include walking, tennis, swimming, sailing, and painting.

:: It was rumoured that at Marlborough College Kate had a poster of her future husband William on her wall.

:: But she has quashed speculation by revealing it was in fact the "Levi's guy" who adorned her bedroom.

:: Kate spent time studying at the British Institute in Florence during a gap year.

:: The royal also crewed on Round the World Challenge boats in the Solent while taking a break from studies.

:: In 2001, the Duchess enrolled at the University of St Andrews, Fife, from where she graduated in 2005 with a 2:1 in History of Art.

:: When an under-graduate she continued playing sports and turned out for the university's hockey team.

:: Kate met her future husband at St Andrews - a university where graduates have around a one in 10 chance of meeting their perfect partner and getting wed.

:: The duchess worked in London as a part-time buyer for the clothing company Jigsaw Junior.

:: Kate and William's first official event together after they got engaged was at Anglesey last February - dedicating a new RNLI lifeboat.

:: Kate followed wedding tradition, and for "something blue" had a blue ribbon sewn into the interior of her dress.

:: After the wedding ceremony, on April 29 last year, her bouquet was placed on the Grave of the Unknown Warrior at Westminster Abbey after the service, continuing a tradition started by the late Queen mother.

:: The see-through dress which sparked William's interest in Kate when she wore it at a university fashion show in 2002 was auctioned in 2011 for £78,000.

:: The Duchess is descended from a family of solicitors and landed gentry on her father's side and butchers, plasterers, road sweepers and domestic servants on her mother's.

:: Kate is allergic to horses.

:: During her tour of California and Canada during the summer of 2011 the royal wore more than 25 outfits.

:: Whenever the royal is photographed wearing high street fashion the garment quickly sells out.

:: The duchess is an official ambassadors for Team GB and Paralympic GB.

:: With her husband William she will travel to Malaysia, Singapore, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee this year.

:: When in the capital Kate sometimes uses the London bike hire scheme.

:: The royal is patron of Action on Addiction and the National Portrait Gallery, and royal patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices and The Art Room.

:: She is also a volunteer with the Scout Association and in the future will join activities privately with groups in north Wales and other areas.

‘The Duchess may be turning 30 next week, but by that age the Queen had already reigned for four years and given birth to two of her four children.

PRAISE BE TO THOSE LITTLE PINK PILLS!

2012-01-06T18:05:00.005-07:00

A PART OF MY LIFE......

As the last of daylight recedes and my part of the world plunges into darkness (not sleeping makes me melodramatic, okay?) I sit in my chair staring at computer thinking, “I could get in bed now at a decent hour and watch the movie screening on the backs of my eyelids titled, “Everything You Ever Worried About” starring Death OR I could stay up to the point of delirious exhaustion and hope that when I finally fall into bed at 4 AM even my anxieties will have passed out.

I confess, I AM AN INSOMNIAC.

Up to this point, no doctor, no drug, no pseudo psychosis treatment, no bio feedback, has worked.

Let me tell you I've tried it ALL.

Nothing, Nada, Niet! Nein!.

People always called me so productive, energetic, asking "how I got so much done" in a day..... Little did anyone know it was because

I DIDN"T SLEEP!

In conversations I would joke and laugh acting like it was not important, but let me tell you, it has been a burden! No one can really truly know how it effects a person until they have had REAL insomnia-not for a day or two, not for months, not for years, but for DECADES!

On my last trip to the UK my bestie Debbie

told me about her sleepless issues and we chatted about it nonchalantly for a little while. She told me her doctor prescribed an over the counter safe-harmless-natural sleep remedy.

Melatonin.

(DO YOU HEAR THE ANGELS SINGING?)

PRAISE THE LORD!

FOR HE IS THE ONE WHO MADE IT!

PRAISE DEBBIE

FOR SHE IS THE ONE WHO TOLD ME ABOUT IT.

When I got home in September, the first thing I did was buy a bottle.

Since then, I have slept LIKE A BABY!

no crickets,

no dogs,

no snoring,

no bumps in the night,

no thoughts,

no dreams,

no counting sheep,

no trying to create numbers in my head,

no wind blowing,

no being afraid i am NOT going to sleep,

no cars driving by,

no cats meowing,

no water dripping,

no sprinklers in the neighbors yard,

no neighbors TV's,

no birds,

no baby crying,

nothing wakes me up!

I PRAISE EACH AND EVERY NIGHT

BECAUSE NOW I CAN SLEEP!

I actually look forward to evening, to nighttime!

I place four of those delicious(not really) fast dissolving strawberry tablets in my mouth, then I take 2 ibuprofen, and

nighty night!

Off to slumber land.....

zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Thanks Deb!!

thanks Natrol for producing it

Thanks Heavenly Father!

I kinda feel normal now.

Melatonin is a natural hormone that regulates the human biological clock. How to Use It: Normally, the body secretes melatonin for several hours per night—an effect best duplicated with time-release supplements. Studies using timed-release melatonin for insomnia have reported good results.1 Many doctors suggest 1–3 mg of melatonin taken one to two hours before bedtime. Melatonin should not be taken during the day. It may be that melatonin, when taken as a supplement, can stop or slow the spread of cancer, make the immune system stronger, or slow down the aging process. But these areas need more research.

SIDE NOTE (YOU KNOW I ALWAYS HAVE ONE)

BY THE WAY, IF SOME REPORT COMES OUT SOMETIME THAT SAYS TAKING MELATONIN WILL KILL YOU- PLEASE DON'T TELL ME BECAUSE I MIGHT HAVE TO KILL YOU!

A SNEAK PEEK.....

2012-01-01T20:24:00.000-07:00

2012- A DRAGON KIND OF YEAR

2012-01-01T19:52:00.009-07:00

This is not your ordinary
"Welcome to the New Year" post.

Why?

Well - because, I missed the incoming of the new year.
Yep, I hit the sack about 11:15 PM.
Just couldn't stay up any longer.
(remodeling your kitchen seems to wear you out)

When I finally woke up it was 8 hours into the New Year
Did it really happen?
Did the New Year arrive?

In my world it crept in slyly like a fox.
I slept through the firecrackers, the dogs barking, the partying, the pans banging, the drinking, the yelling, the screaming, the dropping of the ball, and yes, even the kissing.

While the whole world celebrated- (Fireworks Thames UK)

(Hogmanay in Scotland)

I was dreaming of a different kind of year.

(Not that I had a bad 2011- in fact it was pretty awesome)

You may think of me as party pooper or a dead head.

Instead I would like to say that I am beginning a year of moderation.

Is it a sign of my age?
or Maybe its a sign of the year to come? (hopefully)

I would rather enjoy a year without all the HYPE of the world.
....the constant keeping up with the Jones's.
(no reflection on you Shellene)
For ME- I would like 2012 to be a year of
Happiness and Tranquility (am I dreaming?)

♥♥ L.O.V.E.L.Y DAFFODILS BIRDS AND FLOWERS ♥♥

[[CHINESE GARDEN]]

The CHINESE think I am.

They aren't quite thinking the same about 2012.
They says its going to be the Year of A DRAGON!

This does NOT look like a happy tranquil dragon.

I've only heard of one of those .....

You know him right?

So there is hope my wish - yes? !

Happy New Year 2012
May your year be filled with
Happiness and Tranquility!

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS.....

2011-12-30T10:07:00.000-07:00

This is my life for the past 6 weeks.

It started the day after Thanksgiving.

Big Blue Tarp Dividing my house right down the middle!

Living on one side,

Building on the other!

Eating outside because of NO DINING ROOM TABLE

(I am truly sick of take out- please someone give me some sauteed brussel sprouts

or cabbage or spinach or I'd even take canned green beans!)

Digging through boxes to find the Paper Plates or salt and pepper

trying to find my back porch

no walls

no doors

no ceiling

no floor

no stove

no microwave

endless cleaning

massive dust

banging

pounding

drilling

sawing

but I'm NOT complaining

Instead I am thankful for these 2 guys

One who takes time away from his little

family to help his ma and pa!

And the older guy for taking on this task!

They are both a jack of many trades,

Demolition Men

Electrician

Carpenters

Framer

(part of my new pantry)

Drywall Hangers

I am anxiously awaiting the "Finish Product"

Maybe in a few day's I'll post a sneak preview....

♪♫ OH WHAT ♪♫ FUN IT IS TO RIDE♪♫

2011-12-27T08:20:00.008-07:00

CHRISTMAS TRAIN @ MCCORMICK RANCH- A MUST!

Ah yes, it was finally cold enough for jackets,

gloves, and hats in AZ!

But this little girl AKA "Cupcake"

refused to wear her hat and gloves.

So instead, Nanny will snuggle with her as much as possible.

(good reason huh!)

Where is "Thomas" the train??

(we didn't have the nerve to tell them it wasn't Thomas)

this LITTLE boy just had to get down

and run around like the BIG Boys!

NO NANNY- ELMO is SCARRRREYYYY!

NO way Wyatt was looking at COOKIE Monster either!

Kisha brought snacks!

Most adorable smile ever!!!

All loaded up and ready for the ride of our lives!

Sorry for the blur- but that's what you get when you are trying to hold onto little boys, while riding on a train, and trying to snap a pic at the same time.

What a wonderful time we had.
I think it finally put me into the Christmas spirit!

Gotta Love this kiddo who has learned to "play" with the camera!

Merry Christmas One and All!

THIS GUY- WE LOVE!!

2011-12-22T08:47:00.000-07:00

THIS GUY!- Who was 86 years old this year,

keeps giving us scary times.

He is the most genuine, loving, kind hearted,

compassionate man I know!

He was admitted to the hospital again because of a possible stroke.

All the test came back negative.

We are sure glad the VA hospital takes good care of him.

He was discharged yesterday evening and is on his way

back to the Ranch......

will he ever slow down?

WE ♥ YOU GRANDPA!

MRS CLAUSE SEWING FACTORY IS CLOSED FOR THE SEASON!

2011-12-20T09:14:00.000-07:00

Yep- Finally! Mrs Clause is done.

(In case you are concerned, the doctors say

her fingers will recover from all the pin pricks : )

But whew! The sewing machine

(which has been smoking because its been working so hard j/k)

is finally put in its case and put away for the season.
and just in time- eh!

This little boy and his baby brother are into anything

"Cars and Trains" says their Mommie!

So with a few purchases made at the local thrift store

totaling about $11

and a card table we already had (free)

Mrs Clause was able to create this

Race car/ Thomas the Train tent.

This tent comes complete with a front porch, roll up windows

and an open up back roof (since the front has a porch),

and a mesh bag to store the train tracks, cars, or what not's used by a famous Dale Earnhardt or Famous Ringo Starr Conductor.

or maybe Wyatt's Conductor Hat and Conductor Overalls

I forgot to mention that I also found the car rug
at the thrift store for ........

wait for it...

wait for it......

wait for it..........$1.99

And it looks BRAND NEW!

So, the total cost of this tent is $13.00

(can you see me taking a bow?)

I think Mrs Clause did a pretty good in keeping with the

"Goodwill to all men" Christmas theme.

(hold the applause please.... hehehe)

GI JOE

2011-12-14T16:07:00.016-07:00

WHEN TO COMES TO BEING A BOY- ITS HARD WORK.

LOTS OF BANGING AROUND, LOTS OF NOISE AND A LOT OF SWEAT-

RUNNING, JUMPING, CRAWLING!

Hopefully... this little boy

Will enjoy his new GI JOE card table tent he's getting for Christmas.

So he can play ROUGHEM -TOUGHEM

SHOOTEM UPEM- GET THE BAD GUY!

As loud as he wants!

If you want to make a GI Tent for your GI JOE Grandson

GOOD LUCK!

Some Helpful hints: Nothing is set in stone.

Use your imagination! Remember it doesn't have to be perfect

because a GI JOE can use his imagination and is NOT particular!

Go to your local thrift store and

purchase all the "chamo" looking stuff you can find.

It doesn't have to be real chamo-

I even used burlap, mesh, and green corduroy

Maybe even pick up an Army Shirt or two.

It's really cool if you can find one with patches!

Then get your brain to working because there is

NO pattern that (I could find) to make one....

Clip Clip here, sew sew there-

Oops pick it out and resew... (I think you catch my drift)

Be sure to add a couple of wings for a

"secret hiding place mission" crawl through spaces....

Use the pockets for his secret mission papers

or even his little army guys toys

- use every single inch of the chamo shirt somewhere

(because that is what made this a little more expensive than by Pretty Pink Princess Palace )

don't forget to include some chamo windows so no one can sneak up on your little GI JOE

Dont forget the back, cause bad guys like to sneak up on the rear!

And you def need a quick access place to keep his guns and grenades when his tent is under attack.

The Card table for this tent cost $12.50 ( a little more than the last one)

The material and what not $6.50

Army shirt $4

About 4 days of sewing

So there you have it.....

A Cool GI JOE tent for the cost of about $25.

SNAG, SNAGGING, SNAGGED

2011-12-12T22:40:00.031-07:00

DEFINITION: snag [snag] noun, verb, snagged,snag·ging.

1.a tree or part of a tree held fast in the bottom of a river,lake, etc., and forming an impediment or danger to navigation. 2.a short, projecting stump, as of a branch broken or cut off. 3.any sharp or rough projection. 4.a jagged hole, tear, pull, or run in a fabric, as caused by catching on a sharp projection. 5.any obstacle or impediment.

NOT!

Webster needs to update their dictionary.

The 2011 internet terminology "snag"

DOESN'T mean any of the above : )

(Webster should call me and I'd explain)

The new 2011 Internet definition of
"snag" means to "borrow".

(Very similar to the program call 'Pinterest"
where you "borrow" off of the internet
from anyone anywhere anytime.

Its the same idea right?

(pinned or borrowed = snagged)

These kiddies are the love of my life
and looking at these pictures makes me smile!

Now how could ANYONE resist this cute little smile from the sweetest boy around?

And then there is Linkers.... AND HIS BOOTS.

We couldn't get those things off of him!

I SNAGGED these two pictures from HERE

(Aren't blogs a great way to "journal and record" events?)

Just way too cute!!

How can you not just simply giggle when you see this SNAG that came from HERE

Shhhhh.. I quietly snagged this one from HERE

Thanks girls for posting these pictures to your blogs and letting me SNAG them.

(I don't mean any part of a tree, stump, or projection)

Have a PRETTY PINK PRINCESS PALACE kind of Christmas

2011-12-08T12:55:00.001-07:00

Many of you who know me know my middle name is DI$$COUNT

and my last name is QUEEN!

I love a good bargain! I believe $omeone'$ tra$h can be another'$ trea$ure.

In previous years our family Christmas gift exchange theme (very successfully) has been

" GOODWILL" TOWARDS ALL MEN

It takes a VERY LITTLE bit of money, a few trips to GW (or your favorite thrift store)

a little creativity, some hunting and digging and some of your love and time.

BUT, it is possible to come up with something you are proud to give in your family Christmas Exchange.

Staying true to the "GOODWILL" tradition, I had purchased a few GOOD things.

with a particular outcome in mind.

Fabric, curtains, scraps and a couple of card tables.

the most expensive thing you see in this picture was $4.99

but the total cost of all the stuff you see in this picture is ...

wait for it....

wait for it..........

drum roll please.........

$16.50

(and I didn't even use all of it!)

With my sewing machine all set up on MY card table in the living room

(my work room, kitchen and dining room are all under construction)

I began to sew.

Here is the finished product. I think it turned out pretty well.

the top opens us for a Sweet Little Princess to "stash" some of her goodies

And take note of the special little "Princess" mailbox to send sweet notes to her

And for when NO BOYS are allowed or a Princess just needs her privacy, it all closes up.

SMALL MEDIUM LARGE

2011-12-08T12:07:00.008-07:00

How does a person who orders a Small pizza

(enough for 2 people)

from

share a personal pan 6" size pizza with someone else?

(especially when its your husband)

TAKE NOTE: Pizza Hut DOES NOTsell a small Pizza-

and

if you order a small

thinking you will be getting the normal 10" size pizza

(as found from our favorite Hungry Howie"s

and ALL other pizza carriers)

you will be deceived!
Pizza Hut will NOT mention to you the "small" will actually be smaller than a small and will be a personal pan 6" size!!!

Come on Pizza Hut,
don't short sell your customers
with your creative but MISLEADING pricing!

A PICTORAL PREVIEW OF A PRETTY PERFECT PLAYDAY

2011-11-30T16:46:00.003-07:00

Okay Okay, I guess I'll have to admit, this time of year is pretty perfect in AZ. High in the 70's and low enough to cover up with two blankets with the windows open at night.

But more importantly it is perfect weather to enjoy an hour at the park with my family on Thanksgiving Day.

THATS A SHELL OF A SLIDE!

WYATT "EARP" GIDDYUP!

NANNY WATCH ME GO FAST!

MY BINKEY MATCHES THE FROGGIE!

Batter UP in my Sunday Shoes!

SWEET GUNNER

KISHA'S NEW DO- (GOOD JOB TATUM!)

this little monkey can hang out with the best of them!

vroom vroom

such a "neat" little guy ---

WHEEEEEEEE!!

Hudson- always smilin-

And even a perfect enough day to rub your nose
up against the metal

and play a game of peek-a-boo with Nanny!

And after all that running around and playing,

its fun to ride back on daddy's shoulders and rest my head on his.

Or even hang on to his pants so you can keep up!

THE END

My Little Munchkin!

2011-11-30T16:23:00.001-07:00

I just realized I am so behind on my blog

that I haven't posted a thing about the wonderful event that occurred just before my trip to the UK.

Little Munchkin, Gunner Smith was born and blessed our family.

Congrats Kelsey and Beau!!

Kelsey did a great job! You can check her blog HERE for details about the delivery- She was amazing!

And we should have realized at this point

what a good little boy he was going to be.

Just peaceful sleeping!

Welcome Gunner--- you have stolen our hearts!

Okay now when you are done spanking Nanny

for being so delayed in this post -

you can view the more recent pictures.

Look at that face- that sweet face!

And those cute little pudgy arms and hair just long enough to style!

He has the bestest little BIG sister in the whole world.

She touches him so softly and just gives him kisses and kisses.

My Little Munchkin and Cupcake!!

You all can SPANK Nanny even more because here is is today..... Still the sweetest little boy in town.

Kelsey is lucky to have such a cutie patootie with a perfect disposition.

He will lay on the blanket and play for an hour just looking all around in wonder.

Isn't that smile contageous! We sure do love him around here!

Well I guess PIGS DO FLY!

2011-11-30T15:54:00.002-07:00

The phrase "when will pigs fly" is a figure of speech so hyperbolic that it describes an impossibility. The implication of such a phrase is that the circumstances in question (the adynaton, and the circumstances to which the adynaton are being applied) will never occur.

Just when I thought it was impossible and could/would never happen..... I find out that

PIGS DO FLY!

Here lays a man who has pulled two of his own wisdom teeth,

and hasn't had an exam for at least 10-15 years.

I finally got him into a chair....

I snuck around the corner to capture evidence.

But, I know that Baby steps are the only way to go.....

next on the list is a physical........

HAHAHA!

hahahahahhaa

ahhhaahhhaa!

Its only a GAME!!!

2011-11-30T15:23:00.000-07:00

Picture This:

The Day before Thanksgiving John walked in the house and taunted me with a little yellow envelope marked Handle with CARE....

After 15 minutes of playing the jumping game-

you know the one...

taller person hold something high in the air and make the little shrimp jump trying to grab it...

the kind the of game for little kids...

You got the picture???

Well, I finally grabbed it!

When I looked at it....My heart jumped! I love little surprises!

Our Missionary has been telling us he was sending a package of pictures for months... we have been waiting and waiting.... finally arrived.

Check out Elder Rogers blog HERE and see the goodies inside.

Things I am NOT thankful for.....

2011-11-29T19:34:00.002-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving to One and All.

Yes, there is much to be thankful for. At this time of the year all I read about is the things people are thankful for....I could do the same because there are SO MANY things I could mention- ..... Church, family, friends, home, health, abundance and luxury's I enjoy, good people in the world, the list can go on and on.
In fact, there are so many things I am thankful for that my prayers at night are an hour long before I even begin them....

BUT ....

INSTEAD

You know me, always trying to be different,
never really going with the flow......... I choose to be radical

and hopefully a little humorous and list the

things I am NOT thankful for this past thanksgiving day/weekend.

***I am not thankful for Black Friday which now comes Thursday night at 10PM.
***I am not thankful for standing in line next to the lady who smokes a pack of cigarettes on Black Friday while standing in line on Thursday night at 10PM.
***I am NOT thankful for the Wally World worker who warned me that the "kids motorized cars" were located in the garden department where there were already 100's of people and it was a free for all when the black tarps are removed.
***I am NOT thankful for the scary life fearing look on my daughters face as we entered into the said Garden Department.
***I am not thankful for the men and teenage boys who literally ran down the ladies and carried all but 1 of the 10 driving cars (that 200 people were waiting for) over their heads to the cashier. ( I just wanted to gitchee gitchee goo tickle the tummy of one of them as they walked by with their hands over their heads to see what would happen if they dropped the vehicle)
***I am NOT thankful for the rain as is misted and sprinkled down on our heads while waiting in line for the Old Navy Black Friday deals at 12 Midnight!
***I am NOT thankful for the cute sandals that my daughter in law wore which broke and she had to walk around barefoot all over Old Navy and into the parking lot on Friday night at midnight.
***I am NOT thankful for all the merchandise which was rock bottom priced that I was able to find but NOT IN THE RIGHT sizes.
***I am NOT thankful for the stone cold stone we sat on while we waiting in line for the doors to OPEN OPEN OPEN (imagine the old Mervyn's commercial)
***I am NOT thankful for Kohl s lines that circled the store- not only once- but TWICE to the check out stand.

***I am NOT thankful for the two ladies who inched and pushed their way laughing nonchillantly as tried to sneak their way past others waiting patiently and HONESTLY!
***I am NOT thankful for the look in my daughters eyes because she was so tired and hadn't made even one purchase and it was 2:30AM.
***I am NOT thankful that the BLACK Friday thing is so overrated and hyped and promoted by the merchants.

[No this is not the garden dept.

This is the line for a new DVD which remains nameless because it is covered with a big black tarp!]

Now the moral of the story.... (yes there is one)

Being NOT thankful this Black Friday, has made we really appreciate my previous stance to be thankful that I have STAYED AWAY FROM BLACK FRIDAY!

UK TOP 10 FUN-(NIEST)

2011-10-06T19:35:00.014-07:00

Rather than dump a 1000's pictures onto my blog of my UK trip (and every one of them is very special) AND bore you to tears.....

I decided to categorize them into TOP 10'S of this and that.

This way, you will see only the special highlights of our trip.

Keep tuning in to see the newest TOP 10!

TOP 10 FUN-(NIEST) MOMENTS:
#10- Just a little UK jig

♪♫Oh yeah we're in England,

♪♫uh huh- oh ya♪♫

Isn't this just the picture of fun and happiness!

#9-Not your everyday Tour guide

, but "what's his name" kept us in stitches and gave the 3 Musketeer-ettes (can you guess who that may be)some helpful hints. Surely it wasn't because he was looking for a nice tip.

#8 Marmite

Oh Kim.... my dear Kim.... you are so gullible

when it comes to your first taste

of the English Delicacy "Marmite" (yeast extract)

#7 Hot chocolate

These ladies are certainly enjoying "teasing Tawny" about their favorite flavor out of the 17 flavors offered of hot chocolate!

It cracks me up each time I listen and watch these 2

"enjoy" their hot chocolate! What a hoot!

#6 Etiquette

Now ladies-There is certainly a specific etiquette

that the British use when sipping a good cuppa!

(hot chocolate!)

#5 Hello Chris!

Introducing Chris!

Now here is a story you'd love to hear! I promise!

come pull up a chair and we'll discuss...

Chris!- She is our newest, sweetest friend from Liverpool!

(she was a passerby on the street who asked if she could help us by taking a picture of all 3 of us together, she insisted and ended up driving in the car with us taking us on a tour of Liverpool and the famous Beatles spots for like 2 hours!--oh ya... like I said, pull up a chair and I'll tell you the whole story

cause there is really much more to it!)

#4 Cheeky Monkeys!

NO MORE MONKEYS JUMPIING ON THE BED!

(never dare Bobbi to do anything!)

#3 What happens in Dublin stays in Dublin

Now this gent.. well he looks like a normal gent going for a dip in the sea in his wet suit... but the questions is...how did he get in that wet suit. Well all three of us ladies can tell you because he stripped naked right there on the boardwalk and put it on..... I think Debbie actually snapped a picture of him in action but thought keeping that picture might be pornographic! Good call Debbie!

#2 Call the Fire Department

Debbie- "I am not going to plug my electrical things in with the converter"

Kim : "why not?"

Debbie: "because my friend said she did it and it fried her electronics".

Kim " But I have used the converter for two days with my iPad, it works fine"

Debbie: "Well..... okay...."

seconds later..... BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ BEEP BEEP BEEP

(SMOKE ALARM)

electrical fire - peeeewuuuieeeee!

Note to self: the savings of a Bed and Breakfast is reduced when you burn up your $100 flat iron.

AND THE #1 FUN (NIEST) REASON IS.......

Alfred Hitchcocks "The birds!"

♪♫Feed the birds tuppence a bag....

♫tuppence, ♫tuppence, ♪♫tuppence a bag...

But the bag is not all that gets eaten!!!

WHO AM I & WHERE DID I COME FROM

2011-08-23T14:08:00.000-07:00

I am so blessed to have the ability to do genealogy and learn more of my ancestors.
I am on a personal quest or journey. Who am I - really?
I realize while right now the Heavens are opening
and the names and places of some ancestors
are falling into my lap- this will not always be the case.
But while it is ....I am so thankful to have connect with cousins
I didn't even know I had.

Jessica Ann-Marie, & Philip, Roy and Roseann,

(hope you don't mind me sharing the pic)

It has been so full-filling to get to meet them (even if its online)
Technology- it CAN be a wonderful thing!
I dream..... and imagine....
how fun it would be to actually meet them face to face.....
Even through the pictures I have seen,
I can see the family resemblances.

(I hope you don't mind Glenn)
Glenn- He is named after my paternal Grandfather!

The other day, I received this message from a friend

who knows I am searching for my unknown maternal grandfather Alfred Zavorka:

After the first few generations, the road will become more difficult. . . . You will be tempted to stop and leave the hard work of finding to others who are more expert or to another time in your life. But you will also feel a tug on your heart to go on in the work, hard as it will be. “As you decide, remember that the names which will be so difficult to find are of real people to whom
you owe your existence in this world
and whom you will meet again in the spirit world....
Their hearts are bound to you.
Their hope is in your hands.
You will have more than your own strength
as you choose to labor on to find them.”
....so.... my search continues.....

Perhaps in the upcoming trip to Scotland, some of my

roots will be reveal.

THE HABOOB

2011-07-07T15:54:00.078-07:00

Hello Friends!
Its been a while. How are you all doing?

Its been difficult keeping up with this blog..
not that I don't love you all, but...
when I have so much genealogy, and temple work to do,
a missionary in the field, a missionary blog,
and children at my house to enjoy and play with,
and work (ugh), and housecleaning (double ugh),
and running and walking every morning,
and water aerobics,
Facebook, emails,
and.......and ......sighhhh............

Well, I know all of you are just a busy as I am.... so I digress........

But for those of you who don't live in the Valley of the Sun-
I thought you might like to know
a little something we have been doing
Who what where is this you may ask..

Well, take a looksee and you'll know.
click here: THE HABOOB!

A more familiar AZ term would be
Monsoon

Monsoon is not to be confused with Haboob
because this storm didn't include ANY rain....
instead, it was a massive

DUST STORM.
It slowly crept in at 70 mph
it was 100 miles long and 7 miles wide and 8000 ft tall

And it left a hugh trail of dirt......

The trail was almost as big as the one my grandsons leave behind them! (hehehe)

but these two little tykes
only makes storms in their pants!

But any of my grandson storms are filled with love

and I'll gladly clean them up anytime!

♪♫Rock A Bye ♪♫ Basket ♥♥♥

2011-06-14T18:55:00.001-07:00

Sewing......

I do enjoy the creativity of it!

I am amazed how this.....

and this

Can turn into.......

something as cute as this....

and this

For a special little baby boy soon to arrive for this:

(Beautiful Megan W!)

Congratulations-

I hope you enjoy a warm cozy place to put that newborn babe!

Hugs and Kisses Meg.....

DON'T BE SO FRESH! (my momma used to say.....)

2011-06-11T07:47:00.001-07:00

Was your mom like mine and used that old saying

"Don't be so fresh!" when you were acting badly?

Well I wonder where that phrase came from because

I ♥♥♥ FRESH!

Nothing like a few FRESH veggies from the garden!

this Princess also thinks gardening a beautiful thing...

and sooooo delicious to the taste!

I guess we forgot to tell her to eat the tomato's and not the dirt!

RISE UP~!!!!! Jesus is ALIVE!

2011-04-13T13:17:00.008-07:00

Not professional dancers.....

But AMAZING VIDEO!!!!!

The conviction in the peoples faces as they sing.

The young and old... alike!

All excited over Christ--

HE IS ALIVE IN ALL OF US!!!!

(have a kleenex handy--I got teary eyed!)

Celebrating ETERNAL LIFE in Budapest!

Acey Lynn Walks!

2011-04-10T22:48:00.000-07:00

History in the making... Acey Lynn walks (with a little assistance)

Day 02 - Its a little Joke OKAY!!!!!

2011-03-30T09:22:00.000-07:00

Day 2- A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest.

Well here I am. The most recent picture I would dare to post of just me.

And here she is... HAHA! I am sure Candice will really enjoy this picture!

I know you can take a joke.

You are so good at EVERYTHING that I have to make myself look good once in a while!

By the way......Thanks for all the years of memories......

We've been through it ALL!!!! now we are sharing our "old age" too! HA!

You are my best friend-and the person I've been closest to for the longest time.

I guess that makes us BFF's!!!

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with ten facts.

2011-03-28T11:49:00.000-07:00

10 Facts
1- I was born in England on the 4th of July.
2. I have never been called by my real name. Not even by my parents!
3. I was raised in Denison Texas, now live in Mesa, AZ (but you probably knew that if you are reading this)
4. I have 4 sisters that I ♥♥ that live all over the USofA.
5. I am an orphan, both my parents are in Heaven.
6. Married for 35 years (This November) to a wonderful loving kind man.
7. I have 4 children who are the light of my life-youngest is on a mission.
8. 5 grandchildren and one on the way in Sept. (more loves of my life!)
9. I love genealogy and the searching for my ancestors gives me a thrill. (Really!!)
10. I ♥ crafts, any craft, painting, photography, scrapbooking, sewing, rearranging furniture, (get the picture?)
10. oh thats it!

30 day Challenge. I challenge you!!

2011-03-28T11:35:00.002-07:00

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with ten facts.
Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest.
Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show.
Day 04 - A picture of your favorite actor/actress.
Day 05 - A picture of your... favorite memory.
Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day.
Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item.
Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh.
Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.
Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with.
Day 11 - A picture of something you hate.
Day 12 - A picture of something you love.
Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist.
Day 14 - A picture of someone you recently became close with.
Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die.
Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you.
Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.
Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity.
Day 19 - A picture of you when you were little.
Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.
Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget.
Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at.
Day 23 - A picture of someone you could tell anything to.
Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change.
Day 25 - A picture of your day.
Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you.
Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member.
Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of.
Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile.
Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss

iMTC- THE INTERNET MTC

2011-01-24T08:03:00.001-07:00

I am a subscriber to Meridian Magazine

and ran across THIS article.

So I checked it out and sure enough....

HERE is what I found!

I can't wait click on the GET STARTED button.

I know I would ♥ to change my life for the better.

Who wouldn't?

YOU should give it a try too!

BLOG NOVEL. ((SORRY))

2011-01-19T20:35:00.011-07:00

NEGLECT: to pay no attention or too little attention to
Okay, okay, so like many of you

I have also been neglecting my blog.

Can you forgive me?

It's not like I've been busy or anything....

So to bring you up to date,
here is a pictorial review of my last month.

First, check out THIS it will explain a lot!

Then.... there was loading up on fireworks

saying Goodbye Aunt Priscilla

She will be missed

Check out the pink Casket

loading up the family for pics

(just a few of her posterity)

loading up packed boxes from Laveen

to move them to storage

loading up an old Jeep Cherokee
for restoration into a hunting truck

This was an all day exhausting effort

loading up the cows to move them to Mesa

hee haw!

Loading up the Christmas Decorations

(then loading them into the attic)

Loading up all Koltn's "stuff"

to keep safe while he's gone

loading up on Kisses from this little Angel

Loading up on some home made ice cream
with a visit from Kim & Jack from Florida

loading up with some quality time
with this little dude!

loading up with more quality time

with this little dude

and this little dude!

(unfortunately)loading up Gpa

into an ambulance to go to the hospital

He will be having surgery on Friday

Even though my "LOAD" has been pretty full,

I wouldn't change a thing....

well except the G'pa load.

Its its definitely not a load any of us enjoy bearing!

Please pray for our G'Pa- pray all goes well and a speedy recovery

♥♥♥G'Pa- you are loved♥♥♥

THIS IS HOW WE ROLL!

2010-12-23T10:52:00.002-07:00

THIS IS HOW WE ROLL.

If a family sent out

CHRISTMAS CARDS

that looked like this

OR THIS

What else could you expect

except to see their CHRISTmas TREE

Look like this?

HA! THIS IS DEFINITELY HOW

THE ROGERS ROLL!

Merry CHRISTmas to everyone!

and a

Happy New Year

too!

YOU KNOW THAT SAYING... "MY HEART IS ♪♫ SINGING♪♫

2010-12-22T11:16:00.000-07:00

You know that old saying....
MY HEART IS ♪♫SINGING♪♫
Well today my heart is singing.

♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫ FA LA LA LA ♪♫♪♪♫♪♫
All it takes is ONE EMAIL

From my missionary
Elder Koltn Rogers

Knowing he is okay
and loving where he is and what he is doing.
Makes my heart full of joy!

All is well in the world today!

TEN REASONS WHY A MISSIONARY CHRISTMAS IS DIFFERENT

2010-12-17T09:21:00.001-07:00

TEN REASONS WHY

A MISSIONARY CHRISTMAS IS DIFFERENT

1. Last Christmas we were counting our money; this Christmas we are
counting our blessings.
2. Last Christmas we were giving thanks for gifts from stores; this
Christmas we are giving thanks for gifts from God.
3. Last Christmas we valued things that were costly; this Christmas
we value things that are holy.
4. Last Christmas we were wrapping gifts; this Christmas we are
wrapped up in the work.
5. Last Christmas we looked into people's eyes when we spoke; this
Christmas we look into their hearts.
6. Last Christmas we prayed to obtain a testimony; this Christmas we
pray to share our testimony with others.
7. Last Christmas we were impatient with the weaknesses of others;
this Christmas we are working on our own.
8. Last Christmas we read the scriptures as a duty; this Christmas
we read them as a joy.
9. Last Christmas we thought it was enough to celebrate the
holidays; this Christmas we are finding ways to consecrate them.
10. Last Christmas, Utah and Virginia were just places on a map; this Christmas,
they are places in our hearts.

LADY WITH A GUN!

2010-12-09T07:43:00.002-07:00

LADY WITH A GUN!
and a BIG gun at that!

[can still be "stylin" right?]

♥♥♥♥Me and my OWEN DANIEL! cutiest baldie around! ♥♥♥♥

Love the G'Kiddies! I want to gobble them up!

New invention- WYATT the GUN!

Koltn always did have his own style.

HOW NOT TO SHOOT A GUN!

Merry CHRISTmas

from THE WHOLE SHA"BANG"!

THE LAST 3 MONTHS ARE THE BEST 3 MONTHS.

2010-11-18T13:47:00.000-07:00

The BEST 3 MONTHS OF THE YEAR-

October/November/December

I ♥♥♥ HALLOWEEN

All the little kiddies all dressed up in their imaginative costumes! All the giggles and laughs!

Carving pumpkins, the first sign of cool weather!

I ♥♥♥ THANKSGIVING

Family Time! Family Gatherings! Families Smiles! Families are forever!

turkey dinner on Mom's dishes.... rutabagas! Giving thanks for the abundance and blessings!

but OH HOW I ♥♥LOVE♥♥ CHRISTMAS.....

It is my favorite~!

A time to Remember Christ, a time for reflecting the past year,

a time for giving, a time for loving.
Winter fun! Caroling, Cold weather and Snow

BUT

THIS DECEMBER MY BOY LEAVES FOR 2 YEARS.

Although its truly blessing for him [and us]

Please, Don't get upset with me if I decide NOT to celebrate

UNTIL DECEMBER 2012!

5 Nov 1976

2010-11-06T19:48:00.000-07:00

The Rogers Ride!!

34 years in the making!

5 November 1976

Its been fun- Love ya hun!

What could you do with this thrift store find?

2010-11-01T14:54:00.003-07:00

What can you do with some thrift store finds?

Well if they are a clear glass plate 4/$1.00,

and some old candle holders .25 each

You can......

Add some E-6000 ($4.97) which holds
everything and anything glue

And glue the plate to the candle holder

then you can scavenge through your drawer of rhinestones

create a glamorous design and by adding rhinestones

Or you could use some "etching" paste and

creating your own stencil to add some flare.

(First experience with etching, warning, don't start with too

intricate of a pattern it will make the stencil difficult to make)

But any way you do it,

you can make some really cute mini-pedestal platters

to add dimension to your serving table

for any occasion,

including Halloween.

6 Mini Pedestal Platters for $7.50 ---
vs
Hobby Lobby @ $19.99 for one!

LATE LAST NIGHT A GOBLIN..........

2010-10-27T07:27:00.002-07:00

Late last night a goblin (named Koltn )sneaked into my kitchen while I was asleep.....

and POPPED one of my favorite things in the world.

GOURMET THEATER BUTTER POPCORN

then he left a trail of remains for ME to eat

DOESN'T A GOBLIN KNOW THIS IS WAY TOO TEMPTING

FOR A PERSON ON A DIET!!

(I guess it could have been a Krispy Kreme donut--but they are about the same to me!)

BABY HAS SHOE FETISH! READ ALL ABOUT IT!

2010-10-25T07:56:00.002-07:00

CAUGHT IN THE ACT!!

ADMIRING HER GOLD SHOES!

[SHE DEF HAS HER MOM'S GENE'S.]

WHO ME??

OH YA...... CONCENTRATE....
IF I GET A LITTLE CLOSER

MAYBE I CAN EVEN
TASTE THEM!

HEY, DO YOU THINK I NEED A PAIR IN SILVER TOO!

How many?

2010-10-17T09:50:00.005-07:00

How many white shirts

Would a missionary need,

If a missionary

Did need shirts??

[Could you survive on 10 plain white shirts for 2 years?]
Handsome fellow don't 'cha think?

What if God was one of us?

2010-10-07T12:41:00.002-07:00

In my book, its hard to find anyone more comical than Sue on Glee.

The writers for her character must have a hoot writing her lines!

but...... last week I was just about to give up on Glee-[dang it]!

it was all about the Britny/Brittany and "teen sex" scene.

I was disappointed to say the least.

I had forgotten it was auto-tuned and came on again this week.

It was about belief in God.

I was a little scared to watch thinking they would perform a warped view, but I was actually surprised.

Of course there were a few things I don't agree with, but I loved the fact that they gave the message that all kids must find their own answers.

No one should be put down for their own beliefs.

(We could send some Missionaries to the set to help Kurts and Fin's character!)

And there were a few special moments that I actually agree'd with and enjoyed.

And this was one of them.(I actually teared up at this part)

Sue speaking to her handicapped older sister:

Sue: I don't believe in God. You were perfect in my eyes

and when I saw how others treated you I lost my faith.

Sister/Jean: God doesn't make mistakes Sue. Can I pray for you?

Sue: I'd like that!

Even Sue has a heart!

The finale of course was a group song.

The debate was if they should be allowed to sing about God.

Here's what they sang:
Papa:

and

What if God was one of us

GOD is GREAT!

GOD is GOOD!

In the end, even Sue had to agree

that the kids coming together to sing this song was right!

Lincoln"ville".

2010-10-06T16:57:00.001-07:00

Lincoln's 3rd B'Day

and Nanny (me) is looking for a perfect gift.

He loves Thomas the Train, Big Rigs, and all his cars....

so I was thinking of one of those car play mats that also had a train station.

I looked online and couldn't find one that matched what I wanted.

But when I went to price them, it was outrageous. Ranging from $60 to $200.

Well that blew that idea.

LIGHTBULB! But wait,

what if I made my own?

I shopped around at some local discount stores, Mesa Sales, Big Lots, and Walmart.

Knowing I was going to paint the carpet I chose one with the least amount of "nap" possible.

I chose a 60"X40"green low piled area carpet from Walmart. Price $9.97

I gathered all the acrylic paint I already had,
and added a large Black, White, Gray, and Brown

cost $2.97 ea = $11.88

The other colors I already had. Cost $Free!

With paper and pencil I drew out the design.

What would I include? I wanted to personalize it for Lincoln

What are some of the favorites in his life?

After I made my design, I "chalked" it onto the carpet.

If you decide to try this, remember all roads must connect,
all buildings must have road access

all water must have bridges....etc...

It's quite the engineering effort getting it all to work.

So glad I had some chalk to draw and erase!

Then I took a deep breath, and decided the first thing to do

was paint the railroad tracks, the road, and the stream.

It worked!
It was a little hard on the paint brushes (use old or really cheap ones)
The first coat was really watered down, then the second coat was full strength.
I found that sometimes it better to "dab" than to brush.

So here is the "Hospital" with a drive thru ER (Daddy's job)

and a Fire Station just for fun.

a LDS church,

our family "2 mile ranch" in Prescott,

Nanny's house, and a river with a railroad bridge

Uncle Beau's Auto Shop and gas station (including some stacked tires)

and a Uncle Klete's "Kletewood Construction" yard with a tunnel for the train

See the partially built houses, piles of dirt and stacks of wood?

Won't the dump truck, cement mixer, logging Big Rig be perfect?

And Lincolns favorite store.

I think "Target" was one of his first words! (including some shopping carts)

And it just wouldn't work without Sodor Train station!

Although its not a perfect painting, I think it turned out pretty decent.

Total Price $25. but I am hoping
to Lincoln
LINCOLNVILLE will be PRICELESS!

Good things come in small packages!

2010-10-02T23:49:00.002-07:00

RICHMOND VIRGINIA

Its something a LDS mom prepares her son for his whole life.

Its something a LDS mom prepares herself for his whole life.

Yet when it happens--its so bitter-sweet!

So sweet to know that he is a faithful, righteous, courageous young man
So sweet to know he that for 2 years he is willing to totally devote his life to serving the Lord,
So sweet to know that he will spread the precious word of God to those who are waiting to hear it,
Sweet in so many ways,
Yet so bitter sweet that for two years he will be gone from our lives,
Unable to see him, speak to him, or hug him.

He is the love of our lives,

He is my precious baby boy,

We are so proud of him!

He is choosing the Right,

He is a Saturday Warrior
He is part of Helemans Army

He is ready to serve the Lord!

This song was written by a missionary for his farewell talk just before he left on his mission.

Eagles

2010-09-30T14:08:00.003-07:00

I love the Eagles (and the 70's)

Sometimes a girls just gotta dance
(turn it up and move to the beat of your own drum!)

Papa, will you watch "Thomas" with me??

2010-09-27T08:48:00.002-07:00

(in Lincoln's sweetest, cutest little innocent voice)

"Papa, will you watch "Thomas" wif me......."

My guess is that "Thomas" [the train]is just a little too relaxing for Papa!

Can you smell it? Fall is in the air!

2010-09-20T13:43:00.014-07:00

For those of us that live in the Sonoran Desert

its really hard to tell when the seasons are changing!

Instead of looking outside to see the colors of the leaves change,

or feeling the temperature lower,

we valley of the "Sun-onians" must find another way.

So instead of marking days off our calendars,

or watching the clock slowly tick down

to when temps are under 100°

we just turn on our evening TV

and watch a few of the NEW FALL TV SHOWS.

Here's just a few of my fav's that are having

NEW episodes this week!

House (this is dedicated to Kelsey and Koltn)

I only watched Modern Family a couple of times-(still chuckling)

and I love it and am adding it to my repertoire,

How can Bob and Jillian mix it up this time?

The funny thing about this show is watching a

BIG STAR look pretty silly (embarrassing)

[and yes I CAN criticize because you'd never see me give it up on National TV-- there is something to say about recognizing your own capabilities and talents]

Here is a new one THAT JUST STARTED!!

Top Chef- just desserts (now how can you go wrong there?)

Dexter- is it insane that I love this show??

Can you really be a nice guy and kill people?

Can't wait for this Showtime Special.

If its anything like Tudors or Pillars- I'll be hooked!

Roll your eyes, but you just can't help but get caught up in the drama of Nene and those skanky Atlanta Housewives. (or all the housewives for that fact)

Somehow it makes my life seem more "normal".

OH YES... GLEE, Prob My favorite!!

Gotta live in "SUE'S HOUSE" for an hour each week!!

(can't wait to see Sue's new match- female football coach-yikes!)

The lady who has the" BIG C"

I hope if I ever get the big C I'll can be as smart about it as she is.

Last but not least...

I AM READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL

Okay, Okay, I realize watching all these shows

makes me a couch potato.

But I find myself just a little excited in anticipation.

What will the writers do to make this year bigger and better?

Besides, I think I earned ever second of "my shows"

I run each & every am for 45 minutes, working all day long.

I clean the house, do the laundry,

vacuum, and and look after my grown up kids and g'kids

(um....is that good enough affirmation?)

So hey, give me a break.....

Even better why don't you

bring over some popcorn and can watch together!

Junkologist, Junkster, Junkaholic....The holy grail of Junk!

2010-09-18T22:08:00.001-07:00

If you haven't watched the American Picker Show you must try to tune in sometime.

(History Channel on Monday nights at 9PM).

Franks and Mike are certainly my hero's! Antique Archeologists!!

(and the show is quite comical )

Ah to be free to come and go, travel the back roads, to go to the "forgotten" places in America! That has got to be absolutely the best! Every show they manage to find a HONEY HOLE or MEGA PIC! Hey guys, I'm always on the lookout for some Rusty Gold too! Alas, for now, I guess I'll just travel the backroads of AZ. Is it so wrong to dream ........ someday....... one of my friends will join me on an adventure like the American Pickers! Common Kristy and Sandy, its time for a Road Trip!!!

Ever had one of THOSE days?

2010-09-15T16:43:00.001-07:00

Ever had one of "THOSE DAYS"?

I just did!

The Healing Fields

2010-09-11T10:22:00.025-07:00

THE HEALING FIELDS (Tempe Town Lake)

I thought I had prepared myself for an emotional experience

But I was not prepared!

As you walk through the entrance, this is the view you see.
You can see the flags in a distant. Waving and greeting you.

As I got closer I wondered, what do I imagine 3000 people to look like?
It's certainly not a massive number like 75,000 that go to a football game.
Its not the massive number of 500,000 people who went to Woodstock.
But when you are standing amongst the 3,000 flags that represent the 3,000 innocent people who lost their lives, it seems a large number indeed.!

As I walked and read about each person's life that was taken that day, I realized some were as young as 25, many around age 35 and a few older up to age 50. [oh.so.young.....] I came across three in particular. John-a young man who had just become a father 6 months prior, Jodi -a single woman who was raising her 13 year old daughter alone [what has happened to her daughter], and Richard- the Sr. Vice President of risk management- did he know of the risks of working at the twin towers?

No longer did there seem like a number of 3,000-
but instead individuals with families and lives of their own!

Then all of sudden, I heard the saddest song I've ever heard. It was a lone man, standing next to his nephew's flag, playing taps on his bugle. I couldn't fight back the tears. And when he was all done, he said he cries every time, every day, and every year he plays by his nephew's flag.
{Candice, you would have been proud of me}
I made my way up and around to the Mill Avenue bridge
to capture the entire somber essence of the flags.

As I was leaving,
I turned around and captured an jetliner flying overhead......
wonder where it is going to land?............When it comes to my country and those who fight for it or
those who lost their lives for it

I am forever grateful!

What does the word "CROCK" mean to you?

2010-09-08T09:10:00.016-07:00

What does the word "Crock" mean to you?
Now, I've heard a few derogatory inferences to the word "crock"
but for THIS crock there is nothing derogatory about it.
It's beautiful and holds some family stories dear to my heart.

I've been "eye-ing" this old vintage crock that belonged to
my Mother in law for quite some time.
Here is Faye -my dear mother-in-law, as a baby.
(Yes I scrapped the pic a long time ago)

For years I made subtle comments to her about
how much I loved that old crock...... (hint hint)
This is Faye's family in Pomerene, Az long ago. Surely it depicts the hard times they endured.
Her mother was working hard on the farm, when a passerby came along asking if they wanted their picture taken. She went into the house, changed her work clothes into her Sunday clothes and they all sat outside by the barn and posed.
This is the middle of the day in the summertime in hot Arizona.
Can you imagine wearing that dress???

Finally, for my birthday this year, what a surprise
she gave it to me
along with a story that it belonged to her mother
and she remembers it in her house in Pomarene AZ as she was growing up.

She said they used to keep pickles in it(no vinegar smell) when she was a little girl.
Now seeing these pics of young Faye,
can't you image her running in on a hot summer day
to grab a pickle from that jar and sit under a tree and enjoy it?

So here I am with this precious item, and I have NO CLUE what to do with it.

Here's come common ideas of what I DON'T want to do with it:
I don't want to use it as a kitchen utensil holder,
I don't want to put a real or fake plant in it,
and I certainly don't want to pickle cucumbers.

It's pretty large- 10" tall and 9" wide
Here's what I DO want to do with it:
I'd like to keep its sentimental value
I'd like to display it somewhere, in a beautiful way.

This is where YOU come into the picture.
Someone out there has a brilliant idea on how to use or "refashion" this old crock.
So let's hear your ideas..... [please]

Just another day in projectville, aka - It's all in a pair of scissors

2010-09-05T07:19:00.020-07:00

It was just another day in project-ville.

Kelsey, Lauren, and I had a hay day making some
really cute- cheap- stylin'- fun- jersey necklaces.
(not sure I added enough adjectives there)

First you get some old tee shirts and you cut 'em, you cut 'em
(sung to the peanut butter & jelly tune...)
into many many little strip loops

then you connect the loops all together and you lay them out straight
(no, you don't have to literally lay them out straight- it was just for picture purposes)

Then you get some felt and you make all of your fav styles of felt flowers and of course you must add some "bling" to give them that extra flair

Props to Lauren for making the perfect felt flower

Then you tie the loops together at the end to make the necklace
the add your bling to mask it xtra special
(the flowers can be passed from headband to necklace at your digression)Of course you may not want to use ALL the loops at the same time.

(The two above bunches were sent to my favorite nieces
Sara and Mary so we had to make more for us)

you may not want to use all the flowers at the same time eitherSo here is my outfit from Sunday..... I had lots of "you look so cute today" comments.....we all know it was the necklace- not who was wearing it!!

Leopard and Lace

2010-09-01T22:44:00.017-07:00

Remember that old leopard print skirt you have in your closet.

The one you used to love and seemed like you wore it to death.
Well, it can be revived!And everyone has some lace stowed away somewhere.
cut and snip, gather, ruffle no pattern needed!

Add some cute pink ribbontwirl and tie a hair bow

and you end up with
one pretty lil thing for your g'daughter to wear.

PAPERS ARE IN--WHERE WILL HE GO?

2010-09-01T08:27:00.001-07:00

I hope they call me on a mission.
When I have grown a foot or two
I hope by then I will be ready
To teach and preach and work as missionaries do........

Called to serve Him, heav'nly King of glory,

Chosen e'er to witness for his name,
Far and wide we tell the Father's story,
Far and wide his love proclaim.
Called to know the richness of his blessing--
Sons and daughters, children of a King--
Glad of heart, his holy name confessing,
Praises unto him we bring.
Onward, ever onward, as we glory in his name; . . .
God our strength will be; press forward ever,
Called to serve our King.

Papers are in- where will he go?

Koltn: We are proud of the decision you've made to serve your Heavenly Father. We know that where ever you go your spirit will grow and shine. You will be an awesome Missionary.
The church is true, Jesus Christ is our Savior, and though him we may return to our Heavenly Father someday. My heart is full knowing that you will touch someone's life and change it forever, as the missionaries did my life long ago.
Someone out there is waiting for your knock on their door.

Fashionist-"TEE"

2010-08-27T21:22:00.017-07:00

It's been purge season around our home.

And while I am really liking the feeling of it,
there are just some things I can't throw out.
Here's one. A perfectly good, pure white man's XL white tee shirt,
(no stains, no yellowing... actually quite hard to come by in our home)
that was rescued from John's "rag" bag....
Cost of tee shirt $0.00

With the help of some imagination,
a serger, and a sewing machine, it turns into
the cutest white summer dress-
sized just perfect for our little miss Acey Lynn.
Cost of [no] pattern $.0.00
A girl just can't have too many ruffles can she?

and don't forget the "bling" headband
Cost of headband $.00 Cost of being the cutest fashionist-"Tee" in town?
PRICELESS!All in a 2 hr period, from TEE to Fashionist-Tee!!

HAIL HAIL the Monsoons are here (aka puddles are made for little boys!)

2010-08-24T18:46:00.018-07:00

Okay okay.... I take it back....

all those nasty thoughts I had yesterday about AZ.
because today, the Monsoon paid its dues and we had a beautiful downpour.

So beautiful that not only did it rain, it HAILED! Oh ya!
those little pitter patters turned into thuds! Just for a fleeting moment....

and then quickly it was very much gone......

And it turned into play time.

when I say puddles are meant for little boys.....
I didn't say what age qualifies as a boy....

It even made Koltn smile and wanna play...

Here's papa, SOCKS & ALL , wading through the puddles with his G'son Wyatt.

Wyatt knew just what to do... kicky kicky... splashy splashy

Does this face say FUN?

Thank you God, for giving us a little rain.
I feel like a human being again!