Bairly There

Ah Oh, Someone Broke Ranks

2012-02-05T18:54:00.000-08:00

Superbowl Sunday, We used to have big family superbowl parties until travel to Boise took its place.
So me and my huney are watching, just us.......and lil smokies....and some mucho nachos. I usually cheer for whoever my husband wants to win. For some reason, this year I have been cheering on the Giants. Tonight I find out my Huney is cheering for the Patriots. He didn't find out till a few minutes ago.......he frowned at me like I had lost my mind.
On the otherhand, Giants are ahead 21-17. It is the 4th quarter, 17 seconds left and the Patriots have the ball at the 40th yard line. Giants won! Whoo hooo!

Sheyanns New Tent Trailer

2012-02-01T06:14:00.000-08:00

Sheyann has been wanting a new tent trailer to go camping in....I found one I think she can afford.
Do you think she will like it?

Come On, Keep Up!

2012-01-31T14:48:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, our hearts were broken when we found out that the baby boy our daughter, Sheyann, had planned on adopting was no longer going to be placed for adoption. A few weeks later she received a phone call from LDS services that they were chosen to receive a baby girl via adoption the end of March. Another daughter, Amber, gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named Spencer in December. He is a very sweet and mellow baby. Amber has adjusted well to another baby and still doing copy editing. Josh is adjusting to the new transition in his life and is working long hard hours to attend college and work full time. Kate has graduated from college and is now teaching kindergarten in Arco and babysitting as well. And this poor dumb Mum is trying to enroll our last son, Jared, in college so when he arrives home in July, (REALLY, In July!) he will have a number of options available to him. Grandpa Bartschi fell down and broke his hip and had to have surgery on Sunday and is feeling miserable but doing good. Steve and I are in Boise while he serves in the Legislature and I and a couple of friends are working on a quilt at a friends house.
Right now, I often sit and ponder about how quickly time is passing. It seems like yesterday that I was bringing new babies home from the hospital and now they are all doing that themselves. When the kids started leaving home, I thought I would die, but they have done well and all is good. When Jared left for his mission I thought two years would drag slowly by, now, in just a little over 5 months he will be home. Now if I can just get this enrollment completed I might have just enough sanity to get me through the rest of the week. That is only because I can't reach through the phone or computer and choke a few people who seem to make this process more torturous than necessary. Perhaps I and just showcasing my inability to keep up in this technical world. My kids are constantly attempting to help me along and teach me as I need it. My Mom on the other hand, thinks I am a computer genius. Hahahaha! As for me, it is time for another round of "call the college for assistance" time. Wish me luck and be thankful I really can't reach through the phone and choke someone.

Lead Kindly Light

2012-01-27T13:09:00.000-08:00

     No matter what happens in life, one thing you can always count on is CHANGE. It is always there, sometimes sneaking into our lives on quiet feet, advancing at a stealthy pace until it   has taken over.
Now this take over may be good or maybe not so much. Sometimes the change happens at a rapid pace and can begin with a simple word, which when it has escaped its confines, cannot be taken back and sets into actions much change.
     So, how do we adapt to change and accept it into our lives. The good change is so easy to accept and wrap our arms around and take into our hearts to stay forever enclosed in the warmth therein. The unwanted change? Well sometimes we have no choice but to accept it. Do we welcome it....No, we dearly wish it would go away. A wish that rarely comes true. By force, we must deal with it, learn to live in the new reality. In that learning, we gain insight from those who have much more wisdom and knowledge than we do.
     What a relief to find someone who has all the answers and can guide us forward in our lives, giving us comfort and encouragement. In time the unwanted change becomes more familiar and the source of much strength building on our part. Still, now and then, we fall upon our knees and seek the comfort and assurance of one who knows all and who is prepared to gently and lovingly guide us though the hard times. Encouragement flows at a continual pace, but not so much so that we cease to move forward on our own. Yet we must have the courage and faith to take that first step into the darkness of the unknown and know that our Heavenly Father is there to lovingly guide us.
     One of my favorite hymns is Lead Kindly Light, which always seems to bring me comfort and courage that all change, trials and tribulations are not endured alone.

Lead Kindly Light
1. Lead, kindly light, amid th'encircling gloom; Lead thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home; Lead thou me on!
Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see, The distant scene-one step enough for me.
2. I was not ever thus, nor pray'd that thou, Shouldst lead me on.
I loved to choose and see my path; but now, Lead me on!
I loved the garish day, and spite of fears. Pride ruled my will. Remember no past years.
3. So long thy pow'r hast blest me, sure it still, will lead me on.
O'er moor and fen, o'er grag and torrent, till the night is gone.
And with the morn those angel faces smile, which I have loved long since, and lost awhile!
Text:John Henry Newman 1801-1890
Music:John B. Dykes

I LOVE IDAHO

2012-01-06T14:52:00.000-08:00

I know that I complain about the cold winters due to the pain it causes my lungs (asthma)......but I still love living in Idaho. How could I not, the mountains, rivers, lakes, streams, farmland. It doesn't matter if is is winter or summer, Idaho is beautiful. It is also my opinion, that some of the finest people live in Idaho. I love the springs, beautiful summers of fishing, chasing my grandsons with a garden hose, camping, family reunions, 4 wheeling etc., falls full of beautiful colored leaves, big fat fish waiting for my hook. The smell of diesel fumes and potato dirt, the sighting of a white ford cab potato truck with a red Logan bed. Fresh potatoes from the ground taste like heaven.
        I have never been a fan of politics....But 7 years ago, my husband was asked to run for Senate for our district. After much prayer and fasting, we both knew that the answer was yes. Steve was elected and has learned so much and does his best to do what is best for Idaho. I am also not a fan of crowds or all the fancy fru fru that this entails. That said, I have learned a lot. MOST, notice I said MOST, of all the legislators are doing everything in their power to do what is best for Idaho and her people. Of course there are always a few self serving wackos who try to change Idaho into California or some other troubled state.
       As we loaded up our cars, kissed our kids and grandkids goodbye, locked down the house and headed across the arco desert to craters of the moon, Carey, picabo, mountain home and finally to Boise, we were blessed to see some choice and beautiful country. Lacking in snow this year, which always looks so untouched and pristine, yet still gorgeous. We leave behind our family, new grandbabies missing Grammy's kisses and hugs, home and other responsibilities for a short time in an effort for Steve to help guide and keep Idaho the best place to raise our families.
Truly, where else can you make a phone call and in 2 minutes , are being escorted into Governor Otters office. You know your in a great state when the Governor is wearing Wranglers, a cowboy shirt, rodeo buckle on his belt the size of a dinner plate and cowboy hat resting on the file cabinet. Only in Idaho.
       We are nearing the end of our first week here, Steve serves on the revenue outlook committee which forecasts the number which will be used to set the budget for 2013. We had our mail held til next weekend when we will be going home. Our son had some important papers being delivered to our house and needed them urgently. We went online to see if we could change our delivery date on the mail and couldn't.   I picked up my computer and soon had the phone number for our post office and made a call.   I was lucky enough to have the supervisor right off the bat. I explained my problem and within seconds, he had a solution for me. Thank you Mitch. Only in Idaho
       Monday will be the State of the State address where our Governor will give the best speech of the year. I always try to sit on the back row on the side as I listen. I was late one year and ended up on the front bottom row and my mother said I was on camera l lot. Wont make that mistake again. Sorry to disappoint you Mom.
       On the other hand, Boise drivers are so much nicer that Utah drivers. Thank you. I'm just saying!
I can't profess to know how to get to every place in Boise alone. Mrs. Garman sure helps me with that.
     I love Idaho and feel so very blessed to live here and have raised my babies here . I am watching them raising their babies here as well. Thank you Heavenly Father for blessing me with such wonderful blessing,

Help us Find our Angel

2011-12-18T19:45:00.000-08:00

Friday, December 16, 2011

My daughter Sheyann and her Husband Jeremy have been married 8 1/2 years. From the time they were married, Sheyann has had the burning desire to have a baby. Sadly, they are unable to conceive a child. They decided to adopt and began the paperwork to do so. Little did we know, Heavenly Father had been working on their behalf. One beautiful Sunday morning, miracle baby Andy arrived into their arms and into our hearts. Andy is almost 4 and wants a brother or sister nearly as bad as his parents do. Andy lines up his stuffed animals and calls them his brothers and sisters. When asked what he wants for Christmas, the answer is always a brother or sister. Hmm, that is the only thing Sheyann has asked for as a Christmas present for 8 years.
Jeremy recently completed his Bachelor degree and because of the economy, has been unable to secure a higher paying job. They had a little saved up for adoption. A flooded basement repair job took what little they had to fix. Now they have an opportunity to be chosen as adoptive parents and are in need of financial help. The following blog is written by Sheyann and set up to receive donations from those who are willing to help build a family. Any donations would be appreciated. Help us bring our Angel home.

Adoption Fundraiser

We decided to start our second adoption journey in November of 2009. Our home study was completed in April of 2010, we became foster licensed in November of 2010, and have had many, many possible situations that haven't turned out successful for our family over the past 2 years. Well, guess what! We're hoping to expand our family this next year and feel positive it will be our year! :)

As many of you know, our adoption funds were greatly diminished this August when our wonderful son had the opportunity to learn a lesson and teach us a lesson also.... when a hose was left on outside a basement window and flooded our basement. Along with that, the economy is such that after JJ graduated in July, we're very thankful for his current job, but he hasn't been able to use his new degree in a Bachelor level job yet. So, to raise the very last of the funds needed to bring baby home, we're hoping for support through an adoption fundraiser.

The purpose of this fundraiser is to raise money for this hopeful adoption by "selling" puzzle pieces of the above picture. Each piece of the puzzle will be worth $10.00. You can buy one piece, 10 pieces, or 100. ;0) When someone "purchases" a piece of the puzzle we will write their name on the back of the puzzle piece and connect the pieces together. As pieces of the puzzle are connected, we will update the blog with pictures so that everyone can see the puzzle being put together. When the puzzle is complete, we are going to glue it together and hang it in the nursery. When our hopeful new baby is older, he/she will be able to take the puzzle down and look at the back. He/she will see how important he is to the many, many people who helped bring him home.

To donate online click on the chipin widget to the right side of this page.

If you don't feel comfortable donating online send us an email at jjandsheyannadopt@gmail.com and I can give you our home address to mail your donation. We will be sure to send you a thank you letter letting you know that we received it.

We appreciate all the love and support that we have received through this whole process. If you can spread the word, link to this through

Maybe I Did Something Good

2011-11-24T15:53:00.000-08:00

Sometimes life as a mom is difficult, we are chasing kids to practices and struggling to keep up with laundry and meals. We are putting out fights and wrestling matches and basically just trying to keep the kids alive and we wonder if we are making a difference. This following blog was written by my second daughter.

Monkey Business

I can't remember how old I was the first time I read Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls, but it quickly became a favorite. As I sneaked away to read, I'd find myself in both Daisy and Jay Berry; Jay Berry's adventurous side, running wild barefoot across the country side, walking down to Grandpa's all the time and Daisy's purity, complete adoration and faith in those she loved, playing in her playhouse making pies and all sorts of muddy confections. Those characteristics left me with a feeling that part of myself was in the book, in the characters. And I fell in love. I checked it out from the library many times.

To this day, nothing makes me more relaxed than drowning my life, my worries, all of myself, in a book's characters and their lives, only to come up for air when I need to feed the child and husband (who are looking after each other.... I hope). Something else that I love? Somebody reading to me.

Before we moved into our "new house" in Taber, I remember laying on a bed in the bedroom I shared with Amber and Kate while my mother read a book to us. I think the title was Castaway. I loved listening to the cadence of my Mom's voice, the story, and I remember craving to know what was going to happen next. I remember learning the word sinew. Funny thing to learn and remember, I know. I loved listening to Dad reading scriptures. When we were older, we all had to take a turn reading and I was more concerned about getting ready for school, whether or not I'd have to ride the bus, and so on. But I still loved listening to Dad and Mom read.

As a mother, I realize what a precious thing this is... setting aside time... like an hour....to read to my child. Especially studying scriptures as a family. JJ is out of the house by 6:00 am every morning. He gets home and some days, it feels like he walks in, we eat dinner as a family, and start Andy's bedtime routine. Those are usually the days we both fall into bed at 7:30 pm and cry ourselves to sleep out of sheer exhaustion.

But I have this weird obsession and absolute insistence that I give my child all the wonderfulness of childhood that my parents gave to me. So, when I found a copy of Summer of the Monkeys for $2.00, I was thrilled and completely excited to read to Andy. Before naptime and bedtime, Andy and I (JJ at bedtime) read a chapter from the scriptures and a chapter from what is now lovingly called "The Monkey Book." To hear and see Andy's excitement to listen as I read makes me happy. He's eager to find out what happens next, and it makes me love reading to him even more. And the best part of reading this particular book to my child? It's LONG. Yeah, you other Moms know what I'm talking about. Short books ="Read it again" on a constant loop/repeat/whine cycle coming from the small child's mouth all day long. Long book=Entertainment for children AND parents, increased imagination, and nobody poking hot pokers in their eyes because they have to read Dr. Suess's "There's a Wocket in my Pocket" for the 34th time (yes, all in one day...it was the kind of day where was so annoyed, I counted.)

september 27, 2011

2011-10-07T18:01:00.000-07:00

Message body

Hey mom,

My new companion is Tatton, he is awesome. We have had a rough week. I started off with a fever of 102.7 on Tuesday evening, so i was unable to make it to transfers soi spent the day with the zone leaders, it was a long day when elder tatton got here we did the whole name tag swicheroo and totally played it off. it was funny. Sister Collins isn't quite sure whats been wrong with me they have had a big influenza out break in the mission they think that it could of been that or also strep because i have had an history with that. either way its been miserable. The couple days that we have been able to go out we have had bad luck. both of our bikes keep breaking down and really staring to frustrate us. and everybody keeps canceling the appointments. so its been a tough week. on top of that last night we had dinner with a member that didn't cook the meat loaf all the way... bad news for us. it was a kinda long bike ride home had had to keep stopping and making little breaks to puke our guts out. when we got home we starting to work on our skills as missionaries. usually we teach in unity but last night we puked in unity, we couldn't help but laugh all night as bad as it was it was really super funny for us. poor sister Collins i am pretty sure she thinks that we are just dying but as bad as it was we made the best of it. Other than that nothing really had happened this week. oh except we had a zone conference yesterday with Elder Dave Evens from the 1 quorum of the 70 and brother Dubray from the head of missionary media. it was cool they have informed us that tour mission has been selected to be a host of a Mormon.org Advertising campaign. it was super cool. They told all the members to have a Mormon.org profile and challenge everyone to get one of them, because they are very useful for the full time missionaries. they told us that we will have tons of billboards and TV and Internet ads and all that good stuff. i highly recommend going on line to check those out. and creating a profile. that was the real highlight of the week. I love elder Tatton it been super fun so far he is amazing he is from Roy, Utah. he has been out for 3 months and he is amazing. he is just like Elder Crandall we get along great. i hope that all is going well and everything is OK. i love you all!

The Invisible Mother

2011-09-11T17:46:00.000-07:00

Lately I have felt guilty that I have not done more with my life. I haven't a masters or Doctorite degree. I haven't shared vast stores of knowledge to assist others in their lives.

After reading this story which I found on my daughters blog, I have a new appreciation of my most important job here upon this earth. I receive no higher praise, than to hear the voice of a child or grandchild calling me Mom or Grammy.-LK

The Invisible Mother

by Andra Stephanoni

The Morning Sun

On a day when I was wondering why no one had nominated me for a major award because I was able to get three beds stripped and cleaned and remade, a colorful and balanced supper on the table, a toddler entertained on my own from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., an entertaining column written and submitted, and a first grader taken to school with everything he needed and brought home with nothing that he didn't, I received this in my inbox.

I am grateful to Mother-in-Law for passing it along. I can give no credit to the author, because I don't know who wrote it, but from the sound of things she seeks none.

Religious or not, an at-home-mom or professional mom, read it and take from it what you need.

Invisible Mother

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, “Can't you see I'm on the phone?' Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible. The Invisible Mom.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this?
Can you open this??

Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, “What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, “Right around 5:30, please.”

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!?

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in.

I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, “I brought you this.' It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription:

To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names.

These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, “Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof, no one will ever see it.” And the workman replied, “Because God sees.”

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, “I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.”

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.

I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, '”My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.” That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, “You're gonna love it there.”

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

Four Wheeling with Friends in Mackay

2011-08-14T20:52:00.000-07:00

A few friends came out to Leslie to do some four wheeling. From right to left are Gordon Polatis, Marla Polais, Lori Bair, Shelley Harrington, Brian Harrington. Steve was taking the picture. Shelley and Brian were a little less experience than the rest of us. They did wonderfully well. This shot is taken on top a mountain up Alder Creek.

Gordon was convinced that he could make it through the drift at Stewart Pass. He had to be winched out.

These photos were taken July 15 and 16th. We ran into many drifts and traveled alternate trails in a few spots.

Steve, Marla Shelley and Brian in the background checking out the snow. High mountain lake up past the miners meadow and before sterwart pass. Gordon was yet again trying to plow through some drifts.

Brian, Marla and Steve still up at the lake.

We had a blast on this trip and can hardly wait till we can do it again, especially since we have since be released from the YW presidency together. When you work that closely together for 3 years and then all of a sudden you don't see each other anymore. It is difficult and we miss the close association. We will have to do it again.

Great Guns Ahead

2011-08-14T20:24:00.000-07:00

Some of us were a little sneaky and grabbed the guns and headed to a local farmers field. He had a problem with ground squirrels and we were willing and ready to help him out. This is Papa getting ready to shot.

Lori, locked loaded and ready and waiting.

Tyson and Kate also waiting

Diana getting the job done with beauty and style.

Diana, Josh, Steve, Lori and Patrick

Kody and his cannon. That thing was so big and powerful that when he shot it, it sounded like a cannon and the critter was blown to shreds.

The guys headed down the lava rock hill to scare up some rockchucks. Kate and I waited for them to see if it was worth the climb. It wasn't, they had seen them coming and hid very well.

Sheyann and Andy ready for the sunshine.

JJ and Andy climbing up the sagebrush, lava rock hill.

Sheyann's shooting wasn't just with guns. She caught a few shots of these beautiful flowers the top one is a prickly pear cactus with a rare pink flower. Prickly pears can be eaten by breaking a section off and burning or peeling the thorns off. There are a great sorce of moisture and nutients.

This beautiful flower is the state flower of Utah, the Sego Lily. It is a medium small flower with a single flower per stem. The pioneers used the bulb as food for survival. The bulbs are small but can be eaten fresh and is crunchy and sweet. The bulb when dried can be stored for future use and has a nutty flavor.

Big Bair Reunion

2011-08-14T19:58:00.000-07:00

We call it the Big Bair Reunion because it is Steve's parents, siblings, and their kids. When Steve and I and our kids have a reunion, we call it the Little Bair reunion. This is Papa and Nana's Cabin in Leslie where all of the fun happens.

This is Megan, Gwen and Kara

This is Kaylee

This is Karson

Josh and Lainey

Makayla was a little overwhelmed by the crowd and just wanted Grampy snuggles.

Dillon on the teeter-totter. Jake was the only one who could convince Dillon to do it.

JJ and Andy doing some fishing on the Little Lost River in Leslie Idaho just behind Papa's cabin.
There is always a bunch of us as it is always fun. We used to see each other all the time when we were on the farm, but since then is has become a rareity and a tresured time together.

Cedar Creek, Mackay

2011-08-14T17:56:00.000-07:00

One weekend Steve and I headed out to Leslie. Papa decided to take us up a to cedar creek.

The water coming down that creek was fresh melted from snow. It was roaring fast and a light blue in color. It looked just like the rivers in Alaska. This picture is of Nana and I in front of the Mackay Dam outlet.

I am standing in the middle of Cedar Creek on a little gravel bar.

Papa couldn't get down into the creek so he is poising on the headgate.

It was beautiful out there, warm air, sunshine, great picnic. Great day all together.

We had little Makayla out there with us this day and she thought it was a wonderful day and loved the rough drive up to the headgate.

Mackay Parade and Farmers Market

2011-08-14T17:43:00.000-07:00

We headed out to Mackay with Josh's, Katie's, and Sheyanns' families. Josh drove this 1929 truck in the parade with kids and a few adults in the back. Nana was visiting with great grandkids Makayla and Marty before the parade.

The topless red roadster was Driven by Nana and I and Andy though the parade. It was starting to rain as the parade ended so we took off like a batt out of heck.

Steve taugh JJ how to drive the Rumley, tho' Papa drove it though the parade. Papa doesn't let just anyone drive it so JJ was thrilled to get the chance. Andy was happy about it too.

At the farmers market they had some baby bunnies for sale. Josh and Diana thought they were so cute as did Deisel and Makayla. Sadley, Makayla just wanted to rip it ears off.

Andy loved the airplane at the park where the farmers market was.

With a cute charming smile like Deisel has, we were lucky to not be charmed into bringing home a baby bunny. Whew!

I am the Queen!

2011-06-05T17:37:00.000-07:00

Years ago, Steve bought me a Hitachi Bread maker for Christmas. Let it be known that on my own accord, I am a horrible bread maker. With the Hitachi, I suddenly made heavenly wonderful bread. Sadly, with time, I wore out my Hitachi. Being the resourceful farm wife that I am, I bought parts and fixed it. More years of yummy bread and sadly at last....a sad farewell as it was broken and the company no longer dealt with them. Oh! such sad sorrow. I have tried many different kinds of boughten bread with no real satisfaction. I mean.... there is nothing like the smell of fresh made bread in a home. I missed it. I failed to recreate it though my husband laughs at my persistent attempts that turn out like bricks or crumbly, inedible blobs.
I went to town this week for a few things and had this strong desire to stop at Deseret Industries. I love this store. Yes, I know that it is a second hand store. I find so many treasures there. High chairs, jumper swings for the grand kids. Extra clothes that the grand kids always need. This time I hit the lotto! A Hitachi Bread maker, hardly used. I held my breath as I plugged it in to an outlet at the store. EUREKA! It worked. For $5 I took the chance. I came home and made that sweet wonderful bread that I remember. Oh Heaven, I bet you smell just like this. I could not wait to tell my husband. Though we were both excited, we are concerned about what this will mean to our waistlines. Hmmm. Such a dilemma. OK, moderation in all things right? Oh well. I am still the reigning DI Queen!

Sandbag City

2011-05-27T18:40:00.000-07:00

Having gone from a desert rat to a river rat, I have had my eyes opened. In 1997 we had a huge snow pack in the mountains and as it melted the flat lands flooded. Steve was on the high council at the time and spent a lot of time helping out down here in Thomas. Now, many years later, we live in Thomas. When we moved here and built our house, we put our footings on bare ground and went up from there to prevent having problems with flooding. We also have a canal behind our house which makes a lovely 4 foot berm around the backside of our property between the river and us. We have been told that this property has never flooded. That is comforting. Maybe this year will not be so bad. They have been more aggressive about letting the water out of the reservoirs and taken it down to 11% capacity. The snow pack is still at 200%. There is a lot more water coming our way. We have many neighbors in dire need. Being retired, we have a little more free time than others. We have spent a lot of time sandbagging. Steve had neck surgery last year and isn't supposed to lift. He is supposed to supervise, but can't seem to help himself and occasionally lifts things he shouldn't. In the past two weeks we have filled sandbags, tied sandbags, tossed sandbags (me, not him) and are having nightmares about sandbags. There are 55-60 houses in our ward alone that most likely will flood. There have been people from our stake and many others who have come to the Cow Palace to fill and tie sandbags. Farmers have brought potato trucks which are then filled with sand and slowly run the belts on them to assist in filling sandbags quicker and easier. Semi flatbeds are filled to capacity with pallets of sandbags. The sheds at the Cow Palace are filled with pallets of sandbags waiting to be hauled to where they are needed. There are people from all over tossing sandbags down a chain of people and placed around houses. There ends up being a wall of sandbags around 4 ft tall. Friends are moving out of houses because of unsafe conditions. Steve and I take an almost daily drive to check and see what is new. We will have a couple of Steers that will be boarding in our pasture for a while. Our neighborhood is preparing as well as they can and is slowly becoming a Sandbag City. Hopefully that will help to keep the damage to a minimum. On the bright side of it, this isn't a tornado, Tsunami, earthquake or nuclear meltdown, So life still looks pretty good, we can live through this.

Rollercoaster Ride

2011-05-21T12:13:00.000-07:00

It doesn't matter how well we plan our lives, life has a way of changing all of those plans at will and usually at the most inopportune times. At times it all changes so fast and often that we feel that we are on a roller coaster. I kinda like the real roller coasters, not so much living life on a roller coaster. So, how do I plan so that the roller coaster of life isn't such a stomach upsetting situation. I guess the best way is to listen to the Prophet, search the scriptures, get food storage, 72 hour kits, stash some cash, and have the faith that we are in the Lords hands. Last but not least..... learn to enjoy the ride, laugh at the thrills, grit my teeth at the spots that terrify me and have faith that I will survive the ride.

Overcoming Addiction

2011-05-13T20:31:00.000-07:00

     When I married my husband and moved to the desert called Taber, ID, I was told that I couldn't get trees to grow. Having come from a home with many trees, and having a Landscape degree.....I felt naked with out trees around. So for the next 25 years, it was my goal to make my little piece of desert bloom like a rose.   I planted lots of little 2 ft hybrid poplar, 12" blue spruce, Green ash trees and austrees.   I hijacked the backhoe and moved dirt in from any place I could find it. Note to self, (Don't take it out of the freshly worked fields.) Every month in the spring and summer, I tried to squander a little money for plants. On day when the menfolk were pow-wowing in the shop, Kate,(opps, I have been informed that it was Sheyann) and I stole the backhoe. We went down the road to the big lava rock pile by Uncle Delos's old house, positioned the front bucket right below the huge rock we were going to roll down the hill. We were both up there, huffing and puffing when we got caught by Steve and Mark. We were actually able to convince them to go away and let us play. We were able to get the rocks I wanted and put them in the flower beds just right.
        As the years passed, the place went from a barren desert to a beautiful oasis. It required much tender loving care. Every possible piece of dirt had something growing in it. It was a difficult thing to do, to leave a place that I loved so much. Yet it was time. Enter a new era of our lives.  I drew up plans for the house we built, sent them to an architech, and began all over again.
       There were some big spruce trees on the new property that we moved all around the house. As the truck with the tree spade pulled up the drive, Steve and I walked across the yard and as Steve saw my eyes dancing away and the big grin on my face, he quickly informed me that "NO! I could not have one." The trees were all very tall, 16-20 ft, and we only lost one. But my addiction set in and I began buying smaller trees to fill in the spaces between the big ones on the south west corner for a future wind break. Then the next year, more for along the drive way on the west side. The smell of fresh turned dirt makes me high and I have to get my hands in it. I have to plant something. It is this overwhelming desire that I can't easily control. I saw 8-10 ft high blue spruce at Home Depot on sale and almost started hyperventalating. My husband was there to pull me back from the edge.
     The plan for this new yard was to be beautiful, yet lower in maintenance than the last house for the simple reason that we hope to live here the rest of our lives. Therefore, low maintenance. Yet the front rock garden is always needing a plant here and there to fill in a naked spot. It has been more difficult than I planned as it is on the north side. We did phase 1 of the flower beds around the house last year before Josh and Diana's reception. Hoping to do the weed block and top it with rubber mulch this year.....Um, that's gonna have to wait. In the mean time...every time I see trees or flowers, I have this overwhelming desire to purchase them. I have to peruse the garden center searching for something out of the ordinary that will make the place "Pop!". The desire to buy plants and trees almost feels like an addiction. It took me 25 years to make the last home beautiful. On the new property, we have tried to preserve the views of Mt. Putnam, Ferry Butte, therefore no more trees. With the exception of a few shrubs that I suspect didn't survive the winter and maybe a few for the rock garden, There is no need for more plants. What a horrible dilemma. How will I survive, what will I do. I must have my hands in the dirt, I must have dirt under my fingernails, I must smell the dirt. Is there a 12 step program for this kind of addiction? Will I survive? I can do this, one step at a time. Just a few of those marigolds to edge the vegetable garden. Oh and a few flowers for the front flower pots. Wait, I need some for the hanging baskets. Then there is the replacements for the shrubs that died.    Did any one else rub the leaves of their Mothers day tomato from church and smell it? Awww!, I love that smell. Makes my mouth water for fresh tomatoes from the garden. How about the smell of spruce needles, I love it to. (disclaimer: smelling them straight on may cause your nose to get stuck by their little needles and cause eyes to water and nose to hurt.)
    Come on, I am a strong woman, I can do this. I will survive!

Whoo Hooo! Jared Called :)

2011-05-09T19:44:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day has never been a favorite holiday for me. It always seems that everyone goes overboard with the praise until it feels false. Trust me, as mothers, we remember our mistakes very well and have dozens of things we would have done over. We make the best decisions with the knowledge we have on hand. That being said...the last few years I have come to appreciate Mothers day and not feel so inadequate, to quit comparing myself to the perfect Moms that I know. I think that is partly because I have come to realise that there is no such thing as a perfect mother. we all make mistakes because we are human.
This year I was so/so about it. Then I received an e-mail from Jared about being excited to call on Mothers day. Oh Mama, such good news! So Sunday, most of the kids were here. Sheyann and JJ were in Hawaii for anniversary 8, and to celebrate JJ's graduation. The rest of us gobbled down on brownies and awaited the magical phone call. At Christmas time when Jared called, Amber happened to be right by the phone so she grabbed it and talked first. This year I was hauling the phone around, clipped to my pocket. When I answered it, Jared said, "Hi Amber, how are you?" I laughed and told him it was me. He thinks I sound just like Amber. Hm mm. Steve has been saying for years that all of us girls sound alike. I was good to talk to Jared. I don't know why, but it makes it seem like he isn't so far away. So most of us talked to him. His phone had some problems so it hung up on us once and we couldn't hear anything on the next three trys. Finally we had success and had a good visit. We are grateful for his wiliness to serve the Lord and for his testimony being strengthed. He is a great example to his nephews. Steph came up and visited with us and was able to talk to him also. I had a great talk with her too.
I guess what it all comes down to... Is that I am grateful to be a mother, for I know that is the best, most rewarding, important job in the world. It is also the toughest. I love my kids and am grateful for the adults they have turned into with out me having gone totally crazy. It is an honor to have each member of our family as ours. I love them all. Talking to Jared was the icing on the brownies.

I Can't Believe That I Forgot to Remember!!!!

2011-05-05T15:36:00.000-07:00

In three days Jared will have officially been on his mission 10 months. Yahoo! That means were almost at hump day and it's all downhill from there. It has gone quicker than I thought it would. I am very glad of that. I wait for my Monday morning e-mail as if it were a check for $10,000,000. As I read my e-mail I saw the words, "I will call Saturday to arrange a time to call Sunday for Mothers Day." I have never been fond of Mothers Day as it seemed to be a time when everyone joins the contest to see who is the best Mother. This year.......I am now way excited for Mothers day and can hardly wait to hear my son. Whoo hoooo! If I am lucky I will get to see most of my kids and grand kids too.

Luck or Blessed

2011-03-17T16:06:00.000-07:00

I am not a fan of change. I like routine. In the last five years, my life has changed drastically. My husband was asked to consider running for office of State Senator after a dear friend retired. Politics was not something I would ever, ever, ever have thought would be a part of our lives. We prayed and prayed and fasted and went to the temple. Hmm, politics became a part of our lives. After farming for our whole lives, we sold the farm. A big life change took place. After living 22 miles out of town, on the desert with few neighbors, we moved to Thomas, lived in the 5th wheel, moved to a rental, oversaw the building of a new house. moved to the new house, then entered a new ward. Every Sunday for 3 solid months, I went to church with a stomach ache. I don't like crowds, especially when I don't know anyone. Even though there were a few people in this ward that we knew a little, it was still hard. I dreaded every Sunday. Then the call from a member of the Bishopric.....a new calling, met new people to work with. Somewhere...when I wasn't looking...this new ward became home. I had new friends that I love just as much as the old friends that I still love. As we have associated with members of the legislature, we have found they are people from all different walks of life, religion and so forth. For the most part, they are all trying to do what is right for Idaho. More friends we made and added each year. Did I mention that I am not a fan of change? How could I have ever known how lucky we were to end up where we are now. Yes, I do know that it is not luck, we have been so very blessed by our Heavenly Father. We are so very blessed by the friendship and lives of the people we associate with. Yes, I still hate crowds (thanks Mom!) but, I can now tolerate them without panicking. I find it easier to go up to someone as start talking to them, especially if I see that they are nervous or scared. I find that it is OK to be me and not try to be something I am not. I guess finally at #^& years of age, I am comfortable in my own skin. Contrary to popular belief, change does not kill you, it can make you better, stronger. Somewhere, by plodding along and doing what the Lord wants me to do, I am blessed beyond measure. I love my husband, my kids, (in-laws are my kids too) my grand kids. I have wonderful friends. Thank you Heavenly Father for my lucky life, for my blessings.

Sweet Release!

2011-03-08T15:57:00.000-08:00

If you haven't figured out by now, my husband is a state Senator and there is no, none, zilch money in Idaho's budget. So, he/we are constantly being harassed, ridiculed and persecuted. Steve writes articles for the Blackfoot news paper to help educate people about what is really in certain bills, quoting paragraph and line. Do they believe it? NO! I wonder how many have read it themselves.....it is actually trying to help and improve the system. Sadly, this is a difficult time for Idaho and the legislators are not enjoying this either. There is nothing they would rather do than fund ever department in Idaho fully with bonuses.......but when there is no money.....there is no money.
     Needless to say, it is a difficult time for us, especially when we are verbally attacked by neighbors and people in our community. Sometimes I am actually scared to go to town. We actually stayed here this weekend so we didn't have to deal with people. That and a 8 hour commute every weekend stinks. Luann Lake called yesterday to see how I was handling it. "IT?"   What was it? Apparently all of the newspapers had tons of letters to the editors criticizing Steve for voting yes on the education bills. (note to self, only read the comics and throw the rest of the paper away!) There is no way I am going to a school function alone. After a particular rough weekend two weeks ago, I was glad to be back in Boise, but was still fretting about it. Monday afternoon, Steve called and said he was on his way to pick me up, we were going to the gun range to shoot guns, complements of the police department. WELL, that made me feel better just thinking about it. We shot 9mm, .45, .38. three automatics (think machine guns). Wow! I was beginning to feel much better, especially when the targets had people pictures on them. We did a little contest. Steve shot against Jeff Siddoway and won, I shot against Rep. Jim Patrick and won. So Steve and I had to shoot against each other. Steve won. I have a whole new Christmas list now. Also, when we moved, our car registration card didn't find us at the new address, so when I was picked up last week and my registration had expired 18 months earlier....I received a lovely (NOT) ticket. I figured that the cost of the ammo that I used just about made up the cost of that ticket. Feeling so much better now.
     Just so you don't assume I am totally evil and corrupt, A few friends and I have made it a habit to go to the Boise Temple together once a week. We are always a little up tight when we go in, but as it proceeds, we relax and feel the spirit. Ahhh! We can go on. It is also supposed to help me remember all of my parts so when I get back home and am a temple worker again, I will remember how to do it. After the temple, we go have lunch together and compare our stories. If you know me at all, you will realize that giggling will be involved. As we left the temple today, Julie remarked, "I would really like to eat here at the temple..if we didn't have to be reverent." Of course we went some where else to eat, and yes, we did giggle.
     Everyone needs something in their lives that they do to help ease the stress in their lives.  This sure helped me.  What do you do?

Monday

2011-03-07T14:09:00.000-08:00

In general, the world has negative views about Mondays, it follows a weekend of fun and means the fun is over and another hard week of work begins. Poor Monday, it doesn't have a chance........unless you are a Mom who has a missionary whose P day is Monday. Miraculously, Monday becomes a day to look forward to with anxious anticipation. The computer constantly within arms reach, even when I am riding 5 miles on the bike. Ha ha, it's a stationary bike. At last, I hear the ding on the cell phone indicating a new e-mail has arrived, fresh from Indiana. Oh good, he loves his new area, He has 5 new investigators, He likes his companion, he loved the videos of us that Steph sent him. It is a wonderful few minutes as I scan every word, thrilled that he loves his work, the Lords work. I go back to the beginning and read it again, slower this time. I feel the spirit convey to me that my son is truly serving his Father in Heaven well. He is learning to love the area and the people, everything in his life is Awesome! So Monday....you still may have your drawbacks, but you have some very strong redeeming values that I love. Thank you Monday, Please come again soon.

Sweet Dreams

2011-02-22T17:17:00.000-08:00

Last night I was looking at some pictures on my computer and came across some pictures that I wasn't aware were on my computer. As I opened up one folder after another, I viewed pictures of my kids when they were still little. It seems like the time went so fast. Steve was busy doing homework, but every now and then I would show him a picture and we would both disappear into the past for a few seconds. When we come across pictures like this, Steve and I often comment that it would be so neat to be able to go back there for just a day or two, and enjoy those times again. We however do not want to go through all of it again, just a brief glimpse of those precious moments. As I went to bed thinking about those special times, I dreamed about being back in time and enjoying the kids as they were younger. I remember thinking, Oh how cool, Heavenly Father heard my thoughts and is granting me that wish for just a little while, even if it is just a dream.
I guess if we all had our choice, we would fast forward through the hard, sad, tough times and put it in slow motion for the good, happy wonderful times. As it is, it appears to be the exact opposite of that. The hard time seem to last forever and the good times seem to fly by in the blink of an eye.

I am so glad to have had a nice dream that took me back in time and helped me to again enjoy my children for a little time when we were all younger.

There Is No Place Like Home!

2011-02-22T16:52:00.000-08:00

Driving 8 hours a weekend is not fun and quite wearing on us. So one weekend we were just worn out and decided to stay in Boise for the weekend. It was Stake Conference at home, so we wouldn't have to have substitutes for our classes. It was so nice to just lay around and enjoy each others company. Steve wakes up at 5 am and is out of the house by 5:30 or so. He gets home anywhere from 5-7:30 if there aren't any dinner engagements, 9:30 if there is. He has started to skip many of the evening functions in order to keep up on reading bills and so forth. That being said, two whole weeks in Boise with no break was long and we longed to be home in Thomas. I usually drive the first leg of the journey so Steve can sleep, he is always so worn out, Steve drives the last leg of the journey. Last week as we entered the eastern part of the state, I just felt so much more relaxed. As we pulled into the driveway I had this overwhelming feeling of Peace wash over me. I walked into the house and was welcomed by our smell, the smell that said HOME. It was so wonderful, for a second I thought I might cry, but I held strong.

I was so excited to sleep in my own bed. Steve and I both slept so good you might have mistaken us for dead. I have a greater appreciation for Steve who has done this alone for 4 years. It is nice to be here with him and make sure he eats better and run the errands he doesn't have time to do. I have had some fun too. Isn't that how it goes...He works his guts out and I work a little bit and play a lot. There are a handful of us who go to the temple on Tuesdays and out to lunch afterwards. Legisladies is on Thursday. I sometimes don't go to that depending on what and where the function is. Wednesday is cleaning and laundry day. Monday and Friday are dry cleaning days. Monday is also E-MAIL Monday and I tend to hover around the computer until I hear from Jared. He is being transferred this week and is a little sad about it. He loves Kendallville. Friday I straighten up the house and prepare to head back to Boise. Steve often is done at noon and we are able to drive in the daylight. Saturday is a big day for us. We usually run to town as there isn't any food in the fridge, get prescriptions if needed and head back home. If we are really lucky, the kids all come to see us and we play Mario Brothers, eat and visit. All to soon, it is Sunday and off to church and as soon as dinner is over, it is back on the road again. It is becoming a very contentious session already. Steve one day received over 30 emails in the time it took him to drive from the capitol to our rented house, About 20 minutes. He is getting nasty nasty letters and e-mails from friends and neighbors that are cruel and ignorant. It is difficult for me to stand back and keep my mouth shut. Perhaps that is why home is such a haven to us. It allows us peace, quiet and a chance to rejuvenate for the next week. I guess I should say that is what it does for me, Steve on the other hand, comes home to piles of bills and more letters and e-mails. That doesn't count the homework he has so that he is informed and able to make good decisions.
I am so grateful for my small town living, where I know lots of people, don't have someone living 10 feet to the left and right of my house. To be able to look out the window and see Jerry's longhorns grazing in the pasture. To wave a neighbors and friends as we pass them on the road. Y'all can have city living. I am a country girls and Thomas is the place for me. There is no place like home.

Bair Birthday Bash

2011-02-07T18:41:00.000-08:00

Dillon and Deisel had their 4th birthdays a couple of weeks ago. They requested a Cars cake from Aunt Sheyann. It turned out to be a great cake. It had Deisel on one side and Dillon's name on the other. Kody BBQ'd some ribs, baked some beans, and made sweet potato biscuts. We gathered together and ate til we were stuffed, sang to my sweet boys and ate some delicous cake. Sure do love my boys. So grateful to have them in our family. I don't know how they have grown so fast.

Uncommon Friends

2011-01-30T19:28:00.000-08:00

The interesting thing about being in Boise, is the variety of people that I get to associate with. They come from all over Idaho and all walks of life. Some of my friends are very different that I am, and yet we are wonderful friends. One of them, Dr. Cynthia Hammond, (I call her Cyndie and Steve calls her Doc), has a doctorate in education and is the regional director of the Cour D Alene-Lewis and Clark College. Cyndie and her husband Jim are just wonderful people. Cyndie's Dad died shortly after my Dad died and we shared many thoughts and sorrows together. Within a few short months, Cyndie's mother died. Again we shared the sorrow. Recently I went into the new family search and was interested to see if their work had been done. Hammond's are of a different religion and yet I still wanted to see the names of Cyndie's parents as a sealed couple. Shockingly Cyndie's Moms name was there, as was a few of her ancestors. But Cyndie's Dad's name was not there. Being the romantic that I am, I wanted to make sure that they were together. So I added his name. As I did research I found that along the way, part of Cyndie's Mom's family had converted and were active members of the church. Cyndie didn't seem to know any of them. A part of me would love to be able to participate in the Temple work of these people. I guess my hope is to then be able to do the work for Jim and Cyndie someday in hopes that they would accept it. Cyndie was down last week and we had a chance to visit about religion a little bit. I asked about her Mormon relatives and told her about the genealogy I had found and that someone along her family line was doing proxy work for her family and that it was being done by family. We had a very interesting talk. It is nice to be able to talk religion openly sharing information and let that be enough. I love Cyndie dearly and how this sophisticated lady became such a good friend to this county bumpkin, I will never know. I am thankful that she is tho'.

So very Grateful

2011-01-23T19:25:00.000-08:00

Every now and then, the phone rings and your heart drops as you listen to news that chills your blood. This last Monday morning, I had a call like that. It was Josh and he sounded very scared, with good reason, Diana had flipped her truck on her way to work. Deisel was with her. Deisel was OK, but Diana was being transported to the hospital with back injury.

This is what the pickup looked like after they had up righted it, It had flipped end over end and landed on the hood.

Diana, for the first time ever, had not buckled her seat belt that morning.

Deisel had been in his car seat and was hanging upside down in the back seat.

Diana has a compression break in her 8th vertebrae in her back. It is stable and to look at her you wouldn't know anything was wrong. She can get up and do almost anything she needs to as long as it doesn't entail lifting or bending. We are so so so so very grateful that her life was preserved as was Deisels. Thankful for the tender mercies of the Lord. Thankful for Diana, Deisel and Josh.

Big Ball and Session Begins

2011-01-20T12:42:00.000-08:00

After Christmas the next season for our family is the Legislative season. The first week or so, Steve and I pack up and head to Boise, where we rent a small house with white carpet (insert growl here). This year the constituents of Idaho re-elected our Governor, which means Inauguration on the steps of the Capitol and a Big Ball in the Capitol. As a Senators' wife, it also means the Grand March. I was sick this year and had no intentions of going to the inauguration, but Steve needed something brought to him. I quickly went to change in to nicer clothes and realized all of my dress pants were in Thomas. So, in my jeans, I headed for the Capitol with the intent on hiding in Steve's office until it was over. No such luck. The secretary to the Pro-Tem caught me and made me go out. I was embarrassed at first and cold, but I am glad I was there. I forget very quickly how utterly impressive it is to witness the proceedings. The front of the Capitol has a humongous American flag hanging down the front of it. There are members of the military there in dress suit to assist with the proceedings. Prayers are said, oaths are given and received, music is heard, an address from the Governor is heard. A cannon shoots 20 times. Then some very old jets A-5's do a fly over. It always makes me so grateful for the people who continue to fight for the freedoms we enjoy. They take time out of their jobs, away from family to help keep Idaho free and financially stable.
     Part of the proceedings after that include the Grand March and Governors Ball. When Steve first was asked to replace Stan Williams, Stan and Nancy met with us and were telling us all about it. Nancy made the comment that a new Governor would be elected and we would get to go to the Ball and I would need a ballgown. Truthfully, in my head, I was thinking, You have got to be kidding, I DON"T DO DRESS UP BARBIE!  In fact, at the time, I only owned 2 pair of pants that were not jeans. Needless to say, I now have many as well as a ballgown. The Grand March takes place as the Governor and his wife are up on the 4th floor of the capitol and come to the railing of the rotunda and greet everyone. They then start walking along the railing of that floor, headed to the stairs down to the 3th floor with the Constitutional leaders behind them. On the third floor, the Senators fall in be hind them with the House Representatives falling in line after them. We proceed down to the Garden level, where the barriers holding back the general public are removed and the Gov. and his wife have the first dance. Everyone joins in dancing after that.  The first year we did this, it was so crowded that you couldn't really dance, you just bent knees. After the second dance, I told Steve I thought I had been molested and we needed to get out of there.
    We were very blessed to have our son Josh and his wife Diana and son Deisel there with us. The were on every floor taking pictures as we went round and round on our march down.  I hope they had a good time. It was fun to actually recognize someone in the wings. Deisel wore his little tuxedo and one Senator asked him if he was a Senator. Deisel replied that he was the Governor. We had a lot of fun with the kids and were grateful they made the long drive to come. We were sad to see them head back to rexburg.
     The next Monday, the session started and the State of the State address was given.  Last year I ended up on the front row of the gallery, right above the Governor. This year I was smarter and got a back row to the side where none of the camera's could get me. Much better. Steve now spends his day working his tail off and I do not. There are a number of LDS ladies over there and this year we have started attending the temple together on Tuesday mornings. On Thursdays there is a legisladies/ legisladdies luncheon that lets us get to know one another better. In order to keep myself busy and out of trouble (yes it is very difficult!) I took over my sewing machine and Mom's quilting frames. I tied and bound a whole baby quilt in a few hours and realized I am going to actually hand quilt them and not tie them in order to afford to stay busy.  Steve is great at his job. He has always had the ability to think fast in times of crisis and to think logically and consider all angles to the problem. As I listen to the senate when they are on the floor, or listen to him debate a bill, I am always amazed at how smart he is....and also somewhat shocked that he choose this county bumpkin to be his bride. Steve serves on the JFAC (Joint Financial Appropriation's Committee) and the Transportation committee as well as being the Vice Chair of the Resource committee. His evenings are spent reading bills and studying so he will know if they are good for Idaho or not. One thing I have learned from all of this, is that even tho' there are many differences in these people, they are for the most part, very good people who are trying to do what is best for Idaho. I am proud that my husband is a part of that. I have tried to upload pictures and couldn't make it work so I will try later.

Christmas at the Bair's

2010-12-29T17:52:00.000-08:00

Christmas is always such a joyous time of year. We celebrate the birth of our Savior and rejoice in his life. We also take time out of our busy lives and think of others and spend time as families. Our family traditions start on Christmas eve. We gather lot's of take out food, Chinese, pizza, fried chicken, chips, dip, cupcakes, and of course candy. After our bellies are filled, we gather and listen to the Nativity Story. Steve told the story, with all of the little grandsons sitting on the floor at his feet, their eyes wide with excitement. Diana took the kids outside and they spread reindeer food on the lawn to ensure that Santa's reindeer would stick around long enough for Santa to unload. It was so cute and magical for the kids, Grandpa Bartschi, and Grandpa Bair.

Grandpa Bartschi holding Andy Barger holding Makayla Kidd. Isn't that just cute?

We have and always will be a John Deere family, that said, our son Josh works for Agri-Service (a Massey Ferguson dealer) and is trying to convert all of the family to the red. So on Christmas eve he and Diana had little red tractors for each of the little boys. Notice little Makayla looking at Uncle Josh wondering where her tractor was? J/K. The little boys loved their tractors. Kate and part of Tyson are in the back. Kids are L to R, Andy Barger, Karson Crapo, Dillon Crapo, Wyatt Crapo, Deisel Bair and Makayla Kidd.

Dillon, Wyatt and Deisel playing with the toys that Grandma and Grandpa Bartschi gave them. JJ and Diana supervising.

Christmas present modeling for Makayla. She appears to be happy with her presents.

Christmas day, Deisel and Andy enjoying each other.....and maybe watching Shrek-the final chapter.

Even tho' Andy was convinced that Santa wasn't coming, (he said he was naughty and the sleigh was stuck, still don't know whether it was Andy or Santa he thought was naughty.) Any way, it was so fun to sit in the family room and watch the faces of those little boys as they walked in and realised that Yes, there really is a Santa Claus.

The aftermath of the morning. It only required a few tools and some side cutters.

We were fortunate to have almost all of the kids home for Christmas. Amber and her crew went home Christmas eve and came back Christmas day for the phone call from Elder Jared. It was wonderful to hear my son's voice. He was able to talk for 1 1/2 hours and so we each had a chance to talk to him. Stephanie came up from Pocatello so she could talk also. Dillon and Deisel even got to talk. Somehow hearing his voice and hearing that he is doing well and so glad he is serving the Lord, it makes Mama relieved. I can now make it to Mother's day. Sheyann, JJ and Andy, Josh, Diana, and Deisel, Tyson, Katie and Makayla were all here and I personally loved it. It was a houseful and our house is big enough to make it work well. It was fun to hear the squeals and laughter from the upstairs where Mario Bro's on the Wii was commanding much attention. It was hilarious to watch the guys play. The kids stayed the weekend and Sunday they started departing. All to soon it was over. The house was spotless, empty and quiet. Not a paper or bow could be found on the floor. The toys had all vanished, as had the boys. The bedrooms empty, the halls no longer echo with joyful sounds. Bright eyes of wonder and excitement have gone. The tree and the decorations are all back in the boxes. Back to our regular lives once again, the magic is gone but for a short time. For whenever the kids come to Grammy and Grampy's house, the magic is here again.

2010-12-08T19:19:00.000-08:00

See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil!
These little boys just can't leave cuzzin Makala alone!
Wyatt Crapo, Andy Barger, Makayla Kidd, and Karson Crapo.

Which Way Are You Going?

2010-11-20T08:56:00.000-08:00

In the Idaho Falls Temple, as you go towards the women's dressing room, you pass this picture of Christ above the stairs. Passing for so many years, I have hardly noticed it or paid it any attention beyond the thought that this is my favorite picture of Christ. The last two months, I have spent a lot of time going up and down those stairs. As I have done so I have noticed something. As I go up the stairs...it feels like I am walking into Christs arms, and I feel so warm and happy, as I get to the midway landing, I turn and in the glass partition at the top of the stairs.....I see my reflection and see myself walking away from His outstretched arms, A different feeling hits me. It is like a pit in the bottom of my stomach and I hate the feeling I have as I see me walking away from my Savior. How many times do I make little choices every day that take me away from my Savior instead of towards him by things I do, say or think. We each make that choice every day with every action that we take. We are either walking toward Him or away. Which ever way we are going, He is still there....waiting....with His arms open ...for us. Which way are you going?

Boo Winkie

2010-10-27T20:30:00.000-07:00

Our little Boo Winkie has finally arrived. Blonde hair, blue eyes, 7 lbs, 14 oz. 21.5 inches long. She is absolutely beautiful. Mother and Baby are doing well and Daddy is very proud.

Grammy is very happy as well:)

First family photo.

Pictures of the girls

Grampy finally gets a turn with Boo Winkie

Proud Papa with his little princess.

It must be a Mama's heart, but I can't help but get so excited everytime a new baby comes into our family. We love each and everyone of them and don't particularly care how they come into our family as long as they are a part of our family. Once they are here, they are OURS FOREVER! I would fight like a Mama Grizzly Bear to protect each and every one of them. Each child that enters our family is so special and instantly loved beyond measure. I look at all my grandbabies, my five handsome grandsons and one beautiful granddaughter, and I wonder what kind of adults will they be. I hope that above all they will be loving, kind, honest and righteous. I hope they will all be married in the Temple of the Lord and be active in the gospel. I want each and every member of my family to be together forever. Each one of my little grandbabies has so much potential inside of them and have the chance to be anything in the world they choose and work to be. I just want them to stay little where Mama's and Daddy's and Grammys and Grampys can protect them and keep them safe from the wierdo's in the world. Let my little grandbabies have safe and happy childhoods and get good educations. Let them know how very much they are and always will be loved by Grammy and Grampy.

Jared, Monday October 18

2010-10-20T17:03:00.000-07:00

Hey Mom,

Fort Wayne is really slowing down and getting kinda hard. All of our investigators are starting to drop us like flies. So its kinda hard but what can we do except pray about it? So i got the medicine, but its not the precription that Debra gave me, I have been using that stuff for a couple weeks and its not working just like it didnt work before. Elder Crandall and I got transfer calls this morning and neither of us are getting transferred but we will be in a threesome untill the 8th when Elder Crandall heades home. And you keep asking about the Gast Family?  If you give me their address I will work on them but I cant do anything until I get that.

I am sorry that you are still super sick that is always no fun. I bet that is killing your asthma and all them things. I pray that you start to feel better. I hope that you dont miss all these exciting fishing trips that Dad is going on? That would be a bummer deal. It's good to hear that Kate is still doing good,  I hope that all goes well with her and everything goes smoothly. I have been waiting for that little booger to come, its been driving me nuts. I am pretty sure that Elder Crandall is getting tired of me telling him about my nephews and neice. Oh well he doesnt care anymore.

Everything is going well. David Bonbrake is still strong and hopefully he has been away form them cigges and I pray that he will be able to move out soon. He is kinda stubborn, he cant move anywherethat he cant take his dog. LAME excuse for eternal salvation. Other than that he is still reading and coming to church regularly and is doing great. Hunting season has come here andIi all of a suddenly started to see deer horns in back of pickups and it made me laugh that Josh cant hunt worth a beans. He needs his little brother there to show him how it is done. But everything is going well   I love you all and have fun.

Elder Bair

Outside My Comfort Zone

2010-10-11T18:22:00.000-07:00

A little over a month ago, Steve and I came home one day and had a message to call Sister Stears at the Temple. Brain racing...Josh married-check, Jared on mission-check,.....a little bit of a panic..... you know something new is coming your way. Call returned, interview with Temple President upcoming. Having had the desire to serve in the Temple for a long time, I just didn't think it would be possible since Steve is in Boise from Jan to March, or even May. So I felt that it was exciting to go to the interview but didn't have any expectation of actually being called to serve in the Temple. We arrive at the Temple, a little late....and yes we still had an interview. Before the interview we sit down with Sister Stears and she hands us paperwork explaining clothing requirements and extended leave. As I read through the extended leave section I come across a section stating that if you required extended leave for more than two months, you would be released.......I had been secretly hoping that we could do this but not really expecting that we could, but when I read those words, I felt my heart sink in my chest. Steve and I looked at each other and said, " Looks like this was a waste of time." Still we went in to visit with Pres. Biddoulph. We explained that Steve was a State Senate and we were in Boise for 3-5 months starting in January. Pres. B. visited with us a while asking about us and so forth....In my head I was just wishing he would give us the bad news and let us leave. Instead, Pres. B. said it wouldn't be a problem and we would be given an extended leave for the time we would be gone. Talk about a heart soaring to my brain! Pres. B. set us apart and as he did, he blessed Steve that we would be blessed to have our needs met, and for me that I would have the ability to memorize, ( Does the heredity for Alzheimer's really show that well in my face?) We left the Temple filled with wonder and awe...we were acceptable to the Lord.
We obtained the proper clothing and prepared for our first day. I was honored to have a trainer that leads or follows me and is considered my guardian angel. For the first time in years (and I mean YEARS) I am having to study hard and memorize word perfect. I have learned so much and have such a greater understanding of the Temple. It is a humbling experience to place my hands on someone head and administer the ordinances to the patrons. Oh wow, do I need stronger deodorant! I get so nervous and am trying so hard to get everything perfect.....I am far from being a perfect person. I cannot bluff my way through this. So far Steve has everything memorized perfectly and I am still stumbling along. I have worked the veil, new name, baptistry, locker room, initiatory, and my least favorite, north door hostess. It is nice to sit out there to see people come in, usually hurrying to make a session. We smile and wish them a good morning. I get to see the sun come up and shine through the stained glass windows, See people leaving the Temple, a little happier than when they came. More at peace. But somewhere in my head is the voice that says, "You could be studying now! You should be learning this faster. Your Just sitting here!" I have to squelch that voice and remember, "As long as I am serving the Lord, I will go, I will do the things the Lord will have me do, I know the Lord will find a way, he wants me to obey!." I am enjoying it, Never in my life have I gotten up at 4:15 am and had such good days. I am getting to know the people better that I work with and truly love my guardian angels. I love how I can mess up in initiatory and have the patron "Thank Me" because it has helped her to listen closer to the sacred words and blessing that are being spoken. I love it when my husband and I end up in the library to study at the same time and can study quietly (shocking right?) while still holding hands. I love it that it doesn't matter how bad my asthma/ bronchitis is, when I am in the Temple, I feel whole and healthy and able to do whatever the Lord needs me to do. I am humbled and grateful for this opportunity in our lives. It makes me more careful about what I watch, listen too or subject my spirit to. Thankful to still be in the young womens. Just am amazed at the blessings that I have so graciously be given. I also hope that someday, I will be able to say the words in perfect order with total clarity and without hesitation.

2010-10-04T17:56:00.001-07:00

Sunday Dinner at Moms

2010-09-27T17:23:00.000-07:00

Monday, September 27, 2010

Sunday Dinner

When I was fairly young, my father held a calling in our church that required him to visit other wards often (high council). Our family became very used to preparing him Sunday dinner and then putting it in the fridge until he got home; the rest of us would eat. SO, SO, SO many Sunday dinners concluded with us kids making Mom laugh so hard, she'd go "Mach-he-he." There's a process to Mom's laughing: She'll laugh at something, we egg her on, "Uh-oh... Mom's face is turning red.... uh-oh... she's starting to cry.... here comes the 'he-he-he's!'" Then we'd all laugh with her. When Dad WAS home, we'd have to be reverent and he'd give us "the look" when we'd start laughing.....

Yesterday was my FAVORITE SUNDAY DINNER EVER!!! As always, I can't remember what made Mom start laughing, but Andy was in a time out in the formal living room. Mom starts 'he-he-he-ing' and Dad threatens to put Mom in a time out with Andy! Which, of course, makes us all laugh because we KNOW he's serious by the look on his face! And that just makes EVERYONE laugh even more! So Dad stands up, pulls Mom up (who is now laughing so hard Ty, JJ, Kate, and I are he-he-he-laughing), and puts her on the piano bench in the formal living room with Andy.... in a time out!

Dad comes back in, sits down, and keeps eating. We're all trying to suppress our laughs, afraid of being put in time out as well, when MOM STARTS laughing AGAIN! (Supposedly, Andy said, "Grammy, you cryin'?) So we all start laughing and KATE goes Mach-he-he. So Dad, still straight-faced, puts KATE in a time out!!!! So now JJ, Ty, and I are REALLY AFRAID of being put in time out. Dad comes back in , sits down, and we all regain our composure. Dad gets finished eating, stands up, goes and gets the punished people and says, "Okay, you can come back to do dishes."

We all joked that the warden let them out early for modified behavior on work release.

Luv Sheyann 0 thought(s)

2010-09-26T19:16:00.000-07:00

Josh and Diana's Wedding

2010-09-26T18:50:00.000-07:00

Cake made by Sheyann, hole poked in by Andy, Enjoyed by Josh and Diana

Deisel glad to have them married at last :)

Deisel giving his new Dad a hug.

Sealed in Rexburg Temple for time and all eternity.

Entrance to the yard, neighbors wagon, our tractor (John Deere 'R') Sign in book and pictures of the kids.

These are the decorations that Josh and Diana chose. Many people thought it was great.

The sign in book. This cowboy boot was my Dad's boot. It is still on my dining room table.

Farm boy must have picture of Beautiful bride in a grain field. Law #3208 in Famers code book. This is also the picture I had at the top of the blog. But with the new format I have somehow mixed it all up.
The important thing is that Josh has married a wonderful beautiful woman, whom we love so very much. Blessing of all blessing, we got a handsome new grandson in the proccess. We couldn't be happier with all of our children and their families. We are so blessed to have such wonderful blessings in our lives.

Red Green

2010-08-19T19:31:00.000-07:00

Now some of you unrednecks, might not know the famous Red Green. He is on channel 10 at 10 o'clock on Saturday nights. He is from Canada and the king of Rednecks.We used to watch him all the time and laugh our heads off. He is hilarious. Duct tape is his best tool in his toolbox.
Jared is doing well on his mission and hasn't been homesick at all. He and his companion has the top numbers in their district this month. Jared is loving it and he and his companion were tracting and passed an auditorium. Who should be standing in front of it? None other than Red Green himself. So Jared being the redneck farm boy that he is, went right up and started a conversation, ended up giving him a Book of Mormon and an address in SLC that could connect him with Canadian missionaries. He was so so so very excited. Yup, that is my farmboy! Good for him. Go get them farmboy!

Which Way did it Go!

2010-08-19T19:17:00.000-07:00

Where has the summer gone? It was so slow coming, even tho' we sent our invitation way early. So summer finally showed up for the party and low and behold she came in hyper speed. The summer has continued with such speed. First- girls camp. May I just say how pleased I am that our girls are so sweet and spiritual, helpful and kind. It is always such a joy to be there. For once I wasn't the one in trouble for giggling all night. Hmmmmm. I must be getting old. Got home from camp, showered, unpacked and repacked and was gone again in under an hour. Headed out to Leslie for our little families reunion before Jared left on his mission. Had a wonderful time even tho' I was so tired I couldn't function. After a good nap I was up and running again. Jared, with Stephanie on back, tried to ride a four wheeler up a steep mountain and ended up rolling it. He stalled and started rolling backwards and hit a rock and started to tilt. He grabbed Steph and shoved her off the side and he turned just in time for it to roll on his head. Concussion, broken nose, abrasion's. But ALIVE. As we headed to church, Jared and Steph were headed home. I watched as Josh said goodbye to Jared as he wouldn't see him again before he left. Afterwards I asked Josh if he gave Jared any good advice. He hem hawed around and so I asked him is he cried, he turned away from me and I commented, "You have emotions like your Mother." His response was, I know! *!%*!. We got home, took Jared to the MTC. Came home to too much quiet. But didn't have to worry about that for long as there were more events to come. Went to Island Park with Sheila and Mom, sure missed Judy and Marsha. It is always nice to get away and just giggle for awhile. Came home from that and had 20 minutes to unpack/repack and headed out to Leslie again for the Big Bair reunion. Had a week Layover at home (what a change) and was off to Soda Springs for a range tour. Next Belnap reunion. That is always fun and it was especially nice to share out piece of Heaven with more of my family. Mom seemed to have a great time, she swang on the swings, went on the merri-go -round, rode in the wagon behind the power horse, and survived. It is always fun to see everyone and just sit and visit while the kids run and play. We have been working hard on the yard getting ready for Josh's reception. Landscaping, fencing, gardening etc. Today I baked 44 pies for the reception. House is clean, yard is ready, decorations are ready. It is almost game time. Opps I mean wedding time. We are so happy to have Diana and Deisel to be part of our Forever Family. So now you are all caught up on our family news.

MTC

2010-07-21T17:49:00.000-07:00

Jared did a great job at his farewell. Who knew he was a comedian. The Thomas church was filled almost to the cultural hall back wall. Luckily they didn't all come for dinner. This house handles crowds very well. Especially in the summer. The sandbox was a huge hit with the kids, as was the poof pillow in the family room. Needless to say, the combination of the two was not a good mix. One of the guests jumped on the pillow and a clowd of sand flew into the air and coated them completely. Total vaccuming of the house ensued the next day. I was not looking forward to the "Stop and Drop" method of leaving kids at the MTC, but figured it had to be better than the "Sit and Weep" method. It turned out to be alot easier. It was awsome to see all of those missionaries lined up one the sidewalk, smiling, waving and anxious to help. You pull in, park, and doors are opened by missionaries who immediatly help you out of the car, take the luggage and grab your child and start the conversation by asking, "Where you going Elder,". Two more missionairies take the luggage and you hug your child and say "this is going to be a great adventure, I love you so much." and he is gone. As tradition goes, we have to stop at Cabela's on the way home to make us feel a little better.....didn't help as much as I would like. The hardest part of the whole thing was witnessing Jared and Stephanie saying there good-byes to each other. That was not fun. When Pres. Anderson set Jared apart, he blessed him, "that if he would listen to the first promptings of the spirit, that he would escape dangerous situations as if unseen by the advasaries. " That made me feel alot better. The house was suddenly alot quieter when we got home. We had to go up to Ambers and play with the boys so we could hear some noise. At this point, we have gotten used to it, we know this is the best thing for him right now and would really not have him anywhere else right now. Since then we have had a letter and an email, both saying that he is loving it and learning tons. Rolled his ankle badly playing basketball but should still be able to fly out next week.

Snuggle Puppy

2010-06-14T10:13:00.000-07:00

Oops... now how did that video get there Grampy?! :)

Jareds' Farwell

2010-06-08T13:32:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,
We would like to invite you to Jareds mission farwell. It will be at the Thomas church at 9 am on June 20th, Yes, fathers day. We will be having lunch at noon at our home. Please bring a salad or desert. If you have a large family please bring both. You might want to bring a blanket to sit on outside. An RSVP would be nice. Lori. Taberrose@yahoo.com

DejaVu

2010-05-17T18:27:00.000-07:00

What a busy few weeks we have had. Our family had the privilege of going to the temple with Jared to receive his endowments. For the first time ever, we had all of our children and their spouses (for those that had spouses) in the temple. What a wonderful and tender moment it was for Steve and I. We have waited for so long to have this blessing manifest itself. On the following Sunday, we were able to bless little Karson Steven Crapo. We had a wonderful couple of days with family events. On Sunday afternoon, Steve was given a blessing with Josh doing the anointing and Papa sealing the anointing with the help of all of our sons and son in laws as well as my brother Todd, and grandpa Bartschi. Monday Steve had surgery on his neck. In July of 1986 Steve broke his neck motorbiking in the white cloud mountains in central Idaho. He had 3 vertebrae in the neck (C5-C7) fused. He has always had a little bit of residual problems since then. Numbness in left fingers etc. Last fall he was having some neck trouble and we went to see a neurosurgeon. News wasn't good. The disks and vertebrae above the break were disintegrating and surgery was needed to fix it. This knowledge came to us in Mid November and the legislative session starts in January. So Steve opted to have an epidural in his neck and wait till session was over to do the surgery. Most of the session went OK till the last weeks when Steve started having horrible headaches. If he ever had a free moment he would sneak down to his office and lay down. When session was over, we began to make arrangements for the surgery. The earliest they could do it was may 3.....my birthday, which would be OK as long as he came through the surgery alive and well. Whenever I have had surgery, I've always told Steve things I wanted him to know....just in case, which Steve was not fond of me doing and would reassure me that all would be well. So before his surgery we talked about the (just in case) information should something go wrong. I had been so scared something would go wrong and was sharing this information with a friend who told me that faith and fear cannot exist together at the same time. After listening to the blessing Steve had, I felt a calmness that continued though out the surgery. Occasionally I would get nervous and panicky and would have to remind myself of the peace I felt during the blessing and I would be calm again. The surgery went well. They fused C3-C5 in the back with lots of screws. Removed two disks in the front and spacer put in with a plate and more screws. Which means they went in on the front of his neck then flipped him and went in on the back of his neck as well. As they wheeled his bed into the room, he was saying "Lori ?" I grabbed his hand and said "I'm right here honey." He looked up at me, breathed a big sigh of relief and said,"Now I'm alright." Then he smiled and said, "I didn't die!" Whew! What a relief! He is doing well, unfortunately he has had reactions to all of the narcotic pain relievers and has a rash all over his body. So he is using darvocet and benadryl and suffering through the pain. He cannot be in a car except to go to Dr appointments, so he has cabin fever. I am so grateful as I was the first time we went through neck surgeries, that he came through it well and will recover, he already has more feeling in his fingers than he has had for a long time. The numbness and loss of strength is much better and the outlook is great. I hope we don't have to do this in another 24 years. No more DejaVu.

Going Private

2010-05-15T13:48:00.001-07:00

It is finally time. On the first of June I will be going private on my blog. Should you want to continue to follow us... please send me an email to taberrose@yahoo.com and I will send an invite.

Jareds Mission Call

2010-04-27T20:11:00.000-07:00

Temptations are easier to resist when they are out of reach. It was a LONG wait for all of the kids to come.
Jared started to open the envelope, when Josh reminded Jared that Jared had opened Josh's call because Josh was in South Corolina and it would only be fair is Josh opened Jared's call. No dice!
Jared is sure slow opening it. He take a quick peek and grins big.
He pulls out the paperwork and reads.......Elder Jared Steven Bair, you are called to serve in the Indianapolis, Indiana Mission and are to report to the MTC July 7.

Fishing with Andy

2010-04-17T12:54:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, we took the kids in a boat ride down the Snake River (by Tilden Bridge). We found a nice hole, JJ jumped in his waders, and before long, we were all fishing. Andy crawled up on my lap, so I let him reel the line in a bit. Before long, he'd taken over my fishing pole and wouldn't let me touch it. He'd reel in a little, try to hook a fish by pulling a bit, then reel some more to see if he got the fish. When a fish wasn't on the line, he'd let out a bit, "Ahhhhh, shoot!"

Before you read our baby story

2010-04-09T18:50:00.000-07:00

Before you read the next post, please understand that in my excitement to post about my new grandson that I forgot the proper order of picture verses story line. Hence the dialog and pictures will not match. So be brave and enjoy our baby story.

Great Birthday for Steve & Carson

2010-04-09T18:24:00.000-07:00

Today is Steve's birthday. He has been bugging Amber for months that he wanted baby Carson to be born on his birthday. He called Amber last night to warn her that time was running out and she needed to hurry so Carson could be born on his birthday. Amber informed him that at her Dr.s appt., the Dr. said it would be awhile as nothing was happening. So...this morning during breakfast we receive a phone call from Josh saying Kody had sent him a picture of baby Carson. Steve got so excited that he cried. Then ...he figured Kody was yanking his chain and made me call Amber, who indeed had given birth to Carson at 7am this morning. Amber had no sooner proclaimed that when Steve took the phone away from me. We headed into see them as Steve had a speaking engagement to go to and we were able to see our precious new grandson. Amber and Kody are a little sleepy, but glad to have Carson here.
Steve, of course got to hold the baby first. Steve was born on his grandmothers' birthday as well, so this was a neat event in our family. When Steve called him Mom and told here, she was so happy she cried too. My eyes watered but then the excitement took hold.
Jared was on a snow machine trip when Dillon was born and we're not sure where he was when Wyatt was born. When Andy was born we didn't get to see him till we were at Uncle Tim's, so this was his first time at the hospital with a new nephew. He was also the first one showered and ready to go.
I finally got my turn holding our little sweetheart. He is beautiful and looks just like Dillon did. Out of the three boys he was the smallest at birth. We are so excited for Carson to be here and a member of our family. Steve went to his speaking engagement and another meeting and we had tinfoil dinner outside tonight with some of the kids. One of the great days in our lives.

Time

2010-04-05T14:15:00.000-07:00

If I stayed awake and understood the things I heard from General Conference, then it is time to put down the computers, T.V. remotes, cell phones, mp3s, Ipods, and any other time sucking devices and begin putting family first. So....what do two middle age people with only one kid at home, and he is waiting for a mission call, what do we do more? We study scriptures at night individually, we pray together and alone, we teach the youth at church, we spend time with the kids and grand babies. What more can we do? Apparently, turn off the TV, put down the laptop and talk? Did I mention I am middle age? After 8 pm, if my hands are moving it means my eyes will shut and I'm gone. OK, realistically, I could be doing genealogy, oh wait, that uses the computer, I could take a walk with my sweetheart...good for both of us but will kill me trying to keep up with him. He is like a Tennessee walker (horse) hard to keep up with. I probably should be reading more church doctrine type of stuff. But again...if it is evening, it would have to be very interesting or I'm out. I think more temple work would be a great idea. More humanitarian stuff individually done. I wish there was a way to use all of this technology for good and somehow totally delete there negative aspects. Yes, I know we are here because we are free to choose, but do the choices have to be so devastating? Here we are in the latter days, fighting to keep the good alive and more appealing to the youth than the indulgent self centered temptations that Satan has out there for us all, not matter what age we are. How do we guard ourselves, our families and friends from this abundance of evil that stalks us. Seminary answers. FHE, Daily family prayer, meals together, church together, scripture study, temple attendance, family play time together. Raising our kids on the farm taught us all to work hard. I am thankful that we also taught them how to play as a family. We learned early that if Dad called and said, "Wanna go fishing?" We dropped everything and went fishing. The work would always be there waiting for us to finish it. Those memories are precious as the kids grew way faster than we expected. Looking back, if I could do it over, we would still play more. Many gospel principles and testimonies are taught and shared as a family spends time together. Thank goodness we played when we could. Help us to learn more, teach more, work more, serve more and play more.

hmm, Just Thinking.....

2010-03-21T17:48:00.000-07:00

I read a story recently about a family and the miracle of their child being made whole again after a tragic accident. They feel this has allowed them to share their testimony with others that our Heavenly Father knows us, loves us, and hears our prayers. This has started me thinking about the things that happen or have happened in my life that others might call happenstance that I choose to believe is the hand of God directing my life. As a child my Mother told me about the spring of 1964, the water had been let down the ditch by the house. It was early spring and Mom had dressed Tim and I in our snowsuits and let us go outside to play. While Mom was on the phone, Tim came running in the house, hollering something, Mom shushed him until she was off of the phone. That is when Tim told her I had fallen in the ditch and there was water in it. The ditch ran along side of the house and then went into a culvert and under the lawn, coming out on the far side. With fear gripping her heart, she went running outside, not knowing what would await her. There I was, soaked to the skin, with a heavy wet snowsuit on.....stuck under the fence and screaming my head off. How did I get out of the ditch? No clue, perhaps that is not correct. I believe it was through the powers of Heaven that I survived that. I believe things like this happen all the time and all around us. You hear stories about it all of the time. I know it was divine intervention that Ambers' life was spared in the accident that took her Mothers life. What a joy and blessing she is to us in our lives. I feel that the birth of everyone of my children is a miracle. Each one had little somethings that could have complicated this a great deal. Sheyann had cord distress as it was wrapped around her shoulder hindered her progress. Josh also had cord distress and maconium in the fluid. Kate had a knot in her cord and had the Dr. not been inspired to start me, she wouldn't have survived or would have been greatly mentally diminished. Jared tried to come 6 weeks early and we were blessed to hold him off for 4 more weeks to let him grow more. When Steve broke his neck and was airlifted to Poky and the released him. He lay on the hide a bed for a week before our family Dr recognized that he was in serious trouble. 2 wonderful Dr.s fixed his neck and were amazed that he had been on a hide a bed for a week and was still alive. They didn't know that our friend Lloyd and his father in law had ounce and blessing upon his head and declared that angels we in attendance and ministering to him. After another week of him growing steadily weaker until the fast of our ward and family aided us in the prompting to refuse the antibiotic, which we found out later he was allergic to. A week after Steve came home, he was sitting at the table in our kitchen with our little children all around the table and suddenly he went limp and his head hit the wall. I jumped up to support his neck and yelled for Amber to bring me the phone. Amber was 4, and even with the stool...couldn't reach the phone. I had her come hold Steve neck up and I ran for the phone. Mark had walked into the big house and didn't have a reason to, so he walked out again, just to turn around and walk back in as the phone rang. Mark and Dad were on the way. I held Steve head steady while Mark and Dad administered to him. Tears streaming down all of our faces, my little babies all in the living room with Nana watching with fear in their eyes. Steve recovered and was well again. Just think about all of the ER visits all of us have had and the ambulence rides as well for Josh. I mean... the nurses at the ER knew us by name...ok, they knew Josh by name. You can't tell me that there wasn't Heavenly help in our lives. I see it around me in the faces of my family. The lives of my friends. I can't tell you the number of times that Steve, as patriarch of our family has blessed each and every one of us. I find it to be a miracle that I have found a man who loves me completely and thinks I am beautiful. That I love more than life itself. I have children, 5 beautiful, spiritual, happy, healthy children. I have wonderful son in laws who love my daughters and provide for them and are righteous husbands and fathers. I have beautiful grandbabies with more on the way. I have seen and felt the spirit of the Lord so many times in my life, helping me to make correct choices, offering comfort when I don't. Here I am, one amongst billions of children of our Father in Heaven, and the blessings pour out upon me and fill me to overflowing. A miracle? Yes, to me it is. As a parent? Wouldn't you do it for your kids? It is hard to watch them struggle, figure things out for themselves, overcome the hardships, but the strength comes, as does the faith. Faith proceeds the miracle, and miracles happen all around us and to us. I am a daughter of my Heavenly Father who loves me, and I love him. Thank you Father.

Katie/girl, Sheyann/boy, Amber/boy

2010-03-15T13:30:00.000-07:00

Saturday Steve and I went out to eat in IF, on the way home we stopped at Ambers. As we looked in the front window Dillon was laughing and pounding on the window. Wyatt ran right over and started pounding also. We went in and had an enjoyable evening playing with the boys and visiting with Kody and Amber. At one point, I was playing with Dillon and asked him if he knew Aunt Katie was going to have a baby. he answered yes. I asked him if Aunt Katie was going to have a boy baby or a baby, he told me, . I asked him if Aunt Shiney was going to get a baby this year too. He said, yes, I asked him if it would be a or a boy. He said it was a boy. Then, just to see how close to the veil he is, I asked if he knew where Uncle Jared was going on a mission. He just laughed. Oh well, I had to try. We are getting excited for Amber's baby Carson who will be born in about 4 weeks. I can't wait to sniff in that baby smell. Kate is due Oct 25. So far so good. No kidney problems, just mild nausea, and little headaches. Sheyann is just completing another round of adoption papers etc. So she is almost what we call, "paper pregnant" Tho' her pregnancy/labor might be lots longer or shorter than the other s. So maybe this year our grandkid # will double. Cool!!! Jared's mission papers are some where between the Bishop and Stake President, then on their way to SLC. I am with Steve in Boise this week and hopefully he will only have one more week over here after this one. Woohoo!

My Flying Daredevils

2010-03-01T18:23:00.000-08:00

Josh and his friends were headed to St George for some motorbiking enjoyment. At the last minute someone backed out and to Jareds delight he was able to go with them. So Jake Stander, Trevor Ogden, Blake Hawker, Jared, Josh, Joe Hill and a guy named Sam had a great time in the sun and sand of St. George.
My sons in the past, have had the belief that motorcycles can fly. Mostly Josh is our flyer. Hence the many broken bones etc. Which is also why we have paid for a wing at the local hospital and the ER nurses recognize my voice when I call. NOT GOOD! Jared on the other hand, has a healthy respect for pain and a strong desire to avoid pain. So Jared flies alot lower. That equal only one broken bone.
The weather in St. George wasn't as warm as the boys had hoped. 50's. They also spent a little time in Mesquite which had nice weather, 70's. I am glad the boys had some time to spend together. Jared is working on his mission papers and this was a great time for them to hang out together.
Our family used to spend a little time in St. George when Steves' Grandma and my parents had condo's down there. Steve and I actually honeymooned down there. So, needless to say, it has been a family vacation favorite of ours for a long time. So while Jared and Josh had fun, the rest of us were a little jelous of them enjoying it without us. Glad you had fun boys. We sure love you.

More Birthdays

2010-02-28T14:50:00.000-08:00

This past week we had another birthday. The 23rd was Andy's second birthday. I remember the day we received this miracle baby into our lives. We had been praying for a baby to come to Sheyann and JJ and are constantly amazed that this precious little boy, who appears to have been made just for us, showed up as an answer to our prayers. How very grateful we are for the wonderful woman who followed the inspiration of the Lord and brought this baby into our lives. What a difficult choice that must have been for her. She is in our thoughts continually as we watch this beautiful boy who has enchanted us all. Happy Birthday Andrew Justice Barger. We love you so very much. I attempted to download pictures of Andy but my computer seems to have a mind of it's own and refuses to comply.

Dinner with Jared

2010-02-24T16:55:00.000-08:00

Jared and I had some intresting conversation this evening over dinner. I thought it was hilarious and so I will share it with you.
Jared: (looking at whats for dinner) What is this stuff?
Me:Barley risotto, spinich greens with basalmic vinegrette and poor mans lobster.
Jared: Where do you get these crazy ideas?
Me: Boise.
Jared: (After taking a taste of the poor mans lobster) You gotta stop.
Me: Do you think Osita (dog) will eat it?
Jared: Not if she's smart.

So the risotto was good, salad good for me, poor mans lobster sucked, thank goodness I also grilled some chicken. I think I will have to have some raspberry sherbet in order to fully recover. Nite all. :)

MC Mama

2010-02-04T19:23:00.000-08:00

This last Tuesday was our youth talent show. Leah Lyman and I were asked to MC the program. I have never done anything like that before, so I was really nervous. I searched the internet for "clean jokes" and was prepared to fill in the gaps between program numbers. As bad as I was shaking, I loved it, at least the telling the jokes part. I think it mostly that I love the youth. Right now my class in going thru big changes. I have had 3 young women come in during the last few weeks and 1 that left. I love these young women so much and it is so hard to see them leave. It also takes the new ones a little time to warm up and feel part of the group. I feel such a motherly feeling for these young women and sense the importance to guide them to be righteous young women and in time to be worthy righteous wives and mothers. They have such wonderful futures ahead of them. Like with my own kids, they are growing up so very fast, I just wish time would slow down a little. Let my grandbabies stay babies, let my kids stay where they are, except Amber and she has to bring Carson into the world first, but just slow down and quit growing so fast. Let us enjoy each smile, each breathe, each giggle and each moment that we share together. Thank you Heavenly Father for this life that I live and for this family that I love, and this beautiful world that we have to live in.

Dillons 3rd Birthday

2010-02-04T19:03:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I have added pictures so I hope they are in the proper order. Dillon just celebrated his 3rd birthday. He loved the attention and the cake.
Dillon and Grampy made brownies on Saturday. I think Dillons favorite part was licking the spatula, certainly not having pictures taken.
Grandma Belnap came over to see the boys and give them a gift. She has spent a couple of weeks making stocking hats and had some for Dillon, Wyatt, Andy, Josh and Jared. It was fun to have her come visit and see everyone. I think the noise might have gotten to her tho'.
Andy and Grammy have established a pattern of reading comics together. Dillon and Wyatt did not want to be left out. So Grammy read the comics to them. At Dillons request, I read them over and over and over. Andy even pointed at the ones he wanted me to read again. This is typical Grammy, looking for the lighter side of life.

Weekends are Wonderful

2010-01-31T15:57:00.000-08:00

It is the time of year that Steve spends his time in Boise, and I spend my time on the homefront. I love Friday nights when Steve gets home. Saturdays, whatever kids can, come and hang out and play with Grampy and Grammy. This week we had Kody, Amber and the boys come, as well as JJ, Sheyann and Andy. Jared and Steph were here for part of it and then they went snowmachining out to Taber. Jared was able to get the snowmachine repaired with a few parts from millcreek metals. He enjoys working with his hands and being able to fix things. We had Chalupas for lunch and played all afternoon. Towards evening we made some sloppy joes and celebrated Dillons birthday that was on wednesday. Amber, Shine and I just happened to go down the hallway and make a wrong turn and ended up upstairs in front of the TV playing wii. We were approching the end of our first game when the sounds of small humans coming frightened us. Amber instructed us to get down and turn of the tv. (lights were already off) The small humans went away and we continued our games for a short time. It appeared that the party was about to end and the Crapo's headed for home. Shine, JJ and Steve and I played a few more games but we were hindered by Andys discovery of the off button on the tv and the remotes. The Bargers also headed for home and bless my sweet kids, they always clean up the toys before they left. We missed those who couldn't come. Kate & Ty had to work and Josh was sick. The hard part of the weekend is when my sweet husband has to pack up and head back to Boise. I always worry about him, but he tells me he is a big boy and can take care of himself. In fact all of my boys say that. Well soon it will be next week and it will start all over again. I look forward to it.

Boise Times

2010-01-05T19:59:00.000-08:00

It is that time again. The holidays are over, and boy howdy it was fun, But now it is Boise time. We moved some stuff in when we came over in Dec. but there was alot of moving still. You know how before you go somewhere, you know your gonna forget something. I make list after list but always know that something is going to get left behind. I am not the only one either. I actually made it to Blackfoot before I remembered my coat, made it to Boise to realise that Steve's garmies and socks were also left behind. SHOPPING TRIP! Thank goodness there is a distribution center in Boise. Headed for the mall for socks. J C Penneys had a great sale....so we had some stuff follow us home that we hadn't intended. But.....Macy's is closing it's Boise store so clothes are highly discounted starting Sunday....I heard. Gonna have to check that out. Maybe I should have left the credit card at home.
When you leave home, more often than not something with the family usually happens as well, you know, an injury, broken car, locked out of the house, SOMETHING! We made it almost to Twin Falls before I received Amber text. Steve had spent some wonderful times teaching the boys how to make knives. Steve warned them time and again that they would be dangerously sharp. Well Kody had been working on his sheath for his knife and as he lifted it up the knife slipped out. Kody's natural instinct was to grab it, which he did.....8 staples worth of sharp. Well Kody, you learned how to sharpen them just like Dad. The rest of you, PLEASE BE CAREFUL AND SAFE WHILE MOMMA'S GONE~ I love you so very much.
Steve and I are going to have a great time.

Christmas Miracle

2009-12-27T16:45:00.000-08:00

What a blessing our family is. We had most of them here Christmas eve and all of them here on Christmas day. It is so wonderful to spend time together and enjoy the celebration of the birth of our Savior. It was in the midst of all of the wrappings and celebration on Christmas day that we received the phone call that terrifies every family. Our nephew Daniel had been in a serious accident. He had been in the front end loader bucket and just finished putting the last screw in his shed and being scared of heights had scrunched down in the bucket as it was lowered. The bucket went down to fast and the tractor driver slowed it down, as he did so Daniels' head hit the bucket and knocked him out and he then fell out to the ground. He wasn't breathing at first but began to after that. He was rushed to EIRMC and in critical care,severe head trauma, broken skull, bleeding in the brain, suspected brain damage, possible broken leg and pain in back. As these words were spoken to us our immediate response was to gather our family together and kneel in prayer. As Steve lead the prayer and pleaded for a miracle in behalf of Daniel we all silently added our own prayers to his as tears rolled down our faces.
Saturday the word was nothing new, later in the day they detected a blood clot on the brain that had to be removed immediately. The surgery was successful and the bones were put back together again. Sunday morning report was that Daniel was doing fantastic. He recognized everyone, has a few days of fuzzy memory but other than that seems to be very well. He even asked his Dad Mark to call some clients he had appointments with on Monday and cancel them, reciting the phone numbers by memory. As of Monday, Daniel is struggling, there is a drain in his head and he is still leaking. The Dr. has taken him off of pain meds so they can tell his clarity of thought, but he is in a lot of pain. The Dr. has said his recovery may take weeks, months or years. So we continue to pray in behalf of Daniel and his family and ask you to also. At this time we are just so glad that Daniel is alive and received help quickly with loving family and skilled Dr.s and nurses to assist him.
In all of this Christmas bustle and celebration, this one miracle has truly and profoundly touched our hearts as we are again reminded of assurity that our Savior is still yet alive. He knows each of us and loves us and is still performing miracles on behalf of those around us. How thankful we are that Daniels life has been spared. It is the season of miracles and we pray for one for Daniel.

Not Going Private Cause I Need Help

2009-12-18T14:23:00.000-08:00

I had planned on making my blog private to help protect my family, but have decided to delay that for one reason. Sheyann and Jeremy (JJ) are feeling that same urgency to prepare for a baby that they experienced before Andy dropped magically into their arms. So for this purpose alone the blog will remain public so that any of you reading this can help us. Should you know of any one who is thinking of giving up a baby for adoption, please direct them to Sheyann and JJ's adoption blog. Andy was a wonderful miracle for our family and we desire to experience that blessing in our lives again. On another note, after I sent out Christmas cards and posted my Christmas letter on the blog with our family picture, it appears that it is already outdated. Josh and Diana have broken up. We love Josh and hope he will continue preparing himself to be the right one for some lucky lady. We will miss Diana and Deisel greatly and wish them great happiness as well.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-13T17:50:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas
The Christmas season is upon us once again and I am amazed at how fast the years go by. Our family is doing well, our hope is that your family is doing well also. I will give a quick overview of our family and hope to not bore you.

Amber & Kody- The Crapo’s are doing well. They are excited for the birth of baby boy # 3 coming in April. He will join Dillon and Wyatt in their adventures. Dillon and Wyatt both love tractors and have a new game of tackling each other and laughing. Amber is still copy editing, Kody is a contractor.
Sheyann & JJ- The Bargers are also doing well. Sheyann is a nurse at IDH in Blackfoot and JJ is pulling double duty as he works at INL and is going to school as well. Andy keeps everything moving at their house. That means he keeps his parents running after him. He loves computers and tractors.
Josh & Diana- are presently engaged and planning their wedding for April. Diana’s son Deisel is a sweetheart and loves to play with the other boys. He also loves tractors and motorcycles. Josh works at Agri-Service and is going to school. Diana works at Melaleuca .
Kate & Tyson- Kate will be thrilled to finish school , but in the meantime she is working at Big 5 and a daycare center as well as going to school. Tyson is also going to school and works at the Valley Irrigation in Arco.
Jared- Jared is glad to be out of high school. He is working at Industrial Metals. Jared will start working on his mission papers in January.
Steve & Lori-We are settled in the new house and have the trees moved and grass growing and a little landscaping done. Steve is busy in the Legislature. It keeps him constantly studying and attending meetings. He does a fabulous job. He is an advisor for the Deacons. Lori is waiting for spring so she can work in the yard again. Lori is in the Young Womens presidency and works with the Miamaids.

Christmas is a wonderful time of year. It is a time to celebrate not only the Savior’s birth but also His life and example. He showed us how to live and find happiness whatever our circumstances. He is the Son of the Eternal Father. As we follow Him and reach out as He did—serving family and loved ones, seeking out those who are sick or hungry or cold or friendless—the joyful spirit of Christmas will enter our hearts. Then this Christmas, and every Christmas to follow, will be filled with hope and love.

We are so thankful for the bounteous blessings the Lord has given us. We also very grateful for our family and the atonement that has been offered up in our behalf. May this Christmas time be filled with love and laughter as well as joy in service.

Private Time

2009-11-30T19:56:00.000-08:00

Due to the wackiness and wickedness of the world around me, I have decided to take the blog private in order to protect my family to the best of my abilities. Should anyone care to follow, please email your address to me at taberrose@yahoo.com. Thank you.

Halloween Goblins

2009-11-16T19:33:00.000-08:00

JJ, Sheyann and Andy showed up as the scarecrow, Dorothy and the cowardly lion.

Deisel the dinasaur, Dillon the little stinker, Wyatt the monkey. What cuties! They make Grammy and Grampy happy. Wonderful costumes.

Ghost Town of Custer Idaho

2009-11-16T18:50:00.000-08:00

Saloon at Custer Idaho. Restored, but alas still dry.

Family picture, just missing Kody and Nana. Nana is taking the picture. Thank you Nana.

The economy has hit the family hard. Jared and Amber have resorted to panning for gold. Good luck babies, hope you hit the motherload.

Sipping sassparilas in the shade. It was hot!
During our family reunion we camped at Leslie Idaho and did a day trip to Custer and Bayhorse ghost towns. We have been to Custer before when the kids were little. It was time to introduce the next generation of Bairs to the area. We fished in the tailing ponds. The little boys loved it because they could see the fish following the worm as they reeled in. I don't remember if we toured the dredge or not on this trip but we have many times before. Bayhorse is just south of the Stanely turnoff at Challis. It was owned by a family for many decades and they sold it to the state of Idaho. Steve and I were lucky to be able to tour this area with other legislaters a few years ago before they had cleaned it up. We were able to take suburbans up to the mines(now only open to 4 wheelers) we were able to enter many of the old building which now you can walk by but don't get to enter. Just past the ghost town is a road that takes you to the top of the mountain to a little beautiful lake surrounded by meadows of wildflowers. There is a campground nearby for tents and trailers. We tried to get to the lake last year on memorial weekend and it was impassible due to snow. This was a wonderful time with our family and many wonderful memories were made.

Summer Fun...a little late.

2009-11-14T15:29:00.000-08:00

Summer was fun and went way to fast. We had family pictures down by the creek. Went camping lots. Dillon helped water flowers. Andy and Wyatt were thrilled to find out that Grammys house leaks water and took turns trying to suck the water out of the house. Deisel and Josh were blowing bubbles by the creek in the miners meadow up alder creek. To much fun and not enough time.

Write thy name upon my Heart

2009-11-10T20:23:00.000-08:00

We had out young womens in excellence tonight. The young women have been working for a month on a song "Write thy name on my heart" by Sally DeFord for a month. Week before last there were 7 yw present on Sunday to practice. It did not go well, in fact, it was awful. Last Sunday we spent our whole time on it and it was better, but there were still some rough parts. So out program started, the theme was, "Decisions Determine Destiny" the yw each took a minute to explain a their projects. I am constantly amazed at the good things they are doing and the stregnth of their testimonies. Then it was song time, was it perfect? no. Was it beautiful? Without a doubt. The spirit was so strong as their voices sang, " Endow my soul with loving kindness, make me even as thou art. Engrave thine image in my countenance, Write thy name upon my heart." Angels couldn't have done it better, and yes, you all know that I bawled like a baby. I felt like heaven had come down on earth and surrounded us with angels. How lucky am I to be able to serve in this ward with these young women.

Sibling Reunion

2009-10-18T19:02:00.000-07:00

This year we had a sibling reunion in July to celebrate Moms 85th birthday. Todd & Charlene hosted Marsha & Spence, Jerry and Dianne, Steve and I, and Mom at their cabin. Sheila & Miles hosted Judy and LaMar & Tim and Lisa at their cabin. Brett and Sherry we unable to attend. We had a wonderful chicken in a barrel BBQ, floated the warm river in rubber boats, watched movies late at night, took a boat ride on the lake, went to Macks Inn dinner theater and just enjoyed each other.

Sister Party

2009-10-18T18:45:00.001-07:00

Every year my sisters and I take our parents up to Island Park for a little R&R. This was the first year without Dad and he was truly missed. Marsha was unable to come and we missed her as well. We drove around and dreamed of owning big, beautiful cabins on the lake or otherwise, thinking of all of the family gatherings and memories that could be made there. True to "Belnap" tradition, we peeked in the windows of as many as we could. Didn't get caught once and therefore didn't have to run for the car. Which, considering the last time we had to run that ended up we me having knee surgery, was lucky. The best part of it was when a bat was discovered in the cabin late one evening as it started dive bombing us. Sheila chased it with a magazine in each hand. She looked like she was guiding a 747 airplane to its parking spot. Judy screamed and I ran for the camcorder, mom sat watched us all like we were crazy. The video still makes me laugh til I cry, but unfortunatly you can't actually see anything, just hear all of the comotion and accasionaly see Sheila with her flaps a flying. My guts hurt so bad afterward just from laughing. Priceless! We spent wonderful moments in the sun on the deck just enjoying each other. It is always so much fun and I am already looking forward to next year.

Sneak Peek

2009-08-03T10:46:00.000-07:00

Double click on each picture to see it in true resolution (blogger makes it blurry when it fits it in the posts).

Sweet is The Work

2009-06-28T15:59:00.000-07:00

As our ward prepared for YW camp, we had a lot of YW who were not excited to go. The last few years they have had a very small budget for food, and leaders who the yw considered not fun. Our goal was to make camp fun. The stake theme was "Candyland" based on "Sweet hour of prayer, sweet is the work, and sweet is the peace the gospel brings." Our ward had 22 yw attending, and 1 who had a family reunion. Wolverine has always been a special place for me, I started going there when I was about 5 with Mom, who was on the stake board. Mom figured it was safer to take me then leave me home with Brett, Todd and Tim, this way I would still be alive. I have hiked those mountains on every side of that valley. Fished the beaver dams, hiked in the back way to camp and enjoyed the beauty that God has created. There is a spirit there that even after all the people leave...it remains a place sacred and peaceful, apart from the world. What a wonderful place to take young women. There are always some who come from difficult home lives, and those who have not been blessed with the priesthood in there homes, or have never truly felt the love of their parents. So off we go to camp, all yw loaded on the bus, beautiful drive and sunshine......until the flat tire incident....luckily Connie Christensen from M2...my old ward, happened to be behind me. Between Connie and I we got the spare down and jack out and in place when Bishop Stacy Jackson showed up. So he basically losened the lugs, pulled the tire off and set the spare on and tightened the lugs again and left us to finish the job. Camp wasn't set up when I got there...SHOOT!, but was shortly. This was the first time for me to go as something other than camp director or assistant, and I was looking forward to spending time with the yw....But alas, to my dismay, Shelly, the yw Prez decided to have me play a double roll and be food specialist as well. The food was great!!!! No one was allowed to go home until they had gained 10lbs and most reached their goal. The first day, one of the beehives had a slight melt down, which was handled lovingly and after that, there was not one cross word or discord amongst our beautiful ladies. Only one yw had to be given an assignment more than once due to the fact that she was chasing a water snake. The spirit these ladies had among them reminded me of 3 Nephi when after the visist of the Savior, the people lived in total harmony with no desire for contention.
I was asked to wrap an ankle in M2 for a yw who had rolled her ankle and was glad to have an excuse to visit the home ward. Funny thing tho' it didn't feel like home anymore. I was misfortunate to come at the high point of their water fight. I pleaded handicapped due to the knee, (which did great, I just didn't want to risk a slip in the mud) so I was given immunity. It was good to visit with them for a while and I was kinda sad that it didn't feel like home anymore. Then one smart aleck s shot me with a water hoser. I quickly handed off the sunglasses and phone and posed so they could all get a good shot! They had not trouble complying. Dang ol' Christensen ladies!!! As I walked into T4 camp.....a funny thing happened, it felt like home...and a huge knot formed in my throat. I have been waiting for this feeling and it finally came. Steve felt the same way, I wasn't sure it would ever come for him, having lived in M2 for 50 years, I am glad that it finally did.
The sisters with whom I serve with are all so wonderful, Shelly, Leah (Lilo) and I did more giggling than one could imagine. Who knew we could funtion on so little sleep. Lilo said that she hadn't laughed like that in such a long time, Shelly agreed. I was shocked and asked if they didn't giggle like that with their sisters and daughters. They both answered no, and asked if I did, when I answered yes, they both looked at me like I was the luckiest woman in the world, and indeed I am.
Testmony meeting is always a special and tender time, this year was no exception. It is good to hear the testimonies of the yw and feel of their spirits. We had one young woman who is a forein exchange student from Austria, Sara, who when she arrived in YW's clamed that there is no God. She kept coming and soon had the young womens theme memorized. Sara's parents came from Austria to take her home and she convinced them to let her go to camp. So her parents traveled around while she went to camp. While there, she watched all of the young women bear their testimonies and stood to speak. I wondered what she would say. She related her relief that when she came to america, she was lucky to not be in a big city and to make friends who she knew wouldn't allow her to be in tempting situations. She could hardly wait to go home and see her little brother and tell him that Jesus lives, and that he loves him. Wow...I hope it stays with her, she sure is sweet and has a light in her eyes.
I must admit that I don't camp like I used to. I used a cot this year, figured it would be easier on the knee. Also....don't tell anyone.... but I took the yukon to the bathroom in the middle of the night cause the pink powder palace near our camp was overflowing and I had to go further.
So I start again with my spiritual tank filled from the beautiful valley, far away from tv's, radio's, computers and the influence of the world imposing on my every day life. I hope to go forward, thinking about more precious things, and putting those thoughts into everyday actions, and anxiously wait and plan and ponder for next year.

More Redneck Sunday

2009-05-18T16:15:00.000-07:00

Country Redneck Sunday at it best. Tractor rides, playing in the water, and little boys topping it off with a bath is Grammys big tub. Diesel, Andy, Wyatt and Dillon.

Redneck Sunday

2009-05-18T15:35:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day it was! After church and dinner, the majority of the kids and grandkids came to play. Actually everyone was there except Kody and he was greatly missed. The weather was great and our sprinklers were finally installed but no grass yet. The boys wanted tractor rides so the tractor went round and round and round the yard. The boys still wanted more. So instead we found all of Grammys garden trowels and an ice cream bucket and turned them loose on the dirt. Josh brought a young woman, Diana and her 2 year old son, Diesel to meet the mob. Dillon quickly taught Diesel that pockets were for holding rocks. Soon both boys had their pockets overflowing with rocks. Andy just loved playing with the shovel and Wyatt couldn't get his rocks in his pockets so he put them in his mouth instead. The evening was so delightful to sit on the deck and just watch the family. We thought we were having as much fun as possible when we see Jared along the canal bank with a large net. Josh took of running and soon the whole family was at the fence watching. The canal is filled with suckers, (trash fish) you can stand there and see groups of 20+. So Jared hops into the canal and just starts netting them 2 & 3 at a time. Josh stands close to a makeshift dam and just starts grabbing them with his hands. Kate and Shine get the close up camera action and the rest of us just laugh our heads off. There were so many that they were constantly rubbing against the boys legs and loud squacks were heard when they did. At one point Jared hollars out, "I feel so redneck right now!" It truly was a wonderful evening. Many times Steve and I would look at each other and smile and say, "It just doesn't get any better than this." Josh convinced Diana to hop in and try to grab a fish with her bare hands. She couldn't make herself do it. I don't suppose the loud screams were helpful as the fish would streak like lightning away from her. She did actually net some. Amber, Kate, Sheyann, and I opted not to. Perhaps it was the electric fence on the inside of the barb wire that discouraged us. I am reminded of the song that says, " If this is what heaven is made of...I ain't afraid to die." One of the memory days indeed.

Makin' Cookies with Grammy #2

2009-05-01T10:14:00.001-07:00

Here are the rest of the pictures/videos from the cookie bash with Grammy on Wednesday. We sure had lots of fun! Dillon's handsome cookie bakin' apron... he wore it ALL DAY LONG!
The youngest handsome little devil! I LOVE his smiles!
Dillon and Andy watching the puppies and horse.

Makin' Cookies at Grammy's House

2009-04-29T12:40:00.001-07:00

To: Grampy
From: Your boys

We made cookies, we'll save some especially when you come home this weekend. We sure love you and can't wait for you to come home for good! :)

Church Ball

2009-03-19T09:24:00.001-07:00

Jared loves Church Ball
Ben Hillman and Jared
Jared and Wade Phillips
Thank Goodness they start and end each game with prayer.
Our family loves to play, sports, games, videos games, archery, horse shoes, motorcycles, 4 wheelers....you name it. For years we have followed kids to track meets, volleyball games, football games, wrestling matches, basketball games. Run Run Run! At times there were be conflicts with two children having games on the same night. As Mom of the crew, I always claimed home court advantage. As the kids began to leave home the schedule wasn't as hectic. Now we just have Jared at home and he is not as fond of competitive sports as the rest of them have been....that is until it comes to Church Ball. Jared was disappointed to have to play on a new team (new ward), but has adjusted well and enjoyed the season. We had a small team that consisted of Ben Hillman, Jared, Wade Phillips, Jacob & Kenton Anderson and Jose Rodregis. They all had lots of play time. Kenton is a deacon and has aspergers syndrome. That is somewhat of a challenge for him as well as the team. I was so proud of the boys, everytime Kenton was in the game, the boys made a point of getting the ball to Kenton and letting him shoot. Kenton would usually make at least one basket per game and sometimes two. Of course it took him many tries to achieve each basket. Jared is a good ball player, he just didn't want to play school ball like Josh and Kate did. He loves Church Ball and FFA. It was fun to watch Jared as he progressed from a deacon to a teacher and now a priest playing ball. He has improved greatly and is a great team player as well as a great shooter himself. Most of all... he enjoys the game. This is Jared's senior year and he has been busy as an FFA officer, secretary of Priest quorum, and resident "man of the house" while Steve is in Boise. He does a great job and is a wonderful son. We are grateful to have a bunch of wonderful kids. Now concerning the wonder basketball uniforms some of our boys were wearing......Our youth had an assignment to go to DI and help out one evening. Wade, Ben and Jared found these three "old" yellow uniforms and loved them. The first game they wore them to the put them on and covered them up with a regular t-shirt and shorts. After the prayer, they peeled off the outer layer and headed for the court. The crowd roared with laughter and cheered for them. Every kid that came in during the game would ask where they had found these cool clothes. Many were excited that it was from DI, and made plans to go there the very next day. I love it when kids have good, clean fun!

Videos of Grandbabies at Grampy and Grammy's House

2009-02-18T20:15:00.000-08:00

Valentine of Mine

2009-02-15T16:32:00.000-08:00

Steve called this week from Boise and wondered what I might like for Valentines Day. I told him all I wanted was to have him hold me in his arms. So for Valentines Days I got my wish, Steve was home and wrapped me up in his arms. What a wonderful feeling. But I recieved much more than that. In the middle of the night I woke up and could hear him breathing next to me. I do not like sleeping alone and that sound was music to my ears. I lay there for a while just listening to him. We were able to spend some time with Shiney, JJ and Andy and Amber, Kody and the boys. I love to be surrounded by family and to watch how fast they are growing and learning. That is another gift my husband gave me. Our family.
Our home teachers came right before Steve left for Boise this afternoon. After their message, Steve asked if they would assist him in giving me a blessing for my upcoming surgery. Pres. Turpin annointed and Steve sealed the annointing. He proceeded to bless me with a very beautiful and comforting blessing. Yet another gift from my husband. How thankful I am for him. My Valentine who blesses me with his love, an eternal love, every day of our lives. I could not want for more.

Where is Wyatt!

2009-01-26T18:33:00.000-08:00

When I make new posts and add pictures to my blog, the pictures are so small that I have trouble identifying to peoples. So now this blog is for Wyatt. These are pictures of my youngest grandson. Isn't he handsome? I will throw a few of Dillon in also. He turns 2 tomorrow.

Christmas

2009-01-26T18:04:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas. This year we had all of the kids, Papa and Nana Bair, Grandma and Grandpa Bartschi here with us. We had our traditional feast...Chicken almond ding, pizza, tacos, Arbys, Moo goo gai pan, chocolates, and all matter of sugary treats. After we were to full to move, we opened presents. It was so fun to watch the grandsons, they were delighted with everything, paper and boxes included. Wyatt chewed on everything. So it was all special to him. Amber & Kody's crew headed home as did Grandma and Grandpa Bartschi. The rest of us were here for the night. About 3 am the power went out. At 6 Steve got up to start the propane fireplace and heat the house up. Where were our oil lanterns we had in Taber????No clue, couldn't find them anywhere. Luckily the power came back on around 6 or 7. We had mini cereal and juice boxes and opened the presents. The married kids recieved food storage. Not to horribly exciting but needful. We all enjoyed watching Andy eat the paper and play with the boxes. We enjoyed a brunch of cinnimon rolls, sausage and eggs. The toilet decided to plug up about now. And where were the plungers we had in Taber.....AWOL! Had to borrow one from the neighbors. The rest of the day was spent lazing around, reading, playing with Andy and playing Wii. Snowed in...yeah it is the best adventure around! Sheyann sadly had to work the night shift Christmas night, snowed in..no problem right? WRONG! They sent a snow plow for her. Kate and Tyson made it to Tysons parents in Riverside but couldn't make it to IF so they came back for another night. JJ and Andy as well as Nana and Papa stayed also. Friday morning the plows started working the roads and soon our bunch began leaving. First Sheyann's crew, then Kate and Tyson. A couple of hours later Papa and Nana made a break for it. That just left Steve and I and the boys. I am thankful for family. Wish Mom would have stayed with us too. Thankful for big rooms, they handle a crowd well. Thankful for my kids. They are amazing people. Thankful for my sweet husband, he is everything to me. I am so thankful to have shared this season of celebrating our Saviors birth with those I love.

Tree moving

2009-01-26T17:14:00.001-08:00

We moved our big trees so they weren't blocking the front of the house. We moved them around the yard and gave us a little windbreak on the west. When the truck with the tree spade pulled into the yard....well it was so exciting. As Steve and I walked towards it, I looked at Steve with a big smile, Steve looked at me and said, "NO! You can't have your own tree spade!" That was terribly disappointing. It was fun to watch. Within a short time the trees were all moved and my landscape has started. Now for Spring to come so it can continue.

2009-01-04T05:50:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

The Christmas season is over, and for me it was the best ever! From getting snowed in with most of my children and Mom and Dad Bair for several days, to the time spent with each of my children...life just doesn't get any better. Yahoo! I am grateful for each of my sons and daughters. You are becoming wonderful, productive members of the Church and community. You are wonderful parents, with so much patience and kindness for your children and nephews. You are wonderful students and seem to be succeeding at all you do. For this, I couldn't be more pleased. The success of children and grandchildren is how Mom and I measure happiness. We revel in your successes, and cry with you in your trials and challenges. As we kneel in our evening "sweetheart" prayers, we plead with the Lord in your behalf every night! Over-all, your are wonderful people...just the kind with whom I am honored to associate.

With Christmas comes a renewal of our committment to the Savior and His Church. Please know how much I love the Savior and how deep my committment is to His Church. I learned many years ago, that joy and happiness comes from serving one's family and fellow ward members. The type of joy is true...deep and abiding. This life is all about the relationships we develop...with both family and friends. One is a wealthy man when he has been successful is developing deep ties with both family members and friends. I am wealthy. On the other hand, I met a man in Boise...a lobbyist. All he talked about over dinner was his wife and dog. They had chosen to not have children, because of too big of committment of time. (both are professionals) The rest of us talked of our children and grandchildren. I promise that couple will be lonely in their later years.

Relationships are hard to develop and maintain. Every worthwhile relationship takes substantial work to strengthen and build and maintain. It is the same for family and friendships. It takes simple acts of kindness, kind words, and service to each relationship to make it strong and to maintain it. To not spend and invest effort in a relationship is to let it die. Relationships never remain static. Whether it is a spouse, child, friend, or work associate, it take continual work and effort to keep the relationship fresh and active.

So, I am grateful for the chance we had to spend time together during the Christmas season to strengthen and make our family relationships closer. As I leave for Boise this next week...it is that very strength and closeness of my family that keeps me going. I am a wimp. It is sooo lonely without Lori and without my children. By Thursday each week, it just seems like I can't wait until Friday afternoon. I can't get out of Boise fast enough to come home to see each of you.

Please know you are appreciated and loved by your Dad. There is nothing in this world more important to me than you. You may get tired of me occasionally (or more often), yet my dedication to each of you is strong and lasting. Always will be...you are the best!

Dad

Missing in Action

2008-12-14T16:33:00.000-08:00

It has been brought to my attention that I, myself, have not physically posted a blog in quite a while. So here is my attempt to catch up and redeem myself. As a family we have spent quite a bit of time together as of late. I have had a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit as my heart just hasn't been in it, it seems so materialistic. So I decided that this would be a Christmas of needful things. Now, you might assume that means I refuse to do more than what is absolutely necessary. Wrong, It is my desire to get back to the basics. What is the true meaning of Christmas. The birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior who will redeem us from our sins by paying the ultimate price with his , for us. So this year, that is my focus. May I be more Christlike in my actions, serve others more freely, give more of myself more often. May you all have a wonderful Christmas, surrounded by those you love.

Christmas Candymaking

2008-12-11T13:39:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite family traditions is making Christmas candy with Mom, Amber, and Kate. We'll kick the grinches out of the house (or room) and turn Christmas music on while the house starts to fill with the most delectable smells: fudge, toffee, carmels, butterfingers, almond joy. It's hard to compete with memories from years earlier, like the year Josh did the "feed me, feed me." (Had to be there). Or the pink divinity year. Or the year the ENTIRE bar at the Taber house was completely FILLED with plates of Christmas candy for ward members and family. This year definitely beat every single one of those. Megan, our new sister (Kody's cousin), came with her baby James, Kate and Tyson played Wii and we'd hear occasional Kate squeals, Dillon would run around with measuring spoons, Andy tasted everything, Dad would pop in occasionally and was cheerful and happy, and the converstation was great. Not to mention the candy actually being wonderful too! Here's a bit of the scene.

Best Buds

2008-11-27T09:04:00.000-08:00

Andy LOVES going to Dillon and Wyatt's house to play. So, I'll explain the video a bit. Andy was trying to learn to walk in the walker, but Dillon was SOOOO excited that, "Mere, mere (Come here) didn't cover it...." You can hear Dillon say "horse" "E-I-E-I-O" (because clearly that is what farmers all say), and "Ad-dy" (roughly translated means Andy). My favorite part is where Dillon tries to pull Andy forward! They're SOOO funny and cute together!

Grampy Tractor

2008-11-27T06:35:00.000-08:00

Ya'll knew Dillon's favorite words are John Deere Tractor and Grampy's house, right? Well, this is why! Grampy is the coolest Grampy ever! Don't worry, Dillon's face is only concerned-looking because the door is open: He thinks the John Deere tractor ride is almost over.

Grandbabies

2008-11-25T16:57:00.001-08:00

Halloween Babies

2008-11-04T14:30:00.000-08:00

These are just some pictures of the Bair Grandbabies on Halloween so Mom can show Grandma Belnap! We had fun visiting Grandma and we love you very much!

2008-10-29T19:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

You need to know something very simple....something I do not express often enough. I love each of you dearly and deeply. I am grateful for who you are and who you are stiving to become. Each of my children brings me great joy and satisfaction. I am pleased with the work and schooling you are accomplishing and encourage you to do your best at everything you attempt. Your potential is limitless when your heart is with the Lord. He can make good things happen for you if you pay the price to receive the blessings. Thank you for letting me be your father and spouse.

Thank you for your patients with me.

Love,
Dad

What you can't see

2008-10-28T18:39:00.001-07:00

What you can't see in the previous post is the beatiful bay window and window seat in the family room, Huge drawers in laundry room to hold Josh and Jareds clean laundry, Large bench at back door that also holds boots and shoes. I guess it is a case of "you gotta see it to appreciate it". It is beatifully comfortable and yes I am aware that there are no pictures on the walls yet. Patience! It'll come in time. I just gotta get the feel of the house first. Every picture will tell me where it want's to be. hehehehe! You do need to see the top of the kitchen cabinets. Sheyann took my bear (bair) collection and created my mountain paradise.

Home Sweet Home

2008-10-28T18:06:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have been nagged enough, here are the pictures of the new house occuppied. As I am a member of the less technical group...please excuse any goofy mistakes. The pictures may not be in the order discribed but here it goes.
Room with red wall-Master bedroom, corner tub, hypnotic shower.
Formal living room- notice chandilers that Steve and Ron made for me. Formal Dining room with large table Ron made for me. Kitchen, ahhh! a wonderful comfy place to be. Family room that is connected to Kitchen. (now when I get sent to make the popcorn I wont miss half of the movie) Guest room w/crib. Cow pie colored wall, Josh's room. Gun room. Laundry/sewing room. Storage room. Bonus room(future theater room)2 shots. Jareds room,(he won the toss of the coin for the bonus bedroom). Okay, I think I got everything....if I am not smart enough to get all the photos on one post then there will be two post only one will just be pictures. Are you confused yet? I am.

Tenative Date

2008-09-22T19:14:00.000-07:00

I have been told that we shall be moving into our new abode on Oct. 3. So if everything goes well......and we pray it will, we will be in and settled in two weeks. Yahoo! Yipee!

Ooooo! Cabinets

2008-09-19T18:59:00.000-07:00

Cabinets came today. They are not all installed yet and we were short some tile so as usual there are always glitchs....but it looks good to see it all coming together. Steve has been hauling backfill dirt like mad. We are getting it free from farmer as potato tare dirt and have to get it while we can. So, as promised here are the pictures.

Cheeze! What a Day!

2008-09-18T18:40:00.001-07:00

Okay, I admit it wasn't a bad day. It was actually a good day. I didn't have to paint. We finished Tuesday morning. I keep seeing little touchup spots, but they can wait. We are laying perma-stone, tile and putting in interior doors. Cabinets come tomorrow, lite fixtures are in also. Pictures will come in the future.
Meanwhile...Amber, Dillon, & Wyatt came to visit. Dillon had to be trapped before he would eat his mac and cheese. Doesn't he just look like he is saying "Cheeze, what a day!" Andy is so cute, he would make a great campaign ad for Steve wouldn't he. Andy, Sheyann and JJ came to the rescue a few days ago with pizza for supper when we were painting and thank goodness they did or it would have been scavenger night. Wyatt is just starting to smile and gave Grammy a few precious smiles. He is very strong and growng so fast. Uncle Josh came home to Dillons delight. I am not sure who was having the most fun.

Lead Me, Guide me, Walk Beside Me

2008-09-10T17:54:00.000-07:00

Every now and then, life takes some twists and turns that take us into unexpected areas. In our new ward I have been grateful for new callings and new friends. I have also seen the hand of the Lord working in behalf of people around me. Recently I have been witness to these actions. It never fails to amaze me that the Lord is so aware of everyone, their needs, their fears, their lives. He is ready to soothe, comfort and heal the broken hearted. Inspire people to be in certain places at certain times to assist those in need. A simple prayer offered that turns a tense situation instantly to one of peace. A blessing given to heal a wounded heart and restore the ability to carry on. I must say, I am so thankful for the atonement and a loving Heavenly Father. For a husband who wise guidance and insight is so greatly appreciated. To ward leaders who seek the Lords will. For the chance to participate in His work and to have to opportunity to have Him lead me, guide me, walk beside me.

Memories

2008-09-03T18:31:00.000-07:00

Today was not my best day at all. After gathering info for Mom, and explaining each option, I stayed with Dad while Mom went and checked out some assisted living centers for Dad. It is not an easy thing to do but it is to much for Mom and her health isn't that good. Dad woke up a little after noon. He wanted to know where Mom was, I wasn't about to tell him, so I fed him and we talked about Island Park and the lake. He loved talking about the lake and cabin. Shortly after lunch the home health nurse came to help Dad shower. Mom came home while Dad was is the shower. She had a lady coming from Renesaunce and I sat and listened to her assess Dad. Looks like that is where he will go. Before she came, Mom told Dad that she was coming and why. Dad said NO, Mom had to explain that she just couldn't physically do it anymore and Dad shut his eyes and went to sleep.
This is an agonizing thing to do. This small, thin man barely looks like the Dad I love. I remember him being strong, healthy and sassy. In my head that is still him. Strong and invincable. Now he is stranded in a body that holds his spirit back. Someday he will be released and be the Dad I remember, filled with joy and rejoicing to see his brothers and parents again. Celebrating being free from the body that had imprisoned him for so long. I love you Dad!

Wild Week

2008-09-03T17:48:00.000-07:00

Oh what a great week we had! Had a friend that I haven't seen for a long time come visit. Thanks Kris! It has been way to long. Friday we went to the courthouse to witness Andrew Justice Barger become offically my grandson. We have waited so long for this and are so happy to have it finalized. Afterwards we had ice cream to celebrate. Saturday we went to the parade(this was not part of the Great part of our week) we survived. No rotten tomatoes thrown at us...whew! We headed out to Leslie for a little R&R. JJ and Sheyann brought JJ's parent out for the first time. John loved the tractor museum. Lori loved the 4 wheelers and prowler. Amber and the boys also came out, just about had to get a pry bar to get Dillon of of the lawn mower. I made ribs over the fire. Saturday night we headed home to the halfway house to prepare for Sunday. Bright and early Sunday we headed up to bless Andy. Boy did he look handsome in his outfit! It was such a neat thing to watch Josh, Eric, JJ, Kody, Tyson,Steve, Dan an John all up there together. It was a beautiful blessing. Next week is Wyatt's turn to be blessed. We had fun at Sheyann and JJ's afterwards eating and visiting. As if that were not fun enough, we headed back out to Leslie and spent the rest of Labor Day weekend out there. That is where the rest caught up to me and so did the cold Steve had been suffering from. Thankfully Steve is feeling better. All in all we had a great week!

Funny Funny Grammy!

2008-08-23T18:30:00.000-07:00

I ended up at Sheyann's today and had a great time with Smiling Andy. I don't think I have ever seen a happier baby. He is in a new stage of chewing on everything, including Grammy. I fed Andy some squash and pears....I am sure it would be easier to just put the food straight on the bib and Andy's face. It would be a lot quicker. After Dillon (Sheyann was tending him so Amber could get some copy editing done) anyway..after Dllon woke up from his nap and snuggled DaJa (Dillons name for JJ) Sheyann gave Dillon a snack of honeycomb cereal in a bowl. After Dillon ate a few, I picked up one and told Dillon to watch Grammy as I tossed one in the air and caught it in my mouth. Dillon giggled so I did it again, and again and again because Dillon would giggle harder each time. Then Dillon grabbed a handful of cereal and tossed it for Grammy.....at my knees. I laughed and laughed. Andy has this saucer excerciser thing he sits in and plays. Sometimes he gets a little wild and is hilarious. Today Dillon would push the toy that would play music and Dillon would move his feet to the music and sing the notes but didn't know the words except for EIEIO (old mcdonald)then we'd hear a mow or whiney or snort. I didn't know who was the funniest Andy or Dillon. Between the two of them Grammy had a great time and it made her day.

Stucco

2008-08-22T15:37:00.001-07:00

The house is coming along. The stucco looks good, now if TEP could stick around to get the rest of the stucco and rock work done it would be fabulous. Steve has the power hooked up to the shop and house now and he and Kody were working on the shop door opener. I will be so happy to get in the new house and leave this halfway house behind. The painting will start in full force next week and so we have been working on floor coverings and found that we are sevearly lacking in funding and have no clue how to fix this. So I am using the ostrich method of dealing with this. Putting my head in the sand and hoping the problem will go away.....or that I can come up with a wonderful solution. Wish me luck!