tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16440514001457137432024-03-21T10:42:20.863-06:00The World According to MoJoMoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867242232408378697noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644051400145713743.post-66213831763239157752010-09-03T08:00:00.001-06:002010-09-03T08:00:04.464-06:00Happy Birthday Wesley!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLPfk-gYI0NTMBbdNsGQX8Zdgrt5-O0g7_b0umHtLtLwfLF3icNiHtJ-R_caxE9YxxHESMqRKW-HARUplZFuQI3VBLaAdu78m6VFnf6y0BBBs-g_Ps8GUoArFwtVw_LsUwWX7drWuHiE/s1600/scan0011.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 270px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512513681716763282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLPfk-gYI0NTMBbdNsGQX8Zdgrt5-O0g7_b0umHtLtLwfLF3icNiHtJ-R_caxE9YxxHESMqRKW-HARUplZFuQI3VBLaAdu78m6VFnf6y0BBBs-g_Ps8GUoArFwtVw_LsUwWX7drWuHiE/s400/scan0011.jpg" /></a> Today is my baby's birthday. He's 20. This is the first time he's been away from home for his birthday. It's probably more traumatic for me than for him. Wesley was actually born on Labor Day, so the nurses had some fun with that one. He's been a pleasure from Day 1 and was the perfect caboose for our little family. I'm really missing him right now, but he's happily serving a mission in Washington, so I'm happy when he's happy. When Wes was in highschool, he wanted some pretty expensive shoes. I can't remember if it was football or basketball season, but he wanted these custom Nikes that he could have personalized. I agreed to pay for the shoes if he would have them personalized with "Mama's Boy" instead of his jersey number. I thought that would get me out of buying the shoes, but Wesley was proud to put "Mama's Boy" on his shoes. So, Happy Birthday to my Mama's Boy!MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867242232408378697noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644051400145713743.post-27958273358771946952010-08-08T15:19:00.005-06:002010-08-08T16:03:36.239-06:00Somewhere Over the RainbowIf you read my blog expecting a good laugh, well...better move on past this post. If you can believe it, I've got nothing funny to say today. That said, it doesn't mean that what I have to say isn't important, because it is.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503152620917159106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVBs6mdzX13m2LhtF3bofiAlh1vc9vKwBpBycvqThZfLPA-WT8gJF8ysdyV-js7elDIuN9TNDo7vtnpXByC8pH7IfWQJVN4iSUPjJEhq4oNQ9Vlyu9g9SYA_SC354grMfuiaFctdK8no/s400/DSC01011.JPG" /><br /><p>I took this picture yesterday (Saturday) afternoon from my backyard. It was actually a double rainbow, but the lighter, fainter rainbow above this one isn't visable in the picture. It was really beautiful and had I thought to run around to the front yard, I could've captured the other end of it. A full rainbow right over my house...which led me to a little bit of introspection and Judy Garland singing: </p><p>"Somewhere over the rainbow skies are blue, and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true."</p><p>And so I'm thinking that this song lyric is right! That may seem a little sappy, but honestly, when I was a youngster growing up in a single-parent home it was only a dream that I might have something better than the family life I was experiencing. It wasn't all that bad, but I wished for something better.</p><p>I'm NOT thinking that dreams come true without any effort on our part. Quite the opposite. HOWEVER, it is the least little effort on our part that allows a loving Heavenly Father to bless us beyond our dreams. And that is precisely what He has done for me. I'm just writing this to say that I recognize the hand of the Lord in my life and I'm THANKFUL for what he has given me. The skies at my house are not always blue <span style="font-size:78%;"><strong>(We have our trials just like everyone else. Okay, maybe DoJo has more trials than most people because he PICKED me...but it's too late to feel sorry for him now!)</strong></span> but I'm grateful for my husband, children, and grandchildren that are part of this dream I call reality. Life is good. </p>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867242232408378697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644051400145713743.post-70405349683195792342010-07-28T20:42:00.001-06:002010-07-28T20:44:25.452-06:00I'm NOT Exaggerating!Okay, so I've been known to exaggerate a tad, once-in-awhile, in order to make a good story even better. <em><span style="font-size:78%;">I prefer to think of my tendency to exaggerate as an enhancement, kinda like how super models' pictures are airbrushed to make them look even thinner.</span></em> EVERYTHING you are about to read is totally true. Really, you can believe me.<br /><br />I arise early every morning to power walk. <em><span style="font-size:78%;">It helps me justify the afternoon nap. </span></em>Occasionally, I take a little 2-mile jaunt that includes passing an over-grown glade area where I'm sure all kinds of wildlife lurk. I like this trek because it has a slight incline and it challenges my cardiovascular system. <em><span style="font-size:78%;">That means I'm sucking wind by the time I crest the little molehill!</span></em> One morning last month as I was headed up the hill, I noticed a strange looking cat crossing the road in front of me. It was between 5:30 and 6 am, so the sun was not completely up yet, but it wasn't dark. This cat with an awfully strange gate proceeded to climb a cottonwood tree, and I thought that I'd never seen a cat climb like that before. I was keeping my eye on him/her thinking all the while that this gimpy feral cat was going to jump on my head just as I passed by the tree it was climbing. <em><span style="font-size:78%;">I never really believed that old wives' tale that "wild animals are just as afraid of you as you are of them." If that were true, bull snakes would be scream when they saw me pass by my snowball bush.</span></em><br /><br />So, just before I get to the tree with the cat, the cat turns to look at me, and WHOA! This was no cat. It was an albino raccoon! I knew this because it didn't have a cat nose and it had rings on its tail (but they were whitish rings!) AND it had beady little pink eyes. <em><span style="font-size:78%;">I would've taken a picture with my cell phone, but that never works out nicely for me. I usually get a nice picture of my finger. Besides, the coon was staring me down and I was a bit nervous.</span></em> CREAPY, but cool. It also gave me an adrenaline rush that shaved 4 minutes off my 2-miler.<br /><br /><br />This was a real wildlife sighting for me, so once I got back into my neighborhood and back to my walking buddies (Toni, Pollyanna, & Che), I told them about my close encounter. They believed me, so I just assumed that EVERYONE would believe me. NOT! As it turns out, the females in my life believed every word, but the males, well...not so much. Seriously?! Who would make up a story about an albino raccoon? <em><span style="font-size:78%;">I did think about embellishing the story with a little side note about how the ghost coon jumped out of the tree onto my head and got its claws tangled in my hair and how I had to use some cage fighting moves to put him down. But then, that just seemed unbelievable, so I refrained. </span></em>I almost felt betrayed in the face of so much skepticism, so I did what anyone else would do...I Googled it and here is what I found.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCBztxGNCuY9vPoTy_lLVu-IXuok07cS0pKTk9TFFVGO3s5E1OeQNUgXbWslO03T4DFHSaRVgf-sqpn48pszDfV1ZlKxawd9h_MBLjJdamnt3PP6btpapL0OtpMUcuTQ11lLrLGCxStA/s1600/coon_4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499124768286767922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCBztxGNCuY9vPoTy_lLVu-IXuok07cS0pKTk9TFFVGO3s5E1OeQNUgXbWslO03T4DFHSaRVgf-sqpn48pszDfV1ZlKxawd9h_MBLjJdamnt3PP6btpapL0OtpMUcuTQ11lLrLGCxStA/s400/coon_4.jpg" /></a> This coon's eyes are not pink like my coon, but still, I felt that a picture was proof. Albino raccoons exist. Toni's husband, BP, <em><span style="font-size:78%;">I can't reveal his true identity so as to protect him from ridicule, </span></em>even sought me out at church to make fun of my close encounter. He told me that while he was driving across the reservation on his way to work he spotted a North American Desert Albino Moose. <em><span style="font-size:78%;">What BP didn't realize is that I'm a native New Mexican and I know there is no such thing as a desert moose. Albino, maybe, but meese don't dwell in the desert. </span></em>When my daughter, Amanda (a believer) told her husband, Jeremy, (an unbeliever) that it was real and that I had Googled it, Jeremy's reply was "Duh! If you Google UNICORN I bet you'd find a picture of that too." AAARRRGH! All this skepticism! So, I Googled unicorn and this is what I found:<br /><div><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,365629,00.html"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499124637543776258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkAoH7Mxr3QybIPIQ9nO9o4aQCdTrm0isWbZtjIBkUia0fbkpZu4lKimPRCvaRANsJbyulPN24AXm8QLVNS0bcnpgK3CYIB2vWiccRIYdVoCw9oNnzefrlxai2QgeVC32nDzOIpQzWVc/s400/1_61_061108_unicorn.jpg" /> A deer with one horn growing in the middle of its head.</a> Fox News. It's real! And that makes my Ghost Coon story valid, so there you go male skeptics! I have to add here that my missionary son totally believed every word, but then, I send him money?! Wes said that he imagined that a Ghost Coon sighting was a lot like a BigFoot sighting...only a select few get the opportunity.<br />Now, for the best part...BP had Toni forward this picture to me, taken over in Aztec in the dumpster at the Senior Center. I think this is BP's way of apologizing for his unmerited skepticism and his outlandish tale about the moose. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLat7KgRJShHoTdX8HWoZEpAJkyiLU3XIUoz_UxrE88kp8CsIKykGcK4f18_ijagLY-1DEdGfmqWrfE_pw0aEYQ7qRDVP5QYRpEytRMkllt6fzIwI8gYrzHIBqVgHWZjeeAIdg7dXvTGM/s1600/coon_3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 296px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499123349726653138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLat7KgRJShHoTdX8HWoZEpAJkyiLU3XIUoz_UxrE88kp8CsIKykGcK4f18_ijagLY-1DEdGfmqWrfE_pw0aEYQ7qRDVP5QYRpEytRMkllt6fzIwI8gYrzHIBqVgHWZjeeAIdg7dXvTGM/s400/coon_3.jpg" /></a> Lastly, my friend Marla sent this picture to me today. Yeah, it pretty much looks like an up close picture of a window screen, but if you stare at it long enough, it turns out that there are raccoons behind the screen. It was taken last night, and lo' and behold, one of the raccoons is an albino! Another eyewitness. Marla is not prone to exaggeration. She did, however, suggest that our wildlife encounters may be print worthy...like National Geographic or National Inquirer. I say National Inquirer because I think they pay.<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNihOfe7yjbvC_JVbQ6cfcLxINsCeE-uAviqD3FfdPWPwAw0ztPC2jkYfPnKu3q64lORHId1Uyhf7D6FUMUtAQ_LU2dRcRgKUoWX4cpHwNRQOhV5pfR48WzFTzAbDpM1AbY0vIJfYqbM/s1600/coon_2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499123220620622210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNihOfe7yjbvC_JVbQ6cfcLxINsCeE-uAviqD3FfdPWPwAw0ztPC2jkYfPnKu3q64lORHId1Uyhf7D6FUMUtAQ_LU2dRcRgKUoWX4cpHwNRQOhV5pfR48WzFTzAbDpM1AbY0vIJfYqbM/s400/coon_2.JPG" /></a> So there it is: <strong><em>MoJo's</em></strong> BELIEVE IT OR NOT! </div><div align="center">Next posting: BigFoot Stalks 6th grade Teacher!</div></div>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867242232408378697noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644051400145713743.post-68874255147164092452010-07-19T13:07:00.003-06:002010-07-19T13:11:59.295-06:00Trophy Wife<div align="center">Some time ago, I read a Dear Abby column about a man of retirement age who was upset that his 59-year-old "trophy wife" wanted to let her hair go grey. Since then, I've been thinking about what a real trophy wife is and I've decided that I am one. DoJo is NOT retiring, and I'm YEARS from 59, but just take a look at me...I AIN'T GONNA LIE TO YOU...I'm hot. Like literally H-O-T! Not hot like high school girls dreamily declare "Edward is sooooo hot!" Not hot like Thigh-Masters or PedEggs. Not even hot like Sean Connery or Clint Eastwood in their golden years. No, I'm just plain ol' hot like my core temperature is 110 degrees Celisus. Hot like back sweat. Hot like a dog with his head out the car window just trying to catch a breeze. Yes, I'm HOT! And I've got a picture to prove it. (See below.)<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 290px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495690630386768770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90Tors0ElLaB7xS2Odyj78OcRGmtw91I2kZRLGXrsx9a9bsuJVUvyFr6ib5ObmggSeXrLr2-7LxjLSyysN0W3tWWWCUJNOeJ8QmhDeksyiOXjuHRz1IjB-OnL7sdNfVGod4RDtWaqz20/s400/DSC01008.JPG" />I'm smiling here because when a person gets too hot, a sense of disorientation, confusion, and hallucinations set it, which are all symptoms of heat stroke, a mallady known only to those of us who get </div><div align="center">TOO H-O-T! </div><div align="center">Isn't DoJo lucky to have a trophy wife? Besides that, take a look at my work...(see below)<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495692594172828386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcJoq0DzUuIMW9A_xMcdiB9iiSDXre23JfTpAZW_xDGVsZ6eoVu2xTNZUlH5pPdbI_dRlLy5PxGpumKY3J_kKFAscaEaWXjaPrs2wtbx6a6aP8qLbZGpL8ZeY1otZ3czZO6JT8o9hnhI/s400/DSC01009.JPG" />I mow on the diagonal twice a month! Who could ask for more than that? However, I will say I'm getting pretty sick of passerbys stopping to ask me if I speak english and how much I charge per hour. Seriously people, get your own trophy wife. I'm all DoJo's! <p>By the way, Abby's reply to the stupid guy who was worried about his wife's grey hair was "even black cats are grey in the dark." Like duh! Who cares if her hair is gray? Can she mow on the diagonal? Those corners are tough you know!<br /></p>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867242232408378697noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644051400145713743.post-40436328299727323332010-06-19T09:45:00.000-06:002010-06-19T09:48:37.530-06:00Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice!<div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484506596241731106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQisYiJQfF8h0nWVyv3AvjOA4oxvOFGpIqp7RYazJUu5rlbS3QqAVpmb2Qh8Z-QXLVaVu9I7dv-L4zteINAxEzr-_thWBzkoj-6mxcBiZyVq2c_ZDBz0pEkSNouiGJBf6BSiIq-lNIjnQ/s400/DSC00991.JPG" /> <div align="left">When my children were children, I made most of their clothing. I love to sew, but in those days, fabric and patterns were much cheaper (HAVE YOU LOOKED AT THE COST OF A PATTERN LATELY? $13 AND CHANGE FOR TISSUE PAPER?!) and I sewed out of neccessity because we were sorta poor. Nowadays, I sew because I can. It is a joy for me to cut up fabric, sew it back together, and create something unique. My talent-pool is a shallow one, but I can sew and I love having little girls to sew for. (I will say that doing a set-in sleeve on a size two dress was just as tedious as I remembered!) Sew, sew, soooooo, Grammie got busy and made some summer dresses for the girls. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484508334283057810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuJwQAE2mh9W2IzYu71bmSbpKs0T_eLMiyLZbbMmsj2-uxO_6q9-Bdu1ozQfE6VCGdusaDFTFzr9ef02uaUpG23zEcUKlEsCXOPvsm6zFGXslzwAVRErUOJQZ74iQ7Agq2jWvJkIytyU/s400/DSC00986.JPG" /></div><div align="center"> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 198px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484511109841091666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZKqclABtbllCdh6KOmuY0ULkKyiaihbKE3hD5WQywElqYKroLqauyhp0LNYRD8eh-wn36oPdL5UboP7KppKB8NjCrItIpD3oKnCefqcEmRdYTb_iW56MlQxOtsZKEYJEfqo1p-F9ROM/s400/DSC00984.JPG" /></div></div></div>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867242232408378697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644051400145713743.post-7318265807704789252010-06-11T15:27:00.012-06:002010-06-11T16:10:17.986-06:00Summer FunWe spend a lot of time outdoors in the summer. We have a covered patio that functions as our outdoor living/dining room. Since the most of the grandkids live right next door, we see them daily. Here are a few of precious moments from my first week out of school.<br /><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Roasted corn-on-the-cob for dinner (thanks to Reed!). <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 390px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481637934783509106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWuNYM5RugOqCKB9vX4zXAWLrvzxe7WejVdnsavdoudLQN_QB0z11ygP7TimdLf-qB09veFlqUKnoMosDt2MKSHrbZIRqw0e79sb4Tbl2e_rXkdQfMxgoR2BU2Nh_cUDicPy3v3SYNNw/s400/DSC00969.JPG" /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdmu_TL5IJG_AySgs56-wpiKsjO9YF4FkMrBfd66h0aSQrk9Op1-8udt4V5SasUu8gYQJcPKZi5PXVFWhnxNOSxc16prOXcA8RSqaK8mRsfzWOkX73oa16lp3G2cQJY-t328W-8mB7k0/s1600/DSC00970.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 294px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481637679032916178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdmu_TL5IJG_AySgs56-wpiKsjO9YF4FkMrBfd66h0aSQrk9Op1-8udt4V5SasUu8gYQJcPKZi5PXVFWhnxNOSxc16prOXcA8RSqaK8mRsfzWOkX73oa16lp3G2cQJY-t328W-8mB7k0/s400/DSC00970.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0fHfHvRa9Ho2honPuUxi8FfT9zljc-oJsP-xDNF7N4Rry33jr_4itefpa5uFvvwJ4fs3Gm2bTitDMdwtUOVq-45awDfiT7u2BcNXMbYkU-DrId6RtGtHzkJ7knquYVpSuqgglfbECa8/s1600/DSC00971.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 382px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481637449170410050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0fHfHvRa9Ho2honPuUxi8FfT9zljc-oJsP-xDNF7N4Rry33jr_4itefpa5uFvvwJ4fs3Gm2bTitDMdwtUOVq-45awDfiT7u2BcNXMbYkU-DrId6RtGtHzkJ7knquYVpSuqgglfbECa8/s400/DSC00971.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqS1sqz-IuSQ-5yEzV0bNPb0hYZHkBnUSLVS00cnjfHP5DOWj8G3whTylu68VlxP-3Lia0e6_9coSM34kNqfYMAybg4LTxAK54ZKpjH0r6kulynyMnvZv7zFvL70tODQPlaAmhxOae2Q/s1600/DSC00972.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 348px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481637188569011682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqS1sqz-IuSQ-5yEzV0bNPb0hYZHkBnUSLVS00cnjfHP5DOWj8G3whTylu68VlxP-3Lia0e6_9coSM34kNqfYMAybg4LTxAK54ZKpjH0r6kulynyMnvZv7zFvL70tODQPlaAmhxOae2Q/s400/DSC00972.JPG" /></a> Grandpa DoJo gives Drew his second buzz cut of the summer. Check out that farmer's tan!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigh93s9g5J5iY2HudakIM7alZwYbvi173GFH46xBIeN5TbfI0hlaA2DRHWEPfHNogRdU_GPYD7nncA41ZHFa1oATEnPGAy3cQTOZS-BL-EnSjYJ5WD2WVj4niiX6SmmL2wNJpPe_q59es/s1600/DSC00937.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481636285941763090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigh93s9g5J5iY2HudakIM7alZwYbvi173GFH46xBIeN5TbfI0hlaA2DRHWEPfHNogRdU_GPYD7nncA41ZHFa1oATEnPGAy3cQTOZS-BL-EnSjYJ5WD2WVj4niiX6SmmL2wNJpPe_q59es/s400/DSC00937.JPG" /></a> When the folks at church complimented Andrew on his haircut, he rubbed his head and said "Grandpa cut my hair." <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5u6V8mbhh2EkHM45f4C06m2rBKIg-PzWmFtqNs4lrGiFxcTOJ5iXW4YGnaa4eIImqtFfFTlIADTqjMs9ibFNegl5AH-rl2DvxV_oetuXmTyKDzZGLJaeokQGv-mPkc93qksBuUwWzPo/s1600/DSC00943.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481635093442283426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5u6V8mbhh2EkHM45f4C06m2rBKIg-PzWmFtqNs4lrGiFxcTOJ5iXW4YGnaa4eIImqtFfFTlIADTqjMs9ibFNegl5AH-rl2DvxV_oetuXmTyKDzZGLJaeokQGv-mPkc93qksBuUwWzPo/s400/DSC00943.JPG" /></a> He's handsome, no matter what haircut he has. </div><div>Here you see Drew contemplating whether he should get into the backyard pool. I fill the kiddie pools with our well water, which is icy-cold even on the hottest summer days.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXCY2uN0KN9UhyphenhyphenOBoCYi6bn8vMu_w_hVbmSt8uDoC4DdO6FSmBL-6jbJn5YO_Wl-mlSqJBUcMmj56gZ27OlBf-wyAzdb8uaQsAR7tlU_BV5-QGbfQD6sn_hE7TVwroX8eBv1ijKrvP3w/s1600/DSC00961.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 384px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481633970615559986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXCY2uN0KN9UhyphenhyphenOBoCYi6bn8vMu_w_hVbmSt8uDoC4DdO6FSmBL-6jbJn5YO_Wl-mlSqJBUcMmj56gZ27OlBf-wyAzdb8uaQsAR7tlU_BV5-QGbfQD6sn_hE7TVwroX8eBv1ijKrvP3w/s400/DSC00961.JPG" /></a> The girls don't seem to mind. Check out those swim goggles and Kourtney's "princess pose." These kids are goofy, but I love 'em!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPECRd_a8LamhI1VlP5hbILSsvSsDkZG2LVv0fjBwWoUw1Hmy3d7phisgh71ZQz2DTkeYPJLk8_AKEWItnH1_ps2BYB2PU_Bi12R1cgsWi9K2KVpP0uIhrJ83iDN948NuVjmvWPedQDvc/s1600/DSC00962.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 257px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481633773089732290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPECRd_a8LamhI1VlP5hbILSsvSsDkZG2LVv0fjBwWoUw1Hmy3d7phisgh71ZQz2DTkeYPJLk8_AKEWItnH1_ps2BYB2PU_Bi12R1cgsWi9K2KVpP0uIhrJ83iDN948NuVjmvWPedQDvc/s400/DSC00962.JPG" /></a> <div><div align="center">HONESTLY? What's not to love about this?<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghp84rrPRWSRV_Btw3zTzQPVGnZn-UbT48PsMFf8HQcI14c7717uYe6coXgZ8YCnJa7fwhlI2ndcvSXu6Dgb3Ur-4fFWqs_Sg_c91V4ybMOfGFUJmxL-r95ovi13ShjdXYBKywrFFMq2c/s1600/DSC00965.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481632836965101650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghp84rrPRWSRV_Btw3zTzQPVGnZn-UbT48PsMFf8HQcI14c7717uYe6coXgZ8YCnJa7fwhlI2ndcvSXu6Dgb3Ur-4fFWqs_Sg_c91V4ybMOfGFUJmxL-r95ovi13ShjdXYBKywrFFMq2c/s400/DSC00965.JPG" /></a> There are lots of things I like about summer, BESIDES not being at work. Lots of free time in the backyard is number one on my list!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867242232408378697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644051400145713743.post-8915303451139406472010-06-09T08:00:00.002-06:002010-06-09T12:23:01.340-06:00Mr. Good IdeaThis is my son-in-law, Reed, otherwise known as Mr. Good Idea. (Yeah, he's the one who thought putting an engagement ring in a Frosty was a good idea.) Reed's family gave him the nickname. It's well-earned. His wheels are constantly turning.<br /><br /><br /><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqgVcRzCm0JN73c5f1sQQmGvDVS6sW7AahodwNUlLQItWT24la4c74ISWN4jiva56Xn-XfH25lPlqn2znId-W5o1D3pubBqUO4c-N_2gD1yGalKC1iIXv8CtYm9n1sJmAmsktR3Dj0jQ/s1600/DSC00954.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 267px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480158981650410130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqgVcRzCm0JN73c5f1sQQmGvDVS6sW7AahodwNUlLQItWT24la4c74ISWN4jiva56Xn-XfH25lPlqn2znId-W5o1D3pubBqUO4c-N_2gD1yGalKC1iIXv8CtYm9n1sJmAmsktR3Dj0jQ/s400/DSC00954.JPG" /></a><br />This is Jared. Jared has lots of ideas, but I'm not sure they are all good ideas. His idea was to use my new garden cart as a carnival ride for the grandchildren. For a "big" boy, Jared can run pretty fast!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6QcaPrMHpWtgqSg1s1gV-YJkHElTz_jMSvWI-dd_HgYVVlt5hOyOkdN8YcIxz4JNMWban6jgTpuZ7WxLtOsuZVFv2zs3dmXwDCL4nkugi_1MRPFxziy4Hks3vrrogdz6OLOvJ7_3_Lc/s1600/DSC00956.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 267px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480159959493855602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6QcaPrMHpWtgqSg1s1gV-YJkHElTz_jMSvWI-dd_HgYVVlt5hOyOkdN8YcIxz4JNMWban6jgTpuZ7WxLtOsuZVFv2zs3dmXwDCL4nkugi_1MRPFxziy4Hks3vrrogdz6OLOvJ7_3_Lc/s400/DSC00956.JPG" /></a><br /></p>This is Rudy. He thinks he is one of the grandkids. He is one year old, which makes him seven in dog years. He acts like a seven-year-old boy. He's our only granddog, so we love him a lot.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMQCh4JZ7zu5gkgRBMKh5lYs_WOXAcvDCjeoAObv3x9bJq4Jg5jUci1qN4cPfxxn-zp4ZTKhCr8S2x-EX5W0nJUqS2GtLUM1tkEs9Vv20n5ohx-lfpcUbJtiAIbxL83XEJVKsAtjO-Os/s1600/DSC00955.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 267px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480158586008179250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMQCh4JZ7zu5gkgRBMKh5lYs_WOXAcvDCjeoAObv3x9bJq4Jg5jUci1qN4cPfxxn-zp4ZTKhCr8S2x-EX5W0nJUqS2GtLUM1tkEs9Vv20n5ohx-lfpcUbJtiAIbxL83XEJVKsAtjO-Os/s400/DSC00955.JPG" /></a><br />Reed noticed that Jared was tired from running around the yard with the garden cart. That's when he came up with the good idea to hook Rudy up and have him do all the running.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC07qC0P71-n2gbGkA1ZuWlYWT4djA0UNEGI9jYh1KFKMrJ1ikGFNaLBzKk85vm6bZ61cl7pQA3TG8OtAKqrnlo0azFqnruj3kbx0bs7ayaqoz8Tpba_bHNvz82aT5tSkD_LWZl51uj30/s1600/DSC00951.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480157251179860434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC07qC0P71-n2gbGkA1ZuWlYWT4djA0UNEGI9jYh1KFKMrJ1ikGFNaLBzKk85vm6bZ61cl7pQA3TG8OtAKqrnlo0azFqnruj3kbx0bs7ayaqoz8Tpba_bHNvz82aT5tSkD_LWZl51uj30/s400/DSC00951.JPG" /></a></div><div>Rudy loved it. The kiddos loved it. Everyone was happy.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC07qC0P71-n2gbGkA1ZuWlYWT4djA0UNEGI9jYh1KFKMrJ1ikGFNaLBzKk85vm6bZ61cl7pQA3TG8OtAKqrnlo0azFqnruj3kbx0bs7ayaqoz8Tpba_bHNvz82aT5tSkD_LWZl51uj30/s1600/DSC00951.JPG"></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqviqbiLrLaNew8jutjO8XuiNmxrgKThnvCVPZDBO3wJn3eLFfZAvGqHa0dqGQ5r8bm7OINvqnaHfdf5bypebQnHNGwC3myF6Dh9gCwZDZ6ClUUe9z9G3H1Z9RdvQLahPNtysDgH_QE_k/s1600/DSC00952.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480155899277315042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqviqbiLrLaNew8jutjO8XuiNmxrgKThnvCVPZDBO3wJn3eLFfZAvGqHa0dqGQ5r8bm7OINvqnaHfdf5bypebQnHNGwC3myF6Dh9gCwZDZ6ClUUe9z9G3H1Z9RdvQLahPNtysDgH_QE_k/s400/DSC00952.JPG" /></a><br />Rudy runs faster than Jared...<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCt_tLX5oXmQ51X_6pakciX9Mos3fC9XLnWIMyV7ILyRM8EkrkF4iMUQIY0RNpiUYfYxfE_iCy7_gGjVLX5NzY_t_mIkIBcae3skObwh-7ENJxNbrS17zKENzCjflzDO5aLQh7o6cWAA/s1600/DSC00960.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480155039240455090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCt_tLX5oXmQ51X_6pakciX9Mos3fC9XLnWIMyV7ILyRM8EkrkF4iMUQIY0RNpiUYfYxfE_iCy7_gGjVLX5NzY_t_mIkIBcae3skObwh-7ENJxNbrS17zKENzCjflzDO5aLQh7o6cWAA/s400/DSC00960.JPG" /></a><br />...and he will lay on the grass with all the cousins.<br />*No animals or children were injured as a result of Reed's good idea. Whew!</div>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867242232408378697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644051400145713743.post-72479984111067850402010-06-08T08:00:00.000-06:002010-06-08T08:00:00.252-06:00World's Greatest Band TeacherPictured here with DoJo is Janet Isham, the World's Greatest Band Teacher. Janet retired this year after 36 years of teaching. DoJo is actually one of her oldest students, since she was doing her student teaching at Kirtland Central High School when he was a senior in 1975. (Yeah, he's THAT OLD, but he doesn't act his age!) Apparently, listening to DoJo on the trumpet was not enough to deter Mrs. Isham from having a great career as a band teacher.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3eejgSnzA6xoYvfB37Qrk9cIrhaDpXAvet8OBghiITSKC3l_oi2ttu1BtzuSypBQhM3-uX6qilkFFrJ-T8j8HFceTA3HSzMZ_4dT9R1zBLQPfwK4032ABlY0G-ww8Sm1ddaqQAcWs-Y/s1600/DSC00931.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480182189747084674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3eejgSnzA6xoYvfB37Qrk9cIrhaDpXAvet8OBghiITSKC3l_oi2ttu1BtzuSypBQhM3-uX6qilkFFrJ-T8j8HFceTA3HSzMZ_4dT9R1zBLQPfwK4032ABlY0G-ww8Sm1ddaqQAcWs-Y/s400/DSC00931.JPG" /></a> Janet Isham helped me (and countless others in our community) raise my children. Each of my five children started off with Janet in Beginning Band at Grace B. Wilson Elementary School in 5th grade. Apparently, even THAT didn't make her give up. I must admit that I haven't always blessed Janet's name. She insisted on having her students practice every night AT HOME. Let's just say that I felt her pain every night for years!<br /><div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCWhOzh8LB2sQHGu5FP1YEvIk5SfXUFiA5zT1R3F034wrjjZWS7tQPJ_z5rSRBg_-pzz3gTDWuzG52dIoHP5QonlftUMqw_uI4SzuW7dA8Amkxat6rJQX19AOv_bRtnoc4WiCS2VXK8o/s1600/DSC00930.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480181496984125986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCWhOzh8LB2sQHGu5FP1YEvIk5SfXUFiA5zT1R3F034wrjjZWS7tQPJ_z5rSRBg_-pzz3gTDWuzG52dIoHP5QonlftUMqw_uI4SzuW7dA8Amkxat6rJQX19AOv_bRtnoc4WiCS2VXK8o/s400/DSC00930.JPG" /></a></p><div>We LOVE Janet Isham and she will be sorely missed in our schools. Here she is with the Whipple girls. Megan played the tuba, Amanda played the French horn, and Kaitlin played the trumpet. Not pictured are Jared, who played the trombone, and Wesley, another trumpet player. When I told Janet how much I appreciated her helping me raise my kids and thanked her for putting up with Jared (She nagged him about his grades, taking some of the burden from me!), she chimed in that she was happy to put up with each of them, but that it was a blessing that I had spaced my family so that she never had to have two Whipples in the same band at the same time. Then she revealed the secret to her success...Jared actually PREPARED her to deal with Wesley! Thank you again Janet. I couldn't have done it without you! Happy retirement.</div></div>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867242232408378697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644051400145713743.post-6125631793206574362010-06-07T16:54:00.009-06:002010-06-07T17:41:23.568-06:00I've been busy, okay?!<div><div><div><div><div><div>How embarrassing! I just looked at my blog and saw that my last post was in April. Sorry to all my readers (all three of you!), but I've been sorta busy. When I start sewing, it is hard for me to do anything else. Yes, I sorta get obsessed. I know, it IS hard to imagine me being obsessed. Most people just think I'm possessed. Really, they are almost the same thing, just a few letters difference. But honestly, I have been busy. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3sjHJW0pm35w5r_dCVahJnNyWWI-QKCIkXmJkjJ7h79ecor3Wle17OL5NoDRd4rLkpycxaUtahzuTeki5c00tfrq4rr_ETijyppuqRvEKFM4rn9Dg0hDaKX_7_rtTFrs4psDF1JyCeE/s1600/DSC00826.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480170445398132866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3sjHJW0pm35w5r_dCVahJnNyWWI-QKCIkXmJkjJ7h79ecor3Wle17OL5NoDRd4rLkpycxaUtahzuTeki5c00tfrq4rr_ETijyppuqRvEKFM4rn9Dg0hDaKX_7_rtTFrs4psDF1JyCeE/s400/DSC00826.JPG" /></a></div><div>First, I finished Amanda's mini-quilt for her April 14th birthday. </div><div>Then, I finished Desi's mini-quilt for her April 25th birthday. I asked Desi to pick out her own colors and block patterns. I wanted to surprise her, but when I asked Jared about her favorite colors, I realized that he didn't know what he was talking about. Some things never change!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhbJxxEHK75_lt7imyihWQeewSA-Lx2K6pEn-hg8F0Fp2L4eEpI1-KMeyBh-yIJUHVL-FbHrEGSsvkABZnpYmsNwmgbmKN6F1CF8UJU-3hXHhI_nhDnjLlV6K9oa2E4ei18ptFzAe6Hc/s1600/DSC00827.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480171516009949138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhbJxxEHK75_lt7imyihWQeewSA-Lx2K6pEn-hg8F0Fp2L4eEpI1-KMeyBh-yIJUHVL-FbHrEGSsvkABZnpYmsNwmgbmKN6F1CF8UJU-3hXHhI_nhDnjLlV6K9oa2E4ei18ptFzAe6Hc/s400/DSC00827.JPG" /></a></div><div>And last but not least, Megan's mini-quilt received its finishing touches. Her birthday isn't until July 17th, but she has already seen the quilt. Once Megan got wind of the mini-quilt project, she put in her special order. She wanted a long rectangle to go over the headboard of her bed. </div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGovoEZVKE_tFAbbnlz9QYZG3Pcwh-MOsDVkjOrPHoLKV1_bJ39VPWhrNNhhiq6RDAf4YES1RMCns2Xur76A4j43Pty3BrBFb54GemlmfW808XBX0pJvizM88KyXzZh5GSrUhjmkbrRE/s1600/DSC00828.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 267px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480170840069600322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGovoEZVKE_tFAbbnlz9QYZG3Pcwh-MOsDVkjOrPHoLKV1_bJ39VPWhrNNhhiq6RDAf4YES1RMCns2Xur76A4j43Pty3BrBFb54GemlmfW808XBX0pJvizM88KyXzZh5GSrUhjmkbrRE/s400/DSC00828.JPG" /></a></p><p align="center">Besides these little treasures, I've finished a full-size quilt and a baby quilt. In addition to sewing a lot, I also have this incredible family I enjoy spending time with. Here you see my three oldest children. This picture was taken in early April, just a week or so before Megan (far left) delivered our precious little Clara Jane Stewart on Desi's birthday, April 25th. Amanda is due in early July. She is having another girl, bringing the granddaughter count to 5 and the grandson count stays at 4, for now. As for Jared, well, we are not sure what he is "due-ing" in this pic! Just being Jared, I guess. Gotta love him!</p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98eivG2gUvmEeqsRP01uaDZDsp1ZSt8PMIw77B1zFKFt2SKwQwhEhELmJGaFVtrxk8PJaK8Zd0CrwtYAC12JtmPSUOdjmX8CKffKe3JWOhZrGsTB7_Li7t_zVeBnPakqmSGjN1jFSJY0/s1600/DSC00829.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 267px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480175029457763202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98eivG2gUvmEeqsRP01uaDZDsp1ZSt8PMIw77B1zFKFt2SKwQwhEhELmJGaFVtrxk8PJaK8Zd0CrwtYAC12JtmPSUOdjmX8CKffKe3JWOhZrGsTB7_Li7t_zVeBnPakqmSGjN1jFSJY0/s400/DSC00829.JPG" /></a></p><p align="center">Here's big sister, Olivia, holding her new baby sister Clara.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8hVhLHMVjagimOHjfTQZKLE2OeD-Ks28oPioG0wg34U3Q6ZE0vN6KGyvY_rGIOxdpEncCZg1gcy_1E4Fw1h4JY4PcfRyya-aF7hCl_tP4Gomu4LIThAUEgkAg-jHSF1nH_PUWTST3rw/s1600/DSC00845.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480175602482233522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8hVhLHMVjagimOHjfTQZKLE2OeD-Ks28oPioG0wg34U3Q6ZE0vN6KGyvY_rGIOxdpEncCZg1gcy_1E4Fw1h4JY4PcfRyya-aF7hCl_tP4Gomu4LIThAUEgkAg-jHSF1nH_PUWTST3rw/s400/DSC00845.JPG" /></a></p><p align="center">And a little more recent pic of the little darling. She was full-term and weighed 5 lbs. 13 oz. She is just a Little Bit! I could hold her and rock her and gaze into that sweet angle face all day. </p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0S3clJ43GVwc5yziSAF1cw2SDVKzVfnHlL8NL0YHjL_6HijuHariqNsw7KMRI3IkWK98l7QBoXSmQhB3v6jps_PhVIvML8uqVK1OxUKBJb9u5EtV3nhXOXEewBJ2xBDQciWLZNwLh80/s1600/DSC00895.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480176325135527298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0S3clJ43GVwc5yziSAF1cw2SDVKzVfnHlL8NL0YHjL_6HijuHariqNsw7KMRI3IkWK98l7QBoXSmQhB3v6jps_PhVIvML8uqVK1OxUKBJb9u5EtV3nhXOXEewBJ2xBDQciWLZNwLh80/s400/DSC00895.JPG" /></a></p><p align="center">Grandchildren are the Lord's way of rewarding you for not killing your children. I've been especially blessed.</p></div></div></div></div></div>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867242232408378697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644051400145713743.post-28659345571622013452010-04-03T20:20:00.000-06:002010-04-03T20:20:04.473-06:00Saturday SamplerIt's the 1st Saturday of the month and that means Saturday Sampler at the local quilt shop. Saturday Sampler is the day the I pick up my new block of the month. It is fun! Megan has gone with me the last two months. The quilt shop is like Fabric Wonderland, which Megan deemed as heavenly, so she invited herself to come along with me today.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFmq7qNhWqL5bqf_mJziFf2dsUKVvDAGTEjNmJ4KXcaoBrDDh9BaNb_ToRcqi6phMMQ5Xda0aPCFM2Cs-cixkXZ_hm0NaTHa-THzoVe2wBzkn66bmsLFihY_jAnJ5AhhWQaQmE6qxolg/s1600/DSC00825.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456004104222234738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFmq7qNhWqL5bqf_mJziFf2dsUKVvDAGTEjNmJ4KXcaoBrDDh9BaNb_ToRcqi6phMMQ5Xda0aPCFM2Cs-cixkXZ_hm0NaTHa-THzoVe2wBzkn66bmsLFihY_jAnJ5AhhWQaQmE6qxolg/s400/DSC00825.JPG" /></a></p><br /><p align="left">This is my March block. I've never done Flying Geese (the middle-side blocks with little triangles) before, so this was a learning experience for me. Let's just say, I have a seam ripper and I'm not afraid to use it!</p><br /><p align="left">I love Saturday Sampler days because of the feeling there. I see all kinds of people there, acquaintences and people I haven't yet met, and EVERYONE is smiling. Today I was befriended by a lady who promptly took me by the hand and introduced me to her "quilting lady" (a.k.a. lucky gal with a long-arm quilting machine.) Saturday Sampler begins with a little pep talk about the new block and a show-n-tell of new fabrics, books, and sewing toys. They also announce any upcoming classes or events happening in the store. Last month, when the store's 7th anniversary celebration was announced with a special price on fabrics, everyone clapped! Megan laughed. Today, when the upcoming scissor sharpening day was announced, there was a collective "ooooh!" from the quilters and Megan laughed some more. After announcements, the quilters show-n-tell their projects. The ooohs and aaahs continue. It is great fun to see all the neat things people do with fabric and to chit chat with like-minded folks. This is a fun hobby. Even if you don't sew, you've got to experience Saturday Sampler just once.</p>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867242232408378697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644051400145713743.post-15160092392345459282010-03-28T15:23:00.023-06:002010-03-28T16:48:04.745-06:00A Perfect Saturday<div>Alexis and Kourtney had a "sleepover" at my house Friday night. Grandpa DoJo promised them breakfast at a restaurant. This is one of DoJo's favorite things, breakfast at a restaurant. As for me, well, not so much, but I went along anyway.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjLY34BzArAnGYPEu_aItY0uYZ0CId36cS6BcyenFE74PZbZ8PXWIIyjrzFZw1kkGca4eSzH9V-GEn34UKyVpfEuYPzgmlJ72TxBNKueGeKPLvH3hFZ64zZsGKlRgMreT2dkVcNrhUEs/s1600/DSC00786.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453807484923063954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjLY34BzArAnGYPEu_aItY0uYZ0CId36cS6BcyenFE74PZbZ8PXWIIyjrzFZw1kkGca4eSzH9V-GEn34UKyVpfEuYPzgmlJ72TxBNKueGeKPLvH3hFZ64zZsGKlRgMreT2dkVcNrhUEs/s400/DSC00786.JPG" /></a></div><div>Everyone is excited!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5FS-QCXMwy9MNadTLhZfQNE8j9AdAqDSEFi-BHP7jglqJIIWLzdh8gZMY-2M6Rg2Gh5r_2TmitzNHHmlBcA7cBud7CQ1WL8_HO90pEHGx-B3b4Jd_cqmF-wUoRsQ30YDt2-0QoVbkAY/s1600/DSC00779.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453807215645922530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5FS-QCXMwy9MNadTLhZfQNE8j9AdAqDSEFi-BHP7jglqJIIWLzdh8gZMY-2M6Rg2Gh5r_2TmitzNHHmlBcA7cBud7CQ1WL8_HO90pEHGx-B3b4Jd_cqmF-wUoRsQ30YDt2-0QoVbkAY/s400/DSC00779.JPG" /></a><br />DoJo, Kourt, and Lex await their food.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-cMKDbfasuz_tPoJdZxORmVEqvRdlgGRIuckMSg5KOG_MEDVCKAqeGhB_ntainymb57T7sHHsJK7fs6R0fdhyphenhyphenW4l7utz0FyKbVSIRGMV9x2-pWSkDwFKLSWR_Flt7LToV553ytk8fPM/s1600/DSC00780.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453806924155180690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-cMKDbfasuz_tPoJdZxORmVEqvRdlgGRIuckMSg5KOG_MEDVCKAqeGhB_ntainymb57T7sHHsJK7fs6R0fdhyphenhyphenW4l7utz0FyKbVSIRGMV9x2-pWSkDwFKLSWR_Flt7LToV553ytk8fPM/s400/DSC00780.JPG" /></a><br />Even Kourtney's nappy-haired baby, RaJessica, made the trip. Her appearance sometimes freaks other people out, so she did some time in DoJo's pocket.</div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNR-uuYuTZRmimlUV1MtKkVAMmXHYdTpHk6wHBedO7aG5tWYcV_x7scMbriNxV5pM3M6MaZ2qhzo40G3DKl5-hFxv8YM5leLkpxbyuHRcSS1iGvTETsRdprUvA9zPff-aaJCIX3RknY70/s1600/DSC00782.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 267px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453806133818256610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNR-uuYuTZRmimlUV1MtKkVAMmXHYdTpHk6wHBedO7aG5tWYcV_x7scMbriNxV5pM3M6MaZ2qhzo40G3DKl5-hFxv8YM5leLkpxbyuHRcSS1iGvTETsRdprUvA9zPff-aaJCIX3RknY70/s400/DSC00782.JPG" /></a><br />THIS is a kid's meal? Whew! Glad I ordered off the adult menu!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3f1nBGethZnUFtW90t6Fwqs3d0qqk6N9NnUqwSL9tab-twvG2j5kGo4yuMX-ewGheOzIvRUvotZqAuD_yFBW8-9wqR7uKNcJwzNlrCKBFNp_XbZlko7vZDBxeSnxaMZaNQ4eIAJKc3Vo/s1600/DSC00784.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453805846773859474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3f1nBGethZnUFtW90t6Fwqs3d0qqk6N9NnUqwSL9tab-twvG2j5kGo4yuMX-ewGheOzIvRUvotZqAuD_yFBW8-9wqR7uKNcJwzNlrCKBFNp_XbZlko7vZDBxeSnxaMZaNQ4eIAJKc3Vo/s400/DSC00784.JPG" /></a><br />Lexi is always ready to pose for the camera. After breakfast, we went to the local Alco store and bought sunvisors and sticky things. I had to do a drive by in the fabric department while we were there. While looking for straight pins, Lexi asked me if I would teach her to sew "when summer comes." Oh be still, my heart!<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeF5grOifM84etbgSxb-5fhsjxuZqbmFpDtpD1wUVRSVd_yTqlRNv5bxEeCgQtCau7e9kiyLQ_gJfI0xzaezgeHHBWYW3tlax6vchkIeSJ1LWyBskJ0EfnFmLDSxLyrLHdQERDUEIyvs/s1600/DSC00789.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453805165460312082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeF5grOifM84etbgSxb-5fhsjxuZqbmFpDtpD1wUVRSVd_yTqlRNv5bxEeCgQtCau7e9kiyLQ_gJfI0xzaezgeHHBWYW3tlax6vchkIeSJ1LWyBskJ0EfnFmLDSxLyrLHdQERDUEIyvs/s400/DSC00789.JPG" /></a><br />The goal with the visor is to pack a lot of sticky things on there, including your middle name. Kourtney is four and needed absolutely no help at all picking out all the letters for her first and middle name. Just look at that sweet face! And to think I get to live next door to this!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLHiQMdmI2-FYkHMgWYTfRGD6h60D8dIlPXOe-_6Wu9lYGGJBICavym2ZvMd9tS50LyOa52OaJx6fErzuHEhMOaKh-FMIEza2vxOAFw3WpxWpCYxImztP1h8wRguV0UScJEtE6tQhg4Q/s1600/DSC00791.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453804831561583234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLHiQMdmI2-FYkHMgWYTfRGD6h60D8dIlPXOe-_6Wu9lYGGJBICavym2ZvMd9tS50LyOa52OaJx6fErzuHEhMOaKh-FMIEza2vxOAFw3WpxWpCYxImztP1h8wRguV0UScJEtE6tQhg4Q/s400/DSC00791.JPG" /></a><br />AND this!</div><div>Later in the afternoon, Jared, Desi, and the boys came out. Since the weather was cooperating, we decided to fly my giant dragon kite.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1o6OrgKHufspNIBN1QfUyv70Gk_axzjvEvHmvNcihXnFIvsXl6KEEb3DMmjYiDoTHNq59CCrXYq4bGYOlF-qWiXBfm4twCulEyyU-9sz-Z3w30GdLNjjRVETBcnmZl5qGSwDtQqWDFLo/s1600/DSC00792.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453804496003382610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1o6OrgKHufspNIBN1QfUyv70Gk_axzjvEvHmvNcihXnFIvsXl6KEEb3DMmjYiDoTHNq59CCrXYq4bGYOlF-qWiXBfm4twCulEyyU-9sz-Z3w30GdLNjjRVETBcnmZl5qGSwDtQqWDFLo/s400/DSC00792.JPG" /></a><br />This is what we looked at for a good portion of the afternoon. It took awhile to get it aloft, but once up, everyone enjoyed a turn at holding the string. Since DoJo and I are way past the running stage of our lives, the job for getting the kite up in the air fell to Jared. If I were better with my camera, we would have video of Jared's antics, but second best, just imagine my big boy running around with a six foot dragon kite behind him only feet from the ground. It was funny.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDjT8cxJdUqBFmEST7vXCGHZXiMwZ6djgwQOvR5vYz3UGRtKR0KuWqxi-MdiNlBvUGuOil_Br0v0RM0SV-d8G6O8C8J2Z8fRDxLF09RnKkDY1oexjTaURjggniMahAIomAKi4JJluIcQ/s1600/DSC00794.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453804228177237346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDjT8cxJdUqBFmEST7vXCGHZXiMwZ6djgwQOvR5vYz3UGRtKR0KuWqxi-MdiNlBvUGuOil_Br0v0RM0SV-d8G6O8C8J2Z8fRDxLF09RnKkDY1oexjTaURjggniMahAIomAKi4JJluIcQ/s400/DSC00794.JPG" /></a><br />Mason wants to go where Daddy goes. He sees Daddy running forward while looking backward and decides that must be what you're supposed to do.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQ4v7Ui_9sQJnA7D6Cvc6n2qmvHzdhkJEkEtsFq9m2kiqI7vjfO-rre_aBaVvCKgl3NdvtEQm6z1cyptmqomqBwaeJCvYzgAcRJkp7MwFX-yS8Np0oUY47uzOweBdbom3pnjXkTqNWHg/s1600/DSC00795.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453803918121897074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQ4v7Ui_9sQJnA7D6Cvc6n2qmvHzdhkJEkEtsFq9m2kiqI7vjfO-rre_aBaVvCKgl3NdvtEQm6z1cyptmqomqBwaeJCvYzgAcRJkp7MwFX-yS8Np0oUY47uzOweBdbom3pnjXkTqNWHg/s400/DSC00795.JPG" /></a><br />Uncle Jared astounds and amazes his nieces with his kite-flying skills.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0GYDSfPuSqrH-ALohE6xjF_NxIprK3QB2w6GmCzMUIIE32bnobBm7h1QBWnPDBrkbvD-MWr2-AVDP0g97exPOVdrcmdoUtTCb6ItxTeI0tFFjOfDFv9GAFIRCUFQrGPf9c3k7p4QQDk/s1600/DSC00796.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453803488330657522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0GYDSfPuSqrH-ALohE6xjF_NxIprK3QB2w6GmCzMUIIE32bnobBm7h1QBWnPDBrkbvD-MWr2-AVDP0g97exPOVdrcmdoUtTCb6ItxTeI0tFFjOfDFv9GAFIRCUFQrGPf9c3k7p4QQDk/s400/DSC00796.JPG" /></a><br />Lexi takes a turn at the helm, but seriously, the winds up high were so strong that the kiddos had a hard time holding on to the handle. Maybe the size of the kite had something to do with that too.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Lvl5iNMkOlV0AnZJnQx9UTAcxLlqOT7ZVbgzmyPRD1Ut02uJhUgTRC0VBrVP34RAT47Y9uSwK0HcA045ZPWJI0PlSF6bNLOnFMRnw4vgIdMoOluGH9FcyaGrKVUGllWvTgUEqDeIRUI/s1600/DSC00801.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453803078641245586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Lvl5iNMkOlV0AnZJnQx9UTAcxLlqOT7ZVbgzmyPRD1Ut02uJhUgTRC0VBrVP34RAT47Y9uSwK0HcA045ZPWJI0PlSF6bNLOnFMRnw4vgIdMoOluGH9FcyaGrKVUGllWvTgUEqDeIRUI/s400/DSC00801.JPG" /></a><br />In spite of the fearful look on his face, Mason really is having a good time.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Arz-qJzRMvTBVDKXR5ycIIzQl6E5nwGoYdeP8w3M4TbVs8dAMQB72MybTHVaglyYWLBBz67N194K9CXs23dHzDC_M7cbAvNgYgxjoRo5XvUb8CTIDHUGYhPs0Z-mhd1MyXE7a8UdiZ0/s1600/DSC00803.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453802693636585586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Arz-qJzRMvTBVDKXR5ycIIzQl6E5nwGoYdeP8w3M4TbVs8dAMQB72MybTHVaglyYWLBBz67N194K9CXs23dHzDC_M7cbAvNgYgxjoRo5XvUb8CTIDHUGYhPs0Z-mhd1MyXE7a8UdiZ0/s400/DSC00803.JPG" /></a> </div><div>Grandpa DoJo babysits Brennen while the rest of us stare at the kite. Really, it was amazing. And the sky was sooooo blue!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGG4mw-1qHBgRSJblZ8RtzxY9kIF8ndtCZBgmtWu_RTa4T2Ch68NVloIwDcoSrm0qg9xUpDCyWZOoqsYWz3zFmYka7y4jVHvw_zBbEU0kA7NsfBvu-IemuuS_NU-Tef6dfxZFHkikXL18/s1600/DSC00809.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 267px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453802355546837666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGG4mw-1qHBgRSJblZ8RtzxY9kIF8ndtCZBgmtWu_RTa4T2Ch68NVloIwDcoSrm0qg9xUpDCyWZOoqsYWz3zFmYka7y4jVHvw_zBbEU0kA7NsfBvu-IemuuS_NU-Tef6dfxZFHkikXL18/s400/DSC00809.JPG" /></a><br />Olivia is cut from the same cloth as DoJo. If she could've flown her Barbie kite from a recliner, she would have! Hanging out the window of the car is the next best thing.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yzH3A9pphi7v1E04CfenOEQUI8EVqNtM6nrN_Fj9Ni9b-4MFR5oPEvnGsgNuRojj-0iNf1EPVP8tYgW6nAjHGlUTdYC6chp2dngjcNUVpCLoLCxBcN8Tk-7qWYz4RlYuvqZjZwVHWPo/s1600/DSC00814.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453801989073140386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yzH3A9pphi7v1E04CfenOEQUI8EVqNtM6nrN_Fj9Ni9b-4MFR5oPEvnGsgNuRojj-0iNf1EPVP8tYgW6nAjHGlUTdYC6chp2dngjcNUVpCLoLCxBcN8Tk-7qWYz4RlYuvqZjZwVHWPo/s400/DSC00814.JPG" /></a><br />When kite-flying and running around after Dad gets a little tedious, Mason retires to the sandbox while Jace, Kourtney, and Olivia have some fun on the trampoline.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsePKFhNLd5vzfAcE7QhzfiU9XMBZoYDNhwr26RFYTooxcPHRt1CsfhF7pRHudt1I0FS-kN2cYwjFeGL-j4mm0BB9ls_NsQomimp9jmczwdK5j5LI5RvL77gbh0vnnGoQ79FJpgRR4O2k/s1600/DSC00815.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453801597085695794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsePKFhNLd5vzfAcE7QhzfiU9XMBZoYDNhwr26RFYTooxcPHRt1CsfhF7pRHudt1I0FS-kN2cYwjFeGL-j4mm0BB9ls_NsQomimp9jmczwdK5j5LI5RvL77gbh0vnnGoQ79FJpgRR4O2k/s400/DSC00815.JPG" /></a><br />Nolan takes his turn at the dragon.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3rfjLGcZJUzsJb00y0JJmI-zk2KOrAx8LCORYJU-YluI3p-Ao_VvSDN0fCh-CoOyRMzDN7wVxg6vt_ugWTPV935CGUF0Ys0p3j5u2kocqbICicAzH79PwWINsHF0YfesHfkE17kQ5p0/s1600/DSC00812.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 267px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453801223733267762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3rfjLGcZJUzsJb00y0JJmI-zk2KOrAx8LCORYJU-YluI3p-Ao_VvSDN0fCh-CoOyRMzDN7wVxg6vt_ugWTPV935CGUF0Ys0p3j5u2kocqbICicAzH79PwWINsHF0YfesHfkE17kQ5p0/s400/DSC00812.JPG" /></a><br />After everyone had a turn with the kite, we all retired to the patio. Here you see Jared and Amanda discussing how many hundreds of dollars they should spend on my birthday present.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfU9ZUDDPvYtbXHADYvUiD2KewadKeb_x3mNu0O9Y5AcePItpi6zQBxxAgo0uC7dpcigBSASBrvz8RNFsQ9-khXmPsH8dRrPz5UBp3SY2Zph9e9HhrUKGZlLbXxceYsVj_Dyu_JcvzX0/s1600/DSC00816.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453800866909869378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfU9ZUDDPvYtbXHADYvUiD2KewadKeb_x3mNu0O9Y5AcePItpi6zQBxxAgo0uC7dpcigBSASBrvz8RNFsQ9-khXmPsH8dRrPz5UBp3SY2Zph9e9HhrUKGZlLbXxceYsVj_Dyu_JcvzX0/s400/DSC00816.JPG" /></a> </div><div>Megan listens intently, all the while thinking that Jared and Amanda are not planning on a sufficient amount of money. I hope they listen to Meg.</div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVNpcc1TFZqxZA1KUNrZHIJKxaJVqdflU0YDB1-FUnkdC8_Mfl_u9lsnc1XW4xT1TnArobBQzX8qGOQbVpwAp0_snno5iX_v3wwiCXVjUY_4z2NaOJ_Kqjnjxp8kIrDPXotw6ar-ubNU/s1600/DSC00818.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 267px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453799076066244354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVNpcc1TFZqxZA1KUNrZHIJKxaJVqdflU0YDB1-FUnkdC8_Mfl_u9lsnc1XW4xT1TnArobBQzX8qGOQbVpwAp0_snno5iX_v3wwiCXVjUY_4z2NaOJ_Kqjnjxp8kIrDPXotw6ar-ubNU/s400/DSC00818.JPG" /></a> </div><div>Jeremy ponders how he can sabbotage the whole discussion. Then again, I AM his favorite mother-in-law. In his opinion, NOTHING is too good for me!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPB9auaQjqPSegbp9UWM6Blw5O5rqcMT-MGdA2H7BH6xYOwMvRUvd5EvGxKVdFHUFcseNnVwiv6SI1vFzFHOf8Iz0iXdx1whDy9nJa8prphLDePPvR1mp7iwEtP_Xz2BFcRxJ9y9uwvM/s1600/DSC00817.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453817535508858610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPB9auaQjqPSegbp9UWM6Blw5O5rqcMT-MGdA2H7BH6xYOwMvRUvd5EvGxKVdFHUFcseNnVwiv6SI1vFzFHOf8Iz0iXdx1whDy9nJa8prphLDePPvR1mp7iwEtP_Xz2BFcRxJ9y9uwvM/s400/DSC00817.JPG" /></a><br />Any Saturday spent with my kids and grandchildren is a perfect Saturday. Life is good!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867242232408378697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644051400145713743.post-53973647129617540422010-03-10T07:39:00.006-07:002010-03-10T08:00:04.791-07:00No Lie Mr. Groundhog!Yep, the groundhog saw his shadow and look what happens! We live in a desert and are thankful for the moisture, but this is crazy! March 10th? Not unheard of, but definitely not ordinary.<br /><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoCkV__UbtRO1wv7mQw5upAnTPvXLJ7hmO728EESoBi4IYL9b_wBcnnep-sLFD_fa8mKnN1-HSZu-NEDgs_L4MkMwylBL0g15bNno-Yxd2YVTL77hT72EbPQ1URwV1PopnGvq-ZSSKCA/s1600-h/DSC00777.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447016279748544834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoCkV__UbtRO1wv7mQw5upAnTPvXLJ7hmO728EESoBi4IYL9b_wBcnnep-sLFD_fa8mKnN1-HSZu-NEDgs_L4MkMwylBL0g15bNno-Yxd2YVTL77hT72EbPQ1URwV1PopnGvq-ZSSKCA/s400/DSC00777.JPG" /></a></div><div>My rosebush.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCGRaYph3tlt4VxeWeH9U6ouLqGgRxg4karLDywKKiMarBAOlRFUJPV9SJOMZnJqPyXpKEM-BEpI_42PL8Pw560MnJJTwmB9t8Wq4iKGEkc9d1YEHVdVUTCusqKHgESE693ZLtYK-R-Y/s1600-h/DSC00774.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447015650003892690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCGRaYph3tlt4VxeWeH9U6ouLqGgRxg4karLDywKKiMarBAOlRFUJPV9SJOMZnJqPyXpKEM-BEpI_42PL8Pw560MnJJTwmB9t8Wq4iKGEkc9d1YEHVdVUTCusqKHgESE693ZLtYK-R-Y/s400/DSC00774.JPG" /></a><br />My snowball bush...ha ha...get it? SNOWBALL?!</div><div><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJk9zLcsk_kA4rsP1FuAiaqYN2_6EB5E1ohrXh_a6qoPbCjbwijU6J9XndEOSj2LvN_CMaYn_IK3vOQNYtZFZIhGtalSV4OTNTRy4kF3PhAPocD1Sj2AVdRzdEOF6k85U3kOTmd8JdGis/s1600-h/DSC00775.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 267px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447016874844245330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJk9zLcsk_kA4rsP1FuAiaqYN2_6EB5E1ohrXh_a6qoPbCjbwijU6J9XndEOSj2LvN_CMaYn_IK3vOQNYtZFZIhGtalSV4OTNTRy4kF3PhAPocD1Sj2AVdRzdEOF6k85U3kOTmd8JdGis/s400/DSC00775.JPG" /></a><br />Beautiful!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_t-N2zyI5CFePHCE16DyFYqJG3-oCtJVzwy_To5G9Q8n3aE7sG9HL7C_yQjes43PxWEPcizHahp9A3-w-J2dt0R6CA4rLBIjLPCYIeUu7gRxqg_u2Xo4rI9I14gGa5yros6eJigMuPU/s1600-h/DSC00778.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447015983125388322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_t-N2zyI5CFePHCE16DyFYqJG3-oCtJVzwy_To5G9Q8n3aE7sG9HL7C_yQjes43PxWEPcizHahp9A3-w-J2dt0R6CA4rLBIjLPCYIeUu7gRxqg_u2Xo4rI9I14gGa5yros6eJigMuPU/s400/DSC00778.JPG" /></a></div><div>Backyard playground.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvNofhNO1hcflRcHEc8C6Od1p-lHb4wg5enE-JrM2kY_zbtbIbvd_4jlzLf2NtxcBWkut3zlIFYDBYWt_2MpZLuxCzKYw9CFY2WDHi2ZWXyyMoKA9eGLovow2AE8VT8Kiw6bNO4_ivl0/s1600-h/DSC00776.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447016604563337874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvNofhNO1hcflRcHEc8C6Od1p-lHb4wg5enE-JrM2kY_zbtbIbvd_4jlzLf2NtxcBWkut3zlIFYDBYWt_2MpZLuxCzKYw9CFY2WDHi2ZWXyyMoKA9eGLovow2AE8VT8Kiw6bNO4_ivl0/s400/DSC00776.JPG" /></a></div><div>The pond in my driveway (foreground) and my neighbor's winter wonderland. So much for spring!</div></div>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867242232408378697noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644051400145713743.post-45601911366160271842010-03-07T16:22:00.003-07:002010-03-07T16:53:11.909-07:00Empty Mailbox<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFghBC0TiCUgQE-OdqF_eX90I30miAAol3XfuB-Eplavrvx1kGSUxe6JZoJeRv69-Jh5vR8kfdbqnhGAJS5rzFLOla3qITvrP3oOBM4cA4mf_HUUC-D15dvCvW6PkuLFH34I1FaeRbQ0A/s1600-h/DSC00773.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446036985212995010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFghBC0TiCUgQE-OdqF_eX90I30miAAol3XfuB-Eplavrvx1kGSUxe6JZoJeRv69-Jh5vR8kfdbqnhGAJS5rzFLOla3qITvrP3oOBM4cA4mf_HUUC-D15dvCvW6PkuLFH34I1FaeRbQ0A/s400/DSC00773.JPG" /></a></p> Typically, this image wouldn't unsettle me, but it has been a whole month since I've heard from my missionary! Two weeks ago, while donating blood, one of Wesley's friends stopped by my gurney to say that she had just received a letter from Wes that very day. This was two weeks into the letter drought and I commented that I was glad she had heard from him and if she intended to write him back, she should tell him to write his mother. A reasonable request, or so I thought! The girl's mother, who had just given a pint of blood (so, perhaps she was a little light-headed) commented that although it was important for a missionary to write his mother, it was just as important to "stay connected" with his friends. Let's just say that had I not been laying there with a needle in my arm, that woman would've given more than just a pint that day! Whenever I whine about my empty mailbox, most people try to console me by saying that not hearing from him means he's busy doing the Lord's work. Well, I hope so, but I still have a hard time believing that he doesn't have a few minutes each week in which to drop his mother a line or two.<br />So, I've quit complaining. This week I sent Wesley the same photo you see posted here on my blog. It's my version of tough love.MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867242232408378697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644051400145713743.post-34224904149013157352010-02-15T13:39:00.003-07:002010-02-15T13:54:33.668-07:00Hanging Planter in Washington<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjhrLRI7W_YxIr7FZxCESKNEeXXAVKmgQYBNl0CJAleD-T0A-bln48NV887HGK28w4nMl103lwDoOzm0swkzMXZ6UK1SqvJgVrvyA0-XHTC2U-_o2ELx-luGN0Kw_vzUbwfcxXbC6K_U/s1600-h/planter.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 371px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438572924281620978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjhrLRI7W_YxIr7FZxCESKNEeXXAVKmgQYBNl0CJAleD-T0A-bln48NV887HGK28w4nMl103lwDoOzm0swkzMXZ6UK1SqvJgVrvyA0-XHTC2U-_o2ELx-luGN0Kw_vzUbwfcxXbC6K_U/s400/planter.jpg" /></a></p>My kids are funny. Not funny weird (except for one of them), but funny, as in ha-ha. <a href="http://elderwhipple.blogspot.com/">My missionary</a> sent this picture in his last letter. Wes has gained about 20 pounds since arriving in Washington, giving his older sisters and I an opportunity to make a few fat jokes at his expense. I haven't felt bad about it, since he is the Ultimate Fat Joke King. In retaliation, he sent this pic with the comment that it reminded him of me and the girls. Actually, I never knew he'd seen me in my swimsuit, but the likeness is UNCANNY!MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867242232408378697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644051400145713743.post-4926673360844218492010-02-09T17:32:00.005-07:002010-02-09T17:44:26.104-07:00A Single Shard<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGEGoPh7HLAdI_zqq_zxvSYsgwI5Vz2DrH7IZ_DtCSW3P2tAOq5Lhv7bjTbY81WqhpmVEBxfNij_ppUtApffkPT-KF_j4ZcCeQTMMkmbScAbUE4AObfTGl9IeiBmBiMZeRoxLFmJDpzk/s1600-h/singleshard.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 276px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436408787602264610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGEGoPh7HLAdI_zqq_zxvSYsgwI5Vz2DrH7IZ_DtCSW3P2tAOq5Lhv7bjTbY81WqhpmVEBxfNij_ppUtApffkPT-KF_j4ZcCeQTMMkmbScAbUE4AObfTGl9IeiBmBiMZeRoxLFmJDpzk/s400/singleshard.jpg" /></a><br /><div><div>I just finished reading this book with my 6th grade students and they loved it! I've read it several times and found it just as enjoyable this time as I did the first time I read it. I like the life lessons taught in the book and the way the author presents some of the very struggles my students face, like cheating, lying, and treating others with respect. It's an easy read, and well worth your time even if you aren't in 6th grade. The author, Linda Sue Park, has other books, but this one is my favorite.</div></div>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867242232408378697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644051400145713743.post-61116168255170432512010-02-07T18:03:00.003-07:002010-02-07T18:09:40.533-07:00Grandma's Sweethearts<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OPbpa3C-hQEDqCrNu6u0mQDol4BqroyRD3j6PX2JlGSU9CCE0Hv2yBaROxaulsuFftFJUbV5SbQmdoTA5BIzjSmoQa-NBKiv839V5Y3tKbGeVqGLzKzHEYQjpgTHdf-t0Im_L-9rDHE/s1600-h/DSC00735.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 339px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435672054979580690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OPbpa3C-hQEDqCrNu6u0mQDol4BqroyRD3j6PX2JlGSU9CCE0Hv2yBaROxaulsuFftFJUbV5SbQmdoTA5BIzjSmoQa-NBKiv839V5Y3tKbGeVqGLzKzHEYQjpgTHdf-t0Im_L-9rDHE/s400/DSC00735.JPG" /></a><br /><div>I found this picture on my camera when I was posting my quilt blocks (keep reading). How cute are these two munchkins? Kourtney LOVES to hold babies and last Saturday she got to hold her baby cousin, Brennen. Brennen was happy, Kourtney was happy, and all was right in the world! </div>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867242232408378697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644051400145713743.post-2100107170818670342010-02-07T16:41:00.008-07:002010-02-07T17:49:57.609-07:00Saturday Sampler<div><div><div>I heard about the Saturday Sampler at the <a href="http://www.patchworkpig.biz/index.php?main_page=index">local quilt store </a>and decided to give it a try. Here's how it works: In January, you buy a kit to make your first block, then on the first Saturday of every month, you return to the store with your completed block and pick up the materials for your next block (for free!). The store makes their money in the end when you complete your quilt and want to buy coordinating fabrics for your sashing, backing, and binding. Due to an illness that was totally out of control, I didn't complete my January block until Saturday morning about an hour before I was supposed to show up at the store to redeem my next block. Luckily, the block was pretty easy to put together once I got past the panic of knowing that I didn't have extra fabric just in case I messed up. Messing up comes naturally to me, but I'm happy to say that I only picked out and resewed one seam in this whole entire block. Isn't is pretty?</div><div><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-3szMHS_ZJWm6Y-PziJ4USRVDgM0Pdxhxi_Ne_dH6lEYElSx2CFmqMySbbylUNeGg_KXuDqLagGuhEqsyl9E-8Tn74W_fGrB-PVztmR2ijMy_GYTwYkm56zIUpeuXJPlrJgFPTW27Ek/s1600-h/DSC00736.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435655767652075234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-3szMHS_ZJWm6Y-PziJ4USRVDgM0Pdxhxi_Ne_dH6lEYElSx2CFmqMySbbylUNeGg_KXuDqLagGuhEqsyl9E-8Tn74W_fGrB-PVztmR2ijMy_GYTwYkm56zIUpeuXJPlrJgFPTW27Ek/s400/DSC00736.JPG" /></a></p><p align="left">Since my sewing machine was all set up, I came straight home from the quilt store and set to my next block. Needless to say, I picked out and re-sewed more than one seam! It was a tad bit harder than the January block, but I finished it! </p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj529x230cgoWxBInt1yv7Z8ubSpFPxt_2nyyLFLbtHX1pQn9qkl2F_TKjQAHjhHodJKwADIH3Qa7SF0bV29pTVSdVuUvftjHN0PJ3bF1epXOJJA5WMfR01GNl_Se8mq-1bpKRQDMFUNWI/s1600-h/DSC00737.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435655443510153586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj529x230cgoWxBInt1yv7Z8ubSpFPxt_2nyyLFLbtHX1pQn9qkl2F_TKjQAHjhHodJKwADIH3Qa7SF0bV29pTVSdVuUvftjHN0PJ3bF1epXOJJA5WMfR01GNl_Se8mq-1bpKRQDMFUNWI/s400/DSC00737.JPG" /></a></p><div>Then, since I was on a roll, I decided to do both blocks again. The hardest block is the first one, but with a sampler quilt, every block is a first. My plan is to have two sampler quilts done by the end of the year. The pictures of this make it look like the second one might turn out to be a Christmas quilt. </div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53_KvaZ-QOd0o-1VF52Rd4mFTdxF1SWzvhEZZNDGZnnaDbHeqxJi2QrBHcJAhuyoIYFPjK8vPz2LOb5dIrp_QJ5e0zRzGYxOn1gD0CJOPtOpRWi01evQw5eiBsKUzpcekMRXR-RxD5QU/s1600-h/DSC00769.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435665825702910834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53_KvaZ-QOd0o-1VF52Rd4mFTdxF1SWzvhEZZNDGZnnaDbHeqxJi2QrBHcJAhuyoIYFPjK8vPz2LOb5dIrp_QJ5e0zRzGYxOn1gD0CJOPtOpRWi01evQw5eiBsKUzpcekMRXR-RxD5QU/s400/DSC00769.JPG" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mKX8cD8u0ap_11v0W1ReSKYbzp40gMjUZTE7QG9cMqxbaRB9eg2LtomTRGm_itX47sEeRSaSTXgLDujZhFPOcujUB0mfzT9xNQYcz8OmNFsem1ad97AyZ1ZjqIsQ-nMjMJbwnrw-aGA/s1600-h/DSC00770.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435665334020191762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mKX8cD8u0ap_11v0W1ReSKYbzp40gMjUZTE7QG9cMqxbaRB9eg2LtomTRGm_itX47sEeRSaSTXgLDujZhFPOcujUB0mfzT9xNQYcz8OmNFsem1ad97AyZ1ZjqIsQ-nMjMJbwnrw-aGA/s400/DSC00770.JPG" /></a></p><div>I just thought this was kinda neat to see the same two blocks done in different fabrics. I love to sew and especially love creating beautiful things like this!</div></div></div>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867242232408378697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644051400145713743.post-69979363293763479932010-01-25T18:44:00.004-07:002010-01-25T19:01:54.497-07:00Oh no! It's a Man Cold!I have a pretty healthy immune system, but every once-in-awhile I get a bug. Sometime during our Snow Days, I caught a cold. I was too sick to teach Sunday School yesterday. (Thanks to my son-in-law Nolan for bailing me out and teaching my lesson.) I'm on the mend, I think/hope! DoJo is about a day behind me in symptoms, so today was his day to be absolutely miserable. I will just say, if the hubbs skips work, well...it's serious! This whole episode reminded me of a video that a male co-worker shared with me a couple of years ago. It was his way of explaining to me how he was more sick than I could possibly imagine. I'm not saavy enough to figure out how to put it on my blog, so you will have to go to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mz6DktXFvg4">YouTube</a> and watch it. It requires no further explanation. Enjoy!MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867242232408378697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644051400145713743.post-1319672422230887342010-01-23T08:26:00.004-07:002010-01-23T09:16:07.584-07:00Gloves<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77HRVSVw9OSoUPj5gniQmw9O-gWyBZEnFG1LoyaVhkkv9iVFtleQo8zy4mThf_SyXDfUpL-wFDY5c9TGXCYqRHtquZo7yzOeDJvVIj3_3d-4ChyphenhyphenURZ7MAvLtlXWU6YVFHxv1t0HJnpAs/s1600-h/DSC00733.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 352px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429964307944859570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77HRVSVw9OSoUPj5gniQmw9O-gWyBZEnFG1LoyaVhkkv9iVFtleQo8zy4mThf_SyXDfUpL-wFDY5c9TGXCYqRHtquZo7yzOeDJvVIj3_3d-4ChyphenhyphenURZ7MAvLtlXWU6YVFHxv1t0HJnpAs/s400/DSC00733.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>After my last post, I had a couple of friends question my gloves. (I only wear them when I'm machine-quilting or sewing something bulky.) DoJo and his employees use gloves like this at the Ice Plant. The palm and the finger tips are rubberized, which gives you a nice grip on those cold, slippery ice bags. Really, they are the best gloves ever, and they are multipurpose! I have a pair I wear for outside work, but I save a clean pair just for my machine-quilting projects. I discovered their quilting usefulness quite by accident. Several years ago while quilting a large quilt on my regular-size sewing machine, I found that I needed more control of the fabric-batting sandwich. (What I really need is a long arm quilter, but that's another item on my already long enough wish list!) Anyway, the quilt was getting the better of me. My shoulders were achy and my hands hurt even worse. I was on the verge of giving up when I had the brainstorm...Ice Plant gloves, and presto! problem solved! It's kind of redneck, and I know it seems goofy, but it worked for me and I've used them ever since. At the time, I didn't know that they actually market quilting gloves. I Googled it recently and found out that Atlas, the maker of my Ice Plant gloves, also sells <a href="http://www.theleisureboutique.com/shop/atlas-gloves/124858-quilters-glove-nitrile-touch/">quilter's gloves</a>. They come in much prettier colors, like fuchsia, granny apple green, purple, and blue (like mine!) Too bad I didn't come up with this idea years ago. Perhaps if I had, I would have enough money to buy myself a long arm and eliminate the need for the goofy gloves. </div><div> </div><div><span style="color:#990000;">*<em>Note to Mel: You don't need gloves for making the blocks. Plus, I have an idea for finishing our across-the-pond quilts. Check out my friend </em></span><a href="http://deidraslegacycreations.blogspot.com/"><em><span style="color:#990000;">Deidra</span></em></a><em><span style="color:#990000;">. She has the long-arm quilter I covet and she knows how to use it! Paying for her expertise is better than buying a pair of gloves. Her work is beautiful.</span></em></div>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867242232408378697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644051400145713743.post-68970934540275837282010-01-21T18:23:00.024-07:002010-01-21T19:56:12.876-07:00Snow Day!<div>This morning, I woke up to this. It may not seem like much to my friends in Utah or Scotland, but in the Four Corners area, this is called a Snow Day. School was canceled and I celebrated.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGw9CjSNCad0x7EkbkVbY6lOax5dhK175BvQE32EO9_j7dVhEYePSC5KvhZ3ZRgzn6fk0NkKuKyRybev0oDtt-860zHU8iacRv9HEBO8VTR5t-afWWMKkIl-y2tKbWScK9pnWm5kIH5I/s1600-h/DSC00680.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429380073007806674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGw9CjSNCad0x7EkbkVbY6lOax5dhK175BvQE32EO9_j7dVhEYePSC5KvhZ3ZRgzn6fk0NkKuKyRybev0oDtt-860zHU8iacRv9HEBO8VTR5t-afWWMKkIl-y2tKbWScK9pnWm5kIH5I/s400/DSC00680.JPG" /></a><br />First, I dressed like this. Comfy pants, a.k.a. sweats, and my special gloves.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaiu0rxbWQrFlvYG9X9K_sztAFWqC4d22H8b4g6IwHKXvkE3JV_RJ9ALJLMNObHMqlaMWawiQBBE136EmQ363EMcsUhvYUDICzM_5tCh3waYgsnNlhlvbGYNsoOeOxgH5FSVvA2SBd9A/s1600-h/DSC00681.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 267px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429379690545986818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaiu0rxbWQrFlvYG9X9K_sztAFWqC4d22H8b4g6IwHKXvkE3JV_RJ9ALJLMNObHMqlaMWawiQBBE136EmQ363EMcsUhvYUDICzM_5tCh3waYgsnNlhlvbGYNsoOeOxgH5FSVvA2SBd9A/s400/DSC00681.JPG" /></a><br />Then, I sat at my sewing machine and had some fun with a little machine quilting.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkj3j_EP3rIOfkhc0mMkmXaUtQ8TLgap0dyRy1Gw1KAESorPTjmFiiD3ie7m0ECfy95mew_Hc0j9P7DNOwnOEIvto1xMHpcoWccyevJHlxRlheKvAxcbouzlHjeGUaEgsHGy7M8HaAf30/s1600-h/DSC00682.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429378865481852946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkj3j_EP3rIOfkhc0mMkmXaUtQ8TLgap0dyRy1Gw1KAESorPTjmFiiD3ie7m0ECfy95mew_Hc0j9P7DNOwnOEIvto1xMHpcoWccyevJHlxRlheKvAxcbouzlHjeGUaEgsHGy7M8HaAf30/s400/DSC00682.JPG" /></a><br />DoJo came home early and made me some lunch. <span style="font-size:78%;">(Yes, his hair looks funny, but it usually does unless he's wearing his church clothes. He doesn't know about this, so don't mention it when you see him in his everyday-work-clothes.) </span>Lunch was good and I was impressed. This is actually the first time I've seen DoJo use the microwave for something other than nachos or popcorn!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9Ed0Rs2y_af2589u4a-RQuYDn8mkhGy60n62nMLQuJPXlexYAxKPHKjwTqzyPNAMZtcI5o7rquoTUAwdcx7vqcSmkXmiLL6gKIdimarQRs5xlnUTsE1wsYdjDnaGBYuMv0UreuRPEhE/s1600-h/DSC00684.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 267px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429378388699246402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9Ed0Rs2y_af2589u4a-RQuYDn8mkhGy60n62nMLQuJPXlexYAxKPHKjwTqzyPNAMZtcI5o7rquoTUAwdcx7vqcSmkXmiLL6gKIdimarQRs5xlnUTsE1wsYdjDnaGBYuMv0UreuRPEhE/s400/DSC00684.JPG" /></a><br />Not long after lunch, these two sweethearts came to visit with their little ones. They invited me and DoJo to join them in the snow. Who could resist these two sweet smiles?<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjadmwI1nrQxFxeSybfUCqa4FISwTyeLD26CMoxKc3kTY3HvgRy4Srmj8X7X9VdzmRwBv74__WUCaKpVQejEGtNeXDQHjHBJgZ9V27F37QXqZIsvsTqqhPe7UZf4YO9_GT3lPQdhQiAIgI/s1600-h/DSC00691.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 288px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429377623707696034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjadmwI1nrQxFxeSybfUCqa4FISwTyeLD26CMoxKc3kTY3HvgRy4Srmj8X7X9VdzmRwBv74__WUCaKpVQejEGtNeXDQHjHBJgZ9V27F37QXqZIsvsTqqhPe7UZf4YO9_GT3lPQdhQiAIgI/s400/DSC00691.JPG" /></a><br />Kourtney patiently waited for her turn on the sled.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlq6gvK01zJdHysO9_Bf9wyevLPmcpskL_TtEpQbvcY-N7Oj7YYEc_L5phvIRLOUPM2brwBTtHX248pjta_a_Ytyy5ekLpHL_TOGvfsRxVNE1_A9dLFh19wNp7_zL27BH1Wegkg7bqCk/s1600-h/DSC00693.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429377117810415602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlq6gvK01zJdHysO9_Bf9wyevLPmcpskL_TtEpQbvcY-N7Oj7YYEc_L5phvIRLOUPM2brwBTtHX248pjta_a_Ytyy5ekLpHL_TOGvfsRxVNE1_A9dLFh19wNp7_zL27BH1Wegkg7bqCk/s400/DSC00693.JPG" /></a><br />Lexi spent her down time making snow angels.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBo228UdGcV-ZopO2GYUxmCUEc5F1eI-6WR_loLHONW7wVGxh0bvaW45LaFHEZWH5R3oWtVZjQrHnmumuZJS1KGZ7OoD_ot4lcRx7GaGFmO4DZdEXY9zr4TUKy4_z7gBQiv6reFikaLU/s1600-h/DSC00692.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 267px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429376653343589906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBo228UdGcV-ZopO2GYUxmCUEc5F1eI-6WR_loLHONW7wVGxh0bvaW45LaFHEZWH5R3oWtVZjQrHnmumuZJS1KGZ7OoD_ot4lcRx7GaGFmO4DZdEXY9zr4TUKy4_z7gBQiv6reFikaLU/s400/DSC00692.JPG" /></a><br />Our yard is somewhat level, so there's no downhill experience. The dad's provided the horse power for a lot of fun.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhha1QcVZIMyda0h83k7ibqkNocOEnAPszlOoGf7jehrKIidg9028v0zmfBlrWgRl4YQhXeqrebEBbVhy1TJp7FDLIbf4kbR29c8z5l31BsRKAzFujrFRbnHtKevveek87tJ0uImAlt8/s1600-h/DSC00685.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 355px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429375976174128226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhha1QcVZIMyda0h83k7ibqkNocOEnAPszlOoGf7jehrKIidg9028v0zmfBlrWgRl4YQhXeqrebEBbVhy1TJp7FDLIbf4kbR29c8z5l31BsRKAzFujrFRbnHtKevveek87tJ0uImAlt8/s400/DSC00685.JPG" /></a><br />Olivia and Lexi have a snow snack during their ride.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgRqw0apkFA1c-B1t4fSimbC3Wc7GUc8WjcWL_kIk5-J5GWS_7sr1LhFXC-_t4wPg_vZNDYFeZYFJrgza7CtDg0ENP8h-RgPOqYl2y1NZs0shbtOVtOHxwaKDGFB_Vo91aMxd9qnbrA4/s1600-h/DSC00689.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429375619052323730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgRqw0apkFA1c-B1t4fSimbC3Wc7GUc8WjcWL_kIk5-J5GWS_7sr1LhFXC-_t4wPg_vZNDYFeZYFJrgza7CtDg0ENP8h-RgPOqYl2y1NZs0shbtOVtOHxwaKDGFB_Vo91aMxd9qnbrA4/s400/DSC00689.JPG" /></a><br />Drew does his best to just hang on. Olivia, on the other hand, practiced her parade wave each time she passed the camera.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOo1qL-whBvT8V7EO9fgJI2lw4Z028aobsPc-kxdx36bWgy41MdxLc5alll01X6LW4VnriaFZN2VL1MsdjdT4G3IaWIz233_D8gRd8KaQvMUsJROosS5nH4U-6oB0TdCmiwvdtr0ftJM/s1600-h/DSC00703.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429374754793698962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOo1qL-whBvT8V7EO9fgJI2lw4Z028aobsPc-kxdx36bWgy41MdxLc5alll01X6LW4VnriaFZN2VL1MsdjdT4G3IaWIz233_D8gRd8KaQvMUsJROosS5nH4U-6oB0TdCmiwvdtr0ftJM/s400/DSC00703.JPG" /></a><br />Nolan gives Kourtney a wild ride.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xoUi0pJjy1pUH9of-dzoVoyWd3KQXLqg8bSsBlzJIAGht_ShMJO7YVVQz6-GfY0Eb2rcQ7VVEivFKr_Lb779m4uLnUUzymLx6mxvW_qWNFk05kjs8f_xTkm2tMPkTs6MHvMjyqb1qng/s1600-h/DSC00696.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429373634988592258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xoUi0pJjy1pUH9of-dzoVoyWd3KQXLqg8bSsBlzJIAGht_ShMJO7YVVQz6-GfY0Eb2rcQ7VVEivFKr_Lb779m4uLnUUzymLx6mxvW_qWNFk05kjs8f_xTkm2tMPkTs6MHvMjyqb1qng/s400/DSC00696.JPG" /></a><br />Jeremy decides to show Amanda just exactly how wet the snow is.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVK-pt2GNrtrCQ04XHoWEQqMyuA2qtNb54sywUCELMiejy1vnELMCrAHNTsBMhNmhyphenhyphen5XQ4_hHr3SKTLT61HWb8utc4H6brvRXsUUmkFSpswoJt0Af_2w0iRlqQ2Jv7el_d82m1xE9WzuA/s1600-h/DSC00698.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429372926444761458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVK-pt2GNrtrCQ04XHoWEQqMyuA2qtNb54sywUCELMiejy1vnELMCrAHNTsBMhNmhyphenhyphen5XQ4_hHr3SKTLT61HWb8utc4H6brvRXsUUmkFSpswoJt0Af_2w0iRlqQ2Jv7el_d82m1xE9WzuA/s400/DSC00698.JPG" /></a><br />It seems that Jeremy would know better. They've been married for almost 10 years. Guess he's a slow learner.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4xAvXdxC4jTh1VQvVjm5emuTPO_73b_SRmKqURJERlfLwTa7feO8ojAMpFJVJywFvaseeq4dhN-_M4WJGYXgYhJc5qCPR18sjBne70E2Xl_8J_SPnN6PyeAhUozZ5y_939EEU7qlt14/s1600-h/DSC00704.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429372249665886690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4xAvXdxC4jTh1VQvVjm5emuTPO_73b_SRmKqURJERlfLwTa7feO8ojAMpFJVJywFvaseeq4dhN-_M4WJGYXgYhJc5qCPR18sjBne70E2Xl_8J_SPnN6PyeAhUozZ5y_939EEU7qlt14/s400/DSC00704.JPG" /></a><br />Yeah, that snow in the ear is REAL cold! Live and learn, Jeremy!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNwpCkebuPWdB3mji4U0VR7nZP97858ULdFHPtY4a3I03z5vFq0bE5SZi7LExSn4jqvflzrrTVeUdHdhyMOtdZjyRZpKCzN1TgP_jxE8PqqvrAXaHAqvyw45-kRg1J0F9EYERucYXv24/s1600-h/DSC00708.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 314px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429371393530360946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNwpCkebuPWdB3mji4U0VR7nZP97858ULdFHPtY4a3I03z5vFq0bE5SZi7LExSn4jqvflzrrTVeUdHdhyMOtdZjyRZpKCzN1TgP_jxE8PqqvrAXaHAqvyw45-kRg1J0F9EYERucYXv24/s400/DSC00708.JPG" /></a><br />If you've seen The Christmas Story, then Andrew should look familiar to you.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oW_H5vRRgBC_fiaupKG34lJeL5QzKontzx9XUnliH1BIS_sgb87HKT5MwBKzn-gRvnxWSUZP-nkv5jgQtBNssmmfy8rHobPHGcxLnL6ElAzxSeO-d7qrLA9VKCMT7hkeX6RVsCn4f7o/s1600-h/DSC00712.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429371036714263522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oW_H5vRRgBC_fiaupKG34lJeL5QzKontzx9XUnliH1BIS_sgb87HKT5MwBKzn-gRvnxWSUZP-nkv5jgQtBNssmmfy8rHobPHGcxLnL6ElAzxSeO-d7qrLA9VKCMT7hkeX6RVsCn4f7o/s400/DSC00712.JPG" /></a><br />All the snow clothes made walking difficult, so he resorted to hands and knees.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMx4D-iJ2WiWNS4J8Xfznc5m7ckdt-eqUzkpbVDAEID1EiiwaOtK1PGKFrunKIoVysxT6shAdqkLn1FGhrM3gH261vj5ClNdpB0a4fzhqe3GEoM0_d2UGf_chXw5nDmXvMbDH4qY6bIRo/s1600-h/DSC00713.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429370599636163714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMx4D-iJ2WiWNS4J8Xfznc5m7ckdt-eqUzkpbVDAEID1EiiwaOtK1PGKFrunKIoVysxT6shAdqkLn1FGhrM3gH261vj5ClNdpB0a4fzhqe3GEoM0_d2UGf_chXw5nDmXvMbDH4qY6bIRo/s400/DSC00713.JPG" /></a><br />This is FUN? Save me Grandpa!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiL_4V9MIfOFNIe9y48mJbsctCdnN9Zh4i-ul5MkYduZ7OxmKzQWJzEWgRjXeXGFYp_z-3PCgheWViXm_uyDprnPIrGeeM-fBdsC8AZjslESGcGaqE_rYCXyuYTATcPKOU7RWuJhvQ1qs/s1600-h/DSC00717.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 267px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429388501582411346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiL_4V9MIfOFNIe9y48mJbsctCdnN9Zh4i-ul5MkYduZ7OxmKzQWJzEWgRjXeXGFYp_z-3PCgheWViXm_uyDprnPIrGeeM-fBdsC8AZjslESGcGaqE_rYCXyuYTATcPKOU7RWuJhvQ1qs/s400/DSC00717.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Time for cocoa. Grandpa decides to show the grandchildren the wonders of whipped cream in the cocoa, only his whipped cream never makes it to the cup. DoJo likes his straight. <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbQRP3Gv0jtV9yZJddQXtS2j4nvBYrZI1xYdPiNEIhSMz3gt5V03Var3aFNpp5xEGQZo_ezMHRydhn0xJ6JZcp_VMFQTa2S_LKMjiQ37tXiNPzvxAACrHiy3NqbRb9fWgzvXgb2k-1to/s1600-h/DSC00728.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429369670434907842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbQRP3Gv0jtV9yZJddQXtS2j4nvBYrZI1xYdPiNEIhSMz3gt5V03Var3aFNpp5xEGQZo_ezMHRydhn0xJ6JZcp_VMFQTa2S_LKMjiQ37tXiNPzvxAACrHiy3NqbRb9fWgzvXgb2k-1to/s400/DSC00728.JPG" /></a> </div><div>Lexi tries it.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrRPlghf3EcmAxTWTpKtGoybuGikpL8jJV6OH-WN41VYE6Gf_2C1Op_OSE_YPpHYTNIXJUgWDyrolFxK6TUs6a0lTTDH3p9F-9La_TU4Ao-yju5-MLCPBz1Xpqf96uwwX6srBHIBlebo/s1600-h/DSC00726.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429370002175892658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrRPlghf3EcmAxTWTpKtGoybuGikpL8jJV6OH-WN41VYE6Gf_2C1Op_OSE_YPpHYTNIXJUgWDyrolFxK6TUs6a0lTTDH3p9F-9La_TU4Ao-yju5-MLCPBz1Xpqf96uwwX6srBHIBlebo/s400/DSC00726.JPG" /></a><br />But Kourtney sticks with the tried-and-true.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrM6_IE2tsxIpg_xYMWEzIxlcTRC3qs9zZ1oFb9PLdPEOG5ICnXagYPP6EjsuRbpIxJSYstocW1CBpbQEw33UTSKT3_e5KxCPkPtXucox0TIefKoXLJCyko3NYqB0wTZfygsC_Kxwv01A/s1600-h/DSC00729.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429369337820417250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrM6_IE2tsxIpg_xYMWEzIxlcTRC3qs9zZ1oFb9PLdPEOG5ICnXagYPP6EjsuRbpIxJSYstocW1CBpbQEw33UTSKT3_e5KxCPkPtXucox0TIefKoXLJCyko3NYqB0wTZfygsC_Kxwv01A/s400/DSC00729.JPG" /></a><br />Kourtney assures me that you can't have too much whipped cream in your cocoa. Plus, it is okay to scoop it out with your fingers!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgubKy1wA52NpbHkyoxfO3pXvzz8Nu6Zi-lsc8Kq3Tmuki5jDc6BXcwDZp1SnQ8Vgvw8eW0GQlIpxS7ywemQR-ZncpF8_9QCMZswiDlZ6yyqT5LdINr0dEID8IKvUMmCkZaVAEXcGLJII/s1600-h/DSC00731.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429369005089391426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgubKy1wA52NpbHkyoxfO3pXvzz8Nu6Zi-lsc8Kq3Tmuki5jDc6BXcwDZp1SnQ8Vgvw8eW0GQlIpxS7ywemQR-ZncpF8_9QCMZswiDlZ6yyqT5LdINr0dEID8IKvUMmCkZaVAEXcGLJII/s400/DSC00731.JPG" /></a><br />What a day! Everybody needs a Snow Day every now and again.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867242232408378697noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644051400145713743.post-75489757441367417212010-01-13T18:00:00.000-07:002010-01-13T18:50:16.350-07:00Excuses, anyone?I'm a 6th grade teacher and I LOVE my job. I especially love those freaky little "tweeners" that I spend my days with. One of the really fun things about teaching is hearing all the excuses these kids come up with. I thought I'd heard them all...until yesterday! I just had to pass this one along. The conversation went something like this:<br />"Mrs. W, my mom can't come for Parent-Teacher conference on Friday because she said I got her sick."<br /><em><span style="color:#000099;">Oh really, how did you get your mom sick? I bet she caught your cold.</span></em><br />"No, I had an asthma attack. Wait, maybe it was appendicitis. Yeah, that's it!"<br /><em><span style="color:#000099;">So, your mom caught that from you?</span></em><br />"Uh huh, and she's really sick."<br /><em><span style="color:#000099;">Hmmmm....(I was pretty proud of myself for keeping a straight face!)</span></em><br /><br />Today I received a note from the mom. She didn't say whether she was suffering from asthma or appendicitis, but she is going to be too sick to come in for a conference. I bet she has asthma AND appendicitis.MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867242232408378697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644051400145713743.post-34322963405134664122009-12-30T21:50:00.001-07:002009-12-30T21:50:43.738-07:00More good reading!<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQLXTv8pAG8K_lhRt4ZF6AuPliJ6nXEqqNH2hWxQUzqEmg5-GZ6s05rfq6BeOZtknspXhhmEUn3ZYdCX5W2-NiBZlyWAfc9yWYnl_dupQTuRBmgkNqUkvl6t-uAxn9di6kJlGXbpe3LU/s1600-h/travelers+gift.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 286px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421245044645696658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQLXTv8pAG8K_lhRt4ZF6AuPliJ6nXEqqNH2hWxQUzqEmg5-GZ6s05rfq6BeOZtknspXhhmEUn3ZYdCX5W2-NiBZlyWAfc9yWYnl_dupQTuRBmgkNqUkvl6t-uAxn9di6kJlGXbpe3LU/s400/travelers+gift.jpg" /></a></p><br />DoJo read this book first and suggested I read it too. I was suspicious, thinking that it was his subtle way of telling me that I needed to improve in one way or another. Well, duh! Everyone knows my cooking leaves a lot to be desired, but this didn't look like a cookbook!<br /><br />I'm glad I listened to DoJo. <span style="font-size:78%;">(Don't tell him I said this because he might start thinking that I will always take his advice. Let's not pop THAT bubble just yet!)</span> This book has an appropriate message about WHO is really in control of our lives. In a style akin to It's A Wonderful Life, the main character in the book is down on his luck, out of a job, and saddled with family and financial responsibilities that seem insurmountable. (Who hasn't been there, done that at one time or another?) In an unsuccessful attempt to 'end it all' the guy is rendered unconscious and is magically transported to seven key moments in history. At these key moments he meets people from history who teach him the seven decisions that determine personal success. The historical figures range from King Solomon to Anne Frank. I was especially interested in the historical accuracy of the book and the way the author brings each historical figure to life. Just wait 'til you read the part with the Civil War colonel named Joshua Chamberlain! Brilliant!<br /><br />Personally, I think the "Seven Decisions" are applicable and totally jive with what we are taught through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The author, Andy Andrews, just gives us a new slant on something we already know. I enjoyed the book and have found myself thinking about it long after the last chapter was finished. A quick read, but well worth the time. If I were a real book reviewer, I would give it 4 stars, maybe 5 for historical accuracy.<br /><br /><br />Here's something funny: After my last book post, my friend Mel sent me a link to another Mary Whipple who actually has a book review blog. I have no aspirations of being a "real" book reviewer, so if you want some really high-brow (yawn!) reviews on books I never intend to review for you, go visit the other Mary at <a href="http://marywhipplereviews.com/books/">http://marywhipplereviews.com/books/</a> I know I'm not the end-all be-all in book reviews, and it's not a competition, but I hope you'll come back for all the sage advice you get here at the World According to MoJo! That said, she does have a pretty cool profile picture.MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867242232408378697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644051400145713743.post-34835779088896890642009-12-25T11:00:00.002-07:002009-12-25T11:05:10.975-07:00Christmas Eve FunChristmas eve is always fun and this year was no exception. Actually, I've always enjoyed this "night before" event a little more than Christmas day, especially since I now have adult children that help out with making the meal. My assignment this year was tamales and a green salad. Amanda made stacked red enchiladas, Megan made chile rellenos, and Desi made her famous queso and salsa. Kaitlin brought the dessert and Grandma Whipple made her traditional banana punch. What a feast! As you can see from the picture below, the Whipple gang takes this seriously. No one would even look at the camera for a photo op! And yes, there are so many of us that we eat in shifts.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnMv1zvB4Mc80lLS0PKDaqjWVtDx2lFBbktV6RwTK-4r9EVM3PlOZneoH7sie2jnYoZMc9Ia_KusVbBKugzjFhUHkfPpfqqbPjtUYydlNWGiHO6gEihLg_97p_QhTnRPocrW4nBscVrAI/s1600-h/DSC00626.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419199768164473010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnMv1zvB4Mc80lLS0PKDaqjWVtDx2lFBbktV6RwTK-4r9EVM3PlOZneoH7sie2jnYoZMc9Ia_KusVbBKugzjFhUHkfPpfqqbPjtUYydlNWGiHO6gEihLg_97p_QhTnRPocrW4nBscVrAI/s400/DSC00626.JPG" /></a> </div><div>This is the second shift.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRuCxWlLkccSitLdMH5h2CEP2TdQSlLpcvSOBt3qMJpSq0ZnD1yYUcHqgGuBLmXqcM4MF_fIdslyk6pfRJ28uyq9nnHydlKZmC3v3QBJfNjxprhGwraZUjxK05jOF24V7sEDe0DgmkWA/s1600-h/DSC00625.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419200090992095858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRuCxWlLkccSitLdMH5h2CEP2TdQSlLpcvSOBt3qMJpSq0ZnD1yYUcHqgGuBLmXqcM4MF_fIdslyk6pfRJ28uyq9nnHydlKZmC3v3QBJfNjxprhGwraZUjxK05jOF24V7sEDe0DgmkWA/s400/DSC00625.JPG" /></a></div><div>Jace, Mason, and Olivia ate in the first shift. Here you see them doing a little Jazzercise to work off a little of the first course and make room for KK's cake. Smart kids!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7GbCWfRJo1BEkxsJfTThNym-1hLA0O1_fQR6mpGrVIABl1a5ai-6EaLe79gusXQHR2m8MITz0qZSqn3abQ5P0bvhSEQOLlvQWgdJ4DN-GHQHPcxuFRK5Vyk06w4Ty-lrTcnKyrayPPg/s1600-h/DSC00627.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419199560105149234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7GbCWfRJo1BEkxsJfTThNym-1hLA0O1_fQR6mpGrVIABl1a5ai-6EaLe79gusXQHR2m8MITz0qZSqn3abQ5P0bvhSEQOLlvQWgdJ4DN-GHQHPcxuFRK5Vyk06w4Ty-lrTcnKyrayPPg/s400/DSC00627.JPG" /></a><br />Jared is generous and volunteers to take two shifts.</div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1IU3VKmClaEA9Vwkiyoq5NBP6weN9pOQ7DZutJeAAeMliDSBAXpVHNBOKomMgEmfEqYCwhij0LLQAiSUztTUozoGL3GVydw01ejinsivgDYUfrFYoyT7F7_EdSaLxkvIbuzFfRZ-6oM/s1600-h/DSC00628.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419199395678337170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1IU3VKmClaEA9Vwkiyoq5NBP6weN9pOQ7DZutJeAAeMliDSBAXpVHNBOKomMgEmfEqYCwhij0LLQAiSUztTUozoGL3GVydw01ejinsivgDYUfrFYoyT7F7_EdSaLxkvIbuzFfRZ-6oM/s400/DSC00628.JPG" /></a><br />This is Reed's first Christmas with the family and I'm not sure he's convinced it is a good thing.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJhOLyyBwEe5PC4q23LLAVpdYKEGGXxBXeMRu1HLwEr1cbHUanTiN5SN_lNRsJO0k1Yvt7MBnq4L8w-fkMz0Yzp1LYy3Xeu_FuY0lR-S7QJIyLbghyphenhyphenbSf5BX0C7_xjcYzcqRPFsZzyT0/s1600-h/DSC00629.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419199184992079250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJhOLyyBwEe5PC4q23LLAVpdYKEGGXxBXeMRu1HLwEr1cbHUanTiN5SN_lNRsJO0k1Yvt7MBnq4L8w-fkMz0Yzp1LYy3Xeu_FuY0lR-S7QJIyLbghyphenhyphenbSf5BX0C7_xjcYzcqRPFsZzyT0/s400/DSC00629.JPG" /></a> </div><div>Kaitlin tries to keep things positive. Reed questions that the thing on his plate is really a tamale. Seriously Reed, just put some red sauce on it and man up!<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSTj5SyUvpo_43uYutDBRnktby1yAQTyRWr8yZj8HbsuiJETc5Xh7FuGXRdpoaRY4OULsiL_6PhAAc3WMrBC_6ARRvc9HQOacovKOeuHWRjSk9EHbJlzYcC7W8duAYAjlCdIZWJWQjd0/s1600-h/DSC00632.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 382px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419198910201123058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSTj5SyUvpo_43uYutDBRnktby1yAQTyRWr8yZj8HbsuiJETc5Xh7FuGXRdpoaRY4OULsiL_6PhAAc3WMrBC_6ARRvc9HQOacovKOeuHWRjSk9EHbJlzYcC7W8duAYAjlCdIZWJWQjd0/s400/DSC00632.JPG" /></a><br />Lexi always willing to babysit little Brennen. Brennen is the best-natured little guy out there. With all the commotion, he never once cried.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQLmML6CWdGOpKamui6VfmwQJ4GsYiNpGu9n00ubvObZ7zScZV73UXKiVm0VdFntFWAFWnJjvqPGh1x1fn9JZAHRX9AF9pu5cm5NCaWuFDs703OHrOguTeVkE_3q7qU8ikUNx6Jacm_k/s1600-h/DSC00634.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419198563401133714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQLmML6CWdGOpKamui6VfmwQJ4GsYiNpGu9n00ubvObZ7zScZV73UXKiVm0VdFntFWAFWnJjvqPGh1x1fn9JZAHRX9AF9pu5cm5NCaWuFDs703OHrOguTeVkE_3q7qU8ikUNx6Jacm_k/s400/DSC00634.JPG" /></a><br />Sorry Reed! You're new and it is hard to resist picking on the new guy...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiambzhsvJIuiRxohTb9sYOCg33ichvw0plLzUkn6NSccq9SwYLF8QZaZuf-FlJPZLzEnlWBmpG3-YUr3g-GWwE3NCn2sosipAaiBnFDExiYPqnkgrE9DhYJXtoj4pt8CpNHYMP2IR-yS8/s1600-h/DSC00636.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419198069558599906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiambzhsvJIuiRxohTb9sYOCg33ichvw0plLzUkn6NSccq9SwYLF8QZaZuf-FlJPZLzEnlWBmpG3-YUr3g-GWwE3NCn2sosipAaiBnFDExiYPqnkgrE9DhYJXtoj4pt8CpNHYMP2IR-yS8/s400/DSC00636.JPG" /></a> </div><div>...but LOOK how nice you turned out?!</div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFxM8XJcoDHNs0pgVONt6rwInuz6zMSjijxkWKelAXRU39CfCRmFIvmtoGa1kIs0VlYRS3Sm13oiH3nKf1NbQxxZfmLykNhyphenhypheneNiKuJqW3aCohcf01UTJHVeJj2SZJfuKgaCgq7gTCFLU/s1600-h/DSC00637.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 390px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419197442713912642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFxM8XJcoDHNs0pgVONt6rwInuz6zMSjijxkWKelAXRU39CfCRmFIvmtoGa1kIs0VlYRS3Sm13oiH3nKf1NbQxxZfmLykNhyphenhypheneNiKuJqW3aCohcf01UTJHVeJj2SZJfuKgaCgq7gTCFLU/s400/DSC00637.JPG" /></a><br />After dinner comes the traditional opening of the pajamas. As you can see from the look on Jeremy's face, this is one of his favorite traditions. Still, Jeremy is a good sport and he's learned to deal with the melee.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFR1xeJmYisA_Gx6mMtaRQNJesC_Ja5wz5GubMCPrmVDb7FGmiwXN_la_GTVhiYYFH0UdL9Hrk8IOpflyUz_G6fcsiemGRR-0EVv0NqUTTK_Oir_gxOA9aSBjlzCx3jvy6NbeqVRPC_gg/s1600-h/DSC00639.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 363px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419197337854424034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFR1xeJmYisA_Gx6mMtaRQNJesC_Ja5wz5GubMCPrmVDb7FGmiwXN_la_GTVhiYYFH0UdL9Hrk8IOpflyUz_G6fcsiemGRR-0EVv0NqUTTK_Oir_gxOA9aSBjlzCx3jvy6NbeqVRPC_gg/s400/DSC00639.JPG" /></a><br />Andrew had NO PROBLEM getting into the spirit of things.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBwyoV_SxqkvCLWGcsMhSFLjkVZjdiqypp1sxi1A3QHX-611HTG3tCVivg9OIy91rLoC99zCwp_bUiv4hUE7_oT-JJcTQD40GPpeYWa-3GYbQ6_qQMZLpktArHd4LS4LlSAMei-zaAl8/s1600-h/DSC00640.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 267px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419197181381285122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBwyoV_SxqkvCLWGcsMhSFLjkVZjdiqypp1sxi1A3QHX-611HTG3tCVivg9OIy91rLoC99zCwp_bUiv4hUE7_oT-JJcTQD40GPpeYWa-3GYbQ6_qQMZLpktArHd4LS4LlSAMei-zaAl8/s400/DSC00640.JPG" /></a><br />The anticipation is mounting...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCl2ojIU-n1YBZyWHZkjhsqX5Pffcb39IOVowlba9_kIR0DQBYH32r_oy0oHWL5XWyAea0gHYO9xq57Tgk2GdK-KJHPbMxbE8xBhMA-lYdeZ4YK88xYkUSugv9ZzEDYe_aUMGSwf6zxnk/s1600-h/DSC00641.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 267px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419196789889617490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCl2ojIU-n1YBZyWHZkjhsqX5Pffcb39IOVowlba9_kIR0DQBYH32r_oy0oHWL5XWyAea0gHYO9xq57Tgk2GdK-KJHPbMxbE8xBhMA-lYdeZ4YK88xYkUSugv9ZzEDYe_aUMGSwf6zxnk/s400/DSC00641.JPG" /></a><br />"Gotta look good for Santa..."<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJswUcETZNmjvmIMEDvSg_IMEg-tdNvQrTcMHoO39NACKU26ZL4SBVR9-o7zumMt39bfFYGb-0tR9441eEfi5LAIrDIqetL6wrY0-ilh42fUtJw0ukyoMeXIMGx4itkodiub8DIAZWL2A/s1600-h/DSC00644.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 267px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419196344917371970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJswUcETZNmjvmIMEDvSg_IMEg-tdNvQrTcMHoO39NACKU26ZL4SBVR9-o7zumMt39bfFYGb-0tR9441eEfi5LAIrDIqetL6wrY0-ilh42fUtJw0ukyoMeXIMGx4itkodiub8DIAZWL2A/s400/DSC00644.JPG" /></a><br />"Oh yeah, this is gonna work out nicely!"<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTCEtotvknLmv-4uc85xQ2GQJRaeDaaTreiqKfVz7FMlOP9BWU19lCR2LMQ447V3NPM5CTJnr6hM-qq5hZVYouj8jj41Uq628Kyg0VH68GQNdA6zynM4DORODYMeET4gBSAtb_vZuuBs/s1600-h/DSC00646.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 179px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419196099082004274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTCEtotvknLmv-4uc85xQ2GQJRaeDaaTreiqKfVz7FMlOP9BWU19lCR2LMQ447V3NPM5CTJnr6hM-qq5hZVYouj8jj41Uq628Kyg0VH68GQNdA6zynM4DORODYMeET4gBSAtb_vZuuBs/s400/DSC00646.JPG" /></a><br />Mason wastes no time at all getting in his new jammies. All the other kids follow his lead.<br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wt9UN6ilw5qiMtN-zX1d73ktYSsj_RV32qySdoITSlAaqEVk8jdMYNHIqNUBdzNbYsWOmQ0yjTUhXz3qXftLbpRITXA6Y-WBMUlqNgGck3O5OVsj_UuxjD2AU98NbQFN_K5Ph9pryYU/s1600-h/DSC00648.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 267px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419189861064008722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wt9UN6ilw5qiMtN-zX1d73ktYSsj_RV32qySdoITSlAaqEVk8jdMYNHIqNUBdzNbYsWOmQ0yjTUhXz3qXftLbpRITXA6Y-WBMUlqNgGck3O5OVsj_UuxjD2AU98NbQFN_K5Ph9pryYU/s400/DSC00648.JPG" /></a><br />I wasn't quite ready to put these on. DoJo out-did himself this year by getting me footie pajamas. Who new the tent-and-awning place made pajamas?<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCLpoPhKhDhB1rA8kKL67iw6-m3MQs4NKnzF3lapywNaIhO-WQ4TDtntqCSz-o__BnfzcavAWvcslXxyyp4IylbbR83IpJ6AlY4RNgECO8CR7k0Z7DnxOctA9lUrccM8VYNN7SdK1q10/s1600-h/DSC00651.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 267px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419189524375204322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCLpoPhKhDhB1rA8kKL67iw6-m3MQs4NKnzF3lapywNaIhO-WQ4TDtntqCSz-o__BnfzcavAWvcslXxyyp4IylbbR83IpJ6AlY4RNgECO8CR7k0Z7DnxOctA9lUrccM8VYNN7SdK1q10/s400/DSC00651.JPG" /></a><br />Drew is happy. His jammies have <em>Cars</em>!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8onBFBrldjX-2kv0ugh5Ik3CBcAVq8x_jh08SbbMIX5Qy8f5vus1I0Qcy_Vr0xZV_rJT47Qqx5SG3xOtBNNrFEyoqQW05fjK2doWkIeahbJ7Wt5vDPKxYIqgvy21dZTSF6-4ZM3Cr7pg/s1600-h/DSC00652.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 267px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419189210708150562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8onBFBrldjX-2kv0ugh5Ik3CBcAVq8x_jh08SbbMIX5Qy8f5vus1I0Qcy_Vr0xZV_rJT47Qqx5SG3xOtBNNrFEyoqQW05fjK2doWkIeahbJ7Wt5vDPKxYIqgvy21dZTSF6-4ZM3Cr7pg/s400/DSC00652.JPG" /></a> </div><div>Jace models his version of the <em>Cars </em>jammies.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHHTI88qWjS86eufSbmR9W0t2mLqq29q_vzp2pA1hvjWrCfrXdTunY1RMb6MAJFywlLmXVEuDHUE5ZjaOwMQsF5aSKpfY-XeW0mZ9fYEB5Z8NBQZVBLqB9ecqsX_ShyphenhyphenKXW9VxJcc1hnI/s1600-h/DSC00657.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 222px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419188906044321714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHHTI88qWjS86eufSbmR9W0t2mLqq29q_vzp2pA1hvjWrCfrXdTunY1RMb6MAJFywlLmXVEuDHUE5ZjaOwMQsF5aSKpfY-XeW0mZ9fYEB5Z8NBQZVBLqB9ecqsX_ShyphenhyphenKXW9VxJcc1hnI/s400/DSC00657.JPG" /></a><br />And the girls are pretty in pink.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmRG9EPzWjLUSmp4DWDz1JPKzaO4C8UisOEilSqJ9-L42AfI7bN6qAu12b55fZXKKy2yGRwZKJseerTgO1tT8LDUYdd7mVvAo5At8lo8YaWR-oUp2slamCmPQ5GF3kLDPsC3M6YOsHsY/s1600-h/DSC00658.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 226px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419188673366687394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmRG9EPzWjLUSmp4DWDz1JPKzaO4C8UisOEilSqJ9-L42AfI7bN6qAu12b55fZXKKy2yGRwZKJseerTgO1tT8LDUYdd7mVvAo5At8lo8YaWR-oUp2slamCmPQ5GF3kLDPsC3M6YOsHsY/s400/DSC00658.JPG" /></a><br />This is their "silly pose."<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKSVzuJXvt_yWnHM-nr7dP0Lk7bzQlKo5x-pCpchOiL_dtcwHFjW8C-9pnhvtB_ip_TV3UuYOSouIx7oqbKWugNQTuwSDpvwnbTbMuwCIIJEdWsu2LEcW89_yk1wfw7YV6tu2ase4Cyc/s1600-h/DSC00675.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 267px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419188306687976946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKSVzuJXvt_yWnHM-nr7dP0Lk7bzQlKo5x-pCpchOiL_dtcwHFjW8C-9pnhvtB_ip_TV3UuYOSouIx7oqbKWugNQTuwSDpvwnbTbMuwCIIJEdWsu2LEcW89_yk1wfw7YV6tu2ase4Cyc/s400/DSC00675.JPG" /></a><br />Like I said, ALL the kids put their jammies on.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWE-SyIg1GAjqL-ZCbexMffIiW0B4IRddsZ8ZlCAWneD5kL2mU08ABIBSnVt0sCszNWacQsHbqZi7GXUhcPgpfRr3CMkPr8wvXq8yXMHMrElRIc56LI0zmN6ljQeUNBNbmIo2MsKYKRLI/s1600-h/DSC00661.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419190158466921730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWE-SyIg1GAjqL-ZCbexMffIiW0B4IRddsZ8ZlCAWneD5kL2mU08ABIBSnVt0sCszNWacQsHbqZi7GXUhcPgpfRr3CMkPr8wvXq8yXMHMrElRIc56LI0zmN6ljQeUNBNbmIo2MsKYKRLI/s400/DSC00661.JPG" /></a><br />After the jammies, Lexi reads the following poem to the family:</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"><em>'Twas the night before Christmas at the Whipple house</em></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"><em>All the children were stirring, maybe even a mouse.</em></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"><em>For Andrew has spilled the poison you see,</em></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"><em>So the little mouse was able to play or to flee.</em></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"><em>Everyone was gathered, all except for our Wes,</em></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"><em>Who is serving a mission up in the Northwest.</em></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"><em>Tomorrow we'll talk to him after lunch</em></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"><em>And we'll be sure to tell Wes that we love him a bunch.</em></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"><em>One other thing we'll tell him, that is not a lie,</em></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"><em>A new baby is coming, next year in July!</em></span><br /></div><div>Wow! Grandchild #9 on the way! That decides it for me...we're building a family room to accomodate this constantly expanding brood! </div><div><div><br />We ended our evening with a white elephant exchange. This was the only picture I got of that part of the evening since I was still in shock over my oldest daughter telling me a BALD-FACED LIE about the "appointment" she had in town on Tuesday. I had no reason not to believe her when she said that she and Jeremy had an appointment at the bank. Sheesh! I fell for it hook, line, and sinker! Amanda has never been a good liar; it shows all over her face, but she pulled that one off without a blink. I'm sure Jeremy has had a great deal of influence over her in the last 10 years. Deception or not, HOORAY!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_UN87Icy_6tNIcY4OJwtN8l2XdbyGLpcHn2WVQIGDdvPsY1-FRI_PR2PJrfFa8eAtz_iiGDjKN4CFkIX8TCuSN8xgLbr3BOZCLH-37JHcec6fqXC1o9pNFbGd3MCxiN8uTVkK7OxwiCA/s1600-h/DSC00671.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419187597338661714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_UN87Icy_6tNIcY4OJwtN8l2XdbyGLpcHn2WVQIGDdvPsY1-FRI_PR2PJrfFa8eAtz_iiGDjKN4CFkIX8TCuSN8xgLbr3BOZCLH-37JHcec6fqXC1o9pNFbGd3MCxiN8uTVkK7OxwiCA/s400/DSC00671.JPG" /></a></div><div>My mother, Opal, is 87-years-old and felt that she got the <strong>best</strong> of the white elephant gifts. Grandma's dementia keeps her down-in-the-dumps quite a lot, so this smile is a treasured rarity. What a blessing this mess of a family is to me! After all this, I can't think of another thing I would want for Christmas. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867242232408378697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644051400145713743.post-18850217989167431892009-12-22T14:05:00.011-07:002009-12-22T14:54:53.579-07:00The Candy Man<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQgGhVglBz49FsE-0Y3GQ0rL1NHto0tWfuDUiI1muE5xa60VrlXHEBgbIIMwO2EBjpcRrm5wcZi4lShEmNQE3I73KKLPfof0Bhoge0-d44dfeOrm4OExOXC4iTmABv7o-2cifSa9YvsY/s1600-h/DSC00573.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418174688214177890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQgGhVglBz49FsE-0Y3GQ0rL1NHto0tWfuDUiI1muE5xa60VrlXHEBgbIIMwO2EBjpcRrm5wcZi4lShEmNQE3I73KKLPfof0Bhoge0-d44dfeOrm4OExOXC4iTmABv7o-2cifSa9YvsY/s400/DSC00573.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Look at that face! Isn't he convincing? DoJo convinced us that our Family Home Evening last night should be a candy-making experience. Personally, I just wanted to see him wear this girly apron, so I consented...but only if we did it at Amanda's house! DoJo just wanted to pull some taffy. I figured it must've been some happy memory from his childhood, so why deny him?</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wZFsKcIY9aW7k9DJJTu1cNIP14fUgHwoe-g_VGdO-Cuk8KCQjuSJr1OQ-bwXbKBH8i4vURP96kLX-quoXtfIIb7vpgWasambWSElDnIcbIBxiM2GS2nx1tSnmlw-AM27cZ8WsXPUx7c/s1600-h/DSC00570.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418173251288151650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wZFsKcIY9aW7k9DJJTu1cNIP14fUgHwoe-g_VGdO-Cuk8KCQjuSJr1OQ-bwXbKBH8i4vURP96kLX-quoXtfIIb7vpgWasambWSElDnIcbIBxiM2GS2nx1tSnmlw-AM27cZ8WsXPUx7c/s400/DSC00570.JPG" /></a><br />First, is the mystery in the pan. When I saw this, I began to become very, VERY afraid. PULL something that is beyond scalding hot? Yeah, right.</div><div><div><div><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDE5q1_HeASTYy-eIOjVKGD4PVyYmodgiSDcc4BJzO08ZPhmG7y6XvYJKrlOd62OCYv9ionJmZN6Iw_rl1eYPDGKKVZy_Mha2n78gZdjmqkaNV9EzVJfEj-zXeLwbOUqbpZBWYkWqdnI/s1600-h/DSC00582.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418172390753255138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDE5q1_HeASTYy-eIOjVKGD4PVyYmodgiSDcc4BJzO08ZPhmG7y6XvYJKrlOd62OCYv9ionJmZN6Iw_rl1eYPDGKKVZy_Mha2n78gZdjmqkaNV9EzVJfEj-zXeLwbOUqbpZBWYkWqdnI/s400/DSC00582.JPG" /></a><br />After boiling and more boiling, the concoction looked like this when DoJo transferred it to a 9x13 pan. At this point, the stuff is so hot it would melt the makeup right off your face. Luckily, DoJo goes easy on the makeup. Since I need all the help I can get, I was careful not to look directly into the pan.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRGeBBtIXNZMj6xolqq66gkCCwX86yiiqwFIiNnYViHucD4hDU46HVjFkG7CG3dTycjqhu5PmXgeFiL5cMnnZQsydvstTnJf77R9d-4rQy1dE0JTn_duqZA_DGDFBTgq5GRdBR_TEmBE/s1600-h/DSC00575.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418178073566853074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRGeBBtIXNZMj6xolqq66gkCCwX86yiiqwFIiNnYViHucD4hDU46HVjFkG7CG3dTycjqhu5PmXgeFiL5cMnnZQsydvstTnJf77R9d-4rQy1dE0JTn_duqZA_DGDFBTgq5GRdBR_TEmBE/s400/DSC00575.JPG" /></a><br />Nolan is always up for an adverture, so I decided that I couldn't let him think I was a sissy. Here you see us following DoJo's advice to "butter up" our hands. The batch you see on the table was the failed attempt at <em>vinegar </em>taffy. Secretly, we were all relieved that this one was a flop, but I KNOW that DoJo will insist on trying this one again.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZsQwkrW7adFcuspnEG6sdFktF9qcJS0oza00mBxQHC1evefd7kvK_2kBJsQbgUWts4rp-08-VIQpYjwin_A1rCHTFNqxtE12ahM_1uj9Acjcx85N0icXivlR01M2W9DQNExDIHG0iQE/s1600-h/DSC00598.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418172018330209282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZsQwkrW7adFcuspnEG6sdFktF9qcJS0oza00mBxQHC1evefd7kvK_2kBJsQbgUWts4rp-08-VIQpYjwin_A1rCHTFNqxtE12ahM_1uj9Acjcx85N0icXivlR01M2W9DQNExDIHG0iQE/s400/DSC00598.JPG" /></a> </div><div>Reed also did not want to appear like a sissy, so he jumped right in. Nolan and I took small amounts of the hot lava to work with. Manly Reed, took whatever we left behind. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJlj7tETAPcPDGXua-d7TDFOwxvTbb0MI8tip29xceqXDZD8vy3237dNhiQB-mI2IyWr7Mv7eHRMOeXU7wFkbGqud8wyIxr5YczRyF6MIE9Zx-RXNkj-G29INptxe1xxl4GSZ-VT18Ug/s1600-h/DSC00587.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418172797087149554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJlj7tETAPcPDGXua-d7TDFOwxvTbb0MI8tip29xceqXDZD8vy3237dNhiQB-mI2IyWr7Mv7eHRMOeXU7wFkbGqud8wyIxr5YczRyF6MIE9Zx-RXNkj-G29INptxe1xxl4GSZ-VT18Ug/s400/DSC00587.JPG" /></a> </div><div>HOT! Soooo hot!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqONu8vlN71ydoUavvkyh1JQiKyWuXzRpe-e38z75Q0sJLrxf9SfJ40d8LSL-FVjo1bsis46sLTQOYMrfCng61J2d9STi5oVLdS6edDsdLKTiXCHxemcrH9fPEWVmz0k-A2Km956VSvMI/s1600-h/DSC00599.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 267px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418171406721580386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqONu8vlN71ydoUavvkyh1JQiKyWuXzRpe-e38z75Q0sJLrxf9SfJ40d8LSL-FVjo1bsis46sLTQOYMrfCng61J2d9STi5oVLdS6edDsdLKTiXCHxemcrH9fPEWVmz0k-A2Km956VSvMI/s400/DSC00599.JPG" /></a><br />And finally, Nolan snips our efforts into bite-size pieces. Everyone has a blister or two to show what fun DoJo's FHE idea was. In the mean time, while Nolan, Reed, and I pulled hot lava (taffy), Megan was in the kitchen whipping up some Oreo truffles.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aUg1duHj9JXK4yMIbPraFg6npserQdmpgh0xgX7M3Cb7rmGXCjbkKqXM-w8m32VbSPudap9LgDuQJa6NooKPuwWLGuUXAKIWDVglmwrXcZCedBJ0fRfLMk-cjQPjuAnxXZjb8aCBa-A/s1600-h/DSC00567.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 267px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418173648998726098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aUg1duHj9JXK4yMIbPraFg6npserQdmpgh0xgX7M3Cb7rmGXCjbkKqXM-w8m32VbSPudap9LgDuQJa6NooKPuwWLGuUXAKIWDVglmwrXcZCedBJ0fRfLMk-cjQPjuAnxXZjb8aCBa-A/s400/DSC00567.JPG" /></a><br />Yum! Sorry I didn't get a picture of the truffles. They were really pretty and looked good enough to eat. And just so you know, Megan knows better than to lick her hands while cooking. This pose was just to irritate her germophobe mom. The reason I didn't get a pic of the finished products was this:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4epE9uH8-OPwNFseAbWjL6RbV62yAdg68qk3VSGaOckNHfGtzi4vhIjlkpeGlKFjGxFxn257WAmZP6mmK44MlbQlSOEHkS6RL5knuCRWszJnF9pjO-K_rNT7loUa8Xy0jw1i-KioMU3Q/s1600-h/DSC00607.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418174178961103666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4epE9uH8-OPwNFseAbWjL6RbV62yAdg68qk3VSGaOckNHfGtzi4vhIjlkpeGlKFjGxFxn257WAmZP6mmK44MlbQlSOEHkS6RL5knuCRWszJnF9pjO-K_rNT7loUa8Xy0jw1i-KioMU3Q/s400/DSC00607.JPG" /></a><br />Time for grandma's sleepover. It was eight-thirty and time for bed for Kourt and Lexi. This was their first sleepover at grammies. They were very excited to get to sleep in Wesley's vacated bed. And by the way, if you really want an interesting conversation, just lay down beside Kourtney for 10 minutes. She talked me to sleep describing what she saw when she closed her eyes. It had something to do with treasure maps. I can't remember any other details because I was so sleepy. Truth be known, eight-thirty is MY bedtime, not theirs. Luckily, we all survived both the candy making and the sleepover.<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867242232408378697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644051400145713743.post-29578544694713683352009-12-20T13:16:00.005-07:002009-12-20T13:52:28.931-07:00KK's quilt #2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHA9BoRFmGAlM6Gs0jMcYzCGQp37ZE32ykIYELsmIji3fw70DXhDgjglqEkagZWV2IQ4M3xbiMMN4Yhyi0Zym5PHxZua6SPKmbfKV_xmDjyKBw-_BLE8tyVUUcSX1UYgWH0BVWhKF-M74/s1600-h/DSC00565.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417415465207068386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHA9BoRFmGAlM6Gs0jMcYzCGQp37ZE32ykIYELsmIji3fw70DXhDgjglqEkagZWV2IQ4M3xbiMMN4Yhyi0Zym5PHxZua6SPKmbfKV_xmDjyKBw-_BLE8tyVUUcSX1UYgWH0BVWhKF-M74/s400/DSC00565.JPG" /></a><br /><div>You may remember that <a href="http://mojo-theworldaccordingtomojo.blogspot.com/2009/08/ive-been-busy-okay.html">I made a quilt/bedspread for the newlyweds</a>, KK and Reed, back in the summer. After my quilt class this fall, I decided that I would quilt something for each of my girl-children for Christmas. Actually, I planned wall hangings or table toppers, not bed quilts. (This one is about 36" square). Well, long story short, I started reading books instead and the quilts got put on hold. So instead of Christmas presents, I'm thinking birthdays, which luckily are spread throughout the year. This way, I can quilt a little, read a little. KK's was done except for the machine quilting and the binding, so I got busy this past week and finished it up. I was hand stitching the binding in place on the drive to the temple yesterday, so technically, it wasn't done in time for her birthday, but then, she was a few days late 21 years ago, so I figure she will understand. </div><div> </div><div>Now, as for my girl-children (Amanda, Megan, Desi) who have yet to receive a lil' quilt from me, their quilts are already in the works...WAY past the planning stages. It's not that Kaitlin is my favorite, (You all know <a href="http://elderwhipple.blogspot.com/">who that is</a>...:)) it's just that I happened to finish her's first. </div><div>NOTE TO GIRL-CHILDREN: <em>Think of Kaitlin as the guinnea pig, if that makes you feel any less picked on. And NO! Do not ask to see what I have planned for you. It is top secret until April 14th for Amanda, April 25th for Desi, and July 17th for Megan. I bet the suspense will drive you nuts! Seriously, you need to pick out a special place in the house for your wall hanging, and it better not be the laundry room or the bathroom! My feelings are easily hurt when my labors appear to be unappreciated.</em></div>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867242232408378697noreply@blogger.com2