The Rich Life

Primary Parades

2012-01-27T07:57:00.000-07:00

When I was a little girl we used to have Primary Parades around the 24th of July celebration. We would decorate our bikes, trikes and wagons, and pretend we were pioneers crossing the plains. I remember putting two bushel baskets in either end of a wagon, and draping and tucking a white sheet around everything, and Viola ! we had a covered wagon ! I'm not sure how colored crepe paper with fringing on it correlates with Pioneers, but that's just what we did :) We met in the parking lot of the Rock Church, and then walked around the block in a big group (kids and leaders) with our parents parked along side of the road cheering us on.

I don't know if they still do the Primary Parades. The last time we were involved in anything remotely like this, was in 1986.

Here is Zac pulling all of his stuffed animals in the wagon. We started in front of the courthouse, and went over to the park. This wasn't a Primary Parade, but a celebration for the 4th of July. Recognize anyone else in the picture? I see Lance Prescott, Amber Carrigan, Robyn Birt Nelson, and way in the back, above the two raggedy andy red wigs, is Manda.

Car show in Arizona

2012-01-23T04:00:00.002-07:00

Brendon took this picture (his Cam looking at him)

And Manda took this picture (her Cam looking at her)

Bren's dad got tickets to the Barret Jackson Classic Car Auction for the family for Christmas. They went yesterday, and had a great time. Yesterday was Cameron Claussen's birthday also. Happy Birthday Cameron !! He is 9 years old. We talked to him on the phone, and he said his favorite car at the show was the Back to the Future Delorean. It looks like they had a great time in front of this Hearse? mobile too :)

Crazy Days

2012-01-22T17:42:00.001-07:00

Near the Y

Across from Streadbecks

By Lorna Pentz's

By Uncle Norris and Aunt Pam's

In front of mom and dad's

All of the flooding in the pictures above happened on Saturday between 9am and 2pm.

Then this started................

And now this morning (Sunday) it was beautiful and sunny. No flooding today.

On Friday as we were traveling to the temple, we were commenting on the steep roads, and how horrible they must be in the snow. Take a look at the video of just ONE of the roads leading to and from the temple in Bountiful on Saturday.

What would I do without these wonderful women in my life?

2012-01-20T20:25:00.000-07:00

6 am - off the the temple with mom and Sherilee. Roads weren't bad, conversation was wonderful, and the Temple was great as always :)

10am - Organ Lesson from Marcie Terrell. She is so sweet to share her talents, and teach this piano student what the organ is all about. I thought it would be EASY, and all I would have to do was make my fingers play SMOOTHLY.........little did I know !! Thanks for being so patient Marcie :)

11 am - I had a great visit with Sister Phyllis Waldron, as we worked on her family history. I really enjoyed hearing all about the good old days. She has some great stories, and what a memory ! I loved the time I spent with her.

The FIRST Bee incident that I remember

2012-01-17T04:00:00.003-07:00

Who is this cute little girl? Oh wait, it's me ! I really like this picture. I was about 5 years old. I'm standing by the old Zodiac car that mom and dad had. The hills of the "M" are in the background. We were living on 100 E. in one of Whitey Little's rentals that has since been torn down.

That flowered dress was MY FAVORITE - that is, until the dreaded "BEE" incident. I had been walking across the street (Young Street) to kindergarten. I had on a red sweater that Grandma Dickson had knitted for me. A wasp flew close by me, and I flinched, wildly looking around for it. It had disappeared, thank goodness. I proceeded in the old high school building where kindergarten was held, and took off my sweater and hung it in the little locker and went to my class. A few minutes later, there was a commotion in the hall, and when I went out to see what was up, I found that another girl had opened the shared locker to hang her jacket, and THERE WAS THE WASP ON MY RED SWEATER !?!?!!?!?!?

Well, the teacher made short work of the wasp, but I was absolutely and totally convinced that the only reason that wasp had landed on me was because of that FLOWERED DRESS, and I NEVER wore it again. EVER. Totally traumatized for life.......... :) BTW, did I tell you that I don't like bees ? haha

PS - That is not the only BEE incident in my life. I have many more, but those are stories for a different day :)

A beautiful good bye

2012-01-16T05:48:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, when I saw the beautiful morning sunrise out my back window, I KNEW it was going to be a great day, in all respects. I was actually looking forward to Theresa's funeral, because I wanted to be around those who loved her, and to be uplifted by the tributes given. I was not disappointed.

She was buried in the Roy City Cemetery. It was a beautiful sunny day, and pretty warm. I look forward to visiting her gravesite, and seeing the headstone and epitaph, which is perfect - "We know, because our Mother told us".........

Theresa's daughter Britney with her son Tyson, and nephew Conner. The little ones were so cute and curious. There were not alot of tears, and I could imagine Theresa smiling down with happiness at her family and knowing that all was well.

Baby Shower !

2012-01-14T17:57:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Camryn for helping me with the invitations

Thanks to Mom and CJ and LuAnn for being there when I couldn't. Thanks to all who came to support Kacey. This new little one will be here before we know it. Love the diaper cake CJ !!

Life is good - and funny !

2012-01-13T07:25:00.000-07:00

2 for 2 Pay it Forward

2012-01-12T06:43:00.001-07:00

This is Shaylee

Shaylee is our niece, born to Roger's youngest brother Kelly and his wife Michelle. She is most likely Ben and LuAnn's last grandchild (not counting the greats and great greats to come :). Their family is currently living in Korea, and only LuAnn has met Shaylee in person, but we all love her and look forward to meeting her when they get home in a couple of years. She's a sweetie - just look at that smile :)

Shaylee was born with Down Syndrome, and has already had to face challenges in her young life. Please click here to read a beautiful blog post about another little girl, Nella, and other beautiful kids who "possess the magic of the extra 21st chromosome"

If you like, you can donate in Shaylee's name to the NDSS (National Down Syndrome Society) " whose mission is to to be the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome."

Last year I donated in honor of Logan Manning, son of my good friends Dave & Michelle Manning. This year I will donate in Shaylee's honor. Maybe you have someone who you would like to honor? Click here to donate. Every little bit helps.

My birthday

2012-01-11T06:17:00.001-07:00

Zac and CJ and the boys brought supper up on Monday night. It was Bean and Biscuit Casserole, and Landon and Kacey brought the dessert - Brownie cake with ice cream and toppings. It was great to just come home from work and not have to worry about supper, and to have my family there most of all. I love them so much. The little boys played, and the adults talked, I read a book to the boys and it was a very nice birthday.

Amanda and Bren and Cam and Cam sent a card. Here is what it said:

By Camryn
I love you so much
I miss you so much, but I'm coming in March, 14,15,16,17,18
Happy Birthday and
I really need you
I miss you so much and
I love you so much
I love you gramma

This is from the dogs
We all love you,
Yep, that was from the dogs.

Until we meet again...............

2012-01-10T04:52:00.002-07:00

Theresa Hodges Hyde March 10, 1963 - January 10, 2012

The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen. - ― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

My dear dear friend, Theresa Hodges Hyde passed away this morning at 12:30 am. Bless her heart, she waited until after my birthday. Her last gift to me. No - not the last......I know she will be watching over, and inspiring me for the rest of my life. Words can't describe the things she taught me. She always made me feel good about myself, she encouraged me, she LOVED me.. Oh, how I will miss her.......

We are officially egg farmers:)

2012-01-09T10:09:00.000-07:00

As you can see, the chickens are laying ! In the last week and a half they have produced 24 eggs ! Cam said we had to wait till we got the egg carton filled before eating :)

The Barred Rock chicken lays the beautiful big fat brown eggs

The Silky Chicken lays little pinkish eggs

The Araucana Chicken lays large tall green eggs

This can be a dangerous profession (haha) - no, I didn't get pecked, I just snagged my arm on the chicken wire.

Saturday was the day - and the boys were the taste testers. Treyson tried a green egg first (no ham :), and Tagg a little pink one.

Then..............they wanted more, so Treyson had a brown one, and Tagg a green one. They gobbled them up !

Tagg likes eggs with his ketchup :)

Can you tell I'm getting excited ??

2012-01-08T08:15:00.000-07:00

Doesn't it just make you want to pinch some cheeks ?

Well...............I asked for it !

2012-01-07T08:26:00.000-07:00

Is is really Winter ?

2012-01-06T00:10:00.001-07:00

Yesterday - Right out my back window..............

Go back to January 1965, and WOW ! What a winter we had that year :) I'm wearing a coat that my mom made. She entered it in the Morgan County Fair, and won SWEEPSTAKES !

And this was the year before, January 1964. We made a snowman, and called him Ned.

I had a book called "Snow, Snow" I had the book completely memorized.
Snow, Snow, do you like snow?
Do you like it? Yes or No........
Do you like it in your face?
YES! I like it anyplace.
In that book, the kids built a snowman named Ned.
Ned will have to have a hat,
his hat is on, just look at that.
Oh no ! That sun has come out fast !
Do you think Ned is going to last?.........
The biggest snowman of them all,
is very, very, very small :(

**Can you tell where we were living at the time?
Do you know where Tom Birt lives now?
That's the place !
***Also - take a look at mom's stylin' boots and crop pants - in the middle of winter !?!
Love you mom !

My dad built a toboggan. The road to Round Valley (and my Grandpa and Grandma Tonks' home) was not paved. We would drive to just about where Dan and Carol Wilkinson live now, and unload from the car, and dad would hook the toboggan up to the hitch with a rope, and we would pile on with all of our cousins. Dad never went too fast, but it sure felt like it, being pulled behind the car. We'd drive up to Grandma's and go in and get warm, and then drive back down to where we started. One trip was usually enough to satisfy us, because snow clothing 40+ years ago, is NOT like it is today.

We will miss her - as always..........

2012-01-03T22:05:00.001-07:00

Here she is with Grandpa and Grandma "D". It's funny, that we all call them that, and not Dickson. Camryn is lucky - she has 4 Great Grand parents in Morgan and one in Arizona (Grandma Severino). When I was her age, I only had one GREAT grandparent - Grandma Dawson.

Here she is with Grandpa and Grandma Rich, also known as Grandpa and Grandma "Ben". When I was younger, my kids (Manda, Zac, Landon) referred to my parents as Grandpa and Grandma Dickson, and to my Grandparents as "Grandpa and Grandma Dickson WITH THE CHICKENS". That is how they told the difference. Maybe now that we have chickens, we'll be known and Grandpa and Grandma Rich WITH THE CHICKENS, instread of Grandpa Roger and Grandma Gwen. Either way - we love it :)

Treyson and Tagg will sure miss her too !

Camryn Dee - until next time :)

Winding down............

2012-01-01T22:25:00.000-07:00

We received a BEAUTIFUL gingerbread house from Tim Poll and Justin Batty this year. After looking at it for about a week, we let the kids go for it and dismantle for eating :)

I taught Cam how to use EXCEL, and she entered over 100 names and info into about 5-6 different columns. She is smart and amazing !

She had fun playing Yankee Doodle on mom's piano

Look at all of the eggs we have ! And FINALLY a GREEN one ! Cam and Grandpa Roger were so excited :)

Cam borrowed one of the Brooks girls dresses, and we went to church with Treyson and Tagg. We survived !! With the help of Grandma Ben and her NECCOS, we lasted through Sacrament Meeting, and then Primary. It was a miracle (haha).

Tonight we made homemade pizza and Landon and Kacey came up for dinner. Tomorrow we'll take the left overs to Zac and Grandpa "D".

And last but not least, we are raising some amazing dancers in our family. I don't know WHERE they get all of their energy.

A trip to Hardware Ranch

2011-12-31T19:18:00.000-07:00

Our Queen and King and Prince

At the visitor's center the kids could make different animal tracks in the sandbox.

There were stuffed animals, and furs to touch, including a badger, beaver, skunk, bear, etc.

The kids were very good waiting in line for the wagon ride out to see the elk herd.

It was pretty warm, and that's a good thing because we had a hard time keeping Tagg's belly covered :)

We didn't see many "daddy" elk. No big horns at all. Mostly cows.

It was a great day !

The fun never ends !

2011-12-31T13:24:00.000-07:00

Thursday happenings

2011-12-30T10:42:00.000-07:00

Another egg !

We went to visit Dee Dee, but she wasn't home. We had a great visit with Steve, and Cam loved their cute kittens.

We sewed some burp clothes for the new babies.

In the evening we headed down to Zoo Lights at the Hogle Zoo.

We met Erika and her family there. We had a wonderful warm time.

Two little hatchlings

Playing with the wild things

Caught in a web

Cam's 2nd day in Utah

2011-12-29T09:08:00.001-07:00

Drawing pictures for everyone

Making and frosting cookies

Playing Basketball

We made Hawaiian Haystacks and had supper at Zac and CJ's with the family. Then we JUST DANCED !!

Ever wonder where Cam gets her ability to "Shake it"? - check out the video below :)

Yesterday was busy !

2011-12-28T14:12:00.001-07:00

They love the swing - but Cam is such a "nervous nellie" :)

Not too much snow, and it wasn't good for packing. It was SUGAR snow.

Of course they remembered Summer, and wanted to play in the barn ! It wasn't too cold.

Three Yay hoos - Treyson is almost passing her in height.

I fixed spaghetti for supper - Blakley came up too.

Guess what is in the box ?!?! She kept a tight lid on it :)

Thanks to Mark and Stephanie (for the chickens) and Zac and CJ (for the coop) - we are now CHICKEN farmers :)

What really matters

2011-12-27T05:50:00.000-07:00

“When we have sampled much and have wandered far and have seen how fleeting and sometimes superficial a lot of the world is, our gratitude grows for the privilege of being part of something we can count on—home and family and the loyalty of loved ones. We come to know what it means to be bound together by duty, by respect, by belonging. We learn that nothing can fully take the place of the blessed relationship of family life.”

- President Thomas S. Monson

- Cam comes today........ :)

What we all should do...............

2011-12-25T04:00:00.001-07:00

Click on the image to enlarge, and read the words carefully - Beautiful !

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth (literally) !

2011-12-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

After the boys left my house they went over to the shop with their dad. While racing around on scooters, Tagg had an accident. Out popped two front teeth ! He was such a trooper. You never would have known anything was wrong as he had fun at the Dickson Family Christmas party 2 hours later !

Christmas Cookies anyone?

2011-12-23T16:43:00.001-07:00

What good helpers !

They had such fun, and were so proud of their creations

First batch in the oven

Look at that CLEAN shirt :)

What I needed x 3 to get me through the morning

Now comes the FUN part :)

Yes - I'm adding a disclaimer to these cookies that I'm taking to our family Christmas party. The note will say the following: These cookies were made and frosted by two little boys........just sayin'.......

No - we are NOT giving these treats out to friends and neighbors, I promise :)

Are you ready for Christmas?

2011-12-23T03:12:00.001-07:00

I'm watching these two yahoos this morning while Christel goes to the doctor. We may attempt sugar cookies, per Grandpa's request. We have our 2nd batch of caramels, white choc covered pretzels, carmeled popcorn, tons of cookies, divinity, fudge......... and he's still feeling deprived :)

BTW - have you googled "Let it Snow"? - You ought to try it. May be the only snow we get for Christmas :)

Old Times I don't remember :)

2011-12-22T04:00:00.002-07:00

When I was about a year old, I lived with my parents in Salt Lake City. Dad was going to school at the University of Utah. We lived in a place called "Cleggs". I think this was the name of the people who owned the house, and we lived in the basement. It was on about 9th East and 2700 South. I think they must have been rich? and I'm not sure how mom and dad scored a place to live there, but I remember driving by in later years, and if I remember correctly there was a big wall all around the place. It must have been a huge yard/acreage, right there in the middle of the city. There was a pond, with swans and ducks.............

There was also an in-ground swimming pool. Here I am with mom, and my Aunt Dawna (mom's sister), and my cousin Dianne Whittier. I think Dawna and Diane were in their early teens, and mom was about 25 years old. Mom's pregnant (big) with my brother Lance, but you can't tell it.

Mom and Me :) - I feel like this is a brand new picture, I've never seen before ! In the one hard copy I have, we are only about 1/2 inch square. When I scanned it I used high resolution and cropped it in close, so I could blow it up big. We look so happy, I bet that was a GREAT day. I love this picture !

This picture was taken on my dad's 25th birthday - July 29, 1962. These are my cousins, Dick Whittier, Joan Whitaker (Adams) and Bret Whittier (back), and Pauline Dickson (Preece) and Jack Whittier, and Kent Dickson (front). Man alive, we are all about 50 years older now...........The years passed by so quickly.

And I didn't even swear.................

2011-12-21T05:40:00.000-07:00

I was getting ready to boil eggs for a macaroni salad. It was going to be a BIG salad, so LOTS of eggs :) I always put my eggs in the pan and THEN fill with water before putting on the stove. I filled the pan (with eggs), set it on the counter with the handle positioned NOT so well, turned around a few seconds later, and WHAM BAM THANK YOU MA'AM - it's on the floor. All I could do was stand there and stare.......and then call the little boys who we were tending, to come and see the mess that Grandma made !! Goodness Gracious and Darn It All to Heck :)

Doesn't look like we'll have snow for Christmas :(

2011-12-20T04:00:00.000-07:00

Dodge Ball Christmas Party Fun

2011-12-19T08:42:00.000-07:00

Keep your eye on Tagg - he is so funny !!

Get ready to smile :)

2011-12-18T04:00:00.000-07:00

CJ's birthday

2011-12-17T11:43:00.000-07:00

We had lunch at Taggart's yesterday - just the girls and one little boy !

Happy 27th Christel ! We love you

Gratitude x 100

2011-12-16T10:58:00.002-07:00

In our church magazine (The Ensign) this month, there was a suggestion to list what you are grateful for. I've done so below. It was harder than I thought it would be....... While some of them are in no particular order, some are. Some came to me right off, and others took awhile to think about, and I probably missed something I should have thought about, but oh well. Here goes:

Physical Abilities
1. Eyesight
2. Hearing
3. Health
4. Roger's new knee
5. Walk
6. Talk
7. No pain to speak of
8. Brain
9. I Sleep well, and apparently I snore well too, according to Rog.
10. I'm able to read

Material Possessions
1. Our home
2. Our vehicles
3. Our property
4. The furnishings in our home (my couch - wink wink)
5. Our clothing
6. Trampoline for the grandkids
7. My computer :)
8. Our jobs
9. 4-wheeler (so Rog can plow the driveway)
10. THE Property

Living People
1. Roger D. (thanks for working so hard, and for putting up with me ;)
2. Our children and their spouses (we are so blessed)
3. Our grandchildren (4 + 2 in the oven :)
4. My Parents (none better, I love them so much)
5. Mark and Kuk (my siblings)
6. Roger's Family (The Rich's are a GREAT family)
7. My Friends (you KNOW who you are)
8. My co-workers (couldn't do without you)
9. Elder Craig Fisher (for too many reasons to mention)
10. Elder Michael Rose (he was a savior in his own way and I'll never forget it)

Deceased People
1. Ambure (our daughter)
2. Tonya and Lance (my sister and brother)
3. My Grandparents
4. My Ancestors
5. Uncles and Aunts
6. Colleen Wiggill
7. Sandy Wilson
8. President Hinckley
9. Vera Carter
10. Lori Richins

Nature
1. The Sun
2. Blue sky
3. Summer thunderstorms
4. Animals
5. Cool breeze on a hot day
6. Snow for Christmas
7. Fall leaves
8. The smell of lilacs
9. Rainbows
10. Green grass

Today
1. A day off work
2. A productive morning
3. A good furnace
4. Lunch at Taggarts for C.J's birthday
5. Good weather
6. I get to tend the boys tonight
7. A day to bake
8. A day to sew
9. A day to blog :)
10. Landon and Kacey got Motab tickets for tonight

Places on Earth

1. Morgan
2. Utah
3. United States of America
4. Peru
5. Zions National Park
6. Oceans
7. Seattle
8. Beaches
9. Disneyland
10. Chandler, AZ :)

Modern Inventions
1. Computers
2. Cell phones
3. Cars
4. Medicine
5. Dishwasher
6. DVR and HDTV
7. Electricity
8. Indoor plumbing
9. Central Air
10. Internet :)

Food
1. Pizza
2. Schezwan Chicken at Maple Garden
3. Creamy Artichoke Soup at Taggart's
4. The "Dickson" pumpkin pie
5. Tangees at Steph's
6. Larry's craisin chicken salad
7. Pepsi (sorry Annette - I'm hopeless)
8. Subway sandwiches
9. Laughing Cow Lite Swiss Cheese Wedges
10. Almonds

Gospel Related
1. My Savior
2. Heavenly Father
3. Joseph Smith
4. Book of Mormon
5. President Monson
6. Apostles
7. The Plan of Salvation
8. Repentance
9. Temples
10. My Testimony

Love this song!

2011-12-14T04:00:00.000-07:00

Arizona Christmas Tree

2011-12-13T05:35:00.000-07:00

Cam Schutt decorated the entire tree. She did an excellent job. They called last night, and she is sounding so grownup. Roger and I both commented on it. Only 2 days after Christmas and she'll be here for a visit !! I think I'll have her help me take my tree down :)

Almost forgot Tia !!!

2011-12-12T12:45:00.000-07:00

Tagg loves Grandma Shirlee's little doggie. They are so cute together.

Spooky, Zipper, Rawley, Barclay, Nick, and now........Zoey.....Oh and don't forget Dorky (I mean Rusty)

2011-12-11T00:00:00.001-07:00

Spooky - named as such because we got her on Halloween in 1988. She was part cocker-spaniel, and part Australian Shepherd. We had her for many years, and she was a lovable dog. She had one surprise batch of puppies before we had her fixed, and she lived to a good old age of 14.

Manda's first dog was Zipper (part Australian Shepherd). As I remember, Manda brought him home from Tenielle Peterson's when she was about 15 or 16 (1996). He was to be her dog, but soon wound up being Zac's dog. Zip was a great dog. We could throw things, and he'd fetch them right back. We had him about 10 years, before he was hit by a car in front of our house :(

After Manda moved to Arizona in 1998, she and Therese acquired this tiny little thing (haha) - he started out that way, but Rawl-dog (part pit bull) soon grew and grew and grew. He was such a good dog, and he came home to Utah with Manda and Cam in 2004. Unfortunately, one day while out playing with Zipper, he was hit and killed by a car in front of our house also :*( It was a sad sad time.

Soon after Manda and Cam moved back to Arizona in 2008, this cute little lovable dog (part poodle) was acquired. Barclay is a sweetheart. He is getting a little older now, and slowing down, but what a lovable little doggie. This is Cam's puppy. He is always really hard to get a picture of because he is so black and fluffy, and his face just disappears.

And this is Nick with Grandpa Roger :) Nick is an Italian Greyhound, and is just as lovable as Barclay. This is Cam Claussen's dog, and he is as smart as can be. He likes to hide under blankets.

And now they have Zoey. He is a SHE, and her BIG head kind of looks like Rawley, so Manda thinks she is part pitbull also. Zoey is an early Christmas present for Manda from Bren. She is about a year old. We can hardly wait to meet her ! She weighs about 35 pounds now, and dwarfs the other dogs in the house.

And we can't forget Rusty ! He is part Dachshund and part Yorkie, so I think that's a Dorky. Rusty is Treyson and Tagg's puppy. He's a little "wired", but a fun little dog none the less.

Steph is probably laughing right now, because of this "dog" post. I'm not really a dog person......... but I'm glad my kids are, and I like THEIR dogs at THEIR homes :) Arf! Arf!

Cluck of the Bells :)

2011-12-08T04:00:00.001-07:00

The Babies are growing !!

2011-12-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

In a little over 2 months (maybe almost 3months) these two will be here !!

Can you tell Grandma is excited?

Can you guess which baby belongs to which family?

One of the babies will most likely have a "T" name. It's pretty much decided. Can you guess what the "T" name will be? Something that goes with Treyson and Tagg, but doesn't sound like them AT ALL. 2 syllables...... Treyson is having a hard time pronouncing it with his lisp. This little one looks like he might be a THUMB SUCKER ! CJ is having a hard time with that, but I TOTALLY love babies that can sooth themselves. Manda was a major thumb sucker, and Cam sucks two fingers even now when she's tired. (hope she isn't reading this blog !)

Baby #2 looks like he might come early if the measurements are correct. He has BIG thighs ! This will serve him well, as he will be squatting to catch the ball in baseball. He's going to be a catcher after all, both his parents were, right?? Lando and Kacey are having a hard time deciding on a name, and I've quit suggesting names because everyone gets a thumbs down :) Landon really likes Leonides, but everything seems to think it's some kind of disease :)

February (and hopefully not March) can't come soon enough. You know it's a leap year, and if both babies were born on the 29th, I think that would be so neat and unique. Their mom's don't think so though. I better get busy on the little faux chenille blankets I'm making !!

So..........did you guess which baby belongs to Landon and Kacey, and which baby belongs to Zac and Christel?? Look closely, re-read the post, and you might just figure it out.

PS - there are NO THIGHS in the picture above :)

I'd better get those presents wrapped !

2011-12-06T12:51:00.001-07:00

Elf #1 No matter how many times I try - this picture WILL NOT upload right side up :( Oh well, cock your head to the right, okay? It's worth it :)

Elf #2

These two little elves almost spoiled their WHOLE Christmas, by opening our bedroom door. I better get busy wrapping !

Also, if you want to take a peak at what Treyson and Roger D. are talking about, click here.

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

2011-12-04T04:00:00.003-07:00

If I could have my tree decorated every year by these two, I would. I'm not very picky - you can't be, with kids. I love the job they did. I have tons of homemade ornaments dating back to when my kids were little. It was fun telling the kids what they were, and who made them, and whose picture it was. It was a wonderful evening.

Moving and Eating :)

2011-12-03T04:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Santa

2011-12-02T15:49:00.000-07:00

Holy Wind Storm !!

2011-12-01T17:01:00.000-07:00

Had I listened to the radio before leaving Morgan this morning a 7am, I might not have gone to Salt Lake. As it was, the weather was BEAUTIFUL on this side of the mountain, and I just WHIZZED down the canyon.................maybe a little too fast? Must have been the wind pushing me. I first noticed it when I turned on the clover leaf to head South, and by the time I reached the top of the hill by HAFB exit, I tuned my radio to KSL - Holy Wind Storm !!

It was kind of scary actually.

What I saw being blown over and around by the wind?

Fences
Trees
Siding
Shingles
Traffic signals
Signs
Garbage Cans
Playhouses
Dog houses
Trampolines
Semi's
Dirt
Debris

It was a crazy sight !

This poor man's shingles.............. Just made me sick for them.

It was stop and go on the Mountain Road (aka Highway 89) because of the power outage to the stop lights, and then on the radio it said I-15 was shut down, and so everyone INCLUDING ME took Legacy.

I arrived at my destination in Salt Lake about 45 minutes behind schedule, but I made it.

I didn't head home until about 3:00 pm, and the wind while still strong, had died down considerably. The damage it left behind was pretty bad. One home lost 80% of it's siding, and I saw multiple homes with 90% of the shingles GONE !!

On the last exit to come up the canyon, ANOTHER semi bit the dust. Glad to be home safe and sound.

Simple moments - Simply Wonderful

2011-11-29T06:04:00.000-07:00

Our Arizona Grandkids

2011-11-27T13:25:00.000-07:00

Camryn Dee (7 years) - Cameron (8 years)

What we did - Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-25T01:27:00.000-07:00

Roger carving the turkey at mom and dad's home

We had quite the spread

We ate

Planned Black Friday strategies

Wrestled

Played Games

Hiked down to the Burn Pile

All of the girls except Gwen and Kuk

Alot of smoke at first. Don't worry, we called the fire chief and let him know, so that we wouldn't have the fire engine pulling up

All of the boys, except Grandpa, Zac and Roger and Mark

Snowball fights galore !

It's all fun and games until someone gets a face full !

Lando and Kacey

The Dickson Family (minus Mark who didn't feel well, and was resting at the house)

Mom and Dad - Grandma and Grandpa - Veloy and Lee

The Rich Family, minus our AZ family :(

Zac and CJ and Tagg and Treyson

Bettinson Bunch

Such a funny cute picture - Love the snow on the head :)

Back to the house for PIE!!

Naps were taken

By everyone it seemed

Wherever they could find a spot

Last but not least - the Thankful Tree, thanks to CJ

It was a great day, great food, great fun, great family.

We are so very blessed !

I am thankful for..............................

2011-11-24T01:14:00.000-07:00

A little bit of this.................a little bit of that..............

2011-11-20T18:58:00.001-07:00

A show..................

12:10 am Friday morning, new Centerville Megaplex

Carol was a trooper on her crutches, even though her girls got the tickets CLEAR at the top of the theater :)

Some Snow !!

Out with the old - in with the new

Off with the old dark faded brown, on with the new light taupe.

More fun pics from our Wedding Weekend (At the wedding) !

2011-11-18T03:26:00.001-07:00

Grandpa Ben, Grandma LuAnn, Roger D. & Linda

Rich Men !! Zac, Ben, Roger, Landon

Our children and Camryn Dee

Grandpa Roger and Cam - kickin' up their heels !

Dickson Boys - Jaden, Dallin & Devin

Zac and CJ - enjoying the game room

More fun pics from our Wedding Weekend (Before the wedding)!

2011-11-17T06:39:00.000-07:00

Finally got dad to SMILE for a picture - that's hard to do !

Landon and Kacey

This is their life !

Linda, LuAnn, Kacey - (I don't think I got ONE picture of Bruce this weekend !)

Kuk and Aaron

Manda and Elle - so glad we finally got to meet this little one, and I was able to hold her. She's a sweetie. Apparently I'm the only one who thinks she looks like her daddy. Everyone else says she's a momma look-a-like.

Manda with two of her BFF - Jody Demler and Therese Haapala (and of course baby Elle)

Taylor Swift

OH !! It's Camryn ?!?! Kacey did her hair up so pretty :)

Hanging out at the rehearsal dinner

Dang that blurry picture ! Mark, Roger D. Bren, Landon

Don't let that uncomfortable face fool you. Cameron may hate having his picture taken, but he is fascinated with Grandpa Ben, that's for sure. Next to his dad and Grandpa Jeff, I've never seen anyone be able to make him smile more than Grandpa Ben.

Happily ever after..............

2011-11-15T22:13:00.001-07:00

Right after the ceremony :)

Untitled from Gwen Rich on Vimeo.

Grandpa Roger and Camryn dancing - it was a wonderful reception !

Mr. and Mrs. Claussen

2011-11-13T06:05:00.000-07:00

Get ready, get set...........

2011-11-11T06:42:00.000-07:00

Who would have thought 30 years ago...........

......that this little girl

............and this little boy

Would find themselves happily together................

Tomorrow is the BIG DAY !

Love these boys :)

2011-11-09T09:03:00.001-07:00

Their beds are in the living room while their room and the baby's room get a makeover.

I'm wishing so badly they were going to AZ for the wedding........... I even checked on a ticket for Treyson, but it was totally outrageous at this late date :(


Wondering about the roof? Yes, it's done !! Wahoo................. Now he's starting on the soffit and fascia !

Scream TWO !?

2011-11-06T07:35:00.000-07:00

Which Cam is which?? I'm guessing the "poser" in the bottom photo is Camryn Dee. I bet she used the purple bat pillowcase I made her for her "stash". What happened to my little princess ? :)

Between work, family history, making quilts, roofing.............

2011-11-04T07:16:00.000-06:00

..........I want to remember Amanda's daily phone calls and emails to me. Lately they have been on the increase as the BIG DAY approaches. She is nervous, excited, worried, needs reassurance and advice.......none of these emotions relates to her decision to marry, but about all of the planning and preparation it takes to pull off the wedding of her dreams. She and Bren have handled all of the details and decisions and finances, and we are so happy and proud of them. They are working hard and making good choices for themselves and their children and their future. Amanda is wise beyond her years. She "gets" me, and even though we have different views on major life issues, we are there for each other, and we don't judge or force our views on each other. Amanda is a good listener, and I feel I can tell her my feelings, and she is SMART ! I always value her insight on things that I am overlooking in myself. Amanda was raised as the "first child", and received all of the good/bad things that come along with that. She turned out great, despite the mistakes of her mom (mostly) and her dad. She is VERY RESPONSIBLE, and is a wonderful daughter and mother. I love you Manda (please move closer :)

...........I want to remember Zac's lastest project - THE ROOF. It seems he always has a project, and we are always there to help him. That is what we do. Kimbal said the other day, "One thing about the Rich's they are always there to help each other out". That is true. Honestly, we interact and socialize with Zac's little family almost exclusively in a WORK situation/project/environment - and IT IS FUN !! It makes me smile when Zac is happy. His whole face lights up with that lop-sided grin, and he teases and makes off-hand remarks, and I love to be around him when he's like that. He is definately a PROJECT MANAGER, and he's great at it. He has no problem lining me and Roger out, and I love it. I love to make pizza for Zac. It's one of his favorites, and I know he likes to get the call, "Why don't you guys come on up for pizza!". Sometimes Zac and I get on each others nerves. I suppose this is because we are the most alike. I could psychoanalyze our relationship all day long (but I won't).......we both need to work on not worrying so much and always dreaming up the worst case scenarios. I suppose we can blame that on Grandma Dickson (with the chickens), and Grandpa D. (Lee). Hey ! it just occurred to me, Zac has chickens and is loving it ! Maybe one day he'll be known as Grandpa Rich (with the chickens). I love you Zachary, please be patient with me as a mom.

...........I want to remember the frequent times Landon tells me about his day and I can hear the excitement and pleasure and thankfulness in his voice as he talks about his new position at work. He is so busy and learning so many different things and loving it. He tells me about his goals, and I know he wants to be a good provider for his family. Landon is a pleaser and peacemaker and a positive person. He truly wants to make everyone happy, makes sure you are okay with things, and is concerned about feelings. He is a light in our family, to each one of us. He makes us smile. He is excited to be a father, and I look forward to seeing his son in his arms. Landon is a hugger, and I always get a hug from him. I love those hugs. His brother and sister would tell you that I baby him, and I won't deny it. He will always be my "baby". In fact, a funny story - the other day we were on the top of Zac's roof working, and I was concerned that Landon wasn't warm enough, and I kept asking him if he wanted me to get him a coat or sweatshirt, and Zac turned to me with this wry cockeyed grin and said, "For Pete's sake, he's a BIG BOY, if he's cold he'll get on something warmer". We all started laughing, Zac, Roger, my Dad, me AND Landon. It's just the way it is - mama worrying about her baby boy. Love you Lando !!

I want to remember Bren's notice (and pleasure) of my conversation with the "crab catchers" on the beach in Cali. His love of Camaro's, and computers, and catching the bad guys who commit financial fraud.

I want to remember CJ's happy, adventurous and carefree attitude, and how excited she is about Edward and Bella's upcoming wedding (Let the feather's fly !)

I want to remember Kacey's care of her mom for the past few weeks - what a great daughter. She'll be a great help to Landon as he takes care of me in his old age (haha) - didn't know you signed up for that, huh Kacey?

I want to remember Cam's joy when she sees us after a long absence, and trying to be strong and hide her tears when the time is over :(
I want to remember Cameron's excitement at the gift of the new lego character that he didn't have already, and how he likes to tease Roger :)
I want to remember Treyson's non-stop talking, and love of stories about monsters and dinosaurs and all things scary.
I want to remember Tagg's hugs and lispy talk, as he says, "sawree gwamma", and the curly hair, and stubbornness.

I want to remember these feelings of excitement - We are getting TWO NEW GRANDBABY BOYS!! I've been trying out names on the parents, but so far there are no takers for......SLADE, REED, CONNER, TUCKER, TALON, TALMAGE...........oh well, what's a Grandma to do ? :) - I guess just keep remembering and documenting so that we can all remember these days of our lives.

Thanks to Stephanie for this idea :)

Look alikes

2011-11-03T06:05:00.001-06:00

Manda will be marrying one of these guys next week........ can you tell which one?

PS -He lost the beard yesterday (so I hear), in preparation for the BIG DAY. Hopefully his soon to be future father-in-law will follow suit and get a haircut this weekend, because if he doesn't I will #1 - leave him home, OR #2 Manda will ban him from the venue :)

Please...........just one more GOOD day !!

2011-11-02T06:29:00.000-06:00

Shingling commenced on Saturday, and we worked HARD

And played a little too !

But the weekend wasn't long enough - even with Monday afternoon thrown in, and here we are with a roof that still isn't completely shingled and bad weather yesterday (snow !!). We just need ONE MORE reasonably warm day.

The Day After ................

2011-11-01T04:00:00.000-06:00

The closest I'll ever get to a BEE - I was freaking her out, can you tell ?!?

Count Dracula aka Treyson

A Witchie Poo and her wee ones........ Tagg the Ghost was NOT HAPPY

I took Treyson and Tagg to the MOST SPECTACULAR Spooky Maze in Morgan. It was awesome, and the boys LOVED IT. I just about couldn't get them out of there. This will definitely become an annual event.

Even though I accidentally cut off the EVIL Clown's head, I love this picture. Take a look at Tagg's face. They were loving it. Thanks to Sherie Staples and her family !! What a show !!!

Happy Halloween !

2011-10-31T07:03:00.004-06:00

You always knew I was a little bit off - right?
Thanks to CJane for the link

Home (Yard) Invasion !

2011-10-28T11:43:00.001-06:00

Today - Treyson went to visit someone, but SHE wasn't home, so he chatted with this green faced man on her front porch !

THEN - we put our lives in jeopardy and visited the BEES !!!

Treyson with the chickens !!! They are much bigger than his chickens, and we peeked and saw some eggs !!

Treyson wanted his picture taken by these rotten squashes !! What a funny kid :)

And this is Treyson with the LEAF PILE - somebody needs to GET BUSY !! P.S. we did get permission to invade your yard from a certain son who I think we woke when we rang the bell :)

This is the very best time of the year in my opinion !

47 years of shake shingles.............gone !!

2011-10-23T04:13:00.000-06:00

Friday night - front side over the garage - gone !


Saturday morning...is that someone laying down on the job already?

Left side over the master bedroom - almost history

Backside coming off................

We had to throw the shingles up and over the clean front side to get to the trailer

It sure was a mess, but tarps caught most of it

Late afternoon - doesn't that clean roof look great !

Last little bit - the sun just dropped over the mountain

Dirty crew....... (some of us) - oh what a day! (Roger, Gwen, Landon, Zac) Thanks to those not pictured - Christel, Treyson, Tagg, Kacey, Lee, Veloy, LuAnn, Jim, Shirlee, Rylee.......each of you had a part, whether is was wall paper removal duties inside, or Taggarino control :) or just making sure no one fell off the roof !!

A roofing contractor told CJ that it would take his 6 man crew approximately 4 days to remove cedar shakes on a roof this size..............Our "crew" handled it in a little over 12 hours. Of course, having Zac as the team leader probably helped !!!

Better late than never.......

2011-10-21T15:02:00.001-06:00

When Zachary get a bug to build something - he goes for it !

It is the Taj Mahal of all chicken coops

It's a great addition to their backyard

They ended up with 3 white leghorns, 3 Rhode Island reds, and 3 barred rocks, and one half breed

They have been really fun. Hopefully soon we'll have eggs !!

Temple Tripping :)

2011-10-09T23:14:00.001-06:00

Peru Missionary Moms Forever ! - Me, Theresa Hyde & Debbie Wright

3-4 inches of snow of the ground !

Overcast, but beautiful !

Theresa's Sister Kendra and kids, Mattie, Kyra, Grayson, & Ethan. What a CUTE little family. They graciously let us stay at their home in Rigby. Thanks again ! (Dave was busy watching BSU !!)

It warmed up, cleared up, and they were planting flowers around the temple grounds ! This temple was so busy, you needed an appointment ! What a wonderful two days we had. Love you Theresa !!

What is a party without Pirate Pete?

2011-10-02T14:30:00.002-06:00

Pirate Pete with Landon and Zac

Captain Treyson (right) with "little" Zac (Sargent)

First Mate - Tagg

Abby - #1 guest :)


The Dads - Kade, Zac, and Jace

The Moms - Amie, CJ, and Amber

Grandpa Jim and Grandma Shirlee

Grandma and Grandpa "D"

Landon and Kacey

Grandma and Grandpa Ben

Pirate Pete and his sidekick - who likes to take pictures, and who gets in trouble for taking them and posting them on the internet. Pirate Pete was such a great sport, and everyone was so impressed. He will do anything for CJ :)

Tagg was totally fascinated by The Balloon Man, who produced hats and swords over and over again.

We tried to get a group shot, but it was almost impossible, with 13 pirates, including Pirate Pete. The birthday boy isn't even in this picture, he's behind Pirate Pete and Abby.

A swash-bucklin' time was had by all !!

Happy 6th Birthday to the Captain !

2011-09-29T07:41:00.000-06:00

We received this invitation the other night - it must have "washed up" on our shores :)

Inside were orders from Captain Treyson ! Happy Birthday to our Pirate :) Click on the invite to read, it is definately worth it. CJ is SO creative !

Happy Birthday to the guy on the left............

2011-09-28T07:48:00.000-06:00

My GOSH - he was so YOUNG !! (CJ too)

Okay - Now he's on the right :)

Happy 3 0 Zachary. On September 28, 1981 you made us so very happy. Our first baby boy, all white and covered with "fur". We love you and your family very much. Thanks for EVERYTHING you do for all of us.

Living on Park Avenue :)

2011-09-26T23:18:00.001-06:00

Manda and Bren and company ;) recently moved into their new home. The old home is rented, they are getting settled, etc. etc. It's been a crazy month and a half. We are so happy for them.

Check out realtor pics on youtube, here

Notes from the MLS: BEAUTIFULLY RENOVATED HOME. NEW CUSTOM CABINETS. GRANITE SLAB COUNTERTOPS. NEW STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES. NEW 20' TILE FLOORING RUNS THROUGHOUT HOME EXCEPT FOR NEW CARPET IN THE BEDROOMS. ALL NEWBATHROOMS W/ TILE SURROUND TUB AND SHOWER. FRESHLY PAINTED INSIDE AND OUT. NEW ROOF.

Here are a few pics

1st project - paint the front door red - AWESOME

Dining/Formal living room

Somebody sleeping.............in her new room

I am SO jealous of those appliances !! Beautiful :)

Family Room - with Bren busily doing homework.

We can hardly wait to see the new home in person in November. Thanks for sending pics !!

Do you snore?

2011-09-26T07:59:00.002-06:00

These boys are pretty cute :)

2011-09-24T06:47:00.000-06:00

THREE before 30 !!

2011-09-18T07:51:00.001-06:00

It started out with rain and then sunshine before we left for Logan yesterday. Sardine Pass was horrible with rain coming down really hard, but thankfully as we dropped into the Cache Valley, it had cleared somewhat.

Landon and the little boys rode up with us. Zac and CJ were already there, and at this point Zac had been running for 1 1/2 hours.

At first we waited for him on main street, but he never came and never came...........we thought we had missed him and moved quickly to the finish line a couple of blocks east.

Grandpa and Grandma D. and the little boys waiting in the bleachers. We waited and waited, and I was starting to get worried as his first marathon time of 3:33 passed, and then 3:40........had something happened?

Finally at 3:54, here he comes ! It was a hard race for him, and he didn't feel the best afterwards. Quite an accomplishment though - 3 marathons, June 11th (Utah Valley Marathon), July 30th (Morgan Valley Marathon), and now September 17th (Top of Utah Marathon). Zac will turn 30 in 11 days. Way to go Zac !

Homecoming Parade

2011-09-17T07:24:00.001-06:00

I was brave and took the two little boys ALONE to the parade. We sat by the Hyde's and the Pentz's and had a great time. It was the typical high school parade, with trucks and trailers (or boats) for each grade, organization, team, etc, etc,. Only about 1/10th the candy thrown as compared to the Morgan County Fair Parade, but hey - those high schoolers don't have very big budgets, right??

Explained the finer points of PIXIE STICKS to my grandsons

Rain threatened, and it finally sprinkled, but didn't ruin the parade. There is definitely FALL IN THE AIR !!


The Hyde Family - Leslie will probably kill me ! Love ya LES !!


Joshua Pentz had a bunch of "SPACE" flash cards, and the boys were enthralled. What a cute family. It is great living in Morgan. On our left were the Hyde's and Aubrey is in Treyson's class, and on our right are the Pentz's and Ambrosia is also a classmate.

Speaking of Kindergarten, I snapped this cute picture just before the parade. Mrs. Carpenter FKA Carrie Watt is the best :)

Our life lately...........

2011-09-15T05:35:00.000-06:00

Fire Bugs

Dodging Bats

Swinging in the dark

Mom and Dad


Treyson's kindergarten class, can you pick him out? He's the tallest

Bride to be..... just a few more days !

Taggie

Cutest cheeks, he's a Hartman, that's for sure :)

Silly girls, Brittney, Sawyer and Cedar

Grandma and Shaylee in Korea - do you think you can sneak her home in a suitcase?

I visited the old Territorial Statehouse in Fillmore. There's Amy Jo in the corner :)

New project - Here come the chickens !

From Tree to Table - amazing :)

New Digs

2011-09-11T08:21:00.001-06:00

They are all moved in........
Not quite settled..........
Battling the occasional spider :)
Loving life !

WE LABORED on Labor Day Weekend (Saturday)

2011-09-04T07:31:00.001-06:00

We started EARLY, and the job ahead seemed almost impossible.

Zac and Roger had previously torn off the north end of the barn for easy access. This thing hadn't been cleaned out in DECADES.

We uncovered some writing in the cement - ZAC RICH 1995. We had poured new footings for the posts when Zac was only14 years old - now he's 25 days shy of 30 !

The little boys were in 7th heaven, be bopping from one adventure to another. By the end of the day, they had ridden in a tractor, an excavator, and a HUGE loader.

Grandma and Grandpa Ben came down to help and watch.

The little boys play in the loft........

....that was all nice and clean thanks to their dad. Sure wish Uncle Don was here to see all this. He would be amazed!

Even though Tagg didn't feel the best, he had a good day overall. We couldn't understand him when he talked, because it sounded like he had a mouth full of marbles. Unfortunately, they weren't marbles, but cold sores and cankers instead, poor little guy :*(

The finished product ! Can you believe it?

Then we did THIS !!!

These babies weighed 3000 to 3500 pounds each. Thanks to Roger Prescott and Dee Waldron we were able to get them hauled and placed :)

We ended up with THIS !!, which we will fill in for more parking.

It was a great day :)

First day on the bus = Excited little boys :O)

2011-08-31T22:18:00.003-06:00

Waiting for the bus with Megan and JP

Oh boy - they spotted it !!


Man, they climbed on that bus so fast, I could hardly get them to stand still for a picture. Treyson is heading for his 2nd day of Kindergarten, and Tagg for his first day of pre-school at the Elementary. Hope those teachers are prepared for the Rich boys !!

On a side note - A few nights ago, Amanda Hadlock from River's Edge Photography came up to the barnyard, and took some great pictures of the boys. Check them out here !

Rich Party at the Property

2011-08-27T05:12:00.001-06:00

We had a Birthday Bash at the Property to celebrate Grandpa Ben's 85th birthday today. Almost everyone was there. We had a surprise visit from Manda and her family from Arizona !! Yahoo !!

Here are a few pics.......... hopefully I'll post more on FB soon.

The little boys run across the bridge like no other. Makes me quite nervous. CJ too :) That's Layne in the background, not Roger D. They sure look alike though.

Kacey and Landon

Landon and Zac were such sports, helping everyone up and down the creek. Camryn and Treyson and all of the others LOVED floating the creek.

Trin and Sydney. Syd will probably never choose Trin as a "floating buddy" again.......... Too funny !

Cameron Claussen. I have to sneak these pics when I can. He's camera shy :) I think he really liked Morgan, floating the creek, and playing in the BARN. The barn was his favorite I think. Also, Grandpa Ben. He was quite intrigued with Grandpa Ben. I honestly don't know if he's been around someone who is 85 before..........he had some curious questions for him.

Boil Boil - Toil and Trouble.
Camryn Dee Witchie Poo

After the cold creek float, Tagg jumped right out, ran to the sandbox, and spreadout in the soft warm sand. I can't think of anything worse! Sand sticking to a wet body, but it didn't faze him one bit.

Two cute little babies :) Trapper and Kroix.


Tagg and Zac having fun on the creek

My only regret, is that I didn't get a family picture of all of OUR family. It was the first time we've all been together since Landon's wedding in April 2010. Also, that I didn't get a picture and Manda and Brendon's little family. DANG !! Oh well, guess we will get it done NEXT Summer, and we'll have two new babies - Yay!!!

PS - if anyone could talk Manda into moving back to Utah (Morgan), it would be Brendon I think :) He LOVED it !

PPS - I will get Vacation pictures from July posted someday.........I promise :)

Before and After

2011-08-25T05:34:00.000-06:00

Reminds you of the eye doctor, right? 1 or 2...........1 or 2............ The difference? 2 trees and 1 shed,GONE. Some great changes are coming to our barnyard. Who knows?, we may even have a couple of cows, a horse, some chickens? before we are through :O)

Announcing !

2011-08-23T07:24:00.001-06:00

Click to enlarge

Should have done that YEARS ago !

2011-08-22T12:00:00.004-06:00

We've had automatic sprinklers for 15+ years now. The zones however, have had to be turned on manually. This is Roger D's job, and he's done it well.

Since Rog had a week off when Cam was here, he and Zac decided to make everything AUTOMATIC. This involved a lot of work. Roger D did all of the digging UP and cleaning out while Zac was at work during the day, and every night when Zac got home, he and his family came up for 4 hours (for 4 nights in a row), and I fixed dinner for everyone, and the guys worked on the sprinkling system.

Mission accomplished - The system is working beautifully and AUTOMATICALLY, and Rog says the lawn has NEVER LOOKED BETTER. He may be turning into his dad. Every night he says, "Have you EVER seen such a beautiful lawn?", and after he mows it he just likes to sit on the front porch and admire the yard. I told him the other day, the only thing WRONG with it, was that we waited so long to do it ! He agreed :)

Happy Anniversary

2011-08-21T19:37:00.002-06:00

8 years and counting :)

North to Alaska

2011-08-17T04:00:00.000-06:00

Kacey and Landon..........somewhere in Alaska. They cruised to Ketchikan on Sunday or Monday, and now they are in Skagway. I googled Skagway, and it looks like it's a deadend, so I suppose they will be heading back tonight. By the few short texts I've received, it's sounds like they are having a GREAT time.

I Love old pictures :)

2011-08-16T06:44:00.000-06:00

Can you guess who?

This picture was probably taken in 1938 or 1939

They were standing by their grandpa's home on 200 East in Morgan

They are siblings

Only one is still living.............and she's 74 !

Fun Weekend !

2011-08-15T04:50:00.000-06:00


Splashpad in Riverdale - Hope to have one of these in Morgan by next summer. Keep your fingers crossed and DONATE NOW. Don't forget :)

Tagg

Treyson

CJ joined us after her doctor's appointment. NEXT month she and Zac will find out if we will be getting a little girl or little boy grandbaby :) Happy Day !

Ben and Lu at Relay for Life - Firday Night. I "won" a baby quilt, Avon "stuff", Dinner OUT in Ogden, and Rog got him a Browning Hat and knife. Spent TOO MUCH, but it's for a good cause. We sure enjoy this every year.

Manda - can you believe how much Sara's little girl looks like her? Boy this took me back about 28 years.....1983.....Loosli's......She wasn't took happy to be in the picture though. All of my cousin Joan's family was there to support her, it was a great thing to see.

Zac helped Rog change the belt on the lawnmower, and then the little boys proceeded to "decorate" it with chalk. We have drawings all over our cement. I LOVE it. Grandkids are GREAT !

Here it is August, and it's the first time we have floated the creek. This picture was right before Rog dropped his cellphone in the water :*( Gee, he won't be able to be on it 24/7 with the bakery (sniff sniff).

There they go........it was a fun float.

What's better than ONE grandbaby in late February ?

2011-08-13T21:11:00.012-06:00

No..................Not twins ;)


How about another grandbaby in early March ??

Yup, that's right !

Landon and Kacey are expecting !!

Congratulations you two :)

Fun Times - Life is Great !

2011-08-12T06:34:00.000-06:00

I still can't bring myself to sit down (FOR HOURS) to go through and edit all the pics, but here are a few highlights. We sure love our grandkids :)

Move, Learn, Eat...........

2011-08-10T21:47:00.001-06:00

MOVE from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

Don't think I've been any of these places - or maybe it's just too fast. Kinda makes me dizzy !

LEARN from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

Oh ya, I can relate to the LAST ONE ! Machu Pichu Peru !

EAT from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

Quite a few of these look VERY familiar !

Thanks to WORD TO YOUR MOTHER for sharing :)

Too many pictures - Too little time :)

2011-08-09T06:56:00.000-06:00

Over the past two weeks with vacation and Cam's visit, I've taken literally 100's of pictures. It's a bit overwhelming to think of editing, and sorting, and posting them all. Here is one really cute one the last night at the Rodeo. Treyson, Camryn, Tagg, and cousin, J.P. More to come later !

Guess who too?

2011-08-02T15:39:00.000-06:00

Camryn Dee Schutt

Splitting Logs

2011-07-23T00:51:00.000-06:00

Guess who?

2011-07-20T20:40:00.000-06:00