Families are Forever

2011-06-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

We have had 300 lb. visitor for the past couple of weeks.

He only liked our outdoor fridge, freezer and trash can!!!

Thank goodness he was caught this morning.....

2011-02-14T09:09:00.000-08:00

Kris I miss you so much. I think of you and start
to cry again. It will be so sweet to see you again and
to tell you again how much we love you.
I know that you can feel the words that are in our
hearts. Better stop now - my tears are falling again.
Love Mom xoxoxoxo

2011-01-12T19:06:00.002-08:00

Two months today
I miss you Kris

My First Christmas In Heaven

I see the countless Christmas Trees around the world below, with tiny lights, like heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear, for I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear, but the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring, for it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me. I see the pain inside your heart, but I am not so far away.

We really aren't apart. So be happy for me dear ones.

You know I hold you dear, and be glad I'm spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ this year.

I send you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above.

I send you each a memory of, my undying love.

After all "Love" is the gift, more precious than pure gold.

It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do, for I can't count the blessing or love he has for each of you.

So, have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear.

Remember, I'm spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ this year.

I love you Kris, Mom xoxoxo

2010-12-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

Please watch this!

2010-12-06T12:12:00.000-08:00

Helpful information that could save your life.

2010-12-03T09:07:00.000-08:00

I love you Kris and miss you so much

Awesome!

2010-11-09T15:51:00.001-08:00

Pretty Cool Rocket Stove

2010-10-15T15:30:00.001-07:00

2010-09-26T07:32:00.000-07:00

Something to show my family how easy it is to add to you foodstorage.
I loved this!

2010-09-24T10:08:00.000-07:00

I just saw the coolest way to sharpen a knife.
Thought I would pass it on to you!

2010-07-28T18:20:00.000-07:00

My Garden is growing!!

2010-05-23T18:14:00.000-07:00

Awesome trip to see family!!
Neil and I had an incredible trip to visit family.

I miss you all - the pictures bring back great memories.

Can't wait until the next time we are together.

Prepare for Things to Come.....

2010-02-13T05:06:00.000-08:00

Doctrine and Covenants 38:30
" If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear."

“Every father and mother are the family’s store keepers. They should store whatever their family would like to have in case of an emergency…(and) God will sustain us through our trials.” President James E. Faust

“We live in a most exciting and challenging period in human history. As technology sweeps through every facet of our lives, changes are occurring so rapidly that it can be difficult for us to keep our lives in balance. To maintain some semblance of stability in our lives, it is essential that we plan for our future. I believe it is time, and perhaps with some urgency, to review the counsel we have received in dealing with our personal and family preparedness. We want to be found with oil in our lamps sufficient to endure to the end.”- Elder L. Tom Perry, Ensign, Nov. 1995

"Many more people could ride out the storm-tossed waves in their economic lives if they had their year's supply of food. . . and were debt-free. Today we find that many have followed this counsel in reverse: they have at least a year's supply of debt and are food free." President Thomas S. Monson

“Maintain a year's supply. The Lord has urged that his people save for the rainy days, prepare for the difficult times, and put away for emergencies, a year's supply or more of bare necessities so that when comes the flood, the earthquake, the famine, the hurricane, the storms of life, our families can be sustained through the dark days. How many of us have complied with this? We strive with the Lord, finding many excuses: We do not have room for storage. The food spoils. We do not have the funds to do it. We do not like these common foods. It is not needed -- there will always be someone to help in trouble.

The government will come to the rescue. And some intend to obey but procrastinate.”

- The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p.375

Snow Days without power!!!

2010-01-24T16:14:00.001-08:00

Arizona Adventure

My 7' high garden filled with snow....

Some of our favorite things...

Rocket stove

Lantern and hurricane lamp...

Where is that wood pile anyway?

Snowshoes anyone?

Lots of wood to keep us warm...

We are so grateful to have POWER!!! Warm water, lights,
refrigerator and stove !!!!

No more cooking outside or packing the fridge with snow.....

We were finally dug out with a backhoe!!

What a WILD weekend freezing and playing Yahtzee!

2009-12-13T06:19:00.000-08:00

I thought this was a very tender Video of our Savior. The music is so beautiful and the moments in His life that are portrayed really touched my heart. Please take a few minutes this holdiay season and relax and feel His love for you.

2009-12-12T12:48:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was so much fun!!!
It would have been perfect if Kris, Alli and the children could have come.

I Love my family.................

2009-09-12T10:40:00.001-07:00

I am so excited. Neil has finally said yes to getting me a tent!!
It wil be a 16X24 and should have tons of room..
Hooray!!!

He is my hero.....

Owen and Alyssa's wedding

2009-08-22T08:44:00.000-07:00

We spent the weekend in Meas to attend Owen ands Alyssa's wedding.

They are such a cute couple and so much in love.

I have the most beautiful sisters and hansome brothers and greatest parents!!!!

It was fun to see family......

I love my family!!!!

2009-08-22T02:23:00.000-07:00

We had the best vacation in Utah!! It was so great to be able to see our children and grandchildren. They went out of their way to be with us continually. The week passed by so quickly. Utella was very generous to share her home with us and it was fun to see Neil's brothers and sister. Every day was special and it was hard to see it end.

It is such a comfort to me to know that even though we live in troubling times, the Lord is in charge. If we live close to Him and follow his words, we will stay close to him - even through our trials. As a family we have the opportinity to serve eacher and to love eachother and encourage eachother to be their best.

We have a terrific family...we love you!!!!

2009-08-05T18:24:00.000-07:00

Please Do NOT get a FLU shot
Watch this.. love you Mom

2009-06-01T20:01:00.000-07:00

I had the biggest suprise on Memorial day weekend. I knew that Meela and Ben were coming down. I was so excited to see them. When they arrived I was the happiest mom.... then a few minutes later Weslie and Clayton came walking in. I was so suprised I cried!! I couldn't hug them enough.
In the wee hours of the early morning - Kari, Jeremy, Curtis, Dylon, and Taylor arrived. What a surprise!!
I had the most wonderful weekend, it would have been perfect if Kris, Alli, and Brenton could have come.
Hope you enjoy some pics of our fun weekend....

2009-05-09T13:00:00.000-07:00

I just want to say what a blessing it is to be a Mother to Kris, Meela and Kari. Our children are the best and I love each of them so much. I am so grateful their spouses and for my beautiful and handsome grandchildren too. My biggest wish is that everyone lived here in Pine.....!

I miss each of you and feel like I am the luckiest mother on earth to have you forever and my handsome husband Neil too!

I am also so blessed to have my Mother. She has always been here for me and been a great example throughout my life. I hope you have an extra special Mother's Day, Mom!

Sound of Music | Central Station Antwerp (Belgium)

2009-04-15T16:12:00.000-07:00

This was so cool!!! It brought tears to my eyes as I saw strangers becoming one...

Hope you enjoy it too!!!

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

I am grateful for my scriptures. They bring me comfort and through reading and studing you can get to know more about our Savior.

This Easter week and always, may we stand by Jesus Christ at all times and in all things, and in all places that [we] may be in, even until death, for surely that is how He stood by us when it was unto death and when He had to stand entirely and utterly alone.

I loved this short video and hope that you enjoy it too.

Quote

None Were with Him

Hey Kris Meela and Kari

2009-04-07T16:53:00.000-07:00

Please bring your families and come and visit. We miss you so much!!!
It will be hard to wait until Thanksgiving to get together.
Love you each tons,
Mom xoxoxoo

A tender quote:

2009-04-07T15:12:00.000-07:00

I was preparing a talk for one of our Stake Relief Society visits and I came upon this quote again.
It is very comforting and it sure lets you know how the Lord loves each of us.

I hope that each of our children and grandchildren read this and know that as much as Neil and I love them, they are loved even more by our Heavenly Father and our elder brother Jesus Christ.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland:

"To all of you who think you are lost or without hope, or who think you have done too much that was too wrong for too long, to every one of you who worry that you are stranded somewhere on the wintry plains of life and have wrecked your handcart in the process, this conference calls out Jehovah’s unrelenting refrain, “[My] hand is stretched out still.” “I shall lengthen out mine arm unto them,” He said, “[and even if they] deny me; nevertheless, I will be merciful unto them, … if they will repent and come unto me; for mine arm is lengthened out all the day long, saith the Lord God of Hosts.”

His mercy endureth forever, and His hand is stretched out still. His is the pure love of Christ, the charity that never faileth, that compassion which endures even when all other strength disappears.

I testify of this reaching, rescuing, merciful Jesus, that this is His redeeming Church based on His redeeming love, and that, as those in the Book of Mormon declared, “there came prophets among the people, who were sent from the Lord [to speak it]. … [Yea,] there came prophets in the land again.” ("Prophets in the Land Again," Ensign, November 2006)

Happy Birthday Kari

2009-02-18T04:51:00.000-08:00

Kari hope you have an awesome birthday.

You are so special.

You have a tender heart and remember your mom and dad. We appreciate your daily phone calls checking on us and telling us what is going on in your life .

You have made a difference in a lot of lives just by your caring and loving nature!

You are special because you are so positive - you never say unkind things about anyone.

You are a wonderful mom and love your family very much!!

We LOVE You!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Kris

2009-02-05T04:57:00.000-08:00

Kris we hope you have a wonderful birthday. Wish we could be there to help you celebrate.
We just want to tell you some of the reasons you are so special.

You are special because ….you always you always look for a way for you and your family to enjoy life. You go camping, fishing, playing paint ball – creating fun family memories

You are special because ….you have your priorities in place, Church responsibilities, Family, work. You show your determination and drive when you worked hard to become an Eagle Scout, go to college, work, and fulfill Church callings.

You are special because ….you have such great leadership skills. You can see a solution before most people even see a problem.

You are special becuase you have always been such a handsome guy!!!! We love to show you off and introduce you to everyone we know and say “This is our son!”

You have brought us so many happy memories. We love you !!!!!!

Happy Birthday mom!!

2009-01-03T10:56:00.000-08:00

MySpace Graphics & Free Myspace Layouts

2008-12-20T14:57:00.000-08:00

I have a new family picture!!!

Just wanted to share it with you.

Sure do love my family.....

Hope each of you have a wonderful Christmas, especially as you focus on our Savior and feel his love. May each of us become more Christlike in all that think, all that we do and all that we say so that we can each show our love to Him.

2008-12-20T06:53:00.000-08:00

We have had some snow and it has been beautiful!

I was even able to work at home for three days....

We ended up with about 10 inches.

What can be more wonderful than snowed in at camp!!

I found an awesome link this morning, for those in my family that love ballet.

It is Swan Lake. Please watch it to the end - just a minute or two.

I thought it was absolutely amazing especially when she was on his head with one point...

I am including the link, hope you enjoy it also.

http://www.sonnyradio.com/swanlake.html

Meela's birthday

2008-12-14T05:42:00.000-08:00

Our beautiful daughter has just had another birthday.

Just wanted to tell you how special you are in our family.

You are special because ….No one could ever take your place….you are our firstborn!

You are special because ….You have and show a great deal of love to your family.

You are special because ….You are a natural leader and have great organizational skills in everything that you do…..Work, cleaning, etc

You are special because ….You have such a great sense of humor – even when you are tired. People love to be around you because you are so much fun. You have the cutest, most infectious laugh I have ever heard

You are special because ….You are friendly to everyone. I remember that wherever we went, mall, grocery store, etc, people were always saying “Hi Meela!” Everyone knows Meela!!!!

We Love you Meela !!!

2008-12-05T04:22:00.001-08:00

We love each of you......

Thanksgiving was cold at Orchard Camp but no one complained!

Thanks to Russ, Travis, Celeste and Bryan for joining us also....

2008-12-05T03:55:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving was great! We have a lot to be grateful for.

What a terrific family!!!!

Thanks to my wonderful family for their time and sacrifice to come.

We missed Kris and Alli. Hopefully they can come next year.

2008-11-23T16:35:00.001-08:00

Neil and I are having the time of our life and feeling younger each day with the grandchidren around.

Kari, Curtis and baby Dylon are here!! We want to thank Jeremy for sharing his family with us.

The boys are growing and I think Kari is getting smaller... we are trying to feed her lots and fatten her up.

We are counting the days for Meela, Ben, Jeremy, Brenton, Tayler, Weslie and Clayton to come.

We will have tons of food, games and nice warm beds.... Welcome to Russ and his friend also.

Bring coats becuase it is pretty chilly here. Drive safely. We love you!!!

We really wish that Kris and Alli could come. We will miss you!

2008-11-23T16:22:00.000-08:00

Today is my Mom's birthday and I would like to tell her how much she means to me. She has always been the best example and has taught me countless things. Love you mom and hope you had a special birthday! Hope Sid pampered you all day!

2008-11-16T06:09:00.000-08:00

It is early Sunday morning and Neil is at High Council meeting. I love this time when I can leisurely study my scriptures and read the lessons for the day. In studying this morning, I came across a quote that I had in my scriptures. It has sure helped me to really think about the daily / hourly choices that I make.

I will share it with you:

With the people of the world ignoring the advice of our Heavenly Father and suffering the penalty of willfulness, will we follow the path of evil when the history of the past teaches us that destruction will eventually overtake us unless we turn to the Lord?

Only repentance can save us.

Will we repent before it is too late? We are not landlords. We do not own any part of the earth or its riches. At most, we are only temporary tenants. We leave it all here when we die. Naked we came into the world and naked we depart. This is the Lord’s earth and keeping his commandments is the rent we pay for the blessings of life and all that we will enjoy here and hereafter.

Our position hereafter will be the result of our lives here.
Every man will be judged according to his works and he will only receive that degree of glory that he has earned. George Albert Smith

Today is the Day!!!

2008-11-04T12:31:00.001-08:00

I encourage you to be among those that vote and exercise YOUR right to vote. I encourage you to vote for both your national and your local leaders. While the scriptures do not command us to vote, it does command us to be good citizens wherever we live. One way we can be a good citizen, honor God, and assist in guiding our nation is by voting.
As a woman, I'm honored to take part in determining the direction of our nation. Before the 1900's, women in America were not allowed the privilege to vote, and in some countries they still cannot. I look at voting for our leaders not only as my citizen's duty, but also as a privilege millions of people in the world do not have.

2008-10-26T22:06:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

2008-10-23T05:21:00.001-07:00

We had GREAT time in Mesa. It is always lots of fun with Mom and Sid.
They always make us feel so welcome. Mom had ribs for dinner and Neil loved every bite!

Steph and Dave and their cute family came over and we had birthday cake with Dave for his birthday also. What a cute family!!!

We enjoyed seeing Grandma on her 98th birthday. She is still full of wit and wisdom.

She sure loves her family

She has read the book of Mormon 39 times. What an example!

2008-10-18T14:33:00.000-07:00

Neil and I are excited to go down to Mesa tomorow after his early morning High Counsel meeting. We will go to Church with Mom and Sid when we get there and then visit Grandma Watkins. There will be a birthday celebration for Grandma tomorrow because she turned 98 years old today.

What a wonderful life she has had and has been a great influence for good. Mom and Sid are just like her - always doing things for other people. I have been very blessed in my life to be surrounded by great people that have had a positive impact on me.

I have learned a lot from my grandparents, parents, brothers and sisters, my husband, children and even my grandchildren..

Neil's Back

2008-10-09T12:50:00.000-07:00

I am so glad that Neil is back home. It was so boring when he was away. I would come home to a locked gate and find elk all over our yard and the bus circle. They would bugle all night flirting with each other. This drove me crazy, it sounded like women were outside shreiking.

Anyway, Neil is back and things have gone back to normal. We had missionaries from SLC came down and inspect the camp. The absolutely loved it and it made us feel pretty special.

After reading some of Meela's tags made me think of some of my own quirks (and I have lots!)

1. When something is on sale, (toothpaste, dental floss, cake mixes, etc )It is hard to buy just one - I usually pick up a couple extra for storage.
2. I HATE the toilet paper being put on backwards. I always change it.
3. I have to shower every day - sometimes in the morning and evening.
4. When Neil and I go to the movies and he throws candy wrappers on the floor, we never leave until he picks them up. This drives him crazy.......
5. I will not leave the house to go to work unless the bed it made. It is upsetting when Neil goes back to bed and does not make it.
6. I HATE spiders in the house. When I find them I spray them with windex and ask Neil to pick up their bodies. He is a pretty good sport about this, except for the times he tries to chase me with their bodies.

I have a lot more - but am not going to confess any more of them right now!
Tag - your turn......

Ouch!

2008-09-21T17:19:00.000-07:00

I think I broke my toe yesterday. It was my left pinkie. I didn't realize something so tiny could hurt so much. Haven't taken anything over the counter for years, but finally last night I ended up taking some aspirin. Am almost ready to take some more! Went to Church in my sandals, praying no one would step on my foot. It worked and I am safe.

Here is a picture so you can see what a wimp I am.

(Sherri don't look - she hates feet)

Neil was realeased from being Executive secretary today (after 6 1/2 years) and has been called to be in the High Council again. He will be great, I love to hear him speak.

Hopefully I will have something more interesting than just my toe on my next entry!

2008-09-12T18:53:00.000-07:00

I have the BEST family!

I flew to Utah Monday, Sept 1. Meela and Ben met me at the airport - they are always so good to pick me up and take me where ever I am going। Meela and Ben introduced me to guitar hero and some homemade cookies! Meela made the cookie dough and it was delicious!

After the guitarfest, they took me to see Kris, Alli and their family.

My cute grandchildren are growing so fast!!! Could hardly recognize Brenton because he is the size of a man! Tayler and Weslie are so beautiful. And Clayton has grown up a lot also. Kris took me on a ride on his new motorcycle. He was very patient as I kept screaming in his ear to “slow down!” He said, “But mom, I am only going 30!”

I finally got the opportunity to meet Ben's mom and step-dad. What wonderful people they are. We ate at the Mandarin in Bountiful.

After dinner, Meela and Ben took me to Kari and Jeremy’s home to meet little Dylon and see Curtis. Dylon is so tiny and precious. I would watch him endlessly waiting for a tiny yawn or a flicker of his eyes. What a privilege to get to hold him when he was fresh from heaven and only two days old.

Curtis has gown up so much - I spent the next few days reading stories to him and being chased by his fire truck। It was so much fun to visit with Kari and the boys। During the days we would talk, go on Dr visits, run a few errands, and come back home fast to make dinner so Jeremy wouldn’t think we were too flakey!

Jeremy would always entertain us a night with Wii and other fun things.

Thanks Kari and Jeremy for letting me stay at your home!

Kris sure did pamper his mom। He had me bring in my car and checked it all out, gave the Toyota a power flush and filled the fluids so that I would have a safe drive back home। I was so impressed, Tanner Transmissions is spotless! He makes sure that all of his guys keep it perfect. Thanks Kris for taking care of me.

Kris also had a fantastic BBQ – wish I could cook like him। Everyone ate until they were stuffed! I had a sleepover with all the grandchildren (except Dylon). We watched movies and ate lots of goodies.

The next day we went to breakfast at the Golden Corral. I think each of us ate too much! Utella, Cheryl and Leslie came also.

Later in the afternoon, I was able to watch Brenton be the star football player। He was on the field most of the time, because of him they won 36 to 0! I couldn’t sit down – was so excited to watch for number 41। Tayler went with me and kept me company on the sidelines।

Jeremy had the activity planned for Saturday evening। We went to a special theatre at his work for a private showing for the grandchildren and me। It was fantastic and all of us had a great time। Thank you Jeremy for your patience!

Can’t wait for our next trip to Utah! Thanks everyone for making it so special.
I have the BEST family!

Neil

2008-08-26T14:09:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to tell everyone how much I love my husband! Neil is the best! He is cute, funny and can be quite a big tease. He only stops if I ignore him, if I get upset it just eggs him on more.
Everyone loves Neil. He trys to do what is right and to be a good example. He puts up with all my little whims - (if I want to go through conference talks for family night - when he would rather have it be an activity night and watch a movie!) He goes on walks with me if I beg him long enough or if I win at Phase 10.
He has been going with me every night to pick a few blackberries to put in our milk shakes. He has a strong testimony and is always in a gospel discussion with someone over some principle. He loves to read and study; scriptures, Church Books, history, etc. We haven't had TV for over 11 years so we read lots of books, play Phase 10 or watch an edited movie in the evenings.
I know I am so blessed to have him for my husband. He gives in on most things - but still has not given in on getting me a tent!
I am going to attach some pictures so you can all see how cute he has been all his life.

Where did my flowers go?

2008-08-22T18:17:00.000-07:00

Well, I just got home from work and noticed that my 23 pots of flowers lining my driveway are gone. The elk in camp must have had a feast! Some people in the area use a little mountain lion scent (that you can buy at the nursery) to keep them away. I hesitate to do that because we have had a mountain lion on camp for the last few weeks. The method I usually use is to put Neil's dirty socks on small sticks and if the smell doesn't discourage them, the sticks poke them in the nose and they quit nibbling.
Something went wrong and it didn't work this time. All I have is roots!!! Guess I will go and get the Miracle Grow and see if that works.....
Tonight is going to be a quiet night in our home. Neil is going to finish preparing his Priesthood lesson and I have to finish a talk for Ward Conference. Hope the rest of you are having some fun.

Pictures of Neil and I growing old together!

2008-08-20T19:24:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of my husband and kids growing day by day! I love my family:-)

Home

2008-08-19T18:15:00.001-07:00

Just got home from a long day at work. I love coming home! Neil is usually sitting in a lawn chair outside waiting for me. Some evenings we get to stay home and relax, others we do our Home teaching / Visiting teaching together. We are companions and have 8 families that we visit monthly. So we usually try to do some each week and try not leave them to the end of the month.

I am exicited to be able to go to Utah when Kari has her baby. We are all anxiously waiting for him to be born. I feel fortunate that I will be able to go and help, just wish that Neil could come with me. When the baby is born, I will get to see Kari, Jeremy, Curtis and of course, meet the new little one. I will also get to see Meela amd Ben, and Kris and Alli, Brenton, Tayler, Weslie, and Clayton. I have missed each of them so much. Expecially the grandchildren. They are growing so quickly.

Camp Life

2008-08-18T19:00:00.000-07:00

Living on the camp the past 11 years has been lots of fun... It is very rustic and primative but we love it. Our favorite is when our children and grandchildren come to visit. We do get very lonely for our loved ones. When someone drops in we are very grateful for the company.
Ya' all come and visit us anytime!