Happy Birthday Samantha!

June 7th our little girl turned 7!!! I can't believe it! Seems like not that long ago that she came into my life and made me a Grama. She is our first. Her Papa was in Iraq when she was born, so I got her all to myself for the first 5 months of her life. She is my 'girly-girl', so smart and a smile that can light a room. I love the time that we spend together.

We had a party at Cam's house on the 9th and Erica wanted to help her do everything. She sat by her to blow out the candles and took pictures of her sister with Sam's new camera. Sam read all her birthday cards out loud and I was so impressed. We are so grateful to be your grandparents and a part of your life. I love you so much, Sammy-girl.

Memorial Day Weekend 2010

This year we decided to stay close to home and go somewhere that we hadn't been. I-15 southbound is under construction, so we didn't want to head that way. So for the 2nd time this month, we headed west! We went out by Dugway to a place called Simpson Springs. Drove to Dugway and then it was 20 miles of dirt road! So, pulling our 5th wheel and our quads we headed down it. After 10 miles the road turned onto the old Pony Express Trail and that took us the final 10 miles to the campground. What should have taken 20 minutes took an hour, but it was worth it. We saw so many wild horses and antelope as we drove. When we got to our camp spot, what a view!

Thursday and Friday, the wind blew like crazy, but the sun was shining and it was beautiful. Sammy and Erica climbed EVERY tree around our camping area. And EVERY rock had to be sat on. The wind didn't deter them at all! On Friday, we all went on a long, LONG ride (48 miles round trip) to the Dugway Geode Beds to dig rocks and hopefully find some. They are some of my favorite rocks. It was the longest, straightest road I think I've ever been on. And the wind was blowing hard straight at us. When we finally got there we climbed the big hills (above) and dug for rocks. (Those pics didn't turn out....sorry.) Had a snack and then headed back to camp, thinking that the wind would be at our backs....WRONG!!! It was a west wind so was blowing into us. But, that was better than in our faces (shrug). Jake and Whit joined us late that night. They had been lost, it gets REALLY dark out there and with no cell service we were relieved when they finally got there.

Saturday there was NO wind!!! YEA!!!!!! We all loaded up on the quads and went out for another adventure. We found a really cool trail that went around the mountain where we were camped. It was so green and had a lot of great puddles to drive through. Found a really neat little spot where a house had been. The girls were very intrigued. There was somekind of a storage building that they thought was pretty cool. They asked me who had lived there. (I guess Gramas are supposed to know these things.) So, I told them that it looked like the '3 Little Pigs'. Sammy laughed, but went along with me. We decided that the house that they are standing in was they house made of bricks (mud bricks) since it was still standing. The house that Brent and Jake wandered through was the house made of straw (shrug), well it's a story. And down the road a ways we found a log house that was the house of sticks. Hey! It works! We also found a lot of lizards. (They weren't in the story, just fun to watch.) On the way back, I guess Whitney wanted to see where she had been. It was a fun day. Sunday, we kicked around, went on some short trips and then started our dinner. It's a tradition on our last night to do dutch oven. Chicken, cheese potatoes and cobbler. ReyAn makes the cobbler and does a dandy job! She decided to make 2 this time and it was a good thing. Sammy was helping and when she opened one of the cake mixes it went all over her and her mom! It was funny. That cobbler was more fruit than cake, but it was WAY good. Then it was time to clean up, pack it in and go home. We were going to stay until Monday, but we were tired, dirty and wanted to get home before the holiday traffic. It was a fun weekend, everything had gone well and then..............I fell. It sucked! Sprained my knee, cracked and bruised 2 ribs and lost all the b-b's (little round, colored balls that shoot out of an air gun) that the girls and I had been collecting all weekend. I had them in a cup and wanted to get a baggie so they wouldn't dump on the way home. Well.....they went EVERYWHERE!!!! I felt so bad. Thank you Whit for helping them collect them all back up.

May 14 - 16, 2010 - Knolls

Since we finally got a break in the weather (been cold and raining a lot), we decided to load up the trailer and quads and head someplace warmer and not on I-15 southbound (construction). So, we went WEST!!!! We went out towards Wendover to Knolls for the weekend with Cameron and his family.

Saturday was beautiful and we road all day. I hadn't been there before but, everyone else had. The boys and Brent have been out there a few times and have talked and talked about it. We headed out to the dunes in the morning and had a ball. I wasn't very sure about it all at first, but the sand was great! Sammy road with her mom and Eric road with Cameron. It was fun to watch them. Erica isn't too afraid of anything and she loves to ride a bit more than her sister. But, Sammy goes along with it and doesn't complain. Besides, there are the "potty" stops and the girl's like to take advantage of that and played in the sand while we road around them. When we got back, Mushu needed a ride, so I obliged.

We had lunch and then went back out. We road over the dunes to the flats and it felt like we rode forever. Found this fun little puddle way out there and played for a while. Then headed back to camp, in a round-about-way. We road back toward I-80 and then turned back toward the mountains where everyone camps.

ReyAn and I went one way around a mound of dunes and Cameron and Brent went the other. I thought we where riding into camp until we got closer and I realized that we weren't at our camp. Then I saw Brent hauling behind a hill and went around to meet him. When I got around, I saw Cameron standing, Erica running around and Brent's machine.....empty. Someone was one the ground....my heart stopped. As I got closer, I could see Brent bent down as well.

Cameron had riden around the hill and saw this guy crash. He took off and Brent went after him. That's when I saw Brent. Anyway, this guy had crashed pretty bad. He was bleeding down his right arm from his right shoulder that had a compound fracture. His left wrist was broken and that's just what we could see. Fortunately he had a helmet on. His girlfriend was a little freaked out and in shock. Cameron was trying to hold the man's arm to keep it from moving and was also on his phone with 911. Brent was trying to calm down the girlfriend and look for something to wrap the man with. ReyAn was trying to keep the girl's from their natural curiousity of wanting to see what was going on. The injuries were pretty severe. I took off over to a camp to see if there was anyone there who could help, EMT, doctor, nurse, etc. I found a man and his daughter that were from Tooele oounty Search & Rescue there and took them over where Brent and Cameron were. Then I rode down to I-80 and waited for the emergency vehicles to show them where we were. (There is no way to give directions out there.) It took about 30 minutes before the first police car came from Wendover. They told me that they would go on up the road to meet the Tooele County guy and for me to wait for the ambulance and firemen. They trickled in for another hour before the ambulance (who was last) got there and I took them up. I was really worried about this guy, he was in bad shape when I had left. A few minutes after the rescue guys got there, they called for LifeFlight. They couldn't do anything more with his arm than Cameron and Brent had done. Brent even found a piece of cardboard to use as a wrist splint in his quad. It was all pretty exciting and the whole time, Cameron never left his side. It happened about 3:15 pm and we headed back to camp at 7:10 pm. Long day. Cameron couldn't believe that he hadn't thrown up! (LOL) We were all pretty proud of him, the calm that he had with the guy and the way he and his Dad had taken care of things.

We went back to camp, had dinner, relaxed, tried to play Cattan (too tired to remember the rules). Cameron's dog Scout even took Mushu for a walk. The next day, Cameron called IHC in Murray and found out that he was doing pretty well. It was a good thing that we headed back to the wrong hill and not the one we were camped at. No one would have seen him for a long time. Being a good samaritan is a great feeling! Love you, Cam!! Great job guys!!

Mother's Day Weekend 2010

Mother's Day weekend is traditionally spent in Elsinore and this year was no exception. The weather has been crazy this Spring, but it cooperated completely on Saturday so that we could get some riding in and take Grandpa out for Chinese.

We rode up the "wash" to the clay hills. The kids (& Brent) love to ride up there. I rode for a while and then parked to watch everyone racing around. I really enjoy that. It's fun to see how much going to Elsinore and riding the hills around there means to my family and to my grandkids. Means more to me than I can put into words. I love it there, so it touches my heart.

Brent's birthday was Saturday, so we celebrated at the Assisted Living Center with cake and Phase 10. It was a wonderful weekend.

I love my kids so much and want to thank them for the blessing and opportunity it is to be their Mom. They have certainly given my life challenges and rewards. But, also brought me so much comfort and joy. They have taught me that love has no bounds. And it doesn't. I am a VERY lucky mother and now the grandma to some awesome little people. I'll love you forever.

Gotta Love May!

Ahhhhhhh! The signs of Spring! We went to hitch our 5th wheel up to go out for the weekend and what did we find??? A hummingbird had made a nest in our hitch!!! We had to move it, so Brent put it in a bush right next to where the trailer was. Hoping the mother finds it!!! It is amazing though. The little eggs are the size of a jelly-belly. Way cool! A time of birth & new beginnings....especially at our house!!!

Spring is the time we celebrate a lot of birthdays at our house and in our family. April brings ReyAn's on the 5th, Jennie's the 7th and mine on the 12th (busy week). Then we start May off the same way!

My boys! All of them!! May 4th. Happy Birthday, Cameron. You made me what I am, a Mom. You helped teach me so many things. When you came into my life, I had no idea how much I could love such a little person and how much he would impact my life. You are my Sunshine. You always were, you always will be. You are my thinker....my worrier. We have gone through so much together. I have watched you grow into an amazing man, husband and father. No greater reward for a Mom. But, you have helped me grow so much as well. The oldest child is not a position to compete for. It's a tough one. I know that better than anyone. You are the "test" child and sometimes it really sucks!! But, you also get through everything first and sometimes that isn't so bad. (lol) I'll love you forever.

May 8th. Happy Birthday to my #1 guy, my husband Brent. He is the love of my life and my best friend. He knows my heart, my soul, my insecurities, my shortcomings. AND loves me anyway!!!! Thank you for seeing something in me back then that I didn't see in myself and allowing me to evolve into the person that I am. It hasn't always been easy. You are my strength, my shoulder, my peace and definitely the better half. I love you.....truely :)

May 11th. Happy Birthday, Jake. My baby. Sorry, but you always will be. You were born a teddy bear with the biggest smile in the world. You have been the glue that held me together so many times with that smile and those eyes! You are the peacemaker in our family. Always wanting our family to be together. Needing to know where everyone was. You are a great end to our little family chain. Even though you are a grown man, you will always be my Baby. That song will always mean so much to me. Thank you for being my Bear. I'll love you forever.

I have been SO fortunate in my life. My family is the greatest blessing and we have been through so much together. We are stronger for it. Each other's true friends. Happy Birthday to the greatest men I will ever know.

Then comes the next generation.....May 17th! Happy Birthday to my buddy, Jackson. Happy #5!!! What a big boy you have become and I love you so much. You are so smart and what an imagination! I am amazed at the things that you know. You are such a great big brother!! Papa and I are so proud of you and so happy to be able to share your life and watch you grow. We'll love you forever.

Popcorn Popping on the Cherry Tree!

Finally! Spring has sprung!!!
It's been a beautiful weekend.
Hopefully, it stays. :)

Dress-Up at Grams

The photos say it all (lol). Just fun to watch them. Such fashionistas!!

April 7th!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JEN!!!!! Every mom wishes for a little girl to dress, fuss over, shop with, share secrets and giggles. Someone to be their best little and big girl friend. Thank you for being all that and bringing all those hopes and dreams to pass. You have been a gift in my life. I thank my Heavenly Father every day for you, your strong spirit. I am so proud of you and of being your Mom. I love you.

Easter!

We celebrated Easter in Elsinore. Traditions. It was different for us this year since for the first time since she was born, Jennie wasn't with us. We were just very grateful that we had just finished a great week with her and her family. Celebrating a little early in the sunshine. We are also very grateful that we are a strong, close family unit. The 850+ miles don't keep us apart. We are so thankful for that, for our kids, grandkids and extended family. Our family has truely been blessed.

We arrived around 10:30 pm on the 1st. Cameron and his family were already there waiting for us. It was cold but dry. At least for a few minutes, then a blizzard hit and we hibernated for the night.

On Friday, I took Sam and Erica over to see Grandpa. They were getting ready to start a Bingo game and we joined in. What a competitive bunch! (lol) The girls caught on quick and even got a couple of bingos each. The weather was even better. We colored Easter eggs in the afternoon. The snow that fell the night before was melted by noon. That evening we took Grandpa out for chinese. He loves chinese!! Erica's hair even got excited about it! Then after dinner is always a game of Phase 10!

Later, Jake and Whit arrived with their brood. It was cold and had started snowing again. We stayed up and talked for a while, then went to bed. The kids took a ride Saturday morning. Bundled up for the cool air. When they got back, we had an egg hunt for the girls. It was fun, but quick. Cameron and his family packed up to head out to meet ReyAn's Family to have Easter, camp with them and celebrate her birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, REYAN!!!!!! Aunt Sandy and my folks came down so it was quite a group. Grandpa came home for the day to watch conference with his girls and to have a dutch oven dinner. Brent and I love to do dutch oven. And it's always fun to cook for everyone. It was a nice night. We watched several episodes of "The Big Bang Theory" with Jake and Whit and are now hooked!



Sunday morning Jake & Whit headed out early to have Easter Sunday with her family. We finished some chores around the place while the weather held out. And spent the evening with Grandpa, Sandy and Mom & Dad.

Monday the weather reports weren't sounding good, so we headed home. We managed to stay out of it until close to home. It was cold and nasty. I WANT TO GO BACK TO ARIZONA!!!!!

Looking for Sunshine!

Well, March went by like a whirlwind! So, this blog will more than likely be a long one. Other than work, snow, work, cold, Whit's birthday it was pretty uneventful here at home. On the 13th, Sammy called us to tell us that she had lost her first tooth! She is getting so big!

Things in AZ have been a worry. We got word that little Miss Reagan was having some possibly serious issues. We left for a visit on Thursday the 25th and headed south....in a snow storm. Stopping in Elsinore for the night, we visited with Grandpa and caught up with my Aunt Karren and Uncle Larry in Richfield for dinner. They are headed to Moab for the annual Jeep Safari. It was a fun evening. On Friday, we set off to see the kids in the sunshine. As the day progressed, we watched the temperature go from 32 degrees to 74 in Phoenix before the sun went down. (I must say though, that 50 degrees in the dark there felt much colder than it does here.) We got to Jen's house before the boys went to bed and they were very happy to help us unload the car and "move in". Brent got to finally meet his new little granddaughter. It was love at first sight!!

Reagan still had all her beautiful hair and it had evened grown longer!! She loves her bath and when it's wet, she has blonde roots!!! She had a cough and Harrison had been to the doctor on Thursday night and was diagnosed with Strep. He didn't seem to let it bother him too much though.
Saturday, Harrison was not feeling very well. So, we did some Easter crafts which Jackson was VERY proud of. He made a very special plastic chicken egg for Uncle Jake. (lol)

Sunday didn't begin well. Harrison was worse and Reagan's cough was getting to be a concern. Patrick took Harrison to the ER and they spent a few hours there. He came home with a cotton ball taped to his arm from a blood draw and a bandaid on his leg from a big shot of penicillin. He would not let anyone "chutch" his arm. Jennie was able to convince him to let her take it off. He was proud, but not too perky.
Monday, Brent and I decided to get Jackson out for a while. We went to the Pima Air and Space Museum at Davis Air Force Base. He had a ball! We all did. So many planes, so little time. The museum is bigger than the one at HAFB!!! They had Air Force One from Kennedy and Johnson there. It was awesome!

Tuesday, Brent and I decorated easter eggs with the boys. Jennie and Patrick decided to go ahead and try to set up a time to bless Reagan. It was set for 6:00 pm that evening. Both kids seemed to be improving. Miss Reagan got all dressed up and looked like a little princess and we were so glad that we were able to be there for it. Then Harrison had to model his fro for me.
Wednesday was a trip to the Tucson Zoo with the boys. It was really fun. The zoo is pretty small, but everything was there. It was a beautiful day. On the way home we knew it had been a success when both of them crashed before we got 10 minutes from the zoo! Funny! We had a little egg hunt before they went to bed.

Thursday was a travel day. We hated to leave them. Always do. So back to Utah we went. Left in the sunshine and 70 degrees......by the end of the day we were in a blizzard north of Kanab and trying to avoid a bgillion deer. Got to Elsinore and the ground was dry, but about 38 degrees. About 15 minutes later it was snowing.....hard. Ahh....spring in Utah! (eye roll)