The Gauger's at Thanksgiving Village.

February 2012

2012-02-09T23:39:00.000-08:00

Long time since I have posted on my family blog. I keep up my other two blogs pretty well, but I seem to neglect this one. So I will very quickly update...
Andy moved into our home in August, and his family joined him in November. They just moved out this week. Adam and Kim moved in sometime in October, I think, and Kayden, Sawyer too of course. I think they are going to be moving out this month, or that is what they told me.

Dennis was called to be the Bishop of our ward in July of this year, and was sustained in August. He has done a tremendous job up to this point. It has been so wonderful to see the inspiration he receives each time he does anything. I don't begrudge any time away from me because he is doing such good for so many. It makes me even love him more than I ever thought I could. Some peoples love stagnates alittle when they reach those golden years, but I have to say that the different ways we each are growing, makes me love him even more than I thought I was capable.

My callings in the church are behind the scenes, and I put together the ward bulletin each Sunday, published the Ward History, and I am also publishing the Bishopric message each fast Sunday. It keeps me busy, and I also go with the Bishop from time to time, when he needs a second person to be with him for a visit.

Molly, Jenna and Jenny are all three pregnant. So far we know that Molly and Jenna's babies are boys, but we don't know yet what Jenny's will be. She has had dreams for years and recently telling her and showing her that she is going to have some Big boys like their daddy Jake. Hopefully by her next appointment and ultrasound, we will all find out if her dreams have once again come true. We just pray for a healthy baby, and if he or she comes with Achondroplasia like it's mommy, well we will love that little one and take care of his needs, just like we know how to do. Jenny will be a marvelous little mommy and this baby will bless all of our lives! So with that, and three little grandchildren being born this year, we will have a grand total of 13.

Well that is enough update for now. I will need to insert some photos too, and that will tell it's own story and update this timeline.
Signing off for now..... Katie

2011-07-19T15:38:00.000-07:00

Two Sundays ago, Dennis was sustained and set apart to be the new Bishop of our ward. Chris flew down so that he could be with the rest of our family during this wonderful event. While family came cameover for a bite to eat after our meetings, Brinley began telling jokes. Her jokes were not very funny so Chris sat down and helped her come up with some that were funny. Here are the jokes that they wrote down and got some laughs. Many of them relate to our family members, so for them to be funny, you would have to know the person in the joke.

Chris and Brinley’s jokes ( July 10, 2011)

1. What did Molly, Glen and Brinley get for Christmas 5 years ago? ( a lump of Cole)

2. What is Grandma Katie Gougers favorite Snack? (Graham crackers)

3. What should a tree do, if it is sick of getting picked on? (leaf)

4. What is a bubbles least favorite drink? (Pop)

5. What is the name of Bishop Gauger’s favorite place to shop? (Bee –shop)

6. What is a woman’s favorite kind of Bee? (Ru-by)

7. What did the dentist say on the Judges stand? (I promise to pull the tooth, the whole tooth and nothing but the tooth)

8. Where does a seamstress relax? (on the Sew-fa)

9. What is the floor’s favorite type of animal? What kind of animal sells flooring?(a Rep- tile)

10. What did the song say when it was accused of being naughty? ( It wasn’t me it was HYMN )

11. What is Adam and Kim’s favorite book? (The adventures of Tom “SAWYER

12. What is a sheeps favorite state? (EWE-tah)

13. What is Chris and Jenna’s favorite chocolate candy? (Bliss)

14. Where does Matthew sleep at night? (On the matt)

15. How bad are Max’s temper tantrums? (to the Max)

16. What is Andy’s favorite character on the Flintstones cartoon? (Betty)

Events of June to current

2011-07-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

I am trying to update my blog and use it more as a journal to keep track of events and share them with my family. So much has happened, and I have taken lots of pictures so I wanted to make sure to share all of them.

Yesterday, July 10th was quite a momentous day in Dennis' life. Two weeks ago, he was called by the Stake President to become the new Bishop in our ward. Yesterday was the day that he and his councelors were set apart to serve for the next 5 years. Dennis was very nervous in the morning before he went to the early morning meetings, as he had so much on his mind. He would be speaking, what would be the reaction of the ward when his name was read... who to call to fill the positions, and on and on were in his mind.

With humility and expressing his own personal need to grow and become the Bishop that he wanted to be, he shared his feeling about this call in Sacrament meeting. He did a great job. He shared a quote about Charity that he thought should be the "Theme' if you will, for the ward about serving, loving and caring for others. He shared several other quotes he has found from our Prophets about seving as bishop. She shared his testimony, his love for his brothers and sister and his wife and children. It was a wonderful meeting.

During the meeting, his sister Paulene and brother in law Dave, said that they saw the face of Paul Gauger, Dennis' father, on his face. Linda, his sister saw her father in Dennis as well. Interestingly enough, I had taken down to Paul Gauger's grave, a little 4th of july windmill, and while I was there, I spoke to Paul and Marcelene, and told them of this event that they would be so proud of their son. I told them to drop by if they could. I realize this was a tall order for them, but it appears that they did visit, through their son as he was made Bishop.

After our meetings, those who came to church with us, and later on, others, who could not attend, dropped by our home for a nice family meal. We visited on our deck and inside, and it was so nice to sit down and chat with everyone. Finally Dennis arrived home from all his meetings, and everyone were able to visit with him. Paulene, Jenny, Molly, Mom (Connie) and sister Robyn, all helped me prepare the wonderful meal, of a variety of salads, chicken salad sandwiches on croissants, and Molly's wonderful iced sugar cookies and peanut butter fingers and chocolate cupcakes. YUMMY!

We were both so gratified with the love that our family members showed, and the efforts it took for them to come and be a part of this wonderful once in a lifetime event in Dennis' life. Those who came to Sacrament meeting were... Dennis' brothers and sisters, Polly & David, Linda and Dale, Brent and Sonya and two granddaughters, and Dix Davis. Our children came...Adam, Kim, Kayden & Sawyer, Jenny and Jacob, Molly, Glen, Brinley and Cole, and Chris even flew in for this occasion from Wyoming. Others who attended were my brother Harold and wife Kathleen and grandaughter Madelyn, Robyn and son James drove up for the day in Orangeville, Daniel, Jenifer and Sidney.

Andy and Betty and kids moved to Guatemala a couple weeks ago. They flew there, and only took the things that they could fit into quite a few large suitcases. They took all the rest of their belongings to the DI or gave them away. We spent the last week that they had here with us doing fun things like the dinosaur museum and the Noah's Arc water park at Thanksgiving Point. We had cousins and lots of fun. I will add photos as I can to have a pictorial of our fun.

Birds of a feather flock... together down the Jordan river.

2011-06-17T22:02:00.000-07:00

We don't even need to leave our home to see some splendid wildlife that like to visit the Jordan River. This year has been the year of the Pelican. They are really pretty birds, and in years past, we have only seen a couple together floating down the river. For some reason, one day a whole flock of them just meandered down the river together. It was a beautiful sight.

Another day, I heard Dennis calling to me from his office, telling me to look out the window. There was a bunch of geese and their babies, going out for a nice swim. I have never seen so many floating on the river at one time, at least looking our our windows. It was so fun to see them.

We have lots of mallards on the river too, but this year they have been alittle more scarce. We do see some of these little birds that I have snaped their photos below. I am not sure what they are called, but they have a long beek and they dive. One minute you see them and the next they are diving and swimming underwater. Once they surface, they are definately not in the same place that they dove. Dennis says they are underwater looking for fish and such to eat for dinner.

Did we see any Wildlife in Jackson Hole or Yellowstone?

2011-05-25T23:15:00.000-07:00

Well, a picture is worth a thousand words.....

We saw elk by the hundreds, but all closer to Jackson Hole. The Moose were seen on the way to Jackson and by Jenny's lake. When we were in Powell, or driving there, we also saw lots of ____.

More pictures from our trip to Wyoming

2011-05-25T22:27:00.000-07:00

Max and Matty both caught the stomach flu the day before we arrived in Powell. Both little boys seemed to not be able to stop throwing up, infact, they didn't stop until the day before we left. (5 days)

Max was as sick as Matty and he just laid around most of the time. Thes two sweet little boys didn't complain but just laid around on the floor with blankets in hand because they were too weak to stand.
Matty was pretty sick and weak when he was opening his Birthday presents, and wasn't able to get very excited about much of anything.

Chris' birthday was the day after the twins, and we gave him a tent and some blow up mattress, so that he could take his family on camping trips this summer.

The day before Dennis and I left Chris' house for Jackson, Chris and Dennis gave the little boys blessings. It was such a wonderful feeling inside the home as they administered to these little boys who sat so still for their blessings. The power of the Priesthood was felt in their home and the Lord looked down on these two sick little boys and helped them sleep through the night and continue to get well. No more vomiting that next day and they have begun to get their strength back. There is no better feeling of security and well being than to know that the Power of the Priesthood is in the home to bless and comfort in times of need.

Rain Rain Go Away

2011-05-24T07:44:00.000-07:00

Well, the rains came down and the floods came up like it says in the song... but so far the house on the rock stood still. We are hoping that our house will be there when we return home from our trip to Wyoming. It has rained in Utah and here practically the entire week, so we are hoping that things will be fine. Have you ever prayed for your house? I have, as we are right on the river, and I have prayed every night that Heavenly Father will protect it while we are away.

Today is the last day of our week long vacation. We are in Jackson Hole Wyoming, and arrived rather late in the afternoon yesterday. Today we plan to go to Jenny's lake and maybe into Yellowstone, if the roads aren't closed because of flooding and rain. The neat thing about all of this is that the wildlife has really come out and we have seen all kinds. TONS of Antelope, and Elk. Lots of buffalo and deer as well. We have even seen several moose. When we get home and I have time to download the pictures, I will insert them on my blog. It is such a thrill to see these little seen animals. We pull our car over and enjoy watching them. Yesterday the buffalo just walked over by our car and looked at us, like "What the heck you looking at?"

I will close for now as we are going to breakfast.

Here are some of the pictures that we took of our wonderful trip.

Grandpa and his grandkids.

Blyss and her new teddy bear.

Matty was sick and let Grandma Katie hold him alot!

Max and Matty took turns opening their Birthday presents.

The whole family got into the action when it was time to open Birthday Presents

Max looking into his Birthday bag, that Grandma and Grandpa brought for him.

When the kids were well enough to go outside, we took them to a car show
that was held in downtown Powell. Max loves cars and trucks of all kinds
and posed in front of one of the cars.

This photo ended up lookind like Matty was for sale, as he was positioned
directly under the for sale sign. Sorry, Matty isn't for sale but that cute
little VW Bug is.

Chris' whole family at the Car show in Powell.

After the car show, all of us walked down the street and ended up at a
music store. Matty likes to play the drums so he posed for a picture by
this great drum set. He kept on asking, "Where are the drumsticks?"

We sawe this cute red guitar, and Max didn't want his picture taken
so Matty posed for it too.

Chris and Blyss at the car show.

Family Home Evening at Thanksgiving Gardens "Tulip Festival"

2011-05-03T14:50:00.000-07:00

Last evening, Dennis and I meandered up the street to the Gardens at Thanksgiving Point. We knew the Tulip festival was on, but until we got inside the gates, we really didn't comprehend the enormous amount of Tulips and variety that were there. We really had a surprise as we tried to comprehend how long it took to plant all those bulbs, and they do it every year. WOW! It was totally amazing and pretty incomprehensible. I forgot to bring my good camera, so I whipped out my telephone camera and it took some surprisingly good and clear photos. I thought I would post what our eyes were treated to this day!

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T21:48:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful day today was and the biggest part it was so wonderful was that it was spent with family. Nothing to me is more important than my family. We certainly missed Chris and Jenna and children, and Andy and Betty, but we felt grateful to have all the rest with us today. We attended Church, and then had a nice dinner afterward. The grankids loved playing together. It is interesting when the little boys get together, they just play so hard and love each other so much. It is so fun to see them. Then there is our darling Brinley. In church she shared with the little boys, to keep them quiet and busy, her Easter surprise. She helped Tony put stickers in a sticker book and just reminded me of Wendy in Peter pan... taking care of all the little boys.

Fun with Andy and his boys!

2011-04-18T18:51:00.000-07:00

Today Dennis spent our day in Park City. We delivered the little lost doggy... Saddie, who ran away from Jenny and Jake while they were baby sitting him. Molly and Glen and kids were on a trip. Anyway to make a longer story shorter, Saddie was found, they called Molly to tell her, and she called us to pick up Saddie. We took her up to her home in Park City and they all lived happily ever after.

Then we visited Andy, Tosh and Tony and took them to Burger King for lunch, and then off to Monkey Mountain. What a great place to play with kids. Park City doesn't have any playgrounds in their McDonalds or other fast food places, so somebody got the great idea to build one. This place is great. Tosh and Tony had so much fun that when it was time to go, they didn't want to. We enjoyed our conversation with Andy and watching the kids have so much fun.

And if these pictures aren't enough, let me add some more. Once again though, I wish I had my good camera with me, but thank goodness for phones that have cameras in the, or all the good shots would be missed!

The Library is also a very fun place to visit!

2011-04-16T20:39:00.000-07:00

Jenna and I took the kids to the Library so that they could read some fun books. Max loved all the books that had trucks in them. Matty liked those and others. Now Blyss, she saw a sign hung up from the Cieling with a picture of Dora on it and went nuts. I had the librarian find me some books about Dora and Blyssie was in heaven. Oh that little girl loves Dora. A funny thing that happened was when we went to Walmart to get the little boys a jacket because it was so cold outside, Blyss spied a pair of Dora PJ's. She cried, "Dora, Dora" and wouldn't stop until we handed her the PJ's. Then I took her with me to pick up my perscription, and she spied some Dora Bandaids. She cried "Dora, Dora!" She wouldn't stop until I had let her old the box of Dora bandaids. That little girl loves Dora. All I can say is that Dora has quiet an effect on little kids, so she had always better be a good example. Oh and we bought the Dora PJ's which were on closeout for $3 and the bandaids too.

Jenna and Family visit to utah continued..... More pictures

2011-04-16T20:12:00.000-07:00

We had such fun together, and I loved how warm the kids were to Dennis and I even though we don't get to see them very often. I guess that shows what being family is all about. We love them over the miles, and they know it, and remember our love, when we see them. More video. One day, I had invited all our children and their families to come over for a visit but the only ones that could was Kim, Kayden and Little baby Sawyer. Grandma Connie came too. It started to hail. The boys were pretty intrigued about what Hail actually was. I captured this video. In the video, it is hailing outside, and I got Matty to sing "popcorn poppin on the apricot tree". After the song, they went over to the corner of the room and started playing with my canning lids. YOu can tell from the picture below, who had the most fun...

Next place... Del Taco!

2011-04-16T20:11:00.000-07:00

What lousey weather for a visit. It snowed or rained most of the time making it difficult to do anything outside. Grandpa came home from work one day and said... "Let's go get icecream" and he took all of us to Del Taco for some shakes and Churros. Now there was a method to his madness... you see Del Taco has a kids playground and this was the perfect place for the kids to play at to get their energy out and have a fun time. See the photos... once again taken with my phone camera.

Jenna, Max, Matty, and Blyss Visit

2011-04-16T19:52:00.000-07:00

We were sure happy when we found out that Jenna was driving to Utah for a visit and that we would get to see them. It is always fun to be with them and we did a few fun things such as the Dinosaur Museum, Monkey Mountain and McDonalds, and even icecream at Del Taco... mostly for the playground for the kids. Little Blyss even took her first steps and I grabbed the camera so that we could record this momentous occasion. I took some photos so I will just display them below.

These first few pictures are at the kiddie playground in Park City. I only had my phone camera so they aren't very clear, but better than none at all. After that we went to Monkey Mountain in Park City and played there for a while too. It was a fun day.

Happy Birthday Molly!

2011-03-26T23:17:00.000-07:00

Family, and that's what it's all about!

2011-03-25T21:52:00.000-07:00

Adam and Kayden are enjoying some time spent together at the hospital. Kayden had never stayed away from his own home and we were all wondering how he would do. He did great but loved seeing his Daddy and Mommy and new baby brother Sawyer.

This week has been wonderful in so many ways and one of the gratest blesssings has come though the birth of little Sawyer. It is so nice to finally get to meet that little guy on the outside. I had prayed so much that things would be well with the pregnancy, birth and with his new little body, and I know that my prayers and the prayers of so many others were answered.

I went over to the hospital for a visit and held him for just a short time. This was the first time I had seen him awake. I spoke to him and told him how I have loved him even before he was born. He just kept his eyes on me the entire time I was speaking to him and he looked so intent... almost as if he wanted to say, "I know Grandma". His skin is so soft, almost like velvet, and he is so very sweet... straight from heaven. What a blessing.

Kayden stayed with Dennis and I from the time that Kim went into the hospital until the time she and Adam took the baby home. Kayden was such a little sweet boy and became my shadow. He really wanted to please and even learned to pick up after himself, poop and pee in Grandma's potty, and trace his initials on paper. Very smart and sweet little boy. His favorite food is olives. He took naps everyday without any problems and even went to bed so very easily and slept all night long. I couldn't have asked for an easier little child to tend, since I am still recuperating from my surgery. Kayden, Grandma Loves YOU!

Blessings in rich abundance!

2011-03-16T22:21:00.000-07:00

You'd think it was Thanksgiving or something from all the blessings being passed out! I feel so richly blessed. The pathology came back and there was no cancer found in my thyroid. Whoo, hoo!!! The surgery went well and I am not even on the drugs that I was prescribed for pain. Speaking of which... how does anyone get hooked on those kinds of drugs anyway? The only good thing that I could see and feel was that they took away my pain and helped me to sleep allot. I don't think I would be a good addict, which is a good thingb because I don't like the way they make me feel.

Anyway... I am counting my blessings and grateful for so many things.

What a wonderful husband I have, who has taken time off work and spent the entire weekend with me, taking care of my every need while I have been recovering. He has not left my side. He is a true companion! He even handed over the TV Remote when a ball game was on. Wow, that is true love!

I have received so many calls and emails checking up on my progress. These have come from family and friends. I have had a wonderful daughter Jenny come and help with the cleaning of things in my house that I didn't have time to do pre-surgery. She has checked up on me and even came over and made a delicious stir fry for our dinner. Jenny is so sweet and lovely!

Mom has been great too and so willing to step in and help me if I need it. She made a wonderful soup and brought me flowers too! Checking up on me daily has been great too. I am grateful.

The icing on my cake came today when the Young women dropped by my home to award me with the Knowledge award and cookies. They expressed how they have loved and learned from the lessons that I have taught in Young Women, and we hugged and smiled and oh how lovely these girls are! How much better can it get than that?

Blessings from Heaven. Blessings from Home and Family. Blessings from Kind neighbors and beautiful Young Women. Blessings in rich abundance!

Upcoming surgery

2011-03-06T22:04:00.000-08:00

I am going to be having my surgery on my Thyroid this coming Friday. I have been waiting for a month and a half and you know what they say about anticipation. Gratefully I still feel calm, but I just want to get it taken care of so I can move forward and put that behind me.

Today I gave a lesson in Young Women's on Gratitude. An interesting thing happened the night before. I had my lesson all prepared and just happened to look at the followers of my Young Women Blog. One person's photo stuck out to me and I clicked on it, and I looked at her blog. Instantly the music began to play and the song was titled "Gratitude" by Paul Cardol or something like that. I noticed that there was a post in her archives that was titled gratitude as well, so I clicked on it. What I read, was so inspiring that I printed it off and took it with me today to Young Women's. I was not sure just how much of my lesson I would get to teach because of time constraints, but when there was 5 minutes left, I knew I had to share this woman's story of Gratitude.

Here story was in essence that one day, after giving birth to her little baby, the doctors office called her and let her have the bad news that she would be dying soon. She talked about how grateful she was for so many blessings in her life and how looking at death in the face made her realize just what a blessed life she had been given. Eventually she did ask the Lord for more time, and evidently He gave it to her because the post was dated one year ago in April.

When I read this story to the girls, their eyes teared up and hopefully their hearts opened to what gratitude truly is about and how having a grateful heart can bless not only their lives, but those of whom they are grateful for. I felt pretty inspired, and actually it was yet another of the tender mercies that have been happening for a while now. It is the Lord letting me know he is mindful of me, and is walking by my side in this life. I am blessed!

Dennis brings his iPad to church and has recently converted me as well. I worried at first that those who saw us with them would think we were playing games or surfing the net. Ha, ha. We sat in the back today and of course way back there, are no hymn books. So.... we take out our trusty iPad and go to the LDS Hymn book app, and walla.... instant song book. It was alittle bit intimidating though as no one else had books and the songs that were chosen today for the meeting, were not very familiar, but we had our music in front of us so we sang.

Dennis sometimes reads the Sunday school or Priesthood lesson during Sacrament meeting and today he sent me a neat quote about "Yoke". I didn't actually read it at church but just read it on my computer. He is such a wonderful example to me of studying the scriptures and reading good books. He finds some of the best quotes and stories and shares them with me. Sometimes when he listens to an audio book while driving up to SLC in the mornings, and while driving home, he updates me on the story line. I love that about him because all of the sudden, he says..."Now for the update"... and he catches me up on his latest audio book.

Well, I stay up way too late, and so I am going to go to bed now. Nighty night.

Digital Scrapbooking

2011-03-04T23:19:00.000-08:00

This is what I do when I should be sleeping.....

This little boy is going to be a big brother in
just a couple of weeks. He sure has grown
up over the last year, and is as cute as a bug!

Dennis' birthday 2011

2011-03-04T22:08:00.000-08:00

I took a few photos from Dennis' birthday party. We missed Chris' family and Andy's family at his party. I made chicken tacos, and Chicken Chalupas, and lots of Andy's guacamole and chips and salad. It was really yummy and great company as well. Here are some photos.

Looks like the movie began, judging from the look on Brinley's face
she wasn't very excited about it.

Someone put on a movie that evidentally scared the begeevies out
of Brinley. How can I tell... just look at her face!

Kim and Adam are about to have another little son come into their
family. The baby is due the middle of March 2011.

Kayden loves to play cars and run them the length of the entry,
hallway and into the family room. I just wish I had that much
energy!

Diet or no diet, you can't have a birthday without
cake, and candles. I made an angelfood cake and
put whipped topping and berries over it. YUMM!

...Singing Happy Birthday song to Dennis. He's how old???

Happy Birthday Dennis!!!

Snow day

2011-02-26T21:34:00.000-08:00

We had a snowstorm recently that put down aboutr 8 - 9 inches of
snow in a very short period of time as you can see from the load
on these planters in my garden.

Don't ducks ever get cold? I would thing that this icy water would
freeze their bellys and feet.

Another snow day today, but it is so beautiful right after the snow stops. The powers that be, filled the Jordan river again, and it looks so green and ugly, but when the snow covered the sides, it became beautiful again. Amazing what that cold, fluffy white stuff can do to make things so pretty!

BYU played San Diego and won today. I am not the worlds most faithful BYU Fan, or any other kind of sports fan, but today, I was really proud of BYU. I get my angst up when I see San Diego students and fans dressing up in Missionary attire, with the simple message of making fun of our Missionaries. Perhaps they will think twice, after 2 times doing that kind of behavior, and losing to BYU 2 times in a row.

Kim and I had lunch at Cafe Rio with my Mom and sister Robyn. Robyn and Karl and James are in town so they can ski. (Robyn excluded) Karl and James spent the night up at Molly's house in Park City so they could ski today. Evidentally there was pleanty of fresh snow to make a great day of skiing.

I have spent much of my day today preparing my lesson for YW next Sunday on Gratitude. It has ended up being a wonderful experience of reminding myself of my gratitude to the Lord for all He does for me. I have had warm fuzzies reading conference talks and stories, and remembering ones of my own to share with the YW. I hope that the girls will get warm fuzzies too when they hear the lesson and jump on the gratitude bandwagon.

Inspiration

2011-02-24T10:43:00.000-08:00

I just finnished reading thorugh and enjoying Chris and Jenna's family blog. Jenna is an inspiring woman who has really inspired me today. I read about little Max and the challenge that he is, and how little Matty had such a hard day with falling and bumps and bruises. My mind rolled back to days gone by when I was a young mother raising my children. I remember that I was not always the nicest Mom and lost my temper and screamed at times at my children, to the top of my lungs. Each time I hated myself for losing control in my frustrations. I believe everyone has these same kind of frustrating moments when rearing children.

It has taken me years to raise my family, and have all my children married to wonderful spouses, and then to move on into the Grandparenting stage. None of these stages exempt us from having challenges and trials, but we learn so much and our love for our family grows even deaper.

I want to tell all of my children, just how much I love them. I have flashbacks from time to time of their births, and toddling stage, and funny things they use to do and say. I remember the first time they did so many things, and I was the blessed one to be there to wittness it. I loved the talents and abilities that each one independant of the other, developed. I loved seeing my children play together and enjoy each others companionship. This is what I hope will never cease with my children, after I am gone on to the next life. I wish for family ties to be stronger than words or actions that might hurt. I wish for my children that they remember blood is thicker than water and they seek to be each others best friend and confidant, and help each other in all the ways that they can, and strengthen their family bonds int he process.

I remember when Molly was only a baby in the old plastic infant seat, and we were up in highland to see the progress of our first home that was being built. The little 3 year old neighbor girl came over and pushed the infant seat over, and Molly landed on her head. That was her first bump, though certainly not her last. I was so upset and picked her up and held her as she screamed in both pain and terror. I thought to myself that I would always be around to make sure that nothing bad ever happened to Molly or any of my future children. In real life, this just isn't possible, because all of them will get their bumps and bruises no matter how safe a Mother tries to keep them.

Time passed and Molly was about 8 years old and she had been sewing some little projects in her room. Little did any of us know that she had lost her sewing needle somewhere in the carpet. One night when we were entertaining family, Molly found this needle, by stepping on it and she came in crying to the living room. I examined her foot and could not see anything. Molly had a flair for the dramatic, and figured she was making a mountain of a Mole hill until a couple weeks later, her foot begain to hurt again and red streks started going up her foot. I knew that was sign of blood infection and I took her into see a doctor. Her foot was xrayed, and come to find out, Molly had stepped on a needle and it had broken off in her foot and had worked it's way inside of a tendon. We had to have surgery on her foot to remove it. How badly I felt when I didn't really believe her, and wished I coudl take it back. The blood poisioning went away and she healed.

I remember when Chris was just a toddler, I had left the crock pot cord dangling off the counter, and before I could turn around, Chris had pulled it down, right on his forehead. It put a gash into his sweet little head and it was the first time that anyone in our family had to be taken to the emergency room with stitches. I remember the goosegg that it caused and how brave Chris was when he was being stitched up. I once again vowed, to not let that ever happen again. Once again.. if I only realized that bumps,bruises and yes even stitches would happen all throughout the lives of my children.

Andy had more bumps that caused such pain to both Andy and I. I believe that Andy had the potential of being the greatest football player in the whole family if it were not for when he would get a head bump, it would put him into a full blown migrane. Those migranes were so horrible and he suffered so much. I remember trying to take care of his needs to the point that I would cry along side of him as his suffering became my suffering. I don't know how many prayers I asked Heavenly father to take those migranes away from Andy and give them to me, so that at least he would not have to suffer. It was interesting to me, that from time to time, I had migranes at the very same time that Andy began to have one, that told me that Andy was about to have one. Sure enough he did. I guess he and I developed a bond even with having headaches together. I wished so bad that none of my children would ever have to suffer, but once again, life happens, and all of them did.

Scrapbook pages

2011-02-21T22:25:00.000-08:00

I finally got my act together and began to design some scrapbook pages. I decided to just do them 8.5 x 11 and when they are printed, they can be put into the plastic sleeves and a 3 ring binder. So kids... if you want to get these, just save them to your computer and then put them on a disc and take to Costco or Walmart for printing, or via internet. Enjoy! Oh and there will be more to come.

Happy Birthday Dennis

2011-02-19T21:42:00.000-08:00

Today is Dennis' birthday and it has been a grand one at that. What makes his birthday special is not about gifts but about time. Time spent with family, over a nice homemade meal, and movies, and grandkids, and games and lots and lots of chatter and laughter. It was a really nice day.

Let me recap.... Dennis loves to play is music and he has quite a collection. I gave him a gift card to buy some itunes, so he bought a few and proceeded to serenade me while I prepared the meal we would have in the late after noon. He found some really good music, one with Bette Middler, who has remade some old 50's music, and it was so much fun listening to them. From time to time, Dennis left the bar stool he was sitting on and danced his way over to me and whisked me away from my cooking. We danced and smiled and sang and it was lots of fun.

Adam, Kim and Kayden came over just in time to watch the BYU Ballgame on TV with Dennis. Actually, Adam and Dennis watched it, while Kim and I chatted and tended Kayden. Jenny and Jake came over about an hour prior to dinner time, and then Molly, Glen and Kids arrived right on time for the blessing on the food.

I had prepared a wonderful meal of Chicken Tacos, Chalupas, and fresh guacamole and chips. I made a homemade angle food cake, and topped it with cream and raspberries, and a chocolate filigree heart stuck into the whipped cream. It was not only pretty, but yummy as well.

I bought Dennis a new sound system for our TV, and we watched as a family, one of the blue ray movies that he got for his birthday. It was suppose to snow today, but all we got in Lehi, was wet slush and mostly rain. Molly and Glen came from Park City through snow.

Just before going to bed, Dennis said, "My birthday was a Marvelous Day!" That is all I could have hoped for him, and I echo his words! I took photos and will post them one of these day.

It's about time!!???

2010-06-08T22:28:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have been a major slacker in keeping up my personal blog. I preach blogging yet I don't take the time to practice what I preach. I have bussied myself with so many good things, that it is just hard to keep up with all of them. Here are some of the fun things that have been going on in the past few months...

Visits from Becky and Mande, Andy and Betty and Toshy and Tony, Molly and Cole and Brin while their Daddy was out of town.
Birthdays galore.. all the kids and grandkids. Not too many more from Andy on for the rest of the year. We go bankrupt on Birthday presents up until June. Ha, Ha.
Dennis and I went on a couple day trips antiquing and looking mostly for old books. What fun we had!
I have gotten into Genealogy big time, and have found my new obsession. I just prepared names and had them printed off and there are 300 cards to take to the temple. I actually did more tonight and I am guessing there are at least 50 more to print off. It is great work looking for ancestors, but greater work getting the job done. My ward will take all the baptisms for the Youth to do. Then my mother, Dennis and I will do the next step, then on to the MTC where my uncle Rob will have his missionaries the endowments. After that, the cards come back to us and we will be having some wonderful sealing moments in the temple. It feels so great to be a part of this work.
Missionary work - Each week Dennis and I continue to go serve our mission at the ARP but now we work in the PASG program. It is pretty rewarding to know that we are in some small way helping others to overcome their addictions.
My knees are killing me. I went to the doctor today and the next step is to get my knees xrayed. I hope they are not giving out on me, but all I know is that they hurt and I can't kneel.
I am really doing well with my diabetes. I don't take the pills anymore except on rare occasions when my blood sugar gets too high. The worst part is when it gets too low, which is my biggest problem managing it. Oh well, everybody has their challenges in life. The true test is how we choose to deal with them.
Grandkids!!! OOOOOh I love them all. I love to see their cute little faces, hear their laughter and get greeted with a tight hug and a huge smile. They are so soft and sweet. They can be naughty as heck, and the next minute little angels. Ooooh how I love them all. I wish I could see more of Max and Matty, and little Blyss and Tosh and Tony, but we try to make up for it when we do get together. Oooh how I love my grandkids!!!!
Taking care of Molly and trying to keep positive about all that she is going through. What a strong and wonderful daughter I have in Molly, and how brave she is to be able to face her challenges, and still smile and keep being a mother. I feel so grateful for her husbands kindness, love, and patience. Mothers just worry about their kids, they just do... because we love them. Hopefully all her trials will be behind her. Facing her trials head on, and with lots of courage and hope. I love my Molly!
Planning the next family party. I love to get togheter will all who can come. Family is the best.

2010-03-19T21:13:00.000-07:00

As I read my kids blogs, which are wonderful, I realize what a lasting treasure they are. I can't be there with many of my little grandchildren as they grow up, and so I learn about tall these fun things they say and do through the blogging that their parents do. Thanks kids, one day, you will print it off and it will be worth more than gold.

I have been sick for the past 3 days, not knowing exactly what was going on but suspecting. I went to the doctor today and my suspicions were founded and I am on an antibiotic that will hopefully rid me of my infection. I have been very tired and nauseous, and cramps and more. My sweet husband has taken care of me, has brought home dinner for 2 nights in a row so that I could rest. He even made pancakes and turkey bacon tonight for us while I was sleeping. He has even done the dishes two nights in a row.

What are the signs of true love? How do we spell devotion? How do we know we are loved, without the words ever being spoken? Ask my husband because he can answer all those questions. Oh, ,and even the most manly of men wears an apron, knows how to use hot pads, cooks, does dishes, but of course with a ballgame on the TV, and another one being listened to through headphones. This is the sign of a TRUE MAN!!!! I love and appreciate him!

Marian Douglass, an inspiration to me

2010-03-12T07:35:00.000-08:00

This is Marian Douglas, who was a poet and writer, a little more than 100 years ago. She wrote one poem that has started off my being interest in dabbling with writing for myself. My reasons for her being my inspiration is when I was first introduced to one of her poetic verses over 45+ years ago, I have never forgotten it. I have enjoyed this poem and raised my own family on it as well. About 2 years ago, I decided to expound on the story of her poem and began writing a story of my own based on the life of the main character in her poem. I titled that book "Marildees gift", and that is all I will say about this until I get it finished and sent into a publisher.

It took me a while to research who she was and about her history. I found out so much and began to really love this wonderful and talented woman. I also looked up her genealogy and I find that I may even be related to her through our Robinson lineage. I am going to pursue it and make sure that she and her family is not forgotten.

In the process, I have also been finding some great vintage art and have alot of interest in researching illustrators of the past. I found one named Willy Pogany who was the original illustrator for the verse that I love so much that Marian Douglas Wrote. The image is of him and also the image he drew of the poem from Marian Douglas.

Finally an update and photos from Christmas 2009

2010-03-12T07:15:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago, I submitted one of the books that I had been thinking about and had mostly done but stored on my computer. I had started writing about 2 years ago and have not finished. Since then, so many inspirations have come to me and I have about 7 - 8 more books on the back burner. (Some done, others needing to be finished) These are children's books that will be illustrated and all done in poetry verse.

I am going to send in one that I do have completed about the influence of a father and spending quality time with children. It was inspired by Dennis. The inspiration came when we were tending little Kayden the other night so Adam and Kim could go out on a date "ALONE". He was just darling and enjoyed being with us, but when it came time to get him to bed, I spent a good deal of time trying to get him to sleep. He would have none of it, but when we went back in the family room where grandpa was, after a few minutes, I asked Kayden if he wanted Grandpa to put him to bed. He said, "Yes". I don't know if this was because Adam puts Kayden to bed most all nights, as he tends as Kim is at School until past his bedtime. Whatever the reason, the rest of the story was like this.

After a few minutes, Dennis called into me and said, "Katie, bring me in a story book to read to Kayden." I had pleanty of those as I have been checking out some children's story picture books to get ideas of writing styles, poetry, and such for my own writing. I took one in and there was Grandpa by the side of the bed, with Kayden on his lap. Well, I shut the door, and about 15 minutes later, Dennis emerged from the bedroom and not with Kayden. Dennis said, he wanted to read a book. I then remembered that Kim says they read books to Kayden before he goes to bed every night.

My thoughts about this scene prompted memories long since forgotten about the special times that Dennis would take with our children and read them books before they would go to bed at night. That was a very special time and a very important one on one time with my children. Dennis has had a job that kept him away from home for long and sometimes extended hours, traveling a lot and generally being away from home more than the 9-5 job. BUT when Dennis was home, he was with the family and attending all their ball games, cheer activities, dance and recitals, concerts, school programs, and classes that our kids were involved in. He always came unless he was out of town. Dennis always made time to spend time with the kids. This is such a valuable thing that a lot of men don't understand in the rearing of their children. The influence that a father has on his children is underestimated in today's society.

This was the inspiration for the book I have ready to submit to a publisher. My question is which one. I have been going through my book of publishing companies and I want one that appreciates the fact that what I write is teaching values to children. I submitted my first book to Deseret Book, but their audience is pretty much all LDS, and they felt safe and comfortable for my first book, but for this one, that has more universal appeal, Christian values, I wanted it to be available to everyone. We shall see.

I have come to understand that this process isn't a quick one, and I may not even get my book past first base, but I figure I am not out for trying. If nothing more comes from my writing than to provide some Grandma reading materials for my grand kids, then so be it. I am hopefull and will keep trying .... like the little engine who could said... "I think I can, I think I can."

Some photos from Christmas 2009

Cuteness in the kitchen for little girls

2009-11-15T19:43:00.001-08:00

Finally I was able to get on top of the Apron making business enough to get some of the cute little girls aprons cut out and constructed. I have the cutest ever model for them and I made the pattern also using her as a model. Little Miss Brinley loves to strike poses and is so photogenic, it was only natural that she will be my little girl Model. One of these days, I will get Molly and Brinley together so that I can snap a few Mom and Daughter aprons shots. Here are some samples of these darling photos. Thanks Brinley, you are a dolly!!! xoxox Grandma

2009-11-14T22:45:00.001-08:00

My Mother and I went down to the Orangeville fair and boutique a couple weeks ago to get a head start on selling our aprons. We had someone take this photo of the grils in our matching aprons. We have another fair to do in Park City the first weekend in December and I am really looking forward to that one. I have spent hours making some Christmas crafts and such to have to sell as well because it is a Christmas Boutique, and so I needed to get alittle Christmasy. I have made some really darling things like some Cookie Sheet Magnetic Christmas Countdown calendars, darling picture frames for boys and girls as well as Christmasy. I have made some cute plaques with original sayings from you know who, Magnet boards with some really cute Kitchen magnets. Oh and the list goes on and on. I have packaged them all in Cellophane and tied them with beautiful Red Christmas Bows. Many of my little things have a story or saying that goes with them, as I wanted to make the Christmas gift giving experience more meaningful. I have certainly gone to alot of work and I hope that our items sell, but mostly the aprons as they are the focus. Dennis has sure been supportive and I love and appreciate him for his help and input.
Enough about Jib Jab. It is only a week or so out from Thanksgiving. Looks like alot of the Smith family will be here at my house. Mom was planning to host, but more and more people were filling up her house, and it just wasn't big enough, so i volunteered to have it at mine. It will be a great time and Sara and Joe from California will be coming as well. I have been very busy with my new little business called "Cuteness in the Kitchen". The aprons are all packaged and we have sold around 22 and we are only about a month and 3/4 out from conception. I have taken on another line as well that I don't sew but order directly from a manufacturer and they are darling as well and have rubber kitchen gloves to match the aprons. Very cute! Mom has been sewing her heart out and is doing a fantastic job. Now we just need to keep selling them. We put them in Lehi Mill Store this past week too, so hopefully they will catch on.

My diabetes has been giving me some trouble. I have had such a difficult time being stable with my blood sugar level and counting carbs isn't as easy as it should be. I crash alot (not enough carbs) and don't feel very great. I am feeling alot of weakness in my arms and hands too. I do have some good days too and I look forward to them. I am not exhausted like I was before my diagnosis, so that is a really good thing, since I am so busy. I keep telling myself that Rome wasn't built in a day and I have so many things on my plate right now that I just need to keep moving forward.

Well, it is bedtime and I really do need some rest. Brin and Cole are doing their wards Primary Sacrament Meeting Presentation tomorrow and we are driving up to see them. Brin and another little girl will be singing 'I'm trying to be like Jesus'. Cole and his class are singing " I am a Child of God". Both of them have practiced it for me and they are so sweet and their voices are of little angels singing. I know that they will do great. Tomorrow!

Some fun Summer Pictures and memories

2009-10-06T19:08:00.001-07:00

This summer has flown by and luckily for me, I have photos to document some of the fun that we have had. Andy's family came twice this summer and the following photos are some of the fun times that we had.

These photos were taken at the Smith Family Reunion that was held in August 2009. It was not only the reunion, but it was the 50th Wedding aniversary celebration of Hank and Gladys Smith, my fathers brother. It was held and the American Fork Senior Citizens Center and the dinner was catered by Olive Garden.

Chris and Jenna's family came up this summer to buy a car. It was fun to have their family with us. This was before the baby was born.

We took all the kids to McDonalds and it was fun for all.

Chris and Jenna went to Thanksgiving Points childrens Discovery Gardens. The boys had such a fun time. These photos document the fun time!

Practice what I preach

2009-10-06T18:41:00.000-07:00

I have decided that I really need to practice what I preach alittle more and this blog of mine is something that I need to pay more attention to. Recently I gave a part of a presentation on Family History in my ward. My talk was focused on Creating a Family history blog or journaling. Somehow with all my preparations, I myself missed one really important thing! My blog is MY PERSONAL HISTORY. My blog is my family history and I need to treat it as such.

Blogging is fun and doesn't seem like family history but it is. Everything that I write are about events that have happened sometime in my life and in the lives of my family. I think I am also going to start to print my blog so that I can have this history of events and happenings and photos in book form.

Well enough about this. I was thinking about this past week and I should have written about Molly's family coming to have an overnight stay at our house. Glen and Dennis had tickets to go to the BYU Football game last Friday night and so Molly and the kids came down with them. While the boys were cheering for the Cougars, we went to a movie. I wish I had taken pictures of the kids as they were dressed so darling as usual. We just went over to Thanksgiving Point theaters and saw "Cloudy with a chance of meatballs." They slept over night, with Brin and Cole in the trundle bed in my office and Molly and Glen in a basement bedroom.

The next morning, after a breakfast of croissant, egg and sausage sandwiches, Glen, Molly and kids went over to Thanksgiving Point museum of natural history to see the Peter Pan and Pirate fun for kids. The kids got their face painted... Cole with a Yellow Tyrannosaurus Rex, and Brinley with a Halloween Bat. They were able to create their own pirate names which were very cute, though I can't remember them, and other cute pirate things. I left and let them enjoy the rest as a family. I think they were going to tour the museum as Glen has never been in there before, though it is one of the kids favorite things to do. My Grandparent pass gets them into the Thanksgiving Point activities and things for free for the grand kids and half price for their parents. It is fun!

Here are some of the most recent photos of Brinley and Cole and Tosh that were taken a couple months ago when Andy and Betty and family were visiting. These were taken up at Molly and Glens home in their backyard.

Tending Kayden

2009-10-05T21:43:00.000-07:00

I love to spend time with my little Grandchildren and today I was able to tend little Kayden all day while his mommy was at school and while his Daddy was at work. He has the cutest little personality and his facial expressions are priceless. I took some cute photos of him to put on my blog. This little guy is a little mister busy body, with a happy disposition. The other day he fell down the bottom stair to our back yard. It was cement and he did a face plant on the cement.
He cried for a little bit, and then got up and went on his way. This was on Sunday and today his little face has a bit of road rash on it.< We had a fun day, eating as Kayden says..."Yum Yums" which means tasty snacks and food. Jenny came over and helped with Kayden too. We were going to take him to Thanksgiving Point Farm Country, but almost as soon as we got him in the car and started down the road, his little eyes began to shut, and he fell fast asleep. We thought we had better drive some more so that he could have a nice little nap so we just went for a little ride, picked up some lunch at the drive up window, and went back to Grandma's house.By that time, he woke up and was so cute and happy the whole rest of the day. He just about laughed his head off when we played catch with the soft plastic balls we have.I will just add some cute photos and his little facial expressions tell the story of how much fun we had today!!!

Back home again

2009-10-05T19:59:00.000-07:00

Once again I am slow on my posting, but I wanted to share some fun photos that I took of Jenna, Chris and the kids while I was in Wyomong. We did a mini photo shoot with Jenna and Chris and Blyss, because the boys were to bed. I won't say why, but just know that for that particular day, bedtime was a great place for the twins to be.Jenna and I had fun together inbetween watching the twins, changing the diapers and cooking meals and doing the dishes. We took a pair of drapes that she had in her first Powell home, and we made it into 3 pairs of curtains for her kitchen windows. They turned out pretty cute, and Jenna took a great leap of faith when she bought her first sewing machiene. She did well and was a quick study. Notice the cute black and white curtains in the window behind Chris and Jenna in their photos. The tie backs are just red ribbons and that is probably temporary but they looked pretty cute with the darling red, black and white kitchen that they have.I have never seen so many diapers in my life being changed. And let me say that the expense alone of purchasing that many diapers just blows my mind. Little Blyss, though oh so small, and just getting into the filling the diaper things, probably beat out the boys, but my good ness, it was a full time job just changing diapers. Chris is so good to help Jenna with diaper duty and it takes a real man to do what he does for his family.One day, I was on the computer and the boys walked by and I decided to show them some fun movies of 'BIG TRUCKS, Fast Cars, tractors, and dump trucks and just about any other kind of truck that I could find. I went on Youtube and found some. The boys were in heaven watching those trucks. They just love big trucks. They would ask for more and more and when it was time for me to stop, the boys didn't want to stop watching movies on the Computer. It was fun and I kept this up for several days, and the boys would sit there for hours if I would just keep the short little youtube car movies coming.On the night that there was a BYU Ballgame,Chris popped a batch of popcorn and he and his little boys sat in the TV Room cheering on the Cougars.It was so darling because I could hear the boys repeating everythign that their daddy said, and cheering when Chris Cheered. I peeked in on them and saw Max sitting on the sofa with a huge bowl of popcorn,
just stuffing his mouth with it, but his eyes were glued on the ballgame. Both twins love their daddy and they seem to have picked up on his love for sports especially BYU Ballgames. For a special surprise, I found matching BYU baseball caps for the Boys and one for their Daddy, so they can wear them together. I am surprised that Chris hasn't spray painted block BYU letters in Blue and White in his front lawn, like he did the first year he moved to Powell in their other home.

It was fun for me to be able to see the enjoyment that the twins had with the bikes that we bought for them for their 2 year old birthdays. They have the perfect place to ride them, with lots of cement and just outside the double glass doors, making it easy to keep an eye on them. Their yard is also fenced in, so the boys are too young to be able to open up the gate and escape. They have a trampoline in the back yard as well and those two little boys just climb up on it by themselves and jump and jump. Sometimes their dog 'Raider" even gets in on the action and jumps up on the trampoline and jumps with the little boys. That great big huge dog just loves those two little boys so much and seems to be their buddy. I think that Raider wouldn't let anyone get too close to the boys while he is around.

I learned just how different the twins are from each other, inspite of the fact that they are twins. They have such unique personalities, likes and dislikes.This is what I found out for sure.... If Matthew likes one thing, then Max won't like it. But if Max likes something, then Matthew doesn't. I have not seen one thing that both boys like the same. Max loves trucks, cars, and adores his Daddy.
Matthew loves balls, playing and catching balls, and making baskets. Matty likes one food and Max likes another, making it hard for their Mommy to even feed them. It was fun though because I made a sugar free jello pudding treat while I was there and both boys actually ate it. I am sure it will only be a matter of time before one of them won't eat it again. Max is the largest of the two twins, and he is a tender-hearted, loving and kind little boy and his smile can light up the room. Max knows his colors and numbers, and Matthew doesn't care to. Matthew is the smallest of the two by alot, yet he seems to be the one who is more agressive and determined to get and take what he wants,yet his little smile is the cutest and his teeth are adorable. He doesn't let things bother him for very long, and is always busy with shooting basketball. He will be the dominant twin for sure and most likely the athlete. Max cannot be found without a car or truck in his hand, and loves to wear a baseball cap all day long. I have so loved getting to know these two cute little boys. The last day that I was with them,
Max came up to me and kissed me on one cheek as I was sitting on the floor, changing baby Blyss, and then walked around to the other side and kissed me on the other cheek. This meant alot to me because living so far away from my Grandchildren, makes it hard to let them know that I love them. My guess is those sweet little kisses were Max's way of saying..."I love you too Grandma!"One day I took the twins to the park that was not far from their home, and they loved to play on the swings and climb up on the big toy and slide down the slides. They would do this over and over and just loved being there. We were there about an hour and I decided that I wanted to go home, but the boys had a different idea.I have to hand it to mothers of twins because when I had one corraled and ready to go, the other would run back and start playing on the big toy again. It took me longer to get the two in both arms and back to the car, than it did to let them play on the toys. Whew, I admire Chris and Jenna for being so organized and do so well with their boys. I think if I had more time with the boys, I would figure out just how they do it all and even get places on time.Little Blyss is such a darling little girl, and her temperment certainly balances out the twins. She barely ever cries, and sleeps when she should, and eats all the time. She is such a wonderful baby.I can't believe tha she only wakes up 2 times a night to eat and be changed. None of my babies ever did that. I think that Heavenly Father sends children to a family that are needed the most. Chris and Jenna are so busy with the twins that little Miss Blyss will give them some peace and calm admidst the activity and noise.is such a pretty little baby girl. I have decided that her nose is like Jenna's and her mouth is like Max's. Her hair is just like her Daddy's when he was first born. Her size however is soooo tiny and she seems to be every bit as small as the twins were when they were born. Blyss was born almost a month early, but other than a little Jaundice, she is perfect in every way.By the time that I had left, she had gained back the birth weight and several ounces more, so she was doing very well. She is such a tiny little mite, and it is hard to remember that my own Jenny being that small, but she was. To have another granddaughter in the family is so wonderful too. I fell in love with Blyss and hated to leave her to come home. Gratefully Dennis and I both will travel back when she is blessed.

I'm having a nice visit with Chris, Jenna and the kids.

2009-09-27T12:48:00.000-07:00

I came to Powell to help Jenna and Chris with the boys and the new baby this past Tuesday. Jenna's mom had been with then the prior week, since the new baby was born. I am here now and it has been wonderful to be with this darling little family. Little Blyss, is darling and has such a sweet disposision. I love to hold her and she is sooooo tiny. It feels like I am not even holding anything when I hold her as she is only about 5 lbs. 16 oz. or so. I do think she is growing daily as she eats well, and more and more often.Max and Matty are doing well with the adjusting to a new baby. Max is in love with his new little sister and won't leave her alone. He wants to love and kiss on her anytime he can and he does. He tried to pick her up the other day and just hovers around her. It is all in sweetness, as he truely loves his baby sister. He just doesn't know his own strength and understand why he can touch and pat, and hold her all the time.Matty on the other hand, just pretty much leaves Blyss alone. He looks at her once and a while, and seems to have accepted her, but just really doesn't have much to do with her. He is busy doing his own thing.... riding his trike, jumping on the trampoline or playing tiny tot basketball. I am tending Blyss right now and I have to stop writing because she is needing my attention.>>>>>> I think I heard a blowout. Yeah!

It's been sooooo long!

2009-09-16T21:40:00.000-07:00

Ok, I decided to take the tip from my daughter in law who said that even though there are not pictures (yet) to go with this post, I should update it. I gave a talke in Church this past Sunday telling how Blogs can be great journals and are actually family history. Well, I need to get my family history updated, so I am not a hypocrite.

The last post was when we finnished our SLC mission and started our second one in Utah County. I must say that the two missions though they are both working with the LDS Addiction Recovery Program, are completely different. Not the Program but how it is run and the differences between the Mission leadership, as well as the missionaries. Someone said, Change is good for you. We can and have adapted. Change creates opportunities for growth and we are definately growing. Dennis and I just did a meeting in Lehi, where there were 35 in attendance and about 8 - 10 of them were new participants. It is wonderful and sad at the same time. Wonderful because people are coming and reaching out for help, sad because those numbers represent the fact that Old Scratch is out and in force tempting as many as he can.

Andy and Betty have come to visit twice since I last wrote. Little Tony has really grown up and changed and he is almost one year old. Little Tosh, is so darling and sweet and still full of energy and excitement. I took him to the dinosaur museum at Thanksgiving Point, and he was so filled with wonder. He is so smart and knew the names of all the dinosaurs and animals that he saw there. We took him to the Childrens Discovery Gardens water park where there is a Noahs arch wading pool. He and Tony loved it. Molly and Glen and the kids came too as did Adam, Kim and Kayden. We had a picnic and just enjoyed ourselves and our children getting to play together. It was great fun.

Chris and Jenna also came to Utah and we did the same things at the Water park,and Matty and Max loved splashing in the water too. We had a nice dinner together as well. It wasn't long enough to be able to be with them, but they have two families living in Utah and they didn't plan enough time to play.

Chris and Jenna have just had their new baby girl named Blyss Marie. From the photos that I have seen, she is absolutely beautiful. She is our second granddaughter with 7 grandsons born inbetween the two girls. I am going to fly to stay with them to help them once Jenna's mother has left. It will be wonderful to be able to enjoy holding a new baby as well as be able to love and get to know better my little twin Grandsons.

Molly and Jenny came over last Saturday and we made Salsa. We had no idea how long it would take but we started at 10am and finnished at 7:00pm. We were all very tired but it make 75 pints and 4 quarts of Salsa. It is yummy and I know that all of us will be happy to eat it up over the coming year or at least winter until it is gone. I have already used a couple of mine on Chicken Parmessan,and over chicken chimichangas. I also gave some away to neighbors and one is saved for my Mom too. I have gotten the preserving bug and have even figured out how to use up all the zucchini that has been growing in my garden. I have been dehydrating it to add to soups during the winter. That should be yummy!

I was diagnosed alittle over a month ago with Diabetes type 2. I have been trying to figure out how to control it with diet... counting carbs, and eating right and exercisisng. I have crashed alot but have been able to recover and figure out what I did wrong. No more sugar for me, which is ok. For Posterity's sake, I wanted to list my symptoms so that if anyone else gets these, then they can get in sooner than I did to help themselves. Diabetes runs in our family and my father had it. He had what Mom calls a Red boot on his leg, and I have it too. It is actually the color of the skin, redish like a sunburn, from my ankel on my right leg up about 5 inches to where a boot would cover.... thus the term Red boot. Also I have another redish skin area just at the base of my neck that looks like a sunburn when I was wearing a t shirt. It just doesn't go away. My Dad had that too. I also have been getting all kinds of skin tags, and blemishes on my back that has taken my skin from smoothe to pretty rough. My eyes have really changed and I wear glasses. I get really fatigued after about 3:00 pm, and either have to take a nap or rest up a bit to try to get a second wind.

I have been tring to feel better by taking my diabetes pill and the other pills that I need to take to help out with this. TOmorrow I go into the doctor and take a test that should determine if the pill has helped me with my diabetes. It could be a great day or not so great depending on what the findings are.

On the brighter side, I have been really inspired to do some creative things with fabric. My kitchen is filled with cut out things that I am going to be sewing together over time. I want to get some done to take with me to Wyoming next week. I hope I can get it all done by then. If not, I will save it for when I get home.

Molly and I went to Swiss days a couple weeks ago. We spent many hours there together going up and down the crafters booths admiring there wares. Molly and I both bought a darling fabric bag that is tied with a bow and made out of several contrasting fabrics. Sooooo cute! We ate for lunch Swiss chicken sandwiches which was really yummy. I stayed away from sweets, but Molly had a caramel apple. Yummy and crunchy!

BYU has started football and Dennis has been watching the games. All the boys have finally converted to being BYU Fans and they are so cute to call their dad during and after the ballgames to talk about the game. I am glad that Dennis enjoys his sports and has something besides work to keep him entertained. He loves to read as well and once one book is completed, he has alreay purchased several more to take their place. I have never seen such an avid reader. Jenna and Molly share that enjoyment for reading as well and he shares books once read, with them.

August 29, I think, we had our Smith Family Reunion which was also a 50th wedding aniversary celebration of one of the Smith Brothers... Hank and his wife Gladys. Their daughter Jodi planned and even paid for a lovely catered dinner buffet from Olive Garden. I provided the florals for the tables. There were games, and memories shared. Lots of people came and it was a fun time for all. I had not seen my cousins, Jodi, Wendy and Alan Smith since I was a child, and it was great to see and visit with them. I made a blog a couple years back of the first reunion and on but have not updated it with current stuff. One day, when I get more time. It is found at http://adelbertanddellasmithfamily.blogspot.com/ Dennis liked the idea so much that he asked me to help get him started on one for his Parents and Family and his blog is located at: http://paulmarcelenegaugerfamily.blogspot.com/

It is late right now and I am pretty tired from a long day today. I will close for now. I also hope to get some pictures up to enjoy as well.

Our first mission ends, and our next one begins...

2009-04-20T19:58:00.000-07:00

Last night, Dennis and I taught our last meeting as missionaries with the Sandy Area Addiction Recovery program in Spanish. It is so hard to believe that it has been 18 months already and that our mission is completed. It has been such a pleasure to work primarily with the Spanish Speaking group. Dennis has enjoyed using his Spanish he learned from serving a full time mission in New York Spanish. I have learned to listen intently and have understood some of what was spoken in the meeting, and I am grateful to the Lord for blessing me with this understanding. We love these people and have felt it a pleasure to be in their service.

Today, we just handed in our second set of mission papers to serve in the LDS Addiction Recovery Program, in Utah County area, American Fork and Lehi. This time it will be English speaking and I will have a greater opportunity to teach and share my testimony in the meetings. We signed up for another 18 months.

This program is divinely inspired and does help those who are looking to overcome their addictions. With the Lords help, individuals and families are blessed as they take the 12 steps toward recovery. We have seen lives changed with not just the addict, but families. We have seen recovered addicts become facilitators and missionaries in this program moving forward to bless the lives of so many. We love the wonderful spirit that attends every meeting and the reaching out to help and assist others in their recovery that goes on as individuals share their experience and understanding of the 12 steps. This is a marvelous program and it is here to gather back Heavenly Fathers lost children and give them hope, and healing.

Party Weekend

2009-04-20T19:31:00.001-07:00

My sister Robyn's daughter Jennifer planned a Surprise Birthday Party for her mothers 50th birthday and it was held at our home this past Saturday. It was alot of fun and what a surprise for Robyn. It was also her husband Karl's birthday too, so we celebrated. About 50 of both families came and there was lots of food, visiting and really good weather, so we had some tables outside. I thought I would share some of the photos that captured some of the moments.

33 Years of Wedded bliss today!

2009-04-09T13:25:00.000-07:00

Today is a wonderful day filled with memories of 33 years ago when Dennis and I were married in the Salt Lake Temple. You know, much of the memories are a blurr, probably because I am now practically brain dead, but mostly because it was so exciting, and magical and the most wonderful time of our lives.

I remember that beautiful new blue suit that Dennis wore, and I remember that it brought out the blue in his eyes. He was so absolutely handsome and he literally swept me off my feet.

I remember preparations for the wedding.... the decorations, baking and wrapping cookies, and all this while Dennis was on his internship with Deloitte and Touche in New York. I remember the letters that he wrote to me, and the ones I wrote to him. They were pretty.....um... what was the term we use to use..."MUSHY" yes, that is it. Those letters were really mushy!

I remember our wedding night like it was yesterday. Even more I remember the next morning, when we had a knock on our door at 8:00am, and it was my brother Harold coming to be our first visitor in our new apartment. Dennis was quick to tell him that his sister was still in bed (you know really tired... actually I was horrified that my brother was at my front door) and Dennis told him to wait about an hour and then meet him at the store and he could help Dennis pick out some of the things that we would be needing.

Those were the days, and our living room was the size of our closet that we have today. That's ok because we really didn't spend much time in the living room. That living room was filled with a really ugly couch that Dennis' parents gave to us to use, and we threw some tan fabric over it to make it look a little better, or so we thought. We had Dennis' stereo that was sitting on a shelf that we had made of cinder blocks, and boards. We thought we were so stylish and that our house looked wonderful.

I worked at Jolene Company and Dennis worked at Utah County Mosquito Abatement. That following December, Dennis graduated from BYU and started to work for Deloitte and Touch in the Salt Lake office. What great memories we have.

Happy 33rd Anniversary Dennis, and may we have 33 more wonderful years together!!!

2009-03-28T23:46:00.003-07:00

Can you tell that Brinley likes to strike a pose? If she doesn't end up being a model of one kind or another when she grows up, I think I will be very surprised.

Cole didn't really want his photo taken but he endured it to a point. Finally he just quit looking up at me, and I determined that I wasn't getting any more photos.

I took a few misc. photos and I thought I would share.Mandy, my sisters daughter who is Mollys age came in town. She lives in LA and works at UCLA. We love having Mande visit as it feels just like she is one of our own, whenever she comes. She stayed with Molly and Glen but they all drove down for lunch at Auntie Katie's. Kim and Kayden came over and had some girl time together and the little cousins played so cute. Kayden is walking all over the place and has such a cute and sweet disposition. He also has a way of pulling some of the funniest faces and he keeps us all entertained. What a bunch of darling little grandkiddies!!! Happy Birthday Molly! That was the main reason Mande came to be with Molly for her Birthday.

Dennis' friends Back to the Past Party

2009-03-28T23:15:00.001-07:00

Friday night, after many weeks of preparation, the party day arrived. It is so funny with parties, you work your tails off and are too tired to enjoy it. Dennis and I decided to try to get most everything done in time for us to both take naps. We were sure that would help us to not feel so worn out. We laid down and neither of us could sleep because of all the things running through our minds. Funny.

The party was so well attended and every one helped by bringing something. I made 3 types of pasta sauces, Red sauce, Alfredo Sauce and Picatta Sauce. I also had two different kinds of meats... Italian sausage and Cajun Chicken Strips. I had several types of toppings such as olives, Parmesan cheese, sliced tomatoes, mushrooms, onions and sauteed baby red, yellow and orange peppers. I made a huge Caesar salad as well. Others brought the pastas, three different types, and they also brought many different kinds of finger desserts to enjoy. I had also made Mother Goose popcorn and set it inside the Record album bowls I made and used that as the centerpieces. Everyone loved the food and there was lots of it.

After dinner we played "Name that tune" with old funny songs like... Does your chewing gum lose it's flavor on the bedpost overnight? and Dead Skunk in the middle of the road, Monster Mash, Camp Granada, and other fun songs. We also did 1969 and 1970 trivia and the points were tallied per table. Once the games were over the top winning table got to choose the fabulous wrapped boxes filled with amazing tongue in cheek prizes. One box was the Green jello box filled with packages of Green Jello, authentic hand written recipes for green jello back in the 70's, and authentic jello molds. Another package was the popcorn package with old time Popcorn containers, bags of popcorn, and the package couldn't be complete without Cracker Jacks. Another package included Authentic replicas of Coke glasses as well as Bottles of Coke and the "Coke Jingle". The last one was the candy package that was meant to bring back memories of going to the Old Corral Theater and buying the large boxes of candy. I found Ju Ju Bees, Dots, Raisinetts, and many other old time candies that are making a come back.

Everyone had a great time and Doug and Diane Wilson and Mark Merkley even stayed longer, in fact until after 11pm or later. We all had a great time chatting. I took some photos of the group and I will post them. I think we will be eating on the food that was left over for days even though I sent food home with people. That is ok with me as I think I have cooked and baked more in the past few days than I have for a whole week. It was fun though and to make my honey happy, well that is what it is all about for me.

Bruce Bowen couldn't come as he is having some pretty serious health problems.

Its already March

2009-03-23T21:14:00.000-07:00

I am such a slacker on my own personal blog. I have too many others to keep up with and I don't do the one that should be my priority. Well, I don't have any photos to add, but I will post about what has been going on.

Dennis and I went to Idaho this past weekend to Chad Clarks wedding and reception. It was all very nice and he has certainly married a darling gal, who seems as sweet and cheerful as he is. Linda and Dale are always so welcoming and it was very nice to be able to visit with them a bit and be a part of this wonderful family celebration. Paulene and David also came and so did Molly and Glen and Brin and Cole.

Tomorrow, Molly and Mande are driving down from Park City to visit and shop. Brin and Cole are coming here for a visit. I understand that Brinley has broken out in hives all over he entire body, face, to feet, from the antibiotic that she has been on from her surgery. She reminds me of he Mommy because Molly was always breaking out in unexplained rashes when she was little. Our family had some common allergies, and I guess Brinley and Cole have them too. Oh the nicest things we pass on genetically to our posterity.

Jenny came over this morning and together we baked bread and made some yummy banana bread as well. Jenny is so fun to talk with and has such an upbeat and eager to learn disposition. She and I have become such good friends and I can't think of a better friend to have than my own daughter (s).

Well, I am needing to get to sleep now, so I will post later.

Whew, I am now caught up on my posting since December.

2009-01-29T22:08:00.000-08:00

2009-01-29T21:46:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday, Brent and Sonya celebrated their 50th wedding aniversary. It was held at the American Fork Sr. Citizens center and hosted by their children. It was lovely and there were many people who dropped in to congratulate Brent and Sonya in being married so long. The two of them look almost as young as they looked when they were married. Sonya is still a darling woman and as lively as ever. Brent could still pass for Robert Redford. Congratulations! The other photos are of their kids Mike and his wife Amy, Brenda and her little grandson and of course Dennis, then Polly and David, and of Lori who is as cute as she was in high school. Brenda made a great video of their life from birth until now and it was really fun to get to see the photos of everyone and even some of us.

2009-01-29T21:40:00.000-08:00

I would like to introduce you to our new neighbors. Actually they are probably not very new, and in fact they probably have lived here alot longer than we have. Their last name I believe is Fox, and one of them is named "Red". We only saw one of the pair this particular day and it was probably because he was pretty thirsty and needed a fresh drink from the clean and sanitary waters of the Muddy Jordan River. It is fun to see the wildlife that lives along the river. Besides the pair of foxes, there are deer, lots of birds, snakes of many varieties, and of course lots of fish. There are some pesky birds that seem to think that our homes are the perfect place to build their nests and they make a muddy mess on the sides of our houses until they get sick of us tearing down their efforts to make nests. Then they just move on to another house and build again.

2009-01-29T21:33:00.000-08:00

On our way home from Park City, Dennis decided to take the Heber way home. We drove through beautiful Heber City and then up Provo Canyon. I am glad that I had my camera with me because it was so pretty and we had never seen the back side of Timpanogos and Deer Creek Resivoir covered with Snow. There were alot of ice fishermen trying their luck. It was so beautiful and really made us think about how wonderful all of the things that God touches are.

2009-01-29T21:21:00.000-08:00

Dennis and I went up to Park City a few weeks ago to visit Molly Glen and the kids for the day. We stopped to get some gas and Dennis went in to pay and came back to the car with "Lick em aid" for the grandkids. Little did he know what a hit he had made with that treat for Brinley and Cole. They loved it and sat and ate it for almost an hour at the dinner table.

Kayden is almost walking. He loves to pull himself up by the handle on the freezer drawer and he acts like we should be getting things out of the fridge for him. I guess he needs to talk alittle more and let us know if he wants popcicles, a big steak or just a boo boo.

Adam and Kim and little Kayden sure make a cute picture.
Andy is carrying his little boy like they do in Guatemala.

More great photos. Family is the best!

2009-01-29T21:15:00.000-08:00

Chris, Jenna, Max and Matthew stayed with us at our house during the Christmas holiday. We had lots of fun times together, but one of the ones that I loved the most what when Chris got out his guitar and the boys really loved their rock and roll papa. They danced, wanted to strum the guitar and just looked up into their daddy's face with such love and admiration, you would have thought he was Elvis!

I have too many blogs to keep up.

2009-01-29T20:49:00.000-08:00

I have to admit my failing. I just have too many blogs going at one time that I can't keep up with all of them. I have lots of things to share and I would like to scrapbook them and put them on this blog, but I don't have the time now days. I think I will just put on some of the darling photos of the terriffic times we as a family have shared since my last post. Hope ou all enjoy them. I will try to do better at being more current on this blog. Bet you can't tell this is Christmas 2008.

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Santa Clause is coming to town!

2008-12-19T22:28:00.000-08:00

These photos are of our Smith Family Christmas Party Last year and notice Santa, looking as wonderful as ever!

Dennis and I are looking foreword to Christmas this year. We feel so blessed to have our whole family here with us at least for Christmas Eve. We have so many fun plans that I hope we can get most of them in. Chris and Jenna are coming with their cute little twin boys and we can't wait to see and enjoy them. We have so many traditions for Christmas that I don't know where to start. Dennis and I started shortly after we were first married by purchasing a Christmas story book. This year will be the same but I can't say what the book is or there won't be a surprise. We have a Christmas Eve dinner and a tradition of having Prime Rib and Shrimp as our main dishes. We also have a Smith family tradition of a Cranberry Apple Orange jello salad, and of course Grandam Della's fudge with a Katie twist to it. This year my fudge is filled with macadamia nuts and coconut milk and it is the best, and not to mention our Christmas Divinity and Toffee. Presents to the Grandchildren are opened so they have things to play with until they get ready to go to bed. Brothers and sisters gift exchange happens and we also get a new game to play every year. This year we found 2 new games, so I hope we have the energy to play them. We always have a new puzzle for everyone to put their pieces in, and eventually we have a full puzzle. Santa says he is going to drop by for a quick visit before he has to go to the North Pole to get his sleigh loaded to deliver gifts for Christmas. Christmas music, laughter, and just remembering the good old days is what we enjoy at Christmas. We look foreward to all of it and more. We can't wait!

Festival of the Trees

2008-12-08T14:21:00.000-08:00

Molly, Brinley, Cole, Andy, Betty, Tosh and Tony, and I went to the festival of Trees last week. It was as good as it always is, and the little children just loved the lights. I took a few photos for sharing.

Thanksgiving at our house

2008-12-08T12:59:00.000-08:00

We had such a nice Thanksgiving this year. All of our children, except for Chris and his family were able to come. (We are excited to have Chris, Jenna and the boys coming for Christmas!)

I like to do all my photo posting now days in Scrapbook pages so that I can print them off for my own scrapping, but I just don't have the time to do all of that so I am going to post the photos this time for all to enjoy.

Happy Birthday Grandma Smith

2008-12-07T11:55:00.000-08:00

Wow, I have to catch up !

2008-12-07T08:20:00.000-08:00

I am so far behind on my own personal blog that I really need to catch up. These won't be fancy, but I need to get them published so here goes... starting from the last visit of Chris and Jenna in October until now. These photos are when Jenna and Chris brought their kids up for a visit in October. We only had one day to do things with them so we took them and Tosh over to the petting zoo at Thanksgiving Point. Most of the animals were sleeping, but the ones that they enjoyed the most were the horses and the pony rides. Also, Molly, Brinley and Cole and Grandma went to Thanksgiving Point Pumpkin festival and enjoyed the festivities there. Little Cole got stung by a bee there which ruined their fun, and his poor little eye really sweelled up as you can see from the pictures. The bees were particularly bad there, but we had fun anyway!

Everybody's home at once!

2008-10-20T13:28:00.000-07:00

Wow, finally everyone in the entire family is at home at once. We were able to get together and we celebrated family and my birthday( a bit early ) . What fun we had. All the little grandchildren enjoyed playing together and got along so well. Fabulous food, and family... what a wonderful combination. Now for some photos of our fun!

It is October 6th already.

2008-10-06T21:15:00.000-07:00

I have not posted for a while as I have been very swamped with so many things. I have finally got back to updating my Visiting Teaching blog so check in on it at http://visitingteachingtips.blogspot.com/

I am in the process of putting together a web based business called "At Home Solutions by Katie". Once I get the website up you will understand more about what the business is all about. I have been designing and redesigning my web page and today I had it completed and forgot to save it. It took me about 4 hours to get it just right and now I have to start over. Moral to that story is to save all along the way when making any kind of project. Oh well, that is what I will do tomorrow. If you want to see the "Construction site" you can go to http://www.athomesolutionsbykatie.com/ Keep checking back as I hope to have my website up and and functioning by the end of this week, that is barring the fact that we could have our grandchild born, and his father ( ANDY ) is the one putting up my website on the Internet. Speaking of Andy... we have really been happy to get to know our little Grandson, Tosh. His hair is totally curly and thick and black. We found something fun about him when we took him out in the swimming pool. When he is in the sun his skin gets pretty dark. The next day his skin is back to the normal shade of tan. He is our little Camellion. Every day he reaches his arms out for me to pick him up and take him down the picture gallery hallway. He points to every photo and calls them "Baby", even though most of them aren't babies anymore. He is 18 months and darling and we have enjoyed getting to know this little guy after such a long time away from him while his family lived in Guatemala.

Adam and Kim found an apartment in Pleasant Grove so it looks like they will be moving in a week or so. Life is constantly busy and changing here at our home but I guess that is what it is all about. We love our family and it has been wonderful to be able to get to know our little Grandson Kayden so well these past 5 months. Kayden has such a cute little cheesy smile on his face and he lights up when he sees us. He has huge beautiful blue eyes like his pretty Mommy Kim yet he looks allot like Adam as well. What a beautiful child.

Dennis and I have almost served our mission for a whole year. Time really has flown by and it has been gratifying and wonderful service. We were called for 18 months so we do have quite a bit left. This past Spanish meeting, we had our largest number of people attend of all the meetings so far. Many participants have come and gone and all that are coming now days are pretty new. It is a wonderful feeling to know that you are a part of helping them get back on the road to recovering from their addictions.

We are excited because Chris and Jenna are going to come to Utah next week. We look foreword to seeing them and the darling twins once again. They will have a busy schedule, but we will try to get some good visits in whenever we can. It will be fun to see the twins walking and getting into everything like kids their age do.

Molly and Glen and kids went on a trip over the conference weekend in Colorado with friends. They said it was beautiful and a great getaway. Can't wait until we see them again. We have such fun when we are together, especially with Brinley the Princess and Cole / Buzz Lightyear.

Jenny and Jake came over and watched conference with us. We always have a nice meal between conference sessions with all the family that is here. Adam and Kim and Andy and Betty were here too. Betty confessed to me that she went downstairs and turned on conference to watch in Spanish and heard our prophet speak. We gave her a Bible in Spanish to read after we returned home from our Mission meeting that night.

Well, this is just about it for now. Hopefully with my next post, there will be great pictures to ad.

What a Bargain!: Photo Tour

2008-10-02T16:39:00.000-07:00

What a Bargain!: Photo Tour

Spending time with family

2008-09-14T00:04:00.001-07:00

Molly and Glen and children drove down from Park City to get to see Andy, Betty and Tosh. Kim, Adam and Kayden were here too. I took some photos and made a scrapbook page to share of our fun family time.

Tosh & Daddy Scrapbook page

2008-09-13T21:51:00.000-07:00

Tosh got his first opportunity to go swimming at Grandma's house today. His daddy blew up the pool and filled it with nice warm water. Tosh played and loved his swim time that he cried when it was time to get out of the pool.

Rainbow in Las Vegas

2008-09-12T15:21:00.000-07:00

It seemed ironic to Dennis and I when we spotted a rainbow outside our hotel room in Las Vegas this past week. We had the camera and took a couple shots of it. It seems like when you are in the middle of the dessert, you just don't see rainbows.

Our short trip was long enough to see some of the good sights and eat at a really good resturaunt in the Paris Hotel, which is our favorite resturant in Las Vegas. We toured until our feet couldn't stand anymore walking. I have inserted a few photos of the sights.

Back in the USA

2008-09-12T15:07:00.000-07:00

Andy, Betty and Tosh arrived safely and without any hitches in Utah yesterday evening. Dennis and I greeted them at the airport and it was a tearful and wonderful reunion. Little Toshy is such a doll. He has long curly hair, and his Daddy says they aren't cutting it until he goes to school, however Betty said that they need to cut it because everyone said, "Oh what a darling little girl you have." After being here for almost a day, Toshy is starting to warm up to Dennis and I, and we are really enjoying getting to know this sweet little guy. He is so full of life, energy and is smiling all the time. Betty is very pregnant and has only 1 month to go. She started 2 days ago having her first nose bleed, which is the complication that caused her to give birth to Tosh 3 weeks early. We hope it was a fluke, but we will be watching that very closely. Andy is glad to be home again and plans to get a doctor, hospital and a job with insurance as his first order of business. We feel so blessed that they arrived safely especially considering that they flew through 2 tropical storms/hurricanes which gave them a pretty bumpy flying experience. I took some photos when they arrived and of last evening and made up this scrapbook page of Grandma and Tosh. He actually let me feed him, so that was a good start with becoming good friends.

Another new scrapbook page

2008-09-07T16:59:00.000-07:00

I am having lots of fun doing scrapbook pages of Dennis and I and I really liked the design, and layout of this one. I also did quite a few effects including the most obvious which was the crackling effect. I even crackled the flowers, though they are pretty subtle. What do you think?

Betty has her Visa!!!

2008-09-04T22:13:00.001-07:00

Andy and Betty went to Guatemala City a couple days ago and Betty was given her visa to enter the United States. We are all celebrating and especially considering that they will be her a week from today. Andy made Airline reservations as soon as they had Betty's doctor appointments making sure that she was good to travel due to the pregnancy. A bit more good news is that they are having another healthy baby boy at the end of October. We all look forward with great anticipation to being reunited with Andy's family and our family, and to get to know our darling little grandson Tosh. YEAH!!!!

Adore Always!

2008-09-04T22:11:00.000-07:00

This is just a little digital page I created for Dennis and I . I have been thinking that it would be about time for me to start doing a scrapbook of us, so here is the most current photo and first page of that scrapbook.

Our Guatamalan Kids are coming HOME!!!!!!!

2008-08-28T11:04:00.000-07:00

Andy just called to tell us that Betty's visa was approved and that is the expedited one, so they could be here in Utah, USA as soon as next week. We are so happy and excited to see all of them and to be able to get to know our darling little grandson Tosh. Betty will be having the baby here in the USA where she can get the help that she needs especially if she has the bleeding complications she had with Tosh. We are just so happy to now look forward to seeing all of them again, and we thank-you all for your prayers and good thoughts. I will update the blog when I hear anything else. WE ARE CELEBRATING!!!!

Grandkids scrapbook pages

2008-08-26T20:12:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be fun to start a new scrapbook totally dedicated to memories I have of my little grandchildren. I decided to do 8.5 x 11 size so that I could print them at home. Thought I would share.

A very good story for everyone to read and ponder.

2008-08-20T22:02:00.000-07:00

After a few of the usual Sunday even hymns, the Church’s pastor stood up, walked over to the pulpit and before he gave his sermon for the evening, he briefly introduced a guest minister who was there for the evening. The pastor told the congregation that the guest was one of his dearest childhood friends and he wanted Him to take a few moments to greet the church and share a message.
The Elderly minister stepped up to the pulpit and began to speak. “A father and his son and a friend were sailing off the Pacific coast when a fast approaching storm blocked all attempts to get back to shore. The waves were so high that the father, though being an experienced sailor, could not keep the boat upright and the three were swept into the ocean and the boat capsized. “
The old man hesitated for a moment making eye contact with two teenagers who were, for the first time since the service began, looking somewhat interested in his story. He continued…. “Grabbing a rescue line, the father had to make the most excruciating decision of his life. Which boy would he throw the other end of the life line to? He only had seconds to make the decision and the father knew that his son was a Christian and he also knew his son’s friend was not.
The agony of the decision could not be matched by the torrent of the waves. The father threw out the lifeline to his son’s friend, as he yelled out…” I love you son!” By the time the father had pulled his son’s friend back to the capsized boat, his son had disappeared beneath the raging swells of the black night. His body was never recovered.
By this time the two teenagers were sitting up straight in the pew, anxiously waiting for the next words to come out of the old minister’s mouth. “The father knew his son would step into eternity knowing Jesus and he could not bear the thought of his son’s friend stepping to the other side without knowing Jesus, therefore he sacrificed his son to save this friend.”
“How great is the love of God that he should do the same for us. Our Heavenly Father sacrificed his only begotten Son that we could be saved. I urge you to accept His offer to rescue you and take a hold of the life line that He is throwing out to you!”
With this being said the old minister turned from the pulpit and sat back down in his chair. The entire room was silent. The Pastor slowly walked to the pulpit and delivered a brief sermon and ended the meeting.
After the meeting the two teenagers quickly were at the old man’s side. “That was a nice story,” one of them said politely, but I don’t think it was very realistic for a father to give up his only son’s life in hopes that the other boy would someday become a Christian.”
“Well you’ve got a point there,’ the old man replied, glancing down at his worn bible. A big smile broadened his narrow face and he once again looked up at the boys and said, “It surely isn’t very realistic is it? But, I’m standing here today to tell you that the story gives me a glimpse of what it must have been like for God to give up His son for me.” Before turning away the old man continued, “You see, I was that father and your pastor is my son’s friend.”
This story may or may not be true but it carries with it a message to all that our Heavenly Father loves each of us so much that he sacrificed the life of his beloved Son for you and for me. He knew that this life would be a challenge and none of us could live in it without making mistakes, so he sent his Son to Atone for our sins so that if we repented and endured to the end, we could live with him again.
Jesus Christ is our life line. Grasp hold and never let it go!

2008-08-20T22:01:00.000-07:00

We are praying Toshy home.

2008-08-19T22:22:00.000-07:00

Andy & Betty's Visit with the US Consulate

2008-08-13T08:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a big day for Andy and Betty. They met with and turned in all the rest of the paperwork for Betty's Visa Application and all were accepted and complete. They were given an interview yesterday at 2:30 and explained the medical necessity to expedite the Visa process if possible due to Bettys High risk pregnancy and the fact that she won't be able to travel very close to her due date in October. The man they met with said that he would foreward all the paperwork to expedite to the Homeland Security Department of the USA. Now it is a wait and see. We are praying that Betty will be granted the opportunity and priveledge to come home with Andy and little Toshy and be able to give birth to their soon to be born baby in October. Keep your prayers with ours and miracles could happen! We Love you ANDY, BETTY, TOSH & little ???? Family is everything to us, and there isn't anything more precious!

2008-08-12T09:23:00.000-07:00

Today is the day that Andy and Betty will turn in the rest of their items that they need to submit for Betty's Visa application. We are all praying that she is granted a visa. Andy called us this morning to let us know that they had been traveling since the wee hours of the morning to get to Guatemala City. Betty fainted in front of the Consolate because of her pregnancy, low blood sugar. People around helped them and gave her some Coke a Cola to drink and someone gave her a piece of chocolate. I am sure this was fatigue, nerves, worry and hope besides the pregnancy that caused her to faint. We just need to get Betty, and Andy and Tosh here with us and in October their new baby will be born. By the way, it will be a surprise for everyone as they don't know what they will be having either. Keep your prayers with them today, as they will need them all.

Lagoon Day

2008-08-03T07:23:00.000-07:00

Dennis and I, Jenny and Molly,Glen & Brin and Cole spent the day at Lagoon yesterday. It was so much fun to watch the little grandchildren ride the kiddie rides and eat cotton candy, and splash in the water. It brought back really good memories of our own children enjoying such fun. It was the 4th hotest day of the year, so we spent the first part at Lagoon a beach, in the water until the sun began to drain our energy. We enjoyed dippin dots, and that too brought back memories of getting Dippin Dots at the Oakland A's games we use to take our children to.

My Garden

2008-08-02T13:48:00.000-07:00

My garden has produced some nice things, tiny but nice and tastey. The cherry tomatoes are starting to ripen and we have had a handful of green beans, tons of sugar peas, and several side dishes of beet greens. YUM! It has been fun to do the garden and reap the harvest too. I have posted a photo just after my garden began to grown and then one as it is today. It has really grown. I have tomatoes and squash growing on my lower deck in pots too.

2008-07-28T17:59:00.000-07:00

2008-07-26T18:27:00.000-07:00

About 4 minutes from the cabin we were staying in during our trip, was fields of wildflowers. They were so beautiful and we determined that we would take family photos there. We didn't get Chris' family photos in the flowers, but they took some on their blogspot. Enjoy some of the cute photos that were taken. I took the liberty to "borrow" some of the photos to add to this section of Chris and Jenna and Max and Matthew that they took on our trip. They had not yet arrived on the trip when the rest of us went and took photos at the flower fields.

Here are some of the sites of Yellowstone...

2008-07-26T17:59:00.000-07:00

Gauger Family Yellowstone / Island Park Trip

2008-07-26T17:20:00.000-07:00

The last week of June, Dennis and I rented a cabin, or a 5 bedroom house and invited all our children and their families to share a family vacation in Island Park / Macks Inn / Yellowstone. We had a great time. We stayed in a place called "Harker Cabin" in Macks Inn, and it was totally infested with Mosquitoes. The explaination was that the area is so densly wooded, that the snow and moisture stayed too long. We could't go outside and use the fire pit or blow up a pool for the grandkids because the mosquitoes were everywhere. We had to spray before leaving our cars to go into the cabin, and do the same each time we made a mad dash to the cars. Other than the mosquitoes, we had a terriffic time touring Yellowstone, fishing in Glen's boat on Henry's lake and caught HUGE fish. We also did some boating at Island Park while some of us stayed on the grassy beach playing in the water and catching some rays. Each night one family was in charge of dinner and dishes, which made it easy on all of us. Lots of fun memories made! More to come..... Some of us went to Jackson Hole on the second day. Enjoy these photos and thanks to Chris and Jenna for letting me borrow some from their website of their family.

Adam and Kim's family

2008-07-26T16:55:00.000-07:00

Adam and Kim moved in with us about 2 1/2 monts ago. We have had the joy of seeing and being a part of our little Grandson Kaydens growth and milestones. He is such a darling little boy and is now smiling and babbling and has found his tongue. He is now able to roll over from his stomach to his back and he has also slid out of his bouncer several times. He is so sweet and has a smile and those huge blue eyes are so beautiful. We kinda like his parents too but you know how it is being a grandparent. There isn't anything better in this phase of life. Here are some cute photos of Adam, Kim and Kayden.

2008-07-26T16:50:00.000-07:00

We can't forget some cute photos of Chris and Jenna in them!

Chris and Jenna's family came to Visit

2008-07-26T16:32:00.000-07:00

It was fun to be able to get to know the little boys again as when time goes by inbetween visits, we have to get reacquainted again. They are so darling and we really enjoyed their visit!

Long time NO blog!

2008-07-26T16:28:00.001-07:00

It has been a long time since I have posted on this blog. My computer died and it has been a two month wait to get one to use. Finally, and with lots of happenings in the Gauger family, I will attempt to update this blog. Enjoy the new photos.

This is Max the marvelous!

2008-04-03T13:09:00.001-07:00

Have you heard the quote, "The squeeky wheel gets the grease"? Well meet the squeeky wheel. He is darling and captures everyone's attention by his aggressive and adventuresome personality. He is the total opposite of Matthew. Max crawls all over the place and get what he wants, that is unless Matthew puts up some opposition. When he wants to be held, he squeels, and when he wants anything, he lets you know it! He has the cutest smile which he is even accused of charming the ladies at such an early age, as there is a little two year old girl that beelines it to Max to hold his hand, whenever she sees him. He is definately a little charmer and loved by his Grandpa and Grandma!

Introducing Matthew the Magnificent!

2008-04-03T13:01:00.000-07:00

Dennis and I are visiting Chris and Jenna this week. We are having so much fun getting reacquainted with the twins, Max and Matthew. We have come to see two very unique little personalities. Matthew is just a laid back, mellow, and mild mannered personalities. He does the Army crawl and has no interest of learning to stand or crawl in a faster way. He is patient and likes to just hang out. He eats really well and isn't picky. He smiles from time to time, but saves it mostly for his Mommy and daddy. I caught this photo as he had scooted under the little exersauser that we got him for Christmas. His mommy says that is a favorite spot for both twins to crawl to.

Max & Matthew starring in "Twin Trouble" (This takes a minute to load, but it well worth it.)

2008-04-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

This video is a typical twin scene... Matthew playing

with the toy that Max seems to want, and Matthew

just keeps Max at a distance until.... well you will have

to see what happens.

Max & Matthew are not identical twins but they

compliment each other. Matthew is a sedate, calm

and laid back personality however he doesn't let

anyone get the best of him. Max is loud, dramatic

and agressive, but doesn't get the better of his

twin Matthew. They are such darling little guys

and a pleasure to enjoy their company. They keep

both Dennis and I in stitches.

Matthew tasting new food

2008-04-03T10:59:00.000-07:00

We are happy to announce the birth of little Kayden!

2008-03-26T14:45:00.001-07:00

We are so happy that little Kayden is finally here! Adam
and Kim stayed with us for about a week after He was
born and it was a fun time having such a sweet little new-
born with us!

Grandpa is pretty proud to hold his 7th grandchild and
his 6th grandson!

This now makes a cute little family. At times
we catch a glimpse of Aiden in Kayden.

Little Kayden seems to be a good cross be-
tween both parents. Handsome little guy!
He has lots of dark hair and he sports a baby
mohawk that reminds us of his daddy's!

He has the longest fingernails and seems to
keep scratching his little face, so that is why
the socks on his hands.

We are happy to announce the birth of little Kayden!

2008-03-26T14:45:00.000-07:00

2008-03-26T14:42:00.000-07:00

At the dawn of a new day, we look out our window and see ...

2008-03-05T20:03:00.000-08:00

The Gaugers at Thanksgiving Village

2008-02-29T17:28:00.000-08:00