Fun in the snow!

Skiing and Four Wheeling

A few weeks ago I went skiing with Connie. We had so much fun. We hadn't been in about 8-10 years. I was a little nervous at first but we did pretty good. I was visualizing getting off the lift for the first time....and what do you know....I fell flat on my behind. Two guys helped me up and told me my skiis were set to big. OK...Connie had mine on. Once we traded skii's I did OK. I did fall one other time because I thought I was going to run into some people after I got off the lift. Next time, I'll just run over them!!!! Anyway, we skiied on Friday and then on Saturday we went four wheeling with Ron. That was fun too. Ron got us stuck in the snow and Connie helped us get out. That evening My other two sisters and their husbands came to Eager and we all went out to dinner. We had a great weekend.

"Reflections of Christ" Again!

I went to see "Reflections of Christ" again last night with the Young Women. It was even better the second time. The girls really loved it and felt the spirit. Like I said earlier, try to go see it and let your friends and family know about it. It is awesome!

HINCKLEY CHALLENGE

The progress report is for reading the Book of Mormon. It is a challenge to read it in 97 days, the age of President's Hinckley. Bailey had it on her blog so I decided to take the challenge. I just had read the Book of Mormon and was reading the Doctrine and Covenants and decided to start over again. If you want to take the challenge click on my progress report and it will show you what to do. Go for it!

"Reflections of Christ"

I just want to encourage all of you to go to the Visitors Center at the Mesa Arizona Temple and view the beautiful photography of Christ. It is called, "Reflections of Christ." My friends son, Mark Mabry Jr. took all the pictures and my nieces husband Jason Barney worked on the music. I saw it when it first came out and haven't posted since then. Make sure you watch the documentary too. It is awesome. Mark was truly inspired and so was Jason. It is a wonderful missionary tool. So make sure you go and take your friends and family! I am so very proud of Mark, Jason and all those who worked so hard to make this exhibit such a success.

President Gordon B. Hinckley

President Gordon B. Hinckley

Beloved Church President, Gordon B. Hinckley, Dies at 97

SALT LAKE CITY 27 January 2008 President Gordon B. Hinckley, who led The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through twelve years of global expansion, has died at the age of 97.
President Hinckley was the 15th president in the 177-year history of the Church and had served as its president since 12 March 1995.
The Church president died at his apartment in downtown Salt Lake City at 7:00 p.m. Sunday night from cause’s incident to age. Member of his family were at his bedside. A successor is not expected to be formally chosen by the Church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles until after President Hinckley’s funeral within the next few days.

I was so sad to hear of Pres. Hinckley's passing yet so happy for him to be with his sweetheart again. What a wonderful man and prophet he was! He will be missed by us all. The Plan of Salvation is wonderful! We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we will be with our loved ones again. We are so blessed!

Y.W. Snow Outing

The Young Women Gang!

I had fun too!


Well Friday and Saturday I was gone on an overnight Young Women Activity. We met at the church at 3:45 and headed up to Flagstaff. We had sandwiches and chips for dinner and played games and visited in to the night. Saturday we had a yummy breakfast and then had a devotional. We then went and played in the snow. Some of the girls made a little hill to sled over. We all had a great time although we were tired. I got home about 6:00 that evening. It was a lot of fun and it helped us all bond more together.

Christmas 2007

Christmas Time!

Well, I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas! We did. Heather's family got here early Saturday morning (22nd) and the fun began. We finished up some shopping and then we took the kids to see Alvin and The Chipmunks. Ronnie came and brought Faith. It was really a cute show. Sunday we just visited. Christopher and Bailey, Ronnie and Aleia and all their kids came over and we played games.

Christmas Eve I had the scavenger hunt for the kids and we made gingerbread houses out of little milk cartons and graham crackers. That night we went over to Christopher's and Bailey's for dinner with her family. We had a little talent show with the kids. Ethan and Jonah sang songs they learned at school. Heekie (misspelled???) sang a song. She has a beautiful voice. She is a foreign exchange student from Korea. She is living with Bailey's parents. She was so nice to my mother. My mom gave her a bracelet right off of her own arm. That's just how my mom is. She enjoyed talking with her.

Christmas DAY was SO fun watching the kids open their presents. They got a WII game so we had a lot of fun playing it. I liked the tennis game and the bowling. We always have a great big breakfast. We fixed Belgium waffles with strawberries and whip cream, bacon and eggs and juice. It is always yummy! We eat left overs from Christmas Eve (ham, potatoes, etc) throughout the day.

The 26th was Heather's birthday. Bailey cut and did Heather's hair for her birthday. So we went over there the first thing in the morning. After that, we went to Peter Piper Pizza for lunch with the kids. One of Heather's friends was there with her four little children (3 adopted, one hopefully soon). After that we tried to get a family picture. We haven't had one for five years. It isn't an easy thing to accomplish either. Heath would get the camera ready and my sister Connie would snap the pictures. One turned out pretty good but we have to photoshop some of it. Or should I say Heath has too. Thanks Connie and Heath. Of course Heather couldn't go home without eating at Matta's. So that's where we went for dinner. Then we came home and played the WII games.

Thursday they started packing and left around 1:00 PM. They got home about 12:45 AM. WE sure are going to miss them. It is a long trip for them to come and for Heath to drive. He had to get up and go to work on Friday morning. Thanks again Heath for bringing them all here. We had a lot of fun and wish you lived closer to us. I usually get in a depression after they leave but I'm going to try not to this year. I got a new camera and I'm going to go to some classes and hopefully learn all that I can so I can take cool pictures. I've always been interested in photography and now we'll see what I can learn. It is a Canon Rebel.

We are all so blessed and I'm am so thankful for my family. I love them all so much. (I know enough of the mushy stuff).

Tomorrow Brody has to go and get tubes put in his ears. Hopefully it will help him and he won't get ear infections anymore. Poor little guy!

Pictures later...

Gingerbread House

Ronnie and Aleia went to see "The Forgotten Carols" tonight so I watched the girls. Faith and I made a gingerbread house Ronnie bought for her. It was fun but took longer than I thought it would, but we had a fun time making it. Jaylee was really good while we made it. She played on the floor by us and sometimes I held her but that was a little tricky when your squeezing icing out of a tube. Fun little family home evening for us.

Busy Day...

Wow...what a busy day! First Ron and I had to be at the church at 6:30 A.M. to help set up for the ward Christmas Breakfast Party. Ron cooked and I helped set up and get the kids ready for Santa. Then we went home and got cleaned up for Faith's dance recital. she did a really good job. It is so fun to watch little ones dance. She asked me, "Grandma, did I shake my boodie?" She was one of the best in her group. Jaylee enjoyed the dances too and kept clapping. Afterwards we met Bailey at Walmart and she gave us Brody. They are so busy trying to get their house ready to move in. A lot of work, that's for sure. After losing Brody's shoe (I backed tracked through the whole store, ran into Meagan, who later called me because she got his lost shoe from a lady who found it) we went and got something to eat and then went to the mall to look at cameras with Ronnie and Aleia. Then when we got home. I got to change a messy diaper a couple of times. Dried Brody's wet clothes fromhis drooling. Then we went out to Christopher and Bailey's new house and vacuumed out drawers and cleaned the outside of the cabinets. They have a beautiful home with lots of room. We got home at midnight and went to bed to rise early for our church. Now lunch is over, I posted this and now I am going to see my mom. She gets lonely, so if any of you grandkids can...go visit her. She loves to see you and the kids!

We had a Longhurst Christmas Party at Jason house this year. The kids had fun playing pin the nose on Rudolph and Ronnie played Santa Says with them. Here's a picture of the babies that were all new borns last year. They were definately busier this year but so dang cute. Parents and Grandma had to help to take a quick snap shot of them. Shannon added a little girl but she was only a week old and didn't want to bring her out yet. We sure love our family and are so thankful that we are close to each other. Heather's family will be here on the 22nd. We are all excited to see all of them and have some fun! Merry Christmas to each of you!

What a Cutie Bug...Brody Keith!

I got to babysit my little grandson Friday night while his mom and dad went to a movie. He is such a fun little guy..well, not so little! I had fun playing with him. I didn't have a play pen to put him in and so I had to turn out all the lights and try to get him to sleep. He was so cute though...he would go to the front door with a little fake cry, wanting his mommy and daddy. Then he would come and lay down on me and then back to the front door. He finally went to sleep on my Christmas doll. I had to take a picture of him. I have one of Faith when she was about 9 months old asleep on it too. It is just so sweet! He is the Cutest!!!!

Christmas Is Coming..I can't wait!

Thanks Katie for the new Christmas background. You're great!

Happy Thanksgiving

My sweet mama!



My Kids and Grandkids (some of them)


Just a little kiss for my cousin!

I sure hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. We went over to Jason's house with the Perkin's family. We ate, got full, and yes, I beat Anthon and Eileen in ping pong. Way to go Lyd! Thanks Eileen for letting us come over.
Ron and Ronnie left afterwards to go elk hunting. Christopher, Bailey, and Brody left to go to the dunes and Aleia, Faith and Jaylee went to Holbrook with her grandparents and Aunt. Have fun everyone. I'm setting home alone. It is quite peaceful but I missed seeing Heather's family today. I can't wait until Christmas so we can see all of them.
I'm grateful to all of my family and friends and for all the wonderful blessings I have. We are all blessed to live in this great land and to have our freedom. Thanks to our forefathers for all of their sacrifices and all those who fought for our freedom. I hope each of you can stop a few minutes and think of a few things that you are thankful for on this special day. I love you all!
I have a good picture of Eileen but she said she would pay my way into the movie if I didn't blog it...we'll see?

GOBBLE, GOBBLE, GOBBLE...HAPPY THANSGIVING!

Heather and I are more a like than she thinks! Yum, my favorite pie too!

You Are Lemon Meringue Pie

You're the perfect combo of sassy and sweet. You always know how to brighten someone's mood, but you're not overly sappy. In fact, you can be a bit too honest at times. And most people find that refreshing. While you're always true to yourself, you keep things light. That's how people are able to stomach your slightly bitter outlook. Those who like you have well refined tastes. You're complicated - and let's face it - a true enigma. You enjoy defying expectations, and there are many layers to your personality. There's not one easy way to define you.

What Kind of Pie Are You?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RONNIE AND BRODY!!!

Today, 29 years ago, Ronnie was born early in the morning. He had only a 10% chance of living because I had a strep infection that they didn't know I had. They were running all kinds of tests on him to find out what was causing him to have such a high fever. I ended up getting sick the next evening with a really high fever and they called my Dr. in. It's not very fun being examined and tested less than a day after giving birth, but they did find out that I had the strep infection and they finally knew how to treat Ronnie. It was a very emotional time when the Dr. gave him only a 10% chance to live. Ron and my dad gave him a blessing and I immediatly had peace in my heart and knew he would be OK. Two weeks later I brought him home from the hospital. I remember looking like a racoon the day I went home from the hospital without him. I had cried so much that my eyes were red all around them. They didn't have it where the mom's could stay there with their babies then. I went back and forth to the hospital and used a breast pump to bring him milk. One thing that was good about it was I lost all the weight I had gained plus 10 more pounds. I was very thin, then!!! Anyway, I want Ronnie to know how thankful I am for him and that he was able to be in our family. Even through the hard years!!!! (I'm just glad I survived them!) He has grown up to be a great man that we love with all of our hearts. Happy Birthday Ronnie!!!!

Then, last year our son Christopher and his wife had a cute little (well, not so little ...) baby boy named Brody Keith on Ronnie's birthday. It was so exciting to see this little guy make his entrance to the world. He had big fists and was so cute and chubby. This past year has been so fun watching him grow and learn things so fast. He has got to be the happiest baby in the world. He almost always has a big smile on his face. We are so happy to have this big guy in our family! As you can see in the above picture, his dad and mom bought him his first 4-wheeler!!!! Happy Birthday Brody!!!!

HALLOWEEN TIME

We have been busy with work and church responsibilities. Here's a little bit of our Halloween..Our ward always has a Halloween party each year with booths and lots of food. Ron and I are both on the Activities committee so we helped with the carnival. Ronnie and Aleia brought the girls. Faith had a lot of fun and Jaylee slept through most of it because she still wasn't feeling very good. That was on the 24th, which happened to be Christopher's birthday. After the carnival we went and watched the games that Ronnie and Christopher played in with all the cousins.
Halloween day wears me out at school because we literally party all day in the class that I work in. That evening Ron and I went to Ronnie and Aleia's for our traditional pumpkin bread bowls and soup. It was yummy!!! Potato and chili. After dinner we went trick-or-treating with the girls, Jaylee and Faith. Jaylee did not want to get in her darling little pumpkin costume. Once we got her outside and gave her a sucker she was perfectly happy. Faith had so much fun giving out candy and then trick-or-treating. We left there and went over to Christopher and Bailey's so we could see Brody. He was a pirate and looked as cute as ever. Christopher and Bailey had scrubs on. Jason came by with bleached hair and his skin yellow to be Bart Simpson. We had a fun evening but we missed Heather and all our other grandkids!!! She said they had a lot of fun too. Anyway, holiday season is upon us. Now for Thanksgiving and starting our Christmas shopping.

A little late in posting...

I've been busy and I was going to post more pictures for Christopher little video but I have to scan the other pictures and I haven't had time so here is what I've got for now.

Check out my Slide Show!

Christopher 27th Birthday

My youngest son turned 27 on October 24. I can't believe how time flies. He had to coach his football team and then he had a baseball game after that so we didn't get to do anything until Sunday evening. I made him Hawaiian Haystacks nad Cherrycheese cake. It was yummy if I say so myself. Anyway, I'm thankful for my son and his family, especially that little grandson. Brody brightens my day and anyone that sees him just like his dad does. Christopher has grown up big and strong and we love him so much. We are so proud of him!!!! Happy Birthday Christopher!

Check out my Slide Show!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTOPHER

Christopher Keith Michael 10-24-80

Christopher turned 27 Wednesday, October 24, 2007. I remember that day 27 yeas ago. My cute little chubby cheek baby. He was such a joy for our family. Heather and Ronnie were so excited to get a little brother. He was always so caring and loving. He loved helping his dad with cars and giving his mom hugs......and now here he is, married to Bailey and father of Brody Keith, another chubby cheek baby! We didn't get to celebrate his birthday because he had to coach his football team after work and then he had baseball games right after that was over. So, we got together on Sunday for dinner of Hawaiian Haystacks and Cherrycheese cake. Yummy!

Bowling Fun!!!!

Friday after dinner Ronnie, Aleia, Faith, Jaylee (she slept), Ron and I went bowling. We really had a fun time. It was Faith's first time and she had a blast. Ron got 3 strikes in a row!!! Me...I'm not telling! I can tell you this...I need more practice. I tried though. We did have a fun evening and want to do it more often.

Mommo's 81st Birthday

October 13 was mom's birthday. We went out to eat for mom's birthday and then we went back to her place for cake and ice cream. Thanks to all of you that could make it. It made her day special and it made her feel good and important! Thanks again!

Utah Trip Oct. 2007

More of My Utah Trip

Tuesday we went on a little picnic at Murray Park. There were a lot of ducks and the kids fed them some of their sandwiches. They played in the tress and we walked around. We went and ate at Wingers for dinner.
Wednesday, Heath’s mom watched Saige and we took the kids to a movie called, “The Seeker.” It was pretty good but a little eerie. Afterwards we went to Gardener Village. It had all kinds of witches dressed up in many different ways. We went to the candy shop and of course the kids loved it. Heath watched the kids while Heather and I went out to dinner and hit a few stores. We have so much fun together.
Thursday we went into Salt Lake City to a Mall and had lunch and then the kids played at a musical fountain of water. They had a blast! I was worried about them getting to cold. That’s the Grandma in me. They had so much fun even though they got so wet. Before they took me to the airport we ate at the Artic Circle and the kids played on the toys there. They all gave me a lot of hugs and told me how much they loved me. It was a great trip and I can’t wait until I see them all again.

Home and Mommo's B-Day

Well I got home last night around 10:00 P.M. I had so much fun with Heather and the kids. I already miss them sooo much! Heather posted most of the pictures so look on her blog to see what a great time we had. I'll try to post some on Sunday. I will really miss the hugs from the kids. Now, I want to see my other grandkids. I missed them sooo much. It seems like I haven't seen them for a long time. Hopefully soon. Just a reminder to all the grandkids of Mommo...her birthday is Saturday the 13th. Please call her and wish her a great birthday. I will probably take her out so if any of you want to come, call me and I'll plan it!!!! It would make her happy to here from you and see you too! She could use some gift cards from Walmart or even cash would help her out. Just an idea if you're trying to figure out what to get her. I could take her to get a new top or pants if she got some cash or shopping at Walmart. I better get some things done around here since I've been gone all week.

My Utah Trip so Far!!!

OK...Saturday was a little nerve racking. I got to the airport about an hour early and the line outside and inside to check in was soooo long. I finally got checked in and ran (literally) to gate C and the line was down the main isle. I went and asked a guy and he said it was at least a 30 minute wait. I had twenty minutes before my flight was to leave. He said gate D was only a 10 minute wait so off I ran to the other side of the airport. I went ahead of people up to the front and asked if I could go ahead of them. Luckily, they were nice and not some old crabs. Then, what do you know...they had to check my computer bag because you are supposed to take them out before the x-ray. Finally after they wand it and put it back through the x-ray machine I RAN to gate C (the other side of the airport). I ran up to the gate and just barely made it. And can you believe I got an isle seat!!!! I sat next to a young girl that was a Senior at Highland High. We had a good visit there and she is flying home the same time and wants to sit by me. To top it all off of course my suitcase was not there and didn't get there until 2:00 that afternoon. We went and got lunch at Chucky Cheese and then went back to get it.
Sunday we went to Heath's parents house to watch the morning session of conference and to have crepes. They had all kinds of good things to put in them. (scrambled eggs, bacon, strawberries, whip cream, etc..) We went back after the afternoon session for chicken crepes and salad. Eileen and Gerald came by and ended up following Heath's sister's family over to Anthony Perkins home. He is in the Seventy and is related to Gerald and Amanda's husband, Mike. Gerald was so excited! His face just lit up when Mike invited them to go over there.
Monday we took the kids to the park and then we went for a drive up a mountain to see the fall colors. It was beautiful. We even saw some deer. I wish we would of had our camera ready sooner because they were right on the side of the road. A mama deer and her baby. We saw four deer coming out and some turkey. We stopped at Sonic and had some slushes and french fries. We had a really fun day. I have to share my pictures with Heather so check out her blog.

It was fun to see Linda's and Mike's picture so here's Ron and I. Let's see a picture of Connie and Eileen with their hubby's!
This was taken my Senior year in December 1970. I was 17 yrs. old and Ron was 19 yrs. old. We're so YOUNG!!! But so cute!!!

Fill this out about your years in high school! The longer ago it was, the more fun the answers will be!!
1. Who were your friends? Patty Chevalier (Montgomery now), Debbie and Mikki Tidwell, Mary Abrahams, Cheryl, Norene, Debbie Watkins, Francis Ryan, Ronnie Boyd, Jerry Hall, Mike MKinney, Debbie Rosser and a lot of others.
2. What sports did you play? Volleyball at church! (at least I tried!!!)
3. What kind of car did you drive? My parents old Dodge with a broken muffler.
4. On a Friday nights what were you doing? Football games, then just hanging out and cruising Main Street and eating at Bob's Big Boy.
5. Were you a party animal? No, although I did go to some parties.
6. Were you considered a flirt? Probably a little, but I was a little shy.
7. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir? Orchestra 4th through 9th grade. Viola, then it just wasn't cool to carry one to High School. (Dumb decision...I couldn't try to play it now). I was also in chorus.
8. Were you a nerd? No
9. Did you get suspended/expelled? No, but I did ditch seminary once and I got caught...You don't hang out in a car close to the office...duh!)
10. Can you still sing the fight song? You bet!! Forward ye men of Mesa High...etc.
11. Who was your favorite teacher? I think it was Mr. Arrington and Mr. Skinner (American History and Biology teachers)
12. Where did you sit during lunch? Across the street at a place where we ate lunch.
13. Name the schools full name? MESA HIGH SCHOOL
14. School mascot? Jackrabbits
15. School Colors? Purple and Gold
16. Rival high school? Westwood, the only two high schools in town. Ron went to Westwood
17. Did you go to Prom? Yes.
18. If you could go back and do it again, would you? Yes! I'd do a lot of things DIFFERENTLY! I did have a lot of fun though.
19. What do you remember most about graduation? I couldn't believe that the school days were over and I was going to get married.
20. Where did you go senior skip day? I can't remember. I did ditch though.
21. Favorite memory? Fun slumber parties and the football games and my friends!
22. Were you in any clubs? Yes, especially my Senior Year. I was on Yearbook and I joined a lot of them. I wanted a lot of page numbers by my name...how vain!
23. Where did you go most often for lunch? Across the street
24. Have you gained some weight since then? Who hasn't?
25. Who was your Senior prom date? Ron Christmas Formal - Mike McKinney, Steve Schupher (actually , our best dance was the Christmas formal).
26. Are you planning on going to your 10-year reunion? It's way past...I did go to it though. And my 20th and my 30th!!!
27. Who was your home room teacher? I don't remember having a home room teacher in high school.
28. Who will re-post this after you? I don't know
29. Who was your high school sweetheart? My husband Ron
30. Do you still talk to people from high school? Whenever I see them.
31. Did you win prom queen or king? No
32. Where did you work in high school? Popular Surplus, later called Popular
33. What were your grades? A's and B's
34. What was your dress style? Whatever was in style that I could sew. I remember the hip huggers with the big flare legs and the baby doll dresses and blouses.
35. What year did you graduate? 1971

Skype

I just got done talking and seeing all of Heather's family on Skype. It was so fun. It just made my night. Ethan read his stories to me and showed me the pictures that he drew. Maybe he'll be an author and illustrator someday. All of the kids were so excited to talk and look at us. We'll have to have them take turns so they all get a chance to talk and show us their stuff. Maybe it will help me not be so lonely. Next time Faith is over we'll have to do it again so she can see all her cousins and they can see her. Anyway, stay tune for a picture of Ron and I when we went to my Christmas Formal back in the good ole' high school days.