The House of Seven Giggles

KoraLynn's Blessing

2012-02-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, February 5, 2012 our friends and family gathered together for KoraLynn's blessing at our church, followed by a light lunch at her Grandma Sharleen and Grandpa Kenny's home.

KoraLynn was dressed in a beautiful white dress, covered with several tiny white satin bows, and a headband. She also had these adorable little pink shoes that her sisters Savannah and Adelina bought for her.

Thank you to everyone who celebrated this special day with us, whether in person or in spirit. We love you all.

Love & Aloha,
~Amy

Tee-Ball Madness - Fall 2011

2011-09-14T17:00:00.002-06:00

Thanks for stopping by again ...

Here are some pictures from Caide's 1st Tee-Ball Game. He has ten kids on his team, and his coaches are Ashley and Dennis Roach. He plays two games a week for about five weeks, and so far seems to really enjoy playing the game.

Lucky for us the weather has been beautiful, and we haven't had any rain outs ... yet. ;o)

Caide is on his first tee-ball team ..

The Athletics.

And his jersey number is 10.

Time to "Play Ball" :o)

Caide's first at bat, and he made a dash to first base.

The batting order is being called ... while Caide and his other ten teammates listen to Coach Roach.

Yeah!!!! Way to hit the ball kiddo! :o)

Everyone is cheering for everyone playing ...

and the excitement is very contagious.

However, fielding balls is not as much fun as batting .... ;o)

But the time goes fast ...

And before you know it four innings have passed and the game is over.

Rah! Rah! Rah!

The official "Good Game" handshakes with the Cardinals and their coach.

And there's still a few extra minutes left for playing in the park with Kiah.

Love & Aloha,
~Amy

Milestones: Learning To Tie Your Shoelaces

2011-09-07T17:00:00.000-06:00

Bunny ears, bunny ears, playing by a tree.
Criss-crossed the tree, trying to catch me.
Bunny ears, Bunny ears, jumped into the hole.
Popped out the other side beautiful and bold

Among the many milestones that happen in a person's life ... learningto tie your own shoelaces has got to be one of the best. That feeling you get when you are able to do it two times in a row with no mistakes is just a GREAT self esteem booster.

Caide and Adelina spent an hour working on tying his new laces (after I tried unsuccesfully myself to teach him the way I do it). And she taught him to do it the same way she learned from her big brother Aaron. :o)

I guess the days of velcro tennis shoes are behind Caide now.

Way to go kiddo!

First Day of Kindergarten

2011-08-29T17:00:00.007-06:00

All dressed and ready to go ...

Caide's t-shirt says "My Daddy Rocks Harder Than Yours" ;o)

Walking to school with Grandma and Daddy (and Mommy).

Waiting in line for Caide's teacher to come out.

This is Mrs. Howard, Caide's teacher.

Handing out name tags (to 36 kids).
Within a week, they will hire another Kindergarten teacher and Caide's class size will go down to around 20 students.

Caide's name tag is blue, so he will sit at the blue table.

Yes, Caide is in the Class of 2024. WOW!

He meets Kiah afterschool ....

And they walk home together.

All in all, a successful first day of Kindergarten.

If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away ...

2011-06-17T16:51:00.001-06:00

Kenneth Treck Kenyon

1990-2008

We Miss You!

If heaven wasn't so far away

I'd pack up the kids and go for the day

Then tell him we'd be back in a couple of days

In the rear view mirror we'd all watch 'em wave

Yeah, and losing them wouldn't be so hard to take
If heaven wasn't so far away

Sit on a cloud and visit for a while
It'd do me good just to see them smile

If heaven wasn't so far away.

Lyrics from song

If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away

by Justin Moore

What I did for Spring Break 2011 :o) - Day 7

2011-05-06T21:23:00.000-06:00

Day 7 -- aka Time To Head Home

No family trip to Vegas is complete without a little MIDNIGHT bowling ... to start your morning out.

And if you were wondering ... Kiah took first place ... followed by Caide ... :o) then Centry ... and then me ... Maybe I should consider using bumpers next time ;o)

Then a little shut eye ... for a couple hours ... and then off to the pool ... which we had all to ourselves :o)

Followed by lunch at the Luxor MORE Buffet ...

And then squeezed in some quick sightseeing ...

Took a ride on the Tram ... and then the MGM lions ...

And then saw the fish at the Silverton Casino HUGE Aquarium ... which also happens to be FREE! :o)

And then it was back on the road ... heading home ...

A beautiful sunset filled the evening sky just outside of St. George ... where we stopped at In & Out Burgers (Finally!!) ... for a quick meal and a short visit with (newly engaged) Aunt Jennie.

And after one last family photo ... we hit the road again ... for our last six hours ... to which we arrived home about 3 AM and unload quickly in falling snow ...

Thanks again to everyone for such a great visit ... and a special thanks to those that weren't able to go this trip but helped take care of our pets, and kept the home fires burning. I hope you know you were in our thoughts all along the way.

We love you!!

Until next time ...

Love & Aloha
~Amy

What I did for Spring Break 2011 :o) - Day 6

2011-05-06T21:20:00.001-06:00

Day 6

A good breakfast before we get on the road again ...

And one last dip in the pool ...

And then its time to throw away the plastic cups with our names, load the van and say our goodbyes. Sniff Sniff ... :o(

And don't forget to take a couple family group shots.

And then a honk and a wave ... and we are On The Road Again ...

Headed for Williams, AZ for a quick genealogy stop ...

Researching some family history for my kids ... on the Long family ... who lived in Williams during the Depression ... and where Grandpa Robert Long met Grandma Charlene Heard ... while they were both working at the Grand Canyon.

This is the local Lutheran church where Alfred Long's funeral was held.

And this is the cemetery on the outskirts of Williams ... where Alfred Long is buried.

Finding Alfred's grave took a small miracle ... plus Tyler's attention to small details and Centry's extra patience in driving the whole cemetery so that I wouldn't go home disappointed ... :O)

We finally found Alfred's marker, along with the marker for his son Bert Long (and Bert's wife Loretta) and their son Herbert.

Talk about a picture 79 years in the making ...

Alfred Long is the 3rd great grandfather to Amanda and Adelina ... and the 4th great grandfather to Kiah ... there are 6 generations of time in this one picture ... :o) In fact, Addie was named after Alfred's wife Adelaide.

And then just before we headed to our hotel for the night ... we took a night drive down Las Vegas Boulevard ... and looked at all the bright lights

What I did for Spring Break 2011 :o) - Day 5

2011-05-06T21:20:00.000-06:00

Day 5

Look ... The Easter Bunny has been here ...

No Easter morning is complete without eating hard boiled Easter Eggs ...

And maybe some chocolate and jelly beans and ...

An of course the traditional Easter "Pig" in your basket ;o)

And then outside for an Easter Egg Hunt!

That Easter Bunny sure knows how to hide those eggs ...

And our day ended with Caide doing a little MicahSitting ;o)

What I did for Spring Break 2011 :o) - Day 4

2011-05-06T21:19:00.000-06:00

Day 4

In the morning we headed off to The Mall in Scottsdale, and while Grandma, Addie and I shopped ... Caide got in some one on one time with Dad. :o)

And then as tradition would have it ... we decided it was time to decorate Easter Eggs ... at 10 pm that night. Gotta squeeze in a little bit of everything when you are on vacation.

The finished product. :o)

And then off to bed ... before the Easter Bunny showed up.

What I did for Spring Break 2011 :o) - Day 3

2011-05-06T21:17:00.000-06:00

Day 3

The pool was 70 degrees ... and the kids have already been in before the sunbeam had even hit the water ...

And no morning is complete without grandma's World Famous Berry Smoothies ...

Then off to a friend home in The Groves to do some REAL orange picking.

Complete with an orange picker basket on the end of a pole.

YUMMY!

And then we headed off to the Mesa Temple to watch the Easter Pagent.

What I did for Spring Break 2011 :o) - Day 2

2011-05-06T21:16:00.001-06:00

Day 2

On the Road Again ...

Stopped to picnic at a park with a real train in Kingman, AZ

Along the Historical Route 66 ...

The kids (and a couple of grow'd ups) climbed up in the engine to look around ....

And found a mother bird sitting on a nest ...

And after eating we got the wiggles out ....

And a little monkey business ... before hitting the road for our final leg of the drive ...

We stopped for an "old fashioned" pit stop in the middle of nowhere ...

And enjoyed a beautiful Arizona sunset ... with two hours left to go ...

What I did for Spring Break 2011 :o) - Day 1

2011-05-06T21:16:00.000-06:00

Day 1

The kids were loaded up and ready to roll ...

And we weren't even out of the driveway before they started to nod off ....

Off to find sunshine and no snow ....

And the miles kept rolling by ...

Until at last we made it to the hotel in Mesquite for a quick dip in the pool :0) and a few winks before we hit the road again.

My Birthday / Passing Paralegal Course Celebration Party

2011-04-06T17:29:00.000-06:00

For my (Not-So) Wordless Wednesday post ... I thought it was time to upload and share some of the pictures we took at our family gathering at Golden Corral for my birthday party slash passing paralegal course celebratory dinner in March.

Caide, Me and Kiah

Caide

Amanda and Tyler

Kiah

Trystan, April, Rob, Aaron, Jasmine, Ken and Addie

Addie, Me and Aaron

Centry, Sharleen and Trystan

Trystan, Isaiah, April, Rob, Aaron & Addie

Addie, Kiki and Tyvan

Kiki and Tyvan

Needless to say we had a GREAT time, with lots of food and fun. Thanks everyone for being there to make my day special ... And to everyone who was there in spirit. I really enjoyed getting all those Birthday greetings and well wishes from friends and family all over.

Love and Aloha,
~Amy

We have a new Blogger in the Family

2011-04-05T19:52:00.000-06:00

Adelina is has created a blog named "Take Me Anywhere", and will be posting to it for the next 30 days for a homework assignment in her Technology Communications class.

You can find her blog at http://adelinaparker.blogspot.com/ Be sure to start with her first post Me, Myself, and I . Check back regularly, and don't forget to leave her comments ;o)

Love and Aloha,
~Amy

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

2011-03-22T20:08:00.000-06:00

The Honorable Miss AddieBelle

has been awarded

Bobcat of the Day Award

this March 21, 2011

for her talents and abilities in video production and communiction.

According to her Communication Technology teacher

"She's a Natural".

Way to Go Sweetheart!

We are very proud of you!

Keep up your the hard work!!

BOO!!!

2010-10-30T17:00:00.007-06:00

Wishing Everyone A Safe and

Happy Halloween!

From All Of Us At

The Kenyon Kastle

Pumpkin Carving at the Kastle

2010-10-26T17:00:00.004-06:00

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

2010-10-18T07:00:00.004-06:00

Thank you for all the wonderful memories

over the last fifteen years ....

As Grandpa Tom says ...

the best is yet to come ...

Looking forward to more

wonderful memories

as time passes.

We Love You!

Memories

2010-10-16T09:00:00.014-06:00

I can still recall, our last summer
I can see it all
Walks along the seine, laughing in the rain
Our last summer
Memories that remain...

~ Our Last Summer by ABBA

The Fall of 2008

End of Summer Face Painting with

Madame Adelina the Arteest

Hold On Tight Grandma ....

And Bingo Was His Name O ... B I N G O

Monkey Tamer Taiga and Her Sparkling Assistant Shaina

The Whole Gang

Looking for popguts with Dad

Rain Rain Go Away

Come Again Another Day ...

Snuggle Buddies

Say Cheese!

The Pink Lady and Her BodyGuard

Who Says Spiderman Can't Wear High Heels?

I Vant To Suck Your Bluud ... Oh My!

Whens Cake?

Who Says Real Men Don't Hold Hands?

RockStar In The Making

Be Free Little Leaf

Forty Years And Counting ...

Here's To Wonderful Yesterdays ...

And Even Better Tomorrows!

Love & Aloha,

Amy

Fall Is In The Air ....

2010-10-13T09:00:00.003-06:00

Autumn Fires
by Robert Louis Stevenson

In the other gardens
And all up the vale,
From the autumn bonfires
See the smoke trail!

Pleasant summer over
And all the summer flowers,
The red fire blazes,
The grey smoke towers.

Sing a song of seasons!
Something bright in all!
Flowers in the summer,
Fires in the fall!

Kiah's 7th Birthday Party

2010-10-12T17:00:00.001-06:00

Wishing Kiah a Happy 7th Birthday!

The Birthday Girl!!

Aunt Addie

Grandpa Rob and April

Heavy Heavy Over My Head ...

A 7th Birthday isn't complete without
Our FIRST pair of high heels!!!

Kiah and her new friend Lilly

The Whole Gigglin Gang :o}

Amanda's New Place is ADORABLE!!!

Tyler

Uncle Aaron

Uncle Tyvan

Bailey and Fatima

Everyone had a GREAT time ...
Here's wishing you a WONDERFUL new year ahead.

Family Tree Friday - Organize Your Hard Drive

2010-10-08T16:43:00.000-06:00

This is a must watch tutorial on how to organize your genealogy research (photos, documents, etc.) on your computer hard drive. Just remember to keep is simple, and to stick with it.

Lisa Louise Cooke shows you how to optimize your hard drive space to make saving your genealogy easier. Lisa is the host of the Genealogy Gems Podcast http://www.genealogygemspodcast.com/ and the Family Tree Magazine Podcast http://www.familytreemagazine.com/info/podcasts .

Our Trip To San Francisco ...

2010-10-05T20:58:00.000-06:00

I haven't been able to figure out how to post our San Francisco trip pictures from Picasa web album to my blog ... so the 2nd easiest option is to post links on the blog to the web albums ;o)

So here you go ...
Be sure to click on the "slideshow" button on the upper left hand corner of the album so you can enjoy the pictures along with the captions.

Day 1 - http://picasaweb.google.com/fairylhiannan/20100915SanFranciscoDay1?feat=directlink

Day 2 - http://picasaweb.google.com/fairylhiannan/20100916SanFranciscoDay2?feat=directlink
(Not as many pictures the 2nd day, because I spent most of the day in my seminar while Centry was working remotely from the hotel room)

Day 3 - http://picasaweb.google.com/fairylhiannan/20100917SanFranciscoDay3?feat=directlink

Hope you enjoy viewing them ... I know I enjoyed taking them.

Love and Aloha,
~Amy

A Step-by-Step Illustrated Guidebook to Genealogy and Family History -- Crash Course in Family History

2010-09-03T17:13:00.000-06:00

I saw this book last year at the Salt Lake Family History Expo, but couldn't bring myself to purchase it then. But several weeks after the expo, I realized I really wanted one. But since I couldn't remember the name of the company that published "The Book" (as I came to call it), I was unable to do so.

BUT this last weekend, I attended the 2010 Salt Lake City Family History Expo, and found not only the book but this year they offer it as an eBook on CD. Without too much hesitation ;o) I bought both while I had the chance.

I highly recommend the book (or CD) to anyone interested in getting started in family history for the first time, or like me after a hiatus of a few years. It would be very helpful to have on hand if you are currently assigned as the family history teaching coordinator in your church organization or perhaps you are helping plan an upcoming family reunion. It will help you feel more comfortable with the EXPLOSION of genalogical internet websites and software over the last few years.

Wishing you Serendipity in your Searches. :o)
Love and Aloha,
Amy

I finally got "The Book" :o)

Crash Course in Family History
http://www.easyfamilyhistory.com/

A Step-by-Step Illustrated Guidebook to Genealogy and Family History -- Crash Course in Family History: "Family history made easy with the new step-by-step guidebook

A step-by-step, colorfully-illustrated, easy-to-understand guidebook
featuring 3-easy-steps to trace your family roots and stories. Walks you through the fascinating family history journey hand-in-hand! It couldn't be easier!

Provides new, invaluable, comprehensive resources not conveniently found elsewhere. For even seasoned-researchers and veteran family historians to connect with your ancestors.

Learn about the latest technology, the newest tools and tips, and the Best of the Internet web sites to build your family tree and add new branches. Makes family history fun, easy, and fast!

Empowers you with knowledge, saves you valuable time, motivates you to get started, and inspires you with heart-warming stories and timeless insights to strengthen bonds between family members and promote a sense of belonging that ties generations together.

Helps you trace your own family roots, gather your family stories, organize your information, archive your family photos and documents, share your family tree with others, hold a family reunion, grow closer together, and unite your family through generations. It couldn't be better!

The new third edition, richly-illustrated epic guidebook and resource manual. Large format, 240 full-color pages, hardbound, easy-to-read, special binding to open flat.

Only $34.95 (Book)
$24.99 (CD/Download)"

The Popcorn Kids

2010-08-04T09:00:00.001-06:00

Popcorn Popping On The Apricot Tree

I looked out the window, and what did I see?
Popcorn popping on the apricot tree!
Spring has brought me such a nice surprise,
Blossoms popping right before my eyes.
I could take an armful and make a treat,
A popcorn ball that would smell so sweet.
It wasn't really so, but it seemed to be,
Popcorn popping on the apricot tree.

Love & Aloha,
~Amy

This Mamma's Losing It Too! ;o)

2010-08-02T17:00:00.094-06:00

My little sister Matti created a blog she aptly named This Mamma's Losing It that detailed her training last year for the Honolulu Marathon and her personal steps in attempting to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle ... after her second baby.

Though I'm not ready (or should I say crazy enough - no offense Sweetie) to even consider training for a marathon (especially since I can barely walk around my block a couple times now as is) ... and I've had five babies (each of which blessed me with a few extra pounds and keeps my life so active that exercise hasn't been a big priority) ... I do KNOW I need to make some changes.

So, I decided I need do it now ... before I totally lose any hope of losing the extra weight I've put on over the last several years. And I have been inspired by several things to make this change sooner rather than later. For one, my mother and both of my sisters live very active lifestyles ... and they look great ... and to tell you the truth I am envious. Secondly, for those of you who Facebook with me ... you know that I downloaded Picasa 3 this weekend (which I really love because it makes "tagging" people in my picture collection so easy). But it did have one down side ... I watched my face gradually change over the last eight years to who I am today. And though I can't do much about the age changes ... I can (and will) do something about the chubby cheeks. ;o)

So, I took the following advice from Matti's website ...

"But, what I have learned is that it takes

1. Consistency (You can't quit)

2. A plan (Weight loss isn't something you just wing. Write down your goals...write them write them...write them)

3. Determination (I hate working out...especially when I have 40 extra pounds on me. But, to lose weight it's what I gotta do.)

4. Freedom (I allow myself to eat ANYTHING and I mean ANYTHING I want on saturday. But, sunday-friday I am strict strict strict....but if I fall off the wagon, I get on and try not to fall off tomorrow)

5. Choose something that will last and make gradual changes....and STICK TO IT!"

And taking her advice literally ... I have done the following two steps ...

1. Consistency ...

I've set a goal to try to do 30 minutes of exercise 3 times a week ... and I scheduled it in my calendar at work (which syncs with my phone calendar) ... plus I invited my loving hubby to join me in a walk or bike ride on Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week for the month of August (then I can readjust up or down as needed). But it takes 30 days to build a new habit, so this is my current goal to start with. And actually scheduling it in a calendar makes me feel (for now) like I am making it a bigger priority.

2. A Plan ...

Last week I signed up for RiteAid's "The Rite Weight Plan", which sends me an email each daily to encourage me to watch what I eat, to excercise regularly and to log my weight each day. I've not started to weigh myself daily (that's a little to overwhelming for me at this point), but I did write down what I ate each day for a week (without counting calories) ... and was surprised by what I took in each day over the week that I could avoid or maybe just not eat as much of (I mean really, why did I think I needed a whole box of Whopper candies -- sharing half a box with Centry was a much better choice). However with my daily schedule, I don't always do well in reading the emails ... but just getting them each day has helped to reminde me how serious I am in making this change and to help me (re)focus on what I want to accomplish.

AND after a week of "watching", now I'm think I'm willing to actually start logging and counting my calories regularly ... so I set up an online account with "Calorie Count" today ... which I like (so far). It is easy to find the foods (or similar ones) that I am consume in a day and to then add them to my daily online log. I am also logging in the amont of water I drink, which should also help me stay healthy and help me lose weight. Plus the website lets me log my exercise (or lack of). And then it analyzes my incoming calories against what I likely burned off each day ... helping me to monitor and adjust as needed for improvement. After all, knowledge is power! Right?

Now a confession ... the Calorie Count website lists a daily calorie goal for me ... which I think I will have a real hard time sticking to ... at least at first ... but I am very determined! At least today. ;o) And with trying to increase my daily activity ... and being more careful of what I eat each day ... I am hopeful that eventually it will make a difference ... just not sure yet how much.

The weight loss goal set by RiteAid's plan was to lose 10% of my current weight by the end of September ... which is about 20 lbs and (as of today) seems feasible. The goal set by Calorie Count was to lose about 50 lbs by next June, which is overwhelming to me (especially this early in my "plan"). So I guess I will just put one foot in front of the other, both literally and figuratively, and see where I Take Me over the next few weeks.

So check back in with me next Monday and I'll let you know how well I did this week staying determined and focused.

Love & Aloha,
~Amy

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-28T09:00:00.008-06:00

Butterfly Wings
Asleep in a warm cocoon
We dream of lovely things
We're both gonna wake up soon
So we hope that tomorrow brings us our butterfly wings

~Owl City

Caide's Birthday Party

2010-07-03T18:00:00.003-06:00

Saturday, June 26, 2010
Salt Lake City, Utah

Caide's Paleontology Birthday Party

Can you believe it? Our little guy is turning 4!

Wow, time flies fast when you are having fun. ;o)

Here are some pictures from Caide's Paleontologist Party.

Our neighbor's grandson Owen was able to join us for some sandbox fun.

Shaina, Jasmine and Kiah were also able to join us.

Caide's Cake was a Dinosaur Cake, made with yellow cake mix and lemon filing. It was really good.

Savannah and Nate

Addie and Amanda

Opening presents ... Thanks Guys!

Savannah made Caide this Birthday Sign ... and then

Max took a nap on it ;o) ... Silly Pink Puppy!

Caide got a Water Rocket Launcher from Savannah and Nate.

The kids had fun playing with it the rest of the afternoon.

Thanks EVERYONE for making it such a fun, special day.

We love you!

Love & Aloha,

~Amy

Lunar Madness

2010-06-26T09:00:00.010-06:00

June 26, 2010

Salt Lake City, Utah

Partial Lunar Eclipse

Yes, I was crazy enough to get up at 4:00 am and take pictures of the partial lunar eclipse in the west. :0)

Midnight - Full Moon just coming over the Wasatch Mountains

4:00 am - Full Moon setting in the west, eclipse just starting ...

4:30 am - Eclipse now very visiable ...

4:45 am

5:00 am

By 5:30, the sun was rising in the east, and the moon had disappeared behind the tree line. But it was AMAZING while it lasted.

Love & Aloha,
~Amy

Beautiful Day In Utah! :-)

2010-06-15T13:23:00.001-06:00

Caide's World - Walking the Dogs

2010-06-14T19:47:00.000-06:00

My name is Caide and I am almost 4 years old. My birthday is in July.

I have my own camera, and I like taking pictures.

I have three dogs. Max is yellow, Spike is black, and Jag is white with black spots.

There are a lot of pretty flowers and plants in my neighborhood.

And there was a really pretty sunset last night too.

Good Night.

Love, Caide

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-09T14:54:00.000-06:00

Lord make me a rainbow, I’ll shine down on my mother
She'll know I’m safe with you when she stands under my colors ...

If I Die Young, by The Band Perry

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-02T08:36:00.000-06:00

A Sunset

A Sunset

By Victor Hugo

I love the evenings, passionless and fair, I love the evens,
Whether old manor-fronts their ray with golden fulgence leavens,
In numerous leafage bosomed close;
Whether the mist in reefs of fire extend its reaches sheer,
Or a hundred sunbeams splinter in an azure atmosphere
On cloudy archipelagos.

Love & Aloha,

Amy

Family Tree Friday - Thirty Year Mystery Solved!

2010-05-21T06:01:00.005-06:00

THIRTY YEAR MYSTERY SOLVED

Wow, that sounds impressive. And to some degree it is … at least for me. :o) You see, I solved a common genealogical problem … incomplete / inaccurate data … that has been waiting patiently in my family tree for about thirty years ... for more time and more resources.

My grandfather, Fred Arntz had an Aunt Cora. Cora is the sibling born just before my Grandpa Fred’s father, William Arntz, was born. According to the data I had collected over the years in my family tree program, her name should be Cora Belle Arntz. She was born about 1879 and died after 1970. I also knew she is one of approximately thirteen children born to John Henry Arntz and his wife, Nancy A (Stewart). I didn’t know much else about Cora other than very basic information (most of which was assumed based on other known facts of the same time period or had been found by very basic research in a census or a county record of some sort). And until this week, Cora had three husbands.

From research my mother and I had done in the early 80s of Ogemaw County marriage records, Cora married “James Colau” on July 08, 1898, but as far as we could tell, they had no children and James basically disappeared (assumed died). Then in the 90s I got a little more information from Hope Englemann, another Arntz family cousin, which indicated that Cora was married and Hope knew the names of a three children (Benjamin, Dennis and Rosa, and one unknown son) and Hope had the husband listed as “Anon. Anon.”. Plus before my grandpa Fred passed away in 1994, he had told me that Cora was married to Hod Cooley. Grandpa Fred knew they had a couple of children but he wasn’t very sure about more specific details. And so, since 1994, that has been how Cora’s branch has stayed.

Fast forward sixteen years … to May 2010.

I have been working in my family tree program for the last month, mainly cleaning up existing data, deleting duplicates, trying it standardize information I currently have, and most importantly to document my sources. I use the Family Tree Maker (2008 version) software, and I have over 9,600 names in my database; going back several generations from each of my kids.

This week I ran a filter on those names, looking for all persons with NO date information in any of their vital statistic fields (ie: born, married or died). FTM came up with a list of 22 people. The first person on the top of the list was “Anon. Anon.”. The other names were actual names, even if most of them were just first names. So I set about to see if I couldn’t put a real name to Mr. Anonymous. :o)

First I checked the MiGenWeb site for Ogemaw County (http://www.migenweb.net/ogemaw/index.htm), to see if I could find another marriage record for Cora Arntz, Cora Colau, or Cora Cooley (since I wasn’t sure which order she had married these three men). No luck. :o(

Then I tried to find a death date for Cora Colau or Cora Cooley. Success! :o) I found Cora Cooley listed in the Social Security Death Index (http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/) indicating she had died in Bay County, Michigan in 1971. This new information told me that Cora was at least married to Hod at the time she died. So Mr. Anonomous must have been the husband between Hod Cooley and James Colau.

I had searched the 1880 census for Cora, and found her as a small child with her parents. But there was no 1890 census to research because it had been destroyed in a fire. And I had previously tried to find James and Cora Colau listed in the 1900 census with no success. So where to look next ????

Knowing that Cora was married to Hod Cooley when she died, I decided to work backwards from what I knew and to check the most recent census records available … 1930 ... (http://go.footnote.com/1930census/) … to see if I could find any listing for “Cora Cooley”. (You can find blank 1930 census forms at http://c.mfcreative.com/pdf/trees/charts/1930.pdf)

There were five Cora Cooleys listed in Michigan, but only one was in Ogemaw County … “Cora C” Cooley was enumerated with “James H.” Cooley and two children (Rosa B and Benjamin F). But even better than that, one of the questions in the 1930 census was “year married” … and Cora and James H were shown to have been married in 1898 …

WHICH MEANT
Drum Roll Please!!!!

Hod Cooley was the same person listed in the Ogemaw County records as “James Colau” … which also meant there never was an “Anon. Anon.” … Cora Arntz had only been married one time. :o) And now I know the name of Mr. Anonymous!

However ... now I need to figure out why the 1930 census gives Cora the middle initial “C”? But that my friend is a mystery for another day. ;o)

The Moral of the Story …

Always double check your facts and data.

At some point someone transcribed a signature from an 1898 document … and did their best ‘guess’ at a name … ultimately converting an ‘ley’ into an ‘lau’. Also remember that census enumerators (before the digital age) wrote down what they "heard", which wasn't always what was "said" ... including how it might have really have been spelt.

And even though technology makes sharing data so much easier today … don't forget that merging multiple sources of data and research into on file ... that don’t exactly match up can cause duplications … even where there wasn't really any to start off with.

Love & Aloha,
~Amy

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-19T09:00:00.014-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

Feeding the Ducks

at Fremont Park

Love & Aloha

~Amy

Hometown USA

2010-05-14T17:03:00.000-06:00

Hometown USA

So what do you blog about when you can blog about anything … ??? That question has been racking my brain everyday this week. I’ve even researched the internet for some daily blog theme ideas, and wrote them down on a post-it (which has been filed away safely somewhere in the bottom of my purse) but so far I haven’t found the right blog theme, let alone enough time to be consistent with writing.

But since today is Friday, and I want to continue my Family Tree Friday theme … I decided to write about my “hometown”. In family history … knowing “who you are” is just as important as knowing “where you come from”. And I am lucky to have one of the best hometowns in the world. :o)

Welcome to

Harbor Beach, Michigan

Population +/- 1,700

Harbor Beach is located on the western shore of Lake Huron in Huron County, Michigan, at the intersections of Michigan Highway 25 (between Forestville and Port Hope) and Michigan Highway 142 (West to Bad Axe). The city limits are approximately 2 square miles, surrounded by either farm land or lake water.

It is the home of the world’s largest man-made fresh water harbor, and boasts the longest fishing pier that is handicap accessible. The best known landmark is the Harbor Beach Lighthouse, which is on the north breakwater wall. It was first lit in 1885, and by 1968 it was changed to an automated system. Today it is run remotely by the US Coast Guard from Saginaw, Michigan.

Terry Pepper has an excellent website “Seeing the Light – Lighthouses of the Western Great Lakes” about various lighthouses in the Great Lakes region. You can find more information on the history of Harbor Beach Lighthouse at http://www.terrypepper.com/Lights/huron/harbrbeach/harborbeach.htm

The center of town is the corners of State Street and Huron Avenue, and the Harbor Beach Community House is located on the northeast corner. This building currently houses the local movie theater, gymnasium and public library, and the common rooms are used for local organizations and club meetings -- like the Harbor Beach Lions Club (of which my Grandpa Fred Arntz was an active member most of his life). You can find more history on the Harbor Beach Community House at http://harborbeachchamber.com/community_house.

The earliest settlers to this area arrived in 1837, where they established a sawmill for processing lumber. The settlement was named Barnettsville in 1855, and later became the Village of Sand Beach. In 1899, the village changed its name to Harbor Beach, because the previous name gave the impression that the area was nothing but sand. In 1910, Harbor Beach was officially incorporated into a city.

The earliest Huron County residents in my family tree were either in the fishermen, lumbermen or farmers (dairy or sugar beets). The largest private employer was probably the Huron Milling Company, which several of my extended family worked for. The Huron Milling Company created the local hospital in 1920 on the corner of Broad and First Street for their employees. (See http://hbch.org/about_us-c.html for more history on the hospital) By 1963 the hospital opened its doors to all local residents, and so this is hospital where I was born in 1968.

All the branches of my family, on both my maternal and paternal sides, come from either the Harbor Beach area or from the areas immediately surrounding Harbor Beach in Huron County and Sanilac County. The Wood family originally settled north of Harbor Beach in a small fishing community called Grindstone City. The city is basically now a ghost town, but there are some restaurants and a local marina that is still very active in the summer months. The Volz family is from a small farming community to the south called Minden City (in Sanilac County), where they have owned the same farm for over 150 years.

My great grandfather Alf Roberts (who lived on Redman) made duck decoys for local hunters. My Grandpa Emerson Wood (who lived in a redbrick house at Broad and First) worked his way up from sweeping floors to manager at the local department store, called Mehlenthalers. My Grandpa Fred Arntz (who lived on Bartlett Street ) worked as a cooper making barrels at the Huron Milling Company (which later became the Hercules Powder Plant which made Lawry’s Seasoning Salt). My Grandma Elsie (Roberts) (Arntz) Soule played piano for wealthy guests staying at the Resort along the lakeshore. And my Dad (as did my Aunt Sandi Hunt) worked at the Community Theater in high school, and he taught swimming lessons in the summer at the local recreation center.

I was born to the wandering branch of my family. My parents and I moved away from Harbor Beach by the time I was 2 years old, and other than occasional visits when I was younger with my Grandparents (Emerson & Ruth) Wood and a family reunion or two through the 1980s … I haven’t been back. But I still have very fond memories of my visits, and my family there. I remember one summer visit in particular walking down to pier and the Community House with my cousin Flipper. There was a drinking water fountain in the shape of a Lions head on the corner. I wonder if it is still there?

Even though I was physically far away while growing up, the Spirit of Harbor Beach was always near. Whether it was my folks talking about “Al’s Friday Fish Fry”, or copies of the local Harbor Beach Times with the lighthouse logo showing up in our mailbox in Hawaii and California. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if my folks still have a subscription that they get in Arizona now.

I’m not really sure what my younger siblings or my own children will consider their “hometown” as the years pass. Perhaps it will be Kansas City or maybe even Lebanon, Missouri for some, or Cottonwood Heights or Murray, Utah for others. But I hope they know that no matter where they call home, they have roots planted very deep in the Thumb of Michigan, along the shores of the Great Lake the Indians called Karegnondi.

Photo by PEATmonster (photostream) 2007

Love & Aloha,

~Amy

USEFUL GENEALOGY LINKS

Here is a list of some useful websites for doing genealogy research in the Huron County, Michigan area.

The local daily newspaper is the Huron Daily Tribune (http://www.michigansthumb.com/)

The weekly newspaper is the Huron County Press (aka the Harbor Beach Times) (http://huroncountypress.mihomepaper.com/).

The MichiganGenWeb page for Huron County can be found at: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~mihuron/

The Deckerville Public Library, has a website of Huron County genealogical links at:

http://www.deckervillelibrary.com/huron_county_genealogy.htm

Several of my family members are buried at the Rock Falls Cemetery (including my Grandpa Fred Arntz, and his parents). The cemetery is located about 1½ miles south of Harbor Beach on M-25. The following website is an index of headstones originally compiled in 1994 by Robert B. LaBelle, and then updated in 2000 and again 2005 from obituaries. http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~mihuron/research/Rock_Falls_Cemetery.htm

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-12T10:21:00.000-06:00

In the dooryard fronting an old farm-house near the white-wash'd palings,
Stands the lilac-bush tall-growing with heart-shaped leaves of rich green,

With many a pointed blossom rising delicate, with the perfume strong I love,

With every leaf a miracle--and from this bush in the dooryard,

With delicate-color'd blossoms and heart-shaped leaves of rich green,

A sprig with its flower I break.

When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd

By Walt Whitman (1819-1892 )

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T08:00:00.001-06:00

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

Hope it's a beautiful day!

We Love You!

Love & Aloha,

~Amy

Mary Mary Quite Contrary

2010-05-08T09:00:00.008-06:00

Thanks to a suggestion I saw recently on one of my favorite blogs ... By Sun and Candlelight ... (http://dawnathome.typepad.com/by_sun_and_candlelight/2010/01/winter-early-learning-fun.html)

Caide and I decided to try our own "Flower Experiment" ...

Day 1 - White Carnations

On Saturday we purchased some small white carnations, and put them in colored water. Caide picked the colors, blue and yellow. Then we put the glasses in the kitchen window and waited.

For the next several days we watched to see if the petals changed ... and sure enough ... by the 5th day the flowers were showing blue and yellow shades in their petals.

Day 5 - Blue Flowers

Day 5 - Yellow Flowers

Even though our experiment didn't quite turn out quite as "colorful" as Dawn and Earlybird's did ... Caide & I sure had fun anyway.

Now to find a new experiment for us to do. Any suggestions?

Love & Aloha,

Amy

The Great Smarsh Smellow Battle

2010-05-07T15:01:00.000-06:00

Who Do You Think You Are?

2010-05-07T12:41:00.000-06:00

The branches of a tree may grow
in different directions, yet our roots
remain as one. Each of our lives will
always be a special part
of the other. ~Anonymous

Mabel Ellen Ogle (1884-1958)

OK. I have a confession to make … I am a “Geneaholic”. :o)

Which is why I’ve decided to try blogging about something I am very passionate about.

Family History.

As anyone who has known me for a while will tell you … I can take genealogy research to a whole new level of addiction. ;o)

I am not happy with just doing my own history, I have to be working on the “forgotten” and “disconnected” lines of my heritage … You know, like the second wife of your uncle … and your third cousin’s wife’s family line. Not to mention helping co-workers and next-door-neighbors get started on their research. I have boxes of forms, and three different software programs, and several file cabinets full of printouts. Plus I even have the names (written on post-its at my desk) of the two men buried next to my husband’s grandfather … at the local military cemetery … because I want to know who these men were that gave up so much for “me” and are now honorably buried next to Grandpa Jack. Sheesh!

And family history research is fast becoming the “chic” and “in thing” now, thanks to a new tv series. Have you had a chance to watch any of the episodes of the new NBC tv series called “Who Do You Think You Are?”? (http://www.nbc.com/who-do-you-think-you-are/) The show is aired on Friday nights, but you can watch any of the seven episodes online at your convenience. Ancestry.com (which is one of my favorite “pay for” vendors) is NBC’s official partner in the series.

Each episode traces the family tree of one of seven celebrities (First Season: Sarah Jessica Parker, Susan Sarandon, Spike Lee, Matthew Broderick, Brooke Sheilds, Emmitt Smith and Lisa Kudrow). The show does a wonderful job in revealing “the fabric of humanity through everyone’s place in history”. From the Salem Witch Trials, the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, the Slave Trade and the Holocaust. From New York, and New Jersey to Tuscany, Africa and Paris. You should try to watch one when you have a chance and see if you don’t get addicted too. My favorite episodes have been Susan Sarandon, Emmitt Smith and Lisa Kudrow.

Family History is more than dates and places to me. It’s the story of the lives of your ancestry. Just as I have hopes and dreams for my children and their children … I know that somewhere back in the early 1800s or 1900s, there was a mother and father who were working through the ups and downs of life that everyone must go through. They too had hopes and dreams for their children and grandchildren. I know that I am one the blessed recipients of their hard work and good choices. And I hope someday that I can pass on a similar legacy full of hard work and good choices to my own posterity.

So … if you want help getting started on your family history … you know were to find me. ;o)

Happy Birthday Mom

2010-04-15T21:17:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Mom!

May you always be blessed;

with walls for the wind,

a roof for the rain,

a warm cup of tea by the fire,

laughter to cheer you,

those you love near you and

all that your heart might desire.

The Signs of Spring

2010-04-08T17:00:00.039-06:00

Drip, drip drop

Little April shower

I'm getting wet

And I don't care at all

~Bambi "Little April Showers"

According to Caide's Calendar ... It's April !!!!

Here are the "Signs" of Spring

(as observed by me) ;o)

Half Off Snow Shovels ...

You know you should grab two,

but you'll wait for a better price and

end up paying $11 each next fall.

Half Off Easter Peeps ... YUMM!

I grabbed 4 boxes and stuck them in my freezer.

Short Sleeve Weather is Here Again ...

But only as long as you stay in the sunshine that is.

Soccer fields full of kids in colorful uniform

and screaming parents .... GO BLUE!!! ;o)

Spring flowers seem to burst out everywhere overnight
followed by 2 inches of snow on them the next day.

AND the realization that it's 9pm and the sun is still setting ...

No wonder the kids didn't come in for dinner when the street light came on.

Love and Aloha,

~Amy

The Close of A Winter Day

2010-04-07T18:00:00.002-06:00

Autumn arrives in early morning,

but spring at the close of a winter day.

~ Elizabeth Bowen (1899 - 1973, Irish Novelist)

Chalk-Full-O-Fun at the Kenyon Kastle

2010-04-04T17:00:00.009-06:00

I Meant To Do My Work Today
by Richard Le Gallienne

I meant to do my work today,
But a brown bird sang in the apple tree,
And a butterfly flitted across the field,
And all the leaves were calling me.

And the wind went sighing over the land,
Tossing the grasses to and fro,
And a rainbow held out its shining hand--
So what could I do but laugh and go?

My friend Dee Ann gave me some sidewalk chalk toys last Spring, and we are putting them to good use once again. :o)

Hopefully warmer weather is on its way, and the kids will be footloose and fancy free in no time.

After exausting the stencils and free drawing, we decided to try our hand at some CSI chaulk figures. ;o)

Eventually Caide got bored of chaulk drawing. He decided to it would be more fun to torment Kiah, who was trying to put the finishing touches on her chault person, by driving his scooter over her artwork.

Good thing they are best buds. :o)

Love & Aloha,
~Amy

Time for a Picnik ;o)

2010-04-02T19:08:00.002-06:00

Going Private

2010-03-19T19:09:00.009-06:00

Going Private ...

The internet can be a huge blessings, helping us keep connected and easily share our lives ... and it can be a scary dangerous place too. With so much personal information online ... people don't really think about what they write, upload or post about themselves ...

Well, I've been thinking about this for a while ... and I think it's time I take my blog PRIVATE ... like several of my friends and family members have recently done.

So if you are interested in continuing to read about the craziness that is my life, send me your email address so I can send you an invite ...

Love & Aloha,

~Amy

Waiting on Spring

2010-03-19T18:38:00.008-06:00

Come on Spring ....

Erin Go Braugh!!! ...

Almost got it .... :)

Everyone keep your fingers crossed. We just might hit mid 60s this weekend.

Love & Aloha,

Amy

Swimming Lessons

2010-02-20T19:01:00.000-07:00

Ever Wonder What Santa Does on Christmas Eve Morning?

2009-12-24T10:23:00.006-07:00

Ever Wonder What Santa Does on Christmas Eve Morning???

Well, now you know.

Merry Christmas Everyone. J

Eclectic Moves

2009-12-18T16:38:00.012-07:00

Eclectic Moves
December 2, 2009

On December 2, 2009 the dance classes at Butler Middle School put on their winter dance concert, entitled Eclectic Moves.

Centry, Caide and I were joined by Amanda, Kiah and TheRob for the performances.

The performances consisted of several different musical genres, including classical ballet, modern jazz, rock, rap and funk. And the costumes for each performance were creative, fun and very colorful. The majority of the performers were girls, but there were several boys who also performed and danced. It was great fun to watch.

They performed to songs like Fireflies (by Owl City); Mission Impossible (by U2); Walk Like An Egyptian (by The Bangles); and Thriller (by Michael Jackson).

Caide was so excited for Addie to come out on the stage and kept asking where she was as each performance would start. Of course, just as her group was about to perform, Caide’s lights went out ;o)

Adelina’s group performed to the song Bicycle performed by Queen. The girls wore colorful neon summer-time clothes, while they scooted, twirled, flipped, and cartwheeled across the stage. I've uploaded the video to YouTube here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4v5xSikHZtI Addie comes out on the stage at 2 minutes 40 seconds, in wild orange shorts and a tie dyed shirt. :)

And then after a few more numbers, the show was over and the whole stage filled with all the dance students. WOW!! What a gaggle of girls.

And then we all waited (semi)patiently in the audience for Adelina to come find us, up in the nose bleed section.

Congrats to Our Little Dancer :) for a show well done. We love you!

Our Year of Magical Thinking

2009-11-25T14:25:00.008-07:00

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Happy Birthday Treck! You are Missed.

=======

The Year of Magical Thinking – By Joan Didion

I’ve recently finished listening to The Year of Magical Thinking (Book on CD) written by Joan Didion. The story chronicles Joan’s life the year following the unexpected death of her husband John Gregory Dunne from a heart attack.

Her story begins with “Life changes fast. Life changes in the instant. You sit down to dinner and life as you know it ends. The question of self-pity.”

Unfortunately our family knows all too well that “instant”. On June 17, 2008, our world as we knew it changed with the unexpected death of our 17 year old son, Treck. What started out as just another normal day in our lives, wasn’t. Centry and I had decided to have lunch at La Puenta in South Salt Lake, and invited Centry’s sister, his mother, and our son Caide to join us. And as the food was being delivered to our table, our world as we knew it changed in an instant. That was the longest ten mile ride of my entire life. And I’ve never felt so far away from my home; so out of control as I did that afternoon.

Joan’s memoir is very well written and kept my attention from cover to cover. She mixes poignant personal stories and observations with various statistical facts gathered from “the literature” (as she called her research resources), and helps walk you through her thought processes.

“In time of trouble, I had been trained since childhood, read, learn, work it up, go to the literature. Information was control. Given that grief remained the most general of afflictions its literature seemed remarkably spare.”

I told Centry several times while listening to this book, that I felt like I was picking at a scab. There are still moments when that raw pain of loss is so close to the surface, that I had a hard time listening. But along with the sadness, there were several “Ah Ha” moments where I was able to I better understand myself. Better understand the “why” behind actions I’ve taken (or some that I haven’t taken). Especially when she tries to explain the reasons she does not want to donate John’s shoes to charity.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who has gone through the loss of someone close to them.

Today would have been Treck’s 19^th birthday. Last year we met at the cemetery, released balloons and returned to our home for pizza and video games. We still feel a tremendous emptiness in our lives. Caide often mentions Treck in passing. He seems to think Treck is just away for a little while, like away at college or summer camp. And perhaps that is best. I know I still can’t make sense out of it for myself, so how do you explain to a 3 year old that he’s not a phone call away.

“That I was only beginning the process of mourning did not occur to me. Until now, I had only been able to grieve, not mourn. Grief was passive. Grief happened. Mourning, the act of dealing with grief, required attention.”

Toward the end of the story, there is a point that Joan realizes her lifetime of memories of John are getting “mudgy”, and she’s not sure she wants to finish the book. She also comes to realize that she now has a whole years worth of new memories, that don’t involve John. That life does go on. And though her initial feelings of confusion have subsided, no clarity has taken its place.

But even 500+ days later, I’m still not ready to let go.

The Kung Fu Kid

2009-11-09T08:03:00.006-07:00

Check out Caide's exciting Halloween Kung Fu routine. :)

And a couple bloopers ;o) for your enjoyment.

Blooper #1 - Costume Malfunction

Blooper #2 - Focus, Please Focus!

Halloween Night

2009-11-03T15:30:00.010-07:00

Saturday, October 31st

Just as the sun was starting to set, and the excitement of the evening to come was starting to rise …. We were pleasantly surprised by Taiga and her crew of munchkins stopping by our home to show off their costumes.

Shaina was dressed as an Angelic Devil (with pitch fork, halo and shiny red horns).

Taisha was dressed a Cowgirl (with straw hat, handkerchief, braids and boots).

Carter was dressed as Spongebob Square Pants (with his face painted yellow).

And then at the appointed spooky time of 6:30 pm, as the full moon was rising high in the skies above the Wasatch mountains …

Centry, Caide and I were joined by Jasmine (dressed as a Vampress Witch) and her friend Connie, and off we set in our hunt to find sugary “treats” around the neighborhood.

By the time we had finished at what seemed to be the twentieth house (at least to Caide), he was done for the evening and Centry, Caide and I headed back to our house to sort our bounty …

... while Jasmine and Connie continued on to a few more homes. I’m not sure if Caide had more fun trick-or-treating door-to-door, or handing out candy to the rest of the evening visitors at our door. But all in all I would say the night was a success.

Now if only I could figure out how to get Caide to understand that Halloween only happens one night a year. ;o)

Friday October 30th

2009-11-03T15:29:00.005-07:00

Friday, October 30th

Caide, Kiah, Adelina and Amanda came to my office for our annual Halloween Trick-Or-Treating. For two fun-filled hours my office is full of families of my co-workers. With kids in costumes going from cubicle to cubicle, and department to department on two separate floors. To say the kids get a lot of treats would be an understatement.

Kiah was dressed as a Fairy, complete with magic wand and flower headband. And her little skirt had several colorful lights that blinked on and off under the tulle.

Caide was dressed as a Red Dragon Ninja, and entertained several of my co-workers with his spectacular kung fu skills. His routine was so cute, that I’ve video taped it and need to uploadto YouTube (maybe tomorrow).

Adelina was dressed as America’s Next Top Model, however several people commented that it’s not much of a costume when she’s pretty enough to be the real deal. :o)

My friend Justie, who works in cubicle city next to me, took pictures of all the trick-or-treaters … including this cute picture of me and two of my girls. I’m lucky that Justie is a whiz with photo shop and can make me look semi-decent enough to share any pictures with me in them.

And since I work in the legal department, I dressed up as Elle Woods, from Legally Blonde (of course). Complete with neon pink jacket, blonde wig, and white knee high socks, pink high heel sandals, and a small purse with a puppy. Addie and I had a blast putting all the pieces together.

~ Happy Haunting ~

First Snowfall 2009

2009-11-02T16:49:00.006-07:00

October 27, 2009

If you've lived in Utah, you know that there is always one snowfall that happens just a few days before Halloween. This year was no exception.

Caide was so excited to hear it was snowing when he woke up that morning. And he wanted to ride the snowmobile to Grandma Sharleen's house.

He was rather disappointed to learn that you needed more snow that this on the ground to make the snowmobile go. But he was excited to play outside for over an hour.

And if it hadn't of gotten dark, he probably would have stayed out there for several hours. Luckily (for Caide) this is only the beginning.

And to think Grandpa Tom and Grandma Bonnie traded all this fun for a sunny rock in the desert. ;o)

Fall Colors 2009

2009-10-27T20:33:00.012-06:00

Fall Colors - Utah Style

The following photos are especially for my poor sister, "stuck" in Hawaii (tough duty station, as my Dad likes to say) ... and my folks in the Arizona heat ... and anyone else who is missing out on some of the most spectacular fall colors of the year ...

One of my favorite things to do this time of year is walk around Silverfork Lake, near Brighton Ski Resort and take pictures of the aspens as they changed colors.

The day we were up there with the family there were several brides getting their pictures taken. There was even an actual wedding being held on a walkway down near the lake. I wished I'd of taken a picture of them ... she was beautiful in her white dress, pink sash, tulip bouquet and her earrings sparkling in the sun light ... WOW! But we just quietly snuck past them ... not that they would have noticed us.

After several rain showers in late September, the Salt Lake Valley was ablaze with colors of its own ... This is the hillside above the "Old Barn" where my folks used to live, before they traded it for their "rock in the sun".

And these beautiful leaves and trees are from around my office building.

But all this beauty comes at a price ... Thankfully this year we had a leaf blower (courtesy of my Dad, who doesn't need it in the desert) ... which Caide and Centry have made good use of

Wishing everyone a Happy Halloween ...

South Jordan Farmers Market

2009-09-19T15:39:00.007-06:00

Saturday, September 19, 2009
South Jordan Farmers Market

On a beautiful warm sunny Saturday in mid-September, Centry and I took the kids (Caide, Addie and Kiah) to visit the Farmer's Market held in South Jordan.

I'd never been to a farmer's market before (that I could remember). But I'd been to several swap meets as a child, which I still remember fondly. Especially one that was held in Diamond Head Crater ... so I'd hoped this would have been just as much fun (if not on a smaller scale) ... and hopefully not as many bikinis with seashell tops ;o).

A friend of mine told me the one in South Jordan was one of the nicer one's to visit, and she was right. (Thanks Dee Ann!)

The street was full of vendors. Some in tents, some with trailers and tables full of fresh fruits and vegetables, warm loaves of bread, honey and jams. We bought a loaf of fresh whole wheat bread first, then a honey bear from this cute girl selling some yummy clover honey from Wyoming.

Addie decided she wanted to make some fresh salsa, using her special receipe. So we ran around from tent to tent picking out some fresh tomatoes, onions and green bell peppers. If only you could smell a picture. ;o)

And the kids each picked out a pumpkin to add to our Halloween display at home.

Signs of the Season

2009-09-16T20:39:00.006-06:00

Its official. I've put up my first Halloween decoration of the season. My mother made these great dolls, each one dedicated to a holiday (Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Halloween).

This is the Halloween doll. She has a bat hanging off her sholder, and an orange tin pumpkin on the stand. Isn't she cute? Thanks Mom for sharing them with me.

Guess it's time to start thinking about more decorations, and what I want to be this Halloween? Any suggestions?

Rainy Day Fun

2009-09-15T07:42:00.003-06:00

Rainy Day Fun

I started this post over a month ago, back when it was still warm enough to be playing in the rain. Then I got busy with back-to-school and several family activities, not to mention having to fight Caide and Addie for "computer time". ;o)

But I still think the pictures turned out cute (even if not real focused). So I guess I'll finish the post anyway.

I know I had fun taking the pictures, and Caide and Kiah has a blast splashing and dancing in the rushing gutter water.

The rain was just cold enough to remind us that Autumn was just around the corner.

They had so much fun I had to practically drag them in to the house to put on dry clothes and socks. And YES, those are snow boots that Caide is wearing. He's been waiting as patiently as a 3 year old can wait for the first snow (which we finally got today ... but that will be another post on another day). :-)

Toadally Frogs and Dinosaurs

2009-09-14T15:21:00.021-06:00

Utah Museum of Natural History

Monday, September 7, 2009
http://www.umnh.utah.edu/home

On Labor Day, Centry, Caide and I visited the Utah Museum of Natural History. Thanks to a grant from a Zoo and Arts Bond passed several years ago, the museum offers FREE admission on the first MONDAY of every month. Fortunate for us, this month coincided with the Toadally Frogs exhibit. :)

There were over 20 live frogs and toads on display in the exhibit (in glass cages), as well as over 20 live lizards, snakes and spiders on display in the hall outside (also in glass teraniums). We saw a huge white albino snake, little garter snakes, a terantula, and a gila monster lizard. It was really cool.

Before we visited the frog display, there was a show put on by "Hipper" and "Hopper" Frog about the differences between frogs and toads, and how loss of their natural habitats affects them. They also reminded everyone to be kind to frogs and toads whenever you come across one.

Caide enjoyed watching the different species. Some were really fat. Some were so still you had to watch them for a few minutes for eyes to blink or for them to breathe to make sure they were real. Some were really colorful, with neon blues, greens and orange colors. Some were really tiny.

There is also a permanent DINOSAUR and FOSSIL exhibit on display at the museum all the time. Caide is REALLY in to dinosaurs at the moment. We've borrowed several books at the library on Dinosaurs over the last couple weeks, so he had fun relating those images to these displays.

Caide was facinated by the size of bones in the displays. And kept running back and forth from area to area. This was probably Caide's favorite part of the whole day, though he's not smiling in many of my pictures. (Ugh, which is a Kenyon trait I've noticed). ;o) I think it was because I kept stopping him to come back so I could take a picture.

This was my favorite display. This case has a cast made from a skull of a real T-Rex. WOW! It is huge. Wouldn't want to meet that in a dark alley. Caide wouldn't barely be an appetizer for this this one. :)

After spending time in the "no touch" displays of fossils, they also have an activity area that has a pretend dinosaur dig in a sandbox with brushes, along with tables of dinosaur puzzles and books so that the kids can get a hands on experience.

In addition to dinosaurs, they have a BUG exhibit, a minerals exhibit (with a mine shaft you can go into), and Utah history with exhibits of native indian relics, etc. It was great fun, and I expect we will do it again ... some day. :)

Aloha Amy

Walking Kiah to School

2009-09-11T20:31:00.007-06:00

On Friday, September 11th I was fortunate enough to be able to walk with my grand-daughter Kiah to her school. Doesn't she look COOL in her pink shades? :)

I had taken the day off from work, to recover from being up most of the night with Caide. Caide had been feverish and fussy during the night, and neither one of us got much sleep. However, the next morning he was feeling better (of course), but I was exhausted and a tad bit fussy myself. ;o)

And since Centry was working on computers in his shop in our basement that morning, he and Caide were able to tag along on our 'adventure'.

As we stood there in the shade, there was a chorus of "Bye Moms" left and right from the kids heading in the building with their classmates.

When two realizations hit me:

1) I was one of the few "Grandmas" in the young group of smiling and waving 20-somethings women; ;o)

and

2) I'll be back here in three years watching another class of Kindergarteners heading into the school ... once again as "Mom". :o)

Now I think i know a little more about how my Mom must have felt at Canyon View ;o)

Back To School 2009

2009-09-08T11:31:00.015-06:00

Adelina has successfully completed her first week of eighth grade. Her classes this semester are: Pre-Algebra, Theater, Dance, PE, History, Language Arts and Science. With back to back theater, dance and PE she'll get a lot of physical activity over the next few months, that's for sure. She is currently preparing to do a short in-class performance of The Corpse Bride, is studying "maps" in History and "scientific theory" in Science. Hopefully she'll be able to focus more on the academics and not the cute boys in class.

Way to go Kiddo. :)

Here is a link to her "first week of school" interview with Dear Ol' Mom. :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnCs9kBChbk

Kiah started her first day of Kindergarten, and really enjoyed it. Her teacher is Ms. Carter, and she has already made several new friends. Maybe next week when the excitement winds down she'll be able to remember their names better. ;o)

Here is a link to her "first day of school" interview with Grandma Amy. :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMhnLmWggnc