The Farmer's Wife

Valentine's...Missionary Style!

2012-01-27T17:39:00.000-07:00

I do love FHE....Family Home Evening!....I guess I feel like it is a gathering time...

when we are together as a family...a time dedicated just to us! I am not sure

The Darlings feel the same...they moan alot when I begin reminding them...from the moment

they come in from school (Monday)...that FHE rules EVERYTHING else!

Truthfully I don't know why I need to remind them..after all...it has been happening pretty

regularly for the last 20 years....

This past Monday I gathered items for us to use in creating fun Valentine's for our

Missionary Boys. Cute paper...stickers...ribbon...everything you could imagine. The Farmer

said it wasn't normal for boys to give boys Valentine's...I told him that rule didn't apply to

sons....he thought he was going to get out of it...but...he decided he would comply and began

making some of the most creative...yes, that is the word we will use....Valentines I have ever seen.

See what I mean??? Pretty creative isn't it???

I guess it was his way of punishing me for having to make some Valentines!

I thought it was a pretty creepy Valentine....but

it is sure to bring a big laugh to The Missionary Boy.

PreShie got to work....her creative juices flowing...and came up with the sweetest book called

The Reasons I Love You....

The book is darling!

Sure to bring a tear;)

She restrained herself and didn't use too much sarcasm...which is a stretch sometimes...;)

I will admit we had some great laughs while making the cute Valentine's.

We have another Valentine making party planned for Sunday...the plan is to

get the cousins together...they are a pretty creative group so I am sure we will have

great Valentine's from them. It is so fun to get packages ready to send to England and to Ecuador!

It is more fun to imagine those Missionaries opening them up...and feeling a little of the

love we feel for them. Yesterday The Missionary Boy completed 5 months of service...to some

it may not seem that long...but to me....the time is passing and seems to pick up speed a

little more each day.

We have a few fun Valentine decorations around the house...

these little mailboxes were fun to make...I found the idea on Pinterest.....(I love that place!!)

Beginning Feb. 1, I plan to leave little notes for The Farmer and The Darlings each

day. They are never too old for a not from their Mom...and Wife;)

In the dining room we have a few jars filled with candy...mostly

for the visitors....the cousins. The ribbon garland is fun too!

I have many more fun things planned for the days that lead up to Valentine's Day...

Love is in the air!!!

A Few Little Updates....

2012-01-24T11:59:00.002-07:00

We should begin with this update...(above)...because it has certainly been the most dramatic!

PreShie had to get her braces on AGAIN...due to some issues that had not been dealt with

when she had them on before. So very sad!!! So many tears were shed over this....

but finally she decided she would rather wear the braces for the next few months rather than take

them to college with her! Great choice PreSh!!! She did, however make a deal with The Farmer,

to have them removed for her Jr. Prom...and then promptly put back on the day after...

Oh...her Dad is a pretty good sport! The good in all of this...is that she only needs them for

a few months and she will have solved a lifetime of headache!

Trauma...nonetheless...

(might I add...she is just a beautiful with them...as without them!!!)

Next update....

The "Chalkboard"....now....when the first drawing was made...The Farmer made the grave

mistake of not including ALL of the cousins in the "School of Cousin Fish"...and therefore had

several complaints, like..."hey...where am I???" Especially after Sunday night when a major

part of the "School of Cousin Fish" were present in our home!

So after a little time at the "Chalkboard" the drawing is now complete and everyone

is represented....OH WAIT....

I can see he left off our "Missionary Fish" Oh wow! Looks like he will be spending some more

quality time at the "Chalkboard!"

Finally...our last update is that The Missionary Boy has been transferred to a new area....
drum roll please......two miles from his last apartment!;) He admitted to being disappointed at first
but after a talk with his Mission President...he knew that there was a reason he was assigned to
that area. He has a wonderful new companion from Cedar City...I have made contact with his
Mother which has been really fun. The Missionary Boy is happy and thriving and that is all we
could ask for! We love that Boy!

The Rooster's Eagle Project.......

2012-01-23T12:32:00.000-07:00

The Rooster's plan has been in the works for a good while...we got a little distracted last year with getting

The Missionary Boy off on his mission....but we can now say...it is done!!!

Saturday morning the youth of our ward met at the cemetery, which is owned by

the church...to plant trees that have died...when he first counted how many trees he would need,

he came up with 80-100...he actually ended up planting 215 trees!

He did a great job planning....everything was taken care of before hand...the only thing we

were scrambling to find at the last moment was shovels...and that was just a lack of

communication....not lack of planning;)

The Rooster organized a team of men to dig the holes before the actual day of the activity.

They have a special thing that fits on the back of a tractor that acts like a drill bit, and makes digging

215 holes much more pleasant than if they were dug with a shovel. The youth planted each

tree...and a water truck followed behind, and The Rooster water each and every one of the newly

planted little pine trees. He will return next week for another watering.

The youth enjoyed begin together...they did a ton of work! Along with planting the trees...they

picked up garbage, big stumps that had been removed and large rocks that were getting in the way.

It ended up being an entire trailer of debris. Certainly you cannot work that hard without a juice and

doughnut Break...especially if they are Krispy Kreme doughnuts! I had been in El Paso the day before and

brought back 6 dozen for the working crew to enjoy....and enjoy they did!!

After the activity we headed to a local burrito place that is a favorite...

and 70 burritos later...the working crew were all fed and happy.

I really do appreciate the attitude of the youth in our area.

They didn't complain...or I should say I didn't hear them complain...;)....

they love The Rooster and seemed happy to help with the project.

They worked really hard...had alot of fun...and made us proud!

They all said thank you for the treats...and for lunch....and I think if they had to

do it all again...they would! They are great kids!!

One of the leaders said something like...hunger is a good sign..it means you worked hard!

They were tired and hungry....and happy!

The Rooster came home and after feeding and watering the horses...he spent the

rest of the day asleep on the couch! I know he was relieved that it was all over....

AND SO WAS HIS MOTHER!!!

Way to go Rooster!!!

**as soon as he receives his Eagle....he will also receive two palms for all of the extra

merit badges he has completed!**

Messages From The Chalkboard....

2012-01-20T09:08:00.001-07:00

A "Dog Day" At The Farm....

2012-01-17T16:34:00.000-07:00

A "Winter" farm looks like this.

Tractors are working hard to prepare the ground for planting.

Water lines are being installed....tractors repaired....seed is ordered...

It is nearly as much work to "prepare" for a season of farming, as it is to actually farm.

If the correct planning is done, and preparations are made...it makes for a much smoother season.

This year The Farmer's "new project"...we will call it...RV...is requiring a good amount of work.

It is a farm that has sat, uncared for, for many many years. This year it will be in production again!

It is fun to see something come to life after so many years of abandon.

The Farmer told me a little story about this particular farm the other day that I quite enjoyed.

When The Farmer was a "Young Farmer" (around 12 yrs.)

he and his cousin decided to organize themselves a little business. They wanted to make

some $$$. The Farmer's Father and his uncle were thrilled that

the young boys were interested in working and helped them get the information together to sell Frost

Alarms to the local orchard growers. They contacted the company, a catalog was sent and off went

the two "Young Farmers" to try to make themselves some money. In the community was a very large

peach orchard and cannery. Certainly the "Young Farmers" thought if they could just get the owner of the

big orchard and cannery to purchase a frost alarm or two...they would make a fortune. The "Young Farmers" grabbed their little catalog and made their way to the beautiful orchards of Rancho Verde.

Upon arrival, they were met by the owner...he took a little time to look through the catalog that the

"Young Farmers" had brought with them and after he looked...page by page...at each of the models of

frost alarms...of all price ranges...and then he selected his frost alarms....

The most expensive model in the entire catalog!!!....$489.00...

(The Farmer says that would be the same as $3500.00 today...)

The "Young Farmers" just couldn't believe it!! The most expensive one in the catalog!

But now...now that The Farmer is a Farmer who has lived a little...he knows that the owner of that beautiful

orchard and cannery was a man, who saw two "Young Farmers" who were trying to work and earn

a little money...and what he was really doing was rewarding their efforts. When all was said and done...the "Young Farmer" had money enough to buy his school clothes for the next school year and even a pellet gun! What more could a "Young Farmer" want?! It is a story The Farmer has

repeated to The Darlings many times....it brings him great joy to recount it. It is a cherished memory

of his childhood. And I will say...that when "Young Farmers" show up at our house these days...

selling whatever they may be selling...The Farmer is quick to reward them buy purchasing all that they

are selling...or paying a generous price for whatever their product may be. And now...all these years

later...The Farmer's new project...RV...is what once used to be the beautiful orchards and cannery

where he sold frost alarms as a child, so the story is even a little more fun to tell these days!

Yesterday was a dog day at the farm.

When these dogs even suspect that The Farmer's truck may be headed to one of the farms...

they will do what ever is necessary to go along for the ride. They really enjoy seeing the world.

So off we went...taking pictures along the way...and the dogs had the best time ever!

Doing what dogs do best...sniffing things...chasing things...running along side the truck...

Boss the dog...has put on a little too much weight lately...and finds it a bit more challenging to get

into the back of the truck...after a few failed attempts he finally made it in...and I was lucky

enough to capture the moment;)

Dear People Of England....

2012-01-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

(found in my email this morning!!!)

Dear People Of England....

I LOVE YOU!!!

Thank you for caring for The Missionary Boy....we miss him sooooo

much...but we can see he is in good hands!

Thank you for sending me pictures...there are days I pray for a picture of My Boy...

and it seems that they arrive pretty quickly after I say....Amen;)

Much Love....

A Missionary Mom in Mexico;)

Last week a dear friend...and mentor to The Farmer....was at our house...it happened

to be a Monday...when the Missionaries arrive for breakfast and to do their laundry...

he greeted the Missionaries...and then said to them....

"Aren't you lucky that her (that would be me) son is serving a mission!....I think you get

extra special treatment because of that!" He would know...he has had sons serve missions...he has

also been a Mission President...and he is right...the service we offer to our local missionaries is

a complete pleasure.....especially because we know that others are caring for our Missionary

Boy...."accross the pond..."

Thank you to the dear people of England who are loving and caring for Our Boy!

p.s. He calls me Mum now.....;)

Here We Go Again.....

2012-01-11T07:50:00.000-07:00

I am pretty sure it isn't a good thing...that I am already behind in posting for 2012...UGH!

Our holidays are just ending...The Rooster headed back to school this past Monday...

PreShie is still home...she has another week until school starts for her. By the time she returns to school, she will have had a 6 week break! I LOVE having her around...but it does seem like it

is a little too long. The Rooster is really mad about going back...especially since PreShie is still home.

The holiday season has been filled with lots of family time....too much eating...(but that has been

pretty fun too!)....and lazy days around the house. It has also been filled with tons of radishes

and spinach...thanks to the Memmotts...the planning of The Roosters Eagle Project...which will

happen very soon....unfinished projects getting finished.....and goal setting for a new year!

Here we go again....2012!

While making plans for The Rooster's Eagle Project.....we found ourselves very close to The Farmer's

"new project." Because a canal runs through this "new project"....he hired a man to move the canal

...dig a new one. When The Rooster found out that they were using an Excavator to dig...he nearly

fainted;)...(not really, but he was pretty excited)....he quickly lost interest in the Eagle Project

planning and begged to head to the RV Farm (aka...The Farmer's new project)....when we arrived

the man who was operating the machine....who is a friend of ours....asked The Rooster if he would like

to do a little digging....in a matter of seconds The Rooster was comfortably seated at the

controls of this big digger. He figured it out pretty quick....and proceeded to do a little digging.

He was pretty happy about the whole experience! It was really kind of the operator to teach

The Rooster a thing or two about operating a machine that size. It made his afternoon!

It has been a lovely holiday season.....we are looking forward to a wonderful year!

New Years....And...Inbetween.....

2012-01-03T18:16:00.000-07:00

These dogs really have nothing to do with New Year's....but all through the holidays...if the tailgate

of The Farmer's truck came down...the dogs quickly hopped in. So just to document our pets right now....we have 3 German Shepherds...Boss(the Dad), Bolt (the Son) and Bridget (the daughter).

The aren't mean...but in a group they can be intimidating. Sometimes that is a good thing...and

sometimes it isn't;) They LOVE The Darlings...and they miss The Boy. Instead of The Boy having

a dog...or two..or three...these dogs...have a Boy.

Back to New Year's....and activities in between....

Midweek...we headed back to El Paso for the wedding of a very close cousin...

On the way we found a great collection of Karins (below).

There is some very creative person who lives in the nearby town, who takes the time to go

along this very baren highway and build little sculptures. I love it!!

More cousins arrived in El Paso to celebrate the wedding of sweet Jenna....the Lovelies looked

perfectly lovely! They really are beautiful girls!

The reception had beautiful views of the city...

A great dinner was served...

Friends and family were out in full force...

The bride was stunning!

The dancing was great fun...

It was a great evening.

New Year's Eve found us at Uncle Dave's house...

TONS of yummy food was there as well;) Not that anyone was hungry....after all we have been

eating non-stop lately. That's the holidays for ya!

Nonetheless...we ate again...and visited (we do that pretty well too!)

Everyone enjoyed the chocolate fountain...especially the small people;)

The Lovelies were all decked out for the parties that they would be attending...

Aunt R2...gave them a make-up class that afternoon...and made sure they were looking good!

And they were!

The annual Bingo game took place downstairs...with the kids playing first...

And The Farmer was loaded down with explosives...which you and I both know...make a

New Year complete. He had a great time making sure that anything in that little black bag...

that could blow up.....blew up! That was a good time!!

New Year's day we switched meeting schedules and found ourselves in church at 9:00am...

and when the meeting began there were all of 4 benches of people there...but it filled up

as it got a little later;) After church we met at our home for New Year's Day dinner...of

Mole', rice, beans, salad and Lemon Cake....YUM!

Later that night...the Annual Adult Bingo took place....and as usual...it was a great time!!

Christmas Day....

2012-01-03T10:34:00.000-07:00

Christmas Day was a delight!

The Darlings slept in The Rooster's bedroom the night before which I thought was really sweet...

They woke up early...and did their very best to get The Farmer up....

The Rooster got the fire going in the fireplace...and Christmas began....

I really loved that Christmas fell on Sunday this year...to be in church on Christmas Day just

seemed perfect to me. Anyway...

The Darlings were please with their gifts from Santa....

and there were a FEW surprises...

The Farmer was surprised with a painting of his Great Great Grandfather...that he had been wanting.

The Rooster was thrilled with a saddle that The Farmer chose for him.

The Farmer was about this age when his father choose a saddle for him.

This will always be a special thing for The Rooster.

The cousins all got airsoft guns this year...with hopes of a big huge war....

a few small ones have taken place....thank goodness for protective eye ware and layers of

thick clothes....they have sure had alot of fun!

Certainly the highlight of our day was the Skype call from our Missionary Boy...

We went to church...enjoyed a lovely Christmas program filled with music....

Came home...Skyped with our Mijo Elder Jona...that was an extra special experience!

In the afternoon...we gathered as a family for a Turkey with all the fixins'...dinner....

and spent the evening visiting and enjoying remaining part of Christmas Day.

It was so fun to talk about our Missionary phone calls....having two of our boys on missions....

as well as our Mijo (Jona)....has been a great blessing to our family in so many ways...

to share the experience as a family....has been really wonderful!

Christmas Eve...

2012-01-02T23:05:00.001-07:00

Christmas Eve began with the pre-phone call from The Missionary Boy...oh....to hear his voice!

Oh how I miss him!....I sure am glad he is...where he is! He sounded great!

And then the cooking began....our traditional Christmas Eve meal is Pozole'.....which takes all

day to make...but very much worth the time!

We met at the church for the traditional ward Christmas party...where Santa makes an

appearance. There were so many visitors this year...and so the cultural hall was full. It was so fun

to visit and catch up with people we don't get to see very often....and it was even more fun to

watch the children when Santa arrived. Next we headed to Grandma Christine's for dinner and

the cousins gift exchange.

Opening the gifts was complete chaos...but so much fun! Everyone was just delighted with

their gifts...and the cousins who gave the gifts were equally excited!

The Pozole' was so yummy!

The soup is topped with cabbage, onion, cilantro, avocado, radishes and lemon.....

YUM!!

The soup was nearly finished off....

We also enjoyed more yummy tamales!

It was a great evening....

We returned home to end Christmas Eve by opening the traditional Christmas Pj's...

followed by a spiritual message to make sure we remember why we celebrate Christmas.

The Darlings had a hard time settling down...which made it hard for Santa to come....;)

Santa finally arrived...and we were able to settle down and get to sleep.

And Then There Was Caroling....

2012-01-02T22:07:00.000-07:00

A family Christmas Caroling activity was planned....

a wagon was loaded with hay....doughnuts and hot chocolate were prepared...

songs were chosen...and off we went!

Everyone was layered for warmth...it was a very cold night!

We sang a few songs for Uncle Merriner and Aunt Winnie...

They were good sports and came outside to hear us sing...

There was alot of chatting..laughing...and singing as we moved from house to house....

Bro. and Sis. Bowman also greeted us with

kindness...and it seemed like they enjoyed the songs;)

The hot chocolate and doughnuts were enjoyed by all....

It was a wonderful night...a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit...

and another excuse for us to be together as a family!

Our Day Began With Tamales....

2012-01-02T21:54:00.000-07:00

Our day started with Tamales....actually that is what we had for breakfast.

It is Tamale season around here....fresh..homemade Tamales are readily available...and they are yummy! This particular morning Uncle Merriner stopped by with a plate and they were

eaten up very quickly! You know it is Christmas when you are eating Tamales for breakfast;)

The Farmer says a Tamale isn't complete until it has some Ketchup on top!

It was also Gingerbread House Day! The Lovelies had already decorated their houses....

and young cousins were next. They arrived excited and ready to decorate!

It has become a favorite activity during the holidays.

During the Gingerbread House party...it began to snow.

That thrilled the little cousins! The Farmer suggested that if they would go into the front

yard and do a "snow dance"....it was sure to snow harder...and so they headed outside...

and danced. It was snowing but not too hard...next thing we knew...the cousins were gathered

in the living room...kneeling in a circle and offering a very sincere prayer for more

snow. Now that was a sight!

Not too long after ending their prayer...it looked like this...(below)

It began to snow...and it was beautiful!

And yes...The Rooster is in shorts....

Each house was decorated with great care and planning....

And when the little cousins left...there was snow on the ground....a dream come true!!

It continued to snow that afternoon...and into the night. We enjoyed snow for a couple

of days...and then it was gone.

And We Made Snowflakes.....

2012-01-02T20:29:00.001-07:00

With school out...The Darlings and The Cousins had a little time on their hands....

what better to do than to make snowflakes!

They made a beautiful collection for me which I turned into a chandelier above

the dining room table. Each one was a masterpiece...each one was completely unique and

beautiful! Thanks to the Lovelies for some great snowflakes!

Family gifts were prepared and delivered....

PreShie wrecked the car while making deliveries...and then wrecked it again

on Christmas Eve....oh wow!

Our treat plates were Chips and Salsa this year....

The Farmer maintains that people are in need of "salt" instead of sugar during the holidays...

he must have been right...everyone seemed to be happy with "treat."

We Wrote Letters To Santa....

2012-01-02T20:00:00.000-07:00

Our holidays have been fun and very busy....

We spent a couple of days with the cousins in El Paso finishing up our final Christmas

shopping. While there...we enjoyed some great time together as a family.

We discovered a neighborhood...filled with the Christmas spirit...every house on several

streets was decorated beautifully...one light display was even set to music...that was fun!

The cousins shopped together...had lunch together....and then we all headed home!

I am pretty sure the highlight of the trip was writing a letter to Santa....

They took it pretty seriously;)

The Best Christmas Gift....EVER...!!!

2011-12-26T14:16:00.000-07:00

Four months ago...I knew that this day would come.

I wasn't quite sure how it would work out...if I would cry my eyes out...to the point that I couldn't even talk...I wasn't sure how I would react. Our phone systems here in the land that I live are completely

unreliable. I mean totally unreliable. It really is a day to day thing...if the telephones will

actually work. It has been my greatest fear that something would go wrong and we would

miss "the call." So my week...last week...began with hours on the telephone with the phone company,

checking everything that could be checked with the phone lines. Once it seemed all was

in place...I began to work out any issues with the Skype program and even made a few practice...Skype

calls to make SURE that everything was working as it should. It took several days and many

phone calls...but by Friday we were ready to go. We even had back-up plans in place;)

And then it happened...Saturday morning I got up early...the very first thing I did was check the

phones...and everything was good. Not long after...I heard the phone ring..I yelled for The Farmer

to answer the phone...(he isn't too good about that)...and realizing what may be happening...he grabbed

the phone and said...hello?....after a long pause he said..."Hi Bubba...." (that is what The Farmer calls his boy)....the tone of his voice was that of a Father who was thrilled to hear the voice of his son...

that he has not heard in several months. It was our pre-call...to schedule our Christmas Day

phone call! Of course I burst into tears...The Farmer's voice was filled with emotion too....he enjoyed

a few minutes with His Boy...asking questions...listening....and feeling lots of joy!

By this time The Darlings realized what was happening and they quickly found a place close to

The Farmer so they could hear the voice of their Missionary Brother. They were grinning from ear

to ear. I said a quick hello...and told the Missionary Boy that I couldn't wait to "see" him on

Christmas Day...and then the call ended. It ended much too soon!

Christmas morning...at 7:20...the phone rang...and we knew it was him!

After a few minutes....the Skype was working...and we saw and talked to...our Missionary Boy!

He looked great!!! His face was filled with light! We talked about his Christmas gifts....

if everything had arrived safely...and it had. He then told us all about his mission...the new cultures

that he is learning to understand....the different foods he is learning to eat....the wonderful

families who so lovingly care for he and his companion...the people he is teaching....his feelings...his

worries...well I think we really talked about EVERYTHING!!

It was the most perfect Christmas gift ever.

We each had time to visit with him...and even The Farmer's Mother and Loly...The Missionary

Boy's best cousin ever...had a moment to visit. Lot of tears were shed....mostly by me;)

I am pretty sure The Farmer shed a few as well.

(cousin Loly and The Rooster)
And then it was time to say good-bye. And that was the worst!!!
The Missionary Boy said it wouldn't be too long until we talked again...(Mother's Day)...
and that the time would pass fast. We told him that we loved him more than he would ever understand,
and how very proud of him that we are. We also thanked him for blessing our family with his
missionary service. He cried....we all cried...and then we said good-bye.
Christmas couldn't have been better for me! To see our Missionary Boy thriving in his role
as missionary was the greatest gift of all!

Merry Christmas From England!!

2011-12-22T17:14:00.000-07:00

This morning...in my email...I found....

a sweet note from some members in The Missionary Boy's ward.

What a treat!!! Oh how I appreciate the members in his area...they are so good to him,

they take care of him....and me too...by sending a picture every once in a while.

It was the hightlight of my day!!

The Making Of A REAL Christmas....

2011-12-19T22:57:00.001-07:00

Today was a cold day....it was a windy day.

The crew of cousins are all out of school and enjoying each minute they have together.

The begin making plans early in the day...what time they will get together...what they will do....

and sometimes it isn't what they are doing that is all that exciting...but that they are together.

They are an extra special bunch of cousins!

Last week we were on another road trip...this time Cousin Loly came along for the ride...

at some point in the trip she announced that she "loved" cousins...that having 26 cousins was like

having 26 siblings...and they should just call us the Duggars!

I love that these cousins love each other so very much!

In the last couple of days we have been carefully planning our upcoming "phone call"

from our Missionary Boy...when I told Cousin Loly that she should come to our house so she could

talk to the Missionary Boy...her eyes filled up with tears..and she said..."I think I could cry,

just thinking that I can talk to him." Isn't that the best???!!!

So back to today....

A few weeks ago the local division of Social Service in our area...selected 7 families that they

felt had the greatest need in our area, and 7 groups of women from our ward began planning

"Christmas" for each of these families. We were given a paper describing the needs of the family as

well as a picture of the family. Our family was made up of a set of grandparents, (the grandpa

in a wheelchair because of a stroke and many other health problems) and 6 children,

whose Mother had abandoned them...from the ages of 6 to 15. They live on a small pension,

and money that was earned from the 13 and 15 year old, picking chile.

The women in our group were generous...and many items were gathered so that this little family

could enjoy a bit of Christmas. Today was the day we were ready to deliver the items.

Today was the day I called on the cousins to share in a very special act of service.

When basic needs are being met in the country of Mexico, we are talking about...

A load of wood to heat your house with...

A large sack of beans that you can eat for a very long time....

Coats...personal hygiene items...

Canned food items...

and....two simple gifts for each person in the family.

We also took a very small Christmas tree with a few simple ornaments.

We loaded the truck with gifts, supplies...and cousins...and off we went to find our family.

What we found was a little more than we had bargained for...we knew it was going to be very

difficult circumstances...but I am not sure the cousins were prepared for what they saw.

When we arrived...The Farmer knocked at their door...and instead of glass in the windows, small pieces of plastic had been taped in an effort to keep the cold out. There was no carpet...no tile...just very

rough cement floors...no running water...no bathroom...and in the corner of a very, very,

humble kitchen...was a very rustic wood burning stove, by which the grandfather sat in his wheelchair,

trying to stay warm. The Farmer explained our purpose in coming to their home...the little children

ran and put their arms around my legs and hugged and hugged me, and the grandfather began to cry,

almost with relief that help had arrived. When The Farmer asked the grandmother how they had been

heating their small home...she replied that they had been burning anything they could find...sticks..rags..anything. The cousins began making trip after trip..their arms full of wood,

carefully stacking the wood...that will most likely heat their home for the rest of the Winter months.

Remember...today was an especially cold day...there couldn't have been a better time for a load of wood to arrive to a family in such dire circumstances.

What was so noticeable was the joy in the faces of the children as they too took armfuls of wood

and stacked it...I am sure they knew what it meant...to have a load of wood...it means warm nights

instead of very cold nights. They worked along side the cousins...and they were happy!

Once the wood was unloaded and stacked...the unloading of the food and gifts began.

By this time the cousins were really getting into the experience...they were now

smiling...feeling really good about themselves that they had chosen to serve their fellow man when

they really wanted to stay home and play Xbox. I know this is really hard to believe...but when I first

told them I needed their help...they weren't all that excited about the adventure..

...I know...very hard to believe;)

They didn't complain about the cold...or that they were getting dirty...they didn't complain at all.

They were actually very quiet...very sober....very grateful.

This young cousin threw a 100 pound bag of beans on his shoulder and carried it into the humble home...(the family is in the background)

When everything was unloaded...and many thank you's had been said...The Farmer made only one

request of this sweet family. He explained that we were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints...and if one day two Elders came and knocked on their door...that they would please

remember this moment, and listen to the message that those missionaries would share. They all agreed.

The grandmother offered a blessing of protection on us as we started to leave...and left on the top of
one of the six beds that filled the very small living room was a stack of Books of Mormon tied carefully with a lovely silver ribbon. It was the last thing I noticed as we left the home.

We climbed into the truck....it was very quiet as we drove away....after a few minutes The Farmer,

made the best of a great teaching moment...assuring the cousins that they were some pretty lucky

and very blessed young people. They agreed.

Then as promised...we headed to the best burrito stand in town....

With now full hearts....we filled the stomachs of these special cousins.

It was a day that will not soon be forgotten...and I think that these cousins will talk about this experience they shared together...when they are old married people one day.

And after a yummy lunch, we returned them to their homes...and as they unloaded from the truck...

the were quick to say thank you...for a wonderful experience of service that they

shared in this Christmas week.

I have always been grateful that my children are growing up in a place where life isn't perfect.

It doesn't look perfect...you can't pretend it is perfect. They are surrounded by need.

They know what it looks like to have only a pot of beans for dinner...they have visited those homes.

They know that in many cases...it takes very little to make a person happy...not fancy brand name clothing, not certain types of cars...not large homes. It just takes a load of wood...a few simple gifts,

and a large sack of beans. These people have not learned to depend upon "things" for their happiness.

They have learned to trust in God...that He will provide for them.

This was a REAL Christmas experience...what the season is really all about.

What I Know...For Sure.....

2011-12-13T22:12:00.000-07:00

Today I spent some time at the temple with The Farmer...It was the best!

On our way home we stopped by "The Farm" to check on things...It rained some during the night

last night...and again this morning, everything was wet and beautiful. When it was time

to leave "The Farm" we were gifted with this amazing rainbow...I know it is a little off center...

but when you look carefully at the far right of the picture...you will see a double rainbow!

The colors were so vibrant..I haven't seen one like this in a very long time....

It was a treat!

These are a few things I know for sure....

*I really like that Farmer of mine!!

*I am not afraid of change...

*"Love many...trust few...and always paddle your own canoe..."

*I have faith

*I love Christmas...and everything about it!!

*I am missing my Missionary Boy like CRAZY!!!

*I am counting the days until I get to talk to the Missionary Boy...;)

*Our Christmas "goodie" plates are done!!!...we did salsa and chips this year...

*There are few people in the world who think of others before they think of themselves...

*I believe in Karma...oh yes I do!!;)

And there it is...the list of things I know for sure in this very moment...

(I know alot more...but I thought some of it would be best kept to myself!..hehe..)

Messages From The Chalkboard....

2011-12-11T08:17:00.000-07:00

Making Me Smile Today....

2011-12-07T08:13:00.000-07:00

The Missionary Boy...

(Reading, England)

The Missionary Boy's Christmas....

2011-12-05T14:26:00.000-07:00

I have a touch of OCD...and I know it. It comes in handy sometimes and other times...it really bugs

The Farmer!;) Even when he is pretty bugged...you hardly know it...he is in perfect control

about 98% of the time. So back to my OCD...when The Missionary Boy left for his mission,

I began thinking about Christmas. How was I going to ship his gifts??? What was I going to get him???

The Farmer...all the while...kept saying..."he really won't care...I promise!"

And, no mother I know actually believes that..by the way! I started making lists...searching the Internet

for ideas that he would enjoy. I read every idea I could find, from Mom's who had

"been there and done that..." and then I came up with my game plan.

By Halloween...I was ready to mail the packages that I had so carefully put together.

Each item wrapped with pretty ribbons and notes attached so he would feel somewhat like he

was at home. I must have gone through the packages a hundred times...making sure I hadn't forgotten

anything. It was so much fun putting it all together for him. I cried a little in the process...feeling sad

for myself...not so much for him...(because I know he is fine.) With everything ready to go...I started to load

the boxes into my car...after all we were heading to El Paso, and this is when I heard....

The Farmer.."what are you doing??"

Me..."I am loading The Missionary Boy's boxes into my car.."

The Farmer..."Why???"

Me..."Because it is time to ship them.."

The Farmer..."seriously???...it is November 1st..."

Me..."yes I am serious!...I want them in the mail early...so he is sure to get them."

**side note**

I think I have heard every horror story out there...of a missionary not getting his/her Christmas on time,

and they were without anything on Christmas morning...would it traumatize him??? I don't

think so...would it traumatize me....OH YES IT WOULD!!!

...back to the story...

so The Farmer assured me that it was much too early to mail a Christmas package...and that

The Missionary Boy would get his packages without a problem....

...and I should please unload the boxes from the car...everything would be just fine.

And because I believe what The Farmer tells me...I did what he asked and I waited.

The boxes were mailed around Thanksgiving...they have arrived (I watched the tracking)

and now me and my OCD can rest;) We (The Darlings and I) had such a great time preparing

the boxes for The Missionary Boy. I hope he will feel our love for him when he opens each

of the well thought out items. One of PreShie's friends was visiting our house a few weeks ago,

and we were talking about an especially fun project we did for The Missionary Boy...

This young man said to me..."he is going to cry when he sees this."

It was the best way, I could think of...that we could send him a hug from home.

(I will post more details about this project later...)

Another fun project....we asked each family member...on both sides of the family...to make an

ornament for The Missionary Boy...writing a note and including a photo. I then laminated each ornament

and hung them on a ribbon...to make a long garland he can hang in his apartment.

It is darling and full of loving and encouraging comments for family who love him so very much!

Merry...Merry...Christmas to our Missionary Boy!

We can't wait to hear his voice on Christmas Day!!!

Our Thanksgiving...

2011-11-29T13:43:00.000-07:00

(our traditional Gratitude Tree)

Thanksgiving was many things for us this year.....It was...

*a very tender letter from The Missionary Boy..to The Farmer...which invoked many tears..

*a full memory card from the camera of the The Missionary Boy...complete with a couple of short videos;)

*a Thanksgiving breakfast with family we don't see enough....

*a great Thanksgiving dinner prepared by Grandma Vicki....

*a trip to the movies Thanksgiving night...with all the cousins

*great conversation and great food shared with "The Brotherhood" and their wives

(I sure do like those brothers of mine! They are an impressive group of men!)

*Shopping with PreShie

(found was the most fantastic Christmas dress I think she has ever owned!)

*a couple of chance meetings with two very dear friends I haven't seen in years

*another movie with my kids;)

*a special temple sealing where a cousins new baby was sealed to her and her husband

(it was the most delightful experience I have had in awhile...what a special little baby!)

*an early morning trip to the temple for baptisms...for the Darlings and their cousins,

followed by a yummy breakfast...

It was the perfect Thanksgiving weekend...filled with wonderful family...incredible food...

and a lot of gratitude for it all!!

The Farmer's Daughter....

2011-11-22T16:11:00.000-07:00

(Thanks Aunt Kim...as always your photos are amazing!!)

He is smitten with her....and she adores him...

The best Daddy/Daughter relationship ever!!!

He Said He Was "Working".....

2011-11-19T21:31:00.000-07:00

"Working".....yep......working!"

I guess my first clue should have been...when I overheard someone in the background...

(of a phone call) ask if The Farmer would like some more of the

"Flied Lice"....you know....Fried Rice.

It was then I knew...he was sitting in Chinatown having a meal...working????...

That is some hard work if you ask me!

The Farmer has spent this past week in the San Francisco area. He covered alot of territory...and

got some important things done, as well as have a little fun. He's good at that....

having a little fun along the way;) It will be great to get him home!

Here are a few comments made by The Farmer's children this week....

*Hey...where's my Dad?

*(by the end of the week...) Hey...is my Dad coming home????

*Hey...isn't California the place you go to find "hot chicks"???? (oh wow!)

*...Can I call my Dad???.....why isn't he answering his phone???

*Why does my Dad only like Chineese food?

*Where is my Dad again???

From the looks of the above comments...you would think that The Farmer has been gone

for years!!!! The Darlings really do miss him when he is gone....

And...so do I!!

Messages From The Chalkboard....

2011-11-18T08:16:00.000-07:00

This Makes A Mom Pretty Darn Happy!

2011-11-14T15:10:00.001-07:00

Last week I found myself traveling for most of the week....although I love the city that we

traveled to...I am really tired of traveling! I just wanted to be home with my kids...soaking them up!

While on the plane I checked my mail and this is what I found!

Another sweet family from The Missionary Boy's ward in England, took

a picture of he and his companion at a Halloween gathering and sent it to us.

It just made my day!

I sure do appreciate the love and kindness of the members in his area...they are taking

great care of him...and he loves them very much!

It was a Tender Mercy for a Mom who was missing her missionary Missionary Boy!

Today....Through Her Eyes.....

2011-11-12T21:11:00.000-07:00

And...this is her!

Great photos PreShie!!

The Last Few Days....

2011-11-08T21:56:00.000-07:00

I have done alot of this....

Mexico....Texas.....Arizona.....Idaho....Arizona....Texas....and...Mexico.

This was all in just a few days....

Auntie and the new hubby, had an Open House in Boise...
and a dear brother of mine...and myself...thought it would be fun to visit a place we had
never been...as well as support Auntie.

I had never been to this part of Idaho and didn't really know what to expect.

I did know, however....thanks to The Farmer...that it was going to be cold...snowing....

and more cold. When we arrived in Boise...it was in the midst of snow flurries...and it

was beautiful! We spent the next day exploring the area....visiting....laughing..(alot)...

and exploring more! It was a wonderful couple of days and I enjoyed so much...

spending time with a dear brother!

Boise was just lovely.

We happened upon a Veteran's Day Parade...

a great Farmer's Market....

And some interesting causes that were seeking support.

p.s. it was a very interesting group of people who were signing the petition....and let's just say

they didn't look too sick to me....they looked pretty healthy and pretty happy!;)

The parade was well attended. It reminded me how very much we do owe to

out Veteran's. The open house was nice...it was wonderful to have long lost cousins arrive...and

even though years have passed....family is always the same...wonderful, supportative and just

a really great time!! It was so great to catch up and commit to not loose touch again!

I was home for almost 24 hours...long enough to wash some clothing...and pack again.

The Grandparents S. arrived to hang out with The Darlings...and off I went again...

And now I am here....yes....again....and

Ahhhhhhhhhh, I do love Chicago!

Mexico.....Texas (El Paso, Dallas).....Kansas City....Chicago.....and in a couple of days...

I will do it all again!!!

It's All About The Burrito.....

2011-11-03T10:32:00.004-07:00

Recently I have learned that the Eskimo's have as many as 100 different words to describe the

word "snow"....because it is such a big part of their lives. Likewise, in this culture the Burrito

plays an equally important role in most every home......most everyday!

A burrito can be filled with just about anything....and trust me....they are!

For instance in the southern part of Mexico, they are filled with crickets and stink bugs...

and according to The Farmer they really didn't taste too bad. It's the thought that is painful!

When a burrito stand is exceptionally good...the word spreads fast.

In our town...there are MANY locations to purchase a burrito. And while we are traveling

there are certain locations that we are sure to stop...because of good burritos.

Infact we have been known to find certain burrito vendors...in certain towns...because

after sampling many different vendors burritos...his are the best!

(But you have to arrive early in the day...otherwise you are out of luck!!)

While visiting with one of my brother-in-laws the other day, he asked if we had been to the

newly discovered burrito stand on the far end of town.

He told me where it was located...and told me that people drive

a great distance to eat a burrito from this place. I asked him why he thought it was so good,

and he thought for a moment...and said he didn't really know why...just that the ingredients seemed

really fresh and the tortillas were made fresh each day. Now....burritos are a very important

part of the food of this area. They are simple to make...and they are eaten daily for

atleast one meal...maybe two. Here would be an example.....

At our house, we very often begin the day with a Breakfast Burrito.

This would have eggs, sauteed vegetbles and a little bit of bacon or sausage.

The are warm and filling...and keep The Darlings...and The Farmer full until lunchtime.

Then for lunch, the working class take burritos with them to their various jobs and when

lunchtime arrives...a small fire is constructed and the burritos are warmed and toasted

over an open fire. The Boy spent much of his youth in the orchards or on the farms,

working along side the "workmen"...he would never allow me to fix him a lunch to take...

but would tell me that the men would bring extra burritos for him to enjoy...and he would rather

eat those than anything else in the world. He would then return home and tell me how very

yummy those burritos were...and I should really learn to make beans like the wives of

the men he worked with. On days he wasn't working...or at school....he would seek out

burritos to satisfy his hunger pains. He is a true conisuer of the burrito.

Ask him the best locations in our town to get a burrito...and he is sure to name serveral locations

and why each one was good. When his mission call arrived...that was one of my first comments..

"Where will he find a burrito in England...???"

I am sure that is something he is really missing.

This new burrito stand has fast become our favoirte!

The Farmer's brother was right....they are very good burritos. Just a little side note about

The Farmer's brother....he should really become a local food critic...in fact maybe he should

write a blog about our local food;)....He has been to most all local eating establishments....

and is happy to tell you which is good...and which is not!

(just a suggestion....hehe!)

The Rooster's personal favoirte is...Papa con queso...and a little chile...

The Farmer's favorite is shredded beef..a la Mexicana....which he says is pretty dang good.

(I haven't eaten it because it is too spicy for me!)

The Frijol con Asadero (a yummy local cheese)...is always tasty....

And yesterday The Farmer tried the chile relleno burrito...which...again...he said was great!

(Frijol con Asadero)

Shredded beef....A La Mexicana....

The Rooster spent another day...yesterday...at The Farm thrashing the beans....he worked a

long and full day, in fact we couldn't find him around 7:30 last night....and after calling his name...

inside and outside the house...I walked into his bedroom and found him sound asleep

tucked into his bed. He was a tired Rooster.

While The Rooster was working....we headed to the burrito stand and purchased several burritos

and took them to him for his lunch. He was very happy when the burritos arrived!!

Burritos...a simple staple of life in our nieghborhood.....

And we sure do appreciate a great burrito when we find one!!

Thrashing The Beans....

2011-11-01T16:25:00.002-07:00

Farming...if you had told me I would be a farmer's wife many years ago....

I would not have believed you!

In fact, my Mother very often tells me that she can't believe I am living the life I am living!

Some days it is really, really good...and some days it's not. We have had our share of crop

failure...actually sometimes I feel like we have had more than our share!;)

The thing I do love about farming is the life my children have been able to live because of it.

They know how things grow.

They know that things live and things die...very often out of our control.

They also know what it feels like to work hard...and pray with all the faith they can

gather...that whatever we are growing at the moment, will be blessed to yield well and be protected from

the elements. The Farmer has done a good job at shielding them from the stresses related to farming...

and his been quick to teach them gratitude when the harvest is boutiful. Farming teaches many things

to children. It teaches them frugality...It teaches them hard work....It teaches them faith.....

It teaches them how good it feels to be rewarded for your hard work. The Boy learned early on

how to take apart a motor and put it back together...and now is able to fix most anything that is broken...

I often say..."with a piece of bailing wire"....The Darlings know that this is a family operation and without

them it won't work as well as it should...that they have a responsibility to help.

Yesterday, The Rooster, had a vacation day from school. As usual...he really wanted to spend his day

at The Farm...driving a tractor. So, The Farmer heard his plea...and loaded him into his truck and

headed to The Farm. What The Rooster didn't know was that Bean Thrashing was going on at The Farm....

and The Farmer had other plans for him. Tractor driving...you bet....but that would be AFTER...he

helped with the Thrashing of the beans. So, off they went...The Rooster with tractor dreams in his mind...

and The Farmer with hard work on his mind.

The Rooster spent the day picking up mounds of beans that had been left to dry in the field. The mounds

were thrown upon a trailer...this is all done by hand...walking....scooping up a mound of beans, with a pitch fork...and then tossing it onto the back of a trailer...walking again....scooping again....well you get the idea.

This went on ALL day..and very often The Rooster would send a text message that would say something

like...."hey, I am ready to come home...can you come get me..." to which The Farmer would

reply..."sure...in a little while....keep working..." The Rooster got to take his turn driving the tractor that

was hauling the beans....but then...the other men wanted to drive the tractor too...that is the fun part of the

job...so he had to wait for his turn. Once the beans were loaded, the tractor headed for the thrashing

machines. By this time...it was early evening and The Farmer invited me for a drive to The Farm...it

was time to pick up The Rooster and bring him home. When we arrived we found The Rooster on top of

the wagon...scooping the mounds of beans into the thrashing machine.

AND HE WAS HAPPY!!!

The Farmer said this on our way to The Farm..."You watch...The Rooster will be really tired from his long

day of work...but he will be happy and he will feel like he really accomplished something great!"

The Farmer was right.

The thrashing maching was blowing bean fodder everywhere!

And...I made the grave mistake of standing down wind...and found myself covered with fodder

in just a few seconds....It was very itchy!!!

As the beans run through the thrashing machine...they are separated...the beans go one direction..

into bags that are waiting...and the fodder is thrown another direction. Later it is bailed and used for cattle feed. Another lesson in farming...leave nothing to waste!

You can really see in the background of this picture how dusty it was!

The process was fun to watch...even more fun...was watching The Rooster feel joy for

his long day of working hard.

When we arrived home he announced...."do you know what I had to eat today??"

Knowing he had arrived at The Farm without a lunch...I asked "what did you eat today???"

Happily he replied..."two bean with cheese...two papa's con queso....(all burritos) and

they tasted really good! I think they were the best I have eaten!" And I replied...

"food tastes pretty good when you have been working hard...doesn't it??"

The Rooster replied..."Oh...yes it does!"

Once home...The Rooster headed for the shower....and can I just say...

the shower was FULL of bean fodder when he was done.....another sign of a good days work!!

Found In My Email This Morning.....

2011-10-31T14:16:00.000-07:00

Along with his weekly letter, Another letter was sent by the sweetest member of the

ward that The Missionary Boy is serving in. Oh how it made my day!!!

She took this picture Sunday morning.

It was a Tender Mercy for me today!!!;)

It 's What He Dreams About......

2011-10-28T07:52:00.000-06:00

Tractors!!!

When he was a little Rooster...he had the complete set of John Deere play

tractors....and he loved everyone of them!

And like the saying goes...

"The bigger the boy.....The bigger the toy...."

Every afternoon when The Rooster returns home from a long day at school...

He immediately locates The Farmer...and plans a trip to the nearest tractor.

Some days it works out for him...and some days it doesn't.

On this particular day...he longed for a tractor....The Farmer wasn't around...and so

The Rooster headed to the Solecito...a small farm close to our house....found

himself a tractor and climbed aboard. He then called to let me know that he was driving

around...and invited me to come along to admire his "tractor driving skills!"

The sky was beautiful....the leaves on the trees are begining to fall...the colors

in the orchard are golden and beautiful! It was a fun evening...watching The Rooster

enjoy what he loves best...in such a beautiful setting!

So Very Scary........

2011-10-27T07:28:00.000-06:00

The neighborhood has been...."Booed!!!"

Our Theme...A New School Year...And...I Am Way Behind Schedule!!!!

2011-10-26T09:04:00.001-06:00

Life hasn't slowed down too much for us since June....

it seems like we have had event after event that has kept us both on the road...

and on our toes;) Every activity has been wonderful...and a complete joy...but it has

really been busy!! The begining of school came and went...we did our traditional activites

like we have for many years...but without The Boy. That was sad.

The Rooster and PreShie take the bus each morning for the JSA...it is always a bit

of a guessing game when it will arrive;) Some days we are out waiting too early...and

other days...like the last several....we miss the bus all together...but here is the interesting thing...

we are out on the street each and every morning....AT THE SAME TIME!!!

(no...I am not bitter or angry!!!! hahaha)

PreShie began her Junior year...she and The Boy will be going to college at the very same time!

(we didn't plan that one too well...did we???)

She is happy...involved....taller than me...and has a great sense of humor:)

It is going to be a great year for PreShie...I just know it!

The Rooster started his 9th grade year...he too has had a little growth spurt lately...

He isn't too happy about having to actually go to school every day...but he is giving it

his best shot!;) The Rooster loves to Golf...is a great friend to all...has the most darling

laugh....and is a delight to have around! He carefully selected his shoe wardrobe for this year...he said "the brighter the better" since it is the only thing they get to choose to wear each day. He choose several colors of Vans...and some other "big" shoe that has bright colors too! Who knew that backpacks and shoes could be sooooo important!

It is really hard to believe he will be in "high school" next year!

The Darlings "home away from home!"

This year our back to school dinner was combined with our family theme for this

school year and our traditional father's blessings.

The theme that The Farmer and I choose this year is....

"Fill Up...Go On....And.....Pray Again...."

This is a quote taken from the history of Daniel Webster Jones...

The Farmer's Great-Great-Grand father who played a great role in the early colonization of

the LDS church. He settled...under the direction of Pres. Brigham Young...the Lehi

area of Arizona, and was also one of the Rescue Riders for the Martin Willy

Handcart Company. He was quite a man! We talked about what it meant to "fill up" and how

we as a family would put this theme into practice this school year. I sure do appreciate those

who have gone before us and given us such a great heritage to live up to. What I have learned

about myselft because of great ancestors, is that we come from people who can do hard things

and do them well. I really am grateful for their examples. We had these stars made

for each family member...but the artist Kurt Knudsen....(who happened to be our neighbor years

ago when we lived in Utah)...and the theme is etched in the center of each star, as well as

the year. Each is different...and each hangs in our kitchen for us to enjoy and remind us everyday,

of our family committment to....

"Fill Up....Go On....And....Pray Again!"

This boy...The Rooster...was just overcoming a combination of an eye infection...and

severe allergies...his eyes were nearly swollen shut...you can see in the photo..

that there is still some swelling...Poor Guy!!!

Of Course we had a special star made for our Missionary Boy....

It sits on his missionary shelf in our kitchen.,..the Darlings call it....

"The Shrine"...I guessit kind of is;)

Auntie Is A Married Woman!

2011-10-23T21:43:00.000-06:00

Friday was the big day for Auntie...

And after much planning the moment arrived....

Our Dad performed the ceremony....that was extra special;)

The temple was full of family and friends to celebrate the special event....

and the steps of the temple were loaded with nieces and nephews waiting for

the new couple to appear!

I do love how a family comes together in moments like this one...to help,

and to support....this family did an exceptional job at both!!

Auntie is more like a sister to The Darlings, than an Aunt.

She has lived with us...traveled with us....you name it...she has been there with us!

The Boy sure felt sad that he couldn't be there to support her...but he is pretty happy

to be where he is...doing what he is doing;)

It was a very hot day...especially for October...but is sure was a great day!

PreShie was a bridesmaid and she looked like a million bucks!

The Rooster....well...he just makes the best of most any moment...

and he did have a wonderful time with his cousins

"The Brotherhood" (that's what The Farmer named them...) were out in force in support

of their baby sister...some where not too happy about the matching ties...but were happy to

"conform" when encouraged to do so;).....and kept using the word "conform" when they

could squeeze it in;)......we enjoyed a lovely lunch at Tia Rosa's after the

ceremony....and as much as we love to eat....we love visiting even more...and we took EVERY

opportunity to do so;) We are a bit of a loud group...but we love to be together;)

The Farmer INSISTED on a picture in the cactus garden....we are still not

sure why...but he did mention something about counting this a the Christmas photo....

He HATES taking the Christmas photo.....

The reception was beautiful.....

600 empanadas later.....

The company was excellent...many dear friends from the past came to say hello,

and share a hug or two. Oh how I loved seeing people that helped raise me!

Lots of family was on the scene...they are all great supporters too!

It was the perfect weekend of new beginings...

Memories from the past....

Hopes for the future...

Great family time.....(I never get enough of those brothers of mine!!!)

and ALOT of extreemly yummy food!!!

Today Is The Day!.......

2011-10-21T12:48:00.000-06:00

Dear PreShie...You at 17......

2011-10-19T23:02:00.002-06:00

Dearest Little Wicky Lou.....(aka PreShie...)

Happy Birthday to you!!

I know you have heard all these stories before...but I want to tell you again so you know...for sure

how very much you are loved! It wasn't easy for your Dad and I to get our children...

after many years...your brother...The Boy....arrived on the scene...and a very short 9 months

later...we found out that you were on the way! Wow!!! I guess we thought it would take

another several years for us to get another baby...but no....you knew the "family party" had started

and you didn't want to miss a thing! Your arrival was pretty scary...and after a stay in the NICU...

you were ready to come home. When your brother held you for the first time all he could say

was "Babe" and boy did he love you and watch out for you. I know he was pretty anoying for

the last couple of years;)...but he sure did worry about you and wanted to protect you and keep

you safe...that was important to him. When you two had to stay good-bye it was pretty

darn hard.... on both of you. So, Mi Hija...you at 17....

You are a beautiful young woman..inside and out! I am so grateful for you! Your Dad is

perfectly smitten with you...and he will jump whenever you say jump! You are alot like

him. You look like him...you are creative like him...you think like him...and you too understand

each other in a very special way. I love that you talk to us...that you tell us your hopes and dreams,

your fears and your joyful moments. You have a wonderful sense of humor...you are really,

really funny! You are trust worthy.....you are honest, even if it will get you into trouble;)

You have a great head on your shoulders!

You are a fantastic photographer! Your pictures are really special! You most certainly have a gift
You are always finding a way to create....I love that about you. The thing that has touched me the most about you lately is your intense loyalty to your
brother The Rooster. I love that he trusts you and confides in you. I love even more,
that you are willing to protect him. I love that you
love him! He is lucky to have you around and he knows it. You totally hate feeding the dogs...
even though you have done it for YEARS!.....why do you still complain and tell me that you
"hate those dumb dogs...." every single night as you are feeding them!!!! WHY????
Just for the record...they love you. And can we talk about Kitty Meow Meow??? Oh wow!
you sure do love him....he is known as the fattest cat in town...thanks to the bowls of milk
that you give him each and every morning...and sometimes in the night too! He is one wacky cat!
I love that you still wanted a playhouse at the age of 16....and that your Dad actually built
you one! And boy did he build you one!!! You are so fun to talk to....you are very
passionate about life....you have fun no matter what you are doing....and you have a smile
that lights up a room! We did worry the other day though...just a little...when you announced...you
were never going to move away...you would just go to college online while living at the
"red house"...okay...that scared us just a little;)...hehe....

Here is a few of the little names we call you....

Queen.....Queenie....Toria....Wicky....Blicky.....Wicky Lou..and most importantly

PreShie.....this of course comes from Precious. One of the ladies who worked for us when you were

a baby named you Precious....and it stuck! What I love is that even the Bishop calls you PreSh!

Wicky Lou....we love you sooooo much! You are a joy beyond measure!! We love

everything about you! Thanks for being our little PreShie Girl!

(Just a few little notes about your birthday this year....)

*A group of your friends came to our house at 1am to sing Las Mananitas...a

birthday tradition in Mexico....

*A special "friend" gave you a build-a-bear "cheerleader" and you really liked it!

*Aunt Kelly and Jan made you lunch at the high school since I was out of town...

*Aunt Mary made you and the cousins..and some friends...a birthday dinner

(again..since I was out of town)

*You said it was a great day...and you really had alot of fun!;)

My New Motto....

2011-10-15T17:33:00.000-06:00

A SPAM Picnic....

2011-10-13T16:23:00.002-06:00

Confession.....

We eat SPAM! Not all the time...but we do eat it. Why do I feel like that is a deep dark secret

I just shared??? I tasted it for the first time in my life about 3 years ago. The Boy had just returned

from a "ranch" trip with his beloved Uncle Pingy. When I asked what they had eaten for lunch he replied..

"SPAM Burritos!" And he was happy about it! It must have been the horrified look on my face that he

noticed...so he began to assure me that there is really nothing more tasty than SPAM cooked over

a campfire. The Uncle and The Boy had taken some tortillas, a can of SPAM, and an avocado...and

that my friends...was lunch. They cooked the SPAM over the campfire....sliced it into a warm tortilla,

and topped it off with a slice or two of avocado. I can't say that his description made me want to

rush to the "ranch" so I could experience one of those burritos...but the SPAM Burrito became legendary

in our home from that moment forward. Very often over the past few years...The Boy...and his dear

cousins Loly..would take off on their horses...with all that was needed to make the SPAM Burrito.

In fact...it was one of the last things they did together before he left for his mission to England.

Later...The Boy taught us how to enjoy some fried SPAM...on waffles...and I will admit...that is tasty!

In fact...this past Monday morning a group of missionaries showed up at our home...for their

P-Day...and to do their laundry...and I made them SPAM and Waffles...and they were seriously

excited! They ate it all up!!!

After all of the SPAM Burrito stories that The Boy shared around the house....PreShie and Cousin Maxo..

her BCF(best cousin forever....) decided they would make themselves some memories...and

go on a SPAM picnic. They had heard all the stories....and so they knew what to do!

They packed all the fixin's, and headed to the perfect location.

PreShie came home and announced that they had a wonderful time...but that SPAM...smells like

dog food in a can...but it tasts amazing when it is cooked over a roaring campfire!

We do love her descriptions of everything...she is very colorful;)

Was is the SPAM that made the picnic...you ask?????

I am pretty sure it helped...but it was the company of BCF...a dear friend...and a great

adventure....that is the necessary ingredients for the perfect picnic!

They also enjoyed...our all time favorite....

Quesdillas...cooked over a campfire!

Looks like alot of fun to me!

PreShie....BCF Maxo...and a dear friend;)

Gavilan......

2011-10-11T16:29:00.000-06:00

In August, the ward scheduled a campout. We had just gotten back into town from a long Summer

away from home...so we were unable to stay for the whole campout...but we did decide

to drive to the location and spend the day. This was, of course, before The Boy left for his mission.

The camping location was at the Gavilan. A ranch owned by members of the church in our area.

It is a bit of a drive....the road is pretty rough and bouncy....but it is beautiful!

It had been raining during this time...and the closer we got to the Gavilan...The Farmer began to wonder

which of the seasoned campers remembered to set their camps up on high ground.

He was pretty sure he knew who would remember...he named a few names....and said that they had each

visited that ranch during rainy season...and so they KNEW that high ground was important.

The drive was very green. We had to cross the river several times and it was very high. The Farmer in his

usual fashion, found it a challenge to cross a river running high. Me on the other hand found it

unsettling. You would think I would learn after many many years of marriage to that Farmer.

We arrived...found friends and family....it became obvious very quickly that some had endured a very long

night when a stream over flowed right into their tents....and other slept right through it...dry.

It was lush and beautiful...but also cold and wet......very wet!

We had a great time visiting with dear friends;)

It was some pretty good fun to watch folks make their way accross the flooded stream to get to the

outhouse. Some had to ride their ATV's to make it. Others just stomped right through the water.

When we arrived...this cute boy decided that he was going to chop this log in two. The Rooster even told

him that he would give the cute boy $20 bucks if he could do it. And that was some serious motivation

for that cute boy. He chopped and chopped...he would stop and rest for a few minutes...and then he would begin chopping again. This went on for a LONG time. I was amazed with his desire to

chop that thing in half. The Boy was all the while watching...yelling a few tips from his comfy

camping chair...we all kept visiting...and the cute boy kept chopping.

The Boy finally started to feel sorry for the cute boy...so he took his turn chopping...after all he wanted to

see his brother pay that $20. He did a lot of chopping and made some great progress

Until....

the axe broke. That was when this little guy got a roll of blue tape and taped it back together.

Along with The Boy's arm...and anything else he thought my benefit from some blue tape;)

There was blue tape EVERYWHERE! And it was alot of fun to watch him enjoy that roll

of tape. And enjoy he did!

This....(above)....is the face of trouble....yes it is!

That is all I am going to say about that!

p.s. I sure do love that face;)

Although it was a very fun day...I do have to admitt that I was pretty grateful that I was

able to jump into our truck and head for home. And that we did!

It was good we crossed the river when we did....just a little later in the day and we

most likely wouldn't have made it accross.

It was a great day..and great memories were made!

It Was A Good Day For The Dogs....

2011-10-10T13:58:00.001-06:00

The Farmer....and his Daughter..aka PreShie....decided to take a little Rhino ride on Satuday

evening. She had been out of town for a couple of days on a cheer trip and The Farmer...well...

he is always up for a Rhino ride. So they headed for the Solecito to check on the animals....and

then to the river for an adventure. The took the beloved dogs along for some much needed

exercise. It was a cool day....the leaves are begining to yellow...it was a beautiful day.

When they arrived home...PreShie mentioned something about the Rhino nearly rolling...and it was scary.

But that was about it...and I didn't think too much about it...until this morning when I read The Farmer's

weekly letter to the Missionary Boy. He went into a little more detail....and mentioned something

about nearly running over the dogs a few times. And....of course he ended the letter by saying...

it really wasn't that big of a deal...it all turned out OK.

The dogs returned along with The Farmer and PreShie...they seemed just fine...in fact they slept

pretty well on Saturday night. That is always a good thing.

So I guess in some cases the phrase "what you don't know...won't hurt you..." is kind

of true. Had I know what really happened...I would have worried...all I did know for sure

is that they all came home safe and sound.

The Farmer titled this photo...

"Paradise"

And for us it is. Our little piece of heaven on earth. Some days it doesn't seem

like much....but we sure like it!

So...a few weeks ago...Boss The Dog got "picked up" and thrown in the "slammer."

We were out of town when it happened...but thanks to the gardner next door we knew what had happened.

The dog police actually called Boss The Dog...from our yard onto the street so he could get him.
Our theory is that someone decided they wanted him and offered the dog police a little $$$$

and he gave it his best shot! The Rooster called us and reported the "crime"....The Farmer sprang

into action and called out the troops...(that would be our secretary)...who headed to the Dog

Slammer and took these photos of Boss The Dog. The most disturbing thing about the whole

event...is that the dog is actually smiling!

He had to spend the night in the "Slammer" but was released early the next morning.

When "the troops" arrived to take him home...he didn't want to leave the pen he was locked up in...

after all...he had made some new friends and was having a great time!

Had we known that his visit to the "Slammer" would have been so much fun...we wouldn't have

worried so much! Luckily "the troops" arrived bright and early to pick him up...while they

were paying the fines...another family arrived to take him home...pretty interesting huh?!

When Boss The Dog arrived home....he went right to his water dish and drank and drank...

The Rooster fed him...watered him...and hugged him...we just wish he had learned that the

"Slammer" is a BAD place to be...not a place to make new friends!!!

Yesterday.....

2011-10-08T14:21:00.001-06:00

Yesterday...I couldn't take my eyes off of the clouds!

They were fantastic! I told The Farmer that I thought Summer clouds were

the most beautiful...but I may be wrong!

The Pajarito (the mountain) had never looked so beautiful!

Reunion

2011-10-07T16:18:00.002-06:00

A few weeks ago, we found ourselves at the most darling Bed &Breakfast in Snowflake, Arizona.

The Arizona family have a gathering each year...at a cabin owned by family members, and this

year was no different..only..we were able to attend!

Past years we were unable to be there because of football schedules with The Boy...

this year he is busy with more important things and Mexico celebrated it's independance...

which meant a holiday for us and so we were able to attend. We left a day early and enjoyed

our stay in this beautiful old home. The hosts were wonderful and actully from England...which

made it all that much more fun for us! Breakfast was a delight....served out on the porch,

in a beautiful garden...the food was very tasty....everyone was happy!

The rooms were so nice...each named for a person of influence in the area...some settlers...some

family members of the previous owners...(who happened to by cousins of ours)...one of the

rooms was named for my great-grandmother...that was fun!

So after enjoying the small town...we headed for the reunion site which was about 20 minutes away.

Some family had already arrived...kids were playing...some were fishing...others

were already planning the campfire for that evening...excited for the opportunity to play in a fire;)

The next several days were full of activity....some unanticipated...for sure...but good fun!

We do love it when our professional photographer Aunt/Sister-in-law...brings along her camera...

and this is why....(above) She did the most darling photo shoot of the girl cousins, and they had

a great time doing it! The pictures turned out amazing!

She also spent a good amount of time teaching PreShie about her camera and how to better

use it. It really meant alot to PreSh..she has said many times, how much she learned from her

sweet Aunt. Thank Dear Aunt K. for teaching PreSh!

Almost immediately the young boy cousins found a small snake..they quickly brought it to

Grandpa for analysis and discussion. It was passed around...everyone had fun holding it...and

the poor thing was released...and hopefully didn't have too many lasting effects from the

young boy cousins:)

Some folks....after searching for cel. signal....discovered it could be found in certain locations....

Other people fished....other people stepped on those special fishing lures and got them stuck

deep in their feet...and had to be taken to the local Urgent Care for removal.....

that was pretty exciting....

The Farmer hosted a rock painting activity for the cousins....

he led them on a rock hunt, where they each selected as many rocks as they desired...to

make some sort of sculpture....he carefully glued the rocks together...forming the most interesting

sculptures...each of the cousins had a vision of what their rocks could become...and he

helped them realize their vision. I think he actually had more fun than the kids did....who

knew he was so good with a glue gun!!

Next the cousins carefully painted the rocks...they really had fun doing that!

Even the little people loved it!

They all had great imaginations!

The Rooster really enjoyed painting too.

The Farmer "creating" the rock sculptures!

We ate wonderful food...every meal! It was fun to be together and visit....we had a little

"group therapy" session that was quite fun, we laughed a whole lot...

and ended each day around the campfire with Grandpa teaching us more about

"who we are".....we had s'mores....and on the final evening....our Aunt who will remain nameless

(unless she wants me to post her name...) showed us her talent of Elk calling...that none of us had any

idea she could do. She was great!! So great in fact...that she call an Elk in...and it was calling her

back...ALL NIGHT LONG!!! Now that my friends...was some good fun!!

PreShie enjoyed taking pictures....especially of this butterfly.....

We pack up and headed for home...we passed through the mountains that had been so badlly

burned early this Summer...that was really sad to see. We passed through little towns that we

had visited for football and basketball tournaments with The Boy....that brought back some

great memories...and made our hearts hurt a little because we miss him! One of the little towns

we passed through had these signs posted outside...I thought they were great...both of them!

It was a great trip! It was especially great to spend time with family, that we

love so very much!

Roostie......

2011-10-04T08:04:00.001-06:00

Dear Rooster....

Dad sent me a few pictures he had taken from his phone...and they were of you!

I thought they were the best...and they got me thinking about you and the sweet boy you are.

So I thought I would tell you a little bit about you....at the age of 14.

You are the nicest boy ever! You have a tender heart especially when you see people or animals

in any sort of pain or distress. You are quick to try to help those around you, and see their needs.

You do not...however...like to take care of the chickens! You have been doing it for many years...and

still you complain when it is time to gather the eggs or fill their food and water....ahhhhhh.....

It makes me tired sometimes;) You do love to drive a tractor, and look for every opportunity

to do so....sometimes you talk your Dad into driving you to the farm in the evening...just so you can

get yourself on a tractor! All the men who work for us think you are a great boy.
They tell your Dad that you are polite and kind...and you smile alot. That makes them
feel good, and when you ask for a favor...they are quick to help you out because you are so nice
to them. You love to be home...You love it when your friends come here, rather than going
to their houses...and...as soon as a friend arrives you make sure they have something to eat
so they feel comfortable and welcome.

Your latest project has been building a fort with cousin Jackson. After school everyday you

two would climb on your 4 wheelers and head to "the spot" to chop trees...and move things until you had yourself a little place to hang out.
Sometimes you would take a bag of candy to enjoy while

you were working hard;) You even mentioned you had made a table and chairs so you would

have a place to sit while you were "hanging out." I had planned to go with you to "the fort" to check

it out and take some pictures...but a big storm blew through our town, with very strong winds,

and when you went to check out "the fort" you returned to tell me that it had been wiped out!

I really do think you should rebuild;)

You also love to fish...play golf....and play Monopoly...and you hate anything that requires homework.

I notice how kind you are to the younger cousins...they really love you for that.

You are getting better about eating different kinds of food....but vegetables are not your favorite,

but....you do LOVE chicken and brocoli casserole...you love anything sweet....and

you have successfully finished off a HUGE container of chocolate milk mix....all on your own!

You have taken over many of the jobs your brother did around the house. Saturday afternoon, without

being asked, you fired up the lawnmower and got to work. You finished the yard, with

precision...it looked just like the yard your brother trained you to keep. He would have been really

proud of you. I love the young man you are developing into. Most of the time your are responsible...

You are nearly an Eagle Scout....and you honor your Priesthood.

You are a very good son!

You are missing your Missionary Brother terribly....I can see it in the letters that you write to him.

A couple of days after he left for his mission we decided to clean the room you shared with

him. We moved the beds...cleaned and cleaned...got rid of alot of JUNK!!....and tired to make

the room more yours. I told you that you could use your brother's bed, until he came home...because

it is larger and according to the Missionary Boy...the best matress in the house! We got it all ready

for you...hung your pictures on the walls....and that night after you went to bed...I went into your

room to check on you...and found you in the midst of a pile of blankets and pillows...sound asleep

in a corner of your bedroom on the floor. It took you about a week before you could sleep in

his bed. You have really missed him! This Summer I took you to a store and told you that you could

choose a painting to hang in your room, that really touched your heart and made you feel good.

You looked and looked...studying many different painting...then announced that you had

found the painting....It is called 'The Crossing At Sweetwater" and in the painting a young man

is carrying a small child on his back, through nearly frozen water. Your choice didn't suprise me,

not at all! In fact, it would have been the painting I would have chosen for you. I understand why

it speaks to you! It represents how you feel toward others.

The painting now hangs above your bed, where you can see it each night.

You are a joy to your parents...Roostie....I love you!!

A Really Happy Monday To ME!!!......

2011-10-03T08:03:00.000-06:00

General Conference weekend was just wonderful!

BUT.....I will also tell you that NOTHING....beats opeing your mail on Monday morning

to find this....(the picture above!)

I am one happy Mama today!!!

I {heart} Home!........

2011-10-01T18:14:00.001-06:00

I LOVE being home!

Sometimes my weeks are long...and very often lately...away from home.

I often spend the weekend cooking...preparing for the week to come...today was no

different. I made LOTS of cookies to send to Missionaries I love....prepared dinner

for our special Sunday tomorrow...and made plans for the General Conference traditions

that we have....begining with a yummy breakfast of Peach Pancake and all the fixin's.

This is one of my all time favorite weekends of the year!

Today has also been filled with spiritual nourishment...welcomed spiritual nourishment!

I have wondered....all day long....how The Missionary Boy is enjoying General Conference.

He is hearing the words I am hearing.....it is pretty great to imagine him soaking up the

amazing spirit of Conference. I wonder if it has made him a little homesick....I remember

it made me homesick while I was serving my own mission......

Although that Missionary Boy has listened/watched Conference for many years of his life...

I am sure, in fact I know...it means so much more to him now, that it ever has!

It is a link to "home" and it is spiritual "filling of his cup" that he needs,

I know that he is soaking it all up!

Right now...I am watching....and crying...and watching the wonderful presentation following the

afternoon session of Conference..."Army of Fath...Inside the MTC" and it is fantastic!

Certainly it touches me in a very special way right now...even though I have lived this experience

first hand....it is something so very different to send a child on a mision. There isn't a day that

goes by I don't reflect upon my own mission and the amazing experiences I had there, and

not there is not an hour in the day that passes...that I don't think if our Missionary Boy...

what he is thinking...what he is feeling...what he may be eating...well, you get the idea;)

This experience has been such a great blessing in our home and family...we are

sure grateful for him and his choice to serve a mission.
And Now......

Off we go to Girls Night Out...our little family girls party while the men are

at Priesthood meeting.....Let the fun begin!!!

Happy Conference Weekend!!

"Fall"....On The Farm.....

2011-09-27T12:23:00.001-06:00

I personally think that "The Farms" are beautiful at any time of the year..they change dramatically from

season to season...their purpose is different in each season...I guess it is really like each

of us...(that was really deep and meaningful wasn't it!)...anyway...I love the Winter months...

the rest that both the ground and The Farmer need so much...I love the begining of Spring, when

the ground has awoken and is being prepared for another crop..certainly the late Spring

and Summer season...the harvest season...when all that was planted is breaking through the

ground and the production of the different "fruits" begins...and finally the harvest....it is a beautiful and

rewarding time of year...most of the time;) Any finally...Fall...the harvest is finishing up and

preparations are starting to allow the ground to rest again. It is a lovely cycle....one that is really

fun to photograph. Sometimes living this cycle is hard. Sometimes it is fantastic!

Farming makes humble men....yes it does!

A dear friend shared a familiar story with me yesterday and substituted a farmer as the

character of interest....the summary of the story went like this...

"God isn't in the business of farming....He is in the business of the farmer...."

Somtimes that means hard experiences....this year it meant just that for many in our area.

It is hard to understand why we have to watch a year's worth of money and work be lost

in a momentary act of nature.....trust me...it is very hard to watch.

"...He is in the business of the farmer...." farming make for very humble men.

The above picture is of The Farmer...cleaning out one of the pumps...he sure got wet...

but it made for some great pictures!

This group of people come from the most southern part of Mexico...they come to work during the

harvest season....they are colorful...happy...and simple.

The Farmer insisted that The Rooster have his picture taken in the middle of a dry field of corn....

as you can see...he was not at all happy about it...he complained ALOT!!!

Most of the time he was scratching...he said the corn was really itchy...

It turned out to be a great picture..capturing The Rooster perfectly!!

Letters To The Missionary Boy....

2011-09-24T21:32:00.001-06:00

(From The Rooster...)

For FHE we decided to draw "letter" pictures for The Missionary Boy...

some of us are great artists...and some are just not!

I would be one of those who is ...just not...an artist!

I sure do appreciate the artistic ability of others...yes I do!

We laughed and laughed...it was great fun....I hope it bring a smile to the face

of our Missionary Boy!

Cousin Loly....

The Farmer...

and finally....PreShie...

Messages From The Chalkboard....

2011-09-21T13:49:00.000-06:00

Our First Look....

2011-09-20T17:45:00.001-06:00

We finally have our first look at the Missionary Boy! Horray!!!

After very little communication...and no photos...we were DELIGHTED..to finally

see how the Missionary Boy looks!

This is the photo that was taken when he arrived at the Preston England MTC...

He looks very tired....

They fly the flags of the countries of the missionaries that are in the MTC

at that time...so yes...they flew the Mexican flag!

Every picture is beautiful and green...

This is the entire group at the MTC...

The official picture!

Pres. and Sis. Walker..Pres. Hinckley's daughter...are the presidents of the MTC...

The Missionary Boy really connected with them...he and Pres. Walker have plans to ride

horses in Provo Canyon when their missions are over.

The Missionary Boy's district.

He was called to be the District Leader...his stay at the MTC was a great experience

and he made some great friends. He has now been assigned to Reading, England and is

doing very well! He has a great trainer and is off to a great start!

The Temple...

2011-09-14T07:51:00.001-06:00

On August 16, The Boy attended the temple for the first time...he had been many times before

with the youth of our ward...but this time it was his experience. A sweet friend who was

there that night whispered in my ear..."it doesn't get better than this...does it?!" And she was right!

It was a wonderful experiencef to be there with many of our family memebers to celebrate this

next step in The Boy's life. It was a great experience for us all....especially The Boy!

PreShie and The Rooster met us outside the temple when we were done...that was pretty special too!

On the way out of the temple...Grandpa S. noticed a VERY large beetle outside the door,

and promptly picked it up and examined it very carefully...that is the scientist in him...

At one point it was put into a glass to be taken home...truthfully I am not too sure

what happened to it...but it was fun to look at!

On our way home...we all met at the Hacienda...a favorite place to eat...to have a little

dinner and visit more. More cousins showed up to show their love and supoort for

The Boy. It was a very special evening!

We're Not Supposed To Call It A "Farwell"......I Know....

2011-09-12T08:54:00.004-06:00

What a week!

It has been full of "stuff"...accidents at the plant....broken pumps at the farms...

things that would only make sense to The Farmer...and those who live with him;) ....

actually most of the time they don't make sense to us...but we pretend like they do....;)

The week ended with Stake Conference, complete with a special visitor.

After meetings...and dinners...and more meetings...the event was done...and the week

was over. The Farmer was able to rest a little...mentally and physically...which was a good thing!

Conference was great! Many were in attendance...the messages were uplifting and full of

encouragement. He mentioned the Missionary Boy...that he is doing well...is very, very, happy...and is having great luck dominating the language
he is learing in the MTC...(that would be English...)
The Farmer gave a very nice talk, filled with personal experiences

and emotion. I like it when he shares like that..it was sincere and genuine.

We enjoyed having our home filled with guests for a physical feast after conference

was over...it is always fun to make new friends and enjoy the company of old friends.

This week we celebrate a BIG holiday in Mexico...the 16th of September....

and have a couple of days off from school....YEA!!! We have big plans...yes we do!!

This week...my goal is to catch up...on the events that surrounded The Missionary Boy as he

was preparing to leave on his mission. It was like a whirlwind...so much happened in such a short

time...it was hard to capture..and digest too. The Missionary Boy's "Farwell"...I know we aren't

supposed to call it that...but I don't have a better word....was on August 14. His Uncles from

Mesa all arrived...as well as the Grandparents S. The Uncles and Grandpa sang

Ye Elders of Isarel...and it was great! It was a treat to have them here with us! The Farmer

just happened to be assigned to our ward that particular Sunday...something that had been

scheduled since the first of the year....I called that a "Tender Mercy"....he gave a sweet talk,

the cousins all sang.."the cousin song"...which is Army of Heleman. That was tear jerker for

sure! They were crying and I was crying...I am pretty sure The Boy shed a few tears too!

The Boy then gave a talk he had prepared. He did a good job. He was stressed out about that

talk! I guess because he has known about it for 18 years;) His sigh of relief...when his talk was

done....was almost audible...he was pretty happy it was done;) The above

picture is of The Boy and our current temple president...and dear friend...and The Farmer's cousin..

he has given great service in the church...and was at one time a mission president. He offered

some advice and counsel to The Boy....The Boy sure does love him!

Many friends came to support The Boy...he is one of the last of his group to leave for his

mission...most of the group had already gone.

A great group of friends...most of them he as known for his entire life.

Most of them have been together since grade school.

These cousins..(above)...are so sad that The Boy will be gone for two years...but they would also

not want it any other way! These cousins LOVE each other so much!

Only 18 months apart in age...these two don't know life without the other...

at moments they haven't "liked" each other too much...but they have always

"loved" each other. PreShie has shed many, many tears over The Boy leaving.

After church...the whole family came to our home for a dinner in honor of The Boy...complete

with decorations from England;) The Farmer says that I really enjoy a "theme" and

yes I do!! We had Brisket...prepared by Uncle Dave...Baked Potatoes...Salad...Jello...

and desserts brought by each of The Boy's Aunts. It was a yummy feast!!

It was the perfect "farwell" day...

So....We Had A Little Fire....

2011-09-07T07:47:00.002-06:00

Last week I was working away in my office...The Farmer was in a meeting in another

room....and one of our employees rushed into my office....out of breath...asking me if I knew

that we had a raging fire going on in our back patio. No....I had no idea...so I ran for The Farmer...

we all ran from the offices...to the location of the fire. On the way...which wasn't too far...

we found three employees whose arms had been burned...trying to move equipment and other

items from the area of the fire. Luckily they were not hurt too bad...but they still needed medical

attention. Right about then...the poilice...firemen and ambulance arrive. That is always

a scene in Mexico...because along with any emergency vehicle...arrives the rest of the town to

see what has happened. Many who arrived were people we knew...asking how they could help.

Again...thanks to great employees...the fire was brought under control very quickly and although

there was damage...the loss could have been much worse. The burned employees were treated

and released...and back to work the next day.

The aftermath....

Back To School...Hamburger Fry....

2011-09-07T07:46:00.000-06:00

Although school started a couple of weeks ago....we gathered Monday night for our

Back To School Hamburger Fry....that we have had for many years.

I was most likely the last Hamburger of Summer....the last Summer swim in the pool....

It was a celebration of a great school year to come and a celebration of a

wonderful Summer that we all enjoyed so very much.

These two....insisted that I take their picture...complete with a pose;)

Uncle C. was at the grill....and did a fantastic job feeding the group.

The family preparing their hambugers....

The end result....and boy did it taste good!

It is a great thing when the family gathers....It was fun to watch the cousins play...

roll in the grass with the dogs...and soak up the last little bit of Summer.

A Ranch Birthday....

2011-09-05T15:16:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday I celebrated another birthday.....

The Farmer took charge...and planned a birthday party for me at "The Ranch"....

also known as Escondida. The Ranch has been in the family for many many years...and The Farmer

has many great memories of his childhood at this Ranch...

It is a place the family LOVES to gather, especially the kids...at the suggestion of a Ranch trip....

the kids go wild! They love to ride their 4-wheelers there, fish there, and cook steaks over

an open fire. They never tire of trips to The Ranch!

The Farmer made all the plans...he prepared all the food...and we loaded the truck and

headed for The Ranch...only when we arrived to the first gate...(there are many gates...)

the keys didn't fit. They were the only set of keys we had...luckily another set was on the way.

In the meantime some young nephews of mine decided that there was no reason to wait...they

would just take the fence apart enough for the motos to drive through....and so they went to work.

After just a couple of minutes the motos began to pass through the fence....one by one....and

then those nephews rebuilt the fence....climbed on their motos and headed for the next gate.

We were left behind, because the truck wasn't about to fit through the opening in the fence.

Very shortly Uncle Dan...owner of The Ranch....showed up

with another set of keys and off we went.

The Ranch was just beautiful! Enough rain has fallen that it is green and lovely.

Although the day was very hot...there was just enough water in the stream to keep the kids

cool and occupied.

The Farmer carefully prepared steaks for everyone...he actually prepared the number of steaks of

the birthday I was celebrating...haha! They all got eaten except for 5...which he brought

home to enjoy later. He also made quesidillas over the fire...YUM!!

We enjoyed cold watermelon...and some tasty cake that Aunt Shauna was nice enough

to make for the whole gang.

The best part was just sittin and visiting under the shade of a tree...while the kids

played in the water. The Sun ended up behind a cloud or two...which really helped with the heat

of the day....along with a light breeze.

It was close to the perfect afternoon!

Who knew that such a small amount of water would bring so much

joy to a group of kids;)

It was a wonderful day! Very well planned by The Farmer himself!

He gave me a very special gift this year...the gift of a Grateful Heart....and a very tender expression

of it. A gift I won't soon forget! Thank to The Farmer for a perfect day!!

Last Week....Looked Like This...

2011-09-02T08:46:00.001-06:00

The Boy's missionary documents arrived about two weeks before he left for England...

Within the packet was his name plate/missionary tag....they don't usually get those until they enter the MTC....but since he would be traveling a long distance, they sent one for him to wear on the plane.

I have to admit...seeing that tag was both amazing and overwhelming...it took my breath away,

and left a pit in my stomach....it made this whole experience very real. Also within the packet

were very clear instructions both for the missionary and the parents...

....here are the instructions for the parents..."Once your missionary has boarded the plane...

DO NOT CALL THE MTC TO MAKE SURE THEY HAVE ARRIVED......just assume that they have, no news is good new." I thought that was pretty funny at the moment....but didn't think it was too funny after The Boy had left...and we had nearly a week without any news from him....and

then I understood the instructions....and understood even more why they were all in capital letters!

But...if I can add my parental "two cents".....I really do wish we had gotten a quick email from the

Preston MTC...letting us know he had arrived, safe and sound;)

While getting The Boy all packed...we had his suitcases in the living room...
As I was packing his things, I thought about how this would be the last time for
two years that I would wash his clothes...

make sure his shirts were ironed....and make sure he had all he needed to meet his
physical needs. I thought many times during the packing process...

how grateful I was to be able to do these

things for him.

Many nights I layed awake at night...going over his list...to make sure nothing had been forgotten.

Hopefully everything he needs was well packed in those two suitcases.

We...PreShie, The Rooster and I....spent the month before The Boy left,
making little notes to put in his suitcase, pockets...scriptrues....eveywhere you could imagine,
so that he would find them little by little. PreShie even placed a few inside his socks...he
could be finding those for quite a while....the little notes written by
PreShie and The Rooster were so tender,
and full of love. Some said how much they loved The Boy...others said how proud they were of
him for serving a mission. Other were stained with tear drops....from the Mom for sure...and many
from The Rooster....he even placed a little stuffed animal...a Rooster, that even made a crowing sound...deep within The Boy's suitcase with a sweet note tied around it's neck.
I would have loved to see The Boy's face when he found that;)

This picture I found...after the fact...I am not sure who took it...but most likely it was PreShie.

This was taken after The Boy was set apart as a missionary....he placed his missionary tag on and had

come into the kitchen where alot of the family had gathered for cake......the tender part of this

picture for me, are the words above his head, on the wall in our kitchen.....

"There's no place like home...."

I don't think he even realized where he was standing....We are missing The Boy terribly...

but there is no place we would rather have him be!

Raising An Ebenezer Stone...

2011-08-28T08:51:00.000-06:00

Grandma Christine called the whole family together...it was FHE.

..She decided awhile back, that she

wanted to raise an Ebenezer stone in her yard to represent our commitment as a family

to Heavenly Father. She selected the location...a place that everyone passes by, so that

it would be seen very often. She had some large rocks brought to her home...and selected just

the perfect one....then had a little pad of cement poured, the rock placed in the center,

and it was about then...that the family arrived.

When we "arrive"...it is most often in a variety of off road vehicles...and this was no

different. Grandma C. gathered the family around...and that is not an easy thing to do;)...

and she taught everyone what an Ebenezer Stone was and why it was important to our family.

History of the Ebenezer Stone;

The name Ebenezer is taken from 1Samuel 7:12, and translated means "the stone of help". According to the Biblical account, Samuel exclaimed "Thus far, the Lord has helped us" when he erected a stone, and named it Ebenezer. The Ebenezer Stone served as a memorial, to the children of Israel, of all the ways the Lord had helped them - routing their enemies, protecting their borders,

returning the Ark of the Covenant.

Every person present placed their hands in the wet cement, and wrote their name below the

handprint....commiting to the words that Grandma C. also wrote in the wet cement...

"We will stand for right...even if we stand alone"

The family had a great time finding the perfect location for their hands...

All the while this was going on a big storm was looming above. While some were still writing

in the cement...rain began to fall. The Stone was quickly covered with a tarp and it

began to pour! It was quite a storm...one that left alot of rain behind.

Even the littlest people...Gavin....put their small hands into the cement!

We were so happy that it was able to get done before The Boy left for his mission...there

is his hand above...and man are we missing him!!!

I appreciate so much, the efforts of a beloved Grandma who is always thinking of ways to

strengthen her posterity. She offers counsel, writed sweet notes...and most of all

offers unconditional love. This was a great unifying experience for our family! As I have read

about Ebenezer Stones...what I have come to understand about them is that although raising a

literal stone is wonderful...it really is about offering thanks and recognition to a Heavenly

Father who has blessed us so much! Our offering....is Our Boy...who left us this week

to serve his mission. He is our Ebenezer Stone for the next two years...and he will be a

constant reminder of how blessed we are as a family!

Soaking It All Up....

2011-08-18T09:59:00.002-06:00

Chicago....that is where I am today.

The Farmer has that conference thing again that he speaks at....and when he committed to speak, we really didn't have any idea when The Boy would be leaving for his mission. So we packed The Boy along for the trip since he will be leaving us one week from today....

FOR TWO YEARS!!!

When I realized how close this trip was to his departure date...I asked him if he would like to go in my place and spend some one on one with The Farmer...without much thought he answered YES!

When I suggested my plan to The Farmer...he thought it would be great for me to come along...after all he says....he wouldn't do this conference thing if I didn't enjoy Chicgao so much. Awwww...

I like that Farmer. The Farmer and I were counting the years that we have been luck enough to attend this conference...and experience this city...and realized that he gave his first presentation in 2001....wow....11 years ago. We missed a couple of years...but for the most part we have been have had the great blessing of attending. We learned to love this city when we lived in Cincinnati...Chigago was our temple..and we would travel 5-6 hours on temple trips with the youth and
other members of our ward. Those are some great memories!
We arrived yesterday...and will spend the next few days enjoying

our Boy...and enjoying this wonderful city.

Sunday was The Boy's "farwell"....the Skinner Uncles arrived in force...cooked some great steaks...sang a song....and headed back to Mesa. Their visit was just toooo short, but it was wonderful to have them with us. I prayed for alot of strength...and not too many tears...and my prayers

were answered! I don't want to upset The Boy with my tears....so I try really hard to keep them to

myself. Sunday was a great day...we enjoyed a wonderful family dinner following church...Brisket with all the fixings...Uncle Dave did an amazing job on the meat! We ate...we visited...we laughed...and ate more. It was a great celebration of family, who have all helped raise

The Missionary Boy. I appreciate so much the way this family supports

each other...it is a great blessing! Tuesday, The Boy visited the Colonia Juarez Temple...again a wonderful experience...again it was great to have the support of family and friends.

Our days are busy.....busier than I can ever remember being...but it is a great busy!

I am soooo far behind on blogging...my hope is that once The Boy is in the mission field...my

life will settle a bit and I can catch up....we will see...but for now...The Farmer and I are

enjoying our Missionary Boy....soaking him up!!!

Joe's Cafe

2011-08-09T17:08:00.006-06:00

While in Utah...The Rooster golfed nearly everyday. So that meant I was driving him from one course

to another...to another....so he could practice his "skills." While driving I found myself

looking around...checking out the sights....One morning...before The Farmer joined us....I noticed

a little "hole in the wall" a place called Joe's Cafe. It is very near to University Mall....it is located in

a little strip mall where in one stop you can get yourself a very fancy prom dress....buy a little insurance that you might need and plan your funeral....now that is one stop shopping! Right in the middle of that strip mall is Joe's Cafe. I noticed it because, painted on the window were the words...

"Best Biscuits and Gravy In Utah!!!" Now, if you know The Farmer...you know that he LOVES

biscuits and gravy. I mean LOVES!!! Through the years I have tested many recipes, on the search

for the perfect biscuits and gravy. We do have a favorite..and I have been making it for the family for a very long time. Anyway....I made a mental note, that when The Farmer arrived we would try

Joe's Cafe and see if his claim to fame was really true.

One morning, after The Farmer joined us.....we carefully slipped away from The Darlings...and headed to Joe's for breakfast. I don't thing Those Darlings even noticed we were gone...untile we arrived home and they said something like...."where did you go?" We walked into Joe's and were greeted by

Joe himself...with a huge smile...and fun jokes. We ordered...aside from our order, he brough us a bowl of his grits to try...and we were in heaven! I mentioned to The Farmer that I felt like we had

been transported back to Cincinnati Ohio...where we spent a few great years. Joe came and sat at our table and told us "his story" and how he ended up in Utah....of all places. It was some great fun!

Our breakfast order arrived....The Farmer's eyes rolled to the back of his head, when he layed that first bite of those famous biscuits and gravy...on his tongue. He announced that they were truly the best he had tasted....and he has tasted ALOT....I made the big mistake of asking him if they were better than my recipe that I make at home...and without hesitation he answered....YES!!!

Oh wow! I told Joe I wan't sure our marriage would last after that comment...and he just laughed and laughed. The cafe was filled with a very diverse group of people...some families...some bikers...some local athletes...some businessmen....they were all there for the yummy food...but also becuase they

love Joe! He moved from table to table visiting with every guest, making them feel like they were a long lost friend. When our meal was done....Joe took our picture to place on his wall....that is covered with most every customer that has walked through his doors. We left happy....very satisfied...and vowing to return with The Darlings...knowing very well that they would love Joe's as much as we had.

I few days later....we headed out on a trip to Martin's Cove Wyoming. The Farmer suggested a stop at Joe's before we began our drive. The Darlings were amused by Joe. He treated them really well...

he again served us up some tasty food....and finally took more pictures for his wall. They loved the place....and the loved Joe! We have since recommended it to several people...and they have each

enjoyed Joe's....and have promised to make it a regular stop.

The BEST Biscuits and Gravy in Utah!!!

PreShie, getting ready to dig into her yummy breakfast!

The Farmer's amazing "Joe's Burger" It was so amazing that he had to eat it with a fork!

Joe really took to The Boy...they became dear friends instantly! He made sure that I took this picture....just like it is! If you are close to University Mall...stop in and visit Joe....

You will be glad you did!!

It's All Over....And Why Are All The Flies In Mexico????

2011-08-04T16:32:00.003-06:00

(Llamafest....you can be sure I will be blogging about this a little later!)

We are home....our Summer adventure in Utah is done.

It was GREAT! We couldn't have asked for anything more. We saw lots of family....

spent time with great friends....made new friends....arranged a few marriages (The Darlings, of course), ate way too much....saw beautiful sights....laughed harder than I have laughed in a long long time.....shopped for our missionary.....hung out with Auntie...and much much more.

I had hoped to blog my way through our Summer fun, but almost a soon as we arrived in Utah...

my computer went on strike. It went to the shop...they lost a ton of my pictures....said they repaired it,

and I brough it home. I fired it up...and it almost immediately died....ugh! Back to the shop it went...

a new hard drive was installed.....in the meantime....I found another computer....brought it home....The Farmer scowled at me....and I said..."I MUST have this computer so I can blog!"....The Darlings

all agreed....The Farmer said "fine" and we all moved on. He is such a great sport!

Our trip home was a little crazy....it always is....The Farmer finds great deals in Utah on items that he really needs here in Mexico...and so we end up hauling alot of stuff home. This year...among other things....he purchased a bunch of used drinking fountains for the chili plant. Super idea...but the Border Agents, just couldn't wrap their minds around the drinking fountains....they gave us alot of grief over 4 fountains that cost $20 each. They finally gave in....and we completed our

journey home. Many things made the trip eventful...and I will write about them later...but for now...I thought I should make a few proper good-byes to Provo....

*Dear Luis and Cami at Sonic.....thank you for making it "your pleasure to serve me" day after day

when I arrived for my large cup of amazing sonic ice. Thank you also for wishing me a "super Sonic day" EVERYDAY....as I pulled away with my ice. Who knew it could be such a happy place to work! Is it sad/scary... that I know your names?????

I have since started searching the internet to find myself a pellet ice maker...but Auntie says it would

be easier to just get myself a Sonic franchise....hummm...now there is an idea;)

*Dear Nie Nie.....Let me begin this note to you by saying that I am not a creeper! I had the good

fortune of coming upon your house one afternoon...ACCIDENTALLY.....as I was coming off

the hill, from visiting the home where I spent my early married days. What a treat it was to see your

lovely home! Your beautiful children were playing in the yard....was I tempted to stop and say hello, you ask???? Why yes I was! When I proposed the idea to The Darlings they said no way....she will think you are a creeper. I am pretty sure you wouldn't think that...but anyway...it was fun to see your home, and maybe next year I will stop by and say Hi!

*Dear People Of Provo....you are some happy folks! Thanks for having such great manners...smiling all the time....keeping your yards beautiful....you inspire me! Thank you for the cool evenings...and for making sure there were no flies while we were in town. I didn't know what a gift that was....
until I came home;)

While The Darlings Were Away.....

2011-07-11T10:17:00.000-06:00

I haven't had a week, like last week...for a very long time!

The Darlings attended EFY...and The Farmer is still at home working...so that left me ALL ALONE!!

So this is how it went....

After I dropped off The Darlings, I spent the day doing errands and cleaning our home

away from home....The evening was spent with great friends and great cousins..at the

ever fantastic 4th of July party held every year at Uncle Tom's house. The food was great...

Uncle Tom's "band" played some fun music..and we just visited and visited until the rain started.

Delightful!!

In our neighborhood..the fireworks went on late into the night.....

In the days that followed...

Shared lunch with a dear friend...ate yummy food...and caught up...

Grandma Vicki and Auntie arrived...

Made a "few" trips to Sundance...

Celebrated Auntie's birthday with the most amazing lunch at Sundance...

and then a little shopping..

(above is the herb garden at Sundance. I thought it was so great!)

Uncle Ben and family arrived....

spent the day at Thanksgiving Point...with the farm animals and nieces and nephews

Sooooo fun!

Had a wonderful lunch at The Harvest....

(Uncle Ben and Grandma Vicki)

The Farm animals enjoyed the attention...some even posed for photos!

The kids loved the water fountain!

The adults LOVED...visiting and just being together!

After a great lunch....the kids discovered the most darling soda fountain known to man!

They really enjoyed the ice cream cones!

And the adults enjoyed amazing Sunday's.

The week ended with dinner at The Brick Oven with all the Family...and an amazing

Balloon man...(more on that later).

Saturday morning....EARLY....we picked up The Darlings...it is great to have them back.

They all had wonderful experiences...and made lots of new friends.

It was a great week for everyone!!

Check'n In At EFY....and Cousin Love!

2011-07-05T16:53:00.000-06:00

After a funfilled 4th of July weekend....came EFY check-in which fell exactly on the 4th!

The cousins arrived the night before and we all loaded up Monday morning and headed for BYU.

We had cousins from Mexico....cousins from Mesa...and a great group of friends that also

came from Mexico to attend EFY.

Aunt Shauna took a moment to say a little prayer...that Niki would be able to "walk-on" to EFY since she

was not able to get in earlier....and her prayers were answered!

A whole load of teenage energy was dropped off at one time...the kids were happy...and

the parents were pretty happy too!!

PreShie returned Saturday from 2 1/2 weeks of touring in Europe...and was thrilled to be

reunited with her cousins!

They were all happy to see The Boy....

The Boy hasn't seen his cousins for a few weeks...and it was a very happy reunion!

Lots of cousin love!!

This was The Rooster's first experience at EFY. The Boy took him shopping the week earlier...to make sure

The Rooster was "ready" for EFY. He looked pretty cute when I dropped him off. The Rooster isn't always

up for new experiences..in fact...he avoids them like the plague...but after many pep talks...he was ready to

go. He told someone he wasn't too happy that his Mom had paid $$ for him to go to church for

a whole week! I thought that was pretty funny. The Boy quickly said that there would be alot of

"hot chicks".....tons of fun...and he would get to be spiritual! What more could a 14 year old boy ask for??

I thought he would have a hard time when I dropped him off...but NO....he grabbed his suitcase from the car, and headed for the dorms. When I started to follow his...he said..."what are YOU doing here???" and even though I was really there to make sure he was ok....I told him I just wanted to snap a few last

pictures and then I would go. It was fantastic to see him soooo excited!!

PreShie....well....she started with week tired. She was suffering from jet lag and wasn't sure how

she would make it through the week. She was excited to be there...just a little worried about being so

tired. She is in the same group as The Rooster...just to keep an eye out for him. She will make the best

of the week...I know she will....that is the kind of girl she is!!

The Boy is attending for the last time!

He was super excited to go...but really mad at me for taking too many pictures!

He will thank me someday...YES....he will!

He said he felt old...but he didn't care...he really loves the EFY experience.

And me....well I dropped them off...and drove away with a big smile on my face.

I am so grateful that they are having this experience...I too...love EFY.

I will be a great week for The Darlings.....and for their Mother;)

Manti

2011-06-27T17:33:00.000-06:00

Saturday evening we headed to Manti to see the Mormon Miracle Pageant.

We had never seen that pageant...and who can pass up a trip to that amazing temple!

We arrived early enough to secure ourselves a good seat....

The weather was great...nice and warm until the sun went down...and then it was time for jackets.

We took a little picnic lunch along with us....straight from Kneaders...our FAVORITE!!

The Rooster enjoyed a bread bowl with yummy soup...and The Boy demolished a

Turkey and Avocado on Sourdough Bread....oh yum!!

and I ended up with a Navajo Taco...I didn't bring that along...The Rooster actually didn't order

anything from Kneaders...but found himself starving once he saw that bread bowl

pulled from the picnic bag. Oh well....

So the Navajo Taco was yummy...there was alot of food to choose from at the Pageant...

Funnel Cakes...Snowcones...everything you could imagine....

As always....there are a few "special" folks who like to follow those Mormons around..

this guy brought his own step ladder and stood on top of it yelling...not sure about what....

The fantastic thing about this guy is that we could literally not hear a word he was yelling, once we stepped

onto the temple grounds. Pretty great! I never will understand why people feel the need to bash

the way that others choose to worship. Side story...when we arrived at our cute little townhouse last

week...we were locked out and weren't sure if the managers had left the key with the neighbors...so

we knocked, and the nicest lady answered. We quickly determined that no key had been left...and so

we began to unload the car while we waited for the managers. The Boy walked to the nearest garbage

can to throw a few items away, and was met by another one of the neighbors....he told The Boy

that he appreciated us being so friendly and kind to them....and that they too were visiting for just a few

days....they were Jehovah's Witnesses and they came to spend a week knocking on doors.

He then told The Boy...that he had heard that alot of Mormons lived in the area :)....and did The Boy

know anything about that....The Boy smiled and said "yes...ALOT....of Mormons live here...

good luck with your missionary work...I am sure they will all be really nice to you."

They stayed around for a couple of days....and then left....several days before they had planned...

I hope they were treated well while they were here.

Ok....back to the Manti Pagaent..

We had a great time walking the streets of Manti....

visiting...laughing...eating...

The Rooster made himself a bed on the ground...and played

some games on his iPod...to pass the time

Once the Sun set....the Pageant began...it was so nice!

That it was set on the side of a hill...made it all that more special...I loved it!

It was a treat...something I have wanted to do for a very long time!

A Letter To A Very Dear Friend....

2011-06-23T00:56:00.000-06:00

To my dear friend and fellow Warrior Mother;

(You know who you are...)

Today I left our temporary home for my morning walk/run. There are so many beautiful places for a

morning walk here in Provo....but I found myself returning to the place I know so well...

the grounds of the Provo Temple. It is familiar to me...and to you too;) Each morning while I walk/run,

my mind fills with great memories of the time The Farmer and I shared here. The Winter's that seemed

so long...the Winter's that were so long....the most wonderful Springtime that anyone could imagine...

hope for the future...hope for children....the loss of a child....a new job....a big move....

and the start of our lives together. It really was the best of times!

Today the streets seemed extra busy...there seemed to be more people moving about....and then it hit

me. Today is Wednesday...the day the new missionaries are welcomed into the MTC!

It was only 18 years ago that we...as new Moms...sat our little firstborn sons next to each other on a couch.

We were pretty smitten with those boys...and I think we still are....

I think we always knew that they would be friends...and we knew that missions were certainly in

their futures...but did we know that it would come so fast? How could we have known?

I am so grateful that they are friends...that they have been friends their entire lives. I am grateful that

they can depend on each other...that they trust each other. I am so grateful that they are embarking on

this next experience...together.

Back to the morning walk......

The morning was fantastic! The weather was beautiful!

The field below the temple was filled with missionaries...playing soccer....baseball...jogging...

and all smiling. I know they mus be scared...but they are full of faith...they know that they are doing

the right thing. As I looked into the faces of each of the young missionaries...as they passed by...it hit me that

it won't be too much longer that your boy will be one of those on the field. And you can imagine...

I started to cry...and so I sat down on the lawn in front of the MTC to gather myself.

When my eyes cleared a bit...

I looked up and witnessed one of the most touching sights I have ever seen in my life. Through the fence

I could see a car parked...and a family working together to unload the suitcases of their son and their brother. He was dressed to perfection! His suit was new...his hair was trimmed...he looked just as he

should to enter the MTC. At that moment to other young missionaries approached the family....I am

sure their alotted time was nearly gone....there were lots of handshakes...lots of pictures being taken...

lots of tears. And then the sibilings took their turn...hugging their brother tighter than I am sure

they had ever hugged him. And more tears....(I am just sure that all who passed me thought I had lost

my mind...sitting there in the grass...weaping.)

And then came the parents...together they held their son, their arms wrapped tightly around him...

I can imagine that they weretelling him how very much they loved him...and how proud they were of him. I am guessing that some last minute advice was given. They clung to each other.

Then the young missionaries stepped in and took the young man by the arm and led him through

the doors of the MTC. The family loaded into their car...slowly backed out and very slowly left the MTC.

All the while watching out their windows until their son/brother was completely out of their sight.

I am sure it was just like The Farmer described when he sent The Boy's mission papers in...

that as parents we were laying The Boy on the altar....just as Isaac, with complete faith that The Lord

would take it from there. That sweet family layed their son on the altar today...just as we will both do

soon. Once the family left the MTC....another car entered...and the same scene played out again.

Tonight a Mother is crying herself to sleep...I bet the Dad is too...but he won't let anyone know. A hole

has been left in the family...the young missionary is overwhelmed...I am sure that he too is sheding

tears as he falls asleep, missing what has been so familiar to him...his family.

I wish everyone could see what I saw today. To be able to sit back and watch, and soak it

in was a great blessing to me. Certainly you were first in my thoughts...as this experience is heading your

way very quickly...in this very location.

It will be an incredible experience for your missionary boy...and your family.

Just be sure to take a good supply of kleenex..;)

All pictures were taken around the MTC and Provo Temple today. I especially love the sign..."do not write on the sidewalk".....I guess people were leaving messages for their missionaries written in chalk...all along

the sidewalk....people are creative aren't they?!

You have been a Warrior Mother...you have prepared your boy well. He is a great young man and will be

an amazing missionary. "Fresh courage take"....my friend....it is going to take everything we've got to

get through this next step.....

Sending Hugs from the lawn in front of the MTC!

Historic.....

2011-06-20T23:51:00.000-06:00

It is only half of the future missionaries of The JSA.

It has not happened in the history of the JSA....this many young men serving missions

in one year. They are an exceptional group of young men. They all come from homes

where they have been taught and prepared.

Many people's lives will be blessed because of them.

Life has been really fun with them around...and they will be missed....but they

are going to be amazing!!

Thanks to Aunt Shauna for the fun pictures!

The first two young men...leave for the MTC tomorrow morning.

The others will soon follow!

....Including The Boy.....

Not For The Faint Of Heart.....

2011-06-20T23:34:00.000-06:00

WARNING!!!

For the sake of family history...I am posting these pictures...also because The Boy

felt like the moment was worth blogging!

When The Boy was in 8th grade...he wasn't the Big Boy that he is these days...he wasn't too fiesty

back in the day...either...hummmm....he overcame that too!;)

Anyway, there was an older boy that rode the bus with him....and played football with him...and was

basically around most of the time...and this older boy was a bully. The worst part is

that he really enjoyed being a bully. So, The Boy never said too much about this kid...I

guess he thought he was being a man by dealing with it alone. Until one day, on a bus ride home

from school, the older boy turned the flame of a lighter, upside down, until the metal tip

was extreemly hot...and then he proceeded to burn The Boy on the top of his hand.

Turns out...he burned several other kids at school that same day.

The Boy's burn was really bad.....really bad! It took weeks to heal, after an infection...

a trip to the Dr. and two rounds of antibiotics. And a terrible scar was left behind. A scar would

be bad enough...but this scar looked like the letter "A."

Now....it isn't that The Boy doesn't have a scar or two...in fact he has more than his share...and they don't

really bother him. But this scar was different. The Boy has spent the last several years trying to cover

that scar up. Most of the time he wore a thick bracelet of some kind to cover it up.

Through the years he has asked to have it removed...but due to his paritcipation in sports...

it was impossible to find a moment to get it done...and give him time to heal.

Lately he asked again....he wanted it removed before he left on his mission.

The Farmer called a good friend of his....a local surgeon....and the appointment was set.

It didn't really take too long....I enjoyed taking pictures through the process...and there are many.....more

graphic pictures that I chose not to post...but it was interesting to watch.

The old scar is gone....and now a new one takes it place

And now the past is really in the past...and The Boy is moving on to better things!

The Boy is happy the old scar is gone....and frankly so am I!

The Boy...and the good Dr. Verdeja.

Costa Rica + The Boy = Some Good Fun!

2011-06-18T09:59:00.002-06:00

A few days after graduation....The Boy and a few friends/students from The JSA as well

as a favorite teacher/second Mom.....left for Costa Rica. They spent 8 fun fillled....adventure filled...days

in what The Boy calls..."The most beautiful place in the world!"

The Boy's camera was filled with pictures of lush landscapes....

And some crazy man who thought playing with an alligator was really fun.

I personally found this a little disturbing...but I am quite sure that the boat filled with teenagers...

who sat close by...were thrilled and delighted.

The crazy man....also brought a baby alligator aboard the boat for everyone to see up close,

Pretty amazing that something so small, cute and seemingly harmless...could turn into something

so fierce, ugly and ready to remove a limb at any given moment....wow!

The Boy found his long lost cousin Ben's...look-a-like...also on the trip.

Cousin Ben is serving a mission in Argentina at the moment...and The Boy misses him terribly.

The Boy and Friends also visited a volcano..it sounded like to me it may be semi-active....based on The Boy's description....they did a Canaopy Tour...zip lining in the jungle, which he loved....they also visited a school, where they presented the students with school supplies that they had brought with them.

They played a game of soccer...and had a great experience.

They also had the chance to plant a few trees....

eat alot of black beans and rice....enjoy a soccer match between Mexico and Costa Rica...

(which by the way Mexico won!), they made some new friends....the old friends were able to

"mend some fences" and just have a totally great time!

A trip of a lifetime...a perfect closing to the chapter of "high school"....now on to more

great experiences!!

First Of The Season....

2011-06-13T14:12:00.000-06:00

I have waited for this moment all Winter long...

The garden is producing!!

My favorite place to be, in the evenings, is in my garden. It helps me de-compress from

the day. To tell the truth...I did sneak some green tomatoes last week....I picked a couple

quietly entered the house and cooked them up...then ate them....when the rest of the gang

wasn't looking....oh my goodness they were good!

The squash is now in production...it will be served in some from for most every

meal...throughout the Summer months....horray!

I do love the garden.

*The missionary farwells, have begun. Yesterday there were two.

*Another mission call arrived....and was opened last night....there are a few more to go!

*The missionaries will begin to leave in about another week....

*The Boy is still in Costa Rica...I am ready for him to come home!

*PreShie is leaving on Friday for an extended trip...I am sooo excited for her!

*The Rooster is nearly done with school...and will begin his Summer

Golf program next week.

*The Farmer is crazy busy with a new project he has taken on...

(I will post about that later....)

*Our evenings are filled with snowcones or Pina Coladas....

(just trying to keep cool!)

*We are so sad about the forest fires that are burning around us...the fires in AZ are terrible,

and the fires in our area are really rough....the air is filled with smoke and I sneeze

most of the day. The sunsets are beyond beautiful, because of the smoke in the air...

*PreShie has held a deck party or two....at her playhouse...she and the cousins

strung up lots of white Christmas lights on her deck...and it looks wonderful!

Summer is in the air!

Wrapping It Up.....

2011-06-09T14:59:00.000-06:00

A local photographer was in charge of capturing the moment when the diplomas were delivered...

and can I just say....he must be the only one left in the world who does not use a digital

camera. I am sure you can tell by the quality of the photo...and yes...he ran out of film in

the midst of the diploma presentation...the ceremony had to stop while he re-loaded his

camera. This is where you shout...Viva Mexico!!!

Thankfully The Boy's photo turned out ok. Elder De Hoyos is handing him his diploma,

he is a memeber of the Mexico Area Presidency.

The JSA graduating class of 2011

The Monday following graduation...The Boy...and a group of friends along with a teacher

from the JSA...who is like a second mother to him....left for Costa Rica.

They will be there for a little over a week. From what I hear...they are having a wonderful time...and

today they will be doing some service at a little school. They took school supplies to give to the

school as well. They will also be visiting the jungle and doing some zip lining.

A Perfect End....To A Perfect Day!.............

2011-06-08T14:58:00.000-06:00

Everything about graduation day really was perfect!

Everyone was happy....the weather was great!....It just could not have been better.

This year the Senior class decided that they wanted a formal dinner and dance, the evening of their

graduation. The school offered a safe...controlled...place for the party and the class made

their plans. A lovely dinner was served....the setting was beautiful, on the football field, where so

many memories were made....and more ideally...in the shadow of our temple.

Great friends....future missionaries...

A very united Senior class.....

A happy Boy.....

The Grandparents S. joined us for the special dinner...as well as Auntie...

Each Senior had a date....at one point in the evening...before the dancing began....they

were each presented to the crowd of family and friends along with their date...

The Boy had the most darling date...Valeria...that was the life of the party, he is nearly 6'4" and

she stand at 5'0"....they were a sight!

They danced and danced....

The parents and other guests spent the night dancing as well.....The Farmer and I even took

our turn on the dance floor! It was a wonderful evening...it was so great to see the Seniors

soaking up each and every moment of their last event together.

We could not have planned a more perfect day for Our Boy and for our family!

Hip, Hip, Horray....For The JSA!!!....

2011-06-07T18:32:00.003-06:00

The last couple of weeks have been wonderful!

We have celebrated Our Boy almost eveyday...with family...with friends....for almost any reason we

could come up with! It has been complete joy!

Graduation Day was perfection! We arrived at the JSA, entered the auditorium and took our seats.

Our family all sat together....I sat with The Farmer. The Boy was the first to enter the auditorium to

begin the processional walk...I looked to The Farmer for some emotional support... our eyes locked..... and then I promptly burst into tears.
It was momentary...and very quickly I was filled with pure joy for The Boy.

The ceremony was great! The talks were perfect. Elder De Hoyos was the guest speaker...and shared

a very inspired message on integrity and character. The Senior class sang "Remember Me" by Miley

Cyrus...and one by one...received their much earned diplomas.

The Farmer sat in the front....

The Boy grinned from ear to ear.....

The Mariachi's played the traditional songs....

p.s. the Mariachi on the end played at my wedding....also when The Farmer returned from Mexico

City after he had been shot....and he has also been known to fix the brakes on my car when needed;)

The saddest part of the entire day, was when PreShie became so ill, that we had to have the Dr. come

to our house to give her a shot. She cried and cried when she realized she would not be attending

her borthers graduation....oh it was sad. She has never been that ill...and hopefully never will be

again. The Rooster wasn't too happy about all the picture taking....

We were soooo happy to have the Grandparents S. with us for all the graduation events!

And it was an extra treat to have Auntie with us too.

Mi Hijo also graduated...he has been such a special part of our family!

The family was out in force to support The Boy!

Everyone grabbed a balloon, for the traditional balloon release.

And then followed it with a big group hug!

Another special tradition. It is a beautiful moment!

We all gathered in the gym for the annual Alumni dinner.

Uncle Dan donated the cow......everything was tasty...especially the meat;)

Then it was off to the Alumni meeting where the Seniors were inducted into the Alumni association...

after some fun and games of couse. The Boy and a few friends preformed a little air guitar for the

enjoyment of the Alumni. It was a fantastic day! One that will not soon be forgotten!!

Congratulations to The Boy!!

Seminary Graduation

2011-05-30T14:59:00.000-06:00

Last night...The Boy graduated from Seminary....6 years of Seminary.

The Seminary program is not an optional program at the JSA....if you are a student at

the high school...you must attend Seminary.

The Farmer always like to tell The Darlings...that 6 years of Seminary is NOTHING....

he began attending Seminary when he was in grade school......from what I hear...

he spent more time in the hedge outside of the church...than in the actual class....

The Farmer was the speaker....

He delivered some great advice and counsel...

68 students in the class of 2011....each graduated from Seminary

The Farmer presented The Boy with his diploma....and a big hug!

Grandma C. was also there...and offered The Boy a big hug

Last night Aunt Cathy said..."this is the first step, of many more big steps that will happen

for The Boy over the next several weeks...." She is right! Many doors are closing...and others

are opening...it is a very exciting time for The Boy...and his parents;)

"THE" Turkey.....

2011-05-24T15:02:00.000-06:00

For the sake of family history....The Farmer says things like his MUST,

be documented....So here ya go...

The Rooster shot his first Turkey last Saturday....When The Farmer recounted the

moment....he said t was like none other.....a whole group of hens and a trophy male,

The Rooster nearly lost his marbles in all of the excitement....made a little too much noise

and startled the group...which sent them running...luckily The Rooster was able

to make a shot or too...and landed himself a beauty!

Luck for me...I was out of town and didn't have to see the mess that followed.

The Farmer has carefully saved the meat for Turkey Mole'.

I am not a fan of hunting...but The Farmer says it is just something that boys do...

Congratulations to The Rooster!

The Best Rooster In The Whole World!!

2011-05-23T16:34:00.001-06:00

Happy 14th Birthday Dear Rooster!!!

Yesterday was a special day for our family....Our Rooster Turned 14 years old!!

He compelted his Deacon years of Duty to God and was ordained a Teacher!

The Boy...The Farmer and our Uncle Bishop Robinson ordained The Rooster...it was very special!

The Rooster requested for his birthday dinner....Chicken Fried Steak...salad...roasted potatoes, peas

and a Tres Leches cake....yum!

The Boy also was recognized for completing his Duty To God program, and was
given a beautiful medallion.

The cousins all arrived in the evening for cupcakes and popcorn.

The house was full of both little people and big people....The Rooster is loved by all ages;)

The celebration continued today....with the traditional "lunch from home" on each birthday.

For lunch The Rooster requested....Chicken and Brocoli Casserole, rice, garlic bread, caesar salad,

and some tasty chocolate cupcakes.

Today was the final "lunch from home" meal for The Boy.....After 6 years of birthday lunches...

And if I am completely honest...I shed a few tears on my way home from the

school today thinking about it.

A few things I thought Rooster would enjoy knowing about himself at the age of 14.

*He is always in bed by 8:30 at night....he needs a TON of sleep,

*He is an extreemly picky eater....ugh!
*There is nothing he hates more than taking care of the chickens

*He has a twinkle in his eye...and darling dimple in his chin

*He inherited his Mom's curly hair, and his Grandma C. always wants him to grow it long

*He is tender and thoughtful, he remembers birthdays and always wants to find just the right gift

*He loves animals...especially the horses

*He loves his family...his cousins are his best friends

*He can be very STUBBORN....
*He always seems to convince other to do his work for him.
it usually involves and sweet smile and that twinkle in is eye.....

*He is the first to help his Mom with anything and everything
*He isn't a fan of school...

*He loves Balsamic Vinegar....on everything...

*He loves to golf....and is getting pretty good!

*He just shot his first Turkey...this past weekend!

*He is a good friend to everyone...people love him!

The Rooster is a blessing to our family....we love him soooo much!

Happy Birthday to our Rooster!!

"Can I sail through the changing ocean tides?.....

2011-05-20T10:55:00.002-06:00

(Photo by Kim Skinner)

Landslide

I took my love and I took it down
I climbed a mountain and I turned around

And I saw my reflection in the snow covered hills

'Till Landslide brought me down

Oh mirror in the sky, what is love?

Can the child within my heart rise above?

Can I sail through the changing ocean tides

Can I handle the seasons of my life?

Mmm mmm I don’t know

Mmm mmm

Well I’ve been afraid of changing ‘cause I

Built my life around you

But time makes you bolder

Children get older, I’m getting older too

Soo (Interlude)

I’ve been afraid of changing ‘cause I

I built my life around you

But time makes you bolder, children get older

I’m getting older too

Soo take this love, take it down

Ohh if you climb a mountain and you turn around

If you see my reflection in the snow covered hills

Well the landslide will bring it down, down

And if you see my reflection in the snow covered hills,

Well maybe, the landslide will bring it down

Well well the landslide with bring it down

(Stevie Nicks)

I heard that Stevie Nicks song a few days ago....I haven't heard it for years. I have always liked the song

but this time it spoke to me. I guess it is a little of how I am feeling right now. Life is so good....

I wouldn't have it any other way....but it is changing...and I have really wondered how I will adapt

to the "changing ocean tides" in my life. I really never have liked change. I really enjoy the predictable,

knowing what to expect. The Farmer in the otherhand likes the unexpected. He has taught me to

embrace that in my life. I love him for that. But I don't think either of us is looking forward to this next

stage of our lives and the changes it will bring for us.

We have LOVED having our kids around us! We have tried to soak up every

moment with The Darlings. Some days have been easier than others...

......some days have been happier than others..

but the bottom line is they fill us with joy...and we love them more than they will ever underand.

Lately our days are so full...activities most every night...projects for school....church responsibilities....

The days seem like they are passing faster than usual....and we find ourselves holding a little tighter

to each other....choosing to be home, and together when there is a choice. Soaking it all up!

The Darlings are finishing up school assignments....preparing for tests.....The Boy's thoughts are on

graduation right now....and the lovely dinner that will follow. Yesterday the last Missionary meeting,

at the high school...was held. The lunch was so tasty...the messages were inspiring...lots of

"final advice" was given to this group of missionaries that will be leaving right after graduation.

And, the young men seemed to linger after the meeting was over, knowing that another door

is closing. Many of them have recieved their mission calls, and many are in the mail.

Two more will open their calls tonight.

It really is such a wonderful time.....

We have started gathering family information for The Boy to take into his mission with him. Stories

of faithful ancestors who prepared the way for us. He will be in the very area of so many

of our ancestors. I makes me wonder what great experiences are meant for him.

He is so interested in each story and feels a great sense of belonging already. We talk alot.....The Boy is

fun to visit with. We talk about white shirts.....great ties.....how he will need to take his own salsas with

him to England......how we are all hoping a praying for an amazing first companion, who is most likely

in the mission field waiting for him. We talk about his dream of having a barn built while his is gone, so

when he returns he can work with his beloved horses.....

.....we talk about alot of things these days...and I love it!

So, although everything is changing...we adapt....we redefine...and move ahead, excited for

all the future holds for our family!

Elder

2011-05-18T07:49:00.001-06:00

Things are changing very fast around here.

Just a few weeks until graduation.....then a Summer filled with activities...

and then The Boy is off to England. It sounds easy enough, but when you actually take a look a our calendar...that already is full....more activities keep popping up. It will be a busy time for us.

Sunday evening the family gathered again...this time to support The Boy in his new Priesthood assignment.

He was ordained an Elder.

Surrounded by his Grandfather, many of his Uncles...and a couple of dear friends who are like

brothers to him...The Farmer gave The Boy a beautiful blessing with promises,

words of encouragement and counsel.

The cousins were there to support The Boy...he is currently the Head Cousin...but that will

soon change and another will take his place;)

(We need a Head Cousin to help keep the Cousin Mob headed in the right direction)

The Boy was blessed to have both of his Grandmother's there with him.

Three dear friends....future missionaries...one will go to Equador...another to Mexico,

and The Boy to England. They are sharing this experience together.

Although things are changing so fast, we are thrilled for the future and the experiences

that are ahead for The Boy!

Why Shopping At The Beach Is A GREAT Thing......

2011-05-10T13:39:00.001-06:00

I started collecting Talavera (painted mexican pottery) several years ago. I love it!
It is bright and cheery and it just makes you feel like having a party.
My first pieces of Talavera were purchased in the city that actually makes the pottery....Puebla.
The Farmer had the unfortunate experience of being assulted and shot in Mexico City,
and we ended up staying there for a couple of weeks while he healed. The day before
we were to leave, some friends offered to take us to Puebla to see the beautiful pottery,
and so The Farmer's Mother and I took them up on their offer. She also purchased several
pieces of the Talavera, which we have used for many dinners.

We enjoyed our little shopping trip....everyone came home with "treat" or two.

Interesting artwork found along the shopping path....

It really was quite fun to look at!

Fish Tacos and Mangos....

2011-05-09T14:24:00.000-06:00

We have had so much going on around our house, during the last week, I didn't have the chance

to finish our beach pictures....so here we go!

The Boy did a little fishing while at the beach....and then he kindly treated us

to some of the best fish tacos we have ever eaten! After tasting the fish taco himself...The Boy

announced..."Hey, I think I should have a cooking show!..These are GOOD!"

And yes they were! Although I am not so sure about the cooking show;)

For me....the most impressive part of the Fish Tacos was that The Boy cleaned

the kitchen of our condo after he was done cooking....Wow! Now that isn't something you

see too often....and he did a wonderful job.

Mangos became the treat of choice each afternoon on the beach. The mango vendor would walk

down the beach with a cart, hauling a load of mangos in an ice chest. He also was equipped with

a shaker full of chile powder and a bottle of Chamoy. He made a lovely little sculpture

out of each mango....it looked like a flower on a stick.

Next he would sprinkle it heavily with chile powder and then pour the Chamoy over

the mango. It made for a big mess....but was loved by all who ate them.

The Rooster enjoyed himself a mango...or two....or three....I think we actually lost

track of the number he ate.

While in our condo late one afternoon...my phone rang....it was The Farmer, who was out

on the beach. He asked me to come to the balcony so I could see a "suprise" that he had

made for me. And this is what I saw! It was a lovely "suprise."

Off to the side stood all of the children....I am pretty sure they helped him carve out his

message.....I do like that Farmer.....he is a great guy!

The Herd + One........

2011-05-05T12:46:00.002-06:00

Our "Herd" has grown!

Yesterday, the little Longhorn calf was born. He is a little bull calf and his name is

"Chencho"

We had hoped to get them moved from the Thorn Ranch to our home before the little

calf was born and we were about one week away.....

Uncle Dave said that when he realized "Chencho" had been born, he went into the pasture to

check him out....as you can see from the above picture...the Daddy bull was not happy and chased him

around a bit. He said he wasn't sure if "Nacho" the bull was teasing him or if he really wanted to

poke him with those big horns on his head. Whatever his intentions were...Uncle Dave didn't hang

around to find out. He moved quickly....after he took these great pictures of the new member

of our "herd." It was a fun night in our house last night...The Boy said that this week just couldn't

get any better! It really feels like Heavenly Father is giving The Boy some really special experiences

with these animals that he loves so much....before he leaves on is mission.

The Mom is really grateful for these tender mercies, that make The Boy so happy!

I am pretty sure I never planned to own Longhorns....or horses....or chickens....or farms.....this isn't

really how I saw my life when I was a teenager....but I do love everything about my life and am

grateful daily to live where I live...... and do what we do.
***Happy Cinco de Mayo!!!!***
We will be celebrating .....mas tarde!

It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This!

2011-05-03T17:48:00.000-06:00

Yesterday morning 5 missionary calls arrived at our home.

After being gone for several days, we knew we would come home to The Boy's call, but

we had no idea that several other calls would also arrive. On my dining room table sat the

unopened calls....all together....the futures of some fine young men.

A few calls were made. We organized our family for the opening of The Boy's call, and I went to work.

My stomach was in knots all day long....The Boy was traveling home from Safford, after attending Prom

with a sweet friend, and around 7:00 our home began to fill with family and friends. The Boy arrived around

7:20. A little earlier one of the young men stopped by to pick up his call.....Alejandro Hinojos, who has

been with The Boy since Kindergarten....he called a short while later to let us know he had been called

to the Dominican Republic! Another young man arrived a little after Alex, Aaron Guiterrez, it was his

18th birthday and his entire family had gathered to celebrate....he called a little later and announced that he

had been called to the Dominican Republic too! One will go to the East mission and the other to the West mission. Pretty incredible! Once the entire family had gathered.....and many friends arrived.....

.....The Boy opened his call....with his Aunt Shauna standing over his shoulder....

she actually read his assignment before he did and looked directly at me when she realized where he would be going....with look that at the moment...I didn't understand, but when he read...

London, England South....I understood. He was in shock....we were in shock...everyone was in

shock. No one in our area has been called to England! He will report August 26, 2011 and

he will be speaking English. He will also be reporting to the MTC in England.

The Farmer was the first to grab him and give him a big father's hug.....and The Boy

hugged back really hard. The group that had gathered cheered...the Mom cired...and that is why the above

picture is blurry..;)....Everyone hugged...it was a very special experience.

The Boy was on one phone with the Grandparents Skinner and on another phone

with The Farmer's Mother who is out of town at the moment.

Cousins hugged tight....they have spent their entire lives together....it is going to be very

hard for them to be apart.

The future missionaries....

The whole gang. Once The Boy opened his call....we all climbed into our cars and headed to the home

of Mi Hijo (Jonathan)....so he could open his call. He was assigned to Ecquador...he was thrilled

his Mom was a little sad. We returned to our cars and returned to our home for cake and visiting.

It was a wonderful moment for our family, both immediate and extended! Like Aunt S. said..."this

day will rank up with the greatest days of your life....your marriage....the birth of your children...and

the opening of the mission call." and she is right!!

Thanks to Aunt Kim for such great missionary pictures of The Boy.

She knows how to capture the personality of The Boy. I guess only an Aunt could do that.

We love you Aunt Kim!