Jilly Flower

Precious Jilly Flower -
our firstborn grandchild to our firstborn child - 

graduates from Highland High School. 

She will be attending ASU on a scholarship to study Art.

We are so proud of her.

Her graduation night was quite pleasant with a beautiful sunset.

My Little Children

All my little children are grown up now and the pattering of little feet only comes when the grandchildren come to visit -- the coloring or original art all over the walls has ceased mostly, unless a grandchild happens to find a crayon - which isn't very often -- the strange assortment of treasures under the beds have vanished forever -- there are no more unmade beds and piles of broken toys and dolls scattered through the house -- there are no more barefoot children, except when the grandchildren come --the piles of laundry are now in their own homes as they are mothers and fathers with the same challenges I had. I now have plenty of quiet time to be creative, to read, to write, to meditate....Bring on the grandchildren!!!

Happy Mother's Day to the lovely mother's of my grandchildren!!

Elder Bielefeldt in Botshabelo South Africa

Elder Bielefeldt has been honored with a Sotho name - "Khotso", which means Peace - so I wonder if they call him Elder Khotso?! He was also given a Sotho blanket, which is part of their traditional clothing and which keeps him warm when he's sleeping. 

He doesn't want to be transferred from this area as he loves it so much, but he probably will be this week. 

Family Easter Fun

Joyful Easter With Grandchildren

 

This Easter egg contest began by scooping out the yolk of the boiled egg - then filling the white of the egg with very hot pepper sauce - then seeing who could be the first to eat the egg up. Ready - set - go! I was last cause I wanted to relish the yummy taste. Parker and Jeffrey tied as they just let the egg slide down their throat. I explained I use to have ice cream cone eating contests with my sister and would try to be last so I could enjoy longer. So last is the winner in my opinion! Anyway, Marty and I were definitely the winners to be able to have a delightful holiday with the Nunley's!

Springtime in the Desert

March brings Spring and the fragrance of citrus blossoms

to create a heavenly place for we who are desert dwellers.

Peach blossoms promise an abundance of summer sweetness. 

 

We delight in our gigantic pine tree here in the desert with numerous new pine cones forming.

(This pine tree had it's young beginning with us many fun Christmases ago.)

What? The cilantro decided to bloom. I can't seem to make enough salsa to keep it trimmed up.

(and I make it often, as well as make fresca even more often)

Of course, I take delight in my roses, but most are not blooming a lot yet.

While taking pictures of the apple tree,

this friendly and curious neighbor cat politely asked me to take his portrait.

Happy Birthday Jared in South Africa

Today has been a special day for Jared as he celebrates his 20th birthday in the far away country of South Africa, where he is serving on a church mission. We're so proud of him.

 

Grandchildren in Teribithea

The Hodge Podge Lodge was the location of a magical visit to Teribithea with 5 enchanted grandchildren. What began as an ordinary day turned into a journey of discovery and wonder of places only imagined before in the mysterious forest beyond the boundaries of the "Lodge". The children nearly froze as they walked the sudden ice fields behind the barn, but.... their exploration was a delight when they discovered the patch of edible ice. In their delight, they frolicked in the barn with fairies and gnomes and a wild, furry creatures that had sharp teeth and a fierce growl, but turned out to be a special friend in deed. They bravely decided to trudge through the mud, the deep washes, and the hills and explore the dense and dark forest beyond -- where they found a field of treasures that shall remain unnamed. New trails, where no man had walked before, were blazed by these daring children. Strange, wild birds zoomed and threatened overhead, but their new friend, the wild furry creature, protected them. As dark, unfriendly shadows, cast by the deepening dusk, threatened to leave them stranded in the strange kingdom, these inquisitive children heard and followed the insistent whistle of their beloved Grandaddy. They rushed into his safe and secure arms and, after a time capsule, with a few treasures was buried in a secret place, they were whisked away to the ordinary world once again (while yearning for the land of Hodge Podge Enchantment).

Happy Birthday Jacob

This is not original but it is true, Jacob Harold, we all celebrate you, And say "Thanks" to Heaven above For sending you to all of us with love. (if you think this is corny, I'm sure you are right - but whatever the case, your kind heart shines bright!) So, Happy Birthday dear son, Have lots of fun!! (don't worry, sallybee knows she is not very literary)

Celebrating Grandma's 90th

From horse and buggy and outdoor privies to jet age, computers and cell phones, Margaret Sevey has seen a lot of change in her 90 years. She has endured severe economic trials, physical hardships working on her farms, loss of all material treasures as a young married mother of two when her home burned; she has practiced provident and thrifty living her entire life. The ability to save and budget and use wisdom in debt control has enabled her to bless the lives of her family materially. She has a strong work ethic as well as strong opinions on nutrition. Two days before her party, she said to me "Well, today I just sat around." That is literally the first time she sat and relaxed completely without feeling the desire to work. In the past several years, as her energy has weakened, she has remained industrious crocheting, quilting, scrap booking and reading. TV has never been part of her life (except for Lawrence Welk and LDS Conference). It was a delight to her last evening to be honored by many friends, family and relatives as they came to wish her "Happy Birthday." There were so many expressions of love and appreciation for her.

Happy Birthday Marsie

Happy Birthday darling girl - May your day be full of sweetness, just as you are!