Family Moments in July

Joe - Marine Recruit

Today. July 1 Joe was sworn in as a recruit to "America's elite warriors" - the Marines.
During the swearing in he had strong feelings that serving his country is exactly what he wants to do.
As a recruit he will spend some time each month preparing for being shipped out in March.
Being a protector and a warrior for the right has always been in Joseph's nature.
His parents are so very proud of him and are very emotional. 

 

Art Barn

Marty's art barn is in progress!!

Little Garden Princesses

The Spice of Life

Spice - The 4 year old toy poodle with the indomitable spirit - She waits everyday by the backyard gate just hoping that maybe it will be the day for a trip to the cabin or to Beth's house. She even has learned to accept the big dogs  sharing her space. Posed here, hoping to be invited to jump up in the swing at the cabin.

Susie's Boys

While Susie spent the weekend at work out of town, Jacob spent Saturday working at the cabin with Dad. Shown here, he actually took a little time of to have fun with "the boys". Unfortunately I forgot to take pictures of his before and after job, but the property is now all cleaned up after hours of toil. Thankfully, the weather was beautiful and the doggies all had a great time romping around.
Even Spice had a fun time and enjoyed having the boys around.

Sibling Reunion

How swiftly the years have passed, but how long and precious are the memories and what fun and sweet times we still have together. Through the years and problems our family has faced, we have kept alive the feelings that our family members are more precious than anything. 

A family is the greatest treasure in all the universe.

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.