Pre Christmas Cheer to all...

Everyone is getting ready for Christmas, except me.  I have been watching cross country horse trials
and eating the Christmas dipping chocolate.

I know Andrea and the rest of you are busy making goodies and beautiful decorations.   Our little
guy Cocoa has been helping by drinking the christmastree water.

I looked over today and he was so cute sitting under the tree.  Cocoa has also enjoyed learning
to go to his crate.   He just loves the 'puperoni' treats he gets for being good.

Dad has made more wands and they are displayed in the kitchen.  We will soon have examples
of Dad's fine art on every surface.   It's OK !

Back to Cocoa - seen here hopefully staring from his crate.   There are other familiar signs of
Christmas about.

Mother's beautifu piano, and the manger are fun to decorate.

These things are beloved symbols of Christmas.  They bring memories of darling children
playing happily about the home.  Oh yes, there is one more thing...

I had better get busy.   Andrea & Danielle are coming, and so is Christmas.    We love you all.
Thank you for your wonderful blogs.  Love...Mom & Dad

Mom's lucky week with Katy

Katy's brother in law had a plane ticket to give away and I was the lucky recipient. We had a fun few
days together.  Guess which twin!

Mia went to a birthday party.  It was fun to watch Katy fix her hair.  She had a wonderful time!

We had so much fun holding Daisy and playing with her.  She has grown and Katy takes super
good care of her.   Thank you Jake and Katy for a wonderful vacation. 

Mia and I had a great time together.  She is the best dressed girl, and so sweet.  When I arrived
at the airport Mia put her arms out wide and ran for me.   I was thrilled.  Kisses & hugs for Mia.

Back "home" on Sunday, I took a picture of myself to remind you all of my love.

I cornered dad after conference then brought Kevin home.  It has been a beautiful day.

Kevin had a drive in the country,  sat on the tramp, then loved spaghetty dinner.  He is the best
boy ever.   Thank you for your blogs.  We love to see pictures of the family and hear about
what you are doing.  Love Mom & Dad.

Go Romney/Ryan

Dad fixed our political sign up so everyone on the block can see it.  Go ROMNEY/RYAN!!!

Andrea's lemon tree is thriving.  Ray picked two lemons off yesterday.  Dad takes good care
of this beautiful tree.

Fall is certainly upon us.  It is windy and cold outside.  The leaves and plants are beautiful.

The cosmos are bravely bobbing along.  Ray and I love you all and wish you a happy
Halloween.   Go Romney/Ryan!

September & October fun.

Kevin's 26th birthday was great fun.  Kevin loved his cards and new cake shirt.  Thank you all for
remembering him. 

Andrea and Danielle & Scot came for the weekend.  Our families has a great time together at Easy Orchard.

It was fun to be with our best boys and sweet grand girls.

The next Tuesday, we took Kevin and he had a fun time.  Love to all...Mom & Dad

Baby Daisy and Birthday

The day before Daisy was born the sweet gifts from Katy's sisters arrived.  Thank's girls!

We spent the day at Thanksgiving Point.  Katy rented a golf cart and we drove about the park and had
a swell time.  After, we ate a delightful lunch at the little cafe'.  Yum.  Mia was an angel all day.

Brand new Daisy is a little sleepy after her grand entrance.

Mia helped the nurse and Katy with their blood pressure tests. 

Mia and Jake love baby Daisy.  This new family of four is very special.

Mia rode the beautiful carousel horses and toy train on her sixth birthday.

Mia loved her cake, played with her friend London, and opened gifts during the day.

Mia and London ride in London's cute little car.  This was a happy end to a happy birthday.

Katy takes care of Daisy and Mia takes care of "Lizzy" her new doll from Danielle.  Life is good!

Old Israel lamp company

We have been busy the last few weeks making middle eastern olive oil lamps.    We used four bags of
clay and one bag of plaster.  Kathleen made an original and eight plaster moulds.  Ray made the bottom
pattern of the lamp out of wood with a small opening, and a wood tool to push the clay out once it was
the right shape.  This is our kitchen table.

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Now you see the view from the front room.  The lamps are the size of the palm of a hand.  The people
in Jesus's time kept them burning in their homes as olive oil was cheap.  Without the lamps, the inside
of their homes would only be about 40 candles, (very dim).

Ray has turned our bathroom into a dry room with a heater and a fan.  I hope the sun comes tomorrow.

Dad cut the top holes in many of the lamps and straightened out some of the work others did. 

Kathleen rolled clay, filled moulds, made lamps, fixed problems, and got very messy every day.
We hope they turn out well, and that the girls of the stake are enlightened by this gift.  Thank you
for your blogs and calls.  We love you all......Mom & Dad

Home for Spring

Our home (yard) is so nice in the spring that we could just stay here and smell the flowers.

Spring and fall roses are the best!

These dark beauties might have been from Grandma Hoth. 

Lilies are lovely !

more lilies...I could keep going however I want you to see our new garden girl.

She looks sweet and will help develop the back yard.

We wanted you to see Dad's ark.  It's a real sweet project for an accomplished woodworker.

These came from the Kendals.  They are preety for a short while.  There are more pretty flowers
to see, but perhaps next time.  Please take care dear families.  Dad and I kove you so very
much.

Oregon mom gets spoiled!

There she is, your beautiful mom in all her cheesy glory.   Thank you Andrea  and family,  this is Harry & David's best and I will share.  Yum!

This cute little dog came from Jennifer & Karl's family.   Thank's to all, this was dog-gone nice of you.

Danielle & Scott sent this cute photo of Charlotte & Olivia at the beach and season 2 of Downton Abby.

Thank you for hours of fun filled romance.

Katy, Jake & Mia sent a beautiful basket of butterflied and violets.   They are beautiful.  Thank you!

Kevin came for dinner and gave me smiles and a hug.

Ray and I have the most wonderful family.  Thank you for remembering your mother in special ways.