28 June 2008

I was online most of yesterday and forgot to blog again! We did get out and made it to the temple! It's been a few months - so that was so nice. Such a peaceful feeling....

I have been continuing my work on the stories. I don't think my book is 1 inch thick yet - but it's getting there. And I'm not through the C's yet (I put place holders for many of the B's). I figure the easy ones that are really basic I can just fly through. SO - Maybe I's halfway through one page? The stories I do have are great, though. Really inspiring. I haven't done any picture pages - just working on the words for now. I'll go back and do the pictures later (as I will have a place for the pictures all set up :) I'm hoping to find some great big posts (is that the right word?) for my album. We'll see. I haven't run out of page protectors yet. I'm so hooked on the 8X8 size - just perfect for holding and looking at.

We are thinking of GG today. Hoping she is well medicated and not in pain. Get better soon!
Have a good weekend, everyone!

FOR BRUNO

I do have something that you can help with - I've skipped over many names because I know it will take longer to do them. You can help me by writing a bit of what you know about Charlie Buchanan, Quintillious Various, Henrietta Bye, Robert Monroe Bye, Hazeldean McDowall, Samuel Edwin McDowall, Samuel Douglas McDowall, Charles McDowall, Mary Streeter, Marquis L. Knapp, Cornelia Elizabeth Knapp as well as Mahala if you know anything about her. GG can help by writing down any bits of information about Howard, Mary Trane McDonald, John McDonald, Edwin Spencer, John Spencer, or Alberto Lincoln that she can think of.
*****Now I'm not talking a lot of information - just little bits - memories or things you might have heard about them. It's all that's left really. Funny things, personal descriptions, favorite songs, or pastimes, etc. Email is great to get this to me. Without any additional details, all I'll have is a basic : so and so was born......to.....in..... married.....to.....had this many children......died.....in......
Anything to add would be great. For CG and CD - if there's anything specific you want in the book - you better let me know. I'm going to put my memories and thoughts in there (it's my book after all!) I will add anything you would like me to add (as long as it's decent).

Also - I noticed that Reg has time on her hands. If you would like to look for pictures for me - I would love to have you help. I just google a place that I need and find some great pictures (preferably old). Don't want you running out of things to do there....:)

And I have to add that I have not tried watching Lost - so you still have a convert to make, Traci! At this point do I have to go back to the beginning or can I just jump right in and get it? I'm willing to give it an episode to see if I like it. :)

Had to chuckle about Parker's haircut. Silly boy! Now if he had my hair he might really say that....

Well - I better get some housework done. I have made great progress on my histories today!

26 June 2008

So I'm through the A's on my list! Hooray! I'm looking ahead on the B's - and thinking of how I'm going to do these - in particular - CG and CD - still living. I think I will write what I know - and if they want anything else added I can change it later.

I did do two pages yesterday. Have a look:

I really like how they turned out. I try to give each a different look and feel. Over the course of the whole book - that will evenually not work any more - so we'll just do our best.

Well - back to work. Have a great day!

25 June 2008

I would have bet that I had posted yesterday...Oh well! I got rather frustrated looking for a grave that eludes me at present. In Illinois....so it's not like it's an easy search from here. I did get another page done....two acutally. Here they are:

I'm still looking for the other one....so in the meantime, I'll write a bit more. I just opened a package - my A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS ALBUM kit. It's going to be so fun!

Tried outsmarting myself and just put it on the desktop! Crazy me. I really will need to start organizing these pictures by what album they go in too. (side of the family)

We're off and going today - to the school for library and lunch, to piano, and on and on.....ending with activity days.

It will be a good day - busy but good. We had such fun at Gracie's party last night. What a big girl she's getting to be.

Well, Have a great day!

23 June 2008 bonus

Had a spot of trouble posting pictures- think I have it figured out so here's the latest:

More tomorrow!

23 June 2008

This morning I got online to be greeted by 48 blog entries to read. Still have 41 to go - read the family ones first. The pictures on your blog were so fun, Becky. You're such a trooper to sew those patches on. I hear that they have glue for those now....or maybe they iron on. Can't remember details.....The slide in the house looks great! Perfect for those little ones! Reg - love the office - although it looks rather dark - all the wood, I guess. Fun to see how Bridget just keeps growing! I was surprised to read that Brent was your first kiss - I didn't know! :) What fun! Ola - great plan on blogging once a week. So glad to hear that Bryan's back home. Those pre-2's can be tricky! And Kari - Happy Birthday! Looks like it's been great fun already!

So - I have a ton of things to do today. My allergies are kicking up - alas! The big news here is DJ finally has a calling! It's been quite a while (a few months) and no calling. He's our new Ward Clerk. Should be just right on the amount of busy.

My book is coming along - just wish I had more time to devote to getting pages done! At this rate who knows when I'll be done. I'm doing a page for each ancestor (at least one page - with the basics of name, parents, birth and death and marriage dates, etc.). Picture a list - made in Excel with first names in the first column, last names in the second (sorted by last name first then the first name) - My list is 4 1/4 pages long! I'm not even done with 1/4 page. I just need to sit down and get a bunch of the "quick" pages done. The ones that I don't have much info on. Then I do a facing picture page for each story page (Picture the Illustrated Classics). The main book is very loosely bound - those plastic snapload holders. It works well. Want to know a secret? I'm doing more than 1 book. I'm making copies for both DJ & my parents, and our living grandparents as well. The pages in those books apply just to the families that are recieving them - like my parent's won't get any stories about DJ's family. Want to know another secret? I am going to put everything on disks for the rest of the BIG families. STORIES AND PICTURES FOR ALL!
I'm really impatient to get this done - but imagine I'll be done around Christmas realistically.
So - that's your reward for reading today - you are in on the secrets!

Have a wonderful day! More pictures to come!

20 June 2008

So my crash day is ending early. Just too much going on to fully crash. I have taken it easy most of the day, though. Tomorrow is the big slip and slide - and my parents are comming into town too - so I better get my house whipped into shape.


I do have a new page to share with you:
My other pages won't open for some reason? So I'll post them later. Have a great day!

19 Jun 2008

Figured I better write. I really don't know how I got away without writing yesterday. I was on the computer for much of the day. Had some really fun family history finds.....and teasers. Turned them over to Aaron for further research. Today has been much the same. I found a google book about the Eastman's in America. 900 some pages! At any rate no definative answers to be found in that! Alas.....

Tomorrow is crash day - so I probably won't post. Just thinking of you all and hoping your summer is going great!

17 June 2008

It's been a fun birthday for one big girl! The fun just keeps going, too!

So enjoyed reading about your first day, Reg! Sounds like quite the job - I'm sure you'll be on top of it all! Also enjoyed reading about Lori's horse riding class. Hopefully you get to ride soon! Sounds like Father's Day was really fun for Ola and Bryan - liked the picture of the waffles! Also so much fun going on at Becky's house. I can imagine that band!

I took time yesterday to work on the family history albums. Did a couple of new pages - here's a look:

I know it doesn't seem like much - but each page is closer to having my book done! Maybe I'll get a page done today, too!

I've got to get dinner done early so we can eat as soon as we get home. Birthday dinner and all....

Have a great day!

16 June 2008

Monday morning! And friend day....so far just 1 friend has come. That's OK with me :) I've got a couple of things going - so it's plenty busy. Swim lessons continue this week. Such fun!

My VTers are comming in about 10 minutes so I'm hurrying through this. I got just one page done yesterday in my Greatest Love Story Album. Oh, well! My computer program decided it didn't want to do text. Alas!

I've started thinking about the slip and slide set for Saturday. Should be lots of fun. I'm sure I'm forgetting something already....The pinata! I think that's it. So glad this post helped me remember that. Hopefully DJ will read this and remember too!

Haven't caught up on anyone's blogs.....been way too long since I read Sarah's. Sorry! Just getting the basics done seems to be tough these days.

Have a great Monday!

15 June 2008

Happy Father's Day! I so appreciate my father and husband! Best Dad's I know....my brothers are doing a pretty good job as well. What a great day to remember and appreciate them!

On to promised photos:

My lovely husband with flowers for our anniversary. I'm almost done enjoying the blooms....I make them last as long as possible.

General silliness and activity at the park for lunch....

I'll have to make sure to take pics of Kimball and McKay as well. Hinks and Taylor are right at the front - pink swimsuit and multicolored one.

I'm hoping to get some good pages done for Family History today. Have a great sabbath!

14 June 2008

A few fun things for today: http://www.goldviolin.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=91033
What a great idea! I know I have a tough time keeping track of when to re-apply. Wanted to pass it on....

Went to breakfast - they had this quote on a magent there - "Well butter my buns and call me a biscut!" I'll have to do a scrapbook page on that sometime - so funny! Also I think I might have to do a "traditional" album. Check this out: http://www.lisabearnson.com/kotm/
A penny for your thoughts! Very cute and fun. I'll have to start saving my pennies. Love it!

Well, I'm getting ready to go to a birthday party at a scrapbook store (one of McKay's friends). This sounded like something I would enjoy so I'm staying to have fun too!

Have a great Saturday!

13 June 2008

Hello there - just a quick post before we're off to swim lessons again. We are having a good summer. Today was a great crash day. I did have to get up (at 3:30 pm) to fix dinner and take kids to swim lessons - but before that, believe it or not, I had not gotten out of bed since I got in last night about 10:15! I slept (on and off) today until after 1. It was so nice to get so much rest!

So, we have some fun ahead of us....I really will get some pics on someday. Just not today....I know they're a lot more fun to see than just words.

Have to comment on Becky's blog today - so enjoyed seeing the baby swing. Truly something that makes it easier/more wonderful to be a mother/grandmother in the latter days! Thanks for the comments - always fun to see! Have a great weekend!

12 Jun 2008

Sorry to miss yesterday - just ran around all day. Today will be much calmer ;) So fun to see pics of Becky with her grandbabies. What little sweethearts! Also - congrats to Aaron for deciding to continue his education! Sounds like a long road - but it will be good. So enjoyed seeing Regan's pics of her girls at the pool. What bathing beauties! We had some discussion about googles for this year and decided to just forget the goggles. McKay was very concerned about having to dunk her head and open her eyes under the water.....but on the first day of swimming she did it - and found a whole new world! Just a matter of time....Ola we are so excited for you to take a trip to Poland. That will be so nice for you!

Here we continue with swim lessons. I'm so tired today - I have a couple of piano lessons and otherwise I'll be crashing today and tomorrow. My body just wants to rest!

Summer is going well - the girls are loving the swimming. Yesterday I had to pull Hinks out literally because she didn't want to go. Crazy bean!

Have a great day! More probably on Saturday....

10 Jun 2008

First day of swim lessons went great! I think a couple of kids are going to pass their levels! Very exciting! I'm just getting dinner done (early) so they can eat before we go swim. When we get home we have a bit of dessert. Seems to work......

Sorry it's short - pictures to come ;)

9 June 2008b

So I have a couple of pics to show what 9 children going to the park looks like:

A little crazy....but McKay always knows just where everyone should be....:)
Such initiative. Or you could call it bossy! Alas....

9 Jun 2008

Today is a busy day here. We had a wonderful weekend with DJ's relay for life going well. Got some rest too....more hopefully this week :) But today is Friend day. One day a week I'm letting my girls have a friend over - from 10 to 3 today. This is our first week so we'll see how it goes. Basically I'm using the tickets they earn for doing many things....it takes 20 tickets to get an invitation to give to a friend. They took their invitations to church and gave them to a friend. McKay even earned 2 invitations! So far it's working wonderfully. Any extra tickets sit in the ticket container (a canister with a hole in the top) - and when I am going somewhere and want to take a helper I draw a ticket to see who is comming with me. Works great!

Anyway - in addition to friends, we have swim lessons tonight and FHE. Busy, busy! I wanted to show you how great my new magnet board (for piano) turned out. The picture doesn't do it justice. Maybe I just can't figure out how to take good pictures inside the house? - at any rate here's what it looks like:

The music along the top is Amazing Grace with the words listed along the left side. Very inspiring and uplifting. I so like how well it looks!

I played "If the Savior stood beside me" for a musical number on Saturday (baptism) - and the gal singing needed it in a lower key. I moved just a few notes down (the high ones) but she didn't want to sing it like that - so what we did was: I played it on the organ and used the transpose knob to take it down a couple of keys. Worked great! Rather unusual to accompany someone on the organ - but in this case it was just what was needed. Wanted to put that on just in case anyone else comes across a similar situation :)

That about rounds things out - can't think of anything else to add. I've got to go read everyone's blogs - I think there's 23 to go! I did get a little glimpse of Regan's - with coloring fun....I can't remember how many times we've had that happen! Way too often. I tell myself at times like this - "These are the good times" I don't have myself convinced yet :) Anyway - I'm off to read the full scoop. Have a great day!

6 June 2008

Happy Friday! I am indeed taking it as easy as possible. Only doing necessary things....really! I so enjoyed seeing the fun you had on the trampoline, Becky! Such an adventurous spirit! It was fun reading about Bridget and Tess (the little copycat!). They are both growing so well.

I've got a couple of things to cook up for the Relay DJ's doing tonight. I really hope to get back to my scrapbooking one of these days.....

Sorry it's so short today. Just resting! Have a great Friday!

5 june 2008

I'm still here. Just very tired. This happened a couple of weeks ago - and I'm not sure why. Just when I think i have something figured out - it trips me up. I should really get some pics on. I was a bit creative yesterday and did a banner for DJ's upcomming Relay for Life (pictures to come). Thanks for the nice comments and compliments. I wish I got on every day - but when I'm feeling like this I just can't do it. We did go to the park for lunch and that's all I can do today - my energy is spent (and beyond).

So enjoyed seeing the pictures of Schlitterbahn. That should be a word in the Scripps National Spelling bee - something I got to see while resting. Wish we were closer! The circus looked colorful! We're still planning on doing another circus with you in a couple of weeks. :) Should be crazy fun.

We are currently using ticket motivation. I got 4 colored strips of tickets (the girls colors) and they can earn tickets any time they like for doing just about anything. There are rewards that cost a certain number of tickets and drawings for special privledges. We don't have that end of it all figured out in detail yet - but the initial earning is going great- shoes flying off the floor into the cubbies, clothes picked up, toys picked up, dishes put away, etc. It is a beautiful thing. I got the four colors so I wouldn't have to write their name on the ticket. I took a canister with a plastic lid and cut a hole so there is a place to put the tickets. It is all very exciting for them!

Anyway, I better stop before my arm wears out. Have a great day!

3 June 2008

After field day yesterday - and Kindergarden Graduation today, I'm pretty wiped out! My throat even hurts (maybe from yelling at the kids at school?). Alas....

DJ is comming home to make me lunch. I'm so excited! What a real treat. Other than that....not too much. We had a wonderful FHE with A & S's families last night. Might have to make this a tradition.....

I had a pet peeve I wanted to see if anyone else shared - but I've forgotten what it was. It will come to me later, I'm sure!

Does anyone else like Word Girl? My girls have decided it's their favorite show (although Taylor still likes Dora the Explorer pretty well too). Such fun!

Anyway - I'm hoping to rest and relax today. I got caught up on my scrapbook shows I had saved yesterday and made notes on what I wanted to remember from them. All from the comfort of my bed! I have 43 blog entries to catch up on - not to mention the ones I haven't commented on that I wanted to. ....know I am thinking of you even if I don't comment. Sometimes it's all too overwhelming.

Loves to all! Have a great day!