Signs of Spring

There are some definite signs of Spring at our house. The flowers are in BLOOM...

The mulberry tree is LOADED with mulberries (the birds love it)...

There are mulberry SPLATS on the sidewalk, and the patio, which then gets on everyone's feet, which then gets all over the house...

And the baby chicks are growing up to be chickens (and we hope will give us delicious eggs someday, if we can keep the coyotes away from these ones!). Did you know that chickens like to eat mulberries? And did you know that when chickens eat mulberries their poop is purple? It's everywhere! We have them in the back yard where they can run around and be "free range" chickens during the day, and we pen them up at night. They stay in the yard better than any dog I've ever seen. But the other morning I came home and there was one of the chickens standing on the front porch. I have no idea how it got there. Did you know it's almost impossible to catch a chicken by yourself? So I wasn't sure what I was going to do. I finally opened the side gate that leads to the back yard, got a long stick in each hand, and proceded to try to "herd" the chicken through the gate. I walked along behind it and if it went to the right I waved the stick in my right hand. If it went to the left I waved the stick in my left hand. I wondered if anyone was watching me because I'm sure it looked very entertaining. It took about 10 minutes because chickens are very stubborn and it kept wanting to go back the way it came or hide in a bush or something. But finally I got it to go through the gate, to my great relief.

I really love SPRING, it is probably my favorite season. I just wish it would last a little longer before the heat hits. But I am enjoying it while it is h e r e....

LOVE THE BACKGROUND AND NEW PICTURE

Becky, the blog looks so cute. I love this new look, its just my style. Thanks for keeping it up.

THATS OUR STORY AND WE ARESTICKING TO IT.

GRANDPA

THE BEAUTY OF ARIZONA

Arizona is so pretty this time of year. If you don't think our state is beautiful, you haven't really looked at it. We spent several days at Roosevelt Lake last week, and we really enjoyed the scenery. The lake is HUGE and the water is a turquoise blue color. There are wildflowers blooming all over the place, and all of this set against the purplish hills and mountains that surround the lake is breathtaking. There are many, many campgrouds there, and each site in each campground has a covered picnic table, bbq grills, nice parking areas for trailers or vehicles, some with cement, and paved roads around each campground. The weather was nice while we were there - no wind and just warm enough. There are some Indian ruins whose inhabitants have been gone for hundreds of years. This is a park site with trails and a visitor center - very nice and interesting. The only downside was the stickers. I pulled and cut so many stickers out of Lulu that I thought I was going to make her bald. And we were told the snakes were coming out. Snakes are thick there due to the brush and water.

We arrived at the lake Tuesday afternoon with our trailer and Davis & Malena with theirs. We spent that evening at the camp, and watched the movie AUSTRALIA outdoors under the stars. Then the next morning we took a ride to Payson. I have always thought Payson was a nice town with lots of places to eat and some cute Antique Stores. So we ate at Chili's and visited a few of the stores. Yes, I found some goodies to bring home. Then we ate at a cafe advertising Homemade Pies before we went back to our trailers. That night we played PITCH - the boys against the girls. That was fun.

Thursday morning we went to the Globe-Miami area and ate at a good Mexican restaurant and visited more antique stores, one of my favorite pastimes. There are some really cute stores there. There is one in Globe that I just love. Then, in the late afternoon we headed back to camp. Later in the evening we played PITCH again. The girls won this time.

We came home Friday afternoon and got here in time to go to the BBQ for the Pima Heritage Days. That is always good food and there a lot of people that come "back home" just to renew acquaintances. Then on Saturday we rode over to Tucson to go to the State Concert that Jared sang in. The Band performed first, then the Orchestra, then the Choir. It lasted 3 hours and was very good. It was held at UofA.

Monday I had my mammogram, always fun, then Dad & I planted more stuff in our garden. Its growing better now that the wind has quit (knock on wood) and its warmer weather. My Wildflower garden is starting to bloom, and I love that. Queen Ann's Lace, Bachelor Buttons of all colors, Larkspur - purple, lavendar, pink, and white, Poppies - the big tall ones - in all colors- and 5 rosebushes in there, red, yellow, 2 dark pink, and one light pink one. I look forward to seeing whats blooming each day. And Lulu thinks she's in a jungle and has a lot of fun. She acts so busy.

I have been cleaning out THE NEST yesterday and today and it is about done. And Dad has been cleaning up the yard, and it looks much better. Spring is so fun. Have to do a lot before it turns HOT!

Yesterday afternoon we went to Jason's Track Meet in Safford with about 5 other schools. He ran 2 events, the mile and the 800. He came in second place in the mile and 4th in the 800. He is like Darvil. I can't believe he will be in High School next year. All my grandkids are growing up.

Jace is doing OK from his appendix operation. Thats quite serious when it bursts like that. He had pneumonia, but I think he's doing better.

Thats my newsletter for today. We're always happy to read your news, and Becky, the Disneyland trip sounded fun and exciting.

Mom and Dad??

Mom and Dad where are you? Has the same phenominon that lured the Boren family away from the blog gotten to you too? I was hoping for a travel log from your recent trip. I gave you mine. Even though it's on my own blog, but still. I wonder. Are you still there?

Future Fire Fighter?

On Saturday, April 11th Brady graduated from a Spring Training course for the Clark County Firefighters Explorers program. This program is for those interested in becoming fire fighters some day or for people who just want to have a good experience. They learn how to put on the suits quickly, climb ladders and tall buildings filled with smoke, carry a 150 lb. dummy out of buildings while also carrying an air tank on their back, cut cars open, perform CPR, do obstacle courses and running, etc. while wearing all the gear. And much more. Brady had a great time and did very well in all areas. I think he's found what he'd like to do. And he'd be very good at it. One of the teachers (pictured) really used him as a leader among the other kids and liked joking around with him. Some kids quit before the week was finished because it was so tough. We're very proud of Brady for finishing and doing so well.
While I'm bragging, Friday night and Saturday was our Stake Youth Conference. Brady was one of the youth leaders. We have heard nothing but good from all the adults since they've been back about what a good job Brady did. He had an autistic boy in his group who he took under his wing and really helped a lot. He was positive and helpful and was one of the few who stayed behind to help clean up when it was all over. I know I sound braggy, but I feel we've earned it with this boy. For those of you who know what we've been through with him, you know what I mean. We really are proud.

He's got a job interview on Thursday, so maybe he'll be as lucky as Logan.

We're out of here!

Dad,

Sorry no one is writing on the blog. I can't get my kids to pick up their socks, let alone sit down and post on something that isn't their own myspace or facebook page. And I just don't have anything interesting to say. I'm sure you don't want to hear the details of laundry, dishes, mopping and grocery shopping. There are a couple of exciting things to write about however, and I'm not sure which one is more exciting:
We're leaving for Disneyland tomorrow and Logan has a job interview today. Did you hear what I just said? LOGAN HAS A JOB INTERVIEW TODAY!!!!!!

That means he could possibly have a job! For me, it's a toss up between that possibility and Disneyland. We spent a few hours Saturday turning in job applications to lots of places: Grocery stores, restaurants, movie theater and yesterday the movie theater called him for an interview. Since there isn't time for a family fast I'm asking anyone who's reading this blog (family or strangers) to drop down on your knees and plead that he gets this job. Oh, and cross your fingers, toes and eyes while you're at it. If I can get him to wear some regular pants that don't show his underwear, he just may have a chance.

But, I can't spend my whole day in prayer, I have alot to do to get ready for our trip. We leave Tuesday afternoon and will return on Saturday. I am hopeful we will have a good time. You never know. I've been stressing about having to ride Tower of Terror. Phillip says I have to. I say I don't. I'm thinking of faking an injury just before it's time. For now though I have to go and scrub the shower. Cindy is house/dog sitting for us and there's lots to clean so I won't be too embarrased. As long as she doesn't open Amanda or Logan's door she should be okay.
I hope you and Mom have a good time on your camping trip. What exactly will you do while sitting on the bank of the lake? It sounds nice. We'll have to compare travel logs next week.

Goodbye.

OK CHILDREN

SEEMS GRANDMOTHER WRITES MORE THAN ALL YOU KIDS, WHATS THE DEAL. I ASKED FOR LOGANS LOVE LIFE, STRANGE THINGS HAPPENING TO AMANDA LAUREL, ANYTHING FROM BRADY, OR ANYONE FOR THAT MATTER. I NEED SOME NEWS, JUICY NEWS, MADE UP NEWS, LIES, HECK I DON'T CARE, JUST WRITE SOMETHING SO I CAN READ ALL ABOUT IT.

I THINK MOM AND I ARE GOING TO GO CAMPING WITH DAVIS AND MOLENA TO ROSEVELT LAKE AND STAY A FEW DAYS. THE CAMPING SITES ARE VERY GOOD AND THE LAKE IS FULL SO WE CAN SIT ON THE BANK AND..............

ANYWAY WE WILL STAY A FEW DAYS, STARTING TUESDAY AND PROBABLY COMING HOME ON FRIDAY. SOMETIMES RETIREMENT ISN'T SO BAD.

GUESS I WILL GO AND FIND SOMETHING ELSE TO DO. TOO-DA-LOO.

GRANDFATHER

GREETINGS TO THE FAMILY KNEE CLUB

Well, I guess there isn't really a club like the one mentioned above, but I think there needs to be one. Its no secret that I've had knee problems for many, many years and had a new knee installed in the left leg. Well, things still haven't been perfect in the walking department of life, to put it mildly. Pain, constant nagging pain, is not my friend, but I know it well. A couple of weeks ago, the pain I have been experiencing in my right knee, and the stiffness, became worse. Thinking every day it would get better, I kept on functioning the best I could. Then one day, I got out of bed and realized I couldn't bend my right leg. My knee had to be held perfectly straight, so I hobbled and dragged myself around the house, still trying to do some things. Finally, the first of the week, I gave in to the misery and stayed off my feet, thinking that would help. NO of course it didn't. So yesterday, Wed., I gave up and and went to see Ken Larson. He drained a lot of bloody liquid out of my knee and gave me some kind of a shot in my knee. Does this ring a bell, Becky, Colby, Logan and whoever has had this procedure? This is the first time I have had fluid drained, altho I've seen it done to Becky many times. My knee started feeling better right away, altho not 100% but then it hasn't been that for a long time. I have an appt. with Dr. Bryce, who did my surgery on the other knee, for a week from today. The frustrating thing is,............I have no idea how I hurt my knee to make it swell, cause pain, get hot, etc. So to all the other knee sufferers, I feel sorry for us. It stinks. Its a big pain. I hate it. But it could be worse. Things always could be. So we have to be grateful that we have legs at all.

Then Dad took me back up in the afternoon for a pedicure appt. I had made, since I don't think I can do it myself, and was way past due, wearing socks all winter. The girl that gave me the pedicure said my feet are nice. She said some women come in with really grody, rough heels and feet from going barefoot. So at least something is good. My toenails are painted a pretty shade of light pink, just right for spring. Which it will be, whenever the wind quits blowing 90 miles an hour, but thats another story.

Hey Children.

My birthday is comming soon, so be thinking what to get good ole Dad. Box of 22 shells would be nice, only about $2.50 I think.

What I realy wanted to say is that sickness is a bummer. You know us guys, if we feel bad we think we are dying. I got to feeling bad last sunday evening and as monday rolled around I was feeling worse. Diarrea, upset stomach, and if you can believe it, loss of appitite. I got to feeling better by wednesday but then went down hill again on thursday. Still no appitite and I know I must have lost 20 lbs. Yeah right. Friday and Saturday I did not feel so good but one of those days I worked on my old pickup. Today, Sunday I woke about 4: am with a bad knot in my stomach. I needed to throw up to feel better but did not. All day I have had hard pains in my stomach and have not had anything to eat, except, an ice cream bar.Ever present diarrea and just feeling yucky.

Now that I have told you of my possible dying, send me some letters,{ Darvil its about your turn}, I can still read but I am fadeing fast. Logan tell me about your Love life.

Dad

Easter Dress the lazy way

Mom, this post is for you. I just wanted you to know that your talent and creativity DID NOT get passed on to me. You used to sew our Easter dresses every year. Beautiful pinks, yellows, blues and greens. Floral, lace, and eyelet. You would spend hours and hours to make the lovely creations. It boggles the mind how you managed to sew not one, but two dresses. Well, I must admit I have no inclination to ever sew an Easter dress in my lifetime. By the time I would get done with it, I wouldn't be fit to live with and the dress would be a mangled mess of a dress. My solution to the Easter dress challenge is to go to a second hand consignment shop and buy one for $7.99. I almost bought one at Target for $22.00, but just couldn't bring myself to buy it. So , Mom, I bow down to you and say "You're a better woman than I am!" And, by the way, doesn't Isabelle look cute? Shhh. no one has to know how much how her dress costs.

21 and still having fun!!

I still remember turning 21. I had really arrived somewhere. And now you have. 21 is a year for big changes in people's lives it seems like. What will the year hold for you? Whatever you do, we all love you and think the world of you. You have always been special to all of us being the oldest and "first-born". I still remember that when you were born, I was on my mission in the Dominican Republic. I was so proud to tell everyone that I had a niece. I couldn't wait to see you when I got home! Thanks for always being a good example to all the younger nieces and nephews. I know they all look up to you. I admire your upbeat and positive attitude. Keep it up! HAPPY 21st, SHALEICE!!

Shaleice is 21!!!!!

Happy Birthday Shaleice! You are a grown woman now. Here are some things you can do now that you are 21: Enter into legal contracts, legally buy and consume alcohol (doesn't apply to you), serve a mission. That's about all I can think of. I found a list of things to do before you turn 21. Some of them are kind of lame.

21 Things to Do Before You Turn 21 from Seventeen Magazine:

1) Take a road trip
2) Learn to play an instrument
3) Go skinny dipping
4) Save $1,000
5) Know your grandparents
6) Buy a lottery ticket
7) Win an award
8) say "I Love You"
9) learn to drive a stick shift
10) milk a cow
11) forgive someone
12) have your fortune told
13) Go to a drive-in (theater)
14) Do your own laundry
15) Ride a horse
16) Donate your formal dresses
17) See the ocean
18) Waitress at least once
19) See at least one thing that is "the world largest"
20) Leave the country
21) Learn to love your body

How many have you done?
We Love you Shaleice!! Have a great day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHALEICE

I can't believe my oldest grandchild is 21 years old today. Shaleice is a lovely young woman. So strong in her beliefs, so independent, and so beautiful. We love you , Shaleice and hope you have a nice birthday, even tho you have to work. We'll be thinking of you.

Trial of Doug Grant

Did you watch 20/20 Friday night? The whole program was about Doug Grant. We didn't come across it til it was about half over. The whole story was told, at least what has already been said about it anyway. I don't think the fact of the insurance policy was brought out, tho. It mentioned Pima and showed film of his family. In the Courier today it said he is probably going to get prison time for more than five years because of the aggrivating circumstances. After Doug pulled Faylene out of the bathtub, he called his friend. He never did call 911 which doesn't make him look very good. He put Faylene on the bed, then later said he tried to do CPR on her. The paper said authorities have said its almost impossible to do CPR on a soft surface, like a bed, that the person has to be on a hard surface, like the floor. He should have called for medical assisstance before trying to do the CPR. He will have his sentencing on May 1, and I think he has been in jail since the verdict was read. The jury also said this crime was commited in an unusually cruel manner and that Doug's statements about the event were insincere. There is information on the web about this, under his name and also Channel 3 KTVK. Its sad for his family. ps. He was convicted of Manslaughter, not Murder 1 or 2.

Eat a bit, watch a bit, sleep a bit

The best way to stay awake during conference is to eat. Chips and dip, sandwiches, fruit, chocolate chip cookie vanilla ice cream sandwiches. Conference makes me sooooooo sleepy!!! But it was so good!

LITTLE BOYS

This morning, outside our house and in front of Reece and Ana Jane's house there were a lot of little boys wandering around, pounding on stuff, tying things up with ropes. This was early, about 7:00. The boys all had trucks and trailers, to haul their toys on. They were all as busy as little beavers, and they all seemed very excited, yelling and talking to each other. The strange thing is that all of these little boys were 60 years and older. Some were in their 70's. They loaded up and drove off, forming a small caravan. You guessed it, Dad and his buddies were off for a major 4-wheeler ride. This ride has been planned and discussed for at least a week. Who would ride with who, what time to leave, where to go, what to eat-------details, details. I'm glad they are still able to go and have fun together. The place they decided to go will probably take most of the day.

And the girls, we are having a get-together at, you'll never guess, Bush & Shurtz, the little cafe right here in Pima. AnaJane talked me into going and will honk her car for me in just a few minutes. This is the plan for today. I might go to some antique and second-hand stores later.

Water is good and bad

Water. You can't live without it but it sure can cause problems. I went to exercise class yesterday. I was gone for an hour, mind you. I came home to find a broken faucet outside, right against the house, shooting like a geyser. Half of the front yard was flooded. But worse than that, it had soaked through the wall and gotten into the house. One fourth of the dining room was covered in water. The flooring in that room is that wooden laminate, and the directions when we installed it said to never let water get underneath it. Well, I called Rob, got the water turned off, and he came home and we proceded to pull baseboards off the wall and start pulling up floor planks. The water had gotten underneath half the floor of the room! We had furniture moved in all directions, floor planks scattered all over outside to dry, every beach towel we own soaking wet. I put fans in there that have been running since yesterday to dry out the concrete so that we can begin the giant jigsaw puzzle project of putting the floor back together. (I tried marking the backs of the pieces as we pulled them up, but that didn't exactly work.) We'll see how that goes. We had talked about going somewhere as a family this weekend since it's the beginning of Spring Break, but now I'm glad we didn't make a plan so we can work on putting the room back together. While the water was off yesterday and I couldn't shower my just-exercised sweaty body, and my sink was full of dirty dishes, I thought about water and how we should have more stored than we do. I have a few jugs here and there, but I've been wanting some nice storage containers or barrels. A friend called and wanted to know if I want to buy some water storage containers her dad brought down from Utah, so I bought some. I think it's a sign that we need to be prepared with food AND water.