Neal's Handy Work

For one of Neal's wood shop projects, I asked him to make a spoon holder for my collector's spoons. He did such a great job on it, I wanted to show it off on his behalf and to thank him, again for his hard work. In fact, it is already getting full enough, I might need him to make another one before the school year ends. I do know, however, that I need to take a number, as a few of my siblings have already requested that Neal make some items for them as well!!!

Tagged - Scattergories Style

Jeanette tagged me with this scattergories style tag. It is harder than it looks, but is also fun.

Name: Vera
Boy Name: Vernon
Girl Name: Veronica
Occupation: Veterinarian
Color: Violet
Beverage: V-8 Juice (some of you may remember Grandma Smith drinking this nasty stuff!)
Food: Velveeta Cheese
Something Found in Bathroom: Vent
Reason for Being Late: Vertigo
Something You Shout: Victory!

I tag anyone who wants to do this. It is actually really fun. Maybe a good activity for the kids to to while on Christmas Break!!!

Happy Birthday Neal (Yesterday)!!!

Yesterday was the 18th birthday of my youngest brother, Neal. I did ask and got permission to post a few photos from his past, so here are some of them.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NEAL!!!

Military Service

Today I went to the Golden Gate National Cemetery (just outside of San Francisco) for the burial of a person who served in the U.S. Army and was retired (meaning he served 20 or more years). When a person retires from the Armed Forces he/she is entitled to full military honors, which means: firing party, taps and flag folding. While in Arizona, I saw this done many times, but never took any photos. Today, I was able to get some photos due to the fact that I was standing in a place that I was not noticed and could be inconspicuous about it (it would be weird for the funeral director to be taking photos!). After the service I drove to the top of a little hill on the grounds and took a few more photos. I would like to send a big thank you to all our service men and women for all of their sacrifices, especially during this holiday season.

Thanksgiving 2008

As you saw in my previous post, I spent last week with my family. All of my siblings, their spouses and children were at my parents house for Thanksgiving Dinner. We had 24 people in my parents kitchen. Everyone had a great time and it was good to have the opportunity to see and visit with everyone again. Here are some photos from the week.

My dad has an M&M candy dispenser. He loves to fill it up before the grand kids come for a vi st so he can spoil the grandchildren and hear their parents get after them for eating candy. Over the weekend, Brenna and Braelynn pulled the leg to dispense the M&Ms. It made the noise of the M&Ms coming out and they jumped. After a second their eyes got big and a huge smile crossed their face and they said "I did it!" We all got a good laugh.


Bella also figured out the M&M dispenser!


My nieces and nephews love to read. Here are some of the photos taken of different people reading to them.
My mom with Keagan, Brenna, Braelynn and Samantha.


Me with Brenna, Braelynn and Keagan.


My dad with Hudson and Keagan.


Thanksgiving dinner.


After dinner, the ladies went to Cory and Melissa's house to do a Christmas craft and left the guys to babysit.


The guys babysat by putting on a movie and giving the kids a bowl of popcorn!!!


Taking a few of the nieces and nephews for a ride on the Rihno.

Rihno Ride

One of the great things about living in the country is the open spaces. You can decide to take a ride on an ATV and just go (vs. the city where you have to load your ATV and drive somewhere before you can take it for a ride). On Monday afternoon, my dad and I took a ride out on their Rihno. We had a great time going up in the mountain and enjoying the scenery.

My parents Rihno.


One of the trails we were on.




Some of the beautiful scenery we got to see.

Vacation Time

I began my Thanksgiving Vacation on Saturday. On my way, I was able to to see the sunrise. I have seen better, but it was still pretty, so I stopped to take a photo of it. Hafen, Hudson (two of my nephews) and I went out to play on Sunday afternoon, so here are a few photos of that.
I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!







Dessert time!!!

Grandparents

Sometimes in my job, a service we have will remind me of a friend or family member. I had one a couple weeks ago that reminded me of my Grandparents. I found a poem about grandparents and thought I would share the poem with some photos I have.

What are Grandparents made of?
Hope and pride, pure joy inside
Warm Hugs and kisses, shooting star wishes
Tickles and fun, a sprinkle of sun
Hands to hold, hearts of gold...

That’s what Grandparents are made of

Tales from the past, memories to last
Laps for reading. “I love you” greetings
Wisdom to teach, always in reach
Toys galore, eyes that adore...

That’s what Grandparents are made of

Patience and time, trees to climb
Baby photos in frames, childhood games
Bragging rights, sleep over nights
Comforting arms, magical charms...

That’s what Grandparents are made of

Kindness and care, affection to share
Heart-to-heart talks, unhurried walks
Faith and trust, spoiling a must
Endless love, a gift from above...

That’s what Grandparents are made of
By Teri Harrison

Halloween in the Funeral Home

This year Hannah and her friends had a Halloween Party in the funeral home. I was very impressed with their planning and execution. They worked hard and did an excellent job. Everyone who attended had a great time.

The Hosts


Check out the eyes!!!


For fear of serious chastisement if I don't post a photo of myself, here it is!


The decorations.