Stephenson Family Ties The Barn Burnt Down
And Now I See The Moon

Sister Anna Pictures!!!!




Nothing more needs to be said!!!! Happy happy happy
is for Eight!



Eight things I have learned this year.

1. Blogging is great fun!
2. Grand parenting is even more grand!
3. Daughter-in-laws are a gift and a blessing.
4. I can miss someone to distraction, and still be joyful.
5. I write a little better.
6. I know a little more algebra.
7. I can use my computer with more confidence.
8. My feet will take me further than I could imagine.

Eight things I want to do before I die.

1. Fly in an F-16
2. Return to Italy.
3. Celebrate my 50th wedding anniversary.
4. See my children all marry in the Temple.
5. Go on a mission with Bob
6. Get my dad to write his personal history.
7. R.V. the United States with Bob and grandkids.
8. Receive an Indian name.

Eight things Im passionate about.

1. My husband
2. My kids
3. The Gospel of Jesus Christ.
4. Grandchildren
5. Hiking (especially Havasupi. More about this with letter H)
6. Reading
7. Journal writing
8. Finding a passion

Eight things that attracted me to my best friend.

1. He is tall and handsome.
2. His unconditional love.
3. He is an amazing father.
4. He is spiritual and wise.
5. He comes from an amazing family.
6. He is very generous.
7. He is quite funny.
8. He knows how to make me happy. And wants to.

Eight things I say often.

1. "I love you."
2. "Clark, HELP!!! its the computer again!!"
3. "I'm cold!!!"
4. "My bones are FINE!"
5. "Did you hear what Glenn Beck said today?"
6. "Anna is doing fabulous."
7. "Do we need more milk?"
8. "Lunch or a movie, anyone?"




is for DUBIOUS.






Quick weight-loss plans- especially those that don't include exercise.

Drivers over 80- (sorry mom and dad)especially those who can't see over the steering wheel, or those that are driving the wrong way on the round-about. (which I'm quick to point out, doesn't apply to any of us!)

Psychics- why wouldn't the 'spirits' go directly to the source?

I'll never learn to sing; in this life.

Hollywood 'stars.'

National Enquire- though I am sure Elvis has bought a home right here in St George.

Wrinkle Creme- Oh how I wish they really worked. I would spend bucks if they did.

Global Warming- (oops, no politics here)

Modern Art- "what is that?"

Rock Climbing- pretty certain I wont be doing it.

Hospitals- (sorry Brent) glad they're there; pray I never have to use one.

Burping is ever in good taste- What country is it that thinks it is ok?!

Does anyone even read this blog?

Visiting Lachlan and His Family



We could stay away no longer.
He's now crawling.

And he's cute.
And cuddly.
We just had to go and kiss his face.

Women of the Silver Screen


This is an amazing video! I love what Hollywood can do and I hate what it can do. This is an example of its wonders and beauties!!!
Watch and enjoy. be sure to turn off my music.
click below

Beautiful Women
is for blue.

Here is what blue looks like in my head.

Blue Jeans-- Didn't Neil Diamond sing it best? I know I'll be forever in blue jeans, and that's where I'm happiest.
(Even when I travel I wear jeans)


Blueberries-- by far the most delectable fruit. I wonder if my love for this berry developed as a young child? We had a large blueberry bush growing in our backyard in Maryland. I could pick my fill of them. Did you know that blueberries are a plant native to North America? They are now also grown in Australia, New Zealand, and So. America.
(What's airfare to Australia?)*footnote


Blue waters of Mexico-- I've been lucky enough to have vacationed in Mexico 3 times. Its a place I'd choose to go again and again. I've grown to love it more each time we visit. I know what brings me joy. Those white sandy beaches and that amazing warm, blue water do it for me every time!
(I can have my bag pack in 10 minutes!)
(look at that, I'm wearing blue jeans!)

Blue eyed children-- I have 5 of them!! 3 of them were voted to have the 'best eyes' for their high school yearbook. Each one of them have very distinctive eyes with a blue that can't be described. Each one of these kids is unique and distinctive in all that they do!! Oh and let me not miss the chance to expound on the wonder of my husbands' blue eyes also! oooolala
(Their blue eyes always relish the chance to see more of the world. They can have their bag packed in 9 minutes.)

BLUE- the song by Leanne Rimes-- Do you remember when this song came out on the radio? It knocked my socks off then and it still does now. And to think that she was only 13 at the time! Another case of vocal cords in hyper-drive. How would it feel?
(I wonder where her next concert is? Anyone want to go?!)
BLUE song click here


Blue sky and red rock-- I think that is what people who aren't from here notice first. Our blue, blue skies as the back drop to our red rock. I enjoy it almost everyday, and I don't ever grow tired of it!
("oh look, up there in the sky, is that an airplane?")











Blue Cheese-- I love it! My kids are pleased to remind me that I'm eating mold. Why do they have to do that?
(blue cheese originated in France. Cheese and baguette in gay Paris anyone?)


Blue sleeping attire-- I have now noticed that almost all of the things I sleep in are blue. How odd. What does it mean....?

The Flipside to Blue

Blue hair is out!! For old people its outdated, and just plain creepy otherwise.
Unless of course your an adolescent and find it a means of nondestructive rebellion-then you'll have my nod to visit the Clairol counter.
Or...you are Jennifer Garner!!




I WON'T drink anything that's blue.


I'm adverse to blue lips. This means it's WAY to cold for sane people.
(you've traveled way to close to a polar ice cap)

The dreaded "blue screen" on the computer
(where do we travel to find help?)

Blue Dot Trail- do not attempt this hike out of the Rio Grande Gorge, in New Mexico, with small children and not enough water! Just don't do it. Its a miracle that I still enjoy hiking after that experience.

Feeling blue- when I'm not traveling, or when I'm missing my sweet Anna.

So.....I think I've planted enough seeds...anyone ready for a trip into the wild blue yonder!? I'm ready.

* footnote: how many of you 'older' folks remember this sweet story? I'll be reading it to my grand kids- for sure!

TURKEY!!!




Well, at least the picture of the 26 pound turkey and the cook, turned out!! The turkey is always the highlight of the day anyway. It didn't disappoint this year! YUM!! Everyone loves the dressing that dad makes with pinenuts and clams!!
Thanks Dad!! Thanks everyone, for all the help and yummy food!

Happy Birthday Kim!

Kimball D Rogers
Born Nov. 23
Idaho Falls, Idaho



HOW TO STAY YOUNG
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay him/her.
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. " An idle mind is the devil's workshop."
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away
M.E.Spencer

Kim, if there is anyone I know, I'd have to say that you are the best example of how to stay young at heart. May I age with as much grace and finesse as you!
Happy, happy Birthday!

Desert Tank Hike







Now I'm ready for TURKEY!!!!!

SAYING THANK YOU IS MORE THAN GOOD MANNERS! ITS GOOD SPIRITUALITY!
-A. Painter

3 Years!


Marriage: The best method ever devised for becoming acquainted.
-Glasow


HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Rob and Chelsea!!!

Quote From Budda


Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't
learn a lot today, at least we learned a little,
and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't
get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't
die; let us all be thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Thanksgiving















AND HE WHO RECEIVETH ALL THINGS WITH THANKFULNESS SHALL BE MADE GLORIOUS; AND THE THINGS OF THIS EARTH SHALL BE ADDED UNTO HIM!
Doctrine & Covenants 78:19

Sister Anna!!


Anna sent pictures today!! Its like Christmas when that happens!
This is a pic of Sister Griffith and a woman they were teaching,
Libby Shirley. Anna is experiencing the good, the bad and the ugly,
and this nice woman has a tale. Was diagnosed with MS, husband left
her, got evicted, and they have lost touch. But Anna is encouraged
because she received the teachings so well. Ever the optimist, she
knows she'll join some day.
The other pic is of her breakfast one morning. She was quick to add
that there was fruit and juice along with this marvelous meal. Waffles,
peanut butter, syrup and peanut M&Ms! Not my idea at all of a tasty waffle!

And lastly, but not least, we have our beloved Ernestine! Anna and Sis. Wells
love this woman so much. This picture tells it all. It was taken after a
Zone Conference, where Ernestine spoke! Miracles!! Anna reports that she
did fantastic and can hardly believe how much she has grown in her testimony
already!!

We love our girl and are so proud of her!!
is for Ample


Thanksgiving inspires this list. Which starts me off well, 'cause I'm an ample list maker.
There are ample smiles, and food of every kind in the cupboards, and wonderful hugs from those I love. I have ample garage space and DVDs in the cabinet. There are an ample supply of books on my shelves and lizards in the yard,music on my ipod, and fabric in the closet. How about an ample amount of red sand in my socks after hiking, and all the sunshine we need to stay happy,and shoes to spare, strung throughout the house. I have an ample supply of foot creams and toenail polishes and pictures of Lachlan. I am blessed with ample sleep and rest, and peace to my soul. There was an ample harvest from our ample yard, in the reaping of nuts and pomegranates and tomato's. I have been amply blessed by an expanding, developing family who love one another deeply. We have been amply blessed by the missionary spirit of service. My gratitude for these ample blessings is overwhelming!!



am·ple (ām'pəl) Pronunciation Key
adj. am·pler, am·plest

Of large or great size, amount, extent, or capacity: an ample living room. See Synonyms at spacious.

Large in degree, kind, or quantity: an ample reward.
More than enough: ample evidence.
Fully sufficient to meet a need or purpose: had ample food for the party. See Synonyms at plentiful.

Time for a name!?



I've had this cute little green turtle (red ear slider) for several months now. I quess she's going to thrive in 'spite' of me. :)
I thought it'd be fun to have a 'suggestion box,' and take ideas for fun names for the little gal.
Things you need to know about her:
*She lives in a casserole dish on the counter, by the sink. (I realize she needs an up-grade,and soon)
*She was born without a tail.
* In the summer she lives in the pond out in the backyard.
*She's growing SLOWLY (thus the up-grade)
*She has the will to LIVE!!

Let the names begin!!!


Look who stopped by for lunch today!!!
Joyful, and sweet Sister Caroline Wells,from San Deigo.
They are taking a road trip to Provo and stopped to say hello
and grab a bite to eat. It was so wonderful to finally meet the
famous Sister Wells;the sister who made all the difference to the
start of Annas mission. She was the perfect first companion.
We will always be grateful to her and her service to Heavenly Father
and to Anna. Caroline is looking forward to what the future may hold,
and also, like me, cant wait until Anna returns, so they can 'play' together!!!
Happy Trails and Good Luck!!

She's Back!!!


Its been a while!
Holy Cow!! What a voice, and so versatile!!
It's been quite some time since I've shelled out cash for a whole CD!!
She doesn't disappoint!!

Birthday Girl!!


Take a look at this darling girl!! Right out of the shoot, she was a gem!

Now its her birthday! And I wish to honor her in some small way.
We love her so much. She has enhanced Joes' and our lives with much joy and happiness. Her heart is so good and so tender. And, I bet she has always been wise beyond her years.We are all so blessed to call her daughter, sister, and friend.
This promises to be a great new year for her-I'm sure of it. And we promise to do all we can to help make it so!!
Fun Facts:
#Favorite Food- Roast Beef and Mashed Potato's and gravy
#Favorite Desert- Hagen Das ice cream and cake
#Favorite Books- Twilight,New Moon, Eclipse, by Meyer
#Loves most music and loves to sing
#Loves Children
#Loves to Camp
#Loves pink roses
#Favorite Holiday- Christmas
#Favorite Color- Pink
#Loves to scrapbook and now add blogging
#Wishes she had a Honda CRV

Happy Birthday Natalie!!

Suprise!!!

Look who came for a suprise visit last night?! And we wanted to celebrate with style, so we let Lachlan go at a cupcake!! Enjoy the fun with us!!!





Please take note of the frosting on the big toe!!!

What's The Deal?!

Oprah has her "What I Know For Sure" column in her magazine. I think I will add, "What's the Deal?" to by blog. Here it goes. There are 5 'deals'.


SERIOUS DARN DEAL


I am often asked, almost weekly, about what I think of our zip-line experience at Fitness Ridge. Unbeknownst to them-I have a 'serious' history with the zip-line. An accident occurred while I zipped, one beautiful morning, several years ago. It was common practice back then to send a guide across so that we could assist in helping the guests, after they came across. As had been done many times in the past, I volunteered to go. Off I went, without reservation. This is when a Serious Darn Deal happened! Traveling fast down the rope, I struck a knot!!! "What!!" you may exclaim, "How does that happen?!!" (still a mystery) Being injured, while dangling a hundred feet or so above the sandstone ravine, and having been stopped dead by the knot, 100 ft out from the ending point, was a Serious Darn Deal! I thank heaven for a very professional and capable crew of experts that were able to get out there to me and get me down and out of there!
So when asked each week about what I think of the zip-line.... I express my enthusiasm for the fun that it truly is to ride. I have zipped many times since my 'serious deal.' But I also find it ironic that I don't speak of what happened with my freak accident and the line. (as it should be)
All is well that ends well.
'My' knot hangs on the office wall as a vivid reminder of....a serious darn deal.



BIG DARN DEAL


There is news that most of the world still hasn't heard. It's a BIG DARN DEAL!
The Creator of the Universe, our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to a young man in a quiet grove of trees, and spoke to him! We learned more about God and His nature in those moments, than was known at any other time in history!
They Live!
They love us!
They know us!
There is a Plan!
There is order to the Plan!
Because Joseph Smith became a prophet, we still have prophets!
God is unchanging!

What other 'Big Deal' is more important and will affect more of humanity than coming to know this to be true?
For little ole me, this knowledge affects EVERYTHING I do, and thus my life has transformed, as well as the life of my family.

Where much is given, MUCH is expected!!! This is all a Very Big Deal!!!



FUNNY DEAL



As often as I reflect on how blessed I am as I grocery shop, I equally reflect on just how "funny" the ritual of grocery shopping has become to me. Here is what goes on in my twisted brain.
-Some of us go to great pains scouring the papers for coupons. They are clipped out and stored in a methodical manner so that they may be retrieved when they are necessary. The coupons can be tamed in cutesy holders or in beat-up envelops.
-Many of us also go to the trouble of collecting our used plastic grocery sacks with the good intention of returning them to the recycle bin at the store. (I secretly believe that these sacks reproduce themselves in the closet while we aren't looking)But we feel good about ourselves when we save and recycle, cause we are doing the 'green thing.
- Now the real ritual begins! With our recyclables and coupons in hand, we head to our favorite, or most convenient grocery store. Upon being greeted by the friendly man at the front entrance, we are off and running. The items we desire are gathered from off the shelves and displays and place in our squeaking shopping carts. The cart fills quickly.
-Next we head to the check-out line. I wait patiently for my turn at the conveyor belt. While waiting, I always experience the inner battle about whether to 'reward' myself with a treat from the vast array of choices before me. My decision is based on how I'm feeling about myself at the moment. Resist or not resist, that is the question.
-Finally it is my turn to begin unloading my cart of all the items I selected to purchase. Item after item are transferred from the cart and deposited on the belt. (are we beginning to see the 'funny' trend here?)
-Next step! Follow your booty of items to the cashier, who depending on their mood, may or may not scan and fill the bags for me. (oh those dreaded plastic bags again) Sometimes I am asked to move my own items to yet another location-plastic sacks!!
-I'm loosing track of how many times I'm handling my groceries here; but once again I'm taking my sacks of groceries and removing them from the carousal back into my cart!! (Then its my fault if the bread and eggs are at the bottom of the pile.)
-Next comes the search for my car in the crowded parking lot. "Where the heck did I put it this time?!"
-Popping the trunk; Then you guessed it, unload the sacks again from the cart into the trunk, all the time wondering if there is going to be anyone at home to help with the final(?) unloading. Its a long walk from my garage to the kitchen. (could I be whining by now?)
-And here I have yet another step. Drive home, and unload everything! Again!(I'm tired!!)
-The final handling comes as the sacks have to be unloaded; the cupboards and fridge are filled, I count my blessings, I have enough food and milk to last a few days, and I try hard to find it all 'funny.'

NO BIG DEAL

Hair color
My house wasn't taken from the pages of HOUSE BEAUTIFUL
Wrinkles
I'm not driving a Lexus or an Enclave
A slight belly pooch

AMAZING DEAL

1st- Celine Dion's vocal cords
2nd- Michael Jackson's dancing feet
3rd- Dave Matthew's guitarist
4th- Birth
5th- Planet Earth series
(not necessarily listed in order of awesomeness)

Lighten Up


How many of you remember Chieko Okazaki? I do, and I loved her.(where has she gone?) I loved her message to the women of the Church who need "lightening up." She didn't mean that we should act irresponsibly-she meant, let the sunshine into our lives, to not be so hard on ourselves, to give ourselves credit for the good things we do. She reminded us that the good news of the Gospel is that who we are is okay. Our BEST is good enough. She told us often that the Savior came for us-just as we are. If we were perfect, we wouldn't need a Savior. And heaven knows we do. He came to save us in our imperfections. As long as we strive to do our best. He is the Lord of the living, and we make mistakes. He's not embarrassed by us, angry at us, or even shocked. He'll have us in our brokenness, in our unhappiness, in our quilt, and our grief.
We know this world is a dark and scary place sometimes.But we should know that we don't have to walk in darkness. The Savior is our light. He is always ready to come to our aide, if we just ask. He is our light and our life.
The Gospel brings me such joy and such peace! We had a lesson in sunday school not to long ago about how the gospel can bring rest to ones life. What does that mean to you? I know what it means to me. I am determined to be not of this world. I think I have a clearer view of the bigger picture. I do not and will not get caught up in the mire and sorrows of this world. For me and my home, we will dwell on the things of the Lord. So I do find rest! I feel very little turmoil in my life. I have peace and rest, knowing full well what is really important and what is not. This is a great gift. I know this and acknowledge it as such and I'm eternally grateful for this blessing. To find rest in this chaotic world is not easy. I think Im learning well the lesson of lightening up!!! Thank Heavens!!

Fridays' Hike

Camelback hike once again!
One of these times its going to be the very last time for the season. It sure is a favorite hike of the guests.
Look what I found today!





I believe it's called, Morning Bride or sometimes called Desert Pincushion.

Its always a treat to see flowers in the fall.
This desert is always full of surprises.








Yet another day in paradise!