Stephenson Family Ties The Barn Burnt Down
And Now I See The Moon
SPRING BREAK- POOLSIDE ANTICS!!!










BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY



Music from Faure Requiem (remember to turn off my music below)

LACHLAN UP DATE!!!

**Be sure to check out Rob and Chelseas blog today for some really exciting Lachlan news!!

Blast from the Past!

christy dykstra, matt ehlert, stephenie ehlert, katie dykstra, anna(with thumb in mouth) joe, robby

We hear so many antidotes for how fast time flies. We old farts have heard them all and have repeated them frequently. There's just no denying it. The older one gets the faster the hands on the clock spin out of control. And nothing starts ones head to real like looking at pictures from the kids scrapbooks. I just had to share another snapshot that brought a smile to my face and will open the floodgates of memories for others as well. Enjoy!!

SISTERS' RETREAT

Was lov'in the SOUND of: crickets serenading our moon light hike. The Fifth Element Aria. The music that went along with the Easter Pageant as well as the tracts that were playing as the background music for the art exhibit.

Was Lov'in the SIGHT of: butterflies and *beetle juice. Wildflowers in the desert. Reflections of Christ exhibit. The pageantry of the Easter Pageant. Fields of poppies- the golden California poppies along the highway. And last, but not least- Sharons brand new kitchen it spectacular!!

Was Lov'in the SMELL of: sweet peas in bloom. Then there was the glorious orange blossoms filling the air with their fragrance while enjoying the Pageant in the evening air.

Was Lov'in the TASTE of: fresh squeezed orange juice, picked right from the tree. Ruby Red grapefruits are delicious too! Frybread! And the drink that Sharon fondly calls "Green Drink" which has everything thrown into her juicer besides the kitchen sink! Yum!! And how about the home dried figs with pecan centers?! Delish!

Was Lov'in the IDEA of: grandma and grand-daughter sharing their love of horses. Family-- 3 amazing--no--5 really amazing sister-in-laws! Fractional ownership in beautful places like here and here. The beauty of the desert in the spring. Gifts abound at every turn in the trail! Always learning something new! Our exuberant, knowledgeable docent at the arboretum was infectious with his enthusiasm for the wonders of the desert. We are richer for having spent a few hours under his tutelage.




Was Lov'in the FEEL of: the desert sun finally beginning to thaw my ole bones. Acceptance-- of this black sheep of the Stephenson clan. I may be the only Stephenson woman that lets dishes sit in the sink over night or that doesnt really give a hoot about flatware patterns...and they will always have the good class NOT to care about LOST on Thurs. nights...but oh well, Im accepted anyway!! Bless you ladies.
Pedicures and hot rock on the legs is a wonderful sensation as well. Ahhhhhh...

The Spirit whispering once again to my heart of the truthfulness of the Gospel and the Love our Saviour has for each and every one of us!! What a peaceful sensation to feel!

Thank You Sharon and Kim!! For opening your beautiful home and enabling such a wonderful visit between sisters!
Next time we fully expect Trisha and Kelly to join us- no excuses!!

*this beetle juice Im referring to is yet another amazing (wonder ) of this world in which we live! Sonny-our docent- picked off this tiny, really tiny, speck of a bug (that was too small to identify as a bug-we just took his word for it) and smashed this flea sized dot onto the palm of his hand.
One speck, surrounded in a dot of spittle, produced this!! Turns out its a powerful dye! A dye used in almost everything we see and use that is red or pink. Our drinks, our candies, our clothing etc...dye #40 and others. Very Interesting, very interesting indeed. The four of us will never look at the color red again without thinking of the Cochineal beetle.

Thanks for the Memories Jordan!


ENLIGHTENED PERSPECTIVE
by Andy Rooney
That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.
That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.
That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.
That money doesn't buy class.
That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
I've learned...That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
That the Lord didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?
That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
Oh the memories of you three 'boys' together!
The giggles, the brusies, the fun and mischeif you three could find and inflict.
They were the best of times and the best of times! I believe life has been good to you dear Jordan and I hope and pray for many more birthdays that will bring you continued joy and happiness in all you do!! You have been blessed with a most beautful and tender wife and partner, and we look forward to seeing what the two of you make of your future together.


HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY JORDAN!! WE LOVE YOU!

KIDS THESE DAYS- (or... at least mine!)
How many years has it been now that parents, have been longing for the styles to change for our boys? I've been hankering for a new and improved way of wearing jeans since jeans began costing as much as dinner for two at a 5 star restaurant!! I'm looking for the halls of our schools to achieve some class and style once again. Sheeze-this has been going on way too long!! I'm aghast when I notice that I've gone a fair amount of time without a comment or thought as to the schulumpyness of my sons. Have I become accustomed to my boys' cute little buns hanging over the top of their belts?! Heaven forbid!! (I've rationalized my blind eye because I felt that this form of rebelliousness is so much better than some other forms of delinquency--which I still stand by.)


I'm recording this ridiculousness here in blog world, because I have a feeling years from now, these boys of mine will be denying with vehemence, that they would ever have been a part of such nonsense. I feel sure that they will deny ever having graced the world with such close proximity to what might warrant a charge of indecent exposure! (I, by the way-NEVER wore halter tops-NEVER!)

I haven't been able to find documentation of this style of 'hip' jean wearing on my Joe-but we grown-ups all remember it starting with Joe in the mid 90's. Clark is guilty too. Though I am happy to report that I have noticed his belt level has begun to creep back up to where it could now be deemed normal attire.

I hope and pray that Brain has just a few more months until he'll slowly come to his senses and begins to notice how ridiculous it looks to show so much of what should be covered by several layers of cotton and or polyester!!

TRAVEL LOG:for March 18th

ON AGAIN---OFF AGAIN---ON AGAIN!!
*Though I left a day later than first planned-I am ever so grateful to be going. Im headed to the desert and to do some serious female bonding!
*The drive to Vegas was slick and quick. I had Glenn Beck and the search for Barak Obama's speech to keep me company.
*Parking in the Economy parking lot is a sweet deal. Now I just need to remember that I parked the car in the E3 section of that multi-acre lot! Remember E3.
*When did the concept of "fun" leave the traveling experience? Was it 9/11 and the security checks that materialized it the aftermath? Did it loose its glamour when I hit 40 something? Did it happen when 1000's and 1000's of people are now traveling all over the world? Is it because people no longer smile at one another-except on very rare occasions? It could be that airports are now gargantuan and, inevitably check-in is at one end of the terminal and the gate where ones boards is 3 miles in the other direction! My advice: Take the time-plenty of time, so there is no rushing involved. Also I recommend checking your bags-then the PSI agents don't have to go through them in those ghastly security lines. Plus that means you arent having to haul them behind you for that 3 mile trek that most definitely will be before us!! Wear sandals, bring warm socks in your purse.
*Stop and have a Cinnabon!! yum!!!
*Enjoy the people watching that can only be found in airports. (sidenote- San Fransisco is the bomb for this activity!) Relax, breath, and enjoy watching all the other crazies that didn't plan ahead as well as you!!
*I love to fly!! I've done my fair share of flying and Im so grateful to say that I've never had a scary experience. The only thing I dont like about flying?? They keep the dang planes' thermostat set at a numbing 50 degrees!!! There are not enough blankets on board to keep me warm. Thus the extra socks in my purse.

What's going on at Home?
*Brian is turning 17 today - But, he wont miss me. He has school during the day and more school at night for the whole week! I promised him I'd make it up to him on the weekend!
*Lucy, Lucy, Lucy puppy. Oh my goodness has she ever done a number on the backyard! What is it about the insanity of puppyhood? I do admit that the craziness is due in part to my neglect. It got cold again outdoors and because Im a certified wimp, I walked her less and she had extra energy to expend-thus the yard became her play-pen!

*Builder Bob and son Joe have big goals- 3-4 reservation agreements this week!!! You go guys!!

Kelly's Having a Birthday!!!


I consider myself so very privileged to be counted among the illustrious group of sister-in-laws of this Stephenson clan! Im surrounded by some really gifted & amazing women! Thank you Kelly for your love and friendship. I always wish that there was more time in our busy lives to get together more often. I enjoy our visits and so appreciate you and your beautiful family. Especially when we descend on Salt Lake and take over Mekeles bed and your kitchen!!

Bless you Kelly and have a very wonderful birthday!!
*Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it.
*The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.
*Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me, I want people to know "why" I look this way. I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved.

*When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth, think of Algebra.

*You know you are getting old when everything either dries up or leaks.

*I don't know how I got over the hill without getting to the top.

*One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it is such a nice change from being young.

*One must wait until evening to see how splendid the day has been.

*Yah,being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable.

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!

I need a few more days to get my feet back under me and to get some things written out! So for now-know that I love you all and appreciate you love and encouragement!

Where Do They Come Up With Ideas Like This!?

Artist: Ron Mueck
enjoy!






SPRING FEVER


I'll have you know spring in Southern Utah is practically near perfect!!! And I've now learned that the same may apply to Meas, AZ.

It comes early!!


It became official as of yesterday! I now fully expect it to remain gloriously warm, with temps rising each day until the tar begins to melt on the roads! yeeha!

It was the 5th of March when I spotted the first plum tree in bloom. I love those first white flakes of petals adorning the bare twigs of the trees.

It was even before this that I was enjoying the sight of daffodils leaping from the dirt on the south sides of our homes here.

Our pair of mockingbirds, that nest in the cedar trees out front, are back with their familiar calls.
The river draws me to its' banks as does the extra energy of puppy Lucy!

The patio warrants a dusting and tidying

The screens are washed and the window are OPEN!

The grass is greening up nicely

Im saying farewell to the clumpy old shoes and my toes are free once again

The smell of sunblock will soon fill the air, aahhh...

I'll spend more money than I should at the the local nursery, so that I can fill my pots with a variety of color and texture

We'll try our luck once again to grow some tomatoes and probably some squash

Spring cleaning is real

-Brian has taken on the garage

- Im working on the quest room

Im anticipating beach towels of every color, hanging on the fence to dry after a swim by everyone but me

The morning doves will build a new nest in our wisteria once again-and- we'll never be fortunate enough to see their beautiful offspring grow and fly away (its magic how they disappear)

Snow is already a distant, unpleasant memory

Baxter is shedding and leaving clumps of hair which the sparrows use to line their nests

Indoor housework becomes even more neglected-for the more enjoyable outdoor busy work

Attendance at the bird feeders has already diminished-who wants store bought food when the "fresh" stuff is now available?

Soup-the turtle, can move back to his summer estate in the tropics-ie the pond in the back yard

There will be more BBQ's

Im sharing the trails again with the lounging lizards

So.....could I in good conscience ask for ANYTHING more? -some fireflies would be nice and how about an ocean breeze? jk

Spring-Glorious Spring has arrived- thank heavens!!!!
While Im perfectly distracted in AZ-enjoy this fun diddy by yet another creative soul!(remember to turn off my music below)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIAN!!

MY BABY IS 17!!!
How did this happen to a sweet young thing like me?! Aren't I still that spring chicken that........nevermind. This isnt supposed to be about me.
Here's a boy that was always quick to smile, until that puberty thing set in. Now we have to work a tad harder to get a smile. (I think the 3 1/2 yrs of wearing braces also cramped his style as well) But I digress.
Brian was a wonderful baby who was loved and adored by all his brothers and sister.
'Easy-street' should have been his middle name-instead of Romney-though Romney is a great name too. Its a name he should carry with pride.

I dont recall a moments grief being caused by this sweet baby or toddler.

Things you should know about Brian-
*It seems that he needs at LEAST 10 hours of sleep each day.
*He's very athletic and more coordinated than a body has the right to be.


*He's very tenderhearted. Im sure Im not supposed to mention such things for all the world to read, but its a true statement, and its one of his gifts.
*Another one of his gifts- the gift of discernment. Which means that he already has an uncanny ability to 'read' the spirits of others and then knows what to do next. (I need you to understand that Im not talking about the creepy kind of spirits that lurk in the darkness...I talking about the soul spirit) In other words-he "gets" people!!

*Im so grateful to see how nonjudgemental his has always been.
*He is so funny. Funny like his father. He has a delightful sense of humor and a dry wit.
*He is an artist extraordinaire! There is nothing he cant create with any type of medium ie- paint, wood, pastels, pencil, clay, paper and anything you may think of.
*It's a rare teenager indeed that will eat just about anything I put down in front of him. (love this boy)
brian and cousin joshua
*There will be a future post about his wardrobe-soon -watch for it.
*He is looking forward to a stint in the Marines. (gulp)
brian and g&g sharp- becoming a deacon, and loosing that smile-remember the puberty thing?
And now he's made it through his 16th year!!
No dings or dents or damage to the cars.
Plenty of dings and dents and damage to HIS frame though!
Poor guy!
Happy Birthday to a young man I love!

Pretty soon its going to be just the three of us banging around this house....But I've always been very happy and contented with your company! I bet we can figure out how to make the best of it, dont you think? (No more scrambling for a car!)

The world is your oyster my love. (even though Im quite sure you'll NEVER let an oyster pass your lips in the real world!)
Your future is bright and I cant wait to watch!!!
HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

A Poem For Monday!


PRETTY IS AS PRETTY DOES

The spider wears a plain brown dress,
And she is a steady spinner;
To see her, as quiet as a mouse,
Going about her silver house,
You would never, never, never guess
The way she gets her dinner.

She looks as if no thought of ill
In all her life had stirred her;
But while she moves with careful tread,
And while she spins her silken thread,
She is planning, planning, planning still
The way t do some murder.


My child, who reads this simple lay,
With eyes down-dropt and tender,
Remember the old proverb says
That pretty is which pretty does,
And that worth does not go nor stay
For poverty nor splendor.

"Tis not the house, and not the dress,
That makes the saint or sinner.
To see the spider sit and spin,
Shut with her walls of silver in,
You would never, never, never guess
The way she gets her dinner.
-Alice Cary

pencil etching by Brian Stephenson




FOR EACH PETAL ON THE SHAMROCK-THIS BRINGS A WISH YOUR WAY.



GOOD HEALTH, GOOD LUCK, AND HAPPINESS FOR TODAY AND EVERYDAY!



-- Irish Blessing

SUNDAY SCRIBBLINGS

Builder Bob will say that Im just stating the obvious. But I'll confess to all that know and love me that I do agree that Im completely spoiled. But I'd like to qualify this confession as well. How spoiled can I be, really, when my only daughter decides to sacrifice 18 months of her life and heads out to serve her Heavenly Father? And in trying to make my whine fest sound even more legitimate, I'd like to add that this service requires her to just about sever all ties with what's going on at home, which includes not checking in with her mommy each day and letting me know whats go'in on in her life. Dont you think that my carry'in on is totally justified!!?? My spoiling began long before her departure to Houston though. Shes been my best friend for some time now. She's practically perfect and been a joy and delight to raise all her beautiful life!!
I also know full well that she doesnt see these 18 months of service as any kind of sacrifice what-so-ever! And when Im being truthful with myself, I am eternally grateful that she had the courage to go out there and serve so well. I just really, really miss her right now. It seems all the more poignant this week because, for what ever reason, we didnt receive an email from her. (once again my spoiledness is blantantly obvious) I've come to count on those emails, as they are my only tie to her at this point. I also have to confess that this is the first time we havent heard from her in a clock-like manner, which once again re-enforces the fact that Im spoiled to the core.
Then-along comes this picture while Im surfing the blogs:




Which inspires me to share a funny story about my remarkable daughter!



Lets go back to the halls of middle school.
It will also help to remember that Anna was raised with only brothers.
Picture Anna heading to Dixie Middle School one day. Im sure it was a day like any other day. She's 14 years old. She's walk'in the halls between classes, retrieving items from her locker, minding her own business. She notices a ruckus going on down the hallway and wonders what it is that's getting kids upset, in an angry kind of way. Then a punk of a boy appears from the masses and has a small spray can of what is known as fart spray-yes you read correctly-fart spray. (What sick, twisted capitalist came up with the notion that brain-dead teenage boys would spend good money on such a thing? answer to my own question: a smart capitalist) Anyway, this punk was causing quite a disturbance as you can well smell. When it became obvious that the punk was headed right towards Annas open locker and had every intention of giving the contents a few good squirts, Anna decided then and there to take matters into her own hands. Sweet, blue eyed, angelic Anna had other plans. There was no way she was going to let a bully, punk boy do any such thing to her stuff or anybody elses stuff for that matter!! So what does this 85 lb weakling of a girl do?? She hauls off and slams his shin with a hefty wack of her foot. (we learned later that this kick leveled him to the linoleum)
Im unclear how the matter was brought to the attention of the Vice Principal of the school. We only learned about this incident from the Vice Principal himself when we went out to dinner together some time later. Mr Vice Principal was thrilled to relate what happened next. He was quite proud of our feisty daughter.
Mr Vice Principal had both parties called to the office. Both had their opportunity to tell their side of the story. The punk was sent home immeditley. Hours later the MotherPunk turned up at the school and demanded some type of retribution for the girl that had assaulted her son!!! (It should be noted that young punk had a reputation of being a major trouble maker--and...that MotherPunk always came to his rescue, no matter how dumb the punk behaved--duh) Mr VP. was happy to point out that the girl he had attempted to assault with fart spray could cause some trouble for them instead. MotherPunk turned on her heel and wasnt heard from again - or at least not until young punk did something else quite stupid-which never took too long.
Anna enjoy a moment of glory at the Middle school and Im positive that she had a cute little smirk on her face just as the Norman Rockwell girl did. Anna will always have the respect of Mr VP as well as a mom and dad who enjoyed hearing this tale and knowing that featherweight Anna would know how to take care of herself.

People ask if I worry about Anna being on a mission- away from home, and sort-of on her own. I say-"No way!" The Lord will take up the slack for anything she cant handle.
Boys, bullys and punks wont get away with any nonsense when she's around!
I Love,Love, Love this girl!!
And I pray she keeps on spoiling me!!




We believe that men should appeal to the civil law for redress of all wrongs and grievances, where personal abuse is inflicted or the right of property or character infringed, where such laws exist as will protect the same; but we believe that all men are justified in defending themselves, their friends, and property....from the unlawful assaults and encroachments of all persons in times of exigency...
D&C 134:11

MY WEEK IN PICTURES

PACKING FOR MY AZ. TRIP ON MONDAY (kids book is for Lindsays' daughter-I LOVED this book as a child!!)

SLOTS HIKE.


THE HIKING IS GETTING WARMER.


THE SPRING FLOWERS IN OUR DESERT HAVE STARTED TO BLOOM!


LACHLAN AND HIS FAMILY CAME FOR A VISIT


WHERE'S GRANDPA?


IM ROOTING FOR AMERICAN IDOLS' BROOKE WHITE!!

ANNA'S BF LAUREN COMES DOWN FOR A VISIT WITH TIM AND SON ETHAN-THEY'RE GUNNA BE MARRIED SOON!


OH MY HECK!!!! IM SO LOST!!!


SPRINGTIME BLOG PREP

GATE IS COMPLETED-READY NOW FOR LUCY AND LACHLAN WHO WILL BOTH BE ON THE MOVE


LUCY JOINS THE FAMILY