Mr. Lizzard

Mr. Lizzard, is out in the yard.
Mr. Tur-telle is down by the well.

This is our little fried who sometimes appears on a screen door...just to hang around a little bit. Nathan used to call them lizzhards and Landon is always thrilled to see him (or her).

We got bananas!

I have always liked bananas. They have appeal. Now we have little tiny banans growing right in our back yard banana tree! What a surprise it was to have this little bunch pop out. Hey Mr. Tallyman, tally me banana. Daylight come and me wanna go home. Day-O. Day-0. Now we just have to keep the little monkeys away from them and we will be able to compete with Chiquita!

A good bench.

Sit here stranger. The road is long and you are weary.
The path is narrow and your eyes are teary.
When you posterior melds with the wood of pine.
Get back up and walk...I think you'll be fine.

I think it's mosquito season

Pime combs!

Soccer Coach.

Cameron is coaching Nathan's soccer team this fall and this is the email he sent out to all of the parents. Does anyone notice something wrong with it?

Hi,

I am Cameron Carter and I will be your son's soccer coach this year! My son Nathan is my oldest, and although he played ASUSC last year, I am a 1st year coach and a volunteer so I will definitely appreciate your patience as we get started. I am really looking forward to coaching, and I believe we will all have lots of fun together this season! In addition to this email, I will try to call each of you in the next few days or so to talk about this season and answer any questions you may have - I know you probably have a lot of them, and I will do my best to have or get answers for you.

I attended a coaches meeting last week, but I was provided with only very limited details to many of the questions you probably have. ASUSC notified me today that our roster is now finalized, and I have been given the go ahead to contact you all. I will address a few things that may be on your mind, and please let me know if you have any other questions and I will get answers out as soon as possible. Here goes -

Games - Games start on Saturday, ********************. I have not been given the time for this game yet nor do I have the schedule for the rest of the season, but I promise I will send this information out just as soon as it is available.

Practices - We have not yet been assigned a permanent practice location and time. Our first practice will be ************************** If that link doesn't work, google it, and you will get a good map. If you park on ***************, and enter the park, there is a baseball backstop near the cul-de-sac. We will meet there and get started. We can set a permanent day and time after this first practice.

Equipment - Every player must have shin guards in order to practice and to play in each game. I will be strict on this. Each player should also bring his own ball to practice. Cleats are optional, but if worn, cannot be of the metal variety - I don't anticipate this becoming an issue for our 5-yr olds.

Water - These kids will play hard and get thirsty. Players should bring their own water for practice and games, and not share between players.

Uniforms - I have them and they look sharp. They are light blue and we will hand them out at the first practice on Thursday.

Assistant Coaches/ Volunteers - I welcome your help. Please shoot me an email and let me know if you might be interested.

Rules and Policies - There are lots of them. We will review the basics of the ASUSC policies with parents and players at the first practice and go from there.

I am sure that I have left something out (if not a lot of things). Please let me know if you have any questions. You can reach me via this email through my wifer Robyn, or call me at home at ***-***-****. I look forward to meeting with you all on Thursday.

Thank you!

Cameron Carter


(Is it just me or does wifer sound alot like heifer?)

A Kwai over the river bridge.

Here is my little version of the George Washington bridge. I guess Colman's take the first prize, but this is just such a cool bridge that it was fun to photograph. When I see this bridge, I miss our two little granddaughters and just have to shed a tear or two.

Grovin'

Have you gone to the woods to pray out loud?
Far from the noise of the deafening crowd?
Deep in a place where you speak your mind?
Were you a little unsure what you might find?

As you knelt and asked did you have a thought?
Of what kind of a man you are and are not?
Did you shrink from your maker with man-made fear?
Did you feel self-doubt thinking he would not hear?

Did peace ever come to that green canopy?
Did you look up in wonder? What did you see?
Was it dark just a little and did you then see a light?
Was it "peace be still" and did you feel power and might?

When you told your Father you'd re-do his will?
Did you pledge to endure? And did your heart thrill?
Did you sense any whispering breeze in the air?
Did his message get through to your heart? Was it there?

Was a glow in your heart as you recommitted?
Could you feel the pure joy of all sins remitted?
Did you pause to thank God for hearing you through?
Did you stop to think that he is grateful for you?

I was reminded this morning of a coversation that happened last week. Totally unprompted while we were driving to school, it went something like this:

Nathan: How far is New York?
Robyn: Pretty Far
Nathan: When is Adeline going to move back?
Robyn: In a couple years
Nathan: I miss her. . . .
Robyn: Me too
Nathan: Will she be the same size?
Robyn: When they move back Addie will be almost as big as you are now!
Nathan: . . . . that'll be weird.

We miss you guys, hope you are having fun with the new family of four. Take some good pictures of the blessing this weekend! Nathan and Jacob say hi to Addline.

I LOVE THIS BAG!

All thanks to Brooke for helping make this bag! (and thanks for the flower Courtney) I love when things turn out as good as they look in the picture.

Esos ojos.

The eyes are the window to the soul and here are two beautiful blue eyes staring me right in the camera lense. I see a little bit of me in these beautiful little eyes and I am wearing a yellow shirt! What a thrill it was when I first laid my own eyes on this little one back in 2001. I took her into her bedroom and held her and told her how much her grandmother and I loved her and how hard we would try to be sweet and loving to her. I told her that she was #1 and would always be because she was the first of many to join this wonderful family. Now we have nine other grandchildren...each one our favorite and each one beloved and cherished. Look at the blue!

I love a parade. You have your horses, your clowns, and your politicians.
All running for office of one sort or another in this election year.
The horses prance and strut, having manes combed and tails braided.
They need to look just right, you know.
After all, this is an election year and they are competing with clowns.
And with politicians.

But my love of parades is a little different than theirs.
I only want to capture a photo or two. A pose here or there.
A split second in time where everything stands still to my view.
And right behind this moment is a clown, a horse or a politician.
Running for something in an election year.
And I cannot any longer tell them apart.

Here are some photos of St. Johns, WP. WP, of course, is warped perspective. This is entitled "waiting for the BBQ". I have to say that the real BBQ was served by the Anderson boys on that Saturday afternoon. Hoo-boy, I thought I was in Carolina and the only thing that would have made it better and more authentic is if Bob, Steve and Tom had stripped to the essentials and sweat into the sauce like they do down south. Whatever you put into it, it was mighty tasty. We had people show up to eat that were not even relatives. Now that is some kind of BBQ.

BTW, still waiting for the good recipe on that vinegar sauce that was so tangy and good.

Good Kids

We tried to teach the boys about some pioneer games a few weeks back for FHE. I came across this picture and I thought it captured both Nathan and Jabob perfectly.

Olivia Loves Poppy!

St. Johns Part 2

I got only a few pics from St. Johns...they are all of the same boys, but they are cute! In that last picture, Landon was so excited he decided to take a chunk out of little Nathan's shoulder. Don't dog, we are working on it.

St. Johns

Two of the top girls we know.

High atop the St. Johns park jungle gym are the two Carter girls that enjoyed the weekend with their family and lots and lots of cousins at the Anderson family reunion. Thse two were among the prettiest girls there and they sure showed what great climbers they are so that Grandpa and the free world who read our blog can see it for themselves.

MIGHTY MUD MANIA

We went to Mighty Mud Mania on Friday, it had its ups and downs.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO POPPY!

We love you Poppy,
Oh yes we do,
We love you Poppy,
And we'll be true...

When you're not near us,
we're blue...
Oh Poppy, we love you.

Eat, I scream.

Welcome to our back yard where grandkids are welcome to eat their ice cream cones with reckless abandon, drool down their chins and shirts and wear "ice cream beards" to their heart's content. Here are four Amanda, Nathan, Allison and Landon) of the sweetest little "I screamers" that we know of. There would have been five, but Jacob did not want to cross the yard in bare feet and Olivia was too tiny to care. Addie will have to have ice cream with Grandpa and Grandma when we go to NYC to see her new sister. Joshua was cruising in the house and did not make it either.

We should all help this guy.

This is an email I just received. Let's all cash in, shall we? I mean after all, the Lord God Almighty directed him right to MY inbox!

>>
My Dearest,

As you pray for me , I am sending Greetings to you in the wonderful name
of our Lord Jesus! May the Lord's favor and peace be multiplied onto you,
to God be the glory My name is Jim Russell. I know that I don't know you
but I have been directed to do this, as you may be filled with
reservation, curiosity, skepticism, asking why I have decided to offer
this to you.I am Jim 57 years old merchant based here in the UK, I have
Been diagnosed with kidney Cancer a Disease that has defiled all forms of
medical Treatment, destroying my heart and kidney.
My doctor report indicates that I have but only few Months to live.

Though I am very rich,But right now some of my properties and investment
are being diverted or confisticated by business associates. I realized
that I have to make trade-offs.
As a mission to fulfill my commitments to affect lives.I have in deposit
with a finance Company here in the UK a huge cash deposits which I intend
to distribute to charity through you.I have been touched By God during a
prayer and fasting session to direct all my possesions towards assisting
the needy for what shall it profit a man to gains the whole world, and
loss his soul".

After much prayer today. I have asked God Almighty to direct me to an
honest and Trustworthy person that will use this Fund righteously to reach
the needy considering the fact that I cannot do this myself as my health
has deteriorated real badly. You will receive 15% of the total funds for
your effort and I want you to know that I have in safe-keeping every
document that will facilitate the released and transfer of my funds to
you.

My contacting you is divine and my faith is in God. More details will be
communicated to you once you indicate your intention to assist.

Yours Cordially.

Brother Jim Russell

Why so crabby with the heat?

As I got into my car after an early afternoon business meeting, I could not help but notice the extreme pain caused when I touched the wheel and put the formerly unbandaged palm onto a scalding gear shift knob. Be it resolved that for the rest of the summer, I am driving with oven mitt driving gloves. My land it is hot here!

It may look a little silly and it may be hard to get the dimes out of the change tray, but my hands will be soft and supple, and my mood will likely improve.

Hey, I just remembered I have air-conditions seats! Hey, oven mitt--forget you!

Brooke's Novel....

100 Things About Me—2008

1. Carl and I have been married for 35 years on June 29! The time has gone by so fast; I can’t believe it.
2. I love Carl’s sense of humor and the way he makes each day so fun.
3. I am grateful that I am loved by a husband who is good, kind, thoughtful, funny and compassionate. I love him.
4. I love going to the temple with him at 5:30 on Saturday mornings.
5. Every day I think about each of my children (all 8) and grandchildren (all 10).
6. I love to hear their voices when they call me.
7. I bought a notebook and have started to write down the cute little things that my grandchildren say like Mother did for hers.
8. I am amazed that in the past 5 years our family size has doubled!
9. I love having two sisters and just being sisters.
10. As a girl, I remember fun summers with my sisters creating a library for the neighborhood kids, having a fair in the backyard and inviting the same kids. Did any of those kids have as much fun as we had?
11. After watching Oprah ‘s show about being overweight, I realized that having a carb addiction is something I could have. I had never heard of that before.
12. I have the opportunity of being with the 4 best daughters for eternity; and I have the same opportunity of being with the four best sons for eternity. I love them.
13. One thing that I have developed since marrying Carl is the ability to awaken by 5 a.m. every day without an alarm clock no matter where I am. Whether I get up or not is a different matter.
14. I wish I had a more natural gift of being gracious and lovely like my Mother.
15. I wish I was better at self-discipline.
16. Yesterday I asked my physical therapist if my problem of having one hip higher than the other (therefore, one leg longer than the other) was a contributor of my being clumsy. (Wishful thinking, I guess. He was nice and said that it was possible.)
17. My Father taught me how to roll into a fall to minimize the hurts.
18. I don’t cry when I write these, only when I read them.
19. I am extremely happy with the way our back yard has turned out since we had it re-landscaped.
20. When I ‘need’ something, I love being on the hunt. I KNOW it is perfect when I find it. (But I always like a second opinion.)
21. I very much dislike having to wear glasses without having the choice of --contacts, surgery or not at all.
22. I remember thinking how ‘groovy’ the turquoise Ford Galaxy 500 with the same color leather seats was. I was very disappointed when Daddy sold it really fast after buying it because it was a ‘gas guzzler’. (I had just gotten my driving permit.)
23. I enjoy eating out. Especially fresh—not fast foods.
24. I am scared about this year’s presidential election. I am writing in.
25. I love my pioneer heritage. I am very grateful and proud of each of my grandparents and their sacrifices.
26. I want to e-mail my visiting teaching results to my supervisor because she talks too long when I call them in.
27. My favorite frozen yogurt is Golden Spoon’s Mounds with almonds. Carl and I have it at least 3 times a week.
28. I have been reading the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. Of 8 books I am half through. Easy read.
29. I can hardly wait until I can go back to the gym.
30. I don’t feel that I deserve the many blessings that I have.
31. Many, many times I wonder why. Many, many, many times I don’t find out. And that is okay.
32. One girl that I knew when I was a Laurel once told me that she thought I was stuck-up. It surprised me.
33. I don’t like being teased but had to learn that it is part of life when I was in my high school physiology class. It still bothers me though.
34. I love to travel and wish we would do more of it especially to other countries.
35. I miss having a dog but don’t think that I want to go through the puppy stage and responsibility of having another.
36. I really enjoy choosing fabrics for projects—quilts or home dec.
37. I appreciate quality. I am willing to pay the difference because of the life of the product.
38. I also don’t like to have to replace things because of inferior quality. I feel like my purchase has been a waste of time and money. You get what you pay for.
39. I am enthusiastically willing to pay for service when someone has enthusiastically worked for it.
40. I can’t believe how ‘hook, line and sinker’-like people are falling for whatever a certain political candidate is telling them. So open minded that their brains are falling out.
41. I used to think that it would be fun to raise our children in a small town. Now I am glad that we didn’t.
42. I love cloudy, rainy days and thunderstorm nights.
43. Once again, why do we live in Arizona? Because I love living close to our children and grandchildren.
44. I can’t wait to go to New York again—to see my kids, of course!
45. I love watching old cowboy movies like ‘High Noon’ with Gary Cooper when it is raining at the cabin. But I can’t stand John Wayne movies.
46. I would love to drive a mini-cooper (red) but am afraid to downsize and give up the comfort of my x5. The gas mileage may end up tipping the decision scale. Thank goodness I don’t have to decide until closer to March.
47. I love it when one of my grandchildren jumps on me when I am sitting on the floor; gives me a big hug; jumps up and runs off without saying a word or looking back. Jacob did today.
48. The more I work in the yard, the more I love how comfortable nature is --a lizard doesn’t run off as I reach out near it, a hummingbird flies up close and stays for a longer time than I expect.
49. I bought a pod of praying mantis. It was to have at least 200 babies hatch out of it. They did and swarmed one of our pine trees. They were only about 1/’2 inch and tan colored. By this Fall they should be green and fully grown. I am so excited to see if any have stayed around.
50. Each time I read the Book of Mormon, it is as if I am reading it for the first time. There is always something that I understand with a different perspective.
51. I love Sunday. I love the opportunities I can have if I honor it.
52. I like to wear a dress on Sunday. It reminds me of keeping it a more special day.
53. I get to take a picture of Daddy in his Air Force uniform to have a copy of it used for display at our ward Independence Day breakfast. The activity committee is asking for any that have ever lived in the ward. Thank you, Cherie!
54. I am proud of the 5 most important men in my life that served valiant missions. I am equally proud of our valiant daughter that served her mission.
55. One of the most difficult struggles I have with faith is initiating a conversation with non-members to invite them to Church.
56. I very much enjoy attending Broadway shows and sitting in the center about 11 rows back (to be exact!).
57. I got a new sewing machine with all of the bells and whistles for my birthday over a year ago. It will take me probably the rest of my birthdays to learn and gain confidence using it to its fullest capacity. Great challenge!
58. Milk is my most disliked food. When I had my osteoporosis test, I was so thrilled to hear that I didn’t need to worry about it because I tested great and am apparently getting plenty of calcium and other nutrients from the other foods I eat—ice cream, cottage cheese, ‘bitey’ cheese, etc. I can live with that!
59. My favorite food—sugar snap peas or really good chocolate chip cookies! Seems like sweet is the key here.
60. Carl took me to Barrio’s for dinner. It was fabulous!! When anyone comes to town, you have to hit 16th Street just south of Thomas. Anything you would order is heavenly. Mexican with an eclectic flair.
61. How many people can say that they have fallen off of a bicycle twice after turning 50 and lived to laugh and tell about it?
62. Carl reminds me that I should roll my eyes when some-one tells me that it is just as easy as learning to ride a bicycle---thank you, Carl.
63. I am tired of boisterous, bloviating talk show hosts. They are so wearying.
64. I love going to the beach and taking early morning walks along the waters edge just after the tide has gone out. I love the crisp, fresh ocean air and coolness of the breeze.
65. When we travel, I hate commercial tours. I like to be unrestrained to see the traditions and culture of the people.
66. Thank you, Shauna, for the Wiesbaden wall tour that last Sunday I was there. It was so—fun, cold, fast, in German, imaginary, wonderful, I felt like a time traveler on that quiet morning with you.
67. I have no desire to go to China.
68. I have no desire to take a cruise—being on a ship seems like it would be too confining for too long. I just want to get where I want to be going and not waste time waiting to get there.
69. I would love to take the Orient Express, though. Would that have to qualify as a tour?
70. I love trains. I loved taking the train everywhere we went in Romania. I loved getting on it in the afternoon, sleeping to the swaying movement of the berth car, and awakening at our destination early in the morning when everything was fresh and clear.
71. I have always wanted to own a horse—palomino, of course.
72. I used to want to learn to fly. I am not as confident or daring these days.
73. I will never forget flying over to Germany. As we flew over the coastline of the European continent the sun was just beginning to crest the horizon. I watched in amazement the beautiful sight of the rising sun.
74. I would still love to test drive at the GM proving ground though. Only a fast car!
75. As a Laurel advisor, I remember drag racing one of the Priest quorum age young men home from mutual. As we passed a nearby park (I was winning) he jumped the curb and drove across the grass (cheated).
76. A new Young Men’s president was sustained who was a friend of ours. To initiate him, I got a group of the youth to join me by teepeeing his house. A nearby neighbor pulled a hand gun on us and made all of the kids lay down on their stomachs in the grass. Courtney and I got away and together we awoke Carl who went over as I called the police. The man left and the kids all ended up fine. Later, after the police investigated, it was discovered that the man had pulled a replica of a gun. The next morning, he had moved from the neighborhood. Scary and weird.
77. Sometimes I over-explain things. I just want everyone to completely understand and feel the experience as I felt it. I unnecessarily think the more details, the better. That doesn’t necessarily mean that I will do anything about it though.
78. Every one knows that Cabot’s Vermont Extra-sharp Cheddar Cheese (purple cheese from Costco, as it is fondly known in our family—ask anyone) is the best ever!
79. More frequently than my family likes hearing, I have reminded them that I want my boys to sing acapella at my funeral. I love the harmony of men’s voices!
80. There is no instrument that I regret not playing.
81. I wish my ears didn’t ring so loudly that when I sing I can’t hear others around me. Therefore, I appreciate rather than participate—more softly than I used to anyway.
82. I always wanted to have a great singing voice. When an uncle told me to keep practicing, I realized I never would have.
83. No Carl, I do not wish I could yodel. You do it well enough for both of us.
84. My best singing time is rocking my babies to lullabys.
85. I remember Daddy singing to us as we drove to Utah. I wish I had written the words down or had him sing on tape the silly western song he enjoyed so much.
86. I love the sweet smell of freshly mown hay, freshly mown grass, and best all new rain!
87. I was very sad when I heard that Dan Fogelberg had died. I really liked his songs in the 70’s. Michael Martin Murphy, too.
88. I like most types of music except—elevator or ‘smooth jazz’, gospel singing, and rap. Starr and Summer, I wish you would put your ‘favorites’ playing on your blogs so I could hear them.
89. One of my daughters recently said, “I almost think that Grandma loves toys as much as the grandchildren do.” I think she is right.
90. I can spot a phony a mile away. Insincerity and flattery are very unimpressive to me. I am not a groupie of any kind.
91. I never like to have attention drawn to me. Today my worst fear was when the last sacrament cup of water was taken by the young woman sitting next me and I realized there would be a possibility I might have to raise my hand to indicate that I had not gotten the water.
92. The most beautiful aspect of my life is the power of forgiveness, the love of a sincere apology and the depth of the process.
93. My new favorite quick access toy is an internet-capable USB stick.
94. Radio static drives me bonkers!
95. I am very appreciative when the cabin is left neat and tidy by whoever was there last. Thank you Cameron and Robyn. Thank you Nick and your bishop.
96. Cool, crisp early morning walks when the sun is just beginning to rise are the best ever.
97. I have no idea how difficult it must be to look for a church to attend. For this I am grateful.
98. I am spoiled and humbly admit it.
99. I could very easily hibernate. But I am not a bear; oh well.
100. Someone once said that it is not possible to catch up on lost sleep—I beg to differ. Good night.

Kind of a big deal.

Thanks everyone, for coming to my birthday party!Gotta love AZ sunsets!I heart Grandma. She makes excellent chocolate sauce.Look at this haul!

Father's Day Gift Idea.

A bacon placemat, perfect for all those artery-clogged bacon lovers.

I just found out about my new cousin!

Croquet, anyone?

I posted this for Carl. I think this is in St. Louis. They stayed last night in Columbus, OH and should arrive in NYC this evening. I'm so excited!

Feel free to replace this post with pictures of Olivia. I'm dying to see some!

Mystery Mansion Theatre

http://ecrewattheburrow.blogspot.com/2008/04/monk-moment.html

No pictures needed.

I look like my cousin Landon when I laugh.

Another photo from our yard.

Ok, so I like to take photos of flowers. I don't exactly know what kind they are, but someone else might. Hey, I never promised to be National Geographic did I?

$35 Bargain on Craig's List!

Wow, somebody better snatch this up quick before it's gone!

Works fine, cat torn material in places. Also, Sectional Couch $50. and Recumbant Bike $140. Call jerry at 602-957-0223.


Hmmm... wonder what the sectional looks like...

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/fur/631850307.html