Mother Earth

It is the morning of the 4th of July. I have the stomach flew. I always think better when I am sick because I am so grateful for health. I just got home from camp in the nick of time.How wonderful that I didn't have to run three block to the bathroom and sit on a cold dirty floor all night. Blessings from heaven, I crawled in bed with Dad last night, warm and dry and comfortable. Camp was so inspiring to me. I just loved being in this most amazing forest with large quakes that were bent by the wind and snow. We had a fireside where a lady talked about the earth being our mother. I remember hearing Indian Legions about mother earth, but I thought

they were just legions. But this lady took her thoughts out of Moses7:48 "And it came to pass that Enoch looked upon the earth; and he heard a voice from the bowel thereof saying: Wo, wo is me, mother of men. . . ."

We talked about our resonsoblity as women to care for those things that surround us.

I have been walking in the yard this morning just looking closer at the beauty that surrounds me. If the earth really is our mother, she is probably trying to teach us something. . . and I want to learn. Happy summer, Happry 4th of July. I love-a love-a love ya!

Tree Hut

What fun I had with the cute little women in our family. We spent alot of time talking about when the Thompsons and Heaps were going to be here. We have to plan at least one day where we all just play at Wallsburg. Monday morning we got up and the sun was shinning. . . Ya Hooo! Everyone ate fast so we could head out to the tree and get busy. Jenny or maybe Emilee came up with the idea to put some of Grandpa's hay pallets up in the tree to make different rooms. The two older girls pretended they were on the cooking channel. . and they were pretty darn good too.

Are these two gagging at each other or the pretend food they made? I am not sure.

Abbie and Katy are crawling under a big tree limb. Aren't they darling?

We went to Heber to get some tires for swings. We ended up with three. Lucy liked to ride on the top. In all is was such a fun day. . . .I couldn't have had a happier birthday. I love all you monkeys. Tyler and Max I am ready and waiting. Thompsons and Heaps get your bones here. Kelly and Jamie love your warm weather, we have our hay cut and it has rained on it twice. We turned it over yesterday and will need to do it again. Maybe Max and Tyler can come help Grandpa drive the bailer. Thompsons I am so proud of how hard you are swimming. You keep winning all those races. Dax it is almost your Birthday. I found a little jumper frog for you. Madison your Birthday is Tuesday. I will be at camp but you have a Spectacular Day! Happy Summer everyone.

Getting Ready for Walhala Shines

I woke up this morning so excited because tomorrow my favorite little people are coming for a sleep over. We have made different little huts or hideaways through the years but this year we have a winner winner winner! From the time we bought Wallsburg I have always wanted to make a tree hut in the big old cottonwood tree just as you turn down our road, but it always seemed to be too big of a project. This morning I decided to give it a try. I worked in the warm rain for an hour and then all of a sudden in drove Matt. He retrieved the chain saw from the garage and boy did the wood chips fly. Together we worked all day and I can not wait for everyone to see. Kids get excited. We are going to get ready for a Walhala Shines party when the Heaps and the Thompsons come. Dax and Jace it is not going to be easy to beat your Mom to the tree hut, she is pretty fast. Kade we will need your help making some stairs. Millie and Maizie the tree is not too high for you. McKinnley and Madison there are big branches just waiting for you.

This is the picture of our finished work for today, and I must say the picture doesn't do it justice.

We loaded three truck loads of branches to clean out the old tree. We are going to have a big bond fire and bake potatoes.

Matt and the chain saw.

This is the tree before we started. just a mass of branches everywhere.
It rained like a tornato tonight, we sat on the porch and the lightening and the thunder boomed. But tomarrow is suppose to be warm and sunny. We are ready for summer!!!!! Let it come.

Can't wait for tomorrow. . . . see you soon.

THE THOMPSONS ARE COMING!

Ya Ba Da Ba DOOOO! I can't wait to see this face and plant a big smooch on her cheeck. August is going to be busting out all over! Millie, Maizie, Kade, Maddie,and Kinners get your dancing boots warmed up. WE ARE SOOOO EXCITED!

Jamie shares with everybody!

If there is one thing that I have learned while living in Wallsburg is to love the humble people that live up the street from me. I walk pass their houses almost every day. They are a mixture of different fathers and mothers. One father has been out of work since December and he still doesn't see anything in the future. One mother left several years ago and hasn't ever returned. One home has a grandma that is 96 and she went to the hospital today in the same trusty ambulance that Kelly traveled in. There are three generations of women trying to care for their family. I love these people. Jamie shared clothes with me when she was leaving Utah. I called my little friends the other day and they came in a flash. I laid out all the clothes on my bed and couch. They were so thrilled! The two boys Lance and Colby loved the boxers ever though they were 10 sizes too big. They picked out two of my t shirts and felt thrilled. Mary Dee loved all the tank tops, I am trying to get her to wear them under things. Alex gathered everything possible that was big enough for her two sisters, mom, and grandma. The maternity things were a hit with them. Sweet Virginia is my favorite. She is the little girl in the Secret of Bees. That is why I cry so hard every time I see the movie. She keeps getting passed around. I want her. Nicole is trying to learn to read, not an easy task for her! She was the most thrilled with the darling blue PJs. They all are waving to you Jamie to say thank you for the much appreciated stash. They all went home with one or two plastic grocery bags stuffed with clothes. The next morning they showed up on my porch with their new dudes on. So proud and feeling so fine. Thanks for the party Jamie! Won't the Millenium be wonderful when we can all be the same. . . there will be enough and to spare. When everyone will be gathered in. . . no hunger. . . no sickness just peace and plenty of love.

Stormy

We had the biggest storm in Wallsburg late this afternoon. We have been waiting for Majesty and Zanie to have their babies, every morning I get up early to check, and finally tonight we watched the whole event.

This is Stormy just about 2 minutes after she was born. She has big long legs. She looked like a giraffe trying to stand up, but she made it. Grandpa is rubbing her off with a towel so she won't be cold tonight. Birth is such a miracle! One more to come. . . .we will send pictures. Grandpa wants me to tell you all he loves you and wishes you were all here tonight!

Margie

After reading McKinnley's blog about how much her mother does for her, I have been thinking about cute Margie. She is such a dear lady and she has always been so good to me. I have always known that I was loved. Having her for my mom has been such a blessing in my life. Today we cleaned out her garage and what an adventure that was. She keep sneaking things out of the DI pile back on her shelves. I went for the first swim of the summer and then we had a smokey chicken taco. Mom I love you! Tacos always taste better with you! Four generations, Schipper, Bowden, Clark, Miller.

Abbie says she is going to get married in the Quirah Mountain Temple. Won't that be a great day! We all want to be there. Abbie you are going to be a BEAUTIFUL bride.
Abbie thank you for going to the temple with me. You know how to get in on those yummy desserts. Thanks for sneaking me a chocolate eclair, a key lime pie and a fruit tart. You are a great dancer, a fast runner, and an adorable grandchild! I love you!!!

The fish food is gone and it is time to stop for a hug and a picture. Oh I love these boys, how I am going to miss them!

Could Grandpa's life get any better, new little horses and two grandsons to show them to.

What nice smooches.

Lucy we can't believe you are riding a 2 wheeler already. Even without training wheels. Jason and Kim have been busy running beside her. Lucy you are amazing, pink cowboy boots, legs a flying, wheels a spinning. Lucy you attack life with such joy Grandpa and I love you!

Family

It is 2:00 in the morning and I can't sleep. Kelly's family beach pictures have my brain spinning. As a parent the one thing you hope for your children is that they will be loved and feel needed in life. I can't express the warmth I have felt this past week as the prayers have been flying to heaven. Thank you each for your way of loving. I feel some heavenly help coming our way. Sweet Dreams

Katie

Yesterday I stopped at the Clark's house. They were all quietly watching a blue jay get peanuts of the tramp. Even little Shawn was whispering. I have never seen a blue jay so close. He was bright and beautiful. The peanut looked too big to fit in his mouth, but he managed just fine. I loved seeing all the Clarks stopping to enjoy the sunshine and their new backyard. Tyler said, "I love it here, all my friends are here". That founds like security to me. "When I stop speeding through life, I find the joy in each day's doings, in the life that cannot be bought, but only discovered, created, savored, and lived." Jenny, you and your Mom are Pretty!!!

I went to one of Katy's basketball games. I think we have another Jamie on our hands. Katy has that determined look in her eyes. She guarded her player so close he couldn't even breath.

Katy I love this picture of you, and the ball goes swish!

You have a marvelous coach and I think he is crazy about you. We are! Grandpa and I love you!

The kid with the matching pink arm band didn't have a chance. I think Katy is on to soccer now, happy kicking! P. S. Grandpa had another horse a few minutes ago. . . look for new pictures.

Florida

Didn't get the words on the last post, but isn't Grady darlying, Kim and Jayne loving on each other, Kelly cute on the beach, and Jamie the life of the party. What fun we had trying to look beautiful. Notice Kelly's new color and hair cut, she looks irrestible. I have a new color and cut too. Jamie thank you for taking care of all of us. We look so much better.

Doesn't Maizie look long in this picture. She got a new hair cut and fancy toes thanks to her Dad! I like the color she chose. I so love Maizie!

Check out Madison's new bangs, foxy. Your dance for the competion was awesome! I am crasy about you Madison!

McKinnely had the biggest change in her hair do. When Jamie was finished there was enough hair on the floor to clog all the bathroom drains in Orange Park. McKinnely you are so lucky to have such thick beautiful hair. I think you look so grown up. I so adore McKinnely
Heath and Kelly thank you for the P A R T Y ! It will long be remembered. I have been wanting to wear sandles even in the rain because of my pretty toes.

Florida

Three girls, what goofs!

Three girls, three nights, and I am still smiling.

What fun I have watching you live, and love, and laugh.

It is too bad you are so shy!

Thank you for being mine! I love you always and forever!

Eight New Horses

This morning Grandpa had another horse, just a few moments before a big snow storm. It is a boy horse and a buck skin. He is a beauty and Grandpa is so happy. Can you think of a name for him?

This is a little girl horse that is dark gray and has a white star. She is tiny and loves to run. How about a name for her?

Birthdays

Oh Happy Birthday Sweet Emilee, Handsome Jace, and totally Amazing Nicole. It has been so long since I have blogged I think I forgot how. These three pictures took me ten tries. I hope I don't forget how to brush my teeth! Jace, Grandma and Grandpa love you so. We want you to be happy and healthy. We want you to come sleep over at Wallsburg and drive the 4 Wheeler for us. Sam is missing you. The sand pile that we made for your birthday last year is almost dry and ready for you. Please come.

Dear Emilee, I so loved your mom's blog on your Birthday. She said the things that I feel. She is so blessed to have you in her home. I love you more and more and more each year. Jayne is lucky to have you for her second Mom. She will always love you. Now don't let those boys get too close to you, just put your Dad on their trail if they do. Try not to bat those beautiful long lashes at them. I hope you had a wonderful birthday, we celebrate you every day. Thank Heavens for Emilee!

Now for Nicole. Happy Birthday to one of the joys of our lives! Every time I see someone in our old ward they tell me how gentle and kind you are and what a GREAT Gospel Doctrine teacher you are. I want to come to one of your classes. . . when? I always love being in your home and feeling the warmth, love, and organization there. Your children are blessed and Bret is the luckiest man around! I want you to know how glad we are, (all 29 of us ) that we have you in our family! We thank our lucky stars!

I love the picture of Dad and Jace; and Nick and Shawn because they represent handing on to each other, caring about those you love and are responsible for. As Jeff as been living here the past six weeks my heart has been so heavy. He is so alone in the world. No one ever calls and checks on him. None of his family, no friends, no one. How do we come to offend, or become so indifferent to those in our family? Jeff comes down stairs each morning with the saddest eyes. I think depression and addiction are so much more powerful than any of us can imagine. He is going to have some heart surgery soon, just another hurt in his life. Pray for him. Talk with him when you call. Pray for you know who, too and call him to encourage him 801-678-5547. I really believe when we finally get to heaven we will say "Now I understand." I love you all. Life is a journey and not an easy one, but together we can make it. Happy Birthday Loves!