Cinnamon Rolls and Ronda...

Today I am making cinnamon rolls and thinking of a good friend that taught me so much about bread dough when I subbed for a person missing on her team of school lunch cooks...years ago! I am amazed at what brings up memories in this weird mind of mine. I actually am missing her so much and thinking about how good of a friend she was to me while she was alive. I guess she still is a good friend, or I wouldn't have these moments... She left a hole in many lives when she passed on to be with Jesus! I am thankful that they moved into our town and I had the privilege to tend their youngest daughter and get to know them so well. Her family is as awesome as she is, thank you Ronda and family! I dedicate my day of baking to you and what you taught me about letting dough rest, it has stayed with me all these years!

I'm hooked on making quilts...

I know that if there is anyone out there that reads these anymore, you are all probably saying " Oh, not another quilt blog"...

But, I am going to do it anyway! I finished a bedspread for Kari and I have a top pieced and ready to quilt for our back bedroom, and one being quilted at the church on the first Tuesdays of the month, plus.. I have some in the planning, cutting out stage. I just have to say... I wish I could get them done faster, so I could go on to the next one.

My family is probably tired of them too, but I just like the creativity I can use in changing the patterns and making them my own. There is something about the smell and feel of the fabric and the anticipation of how it will look when it is done. It is a wonderful hobby, although I am finding out; not an inexpensive one.

I wanted to do something to make Kari's new room in her apartment her own, so she picked out the fabric and I made the quilt. When I laid it out, it was somewhat blah... too many of the same tones in the quilt. I had some friends that know a lot about quilting, so I took it to them and showed it to them. We discussed some things I could do with it, and I decided to do the Minky flowers on the four corners. I think it made it just right! It isn't at her apartment yet, because I just finished it today, but I hope it makes it more like home to her when she gets it.

The other quilt on here is the one that is not quilted yet. It took a long time to finish it because I did so many other ones in between. I think I got a little tired of it, for some reason..:0) It just was laying around TOO long! So, I finished it up, but I won't have it quilted until after the first of the year. I have others that I need to get finished first!

I know I must be obsessed with this hobby. I really was looking to find something that I could leave to my kids and grandchildren, that would remind them of me when I'm gone... (If they want to be reminded, that is!) I want them to be able to wrap up in their quilts and know that I made it with love for them. I want them to realize that a piece of me is in every quilt I have made. I want them to feel a part of me with them every time they look at them. That goes for anyone that I have made a quilt for. A sense that they are loved and cared for... I hope they will feel that from me, now and after I am no longer here!

Ahhhhh... There is nothing better than a new grandchild in the family! Little Bentlee D Christensen was born on September 21st. 22 inches long and 8 lbs. 8 oz. I guess not too little! She is so beautiful and it is instant love all over again! I always like to watch the proud parents of these little ones. You can tell which children are loved and are going to have a good life, by the reaction of their parents. So far, all of mine have been loved and anxiously waited for. It was so fun seeing her in the hospital and how Doug and Em responded to her. She is a wonderful new addition to our family. We love her and hope we can be good grandparents to her! That makes 13 for us... 5 boys and 8 girls. We are so very LUCKY!

Betty's Poppies

I finally finished the painting that I was commissioned to do. I hope you can all tell that it is poppies. I did it for a friend of mine, that wants it for her sisters' birthday. I think it turned out pretty good. Although, flowers are not my favorite thing to paint, I did have fun with this one. It's on a pretty big canvas, so it was fun to work on a larger scale. (30 X 40)

Homecoming...

Well, she has been home a week tomorrow, the time is flying almost as fast as it did while she was gone! We had a wonderful reunion at the airport and at dinner afterward. We took shoes from her room and had each grandchild tie a pair around their necks, so that they all "wore" her shoes! She had a necklace of shoes when she was done! (Curt's idea) She had told them all that they could wear her clothes, but not touch her shoes!!! She looked so great coming down that escalator!
On Saturday we had a dinner at the ranch for her. We had family and friends there to visit and eat and just have fun. It was wonderful!
We went to Logan on Monday and got her tuition paid to go to school. She actually got a job when she went to the airport, so that was good. A little spending money for her new truck! (gas is an expense!!!) She is adjusted and ready for life!
It is sooo good to have her here. I missed having her sing in church by me, I realized a lot of things I have missed, just by having her home again!
A sad note... the day we went to pick her up, someone robbed us at the ranch. They took a four wheeler, some generators, the welder, a torch some tools and probably things we don't know about yet. I have to say, the Malad City Sherriffs office is working hard to get it stopped and get our things back. They are doing good and have some leads. I just hate it that people seem to think they are entitled to take whatever they want. I hope they get caught and they learn to knock it off!

granddaughters and fun go hand in hand...

Can you see why I feel like such a lucky grandma? And this is just a few of my wonderful grandkids! We have a blast!

Changes are coming

In 15 days, Kari will be home from her mission. This year and a half has gone by so fast! I bet we are going to overwhelm her when she steps off the plane! She has grown and changed, and it is going to be so different for her to have to deal with life again. My hopes for her are that she will be able to adjust to living with our family again, that she will be able to keep the spirit of her mission with her. I hope that when the time comes for her to make decisions, she will have the help she needs to work the answers out and go on with her life. She has so much going for her now. She is a mature young lady with her life ahead of her. I hope that she enjoys going back to school, hopefully she will be able to decide just what she wants out of it, and then works hard for it. I hope she can find a good job, which I know right now is really hard to do. Her Spanish should help her find something that she can do. I hope she can keep the sparkle in her eyes and the love in her heart. I hope we can be what she needs right now. I hope she gets to spend time on her horse, at the ranch, to rejuvenate and get used to the world again. I hope she has the opportunity to attend the temple often. I know of no better place than there to come to peace with whatever is bothering the mind. My hopes are that she will be happy. In whatever she does. We love her and are so glad to have her coming home!

Everyday life.

No. I'm not famous. I'm not beautiful. I'm not a fashion Diva with money to spend. I'm a wife, mother, grandmother. I am loving this life and I am so glad that I don't have to live in a big city and deal wth all the commotion. I am extremely happy that I can walk outside and sit under my tree, in my sweats or pjs if I want to. I can listen to the birds or walk around the town and see people I know and love to be with.
I just got back from my granddaughters state track meet and I have been reflecting on life and what different people want out of it. I decided that I am just fine where I am. I don't need fancy anythings to make me happy. It is the times spent with family and friends that make it worth it. If I was busy trying to climb the social or professional ladder, I wouldn't have time to do the simple things in life. I guess that is why I am how I am. I like Simple. I like slow moving. I like getting involved with whatever the kids are interested in at the time. I don't need exotic vacations, expensive jewels, top line clothing. Give me jeans and a tee, I'm fine with that.
I'm glad there are all types of people out there. That is what makes the world go round. I say, if you want the fast life, go for it. Just let me be me and I will enjoy life the way I know it and want it to be.
Our home, Our town, Our State.... It's all I ever wanted in this life. Security and a loving family. I have that. I'm happy.

I am always amazed at the feelings I get when my babies and my grandbabies are born. It is an instant love. I felt this love when I carried my own, but it seems as I age, it gets stronger. I look at these tiny miracles and wonder how one so tiny can evoke such strong feelings. It is complete acceptance and overwhelming gratitude for these special additions to our family. With our newest addition, it hit me even stronger. I held her for the first time when she was a day old, and it took me some time to control the tears that I could feel forming in my heart. We are so blessed to have our grandchilden. I cannot even begin to express the love I have for them all. Mothers love is strong, but I think grandma's love is immense. I am so glad that I was able to have my six children, and that they are able to experience the same feelings. To each of them, I say thank-you, for letting me be a part of their lives, for consenting to bring children on earth, so that I can experience this happiness. I love you all!

Hannah Lyn Christensen.. Welcome to this crazy, wonderful family! We love you!!! Congratulations Jim, Shauntae and Wyatt! You have a beautiful family!

Daren

I have been putting off this post, trying to come to terms with emotions and everything else that pops up when you have a death in the family.... I didn't have to go through the pain and Chemo and loss of my dignity, so I have no reason to be angry or anything else, but that doesn't seem to help.
Watching my brother remain positive and trying his hardest to beat that awful time in his life, has made me realize, once again, that life is short. I have spent too much time finding the things that aren't right, and passing by the things that are beautiful. I'm sure we all get caught up in our lives, one way or another. I just want to be better at seeing the truly wonderful things that happen in our every day happenings.
He was a great example to me. He was a kind, loving, humble person. He worked hard to make a wonderful life for his wife and himself. He was a great friend and everyone loved him. He is going to be missed by sooooo many people. Not only that, but his animals are going to miss the love and attention he gave them. He just always had a knack for animals. He just knew what to do to help them. He and Terry have adopted animals that have been abandoned and shot and even the wild animals would come to their house when they called. It was amazing.
There is going to me a memorial for him in a week. I think it is going to be more like a celebration of his life. He is gone from this earth, but he will remain in the hearts of many, many people.
I know, "Life must move on".. I will try to make my life more meaningful from this minute on. Then maybe all the people who have gone on before will not have been here in vain. He is now with my dad, brother and sister. I'm sure they are glad to see him, but, we will miss him and we miss them.
The cure for cancer is out there somewhere, I hope they find it soon.

Watercolor Painting

This is my newest watercolor. It is of the ranch, with a storm in the background. It was fun to do; in fact, I may try it again and see if I can get the lighting better on it. I am now working on some blossoms that we are all doing in class, so maybe I will be able to get it done too. It seems like my painting time has dwindled to almost nothing. I need to get myself in gear and get some more done, or I won't have any for this years fair. I didn't put any in last year because I didn't have any that I thought would work. I hope I can get something ready!

Weight up-date

Well, lets just say that, for now, I am not in the running for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but, I am seeing a little progress. We have been going for three weeks now, and I've lost 5 pounds, which to some is nothing, but to me, it's a big deal. Mainly because I have lost something! Doing this is making me realize just how long I have been abusing myself. It is time to take control and get back to where I need to be. I am watching and stopping myself from the bad habits more and more each day. I want this to happen, even if it is slow, because I feel if I see just a little improvement, it is improvement! The other people in this challenge are an inspiration to me, when I see the totals and what others have lost, it makes me want to do better! So, thank you to all of you who are signed up, even if I don't know you. You are helping me and I appreciate it! Now I am going to go on, and hope that there is more to report on next week!

On to a new me!

Well, it's been a week on our weight loss challenge. I have had ups and downs and some yelling at myself for not having enough will power, but I have seen a little weight go off, and that is spurring me on to try harder! Weekends seem the hardest... I guess because we get together more and on Sunday we eat and sleep after church! I am so glad that we are doing this, it will make be feel better and be able to do more and be stronger, which is what I need to get through each day! I am reading some books on how to cook the foods that will help the weight go off, and they are pretty much how I cook anyway, it's the EATING part that I have to control now!!! Anyway, I may not lose the most, but if I lose some, that is a plus in my book!

I don't have too many photo's of me, but this is the "BEFORE" shots. I really hope that the "AFTER" are better!!! Here's to a Healthier, Happier, Thinner me!

I finished a few more paintings. The first one was for Relief Society. My friend asked several of us to create something that had to do with the creation. The painting of Wyatt was one and this one was Curtis's idea. I call it Matter Unorganized. After Curt gave me the idea, I found a picture of a drop of water and then created this from it. It is an oil painting.

The original is actually deeper in color. I just have a hard time getting my camera to pick up the right colors without using the flash.
The second painting is a watercolor. We did these in a class setting. We all did the same painting looking at one by Ian Ramsey. It was fun and a lot easier than trying to figure out the composition by myself.

I won't be able to do anything with either of them, since they have originated from others work. They are both mainly practice pieces, but I think they turned out ok!

My newest Painting

Three different shots of the same painting. I was asked to paint something that depicted the creation for a church lesson. This is one of the ideas that I had. Birth is the miracle that I think of the most. This is of Wyatt when he was a baby. It was such a peaceful shot that I thought it would work for the lesson.

I have another idea for it also, from Curtis, that I am going to try. If it works out, I will post it, too.

Daren's Quilt

(Sorry- the photo was from my phone.. it wouldn't post larger)

I went to see my brother, Daren, yesterday. He is a strong, brave man. He is facing the cancer and living with the prospects. It is so hard to see him being brought down by the chemo, yet he is looking forward to when he will feel good enough to do things again. He has been a great influence on so many people, and he has the support of many friends and family members. I made him a quilt to wrap up in when he is having bad days from the meds. He was freezing that day, so the timing was good! I tried to pick some colors that would cheer him up and the pattern on the big blocks are animals... things that he has always loved! He is an inspiration to me. He knows what is coming, after watching our sister struggle with the same type of cancer, yet he is hopeful that the trials he is on will find a way to help him and the other people who are living with it also. We miss him coming and hunting with us and spending time visiting. He and his wife are in for a time when things are going to be harder. I hope I can help in some way to make it a little easier on them. With his strength and determination- Anything is possible! I will pray for him everyday and hope that he can handle what ever happens.

Snow Day at the Ranch!

We had a fun snow day today at the ranch. We had friends and family and friends of friends of family! It was a great day with sunshine and pretty mild temperatures. The snow was pretty deep in places. Curt had plowed out the road so that we could get in, so it worked out great! We had the snowmobiles and the sleighs and even had some experimental sleds... I heard that some of the "boys" decided to go down the hill in a canoe! Jenny made lunch for all of us, and we had a warm fire in the fireplace for those who wanted to warm up a bit! It is such a blessing to have the family be together and have fun. I hope we get to do it more often!

Christmas at the Christensen's

We had a wonderful Christmas and New Years celebration this year. We had great food, good people to be with us, a call from Texas that made our day, back rubs, of course we had the gifts and wrapping, tree, a fire in the fireplace, "The Christmas Vacation" traditional movie, laughter, tears, everything that makes a great holiday! I am so thankful for my family and being able to have them with me during this time and anytime that we want to be together!

I was so worried about the quilts I made for each of the kids, I wondered if they would like the ones that I chose for them. It made be a little nervous, but I think they all liked them when they got them. It was fun making them the last two years. When you are doing something for someone else, it makes it so much fun to plan and work on to finish!

Chester got to spend some time with us and we are so grateful to him for all that he has done for us. It was a very sad Christmas for him. He was missing his Bessie so much. Then he didn't feel very good, so he went to Kino's to stay until he is better. We are just glad that he got to be with us for the time he was here. We also got to see Ally and Kevin while they were here. They had a lot of places to visit in the time they were back, and I'm glad they chose to come see us!
My mother was in the hospital over Christmas. She broke her hip and had a replacement one put in. They thought she was going to be in re-hab for 3 months, but she fooled them! She was home before three weeks! She is a feisty, strong lady. I hope I can remember her every time I think I am tired or sick. She is an inspiration to me. She has a walker and wheel chair to get around until she is all the way healed. The doctors and nurses were so good to her, I think she would have stayed there just for them... except she wanted to go home! She really missed her friends and her own bed. She is getting around by herself and has an aid come help every other day. I know if it weren't for Myndi, she would have to have a lot more help! She is awesome and I am thankful that she is close enough to help her.

Kari is doing well on her mission and is feeling so much better... I am thankful that the doctors know what they are doing. One of the medicines is helping her not have so many pains so she can function and still go out preaching the gospel. She has an awesome companion and is in the big city now. A BIG change from our little town! I am glad she gets this opportunity to lose and find herself at the same time.

It has been a wonderful time for us. My hope is that the new year will continue on in this manner and all will be well with all of us. HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!