Garen Graduates from USU

Today is graduation day for Garen from Utah State University.  His college graduation exercises will take place today at four in the Spectrum.   We are so very proud of his dedication and hard work to accomplish this goal.  I know he has spent many hours in study and learning as well as working.  We hope that his future will be filled with that perfect job that he has studied so hard for.  Garen is a man of few words but serves his family with great love and patience.  We truly appreciate his kindness and respect to us.  We are excited to attend his special event today and offer him our congratulations.

The Graduate

His Number One Fan

The Future Graduate

Family Support

Garrett Loved the Party

Spending time with Uncle Brandon and Jordan

Graduates either listening or being bored

Receiving Degree Number ONE

Dad --- so sorry I missed that one --- needed a quick nap

Receiving Degree Number Two ----- This one is shared with Tyler

Happy Smile and so proud of Son

Now it is time for Grandpa

Mom! Did you see me get my Degree

Dentist ---- A decision to be made

Brad and I both went to the dentist on Thursday.  That salt water taffy got him too.  He bit a piece and it pulled off his cap.  That four dollar bag is adding up to be a bit expensive.  Dr. Williams did a quick repair job on Brad and then it was my turn.  I have not been to the dentist since Dr. Hurley and Dr. White fitted me with dentures and a plate in 1976.  The work was completed just before Tonya and I went to Mexico.  I have not been to the dentist since.  The work that was done has been great. ----- However, in the last three months I have had some pain and it has been hard to chew because of it.  I guess the broken off tooth was a good thing because it got me to the dentist. They took an X-ray of my six remaining teeth that have been capped all these years.  Not good news.  It showed that the teeth have some bad infection and even if we try to repair the bridge and add in a tooth for the missing one the others will soon be breaking also.  This could become a very expensive proposition.  I will decide for sure this weekend which way I will go ------ a full lower denture looks like the best option.  I will then be matching.  Top and bottom. 

One of the greatest answers may yet be coming though.  I have felt so rotten for so many months.  Just can't seem to feel better.  I am now on an antibiotic for three weeks.  Just maybe this infection in my teeth has been wearing me down.  We shall see -----.  Very hopeful

Working in the Yard

Friday morning Brad and I did yard work.  It takes us about four hours to get through the three places.  It was so nice yesterday ---- first time in the four mowing's that I did not have to wear a coat a scarf.  We are really trying to simplify the yard so that we can handle things better.  We added some more bark to the front and pulled out a couple of bushes.  I will not miss them.  We are not going to be planting any of the pots this year.  With the plans that are in place for the summer we will be gone quite a bit and it is just too hard to have others water them.  So ---- no flowers this year.  We have been planting the garden though.  Yesterday we found that three onions have come through and the peas are coming really good.  We added corn, beans, and carrots yesterday.  Next week we will add potatoes and beets and parsnips.  Not a big garden space but great for us.  After my birthday we will add the tender vegetables. My tulips are finally blooming (Kelsey can now celebrate her birthday --- HaHa). 

 Made a quick stop by the Firths to see the transformation in their front yard.  Lisa was given a wonderful mother's day gift by her children and husband ----- Help with some very hard work in the yard.  I think that is probably the best gift a wife and mother can get.

Summer is coming

Kinley and Dad

Mom's in the mirror

Kaden and Grandma Lisa

Moving Day for the Brewer Family

Garen, Meagen and Tyler have found a new home in Logan.  Things always seem to come at the same time and that is how it is for this little family.  On Thursday evening with Garen trying to finish his finals and help pack as much as possible the first items were loaded into Grandpa Brad's truck, Brandon's truck, the Wood's car, and the Brewer car for a late evening trip to Logan.  It will be such a lovely home for this little family and will definitely cut down gas and time spent driving to Logan for work.  Friday Paul, Meagan and Brad and I headed to Logan with some more items.  With everything just stacked in corners Meagan and Garen will have some work ahead of them getting everything just right.  But first and foremost today will be concentrated on a wonderful graduation day for Garen.

Always a great support ---- Thanks so much

Oh My! -----What a job

Best Dad

Dad and Grandpa working on a new lock

Tyler ---- really wondering what is going on --- has been a bit hard on him

When mommy is close he feels so much better

Another Step

On Monday evening the Johnson family completed their final step in Damon's Eagle Project.  With some help from Aunt Tonya and her vinyl expertise this nice plaque has been added to the back of the project.  It is well protected with plexi-glass and should last for a good deal of time along with the stand.  It is now up to Brad to get the information for the other side.  He has been working on this part with the town secretary and the gentleman that services the cemetery software for the town.  Brad really wants it to come before Memorial Day.  I hope so too.     Kudo's to Damon and his family for a wonderful project.

It is such a proud feeling when we think of the men in our family and the many Eagle projects that have been accomplished.  Dan, Jeff I, Justin, Tyson, Ryan, Skylar and Damon we are proud of you.  We are also very proud of those who are working toward their Eagles.  From Nate down to the youngest ones in Cub Scouts.  Keep up the good work. Also I must also give some high fives to the men who have given so much of their time and talents to be Scout Masters and Scout Leaders.  I would like to start with Dale.  He served many years in the job and helped many young men on their way to accomplishing the rank of Eagle.  Following in his footsteps has been his son Jeff who has also served and helped many young men.  Many of my son-in-laws have given greatly in the service of this program and I know that they have blessed many young men's lives.  Then there is that gentleman who was called to be a Weblos leader at the age of 69.  What a shock that was to him as well as myself.  But what an awesome job he did.  The boys loved and respected him and he was able to teach and help them in many areas.  But I think perhaps most of all they looked up to him as a GOOD man and one that they could count on.  He served until our ward had no boys to go into the program at that time.  (About one year)

 At this time I must also congratulate all of the women in our family for their hard work in the Young Women's Program.  It takes a great deal of time and hard work to earn the Young Womanhood Medallion.  I was blessed to receive mine while serving in the Young Women.  I am not absolutely sure (Hope to be corrected and updated)  but I think all my daughters, Lisa, and granddaughters so far have earned and received this honor.  It is as awesome as the Eagle.

Happy Birthday to Teresa Kae

Teresa Kae was born on a Sunday at the old Tremonton Hospital on the hill.  Dale and I had actually made plans for our church attendance that day but, those soon got changed.  It was a very special day for us when Teresa was born and to know that her little body was well and strong.  It had been a few months of concern.  The one thing that makes Teresa unique from her siblings is that she is totally left oriented.  When she was in need of some speech therapy they did some testing and that was their conclusion.  She would even kick the ball with her left foot.  Teresa has accomplished many wonderful things during her lifetime but perhaps the greatest would be marrying Paul, becoming a mother of three children and soon to be grandmother of four.  We have truly enjoyed having her as our next door neighbor and pray that her life will be filled with peace and joy.  Happy Birthday and much love.

Teresa was born on Grandmother Jennie Firth' birthday.  Her birth date is listed as 2 May 1892.  Grandma was very excited and pleased to share her special day with Teresa.

Sad Times

Brad sensed today that I was very sad.  It is so hard on me when circumstances come about that brings sadness and pain to the ones that I love so dearly.  When Dale died I truly felt that I must try my very best to help guide us to be an eternal family.  That way my children and their families would be able to be with him and enjoy knowing him.  It is hard to realize that agency is every ones blessing and privilege and I can only be supportive and give my love.

Today Brad took me on a very long ride.  (one of our favorite things to do together)  The quiet time allows me to gather myself together and prepare to be as supportive as I can.  Each day I am so very grateful for my blessings and my family.

Deep Creek

Mom and new colt

Several Deer out today



Maybe not a good summer home ---- but the canyon would be nice for one





 

 These tracks really made Brad want to add his to the mountain

Memories from when we did this as a family







Beautiful Blue Bear Lake



 



Storm coming in -  time to head home



So stately in a row ---- waiting for warm weather

Wind and snow flurries coming down ----- still winter at the top

Gardens

These past two weeks we have spent some time with the Sorias and the Despains helping with some garden preparation equipment.  While at the Despains we made a quick trip into Tooele and Cal-Ranch to get new work cloths for Brad and garden seed.  It will be exciting to see if we all are pleased with our efforts.  We have planted our peas and onion sets and when it warms we will plant the rest.
Sid has built some great garden boxes for their planting.  Their garden last year was amazing and I hope they have great success again.
Brad and I have expanded out area and it is much closer to the back door so I should work at it better.
The Despains have prepared a FIELD.  Danny really wanted a garden this year ---- so he is in charge and has tilled up about one third of their back yard.  Lots of work now and coming but it will be so nice to have fresh produce.

Did I Mention that it was so COLD!!!!

Nate was playing ball at the High School late Friday afternoon so we wanted to catch his game.  Yes, we chose one of the coldest days possible.  Tonya, DelRay and MacKenzie had been there since 3:30 to support the Varsity Team.  Nate was the designated hitter for the Varsity pitcher.  He told his mom that it was kind of cool to hear his name announced over the speaker ---- Woodruff at bat.

So after our shopping trip to Logan we still had time to do our weekend grocery shopping before the game.  (we knew that all of the groceries would be fine in the trunk since it was so cold).  The JV game was to start at 5:30 so we just sat in the car and ate a quick lunch and watched the end of the first game from a distance.  The boys did great but we got a bit nervous during the final inning when Grantsville had the bases loaded and the tieing run at bat.  Oh! relief they got him out and won 8 to 4.

Nate's game did not start until after six o clock and it was getting colder and colder and the wind made it feel like a deep freeze.  DelRay had to leave after the first game for work ---- and Kelsey left shortly after Nate's game started.  She was way too cold.  So Tonya, MacKenzie, Brad and I gave our support.  The Bears got a great start and we just kept hoping that they would get 10 runs real fast and keep the other team scoreless so the game could end early.  At the end of 5 the score was 10 to 0 and the game ended.  Not too early ---- little after 7.  Fun time ----- cranked the car heat to 80 ----- got home and cranked the furnace to 75 and got out the hot chocolate maker.   GREAT GAME NATE

Keeping the Road Hot

Brad and I made our list and headed to Logan on Friday.  Without the list we are lost ---- usually come home with only part of the reason for the trip.  It was a very cold day but we were able to accomplish all tasks.  We always enjoy the wonderful scenery as we travel over the hill-it is always changing in some way.

We enjoyed a spin around the beautiful Logan Temple

Stopped to get flour and pancake flour from Kelsey ----- her boss told us that she was an exceptional employee and when he gives her a job to do she has it done ASAP.  He will miss her.   We appreciate that we are considered family and get a friends and family discount.  He even told us that if we come when she is in Idaho to be sure and tell them that we are Kelsey's grandparents so we can have the discout.  WOW! that is so nice.

Logan Tabernacle ---- need to get their to look up some geneology

Headed home --- the Little Bear River and swamps are full