On our way again!!!

Brad and I will be leaving for St. George with the Isaacson family today. Skylar is playing in a baseball tournament and they have invited us to tag along. We will be staying at a time share condo and getting to four games. It will be fun.

Happy Birthday to Brittani Nielsen

On October 31st our oldest granddaughter will celebrate her birthday. She is the nicest Halloween TREAT that anyone could ever get. Brittani is the epitome of kindness and goodness. We love her and wish her and Kevin and Kinley the best. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Brittani --- I will always remember you in that beautiful white basket with the BIG Pink Bow and of course the Cabbage Patch doll dress because you were so tiny.

Jeff Firth Celebrates a Birthday

October 30th and Jeff will celebrate number forty-six. Sometimes I know that that many years have passed and sometimes it feels like just yesterday. We were still living in the little old two bedroom house in Bothwell. We would have to do a little shuffling for everyone to fit but we were so excited for the arrival of the new baby. Tonya and Glenda would share the back bedroom and the baby would have it's crib in our room. Dale was working at Thiokol at this time as a draftsman but still longing to be a farmer. The day of Jeff's birth he was at Thiokol working when all of a sudden I knew that I needed to get to the hospital, the baby would arrive very soon. I called him at Thiokol to let him know and his mother took me to the hospital. (Funny I do not remember who took care of Tonya and Glenda ---- sorry girls, I guess I had other things on my mind, but I do know that you were surely left in good hands.) Well, needless to say Dr. Mohr came to the old Tremonton hospital to check me and into the delivery room I went, without Dale who had been with me for the first two births. His first and only son would be born while he was racing in from Thiokol at Promontory. He had selected his son's name when we were expecting our first child. If it was a girl it would be Tonya Sue and if it was a boy it would be Jeffrey Dale.
His mom greeted him in the waiting room (not far from the porch room that they had taken me after the delivery -----was a very, very small hospital) and told him to sit down it was probably going to be along wait, but she was so excited that she could not keep her secret very long and she told him that he had a son and that I and the baby were in the porch (this was a large room with four beds where new mothers went ---just a curtain for privacy --- but okay --- things were different then) I had been able to listen to the whole conversation and was so excited to share our son with him. Jeff is now a father himself of three beautiful children and a Grandfather to sweet Kinley. We pray the he and Lisa and their family will have great joy and peace. Have a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Big Snow Day at Stansbury

Jacob could hardly wait to get home from school on Wednesday to build his snowman. Stansbury really got dumped on Tuesday night but Jacob was grounded to the house because his old snow boots would just not fit on his feet plus his gloves and hat seemed to be lost. So Mom and Dad did some shopping Wednesday morning for boots, gloves and a hat and as soon as he got home he hit the yard and the white snow. (Isn't it funny how cold and wet just do not stop the little ones from having fun. Thanks for sending me the picture Jacob. Glad you had so much fun.

Number Two for the Isaacsons!!!!

Tristin has received his new glasses plus a haircut. My, but he seemed to mature several years in the process. He is one handsome looking young man. His mom Nichole thinks that he really looks like Tyson when he was younger. Well, it is all in the family. We are so glad that he will be seeing things a little clearer now.

In Awe

Over the last several years as Brad and I have traveled to Stansbury we have been in awe of airplanes and the Great Salt Lake. In all the years that we have lived here we had not seen the Great Salt Lake before. It has been interesting to see it change in the last nine years. When we first started to travel the water was almost to the edge of the shore and now it is so far back. It's color changes so often depending on the sky and sometimes it is as clear as glass and sometimes the wind has it so stirred up and the waves are very active.
Passing the airport so often and having the large planes fly over us is just amazing. They are so magnificent. For something so heavy and so cumbersome I am just amazed at how they lift off and are in the air and moving so fast. (Maybe someday soon by courage will equal my amazement and I will fly). Thanks children for the new experiences that your adult lives have brought to ours. We have been places and seen things that we never would have without you.

Happy Birthday to Amanda Howell

Today Amanda is officially considered an adult. She is twenty-one!!!!! We wish her a wonderful birthday. Lots of wonderful things are happening for her and our prayer is that they will always continue. Amanda I so miss hearing you sing and being able to play for you. That is one of my special blessings as a Grandmother. You will be able to serve your Heavenly Father and Savior so much with you beautiful voice --- don't let it be silent. You are your Grandfather Dale's look alike with your gorgeous Red Hair. Always be that happy, bouncy, and smiley little girl that brings so much joy to others.

Sharing Birthdays

It was a busy Sunday with Birthdays ---- We spent time with Glenda and her family on Sunday for her birthday which was on Friday. Then later that evening we were invited next door to share birthday cake and ice cream with Amanda. It all was very tasty. Meagan had made her sister a very fun birthday cake.

Busy Saturday

Grandpa and I had a busy but very nice Saturday. We left home at 6:45 and the first stop was to unlock the park and then it was off to Stansbury to watch Jacob play a socceer game at nine. It was just a bit on the cool side and it was a good thing that the children were running alot to keep them warm. Just about when the game was over the sun came out. It was a good game and Jacob did well. He is progressing. We then spent some time with the Despain family and had a nice lunch and watched a funny movie.


Then we were off to Syracuse to deliver some apples and a cleaned up church table cloth (the chocolate fountain left it's mark) and pick up our crockpots and picture frames. But the most important thing was to see Hunter's new glasses. He is one good looking boy. And he is just so excited to see things better. Skylar was off to the U of U game with some friends. They rode Front Runner to the city and then went on Tracks to the stadium. My it seems so overwelming to grandpa and I to see all of the things that the grandchildren are doing. Driving to places that we never dreamed of in our youth, like it was nothing. They are a Marvelous Generation. Keep it up!!!!!

Then it was off to Farmington to tend Heather and Samuel while their parents attended the Real Socceer Game. It was a fun thing for them to get to go on a "DATE". Sid's company had a suite so they enjoyed it in style. As for Grandpa and I we just enjoyed it. Natalie had wonderful french dip sandwiches prepared for us, which are one of Grandpa's favorites. We watch alot of "Maggie" on TV until Grandma broke the TV (not really I quess the batteries were low), played games, and funny thing Heather did not asked for treats. After her bath and Sam's sponge bath we settle down so Sam could sleep. They were such good children but it really took both of us to keep up with it. Hope we can do it again. At 11:15 we arrived home --- locked the park ---- headed home and dropped into bed. It was a nice day.

It is Finished

Today Brad and I finished with the carpets and the cleaning at Grandma's house. We were able to shampoo the carpet and house clean the living very good but she would not let us do more in the kitchen except clean the carpet and the same with the bathroom. At age 95 she is still very independant and wanting to do so much on her own but soon realizes that she just can't. If at age 95 we are all doing so well it will be great. We do see her failing a little but doing okay. She said that her granddaughter would be coming to help her with some of the rest of the work but we have our doubts. If she does Grandma will be thrilled if not we told her to please let us come back and help her. If anyone thinks of something that they can do to help I know that it is appreciated.

Happy Birthday to Glenda

October 23rd in the year ????? a sweet little baby came to our home. I had spent most of the previous evening not feeling so well thinking that the apples I ate had left me not feeling so well. After all the baby was not due for a few more days. Your dad was working at Thiokol but had not left for work yet. Irvin Maddox was at our place looking at the cattle and working out the contract with Dale's father. He would be using them at his restaurant in Brigham City called Maddoxs (he would purchase them in the fall when the corrals were full and he would take his chance that he got a good buy and we would take our chance that the price would be about the same when they were fat and ready to go.) Sometimes he got the better of the deal and sometimes Grandpa Delbert did --- it all seemed to even out. The men were in our kitchen discussing the deal when all of a sudden I doubled over. Seeing that my condition was that of a mother soon to be --- he said, "we will discuss business later get this gal to the hospital". It was kind of funny because he came across so tough but sometimes was a very gentle man. He gave Tonya a nickel from his pocket and off he went and off we went. Dr. Mohr was waiting for us at the old Tremonton Hospital. I had almost waited too long to get to the hospital so it wasn't too long before Glenda was born. She weighed seven pounds and fourteen ounces and was so cute. Glenda has always been such a delightful daughter. So kind in thought and deed and never asking for much. It was always very hard to find out something that she really wanted with all her heart because she never demanded or cried for anything. Even today she is this same thoughtful person to all those she comes in contact with. We love you Glenda and are so blessed to be a part of your life. May you have great joy and peace always.

Glenda loved riding horses with her father. They had a very special bond because of this love. She was fearless on her horses.

To Fill or not To Fill That is the Question?????

Yesterday was spent (nine hours) in the kitchen doing apples. Yes, beautiful, wonderful apples. Glenda has some great neighbors who offered her all the apples she would like and Grandpa and I had purchased a bushel and a half of three different varieties from Tolmans. In all we had five varieties to make into pie filling, apple butter, and apple sauce. So all of the bottles that I had left empty in the garage were brought in, washed and ready to be filled. Exactly 56. Grandpa had training meetings all morning for the town so I would be on my own for the better part of the day. Things seemed to be going quite well. The apple butter would take about four hours to get done so I started it first. When it was simmering I began the apple pie filling. It went on and on and on. When Grandpa came home he pitched in and ran the apple peeler while I caught them and sliced them in half. When I had used up all of the Apple Pie Syrup I said no more!!!! the rest will become applesauce. So trying to judge the amount I would need to fill 6 bottles we peeled and stewed and blended. But alas we only had enough for 5 bottles. No more!!!!that is enough, this one lone bottle will have to sit empty by itself on the shelf. I AM FINISHED.

Now here is the problem ---- there is no way that Grandpa and I are going to use 31 quarts of Pie Filling - 5 quarts of applesauce and 19 bottles of Apple Butter ---- so please help us out. Surely someone will need a bottle or two --- you know for apple pie, apple crisp, apple turnovers, applesauce cookies, or a wonderful spread for toast, waffles, crepes, etc. Just give us the call and it is yours. All in all it was a nice day and it is always good to know that you have done your best to prepare your food storage and grandpa says some for others too.

The Football Game that Never Was

On Thursday the 15th Grandpa and I went to Grantsville to watch Nate play football. Well it was the game that he never played. Tonya and MacKenzie came to go with us and we picked up Heather on our way to give mom a little break. Grandma packed a nice lunch and the weather was absolutely beautiful. It was a very nice drive to Grantsville and we were looking forward to this nice afternoon and then planning on being home about 7:30. Well the minute we got to the stands Tonya said "Something is wrong with Nate". Talk about a mother's intuition ---- she was absolutely right. He did not go into the game for the kick off which he usually does and he seemed to be staying apart from everyone. At half time the coach headed him toward the stands and his mother headed down towards him. Sure enough he had been having some hard pains. We packed up and headed to Aunt Amy's. They had checked out the Insta-Care for insurance and found that it would work for Nate and so Grandpa, Tonya and Nate headed to Toole to Insta-Care. No it was not his appendix ---but he had a strep throat and that can cause pains in the stomach area. A wait at the local Wal-Mart along with a million other people and a Z-pack was gotten. Now what to do --- we had Heather and she needs to be kept healthy so Sam does not get ill. A call to her parents and it was decided we would have her ride with us to their house. Nate in the front seat and Heather in the back. We arrived home about nine that night. Never a dull moment it seems. But we are so grateful that everything worked out okay. So far Nate is getting better, Heather is well and poor Sam has a little cold.

It Has Begun

Grandpa worked on cleaning a portion of one of the corrals --- with the help of Mr. Burbridge who will be taking the panels and posts. Thank heavens for the corn pit where alot of the trash can be dumped. (It will be one fantastic compost pit). Hopefully little steps at a time will lead to a completed job and the ground will be clear. Anyone need old barn wood --- we have alot.

Nice Baby Shower for Garrett and Amanda

Meagan did a fabulous job giving her sister Mandy a baby shower. (So special to see this kind of love showed). The food was wonderful --- the company fantastic and lots of nice presents to help with the baby.

Congratulations to Jeff and Lisa

We extend our love and congratulations to Jeff and Lisa on twenty-six years of marriage. That is a wonderful milestone and we wish you many more. You have a wonderful family and hope that each day will bring you great joy and satisfaction.

Skylar's Eagle Court of Honor

It was great to spend Sunday Evening with Skylar and his family as he was honored as a new Eagle Scout. It has taken many years of Scouting and hard work to get to this point and we are very proud of him. Our prayer is that he will always remember what being an Eagle Scout stands for and live his life accordingly. Thanks to all who were able to attend and give him and his family support. The lunch was wonderful and the chocolate fountain a big hit --- especially with his Scout Troop and the children.

He honored Grandpa Brad with a Mentors pin which was so nice.

Heather Goes Home --- So Boring at our House

Baby Sam was able to come home from the hospital on Sunday so we took Heather home to her "house" on Sunday Afternoon. We miss her terribly, and her happy smile, voice, singing and everything else. And of course her "plans" which always included a treat as the final thing. She was such a good girl. She would sleep in her room all night and at 6:15 she would come to our room ready to start the day. A little earlier than Grandpa and Grandma have been getting up. She loved the "Big Tub" --- was like a swiming pool and she could slide and splash and have lots of fun. On Sunday Morning grandpa and I were in our chairs watching the choir and kind of dozing a little when we looked over ---- her active life had finally caught up with her and she was on the love seat sleeping. Just an earlier nap. Thanks Sid and Natalie for letting us care for her. We enjoyed it sooooooo much.

Grandpa, Grandma and Heather

WHAT A JOY ---- Heather is staying with us while Sam is in the hospital. We are always smiling. She has such a cute way. She is doing quite well --- last night as I lay by her she really wanted to go home and know where was her Mommy but we sang a song and held hands and she fell to sleep. Today she is just fine --- happy helping Meagan get ready for the Baby Shower for Garrett.

Baby Samuel

Today was the day and it went on for along time. Sam's surgery was scheduled for one-thirty but they were behind so he went in about Three. Will keep you posted to the results when his parents call.
Natalie called and Samuel came through like a trooper. The mass was on the outside of the lung and they were able to remove it by scope. She said he has three small incisions and two staples on the inside where they repaired the place that was leaking to form the mass. He will carry those two staples for the rest of his life. His Lung came back just great from being deflated to remove the mass and he is breathing on his own. Is resting. Thank you to a wonderful Father in Heaven, The Power of the Priesthood, wonderful and skilled medical personnel, prayers of family and friends and great parents. We love you Sam and look forward to your arrival home and a full recuperation.

Red Canyon and Sunrise Point

Happy Birthday to Dan Howell

Happy Birthday to Dan --- understand it is number 31. Lots of good things happening. Our best to you and happiness always.

Kinley ---- Walking!!!!

Carli tells me tonight that Kinley is walking behind her little push toy. WOW!!!! seems like only yesterday that she was a new little baby. But a little more than a month and she will be one. Watch out Kevin and Brittani --- walking will get easier and easier for her and soon she will be running and you will be trying to keep track of her. She is such a little sweetheart.

Baby Garrett and Mommy Amanda at Grandma and Grandpas

Today was a special one at the Wood home. Amanda and Baby have come to stay for a few days and to get feeling better. Daddy Dan will arrive on the weekend and also stay a few days. He is one cute baby and seems so content. (are prayers are with his parents that this will always be the cause --- but don't always count on it). We are so happy for this little family and the great joy that they are now partaking of.

After a Long Wonderful Day We Arrive at Home

We spent a wonderful day touring Bryce National Park --- touching a bit of Cedar Breaks and then coming home by way of Brian Head Ski Resort and the backroad to Stansbury Park and then home last evening at 10:30. Not bad for two oldies. It was a fabulous day. Really enjoyed my traveling companion and met some very interesting people along the way.

At Sunrise Point we met and had our first conversation with a gentleman from New Zealand. He and his wife are touring the United States for five weeks with daughter and son-in-law from Canada, and are in awe of its beauty. He said that they have seen so many wonders about "America" that they had never heard of. They traveled town from Canada by way of Twin Falls and we explained to him that he would have traveled right by our area. He was very concerned about our ("paddocks") fields and the snow and the rain that was falling on the hay. Brad talked with him that at this time of year that this was not unusual and the crop would be turned and harvested as the weather permitted. In New Zealand they get only one crop of hay from the paddock and surprised that we harvested at least four. He said that would explain why some of the cuttings they saw looked a bit small. He also wanted to know about our watering system. Brad told him about Bear Lake and the irrigation system. He was impressed that it was all gravity flow and that the expense for power would not be necessary. Also the ground water for the big pivots was fascinating to him. He said that driving in the cities and towns has been quite easy but when he gets to the country he has a harder time because he really wants to drive on the other side of the road like they do in New Zealand. His wife had walked to the bottom of the canyon at Sunset and it was fun to meet her when she returned. She too loved the country.

WOW -- This Family is a Busy One

Grandpa and I enjoyed supper and a show at Ebenezer's Barn and Grill last night. Alot like the Bar J at Jackson. A very nice supper of Rib Eye Steak, Dutch Oven Beans, Dutch Oven Potatoes, Cole Slaw, and Corn Bread with Peach Cobbler for Dessert. There were five members in the Bar G group and they did pretty good. The most amazing was the thirteen year old girl who played guitar and violin. They said that she taught herself at age twelve to play and she now performs with them. When they did the Cannonball Express she kept right up with them ---even when the tempo went faster. Another of the group was a young man (married from the ring on his finger) who played the violin also and did some rope tricks. He was so fun to watch and could play so well. The singing was okay --- the older gentlemen sometimes got off a little I think, but it was good. The walk over to the grill was about three blocks and the night air felt good too me --- but coming back you could really feel the cold. Today we are going to tour all parts of Bryce that we can and see where we end up tonight. Grandpa is a wonderful traveling companion. So kind and thoughtful to me. We are blessed.

Well the journeys of Mary and Todd have been exciting --- from snowstorms and fog to a closed I 80 because of a wreck. They arrived home safe late Monday Evening.

Paul will start his new job this morning and our prayers are with him that all will go well. Sometimes learning the ins and outs of new jobs is not fun. He will do great.

Hope you will all remember Little Samuel in your prayers at this time. Mary is calling the temple today to have his and his families name placed on the prayer roll. Faith and prayer are such wonderful helps in our Heavenly Fathers plan. On Friday I hope you will all join us as we fast and pray for Little Sam that he will be blessed to be strong in his surgery and that the Doctors will be very skilled at their work and decisions.

Skylar's Eagle Court of Honor

I know that the Isaacsons are trying to make contact with everyone but just in case -- Skylars big day will be this Sunday at six at their church house in Syracuse. Proud of you Skylar --always remember the values that a Scout represents and your life will be on the right path.

Wonderful News for Grandpa and Grandma Wood

So ---- the baby has arrived and seems to be great according to a quick phone call from the Grandparents. The mother is doing fine and I am sure is just excited beyond belief. Really don't know how the Dad is --- must still be standing---you know fathers some times can get a little faint. Teresa will be posting on her facebook page but for those who don't do facebook this is what great grandmother has been told --- Baby Garrett weighed in at 8 pounds 1 ounce and is 21 inches long. As for the red hair (which I think is absolutely fabulous) he maybe has just a little. Only time will tell.

Grandpa is at meetings --- he came back to get me for lunch but I just did not feel like food ---trying to rest so can go to Prime Rib supper and entertainment at Ebenezor's Barn and Grill. What a lousy time to come down with a cold.

Mary called about one and said they were outside of Raliegns, Wyoming. Had to stop a little bit earlier than planned last night because of snow and fog. Will be glad to have them home safe and sound. I know that this has been a wonderful experience for them. Proud of their love and kindness to a dear friend Brandee. Glad she did not have to make the trip back to Utah alone.

Brittani arrived home safe yesterday from her Hawaii trip. Looking forward to hearing about it and seeing her photos. I bet Kinley was excited to see mom --- and Kevin you are such a great dad.

Waiting to hear from Kelsey about her deer Hunting trip with Dusty and his family. I hope it was a fun time.