no bohn's about it

lululemon love

2012-02-11T12:36:00.000-08:00

FINALLY!!!

A day I have been waiting and waiting for with great anticipation finally arrived - the opening of this wonderful store -

I bought these

Thank you for FINALLY opening a wonderful STORE (instead of just a show room with crazy hours) at Trolley Square in our very own Salt Lake City. Go there, buy something, it will make your life a tad bit happier!

"dance, sing, floss & travel"

2012 Cabo Trip

2012-01-31T20:33:00.000-08:00

Well, another trip to our beloved Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach in Cabo San Lucas is in the books. We had an exceptional time with family and friends this time as well. We knew we were in for an exciting time - despite Kathy receiving a written "warning" for transporting her peppers and zuchini's across the boarder. I, too, almost got arrested by trying to document the event!

Right out of shoot, we found ourselves up at the beautiful sky pool, basking in the warm sun!

In his defense --- Curt was watching a movie on his tablet and it was simply tooooo bright outside to see the screen, so I really took this picture to show how creative Curt is in improvising a solution! Another pool --- another day Here is Ann, yet another pool, another day! I had to snap a picture of these cute little kids, they kept us entertained one day - they were so cute (she is reading her brother a book - it's upside down, but she read it)This is the Pueblo Bonito "Pacifica" resort. We look at it every day - it is an adult only "wellness" resort and we decided to pay it a visit. By the way, this beach/area is where the movie "Troy" was filmed. When Curt and I first visited our resort, the movie set was still up on the beach and every time I look at it --- I see Brad Pitt in my mind!

Here we are in the outer courtyard -

This is the foyer of the PB Pacifica, everything about this stunning resort emits relaxation and meditation

The grounds

Look Steven, a sweat lodge!

Well - almost everything is relaxing but the water aerobic class. We got a kick out of this woman with her zink sunscreen, but I'm sure she was having a relaxing time

Kathy is relaxed -

Here is a look up at our resort from the PB Pacifica - this time we stayed in the unit facing us, up at the very top of the mountain is the sky pool.

Kathy left her mark in the bathroom, she broke the sink! (It was fixed by the end of the day)

As we ventured out to downtown Cabo, we passed through another Pubelo Bonito resort, this time it's the Rosa - I "covered up" the naked statue

We ate dinner at the popular "Office" on the beach

We all agreed Kathy had the winner plate with her sea bass and bacon wrapped shrimp!

Another beautiful sunset -

As we walked back along the beach, we spotted a beautiful dinner setting ready for some lucky couple

another night we made it to Maro's Shrimp House - loved the acknowledgement toMaro's wife for the home made dessert, it was delicious!

We were serenaded (for Peso's of course)

Another beautiful sunset from our deck

Scenes from around the resort - this year we discoved several "sea turtle nests" along the beach

There were poinsettia's planted all around the resort - they were in bloom and beautiful (I seem to use that word alot!)

I never tire of experiencing sunsets

Saying good-bye for another year!

Happy Birthday - Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T14:40:00.001-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY - to my sweetheart, whom I AdOrE!!!

and Happy 2012!

Christmas - finally!

2011-12-24T15:53:00.000-08:00

Since Brandon & Jamie were flying back home on Christmas day, we actually celebrated with our family on Saturday. We had Grove's Market sandwiches with the necessary fixings

(namely Cheetos!)

We'll try one picture before we open gifts --

Stocking time for the grown-ups!

The girls took over the robots the guys got

Then - off to celebrate with the Moosman family where eating is always a mustAfter too many years away from us, it was so good to have Adam & Tiff back

Who's ready for JINGO????

Peter scored (big time!) with the Jingo gifts!
Our handsome Nixon!
Wendy reading her annual Christmas story
We wrote letter's to Jesus, telling Him what we're going to give Him this year

We visited my Mother, and left a wreath

Oh, and Santa was gracious enough to let me open that little box afterall. They were earrings that matched the pendant and ring I got in Mykonos, Greece! Thank you Santa!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Grandchildren Party

2011-12-21T15:33:00.000-08:00

We had a Christmas party for the grandchildren this year. It started out with a yummy dinner featuring their FaVoRiTe -corndogsEz moved himself to the "big" table, didn't want to sit with the girls this time (but Nixon did!)
Pictures around the Christmas tree --- take 1

Ha, I guess only in my dreams! But this one wasn't so bad

Story time -couldn't quite hold little Cate's attention we painted Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus

I was pretty pleased with how they turned out

Nixon had fun playing with the ball blaster

We watched, and had an interesting discussion, about the Nativity, then opened a little present

and played with them

and each other. It was so fun to have them all together again!

Oops -

2011-12-18T15:49:00.000-08:00

Despite all efforts to try and turn my actions around and get that little package from Payne Anthony - I'm still managing to goof up.
Let's just say "I really did not notice that little pole while leaving the mall, but it noticed me!"

A few Holiday treasures -

2011-12-12T15:15:00.000-08:00

The Holiday's are well underway and I am super busy with them, like you! Here are a couple of activities we've had so far. I joined these proud parents to watch Annie perform in her school program - She sang her little heart out!
Despite repeated efforts, it has been very difficult to coax any Christmas suggestions from Annie, and Santa, quite frankly, is getting a little worried. That is, until we were leaving the school and we spotted her "Christmas Wish List" hanging on the wall outside her door

Wow! A mighty list for a 6 year old. Maybe Santa wishes he didn't know what she wanted for Christmas after all!

My Dad, Curt & I attended a memorial service at the Mortuary who handled my Mother's preparations. They had the Jordan HS Bell Ringers perform, and Curt was chosen to come up and participate - and did he ring the bells!

and we lit a candle in memory of my sweet mother

We've also managed to watch these little ones once or twice, and we love to play games

Now, on with more holiday ---

There's still time ----

2011-12-04T21:10:00.000-08:00

I found a little note on my front door from the "big" guy after lamenting over finding my name on his "naughty" list ---

Well, here's my little gift - from Payne Anthony Jewelers
Ok - it's a deal! I'll do my best and work hard, promise!

A busy Thanksgiving week

2011-11-26T19:47:00.000-08:00

Headed over to visit the kids before the big Thanksgiving holiday because they weren't coming for Thanksgiving this year, and because I really miss them --- I mean who wouldn't miss these darlings!

The weather was FaNtAsTiC - especially since Salt Lake was getting snow! We headed off for an outing at the ZOO The sun was bright and the animals were active The Denver Zoo has Komodo Dragons. I've never seen them before. These are the babies. They were cute and kept us entertained for a while as we watched them get their nails clipped and jump all over the groomers. It was funny. There were also adult Dragons, they were not cute. They were amazing, but kind of freaky! One of our favorite things at the Zoo
Happy Feet! We rode the cool train - and measured our growth - We also made a trip to visit Dr. Bohn (our favorite dentist) and get our teeth checked and cleaned We made crafts
Cheesecake bitesWatched this little guy dismantle the dishwasher (sorry guys, but he was so determined)!
And decorated a gingerbread house
Are they not the cutest kids? See why we miss them SO much? Thanks B&J, LOVED the visit, and love you!
Thanksgiving morning, Curt and I started off by running a Thanksgiving 5K with Amy Oh yeah, our snazzy metals. I was very proud of Curt, this was his first 5k and he did great! Can you tell he has lost over 30 pounds? He's doing really good and I'm proud of him.
Then, on to the Thanksgiving feast. Oh yes, it was great ---
Peter is showing us his favorite dish --- a tofu turkey. It was actually pretty good!
So, how many of you had a balloon lady at your Thanksgiving dinner? If you would of had Thanksgiving dinner with us, you would have met Sharon, the balloon lady. She kept us, and the kids, occupied for quite some time - Then Gardner Village with the Elves and the Olson girlsWhere we found Santa's list -
and I did NOT like what I saw ---- My name (and Annie's) made "the LIST", ya know -- Santa's "Naughty List!" Can you find it? It's even spelled correctly!
Ok, I admit "I" may deserve to be on the list, but Annie was NOT happy about this one little bit. Marisa and her girls -
The elves were having a great time
So were we
It was a beautiful day but still a little chilly and we managed to find our first bit of real ice
Unlike the ice these elves were skating on We enjoyed our visit to Gardner Village - and the elves
Later on, the girls helped me decorate our snow village with "fake" snow

And we even had an "indoor" snowball fight (again --- fake snowballs).
But my fun was "real" and so is my gratefulness to be a part of such a wonderful family!

Thanksgiving - a little early

2011-11-13T22:22:00.000-08:00

So this is our "off" year for Thanksgiving....meaning our children are "off" with their other families celebrating the Holiday so I made our Thanksgiving feast a little early. It was delish!! We broke totally from tradition though and tried something you might say, a little different --- anyone say sweet and sticky RIBS???

Oh yes - finger licking, lip smacking, bone clearing good! We also had a potato and an oriental spinach salad (with carrot curls and oranges). Yes, we totally broke from tradition, it felt good, it tasted even better! We did, however, stick with an all American Apple pie.
Now I love turkey - but I eat it almost every day, so I am thankful this Thanksgiving for all things, but particularly RIBS!

Weird Science

2011-11-12T21:42:00.000-08:00

The girls came for a little visit and Annie brought along something to occupy her time -

Pappa was VERY excited as this kind of thing is right up his alley - or should we say he enjoys this a bit more than dressing up as the "Prince" and escorting his beautiful "Princesses" to the ball (over and over and over again)! He helped Annie get things all prepared, and anybody that knows Curt will recognize right off that he reinforced the importance of "safety" while preforming experiments by having Annie wear her "safety glasses" no matter how involved the experiments may be (she was very willing to comply, by the way) -

So, here we go.....experimenting -

All sorts of technical words were floating around - some I hadn't heard since my Jr. High school days. It was most facinating Even Cate was learningA picture is worth a thousand words, isn't it?After the science experiments were over with, we experimented with art, again - Thanks girls, can't wait to do some more experimenting -

A little of this and that -

2011-11-05T21:13:00.000-07:00

We took advantage of the little bit of time we had while the Jr's were in town to get the kids together. These kids LOVE making books - and I LOVE watching them and reading it afterwards (plus, it's a great way to help use up all my old scrap book things!) -

Even the littlest ones were getting in to it -

Ah, the finished product - the title is "Barbie - A Perfect Christmas"

And look --- the "writer" is Berlynn and it "illustrator" is Annie. Can you even guess how big my smile was? I LOVE this book and read it every night!

Of course, being this close to Halloween we had to decorate cookies -

Is your mouth watering yet?

How about now?

How can so much creativity come to one family???

It was a quick trip, but each moment we get to share is priceless!

We also got to sneak a school lunch in with Annie -
It was yummy!

A fitting final tribute

2011-11-01T20:31:00.000-07:00

After my mother's funeral, the final event was gathering at her gravesite for a final good-bye. We followed our mother's wishes as she had outlined her own funeral services and wished for each of her 5 grandson's to speak. I understand the wisdom behind that, as I was so pleased and proud of each one of them and am certain she was too. Here are just a few pictures -

My mother's only living sister, Ila (just older than my mother), was able to attend the gravesite (she's on the end) and we were thrilled to see her again. My Aunt Fern (my mother's oldest brother's wife) is next to her - what memories I have of Aunt Fern and her fun, fun personality. Only Ila and Jerry (my mother's brother just younger than her) are now left from my mother's large family of 9 children, but nearly all their spouses are living.

Matt lead us in a final song of "Till We Meet Again" -

My siblings/spouses and my dad -

The hansome grandsons -
and the beautiful grand daughters -

Mom was so proud of her family - and so am I!

Here's my cuties (minus one)

Till we meet again mom!

My Angel Mother -

2011-10-21T19:34:00.000-07:00

Vauna Loree Fairbourn Moosman

January 18, 1931 - October 21, 2011

No Place Like Home!

2011-10-14T19:07:00.000-07:00

Curt and I just returned from traveling the Mediterranean - it was amazing! Until I can get caught up on the repercussions of taking said trip, here's a few quick glimpes

Vatican City -

The ruins of Ephesus (Turkey) - Mesada -
Mykonos (Greece) -
Salt treatement (Dead Sea) - Yikes, but it was wonderful -

Athens -
Rome -
Israel -

Pompei - No matter where we go - near or far, I love coming back home. This trip we came home to this:
Sure hated missing a visit with these kiddies, but LOVED the note!

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!

Mystery Peach Bandit

2011-09-15T19:19:00.000-07:00

Fall is my favorite time of year. One reason is peaches! Our little peach tree is proving to be a great investment for us and this year is no exception. Since I didn't get the garden planted this year and we didn't get any plums, our attention has been focused on the peach tree and we have been anxiously waiting for the right time to pick these little gems. Curt has been going out and checking them with great diligence and earlier this week said they were just about ready. I happened to look out the window last night and noticed a few peaches on the ground so I told him they must be ready because some of them had dropped.

We went out with a box to gather them up and pick the remaining (we only have one small(ish) tree) when we both noticed it looked like quite a few of the peaches were gone. As we got closer, we discovered a whole bunch of pits lying in the grass - mostly in one spot, but a few scattered beyond. There wasn't a lick of peach meat on these pits, they were completely clean. Hum....very interesting - and quite a mystery. We picked the remaining peaches and contemplated over what could have eaten our peaches - this being the first year anything like this has ever happened. I've heard of people "raiding" other people's peach trees before, Marisa had her's raided last year, and I may (or may not) have participated in such an event somewhere in my past, but usually it involved taking the whole peach, not leaving any evidence behind, if you know what I mean!

Curt & I had a rare opportunity of being home this morning and while working in the office with the windows open (another reason I love fall, after the hot summer), thought I heard some rustling outside. I quickly peeked out and scoured all around, looking for what I was sure was the peach bandit - returning to help themselves to more of our yummy peaches when I suddenly spied this magnificant animal staring right at us

We were stunned, and taken aback. I just stood there, but Curt had his phone and quickly started snapping pictures of the deer before it turned and headed back up to the golf course (click on the picture to enlarge the experience). It's not the best picture, but can you see the rack on him? Later, as I was telling co-workers about this experience, they all agreed it was probably the deer eating our peaches, as they do eat them and probably like them as much as I do, and won't swallow the pits. I didn't know that. Or...the other (strong) possibility could be one of these rascals -
I would prefer the deer!

Blogging Blahhhhhh -

2011-09-08T18:23:00.000-07:00

Kind of in a "blogging blah" time right now - busy, but not busy with things I particularly want to post about. I did, however, get to see my FaVoRiTe musical today, with a favorite friend (thanks Ann): It always perks me right up - oh, and our son's birthday today also makes me happy!
Happy Birthday Brandon -

More....later!

T Minus 2 Days, and Counting...

2011-08-25T21:11:00.000-07:00

SOOOO excited to watch "Pioneer Woman's" new cooking show début. I've been a fan for years!Food Network - Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. (Mountain)

Love her food, love her personality, love her story (check out her link on my sidebar)!

A whole week of family -

2011-08-14T19:00:00.000-07:00

Jamie and the kids were in town for the week and we managed to have a little bit of fun family time. Lagoon was a big hit - we could not separate these two girls -

Cate and Papa on Puff

These two paired up and had a good time together too -

Jamie and our little Nix -

Ezra gave this little beauty a boat ride around the park -

And Cate also gave this little girl a boat ride

We were all super happy that Berlynn loved this dragon ride as much as Annie, and they could ride and ride and ride it together (so the rest of us didn't get sick!)

Ezra promised he'd give me a "dry" ride, and Annie promised she'd give Berlynn a dry ride too -

NOT - we were wet for a long time!

Ezra was so proud he drenched Grandma!

Brandon flew in late in the afternoon and joined us, it was so good to see him -

There was a lot of this (all week) going on between these two cute besties!

Oh, remember going to Lagoon with that special someone...

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice-cream!

Friday night we had a grand sleep over with lots of fun!

(Is it bad that Ezra is super, super good at the slot machine?)

Bubble machine for the little ones as the "Princess' wander around their kingdom"

Making a yummy salad -

Checking out the grill -

And to finish off the week, school shopping and twin outfits (too bad they live in different states!)

Thanks for the visit, we hope you had as great of a time as we did - come back soon!

Miss Cate turns 3!

2011-08-03T20:08:00.000-07:00

Today is our Cate's birthday, she turns 3. She was excited!
The only thing she wanted was a green bike, and a cake - check and check!

It also makes the final stuffed animal I made for the grand kiddies. Cate got a dolphin -
She said "yeah!"

Then we watched them jump, JuMp, JUMP!

And swing, SwInG, SWING!

Happy Birthday little Miss Cate!

Moab -

2011-07-31T19:50:00.000-07:00

We stole away for a quick weekend trip to Moab. It.was.hot.dry.and.beautiful! It usually is the end of July, just like a desert is supposed to be, but we chose to go then and had a fun time in spite of it. We took a quick morning hike to see the Corona Arch -

Here it is ---

and there's also another small arch right by -

We had a great time!

Ready for S'mores?

2011-07-26T18:30:00.000-07:00

As if regular s'mores aren't perfect just the way they are - I found a receipe for s'more bark that sounded interesting - in case your needin a quick s'more fix.....you know, maybe it's in the dead of winter, or there isn't a campfire convenient and the microwave substitute just won't cut it.

The only ingredients you need are regular s'more ingredients - grahams, Hershey chocolate bars, marshmellows and one other - milk chocolate chips.
Break 8 grahams in half and place on a baking sheet covered with foil

Crush 4 grahams to crumbs and set aside Break 2 Hershey bars into pieces and set aside

Pour milk chocolate chips into a double broiler

Melt and stir until smooth

Pour chocolate over grahams and spread to cover

Sprinkle mini marshmellow on top and place in fridge for 10 minutes

Heat broiler and place s'more under for approximately 1 minute (or so), watch carefully so they don't BURN, but are nicely browned. Take out and pour graham crumbs over top, sprinkle with the Hershey chocolate bar pieces.

Cool completely (may place in fridge to quicken the process), and break into pieces

Yep - closest thing I've tasted to "real" s'mores yet. Now I'll be ready for those "dead of winter" cravings!

Moosman Gathering at the cabin

2011-07-25T19:18:00.000-07:00

We had a quick family cabin get-together with my Moosman cousins, whom we hardly ever see.

It was really good to have the cabin so full with loved ones - especially ones we don't see on a regular basis! Yes, we made regular s'mores - and I brought my s'more bark!

Mr. Nixon turns 1!

2011-07-22T20:06:00.000-07:00

Our grandson Nixon turns 1 today. I feel bad I don't have a better picture of him than this, but, I don't. He is celebrating his 1-year old birthday today at Lake Powell (lucky little man!) with his family. We are missing him, and want to say - Happy, Happy Birthday Nixon!
Here's his turtle -

Splish Splash

2011-07-22T07:32:00.000-07:00

So have you been down to check out the new splash park/playground NSL has provided? It's in Foxboro and we decided to take our little ones for their opinion -
The people there told us the water is usually a lot higher than it was when we were there, but it was still fun. There was a lot more water than these pictures show, we just didn't snap the pictures at the right time.

The girls LoVeD it -

And best of all - it's FREE (well, compliments of our taxes), and it is certainly a place we will be visiting again....and again....and again!

Moosman Family Reunioun - 2011

2011-07-03T10:11:00.000-07:00

Well, another grand Moosman family reunion is in the books! This year's event was sponsored by Steven & Wendy. It was held at the Trail Head Park and was a most perfect day. Started off with visiting and hello's to those we haven't seen in a while - then a yummy, traditional reunion breakfast.

Dad, or Grandpa, handles the grill he has mastered, as well as the "made to order eggs"

Wendy took over with a captivating story about a spider -

Look at these cuties, not only intrigued with the story, but "caught in the spiders web".

One story over with - but another just beginning, the kiddies all doned hats and horns and took off for adventure on the trail, here's Connor showing how it's done -

Are they all not SOOO cute?

On and on they went, listening to their story, blowing their horns, and following Wendy very intently -

Kind of like our own family Pied Pipper, in a way!

Then, on to my part. We did sand designs, it looked like so much fun at Berlynn's birthday party, we wanted to have a go at it -

It was a hit. After a while, the "big" kids had a turnHolly provided lots of fun with her "home-made" play dough -

Little Connor man asking us: "Do you want some of my pizza?" Fine job young man!

Rogers provided added foamy fun too -

So Moosman's have a water slide. "So what" you say, everyone has a water slide. Well, not everyone has a 100' single-ply roofing material water slide! With the temperatures rising, and most of the other activies winding down, Andrew fired up the water, primed the slide --

and with all eyes on him, took the maiden voyage down!

and with that - there was NO stopping all the kids. Here is Cameron

Easton -

Jake shows rare form

Sydney (Queen of the slide, nobody went further than she did, over and over again)

Miss Sadie May -

Connor -

Little Miss Cate -

Andrew (can you see the sparklie foam star on the top of his head?) -

Miss Brooklyn -

Holly -

Here is Easton, he cracked.us.up.each and every time he prepared to lauch down the slide, he posed his "super hero" pose and took off!

Then, when he could stand it NO MORE, Barry, shed his clothes (well some of them), watered his belly down -

and launched down the slide for a roaring great time -

You could not wipe the smiles off the faces, nor ignore the laughter coming from everyone as they slipped and slided for hours (well, maybe not hours, but for a LONG time). Some of the little ones found their way to the pool -

And some, due to broken ribs (or other things) really enjoyed watching and listening to the fun of all the rest!

When lunch called to our tummies, we also attacked that with great gusto!

We had such a great time at the park with each other. I love each member of this fun family, and always look forward to being together. Our reunions are what reunions should be! Later on we met at the Eaglewood Golf Course (yes, the 11th tee), for the NSL fireworks!

Thank you Moosman's for a fabulous family reunion day!

Berry Days of Summer

2011-06-30T14:31:00.000-07:00

Oh -- I just couldn't wait for July's special cookie flavor from Ruby Snap. Raspberries. I love berries in summer, and berries are healthy for you! Well, I'd like to introduce you to "Memphis". Worth all the waiting, and dreaming, and anticipating - it is....well....like nearly all her other creations, indescribable! A vanilla dough with hints of lucious raspberries...
Did I mention I LOVE berries, particularly fresh berries? I eat a lot of berries (mostly frozen) but they just taste so much better in the dead of summer (or the beginning, or the end), or maybe that is just how I feel! Anyway, while I was waiting in line to be introduced to "Memphis", I decided I had to have another one of my favorite cookies for the road - and it hit me that it also has berries, well cherries. Hello "Judy", for those who don't know about this cookie, it is an almond dough with dark cherries and dark chocolate chips, drizzled with chocolate. I like it warm, in the dead of winter.

If you can't make it to Ruby Snap for some of her lucious, memory making cookies (and trust me, you shouldn't go very often!) berry or not, my grandkids introduced me to another summer taste treat from Nabisco -
These "Berry Burst Ice-cream" Oreo's are really good! Almost a bit "too" good. I was surprised. Not one to purchase store bought cookies of any kind - I would buy these again. I LOVE berries of any kind in the dead of summer (or beginning, or end....)

Ezra turns 4

2011-06-22T18:28:00.000-07:00

Our incredibly handsome grandson Ezra turns 4 today!

As the first boy born into our little family - we were really excited, and he's been a thrill to watch grow. He is all boy - is the BIGGEST tease (!!!!), LOVES watching DVD's, eating candy and cheetos, playing the Wii and his DS, going to Primary and snuggling! Like all the grandkids, we think he's pretty darn special!

Here is the monkey I made for him -

Happy Birthday little buddy!

An affair of the heart ----

2011-06-17T18:51:00.000-07:00

No, no big confessions here -but did I get you interested? I know some of you will recognize that title from a song of one of my favorites --

Rick Springfield

Oh, yes! Reliving the 80's again. Rick came to the Peppermill Concert Hall and I had to go see him. Kathy and I used to go see him in concert so when I saw the advertisement he was appearing at the Peppermill Concert Hall in Wendover, I had to go! I have my favorite tunes from Rick on my playlist and hear him constantly, but nothing beats up close and personal! Here's another picture -I'm putting a shameless plug in for the Peppermill Concert Hall, if you haven't been there and someone is coming that you want to see, GO. The concert hall only holds about 1,000 people so every seat is a pretty good one, the hall is very nice, the ticket prices are reasonable and we haven't been disappointed with a show we've been to yet (we've been to several). During the song "Human Touch" Rick came down into the audience and we got extra close (hey, it's Curt's phone taking the pictures, so they aren't the best, but the best we had at the time).

It was SO lively - reminded me of yester-year FOR.SURE. Old screaming women (not me of course) all over the place! It was such a kick! When I told Brandon who we were going to see he said "do you mean Bruce Springsteen?" I told him "NO!" He didn't know who I was talking about. Poor guy must have blocked Rick Springfield out of his memory, for some reason. It couldn't be because his music blasted across our stereo constantly and his movie "Hard to Hold" was viewed by all of us on a regular basis could it?

Oh well, here's one last picture - for old times sake, enough to last me until the next time I hear that Rick Springfield is coming to town!

Kathy couldn't go with me to the concert so Curt was a good sport and came along (THANKS Honey!). He liked it, said it one of the most entertaining events he's been too - oh and the music wasn't too bad either!

100 Year Celebration

2011-06-12T18:36:00.000-07:00

We were invited (along with millions of people- including you!) to celebrate the 100 Years of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.
It is a most beautiful building, a stunning landmark for Salt Lake City (and now the Church)

Built in 1911, this building started out as the Hotel Utah. A wonderful resort for people of all over to come and celebrate any occasion. In fact, every President of the United States from 1911 until it's closing in 1987 has stayed at the Hotel Utah. One of the first was President Taft.

Here's a picture of Pres. Kennedy at the Hotel Utah (I LOVE the tile floor). Since my sister Kathy started managing the Garden Restaurant, we frequent this place quite a bit so we had to be part of this special 100 year celebration -

Chef Pedro of the Roof is a master of the culinay arts and tonight was NO exception (Chef Scott from the Garden is also fantastic)

In honor of the celebration, the Hotel lobby had displays and memorabila from 1911, complete with the Hosts, and Hostess' all gussied up in time period attire

Kathy has shared many special things with us about her love of this building. I hope I don't get anyone in trouble...but I have to say thanks to her we have climbed around in places, and seen parts of the building very few ever get to see! I remember one night she showed us accounting books she had found of the old Hotel Utah and signed by President Joseph F. Smith - in his very own hand writing! Priceless! If you haven't eaten dinner on the 10th floor in the dead of summer when the atrium is open to the beautiful star filled night - or caught the views of the Temple or Temple Square (ANYTIME) but particularily at Christmas time, or visited the beautiful, special Chapel or the Legacy Theater - well you simply haven't been part of Salt Lake City! If you came and celebrated on this special night - not only did you take away more memories, you also received a special gold coin -

I know it looks silver - but my camera isn't the best, trust me, it's gold, and it's beautiful! As we were leaving that night, we also caught a glimps of the program and festivities, including Pres. Monson cutting the ribbon - the lobby was PACKED (can you see the siloettes of the people up on the balconies too?)

It was a wonderful, 100 year celebration. Congratuations to the Beautiful Joseph Smith Memorial Building!

A busy, busy weekend

2011-06-01T19:56:00.000-07:00

We took a little trip to Denver over the Memorial holiday weekend because the Jr's were moving into a new house and we wanted to help out. So, while they were busy hauling boxes, moving heavy furniture, etc. Curt and I took the kiddies to do a few activities of our own

Our first day we headed out to the Zoo, it was such a grand idea we soon discovered EVERYONE else in Denver had the same grand idea! We changed our Plan A to Plan B and hit the Science Center instead. Once inside Berlynn and Ezra manned the Control Center and we blasted off into space - Once on the moon, Berlynn tried her hand at moving the moon rocks (including commentary)
So did astronaut Ezra
back on earth - we headed into the pre-historic era and excavated for dinosaurs

The kids were even captured by Pirates

but after paying a heafty "ransom" to get these two back we were on to other activities...
like watching DVD's in bed - Mainly this one (over and over) While munching on popcorn - Other activities consisted of swimming, shopping, playing at the Hotel and entertaining ourselves how ever we could!

On Memorial Day we headed over to the Downtown Aquarium Can you see the sea otter?
Get a load of this 400 LB Grouper, it was HUGE! They said this species of Grouper can get up to 1,000 LBs! Oh my goodness -
The Denver Aquarium has Mermaids, yep - 3 of them

Look who popped up in the shark tank!
Berlynn loves to show everyone the "fish with one eye!"
See...
where's Nemo????
Can you tell what Ez is standing on?
This fella -
There were beautiful jelly fish -
and lots of moon jelly fish
Oh, the Mermaids made an appearance on land -
Our very handsome Nixon -
Berlynn even got a Mermaid painted on her cheek!
Ez loved chasing the big bubbles from the bubble machine
while Berlynn made friends with this creature
All while their amazing parents (tired as they were from moving), ran the Boulder Boulder 10K (can you spot them?) Thanks for the fun weekend, and have fun in your new home!

Berlynn is 7!

2011-05-24T20:15:00.000-07:00

Our oldest grand daughter turned 7 today! 7 years old! She is such an amazing girl and we are so proud of the special person she is -In her 7 short years she is proving to be a really responsible BIG sister to her younger brothers, an excellent student, a really good friend, and a good athlete in every aspect (surprise!). She also has the most beautiful smile and the cutest freckles.

We weren't able to be with her on her special day, but our thoughts were all about her, all day long. Here she is in her matching outfit with her favorite doll "Berlynn 2", and the stuffed animal I made for her -

Happy Birthday Berlynn!

R.I.P Macho Man

2011-05-20T14:44:00.000-07:00

I heard on the news today that Randy Savage had died. At first I thought "why does that name sound so familiar" - then it hit me. Randy Savage was THE "Macho-Man"....Oh -- the memories that came flooding back into my mind. Memories of a much simpler time, a fun time - actually - for our little family when Friday night sleep-overs and Saturdays were filled full of watching "WWF Wrestle-Mania" When Hulk Hogan was a hero and household name (before he turned to..... the dark side)
When even I was captivated watching Bret "The Sharpshooter" Hart (hey, my Dad told us that even my Mother used to love watch wrestling - alot!) When we took the kiddo's (several times) to watch Hulk Hogan battle the "Grave Digger" - LiVe and upclose!

When in 4th Grade while giving reports on hero's in their lives, Marisa gave her report on Davey "Brittish Bulldog" Smith - HA! I wonder if her teacher is over the shock yet! Oh yes, when I think of Randy "Macho Man" Savage, I am transported back in time - to a good and happy time of raising children - and how some "fads" come and go but are none-the-less a valueable part of your life. I don't know where the time goes, but it does. Thanks for the memories Randy, may you rest in peace!

Tip Toe(ing) Through The Tulips.....

2011-05-13T20:01:00.000-07:00

Well, Mr. Sun did make a rare appearance this week so we quickly planned time to visit one of our favorite places to eat and take in the BEAUTY of Temple Square before the tulips disappear for another year. If you haven't been here - you are missing out on a treat!
No visit to the Joseph Smith Building would be complete without a visit to the 10th Floor, where Kathy lives! The Garden Resturant is also a most favorite place to stop and eat, but we had a time deadline to meet (a Kindergarten deadline) so we did a quick "walkby" to say hi!
Then, out into the gardens - they are SO beautiful, everywhere you look -it's stunning (kids too)!We did a lot of smelling and gentle touching -

Oops, a little too close!

Cate was mostly facinated with the fountains - more specifically, the water - she wanted "in"

Kiss the coin -

Make a wish and throw the coin over your shoulder!

Cate did "NOT" want to leave our trip to see these tulips!

Temple Square is beautiful every time of the year - but the tulips this year were especially beautiful

Mr. Sunshine - P.L.E.A.S.E

2011-05-10T11:30:00.000-07:00

I'm dying to wear my new pair of these ---

without FREEZING (Please!)

Getting our hands dirty ----

2011-05-05T20:15:00.000-07:00

Been waiting for some warm weather to finally be outside "getting my hands dirty". My parents have always had a most beautifully landscaped yard - my Mother especially loves plants and flowers and made sure lots of tender care went into the cultivating of them, but she is no longer able to work in her beautiful yard. Wendy had the idea (we all agreed) it would be fun to each take a little bit and plant some things around the yard for Mom's Mothers Day. I asked Marisa, Annie and Cate to come help me plant some flowers in their yard - today was actually one of the best weather day's we've had all year. Annie is all ready to plant her pot She too, takes tender care while planting -
Nice job! Mom overseeing the activities, Dad watering I LOVE these sweeties Cate had her own agenda (sleep) and didn't help much! Maybe next year -
almost finished
We walked around the yard to have a look - found this beautiful hillside of blooming phliox Here is their Magnolia bush in full bloom. It's beautiful. They planted it after they returned from their Mission to New Jersey, where my Mother LOVED spring, summer and fall with all the beautiful foliage back east, they wanted something to remind them of their wonderful experience. I think of their mission every time I see it too. So, after all this, I didn't even get pictures of what we planted. But we did plant. It was fun. Can't wait to see how it all grows in. I love you MOM! Thank you for your help girls --

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

So ExCiTeD!

2011-04-22T14:15:00.000-07:00

At work I have been "limping" along for quite some time now with my printing/faxing/scanning needs. I finally HAD it one day and called my son-in-law for help. Help arrived. Today. YEAH! I have been having so much fun learning and checking out all the new things I can now do. THANKS Tim, and thanks to the
Seriously - give them a call if you need help too!

Dear Mother Nature --

2011-04-10T07:59:00.001-07:00

U.N.C.L.E.!!! (Times 10)

34 And Counting ---

2011-04-08T10:17:00.000-07:00

year's ago today Curt and I said "YES" to each other and have been celebrating the "for better or worse" every day since.

It's been an interesting/rewarding life - and it's getting better and better all the time! I love you Curt!

Whirl-wind of a time

2011-04-03T19:01:00.000-07:00

Mostly as a journal for myself, I wanted to record a few special events that happend so fast, one right after another. First, this little one turned 6. Here's a picture of her with her Tangled birthday cake at her "Princess Tea Party." It was splendid. She reminded me that she wouldn't "really" be 6 after her party, but would have to wait until her "real" birthday - a few day's later.

Cate went missing towards the end of the party, this is how I found her. Sweet dreams little one This year, I am making (or will attempt) little animals for each of our grandkiddies - this is the giraffe I made for Annie

She said she "loves" it!

A few days later, Brandon, Jamie and the kiddies made a visit for their spring break. We fit a quick family birthday dinner (for Marisa) in -

Can't get enough of our beautiful, happy little Nixon! I managed to fit a little sleep-over in with the older ones. We painted and air brushed t-shirts

Played "High School Barbie & Ken"

I mean, just take a second good look at this stunning beach Ken. Now how could Barbie ever consider leaving such a hunk?

We ate nacho's in bed as we watched a really beautiful, educational undersea movie

See what I mean?

We frosted and decorated Easter cookies -

And then, the next day Curt & I flew out to Vegas for little R & R

And to go see Donny & Marie with Ann & Reid. It was fabulous actually. When it was over Curt turned to me and said "far exceeded my expectations!" They really did a super job -

I had to say "NO" to the Marie doll -

Next night we caught the Cirque de Soleil's Beatles "LOVE" performance. Exceptional!

We also enjoyed a lot of this

So we could come home to this!

It has been a really busy last couple of weeks, but it has been a blast too.

Been a little busy -

2011-03-19T16:23:00.000-07:00

Like the rest of you, we have been a little busy too. We started a home restoration project (master bed/bathroom) that has taken a bit more time that originally planned. But, like all good things, the master bathroom is finished - and I have the pictures to prove it! One "tall" problem we have are the towel hooks. Originally we had a tub/shower enclosure with a towel rack on the door. As you can see, we totally removed the tub and put a shower in it's place. In doing so, we didn't have any where to hang our towels. "No problem" the glass people told us, we could just order "robe hooks" and have them installed as towel hooks. We agreed and problem solved.....until they were installing the door and Curt asked "what are those?" There was a miscommunication between the rep and the fabricators so the "towel hooks" were installed as "robe hooks" and I can't reach them. Curt called me but I told him to go ahead and let them install the glass, I'll have to get a stool or something to get/hang a towel. Other than that "tall" detail - I love our new bathroom -
Our new vanity - we took out the old "double" sink and went with a larger vanity - single sink unit
I used to have a "make-up vanity" in this place, with a drop down ceiling. Since I don't put make-up on anymore (j/k), Curt took it out and made this wonderful closet (LOVE my new doors) and enlarged the toliet area -
We took out the mirror that took up the whole wall and had this medicine cabinet made, I did have to have my 5X light mirror (for putting on my make-up) installed!

I love, LoVe, LOVE our new marble with the glass inlayes and matching floor!

This is what Curt wanted out of the whole deal - his NEW shower system - it's massive, and now I'll never be able to get him out of the shower. It will massage his body from top to bottom. He deserves it after all the hard work he's put in to our rennovation.

So --- other than the accessories, our bathroom is finished. We're almost finished with our bedroom, then it's on to the next project.

P.S. There are no "before" pictures -- we weren't that brave, and we didn't want to remember "before!"

Butterflies, Tarantulas, Gnomes & BYU

2011-02-28T19:31:00.000-08:00

We headed off to Denver for a quick weekend visit to see the Jr's - this time we brought along a little surprise! Annie got some brand new shoes and as a result was unable to walk very much - she ended up hitching a ride with Papa and all her luggage! It produced quite a few comments from the passerby's - lucky girl Ah, together at last -

Berlynn is helping little Nixon learn to crawl, he's growing SOOOO fast
All packed up (and in) Papa's rental car - off to visit the Butterfly Pavilion

Rosie, the tarantula, lives at the Butterfly Pavilion and Berlynn (so brave) was there to let him crawl on her arm

Look at the big grin (so proud) - how many 6 year olds can say they've held a tarantula? She even got a sticker -

Mom had to follow the example of Berlynn, she was also brave and let Rosie crawl on her too!

Here, we are looking at "glow in the dark" scorpions - they were wild!

They even had starfish (more in our comfort zone) to touch

On to see the butterflies -

We have been to several butterfly exhibits before but NONE as neat as this one - there were so many butterflies, and they were all beautiful

I gave the girls my camera and I can tell you - I have a million pictures of butterflies -

And cute kids!

While we were having all this fun, BYU was also having fun with San Diego State - can you say 80-67? National TV?

We visted the arcade for a little while, while waiting for the movie - Brandon, Ezra and Berlynn are enjoying a virtual roller coaster ride

Yeah - skeetball!

Happy Nixon

Gnomeo & Juliette - a true love story!

Did you hear me? 80-67

We made a cake and cookies (yes, those are cookies) with the Easy Bake Oven

Kisses for Grandma!

The last night of a very fun filled Denver weekend!

Thank you B&J for a great time!

30+ Years of Service

2011-02-23T17:26:00.000-08:00

This year marks 30 years (actually 31) that Curt has been working for Varian. Hired just after Brandon was born it was his first "real" job (after leaving the military). Little did we know that employment in the "Chem Department" so many years ago would lead to 30+ years of working for Varian. Of course, back then it was Eimac, a division of Varian Associates. Through the years as he aquired his education he worked up and up through the company holding various management and technical positions until he has become the "GURU" of the Furnace Department. He doesn't like me to tell people he is a "Furnace Engineer" because most people think of furnaces like, the furnace in your home. The furnaces that Curt oversees are HUGE, with names like "Titan, Goliath, Zeus" you get the picture. They are industrial furnaces that are used in the fine art of "brazing" (the joining of two dissimilar metals) - which is Curt's specialty. Varian has turned out to be a pretty great place for Curt to have called home, and I'm proud of him. They have a "Service Award Banquet" for every 5 years of service and this year Curt was 1 of 8 being honored for 30 years.

Here is a poster of the 8 being recognized - Curt is the bottom left.
I tried to get a closeup picture - this is how Curt looked on his first day of employment 30+ years ago - and his current picture.
The congratulatory handshakes from Management
Whooo, he's on the BIG screen!
Well, guess who else was at this special dinner - Ben, Amy & Jonah.

Ben was being honored for 5 years of service at Varian! Congratulations Ben - hang in there, another 25 years and it will be you up there being honored on the BIG screen!

Thank you for working so hard - and long - Curt, I love you!

So Long, Fairwell and Audios Deron...

2011-02-23T12:29:00.000-08:00

Wow - that didn't take long!

I do want to say "thanks"- I really did appreciate the good times, but...

Have fun in New Jersey (you can look across the river at the Knicks)!

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T06:46:00.000-08:00

**This is me, Berlynn & Ezra**

24 Hours

2011-02-13T18:10:00.000-08:00

THANKS for the quick (24 hour) visit Bohn's! It was SO good to see you -

Can't wait for you to come back!

So Long Jerry -

2011-02-11T09:36:00.001-08:00

Just want to say --Thanks Jerry!

Although I didn't always agree with you, I was a fan and believe in your work ethic and style of basketball. Good luck in retirement!

To Coach Corbin - I enjoyed watching you play - I hope you can coach!

To Deron - "Thanks a bunch you big cry baby - now, how about focusing on YOUR play!"

Just saying....

Three Generations -

2011-01-23T21:00:00.000-08:00

I bought myself a "3 Generation Charm" necklace during the holiday's and I must admit I love it! I guess I don't really love "it" as much as I love "who" it represents. There are lots and lots of people who are special in our lives, but hopefully, family will always be the most important. Since I have been wearing my charm necklace, I have thought about these women more than I probably have in a while. I think of them when I put it on, when I hear it jingle throughout the day, when people ask what it represents and when I take it off at night. I remember different times spent with each of them, special memories shared, tears, laughter, council and guidance even scoldings! All of them precious, almost sacred to me now - stored away in my heart. It has been a wonderful experience so far.The "H" is for my maternal grandmother, Harriet Rosetta Smith Fairbourn, affectionately referred to as "Rose" throughout her life. A tiny woman who bore 9 children, the faithful wife and partner of a hard working farmer who received much joy from her very large family. So many memories I have of my Fairbourn family and cousins.

The "V" is of course for my mother, Vauna. Words just can't express the influence for good she has had on my life, each and every day. I don't even know where to begin to express my love and tender feelings for her. All I can say is - I love you Mom. You mean so much to me and I am greatful, every day, for you in my life. THANK YOU simply isn't enough.
The "M" is of course for me. My role in this generation chain is to hopefully not mess it up!

There is another woman whose "initial" charm is missing right now, but will not be for long - because each day when I think of these special women, she also is there in my thoughts and memories as well. It will be a "G" for Grace Elnora Lancaster Moosman, my paternal grandmother -
My grandmother with the "red" hair (I know it isn't red here, but it was for 90+ years and forever will be in my memories). She was a large woman who bore 2 children, the faithful and supportive wife to a hard working "roofer" husband. A fun, vivacious woman with a captivating laugh. Two of my grand daughters were given her name (their middle names).

I was not expecting to have these experiences when I purchased this charm - I just thought it would be a nice thing to have. I have an awesome opportunity ahead of me, to try and pattern my life after these wonderful women and be an influence for good in the lives of my family too.

Mirror mirror on the wall.....

2011-01-23T19:00:00.000-08:00

We met at my parents home to celebrate this wonderful woman's 80th birthday. Maybe a woman is never supposed to tell her age, but I'm very proud of both of my parents and they have both celebrated milestone years this year (well, Dad's birthday was last November). Happy Birthday (late) Mom -

While there, my parents have this particular mirror in their home, a special mirror that transforms normal people (mostly little ones) into the most interesting of characters. Whenever we get together, we always have to try our hand at witnessing this transformation. We laugh and laugh - our children all did it, and now their chidren are doing it. They'll get better and better as they get older, but here are a few pictures of the latest -- You can't tell, but Connor man is laughing so hard it's hard to get him to stand still! Easton has a great one (with Connor man still laughing hard in the background) Sydney is getting into it - Sadie's got a good one too - Now it's Jakes turn -Well, this is one mirror on the wall we LOVE!

Hey Marisa - I found this picture on my camera (I didn't take it), and just want to say -- "Good Luck!" Cate's stickers say "I (heart) my attitude problem" and "I (heart) boys!" (seriously, click on this photo to enlarge it). Oh yes, I believe we've got our hands full with this little one! Love my Cate!

Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes

2011-01-12T20:22:00.000-08:00

How about another recipe! I made these sweet little gems a bit ago and even I'll be the first to admit maybe they're not too much to look at - but they were sure good. I think to start off, I would use different sweet potatoes, maybe ones that more resembled regular potatoes, but since I made this "on the fly" - I used what I had, so if presentation is really, really important to you, use different potatoes. Heat oven to 375, cut the top part of washed (scrubbed) potatoes -

Place, cut side down on greased foil placed on a baking sheet -

Bake until potatoes are tender (1 hour). Remove and let cool for 10 minutes. Scoop out inside of potatoes and place in a bowl

See what I mean about presentation????? I had a near disaster on my hands but did manage to save enough of the skins to have something left to "stuff" - anyway, this picture should make you feel a bit better when you make yours!

Now, on to the filling - mix 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 3 tablespoons finely chopped pecans, 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Mix it all up - until it's really mixed up, then mix a little more.

Gently refill the skins and place on baking sheet. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans and bake @ 350 for 20 - 25 minutes or until heated through (I could only salvage 3 skins, but saved the rest of the filling to eat later!) -

ENJOY!

Christmas Morning -

2010-12-25T12:39:00.000-08:00

With all the hustle and bustle that goes along with the Holidays, all the wishes, hopes and pleas to Santa, all the "extra good" kiddies doing nice things and hoping that list gets checked twice -

It's nice to know Santa got it right again ---- PRICELESS!

Merry Christmas to all -

Grandma B -

2010-12-20T20:33:00.000-08:00

I am "Grandma B" to all my grandkiddies (and a number of other's who I am also honored to have call me that), except to this little one -My Cate calls me "Gammy O". It took us a little while to figure out that's what she was calling me, but sure enough - to this little one, that's what my name is.

Little Cate has a real "Grammy O", it's her other Grandma, whom she also affectionally calls "Gammy O", here she is with her grandkiddies -

Despite the many "corrections" she receives from her family she still calls me "Gammy O", and I have come to adore it! It may not last as she gets older but until then, I can't think of anyone else I would want to share a name with! I hope we share the same place in her heart!

A GRAND Thanksgiving

2010-11-28T22:00:00.000-08:00

Our Thanksgiving this year was a return to "The Grand" with the whole family for their yummy buffet. The kids especially, LOVED their own buffet table - here are just a few pictures Jamie and Nixon (his 1st Thanksgiving)
Grandpa & Grandma with our little guy -

Guess who LOVED the Chocolate Fountain?????

Even Cate - here she is enjoying a big chocolate covered strawberry

Ah, yes, there were chocolate smiles everywhere!

The Bohn Family

The Olson Family -

Cousin's who LOVE each other

Another nice thing about the Grand is their free family pictures. We ventured over to get one, and here we are, the whole family. Please notice our little Cate, you probably had to be there to really appreciate the whole thing but let's just say we were really lucky to get a picture of her peaking her head out from behind the cushions she stowed away in.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all. Ours was "GRAND" and we hope yours was too!

Tear in my eye proud -

2010-11-22T19:23:00.000-08:00

So, remember a few posts back about my "attempts" at growing cauliflower this summer and how disappointed I was over my lack of gardening skills? Remember? Here's a picture of my gigantic plants -

Well, when I went to pull up my garden to prepare for winter, low and behold, nestled and well hidden, guess what I found

Yes, CAULIFLOWER! Three of them to be exact -

There they were! I was so excited I'll bet the whole neighborhood could hear my shouts of joy! Yes, they were small (one was very, very small), but none the less - SUCCESS!

Oh, just LOOK at them! I'm still amazed!
It's like they just popped up overnight! Anyway, I was very thrilled - they tasted SO good.

While glancing over my pictures, I also found these pictures I had taken this summer of my brothers garden. I think he has a "garden whisperer"

Don't you agree?

Maybe if I "talked" to my garden in the same manner, it would be more productive, like his -

Maybe I'll try a "garden whisperer" next year to see how much more productive my garden can be (how about it Michelle?)

Sink your teeth into this....

2010-10-28T18:57:00.000-07:00

I have - its SO yummy!

Halloween Peanut Butter & Toffee Bark
1 LB Bittersweet chocolate chips
3 2.1 oz Butterfinger candy bars (cut into 1" irregular pieces)
3 1.4 oz Skor or Heath toffee bars (cut into 3/4" irregular pieces)
8 .55 oz peanut butter cups cut into 8 wedges
1/4 c honey roasted peanuts
3 oz high quality white chocolate (i.e. Lindt)
Reese's Pieces and peanut M&M's coursley chopped

Line baking sheet with foil. Sitr chocolate chips in medium sauce pan over low heat until melted and warm (NOT hot). Pour chocolate onto foil and spread to 1/4" thickness (about a 12 x 10-inch rectangle). Sprinkle with Butterfinger, toffee, peanut butter cups and nuts, making sure all pieces touch melted chocolate to adhere. Put white chocolate in small saucepan. Stir constantly over low heat until chocolate is melted and warm. Remove from heat and dip spoon into chocolate, wave spoon from side to side over bark creating zigzag lines. Scatter Reese's Pieces and peanut M&M's over, making sure candy touches melted chocolate.
Chill bark until firm, 30 minutes. Slide foil with candy onto work surface, peel off foil and cut bark into irregular pieces.

Good luck Sister Forman -

2010-10-24T16:52:00.000-07:00

This is Sister Ali Forman, our niece. She is leaving Wednesday to serve in the Washington Kennowick Mission (Spanish speaking). We are so proud of her and want to wish her good luck!

We love you Ali, and will see you in a "little while!"

Breakfast with the Witches

2010-10-23T16:13:00.000-07:00

We got to have breakfast with the witches before Halloween - and it was lots of fun. They weren't scary at all, in fact, they were quite fun and put on a yummy spread!

As you can tell, Annie DID NOT like the attention from any of them, however, they were all full of life and laughter anyway. These witches had talent and put on a nice program to entertain us, complete with a rat choir and a rousing, active take on "Dem Bones"

Afterward, we did the usual, walked around and browsed shops (with the million other people). Annie asked if she could take some pictures with my camera and I let her. While looking through my pictures, I laughed at this feather on the floor she was so fixated with

But hey, look at the rest of these -

Lots better than I think I could have done. Here is the little photographer herself -

Happy Halloween !!

Master Gardner....NOT!

2010-10-20T15:57:00.000-07:00

I have a garden that I tend to every year. It's not big - but is sufficient for our needs, you know. We plant the usual things, tomatoes, beans, squash, colored swiss chard, onions - you get the idea. This year I thought I'd branch out and introduce a new item to the usual - some cauliflower. I've even grown it before and it didn't turn out too bad, small - but it grew and produced. Well, I've been nurturing my little cauliflower plants all summer long and been SO excited about how big and beautiful this vegi was getting until I discovered...no fruit - or I mean, no vegetable whatsoever, no where. But --- I do have big, huge, beautiful cauliflower leaves:

4 of these babies to be exact. We have managed to find other uses for the leaves, like a fan - Cate, still loving the playhouse, grills them now and again - We use them to line baskets to hold pretty flowers - Even as plates to hold our BBQ's Just this year, we won't be eating any of this Well, we'll be eating it - just not fresh, from my garden. Maybe next year -

Miss Cate gets a new DO!

2010-10-03T20:28:00.000-07:00

Marisa and I took little Cate to get her first "official" hair cut last week - she wasn't all that excited - but did like her little pink car

She also needed a little hug (reassurance) from mom part way through (I think mom needed it to!)

Introducing our little Miss Cate -sporting her new look

Breakfast - Part 2

2010-09-21T19:27:00.000-07:00

I made another yummy breakfast I thought I'd share. This is a "one dish wonder" and was really easy to make. This recipe only made 2 servings, but it certainly is easy enough to just double - or triple - or whatever.

First, preheat the oven to 400 degress. Cook 4 slices bacon until crispy (NOT burnt)

Drain on paper towel and pour off drippings from skillet, but save them. Add 3 - 4 oz. fresh spinach (or chard, since I have a ton of it in my garden and I like the pretty colors!) to the skillet and sprinkle with black pepper - toss over medium heat until spinach begins to wilt -

Transfer spinach to a strainer set over a bowl (or in the sink) to drain. Brush 2, 1-cup ramekins with bacon drippings. Crumble bacon into small pieces -

Place 1 toasted English muffin half, split side up, in each ramekin.

Split the spinach between ramekins and place on top of english muffin -

Sprinkle with crumbled bacon

With back of spoon, shape a well in the center of each ramekin and "gently" crack 1 egg into the well - keeping yolk intact.

Drizzle 1 tablespoon cream over each egg and sprinkle with salt and pepper

Pop into the oven and bake until whites are just set, but yolks are runny - about 14 - 16 minutes

ENJOY!

What I love about birthdays -

2010-09-12T19:31:00.000-07:00

Getting a birthday cake from Annie -

and flowers from Berlynn - It makes having birthdays fun again!

Weekend in Denver

2010-09-06T20:20:00.000-07:00

We took an ULTRA fast trip to Denver to be with Brandon, Jamie and the kid's. Brandon blessed Nixon and we celebrated Brandon's birthday - a few days early. Here are our precious little grandkiddies -

Nixon is getting some CHUNK on -

The Bohn Family

Here is Brandon's birthday (cheese) cake with the decorations Berlynn made, aren't they the best?

"Happy birthday to you dear Brandon, happy birthday to you!"

Proud Papa with Nixon

I just can't get enough of this little cutie pie!

For Labor Day, we decided to take a family hike in Boulder

Getting started on the trail -

Some scenery along the way -

Queen of the rock

Muscle man -

Ezra wanted to take a picture of the "clouds" with my camera and he took this picture. I was looking at these "clouds" and realized they weren't clouds at all but the first picture of a very serious fire that had just started in the canyon next to where we were in Boulder Canyon. As the day went on, this fire grew and is currently being reported as "out of control" causing many to be evacuated and filling the whole area with thick smoke.

Hike and pizza lunch over, we headed over to the place that took the Bohn Jr's away from us in Utah -

Yep, this is the place - names on the door!

Welcome inside Browsing around I found this chart holder. I couldn't help but hope I would never find my file in here -

Actually, Dr. Bohn informed us it stands for "New, Emergency, Recall and...." I can't remember what the "D" stands for so Iguess I really don't mind if I find my chart in it afterall. Comfort Dental was voted "Best of Boulder" in 2008 & 2010 - way to go!

I couldn't resist - I'm so proud!

While still browsing around we found this very complimentary note written to Brandon, stuck to a board. Thanks for being such a great and sensitive dentist Dr. Bohn!

Jamie had been feeling a little discomfort in one of her teeth for a while, so while we were at the dentist's office, with her own personal dentist there, he decided to x-ray and guess what he found? Yup, Jamie had a cavity so we decided to take care of it while we were there Since it was a "holiday", Brandon was missing his usual help so he had to improvise - thanks Ez!Berlynn is all gloved up and ready to assist
WOW! Look how well these future dentists are doing on Papa!
Thanks for the splendid weekend guys, we had a ball!

I got new glasses!

2010-09-01T17:26:00.000-07:00

I got a call from Berlynn the other day, here's how it went:

B: Guess what Grandma, I got new glasses today!

Me: You did? Did you need new glasses?

B: Yes, I did

Me: Did you know you couldn't see?

B: No

Me: Can you see now?

B: Yes

Me: I'm so glad, what color are they"

B: They're pink, yellow and green

Me: Well, I'm sure they are cute and I'm sure you look so cute in them. Will you send me a picture of you wearing them?

B: Yes

Here's the picture I got of Berlynn and her new glasses:

So, she really does look SO cute in them, don't you think?

Annie started Kindergarten this week, below is a self portrait -

Isn't it so cute? I really love it (am a bit concerned about the blue hair though). Marisa told me while quizzing her about her first day Annie told her about "question time" (where the kids can ask questions - go figure). Marisa asked her if she asked a question and she said "I raised my hand but another girl took my turn", Marisa asked her what question she was going to ask and she said "I was going to ask why people in France eat snails!" Oh - SO her mother's child!

And just because I couldn't pass it up, while at the Olson house last night THIS is what I found in the swimming pool -

I'm still grinning from ear to ear over the JOYS of kids!

Simple rewards -

2010-08-29T19:53:00.000-07:00

Curt teaches the 7 - 8 year olds in Primary and it has been fun to witness how much he has come to enjoy it - a most welcome surprise to him, I believe. He was a little unhappy about it when he first got called, but as happens when you serve others and forget about yourself, he has found himself really starting to love these little ones and looks forward to seeing them each week. We usually sit on the bench in Sacrament meeting where his class sits for sharing time and it has warmed my heart to see the kids rush to the bench saying "Hi Brother Bohn". Tonight, while relaxing there was a knock at the door and we opened it to find a visit from one of the girls in his class with a plate full of peanut butter cookies. Her mom said when she came home from church today she asked if she would help her make some cookies to take to Bro. Bohn -

Can it get any better than that??? Thank you "A" for helping us remember the simple rewards of service!

Only your hairdresser knows for sure -

2010-08-28T20:13:00.000-07:00

Are any of you old enough to remember those commercials? I'm really, really lucky to have a special "hairdresser" in my life who really does know "for sure" and she shared something fun with me today. Always looking for a way to keep people interested in new and fun things just what could the hair industry to do to jazz up simple "moose?" Maybe, since most of us are half asleep while we're getting ready they could add a little "snap, crackle and pop" to our mornings - and I don't mean cereal! Yes, this moose not only lifts and adds volumn, it literally "snaps, crackles and pops" --- in your hands, and in your hair!

It's one of the funnest things to come along since.....well, like Sydney said - "it's like pop rocks for your hair!" It's crazy fun, we nearly emptied the whole can on Barry's hair experimenting and having fun with it. Unfortunately, you must be a "professional" to purchase this product, it isn't out for common folk to purchase (yet) - but it's going to catch on, and they're going to sell a ton of it. If not for your hair, for the fun of it. You must call your hairdresser and get some!

P.S. I know that "TOMS" are all the rage right now, but really - these are MUCH more comfy and I adore them. They are finally on sale, right now, at REI and they are really, really the best!

"SANUK"

They're not slippers, they're sandals!

A little of this and a little of that -

2010-08-22T16:20:00.000-07:00

We have been extra busy the last while at the Olson home patching, sanding, nailing, priming, painting - a WHOLE bunch! Their new home is really starting to come together and it won't be long before they are all moved in and loving "The Cottonwood House". But, we did take a day or two off this week to enjoy a little of this...and a little of that -

We had a wonderful surprise visit from Brandon, Jamie, Berlynn, Ezra and little Nixon. At the same time, we had a wonderful surprise visit from my sister Karen and her husband Jason, so we quickly threw together a Sunday BBQ and got everyone together Here's mom adoring her youngest great grandchild - sweet isn't it?

Weekend over, Berlynn started her first day of school - 1st Grade! Wow, where has the time gone? She's growing up faster than her Grandmother can believe - but we're so proud. Good luck in school sweetie!
Annie picked a bouquet of flowers for her mother (she always has to do this, she absolutely is her mother's child!)
Our 1.5 year old dishwasher bit the dust - had to get a new one
Company party at Lagoon, naturally it was on the day that experienced record breaking rain fall. But, the weather left almost as quickly as it came and as you can tell, the day did get better and better -

Our first ride was the boats, little Cate LOVED the boats last year (it was about the only ride she could get on) so we thought we'd start out with it this year. Well, we tried but not with much success, so guess who had to ride alone?

From then on, Annie decided she would ride the bigger rides alone and loved all of them -

Still no smiles from Cate -

Nope - not a smile one!

Aw, not even Bulgy could coax a smile -

Guess why -

Nap over with, we took her on Puff -

smiles emerged on the carousel and continued -

Then - Cate found "THE RIDE", her ride, and the smiles never faded!

She loved the popcicles -

This is Cate's dragon, it ended up being the only character she would have anything to do with. When one little boy got in one first - someone had a melt down until Grandma secured a second one and assured her it was just as good! This little guy was by far the highlight of her day, and she rode him - let's just say....ALOT!

Annie has a favorite ride at Lagoon too, it also happens to be a dragon. The Jumping Dragon. Her mom, and then her dad, took her on it, but NO amount of begging would convince Grandma or Grandpa to take her on it. Some things need to be reserved for parents only!
To end our busy week - Curt and I went to see this -
It was FABULOS!

Breakfast, the most important meal of the day

2010-08-08T21:05:00.001-07:00

Ok -is this legal? I'm totally lifting this recipe (and pictures) from my "friend" Ree, the Pioneer Woman we all want to be. Her's is the blog I check out THE most, the recipes I make THE most and a woman I can't live without! I can't help but feel like we're actually friends, in a long distant - never met sort of way. I made this yummy breakfast (thanks, Ree) and you simply MUST try it for yourself! They're called "Make Ahead Muffin Melts" and here's all you need -

If you want the step by step directions, complete with Ree's snappy comments, check out her blog, I can't/won't compete. My mission is to just get this recipe in your head, you'll be hooked and then have to try it.

Like I did - YUMMY (and oh, so super quick!)
Make-Ahead Muffin Melts
Prep Time 25 Minutes/Cook Time 5 Minutes
Servings 6

12 whole Hard-boiled Eggs, Peeled And Chopped
2 cups Grated Cheddar Cheese
1 cup (real) Mayonnaise
12 slices Bacon, Fried And Crumbled
1 Tablespoon (heaping) Dijon Mustard
½ teaspoons Garlic Powder
3 dashes Worcestershire Sauce
6 whole English Muffins Split

Preparation Instructions
Combine eggs with all other ingredients. Fold together gently. Cover and store in the fridge overnight.
Spread on English muffin halves, then broil for 3 to 5 minutes or until hot and bubbly. (Don’t set them too close to the heating element.)
Serve immediately!

Guess where I've been?

2010-08-01T19:47:00.000-07:00

Yes - I just decided to do it. I grabbed a flight last week and went to check out our newest grandson - Nixon Ray Bohn Oh yes, he's a handsome little guy -

We couldn't be prouder -
He definately is a Bohn baby, and as much as I thought he looked just like his big brother, at birth, he doesn't so much any more. He is his own little man -
Even has blonde (not red, yet, anyway) hair
His big sister simply adores him -
So does his daddy and Ez

Of course, his mom is so proud (and is doing really well).

I just wanted to pay tribute, from one mother to another, and express how very grateful I am for Jamie's mom who was able to just pick up and get out to Denver, literally with just a few hours notice to help with the kids, to be there when Jamie came home from the hospital, Brandon had to work all that weekend and she just took over so Jamie could get that much needed rest. THANK YOU LISA! I was the second shift, and was excited to do it. It was so fun to check out the new house, neighborhood and area. Let's just say we're going to have lots of fun trips to Denver

Although I have changed a LOT about what I eat, and let the kids eat, I haven't totally changed (good grief, that would be unAmerican!) and did manage to sneak in a few things here and there. Like Spongebob burgers -
A family from the ward brought dinner & donuts

And we even ate out a time or two -

Ate popcorn and slurped slurpee's at the 3-D movie "Cats & Dogs" in our groovy glasses

Played games on the computer

Enjoyed the splash park

But mostly just loved doing things and being with these kiddos -

Well actually, I LOVED being with the whole "new" family -

In Denver

THANKS guys, I had a great time and can't wait to get back!

Weekend at Grandma's

2010-07-26T19:08:00.000-07:00

Grandpa & I were excited to watch these special little ladies over the 24th of July weekend -

While their parents were in Denver doing this - holding my new little grandson, Nixon Ray. As ironic as it seems, they had this little vacation get-away planned in February, WAY before we knew anything about Brandon and Jamie moving to Denver, and WAY before little Nixon decided to make his surprise entry. As a matter of pure fact, this is the weekend Jamie and the kids were coming back to Utah to prepare for his birth, and Grandma and Papa were going to have ALL the kids for a grand sleepover. Funny how some things turn out - isn't is?

Anyway, we were excited to have the girls and also excited to hear the goings-on-reports of the rest of the family in Denver. Here's a little recap of some of our weekend activities . Cate watered my flowers, again and again. Cate loves water, any way she can get it.
We dressed up and played with the Barbies, Strawberry Shortcake and Polly Pockets -
painted things for our new bedroom -
(Some just experimented with paints)

made lots of playdough food -

checked out the animials in the animal hospital -

watched movies from inside our little playhouse -

designed special clothing for the Zhu Zhu Pet out of Lamb's Ear leaves -

played and played in the water (warm weekend) -

Even had a bubble bath one night in the Little Mermaid swimming pool -

Explored the new Wild Rose Park - Cate on the spider web thinking she's just like the big girls -

She climbed all over the web, scared Grandma half to death!

She climbed and climbed and climbed over everything - almost 2 she thinks she's 5!

Annie, on the other hand, quietly ate our little picnic snack, observed the sprinklers and watched the older kids playing in them - scheming of how she, too, could laugh and play like the older kids....in the sprinklers -

Slowly, she made her move -

And proceeded to have a blast in the sprinklers herself -

Until the sprinklers turned off, the kids went home and suddenly she decided she was cold.

We also got to see "Despicable Me", and laughed and laughed as we ate our popcorn through the whole thing. I want to see it again as a matter of fact. We also went to the Eccles Dinosaur Park in Ogden - BUT, the girls didn't like it, it "freaked" them out. We ended up having a picnic instead. All in all, it was a great few days and we had a good time being hands on parents again!

Welcome to the world baby Bohn -

2010-07-22T17:11:00.000-07:00

We are just so excited to announce the birth of grandson #2! Our little no named fellow made his surprize appearance today at 12:18 p.m., weighing in at 6 lbs. 8 oz. and 18" (not bad for being two and a half weeks early). Jamie is a champ and is doing well. Although this is a small picture (I'll squeeze some bigger ones in once I get them) I wanted to share --

I am stunned at how much he resembles his older brother so maybe we'll just call him Ezra Jr for a while, best of all - he's healthy and has a nice head of RED hair!

CONGRATULATIONS Brandon & Jamie - can't wait to meet him!

Home Sweet Home

2010-06-21T20:11:00.001-07:00

As many of you know both our children have just moved into new (well, new to them) homes. We are thrilled for both of them. It will be just a little while before we get to Denver and visit Brandon and Jamie, but tonight we did a pre-renovation walk through at Tim & Marisa's. I'm giving a sneak peek of their cute home - but just a sneak peek! Here is one of the things Annie loves about her house, a rope tree swing (plus, what do you think of Annie & Cate's fort???). It's going to be fun!

Let the renovation's begin!

Moosman Group Picture

2010-06-18T09:06:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are, Wendy has the best picture but I couldn't get it to post so I'm using the second best. What a sweet group!

In true Moosman fashion, we also have to do a "funny" picture as well, if you enlarge it, it's really quite interesting to see the different expressions, some little ones you wouldn't expect. One question burning on my mind --- Matt, where did bear go? We are a crazy family, but we love each other!

Moosman Reunion 2010

2010-06-16T20:15:00.001-07:00

This year for our Fred/Vauna family reunion we found ourselves returning to our "roots". We headed down south, past the "Big Rock Candy Mountain" to a place so dear to our hearts - Escalante, Utah

Stunning and breath taking in beauty - however, I don't ever remember thinking it was when I was a child or early teen. All I remember thinking was "are we there yet?" Weather hampered our slot canyon hike (Steven & Andy did sneak it in the day before and took excellent video's for the rest of us), but with family around, it was all good.

Here is Dad giving us all a little history of "how the land (should) used to be" before bull dozers and excavator's - Here we are in front of the old homestead - oh the memories I have of sleeping in the big bed, Saturday night baths in the #2 tub, hunting for arrow heads, TON'S of petrified wood, picking apples from the orchard for Grandma to make apple pies (in the wood stove), picking asparagus along the ditch banks, sliding on the red rock, and lots of family! Good, no GREAT memories of my youth. The old homestead doesn't look like much now (although it is on the historical registry), but in my mind this old homestead is filled with love and a warm sense of family.

If you look closely, you will see my Grandfather's initials carved in the brick of his childhood home "EM" for Elmer Moosman. In the brick above it, you can also detect a faint "Verda" for his sister as well -

I absolutly LOVE this picture I snagged from Heather - it is of her new born little Autumn with family and the homestead in the background. It's all about our "roots"....

We made a visit to the Cemetary, here is my Great Grandfather David Daniel's headstone -

This is Christian Moosmann's (original spelling) headstone, he is the one who joined the LDS Chuch in Switzerland, immigrated to the United States, helped settle Santa Claria, Pine Valley and eventually ended up in Escalante, UT. And, in Karen's very own words, "Christian begat David, David begat Elmer, Elmer begat Fred, Fred begat Steven ......."

History lesson/tour finished (Escalante isn't that big you know), it was on to family games and activities. Here's some we enjoyed. Can you get an oreo from your forehead to your mouth in less than a minute? Steven can't -

Neither can Whitney -

But Andy did (can you also spot the oreo in mid air? It was Tim's attempt!)

Tim playing Ladder Ball -

One of our favorite's - the balloon game

I tag Kathy - opps, we're not supposed to are we?

Easton won the kids - Myles won the adults

With 15 kids 5 & under (and rain), we managed to keep them pretty well entertained. Some of the activities included face painting -

A pajama parade -

How about a pinata?

Bubbles ----

Painting -

More bubbles -

A few more random pictures

The Moosman Family reunion is one I can't wait for each year. We missed those few who weren't able to make it, and really enjoyed those that did. Thanks for the fun and memories, family!

Not our best week -

2010-05-30T12:37:00.001-07:00

Well, it's bound to happen to all of us sooner or later, sometimes more often that we'd like. You know, those weeks (or months, or years) that come along and you wish you didn't have them at all? Last week was one of those weeks for us.

To start the week off, lets talk snow - last week of May (!) snow - 3" of heavy, wet morning snow - plus did I mention it rained all day in addition to the 3" of heavy, wet morning snow? I endured this weather just like the rest of you but when I sat down to eat dinner Monday night guess what my little eyes spied????

Yep - you guessed it. Gazebo #2 is no more. Caved in to this weather like a wet noodle! I couldn't believe it, but it's true! Here are a few more "not our best week" events -

Kids announce that Denver will be their new home, and they're moving ---- NEXT WEEK -

Didn't make it down to visit with my parents-

Roofing Association Director resigns and lucky me inherits the job (temporarily)-

My big pile for the Deseret Industries didn't make it to the drop off -

Costco no longer sells my lucious edamame beans -

I found 2 dead baby birds (and evidence of more) in my garden -

The furnace is still kicking on (last week of MAY, mind you!)

But, even though this wasn't our best week, there were a few shinning moments:

Watching these exceptional men deal with "issues" of their own -

This precious little one turned "6"!
With all of the blasted snow and rain this year our wisteria blossoms are prettier than they've been in years -
The kids are SO excited to get to Denver -

I read our Sunday School lesson so I will be prepared -

I lost 3 more pounds -

Costco now selling "fresh" peach pie -

Got the garden tilled and planted!

Family dinner at Market Street -

And finally, always the brightest part of my life -
No, some weeks are not our best - but then, there is always NEXT week to look forward to -

Gotta get it -

2010-05-27T06:41:00.000-07:00

COCONUT LIME VERBENA -

Get it ---

Smell it ---

Enjoy it ---

Bath and Body Works!