SNOW SNOW GO AWAY COME AGAIN NEXT WINTER

Never thought I would reach this point but I am deathly sick of the snow, wind, and cold. I asked God to bless us with snow but I sure didn't expect Him to bless us this much. We are suppose to get more tonight, tomorrow and tomorrow night. I don't think it is ever going to end. Haven't seen this much snow in a very long, long time. If the wind wouldn't blow so much it wouldn't be as bad.

Sandy and I have decided that next Christmas we will have our big dinner on Christmas Eve and have a nice big breakfast on Christmas Day and snack the rest of the day. We will not be having ham or turkey or the salads. We are very tired of them. One thing we are thinking of is: a real nice tenderloin roast. We will save up for that and have mashed taters or baked and a few other goodies to go along with it. Haven't decided on everything yet. The turkey and ham this year just didn't do much for us at all. The turkey was to moist and the ham was not the best and it was a Tavern Ham. It is now time to make a change.

Winter Has Hit Pocatello With a Vengenance

We finally have our winter. It came on Friday and hit hard on Saturday. That was the day of our Christmas party. Weren't too sure if we would have the out of towners but they all showed up and stayed the night in Poky. Melissa and Mike stayed here and Nat, Laura, & Lexie stayed with friends of theirs who had just recently moved here from IF. We have snow and freezing weather. Amazing, we go from high forties one day to freezing the next. Yesterday the high was a heat sizzling 11 degrees. Needless to say we were cold. Didn't have time to acclimate. We are expecting more snow tonight and tomorrow and more will hit on Thursday, Saturday and possibly Sunday. I say yea for the snow but the colder temps are a little hard to take. Nice balmy 30s would be nice. Oh well, at least it feels more like Christmas and certainly looks like it..

The pictures are from the party and the one of Lexie, Loni, Lori and Mieshella were taken yesterday. We played "This is The House Where Santa Lives and that is what is going on in two of the pics.

WINTER, YEA RIGHT, WHAT A JOKE!!!

We are having very unusual weather and the days are much warmer than normal. This is not right people, not right at all. Our grass is still green, the rose bush in front has sprounted new growth and leafs, my petunias are making a come-back and new weeds are sprouting. December 10th and this is what is going on. Not fair!! Although this shouldn't take away from the Spirit of Christmas, it does big time. On Thanksgiving we had the doors open and it was sunny. YUCK, DOUBLE YUCK!!! I want to have snowstorms and cold. I want it to look like Christmas in Pocatello not Australia. Send snow our way Luana. We need it badly, even the mountains were without until the other day but its melting on them now too. We went to Melissa's last Saturday and it was like going when the fall weather is just really getting a good start. NO SNOW on the mountains. What is going on here.

Crochet has taken over my life!

I promised both of my little girls afghans. They asked I honored. Lexie was first and so hers is now done. When she saw her mom's Halloween afghan she decided she wanted one like that but for Christmas. I thought I was done with those but it appears I won't be done for sometime to come. I'm sure Cortnie is going to want that type too. I won't be able to have hers done in time for Christmas but she will have it for next year. Lexies turned out so cute and I am so pleased with the results. Let me know what you think.

Kyle went to see Santa and as you can see he was not impressed at all. He is running from the old guy in the one picture. Poor little guy. Cortnie refused to go see him. She stayed behind Kevin and wouldn't come out. Don't know why she has this fear now. She didn't last year.

THANKSGIVING

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and having all my children and grandchildren here made it very special. I was having a lot of trouble with that nerve in my back but overall I'm glad I had them all here. The dinner turned out well but I did forget to put the stuffing in the crockpot. Put it in at 12:30 but it was still cool at 2:00 so put it in the oven and we ate it luke-warm. Put hot gravy on it and that did help but it sure had a good taste. Everything was good and tasty. All the kids loved my food and Kevin paid many compliments as did Laura. Lexie and Cortnie had the best time with Uncle Mike and Aunt Rachael. They don't want them to leave and I think we might have some very upset little girls when they go tomorrow. Its too bad cause they are both smitten with their Uncle Mike. Cortnie thinks he is so handsome. She told them they have to live with them forever. No pictures as of yet but hopefully soon. My back hurt too much and I never thought to take pictures. I think Nat did though.
Because there were so many of us we had to eat in different places. Some in the kitchen the others in the living-room. Sure wish we had a huge kitchen with a large, large table that would seat us all. There were eight adults and three children.

Halloween Vistors and Parties

Debbie's party for the children was lots of fun for young and old alike and she had many vistors to this party. I have pictures and you will be amazed. Above is Kristianna the gyspy fortune-teller, Tinkerbell, and two little princesses. There was a hippie, bikers, men dressed as women and women dressed as men, a candy lady, little girls and superhero's. What fun we had.

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are an Audrey!

You are an Audrey -- "I am at peace"

Audreys are receptive, good-natured, and supportive. They seek union with others and the world around them.

How to Get Along with Me

• * If you want me to do something, how you ask is important. I especially don't like expectations or pressure


• * I like to listen and to be of service, but don't take advantage of this


• * Listen until I finish speaking, even though I meander a bit


• * Give me time to finish things and make decisions. It's OK to nudge me gently and nonjudgmentally


• * Ask me questions to help me get clear


• * Tell me when you like how I look. I'm not averse to flattery


• * Hug me, show physical affection. It opens me up to my feelings


• * I like a good discussion but not a confrontation


• * Let me know you like what I've done or said


• * Laugh with me and share in my enjoyment of life

What I Like About Being an Audrey

• * being nonjudgmental and accepting


• * caring for and being concerned about others


• * being able to relax and have a good time


• * knowing that most people enjoy my company; I'm easy to be around


• * my ability to see many different sides of an issue and to be a good mediator and facilitator


• * my heightened awareness of sensations, aesthetics, and the here and now


• * being able to go with the flow and feel one with the universe

What's Hard About Being an Audrey

• * being judged and misunderstood for being placid and/or indecisive


• * being critical of myself for lacking initiative and discipline


• * being too sensitive to criticism; taking every raised eyebrow and twitch of the mouth personally


• * being confused about what I really want


• * caring too much about what others will think of me


• * not being listened to or taken seriously

Audreys as Children Often

• * feel ignored and that their wants, opinions, and feelings are unimportant


• * tune out a lot, especially when others argue


• * are "good" children: deny anger or keep it to themselves

Audreys as Parents

• * are supportive, kind, and warm


• * are sometimes overly permissive or nondirective

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

Halloween Afghan that I made for Natalie's Birthday

I'm very pleased at how this turned out. It was hard work
but it was also a labor of love. Amy will be getting one next
year for her birthday but she will get it before her birthday.

Movies I Would Have Loved to Star In

I went to the movie three times and could have gone many more times but I will wait for it to be released. Fell in love with Pierce Brosnan, what a hunk. This movie is so full of music and dancing and that describes who I am. I can't do it anymore but sure can through movies like this. Abba is one of my favorite groups of all time. Still have their CD and I love the music. This movie just brings out happiness, sunshine, laughter, fun fun fun, and love of life. This movie would be my first pick to star in if I was young and full of vim and vinegar.

Susan Hayward was one of my all time favorites. This was a wonderful movie about a singer who was badly injured in an airplane crash and underwent several surgeries and yet still went on to entertain men and women fighting during World War II. I love this movie!

This is probably my most favorite Christmas movie. Very warm and inviting and lots of snow and love.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO NATALIE DENISE WAHL

On this day 33 years ago at 5:01 am a little girl was born who was named Natalie Denise. She was the easiest of all my children to birth. I went in at midnight and had her five hours later. One of the labor nurses walked with me for well over an hour and it really helped to do that.

As with Amy Natalie had had to face many obstacles in her life. When she was 16 we found out she had diabetes and just a little over a year ago she found out she had ulcerative colitis. Both of these illnesses can have bad affects on the body. Neither have a cure and although diabetes is the worst the colitis is an auto-immune disease which in itself can be problematic. She deals quite well with it.

When Natalie was in the fourth grade she developed mono and was not allowed to go to school for more then half a day. She tired quite easily and we had to take precautions because it is highly contagious. We used paper plates and plastic utensils. I loved it. Very few dishes you know.

Natalie has such a love for children and the disabled. She has great empathy for the latter. I believe that is why she will make a wonderful Special-Ed teacher. She has what it takes to love and bring out the best in these young people. She is a wonderful mom who puts Lexie first at all times. She is a very giving and loving person and it wasn't until Laura came into her life that she received all of that for herself. Not that her family doesn't love her but she needed the acceptance from someone she chose as her life mate. Natalie has finally found that and she is a much happier person today because of it.

I love my middle child very much and wish all that is good in life for her. She is a very special young woman and I want to see her succeed in whatever she chooses. Thank you Natalie for who you are and for being such a lovely, wonderful woman. Aren't my two daughters just beautiful! As are their two female cousins as you can see by the pictures of them.

Amy Elizabeth Wahl Hulse

I'm a little late with this. It was her birthday last month but I decided to go ahead and do this late rather then never.

On September 11, 1977 a little girl was born into this world at 1:20 am. Her birth was a hard one and it took its toll on both mom and baby, especially baby. Since you all know the details I will not go into that again. Needless to say if it hadn't been for daddy and Evan we may not have an Amy for me to talk about. I do believe that God answers all prayers and it doesn't matter who is doing the praying. He had plans for Amy and so we still have her around, Thank you God!!

Most of her young years were spent sleeping. Her body had taken a huge amount of stress and sleep was what was most needed in her crucial years. During her first year she was awake only for about six hours each day if that much and her second year she still slept more then she was awake. After that she would take very long naps and even when in Kindergarten she had to come home and take a nap. This continued for a long time.

As a young toddler Amy loved to dress up. She would put a skirt on her head to indicate long hair and she would wear a poncho as a skirt and my clogs would be on her feet. She loved to entertain us, all dressed up and with her long hair. She was such a ham. I had several pictures of her like that but I have pretty much given them all to her or I could put one here. If I find one in the next few days I will do just that.

Of all my children she is the only one who took to school right off the reel. She loved it and couldn't wait to go. During Christmas vacation she was so antsy to get back to school so she could see her beautiful teachers.

Amy was born with a herniated belly button and when she was four she had to have surgery to repair it. It was huge and the her siblings and cousins were always trying to play with it. It was uncomfortable for Amy so we had it done sooner then we thought we would have to. She hurt for a few days but being young helps to speed healing right along. When she was in 4th grade she had an appendicitis attack and had to have emergency surgery to remove her appendix. It was a good thing they did because her appendix burst as they got in there to take it or it was just about to, this mother can't remember for sure anymore.

Amy started dance when she was 10 years old and she continued with it till her senior year and we found out she had some back problems. It curtailed that along with drill team. In dance she took ballet and modern jazz. She was also on the Junior Dance Team and later the Senior Dance Team. She was good! She was on the Drill Team at Irving Junior High and was on Drill Team at Poky High all three years.

When Amy graduated she started working at Pretzel Time and that is where Kevin met her and asked her out. They dated, fell in love, moved to Utah and married. Now Amy is the mother of two of my precious grandchildren. Melissa couldn't believe that little Amy was going to be a mother, her response was," She can't have a baby, cause she is still a baby. Amy can't be grown up"!

Amy has had to deal with some issues in her life but she has handled them well and proved herself to be a wonderful woman who takes the knocks and gets on with her life. I am very proud of her and all that she has accomplished. I love her and find her to be a very precious gift from God!

Many Subjects

Cortnie started Pre School a week ago Tuesday and was very frightened about it. Didn't want to go and told her mom she had to stay with her and Cortnie would sit on her lap the whole time. Cortnie took to it like a fish to water. Didn't have to sit on her mom's lap and I didn't have to go up and take care of Kyle cause Amy was able to leave. She loves school and when Kevin drops her off in her classroom she takes off with no looks back. Amy took pictures of her first day and when I get one I will post it here.

The weather is here is divine, simply divine. Cool, cool nights and lightly warm days. Love it. The hills are showing color and that is a sure sign that Fall has arrived. I feel ALIVE!! Cooler weather is what energizes me and gets me going.

Sandy has been sick for over two weeks now. Although she no longer has pneumonia she coughs up a lung at least twice a day. She does have bronchitis and I have never seen anyone who has had it as bad as she does. Not even me with my crappy lungs. I have never coughed like Sandy has with this crud. She is so worn out and her back, chest, and shoulders hurt all the time. Nearly kills her when she coughs. I can't believe the coughing she does. It makes her barf and choke. Quite the nasty little thing she caught.

Penny

Ten years ago in October or November Amy & Kevin got their first Bassett Hound and named her Penny. They were living in Utah at the time and came up to show her off. Even daddy got to meet her at that time and today he met her again. Two weeks ago they found out that Penny had cancer and she was given about six months. In the two weeks since, she has gone down hill very fast. She was no longer eating and her breathing was very labored. The poor little thing was in bad shape. They had her put to sleep at nine this morning. Amy did tell me that Kevin is having a hard time with it but it needed to be done. Cortnie knows and is okay with it because of how the two of them (Amy & Kevin) are handling it with her. Amy & Kevin may not go to church but they are teaching Cortnie all about Jesus and God and heaven. She is very aware of where people go when they die and animals as well.
Even though I am not very fond of Bassett Hounds I have gotten teary eyed over Penny. Maybe its because she was important to three people who are important to me and for them it will be rough. You can't have an animal that long and not hurt when it goes to doggy heaven. Sandy told Cortnie that Susan could play with Penny now.
I wouldn't be at all surprised if Lobo doesn't go soon too. He howled (the Bassett howl) all the time they had Penny at the vets two weeks ago. I don't think he will be able to go on without her. Amy isn't sure either.

Lexie's New Haircut for School

School began today for the children here and in IF. This is the earliest they have started and it surprises me. Anyway, Lexie wanted her haircut and Nat sent me pics via her cell phone so lets hope they show to Lexie Lou's advantage. There's that phony smile of hers and she is missing two bottom teeth. I sure do love that little girl.

Veggie Garden

I planted again but did I learn from last year? Nope, sure didn't! I thought I planted my tomatoes far enough apart but the way they grow in this area I should have known better. My tomatoes have taken over the garden and they are everywhere. We will have an over abundance and more. I have so many tomatoes. We will have them coming out our ears. I also planted jalapeno peppers and two types of onions. They are doing very well. I didn't plant enough onions but next year God willing I will plant more and the tomatoes will be in x-large cages and further apart. The garden plot in this yard is very fertile which makes for nice veggies but sometimes too many.
Mike and Rachael's garden didn't do well because of their climate so they recently bought a greenhouse and Rachael will plant in that.
I love fresh veggies and fruits but I sure hate the summer. I am more then ready for the cooler weather of fall. I can't wait.
You all have a wonderful week now ya hear!

MAMMA MIA!!!

What a movie, what a movie! I have now seen it three times as has Erin. Sandy has seen it twice and all of us are buying the DVD when it comes out. Since ABBA first came out I have loved the music. All my children were raised on that music and all of them are fond of it. Mainly Mike and Natalie. Now to have a musical come out using there music has been awesome. I have fallen in Lust with Pierce Brosnan. Give me, give me, give me, a man after midnight and please make it Pierce. WooHoo, what a hunk. He isn't the skinny handsome guy anymore, he has filled out and what a looker. I hope you have gone to see it Luana.

I know it has been a while since I last posted but now I have. How's the crocheting going Luana? Are you busy making dish rags or your afghan?

This movie has also made me want to go to Greece. The island it was filmed on is absolutely gorgeous and I want to see it and take a dip in that beautiful water. Life being what it is I will most likely never make it there so I will visit after I have gone on to my new life in heaven. I will definitely visit that place one way or another.

Candy Bar Favorites

I am going to see if I can do this. Melissa got this going . My four favorite candy bars in no particular order. Since Melissa has told me I did it wrong I'm going to try this again.



1. Peppermint Patty

2. Mounds

3. Kit Kat

4. Peanut Butter Cups

I love to make Polly Peanut Clusters and cover it with caramels.

CEREMONY & RECEPTION

Laura's Mom Cheryl

Natalie and Laura now feel that they are married even though it isn't recognized by law. It was a very nice ceremony that Sam conducted and they had the support of most of their family and friends. Nat & Laura wrote their own vows. It was a good turnout. Everyone seemed to have a good time and Natalie and Laura are very happy, as is Lexie. Lexie was included in the ceremony and was presented a necklace that ties the three of them together. They are now going to have legal stuff done that will enable them to speak for the other and so that Laura will

be able to have custody of Lexie if anything happened to Natalie. Laura may also change her last name to Wahl. Will make it less confusing for Lexie if they decide to add any other children to their family