Simply Sherrie

Proud to announce the arrival of...

2009-08-23T10:57:00.001-07:00

After taking a LONG break from blogging I've decided to try again............

March 1st and Sunday Six

2009-03-01T22:07:00.000-08:00

Yeah, it's March 1st which means Winter is over and the time will be changing soon! One more week and I will feel like I finally have the rest of my day back. I can't stand it when it gets dark by 5:30. But I made it and my favorite time of year is just beginning. Also in March we have 3 birthdays, Lance, Lucy, and Cade. This is the month I really try and get organized or begin to at least. Spring cleaning, clean out files, income taxes , plant my garden, etc. So for this month this is my goal (again, still, and on going).......D&C 88:119 Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God; And now my Sunday Six.........ONE Friday night we went with Jim and Nancy up to Cedar City to see the Vienna Boys Choir. They were darling, not to mention how talented they were. Their voices are like little angels. They range in age from 10 to 14 and they come from around the world, but mostly they are from Austria. They were very entertaining and once again we had a great outing with are best friends.

TWO For Family Home Evening we added some things to our 72 hour back backs like........

hand wipes, sunscreen, juice boxes, can opener, 36 hr. candles, hand shovel, etc. My question is to the rest of my family," Are you adding to yours or did you just take them home after Christmas and put them on a shelf to forget about them?" You can do it , just add one thing a week!

THREE This past week many people in the family were traveling on the highways. Reg had to go to Richfield for work, Jen went to Calif. to dance, and we went to Vegas to take Grandma to the Dr. Anyway everyone got home safely which is always good .

FOUR Mom had a "good" check up at the Dr. It's almost been a year since her surgery so we're about done with the Dr. in Vegas and feel grateful she has done so well.

FIVE While in Vegas we went to Nordstrom to look for me a pair of jeans. I have been looking for a pair of jeans that felt good and looked good, for a year. At my age and with my body it's hard, they're either cut too low or they're ugly. That seems to be the only 2 choices. I've worn the same 2 pair for the last 3 years. Well as always, if there something out there surely you can find it at Nordstrom and I did. I'm very excited!

SIX We were able to fast as a family for a common purpose today. I love the principal of fasting and prayer. Sometimes it's the ONLY way to feel comfort, receive answers, and show our faith by turning it over to the Lord.

SHERRIE'S SUNDAY SUMMARY

2009-02-22T19:12:00.000-08:00

This past week started out with the thought of having a pretty kicked back week and finishing volume number six of The Great and the Terrible series by Chris Stewart. I've been reading these books for the last month or so. Reg is really into them as well and they have motivated us to becoming more prepared for an emergency. The author was commissioned by Deseret Book to write a series on the last days. These books have really caused us to think, "Oh my gosh this could really happen, we'd better get it together!" Anyway I did finish my book and it was so good. . . .the last book was worth all the stress and agony in the other 5. Good does prevail !On Monday Jason called and needed me to watch their little boys this week as Kristin had three days where she was needing to be gone. She had their ward "spend the day at the Temple "on Wed. She had to work on Thurs. and then had a dental convention on Friday. I was in charge of some things on Wed. and Thurs. night so we decided to meet half way and I would watch the boys

here. We had a wonderful week and Cade and Jack were so good. These grandchildren of ours are the JOY of our lives. . . . . . .eight now with one on the way and hopefully many more to come. Jack spent the week wandering around the house trying to catch Suki. The cat knew just how far ahead of Jack to pace himself without getting caught. Jack was a tired boy when he went to bed each night from all that exercise.

Cade pretty much entertains himself with his Star Wars light saber and a very vivid imagination. He is so much light Jason was, spending hours in a world of his own . He is also so good at Lego's! I bought him a Star Wars Lego set for 7 to 11 year olds and I was worried because he isn't even 5 yet. But he told me he could do it just as long as he had the instructions. Sure enough he had the patience to look at the diagram on each page and put the thing together. Aunt Shanel provided the finishing touches.

It was a beautiful day on Thurs. so we went to the park. Grandpa even stopped by with suckers for all the kids of course. (The candy man) Poor Cade suddenly wasn't feeling well so our outing was cut short. He was much better as soon as we got home and he could use Grandma's bathroom instead of the"disgusting" bathroom at the park!

Jack LOVED his sucker. . . . . . and we loved having the boys this week!

Wendy is 34 TODAY!

2009-02-18T10:00:00.000-08:00

Happy, Happy Birthday Wendy Dear......I thought that song would be appropriate since she is the greatest counselor in the Primary Presidency ever. She spends all week getting ready for sharing time when it's her turn. The visual aids and posters she makes are amazing. Wendy is the mother of these darling 3 children and has one on the way, expected in August. Yes they're having #4, were so excited! She is such a good Mom with high expectations for her children. She is the only Mom I know that sits on the piano bench the whole time while her children practice each day making sure they get each note correctly.
Wendy takes good care of my son as well, every mothers hope and prayer. She has become a gourmet cook, is obsessed with having clean laundry and has her house perfectly organized with all the toys labeled in appropriate containers. Aren't the cute together?

This was a day we picnicked up American Fork Canyon enjoying the fall leaves. That is until Wendy came across a poster on a tree that said "bear sighting" in this area. We were packed up and gone in 5 minutes. Wendy is scared to death of bears literally, she has bad dreams about them getting her or her familyall the time.

This is our favorite expression that she does all the time.

For Mitchell's birthday he wanted lava cakes that they had seen on the cooking channel the day before. So of course she just whipped them up without any problem, anything for her family. Wendy you are one of a kind and we love you.
Have a wonderful Birthday Wendy and were so glad you're "ours"!

Valentine's Day at my house......What did you do?

2009-02-14T11:37:00.000-08:00

Valentine's "week" is always a favorite of mine, kind of like the week leading up to Christmas. I have some wonderful memories of parties with my children, PTA room mother projects, romantic get-aways with my sweetheart, and a wonderful tradition of "best friends luncheons" started by the Valentine Queen herself, my friend Kris. For years we gathered together in our fancy dresses and exchanged beautiful gifts and feasted on yummy girlie food. I'll always cherish those times and hope we'll do it again. In the meantime I have been motivated to carry on with my family. Thanks Kris for helping me catch the vision of this fun holiday of LOVE!
This year none of the family came from out of town (how sad) so the celebration just included Mom, Eric, Shanel, Me, Reg, Lucy and of course Suki. We had a PINK breakfast.

Lucy surprised us by reading her own Valentine's card from Grandma Shirley. "Happy Valentine's day, and thank you for the blessings, and the food amen"! We laughed so hard.

We had PINK heart shaped french toast, PINK eggs, PINK hash browns, PINK juice, and PINK whipped cream for the strawberries.

Later in the day we went to lunch with Jim and Nancy (yes we let the men join us for our celebration) and we had yummy cup cakes with PINK frosting.

Sherrie's Simple Sunday Six

2009-02-08T21:54:00.001-08:00

This has been a great week with a couple of special highlights. . . . .

l. First of all we attended Rylee's baptism on Saturday. It was a beautiful day beginning with a yummy brunch that Wendy put on. There was lots of food as Rylee's friends and family gathered for the big event. Then we all went to the church to witness her baptism and confirmation. Reggie gave her a beautiful blessing that will help her throughout her life. We continue to feel so blessed to have sons and son-in-laws that are worthy priesthood holders to preform these sacred ordinances .

Rylee looked like an angel all dressed in white. I hope she will always remember how she felt on "her" special day.

2. The next great thing that happened this week was that I actually found Joe's parents names on the Ellis Island registry. I was so excited to actually see there signatures with the dates they arrived and everything. Ever since Joe died I have felt a responsibility to do his genealogy but have had little luck. I found a man that specializes in Italian genealogy and bingo we're on our way. Now I have the task of going though Italian perish records to find some official documents, but at least we have some dates to start with now.

3. I have been recycling the last few months and I feel like I am doing my part to make a difference. It started with a cub scout service project and I have been taking my things to the recycling bins they have put all over town. It makes me happy when I go and we've gone from two full trash barrels to maybe 1/2 each week on trash day.

4. Does this look familiar? Recipes, Recipes, so many recipes, on little scraps of paper, labels off of cans, even torn off of boxes. After 40 years of marriage I have collected A LOT ! Some are handwritten by people that have passed away or friends in my past. I have cookbooks from PTA's , old wards etc., as far back as the 70's. As I look for a recipes it's like going back down memory lane. But I must say until now it has been pretty out of control. How could I ever recopy my favorite handwritten ones and substitute them for typed impersonal copies? Well I just put them all in different sized sleeves and organized all of them into 2 notebooks. Now when someone calls for a recipe I can go right to it instead of calling them back in an hour after searching all over for it.

This is it my finished project. . . .I have enough recipes to make a new dish every week until I die. So I am committed to try all of them, and if it's not fabulous, I'm throwing it away. Thus eventually I maybe can cut back to only l notebook.

And if you ever see me tearing out a recipe out of a magazine again just slap my hand, I have enough.

5. My mother-in-law and sister-in- law Bonnie came down from Parowan and visited this week. They just don't come often enough, but when they do we sure do enjoy our time with them.

6. All of the men in our family still have jobs, which is such a blessing in these difficult economic times. They laid off 38 at Jason's work last week and 8 more this week, so we are feeling especially fortunate.

Let's all continue to pray for our country and lend a helping hand to those in need. . . . have a good week.

Sunday Six.........

2009-02-01T20:48:00.001-08:00

Sherrie's Simple Sunday Six. . . . .

The very best thing that happened this week is that Kristin had a biopsy and it came back negative! We were all so grateful and relieved. Things were a little anxious and bleak for a couple of days, but she got the good news on her birthday so that made for a HAPPY, HAPPY birthday.

Shanel and I took Lucy to the park on Tuesday. Lucy happened to be eating a piece of bread . So we thought, Oh good we can maybe find a little ducky to give a piece to." Well they came from near and far and it pretty much was a stampede. Poor Lucy, one of the ducks got her finger. As usual Shanel and I had a good laugh, but I don't know if Lucy will want to feed the ducks again.

Oh What A Beautiful Morning. . . I woke up Tuesday morning and looked out my window just as the sun was raising. It was so beautiful I had to just stand there and experience the whole thing. I took MANY pictures so I could recall the moment, but there is way too many to post.. I am so grateful for this beautiful place where I live. Who could have a bad day when it starts like this.

On Saturday's I am a bridal attendant at the Temple. I really do love this opportunity to help the brides as they come in. They are always pretty nervous and excited at the same time. I greet them at the front door and take their things from them. Then I take them to the lovely brides room where they get dressed in their wedding dresses. They are all so beautiful. I am reminded of my own wedding day each week. The Temples are the only place where we can be sealed for this time on earth as well as throughout all eternity. Families REALLY can be together forever!

Saturday was Shanel and Eric's anniversary so we took Lucy for the day and night. We had such a fun day. She helped us in the yard planting flowers and pruning fruit trees.

Then we went to the Pizza Factory. . . . Yum. We are so grateful to at least have Lucy here in St. George. Reg and I would be so sad if we didn't have any grandchildren here. To all our other children, all I have to say is just move here too, and we will babysit for you anytime and any place.

THE STEELERS WON THE SUPERBOWL. . . .

HOORAY FOR THEM. . . HOORAY FOR THE PENDLETON BOYS

JOHN YOUR TEAM PLAYED A GREAT GAME AS WELL

Happy Birthday Kristin & Rylee

2009-01-29T07:16:00.000-08:00

Today is Kristin and Rylee's Birthday. . . . . I remember when Jason and Kristin were dating, Kristin came to the hospital on the day Rylee was born and brought her the cutest outfit. We were talking and she mentioned that it was her birthday too, and here we are two Pendleton girls with the same birthday.

KRISTIN Kristin is a great caregiver of her family. Her house is always immaculate, and she never stops shinning her black granite counters. Her children are clean and sparkling all the time especially their teeth(she's a dental hygienist) She has a strong testimony of the Gospel and is raising her family in a righteous manner.
She is very competitive and psysically can probably out run most of the boys in our family. She is tall , skinny, and beautiful. She is the best thing that ever happened to Jason and it is fun to watch them as they are definitely "a team" in all that they do.

She has the cutest babies, and is certainly a pro at it. This is her 10 min. after having Jack, looking gorgeous, (makeup and all) and so happy. She does love her babies! We love you Kristin and are so glad Jason found you !

RYLEE MAE
Rylee Mae is turning 8 today. . . . . That special age, she is being baptised the first Sat. in February and we're all going to witness this wonderful event. She was named after Great-grandma Shirley, Mae her middle name. It is quite amazing as she is so like her in many ways. She doesn't miss a thing, she likes to people watch, and is very fashion savvy.

Rylee is beautiful, with her tall and thin body, huge blue eyes, and has a very sweet and tender side to her. She is an organizer, and is becoming Wendy's little "cleaner". Her piano teacher said that she is a natural with her long and skinny fingers and is doing so well with her lessons.

Rylee you grew up way too fast, it seems like this picture was just the other day. Now here you are 8 years old. Slow down okay, we love you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRLS!

MY SUNDAY SIX

2009-01-18T21:00:00.000-08:00

The Steelers are going to the Super Bowl! Reg is so happy and the rest of the Pendleton boys as well. This has been their team forever. The interesting thing is that our son-in-law John from Arizona is of course for the Cardinals so it's going to be a very fun Super Bowl. Eric has not committed as to what team he is going for.

Monday night we got together for Family Home Evening with the Hansen's and made wheat bread. The men insisted they helped do it all, grind the wheat, measure the ingredients, form the loaves, bake it and of course eat it. We really are trying to be better prepared and eat healthier as well. Instead of Reg being the "cookie maker" he might become the "bread maker"in the family.

I got these measuring spoons from Wendy for Christmas and they are awesome. They are magnetic so they stay together all the time and don't get separated in the drawer. But at the same time you can quickly pull them apart and don't have to wash the whole set like the ones attached with a ring. I was always too lazy to separate them or to lazy to put them back together after using them, so this is the greatest. The only bad thing is that one stuck to a metal pan that I put in the oven so it melted. . . I'm sorry Wendy!

See this cut............

I got it with my brand new sharp CUTCO knives I also got for Christmas. In my 40 years of marriage I have never owned a good set of knives. I have spent so much time sawing things apart and smashing the food in the process. My uncle used to bring his knife sharpener to my house every time he would come for dinner cause my knives were always so dull. But that didn't help much cause they were terrible knives to begin with. Well all I can say is that I never new knives could be so sharp, it 's so wonderful. I just need to be a little more careful. I just barely touched my had with it and wow I was bleeding.

This past couple of weeks have been nice because my Aunt La Rue has been down here from Salt Lake. She is one of the sweetest ladies in my life and I love her so much. Last year she fell down her stairs and has been in poor health ever since. But, she finally made it down and we had a nice time hanging out with her. She will be 85 the end of this month and she still looks darling.

The very best thing that happened this week was that the U.S. Airways plane landed safely in the Hudson River without any fatalities. . . . . . wasn't that so WONDERFUL!

2008 at a Glance

2009-01-09T19:17:00.000-08:00

Well, it's all over........the glitter is finally all cleaned up, the decorations are put away, the fingerprints are wiped off and things are way to quiet! But, I have finally had a chance to reflect on all the fun things we did in 2008....
JANUARY The year always starts off with Shanel's birthday on the 7th. She wanted Grandma's apple pie instead of cake. Then we went up north to Jason and Kristin's for Jack's baby blessing.
FEBRUARY Everyone always comes down for President's Day weekend because the weather is so much nicer down here and we have the annual Parade of Homes which is always fun to go to.
MARCH It was a busy month. Lance and Jen were here for his birthday on March 10th and just 3 days later Lucy turned two. We went to build a bear and out to lunch to get her a # 2 pizza. That night Shanel made her a darling cake. We then headed to Arizona to hang out with the Sarager's. We went to the annual Easter Pageant at the Mesa Temple and it was so good. It was fun to play with Lane and enjoy the beautiful weather. Then it was Cade's "army" birthday party. He has 5 little friends in the neighborhood that that love to play army so the theme was perfect. We stayed for Easter weekend which was really fun. We had a the BIG egg hunt and party on Sat. at Jason and Kristin's then had a wonderful Easter dinner at Reggie and Wendy's after church on Sunday.
APRIL The whole family (except for Reggie's family, as they chose to spend the money on putting in their front yard, which by the way is beautiful)went to Kauai for a week of fun and frolicking in the sun. The weather was fabulous, the resort was right on the beach, the kids got along well, we had great food and it was nearly a perfect trip except we did miss the Reggie, Wendy and the kids!
MAY We actually stayed home pretty much. We took Mom to Las Vegas for a hysterectomy. She was diagnosed with cancer of the uterus so a specialist did the surgery and everything turned out great. They got it all so no further radiation or chemo was needed. What a blessing!
JUNE Shenise and Lane came to play for a week. Wendy and the kids were also able to come down for a couple of days and the cousins had fun together. Then Reg and I went to St. Thomas with Jim and Nancy. The beaches were just beautiful, we actually liked St. Johns even better as we went there two different days on the fairy. We always find great places to eat and love to travel together.
JULY We went to Eagle Mountain for the 4th as Reggie and Wendy put on a BIG neighborhood breakfast. The great-grandma's even went. It's just tradition that we spend the holiday up north. It's cooler there and we have had some great times over the years. John, Shenise and Lane even come each year. We went swimming, then later gathered at a park near Jason and Kristin's. We decorated bikes and watched the fireworks at Thanksgiving Point. While we were up there our kids took us out to dinner for a surprise 40th anniversary party. It was wonderful. We then loaded all the kids up and brought them home for the annual "Cousin's Camp". It's always the highlight of the year for Reg and I.
AUGUST Jen and I attended Education Week together at BYU. We attended some wonderful classes and learned a lot. I'm trying to implement some of the things I learned into my everyday life. The best part was just being able to spend one on one with Jen. She is a darling girl and I love her. On Labor Day weekend John and Shenise pulled their new boat over from Arizona and all the family and "swimming children" headed out for Lake Powell. Reg and I were the appointed babysitters, how sad it's come to that. Not really, someone had to do it and we loved every minute of it. In-n-Out had just opened in St. George so we ate there a lot and went on our own excursions.
SEPTEMBER Our good friends Paul and Michelle Christensen from Norco came and spent the night with us. We stayed up till one in the morning reminiscing and laughing about the "old days", They are some of our "forever friends". Later in the month Reg and I went to Vail, Colorado. It was the first time we had been there and we caught the Fall leaves at the perfect time. We will go back again someday, it was spectacular.
OCTOBER The boys went deer hunting for the first time in maybe ten years. They had a great time bonding and even got a deer. At the end of the month Reg and I went to Canada with our "traveling friends" Jim and Nancy again. We drove through the Canadian Rockies, saw lots of wildlife, and gorgeous scenery with the highlight being Lake Louise. We spent our last day in Calgary before flying home. Another fabulous trip!
NOVEMBER This was our "off" year for the family to come on Thanksgiving, so we went to Arizona where John and Shenise were the perfect hosts. So much food, so much fun.
DECEMBER We had a wonderful Christmas season with our entire family, 21 of us in all, gathering together. It was the first time in 4 years that we were together on Christmas. I don't know when we will be able to do it again with every one's growing families and busy schedules, but Reg and I cherished every moment of it. We feel so blessed that everyone likes to be together, gets along well, and that we have so much fun together. It was the perfect end to a great year!

2009-01-07T15:13:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Happy Birthday Shanel

2009-01-07T01:00:00.000-08:00

Twenty Seven years ago Shanel #5 was born into the Pendleton family. We were all so excited, especially Shenise, every girl needs a sister right? And her big brothers were so proud of their new baby sister. She had the most beautiful hands with long fingers and still does. She was the such a good baby and our family finally felt complete. She was then, and still is such a blessing to our family.

Shanel is a wonderful daughter, a concerned sister, a loving wife, and is the best Mom and "best buddy" to Lucy. She is an organizer, is so creative, and can do just about anything she sets out to do. She puts so much loving time and effort into her church calling and is also a blessing to the Young Women in her ward.

Besides that she makes us laugh alot!

WE LOVE YOU SHANELLA AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2009-01-06T08:55:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

The Week Before Christmas.....Sunday Six

2008-12-21T17:50:00.000-08:00

Wow here we are the week before Christmas.....What a fun, busy, festive and blessed week I have had. The season in and of itself is such a highlight of the year for me. But I'm especially excited because ALL of my family will be here for Christmas Eve and Christmas this year. Twenty-one of us will gather together . I've been busy trying to get everything ready for when they start arriving on Tuesday. These were the best of the best for my week. . . . .
MY SUNDAY SIX

1. The greatest relief is that we had to talk in church today and it's OVER! The Bishop asked us last week if we would talk and I've been stressing ever since. It's bad enough to have to talk, but the week before Christmas is way too much pressure!

2. We took Lucy to see Santa. She was not sure she wanted to be there. You can't really tell but she was crying out loud while she pasted that fake smile on her face. We were all cracking up including Santa.

3. I had my third annual cookie exchange on Thurs. We all get together and sample each others cookies, drink some hot cider and have a good visit. It works out well as we ended up with 6 different kinds of cookies. (Shanel was also there, but she was taking the picture.)

Lucy's snowman that her Daddy and her made in front of their house.

4. It snowed and it snowed and it snowed this week! It was just beautiful. It was the most it has snowed since we moved here. We actually got 3 inches at one time. They even had to close the schools as we don't have snow plows here to clear the streets for the buses to get in. Anyway I loved it, it was so festive for the Christmas season.
5.We went to Parowan and helped Grandma Bev make fudge. Every year she makes her famous peanut butter fudge, but this year she said she just couldn't do it. So rather than break the tradition we went up and helped her. It was fun for her as well as us and we think we have all her secrets now on how to have a successful batch!

Before
After

6. My dining room table had become my wrapping station and when we left for Parowan I left the table piled high with unwrapped gifts. Bless Shanel, while we were gone she came over and must of sensed that I was in over my head, literally! When I got home to my surprise she had beautifully wrapped all my presents. This sweet act of kindness is a gift I'll never forget. Thank you Shanel.

6+.This is Reg typing our Christmas letter. It's been his turn the last 2 years and he actually did it this year. Thanks honey.

2008-12-07T22:08:00.000-08:00

Sherrie's Simple Sunday This week took us up north, so most of my favorites of the week took place there with family. It was Brittney and Mitchells' B-Days and Jen was doing her Christmas show so away we went, Reg and I with Lucy and Shanel in the back seat.
These are the things I want to remember. . . .

1. Friday night we went and saw Jen perform in "It's a Wonderful Life." This is Jen and Lance after the performance, they are so cute together. I am so grateful that they found each other . The show was really good and Jen just gets so into character with her animation and of course her wonderful dancing. Afterwords Jen, Lance, Shanel, Wendy, Reg and I went to the Little America and had a yummy late dinner. The food is always so good there especially the rolls, but I was good I only had one when usually I would probably of had three. We all had a good laugh as our little Vietnamese was waitress was a crack up. It was a fun night.
2. I really was happy to be reminded of the message from It's A Wonderful Life. Poor George Bailey thought he was a failure because his life did not go as he had "planned," had hoped for and had dreamed of. But how often does that actually happen? We need to make the best of the current situation were in and try to help others along the way. Then when this mortal probation is over hopefully we to can look back on our lives and see what positive difference we have made, just like George.
3. Brittney, my oldest granddaughter turned 12 on the 4th of December. She has evolved from a darling little girl to a beautiful young woman with beautiful Snow White skin and and the most beautiful "shinny"dark hair. She loves lime green and hot pink and has a darling room with those colors. She has much better computer skills than I do, is a good student, a great babysitter to her little brothers and is kind and patient to all her younger cousins.

She got to choose where to eat on her birthday so we all headed to the Brick Oven, which is also one of my favorite places in Provo. She has loved pizza her whole life so I think that one of the reasons she wanted to go there, not to mention the yummy home made root beer. We all had a fun time and Reg and I were so happy we could be there for the party!

4. On Saturday the 6th it was Mitchell's 10th birthday. He is our oldest grandson who also has grown up way too fast also. He was the cutest baby, with the biggest blue eye and the chubbiest legs you ever saw. He is no longer chubby just getting taller each time I see him, but he still has amazing eyes. In a few years the girls are going to be swarming I'm afraid. Mitchell is an avid reader like his mother, as well as a good student. He has always been a deep thinker and makes us all laugh with his "Big" words. He loves BYU football and is excited to start playing basketball in January. He even got new basketball shoes for his B-Day.
He wanted to go to Cheesecake Factory as they have his favorite omelette's there. Then we returned to his house to have chocolate lava cakes which he requested and open presents. Again we were so blessed to be there for the celebration and for darling grandchildren that bring us such joy.

5. I am so grateful that we found our "missing Cade!" On Sat. after 15 of us left the Cheesecake Factory we ventured through the terrible crowd to Nordstrom . Everyone kind of went there own separate ways, the cousins here and there with different adults up and down escalators etc. Suddenly I got this thought, "Cade is not here, I haven't seen him since the restaurant." After checking in with everyone sure enough he was missing. The store went in lock down mode, and thy started announcing our little 4 year olds description on the loud speaker. It was a panicked moment and we were all praying frantically. Jason sprinted back to the Cheesecake Factory and there was little Cade in tears with a manager. We all felt so bad.....and were grateful he was safe and not out in the parking lot looking for us. Lesson, never try and go to the mall with 15 people on a Sat. in December with all the Christmas shoppers.
6. I am so grateful we don't have traffic in St. George! Friday night we were on the freeway for 2 hours trying to get from Lehi to Salt Lake. It was a terrible flashback from all the years we spent in stop and go traffic in Calif. I can be anywhere in St. George in 15 min. That makes me happy.

Fun in the Sun with the SARAGERS'

2008-12-02T17:35:00.000-08:00

Last night we returned from spending (almost) a week with John, Shenise and Lane. This was our "off" year for Thanksgiving, so instead of Reg, Mom and myself hanging out by ourselves we hopped on a plane and spent a wonderful holiday in Arizona. Shenise had the house perfect in every way. She knows how Grandma Shirley doesn't miss a thing, as she manages to look in every drawer, cupboard, closet, etc. John even went out and bought a second refrigerator for all the food they bought. The sad thing is that both refrigerators were so full when we got there and when we left they were almost empty. We ate so-o-o-o much and it was all so good. The best thing is that I think this is the first time in maybe 30 years that I didn't have to stay home and cook. Thanks Shenise for taking over, it was wonderful......

The table was very beautiful. We all know decorating is Shenise's specialty.
We actually got Grandma out to the mall a little,
to dinner and she even went to see Twilight with Shenise and I. Did she like it, "Heavens No"!

Whenever we go to Shenise's she has projects for her Dad. This time he put together an advent calendar made out of barn wood that Eric had to go rip off his Grandpa old shed. Then we had to haul it in a suitcase along with the wire and nails. He also did a little wallpapering, and hung a picture or two. He acts like these are dreaded chores, but truthfully he loves being needed.

Little Lane was just delightful. We really enjoyed spending some one on one time with him. He is talking very well now, fast of course like he does everything else. He is very polite. When he doesn't want to do do something or eat something or go somewhere, he always says "No, no thanks!" Like at night I would take him upstairs read him a story, sing a song or two and when I would actually try to put him in bed he would say "No, no thanks!"

He also has a very vivid imagination. Every time you see him he has a different kind of hat on. His favorite is to be a pirate and you have to wear a pirate hat as well. Grandma Shirley made a pretty good pirate too, don't you think.

Normally I would be really sad to leave our family in Arizona, but not this time as they will be here for CHRISTMAS and we're excited!

We are a blessed people. . . .

2008-11-24T20:42:00.000-08:00

Even though we won't all be at the same Thanksgivng table together, you're always with us in our hearts. We're off to Arizonia and we are so excited to spend time with Shenise and her family. See you in a week!

Sherrie's Simple Sunday Six

2008-11-16T19:58:00.000-08:00

Well here I am, another Sunday and another term paper due, not really. I am still trying to get a better attitude about blogging and about writing my Sunday. . . . So here we go. . . . 1. I really am grateful it was Sunday and I was able to attend church. In one of the talks today a young girl related a story about a well to do business man. He was driving through this neighborhood in his brand new fancy car going a little faster than he should of been. He was being careful to watch for children that might dart out between parked cars. All of a sudden he heard something hit the side of his car. He looked in his mirror and it was a brick. So he slammed on his breaks and backed up. There was a boy with a panicked look on his face. He got out and started screaming at him. The boy began to cry and said "I'm sorry sir but I didn't know what else to do. You see I was pushing my brother in his wheelchair and it tipped over. I can't get him up and you were going so fast that you didn't notice I needed help. So the only thing I could think of was to throw this brick to get your attention." The man never got his car fixed as a reminder to him that he shouldn't have to be hit with a brick to notice the needs of others. 2. BYU won again this week YEAH. Now we're set and ready to ruin Utah's "perfect season" on Sat. at 4:00 p.m. GO COUGARS!

3. I am so grateful for the knowledge I have that families can be together forever. This week our good friends Hal and Lynn Johnson lost their oldest daughter Holly. Lynn has suffered with MS for the last 20 years. About 6 years ago Holly was diagnosed with it as well. On Friday she passed away leaving behind her husband and a 5 year old little girl. No parent should ever have to bury a child. Our hearts go out to all of them, but they have a wonderful attitude and assurance they will be together again. 4. What is this? This is how it looks by 5:15 now that the time has changed. I usually go into a deep state of depression every year when we turn our clocks back. I feel like someone has taken away half of my day. I just hate it! But I'm here to say I coping much better this year, so I'm grateful. I even am liking the fact that we eat earlier because of it.

5. Some of you may know that Reg and I are the Webelos leaders in Cub Scouts. When the Bishop asked us to do it I thought he was kidding. I haven't been a scout leader since Reggie and Jason were 8 & 9. We have been doing it for about a year and a half now. Every week when I'm preparing for them to come I have really dreaded it. I would look around and think I can't believe I have a houseful of sweaty little boys. But guess what, we have come to love those boys and I can actually say they are a blessing in our lives. After church today one of the boys came rollerblading over with his book and reports in hand to show us what he had done so we could sign him off and he could get his Citizen badge at pack meeting this week. They are darling!

6. This week I was able to actually start exercising again. It was great. I have been having some trouble with my neck so I haven't been able to go for the last couple of months. But this week I went four out of fives days and I'm not feeling too bad. Do I like exercising? NO, it's hard and I don't think its fun at all like some people do, but at my age you've got to do what you you've got to do. Now I just have to get back into the routine of eating better, I've been such a slacker.

Well that's it for My Simple Sunday Six. . . . have a good week!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO REGGIE...#37

2008-11-15T08:01:00.000-08:00

Reggie how did we get to this point so quickly? It doesn't seem like 37 years ago that I was ironing away when I thought hum my back ache, my legs ache, I'm not feeling very good. " Oh my gosh I think I'm having labor pains! " Well I'm glad I don't have to do that again. Today I am remembering my favorite things about you.....my eldest son. I love to look at you, you are still so handsome,I can say that cause I'm your Mom.

I like to watch you when your concentrating on a project. You used to get your tongue going back and forth, like when you would do your homework and you still do it when your intense. I admire your work ethic, you've always been a hard worker even as a little guy. You always have a beautiful yard and are so willing to help others with their projects and yards as well. I love the way you can talk to anyone and make them feel comfortable and important.

I really love watching you with your darling family. You are a natural hands on kind of guy. You can cook, clean, bathe the kids, do laundry, vacuum, grocery shop, and so on when needed. ( Although Wendy has things under control most of the time) The best thing is to to see you hugging and kissing your wife and kids as you laugh and play together.

Thanks for being the wonderful man that you have become. I am blessed to have an obedient, priesthood holder as my son who is willing to serve Heavenly Father where ever you are needed. Even as the young men's president out on a camp out in freezing weather on your birthday! I hope you get home safely. HAPPY BIRTHDAY

I LOVE YOU

Happy 30th Birthday Eric

2008-11-13T15:00:00.000-08:00

Today is Eric's 30th Birthday and I want to say he is a GREAT son-in-law, husband to Shanel, father, priesthood holder, tile layer, handyman, soccer player, personal fixer upper for Grandma, and is just an all around GOOD GUY! He's patient, has a dry and witty sense of humor, he is always willing to help (especially his mother-in-law) and has been a great addition to our family. Can I also say I have never seen Eric lose his temper! Have a wonderful birthday Eric and here's to a fabulous year. May you realize all the true desires of your heart .
November 14th...Happy B-DayEaster

Hawaii

On the beach

WHAT A GUY!

2008-11-09T11:00:00.000-08:00

My Sunday Six.........This was a busy week. I had the usual work at the Temple on Tues. morning and Cub scouts on Wed. etc, etc. Add to that Mothers cataract surgery, Relief Society enrichment night, in which I had to make a pot of soup, decorate, a wedding, etc. Anyway it was all good, even though it sometimes starts out bad. Maybe I'll start doing a "Sunday Sucks"list . ( No I would never do that) Anyway these are the things that made me smile this week.

1. You are probably asking yourself "What is this?" Well it's a picture of Christmas decorations, my Christmas tree decorations(sideways that is because I don't know how to rotate the picture) to be exact. Yes I'm here to say that my decorating for the holidays is complete. Not because I usually do this SEVEN weeks before the event, but here's the story... A couple of months ago someone called us from Southern Utah's Home and Garden magazine and asked if we would be one of the "Twelve Homes of Christmas" for this years home tour on Nov. 21 & 22. At a weak moment I said yes and have been stressing about it ever since. So this week I started decorating and have had my whole house torn apart. To make a long story short I accidentally found out that the magazine has gone out of business and the home tour has been canceled. Unfortunately no one bothered to call us or any of the other 11 homes. Were we upset YES, but... we're ready for Christmas!

2. Eric was out of town working this week so Shanel and Lucy stayed with us. (Poor Shanel got in on all the decorating, once again my problems became hers) Lucy made us laugh all week. She is the happiest little girls who is smiling from the moment she wakes up in the morning till she goes to bed at night, which by the way is too late 10:00 or 10:30. She appreciates every little thing you do for her and LOVES everything. Here she is loving here new pajamas. We even had fun decorating because she LOVED every ball, light ,bow, etc.

She really LOVES Suki and I hope someday he will Love her in return. For now you can almost tell by the look on his face that he's just going "Oh no she's here again."

3. I'm grateful that Mother's eye surgery went well. She was so nervous about it. When her Dad had it done something went wrong and he ended up totally blind in that eye. But thanks to improvements in the procedure and a good doctor all went well. In 2 weeks she will have the other one done.

4. It's raining today, we're always grateful for rain in St. George. I do love the things associated with rain, sleeping in, curling up on the couch with a quilt in front of the fireplace, a good book to read and sipping hot chocolate and dipping my toast in it. It really doesn't take much to make me happy.
5. Reg brought me flowers for the second week in a row. Last week he said it was because I hadn't felt well and this week he said it was because he just loved me. Shanel said it's because he just likes the look of fresh flowers on the table! Whatever the reason, it makes me smile.
6. I finally am feeling better. I have not felt great in a long time. First I had a flair up with my neck and was in pain for several weeks. Then I got some kind of virus or flu and struggled with tat but this week I could just go about my daily routine without even thinking about how bad I felt.

6 1/2. Oh yea, I am so grateful I got to vote. That we have the right and responsibility to do so. I continue to pray for the leaders of our country, even though they are going to be Democrats, just kidding.

We're Home.... From Canada that is.

2008-10-31T17:52:00.000-07:00

Lake Louise

Big Horn Sheep in Radium Hot Springs

Lake Louise

Banff

We just returned from a wonderful week in the Canadian Rockies. We went with our "traveling friends" Jim and Nancy and we determined this was trip # 9 for us. We flew into Calgary and rented a car and drove to Radium Hot Springs where we were staying. We were at a really nice 2 bedroom time share on a golf course. Every morning we woke up to Big Horn Sheep everywhere on the golf course. It was amazing. They actually close the course as this is their rutting season for about 2 weeks and then their gone again. Each day we took day trips to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore, and spent our last day back in Calgary. If you've never been to this part of the the country it definitely is a "must see". The crystal clear glacier water of the lakes and rivers is absolutely indescribable. Not to mention the fabulous mountains and forests. Calgary is a beautiful, clean, modern, yet quaint, big city with upscale shopping (which will have to wait for another trip, no time no money this time) It was a near flawless trip until my suitcase was not on our plane.... it seams as though it got held up by Homeland Security and did not come in till the next flight. Maybe it was the bottle of sand I had gathered from Bow Falls in Banff that threw them off, who knows? Anyway we always go threw the ritual of getting an"In and Out" for the trip home even if it was close to midnight. Once again it was an unforgettable trip with good company, good food, lots of laughs and great memories. Thanks Jim and Nancy and thanks Reg for driving us safely for hundreds of miles without hitting any wildlife along the way .
(See Nancy's blog for a day by day version and slide show)

A Hunting they did go...

2008-10-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

The men in my family{incl. Mitchell, 1st time hunter} went D-E-E-R hunting after 8 years. When we lived in California it was almost a yearly event to pay a ridiculous out of state fee for a tag. But now that we live in Utah, and its so inexpensive for a tag, no one ever goes.

Reggie was the lucky one this year!

{Wendy will be so proud of you!}

Part of the reason is because if by some chance someone gets a deer they all fight over the meat...not who gets the most, but who gets the least! We really don't like it but someone needs to eat it after killing it for heaven's sake.

The fun of it all is really for the companionship, circling around the campfire, the yummy dutch oven dinners, the late nights, beautiful weather and for the love of family.

Thanks Uncle Larry for being such a great host. Larry talked Jeremy(Son-in-Law) and Tryston(Grandson) to come along for the weekend to help our men out. Larry and Jeremy didn't even have tags this year.

Now for the story of Mitchell and Tryston. These boys had a blast. After hiking the hills, as Mitchell said, "It was at least 15 miles Grandma," stirring the fire, watching Ironman and just talking each others ears off, it was so nice for them to hang out with boys....since they are both surrounded by girls. Uncle Larry even had them convinced that as 1st time hunters they had to take a bite out of the deer's heart. Larry showed them how it was done but that wasn't enough for Mitchell to follow through.

Sherrie's Simple Sunday Six

2008-10-19T20:53:00.000-07:00

1. I cleaned and organized my closet. It makes me feel so good when I walk through it and everything is in it's place.

2. I am so happy that it is fall and I can sleep with my window open. We only have a short amount of time to enjoy this fabulous weather. I figure I only have two months out of the year to do this. The rest of the time we either have the heat or the air on.

3. I went up north and got to see Cade, Jason and Kristin's 4 year old, play soccer. Jason called last week and said that he had scored 3 goals, one for his team and 2 for the other team. I had to see it for myself. Sure enough he scored another fabulous goal this week...for the other team. As I walked on the soccer field it was just like going back 30 years when Jason played. There was Cade, a full head taller than anyone else on his team, with those long skinny legs. He was just happy to be there with his friends. The competitive spirit will come soon enough. I couldn't help but smile.

4. This is baby Jack! He is such a sweet baby and I love spending time with him. I feel like every time I see him we just get warmed up to each other and then I leave. But this weekend he even reached out for me and it made my heart warm.

5. Sat. night Wendy, Rylee,Grandma Shirley, Brittney and I went to see THRILLER . Jen, Lance's wife dances with Oddysey Dance Company based out of Salt Lake City. Every year they do this fabulous show all in the spirit of Halloween. It features the famous Halloween charactors, like Frankenstein, Frankenstein's Bride, Beetlejuice, Chucky, Jason.etc. Jen is one of the stars of the show. She is an amazing dancer and has traveled throughout Europe, Korea, Costa Rica, and all over the United Stated preforming. She has the perfect "dancers body" and beautiful technique. We had so much fun and always love to see her dance.

6. Shanel, my wonderful daughter is my "Blogger Lifesaver". She has had so much patience with me while I am trying to learn all there is to know about posting, editing, layouts, settings and so on. All I have to do is call her and she just says "I'll be right over Mom". I feel so sorry for her cause she is the only child here in St. George so she is my assistant in all the projects I get involved in. (Shenise it really isn't such a bad thing that you don't live here, just ask Shanel) Thanks again Shanel for all that you do!

My 58th Birthday Blessings

2008-10-12T22:19:00.000-07:00

My Beautiful Birthday Cake

made by Shanel

Instead of doing my "Sunday Six" this week I've been pondering on "My Birthday Blessings"

Six to be exact even though I have many more

1. Knowing who I am....A Child of God. I know my Heavenly Father loves me and is aware of my joys and sorrows. I so grateful for the Savior's example and most importantly for his sacrifice in my (our) behalf.

2. My family....I have been blessed with a wonderful family. I'm so grateful for parents that devoted their lives to me, who took me to church and saw that I was taught the basics of the Gospel so I could begin to have a testimony of my own. Then there's Reg, my man, who after 40 years of marriage still adores me. I know because he tells me, but more than that he shows me through his thoughtfulness, support and loving kindness. Then there's my children and their spouses whom I feel like Heavenly Father must of let me hand pick. I love them so much! One of my greatest blessing is that they are all striving to obey God's commandments, that they serve in the Church and are raising their family in righteous homes. And of course my 8 darling grandchildren, who are the greatest joy in my life. All I have to do is think of them and I smile.

3. Friendships....both past, present and my "forever friends". Because I never had any brothers and sisters I feel like I have been given an extra bonus with the very best friends ever. Through my childhood, in school, my neighbors, in the church, raising our children, and now as Empty Nester's. Thanks for uplifting me, for teaching me, for laughing with me, for crying with me, thanks for all the memories.

4. Good health....at this age that truly is a blessing! I'm so happy that I pretty much can do just about anything I want to. Walk, run (I really don't like to do that ever) exercise, play with my grandchildren etc. I'm just grateful that Reg and I are both healthy as well as all of family members.

5. The places I've been and the people I've met....we have so fortunite that we've been able to travel to so many beautiful places and witness God's creations in many parts of the world. Many of the places we've gone have been with our "Forever Friends" Jim and Nancy. That alone is a blessing. We were talking the other day and decided that if we never go another place ( which with this economy we might not!) we've have enough to last us a lifetime.

6. For the beauty......that surrounds us here in St. George. I feel like we live in a safe, peaceful community here. There are still things that I miss about California, mainly the friends, the beach, the shopping, and Mighael Jr. But, for the most part I feel like this is such a nice place for my family to gather together.

FOR ALL THESE THINGS...........I AM BLESSED

2008-10-10T13:58:00.000-07:00

Happy 58th Birthday Mom!

We love you so much and hope your day is perfect!

Here's to many many more.

Love,

Your Children and Grandchildren

2008-10-05T18:31:00.000-07:00

My friend Nancy tells me that I should do a "Sunday Six" on my blog each week. So I reflected on the things that I am grateful for this week or the things that made me smile. So here they are in no particular order of importance.......

1. We have been so excited for "Nights of Rodanthe" to come to the theater. Jim, Nancy, Reg and I listened to the book on tape/CD a while back on our way to California. Tuesday night we all went to see the movie...and we think it was even better than the book!

2. Shanel and I got together and made witches hats one day. We concentrated way to hard on where to place each item, but we laughed a lot. {See Shanel's Blog} How do you like that trick Nancy?

3. I am really grateful to be alive, after having a near death experience on Thursday. I was stressing about the world affairs, listening to Rush on the radio and talking on the phone, as I was driving down the road. I approached a major intersection and didn't even slow down for the red light.(what in the world) The next thing I knew a car was about to hit me broadside. I don't know how she missed me, yes I do Heavenly Father saved me!

4. I woke up Saturday morning to the sound of rain. Normally it would be wonderful in St. George, but I had just had my windows washed. Every time I get my windows washed, low and behold...it rains. I couldn't help but giggle and then I remembered the poor Marathon...it was all my fault. As most of you know, Reg is all about making breakfast. After waking up to the rain he made us a Grand Slam breakfast which included...Eggs, Bacon, Hash browns, Pancakes, Toast, Fruit, Juice & Herbal Tea! Yum, I didn't have to eat the rest of the day.

5. I have been looking forward to General Conference since last April! We received wonderful counsel and reassurance from our Prophet and apostles. I was reminded to....LISTEN for the still small voice; find "Joy in the Journey" NOW; make the most of TODAY; as a family, church and country we need to be of one heart and one mind, we need to be UNIFIED; place the

SAVIOR at the center of our lives; be a PEACEMAKER and many other lessons for me to work on.

6. Shenise's Mother-In-Law, Rhonda, has been on her death bed in ICU for the past week. After her Ward & family fasted for her she made a miraculous recovery. Rhonda is now out of ICU and improving everyday. We are so grateful for answered prayers.

Colorful Colorado

2008-09-30T10:45:00.000-07:00

Autumn is a second spring

when evey leaf is a flower.

-Albert Camus

Last Friday Reg and I headed out for Vail Colorado. He wasn't suppose to come, as it originally was supposed to be a"girls trip." But one by one the girls were unable to go, ( which I was so sad about) but Reg said he would go instead. It worked out great as he drove all the way (8 hours up and 8 hours back) plus he paid for everything! Not to mention he really is my favorite traveling companion. We had never been to this beautiful part of the country before and our timing was just perfect. The fall leaves were fabulous and the mild weather felt so good after a long, hot summer here in St. George. Because it is considered the off season in Vail we even got "deals" at all the yummy restaurants........like half off the entries or buy one get one free etc. Anyway I'm so glad we decided to go even when my plans fell through, because we fell in love with this darling ski village and we will definitely return again someday.